USA > Wisconsin > Monroe County > History of Monroe County, Wisconsin, past and present : including an account of the cities, towns and villages of the county [microform] > Part 60
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).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28 | Part 29 | Part 30 | Part 31 | Part 32 | Part 33 | Part 34 | Part 35 | Part 36 | Part 37 | Part 38 | Part 39 | Part 40 | Part 41 | Part 42 | Part 43 | Part 44 | Part 45 | Part 46 | Part 47 | Part 48 | Part 49 | Part 50 | Part 51 | Part 52 | Part 53 | Part 54 | Part 55 | Part 56 | Part 57 | Part 58 | Part 59 | Part 60 | Part 61 | Part 62 | Part 63 | Part 64 | Part 65 | Part 66 | Part 67 | Part 68 | Part 69 | Part 70 | Part 71 | Part 72 | Part 73 | Part 74 | Part 75 | Part 76 | Part 77 | Part 78 | Part 79 | Part 80 | Part 81 | Part 82 | Part 83 | Part 84 | Part 85 | Part 86 | Part 87 | Part 88 | Part 89 | Part 90 | Part 91
On June 15. 1901, Mr. Cole was married at Chicago to Miss Sarah McGavin, daughter of James and Mary (Farley) MeGavin, natives of Scotland and Ireland, respectively. Mrs. Cole has one brother. ex-Congressman MeGavin, who is now a resident of Los Angeles, Cal.
634
HISTORY OF MONROE COUNTY
John J. Collins, Glendale, Monroe county. Wis., was born in the city of Boston. Mass .. Oct. 10. 1855. His parents. Michael and Catherine (Dwyer) Collins, were both natives of Ireland and came to the United States in 1845 with their family of two children. He was first employed as a teamster and after a few years spent in the East came to Wisconsin and was in the employ of the Milwaukee and St. Paul railroad as traveling freight agent until 1860. In that year he came to Monroe county and purchased 120 acres of land in section 1. Glendale township, and there spent the balance of his life. his death occurring in 1880. Ile was one of the early settlers of Glendale and experienced the hardships of the pioneer days. He cleared and subdued his wild land and brought it to a good state of cultivation. Hle was a hard working man and was highly respected in his community. He was a devoted member of the Catholic church and contributed liberally to its support. and in his lifetime helped to organize and build up two or three churches. The mother of our subject is still (1912) living at the advanced age of 100 years. They had a family of seven children. only two of whom are living-John J. and William. One son, James, served three years in the Civil War in the Tenth Wisconsin Regiment.
John J. attended the district school until he was eighteen and after the death of his father lived on the farm with his mother and sister, which he acquired by inheritance and has never left the home place. Since acquiring the farm Mr. Collins has added many valuable improvements. He built a large briek residence in 1902 and a barn in 1896. He keeps his place well stocked with horses and cattle and carries on general farming. For many years he gave his special attention to the raising of sheep. but of late years has turned his attention to dairying and raising Hol- stein cattle. Mr. Collins has for fourteen years in connection with his farming interest been engaged in the buying and selling of cattle. He is a good judge of stock. has been successful in that line of business. and is one of the public spirited and influential men of his town, and takes a keen interest in all publie matters. Ile organized and was president of the first creamery in Glendale township. run as the Cooperative Creamery Company, which wound up its affairs in 1910. He has since helped to organize the (Hendale Cooperative Company and is its president. In politics he is a Democrat and an admirer of Senator LaFollette.
Hle was married February 14, 1881. at Union Center, Wis., to Miss Mary Gallagher, daughter of Edward and Kathern Gallagher,
635
BIOGRAPHY
of Glendale, who were also natives of Ireland. To Mr. and Mrs. Collins have been born five children-Michael. Edward. John. Mary Pearl and Charles.
Henry Coome*, ex-sheriff of Monroe county. is a native of New York state: he was born in Cayuga county on February 8. 1842. Ilis parents were Robert and Mariah (Ilarris) Coome, who came from England to America in an early day and located in the above named county. He had learned the earpenter and builder's trade from his father in England, and after coming to the United States followed that occupation in New York for about fifteen years. In 1856 they eame West to Wisconsin and settled in Sauk county. where he continued his operation as a carpenter until he seenred a farm of wild land. which he subdued and brought to a high state of cultivation: here he made his home engaged in general farming until 1867. Purchasing a farm of eighty acres in Monroe county. he moved hither and for the next twenty-five years this was the family home. Disposing of this farm. the father moved to St. Paul. Minn .. where he died in 1903: his widow. mother of our subject. survived him five years and passed away in 1908. Both were Christian people and de- voted members of the Methodist church. and were among its most generous and faithful supporters. Mr. Coome was a man of genial nature, loyal to his friends, liberal with his money, com- panionable, a lover of good comradeship and generous to a fantt. In politics he was a Whig and strong anti-slavery man.
