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 139

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 139

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Washington Hill, carpenter and joiner, was born in Montpelier, Vt., on the 19th of March, 1819. His parents were Rufus and Naomi (Jewell) Hill. Mr. and Mrs. Hill were the parents of fifteen children. Mr. Hill died in about 1825, Mrs. Hill in 1878. The subject of this sketch was the youngest of the family. His father died when he was small and he learned his trade partially with an older brother. In 1836 he went to Oneida Co., N. Y., where he married Julietta Terry, a daughter of Henry Terry. By this union there were three chil- dren-Mary, wife of D. R. Condon; Alice, wife of Frank L. Stone and Norman. In 1855 Mr. Hill crossed the plains to California. Herehe ro- mained about one year and a half. In 1857 he

removed to Janesville, Wis., and the following year came to Monroe, where he has resided since.

E. Mosher, one of the early settlers and prom- inent men of the county, was born in Washing- ton Co, N. Y., on the 15th of December, 1800. His parents were Elisha and Eunice (Agard) Mosher, natives of Duchess Co., N. Y., who removed, the next year, (1801), to Saratoga county where the subject of this sketch resided for many years. He was married in 1820, Jan- uary 6, to Elizabeth Allen, and eight children were born to them, three of whom are living- Cordelia, Henry P. and Joseph D. Mrs. Mosher died Feb. 17, 1868. She was a worthy member of the Christian Church and esteemed by all who knew her. Feb. 2, 1869, Mr. Mosher was again married to Mrs. Electa Carrington, widow of Roland Carrington. She was born in Hart- ford, Washington Co., N. Y., March 23, 1810. She was the mother of thirteen children, eight of whom are living-Nancy, Rinie, Sally A., Victoria, Louisa, Prentiss G., Adelbert R. and George S. In 1846 Mr. Mosher removed to Lafayette Co., Wis., and from there to Rock county, where he engaged in farming near Janesville. In 1846 he came to Green county and purchased a steam saw mill which he operated three years, then sold out and engaged in the mercantile business. Mr. Mosher had one son in the army-Stewart E., who enlisted in the 3d Wisconsin Volunteer Infantry, and was killed at Harper's Ferry. Mr. Mosher is a mem- ber of the I. O. O. F. He has always taken an active interest in the political affairs of the county, and has held several local offices. He has been instrumental in the building up of the city of Monroe. He was the first to introduce French plate glass into that city. In 1838, he was appointed postmaster under President Van Buren, at South Leroy, Genesee county. From that place he went to Pavilion, same county, and was re-appointed postmaster in 1842.

Garrett Van Wagenen came to Green county and engaged in the lumber business, in 1858,

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HISTORY OF GREEN COUNTY.

being the second to engage in that business in this town. He was born in Duchess Co., N. Y., in 1817. When a young man, he learned the trade of harness maker. He was married in New York, in March, 1845. Mr. Van Wage- nen, in 1862, sold his lumber interest and opened a harness shop. In 1859 he built what is now known as the Copeland House, which he kept as a private boarding house for about eight years. About the time of the breaking ont of the war, he contracted with the govern- ment to furnish knapsacks and haversacks. Soon after he was appointed sutler of the 16th Pennsylvania Cavalry, which position he held till the close of the war. In 1866 he went, in company with his eldest son, to Montana, re- maining there about one year. At present he is engaged in dealing in coal, in Chicago. Mr. and Mrs. Van Wagenen are the parents of three children-Edward, Emma and Henry. Emma is principal of the grammar school at Monroe, where she has been a teacher for fourteen years. Henry is a jeweler in this city.

