History of Walworth County, Wisconsin, Part 109

Author: Western Historical Co
Publication date: 1882
Publisher: Chicago, Western historical company
Number of Pages: 998

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CHARLES T. ISHAM, hardware merchant: business established in January, 1877. Mr. Isham was born in Delavan, Wis., April 20, 1854; is the son of Willard and Elnah Isham. He learned the tinner's trade with his father, commencing when 18 years of age. Jan. 1, 1877, he began business for himself in the hardware line, which he has continued to this date. He car- ries a general stoek of hardware, stoves, tinware and agricultural implements: average value, $5,000. Mr. Isham was married, at Delavan, September, 1877, to Miss Etta De Wolf, daughter of John De Wolf. Mrs. Isham was born in Darien, Wis. They have one child, Willard.

ROBERT H. JAMES. The subject of this sketch is a native of Richmond, Washington Co., R. I., where he was born May 12, 1825; he is the son of the late Thomas James, of Dela- van; his mother was Dorcas Perry, also a native of Richmond, R. 1. ; his father and grandfather on his father's side were born in the same town of Richmond, and resided on the same farm, the old homestead having been in the possession of the James family for nearly or quite a century; the family was one of the oldest in Rhode Island Colony, and originally came to America from Wales; the subject of this sketch came with his father's family to Richmond, Walworth Co., Wis., in February, 1838, when but a boy of 12 years; he spent the time until he was of age on his father's farm, taking his share of the labor of the place; Mr. James is gifted by nature with superior mental endowments, and had a thirst for the possession of knowledge; but his edu- cational advantages were only such as were afforded by the common country school of that early day; of these limited and often crude facilities he made the most in his power, and fitted him- self as thoroughly as possible for the business of his life; he followed the occupation of a farmer for a number of years, his farm lying adjacent to that of his father's, in the town of Richmond: but the failure of his health obliged him to abandon farming: having disposed of his farm, he moved to Delavan in 1864; after a year spent in recuperation and the prosecution of business on a small scale, he became a member of the well known firm of Topping & Co., in which relation he continued until the dissolution of the firm, which took place in IS68; the Top- pings removed from Delavan, and Mr. James continued the grocery part of the old firm, build- ing up a successful and constantly growing business: the house is now thoroughly established, and one of the best known in the county, under the firm name of James & Irish: as a business man, Mr. James is prudent and circumspect: in all the details of business, he is serupulously exact, meeting all his business engagements with conscientious fidelity; he is known among bus- iness men as above reproach, and the very soul of honor; it is, however, as a Christian man that Mr. James is most widely known; he is a member and officer of the First Baptist Church of Delavan; in addition to his faithful devotion to all the interests of the church of which he is a

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HISTORY OF WALWORTH COUNTY.

member, he manifests in many ways a deep interest in the prosperity of the denomination to which he belongs: the young members of the church find in him a kind and judicious counselor; to the work of the Sunday school and the religious education of children he zealously gives his time and influence; he is a warm friend of Christian missions, and enters heartily into all the movements, religious and philanthropic, which look to the social and moral improvement of the community: few men accomplish more than he for the good of his fellows and the honor of re- ligion, with the same power and opportunity which he possesses: he is a man of peace, and of a meek and quiet spirit. and while many men are endowed with more splendid gifts, few exhibit in their daily lives a brighter assemblage of virtues; feeble health through many years has largely curtailed his aetive Christian work, and yet his earnest Christian purpose and self-deny- ing devotion has made him a man of marked usefulness. On Nov. 17, 1848, Mr. James mar- ried Miss Mary R. Paul, daughter of the late George W. Paul. extensively known among the early settlers: they have no children: Mrs. James is in full sympathy with her husband's Chris- tian work, and to a large extent shares it with him: many friends desire for them many years of usefulness in the village and the church.

