Jasper-Clark County IL Archives Biographies.....Eidson, William H. 1816 - 
************************************************
Copyright.  All rights reserved.
http://www.usgwarchives.net/copyright.htm
http://www.usgwarchives.net/il/ilfiles.htm
************************************************

File contributed for use in USGenWeb Archives by:
Joy Fisher http://www.genrecords.net/emailregistry/vols/00001.html#0000031 October 25, 2011, 7:20 pm

Source: See below
Author: Lake City Publishing Co.

WILLIAM H. EIDSON, M. D., a retired physician, who for many years was prominent
in the medical fraternity of Jasper County, makes his home in Willow Hill. As he
is both widely and favorably known, a record of his life will prove of interest
to many of our readers. A native of Ohio, he was born in Preble County,
September 17, 1816. His parents were Henry and Nancy (Bunch) Eidson. The family
is of English descent, and was founded in America by the grandfather of our
subject, who was born in England. He came of a wealthy family, and being the
eldest child inherited quite a large estate, but owing to political strife, he
desired to seek a home elsewhere, and when a young man crossed the Atlantic. He
located in Virginia, where he died at an advanced age. The father of our subject
was born in Bedford County, Va., March 14, 1777, and in 1812 emigrated from his
native State to Ohio, where he spent the remainder of his life. He was called to
his final rest March 21, 1847. He had served in the War of 1812, and was a
highly respected citizen. His wife, who was born in Augusta County, Va., died in
October, 1853. She was of Scotch extraction, both of her parents being natives
of Scotland, whence they emigrated to the United States.

  Our subject is the only surviving child of a family numbering four sons and
two daughters. In order of birth he was the youngest. He spent his early life
upon the farm in Ohio with his parents, remaining at home until he attained his
majority. The educational privileges afforded him were those of the common
schools. On reaching man's estate, he determined to enter the medical
profession, and to this end began studying under the direction of Dr. William A.
Limawver, who was one of the first graduates of Jefferson Medical College. After
four years thus spent in study, Mr. Eidson went to Mexico, Ind., and entered
upon the practice of his chosen profession. He there remained for about two
years, when he returned home on account of the illness of his father, who died
soon afterward.

  The Doctor then remained in Ohio for a few mouths, engaged in the practice of
medicine. Subsequently we find him in Clark County, Ill., where he practiced
medicine for about a year, after which he came to Jasper County, locating in
Willow Hill. This was in 1854. Here he opened an office and was successfully
engaged in practice until 1880, when he retired to private life, turning his
business over to his son.

  On the 16th of June, 1844, Dr. Eidson married Miss Catherine Coffman, who was
born near Hagerstown, Md., March 14, 1817. Her parents were both natives of
Germany. After having traveled life's journey together for almost forty years,
this worthy couple were separated by the death of the wife in 1883. They had a
family of three sons and four daughters, but four died in childhood. Henry A.,
the eldest, and the only son now living, was born November 9, 1846, in Mexico,
Ind., and was about eight years of age when his parents came to Jasper County.
He attended the public schools until twenty years of age, after which he engaged
in teaching for two terms in the Willow Hill schools. He served as Deputy County
Clerk, and was Deputy Circuit Clerk for three years. In 1878, he entered Rush
Medical College, of Chicago, from which he was graduated on the 24th of
February, 1880. The following day he was married, but his wife died a year
later. He then came to Willow Hill and entered upon the practice of his
profession, which he has since continued. He was again married, on the 15th of
November, 1882, the lady of his choice being Mary J. McCartney, of Neoga, Ill.,
by whom he has four children: Fannie A., William M., Harry A. and Laura A. Henry
is now one of the leading physicians of the county, and holds a high rank among
his professional brethren. The other members of the Eidson family are Catherine
E. and Laura J. The latter is now Postmistress of Willow Hill.

  Dr. Eidson, whose name heads this sketch, manifested his loyalty to the
Government during the late war by enlisting as a member of Company K,
Thirty-second Illinois Infantry, but he was only in the service a few months,
when he was obliged to return home on account of ill health. In politics he is a
stanch Republican, warmly advocating the principles of that party. He served as
County Commissioner for four years, was Justice of the Peace for a number of
years, was Police Magistrate for ten years, and has been Postmaster of Willow
Hill for almost thirty years, being first appointed to the position in 1854. He
holds membership with the Methodist Church, and belongs to Cooper Lodge No. 489,
A. F. & A. M., of Willow Hill, of which he was Master for a number of years,
while his son Henry has held that position for fifteen years. The Doctor has
been one of the most prominent and influential citizens of this community. Few
men are more widely known in this region, and none are more universally
esteemed. A long and well-spent life has won him high regard, and it is with
pleasure that we present to our readers this record of his career.


Additional Comments:

Extracted from:

Portrait and Biographical Record of Effingham, Jasper and Richland Counties
Chicago: Lake City Publishing Co.
1893


File at: http://files.usgwarchives.net/il/jasper/bios/eidson1678gbs.txt

This file has been created by a form at http://www.genrecords.org/ilfiles/

File size: 5.8 Kb