BIOGRAPHY - CHARLES JORDAN
Charles A. Jordan, who cultivates a good farm of three hundred and twenty acres on section 24, Drummer township, a part of his father's estate, is a representative of one of the old and prominent families of Ford county. He was born in this county, February 3, 1859. About five years before his father, Andrew Jordan, had settled here, having, however, previously lived for a time in Cass and Champaign counties. He was born in Louisville, Kentucky, August 28, 1828, and was of Scotch-Irish descent. He was reared to the occupation of farming and throughout his entire life followed that pursuit. On leaving the south, he took up his abode in Cass county, Illinois, where he resided for a time and later removed to Champaign county, where he made his home until coming to Ford county in March, 1854. He found a district here largely wild and unimproved and with its early development and progress was closely associated. He first purchased one hundred acres of land but to this added from time to time as his financial resources increased until he became the owner of eleven hundred acres. A part of this he sold prior to his death, owning, however, at the time of his demise eight hundred acres of rich and valuable Illinois farm land. He was a man of resourceful business ability and did not confine his efforts entirely to agricultural pursuits but also became identified with the industrial interests, owning the largest brick and tile factory in this part of the county. He gave two hundred thousand brick to the church in which he worshiped. He was interested in all that pertained to the material and moral development of the community and his influence was ever found on the side of right and progress.
In the district schools at Wantwood Charles A. Jordan pursued his education to the age of seventeen years, after which he devoted his entire time to work upon his father's farm. He had previously received training in that line of activity through the assistance which he had rendered in the development of the fields in the periods of vacation. Having reached man's estate, he chose as a companion and helpmate for life's journey Miss Gertrude Caldwell, a daughter of Michael Caldwell, of Dix township, who was a successful farmer. The wedding was celebrated in October, 1882, and unto Mr. and Mrs. Jordan have been born the following named: Moses Edwin, who is now a widower and has one son; Bessie May and Charles Elmer, both of whom are deceased; Olive Belle, living at home; John Loyd, who was killed by the cars; Ralph, who attends school; Julia Gertrude, now deceased; and Walter, also at home.
Since his marriage Mr. Jordan has devoted his entire time and attention to general agricultural pursuits and stock-raising. He makes a specialty of Percheron horses and has owned and sold some very fine specimens of this breed. He cultivates three hundred and twenty acres belonging to his father's estate and in his farm work has been very successful, the splendid appearance of the place indicating his careful supervision and practical methods. He belongs to the Court of Honor and to the Christian church. His political preference is for the republican party and he has served as school director. He has never sought office, however, as a reward for party fealty, for he finds that his time and attention are fully occupied by his complex business duties. A resident of the county for almost a half century, he has been a witness of much of its growth and development and his labors have been an element in its substantial development. The Jordan family has ever figured among the prominent and leading citizens of the community and as such Charles A. Jordan is well known.
Extracted 19 Oct 2016 by Norma Hass from History of Ford County, Illinois, From Its Earliest Settlement to 1908, author E. A. Gardner, Volume 1, pages 426-428.
