Dane County, Wisconsin - The whole text, 1906 (part 21 of 29)

John Nicholas Paltz, manufacturer of rugs, whose place of business is at 124 West Mifflin street, is ">. native of Dane county. He was born in Cross Plains April 5, 1855. He is a son of Peter and Mary (Krantz) Paltz, both natives of Germany. His paternal grandfather died while a soldier serving in the Napoleonic war, Peter Paltz, although he is past eighty-four years of age, is hale and hearty, and makes his home on a farm in the town of Cross Plains. He is one of the pioneers of the county, having come here in 1848, the year of the organization of the state. For two terms he served as town treasurer. His wife, the mother of the subject of this sketch, died in 1872 at the age of thirty-nine. There are nine children in the family, of whom John N. is the second. The others are Catherine, the wife of Matthew Koch, a resident of Dixon county, Nebraska ; Barbara, the wife of William Riddle, of Dixon county, Nebraska ; Mary, who married Joseph Mausbach. a mason of Madison ; Peter lives in Madison ; Adam died in 1903 at the age of thirty-nine ; Anna, now Mrs. William Stoppelort of Cross Plains, who lives on the old homestead ; Matthew, proprietor of the Park bowling alleys in Madison ; and George, in partnership with Matthew. John N. Paltz was educated in the common schools of Cross Plains. After the completion of his scholastic work he labored on his father's farm until he had attained his majority and then learned the shoemakers' trade. This vocation he followed for ten years, part of the time conducting a shop of his own, where he employed four men. in Calliope, Sioux county, la. In 1885 he returned to Madison and entered the grocery business ,in the firm of Esser & Paltz. This partnership continued for five years, when Mr. Paltz bought out his partner's interest. Later he closed out his grocery, but seven years after he again entered the same business, his store occupying the present site of the Hub Clothing Company. When it was impossible to renew the lease of the building he withdrew from that line of trade and started, in September, 1903, the rug manufactury which he has since been successfully managing. He employs anywhere from three to ten men as the exigencies of the seasons demand. On May 8, 1883, Mr. Paltz was united in marriage to Catherine, a daughter of Jacob and Sophie Esser. Mr. Esser is a retired mason contractor. His wife died February 19, 1901. at the age of sixty-eight years. Mrs. Paltz is one of the five surviving members of a family of six children. By her marriage to Mr. Paltz she is the mother of three sons and three daughters. These in the order of their ages, are Peter Thomas, Jacob Frank, Margaret Gertrude, George. Amelia and Catherine. The family are members of the Catholic church. Mrs. Paltz is a member of the Women's Auxiliary of the Catholic Foresters and her husband is a Catholic Woodman. Mr. Paltz is of that thrifty German stock which makes a success of every- 44 - iii thing undertaken. He is one of the valuable and worthy citizens of the community, kindly, courteous and ever responsive to the pleas of suffering' humanity.

John Barber Parkinson, vice president of the University of Wisconsin and professor of constitutional and international law, was born near Edwardsville, Madison county, 111.. April 11, 1834, son of Peter and Valinda (Barber) Parkinson. Peter was born in Carter county, Tennessee, in 1805 and came to southern Illinois with his parents when he was a boy. Valinda Barber was a native of North Carolina. Edwardsville was not considered a healthful locality by its early settlers and in 1836, the Parkinson family of father, mother and two little children, Margaret and John, moved to southwestern Wisconsin, where an uncle of Peter Parkinson, Col. Daniel M. Parkinson, had resided since 1827. Peter purchased a large farm in Fayette, La Fayette county, and was there joined a few years later, by his father, William Parkinson. The latter was one of a family of five brothers, each over six feet in height, whose feats of physical prowess were celebrated even in that day of hardy frontiersmen. The name of Fort Defiance, built and defended by Col. D. M. Parkinson during the Black Hawk War, was characteristic of the man. The family of Peter and Valinda Parkinson numbered eight children. The oldest died in infancy; Margaret married Robert Trousdale and died in 1853; Harriet died in infancy; Sarah (deceased) was the wife of Alfred Marcy; James and William died in infancy ; John and Carroll, the latter reading clerk of the United States senate, are the only survivors. The second wife of Peter Parkinson was Margaret McKee and five children were born to this marriage; Valinda (deceased), Eugene, Jason (deceased), Mina and Bell. John B. attended school at Fayette and in 1850 entered the preparatory department of Beloit College. In 1852 he took charge of an expedition fitted out by his father to cross the plains to California, and, after several years in the west, returned in 1855 and entered the University of Wisconsin in 1856 where, in 1860, he received the degree of A. B. with the highest honors. He was immediately appointed tutor, after one year was elected the first county superintendent of La Fayette county, was for several years in charge of the Fayette selec+ school. - a private school very popular at that time, which graduated many men who have since become prominent in the commonwealth, - received his M. A. in 1863 and was made a member of the board of university regents in 1866. Among the names of the pupils of Professor Parkinson at Fayette are Senator R. M. La Follette and his sister,

Mrs. Siebecker, Bishop Bashford of the Methodist Episcopal church, Hon R. M. Bashford, John W. Bashford of Hudson and Hon. A. F. Warden, at one time chairman of the Democratic state central committee of Wisconsin. In 1867 Mr. Parkinson was elected professor of mathematics of the University and in 1873 became professor of civil polity and international law, which position he resigned in 1874. He purchased a one-fourth interest in the Madison Democrat in 1871 and edited it from 1874 to 1876. In 1871 he served as chairman of the Democratic state central committee and in 1876 was appointed a member of the Wisconsin state board of centennial managers of which he was made president. In 1876, Mr. Parkinson again became a member of the University faculty and held the chair of civil polity and political economy until 1893. when his chair was changed to that of constitutional and international law, which he now holds. Since 1885 he has been vice president of the University. Professor Parkinson is an educator of the school which holds social and moral training and example essentials of the good teacher and has always been a favorite among the students. He has been longer in active service than any other member of the instructional force of the University and the influence of his kindly personality has impressed itself upon a wide circle of alumni in whose individual careers he takes the liveliest interest. Prof. Parkinson has lectured in many Wisconsin cities in connection with the work of University Extension, is a life member and curator of the State Historical Association of Wisconsin, a member of the Wisconsin Academy of Sciences. Arts and Letters, of the National Historical Association and also of the National Political Science Association. In December, 1861, he married Miss Frances Jane Gray, born in Mineral Point, December 4, 1838, daughter of Major Robert Gray and Lucy (Monroe) Gray. Eight children were born to the marriage; Mar. shall M., Mary (deceased), the wife of A. T. Schroeder, John Monroe, Ben Carroll, Henry Gray, Stanley Barber (deceased), Harriet and Myra.

Andrew S. Parsons, retired, whose family is identified with th& early progress and development of Dane county, was born at Moravia, Cayuga county, N. Y., October 12, 1833, a son of Anson G. and Nancy (Thompson) Parsons. His paternal grandparents, Moses and Chloe Parsons, were the parents of twelve children, two of whom died in infancy. Daniel, the eldest, was familiarly known as "Major" all his life. His death occurred at Forestville, N. Y. Anson G., the subject's father, passed the last thirty years of his life at Oregon, Dane county. Aaron was a shoe-maker who passed away at Moravia, N. Y. Warren was the incumbent of the office of warden of the New York state prison at Auburn when his death occurred. John, a minister of the Gospel of the Baptist faith, was stricken down while on a Mississippi river steamboat bound for his home in Minneapolis. Reuben died while still young-. Sarah, the wife of Solomon Davis, died at Garretsville, N. Y., as did Susan, wife of Griffin Brig-gs ; Eunice, wife of Charles Albert Wheeler; and Harriet, wife of Nathaniel Aylesworth. Anson G. Parsons first saw the light of day in Springfield township, Otsego county, N. Y., September 8, 1789 and there grew to manhood. After his marriage to Nancy Thompson, which occurred January 8, 1823, he lived in Moravia, N. Y. many years. Nancy Thompson was born July 30, 1802, in New Hampshire and until she was two years old lived in the state of Maine. With her father and mother, John and Hannah (Healy) Thompson, she then removed to Madison county, N. Y. Her father died August 31, 1818 in his fifty-first year, the mother when she was ninety-four. Of the ten children in the Thompson family the following facts are of interest: Abigail, born January 29, 1794, became the wife of Aaron Parsons. She died at Moravia, N. Y. ; John, born October 11, 1796, a farmer, died in Chautaucpia county, N. Y. ; Betsey, born Novembei 20, 1798, wife of John Kelly, died at Lancaster. Wis. ; Washington, born January 28, 1800, died while a farmer in Chautauqua county, N. Y. ; Nancy, the mother of the subject of this sketch, died in Oregon, Wis.. March 15, 1881 ; Seth, a twin brother of Mrs. Parsons, died on his farm near Ann Arbor, Miich. ; Lydia, three times married, - to Asa Foster, James Eddy, and Ira Knight, - succumbed to injuries received in a railroad accident at her home at Gaines, Genesee county. Mich., November 28, 1892; Jane, born September 13, 1807. became the wife of Daniel Bush and died at Whitewater, Wis. ; Clarissa, born January 12. 1810, was the widow of James Pratt and died at Fenton in Genesee county, Mich., March 24, 1906, over ninety-six years old ; and Naomi the youngest, born June 1, 1813, became the wife of John Felt and died in young motherhood, leaving two children. From Moravia, Anson Parsons removed his family to Ledyard, N. Y., where he operated a mill for two years; the following two years found him at Dresserville engaged in the same business and two years after at Milan. In 1850 he came west by way of the (neat Lakes to Milwaukee, thence by team to Oregon, Dane county, where he purchased a small piece of land in section 12, now a part of the village of Oregon. Here he worked as carpenter and farmer until he was obliged to retire because of advanced aee. His death occurred February 1 z,

1881 in his ninety - second year. His widow passed away just one month later. Both were ardent advocates of the abolition and temperance causes. The family consisted of four, daughters and two sons. Beside the subject of this sketch there were Eliza Ann, born February 8, 1824, who became the wife of Nelson Winston, and lives at Evansville, Wis.; Jane T.. born March 3, 1826, became the wife of Ambrose Spencer and died at Sparta, Wis., May 13, 1858 ; Harriet, wife of Daniel Briggs, was born September 23, 1827, and now lives at Ironton, Sauk county, Wis. ; Josephine, born November 14, 1829, became the wife of Tristram Story and now lives at Evansville. Wis. ; and Henry, born April 23, 1843, died June 27, 1847.

