History of Crawford and Richland counties, Wisconsin, Part 183

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 183
USA > Wisconsin > Crawford County > History of Crawford and Richland counties, Wisconsin > Part 183

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).

In 1860 a cemetery was laid out in this town by the United Brethren Church society, on the northwest quarter of the northwest quarter of section 2. The site had been used as a place to bury the dead previously. The first interment on these grounds consigned to the earth the re- mains of Edeline Clary in 1859. At that time the land was owned by James French, who a few years later deeded it to the United Breth- ren society.

VILLAGE OF LOYD.

This the only village in the township, and was platted in 1854 by R. B. Stewart and E. M. Sexton. Joseph Irish was the surveyor and gave the village its name. It is located on the northeast of the northwest quarter of section 22. There was at the time one log house within the limits of the plat, erected by E. M. Sexton, for the accommodation of the men at work on the saw mill, which was built by Stewart & Sexton in 1854. About two years later Stewart sold his interest in the mill to E. M. Sexton, who in turn sold to Samuel MeCorkle in 1868, who tore down the old structure and built a new and better mill.

The first store in the village was opened by Nelson A. Hawks in 1855. Ile kept a gen- eral stock and had a good trade. He remained only about one year and removed to Sexton- ville. He was followed in business in Loyd by E. M. Sexton and he in turn by J. W. Lybrand. D. O. Chandler was the next to engage in trade at this place.

W. A. Hatch opened a blacksmith shop in 1856 and continued the business until 1873. Previously a Frenchman had put up a shop to make the irons for the saw-mill, which was closed about one year after the completion of the mill. This branch of business is now rep- resented by Frederick Moyes, who commenced in April, 1876.

A man named Veard opened a blacksmith shop in 1855, and continued some years, when he removed to Fancy creek, and is now dead.

POSTOFFICE.

Loyd postoffice was first established in Is55, with II. Z. Britton as postmaster. He was sue- ceeded by R. G. Carpenter, then W. A. Hatch was commissioned who was followed by D. O. Chandler. In 1865 Antoine Rollet was appointed and has since held the office. At first, mail was received week'y from Sextonville. Now there is a daily mail, the office being on the route from from Richland Center to Cazenovia.

BIOGRAPHICAL.

R. B. Stewart, a pioneer of Richland county, first settled here in 1849 when he entered land on seetion 19, of town 9, range two cast, now included in the town of Buena Vista. He made some improvements and remained here until 1854 when he sold out and came to what is now known as the town of Willow, purchased land on section 22, and in company with E. M. Sex- ton platted the village of Loyd and erected a saw-mill. He operated this saw-mill two years then sold out aud engaged in farming. His farm is located in Willow creek valley, on see- tion 22, and contains 160 acres, and is well adapted to raising grain and stock, in which business he is engaged. He has erected a good frame house and barn. He was married in 1849 to Helen L. Sexton. They have four children-Laurentine, Charles, Robert and Ed- ward M.

Daniel Murphy, son of Daniel and Elizabeth (O'Brien) Murphy, carly settlers of Willow was born in county Meath, Ireland, Feb. 2, 1849. When he was eighteen months old his parents emigrated to America and located in York State for a short time and then came to Richland county, where he grew to manhood, obtaining his education in the public schools. He was married in 1874 to Nora, daughter ol Bartholo- mew and Mary (Tahan) Shea. They have two children-Nellie and Winifred. At the time of his marriage he settled on his present old farm on sections 2 and 3, which contains 330

1288

HISTORY OF RICHLAND COUNTY.

aeres. He has given his attention to raising grain, stock and dairying. Ilis wife has earned the reputation of being a first class butter maker.

James French was one of the pioneers of Willow, coming here in September, 1854, and entering forty acres of land on section 2, where he built a log house and commenced to clear a farm. lle was successful, has since purchased more land and built a hewed log house with a frame house addition, 16x20 feet, also has a log barn 30x50 feet, and is now engaged in raising grain and stock. He was born in Greene Co., Tenn., Nov. 11, 1823, where he was mar- ried in 1842 to Margaret Lonas also born in Greene county, Sept. 29, 1823. They remained in Tennessee until Oct. 11, 1853, when the en- tire family consisting of six children started in one wagon drawn by one span of horses, con- taining themselves and household goods, to seek a new home. They went to Indiana and stopped in Clinton county until September, 1854, when they again loaded up and started for Wisconsin. They carried provisions with them and camped along the road arriving in Richland county in twenty days. Ilis property then con- sisted of the team, one cow and $40 in money. For the first few years they experienced many hardships, incident to this country at that time, but by energy and industry they at last seenred a comfortable home, and are now well prepared to spend their declining days in comfort. Mr. and Mrs. French were the parents of eleven children, seven of whom are now living -. Stephen A., Martha, John W., Sallie C., Margaret E., James A. and Darwin P. These are all mar- ried except the youngest. Mr. and Mrs. French are both members of the United Brethren Church, Mr. French is not a member of any political party, but exercises the right of suffrage intelligently, voting for whom he considers the best man.

