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File contributed to the Fulton County ILGenWeb Project
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Source: The Historical Encyclopedia of Illinois and History of Fulton County
Munsell Publishing Co., Chicago, 1908

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The Biography of John J. WHITEHEAD 

[Surnames: BATTERSBEE, BEBEE, DODGE, RAKER, SAVILL, WHITEHEAD] 

WHITEHEAD, JOHN J. 

    
One of the oldest and most extensive and successful farmers in Fulton County, of which he is also one of the most respected citizens, is a resident of Sect. 14, Liverpool Twp. He was born in Delph, Lancashire England, Mar. 6, 1845, a son of William and Esther Whitehead, also natives of that country. he died about 1853. She died about 1846. They were the parents of four children. The mother died in England when John J. was but six months old. One of the children, Esther, died in infancy. William Whitehead, with two sons, and one daughter came to America in 1849, landing in New Orleans. Thence they journeyed by river to the place of their destination in Liverpool, IL, where Mr. Whitehead was employed as a bookkeeper and where he resided until his death, about 1853. 
    
The children who accompanied him to the United States were:
Stanley, of Liverpool, IL
Ann, who died in 1865, and who was buried in Canton
John J., who soon after arriving in this country, was bound out to Bob BATTERSBEE. Through the aid of John CROSS, he ran away and went to Warren Co., IL, and there bound himself out to the Rev. Jerdon DODGE. With that gentleman he worked seven years for a horse and his clothing. He was subsequently employed by the month until the outbreak of the Civil War. He then enlisted in the 1st Battalion, Yates Sharpshooters, and was transferred to the 43rd United States Regiment, and then to the 1st Regiment United States Infantry, in which he served during the war. He was wounded at the battle of Corinth, and was honorably discharged in 1865. He returned to Liverpool and worked by the month, on a farm, for three years. He afterward bought a farm, an 80 acre tract in Sect. 13, Liverpool Twp. To this he added 120 acres in Sect. 14, 110 acres in Sect. 23, and 40 acres in Sect 13, 160 acres in Sect. 12, and four blocks on Liverpool Island. 
    
Beginning his career as a boy bound out to another, he laid aside his work to serve his adopted country in her hour of extreme necessity, making a gallant record as a soldier. The farm is now operated by his sons, under their father's supervision, while he enjoys the much needed rest which he so richly deserves. 
    
On Aug. 22, 1870, Mr. Whitehead married Ellen WHITEHEAD, daugher of John and Nancy (SAVILL) Whitehead, of Lancashire, England, who came to the Unites States in the Spring of 1845, and settled in what is known as the "Four Corners," northwest of Canton. John J. Whitehead and his wife became the parents of 11 children:
William, a farmer in Liverpool Twp., b. Aug 16, 1871
Truman, born Jan 31, 1874, who lives on Liverpool Island
Nancy W., born Oct. 31, 1875, the wife of Hector BEBEE, a railroad time-keeper
Adelia P., born July 20, 1879, wife of Robert RAKER, farmer in Liverpool Twp.
Viola A., born May 25, 1882, wife of John G. Whitehead of Liverpool, IL
George B., born Oct 7, 1884, who dwells on the parental farm.
Minnie L., born Nov. 23, 1886
Roscoe S., born Nov. 9, 1888
Otis R., born Oct. 26, 1890
John Logan, born April 30, [Note: no year given]
Orval L., born May 5, 1892
The five last named are also part of the household group. All of them have enjoyed good school advantages. All were born where the father and mother now live, and those who have gone from the parental roof, are located in the near vicinity. Mr. Whitehead is a Republican, and fraternally he is connected with the Joe Hooker Camp 69, G.A.R. 
    
Both he and his wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church.