History of Crawford and Richland counties, Wisconsin, Part 146

Author: Butterfield, Consul Willshire, 1824-1899. [from old catalog]; Union publishing company, Springfield, Ill., pub. [from old catalog]
Publication date: 1884
Publisher: Springfield, Ill., Union publishing company
Number of Pages: 1298

USA > Wisconsin > Richland County > History of Crawford and Richland counties, Wisconsin > Part 146
USA > Wisconsin > Crawford County > History of Crawford and Richland counties, Wisconsin > Part 146

Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).

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HISTORY OF RICHLAND COUNTY.

mained in office until he resigned in favor of John A. Lawrence, Dec. 31, 1882.

William Pickering, one of the pioneers of Richland county, was born in Cheshire, Eng- land, Feb. 18, 1818. He emigrated to America in the fall of 1847, coming to Jefferson Co., Wis., in the spring of 1848, and hiring out as a farm laborer until the fall of 1849. Having purchased two land warrants for 160 acres each, he started out to find government land; came to Richland county and located timbered land on sections 8 and 9, of town 9 north, of range I west, now known as the town of Eagle. The same fall (1849), he returned to England to visit friends, coming back to Milwaukee, Wis., in the spring of 1850. He then purchased a team and wagon and engaged in carrying emigrants and merchan- dise from Milwaukee to different parts of the State. Mr. Pickering was married in the fall of 1851 to Mary J. Binks, also a native of Eng- land. He engaged in farming for one year in Racine Co., Wis. In the winter of 1852-3, he again came to Richland county, and erected a log cabin on his land and moved his family from Racine county into the same in the spring of 1853. Ile immediately commenced clearing land and raised a erop of corn and garden vege- tables the same year. He has since cleared over 160 acres of land, built a good frame house, two barns and a store house, and is engaged in raising grain and stock. He feels a deep interest in good horses and cattle, and has taken many first premiums at the Richland County Agricultural Fair, of which association he is a life member Mr. and Mrs. Pickering have two children-John W. and Charles R .; both have taught in the public schools of Rich- land county, and the latter is at present a student at (and will soon graduate from) the State Normal School at Platteville, Wis.

Hubert Mathews, one of the early settlers of Richland county, was born in France, Jan. 7, 1820. When quite young he learned the weaver's trade, and worked at the same until 1841, then left his native land and came to America. IIe

went directly to Ohio, and was there married in December to Mary A. Durrstein. She was born in France, April 6, 1823. He engaged in farming during the summer season and in the winter was employed in weaving, his wife assisting him. In a few years, by continuous hard labor, they saved enough money to pur- chase a farm of fifty-three acres in Tuscarawas Co., Ohio, where they lived until 1854, then sold out and started west to seek a home: coming to Richland county, they rented a farm in Hoosier Ifollow until 1859, then pur- chased eighty acres on section 22, town of Eagle, where he commenced clearing a farm. He enlisted Feb. 25, 1864, in the 36th Wiscon- sin, company B, and went south; was taken prisoner at the battle of the Wilderness, June 1, 1864, and was confined in Andersonville prison until December, when, in a dying con- dition he was discharged. A few days later he died, weakened and reduced to a mere shadow by hunger and exposure. lle left a wife with nine children, the youngest less than one year old, but his wife, with the assistance of the children, continued to clear away the timber and till the soil, and has since erected a good frame house and barn. Eight of the children are now married. The youngest son, Thomas, makes his home with his mother and manages the farm.