Mr. Henry Coome received his early education in the district schools of Sauk county. which he supplemented with a course at the Baraboo high school. He remained at home assisting with the farm work until he was twenty-two years of age. when on April 1. 1864. he was married to Miss Eliza Watson at Baraboo, and they had one daughter. Lotta, who is now deceased. In 1867 Mr. Coome came to Monroe county and engaged in general farming and stock raising: he later made a specialty of buying stock for the market. and was at one time one of the largest shippers from this county to the Chicago markets. He con- tinned in this line of business until 1886. and then turned his exclusive attention to farming. which he followed until 1897. Hle is indeed a man of ambition and energy. and worthy of mention in the history of Monroe county: he is interested in all publie improvements, ever ready to do all in his power for the good of the community. and while not a politician, he has taken an active interest in the affairs of the Republican party. and in 1897 was its candidate for sheriff. being elected over
636
HISTORY OF MONROE COUNTY
his opponent by a handsome majority. Assuming the duties of that office he moved with his family to Sparta where they remained during his service in office, and upon the expiration of this term he returned to Tomah and retired from active business.
Mr. Coome is a man of thorough business qualifications, gen- erons, kind-hearted and popular in the circles in which he moves; he is an active member in the Knights of Pythias lodge, has filled all the chairs of the order and is now master of the ex- chequer: is also prominent in the uniform rank of the order and has attended its convocations at various points of the United States. Shortly after assuming the duties of sheriff of the county, he experienced the sad misfortune in the death of Mrs. Coome which occurred in 1898. He was married for the second time to Mrs. Ada Hall. daughter of James Sweet.
Fred H. Crossette, one of the enterprising. wide-awake and progressive business men of Tomah, is a native son of Wisconsin. He was born at Ridgeville. Monroe county, December 11. 1859. the son of Z. Il. and Jane (Davis) Crossette. The ancestors on the maternal side were natives of Vermont. The father of Fred H. came west to Wisconsin in 1855 and settled in Walworth county. remaining there three years. In 1858 he moved to Monroe county with his family and purchased 150 acres of wild land and immediately set to work clearing and improving his farm. When the Civil War commenced. he was drafted and served in the twenty fifth regiment Wisconsin Volunteer Infantry until the close of the war, when he was honorably discharged and returned home. He was a successful farmer. a good citizen and brave soldier, and enjoyed the confidence and esteem of all who knew him. He was a devoted member of the Methodist Episcopal church, and for many years a steward in that church. His death occurred in 1879. The mother of our subject raised a family of seven children, four of whom are now living. She was a model housewife, and her womanly graces and domestic virtues made her a worthy helpmeet to her husband. She was a charming lady. a good wife and mother and was highly esteemed by a large circle of friends. She died in 1898.
Fred HI. Crossette was raised on his father's farm and at. tended the district schools until he was sixteen years of age. and finished his education in the high school at Tomah. At the age of twenty. he entered the general store of R. B. Dunlap. at Kendall, where he was employed as clerk for nine months. He was next employed at carpenter work which he followed
637
BIOGRAPHY
with some degree of success for a time and then went to Barron county and embarked in the furniture and undertaking business. He later returned to Tomah, and with three brothers, put $300 into a portable saw mill, which furnished them with employment during the winter months. From this small beginning. the business grew, and other kinds of woodworking machinery were added and they soon had established a fine plant for sawing. planing and manufacturing sash. doors, blinds and store fixtures. This model plant equipped with modern, up-to-date machinery, was destroyed by fire in 1901 with a loss of $12.000.
After prospecting through the county for a location better suited for their business. they finally decided to rebuild on the same spot formerly occupied by them. Mr. Crossette organized a stock company with a capital of $25.000. which was incorporated in 1901: new buildings were erected and equipped and business resumed. which has since met with increased prosperity. To the line of sash. doors. blinds and fixtures, they have recently added the manufacture of silos. also dealers in building material. This is one of the largest and most complete manufacturing plants in the county.
Mr. Crossette is widely known for his sterling qualities, both as a business man and in a social way, and is respected by his friends and asociates as a true example of American manhood, energetic, thrifty and upright. He is a member of the Knights of Pythias, and in political faith, is a Republican. In all matters pertaining to the betterment of his city and county, he gives his hearty support.
