USA > Wisconsin > Biographical sketches of old settlers and prominent people of Wisconsin > Part 15
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Francis Victor Piper was born in Folsomdale, New York, November 12, 1840, and came to Wisconsin when but seven years of age, with his parents. He was married February 19, 1865, to Julianna, daughter of Sylvester and Sarah Burns, of Oneida, New York. She was born September 12, 1848. The result of this union was five children, namely: Asa Everett, born June 19, 1866, in Pipersville, married Dima Lewellin June 30, 1891, and has three children, Clark, Francis and Lewis; Bruce Victor, born February 27, 1868, married Clara Herrell, October 24, 1896; Jennette, born June 21, 1870, married Herbert M. Haskell, of Fort Atkinson, Wisconsin, August 29, 1894; Sarah Grace, born April 25, 1872, and died March 30, 1881, aged 8 years, 11 months and 5 days; Francis Myron, born August 9, 1879.
From the time Mr. Piper was thirteen years of age until 1867 he was employed as clerk in his father's store, at which time he purchased a. half interest in the store and farm, and later, an interest in the milling business, and in 1889 he purchased his father's entire interest in the farm and business. In 1863 he was chosen Town Clerk, and either held that office or was Chairman of Supervisors for thirty-one consecutive years, except one year. He was one of the organizers of the Ixonia Mutual Fire Insurance Company in 1875, and with the exception of one year, has been the Secretary since its organization. Has been Secretary of the Pipersville Cheese and Butter Manufacturing Company since 1882, was Assistant Postmaster from 1853 to 1889 when he was appointed Postmaster. 'In 1882 he was elected Member of Assembly without oppo- sition. He is a member of the F. & A. M. No. 49, Chapter No. 11, and Commandary No. 18, of Watertown, Wisconsin. Is a Democrat in poli- tics and in religion a Congregationalist.
282
PROMINENT PEOPLE OF WISCONSIN.
HENRY FREDERICK WILKE.
THE art of seizing opportunities, turning them to account and bend- ing them to some purpose, is evidently the secret of the success and rapid promotion of our subject. Henry F. Wilke was born at Phenegge, Waldeck, Germany, February 5, 1857, where he received a good common school education. Being a young man full of enthusiasm, and of a progressive nature, he, when but 23 years of age, concluded to seek fame and fortune in the new world; so in 1880 landed in Madison, Wisconsin, where he soon found employment in a dry goods store, where he remained for three years, when he went to Blue Mounds, Wisconsin, where he conducted a mercantile business for the next three years. During the year 1886 he removed to Verona, Wisconsin, where he engaged in general merchandising and lumber business until 1894.
Soon after his advent into Wisconsin, Mr. Wilke began to take a lively interest in politics, allying himself with the Republican party. Such was his influence, his services to the party were recognized by his appointment as Postmaster of Verona, which position he held from 1889 to 1893, and in 1894 he was elected Member of the Assembly, and in 1898 elected Treasurer of Dane County, which position he now fills to the entire satisfaction of his constituents.
Mr. Wilke is a prominent member of the German Lutheran church of Verona, and has been one of the trustees of that church for many years.
But few of our adopted citizens have risen to prominence as rapidly as our subject, and there is no doubt still greater honors await him.
JAMES B. STOKES.
285
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.
JAMES B. STOKES.
RACTICAL industry, wisely and vigorously applied, always produces its due effects, and in no case is this more evident than in the career of James B. Stokes of Elkhorn, Wisconsin, who was born in the town of Portland, Dodge County, Wisconsin, in what at that time was known as "The Woods," September 5, 1857, being the youngest son of James and Marian (Cole) Stokes, who were born in Eng- land and emigrated to Wisconsin in 1853, the father being a preacher as well as a farmer, and died when our subject was but thirteen years of age, his mother dying some eighteen months later.
James B. Stokes' boyhood days were spent on a farm, attending the stock in summer and cutting and hauling wood in winter. Being com- pelled to work, and school facilities very poor, his chances for an education were meager, in fact, about all the "book learning" he received was during the six months which he attended the school in the village of Waterloo in 1872.
