Biographies J

 Following are some biographies of families who at one time or another lived in Henry Co. Illinois. In some cases it is the grandparent, parent, sibling, spouse or child who was a Henry Co. resident so please read carefully!

Z. JACKSON

Z. JACKSON, postmaster, was born in Erie Count, Pa., in 1831; moved to Knox County, Ill., in 1839, when a boy nine years old; was raised on a farm; taught school; bought out a store and commenced merchandising at Cambridge, Ill., in 1851; built a steam flouring-mill in that town in 1853; went to Washington County, Neb., in 1854; published the Desoto Pilot in 1857-58, and also speculated in real estate; went to Pike's Peak in 1859; there became one of the incorporators of a mountain toll road; was a member of the Legislature under the old "Provisional Government," in 1860; returned to Nebraska and enlisted in the army, in 1862, in Company B, Second Nebraska Cavalry; re-enlisted in the First Battalion Nebraska Veteran Cavalry, and was mustered as Captain of his Company in February, 1864. Was in the Indian service on the Upper Missouri River in 1862-63, was mustered out at the close of the war, in 1865, and came to Kansas the same year. Made the first location at Junction City, Kan., and built a house there in 1866. Went to Mitchell County, in Solomon Valley, the same year, and built the first log cabin in that county, but soon abandoned it and returned to Junction City. First came to Ellsworth County in June, 1867, locating at Fort Harker, where he engaged in the produce, vegetable and fruit business until the spring of 1869, then farmed two years in connection with the dairy business. He then followed general merchandising at the Fort in partnership with A. Larkin, eighteen months; moved the store to Ellsworth in 1872 and continued in the business three years longer. Was a member of the Kansas Legislature in 1868-69; was County Commissioner in 1871-72. He was appointed postmaster in 1874, holding the office ever since. Has always had a farm. He stands firmly "on deck," taking no thought of the "undiscovered country."

Source: Cutler's History of the State of Kansas, 1883

JOHN JAQUET

Numbered among the well to do agriculturist and highly esteemed citizens of Loraine township is the gentleman whose home is on section 14, Loraine township. He was born in Cook County, Illinois, September 15, 1848 and is a son of Christian Jaquet, a native of Alsace, Germany, and a carpenter by trade. The father came to America about 1835 and located in Cook County, Illinois, where his first wife died, Leaving one child, Christion, now a resident of Sterling, IL. For his second wife, he married Elizabeth Metzner, who was also born in Germany and when a young girl came alone to the United States. By this union four children: Fred, deceased; John, our subject, Mary, wife of Adam Wierhold, of Yorktown township and Henry, a resident of Bureau County, Illinois. About 1859 the father removed to Henry County and purchased eighty acres of land in Yorktown township. Therein he engaged in farming until his death in 1864. His wife survived him many years, dying in February, 1891, at the age of seventy-nine years.

As soon as he attained a sufficient age John Jaquet entered the district schools of Cook County, where he pursued his studies until twelve years old, when he accompanied the family on their removal to this county, completing his education in the schools of Yorktown township. He began life for himself as a farm hand in the employed of Jake Shuler, of that township, receiving seven dollars per month in compensation for his services. At the age of seventeen he worked two=months for his half-brother, Christian, who was engaged in farming in Loraine township, and the following spring commenced learning the carpenter's trade to which he devoted his energies for three years. On attaining his majority he went to Boone County, Iowa, where he followed that occupation three months, but on his return to this county resumed farming, being employed by the month for three years. The following year he rented the John Rapp farm in Yorktown township, but at the end of that time he returned to his old employer, Irwin Shelton, with whom he remained another year.

Mr Jaquet was married February 26, 1874 to Miss Carrie Papendick, a daughter of Louis and Sophia (Greenwood) Papendick of whom more extended mention is made on another page of this volume. To them have been born ten children, namely: William: deceased; Cecelia, now the wife of James Pray, of Rock Island; Albert, deceased;Cora, wife of Edward Oberle, of Loraine township, by whom she has had two children John and Edna; Nellie, at home and Lillie, Ralph, John, Howard and Inez, all in school.

