La Grange Town

Natural Features

La Grange is one of the northern tier of towns, situated east of Whitewater and north of Sugar Creek. Speaking generally, the northern and soi^theastern portions of the town consist of rolling or hilly land, the central and southwestern of prairie land. The central sections of the town are quite flat, with slight elevations and sand-sinks. These latter are more frequent than in other parts of the county. An exception to the general hilly character of the north is the northwestern corner, in which is located a marsh containing some five sections. The direction of the hills and bluffs is from northeast to southwest. Heart Prairie, in the southwest, contains about six sections of land, and Kound Prairie, in the center of the town, one. The soil in these localities is not sandy and gravelly as in the north, but consists of clay loam and sand, mixed. To the east, its character changes to a heavy clay or sand. Originally, most of the town consisted of oak openings, \vith small gi-oves of black and white oak. The town is well watered. The Soiith Branch of the Scuf)ernong flows north through Sections 6 and 7 and a portion of 18, into Jefferson County. Pleasant Lake, in Section 24, Green, Middle and Mill Lakes, Sections 25, 26, 35 and 36, are situated in the southwestern corner. The latter three have Honey Creek as an outlet, which runs in an easterly direction. These bodies of water are smrounded generally by high bluffs and timbered land. Pickerel, pike, rock and black bass, perch, etc., find their natiu-al homes in them. They have been stocked also with Mackinaw trout. The depth of the water varies from ten to sixty feet. The town is given up almost entirely to farming, there be- no villages within its limits. Nearly eveiy variety of small grain is raised, the average yield being: Wheat, ten bushels per acre; oats, thirty; and corn, twenty-five. Very few of tJEte farms are devoted to dairying, the only butter and cheese factory in town, operated hy W. D. Stow, being biu'ned in 1879. The raising of swine is can-ied on quite extensively, B. Fowler, a resident of Heart Prairie, being particularly successful in bringing his breed of Poland-China pigs to a high state of perfection.

In 1881, the following crops were growing in the town: 6,80-1: acres of gi-ain; 81 of potatoes and root crops; 190 of apples (8,070 trees); 4,027 grazing land and grasses; and 5,847 growing timber; the 621 milch cows are valued at $19,160.

Town of La Grange - Number of acres farming land, 22,043, valued at 1414,165; personal property, 1139,560; total valuation, $553,725. When first organized, in 1843, the valuation of town property was only $45,622.

The first school in town was a private one, opened on Round Prairie in 1840, and taught by Melissa Cornish. Now, the town of La Grange consists of foiu- school districts and six joint districts, in which are 301 children of school age. Of this munber, the attendance is 211. The schools munber eight, and the teachers eight; wages of the male teachers, $32 per month, and female, $21.75. The schoolhouses are valued at $3,000; sites, $250; apparatus, $25; total valuation, $3,275.

Organization And Early Settlement

La Grange is known as Town 4 north, Range 16 east, and was organized from Elkhorn, by act of the Territorial Legislatm-e, March 21. 1843. The first meeting of the board was held April 3 of that year. The naming of the town is said to have originated with Cyrus Huton.

Moses Rand and Caleb and Levi Harris, and the all-important cognomen was decided tipon at a gathering held in Charles P. Ellis' sitting room a short time before the organization. The latter was a brother-in-law of the Han-ises. Although named La Grange originally after the native place of Gen. La Fayette, it did not necessarily imply any intimate connection with that distinguished patriot, but was imported firom the East, where the name is common.

James Holden was the fii'st white settler in the town of La Grange: lived there for fortythree years, and died loved and momiied. He was born in Middlesex. Yt.. August 5. 1813. When twenty years of age, he went to Boston, where his brother lived, to seek employment and work in any honest way he could. After being employed at the Fulton Market four years, he went to Chicago for the jJiu-pose of seeking a home further W^est. Leai-ning of fertile lands in the vicinity of Whitewater, he set oiit on foot, and, after examining the coimtry, made a claim on Sugai- Creek. Before he had time to improve it, however, further than to erect a hut, business called him back to Chicago. Retm-ning soon after, full of hope and determination to foimd a home in what appeared to him an unsurpassable region, imagine his feelings when he found that his claim had been jumped! But, luckily, he met Maj. John Davis, who told him of far more promising spots to the north. Thither he again directed his steps. Employing a guide, he reached the beautiful spot which he afterward called home. April 2, 1837. He came upon a gem of a prairie fi-om the northwest, and ascended the high elevation which is now called " Lone Tree Bluff." The outlines of the prairie were so clearly cut and so suggestive of a heart that it received fi-om him then and there, as he looked over its fair, green surface, the name which has since fastened upon it. Mr. Holden made a claim of one square mile, consisting of the timber and prairie laud bordering the lake on the south. He built a shanty here, but removed it to a spot near the present residence of his widow, when the highway was opened. Edwin De Wolf, the brother of William De W^olf, heljied him in his work and shared his bachelor life with him. But Mr. Holden had other plans than to live this hei-mit life. Two years passed, and the town, especially tlie vicinity of Heai-t Prairie, had quite a number of settlers. George and Robert Esterly, Edwin De Wolf, William McDugald, James Bret, the Worthing tons, True Rand and others, were near neighbors; while on Round Prairie were the Cornishes, Caleb Mon-is, Marshall Newhall. et al. Mi-. Esterly had already secured over one thousand acres of land, engaging most extensively in the cultivation of wheat, and already commencing to experiment with " harvesting machines. " not foreseeing then what it would come to. For the past year (so the story runs). Mr. Holden had much to say about a certain " Faith " who was waiting for him in the "blue hills of Vermont. In 1839, he visited his native State and remained two years, bringing back not "Faith," but "Patience," daughter of Deacon Cyiiis Barber, of Barry. This happy event oceiuTed in October. 1841. and it is related now by his old neighbors that the joke hung to him for years after that Brother Holden had long and patiently sought Faith, but found faithful Patience at last. Although he disposed of most of his jn-operty, Mr. Holden resided, up to the day of his death, near the old claim, watching with contentment the growth of the town and county from a wilderness and uncultivated jM-airie to a rich and improved countiy. Mr. Holden was genial, a good conversationalist, kind and symjiathetic; and no wonder that, as his days di-ew to an end. a host of friends drew nearer to him. He died at 4 o'clock on Sunday morning. Februaiy 22. 18S(X and left a widow and childi-en to mourn his loss. They reside upon a portion of his original claim.

Although Ml-. Holden was undoubtedly the first actual settler of the town of La Grange, the famous Meacham-Bigelow controversy over the claim in the south half of Section 24 occmred the year before his airival. How that trouble was settled has been fully detailed in the general history of the county.

The next year after James Holden, the Worthingtons, True Rand, the Cornishes. Edwin De Wolf. Benjamin Swett. James Biu-t and others had either made claims or settled in the town of La Grange, occm-red quite an interesting event, it being no more nor less than the ai-rival of its first-)x)i-n - a son of James Burt, the last-named settler. This occurred in 1838. and in 1839 Mr. Swett took a wife to himself, he being the first who entered into the matrimonial bonds in the town of La Grange.

The land sale of February, 1836, made sad havoc in the claims of some of the first settlers of Heart Prairie. Volney McCracken, in 1837, had claimed Section 30, but was obliged to pass over 33)^ per cent of it to Elii)halet Cramer, a capitalist of Milwaukee, aud, as be could not pay for the remainder, the whole property eventually passed into other hands. Much of Dr. Loomis' claim, on Sugar Creek, came into the possession of William McDougald. who removed to Heart Prairie in March of the next year and obtained land in Sections '29 and 30. Much of this property he has subsequently deeded to his sons. He is now the oldest settler upon the prairie.

The first breaking of land in the town was upon Heart and Round Prairies, at about the same time - in the spring of 1837. The honor is believed te be due to Grabriel Cornish and his two sons - or to " Uncle Gabe," as he was more commonly called. This was upon the northwest quarter of Section 23 and the southwest quarter of Section 14.

The following is the account given by Mr. Esterly of his attempts to imjirove his condition while a farmer of Heart Prairie: " In 1837, Mr. Esterly removed to Heart Prairie and secured over a thousand acres of land, engaging extensively in the cultivation of wheat - as many as 350 acres in a year. He soon ascertained that wheat could not be grown profitably in the far West, if harvested in the ordinary way, and set about inquiring how far the inventive genius of the country had supj^lemented and superseded labor. Obed Huzzy, of Baltimore, had invented a harvesting machine which was talked about, but he ascertained that it required four horses and ten men to cut and bind twenty acres per day, which was not a satisfactory exhibit as a laborsaving contrivance. Similar objections applied to other machines that were announced, and some of which he purchased and tried proved total failures, involving a loss greater than he could afford. He was thus induced, by the pressxu-e of necessity, to attempt the invention of something better than any of which he had knowledge, and commenced by experimenting on a style of reaper where the horses were placed behind the cutting apparatus and steered by a tiller, on the principle of steering vessels. He made many fruitless and costly experiments in his barn, which he had converted into a machine shop, bxit succeeded in producing a machine the first season that would cut successfully ten acres of wheat in half a day. This was in 18-1:4, and in the succeeding year he went to Milwaukee and employed what were called skilled mechanics to build for him five machines of the kind just described, but the result of this was a loss of $1,200, which he was compelled to jiay for machines that were only partially finished and of no practical value. The next year, he again converted his barn into a machine shop and began the construction of harvesting machines, which proved so entirely successful that he was induced to engage in the business of manufacturing them for sale, and which has resulted in one of the largest manufactories of the kind in the West. Mr. Esterly received his first patent in 1844, removing permanently to W'hitewater in 1857."