Andrew S. Parsons received what education the district schools of New York and Wisconsin afforded and then served an apprenticeship as carpenter to his father until 1856. That year he went to Monroe county, Wis., to engage in mercantile business, but after a short time returned to Oregon and worked at his trade. In 1861 he was appointed deputy sheriff of the county, holding the office until 1864 at which time he enlisted as a recruit in Company F, Thirty-third Wisconsin Infantry. With the regiment he was a participant in the Red river expedition, Tupelo, Mfiss., and in the forests and swamps of Arkansas and Missouri suffering much from cold and hunger ; in the fight at Nashville which practically destroyed Hood's army ; the reduction of the Mobile forts, and a march through Alabama of one hundred and fifty miles, seventy-five miles being through a pine wilderness. When the Thirty-third was discharged Mr. Parsons was transferred to the eleventh Wisconsin, and served some five weeks longer. On his return he went to work at his trade, later was deputy sheriff again and constable, and still later engaged in agricultural pursuits near Oregon on a farm tof one hundred acres. Subsequently he sold this farm, improved and rebuilt on fourteen acres in the village adjoining the old homestead and is now building on a lot in Parsons addition. On August 31, 1857, he was united in marriage to Louisa W., daughter of Stodderd S. and Patty '(Wait) Johnson, pioneers of the state, coming here in 1844. Mr. Johnson was born on January 28, 1807, and his wile on July 5. 1806. Their marriage occurred at Solon, N. Y., January 13, 1831, and their six children were Louisa W., (Mrs. Parsons), born May 3, 1834; Gilbert C, born April 16, 1836, died January 5, 1873; Laura, born March 10, 184a. died April 1, 1841 ; Riley W.. born September 12, 1842, Isaac S., born February 2ie 1847, died April 17, 1848. Mrs. Johnson died June 21, 1872, and her husband November 20, 1879. Mr. and Mrs. Parsons have seven children. Minnie M. I.., born October 29, 1858, married Harvev G. Fox, of Brookings. S. D., and is the mother of four children, Bertha M., Hubert H., Merle H. and Forest W. Hubert A., born October 12, i860, married Mary Barker, and has two daugtiters Burl L. and Bula ; their home is in Brookpark. Minn. ; Elmer S., born August 25, 1862. married Etta Doughty. They have two children, Howard and Alice Louisa, ana live at Ogilvie, Minn. Charles A., born December 13. 1869, married Estella Wilcox, by whom he has one daughter, and two sons, and died January 5. 1906. The other members of the family are Laura J., born January 27, 1874; married Elmer S. Rogers and they have one daughter and two sons ; Ira S. born March 26, 1876, and Rena B., born February 1. 1878, married S. L. Porter and has one daughter and one son. Mr. Parsons like his parents, is a stanch bearer of the banner of temperance and is identified with many organizations seeking to promote its advancement. Since 1855 he has been a member of the Independent Order of Good Templars, having been a charter member of the first lodge at Oregon, now a member of Capitol lodge. No. 1, Madison, Wis. He has held all the offices of the local society and was state district and lodge deputy for years. He also was a member of the Cadets of Temperance, the Sons of Temperance and the Temple of Honor. I. O. of O. F. and G. A. R. In his political relations Mr. Parsons is affiliated with the Prohibition party. Prior to 1884, however, he had been an active radical Republican from the time of the organization of that party. For many years he was an energetic Sunday school worker and for about twenty-four years has traveled in the employ of several publishing companies in the collecting department.

William K. Parsons, a well-known merchant of Marshall and at one time a farmer in the town of Medina, is one of Dane county's olcl residents. His parents, Urbane Parsons and Mary (Dewey) Parsons, were natives of Massachusetts and lived for a time in , Crawford county. Pa., where Mrs. Parsons died. Mr. Parsons' second wife was Miss Fannie Sheldon, wdio came with him to Marshall in 1848, where they spent the remainder of their lives. Mr, Parsons died in 1890 and his wife in 1892, aged ninety-six years. Mr. Parsons was a cooper and prominent in the village. For twenty years he held the office of clerk of the town. William K. Parsons was born October 30, 1828, in Crawford county. Pa., attended school in Pennsylvania and came with his parents to Marshall when he was twenty years old. For many years he owned and operated a farm in the town of Medina and sold it to open a store in Marshall. He has alwavs been active in the affairs of the village and has been chairman of the board of supervisors and prominent on the school board. He has also held the position of treasurer of the Farmers' Mutual Protective Fire Insurance Co. In 1852, he married Miss Ann Hart, a native of England, daughter of Thomas and Elizabeth Hart, who came to Dane county in 1845. Five children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Parsons ; Orlando, who resides in Los Angeles, Cal ; Mary, who lives at home ; Charles, deceased ; Laura, the wife of Gus. L. Kaiser ; and Fannie, who is Mrs. Ray Miller. Mrs. Parsons died in August, 1883, and Mr. Parsons married a second time, his wife being Mrs. Paulina L. Cole. Air. Parsons was for a long time associated with the Good Templars and Temple of Honor and was also a member of the Grange ; but at the present time has retired from the cares of an active business life.

George M. Patterson, of Stoughton, a prominent retired farmer and business man, is one of the popular citizens of his home city. He is the owner of valuable real-estate in the county, and to the management of the same he now gives the major portion of his attention. Mr. Patterson is a native of Dane county and is a representative of one of its pioneer families. He was born in Pleasant Springs township, January 21, 185 1, and is a son of Jacob M. and Mary A. (Steward) Patterson. His paternal grandfather, John Patterson, was born in Pennsylvania, in 1802, and while he was a child his parents removed thence to Trumbull county, Ohio, being numbered among the first settlers of Brookfield township, where the son was reared to manhood and where he learned the trade of wheelwright. Later he dedevoted much of his time to the manufacture of wooden clocks, for which he found a ready demand throughout the pioneer community. In 1823 he married Elizabeth Meyers, who was of Welsh descent, and they became parents of four sons and five daughters. In 1846 the family came to Wisconsin and number themselves among the pioneers of Dane county, settling on section 5, Pleasant Springs township, where John Patterson continued to reside the greater portion of the time until 1870, when he removed to Grundy count}-, Iowa, where both he and his wife passed the remainder of their lives. He was thus a pioneer of three different states in the L nion. Jacob M. Patterson, father of the subject of this sketch, was born in Trumbull county, O'hio, September 22, 1825, and was there reared and educated. At the age of twenty-one he accompanied his parents on their removal to Dane county. Wisconsin, and he secured one hundred and twenty acres of wild land in section 5, Pleasant Springs township, later adding to its area until he was the owner of two hundred and forty acres, the greater portion of which he reclaimed to cultivation. In 1849 was solemnized iiis marriage to Miss Mary A. Steward, who was born in York county, Pennsylvania, a daughter of Charles and Margaret (Heyer) Steward, and who came to Madison, Wisconsin, in 1842. Of this union were born nine children: George M. is the immediate subject of this review; Tabitha M. is the wife of Peter Hurd; Lorena J. is unmarried; Alma D. is the wife of William Pennewell; Eunice C. is unmarried; Charles F. married Jennie Killion; Harley J. was the next in order of birth; William E. married Miss Stella Sager; and Frank F. married Miss Minnie Killion. George M. Patterson was reared on the old homestead which was the place of his birth and his educational advantages were those of the common schools of his locality. He continued to be associated in the work of the home farm until he had attained tio his legal majority, when he purchased a farm of sixty acres, in Pleasant Springs township. He sold this property in 1880 and then purchased one hundred and twenty acres in Dunn township, a tract which he still owns. He continued actively identified with agricultural pursuits until 1893, when he took up his residence in Stoughton, where he engaged in the buying and shipping of live stock, in which he continued for five years. He then established himself in agricultural-implement business, which he followed successfully for the ensuing six years, since which time he has lived practically retired, maintaining a general supervision of his farm and also giving attention to the selling of his attractive lots along the shore of Lake Kjegonsa. He is a supporter and attendant of the Baptist church of Stoughton, of which Mrs. Patterson is a member, and his political allegiance is given to- the Republican party. Fraternally he is identified with the Woodmen of the World. February 28, 1880, Mr. Patterson was united in marriage to Miss Sarah A. Pennewell, daughter of John and Hannah M. (Miller) Pennewell, of Stoughton, and the children of this union are three in number: Floyd M., Ray W. and Hazel M. Floyd M. married Miss Pearl Page.

