William P. Sargent acquired his early education in the public schools of his native county and continued his studies in Summer Hill. He was reared to farm life and in 1856 he went to Whiteside Co., IL, where he secured employment as a farm hand, remaining there for 7 weeks. He was afterward similarly employed by Elijah Burnham, of Pike Co., with whom he continued for 3 months, when he entered the employ of Cyrus H. [Silas A.?] Chandler with whom he remained until 1854. In the meantime he married Mr. Chandler's daughter, Eliza E. Chandler, the wedding being celebrated on the 5th of January, 1853.

Following his marriage, Mr. Sargent built a home in Bedford and afterward worked in his father-in-law's mill there for several years. He assisted in laying the foundation as well as building the mill, doing this work in 1852. During that time he was also a partner in a general mercantile store in Time, so continuing for 6 months, after which he sold his interest. He next turned his attention to flatboating on the Illinois River but after 2 months returned to the mill, with which he was connected for several years or until the death of his father-in-law on 20 Sept. 1864. Mr. Sargent then purchased the interests of the other heirs in the mill and removed to the old Chandler homestead, where he and his wifenow reside. He gave his attention to farming and for many years extensively carried on general agricultural pursuits. He has led a life of intense and well directed activity his unfaltering diligence and perseverence constitute the secret of his success.

Unto Mr. & Mrs. Sargent have been born 9 children: William O., Laura A., Mary E., Silas O., Arthur E., Harriet E., Martha E., Frank, and Sarah O. Of these 6 have now passed away and they are mentioned in order of death as follows: Mary E., Laura A., Silas O., Arthur E., Frank, and Sarah, all of whom were laid to rest in the Bedford Cemetery. The first son born, William O. Sargent was born June 18,1855, in the house which his father had built in 1854. The family removed to the old Chandler homestead when he was 12 years of age and there he was reared. He married Ella A. Morgan, a daughter of Walter & Catherine Morgan, and they now occupy the old homestead which was built by his father. William O. Sargent has for 12 years been agent for the Eagle Packet Company, whose boats ply between St. Louis & Peoria. Harriet E. Sargent was married March 11, 1884, to Thompson A. Landess, and they have 3 children, William A., Jessie E., and Gladys A. Their home is 2.5 miles SE of Milton. Martha E. Sargent wa married December 20, 1898, to John A. Bauer and they have one child. Their home is 2.5 miles SE of Milton and just across the road from the Landess farm. Both Mr. & Mrs. Sargent are still living upon the old Chandler homestead, he having reached the advanced age of 81 years, while his wife is now 69 years of age. She is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church and they are a worthy and prominent couple, the circle of their friends being almost co-extensive with the circle of their acquaintances. Mr. Sargent is one of the oldest settlers of Bedford and has witnessed the greater part of the development and growth of this country, taking an active interest in what has been accomplished and supporting in as far as possible every measure which he has deemed of public benefit."

Past & Present of Pike County, IL" Capt. M. D. Massie, 1906