History of Grant County, Wisconsin, preceded by a history of Wisconsin, Part 134

Author: Butterfield, Consul Willshire, 1824-1899
Publication date: 1881
Publisher: [Chicago : Western Historical Co.?]
Number of Pages: 1050

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And such was the effect of this simple writing, that his wife and children all met together at his house, in obedience to his injunction, and by solemn writing and deeds divided their inheritance precisely as he advised.

Thus passed away one of the most remarkable men known on the roll of the old settlers of Grant County.

JOSEPH C. ORR.

Joseph Crain Orr, one of the earliest settlers in the county, was born at Cincinnati, Ohio, May 30, 1802. He was the eldest child of James Orr, who was born in Lancaster County, Penn., September 4, 1772.

The early years of his life were passed at Franklin, Ohio, where he received a common- school education, and learned the tanner's trade. In 1826, he was married to Miss Levilette Dearth, at Springboro, Ohio. Ten children, eight of whom are now living, were the fruit of this long and happy union. Soon after his marriage, Mr. Orr emigrated to Michigan City, Ind. He was one of the first settlers in that place. He helped lay out the city, and built its first house.

In 1836, he came to Grant County, Wis., where he entered and improved a farmn on Blake's Prairie. Here three years afterward he removed his family, and here continued to reside till his death, April 11, 1881, a period of forty-five years. Mr. Orr will long be remembered in the community in which he for so many years resided. His was a strong, and in many respects peculiar character. Self-contained and taciturn almost to eccentricity, cautious and conservative to the last degree, he possessed remarkable clearness of judgment and great firmness of will.

By nature silent and reserved, he mingled little in society ; in manners quiet and unobtru- sive, he neither sought nor desired notoriety or influence. But to character such as his,

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HISTORY OF GRANT COUNTY.

influence always comes. By deeds rather than by words, he impressed upon the community in which he lived for almost half a century, the abiding lessons of a singularly pure and honest life. In his personal affairs, his cautious prudence, his broad good sense, resolute will and sterling integrity brought abundant success.

Too modest to seek political distinction, his practical knowledge of and sympathy with the public wants, and above all his uncompromising fidelity to every trust, brought him, in the early days of the county, into prominent notice. He was one of the Commissioners that first laid out most of the county roads, and at different times was a member of the County Board of Supervisors.

Of good laws and good order he was the cordial supporter. In education he took a per- sonal active interest. The schoolhouse and the university found in him a ready friend and patron. Though he never obtruded his personal views upon strangers, and rarely engaged in political discussions, upon all matters of public interest he held clear, intelligent and well- grounded opinions. In every cause he espoused, truth and right were the criterion of his choice, the end of his effort.

In his domestic relations he was peculiarly happy. He was the kindest and most indul- gent husband and parent. His large family of children, save one, who died in the war of the rebellion, grew to honorable manhood, and settled in life almost within sight of the paternal roof. His wife, the faithful companion of his long life, was his companion as well in death. Surviving him but a few weeks, she was laid by his side ere the grass was green upon his burial-place.

HON. BEN C. EASTMAN.

Among the distinguished coterie whose names grace the pages of the carly history of the county, and by whose talents and ability Grant County was pushed to the front rank almost from the beginning of its settlement, none filled a larger space than Mr. Eastman. The son of Hon. Samuel Eastman and Jane Eastman, he was born at Strong, Franklin County, Me., October 24, 1812. He received, as he advanced in years, a common school and academic education, after which he turned his thoughts to the legal profession, and commenced the study of law with Judge Emmons, of Hollowell, Me., afterward completing his studies with Judge Hall of New York. In 1838, he left the East for the new Territory of Wisconsin, stopping first at Green Bay, where he entered into a law partnership with Morgan L. Martin. The succeeding year, Mr. Eastman removed to Grant County, locating at Platteville, which remained his home from that time until the date of his death, February 2, 1857.

As a lawyer, Mr. Eastman exhibited marked abilities, ranking among the foremost of that bar which was rarely equaled and never excelled in the State.

