Addison Bidwell, a farmer, is a son of Elisha and Doratha (Willey) Bidwell, both natives of Vermont.  The family moved to Madison County, Ohio, in 1812, and settled upon 160 acres of military land now embraced in the limits of Canaan Township.  He subsequently located on the Little Darby in Pike Township, where he put up the first saw mill erected in this part of the country, which he operated for many years.  While felling a tree from the forest to complete the erection of his log cabin in Canaan Township, his right arm was caught and terribly crushed, which left that member a cripple for life.  There being no surgeons at that time, his arm was bandaged by the settlers, and all aid extended which willing hearts could bestow.  He subsequently became one of the largest and most extensive stock-dealers of the times.  He cut and sold timber that built many of the first houses of that county.  The first cattle's sale in Madison County was made by him.  He was the father of seventeen children, fifteen of whom lived to be men and women.  The subject of this sketch was born on the homestead in Madison County, Ohio, June 18, 1822.  He was married in the same county September 14, 1843, to Miss Mary A., daughter of John Kennedy, a pioneer family of Madison, where she was born.  Seven children born to this union are all living, viz. : Elizabeth, wife of S. Holycross, Jasper N., John Q., Alvina, wife of George Fenner, Rosena, wife of M. Guy, Howard, and William H., residing with his parents at home.  Mr. Bidwell is connected with the Church Universal of Plain City, and is one of the oldest and respected pioneers of the county.