History of Walworth County, Wisconsin, Part 111

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

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DEACON JOHN READER, deceased, was born in Head Corn, Kent Co., England, Feb. 21, 1803; is the son of Thomas and Elisabeth Reader; was brought up a farmer. In 1822, he was married to Miss Elisabeth Featherstone. They had one child, Elisabeth, born in England. and, in 1824, emigrated to America. On arriving in the United States. he located in Oneida Co., N. Y., where he was engaged in farming until the fall of 1836, when he left the East for Wisconsin Territory. On arriving in Walworth County, he selected a site for a home in Sharon. There he kept bachelor's hall until the following year, being the first white man to effect a settlement in that town. In 1837. he returned to the East, and, in September of that year. brought his family to Wisconsin and settled on Big Foot Prairie, Sec. IS, town of Walworth.

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HISTORY OF WALWORTH COUNTY.

He was eventually owner of 400 acres of land. Nine children were born to them in New York, so they came to Wisconsin with a family of ten-seven daughters and three sons: Elizabeth is Mrs. Edward Hall, of Beloit, Wis .; Phebe is the widow of James Bending, of Chicago; John J. is a resident of Delavan (see sketch); Richard was an enlisted mechanic in the late war, and died in 1864 from disease contracted in the army; Mary is now Mrs. D. Searl, of Rockton, Ill .; James married Almena Judd, and lives in California; Martha is the wife of Franklin Trahern, of Rockford, Ill .; Caroline is the wife of David Jacobie, of Sharon, Wis .; Eliza is now Mrs. Robert Spensley, of Walworth: Rebecca married Jasper Voorhees, lived in California, and died July 5, 1873; Rachel is the wife of Elias Harriss, of Delavan: Stephen married Emma Van Wort, and resides in California; Amanda is now Mrs. Richard Wilson, of Delavan, Wis. Mr. Reader and family endured many privations and hardships during the early days of their set- tlement in Walworth-more than usually fall to the lot of pioneers. Having a large family, of whom the oldest were all girls, Mr. Reader had none on whom he could rely for assistance, or who could share his responsibilities: his log house, hastily built of green poplar logs, and plastered with clay, had no floor, except a few split logs, or " puncheons," as they were called; as they only covered a small space about the stove, the balance of the room was covered with brush at first, and, after being cleared, presented a surface covered with stubs, muddy when wet, or rough with nubs when frozen. The youngest child, an infant at the breast, was sick on the road, and died within two weeks after they had taken possession of their new home. The father had to make the coffin and bury the baby with his own hands, unaided, for neighbors he had none to assist him. In January. 1838, he was obliged to go to Chicago for provisions with his ox team, leaving scant supplies to subsist his family while away. Soft weather set in, which opened up the streams and marshes, which were then unbridged, and made it impossible for him to return until many days after the time set. The mother economized her scanty stores until they were reduced to some corn-meal bran; this meal sifted and re-sifted. and finally the hulls eaten, starvation seemed inevitable, when, late, at night, the welcome rattle of the wagon was heard by the watchful wife and mother, who had spent many hours in listening for that same joyful sound. Hastening out, she stopped her husband some distance from the house, that he might not wake the children, who were sleeping the troubled sleep of hunger, until she could prepare some food for them. Hunger had not been their only trouble. The weather had set in cold again, and all were more or less frozen, especially about the feet. As spring approached, the cattle began to show the effect of the poor quality of hay on which they were kept. Mr. Reader, coming so late, was unable to do his haying till after the frost had cut the grass. Consequently, the cattle failed and grew weak, until it was necessary for the family to turn out in the morning and assist in getting them on their feet. The new grass soon came, and they rallied. Ground was broken, potatoes and corn planted, when again the provisions grew scant. The pork which had been bought at Chicago in the winter at $27 per barrel had turned ont to be mostly hogs' heads. The flour that cost $18 ber barrel was, exhausted. An- other trip was made to Chicago as soon as the oxen were strong enough to travel. This trip lasted sixteen days. Again the provisions gave out, and the former experience was likely to be repeated; but the mild spring weather had brought out a bountiful supply of yellow-blossomed cowslips in the meadows, which made excellent greens, and for a few days constituted their only food. After the first crop was grown, they had no further trouble for the want of provisions. Mr. Reader prospered, and became one of the leading men of the town. He always enjoyed the confidence and warmest regards of his neighbors and fellow-townsmen. For eighteen years, he served as Chairman of the town, and at different times held other minor offices. At an early day in the history of the Baptist Church at Delavan, he had become a member, and on the estab- lishment of the church in Walworth he was elected Deacon, which position he held until his removal to Delavan in 1864. In October, 1868, he was called upon to mourn the loss of his faithful wife, who had so nobly shared his struggles in his dark days, and gladdened the hap- pier hours of his prosperity. He survived her a little more than ten years, his death occurring on Christmas morning, in the year of 1878.

