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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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JAMES KELLY, Normal; was born in the county of Derry, parish of Desertlinn, Ireland, Dec. 18, 1815; he came to this country in 1821, with his parents, settling in Chautauqua Co., N. Y., where he was raised and schooled. In 1833, he removed to the city of Buffalo, where he served a regular apprenticeship at the trade of a brick-mason and plasterer, after which, he attended school at Oberlin, Ohio. In 1845, he located in Platteville, Wis. where he lived until 1865, when he came to Normal, where he has since lived. He married Miss Philomelia C. Culver Nov. 10, 1853; they have two children — Alice M. and Lida A.

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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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