History of Walworth County, Wisconsin, Part 154

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

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JAMES B. DOOLITTLE, farmer, Sec. 2 ; P. O. Delavan ; has 230 acres of land. He was born in Windham. Green Co., N. Y. Jan. 23, 1831; is the son of Edward and Sallie (Tomp- kins) Doolittle. He was brought up a farmer. When seventeen years of age he was engaged in teaching school, and pursued that vocation six Winters. April 20, 1853, he was married in Wind- ham to Miss Caroline Bell, daughter of Joseph Bell. Mrs. Doolittle was born in Green County, N. Y., in October. 1854. Thev moved to Wisconsin, and located in LaGrange, Walworth Co., where they continued to reside till 1862, when thev removed to their present home. Mr. Doo- little was Town Superintendent of Schools of LaGrange in 1856, and was engaged two Winters in teaching school. Since residing in Sugar Creek he has served two terms as a member of the Town Board.

S. R. EDWARDS, farmer, Sec. 10; P. O. Elkhorn ; has 220 acres of land in Sugar Creek. He is the son of Julius and Theodosia (Lvman) Edwards; was born in Northampton, Hamp- shire Co., Mass., Nov. 29. 1823. He was brought up a farmer. In May, 1839, he came with his father and brother to Wisconsin, and located on Sec. 10, Sugar Creek, Walworth Co. S. R. returned to his old home in Massachusetts for the purpose of completing his education. He attended the Williston Seminary at East Hampton. In the Fall of 1848, he associated with several others in a company bound for California, with the intention of engaging in mining. Jan 27, 1849, they set sail from Boston for San Francisco, via Cape Horn. They made the voy- age successfully, and landed at their destination Aug. 8 of that year. The company at once broke up, and Mr. Edwards with some companions proceeded to the mountains fully equipped for mining. They had only just selected their claims when Mr. Edwards was stricken with a severe illness, which lasted two months. The rainy season had then set in, and his only hope of recovery was by getting out of the mountains, where he could have suitable care. After a horseback ride of seventy miles, he was so weak that he had to be helped on and off his horse, they brought him to Stockton. From there he took passage in a small sloop to San Francisco. From there he sailed to the Sandwich Islands for his health. After spending three months in Honolula, he returned to San Francisco in May, 1850, with health recovered. He was engaged in mining and other business until September, 1853, when he returned to the States, viz., North- ampton. In that year, November, 1853, he returned to Sugar Creek with the intention of mak- ing only a short stay, and then returning to California ; but fate ordered it otherwise, for on making the acquaintance of Miss Sarah A. Smith, daughter of Augustus Smith, of Troy, Wal- worth Co., Wis., he changed his plans, and was married to that lady April 12, 1854, and has since made his home in Sugar Creek. They have two children, Julius A. and Helen V. The former was married Oct. 5. 188t, to Miss Lillian E. Thomas, daughter of Harrison Thomas. Mr. Edwards was elected Justice of the Peace of Sugar Creek in 1855; was re elected, and served eleven years. He has been Chairman of the Town four years, and the past two years has been President of the Farmers' Mutual Fire Insurance Company of the town of Sugar Creek.

ASA FOSTER, farmer, Sec. 11 ; P. O. Elkhorn. He has 500 acres; is the son of Nathaniel

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HISTORY OF WALWORTH COUNTY.

and Sally Foster, and was born in North Fairfield, Franklin Co., Vt., May 23, 1830. He was brought up a farmer. In September, 1854, he moved to Sugar Creek, Wis. His means being limited, his first investment was the purchase of forty acres of marsh land. By hard work and economy he soon was enabled to secure a title to some dry land, and has gradually increased his possessions until he is now the owner of several fine farms, aggregating 500 acres. He was married Sept. 23, 1858, in Sugar Creek, to Miss Clarissa Tibbitts, eldest daughter of Samuel Tibbitts. They have had five children, two daughters and three sons. The eldest son died in infancy ; L. Emma, William T., Jennie T. and Samuel T. The second son, William T., died in childhood. Mr. Foster purchased the farm on Sec. 11, in 1866, where he has since resided. He has served several years as a Supervisor of Sugar Creek, and one term as President of the Agricultural Society.