The "practical industry," suggested in the opening of this sketch, was "wisely and vigorously" applied by young Stokes, so that at the age of 21 he was enabled to purchase a farm of Thos. B. Squires near the village of Waterloo, which he operated until 1884, when he sold the farm to his brother Hugh B. Stokes, and went to Marshall, Dane County, Wisconsin, to engage in the sale of farm machinery, etc., where he remained till January 1, 1889, when he closed out his business at that place, accepting a position with the McCormick Harvesting Machine Company of Chicago as traveling salesman in Wisconsin, Minnesota and Dakota, which position he filled until November 24, 1892, when he located at Elkhorn, Walworth County, Wisconsin, establishing the Elkhorn Implement Company, which at once proved a wise undertaking, and which today is in a prosperons condition. March 12, 1896, fire destroyed his place of business, but James B. Stokes was not of the material which permitted discouragements to block his path, for inside of two weeks he had secured new quarters, and a new stock, and was pushing along as if no misfortune had befallen him.
Mr. Stokes is an ardent temperance man, much interested in the Methodist Episcopal Church, and a promoter of morals in all the walks of life. A friend in speaking of him says: "He was always noted for his social, kind, congenial and liberal disposition; he is honest and upright in all of his dealings, a good fellow generally, and has a host of friends."
286
PROMINENT PEOPLE OF WISCONSIN.
HORACE CHAPIN. [DECEASED. ]
LIFE well spent, a character uprightly sustained, is no slight legacy to leave to one's children, and it continues a source of the best kind of riches. Horace Chapin was born in Hartford, Washington County, New York, July 20, 1825, and, with his parents, went to Wyoming, Wyoming County, New York, when but ten years of age. They settled on a farm one-half mile south of Wyoming where Horace received his education, first in the district school, then in the Wyoming Academy. He then went to Kentucky where he engaged in teaching school for a couple of years, when he returned to New York and soon afterward married Miss Emily Emery, who lived but a year or so. In January, 1849, he married Mrs. Melissa Cole, who was born at Cov- ington, Genesee County, New York, June 27, 1821. She was the daugh- ter of Isaac and Sallie Pepper, who were born in Massachusetts and went to New York about 1815.
Melissa Pepper (now Mrs. Chapin, whose portrait will be found in the group on page 273) was married to William J. Cole, January 12, 1837, and four children were born to them, the eldest dying in infancy: W. H., who died April 16, 1895; George Spencer, who now lives at Udall, Kansas; Sallie H., wife of Seth C. Babcock, of Racine, Minnesota. Mr. Cole dying she was left a widow at the age of twenty-four years, with three small children. She married Horace Chapin in January, 1849, and in the spring of 1850, they, with their family came to Wisconsin, settling on a farm in the south-west corner of the town of Portland, Dodge County, which place has since been the home of Mrs. Chapin.
Mr. Chapin taught school several terms after coming west, both in his own district and in the village of Waterloo. He died November 17, 1865, after a short illness, leaving a wife, one son and two daughters, namely: Phebe Alice, who married H. G. Ryder, and died September 15, 1889; Theron W., who now lives on a farm adjoining the old home- stead; Oritha A., now Assistant in the Postoffice in Waterloo, Wisconsin.
Mrs. Melissa Chapin, now in the eightieth year of her age is living a quiet, retired life, highly respected and greatly beloved by all who know her, and as the shadows lengthen she daily recognizes that the road of human welfare lies along the old highway of steadfast well doing.
(For PORTRAIT see page 273.)
287
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.
HON. CYRUS PERRY.