Jesse G. Patterson, postmaster at Cambridge and owner and editor of the Cambridge News, was born in Jefferson, Jefferson county, Wis., August 24, i860, a son of Joseph B. and Sarah M. Patterson. The father was born in New York state and the mother in Kentucky. The paternal grandfather was a soldier in the War of 1812, receiving some fourteen bullet wounds. He lived to the ripe old age of ninety-two years, passing away at the home of his son Joseph. His remains are at rest in the Hebron, Wis., cemeterv. The first account of the mother's family is their settlement in Virginia, where the maternal grandmother of the subjec; of this sketch was captured by the Cherokee Indians during one of their raids and held as a hostage for three days. On both sides Mr. Patterson is of Scotch ancestry. He served his apprenticeship as a printer in the office of the Jefferson Banner and was foreman for a year of the Oconomowoc Local. Subsequently for a number of years he had charge of the Wisconsin Tobacco Reporter, editing and publishing it until its present editor, Air. Coon, removed from Ocoiioitdowoc to> Edgerton and assumed charge. June 26, 1886, Mi. Patterson established the Edgerton Index which for six years he continued to edit and publish. In 1892 he sold the plant to W. H. Bennett and removed to Milwaukee, but remained in the latter place only a year, purchasing in 1893 the Cambridge Xews and changing his place of residence to that village. He has since been sole owner and editor of the publication, which has met with much favor, both in its own vicinity and elsewhere. His political affiliations are with the Republican party, but aside from the office of postmaster to which he was appointed by President McKinley in 1898 and which he still holds, he has never accepted positions of public trust. January 8, 1882, he was married to Miss Grace F. Bands, daughter of James and Addie F. (Birge) Bands of Jefferson. To this union have been born six daughters, - Zenia M., Gretchen A., Dorothea, Jessie Hobart, Cecelia and Elizabeth. Mir. Patterson is identified with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, the Knights of Pythias, the Equitable Fraternal Union and the Beavers. He is widely and favorably known throughout the county.

Edward F. Paunack, stone dealer of Madison, residing at 811 Uni versity avenue, was born in Madison, April 16, 1863. His parents were Frederick and Amelia (Landman) Paunack, natives of Saxony, Germany, where the father learned the stone cutters' trade. In 1849 Frederick Paunack left his native land and sailed for America. For three years after his arrival he lived and worked in Baltimore, Md., and in 1852 came to Madison. Tbe university buildings and the state capitol were in course of construction and Mr. Paunack obtained work at his trade without difficulty. In a few years he had saved enough to enable him to purchase a stone business, which he actively managed until his death in 1876, at the age of forty-seven years. Both he and His wife were active members of the German Presbyterian church. His wife is still living, making her home with her son. Of nine children in the family there are but two living, Ida, Mrs. Michael Zwicky, of Chicago, and Edward F., the subject of this sketch. Edward F.

Patinack received his education in the Madison public schools. At the age of fifteen he started in to learn the stone business and at the age of twenty-one he took over the direction and management of the business left by his father. He has made an immense success, and is recognized in the commercial world as a man of thorough, safe methods. He furnishes a goodly portion of the stone used in macadamizing Madison streets. A younger brother, Frederick W. Paunack, who died in Madison, May 4, 1904, was an architect, well and favorably known in Madison. He had worked in Cedar Rapids and Dubuque, la., and had been a member of the firm of Gordon and Paunack. Four months before his death he became associated with his cousin, under the firm name of Paunack & Paunack. His widow nee Emma Slamer, still makes Madison, her home. Edward F. Paunack is a member of the Masonic Fraternity and of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks.

Joseph Pearson, proprietor of the Spring Park dairy in the town of Madison, was born on March io, 1850, at Cumberland, England, his parents, Mossop and Mary (Tidyman) Pearson, both being natives of that shire. The Ifather was a stone mason ard cutter in which trade he was very proficient. In 1855 he came with his family to America, and located at Madison, where he continued to work at his trade until his death, which occurred in 1888. He was a member of the Methodist Episcopal church and his wife was an Episcopalian. She died in 1895. They had the following children: John, deceased; Joseph, the subject of this sketch ; Eleanora, deceased, and Ann. Joseph Pearson was educated in the public schools of Dane county, after which he learned the trade of stone cutter with his father. He then removed to the farm where he now lives and later started the dairy, which he still operates in connection with a general farming business. He keeps forty cows and has one of the best appointed dairies in the state. Tn politics Mfr. Pearson is a Republican, though in local matters he votes for the man he considers the best calculated to discharge the duties of the office for which he is a candidate. He is a member of the Presbyterian church and -a cons:stent practitioner of the precepts of his faith. On April 26, 1877. lie married Gertrude Jenkins, daughter of Lewis H. and Adelia T. Jenkins, both natives of the state of New York, he of Columbia and she of St. Lawrence county. They came to Dane county in 1854', bought a tract of land and improved it. Lewis H. Jenkins was one of the first superintendents of the deaf and dumb asylum at Delavan. Wis., started the deaf and dumb institute at Omaha, and was also the founder of the one at Little Rock. Ark. Subsequently he was connected with the school for the deaf and dumb at Jacksonville, III., for eleven years. Altogether he followed that line of work for twenty-five years, spending his summers at his home in Dane county. He died in March, 1884, and Ins widow is now living- with the subject of this sketch. Mr. Pearson and his wife have four children, Louis M., Joseph, Annie and Ralph J. Louis M. is a graduate of the Rush Medical College at Chicago, and is now located at 1517 Lincoln Ave. in that city, where he is engaged in the practice of his profession. Joseph is a farmer and dairyman in Dane county. He married Louisa Albright and they have one son Melvin A. The other two children are at home with their parents. Mr. Pearson is a member of the Ancient Order of United Workmen, which is the on.v secret or fraternal organization to claim his affiliation. He is regarded as one of the successful men of the community, and his success is due entirely to his energy and sound judgment.

Milton F. Peck, the owner of a large farm at Marshall, Wis., came to Dane county when he was eighteen years old. William H. Peck, his father, was a native of Connecticut and was born near Salem June 15, 1814. William H. Peck married Miss Lomira White, who was born in Genesee county, X. Y., February 10, 1816. Three children were born to them, of whom but two, Milton F., the subject of this sketch, and Sarah M., are living. In 1850, the family came from Jackson county, Mich, to Dodge county, Wis. and lived there part of one year. Their next home was in Marquette county and in 1867 Mr. Peck purchased an eighty-acre farm in Dane county, near Marshall. In 1882 they again changed their residence, at this time locating at Sun Prairie. Here Mr. Peck died in November, 1896, and his wife survived him but a few months. Milton F. Peck was born in Jackson county, Mich.. December 29, 1849, attended school in his native district and again in Dane county and early began to work upon the farm. His present home, a fine farm of one hundred fifty-two acresincludes the tract which was the first home of the family in Dane county, to which Mr. Peck has added many improvements. He makes a specialty of fine Holstein cattle, which business has interested him for the past seven years and he keeps well posted on all that relates to the best care and breeding of a fine grade of cattle. Mr. Peck is a Republican in his political affiliations, as was his father before him, but has always been too busy to give up much time to active politics. January 11, 1882, Mr. Peck was married to Miss Lucy Kelley, a native of Dane county and a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. William Kelley. Six children have been born to them: Henry Milton. November 22% 1882; Arthur Milton, July 21. 1884: Seward B., August 21. 1885: George

Newell, August 1G, 188*3 ; Jean Lomira, July 9, 1880; Olive Sarah, August ii, 1893. The older members of the family, Henry, Arthur, and Seward, were graduated from the high school at Marshall and the younger ones attend the home schools. The family are members of the Methodist Episcopal church of Marshall.

