Vernon County, Wisconsin - Biographical sketches (3 of 6 so headed), 1884

Nearly forty years have elapsed since John Graham and his three sons first made a settlement on the virgin soil of what is now Jefferson tt'wn. The following personal histories represent about forty of tlie pioneer settlers and prominent citizens of to-day; those who have been witnesses and participators of the steady toil and innumerable privations attendant on the clearing and settlement of this portion of Vernon county.

Lameh Graham, the oldest settler in Vernon county residing there in 1884, was born in Ohio April 17, 1828, came to this county in 1''46, in company with Nelson De Frees, and has since been a resident of Springville, Vernon county. His principal business has been milling, and is at present one of the partners of the Eureka Mill. Mr. Graham has made a large amount of money, but has met with heavy losses by fire and otherwise. He was married in 1851 to Mary Kelsey. She died, leaving two children, one of which is now living - Columbus. In 1862 he married Euphanie Gambois, and by this union has had ten children, eight of whom are now living - Lameh, \A'illiam, Irwin M., John, Alfred B., Amada, Anna M. and Mary M.

Alfred Glassborn is a native of Virginia, born in the year 181.5. When one year old he removed with his parents to Ohio. Here he resided until 1839, being raised to farm life. He then went to Lee Co., Iowa, and in 1844 cpnie to Wisconsin, working for two years in the lead mines. In the fall of 1846 he removed farther nortli, and has since resided within the limits of what is now known as Vernon county, witli the exception of tliree years spent in California. Until 1868 he gave liis attention to farming. In 1861) he became associated, as partner, .with Lameh Graham, in the milling business, erected the Eureka Mill, at Springville, and has since owned an interest in the same. Mr. Glassborn never married.

Samuel Brice is numbered among the pioneers of Vernon county, having settled here prior to 1850. He pre-empted land on section 27, town 13, range 5, on which he resided until 1883, when he removed to Brown Co., Dak. Mr. Brice was born in 1820, in Kentucky, removing with his parents to Missouii, where he married Mrs. Mary Spradling, nee Ingram. She bad two children by her former marriage, one of whom if now living - Anna, wife of J. Zuingliens May. Mr. and Mrs. Brice have but one child - John.

John Brice, son of Samuel and Mary Brice, was born in Jeflft^rson, Vernon county, Aug. 5, 1855, now residing on the homestead. He was married in 1876 to Oliva Parsons, daughter of Israel Parsons. They have four children - Amy, Maud, Jessie and Effie. Ann M. (Spradling) May, the daughter born to Mrs. Samuel Brice, was born in Lincoln Co., Mo., in 1850. In 1853 she was taken by her parents to Vernon Co., Wis., and Dec. 29, 1868, married Zuingliens S. May. They have six children, five of whom are natives of Vernon county - Belle, Samuel, Georgia, Idumea and Edna. In 18S2 Mr. May removed to Brown Co., Dak., where a little daughter, named Bertha, was born to them.

S. Iloverson is numbered among the settlers of 1852, as on the of August, that year, his parents came to Vei-non county, soon purchasing land on section 12, town 13, range 5, and as soon as suitable buildings could be erected made this their home. Here bis father died in Sejitember, 1881; his mother makes her home with him. Mr. Hoverson was born in

Norway, May 10, 1835. He emigrated with his parents to America in 1852, and has since, as before stated, been a resident of Jefferson town .He is a republican in politics, and for nine years has been a member of the town board. In religion he is a Lutheran.

Among the early settlers of Vernon county is found Norris W. Sa.\ton, who, with his wife and three children settled near Liberty Pole in IS52. In 1853 he removed to Springville, engaging in farming, and also for some time in running a saw mill. When the civil war broke out he responded to the call of his country by enlisting in company C, 18th Wisconsin Volunteers, and was killed at the battle of Shilob in April, 1862. Mr. Saxton was born in New York State in 1813, and while a resident there married Maria L. Belknap. lie then emigrated to Illinois, going from there to Wisconsin. Mrs. Saxton died in 1878. She had five children - A. B., Jennie E., deceased, N. W., who enlisted in company F., 37th Wisconsin Volunteers, dying while in service; Anna L. and Sylvester S.

A. B. Saxton, son of Norris W. Saxton, was born in Pike Co., 111., April 16, 1843. He came with his parents to this county, and has since been engaged in farming. He was married to Augusta C. Favor, daughter of Jonathan and Mary Favor, and now resides on section 5, town 13, range 5, owning 120 acres. Mr. and Mrs. Saxton have had six children, three of whom are living - Clement S., Emma L. and Norton F. Mr. Saxton is a National greenbacker. In religion he is a Methodist Episcopal.

