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Below is a family biography from the book, History of Kentucky, Edition 7 by J. H. Battle, W. H. Perrin and G. C. Kniffin and published by F. A. Battey Publishing Company in 1887.  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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JAMES E. McCRACKEN, a native of Cincinnati, Ohio, was born in 1846, and is the youngest of five children born to William H. and Louisana (Winters) McCracken. William H. McCracken was born in Sligo County, Ireland, and was a son of Francis McCracken, a leading physician in Cincinnati, Ohio, for many years. They are of a distinguished family in Ireland, being a large land holding people, who were Methodist in their religion. William K. McCracken was editor of a Whig paper in Columbus, Ohio, called the Columbus Delta. He was associated with Hon. Simon Cameron and Salmon P. Chase, and he and Gen. Lytle were in the Mexican war together. He died in Cincinnati in 1869, and was a very prominent man during his time. The father of Mrs. Louisana (Winters) McCracken was a steamboat captain for many years, and a man of wealth and high social standing. The Winters family emigrated from Pennsylvania to Ohio, and located in Cincinnati. They were of German origin. Mrs. McCracken was a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and raised her family in the same faith. She died in 1883. J. E. McCracken had two brothers, Robert L. and John R., who were in the Federal Army. Our subject was educated in the common schools of Cincinnati, and began life as a professional river pilot, and was in the employ of the old Cincinnati & Nashville Packet Company for sixteen years. In 1873 he retired from the river, and embarked in the sewer-pipe and cement business. By close attention to business he has built up a wonderful trade, which is still increasing in volume. He was a member of the Newport Board of Education for six years, and for two years was its president. Upon his retirement from the board he was presented by the board with the highest compliments ever paid a retiring president. He is president and part founder of the Protestant Campbell County Children’s Home, and through his aid and influence the Home is in a flourishing condition. He is an active member of the Democratic party, and at the last city election was their candidate for mayor, but was defeated by a small majority. He was appointed by the county judge as police commissioner, of which board he is president. He is also vice-president of the Cincinnati Builders’ Exchange, and is recognized as one of their leading members. In 1866 he married Miss Lida Gilson, daughter of James and Nancy Gilson.

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This family biography is one of 41 biographies included in the Campbell County, Kentucky section of the book, The History of Kentucky, Edition 7 published in 1887 by F. A. Battey Publishing Company.  For the complete description, click here: History of Kentucky, Edition 7

View additional Campbell County, Kentucky family biographies here: Campbell County, Kentucky Biographies

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