OLIVER ALDEN, merchant, Anna, is a native of Plympton, Mass., born August 7, 1828. His father, John Alden, was a farmer, a native of Massachusetts. He was a soldier in the war of 1812. His wife and mother of our subject was born in Massachusetts, and died in her native State. They were the parents of two children, of whom Oliver was the oldest child. He was raised on a farm, and educated in the common schools. At twelve years of age, he left his home and apprenticed himself at the shoemaker's trade. When he was sixteen years of age, he gave up the shoemaker's trade and began learning the blacksmith's trade, and worked at the same in Massachusetts until he was twenty-two years of age. In the winter of 1850, he came to Illinois, and again worked at his trade until 1859. He first came to Jonesboro, Union County, in 1856, and three years later- engaged as clerk with John E. Nail, in a general merchandising store. He continued with this gentleman until 1862, when he engaged with C. M. Willard & Co. in the same business. In 1863, he bought the stock of goods of his former employer, John E. Nail, and engaged in business for himself. In 1879, he removed his stock of goods to Anna, where he is now doing a large and lucrative business. Mr. Alden was united in matrimony in 1853 to Miss Sarah Tripp, a native of Union County. She is a daughter of William and Frankie (Grammer) Tripp, who were among the first settlers of Union County. They were from Tennessee, but natives of Georgia. Mr. and Mrs. Alden have the following children, viz.: Abby, wife of L. T. Cook; Alice, wife of H. C. Bouton; Ernest (John and Thomas — twins) Oliver, Betsey, Robert, Everett and Mary. Mr. Alden votes with the Democratic party.
Extracted 02 Apr 2017 by Norma Hass from 1883 History of Alexander, Union, and Pulaski Counties, Illinois, Part V, page 57.
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