History of Crawford and Richland counties, Wisconsin, Part 171

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 171
USA > Wisconsin > Crawford County > History of Crawford and Richland counties, Wisconsin > Part 171

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).

been professionally engaged at Lone Rock, Boscobel, Muscoda and Highland. Prof. Gla- sier believes that a man is never too old to learn, and for some years he has been a con- stant student. In April, 1851, he was married to Jane Elizabeth Bosworth, a native of New York. These parents have been blessed with nine children-Willis H., Fannie E., Cora A., Charles J., Edwin S., Johnson J., Arthur B., Gilson G. and Edith L.

W. W. Baker was born in Ohio in 1840, and resided in his native State until twenty years of age, then came to Wisconsin and settled at Richland Center. Here he at first clerked and subsequently was engaged in business, being a member of the firm of Pease & Baker. In 1863 he married Vira L. Pease. In 1868 he left Richland Center and engaged in the light- ning-rod business at Columbus and Cincinnati, Ohio, New York, and still later at Chicago, where his death took place March 1, 1-75. Mrs. Baker returned to Richland Center, and in the fall of 1879, in partnership with Mrs. Fi- delia Pease, established a general mercantile business of which Mrs Baker is now the sole pro- prietor, and is carrying on the same with marked success. Mrs. Baker is the mother of four children, two now living-Rena V. and W. W.

E. Pease settled at Richland Center on the 11th day of April, 1860. He had just arrived from the State of Vermont where he had been engaged in dairy farming, and, as he had about $16,000 in cash, he leaned money, and for sex- eral years did quite a brokerage business. He now owns a large number of cows and sheep, which he has let on shares to farmers about Richland county. Mr. Pease was born in Ben- nington Co., Vt. in 1803, and in 1832 married Lucinda Glasier. He was a poor man but got a start in life by selling goods around Boston, and then engaged in dairy farming in Vermont, in which business he met with marked snecess.

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HISTORY OF RICHLAND COUNTY.

Dexter E., D. G., Vira L., Myron C., deceased, and Clarence N., deceased.

W. F. Doudna, of the firm of Strang & Doudna, was born in Belmont Co., Ohio, Feb. 22, 1854. Ilis parents are Isaac and Martha Doudna. In 1861 the family came to Wiscon- sin and settled in Marshall, Richland county, where the parents still reside and are engaged in farming. In 1872 he entered the employ of of James Bros., learned the tinners trade, and in 1875 engaged in hardware business at Viola. In 1878 he removed his stock to Richland Center, formed a partnership with George Strang, and has since continued the hardware business under the above firm name, Mr. Doudna was united in marriage in 1876 with Mary Brewer, daughter of James Brewer. They have two children-Eddie and Oscar. Mr. Dondna is politically a democrat and is chairman of the democratic county committee. Ile is a member of the I. O. O. F.

A. C. Parfrey, proprietor of the Richland Center mills, is a son of Edward and Elizabeth (Crane) Parfrey. He was born in England, Jan. 31, 1839. He learned the milling business in his native country, and in 1857, with his parents, emigrated to the United States, and came to Richland county. In 1863 he became interested in the mills of which he is now the owner. In 1864, in partnership with J. C. Nichols, he built an upright saw-mill on the opposite side of the river from the grist-mill, and in 1865 changed it to a rotary mill, and has since operated the same, or had it leased to other parties. In 1865 he built a bedstead fac- tory, which employed from sixteen to thirty- five hands, but discontinued the business in 1871. In 1871, with D. E. Pease as partner, he erected a stave factory and the present flouring mills which they operated with good success four years; they then discontinued the stave factory business on account of the scarcity of timber. Thus it can be seen that Mr. Parfrey has been one of Richland Center's most enter- prising and wide awake citizens. Before the

railroad was built to the village, Mr. Parfrey paid as high as $9,000 in a year for hanling freight, flour, lumber and bedsteads to Lone Rock, and his business amounted to $131,000 annually. He is unpretentious in his manners and a shrewd business man. In October, 1865, Margaret A. Fries became his wife. She is a daughter of Judge H. W. Fries. They have had seven children born to them, six of whom are now living-E. II., Rena, Jennie, Maggie, Charles and Henry.

