History of northern Wisconsin, containing an account of its settlement, growth, development, and resources; an extensive sketch of its counties, cities, towns and villages, their improvements, industries, manufactories; biographical sketches, portraits of prominent men and early settlers; views of county seats, etc., Part 185

Author: Western historical co., Chicago, pub
Publication date: 1881
Publisher: Chicago, Western historical company
Number of Pages: 1052

USA > Wisconsin > History of northern Wisconsin, containing an account of its settlement, growth, development, and resources; an extensive sketch of its counties, cities, towns and villages, their improvements, industries, manufactories; biographical sketches, portraits of prominent men and early settlers; views of county seats, etc. > Part 185

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L. S. FISHER, Postmaster, Sparta, born in Vermont, Ang. 12, 1824 . He removed to Cattaraugus Co., N. Y., with his parents, when seven years of age. He learned the trade of a carpenter when a young man, which business he followed till about 1856. He removed to Walworth Co., Wis., in the Fall of 1854 ; came to Sparta, in the Fall of 1855 ; he engaged in the grocery trade here in the Spring of 1856, under the firm name of Houghton & Co. He was elected County Clerk in the Fall of IS56, and served two years. In the Fall of r$60 was elected County Treasurer ; served one term; was draft commissioner for the Seventh Congressional District during the years 1863 and 1864 ; was for a time also engaged in the livery and produce business ; was appointed Post- master in the Spring of 1871. His first wife was Ellen A. Dyer, born in Vermont ; his present wife was Susan P. Newton ; has one son by his present wife, Arthur L.

HENRY FOSTER, harness-maker, Sparta, born in Jefferson Co., N. Y., in 1831. Removed with his parents to Cattaraugus County when hut four years of age. Came to Sparta, June, 1855, and engaged in the business of harness-making. Mr. Foster is therefore one of the earliest business men of Sparta, and as he has been,constantly pursuing his busi- ness, has probably been in trade a greater number of consecutive years than any other man now in trade here. He does quite an extensive busi- ness, making from 135 to 150 sets of barness per year. Married Cor- nelia M. Robertson, who was born in Cattaraugus County. Has three children-Jessie E. Kent, who resides in Troy, N. Y. ; Harry W., and Carl Franz. Lost one child, Carrie May.

H. F. FOSTER, farmer, born in Oneida Co., N. Y., in January. IS2r. He removed with his parents to Cattaraugus County. His father was Ezekiel Foster. He is a brother of Henry Foster. He came to Sparta in February, 1853. and bought the farm now owned by Dr. Gar- ratt, but settled in the village. He built the hotel known as the Globe House, which he kept for several months and exchanged it for his pres- ent farm, with Mr. Burlingame. He was married to Miss Julian Har- vey, born in Herkimer Co., N. Y., in 1823. They have four children- Anson Theodore, Edgar M., Orlando and Fred.

J. J. FRENCH. Sparta, was born in New Hampshire in 1818, where he was brought up. He removed to Buffalo, N. Y., in May. 1843 ; he resided there and vicinity until he came to Sparta. In Buffalo he was engaged in the pail and tub manufacturing business ; had charge of the Niagara l'ail and Tub factory ; came to Monroe County in September, 1859, and settled on Bush Prairie, where he was engaged in farming for three years. Came to Sparta in 1862 and bought a farm near the village. Afterward engaged in stock buying for Cargill & King, then went into the hop business. Is at present in the employ of Mr. Cargill, where he has been for the past eleven years. Mr. French has been married three times. His present wile was E. C. C. Lyon. Has four children, three sons and one daughter. One son resides in Dakota, the others in Mon- roe County.

DAVID FULTON, farmer, Sec. 14, P. O. Sparta. Born in York Co., Pa., town of Hopewell. in 1816. When twenty-two years of age, he removed to I.vcoming County, near Williamsport, where he lived eighteen years. He came to Monroe County, April 29, 1856, and set- tled on his present farm, where he has since iived. llis wife was Eliza- heth S. Hoyne. They have six children-Martha J., Alvin N., Mary Alwilda, Margaret Ann, Sarah E. and John Ellis. Mr. Fulton, like many others, was a poor man when he settled in Monroe County, but by industry and frugality has secured a competence.