Orison G. Ewing, whose land lies in Sections 26, 27 and 22, settled in the town in 1838. J. W. Weld, who also came from Vermont during that year, resides on Section 13: William Houghton, who came in the same year, lives on Section 14; James H. Sanford, a " settler " of 1841, itpon Section 32: Stephen C. Goft', who settled in 1840, upon Section 32: Isaac C. Phelps, who located in 1842 upon Section 20; J. Patchin, who came in 1847, upon Section 16: James Laixderdale, a resident since 1844, upon Sections 25 and 36: James H. Lawton, an Englishman (1847), upon Section 16,

Those mentioned above are all who still live in the town of La Grange who settled there previous to 1847, or ten years from the time that James Holden made his claim of 640 acres upon Heart Prairie. Below is a list of other settlers during that period, with the State from which they came and the year of their aiTival. Those marked with an * are dead: the others have moved away: "Father Worthington "'* and his two sons, Elijah* and Theodore,* Michigan, 1837: True Rand,* 1837; Moses Rand,* 1841: William Lyon* and Samuel Robinson,* 1841; Gabriel Cornish* and two sons. Nelson and Anson, 1837: also Jerod Cornish,* 1837; Marshall Newell,* 1838; Benjamin Swett, Vei-mont, 1837; Edwin De Wolf, New York, 1837; John Norcross,* Thomas Waterman,* New York, 1838; Charles P. Ellis,* New York. 1840; Enos J. Hazard,* New York, 1840: Stephen B. Davis, Vermont, 1838; Nathaniel G. Holden.* Vermont. 1842; Silas Phelps,* Connecticut, 1842; Volney McCracken,* New York^ 1837; James Burt,* Vermont, 1837 ; George Esterly, New York, 1837; Robert Esterly, Michigan, 1839; Amasa Bigelow, Nova Scotia, 1837; James Field, Rhode Island, 1839; Samuel Loomer,* 1841; Robert Moms,* New York, 1841; Ezekiel Lewis,* New York, 1840; John H. Cooper, Vermont, 1845; Horace Adams,* New York, 1845; Nathan Adams,* New York, 1845; Charles Heth, New York,

In 1841, the Troy Circuit of the Methodist Episcopal Church included Troy, Eagle, Heart Prairie, Round Prairie, Turtle Prairie. Delavan and Elkhorn. Though occasional services were held previous to this year, the tirst religious organizations in town consisted of the formation of classes at Heart and Round Prairies. At the latter place, the members consisted of Rev. James Flanders, local preacher. Mr. and Mrs Houghton, Mrs. Norcross, " Father " Cornish, Mr. and Mrs. Nelson Cornish and a few others. At Heart Prairie, services were held in Father Worthington's log house, where a class was also formed, comprising himself and wife and two sons, Elijah and Theodore, and Mrs. Lewis. In 1860, a Methodist Episcopal Church was erected at a cost of 13,500, and a society is now in existence. The next year, a union church building, for the accommodation of all denominations, was erected on Round Prairie.

There ai-e two general stores in the town - one at La Grange Center and the other at Heart Prairie. Amasa Bigelow built a saw-mill in 1838, and, after a few years, a grist-mill was erected. The latter was moved, and a larger and better mill built in its place, by Daniel Williams. Its location is just east of Mill Lake, at what is called Williams' Mills Post Office. The town has no railroad facilities, but there is a prol)al)ility that the old Chicago & Northern Pacific, now the Chicago. Portage & Superior Air Line, may pass through its southwestern part, striking Heart Prairie.

A list of Postmasters who have served the town is as follows: Nelson Cornish. William Houghton, Thomas Waterman, George Ester ly, John Lewis, William Johnson, Charles Harris, Charles P. Ellis. William Taylor, Andi'ew Hanson.

Justices of the Peace, William Houghton. Thomas Waterman, John H. Cooper, Sylvester Hanson, James Knight. William Greening, A. W. Dickinson, James H. Sanford and William McDougald.

Bostek Of Town Officers War History

The town was among the most patriotic sections of the county. Most of her good soldiers - and she furnished seventy-four (two in excess of her quota) - went into Whitewater companies. La Grange also raised over §17,000 for all purposes. A full roster of those who went fi-om the town, and an account of their marches and conflicts dui-ing the war, will be found in the general military history.

Mosps Rand died February 2(5, 1881, at the home of his sister, Mrs. Emily E. Worthington, near Racine. His remains were brought to Whitewater and bnried iu Hillside Cemetery. He came from Michigan in 1841, and settled on Heart Prairie with the Worthingtons.

Charles P. Ellis, a prominent resident of the town of La Grange for many years, was born in Ashfield, Franklin Co., N. Y., March 20, 1812. Soon after marrying Sarah, sister of Calelo Han-is, in 1840, he removed to the town of La Grange and took up land in Section 21, near La Grange Center. Dm-ing his residence there of over forty years, he made many friends, and his fellow-townsmen showed their confidence in him by electing him Treasm'er and Supervisor for many terms. His death ocoiuTed January 22, 1881.

Biographical Sketches

MATTHEW P. BISHOP, farmer. See. 14; P. 0. La Grange; has 160 acres of land. The subject of this sketch was bora in West Windsor, Vt., Aug. 15, 1822 ; is the son of Ira and Sarah ( Patrick) Bishop ; moved with his parents to Rushford, Allegany Oo., N. Y., in 183ri, and from thence to Eagle, Waukesha Co., Wis., in 1845. He was married in East Troy, Nov. 14, 1848, to Roxana, daughter of Joseph and Nancy Alvord, of Eagle, Wis. ; Mrs. Bishop was born in Frankfort, Herkimer Co., N. Y., April 13, 1827, and died at Little Prairie, Walworth Co., Oct. 2, 1865. There were eight children in the family - Ira, born Dec. 27, 1849 ; Albert, born May 27, 1851, died, aged 11 years; Charles A., born May 22, 1853 ; Frank P., born Nov. 29, 1855. (These four were born in Eagle, Wis.) Kittie, born Oct. 7, 1857; Nellie, born Dec. 19, 1859; Mary, born July 26, 1861, died at Little Prairie, Oct. 17, 1862; John, born Dec. 31, 1863. The four younger were born in Troy, Wis.; Ira married Jennie Berry and lives in Minnesota ; Charles A. married Mary D. Dow, is an attorney at La Porte, Iowa, and is the present member of the Legislature from his District ; Frank P. married Nellie Means, lives in La Grange; Kittie is the wife of Everett E. Dow, of AVaterloo, Wis. Mr. Bishop purchased his present fvm in 1865, and moved to La Grange ; he was married again June 20, 1873, in Whitewater, to Miss Mary E. Alvord, daughter of Joseph and Nancy Alvord ; Mrs. Bishop was born in Sauquoit, Oneida Co., N. Y. Mr. Bishop has held various local offices - Superindendent of Schools of Eagle and Troy, Justice of the Peace, and Chairman of the Board of Supervisors six terms, and Chairman of the Walworth Co. Board of Supervisors two terms ; politics. Republican.

FRED. W. BLOMILEY, D. S., dentist and County Treasurer. The subject of this sketch was born in La Grange, Walworth Co., Wis., Aug. 3, 1849; is the son of Thomas and Susannah (Lawton ) Blomiley ; he received a common school education, and was brought up on a farm ; was elected Town Treasurer of La Grange, re-elected iilKiheld the office six years; he was elected County Treasurer in 1876, and re-elected in 1878 and 1880, being the present incumbent; in 1879, he began the study of dentistry; took a regular course at the Indiana Dental College of Indianapolis, Ind., and graduated Feb. 28, 1882; he then bought out Dr. J. M. Barker, of Elkhorn, and entered upon the practice of his profession ; he has his dental rooms and the Treasurer's office connected by telephone, and so manages, with the aid of a deputy, to conduct both with satisfaction. He was married in Elkhorn, to Maryette Sherman, daughter of Mrs. Wealthy Sherman; Mrs. Blomiley was born in the State of New York. Mr. Blomiley is Republican in politics; he has resided in Elkhorn since 1876.