William Recob was an early settler of the town of Eagle. He came here from Indiana in 1854, making the journey by rail as far as War- ren, Ill., and the remainder of the distance by team. He purchased the southeast quarter of section 11, town 9, range 1 west. Having left his family at Orion, he pushed on through the woods, chopped a road to a suitable location for a dwelling and built a log cabin. He then returned to Orion for his family. He was fond of hunting, and a good marksman. Game was plenty and he had abundant opportunities for displaying his skill. One winter he killed fourteen deer. He was engaged in clearing land and farming until 1864. HIe enlisted in

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HISTORY OF RICHLAND COUNTY

February of that year in company B, 36th Wis- consin Volunteer Infantry, joined the Army of the Potomac, and participated in many of the important battles of the campaign, from that time until the close of the war. He received an injury in his spine at Appomattox, the day be- fore the surrender of Lee, being struck by a horse while crossing a ravine. It resulted in paralysis from which he was confined to his bed four years. He bore his sufferings patiently. Death came to his relief Sept. 9, 1881. Mr. Recob was born in Ross Co., Ohio, Dec. 17, 1820. Ilis younger days were spent on the farm and in school, where he obtained a liberal education. When a young man he emigrated to Indiana, and located in Tippecanoe county, where he was married in 1845 to Mary A. Wil- son, who was born in Butler Co., Ohio, April 2, 1826. Twelve children blessed their union, eight of whom are now living-Leonidas, Amanda A., Margaret E., Emily L., Lycurgus, Mary S., Orlando B. and Effie L. Alvaretta was born March 16, 1854, and died in 1871; Zella A. was born Dec. 8, 1857, and died in March, 1876. Two children died in infancy. Mrs. Recob and some of her children now occupy the homestead, where they have a com- fortable and pleasant home.

Henry HI. Hurless, one of the pioneers of the town of Bloom, was born in Virginia, Oct. 15, 1824. Ilis mother died when he was eleven years old. Two years later his father emigrated to Indiana, settled in Clinton county and pur- chased timber land, which the subject of this sketch assisted in clearing. When he was eighteen years old his father died, but he con- tinued to live there until 1854. At that date he came to Richland county and entered land on section 19, of town 11, range 1 west, now known as Bloom. Ile erected two log houses and commenced clearing. He was an unmarried man then, and a part of the time kept his own house. Ile soon sold his land and bought again in the town of Forest, and again sold, and pur- chased a large tract of timber land which he

began clearing. In 1865 he came to Eagle and selected a farm on section 29, on which were about thirty-five acres of cleared land. He now has ninety-five acres cleared, with good buildings, including a frame house, barn and granary. His farm is considered one of the finest in Richland county. He was married July 20, 1856, to Eliza, daughter of Rev. John II. and Rhoda (Little) Crandall.

John Huston, an early settler in Eagle, was born in county Antrim, Ireland, and was there married in 1846 to Jane Thompson. In 1849 they emigrated to America and lived in New York city until 1854, then came to Richland county and bought land on section 12, town of Eagle,and have since made this their home. Their son William was born in New York city, Aug. 19, 1853, and was but an infant when his pio- neer life began in Richland county. Here he grew to manhood. His younger days being spent much like other farmer's sons, assisting on the farm and attending the district school. Ile was married in 1875 to Emma Smith. She was born in Dane county, where her parents were early settlers. Four children have blessed this union-Joli L., Imogene, Sarah J. and Ida May. At the time of his marriage they settled on his present farm on section 12. Ile has erected a good set of buildings, including a neat frame house.

Samuel Ferebee, one of the pioneers of Rich- land county, was born on the banks of the Gadkin river, in that part of Rowan known as Davie Co., N. C., Aug. 23, 1816. Here he grew to manhood and was brought up on a farm. He made his home there with his parents until 1838, when he went to Indiana and commenced" pioneer life in Madison county. He purchased heavily timbered land and made a small im- provement. In 1844 he was married to Eliza- beth Ann Chitwood. She was born in Fayette Co., Ind., April 24, 1827. In the fall of 1844 they settled on the Miami reservation. IIe purchased timbered land on the Wild Cat river, erected a log house, cleared a farm and lived

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HISTORY OF RICHLAND COUNTY.

there until 1855, when he came to Richland county and settled in town 9, range 2 west, now known as the town of Richwood. The next year he traded his property in Indiana for tim- ber land on section 27 of the town of Richwood. He built a frame house, 18x24 feet to which he afterward made an addition. He cleared and fenced sixty-five acres of land, and in 1874 sold out, came to the town of Eagle and purchased land on section 28 and has since made this his home. Ile has purchased land adjoining until now his farm contains 200 acres, and is consid- ered one of the best in the county. Mr. and Mrs. Ferebee have nine children-Thomas J., Francis, Nancy J., George B., William J., Samuel A., Ma- thias C., James M and Franklin J. A daughter named Elizabeth, died at the age of nine years. Three others died in infancy. Mr Ferebec is a man of fair education, is a great reader, and thus keeps himself well posted on the topics of the times. He has given his children a good education.

