Union Town

Union Town

Is the most North-western town in the County, and 16 miles North- w«st from Janesville. ' The face of country is similar to that of Magnolia, except that it has less prairio; and the land generally iiot so rolling. ' The earliest settlers were Ira Jones, Stephen Jones, Boyd Phelps, Charles McMilleB, Hi- i-am Griffith, John Sayles, Erastus Quivoy, "Washington Higday, Samuel Lenis, Jacob West, John T. Baker, Levi Leonard, Willis T. Bunton. This town was organized in 1842, and at that time included what is now Union, Porter, and north half each of Center and Magnolia.

Population

Is situated on Allen's Creek, ahd has a very good water powef with a sawmill and grist-mill, owned by Wm. Campbell. The site for the village is very beautiful, being on the border of a small prairie and in one of the tinost groves adjoining, that can be found in the County. This place received its name from Dr. 3. M. Evaas, the first physician whio settled there, and who is the present Representative from that Assemby District, having been elected by almost a unanimous vote - a very flattering testimonial of tie regard of his fellow citizen in these exciting political times. Here is a commodious Methodist church, and a very nice Free-will Baptist church, which cost $2,500, on which is a very good bell. Nelson Butler, 0. F. Comfort and Hiram Griffiths, Methodist preachers. J, W. Lawton, Universalist preacher.

Lawtbb, - David L. Mills, who formerly resided in Fulton, and who was one of the delegates from Rock County to form the first State Constitution.

Two Blacksmith shops, one Wheelwright shop, one Livery Stable, one Tavern, two Stores, one Grocery, one Clothing Stoi«, Evansville Post Office, - ' Howe, Postmaster.

Ira Jones, Esq., a gentleman, held in very high esteem by his fellow citizens, resided in this town. He represented his district in Assembly of tha Legislature a few years since, and has for several years been chairman of the

Board of Supervisors, besides holding other offices of trust. Mr. J., during tie past winter, while drawing wood, fell from the load and the wheel of the loaded wagon passed over his body, injuring him so severely, that he died in a few hours.

Union Village

Is situated on the stage road from Janesville to Madison and equi-distant from each. Here are two large commodious Churches, a Calvanistic Baptist and Methodist.

Source changes here: from The History of Rock County, Wisconsin; Its Early Settlement, Growth, Development, Resources, Etc., by Wesern Historical Company, Chicago, Pub, published 1879; 7,669 words in this source stream.

Union Town

This is the most northwestern town in Rock County, and sixteen miles northwest of Janesville. It was incorporated by act of the Legislature, approved February 17, 1842, and at that time included what is now Union, Porter, and the north half each of Center and Magnolia. Its present limits are included in what is known as Township 4, north of Range 10 east.

The town is nearly evenly divided between timber and prairie. The face of the country is generally rolling, but not bluffy or broken, and the town is well watered by Allen's Creek and tributaries, and is under good cultivation. Considerable attention has been given of late years to the culture of tobacco, with much success.

The earliest settlers of this town were: Ira Jones, Stephen Jones, Boyd Phelps, Charles McMillen, Hiram Griffith, John Sayles, Erastus Quivey, Washington Higday, Samuel Lewis, Jacob West, John T. Baker, Levi Leonard and Willis T. Bunton.

The Chicago & North- Western Railway passes through the town, entering on the south line, on Section 35, and running northerly, passes into Dane County, on Section 6.

PETER ALLER, retired ; P. O. Evansville ; born in New Jersey, March 18, 1817 ; cam« to Wisconsin in 1840 ; located in Union and engaged in farming. In 1862, entered the Brug business in Evansville; continued until 1864, when he returned to farming. In 1870, he sold his farm and removed to Evansville, retiring from active pursuits. Mr. AUes is a member of the Baptist Church. He married in Union, on Dec. 8, 1841, Miss Eleanor Temple, a native of Maine. They were the first couple married in the town of Union ; married by a Justice of the Peace, there being no ordained minister in the township. Mrs. Eleanor AUes died in 1860. He married again at Evansville, Deo. 2, 1863, Miss Nancy Smith, a native of Vermont; has two children living; lost four - Mary 0., born May 31, 1S45, died in.

GEOB<^E BA.LIiARD, farmer. Sec. 24; P. 0. Evansville ; born in New York Dee. 10, 1819 ; emigrated to Wisconsin in 1850, landing at Kacine in June. In 1853, he located in Union Township, Rock Co., where he engaged in farming ; owns the farm on which he now resides. He married in New York, Oct. 10, 1843, Miss Jane Francisco, a native of New York. They have two children living ; lost three.

PETER li, BECKER, retired farmer ; P. 0. EvansviUe ; born in Schoharie Co., N. Y., in 1802 ; he came to Wisconsin in 1844, settled in Porter, engaged in farming, continued until 1872, when he was obliged to give up all active business, in consequence of loss of sight and old age. Previous to coming West, he had been engaged fourteen years in sailing on Lake Erie ; was by trade a ship carpenter, and built in Milwaukee, in 1845 and 1846, two sailing vessels, having gone from his home in Rock Co. for that purpose, Mr. Becker is a member of the M. B. Church. He married in Brownville, Jefferson Co., N. Y., on March 13, 1825, Miss Margaret Van Patten, a native of Schoharie Co., N. Y. She died. Mr. Becker married a second time, at EvansviUe, Nov. 17, 1875, Idella Dimmick, a native of Otsego Co., N.Y.