THOMAS BLOMILEY, farmer. Sec. 10 ; P. 0. La Grange; has 260 acres of land. The subject of this sketch was born in Cheshire, England, near Manchester, July 7, 1822 ; is the son of Peers and Hannah (Barton) Blomiley ; came to America in 1843; made his home at New York Mills, Oneida Co., N. Y., till 1848, when he moved to La Grange, Walworth Co., Wis., and located on his present farm ; he was married in Rome, N. Y., Dee. 25, 1847, to Susannah, daughter of Harry A. Lawton ; Mrs. Blomiley was born in Cheshire, England ; they have two sons and one daughter; the eldest, Frederick W., is a dentist by profession, and the present Treasurer of WalworLh Co. ; he married Maryette Sherman and lives at Elkhorn ; the two younger, Squire and Susannah, are at home ; Mr. Blomiley and younger son have devoted considerable attention for the past eight years to the growing of Italian bees and queens, for sale. Mr. Blomiley and sons are Republican in politics.

WILLIAM BROMLEY, farmer. Sec. 15; V. 0. La Grange; has 160 acres of land. Mr. Bromley was born in Yorkshire, England. Aug. 8, 1808; is the son of Thomas and Martha (Kilbourn) Bromley; was employed in early life in the cotton mills; was what is. known as a boss cotton weaver; he came to America in 1839 ; made his home in New Hartford, Oneida Co., N. Y., where he worked at his trade five years ; he then came to Wisconsin May 12, 1844, and purcha.sod his present farm, where he has continued to reside to this date, 1882 ; he was married in England in 1836, to Martha, daughter of Joshua and Sarah Taylor ; Mrs. Bromley was bora in Yorkshire ; they have five children - - Samuel T., George H., Sarah, Edward and Frederick W.; George H., married Maryette Houghton, lives in La Grange ; Edward, married Sarah A. Meadows, and lives in La Grange ; Frederick W., married Emma Houghton, lives at Waukesha, Wis. Mr. Bromley and sons are Republican in politics.

JAMES N. CASE, farmer, Sec. 19; P. 0. Heart Prairie; has 99 acres of land. The subject of this sketch was born in Newstead, Erie Co., N. Y., Dec. 1, 1821. Is the son of James H. and Mary (Powers) Case; he was brought up a farmer; was married May 1, 18i5, in Erie Co., N. Y., to Miss Mary J. Lancton, daughter jof Lewis and Welthy Laneton. Mrs. Case was born in Bufi"alo, N. Y., Aug. 28, 1826. They had two children born in the East - L. Adelbert and George R., both deceased ; Adelbert died aged 23 years ; George R. when 3 years old. Mr. Case and family moved to Wisconsin in the fall of 1848, and located in La Grange, Walworth Co., on the farm on which he still resides. Pour children were born to them in La Grange - Thirsah M., Clara, Walter and Minnietta; the eldest, Thirsah M., is the wife of 0. C. Allworth, of Fort Atkinson, Wis.; Clara and Walter died in childhood. Mr. Case is Republican in politics.

SAMUEL N. CASE, farmer. Sec. 29; P. 0. Heart Prairie; has 120 acres of land; he was born in Newstead, Erie Co., N. Y., April 12, 1833 ; is the son of James H. and Mary (Powers) Case ; came to Wisconsin, May 13, 18-19, and settled on Sec. 20, La Grange, Walworth Co., and has lived in this town continuously since. For the past eighteen years he has resided on his present farm. He has been twice elected a member of the Board of Supervisors of La Grange, being a member of present board ; he was married in Williamson, Wayne Co., N. Y., Dec. 24, 1856, to Miss Abigail L. Springer, daughter of William and Ann Springer. Mrs. Case was born in Williamson, Wayne Co., N. Y. They have two children, daughters, - Ella and Clara; Ella, the eldest, is the wife of Edward D. Ellis, of Chicago.

ALVIN W. COOK, farmer, Sec. 31; P. O. Heart Prairie; has 130 acres of land; was born in Antwerp, Jefferson Co., N. Y., Sept. 20, 1825 ; is the son of Jesse and Nancy Lozier Cook. The subject of this sketch was brought up a farmer, moved to St. Lawrence Co. with his parents in 1840, and in 1845 came to Whitewater, Walworth Co., Wis., arriving in this town July 17, made his home on Sec. 25, where he was engaged in farming till 1865 ; he then sold out and moved to his present farm on Sec. 31 J La Grange. He was married in Turtle, Rock Co., Oct. 30, 1848, to Miss Lucinda H. Safford, daughter of Amos and Tabitha SafFord. Mrs. Cook was born in Murray, Orleans Co., N. Y. They have had eight children - Henry, who died aged 18 years; Alfred C, married Delia Lewis, and lives in Spink Co., D. T.; Arvilla, now Mrs. William Olds, of Whitewater; Charles S. married Miss Mary Ball, lives in La Grange; Seymour A., Emery L., Carrie E. and Arthur R. Mr. Cook's people were of New England origin ; his grandfather on his lather's side was a soldier of the Revolution, and his father was a soldier of the war of 1812. Mr. Cook has served thirteen years as Assessor of La Grange, and is now serving his fourteenth year. In politics he is Republican.

LEWIS C. COOK, farmer. Sec. 20; P. 0. Heart Prairie; has 240 acres. The subject of this sketch was born in Batavia, Genesee Co., N. Y., June 28, 1828. Is the son of Edward M. and Persis (McMurphy) Cook. He was brought up a farmer. In 1846, he came to Wisconsin and made his home in La Grange, on See. 30, and in 1864 moved to his present farm. He was married in this town in 1863, to Miss Lois E. Johnson, daughter of Col. Wm. Johnson. Mrs. Cook was born in Wayne Co., N. Y. They have no children of their own, but have one adopted daughter named Ella.

BENJAMIN F. COX, farmer. Sec 13; P. 0. Adams; has 175 acres of land. The subject of this sketch was born in Springfield, Mass., Oct. 31, 1812 ; son of Benjamin and Sarah (Bowman) Cox ; when 6 years of age, he moved to Leverett, Mass., with his parents and two years later to Hadley ; he was married in Greenfield, Mass., April 9, 1835, to Miss Clarissa C. Clark, daughter of Elisha Clark. Mrs. Cox is a native of Hampshire Co., Mass. In 1840, Mr. Cox and family emigrated to Wisconsin, located in Troy, Walworth Co.; one year later, they moved to La Grange, where Mr. Cox had purchased a considerable tract of land in company with his brother Samuel. In 1845, he bought out his brother's interest. Mr. and Mrs. Cox have no children of their own, but adopted and brought up a daughter (Susannah) now Mrs. Edwin Crain, of La Grange.

AMZY S. DOOLITTLE, ftirmer. Sec. 33; P. 0. Heart Prairie; has 130 acres of land; was born in Windham, Greene Co., N. Y., April 4, 1834; is the son of Edward and Sally A. Doolittle; was brought up a farmer, and came to La Grange, Wis., in the fall of 1855 ; was married in Sugar Creek, July 26, 1857, to Miss Ellen A. Smith, daughter of Francis Smith. Mrs. Doolittle was born in Vermont. One child was born to them - Ida. Mrs. Doolittle died Oct. 20, 1876. Mr. Doolittle was married again Jan.

1, 1879, in Delavan, to Frances E. Xear, daughter of Lewis C. Xear. Mrs. Doolittle was born in Dutchess Co., N. Y. Mr. Doolittle and wife are members of the M. E. Church. In politics, he is Republican, having voted with that party since its organization.

CHARLES P. ELLIS (deceiised) was born in Ashfield, Franklin Co., Mass., March 20, 1812 ; he was the son of William and Rhoda Ellis. When he was about 6 years of age, his parents moved to Springfield, Erie Co., Penn. ; he was brought up on a farm, and in 1839 was married to Miss Sarah Harris, daughter of Jeremiah and Priscilla Harris. Mrs. Ellis was born in Henderson, Jefferson Co., N. Y. In 1842, they moved to Wisconsin, arriving in La Grange, Walworth Co., in July of that year, and purchased a farm on Sec. 21, near the center of the town. Mr. Ellis pursued the occupation of farmer at this place till his death, which occurred Jan. 22, 1881, leaving a widow and three children to mourn his loss; his children - Pri.seilla, now Mrs. John Menzie, of La Grange; James A., who married Eva L. Williams, and lives at Harvard, 111.; and Charles E., living at the old homestead. Mr. Ellis was Republican in politics. Served several terms on the Board of Supervisors of La Grange, and held other minor offices. In all the relations of life, he was universally esteemed.

