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Below is a family biography included in The History of Spencer County, Indiana published by Goodspeed, Bros. & Co. in 1885.  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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JAMES F. STEPHENS, one of the early pioneers of Spencer County, was born May 21, 1832, in Kentucky. When an infant he came with his parents to Perry County, Ind., and at the age of sixteen began life for himself as a day laborer. His health becoming impaired he was compelled to work for his board and clothes for a few years. Upon his recovery he came to Spencer County and engaged in farming. He rented land until 1870, when he bought a farm of 100 acres upon which he still resides. He also has twenty-seven acres on section 25. January 23, 1858, his marriage with Mary C. Reed was solemnized. Ten children were born to this union, six of whom, Belle, Fannie, Mollie, James, Dellie and Ruth are, living. Mrs. Stephens died November 23, 1884. Politically Mr. Stephens is a Republican. He is a member of the United Brethren church. His parents were Edward and Catharine (Peak) Stephens, both natives of Kentucky. At the time of their marriage they lived upon a farm in their native State. About 1833 they removed to Perry County, Ind., where they passed the remainder of their lives. He died about 1850 and his wife three years earlier.

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This family biography is one of 344 biographies included in The History of Spencer County, Indiana portion of the book: History of Warrick, Spencer and Perry Counties Indiana published in 1885 by Goodspeed, Bros. & Co.  For the complete description, click here: Spencer County, Indiana History and Genealogy

View additional Spencer County, Indiana family biographies here: Spencer County, Indiana Biographies

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