DR. HARMAN GRAY, Sec. 8; P. O. Millard ; has 270 acres, settled in the town June 10, 1840, on the tract he now occupies. He was born in Arlington, Bennington Co., Vt., June 29, 1806, is the son of Dominicus and Elizabeth (Webb) Gray. While quite young he moved to Georgetown, District of Columbia, and took a course of lectures at the Columbia Medical Col- lege, and subsequently taught an Academy at Georgetown four years. He then removed to Norwich, Chenango Co., N. Y., there he studied medicine with Dr. Henry G. Mitchell, and re- ceived his diploma at the hands of the examining board of Chenango County, September, 1830. He then practiced medicine in Unadilla, Otsego County, and at New Berlin eight years. He was married at Unadilla, Otsego County, June 2, 1832, to Miss Maria T. Finch, daughter of David Finch. Mrs. Dr. Gray was born in New Haven Co., Conn .; two children were born to them in the East, Helen and Jane, the latter was the wife of George W. Kirchhoeffer, and died April 11, 1876, leaving three children, who are now inmates of the doctor's family. In June, 1840, Dr. Gray and family moved to Walworth Co., Wis., and located on the farm which they still occupy, on Sec. 8, Sugar Creek. Two children were born to them in Sugar Creek, Marcus and Mary, Marcus married Helena Jacobs, and died May 16, 1873. Mary is now Mrs. H. L. Mallory, of Sugar Creek. Dr. Gray was the pioneer physician of Sugar Creek, and several of the neighbor- ing towns. He pursued his profession successfully from 1840 till 1870, when he retired from active practice. He was the first Chairman of Sugar Creek, and held other minor offices. This sketch could not be appropriate without paying a just tribute to Dr. Gray as a skillful phy- sician, sympathetic, and conscientious in the practice of his profession, as a host genial, and hospitable to that extent, that a stranger entering under his roof, is made to feel within the first hour of his stav, as though he were an old friend of the family.

PERRY G. HARRINGTON, was born in Otsego Co., N. Y., Town of Lawrence, July 9, 1812. Moved to Michigan in an early day, where he was engaged in the hardware business. He was married to Miss Maryette Eldred, and in 1836 removed to Wisconsin, spent one year in Greenfield, Milwaukee Co., Wis., and in the Spring of 1837, moved to Sugar Creek, Sec. 15. He bought his land directly from the government, and was one of the earliest settlers in that town. Mr. Harrington was a man of superior ability, possessed of a warm heart and generous dispo- sition, his hand and voice were ever ready to help and encourage those in trouble. He was elected Chairman of the Town of Sugar Creek several terms. Was a member of the Wisconsin Legislature in 1854, and served several years as President of the Walworth County Agricultural Association. He was generally known as Commodore Harrington, a title which was given him from the fact that he was named after Commodore Perry. He had a fine farm of 560 acres, where he resided till his death, which occurred Sept. 19, 1876 ; his wife survived him a few weeks, and died Oct. 23, 1876. They had five children, four sons and one daughter-Woodbury, Eldred, Alice, Sherman, and Hobart. Woodbury married Harriet Eldred, and lives in Minnesota ; Eldred married Ammorette Powers, daughter of Solon Powers, of Troy ; Alice is the wife of John Beamish, a merchant of Elkhorn ; Sherman lives in Sugar Creek; Hobart also lives in Sugar Creek.

JOSEPH T. ISHAM, farmer, Sec. 24; P. O. Elkhorn ; has sixty acres of land. He was born in Balton, Conn., Ang. 19, 1815. When three years of age, his family took him to Smyrna, Chenango Co., N. Y., and to Sherburne, N. Y., in 1821, where he learned the blacksmith trade : was married Jan. 28, 1841, at Earlville, to Miss Mary O. Sturtevant. Mr. Isham worked at his trade until 1847, when he moved to Wisconsin, and settled in the town of Sugar Creek. His family consists of five children living, has lost one, the oldest. Nathan died in childhood ; those living are ; Helen, now Mrs. Wallace Hartwell, of Nebraska ; Fred W. married Miss Julia Weed,

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HISTORY OF WALWORTH COUNTY.

and resides at Elkhorn ; Dora, now Mrs. Frank Hendrix, of Darien ; Harry D. and Reta G., un- married. Mr. Isham has been Chairman of Sugar Creek one term, Assessor two terms, and Treasurer one term, Side Supervisor twelve years. Mr. Isham has always maintained a black- smith's shop on his farm, where his services have been a convenience to his neighbors. His father. Enoch Isham, settled in the town of Sugar Creek in 1846. His death occurred at the age of ninety-one years.