Martin F. Allen was born in St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., Jan. 24, 1820. His early life was spent working in saw mills and grist mills, three years of which time was spent in Canada. He came to Vernon county in October, 1853, purchasing the southwest quarter of section 28, town 13, range 5. He then returned to St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., and the following spring brought his family to their new home, the journey being made by way of the great lakes, from

Og<lensbiirg, N. Y., to Chicago, 111., and thence by team to Wisconsin. In 1858 Mr. Allen traded his property for a saw mill at Newton, removed thither in 1800, erected a new saw mill, and four years later built a grist mill on the place. He resided in Newton about seventeen years, when he sold his mills, returned to .Jefferson, and now resides on section -32. His farm consists of 240 acres. He was married in 1841 to Anna Landon, of Canton, St. Lawrence Co., N. Y. She died in July, 1842, leaving one son, wlio has since died. In 1849 he married Betsy C. Ellis, and by this union had eight children - Charles, the eldest, entered the United States service in 1864, and now fills a soldier's grave; Emery E., Julia, wife of Joseph Baker; Elisha, James M., George W., Hattie and Henry. He is a strict republican, and adheres closely to temperance.

William A. Herron came to Vernon county in April, 1853, settling on the northeast quarter of section 14, town 13, range 5, where he now owns 240 acres. He has given his principal attention to farming, although for a few years he was engaged in general merchandise l)usiness, at Springville, in partnership witli George E. Morse. In 1881 he went to Dakota, taking a homestead and tree claim, and has spent much of his time since in improving the same. Mr. Herron was born June 22, 1823, in Muskingum Co., Ohio. In 1848 he married Mary McLees, and in 1853, as before stated, came to Wisconsin, the journey from Ohio being made on steamboat, by way of St. Louis. Mr. and Mrs. Herron have nine children - Hannah J., now Mrs. Matthew Gray, Sarah E., now Mr.1. George E. Morse, Joseph M., Wary M., now Mrs. H. L. Rayner, Martha W., now Mrs. Frank Warner, Rachel, now Mrs. Arthur Amsden; Charles T., George W., and Kate. He is a republican, and a member of the Congregational Church.

for two years lie engaged in carpenter workin 1859 he went to Pikes Peak, but returned in 1862 to Springville, and has since been engaged in farming. He was born in Ohio, Jan. 14, 1833, and resided in his native State until reaching maturity. He was married in 1855, to Cathe rine Ann Van Dyke, daughter of Alirahani Van Dyke. She removing with her father from the State of Ohio in 1854. Their children numbered six, in all, two boys and four girls. Three of them are dead and three living - Comentna Alice, the oldest, was born July 7, 1856, died July 4, 1862; Loami Wilber was born April 23, 1863, died Jan. 24, 1865; Seth Lorin was born Jan. 23, 1875, died Nov. 18, 1878. The living ones are - MelzanaLoretta,Mattie Leona, Mary Lucy. Mr. Hamilton's politics, if any, are democratic, in faith he is an Advent lieliever.

George Williamson has been a resident of Vernon county since 1865. He worked at the cooper trade for three years, at Chaseburg, the remainder of the time being engaged in farming. He was born Jan. 29, 1843, in Muskingum Co., Ohio. He learned his trade in his native State, and followed it there until 1861. He then enlisted in company A, 122d Ohio Infantry, serving three years, and participating in several hard fought battles and numerous skirmishes. He was wounded at the battle of Cold Harbor, which disabled him for three months. July 4, 1868, he married Hettie, daughter of James Maxwell. They have three children - Blanche, Lloyd and Irwin. He is a republican, and a member of the G. A. R.

James Maxwell came to Vernon county in 1854, in the fall of the same year, purchasing fifty acres of land on section 15, town 13, range 5, where he was engaged in farming until his death, which occurred Feb. 1, 1875. He was born Nov. 10, 1808, in Westmoreland Co., Penn., and removed with his parents to Ohio, where he was married, Dec. 22, 1831, to Sarah Joseph, born in Virginia, Sept. 25, 1808. 'Ihey liad nine children, eight daughters and one son - the latter deceased. The children living are - Dy- antha Irene, wife of John Goldrick; Margaret, wife of Tliomas Harper; Mary, wife of Salem James; Racliel, wife of Isaac Groves; Nancy, wife of James Dixon; Neoma, wife of Charles Markle; Celestia, wife of David Stevenson; and Hetty, wife of George Williamson. Mrs. Maxwell still resides on the homestead, whif^t contains 140 acres of land.

E. C. Officer settled at Springville, Vernon county, in 1854, working at his trade, cabinet maker, for about three years. In 185'7 he married Mary Ann Spencer, daughter of Isaac and Mary Ann{McConnell) Spencer,since which time he has given his attention to farming. He now owns 310 acres of land, twenty-one lots, and the largest springs in the county, from which the village of Springville derived its name, are located on his land, only a few rods from his residence. Mr. Officer was born Feb. 8, 1827, in Muskingum Co., Ohio, being a son of James and Sarah (Crurabaker) Officer. He learned his trade and worked at it in his native State until coming to Vernon county. Mr. and Mrs. Officer have had eight children, six of whom are living - James, Irvine, Flora M., Elmer H., Wyman L. and Lloyd Spencer.

