The United States biographical dictionary and portrait gallery of eminent and self-made men, Wisconsin volume, Part 95

Author: American Biographical Publishing Company
Publication date: 1877
Publisher: Chicago : American Biographical Publishing Company
Number of Pages: 1108

USA > Wisconsin > The United States biographical dictionary and portrait gallery of eminent and self-made men, Wisconsin volume > Part 95

Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).

During his earlier life he had devoted his spare time to the study of medicine, entered as a student with Dr. Winslow Lewis, an eminent surgeon of Boston, in 1847, and subsequently attended lectures at the Buffalo Medical College. From youth he had a strong predilection for newspaper reading, wrote some juvenile articles, and in the winter of 1846 commenced his newspaper career as an amateur writer and correspondent. In this capacity he wrote constantly for weekly papers in Maine and Massa- chusetts, and eight years for the Boston "Daily Traveller."

On coming west for final stay he transferred his contributions to western papers, and engaged at the same time in the practice of his regular profession. In 1865 he commenced writing for the "Evening Wisconsin," of Milwaukee, which resulted in a lucra- tive offer of permanent employment by its proprie- tors, Cramer, Aikens and Cramer, as traveling cor- respondent and general agent, which, after some days' hesitation, he accepted on his own terms, entering upon his new field of duty September 6, 1866. He immediately inaugurated the system of " writing up" towns, which soon became immensely popular, and has been in practice to this day, more or less, by nearly all the papers of the Northwest. At the same time he conceived and put in practice the idea of writing, for publication, "pay notices " of various kinds of business interests, and individuals as well, which has been extensively followed by the best papers all over the country to this time.

In the spring of 1868 the Chicago "Evening Post," having become a leading republican paper under a newly organized company, with W. H. Schuyler as business manager, he received a more lucrative offer for like service on that paper, which, after long hesitation, he accepted on May 1, 1868.

On leaving their employ the proprietors of the " Wisconsin " said to him, "You can come back to us at any time you choose." In the winter of 1869 he was requested to proceed to Salt Lake and Col- orado, to write up the business interests of those then far off and little known regions, and made a very acceptable trip to Colorado, which consuming so much time, Salt Lake was, at his own option, left unvisited.

In the fall of 1870 three friends of his having purchased the Milwaukee "Sentinel," the then leading republican paper of Wisconsin, they in- duced him to accept employment on that paper November 1, 1870 ; A. M. Thompson, was editor. He reported for that paper at the State legislatures of 1871 and 1872. At the former session he aided in the successful passage of the famous Dell's improve- ment bill, and at the latter the celebrated temper- ance Graham bill, also acting as clerk of the com- mittee on the judiciary of the assembly.

In March, 1872, John Y. Scammon commenced the publication of the " Daily Inter-Ocean," Chica- go, as an organ for the Northwest of the republican party, and our subject immediately received an in- vitation to work for it in his usual capacity, and at an advanced salary became connected with it April 8, 1872, and has continued its special correspondent and general agent to the present writing. Repre- senting this paper, he has been once to Utah and twice to Colorado, writing up the mining interests of those territories, and, on the route, the agricultural progress of Nebraska. He also reported for that paper at the session of the Wisconsin legislature of 1877.

While engaged on all these newspapers, he has been eminently successful in aiding in the extension of their circulation, placing that of the "Inter- Ocean " within the States of Wisconsin, Minnesota, and northern portions of Illinois, Iowa and Michi- gan, on a permanent basis, outnumbering by large odds contemporary publications. All the papers with which he has been connected have been strong- ly republican, which coincided with his political views. He came on the stage of action an "Adams- ite " of that day, always a high-tariff advocate, an ardent whig during the existence of that party, par- ticipating actively in the celebrated campaign of 1840, becoming a republican in 1856, entering warmly into the notable presidential contest of that year.

In 1844 he became a member of Lincoln Lodge

626

THE UNITED STATES BIOGRAPHICAL DICTIONARY.

Independent Order of Odd-Fellows, Bath, Maine, and is now a member of Excelsior Lodge, Milwau- kee ; was admitted a Free and Accepted Mason in Bell City Lodge, Racine, Wisconsin, in 1868, and demitted to Independence Lodge, Milwaukee, in 1876, to which he now belongs.

Not always belonging to temperance organi- zations, yet has been a member of many of them; he has never ceased to favor that cause, and now recounts with gratification having become, in his early youth, a believer in the first temperance re- form movement led by Lyman Beecher, and has peculiar pleasure in remembering that while dealing out liquor to customers at his brother's store-all stores keeping it then - he slyly done up temper- ance tracts in the parcels of other goods sold to drinking men.