TORSTEN JACOBSON, farmer. Sec. 28 ; P. O. Delavan. He was born in Norway, Jan. 10, 1844 ; is the son of Torsten and Mary (Lanson) Jacobson. He came to America with his parents in 1846, and direct to Wisconsin. The family settled in the town of Sugar Creek. Mr. Jacobson was married, June 19, 1863, in Sugar Creek, to Miss Elizabeth, daughter of Jacob Solverson. Mrs. Jacobson was born in Norway, and came to America in childhood. They have one child (a daughter), named Ada M. Mr. Jacobson has owned and occupied his present farm eighteen years, and has 110 acres of land.

AUGUSTUS C. KINNE (deceased) was one of the pioneers of Troy, Walworth Co., Wis., where he resided till 1842, when he removed to Sugar Creek, Sec. 7. He finally sold out to his brother and moved to Heart Prairie, Town of LaGrange. In 1848, he sold out and re- turned to Sugar Creek, making his home on Sec. I. He was a member of the Second Constitu- tional Convention, that framed the Constitution of Wisconsin. He also held various local offices, serving as Chairman of Sugar Creek, Superintendent of Schools, and Justice of the Peace many years. He was married in the East, and after coming to Wisconsin followed the occupation of teacher and farmer. He was a man of superior intelligence. upright and honor- able in his public and private life, and possessed the esteem and confidence of all who knew him. His death occurred in February, 1863. He was a native of Norwich, Chenango Co., N. Y., and was born Dec. 3, 1808. The writer has been unable to obtain as full particulars of his life as desired.

TESSE R. KINNE, retired farmer, resides with his daughter, Mrs. R. E. Day, on Sec. 8. Mr. Kinne was born in Norwich, Chenago Co., N. Y., Nov. 26, 1803; is the son of Elias and Lydia (Rundell) Kinne. He was brought up a farmer, and was married Jan. 14, 1829, in Sher- burne, N. Y . to Miss Sarah Wheeler, daughter of Isaac U. Wheeler. since of Whitewater, now deceased. Mrs. Kinne was born in Dutchess County, N. Y. They had three children born in the East -Charles, Lavina and George. Charles married Mary J. Bigelow, and resides in Sugar Creek. Lavina is the wife of R. E. Dav, also of Sugar Creek. George married Mary Field, and is a farmer of Sugar Creek. Mr. Kinne came to Wisconsin in 1841, made a short stay in Troy, Walworth Co., and returned to the East. He moved to Sugar Creek, Wis., in 1843, and made his home on Sec. 7. He had a farm of 370 acres, which has since been sold to his sons. Mr. Kinne has served as Assessor of Sugar Creek two terms, and Chairman one term. He is a member, and one of the Vice Presidents, of the Old Settlers' Association of Walworth County. Mrs. Kinne died Nov. 1. 1873. Since Ang. 1, 1881, he has made his home with his daughter. Mrs. Ray. Mr. Kinne is much respected, and has a large circle of warm friends.

JOHN H. LAUDERDALE, farmer, Sec. 11 ; P. O. Millard. He has 140 acres; is a son of James and Margaret Lauderdale, and was born in LaGrange, Walworth Co., Wis., June 12. 1846. He received a common school education, and was brought up a farmer. Jan. 29, 1877, he was married to Maria Tibbets, daughter of Samuel and Sally P. Tibbets. Mrs. Lauderdale was born in Sugar Creek. They have one child, M. Clara. Immediately after their marriage, they made their home in the house now east of their present home, where they lived two years, and then moved to the place they now own, on the west half of the Tibbets' estate. Mrs. Lau- derdale's people were from Canada, and settled in Sugar Creek in 1840. (See sketch of Samuel Tibbets, deceased.)

