BIOGRAPHY - Andrew Jordan
ANDREW JORDAN, one of the earliest settlers of Ford County and one of
her most successful farmers, now owns and operates eight hundred and eighty
acres of very fine land, his home being situated on section 13, Drummer
Township. In accordance with his enterprising and progressive spirit, his
farm is under a high state of cultivation and well supplied with excellent
buildings and good improvements, both useful and ornamental, which add to
its value and attractive appearance.
Mr. Jordan was born near Louisville, Ky., August 28, 1828, and is a son of
William and Lovica (Brooks) Jordan, both of whom were natives of Virginia
and located in Kentucky about 1818. A few years later, they removed to
Monroe County, near Gosport, Ind., where they spent the remainder of their
lives. The father died about 1855 and the mother about 1849. By occupation,
he was a farmer and ever followed that business for a livelihood. Himself
and wife were both adherents of the Baptist Church and, in politics, he was
a supporter of Democratic principles.
Our subject was fifth in order of birth in a family of twelve children. He
received but a limited education and remained with his parents until he had
attained his maturity, when he started out in life for himself. With a horse
and $15 in money, he located near Virginia, Cass County, Ill., and began
work as a farm hand, receiving $13 per month. In the fall of 1850, he
returned to Indiana, and after a short time went to Bloomington, Ill., where
he worked for about six months. He then became a resident of Cass County,
Ill., where he was engaged as a farm hand. Once more, he returned to Indiana
and subsequently located in Champaign County, having purchased one hundred
acres of land. A year later, however, he exchanged farms with his
father-in-law, receiving eighty acres, which Mr. Devore had entered from the
Government.
Mr. Jordan was married, on the 30th of November, 1852, to Miss Amanda
Devore, who was born near Gosport, Owen County, Ind., March 16, 1835, and is
a daughter of Nicholas and Polly (Hartzog) Devore, who were of German
lineage. They were also members of the Christian Church, and, in politics,
Mr. Devore was a stalwart Republican. Immediately after their marriage, our
subject and his wife settled on their farm in Champaign County, but in
March, 1854, came to their present home. From time to time, he added to his
possessions until he became the owner of eleven hundred acres, but has since
sold a portion of it and now owns eight hundred and eighty acres of valuable
land. He also owns and operates one of the largest brick and tile works in
the county and, in connection with his farming, raises a fine grade of
horses and cattle. He has been very successful in his business career and
his success is well deserved. He bore all the hardships and trials of
frontier life, however. The first home of himself and wife was a log cabin.
They did their first corn planting under trying circumstances. Mr. Jordan
would take the baby (their son William) in his arms and plow for a time,
while his wife would drop the corn. At length, he fixed a box on top of the
plow and, placing the little fellow in that, resumed his work. There were no
near markets. Paxton, Loda, Elliott, Gibson, Melvin and Sibley, all now
thriving towns, were not then laid out. They saw the introduction of all the
railroads in this part of the county and have been eye-witnesses of much of
the growth and development of this community.
Five children have been born unto Mr. and Mrs. Jordan: William, who is
engaged in farming in Sibley; James, a resident farmer of Kansas; John, who
operates the old homestead; Lizzie, wife of Dr. Campbell, a physician of Ft.
Recovery, Ohio; and Charlie, who is engaged in agricultural pursuits in Dix
Township. The parents are people of benevolent disposition, hold membership
with the Christian Church in Gibson, and take an active interest in its
work. Church and Sunday-school were held in their home and that of their
neighbors in the early days. In the fall of 1890, Mr. Jordan donated two
hundred and twenty thousand brick for the beautiful church edifice in which
he now worships, and which stands as a monument to his benevolence. The
first Township and the first Presidential elections in Drummer Township were
held in his home, in 1861.
Mr. Jordan was the first Supervisor of Drummer Township, which office he
filled for two years, and is recognized as one of the most honored and
prominent citizens of the county. His life has been well and worthily spent,
and in the faithful discharge of his duties and every trust reposed in him,
he has won the confidence and high regard of all.
Extracted 28 Mar 2020 by Norma Hass from Portrait and Biographical Record of Ford County, Illinois, published in 1892, pages 279-280.
