History of Green County, Wisconsin. Together with sketches of its towns and villages, educational, civil, military and political history; portraits of prominent persons, and biographies of representative citizens, Part 137

Author: Union publishing company, Springfield, Ill., pub. [from old catalog]
Publication date: 1884
Publisher: Springfield, Ill., Union publishing company
Number of Pages: 1168

USA > Wisconsin > Green County > History of Green County, Wisconsin. Together with sketches of its towns and villages, educational, civil, military and political history; portraits of prominent persons, and biographies of representative citizens > Part 137

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J. Jacob Tschudy, one of the prominent men of Green county, was born in the canton of Glarus, Switzerland, June 26, 1826, where he grew to manhood, receiving his early education in the schools of said canton. In 1844 he graduated at Aarau (Switzerland) College. In 1846 he came to Wisconsin, being sent by the trustees of the emigration association of said canton of Glarus, as assistant leader (or super- visor) of the Swiss colony of New Glarus, which was founded in 1845. In 1854 he resigned this office, soon moving away from New Glarus to a farm and thence to Dayton. In 1858 he was elected register of deeds of said county of Green, and re-elected in 1860. In 1863 he was elected clerk of the town board of Monroe, and in the winter of 1863-4 he was appointed recording clerk, and subsequently assistant clerk (of the chief.clerk) of the Senate in Madison. In 1864 he was elected clerk of the county board of su- pervisors, after having served over one year as deputy, as such clerk. For this office he was elected four times, serving nearly ten consecu- tive years in said office. In 1883 he was elected by the first ward of the city of Monroe, as its representative in the county board of super- visors, and is serving now as the chairman of the building committee for the construction of a new court house. In 1848 he was married to Barbara Hottinger, from Switzerland, by whom he had ten children, of whom nine are living. In New Glarus and Monroe he was one of the founders of the German Church congregations, Reformed Evangelical Church, and is now a member and trustee of said Church in Monroe.

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HISTORY OF GREEN COUNTY.

George Spangler, gunsmith, is a native of Pennsylvania, born Dec. 23, 1829. He was a son of Samuel and Catharine (Zimmerman) Spangler, who emigrated to this county in 1844, and in 1846 settled in Monroe, and started the first gun shop in the county. The subject of this sketch succeeded his father in business, and has prosecuted the same since. In 1858 he was married to Kate V. Zimmerman, by whom he has one child-Anna M. Mr. Spangler is a member of the I. O. O. F., and president of the sharpshooters society. He has been identified with the county for more than forty years.

James Ely, one of the pioneers of this county, was born in Green Co., Penn., on the 22d day of February, 1822. His parents were John and Catharine Ely, natives of the same State. About 1829, John Ely emigrated with his family to Knox Co., Ohio, which was then an unbroken wilderness, infested with Indians. Here he cleared a farm, which he afterwards sold, and removed to another. He came to Monroe in October, 1846, traveling overland with teams. They were twenty-two days on the road, cross- ing the Black Swamp on corduroy bridges, and fording streams. Mr. Ely died in 1850. Mrs. Ely died in the fall of 1846. They were both members of the Christian Church for many years. James Ely, subject of this sketch, was reared and educated in the wilds of Ohio. The first school that he attended was in a log cabin with a puncheon floor, slab benches and desks, with windows of greased paper. He was mar- ried in Ohio, to Sarah E. Corbin, daughter of William K. Corbin, a native of Washington Co., Penn., who settled in Ohio in 1823. Mr. and Mrs. Ely had twelve children, nine sons and three daughters, eight of whom are living -William K., Sophia, Jerome C., Minerva, James M., Thomas B., Edwin E. and Francis M. Two of the sons, Erastus and William K., en- listed in the 1st Wisconsin Heavy Artillery. Erastus died in the service, while on board the steamer Julia, in 1864, from eating cakes con- taining poison, which he had obtained from a