Political questions were viewed by Mr. Eastman from a Democratic standpoint, and his marked abilities were recognized by that party, resulting in his election as a member of the Thirty-second Congress for the Second District. Upon the expiration of his term he was hon- ored by a re-election, and faithfully did he protect the interests confided to his care by his con- stituents. At the close of his second term Mr. Eastman retired to private life, and, although an active participant in political matters and occupying a prominent position in the county, he accepted no further official position, but devoted the years previous to his death to his practice and attention to private interests.

Mr. Eastman married Miss Charlotte L. Snoall, of Hollowell, Me., who remained to mourn his early death. Though cut off in his prime, and just as the county of his adoption was enter- ing upon its fullest prosperity, he had still left his imprint upon the pages of its history, which will ever remain as long as Grant County continues as an integral portion of this great State.

BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.

ABBREVIATIONS.

Co ... .Company or county

W. V. I Wisconsin Volunteer Infantry W. V. A. Wisconsin Volunteer Artillery

P.O. Post Office

W. V. C.

. Wisconsin Volunteer Cavalry

st.

.. street

LANCASTER.

REV. EVAN ARTHUR, died at Beetown, March 21, 1881, in the 65th year of his age. He was born in Wales, and came to the United States about 1833, at the age of 18, and soon became a mas- ter workman in the iron rolling mills of Pennsylvania ; afterward was Superintendent of several mills in other States. He traveled considerable, residing in and traveling over thirteen different States. He came to Grant Co. in 1850, and settled at Cassville, where, in 1851, he lost his wife. Martha Arthur ; soon thereafter he moved into the town of Beetown, where he has ever since resided. He united, when a mere boy, with the church, and, for the last quarter of a century at least, has been an active Christian worker and a consistent member of the Methodist Church, saying, just before his death, " My peace has been made with God for many years." Wherever known he was universally respected as one of God's noblemen. By his death the county loses an old, respectable citizen. He left eight children.

L. J. ARTHUR, of Lancaster (son of Rev. Evan Arthur), attorney at law and Notary Pub- lie ; was born near Dubuque, Iowa, June 29, 1850; came to Grant Co. in 1851, and settled at Cassville : he has resided in said county ever since. He graduated at the Platteville Normal School in 1871; during the following winter, he was Principal of the Potosi Graded School, and, during the next succeeding two years, was Principal of the Cassville Graded Schools ; in 1875, he graduated in the Wisconsin University Law School, and has been practicing law at Lancaster, Wis .; he was a candidate for District Attorney in 1880. Was married, June 6, 1878, to Miss Emma Ziegler, daughter of M. M. Ziegler, of Lancaster. Mr. Arthur is a self-made man, having borrowed money and schooled himself, both in the normal and the law school ; friends, who knew him from childhood, lent him money on his own note, when he was only 16 to 18 years old, thus furnishing him the means to educate himself. He now has an elegant home, and has a good law practice and is in fair circumstances. He is known as an earnest temperance man and temper- ance worker ; his example and success are well worth the consideration of young men.

WILLIAM ALCORN, carpenter, Lancaster ; a native of Ireland ; he came to New York in 1833, and remained there until 1845, when he came to Grant Co., where he has since resided and worked at his trade. He was married, in 1849, to Miss Miram Lockhardt, a native of Indiana. Mr. Alcorn has been, for over twenty-five years, a member of the I. O. O. F .; he is a member of the Grand Encampment, and has passed all the chairs of the subordinate lodge. They have had ten children, eight of whom (four sons and four daughters) are living.

GORHAM ALEXANDER (deceased) ; a native of Jefferson Co., N. Y .; he came to Grant Co. in 1840, and located in Beetown ; Sept. 4, 1861, he enlisted in Co. F, 10th W. V. I .; he was taken sick while in service, removed to a hospital in Nashville, where he remained a short time, and was then taken to the hospital at Louisville, Ky., where he died in January, 1863. He was married, in 1846, to Miss Emily Ward, a native of Vermont. and left four sons and five daughters. Mrs. Alexander resides on a farın on Scc. 13; P. O. Liberty Ridge.