MRS. ELIZABETH READER, deceased, mother of Deacon JJohn Reader, was born in Kent Co., England, June 12, 1781; she was the wife of Thomas Reader, an English farmer: came to America with her husband, and settled in Walworth, Walworth Co., Wis., May 3, 1854:

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HISTORY OF WALWORTH COUNTY.

she lived to the remarkable age of 96 years, and at the time of her death, May 3, 1876, could boast of 128 living descendants. which included four of the fifth generation: there were thirty grandchildren. She was a consistent Christian. and for many years a member of the Baptist Church of Walworth.

JOHN J. READER, dealer in pumps and wind-mills, has been engaged in this line of bus- iness over twenty years. He was born in Waterville, Oneida Co., N. Y., April 7. 1828; is the son of John and Elizabeth Reader. In October, 1838, he came to Wisconsin with his parents, and made his home on See. 18, Walworth, Walworth Co., where his father had 400 acres of land. He continued with his father until 25 years of age. He then went to Minnesota and remained two years, and then returned to Walworth County and engaged with Wood & Gormly. pump-manufacturers: continued with that company until after Mr. Gormly's death, since which time he has been engaged in business for himself, making his home in Delavan since 1863. He was married, in Walworth, in 1852, to Miss Charlotte W., daughter of Amos Hitchcock. Mrs. Reader was born in Rochester, N. Y. They have six children-Ada M .. Leonard J .. Amos H .. John B., Eddie L. and Gertie L. Ada is the wife of James Davidson, of Delavan. Mr. Read- er's father was the first white man who made a claim in the town of Sharon, Walworth Co., in 1837. See sketch.

PETER SAFFORD, butcher, was born in Cobleskill. Sehoharie Co., N. Y., March 22, 1820; is the son of Levi and Mary Safford. His mother lived to the remarkable age of 102 years. Mr. Safford learned the butcher's trade in the city of Albany, N. Y., where he lived fifteen years. He then came to Delavan, Wis., where he has since resided. During the years 1853 and 1854, he carried on the meat market business at this place. He was married, in Westerlo, Albany Co .. N. Y .. to Miss Elizabeth Ward, daughter of Nathan Ward. Mrs. Saf- ford is a native of Albany County. They had three children, and have lost them all. Levi died in childhood; Benjamin, when 4 years of age; and George, in childhood.

H. W. SAGE was born in Berkshire Co., Mass., Aug. 11. 1824; when only 4 years of age, moved with his parents to Oneida Co., N. Y., near the town of Rome. In 1846, he came to Wisconsin and located near Southport, now Kenosha, where he continued to reside till the spring of 1854, when he moved to Delavan, Walworth Co. On coming to this place, he kept the Dela- van House six years: then traveled for Wood & McGregor, pump manufacturers, and their suc- cessors, ten years. For the past few years, he has been with his son, of the firm of Sage & Goodrich, grocers. Mr. Sage was married, in 1849, in the town of Yorkville, Racine Co., Wis., to Miss Mary Hewes, daughter of Otis Hewes. Mrs. Sage was born in Onondaga Co., N. Y. They have two children-Anna Belle and Charles A. The daughter is the wifeof Fred B. Goodrich, of Delavan: the son married Miss Clara MeCormick, and is in partnership with his brother-in-law. Fred B. Goodrich, in the grocery business, under the firm name of Sage & Goodrich.