GAGE & BEEBE, physicians and surgeons, Sparta. Dr. M. R. Gage was born in Yates Co., N. Y., in April, 1825. He began the study of medicine in the office of E. S. Smith, M. D., in his native village, where he rem ined till his graduation from the Geneva Medical College, except while attending medical lectures and hospitals at Geneva and Buffalo. Aiter graduating he formed a partnership with his preceptor, Dr. Smith. Afterward removed to Coudersport, Pa., and two years later to Beloit,

Wis., and thence to Sparta, where he practiced his profession till 1862, when he was commissioned surgeon of the 25th Wis. V. I. 1Ie remain- ed in the army two and a half years, when he resigned from ill health, since which time he has been engaged in the practice of his profession at Sparta. He was the first County Superintendent of Schools of Mon- roe County. Dr. Gage is devoted to his profession, and one of the most learned and skillful physicians of Wisconsin. He is a man of studious habits and great energy. He has been master of the Masonic Lodge for several years, and high priest of the R. A. Chapter. He has always taken a lively interest in all public improvements and all enterprises tending to promote the welfare of the community in which he lives, has received his cordial support. He married Miss Martin, an excellent lady. He has no children.

D. C. Beebe, M. D., who is associated with Dr. Gage, was born in Ru- pert, Bennington Co., Vt., February, 1838, where he began the study of his profession. He attended lectures at Bellevue College, New York, grad- mating at Albany in 1863. From that time till the close of the war was surgeon in the army of the Shenandoah Valley. He came to Sparta in r$95, and became associated with Dr. Gage in the practice of medicine. The latter engaged for a time in the drug business, when this partner- ship was dissolved, but afterward again associated in the practice of their profession. Dr. Beebe was married in Vermont, and has five children.

DR. RICHARD GARRATT, Sparta. Born in Burlington, Otsego Co., N. Y., in 1813. His father died when he was a child ; was brought up by his maternal grandfather. He learned the trade of a silversmith, which trade he followed for many years. About 1840, the subject of the treatment of disease, by the use of homoeopathic remedies, was brought to his notice, and he adopted this school of treatment, and has pre- scribed homœopathic remedies for many years. He came to Wisconsin in 1856, and settled on his present place, which he had purchased about a year previous to that time. Although engaged in farming, yet he has given much attention to his favorite system of medicine, and in the ear- lier history of the county devoted considerable time to the treatment of diseases. His wife was Janet Caroline Tyler, born in Connecticut. They have one daughter, Emily.

F. HERBST, wagonmaker and blacksmith, Sparta. Born in Ger- many, in 1838. Came to the United States in 1855 ; located, at Galena, Ill., where he learned his trade, and where he resided until 1866, when he came to Sparta. He was married in Illinois, to Elizabeth Strouse, born in Germany. They have six children, five sons and one daughter.

WILLIAM HOGUE, farmer, Sec. 29, P. O. Sparta. Born in York Co., Penn., April 14, 1828, but was brought up in Lycoming County. He resided in Pennsylvania until September, 1853, when he came to Wis- consin. He resided near Milwaukee about three months, thence to Mon- roe County with his family. They came with an ox team. A brother, John Hogue, and wife, came at the same time; they reached Monroe County, December, 1853. He and family lived the following Winter with John Bean. In the Spring of 1854, he removed to Sec. 30, in the town of Sparta. In the Fall of that year, built a log-house on his present farm. This house is still a part of his present residence. Mr. Hogue's farm contains 140 acres. He was married to Jane Long, born in Lycom- ing County. The parents of Mr. Hogue came here in the Fall of 1854, where they resided until their death. Mr. and Mrs. Hogue have had eight children, six of whom are living-Lycurgus F., Clara (now Mrs William Shaffer), Anna Ross, Ellen, Amber and Clifton. Arvilla, after- ward Mrs. Henry Cook, died Jan. 2, ISSI. Adolphus, fourth child, was about three years of age at the time of his death. Mr. Hogue having settled here in 1853, is one of the earliest settlers of the county. Indians were numerous at that time, and game, especially deer, was found in abundance.

