Brainard Orton was born in Oneida county, New York, July 21 1803
and came to Illinois in 1835, and settled in Knox county. In 1837 he came to Lyndon.
Mr. Orton married Miss Hannah Smith, September 15, 1828. Their children were:
Of these Henry E. died June 2, 1841; Larue P., February 19, 1859;
Albert E., August 25, 1846; Hannah N., June 5, 1845;
Brainard E., died April 22 (29), 1877. The latter died at Boulder City, Colorado, with that terrible scourge, consumption.
He was one of the first manufacturers of Sterling for many years, being an active member of the "Williams and Orton Manufacturing Company, and was a thorough emchanic and business man. He carried with him as he went on his search for health in the pure air of the Rocky Mountain country, the kind wishes of his large circle of acquaintances, all hoping that he would return with health perfectly restored; but the destroyer had too firm a hold, and he had to yield; his family went with him, and remained in Colorado until his death;
he married Miss Julia A. Mann; children, Larue, Ralph, Miles, Grace, and Robert.
Mathew C. married Miss Alice Clifford; children, Mary, Alice, and Jennie C.
When Deacon Orton came to Lyndon he secured a large farm, and for that period engaged extensively in the dairy business. He sold his farm a number of years ago, and moved to Sterling where he still resides. With his two sons, Brainard E. and Mathew, he has contributed greatly toward developing the manufacturing capacities of Sterling.
Bent & Wilson History 1877
Brainard E., born October 23, 1833;
Henry E., born July 16, 1835;
Larue P., born May 23, 1839;
Albert E., born November 3, 1840;
Mathew C., born August 10, 1843, and
Hannah N., born February 1, 1845.
