Jefferson County Illinois
Biographies
 

W. Jordan 

Source: The History of Marion County, Iowa: Containing a History of the County, 
by Union Historical Company
Page 736
Submitted By: Cindy Ford

JORDAN, W.— Merchant, Pleasantvillle. The oldest merchant in point 
of residence in Marion county is the name that heads this sketch. He was 
born in Jefferson county, Illinois, on the 9th of October, 1823, and is the 
son of W. F. and Isabel Jordan, natives of Kentucky, who emigrated to 
Illinois at an early day and settled in Jefferson county, and afterward 
removed to Adams county, where the subject of our sketch was principally 
raised. His early life was that of a farmer boy. He enlisted in the First 
regiment of Illinois infantry during the Mexican War, and participated with 
his regiment in the memorable battle of Buena Vista. After his return 
from the army the family, in 1847, removed to Marion county, and with 
land warrants received for service in the Mexican War located land. He 
soon after engaged in general merchandise, and is the pioneer in his line in 
the county in business. He was associated with his brother Miles, who 
recently retired from the firm, and at the present time is associated with 
his brother W.R. Jordan and T. R. Brown, under the firm name of 
W. Jordan & Co. This business dates from the first settlement of the 
county, and at the present time are doing the largest business in their line 
in the county, and what is most remarkable, thirteen years ago they 
changed their method of doing business from a credit to cash basis, and 
since that time have not kept a credit book in the house, and in this ???? 
not only been favored themselves, but have conferred a lasting benefit on 
the community. He is a self-made man. Commencing life in straightened 
circumstances he lias, by his energy and perseverance, made for himself a 
competency, meriting and receiving the confidence and respect of his fellow 
citizens. He has been twice married; first, to Miss Susan F. Brown, 
in 1851. She was a native of Jefferson county, Iowa. Mrs. Jordan died 
in 1862, leaving four children: George W., Mary C. (now Mrs. Cheetham). 
Wm. C. and Riley D. His second marriage was to Miss Lovina Fisher in 
1863. She is a native of Ohio. By this union they have three children: 
Cora, Elmore and Thomas E.  



 



 






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