Biography - EDWARD J. FISHER

For forty years Edward J. Fisher was a resident of Hilyard township. He was a successful farmer, an energetic and capable man of business, and a citizen who never hesitated in the discharge of any responsibility that gave evidence of assisting in the promotion of the general good. An advocate of progress, he illustrated in his daily life the stimulating effect of a worthy ambition and an untiring perseverance which encouraged others to renewed effort even in the face of grave obstacles.

A native of England, Mr. Fisher inherited some of the most worthy characteristics of the Anglo-Saxon race. He was born in May, 1822, a son of Edward Fisher, Jr., who was also born in England. The father was married in the old country and a number of years later came to America with his family, first settling in Jersey county, Illinois, near Delhi. Here he entered government land which he cultivated successfully. After a few years he moved to Madison county and finally located in Macoupin county. He died in Madison county, Illinois. In his family were five children, two sons and three daughters. One of the sons, William H., was killed in the Mexican war.

Edward J. Fisher whose name introduces this sketch received his early education in England and emigrated with his parents to Illinois, which became his adopted state. He early showed a special aptitude for farming, a pursuit to which he devoted the principal years of his life, and after settling in Hilyard township, Macoupin county, he steadily advanced to a position as one of its most substantial citizens. His farm presented a neat and thrifty appearance and each year added to his prosperity. He made many improvements on his place and did not hesitate to avail himself of modern appliances, thus securing the best results with the least expenditure of time and labor.

In 1848 Mr. Fisher was married in Jersey county by Squire Fuller to Adaline Beebe, who was born in New York state October 12, 1830, a daughter of David and Catherine (Power) Beebe. The family on the paternal side is of Irish descent. The first progenitor in America came from Waterford, Ireland, and established his home in Pennsylvania. The father of Mrs. Fisher was born in New York state and the mother in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. He participated in the war of 1812 and was for many years a seafaring man, advancing to the position of captain. He also engaged in the tea business, but in 1837, having decided to take advantage of the opportunities offered in the west, he came to Jersey county, Illinois, and engaged in farming near Delhi. After a few years he returned to Philadelphia and died in that city in 1847. In his family were ten children, six sons and four daughters. Mr. and Mrs. Fisher are the parents of five children, three of whom are now living, namely: Edward J.; Mrs. Delia Bogard, of St. Louis, Missouri, who was born at Woodburn, Macoupin county; and Catherine, who is the wife of Russell Hill, of South Dakota. Edward J. was born in Alton, Illinois, September 11, 1856, and in 1881 was married to Miss Julia M. Clarkson, a native of Manchester, Illinois. Mr. Fisher is successfully engaged in farming on section 27 of Hilyard township.

Edward J. Fisher, whose name introduces this sketch, died in 1858, and the general expression of regret at his demise gave evidence of the deep respect in which he was held by the community. He was a sincere believer in the Bible and was for many years a consistent member of the Methodist church. In politics he was in full sympathy with the republican party, but was never an office-seeker. He gave close attention to his business and his life record is an illustration of the possibilities in America for men actuated by worthy aims, who make practical use of their energies.

Extracted 18 Oct 2018 by Norma Hass from History of Macoupin County, Illinois: Biographical and Pictorial, by Charles A. Walker, published in 1911, Volume 2, pages 143-144.