HARRISON AZBELL.  It is well established fact that a man of natural ability, if possessed of integrity and energy, can accomplish almost any given purpose in life.  Every day furnishes examples of men who commenced a business career empty handed, and in a brief period of time accumulated considerable fortunes.
     Our subject was one of the early pioneers of Fulton County, and resides on section 13, Pleasant Township.  His birth occurred in Belmont County, Ohio, Feb. 22, 1836, he being a son of William and Sarah (Southers) Azbell.  His paternal ancestors were from the Emerald Isle, and those on the maternal side were of English descent.  When only ten years of age, he removed with his parents from Ohio to this county, and the father settled upon the farm where our subject now makes his home.  The place at that time embraced only thirty acres of broken land, and the only dwelling place was a small log cabin, but by means of perseverance and energy the father soon had this land under cultivation.
     Our subject's parents had twelve children, of whom the following are living, viz: William, who lives in Pleasant Township; Eliza, who is now Mrs. Smith , and lives in Havana, Ill.; Alexander, who lives here; Lorenzo, who resides in Isabel Township; Benjamin in Pleasant Township; Harrison, our subject; Julia O., wife of J. H. Smith, who lives in Isabel Township; and Maria, wife of Thomas G. Linderman, of Pleasant Township.  The father died sometime in the '50s,and in his death the community lost a man who had long been engaged in advancing both his own interests and those of his neighbors.  He was a Democrat in politics.  He was widely known throughout this locality, and enjoyed the esteem and confidence of all who knew him.  Our subject's mother died several years ago.
      Mr. Azbell grew to manhood in this county, surrounded on every side by nature clothed in her primitive dress, and naturally passed through the privations and hardships common to pioneer life.  But this is a busy work-a-day world, and energy soon counts in the race of life.  At an early age turned his attention to agricultural pursuits, and has always found farm life very agreeable.  True, he his education was not very extensive, since the ad vantages offered young people in those days were few , but by reading and careful attention to the events of the day he has educated himself very highly.
     The subject of our sketch was married Oct. 17, 1876, to Nancy J. Smith, born in Missouri, and daughter of Daniel Smith.  This union was blessed with one daughter, who is now deceased.  Mr. Azbell owns one hundred and twenty acres of land that is splendidly cultivated.  He also has a fine barn and a handsome residence.  The barn is especially attractive, being 36x54 feet in dimension, and one of the best in the township.  His sympathies are with the Democratic party, and he is always a strong advocate of those political measures that  promise to benefit his county and State.  He is a public-spirited man, and one who has met with success in his journey through life.   As a successful agriculturist he has won an enviable reputation in commercial circles, and is accorded high esteem and confidence.  His life furnishes an example that busy "bread-winners" would do well to imitate.
 - Source: Portrait & Biographical Album of Fulton County, Illinois - Published Chicago, 1890  - Page 336