History of Crawford and Richland counties, Wisconsin, Part 170

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 170
USA > Wisconsin > Crawford County > History of Crawford and Richland counties, Wisconsin > Part 170

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).

H. T. Bailey, a prominent business man of Richland Center, had a good situation in the city of New York, which he left in 1857, and agreeable to the advice of Horace Greeley started west to seek his fortune and grow up with the country, and in a short time, made a panse at Richland Center; here he found that money did not grow on the bushes, and desira- ble situations were not found every day. Ile was not of that sort, however, to sit down and com- plain, but determined to do something, even if

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not so congenial to his tastes or advantageous to his pocket-book, he was bound to do some- thing, even if it would pay nothing more than his board. Such persons are not long without employment of some kind, and his first posi- tion was that of "hostler" for Albert Neff. Having gradnated here with honor to himself, he engaged in "sawing wood." In 1858 he concluded to return to his eastern home, and consequently started in that direction, but Mil- wankee was the extent of his journey thither, for here he turned about and came again to Richland Center, and entered the employ of A. B. Weigley as clerk. Subsequently he held simi- lar positions for different persons until 1869, when he formed a partnership with his brother, N. W. Bailey, purchased a small stock of goods of J. L Brown and engaged in business. He became sole proprietor in 1878, and has since increased his trade to such an extent that he now carries one of the largest stock of good- in this part of the State. His present stort building, erected in 1883, at a cost of $15,000. is one of the best in the county. The subject of this sketch, Henry Thompson Bailey, was born in Connectiont, Jan. 27, 1835, his parents being Alvin and Lury (Neff) Bailey. They were also natives of the same State. His early lite was spent on the farm, but when sixteen years okdl, he went to the city of New York, and commenced mercantile life as clerk in a gro- cery and provision store, from whence he came westward as before stated. Mr. Bailey is very much of a gentleman, affable, courteous and pleasing to all, and one of the best business men in the State, as his record abundantly testi- fies. Politically he is a democrat. He is a member of the Masonic fraternity, belonging to Richland Lodge No. 66, the chapter and com- mandary at Boscobel, and consistory at Milwau- kee; he is also a member of the I. O. O. F. July 31, 1861, Mr. Bailey was married to Me- dora Iluntington. She died Sept. 15. 1882, leaving two children-Henry T. and Milo II. Milo II. died Feb. 18, 1883.

James Martin, an early settler in the town of Buena Vista, was born in Guernsey Co., Ohio, Nov. 29, 1827. Here he grew to manhood, be- ing reared to agricultural pursuits. In 1850 he went to California overland, with a party con- sisting of thirty -seven people and six teams. When about half way across the plains, the party divided in six squads. Ile remained with the party three days, when he, with two others, took a mule from the team, loaded their baggage on him, and thus finished their jour- ney; having been on the road five months, and making the greater part of the way on foot. He en- gaged in mining until the following December, when he started on his return, this time by water and across the isthmus. After retmining. home he ran his father's farm for one year. then took a contract of quarrying stone for the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad Company. He was thus engaged about one year, when he took a contract to construct a portion of the road, which took about one and one-half years. He then went to Barnesville, in Belmont county, where he purchased a flouring and saw mill, which be operated until 1856, when he removed to Richland county and bought land of Nathan- iel Wheeler, on section 28, town of Buena Vista. He occupied this farm twelve years, when he purchased land on section 29, same town, and made that his home until 1883, when he removed to Richland Center. He still owns and manages his large farm of 600 acres, and which is well stocked and equipped with a good set of buildings, including, besides a large frame house, a barn 30x80 feet, with a stone basement. Mr. Martin has for several years been extensively engaged in dealing in live stock as well as farming. He was married in 1854 to Hulda A. Henderson, who was born in Belmont Co., Ohio. They have had four chil- dren-James W., Nellie, Mack and Hattie, the latter now dead.