For four years after his marriage, Mr Jaquet rented the home place in Yorktown township, and then operated the old Papendick homestead in Loraine township for one year. At the end of that time he purchased eighty acres of land on section 13, the latter township and to this he has since added. Making a good farm of one hundred and thirty acres, which is well improved and in a high state of cultivation. He is an energetic and progressive farmer and stock raiser, and a man of good business and executive ability.

Religiously both Mr and Mrs Jaquet are members of the United Evangelical Church, and politically he is identified with the Republican Party, of which he has been a staunch supporter since casting the first presidential vote for General U.S. Grant. He is now serving his ninth year as school trustee, and has held the office of road commissioner six years. During which time a number of bridges have been built under his supervision. He takes an active interest in all enterprises calculated to prove a public benefit and for eight years has been a member of the Union special drainage commission, which has reclaimed several thousand acres of what was once considered worthless swamp land.

Source: "The Biographical Record of Henry County, Illinois"; Chicago; S.J. Clarke Publishing Company 1901 p 175-176

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ANDREW P. JOHNSON

Andrew P. Johnson is a successful contractor and builder of Orion, of whose skill many notable examples are to be seen throughout Henry and Rock Island counties. Thoroughly reliable in all things, the quality of his work is a convincing test of his own personal worth and the same admirable trait is shown in his conscientious discharge of the duties of different positions of trust and responsibility to which he has been chosen in business and political life.

Mr. Johnson was born on the 30th of August, 1843, in Sweden, where he grew to manhood and learned the carpenter's and joiner's trade, which he followed in that country for some years. In 1869 he emigrated to America, his destination being Henry county, Illinois, some friends of his from Sweden having previously located in Western township. For about nine years he engaged in farming upon rented land, and then turned his attention to his trade, being engaged in contracting and building for the past twenty years. He has erected many of the business houses, residences, barns and other buildings in this section of the state. In 1895 he also opened a lumber yard, which he has since successfully conducted, carrying a good supply of lumber and all kinds of building material, as well as coal, tile, etc., and he has already built up an excellent trade.

On the 7th of June, 1873, was celebrated the marriage of Mr. Johnson and Miss Augusta Magdalina Lunguin, who was also born and reared in Sweden. They have a family of three children: Louise, now the wife of B. S. Millett, of Jewell Junction, lowa; Marie, at home; and Arthur C., who assists his father in business.

In his political affiliations Mr. Johnson is a stanch Republican, and cast his first presidential ballot for Rutherford B. Hayes, but has never taken a very active part in political affairs, though he is now most capably serving as a member of the town board. He and his wife are members of the Swedish Lutheran Church, and are held in high regard by all who know them. He was elected a member of the village board April, 1900, since which time the electric light has been installed.

SOURCE: The Biographical Record of Henry County IL, p. 173-174

AUGUST JOHNSON

JOHNSON, August, farmer and stock raiser, section 23, P. O. Red Oak; Mr. Johnson was born in Sweden, March 26, 1846; emigrated to New York in 1866, and stayed there two years, serving as coachman. In 1868 came to Moline, Illinois, and from there to Henry County, Illinois, and in 1871, came to Montgomery County, Iowa. He was married March 17, 1870, to Miss Carrie Olson, who was born in Sweden; married in Genesco, Henry County, Illinois. They are both member of the Lutheran church. He has eighty acres of good land, well improved; good comfortable buildings, and fine young orchard.

