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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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JOHN WADE, farmer, Sec. 30; P. O. Chenoa; was born at Oberlin, Lorain Co , Ohio, Western Reserve, in September, 1840, where he followed agriculture with his father, and, at the age of 14 years, he entered Oberlin College, where he remained two and one-half years, and, at the end of that period, he returned to farming, which he followed until he left home, in the spring of 1861, in which year he enlisted in the 16th Ohio Battery (Capt. James A. Mitchell commanding), for three years, serving two years in Missouri and the Southwest, under Gen. Curtis, and participating in all actions under that General. In the spring of 1863, he returned from the army, and, after a trip to England, returned to this country, and, in the spring of 1864, went to McLean Co., Ill., when he settled upon Sec. 19, where he had formerly purchased eighty acres. From Sec. 19, he removed to Sec. 30, Yates Township, and purchased 160 acres, all of which he has placed under a high state of cultivation, and said to be as well-improved as any farm in Yates. Mr. Wade’s land is all underdrained, and valued at $40 an acre. He contemplates further improvements in the way of a new dwelling, barn, etc. He also uses the best agricultural implements, and believes in improvements in every way. In 1863, he married Miss Susan Squire, born at Oberlin, Lorain Co., Ohio. They had three children — Lydia, Eddy and Emma. Mrs. Wade died Aug. 9, 1871. Mr. Wade was married March 19, 1874, to Miss Mary Lewis, who was born near Washington, Tazewell Co., Ill., in the year 1840. He dates his descent from the Pilgrim Fathers, who landed at Plymouth Rock in the winter of 1620, and bears the sturdy, large-hearted characteristics of that race. He is a thorough farmer, and works his farm upon true scientific principles, resulting in a high state of improvement thereof.

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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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