Samuel Davis was born in Pennsylvania in : 1801, learned the cooper trade, and removed to Ohio, residing there until 1855," when he came to .Jefferson town Vernon Co., Wis. He died in September, 1872. He was twice married. His first wife was Miss Yours, by whom he had ten children, nine of whom are living. His second wife was Elizabeth G. Gladden. They had seven children, four of whom are living - Nancy, William I., Ilukla E. and Miles G. Mrs. Davis is now the wife of Thomas White.

Miles G. Davis was born in Morgan Co., Ohio, April 8, 1854. He received a common school education. In March, 1S77, he married Mary E. Thompson, daughter of David ]i. Thompson. In November, 1878, he moved to Monroe county, where he resided until the fall of 1882. He then returned to Vernon county, now residing on the homestead. His children are - Winfred C, Lloyd E. and Harvey E. He is a republican and a member of the A. O. U. W. Mr. Davis is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church.

William Frazier was born in Belmont Co., Ohio, Oct. 6, 1833. He assisted his father on the farm and received a good common school education. In 1855 he married Plume Powell, also a native of the Buckeye State. They came to Wisconsin soon after marriage, and have since resided in JefEei'son town, Vernon county. Mr. Frazier has had many sad experiences. In February, 1875, his residence, one of the best in the town, was destroyed by fire. He at once rebuilt, but no sooner was his new residence built than it was destroyed by a cyclone, which occurred June 23, 1875, and of which mention is made elsewhere in this work. Mr. Frazier is the largest grower of sugar cane in Vernon county, and has the honor of being the third man in the State of Wisconsin to manufacture sugar therefrom. Mr. Frazier was formerly a republican, but is now somewhat independent, giving little attention to politics. He has frequently been chosen to fill offices of public trust and honor, having served as townsuperintendent of schools, town assessor and collector, as chairman of the county board of supervisors one term, and of the t>wnboard several terms. He also, in 1874, represented his district in the General Assembly. In 1883 Mr. Frazier received from the agricultural department at Washington, $1,200 to be us«d by him in experimenting in the manufacture of sugar. Mr. and Mrs. Frazier have had eleven children, ten of whom are now living - Anna L., now Mrs. C. L. Wood ; Samuel L., cashier of the Wadena County Bank, Verndale, Minn.; William S., book-keeper in La Crosse, Wis. ; Luella J., Dora II., Charles R., Mary B., Raymond R., Minta M. and Frank E.

of Simon Crawford. He still resides on tins place, now owning 220 acres. For the past ten years he has been a dealer in live stock. Mr. Hayes was born in Ohio, Oct. 4, 1820. He worked on a faiin in his younger days, and received a common school education. In 1845 he niirriod Mariam Williams. In 1854 he sold his property in Ohio, and in the following spi-iiig started westward, and became a resident of Vernon county. Mrs. Hayes died Jan. 21, 1882. . Mr. and Mrs. Hayes had five children - Sarah A., (deceased), Mary J., Mrs. John Mc- Kitrick; Rachel M., Mrs. W. J. May; Hester, Mrs. Josepli Forsyth, and John Jr. Mr. Hayes has been successful in life, and now has a neat frame residence. He votes the republican ticket, although he take.s but little interest in politics.

Thomas James, one of the pioneers of 1855, settled on section 10, town 13 north, range 5 west, where he still resides, now owning 195 acres. He was born in Muskingum Co., Ohio, July 5, 1812. He was raised on a farm; but at the age of eighteen years commenced to learn the carpenter trade, working at the same for several years. In 1835 he built a saw-mill and operated it until 1848, when he resumed farming. He was married in 1835, to Frances Graham, a native of Virginia, born Jan. 22, 1817, and removed with her parents while quite young to Mu-kingum Co., Ohio, where she was married. Tiiey lived together until 1872, when May 23 she died, having borne thirteen children - Salem, Troylus, Reuben, Eben, Maria, Charles, Edwin, Lucy, George, Theodore, John, Alta and Thomas. Ten are still living. Reuben died Aug. 10, 1840; Theodore, Feb. 1, 1808, and John, Dec. 14, 1878. Mr. James united with the Baptist Church in April, 1830; his wife in 1832. In politics he was an "old line whig," then a staunch republican. In June, 1875, he was married the second time, to Mr.s. Mai-y Miller, widow of James Miller. She was born July 20, 1828, in Muskingum Co., Ohio; was married May 20, 1847, and removed with her husband, in 1854, to Vernon Co., Wis.; settled near Viroqua, and in 1800, settled on a homestead in the town of Stark, on sections 4 and 5, town 13 north, of range 2 west. In August, 1802, her husband enlisted for the war in company A,25th regiment,Wi8Consin Volunteers,and died at Memphis, Tenn., Sept. 11, 1803, at the age of thirty-seven years. She had four children - Harvey, Mansfield L., Sarah E. and Asbury F., two of whom are dead. Sarah E. died May 17, 1874, and Mansfield L. died June 18, 1882. Both wife and husband wore members of the Methodist Church. He was republican in politics.