SYLVANUS HOLMES, Police Justice, Sparta. Was born in Erie Co., N. Y .. in 1815, where he was brought up and removed to Bradford, Penn., in 1847. though he was at Racine, Wis., as early as 1835. Re- mained in the Territory of Wisconsin about two years, when he returned to the State of New York. Came to Wisconsin permanently in 1865, and located at Sparta. He first engaged in the hat and cap trade, after- ward engaged in the hop business. He went to Kandiyohi Co., Minn., in 1869; was County Judge of that county for four years ; returned to Sparta in 1878. Elected Police Justice in the Spring of 1881.

SAMUEL HOYT, Justice of the Peace, Sparta. Born at Bakers- field, Franklin Co., Vt., June 2, 1817. Lived in Vermont until 1853, then came to Wisconsin, and settled at Sparta. He enlisted in Ist Wis, Bat- tery, Aug. 2, 1861 ; served three years ; enlisted as a private, promoted to a sergeancy ; was acting lieutenant for about a year and a half ; he was captured at Cumberland Gap, Sept. 17, 1862 ; was confined at Libby prison for a few days, and released on parole. Mr. Hoyt was engaged in many of the prominent battles and campaigns of the war, including Port Gibson, Champion Hills, Black River Bridge, siege of Vicksburg, Banks' Red River expedition, etc. Since the close of the war has been Police Justice and Justice of the Peace for many years. Was elected to the former position in 1871, and served until 1879. His wifewas Miss Delia Thayer, born in the State of New York. They have two children, Ella J. and Samuel M. The latter is an attorney at Jenny, Wis.

637

HISTORY OF MONROE COUNTY.

HIRAM E. KELLEY, Collector of Internal Revenue for Sixth District, was born in Connecticut, in 1831. His parents removed to New York City when he was a child. He came to Sparta, July, 1856 ; was engaged in the hardware business until 1860. Has been in official business since that time. Has been connected with the department of internal revenue since 1864. Has held his present position for the last ten years. His wife was Miss Mary C. Bingham, daughter of Luther S.

Bingham. Mrs. Kelley died, September, 1880, soon after her return from Europe, where she had been for the benefit of her health. Edgar S., son of Mr. Kelley, born in 1857, is a musie teacher at Oakland, Cal. He received very superior advantages, in preparation for his profession, spending four years in Europe, pursuing the study of music. Mr. Kel- ley has had four children ; his son is the only one living.

N. J. KEMP, dealer in groceries, flour, feed, provisions, crockery and glassware, Sparta, was born in Havana, Ill., in 1843, where he lived till he came to Sparta, in the Summer of 1865. His parents came at the same time. His father, A. W. Kemp, still lives in Sparta. Mr. Kemp en- listed, in 1862, in the 85th Ill. Reg. V. I., and served till the close of the war. Took part in many important campaigns and engagements. Was at the battles of Prairieville, Ky., Lookout Mountain, Chatta- nooga, Murfreesboro, etc. Was severely wounded at Rome, Ga., just as Sherman began his march to the sea. Was discharged at Springfield, Ill., at the end of the war. He engaged in the boot and shoe business at Sparta, in 1866, in the firm name of Kemp & Lanham. Was then engaged for a time with his father, in business; afterward engaged in the grocery trade with his brother -in-law, John B. Palmer. Sold out, and was engaged in buying grain for about two years ; afterward took charge of the store of C. Blakeslee for about four years. In 1880, went into business with W. G. Palmer ; has been alone since January, 1881. Married Lydia A. Cheney, daughter of D. D. Cheney. They have four children-Frank, Mattie, Henry and Earl.

WILLIAM KERRIGAN, book dealer, Sparta, is, perhaps, the earliest living resident of Sparta. Was born in Albany, N. Y., in 1832. Removed to Milwaukee, in 1848. He proceed from Milwaukee to Janesville, on foot ; thence to the town of Union, Dane Co., where he attended school during the following Winter. In the Spring he went to Oregon, Dane Co., and there became the apprentice of R. J. Casselman, to the trade of a blacksmith. In October, 1851, he came to Sparta with Mr. Casselman. They only lound one settler here at that time, Mr. William Petit, who had recently made a settlement on a quarter section, which includes the site of the present village of Sparta. Mr. Kerrigan followed the business of a blacksmith until the breaking out of the war, when he enlisted in the 19th Wisconsin, and served till Sep- tember, 1865, a period of four years. Was in active service during the whole of this time, except when disabled by wounds. He was wounded in both arms, in front of Petersburg, during the siege of that city. Went into the hospital till his wounds were healed, when he returned to his regiment. After the war, as his arms were partially disabled from his wounds, he was unable to continue work at his trade, and engaged in his present business. He also owns a fine cranberry marsh at Pine Ilill, Jackson Co. His wife was Isabelle MeKensie, daughter of Abram Mc- Kensie, of Salem, La Crosse Co. Have two children, George and Mar- garet. Lost five children.

