USA > Wisconsin > The United States biographical dictionary and portrait gallery of eminent and self-made men, Wisconsin volume > Part 53
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THEODORE RODOLF,
LA CROSSE.
T "HE subject of this sketch, a native of Switzer- land, was born in the canton of Argovia, October 17, 1815. He devoted his earlier years entirely to educational pursuits, and later graduated from a college of Aarau, the capital of his native canton, and from the University of Zurich. When he was about seventeen years of age his father im- migrated with his family to the United States, and afterward died in New Orleans, of the yellow fever. In 1834 the mother and her children removed to southern Wisconsin, and settled on a farm near Wiota, Lafayette county. In 1840 we find Theo- dore Rodolf at Mineral Point, keeping store, em- ploying miners, and trafficking in lead. Thirteen years later he settled in La Crosse, and there assumed the duties of receiver in the land office, under ap- pointment of President Pierce, a position which he held by reappointment of President Buchanan until 1861. Since that time he has been engaged largely in insurance and in real-estate operations. Aside from this, Mr. Rodolf has held many other offices- has in fact been in some official position most of the time for thirty years. He was captain of the Min- eral Point Guards from 1848 to 1851, and of the La Crosse Rifles from 1856 to 1860. He was president
of the village of Mineral Point two years, a member of the board of supervisors of La Crosse county about four years, and chairman of the same one year. He was mayor of his city in 1868 and 1870, and a member of the assembly during the same years, and while in the legislature did good service on the committees on railroads, lumber and manu- factures, etc. He received the democratic vote for speaker the second time he was in the legislature, but the republicans being in the majority, he was defeated. He was the democratic candidate for presidential elector-at-large in 1864, and the same party's candidate for elector in the sixth district in 1868, the republicans in both instances being in the ascendant. He was the democratic candidate for State senator in 1876. He has always been a dem- ocrat, and for a long time one of the leaders in west- ern Wisconsin, and is well known throughout the State. During the administration of Governor Fairchild he was appointed by him a member of the visiting committee to the State institutions. He has been for several years secretary of the La Crosse Board of Trade. In many ways he has made and is still making himself a very useful man, and is an esteemed and most worthy citizen.
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Mr. Rodolf is a prominent member of the Odd- Fellows fraternity, and in 1875 was grand master of the State. He is now grand representative, and at- tended the meeting of the Grand Lodge of the United States held in Philadelphia in September, 1876.
He was reared in the Reformed church of Swit- zerland, but having found no organized society of that people since coming to Wisconsin, although holding christian people in high respect, has identi- fied himself with no religious body.
His mother, who died at Mineral Point in 1856, was a member of the Episcopal church, and his sisters belong to the same body in La Crosse.
The wife of Mr. Rodolf was Miss Marie Thomas, of New Orleans. They have had twelve children, six of whom are now living. Four died within as many weeks, of diphtheria. The eldest son, Theo- dore F., who is a partner of his father in the insur- ance business, married a granddaughter of Henry Dodge, first territorial governor of Wisconsin, and daughter of Governor Clark, of Iowa, when it was a territory. She died in September, 1875, leaving two small children, who live with their grandfather. Mr. Rodolf has two daughters married and living in La Crosse, the wives of William Servis and F. A. Copeland.
DANIEL B. WYLIE, M.D.,
WAUSAU.