J. A. PIERCE, farmer and mill owner, resides on Sec. 9; has land on Secs. 2, 3, 9, 10, 16 and 21, Sugar Creek, and other tracts in LaGrange, Troy and Bloomfield, of this county, aggre- gating 1,000 acres. He has two flouring mills, one in Genoa, with four run of stone; capacity, fifty barrels per day. The subject of this sketch was born in Williamsburg, near the river St. Lawrence, in Canada West, Dec. 11, 1816; is the son of John and Maria A. (McFarling) Pierce. He came to Wisconsin in 1845, and settled on Sec. 9, Sugar Creek, Walworth Co., where he still resides. He commenced in a small way, with limited means, and has since accumulated a large property. In 1857, he bought the mill at Genoa Junction, and in 1869, bought the mill in Troy, situated one and one-half miles from East Troy, and three miles from Troy Center. He was

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HISTORY OF WALWORTH COUNTY.

married in 1847, to Miss Mary Chambers, daughter of William Chambers, of Geneva, Wis. They had five children - J. Albert, Eliza, George E., William Austin and Guy R. The oldest, J. A., married Anna High, and lives in Eden, Dakota. Eliza died in childhood. Mrs. Pierce died in January, 1870. Mr. Pierce was married in Geneva, in April, 1871, to Hannah Morehouse, his present wife, daughter of Henry and Mary Morehouse. Mrs. Pierce was born in England. Though not an office seeker, Mr. Pierce has served his time as Town Clerk several terms, two terms as Assessor, and has been Clerk of his School District, No. 5. six years; was president of the Elkhorn Bank, at Elkhorn, Wis., from 1857 to 1861. Mr. Pierce, in 1853, imported from Canada the first wheat that was sown in Walworth County, of those well known and celebrated varieties of Spring wheat, viz., Scotch Fyfe, Canada Club and China Pearl. He also, in the same year, introduced and successfully used the first automatic self-raking reaper ever used in Wisconsin. He also introduced the first grain sowing drill in Walworth County, and from its continued use he attributes much of his profitable success in raising wheat. Mr. Pierce feels keenly his disappointment of the Air Line Railroad failing to come to time by not furnishing him with the long promised railroad, which has been for many years graded through his farm in Sugar Creek, on which was to have been a railroad station and depot, which inevitably would have resulted much for pro bon publico, although he does not despair of yet attaining in the near future the consummation of that desirable project.

N. B. ROBB, farmer, Sec. 32; P. O. Delavan, has eighty acres; was born in Windham, Green Co., N. Y., March 30, 1821. Is the son of John and Elizabeth (Nelson) Robb ; learned the stone mason's trade, was engaged in the saw-mill and lumber business. He was married in Windham, N. Y., March 19. 1850, to Miss Julia Bell, daughter of Joseph Bell. Mrs. Robb was born in Windham. They soon moved to Wisconsin, and located in LaFayette, Walworth Coun- ty, where they resided till the Fall of 1859, when they moved to Sec. 10, Sugar Creek, and threc years later, to Sec. 32. Mrs. Robb died in June, 1863, leaving one son, Osmer, now a farmer of Sugar Creek. He was married in September, 1876, to Miss Ella Bigelow. Mr. Robb was mar- ried to Mrs. Sally Wilcox, his present wife, in Michigan, April 12, 1866. Mrs. Robb's maiden name was Sally Osborn, daughter of William Osborn; two children were born to them, George and Amelia J. George died in infancy. Mr. Robb moved to his present farm in the Fall of I866.