Source: History of Montgomery County Iowa, 1881 Grant Twp

C.A. JOHNSON

JOHNSON, C. A. born in 1834 Sweden. His father being a farmer he spent most of his youth laboring on the homestead. He attended the common schools only a limited time. Left his home in 1852, and in a small sailing vessel embarked for the new world, arriving at Andover, Illinois, some months afterwards. Mr. Johnson owned a good farm of 120 acres in Henry county, Illinois . While there in 1858, he married Sophia Sunberg, a lady of agreeable, kind manners. They have had nine children, of whom seven are living. Mr. Johnson moved to Page county in 1871, and since then has lived on his beautiful farm on section 22, Fremont township. He has almost continuously held some township office and is now a supervisor of the county. He is a man of more than ordinary business ability, is a fair, accommodating man, and is highly respected among his neighbors.

Source: History of Page County, Iowa; Des Moines: Iowa Hist. Co., 1880 Fremont Twp p 656

CHARLES A. JOHNSON

Galva township has no more honored or highly respected citizen than Charles A. Johnson, whose home is on section 10. He has been a resident of Henry county since 1870, and has done much to advance the moral, social and material welfare of the community in which he lives. He we born in Smoland, Sweden, on the 3d of January 1847, a son of Johan and Katrine (Carlson) Johnson, both now deceased. In 1884 the father came to this country to visit our subject, and returned to Sweden in 1887. Throughout his active business life he followed farming, and always enjoyed good health. He was seventy-three years of age at the time of his death. In his family were only two children, the younger being Christine Johnson, a resident of Sweden.

Mr. Johnson received but a limited education in the public schools of his native land. He served two years in the National Home Guards, and remained with his father on the farm until his emigration to America in 1870. He was twenty days in crossing the ocean and landed in the United States with no capital with which to begin life in a strange land and among a strange people.

Before coming to this county he spent some time near Victoria Illinois. Taking an active interest in church work, he was given permission to attend the theological seminary at Evanston and prepare for the ministry. He found employment on a farm, and aided other boys in securing their educations, and also devoted considerable time to procuring supplies for his countrymen who were attending school. He always made his home in families where they had family worship, and his first reading was in the Bible.

On the 28th of February 1878, Mr. Johnson married Miss Clara C. Bengston, who was born in Sweden in I849, and is the only survivor in a family of three children. Her parents both died in Sweden. Of the six children born to our subject and his wife two died in infancy. The others are Gus Wilbur, who is attending business college in Galesburg; Eskil E. and Osier, who are attending the district school near their home; and Cora L, at home.

After operating rental land for some years, Mr. Johnson purchased a tract of eighty acres on section 9, Galva township; and a few years later added to it another eighty acres, making a good farm of one hundred and sixty acres, which he has placed under a high state of cultivation. He raises both hogs and horses for market, and owns and operates a sorghum mill quite successfully. He is a stockholder in the new elevator at Galva, and was a promoter of the same, giving both time and money to the enterprise. He is also a stockholder in the Westrand Manufacturing Company of Galva.

Mr. Johnson takes an active interest in the welfare of the community in which he resides, and is now serving as Chaplain of the Patrons of Husbandry. He has always been an active worker in the Methodist Episcopal Church, and has served as one of its trustees and as superintendent of the Sunday school. In the earlier part of his career he often preached the gospel in the Swedish language, and has done much to promote the moral interests of the community. Politically he is a supporter of the Republican party, but has never been prevailed upon to accept any office save that of road commissioner. Although he is practically self-educated, he is a man of literary taste, and owns a good library.

Source: The Biographical Record of Henry County IL, p.511

FRANK J. JOHNSON

Frank J. Johnson, the present wellknown assessor of Andover township-- a position he has held for four consecutive years was born in Sweden on the 30th of June, 1859, and in 1870 was brought to the United States by his parents, Peter and Hannah Johnson, also natives of that country, who on reaching the shores of America came at once to Andover township, this county, where the father rented land. For some time he followed farming, and then retired from active labor, moving to Andover, where he died December 29, 1899, at the age of seventy-five years. His wife survives him at the age of seventy-six, and now lives with a daughter, Mrs. Matilda Anderson, of Andover township. Both held membership in the Lutheran Church of Andover, and he affiliated with the Republican party.