B IOGRAPHICAL history abounds in illustra- tions of the eminent success of self-made men, men whose early struggles have developed the best elements of their natures and laid the foundation of health and true grit, which became mighty helps in subsequent years. The subject of this sketch, in early life, experienced the efficacy of hard work, and learned that his only chance for acquiring knowl- edge was by casting himself upon his own resources. He is the son of Daniel Buck and Elizabeth Jarvis Wylie, and was born in Susquehanna county, Penn- sylvania, July 14, 1827. His grandfather, Simeon Wylie, participated in the whole of the American revolution, and his father was engaged in the second war with the mother country. At fifteen years of age he was working in the timber of Tioga county, Pennsylvania, receiving six dollars per month. He continued to lumber at the east most of the time until 1845, when he removed to the then Territory of Wisconsin. After spending a short time in Wal- worth county he went to Boone county, Illinois, where he was engaged in farming until the spring of 1846, when he returned to Wisconsin. Going into the pineries of Portage, now Marathon county, he spent the autumn and winter in making shingles; and in April, 1847, started on a raft down the Wis- consin river and reached St. Louis about the middle of July, having slept on the raft or out-of-doors nearly every night during the trip. With some funds in his pocket, a laudable ambition in his soul and a consciousness of his great want of education, Mr. Wylie now returned to his native State, and, after
reviewing rudimentary branches of science, studied medicine three years with Dr. H. A. Humphrey, of Tioga village. His funds now being exhausted, in order to replenish them he spent another year in the pineries of Wisconsin, near the scene of his earlier toils, and afterward went to Ann Arbor, Michigan, and attended a course of medical lec- tures. He spent the first three years of his profes- sional life at Mansfield and Kennyville, in his native State, and at the expiration of that time returned to Wisconsin and practiced three years in Eau Pleine, Portage county, and Grand Rapids, Wood county, and in January, 1856, made a permanent settlement at Wausau, where he has practiced most of the time since that date. Once or twice, however, he has turned aside from his profession and spent a time in the business which furnished the means for his medical attainments. Not satisfied with these attain- ments, he, in 1870, took a full course of lectures in the Long Island College Hospital, and received the highest honors of the class. Dr. Wylie is not only the oldest physician, reckoning the years in practice here, but the head man in the profession in Mara- thon county. For the last six years he has allowed nothing to turn him aside from his professional work, and is known as a reading, thinking, growing man. Of late he has paid special attention to surgery, and has become quite eminent in that department of the healing art. He has been exam- ining surgeon for pensions since the county has had demands for such an officer. He is a fifth degree member of the Independent Order of Odd-Fellows.
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In politics he is a republican. He, however, never allows any outside matters to interfere with his legitimate business. His ambition is to be known as a physician, a surgeon and a private citi- zen, and nothing more.
Dr. Wylie has been twice married : the first time in July, 1854, to Miss Harriet S. Amsbry, of Gaines, Tioga county, Pennsylvania; the second time Deceni- ber 2, 1872, to Mrs. Josephine Martin, of Wausau. By his first wife he had four children, three of whom are still living; by his second wife he has one child. The eldest son, Winfred, graduated from Rush Med-
ical College, Chicago, in February, 1877, and is practicing with his father. The rest of the children, Daniel B., Myrtle and Genevieve, are at home. Winfred was educated at Lawrence University, Ap- pleton, Wisconsin; hardened his constitution by working for a while, from choice, in the pineries and rafting on the rivers; and now, with a good foundation of theoretical knowledge on which to build, he has commenced in earnest its practical application; and being a young man of fine taste and studious habits, will be likely to grow and attain eminence in the healing art.
HON. BARTHOLOMEW RINGLE,
WAUSAU.
B ARTHOLOMEW RINGLE, a native of Ger- many, was born in Ingweiler, Landcomisariat, Zweibrücken, Rhein-Bairen, October 16, 1814. His father lost his life in the French Revolution, when the son was still quite young. Bartholomew received a common-school education; and in 1846 immi- grated to America, and settled at first at German- town, in Washington county, Wisconsin ; two years later he removed to Herman, in Dodge county, and in 1859 settled permanently at Wausau, the county seat of Marathon county. Mr. Ringle is by profes- sion a lawyer, but by reason of official duties con- ferred upon him by his fellow-citizens, he has little time for legal practice.
While residing at Herman he was postmaster, town clerk, chairman of the board and justice of the peace, holding all these offices for six years. Since settling in Marathon county, he has been county clerk six years ; county judge, fourteen years; clerk of the board of supervisors, six years ; also president
of the village, police justice, justice of the peace, etc. He was a member of the general assembly of Wisconsin in 1864, 1872 and 1875, and at the present time (1877) is serving his fifth term in the popular branch of the legislature. He is a member of the judiciary committee, as well as of committees of minor consideration, and his long experience and practical business tact render his services of great value in that branch of the State government.
Before leaving his native country, Mr. Ringle was married to Miss Magdalena Pick, of his native town. They have had ten children, of whom eight are now living.
