A Whole Lotta Family - Person Sheet
A Whole Lotta Family - Person Sheet
NameAlonzo Smith Edson 
55
55Birth14 May 1827, Crawford Co, Indiana
Death17 Dec 1904, Martinsville, Harrison Co, Missouri Age: 77
BurialRuss Cemetery, Jefferson Twp, Harrison Co, Missouri386
FatherDaniel Thomas Edson (1802-1875)
MotherRachel Ann Needham (1806-1888)
Spouses
Death9 Feb 1868, Edson Community, Jefferson Twp, Harrison Co, Missouri145 Age: 34
FatherWilliam James Ferguson (1805-1879)
MotherNancy Agnes Shores (1805-1879)
Marriage18 Jul 1852, Coles Co, llinois
ChildrenWilliam Albern (1853-1920)
Daniel Leroy (1856-1857)
Isaac Millard (1858-1945)
Laura Etta (1860-1945)
James Martin (1862-1929)
Ulysses Grant (1864-1865)
Ira Ellsworth (1867-1949)
Death26 Nov 1907, St Joseph, Buchanan Co, Missouri145 Age: 75
FatherRev Miles H “Old Jolly” Hart (1796-1855)
MotherCatherine Cea Yocom (1804-1872)
Marriage25 Sep 1869, Mattoon, Coles Co, Illinois171
Notes for Alonzo Smith Edson
EGA #202-6855
Alonzo Smith Edson was just a little tot when his parents settled in Coles county, Illinois. There at Muddy Point, he received his formal schooling in a pole school house, taught by his uncle Hull Tower.
He was married (1st) to Patience Arloa Ferguson by Rev. John W. Woods and (2nd) to Mary Hart daughter of Dr. Isaac Hart (see app.), widow of John Randolph Apperson by Uncle Joe Cavins, J. P.
There was much excitement in Coles county during the winter of 1848-49 over the discovery of gold in California . Alonzo and the men that gathered in his father's general store at Muddy Point talked and dreamed of th e riches to be had for the trip. When spring came he and several of the Smiths', relatives of his brother-in -law, Isaac Smith, had joined an organization, which was formed for mutual aid in making the long dangerous journey. The company was on the Missouri frontier in April ready to join the great tide of immigration into the untamed West of '49 for the gold fields of California. Starting the last of April they traveled westward on th e Overland Trail, a new route to California. Alonzo Edson, a husky youth of twenty-two, equipped with a rifle, pistol and knife, walked beside his team most of the time to lighten the load that must be pulled. When they set forth, their spirits were high and the evenings were spent around the camp-fire spinning yarns and singing. They followed the Santa Fe Trail until near Fort Mann, then proceeded up the Arkansas River to Bent's Fort thence northwest to the foot of the Rockies. When the Rocky Mountain region was reached Alonzo was overwhelme d at the magnificence of the scene. Near the foot of Pikes Peak they encamped to make wagon repairs and to rest the mules and horses. While the company was encamped there
Alonzo Edson (see app.) climbed to the summit of Pikes Peak. (The only known earlier ascents of the peak were made in 1820 by Dr. James, a member of Long's expedition, and in 1843 by the famous explorer, Fremont). Proceeding through the land of the savage Indian the Forty-Niners journeyed into what is now the state of Wyoming, thence westward to Fort Bridger, where they joined one of the regular westward trails to California . The desert was then before them. Crossing the desert was the most dangerous part of the trip, men and animals endured great suffering for there was no water or grass in many miles of hard travel and one of Alonzo' s mules died of starvation. They reached the gold field of California a littie over two months after leaving the Missouri frontier.
The Smiths who had accompanied Alonzo Edson to California in quest of gold, remained there for a time then immigrated to Washington Territory, settling there permanently. Alonzo returned to Coles County, Illinois in 1850. His return trip was made by ship around Cape Horn to New Orleans, then by steamboat up the Mississipp i River. While in San Francisco he traded gold he had mined for a large gold key wind watch and chain to which he fastened an 1849 dime. He brought home a piece of gold ore and some gold dust as mementos. It is believed the diary of his trip has been destroyed.
