Sauk County, Wisconsin, Posted Biographies

TAYLOR, HARRIS: James A. TAYLOR was a native of Stark Co., OH born in 1822. Came to Wisconsin in 1844 and located in the town of Sumpter, Sauk Co., where he entered government land, improved his farm and resided on it about ten years. He move to Harrisburg and purchased another farm, improved it and remained there about 12 years at the end of which time he come to Spring Green which has been his home since. He is a large land holder and one of the most successful farmers in the County. Mr. Taylor married in Troy, this county, Miss Phoebe Harris, daughter of Jonathan W. Harris who first located the village of Harrisburg. They have five children: Louisa, wife of F. B. Davison of Grant Co., WI.; A. W., who is married and lives at Emmetsburg, Iowa. His wife was Miss Kittke Young; Charles G. married Sarah Morgan. They also resided at Emmetsburg; Alice T.; Delia. Mr. Taylor is a member of the Congregational Church. He has served the people in various local offices. Contributed by Joan Lund

ALL, HURD: WILLIAM W. ALL, farmer, Sec 4; P.O. Ironton; son of Peter and Mary All; was born in Schoharie Co., N.Y., March 25, 1818; while quite young, moved with his parents to Herkimer Co., and, when about 15 years of age, moved to Washington Co., N.Y.; here he was married, in 1843, to Phebe, daughter of Zenus Hurd; Mrs. All was born in Orville, Vt. Mr. All and family moved to Dane Co., Wis., in 1844; settled in the town of Albion; in 1853, moved to Sauk Co., town of Ironton; settled on Sec. 4; has a well-improved farm of 200 acres; they have eight children - Peter R. (was a member of Co. E, 50th W.V.I.; was married to Lydia A. Davis, and now living in Ironton), Julia M. (now Mrs. William A Wright, living in the town of Ironton). Elizabeth (now Mrs. John Markham, of Dakota), Sylvester C., Lucretia D. (now Mrs. P. Burgess of Ironton), Chloe A., Olive A. and Josephine E. Mr. All was Chairman of Ironton six years, and Treasurer of his school district two years. Contributed by Linda Wright

AUSTIN, MITCHELL: N.H. AUSTIN, Ironton; money-loaner and retired farmer; son of Peter and Rachel (Rogers) Austin; was born in Onondaga Co., N.Y., Aug. 4, 1812; commenced teaching school when 17 years of age; taught thirteen winters in succession in his native county; met LaFayette on his second visit to the United States, and was present at the celebration of the completion of the Erie Canal; came to McHenry Co., Ill, in 1843; lived there eleven years; was engaged in farming, teaching and mercantile business. Was married, in 1843, to Lucretia Mitchell, daughter of Samuel and Lucretia (Cook) Mitchell; Mrs. Austin was born in Granby, Hartford Co., Conn. Mr. Austin and family came to Sauk Co., Wis., in 1851; settled on Sec. 4, Town 12, Range 3 (now Ironton) ; has 300 acres of land. Mr. Austin was appointed Postmaster of Marston by Franklin Pierce; was the first Postmaster; the name of the office was afterward changed to Ironton; he held the office till 1861; has been Justice of the Peace four years, and is now serving in that capacity, was Chairman of Ironton in 1879; has served twelve years as Assessor. Politics, Democrat. Contributed by Linda Wright

BLAKESLEE, BALLARD: E. BLAKESLEE, merchant, Ironton Village, of the firm off E. & N. G Blakslee, dealers in general merchandise and farm produce; son of J.G. and Ruby (Bliss) Blakslee; born in the town of Fenner, Madison, Co., N.Y. May 12, 1838; when 6 years of age he went with his family to Salem, Kenosha Co., Wis., and in the spring of 1851, moved to Sauk Co., Wis; settled on Sec. 32, Town 13 north, Range 3 east, now Lavalle. He was married, March 4, 1861, in the town of Lavalle; to Mary Ballard, daughter of Hiram Ballard; they have three children - Eulella J., Charles G. and Alfred J. Mr. Blakslee enlisted in the fall of 1861, in Co. B. 12th W.V.I.; went into the service as a private, was promoted to a Lieutenant's commission in Co. H. and afterward to the Captaincy of the same company; was in all the engagements in which his regiment participated, and served till the close of the war. On his return from the army, he followed farming for a few years; in the spring of 1868, commenced in the mercantile business at Ironton. Mrs. Blakeslee died Aug. 27, 1872. Mr. B. was married, Sept. 14, 1873 to Mrs. Caroline A Swift, daughter of Lodwick and Charlotte (Smith) Huntley; Mrs. Blakslee was born in Ashtabula Co., Ohio; was married, Oct. 14, 1854, to Charles Swift, and resided at Cazenovia; they had two children - Mary L. and Lee C.; his death resulted from disease contracted while in the army; he was Quartermaster Sergeant when discharged. In 1879, Mr. Blakeslee was elected on the Republican ticket to the Wisconsin Legislature, and served during the session of 1880; is the party nominee for the same office. Contributed by Linda Wright

BLAKESLEE (N), BLANCHARD: NOAH G. BLAKESLEE, of the firm of E. & N. G. Blakeslee, Ironton, dealers in general merchandise; this firm are large dealers of butter, eggs, fruit, fresh meat and farm product; they have lately completed a commodious refrigerator, which enables them to handle perishable produce to great advantage; Mr. Blakeslee is the son of Joseph G. and Ruby (Bliss) Blakslee; born in Kenosha Co., Wis., Jan. 2, 1848, and came to Sauk Co., in 1851, with his parents; they located on Sec. 32, Town 13, Range 3, now Lavalle. He was married, August 25, 1872, at Ironton, to Mary E. Blanchard, daughter of O.C. and Hannah (Kezear) Blanchard; Mrs. Blakeslee was born in St. Lawrence Co., N.Y.; they have two children - Nellie E. and Orin G. In April, 1873, commenced his present business; has been Clerk of School District No. 2 for three years; is the present Town Treasurer of Ironton. Mr. and Mrs. B. are members of the Congregational Church. Politics, Republican. Contributed by Linda Wright