S. REES LA BAR, farmer, Sec. 7: P. O. Delavan: has 300 aeres; settled in Delavan July 4. 1839, with his parents, on the same farm which he now occupies, and has occupied continu- ously since, except three years spent in the village of Delavan. The subject of this sketch was born in the town of Stroud, Monroe Co., Penn., Jan. 17, 1820; is the son of Daniel E. and Hannah La Bar. He was brought up on a farm, and, in 1839, came to Wisconsin Territory with his parents, arriving in Delavan July 4 of that year. His father entered the north west quarter of Sec. 7, the southwest quarter of Sec. 6, and the west half of the northwest quarter of Sec. 6. Town 2 north, Range 16, east (Delavan). The La Bars experienced the usual inconven- iences incident to a pioneer life: but. having, luckily or prudently, selected a site for a home possessed of great natural advantages, common to Walworth County, they prospered, and soon found themselves owners of a valuable farm. The subject of this sketch was married, at Del- ton, Sauk Co., Wis., Nov. 10. 1856, to Miss Harriet N. Topping, daughter of Rev. Henry Top- ping, of whom a sketch is given elsewhere in this work. Mrs. La Bar was born in Charleston, Montgomery Co .. N. Y., and came with her parents to Delavan in 1839. They have had eight children Daniel, Charles H., Gilbert. Nina. James, Frank, Ruth and Julia. Of these, four only are living. Charles H. died when 19 years of age: Nina, July, 1881, aged 16 years; James died in infancy: Julia died in childhood. Mr. La Bar was elected Assessor of Delavan in 1845; was a member of the Board of Supervisors in 1856 and 1857; was re-elected another term; was elected Assessor again in 1869. and served six years in succession. He was ap- pointed a member of the Board of Trustees of the Institute for the Deaf and Dumb in?1876. and served five years, or until the system of management was changed by law.

IRA P. LARNARD, Town Clerk, and agent of the Northwestern Mutual Life Insurance Company of Milwaukee. He has been Town Clerk sinee April. 1869, and agent of the insur- ance company since 1869. He was born in the town of Barton, Tioga Co., N. Y .. Jan. 20, 1821; is the son of Elisha and Nancy Larnard: his father was a native of Vermont, and his mother of Connecticut. In 1841, he came to Wisconsin, arriving in Delavan Inne 1: was en- gaged in farming about three years, then worked at the carpenter and joiner's trade a few months, then bought out a wagon-shop, and, in the spring of 1845, he returned East to his old home on a visit, but only stopped a short time, then came back to Delavan and continued the business of wagon-making eight years. He then sold out, and purchased an interest in a brick business; was only connected with that enterprise one year and a half. While engaged in the brick bus- iness, in 1853. he formed a partnership with E. H. M. Bailey & Co. in the dry goods mercantile line, under the firm name of Larnard, Bailey & Co. One year later, they took in Mr. William A. Bartlett, and the firm was changed to Larnard, Bailey & Bartlett. Next, Mr. Bartlett sold his interest to Mr. M. B. Goff, and the firm name became Larnard, Bailey & Goff. Mr. Larnard continued the connection until the fall of 1858, when he sold out to Charles H. Topping & Co., and went to Pike's Peak. leaving Delavan in March, 1859. He remained in the mountains until September. 1859, and then returned to Delavan. He then bought out a small grocery, which he carried on two years, when he sold out to James Topping & Co., since which time he has been engaged in book-keeping, performing the duties of Town Clerk, and conducting the

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HISTORY OF WALWORTH COUNTY.

agency of the Northwestern Mutual Life Insurance Company of Milwaukee, commencing in 1869 with the latter. In 1869, he was elected Town Clerk of Delavan, and has held the office to this date- - 18S1. He was married, Sept. 6. 1848, at this place. to Miss Hannali A. Bradway. daughter of Benoni Bradway. Mrs. Larnard was born in Schoharie Co .. N. Y. They have two daughters living -- Irma A. and Edna. They lost two-Emma. aged 9 years; and Ida, 7 years; both died of diphtheria. Mr. Larnard is a pronounced temperance man, and can boast of that which few men can, that he has lived nearly sixty-one years without drinking as much as one gill of intoxicating liquor, and not a drop of lager beer.