Samuel B. Gault,an early settler of the town of Eagle, was born in Lancaster Co., Penn. In his youth he emigrated with his parents to Ohio, and settled in Butler county, where he was married to Mary B. Wilson, a native of that county. A few years later they removed to Tippecanoe Co., Ind., and lived until 1855. In that year they came to Richland county and settled in the town of Eagle. Here Mr. Gault died in 1870. His widow still lives at the home- stead. Their son Francis was born in Butler Co., Ohio, in 1831. He came to Riehland county with his parents, and worked at carpen- tering in the summer seasons and taught school during the winter. Hle enlisted in 1863 in the 72d Indiana regiment, and died in the service at Gallatin, Tenn. Henry Gault was born in Tippecanoe Co., Ind., in 1845, and was ten years old when his parents settled in the town of Eagle. He enlisted in November, 1864, in the 37th Wisconsin, company H, and was killed at the battle of Petersburg, Va. Ed- ward W., youngest son of Mr. and Mrs. Gault,

was born in Tippecanoe Co., Ind, in 1847, and came to Eagle at the age of eight years. Here he attended the district school and assisted his father in clearing a farm. He was married in 1872 to Susie Cook, a native of Ohio. IIe now occupies the homestead.

James Lueas, one of the most extensive farmers of Richland county, was an early set- tler in the town of Eagle. He came here in 1855 and purchased 320 acres of timber land ou sections 4 and 9. He now owns 560 acres of land in the town of Eagle and 160 in the town of Richwood. Ile has engaged quite exten- sively in raising fine stock. He is also a lover of fine horses, and always drives a good team. He has traveled extensively and is well ac- quainted in different parts of the country. In 1861 he visited Pike's Peak and engaged in mining a few months. In 1880 he went to Texas, bought a pony and visited various parts of that country horseback. In 1882 he went to Nebraska and engaged in mercantile trade in the town of Cragton, but being confined in- doors did not agree with his health, and he sold out and returned to his home. He is interested in real estate in that State, and now owns real estate in Knox and Pierce counties. His farm is well watered by a branch of Mill creek that flows through it. Ile has a good set of build- ings, including a frame house and barn. He is a native of Ohio, born in Ross county, Nov. 3, 1827. When he was three years of age his father died, and he soon after went to live with an older sister in Tippecanoe Co., Ind., and there grew to manhood. In 1850 he went to California, where he engaged in mining a short time, then returned to Indiana. He was joined in marriage in 1851 to Mary Pelers. She was born in Tippecanoe Co., Ind. He then rented a farm in Tippecanoe county until 1851, then came to Richland county, as before stated. Five children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Lucas, two of whom are now living -Sarah O. and Olive E. Lillie, their youngest daughter, was born in April, 1864. She was married to T. S.

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HISTORY OF RICHLAND COUNTY.

Shaffer. She died in 1883, leaving one child, now at home with its grandparents. lle is a lively, good bearted man, hospitable and much liked. Ile is well known in the county.

John Shaffer came to Richland county in company with his mother and grand parents when but six years old. He made his home with them in the town of Forest, until seven years of age, when he came to Orion to make his home with Daniel Clinginsmith, a promi- nent merchant of that town. Here he attained his majority, receiving his education in the dis- trict school. When not in school he was em ployed in the store and on the farm. He was joined in marriage in 1871 with Mary Corn- wall, who was born in Ohio. Then he settled on the Clinginsmith farm, which he now owns and occupies. It is located on section 36, now the town of Eagle, and is well improved, hav- ing a good frame house and two frame barns. Mr. Shaffer is an industrious and thorough farmer and always has everything in good order. Mrs. Shaffer died in 1875. Mr. Shaffer has held offices of public trust with honor to him- self and satisfaction to the people, and to a remarkable degree has the respect and confi- dence of his fellowman.