William L. Daly* is one of the live wires of Greenfield town- ship, where he resides on section sixteen, engaged in farming. He was born at Tomah, Wis .. on November 14. 1862. the son of John and Catherine (Haley) Daly, both natives of Ireland, who. after their marriage. came to America. and in 1856 to Tomah: they removed after a time to Tunnel City. where the father was employed on the original tunnel of the Chicago, Mil- waukee & St. Panl Railway. In 1867. he settled on eighty aeres of school land, called at that time on account of its condition, "Grub Land," and there he continued to reside until his death in 1893 at the age of eighty-six years. Ilis wife, mother of our subject. passed away the same year at the age of seventy-two.
William L. is one of a family of six children, of the others, Timothy is deceased: Martin: Mary, deceased. was the wife of James Barney ; John. deceased : William L. and Jerry. who is in the employ of the Chicago & Northwestern Railroad.
638
HISTORY OF MONROE COUNTY
William attended the district school and was raised on the home farm where he has always lived with the exception of about seven years he was employed on the railroad and mining con- tract work in northern Wisconsin. He returned in 1894 and permanently located on the homestead farm as owner and pro- prietor, and in 1901. he built a modern residence and barn. Be- sides general farming. Mr. Daly deals extensively in grade Dur- ham and Holstein cattle, and is a recognized authority in those lines, having been generally successful in every branch he has undertaken. He is thoroughly up with the times. public spirited and generons and is considered one of the most prosperous and progressive citizens of his community. He was married on April 14, 1895. to Miss Margaret O'Brien. daughter of William and Catherine (Sullivan) O'Brien. of Tomah township. Five children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Daly, viz: Marcus J .. John W., Bernadine K .. Florence M. and Helen F.
Elijah Davenport, who has been conspicuous for many years in the farming community of Greenfield township, is among the few pioneers now living in Monroe county. His birthplace was Dorchester. Mass .. four miles from the state house at Boston, the date being November 3rd. 1830. His parents, Elijah L .. and Marta O. (Sweat) Davenport, were natives of Massachusetts and Maine respectively. He was a currier by ocenpation, and they spent their marmed life at Dorchester. where he died at the age of eighty. and she at the age of eighty-five years. They reared a family of four children. of whom our subject is the eldest. Of the others. Abbie M .. deceased; Angusta is the wife of Edward Crocker, of Winthrop, Mass .. and Clarence, who resides at the old home in Boston.
Elijah received his education in the common schools, and early assisted his father as a currier: he later learned the trade of cabinet maker and also followed the trade of carpenter and joiner. and for twenty years was engaged in the construction of railway bridges for the Omaha railway, which is now a part of the Northwestern system. Mr. Davenport practically built the village of Humbird. Wis .. after he became identitied with Monroe county. and embarked in the cabinet and furniture busi- ness in Sparta, Monroe county, in 1857; the following year he moved to Greenfield township, where he endured the privations and hardships of those pioneer days, cleared the land and en- gaged in hop-raising, and afterward took up the work for the railroad as above mentioned. In 1892. he returned to his farm of 240 acres in the town of Greenfield, which has since been his
639
BIOGRAPHY
home. An interesting volume could be made of his experiences and escapades with the Indians in the early days, when there was less than half a dozen white families in his locality, the Indians at that time being bent upon plundering their property, and it was with difficulty that Mr. Davenport could induce them to stay away.
Mr. Davenport comes of a family remarkable for its longevity, and thus inherited his share of mental and physical vigor neces- sary to the successful farmer. He carries on general farming and enjoys one of the most beautiful farm homes in the county. He has been a Mason since 1878, and is a member of Tomah Lodge, No. 132. He was married on June 19, 1862, to Miss Emiline Sawyer, daughter of David M. and Julia (Adams) Saw- ver. both natives of Maine and the first settlers in Tarr valley- she being the first white woman to realize the hardships of the pioneer in this town. The father came to Greenfield with Mr. J. M. Tarr and they entered the first land in the town together --- Mr. Sawyer being the first to make the entry and his name was given to the valley which was afterwards. however, changed to Tarr valley, which name it still retains. Mr. Sawyer, father of Mrs. Davenport. was born February 20, 1807, and died April 24, 1864; his wife, mother of Mrs. Davenport. was born Sep- tember 2, 1816, and died December 12, 1911. Mrs. Davenport was born in 1842 and is the eldest of a family of three children ; the others are Martha, wife of W. S. Wyman. a carpenter by occupation, who resides in South Dakota, and Agnes, now Mrs. J. M. Ferguson, of Hastings, Neb. Mrs. Davenport came to Wisconsin at the age of thirteen years and recalls distinctly many incidents of privations during the pioneer days and espe- cially of the Indian trouble in Minnesota when it was necessary for the family to take protective measures each night against molestation. Mrs. Davenport taught the first school in Greenfield township in a log schoolhouse which was raised July 4, 1857. and built by David Sawyer, J. M. Tarr, John Rich. Joseph Coneh and others. She also taught the first school in Tunnel City. The children of Mr. and Mrs. Davenport are Clarence E., of Encino, N. M .; Marta A .. deceased, and Agnes J., now Mrs. G. W. Bond. Mr. Bond is a prominent and influential citizen of Boise City, Idaho. Mr. and Mrs. Davenport have traveled extensively throughout the United States, having visited nearly all the points of interest, and recently celebrated their golden wedding. Both Mr. and Mrs. Davenport bear the weight of their years most
640
HISTORY OF MONROE COUNTY
gracefully and their hospitality extends to a large circle of friends and acquaintances.
