History of Lafayette county, Wisconsin, Part 103

Author: Butterfield, Consul Willshire, 1824-1899. cn; Western Historical Co
Publication date: 1881
Publisher: Chicago, Western historical
Number of Pages: 754

USA > Wisconsin > Lafayette County > History of Lafayette county, Wisconsin > Part 103

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DR. CHARLES G. OTIS, deceased; was born in New London Co., Conn., April 14, 1791 ; in 1798, he removed to Hamilton, Madison Co., N. Y. ; he grew up and received his education in that State-studied medicine ; he held the office of Government Surveyor, and, as early as 1819, he came West to Missouri and was engaged in surveying lands there. In 1827, he was united in marriage to Miss Roxina Sheldon, a native of Oneida Co., N. Y. ; in 1849, they came to Wisconsin and settled in Beloit, and, in 1855, they came to La Fayette Co .; he, with his son-in-law, J. D. Francis, Esq., established the first lumber-yard here. Dr. Otis engaged in the practice of medicine, and, in 1858, he engaged in the

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drug business. Dr. Otis held the office of President of the Town Board; while living in New York, he held office for twenty consecutive years, Supervisor, Justice of the Peace, and other town and school offices. His wife died Nov. 6, 1866; Dr. Otis continued in business until his death, which occurred Jan. 31, 1870; they had six children, four of whom survive-Hannah T., who married Rev. M. W. Staples, Pastor of Presbyterian Church in Richmond, Va .; Charles, attorney in Nebraska ; Dennison B. and James E. en- , gaged in banking business here; they lost two daughters-Eliza G., who married J. D. Francis, and Addie, who married W. H. Page.

JAMES E. OTIS, of the firm of Orton, Otis & Co., bankers; is a son of Dr. Charles G. Otis, and was born in Earlville, Madison Co., N. Y .; his parents came to Beloit, Wis., in 1849 ; they came to La Fayette Co. and located at. Darlington in 1855; he grew up and received his education in this State; after reaching manhood he engaged in the drug trade, and with his brother carried on that business a number of years. In the spring of 1878, he associated with his brother, D. B. Otis and Hon. P. A. Orton, the firm being Orton, Otis & Co., and engaged in the banking business. Mr. Otis has held the office of City Treasurer, and has also served as Treasurer of various societies and organizations; he is prominently identified with the Masonic order, and member of the Chapter and Commandery.

THOMAS PAGE, blacksmith, Darlington; is a native of Lincolnshire, England; was born Dec. 7, 1839 ; he grew up and learned his trade there; after reaching manhood he came to America, and came to Darlington in 1871 and established his present business, and has built up a good trade. Mr. Page married Miss Emily Brotherton, from the city of London, England.

THOMAS H. PARSONS, farmer, Sec. 16 ; P. O. Darlington ; is a native of England, and was born in the county of Kent June 22, 1826; he grew up to manhood in Suffolk, England; he came to America in 1849, and came to Wisconsin in 1850 and lived in Waukesha Co. and Grant Co., and came to La Fayette Co. in 1858, and has been successfully engaged in farming ; he owns 205 acres of land; when he came to this State he had nothing. In 1854, Mr. Parsons was united in marriage to Miss Rebecca Crockett, a native of Grant Co., Wis .; they have eight children-Joseph, David T., Albert E., Sarah S., Mary E., Frank, George, Arthur.

CHARLES L. PIERCE, of the firm of Brooks & Pierce, dealers in fresh and salted meats, Darlington ; is a native of Iowa Co., and was born at Mineral Point Sept. 22, 1845; he grew up to man- hood there and learned the trade of carpenter and joiner ; he came to Darlington in December, 1878, and with Mr. Brooks established their present business, and are building up a good trade; he belongs to the order of A. O. U. W. Mr. Pierce married Miss Fannie E. Proctor, from Mineral Point, March 31, 1870 ; they have three children-Lester, Fannie and an infant son. Mr. Pierce's father came to Chicago in 1836, and bought a quarter section of land, a part of it is now the best part in the city ; he was persuaded to get clear of it as quick as he could, and not live in such a place ; he came to Mineral Point in 1840, and was one of the early settlers there.

