My Genealogy Hound

JOHN W. BRIDGEMAN. Among the citizens of Randolph County who have contributed their quota toward its development may be properly mentioned this gentleman, who is living in the village of Rockwood, and, who is well known for his integrity as a citizen. He is a native of this state, having been born in Gallatin County, October 28, 1820. The place of his birth is now in Saline County, owing to divisions which have been made since that time.

When our subject was a lad of fourteen years, he accompanied his parents on their removal to Mt. Vernon, where he resided until about twenty-five years old. From the age of seventeen until his marriage he was employed as a farm hand and gardener and was thus fitted to manage a farm of his own in a most profitable manner. The lady whom he married in April, 1847, was Miss Margaret, daughter of Augustus and Victoria (La Beau) Galinore, the former a native of Canada, and the latter of Peoria, this state. To Mr. and Mrs. Bridgeman have been born six children. The only survivor is Jackson, who has never married, and who makes his home with his parents.

In politics our subject and his son are supporters of Republican principles. During the Civil War they served in the Union army, being members of Company F, One Hundred and Fifty-fourth Illinois Infantry, from February 15, 1865, to September 18 of that year. Jackson had previously enlisted with Company H, One Hundred and Forty-second Infantry, with which he remained from May 13, 1864, until October 26 of the same year.

After the marriage of our subject, which occurred in Calhoun County, this state, he continued to make that locality his home until 1856, when he removed to Jefferson County, Mo., residing near Hillsboro, the county seat, for about two years. At the end of that time he came to Chester, with the interests of which he was identified for the following seven years, or until he entered the army. On his return from the war he began operating a farm on Mill Creek, and seven years later removed to a farm on Little Mill Creek, where he made his home until 1875. He then took charge of a farm near Rockwood, and twelve months later moved into the village, purchasing a home in the western part of the town, where he has since continued to reside.