Biographies

ALEXANDER W. LYNN, one of the leading farmers of Gladstone Township, Henderson County, now living on the southwest quarter of section 10, township 10, range 5 west, is one of the native sons of this county, and a worthy representative of one of its honored pioneer families. His father, Ezekiel W. Lynn, was born in Hartford, Conn., in 1807.

His parents were also natives of the Nutmeg State, and had a family of eight children, namely: David, Samuel W., James, Asher, John, Mrs. Almira Brainard, Ezekiel and Mrs. Prudence Cook. Ezekiel W. Lynn spent the first twenty-five years of his life in his native State, after which he determined to try his fortune in the West. He came to Henderson County, Ill., in 1832, among its very first settlers. There were few pioneers in the county at that time; the greater part of the land was still in possession of the Government, and all seemed wild and unimproved. Here Mr. Lynn embarked in farming, and also built a sawmill, which he operated through the spring and fall seasons, when there was a sufficient water supply.

In the spring of 1837, he returned to Connecticut and was united in marriage with Miss Olive Harvey, a daughter of Elisha and Rachel (Whitmore) Harvey, both of whom were natives of Connecticut. Her father died in 1846. His wife passed away April 10, 1826. In their family were the following; children: Asahel, born May 4, 1801; Mrs. Cynthia Bailey, September 22, 1802: Edwin, June 8, 1804; Annie, February 8, 1806; Elisha H., in 1809; Mrs. Olive Lynn, May 26, 1814; and Mrs. Almira Clark, June 18, 1817.

After his marriage, Ezekiel W. Lynn returned with his bride to Henderson County, where they spent their remaining days. He carried on farming until his death, which occurred on the 4th of March, 1871, at the age of sixty-four years. His wife passed away in 1846, and they were both interred in the South Henderson Cemetery. Their family numbered six children: Alexander W.,born January 29, 1835; Charles Ezekiel, August 10, 1839; Mary O., October 1, 1841; Mrs. Harriet C. Tweed, February 25, 1843; George H., November 18, 1844: and Mrs. Olive A. Torpin, born September 29, 1846.

The history of pioneer life is familiar to our subject in all its details, for he was reared 0n the frontier, aided in the arduous task of developing new land, and has gone through the other experiences of those early days. He had no special advantages in his youth, but has always made the most of his opportunities, and has thus met with fair success in his undertakings. On the 18th of November, 1861, Mr. Lynn was united in marriage with Miss Sarah A. Applebey, and to them were born three children, Mariette, Martha and Chauncey, but the last-named died when quite young. The mother of this family was called to her final rest on the 10th of December, 18S0, and her remains were interred in the South Henderson Cemetery.

Mr. Lynn has throughout life followed the occupation of farming. He was reared to that pursuit, and has made it a business whereby he has provided for the wants of himself and family. He now owns a good farm of one hundred acres of arable land, which he has placed under a high state of cultivation, and which he has improved with good buildings and modern accessories and conveniences, making it one of the valuable places of the neighborhood. He holds membership with the Methodist Episcopal Church, and since casting his first Presidential vote for Abraham Lincoln, has been a stanch supporter of the Republican party and its principles. His entire life has been passed in Henderson County, and as one of its honored pioneers and highly respected citizens he well deserves representation in this volume.

From the Portrait and Biographical Record of Hancock, McDonough and Henderson Counties, Illinois : containing biographical sketches of prominent and representative citizens of the county (1894)
May, 1894. Lake City Publishing Co.