GEORGE F. SCHILLING, teacher in the Institution for the Deaf and Dumb. He has served in that capacity for thirteen years; is a native of Prussia, the son of Christian and Caro- line Schilling: was born Jan. 24, 1839; was educated in Germany until 1852, when he emi- grated to America and made his home in and about Almond, in Portage Co., Wis. He com- pleted his education at Lawrence University. Appleton, from which he graduated in 1868. In November of that year, he was employed as a teacher in the Institution for the Deaf and Dumb at Delavan, which position he has held to this date-1882. He was married, in Fond du Lac Wis., April 25. 1869, to Christine Spies. They had one child, a daughter. named Alice C. Mrs. Schilling died Feb. 14, 1874. Mr. Schilling was married to his present wife, at Fond du Lac, Wis., July 22, 1875, whose maiden name was Miss Mary Hunting, They have one son and a daughter-George E. and Mabel L. Mr. Schilling's long experience and faithful service have made him deservedly popular as a teacher of the institution. Since 1868, he has made his home in Delavan.

HON. ELIJAH MATTISON SHARP, United States Consular Agent at Paris. Canada, ap- pointed July 3. 1878. He is the oldest son of Capt. John Sharp and Sarah Mathers Sharp. He was born in the town of Reading, near Watkins' Glen. Schuyler Co .. State of New York, Oct. 21, 1832. He received a common and select school education: came to Wisconsin with his parents in 1850, and settled on the south side of Delavan Lake, in the town of Delavan, Walworth Co.

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HISTORY OF WALWORTH COUNTY.

He assisted his father on the farm until the winter of 1854, when he taught a district school. The following winter, he entered the dry goods store of H. & W. M. Wells as a clerk, and remained in their employ three years. Early in the spring of 1858, he engaged in mercantile business with Mr. John L. Ward, under the firm name of Ward & Sharp, and continued this connection six years; then, on account of failing health, he sold out and moved to the old farm on Delavan Lake. He operated the farm three years, and. regaining, in a measure, his health, he returned to the village and engaged in the grocery business with N. M. Harrington, under the firm name of E. M. Sharp & Co. He subsequently bought ont Mr. Harrington's interest, and the name of the firmn was changed to E. M. Sharp & Bro., his youngest brother, John M. Sharp, taking an active partnership in the business. Three years later, Mr. Sharp sold out, and started again in the dry goods business, this time alone. He continued in the same line of business until July 1, 1878, when he was appointed United States Consnl at Paris, Canada, which position he now holds. He took a warm interest in politics early in life, and has always been an active worker in the ranks of the Republican party. He has served as Chairman of the Republican Assembly District Committee, and was for several years Chairman of the Republican Town Committee; has been Supervisor, and was Treasurer of the town of Delavan for three years. In 1871, he was elected member of the Wisconsin Legislature for the term of 1872, and again in 1875. He was a friend and political supporter of the late Senator Matthew H. Carpenter, and took an active part in the memorable contest in the Wisconsin Legislature in 1875 for Mr. Carpenter's re-election to the United States Senate. Mr. Sharp was married, in Darien, Gen- esee Co., N. Y., Sept. 30, 1862, to Miss Sarah A. Williams, daughter of Roswell and Martha Will- iams. Mrs. Sharp was born in the town of Alexander, Genesee Co., N. Y., Dee. 13, 1836. They have three children living-Mary E., aged 10 years; Elizabeth, aged 5 years; and Hiram Manly, born in Canada, aged 1 year. They have lost four-Martha B., aged 12 years; Elisha M., aged 10 years; James Mattison, aged 7 years; and John W., aged 16 months-all of whom died of malignant diphtheria, within the brief period of two weeks, in August, 1876. Mr. Sharp's next younger brother, Hiram T. Sharp, is an attorney at law in Minneapolis, Minn. The next younger brother, Elisha, died in the service of his country in the war of the rebellion. His youngest brother, John M., is in Northern Michigan, civil engineering.