Capt. F. K. Studley, son of Capt. Eliakim and Betsey (Hallett) Studley, was born in Barnstable Co., Mass., March 8, 1833. Capt. Eliakim Studley followed a seafaring life for many years, his principal business being with the West Indies. The subject of this sketch, when a mere boy, accompanied his father on his voyages, and at the age of twenty-two years became captain of a vessel, his trade being in the Gulf of Mexico and the West Indies. In 1858 he was married to Eliza A. Crowell, and three children were born to them -George G., Lelia C. and Orrin B. In 1860 he abandoned the sea and came to Green Co., Wis., where he engaged in farming at Monti- cello. In 1875 he was elected superintendent of the Grange Store, serving two years. In the fall of 1876 he was elected sheriff of the county and moved to Monroe, January, 1877, to fill that office, and was re-elected in 1880. In 1883 he built a fine residence, in which he now

resides. He is at present engaged in the drug and grocery business.

A. C. Dodge, lumber dealer, was born in Barre, Washington Co., Vt., on the 6th day of November, 1834. His great-grandfather, Nathaniel B. Dodge, was a soldier in the War of the Revolution, under Gen. Greene, whom he used to term "a cross, surly old dog." His grandfather, Asa Dodge, was one of the earli- est settlers of Barre, and a volunteer at the battle of Plattsburg. He was among the num- ber who crossed Lake Champlain, while Mc- Donough was successfully fighting the famous naval battle, which caused the British land forces to beat a hasty retreat. Joseph Dodge, father of the subject of this sketch, was also a volunteer, although only eighteen years of age. A. C. Dodge was brought up on a farm, and obtained his education at Barre Academy. In 1854 he came west, living some time in Chicago and later in Janesville, Wis. In 1861 he set- tled in Monroe, where he has since resided, teaching school several terms before entering the lumber business in 1865. He was married in 1860 to Sarah E. Kidder, whose people came from Maine. Three children were born to them-Charles S., Flora E. and Lewis. In politics Mr. Dodge is a republican, and has been chairman of the county central committee many years, and was elected in 1884 a delegate from the third congressional district to the re- publican national convention which was held in Chicago, June 3. Ile has also been twice elected chairman of the county board of super- visors, and has filled for nine years the position of president of the board of education in Mon- roe. The present course of study, rules and regulations of the school were prepared by him, and adopted by the board. Mr. Dodge is also a member of the I. O. O. F., Grand Lodge and Encampment.

Thomas Patterson, wagon and carriage manu- facturer, is a native of Scotland, born in Fife- shire, Feb. 26, 1827. He is a son of Alexander and Elizabeth (Arnot) Patterson, who emigrated

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HISTORY OF GREEN COUNTY.

to the United States about 1840 and located in Hartford Co., Conn., where he was superintend- ent of a woolen mill for eight years, and in 1850 went to Lafayette Co., Wis., and located some land with a warrant. The subject of this sketch served his time as carpenter and joiner in Connecticut. He was married in 1849 to Jeanette Kenlock, by whom he has two living children-Jane, now Mrs. Jacob Benkard; and Jessie. In 1854 he went to Lafayette county, remaining there until 1864, when he located in this city, where he lias since followed the car- riage business.

John S. Niles, son of Nathan and Silence (Sawyer) Niles, was born in Grafton Co., N. H., April 25, 1820. His parents reared eight chil- dren, five sons and three daughters. His father, Nathan Niles, is still living in Vermont, at the age of eighty-seven years. He was a strong supporter of the old Clay party, and a man who kept well posted in regard to current events. He removed in 1823 from New Hampshire to Orange Co., Vt., where John S. grew to man- hood, and received a common school education. In 1849 he removed to Rock Co., Wis., and taught school one winter. He lived in the town of Magnolia twenty years. He was a member of the town board and justice of the peace, hold- ing the latter office eight years in succession, and was repeatedly elected to minor offices dur- ing this time. He was married in 1854 to Sarah E. Carpenter, a daughter of Isaiah Car- penter. Two children have been born to them -Charles F., now a student at the State Uni- versity of Wisconsin; and Tom N. Mr. Niles is a man of more than ordinary intelligence and general information. IIe traveled quite exten- sively in early life, in the capacity of a com- mercial salesman, having his headquarters at Washington, where he became acquainted with many of the leading men of that day. He ro- moved to Monroe in 1864, since which time he has been a resident of Green county. Mr. and Mrs. Niles are members of the Disciple Church.

