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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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ELLIOTT, MRS. MARY E., residence, Payson; is the daughter of John and Elizabeth (Bartlett) Burns. Her father was a native of Maine, and her mother of Massachusetts. They were married in the latter State in January, 1832, and came to Adams county two years later. Mr. B. had previously married Anna E. Rowe, who died, leaving seven children, six of whom he brought to Illinois. For nineteen years he followed the seas, a portion of which time he sailed as captain. He abandoned the sea before his second marriage. They settled in Quincy, in 1834, in the first frame house built in the place, and Mrs. Burns hung the first wallpaper put on a wall in one of the rooms with paper she brought from Massachusetts. Mr. B. brought a stock of goods, and engaged in merchandising in Quincy. They lived several years in Quincy, during which time Mr. B. had become interested in property in Payson, and sold his store in 1853. Some years later he moved back to the city, and engaged in the milling business. He died there July 30, 1874. Mrs. E. was married to the Rev. Emmor Elliott, son of Joseph Elliott and Margaret Elliott, of Payson, in May, 1859. He was born in Chester county, Penn., Oct. 4, 1827. She was born Oct. 28, 1833. They had five children, three living: Charles E., Abbie M., and Abbie L., (twins), Mr. E. was licensed to preach in the M. E. church, Jan. 22, 1853, and labored till his death, Oct. 25, 1858. Mrs. E. removed to Payson, in 1874, where she owns twenty-seven acres of land with residence, worth $80 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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