ORLANDO M.D. HAM, farmer, P.O. Opdyke, was born July 4, 1840, in Jefferson County, ILL. His father, James Ham, was born 1805, in Kentucky; he died in 1845. He was classed among our best citizens. His father, Moses Ham, was also a native of Kentucky. James Ham followed farming, tanning and merchandising as his occupation. The mother of our subject, Frances T. Crisel, a native of Gallatin County, ILL., was born February 8, 1817. Her parents, Henry and Sally (Truss) Crisel, were natives of North Carolina.

Our subject has one brother living -- Christopher C., who is connected with the Mount Vernon National Bank.

Mr. Ham early turned his attention to farming, and at present owns 160 acres of good land.

He was joiend in matrimony, February 10, 1862, in this county, to Marinda E. Goodner, who was born June 28, 1838, in Washington County, ILL. She was a daughter of Elijah Goodner, and is the mother of three children, viz.,

1. Charles R., born November 22, 1862
2. Orley T., born January 18, 1868
3. Ulah Dove, infant girl, deceased.

Mr. and Mrs. Ham and children are esteemed by the community in which they live. They are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Mr. Ham holds the office of Township Collector and in politics is identified with the Republican party.

Source: History of Jefferson County, Illinois
by William Henry Perrin
Published by Chapman Publishing Co, Chicago - 1883

Submitted By: Sandy (Whalen) Bauer