Jefferson County Historical Society

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John C. Bridell, a plasterer of De Soto, is the only survivor of the 
family of ten children born to Isaac and Maria (Roach) Bridell, the 
latter a daughter of John Roach.  Isaac Bridell was a native of Maryland, 
and when a boy went to Cincinnati, Ohio, removing from there to Aurora, 
Ind.,when a young man, where he was married, and then, in 1839, settled 
in Keosauqua, the county seat of Van Buren County, Iowa which village 
then consisted of three log cabins.  In 1865 they removed to Jefferson 
County, Mo., and settled in De Soto.  Isaac Bridell was a farmer by 
occupation in early life, but later followed the plasterer's trade. 
He died March 18, 1876 and his widow January 19, 1885. John C. Bridell 
was born in Van Buren County, Iowa, May 16, 1848 and came with his 
parents to Jefferson County in 1865.  He learned his trade with his father.
He was determined to go to the war, and twice enlisted, but his father was
opposed to his going, and took him out both times. After coming to De Soto
he joined the Missouri State militia.  A brother, William, served three 
years in Company B, Second Iowa Volunteer Infantry, and participated in 
the battles of Fort Donelson, Shiloh and others, and died in De Soto in
1881. He was a policeman and watchman in De Soto for many years. December
24, 1872 John C. Bridell married Miss Eugenia Hague, daughter of Frederic 
Hague of Festus, Jefferson County. Mr. and Mrs. Bridell are the parents of
five children: Charles, Maud, James, William and Jesse.  Mr. Bridell is a 
member of the I. O. O. F., served as city marshal of De Soto one year, and
frequently serves as supply on the police force.