DONALD STEWART, farmer, Sec. 32; P. O. Delavan. The subject of this sketch was born in York. Livingston Co., N. Y., June 5. 1825. He is the son of James and Janet Stewart. His parents were natives of Scotland, and emigrated to the United States in 1803. When sixteen years of age the son started out to see the world. He visited a large proportion of the States of the Union, and was engaged in a variety of employments, as location and circumstances permitted. After spending ten years in this manner he returned to Livingston County, N. Y., and was married Oct. 5, 1850, to Miss Ellen Mckenzie, daughter of Alexander and Elizabeth Mckenzie. Mrs. Stewart was born in Caledonia, of that county. They immediately set out for the West, and made their home in Troy, Walworth Co., Wis., where they lived till 1855. They then removed to Summit, Waukesha Co., where he was engaged in farming till 1866. He then moved to Waukesha, leaving his family in that village; he went South, and was gone two years. Returning to Wisconsin, he moved to Sugar Creek, Walworth Co., in 1869, and made his home on his present farm. Mr. and Mrs. Stewart have two children, daughters, Janet E. and Flora E. Mr. Stewart has been chosen to various offices of public honor and trust. He was Chairman of Summit one term. Has held various minor offices in Sugar Creek, and served as Chairman four terms. In 1881, he was elected to the Legislature as Member of Assembly from the Third District of Walworth County for the term of 1882. Has 160 acres of land.

HARRISON THOMAS, farmer, Sec. 8 ; P. O. Millard ; has 140 acres of land; is a son of Solomon and Sally Thomas ; was born in West Canada, Oct. 28, 1826. Came to Walworth County with his parents in 1843, and settled on Sec. 8, Sugar Creek ; was brought up a farmer. He was married May 30, 1852. in Jefferson County, to Miss Margery Jackson, daughter of Josiah Jackson. Mrs. Thomas was born in Canada. They have four children-Mary, Rial H., Lillian E., and Edward J. Mary is now Mrs. Frank Weaver, of Sugar Creek ; Lillian is the wife of Julius A. Edwards ; Rial is a farmer of Sugar Creek.

SAMUEL H. TIBBETTS (deceased) was born in Halifax, Vt., Dec. 6, 1806. When seven years of age he lost his father. His schooling was obtained under difficulties, he having to go two miles to the nearest school. At the age of sixteen, he began teaching, and taught several

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HISTORY OF WALWORTH COUNTY,

terms of school. He moved with his mother and sister to Whitby, Canada, while in Canada he engaged extensively in the sale of clocks, having several men, and teams in his employ. During his travels he met Miss Sally Patte, daughter of Dr. David Patte, of Hawksbury, Prescott, Can. to whom he was married, Oct. 2, 1837. Mrs. Tibbetts was born in L'Original, Canada. The first three years of their married life was spent in Whitby ; one child was born to them, a daugh- ter, Clarissa, now Mrs. Asa Foster, of Sugar Creek, Wis. In 1840, Mr. Tibbetts having met with some reverses, determined to seek his fortune, in the then promising settlements of southern Wisconsin. On reaching Walworth County, he made a claim in the town of Sugar Creek, he also rented a partially improved farm, and put in some crops. He then returned to his home in Canada, and taking his little family, consisting of wife and child, and a child nephew, whom he had adopted, he set out for his new home, traveling by team through a sparely settled country, which in many places was no better then a wilderness, roads newly cut out, were rough and dif- ficult to pass. Six weeks of tiresome plodding, brought the weary travelers to their destination. Mr. Tibbetts was then obliged to face the bitter disappointment of his hopes, in the loss of his claim, of which some one had dispossessed him in his absence, so seeking in the shelter in a half finished shanty, without floor or windows, they made a temporary home. Their cash capital amounted to $16. The tract of ten acres was soon bought, and a house built, in which they kept tavern. Good fortune at last favored them, and Mr. Tibbetts had secured a large tract of land, and was prospering finely, when he met with a severe loss, in the burning of his house, and a portion of his household goods. This happened Dec. 10, 1852, having no insurance, the loss was severe. Three children were born to them in Wisconsin, one daughter died unnamed, Sarah J. is the wife of Azea B. Morris, at Sugar Creek; Hannah M. is the wife of John H. Lauderdale, also of Sugar Creek. Mr. Tibbetts was a Justice of the Peace many years, and Post-master of Sugar Creek Postoffice seventeen years. He was a man widely, and favorably known, a good citizen, and devoted liusband, and father. He died April 15, 1872. His wife survived him until Dec. 10, 1878.