Jules Francois, one of the early settlers of Richland county, is a native of France, born in March, 1838. In 1853 he left his native land in company with an uncle and came to America.

They spent two or three months in Illinois, then came to Wisconsin and spent the winter in Janesville. In the spring of 1854 he came to Richland county. His uncle (J. B. Poinset) entered a large tract of land in town 11, range 2 east, now known as the town of Willow, on sections 19, 21, 22, 27 and 28. Here they built a log house and commenced to clear a farm. Mr. Poinset was a bachelor and a man of good education. He died here in 1875. The subject of our sketch was married in 1867 to Clara Sawyer, who was born in York State. They had two children-Josie and Kola. He now has a farm of 220 acres in Willow creek valley. In 1870 he erected a frame barn and in 1873 a large frame house. He has one of the best farms in the town.

John Wright, one of the pioneer settlers of Willow, first came from Ohio in 1844, and located in that part of Iowa now known as Lafayette county, where he engaged in mining until 1850, then went to Greene county, and set- tled on land which he had entered in 1846. Here he built a log cabin and improved a por- tion of the land remaining until 1855, when he sold out and came to Richland county. He purchased 500 acres of land, a part of it in Rockbridge, the remainder in Willow. IIe erected a log cabin on section 26, town of Wil- low, and has since made this his home. Here he has cleared a farm, built a frame house and barn, and is now engaged in raising stoek and grain. IIe is a native of York State, born Marche 20, 1819. When he was six months old, his parents moved to Ohio, and settled in Rich- land county, where he grew to manhood, receiv- ing his education in the district schools. In 1839 he moved to Illinois and lived in Jackson county until 1844, when he came to Wisconsin as before stated. He was married in 1863 to Rachel Smith, a native of Ohio. She died Sept. 7, 1883, leaving six children-James, Joshua, Mary, Katie, Francis and Jesse.

Valentine Stoddard, one of the pioneers of Willow, is a native of Connecticut, born in

1289

HISTORY OF RICHLAND COUNTY.

Litchfield, July 25, 1810. When he was five year old, his parents emigrated to Ontario Co, N. Y. They made the journey in the winter season and took their household goods upon a sled drawn by two pairs of oxen, and were thirty-one days upon the road, a distance of 300 miles. His father purchased a farm in the town of Richmond, and here the subject of this sketch grew to manhood. He was married in March, 1833, to Joanna Davison, a native of Ontario county, and purchased a farm in the town of Canadice, where they lived until 1855. In that year they came to Richland county and settled on section 31. He first built a log cabin and then began clearing his present farm, which is situated in Little Willow valley. He has cleared and fenced seventy-five aeres, erected a large frame house and other buildings. His wife died in February, 1859, leaving eight children, six of whom are now living-Jane, now the wife of George MeCrossin ; George, now living in Kansas; John, Harlow and Jesse live in Richland county; Jennette, the wife of Seth Frost, lives in Michigan. Mr. Stoddard was married the second time in 1860, to Re- becca Sippy, daughter of Joseph and Martha (Cogswell) Sippy. She was married in 1850 to Robert MeCloud, who died in 1852, while on his way to California. He left one child- Laura, now the wife of Monroe Slater. There is one child by the last union-Frank.

David Wildermuth was one of the early set- tlers in Willow, having moved here with his family in the spring of 1856. He was born in Fairfield Co., Ohio, Jan. 17, 1803. He was the son of David and Elizabeth (Wagoner) Wilder- muth, both natives of Pennsylvania, and early settlers in Fairfield county where they located in 1777. There were but thirteen families there before them. Here the subject of onr sketch grew to manhood, receiving his education in a subscription school, as this was before the days of free schools. le was married in 1831 to Annie Newkirk, born in Fairfield county, March 3, 1814 In 1835 they started overland with

horse teams for the then far west, and located in Coles Co., Ill., which was at that time on the frontier. Here he purchased land which he improved, remaining until 1815, when he again loaded up his goods, and driving to Wisconsin settled in that part of lowa county now known as Lafayette county. He purchased land in what is now known as Fayette town. Here he engaged in farming and mining and lived until 1855, then removed to the State of Iowa remain- ing till the fall of that year when he returned to Fayette and lived until the spring of 1856, when he started with ox teams for Richland county, where he had entered land. He has since cleared a farm, erected buildings and now makes this his home. Mr. and Mrs. Wildermich are the parents of six living children-Edwin C., Eli M., Clarissa, Cordia, Louisa and Daniel.

