Edward  Baumgardner

          EDWARD  BAUMGARDNER,  retired farmer, Hazel Dell, was born October 2, 1814, in Lawrence County, Ohio.  His ancestors were all natives of Virginia -- served in the Revolutionary war -- and were pensioned by special act of congress for meritorious service.  When our subject was sixteen years old he came with this parents to Shelby County, Ind., and there engaged in farming.  He made several trips into Missouri and Louisiana with cattle.  He was the oldest child in a large family, and his father being in straightened circumstances, he remained at home assisting in the management of affairs until he was twenty-two years of age.  In 1836 he contracted for building a portion of the Cincinnati & Indianapolis Railroad, and drove the first spike in its construction.   He then successively bought and improved several farms in Indiana, until 1853, when he came to Cumberland County, Ill, and bought a part of his present farm, then unimproved.  He has now 375 acres of land, good farm residence, a large barn and out-buildings, and an orchard of choice fruit.  He also owns a fine new residence in Hazel Dell, where he is now living a retired life.  Politically, Mr. B. is a strong Democrat and a party leader, and was elected Sheriff one term, discharging the duties of the office with credit.  He is a mna of strong convictions and fixed principles, and highly respected by his neighbors.
History of Cumberland, Jasper and Richland Counties, Illinois, 1884, pg 285-286, "Cumberland County, Crooked Creek Township".
Copied by Phyllis Miller Fleming

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