His son Valentine publishes the Wisconsin River " Pilot " and Wausau "Wochenblatt," both demo- cratic weeklies, the last named being published in the German language.
In politics Mr. Ringle has always been identified with the democratic party. and is the leader of the German element of that body in his district.
NOAH D. COMSTOCK,
ARCADIA.
T HE subject of this sketch, a native of Lewis county, New York, was born at Lowville, No- vember 22. 1832, the son of Adam Comstock and Electa Durrin. He is of truly patriotic stock, three of his great-grandfathers having fought valiantly for the separation of the colonies from the mother country. His great-grandfather Comstock was
i
lieutenant-colonel of a Rhode Island regiment. His father, a soldier in the war of 1812, was a farmer by occupation. Noah attended school at Lowville and worked on the farm until he was seventeen years old, at which time he removed to Athens, Calhoun county, Michigan. There he taught school and worked on a farm, and at the
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expiration of one year went to West Point, Indiana, and taught, most of the time, until March, 1853, when he started for Washington Territory, by the overland route. Changing his plans he stopped in California, and there engaged in mining until the summer of 1855, when he returned to Indiana, and the next September removed to Trempealeau coun- ty, and entered land where the village of Arcadia now stands. He was the second person to make such entry, and there was not a person living on the present site of the county seat. For several months he made his home near Fountain City, split- ting rails in the winter of 1855-56. Before spring opened he found a shelter at Arcadia, then called the Bishop settlement (the town receiving its present name a year or two later). Here Mr. Comstock engaged in improving his land. In December, 1859, he froze his right foot, by reason of which he was compelled to have his limb amputated. In 1860 he aided in building a saw-mill in Jackson
county, which he sold four years later; has con- tinued to cultivate his farm in connection with vari- ous offices which he has held, and in the spring of 1876 assumed the proprietorship and editorial charge of the Arcadia "Leader," a position which he still (1877) holds, furnishing a good county newspaper.
Mr. Comstock was the first town superintendent of schools in Arcadia; he was county treasurer six consecutive years, commencing in January, 1861 ; was elected town clerk and a member of the board of supervisors in 1868; and a member of the general assembly in 1871, 1873, 1874 and 1875. In the legislature he was an industrious, hard-working and influential member.
The political views of Mr. Comstock are thorough- ly republican ; his religious views, atheistic.
Mrs. Comstock, whose maiden name also was Comstock, was from West Wrentham, Massachusetts. They were married July 4, 1868, and have had four children, three of whom are now living.
JOHN W. WOODHULL, MILWAUKEE.
JOHN W. WOODHULL, a native of Batavia, Genesee county, New York, was born on the 5th of September, 1836, the son of Joseph Wood- hull, a descendant of the Woodhull family, of Long Island. His father was a successful business man, and while still young had accumulated a large amount of property. This, however, during the financial revulsion of 1836 and 1837, was swept away, and he was left a poor man, largely in debt. Undaunted by his misfortunes, he boldly met his difficulties, and prior to 1840 succeeded in paying his indebtedness to the last cent. His great desire was to gain a competence sufficient to insure his family against want, but failing health prevented the realization of many of his hopes, and upon his death, at the age of seventy years, he had barely enough of property to insure a living for his wife. Mrs. Woodhull, the mother of our subject, was the daughter of Sylvester Whitney, Esq., of Batavia, New York. Inheriting a strong physical constitu- tion, she still survives, at the age of sixty-four years, strong and vigorous both in mind and body. The subject of this sketch also inherited a rugged con- stitution, and until his seventeenth year knew noth- ing of sickness. He first attended the common
school at " Daw's Corners," three miles north from Batavia, and later studied at Lewiston. At the latter school, however, he remained but a short time, owing to unpleasantness with the young Canadians, who persisted in calling him a "Yankee." The greater part of his boyhood was spent with his grandfather, to whom he was most strongly attached. In the summer of 1852, being then sixteen years of age, he removed to Michigan with his parents, with the hope of bettering their financial condition. Set- tling in. Hillsdale county they were soon afterward prostrated with the fever, then prevalent, and when again the father was able to be about he was a mere wreck of his former self. John partially recovered in the fall, and during the ensuing winter engaged in teaching, receiving a compensation of sixteen dol- lars per month and board. With returning health came again his longing desire for an education, and to gratify this ambition he carefully improved every spare moment in study, and by faithful application succeeded in mastering all the branches essential to a successful business career. Continuing teaching during the winter months, and employing his sum- mers in other kinds of work, until 1856, he at that time entered the employ of Messrs. Waring and
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Drake, merchants, of Fremont, Indiana. One year later, forming a partnership with his cousin, J. A. Woodhull, he engaged in the mercantile business in the same place. This partnership continued until 1858, at which time his brother-in-law, G. D. War- ing, purchased the interest of J. A. Woodhull, and he established a store at Waukau, Wisconsin. After one year's residence in this place he removed his stock to Berlin and engaged in business with G. 1). Waring, under the firm name of J. W. Woodhull and Co. The enterprise, however, proved unsuccessful, and they were obliged to close out their stock, hav- ing barely enough to pay their debts. With char- acteristic decision. Mr. Woodhull bravely faced his misfortune, and at once turned his attention to teaching, an occupation which he followed until he received the appointment of mail route agent on the northern division of the St. Paul railroad.