BLANCHARD, KEZAR: O.C. BLANCHARD, cabinet-maker, undertaker and bee culturist, Ironton; son of Henry and Mary (Crosby) Blanchard; born in St. Lawrence Co., N.Y., July 19, 1820. He was married, January, 1850, in his native county, to Hannah Kezar daughter of Luther Kezar; Mrs. Blanchard was born in St. Lawrence Co., N.Y. Mr. B and family came to Sauk Co., Wis., in 1854, and settled in the town of Kingston, now called Sumnter; was engaged in farming; in 1856, moved to Reedsburg, remaining there till Sept. 30, 1858, when he removed to Ironton, engaged in his present business. There are five children in the family - Mary E., now Mrs. N.G. Blakeslee (Mr. Blakeslee is the junior partner of the firm E. & N. G. Blakslee); Agnes A., Carrie M, William H. and Bertha L. Mr. Blanchard has entered into the culture of bees quite extensively, having at this time 178 swarms. Mr. and Mrs. B. are members of the Congregational Church. Mr. B. is Republican in politics. Contributed by Linda Wright

BRENIZER, WHEELER: WILLIAM H. BRENIZER, farmer, Sec. 28; P.O. Lime Ridge; son of Adam and Jane R. (Elliott) Brenizer; was born in Morrow Co., Ohio, March 29, 1845. Enlisted in July, 1864, in Co. A, 174th Ohio V.I. and served till the close of the war. He was married in Morrow Co., January. 1868, to Martha, daughter of Upton and Eliza Wheeler; she was born in Maryland. Mr. B. and family came to Wisconsin in 1870, and located on Sec. 28, town of Ironton, Sauk Co.; have 80 acres of land; they have two children - Ada and Owen; he has been Clerk of is school district on year, and Director three years. Contributed by Linda Wright

BRICE, COHOON: JOHN C. BRICE. Farmer, Sec. 35: P.O. Lime Ridge; son of Robert and Mary (Crode) Brice; was born in Dorsetshire, England, Dec. 29, 1828; came to the United States in 1848, and made his home in Waukesha Co., Wis.; lived there and in Walworth Co. till 1861; then came to Sauk Co., town or Ironton, Sec. 35; previous to this in 1855, he had been here and entered the north half of south-east quarter of Sec. 35; where he now resides. He was married Nov 22, 1862, in Ironton, to Permilla Cohoon, daughter of James and Palmyra Cohoon; there were six children born of this marriage - Henry L., Joseph T., Melvin U., James W. and Mary (twins), and Simeon B. Mr. B enlisted, in January, 1864, in Co. F, 3r W.V.C., and served till the close of the war; was discharged in October, 1865. His wife died Feb. 7, 1876. He was marred, May 3, 1878 to Emma Osburn, daughter of Joseph and Hannah (Nickerson) Osborn; she was born in Allegany Co., N.Y.; they have one child, Anna M.; he has been Treasurer of his school district for fifteen years. Mr. B. and wife are members of the Christian Church. In politics, Republican. Contributed by Linda Wright

BRYDEN, SWALLOW: DAVID BRYDEN, farmer, Sec. 5; P.O. Ironton; son of David and Jenet (Lees) Bryden; was born in Scotland, Oct. 16, 1831; came to the United States in 1854, made a short stay in Waukesha Co., Wis., and then came to Sauk Co., 1855, and settled on Sec. 28, Ironton. Was married April 26, 1859, to Julia A., daughter of Lucien Swallow. Mrs. Bryden was born in the State of New York; they have three children - David, Annie and Jessie; three died in infancy. Mr. Bryden was Justice of the Peace one term, and is the present Director of his school district. Mr. Bryden has several hundred acres of land. Contributed by Linda Wright

BUTMAN, BENJAMIN: VOLNEY A. BUTMAN, foreman of John Smith's iron works, Ironton; was born at Rochester, N.Y., May 18, 1827; son of Benjamin F. and Mary (Cook) Butman; when 4 years of age went with his family to Milan, Hudson Co., Ohio, now Erie Co. Was married, Oct. 25, 1847, at Milan, to Lucretia, daughter of Archibald and Agnes (Root) Benjamin. Mrs. Butman was born in Lewis Co., N.Y.; they have had five boys and two girls - Francis M., Mary (deceased), John S., Jennie (now Mrs. F.M. Groat, living at Lavalle), Lewis, Jonas, William (deceased), Minnie and Thomas. About 1850, Mr. B. went to Michigan, established a foundry at Lowell; after a few months moved to Waukegan, Ill., stayed there one year, then returned to Ohio, remained five years, and in 1853 came to Wisconsin; settled in Aiken, Richland Co.; from there he went to Ironton and engaged in his present business. Politics, Republican. Contributed by Linda Wright

CARR, TRUMBULL: PELEG CARR, carpenter and farmer, Sec. 33; P.O. Lime Ridge; son of Thurston and Bethana (Bailey) Carr, was born Sept. 26, 1812, in Susquehanna, Co., Penn., and at 5 years of age, went with his parents to Ashtabula, Co., Ohio; remained in that county till 22 years of age, then went to Lake Co. Was married there in 1836, Sept. 3, to Mary Trumbull, daughter of Luther Trumbull. Mrs. Carr died in 1841. Mr. Carr was married in Lake Co., Sept. 6, 1842, to Jane E. Genung, daughter of Amos and Mary (Belknapp) Genung. Mrs. C. was born in Yates Co., N.Y.; they have ten children; the eldest, Rev. Lucius G., is married to Mattie Brewster, and is the Pastor of the regular Baptist Church, at Stillman Valley, Ill.; Grocius L., living at home; Arthur E., living in Black Hills; Mary O., now Mrs. Jefferson Reynolds, living near Lone Rock, Wis.; Ozro F., living in Black Hills; Oliva A., now Mrs. John H. Clements, living in the town of Ironton; Cary, Luther A., Gilbert B. and Ada I., all living at home. In 1846, Mr. Carr and family came to Wisconsin; settled at Palmyra, Jefferson Co., Wis.; remained there till May, 1857, when he moved to Sauk Co.; located at Ironton Village, where Mr. Carr worked at his trade; in the spring of 1862, moved to his present farm, Sec. 33, Town 12, Range 3, now Ironton; has 40 acres of land. Lucius G. was a member of Co. B, 12th W.V.I.; enlisted in the fall of 1864, in Co. F, 35th W.V.I., and served one year. Mr. Carr was Chairman of the town of Washington on year, and Justice of the Peace of Ironton; has also served as District Clerk and Treasurer. Mr. and Mrs. Carr are members of the Regular Baptist Church. Contributed by Linda Wright

