History of Crawford and Richland counties, Wisconsin, Part 169

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 169
USA > Wisconsin > Crawford County > History of Crawford and Richland counties, Wisconsin > Part 169

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).

"The life of the deceased, as a citizen of Rich- land Center, was like an open book, and he was

personally known to nearly every citizen of the county. He came here when there were but a half dozen houses in the village, and when the population of the county was correspondingly small. Being a reticent, unassuming man, he was not always accorded the credit dne him for promoting enterprises in which the public was interested, for he was ever generons and zeal- ous in behalf of all of those interests which mark communities for moral worth and mate- rial prosperity. He was positive in his convic- tions, radical in his support or defense of them, and uncompromising with what he believed to be wrong. In all his relations with his fellow men he sustained the Christian character he professed, and left an example which will assert its influence for good upon the conduct of those who witnessed it, even to succeeding genera- tions. The simplicity of his character was its grandeur. No epitaph could do mortal man greater honor than that. Truly a good man has gone from our midst, whose loss is rever- ently deplored, and who will not be forgotten so long as the sons and daughters af his friends and neighbors inhabit the earth. His rest in his eternal home should be all that his faith and hope had pictured-the joy, and peace of one whose greatest aim was to do right and win the crown. The loved ones he left behind do not doubt that a blessed rest awaited him."

Thomas J. Whitcraft was born in Stark Co., Olio, March 26, 1828. He received a common school education, and resided with his parents on the farm until seventeen years of age. Ile then formed a partnership with Frank Paul, purchased 600 head of sheep, took them to Kanc Co., Ill., where they sold, making a good profit out of the transaction. Mr. Whiteraft then returned to Ohio and dealt in live stock for a period of seven years, and accumulated several thousand dollars; but he also entered into a contract to furnish a large number of hogs, and in fulfilling his contract lost the for- tune le had saved. He therefore came to Wis- consin and in 1854 purchased eighty acres of land

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HISTORY OF RICHLAND COUNTY.

in this county, located on section 27, town of Richland. He purchased the land on time, agreeing to pay $240 with twelve per cent. in- terest, and thus commenced life anew. The land was nnimproved, but he at once erected a log cabin and soon had his farm well under cul- tivation. Besides farming, he also dealt in horses, buying in this county and selling them in Minnesota. He now owns 260 acres and is in moderate circumstances. May 5, 1853, Mir. Whiteraft married Emma S. Miller. She died Sept. 24, 1881, leaving four children-Evange- line Edward, Jasper B. and Durell. Mr. Whit- craft is a republican, has held the office of town assessor, and is a member of the Masonic fra- ternity.

Ammi Shireman was born in Virginia, in Sep- tember, 1825. When a young man he went to Indiana and engaged in farming. In Decem- ber, 1847, he married Jane Jones, daughter of John B. Jones, Sr. In 1854 he came to Wis- consin and was engaged in farming until 1861, when he enlisted in company II, 5th Wisconsin, and served thirteen months, when he was dis- charged on account of physical disability, since which he has been a resident of Richland Cen- ter, and is at present engaged in the restaurant business. Mr. and Mrs. Shireman have five children-John M., James M., Thomas A., Em- ma and Ella. J. M. Shireman, son of the above, was born in Indiana April 22, 1849, and came with his parents to Wisconsin. learned the harness trade, and in 1873 estab- lished himself in business. In September, 1874, he was married to Harriet Durnford, daughter of Alfred Durnford, and they now have five children-Minnie L., William II., Charles, Rol- lin and Perey.

I. J. Wright settled in Richwood, town of Richwood, in 1855. Hle purchased about 300 aeres of land and engaged in farming. When the Civil War broke out he enlisted in the ser- vice and served as second lieutenant until mus- tered out. In about 1873 he sold his farm and removed to Muscoda.