Although having a taste for the military, he re- fused repeated elections to military office while liv- ing in Maine, until the year 1869, when, the Aroos- took war breaking out, he was drafted into service as a private ; was promoted a sergeant on the spot ; was soon after advanced to the office of sergeant-

major of the regiment, and was ambitious to go to the front, until General Scott came down to Maine and settled the border difficulties, to his great dis- gust. Military matters having, by this "speck of war," become revived in that State, he served sev- eral years at annual musters at Bath with consid- erable distinction, and in 1843 was elected captain of one of the military companies of Phippsburgh, which persistent persuasion induced him reluctantly to accept, leading his company on the muster-field of that season in a style that elicited general com- mendation.

The subject of this sketch has always been blessed with remarkably good health, and is not, at advanced age, showing the weight of years; lithe in action and active in mind, of medium height, fair complexion, erect in mien; hopeful and content with the comforts of life, and wife and children around him; temperate in all things; of literary tastes and fond of books, friends and the society of refined and cultivated people; and satisfied with having attained prominence as a newspaper man and honorable standing as a citizen.

CYRUS L. HALL,

HUDSON.

C® YRUS LYMAN HALL, son of Daniel and Philena (Lyman) Hall, was born in Perry, Wyoming county, New York, September 17, 1824. His father, a farmer by occupation, moved to Ben- nington, near Attica, in the spring of 1833. There Cyrus spent his summers on the farm and his winters in school, mostly in the village of Attica, until he attained the age of seventeen, when he began to teach. At eighteen he was prepared for college, but did not enter until September, 1849, at which time he became a member of the sophomore class at Yale College, from which he graduated in 1852. On leaving college he became principal of the acad- emy at Woodbury, Connecticut, where he remained for two years, studying law meanwhile privately. He then spent part of a year in a law office in New York city, and in October, 1854, was admitted to the bar in Brooklyn. He commenced practice early in 1855, in Batavia, Genesee county, but after the ensuing autumn became principal of the public school in that village.

In the fall of 1856 Mr. Hall removed to Hudson,

Wisconsin, and opened a law and land office in com- pany with his youngest brother, T. W. Hall, with whom he was also associated in founding the " Hud- son Chronicle." The next spring he was elected city attorney, and was district attorney in 1859 and 1860; in 186r he was appointed by Governor Harvey judge of the county court, to fill a vacancy for a full term. He was afterward reëlected, hold- ing the office, in all, eight years, his term expiring December 31, 1869. Since that time he has given his attention to real estate, and especially the nego- tiating of loans, and to probate matters, more than to a regular law practice.

In politics Judge Hall is of whig antecedents; he was a more active politician in his younger than he has been in his later years, and is in no sense a partisan. He now votes the republican ticket, but never allows political matters to interfere with his legitimate business.

Mrs. Hall, whose maiden name was Josephine Bacon Walker, of Woodbury, Connecticut, is a woman of more than ordinary education and cul-

627

THE UNITED STATES BIOGRAPHICAL DICTIONARY.

ture, but, both from inclination and the force of circumstances, has found her sphere at home. She is the mother of three children, two of them now living. The elder of the two, Mary Frances, is a member of the junior class in the State University, while the younger, Charles Marshall, is a student with his father.

Judge Hall has a great taste for literary and sci- entific pursuits, and reviews the mathematical and other branches con amore, and is greatly interested in the growth of the physical sciences. He is a man of strong, active mind, and by acting up to the convictions of an honest heart, has gained the confi- dence and respect of a wide range of acquaintances.

WILLIAM WILEY, M.D.,

FOND DU LAC.

W ILLIAM WILEY is a native of Armagh, Ireland, and was born on the 11th of Febru- ary, 1823, the son of Adam and Martha Wiley. His father was a farmer by occupation, and in 1828 im- migrated to America with his family, and engaged in farming at Randolph, Vermont. William received his education at Randolph Academy, and after clos- ing his studies in school, employed his time during the summers in farm work, and taught school during the winters. Later he turned his attention to the study of medicine, defraying his expenses with the money earned by teaching, and in 1848 graduated from Castleton Medical College, Vermont. After graduating he opened an office in Northfield, Ver- mont, where he remained until 1849, when he re- moved to the West and settled in Fond du Lac, and there established himself in the practice of his pro- fession. After ten years of successful practice he sold his interests at Fond du Lac, agreeing not to practice medicine in that place for five years, and spent a short time in the South. Returning to Wis- consin, he, in 1861, established himself in his pro- fession, and in 1864 returned to Fond du Lac, where he has since been actively and successfully engaged.