CAPT. JOHN SHARP, deceased. In rehearsing the names of the early settlers of Wal- worth County, that of Capt. John Sharp is worthy of prominent mention; he was born Feb. 5, 1801, in Hunterdon Co., N. J. ; was the eldest son of Jacob Sharp and Esther Mattison Sharp, who were natives of the same State; their ancestors were Scotch and Welsh, who emigrated to America and settled in the then colonial province of New Jersey some two generations prior to the Revolutionary war, and were active participants in that long and weary struggle for inde- pendence. In the year 1812, Capt. Sharp removed with his parents to Western New York, residing for a few years at Jacksonville, Tompkins Co., but subsequently settled near Watkins' Glen, at the head of Seneca Lake, in Steuben County; it was during his residence here that he was made Captain of New York State Militia, receiving his commission from Gov. William L. Marcy. In June, 1850, he came to Wisconsin with his family and purchased a farm on the south shore of Delavan Lake, five miles south of the village of Delavan, where he lived until the spring of 1867, then removed to Delavan, where he died Dec. 20, 1871. Capt. Sharp was a quiet, unassuming man, yet social in his nature, and an inbred gentleman, a man of sound judg- ment, generous and noble impulses, of sterling integrity; scrupulously honest and honorable in all his dealings, he had many warm friends, and enjoyed the confidence and esteem of all who knew him. He was married, Nov. 27, 1827, to Miss Sarah Mather (a descendant of the Rev. Cotton Mather), who is still living; following are the names of their children: Mary E. Sharp, now wife of Charles A. Bassett, Esq. : E. M. Sharp, present United States Consul at Paris, Canada: Miss Susan Sharp; H. T. Sharp, an attorney at law; Elisha Sharp, medical student, who was killed while in the service of the United States in the war of the rebellion: John M. Sharp, merchant; Sarah A. Sharp, now wife of William M. Shepard, Esq .; Miss Clara Sharp; Elizabeth A. Sharp, now wife of Prof. Edward Powers.

REV. ALBERT SHELDON, deceased, was born in Rhode Island in October, 1818; studied for the ministry, and was ordained in the Baptist Church of Coventry, R. I., in 1842; was actively engaged in the discharge of duties in his native State twelve years, and, in 1854, moved

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HISTORY OF WALWORTH COUNTY.

to Wisconsin; he made his home in Delavan, preaching in the church of his denomination at that place about three years: then, on account of failing health, he moved to a farm near the village, where he was engaged in farming something over seven years; in the meantime, he ated as supply to some neighboring churches, as his health would permit; at the expiration of the u time, he moved to the village, and, two years later, to Macoupin Co., Ill. ; he served in his profession in that locality as his health would admit during the five years of his residence there; he, then returned to Delavan and officiated as pastor of the church at East Delavan. and subsequently at Sugar Creek, which was his last charge; his death occurred April 7, 1874, about two years after his return to Delavan. Mr. Sheldon was married, in Richmond, R. I., in January, 1837, to Miss Eliza Phillips, daughter of Bartholomew Phillips; Mrs. Sheldon was born in the town in which she was married; they had five children, of whom only one is living; the eldest, Thomas A., died in childhood: Amanda M. was the wife of Dr. H. D. Bullard, of Delavan; her death occurred in March, 1880; Thomas B. married Emma King, and lives at Rockford, III. : Eugene A. was a soldier of the late war, and died at St. Louis, Mo .; Burras B. died in infancy. Mr. Sheldon was well and favorably known in Wisconsin; was an earnest worker in his holy calling. and enjoyed the respect and esteem of all who knew him; his wife survives him.

HORACE F. SHELDON, farmer, Sec. 7; P. O. Delavan; was born in Washington Co., R. I., town of Hopkinton, March 15, 1822; is the son of Thomas and Rhode Sheldon; was mar- ried, in his native town, Jan. 30, 1843, to Miss Eliza A. Irwin, daughter of M. T. and Sophia Irwin; Mrs. Sheldon was born in Coventry, Kent Co., R. I .; in 1855, they emigrated to Iowa, where they resided two years, and, in 1857, came to Richmond, Walworth Co., Wis., and pur- chased a farm; resided in that town nine years, and, in 1866, purchased their present farm of 132 acres on Sec. 7, Delavan, where they have since resided.

