Walworth County, Wisconsin - Biographical sketches, 1912 (part 3 of 5)

Mr. Matheson was busy in many departments of life. He took a constant and active interest in public affairs, in the Grand Army of the Republic, in Masonry, in the church - in short, his generous disposition and his capacity to accomplish results led him to have a part in most all of the activities that related to the welfare of Ins fellowmen. He was a member of the county board of Walworth county a number of years, a portion of the time as chairman of the town of Troy, and later as a representative of the board from .the village of Elkhorn. lie was prominent in the councils of the ('.rand Army of the Republic and held many positions of trust and responsibility in the Masonic fraternity. I lis striking characteristics were his great industry; his executive and business ability; 1 lis warm-hearted generosity; his sincerity and frankness, with a hatred of insincerity, pretense, and shams; his genial, joyous disposition and democratic spirit, which made him host- ,,f friends; bis wide interest in the affairs of life; and his rugged integrity and truthfulness. Withal, he possessed great will power. So strong was it that no task seemed too much for him. lie was not easily daunted with difficulties. He had a rare faculty of pursuing the even tenor of his way with outward calm when confronted with difficulties that seemed nigh insuperable. He was possessed of a temper that was by nature easily aroused, but his mature Strength and the discipline of life gave to him an almost perfect control oxer it. Another trait which was striking, and mention of which must not he omitted, was his loyalty to his friends and Ins disposition to trust a friend to

The writer of this memorial sketch feels not only a sense of filial duty, but has great pleasure in taking from the golden casket of memory a few treasures. He presents this memorial in a spirit of gratitude and affection, that we may set down these facts relative to his father. 1 le recalls with satisfaction and thankfulness the trust reposed 111 him in his hoyh 1. youth and early manhood, and hears witness that his father always treated him with the utmost generosity, favored him with all the responsibility he was capable of hearing, and ever extended to him the fullest measure of confidence. To the writer his father gave the largest freedom and placed very little restriction upon his movements, requiring only that he should he truthful, clean and man!) .

The writer ventures to mention a few incidents bearing upon his relations with his father, and they are cited for the purpose of giving a clearer insight into the father's character. In [876, while the father and mother were attending the Centennial Exposition at Philadelphia, the boy, with too many lire crackers, vvas the cause of the destruction by lire of a barn and its contents. The bo) did not know just what would he the attitude of the father upon the latter's return. When he did return, instead of complaint or accusation, he simply said. "Well, my hoy. you had had luck. You must Inmore careful next tune." Such treatment made a profound impression on the boy and left effects that will never he erased; whereas a word oJ CO plaint or some form of punishment soon would have been forgotten.

course, he wished to accept the invitation to join a fraternity. The father objected, or at least professed to object. In this the son acquiesced, and abandoned his cherisl ining the fraternity of his choice. Ann investigations, and was perfectly willing that the sou should join. Later in the college course the son made up his mind to lake the important Step of joining the church. The father obji claiming that the son was not sufficiently matured in his thoughl and judg ment to do such a vital thing. The son wrote to his father in a spirit of deference that, while he was sorr) to disagree with him. he had made up mind to take the step, and was bound to do it. In both instance the father was testing the son. In the first there was no question "i principle involved; it simply related t" the pleasure and ence oi belonging of young men. In the latter, in the mind of the young man. at least, there was a question of principle which involved the most significant things in life and character. In the one case he willingly conceded to his father's wishes and in the other he insisted on the right to follow his own judgment and conscience; and in both cases, in the light of subsequent knowledge, he is cheered with the assurance that the father was pleased with the outcome.

There have been many regrets in the intervening twenty-one years since November 17, iXijo. Many mistakes would have been avoided if the father's experience and counsel had been available. The writer cannot but think howmany joyous days he would have had in his father's company and how they together might have visited foreign lands, particularly the land of his Highland forebears. But these things were not to be and were otherwise ordained by the all-wise Providence, whose judgments are altogether just and right. There remain precious recollections and the consciousness of a companionship that mere bodily absence does not destroy. We can recall the confidences and experiences of the past; we can reflect upon the characteristics of those who have passed beyond, and enjoy the blessed communions and sacred memories.

During the last days of his life the father talked much of his parents and the humble home on the farm in LaFayette. Thus he had hallowed remembrances of by-gone, days. Likewise do we now recall the events and experiences of the past in a spirit of joy and thanksgiving. And so one generation is united with the other, and the fathers and mothers pass along to the coming generations those memories and experiences out of which are sublimated our Christian civilization.

Henry William Ayers

It is the custom with many farmers, even in this day of known advantage of putting all corn and hay raised on a farm into stock, to sell the grain which they raise and only deal to a limited extent in live stock. Time has shown that this course is unwise, and those farmers who still stick to that obsolete custom are tin- losers. It is found that the best results arc obtained from making the ^alc of live '-lock the first consideration, and it is not necessar) to point out that most of the successful farmers have adopted long ago this practice. Aside from the improvement of the farm and perhaps the dealings in farms, it is probably the fact that the great majority of the wealthiest farmers have obtained all nor nearh all their wealth from dealing in live stock. < )ne of the leading stock men of Walworth county is Henry William Ayers, whose fine cattle have carried his name to remote sections of the country, and which are greatly admired, owing to their superior quality, wherever they arc exhibited. It would be hard to find a better judge of the bovine family than Mr. Aver-.

The subject was born in Rochester, Racine county. Wisconsin, July 23, [855. He is the son of Maurice L. and Lutheria 1 Akin) Ayers, the father a native of Monroe county, New York, and the mother of Vermont, his birth having occurred in i8ro and hers in 1826. The father came to Rochester, Racine county. Wisconsin, in 1839, thence to the town of Burlington, that county, where he kept a hotel, then returned to farming, which had been Inoccupation in his early life. He owned one hundred and sixty acres near Rochester which is still in possession of the family, where his son Edward now lives. Maurice I.. Ayers came to Spring Prairie township, Walworth county, in 1857, and purchased the farm now owned by the subject of this sketch, consisting of three hundred and three acres of as valuable land as the township affords, and here he became one of the substantial and influential farmers of the locality, developed a fine farm and established a pleasant home and here he spent the remainder of his life, dying in [884, his widow surviving until 1807. They were the parents of seven children, four of whom are living. Politically, he was a Democrat and was active in political affairs, representing his locality in the < leneral Assembly in [849, making a splendid record, lie iremembered as a man of many sterling characteristics and he enjoyed the good will and respect of all who know him.

public schools of hi- home community. Early in life he turned his attention t<> farming, and he now owns the homestead of three hundred and three acres, and for twenty years he ha- been a breeder of line live stock, lie has kepi the place well improved and well tilled, adopting all the modern method agriculture and everything shows thrift, good management and prosperity. lie built a large, convenient barn some lime ago, and ha- kepi the buildings in od shape, lie farm- on an extensive scale, bul the breeding of Brown Swiss cattle i- hi- specialty. He now ha- a herd of eighty, all registered, of which there i- no liner in the state, and owing i" their superior qualities the) find a very ready market whenever offered for -ale. He has been a frequent exhibitor at the state fair and other fairs, and hi- -- eryw here thev are shown. Mr. Ayers also mak< dairying, and exceptionally well equiped for thi- line of endeavor, lie ha- taken mam ribbons at the various state fairs where he ha? had his fine cattle.

Mr. Ayers has never married. Personally, he is a man of pleasing presence, straightforward in his relations with his fellows, a good mixer and a keen business man. but plain and unassuming in all relations of life.

Edw1X Eugexe Palmer

The life record of the late Edwin Eugene Palmer, for many years one of the leading citizens of Geneva township, should not be permitted to perish, for in it may be found many valuable lessons. He was a man who believed in carrying the Golden Rule into his every-day life and while laboring for his individual advancement and the good of his immediate family, never to neglect his duties as a citizen, and he therefore did much for the general upbuilding of his locality and won the esteem and admiration of all who knew him.

.Mr. Palmer was born in Greene county, New York, in the town of New Baltimore, May 24, 1849. He was the son of William S. and Angeline (Palmer) Palmer, the mother having been born on April 3, 1820, at Rensselaerville, New York, and she was the daughter of Joseph and Polly ( Palmer) Palmer, they being no relation. Joseph G. Palmer was the son of Jacob and Alary ( Gillette) Palmer, the former the son of Thomas and Jennie (VanDusen) Palmer. Polly Palmer, who married Joseph G. Palmer, was the daughter of Robert and Eunice (Algar) Palmer. Robert Palmer was the son of Gideon and Jane (Williams) Palmer, who were married, it 1 believed, in 1744.

William S. Palmer, father of the subject of this sketch, was the son of Ezra and Polly (Sleight) Palmer, the latter being born in Dutchess county, New York, and she was of Dutch ancestry. Her mother was Catherine Sleight, She was Edwin Eugene Palmer's great-grandmother and she gave him a little pitcher that her husband, Ezra, gave her on their wedding trip. It is at least one hundred and fifteen years old, and is now the property of Mrs. Palmer. She also has a chair left by the mother of Joseph Palmer.

Polly Palmer, who married Joseph Palmer, and who was the subject's maternal grandmother, was a sister of Ezra Palmer, the subject's paternal grandfather and they were children of Robert and Eunice Palmer. The first of the family to come here were Joseph and Polly Palmer in [853; they settled in the northeastern part of Geneva township where E. C. I'etrie lives at present. Joseph G. Palmer was a soldier in the war of iNu. His family consisted of ten children.