CLOSLEY, DONLEY: DENNIS CLOSLEY, farmer, Sec. 23; P.O. Reedsburg; son of Thomas and Susan (Kelley) Closey; was born in Country Kilkenny, Ireland, in 1813; came to the United States the year of the great fire in New York City; remained there about eleven years. He was married at Hudson, July 22, 1842, to Mary, daughter of Felix and Catherine (McGregor) Donley; she was born in the County of Antrim, Ireland; Mr. C. and family came to Wisconsin in 1845, settled in the town of Lima, Rock Co., and in October, 1850, came to Sauk Co., stopping a short time in the village of Reedsburg; he bought 160 acres in Sec. 23, Town 12, Range 3, now Ironton; here the walls of a log house were erected, and Dec. 15 the family moved, without roads or bridges to their new habitation; as they depended on the lumber which formed the shanty at Reedsburg to complete the house, they found themselves in the cold rain-storm in a house without roof or floor; one corner was covered with loose boards; here the family took shelter till the lumber could be brought to finish the house; their nearest neighbor was G. W. Gary, living three and a half miles to the south, and the next one was Mr. S. Baker, living four miles east; the first white person whom they saw was Mr. Gary, in the April of the next year. Mr. and Mrs. C. have seven children - Edward, married to Isabella Pine, living in Minnesota; John, married to Margaret Sammon, living on the same section as his father; Thomas, married to Margaret Welch; also living on the same section; William J., living at home; Felix D., living in Allegany Co., N.Y.; Catherine and Joseph, living in Chicago. Mr. Closey has been Clerk of his school district ten years. Mr. and Mrs. C. are members of the Catholic Church. Contributed by Linda Wright

COHOON (C), LYONS: CORNELIUS COHOON, farmer, Sec. 26; P.O. Reedsburg; son of James and Palmyra (Baird) Cohoon; was born in Illinois Oct. 14, 1853; lived there till 3 years of age, then came to Sauk Co., Wis., town of Ironton; is located on Sec. 26, and has 20 acres of land. He was married Nov. 15, 1875, at Ironton, to Alice, daughter of Harvey and Susan Lyons; she was born in Wisconsin; they have three children - Daisy, Gertrude and Ralph. Contributed by Linda Wright

COHOON (J), BAIRD: JAMES COHOON, farmer, Sec. 25; P.O. Reedsburg; son of Stephen and Margaret (Cole) Cohoon; was born in the State of New York Sept. 2, 1814; while quite young went to Erie Co., Penn., with his parents, and from there to Delaware Co., Ohio. He was married March 2, 1835, to Palmyra, daughter of Victor and Mary E. (Potter) Baird; she was born in Orange Co., N.Y.; they have had twelve children - William M., deceased; Polly A., now Mrs. William O. Horton, residing in the town of Washington; Henry L., married to Sarah Wheeler, and living in Nebraska; Permilla, deceased, was the wife of John C. Brice; Mary E., now Mrs. J.T. Pollock, of Tuckerville; Rebecca, deceased; Amanda J., deceased was the wife of Andrew Simmons; Cornelius, married to Alice Lyons, living in the town of Ironton; Simeon B., married to Martha Mallet, and living in Nebraska; Elijah, deceased; Ethel Euphrasia, now Mrs. Fred Mois, residing at Lloyd, Wis., and Hezekiah. In 1847, Mr. C. and family came to Dodge Co., Wis., and settled at Rubicon; remained in this town for about four years, then went to Illinois; stayed there about ten years, and returned to Rubicon; after a farther residence in that place of two years, the family moved to Sauk Co. and settled on Sec. 25, where they now reside; they have 60 acres of land; on coming to Sauk Co. they bought enough clothing and provisions to last them three years; not having lumber to roof their log house with, they covered it with hay; one day in the following March the hay roof took fire, and the house, with almost its entire contents, was burned; Mr. C. was sick with a fever at the time; as he did not recover early enough to make any clearing or put in any crop that year, the family had a hard struggle for existence; shortly after this, Mrs. Cohoon, began to lose her eyesight, and in a few years had become perfectly blind; after several years of darkness, she recovered her sight, this hopeful deliverance was almost immediately followed by a misfortune no less terrible; a cancer appeared on her face, which, though partially cured, will in any event leave her fearfully disfigured; under all these afflictions, Mrs. C. is cheerful and happy, in fact she is jolly; Dickens' Mark Tapley is entirely eclipsed by her; if it is her religion that sustains her, it is a pity there are not more of the same sort in the land. Mr. & Mrs. Cohoon are members of the Christian Church. Contributed by Linda Wright

CORBIN, WILLIAMS: E.T. CORBIN, was born Jan 6, 1805, in Vermont. He was married in 1828, to Philletta Williams; had four children by this marriage, none of whom are living; Mrs. C. died in 1838. May 4, 1832, Mr. C. moved to Toledo, Ohio. He was married, Aug. 3, 1845 in New York, to Mrs. France, sister of his first wife; they had two children, one of whom, Seneca, is living. In 1859, Mr. C. and family came to Wisconsin; settled in Fairfield, Sauk Co., and in the spring of 1864, came to Ironton, Sec. 27, where he now resides. He has 40 acres of land; is a member of the Christian Church, and Republican in politics. When Mr. C. came to Toledo, there were only eleven white people living there. Contributed by Linda Wright

CORBIN, EMERY: SENECA CORBIN, farmer, Sec. 27; P.O. Lime Ridge; son of E.T. and Esther (Williams) Corbin; born in Erie Co., N.Y. Sept 20, 1846; while quite young he moved with his parents to Lenawee Co., Mich.; resided there till 12 years of age, then went to Iowa, and two years after came to Baraboo, Sauk Co., Wis. (1859); lived there about two years, and then went to Dellona. Feb. 29, 1864, he enlisted in Co. B, 36th W.V.I. and served till the close of the war; was taken prisoner June 1, 1864; was eight days at Libby Prison; three and a half months at Andersonville; then moved to Savannah, Ga., and held there about three weeks; from there to Mellen, Ga.; from there to Blackshear Station, and from there to Charleston, S.C., where, with a number of other prisoners, he was exposed to the fire of the Federal vessels. From Charleston, he was removed to Florence S.C., and on the 13th of December, 1864, was paroled and rejoined the army about the time of Lee's surrender. He was married in the town of Washington, Dec. 13, 1866 to Adelia M. Emery, daughter of Harrison Emery. Mrs. Corbin was born in New York; they have five girls and one boy - Mary E., David E., Cora B., Ada E., Maud M., one unnamed and Ellas E., (deceased). Mr. C. came to Ironton and settled on his present farm, July 16, 1865; his 80 acres of land, situated on Secs. 27 and 34. He has served as Supervisor four years, and is now on the fifth; has been District Clerk one term, and is now serving the second; was the United States Census Enumerator for Ironton for 1880. Politics, Republican. Contributed by Linda Wright