Alonzo Edson was the only member of the Edson family still living in Coles County, Illinois, when the town of Ma ttoon was established. Two railroads, the Terre Haute & Alton and the Illinois Central were under constructi on. The lines would cross on the Coles County prairie near the Historic Lone Elm that long had been a trail marker for both Indians and white man. Surveyors laid out the town of Mattoon at the railroad intersection in December of 1854. Alonzo Edson purchased on of the lots at the exciting auction held among the surveyor's pegs in a clearing of the tall prairie grass in May, 1855.
On April 27, 1854, two years after his marriage to Patience Arloa, they moved to Paradise, Illinois. Then on September 7, 1857, Alonzo purchased his father-in-law's steam mill and shingle mill and the family moved to the Ferguson farm, near Dry Grove, Paradise township, Illinois. This historic farm was the first stopping place of th e Abraham Lincoln family when they immigrated to Coles County. Hart, William B. Ferguson, William N. Smith and Gilford Lambert were employed at the mill.
A lengthy parade was held between the towns of Mattoon and Charleston, during the political campaign of 1858, for Abraham Lincoln and Stephan A. Douglas, the two candidates for United States Senator. Abraham Lincoln rode in the procession in a carriage drawn by Alonzo's beautiful team of white horses. There was much merrymakin g at Alonzo's place when many of the horsemen who were to take part in the parade, and ox-drawn covered wagons filled with Alonzo's friends came to help with the preparations for this gala day.
The Civil War started in 1861. Ulysses S. Grant the West Pointer from Galena, Illinois, assumed command of the first troops he led in the Civil War on June 1, 1861, at Mattoon. The Civil War flagpole from Camp Grant in Ma ttoon is now in front of the town's U. S. Grant Motor Inn. Alonzo Edson's second child was named Ulysses Grant Edson, but note he was born in 1855.
Alonzo Edson did not serve in the conflict. Sentiment in the country over the issue was divided. It is said two o r three thousand people sympathetic to the South held a rally in the timber five miles south of Mattoon in 1863. This places it near Alonzo Edson's home! In March 1864, a serious riot on the public square at Charleston cost the lives of several people.
When fever claimed the life of a second child in the family, Alonzo decided to immigrate to Missouri hoping the climate would be more healthful. The family started on their westward journey in April of 1866. The journey was made in two heavy laden covered wagons. One of the wagons was drawn by horses, the other was drawn by the six oxen; Buck, Berry, Tom, Jerry, Brandy and Bright. They were on the trail six weeks arriving in June.
Alonzo settled near his relatives in Harrison County, Jefferson township. The township was better known in those days as the Edson community. He built his home near the historic old St. Joe Trail. Indians passing along this trail on their shaggy ponies were a daily sight. Deer, wild turkey and other game were plentiful and often came near the house.
He erected a sawmill on Little Creek. The oxen, Buck and Berry, were used for work around the mill. The lumber was delivered in wagons pulled by four horses. The virgin land was lush with a heavy growth of timber and business was good. Like most of the settlers on the frontier who were in business, part of Alonzo's time was given to farming.
Alonzo's wife, Arloa, died in February, less than a year after the family arrived in Missouri. Her death was sudden. She was alone, caring for the meat that Alonzo had butchered the day before and making lard. Alonzo had gone to Bethany. On returning home he found her on the floor either dead or dying. None today seem able to recall just what happened, but some believe she died of a hemorrhage. The tragedy was a terrible shock to all the Edson family. It was a shock from which Alonzo never fully recovered. He never left Mary, his second wife, alone or allowed her to lift heavy objects. There was always a hired girl to do the housework. Decades later at the mention of Arloa's name Alonzo would leave the house and seek the solitude of a far field.
