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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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SMITH, DAVID, deceased, once a prosperous farmer of Greene County, was born in North Carolina, where he grew to manhood. Received a common school education. He early learned to rely upon himself, and on coming westward he first settled at Cape Girardeau, Missouri. The journey west was made in a covered wagon, which slowly wound its way over the tall prairie grass; on crossing small streams, it became necessary to transfer the household goods to boats, which on crossing were again placed in the wagon and travel resumed. For a period of fifteen years or more Mr. Smith remained a resident of Missouri, locating in Greene County in 1838. Purchasing 160 acres near White Hall and Wilmington, he settled down to farm life in Greene County. While here his wife died. His second wife was Mrs. Newton, by whom he had four children. This lady departed this life in 1866. In 1871 he married Mrs. Serena Manuel, a daughter of Cumberland James and relict of Thompson Manuel, who died many years ago. Mr. Smith died in 1875. He was a man of extraordinary energy, and this, added to great steadiness of purpose, made his life a success.

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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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