Edward Parfrey came to this county in 1861, and leased the Richland Center grist-mill, and operated the same until 1863, when he removed to Dane county. In April, 1864, he returned to Richland county and purchased the Ithaca mill, which he operated until his death, which oc- curred in 1867. Ile left a wife and four chil- dren-Mary Ann, now the wife of Henry Toms, A. C., Youngs (deceased) and Fred. Mrs. Par- frey died in January, 1883. Mr. Parfrey was a native of England. He was a miller by trade, as was also his father. He married Elizabeth Crane. In 1857 they emigrated to the United States and spent the first winter in Milwaukee, then settled in Dane county, from whence they came to Richland Center.

Obadiah Driskill was born in Cayuga Co., N. Y., Nov. 8, 1840. Ilis mother died in 1844, and his father subsequently married again. In 1848 the family moved to Michigan. The subject of this sketch, however, did not remain there, but returned to his native State, and lived there until 1855, then went to Illinois, and at Chicago in 1861 enlisted with "Barker's Dragoons" for three months. At the expiration of that time, he enlisted in company B, 8th Illinois regiment. He was wounded at the battle of Fair Oaks, and discharged from service, Ang. 2, 1862. In 1863 he came to Richland Co., Wis., and Jan. 18, 1864, enlisted in company A, 4th Wisconsin Cavalry, in which he served until April 15, 1866. Thus it can be seen that he was deter- mined to serve his country to the best of his ability. Since the war he has been a resident

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HISTORY OF RICHLAND COUNTY.

of this county, and has been extensively en- gaged in dealing in live stock. For two years he carried on a general store. In 1883 he established a livery business at Richland C'en- ter, and now carries on the same. lle was united in marriage, May 26, 1866, with Mary Reed. They have two children-Luella and Benjamin. Mr. Driskill is a member of the democratic party, also of the 1. O. O. F.

George E. Bennett, clerk of the circuit court, is a native of Scotland, born Oct. 25, 1828. His father was a farmer and George E. helped till the soil and resided in his native country until 1849, then emigrated to the United States, and first stopped in Washington Co., Penn. In 1852 he removed to Hiekman, Ky , where he remained three years, then went to Henry Co., Teun., manufacturing tobacco, and sometime subse- quently to Memphis, where he was engaged in the commission business. He was commission clerk and tobacco inspector until October, 1863. Hle then came to Wisconsin, and in October settled near Lone Rock and engaged in farm- ing, which he pursued until Jan. 3, 1881, when he entered upon the duties of his present oflice, and is now serving his second term. While a resident of Buena Vista he served as town clerk eleven years and justice of the peace two years. He is a republican in politics, a member of the I. O. O. F., and a member of the Congregational Church, being deacon of the society at Lone Rock. Mr. Bennett has been twice married. In 1856 to Ellen Tully, a native of South Carolina. She died in March, 1858, leaving one son-John E. O., who now resides at Britt, Hancock Co., Iowa. In 1865 he married Mrs. Harriet Turner nee Clark. They have an adopted daughter-Alice.

Lee McMurtrey came to the county in 1864, and, in partnership with his brother, established a meat market. In 1868 he purchased his brother's interest and continued the business alone until 1874, since which he has continued his trade and now has charge of the meat mar- ket of F. P. Bowen. Mr. MeMurtrey was born

in La Fafayette county, April 15, 1840, and has always been a resident of the State. In 1861 he enlisted in company HI, of the 3d Wisconsin regiment, and served three years. Jan. 6, 1867, he was married to Maria J. Lindley, and they have two children - Amabelle Lurena and Mar- vin Lee. Mr. McMurtrey is a member of the A. F. & A. M. and G. A. R.

