| Notes |
ORSON N., born Sept. 11, 1816, in Willsboro, Essex county, N. Y. In 1829, he went to sea and led the life of a sailor until 1835, when he was disabled by a shipwreck, making him a cripple for life. In 1837 he was attached to a government surveying party, on the northern lakes, charged with the duty of selecting sites for light-houses. At Chicago--in his own words--not finding that terrible monopoly, the railroad, to bring him here in eight hours, for six or seven dollars, he had the privilege of paying twenty-five dollars in gold for a stage ticket, enjoyed the luxury of eight days' jolting, and arrived at Springfield, Nov. 29. 1837. He was married in Rochester, Ill., Aug. 29, 1841, to Eliza A. Sherman, a native of Addison, Vermont. She is a direct descendant of Roger Sherman, one of the signers of the Declaration of Independence. They had one child, EMMA E., born May 23, 1854, and died March 30, 1855. O. N. Stafford has been in different kinds of business. He has sold dry goods, built and remodeled eighteen houses in Springfield, has been connected with the Illinois State Journal at various times for several years, was elected a member of the city council of Springfield for 1854 and 1855. He considers Springfield his home, but spends the greater part of his time at St. Augustine, Florida, engaged in the cultivation of oranges, lemons and other tropical fruits.
EARLY SETTLERS OF SANGAMON COUNTY - 1876
By John Carroll Power
Census:
- Listed as Orson N. Stafford, a shoe maker, with wife Eliza A. in the household of John and Cynthia Dryer.
- Listed as Orson N. (W?) Stafford a merchant with wife Eliza A.
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1816 - 1891 (75 years)
