b. January 1, 1795, in New Castle, New Jersey; d. June 18, 1858, in Springfield, Illinois. In 1816, Opdycke learned the trade of a carpenter in Kentucky, then moved to Kaskaskia, Illinois, walking nearly the whole distance. On April 25, 1833, Opdycke married Hannah Griffith in Kaskaskia. In 1835, they moved to Springfield, Illinois, where they had three children. Opdycke opened and operated a porkpacking business with James Lamb for several years, and afterwards had a merchandising business with Seth Tinsley. In 1842, Opdycke served as the fourth ward alderman for the city of Springfield. In 1850, Opdycke was a merchant and owned real estate valued at $18,000.