H. H. PILLING, homeopathic physician and surgeon, Louisa street, west of Main street ; is a native of La Fayette Co., and was born in Willow Springs Township, Sept. 23, 1845; he grew up and received his education in this State, and studied medicine and graduated at Hahnemann Medical College, in 1870; after graduating, he practiced medicine in Plattville two years; in spring of 1872 he went to Europe, and took a special hospital course in Guy's Hospital, London ; he remained one year, and returned in 1873, and since then has practiced his profession here. Dr. Pilling was united in marriage, June 13, 1877, to Mrs. Jennie E. Holmes, formerly Miss Jennie E. Driver, daughter of Josephus Driver, now the oldest merchant in Darlington.

ALBERT POOL, farmer and stock-raiser, Sec. 10 ; P. O. Darlington ; is the only son of John and Barbara Crowner Pool ; he was born in Jefferson Co., N. Y., June 23, 1843 ; his parents came West to Wisconsin, and settled in La Fayette Co., in 1854, and he grew up and received his education here ; he studied surveying and civil engineering ; after reaching manhood he engaged in farming; in 1876, he was elected County Surveyor, and was re-elected in 1878 ; he owns a good farm of 136 acres. Mr. Pool was united in marriage, Feb. 24, 1876, to Miss Sarah Ann Colbeck, a native of this county, and eldest daughter of Henry Colbeck, Esq. ; Mr. and Mrs. Pool have two children-Ambrose C. and an infant son.

JOHN POOL, farmer, Sec. 10; P. O. Darlington ; is a native of Montgomery Co., N. Y., and was born Nov. 12, 1803; he grew up to manhood in that State; in 1854, he came West to Wisconsin, and located in La Fayette Co., and engaged in farming, which he has successfully carried on since then ; when Mr. Pool began life he had nothing, and his success is owing to his own efforts and good management ; after giving his son a good farm he still owns 280 acres of good land ; while living in New York, Mr.

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Pool was elected to the State Legislature, and served during the term when the bill was passed appropri- ating $8,000,000 for the enlargement of the Erie Canal; he was Chairman of the Board of Supervisors, and has held the office of Magistrate. In 1826, Mr. Pool was united in marriage to Miss Barbara Crowner, from Jefferson Co., N. Y .; they have had four children ; only one son, Albert, survives.

JOSEPH PROCTER, proprietor Proctor House, Darlington ; is a native of Staffordshire, England, and was born May 20, 1827 ; he came to the United States in 1843 ; he came to Wisconsin the . same year, and located at Mineral Point and engaged in mining; two years later he located in this county ; in 1850, he went to California, and returned in 1854; he has been successfully engaged in mining and farming ; he came to Darlington, and in April, 1875, he opened the Proctor House; he has held the office of Chairman of the Town Board, and Town Treasurer of the town of Willow Springs ; he had nothing when he began life. In June, 1854, he married Miss Elizabeth Proctor, a native of Staffordshire, England ; they have six children-Annie, Susan, Jefferson, Willis, Fannie and M. Belle.

ALBERT RICHARDSON, County Treasurer ; is a native of Genesee Co., N. Y., and was born March 13, 1830 ; his parents came West to Wisconsin, and he settled in La Fayette Co. in 1849 ; in 1851, he went to California, where he remained five years, then returned here ; he again engaged in farming, and had one of the finest and best improved farms in this county, which he sold for $60 an acre ; he still owns an excellent farm, about one mile west of the city; in 1876, Mr. Richardson was elected County Treasurer, and was re-elected in 1878; has held the office four years. In 1860, Mr. Richardson was united in marriage to Miss Philora Ingersoll; they have six children-Claribel, Minnie, Philora, Charles, Marvin and Button.

JOHN J. ROCHE, attorney at law, Darlington ; is a native of La Fayette Co., and was born Sept. 26, 1848; he grew up and attended school here, also attended Albion Academy, in Dane Co., and completed his education at the State Normal School at Platteville, and graduated in 1873. He engaged in teaching, and held the position of Principal of the Chilton High School, Calumet, Wis., for two years ; in 1875, he entered the office of Hon. H. S. Magoon and studied law, and was admitted to the bar in June, 1877, and since then has practiced his profession here ; in 1878, he was Elected District Attorney, and still holds that office.