0. G. EWING, farmer. See. 22 : P. 0. La Grange ; has 335 acres of land ; settled in Walworth Co., May, 1838 ; he was born in Townshend, Windham Co., Vt., Sept. 1, 1816; is the son of Luther and Hannah Ewing ; was brought up on a farm; on becoming of age, he went to Boston, Mass., remaining there a short time, and in the fall of 1837 went to Michigan, spent the winter in Flint, and the following spring started for Wisconsin, arriving in what is now La Grange in May, 1838 ; made his claim, and returned to Vermont for the money to enter his land; on his way back to Wisconsin he was six weeks making the trip by water from Buffalo to Racine, and three days afoot from Racine to La Grange, carrying his money, which was in specie, in a shot bag ; he said it was about the hardest three days work he ever did, wading creeks and marshes ; he purchased the land comprising his present farm, where he proceeded to prepare a home; he was married, April 3, 18-41, in La Grange, to Miss Hannah, daughter of Lotus W^atson. Mrs. Ewing was born in Onondaga Co., N. Y. Immediately after his marriage, he took possession of his new home, which has been his place of residence since. Five children were born to them- Albert 0., married Annabel Stoner, and lives in Chariton, Iowa; Almanda F. and Alice A. live at Kenosha; Addison L. is Professor of Natural Science at Braddock, Penn., is a graduate of Cornell University; the youngest, Arthur A., lives at home. Mr. Ewing has held various local offices; has served two terms as Chairman of La Grange ; he and his sons are Republican in politics.

WILLIAM H. FAIRCHILD, farmer. Sec. 32 ; P. 0. Heart Prairie ; has 144 acres of land ; he was born in Hunter, Greene Co., N. Y., June 15, 1827 ; is the son of John and Catharine (Clawson) Fairohild ; when 9 years of age he moved with his parents to Cattaraugus Co., N. Y., where he was brought up a farmer ; he came to La Grange, AVis., May 2, 1852, and settled on Sec. 32, where he purchased a fine farm of 144 acres ; he was married in Tioga Center, Tioga Co., N. Y., Jan. 2, 1855, to Miss Deborah A. Bloodgood, daughter of Rev. Cyrus Bloodgood. Mrs. Fairchild was born in Litchfield, Penn. Soon after their marriage Mr. Fairchild and wife came to Wisconsin and occupied their farm in La Grange. Mr. Fairchild has always refused public office, preferring to devote his undivided attention to his farming interests. In the fall of 1881, he leased his farm and moved to his present residence at Heart Prairie.

BENJAMIN FOWLER (deceased) was born near Harrisburg, Penn., June 20, 1798 ; was a blacksmith and farmer by occupation ; was married in 1818, to Martha Koher ; moved to Ohio, and from there to Michigan, and from Michigan to Racine Co., Wis., in 1835, and to La Grange in October. 1844, and located on Sec. 30, where he engaged m farming. Mr. and Mrs. F. were blessed with a family of thirteen children - Sally, wife of N. D. Niblack, of Nebraska ; Mary, wife of B. Beardsley, of Trempealeau, Wis.; Ann, wife of James Bigelow, of Sugar Creek ; Martha, wife of Orin Gibbs, of Minnesota ; Albina, wife of Joseph Dale, of Trempealeau ; Caroline, wi^e of D. D. Chapel, also of Trempeauleau; Hannah, wife of John R. Bell, of Kansas ; Lucinda, wife of W. H. Gibbs, of La Grange. Rebecca was the wife of G. Gibbs, died in 1860 ; David was drowned while fishing ; Henry died, aged 3 years ; B. T. (see sketch ) ; John, of Nebraska. Mr. Fowler was an industrious, thrifty citizen, and lived to accumulate a large property ; his death occurred Dec. 26, 1874 ; his wife survived him two years, dying Feb. 20, 1876.

B. T. FOWLER, farmer and breeder of Poland-China pigs, Sec. 32 ; P. 0. Heart Prairie ; has 157 acres of land. He was born in Cass Co., Mich., July 9, 1835 ; is the son of Benjamin Fowler; the following August (1835) he came to Wisconsin with his parents; they made their home in Racine Co., three miles west of what is now Racine, but what was then known as the mouth of Root River ; they moved from there to La Grange in October, 1844, and located on Sec. 30. The subject of this sketch grew to manhood on his father's farm ; he was married in Whitewater, Dec. 30, 1858, to Miss Clara Wood ; she was born in Cortland Co., N. Y.; they have three children - Harry A., Harley B. and tJenry E.; Mr. P. moved to his present home in 1865 ; about 1872, he began the breeding of Poland China pigs, his original stock being imported from Butler and Warren Cos., Ohio ; his stock for the season of 1882 will number about 400 pigs ; Mr. Fowler's facilities for his business are extensive and perfect ; pigs of his growing have taken many premiums at State and local fairs ; he exports largely to Western States and Territories.

WILLIAM H. GIBBS, farmer. Sec. 30 ; P. 0 Heart Prairie; has 270 acres of land; was born in Chautauqua Co., N. Y., Dec. 5, 1819 ; is the son of Israel and Charlotte (Wright) Gibbs ; in 1843, he came to Wisconsin ; spenfnearly a year in Racine, where he was married, May 30, 1844, to Miss Lucinda Fowler, daughter of Benjamin Fowler; Mrs. Gibbs was born in Pennsylvania; in September, 1844, they moved to Whitewater, Walworth Co. ; spent two years on a farm in that town, and then moved to Sec. 32, La Grange, and from there to his present farm in 1854. Mr. and Mrs. Gibbs have a family of three children - Cyrus C, Rebecca and Bethana ; the elder daughter (Rebecca) is the wife of S. W. Lyman, of Iowa; the younger (Bethana) is Mrs. E. Cornell, of La Grange. Mr. Gibbs has served four terms as a member of the Board of Supervisors of La Grange; in politics, he is Republican.

CYRUS C. GIBBS, farmer. Sec. 30; P. 0. Whitewater; has 80 acres of land. The subject of this sketch was born in Caledonia, Racine Co., Wis., March 14, 1845 ; is the son of William Hand Lucinda Gibbs ; when only 1 year old he accompanied his parents to Walworth Co. ; the family located on Sec. 36, town of Whitewater, and two years later moved to La Grange ; during the latter years of the late war, the subject of this sketch served as a member of the 40th W. V. I. for the term of the 100 days' enlistment. He was married in Delavan, Feb. 12, 1867, to Miss Mary C. Cook, daughter of Edward Cook ; Mrs. Gibbs was born in Batavia, N. Y. Mr. Gibbs was elected Justice of the Peace at the last town election of La Grange.

WILLIAM GREENING, farmer, Sec. 14 ; P. 0. Little Prairie; has 157 acres of land. The subject of this sketch was born in Devonshire, England, Dec. 14, 1827 ; is the son of Phillip and Frances (Martin) Greening; came to America in 1849 ; spent twoyears in Canada, and in 1851, came to La Grange, Walworth Co., Wis., and located on his present farm. He was married, in 1853, to Miss Harriet Padley, who died in 1858, leaving one son, Frank W. Mr. Greening was married again in 1859, to Miss Catharine Cameron, daughter of Agnes Cameron ; Mrs. Greening is a native of Scotland ; seven children were born to them, five daughters and two sons - Kate, Hattie, Angus, Nettie, Agnes and Eddie ; the younger son died, aged four years. Mr. Greening has served in various public positions ; he has been Assessor of La Grange two terms ; Supervisor several years ; Chairman six years, and Justice of the Peace from 1865 to 1882, being the present incumbent; he was also a member of the Legislature from his Assembly district in 1877.

EPHRIAM C. HARLOW, farmer. Sec. 1 ; P. 0. Little Prairie ; has 185 acres of land ; date of settlement in La Grange, early in June, 1838. The subject of this sketch was born in Sherburne, Rutland Co., Vt , Nov. 13, 1806. Is the son of Levi and Betsy (Cary) Harlow. In early youth, he learned the comb-maker's trade. He was married at Ludlow. Vt., October, 1836, to Miss Emeline Bigelow, daughter of Joseph Bigelow. Mrs Harlow was born in Reading, Vt. Two years later, they moved to Wisconsin, and made their home on Sec. 1, Town 4 north. Range 16 east, now La Grange. They arrived at their destination, and took possession of their land in the first week of June, 1838. Mr. Harlow purchased his land of the Government at the next land sale ( February, 1839,), and has contentedly maintained his residence on the same land to this date, a period of forty-four years. Mr. and Mrs. Harlow have had only one child, a daughter^Emily I., now the wife of Royal J. Washburn, of Palmyra, Wis. Mr. Harlow is a Democrat in politics, and has never been an aspirant for public office.

