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Below is a family biography included in The History of Greene County, Illinois published by Donnelley, Gassette & Loyd 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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CRANE, GEORGE B. contractor and builder, Sec. 34, P.O. Rockbridge. The subject of this sketch was born in Grant County, Wis., Aug. 28, 1844, is the eldest of a family of two children, born of Harvey Crane and Sidney Bowman, his wife. He was 11 months old when he came to this county with his parents, who located on String Prairie. He had the usual common school advantages. His father being a carpenter, he learned the trade of him, assisting him during the Summer and attending school during the Winter, and at the age of seventeen had the trade completed. Sept. 23, 1861, enlisted in 32d Regt. Ill. State Vol., Co. D.; remained in that regiment until November, 1864, when he was transferred to the 4th Veteran Reserve Corps; had while in the 326. Regt., from exposure, impaired his health to such an extent as to render him unfit for active service, hence the transfer to Reserve Corps. Participated in the battles of Pittsburg Landing, Siege of Vicksburg, and Jackson, Miss.; received an honorable discharge Sept. 6, 1864. Upon his return home resumed his trade with his father; made a trip to Montgomery County, remained about eight months, returning home worked at his trade about Greenfield. June 26, 1866, married Sarah J. Wetsel, of Rock Island, born in Beaver County, Pa., April 13, 1845; but one child living, Frank E., born March 3,1867. August, 1870, moved to Rockbridge, and has since been engaged at his trade as contractor and builder. Republican in sentiment.

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This family biography is one of 744 biographies included in The History of Greene County, Illinois published in 1879.  View the complete description here: The History of Greene County, Illinois

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

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