Andrew Buehler, manufacturer of carriages

and the Buehler wagons, was born in Baden, Germany, Sept. 2, 1836. In 1852 he came to America and located in Blair Co., Penn., where he learned his trade. In 1855 he went to Bel- videre, Ill., and there worked as journeyman. He came to Monroe in 1864, since which time he has resided here and carried on his present business. He was married in 1867 to Catharine Bleiler. They have three children living- Fred, Henry and Lizzie. Mr. Buehler is a mem- ber of the I. O. O. F., also of the Turner's So- ciety of Monroe. He came to the county poor, but by honesty and industry has built up a business of which he may well be proud. Be- sides doing a large amount of repairs, he manufactures about 100 wagons and sleighs a year, and employs seven men.

Jonas Cohn was born in Baden, Germany, July 1, 1824, receiving his education in the schools of his native place. When thirteen years old he was apprenticed to learn the trade of tailor, and served three years. He was a soldier in the revolution in Germany, in 1848, enlisting in the 4th Baden Sharpshooters, and taking a part in the battles of Ladeburg, Waghansel and Rachstadt, and was on guard at the time Carl Schurz was a prisoner. Mr. Cohn was taken prisoner, tried by a court mar- shal and remanded, but made his escape to France, and afterwards to the United States, landing in New York in 1853. In 1854, he was married, in New York city, to Sophia Rothkopf, by whom he has one child-Henry, born May 6, 1855. He is now extensively engaged in the tailoring business in Monroe, where he settled in 1865. Mr. Cohn has a sash which he se- cured from a Prussian general, who fell at the battle of Ladeburg, and a relic in shape of a powder horn, picked up at Wayhausel.

Andrew Arnot is a native of Scotland, born in January, 1842. When six months old, his parents emigrated to America. His father, Andrew Arnot, was a soldier in the Mexican War, enlisting in the 2d United States Heavy Artillery, and participated in the battles of

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HISTORY OF GREEN COUNTY.

Very Cruz, and at the fall of the City of Mexico, at the close of the war. After the close of the war he emigrated to Argyle, La- fayette Co., Wis., where he commenced farm- ing. He was reared on a farm, and received a common school education. In August, 1862, he enlisted in the 22d Wisconsin Volunteer Infan- try, company G, and participated in the follow- ing engagements : Lookout Mountain, Resaca, New Hope Church, Burnt Hickory, Kenesaw Mountain, Chattahoochee, Atlanta, Peach Tree Creek, with Sherman on his march to the sea and at the grand review at Washington. Soon after leaving the army, he came to Monroe and learned the trade of blacksmithing, which he has followed since. He was joined in wedlock to Catharine Heitz, by whom he has had two children-Charles and Belle. He is a member of the National Guards of this city, and is commissioned as 2d lieutenant. He is also a member of the Masonic fraternity.

Henry Durst, of the firm of Durst & Hodges, was born in Switzerland, Nov. 29, 1835, and received his education in his native State. In 1846, he came to America with his parents, who located near New Glarus, Green Co., Wis. The following year his father hired him out at $16 per year, for which he received a yoke of steers in payment. In 1848, he went to Madison, where he was employed in a livery stable for a number of years. When sixteen years old, he purchased a third interest in a threshing ma- chine, and followed that business for ten years. He and two other young men purchased the machine on credit and were to pay for the same the following January. The money was ready three days before it became due. He was mar- ried in 1861 to Louisa Jackson, a native of New York, by whom there were five children, three of whom are living-Nellie E., William A. and Louisa E. In 1866, he came to Monroe, where he embarked in the grocery business, which he followed up to 1871. In 1872, he built his present store building 22×90 feet in size, at a cost of $7,000. In 1882, he commenced his

present business. Mr. Durst is a member of the I. O. O. F. He came to the county a poor boy, but by hard work, fair dealing and good management, has accumulated a competency, and to-day is among the well-to-do business men of the county. Ile had nothing but home- made clothes until he was twenty-three years of age, nor did he have a pair of boots until that age.