JAMES HOLDEN, deceased. He was the earliest pioneer of La Grange, and though not the first white man to discover the beautiful prairie which he had the honor of naming " Heart Prairie," he was the first to effect a settlement on its borders, which he did in the early spring of 1837. Mr. Holden was born in Middlesex, Vt., Aug. 5, 1813, and was the son of Josiah and Betsey ( Leland) Holden. When about 20 years of age (his father having died), he went to Boston, Mass., and engaged in Faneuil Hall Market, where he remained about four years. In 1836. he left Boston for the West, to seek a home in that promising region that was then attracting such universal attention. Chicago was his objective point ; from there he prospected in Illinois, but not finding that country entirely to his taste, he came north into Wisconsin (February, 1837). On reaching one of the fertile prairies of Sugar Creek, Walworth Co., he made his claim. As he traveled afoot, with no other outfit than his rifle and blanket, it was necessary for him to return to the settled portion of Illinois for a team, tools and supplies, which he did. About a month later (or in March), he reached his claim, his outfit consisting of an ox team drawing a cart, the wheels of which were made of two sections of a large log ; holes bored in the center accomodated the rude axle, a pole served for a tongue, while a dry goods box did duty for a wagon box. Very much to his disappointment, he found his claim "jumped" and lost to him. However, other good tracts of land were lying ready for the taking. Maj. John Davis, the first white settler of Sugar Creek, offered to pilot him to a beautiful prairie to the northward, which he did, and Mr. Holden traversed the fertile region of Heart Prairie, which he found without an inhabitant. Ascending what is now known as Lone Tree Bluff, he was struck with the great natural beauty of the prairie. Its peculiar shape suggested the name which he then gave it, of " Heart Prairie," a name which it still bears and by which is widely known - one of the most fertile regions of Wisconsin. He selected the south half of Sec. 32, of what is now La Grange, and the north half of Sec. 5, Sugar Creek, making 640 acres in all. This combined prairie and woodland, and extended his possessions to a beautiful little lake on the south. It was near this lake he built his first log cabin. He soon after took it to pieces and moved it to .Sec. 32, near where he subsequently built his commodious house, which is still occupied by his family. He soon procured a young cow, the first brought to the prairie. At the land sale of February, 1839, he bought the two half sections which he had selected, and there being now no further danger of claim-jumpers, he began to think of perfecting another important piece of business. So returning to his old home in the East, he spent a couple of years, and at the expiration of that time was married (Oct. 6, 18-tl), to Patience, daughter of Cyrus Barber, of Barre, Vt. The young couple set out at once for their home in the West. The original log house was only 12x14 feet in size, but additions were made to it as the increasing wants of a fast-growing family demanded, until eventually the old house was superseded by the fine structure that is now the home of the family. Seven children were born to them - ^Carrie B., William J., Jennie N., Helen E., Mary A., Emily C. and Jessie F. The eldest (Carrie B.) died, aged 20 years ; William J. married Miss Mary C. Owen, and lives in La Grange ; Helen E. is the wife of Mahlon Bolser, of Ackley, Iowa ; Mary A. is Mrs. Alfred Fox, of Rock ford. 111.; Emily C. is the wife of Chester Lyman, of Richmond. Mr. Holden, though not a member of any church, was always active in aiding the cause of religion, and was regular in his attendance at the Methodist Church on the prairie. Liberal in his views, respecting religion, fearless and outspoken in his opinions, yet he was considerate of the opinions of others, and always held in the highest respect what he believed to be the honest convictions of religious people. He was strictly temperate, using neither tobacco or intoxicating liquors; he taught a good code of morals by his example as well as precept. In all the relations of life, he proved himself a man worthy the love and veneration of his family, and the esteem and confidence of his neighbors. Fair-minded, candid and honest, he seemed to do right because he loved the right, and no', because he expected any reward for it, directly or indirectly. He died Sunday morning, Feb. 22, 1880. The memory of his virtues is cherished in the hearts of his family and friends.

WILLIAM J. HOLDEN, farmer. Sec. 31 ; P. 0. Heart Prairie ; has 115 acres of land ; was born in La Grange, Wis., Sept. 1, 1844 ; is the son of James and Patience Holden. He was brought up a farmer; was married in Troy, Wis., Nov. 7, 1872, to Miss Mary C. Owen, daughter of John Owen. Mrs. Holden w:is born in New York ; they have one child, a son, Jamie 0. .Mr. Holden was a .soldier of the late war ; enlisted in one-hundred-day service, and served the term of his enlistment ; 100 acres of his land lies in Sugar Creek, and only fifteen in La Grange. He has always made his home in the latter town.

JOHN KING, farmer. Sec. 13 ; P. O.Adams; has 185 acres of land. Mr. King was born in Lancashire, England, Dec. 8, 1800 ; is the son of James and Betsey (Briarly) King. He learned the trade of cotton spinner at Oldham, at which he worked till 1834. He was married in 1829 to Miss Hannah Hilton, daughter of John and Nellie Hilton. In the spring of 1834, they emigrated to America, and settled in the State of New York. Mr. King worked at his trade in New Hartford, Rome and New York Mills, in all, seven years. In July, 1841, he moved to Wisconsin, and purchased his present farm in the town of La Grange. Mr. and Mrs. King had a family of nine children, of whom seven are living. John died in childhood ; William V. married Annette Porter and is Auditor of Jackson Co., Minn. ; Lucy ; James died in childhood; Ellen is the wife of James Baird, of Troy, Wis.; Eliza is the wife of M. Barney, of Minnesota ; Robert II. married Minnie Bratt, lives in Jackson Co., Minn. ; George H.; Albert D. married Lona V. Lewis, lives in Texas. Mr. King was one of the early Road Commissioners of La Grange ; has served as Assessor three years, and Side Supervisor four years. He has been an officer of his school district about twenty years. Three of his sons, William, Robert and Albert, were soldiers of the late war. Robert and Albert were members of Barstow's cavalry ; Robert served two years, and Albert three years. William was under Col. Cobb, 28th W. V. I., and served one year, or till the close of the war.

JAMES LAUDERDALE, farmer, Sec. 25 ; P. O. Lauderdale ; has 450 acres of land. The subject of this sketch was born in Washington County, N. Y., Aug. 29, 1813 ; is the son of Edward and Jannet E. (Elliot) Lauderdale; moved to Genesee Co., with his parents when 9 or 10 years of age; was married in Livingston County, May 11, 1841, to Margaret, daughter of James Stewart. Miss Lauderdale was born in Livingston County. In 1842, they moved to La Grange, Wis. ; and settled on their present farm. Their family consisted of five children ; the eldest, James E., was born in New York ; he married Rebecca Patterson, and live in Sugar Creek. The others were born in La Grange. John H. married Maria Tibbetts, and is a farmer of Sugar Creek ; Amanda J. is the wife of D. J. Williams, of Sugar Creek ; Mary E. is the wife of Chester B. Williams, of La Grange ; Walter E. married Mary Kinne, lives at the old homestead. La Grange ; Mr. Lauderdale has served as Supervisor of La Grange several terms, and as Chairman of the Board of Supervisors seventeen years. He was a member of the Wisconsin Assembly in 1853 and 1856.

JAMES H. LAWTON, farmer, Sec. 22 ; P. 0. La Grange; has 126 acres of land. He was born in Cheshire, England, April 23, 1 836 ; is the son of Henry A. and Betty Lawton ; came to America with his parents in 1842 ; resided in Herkimer Co.. N. Y., one year; then removed to New York Mills, Oneida Co., N. Y., and in May, 1846, to La Grange, Wis. His father bought a claim on Sees. 9 and 10, with a log house on Sec. 9, where the family made their home in the early days of their residence in this town. Mr. Lawton was married in Elkhorn, Sept. 11, 1861, to Miss Ellen J. Bronson. Mrs. Lawton was born in Pennsylvania. They have a family of five sons - Grant H., Harvey P., James B., Howard C. and Herbert N. Mr. Lawton enlisted in the late war, Aug. 29, 1864, as a member of Company G, 42d W. V. I., and served one year. He was elected Register of Deeds of Walworth Co. for the term of 1867 and 1868, and has held several minor offices in La Grange; was Town Superintendent of Schools two terms. Town Treasurer one term, and Town Clerk eight or nine terms. In politics, he is a Republican. Mr. Lawton has resided on his present farm thirteen years.

SAMUEL LAWTON, farmer, Src. 10; P. 0. La Grange ; has 160 acres of land. The subject of this sketch was born in Cheshire, England, near Manchester, April 13, 1826. Is the son of Henry and Betty Lawton He came to America in 1842; made his home at Mew York Mills, Oneida Co., N. Y., till 1845, when he came to Walworth Co., Wis. ; spent six months in East Troy, and then came to La Grange, and located on his present farm, in 1846. He was married in East Troy, Wis., March 31, 1866, to Miss Edna Wood, daughter of Mark Wood. Mrs. Lawton was born in Cheshire, England. They ha"e two children - William H. and Frederick M. Mr. Lawton enlisted in Company G, 42d W. V. I., in September, 1864, and served till the close of the war. He is Republican in politics, and a member of the Universalist Church.