William S. Palmer and family came here earl) in \|inl. 1865, and For six months lived on the farm now occupied by !-'.. C. I'etrie: then, in the following August, bought the farm in sections to and 11. which 1- still in the Palmer family. When William S. Palmer purchased this place it was only half fenced, and had on it only a log cabin, and much of the land was grown up in hazel brush. They lived there seven years and improved the place, finally building a good new house, and there the) spent the rest of their lives and became active ami influential in the pioneer life of their tune.

Edwin Eugene Palmer grew to manhood on the home farm and on December 31. 1873, he was united in marriage with Frances Chadwick, who was born in Liverpool, Onondaga county, New York, August 17. [852, the daughter of Warren Reid Chadwick and Jane 1 Hamlin) Chadwick, the former having been the son of John and Susannah (Reid) Chadwick. Susannah Reid was born in \ew York, but her parents were from Scotland. The birth of Warren R. Chadwick occurred on February [8, 1818, in Schuyler, Onondaga county, New York. Jane Hamlin was born in Clay township, that county. June 15. [832, and -he was the daughter of David and Luanna Judd (Orvis) Hamlin. David Hamlin was burn in Connecticut and was an "Id schoolmate of Henry Ward Beecher. Luanna J. < )rvis was also in Connecticut.

John Chadwick was the son of John, Sr., and Eunice (Murray) Chad wick. It is said that Eunice Murray was of French ancestry. John Chadwick, Sr.. was descended from one of three brothers who lived in England and who emigrated to \merica in an early day. They had an elder brother who inherited the estate and was a knight and he died unmarried, leaving a vast estate.

Frances Chadwick came here in [859. Her parent- had preceded her two years, having located at Geneva, and she lived with them until her marriag Mr. Palmer. Her father died in O '879, and her mother is now living in Pontiac, Illinois, with her -<>n. Walter. Mrs, Palmer has two brothers, Albert of < hicago. and Walter of Pontiac. She also has a sister living in Pontiaci Mr-. Jennie Braga, wife of A. J. Braga : she also had a sister, Hatl who died May 9, [883.

After Edwin Eugene Palmer and wife were married they lived on the old Palmer homestead for thirty years, successfully engaged in general farming and stuck raising, then moved to the city of Lake Geneva early in January. 1904.

Mr. Palmer had taken an abiding interest in the affairs of the township and county, and he held a number of local offices, from a sense of duty.

Four children were born to the subject and wife : Kate E. : William Edwin, a sketch of whom appears in this work: Jennie May, who married Eugene Woolsey, lives at Hawkeye, Iowa, and they have eight children, Clarence Edwin, Warren George, Aimee, May Angeline, Eunice, Mabel, Ruth and a baby girl ; Walter Chadwick Palmer was the youngest in order of birth 1 if the subject's children.

The death of Edwin Eugene Palmer occurred on December 27, 1907, after a successful, honorable and useful life. Since then Mrs. Palmer has lived with her daughter, Kate, and son, Walter, in Lake Geneva.

Fraternally, Mr. Palmer was a member of the Modern Woodmen, Springfield Camp, and his was the first death in that lodge, and the summons came to him just eighteen years after he had joined this lodge. He was also a consistent member of the Baptist church. Mrs. Palmer is a worthy member of the same.

John Chapin

No life is more interesting than that of the old pioneer, for in the day when the wilderness oi the West was conquered there were men of iron mould, men who wei\- fearless, courageous and self-sacrificing, who were willing to undergo hardships in order that succeeding generations might be benefited, h is doubtful if such a class of people live today. One of these worthy characters was John Chapin, one of the first settlers of Bloomfield township, Walworth county, who was prominent in the affairs of the county in its history-making days, and a man whose record should be preserved. I Le was born March 29, 1 790, in the town of I leath. Franklin count} . Massachusetts. Family tradition says thai he was a descendant of Samuel Chapin, who was one of the firsl settlers of Massachusetts, probably coming from I ngland on the "Mayflower."

John Chapin grew to manhood in his native stale and there he was married in [813 to Clarissa Patterson, who was horn in the same town as Mr. Chapin, on September 28, [793, To this union eleven children were born, nine oi whom came to Bloomfield township, this county. The youngest, Mariette, was bom in the town of Bloomfield, in February, [841. She grew to womanhood here and married Ezra Gifford, a -ketch of whom appears elsewhere in this work; he is now deceased and his widow lives in Lake Geneva. William I). Chapin was the oldest of the family. The other children were. Jonathan Patterson, John, Jr., Jacob, Clarissa Jane. Belinda, Diantha, Emily, Lyman and Monroe. Mrs. Gifford, mentioned above, is the only member of the family now living.

William I). Chapin came to Lake < Geneva in the spring of [837 and made a claim in the present town of Bloomfield in the summer of the same year His brother, John, Jr., came in the fall .if the same year. They were thus among the earliesl settlers. John Chapin moved with his family to the town of Bloomfield in the fall of [838 and settled on the southeast quarter of section 6. At that time the land hereaboul had not keen placed on sale by the government. Mr. Chapin bought out a squatter's claim to the land, and in the following spring, when the land was placed on the market, entered it from the government. He and his wife were two of the thirteen charter members of what is now the Congregational church in Lake Geneva, then organized as the Presbyterian church. lie was a deacon in the church for a greal many years and was an influential man in the affairs of his community. The death of John Chapin occurred on December 29, [865, at the age of seventy-five years anil nine months. The death of his wife occurred on \pril 23, [873, in the seventy-ninth year of her age. Of their children. William I), lived until within ten years of his death in Bloomfield township, where he owned a farm of nearly three hundred acre-. Hi- death occurred in Lake Geneva in April, [904. Mis. Clarissa Jane Ledington, Mrs. Belinda I oster, Mr-. Emily Woldron, all died in [881, within six weeks of each oilier. J. Patterson moved to Nebraska and died there. John settled in Bremer county, [owa, where he died. facob also died in Iowa. Lyman was a soldier in the Civil war in an Iowa regiment and he died in Iowa. Monroe was a soldier in the Twenty-second Wisconsin Volunteer Infantry during the Civil war and he died in Minnesota.

fohn Chapin. of this -ketch, was a man of courage and bravery, yet ed peace, and he would hear an insult quietly. He was not easily swerved from his course, being a man of strong character: 1 1 -. and alwai ided family to respeel the Lord's day. and he wa- a faithful attendant on his church, rain or shine. He bore hi- full -hare of the hardships of pionei life uncomplainingly, and he was well known among the early settlers and highly respected by them.

Alexander E. Matheson

Alexander E. Matheson was born in the village of Eagle, Waukesha county, Wisconsin, on the i lth day of July, 1868. Thereafter he went with his parents to Vernon, in Waukesha count}', Mayhew, East Troy and Elkhorn, in Walworth county, Wisconsin. Me lived in Elkhorn until July, 1894, when he went to Janesville. Wisconsin, to commence the practice of law. Since that time he has lived continuously in Janesville. He was educated at district schools in the towns of Troy and LaFayette in Walworth county, at the high schools in East Troy and Elkhorn, and finally at Beloit Academy and Beloit College, with the degree of Bachelor of Philosophy, in 1890. He was the valedictorian of his class in college. He received the degree of Master of Arts from Beloit College in [893. Soon after leaving college his father died. This compelled him to enter business, and he remained at Elkhorn for two years, managing the affairs of the Matheson Trading Company at that place. In 1892, owing to the selling of the business of the Matheson Trading Company at Waukesha. Wisconsin, and the coming of his uncle. George Matheson, and his friend, John Dunphy, to Elkhorn, he was able to enter the Law School of the University of Wisconsin in the fall of 1892 to pursue the study of his chosen profession. He graduated from the law department of the university with the degree of Bachelor of Laws in 1894. He immediately went to Janesville, where he became a member of the law firm of Fethers, Jeffris, Fifield and Matheson. He remained with this firm one year, lie then formed a partnership with John M. Whitehead and Samuel M. Smith, under the firm name of Whitehead, Matheson & Smith. After two or three years Mr. Smith left the firm to pursue other activities, and the firm has since continued under the name of Whitehead & Matheson.

In .Mr. Matheson's young manhood, for a long time, he was unable to determine whether he would enter the legal or the ministerial profession. lie had a strong desire to be a preacher, lie finally chose the legal profession for two reasons: first, because one of his father's ambitions for him was that he might be a lawyer: second, because be believed that a Christian man. living a consistent. Christian life, ami speaking for the ideals of the church, could accomplish more as a layman than as a minister in the pulpit. Xext to his home he looks upon the church as his leading interest in life. lie is a member of the First Congregational church of Janesville, and active in all its departments, lie is also active in many phases of religious work not organically connected with the church.

Since lie became of age Mr. Matheson has been active in Masonry. He has held numerous offices and positions in the various branches, grades and orders of Masonry. In [909 he received the thirty-third degree in Boston. At the present time he is grand master of the -rand lodge of Free and Accepted Masons of Wisconsin. Since attaining manhood he has tried to perform his duties as a citizen and has always been more or less active in political affairs, although holding but one public official position, that of alderman in the city of Janesville for two years, lie has endeavored to keep in close touch with Beloit College, for which institution and its traditions he has a profound admiration and strong affection. For years he lectured upon international law to members of the senior class 111 the college, and at the present time he is a member of the board of trustees.

In September, 1804. .Mr. Matheson married Georgia I.. Hubbard (daughter of Henry A. Hubbard), who lived at Elkhorn, Wisconsin. They have two children. Marion Barbara, born August 23, [896, ami |bhn Hubbard, born May 2, 1908.

