Isaiah Nurs

Isaiah Nurs was born in Bainbridge, Chenango County, New York, March 19, 1815, lived in that state until he was twenty-one years old, and then came to Peoria county, Illinois. In 1836 he bought and improved a farm on section three of Hallock township, where he has resided ever since, engaged in farming and raising stock. He was married January 1, 1838, to Miss Mary N. Hill, of Hallock Township, by whom he has four children, two sons and two daughters, as follows: Jerusia B., born October 3, 1838, former wife of H.S. Damm, of Knox county, Missouri, died in 1870; Martha E., born July 13th, 1842; Henry H., born October 26th, 1843; Newell E., born June 17th, 1848.

Mr. Nurs is not only one of the old settlers, but also one of the substantial farmers of Peoria county. He has taken very little interest in politics, but has always been a firm supporter of the Union. His oldest son lost one of his legs at the battle of Averysborough, North Carolina, while doing duty as a private under General Sherman, in the eighty-sixth regiment of Illinois volunteers. Mrs. Nurs was born October 3rd, 1813, in New Hampshire. She came with her parents to Illinois in the spring of 1834. Of the old pioneers, none are more loved and respected by their neighbors than the Nurs family. (page 81)