My Genealogy Hound

NORMAN E. LANDON. England has ever numbered many representatives among the best class of citizens of this country. There is a sterling quality about the nationality that particularly fits them for pioneer life, and we, as Americans, are greatly indebted to settlers of English origin for the rapid advancement made in our civilization. The Landon family came originally from England, and a branch of the family tree took root in American soil at a period far antedating the Revolution. Rufus Landon, the grandfather of our subject, entered the Colonial Army when but seventeen years of age and fought bravely for independence. He was one who entered Canada to relieve Arnold, who was operating against Quebec. Being a drummer boy, he served throughout the war and was under Gen. Schuyler in the northern part of the United States for some time.

Norman E. Landon was born in the town of Salisbury, Litchfield County, Conn., in 1824, and was the youngest of seven children born to Luther and Martha (Hewitt) Landon, natives also of Connecticut. Mr. Landon was a farmer by occupation and followed that very successfully all his life. His marriage resulted in the birth of the following children: John, deceased; Sarah, deceased, who was the wife of Abram Bergart; Rufus, deceased; Catherine, widow of George Eldredge; Martha, deceased, who was the wife of Harris Beckley, who is also deceased; and Norman E., our subject. All these children lived to maturity.

Norman E. Landon was reared in his native State and received but a limited education. When seventeen years of age he started out to make his own way in life, and at once began learning the carpenter’s and joiner’s trade in Kinderhook, N. Y. He remained in that section for seven years, four years of which time he was engaged in managing and contracting for himself. Later he returned to Connecticut, and for nine years worked at his trade in that State. Seeing better prospects for his trade in the West, he turned his face in that direction in 1858, and landed in Berrien County, Lake Township, Mich., where, with the exception of about three years, he has resided ever since. For the most part, he has been engaged in farming, and has followed his trade but little. The land on which Mr. Landon now resides, when purchased by him had but few improvements, but he began at once to clear, and now has one of the finest places in his section. Of the hundred and sixty acres comprising the farm, he has sixty acres finely improved, and on this a beautiful residence, out-buildings, etc.

In 1847, Mr. Landon married Miss Rebecca Allen, a native of New York, and the daughter of Harris and Clara (June) Allen, of Kinderhook, N. Y. The Allen family came originally from England, and its members became prominent citizens of the Empire State. The June family settled in New York at a very early period. Mrs. Landon was the only child born to her parents. The six children born to our subject and wife were as follows: Martha, wife of Ransom Ashcroff; Elizabeth, wife of Wellington Munson, of Cass County, Mich.; Edward N.; Clara, wife of Richmond Stahelin, of this county; and two who died in infancy. In politics, he has been a life-long Democrat, and in religion he and Mrs. Landon are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church.