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 138

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 138

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).

979

HISTORY OF GREEN COUNTY.

John Beach, a native of Lincolnshire, England, was born May 30, 1828. He is a son of George and Fannie J. Beach, who were the parents of twelve children, eleven of whom grew to ma- turity. The subject of this sketch was reared in his native country until twenty-three years of age, when he emigrated to America. IIe land- ed in New York in 1852, and in 1854, came to Green county. He took a claim of eighty acres of government land on section 36, town of Jordan. He was married in Lincolnshire, Aug. 19, 1845, to Susan Martin, daughter of Joseph and Jane (Bedford) Martin. Mr. and Mrs. Beach have had nine children born to them, five of whom are living-Joseph, Robert, Mary A., wife of William Roberts ; William and Jane, wife of Jesse Trickel. When Mr. Beach arrived in New York city in 1852, he had but $1 in his pocket, and to-day he owns 330 acres of land, valued at $30 per acre. He has forty acres near town, valued at $100 per acre. In the spring of 1882, he removed to the city of Monroe, where he lives a retired live.

Ben L. Hoyland, cabinet maker, was born in Geauga Co., Ohio, on the 12th of March, 1827. When he was quite small his parents removed to Erie Co., Penn., and soon afterwards to Mer- cer Co., Penn., where he grew to manhood. The first school he attended was in a log cabin, in which the chimney took up one end of the house. The seats were slab benches, and the school was kept up by subscription. When twenty years of age he taught school in his native county. On the 9th of April, 1850, he was married to Sarah Stephenson, of Mercer Co., Penn. In 1852, he came to Green county, and located in Monroe, and followed the car- penter business. In 1864 he enlisted in the 38th Wisconsin Infantry, company D, and par- ticipated in some stirring scenes during his time of enlistment. He was at the blowing up of the fort at the Horse Shoe, Weldon Rail- road ; and was ordered to reinforce the corps at Reams' Station, being under fire nearly the whole of the time. He was discharged on ac-

count of the death of his wife. Mr. and Mrs. Hoyland were the parents of four children, three of whom are living-John A., Ella, wife of William Bowell, and Emma. Mrs. Hoy- land died in December, 1864. She was a mem- ber of the M. E. Church, and highly respected by all who knew her. Mr. Hoyland was the second time married in Pennsylvania in the fall of 1865, to Mrs. Linsey (Stithers) Stephenson, widow of John Stephenson, who was killed in the war. The result of this union was two children-Charles S. and Jessie. In 1881, he embarked in the furniture business. He is a member of the Royal Arcanum.

Lewis Gapen, one of the prominent business men of Green county, is a native of Green Co., Penn., born June 19, 1811. His father was John Gapen, a soldier in the Revolutionary War, who was one of the sixty who were sent out at the time of St. Clair's defeat near Cin- cinnati, to look after the dead, and from there in search of Daniel Boone, in Kentucky, whom they supposed had been killed by the Indians. After the war he returned to Green Co., Penn., where he was married to Sarah Swope, a native of Pennsylvania, and eleven children were born to them, seven of whom are living. The subject of this sketch was reared upon a farm, and obtained his education in the subscription schools. In October, 1830, he was married to Maria Titus, a daughter of Benjamin Titus, who was also a soldier in the War of the Revo- lution. Eight children blessed this union, three of whom are now living-Sarah E., wife of Daniel J. Patton, Marion T. and William R. Mrs. Gapen died in the summer of 1849. She was a member of the Regular Baptist Church, a sincere Christian, and much respected by all. Mr. Gapen was again married Feb. 14, 1850, to Martha Jamison, a native of Green Co., Penn. By this union there were three children, of whom Levi H. is the only one now living. In the spring of 1853, Mr. Gapen took a tour through the west in search of a favorable loca- tion, and in the following October removed

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HISTORY OF GREEN COUNTY.

with his family to Green Co., Wis., and set- tled in the town of Jefferson, on section 17, where he followed farming successfully for thirty years, accumulating a handsome fortune. He is now a resident of the city of Monroe, Green Co., Wis.