He afterwards spent

three years in the State of Tennessee, when he again settled at Muscoda. Mr. Wright was or- dained as a preacher of the Gospel in the United Brethren Church, and for some time served as a circuit preacher, but later in life he only preached on special occasions, He was an in- fnential citizen and served as chairman of the town board for several years. He had consid- erable knowledge of law and often served his neighbors as a valuable counselor. Mr. Wright was married three times. First, to Miss Toney; she died, leaving three children. Hle next mar- ried Mrs. Catharine David nce Miller; she died, leaving two children-Martha and J. C. His third wife was Mis Martha Hamil nce Miller, she being a sister of his former wife.

T. M. Hart was born in Columbiana Co., Ohio, April 12 1851. He is a son of John and Elea- nor (Marshall) Hart. In 185t the family came to Wisconsin and settled in the town of Mar- shall, Richland Co., Wis., and engaged in farm- ing. Here the father died in 1876. The mother still lives on the homestead. Of the seven children, five are living-Maria, now Mrs. James Truesdale, M. Caroline, Georgiana, now Mrs. Frank Dondna, T. M. and M. F. T. M. was educated in the common schools, also taught school. In April, 1874, he commenced keeping books for James Bros, and continued with them until the firm dissolved partnership, since which he has acted in a like capacity for N. L. James. Mr. Hart was married in 1875 to Abbie Draper, daughter of James Draper. She died in June, 1882, leaving one child- Mirah.

N. L. James, son of George 11. James, was born in Rockingham Co, N. H, Nov. 29, 1840. He came with his parents to Richland county in 1855, since which he has been a resident. In 1861 he enlisted in company F, of the 16th Wisconsin. lle assisted at the battle of Pittsburg Landing in carrying Col. Mess- more from the field. The colonel then caused him to be detailed to go down the river where The was taken sick, and in the fall of 1862 was

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HISTORY OF RICHLAND COUNTY.

discharged on account of disability. Return- ing home, he entered partnership with his fa- ther and engaged in the hardware business, which he continued until November, 1881, when he sold to his brother, D. G. James. When the railroad was projected Mr. James was called upon to lend a helping hand, and in 1872 was elected to represent the district in the Assembly. Not being successful in getting the necessary legislation, he employed a civil engineer to make the survey for the road, and assisted in organizing a stock company and, as general manager, proceeded to build the road. He had charge of the enterprise until 1878, when he sold out his interest. In 1879 he sold the road, for the stockholders, to the Chi- cago, Milwaukee & St. Paul Railroad Com- painy. In 1879 he put in a side track and has since been engaged in furnishing the railroad company with lumber, wood and ties. He is also engaged in the manufacture of wagons. Mr. James is the owner of the best herd of Shorthorn cattle in the county, and of a creamery on Bear creek. He was married in 1865 to Georgina Lane, daughter of David Lane. They have four children-E. L., HI. L., N. L. and Mabel L. Mr. James has served two terms in the Assembly. He is politically a republi- can and a Knight Templar. He is one of the most active and successful of the business men of the county, is enterprising and public spirited and generally liked throughout the county.

John Winn, one of Richland's prosperous farmers, resides just west of the village limits of Richland Center. where he owns a farm of 160 acres. Ile purchased his farm in 1865, at which date it was but little improved, but he has now an excellent farm on which is a neat frame house and good barns. He is engaged in dairying and manufacturing creamery butter. His cows are all full blood, or high grade Short- horns. Mr. Winn was born in York Co., Maine, and resided in his native State until nineteen years old. He then went to Massa- chusetts and worked in cotton mills, and for ten

years was overseer in the weaving department of the Essex Corporation mills. At Newbury- port, in 1848, he was married to Elizabeth J. McNeal, and it was on account of his wife's failing health that he came to Wisconsin. She died in 1856, leaving two children-John S. and Elizabeth J., now the wife of J. W. Houston. Mr. Winn after the death of his wife returned to New Hampshire, and there married Eliza- beth J. Fifield, and by this union there is one daughter-Hattie A. Mr. Winn is one of the pioneers of the county as his residence dates from 1855, in fall the of which year he located on section 33, of Buena Vista, where he was en- gaged in farming until he settled on his present farm. He opened a fine stone quarry on his farm in 1866, from which large quantities of the best building stone are obtained. Mr. Winn is not a member of any civic society.

