Source: Portrait & Biographical Album of Whiteside County, IL
Originally published 1885 Chapman Bros., Chicago, IL

Transcribed by: Becky Jones

Pages 576-577

Silas Langdon is a farmer residing on section 24, Portland Township, and is the owner of 130 acres of land thereon. He is a son of Zaphna and Mercy (Hall) Langdon, and was born on the farm where he at present resides, Aug. 13, 1855. His parents came from Massachusetts about 1845 or 1846 and located on the identical farm on which the son now lives. The father first bought 40 acres, built a log house, and entered vigorously upon the task of improving his land. The issue of their union was ten children, of whom only four at present survive, and of whom the following is a record: Sarah M. is the wife of Peter A. Jackson, a farmer in Butler Co., Kan.; Silas is next in order of birth; Perry G. is a farmer in Washington Territory; and George R. is a farmer in the same territory. The father died on the old homestead, Dec. 21, 1877, and the mother died in Elgin, this State. His father used to drive an ox team to Chicago, and sold corn at 8 cents and wheat at 15 cents per bushel. The date of his birth is Feb. 15, 1818, and he died as stated. The date of the mother’s birth is Sept. 10, 1819, and that of her death, Oct. 8, 1880.

Mr. Langdon bought out the other heirs, and now has a fine farm with good residence, barn, etc., and buys and feeds cattle for the market. He usually keeps from 30 to 40 cattle, among which are some good graded Herefords. He raises 60 to 75 hogs, mostly the Jersey Red breed.

Mr. Langdon was united in marriage in Portland Township, this county, July 4, 1877, to Miss Addie A. Booth. She is a daughter of William Booth and was born in Cattaraugus County, June 29, 1861. Her father is deceased, and her mother resides in this township with her son, Wesley Booth. They are the parents of four children, of whom the following is the record: Mark M., born Feb. 8, 1878; Edmund S., born Aug. 5, 1879; Howard D., born Jan. 9, 1881; Addie May, born Dec. 14, 1882.

Mr. Langdon has met with success in his vocation as a farmer. When he was united in marriage he was the possessor of only $60 in money, and by good judgment and energetic effort, combined with the active co-operation of his help-meet, he has attained to comfortable circumstances.