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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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MELLEN, WILDER J. manufacturer of school furniture, 34 N. 6th street, opposite the post-office; residence, 520 York street; born in Prescott, Mass., 1811; came to Quincy in 1838, and went into the chair-making and painting business, which he continued until 1849, when he went into the planing mill business; made sashes, doors, blinds, etc.; was burnt out in 1865. He rebuilt, sold out in 1868, and commenced his present business. He married A. K. VanDoorn, in 1838. She died in 1844, leaving two children, Jane and Abbie E. The latter married B. H. Crane, now of Mount Pleasant, Iowa. He married Lucy Brown, 1854. They have two children: John K. and Lucius W. Are members of the Union Congregational Church, and Republican.

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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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