A. C. BARTLESON, proprietor Oaktown Saw Mills and farmer, Oaktown, was born December 6, 1827, in Stark County, Ohio, the second child born to John and Mary W. (Chapman) Bartleson. He received but a meager education in the schools of Morgan County, Ohio, his parents removing there when he was small. At the age of ten years, he was hired out to a man to work on a farm, and was thus engaged for six months, receiving but $3 per month for his services. In 1843, he came to Pulaski County with his parents, and he now owns the old homestead on which they first settled. He has given most of his attention during life to farming pursuits. He now owns over 2,000 acres of land in this county and 80 acres in Massac County. Most of this he runs himself, and part he rents. In 1871, he built, in connection with other parties, his present saw-mill, which gives employment to from fifteen to forty men. He owns several buildings surrounding the mill, which are used as dwelling houses by his employees. He also runs a general store at Oaktown, and also the post office; and is also freight agent of the Wabash Railroad at this point. In 1849, he was married to Nancy Kitchel, who died in 1852 the mother of two children, one living — John F., born in 1850. He was married a second time in 1862 to Susan M. Wilson, a daughter of William W. Wilson, of Ohio. Mr. and Mrs. Bartleson are the parents of six children, five of whom are living — Wilson W., George A., Mary A., Nancy L. and Hugh B. In June, 1846, our subject and father enlisted in the Second Illinois Infantry, in the Mexican war. The father was afterward elected Lieutenant of the company. He was killed at the battle of Buena Vista. Augustus served out his year of enlistment, and returned home in July, 1847. In 1853, he went to California, and was engaged in mining, etc., until 1857. He is a member of A. F. & A. M., Grand Chain Lodge, No. 660. In 1858, he was elected Sheriff, and served two years. He was re-elected to the same position in 1862, and served a like period. In politics, he is a Democrat. He has a residence and a small fruit farm in Villa Ridge, where he resides a part of the year.
Extracted 02 Nov 2014 by Norma Hass from 1883 History of Alexander, Union and Pulaski Counties, Illinois, Part V - Biographical Sketches, pages 299-300.
| Union | Johnson | |
| Alexander |
 |
Massac McCracken KY |
| Ballard KY |