JOHN S. LEWIS (deceased). The subject of this sketch was born in Williamson, Wayne Co., N. Y., Dec. 2, 1821 ; was the son of Ezekiel and Abigail Lewis. He learned the mason's trade, at which he worked till 1843, when he came to Walworth Co., Wis. He returned to the East the following year, and was married, Oct. 15, 1844, to Miss Debora Malcomb, and returned to Wisconsin, and made his home on Heart Prairie. They had one child born to them, which died in infancy. The mother survived but a short time, dying in 1846. Mr. Lewis was married again, Feb. 16, 1848, to Miss Diantha Harrison, daughter of John Harrison, of Heart Prairie. Mrs. Lewis was born in Wayne Co., N. Y. Ten children were born to them, eight of whom are living. The eldest, Arabell, is now Mrs. Alfred Cooley, of Hebron, Jefferson Co., Wis. ; Charies H. married Annie Henderson, and lives in La Grange ; Mary is the wife of James Duncombe, of Sugar Creek ; Harry, Perry, Estella, Sherman and Blanche. Mr. Lewis had a fine farm of 160 acres, on Sec. 21, La Grange, now in the possession of his widow and children. He was well known as an industrious, upright citizen, a kind and affectionate husband and father. Mr. Lewis served his town (La Grange) as Treasurer, and held other minor offices.

WILLIAM LYON (deceased) was born in Goffstown, N. H., Sept. 4, 1777. He was a mechanic by occupation; was married to Miss Sally Sanborn, in 1798. Four children were born to them, two sons and two daughters. The eldest, Moses S., born in 1799, died some years since; James L., was born in 1801, and died Dec. 17, 1878 ; Levinna, born in 1804, is the widow of Samuel Robinson, of La Grange ; the youngest, Sarah, was born in 1810 ; she and her widowed sister live together in La Grange, where they have several tracts of laud.

WILLIAM McDOUGALD, farmer, Sec. 29 ; P. 0 Heart Prairie ; has 175 acres of land ; settled in Walworth Co. in the spring of 1837 ; he was born in Ma.sonville, Delaware Co., N. Y., Nov. 20, 1815 ; is the son of Lochiin and Belinda (Beals) McDougald ; was brought up a farmer, and came to Wisconsin in 1837, arriving in Milwaukee March 31 of that year ; he proceeded to Walworth Co. and made a claim in what is now Sugar Creek, at the land sales of February, 1839 ; he bought 240 acres in the town of La Grange. The following year he made his home on this land, Sec. 29, where he has continued to reside until this date ; he was married in Muskego, Waukesha Co., Wis., May 10, 1838, to Miss Sarah Tucker, having to go to Milwaukee for the marriage license. Mrs. McDougald was born in Tompkins, Delaware Co.. N. Y., went to Wisconsin with her aunt in August, 1836 ; a family of eight children blessed this union, six of whom survive - Justin died aged 7 years ; Persia is the wife of Anson D. Phelps, of Cherokee, Iowa ; William H., married Eugene Foster, of Sugar Creek; Edwin and Edward are twins, of La Grange ; Levi died at the age of 18 years ; George, the youngest, married Bertha M. Peterson, and lives at the old homestead. Mr. McDougald has held various local offices ; has been Justice of the Peace twenty years, and during that time he has never failed to effect a settlement in all cases brought before him without having a trial. There is probably no parallel case in the State where a Justice has held oflBce so many years with similar experience. Mr. McDougald and all of his sons are Republicans, casting six votes in all. The father was originally a member of the Free-Soil party ; on the formation of the Republican party he took an active part in its organization in La Grange, and has since been an earnest advocate of its principles ; being impressed with religious convictions in his youth, he became a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and for the past fifty-two years, has been an active supporter of Christian principles in that denomination ; coming to this favored locality in so early a day, he wisely secured a large tract of land, and has thus been enabled to assist his sons to the possessions of many fine farms. The aggregate acreage of the family equals nearly 800 acres of the finest land in the county. Mr. McDougald lost his worthy helpmeet," who had participated in his labors and cares, and shared and enjoyed his successes, April 10, 1881 ; her five sons (all grown) were living at home at the time of her death. The daughter, married, and living in Iowa, was unable to be present at the funeral. Mrs. McDougald was raised in the Presbyterian Church, but in the absence of the privileges of that church, she cast in her lot with the M. E. Church, to which her husband belonged : her failing health during the winter admonished her " that the time of her departure w;is at hand." When, at last, the summons came, she passed suddenly but peacefully to the church triumphant. She was retiring and not demonstrative in her religious life, faithful in her household duties. and in the moral culture of her children. An affectionate husband and loving, dutiful children, will greatly miss her, but they mourn not as those without hope.

EDWARD and EDWIN McDOUGALD ; P. 0. Heart Prairie ; twin brothers ; are the sons of William and Sarah McDougald; they were born in La Grange, Oct. 12, 1846; grew to manhood on their father's farm, and then started in business together as farmers in their native town ; they now have a fine farm of 250 acres of land, all but 10 acres of which lies on Sec. 29 ; Edward was married in La Grange, March 15, 1882, to Miss Nettie Griffin, daughter of George P. and Wealthy Griffin. Mrs. McDougald was born in Genoa, Vernon Co., Wis.

JARED PATCHIN, firmer. Sec. 28; P. O. La Grange; has 200 acres of land ; was born in Newfield, Tompkins Co., N. Y., Sept. fi, 1812 ; is the son of Jared and Azubah Patchin ; was married to Mis» Betsy Nichols Feb. 17, 1832; moved to Eaton, Lorain Co., Ohio. Mrs. Patchin died Oct. 17, 1832 ; he subsequently went to New York and was married in 1834 to Miss Emoline Adams; returning to Ohio h& remained there until 1847, when he emigrated to Wisconsin and located on his present farm in La Grange October 2, of that year. Five children were born of this marriage - Nathan A., Jared, Amina, Luoelia and Horace. The eldest, Nathan A., married Mary M. Vely, and lives in Rock Co. ; Jared died in 1863, aged 23 years ; Amina died at the age of 21 ; Luceiia married Gilbert Nickerson, of Whitewater ; Horace was a soldier of the late war, a member of an Illinois Regiment ; he is married, and practicing medicine in Iowa ; a legal separation occurred between Mr. Patchin and wife June 18, 1866 ; he was married again Oct. 21, 1866, to Mrs. Mary I. Long, of Whitewater. One child was born to them - a daughter, named Minnie. Mrs. Patchin died Dec. 14, 1870. Mr. Patchin was married to his present wife in 1871 ; her maiden name was Sarah R. Hornbeck, she is a native of Ohio. Three children were born of present marriage - Jay, Ray, and Mary.

SAMUEL ROBINSON (deceased), was born in Norwich, Vt., in 1804 ; he was by occupation a carpenter and millwright; he was married in Westphalia, Vt., May 26, 1833, to Miss Levinne Lyon daughter of William Lyon. In 1841, Mr. Robinson and wife, accompanied by his wife's father and family, came to La Grange, Wis., and located on Sec. 19, arriving at this place Sept. 10 ; Mr. Robinson, after coining to Wisconsin, worked at his trade and conducted his farm until the time of his death, which occurred July 3, 1872 ; his family consisted of wife and two sons - William S. and David S. The eldest, William S., married Miss Maria James, and resides in La Grange. The youngest. David S., married Miss Minerva Niblack, and lives in Fillmore, Nebraska ; he was a soldier of the late war and served nearly three years in a regiment of Wisconsin Heavy Artillery. Mrs. Samuel Robinson survives her husband and resides on the old homestead in La Grange.

JAMES STEWART, farmer, Sec. 25 ; P. 0. Lauderdale ; has 140 acres of land ; Mr. Stewart was born in Montgomery Co., N. Y., Aug. 15, 1808 ; is the son of Duncan and Clementina Stewart. In 1817, he moved with his parents to Genesee Co., N. Y. ; he was married in that county in November, 1832, to Miss Margaret, daughter of James Guthrie. Mrs. Stewart was born in Saratoga Co., N. Y. They have seven children - William, the eldest, is married, and lives in Nebraska; John married Clara Jones, and lives in Hopkins, Mo. ; Archibald married Janet Stewart, and lives in Iowa ; Samuel ; Annie is the wife of Thomas Wilkinson, of Colorado; Helen is the wife of J. L. Smith, of Troy, Wis.; Mary is Mrs. C. S. Martin, of Hopkins, Mo. In 1841, Mr. Stewart came to Wisconsin and purchased a farm in La Grange, and in 1842 moved his family to their new home ; he has continued to reside here to this date, 1882.