E. LATIMER. President of the banking house of E. Latimer & Co. Mr. Latimer is a na- tive of Ulster Co., N. Y .; is the son of Alexander and Nellie Smith Latimer; was born Oct. 25. 18IS. He served a regular apprenticeship at the carpenter and joiner's trade, and, in 1844, engaged as a builder in the city of New York. In 1847. he moved to Wisconsin and located in the town of Darien, Walworth Co., where he purchased a tract of 280 acres of land and en- gaged in farming, continuing at this occupation until 1854, when he moved to Delavan, and, in company with Mr. O. Bell, built an elevator and engaged in the grain trade. He continued in this line about sixteen years, part of which time he was in partnership with his brother, J. F. Latimer. In 1865, he participated in the organization of the National Bank of Delavan, and became one of its largest shareholders. He was elected President of the bank in 1873, and held that position seven years. On the organization of the present bank, he was elected President, and has held that position to this date. He has served as President of the Village Board two terms, and has been a member of the County Board of Supervisors two years, as Supervisor from the village of Delavan. Mr. Latimer was married, in the town of Darien, Feb. 21, 1849, to Miss Elizabeth Weed, daughter of Rial N. Weed. Mrs. Latimer was born in Livingston Co .. N. Y. They have two children -a son, Fred E., an attorney of Delavan, and a daughter, Mary.

NELSON LEE. farmer, Sec. 9; P. O. Delavan; has 973 acres; settled in the county in 1847. Mr. Lee was born in Guilford, New Haven Co., Conn., March 1, 1814: is the son of Elon and Lydia Palmer Lee; when 2 years of age, moved with his parents to Monroe Co., N. Y. ; lived at Cattaraugus and Niagara till 1847, when he moved to Wisconsin and located in the town of Darien, Walworth Co., where he lived one year, then moved to the town of Sugar Creek, where he was engaged in farming till 1867, when he moved to his present farm in Delavan. He was married, at Clarkson, Monroe Co., N. Y., in 1837, to Miss Mary E. Chesebro, daughter of Eben- ezer Chesebro. Mrs. Lee was born in the town of Berne, Albany Co., N. Y. They have two sons - Elon N., married Annie Bastin and lives at Webster City, Iowa; George P'., married Edna Johnson and lives in Sugar Creek, Wis. Elon N. was Superintendent of Schools of Walworth County one term. He served in the late war as a member of the 10th W. V. I .; was discharged for disability, and re-enlisted in an Illinois regiment. 100-days service.

G. W. LEECH, proprietor of wagon and blacksmith shops; established his business in Del- avan in 1850. He was born in St. Albans, Me., May 10, 1832; is the son of William R. and Hannah (Sewell) Leech. About 1848, he began learning the wagon and carriage maker's trade; worked at it one year, then, in 1849, came West and located at Delavan, Wis .; worked at his trade one year, and then started in business for himself in 1850. He now operates two shops, and has been in business continuously in this place for thirty-one years. He was married, in Delavan. July 5, 1852, to Miss Elizabeth Willis, daughter of Amos Willis. Mrs. Leech was born in Darien, N. Y. They have three children George E., Mary E. and William L.

F. C. LIVINGSTON, of the firm of Livingston & Phillips, proprietors of livery stable, was born in Bradford, Rock Co., Wis., April 30, 1852; is the son of Ezer and Elizabeth Livingston. His parents were from the State of New York, and settled in Rock Co., Wis., in 1845. The subject of this sketch was brought up on a farm, and, in 1877, went to Clinton, Wis., where he was employed as merchant's clerk till 1879, when he came to Delavan and engaged with Mr. D. M. Phillips in the livery business April 1. They have a well-stocked livery, and are doing a good business. Mr. Livingston is managing the establishment at Delavan, his partner, Mr. Phillips, being a resident of Clinton. Wis., where he is conducting another stable. Mr. Liv- ingston was married at Elkhorn, Dec. 27, ISSI, to Miss Helen, daughter of William Hall. of Delevan.

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HISTORY OF WALWORTH COUNTY.

