Joseph Bidwell
Joseph Bidwell, farmer, P.O. Rosedale. Elisha and Dorotha Bidwell, parents of the subject of this sketch, settled in Madison County about the year 1814. To them were born seventeen children, eight of whom are now living, viz., Mahlon s., Addison, Nathan, Mary, Jackson, Augustus, Leonard and Joseph. They remained in Madison County until their decease. Joseph Bidwell, subject of this sketch, was born September 6, 1832 in Canaan Township, Madison County. In November, 1859, he married Miss Lucetta J. Morse, daughter of Isaac and Lois Morse, by whom he has two children — Ellsworth and Jennie. She died in February, 1868. He again was married in February, 1873, to Martha J. Paugh, daughter of Solomon and Roxanna Paugh. To them have been born two children, viz.: Walter and Clarence. Mr. Bidwell is a member of the F. & A. M. Lodge at Plain City, and the owner of 159 acres of land. He resides in the southeastern portion of Pike Township.
From HISTORY OF MADISON COUNTY - W. H. Beers [Chicago, 1883]