Eighth Generation

997. James Albert Bedwell⁴⁰² was born on 9 Oct 1855 in Sullivan County, Indiana.

From Biographical Memoirs of Greene County, Ind. with Reminiscences of Pioneer Days, B.F. Bowen & Co., Indianapolis, IN, 1908, pages 998-1000:

"Among those men who by their industry and business activity have advanced the prosperity and wealth of southern Indiana, the subject of this sketch is prominent. A man of forceful individuality and marked acumen, he has had the foresight to take advantage of opportunities which presented themselves and has successfully conducted a well regulated farm.

"James A. Bedwell, ex-trustee of Stockton township, Greene county, is a native of Sullivan county, this state, where he was born October 9, 1855. His father, Elisha Bedwell, was also a native of that county, whose parents came from Virginia in the pioneer days, being among the sturdy people who braved the vicissitudes of the primeval forests in the Hoosier state when it was in its infancy. The mother of the subject was, in her maidenhood, Rebecca Jane Corothers, also a native of Sullivan county. Both father and mother passed to their reward long ago.

"The subject is one of ten children, eight of whom are living, and all leading well ordered lives, following out the precepts set them by their worthy parents.

"Mr. Bedwell was united in marriage to Marth Padgett, February 15, 1874. She is the daughter of Henry Padgett, a highly respected citizen of Greene county where the subject's wife was born and reared, and where she received a fairly good common school education, as did also her husband whose schooling was received in Sullivan county. No children have been born to the subject and wife.

"Mr. Bedwell came to Greene county in March, 1874, locating on his present farm of two hundred and thirty-one acres, four and one-half miles southwest of Linton, and he has since that time been regarded as a leading farmer and substantial citizen, having improved his farm up to the standard of those in this thriving community and showing by the careful way in which he has managed its affairs that he is abreas of the times in the matter of agricultural pursuits.

"In 1900 Mr. Bedwell was elected by the Democratic party, to which he has always been loyal, as trustee of Stockton township, and he has made a most efficient and praiseworthy official.

"The subject and wife are held in high esteem by all their neighbors and friends in Greene county and elsewhere. Mrs. Bedwell is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church."

James Albert Bedwell and Martha Padgett were married on 15 Feb 1874 in Indiana.