rebel woman in Memphis. He was much es- teemed by his comrades, and a favorite in his company. Mr. Ely came to the town of Mon- roe in 1846, took land and made a home, where he lived twenty-nine years. At that time, 1846, the country was new. There were no mills in this section, and the settlers were compelled to go to Beloit for their milling. At one time he hauled; wheat to Milwaukee and sold it for thirty-seven and a half cents per bushel. Mr. and Mrs. Ely, on their arrival in this county, were in limited circumstances, 88 and an old team and wagon comprising the whole of their worldly goods. Coming through Indiana and Illinois, they contracted the fever and ague, from which they did not recover for a year. Being nearly out of money, he was obliged to find employment at once, and went to a man by the name of Rust, who, after some deliberation, concluded to hire him, agreeing to pay him fifty cents per day. The following winter, he tried hunting, but found that tramping through the snow and roughing it were not particularly beneficial to the ague, and abandoned it. - He finally struck a new source of revenue in the manufacture of splint baskets which he con- tracted to Isaac Moulton, he to receive fifty cents each for bushel baskets, and to take his pay in groceries. The next spring he went to work for Mr. Rust, but in May he was taken sick with the ague, and for one year was unable to do any work. In a new country, sick, and with but little to subsist upon, his experience was hard indeed, to endure. In the fall of 1850 he pur- chased 160 acres of land, and built a log cabin 18x20 feet. Their furniture was of the rudest kind, all home made. This was their begin- ning in this county. They are now in posses- sion of a comfortable fortune, which is due to their perseverence, industry and economy. Mr. and Mrs. Ely are members of the Christian Church.

Lucius Wolcott, a native of Wyoming Co., N. Y., was born Feb. 6, 1816, and is a son of Daniel

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HISTORY OF GREEN COUNTY.

and Maria Wolcott, natives of Connecticut, who settled in Genesee Co., N. Y., when young people. They were the parents of ten chil- dren, nine of whom reached maturity. Daniel Wolcott was, in early life, a whig, but after- wards voted with the republican party. He held the office of justice of the peace for fifteen years, and was several times assessor, town clerk and supervisor; a man of superior ability. "He died in 1849. Lucius Wolcott, subject of this sketch, was married June 2, 1840, to Olive W. Chandler, a native of New Hampshire, born Oct. 2, 1822. He lived in Wethersfield, until 1842, when he removed to Burlington, Iowa, and in 1846 moved to Monroc, Wis., since which time he has been a resident of this county. He started the first nursery in Green county. It was known as "Wolcott's Nursery." He followed that business about twelve years. He was elected to the office of county treasurer, which office he held two terms. He has also held many offices of minor note. Mr. and Mrs. Wolcott have two children-Albert M. and Florence E.

Alanson Corson, a native of Somerset Co., Maine, was born Dec. 25, 1808. He was a son of Moses and Roxy (Carpenter) Corson, na- tives of the same State, who were the parents of eight children, seven of whom lived to an adult age. The father died about 1876, and the mother was again married to Levi Bean, and afterwards married a man by the name of Lord. The subject of this sketch, when a young man, learned the trade of harness maker. He was married in Somerset county to Harriet Ben- son, six children were born to them, five of whom are still living-Moses Sylvester, Wil- liam H , Henry T., Mary M., who was married to Otto Leicering, and now Mrs. M. Rosenblatt; Emma J., now Mrs. Moses Rutter. Mrs. Cor- sou died in 1847. He was again married to Harriet Drave, a daughter of James and Mar- garet (Frazie) Drave, from Maryland, who emi- grated to Green county in 1846. By this union

there were born-James W., Walter S., Louisa (deceased) and Hattie. In April, 1842, Mr. Corson arrived in the village of Monroe, then a small hamlet,having but a few log cabins. Here he started the first harness shop, and made the first harness manufactured here. He drew by team his lumber from Chicago, at that time a small, muddy village. He built the first brick building where J. Bolender's store now stands, by whom it is still used. He followed the har- ness business many years, and afterward en- gaged in the boot and shoe business, and kept a general store, drawing his goods from Chicago. In 1863 he went to California, taking twenty- two horses and crossing the plains. In 1871 he went to Sioux Falls and built a hotel called "Cataract House." This was the first hotel in the city. Mr. Corson has always led an active life. Ile has for many years been a democrat, and although commencing poor, has an abund- anee for all the wants of life.

