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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KESSINGER, WILLIAM, farmer and stock raiser, Sec. 27, P.O. Wrightsville; was born in Baron County, Kentucky, April 11, 1834; is the first child of nine children of Daniel and Rachel Kessinger, who were also born in Kentucky. In 1847 they moved to this county and have since been identified with the interests of the county. In Jan. 1, 1856, was married to Cassandria Davidson, daughter of John Davidson; they have had seven children, viz.: Ettna J, born Dec.3, 1858, died Feb. 1875; Laura, born Feb. 16, 1859; John L. born Jan. 4, 1857; Rachel, born Aug. 8, 1863, lived 9 months and 8 days; Louisa, born Jan. 31, 1864; Thomas A. born Aug. 22, 1867; infant died March 29, 1864. Mr. Kessinger has 540 acres of land, has the best of buildings and farm improvements, the best in the township and but few better in the county. Mr. Kessinger for several years past has been engaged in shipping stock and grain in connection with his farming, and has been successful in his operations; is a safe dealer, buying and selling on the market. Mr. Kessinger is known as an upright and conscientious man in his dealings, a good neighbor, and worthy citizen, and now ranks among the wealthy and opulent farmers in the county.

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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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