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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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WILLIAM W. SMITH, farmer; P. O. Heyworth; was born Nov. 16, 1823, in Washington Co., Penn., remained there until about 3 years old, then he moved to Crawford Co., Ohio, and settled on a farm in the woods, which seemed very lonely, there being but two neighbors within seven miles. In 1848, he moved to Ashland Co., Ohio, and settled on a farm; was there engaged in farming for twenty-one years, during which time (in 1845) he was married. In 1868, he moved, with his family, to the Far West, and made a home in McLean Co., Ill., settling on the present farm of 240 acres. He has worked by the day at 50 cents, chopping and splitting rails, and by the month at $10, which receipts were managed with frugality. He has held offices connected with the schools as Director nine years, School Trustee two terms, and is now on the third term in Funk’s Grove Township. He was Pathmaster ten years in Ohio, and three years in Illinois; is at present Superintendent of the Sabbath school at the Jones Schoolhouse. Has five children: Robert, Yeoman, Oliver, Teresa and Austin.

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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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