EUGENE W. BEEBE, physician, EvansviUe; born in New York Feb. 21, 1840. He came to Wisconsin in 1847. His father, Blisha P. Beebe, removed to Wisconsin in 1842, and engaged in mercantile business in Dane Co. in 1848, in which he continued until shortly before his death, in 1858. Eugene W. Beebe is a graduate of the Hahnemann Medical College of Chicago, Class of 1865-66 ; has practiced since 1860. After receiving his diploma, continued his practice in Dane Co. until the winter of 1867-68, when he removed to EvansviUe, where he has since resided and practiced his profession. He married in EvansviUe, Dec. 26, 1866, Miss Frances A. Spencer, daughter of H. G. Spencer, an early settlei of Rock Co.

ISAAC M. BEXNETT, retired banker, EvansviUe ; born in Schoharie Co., N. Y., in 1824 ; came to Wisconsin in 1845, and engaged in school-teaching in the town of Union, remaining until the spring of 1846, then removed to Oregon, Dane Co., where he engaged in mercantile business until his removal to Green Co., in 1857 ; engaged in mercantUe pursuits until 1861, when he removed and settled in EvansviUe, Rock Co., where he again went into mercantile business ; in 1870, he with Mr. PuUen and Mr. Winsteii, organized the First National Bank of EvansvUle, in which he held the position of Cashier ; in 1875, the bank changed from a National to a State bank, and Mr. Bennett withdrew his connection from it and retired from active business ; he assisted in the organization of the first Town Board of EvansviUe, and was elected President of the Board ; he was elected to the State Legislature in 1868. He married, in Oregon, Dane Co., Aug. 1, 1847, Miss Elizabeth A. Kierstead, a native of Cattaraugus Co., N. Y., who died Nov. 6, 1860, leaving four children living. Mr. Bennett again married, Sept. 3, 1861, at EvansviUe, Miss Hannah M. Pettigrew, a native of Vermont, by whom he has one chUd living.

HIRAII BUIiliABD, farmer. Sec. 14; P. 0. EvansviUe ; born in Monroe Co., N. Y., Oct. 2,1824; came to Wisconsin in 1845 ; his father, Leonard BuUard, with his family, settled in Union Township,- Rook Co., where he engaged in farming; in 1846, bought and settled on the farm now owned by Hiram BuUard ; it consists of 160 acres. He married, in New York, May 27, 1846, Miss Jane A. Babcock, a native of Rensselaer Co., N. Y.; he has five children.

GEORGE M. BUL.LOCK, farmer. Sec. 21 ; P. 0. EvansviUe ; born in Rock Co., Wis., Jan. 19, 1855, on the farm he now resides on and cultivates ; his father, Blijahv Bullock, settled in Wisconsin in 1854; he was a native of Now York; born AprU 2, 1818. Married, in his native State, on June 15, 1844, Miss Nancy Mead, a native of New York, who died March 20, 1865; his chUdren are Edson, born Jul^f 15, 1845, died Aug. 17, 1860; Alfred, born Nov. 22, 1846; EUjah E., born March 31, 1848, died September, 1873 ; Nancy E., born Jan. 18, 1851, died August, 1868 ; George M., born Jan. 19, 1855. He is the youngest son, and has always remained on the farm where he was born. His father manied a second wife, by whom he has three children. Mr. Bullock is the owner of 105 acres.

MARTIJV R. CASE, hotel proprietor, EvansvUle; born in Onondaga Co., N. Y., Jan. 21, 1837 ; his father, Reuben Case, was born in the State of New York, Feb. 15, 1798 ; removed with his family to Wisconsin in 1843, and settled on Jefferson Prairie, Rock Co., now Clinton Junction, where he had pte-empted Government land ; he engaged in improving and cultivating the same, and continued to farm this until 1855 or 1856, when he removed to town of Center, Rook Co., where he was engaged in farming until 1859, when he removed to Janesville, where he remained until 1860 ; he returned to Clinton Junction after a visit to his native State ; in 1865, he again returned to Clinton Junction, where he died in April, 1877 ; Martin R. remained on his father's farm until 1869, when he removed to Evansville, where he engaged in livery business, and, in 1873, he also engaged in keeping hotel, the Spencer House, which he continued for two or three years, when he gave up hotel keeping, until 1877, when he sold out his livery business and purchased the hotel he had formerly kept, which he refitted and extended and conducted under the original name of the Spencer House, until the spring of 1879, when he changed the name to that of the Central House. Mr. Case married at Center, Rock Co., Dec. 31, 1857, Miss Mary E. Pellows, a native of New York ; has had a family of five children, two now living.

SAMUEL. CAD WAIiliADER, farmer. Sec. 23; P.O. Evansville; born in Henry Co., Ind., Sept. 30,1823; became to Wisconsin in April, 1847, locating in Union Township, Rock Co., and engaged in farming. He married, in Magnolia Township, Rock Co., April 20, 1853, Miss Adora M. Doolittle, a native of Ohio.