Baby Ira was left in the care of his grandmother Edson while Alonzo and the four oldest children returned to Illinois for a visit. While there Alonzo married Mary H. (Hart) Apperson, an acquaintance of many years. Mary, a Civ il War widow, had been appointed postmaster at Paradise, Illinois. It is believed the recommendation was made by President Lincoln. She served from January 27, 1865 to July 24, 1867. Her grandfather, George M. Hanson, was the first postmaster at Paradise. He served from February 18, 1830 to March 2, 1833.
The trip home to Missouri was one not soon forgotten. It was a rainy fall and the mud caused them considerab le trouble with the covered wagon. Crossing a creek in eastern Missouri the covered wagon became mired in mud up to the hubs. There was nothing to do but dig the mud from before the wheel and lay a causeway of bushes and branches. The covered wagon at last emerged. During this confusion the canary cage had tipped over and the canary had escaped. The children tried in vain to capture their frightened pet and were in tears when the wagon moved on and they had to leave it to an unknown destiny. Home was a welcome sight to the weary travelers.
Later in life Alonzo rented his farmland to others and turned to other pursuits. He had a fine orchard and did experiment al work in grafting. He was a keeper of bees. He thoroughly understood this work and the care of honey. In connection with his work with bees he introduced aliske clover in Harrison County. He owned the first sugar mill (for making sorgum into sugar) in the country. He became interested in Photography, and like all subjects that interested him, he made a thorough study of this work. One of his photographs won first prize at the World's Fair in St. Louis, Missouri. Many of his photographs and negatives are treasured by various members of the Edson family.
Through the years he kept a weather diary in an account book that showed a scientific interest in the weather. He was the legal guardian of his two stepchildren, Emma Jean and John Apperson. He was active in organizing the Masonic Lodge of Eagleville, Missouri.
There was a sewing machine in the home. It was one of the first bobbinless models and is treasured by Elmer Edson, a grandson.
Mary Edson as a housekeeper was industrious and a wife and mother was a generous giver of sympathy and encouragement.
Alonzo was known as a man of strict integrity, possessed of those religious characteristics that distinguish an honest man and a sincere professor of Christianity. He attended Methodist Episcopal services in the Edson school until the Hazel Valley Church was built. It was said of him, "He never turned anyone away who came to his door seeking food or over night lodging," and living near the trail they numbered many.
In this tree
Alonzo Smith Edson
1827 - 1904
In other family trees
Grace Family Tree Adolphus80
Barnett - Lindley Family Tree Lois_B
Lewis Family Tree lewisok1
(Daniel Edson Story by Opal Soetart)
☒
Alonzo Smith Edson was just a little tot when his parents settled in Coles county, Illinois. There at Muddy Point, he received his formal schooling in a pole school house, taught by his uncle Hull Tower.
He was married (1st) to Patience Arloa Ferguson by Rev. John W. Woods and (2nd) to Mary Hart daughter of Dr. Isaac Hart (see app.), widow of John Randolph Apperson by Uncle Joe Cavins, J. P.
