posted 12-31-2008 05:03 AM            

William Amidon, whose death occurred Tuesday forenoon, as mentioned in our issue of that day, has been a resident of Hartford since its earliest history. He came here from his birthplace in Bridgeport, N.Y., in 1846, reaching the settlement Oct. 3rd of that year. The settlement at that time consisted of but three houses. Mr. Amidon at that time was twenty-one years of age. His parents had located on a farm north of the city now known as the Barney Walter farm. Mr. Amidon, who had remained east joined them on the homestead immediately upon his arrival. The next year he came to the village and helped in the saw mill. He was injured while at work there and returned east. In 1848 he came back and has lived here ever since. He took up the farm now owned by his son-in-law, John Conrad, and was married here August 20, 1848, to Emegene Dodge, who preceded him death in 1888, leaving him with two daughters, Mrs. John Conrad and Mrs. Edward Stacy, both of this city. Two years after the death of his wife Mr. Amidon was again married, to Mrs. Doretha Mowry, who survives him. The year following the death of his first wife Mr. Amidon took up his residence in this city where his home has since been.

Mr. Amidon has never actively followed any trade, although he had learned to be a repairer of watches and clocks.