John Moreland, one of the early settlers of this county, is a native of Mercer Co., Penn., born Sept. 7, 1823. His parents were Robert Moreland, who was born in county Antrim, Ireland, and came to America when eight years old, and Martha (Mann) Moreland, a native of Virginia, who were the parents of twelve chil- dren, six sons and six daughters, nine of whom are now living-Robert Moreland, in 1847 or 1848, came to Stephenson Co., Ill., and the year following to Green Co., Wis., and located in the town of Clarno, where he remained until his death, which occurred April 30, 1874. Mrs. Moreland, the mother of the subject of this sketch, died Sept. 21, 1870. Mr. Moreland, Sr., and his wife were members of the United Pres- byterian Church, and consistent Christian peo- ple, and died in the full hope of a glorious re- ward, and a happy eternal home. John M., the subject of this sketch, came to this county in 1853. In October, 1860, he was married to Anna Irwin, daughter of J. Irwin and Eliza- beth (Smith) Irwin. Her father was of Lancas- ter Co., Penn., and her mother of Crawford county, where she died in 1825 Mr. Irwin went to Crawford county when seven years old, and afterwards moved to Mercer Co., Ill., and died in 1864. Mr. and Mrs. Moreland are the parents of one child, who died in infancy. They have brought up two children, treating them as their own. In the spring of 1883 he came to Monroe, where he has since resided. Mr. Moreland has been a successful business man, and now owns 154 acres of land, valued at $65 per acre, besides other property.

A. W. Goddard, one of the prominent busi- ness men of Monroe, is a native of Mercer Co., Ohio, born in 1832. His parents, Jabez and Beulah (Armstrong) Goddard, settled in Ohio

about 1821, and removed to Indiana while A. W. was a boy, where he was apprenticed to learn the trade of tanner and currier. He came : to Monroe, Green county, in 1854, and was : there employed in a tannery for several years. . In 1855 he was married to Sophronia Lindsley, , who died in 1856, leaving one child-Henry, , who is now a railroad agent in Oregon. Mr .. Goddard was again married to Sarah McMan- nor, a native of Pennsylvania. By this union there are four children-Edmund, Emma, Jessie and Milton. Edmund and Emma are now stu- dents at the State University. He has always taken an active interest in the cause of educa- tion, and has for eight years been a member of the board of education. He is a member of the I. O. O. F. and the A. O. U. W. Mr. and Mrs. Goddard are members of the M. E. Church, where the family worship.

Capt. Henry Hoehn, a native of Switzer- land, emigrated to this country with his par- ents, Jacob and Anna (Hottinger) Hoehn, in 1854. He was born July 18, 1842, and received a liberal education in his native country. His father by trade was a shoemaker and settled at New Glarus, where he followed the trade until his death which occurred in 1876. His mother is still living. The subject of this sketch en- listed in the army Oct. 7, 1861, in the 9th regi- ment Wisconsin Volunteer Infantry, company K, and was mustered in at Milwaukee, Nov. 16, 1861, as a private. In March, 1863, he was promoted to corporal. In March, 1864, he was promoted to the rank of sergeant. In October, 1864, ho was transferred to the 45th Regular In- fantry, and was promoted to the rank of captain, and served on detached duty on the staff of Gen. Miller, at Nashville. He was mustered out at Nashville, Tenn., in Angust, 1865. Soon after leaving the service he received a position as clerk with Roth Bros, remaining with them until 1870, when he embarked in his present business under the firm name of Hoehn & Stingl. In 1875, Mr. Weber purchased the in- terest of Mr. Stingl and the style of the firm

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HISTORY OF GREEN COUNTY.

became Hoehn & Weber. In 1883 they erected one of the finest business houses in the city on the northeast corner of the square, and known as Ludlow's old stand. Their salesroom is 28x95 feet, two stories and a basement, and they carry a stock of $20,000. In 1866, Mr. Hoehn was married to Eliza Kaderly, by whom he has four children-J. Albert, Huldah E., Ida and Sophia.