SAMUEL TUBBS (deceased) was a pioneer of the town of LaFayette, Walworth Co. He was a native of Lynne, Ct., and was born in 1781. He was married to Miss Polly Frost, and moved to Oneida County, N. Y., in 1801, then a wilderness. He was a soldier of the war of 1812, and participated in the historic scenes of that time. In 1834, he moved to Victor, Ontario Co., N. Y., where he resided till 1843, when he moved to Walworth County, Wis., and located in the town of LaFayette, Sec. 32, where he was engaged in farining till 1856, when he retired from active work, and made his home in Elkhorn. His death occurred in 1861. His wife survived him several years, and died in 1874. Their son, James L., is an honored citizen of Elkhorn, of whom a sketch is given elsewhere.

FREEBORN WELCH, farmer, Sec. 10; has 200 acres; settled in Walworth County in May, 1836, and established his claim on the west half of Secs. 10 and 2, Sugar Creek. The sub- ject of this sketch was born in Saratoga County, N. Y., Dec. 28, 1808; is the son of Freeborn and Mercy (Spike) Welch. While quite young he moved to Steuben County, where he lived till 21 years of age. He then changed his residence to Chautauqua County. He was married in Steuben County, in March, 1831, to Miss Caroline Brown, daughter of Phineas Brown. Mrs. Welch was born in Troy, N. Y. Two children were born to them in the East, Nancy and Jerome. Nancy is the wife of Simeon Rosencrans. Jerome died when 32 years of age. In the Spring of 1836, Mr. Welch started with team conveyance to seek a home in the West. After a long and tiresome journey, they arrived in Wisconsin Territory, and located in Town 3, North Range 16 east, now Sugar Creek, Walworth Co., where Mr. Welch made a claim of the west half of Secs. 10 and 2, which he subsequently sold (1838) to Mr. Julius Edwards. Mr. Welch, in speak- ing of what is now the town of Sugar Creek, as he found it in May, 1836, he says, to the best of his knowledge there were only two other men than himself located there - a Major Davis, who was the first man in, and Asa Blood, who was the second. This being the fact, Mr. Welch is now the only remaining settler of the trio of pioneers of that day. Other authorities differ from this conclusion, as will be perceived by examining the early history of Sugar Creek. After sell- ing to Mr. Edwards, Mr. Welch bought a tract on Sec. 14. One child was born to them after their settlement in Sugar Creek, named Henry, He married Lena Monk, and lives in his native town. Mrs. Welch, who was an intelligent and kind-hearted woman, died in March, 1871. Her memory is cherished by her early neighbors and friends, who all speak of her in the highest terms. Mr. Welch was married Jan. 30, 1872, to Ann McDonald, his present wife, daughter of

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HISTORY OF WALWORTH COUNTY.

John McDonald. They have two children, Anna and Malcomb. Mr. Welch has never been ambitious of public office, but has served his town several years as Supervisor.

TOWN OF LINN.

ORGANIZATION.

The town of Linn is designated in the Government survey as Town 1, Range 17 east. It is bounded, north by the town of Geneva ; east by Bloomfield ; south by the State line ; and west by the town of Walworth. It was formerly embraced in the town of Geneva, as established in 1838, which at that time took in the four townships making the south-east quarter of the county, viz .: Bloomfield, Hudson, Geneva and Linn. It was set off and incorporated as a town, under its present name, by act of the Territorial Legislature, January 23, 1844. It was named in honor of Senator Linn, an early patriotic statesman of Missouri.

NATURAL FEATURES.

The surface of the town is varied and picturesque, mostly rolling, with here and there a small reach of prairie and oak openings. It was more heavily timbered than most of the other townships, especially along the high ground that borders Lake Geneva. There is little swamp land in town, there being a small patch, however, in the north- east corner.

This, the most beautiful lake in Southern Wisconsin, lies mostly in the two northern tiers of sections, and extends from east to west, entirely across the township. Its shores give a water-front in the town of nearly fourteen miles, still thickly wooded and skirted with villas, Summer residences, hotels, etc., nearly the entire distance. The water area within the town is about six square miles. It covers parts of Sections 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 ; all of Section 7 ; and parts of Sections 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 17 and 18.

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History of Walworth County, Wisconsin, Part 154

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