Victor E. Peck is entitled to recognition, not only from the fact that he has been for twenty years the proprietor of a leading hotel in the capital city, but also because he is the oldest resident of Mladison, having lived here continuously, with the exception of a few intervals, since 1837. And a few words concerning his genealogy will not be out of place in this connection. His great-grandfather was one of three brothers, born in England, and he came to Ainerica during colonial times and served as a soldier in the Revolutionary War. A son of this man, Ebenezer Peck, removed from Vermont to Genesee county, N. Y., and spent the remainder of his days on a farm in M.iddlebury township. His son, also named Ebenezer Peck, who was the father of him whose name introduces this review;, was born in Genesee county, N. Y., in 1804, where he was reared and educated. In 1827 he removed to Vermont, was employed as a clerk in Middlebury, that state, and on February 24, 1829, was united in marriage with Miss Rosaline Willard. Previous to h's marriage he bad traveled in the western country, and in 1835 he camie to Wisconsin, at that time a territory, in company with his two brothers, Stephen and Luther, and John Mullett, they having the contract for surveying the southern half of the territory into townships. Ebenezer Peck returned to Vermont in the latter part of the sumraer, but the others remained in Milwaukee during the winter and returned in the spring of 1836 to complete the survey. At that time Wisconsin was a wilderness, inhabited by Indians and wild animals, and not a house marked the now prosperous city of Madison. Soon after reaching h's eastern home, and as soon as he could make the necessary arrangements, Ebenezer Peck started for the west again, accompanied by his wife and infant son, and they made an overland journey to Blue Mounds. Wis. They spent the following winter at the fort at Belmont, which place was the capital of the then territory of Wisconsin, and on April 13, 1837, they started for the present site of Madison with teams, Mrs. Peck riding an Indian pony a good portion of the way. The following is taken from Mrs. Peck's account of the journey : "We traveled about seven miles, to wheie some persons had made a cla'm and had laid about five rounds of logs for a cabin. We camped therein that night with a tent over us. The next day, the 14th." we pushed on. A more pleasant day I never wish to see, but I had a severe headache before night. We pitched our tent on a little raise of ground within three miles of Madison, spread down our beds, and rested comfortably until near three o'clock Saturday morning, when we were awakened by a tremendous windhstorm and the howling of wolves. We found snow five or six inches deep, which continued to fall until after we arrived in Madison. Well now, here we are at Madison), on the 15th, sitting in a wagon under a tree with a bedquilt thrown over my arm: and my little boy's head, in a tremendous storm of snow and sleet, twenty-five miles from any inhabitants. On one side Blue Mounds, and on the other, - one hundred males distant, - Milwaukee. Wrhat is to be done? Go into the buildings with no floors laid, and nothing but great sleepers laid across to walk on? No; I must have the buildings plastered with lime, and floors laid. Only one sawmill in the territory, and that away up in the Wisconsin pinery and not completed. Of course no lumber ; but there lies a pile of puncheons. Just buald me a pen under this tree, move in my stove and w:e will crawl in there. Sure enough, we soon had it completed, and a fire built." The location of this primitive abode was back of the Capital House on Butler street, and the tavern, which Mr. Peck built to board the workmen on the state's structure, and which was practically three log cabins united;, stood upon lot 6, block 107. All the territorial officials and workmen on the capital building boarded with Mr. Peck, but owing to lack of room they were forced to put up tents for sleeping apartmients. Mr. Peck was soon elected county commissioner and justice of the peace, but in 1842 he again started westward and settled in that part of the Baraboo valley which is now Sauk county, where he was among the pioneer settlers. He assisted in the organization of that county, secured a tract of government land which he proceeded to improve, and located the county seat at Baraboo upon land belonging to his preemption. He remained there seven years, and in 1849 started with ox teams for California, but was last heard of at Fort Laramie,. j?nd it is supposed that he was killed by Indians. The mother continued to reside in Baraboo and lived the rema'nder of her clays there. Two children were born to these parents, one of whom is the subject of this review, and the other was a daughter, who was the first white child born in what is now the city of Madison. Her birth was a great event in the new settlement, a committee convening, O'f which Governor Doty was a member, to name the child, and the name Victoria Wisconsonia was selected. She married X. W. Wheeler of Baraboo. who formerly practiced law in Chippewa Falls, an'd later removed to Baraboo, where he died. Victor E. Peck, the subject of this sketch, was born in Middlebury, Genesee county, X. Y.,

April 25, 1834, and was reared to farm life. He first attended a school in Madison, which was held in a log schoolhouse where the First National hank -building now stands ; then a school at Baraboo, and he also attended one term at the University of Wisconsin. There was no railroad in Sauk county for a number of years after the family settled there, and for a considerable time he was engaged in teaming from Baraboo to Madison and other points. On February 12, 1864, he enlisted for the Civil War, in Company C, Third Wisconsin cavalry. After performing picket and guard duty in Arkansas, the winter of 1864-5 being spent in scouting, guarding trains, patroling the roads in the country surrounding Little Reck, and skirmishing with guerrillas and bushwhackers. Company C was stationed at Fort Leavenworth, Kan., where it remained until October 23, 1865, and then was mustered out. After returning home Mr. Peck was engaged in farming for a time, going to Milwaukee in 1869, where he took charge of the Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul dining hall, and he remained there until 1884, with the exception of one year spent in Colorado. In that year he took charge of the Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul Railway Hotel at West Madison, where lie continued until two years ago. He now conducts a hotel in Watertown, Wis., but maintains his residence in Madison, where he owns a home at No. 109 East Johnson street. In his political views our subject is independent, giving his support to men and measures as they meet the approval of his better judgment, and in his social relations he is a member of the Royal Arcanum. Mr. Peck married, November 13, 1879, to Miss Mary L. Gary, daughter of Alonson and Emily (Gill) Cary, both natives of the state of New York, where Mrs. Peck was also born. Mr. and Mrs. Peck are the parents of one daughter, Rubv E., who is the wife of John C. Corscot, the latter being connected with the Madison Gas & Electric company.

Eli Pederson, a substantial and exceptionally well known farmer of the town of Primrose was born in Vosseyangen, Bergen Stift, Norway, July 26, 1837, and at the age of fourteen came with his parents, Peter and Susan (Ileson) Oleson te> the United States, locating first in the town of Norway, Racine county. Here the family remained for two years and then the father took up a quarter section of government land in the town of Primrose. There were four sons in the family Ole, Eli, Knudt and Louis, and after the death of the parents, the father passing away in 1864 and the mother in 1871, the property reverted to Eli, the subject of this sketch, who had been working the farm since the completion of his scholastic work in the town of Norway schools. For nearly forty years Mr. Pederson has been opera- ting the farm adding to it from time to time until it now contains some four hundred acres of the best improved land in the county. He has devoted especial attention to tlu scientific breeding and raising of hogs and sheep and the results have been highly gratifying, not only in a remunerative way, but also for the scientific value. During all the years of his active life Mr. Pederson has been interested in politics, his affiliations being with the Republican party. He has served his town as supervisor and for twenty-four years was its assessor. For eight years he was chairman of the Republican county committee and during the La Follette administration was for four years state treasury agent. He assisted in the taking of the eighth national census, in 1880, and was elected to the first biennial session of the state legislature, in 1883, representing the fourth assembly district of Dane county. He has also served the town as chairman, was twelve years school clerk and thirteen years school treasurer. In 1857 Mr. Pederson married Anna Peterson, a daughter of Peter Erickson, one of the early Norwegian immigrants to Reck county, who located there in 1844. To Mr. and Mrs. Pederson have been born six children, - Belle (Mrs. Wallen), Susan (Mrs. Myrland), Peter and Eli, living in Dakota, Anna (Mrs. Nelson) and Louise, deceased. All were educated in the Primrose schools and like the mother are communicants of the Lutheran church.

Bernhard Severin Peterson is a farmer of the township of Windsor and was born in Norway, April 27, 1853, son °f Anders and Maren (Steanson) Peterson. Mrs. Maren Peterson was the second wife of Anders Peterson and died in Norway in 1866. Her husband married again, his wife being Randine Peterson and with her he came to the United States in 187 1 and purchased property in Stoughton, where he. resided for two> years. His next home was in Taylor county, Wis., where he resided for sixteen years. He lives at present in North Dakota, where Mrs. Peterson died in November, 1903. Six children made up the Peterson family and all were reared in the Lutheran faith. Mr. Peterson is a member of the Republican party, to whose principles his son Bernhard also- adheres. Bernhard S. was educated in the home schools in Norway and taught himself the English language after his arrival in America. When his father came to Wisconsin, Bernhard was nineteen years of age and he at once interested himself in farming. In 1885, he purchased the farm in Windsor which is his present home, a fertile property of one hundred sixty acres. Mr. Peterson improved it, built the present buildings and has raised tobacco for twenty-eight years. He still is an extensive grower of tobacco, besides devoting attention to other branches of the farming business. Actively interested in school matters, Mr. Peterson is a member of the school board and has been for a considerable period. Mrs. Peterson was, before her marriage, Miss Sigred Helena Kalland, was born in Norway, April 1, 1860, and married to Mr. Peterson on February 19, 1879. Nine children have blessed the marriage: Marie C, Sina D., Anders, Bennie, Sophie, Anna, Herman, Rebecca and Clara. The family is identified with the Sun Prairie Norwegian Lutheran church. Airs. Peterson's father was Sjur Kalland, who was born in Norway, and there married Miss K\arie Olson, with whom he came to America in 1872 and located at Stoughton, where he died November 19, 1898. Mrs. Kalland died February 1, 1904. Four daughters and two sons made up their family, of whom all but one daughter are still living.

Charles C. Peterson is the owner of a valuable farm of three hundred and fifty-three acres in the town of Rutland. A native of Denmark, he came to America with his parents, Peter and Caroline Christenson, when a boy of eight years. Peter Christenson and his wife were born near Maribo, Denmark, were married there and commenced their married life upon a farm. In 1869 they came with their young family to Wisconsin and located upon a farm of sixty acres in the town of Rutland. Four children were born to them. Charles is the oldest son; Christiana is Mrs. Martin Mason of Oregon, Wis.; Augusta married Peter Oleson of Rutland, who purchased the old Christenson farm and with whom Air. Christenson makes his home. Hannah is the wife of Reinholt Rasmunson of Oregon. Charles C. Peterson was born on the farm near Maribo, May 4, 1861, came west with his parents and attended school at Rutland, working meanwhile upon the farm. When he was sixteen years old he commenced to work out and later rented a farm. The first property he owned was an eighty acre farm about a mile west of Brooklyn and he worked it for four years, selling at a good profit. He then purchased his present place, consisting at that time of one hundred and ninety-three acres in section 32. It was known as the Allsop farm and to it he has added from time to time until now his farm consists of three hundred and fifty-three acres. Many improvements have also been made and the farm equipment is exceptionally good. About nine acres of tobacco, one hundred acres of corn, twenty-five acres of hay and forty to sixty acres of oats are raised, besides much fine stock. Mr. Peterson was married August 30, 1883 to* Miss Katie Hansen, a native of Denmark and daughter of Hans J. and Anna Marie Hansen. Mr. Hansen died in Denmark and his wife was married a second time, her husband being Andrew Ibesen. They came to Wisconsin in 1879 and located in Rutland. Mr. and Mrs. Peterson have had ten children: Leslie, Arthur W., Victor, Holley, Clara Louise, Mabel Caroline, Harvey, and H. Marie. Clara Louise died in 1905 and two children died in infancy. The family attends the Danish Lutheran church in Rutland. Mr. Peterson is a Republican and takes an active interest in everything which concerns the welfare of the community. He is interested in school affairs and has served several terms on the school board. He is associated with the chapter of Modern Woodmen at Brooklyn.