JAMES R. ROSE, attorney at law, Main street, Darlington ; is a native of Delaware Co., N. Y., and was born Sept. 18, 1817; he grew up and received his education in that State; he studied law in Otsego Co., N. Y., and was admitted to the bar of the Supreme Court, in Albany ; he was Clerk of the Assembly of New Nork in 1844, 1845 and 1850; he came West to Wisconsin and settled in La Fayette Co., in 1851, and engaged in the practice of law, and is the oldest attorney now in practice in this county ; he has held the office of District Attorney, having been twice elected to that position. In 1850, Mr. Rose was united in marriage to Miss Phebe A. Budlong, a native of New York ; they have four children- David S., attorney at law here; Anna, Eber C. and Robert F.

JAMES ROW, farmer and stock-raiser, Sec. 19; P. O. Darlington ; is a native of Yorkshire, England, and was born Feb. 22, 1810 ; he came to the United States, and to La Fayette Co. in May, 1850; engaged in mining for a few years, then engaged in farming at White Oak Springs ; he afterward bought the place where he now lives, and for many years has been successfully engaged in farming and stock-raising ; when he began life he had nothing, and his success is owing to his own efforts and good management ; he owns 385 acres of land, and has one of the finest stock farms in the county. In 1840, Mr. Row was united in marriage to Mary Alderson ; she died Jan. 19, 1877; they have eight children- Frank, Bessie, Thomas, Mary, Jane, James, Jr., Belle and Ruth.

JOHN B. ROY, dealer in hardware and house furnishing goods, Main street ; is a native of La Fayette Co., and was born in Shullsburg, Jan. 28, 1849; he grew up and attended school there; in 1866, he went to California and remained there two years ; returned in 1868, and came to Darlington and established his present business ; has carried it on since then, and has built up a good trade ; he has held the office of City Councilman, and belongs to the Masonic Fraternity and to the A. O. U. W. In October, 1873, Mr. Roy was united in marriage to Miss Dora Metcalf, a native of this State ; they have had one daughter-Gertie, now deceased.

REV. ALBERT W. SAFFORD, Pastor Congregational Church, Darlington ; is a native of Illinois, and was born in Jo Daviess Co. Nov. 25, 1844 ; he grew up and attended school in that State, and graduated at the high school in Rockford ; after completing his literary course he entered the Chicago Theological Seminary, where he pursued his theological studies, and graduated in 1871 ; after graduating he engaged in home mission work in Kansas, and labored successfully in that field several years, and organ-

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ized several churches ; he afterward took an additional course of study, at Andover and New Haven ; he accepted a call as Acting Pastor of church at St. Johnsbury Center, Vt .; he returned West, and was persuaded to engage in Evangelistic work for a short time, and labored with success in this field of work ; he afterward accepted a call to labor as Pastor of the Congregational Church, at Prairie du Chien ; he was called to his present pastorate in February, 1880. Mr. Safford was united in marriage, June 4, 1879, to Miss Martha E. Foote, from Lawrence, Mass ; they have one son-George Chester.

THOMAS SAUNDERS, farmer and stock-raiser, Sec. 30 ; P. O. Darlington ; is a native of County Kilkenny, Ireland, and was born in 1825; he came to America in 1845, and came to Wisconsin and settled in La Fayette Co., on the place where he now lives, in 1849, and engaged in farming ; he was one of the early settlers on this prairie. Mr. Saunders had nothing when he began ; he has been success- fully engaged in farming and stock-raising since he came, and by his industry, intelligence and good man- agement he owns 300 acres of land; he has been actively identified with schools, and has held school offices most of the time since he came ; has also served on the Town Board. In 1856, Mr. Saunders was united in marriage to Miss Anastasia Nolan, a native of County Kilkenny, Ireland ; they have eight chil- dren-Mattie, John, Michael, Robert, Joseph, Catharine, Maria and Maggie.