THOMAS P. CHAPIN, farmer, Sec. 4; P. O. Brooklyn, Green Co.; born in Weathersfield, Penn., May 7, 1819; he came to Wisconsin in 1837, locating in Janesville, where he engaged in blacksmithing, which he continued until 1847, when he purchased a farm in Union Township, where he removed and engaged in farming, following- also his trade for many years. He married, in Dane Co., Wis., July 4, 1847, Miss Amanda Ellsworth, a native of Canandaigua, N. Y. Mr. Chapin has seven children living; he is the owner of forty-five acres.

EDWARD DEVEREUX, cheese manufacturer and farmer. Sec. 20 ; P. O. Evansville; born in Windsor Co., N. Y., Aug. 18, 1830 ; he came to Wisconsin in July, 1850, and engaged in the manufacture of vinegar, at Milwaukee, and in the lumber business with his father and brother; in 1853, removed to Ohio, for a short time, returning to Union and engaged in farming ; in 1861, he went to Rome, N. Y., remaining for a year, in vinegar business ; in the fall of 1862, returned to Union, and resumed farming; in 1867, he established a cheese factory in Green Co.; in the fall of 1868, he established a cheese factory in Union, which he has found necessary to enlarge at intervals, owing to increase of business. He married, at Pairport, Ohio, Sept. 29, 1853, Miss Eva W. Whaley, a native of Ohio ; has six children living, lost two - Mary V., born June 11, 1854, died Peb. 2, 1856; Theodore G., born April 25, 1858; Harry C, Feb. 13, 1863; Clara P., March 10, 1864, died March 7, 1865; Lulu B., born Jan. 31, 1866; Charles C, Feb. 26, 1868; Claudia H., April 3, 1870 ; Kittie D., Dec. 21, 1873 ; he is the owner of 110 acres of land.

SMITH DOUGHERTY, farmer. Sec. 1 ; P. 0. Cookville ; born in Hancock Co., Me., Sept. 25, 1808; came to Wisconsin in 1845, locating in Union Township, Rock Co., on the farm he now owns and occupies. Married, in Maine, Oct. 25; 1835, Miss Harriet G. Snow, a native of that State; has two children. He owns eighty acres of land.

SAMUEL E. DUDLEY, farmer, Sec. 13; P.O. Evansville; born in New Hampshire April 13, 1819; came to Wisconsin in 1842, and located in Janesville, Rook Co., and engaged in farming; in 1846, he bought 160 acres in Rutland Township, Dane Co. ; in 1852, he sold it, and moved to Union Township, Rock Co. ; bought 243 acres of land and now resides there. Married, in Jantsville, May 27, 1847, iMiss Cinthy Chapin, a native of Vermont; has two sons.

DR. JOHN M. EVAIVS, physician, EvansviUe; born in Vermont, Feb. 12, 1820; graduated at La Porte Medical College in 1845 and 1846 ; settled at Evansville in 1846, and engaged in the practice of his profession. In 1852, was appointed Postmaster at Evansville ; 1853, was elected to the State Legislature, and re-elected in 1873. Entered the army in 1862 as Regimental Surgeon for the 13th W. V. I. ; received an appointment on the staff of Gen. Robert Granger, as Stafi' Surgeon. He married, at La Porte, Ind., June 1, 1854, Miss Emma Clement, of Erie, Penn.

E. W. FAIRBANK, farmer. Sec. 3 ; P. 0. Union ; born in Massachusetts in 1816 ; came to Wisconsin in 1863 ; he located in Union, Rock Co., where he engaged in mercantile business, which he continued until 1869, when he purchased the farm ho now cultivates. He married, in Rutland, Vt., in 1851, Mi.ss Clarissa Gibson, a native of New Hampshire, who died in 1860 ; he married, in Evansville, Rock Co., Feb. 24, 1876, iMiss Elizabeth Smith, a native of Brooklyn, Green Co., Wis. ; ho has five children.

SAMUEL H. FROST, farmer. Sec. 10 ; P. 0. Union ; born in Addison Co., Vt., March 18, 1838 ; his father, Harvey Frost, came with his family to Wisconsin in 1849, locating in Union, Rock Co. ; he engaged in farming, where his son Samuel H. is now managing the estate, as his father is too old and feeble to follow active pursuits. S. H. Frost married, in Union, June 5, 1875, Miss Emma Powers, a native of New York ; he lias four children.

DEWIT C. <TrRISWOLD, druggist, Bvansville; born in Bennington, Wyoming Co., N. Y., in 1849; came to Wisconsin in 1867; engaged in drug business as clerk for Evans & Smith, at Evansville ; in 1873, he bought out Dr. Smith's interest, and has since conducted the business under the name of D. C. Griswold & Co. 's Pioneer Drug Store, it being the first drug store started in Evansville, Mr. Griswold married, in Evansville, June 5, 1877, Miss Lizzie E. Evans, a native of Evaasville, and daughter of Sir. Griswold's partner, Dr. Evans, one of Kook Co.'s early settlers, and the one from whom the village takes its name.

WILIilAM T. UALIi, retired ; born in Maine in 1818 ; he came to Wisconsin in 1849, and engaged in business as lumber dealer in the town of Fulton, Rock Co. ; in 1852, he engaged both in mercantile and farming pursuits; in 1857 or 1858, removed to the town of Porter, where he managed a farm until 18G5 ; then removed to Michigan and engaged in pine-wood and lumber business, which he closed out in 187 li and returned to Rock Co., Wis., and, in the years 1872 and 1873, he conducted a wholesale tobacco business ; in the latter year, retired from all active business. Mr. Hall married, in Fulton, Me., in 1843, Miss Sarah A. Whitaker, of IMassachusetts ; has two daughters.