Francis X. Abbott

The career of Francis X. Abbott, a public-spirited citizen of Geneva township, Walworth county, has ever been such as to warrant the trust and confidence of those with whom he has come into contact, for he has ever conducted all transactions on the strictest principles of honor and integrity. His devotion to the public god is unquestioned and arise, from a sincere interest in his fellow men.

Mr. Abbott was born in Warren county, Pennsylvania, May |. [850. He is the son of film and Sarah ( Herrick) Abbott, the former having been the son of Xavir and Elizabeth (Stevens) Vbbott. Xavir Abbott was in the war of 1812. When the subject of this sketch was four years old the family moved to Chautauqua county. New York, and lived then- on a farm until tXofi. in which year they moved west, locating aboul .1 mile from Elkhorn, Wisconsin. After living there a year the father bought a farm a mile north of ' omo and there the parents spent the remainder of their lives, the father dying on Vug 23. 1889, and the mother on January 4. [892. Both wen- members of the Baptist church. The father was a quiet, home man. an industrious and highly respected citizen.

Francis X. Abbotl remained on the home farm until March. [903. He was educated in the public schools. He was second in order of birth in a famil) four children, one son and three daughters Emeline, who married Lyman James and returned to Xew York, where she died, leaving six children. Marietta, the third in order of birth, married Albert Densmore; they live at Elkhorn ami have one child. Ethel. Jane, the youngest child, married Floyd Gray; they live at Como and have two children, sons.

On May 4, 1879, Mr. Abbott was married to Alice S. Goodrich, daughter of Harvey Curtis Goodrich and Sarah Emma (Dalrymple) Goodrich. She was born, reared and educated in Geneva township. When a young man her father came to Walworth county from Troy, Vermont, and here he was married to Sarah E. Dalrymple. a native of Chautauqua county, Xew York.

Three children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Abbott, namely: Ivy, who married W. E. Palmer, lives three miles northeast of Como, and has three children, Beulah Eileen, Alice Alveretta, and Edwin Eugene. Betha Abbott married George McCormick; they live in Lafayette township and have one child, Ethel Mavis. John, who is the youngest of .Mr. Abbott's children, married Ella Belle Randall, daughter of William and Bertha Randall.

Politically, Mr. Abbott is a Republican and he has always been active in politics, ami has been a frequent delegate to state conventions and active and influential in the same. He has been clerk of Ceneva township for over twenty years, which is certainly a criterion of the confidence which his neighbors repose in his ability and integrity. He has held various other offices in his community, always with ability and credit. Fraternally, he is a member of the Modern Woodmen and the Mystic Workers, and is prominent in each. He and his wife are members of the Baptist church.

Henry Ii. White

In the following paragraphs are briefly outlined the leading facts and characteristics in the career of a gentleman who combines in his makeup the elements of tin- practical man of affairs and the energy of tin- public spirited citizen, and all who come within range of his influence arc profuse in their praise - >! his admirable qualities. The high regard in which he is held b\ all classes indicates the possession of attributes and characteristics thai fully entitle him to the respect and consideration of his fellow men.

Henry II. White, the present popular, and efficient postmaster at Lake Geneva, was born in Spring Prairie township, Walworth county, on Max 21, [865. He is the son of "Edgai and Eli abeth (Moore) White, the father bom near Lake Champlain, Vermont, the sun of David and Amelia (Bowker) White. Edgar White came to Wisconsin in [856 and located first in Lyons township, working as a hand on the Humphrey farm. About [860 he was united in marriage with Elizabeth Moore, daughter of John Adam Moore and wife. She was born in Boston, Massachusetts, and she came to this county with her parents before 1850 and located in Spring Prairie township, where Mrs. White lived until her marriage. Edgar \\ hite made his home in Lyons town-hip. where he had a farm and there reared his family, con sisting of nine children, eight of whom are living, one having died in infancy. They were named as follows: Edgar, Jr., lives in Elkhorn; Seymour lives near the old home in the northern part of Lyons township; Edward lives in East Troy; Henry H., of this sketch: Mary married James Boden and they live in the eastern part of Spring Prairie township; John lives at Springfield, this county: Louise married John Matteson and they live in Geneva township; Edwin lives in Palmyra.

Henry H. White spent most of li is boyhood on the home farm in Lyons township and there he attended the common schools, later going to school at Burlington. After leaving school he spent three or Four years on the home farm, then took a contract for carrying the mail from Springfield to Lake Geneva. He also purchased the stage line in [892, which he has been operal ing ever since and has also carried the mails between the abo d towns since that date. In [906 he bought a large farm at the northern edge of Lake Geneva, comprising two hundred and thirtj two acres. In [903 he built the south half of the Diamond Mock on Broad street, twi bj eight) seven feet, three floors and a basement, this being one of the most substantial bu ness houses in Lake I lene a In 1904 he built a large handsome residence on Wisconsin street, near Broad street, where he no He has been

She was born in Lyons township, this county. Mr. and Mr-. White have i\\<> children, Herbert Relyea, who is in charge of his father- farm at the northern edge of the citv of Lake 1 leneva, and Lorna Sarah.

Mr. White is president of the Lake Geneva Publishing Company, publishers of the News, which is one of the influential and steadily growing papers in this part of the state. Besides owning his property and the stage line at Lake < leneva, he also has a house, several town lots and other valuable property at Springfield, this county.

Fraternally, Mr. White is a Royal Arch Mason, a Modern Woodman and Knight of Pythias, having been banker of the Modern Woodmen camp at Lake Geneva for the past six years.

It is interesting to note from the beginning the growth and development oi a community, to note the lines along which progress has been made and to take cognizance of those whose industry and leadership in the work of advancement have rendered possible the present prosperity of the locality under consideration. The Halvorsen family, of which H. T., of Whitewater township. Walworth county, is a very creditable representative, belong to that class of enterprising citizens who promote the general good of a community and they are therefore worthy of a place in the history of the same.

H. T. Halvorsen was born on the old homestead in this township, March 22, 1852. He is the son of Tosten and Jane (Linos) Halvorsen, both born in Norway, where they grew up and were educated. The father left that land in [846 and emigrated to Walworth county, Wisconsin, the mother not coming until 1849, 'n which year she reached Dane, this state. The father got possession of a farm before he was married and on this they began housekeeping and soon had a comfortable home, their place of one hundred and sixty acres in Whitewater township making them a very comfortable living, but they worked very hard in developing it, for the land was new and the countryroundabout a wilderness. Here they spent the balance of their lives, the father dying in October, 1909, having survived his wife many years, her death occurring in 1N74. The} were the parents of six children, five of whom are living. Politically, he was a Republican and a member of the Lutheran church.

Politically, Mr. llalvorsen is a Republican and for three years lie served his township as assessor. He and his family are members of the Lutheran church.

Mr. Halvorsen was married in 1879 t0 Anna Nelson, who was born in Lagrange township, this county, the daughter of Nels and Martha Nelson, a highly respected family here. To the subject and wife seven children have been born, namely: Nettie. Theodore, Jessie (deceased), Emma. Arthur. Alice and Howard.

In all the relations of life W. V. B. Holloway, one of the most progressive of the younger generation of farmers of Sugar Creek township, Walworth county, has commanded the respect and confidence of those with whom he has been brought into contact as is abundantly evidenced by his retention for a period of fifteen years as township clerk, during which time he has discharged the duties of this important office in a manner that has proven his integrity as well as ability. His capable management of his own business interests and his well-directed efforts in the practical affairs of life have brought him well merited success, demonstrating what one may accomplish, often in the face of obstacles, by rightly applied energy and perseverance.

Mr. Holloway is the scion of one of the worthy old families of Sugar Creek township and here be was born on December 23, [872, and here he has been content to spend his life. He is the son of James and Mary B. 1 Bray) Holloway, both natives of England, the father born in Devonshire, August 18, 1839, and she on March 29, 1845. 'n Cornwall, England.

The father came to Canada in an early day, and the mother accompanied her parents, Walter and Rachael (Baker) Bray, to Wisconsin when she was a girl. The Bray family settled in Troy township, later moving to Sugar Creek township where they bought a farm and here they spent the rest of their li.

The parents of the subject were married in < rreen Baj . Wisconsin, in [870 and they began life on a farm in Sugar < 1 nship, this county, which he work and economy they had gotten a start and so bought a farm in Sugar Creek township and on this they remained nine years, then moved to Rock to the home of their son-in-law, Gerden Olsen, with win mi they remained two years. James Holloway then moved to the town of Millard, this county, where his death occurred on August i, 191 1. In politics he was a Republican and was active in local affairs. He held the offices of township assessor and township supervisor for a number of years. He was a man well known and highly respected for his public spirit and upright life. His widow is still living. They were the parents of two children, namely: W. V. B., of this reviews and Lizzie R., wife of Gerden Olsen, and the mother of one child. Willard J. Olsen.

\Y. V. B. Holloway was reared on the home farm and educated in the public schools and in the high school at Whitewater, Wisconsin. Early in life he turned his attention to farming. He is now the owner of forty acres in Lagrange township, and besides this he works the homestead, and as a general farmer and stock raiser he has met with encouraging success all along the line. Politically, he is a Republican and, as stated above, is the present incumbent of the township clerk's office. Religiously, he belongs to the Methodist Episcopal church.