11. W Eastland is a son of HI. A. and Isabelle A. Eastland. He was born at Sextonville, this county, Oct. 5, 1856. He was educated at Rich-

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land Center. He spent one year in Dakota. In May, 1882, in partnership with F. S. Pennell, he established a grocery, provision and crock- ery business, in which he is engaged at the present time. In May, 1881, Katie Speidell became his wife.

William Hice located at Richland Center in 1857, and followed bis trade, cabinet maker, until 1861. He then enlisted in company D, 11th Wisconsin Volunteer Infantry, was com- missioned first lieutenant, and served as such eighteen months, when he resigned on account of disability, returned to Richland Center and worked at the carpenter and joiner's trade until 1876. Hle then built a planing mill and ma- chine shop, which he has since operated. Mr. Hice was born in Holmes Co., Ohio, Oct. 5, 1827. Ile learned his trade and followed the same in his native State until 1854. He then went to Milwaukee, from whenec he came to Richland Center. He was married in 1850 to Margaret Schoonover, who died in October, 1861, leaving three children-Mary (deceased), Maggie, now the wife of Charles Green, and Joseph W. In 1865 he was again married to Mrs. Sarah Williams, and they have one son- Junins. Mr. Hice in politics is a republican.

J. W. Lybrand is a native of Philadelphia, Penn., born Feb. 4, 1813. He removed with his parents to Mt. Vernon, Ohio, in 1823, spent his early life on a farm and in 1833 was married to Levina E. Simons, a daughter of Col: Royal D. Simons, who was in active service during the War of 1812. They had two sons-George D. and Franklin G., both now deccased. After his marriage, Mr. Lybrand engaged in general mer- chandising. In 1842 he changed to hotel busi- ness, continuing the same until 1848. He also served as county treasurer, four years. In May, 1857, he came to Richland Center, for the pur- pose of establishing his son in business, when he associated J. L. McKee as partner and es- tablished a general mercantile business. Mr. Lybrand did not intend to become a resident of

the place, and for three years claimed Ohio as his home, but he soon became attached to the country, and in 1859 purchased his partner's in- terest, took in his son as partner, and the firm be- eame J. W. & G. D. Lybrand. This firm car- ried on a large jobbing trade, thereby supplying most of the stores in the northern part of the county. Mr. Lybrand also dealt largely in real estate. IFis son, George, accompanied him to Richland Center, in 1857. He was married to Maggie W. Lybrand of Philadelphia. They had born to them, two children, a son and daughter-Rollin C. and Cornelia D. Lybrand, both of whom are married and living in Richland Center. Rollin C., is engaged in the mercantile business and with John Echel- berger (the present husband of Mrs. M. W. Lybrand), compose the firm of Echelberger & Lybrand. When the Civil War broke out G. D. Lybrand enlisted in the 5th Wiscon- sin, and J. W. Lybrand continued the busi- ness alone until 1866, when he sold out to George A. and A. II. Kronskop, went to Chicago and engaged in commission business, and for a number of years his trade amounted to $1,000,000 annually. After the Chicago fire in 1871, his family returned to Richland Center, and in 1873 Mr. Lybrand sold out and also returned. In 1878 he again engaged in general merchandise, and continued in the business until January, 1883, when he retired from active business life. When the railroad was built here Mr. Lybrand took stock to the amount of $1,000, and after- wards became the principal stockholder. He was then chosen president and general manager, which position be held until the road was sold to the Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul Company. Mr. Lybrand was formerly a democrat, but when the Civil War broke out he joined the republi- can ranks, and has since voted with that party. He has, however, taken but little interest in pol- ities since coming to Wisconsin. He is an ac- tive temperance worker, and a member of the Temple of Honor .. He has been successful as a business man, and is a gentleman of many

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good qualities. He is a member of the Chicago Board of Trade.

