USA > Wisconsin > Walworth County > History of Walworth county, Wisconsin, Volume II > Part 45
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William H. DeWitt, of this sketch, was reared to manhood on the home
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farm where he assisted with the general work as soon as he was of proper age. He received his education in the public schools of his home community in New York, later attending Greenville Academy, of Greene county, that state. He began life for himself by teaching school in his native state. He accompanied the family to Black Hawk county, Illinois, in 1864, and there taught one term of school. He came on to Troy, Walworth county, Wis- consin, in the autumn of 1864 and here engaged in buying live stock for a period of ten years, during which decade he became one of the best known stock men in this section of the state. He lived at home during this time. In 1871 he formed a partnership with a Mr. Meecham and they put up a warehouse in Troy township and engaged in buying grain for a period of six years. The subject then turned his attention to farming and purchased one hundred and eight acres, later selling sixty acres of the same, then bought forty acres more, and still later eighteen acres additional. He now owns forty acres. Having accumulated a competency through his successful management of various lines of business, he moved to Whitewater on Novem- ber 1, 1908. and purchased a commodious and modern residence at No. 212 Fremont street, where he has since resided.
After selling his warehouse at Troy Center, Mr. DeWitt married, on February 14, 1877, Alice L. Bliss, who was born in Troy, Wisconsin, in 1855. She was the daughter of A. and Phila (Hibbard) Bliss, pioneers of Troy township and a highly esteemed family in this part of the county for many years.
Two children were born to Mr. and Mrs. DeWitt, one dying in infancy; Henry B., born August 4, 1879, died August 6, 1899. The wife and mother was called to her rest on January 21, 1888, and on January 6, 1891, Mr. DeWitt was united in marriage with Marcia L. Dibble, who was born in Troy township on October 16, 1864. She is the daughter of A. B. and Sarah (Watson) Dibble. early settlers of Troy township, and regarded by all as an excellent old family. To this second union have been born four children. namely : Harry W., born November 8. 1891; Ruby S., born July 24. 1895 ; Bradley WV., born February 12, 1899; William P., born July 31, 1902.
In 1872 John Swartz built a store at Troy Center, and Mr. DeWitt bought him out in 1880 and he engaged in the mercantile business for fifteen years, enjoying a large trade with the town and surrounding country. Then he sold out and purchased a fine farm, known as the John Smith place. con- sisting of three hundred and two acres. He kept this farm three years, then traded for a farm of one hundred acres near Lake Mills, Jefferson county. also traded for a house and lot in Lake Mills, and in 1900 he moved thereto
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and there turned his attention to real estate, which business he continued with success for nine years. He bought and sold thirty-six farms, but finally closed out all his lands with the exception of sixty acres west of Ft. Atkinson. He moved to Whitewater in 1908 and has since lived retired.
Mr. DeWitt has kept well informed on current events and is a business man of more than ordinary ability, honorable, genial and obliging, and he has been popular with the people among whom he has lived in the various locali- ties where he has been in business.
HOMER BROOKS.
Year has been added to year and decade to decade until nearly three score and ten years have been numbered with the past since Homer Brooks, a venerable and highly honored citizen, now living in retirement in his cozy home in East Troy, came to Walworth county. Upon his arrival this section of the state was largely an undeveloped region, awaiting the awakening touch of the sturdy pioneers to transform its wild lands into rich farms and beautiful homes, to found cities and towns, to establish churches and schools, and in many other ways reclaim the country for the use of man. As one of the early settlers that led the van of civilization into this favored region, Mr. Brooks well deserves conspicuous mention with the substantial men of the county and it is with pleasure that a brief review of his long, busy and useful life is here- with presented, for the present generation owes to him and his contemporaries who paved the way by their laborious endeavor for the present advanced civilization, which we can never pay.
Mr. Brooks was born in the state of New York on September 18, 1819, and is therefore now ninety-three years of age, a very unusual span of years having been allotted to him, no doubt because of his plain, quiet, honorable living, his right thinking and abstinence from the many excesses that curse the human race. He is the son of David and Catherine (Simpson) Brooks, both natives of New Jersey. They moved to the state of New York early in life and from there came to Michigan, in which state they spent the remainder of their lives. They were the parents of six children, of whom Homer of this review is the only one living. The father engaged in farming in Seneca county, New York. He also bought and sold wheat and lumber for some time. Politically, he was a Democrat.