There was much excitement in Coles county during the winter of 1848-49 over the discovery of gold in California . Alonzo and the men that gathered in his father's general store at Muddy Point talked and dreamed of th e riches to be had for the trip. When spring came he and several of the Smiths', relatives of his brother-in -law, Isaac Smith, had joined an organization, which was formed for mutual aid in making the long dangerous journey. The company was on the Missouri frontier in April ready to join the great tide of immigration into the untamed West of '49 for the gold fields of California. Starting the last of April they traveled westward on th e Overland Trail, a new route to California. Alonzo Edson, a husky youth of twenty-two, equipped with a rifle, pistol and knife, walked beside his team most of the time to lighten the load that must be pulled. When they set forth, their spirits were high and the evenings were spent around the camp-fire spinning yarns and singing. They followed the Santa Fe Trail until near Fort Mann, then proceeded up the Arkansas River to Bent's Fort thence northwest to the foot of the Rockies. When the Rocky Mountain region was reached Alonzo was overwhelme d at the magnificence of the scene. Near the foot of Pikes Peak they encamped to make wagon repairs and to rest the mules and horses. While the company was encamped there
Alonzo Edson (see app.) climbed to the summit of Pikes Peak. (The only known earlier ascents of the peak were made in 1820 by Dr. James, a member of Long's expedition, and in 1843 by the famous explorer, Fremont). Proceeding through the land of the savage Indian the Forty-Niners journeyed into what is now the state of Wyoming, thence westward to Fort Bridger, where they joined one of the regular westward trails to California . The desert was then before them. Crossing the desert was the most dangerous part of the trip, men and animals endured great suffering for there was no water or grass in many miles of hard travel and one of Alonzo' s mules died of starvation. They reached the gold field of California a littie over two months after leaving the Missouri frontier.
The Smiths who had accompanied Alonzo Edson to California in quest of gold, remained there for a time then immigrated to Washington Territory, settling there permanently. Alonzo returned to Coles County, Illinois in 1850. His return trip was made by ship around Cape Horn to New Orleans, then by steamboat up the Mississipp i River. While in San Francisco he traded gold he had mined for a large gold key wind watch and chain to which he fastened an 1849 dime. He brought home a piece of gold ore and some gold dust as mementos. It is believed the diary of his trip has been destroyed.
Alonzo Edson was the only member of the Edson family still living in Coles County, Illinois, when the town of Ma ttoon was established. Two railroads, the Terre Haute & Alton and the Illinois Central were under constructi on. The lines would cross on the Coles County prairie near the Historic Lone Elm that long had been a trail marker for both Indians and white man. Surveyors laid out the town of Mattoon at the railroad intersection in December of 1854. Alonzo Edson purchased on of the lots at the exciting auction held among the surveyor's pegs in a clearing of the tall prairie grass in May, 1855.
On April 27, 1854, two years after his marriage to Patience Arloa, they moved to Paradise, Illinois. Then on September 7, 1857, Alonzo purchased his father-in-law's steam mill and shingle mill and the family moved to the Ferguson farm, near Dry Grove, Paradise township, Illinois. This historic farm was the first stopping place of th e Abraham Lincoln family when they immigrated to Coles County. Hart, William B. Ferguson, William N. Smith and Gilford Lambert were employed at the mill.
A lengthy parade was held between the towns of Mattoon and Charleston, during the political campaign of 1858, for Abraham Lincoln and Stephan A. Douglas, the two candidates for United States Senator. Abraham Lincoln rode in the procession in a carriage drawn by Alonzo's beautiful team of white horses. There was much merrymakin g at Alonzo's place when many of the horsemen who were to take part in the parade, and ox-drawn covered wagons filled with Alonzo's friends came to help with the preparations for this gala day.
The Civil War started in 1861. Ulysses S. Grant the West Pointer from Galena, Illinois, assumed command of the first troops he led in the Civil War on June 1, 1861, at Mattoon. The Civil War flagpole from Camp Grant in Ma ttoon is now in front of the town's U. S. Grant Motor Inn. Alonzo Edson's second child was named Ulysses Grant Edson, but note he was born in 1855.
Alonzo Edson did not serve in the conflict. Sentiment in the country over the issue was divided. It is said two o r three thousand people sympathetic to the South held a rally in the timber five miles south of Mattoon in 1863. This places it near Alonzo Edson's home! In March 1864, a serious riot on the public square at Charleston cost the lives of several people.
When fever claimed the life of a second child in the family, Alonzo decided to immigrate to Missouri hoping the climate would be more healthful. The family started on their westward journey in April of 1866. The journey was made in two heavy laden covered wagons. One of the wagons was drawn by horses, the other was drawn by the six oxen; Buck, Berry, Tom, Jerry, Brandy and Bright. They were on the trail six weeks arriving in June.