GEORGE KING, farmer, Sec. 9, P. O. Sparta. Born in Dublin, Ireland, in 1820. Came to the United States, July, 1828. Was brought up in Cattaraugus Co., N. Y. His father was a farmer, and resided in Cattaraugus County till his death. The parents of Mr. King had four children. George came to Wisconsin in the Fall of 1853, and entered his present farm, where he settled the following year. His first wife was Mary Nichols. His present wile was Martha A. Turner. Mr. King has nine children, three sons and six daughters. Had three children by first wife. His farm contains 160 acres of land.

N. P. LEE, meat market, Sparta. Was born in the town of Web- ster, Monroe Co., N. Y., in 1832. He removed to Northern Illinois, near Beloit, Wis., thence to Sparta in the Fall of 1855. Has been va- riously engaged since he came here. Was elected Sheriff in the Fall of 1876. Married Carrie Palmer, daughter of II. Palmer, who came to Sparta, from Troy, N. Y., in the Spring of 1855. They have three chil- dren-Annie, Minnie and Caddie.

WILLIAM LETSON, manufacturer of sash, doors and blinds, also dealer in furniture, firm of Letson & Evans, Sparta. Born in Clinton Co., N. Y., January, 1827, where he resided till 1858, when he came to Sparta, and engaged in manufacturing. His father, J. II. Letson, came at the same time, and a brother, Isaac, in 1859. The latter now lives at Albion, Nebraska. Was married to Jane MeCracken.

WILLIAM LOHMILLER, station agent for C. & N. W. R. R. Co., Sparta. Mr. Lohmiller was born in the city of New York, in 1844. Ile removed to Jefferson Co., Wis., with his parents, in the Summer of 1856, where the latter still reside. Previous to coming to Sparta. Mr. Lohmil- ler resided in Madison about ten years. He began railroading in 1871, appointed to his present position November, 1872, being the first station agent for the railroad company at this point. Ilis wife was Charlotte, daughter of Lyman II. Ilickeox, an early settler of Jefferson County, where Mrs. Lohmiller was born. They have two children, Leavenworth W. and Royal K.

CHARLES B. MCCLURE, Sparta. Born in Franklinwile, Catta- raugus Co., N. Y., in 1827, where he was brought up. lle hist came to Sparta in 1853, and pre-empted a farm in this town, hut sold his claim and returned to Cattaraugus County, engaged in teaching the following Winter in the village of Cadiz. Mr. McClure was engaged considerably in this occupation when a young man. He returned to Sparta in 1855, soon after engaged in the lumber business at Wilsonville for four or five years; then took up a farm near Cataract, where he stayed about two years. In the Spring of 1864. he went to Montana; was absent one and a half years. After his return, engaged in lumbering on the head waters of La Crosse River. Since that time has been engaged in busi- ness at Sparta. It may be a matter of interest to mention the fact that at the time of Mr. McClure's first visit to Sparta. he sawed the lumber of which the Globe Hotel was built. This structure he also assisted in building. His wife was Miss Sarah C. Sumner, of Cattaraugus Co., N. Y. They have two children, Inez and Floyd C.