George Hillberry, (deceased) one of the pio- neers of the town of Sylvan, was born in Hunt- ingdon Co., Penn., in December, 1807. Here he grew to manhood, being reared upon a farm. Ile was married in 1829 to Catharine Roberts, who was also a native of Huntingdon county, born in September, 1807. They re- mained in Pennsylvania about five years and then moved to Ohio and settled in Monroe county, where he purchased land and improved a farm, which was their home until 1856, when they came to Richland county and located in town 11, range 2 west, now the town of Sylvan. He bought land on section 21, built a log house and improved a farm. In 1864 he sold his farm and went to Colorado. He remained there but a short time, and returned to Richland county and purchased the northwest quarter of section

30, town of Eagle. He improved a farm, built a neat frame house, and made it his home until his decease, in May, 1878. He left a wife and seven children to mourn his loss. The children are-David W., Mariam E., George H., Laban, Elizabeth, Alfred and Melissa. Mrs. Hillberry, with her son David and daughter Mariam, oc- enpies the homestead. David was born in Huntingdon Co., Penn., and has always resided with his parents. Alfred Hillberry was born in Monroe Co., Ohio, June 4, 1844, and was twelve years old when his parents came to Richland county. In 1873 he settled upon land that he had previously bought on section 20, and lived there until 1880. He then bought the John Crandall farm, located on sections 31 and 32, on which were comfortable buildings, including a frame house. He still owns his farm on section 29, and has since purchased other land. He is engaged in raising stock and grain. lle was married in 1875 to Eila, daughter of Stephen J. and Emma (Ferris) Randall. They have four children-Melissa, Elizabeth, Myrtle May and John Wesley.

Thomas Gunnell, deceased, a settler of 1856, was a native of England, born in Lincolnshire, May 19, 1827. Here he was reared to agricul- tural pursuits. In 1850 he left his native land and came to America and located at Ripon. He was joined in marriage here in 1854 to Ann Baird. She was born in county Mayo, Ireland, July 12, 1821. A few weeks after marriage they moved to Platteville, Grant Co., Wis., and remained there until 1856, then came to the town of Eagle and purchased a traet of timber laud on section 12, and commenced clearing a farm. Ile enlisted Feb. 26, 1864, in company B, 36th Wisconsin, and joined the army of the Potomac, going immediately to the front. He was killed at the battle of Deep Bottom, Aug. 14, 1864. He left his widow and three children to mourn his loss-Sarah A., Elizabeth J. and John Leeman. Sarah is the wife of Dighton Wright. Elizabeth J. married George Sharp. She died Dec. 29, 1882, leaving one child-Ida,

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HISTORY OF RICHLAND COUNTY.

who now lives with her grandmother. John L. was married to Kate Salmon. He has built a frame house near the homestead which he now occupies. Mrs. Gunnell, at her husband's death, assumed the management of the farm until her son was large enough to take charge.

William H. Hall, a member of the board of supervisors, first came to Richland county in 1862. At that time he purchased a one-half interest in 270 acres of land on section 21. He was quite successful in farming and remained here eight years, then sold out with the inten- tion of going to Missouri, but afterward changed his mind and went to Dane county and purchased a farm in the town of Windsor. Here his erops failed and after five years he sold out there and returned to the town of Eagle and purchased a farm of 170 aeres, lo- cated on sections 10 and 15, and has since made this his home. Ile is a native of England, born in Sumersetshire, July 7, 1834. When he was quite young his parents emigrated to Amer- ica and located in Onondaga Co., N. Y., where he grew to manhood, being reared on a farm, getting his education in the public schools. In 1857 he first came to Wisconsin and spent a a short time in Dane county, then returned to New York State and remained two years, then again returned to Dane county and was there married in 1860 to Keziah Burrington. She was born in Cuyahoga Co., Ohio. They re- mained in Dane county two years then eame to Richland county, as before stated. They are the parents of two children-Virtue and Mabel. He has been elected three times to his preseut office; he has also served as eonstable.

