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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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SOLOMON F. DOWNS, farmer, Sec. 25; P. O. Saybrook; owns 120 acres of excellent farming land, under good cultivation, worth $40 per acre. The subject of this sketch was born in McLean Co., Ill., June 28, 1850. His father died when he was but 10 years old; his mother having died four years previous. The brothers continued to keep house together and carried on farming until Mr. Downs became of age. He was married to Anna E. Reid, March 27, 1877; she was born in Champaign Co., Ohio, April 5, 1853; the fruit of this marriage is one child — Lawson W., who was born Jan. 25, 1878. Mr. Downs’ father was in the Black Hawk war. He is a very neat farmer, having everything in its proper place, and is an industrious, energetic man. Mrs. Downs is an industrious and intelligent lady.

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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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