b. 21 Jan 1815

PERRY OXLEY, deceased. One by one the old pioneers of Linn County are passing away. Soon the time will come when they will live only in the memory of their descendants. The work of their hands will continue as a monument to their deeds, and of the trials and struggles through which they passed in developing Linn County from a wild, uncultivated tract of land to the rich and productive agricultural position it occupies to-day in comparison with her sister counties of the State. They must not be forgotten, and it is through just such works as this that their memories will be perpetuated. Among these old settlers there was one, who resided on section 22, Bertram Township, by the name of Perry Oxley. Coming here before the county was divided into townships, or even before the land was offered for sale by the Government, and "squatting" on a tract, he was prominently identified with its agricultural development until his death.

The parents of Perry Oxley were Everett and Celia (Scott) Oxley, natives of Maryland and Virginia respectively. After their marriage they settled in Kentucky, and there continued to reside until the father's death. The mother then removed to Indiana, and in 1844 came to this county, her death taking place in Brown Township. Six children born to the parents, named, John S., William C., Everett; Perry, M. S. and James M. Perry was born in Fayette County, Ky., five miles from Lexington, Jan. 21, 1815. He was about twelve years old when his mother moved to Indiana, where he received his schooling, and worked on the farm until he was twenty-three years old, living the while in Montgomery County. In the fall of 1837 our subject left Indiana, and, after spending the winter of that year in Illinois, came to this State, arriving here in the spring of 1838. In the fall of the latter year he settled in Bertram Township. The land at that time was not even surveyed, and he "squatted " on a tract, and when the Government placed the land in market, he purchased 240 acres, the same being located on sections 22 and 7, Bertram Township. Settling on the first-named section, he erected for himself the customary log cabin, and at once entered upon the life of a pioneer, cultivating and improving his land, and made his home there during life. Through his energy and industry the place passed from an uncultivated tract of land into a beautiful and productive farm, on which there now stands a fine brick residence, together with necessary out-buildings.

The marriage of Mr. Oxley took place in the old town of Henderson, Knox Co., Ill., June 2, 1838,. just prior to his coming to the county. He married Miss Catherine Campbell, daughter of Thomas W. and Sarah. (Moor) Campbell, natives of Maryland and Virginia respectively. Her parents were married and settled in Dearborn County, Ind. afterward removing to Illinois and locating in Knox County. They lived there for about one year, and in 1838 came to this county, and settled in Bertram Township where the father died. His good wife died at Belle Plaine, Iowa, while on a visit to her daughter. Of their union the following children were born: Catherine, Samuel, Aquilla, America, George, Squire W., Patsey, Rebecca, Matilda, Jeanette, Louisa and Sarah.

Mrs. Oxley of this notice was born in Dearborn County, Ind., Dec. 19, 1821. She continued to reside with her parents in Indiana, removed with them to Illinois, and still lived at home, attending the common schools and assisting her mother in the household duties until her marriage. Of her union with our subject eight children have been born George W. died in infancy; Celia is the wife of D. H. McDonald, a resident of Chicago; Sarah J. married J. C. Keedick, and they are living at Mt. Vernon; Eliza A. became the wife of John W. Scott, a citizen of Cass County, Iowa; Martha married B. F. Parker, and they are living in Cedar Rapids; Mary C. and George W. Grove were united in marriage, and are living in Franklin Township, this county; William C. took to wife Arvilla J. Warren, and he is a farmer of Bertram Township. Thomas C. and Miss Hattie Emmons were united in marriage, and he is engaged in farming in Bertram Township.

Mr. Oxley departed this life at his residence, Sept. 30, 1886, and his remains were interred in the Campbell Cemetery. He had held the office of Supervisor for nine years, and also other minor offices within the gift of the people of his township. He was Bailiff of the first Grand Jury of Linn County, and was the first Constable elected in the county. In politics he was a Democrat, and was one of the foremost citizens and agriculturists of the township and county, highly respected and honored by those who knew him for his sterling worth and integrity as a neighbor a gentleman and a citizen. Mrs. Oxley is the only one living of those brave-hearted women who came to this county in 1838, and it was with great pride that our subject always attributed to her a goodly share of his success in life.

Pg. 267 & 268, Linn County, 1887.

1. Oliver Hazzard (Hazard?) Perry Oxley