Homer Brooks, of this sketch, was reared on the farm and he received
MR. AND MRS. HOMER BROOKS
ASTOR LEHCX TILBEN FOUNDATIONS
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such education as the old-time schools of his day afforded. He came to Wal- worth county, Wisconsin, in 1843, driving to East Troy fifteen hundred sheep from Livingston county, New York. He brought the first separator thresh- ing machine to this county. He was three months making the journey from his native state. Here he established a sheep farm, continuing to operate the same several years, then purchased one hundred and sixty acres, to which he later added forty acres, thus making an excellent farm of two hundred acres, in East Troy township, where he carried on general farming and stock raising successfully until 1892 when, old age coming on, and, having accumulated a competency, he moved to the town of East Troy where he has since lived re- tired, having built a fine house here, and he is spending his declining years in the midst of plenty.
Politically, Mr. Brooks is a Republican, and he has held the office of supervisor.
On May 15, 1849, he was united in marriage with Elmina Burgit, who was born in Tioga county, New York, on April 28, 1829. She was the daugh- ter of Jacob and Polly (Gardner) Burgit, both born in New York, the father on November 25, 1791, and the mother on October 21, 1796. In 1837 they emigrated to East Troy, Walworth county, Wisconsin, owning what is now the south part of this village. Here Mr. Burgit built a grist mill, also a saw mill, and he became the owner of a considerable land in this county, and farmed on a large scale. He became one of the well-to-do men of the vicinity. Politically, he was a Republican and he held a number of local offices. He and his wife were members of the Congregational church. His death occurred on January 4, 1858, and that of his wife on March 21, 1870. They were the parents of nine children, two of whom are living.
To Mr. and Mrs. Brooks three children were born, namely: Walter L. is deceased ; Catherine E. is the wife of Henry Swartz, of Burlington, Wis- consin ; William lives in East Troy.
CHARLES M. WILLIAMS.
A member of one of the honored pioneer families of Walworth county, the name Williams has long been closely associated with the history of this section of the state, and Charles M., well known attorney of Whitewater, like his father, is numbered among the worthy citizens of this locality. In
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business he has always been known to be straightforward and reliable, is patriotic in citizenship and his social relations ever wholesome.
Mr. Williams was born at Whitewater, Walworth county, on January 13. 1866. He is the son of Jonathan M. and Sarah M. ( Hamilton) Williams, natives of the state of New York, from which the father came with his parents to Walworth county, Wisconsin, in 1839, when he was eighteen years of age. His brother Dean had preceded him here two years. They entered a farm from the government two miles west of Whitewater and here located among the pioneers, carving out a home from the wilderness. Dean Williams had already taken up three or four sections of land here. One of these farms now belongs to Frank Williams, a brother of the subject of this sketch, and another to H. O. Hamilton, a lawyer. The paternal grandparents, Asad Dean and Jennie ( McGee) Williams, spent the remainder of their lives on the homestead farm, now occupied by Frank H. Williams. He was a native of Massachusetts and she was born in Connecticut. The father of the subject was married after coming to this county, and here he engaged in farming until 1886, then he went to the city of Whitewater and retired, but he spent the last seven years of his life with his son Frank on the home- stead. His death occurred on March 29, 1897, his wife surviving until March 23. 1899 The paternal grandparents, Dr. Thomas and Sarah (Armstrong) Hamilton, were natives of New York. The grandmother came to this county with her daughter, the mother of the subject, in the early fifties. Jona- than Williams was an active Republican and took much interest in local affairs, but he never aspired to office. Early in life he was a Whig. He attended the Universalist church, of which his wife was a member. Their family con- sisted of three children.