DOYON, HERRICK: M. RANSOM DOYON, Superintendent of the John F. Smith Iron-Works, Ironton; son of John and Arvilla (Darling) Doyon; born in Frankling, Co.,Vt., Dec. 18, 1845; when 20 years of age, he moved to Chittenden Co., Vt. He was married, Oct. 19, 1869, to Amelia Herrick, daughter of Moses D. and Jennette S. Herrick. Mrs. Doyon was born in Milton, Vt.; they have three children - Charles H., Jennette H. and Bertrand H. Mr. Doyon was engaged in the mercantile business in Vermont till 1878., when he came to Wisconsin; located at Ironton, and after the death of Mr. John F. Smith, was made Superintendent of the Iron-Works. A sketch of Iron-Works and mine is given in the history of the town. Contributed by Linda Wright

FISCHER, LOUDEZ - LAUDEZ: V. FISCHER, farmer, Sec. 22; P.O. Ironton; son of Joseph and Elizabeth Fischer; born in Paris, France, June 12, 1820; when 16 years of age, he engaged in the stock business and in pursuit of his calling traveled through the principal countries of Europe. He was a soldier of the French army; served eight years in Africa. On his return to France, he was married, in May 1854, near Paris to Malinda Laudez, daughter of John Baptiste Loudez; they have seven children - August, married to Bertha Dardle, and residing in Appleton; Alexander, married to Mary Hunt, and residing in the town of Ironton; Elizabeth, now Mrs. William Humphrey, living in Dakota; Mary, now Mrs. Enos Baldrigde, Ironton; Elizabeth, now Mrs. William Humphrey, living in Dakota; Mary, now Mrs. Enos Baldridge, living in Ironton; Herman Melina and Alfred are at home. Mr. Fischer and family came to the United States in 1857; made there home in Pittsfield, Mass; remained there till 1863, then came to Wisconsin; spent a year in Bear Valley, Sauk, Co., and then came to Ironton, Sec. 22, where he now resides; has 200 acres of land. The first three years of his residence here was engaged in burning coal for the Ironton Furnace, since when he has applied himself to his farm; has 100 acres under cultivation. He has served as Director of Clerk of his school district, No. 7 one term each. Contributed by Linda Wright

GRAY (L), MASON: LLEWELLYN (sic) G. GRAY, wagon-maker and carpenter, Ironton; son of Lewis and Elizabeth (Pulver) Gray; born in Waukesha Co., Wis., June 13, 1853; moved to Juneau Co. while quite young, with his parents; lived there till 1870, then came to Sauk Co., Wis,; settled in the town of Ironton. He was married, April 9, 1876, in the town of Ironton, to Elizabeth Mason, daughter of Nathan and Elizabeth (Meek) Mason. Mrs. G. was born in Richland Co., Wis.; they have one child - Martin. Mr. Gray came to Ironton Village in 1877; is now in the employ of the John Smith Iron-Works. He has been Town Clerk one year, and is now serving the second term. Politics, Republican. Contributed by Linda Wright

GRAY (L), MASON: ABRAHAM GRIFFIN, farmer, Sec. 16, P.O. Ironton; son of John and Mary Chapman Griffin; born in Lincolnshire, England, Feb. 7, 1833; came to the United States in 1847; made his home in Lake Co., Ill. He was married there March 2, 1854, to Henrietta LaGrange, daughter of Henry and Elizabeth (Cross) LaGrange. Mrs. Griffin was born in Cleveland, Ohio; they have seven children living - George H., Rachel H., now Mrs. Arthur Hind, living in Kansas; Ida M., Henry C., Willie W., Frederic L. and Clifford E.; John F. (deceased). In November, 1861, came to Sauk Co., Wis.; settled on Sec. 16; has 120 acres of land. Mr. Griffin enlisted, Feb. 23, 1864, in Co. K. 35th W.V.I. and served till the close of the war. He was Assessor of Ironton two years, and Clerk of School District No 4, seven years. Contributed by Linda Wright

GROAT, SPURR: REV. FREDERIC J. GROAT. Sec. 4; P.O. Ironton; has been a minister of the Christian Church about twelve years; son of Frederic and Cornelius (Spurr) Groat' born in Herkimer Co., N.Y. July 13th, 1822; while quite young, he moved with his mother to Columbia Co., N.Y.; when about 10 years of age, he moved to Berkshire Co., Mass.; remained there about eleven years, then went to Brown Co., N.Y. and lived there six years. He was married Oct. 22, 1846 to Mrs. Clarissa Groat; widow of his brother, Jacob Groat; Mrs. Groat is the daughter of Cornelius and Rachel (Newman) Spurr; Mrs. Groat was born in Lenox, Berkshire, Co., Mass.; she had one son by her first marriage - William H.; he was a member of Co., A. 6th W.V.I.; re-enlisted as a veteran in the 35th W.V.I.,. and died near Vicksburg. Mr. and Mrs. Groat remained in Brown Co about three years, and then came to Dodge Co., Wis., town of Lowell; spent one year in this town; then came to Reedsburg, Sauk Co., in the spring of 1849, and to Ironton, Sec. 4, the following fall; have 115 acres of land; they have six children - Francis M. (married to Jenny Butman, residing in Ironton; teacher by occupation), Camelia (now Mrs. Walter Roys, living in Lavalle), Ester (now Mrs. William Burchell of Lavelle), Mary, Ella and Ina. Mr. Groat has been Justice of the Peace two terms; he enlisted, in September, 1861, in Co. B, 12th W.V.I.; re-enlisted as a veteran, and served in all four years, lacking a month; he was a Sergeant. Politics, Republican. Contributed by Linda Wright