M. L. Sherman was born in Wyoming Co., N. Y., Jan. 6. 1831. His early life was spent on a farm, and in 1841, he removed with his par- ents to Kane Co., III. At eighteen years of age he commenced work at the harness trade, and in 1852 went to the Pacific slope and re- mained six years. In 1861 he enlisted in com- pany K, 52d Illinois and served three years. Hle then came to this county and has since been engaged in the harness business, and is now the oldest harness-maker in the place. In 1834 he married Miss C. S. Ellithorpe, a native of Ver- mont. They have seven children-Estelle, Carrie, Herbert, Edith, Eugene, Katie and Bertha. Politically, Mr. Sherman is a demo- vrat, and an carnest temperance worker, being a member of the Temple of Honor, also a mem- ber of the G. A. R.

Jesse G. Bunell was born in the village of Manlius, Onondaga Co., N. Y., Jan. 15, 1517. His parents were Jesse and Eliza (Crawley) Bunell. When three years of age his parents removed to New York city, where he resided with them until June, 1861, when he took up his home with his aunt in Middlesex Co., Cana- da, until April, 1862, when he came to Rich- land county, and in Angust of that year en- listed in company B, 25th regiment, Wisconsin Volunteer Infantry, and served until the close of the Rebellion. After his return he was en- gaged in agricultural pursuits in the town of Westford, in Richland county, until the fall of 1874, when he was elected county clerk and twice re-elected, his time expiring Jan. 1, 1881, since which time he has been employed as book-keeper and assistant postmaster by D. G. James, of Richland Center. He was married

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HISTORY OF RICHLAND COUNTY.

Oct. 20, 1867, to Sophronia Moody, daughter of Joseph Moody, of Westford, Wis., and they now have four children living-Alice, Charles, Bessie and an infant daughter. Mr. Bunell is a member of Boscobel chapter, Royal Arch Masons, and at present master of Richland Lodge No. 66, A. F. & A. M. He is a republi- can in politics and identified with the G. A. R.

Major A. M. Crumbecker is not one of the pioneers but is one of the leading farmers in Richland county, having settled on section 34, Richland town, in the spring of 1865. He has given attention to tilling the soil and now owns 335 acres of land, with excellent improvements, and his location for a farm is one of the best in the county. Mr. Crumbecker was born in Carroll Co., Ohio, July 14, 1829. His parents, Isaac and Hannah Crumbecker, were natives of Maryland, but settled in Ohio many years ago and engaged in farming. The subject of this sketch, in 1853, was married to Mary C. Eakin. She died, leaving one daughter-Florence. In 1859 he was married to Hannah Pennoek, and by this union five children have been born- Lenora, Estella, Mary, Harry and Winifred. In August, 1861, A. M. Crumbacker enlisted as a private in company A, 32d, Ohio Infantry. Ile was at once commissioned first lieutenant, and a few months later promoted to the rank of captain. In the spring of 1863 he became major of the regiment and served in that ca- pacity until October, 1864, at which time a pro- tion of the regiment re-enlisted, and Major Crumbecker, having served the full term of his enlistment, resigned his commission, after hav- ing participated in all the battles, marches and skirmishes of the regiment. He then returned to his home, and in 1865 came to Wisconsin, as before stated. He always votes the republican ticket, takes an interest in the welfare of the party, but does not aspire to office. Ile is a member of the Masonic fraternity, and highly respected as a citizen. During the war Major Crumbecker was a good soldier, and had the confidence and respect of his command. Ile !

was among those who enlisted purely from a love of country and the right, and has always been actuated and governed in his intercourse with his fellow-men by honest and commenda- ble convictions, and he is a worthy representa- tive of the best class of Richland county eiti- zens.