They were the parents of eight children; all of whom reached years of maturity, nameIy: Christine, wife of A. V. Hultgren, of Andover township; Mary, deceased wife of John Reed; Hannah, deceased wife of Eric Ericson, of Western township; Emily, wife of Charles Eckman, of Nebraska; Frank J., our subject; Maggie, deceased wife of Clarence Anderson, of Osco township; Matilda, wife of Bengt Anderson, of Andover township; and Otto, a turnkey in the state penitentiary at Joliet.

Frank J. Johnson received his education in the public schools of this county and grew to manhood upon the home farm. He started out in life for himself as a farm hand and was thus employed until I886, when he had secured enough capital to purchase some land. Nearly all this time he worked in Andover township.

In 1885 Mr. Johnson was united in marriage with Miss Ella Johnson, whose birth occurred in Sweden May I4, I863. Her parents, John and Mary (Peterson) Johnson, emigrated with their family to the new world in 1869, and settled in this county, where the mother died March 1, 1889. The father now makes his home in Western township. Besides the wife of our subject they had nine other children: Ella S.; Hulda, wife of Nels Anderson, of Clover township; Charles; John, also a resident of Clover township; Frank; Augusta, wife of Charles Hultstreet; and Edwin. Of the seven children born to Frank J. Johnson and wife, two died in infancy, Cora and Nora, the others being Fred N., Herman F., Gilbert V. S., Dora M. and Martin P.

For six years after his marriage Mr. Johnson engaged in general farming and stock raising on rented land in Andover and Clover townships, but in 1892 he purchased his present farm of one hundred and forty acres, to the cultivation and further improvement of which he has since devoted his energies. In connection with the regular farm products he raises broom corn, and has found that industry quite profitable. He also raises cattle and hogs for market, and in all his business undertakings is meeting With gratifying success. He was one of the first to become interested in the Farmers' Telephone, and is serving as one of its directors.

Mr. Johnson is what is styled a self-made man, for all that he has has been acquired by industry, perseverance and good management. The Republican party finds in him a stanch supporter of its principles. ln 1896 he was first elected assessor of Andover townships in which capacity he has since served the people faithfully and well. He has always been officially connected with school affairs, and is now a director in district No. 5. Andover township. Religiously he is a member of the Swedish Lutheran Church of Andover.

Source: THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD of Henry Co IL, p.78-79

FRANK LINDERT JOHNSON

The Swedish element plays a happy as well as an important part in the citizenship of Lynn township, of which Frank Lindert Johnson is a representative, although he was born March 4, 1863, in the southern part of Andover township, this county. His parents, Swan P. and Christine Johnson, came from Sweden in their youth, their marriage being celebrated in this country. The father, alert to every opportunity, in the course of time acquired a valuable farm of six hundred and forty acres of land. Seven children were added to the home, two of whom died in infancy. George W. resides in Moline; John A. in Alexis; Ida, now Mrs. Frank A. Bengston, in Andover township; Frank L., the subject of the sketch, in Lynn township; and Herbert Julius, in Moline. Swan P. Johnson was a man alive to all that spelled progress but one who declined any public office. He was an active church member and for many years a trustee of the Evangelical Lutheran church. He died in November, 1891, anal was buried at Andover, while his widow still lives in Cambridge.

Frank Linden Johnson grew to manhood on his father's farm and received his education in the district schools. After his marriage in 1887 he took under his own management a portion of his father's large holdings, one hundred and sixty acres in extent. This has had the benefit of all the methods known to scientific agriculture and is in consequence in a high state of cultivation. He devotes a great deal of his attention to the raising of hogs and cattle and is an extensive feeder. In truth everything about his farm and home indicates intelligent attention.