CHARLES H. ANGUS, farmer, Sec. 30; P. O. Lancaster ; he was born in Montgomery Co., N. Y .; came to Grant Co. in March, 1862. He was married, in 1862, to Miss Mary Ward, a native

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of Lancaster. In January, 1863, he enlisted in Co. K, 47th W. V. I., and served about eight months. when he was discharged from the hospital on account of disability. They have five children-John D., Ed W., Charles B., George P. and Laura C. Mrs. Angus is a member of the Congregational Church. Mr. A. is a member of the I. O. O. F., and in politics a Republican.

ALFRED E. AUSTIN, farmer, Sec. 2; P. O. Lancaster ; born in town of Lancaster, Wis., Oct. 30, 1858; went to Iowa in 1878, returned in 1880 ; owns 118 acres of land, with a fine large house and barn ; is a stock-raiser. His sister keeps house for him. In politics a Democrat. His parents were Henry and Mary Austin, natives of England.

HENRY AUSTIN, farmer : P. O. Lancaster; was born at Terickenham, Middlesex, England, Nov. 20, 1821. He left London March 21, 1846, in the ship Mediator ; landed at New York City May 4, 1846, after a pleasant trip of six weeks ; after a short stay in the city, he started for Detroit, Mich., intending to enter the nearest Government land to the city ; he found 80 acres, which he entered ; this was at Flat Rock ; built the first home in America, where he remained five years, then, on account of the fever and ague being so bad, he sold and removed to Wisconsin in the year 1851, near Lancaster, and bought 40 acres of improved land of Myron Tuttle, an old settler, which place he has added to until he now owns 501 acres of land, with a fine brick house, 22x22, with good barn, 20x20, stable, 18x30-a fine home, made mostly by his own industry ; he is quite extensively engaged in the stock business and grazing, as his farm is adapted to that line ; also in the creamery business, and has made it a success. His first wife, Miss Eliza Children, was born at Bethnal Green, London, April 17, 1825, and married at St. George's Church, Southwark, London, Jan. 19, 1841, died at Lancaster. Grant Co., Wis., Nov. 10, 1855 ; by this union there were five children-Eliza, born at Hanworth, Middlesex, England, Jan. 14, 1842; Henry, born at same place Oct. 27, 1843, now residing in Applington, Butler Co., Iowa, as is also William, who was born at the same place Feb. 6, 1846; Jane was born in Michigan, July 30, 1848, died at Lancaster, Wis., March 23, 1853; Arthur G., born in Wisconsin Sept. 30, 1854, died at Walla Walla, Washington Terri- tory, Sept 8, 1878; his second wife, Mary Ann Penrice, a native of Accrinton, Lancashire, Eng., born Dec. 18, 1841 ; came to America with her parents about thirty years ago; settled at Milwaukee, Wis .; they now live at Eskridge, Kan. ; married Jan. 10, 1858; they have seven children-Alfred E., born Oct. 30, 1858 ; Walter A., March 20, 1860 ; Charles F., March 22, 1862, died November, 1876 ; Reuben A., born Sept. 27, 1864; Ellen A., Dec. 16, 1866 ; Edwin J., May 7, 1869 ; Mable A., July 19, 1877. In politics, Demorcat ; in religion, Swedenborgian. Has been Clerk of School District No. 3 two years.

J. H. BALDWIN, watchmaker and jeweler ; commenced business Dec. 5, 1879, with an assortment of jewelry, clocks, watches, plated and silverware ; his business has increased, and he carries at present a $2,500 stock. Mr. Baldwin learned his trade in Illinois, where he was engaged in business with his brother for ten years. He is a native of Ohio, born near Cleveland Nov. 18, 1848; a son of A. S. and M. J. (Harding) Baldwin. His early life was spent on a farm.

JARED E. BARNETT, proprietor of stage and express line ; commenced this business in 1868, succeeding his brother, Thomas Barnett ; he is a native of Jefferson Co., Penn., born Feb. 25, 1831 ; in 1847, he came to Lancaster with his parents ; his father built the Telegraph House in 1848, and kept it until 1852, when he exchanged it for the hotel where the Phelps House now stands, and long known as " Barnett Corner." His mother dying, his father abandoned the hotel, and, in September, 1863, died, at the age of 66. Mr. Barnett was married, July 8, 1856, to Miss Harriet Fisher, daughter of Herman and Mira (Elderkin) Fisher ; they have three sons and four daughters-Nellie, Mira, Mary, Harry. Fred, Hattie and Ralph.