David Goodrich James, son of George Il. and Louis E. (Hurd) James, was born in Deer- field. Rockingham Co., N. H., Aug. 3, 1843. He came with his parents to Rich- land county in 1855, where he helped to till the soil. When the Civil War broke out he enlisted as a private in company F, 16th Wiscon- sin Volunteers. In 1862 this regiment was consol- idated into five companies and D. G. James was put into company C. July 22, 1864, at the bat- tle of Bald Hill, near Atlanta, he was taken prisoner and kept as such at Andersonville and other prisons until the close of the war. He then again joined his regiment on their return in 1865, when he was mustered out of service with the rank of captain from date of capture by the rebels. Mr. James' weight was 168 pounds, and when mustered out of service, seventy-nine pounds. After the war he learned the tinners trade, and in 1866 became a partner in the firm of G. II. & N. L. James, and the name of the firm was changed to G. H. & N. L. James & Co. In November, 1881, he became sole proprietor, and now does the leading hard- ward business of Richland Center. He also deals in agricultural implements, machinery,

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HISTORY OF RICHILAND COUNTY.

wagons, harness, etc. In politics Mr. James is a republican. He has held various local offices, and since May, 1881, has been postmaster. Ile has been twice married; in 1868 to Ada Briggs, who died in November, 1869, leaving one sou- Oscar B .; and again in 1872, to Laura Briggs, a sister of his former wife. By this union there are two daughters-Ada and Beulah. Mr. James is an active and able business man. Hle was chief contractor in building the railroad to Richland Center, and has usually been identi- fied with every public enterprise. Ile is a Royal Arch Mason, and commander of the W. 11. Bennett Post of the G. A. R.

George H. James and his family were among the early settlers of Richland Center, having . located here in 1855. In that year he purchased a large quantity of land in Richland and Ver- non counties. He also purchased a large quan- tity of flour, and for several years supplied a large portion of the county with that necessary article. In 1862 he engaged in the hardware business, which he continued till 1881. He then withdrew from trade and followed farm- ing until 1883, when he admitted N. L. James as a partner, and subsequently retired from ac- tive life. Mr. James was born in Deerfield, N. H., Sept. 6, 1815, and in his youth learned the carpenter and joiner's trade, also worked as a wheel and mill-wright. He was married at Lowell, Mass., June 20, 1838, to Louis E. Hurd, a native of Canada, born July 11, 1815. They have four children living and two dead. The living are-Norman L., David G., William G. and Lizzie, wife of George Strang. Mr. James is an energetic and industrious citizen, who does with all his might whatever he untertakes.

W. J. Pickard was born in Queen's Landing, N. Y., July 24, 1847. His parents were Luke and Margaret (Gray) MeGay. The family came to Wisconsin and settle i near the the Fox river, where, in 1849, the father was killed by a fall on the ice in crossing the river. This was in the pioneer days at that place, and the near- est white neighbor lived seven miles distant,

but the Winnebago Indians, being friendly to the family, took the body and carried it upon poles to the white settlement, where it was buried. In 1853, as stated elsewhere in this book, Mrs. McGay became the wife of S. W. Pickard, and her son, the subject of this sketch, assumed the name he now bears. le came with the family to Richland county, and March 20, 1873, was united in marriage with Sarah E. Richards, daughter of William and Mary Richards. They now have one daughter-Ada L. Mr. Pickard still resides on the homestead, and his real estate now comprises 285 acres. He is a good farmer and his land is well im- proved. In politics he is a republican, and has been a member of the town board several years. lle is a member of the M. E. Church and of the I. O.O. F.