On May 1, 1887, Mr. Johnson was united in marriage to Miss Ida Bengston, a daughter of Gustus and Anna Bengston, both of whom were natives of Sweden and came here early in life. They became prosperous and were active in the affairs of the Lutheran church. Both of them are now deceased. Mr. and Mrs. Johnson are the parents of six children, namely: Lillian, Bert, Franklin, Walter, Irene and Marjorie, all of whom are at home. The eldest daughter teaches in the Lynn township schools, and Franklin is a student in Augustana College at Rock Island.

Mr. Johnson gives his allegiance to the republican party. He is alert to the signs of the times and an active member of society. He has the confidence of his compatriots and for a number of years has been a member of the republican central committee and a delegate to all conventions. Alive to the importance of good schools, he has quite appropriately been a member of the school board for eighteen years and for four years he has held the position of road commissioner. He is affiliated with the Modern Woodmen of America, and he and his family belong to the Lutheran church of Andover, in which Mr. Johnson has filled the office of deacon. The other members of the family give generously of their time and strength to the furtherance of the cause of Christianity, Mrs. Johnson being a teacher in the Sunday school. The subject of the sketch is a man of high repute among his neighbors, progressive in all his ideas, and enjoys the degree of prosperity which comes to men of his industry and character.

Source: History of Henry County, p. 696-697

L. J. JOHNSON

Among the leading old settlers of Knox county, Nebraska, the gentleman whose name heads this personal history is entitled to a foremost place. Mr. Johnson is a man of public spirit, who has always given his support and aid in bettering conditions in his community. His home is in Columbia precinct, where he has a well improved farm and valuable estate.

L. J. Johnson is a native of Sweden, born at Kolmerlen, May 22, 1846. He grew up there, following farming as a young man, and also spent one year in the army.

His father, John Peterson, was a farmer. About ten years after his son, L. J., came to Nebraska, his father joined him, and here remained until his death in September, 1900. When our subject was about twenty-two years of age he left home to seek his fortune in foreign countries, going first to Guttenberg, and from there to Liverpool, where he took passage for America.

On landing in the United States he went directly to Henry county, Illinois, remaining there about eight months. He then came on west, arriving in Cuming county, Nebraska, in 1869. There he filed on a homestead, built a sod shanty, and began to improve his land. He went through many hardships while living in that vicinity, experiencing droughts, grasshopper raids, hailstorms, etc., but succeeded in developing a very good farm and saved some money.

Mr. Johnson came to Knox county in 1901. He purchased a half section of land which was improved to some extent, and since his residence on the place has fitted it up with every modern convenience in the way of buildings, machinery, etc., and has the reputation of being one of the most successful and prosperous agriculturalists in this section.

On March 11, 1876, our subject was united in marriage to Miss Emma Newman, a native of Sweden, at West Point, Nebraska. Eight children have come to bless their union, namely: Oscar, Albin, Joseph, Theodore, David, Gust, Minnie and Elmer.

Mr. Johnson and his entire family belong to the Swedish Mission church at Wausa.

Source: The Compendium of History Reminiscence and Biography of Nebraska; Alden Publishing CO, Chicago IL 1912

PETER JOHNSON

Peter Johnson, a prosperous and enterprising farmer of Traverse county, Minnesota, is a resident of Monson township. He is a gentleman of intelligence and good business ability and has gained a good home and the respect and esteem of his fellowmen.

Mr. Johnson was born in Hollan, Sweden, July 3, 1849. His father was a farmer by occupation and was a native of Sweden, where he spent his life. He was born November 22, 1804, and died December 26, 1868. He served in the reserve army in Sweden. He was married three times and of the first union two children were born and five children blessed the third marriage.

Our subject was the youngest of the family, and he was reared in his native land and received his education there. He remained with his mother on the farm until he was twenty-two years of age and then in 1872, came to the United States. He landed in New York City, May 9, and came direct to Atkinson, Henry county, Illinois, where he remained until November, 1874. He then visited his native land for nine months and in 1875 again located in Illinois. He worked there for three years and then engaged in farming there for two years and in the spring of 1880 removed to Traverse county, Minnesota. Three or four shanties were all that were in sight from his farm at that time and these were vacant. He built a shanty of rough boards in which he spent his summers and he later put up a building, a part of which he used for a house and the rest for his team. He had no means and did the greater part of his land breaking with oxen. Herman was his nearest trading point and this was twenty-four miles distant.