Charles M. Williams was, educated in the country schools, and later took a special course in the normal at Whitewater. then he spent three and one-half years in the liberal arts department of the University of Wisconsin and he graduated in law in 1894, having made a splendid record. He estab- lished himself at Merrillville. Indiana, but for some time turned his atten- tion to farming and railroad work. Returning to Whitewater in 1907. he has since been engaged in the practice of his profession and has built up a very satisfactory clientele, his business gradually increasing. He has been very successful in his practice and has the confidence of all who know him. He is always careful and painstaking in his practice and in the trial of cases he is alert, fair and persistent. always going into court thoroughly prepared.
Politically, Mr. Williams is a Republican and is active in party affairs. He is at present justice of the peace, serving his second term, and he has
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proven himself to be a faithful and trustworthy public servant. Fraternally. he belongs to the Free and Accepted Masons.
Mr. Williams was married on June 27, 1001, to Clara Saxton, a native of Merrillville, Indiana, where her people were prominent.
J. J. HOLLISTER.
There could be no more comprehensive history written of a community or even of a state and its people, than that which deals with the life work of those who, by their own endeavor and indomitable energy, have placed them- selves where they well deserve the title of "progressive," and in this sketch will be found the record of one who has outstripped the less active plodders on the highway of life, one who has not been subdued by the many obstacles and failures that come to everyone, but who has made them stepping-stones to higher things and at the same time that Mr. Hollister was winning his way to the front in agricultural affairs. he has gained a reputation for up- rightness and honor. He is one of the worthy native sons of Walworth county, who, having had the sagacity to foresee the great future of this locality, wisely decided to spend his life on his native soil, rather than seek uncertain fortune elsewhere, and he has thus been identified with the growth of the same and has played well his part in its development.
Job Jones Hollister was born October 9. 1854. in the town of Delavan. this county, being the representative of a sterling old pioneer family, the son of James H. and Elizabeth ( Williams) Hollister, both natives of the state of New York, from which state they came to Wisconsin in their youth while yet single, the father in 1843 and the mother's arrival was in 1852. and they were married at Elkhorn. There they established a good home and to them three children were born, namely: J. J., of this review : Samuel J .. of Elkhorn, Wisconsin; William H., now deceased. The father of these children devoted his life to farming, and became known as one of the best farmers of his vicinity. He was a man of many praiseworthy characteristics. his reputation being above reproach. His death occurred on March 8, 1890. his wife having preceded him to the grave on August 28, 1895. They both had a host of friends in the town of Delavan.
J. J. Hollister spent his youth on the home farm which he worked during the crop seasons and attended the public schools in the winter time. On September 22, 1878, he was married to Marinda Williams, daughter of
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Jonathan and Mary Williams, and this union has been blessed with the birth of one child, Merrill Hollister. Merrill was born September 20, 1887. married Della Anderson and lives at Delavan.
Having devoted his life to agriculture pursuits, Mr. Hollister has, by hard work and good management, accumulated a competency and some of the county's choicest farming land. He formerly lived in section 16, Delavan township, where he owned a well improved and well kept farm of eighty-two and sixty-five one-hundredths acres. Some time ago he purchased seven acres in section 17, near the city limits of Delavan, and there he now resides, having a beautiful and commodious home in the midst of pleasant sur- roundings.
Politically, Mr. Hollister is a Republican and has been more or less active in forwarding the interests of his party locally. For nearly fifteen years he was a member of the school board, and for six years he was a member of the town board of Delavan. He has been continuously a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows since 1876.
F. HENRY KISER.
In the history of Walworth county as applying to the professional interests, the name of F. Henry Kiser, of Whitewater, occupies a conspicuous place, for through a number of years he has been one of the representative men of affairs-progressive, enterprising and persevering. Such qualities always win success, sooner or later, and to Mr. Kiser they have brought a satisfactory reward for his well directed efforts, and while he has benefited himself and community in a material way he has also been an influential factor in the educational, political and moral uplift of the community. He is one of the best known lawyers of this locality.