Nathan Ford, a pioneer preacher of the town of Bloom, was born Jan. 6, 1823, in the State of New Jersey. When he was three years old his parents moved to Allen Co., Ohio. In 1837 they went to Montgomery county and remained three years, then went to Clinton Co., Ind., where the subject of this sketch attended the common school and engaged in farming until 1855. In that year he came to Richland county and settled in the town of Bloom, on section 18, where he purchased 160 acres of land, which he has lately sokl. Sinee coming to this county Mr. Ford has been constantly engaged in farm- ing, preaching and working at the joiner's trade. He was married in 1851 10 Catharine Rodgers, who died in 1872, leaving seven chil dren-Almon, Sarah, Truman, John, George, Permelia and Charles. Mr. Ford again married, in 1874, Mrs. Sarah Seoles. Charles is now married to Harriet Kimble; John, to Margaret Shoemaker; George, to Mary Cook, and Sarah, to James Conar. Mr. Ford has hold the office of chairman of the town board eight years, mem- ber of the side board four years, and justice of the peace twelve years.

L. E. Brewer, of the firm of Fries & Brewer, tanners, was born in Franklin Co., Vt., April

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HISTORY OF RICHLAND COUNTY.

16, 1849. He came with his parents to this county in 1855, and since 1856 has resided at Riehland Center. He learned the tannery business and afterwards the harness maker's trade. In 1877 he helped rebuild the tannery at Richland Center, and is now owner of the · manufactured stock. In 1874 he was united in marriage with Hannah Dorgan. They have one child-Katie.

P. S. Brewer, son of Peter E. and Lucy Brewer, was born in Franklin Co., Vt., Jan. 28, 1847, and eame with his parents to Richland Center in 1855. At the age of seventeen he learned the harness maker's trade, at which he worked thirteen years, since which he has been in business for himself. In 1869 he was mar- ried to Anna Rodefer, and they now have five sous-Harry M., Earl J., Frank P., Jay and Buford. Mr. Brewer casts his vote with the democratic party, and is a member of the I. O. O. F. also of A. O. U. W.

A. D. Lane, the present sheriff of Richland county, is a son of David and Ann M. Lane. lle was born in the city of New York, June 6, 1853, and brought to this county by his parents at the age of two years. He helped till the soil until 1870, when he came to Richland Cen- ter and served in the employ of James Bros., until 1879. He then established a meat market, which he sold in 1883 to F. P. Bowen. He was elected to the office he now holds in the fall of 1882, and entered upon its duties Jan. 1, 1883. Sheriff Lane is a member of the Masonic fraternity, the I. O. O. F. and A. O. U. W. His wife was formerly Flora Crum- backer. They have one daughter-Minnie.

H. R. Brewer is a son of Peter and Lucy Brewer. He was born in Franklin Co., Vt., Aug. 8, 1851, and came with his parents to Wis- eonsin, in 1855, since which he has been a resi- dent of Riehland county. At the age of eigh- teen he commenced work at harness making, which he followed about ten years. Ile is now in the employ of D. G. James, as clerk. He

was married in 1875 to Maria Dorgan, and they have two children-Josie and Lucy.

Alfred Hyatt was born in Franklin Co., Va. llis father died when he was five years old, when his grandfather took him to raise and re- moved to Madison Co., Ky., where he lived until twelve years old. His mother then mar- ried William Foster, and he accompanied them to Butler Co., Ohio, where his step-father died shortly after; he then moved with some friends to Henry Co., Ind., and lived two years with Samuel Turgerson. Ile then went to Cincin- nati, Ohio, where he learned the brick maker's trade, and in 1836 went to Carroll Co., Ind., and carried on the brick making business until 1838. He there met Christiana Clark, who afterwards became his wife. After marriage he resided in Indiana, from whence, in 1855, he came to Wisconsin and became a resident of Richland county. Ile first engaged in farming in the town of Bloom, where he also kept a small store. In 1858 he removed to Richland Center and manufactured brick. In 1861 he en- listed in company II, of the 5th Wisconsin, and served until discharged on account of physical disability. After regaining his health, he re- enlisted in the 1st Wisconsin Heavy Artillery, Battery ", where he remained until the end of the war. Since the war he has not engaged in any partienlar business. Mr. and Mrs Hyatt reared five children, two of whom are now liv- ing-S. C. and V. G.