SAXFORD. P. HAMMOND, retired farmer, Evansville ; born in Connecticut Sept. 9, 1808 ; he removed to Wisconsin in 1839, and engaged in farming in Johnstown Center; in the spring of 1844, he removed to Janesville ; in 1845, to Magnolia, where he engaged in farming and wool growing ; in 1874, he sold out and removed to Union, where he managed a farm until 1878, when he sold out and removed to Evansville, having retired from all active pursuits. He was elected to the State Constitutional Convention in 1846. Married, in Michigan, Feb. 11, 1839, Miss Elizabeth Hins, a native of Herkimer Co., N. Y., who died Feb. 29, 1869 ; he married again, at Magnolia, April 4, 1869, Mrs. Catharine A. Budlong, a native of England. Mr. Hammond lived in the first log house built in the town of Center. Ts a member of the M. E. Church.

MARY A. HUBBARD, widow. Sec. 17; P. 0. Evansville; maiden name was Mary A, Watson; born in Litchfield, Woodbury Co., Conn., May 20, 1820. She was the daughter of Mr. Benjamin B. Watson, a native of the State of Kentucky. She married, in Onondaga Co.. N. Y., Sept. 15, 1836, Mr. Jedediah Hubbard, a native of Windham, Greene Co., N. Y., born March' 20, 1816. Mr. Hubbard came to Wisconsin, with his wife and family of three sons, in 1845, and settled on the land he had entered in 1840. He engaged in improving and cultivating his land, and continued farming until hia death, July 17, 1877, leaving his widow with four children ; a daughter having been born to them on the farm in Union Township, Rock Co., where the widow still resides, she preferring to remain on the old homestead, although the children have all married and gone to homes of their own. The children and grandchildren (the latter now number twelve) gather on every Thanksgiving D<iy at the old homestead, to spend the day with Mrs. Hubbard, a practice which they have followed since the first children married and left the parental roof The children are Ephraim B., born June 6, 1838; William H., born Oct.. 4,1840; Ben W., born Nov. 16, 1842; Edwin F., born Aug. 2, 1850. Mrs. Hubbard owns 300 acres.

DAiVIEIi JOHNSON, retired farmer, Evansville ; was born in Greene Co., Ohio, Nov. 30, 1821 , his parents moved to that State fVom Steuben Co., N. Y., in 1816 ; his father was a soldier of the war of 181,2. Daniel was the second child and the oldest son of a family of ten children. He received such an education as was to be obtained in the common schools of Western Ohio. His father being a farmer, he was taken out of school in the summer time to help on the farm after he was 8 years old, only attending school during the winter term of three months until 15. The spring after he was 15, his father moved with his family to the southeastern part of Indiana in Jennings Co. ; that part of the State was then heavily timbered and sparsely settled ; the few settlers there were mostly from North Carolina and West Virginia. He settled with his family on a tract of land he purchased from the Government, covered with birch and maple timber ; after building a cabin in the woods, his provisions were exhausted, and he was compelled to go to a mill about three miles from his place, and, while at the mill, was induced to purchase the property (including a grist and saw mill, and some village property). He having always been engaged in farming and being unacquainted with any other business, and deceived in the purchase, it efiected his financial ruin ; and, in the fall of 1838, he closed up his business, sold the mill and found that he had sunk every cent that he had and was a poor man ; when he found he had nothing to help his family with, he gave Daniel his time and told him if he thought he could do anything for himself he was willing he should make a trial. Chicago, at this time, had just begun to come into prominence, and the boy C Daniel) thought there was an opening for him there; so he persuaded his mother to pack his clothes, and

Dec, 1 i, 1838 (just twelve days after he was 17 years old), found him on his way to Chicago on foot, knapsack on his back; he made the trip to Chicago iu ten days - walking the entire way ; not finding any employment, he only stayed there one day, and then started for Wisconsin. In MoHenry Co., 111., he found the first employment, worked there one month for which he never received a cent. In the last part of January, 1839, he found his way to Walworth Co., Wis., with $i.50 in his pocket, and went to work for Henry Phenix, of Delavan, working the balance of the winter and spring for Phenix and others in that neighborhood. In June following, he returned to Indiana for the purpose of persuading his parents to move to Wisconsin, he having determined to make that State his future home. The following fall, Nov. 30, 1839, he married Angeline Courter, and, in May following, started for Wisconsin, his parents coming with him ; and, June 15, 1840, they took their claim in the town of Union, Rock Co. ; at that time there were but few settlers, west of Rook River, in the county. After taking his claim, he and his wife went to Rock Prairie and both worked for the same farmer through the summer, which they were compelled to do to get food for the winter, as he had not a cent in the world when he landed in Wisconsin, and was in debt for his expenses in moving. In December following, he built a cabin on the farm now occupied by his youngest son ; his first house was built without sawed boards, nails or glass ; he continued to reside on the same farm until he moved to Bvansville in the year 1863, where he now lives. He has been a member of 'he County Board of Supervisors for fifteen years ; has held the position of Chairman of the County Board for five years ; has represented the First District of Rock Co. as member of the Assembly in 1805, and was elected Sheriff of the county in 1869, serving one term of two years. Has, at different times since he left the farm, been engaged in various kinds of business - -never finding anything but farming that suited him ; at the present time, although not practically employed on the farm, he is largely interested ia farming, having in one farm 480 acres. He has had five children, one daughter and four sons ; only two are living, the two oldest boys, they are farmers in the town of Union, His father, who came West' with him, died two years ago, and the mother is still living, and is the mother of four living generations, herself representing the fifth generation back.