From early life Mr. Woodhull has been character- ized by firmness and decision of character, inflexible integrity and an indomitable perseverance and power of will. To these may justly be attributed his suc- cess. Whatever he has undertaken, with a remark- able concentration he has given himself with undi- vided attention to its accomplishment.
He was married in the fall of 1857 to Miss Sarah H. Waring, of Greenwich, Connecticut. They have had two children, a son and daughter, the former of whom died at the age of seven years.
Politically he is independent in his views, sup- porting only such men and measures as in his opinion will further the interests of his State and nation.
While his religious convictions and sympathies wholly accord with orthodox beliefs, he is not, nor ever has been, connected with any religious organ- ization. He early became predisposed in favor of the Masonic fraternity, and when old enough con- nected himself with that order, and since has taken the deepest interest in promulgating the glorious principles of truth, love and charity inculcated by its ritual. Gradually advancing through the differ- ent grades, he now holds the honorable positions of grand secretary of the Grand Lodge, grand secre- tary of the Grand Chapter, and grand recorder of the Grand Council and Commandery.
Such are some of the leading points in the life history of one who has risen by his own ability and exertion, and who now stands, a worthy example to those who may come after him who would develop a generous, noble manhood.
JERE D. WITTER,
GRAND RAPIDS.
T HE subject of this biography was born in Brookfield, Madison county, New York, on the 18th of February, 1835, and is the son of Josiah and Calista (Langworthy) Witter. His family moved to the West when he was about fifteen years old, and settled at Dakota, Waushara county, Wisconsin. One year later he engaged in farming at Berlin, and con- tinued that vocation during two seasons, attending school in the winters. He spent a short time at the Milton Academy, but by reason of ill health was compelled to abandon his studies, and, returning to the farm, there spent another year. At the age of twenty he began the study of law in the office of W. C. Webb, of Wautoma, Waushara county, and soon afterward became deputy clerk of the board of supervisors, and held that office for two years, at the same time continuing, as much as other duties would allow, his legal studies, and was admitted to the bar in 1859. He first formed a partnership with Mr. Webb, which continued for nearly two years, at the
end of which time, in 1861, he removed to Grand Rapids, and was in partnership with Hon. C. M. Webb until 1867.
During the year of his settlement in Grand Rap- ids he was appointed district attorney, and held the office, by reëlection, nearly six years. He was elected county judge in 1869, and held the office one term of four years.
Abandoning the law practice in 1867 he has since devoted his time to banking, real-estate operations and insurance. He organized the First National Bank of Grand Rapids in 1872, and has managed it ever since, he being its vice-president, and always having had a controlling interest. It is a well con- ducted, prosperous institution. Mr. Witter was elected president of the First National Bank of Golden, Colorado, in 1874, and closed the same at the end of one year.
In politics Mr. Witter is identified with the re- publican party. In his religious views he is liberal.
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On the 16th of February, 1860, he was married to Miss Emily L. Phelps, of Friendship, New York. They have had four children, two of whom are living.