On February 3, 1903, Mr. Holloway was united in marriage with Lorena G. Taylor, a native of Lagrange township, this county, her birth having occurred here on January 25, 1882, and she is the daughter of Charles H. and Nellie 1 Wishart ) Taylor, both born in this county, the father on June 22, 1853, and the mother on May 10, 1851. They are now living at Heart Prairie, Lagrange township, Walworth county. To Mr. and Mrs. Holloway one child, Alice Marie, has been born, the date of her birth being April 29, 1906.

Charles H. Baker

Charles II. Baker, of Lake Geneva, is a man whose life has become an essential part of the history of this section and he has exerted a beneficial influence in the city honored by his residence, as has also his wife, the former in business circles and the latter in educational affairs. .Mr. Baker's chief char acteristics seem to be fidelity of purpose, keenness of perception, unswerving integrity and sound common sense which have earned for him the esteem of the entire community.

Mr. Baker, like mam of our leading citizens, hails from the old Empire state, his birth having occurred at Seneca Falls, New York. He is a son of Hon. Charles M. and Martha (Larrabee) Baker, the father having been one of the most prominent men of this county. His complete sketch appears on another page of this work.

Charles H. Baker came to Walworth county with his parents when two years old, and was thus a true pioneer, for the country was wild and settlers few at that period. The family settled at Lake Geneva, and there young Baker lived until he was fourteen years old. He then went to Chicago and lived about three years, then spent a year in Beloit College, in the academic department. He had decided to take up mechanical engineering, and the next two years were spent in a locomotive ami marine works in I ietmit and Boston along the line of his studies. He also spent some time in Hamilton College, now Colgate University, at Madison, New York. He next spent about ten years on the Pacific coast in mining engineering. From there he went to Mexico in the interests of a mining company in the state of Coahuila. He then spent a year in Europe, trading in almost ever) country, studying his chosen lines of engineering. Returning, was a year in the employ >>i the Guggenheim Company, in Mexico. Later he was employed by the Topia Mining & Smelting Co., of Durango, Mexico, remaining with them about ten years, as general manager. He became an expert in his line and his services were much in demand. During his wanderings in the West, he retained the old homestead at Lake Geneva, and he has lived retired in this city of recenl years, although he sometimes makes a trip as a mining expert.

Mr. Baker was married in 1907 to Marietta B. Smith, of Racine, Wisconsin, a lady of talent, culture and refinement, whose charm of manner has made her a favorite with a wide circle of friends. She was graduated from the University of Wisconsin at Madison, and took post-graduate work in the University of Chicago. She is a musician of marked ability.

Before coming here Mrs. Baker spent a summer in Europe, during which she gave particular attention to what would be of special interest in her chosen subject of literature.

She came to Lake Geneva about 1903 to fill a temporary vacancy in the high school, hut the position became permanent and her services were of such a high order that she was later offered the position of principal, which she accepted and the duties of which she has dischargi n a manner that reflects much credit upon herself and to the eminent satisfaction of all concerned. She has brought the local high school up to an equal place with the best in the state, and in the school room die i> an enthusiastic instructor. She is broadly educated and has kept well abreast of the times in all that pertains to her profession. She has been active in public affairs at Lake Geneva, and she is a member of the library board. Mr. and Mrs. Baker are members of the Baptist church.

Charles H. Baker was one of a family of four children, namely : Edward L., who became captain of Company E, Third Minnesota Volunteer Infantry, during the Civil war: he is now deceased and is buried at Lake Geneva; Robert II.. who became a prominent politician, was a member of the Republican state central committee and a man of influence at Racine; for thirty years he was a partner of J. I. Case, the welbknown threshing machine manufacturer; Mary L., deceased, was the wife of Col. George Brown, a prominent attorney of Providence, Rhode Island, commanded the Ninth Regiment, Rhode Island Volunteers, and at one time was a member of Congress.

Albert E. Peterson

( )ne of the progressive twentieth century farmers of Lagrange township. Walworth county, who ranks among the best of his fellow tillers of the soil is Albert E. Peterson, a native son, and the representative of a good old family, and here he has spent his life. "His sober wishes never learned to stray,"' for he knew that no better place could be found for his chosen line of work, and succeeding years have brought to him increasing success.

Mr. Peterson was born in this township, on the farm where he still lives, on July 24, 1869. He is the son of Erick and Anna (Churchill) Peterson, both natives of Norway. The father was born at Voss, Burgin, May 13, 1831, and the mother in Nomadoln, Kongsberg, May 15. [837. They spent their childhood in their native land, emigrating to America when single, be being about twent) years "Id, and she was twelve years of age when her parents settled in Muskegon. Erick Peterson came alone to Walworth county in an early clay and located on the farm now in possession of the subject, lie was married in LaGrange township, May .}. [856. The father of the subject's mother wt nkcd m Racine county for some time, finally coming to Walw orth county and bought a farm just west of the Peterson place and there spent the rest of his life.

Erick Peterson first bought forty acres here. This he improved and added to until he had a fine farm of over one hundred and sixty acres. The place was timbered with the exception of fifty acres of marsh, covered with willow. Ikcleared .mmI improved the land, erected substantial buildings and here spent the rest of his life. I le was a well-educated man and was very active in the early- day church work here, being a strong Lutheran, advocating the Norwegian church of Scaponong. His family consisted of five children, one of whom

Albert E. Peterson, of this sketch, was educated in the public schools and when but a boy he assisted with the general work on the home place and here he has continued to work. He has met with a large measure of success through his close application and his nent, and he owns nol onl) t hehome place of one hundred and sixty acres, but also another place of equal size. He has kept his land under a fine state of improvement and cultivation, besides erecting fine buildings. Everything about his place not onl) indicates good management, but thrift and prosperity. He carries on general fanning, stock raising and dairying on a large scale, and each year finds him further advanced than the preceding.

Politically, Mr. Peterson is a Republican and he has been supervisor of his township for the past three years, which office he has filled in a worthy and satisfactory manner. lie belongs to the Lutheran church.

Curtis H. Sherman

The occupation of farming, to which Curtis 11. Sherman has applied his time and attention since reaching his majority, is the oldest business pursuit of mankind and the one in which man will ever be the most independent. < >f course when this is said reference is made to civilized man, because hunting and fishing were the primitive pursuits of man before he reached the civilized state.

One of the most scientific farmers of Whitewater township, Walworth county, is Curtis H. Sherman, who was born in Qfcrtlandt county, New York, May 5, [840. He is the son of Erastus and Rho twiek) Sherman,

Saratoga county, New York. May 21, 1X02. They came to Walworth county, Wisconsin, in 1844 and bought one hundred and sixty acres in Whitewater township, later added eight-seven acres and here the father of the sub' developed a good farm, on which he spent the rest of his life, dying |mi<- 22, 1866, his widow surviving until June 6, 1870. Their famil children, three of whom are living. In politics the elder Sherman w.i publican and a member of the Episcopal church.

Curtis H. Sherman was four years of age when his parents brought him to Wisconsin, and he grew to manhood in Walworth county, attended the rural schools, also the high school at Whitewater. He has devoted his life to agricultral pursuits and has lived to see the county develop from its forests to a fine agricultural section. He is the owner of one hundred and eleven acres, which he has kept well tilled and well improved, it being a part of the old homestead. In connection with farming and stock raising, he makes a specialty of dairying.

On August 29, 1862, Mr. Sherman was united in marriage with Harriet E. Hull, daughter of Lomas Hull, a sketch of whom appears elsewhere in this work. The following children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Sherman : Lillie May and Lullie Belle, twins, were born on October 18, 1863 ; the former married Alfred Pitt and four children were born to them, Ernest H., Curtis H., Clara B. (deceased) and Leota M. The death of Mrs. Pitt occurred on February 1, 1898. Lullie Belle married Dr. M. -J. Bagley, of Whitewater, and two children were born to them, Frank C. and Mark J. (deceased). The death of Mrs. Bagley occurred on March 18, 1889. Roy Ravella Sherman, who was born September 19, 1872, was reared on the farm and educated in the public schools and he now manages the home place. Politically, he is a Republican and a member of the Methodist church. He was married on June 5, 1901, to Bessie Bloxham, who was born in Lima, Rock county. Wisconsin, in 1873, the daughter of George and Emma (Watson) Bloxham, both natives of England, and there they spent their early lives, finally coming lu Rock county, Wisconsin, and they now live retired at Whitewater. One child. George Curtis, has been born to Roy R. Sherman and wife. His birth occurring on December 30. 1907. Mary E. Sherman was born on October 24, r88i, was educated in the public schools and she lives at home.

It is not always easy to discover and define the hidden forces that move a life of ceaseless activity and large professional success; little more can be done than t" note their mani testation in the career of the individual under consideration. Doctor Reynolds has long held distinctive prestige in a calling which requires for it^ basis sound mentality and rigid professional training and thor- ough mastery of technical knowledge with the skill to apply the same, without which one cannot hope to rise above the mediocre in administering to human ills.

Dr. James Constant Reynolds, of Lake Geneva, Walworth county, was born in Exeter, Green county, Wisconsin, July 17, 1849. This town, now no longer on the map, was at that time a mining town of probably twelve hundred inhabitants. He is the son of Dr. Benoni O. and Mary J. (Smith) Reynolds, a complete sketch of whom appears elsewhere in this work.

