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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 SMITH, farmer, Sec. 20; P. O. Arrowsmith; owns forty-five acres, worth $45 per acre; was born in Ross Co., Ohio, March 22, 1821. Lived and farmed with his father, and occasionally worked out by the month. Remained in Ohio until 21 years of age; came to this State and thence to California, in the year 1850, and, while his party were crossing the plains, a large water-spout passed within thirty yards of them. He was married to Maria Rider Aug. 13, 1863. She was born in Ohio Sept. 24, 1843. They are the parents of eight children, viz.: William H., Ella C., who died April 12, 1868; Idalia, Nona H., George M., Anna, Francis L., Mila A. Mr. Smith’s grandfather was in the Black Hawk war, and Mrs. Smith’s grandfather on her mother’s side was in the war of 1812. She is one of the survivors of the Kansas drouth of 1860.
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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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