Hans and Ole Peterson are natives of Denmark, the former born February 11, 1848, and the latter, October 5, 1842. Their parents were Peter and Catherine (Jenson), who owned and worked a small farm in cheir native country and lived and died there. They had a family of five sons and two daughters, of whom, beside the two living in Oregon, there are still two sons and both of the daughters living in Denmark. Both Ole and Hans left school when they reached the age of fourteen years and began working for themselves, farming and working by the month as opportunity offered. In 1877, when Hans was twenty-nine years of age, he came to America and settled in Oregon where for five years he worked in a brick-yard. In 1881 his brother Ole joined him and together they bought an improved farm of one hundred and twenty acres, which they have worked in partnership for twenty years. It is run as a general farm. Mr. Hans Peterson joined the Lutheran church in his native country, and the family affiliate with that church here. He is a Republican in politics. His brother, Ole, married, March 12, 1885, Miss Kerstine Rasmusson, daughter of Rasmus and Karren (Mickolson) Nelson, and a native of Denmark. Hans Peterson is a retired farmer of the town of Rutland and an old resident of Dane county. He was born at Tunsberg, Norway, where his father, Peter, was a blacksmith and spent his entire life. Peter married in Tunsberg and he and his wife, Julia, had six children, of whom three came to America. Hans Peterson was born December 9, 1827. attended the common schools in Norway and learned the shoemaker's trade. In 1854, he came to the United States and located in Oregon. For several years he was a merchant in Stoughton and in 1871 purchased a farm of one hundred and forty acres in Rutland which is his present home. But little of the farm was under cultivation and Mr. Peterson cleared and improved it and carried on a successful farming business. In October, 1853, he marired Miss Martha Thompson, a daughter of Tolaf and Julia (Sylvester) Thompson, of Sogen, Norway. Mr. 45 - iii and Mrs. Thompson always lived in Norway but their seven children came to America. Mr. and Mrs. Peterson adopted a daughter, who married John J. Anderson and died at the age of thirtythree years, leaving three children ; Hattie, Ella and Carl. Mr. Anderson has taken charge of the Peterson farm since 1886 and lives with Mr. Peterson. John J. Anderson was born in Primrose, Wis., in 1857, spent his boyhood in Primrose and while quite a young man married Miss Caroline Peterson. After her death he married Miss- Hansen and two children were born to the marriage, Sadie and Michael. Mr. Anderson is a Republican and active in the affairs of the town. He is a member of the Lutheran church of Stoughton.

M. A. Peterson, of Oregon, is a native of Denmark, son of Peter and Dorothea (Hanson) Mortenson, who were farmers in the old country and, a few years since, died in their native land. Four of their six children are living and all but two came to the United States; one daughter, Elizabeth, still lives in Denmark, and one son, Hans C, died there. Beside the subject of this sketch, there are Peter H. Peterson, of Oregon; Martin Peterson, of Kansas City; and the youngest, Jorgen, who died in Kansas City. The children all received their education in Denmark. Mr. M. A. Peterson was born June 2.J, 1843, came to this country in 1865, when he was twenty-two years old and settled in Rutland, turning his hand to whatever work presented itself. He worked out by the month for about fifteen years and then bought a farm of one hundred and fourteen acres of improved land; that property he sold about ten years ago, and bought a hundred and sixty acres of improved land in the town of Oregon, which is run for general farming purposes. During his residence in both townships Mr. Peterson served as supervisor on the town boards. Three years ago he retired from active labors which began when he was only fourteen years of age, and now makes his home in the village of Oregon. In politics, Mr. Peterson affiliates with the Republican party and in religious matters with the Lutherans. His wife died January 10, 1901 ; she was Miss Christiana Mortenson, daughter of Nels Mortenson, of Denmark. Mrs. Peterson was born in Denmark, and came to the United States when she was twenty years old: she married Mr. Peterson, November 1, 1880, in Rutland township. They have four children: Frank, born in Dunn township, who lives on the home farm; May, born in Rutland, married Mr. I. W. Drechi; Mabel and Lillie, the former born in Rutland and the latter in Oregon, are at home. The children were all educated in the schools of Rutland and Oregon.

Nels Peterson, of Oregon, is the only son of Claus Peterson, a small farmer of Denmark. His mother was Jeriune (Jetson) Peterson, and he has four sisters, Sophia, of Madison ; Maria, (Mrs. Antonson ) of Denmark ; Lena, (Mrs. Emery Nelson) of Oregon township; Caroline. (Mrs. Carl Xelson) of Oregon township, who were all born and educated in Denmark. Nels Peterson, also born in Denmark, June 15, 18G6, and educated there, started out foi himself when he was eighteen years of age, and coming to the United States, settled in Oregon where he has spent most of the subsequent time, with the exception of two years when he lived in Baraboo, and worked as fireman for the C. & N. W. R'y., and one year when he lived in St. Paul. He owns eighty-five acres of cultivated land and has made considerable improvement on the place since he purchased it. It is run as a general farm, although he devotes a good deal of attention to dairying and hog raising. June 1, 1895, he married Miss Minnie Madson, daughter of Rasmus and Maren (Anderson) Madson, of Oregon township. Mrs. Peterson and her parents are all natives of Denmark; they came to America in 1878, and after spending a year in Rock county, Wis.,, came to Oregon township, Dane, where they still live. Mr. and Mrs. Peterson have two children George Walter and Robbie Clarence, both born in Oregon township and now attending school there. Mr. Peterson is an independent in his politics ; he attends the Lutheran church, is a member of the school board, and belongs to the Modern Woodmen of Oregon.

Peter H. Peterson is recognized as one of the leading tobacco growers of the town of Oregon, where he has liv'ed during the past forty years. He is a native of Denmark and the date of his birth is November 7, 1845, ms parents being Peter Mortenson and Dorothea Hanson, both of whom were born in Denmark and died there. Peter H. Peterson received his education in the schools of h"s native land, and upon reaching man's estate, in 1866, he migrated to America, coming directly to Dane county, where he worked as a farm hand for about three years. He then purchased two hundred eight acres of land in the town of Oregon, a very small portion of which was under cultivation, and began general farming. In the beginning he raised a very little corn, cultivating it with one horse and the old-fashioned "double-shovel plow," and the greater part of his arable land was devoted to the raising of small grain. He then had never seen any tobacco grown, but he soon turned his attention to that particular feature of the agricultural indusry and became one of the most extensive producers of the leaf in that section of the county. Success has crowned his efforts in every venture, and his present independent position is due entirely to an unflagging industry, coupled with a policy of integrity and square dealing. He has had no' financial assistance from any source, arriving as he did in America without a cent, and even being in debt for his passage over the ocean. He has given his undivided attention to his business and has never wandered after myths in other fields of endeavor. The desire for official position has never possessed him, although he has taken the interest of a good citizen ?n public affairs. His allegiance, politically, has been given to the men and measures of the Republican party, and his religious faith is expressed by membership in the Lutheran church. He has never married. Of the Peterson family there were six children, the names and other information concerning' whom are appended : Elizabeth resides in her native land, Denmark ; Martin A. is given a more extended mention on another page of this volume; Peter H. is the subject of this review ; Martin resides in Kansas City, Mo. ; and Hans Clausen and Jorgen are both deceased.