WILSON STOCKDALE, farmer, Sec. 23; P. 0. La Grange; has 210 acres of land; was born in Yorkshire, England, July 25, 1825 ; is the son of Richard and Ann Stockdale ; was married in England in 1847, to Ellen G. Waddingham. Mrs. Stockdale was born in England. In 1849, Mr. Stockdale emigrated to America, and located in La Grange, Wis. By industry and economy he has secured a good farm of 21 0 acres, on which he has lived the past twenty years. Mr. and Mrs Stockdale have five children - the eldest, Mary A. (is the wife of J. G. Taylor, of Rock Co., Wis.), Myra (is the wife of William R. Taylor, of Richmond, the present County Superintendent of Schools), H. Ellen, Fanny E. and Wallace W., are at home. Mr. Stockdale is Republican in politics,

JOSHUA TAYLOR, farmer. Sec. 28; P. 0. La Grange; has 240 acres of land; he was born in Yorkshire, England, July 20, 1816 ; is the son of Joshua and Sarah Taylor ; was brought up a farmer, and emigrated to America in 1839, made his home in Oneida Co., N. Y. He was married, Oct. 10, 1841, to Miss Betty Garlick, daughter of Joseph Garlick. Mrs. Taylor was born in England; one child was born to them in New York - Sarah E., who was the wife of Squire Lawton ; her death occurred in 18t)(i. Mr. Taylor moved to Wisconsin in June, 1843, and made his home on Sec. 15, La Grange, Walworth Co., where he continued to reside until ] SCiG, when he moved to his present farm on Sec. 28. Nine children were born to them in this town - the eldest, William R.jis the present Superintendent of Schools of Walworth Co., and lives in Richmond ; see sketch elsewhere), the second, Joseph G. (married Mary Ann Stockdale, and lives in Johnstown, Wis.), Martha (is the wife of Edgar C. Hazard, of Iowa), Mary C. (is a teacher of Milwaukee), George B. (died at the age of 22 years), Thomas (lives in Iowa), Betty A. (is the wife of Eugene Hadley, of Minnesota), Joshua C. (lives at home), Ada (died in childhood). Mr. T. has held various local offices ; has served several years on the Town Board of Supervisors, and one term as Assessor ; has been a Republican since the organization of that party.

JOHN TAYLOR, farmer. Sec. 23 ; P. 0. La Grange ; has 289 acres of land; was born in Yorkshire, England, June 7, 1835 ; is the son of George and Ann ( Greeves) Taylor ; came to America in July, 1854, and direct to La Grange, Wis. He was married in this town in May, 1862, to Miss Eunice, daughter of Martin Brooks. Mrs. Taylor was born in the State of New York. They have ten living children - Henry A., Emily A., Charles G., Edgar W., Mary C, Martha E., Katie M., Eunice A. and Sarah 0., one not named. Mr. Taylor has made his home on his present farm since 1872.

JOHN W. WELD, farmer, Sec. 13 ; P. 0. La Grange ; has 160 acres of land. The subject ot this sketch was born in Reading, Windsor Co., Vt., Dec. 24, 1832 ; is the son of John and Weltha Weld. In 1839, he moved with his parents to Orleans Co., N. Y. ; came to Wisconsin in 1841, and made his home in La Grange till 1858 ; he then returned to Orleans Co., N. Y., and spent two years on a farm. He enlisted in the late war Oct. 2, 1861, in Battery M, 1st New York Heavy Artillery, as a private; was promoted to a 2d Lieutenancy Jan. 14. 1863, and assigned to Battery K, same regiment, September 27, same year ; he was promoted to 1st Lieutenant of the same battery, and served till the close of the war. While in the service, he participated in the following battles and skirmishes: Cedar Creek, Va., March 26, 1862 ; Bdinburg, April 1, 1862; Newtown, Va., Mav 24, 1862; Winchester, May, 25, 1862; Cedar Mountain, Aug. 9, 1862; Beverly Ford, Va. , Aug. 23," 1862; Sulphur Springs, Va., Aug. 25, 1862; Antietam, Md., Sept. 17, 1862; battle of Kelly's Ford, March 19, 1863; Chancellorsville, Va., May 3, 1863; battle of Gettysburg, July 1, 2 and 3, 1863; was discharged at Elmira, N. Y., June 20, 1865, and brevetted Captain March 5, 1867, for meritorious conduct. On his return from the war, Capt. Weld engaged in the insurance business in New York, which he carried on two years, and then returned to La Grange,

Wis., purchased his present farm, and has resided here since, with the exception of two years spent in Whitewater. He was married in Orleans Co., N. Y., in October, 1856, to Miss Naucy Weld, daughter of Eiisha Weld. They had two children - Hattie J. and Irving W. Mrs. Weld died April 27, 1859. Mr. Weld was married again Dec. o, 1867, in Ridgeway, N. ¥., to Miss Catharine A., daughter of Philo and Amittai H. Williams. Mrs. Weld was born in Raynham, Bristol Co., Mass. They have three children - Ella R., Katie A. and Alice B. Mr. Weld is Republican in polities.

JOHN WELD, farmer, Sec. 1 ; P. 0. Little Prairie; has 200 acres of land ; settled in this town in the fall of 1841. The subject of this sketch was born in Reading, Windsor Co., Vt., Jan. 27, 1795 ; is the son of Thomas and Lurana ( Leavens') Weld. He learned the cooper's trade, but was principally engaged in farming. He was married in Reading, March 18, 1830, to Miss Weltha Bigelow, daughter of Eiisha Bigelow. Mrs. Weld was born in Reading. They have three children - John W., Rhoda M. and Andrew E. ; the eldest, (John W.), is a farmer of La Grange, see sketch; the others live at the old homestead. Mr. Weld came to Wisconsin in May, 1838, and made a claim on Section 1, Town 4 north, Range 16 east, now La Grange, and returned to the East in the fall of that year. In 1839, he started for the West, but on reaching Orleans Co., N. Y., he concluded to remain there awhile, which he did, until early in October, 1841, when he pursued his journey to La Grange, Wis. ; he established himself on Sec. 1 of that town, and has made that his home to this date. Mr. Weld was one of the early pioneers of La Grange, and is one of the few of that class that survive to witness the perfected civilization of the wilderness in which they made their homes so many years ago ; he is now in his 88th year. During his residence here he has .served two terms as a member of the Board of Supervisors, and has held minor oflBces.

DANIEL WILLIAMS, merchant, farmer and proprietor of Lake Mills flouring-mill, Sec. 36 ; P. 0. Lauderdale. The subject of this sketch was born in New York City Sept. 28, 1813 ; is the son of Joseph and Elizabeth W^illiams. When about 4 years of age, he moved with his parents to Catskill, Greene Co., N. Y., where he remained till 21 years of age; he then moved to Cayuga Co., where he learned the trade of a millwright, serving between four and five years. He then went to Saginaw, Mich, (then only a little hamlet), and erected the first steam saw-mill in that place. One year later, he returned to Greene Co., N. Y., and in March, 1839, he was married to Miss Julia Judson. Mrs. Williams was born in Windham, Greene Co. In 1851, they moved to Walworth Co., Wis., where Mr. W^illiams had bought a tract of 440 acres of land, lying in Sugar Creek. He made his home there for three years, and then moved to Richland Co., Wis., and located at Sextonville ; was engaged in real estate business at that place about seven years, and then returned to Sugar Creek, to his old farm ; was engaged in farm ing. In 1867, he purchased the mill property and farm he now occupies in La Grange. He soon afterward erected a new mill on the site of the old one. The mill is a substantal frame structure, contains three runs of stone, and well adapted for custom work. It is situated on Sec. 36, on Honey Creek, an outlet of Lauderdale Lakes. The power is abundant and uniform. Mr. Williams operated his mill till 1880, when he leased it to Mr. Yule, and one year later to Mr. McCarthy. In 1869, Mr. Williams moved to his present home near his mill ; in 1871, he opened a general country store at this place, where he is still in business, having a good country trade. Mr. and Mrs. Williams have four children, three sons and one daughter - the eldest, Elbert J. (married Myra Weaver, and lives in Cawker City, Kan. ; he is a railroad station agent), Laura (is the wife of E. Weaver, a farmer of Su^ar Creek), Judson (married Amanda Lauderdale, and carries on his father's farm in Sugar Creek, 160 acres), Chester B. (married Mary Lauderdale, and is a farmer of Heart Prairie).

Source changes here: from History of Walworth County, Wisconsin .., by Beckwith, Albert C. (Albert Clayton), published 1912; 1,542 words in this source stream.

