My Genealogy Hound
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.
* * * *
JOHN J. COWDEN, farmer, Sec. 32; P. O. Downs; one of the pioneers of McLean Co., born in what is now Downs Township, McLean Co., May 24, 1843; he is the oldest son of F. R Cowden, one of the early settlers of Old Town Township, and whose sketch appears among the biographies of this township, in this work. The subject of this sketch obtained a limited education in a log schoolhouse, and assisted his father in farming until 21 years of age, and upon Nov. 19, 1864, was united in marriage with Nancy C. Craig; she was born in McLean Co., May 29, 1844; she was a daughter of Porter Craig, one of the early settlers of this county; they have no children of their own, but adopted a niece of Mrs. Cowden’s, when 2 days old, which they have raised to its present age and educated as their own child; her name is Nancy E. Cowden, born June 9, 1870. Upon the marriage of Mr. Cowden, he located upon his present place, where he has 130 acres, with good farm buildings. He now holds the offices of Commissioner of Highways and School Director in the district in which he lives.
* * * *
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
Use the links at the top right of this page to search or browse thousands of other family biographies.