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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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KEZIAH COLLINS, farmer, and widow of Elmer Collins; P. O. Normal; was born in Oxford Co., Me., April 25, 1826, where she was raised and educated; she is the daughter of Silas and Hannah (Davis) McLaughlin. They removed to Boston, where she married Mr. Elmer Collins Sept. 16. 1847; he was engaged in the mercantile business in Boston until 1854, when they came to McLean Co., Ill., where he engaged in the grain trade, continuing two years; he then turned his attention entirely to farming. He died Jan. 18, 1865, leaving a family of six—three boys and three girls—four of whom are now living. He was a thorough business man—beloved by relatives, and respected by all who knew him. His sons now superintend the farm, which consists of 360 acres, under fine cultivation.

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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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