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Below is a family biography included in The History of McLean County, Illinois published by Wm. LeBaron, Jr. Co. 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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HENRY R. ARROWSMITH, farmer, Sec. 25; P. O. Ellsworth; owns 198 acres, worth $45 per acre; was born in Ross Co., Ohio, June 10, 1815; remained on the farm with his father until 22 years old; came from Ohio to Indiana in 1839, where he remained six months, then came on to this county. Was married while in Ohio to Anna Cowgill Feb. 8, 1838; she was born in Ross Co., Ohio, Oct. 8, 1809; they have had six children — Daniel, David E., Elizabeth A. (now wife of G. W. Baine, of Padua); Ezekiel, died May 14, 1841; Sarah J., died Aug. 18, 1849; Henry F., died Sept. 24, 1849. Has held the office of School Director three years; Township Treasurer, fifteen years; Justice of the Peace, two years; held the office of Supervisor of the Township one term. He was one of the first settlers of this township; coming here with but very little property; by industry, economy and hard labor has accumulated some $10,000 or $12,000 worth of property. He is Democratic and Methodist. A man of great influence in the neighborhood where he resides.

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This family biography is one of 1257 biographies included in The History of McLean County, Illinois published by Wm. LeBaron, Jr. Co. in 1879.  View the complete description here: The History of McLean County, Illinois

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

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