William A. Morse was born in Herkimer Co., N. Y., Feb. 23, 1817. His early life v as spent on a farm, while he received a good commercial education, and for many years was engaged in book-keeping. While serving in that capacity in Lockport, he made the acquaintance of Orrilla N. Hunter, to whom he was married in 1840. In 1855 he came to Wisconsin, engaging in mercantile business at Springville, Vernon county, which he continued the greater portion of the time until his death, which oc curred in 1874. Mr. Morse was the first depot agent at Lockport, on the New York Central Railroad, and faithfully served the company a number of years in that capacity. Mrs. Morse still resides with her only child - George E. Mr. Morse possessed excellent business qualifications, and was well known in the county. He was a member of the Masonic fraternity and ranked very high. He was a Royal Arch Mason, was connected with the Commandery, and was a Knight Templar. He assisted in organizing the Masonic' lodge at Viroqua. He voted the republican ticket, but never aspired to office. Religiously, he was an Advcutist - one of the first in the county. George E., only son of William A. Morse, was born in Lockport, N. Y., June 11, 1841, coming with his parents to Wisconsin. He received a good common school education, and was raised to a mercantile life, assisting his father in the store. He I'o- mained at home until 1871, at which time he was married to Sarah E. Herron, daughter of William A. Ilcrron. They have had live children, two of whom are living - Mary E. and Margaret E. Mr. Morse has been principally engaged in farming, being for a time, however, engaged in mercantile business. In politics he is a republican, and is also a member of the I. O. O. F.

Clark Waters was born Feb. 8, 1805, in the State of New York. He removed with his parents to Illinois, from whence he came to Wisconsin, becoming one of the pioneers of Vernon county. He now resides on section 25, Jefferson town. Mr. Waters has been married three times. His first wife was Orrilla Clark, by whom he had eleven children, seven living at the time of her death. His second wife was Julia IMack, from whom he was divorced soon after marriage. His present wife was Mrs. Louisa Derr, widowed wife of Charles Derr, who was killed while serving his country in the civil war. Five children were born to them, three daughters and two sons - the former married, and the latter still single. Mr. and Mrs. Waters were married in 1867.

W. S. Waters, son of Clark and Orrilla Waters, removed with his parents to Vernon county. In 18t>2 he enlisted in company A, 25th Wisconsin Volunteers, serving three years. Mr. Waters married Joam Older. They have seven children - William, Arbelle, Earnest, Hattie, James, Burton and Lester.

Adam Doerr arrived at Springville, April 11, 1856, and at once entered the employ of the Grahams, who were then repairing their mill, and when it was completed, Mr. Doerr was placed in charge and held the position for three years. On account of being troubled with rheumatism, he was compelled to give up steady work in the mill, but he still assists aljout the mill occasionally. When Mr. Doerr first entered the mill he was unable to speak the English language, but as he was well educated in German, he kept the books at the mill, and was soon familiar with our native tongue. He purchased his present farm in 1859, and now has a comfortable home. When he bought his land there was but little timber in the vicinity, as fires swept across the country annually. l>ut now, where the soil has not been put under cultivation, it is covered with a thick forest. Mr. Doerr was born in the Grand Duchy of Hesse Darmstadt, Germany, Jan. 1,18^0. He learned the milling business, and subsequently the tailor's trade. In 1851 he emigrated to the LTnited States, and first stopped in Butler Co., Penn., where, in 1853, he married Susanna Keonig. They have three children - Susan, Anna and John.

Jonathan Favor was born in Grafton Co., N. II., May 6, 1799. In 1821 he was united in marriage with Mary Pingry, born in the same county, Aug. 28, 1802. In 1833 they moved to Erie Co., N. Y., seven years later to McHenry Co., 111., and in 1854 came to Wisconsin, settling on section 10, town 13, range 5. Here Mr. Favor was engaged in farming until his death, Feb. 21, 1875. Mrs. Favor still resides on the homestead, and is in good health foi- (ine of her age. Mr. and Mrs. Favor had twelve children, ten of whom are living - Isaac S., Elizabeth, now Mrs. Ira Olds ; Feletus, Jane, now Mrs. Theodore Wilson; Minerva, wid( wof Wallace W. DeFrees ; Daniel W., Ambrosia, nowMrs. John Spencer ; Augusta, now Mrs. A. B. Soxten ; Electa, now Mrs. Joel Herron, and Jerome. Mr. Favor was a loving husband, kind father, and good neighbor. He always lived a Christian life, and during his latter years was connected with the Advent Christian Church.

Jerome Favor was born in McHenry Co., III., June 26, 1846. He came with his parents to Wisconsin, now owning and residing on the homestead, which contains 160 acres of land. In 1880 he erected a large frame house at a cost of |>2,400, but it was no sooner competed than it was destroyed by fire, and Mr. Favor was compelled to rebuild. Feb. 1, 1869, he married Lucy James, daughter of Thomas James. Tiiey have two cliildren - Fannie and Arie. Mr. Favor is a republican. In religion he is an Advent Christian.