ERSEVERANCE and courage, when combined with energy, over- come difficulties often apparently insurmountable, and rarely fail of their rewards. Hon. Cyrus Perry is the son of Rowland Perry, who was born in Massachusetts in 1794, and died in Genesee County, New York, in 1870, and Orra (Pierson) Perry, who was born in Vermont, June 15, 1796, and died at Gates, New York, October 9, 1886. They were married at Avon, Livingston County, New York, February 15, 1815, and nine children were born to them, namely: Cyrus (our sub- ject); Barrett (deceased); Leander; Elliott (deceased); John, who was killed in the Civil War, and buried at City Point, Virginia; Sewal; Henry S .; Charlotte and Angeline.
Cyrus Perry was born in Genesee County, New York, January 28, 1818, and came to Wisconsin October 20, 1838, settling in Grant County, where for about six years he spent the most of his time working in the lead mines. In 1845 he married Diadama Sherman, who was born in Saratoga County, New York, April 29, 1815, and came to Wisconsin with her widowed mother in 1843. Two children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Perry, George, born October 16, 1846, and died when about four months of age, and Imogene, born December 14, 1851, now the wife of Ezra Knowlton, residing in Waterloo, Wisconsin.
The same year of his marriage, Mr. Perry entered two hundred acres of land in the town of Portland, Dodge County, Wisconsin, in Sec- tions 32 and 22, where he at once began the life of a farmer, and where he still resides.
In 1868 he was elected a Member of the Assembly and served his constituency faithfully and well during the session of 1869.
October 29, 1889, Mr. Perry was called to mourn the loss, by death, of his wife, who had been his companion and stay for over forty-four years, and it is said of her that she was ever a true wife, a kind and thoughtful mother, and highly esteemed by all who came in contact with her.
With the feeling that it was not good for man to live alone, Mr. Perry wooed and won for a second wife, Mrs. Mirvilla (Sherman) Hodge, widow of the late Charles M. Hodge, whom he married May 14, 1893. She was born at Burnett, Dodge County, Wisconsin, December 26, 1849, being the daughter of John Martin and Louisa (Comstock) Sherman. She has one son, John Sherman Hodge, who was born February 24, 1878, and is now attending school at Oshkosh, Wisconsin. In the selection of a companion for his declining years, Mr. Perry has shown the good judgment which always marked his business career, for she is recog- nized as a congenial and loving wife, ever ready to administer to the comfort of her husband.
288
PROMINENT PEOPLE OF WISCONSIN.
Cyrus Perry is a staunch republican, ever ready to do what he can to honorably advance the interests of his party. He has a beautiful farm, one and one-half miles north of the village of Waterloo, and is a hard working, industrious man, who has made a success of farming. He is a worthy citizen, who, though in his 83th year, is so well preserved that he would readily pass for a gentleman of much younger years.
(FOR PORTRAIT see page 273.)
...
HUGH H. LACKEY.
291
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.
HUGH HENRY LACKEY.
ONESTY, economy, self-reliance and a firm determination to do right are characteristics which we find well developed in the subject of this sketch. Hugh Henry Lackey was the son of Archibald and Mary (Kennedy) Lackey, who were born in Ire- land and of Scotch-Irish descent. They emigrated to this country in the. year of 1854 and settled in Walworth county, Wisconsin; after a resi- dence there of one year, he moved with his family to the town of York, Wisconsin, and at once began the life of a farmer, in which he made a success as their broad acres and well cultivated fields bear testimony. They remained on the farm some 37 years, when, on September 5, 1892, Mr. Lackey was called from his earthly home to that better land leaving his aged wife, four sons, one daughter and numerous friends to mourn their loss. The names of their children are as follows: Hugh Henry (subject); Robert, who married Miss Ida Shepard; Thomas, who married Miss Luna Sherman; David, who married Miss Hattie Mont- gomery; Emma, who married Mr. Porter Hoag, and resides in Waterloo, Wisconsin. Mrs. Lackey is still living on the old homestead with her son, David, and although in her 73d year she is quite active and takes a deep interest in the affairs of her children.