Erasmus Darwin Manning first settled in Wisconsin when it was a territory, locating in Sheloygan county, where he lived until 1851 except one winter spent in Green Bay. In the spring of 1851 in company with five others he started for California, traveling by water to St Joseph, Mo., where they purchased ox teams and provisions. They were four months on the road. He engaged in mining

there until late in 1852, then returned to She- boygan county and purchased timber land in the town of Plymouth, commenced clearing and there made his home until 1858 when he came to Richland county and lived one year on Knapp's creek. He then purchased seventy aeres on section 30, town of Eagle, built a log cabin and commenced clearing his present farm. He has been successful and has since purchased additional land and now owns 190 acres, 100 of which is now under cultivation. He is a native of the Empire State, born at Saratoga Springs Oct. 12, 1827. He received a good education in the public schools and at fifteen years old engaged in a tannery to learn the trade, and worked at this business in his native State until he came to the territory of Wisconsin. He was married Nov. 20, 1854, to Elizabeth Shanger who was born in Morris Co., N. J. Her parents were pioneers in Sheboygan county, where they still live. Mr. and Mrs. Manning have had five children-William S., Mary Belle, Jessie E., Etta W. and Eugene, who died when four years old. Mr. Manning has always taken a com- mendable interest in town affairs, has been town clerk and chairman of the board. Politic- ally he adheres to the democratic party, but will not vote for a dishonest man if he knows it. He cast a vote for Abraham Lincoln for Presi- dent, and always prefers the best men regard- less of politics.

James D. Weldy came to Riehland county in 1858, and located in the town of Eagle, purchas- ing the east half of the northwest quarter of section 33. He cleared quite a tract of this land and then sold and bought the south half of the southeast quarter of section 16. He was not entirely satisfied with this farm and again sold and purchased the northeast of the northi- east quarter of section 32, and twenty acres on section 29, where he made his home until the time of his death which occurred in May, 1882. He was a native of Virginia, born in Fluvanna county, March 4, 1813. When he was thirteen years old his parents moved to Ohio

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HISTORY OF RICHLAND COUNTY.

and lived in Ross county where they were pio- neers. Seven years later they again started west- ward and became pioneers of Tippecanoe Co., Ind. They lived in Indiana until 1858, then came to Richland county as before stated. Ile left a widow and three children to mourn his death-William, David and Ellen. The oldest son William lives in California. David owns and occupies the homestead; he was born in the town of Eagle in February, 1862, where he has always lived. He was married in January, 1883, to Lillie Kershner, who was born in the town of Orion. They have one child-Floyd. Ellen is now the wife of George IFunter.

Ilorace Cornwall, (deceased) was born in the State of New York, April 21, 1813, and there attained his majority, obtaining his education in the public schools. He was married in 1836 to to Diantha Burrington, who was born in Cole- rain, Franklin Co., Mass., July 18, 1818. Soon after marriage they emigrated to Ohio and settled at Doane's Corner, which is now a part of the city of Cleveland. He there engaged in teaming about a year and then moved to the town of Royalton, where he purchased a farm, remaining there until 1863. IIe came to Rich- land county in that year and purchased land of James Appleby on section 34 of the town of Eagle. Here with the assistance of his sons, he cleared a farm of nearly 100 acres and made this his home until the time of his death which occurred Dec. 6, 1888. Mrs. Cornwall occupies the homestead. She has nine children living- Horatio, Matilda, Axsa, Horace, Irena, Albert, Mary, Martha and John. Their second son, Enos, was born in Royalton, Ohio, June 13, 1840. Ile lived with his parents in Ohio until 1860, when he came to Wisconsin and spent three years in Dane county, then came to Rich- land, and taught school in the Basswood school house, in the winter of 1863-4. In January, 1865, he enlisted in the 49th Wisconsin, com- pany B, and went south. He died while in the service, at Rolla, Mo., July 28, 1865. Horatio, the eldest son, is the present town clerk. He

