Biographies - Elmira Township

Dr. Edwin O. Boardman, son of Dr. E. R. and Hannah (Fuller) Boardman, pioneers of this township, was born here, May 18, 1855. The summers of his early years were passed on his father's farm and the winters in attendance on school. In 1871-3 he was at the East Paw Paw schools; then read medicine under the direction of his father; subsequently was a student of Rush Medical College, Chicago, and graduated in the spring of 1878. In July of that year he married Miss Mila J., daughter of Miles and Mary L. (Ames) Huestis, natives of New York. Her grandfather Huestis was a native of France, a shoemaker by trade, and her grandmother Huestis an Alsatian or Lorrainer. Her grandfather and grandmother Ames were natives of New York and were farmers of that state.

Miss Huestis was born at Victor, De Kalb county, Ill., May 20, 1858, and resided in De Kalb county until her marriage. She attended the Teachers' Institute and Classical Seminary at East Paw Paw from 1871 until 1874; from 1871 until 1877 attended the graded schools of Sandwich, Ill. Her parents died while she was quite young, leaving her to fight the battles of life alone.

Dr. Boardman commenced practice here with his father in 1878; but soon after moved to Osceola village, where he established an office and still shares the full confidence of the people.

In religious matters he belongs to the Baptist church, is tolerant as all intelligent men mast be, and fully recognizes what is good in all other denominations

The children of Dr. and Mrs. Boardman are Miles E. and Mary Alice. ( Vide History of Boardman Family)