EDMUND F. MABIE, deceased, was born in Patterson, Putnam Co., N. Y., in 1810. About 1840, he, in company with his brother, Jeremiah, and a Mr. Hawes, organized and ope- rated the celebrated Mabie Circus and Show. The Mabies were the pioneer cireus men of the West and South, and were among the few men in their line who maintained their popularity and made money at the same time. £ While on one of their Western tours, in 1847, they were attraeted by the peculiar natural advantages of Walworth Co., Wis., and the sub- jeet of this sketch selected a large tract of land, about 1,000 aeres, near Delavan Lake, and adjacent to the village of Delavan, besides purchasing various lots and other property in the village. This property was owned jointly by the two brothers, who had for years been partners in all their business relations. They also purchased the Delavan Mills. Mr. Edmund Mabie was married, at Delavan, Nov. 25, 1850, to Miss Laura Buckley, daughter of Matthew Buckley. Mrs. Mabie was born in Philadelphia. Eight children were born to them-Marline, Marianne C., Ann Mary, Sarah E., Matthew G. (died when 4 years of age), Edmund G .. Gurdon M .. E. Foster (died in childhood). The eldest, Marline, is now the wife of J. M. Hawes, of Delavan; Marianne is now Mrs. Frank Sturtevant, of Delavan. Soon after his marriage, Mr. Mabie gave up traveling with the show, and made his home in Delavan, where he devoted himself to the care of the farms, mills and other property belonging to himself and brother. He was active in encouraging the building of the plank road from Raeine to Delavan, and later, in aiding in securing the construction of the Raeine & Mississippi Railway to that point. He was generally recognized as an active, enterprising business man. liberal in his views in regard to publie im- provements, in all of which he was cheerfully seconded by his brother. Mr. Mabie was a zeal- ous member of the Congregational Church. He served as President of the village of Delavan, and was a member of the Walworth County Agricultural Association. His widow was married to Mr. Orlando Crosby, Dee. 5, 1870, at Delavan, where she still resides.

JEREMIAH MABIE, deceased, was born in Patterson, Putnam Co., N. Y., June 12, 1812; was brought up on a farm. About 1840, in company with a brother, Edmund, and Seth Howes, he organized a circus, known as Mabie Circus, giving the first performance in his native town of Patterson. They traveled in the State of New York the first season; the next, in Canada; returned to New York, and, in 1843, made a tour of the West. Several years later, in 1846, Mr. Howes sold out to the Mabies, who continued the business. In the spring of 1847, they had purchased a large farm near the village of Delavan, and, suitable buildings being constructed, the circus was wintered here in the winter of 1848-49. From that out to the time of their deaths, the Mabies made this their headquarters. The older Mabie had made his home here, but the subject of this sketch, having. in 1852, married, in his native county, Miss Anna Mary, danghter of Solomon Field, he made his home in the East until 1862, when, on the account of failing health, he was obliged to retire from the show business, and established his home on the beautiful farm near Delavan Lake, known as Lake Lawn Farm. Some years previous, the brothers had divided the property, which had before been in common, the older, Edmund, taking the mill property at Delavan, and certain traets of land, and houses and lots, as his share, while Jeremiah received as his share the circus and menagerie, and the farm on Delavan Lake. Mr. Mabie disposed of the show in 1864, and continued his residence at the lake until the time of his death, which occurred Ang. 31, 1867. He died leaving a wife and three children -Mary, Antoinette and Elizabeth F. The only son, Joshua. died when 5 years of age. Mr. Mabie was well known throughout the United States as a successful showman. He had a peculiar turn for the busi- ness; quick to appreciate the demands of the amusement-loving public, his good judgment and great executive ability made suceess crown his efforts. The Mabies were the pioneer circus men of the West.