S. C. Hyatt, son of Alfred Hyatt, was born in Carroll Co., Ind., Aug. 11, 1839, and came with his parents to Richland county in 1855, where he has since been a resident. In 1861 he enlisted in the United States service and served with a regimental band one year, when he was discharged. Returning home he commenced work at the printer's trade and afterward be- came part owner of the Richland County Ob- server. In 1864 he assisted Capt. Bailey to re- eruit company F, 41st Wisconsin regiment, and was commissioned orderly-sergeant and served as such until mustered out of service. Re-

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HISTORY OF RICHLAND COUNTY.

turning home he worked for a short time at printing, then took a course at the Chicago Commercial College and afterwards assisted his father in manufacturing brick. In 1867 he began keeping books for G. & A. II. Krous- kop, and continued until 1871, when he engaged in mercantile trade for two years, sinee which he has clerked for others. He was married in 1866 to Sarah C. Carpenter, dangh- ter of Il. C. Carpenter. They have four chil- dren-Charles H., Emory, Nealie and Jose- phine.

J. F. Walker first came to the county in March, 1855, and purchased land in the town of Rockbridge, but did not become a permanent resident until the spring of 1856, when he set- tled on section 14, of the town of Rockbridge, and engaged in farming until 1873. In the fall of 1872 he was elected county treasurer and served one term, since then he has dealt, to a certain extent, in real estate. Mr. Walker was born in Erie Co., Penn., Nov. 15, 1831. He was educated in the common schools and resided in his native State until 1834, when he came to Wisconsin and first resided in Dane county. Dec. 24, 1856, he was married to Harriet F. Austin, a native of Vermont. Two children have been born to them, but only one is now living-Charles F. Mr. Walker is a member of the A. F. & A. M.

Daniel Storms in 1857 settled at Woodstock, where he opened the first blacksmith shop in that town. He also purchased land, which he changed from a wilderness to cultivated fields, and resided in that vicinity until 1874, when he removed to Richland Center. Ile is now a member of the firm of Storms, Son & Leasch. Mr Storms was born in Vermont, Jan. 25, 1825. His parents, John and Olive (Whitcomb) Storms, were natives of New England. About the year 1836 the family removed to Orleans Co., N. Y., where the subject of this sketch learned his trade, and in 1851 married Charlotte Angus. He then came to Wisconsin, first residing in Roek county, in 1856 coming from theuce to

Richland. Mr. and Mrs. Storms have two chil- dren-Fred and Edd.

S. W. Pickard was a native of the State of New York, born Sept. 24, 1795. On the 21st day of November, 1816, he was married to Effa Skeel, who was born Jan. 1, 1798, and reared a family of eleven children. They emigrated to Michigan, and thence to Stephenson Co., Ill. In 1853 he came to Wisconsin, and at Appleton, in 1854, married Mrs. Margaret C. MeGay, 200 Gray. She had one son by her former marriage -W. J., who after her marriage to Mr. Pick- ard, assumed the name of W. J. Pickard, by which he is now known. Mr. and Mrs. Pick- ard had one son, born Dee. 17, 1855, who in the third year of his age was accidentally killed by the fall of a tree, eut by his father. The subject of this sketch came to Richland county in Au- gust, 1855, and settled on section 29, Richland town, where he had entered land a few years previously. He was engaged in farming until his death, which occurred Oct. 18, 1874. while he was attending services at the Presby- terian church at Richland Center. It was occa- sioned by apoplexy. Mrs. Pickard died of the the same disease, Oct. 2, 1875, dropping dead while standing in the door-way of her home. Mr. Pickard, in politics, was an active republi- can, and an ardent admirer of Abraham Lincoln. He had hold the office of justice of the peace. lle was a believer in the t'hristian religion, and at the time of his death a member of the United Brethren Church.

