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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KELLEY, JOHN D., contractor and builder. Mr. Kelley was born in Ohio, in 1834; when but five years of age his parents moved to Illinois, and located in Coles County; here the head of the family settled on land which he brought to a high state of cultivation; after a successful battle with the world he passed peacefully away to a home not made with hands. There thus passed away another old landmark, who paved the way, in a measure, for the comforts we now enjoy. John was the second child of a family of seven children. Growing to manhood in Coles County, he received a liberal education; at 17 he became apprenticed to the trade of a carpenter and joiner, serving three years. One year from this time he went to Lafayette, Ind., where he worked at his trade. Removing to Charlestown, Coles County, he became a successful contractor and builder. When the war came on he enlisted in company C, 54th Ill. Inf., for three years’ service, or during the war; honorably discharged in 1865, he moved to Adams County, and thence to White Hall, where he is largely engaged as a contractor and builder. Mr. K. is far above the average workman, a man of energy and decision of character. Parties contemplating building will do well to take note of this. In 1861 Mr. Kelley was married to Miss Arila Mariefield, a native of Illinois; there are five children: Nicholas, Mary, John, Joshua and Lizzie M.

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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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