I. M. Groves became a resident of Vernon county in the fall of 1850, residing in Liberty town until 1869, since which time he has lived in Jefferson town. He was born in Perry Co., Ohio, Sept. ^0, 1839, where he resided until coming to Wisconsin. He enlisted Sept. 6, 18(51, in company F, 8th Wisconsin Volunteers, serviuguntil Sept. 16, 1864. He participated in the battles of Frederickstown, Mo.; siege of New Madrid, Island No. 10 and siege of Corinth, when he was taken sick, remaining in the hospital eleven months. He was also (.n the Red river expedition. In 1865 he married Rachel Maxwell, daughter of James Maxwell. They had six children, five of whom are living - James F., Ottosia A., Le Roy M., Mary E. and Hattie I. He is a greenbacker in politics, but was formerly a republican. His religious connections are with the Methodist Episcopal Church. Mr. Groves is a member of the G. A. R.

R. S. Nixon settled on section 34, town 13, range 5, Vernon Co., Wis., and here he still resides. He has given his attention to farming and now owns 190 acres of land. Mr. Nixon was boro Nov. 10, 1820, in Morgan Co., Ohio. His father, Hugh Nixon, was a native of Ireland, and his mother, Rachel (Wood) Nixon, was born in New Jersey. R. S. Nixon received a common school education. In 1843 he was married to Jane Rees, born in Muskingum Co., Ohio. In 1856 they came to Wisconsin. Mrs. Nixon died in March, 1881, leaving six children - Mary J., Amos M., Charles II., Emma, Eva and Samuel. He is a republican and a member of the I. O. O. F. He is a member of the Methoddist Episcopal Church.

A. M. Nixon, son of R. S. and Jane (Rees) Nixon, was born in Morgan Co., Ohio, Nov. 3, 1850. He came with his parents to Wisconsin and has since been a resident of Vernon countv.

He learned the blacksmith trade and for some time had a shop at Viroqua. He settled on his present farm in 1875 and in March of the same year married Sarah Emma McKitrick. They have four children - Charles A., Roy, Claude and Howard W. In politics Mr. Nixon is republican.

L. G. P. Adams was born in Quincy, Mass., Oct. 24, 1S15. He learned the shoemaker's trade and while pursuing the same made boots for Gen. B. F. Butler and Dr. Ayers. He was married Dec. 31, 1839, at Lowell, Mass., to Eliza S. Mallon. Ten years later, he removed to New Hampshire from whence, in 1857, he he came to Wisconsin and has since been a resident of Vernon county. He was engaged in farming at Viroqua until 1866, when he removed to Springville, engaging in hotel business. He was proprietor of the Springville House until 1877, when he sold to L. N. Shaw. Mr. Adams now leads a retired life. Mr. and Mrs. Adams have had two children, one now living - Anna E., wife of Samuel Older, Springville, Wis.

Philip Bouflleur is a native of Prussia, born Sept. 7, 18-29. His father, Peter Bouffleur, emigrated to the LTnited States in 1853 and died at Cincinnati, Ohio, in 1854. His mother, Catharine Bouffleur, emigrated to the United States in I860 and has since been a resident of Vernon county. Philip learned the shoemaker's trade in his native country. From 1849 to 1851 he served in the 30th Infantry Division of the Prussian Army. In 1854 he came to America, first stopping at Butler, Butler Co., Penn. On Nov. 27, 1855, he was united in marriage with Mary Reinlinder. In 1857 he came to Wisconsin, settling in Springville and following his trade until 1864, when he succeeded Mr. Bartolf in the general mercantile business and by his pleasing manners and honest dealings so gained the confidence of the people that his trade was on a continual increase until in 1882 his sales amounted to f 30,000. Mr. I'ouffleur is a republican in politics. He served as postmaster at Springville from 1864 to

18R3. He is a man of excellent business qualifications and highly esteemed by bis fellow men. Mr. Bouffleur is a member of the I. O. O. F. and the A. O. U. W. His religious connections are with the Methodist Episcopal society. Mr. and Mrs. Bouffleur have had eight children, five of whom are now living - William, Dora, wife of C. N. Harris, Harmon, Albert and Minnie.

William Lowrie was one of the best known and most respected citizen.s of Vernon county. He was born in Edinburgh, Scotland, in 1799. At the age of fourteen years he was apprenticed to learn the carpenters trade, at which he was occupied as an apprentice and journeyman until lie reached the age of twenty-one. Being of a studious turn of mind, he found time each day to spend a few hours in study or in reading instructive books, thus, with a mind richly stored with the beautiful thoughts and precepts of the grand old authors, with a perfect knowledge and mastery of his chosen trade ; being possessed of honest principles, industrious and persevering habits, he was well fitted to go out into the world among strangers, and win friends and fortune for himself. At the age of twentyfive years he sailed for America, which became the home of his adoption. He first settled in St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., where he invested a considerable sum of money in lands, and worked at his trade as contractor and builder. Soon after his arrival in New York, he was married to Christiana Kerr, an amiable and beautiful young lady of Scotch parentage, whose father was one of the early settlers of that country. They lived in that State for a number of years, when enterprise and love for adventure prompted him to remove with his family to Vernon Co., Wis., where he became a resident of JeflFerson town, in 1856. He settled on section 30, town 13 north, of range 5 west, where he was engaged in farming, and lived prosperous and happy until his death, which took place Jan. 20, 1879, at the ripe old age of eighty years. He was a noble man, a loving and kind husband and father, and a true fiiend. Mrs. Lowrie still survives her husband. As a true, faithful, loving, patient wife and mother, none can excell her. She bore the inconvenience and hardships of pioneer life, with a courage which nothing but deep love for her husband and family, and a perfect trust in her Heavenly Father could have sustained. She is now living in her seventy-third year ; for a lady of her age, she has retained remarkable eye-sight, still being able to read fine print, thread a needle and sew without spectacles. Her miTid is unusually active and retentive, and she converses fluently with friends upon the early scenes and incidents of their early life in Wisconsin.