Samuel Alex. Peterson, a leading blacksmith and prominent official of the village of Stoughton, where he has made his home the greater part of his life, was bora in the city of Madison, October 6, i860. He is one of four sons born to Andrew and Torena (Nende) Peterson, both of the parents being natives of Norway. Andrew Peterson came to the city of Madison in i860, and when he arrived a fivedollar gold piece represented the sum total of his wealth, aside from the wearing apparel of the family. But being a skilled workman at the blacksmith trade he soon obtained employment, and for the ensuing ten years he followed that occupation, for a time in Madison and then in the village of Stoughton. In 1870 he moved from Stoughton to Whitewater, in Walworth county, Wis., and there followed the occupation of a farmer until his death, December 24, 1904. In agricultural pursuits he was very prosperous and succeeded in accumulating considerable wealth. The mother still lives at Whitewater in the enjoyment of a comfortable old age. Before leaving Norway Andrew Peterson served by compulsion for a time as a private in the Norwegian army. Samuel A. Peterson, to whom this review is especially dedicated, was educated in the public schools of Stoughton and Whitewater, and upon reaching manhood learned the trade of blacksmithing under the tutorship of his father and C. L. Haw of Stoughton. TTc has followed his chosen profession unintermittently. and as a result of his close application to business now owns and conducts one of the leading establishments of the kind in Stoughton, employing from five to seven men all the time, and doing all kinds of new and repair work in his line. Mr. Peterson is a Republican in his political affiliations, and his sterling worth as a citizen has been recognized by his being called to fill various positions of trust. He served as president of the village council for four years, as alderman nine years, and is now serving in the highest office of the village - that of mayor, to which he was elected in 1904 for a term of two years. In religious matters he is a member of the Lutheran church. Mr. Peterson was married on July 14, 1880, to Miss Anna Thompson, daughter of Torbjorn and Engebore Thompson, both of whom were natives of Norway. To Mr. and Mrs. Peterson there have been born two children, son and daughter, who already give much promise of future, standing in life. Alfred Theodore, the eldest, born, January 10, 1882, was educated in the academy at Stoughton, and Irene Juliett, born August 5. 1885, is a graduate of the high school and is at present a student in the Wisconsin Business College at Janes ville. As an unusual instance in the matter of longevity it should be stated in connection with the ancestral history of Mr. Peterson that his maternal grandfather died in Norway, in June. 1905, at the advanced age of one hundred two years.

William J. Petherick, deputy clerk of the state supreme court, and one of Dane county's substantial pioneer citizens, was born in London, England, June 7, 1843. His parents were William and Rosina Ann (Atchleyj Petherick. The father, who was an attorney of London, was born March 4, 1803, and came to the United States in 1849. His arrival in Madison was on December 6. of the same year. He located on a farm in the northwestern part of the town of Sun Prairie, where he resided until 1853, when he purchased forty acres on section sixteen in the town of Madison. Here he remained until his death, which occurred August 13, 1873. He obtained a license to practice law in the state and Federal courts^ and was a man of broad culture. His wife, born June. 23. 1808, died March 23, 1888. Both were members of the church of England. The subject of this sketch was the fifth of the six children in the family. Jane, the eldest, now Mrs. William Welch, resides in Minneapolis, Minn. Rosina B., now the wife of Cyrus C. Lahore, for many years a resident of Sun Prairie, now makes her home in Webster, Kas. Miss Ada Emma makes her home with Mrs. Welch in Minneapolis. Susannah Louisa is the widow of William T. Marchant, and resides in London, Eng. Edward R., the youngest, resides in Madison. William J. Petherick was educated in the district schools of Dane county. After completing his scholastic work he went into the office of the State Journal

Printing Company to learn the trade and for nearly twenty-five years was connected with that publication. Because of ill health he was at one time obliged to give up his labors and took a trip to his native land and spent a few months in the law office of Welch & Botkin. In 1889 he was appointed to his present position as deputy clerk of the supreme court. During the centennial celebration in 1876 Mr. Petherick attended for three weeks, going thence on his visit to England. Although he was gone thirteen months. He is unmarried. Although not a member of any religious organization he is a regular attendant at the services of the Unitarian church of Madison. Mr. Petherick is a gentleman of the old school, intelligent and cultured. He is much esteemed by all who know him.

John Pflaum, Sr., is one of the honored German-American citizens of Dane county, where he has maintained his home for nearly sixty years. He came to this section as a young man and has won success through his well directed efforts in connection with the development of the agricultural resources of Dane county, his fine farm being located in section 15, Blooming Grove township. He has attained the age of four score years and is now living practically retired from active labor, though his characteristic vigor and his well preserved energies enable him to enjoy the general supervision of his farming interests. Mr. Pflaum was born in Baden-Baden, Germany, where his parents. Jacob and Katie (Cromer) Pflaum, passed their entire lives, the father having been a soldier in the command of the great Napoleon. Mr. Pflaum was afforded the advantages of the excellent schools of his fatherland during his boyhood and early youth, and he then learned the weaver's trade, to which he there devoted his attention from 1840 to 1845, while in 1817 he immigrated to America, believing that in the United States were afforded better advantages for the young man dependent upon his own resources. He came at once to Dane county and began farming in the vicinity of his present Homestead, having ever since continued his residence in the township. He assisted in reclaiming much land from the virgin wilds and has well played his part as a pioneer, as has he also in the later days of opulent prosperity and advancement. His farm comprises sixty-five acres, and the place is improved with substantial buildings and is under effective cultivation. His two sons own adjoining tracts, which were originally a part of his estate. Mr. Pflaum maintains an independent attitude in political matters, supporting men and measures rather than being restrained by close partisan lines. He and his family are communicants of the German Catholic church. In 1850 Mr. Pflaum was united' in marriage to Miss Margaret Sheets, daughter of George Sheets, a native of Germany, and they have four children, Katie, who is now the wife of Thomas Kirschener and resides in the state of Michigan ; Louisa, who is the wife of Henry Hinsey of Madison ; John. Jr., whose farm adjoins that of his father ; and Peter, who is likewise a farmer of this township, his place lying contiguous to that of his father. Peter is married and has one child.

Edward C. Pierce, the present incumbent of the office of clerk in the town of Primrose, was born in Ridgefield, Huron county, Ohio, January 6, 1855. He is a son of Joseph L. and Clarissa (Prentiss) Pierce, the former a native of Massillon, Ohio, and the latter of Erie county in the same state. The parents' marriage occurred in Ohio and after a few years they removed to Warren, 111., where the father owned and managed a drug store having charge of tht express and post offices at the same time. Their residence in Illinois extended from 1855 to the fall of 1868. It was from here that the father enlisted as private in Company H, of the Nnety-sixth Illinois Volunteer Infantry and served three years to the close of the war, during which time he was promoted to the position of captain. In December, 1868, Joseph L. Pierce brought his family to Dane county, locating on a farm through which passed the dividing line of Springdale and Primrose townships. His place contained one hundred and forty eight acres and he lived on it until his death on January 8, 1895. His widow died April 2, 1898. The family contained two other sons; Byron W., is now a resident of Montana; and George H. lives in New Glarus, Green county, Wis. The subject of this sketch, the eldest son, took advantage of what educational opportunities the graded schools of Warren and Mt. Vernon offered, and then went to farming. His father's property reverted to him and he is the present owner of it. He has made it one of the most remunerative properties in the county. In political matters he upholds the principles of the Republican party and as the representative of that body is now town clerk. He is also serving as school clerk. As a boy he was brought up in the Methodist faith, but has never become a member of any denominational society. Mr. Pierce is unmarried. He is actvely identified with Mount Vernon camp, No. 3018, Modern Woodmen of America. Throughout the neighborhood he is recognized as a skillful farmer and a man well equipped to hold public office.

G. F. Pierce, of Verona, was born on the farm where he now resides, September 12, 1846. His parents were J. H. and Providence (\ roman) Pierce, the former a native of Connecticut and belonging to one of the old New England families, and the latter born in New York, of a family originally belonging to New jersey and of Dutch extraction. J. H. Pierce was, in earlv li'fe, a carpenter and joiner. and on coming to Wisconsin in 1844, he located first in Milwaukee and worked at his trade; in 1845, lne came to Dane county and settled in Verona township, bought the farm on which his son now resides, and followed that occupation until his death, September 2i, 1873, at the age of seventy-five years. He held a number of local offices and was an old-time Whig and Republican. His wife survived him over twenty years, dying July 2, 1894, aged eighty-one years. They had five children. Only one, the subject of this cketch, is living; he was the fourth child. The others were Mary, Wakeman, George, who enlisted in Company A, Twenty-third Wisconsin infantry, and died during the Civil War, from fever, near Vicksburg, Miss. ; and Warren W. G. F. Pierce was reared on the farm and educated in the district school ; his farm is run for general farming, dairying and stock-raising. He has served on the town board and on the school board for nineteen years ; he cast his first vote for Lincoln and has consistently voted that ticket ever since. He was married December 2, 1870. to Emily E. Williams, a native of Vercna, Oneida county, N. Y., and a resident of Verona, Wis. She is the daughter of Abraham and Clarissa (Cook) Williams, both natives of New York ; the father died in New York before the rest of the famfily came west in 1 861. To Mr. and Mrs. Pierce have been born four children, Florence Mary, a teacher at home; Nellie, diedi aged eight years; Blanche, married Charles Adams, of Fitchburg; Alice, a teacher at home.