Alonzo settled near his relatives in Harrison County, Jefferson township. The township was better known in those days as the Edson community. He built his home near the historic old St. Joe Trail. Indians passing along this trail on their shaggy ponies were a daily sight. Deer, wild turkey and other game were plentiful and often came near the house.
He erected a sawmill on Little Creek. The oxen, Buck and Berry, were used for work around the mill. The lumber was delivered in wagons pulled by four horses. The virgin land was lush with a heavy growth of timber and business was good. Like most of the settlers on the frontier who were in business, part of Alonzo's time was given to farming.
Alonzo's wife, Arloa, died in February, less than a year after the family arrived in Missouri. Her death was sudden. She was alone, caring for the meat that Alonzo had butchered the day before and making lard. Alonzo had gone to Bethany. On returning home he found her on the floor either dead or dying. None today seem able to recall just what happened, but some believe she died of a hemorrhage. The tragedy was a terrible shock to all the Edson family. It was a shock from which Alonzo never fully recovered. He never left Mary, his second wife, alone or allowed her to lift heavy objects. There was always a hired girl to do the housework. Decades later at the mention of Arloa's name Alonzo would leave the house and seek the solitude of a far field.
Baby Ira was left in the care of his grandmother Edson while Alonzo and the four oldest children returned to Illinois for a visit. While there Alonzo married Mary H. (Hart) Apperson, an acquaintance of many years. Mary, a Civ il War widow, had been appointed postmaster at Paradise, Illinois. It is believed the recommendation was made by President Lincoln. She served from January 27, 1865 to July 24, 1867. Her grandfather, George M. Hanson, was the first postmaster at Paradise. He served from February 18, 1830 to March 2, 1833.
The trip home to Missouri was one not soon forgotten. It was a rainy fall and the mud caused them considerab le trouble with the covered wagon. Crossing a creek in eastern Missouri the covered wagon became mired in mud up to the hubs. There was nothing to do but dig the mud from before the wheel and lay a causeway of bushes and branches. The covered wagon at last emerged. During this confusion the canary cage had tipped over and the canary had escaped. The children tried in vain to capture their frightened pet and were in tears when the wagon moved on and they had to leave it to an unknown destiny. Home was a welcome sight to the weary travelers.
Later in life Alonzo rented his farmland to others and turned to other pursuits. He had a fine orchard and did experiment al work in grafting. He was a keeper of bees. He thoroughly understood this work and the care of honey. In connection with his work with bees he introduced aliske clover in Harrison County. He owned the first sugar mill (for making sorgum into sugar) in the country. He became interested in Photography, and like all subjects that interested him, he made a thorough study of this work. One of his photographs won first prize at the World's Fair in St. Louis, Missouri. Many of his photographs and negatives are treasured by various members of the Edson family.
Through the years he kept a weather diary in an account book that showed a scientific interest in the weather. He was the legal guardian of his two stepchildren, Emma Jean and John Apperson. He was active in organizing the Masonic Lodge of Eagleville, Missouri.
There was a sewing machine in the home. It was one of the first bobbinless models and is treasured by Elmer Edson, a grandson.
Mary Edson as a housekeeper was industrious and a wife and mother was a generous giver of sympathy and encouragement.
Alonzo was known as a man of strict integrity, possessed of those religious characteristics that distinguish an honest man and a sincere professor of Christianity. He attended Methodist Episcopal services in the Edson school until the Hazel Valley Church was built. It was said of him, "He never turned anyone away who came to his door seeking food or over night lodging," and living near the trail they numbered many.
In this tree
Alonzo Smith Edson
1827 - 1904
In other family trees
Grace Family Tree Adolphus80
Barnett - Lindley Family Tree Lois_B
Lewis Family Tree lewisok1
(Daniel Edson Story by Opal Soetart)
☒