BRICE E McCOY, proprie or of Sparta mills. Born in Monroe Co., N. Y., in 1830. Came to Wisconsin with his parents in 1844. His father, Jesse McCoy, settled in Racine County, where he died in 1874. Mr. McCoy was brought up a farmer. He enlisted in the Summer of 1363, in the 43d Wis. V. F., and served till the close of the war. After his first six months' service, he was appointed judge advocate of a mili- tary commission, which position he held during the balance of this term. After the close of the war, Mr. McCoy went to Kenosha and engaged in milling. Came to Monroe County in 1867, and to Sparta in 1876. Built his present mill in 1873. Married Miss A. S. Bowker, daughter of Abram Bowker, one of the earliest settlers of Kenosha County, formerly from the State of New York. He settled in Kenosha County in 1837, where Mrs. McCoy was born the same year, Her parents continued their residence in Kenosha County till their decease. Mr. and Mrs. McCoy have two children, Robert B. and Clark S.

C. W. McMILLAN, Sparta, born in Warren Co., N. Y., in 1829. His parents removed to Buffalo when he was a child; afterward, resided in Cattaraugus and Chautauqua counties. He lived in Western New York till 1856, when he came to Sparta. Was elected Sheriff in the Fall of 1858. Has served as Sheriff of Monroe County ten years ; was also Under Sheriff for many years. Married in the State of New York, to Mary Gallagher, born in Canada. They have -nine children, one son and eight daughters.

J. J. MASON, merchant, Sparta, born in Oswego Co., N. Y., in 1837. Afterward, went to Cayuga County with his grandfather, with whom he lived. He went to Black River Falls in the Spring of 1859. and engaged in milling, which trade he had learned in the State of New York. He remained there about two and a half years, and then went to Sechlersville, Jackson Co., where he was also engaged in milling for five and a half years, and then went into the mercantile trade with Mr. J. R. Sechler. This business he followed in connection with milling. He was afterward at Neillsville and Wrightsvi le. Came to Sparta, July, 1878, and engaged in the mercantile trade. His wife was Anna Sech- ler, daughter of J. R. Sechler. They have two children, Orpha B. and Berrie.

MORROW & MASTERS, attorneys. Sparta, J. M. Morrow, of the above firm, was born in Erie Co., N. Y., in 1832. When a young man, before preparing for the practice of law, he was in the employ- ment ol the house Geo. A. Prince & Co., Buffalo, manufacturers of organs and melodeons. Afterward, was in the employment of Mason & Hamlin, Boston, in the same business. He came to Sparta from Boston, Dec. 18, 1856. Read law with Graves & Kice. Married Olive Graves, daughter of Rev. Nathaniel Graves, Ilas one daughter, Mary.

Charles M. Masters, of the above firm, is the present County Judge of Monroe County. He was born in Hampden Co., Mass., in IS41. Was brought up in Hampshire County. Ile came to LaCrosse in the Fall of 1863, and engaged in the insurance business. Came to Sparta in 1865, and engaged in the book trade. Read law with L. W. Graves Esq. ; was admitted in 1871. Was elected County Judge in the Spring of 1877; re-elected in the Spring of 1881. Married Alice Seeley, daugh ter of James Seeley. Has one son, Ilarry J. Lost a daughter, Louise Blanche.

GEORGE W. MILLEGAN, M. D., is the pinneer physician of Sparta. Ile was born in the town of Cairo, Greene Co., N. Y., in 152 ). Ile read medicine in his native town, and attended lectures at a ine edl school in l'ittsfield, Mass. Came to Sparta in 1853, and has cen en- gaged in the practice of his profession since that time. Ilis wife was Clara A. Darwin, a native of Vermont.

O. I. NEWTON, manufacturer, born in Venn it in tS42 ; came to Sparta, June, 1860, with his mother's family, les father having died in Vermont ; family consisted of his mother and ergin collagen, three sons and five daughters. The family are shill reserents of Moor e County except one sister, deceased, and another sister, a resident of Texas For several years after coming to Sparta, O. I. was en gel in teaching during the Winter, and doing farm work in De Sumhier. To the Spring of 1863, he engaged as clerk in the drug store of J. L. Mander. llas been connected with the drug business since that nime until recently ; also had an interest in the paper mill, from the time it was built until 1871, when he became sole proprietor. This mill he still owns. Is also

638

HISTORY OF NORTHERN WISCONSIN.

quite extensively engaged in the manufacture of lumber, owning a mill at Lowie Station, on the West Wis. R. R. Mr. Newton is an en- ergetic and and successful business man. His first wife was Miss Emma 11. Mather, a sister of J. L. Mather. She died March, 1873. Present wife was Miss Clara Campbell, born in Burmah, India, in 1851, her father being at that time a missionary at that place. Has two sons by first wife, llarry and George.