ROBERT R. MENZIE, attorney at law, established in practice in June, 1849, at Delavan. He is the oldest living representative of Delavan. He was born in Dumfrieshire, Scotland, April 1. 1809: is the son of Robert and Christiana Menzie; came to America when 3 years of age, with his parents, who located in Delaware Co., N. Y. He was educated by his father and at the high school at Lancaster, Penn. When 18 years old, he began the study of medicine at Garratts- ville, Otsego Co., N. Y., and was also engaged in teaching school. He attended a regular course of lectures at the New Haven Medical College of Connecticut, and graduated one month before coming of age. He began the practice of medieine at Garrattsville, Otsego Co., N. Y. He then

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HISTORY OF WALWORTH COUNTY.

began the study of law at New Berlin, in Chenango County, with Ely & Bennett, remaining in that office one and one-half years, and then went to Hobert and completed his studies with La- vinus Munson, of that place. He was admitted to practice in the Supreme Court of New York in 1837, and also as a solicitor in chancery at the same time: two years later, as counselor of the same court. Shortly after, he went to Schoharie Co., N. Y., where he practiced several years. From there he went to Greene County. On the breaking-out of the Mexican war, in the spring of 1845, he raised the 46th Regiment of Volunteers, and was commissioned Colonel, and served with honor under Gens. Scott and Taylor until the close of the war. After his return to New York, he came to Wisconsin, in June, 1849, and went direct to Delavan. He was ad- mitted to practice in Circuit Court of Walworth County Dec. 10, 1850, and to the United States Court June 1, 1857. He was admitted to practice in the Supreme Court of Illinois in 1865, and maintained an office in Chicago three years-1872, 1873, 1874-since which time he has practiced in Wisconsin. He was married, at Hobert, N. Y., June, 1836, to Rebecca A. Thorpe, a grand-daughter of Joseph Johnson, a soldier of the Revolution. They have had three chil- dren -- Charles H., a locomotive engineer, married to Emily Beebe, and resides at Freeport, Ill. ; John E. married Pricilla R. Ellis, is also a locomotive engineer, and lives at La Grange, Wis. ; Silas W., an attorney of Delavan. Mrs. Menzie died April 11, 1860. Mr. Menzie was married, in the spring of 1867, at Belvidere, III., to Mrs. Amanda F. Hageman, daughter of Pardon Miller. Charles Menzie was a member of Co. D, 22d W. V. I., and served from 1862 to the close of the war.

SILAS W. MENZIE, of the firm of R. R. & S. W. Menzie, attorneys at law; the father established the business in 1849; the son, S. W., became associated with his father in the prac- tiee of law in 1866. The subject of this sketch was born in Gilboa, Schoharie Co., N. Y., June 2, 1842; he is the son of Robert R. and Rebecca A. Menzie: came to Delavan with his parents in 1849, and was educated in the Delavan High School; in 1861, he went to California across the plains: was purchasing agent of the California Stage Line till July 1; when on his return to the States, in the summer of. 1862. he was a passenger on the ill-fated steamer Golden Gate. that was burned off the coast of Mancinello, Ang. 12: he was saved by drifting ashore on a hen- coop, being one of thirty-one persons who were saved out of a total of 750 who were on the burned steamer; he then returned to California and remained there until December, 1862, when he returned to Delavan, arriving in January. 1863; the following April, he was employed by the United States Goverment at Pilot Knob. Mo., and had charge of the post trains and Gov- ernment stables until August of the same year: in April, 1864, he made another trip overland to California, and remained there until December of the same year, then went to Central Amer- ica to accept a position from the Pacific Mail Steamship Company; he continued in the service of that company till June. 1866, when he returned to Delavan: he then resumed the study of law in his father's office at that place, and was admitted to the bar at Elkhorn in the Circuit Court, in September, 1866, and entered upon the practice of his profession: he was admitted to the Supreme Court of Wisconsin at Madison, Feb. 29, 1878: in 1868, he was elected Justice of the Peace, and re-elected each term sinee till this date-1882; he has also held the office of Court Commissioner six years, and Fire Marshal of Delavan two years.