J. P. Lowrie, son of William Lowrie, was born in St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., June 2-', 1840. He came with his parents to Wisconsin and has since resided in Vernon county. He was married in 1871 to Rebecca Kaden. They have three children - Lurana V., Alexander and Lovary. In politics, Mr. Lowrie is a republican.

N. A. Sackett was born Nov. 9, 1829, in Duchess Co., N. Y. He removed with his parents to Chautauqua county, at the age of seven years. Here he grew to manhood. At the age of twenty-one years he married Mary E. Dewey. Mr. Sackett came to Dane Co., Wis., in July, 1857, with his wife and two of her sisters with their families ; visiting there until spring. Then he came to Vernon county, ( then called Bad Ax ) where he has since resided on section 6, town 13, range 5, and has followed farming as an occupation. Mr. and Mrs. Sackett have had three children. The oldest, a son, died in infancy at their former home. Flora M. aged twenty-one, and Charles A. aged nine years, are still with their parents. Mr. Sackett, wife and daughter are members of the U. B. Church. In politics, he is a republican.

town, where he died, Feb. 9, 1883, of heart disease. Mr. Creviston was born in Pennsylvania March 5, 1811. He removed with his parents to Indiana, wliere, in 1850, lie was married to Mary Jane Garver, born in Ohio Feb. 20, 183i. They had six children - Emaline, wife of William V. Sheets, Francis, Henry, Leonora, Ada and Lillie. .Mr. Creviston was a kind father and good neighbor. His wife still resides on the homestead.

John Sheets was born in Kentucky; subsequently he removed to Ohio, where he was married toEvaline VanDorn. He then removed to Illinois, where he died,' leaving four children, three of whom are living - William V., Eliza A. and Isaac. Mrs. Sheets afterward married Daniel Mossholder, and in 1S58 came to Wisconsin, settling in Vernon county.

William V. Siieets was born in Iroquois Co , 111., Nov. 29, 1844. He came with his family to Wisconsin, in 1858, and has since resided in Vernon county. He enlisted Sept. 15, 1863, in the 13th Wisconsin Light Artillery, serving until the close of the war. In 1868 ho mariied Emaline Creviston, daughter of James Creviston. They have two children - Mary Etta and Erminnie E.

Jonathan Wood and his son, L. J., came to Vernon county in 1854 and selected land on section 6, town 13, range 5, not locating thereon, however, until the spring of 1s.t8. In the fall of 1857 Mr. Wood came from New York State to Dane Co., Wis., removing in the spring, as stated, to this county. That neighborhood has since been known as Woodville. While in New York Mr. Wood operated a sawmill, but after coming to Wisconsin was engaged in farming. He died in 1869.

L. J. Wood was born Feb. 17, 1827, in Oneida Co., N. Y. In his younger days he assisted his father in the mill, and also served for two years as clerk in a store. He was married in Cattaraugus Co., N. Y. in 1848, to Sarah Dewey, also a native of New York State. They have had four children, two of whom

C L. Wood was born in Chautauqua Co., N. Y., Jan. 17, 1850. He came with his parents to Vernon county, and has since resided on the same section with them. In 1874 he married Anna Frazier, daughter of AVilliam Frazier. They had two children - Winnie, deceased, and Nellie. In religious views Mr. Wood is a United Brethren.

William Harris became a resident of Jefferson town October, 1859. He was occupied in farming a few years, then engaged in the milling business, at Newton, until 1879, when he removed to Nebraska. He was born in Ohio and reared on a farm, lie was married to Prudence Williams, by whom he had eight children - Thomas, Elias, Clarissa, J. Enoch, Eunice, Lawson, Mary and Anna.

J. E. Harris, son of William and Prudence (Williams) Harris, was born Oct. 22, 1844, in Ohio. He came with his parents to Vernon county, and assisted his father on the farm. In December, 1866, he was united in marriage with Mary E. Thompson, daughter of E. P. Tliom|tson In 1869 he went to Dickinson Co., Iowa, returning to Vernon county in 1873, since which time he has resided on section 31, town 13, range 5. His children are - Oliver E., Roy and Troy. In 1864 Mr. Harris entered the United States service, serving in company H, 12th Wisconsin Volunteers until the close of the war. He is a member of the G A. R.