Since Mr. Witter selected Grand Rapids as his home, his career has been one of marked success. No man in Wood county has attended more faith- | enterprises.
fully to his duties; no one has done business on higher principles of rectitude and honor, and few have been more fortunate in financial operations. His accumulations are the result of untiring indus- try, coupled with shrewdness, watchfulness and economy. He is one of the foremost men in local
HON. ALFRED W. NEWMAN, TREMPEALEAU.
T HE subject of this biography is a native of Green county, New York, and was born at Durham, April 5, 1834, his parents being William and Patty (Rogers) Newman, farmers by occupa- tion. Alfred remained on the farm until seventeen years of age, attending the district school during the winters, and afterward prepared for college at the Delaware Literary Institute, at Franklin. He entered the sophomore class of Hamilton College in 1854, and graduated from the same three years later. While in college he pursued extra law stud- ies with Professor T. W. Dwight, and afterward continued his legal studies a short time in Green county, and was admitted to the bar at Albany in December, 1857. During the next month he re- moved to the West, and settled at Trempealeau, on the Mississippi river, in March, 1858. He has since been actively engaged in the practice of the law, having been for years one of the leading attorneys of Trempealeau county. Though not an office- seeker he has had many positions of honor and trust thrust upon him. He was by the governor appointed county judge in 1860, to fill a vacancy ; was twice reëlected by the people, and resigned in
1866. He was a member of the general assembly in 1863; was elected district attorney in 1866, and reëlected three times, serving in all eight years. He was a member of the State senate in 1868 and 1869, and elected judge of the thirteenth circuit in April, 1876. an office which he now (1877) fills, with honor to himself and satisfaction to his fellow- citizens. Judge Newman is ready in points of law, considerate and cool, fair and impartial in his rul- ings, and gives promise of rising to eminence on the bench.
On national questions and in national issues Judge Newman has always voted the republican ticket, and though active and influential in a canvass, is not a bitter partisan.
He is a member of the Congregational church, and a man of irreproachable character.
He was married, August 15, 1860, to Miss Celia E. Humphrey, of Binghamton, New York. They have bad four children, one of whom is now living.
In stature Judge Newman is about medium height, heavy set, and weighs two hundred and twenty-five pounds. He has a light complexion, a round, full face and an open and pleasant expression.
GEORGE Y. FREEMAN,
GALESVILLE.
T HE subject of this sketch, a native of Sche- nectady county, New York, was born on the 13th of August, 1827, of Lewis B. Freeman and Mary née Young. His maternal grandfather was captain of a cavalry company during the war of 1812.
George passed the greater part of his early life in school. He attended the Carlisle Academy, and
prepared for college at the academy at Princeton, closing his studies there in 1844. Later he con- tinued his studies and graduated from Galesville University in 1860, while Judge Gale was president of that institution, receiving the degree of LL.1). Prior to this, when he first became a resident of Wisconsin, he was for a time engaged in the study of law with Judge Gale, of Elkhorn; and afterward,
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returning to the East, finished his law studies with Judge Dwight Waterman, of New York city, and was there admitted to the bar in September, 1858. In the following year he returned to Trempealeau county, Wisconsin, and settling at Galesville estab- lished himself in his profession, and by persistent, honest effort has built up an extensive and a lucra- tive practice, and is recognized as one of the leading lawyers in his judicial circuit. His practice extends not only through his own, but also through several adjoining counties. He has for the most part con- ducted his business alone, but is now a member of the firm of Freeman and Mulligan, his partner being Mr. M. Mulligan, a promising young attorney. As a speaker Mr. Freeman is fluent and impressive, and is both a fair court lawyer and especially powerful before a jury. In 1864 he was elected district attor- ney, and afterward reëlected for a second term.
He is a man of close observation, and has gathered a large fund of valuable information on various sub- jects, which, together with other gentlemanly qual- ities, give to him a high standing in the social circle.
Although now rounding up his fifty years, time seems to have dealt gently with him, and his gen- · eral appearance would indicate him to be a much younger man. Mr. Freeman is a member of the Masonic fraternity.
In religious sentiment he is a Presbyterian.
In politics he was formerly a whig, later a repub- lican, but at present (1877) is identified with the democratic party. He sometimes takes an active part in political canvasses, and is known as a strong reasoner and eloquent speaker.
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