REUBEN W. JOHN^^ON, stock and grain dealer; was born in Ohio Feb, 1, 1836, he removed to Wisconsin in June, 1838, with his father's family; they located on the borders of Rock and Walworth Cos,, and remained until 1839, when the family removed to Indiana ; in June, 1840, returned to Wisconsin, and settled in Union, where Mr, Johnson's father, David Johnson, engaged in farming until his death in March, 1877, on the farm he had entered in 1840, at the age of 81 years; he was born in 1796, Reuben W., in 1859, engaged in farming, and continued until 1863 ; has since engaged in live stock and grain dealing, Mr, Johnson is averse to holding any kind of public ofiice ; has persistently refused to accept office, although frequently urged to do so ; has never even served on a jury, although a resident of the county since he was 4 years of age. He married, in Union, Jan. 1, 1859, Miss Adelaide C. Frost, a native of Vermont; have three children - Helen J., born Jan. 5, 1862; Mary B., Sept. 28, 1865, and Frankie A., March 19, 1867. Mrs. Johnson's father and brother Daniel broke the first land in Catfish Prairie.

J. BOYD .lOlVES, editor, Evansville ; born in Union Township, Wis., Dec, 21,1843; his father, Ira Jones, was a native of Champaign Co., Ohio; born Jan, 3, 1810; emigrated to Wisconsin in 1840, and located in the townslifp of Union, where he engaged in improvin;,; land for farming purposes, until his death, which occurred Dec. 19, 1846, J. Boyd, from the age of 16 years, engaged in teaching school, until 1863, when he enlisted as musician in the First Brigade, Third Division, Twentieth Army Corps; served until June, 1865 ; mustered out and returned to Evansville, where he remained, scho ilteaohing, until April, 1879, when he assumed the management and editorship of the Evansville Review, He married, in Michigan, May 11, 1873, Miss Ella Roberts, a native of Vermont; has one child, born Sept. 13, 1876.

WIIililAM S. IIORGAX, carpenter, Evansville ; born in Wales June 26. 1838 ; his father, James Morgan, came with his family to America in 1841, and located in Ohio, where he engaged in farming and working at his trade of stonemason until 1849, when he removed with his family to Dane Co., Wis., and engaged in farming until 1872. William S. Morgan began learning the trade of carpenter and joiner in 1855, at Janesville ; iri 1859, went to Racine; in 1861, to Evansville, where he has since remained occupied at his business of building and carpenter work. Married, at Beloit, Rock Co., Wis., Jan, 15, 1866, Miss Ellen Vervalin, a native of New York ; has three children - Ida M., born June 21, 1867 ; Myrta A., Oct, 28, 1872 ; Charles D., Jan, 7, 1876,

DAVID L. MILiIjS, attorney, Evansville; born in Rensselaer Co,, N. Y,, March 7, 1816 ; he came to Wisconsin in 1845, on the old steamer Illinois, commanded by Capt, Black, arriving in Dane Co. June 1; he taught school for a few months; then removed to Fulton, Rock Co,, in 1846, where he engaged in the practice of law, he having received a law education at Rome, N. Y., which he completed at the college at Stanford, Ky. Mr. Mills was elected a member of the State Constitutional Convention in 1846. In November, 1854, he removed to Evansville, where he engaged as stock agent for the Beloit & Madison Kailroad Company (now Chicago & North- Western). In 1851, he was appointed to fill a vacancy as Director of the Milwaukee & Mississippi Railroad; was afterward twice elected to the same position. In 1858, he was elected Register of Deeds ; his duties required his removal to Janesville, where he remained until the summer of 1863. Mr. Mills was the founder of the Evansville Seminary, begun in 1856, he having granted deeds of property to a chartered corporation under the supervision of the Methodist Conference of Wisconsin. Mr. Mills is at present engaged in the practice of law and conveyances in Janesville. He married, in the town of Vienna, Oneida Co., N. Y., May 2, 1852, Miss Lucia S. Parker, a native of the county in which she was married ; have two children, and lost three.

(wEORGE H. PAIiMER, merchant tailor, Evansville ; born in Littleton, Grafton Co., N.H., Fob. 4, 1821 ; he removed to Wisconsin in 1853, and engaged in his trade as tailor and cutter at Evansville ; cut the first coat in the village ; he continued his business as merchant tailor until 1863, when he engaged as cutter for an establishment in Janesville; in the fall of 1867, he returited to Evansville, and engaged with the firm of Winston & Bennet as cutter ; in the fall of 1878, he entered the employ of his former employers, of Janesville, and managed a branch of their house at PJvansville, which he conducted until April 1, 1879, when he opened a business of his own, as merchant tailor, in Evansville. Mr. Palmer married, in Littleton, N. H., Aug. 22, 1842, Miss Amanda M. Farr, a native of Littleton ; has three children living, two deceased - Carrie M., born June 24, 1843 ; George A., born July 24, 1849 and died Oct 15, 1851 ; Lucien F., horn Dec. 24, 1851 ; George A., Oct. 31, 1854, died Oct. 28, 1855 ; Hattie L., born Sept. 10, 1855. Previous to his coming to Wisconsin, Mr. Palmer held the office of Postmaster at West Falls, N. J.