Hugh Henry Lackey was born in Troy, Walworth county, Wiscon- sin, April 30, 1855. He spent his boyhood days at home attending dis- trict school winters and assisting on the farm summers and by perse- verance and energy he succeeded in preparing himself for a teacher and has successfully taught ten terms of school in his neighborhood and vicinity. December 29, 1879, he married Miss Ella J. Ranney, who was born in the town of York, Dane county, Wisconsin, June 17, 1857. She was the daughter of Philo Ranney, who was born October 13, 1878, in Cataraugus county, New York. He was the son of Lyman Ranney, who died February, 1879, aged 85 years. His grandfather, Abner Ranney was a native of Massachusetts and died in 1865 at the advanced age of 103 years.
Mr. Philo Ranney came to Wisconsin in the fall of 1892 and settled on a farm in the town of York, Dane county. He married Miss Sally Ann Thompson, October 26, 1845, who was born June 11, 1829. Ten children was the result of this union, namely: Francis, who married Miss Hannah Peck; Julius (deceased), who married Miss Louisa Weber; Orcelia, who married Myron Sawyer; Mary, who married Silas Wilcox; Ella, the wife of our subject; Sarahetta (deceased); Oscar, married Ada Forrester; Seymor, married Millie Brusso; Clara Adell, married Elmer Muzzy; Adalena, single.
Mr. Ranney remained on his farm until his death which occurred
292
PROMINENT PEOPLE OF WISCONSIN.
December 3, 1892. His widow now lives with her daughter, Ella, in Waterloo, Wisconsin.
Mr. and Mrs. Hugh Lackey have had one daughter born to them, Lyla, born June 22, 1889. About the year 1879 Mr. Lackey purchased a fine productive farm in the town of Medina, Dane county, Wisconsin, on Section 2, of 140 acres, where he lived and farmed until the fall of 1899, when he rented his place and moved with his family to Waterloo, Jefferson county, Wisconsin, and is now engaged there in the mercan- tile business.
Mr. Lackey, although not a politician is always interested in the affairs of his country, and has held several important offices in his town. He is a staunch Republican, a thorough temperance man and a member of the M. E. church.
JAMES N. WILCOX.
295
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.
JAMES N. WILCOX.
T has been said that in the final analysis of all things, nothing remains but character, and he who is blessed with the inherited principles of honesty and integrity and makes them his guide through life cannot fail to establish a character that is well worthy of imitation.
James Noble Wilcox traces his ancestry back to Colonial days. His grandfather, Eleazer Curtis Wilcox, was an only son of Curtis and Gemima (Munson) Wilcox, and was born in Farmington, Connecticut, May 20, 1780, and married Miss Cynthia Noble. She was a descendant of Thomas Noble who came to Westfield, Massachusetts, as early as 1666. He, with several others received a grant of land and formed the settle- ment of Warronoco, now Westfield, Massachusetts. Some of the descendants held the rank of Captain in the Revolutionary War. Eleazer Curtis Wilcox resided in Granville, Massachusetts, where he followed farming until about 1819, when he moved to Floyd, Oneida county, New York, where he died about 1822, leaving a widow and several children, the youngest son being Munson, the father of our subject. Munson was born February 3, 1820, and spent his boyhood and early manhood in Oneida county, New York. In the summer of 1844 he came west to Wisconsin Territory and purchased a quarter section of land in the town of York, Dane County, Wisconsin. He shortly after returned to New York and January 6, 1848, was united in marriage to Miss Weltha Ann Stone, who was born in Oneida county, New York, May 14, 1824. The following spring they moved to his farm in Wisconsin, where he spent the remaining years of his life. He died October 17, 1873. October 7, 1892, his wife followed him to the better land. During the early years of their married life they encountered the hardships and en- joyed the pleasures incident to life in a new country. They were mem- bers of the M. E. church and were held in high esteem by all who knew them. They formed a substantial part of the community. Eight sons were born to them, namely: David Munson, born April 30, 1849; Eleazer Curtis, born January 13, 1851; Charles Herbert, born July 29, 1852; Francis Fairbanks, born March 6, 1854; James Noble, born September 14, 1856; Clarence Edwin, born February 28, 1858; William Henry, born November 23, 1861; Edmund Ernest, born June 28, 1863. All are living and have families. James Noble spent the early years of his life on the farm and attending the country school. He graduated from the Water- loo High School in 1878 and from the University of Wisconsin in 1883. July 17, 1884, he was united in marriage to Miss Nettie Boorman at Wa- terloo, Wisconsin. She was born November 29, 1857 at Waterloo, where she spent her early life. She, also, graduated from the Waterloo High
296
PROMINENT PEOPLE OF WISCONSIN.
