My Genealogy Hound

Below is a family biography included in The Portrait and Biographical Record of Randolph, Jackson, Perry and Monroe Counties, Illinois published by Biographical Publishing Co. in 1894.  These biographies are valuable for genealogy research in discovering missing ancestors or filling in the details of a family tree. Family biographies often include far more information than can be found in a census record or obituary.  Details will vary with each biography but will often include the date and place of birth, parent names including mothers' maiden name, name of wife including maiden name, her parents' names, name of children (including spouses if married), former places of residence, occupation details, military service, church and social organization affiliations, and more.  There are often ancestry details included that cannot be found in any other type of genealogical record.

* * * *

EDMUND S. LYBARGER, who for many years has successfully engaged in farming in Randolph County, has the honor of being a native of Illinois, for he was born in Kaskaskia, September 26, 1826. He is the fifth in order of birth in the family of Samuel and Mary (Taylor) Lybarger. His father’s family came from Pennsylvania. Edmund lost his mother when he was only about eight years of age, and he was taken to live with Mr. Van Zant, of Chester, who cared for him until he had attained to man’s estate. His educational privileges were quite limited, for during his youth his time was largely taken up with farm work.

Attracted by the discovery of gold in California, in 1850 Mr. Lybarger crossed the plains to the Pacific Slope. He worked in the mines for nearly four years, and during that time made considerable money, returning to his Illinois home with $5,000. He remained here through the winter, and in the spring of 1855 again went to California, where he spent the two succeeding years of his life. In 1857 we once more find him in Randolph County, and since that time he has continuously engaged in farming. Purchasing wild land, he at once began its development and transformed the raw prairie into rich and fertile fields, which yield to him a golden tribute in return for the care and labor he bestows upon them. He has made many excellent improvements upon his place, and in fact it is complete in all its appointments, being numbered among the model farms of the county. The owner is now well advanced in years, but he still enjoys good health and manages his own property.

On the 23d of December, 1855, was celebrated the marriage of Mr. Lybarger and Miss Helen Richardson, daughter of Robert H. and Prudence (Tanner) Richardson. Her father came with his parents from South Carolina to Chester, Ill., at a very early day. The Tanner family originally lived in Kentucky. Unto our subject and his wife were born nine children, viz.: Mary; Robert R., of Arkansas; Esther B., wife of Dr. Dinsbeer, of St. Louis; Oscar W., of St. Louis; Commodore C, who died in 1888, at the age of twenty-one; Henry, who aids in the cultivation of the home farm; Lillian P., wife of Joseph Hickman, a farmer residing near Ellis Grove; Eleanor and Helen Maud, who are still under the parental roof.

In politics, Mr. Lybarger has been a life-long Democrat and a warm advocate of the principles of the party, although he has never sought or desired the honors or emoluments of public office. He belongs to the Presbyterian Church, and his wife is a member of the Baptist Church. They are worthy people, whose well spent lives have won them many friends throughout this community.

* * * *

This family biography is one of 679 biographies included in The Portrait and Biographical Record of Randolph, Jackson, Perry and Monroe Counties, Illinois published in 1894.  View the complete description here: The Portrait and Biographical Record of Randolph, Jackson, Perry and Monroe Counties, Illinois

View additional Randolph County, Illinois family biographies here: Randolph County, Illinois Biographies

Use the links at the top right of this page to search or browse thousands of other family biographies.