LeRoy S. Smock, one of the prominent busi- ness men of the county, was born in Columbi- ana Co., Ohio, June 1, 1839. He is a son of Peter and Elizabeth (Teple) Smock, early set- tlers in Columbiana county. They were the parents of nine children. Peter Smock was born in Westmoreland Co., Penn., in 1795. In 1820 he went to Ohio, and in 1854 came to Green county and located near Shueyville, town of Clarno. He died in this county in 1868. In the days of slavery he was a strong abolitionist, and did all in his power to forward the anti- slavery canse. He was also a firm advocate of the temperance cause, a member of, and one of the most active workers of the State temper- ance organization. He organized many lodges throughout the State. He would never sell a bushel of grain to be distilled into high wines. Throughout his whole life, by precept and ex- ample, he was an earnest advocate of the right, always ready to lend a helping hand to any enterprise for the welfare of his fellow men, and fearlessly condemning the wrong, especially slavery and intemperance. For nearly a half a century his life was cheered by the partner of his bosom, who preceded him across the dark river, but a few months. LeRoy S. Smock was reared upon a farm and educated in the common schools. He came to Green county, with his parents, in 1854, and in December, 1869, was married to Lucretia Rittenhouse, a daughter of William and Sarah (Moore) Rittenhouse, men- tion of whom is made elsewhere in this work. Mrs. Smock was born in Monroe, Jan. 10, 1842. Mr. Smock removed to Monroe, in 1860, where

he has since been variously engaged, but prin- cipally .in stock growing and dealing. Mr. Smock has profited by his father's example and precepts, never having tasted a drop of liquor in his life. He is one of the staunchest of re- publicans and has never sought office. Ile is largely engaged in grain and stock business in Nebraska.

Samuel Schuler, harness maker, was born in the canton of Glarus, Switzerland, July 7, 1838. He is a son of Henry and Barbara (Tschudy). Schuler, who came to America in 1854. They stopped a short time in New Jersey, and the same fall came to New Glarus, Green county. In 1860 they removed to Monroe, where Mr. Schuler died in 1874, and Mrs. Schuler, in 1883. The subject of this sketch began learning his trade, at the age of seventeen, in the shop of D. F. and L. Corson, of Monroe, with whom he remained about four years, then went into business for himself. In 1861 he was married to Elizabeth Spahr, a daughter of Peter Spahr. Mr. and Mrs. Schuler are the parents of five children-Samuel, Jr., Otto, William, Elizabeth and Henry. Mr. Schuler began business with limited means, but by industry and fair dealing has acquired a comfortable property. He is a member of the I. O. O. F., the Turner's society and the Hook and Ladder Company.

John Snyder, a native of Adams Co., Ind., was born Feb. 28, 1840. His parents, Philip and Fannie Snyder, were natives of Switzer- land, and emigrated to the United States when young people. They had eleven children, seven of whom are now living-George W., who was a member of the 3d Wisconsin Volunteer In- fantry, and participated in fourteen regular en- gagements; Mary R., John, Catharine, Eliza- beth, Theressa C. and Amanda E. In 1854 John Snyder came to Green Co., Wis., and located at Monroe. In 1868 he removed to Kansas, and remained till 1876, then went to Nebraska. The following fall he came to Rock county, and in 1877 returned to Monroe. Mrs. Snyder died in June of that year. She was a member of the

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HISTORY OF GREEN COUNTY.

Catholic Church. The subject of this sketch enlisted in October, 1861, in the 3d regiment of Missouri Cavalry, company I. He was wounded in the left leg, in consequence of which he was obliged to suffer its amputation near the thigh. He was taken to Raleigh, where he was dis- charged, July 19, 1863. He receives a pension from the government of $30 per month.