George L. Spangler, city marshal, was born in Adams Co., Ind., Feb. 11, 1853. llis father died in 1857, and he then lived in the family of his uncle, James Essex, with whom, in March, 1866, he came to Wisconsin and settled in the town of Bloom. In 1873 Mr. Essex removed to Kansas. In the spring of 1872 the subject of this sketch was married to Eliza Allbaugh. He then purchased eighty acres of land and engaged in farming. He spent one season lumbering on the Mississippi river, and for several years operated a clover huller. This latter enterprise proved a great misfortune, for, on the 30th of January, 1880, while feeding the machine, his right hand came in contact with the cylinder and was so badly mangled that amputation above the wrist was necessary. After meeting with this misfortune Mr. Spangler left the farm and removed to Richland Center and for two years served as deputy sheriff. Ile has been city marshal since 1881, and is a member of the encampment of the 1. O. O. F. Mr. and Mrs. Spangler have two children-Etta Lenora and Ira Leonard.

James Dove is proprietor of the oldest black- smith business in Richland Center, having established the same in 1866. Hle is also a member of the firm of Dove Bros., dealers in furniture, etc. Mr. Dove was born in St. Law- rence Co., N. Y., Oct. 13, 1825. His parents being Charles and Mary Dove. He learned the trade of blacksmith and in 1854 came west, resid- ing in northern Illinois and southern Wiscon- sin until 1866, when as before stated, he came to Richland Center. In October, 1864, he was married to Anna Johnson, and they have one daughter-Hattie. Mr. Dove is a man who

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HISTORY OF RICHLAND COUNTY.

attends strictly to his own business and is re- spected as a citizen.

Frel P. Lawrence was born at Bear Creek in the town of Ithaca, Richland county, March 4, 1860. Ilis parents were C. A. and Maria (Carpenter) Lawrence; his father at that time being engaged in farming. In 1867 the family removed to Richland Center. Fred P. attended school at Bear Creek one year, and upon moving the county seat, continned in school until six- teen years of age. In 1876 he commenced work for A. II. Krouskop, and continued with him for three years when he went into the hardware business, which he still follows, now being in the employ of Strang & Doudna, at Richland Center. Mr. Lawrence was married on the 16th of February, 1882, to Grace A. Chand- ler, daughter of D. O. Chandler, of Richland Center. They have one child-Myra, born Feb. 7, 1883.

F. D. Fowler, in April, 1867, settled on sec- tion 36, town of Richland, having purchased the land in 1865. Here he resided (with his exception of three years when he rented his farm) until 1882. He however worked most of the time at his trade, carpenter and joiner. In 1882 he removed to Richland Center, where in 1883 he built for himself a spacious dwelling house, and is now well situated to enjoy life. He still owns his farm which contains 160 acres. Mr. Fowler was born in Herkimer Co., N. Y., .Jan. 3. 1825. llis father was a tanner but also owned a small farm on which the family resid- ed. In 1841 the subject of this sketch left home and followed a sea-faring life until 1848, sailing on the Atlantic, Pacific and Indian oceans and visiting ports in all parts of the globe. Returning to his native State, he at- tended school and also taught school, and learned his trade. Ile was married in 1852 to Maria A. Cole, who was a native of Jefferson Co., N. Y. In 1855 they came to Wisconsin and resided in Dodge county until they came to Richland. In 1862 Mr. Fowler enlisted in company A, 24th Wisconsin Volunteer Infantry.

TTe was wounded at the battle of Murfreesboro and disabled from service. Ile was honorably discharged in June, 1863. Returning to Dodge county, he sold his property, went back to New York and in July, 1864, enlisted in company E. 20th New York Cavalry, aud served until mus- tered out of service at the close of the war. He then came again to Wisconsin and lived in Dodge county until 1867. Mr. Fowler has been identified with the republican party since its or- ganization. In his religious views he is liberal. Mr. and Mrs. Fowler have had five children born to them, four of whom are now living. Frank, Edgar E., Irwin S. and Chester A.