P. F. Chase, a native of Oxford Co., Maine, was born March 28, 1834. He is a son of Rev. Sibley and Charlotte (Heath) Chase. The former was of English descent, and the latter of Scotch. They were married in Oxford Co., Maine, where five children were born to them, three of whom are now living. Rev. Sibley Chase was a man of fine qualities, a sincere worker in the Church, and highly esteemed by all. Rev. Sibley Chase departed this life at Paris, Maine, June 10, aged fifty-five years, five months and fifteen days. He was converted at the age of twenty-nine years, under the labors of Rev. James Farrington, and united with the M. E. Church. His experience and daily life was characterized by so much zeal and devotion that he was immediately chosen class leader, which office he continued to hold, with other re- sponsible trusts, in the Church of his choice, during the twenty-six years of unwearied ser- vice. Two years from the time of his conver- sion he became strongly impressed that it was his duty to consecrate himself more fully to the work of calling sinners to repentance. He re- ceived an exhorter's license, and labored ac- ceptably and efficiently, as time and opportunity presented. For many years he held the posi- tion of local preacher, engaging in every enter- prise having for its object the salvation of men and the glory of God. He left a wife, one son, three daughters, an aged father, brothers and sisters and a large circle of friends to mourn his loss. His death cast a gloom over the en- tire community, for he was extensively known and tenderly loved. The town lost a worthy citizen, the poor a sympathizing friend, and

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the cause of Christ an earnest and successful laborer. On his first attack, nearly three months previous to his death, he remarked that he firmly believed it to be his last illness. He expressed himself perfectly resigned to the will of his divine Master, undisturbed by a single earthly regret, except the absence of his only son in the far west. In conversation with a Christian brother, who watched by his bedside on the last night of his stay, he exclaimed, with fervor, "This is the hour for which I have been living for twenty-six years." Thus passed away to a glorious reward a man who had lived a faithful, consistent life, and one well fitted to share the glories of everlasting life. The sub- ject of this sketch received a liberal education, and in 1855 left his native State and came to Wisconsin, stopping first in Sheboygan county. He afterwards went to Oshkosh, and thence to the pineries, where he remained during the winter and spring, thence to Wausau, Marathon county, then known as Big Bull Falls, on the Upper Wisconsin, and remained until fall. He next went to the Chippewa, and in the spring of 1859 went to Grant county and commenced farming. In August, of that year, he was mar- ried to Corrina C. Stowell, daughter of Lewis B. Stowell (a soldier of the War of 1812). Mr. Chase enlisted in the 33d Wisconsin Vol- unteer Infantry, company B, and participated in the following engagements: Meridian, Cold- water, and capture of Vicksburg, Jackson, Mis- sissippi, Red River expedition under A. J. Smith, and battle of Tupelo, where he received partial sun stroke and was sent north. He was discharged at the close of the war, at Jefferson Barracks, May 27, 1865. In 1866 he came to Monroe, where he has since resided. He is a member of the G. A. R.

John Hawes was born in Genesee Co., N. Y., in 1818. He lived there until he was fifteen years of age, when he went to Cattaraugus coun- ty with his parents, where he received a liberal education, attending the high schools for eight years and in the meantime read law. In 1841

he went to Ohio, where he was married, in 1845, to Charlotte Carlton, by whom he has two living children-Horace and Nancy-the latter now a teacher in the public school. Soon after he was married he went to Lenawee Co., Mich., where he taught school for two years. In 1847 he removed to JoDaviess Co., Ill., in what is known as the "Tucker neighborhood," where he taught school and engaged in farming. In 1850 he crossed the plains to California, remain- ing one year. He then went to Society Islands, where his brother, Horace, was consul, and was afterwards appointed Territorial governor of California. In 1866 he came to Monroe, where he has since resided.

