Henry Bascom Edmonson

EDMONSON, BURTON, FREEMAN, PAUL, CAMPBELL, WOODS, MEEK

Posted By: Fran Hunt, Volunteer
Date: 10/4/2001 at 07:22:57

From the Portrait and Biographical Album of Jefferson and Van Buren Counties – 1890 County
HENRY BASCOM EDMONSON
Henry Bascom Edmonson, who is engaged in farming and raising stock on Section 29 Washington Township, Van Buren County, is a native of Kentucky, the youngest of eight children, whose parents were Alfred O. and Kitty Burton Edmonson. The family was founded in America during colonial days in all probability, yet little is known concerning its early history. A.O. Edmonson was born in Maryland, in 1803, and grew to manhood in his native state, learning the trade of a tailor in his youth. When a young man he left his old home and became a resident of Kentucky where he formed the acquaintance of Miss Burton who was born in that state in 1808. As the fruits of their marriage eight children were born but only four of the number are now living: Anna E., wife of J.F. Freeman, who reside nears Sacramento California; William who was drowned in the Des Moines river, breaking through the ice on December 3, 1867; Harriet wife of G.W. Paul of Idaho; Susan C. and Mary H. both deceases; Irene S., wife of W. Campbell of California; Henry B. of this sketch and George A. who died in childhood, and an infant deceased. The two youngest were born in this county and all the deceased were here buried. The father accompanied by his family came to Van Buren County in the spring of 1843, and the following year settled upon the farm where our subject now resides. He continued to engage in agricultural pursuits until his death, which occurred in April 1865. His wife who survived him about five years, died in August 1870. Both were members of the Methodist Episcopal Church.
The subject of this sketch was born in Scott County Kentucky, November 26, 1842, and was reared to manhood upon his father’s farm in his native county, but at the age of twenty years he left home to enlist in the service of his country, becoming a member of Company I, Nineteenth Iowa Infantry, on August 6, 1862 commanded by Capt. S.E. Payne. He mustered into service at Keokuk and assigned to the Thirteenth Army Corps after which he proceeded with his regiment to the frontier in Arkansas, where he remained about six months. Making his way southward he then participated in the siege and capture of Vicksburg, after which the regiment marched to New Orleans. He took part in all the engagements in which his regiment participated, including the hard fought battles of Prairie Grove, siege of Vicksburg, Yazoo City, the battle of Sterling Farm and the siege and capture of Spanish Fort. At Prairie Grove he was wounded in both hips by musket balls and thus disabled for service for about three months. Although he has never fully recovered from the effects of the wounds, on partially regaining his health and strength he at once joined his command. At the battle of Sterling Farm almost the entire regiment was captured, only twenty escaping, among whom, was Mr. Edmonson. After three years of faithful service in which he was ever found at his post of duty ably defending the old flag, he received his discharge in Mobile Alabama on July 10, 1865.
When the war was over, Mr. Edmonson returned to his home and resumed farming on his father’s farm. Later he purchased the interest of the other heirs in the old homestead and is now the owner of three hundred and twenty acres of well cultivated land upon which are many fine improvements including a commodious and tasty residence, substantial outbuildings, etc. Fences divide the land into fields of convenient size, and as the result of the industry and enterprise, both of which are prominent characteristics of the owner; he is now one of the substantial citizens of the community. In addition to the cultivation of the land he also gives considerable attention to the raising of stock, making a specialty of thoroughbred merino sheep from which he shears eleven and twelve pounds to the fleece. He also keeps on hand thoroughbred Berkshire hogs and his own farm stock is in keeping with that already mentioned.
On January 7, 1868, Mr. Edmonson was united in marriage with Miss Sarah L. Woods, daughter of A.H. and Elizabeth Meek Woods of Van Buren County. They hold a high position in the social world, ranking among the respected citizens of the county. Mr. Edmonson has taken considerable interest in civic societies, now holding membership with the Odd-Fellows, of Vernon and also belongs to Shriver Post, No. 177, G.A.R. of Mt Vernon. He was also an active member of the Grange and of a society for the prevention of theft, known as the Anti Horse-Thief Society. In political sentiment he is a stalwart Republican and has frequently served as delegate to the county convention, while for six years he has held the office of County Commissioner, proving an able official. Churches, schools and all laudable institutions receive his hearty support and he may well be ranked among the representative men of Washington Township.
I am not related, and am only copying this for the information of those who might find this person in their family.