Ferdinand Shriner, one of the early arrivals in Monroe, was born in Elizabethtown, N. Y., on the 25th of December, 1841. He is a son of Sebastian and Rosanna (Schell) Shriner, who settled in Elizabethtown, at an early day, and was employed in a glass factory for many years. In 1855 be removed to Grant Co., Wis., thence to Shueyville, this county. He lived in this county until his death. The subject of this sketch was reared in his native State until 1854, when he came to this county, where he has since resided. In the fall of 1857 he learned the trade of cabinet maker, which he has since followed. lle is now engaged in the undertaking business. He was married to Ilannah Butt. They have two children- Charles and Frank. Mr. Shriner is a member of the German Reformed Church.

Charles Pike, a prominent citizen of Monroe, was born in Norway, Oxford Co., Maine, March 24, 1797. His parents, John and Mary Pike, had thirteen children, nine of whom reached maturity, and two of whom are now living. Charles Pike was brought up on a farm and educated in the common schools. He was mar- ried to Mary Wood, who was born in Middle- bury, July 6, 1794, and by this union there were seven children, two of whom are now living- Mary J., wife of Rev. H. A. Mayhew, of Cali- fornia, who has a wide reputation as a preacher of the Gospel. Hle formerly preached at Aus- tin, Minn., where he was instrumental in build- ing a fine church edifice; Catharine is now the wife of L. T. Pullin, a prominent banker at Evansville, Wis. In 1826 Mr. Pike emigrated from Norway to Kingfield, Franklin (formerly Somerset) Co .. Maine. He followed farm-

ing for two years at that place, then went into trade and lumbering. At that time he owned one whole township of land, and dealt exten- sively in cattle, which he would drive to Brigh- ton, Mass. Mr. Pike first visited the west, traveling extensively in Illinois, Wisconsin and Minnesota, and locating land in several differ- ent places. He returned in the fall of the year to Maine. In 1855 he came to Wisconsin and settled at Argyle, in Lafayette county. Mrs. Pike died Nov. 21, 1859. She was a sincere Christian and esteemed by all. Mr. Pike was again married to Mrs. F. J. Way, widow of G L. Way, Dec. 24, 1861. In April, 1866, they came to Green county and settled in Monroe.

Roger Gettings, proprietor of a meat market in the city of Monroe, was born in Ireland, in May, 1831. In 1847 his parents emigrated to America and settled in Delaware Co., Penn., where Mr. Gettings, Sr., engaged in farming, and died in 1853. In 1855 Roger Gettings came to Monroe, where he has since resided. In February, 1855, he was married to Bridget Byrne. By this union there were eleven chil- dren, seven of whom are living-Michael E., Maggie, Kate, Maria, Teresa, Miles and James. Mr. Gettings began with nothing, but by fair dealing and industry has accumulated a fine property, and to-day is among the well-to-do business men of the county. In 1860 he em- barked in the butchering business, which he has followed successfully since. Mr. and Mrs. Gettings are members of the Catholic Church of Monroe.

J. L. Rood, one of the most prominent stock growers of the county, is a native of Chittenden Co., Vt., born in 1837. After his birth his parents removed to Cook Co., Ill. In 1841 they re- moved to Grant Co., Wis., where his father en- gaged in the mercantile business. In 1855 he came to Monroe and embarked in the drug busi- ness, which he continued until 1859, when he went into the Inmber business. He followed the latter business until death called him to a better world. He was a man of more than or-

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HISTORY OF GREEN COUNTY.

dinary ability. He was a staunch republican, and while in Grant county was elected to the State legislature. While at Hazel Green he laid out what is known as the "Rood addition" to that city. J. L. Rood, the subject of this sketch, came to the county with his father and followed various occupations. He is at present engaged in the lumber trade, and raising fine stock. He has been twice married, and has two children.

Charles Frey was born in Baden, Germany, Jan. 28, 1842. His parents, Frank Frey and Francesco (Mantz) Frey, emigrated to America in 1854, and in the fall of 1855 came to Monroe. Charles Frey, subject of this sketch, enlisted Aug. 4, 1861, in the 2d Volunteer Light Ar- tillery, and participated in the engagements at Suffolk, Williamsburg, Yorktown and West Point. His regiment was stationed at Fort Monroe, eight months. He was a faithful sol- dier, and always at his post, never losing a day by sickness. He was mustered out of the ser- vice, July 10, 1865, and soon after veteranized. After the close of the war he returned to Mon- roe, where he was married, Nov. 20, 1865, to Annie Reinhart. Mr. and Mrs. Frey are the parents of five living children-Edward, Louisa, George, Albert and Tillie. Mr. Frey is a mem- ber of the Grand Army of the Republic.