WILiIilAM B. PATTERSOX, farmer ; Sec. 29 ; P. 0. Evansville ; born in Madison, Madison Co., N. Y., June 29, 1819 ; he came to Wiscpnsin in October, 1848, and located in Brooklyn Township, Green Co., where he engaged in farming, which he continued until March 25, 1855, when he removed to Union Township, Rock Co., where he has since remained engaged in farming pursuits. Married, in Allegany Co., N. Y., Nov. 12, 1842, Miss Polly White, a native of Herkimer Co., N. Y.; Mr. Patterson has seven children living ; losl one son. He is the owner of 130 acres of land.

Li. T. PUIiXjEN, banker, Evansville ; born in Maine. in 1825 ; removed to Wisconsin in 1854, and engaged in mercantile business in Argyle, Lafayette Co. ; remained until 1867, when he removed to Evansville, Rock Co., where he engaged in mercantile pursuits; in 1870, he assisted in the organization of the First National Bank of Evansville, under a charter granted Oct. 31, of that year. Mr. PuUen was elected President ; in January of 1875, the bank changed from a National to a State Bank, Mr. PuUen continuing as President until 1878, in December, when he retired from the position of Presideiit to that of Cashier, with his son, Charles F. Puilen, as Assistant ; Mr. PuUen was,' in 1875, elected to represen this district in the State Legislature, he having previously represented his district in Lafayette Co. He married, in Maine, Aug. 5, 1849, Miss .Catherine B. Pike, a native of Maine; Mr. Pullen's family consists of three children.

K. F. RANDOLPH, lumber dealer, Evansville; born in Crawford Co., Penn., in 1822; removed to Wisconsin in the fall of 1853, and entered the employ of a grocery house in Janesville, Rock Co. ; remained until 1855, then entered the employ of a lumber firm; in 1865, became interested in a lumber business which he established in partnership with his former employers at Evansville ; in 1877, the partnership dissolved, and Mr. Randolph established himself as lumber dealer June 1, 1877. He married in Ashtabula Co., Ohio, June 28, 1848, Miss Matilda Kelley, a native of New York.

FREDERICK R. ROSNITER, marble-cutter, Evansville; born in Rock Co., Wis., March 22, 1850; his father, Edmund Rossiter, was one of Rock County's early settlers; he was a native of Enijland ; came to Rook Co. in 1844 or 1845 ; engaged in farming in Spring Valley Township. Ho married in Rock Co. Miss Roberts, whose family were also among the earliest settlers ; in 1864, he removed to Iowa, where he engaged in farming, in which he is still engaged. Frederick, in January, 1877, purchased in Evans\^ille a marble manufacturing business ; he had been engaged in that business in Rockford, 111., for six years. He married in Rockford, 111., Jan. 3, 1874, Miss Ella Frampton, a native of New York City ; they have two children.

DAXIEIi M. ROWLEY, banker; Evansville; born in Erie Co., N. Y., in 1825; he removed to Wisconsin in 1848, where he engaged in farming in Union Township, Rock Co. ; he engaged also in mercantile business ; in 1877, he became interested in the Evansville Bank, and, in 1878, was elected President of the same. Mr. Rowley has been Justice of the Peace for the last twenty years. He married, in Brie Co., N. Y., in 1848, Miss Calista Wells, a native of Wyomins;, N. Y. Have one daughter who is now married. Mr. Rowley is a member of the Baptist Church.

li. ISATHAIV SAWTELIi, farmer; P. 0. Evansville; born in Ludlow, Windsor Co., N. Y., on Nov. 17, 1822 ; he settled in Wisconsin in 1854, in Union Township, Rock Co., where he engaged in farming ; in 1865, he removed to Evansville and engaged in farmins, havitig purchased a farm in that vicinity. He married, in Rutland, Dane Co., Wis., Dec. 25, 1863, Lucy A. Bigelow, a native of Vermont. Members of the Baptist Church.

Li AWRENCE SHI VLE Y, farmer, Sec. 17 ; P. 0. Evansville ; born in Pennsylvania March 7, 1824 ; went to Ohio in 1834, and came to Wisconsin in 1848, locating in Mount Pleasant, Green Co , where he engaged in farming. His whole possessions, when he arrived in Wisconsin, were a wife and 50 cents in money. In 1867, he removed to Evansville, where he engaged in the business of stock broker, and grain and produce dealer, until 1872, when he moved to his farm in Union Township, where he has since remained. He married, in Mahoning Co., Ohio, July 3, 1848, Miss Hannah Pierce, a native of Ohio ; he has three children living - lost five. Ho is the owner of 200 acres of land in Union Township, and 160 acres in Green Co.