A. G. James came to Wisconsin in 1855 and located land in Vernon county. He then re- turned to New Hampshire and in 1956 removed his family, consisting of a wife and three chil- dren, to Richland Center, and settled where he now resides. He followed his trade, shoemak- ing, and also dealt in boots and shoes until 1870, when he purchased a farm and has since devoted his attention to tilling the soil. Mr. James was born in Rockingham Co. N. II., July 9, 1823. He learned his trade and in Ists was married to Eliza Knowlton. They are the

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HISTORY OF RICHLAND COUNTY.

parents of six children-A. K., Emma, now the wife F. H. Tuttle; Lewis, Charles F., Minnie and Anna Belle. Politically, Mr. James was at first a free soiler and since 1856 has voted with the republicans. On the temperance ques- tion he is a prohibitionist. He has been a member of the town board five years, and pres- ident of the village board two years.

A large portion of the insurance business in and about Richland Center is transacted by Capt. W.C. S. Barron, who took his first agency here in 1866, and now represents a number of compa- nies, giving bis entire attention to the business. He was born in Troy, N. Y., on the 3d day of Angust, 1830, his parents being Warren and Ruth (Purington) Barron. The family removed to Providence, R. I., where the father died in 1834. The mother subsequently married Thad- dens Cook; she died in Massachusetts about 1869. The early life of Warren Clark Sherman Bar- ron was spent on a farm, but he also learned both the trade of shoemaker and tailor. In 1850 at Billingham, Mass., he was married to Amanda Thayer, and was engaged in livery business until 1855, when he left the city and started for the western frontier, and soon ar- rived in Waukesha Co., Wis. In 1856 he came alone to Richland county, and in November of that year purchased the south half of the north- west quarter of section 35, in the town of Westford. Ilere during the summer of 1857 he had erected a log cabin, 18x20 feet, with a shake roof, removed his wife and child from Waukesha county, and on the 2d day of De- cember commenced pioneer life in earnest in their new home. This was a disagreeable time of year to commence "roughing it." The house was comparatively not by any means a palace, and to one not accustomed to such surround- ings, considerable pluck was necessary, an in- gredient not lacking in the character of the subject of this sketch, and by dint of much stamping of feet and rubbing of hands he kept from freezing and came through all right. On the 12th day of August, 1862, he enlisted

as a private in company B, 25th Wiseonsin Vol- unteer Infantry. Soon afterward he was ap- pointed orderly, and on the 25th day of Angust, 1863, was commissioned second lieutenant, was promoted to the position of first lieutenant, and on the 20th day of December, 1864, became captain of the company, with which rank he was mus- tered out of the service on the 15th day of June, 1865. Capt. Barron participated in all the en- gagements of his regiment, was a brave soldier and always had the respect and confidence of his command. After these series of events he returned to Richland county, and since 1868 has resided at Richland Center. Politically he is a staunch republican, having voted with that party ever since its organization. In 1858 he was elected town superintendent of schools, which position he held until the office was abol- ished. In 1868 he represented his district in the Assembly, and from that date until January, 1883, was connected with the office of sheriff, having twice been elected, once appointed to fill a vacancy, and at different intervals acting as deputy; he has also been president of the vil- lage board. The subject of this sketch is a large, well built man of commanding appear- ance, courteous and affable to all, has a large acquaintance and many warm friends. Ile is a Royal Arch Mason and was master of Richland Lodge, No. 66, four years. He is chief patriarch of the I. O. O. F. in the State of Wisconsin; past-master in the A. O. U. W. and a member of the G. A. R. Mr. and Mrs. Barron have one son-Frank O.

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History of Crawford and Richland counties, Wisconsin, Part 169

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