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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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STURGISS, KENNEDY, farmer; Sec. 13; P. O. Payson; is the son of Thomas and Margret Sturgiss, natives of Ireland, where they remained till after they were married; came to America and settled in Chester county, Pa. Mr. Sturgiss was born there June 6, 1808, and reared on a farm till seventeen years of age. He then went to learn the tailors’ trade, apprenticing himself for four years. He continued in that business until he came west, in 1850. He married Ellen Rankin, July 16, 1847. She was born in Chester county, also, Feb. 22, 1824; is the daughter of Thomas and Elizabeth (Thompson) Rankin. On arriving in Adams county, Mr. Sturgiss worked one season for Joseph Elliott, of Payson; then bought land near Payson Mill; lived on it less than a year, sold it, and bought and removed to their present farm in November, 1851. They are raising an adopted child, Eugene Sturgiss born March 4, 1871. Mr. and Mrs. Sturgiss are members of the Free Baptist church. They own 120 acres in the home farm, worth $50 per acre.

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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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