Ellis Reed was born Nov. 2, 1835, in Muskingum Co., Ohio, where his father was a farmer. He was married Jan. 13, 1859, to Hannah McLees, and soon started for Wisconsin, having previously, in 1858, purchased 278 acres of his present farm on section 14, town lo, range 5. He now owns 480 acres of land. His children are - Francis A., Harley Lincoln, Maggie, (deceased), Katie M., Nellie D. and an infant. In politics he is a republican, and has been chairman of the board of trustees of

Ellis P. Thompson was born in Mount Pleasant, Jefferson Co., Ohio, April 27,1816, and shortly after liis birth his parents removed to Harrison Co., Ohio, where he was principally raised. He was left fatherless when about the age of ten years; his mother being poor liis educational advantages were limited. He was one of eight children, and was put out to live with a neighbor, and shifted from place to place till old enough to maintain himself. He then hired with the farmers by the day and month, at from thirty-seven and a half to sixtytwo and a halt' cents per day, or from ten to fourteen dollars per month, till about the age of twenty-two years, then moved to .Morgan Co., Ohio, wliere he contracted with John Bernhard to farm his place on shares for several years, getting one-third of the grain only, during which time he was married to Edith Meudenhall. She died in 1847, leaving two children, one of which is now living - Eliza J., wife of Richard Pidcock, of Sullivan Co., Mo. In IS-iS Mr. Thompson was married to Martha Rouanzoin, and subsequently rented a small farm for one year, then rented a larger farm for five years; then, having accumulated a small amount of capital, bought a farm for $2,500, paying $1,000 cash. Crops failing for the next three years, he was not able to meet his payments, and was obliged to make some turn. Finding an opportunity, he traded for land in Wisconsin, with about eighteen acres cleared and a small house erected thereon, but encumbered with a mortgage of $500. It was located on section 32, town 13 north, of range 5 west, in Vernon county. He started with his family, in 1S59, for Wisconsin, the journey being made with team, requiring thirty-one days. He arrived in Vernon a poor man, his property consisting of one team, a small amount of household goods, and sixty dollars in money. He has giveu his principal attention to farming, now owning 440 acres of land, his improvements being among the best, and is now in comfortable circumstances - the result of industry and economy. By his second marriage he liad eight children, six ot whom are living - Mary E., Jacob A., William P., Emaline H., Martin B. and Carrie A. In politics he is a National greenbacker; is also a member of the Christian Church.

G. F. Jackson was born in Chittenden Co., Vt., Feb. 18, 1810. His father operated a sawmill, and G. F. divided his time between working in the mill and farming. In 1834 he married Debora Cook, and subsequently emigrated to New York. In 1852 he went to California, leaving his family in New York. After remaining there three years he returned to the Empire State. In 1855 he went to Appleton, Wis., and in the spring of 1862, came to Vernon county and settled at his present residence. His children are - Caroline, Harriet, Frank and Alice.

Andrew Hanson was born in Norway, Nov. 20, 1841. He resided in his native country until twenty-one years of age, when he emigrated to the United States. He stopped first in Vernon county, his brother having settled there three years previous. Mr. Hanson did not settle down at first, but worked for sometime in Minnesota and also in the pineries of Wisconsin. He was married Dec. 12, 1874, to Elisa Evenson, two years younger than himself. They have now four children - Hans Engebret, born Sept. 1, 1875; Charl Mathias, born June 12, 1877; Minnie Helena, born Nov. 15,1879, and Ellen Louise, born Jan. 26, 1882. He started a nursery and continued in the business a number of years, but not finding it profitable, sold out and put his whole attention to farming, and by hard work and good management, has now a farm of 160 acres of good land, good buildings, and all the implements to run the same successfully. He has seven brothers and two sisters residing in Wisconsin and Minnesota. In

Alonzo F. May, son of Col. Reuben May, was born in Clay Co., Ky., March 12, 1853. He came with his family to Vernon Co., Wis., and assisted his father on the farm. May 28, 1883, he was married to Eva Eckhardt, daughter of Jacob Eckhardt. He has since resided on section 36, Jefferson town, where he has a neat home.

William J. May, a son of Col. Reuben May, was born in Kentucky, Jan. 15, 1842. He came with tlie family to Wisconsin in 1863, and has since been a resident of Vernon county, with the exception of one year, when he followed farming in Monroe county, this State. He has always tilled the soil, excepting two years, when he had charge of the grist mill at Newton. In the fall of 1882 he settled on section 36, Jefferson town, and now owns sixty acres of land. On Dec. 13, 1866, he married Rachel M. Hayes, daughter of John Hayes. They are the parents of one son - James F. Politically Mr. May is a greenbacker. The family are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church.

H. Amunson is a native of Norway, born June 20, 1846. He resided in his native country until 1S64, at which time he emigrated to the United States, and has since been a resident of Vernon county. In 1866 he began clerking for Philip Bouffleur, with whom he continued until Sept. 1, 1883, when he purchased a half interest in the business, the firm name being II. Amunson & Co. In the fall of 1868 he was married to Leanna Latta. They have had five children, two of whom are living - Philip and Carrie. Mr. Amunson is a stirring business man and is very successful. He is republican in politics. In religious views a Methodist Episcopal.