Mr. Kiser was born in Whitewater, Wisconsin, on May 26, 1872, and is the son of Fernando C. Kiser, a well known citizen of this community, a complete sketch of whom will be found elsewhere in this work. F. Henry Kiser was educated in the public schools, and was graduated from the White- water high school. Early in life he decided upon the law as his vocation, conse- quently he entered the law department of Columbia University, where he made an excellent record and from which institution he was graduated in 1893. He was employed for a time in the census office at Washington. He then took a course in the law department of the University of Wisconsin,
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from which he was graduated in 1899. He had been admitted to the bar in 1894. He has continued in active practice at Whitewater, where he has enjoyed a large and ever-growing practice, taking a place in the front rank of the legal lights of this part of the state, figuring for years in the important cases in the local courts. He has been a close student and has kept fully abreast of the times in all that pertains to his profession. He is an alert, energetic, persistent and painstaking advocate, believes in the thorough prepar- ation of cases and he leaves nothing undone in the interest of his client. He is strong before a jury and has strong influence with the court.
Mr. Kiser has been successful in a business way and he is now a stock- holder in both the bank and a director in the State Bank at Milton Junction. He is the owner of the Walworth Hotel in Whitewater. the Bower block and other extensive and valuable real estate interests in Whitewater. He has considerable land in South Dakota. He is the largest real estate owner in this city. He is a man of keen discernment, sound judgment and wise foresight, being able to foresee with remarkable accuracy the future outcome of a present transaction.
Politically, Mr. Kiser is a Republican and he has long been a leader in local public affairs. He was formerly city attorney and is now court commissioner. Fraternally, he is a member of St. John's Lodge, Free and Accepted Masons, and the chapter at Whitewater. He is a member of the Delta Tau Delta, a college fraternity, also the Modern Woodmen of America. Religiously, he belongs to the Congregational church.
Mr. Kiser was united in marriage with Myra Goodhue, of Whitewater, on October 12, 1896. Her death occurred in July. 1897, and on May 28, 1900. he married Nellie Bower, also of Whitewater, and to this union one son has been born, Lawrence, whose birth occurred on October 15. 1903.
FRED RENSELAER BLOODGOOD.
The press of Walworth county has an able representative in Fred Rense- laer Bloodgood, of Whitewater, editor and publisher of the Whitewater Gazette. He was born March 6, 1870, at Vanetten, Chemung county, New York. He is the second son of S. Wiley and Mary Jane ( Rumsey ) Blood- good, who also live at Whitewater. There are three brothers, Arthur C., of Aurora, Illinois; Ward W., of Whitewater; Erwin .A., of Peck's Station, Wisconsin: and one sister, Mrs. Howard Chafin, of Elkhorn.
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The Bloodgood family are quite numerous in New York and, having a rather migratory disposition, many of them have moved to the westward, so that the name will be found in most of the states of the Union. The Blood- good family has been in America since 1632, coming from Holland. There is a tradition that they were Huguenots driven to Holland by persecution, but like most Americans the present members of the family are too busy or too indifferent to trace family genealogy. With a maternal ancestry of English, French, Dutch and other nationalities the subject of this sketch might rea- sonably claim to descend from a number of different nationalities.
At four years of age Mr. Bloodgood entered a country school and at- tended there for four years. The family then moved to Spencer, New York, where the father had purchased a planing mill. The mill burned three years later, without insurance. Then the family came to Wisconsin and for five years lived on Heart Prairie, where the boys all worked on the farm in the summer and attended the district school during the brief winter terms. In 1887 they moved to a farm just east of Whitewater and soon afterward Fred R. Bloodgood entered the normal school here. His education was interrupted by some farm work and teaching, but he finally finished the course in this in- stitution and was graduated with the class of 1895, and then went to Wau- kesha to teach in the high school. After spending one year there and a year as principal of the village school at Menomonee Falls, Wisconsin, he gave up teaching and went to Nebraska. After a short stay there he returned and purchased the Whitewater Gasette in 1898. Under the Bloodgood manage- ment the paper has prospered and at the present time is well equipped and enjoying a good patronage. Its mechanical appearance has been improved and its columns are filled with the best and brightest news ; its editorial page is both convincing and entertaining in its discussions of the current, vital topics of the day, and as an advertising medium its value is constantly in- creasing. It ranks with the best sheets of its kind in southern Wisconsin in every respect and wields a potent influence for the general good of the locality which it serves.
