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C. C. Bacon

C. C. Bacon resides on his present farm on section 16, Center Township, but is practically living a retired life, his land being rented. He has made his home in this county since 1862, and with its leading interests has been prominently identified, especially aiding in the upbuilding of every enterprise calculated to advance the general welfare. As a valued citizen he deserves representation in this volume and it is with pleasure that we present this sketch to the readers of the Album. He was born in Portage County, Ohio, in 1834, and belongs to an old New England family of English origin, which was founded in America during Colonial days. His great-grandfather served in the Revolutionary War. The father of our subject, H. T. Bacon, was born in New England, and became one of the early settlers of Ohio. He wedded Eliza Pennock, and from the Buckeye State they removed to Winnebago County, Ill., in 1845, locating upon an unimproved farm. The land was planted and soon abundant harvests rewarded the labor of cultivation and improvement. Up to 1860 the Illinois farm continued to be the home of the Bacon family, when they came to this county and effected a settlement in Center Township. Once more Mr. Bacon performed the arduous task of opening up a farm. He was an industrious, energetic man, a respected citizen and his death, which occurred in 1877, was lamented by many friends.  His excellent wife died the following ear in Rockford. Of their family which numbered seven children, the following are living - C. C., of this sketch; Esther, now Mrs. Millard of Rockford, Ill.; Maria, now Mrs. Capwell of Washington County, Kan.; Elmina, now Mrs. Skiller of Bickleton, Wash.; and Fanny, now Mrs. Bickle of the same place.

The first eleven years of his life C. C. Bacon spent in the Buckeye State. The days of his boyhood and youth were passed amid pioneer scenes and in the usual manner of farmer lads he was reared to manhood. In the district schools of the neighborhood he acquired a common English education and then learned the carpenter's trade which he followed in pursuit of fortune for several years. In Winnebago County, Ill., in 1859, he led to the marriage altar Miss Harriet A. Babcock, a native of New York, and a daughter of Naboth and Dolly (Robins) Babcock, who were also born in the Empire State and at an early day the father removed to Rockford, Ill. His wife died before the emigration of the family to the West and he did not long survive his removal.

A short time was spent by the young married couple in Winnebago County but soon they sought a home beyond the Mississippi, locating in West Union, in 1860. In June of 1862 Mr. Bacon offered his services to the Government and became a member of Company G, Thirty-Eighth Iowa Infantry, for three years or until the close of the war. His regiment was assigned to the Department of the Gulf and participated in the siege of Vicksburg, Yazoo River, Fort Blakely, Fort Morgan, Mobile Point and several minor engagements. In August, 1865, our subject was honorably discharged at Houston, Tex., after more than three years spent on southern battlefields in deadly conflict with the rebels.

Returning to West Union, Mr. Bacon resumed work at his trade of carpentering which he had followed previous to his enlistment, and which he continued with good success until 1867. He then determined to devote his time and attention to other pursuits and in that year purchased a quarter-section of school land, which he at once began to improve. It was then raw prairie but as the result of his characteristic energy it was soon placed under the plow and began yielding him a ready return for his labors. When he entered upon life's battle he had no capital but was dependent upon his own resources, and the work of his hands has resulted in a comfortable competence which now enables him to lay aside the more arduous business cares. As a citizen he faithfully discharges his duties. Socially he is a member of Center Post, G. A. R. of Randalia and of the Knights of Pythias, of Fayette, and in politics is a supporter of Republican principles. The Bacon family consists of our subject, his estimable wife and two children. The elder, Henry L. is married and resides in Eden Township; and Mary is now Mrs. Coselman of Center Township.