W. E. Pratt was born in Jericho, Vt., July 31, 1848, and is the son of Edwin and Hannah (Hapgood) Pratt. About 1855 the family came to Wisconsin and resided two years at Beloit, then came to Richland county and engaged in farming in the town of Willow. The parents now reside at Sextonville. The subject of this sketch, at the age of eighteen, commenced work at the painters trade, and has since given his attention to the same, and is now a member of the firm of Pratt Bros. In March, 1878, he was married to Fannie Goodrich, daughter of Lo- renzo Goodrich. They have two children- Fred and Roy E.

W. D. S. Ross made a visit to this county in 1854, and selected his present farm, which was then owned by a man in Indiana. Mr. Ross seen returned to Marion Co., Ind., and after some correspondence succeeded in purchasing the land, which was the southwest quarter of section 28. In the spring of 1857 he removed his family to Wisconsin and commenced im- proving his property. He has since been en- gaged in general farming. He now owns 200 acres, a good frame house, and excellent barns. He also owns a half interest in the Park Hotel, at Richland Center, of which mention is made elsewhere in this work. Mr. Ross is a native of Fleming Co., Ky., born May 19, 1828. His parents were Alexander and Nancy (Arnold) Ross. In 1844 the family removed to Marion Co., Ind., where the parents died. April 25, 1850, the subject of this sketch was married to Rachel Jones. She died Jan. 4, 1877. They had reared eight children-Samuel T., Robert A., James A., Alilia Jane, Elmer E. (deceased). Virgil M., Ulysses Grant and Nora Ann. Aug. 28, 1878, Mr. Ross was married to Mrs. Indiana Wilson,nce MeCleland, and by this union one son has been born-John M. Mr. Ross is a repub- liean in politics, and has been a member of the town board several terms.

Joseph Knight was a native of England, born Sept. 29, 1828. April 11, 1851, he was married to Rose Anna Horan. They soon emigrated to the United States, and first settled in Altoona, Penn. He was there engaged in the construc- tion of railroads. llis faithful wife boarded men who worked with him. He continued this occupation at Altoona one year, then at Mariet- ta, Ohio, three years, and at Roseville a short time. He came to Wisconsin in 1855, spent one summer at Elkhorn, the following winter at Madison, two years at Monroe, then went to Rosemount, Minn., from whence he re- turned to Wisconsin and settled on section 10, Richland, where he had previously pur- chased eighty acres of land. Ilere he spent the remainder of his life. lle died Dec. 23, 1874. Mr. Knight was a firm believer in the Christian religion, and read his Bible daily. Ile took an active interest during the Civil War, and did all that was in his power to do by furnishing money to aid the cause, but did not enlist on account of his family of small children. He never sought worldly honor, and often refused to become a candidate for public offices. Mrs. Knight still resides at the home- stead, and now owns 120 acres with good im- provements. She reared eight children-Fran- ces (deceased), Mary Ann, Sarah Ann, Johanna, Susan, Rose Ann, George E. (deccased) and Dora.

Rev. John Walworth was born at Big Sodus Bay, Wayne Co., N. Y., on the 28th day of July, 1804. His ancestors emigrated from Lon- don, England, about the year 1765, some of whom located in Virginia and others in Herkimer Co., N. Y. From these latter originated all of the name in the State of New York. His father was a pioneer in the early settlement of western New York, and took a very active part in the military operations of the time with the In- dians and commanded a regiment of volunteers at the battle of Fort Erie, in the War of 1s12. At the age of seventeen John was sent to Nor- wich, in Chenango county, for the purpose of