Dr. Wiley is a member of the Wisconsin State Medical Society, and also of the Fond du Lac County Medical Society. In 1873 he was appoint- ed examiner of pensions.

In political sentiment Dr. Wiley has been identi- fied with the republican party since its organization in 1856.

He is not a member of any church organization, but makes it his rule of action to do unto others as he would have them do unto him.

He was married on the Ist of March, 1855, to Miss Sarah A. Henning, and by her has two sons.

Personally and socially Dr. Wiley is a man of ex- cellent qualities, and from his travels throughout the different parts of the United States he has gained an experience and a knowledge of men which are in- valuable to him in his profession, and that renders him a most esteemed companion among his hosts of friends. His success is wholly due to his own un- tiring energy. When he first arrived in Fond du Lac he had but fifty cents in his pocket, and it has been by constant effort and unremitting zeal that he has worked his way gradually up to his present high 'social and professional standing.

SAMUEL COAD, MINERAL POINT.

T HE subject of this sketch, a native of Peran- zabuloe, Cornwall, England, was born on the 2Ist of September, 1823, the eldest son of William and Ann Coad. The father died leaving a large family in poor circumstances, and at the early age of eight years Samuel was deprived of his school privileges, and put to work in the copper mines of Cornwall.

He lived with his mother until his fifteenth year, contributing liberally to her support. In 1837 she married a second husband, and by reason of un- pleasant relations which grew up between Samuel and his step-father, the former left home and went to live with his uncle. James Coad, of St. Austel, where he spent three years as a common miner in the Polyooth mines. Returning to Peranzabuloe at

628

THE UNITED STATES BIOGRAPHICAL DICTIONARY.

the expiration of that time, he worked seven years in the copper mines at that place, and in 1848 im- migrated to the United States and settled at Mineral Point, Iowa county, Wisconsin, and there engaged in mining for three years. In the spring of 1851 he went to California, and there spent two years in gold mining with good success. Returning to Min- eral Point, he remained two years with his family, but business being dull, and the prospects for money-making in California being very flattering, he went thither again, and arrived in San Francisco in August, 1855. Going thence to Grass Valley, he there engaged in mining for about one month, when, becoming dissatisfied, he went to Weaver, in Trinity county, and spent three years in successful mining operations. In 1858 he again returned to his family at Mineral Point, Wisconsin, and in the fall of the following year engaged in the produce business. At the expiration of five years he abandoned this occupation, and during the next two years devoted his attention to building. Having at the end of that time completed his buildings, he again resumed the

produce trade, and has continued it with good suc- cess until the present time (1877). His life career, though varied, has been one of marked industry and energy, and by his many-colored experiences he has acquired a knowledge of men and things, and a business tact, that enable him to lay hold of oppor- tunities and turn them to good account.

In religious sentiment Mr. Coad is a Methodist. He joined the Wesleyan Methodist church when he was twenty-three years of age, and continued a com- municant of that body until he left England. Upon his arrival at Mineral Point he united with the Methodist Episcopal church. Withdrawing from that body in 1848, he joined the Primitive Method- ists, and for nearly thirty years has been a zealous and consistent member of that denomination.

Mr. Coad was married, July 24, 1847, to Miss Fannie Truscott, eldest daughter of Andrew and Grace Truscott, and by her had two sons and one daughter. Mrs. Coad died on the 23d of July, 1863, and three years later he was married to Miss Mary Wallace of Mineral Point.

HON. HENRY D. BARRON,

ST. CROIX FALLS.

H ENRY DANFORTH BARRON is a native of Wilton, Saratoga county, New York, and was born April 10, 1833. After closing his studies in the common schools he turned his attention to the study of law, and graduated from the law school at Ballston Spa, New York, and in August, 1855, was admitted to the bar at Waukesha, Wisconsin, where he had set- tled in August, 1851.

Upon settling in Wisconsin he became editor of the " Waukesha Democrat," subsequently known as the " Waukesha Chronotype," a democratic weekly. During the administration of President Pierce he was appointed postmaster at Waukesha.

He entered upon the practice of his profession at Pepin in 1857, and continued with good success until July, 1860, when he was appointed judge of the eighth judicial circuit, to fill an unexpired term. The circuit comprised the northwestern counties of the State, including Pepin and Polk.