The family moved to Elkhorn, this county, in [854, and have lived in Walworth county, nearly ever since. The subject bad the advantages of a liberal education, having attended the common schools and Racine College about two years, also Beloit College about two years. Desiring to follow in the footsteps of his father in a professional wa\ he entered Rush Medical College at Chicago, from which he was graduated in [870. lie went to Canton, South Dakota, where he engaged in the practice of his profession for aboul five years, after which he took a course at Bellevue Hospital, Xew York. He then came to Lake Geneva, Walworth county, in [876, and this locality has been the arena of his endeavors ever since, during which time he has built up a large and lucrative practice, taking a position second to none of his compeers in the medical profession in southeastern Wisconsin.

Doctor Reynold-, is an active Republican and has been honored 1>\ his party with various offices. He served several terms as a member of the village board of Lake Geneva and in 1884 he was elected a member of the General Assembly of Wisconsin, and made such a creditable record that he was in t886 re-elected 1>\ a big majority, lie there made his influence fell for the eral good and won the hearty commendation of his constituents and all concerned by his wise and judicious course. During the thirty-eighth Assembly he served as chairman of the committee on railroads. In 1888 he was elected to the State Senate for four years, and again distinguished himself asa public servant, discharging his duties in a manner that reflected much credit upon his abilitv and to the eminent satisfaction of all concerned irrespective of party alignment. While state senator he was chairman of the committee on town and countv organizations and he was a member of the joint committee on claim-, lie was a di the Republican national convention in 1000 that nominated Mck'inley and Roosevelt, and lie had the honor of being appointed a member of the committee to noti : 1 Roosevell of hi, nomination. Doctor Reynolds was one of two ph. a miners appointed by the governor to make examination of all the soldiers from Wisconsin during the Spanish-American war. He was a member of the battleship committee, a committee of three appointed by the governor of this state to select the person to christen the battleship "Wisconsin," and to convey the ten-thousand-dollar silver sen ice sent to the ship at the Pacific coast and present it on behalf of the state of Wisconsin.

Doctor Reynolds is a member of Geneva Lodge Xo. 44, Free and Accepted Masons, also the State Medical Society. The Doctor was married in May. 1883, to Mrs. Carrie S. Blanchard, daughter of John A. and Rachael (Caldwell) Carson. This union has been graced by the birth of one son, Benoni O. Reynolds, who attended college at Racine and is now a student in Northwestern University, preparing for the ministry. Doctor Reynolds and family are members of the Episcopal church.

Benoni O. Reynolds

The name of Dr. Benoni O. Reynolds for many decades was one of the best known in Walworth county, where he was esteemed by all classes and where so much of his useful and honored life was spent. He was born in Semponius township, Cayuga county, New York, July 26, 1824. He was the son of |olm and Nancy (Hay) Reynolds and the grandson of Benoni Reynolds, who was born in Wales, from which country he came to America in colonial days and took part in the war for independence, as a private in the Thirteenth Regiment of Albany County Militia, and also served in the Sixth Regiment of Dutchess County Militia under Colonel Graham of New York. For many years he lived at Marcellus, that state, and his death occurred when he had nearly attained the century milestone. Nancy (Hay) Reynolds was the daughter of a Revoutionary soldier, who came to this country from Germany, and he, too, lived to a ripe old age.

When thirteen years of age Dr. Benoni O. Reynolds was bound out to learn a trade, and for a time he worked in a cooper shop, but, not liking the work, he ran away and began life for himself. After two years' experience teaching school he began the study of medicine, later taking the course at Rush Medical College, Chicago, and there was graduated in 185 1, and about ten 1 ars later he was graduated from the ( )phthalmic College of Xew York. 1 te practiced for some time at Hunt>\ ille, Ohio, then went to Wisconsin and began practicing in and near Racine in [848. He enlisted for service in the Mexican war, but was not called to the front. In iNyi he located in Elkhorn and made his home in this county until his death. He took up his residence in Lake Geneva in 1866 and here he soon acquired an extensive practice. In 1861 he was commissioned surgeon of the Third Wisconsin Cavalry and he served with distinction in that capacity until the close of the war, in 1865. The estimate of his ability as a surgeon in the army is shown by the following order of Brig.-Gen. J. R. West, chief of the cavalry division: ''The operating staff will consist of Surgeon B. O. Reynolds, of th( I 1 1 Wisconsin Cavalry, and Surgeon W. W. Bailey, of the First Missouri Cavalry, and no operation shall be performed without their sanction and direction, and in all doubtful cases the board of operating surgeons shall consult together and a majority shall decide upon the expediency and character of the operation." In 1863 Doctor Reynolds was appointed medical director on the staff of General Ewing. While in southwesl Missouri in [862 he was taken prisoner by Colonel Coffee's command and after being held ten days made his escape through the Confederate lines on a night when Coffee's camp was attacked bj Union cavalry. At the battle of Prairie Grove, in the Fall of [862, his skill as a surgeon was put to the test. General John C. Black was so badly wounded that an eye witness said lie looked .1- if there was hardU enough left of him to call for the services of an undertaker, but Surgeon Reynolds took charge of him, and out of a mass of gaping wounds and splintered bones reconstructed a man who later was of fine personal appearance.

Doctor Reynolds was married on March 30, 1848, to Mary J. Smith, of Trumbull county, Ohio, the daughter of Dr. John and Sarah (Buttles) Smith. In 1861 she was graduated from the Women's Medical College and during the war she enjoyed an extensive practice wink- her husband was awaj in the army. She is a woman of unusual attainments and force of personality. To the Doctor and wife two children were horn, James C, whose sketch appears elsewhere in this work, and Willis S., who was graduated from the < Incago .Medical 1 ollegi and who is now cashier of a hank at Hurley, \\ isconsin.

Dr. B. O. Reynolds died at his home in Lake Geneva, January 19, 191 1, in the eighty-seventh year of his age. He was a member of McPherson Post of the Grand Army of the Republic and a companion of the Loyal Legion. He always to^k an abiding interest in public affair-, and was an ai I lublican and well-known in state and county politics. He once represented his home district in the Assembly and was also in the State Senate for sc ms, and

Medical Association, and of the National Medical Association. He was also prominent in the Grand Army of the Republic. As a physician he had few equals and no superiors in this part of the state. Mrs. Dr. Reynolds is still living at Lake Geneva, now eighty-eight years of age.

Julian M. Carey

Read back the pages of history until you are lost in the hieroglyphs and obscurity of the dim past; walk back through the dark corridors of time from the magnificent civilization of today until you find yourself musing on the world's first battlefield ; scan the characters of every great commander, and throw your brightest light on the motives of every soldier, and the impartial historian will then tell you that in all this gloomy concave of war, in all this cavernous darkness of suffering and death, in all the sacrifice that humanity has offered upon the sanguinary field of Mars, no character so pure, so noble, so unselfish - so heroic has yet been given the world as the American citizen soldier, fighting, suffering, dying to lift up a fallen race, to preserve the integrity of a free nation, and to make immortal the flag painted by the finger of destiny and illuminated by the stars of heaven. When the dreams of the farflung legions of the grand army of the early sixties have been terminated by "the angel with the backward look and folded wings of ashen gray." the future generations will find their dream was true, and turn and look down the- mistshrouded aisles of the past to their record of glory, and with a sacred tear and a proud thrill of memory, will be glad that their old age was filled with peace and plenty, and that the republic which they saved was generous with her defenders, and that they faltered not at death, for they carried the everlasting love of their fellow men with them, and reached the mystic goal where no furloughs are given, and none are wanted, and where the password is "Eternal Peace and Rest."

( )ne of this great bust, who is yet active in life's varied affairs, is Julian M, Carey, an honored resident of Genoa Junction, lie was 1x>rn in Cayuga county, New York, June 2, 1844. and he is the son of David W. and Jane E. ( Rand 1 Carey. The father was born in Columbia county. New York, in [808, and he was the son of Amos !-'.. and Carissa (Barnes) Carey, the former born in Cherry Valley, New York, in 1790. Amos E. Carey was a soldier in the war of [8l2, and he received a land warrant for his services, and located in Lee county, Illinois. 1 le sold this land to a Mr. Loverage, an early resident of this count)", southeast of Lake Geneva. Amos and David VV. Care) came to Wisconsin in September, [846, and settled in Bloomfield township, section

5. The subject was then two years old. HC recalls, as he grew older, seeing deer run across their farm, and lie remembers their first Christmas dinner in this county. David W. Carey had two brothers, but they did not locate here. Amos Carey lived hen' until [853. His wife died in 1852 and the following year he went back east and married again, remaining there until his death in 1858. Jane E. (Rand) Carey was the daughter of John Rand and wife. It is believed her parents came from Holland and through them she was one of the heirs of the famous estate that claim- the Trinity church property in Mew York City. After Amos Carey sold out he returned east. David W. Carey and family moved to Kenosha county in 1853 and farmed in Wheatland township. His wife, mother of Julian M. Carey, died there in 1855. That broke up the home. There were six children. Milton !'... Victorene, Julian M.. Isadore L.. Therese A. and Edwin, who died in infancy.

The father of these children went to California and the children scattered : only two of them now survive, Therese and the subject. The former is the wife of Thomas Norton, a native of Kentucky, and they now live in Chicago.

