Transcribed by Larry Fearneyhough
Page 98
Almost in the heart of the Blue Grass state M. B. Edmonson first saw the light of day in Clark county, Kentucky, June 3, 1847. His life differed but little from the lives of the neighbor lads with whom he played, less it was in the principles of genuine honesty, sobriety and perfect manhood which were early taught him by his parents, and which, in after years have enabled him to steer clear of the reefs and shoals of misfortune and disaster. He was reared on a farm and his education was acquired at the district schools of his home county.
When quite a young man he came to Scott county, Illinois, and February 7, 1871, he was united in marriage with Miss Isabella Smithson, youngest daughter of the late William D. Smithson. The day of their marriage, as a sort of a wedding tour, they returned to the "Old Kentucky Home" and remained there until October, when they came back to Illinois and commenced housekeeping upon the eighty acres of land upon which they have resided. To Mr. and Mrs. Edmonson have been born eight children, four boys and four girls, all of whom are now living.
During the years of his residence in Scott county Mr. Edmonson, by his thrift, energy, economy and close application to business, has succeeded in acquiring 700 acres of splendid land. Politically he is a democrat, contributing his mite in the great battle of the masses against the classes; although he has never sought political honors. Since 1890 he has been school treasurer of Township 14, Range 13, and has so carefully managed the affairs of the office and guarded the interest of the people that he is continued in the office year after year.
He stands for all that is good and noble in life. He, his wife and three of his children, are members of the Baptist church in Winchester, joining in 1895. His life is an outward evidence of his professions and as he is met in the discharge of his everyday duties one can but feel that his community is better because he lives there. Faithful to his friends and his obligations, true to himself and his family, M.B. Edmonson has builded for himself a character and a reputation that will safely weather the storms of life.