John Salisbury, one of the early settlers of Willow, was born in Summit Co., Ohio, May 11, 1828, where he was brought up on a farm, re- ceiving his education in the public-schools. Ile was married the 14th of March, 1850, to Ro- sanna Willey also a native of Summit county, horn May 10, 1828. They remained in this county until 1856, then started west to seek a home. Ile purchased land on the southeast quarter of section 35, built a log house in the woods, took his ax and commeneed to clear a farm. In 1864 he purchased land on the southwest quarter of the same section which had been entered by Henry Cushman. He moved on to this place and occupied the log house built by Mr. Cushman until 1883, when he built the large frame house he now occupies. He has been an industrious, hard-working man, and this, combined with good judgment, has now placed him in easy circumstances. He has 280 acres of land, a good frame barn and other needed buildings for stock and farming tools. In February, 1865, he was drafted in company D, 11th Wisconsin, and went south to Mont- gomery, Ala. In June he was taken sick and the following month taken to the hospital. As soon as sufficiently recovered he was granted a

1290

HISTORY OF RICHLAND COUNTY.

furlough and came home. He was discharged at Madison September 29, and went to Ohio on a visit; returning soon after he resumed farm- ing. Mr. and Mrs. Salisbury are the parents of six children-,-Nancy, Ida J., Laura, Adeline, Nellie and William S. Nancy died March 17, 1852, aged one year, one month and three days.

George N. Mickel first came to Richland county in 1856 and stopped at Neptune with friends a short time, then, leaving his family there, he went to Minnesota to seek a home and made a claim near Glencoe in McLeod county, erected a small house, and spent the winter there. In the spring he returned to Neptune for his family, but finding them in poor health delayed. Meanwhile, his claim in Minnesota was jumped, and he concluded to settle in Richland Center, where he engaged at lis trade of boot and shoemaker until 1861, when he enlisted in company D, 11th Wisconsin Volunteer Infantry and went south. Ile was twice severely wounded at the battle of Cache river, in Arkansas, July 7, 1862. He was sent to the hospital at Jefferson barracks, near St. Louis, where he slowly recovered and was hion- orably discharged on account of gunshot wounds Feb. 3, 1863, and returned to Richland county. As soon as he was able he engaged in mercantile business, in company with his brother, C. G. Mickel, keeping a general assort- ment of dry goods and groceries, boots and shoes, leather and findings. His health was poor and two or three years later he sold his interest in the business and returned to New York State, visiting friends and relatives, re- maining there nearly a year, when he again re- turned to Richland Center, where he lived until 1881. His business meanwhile was of a specu- lative nature. In 1881 he purchased a farm on section 27, of the town of Willow. This place is situated in the Willow creek valley and is well improved, having a nice frame house and barn. Ile is a native of New York State, born in Rensselaer county, in May, 1829. His father, Andrew Mickel, was also a native of the same

county, and was a volunteer in the War of 1812. When the subject of this sketch was twelve years old his parents, with their family of twelve children, six boys and six girls, moved to Lewis county, which, at that time, was but sparsely settled, the nearest school honse being three miles. Here his father died and two years later his mother again married. He then started out for himself. Going to Col- linsville he engaged with Dean Iloodly to work for his board and schooling. Ilere he remained one year, then went to Forestville, Chautauqua county, where he engaged with Dr. Sexton as clerk in his store, remained there one year, then worked with William Gardner, a boot and shoe- maker, to learn the trade and remained with him two years, then returned to Lewis county and worked at his trade. In 1852 he opened a shop in Peach Orchard, Tompkins county, remaining in business there until 1854, when he sold out and removed to Illinois, spent two years in Livingston county, and from there came to Richland county, as before stated. He was married in 1853 to Maria Hodges. They have had five children-Adella, Edwin, Burt, Minnic and Gracie.

Elward M. Alwood, one of the early settlers of Willow, was born in Morris Co., N. J., in 1821. Here his younger days were spent in school and on the farm. While yet quite young he took charge of a boat on the Morris canal and engaged in freighting between the Lehigh coal mines and New York city and continued this business for some years. In 1853 he came to Wisconsin and entered land in township 11, range 2 east, now known as the town of Wil- low. However, he did not settle here until 1857, when he erected a log house and stables. lle has since built a large frame barn and in 1883 erected a two and one-half story frame house of commodious dimensions and good ap- pearance. ITis farm now contains 440 acres. He formerly engaged in raising hops, but of late years has turned his attention to grain and

1291

HISTORY OF RICHLAND COUNTY.

stock. He was married in 1860 to Mary Stout. They have two children-Henry and Sarah.