Julian M. Carey was offered a home in Illinois with his father's sister He lived there about seven years, until the spring of 1862, when he returned to Bloomfield township, this county, and worked on a farm east of Lake l When the 1 all came for troops to suppress the Rebellion he enlisted on September 2, 1862, in Company C, Twenty-second Wisconsin Volunteer Infantry. They were sent to Kentucky on garrison duty where they remained until in February, 1863, then went down the Ohio and up the Cumb ! to n n force Rosecrans. They went from Nashville to Franklin and from there on a reconnoitering 1 on. He en prison* ch 25, 18 to Libby prison, and after being kept there about a month, in April he was sent to Parol Camp, Benton Barracks, St. Louis, and there nged in June,

1863. He was sent back to Tennessee and did garrison duty at Murfreesboro and around Nashville until April [9, [864, when he was ordered to join Sherman's army, and on May 2d started on the famo< -ia campaign. There was hard fighting almost continually. The brigade containing the Twenty- 1 >nd Wisc< msin Regiment, under Brigadier ' kneral < '< burn, has the distinction of having received the surrender of the city of Atlanta. After the capture of Atlanta they went on with Sherman on his march to the sea, taking Savannah, December 10, 1864. then on through the Carolina! to Goldsboro wl they were when Line. In was assassinated. From there they went to Rail in pursuit of Johnson, and from there they went north to Washington, having marched and covered all the distance in that world-famous campaign in thirteen months to a day. Mr. Carey was eighteen years old when he enlisted and he was just past twenty-one when he was honorably discharged after taking part in the Grand Review in Washington. He was mustered out at Milwaukee, Wisconsin, June 28, 1865.

After the war Mr. Carey went to Illinois and engaged in the harness business at Chemung, remaining there eighteen months, then gave it up and worked around there until the winter of [869 and 1S70, when he went to Kansas and Missouri, in May. 1870. he joined his father at Georgetown, Eldorado county, California, and worked at gold mining two years. Returning to Chemung, he remained there a year, then came back to Walworth county, locating again in Bloomfield township. In August, 1873. he began clerking in a general store. In March, the following spring, he bought the store from the widow who owned it, buying the stock on credit, giving his personal note. He continued the business successfully and paid off the note in due course of time, and he has been in business ever since, having expended his operations in many lines. About 1884 he bought the mill at Genoa Junction and was in the flour business until 1910 when he sold the mill, but he still carries on the flour and feed business in addition to his general merchandising. On February 14, 1898, the same day the battleship "Maine" was blown up in Havana harbor, he installed an electric light plant for lighting in Genoa Junction, which he ran by water power in connection with the mill, lie also built an ice house about 1891 and shipped ice, later selling out to the Knickerbocker Ice Company. He has also been in the coal business ever since coming to Geneva. In September, [909, he bought a farm at the cast end of ( ienoa Junction, part of it extending across into Illinois.

Mr. Carey was married on January 28, 1874, to Adelia By water, at Chemung, McHenry county, Illinois, where she had taught school seven terms. She was born in Cayuga county, New York, and she came to Illinois with her parents when young. Her Father had enlisted in [862 as a soldier in the Civil war and was killed at Vicksburg.

Ten children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Carey, of whom Maj died when eighteen months old; Eddie died in infancy; those living are, Grace I., wife of John R. Sibley, who is with the Reitz Lumber Company, in Chicago; Myrtle J. married John II. Moore, who is with the Knickerbocker Ice Com pam and lives in Chicago, where he has a position of great responsibility; David William is in partnership with Mr. Carey in the store, and he is unmarried ; Blaine, who is also unmarried, is operating the Farm F01 his father:

Alice married Arthur Maine, and he has charge of the canning department for the Borden Condensed Milk Company at Genoa Junction: Sherman is attending the State University at Madison; Bernice I., is at home and is in school; Winifrede, the youngest daughter, is also at home and in school.

Mr. Carey is a Republican and he has served several terms on the school board, also was town clerk. He has taken an active part in county and state politics at various times.

Mr. Carey joined the Lake Geneva lodge of Masons in 1S65 and he held his membership there until the lodge was organized at Genoa Junction, when he became a charter member of the latter. In 1879 he built the store building, with the Masonic lodge hall above. He and his wife belong to the Methodist church.

Although sixty-eight years old, Mr. Care) is exceptionally well-preserved and is as vigorous as most men at fifty. He has long been regarded as one of the leading citizens of Genoa Junction and has done much for the good of the town. He is a plain, obliging, hospitable gentleman who stands high in his communitv.

John T. Tobin

The office of biography is not to give voice to a man's modes! estimate of himself and his accomplishments, but rather to leave upon the record the verdict establishing his character by the consensus of opinion on the pari his neighbors and fellow citizens. The life of John I- Tobin, one oi the successful young farmers of Lagrange township, Walworth county, has been h as to elicit just praise from those who know him best, having spenl his life right here at home engaged in the pursuits for which nature and training havi suited him and is a creditable representati if our much

Mr. Tobin was born on the old homestead in this township, March 9, 1876 He is the son of William and Bridget (Dooley) Tobin, both natives of Ireland, the father born in 1828 and the mother in [851. When nineti years of age the father emigrated to the United States and settled in New York. In [857 he came to Walworth county, Wisconsin, settling in I grange township in [859, and here he and his brother, Patrick, bought I hundred and ninet res, which thi r the father of the

Five children were born to Air. and Airs. William Tobin. named as follows: John T., of this review; Ella, wife of Ernest Stallman, of Sugar Creek township; William is with the subject on the home farm; Joseph M. was graduated from the Elkhorn high school and then took three years in the State University at Madison and he is now in the office as bookkeeper for the Pullman Car Company, of Chicago ; Francis T. was graduated from the Elkhorn high school and he is now a student at the Marquette school in Milwaukee.

John T. Tobin, of this review, received a diploma from the country school, later attended the Elkhorn high school. He has devoted his life to farming on the homestead and is still here, operating the same with his brother as mentioned above. Politically, Mr. Tobin is a Democrat and he is now serving his fourth term as township clerk.

Lewis A. Kimball

Among the men of influence in Bloomfield township. Walworth county, who have the interest of their locality at heart and who have led consistent lives, thereby gaining definite success along their chosen lines, is Lewis A. Kimball, one of the leading farmers and stock men of the southeastern part of the county, where he has a valuable and highly productive farmstead, which he manages with that care and discretion that stamps him as a twentieth-century agriculturist of the highest order.

Mr. Kimball was born in this township on March [3, [869. Me is the son of John Casper and Christine (Runkle) Kimball, both natives of Germany, the father born in Saxony. November 29, 1830, and died October 21, 1908, at the age of seventy-seven years, ten months and t\\ entj two days. 1 fe -rcw tn manhood in the fatherland and from there sailed to America in [856, landing on our shores Jul) 17th, alter a voyage of nine weeks on a sailing vessel He came west with the pioneers of Wisconsin and located in Bloom field township. Walworth county. In [862 he was able to bu) a farm, on which he resided until his death, Ins well improved place lying in sections 9 and 10, Bloomfield township. In [863 he married Christina Runkel, who was born in Grolsheim, Hessen-Darmstadt, Germany, in [840. She came to Vmerica with her brother in [860 : m < 1 located in liloomfield township, this county, and here she lived with John Full's family and attended school.

Five sons were bom to Caspar Kimball and wife, two of whom died in infancy; the eldest lived to be about five years old; Lewis V. of this sketch; Philip, who has a part of the home farm, and Henry, who is farming in this township and a sketch of whom appear- elsewhere in this work.

Mr. Kimball was a hard working man. who met his man) obstacles with a stunt heart and a stead) purpose and he succeeded in establishing a good home and a valuable farm was developed by his close application, lie was a lover of home and family and trained his children in a ( foristian manner. I le was a tender hearted, kindly, forgiving, obliging gentleman whom everybod) respected and admired - always ready to aid any. me in any trouble or need His wife lived until January 25, [909, being advanced in war- when called to her reward. She was a woman of beautiful character, neighborly, charitable and a true helpmeet to her sterling husband for over forty-five years.

Lewis A. Kimball, of this sketch, grew to manhood on the home farm, where he assisted with the work in the crop seasons, and he received hi- education in the common schools of hi- district and the high school at Lake Geneva. On January 8, 1891, he was united in marriage with Lillian Giffbrd, tlaughter of Ezra P. and .Marietta (Chapin) Giffbrd, a sketch of whom ap pears elsewhere in this work.

For three year- after hi- marriage, -Mr. Kimball continued on the home farm, then bought a farm m the southwest quarter of section 17. Bloomfield town-hip, and lived there five years, then rented for about nine year-, pan of the time on the Moore stock farm and most of the time in Mel lenry county, Illinois. In 1905 he bought the farm of one hundred and thirty - i\ acres where he now lives in the southwestern quarter of section 10. 11 has developed a good farm, well improved, and ha- been ver) successful in his varied operations. 1 le ha- a commodious and attractive dwelling, from which ;- a splendid panorama overlooking Pell- lake, but he did not move here until March 1, 1908. In 191 1 he completed a large, convenient and. in fact, unusually fine barn, substantially built ol com rete blocks, with concrete floors, and modern in every appointment In connection with general farming, Mr. Kimball keeps a good grade of live stock, being a breeder of Holsteii and Poland-China hogs, all registered.

Six children have been born to Mr. and Mr-. Kimball, namel) Eunice May, Edna Gertrude, Ruth Helene, Arthur Giffbrd, and two who died m infancy.

A list of Walworth county's honored and successful families would be incomplete were there failure to make specific mention of the well-known farmer and representative citizen whose name introduces this biographical review, for In- life has been one of industry, honor and public spirit, resulting in good to everyone with whom he has had dealings, whether in business or social life. He has won success because he has persevered in pursuit of a worthy purpose, gaining thereby a satisfactory reward, and setting an example not unworthy to be emulated by others, especially the young and the discouraged.