William F. Pierstorff, president of the bank of Middleton. is of German origin, his parents, Carl Pierstorff and Catherine Puretortt, nee Bramer. being natives of Mecklenburg, Germany. There their son William was born June 30, 1849, one of a family of fourteen children. In 1857, Mr. and Mrs. Carl Pierstorff brought their family to America and located at Middleton, where they purchased a farm. Mr. Pierstorff was a blacksmith by trade but devoted a great deal of his time to his farms. He owned and farmed a fine tract at Springdale, where he lived five years, and subsequently one at Verona. Returning to Middleton in 1887, he died in 1889, aged seventy-nine, his wife having entered into rest in 1868, aged fifty-six. Mr. Wm. Pierstorff has always been a public-spirited man and prominent in civic affairs in the communi- ties in which he lived, in politics a Democrat. .He received his education in the public schools of Dane county, remained at home until 1871, when he went on a prospecting trip through Montana, Idaho, Utah and Nebraska, but returning to the home farm at Verona, he worked it for about a year. Finding a business career more to his taste than farming he opened a hotel at Verona and afterward kept a general store. In 1884 he was elected sheriff of Dane county and came to Middleton to live, engaging in the lumber business, to which he has added that of dealer in coal, wood, lime and cement. The village of Middleton owed much to Mr. Pierstorff's services as president, chairman of the town ten years, supervisor of assessments of Dane county three years, and supervisor of village school directors seventeen years. He is a member of the Masonic Blue Lodge, No. 180 ; of Chapter No. 2177 of the Modern Woodmen and of the I, O. O. F. and Mrs. Pierstorff is a valued member of the Eastern Star. The county board in 1905 appointed him to correct the records of Dane county of vacating the streets in village highways in the county. In September, 1876, Mr. Pierstorff was married to Miss Mary Prien, daughter of John Prien. Both have been constant and loyal supporters of the Lutheran church. Their five children are all living. The first son, William H., is cashier of the Middleton bank. His wife before her marriage was Miss Alice Loppley of Middleton, and they have one child, a daughter, Velva. The next two sons, George B. and Frank L., are with their father in the lumber business at Middleton and the two youngest children, Marie and Aldro, remain at home. All the children were educated in the Middleton grade and high schools and the sons attended business college.

Silas U. Pinney, belonged to that brilliant coterie of pioneer lawyers which rendered the early Madison bar among the most famous in the country. His childhood advantages were few, - simply those afforded by the primitive conditions surrounding frontier farm life. Judge Pinney was born at Rockdale, Crawford county, Pa., March 3, 1833, son of Justin C. and Polly (Miller) Pinney. He could trace his ancestry back to the English Pinneys who emigrated from Somersetshire, in 1642, and settled in Ellington, Connecticut. Members of the family later moved to Massachusetts, and the father of this sketch was born in Becket, that state. Aaron Pinney, the paternal grandfather, moved to Crawford county, Pennsylvania, in 181 5. The mother of Judge Pinney was of German descent, daughter of a prominent clergyman who had settled in Crawford county, in 1792. In 1846 his father brought the family to Dane county, Wis., settling in Windsor township, where he followed the occupation of farming until his death in 1863. Young- Finney received a good common school education, and also some private instruction, besides devoting what leisure he could snatch from his arduous labors on his father's farm to individual study. Fortunately 'he had plenty of books, which enabled him to develop his early fondness for study and reading. He was endowed with a vigorous mind, and had a wonderfully retentive memory. All his associates in after life recall the ease with which he could make citations by volume and page without reference to notes or brief. He began teaching school at the age of sixteen, and taught for three winters, meanwhile, devoting his spare time to the study of law which he had decided to make his profession. He read law in the office of Vilas & Remington, and was admitted to the bar in May, 1854. He formed a partnership with L. B. Vilas and Samuel H. Roys under the firm name of Vilas, Roys & Pinney. Judge YTilas retired from the firm in 1856 and Mr. Roys died in 1857. In 1858 was formed the partnership of Gregory & Pinney. which endured for more than twenty-one years, Ohauncey Abbott and James M. Flower being also associated with the firm for brief periods in the early "6o's." In 1880 was formed the partnership o-f Pinney and Sanborn (Mr. A. L. Sanborn being the present United States district judge for the western district of Wisconsin). In 1892 Mr. Pinney was elected a member of the state supreme court, and continued to fill that important position with marked ability until the time of his death. Judge Pinney was a lifelong Democrat, but seldom sought political preferment. He did however serve his home city and county in several positions of trust. He was city attorney in 1858; a member of the city council in 1865 ; in 1869 an unsuccessful candidate for attorney-general on the Democratic ticket ; was mayor of Madison for two tennis. - 1874-76; member of the legislature during the session of 1875. In all positions he rendered able and efficient service. Mr. Pinney. in 1865, compiled the sixteenth volume of Wisconsin Reports, and, as special reporter by appointment of the supreme court, reported and published in 1870 the decisions of the territorial supreme court and of the first supreme court of the state, covering the period 1836-53, embraced in volumes 1, 2 and 3 of the Wisconsin Reports. During the years 1876-83 Judge Pinney was a professor in the University law school, where his lectures were marked by unusual lucidity and learning. He married Mary M. Mulliken, a native of Farmersville, Cattaraugas county, N. Y.. March 3, 1856. Their one son, Clarence died at the age of twenty. An adopted daughter.

Bessie, also died when twenty-one years of age. As a lawyer Judge Finney built up a large and lucrative practice, and actively paAicipated in the i important' litigation of the state for a period of, nearly forty years. His name appears as counsel in some eighty volumes of the state reports, in addition to an extensive practice in the lower, state, and in the Federal courts. His wonderful memory and his intense powers of application and industry marked him for success. He was especially strong in litigation involving real estate, corporation and constitutional questions. On the bench, his trained legal mind, excellent judgement, powers of keen analysis and ability to marshal facts have given his opinions great weight. Judge Pinney was of a kindly and sociable temperment, and made a large circle of friends which extended far beyond the limits of commonwealth. In every way his character as a man and cilizen was above reproach. He died at Madison April i, 1899, an'^ *s survived by Mrs. Pinney.

David 1ST. Piper, retired, of the town of Madison, was born near Buffalo, N. Y., April 10, 1834. He was a son of Benjamin and Sallie (Gault) Piper both natives of New Hampshire who went to New York early. Benjam'n Piper came to Wisconsin in territorial times, settling first at Milwaukee and two years later moved to Pipersville, Jefferson county. In 1855 he came to Dane county, taking up half a section of absolutely wild land. Here he put up a shanty and later a frame house, in which he lived until his death at the age of lrnetv. He was married twice, his second wife be'ng Sarah Burns, who died in P persville. Benjamin Piper was a Republican and was postmaster of Pipersville for a number of years. He was affiliated with the Universalist church. By his two marriages he was the father of eight children, William who kept a store and manufactured saleratus at Pipersville; Samuel and Benjamin who l'.ved in the same vicinty ; Sarah, the wife of Samuel Gordon; Betsy, who married Ira Lounsbury; Harriet, who married William ParnYter; David X., the subject of this sketch, and the only one living, and Dollies who d'ed in infancy. David X. Piper was educated in the district schools of Jefferson and Dane counties. Until a few years ago he lived on the farm his father bought on coming here in 1855, taking charge of the place for him until his death. From that time until his retirement in [895 Mr. Piper carried on diversified farming, giv'ng most of his attention to the raising of stock. Politically he is a Republican, and though never an aspirant for office, was for one term assessor of his town. In 1804 Mr. Piper married Augusta, daughter of Godfrey and Hannah Webber, and to this marriage have been born five children, Charles E., Samuel A., and PToward D., in the grocery business in Madison,

Annie, at home, and Alfred 1 Her in the bank of Wisconsin in Madison. All the children are well educated, having- attended the Madison high school and the University of Wisconsin. In 1895 Mr. Piper leased his farm and moved to Madison. He retains but one hundred' and ninety acres of the original three hundred and twenty settled by his father in 1855.

Captain William G. Pitman has been manager of the New York store since 1879 and may properly be designated as one of the pioneer business men of the city of Madison, where he has made his home for more than half a century, and as an ever standing exponent of loyal and public-spirited citizenship. He was one of those who went forth to honor Wisconsin through effective service as a soldier in the Civil War, in which he rose to the command of his company ; and in all the relations of civic life his influence has ever been cast in support of those measures and undertakings which make for the well-being of the community. It is but consistent to ascribe to him precedence as one of the best known and most popular business men of the capital city, with whose growth and development he has been closely identified as a citizen and as a man of affairs. Captain Pitman comes of sturdy Puritan stock and is a native son of the old Bay state, having been born in New Bedford, Bristol county, Mass., October 15, 1834, and being a son of William R. and Esther M. Pitman, the father having been a jeweler by vocation. Captain Pitman is indebted to the common schools of his native state for his early educational training, which was adequate to fortify him for the active duties and responsibilities of life. When but fifteen years of age he gave inception to his mercantile career, securing a position as shop boy in an establishment at New Bedford, Mass., gaining a thorough knowledge of business methods and of the values of goods handled and being advanced to positions of increasing responsibility from time to time. In 1854 he set forth to try his fortunes in the west, making Madison his destination and here securing employment in a drygoods store. In 1859 he entered the employ of the firm of Samuel Klauber & Company, Mr. Klauber having been practically the founder of the present New York store, since he came to Madison from Lake Mills in 1851, and established himself in the dry-goods business, having been one of the honored pioneer merchants of the capital city. With the upbuilding of the business of the New York store Captain Pitman has been closely identified, having been connected with the concern, under the various proprietorships, from the year 1859 to the present, and having been general mana- ger of the business since 1879, while his initiative and administrative ability has been the factor of greatest importance in the developing of the large and important business now controlled by this well-known concern. The attractive establishment is well stocked with the most select lines of dry-goods, carpets, rugs, etc., occupying a substantial two-story building, which was built by the present company in 1882, its 'unique facade being one of the most attractive of all business blocks on the capitol square. When the somber cloud of civil war obscured the horizon of a divided nation, Captain Pitman manifested his intrinsic loyalty and patriotism by tendering his services in defense of the Union. In April,

1861, he enlisted as a member of Company K, First Wisconsin Volunteer infantry, in which he was made sergeant, serving with his regiment until the expiration of his three months' term of enlistment and then receiving his honorable discharge. In August,

