Source: Portrait & Biographical Album of Whiteside County, IL
Originally published 1885 Chapman Bros., Chicago, IL

Transcribed by: Becky Jones

Page 582

A.J. Bracken, farmer, residing on section 23, Portland Township, and the owner of 240 acres of land thereon, was born on the farm where he at present resides, April 29, 1854, and has resided there ever since. His parents, Andrew T. and Mary (Crock) Bracken, were among the very earliest settlers of this county. His father was born Aug. 6, 1804, and his mother Sept. 7, 1815, in New York. They had three children, two of whom yet survive. James L. is a grain dealer in Tama City, Iowa, and married Nettie Adams. The have two children, Rachel and James. The father of Mr. Bracken died on the old homestead  Dec. 9, 1870, and the mother Feb. 22, 1882. The mother had been previously married to John Penwell, by whom she had one son, John, a farmer residing in Geneseo, Henry Co., Ill.

Mr. Bracken bought out the heirs of the old homestead, consisting of 240 acres, and now has a fine farm. Politically his father was a Republican and served several years as Supervisor, and all the boys of his family are identified with the interest of the party to which the father belonged.

Mr. Bracken was united in marriage in Portland Township, this county, June 9, 1873, to Miss Sarah Besse, daughter of William and Mary Besse. She was born in Portland Township, this county, Nov. 27, 1853.