Samuel Cline, one of the early settlers of Willow, was born in Marion Co., Ohio, May 22, 1825. When he was eleven years of age, his parents moved to Indiana when they were early settlers of Cass county. Here the subject of this sketch began his pioneer life. The family remained in Cass county four years, then moved to Illinois and settled in Coles county where they were again among the pioneers. Ile remained with his parents for a short time, then returned to Indiana, and was there married, in 1847, to Celia A. Gates, a native of Ohio, Darke county. They remained in Indiana until 1854, when they came to Wisconsin and spent two years in La Fayette county, coming to Richland county in 1856. He purchased land on section 6, of township 11, range 2 east, in the present town of Willow, and immediately began clearing a farm. He lived in a log house until 1870, when he built the frame house he now occupies. Eleven children have been born to them, of whom three are living-Edward, Henry and Stephen.

William Murray, another early settler of Wil- low, was born in Dumfriesshire, Scotland, Sept. 22, 1827. When a young man he engaged to learn the trade of stone mason, he served three years, then worked as journeyman one year, then in 1852 came to America and lived in Con- nectient, New York and New Jersey until 1855, then came to Madison and worked at his trade until 1858 at which time he settled on his pres- ent farm on section 31, town of Westford and and section 6, town of Willow. This land he had entered in 1855. He first built a log house on section 31, where he lived until 1868 when he erected a neat frame house on section 6. Ile is now quite an extensive farmer, raising grain and stock. He was married in 1855 to Jane D. Rea, from Forfershire Scotland. They have eight children-John, William, Ella, Nora, Charles, George, Frank and Myron.

Ezra Reagles purchased the land on which he now lives, in 1857. He did not settle on it

however, until 1861. 1Ie then built a log cabin 12x14, with a dirt and stick chimney on the out- side. This humble abode was his home until 1868, when he built a small frame house, to which, three years later, he built a large addi- tion. lle is a native of Ohio, born in Medina county, in 1834. When he was six years of age, his parents moved to Indiana and first lived at Wolf Lake then in Kosciusko county, and afterward in Wabash county. Here he was married in 1861, to Sustine Mayewinkle, and two weeks later came to Richland county. Mrs. Reagles died in March, 1877. He was again married March 18, 1878, to Mary E. Lewis, a native of Pennsylvania. They have three chil- dred-Clyde A., Mary O., Tartar A .; also an adopted son, Hiram E.

John R. Smyth, the present chairman of the board of supervisors of the town of Willow, settled here in 1863, purchasing at that time his present farm on section 23. It had upon it then about twenty acres of cleared land and a small frame house. Hle now has 120 acres under improvement, has built two large frame barns and a commodious frame house. He has engaged in raising both stock and grain. His farm is one of the best in the town. Ile is a native of Ireland, born in county Cavan, Nov. 12, 1830. His family were believers in the Episcopal faith. His younger days were spent in school and on the farm. In 1849 he left his native land and came to America, located in Washington Co., N. Y., town of Argyle, and lived there two years, employed in farming summers and in attending school winters. He then went to Hadley, Saratoga county, and worked upon a farm summers, and at lumber- ing winters, until the year 1863, when he came to Willow. He has taken a lively interest in town and county affairs, and has served several terms as chairman of the town board. He has also been treasurer in the school district several years. He was married Nov. 27, 1860, to Eliza Brien. They have six children- William II.,

1292

HISTORY OF RICHLAND COUNTY.

Maggie A., Joseph L., John R., Edward J. and Dora N.

Edward Markham first came to Richland county in 1868. He was directly from England, where he had been engaged in a bakery, and knew nothing about farming. Ile first rented land in the town of Rockbridge three years, then purchased forty acres in the town of Rich- land. Two years later he traded this land for his present farm on section 34, town of Willow, where he has since made his home. He was born in Buckinghamshire, England, Nov. 6, 1834. When quite young, his parents moved to Bedfordshire, where he was brought up and educated in the public schools. At thirteen years of age he was apprenticed to a baker to learn the trade and served seven years. Ile then established himself in that business, in the town of Ampthill, remaining there until 1868, when he sold the business and rented the prem- ises, came to America and settled in Richland county, as before stated. He was married in 1863 to Lucy Brightman. She was born in Bed- fordshire. They have had six children-Henry, Lizzie, Charles, Arthur, James and Kittic. Henry, the first born, died when fourteen months old.