NORTHUP BROTHERS, proprietors of livery, sale and boarding stable, Sparta, sons of J. B. Northup, native of New York, and came to Sparta from Chenango County, October, 1856 ; father now lives at Leon. J. B., Jr., was born in Chenango County in 1849 ; has re- sided in Sparta most of the time since. H. T. was born in Chenango County, in 1844 ; has been engaged in railroading for about fourteen years. Was employed by the Pullman Company as conductor, for about six years. He began work on the railroad as brakesman, but was a con- ductor for about twelve years. He was married to Miss Kittie Carnes, daughter of George C. Cornes. Has one daughter, Louise. J. B. Nor- thup. Sr., has four sons, J. B., Jr., F. B., H. T., and C. W. F. B. is located in Chicago, as ticket agent ; C. W. is in Chicago, one of the proprietors of the advertisers' bureau. The other two sons are conduct- ing the livery business.

HI. PALMER, Sparta, born in Albany Co., N. Y., in 1815, where he was brought up. He lived in Eastern New York until he came to Sparta, in the Spring of 1856. Mr. Palmer is one of the early, promi- nent business men of Sparta, He engaged in the drug business in 1857, which was the first drug store established in town. He was engaged in the drug business here about fourteen years. Since he retired from the drug business, has been variously engaged. Was, for a time, engaged in the hop trade, and also in building, He was married, in Montgomery Co., N. Y., to Mary Potter. They have eight children, five sons and three daughters.

Harce Palmes Ml

DR. HORACE PALMER, (deceased), was born in Montpelier, Vt., Oct. 28, 1823; graduated at the Vermont Medical College, at Woodstock, Jan. 18, 1851; commenced the practice of medicine the same year in Mansfield, Mass. ; married, Susan C. Hall, of Mansfield, March 22, 1857 ; removed to Wisconsin the following May, settling in West Salem, where he continued the practice of his profession, and followed it until July 30, 1875, when he removed to Sparta, and purchased the pioneer drug store of the place, at that time owned by Ira A. Hill. Dr. Palmer's fatal illness began with a cold about a week before his death, and soon de- veloped into a bilions form of pleuro-pneumonia, so severe that no skill of physicians or care of friends could avail. He sank rapidly, though with occasional rallies, to the final end Dec. 23, 1880. The deceased

occupied a prominent place in religions, social and business circles, and was universally esteemed. The death of such a man is a public loss. Dr. Paln.er left a wife, two daughters and one son. Lizzie H., wife of 11. S., Howell, druggist ; Fannie A., wife of M. F. Howell, hardware merchant ; and Fred. E., all residents of Sparta.

C. W. POTT, harness maker, Sparta. Born in Murcy, Pa., in 1821. Was brought up in Pennsylvania. Began his apprenticeship at Milton, with Rooert Wilson in 1837. He finished with Mr. Wilson at Williamsport in 1842, where he was married in 1844 to Miss Ann Harris. Began business at Muncy the same year, where he continued eleven years. Came to Sparta in 1855 in company with his brother-in-law, Jacob Sechler, new of Jackson County. Mr. Pott did not establish a business here at that time, bnt remained here, and made a harness for his own use, which was perhaps the first harness made in Sparta. This was in the Summer of 1855. He went to Jackson County, and engaged in farming, which he continued till 1862, when he returned to Sparta, and established his present business. He is also engaged in insurance and sells the Perry Royce Reaper. Mr. Pott lost his first wife a few days after his arrival in Sparta in 1855. His present wife was Margaret Hogue, daughter of Hugh Hogue. He has one daughter by first wife, Emma, now Mrs. Horace P'ride. Ilas one son by present wife, Harry, Mr. Pott is a descendant of the original Pennsylvania family of that name, his great grandfather being the founder of Pottsville of that State.

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Author: Western historical co., Chicago, pub Publication date: 1881 Publisher: Chicago, Western historical company Number of Pages: 1052

Author: Western historical co., Chicago, pub
Publication date: 1881
Publisher: Chicago, Western historical company
Number of Pages: 1052