COLUMBUS W. BURGOON
Columbus W. Burgoon, a farmer, was born November 16, 1837, in Knox County, in this State. He is a son of Upton W. and Mary (Lash) Burgoon, his father a native of Germany and his mother of North Carolina. In 1854, with his parents, he came to Claibourne Township, this county; he received a liberal English education, and for several years taught school. On July 27, 1862, he was united in marriage with Miss Sarah M. Benedict, who was born March 6, 1846; she is a daughter of John B. Benedict (deceased) and Julia A. Benedict, of whom we have made mention in this work. To them have been born three children - Wilson S., born June 5, 1868; Annie E., born November 4, 1870, and Clare, E. (deceased). In April 1861, he enlisted in the Seventh Illinois Volunteer Infantry, being a resident of Illinois at that time. His regiment operated principally in Missouri and Kentucky, and he continued in the service until the following September. He has served as Trustee of Jackson Township, and at present officiates as Justice of the Peace. He is a member of the I. O. O. F. and F. & A. M. fraternities.