William Brown, one of the prominent men of this county, was born in Yorkshire, England, in 1823. In 1842 he left his native country, came to America, and located in Erie Co., N. Y., where he remained about eight years, and meanwhile formed the acquaintance of Elizabeth Chamber- lain, to whom he was married in 1846. In the spring of 1850 he came to Green county, pur- chased land on section 25, and the following spring moved his family here and commenced farming. His first crop of wheat was drawn to Galena, and sold for fifty cents per bushel. The following fall he hanled wheat to Milwaukee, making a trip in six days, and selling the same for forty cents per bushel. Mr. Brown came to this county a poor man, but by hard work and

fair dealing, has accumulated a competency. He has held several local offices. In 1857 he came to Monroe, where he has since resided.

Alexander McNish, retired farmer, was born in Argyleshire, in the highlands of Scotland, Sept. 18, 1818. His parents were John and Catharine (Balentine) McNish. The former died in Scotland, and the latter died at sea, while on the voyage to America. The subject of this sketch learned the blacksmith trade in his native country, but after coming to America worked at gas fitting, first in Cleveland, then in Cincin- nati, Nashville, Evansville, Dayton and other places, in all, seven years. His brother, one of the early settlers of Green county, induced him to come here to visit him and see the country, with which he was favorably impressed, and subsequently settled permanently in the county. Soon after Mr. McNish's first visit to the county, his brother died, and in 1857 Alexander came here, and April 22d of that year was married to his brother's widow, who was formerly Eliza- beth Chadwick .. She had two children by her first marriage-Clark C. and Alexander G. The latter is deceased. By the latter union there are seven children-John, Amanda L., Mary C., William L., Edith J., Albert .I. and Elizabeth. Mrs. McNish died Dec. 9, 1872, and is buried in Juda cemetery. She was a member of the Bap- tist Church, and a true Christian. Mr. MeNish first settled on a farm owned by his wife, on section 13, where he lived nine years. He then removed to section 11, where he owns 180 acres of land. In 1884 he removed to the city of Monroe, where he owns a pleasant residence on the corner of Wisconsin and Clinton streets. He has retired from active business, and is po- litically, a republican. He has returned to Scot- land twice; first in 1855, when he went after his mother, who died on the voyage as before stated; and again in 1881, for the benefit of his health.

Nelson Darling is a native of Yates Co., N. Y., born June 11, 1827. He is a son of John and Roxana (Butler) Darling. The former was

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HISTORY OF GREEN COUNTY.

a native of Massachusetts, and the latter of of Seneca Co., N, Y. They were married in the State of New York, and were the parents of seven children, all of whom reached maturity, and five of whom are now living. John Dar- ling was by trade a shoemaker, and followed that occupation for many years. He removed to Green county about 1858, where both he and his wife died. He was, in early life, a "Jack- son democrat," but afterwards joined the repub- lican party. Mrs. Darling was a member of the M. E. Church. Nelson Darling commenced to learn the mason's trade when fifteen years of age. In May, 1842, he was married to Matilda Andrews, a daughter of Solomon Andrews, of Saratoga, N. Y. By this union there were seven children, five of whom are living-Aus- tin L., of Albany, Green county ; Frank E., of Neillsville, Clark county; Scott M., of Albany ; Clara C., wife of Charles Sanborn, and Fred E., of Monroe. Mr. Darling came to Monroe in Jan- uary, 1857, since which time he has been a resi- dent of Green county. In August, 1862, he en- listed in the 22d Wisconsin Volunteer Infantry, company G, and participated in the engagement at Brentwood Station, in March, 1863, where he was taken prisoner, and with a number of his comrades sent to Libby prison, and was soon afterwards parolled and sent to Benton Bar- racks at St. Louis. He was exchanged the fol- lowing June, and went with the regiment to Nashville. In July they went to Murfreesboro, and remained through the following winter, then joined Sherman at Lookout valley, partici- pating in the capture of Atlanta, then on ac- count of poor health he was sent to Chattanooga, and there n.ustered out, May 23, 1865. He was a member of the regimental band up to the time of the Atlanta campaign, when he was detailed at the hospital as assistant. He returned to Monroe after the close of the war, and has re- mained here since, with the exception of a short time in New York. Mr. Darling, in politics, is a staunch republican, and in 1884, was elected treasurer of the city of Monroe. He is a Mas-