In September, 1861, he removed to St. Croix Falls, his present home, and in the following year was elected to the general assembly of the State, as the representative of Ashland, La Point (now

Bayfield), Bennett, Dallas (now Barron), Douglass and Polk counties. He was reelected in 1863, 1865, 1866, 1867, 1868, 1871 and 1872, and speaker of the assembly during the sessions of 1866 and 1873. He was one of the presidential electors-at-large in 1868, and president of the Electoral College of that year, and held the same position in the Electoral College of 1872. In February, 1863, Mr. Barron was elected by a joint ballot of the legislature a regent of the Wisconsin State University, an office which he has continued to hold until the present time (1877). He is also vice-president of the State Historical Society. In March, 1869, Mr. Barron was nominated by President Grant, for chief justice of Dakota Territory, but declined the honor, and in April following was appointed by the President fifth auditor of the United States Treasury. Resigning this position on the Ist of January, 1872, he took his seat in the State assembly, to which he had been elected in the fall of 1871. In May, 1871, he was appointed a trustee, for his State, of the Antietam Cemetery, by Governor Fairchild. After the expira- tion of his term in the assembly, in 1873, he was

629

THIE UNITED STATES BIOGRAPHICAL DICTIONARY.

elected to the State senate, and served as president pro tem. during the session of 1875. In the fall of 1875 he was reëlected to the senate for a term of two years, and in the spring of 1876 was elected circuit judge of the eleventh judicial circuit, com- prising the counties of Ashland, Barron, Bayfield, Bennett, Chippewa, Douglass and Pope, for a term of six years. Resigning his position in the State

senate he entered upon his judicial duties July 1, 1876.

Such is an imperfect outline of the life-history of one who may most fittingly be called a self-made man. His career has been marked throughout by earnest endeavor and an honest purpose, and he now lives in the enjoyment of that reward which inevitably follows continued noble effort.

HENRY MULBERGER, WATERTOWN.

H ENRY MULBERGER was born on the 10th of June, 1824, in the city of Spires, Germany, and is the son of John D. and Elizabeth Mulberger. His father was engaged in manufacturing.

Henry attended the common schools of his native place, and later studied in the gymnasium, and still later spent two years at the academy in Darmstadt. After closing his studies he accepted a clerkship in a woolen mill, and afterward engaged with his father in the manufacture of wool.

In 1847 he immigrated to America, landing in New York city, where he intended to engage in the importation of fine cloths, having brought thither a stock. He found, however, that the business would not warrant him in engaging in it, and accordingly abandoned it and went to Ohio, where he remained a short time.

In 1848 he removed to Wisconsin and settled at Watertown, aud engaged in the grocery business. Later he kept a stock of general merchandise. He sold his business interests in 1852, and two years later began the study of law. He was admitted to the bar in 1856, and during the following two years served as clerk for the law firm of Enos and Hall. In 1858 he became a partner in this firm, and con- tinued in that relation for two years, when he with-

drew and engaged in practice in his own name. He afterward formed a partnership with Mr. Harlow S. Orton, which continued until 1860. In 1861 he engaged extensively in farming.

Aside from his legal practice Mr. Mulberger has been honored by his fellow-citizens with many po- sitions of honor and trust. In 1853 and 1854 he was elected justice of the peace, and during the last- named year was city clerk and clerk of the munici- pal court. In 1856, 1857 and 1858 he was city attorney. In 1865 he was elected an alderman of his city, and two years later was chosen to the office of mayor. He is also a director of the Wisconsin National Bank.

In political sentiment Mr. Mulberger is a demo- crat.

He was married on the 12th of October, 1857, to Miss Matilda Wolf, and by her has two sons and three daughters.

As a lawyer Mr. Mulberger has been very suc- cessful. He has built up an extensive practice, and is regarded wherever he is known as an upright, honorable and skillful practitioner.

He has admirable personal and social qualities, and has won the respect and esteem of a large circle of true friends.

MILES MIX, M.D.,

BERLIN.

O NE of the oldest medical practitioners in Green Lake county, Wisconsin, is Miles Mix, who for twenty-seven years past has been a resident of Berlin. He began to study medicine somewhat late in life, but fitted himself thoroughly before 6S

starting in the profession; and has since been a studious, growing man, and bears a good name wherever known. A native of New York, he was born in Ripley, Chautauqua county, near the Penn- sylvania line, October 17, 1819, and is the son of

630

THE UNITED STATES BIOGRAPHICAL DICTIONARY.