S. C. Cheney, one of the prominent merchants of Monroe, was born in Hoxburrough, Canada, July 13, 1833. When he was six years old, his parents emigrated to Waukesha Co., Wis., then a Territory. In 1843 they removed to Rock county. He remained at home until twenty- one years old. He then engaged in mercantile business at Johnstown, Rock Co., becoming a member of the firm of Cheney & Blackman, successors of H. Cheney. He remained in busi- ness two years, then sold out and went to Chi- cago, where he was employed as clerk in a wholesale store. In 1857 he crossed the plains to Pike's Peak, where he prospected one sum- mer. The following winter he spent in New Mexico, in company with his brother. He was there employed as teacher, receiving $100 per month. The following July he went to Cali- fornia Gulch, where he joined his brother, who had preceded him, and struck a fair paying lead. He sold out in the fall and returned home, and soon after went to work for M. C. Smith, of Janesville. In August, 1862, he en- listed in the 12th Battery, Light Artillery, Wisconsin Volunteers, and participated in the engagements of Iuka, Jackson, Champion Hills, siege and capture of Vicksburg, where they were under fire for forty-seven days, and from the piece of which Mr. Cheney had charge, 1,365 rounds were fired. From Vicksburg he

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HISTORY OF GREEN COUNTY.

went to Chattanooga, where he was detailed on recruiting service, and came to Janesville and opened a recruiting office. While here he was promoted to 2d lieutenant. He afterwards participated in the march to the sea; was then promoted to Ist lieutenant; the siege of Savan- nah, and battle of Bentonville. In the fall of 1867 he came to Monroe where he engaged in the mercantile business. In 1864 he was married to Mary North, and they have five chil- dren-Grace N., Minnie L., Nellie H., James H. and Margaret. Mr. Cheney is a member of the A. O. U. W., and Royal Arcanum, and the G. A. R.

Isaiah Johnson, of the firm of Isaiah Johnson & Son, grain dealers, was born in Vermilion Co., Ill., June 26, 1821. His parents, Henry and Elizabeth (Starr) Johnson, were married in North Carolina, and soon after went to Georgia. The following spring they returned to North Carolina, where they remained a few years, then went to Tennessee and settled near Nash- ville. In February, 1814, they removed to Ill- inois, opposite Vincennes Ford; in 1820 to Ver- milion county; in 1830 to Schuyler county, and in 1836, to Stephenson county. In 1851, they left Illinois and came to Green Co., Wis., set- tling in the town of Jefferson, where Mr. John- son Sr. died the same year. Mr. Johnson and his wife were life long members of the Chris- tian Church. Isaiah Johnson, of this sketch, went with his parents to Stephenson county, in 1836. He was married in 1849, to Nancy J. Miller, in Green county. They have eight chil- dren-Corwin, Cordelly, Cedora E., Florence G., Eldie, Delphy, Rucy and Olive Leatha. Mr. Johnson came to Green county in 1868, where he has since been engaged in the grain business. Mr. and Mrs. Johnson are members of the M. E. Church.

Lewis D. Van Matre came to Wisconsin in 1827, and first engaged in mining in Lafayette county. He was born in Clinton Co., Ohio, Sept. 20, 1807. His parents, Morgan and Mary (Pierce) Van Matre, were married in Pennsyl-

vania, and soon after went to Kentucky, near Cynthiana, and afterwards to Clinton Co., Ohio, where Mr. Van Matre, Sr., died about 1811, and Mrs. Van Matre was again married, to Nathan Kelley, a prominent farmer of Warren county. Lewis received his first schooling in a log cabin, with slab seats, and holes cut in the logs with greased paper pasted over them, for windows. He was about twenty years old when he came to Wisconsin. Ile was married in 1833, to Nancy Donaldson, and soon after went to Jo Daviess Co., Ill., near White Oak Springs. In 1836 he settled in what is now Stephenson county, where he remained until 1868, when he removed to Green county. Mrs. Van Matre died in October, 1855. She was a member of the Christian Church. Mr. Van Matre was again married, in 1856, to a widow of Thomas J. Van Matre, who died in California. By the first union there were eleven children, seven of whom are living-Melissa, Thomas J., Mary, Joseph, Caroline, Lney and William N .; and three children-Emma, Nora and Matilda, by the second union. Mr. Van Matre came west a poor boy, but by energy and perseverance has acquired a comfortable property and home. He was a soldier in the Black Hawk War, and re- mained until its close. Mr. and Mrs. Van Matre are members of the Christian Church.