Col. Reuben May is a native of Pike Co., Ky., born June 23, 1815. His parents were natives of Virginia. They had twelve children, ten of whom -are still living. Reuben spent his early life on his father's farm. He was married March 5, 1885, to Miss E. V. Honaker, also a native of Kentucky. In 1849 he removed to Clay county, being engaged in making and shipping salt, also working a farm of 400 acres. In 1861, when State after State was seceding from the Union, Mr. May was found loyal to his country, and on the 27th of September, enlisted in the United States service, and was commissioned lieutenant-colonel of the 8th Kentucky Volunteer Infantry. In May, 1863, he was appointed colonel of the Tth Kentucky Volunteer Infantry, and served as such with credit to himself and country until Oct. 5, 1864, when tlie regiment was mustered out of service. Mr. May participated in many hard fought battles, and a number of skirmislies. He commanded the 8th Kentucky in the battles of Perryville, Laurel Hill, Stone River, Murfreesboro; and the Tth Kentucky in the siege of Vicksburg, battle of Jackson, Miss., Comut River, La., Semmes Port, Yellow Bayou, etc. He was wounded at Murfreesboro, and disabled for four months. At the close of the war Mr. ISIay came to Wisconsin, locating in Jefferson town, Vernon county, where his family had previously located in 1863. He has given his principal attention to farming. In politics Col. May was first a democrat, but in 1360 voted for John Bell for the Presidency. And in 1864 he cast his ballot for Abraham Lincoln. In 1870 and 1872 he represented his district in the General Assembly. In 1875 he was a candidate for State senator, and it was only after a contested election that his opponent, J. Henry Tate, was declared elected by a majority of six votes. When the National greenback party sprang into existence. Col. May became one of its advocates, and in 1879 was their candidate for governor. His wife died Jan. 28, 1881, leaving ten children - Louisa J., Mary D., William J., 'i'horaas H., Zuingliens S., Robert D., Alonzo F., Albert B., Richard A., (deceased), and Hugh L. Feb. 28, 1883, he married Mrs. Phebe A. Aiken, nee Dolliver. Col. May is a member of the A. F. & A. M., the I. O. O. F., the G. A. R. and the

Michael Rentz was born June 25, 1846, in Norway. He learned the tanning business, which he followed in his native country, until 1868, at which time he emigrated to the United States. He first stopped in Decorah, Iowa, but soon removed to Chicago. Here he worked at his trade until 1670, when he came to Vernon county, settling at Esofea, where he erected a tannery, and soon after went in partnership with his brother, CJhristian, which they still continue. They also own 140 acres of land. In 1870 Michael Rentz married Agnethe Olson. They have five children - Mathilde, Agnes, Henry Norman, Olga and Amalie. Mr. Rentz is an independent greenbacker in politics He has held ihe position of postmaster, at Esofea, has also been a member of the town board, and for the present holds the oflice of town treasurer.

W. H. Jackson, blacksmith at Springville, Vernon county, became a resident of the county in 1872, being engaged for two years in farming, since which time, he has been proprietor of a general blacksmith and repair shop, also manufacturing a few wagons. Mr. Jackson was born Aug. 25, 1846, in Grant Co., Wis. His parents, James A., and Emily (Stiles) Jackson, are still residents of Grant county. Mr. Jack-on's early life was spent at work in the mines, but when sixteen years of age, he commenced to work at his trade, which he continued to do until coming to Vernon county, Sept. 22, 1870. He was married to Sarah .Vackson, daughter of A. Jackson, of Viroqua. They have an adopted son - Samuel Lee Wilson. Mr. Jackson is a well informed citizen and has many friends. He is a democrat in politics. His religious connections are with the Methodist Episcopal Church.

L. N. Shaw was born in Quincy, Mass., Aug 25, 18'^7. Being the son of Capt. John W. Shaw, he became imbued with the life of a sailor when a small boy, and thus at the age of fifteen years, took to the sea, and followed a sailor's life until nearly forty years of age, when he was obliged to give up a sea-faring life on account of ill health. During those years Mr. Shaw had visited nearly all of the navigable globe, sailing on the Atlantic, Pacific .and Indian oceans, experiencing the various changes incident to a sailor's life, and was shipwrecked three times, and during these years had been instrumental in saving twelve lives from shipwreck. Mr. Shaw had passed through all the grades of a sailor, from the forecastle to the quarter deck, and at the age of twenty-one, became master of a vessel, sailing on the coast and inland waters of California, for eight years. In 186.3 Capt. Shaw with impaired health, left California for his native State, where, in the city of Boston, he embarked in the general provision business. In 1.877 he came to Wisconsin, succeeding L. G. P. Adams as proprietor of the Springville House, of which he is still landlord, having also added to his hotel, a grocery business, which he is conducting in connection with the house. Capt. Shaw has been twice married. His first wife was Betsy C. Phillips, to whom he was married in 1853. She died in 1870, leaving three children - Catherine W., Emma L., and Walter L. In 1872 he married Mrs. Emily A. Newcomb, Jiee Adams. She had two children by her former marriage, one now living - Albert C.