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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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PETER WHITMER, banker, Bloomington; was born in Chambersburg, Penn., Feb. 22, 1828, where he was raised and schooled; during his early life, he learned the trade of a harness-maker and saddler; in 1852, he came to Bloomington, Ill., and began the harness and saddlery business with M. L. Moore; this he continued for two years, then for the next three years he was in business with Parke & Hoopes, grocery and provisions; in 1857, he engaged in the lumber business, which he followed successfully for some seventeen years; during most of this time, he was in partnership with George Bruner; Mr. Whitmer came to Bloomington without property, but being possessed of energy and perseverance, he gradually climbed the ladder of fortune till today, he is one of the solid men of Bloomington. In January, 1875, he was appointed President of the People’s Bank, of which he was one of the original stockholders; in business he has been a successful man, and has acquired a large property. He married Miss Lucy McDonald, formerly of Winchester, Ky., Feb. 22, 1855; they have raised a family of six.
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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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