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Below is a family biography included in The Portrait and Biographical Record of Randolph, Jackson, Perry and Monroe Counties, Illinois published by Biographical Publishing Co. in 1894.  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 A. HAINES, who was one of the most public-spirited, widely known and highly esteemed citizens of Tamaroa, entered into rest March 10, 1890, mourned by a host of old time friends, in whose hearts his memory will long be green. He was a native of New Jersey, having been born in Medford, in 1817. When quite young he left home, and after a few years spent in various places, went south and located at Vicksburg, Miss., where his marriage to Miss Mary A. Thompson occurred. Mrs. Haines was a native of Hopkinsville, Ky., and was the daughter of William Thompson. The young couple made their home in the south until 1857, when they came to Illinois and spent the following ten years upon a farm in Perry County.

At the expiration of that time Mr. Haines returned to New Orleans, in which place he was engaged in the wholesale grocery business, and there continued to make his home until 1869. He then returned to Illinois, this time making his home in Tamaroa, where he was employed in buying and selling grain and hay until his decease. He was a very progressive businessman and was liberal to a fault. He was well known among the citizens of this section, was an active member of the United Presbyterian Church, and his correct mode of living gained for him a popularity which was merited in every respect. Mrs. Haines, who is still living (1894), has reached the age of seventy-three years.

At his decease our subject left two sons, the elder of whom, J. W., was born in Mississippi, and grew to manhood on the farm in this county. He received a fine education, and when quite a young man engaged in merchandising. Although his private affairs naturally receive much of his time and attention, yet he is interested in matters of public interest, and has twice been elected Treasurer of Perry County, an office which he now holds. At the time of the establishment of the banking house of S. R. Haines & Co., J. W. was made cashier, and has since continued to fill that important position. Since becoming a resident of this county he has been identified with its upbuilding, and at all times has been deeply interested in matters pertaining to local and national welfare. He married Miss Eva J., daughter of M. B. and E. J. Dimmick, of Frankfort, Ill.

S. R. Haines, the second son of our subject, who is likewise one of the prominent business men of Tamaroa, was born in Vicksburg, and was a lad of eighteen years when he came to Tamaroa and engaged as clerk in the store of Blanchard Brothers. In 1892 he was instrumental in the organization of the bank of Tamaroa, of which he was made President. Although this branch of business occupies a great deal of his attention, yet he finds time to engage in other interests and is carrying on a prosperous trade as a merchant, and also raises fine blooded horses. In every interprise to which he gives his support he maintains a deep and unwavering interest, and his efforts have resulted in the promotion of the material welfare of his county. In 1878 he married Miss Nettie, daughter of Townsend Blanchard, and to them have been born a daughter, Birdie, and a son, Howard Blanchard. S. R. Haines served as Postmaster at Tamaroa during Cleveland’s first administration. Socially, he and his brother are prominent Masons.

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This family biography is one of 679 biographies included in The Portrait and Biographical Record of Randolph, Jackson, Perry and Monroe Counties, Illinois published in 1894.  View the complete description here: The Portrait and Biographical Record of Randolph, Jackson, Perry and Monroe Counties, Illinois

View additional Perry County, Illinois family biographies here: Perry County, Illinois Biographies

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