James Johnston was a soldier in the Union Army. He enlisted Dec. 23, 1863, in the Ist Wisconsin Cavalry, company E, and went to Nashville, Tenn., and from there to east Ten- nessee, where he joined Sherman's command in February, 1864, and started with him on his march through Georgia, participating in many important engagements on the way to Atlanta. In a charge at Burnt Hickory, Ga., May 26, 1864, his horse was shot from under him and he was himself severely wounded, a rifle ball hav- ing passed through his right lung. He was in the field hospital for a time, and was then taken to Marietta, Ga., and from there to Nashville, Tenn., from there to Joe Ilolt hospital at Jef- ferson, Ind .; from there to Prairie du Chien, Wis., where, under skillful treatment, he par- tially recovered and was advised by the physi-

cians to join the invalid corps. This he de- clined to do, and went to the front and joined his regiment, although not sufficiently recovered to do active duty. He was with the command on the Wilson raid to Macon, Ga., and was dis- charged with the regiment July 19, 1865, and returned to his home in Sank county. July, 1865, he purchased his present farm, which was then but little improved. He has since cleared quite a tract of land, erected a fine frame house, granary and log barn, and no x has a comforta- ble home. UJe was born in the province of Ontario, Canada, Oet. 14, 1842. When he was very young his parents came to the United States and lived in York State two years, then came to Dane Co., Wis., remained there two years, thence to Rock county. In 1856 they went to Sank county and settled near the county line of Richland county, and here he remained with his parents until the time of his enlist- ment. He returned to the parental roof at the time of his discharge, making it his home until the time of settlement in Willow. He was married in 1871 to Julia A. Wright, a native of Ohio. They have three children-William II., Florence, Adelle and James F.

John Leiber settled on his present farm in 1872. It is located on section 32. Ile is a native of Germany, born Nov. 10, 1829. IIe attended school until fifteen years of age, and then worked upon a farm. At the age of twenty-one he came to America and engaged as helper in a blacksmith shop in New York city, remaining there until 1853, when he went to St. Louis and lived one year, and from there to Chicago, where he engaged as blacksmith in the Illinois Cen- tral railroad shops, and has continued in that employment the greater part of the time ever since. He was married in 1855 to Elizabeth Perry, a native of Chillicothe, Ohio. She was first married, at the age of eighteen, to Thomas Dye, who died in 1852, leaving two children- Charles W. and Julia N. Mr. and Mrs. Leiber have eight children-Thomas Henry, Fredolin, Joseph A., Frances, Elizabeth II., Augusta J.,

1293

HISTORY OF RICHLAND COUNTY.

Christina F. and John W. Since purchasing the farm, Mr. Leiber has continued to work in Chicago, leaving his family in charge, his eldest son taking the lead in managing the farm. They have erected good frame buildings, and have engaged in raising stock and grain.

Benjamin B. Brownell first came to Richland county in 1855, and entered land on section 3, town 11, range 2 east, now known as the town of Willow. He, however, did not settle here until 1872. Hle has since cleared thirty-five acres of land, built a two-story hewed-log house, a good stable and other out buildings. He was born in Monroe Co., N. Y., Feb. 24, 1831. When he was two years old his parents moved to Wyoming county, where his father died when he was eight years old. He remained with his mother four years, and then went to live with a neighbor, who agreed to board, clothe and school him in consideration of the work he could do. He remained there four years, and then came to Wisconsin with a friend who lived in Green county. He had no money, but his friend paid his expenses, he agreeing to work for him to pay it back. The second sum. mer he worked at farming for $10.25 per month, and out of his wages saved enough to enter forty acres of land. He remained in the west four years, three of which were spent in Wis- consin and one in Illinois. He then returned to New York, remained two years, after which he returned to Green county and rented his broth- er's farm one year. He next went to the pine- ries and engaged in lumbering two winters, and building rafts on the river in the summer. In 1859 he started for Pike's Peak, but was taken sick at Leavenworth, Kansas, and came back to Green county and resumed farming. In August, 1862, he enlisted in the 31st Wisconsin, com- pany F. The regiment went to Kentucky, where they performed garrison duty at Fort Halleck. In July, 1863, they were sent to Ten- nessee, to guard the railroad from Nashville to Tullahoma, where they remained till July, 1864, then joined Sherman at Marietta, Ga., and were

Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.

History of Crawford and Richland counties, Wisconsin, Part 183

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