HARRISON, CHESTER: JAMES HARRISON, farmer, Sec. 3; P.O. Ironton; son of George and Martha (Bottomley) Harrison; born in Bradford, Yorkshire, England, May 10, 1828. He was married in England in the fall of 1847 to Mary Chester; one child was born of this marriage, who died in infancy; Mrs. Harrison died in 1848; the same year, Mr. Harrison moved to the United States; lived in Massachusetts one years, and then came to Sauk Co. Wis., and settled on Sec. 34, Township 13, Range 3, now Lavalle; was married in 1856, to Martha Pearson, daughter of Manelious Person; Mrs. Harrison was born in England; twelve children were born of this marriage, of whom eleven are living - Johanna (deceased), Amanda (now Mrs. Bert Lawrence, living in Wonewoc) Ambrozine, Isaac, Charles G., Sarah, Manelious, Edward, Bertha, Johanna, Minnie and George. In 1868, he settled on his present farm, Sec. 3, Ironton; has 77 acres; served in the war in Co. K, 18th W.V.I., from the fall of 1864 till the close of the war; has been a member of the Town Board four years, and is now acting in that capacity. Contributed by Linda Wright

HERRICK (HARRICK), SMITH (J): MOSES D. HERRICK, Ironton village; son of Elijah and Polly (Davis) Harrick; was born in Milton, Chittenden Co., Vt., July 17, 1820; engaged in mercantile business in early manhood. Was married in November, 1846, to Janette Smith; daughter of Frederic and Janette (Strowbridge) Smith; she was born in Irasburg, Vt.; they have two children - Amelia, now Mrs. M.R. Doyon, residing in Ironton; Geneva S., residing at home Mrs. Herrick's brother, Mr. John. F. Smith, made his sister and her daughters his principal heirs. Mrs. Herrick is sole proprietor of the John Smith Iron Works, of Ironton, and of about 5,000 acres of land in the town of Ironton. In 1879, Mr. Herrick and family moved to Wisconsin, village of Ironton, Sauk Co., Mr. H. was Postmaster of Milton, Vt., fourteen years, and resigned at the time of departure for Wisconsin. Politics, Republican. For description of the Iron Works, see county and town history. Contributed by Linda Wright

HUMPHRY (MRS.GEORGE), DONLEY (N): MRS. NANCY HUMPHRY, widow of George Humphry, Sec. 23; P.O. Reedsburg; daughter of Felix and Catharine (McGregor) Donley; was born in the city of Glasgow, Scotland; came to the United States in 1835. Was married May 10, 1845, in Hudson, N.Y., to George Humphry; they moved at once to Whitewater, Wis.; after a residence there of five years, came to Sauk Co. in 1850, settled on Sec. 23, and bought 160 acres of land. Mr. Humphry was born in Yorkshire, England, in 1822, and came to the United States when about 18 years of age; they had seven children - William, married to Eliza Fischer, and living in Minnesota; Isabella, deceased; Mary, now Mrs. Oscar Dixon, living in Minnesota; George, married Miss D. Evans; living in the village of Ironton; Nelson, deceased; Esmerelda, now Mrs. L.N. Larue, living in the town of Ironton; and Catharine, deceased. Mr. Humphry died, and was buried Feb. 20, 1864, together with his youngest child, Isabella; another child had been buried only four days previous - such was the havoc typhoid fever had wrought in this family. Contributed by Linda Wright

JESSOP (J), GRUNSHAW: JOHN JESSOP, farmer, Sec. 3; P.O. Ironton; son of John and Mary (Saville) Jessop; was born in Brairley, Yorkshire, England, the last Tuesday in July, 1820; came to America arriving in New York, May 2, 1849, and in Sauk Co. May 17, same year; settled on Sec. 3, Town 12 north, Range 3 east now Ironton; helped to organize the town of Marston, of which the present town of Ironton then formed a part. Mr. Jessop was married Oct. 22, 1862, in Ironton, to Mrs. Betsey Markham, daughter of Amos and Mary (Greenwood) Grunshaw; Mrs. Jessop was born in Lancashire, England; came to the United States in 1827. Was married February, 1838, at Fall River, Mass, to James Markham; they had six children - Mary, deceased; Sarah, now Mrs. R.R. Gatley; John, married to Elizabeth All, and living in Dakota; in 1855, Mr. Markham went to Chicago on business, and has never been heard from since by his family; Mrs. Markham took care of her children, and saved a few hundred dollars, with which she came to Wisconsin in 1862. Mr. John Jessop was one of the very earliest settlers in Ironton; a couple of hunters were his only neighbors within the limits of the present town of Ironton the first year of his residence here; he has 140 acres of land; they have two adopted children - John J. Cludeary and Ella Atkinson. Contributed by Linda Wright

KENWORTHY (K), BRADE: KENARD KENWORTHY, deceased; was the son of George and Ann (Jones) Kenworthy; was born in Yorkshire, England, April 13, 1814. Was married in England on Easter Monday April, 1834, to Catharine Brade, daughter of John and Alice (Wogding) Brade; Mrs. K. was born in Lancaster, England; Mr. K and family came to the United States in 1849; settled in Philadelphia; Mr. K. was a cotton warper by trade, remained in Philadelphia about eight years; in March, 1856, came to Sauk Co., Wis.; settled on Sec. 32, Ironton; bought 80 acres of land; there are six children living - George K., married to Martha (a ward of her aunt's); Emily, now Mrs. George Law, living in Iowa; Alfred, married to Celia E. Crouch, and living on the homestead; Mary E., now Mrs. Peter Inman, living in Iowa, and Thomas J., living in Iowa; Mr. Kenworthy died April 12, 1878; one son (John) was a member of Co. H, 22d W.V.I., and died in hospital near Vicksburg. Contributed by Linda Wright