CAIiEB SlVASHAIil., hardware merchant, Evansville; born in England in 1840; at the age of 9 years he, with his father's family, came to America and located on the Hudson River, remaining until 1864, when he came to Wisconsin, and engaged in the hardware business in Evansville ; in 1873, he became interested in the Baker Manufacturing Co., organized in that year, and Mr. Snashall was elected President of the company, which position he still retains. His hardware business, after undergoing some changes of partnership, has been, since 1871, under the firm name of Snashall & Mygatt. Mr. Snashall married, at Evansville, in 1866, Miss Emeline Adams, a native of Vermont - has three sons.

GEORGE 1\ SPENCER, retired farmer, born in 1822, in the State of Vermont; came to Wisconsin, in 1848, and settled in Union ; engaged in farming and boot and shoe making; he- was the first shoemaker in the town ; he followed his trade, with farming, for about four years, when he gave up his trade and gave his whole attention to farming. Mr. Spencer, in 1856 and 1857, was Town Treasurer, also in 1878 ; he was also the Village Trustee for five or six years. He married, in Porter, Rock Co., Nov. 22, 1849, Miss Elizabeth L. Campbell, a native of St. Albans, Vt. Has two children.

HEXRY G. SPENCER (retired), Evansville; born in Springfield, Vt., in 1812 ; he removed to Wisconsin in March, 1837, being one of the first settlers of Rook Co. ; he engaged in the improvement of land, and continued farming until 1844 ; then sold his farm and removed to Evansville, where he built a hotel which bore his name until 1879 ; Mr. Spencer, after managing his hotel for five or six years, has engaged in real estate and loaning since. He married, at La Porte, Tnd., June 22, 1839, Miss Margaret E. Campbell, a native of Grand Island, Vt. ; Mr. Spencer's family consists of three children.

JOHN T. O. S WAGER, furniture dealer, Evansville; born on the Atlantic Ocean in 1850 ; his parents were natives of Norway; his father. Nelson Swager, located in Janesville in 1851, and engaged in the furniture business; continued until 1866, then removed to Evansville, where he engaged in furniture and hardware business until the latter part of 1867, when he removed to Mount Pleasant, Green Co., where he remained at farming until his death in 1873 ; his wife died in 1871. Mr. J. T. 0. Swager entered the employ of Leahman & Bro., furniture manufacturers and dealers ; in 1877, was promoted to the position of foreman, which he retained until Oct. 1, 1878, when he purchased one-half interest in their wholesale and retail business, and has since managed the retail branch of their business. He married, at Stoui^hton, Dane Co., Wis., Oct. 19, 1878, Miss Hattie Magee, a native of Exeter, Green Co., Wis.

WM. H. TAGGART, farmer. Sec. 33 ; P.' 0. Evansville ; born in Cortland Co., N. Y., Sept. 21, 1827 ; he came to Wisconsin in 1845, and located in Union Township, Rock Co., and engaged in farming, following also his trade of mason and plasterer ; he has always been a resident of Union since coming to the State. His father, Levi Taggart, is still living, at the age of 81 years ; was born Marrh 7, 1798 ; he is one of the oldest of the early settlers still living. Mr. Wm. H. Taggart married, in Union Township, Dec. 27, 1849, Miss L. M. Arnold, a native of Cortland Co., N. Y. Mr. Taggart has one child living, lost one - Orrissa V., born March 4, 1851; Hattie A., born Deo. 20, 1854, died Feb. 27, 1873. Mr. Taggart is owner of eighty acres.

WM. H. VANHISE, merchant. Sec. 10 ;, P. 0. Union ; born in Mercer Co., N. Y., Feb. 29, 1829 ; he came to Wisconsin in September, 1849, locating in Fulton Township, Rock Co., where he engaged in farming, which he continued until 1865, when he went into mercantile business in Milton ; in 1868, he removed to Milton Junction, remaining in business there until 1870 ; then went to Evansville, and carried on business at that place four years, removinp; thence to Union, where he received an appointment as Postmaster, and has since continued in business at the latter place. He married, in Fulton Township, April 20, 1851, Miss Mary A. Goodrich, a nadve of Maine; they have seven children.

IRA WAL.KER, farmer. Sec. 34; P. 0. EvansviUe ; bnrn in iPranklin Co., N.Y., Feb. 17, 1805 ; he came to Wisconsin in 1848, locating in Union Township, Rock Co., and engaged in improving land ; he has continued farming, up to the present time, on the farm on which he settled. He married, in Herkimer Co., N. Y., March 20, 1831, Miss Polly O'Conner, a native of Herkimer Co., N. Y., who died March 1, 18Y8 ; Mr. Walker has six children living. He is owner of 160 acres of land.