John L. Perrine, one of the early settlers of the county, was born in Middlesex Co., N. J., Sept. 12, 1803, where he grew to manhood, re- ceiving his education in the subscription schools. When seventeen years old, he was apprenticed to the trade of blacksmithing. His parents were Robert Perrine, a soldier in the War of 1812, and Catharine Anderson, a daugh- ter of Col. Anderson, of the Revolutionary War, who were the parents of eight children. The subject of this sketch was also in the War of 1812, under his father. In 1827 he was married to Eliza Ann Gordon, by whom there were eight children, two of whom are now liv- ing -- William, of Green county, and Rebecca F., wife of Foster Barber, of Stephenson Co., Ill. In the fall of 1847, Mr. Perrine came to this county and first settled in Monroe; after- wards he opened up a farm in the town of Washington. Mrs. Perrine died in about 1855. She was a member of the Presbyterian Church, a sincere Christian, and beloved by all who knew her. He was again married March 26, 1859, to Emily Carpenter, who died without

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HISTORY OF GREEN COUNTY.

children. In June, 1875, he was again mar- ried to Mrs. Elizabeth A. Green, a daughter of John Dedrick, of Ohio. This third wife was formerly married to Charles E. Green, a native of New York, who settled in Green county, in 1847, by whom there were two children -James and Olive. Mr. Perrine has been successful and by his own industry has accumulated a good property, and is in the enjoyment of a good home.

Jacob Hefty, brewer, was born in canton Glarus, Switzerland, April 15, 1835. He came with his parents to Green county in 1847, who made settlement on section 4, town of Wash- ington, where they took up land and made a farm. His father died in 1871. He came here poor, but at the time of his death had accumu- lated considerable property. In 1873 his mother died. They were both members of the Lutheran Church, and at the time of their death had 640 acres of land. The subject of this sketch was married in 1857 to Catharine Blumer, by whom there were six children, five now living-Maggie, Katie, Fred, Annie and Emma. In 1868 he came to Monroe and en- gaged in the brewing business, which he has since followed.

Willard E. Grinnell was born in Montgomery Co., N. Y., Sept. 21, 1824. He is a son of Robert P. and Esther (Montgomery) Grinnell. The latter was a relative of Gen. Montgomery, of Revolutionary fame. In 1836 the family re- moved to Monroe Co., N. Y., and in 1847 came to Green Co., Wis., and located in the town of Adams, where Mr. Grinnell, Sr., took land and opened a farm. The subject of this sketch came to this county with his parents. He was married in the spring of 1847 to Mary Hanks, of Erie Co., N. Y. By this union there were eleven children, nine of whom are living- Louisa, Anson, Willis, Harry, Serepta, Alice, Esther, Walter and Bertie. Mr. Grinnell is a staunch republican, and has held several local offices. He came to Green county when it was in a wild, unsettled condition. Ile has lived to

see it transformed into a a populous and well cultivated country, and comfortable and beauti- ful homes now stand where formerly stood the primitive log cabin of the pioneer. He came here poor, but by energy and close attention to business, has accumulated a competency.

C. D. Hulburt, one of the early settlers of the county, was born in Onondaga Co., N. Y., Nov. 26, 1829. He is a son of Julius and Sarah M. (Vosburg) Hulburt, who came to Green county in 1847. They were the parents of three sons and one daughter, of whom the subject of this sketch is the only survivor. In the winter of 1850-1 Julius Hulburt was a member of the State legislature. He died Oct. 19, 1881. Mrs. Hulburt's death occurred two years previously. They were life-long members of the Baptist Church, and were highly respected in the com- munity where they lived. C. D. Hulburt was married Oct. 13, 1852, to Sarah E. Searles, a daughter of Dennis and Adeline (Doolittle) Searles. They first settled in Albany, in this county, where Mr. Hulburt was for some years engaged in the carpenter and joiner business. He afterwards engaged in lumbering, a business which he still carries on, and removed to Mon- roe in December, 1874. April 19, 1865, Mr. Hulburt sailed from Boston in the ship City of Boston, on a voyage around the world. Mr. and Mrs. Hulburt have one child-Lorrain S., who is a graduate of the State University at Madison.