Besides running the Gasette, the editor has found time to fill a number of small offices in societies, lodges, city, etc. He has represented his ward in the city council, is at this time master of the Masonic lodge of his home city, and for many years has been superintendent of the Sunday school of the Methodist Episcopal church. As diversions he plays tennis and attends political gatherings and occasionally prepares short addresses for club meet- ings, banquets, etc.
In 1898 Mr. Bloodgood was married to Jean Turner, who died in
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1903, leaving a daughter, Margaret. a year old. In 1906 he was married to Mrs. Verna Beach, of Whitewater. Her son, Kenneth Beach, was seven years old at the time of the marriage. Another son, Fred Foster Bloodgood. was born to them in 1910.
Country editors do not get rich, they seldom win fame, and they have their share of trouble, but Editor Bloodgood would not change his occupa- tion with anyone, and the passing years have brought to him much of pleasure and many of the things that convince one that life is worth living for, not the least of which may be counted a large number of warm friends.
B. R. PARKER, D. V. S.
One of the best known and most successful veterinary surgeons of southeastern Wisconsin is B. R. Parker of Whitewater, Walworth county. He has won success in life in a definite manner because he has persevered in pursuit of a worthy purpose, and is gaining thereby a most satisfactory reward. His life has been exemplary in every respect, and he has always supported those interests which are calculated to uplift and benefit his com- munity. He is the representative of one of the honored old pioneer families of this part of the Badger state, for both his father and his paternal grand- father were early farmers here and the Parkers have been well known for a number of generations as industrious, honorable people.
B. R. Parker was born in Hebron, Jefferson county, this state, March 23. 1867. He is the son of H. A. and Lucy ( Clay) Parker, the father born in Vermont and the mother in New York. H. A. Parker came to this state in 1844 and his wife came with her parents in 1849, locating at Oakland, Burnett county, where they became early farmers. The father of the sub- ject farmed in Jefferson county and became well established through his indus- try. He made his home with the subject and his sister Mrs. Ernest Marsh, living a retired life and died November 13, 1911.
The subject received his education in district school No. 2, at Hlebron, and he grew up on his father's farm where he worked during the crop season in his boyhood days. Later, turning his attention to the study of the ills of which the equestrian family is heir, he went to Chicago where he took a course in a veterinary college, and susequently attended a similar institu- tion at Grand Rapids, Michigan. He was graduated in 1901, having made an excellent record in his chosen field of study. He returned to the home
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farm and began practicing there, meeting with much success from the start, remaining there three years. In 1904 he came to Whitewater and here estab- lished a veterinary infirmary which has become known throughout the coun- try and which is very extensively patronized. It is well arranged and equipped with all modern surgical appliances and apparatus, insuring prompt and able service. For four years he was in partnership with Doctor Fay. He keeps well abreast of the times in everything pertaining to his profession and he is in every way deserving of the large success that is attending his efforts.
Mr. Parker is a Republican and a member of the Modern Woodmen of America. He is a member of the Wisconsin Society of Veterinary Grad- ulates.
On April 18, 1889, Mr. Parker was united in marriage with Julia Wenham, of Jefferson county, Wisconsin, a member of an excellent family there.
ALBERT M. HANSON.
The training and discipline which Albert M. Hanson, a young stock man of Whitewater City, Walworth county, had in his early life developed a strong, independent and sturdy manhood and a frugal and thrifty mentality which is very largely responsible for his subsequent success in life.
Mr. Hanson was born in Richmond, Walworth county, Wisconsin, February 27, 1870. He is the son of Hans and Anna ( Halverson) Hanson, both natives of Norway, where they grew up and spent their early lives, emigrating to America about 1848 or 1850, locating in the village of Rich- mond. Wisconsin, and there the father turned his attention to farming, becoming well established, owning two hundred and eighty acres. There he and his wife spent the balance of their lives. They were the parents of three children, two sons and one daughter. Hans Hanson was a member of the Lutheran church, a hard worker and an honest man.
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