R. S. MINER, foreman of the shoe shop of the Institution of the Deaf and Dumb; was ap- pointed to his present position July 1, 1877; has from sixteen to twenty-five boys in his depart- ment, ranging from 14 to 20 years. Mr. Miner was born in Utica, N. Y., Aug. 25, 1840: is the son of J. G. and Mary A. Miner: when 6 years of age, moved with his parents to Texas; lived near San Antonia four years: from there went to Indian Territory: lived at Thekabacha, among the Creek Indians, three years; then came to Racine, Wis., in 1854, where he learned the shoe maker's trade; went from there to Kenosha, and from there to Delavan. He enlisted from Sharon, Sept. 13, 1861, in Co. C. 13th W. V. I., and served until Nov. 24. 1865, when he was discharged; had been promoted to Sergeant, and, in absence of his superior officers, was in com- mand of the company on its return to the North. On his return from the war, he made his home in Sharon. He was married, Jan. 13, 1867. to Miss A. O. Sutherland, daughter of Henry Sutherland. Mrs. Miner was born in Cook Co., III. In the spring of 1870. they moved to La- bette Co .. Kan. : spent three years in that State: at the end of that time, returned to Wiscon- sin; spent some years in this State and in Minnesota. Since his appointment to his present position, 1877. he made his home in Delavan.

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HISTORY OF WALWORTH COUNTY.

GEORGE MORRISON, D. D. S., President of the Wisconsin Dental College, incorporated under the general law of Wisconsin, has practiced his profession at Delavan since 1871. He was born at Malone, Franklin Co., N. Y., April 24, 1837; is the oldest son of John and Eliza- beth Morrison, from Aberdeen, Scotland. He was educated at Madrid, St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., where he studied dentistry with Dr. E. G. Fitch, and commenced the practice of his profes- sion the year 1861. He is the inventor of what is known as Morrison's artificial teeth plate, pat- ented April 13, 1869, and Dec. 12, 1871, which has given him a professional standing in the United States. See history of Delavan for history of Wisconsin Dental College.

JOHN MORRISON, D. D. S. Practice established in Delavan Dec. 1, 1874. He was born at Madrid, St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., Jan. 26, 1841; is the son of John and Elizabeth Morrison. He enlisted, in August, 1862, in Co. G, 126th N. Y. V. I., and served until July 25, 1865. On his return from the army, he began the study of dentistry at Ogdensburg, N. Y. He then came to Palmyra, Jefferson Co., Wis., and practiced one and a half years; from there he went to Paxton, Ill, where he practiced two years; went from there to Harvard, Ill., and remained till 1874, when he came to Delavan, Wis., where he remained until his death, which occurred Jan. 22, 1882. He was married, at Palmyra, Wis., in 1871, to Miss Mandana Allen, daughter of J. A. Allen. Mrs. Morrison was born in Palmyra, Wis. She died at Delavan in 1873. Dr. Morrison was married again, June 6, 1877, at Hebron, Ill., to Miss Addie Wickham, daughter of G. L. Wickham. She was born in Hebron, Ill.

THOMAS MOSHER, of the firm of Eaton & Mosher, undertakers, and dealers in furniture, was born in Schoharie. Schoharie Co .. N. Y., July 4, 1835; is the son of William and Sally A. Mosher; came with his parents to Wisconsin in 1854, and located in Darien, Walworth Co .; learned the carpenter's trade, at which he worked till the second year of the late civil war, when he enlisted, Ang. 15, 1862, in Co. D, 22d W. V. I .; was captured at Brentwood, Tenn., March 25, 1863; was taken to Richmond and Libby Prisons; was paroled and returned to his home; was soon after exchanged and sent to the front at Nashville, Tenn. He participated in battles of the Atlanta campaign, and Sherman's march to the sea: served till the close of the war, and received an honorable discharge at Milwaukee, June, 1865. He was married, Dec. 27, 1866, at Delavan, to Miss Ann M. Matteson, daughter of Phillip and Abbie Matteson. Mrs. Mosher was born in Abington, Luzerne Co., Penn., March 2, 1843, and came to Delavan with her parents. They have three children -Mary E., Minnie B. and William M. Mr. Mosher moved from Darien to Owatonna, Minn .. in 1869; returned to Wisconsin in 1871, and made his home at Delavan, where he worked at his trade till Feb. 1, 1882, when he formed his pres- ent business connection with Mr. Eaton.

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History of Walworth County, Wisconsin, Part 109

Author: Western Historical Co Publication date: 1882 Publisher: Chicago, Western historical company Number of Pages: 998

Author: Western Historical Co
Publication date: 1882
Publisher: Chicago, Western historical company
Number of Pages: 998