JOHN B. SHEPARD. deceased, was born in Mayfield, Fulton Co., N. Y., Aug. 25, 1803; he was the son of Platiah and Elizabeth (Thompson) Shepard; was married, March 28, 1826, ' > Rachel Willis, daughter of Benjamin and Bridget (Cole) Willis; five children were born to thei two sons and three daughters-Stephen H., married Lemira Paul. who is now deceased; Stephe lives in Delavan; Sabra A. is the wife of R. H. Bristol, of Delavan: Ann A. resides with ht. brother, Linus D; Mary S. is now Mrs. Edward S. Colman, of the town of Delavan: Linus D. married Clarinda Z. Sawyer, and lives in the town of Delavan. Mr. Shepard came to Wisconsi with his family in September. 1841. and located in the town of Delavan. Walworth Co .; the following year, he moved to Sec. 5. same town, where he resided till the time of his death. which occurred Feb. 3, 1875; his wife died Dec. 24, 1872.

STEPHEN H. SHEPARD, farmer, See. 4: P. O. Delavan; has 108 acres of land; was born in Mayfield, Fulton Co., N. Y., Jan. 1, 1827: is the son of John B. and Rachel (Willis) Shepard; came to Wisconsin with his parents in 1841; made his home in the town of Delavan: was married, June 11, 1856, in Delavan, to Miss Lemira G., daughter of G. W. Paul: Mrs. Shepard was born in Bristol, Ontario Co., N. Y .; they have four children-Edna M., born Jan. 31, 1858; George A., born June 28, 1860; Robert B., born May 24, 1862; and Mary R .. born Oet. 28, 1864. Mrs. Shepard died Ang. 20. 1867.

LINUS D. SHEPARD, farmer. Sec. 5: P. O, Delavan; has 80 acres of land: is the son of John B. and Rachel Shepard; was born in Darien, Genesee Co., N. Y., June 19, 1838: eame to Wisconsin with his parents in 1841. and located in the town of Delavan, where he has since resided. He was married, in the town of Sugar Creek, June 4, 1873. to Clarinda Z .. daughter of Adna Sawyer: Mrs. Shepard was born in Richmond, Walworth Co .: they have five children -John Adna, Eunice R., Alfred H., Earl L. and Alice E. Mr. Shepard's father, John B. Shep- ard. was the son of Pelatiah Shepard and Elizabeth Thompson; he was born at Mayfield, Fulton Co., N. Y., Ang. 25, 1803; was married, March 28, 1826, to Rachel Willis, daughter of Benja- min Willis and Bridget Cole; they moved to Delavan, Walworth Co., Wis., in 1841, with his children, Stephen Henry, Sabra Amelia, Ann Augusta, Mary Selina and Linus Delavan. Mrs. Shepard's father, Adna Sawyer, was born in Harvard, Mass, Feb. 11, 1824: eame to Wisconsin in July, 1849, and located in Walworth County: lived at Elkhorn, Richmond and Sugar Creek: in the latter town he still has a farm of 120 acres; he was married, at Elkhorn, Nov. 10, 1849, to Serena N. Viles, daughter of Alfred Viles. Mr. Shepard was born in Somerset Co., N. Y .; they have had five children-Alfred V. lives in Richmond; is married to Emma H. Stone; Clar-

LAKE LAWN PARK, DELAVAN LAKE. MISS MAMIE MABIE, PROPRIETOR. 1

STROW'S PARK, DELAVAN LAKE , WIS. E. M.STROW, PROPRIETOR.

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PLEASURE STEAMER D A, OLIN, DELAVAN LAKE, WIS.

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HISTORY OF WALWORTH COUNTY.

inda Z. is the wife of Linus D. Shepard; Lucy died at the age of 17 years; Zebulon M. died in childhood; Eunice M. died when 16 years old. Mr. Shepard and wife are now living in the town of Delavan. Mrs. Shepard had one daughter by a previous marriage, now Mrs. Hannah H. Flitcioft, of Delavan.