Frank Sanford came to Richland county in 1867, and purchased a tannery located west of Richland Center, and operated the same about three years, since which time it has been idle. Mr. Sanford was not engaged in any regular business until 1878, when he built a livery and feed barn and established a livery busi- ness, which he sold out in February, 1879, and re-purchased in 1881, and has since carried on an extensive livery business besides opera- ting the stage lines between Richland Center and Viola, West Lima and Cazenovia. Mr. Sanford was born in Mercer Co., Penn., Dec. 14, 1830. The family in 1833 removed to Mich- igan, where the father died in 1845, and as the family were lelt in moderate circumstances, the subject of this sketch worked at various em- ployments during the summer seasons, and at- tended school winters. He went to Galena, Ill., in 1848, and in 1851 came to Wisconsin and had charge of a lead furnace until 1856, when on account of failing eyesight, he spent a sea- son in St. Louis. In 1857 he returned to Min- eral Point and engaged in the livery business. In 1862 he went to ldaho and worked at mining four years, then again returned to Mineral Point, where he was employed in the tanning business, coming from thence to this county in 1867, as before stated. Ile was married in 1858 to Caroline Clems; they have five children-

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George, Lewis, Ella, Caroline and Anna. Mr. Sanford is a Royal Arch Mason.

J. D. Harring was born in Waukesha county, Jan. 6, 1847. His parents were J. G. and Jane C. (Butler) Harring. His mother died in 1852, and his father then, with his children, emigrated to Michigan, where he married Mary E. Mer- rett. He returned to Wisconsin and in 1868 came to Richland county. The subject of this sketch was married in 1873 to Miss C. A. Der_ rickson, and now resides on section 12, town of Richland, where he now owns 200 acres. His farm at the time of his purchase was unim- proved, and covered with timber. Mr. Harring is politically a republican, and has been a mem- ber of the town board, four years, and chairman one year. Mr. and Mrs. Harring are the parents of three children-Ismay, Nellie and J. G. Mr. llarring's parents now live in Juneau county.

George II. Strang was born in Janesville, Rock Co., Wis., Sept. 7, 1850. Ile is a son of Isaac and Elizabeth (Spoon) Strang. In 1854 the family removed to Sauk county and engaged in farming. In 1883 the parents emigrated to Charles City, Iowa, where they now reside. George H. Strang came to Richland Center in 1868, entered the employ of James Bros., and learned the tinner trade. In 1878 he went in partnership with W. F. Doudna, and has since been engaged in the hardware business, the name of the firm being Strang & Doudna. Mr. Strang was married in 1873 to Lizzie E. James, daughter of George H. James. They have three sons-Bert, Rupert and Scott. Mr. Strang is a republican in his politics, and has held local office.

J. A. Cleveland established his present drug business, in May, 1881. Ilis residence, in the east part of the village, is one of the best in town. Mr. Cleveland was born in Chenango Co., N. Y., in November, 1846, and resided in his native State, until twenty years of age. He then went to Story Co., Iowa, from whence he came to Wisconsin. He was married in 1872 to Minnie J. Benbow, daughter of Benjamin

Benbow, of Ithaca. They have one son -Frank. Mr. Cleveland is a member of the Masonic fraternity, a shrewd business man, and a good citizen.

August Larson was born in Stockholm, Sweden, Ang. 2, 1842. He learned his trade, (cabinet maker) and resided in his native city, until 1866. He then emigrated to the United States and first stopped at New York city, where he worked at his trade about eighteen months. He then worked one year in Chicago. He subse- quently, at different intervals, worked at St. Paul, Minn., La Crosse, Ontario, and Milwau- kee, Wis., Buffalo, N. Y., Windsor, Canada, and Detroit, Mich. He then returned to On- tario, Wis., from whence, in 1873, he came to Richland Center. Here he entered the em- ploy of Capt. Henry Toms, whom he served (with the exception of six months spent in Da- kota) until 1880. He established himself in the furniture business, July 1, 1881, in which he is meeting with marked success. Mr. Larson is a first-class mechanic, and a man who attends strictly to his own business. On Nov. 19, 1874, he was married to Rosa Mayfield, daughter of David Mayfield, and they now have one son- Albert, born Feb. 18, 1882.

