My Genealogy Hound

ISAAC VANORDSTRAND, of the firm of I. Vanordstrand & Co., grain, lumber, etc., Heyworth; is a native of Washington Co., Penn., and was born Feb. 11, 1824, on his father’s farm, where he lived until the age of 20; he then attended the Cross Creek Academy, where he remained about eighteen months. In September, 1845, he came West to Illinois, settling in McLean Co., and taught the Kimbler School at Diamond Grove; he then took charge of a general merchandise business for Mr. Wm. Mahon, assignee for his son John D.; his wages in this capacity were $8.38 per month, his time lacking six days of being three months, and, to complete that period, he spent the six days in the harvest field. After visiting Pennsylvania, he formed a partnership with H. J. Short and J. N. Low, under the firm name of Short, Vanordstrand & Low, general merchants, located at Short Point. In the following April, Mr. Short withdrew, and the firm became Vanordstrand & Low, who moved the business to Independence (the present site of Mr. Vanordstrand’s residence), and conducted the business until February, 1848, when he bought out Mr. Low, and conducted the business until 1850, at which time his brother John took an interest with him, the firm name being I. and J. Vanordstrand. In 1852, Mr. John Vanordstrand sold his interest to his brother Parker, who was a silent partner. In 1856, the firm sold out to J. C. Frisby, who moved the business to a town then located one and one-half miles north of the present village of Heyworth. The following winter, the store burnt down, which proved the collapse of both business and town. From 1856 to 1857, Mr. Vanordstrand was engaged in setting up his former business and the management of his farm. In 1857, he bought out J. S. and G. P. Barber, who were carrying on the grain and lumber business in Heyworth. April 8, 1858, he consolidated with Elder and Rutledge, the firm being I. Vanordstrand & Co. In 1872, Mr. Elder withdrew. In Sept. 14, 1848, he married Miss Eliza Ann Low, a native of Blooming Grove, this county, she was born April 30, 1832. They had three children; two living, viz., Willie and Craig.