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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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S. W. BAKER, lumber merchant, Danvers; was born in Westfield, Essex (now Union) Co., N. J., May 11, 1830. His early life was spent in farm labor, and his education secured at the common schools. In 1832, his father moved to the immediate vicinity of Elizabeth City, N. J., and here S. W. grew up to manhood. At the age of 16, he went to New York City, to learn his trade—that of a mason. He served an apprenticeship of four years. At the age of 23, he returned to New Jersey, remaining till the spring of 1860, when he came West, and, Aug. 17, 1860, located in Danvers. He followed his trade nine years. In 1869, he bought out the grocery and hardware store of George Baun, and conducted the business till September, 1876. He then sold to J. S. Yoder. In January, 1875, he had purchased the lumber yard of Mr. Fordyce, and this he has since operated. He was married, March 17, 1853, to Elizabeth Cory, a native of New York City. Five children have been born to them — Aaron T., Henry, Mary, and two dying in infancy. Has held the office of Town Trustee five terms. Owns eighty-five acres of land, town property, lumber yard, and is financially solid. He has met with good success in his various business enterprises, and is a thorough-going business man.

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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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