KESTER (C), KING: CHARLES M. KESTER, farmer, Sec. 25; P.O. Reedsburg; is the son of William W. and Susan R. (Washburn) Kester; was born in Morrow Co., Ohio, July 22, 1842; when 13 years of age came to Sauk Co., Wis., with his parents, who settled on Sec. 36, Ironton. He enlisted in the fall of 1861, in Co., F, 3d W.V.C., Capt. Vittum, and served a little less than three years; was injured at Camp Barstow, Janesville, Wis., which eventually caused his discharge. He was married at Reedsburg, Oct. 4, 1866, to Mrs. Julia A. Ford, daughter of L.D. King; she was born in Jefferson Co., N.Y.; was married Feb. 28, 1855, to Amos Ford in Dodge Co., Wis.; two children were born of this marriage - Mary E., now Mrs. Fred Banks, residing in Nebraska, and S. Lorenzo, located in Nebraska; Mr. Ford was killed July 2, 1864, at the battle of Atlanta; Mrs. Kester's people came to Wisconsin in 1854 and settled in the town of Trenton, Dodge Co. Mr. and Mrs. Kester have two children - one girl called X, and a son Charles Earle. Mr. K. has a well-improved farm of 80 acres on Sec. 25, with good buildings; has 60 acres under cultivation. In politics, he is a Republican. Contributed by Linda Wright

LAUGHNEY (R), MOORE, MCDONALD: ROGER LAUGHNEY, farmer, Sec. 26; P.O. Reedsburg; son of Patrick and Ann (Darcy) Laughney; was born in County Mayo, Ireland, in February, 1802. Was married, in 1837, to Mary Moore; Mrs. Laughney died one and a half years after her marriage; in 1840, Mr. L. was married to Bridget McDonald; there were seven children born of this marriage - John (a farmer, living at home), Mary (now Mrs. O'Mally - widow; her husband was killed in the iron-ore bed at Ironton, by the fall of a body of ore, Oct. 4, 1872), Patrick J. (married Mary Davlin; residing at Pittsburgh, Penn., where he is engaged in the wholesale dry-goods business); Sarah (now Mrs. Thomas Moran - widow; Mrs. Moran keeps the Grand Central Hotel at Emlenton, Venango Co., Penn), Ann (now Mrs. John Timlin, widow, living in Kilbourn) Bridget (deceased), Jennie (now Mrs. Thomas J. Flynn, living in Pennsylvania; Mr. F. is engaged in the mercantile business. Mr. Laughney and family came to the United States in 1864; settled in the town of Ironton, Sauk Co., Wis; has 160 acres of land situated of Sec. 26. Contributed by Linda Wright

LAWRENCE (C), NEWTON: CHARLES J. LAWRENCE, farmer, Sec. 27; P.O. Ironton; son of Robert and Sarah Lawrence; was born in England; came to the United States in 1853; located in Lake Co, Ill. Was married in November, 1859, to Eliza Newton, daughter of John and Eliza Newton. Mrs. L. was born in England; they have six children - Ezra, Julia A., Lucius, Matilda, Albert and Luther. Mr. Lawrence and family came to Sauk Co., Wis., Sept 1, 1863, settled on Sec. 27, Ironton; they have 80 acres of land. Mr. L. enlisted in February, 1864, in Co. K, 35th W.V.I. Is Republican in politics. Contributed by Linda Wright

LAWRENCE (T), WIDNER: THOMAS F. LAWRENCE, farmer, Sec. 21; P.O. Ironton, son of Robert and Sarah (Jackson) Lawrence; was born in Lincolnshire, England, July 6, 1836; came to the United States in July, 1856; made his home in the town of Pleasant Prairie, Kenosha Co., Wis.; the next five years were spent in the several States of Wisconsin, Illinois, Missouri and Minnesota; in November, 1861, came to Sauk Co., Wis.; settled on Sec. 21, has 80 acres. Was married, Oct. 8, 1863, in Ironton, to Sarah M. Widner, daughter of Samuel and Mary Widner. Mrs Lawrence was born near Rochester, Genesee Co., N.Y.; they have four children - George A., Robert H., Thomas F and Irwin A. Mr. L. enlisted Feb. 14, 1865, in Co. F, 49th W.V.I.; served till the close of the war. Has been Clerk of School District No. 3 for three years; is the present Clerk. Politics, Republican. Mrs. Lawrence and eldest son are members of the Regular Baptist Church. Contributed by Linda Wright

NEWMAN (P), DONLEY: PATRICK NEWMAN, farmer, Sec. 23; P.O. Reedsburg; son of William and Ellen (Keenan) Newman; was born in County Longford, Ireland, in 1828; came to the United States in 1850; made his home in Brooklyn, N.Y., for fifteen years. He was married, June 23, 1861, to Catherine, daughter of Felix and Catharine (McGregor) Donley; she was born in Ireland; they have three children - Ellen, Edward and Katie. In 1865, he moved to Allegany Co., N.Y.; after a residence there of four years, he came to Sauk Co., Wis., and settled on Sec., 23; they have 80 acres of land. Mr. Newman has been Treasurer of his School District nine years. Contributed by Linda Wright

RENAUD, BEUCHAT: FREDERIC RENAUD, farmer, Sec. 21; P.O. Ironton; son of George and Elizabeth Renaud; was born in Eastern France, Aug 2, 1835; came to the United States in October, 1853, and settled in Connecticut; lived there one year, then went to Massachusetts, and in 1838, came to Sauk Co., Wis., and bought his farm on Sec. 21; has 120 acres. Returned to Massachusetts, and was married there, Nov. 19, 1861, to Judy, daughter of Henry Beuchat; she was born in Switzerland; right after the marriage, Mr. and Mrs. Renaud came to Sauk Co., Wis., to their present home; they have eight children - Rosa L., Alina E., Mary E., Flora V., Alice L., Frederic A., Frank O and Maud. Mr. R. has 90 acres under cultivation. Contributed by Linda Wright

REYNOLDS, RIDDLE: EZRA B. REYNOLDS, farmer, Sec. 33; P.O. Lime Ridge; son of Richard and Cynthia (Kimball) Reynolds; was born in Oswego Co., N.Y., Dec. 29, 1817. He was married Oct. 30, 1851, in Oswego Co., to Elizabeth Crysler Riddle; she was born in Canada. In 1857, Mr. R. and family moved to Wisconsin, and settled in Dane Co.; lived there about five and a half years, and, March 1, 1862, came to Sauk co., and settled on Sec. 33, Ironton; have 40 acres of land. Aug. 13, 1862, Mr. R. enlisted in Co. H, 23rd W.V.I., served about eleven months, and was discharged for disability. Mr. and Mrs. R. have five children - Aretus E., living in Dakota; Cynthia M., now Mrs. John Delmore, living in North Freedom; Emogene, now Mrs. E. Tupper, living in Honey Creek; Alice E. and Jesse; the three elder were born in the State of New York, the younger in Wisconsin. In politics, Mr. R. is a Republican. Mrs. Reynolds is a member of the Methodist Church. Contributed by Linda Wright