School with the Class of'78, and was a teacher for several years. Three children have been born to them, namely: William Munson, born Janu- ary 7, 1886, at Kiowa, Kansas, died in infancy; Raymond Boorman, born February 1, 1889, at Kiowa, Kansas; Arthur Noble, born May 21, 1898, at Waterloo, Wisconsin. Miss Boorman was the daughter of William Boorman, who was born at Headcorn, County of Kent, England, June 8, 1824. He was brought up a miller, his father, William Boorman, being a miller before him. In 1848, William with his brother, Benjamin, came to this country and in 1849 purchased what is now known as the Water- loo Roller Mills. He resided in Waterloo until 1880. Esther Boorman, his wife, came with her family to this country in 1849 and located at- Delavan, Wisconsin, where she was married to William Boorman Nov- ember 15, 1852. He died November 14, 1888, at Hazard, Washington. They were active members of the Baptist church and were instrumental in establishing and maintaining the church of that faith in Waterloo.
Soon after marriage, the subject of this sketch moved to Ottawa, Kansas, and the year following to Kiowa, Kansas. While in Kansas he was employed as chemist in the development of the sugar industry and has always maintained an active interest in the same. He also followed teaching and the study of dentistry. In 1891, he returned with his fam- ily to Wisconsin where he was admitted to practice in 1892. In Febru- ary, 1893, he located in Waterloo, where he has since enjoyed a good practice in his chosen profession.
He is a staunch Republican, though not active in politics; is a strong temperance man and also takes a deep interest in educational and moral questions of the day.
297
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.
INDEX.
BIOGRAPHS.
Adams, Mic, 259
Allen, Dr. George E., 247
Alverson, Miles T., 89
Keyes, Elisha W., 251
Knaptons, The, 157
Kusels, The, 190
Kuehne, Rev. A. J., 240
Lackey, Hugh H., 291
Lamoreux, Silas Wright. 64
Brandt, Edward J. 132
Brayton, Capt. George H., 228
Brown, Mrs. Mary Ann, . 277
Bullock, Daniel, 136
Burchard, Gen'l George W.,. 77
Bushnell, Capt. Allen Ralph, 51
Carskaden, Orson, 275
Caswell, Hon. L. B., 112
Chapin, Mrs. Horace, 286
Clapp, Joseph Dorr, 216
Decker, John Richmond, 255
Dewey, Adelbert, 147
Dewey, Asa, 142
Dick, Judge James J. 235
Eaton, Sephreness M. 123
Fargo, Lorenzo Dow, 17
Fisk, Herman Jesse, 61
Froehlich, William H. M., 45
Gibbs, Dr. George Lewis, . . 239
Gingles, William, 177
Helmes, John, 128
Hoard, Gov. William D., 36
Hoyt, David J., 169
Hughes, Thomas, . 271
Humphrey, Andrew J., 263
Hyer, Schuyler, 220
Ingraham, Burick, 232
Jacobs, Michael A., 211
Keefer, Charles, 181
Ames, John W. 207
Bashford, John, 153
Bleecker, George, 43
Blumenfeld, David, 203
Bradt, N. D. M., 97
Lewis, Gov. James T., 5
Long, Charles L., 267
Patten, Joseph Chauncey, 105
Perry, Hon. Cyrus, 287
Piper, Francis Victor, 281
Porter, Arthur Amasa, 25
Porter, Garrett, 272
Porter, Asa, 268
Preface, 1
Rogers, William Henry, 185
Sheridan, Mrs. John, 244
Shepard, Luther G., 115
Stiles, William Dwight, 31
Stokes, Hugh B. 101
Stokes, James B., 285
Stone, Lieut. Gov. Jesse, 47
Wentworth, Robert Boyd, 93
Wetmore, Moses, Sr. 264
West, Valentine, 109
White, Charles H., 82
White, Charles, Sr., 85
Wilcox, Dr. J. N., 295
Wilke, Henry F., 282
Willard, Dr. Horace Birney, 68
Winterling, Joseph H. 215
Wood, Daniel Clark, 178
Woodard, Marshall J., 172
298
PROMINENT PEOPLE
OF WISCONSIN.
