Our subject was born in the month of August, 1820, on the Isle of Man, his parents being John and Catherine (Sansbury) Bridson, who were likewise natives of that little spot on earth in the Irish Sea. His early years were passed in the home of his birth on a farm, and the practical knowledge that he thus acquired has been very advantageous to him in his work later in life. He had practically no opportunities for an education, but his keen, quick intellect and self-reliance have perhaps been of more use to him than mere book knowledge.

Shortly after his first marriage Mr. Bridson determined to try life in America, and took passage for this country on a sailing vessel from Liverpool and after a four weeks’ voyage landed in New York City and came from there directly to Illinois. For a short time he rented a farm in Brimfield Township, and subsequently came from there to Millbrook Township, and farmed as a renter for four years. He did well, laid up money and was enabled to become more independent by purchasing land for himself and bought eighty acres of the farm he now owns on section 27, paying $10 an acre for it. The land was not at all cultivated nor had it any improvements when he settled on it, and was isolated and lonely as there were no neighbors near. He actively entered upon the work of its development, broke the wild prairie sod, and did other necessary pioneer labors, and in time placed it under excellent cultivation, and has now one of the finest farms in all the township, consisting of three hundred and thirty-five acres. His home here is one of the best and most comfortable in the locality. The fine condition of his farm, whose broad acres yield abundant harvests, testifies to the hard work he has done and to his practical ability as a farmer.

Our subject has been twice married. He was first married in his native isle, to Ann Gelling, who bore him three children, namely: John, deceased; Albert, at home with his father; and Marilla, wife of Truman Lyons, of Rice County, Kan. He was married a second time after coming to this country to Marilla Kimler, who was born in Montgomery County, Ind., July 23, 18341. Her parents, Evan and Love (Walker) Kimler, were natives of Virginia, and it is said that her father was a soldier in the War of 1812. Mr. Bridson’s marriage with his second wife has brought him seven children as follows: Walker, a resident of Chicago; Hattie, at home with her parents; Ethel, wife of Frank Runyon, of Knox County; Allie, deceased; Minnie, wife of Homer Collister of Brimfield Township; Frank and Josephine with their parents.

Our subject has achieved success in life entirely through his own efforts, as he started out in the world with no other capital but stout muscles, a clear head and a brave, honest heart, and what he has accomplished by years of toil, should be an encouragement to young farmers who are just beginning where he began so many years ago. He has contributed his quota in bringing Millbrook Township to its present position as a rich agricultural center, and holds an honorable place among its most worthy pioneers. He is a man of earnest character, possessing in a full degree those sturdy traits common to the men of his native isle and as a citizen, neighbor, friend, husband and father, is all that can be desired. A man of religious principle he is identified with the Episcopal Church, while Mrs. Bridson, who is a sincere Christian, is a member of the Presbyterian Church. She comes of an old pioneer family of this county, her parents having crossed the line from Indiana to this State, in 1852.

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