W. A. SCOFIELD, farmer, Sec. 10; P. O. Darlington ; is a native of Brandon, Rutland Co., Vt., and was born Nov. 16, 1830; he grew up and attended school there; he came West to Wisconsin in 1854, and settled in La Fayette Co., and engaged in farming, and has continued in that business since then, except one year in the hardware trade ; he has held town offices. In 1851, Mr. Scofield was united in marriage to Jane A. Thomas, from Brandon, Vt. ; she died in 1867; he afterward married Laura J. Wheeler, a native of New York State; she died July 4, 1876.

JAMES SCOTT, County Clerk of La Fayette Co. ; is a native of Carbon Co., Penn., and was born Feb. 21, 1834 ; his parents came to Ohio during his infancy, and he grew up and attended school there; he came West to Wisconsin and settled in La Fayette Co. in 1851 ; learned the trade of carpenter and joiner and engaged in building ; after the war broke out he enlisted, Aug. 11, 1862, in Co. B, 23d W. V. I .; after serving over a year he was discharged on account of disability ; in 1876, he was elected to his present position of County Clerk, and was re-elected in 1878. Mr. Scott was united in marriage Dec. 13, 1868, to Miss Louise J. Welty, a native of Gettysburg, Penn .; they have four chil- dren-Ada B., Beatrice, Charles D. L. and Maggie May.

DAVID SCHREITER, manufacturer and dealer in harness, Main street ; is a native of Germany, and was born in the Kingdom of Saxony, Oct. 7, 1833; he grew up and served an apprentice- ship at harness-making ; he came to the United States in 1854, and came to Darlington in 1856, and be- gan working at his trade ; he established his present business in 1858, and has carried on the business successfully for twenty-two years, and is the oldest harness-maker in the business here, and has a large trade. He has held the office of President of Village Trustees, and for the past two years has held the office of Chairman of the Town Board. When he came here he had nothing, and owes his success to his own efforts; he owns the property where he is engaged in business, and during the past year erected the finest store in Darlington. He belongs to the Masonic Fraternity, Blue Lodge, Chapter and Commandery ; also is a member of Darlington Lodge, I. O. O. F., and the A. O. U. W. In 1861, Mr. Schreiter mar- ried Miss Hannah Bleasdale, a native of England ; they have four children-Eddie, Carrie, Herman and Bennie.

EDWARD SCHREITER, manufacturer and dealer in furniture, Main street, Darlington ; is a native of Germany and was born in the Kingdom of Saxony, Sept. 9, 1841 ; he grew up and learned his trade there ; came to America in 1873, and the following year came to Darlington and engaged in his present business, and has built up a good trade. In 1877, Mr. Schreiter married Miss Nettie Mappes, from Belmont, La Fayette Co .; they have two sons-Charlie, born Nov. 22, 1878, and Edward, born Aug. 14, 1880.

E. R. SWEARINGEN, freight and ticket agent of the Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul R. R., Darlington ; is a native of Johnson Co., Iowa., and is a son of Rev. Richard Swearingen, minister and Presiding Elder in the Methodist Episcopal Church. He was born Dec. 20, 1848; he grew up to man- hood in that State, and studied telegraphing, and was operator at Dyersville, Iowa, Galena, Mineral Point and Darlington ; he opened the first opposition telegraph office at Galena ; he was appointed freight and ticket agent of the Warren & Mineral Point R. R. at Darlington in 1869, and since then has held that position. Mr. Swearingen was united in marriage, Oct. 6, 1872, to Miss Emma J. Blakely ; she is a native of Canada, but came to this county in early childhood ; they have three children-Florence, Arthur E. and infant son.

H. Beckwith

WHITE OAK SPRINGS.

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TOWN OF DARLINGTON.

E. R. STEPHENS, dealer in groceries and provisions, Main street, corner Louisa street, Dar- lington ; is a native of Cayuga Co., N. Y., and was born June 13, 1825 ; he grew up to manhood in that State ; he came West to Wisconsin and settled in La Fayette Co., in June, 1856 ; he engaged in business here, in a small way, and has continued the mercantile business for twenty-four years, and is one of the oldest merchants in La Fayette Co. ; Mr. Stevens was the first man to pay cash for country produce and establish a cash market for it; he also shipped the first two car loads of freight that went over the Warren & Mineral Point Railroad, after it was built ; he has built several fine stores on Main street ; he has held town and school offices. In 1848, Mr. Stephens was united in marriage to Miss Mary M. Crossett, a native of Groveland, Livingston Co., N. Y. ; they have four children-Juliet, now Mrs. Charles F. Osborn, of this city ; William L., Henry N. and Ella R.

