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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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BLODGETT, M. R. dry goods and groceries, Rockbridge, is a native of New England, born Feb. 11, 1832, in Grafton County, New Hampshire; he is the seventh child of a family of seventeen children; his father being twice married, the second time to the mother of M. R., whose maiden name was Mary Utley; his father’s name was Darius; both of them were born in Connecticut, and M. R. was raised up under the influence of that Puritanical region, and it may be said of him that he was very dutiful, and though remaining at home until he was several years past his majority he never left home (before 21) without obtaining permission, and never afterwards without first indicating his intention. Worked for his father by the month, one year and lost but half a day in that time. Subsequent to this, taught school at $17 per month and boarded ‘round. Was engaged in the mercantile business in Vermont before coming West. In 1856, emigrated to this State, first located at Brighton, where he clerked for Shipman one year, then returned to his native State, returning after the war to Brighton, then clerked for Greer. Sept. 20, 1867, he moved to Rockbridge and engaged in the mercantile business, in which he has since continued; keeps a general stock. Is now postmaster, which office he has filled for five years; was also postmaster at Brighton. In Feb. 1858, was united in marriage to Parmelia Woods; two children have blessed their union, but one now living: Edna Belle, born Sept. 16, 1860. Mr. Blodgett is a member of the Knights of Honor, Golden Rule Lodge No. 1017.

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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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