Faxton Sanford is a farmer on section 11, Taylor Township, and has been a resident of Ogle County since 1845. He was born in the state of New York, March 18, 1823, and is a son of Hiram and Phebe (Sanford) Sanford, who were natives respectively of the States of Vermont and New York. They were both of English descent, and their union in marriage took place in the first named State. About 1823, they went to Vermont, and from there they removed to Ohio, coming from the Buckeye State to Illinois in 1845. They made their first settlement in Taylor Township and located on a farm on section 9. They died in the Township of Pine Rock, respectively, Oct 18, 1884, and Oct 31, 1883. They had a family of eight children. At the time of their deaths they were members of the Methodist Church, formerly having belonged to the Christian Church.

Mr. Sanford grew to the estate of manhood in Ohio. Until he was 16 he was a pupil in the common schools, and at that age he went to learn the trade of a blacksmith. He passed about five years in his apprenticeship, and at the end of that time went to work in his own interest at the business. After passing one year in Ohio, operating as a blacksmith, he came to Ogle County, and went to Grand Detour, where he obtained employ in the plow shops, remaining there about two years. He then built a shop of his own and operated at Carthage. Meanwhile he bought the farm he now owns.

His union in marriage to Miss Maria M. Bly occurred March 31, 1853. She was born March 28, 1833, in Chenango Co., N. Y., her parents, Thomas and Nancy (Tanner) Bly, being natives of Connecticut and were there married. They went thence to Virginia and from there to the county where their daughter was born. The father died, and the mother came to Ogle County with her family. She settled in the township of Nashua and afterward lived with her daughter, Mrs. Sanford. She was the mother of ten children, of whom eight grew to the years of maturity. She was connected in membership with the Congregational Church.

After his marriage, Mr. Sanford settled on his farm, and after a time exchanged the place on which he at first located for that on which he has since managed his business, and of which he took possession April 2, 1861. It contains 120 acres and is well cultivated and provided with necessary and suitable buildings. The barn is one of the variety of which there are many in the township and compares favorably with the others in point of size and plan of building.

Mr. Sanford is a Republican in his political proclivities and relations. He has served three terms as a member of the County Board of Supervisors, and has officiated in several local official positions. He is deeply interested in educational affairs and has given his oldest son a collegiate education. Another son is a student at the University of Michigan, at Ann Arbor. Mr. Sanford's oldest son is the incumbent of the position of County Superintendent of Schools. The children of Mr. and Mrs. Sanford are named Fernando, Luella, Elmer, Grant and Nellie.

The value of a man like Mr. Sanford, to any community, cannot be overstated. He has secured by his own efforts a home for his family which is worthy the name and title, and having accomplished that essential work, he has given his attention to the no less essential matter of fitting his children to take their parts in the work of the world, securing to them the advantages afforded by the school system of this land. This is a work of greater moment to the generations of the future than that of mere money-making.

Thomas Sanford Family History - Ancestry.com Page 901
5810. Faxton Sanford born March 18, 1823 Poultney, Vermont. Died Nov 14, 1891 Taylor Twp, Ill. married March 31, 1853 Marian Mariah, daughter of Thomas Rathbone and Nancy (Tanner) Bly. Born March 28, 1833, died Dec 21, 1901. Mr. Sanford was taken to Ohio by his parents when a year old. In 1845 he moved to Taylor Township. IL where the remainder of his life was spent. He was a blacksmith and farmer and at various times was Justice of the Peace and Supervisor of his town. 5 children.

Contributed by Rich J. Pershell, Cole/Sanborn researcher, rpershell@aol.com

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