B. J. Baumann, well known farmer in the vicinity of Burlington, Wisconsin, was born in Racine county, this state, on March 26, 1876. He is the son of Peter and Dina (Giebel) Baumann, both born in Germany where they spent their childhood, emigrating to America when young, he coming to Racine county, Wisconsin, in 1854, she having preceded him there in 1850. and there they were married. The father's death occurred on June 30, 1897. His widow survives, being now advanced in years. Ten children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Peter Baumann, eight of whom are living. In politics the father was a Democrat, and in religious matters a devout Catholic.

B. J. Baumann, of this review, was reared on the home farm, and there assisted with the general work when a boy, and he received his education in the common schools in Racine county, and early in life he directed his attention to fanning for a livelihood, which he has followed to the present time, having been very successful as a general farmer and stock raiser. He is now the owner of one of the choice farms in Spring Prairie township, Walworth county, consisting of one hundred and fifty-nine acres, which he has placed under a high state of improvement and cultivation, and he makes a specialty oi dairying, keeping well informed <>n this and all matters pertaining to his chosen life-work. Ik has a very pleasant home and maintain- a good set of outbuildings on his place.

Politically, Mr. Baumann is a Democrat and more or less active in local party affairs. He is at present school treasurer. In religious matters he belongs to St. Charles Catholic church, being a liberal supporter of the same.

Mr. Baumann was married in 1903 to Emma Keesman. who was born in Racine countv, Wisconsin, on August 23, 1876. She is the daughter of Frank nid Elizabeth (Fishman) Reesman. both born in Germany, from which country they emigrated to America in early life, locating in Racine county. tl 1- Ftate. the father in [851 and the mother in [844, and there thev were married, and to them three children were born, two of whom are living at this writing. Mr. Reesman was twice married, his first wife being known in her maidenhood as Elizabeth Ran. by whom eleven children were horn, throe of whom are living. The death of Frank Reesman occurred on April 4, 1907. His widow is living in Burlington, this state. To Mr. and Mrs. Baumann five sons have been born, all of whom survive, namely: George Francis, Ralph William, Elmer Bernard. Waldo Joseph and Mark I lain.

Seymour Amos Cook

One of the most active, thoroughgoing and enterprising farmers of Lagrange township. Walworth county, is Seymour ^mos Cook, who has been contented to spend his life in his native community, wiselj deciding that no better opportunities could be found for the young man of energy and determination, and he has met with success as a fanner here.

Mr. Cook was born in Whitewater township, this county, on August 21, i860. He is the son of Alvin Wesley Cook and Luanda (Safford) < 00k, both natives of Xew York, he born in Jefferson county and she in Allegany county. Alvin W. Cook came to Lagrange township, Walworth countv. Wisconsin, in 1845, a,ul m '*4'' Lucinda Stafford came and here the) were married. Eight children were born to them, three of whom are living. Mr. Cook spent his life on a farm here, owning one hundred and thirty acres. Politically, he was a Republican and he was assessor for twenty-seven yea in succession, and later he was again incumbent of this office for thre< He was well known and influential in his community. He and his wife w< members of the Methodist church.

Seymour A. Cook was reared on the home farm where he began working when quite small, and he attended the rural schools in his district, \bout twelve years of his life have Keen spent engaged in merchandising, ai whi he was successful, but for some time he has followed farming, in which he is still engaged, owning fifty-seven acres. He makes ;i specialty of breeding Chester-White hogs, for which he finds a very ready marl

Tn political matters. y|r. Cook is a Republican and he has been more or less active in local affairs. He was township clerk for about ten and

Air. Cook was married in 1885 to Yira Hoklen. who was born in Lagrange township, Walworth county, the daughter of Nathaniel Hoklen, an early settler of Lagrange township, now deceased. To Mr. and Mrs. Cook one daughter and one son have been born. Raymond, died, aged eleven months. Edith L. is now the wife of George T. Packard, of Whitewater.

Walter Curtis

Among the earnest and enterprising men whose depth of character has gained him a prominent place in the community and the respect and confidence of his fellow citizens, is Walter Curtis, farmer and stock raiser of Geneva township. A man of decided views and laudable ambitions, his influence has ever made for the advancement of his kind and in the vocation to which his energies have been given through a long lapse of successful years he ranks among the representative farmers of the community.

Mr. Curtis was born December 16, 1854, in Lake Geneva, then a mere village. He is the son of Lewis Curtis and wife, a sketch of whom appears elsewhere in this work.

The subject grew to manhood in his native town and attended the seminary there. When only seven or eight years old he assisted his father in the postoffice, the elder Curtis having been the first postmaster at this place under Republican administration, retaining the office eleven years, the commission having been signed by Lincoln, the subject remembering when it was received. As the buy grew older he also assisted his father in his store and on his farm. Lewis Curtis kept a drug store, also bandied farming implements. He had bought land when he first came to Lake Geneva.

Walter Curtis gave his entire attention to farming after reaching manhood. IU- was married on March 15. [883, to Caroline Esther Foote, of Crawfordsville, Indiana, a daughter of Lucien Andrew Foote and Susan Greer (Sunderland) Foote, a sketch of whom appears elsewhere in this volume. She was bom at Clayton, Indiana, but lived at Rockville until she was twelve years old. then accompanied the family to Crawfordsville, where deputy county clerk of that county, holding the office under both the Republicans and Democrats, because of his efficiency, lie was a gallant soldier in the Civil war. 1 See his sketch in another part of this work. )

After his marriage Walter Curtis and his wife took up their abode OH one of the Curtis farms along the north shore of Lake Geneva and here they established a comfortable home, and he has been very successful as a general farmer. Mr. Curtis is a Prohibitionist and take- an active interest in promoting the principles of his partv.

Six children have been born to Walter Curtis and wife, live of whom are living, namely: Florence Belle married John Brooks and the) live mi land belonging to Mr. Brooks, near the city of Lake Geneva; they have three children, Elizabeth May, Elliott Lucien and Caroline Bmogene. Lucien Humphrey Curtis married Agda Brandt and lives mi the Curtis farm, luina Foote Sunderland Curtis died when seven and one-hall years old Const nice Elizabeth is teaching in the public schools. Lewis William is on the farm with his father. Walter Hiram is at home and attending school.

George Del Wan Pearce

Throughout an active and interesting career duty has ever been the motive of action with < ieorge Delavan Pearce, one of the old settlers and well-known agriculturists of the southern part of Walworth county, and usefulness to his fellow men has bj no mean- been a secondar) considei with him. Thus strong and forceful in his relations with In- fellows, he has gained the good will and commendation of his associates and the genei public, retaining hi- reputation among men of integrity and high chai u and never losing the dignit) which is the birthright of the true gentleman

Mr. Pearce was born at New Hartford, Oneida county, New York, January 26, [832. He is the son of William and Amy (Dodge) Pearce. He is descended from Nathan and Abigail ( Spink 1 who were marrie ler 8, 17.24, and they lived in Rhode Island, probablj near Providence. Nathan Pearce was a minister of the Baptist church His famih consisted of nine children, of whom the youngest, William, was born September 12, [745, old style c; (September 23, new style), al Providence. He was a member of the New York State Militia during the Revolutionary war, and hi service along the H iver. His wife, Chloe Carey, was born on June 6,

His second wife was Lydia Birdsall, who was bom August 20, 1757, married February 7, 17 - , and to this union four children were born, William being the eldest, and he was the father of George D. Pearce, of this sketch. William, father of the subject, was born June 15, 1784, in Dutchess county, New York. He married Amy Dodge, May 18, 1809. She was born in Dutchess count}', New York, April 18, 1789, and in that county the parents of the subject lived about [816 when they came to Oneida county, New York. They became the parents of thirteen children: Lorenzo Dow being the eldest, and George I )elavan, of this review, was the twelfth in order of birth. The eighth child was Jonathan Howland Pearce. He lived in Walworth probably seven or eight years before and during the war, returning to New York in November, 1N04. A Mster. Eliza, married Justus Moak, September 7, 1853, and came to Wisconsin in the fall of 1854 and they lived at Watertown, where he was postmaster for a number of years.

George D. Pearce lived in Oneida county, New York, until in April, 1854. On April 18th of that year he was united in marriage with Emily Jane Baker, daughter of James and Ann ( Brakefield) Baker. She was born in Oneida county, New York, June 3, 1836. Her parents came from London, England, and they were natives of Maidstone, county Kent, England. They came first to Philadelphia later moving to Oneida county, New York, not lung before Mrs. Pearce was born, and they moved to Walworth county, Wisconsin, about 1858 and after a short residence with Mr. Pearce moved to Waukesha county, where Mrs. 1 laker died, after which Mr. Baker returned to Walworth and lived with his son, Benjamin Baker, who then farmed at what is now part of Walworth village. When Benjamin moved to Minnesota, M 1 . Baker moved there and spent the rest of his life in that state.

The day of their marriage George 1 ). Pearce and wife started for Wisconsin. After spending three months at Delavan, he bought a farm of eight acres in section 20, Walworth township. Walworth count), also bought forty acres near the lake, lie paid sixteen dollars an acre for the land, getting half a crop. 1 le got one dollar and fifty cents per bushel for his wheat dining the Crimean war and in a few years he had a good start in the new country. Mr then bought sixty-six and two-thirds acres in the northwestern half of section 20. Walworth township. Me remained on the first eighty ten years, then sold it and bought where he now lives in 1864. His present fine farm is in section 18. Me became the owner of over one hundred and eighty acres and here he has lived ever since. Me has lived in only three different houses in his life, one in New York, one in section 20, this township, and the one which he now occupies, lb' never owned a firearm and never saw a list tight.