INDEX.
PORTRAITS.
Adams, Mic, . 261
Allen, Dr. G. E., (group)
249
Alverson, Miles T. 87
Ames, John W., 205
Bashford, John, 151
Bleecker, George, 41
Blumenfeld, David, 201
Bradt, N. D. M., . 95
Bradt, Mrs. N. D. M., 96
Brandt, Edward J. 133
Brayton, Capt. George H.,. 229
Brown, Mrs. Mary A., (group) 273
Bullock, Daniel,
137
Bullock, Mrs. Daniel, 139
Burchard, Gen. George H., . .
75
Burchard, Mrs. George H., . . 79
Bushnell, Capt, Allen Ralph, 49
Carskaden, Orson, (group). . .
273
Caswell, L. B., 113
Chapin, Mrs. Horace, (group) 273
Clapp, Joseph Dorr, 217
Decker, John Richmond, 257
Dewey, Adelbert, 149
Dewey, Asa, 143
Dewey, Mrs. Asa, 145
Dick, Judge James J., 233
Eaton, Sephreness M., 121
Eaton, Mrs. S. M., 125
Fargo, Lorenzo Dow, 14
Fargo, Mrs. L. D., 15
Fargo Library, 19
Fisk, Herman Jesse, 59
Froehlich, William H. M.,
55
Gibbs, Dr. George L.,. 237
Helmes, John, . 129
Hoard, Gov. William D., 37
Hoyt, David J.,. 167 Hughes, Thomas, 269
Humphrey, A. J., (group) 273
Hyer, Schuyler, 221
Hyer, Mrs. Schuyler, 225
Ingraham, Burick, (group) 249
Jacobs, Michael A. 209
Keefer, Mr. and Mrs., 183
Keyes, Elisha W., 253
Knapton, Isaac, . 163
Knapton, William, Jr., 155
Knapton, Jane Carneley, 159
Kusel, Daniel, Sr., 191
Kusel, Daniel H., 196
Kusel, Capt. Fred, 197
Kuehne, Rev. A. J. 241
Lackey, Hugh H. 289
Lamoreux, Silas W., 65
Lewis, James T.,
3
Lewis, Mrs. James T., 7
Long, Charles L., 265
Patten, Joseph Chauncey, 103
Perry, Hon. Cyrus, (group). 273
Piper, Francis Victor, 279
Porter, Arthur Amasa, . 23
Porter, Garrett, (group) 249
Porter, Asa, (group) 249
Rogers, William Henry, 187
Sheridan, Mrs. John, 245
Shepard, Luther G., 117
Stiles, William Dwight, 29
Stiles, Mrs. William Dwight, 33
Stokes, Hugh B.,. 99
Stokes, James B., 283
Stone, Lieut. Gov. Jesse. 45
Wentworth, Robert Boyd. . 91
Wetmore, Moses, Sr., (group) 249
West, Valentine, 107
White, Charles H., 83
White, Charles. Sr. 84
Wilcox, Dr. J. N., 29' 3
Willard, Dr. Horace B., 69
Willard, Mrs. H. B. 71
Winterling, Joseph H. 213
Wood, Daniel C., 179
Woodard, Marshall J., 173
Family Record.
Births.
Marriages.
Deaths.
Memoranda.
4767
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