Stephen Mix, a farmer, and Patience née Risdon. His parents moved to Mina, in the same county, when Miles was only four years old, and in 1836 removed to La Porte, Indiana. Miles remained at home until about nineteen, with three months' school during each year. He commenced the car- penter's trade, and worked at it six years in and near La Porte, attending a select school in that city, in the meantime, nearly a year. In 1842 he moved westward as far as Beloit, Wisconsin, where he worked for a time at his trade, and spent six months in a select school. He was in Whitewater during the summer of 1843, and in the autumn of that year went to Racine and spent two years there in a threshing-machine shop, and in overseeing a set of hands in building the harbor improvement works. Late in the year 1845 he commenced study- ing medicine with Dr. O. W. Blanchard, of Racine, and returning to La Porte in the spring of 1847, he finished his medical studies with Professor Meeker. He also attended lectures in that city, and there graduated in February, 1850. On the 12th of Au- gust of that year he settled in Berlin, and has since been steadily engaged in practice, except during the. winter of 1860-1, which he spent at Rush Medical College, Chicago, brushing up his knowledge of

medical science and surgery. He has a general practice, attending to such surgical cases as natu- rally come in his way, and in this branch of his pro- fession is especially skillful.

Dr. Mix is a Royal Arch Mason ; a republican in politics, and a member of the Baptist church, and the purity of his life has been unquestioned.

He was married on the 13th of January, 1849, to Miss Louisa E. Wheeler, of La Porte, Indiana, and by her has seven children. Edwin S., the eldest child, is married, and has a farm near Berlin; Jane Ann, the eldest daughter, is the wife of Allen Ot- terburn, of Berlin. Two of the boys are on their brother's farm, and the rest of the children are at home. Their mother, a woman of great devotion to her family, a very active Christian and a pillar of the Baptist church, always ready for any good work, died March 4, 1877. She was the young people's friend and counselor, and, a day or two before she died, had them come to her house and sing some of her favorite hymns. By old and young alike she was most warmly esteemed. The Doctor is fully sensible of his great loss, and realizes the truthful- ness of the poet's lines :

" The memory of the just Smells sweet, and blossoms in the dust."

COLONEL JOHN HANCOCK,

OSHKOSH.

T "HE subject of this sketch is a native of Athens, Bradford county, Pennsylvania, and was born on the 12th of August, 1830, the son of Jesse and Louisa Hancock. His father was a farmer and manufacturer, carrying on a successful business, and was highly respected in his community.

John received his education in his native town, and after closing his studies in school began the study of law at the same place. In 1856 he re- moved to Wisconsin, and during that year was ad- mitted to the bar at Juneau, and at once established himself in the practice of his profession at Horicon. In the following year (1857) he removed to Oshkosh, his present home, and there resumed his profession.

In April, 1861, Mr. Hancock entered the army as first lieutenant of Company E, 2d Regiment Wis- consin Volunteers, and in October following was promoted to the rank of major in the 14th Regiment Wisconsin Volunteers. In 1862 he became lieuten-

ant-colonel, and during the same year was promoted to the rank of colonel. Remaining in the service until 1863, he then, by reason of ill-health, resigned and returned to his home in Oshkosh and again resumed his profession, which he has since con- tinued to conduct with good success.

Aside from his professional duties, Colonel Han- cock has been honored by his fellow-citizens with positions of honor and trust. In 1867 he was elect- ed city attorney of Oshkosh. He was also elected deputy provost marshal for Winnebago, Outagamie and Calumet counties. He was chosen city justice in 1873, and reëlected in 1875. He is also presi- dent of the Hancock Cranberry Company.

In political sentiment Colonel Hancock is a dem- ocrat.

He is a consistent member of the Episcopal church, and heartily supports all enterprises which tend to better the condition of his fellow-men.

John Hancock

633

THE UNITED STATES BIOGRAPHICAL DICTIONARY.

He was married, February 12, 1862, to Miss Jennie Reardon ; they have two sons and two daughters.

Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.

The United States biographical dictionary and portrait gallery of eminent and self-made men, Wisconsin volume, Part 95

Author: American Biographical Publishing Company Publication date: 1877 Publisher: Chicago : American Biographical Publishing Company Number of Pages: 1108

Author: American Biographical Publishing Company
Publication date: 1877
Publisher: Chicago : American Biographical Publishing Company
Number of Pages: 1108