Many times on a trip to market he was caught in a storm. He had a farm of two hundred and forty acres, and this he has placed under cultivation. He has a set of good buildings and all necessary machinery for conducting a model farm and has met with pronounced success. For the past fifteen years he has been a director in the Delaware Farmers' Mutual Insurance Company.

Mr. Johnson was married in 1893 to Miss Bina Carlson. Mrs. Johnson was born in Sweden and came to America in 1886. Her father came to America in 1887. Mr. and Mrs. Johnson are the parents of five children, namely: Ida Lucinda, Elmer Julius, Walter Clarence, Frithjof Garfield, and Bessie Paulina. All were born on the home farm in Traverse county. Mr. Johnson was elected township supervisor when the township was organized and he was the first chairman of the board. He was town clerk for six years and road overseer and about 1889 was elected assessor and has since held the office. He is an independent voter, but stands for the reform principles of the Populist party. He has attended numerous conventions as a delegate and takes an active part in all public affairs of his township and county.

Source: Compendium of History and Biography of Central and Northern Minnesota; Geo. A Ogle & Co., Chicago 1904 p 661

CLAUDIUS JONES

CLAUDIUS JONES was born in Orleans County, N. Y., on the 30th day of June, 1826, and is the son of David and Cynthia Jones, the former being Welsh and the latter of old New England stock. He spent the first twenty-five years with his parents on the farm, during which period he received a common school education. In 1850, he opened a small country store, near his native home, which he conducted successfully until 1856, when he took his first step westward as far as Henry County, Ill. In June, 1859, he was married to Miss Harriett I. Weed, of his native town and State, and settled in Galva, Ill, at which time and place he opened a banking house, which is now known as the First National Bank of Galva, Ill, which he placed on a solid foundation. In 1868, moved to Monmouth, Ill., and, in 1870, was one of the incorporators of the Monmouth National Bank, and served as Cashier and Vice President until he sold out his interest for the purpose of coming to Nebraska. In July, 1873, he opened the State Bank of Nebraska at Seward, and conducted it so successfully for six years that it was acknowledged by all to be one of the safest and best paying institutions of the kind in the State. In 1879, in consequence of poor health, he sold out his bank and retired to his large farm near Seward, and intends to spend the balance of his days looking after his fine herds and enjoy the fruits of his labor. He has always been a liberal contributor to all public enterprises, and has established for himself a reputation as a citizen and business man, which is not only a credit to himself but an honor to the community in which he resides.

Source: Andreas' History of Nebraska, 1883, Seward County, Town of Seward

NORVEL JONES

Jones, Norvel, farmer and stock dealer, P.O. Malvern; born in August, 1845, in Mercer county, Illinois, and remained in that county until the fall of 1863. He was educated in the common schools and at Knox College. In May, 1864, he enlisted in company C, 137th Illinois infantry for one hundred days, and participated at the battle of Memphis. He was mustered out in October, 1864, and returned again to his studies.

In the spring of 1867 he went to Henry county, Illinois, and remained there eight years, engaged in raising livestock. He came to this county in 1875, and has resided here since that time. Was married in March, 1870, to Miss Ella Mason, of Galesburg, Illinois, by whom he is the father of three children: P. Orel, Orpha and Vena, the two last named being deceased. He is located on a good farm of 160 acres, well improved. He deals extensively in cattle, sheep and hogs.

