J. W. BRIDGEMON, an old settler of Bigelow township, was born August 1, 1811 in Wythe County, Virginia.
At age seven, he moved to Campbell County, Tennessee. and, at age 16, to Alabama where he was employed as a stage driver.
After two years, he went to Walker County, Georgia; after staying two years there, he moved to Hiawassee Purchase, Tennessee.
In Tennessee., he married Lucinda GIBSON, daughter of George GIBSON, in May, 1834. He immediately left for Missouri, but coming
to the Ohio River, he was unable to cross. He rented a farm in Kentucky for a year and then was able to come on to Missouri
where he settled in Buchanan County.
In 1845, he moved to Clay County, and in 1847 came on to Holt County, settling on the Missouri River, in East Lewis township.
He went to California in 1850, and returned in 1851; he made a second trip to California in 1854, returning the next year.
In 1857-58, he farmed in Brown County, Kansas, then returned to Bigelow township.
He has been a Democrat all his life.
He twice drove cattle from Buchanan County, to Pennsylvania, before there were railroads. He has nine children, all living.
Source: "An Illustrated Historical Atlas Map, Holt County, MO.
Published by Brink, McDonough & Co., Philadelphia, 1877
Provided by Dave Roberts of Lyon County, Kentucky,
a former Holt County resident.
