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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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W. J. BALDRIDGE, farmer and stock-dealer; P. O. Oak Grove; was born in Cherry Fork, Adams Co., Ohio, Oct. 13, 1839; in 1852, he came with his parents to this State, his father settling in Danvers Township, McLean Co.; he remained with his father till his majority, and then engaged in farming for himself. In August, 1862, he enlisted as a private in Co. E, 94th Regt. I. V. I., and served three years; he participated in the battle of Prairie Grove, Ark., the raid to Van Buren, siege of Vicksburg, Ft. Morgan, Spanish Fort. On his return from the army, he again engaged in farm pursuits; he purchased where he now lives in the fall of 1871, and occupied it in 1872. He was married Nov. 21, 1867, to Carrie Wright, a native of Ohio; has five children — Clarence, Myrta, Lucia I., Mary M. and William C. Owns 160 acres, finely improved, and deals largely in cattle and hogs. Has held the offices of Road Commissioner, Town Collector, and at present holds the office of Justice of the Peace. Mr. Baldridge is a thorough-going business man, and a very successful farmer and trader.
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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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