John P. Aylsworth, one of the progressive and representative citizens, as well as prosperous and energetic farmers of Whiteside County, residing on section 27, in the township of Prophetstown, and the proprietor of 444 acres of land in the township, was born in Oneida County, Lee Township, New York May 19, 1841. His father, John B., was a carpenter and joiner by occupation, and died in the State of New York March 3, 1877. His mother died when John P. was four years of age, leaving two children of which the subject of this notice is the oldest.

In 1865 Mr. Aylsworth came West and located in Prophetstown Township. He worked b y the month two years on a farm, then rented land two years, when he purchased 221 acres of the farm on which he at present resided, and to which he has added by sub sequent purchases until at the present time he is the proprietor of 444 acres. He rents a portion of his land and cultivates the remainder. He makes a specialty of Short-horn cattle and Clydesdale, Morgan and English coach horses. He has one thoroughbred bull, registered number 19,765, raised in Lexington, Ky. He has some 15-16ths and others ½ and ¾ bloods, and in all has 83 head of cattle and 18 head of horses. He has a fine stallion named Clyde, ½ Black-Hawk Morgan and ½ Clydesdale, which he raised from a colt. He has also sold a number of fine horses. He has a nice flock of sheep, usually numbering about 50 head, and also about 100 head of hogs.

Mr. Aylsworth was united in marriage in Sterling, this county, Dec. 25, 1866, to Miss Helen Field. She is a daughter of Samuel and Olive (Paddock) Field, born in Ava Township, Oneida Co., N. Y., April 21, 1851. They have three children, Eva Anna born Oct. 3, 1868; Ella Evangeline, born Feb 15, 1873; George Samuel, Jan. 217, 1883.

Portraits & Biographical Pg 357 - Contributed by Marji Turner