SANDS, ATKINSON: CHARLES H. SANDS, farmer, Sec. 9; P.O. Ironton; son of Nathaniel and Jane (Weyart) Sands; was born in the town of Benton, Yates Co., N.Y., Sept. 30, 1830; while quite young, went with his family to Cayuga Co., N.Y., where he remained till 16 years of age; Aug. 29, 1846, he came to Wisconsin; the family located in Walworth Co.; after a residence there of three years, they removed to Dane Co., and, in the spring of 1853, Mr. Sands came to Sauk Co. He was married, Jan. 5, 1854, in Ironton, to Elizabeth A. Atkinson, daughter of John Atkinson; there were seven children born of this marriage - Jane (now Mrs. A. Hughes, residing in the village of Ironton) George G., Orin L., Annie, Charles H., Willie and Arvin C. Mr. Sands located on Sec. 5, Town 12, Range 3, now Ironton; resided there till 1864; in the spring of that year, moved to his present farm on Sec. 9, same town; has 155 acres. In March, 1863, he enlisted in Co. E, 50th W.V.I., and served till April, 1866; was Town Treasurer of Ironton several years, and Supervisor three and four years; was Chairman in 1863 and 1864, and is the present Chairman (1880); has served as School District Clerk four years, and is the present Director of Joint School District No. 2. His wife died Feb. 15, 1872. He was married, Sept. 25, 1873, in Ironton, to Mrs. Susan Bostwick, widow of Charles Bostwick, and daughter of Anthony Emily; she had three children by the first marriage - Isa, now Mrs. Howard Wickersham, living in Dakota; Willie, living in Minnesota and Nelson, at home. Contributed by Linda Wright

SMITH, WHELLER: EPHRAIM T. SMITH, blacksmith and farmer, Sec. 34; P.O. Lime Ridge; son of Oliver and Deborah (Thomas) Smith; was born in Rutland, Vt, Aug. 19, 1826; remained in his native country till 10 years of age, then came to Ohio with his parents, who made their home in Delaware Co.; lived there about eight years, and spent two in traveling in Indiana. Was married in Delaware Co., Dec. 2, 1845, to Betsey Wheeler, daughter of Lyman and Mahala Wheeler. Mrs. Smith was born in Onondaga Co., N.Y.; they have nine children - Albert U. (married to Mary Johnson, living in the town of Washington), John L. (married to Ellen Selden, residing in Ironton) Melissa A. (now Mrs. H. St. John, living in Woodland), Jeremiah, Mabala R. (now Mrs S.Z. Hudson, living in Baraboo), Joseph E., Clarinda I., Emmet D.F. (living in Woodland) and Malinda V. Mr. Smith came to Sauk Co., Aug. 1, 1855, and settled on Sec. 34; has 80 acres of land. In February, 1865, he enlisted in Co. A, 49th W.V.I.; served till the close of the war. He has been Supervisor of his town one years; was the first Clerk of his school district, and is the present Treasurer. In politics, Republican. Mr. and Mrs. Smith are members of the Christian Church. Contributed by Linda Wright

STANSFIELD, MARSHALL: ABRAM STANSFIELD, farmer, Sec. 3; P.O. Ironton; son of John and Susan (Dobson) Stansfield; born in Yorkshire, England, Dec. 1, 1813. He was married in Yorkshire, in 1838, to Grace Marshall, daughter of William and Anna Marshall; Mrs. Stansfield was born in Yorkshire, England; they had two children, of whom only one is living - William; Susannah, deceased. Mr. Stansfield and family came to the United States in 1849; made his home in New York City for about three years, then went to Massachusetts and remained one year, then came to Sauk Co., Wis., and settled in Sec. 3, Ironton; has 40 acres of land. Mr. Stansfield was Clerk of his school district three years. William enlisted, in the fall of 1861, in Co, 3 W. V. C.; went into the service as a private, and was promoted to the position of Quartermaster Sergeant; served three years and three months. Mr. and Mrs. Stansfield are members of the Regular Baptist Church. Contributed by Linda Wright

STOWE, BATTY: George Stowe, farmer and proprietor cheese factory, Sec. 6; P.O. Ironton; is the son of William E. and Sarah B. (Dunn) Stowe; born in Lincolnshire, England, Oct. 3, 1830. He was married Jan. 23, 1857, to Sarah Batty, daughter of William and Rebecca (Kirk) Batty; Mrs. Stowe was born in Lincolnshire, England; they have four girls - Lizzie A., Sarah L. (now Mrs. George Wickesham, of Ironton), Mary A. and Minnie R. Mr. Stowe and family came to the United States in May, 1857, and made their home in Madison Co., N.Y.; he was engaged in cheese-making at Bouckville; manufactured 335,000 pounds of cheese annually; after a residence of five years in the place, the family moved to the town of Eaton, same county; lived there about eleven years, and then came to Wisconsin in April, 1873; settled on Sec. 6, town of Ironton; has 341 acres of land; in 1874, he started a small cheese factory on Sec. 6; makes about three tons of cheese a year. Contributed by Linda Wright

STOWE (N), MAW: N. STOWE, farmer, Sec. 5; P.O. Ironton; son of William E. and Sarah B. (Dunn) Stowe; born in Lincolnshire, England, Aug. 11, 1822. He was married in May, 1847, to Ann, daughter of Thomas and Mary Maw; they have two boys and two girls - Sarah B. (now Mrs. E. Stanley, living in Iowa), Mary J. (now Mrs. Charles Noble, of Ironton), William F. and George W., at home. Mr. Stowe came to the United States in June, 1847; made his home in Bouckville, Madison Co., N.Y., where he was engaged in distilling; in the fall of 1859, he came to Wisconsin and settled in Sauk Co., town of Woodland, Sec. 28; was Chairman of that town from 1862 to 1865. Mr. Stowe offered himself three times as a volunteer soldier, and was rejected; finally he was drafted and taken, in February, 1865, and served till the close of the war. In 1867, he came to Ironton and settled on Sec. 5, where he now resides; he has a well-improved farm of 235 acres; within a week after coming to Ironton, he was elected Supervisor, and the next year was elected Chairman; has served in that capacity since that time, with the exception of three years; has served as Justice of the Peace several years, and Town Treasurer two years; was elected Superintendent of the Poor for the north district of Sauk Co., in 1879, and is now serving in that capacity. Contributed by Linda Wright