ter Mason, a member of the I. O. O. F. and the G. A. R.

Ogden Combs, who located in Green county in 1857, is a native of Trumbull Co., Ohio, born Jan. 10, 1810. He is a son of Ebenezer N. and Mary (Humiston) Combs, who emigrated to Ohio in 1798. That country was then a vast wilderness. Ebenezer Combs was a soldier in the War of 1812. Ogden Combs was reared in the wilderness, and educated in the log school house of pioneer times. When he was ten years old he com- menced the manufacture of wooden clocks, and continued the business until he was twenty-two. He was married Feb. 5, 1829, to Mary Peck, daughter of Martin Peck. They had five chil- dren, four of whom are living-N. E., Margaret M., Cornelia and Henry D. Mr. and Mrs. Combs removed to Waukesha county, from Ohio, in 1856, and the following fall came to Green county, where they have since resided.

Capt. Samuel Lewis, cashier of the Citizens' Bank, Monroe, is a native of Fayette Co., Penn., born Aug. 17, 1842. His grandfather was a soldier in the War of the Revolution. His father, Thomas Lewis, was a native of New Jersey, and his mother was Catharine (Schnat- terly) Lewis a native of Pennsylvania. His father was by trade a tailor, and followed that business many years, and served in the War of 1812, and died in 1850. In 1858 his mother came west and settled in Monroe, Green Co., Wis. At that time, Samuel, the subject of this sketch, was about ·sixteen years old. He at once engaged as clerk in a dry goods store, where he remained for three years. In Septem- ber, 1861, he enlisted in the 5th Wisconsin Light Artillery, and participated in the follow- ing engagements: New Madrid, Mo., Farming- ton, Miss., and siege of Corinth, Miss. In 1862 the division of Gen. J. C. Davis, to which the 5th Wisconsin Battery belonged, was ordered to report at Murfreesboro, and he was engaged in the battles of Perryville, Lancaster, Nolans- ville, Knob Gap, Stone River, Hoover's Gap and Tullahoma. On August 17 they started out

HISTORY OF GREEN COUNTY.

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from Winchester for Chattanoogo, the division crossing the river at Stevenson, Ala. He was engaged on the extreme right wing in the flank movement which forced Bragg to evacuate Chattanooga, and brought on the battle of Chickamauga. He was at Chattanooga through the siege, where the soldiers suffered from short and poor rations. He also participated in the battle of Missionary Ridge and the cam- paign against Atlanta, was engaged at Resaca, Rome, Dallas, Big Shanty, Kenesaw Mountain, Smyrna Camp Ground, Chattahoochee River, Peach Tree Creek, the various engagements in front of Atlanta and the battle of Jonesboro. The captain was mustered out Oct. 1, 1864, at Atlanta. In the fall of 1865 he engaged in the mercantile business at Juda. He was married Dec. 30, 1865, to Agnes Witmer, a daughter of David Witmer. Two children have blessed this union-Letha and Ralph. In the fall of 1868, he was elected to the office of register of deeds of this county for two years, and in 1870 was re-elected. In the spring of 1873 he en- gaged in trade at Monroe and was thus occupied until 1881. In April, 1883, he engaged in the banking business, having been elected cashier. In 1882 he was instrumental in organizing the Monroe City Guards, and was chosen captain of the company.

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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 138

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