Capt. S. P. Schadel, of the firm of Schadel & Baker, Monroe, was born in Centre Co., Penn., Jan. 27, 1844. In 1856 he went to Stephenson Co., Ill., then a boy twelve years old. Being left an orphan, when five years old, he was early thrown upon his own resources. In 1863 he en- listed in company A, 46th regiment, Illinois Volunteer Infantry. He participated in the fol- lowing engagements: Jackson, Miss., Clinton, Miss., siege of Fort Blakely and Spanish Fort. At the latter places, the command was under fire for fourteen days. The regiment was sent to the Red river and Texas, where they were employed gathering up government property, and establishing "Freedmen's Bureaus." He was mustered out at Camp Butler, Springfield

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Ill., in March, 1866. After the close of the war, he returned to Stephenson county and took up the trade of carpenter and joiner. Jan. 15, 1867, he was married to Emma Hussinger, and the following year came to Monroe, where he has since resided. Mr. and Mrs. Schadel are the parents of three children-Frank,' May and George. They are members of the Methodist Church. He is a member of the G. A. R., and A. O. U. W., and captain of company H, 1st regiment W. N. G.

James C. Baker was born in Holmes Co., Ohio, 1863. When ten years old his parents moved to Crawford county, where he grew to man- hood. In 1852 he turned his face towards the setting sun, and located in the town of Cadiz, Green county. In September, 1861, he enlisted in the 5th Wisconsin Light Artillery, partici- pating in the battles of Corinth, Miss., Perry- ville. Ky., Stone River, Chickamauga, Missionary Ridge and Atlanta, and on the memorable march to the sea. At the battle of Stone River, he showed himself to be one of the bravest of the brave, and was the means of saving one of the guns which was threatened by the rebels. Af- ter the battle Rosecrans issued an order that a certain number should be chosen out of each regiment as a roll of honor, and he was one of the chosen few. He was in the service for four years, and was always found at his post, never shirking his duty. Soon after returning home he was married to Mary Mckibben, by whom he had three children-Sarah, James and Owen. Mr. Baker engaged in farming, and followed the same until 1881, when he came to Monroe, where he formed his present partnership, as the firm of Schadel & Baker. He is a member of the I. O. O. F. and G. A. R.

J. S. Reynolds, dental surgeon, of the city of Monroe, was born in Juniata Co., Penn., March 6, 1847. His parents were Curtis and Sarah (Moist) Reynolds, natives of the same State. They were the parents of seven children, all of whom lived to an adult age. When the subject of this sketch was about eleven years old, his

father died, and one year later his mother died. Being thrown upon his own resources, he went to work on a farm, and was afterwards employed as clerk in a drug store. At the age of fifteen he entered the office of Dr. G. L. Derr, of Mif- flin, and spent three years under his instruction. He then established himself in business, open- ing an office at Middleburg, Snyder Co., Penn. He continued there one year, then went to Ste- phenson Co., Ill., and located at Orangeville, where he succeeded in building up a lucrative business. In the fall of 1868 he came to Green county and settled at Brodhead, remaining there until 1875. He came, that year, to Monroe, where he has an extensive and lucrative prac- tice. He is a member of the Wisconsin Dental Association, of which he is president. He is a Sir Knight and a member of the K. P. He was married in Albany, of this county, in Decem- ber, 1875, to Katie Hohn, a daughter ,of John Hohn. They have one child-Frank W.

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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 139

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