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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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STEPHEN SMITH, dry goods, Bloomington; one of the best-known business men of Bloomington; was born near Clarksville, Tenn. When he was only 5 years old he moved to Illinois with his parents, and settled in Greene Co. His father was a farmer, and a soldier, of the war of 1812. Mr. Smith was raised on the farm. When he was 18 years old, in 1847, he commenced clerking in a store. In 1850, he formed a partnership with his brother. In 1851, they moved their stock to Springfield and commenced the dry goods business. There Mr. Smith remained until 1860, when he came to Bloomington, and, April 5, 1860, began the dry goods business in his present location, and today is the oldest dry goods man in Bloomington.

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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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