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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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JOHN S. RATHBONE, farmer and stock-raiser; P. O. Atlanta, Logan Co.; was born in Johnston, Providence Co., R. I., Nov. 22, 1830, and moved to McLean Co., Ill., in September, 1853; his father, John H. Rathbone, was one of the old colony men, and built the first frame house (now standing and occupied by them) on the prairie in Mt. Hope Township, on the farm which he bought, and now owned by the son—the title never having passed out of the family. This house was built in 1837. Mr. Rathbone married Mahala McCrary March 11, 1859, who was born in Gibson Co., Ind., March 8, 1839; they have had seven children — Ann E., Benjamin G., Charles A., Mary O., William H. and Abbie; deceased — one — John H., who died at the age of 1 1/2 years. Mr. Rathbone owns this fine old homestead of 320 acres, except seven acres, which were cut off by the C., A. & St. L. R. R., and sold by him.

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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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