Oliver G. Munson was born in Howard Co., Iowa, March 2, 1856. His parents being C. M. and M. R. (Taft) Munson. He was educated in . the common schools, and in 1871 commenced newspaper work in the Plain Dealer office at Cresco, Iowa. He was subsequently in the Times office at said place. He served in every capacity, sweeping the office, setting type, doing job work and writing editorials, thus becoming a practical printer. In 1876 he came to Richland Center, and soon after- wards became associated as partner with W. M. Fogo in the publication of the Republican, afteward changed to Republican and Observer, Mr. Munson was married Dec. 15, 1881, to Josie C. Downs, daughter of W. H. Downs, and they now have one daughter. He is a member of

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HISTORY OF RICHLAND COUNTY.

the A. F. & A. M., the I. O. O. F. and the Temple of Honor.

R. N. MeKay was born in Ireland, Oct. 22, 1851. His parents were William and Margaret McKay. The family emigrated to the United States in 1852, and first settled in Ozaukee Co., Wis., and engaged in farming. They after- ward moved to Dodge county, where the father died in 1860. The mother now resides in in Richland county. Six of the children are still living-Agnes, W. J., James, R. N., Sarah and Mary. R. N. MeKay was married in 1875 to Laura Davis, a daughter of J. L. Davis, of Vernon county. In 1877 he came Richland Center. lle had charge of the county poor farm for two years, and was engaged in farming until 1880, since which time he has been engag- ed in a grocery, provision and crockery trade. Mr. and Mrs. McKay have two children-Alice and Roxey.

B. N. Smith was born in Pennsylvania, March 20, 1838. In 1852 the family removed to Catta- rangus Co., N. Y. He here commenced work at his trade, that of blacksmith. In 1856 he went to Missouri, where he followed his trade. taught school and studied medicine. In 1859-60 he attended the medical department of the State University, at Keokuk, lowa. In 1861 he enlisted in company B, 29th Ohio, was after- wards commissioned second lieutenant of com- pany K, and still later was on the brigade staff of the second division of the 12th Army Corps. He was mustered out in 1864, but was in the quartermaster's department until 1865. After the war he spent some time, as well as money, in the oil regions of Pennsylvania, kept hotel in Ohio, constructed five miles of railroad in Illi- nois, manufactured mining tools in Indiana, and was subsequently in Chicago, from whence he came to Wisconsin. le is now engaged in a general blacksmith business at Richland Con. ter. Mr. Smith is a member of the Masonic fraternity.

Whitney Smith is not an old resident of the county, butthere are so many historical incidents

connected with the history of his parents that a short sketch will prove of interest to all. Whitney Smith was born in the town of Wilkes- Barre, Wyoming Valley, Penn., July 14, 1804, his parents being Jonathan and Anna (Trues- dale) Smith. His grandfather, William Smith, was a native of Connecticut, and a ship builder by occupation. He accumulated quite a fortune, married and reared a family of children, and then removed to Wyoming Valley, where he purchased property and soon had good improve- ments. But alas, one day they were surprised by the Indians, compelled to flee from their home, and before they were out of sight the buildings were in flames. The family suf- fered terribly, as it was obliged to pass through the swamp known as the "Shades of Death," and travel a distance of sixty miles before reaching a white settlement. They returned to Connecticut, where they resided until peace again prevailed in Wyoming Valley, when they again removed thither, but no sooner had they become nicely settled than the Indians again drove them from their homes and destroyed the property. None of the family were killed, but forty prisoners were taken, and among the number was Jonathan Smith, who was then a boy of fifteen years. The Indians soon com- menced killing the prisoners, and as young Smith did not choose to be shot down like a dog, he started to run down the hillside, but he soon saw himself surrounded by Indians and so halted. Thrice the savages threw tomahawks at him, but he dodged the weapons. At last the chief of the tribe appeared, and stated that as the boy had been shot at three times, a gun snapped three times, and a tomahawk thrown at him three times, it was plain to be seen that he was protected by the Great Spirit, and it would surely be death to any Indian who would take his life. He was then taken with the tribe, and at last, on account of his bravery. was adopted as the chief's son. He remained with the tribe five years and six months, and the manner of his escape was thus: The In-

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History of Crawford and Richland counties, Wisconsin, Part 171

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