McDonough ILGenWeb

MERSHON, Dilworth C., a thriving and substantial farmer who tills the soil in Eldorado Township, McDonough County, Ill., was born in Vermont, Ill., January 16, 1861, a son of James and Sarah (Perry) Mershon, natives of Westchester County, Pa. The paternal grandfather, Henry Mershon, and Jesse Perry, the grandfather on the mother's side, were also natives of that State. James Mershon brought his family from Pennsylvania to Illinois and settled in Fulton County about the year 1850. The father then followed mercantile pursuits, and in partnership with two of his brothers engaged in business at Vermont, Ill. In this line they continued until 1860, when James Mershon disposed of his interest in the concern and came to McDonough County, where he bought a farm of 210 acres in Eldorado Township. Here he was engaged in general farming and stock-raising until his death, which took place in 1871. His widow survived him until 1887, when she also departed this life.

Dilworth C. Mershon was the fifth of a family of ten children born to his parents. Besides these there were two children of his father by a former marriage, a boy and a girl. Mr. Mershon enjoyed the benefits of the public schools near his home, remaining with his mother until she passed from earth. He then purchased 160 acres of the home place, on which he has since lived engaged in general farming. The affairs of his household are under the care of two of his younger sisters. That Mr. Mershon attends to the conduct of his farm in a thorough manner and looks closely after the smallest details of its operations, is clearly evident from the results produced by his industry and care. While not active in political campaigns, or desirous of political preferment. Mr. Mershon may be depended upon to use his influence and register his vote in behalf of the Republican party.

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Source: The Historical Encyclopedia of Illinois and History of McDonough County, compiled by Dr. Newton Bateman, and Paul Shelby, 1907, volume 2, page 958, extracted 12 Sep 2019 by Norma Hass.