John BURCHELL, farmer, P.O. Opdyke. This gentleman was born in Rockingham County, N.C., May 5, 1823, and was a son of John and Ruthie (Grogin) BURCHELL, both natives of North Carolina. When subject was five months old, his parents moved to Hawkins County, Tenn., and there the former received his education.

Subject assisted at home until age twenty-one, and then came to Jefferson County. He arrived in Moore's Prairie Township, November 7, 1840, and settled down about two miles from where he now lives. After nine years residence there, he came to his present farm, and now owns 280 acres, most of which is in Section 17, Town 4, Range 4 east.

Mr. BURCHELL was married, November 10, 1852, to Mary DAVIS, a daughter of Lewis and Sarah DAVIS, both natives of Tennessee. This lady died June 10, 1855, and he was married the second time, January 25, 1857, to Minerva Jane Bigham, a daughter of David and Malinda BIGHAM, also of Tennessee. This lady is the mother of ten children-

1. Harriet Alice (wife of Daniel W. Hughey),
2. James F.;
3. Artemesia Isabella (wife of James Adams);
4. Lilly E.;
5. George W.;
6. John A.;
7. Martin L.;
8. Dellie J.; and
9. Maud.

Subject is a member of the Missionary Baptist Church and a Republican in politics. 

Source: "History of Jefferson County, Illinois"
by Wm. Henry Perrin.
Submitted by Sharlet Bigham LaBarbera Aug 11, 1997