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obtaining an education, where he remained about six years, and then returned to western New York, where he was for several years en- gaged in school teaching and other literary pur- suits. During this time he was married to Sylvia Lambson, of Hampden Co., Mass. Soon after this, in company with a number of others, he emigrated to the then territory of Michigan, arriving there in time to take part in that Indi- crous appeal to arms by the young Gov. Mason in calling out the militia of the territory to pre- vent the governor of Ohio from taking posses- sion of a certain strip or piece of land lying along the Manmee river, which was subsequently named Lucas county, in honor of the governor of Ohio. Mr. Walworth chose the ministry as his profession. But in looking over the creeds and confessions of faith of the several denomi- nations with a view of Church membership, he found it very difficult to reconcile them with each other, and still more difficult to reconcile them to the teachings of the Scriptures. Ilis next effort was to find which of the creeds was the nearest or most like the Bible in its teach- ings. This earnest research for truth continued for several months and was quite perplexing for a while, but the question occurred, Upon what authority do these many confessions of faith stand? The answer was plain-they are but the opinions of uninspired men, a mixture of truth and error, and claim the credence of the world only by virtue of the votes of synods or the decrees of councils. These votes can not change error into truth, nor truth into error. With the confessions and creeds of ten or more of the largest and leading denominations in this country, and in Europe, before him, the thought occurred, why not leave all these formulas of human opinion and take the Bible alone for your guide? There was something satisfying in the thought, which soon culminated in a resolu- tion to take the Bible as the inspired word of God, as man's best and only safe rule of faith and practice, which teaches us that in every Nation, and every age, he that fears God and

works righteousness is accepted by him. On this broad religious platform he commenced his ministerial labors and has continued them as health would permit for near fifty years. Mr. Walworth has never labored in the interest of any sectarian organization, but rather to lead and help men to lead an upright and pious life, and all true Christians to unite in charity and every good work. He has mostly lived and labored upon the frontiers, and endured the hardships of a pioneer life. As to the success or efficiency of his labors, the communities that have seen, and the thousands that have partici- pated in them can best judge. In 1840 Mr. Walworth came to Illinois and traveled four years as a missionary, but the unavoidable ex- posure to cold and storm had so impaired his health that at the end of that service he was compelled to relinquish this arduous la- bor, and in 1846 he removed to Monroe, Green Co., Wis., when he subsequently be- came proprietor and editor of the Monroe Sentinel, a weekly county paper, of the demo- cratic persuasion. By constant labor the Senti- nel soon gained a large circulation, for that day of newspapers, in Green and the adjoining coun- ties. At this time the encroachments of the slave power upon the courts of justice upon free ter- ritory, and the capture of both political parties in the enactment of the fugitive slave law, and the repeal of the Missouri Compromise, had thrust upon the people very grave questions in regard to the fate of freedom in this country, or under our government in the near future. The Sentinel was the first democratic paper in the State that came ont emphatically against the aggressions of the slave power, and the leg- islation of both democrats and whigs in the in- terest of slavery. After consultation with many persons of all political parties it was agreed to publish a call for a people's convention, without respect to previous affiliation, to be held at the capitol in Madison, July 13, 1854. This call was published in the Sentinel and a good number of other papers, and was much more

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largely attended by leading men from nearly all parts of the State than had been anticipated. Mr. Walworth was chosen president of the con- vention, and though there was perfect freedom of speech and expression of individual opinion, it was orderly and for the most harmonions. The convention proceeded to the full organiza- tion of the republican party by the adoption of a platform of freedom, and appointment of a State central committee and other officers. About two years after this Mr. Walworth had so far regained his health that be accepted a call to a pastorate in the cities of Lewisburg and Northumberland, Penn., but a.few months of pastoral labor brought on the former complaint, the bronchitis, which prevented his continued labor, and though very pleasantly situated, he found it necessary to relinquish his charge. In 1858 Mr. Walworth located at Richland Center, having purchased the office of the Rich- land County Observer, which brought him again into politics, in which he advocated the princi- ples of the republican party with fidelity. le took a deep interest in the canse of tem- perance, frequently lecturing on the subject, and in 1860 he was elected G. W. Chaplain of the order of Good Templers of the State. In 1862 he was elected to the Legislature, also again elected in 1863. As the repeated calls camo from the President for volunteers, many of our citizens left their homes and families to defend the Union, and it was not strange that one who had so long, and so sue- cessfully advocated the principles of human freedom should, though somewhat advanced in age, be willing to go to the field of contest, to help his fellow patriots in the defense of freedom, and our national existence, and at the organization of the 43d regiment of Wisconsin Volunteers, in the fall of 1864, Mr. Walworth was elected chaplain of the regiment, and soon left the State for active service in the State of Tennessee. This regiment was first or- dered on to Johnsonville on the Tennessee river, then to Clarksville on the Cumberland