JOHN V. SWIFT, of the firm of Ferrin & Swift, dealers in drugs, medicines, paints and oils ; is a native of La Fayette Co., and was born August 22, 1851 ; his parents were early settlers ; he grew up to manhood here ; he associated with Mr. Ferrin, and engaged in his present business in May, 1880, and they are building up a good trade. In the fall of 1875, Mr. Swift was united in marriage to Miss Susie Turner, a native of this county ; they have two children-Hattie M. and Clara.

JAMES SWIFT, Jr., dealer in dry goods, clothing and groceries, Main street, Darlington ; is a native of Benton, La Fayette Co., and was born Sept. 26, 1849 ; he grew up to manhood in this county ; in 1869, he came to Darlington and entered a store, and continued until 1875, when he engaged in his present business, and has built up a large and leading trade. He has held office of Town Clerk. Mr. Swift was united in marriage to Miss Mary Logue, a native of Juniata Co., Penn., Oct. 13, 1873 ; they have two children-Willie and Francis. Mr. Swift's parents were early settlers, and came to this county in 1843.

CHARLES TABOR, farmer, Sec. 17; P. O. Darlington ; is a native of England, and was born in Dorsetshire in 1810 ; he came to the United States in 1833; lived in the city of New York four years, then went to Canada, where he lived until 1855, when he came to Walworth Co., Wis. ; in 1860, he came to La Fayette Co., and located where he now lives, and since then has been successfully engaged in farming and stock-raising ; owns a good farm of 200 acres. Mr. Tabor was united in marriage, Sept. 29, 1839, to Miss Elizabeth Tims, a native of Lincolnshire, England ; they have had seven children-Luke, born Sept. 27, 1840 ; George W., born July 26, 1842; Charles, born Sept. 16, 1844 ; John, born Aug. 2, 1846 ; Mary E., now Mrs. John Hamilton, born Sept. 11, 1848; Anna E., now Mrs. E. L. Woods, born Dec. 30, 1850 ; Frederick A. was born Dec. 4, 1855, and died Feb. 19, 1860. Mr. Tabor had three sons in the army ; Luke enlisted and served over two years in the 2d W. V. C., Co. I, and was in many fights ; George W. enlisted and served in the 46th W. V. I .; Charles enlisted and served in Co. B, 23d W. V. I .; he was in several battles, and was taken prisoner in Louisiana.

CALEB G. THOMAS, Superintendent of Schools of La Fayette County ; is the only son of Dr. William Montgomery Thomas and Maria (Goodwin) Thomas, and was born at Mineral Point, Wis., July 4, 1853; his parents came to Darlington during his early childhood ; he grew up and attended school here, and completed his education at the State University at Madison, and graduated in the Class of 1875. He was elected County Superintendent in 1877, and was re-elected in 1879 ; the county contains 126 school districts, with 155 teachers-one of the most populous in the State; Mr. Thomas is a careful and painstaking official, and has acceptably filled the arduous duties of this responsible office.

JOHN THOMAS, farmer, Sec. 20 ; P. O. Darlington ; is a native of Cornwall, England, and was born in 1830; he came to Canada in 1847, to Wisconsin in 1859, and to La Fayette Co. in 1861, and engaged in blacksmithing for some years; he afterward located on the farm where he now lives, and since then has been engaged in farming; he owns a good farm of 150 acres. In December, 1855, Mr. Thomas married Miss Nanny Edwards, a native of Cornwall, England ; they have six children-Elizabeth A., Britannia, Richard, Wesley, Arthur and Herbert.