Hal J. Davis, one of the prominent merchants of Sparta, is pre-eminently a self-made man. Beginning life with no capital other than his native abilities, he has by perseverence, industry and the force of a strong personality, attained to a place among the influential and substantial citizens of his community. A native son of Wisconsin, he was born at Beaver Dam in 1868, his parents being Chester P. and Caroline Davis. Ile received his education in the schools of his home town and came to Sparta in 1882 when he was fourteen years of age and first entered the employ of Rufus Dodge. as salesman in the then leading mercantile establishment in Sparta. He early displayed such exceptional business ability, he was told by his employer that if he would save his earnings, he might some day become a partner in the business. Young Davis accepted the oppor- tunity, and in 1898 became junior member of the firm. Mr. Dodge. senior member of the firm, was born in Monroe county, New York. in 1840. He carried the musket through the Civil War with the Sixteenth New York Volunteers during the regi- ment's term of service. After the close of the war. Mr. Dodge came to Wisconsin, settling at Columbus, where he engaged in the mercantile business. In 1872. Gilbert T .. Harvey K .. and Rufus S. Dodge established the Sparta store, which was con- ducted under the name of Dodge Brothers and the personal management of Harvey K., until 1877, when Rufus Dodge came to Sparta and took personal charge of the business. In 1879, Gilbert T. Dodge retired, and the same year his brother. Harvey K .. died. and from that time until 1898, Rufus S. was the sole proprietor, and Mr. Davis purchased an interest. In 1908, Mr. Dodge died, leaving Mr. Davis in full charge, which he has since continued, occupying the most spacious block in the city with a handsome department store. In the spring of 1900 the old Jackson building was removed and in its stead the present structure was erected on what is known as the old Jackson corner, purchased by the Dodges in 1872. and here the business has since flourished with periodical additions. In 1893 the Tyler store on Water street was purchased, and in 1897 a large addition to both stores was erected in the rear.
Capt. Martin Warner Davis, retired. one of the public spirited and substantial citizens of Sparta, is descended from old and prominent New England families. Ile was born at Newark. Caledonia county. Vi., January 24. 1836. the son of
641
BIOGRAPHY
Eleazer and Diana (Stoddard) Davis, natives of Chesterfield, N. H., and who when young, removed to Vermont, where, like his father before him, engaged in farming. During the gold excitement in 1849, he went to California via the Isthmus of Panama. and there spent three successful years. Ilis Vermont farming interests were carried on on a large scale, lie having at one time as many as 100 acres devoted to the raising of tim- othy, from which he on one occasion, obtained 600 bushels of seed. In political faith he was a Whig, and was elected to the Vermont legislature and served with distinction through the sessions of 1845-6. Hle was generous, kind-hearted and a man of unblemished character. He lived to the age of ninety-one years, his death occurring in 1898. Eleazer and his brother. Jonathan Davis, were the sons of Osborn Davis, who spent his active life in northern Vermont, and was known as a stalwart figure among men, and in those early days would often shoulder three bushels of wheat and by the aid of snow shoes, carry it for a mile. He died sometime during the 40's. This particular branch of the Davis family has been definitely traced as far baek at 1702.
The maternal grandfather of our subject was Alpheus Stod- dard, also from Chesterfield, and extensively engaged in farming in northern Vermont, and owned in his own right 500 acres of land. His wife, the maternal grandmother of Captain Davis, was Charlotte Farnsworth. who also was a native of Vermont. The early aneestors of this branch of the Stoddard family were David. born October 23, 1754, and who was the great grand- father of Mr. Davis: Sarah. the great grandmother. was born February 20, 1757. They were the parents of ten children, viz : Lucy, born October 26, 1775; David. born June 24, 1777; Jesse. born June 30, 1779; Lydia, born March 24, 1782; Arad, born February 15. 1784; Charles, born March 16, 1786; Alphens, grand- father of our subject, born January 11. 1788: Luther, born February 6. 1790: Sally, born March 19. 1792; Eleazer, born May 18. 1794, and Abel, born September 28, 1796.