La Grange Town

Town 4 north of range 16 east was set off March 21, 1843, from the town of Elkhorn and named for an estate or country-seat of the hereof three revolutions, Marquis de Lafayette. It lies next southward from Palmyra, in Jefferson county; and the city of that name has trade relations and some personal interests with part of the town on this side of the line. Lagrange is generally about nine hundred fifty-five feet above sea-level. It is within the lower loop of the great Kettle moraine, and its numerous pot-like depressions are characteristic of that great glacial deposit. Some of these are (or have been) miniature lakes. The group of lakes named Lauderdale, from owners of adjacent land, is in the southeastern corner, section 36, and from it Honey creek takes its course across the Troy and Spring Prairie to Fox river. A branch of the Scuppernong flows northward, from section 18, and through sections 7 and 6.

-. The land is generally as fertile as any in the county, and Heart prairie, in the southwestern quarter, was long regarded as especially so. The farmers of the town have l>een as far-seeing and prosperous as elsewhere within county limits. Stock-raising received early attention and effort, and men of Heart prairie made their corner of the town widely famous for its improved breed of hogs. For a few years each side of 1880 a few tons of tobacco were raised, but that crop has since disappeared from the yearly reports. Heart prairie lies about 965 feet, and the opposite corner of the town about 943 feet above sea-level. Trenton limestone is found at 720 to 870 feet above the sea.

James Holden made the first lawful claim to land within the town, a square-mile on Heart prairie, early in 1837. He was soon followed, within the year, by Amasa Bigelow, James Burt, Gabriel Cornish and sons, Edwin DeWolf, George Esterly, Volney A. McCraken, True Rand and Benjamin Swett. 1838 brought Stephen B. Davis, Orison G. Ewing, Ephraim C. Harlow, William McDougald, Thomas Waterman, John Weld, Elijah Worthington (with father and brother). Robert G. Esterly and Marshall Newell came in 1839. Among men of 1840 were Charles P. Ellis,

James W. Field, Stephen C. Goff, Oliver P. Gunnison, Caleb and Levi Harris, Enos J. Hazard, Ezekiel Lewis. In 1841 Benjamin F. Fox, John King, William Lyon, Caleb and Robert K. Morris, John Norcross, Moses Rand, Samuel Robinson, James H. Sanford. Other early arrivals were those of Horace and Nathan Adams, John H. Cooper, Hiram Cross, David S. Elting, Benjamin Fowler, James Lauderdale, John Olds, Isaac C. Phelps.

Nathan Adams (1778-1850) had wife Rachel. (His headstone gives dates 1 781-1855 - not a solitary instance of difference between stone-cutter an<! other record-makers.)

Gabriel Cornish (1772-1853) and wife Eliza (1873-1837) came with sons Anson. Jared, and Nelson, in 1837, to section 15. Anson became a clergyman.

Ephraim C. Harlow (1806-1899) was son of Levi Harlow and Elizabeth Cary. He married Emeline (1811-1891), daughter of Joseph Bigelow, and lived on section 1, near Little Prairie.

Caleb Harris (1810-1893), son of Jeremiah Harris and Priscilla Cole, grandson of Anthony Harris, Jr.. was born in Jefferson county, New York. He married April 11, 1844, Laura Ann Bronson (1822-1904). He came with a brother, Levi, and brother-in-law, Ellis, in 1842. Wesley Harris (1795-1884) and wife Esther ( 1789- 1852) are buried at Lagrange; but relationship, if any, with Caleb is not learned.

Enos J. Hazard (1810-1857) married Celestia Knight, December 10, 1845. (His widow, Julia C, may have been the same person.) In 1848 he was chosen as assemblyman over Augustus C. Kinne and Thomas Waterman.

Charles Heath (1818-1889) and wife Harriet E. (born 1817) were parents of Julia M. Y.. late widow of William H. Morrison, who, was long known in county and state service.

Nathaniel G. Holden (1818-1872) was son of Josiah Holden and Elizabeth Leland. Elvira J., his wife, was born in 1819. They came in 1842 to Heart prairie.

George W. Kendall (1799-1887), known as Captain Kendall, was called in 1839 for service as petit juror in Judge Irwin's court. His house was for a time a wayside tavern.

Edmund Kin- 1 1819-1901) was born at Pomfret, Vermont. He came to Whitewater; thence to section 17, Lagrange, where he married Deborah (1825-1901), daughter of Samuel Loomer and Deborah Eaton; returned in after years to Whitewater, where he died.

John King (1806-1899), a native of Lancashire, was son of James King and Elizabeth Brierly. He married Hannah (1808-1887), daugtiter of John ami Ellen Hilton, and came to New York in [834, ami to Lagrange in 1 84 1.

Jacob Rensselaer Kling (18 - 1892) was son of Jacob Kling (born [784) and Dorothy Gasper. He bought in section 1. The family came from the valley of, the Mohawk. A sister, Catharine, was wife of Silas' B. Chatfield, of Troy, and this and other relationships were so numerous as to give a family character to a quarter of that town.

Ezekiel Lewis (died 1858) married Abigail (1795-1878), daughter of Job and Lydia Harrison, and settled on section 21 in 1840. Their son, John S. Lewis (born 1S22), is named in.early official lists.

Samuel Loonier ( 1782-1853), son of Jonathan and Eunice, married Deborah Eaton ( 1789- 1870) and came from Nova Scotia in 1841. Their children, as far as learned, were Hiram, Samuel X., Timothy, Deborah (Mrs. Edmund King), and Prudence Sophia (Mrs. Andrew W. Arwood).

Volney Anderson McCracken (born 1803), a cousin of Austin Mc- Cracken and brother-in-law of Edwin W. Meacham ( perhaps, too, of Edwin DeWolf), never married. After several years he went to another county. He was the first clerk of the county, and was captain of the militia of his town.

Robert Kennedy Morris (1807-1846) and wife Emeline Bird (afterward Mrs. Austin) were parents of Azel Bird Morris (1842-1886), a soldier of the Thirteenth Infantry.

John Norcross ( [785-1862) and wife Mitty ( 1788-1802) were parents of George Washington, Joel Butler, and Walter \Y., all early-comers. (Franklin and Lydia P. lived in the town in i860.) George W. Norcross married Jane Taylor, July 4, 1845.

Moses Rand (1 800-1 881) was born in New Hampshire and died, unmarried, at Racine. True Rand, his brother, died in 1875. His wife was named Lydia E. A sister, Emily E., was wife of Elijah Worthington.

Joshua Taylor ( 1816-1890) ^son of Joshua and Sarah Butlin, was horn in Yorkshire; came to Oneida county, New York, in 1839; married Elizabeth (1820-1884), daughter of Joseph Garlock, in 1841 ; came to section 15 in 1843. A son and grandson have served as county superintendents of schools.

John Weld ( 1795-1884), son of Thomas and wife, Laurana Leavens, was born at Reading, Vermont, where in 1830 he married Wealthy, daughter of Elisha Bigelow. She died in 1876. Mr. Weld came in 1841 to section 1.

Daniel Williams (1813-1907), son of Joseph and Elizabeth, was born in Connecticut; in 1838 he married Julia M. Judson (1818-1896) and had children. Elbert J.. Laura (Mrs. I. Ebenezer Weaver), Daniel Judson, and Chester B. He came in 185 1 to Sugar Creek; left the state; returned in 1867 to ownership of the flouring mill at Lauderdale lakes ; removed late in life to Elkhorn, where, after later marriage, he died.

Elijah Worthington (1803-1858) married Emily E. Rand (1806- 1888). He came in 1838 with his father and brother Theodore to section 20. In 1839 he was granted a tavern license, and elections were held at his house.

In 1839 Amasa Bigelow built a saw-mill at the entrance of Honey creek, or Mill lake, at the Troy line, and this was followed by a grist-mill, known as the \\ 'illiams mill and as the Lean mill. It is yet in running order, with reduced custom. A church was built early at Heart Prairie by the Methodist society, and a much better building soon followed on the same site. A union church was built at Lagrange, and, yet later, a summer hotel at the lakes. A store or two and shops were added to each of these settlements, but a village grew from none of them. Had the rails been laid on the now useless grade from Lake Geneva to Whitewater a station, most likely, would have been made at Heart Prairie, and thence a more or less promising village. The postoffices at these three places were long of local convenience. A single star route, between Whitewater and Elkhorn, carried mail for all of them, tri-weekly from each terminus, - a .long, tiresome, and often difficult trip for the luckless sub-contractor. Rural delivery routes from Whitewater, Palmyra, and Elkhorn now supply daily service to all parts of the town.

Four school districts are wholly within town limits, and there are five joint districts; with Palmyra, with Sugar Creek, with Troy, with Sugar Creek and Troy, and with Whitewater. The buildings and grounds very fairly meet modern requirements, and show the town's enlightened interest in the welfare of its youthful population.

Chairmen Of Town Supervisors

Mr. Hanson served the city of Whitewater in like capacity, in after years. Mr. Bishop had lived earlier in Troy. Mr. Dow was of a Palmyra family, and was later a member of Assembly.