1862, he raised a company of volunteers in Dane county, and again went into service, being adjutant of his regiment and being finally promoted captain of the company which he had raised, - Company I. Twenty-third Wisconsin Volunteer infantry. In that capacity he served until December, 1863, when he resigned his commission and returned to Madison, having received his honorable discharge, at New Orleans. He was a participant in the battles of Chickasaw Bayou, Arkansas Post, Port Gibson, Champion's Hill, Big Black River, the campaign and engagements leading up to the siege of Vicksburg, in which he took part, having the honor of being one of the valiant soldiers of the force which entered the capitulated city on July 4. 1863, the siege of Jackson, and the battle of Grand Coteau. In perpetuation of the more gracious memories and associations of his military career he has identified himself with the Grand Army of the Republic, the Loyal Legion and the Society of the Army of the Tennessee. In politics the captain gives his allegiance to the Republican party and while he has ever shown a loyal interest in public affairs of a local order he has never been animated with ambition for official preferment. He and his family are members of Grace Protestant Episcopal church. Captain Pitman was a member of the volunteer fire department of the city for some twenty-five years, for ten years having been foreman of the Hook and Ladder company. He is a member of the State Historical society, the Madison Horticultural Society, and the Ancient Order of LTnited Workmen ; he is also a director of the Northwestern Building and Loan Association. March 14. 1864, Captain Pitman was united in marriage to Miss Eugenie S. Bemis. of Madison, and they have three daughters. Bertha S., Jennie M. and Annie M. The eldest daughter is the wife of Prof. F. C. Sharp of the University of Wisconsin and the mother of two children, Malcolm P., aged seven, and Elliot C, two years of age. The other two daughters make their home with their father.

Morris Porter was one of the early residents of Dane county and he and his father, Garrett Porter, have been prominent in its affairs for many years. The family lived in Connecticut in an early day and Garrett Porter was born in Oneida county, N. Y., January 11, 1804, was graduated in the home schools and there married Miss Lusina Hart, who also was born in Oneida county, in 1803. Garrett Porter came to York township, Dane county, Wis., in 1845, and obtained one hundred and twenty acres of government land which he proceeded to clear and improve, making a valuable piece of farm property. To this he added until his farm consisted of three hundred twenty acres of fine farm land. Garrett Porter was an energetic and active man and did all in his power to promote the growth of the new community. He was road supervisor and aided in planning some of the earliest roads. He also served as supervisor and treasurer of the town of York and was allied with the Democratic party as is also his son Morris. Morris Porter was born in Lodi, now Guawande, Cattaraugas county, N. Y.. February 1, 1832, attended school in New York and in Dane county and assisted his father on the farm. He owns a fine farm of one hundred and fifty acres and occupied himself with operating it for many years, but is no longer actively employed in farming. He is a Democrat and held the office of treasurer of the school district for thirty years. He and his family are prominent in the Methodist Episcopal church, as were his parents. April 26, 1857, Mr. Porter married Miss Orzelia C. Fuller, daughter of Chester and Caroline (Nash) Fuller, who came to Dane county from Illinois in 1845. Mr. and Mrs. Porter have two sons, both of whom were educated in the home schools. The oldest son, Chester G., resides in Wauwatosa and is reporter in the circuit court of Milwaukee. Edgar M. is train despatcher employed by the South Shore & Atlantic railroad and makes his home in Marquette, Mich.

William Henry Porter, (deceased), was born at Wenham, Essex county, Mass., November 10, 1830. The direct genealogical line as preserved in the family records is, John Porter, born in Dorset, England in 1596, Samuel, died in 1660; John, born in Wenham, Mass., in 1658, died March 8, 1753; Jonathan, born September 11. 1696, died October 8, 1759; Tyler, (M. D.,) born in Wenham, 1730, died

January 27. 1811; Jonathan, born April 28, 1 T 7 1, died September. 1862 ; William F.. born in Wenham, April 18, 1806. died in Jacksonville. Fla.. November 20, 1878 ; William Henry, born in Wenham, November 10, 1830, died at Marshall, Wis., August 26. 1905; James H., born in Marshall, October 4. 1879. The parents of W. H. were W. F., born in Wenham, Mass., April 18, 1806, and Clarissa (Lummus) Porter, born at Union. Ale., in 1798. He came of sturdy New England stock being the eighth in descent from John Porter, one of the early New England colonists , to whom was granted land near Boston, and of whom it was written, "he was a man of energy and influence, became a large land owner, held many official positions, and was deputy to the general court." The great grandfather of Air. W. H. Porter, Dr. Tyler Porter, was a physician, an eminent citizen, and distinguished as a patriot in the Revolutionary War ; his father, William F. Porter, was a man of enterprise and spirit, and resided in Alassachusetts until the spring of 1856, when with his only son. William H., he came to Dane county. Wis. He settled first in the town of Burke and later removed to Aladison, where for several years he was interested in large real estate operations, both in the city and in the adjacent towns. In 1860, in company with Samuel Marshall, he purchased a tract of land lying in and around the village of Marshall. In 1865, he returned to Alassachusetts, and settled at Brighton, near Boston, and this was his home for the remainder of his life, although failing health necessitated spending his winteis in Florida. He died there, at Jacksonville, November 20, 1878, leaving a widow, his second wife, and an only son. It was said of him, "in all relations of life he was a good citizen and in the highest sense of the phrase, an honest man." The subject of th-is sketch was educated in the common schools, and later in Lawrence academy, of Groton, Alass. He came to Wisconsin with his father in the spring of 1856, and became a permanent resident of Alarshall in 1865. He was a large farmer and mill-owner, holding property in partnership with Samuel Alarshall until 1880, when he became sole owner and proprietor of Alaple Avenue Farm and the Alarshall Roller Mills. He was an ardent Republican, was post-master at Alarshall for eighteen years, chairman of the township for thirteen years, and member of the assembly in 1890-91. He was brought up in the Congregational church, but was never a member of any church society, but was always interested in the welfare and prosperity of the various church organizations of the village and gave liberally to their support. Air. Porter was twice married ; first to Aliss

Elizabeth M. Bell, April 25, 1870, daughter of Charles E. and Georgeanna (Currie) Bell, of Marshall. She died October 29, 1873, leaving an infant son, William Aubrey, who died September 16, 1874. On December 26, 1876, he married Miss Nettie Page, daughter of James H. and Prusia (Thompson) Page, of Stoughton. Three children were born of this union, William Fairfield, born November 20, 1877, died October 17, 1887; James H., born October 4, 1879, who lives at home ; Charles Henry, born January 31, 1887, died August 28, 1888. Mr. Porter was one of the prominent and substantial citizens of Marshall, and one of its foremost business men who for forty years was closely allied with all the interests of the village. He was one of the founders of Marshall academy, and its treasurer for three years ; was a member of the Grange, and several times its worthy master; was one of the organizers of the bank of Marshall and its first president, and was widely and favorably known throughout the county and state. He was a man of great force of character, of strong practical sense ; a loyal friend, a wise counselor. His influence was always on the side of right, of justice, of sobriety, of integrity, and for whatever was for the highest good of the community in which he lived. In his personal life he was the soul of honor, and his character for honesty and fair dealing was above reproach. He died at his home in Marshall, August 26, 1905, leaving a wife and only child, James H. One sister, Martha E. Porter, born April 1, 1833, died January 23, 1855.

George S. Post, printing clerk in the office of the secretary of state, was born in Dane county, June 20, 1860. He is of New England and English ilescent, the former on the father's side, the latter on the mother's. The father, William H. Post, is the caretaker of Chadbourne Hall, the woman's dormitory of the University of Wisconsin. He came to Wisconsin before the Civil War, leaving the vocation of fisherman, in which line he inherited his father's talent, to become a farmer. In 1862 he enlisted as a private in Company K, Twentysecond Wisconsin Infantry, and served with distinction for over three years. At one time he was captured by the Confederates, but was not long confined in prison. At the cessation of hostilities he returned to Madison and entered the employ of the Garnhardt-Ray company, having charge of the city lighting. He and his wife, still honored citizens of the capital city, are members of the Congregational church. The subject of this sketch is the eldest of their seven children, six of whom are still living. William H. is a locomotive engineer who makes his home in Sioux City, la. Walter G. is in the drayage business in Mad- ison, Marcilla is at home. John I. is a photographer and Lucius I. a musician. George S. Post received his education in the public and private schools of his home city. While still a young man he went into the employ of the State Journal printing company to learn the trade of printer. His service with this establishment lasted twentysix years until his appointment to his present position in January, 1903. On June 4, 1886, Mr. Post was united in marriage to Miss Minnie Drover, a native of Canada and a daughter of John and Minnie Drover. Mr. Droyer is deceased, but his widow makes her home in Madison. To Mr. and Mrs. Post have been born three children, - Ethel, R.. Lillian G. and Lenna R. Both the parents are members of the First Methodist Episcopal church. Mr. Post is a member of the Blue Lodge, Free and Accepted Masons, the Independent Order of Odd Fellows of which latter order he is a trustee, of the Woodmen of the World, and of the Modern Woodmen of America, - having been presiding officer of that organization for five years, and of the Royal Neighbors of America. Politically he is a stanch Republican, belonging to the dominant wing of the party in Wisconsin.