David Wakeman Ball was born in 1818. He was a native of Jefferson Co., Ohio. At the age of fourteen years he was converted to the Christian religion, became a Methodist, and for the remainder of his life never severed his con- nection with that Church. He was married to Catharine E. Smock in 1843, in Ohio. To them were born nine children, eight of whom are liv- ing, grown to manhood and womanhood. They live to honor their father's name, respected and useful members of society. He came to Green county in 1849, and has lived here ever since. In his early life he was a farmer, and until

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HISTORY OF GREEN COUNTY.

quite recently was interested in that branch of industry, directly or indirectly. He recently disposed of his large farm east of Monroe, and had put his affairs in the best shape possible. He was taken ill on the 12th of April, 1883, with pneumonia, which from the first he be- lieved to be the beginning of the end with him on earth. He died on Thursday evening fol- lowing, surrounded by his family. When death came he was ready for the summons, and as the spirit went out of the body, a smile passed over the silent features that was born of heaven. The funeral took place on Sunday, from the Methodist church, and notwithstand- ing the extremely stormy weather, more came than could get into the building. No services were held in any other church, and people, without distinction of faith or belief, came to pay their respects to the memory of the de- parted. The rites were impressively conducted by Rev. J. S. Thompson, assisted by Revs. L. S. Morton and L. W. Bingham. The choir also comprised members of the several Churches. The pall bearers were: Judge B. Dunwiddie, L. Davenport, J. H. Bridge, William Gray, Harrison King and B. Lemont. At 12 o'clock noon the procession started from the church, and the mortal remains of D. W. Ball was daid in the quiet grave until the final day. Mr. Ball soon became prominent in this section, and in 1857 was elected county treasurer. In 1861 he was appointed postmaster, and held the office for six years, with great acceptability to the people. In 1874 he was elected sheriff. In

this office he was remarkably successful. He was a clear headed man in all things, cool and deliberate in his actions, and an excellent judge of human nature. He performed the some- times unpleasant duties devolving upon him impartially, but in as pleasant a manner as cir- cumstances would permit. In fine, he possessed executive ability of a high order. In 1876 he was again appointed postmaster, serving four years, with honor to himself and justice to the people. In November, 1882, he received the

appointment of postmaster for the third and last time. Ilis administration of the postoffice has been eminently successful, and the hope has been fondly entertained that its affairs would remain under his supervision for many years to come. In view of these things, next to his family, the community has met with a most serious loss in the death of D. W. Ball. As a friend remarked on the day of the funeral, "there was only one D. W. Ball in Monroe." Such expressions of esteem show in what high regard he was held by the citizens. The kind remembrances of friends in the shape of the florist's art at the church were profuse and ap- propriate, and showed in part how high the de- ceased was esteemed. The floral tributes were exquisite for their workmanship, and were com- posed of a pillow of pansies, finely designed cross, wreaths, star, beautiful bouquets, etc. The presence of the gifts upon and around the coffin spoke more than words could express the sentiments of the donors for the deceased.

C. M. King was born in Erie Co., Penn., Aug. 4, 1808. He is the son of Robert and Sarah (Martin) King, who were the parents of two children-C. M. and Julia A. Mrs. King died, and Robert King was again married to Lydia Randall, and by this union there were four children, only three of whom are now living. Mr. King died in 1839. His wife is still living in Iowa, at the age of ninety years. The sub- ject of this sketch was reared to agricultural pursuits, and received a common school educa- tion. He was married in 1831, in Erie county, and soon after removed to Ashtabula Co., Ohio. In the spring of 1849 they came to Green Co., Wis. They have had five children, four of whom are living-Charles D., William W., Robert R. and Zaphna L. Mr. King is one of the staunch republicans of the county. In 1860 he went to California and engaged in mining a short time, then returned and worked at the carpenter and joiner's trade. Three of his sons were in the service during the late war.