river, then after the battle of Nashville to Elk river and Dechard near the city of Winchester, at the foot of the Cumberland mountains, on the Chattanooga railroad. At this place they re- ceived the intelligence of the surrender of Gen. Lee, which caused great joy, but it was soon changed to sorrow by the news of the assassi- nation of President Lincoln. The mingled emo- tions of the deep sorrow, and determination to avenge his death, though visible upon the countenances of both officers and soldiers, could not be expressed in words. Orders were received that at every regular post a funeral service should be held on the day of the President's burial. Arrangements were accordingly made, and at the appointed hour the regiment, with many other soldiers and citizens, marched to a convenient place pre- pared for the purpose, led by the band ren- dering a most pathetic funeral dirge, when the chaplain. Mr. Walworth, made a very appro- priate address founded on Ist Samuel 20, 3. A most reverent solemnity prevailed in the large assemblage. This discourse was, by request of the citizens, repeated on the following Sabbath, to a large congregation of citizens and soldiers at the Presbyterian church in the city of Win- chester. There were perhaps 1,000 colored peo- ple, freed slaves, within the lines for protec- tion. These people requested of the command- ing officer to have this discourse repeated to them, to which he kindly assented, and arrange- ments were made. The band gave good music, but they requested to sing one of their own funeral songs, which was sung in their own peculiar style, to the great gratification of the soldiers. As the discourse drew near the con- clusion, these poor homeless creatures gave In- restrained utterance to their grief, which, though somewhat Indicrous in form, still showed evi- dence of being most sincere and heart-felt. Frequent exclamations of sorrow. such as "Massa Lineum is dead, yes Massa Lineum is dead, he is our friend, de Lor sent him to free us," swinging their hands, and weeping like

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children. Since the close of the war Mr. Wal- worth has resided at Richland Center, except a few months devoted to a southern tour to Texas and the Gulf of Mexico. Ile has regularly supplied the pulpit of a congregation on the Sabbath, besides other frequent calls for his professional services. And now far advanced in age, and suffering from the effects of expos- ures and injuries received while in the army, is quietly endeavoring to fill up the remnant of a laborions and useful life, in hope of an honorable discharge, and the unfailing reward of fidelity to duty to God and his fel- low man.

J. C. Fries, of the firm of Fries & Brewer, tanners, is a son of Judge II.'W. Fries, and was born in Union Co., Penn., Oct. 2, 1849, and came with his parents to Richland county in 1858, and soon commenced work in his father's tannery, and has since been connected with the same. In 1874 he was married to Ilelen Buchanan, who died in March, 1881, leaving two children -Gerge A. and Henry W. Ile was again married in April, 1882, to Amelia Zimmerman. Mr. Fries, in politics, is a demo- crat, and in religion, a believer in the Baptist faith.

A. S. Fries, son of H. W. Fries, was born in with Union Co., Penn., June 30, 1844. Ile came his parents to Richland county, and has since been a resident. He learned the tanning busi- ness, and for several years was a member of the firm of Fries Bros. Since 1876 he has been farming. He was married to Flora Schneider in 1867. They are the parents of eight living children-William, Nellie, Carrie, Eddie, Mary, Mark, Scott and Jennie. Emma is deceased. Mr. Fries, in politics, is a democrat, and a Pres- byterian in his religion. He is a member of the A. F. & A. M.

