Elisha Bidwell
Elisha Bidwell settled in the southwest part of Canaan Township, on land since owned by William D. Wilson, about 1816. Of his children, Isaac, deceased; Nathan, now living in Jefferson Township; Uriah deceased; Ephraim, deceased; Addison, married and lives in Monroe Township; and Mahlon, who never married. Mr. Bidwell was a man of excellent character, and took a great interest in educational matters and the general good of the community; but as a business man, was not very successful, yet his children grew up and have become quite successful business men.
From History of Madison County - W. H. Beers [Chicago, 1883]