Joseph Perrine, one of the pioneers of Green

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HISTORY OF GREEN COUNTY.

county, is a native of Middlesex Co., N. J., born May 20, 1806. He is a son of Robert and Catharine (Anderson) Perrine, who were the parents of eight children, four sons and four daughters. Mr. Perrine, Sr., was a soldier in the War of 1812, and held a commission as captain. He was a man of superior ability. Joseph Perrine, subject of this sketch, learned the mason's trade in New York city, where he took contracts and employed at times as many as sixty men. July 1, 1827, he was married, in New York, to Jane Brush, by whom he had eight children, two of whom are now living- Sarah, now Mrs. John F. Brown, and Mary, wife of Gershom Bintliff. Mrs. Perrine died July 22, 1839. She was a member of the Presby- terian Church and highly respected. Mr. Per- rine's second wife was formerly Mary O'Con- ner, and by this union there were ten children, seven of whom are living-Jane, now Mrs. J. B. Galusha; Henry, Erastus, Lucy, now Mrs. Ferris Miller; Hale, Elgin and Emma. Mrs. Perrine died Jan. 26, 1881. In the spring of 1849, Mr. Perrine came west and traveled exten- sively through the northwest. In the spring of 1850 he moved his family to Monroe, where he purchased a quarter section adjoining the town. His first house was built opposite the M. E. church. He is one of the staunch re- publicans of the county. Mr. Perrine came to the county in limited circumstances and has been successful in amassing a considerable property.

H. G. Cleveland, a native of Maine, was born in Somerset county, Jan. 26, 1829. He re- mained in his native State until twenty-one years old, spending his time upon a farm and attending the common schools. In 1850 he came to Green county with his parents, who located in the town of Jordan on a farm. In 1863 he enlisted in the 16th Wisconsin Volun- teer Infantry, and before leaving the State was commissioned as 2d lieutenant of his company. The following March his company joined the regiment at Black River Bridge, Mississippi.

July 21, in front of Atlanta, he was wounded in the left arm, in consequence of which he was obliged to suffer its amputation. He then went home on furlough, with the intention of again joining his regiment, but_failed to do so on account of sickness from loss of arm. He was discharged at Louisville, Ky., Nov. 17, 1864.

James Cleveland was born in Somerset Co., Maine, Oct. 5, 1799. March 15, 1827, he was married to Edith Cragin, a native of the same county, born Jan. 18, 1802. They were the parents of nine children, five of whom lived to an adult age. Mr. Cleveland was a man who never sought office, although always well posted in regard to the political affairs of the county and State. He was an old line whig, but afterwards affiliated with the republican party. He held several local offices in the town. He was an honest, upright man and respected by all. He died in February, 1868. Mrs. Cleveland is still living with her son in Monroe.

Henry Schindler, a native of Switzerland, was born in canton Glarus, Aug. 15, 1815. His parents, Andrew and Anna (Zimmerman) Schindler, had five children, three sons and two daughters-Rosina, Jacob, Henry, Andrew and Anna. Henry, the subject of this sketch, when twenty-two years old, learned the carpenter's trade. He was married in his native country to Catharine Zapfi, who was born Feb. 21, 1826. By this union twelve children were born, seven of whom are living-Anna, Henry, Adam, Katie, Maggie, Andrew and Jacob, five of whom are living in California. Henry Schindler came to America in 1845, and first settled in Syracuse, N. Y. Two years later he went to Milwaukee, and in 1850 came to Monroe, which then con- sisted of a few poorly built houses. There was but one family of Germans in the place at that time. Mr. and Mrs. Schindler, like many others, came to Green county in very limited circumstances. but are now in possession of a comfortable home, which is due to their own exertions. They are members of the Evan- gelical Church.

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HISTORY OF GREEN COUNTY.