J. C. SHULZ, harness-maker; business established in 1853; he was born in Prussia May 3, 1832; is the son of William Shulz; he came to America in 1853; spent six months in Chicago, and then came to Delavan, Wis., arriving at this place in September of that year; he learned the harness-maker's trade with his brother, A. Shulz, who had established himself in business here in June of the same year: in 1858, he formed a partnership with his brother, which was continued until 1875, since which time he has conducted the business alone. He was married, in Delavan, Oet. 17, 1857, to Miss Frederika Gretzinger; Mrs. Shulz was born in Wurtemberg, Germany; they have two children-Charles H. and Ida L. Mr. Shulz has served four years as Village Trustee of Delavan: his business is established on a firm basis, and his stock com- prises everything usually found in a first-class harness-shop.

THOMAS J. SMITH, hardware merchant, came to Walworth Co., Wis., in 1848; he was born in Trumbull Co., Ohio, Feb. 17, 1823; is the son of Sarah G. and John Smith; he learned the tinner's trade, commencing in 1841 at Fulton, Stark Co., Ohio; in 1844, went to Waynes- burg. where he carried on business abont one year; he then went to Mansfield, worked two years, then to Racine, Wis., in 1848; stopped a short time, and then came to Delavan, Wal- worth Co., Wis., where he spent the winter of 1848-49; then he returned to Racine and worked at his trade until 1852; then moved to Geneva, worked at his trade two years, and, in 1854, returned to Delavan and started in the hardware and tin business, which he has carried on suc- cessfully to this date; he was married, in September, 1856, at Geneva, Wis., to Miss Julia C. Cooper, daughter of Thomas Cooper: Mrs. Smith was born in Vermont; they have one son and two daughters-Fred B., Caro L. and Mary B. Mr. Smith has been a member of the Village Board six years.

CHARLES T. SMITH, farmer, Sec. 17; P. O. Delavan; has 141 acres. Mr. Smith was born in Stockbridge, Madison Co., N. Y., March 3, 1816; is the son of Joel and Ann Mallory Smith: was married, Sept. 30, 1841, in Augusta, Oneida Co., N. Y., to Miss Melieent Hinman, daughter of Truman and Abigail Hinman: Mrs. Smith was born in Augusta, N. Y .; they have had seven children-Ann S., wife of Marshall Topping, of Delavan; Alfred M., of Dakota; Or- ville S., a Congregational minister of Chicago; his wife was Miss Hannah Lawson; Charles E. and Homer H. are single. Mr. Smith moved to Delavan in 1845, and has since resided on his farm near the village.

A S. SPOONER, attorney at law; practice established in 1850; was born in Keene, Essex Co., N. Y., March 3, 1819: is the son of Joel and Lydia Spooner, who were natives of Massa- chusetts; he was educated in the common schools and at the Jamestown Academy, Chautauqua County; he commenced the study of law in the office of Judge Marvin, at Jamestown, N. Y. ; studied a short time, and then returned to Essex, where he learned the shoemaker's trade, and was engaged in that business ten years; in 1849, he moved to Delavan, Wis., and resumed the study of law with Judge William C. Allen, of that place; was admitted to the bar of the Circuit Court of Walworth County in June, 1850; he then attempted to establish a practice at Beloit; after a few months, he returned to Delavan; was elected Justice of the Peace in 1851, and re- elected in 1853: was elected District Attorney in 1853, and re-elected in 1855: was appointed Assistant United States Assessor October, 1863, and held that position until June, 1870; was appointed United States Deputy Collector of Internal Revenue June, 1870, and held till January, 1871; was elected Justice of the Peace in 1872, and held it until 1877, when he resigned to accept the office of District Attorney; was re-elected Justice of the Peace in the spring of 1880, and re- signed in 1881. Mr. Spooner was married, at Lewis, Essex Co., N. Y., Dec. 25, 1844, to Miss Sarah M., daughter of Isaae Bristol; Mrs. Spooner was born in Lewis; they have had nine children, seven now living -Mary C. died when 2 years of age; Carrie M. is a teacher of the La Crosse High School; Adelaide M. is a teacher at Elkhorn; Luella J. is a teacher by profession: Charles T. is a farmer of Delavan; William L. died in childhood; Alma L., teacher of a private school; Alfred K. and Etta E. are students of the Delavan High School.

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History of Walworth County, Wisconsin, Part 111

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