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Below is a family biography included in The History of Greene County, Illinois published by Donnelley, Gassette & Loyd 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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BROOKS, JAMES E. farmer and stock raiser, Sec. 23, P.O. Kane. The above named gentleman is a native of England; born in Lancashire, March 18, 1828; he had attained his eleventh year, when his parents William and Mary Ann Brooks, determined to emigrate to America. Landing in New York City, the family took up their residence in the State of New Jersey, where they remained a short time, when they removed to Rhode Island, and three years later, in 1844, the head of the family set his face toward the far west, in search of a home. He landed at Alton, Madison County, in this State; from there making his way to Greene County, where he purchased his first farm in Illinois. In 1845, came the remainder of the family, consisting of Mrs. Brooks, and seven children, of whom the subject of this sketch was the fourth child. On the old homestead property he passed his boyhood, and here united his fortunes, in 1853, to Miss Anna Davis, a daughter of James Davis, a native of North Carolina. Like many who followed agriculture in an early day, Mr. Brooks met with many discouragements. Purchasing 40 acres, now owned by Robert Brooks, in 1852, subsequently purchasing a part of his present farm in 1854; since this date Mr. Brooks has added to his possessions, and now owns, through indomitable will and industry, 180 acres of valuable land in this township, and a beautiful farm residence. It is needless to add that Mr. Brooks ranks among our most substantial farmers. Of the marriage above referred to, eight children were born, living: Mary Ann E., Harriet E., Clara J., Geo. H., Sarah B., Chas. W., Anna L.; deceased, Kate.

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This family biography is one of 744 biographies included in The History of Greene County, Illinois published in 1879.  View the complete description here: The History of Greene County, Illinois

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

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