J. W. Burnham, druggist, is a son of H. L. Burnham, and was born in Richland county, Nov. 7, 1858. Ile helped till the soil until he attained his majority, then engaged as clerk for Burnham Bros., with whom he served in that

capacity for three years. He then engaged himself with Bowen & Allen until March, 1883, since which date he has been a member of the firm of Burnham & Burnham.

C. C. Fries, son of Judge H. W. Fries, was born in Union Co., Penn., Dec. 14, 1852, and came with his parents to this county in 1858. He obtained his education in the schools at Richland Center, and in 1872 entered the employ of Parfrey & Pease as bookkeeper, with whom he remained four years, after which he served A. II. Krouskop in a like capacity, for two years. He is now bookkeeper and head clerk for Il. T. Bailey: July 4, 1874, he was married to Miss G. J. Buchanan. They have two chil- dren living-Jay C. and Isoline.

Capt. Henry Toms is a native of England, born Ang. 6, 1829. Hle resided in his native country till 1853, then emigrated to the United States and first stopped at Lyons, N. Y., where he worked at the cabinet trade. JIe subsequently removed to St. John's, Mich., from whence, in 1859, he came to Wisconsin and lo- cated at Richland Center. lle was engaged in the manufacture of fanning mills until 1861, then enlisted in company D, of the 11th Wis- consin. He was at first commissioned corporal, but was soon promoted to the rank of captain, and served as such until the regiment was mus- tered out of service. Returning to Richland Center, Capt. Toms established the furniture business, which he has since conducted. He is the oldest cabinet maker and furniture dealer in the village. He is a member of the A. F. & A. M., and a man who attends strictly to his own business, prompt in the fulfillment of his obligations and highly respected as a citizen. lle was married in 1864 to Mary A. Parfrey, and they have seven children-Clara, Ada, Henry, Edwin, Josie, Emma and Arthur.

Il. W. Glasier, principal of the Sextonville High School, has been a resident of Richland county since 1859. He was born at Factory Point, Bennington Co., Vt., May 25, 1828. When but five years of age his parents removed

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to the town of Hebron, Washington Co., N. Y., and there resided for three years. They then removed to Ohio, making the trip overland. After three weeks' travel they arrived at Twins- burg, Summit county, where they located for one year, then removed to Franklin Mills, now called Kent, in Portage Co., Ohio. When lif- teen years of age he accompanied his father and another man on a fruit tree grafting expe- lition to the south. They embarked on an Ohio river steamboat, and at Cincinnati took on board their scions, and then shipped for Mill's Point, Tenn., where they disembarked, and with a team that had been taken along, commenced the business part of their journey. They traveled through Nashville and Lexing- ton; thenee to Covington and Maysville (all in Kentucky), and from the latter point followed the Ohio river up to Wheeling, W. Va., where they erossed the river and drove toward Cleve- land, ending their journey in June, after a profitable and pleasant trip. The following season the three duplicated the journey. In the fall after he was seventeen years of age, Mr. Glasier resolved to teach school, and started on foot in search of a situation. Ile walked twen- ty-three miles and made an engagement to teach in the town of Solon, Cuyahoga county, at $12 per month and "board around." lle continued teaching until 1859, with the excep- tion of one year in the marble business. In 1853 he was engaged as principal of the Bed- ford (Cuyahoga county) school. In the spring of 1859, after coming to Richland county at the solicitation of the citizens of Richland C'en- ter, he rented a room in that village, furnished it with the necessary apparatus, and opened a select school. This movement proved a com- plete success, and the school was continued until the fall of 1860. At that time he was visited by the school board from Sextonville, and on- gaged by them to teach in that village, and im- mediately transferred his school to that point. Since his removal he has taught twelve and a half years' school in Sextonville, and has also | Mr. and Mrs. Pease have reared five children-

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History of Crawford and Richland counties, Wisconsin, Part 170

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