was born in Cleveland, Ohio, March 6, 1838. Hle grew to manhood in the town of Royalton, Ohio, obtaining his education in the public schools. In 1862 he came to Wisconsin and rented a farm in Dane county, where he was married, Jan. 18, 1863, to Sophrona Johnson, who was born in Huron Co., Ohio. He came to Richland county in 1864. On Feb. 8, 1865, he enlisted in the 44th Wisconsin, com- pany H, and went south, and was taken sick at Paducah, Ky., in April, and in June was dis- charged from the hospital at Jeffersonville, Ind., and returned home. He was unable to do any work until the following spring when he settled on the farm which is now his home. It is located on section 16. He was first elected town clerk in 1877, and has held the office con- tinuously except in 1878, when he was chairman of the board. He has held the office of justice of the peace for several years. Mr. and Mrs. Cornwall have two children living-Charles and Ella. Charles is a teacher in the public schools.

Thomas J. Rummery, for the last nine years treasurer of the town of Eagle, is a native of England, born in Sussex county in 1835. When he was six years old his parents came to Amer- ica, and settled in Cuyahoga Co., Ohio. His father purchased a farm in the town of Royal- ton, and there the subject of this sketch passed his younger days, obtaining his education in the public schools. In 1863 he came to Rich- land county and engaged in teaching, soon pur- chasing timber land on section 16, town of Ea- gle. Ile has since cleared a farm of about seventy acres, and erected a neat frame house and barn. His place is pleasantly located in the neighborhood known as Basswood. 1le was married first to Rosaline Johnson, who was born in Huron Co., Ohio, and died in 1873, leaving one child, who died three months after the death of its mother. Ile was again married in 1878 to Mary, daughter of Hubert and Mary Mathews. She was born in the town of Eagle, where her parents were early settlers. They have one child-Martha Gertrude.

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HISTORY OF RICIILAND COUNTY.

George W. Waller first settled in Richland county in 1863, about the middle of April, hav- ing at that time purchased, in the town of Syl- van, 360 acres of land, partially timbered, with about fifty acres under cultivation; cleared forty or fifty acres, erected good buildings, and lived there until the spring of 1882. Hle then sold ont and moved to Mill Creek, in the town of Akan, where he remained until fall, then pur- chased his present farm in the town of Eagle, which is pleasantly located in what is known as the Bethel school district, and is well im- proved. Mr. Waller was born in Green Co., Penn , Sept 4, 1812. When abont four years of age his parents emigrated to Ohio, and set- tled in Monroe county, where they were among the first settlers. There he grew to manhood, receiving his education in the subscription schools, fitting himself for a teacher of the same kind of school-sitting on a slab bench or stool, and writing on planks put on pins drove in the walls slantingly, and windows covered with greased paper; a fire-place, with a rousing big log heap fire. He was married March 8, 1838, to Sarah Johnson, born in Mon- roe Co., Ohio, March 25, 1819. In that county he purchased 200 acres of land, cultivated about 100 acres, and made that his home until 1863, when he sold out and came to Richland Co., Wis., as before stated. Mr. and Mrs. Waller are the parents of seven children- Rachel, Sarah, Mary, David N., Deborah, Eliza- beth and Susanna.

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History of Crawford and Richland counties, Wisconsin, Part 146

Author: Butterfield, Consul Willshire, 1824-1899. [from old catalog]; Union publishing company, Springfield, Ill., pub. [from old catalog] Publication date: 1884 Publisher: Springfield, Ill., Union publishing company Number of Pages: 1298

Author: Butterfield, Consul Willshire, 1824-1899. [from old catalog]; Union publishing company, Springfield, Ill., pub. [from old catalog]
Publication date: 1884
Publisher: Springfield, Ill., Union publishing company
Number of Pages: 1298