Within a month after he located in Walworth township he was railed on to contribute to the erection of the First Baptist church, and he did so, and he has been an earnest member of the church tor years. He has been a deacon for thirty or forty years, and he was clerk of the church for thirt) years.

Eight children were born to Mr. and .Mrs. lVarce: .Mary Hart, bo April 4, 1855, married James Al. Weeks. November 10, 1S75. and she lived at Delavan about live years and two years at Darien, then went to Pipestone, Minnesota, where they lived seven years, then returned to Delavan and spent ten years. Mr. Weeks was a merchant, was born February jo. [849, and died in December, 1906, his wife preceding him to the grave on Ian;: 29, 1904. They were the parents of five children: George, who died when seventeen years old; Grace, who married Will Harris..!,; Mary, who married Frank E. Wire, lives in Denver, and they have four children. Justin, Marian, Dorothy and a baby girl that died in infancy; I idle Weeks married Frank Roland and lives at San Antonio, Texas: Pearl Weeks is living at Walworth with Mr. Pearce. Theodore I I.urd Pearce, born August 29, 1S57, lived on the home farm until he was grown, then worked a yeat at the I leaf and Dumb Institute, after winch, he spent some time in Dakota and Minnesota, then returned to the home farm, after which he rented a farm in Sharon township and lived there about two years; on October iS. [881, he married Carrie I. Teeter, daughter of Henry and Sarah (Joyner) Teeter; she was bom in Sharon township, this county, her people having cme here from Schoharie county. New York, in the early days, her parents being descended from the early Dutch of New York. After his marriage Theodore H. Pearce rented another farm, on which he remained a season, then bought .1 farm in Boone county, Illinois, and lived there ten years; in- owned tin- farm, \ftcr selling it he bought eighty acre- in Sharon township, this county, but did not live on it. having moved to the farm owned by his wife'- father, where hi tied, taking care of the old people, until January, [898, when be moved to Franklin county, Tennessee and bought one hundred and thirty-six acres on which he farmed. His wife died on August 17, 1899. In September. [900, he returned to Wisconsin, driving a team all the way; he fanned two years on his father's place, then purchased it and ha- since farmed for himself. Six children were burn to Theodore II namely: \lma. who married they have two children. Walter Robert and Carrie Talitha; Mr. Edens I a farm of one hundred and sixty acres there. Fern Maj Pearce married William D. Sutton and they also live near Tweedie, Washington, where Mr Sutton has one hundred and twenty-five acres of land, and they have one daughter, Mary. Sarah Emily Pearce married Howard Flores and they live in Denver, where he is an architect and fruit grower, and they have one daughter, Ina. Grace Emma Pearce is attending college at Beloit in her senior year. Lawrence Bernard Pearce, horn November 6, 1895, died U1 infancy. Edith Georgia Pearce is attending school. Theodore H. Pearce was again married on September 19, 1901, to Mildred P. Moore, daughter of McChesney and Nancy (Hawkins) Moore. She was born in Franklin county, Tennessee, where her parents both died. Four children were born of this marriage, Mildred Alice, Theodore Arvin, Dorothy Irene and Elna Louise.

Emily Baker Pearce, third child of George D. Pearce, of this sketch, was born July 2, i860. She married Herman R. Adams, December 15, 1881, a broker in Denver, and they have one son, Royal, born November 30, 1882. He married Mattie A. Yoxall, October 1, 1907, and they have two children. Royal H. and Marjorie Eleanore.

George Benjamin Pearce, next child of the subject, was born September 23, 1863. He married Effie E. Lloyd, October 1, 1889. He lived at Janesville until his wife died in March, 1907, leaving two children, Rexford DeWitt and Malvern. After the death of the wife and mother. George Pearce moved to Whitewater and there he has since engaged in gardening and fruit growing; he has recently moved to Lima Center.

Grace Anna Pearce. the next of the subject's children, was born October 11. [866. She married William J. Peets, August 4, 1886, and lived in Waupon and Walworth. Mr. Peets, who was a civil and mechanical engineer, died February 6, 1892, leaving two children, Wilbur J.. Jr.. and George Kenneth Peets, both now attending the technical department of Cincinnati University. Mrs. Peets married Rev. Joseph Jenkins, NTo\ ember 22, 1898. He is a minister in the Baptist church, having been pastor of the First Bapt is! church at Walworth seven years and at Toulon, Illinois, for seven years, lie is now at Macomb, that state. They have one daughter. Emily May.

William llciin Pearce, the nexl of the subject's children, was born August 31. 1S71. He married Dora \\ Christianson, September 22, 1897, and they live at Lima ("enter. Rock county ', \\ isconsin, where he lias a general store, but lie formerly engaged in farming; they have five children. J. How- 1. Herman, Anders, Emily and Percy. Frankie James, seventh in order nf birth "i' George 1 >. Pearce's children, was born March 5, [874, and died in infancy. Charles Sumner, the youngest of the children, was born September 10, 1S77. lie married on June 21, 1909, Vivian Coats, of Corsicana,

Texas, and they live in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, where he is interested in the Johnson Soap Works, and he has an active part in its management. They

The subject's children have all received excellent training and the) are well situated in life, and are highl) respected wherever the) live.

The gentleman whose name heads this sketch has long enjoyed prestige as a leading citizen in the community in which he resides, and as an official against whose record no word of suspicion was ever uttered. For many years Mr. Cusack has been an important factor in the histor) of Walworth county. His prominence in the community is the legitimate result of genuine merit and ability, and in every relation of life, whether in the humble sphere of private citizenship or as a trusted official with main responsibilities resting upon him, his many excellencies of character and the able and impartial manner in which he has discharged his every duty have won for him an envied reputation as an enterprising and representative self-made man. In Mr. Cusack's veins flows the blood of a long line of sterling Irish ancestors, in fact, he himself is only of the second generation of this great people in the United States.

Frank Cusack grew to manhood on the homestead here and he assisted with the general work about the place when of proper age. lb- received his education in the public >cho<>ls of Darien. Earl) in life he turned his attention to farming for a livelihood and has been very successful as a genera] farmer and stock raiser, being now the owner of one of the choice Farms in sectioii 22, Darien township, consisting oi one hundred and sixt) acres, which he has placed under excellent modern impi nts and on which he has a life right here at home. It would have been hard for him to have found a better place. He is the son of Patrick and Ellen (Sullivan) Cusack, both natives of Ireland, where they spent their earlier years and went to school and from there they emigrated to Canada in 185 1 and engaged in farming until 1857, in which year they moved to Darien township, Walworth county, Wisconsin, and there he worked out as a farm hand until 1870, in which year he father purchased a good farm in Darien township, which he improved and on which he spent the balance of his life, dying in November, 1906, and there, on the old homestead, which he left in excellent condition, his widow still resides.

Eight children were born to Mr. and Airs. Patrick Cusack, named as follows: Alary, now Airs. Moran; John; Nellie is deceased; M. E., James, Julia ; Frank, of this sketch ; Agnes is deceased.

Politically, Mr. Cusack is a loyal Republican and more or less active in local party affairs. He was assessor of his township for a period of eight wars, tilling this office in a manner that won the hearty approval of all concerned. He is at present treasurer of the Darien high school. He is a member of the Equitable Fraternal Union, an insurance order, and the Modern \\ [men and the Knights of Columbus. Religiously, he is a faithful member of the Catholic church.

William Edgar Massey

"Earn thy reward; the gods give naught to sloth," said the old Greek sage, Epicharmus, and the truth of the admonition has been verified in human affairs in all the ages which have rolled their course since his day. William Edgar Massey, farmer of Linn township and scion of one of the worthy old families of Walworth county, has, by ceaseless toil and endeavor, attained a large degree of success in his chosen calling and has gained the respect and confidence of men.

Mr. Massey was born near his present home on February _', 1869. He 1- tlic .son of William and Mary 1 I >cl.mc\ 1 Massey, the father born near I ork, in count \ Limerick, [reland. When about eighteen years old he and his three brothers, George, Charles and John, and their mother emigrated lo America, the father having died in Ireland. The mother and her four sons firsl spent a few years in New York and other points in the East, then

William Massey came to Linn township, Walworth county, Wisconsin, and here worked nine years for General Boyd, being about twentj two years old when he came here. After nine years he purchased a farm of eight) acres, later buying sixty acres additional, and made his permanent home mar the center of Linn township. He was married in [86] to Mar) Delaney, dan-liter of Thomas and Elizabeth 1 Brown) Delaney, both born in Ireland. Thomas Delaney being from county Kilkenny and his wife from Munster. Eliza etl Brown came to America when twelve years old with her parents, George and Ann Brown, this family settling in Lyons township, this county, being among the pioneers. The Browns and Delaneys both came to America in the thirties and located first in Michigan, where they spent two or three years, and there Thomas Delaney and Ann Brown were married. Then Thomas Delane) and his brother-in-law, John Brown, and James Curran, another brother-inlaw of Delaney's, came to Wisconsin on a prospecting tour and located in Walworth county, Thomas Delaney entering two hundred acres from the government in section 33, Lyons township, in [840, his land being li three miles east of Geneva. Mr. Curran entered land near there also, and the Browns entered land three miles farther east.

The family of Thomas Delaney consisted of the following children: George. Ann. Mary, .Margaret. John, William. Thomas, Jane, Dennis, Elizabeth, Patrick Henry, James and Valentine.