**************************************************************************** File contributed to the Fulton County ILGenWeb Project Copyright 2008, all rights reserved. These electronic pages cannot be reproduced in any format without the written consent of the author at http://fulton.ilgenweb.net. **************************************************************************** Source: Portrait and Biographical Album of Fulton County Biographical Publishing Co., Chicago, 1890 **************************************************************************** The Biography of Josiah T. ATHEARN Pages 603-604, transcribed in full by Danni Hopkins [Surnames: ALLEN, ATHEARN, MYERS, SENCE] JOSIAH T. ATHEARN. The land owned and occupied by this gentleman consists of ninety-three acres in Deerfield Township, fifty-three being on section 34, and forty on section 35. The farm is well stocked, is under fine cultivation, and bears the various improvements that are expected of a good farmer in this age of the world. A visitor to the place during the proper seasons will see in use thereon the Osborn binder, Buckeye mower, and many other useful machines which expedite the housing of grain or the cultivation of the crops. He will also find ten head of horses, sixteen of cattle, and a drove of about thrity-seven hogs. The father of our subject was William Athearn, a native of Maine, and his mother was Sarah (Allen) Athearn, a native of Kentucky. This couple came to the Prairie State about 1835, first locating in Bernadotte Township, this county, and thence removing to Deerfield Township, where they died in 1868. They were the parents of five sons, of whom our subject is the youngest, he having been born in Deerfield Township, May 3, 1839. He pursued his studies in the district school and assisted his parents in various ways until he had reached his majority, when he began his personal career as a farmer on his father's land. Young Athearn continued his agricultural labors until October, 1861, when he could no longer resist his country's call, and became a member of Company D, Fifty-fifth Illinois Infantry. He was present at the surrender. he fought at Arkansas Post, Jackson, Shiloh and Mission ridge, helped to raise the siege at Chattanooga, and in various skirmishes and heavy engagements bore his part as a good soldier should until he reached Atlanta, where he was discharged, November 9, 1864. During the battle of Shiloh, a ball passed through the knee of his pantaloons, that being the closest he is aware of having come to a serious injury. Upon leaving the service Mr. Athearn returned to this county and resumed his former occupation, renting land of his father until 1869. He then went to Riley County, Kan., filed a homesteader's claim to one hundred and sixty acres of land and bought forty acres. He resided upon his homestead until 1875, when he sold his forty-acre tract and returned to this county, renting eighty acres in Lee Township, which he operated a year. He next located on the Spoon river in Deerfield Township, continuing to reside there until 1880, when he bought the estate he now occupies. At the home of the bride, January 27, 1870, the rites of wedlock were celebrated between our subject and Miss Susannah C. Myers. This estimable and efficient woman is a daughter of Joseph and Susan (Sence) Myers, and was born in Deerfield Township July 5, 1844. She had borne her husband two sons and three daughters--Algermon S., Frank E., Jenny M., Elsie S. and Eva Pearl. The eldest daughter died when a little more than two years old, but the others still gladden their parents by their presence at the home fireside. A peacable and law-abiding citizen, a kind neighbor and a good farmer, Mr. Athearn receives his due measure of respect from those about him. He is now serving his third year as School Director, a fact which speaks well for his interest in the cause of education. He never fails to vote the straight Republican ticket, but otherwise takes little part in politics.