My Genealogy Hound

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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GARDINER & SHEPPARD, contractors and builders, have been established in business but one year, and have gained an enviable reputation for workmanship and honesty and reliability. John Sheppard, of this enterprising firm, was born in Yorkshire, England, in 1833. Received a liberal education; at nine he became employed in a pottery, working nine years; he became a skillful workman. Leaving England, he emigrated to America, locating at Jerseyville, Jersey County, he worked as a carpenter, having a natural inclination for this calling; starting in 1856 he won his way rapidly into public favor. He it was who drew the plans and built some of the best stores and dwellings at Jerseyville, White Hall, and Roodhouse. His partner, George Gardiner, was born at Somersetshire, England, in 1848; came to America in 1870; served apprenticeship in England.

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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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