Captain Davis was reared on a farm in Vermont, and re- ceived his elementary education in a log schoolhouse, after which he attended a select school for a short time. and this was supple- mented by a course at the Orleans Liberal Institute, which he attended during the year 1852-3. He taught school during the winters of 1855-6-8-9, and worked on the farm during the summer months. He continued farm work until the breaking out of the Civil War, and being imbued with patriotism and
642
IHISTORY OF MONROE COUNTY
love for the Union. he enlisted as a private in company D. sixth Vermont Volunteer Infantry, October 2, 1861. and was mustered into the service at Montpelier. Vt .. October 15, of that year, as second sergeant, was promoted to orderly sergeant in January, 1862. and to second lieutenant May 1. 1862, and to first lieutenant December 1. 1862. On February 3. 1863. for meritorious con- dnet. he was commissioned captain. continuing as such until the expiration of his term of service. Captain Davis participated in more than two score of the most sanguinary engagements of the war. and became conspienons for his gallant and heroic conduct. During the battle of Lee's Mills, near Yorktown, April 16. 1862. while his comrades were falling right and left around him. he was wounded and carried from the field. being fortunate to escape with his life. He still carries the bullet in his left side. At the end of sixty days he was able to return to his regi- ment. and almost immediately became engaged in the seven days' battle before Richmond, change of base being to Harrison's Landing on the James river: he was honorably discharged and mustered out October 28. 1864. A more complete record along these lines has been contributed by Mr. Davis, and will be found among the reminiscences of this volume. After his discharge from the service, he returned to his home in Vermont, and in 1867. came to Wisconsin, first settling at West Salem, La Crosse county. where he engaged in farming. In 1879. he removed to Sparta. locating on West Montgomery street, where he was engaged in the milk business until 1888. For the next two years he turned his attention to the creamery business and in 1890, removed to Harvey, Ill., and took an active part in the upbuilding of that town. He next removed to Morenei. Lenewee county. Mich .. and engaged in farming until 1895: he then went to Chicago. Ill .. and resided for two years, and returned to Michigan, settling this time at Lamont, where for eight years he was interested in horticulture. Returning again to Harvey. Ill .. he remained two years and in the fall of 1908, eame back to Sparta, where he still resides. At the time of locating the state school for dependent children at Sparta, Mr. Davis owned the farm upon which the buildings are now located and which he sold to the state.
Mr. Davis has been twice married. his first marriage occurred on April 10. 1858, to Miss Persis Ann Stewart, a daughter of Thomas Carlisle and Emily Brigham, of Brownington, Vt .; she died in Sparta. June 13. 1880, at the age of forty-three years. leaving besides her husband. the following children : Edward W ..
643
BIOGRAPHY
of Brookings. S. D .: Fred E., of Chicago: Laura B., wife of Rev. S. B. Andrus. Waterville, Minn .; Jennie S., wife of Harry B. Parker. Detroit. Mich .: Mabel P., wife of Charles Williams, of West Derby, Vt .; Carl E .. Fargo. N. D .; Persis S .. the wife of Dr. Howard Rogers, of Framingham, Mass., and John T. Davis. of Chicago.
Mr. Davis has seventeen grandehildren and two great grand- children. His second marriage, which occurred on June 22, 1884. was with Miss Maria S. Houghton, who was born in 1845, daughter of Solomon and Catherine (Albee) Houghton. the former of St. Johnsbury. Vt .. born May 28. 1813, and the latter. Catherine Albee. born April 30. 1814. They lived after their marriage at Augusta. Me., until July 4. 1855. when they came to Wisconsin and settled near Reedsburg. Sank county, on a farm in Winfield township. where they lived until their decease. his death occurring April 3. 1896. and hers December 13. 1892. They were married at Windsor. Maine. October 2, 1837. From 1834 to 1837 he was a pattern maker for the Fair- banks Scale Company from whom he won honors for his superior workmanship. His health becoming impaired. he went to Cali- fornia in 1850. and remained there for about eighteen months, returning at the end of that time much benefited. The Houghton family trace their ancestry down the line to the historic Garfield family. Mrs. Davis is the third child of a family of four children, those besides her being. Cornelia. who married Vandan B. Clark, of Kearney .. Neb .. both of whom are now deceased. his death occurred in 1892 and hers in 1902. John died November 1, 1877, and Frank T. lives on the old homestead near Reedsburg, Wis .. where he has resided for the past fifty-eight years.
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.