Peter Spahr was born in canton Bern, Switzerland, in September, 1814. When thir- teen years old he commenced to learn the trade of a tailor in his father's shop. He was married Jan. 24, 1833, to Anna Jacobs, by whom he had seven children, five of whom are living- Barbara, wife of John Klub, of Shelby Co., Iowa; Mary, wife of Ernest Hahn; Elizabeth, wife of Samuel Schuler; Rosa, wife Jacob Schuler; and John, who married Jennie Ald- rich. In 1851 Mr. Spahr left his home in Switzerland and emigrated to America, locating in Monroe, where he has followed his trade since. Mr. and Mrs. Spahr have lived together as man and wife for fifty-one years. In 1883 they had their golden wedding. They are members of the German Lutheran Church, be- ing among the first members of the same. He has always taken an interest in the Church and has done much for its support.

Charles D. Corson was born in Athens, Maine, Nov. 22, 1834. His parents were D. F. and Deborah (Norton) Corson, both natives of Maine. The subject of this sketch was edu- cated in his native State. When fourteen years old he learned the trade of harness maker and saddler in his father's shop. In 1851 he came to Monroe and worked at his trade. In 1856 he formed a partnership with his father under the firm name of D. F. Corson & Son. In 1858 he was married to Frances Davison, a native of New York. Three children blessed this union- Clara, Cora and Frank E. Mr. Corson is one of the strong temperance workers of the town. Is a member of the Good Templars, Temple of Honor and A. O. U. W. Mr. and Mrs. Corson are active members of the Methodist Episcopal Church.

R. Craven, brickmaker, was born in Wash- ington Co., Penn., Dec. 28, 1828. He is a son Joshua and Elizabeth (Blain) Craven, natives of the same county, where they reared a family of ten children, nine of whom are now living. Mrs. Craven died in April, 1843. Mr. Craven was again married to Margaret Study, by whom

he had two children, both of whom died in childhood. In 1856 Mr. Craven, Sr., went to Tyler Co., W. Va., where he remained until the time of his death in 1882. The subject of this sketch received his education in the subscrip- tion schools. He was married March 23, 1862, Anna M. Miller, a daughter of Peter and Lydia Miller, of Northampton Co., Penn. Four chil- dren blessed this union-Alma, Charles M., Nettie and Harry B. In the spring of 1851 he came to this county, making the journey by team. It was an extremely rainy season and the roads were at times almost impassable. They were forty-three days on the road. Dur- ing the next six years he was engaged in wagon- making, and mining a little at intervals. In the fall of 1857 he commenced making brick, which · occupation he has followed up to the present time. He is a member of the I. O. O. F. and of the Encampment.

Fred E. Legler, of the firm of Treat & Co., was born in New Glarus, Green Co., Wis., Sept. 2, 1851. His parents were George and Anna (Durst) Legler, who emigrated to America in 1846, with a colony, and made settlement in New Glarus, where he took up land and en- gaged in farming. The father was poor, and participated in all the privations and hardships endured by that colony, but his reward came, and he is now in the enjoyment of a com- petence fairly won, a home honestly gained. At one time he owned 380 acres of land. The subject of this sketch was brought up on a farm, and received his early education in the common school; subsequently he attended school at Plainfield, III., and at Evansville Sem- inary, Evansville, Wis. He there taught school for two years. In 1873, he engaged in the mer- cantile trade in New Glarus, which occupation he followed nine and one half years, then came to Monroe and formed a partnership with J. B. Treat. In 1873, he was married to Rosa Hefty. They have three children living-Georgia, Sylvia M. and Alice L. Mr. and Mrs. Legler are members of the Evangelical Church.

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History of Green County, Wisconsin. Together with sketches of its towns and villages, educational, civil, military and political history; portraits of prominent persons, and biographies of representative citizens, Part 137

Author: Union publishing company, Springfield, Ill., pub. [from old catalog] Publication date: 1884 Publisher: Springfield, Ill., Union publishing company Number of Pages: 1168

Author: Union publishing company, Springfield, Ill., pub. [from old catalog]
Publication date: 1884
Publisher: Springfield, Ill., Union publishing company
Number of Pages: 1168