J. O. BARTLETT, proprietor of restaurant and confectionery store ; opened his store in the spring of 1876, first in John Larkin's building ; in the winter of 1878, he moved to his present store in the Henry Remeyer building. Mr. Bartlett has been a shoemaker in Lancaster since June, 1869, carry- ing on both branches of business until January, 1880, when failing health compelled him to lay aside shoe- making. He was born in New Hampshire Oct. 15, 1824, a son of Daniel W. Bartlett. He was married in New London, N. H., in May, 1850, to Miss Elizabeth Haines ; they have two sons and a daughter- Victor L., George E. and Belle.

C. H. BAXTER, of the firm of Howe & Baxter, general merchants ; is a native of New York, and was born in Stillwater, Saratoga Co., Nov. 15, 1841; he came with his parents in 1857, and they located in Grant Co ; in August, 1860, he entered the store of George Howe as clerk, and remained until the fall of 1862, when he entered the army, enlisting as private in Co. C, 25th W. V. I. ; he was taken sick on the Yazoo River and discharged ; he afterward raised a company which became Co. K, 47th W.

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LANCASTER.

V. I., and was commissioned Captain and was sent to the Department of Middle Tennessee, with head- quarters at Tullahoma, and, by order of Gen. Thomas, he became Chief of Ordnance Department, Middle Tennessee, on the staff of Gen. Vancleve and Gen. Milroy, and served in that position until the end of the war. After his return from the service he became a partner of Mr. Howe, and since then has been successfully engaged in mercantile business here. Mr. Baxter has served as Chairman of the Republican County Central Committee of Grant Co. for the past five years ; has also served as member of the Town Board ; he was elected the first President of the Veteran Soldiers Association, of Grant Co., and was re- elected to the same position. Mr. Baxter was united in marriage, Feb. 20, 1865, to Miss Maria Howe, daughter of George Howe, an old and honored merchant of Lancaster. Mr. and Mrs. Baxter have two children-George Howe and Laura.

THOMAS BEETHAM, farmer, Sec. 9; P. O. Lancaster ; owns 400 acres land, valued at $20 per acre ; born in Yorkshire, England, in 1843; came to America in 1849, and located in Janesville ; eame to this county in 1857 ; settled on present farm in 1872. Married Annie Dyer. a native of this county ; have four children-John, Jessie, Nellie and Frank.

RICHARD BENNETT (retired) ; a native cf Cornwall, England, born Sept. 20, 1813 ; he came to America April 10, 1847, landing in New York ; June 10, 1848, he came to Grant Co. ; he was engaged in mining most of the time up to 1870, since which time he has turned his attention to farm- ing, with his son, but has lately retired from active business. He was married; June 8, 1833, to Miss Mary Vincent, also a native of Cornwall ; they have had nine children-Ann (married), Eiiza (married), Charles, Mary S. (married), Philip D. (deceased), Elizabeth (married), Sarah (married) and Ann (mar- ried). The son, Philip, enlisted in Co. F, 7th W.V. I., and was wounded July 1, 1863 ; he died July 3. 1863, at the battle of Gettysburg. Mr. and Mrs. Bennett are members of the Congregational Church.

LEWIS A. BEISTHAUPT, farmer, Secs. 27 and 34; P. O. Lancaster ; he is a native of Ohio ; came to Grant Co. in 1860; he enlisted in August, 1862, in Co. C, 25th W. V. I., and served until the close of the war. He was married, Oct. 11, 1859, to Miss Martha A. Strong; they have five sons and a daughter. The family are members of the Congregational Church. Owns 125 acres of land.

JOSEPH BOCK, of the firm of Bock & Schreiner, abstracts ; was born in the province of Alsace, Germany ; received a partly collegiate education ; emigrated in 1857, and after a few months resi- dence at St. Louis, settled at Cassville, in this county, the same year. Enlisted as a private in Co. C, 2d W. V. I., April 19, 1861 ; took part in the battle of first Bull Run, the skirmishes near Gordonsville, Va., near Richmond Railway and along Rappahannock, Va .; was wounded in both thighs at the battle of Gaines- ville, Va., Aug. 28, 1862 ; participated 'in Burnside's mud march against Fredericksburg; his wounds opened in 1863 and prevented farther active service, and he was mustered out of service in 1864. In 1865, he was elected Register of Deeds for Grant Co., and held that office until 1869, when he engaged in his present business and has the only set of abstract. books of Grant Co. Mr. Bock was elected Represent- ative to the State Legislature, and served during the sessions of 1876-77.