VAN LOON, WELLS: V.L. VAN LOON, blacksmith, wagon and carriage maker, Ironton; son of Abram and Sarah (Colier) Van Loon; born in Steuben Co., N.Y., May 1, 1832; when 14 years of age, he went to Penn Yan, Yates Co., and served three years learning the blacksmithing trade; traveled in Canada, New York, Pennsylvania and other States as a journeyman blacksmith; came to Wisconsin in the fall of 1871; engaged with John F. Smith as blacksmith. He was married, June 16, 1873, in the town of Ironton, to Mary J. Wells, daughter of Thomas and Susan M. (Bond) Wells. Mrs. Van Loon was born in Ironton; they have two children - Frank and Susan M. Mrs. V. is a member of the Methodist Church. In the fall of 1874, Mr. Van Loon opened his present shop; has nine lots and two houses. Politics, Democrat. Contributed by Linda Wright

WESTON, BEAL: AARON WESTON, Sec. 26; P.O. Reedsburg; son of John and Ann (Payne) Weston; born in Sussex, England, Dec. 3, 1825; came to the United States in 1849, and settled in Oneida Co., N.Y. He was married in that county, May 23, 1850, to Charlotte Beal, daughter of John and Ann (Hones) Beal; Mrs. Weston was born in Sussex, England. In 1851, they moved to Wisconsin, settled in Neosha, Dodge Co., and two years after came to Sauk Co.; located at Reedsburg till 1866, and then came to Ironton, Sec. 26; they have 120 acres of land. In 1864, Mr. Weston enlisted in Co. B, 3d W.V.I.; was injured by a fall, and was discharged at McClellan Hospital, Pennsylvania, July 12, 1865, for disability; there are five children in the family - John; Anna, now Mrs. Benjamin Doty, living in Baraboo; Albert, married to Jane Oler, living in the town of Ironton; Charles and Frank. Mr. Weston has been Clerk of his school district in Reedsburg one term. Politics, Republican. Contributed by Linda Wright

WHEELER (U), DEARHOLT: MRS. ELIZA WHEELER, Sec. 31; P.O Lime Ridge; widow of Upton G. Wheeler, daughter of Henry and Nancy Dearholt; born in Baltimore Co., Md. He (sic) was married, June 30, 1839, to Upton G. Wheeler; has had five children - Elizabeth, now Mrs. H.H. Brenizer, of the town of Ironton; William H. was a member of Co. C, 96th O.V.I.; was killed in Louisiana, Nov. 3, 1863, at the battle of Cache Bayou; Martha A., now Mrs. W.H. Brenizer, of the town of Ironton. In 1850, the family moved to Monroe Co., Ohio. Mr. Wheeler was a blacksmith by trade; his death occurred in 1851. Mrs. Wheeler and family moved to Wisconsin in 1870; settled on Sec. 31, Ironton, where they now reside; they have 80 acres of land. Mrs. Wheeler is a member of the Free-Will Baptist Church. Contributed by Linda Wright

WHEELER (H), BENSON: HENRY WHEELER, farmer, Sec. 35; P.O. Lime Ridge; son of Nelson and Emeline (Warner) Wheeler; born in the State of New York May 3, 1836; when about 2 years of age his parents moved to Morrow Co., Ohio; resided there about nineteen years, and then moved to Wisconsin in July, 1854; settled on Sec. 35, Township 12, Range 3, now Ironton. His father, Mr. Nelson Wheeler, entered 360 acres of land, which Henry has 82 acres, where he now resides. Mr. Henry Wheeler was married Oct. 13, 1861, in the town of Ironton, to Electa Benson, daughter of Almeron and Lucinda (Stanton) Benson; they have four children - William, Orton, Elias and Emeline. Mr. Wheeler is proprietor of a J.I. Case Eclipse Threshing Machine; he has been engaged in threshing about twenty-eight years. Contributed by Linda Wright

WHEELER (L), BLAKESLEE: LEANDER WHEELER, farmer, Sec. 35; P.O. Lime Ridge; son of Nelson and Emeline Wheeler, born in Morrow Co., Ohio, July 10, 1839; came to Wisconsin with his parents, July 13, 1854; settled on Sec. 35, Town 12, Range 3; has 190 acres. He was married, Nov. 8, 1863, to Phebe Blakeslee, daughter of J.G. Blakeslee; they have six children living, have lost one; those living are Nelson, Walter, Arthur, Hattie and Mattie; the last two are twins, 5 years old, and so nearly alike that their teacher cannot tell one from the other; Herbert and Ruby E. (deceased). Mr. Wheeler has been Clerk of the School District six years; Director one term, and now serving a second. In politics, Republican. Contributed by Linda Wright

WHEELER (N), WARNER: NELSON WHEELER, deceased; son of F.E. Wheeler, was born in Onondaga Co., N.Y., in 1811. He was married to Emeline Warner, of New York, and moved to Ohio in 1838; lived there till 1854, then came to Wisconsin, and settled on Sec. 35, Town 12, Range 3, now Ironton. Had seven children - Jane was married to La Fayette Ackerman, now deceased; Henry, married Electa Benson, living on Sec. 35, Ironton; Leander, married to Phoebe Blakeslee, living on Sec. 35, Ironton; Robert A., married to Mary Shafer; Emily E., now Mrs. James Priest; Mary J., now Mrs. Ed Blank, and Nelson D. Mr. Wheeler was Justice of the Peace and Chairman of Washington several years, and also of Ironton; he was the first Chairman of Washington, was present at the organization, and suggested naming the town Washington in honor of G. Washington Gray, the first white settler, and it was carried; was Assessor and Justice of the Peace, and a member of the Wisconsin Legislature of 1859. Politics, Republican. His death occurred in October, 1869. Contributed by Linda Wright

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Sauk County, Wisconsin, Posted Biographies Sauk County, Wisconsin

The History of Sauk County, Wisconsin
Publisher: Western Historical Co. (Chicago), 1880

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Sauk County, Wisconsin, Posted Biographies Sauk County, Wisconsin

The History of Sauk County, Wisconsin Publisher: Western Historical Co. (Chicago), 1880

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The History of Sauk County, Wisconsin
Publisher: Western Historical Co. (Chicago), 1880