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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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KETCHUM, WM. B., farmer and stock raiser, Sec. 2; P.O. Augusta, Hancock county; was born in Orange county, N. Y., May 2, 1820; came to this county April 9, 1847; has 354 acres of land, valued at $15,000; married Eliza Colley. She was born in England, Jan. 14, 1814. Two living children: Wm. H., born Dec. 19, 1847; Horace F., July 23, 1849; Bertha, born March 20, 1851, (and was burned to death March 20, 1856). Was the first Assessor of the township; member of the Methodist church; emigrated in 1838, from Orange county, N.Y., to Pulaski, Hancock county, Ill., in 1838, thence to this county; turns off fifty head of hogs, and raises seventy-five acres of corn; also sells two car loads steers yearly. Mr. K. was one of twelve who was sent to Nauvoo to serve a summons on Joseph Smith, to bring him to Carthage, by orders from Gov. Ford; returned, reported not found. But the next day Smith gave himself up to Christopher Yates, and was brought to Carthage, and two days after was murdered in his cell by disguised men. Mr. K. has a fine residence and good farm, and is one of the sound farmers.

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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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