DR. WILLIAM MONTGOMERY THOMAS, deceased ; was a native of Annapolis, Md., and was born March 13, 1826; he grew up and attended school there, and entered St. John's Col- lege and graduated from that institution ; after graduating, he came West to Wisconsin in 1845, to Min- eral Point, and began reading medicine ; his brothers, Wilson and Philip Thomas, came here before him ; during the Mexican war he entered the service ; after his return he pursued his medical studies and grad- uated at the University of Maryland at Baltimore. In 1852, Dr. Thomas was united in marriage to Miss Maria Goodwin, a native of Baltimore ; he returned to Wisconsin and practiced medicine at Mineral Point a short time ; then came to Darlington, in 1855, and engaged in the practice of his profession ; after the breaking-out of the rebellion, he was appointed Assistant Surgeon, and afterward was promoted and

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served as Surgeon of the 31st W. V. I .; while Surgeon of this regiment, he was presented with an elegant sword by the officers and men of the regiment; after his return, he resumed the practice of his profession ; he was a member of the State Medical Society and was chosen delegate to the United States Medical Conventions held in Chicago and Baltimore. Dr. Thomas practiced his profession until his death, which occurred Sept. 10, 1879 ; he left one son-Caleb G.

REV. JOHN TRESIDDER, Pastor Methodist Church, Darlington; is a native of England, and was born April 25, 1843; he grew up and received his education there, and entered the ministry ; he came to the United States in 1866, and to Wisconsin the same year, locating at Mineral Point. In 1869, he was united in marriage to Miss Lizzie Collins, from Mineral Point, Wis. In 1871, Mr. Tresidder joined the Conference ; since 1873, he has labored successfully in this county, and has served acceptably as Pastor at Shullsburg and Darlington. They have three children-Bessie May, Ella Maud and Cora Belle.

GEORGE TYSON (deceased), was a native of Cumberland, England, and was born Dec. 9, 1802. After reaching manhood, on the 4th day of April, 1825, he was united in marriage to Miss Jane Watson ; she is a native of Lancashire, England, and was born March 28, 1805; they came to the United States in 1850, and to La Fayette Co. the same year, and settled on the farm where her son now lives ; he entered some of the land from Government and made a farm ; they were early settlers there; he was suc- cessfully engaged in farming until his death, which occurred Aug. 10, 1871; he left nine children, six of whom survive-William, living on the home farm; George, living in this county; Watson, living in Nebraska; Martha, now Mrs. Fallon, living in Darlington ; Peter, living in Nebraska ; Sarah, living at home with her mother; those who died were Jane, who was the wife of Henry Colebeck, Ann and Marshall.

WILLIAM TYSON, farmer, Sec. 18; P. O. Darlington ; is a native of England, and was born near Liverpool in 1827; after reaching manhood, he came to the United States; in 1850, he came to Wisconsin and settled in La Fayette Co., where he now lives, and made a farmn ; he was one of the early settlers on this prairie ; at that time their principal market for what they raised was among the miners ; he has been successfully engaged in farming for many years. In January, 1864, Mr. Tyson was united in marriage to Miss Mary Varty, a native of England ; they have two children-George William and John Marshall.

H. VAN WAGENEN, physician and druggist, Main street, Darlington ; is a native of New York State, and was born in Dutchess Co., Feb. 15, 1816; he grew up and received his education and studied medicine in that State; he came West in 1844 and located in Racine Co., in this State; in 1846, he came to La Fayette Co., and settled at Wiota and practiced his profession there a great many years, and built up a large practice ; in 1870, he came to Darlington and engaged in the drug trade; since then he has given up active practice. In 1837, Dr. Van Wagenen was united in marriage to Miss Susan Mills, of Am- sterdam, Montgomery Co., N. Y. ; they' have four children-James H., Assistant Postmaster ; Garret S., engaged in mercantile business in Arizona ; Mills, Principal of the schools in Silver City, Nev .; Everett, engaged in business with his father.

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History of Lafayette county, Wisconsin, Part 103

Author: Butterfield, Consul Willshire, 1824-1899. cn; Western Historical Co Publication date: 1881 Publisher: Chicago, Western historical Number of Pages: 754

Author: Butterfield, Consul Willshire, 1824-1899. cn; Western Historical Co
Publication date: 1881
Publisher: Chicago, Western historical
Number of Pages: 754