ANDREW J. SISSON, an energetic representative of the agricultural class of Warren County, residing upon section 28, Swan Township, was born Sept. 5, 1828, in Rensselaerville, Albany Co., N. Y.  He is a son of Joseph Sissen, a native of Rock Island, but who became a resident of New York State when one year old.
     The father of Mr. Sisson married Miss Floretta Frisbie in 1812.  She was born in 1790 and he in 1789.  They emigrated to Illinois in 1837 and located in Swan Township, Warren County, where the husband, and father of this notice, died June 12, 1851.  The wife and mother survived him until June, 1882, when she passed to the land of the hereafter.  Of their union ten children were born, namely: Asahel B., Cyrus, Emeline, Rufus, Ann, Augustine W., Marcus F., Andrew J., Mary E. and Martin V.  His father was a pioneer settler in this county, a farmer by occupation and one of the respected and honored citizens of the community in which he resided and died.
     Andrew J. Sisson was united in marriage with Miss Nancy Jane McMahill, Jan. 19, 1854.  Of their union there was no issue, but they have raised to manhood and womanhood, two children, Nellie M. Brooks, who, when she came under their care, was three years old.  She was born in 1859, received a good education at the hands of Mr. and Mrs. Sisson, and resided with them until her marriage to Joseph Thorn, in January, 1885.  They reside on a farm in Swan Township.  The name of their other adopted child is William H. Canfield, born Feb. 8, 1858, who also received a liberal education at the hands of Mr. and Mrs. Sisson, and became the head of family, May 5, 1881, by marriage with Miss Alice Watson.  At present he is a farmer in Seward Co., Neb.
     The father of Mrs. Sisson, Mr. William McMahill, was born in Bourbon Co., Ky., in 1806.  He was of Scotch-Irish ancestry, his ancestors settling in Virginia and from there moved to Kentucky.  Mr. McMahill emigrated to Illinois, in 1829; was married to Miss Mary Snapp in 1828.  His wife was born in 1806, in Nicholas Co., Ky., and died Aug. 31, 1877.  Their union was blessed with the birth of 12 children, whom they named George, Susan, Sarah, Nancy Jane, Elizabeth, John, Ann Maria, Kentucky America, William H., Pinckney, Mary E., and Lucinda, four of whom are deceased, namely: Elizabeth, Mary, Lucinda and Ky America.
     Mr. Sisson, of whom we write, is pleasantly located with his family on his fine farm of 250 acres, on section 28, Swan Township, and has the entire place improved.  In 1884, he erected a fine residence on his farm, 33x36 feet in dimensions and two story with basement.  His house is one of the best, if not the best, in Swan Township, and its inside appearance is almost as fine as its outside, it being furnished in the best possible manner, with all necessary apparatus for lightening the labors of the female portion of the household.  He is engaged in general farming and he and his wife are both members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, Mr. Sisson being Superintendent of the Sunday-school.  In politics, he is independent.  A view of his homestead appears in this volume.
Source:  Portrait and Biographical Album - Publ. Chicago: Chapman Bros. 1886 - Page 297