Source: History of Mills Co., 1881, Des Moines State Historical Co., p. 596/597 Center Township

BYRON JORDAN

Byron Jordan, who stands for progress in all things and was recognized as a leader among the stock raisers and shippers of Henry County, but is now retired also has a notable record as a soldier of the Civil War. A native son of Illinois, he was born in Richland Grove, Mercer County, June 11, 1842. His ancestry is traced tack to Rev. Robert Jordan, who was a clergyman of the Church of England and as early as 1641 presided over the church at Richmond Island, off the coast of Maine. He married Sarah Winter, and that he was a man of more than average intelligence is indicated by the fact that he opposed the prevalent superstition of witchcraft. He died in 1678 at the age of sixty-eight years. In his family were six children, John, Robert, Dominicus, Jedediah, Samuel and Jeremiah. The line of ancestry is traced down through Dominicus, Nathaniel, Israel, and Robert Jordan, to Captain John A. Jordan, the father of our subject. The Rev. Robert Jordan belonged to a family that originated in Ireland, but religious persecution drove them to Scotland, and as indicated, it was early in the seventeenth century when the family was founded in America.

The grandfather of Byron Jordan was Robert Jordan, who in 1800 married Hannah Keating. They resided for a time in Rockland, Maine, and in 1832 removed to Seneca County, Ohio, where four days later Robert Jordan passed away. His widow there resided until 1845, when she went to live with a son in Wisconsin, but finally took up her abode with Captain John A. Jordan, passing away in his home in 1854. In the family were fourteen children, of whom seven became seafaring men.

John A. Jordan, the tenth child, was born in Camden, Maine, in 1819, and was a youth of fourteen at the time of the removal of the family to Ohio. After the death of his father he continued to live with his mother for five years, and in company with his twin brother, Thomas J. Jordan, he arrived at Richland Grove, Mercer County, Illinois, November 9, 1839. There he entered and purchased land to the extent of one hundred and sixty acres. At Richland Grove he was married to Miss Rachel Metzler, and all of their children were there born including Byron, of this review; Edwin T., now residing in Montezuma, Iowa; William H., a government clerk living at Rock Island; and Olive M., who died at the age of seventeen years. In the spring of 1856 the father sold his farm of one hundred and sixty acres in Mercer county and removed to Rock Island County, where he purchased a like amount of land in Rural Township, then called Coal Valley. As his financial resources increased, he added to his landed possessions until at one time he owned five hundred and twenty acres, of which one hundred and sixty acres were located in Iowa. At the time of the Civil War, he was commissioned a captain of company A, Thirty-seventh Illinois Volunteer Infantry, but after five months' service was stricken with paralysis, which ultimately caused his death in 1886, when he was sixty-seven years of age. His widow died in 1903 at the age of eighty-one years. Both were active Methodists and in politics John A. Jordan was an earnest Republican, unfaltering and loyal in his allegiance to the party. He served as supervisor for one term and as justice of the peace for several terms, discharging the duties of both positions in a prompt and able manner. His decisions in the justice court were strictly fair and impartial and won him a high place in the regard of those who are loyal to the principles of righteousness and justice.

Byron Jordan spent the first fourteen years of his life in Mercer County and from 1856 until 1867 was a resident of Rock Island County, Illinois. He then lived in Henry County until 1876, after which he returned to Rock Island County, where he remained until 1902. He then again became a resident of Henry County, taking up his abode in Orion. His early education was acquired in the public schools while after his return from the war he attended the Western High School for a time. Throughout his entire business career he has successfully followed agricultural pursuits and in the last few years he has put into practical operation advanced theories on the erection of buildings for the feeding and protection of stock and poultry. In the spring of 1877 he planted five acres in white pine, sugar maple, white ash and black walnut. A splendid growth of these trees demonstrates what can be accomplished in the interests of forestry in this section. He is greatly interested in the subject of the preservation of forests and his opinions on the subject are worthy of attention.

The military chapter in the life history of Mr. Jordan is an interesting one. In 1862 he laid aside his text-books and joined Company C, of the One Hundred and Second Illinois Volunteer Infantry, with which he continued to serve for almost three years, being honorably discharged in June, 1865, at the close of the war. He participated in the battle of Resaca, was with Sherman on the march to the sea, participated in the entire Carolina campaign and was altogether in twenty engagements. Upon his enlistment he was made sergeant, afterward becoming second lieutenant and during the last year of his service was in command of his company, his promotion coming to him in recognition of his bravery and fidelity.

