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Below is a family biography included in The History of Adams County, Illinois published by Murray, Williamson & Phelps in 1879.  These biographies are valuable for genealogy research in discovering missing ancestors or filling in the details of a family tree. Family biographies often include far more information than can be found in a census record or obituary.  Details will vary with each biography but will often include the date and place of birth, parent names including mothers' maiden name, name of wife including maiden name, her parents' names, name of children (including spouses if married), former places of residence, occupation details, military service, church and social organization affiliations, and more.  There are often ancestry details included that cannot be found in any other type of genealogical record.

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VOLLRATH, JOHN, farmer; Sec. 23; P. O. Quincy. The subject of this sketch was born in Germany, June 28, 1816; received his education in the schools of his native country; and on the 11th of July, 1840, emigrated to this country and settled In New Orleans, where he lived six years and taught school. In May, 1846, he removed to Adams county, Ill., where he was married, on Dec. 10, 1847, to Miss Mary Kirkmann, a native of Germany, born March 31, 1824. They have had eight children, seven of whom are now living, three sons and four daughters. In 1849 he purchased and began improving the beautiful farm on which he now resides, which contains 167 acres, of fine soil and well improved, and will compare with any in the county. He is Republican in politics, and a member of the M. E. church. He has been School Director for some eighteen years, has also been Justice of the Peace for Melrose township, and is now one of the enterprising farmers of the county. He began life poor. Has been Superintendent of the Sabbath School since his settlement here, with the exception of a few years. He is also holding numerous other church offices.

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This family biography is one of 1444 biographies included in The History of Adams County, Illinois published by Murray, Williamson & Phelps in 1879.  View the complete description here: The History of Adams County, Illinois

View additional Adams County, Illinois family biographies here: Adams County, Illinois Biographies

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