David Schreiner, of the firm of Bock & Schreiner; is a native of Hesse-Darmstadt, Germany, . and was born Dee. 21, 1842; emigrated to America, and came to Wisconsin in 1855, and settled in Grant Co .; during the war, he enlisted in August, 1862, in Co. C, 25th W. V. I .; was slightly wounded at Decatur, Ga., and was severely wounded in front of Atlanta, August, 1864, losing the left arm ; served until June, 1865; in 1869, he was elected Clerk of the courts, and held that office eight years ; has held the office of Town Treasurer and Town Clerk, and is now Justice of the Peace. In May, 1869, he was married to Miss Clara Stelzner, from Indiana ; they have two children-Laura and Ethelinda.

ALEXANDER G. BONHAM, See. 30; P. O. Hurricane Grove ; owns 170 acres of land valued at $40 per acre ; born in Pike Co., Mo., in 1823, came to Wisconsin in 1834; settled on his present farm in 1848. Married Elizabeth Kilby, a native of Lincoln Co., Mo., and they have six children -Charles O., Lemuel E., Lenora, Lura, Laura and Mable. Mr. B. has been a member of the Town Board, and has also held the office of Justice.

FRANCIS H. BONHAM, farmer, Sec. 34; P. O. Laneaster ; has 160 acres and 40 acres of timber in Harrison ; was born Sept. 11, 1806, in Wythe Co., Va., son of Nehemiah and Isabella (Scott) Bonham. Mr. B. came to Grant Co. in 1827, and made several trips to Virginia, and in 1840 brought his family and settled at Hurricane Grove, and engaged in mining until 1844, when he removed to his farm where he has since made his home. On Dec. 23, 1830, he was married by Rev. Mr. Watters, in Pike Co., Mo., to Mary Ann, daughter of William and Lucy (Oglesby) Nevel, of Shelby Co., Ky., where she was born May, 24; 1812; they had nine children-Euphema J., now Mrs. D. D. Utt, seven children ;

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BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES:

William N., married Lizzie Parker, of Salem, Oregon, where they now reside, with three children; Ma- tilda I., now wife of Samuel J. Shelton, of Salem, Oregon ; Calvin R., married Anna Myers, of Salem, Oregon, he having previously married Sophronia Sears; Charles W., married Dolly Parker, of Canyon City, Oregon, has two children ; Mary F., wife of Reuben G. Brooks, of Vermont, now at Hopkinton, Iowa, one child ; Martha Ann, wife of C. M. Jackson ; Lenora, wife of Mark Baldwin, died in the spring of 1878 ; James H. (his second son), died March 12, 1860, at 22 years of age. Mr. Bonham is a Prot- estant ; in polities is a Republican, and participated in the meeting when the Republican party was or- ganized in Grant Co .; he has in his possession a sword brought. to America by his great-great-grandfather over 200 hundred years ago (he having been an officer in the British navy); the father of Mr. B. was an officer in the war of 1812. Mr. B. is a hearty, jovial old gentleman, and has for twenty years held the office of Justice of the Peace and several other offices, and states that when he settled here, there were no houses between his place and Lancaster, and that he cut the first tree to make the Lancaster road, and that there were only three or four houses on the Potosi road, 73 miles, and says he has been frequently in the sugar camp of old Black Hawk. Mr. and Mrs. B. celebrated their golden wedding, and received a number of very fine presents, a very fine easy chair from the " Potosi delegation," a $20 gold piece, etc.