On the 17th of November, 1867, Mr. Jordan was married to Miss Mary Anna Blackfan, a daughter of William and Elizabeth K. (Trego) Blackfan. Mrs. Jordan was the first white female child born in Western Township, her natal day being October 22, 1841. She is a descendant of Edward Blackfan, who was persecuted in England because of his religious belief and came to America about the time of William Penn. Tradition says that he was a cousin of the founder of the Penn colony and from secured a grant to a large tract of land in what is now Bucks County, Pennsylvania. The title of most of his property remained in the family until 1859. William Blackfan with his wife and son, William, and daughter, Elizabeth, arrived at Stevenson, now Rock Island, May 3, 1841, after three weeks' journey by stage and canal boat to Pittsburgh, thence by steam boat down the Ohio and up the Mississippi Rivers. He purchased a forty-acre tract of land in Western Township upon a part of which the town of Orion now stands. Mr. Blackfan died November 10, 1843, leaving a widow and four children, a son, Samuel, having been born in the previous July. One daughter, Mary Anna, had been born after the arrival of the family in this section. Mrs. Blackfan toiled nobly and by strict economy and indomitable energy succeeded in keeping her little family together, and as the years passed and the children grew and added their strength to hers, she was able to extend the boundaries of her little farm by the additional purchase of sixty acres, making a good farm of one hundred acres. It was twelve years after the death of her husband before public schools were opened, during which time a teacher was hired to train the children. In 1855 the public school system was inaugurated and all of the children attended, and later Mrs. Jordan became a pupil of the Rock Island High School. She taught for six months in the local schools, afterward attended Lombard College at Galesburg, Illinois, and later again engaged in teaching.

Unto Mr. And Mrs. Jordan were born four children: Roland B.; Elmer H.; Samuel Lester, deceased; and Erwin B. The eldest son, who lives in Roseville, Illinois, is a carpenter by trade and married Miss Linnie Davis, who died when their daughter Edith was only twelve days old. He afterward wedded Miss Sophia Davenport. Elmer is in business at Winfield, Kansas, and Erwin is a civil engineer.

On attaining his majority, Mr. Jordan became a Republican, but for the past few years has supported the men and measures of the Prohibition Party, and has served as county chairman. He has been a delegate to numerous state conventions of his party and in 1896 attended as a delegate the National Prohibition Convention at Pittsburg. In 1894 he ran as the Prohibition candidate for state senator in the twenty-third senatorial district, and received a fair vote. He is a faithful member of the Methodist Church in which he is now filling the position of steward, trustee and teacher in the Sunday School. He is very prominent in the Rock Island Camp Meeting Association, having been a member of its executive committee for a number of years, and is now its vice president. Mrs. Jordan was also a member of the Methodist Church and during her life had taken special interest in philanthropic and charitable work, building and furnishing a room at the Deaconess Hospital at Peoria, and also furnishing a room in a school for poor white girls in the south, and was actively engaged in various other lines of religious and charitable work. She passed away January 16, 1910. Mr. Jordan is a visiting member of Heding College at Abingdon, Illinois, and fraternally holds membership in Edgar Trego Post, No. 394, G. A. R. Kind hearted and generous, he allows the use of his grove for picnics, and it has become a very popular place among pleasure seekers. Genial and kindly in nature, he fully appreciates his obligations to his fellowmen, and his honorable principles and upright manhood have won for him the high regard, confidence and good will of all with whom he has come in contact, while the consensus of public opinion accords him prominence among the valued and representative citizens of Western Township.

Source: Kiner, Henry L., History of Henry County Illinois, Volume II, Chicago, Pioneer Publishing Co, 1910

Submitted by: Alice Gless