EDMOND H. BORAH, firmer, Sec. 23; P. O. Lancaster ; was born in Kentucky June 2. 1820, of German parentage, who came to Wisconsin in early times. Mr. Borah after coming to Wis- ·consin worked by the month, then by his labors accumulated a farm of 200 acres of land; he then went to California, was very successful; he then returned to Wisconsin, traded for 300 acres of land, nicely im- proved by his own industry ; he has been engaged in the stock business for about eight years ; he is now in Kansas, where he owns 580 acres of land on the Kansas Pacifie R. R. His wife was Sarah M. Kilbey, who was born in Wisconsin, Dec. 29, 1836 ; they married Sept. 16, 1853; they have four children- Kilbey H., born Dec. 29, 1855 ; Adolph D., July 2, 1857; Nettie, Sept. 16, 1862; Georgie, March 1, 1868. Mrs. B.'s father was born in North Carolina, in 1806; came to Wisconsin in 1832; died in 1876 ; her mother, Rhoda Parsons, a native of Virginia, now 76 years of age, residing now at Hurricane Corners.

HENRY BRINKMAN, Sec. 28; P. O. Hurricane Grove ; owns 80 acres of land, valued at $40 per acre ; born in Germany in 1829; came to America in 1857, and settled in this county ; in 1865, he settled on his present farm. Married Sophia Kuhn, a native of Germany ; they have nine children- Mary Lizzie, Fred. H., Clara, Edward, William, Annie M., Albert, Ellen Nettie and Fanny Eve.

ALLEN RALPH BUSHNELL, of Lancaster, of the firm of Bushnell, Clark & Watkins, lawyers, was born on his father's farm on West street, in the town of Hartford, Trumbull Co., Ohio, July 18, 1833. His father, Dr. George W. Bushnell, now over 80 years of age, and possessed of remarkable vigor, still lives on the old farm upon which he settled, then in the dense woods, in 1824; he is a native of Connecticut, as was also his wife, Sally Bates, now deceased, Mr. B.'s mother. Mr. B.'s early life was that of the usual farmer's boy, going to district school summer and winter term, until big enough to help on the farm, and then working on the farm through the farming season, and going to school winters. When 14 years of age, the Hartford High School was started, and he put in a few terms there. Here the intention of becoming a lawyer was formed. His school education was completed at Oberlin and Hiram Colleges, where he pursued a special course of study to fit himself for that profession, teaching school winters to help pay expenses. In the fall of 1852 he came to Wisconsin, and taught school that winter at Block House Branch, near Platteville. The following spring he went back to Ohio and resumed his studies until the fall of 1854, when he returned to Platteville, and has ever since then made Grant Co. his home. He studied law with Judge Stephen O. Paine, at Platteville, was admitted to the bar of the Fifth Judicial Circuit in the fall of 1857, and on December 1 of the same year, opened an office, and commenced the practice of his profession at Platteville. In the fall of 1860, he was elected District At- torney of Grant Co. On the breaking-out of the rebellion, he resigned that office and enlisted as a private in the " Platteville Guards " Company, which on going into Camp Randall in the summer of 1861. was made Co. C, 7th W. V. I., and elected him its 1st Lieutenant, S. J. Nasmith, an old soldier of the Mex - ican war, being made Captain. He served with his regiment in the Iron Brigade, mostly in Virginia ; was in various battles and skirmishes ; was promoted to Captain in 1862, and discharged for disability in 1863. On returning to Platteville, he in the winter of 1863-64 resumed the practice of law. On the election of the Hon. J. T. Mills to the position of Circuit Judge, on his invitation, he removed to Lan- cas er, occupied his law office, closed up Judge Mills' legal business, and has continued the practice of his profession there ever sinee. In 1867, he took into partnership in law practice, Col. John G. Clark. R. A. Watkins, Esq., was added to this firm Jan. 1, 1880, forming the present firm. Mr. B. was married in 1867, to Miss Laura F. Burr (daughter of Addison Burr, Esq., and his wife Martha Barber, of Lan-

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History of Grant County, Wisconsin, preceded by a history of Wisconsin, Part 134

Author: Butterfield, Consul Willshire, 1824-1899 Publication date: 1881 Publisher: [Chicago : Western Historical Co.?] Number of Pages: 1050

Author: Butterfield, Consul Willshire, 1824-1899
Publication date: 1881
Publisher: [Chicago : Western Historical Co.?]
Number of Pages: 1050