JAMES K. WEST, merchant and Postmaster, EvansviUe; born in Stephenson Co., 111., June 28, 1837 ; his father, Jacob West, who was a native of Champaign Co., Ohio, born March 6, 1812, settled in Illinois in 1836, and, in 1840, ho removed with his family to Rock Co., Wis., locating one-half mile from the center of the present village of EvansviUe, having the previous year secured a claim, on which he settled ; in the fall of 1841, he sold his claim and with his wife and two children went to Ohio, making the trip in a one-horse wagon ; the following year, he returned by the same route ; having purchased another horse, he made the return trip with a double team, arrived in Union Township, Rock Co., in June of 1842, where he located and engaged in improving land for farming purposes ; farmed until 1853; in 184G, began brick-making ; made the first brick in Union Township ; after a short irip to Southern Iowa, in 1853, he engaged in mercantile business in the town of Union, which he continued until 1856. From 1850 to 1869, was Justice of the Peace ; then retired from active duties ; in 1876, he again resumed the duties of the office; from 1856 or 1857 to 1^67 or 1868, he was Town Clerk; has been Assessor from 1868 to the present time ; in 1861, was appointed U. S. Assistant Assessor for the Second District, which he held until 1864 ; re-appointed in 1865; held office until 1866. He married, in Champaign Co., Ohio, Dec. 1, 1831. Miss Margaret Robinson, a native of Ohio; has had eight children ; four sons were in the army ; Stephen, a member of Co. D, 13th W. V. I., died in the army April 21. 1862 ; he has six children living and thirteen grandchildren. Mr. West was Postmaster of EvansviUe from 1855 to 1858, James R. West, in 1856, commenced his apprenticeship to the trade of carpenter and joiner; after a service of three years, engaged with Mr. A. Johnson as partner in making sash, doors and blinds at Albany, Green Co., Wis.; in November, 1863, he sold out, and removed his family to EvansviUe, Rock Co., and, Dec. 25, enlisted "in Co. G, 16th W. V. I., and went into active service with the regiment until the battle of Bald Hill, near Atlanta; he was severely wounded, a minie ball passing through both his thighs (this was the battle in which Gen. McPherson was killed) ; he was commissioned 1st Lieutenant in April, 1865, and discharged on account of wounds, July 4, 1865, wlien he returned to EvansviUe, and received the appointment of Postmaster of EvansvUle, by P. M. General Wm. Dennison, which position he stUl holds; he is also engaged in the book and stationery business. He married, at Gray's Valley, Tioga Co., Penn., Feb. 19, 1862, Miss Flora Comfort, a native of Olean, Cattaraugus Co., >f. Y.; born July 29, 1839; have had four children - Minnie E., born Jan, 17, 1863, died April 17, 1864; Mary M., born Feb. 14, 1864; Elbert J., born June 19, 1872, died Feb. 23. 1873; Evelyn F., born Aug. 5, 1874.

JOHX W. WEST, Superintendent of Schools, EvansviUe ; born in EvansviUe, Rock Co., Wis., Jan. 31, 1844; son of Squire Jacob West, one of Rook Co.'s earliest settlers, who settled in Union Township in the faU of 1840 ; John W., in 1862, at the age of 18 years, engaged in teaching school, in Exeter Township, Green Co., at what was known as the Ross School, remaining there until May, 1863, when he enlisted in the 40th W. V. I., Co, D, in the 100-days service; serving his time he was musteTed out with the regiment at Madison ; returning to Rock Co., he resumed school-teaching, which he continued during the winter seasons, occupying his summers io farming, except one or two seasons, when he, with his father, engaged in brick-making ; his father started the first brick-yard in Union Township ; he was elected, in 1875. Superintendent of Schools of the First District of Rock Co. ; was re-elected in 1877, and is at present occupying that position. He married in JanesviUe, May 5, 1,869. Miss Dora M. Campbell, a native of Rock Co., Wis.; they have three chUdren - -Hattie B., born Jan. 21, 1871 ; Theodore C, May 27, 1873; John W., Jan. 27, 1877.

CHARLES H. WILDER, lumber dealer, EvansviUe ; born AprU 12, 1824, in Wyoming Co., N.Y.; came to Wisconsin in the faU of 1858, located in Green Co., Wis., and engaged in farming; in 1865, removed to EvansvUle and built a cheese-factory, one of the first in Rock Co, ; in 1873, shipped cheese from this factory to Liverpool; in 1874, shipped twenty-eight car-loads to England, and in 1875, shipped forty car-loads. He liiarried, at Bennington, N, Y., March 22, 1849, Annette Noyes, of Bennington, N. Y.; born Oct. 19, 1830, died AprU 21, 1864. Married at Allen's Grove, Walworth Co., Wis., Jan. 24, 1867, Betsy A. Lee, of Genesee Co., N. Y.; in 1877, Mr. Wilder sold his cheese busiDe.s» and purchased the lumber business of Fifield & Gold, at EvansviUe.

PERRY C. WILDER, merchant. Evansville; born in Ohio Nov. 7, 1852 ; his father, the Rev. Calvin H. Wilder, removed with his family to Wisconsin in 1862, and was a minister of the Baptist Church in Lafayette Co.; in 1868,he removed with his family to Evansville, Rock Co., where Perry Centered the employ of Winston & Co., as book-keeper, remaining in the employ of the firm until 1872, when he and Mr. PuUen, one of his employers, engaged in mercantile business until the spring of 1878 ; in the fall of that year, Mr. Wilder engaged in the grocery business, and in the spring of 1879, he opened a livery and boarding stable, continuing, also, his business as grocer ; he is enterprising and energetic, and will become one of Evansville's prominent citizens.

NEIiSON WINSTON, banker and merchant, Evansville; born in New York Oct. 15, 1820, came to Wisconsin in the fall of 18-11, and engaged in farming in Union Township (now Porter), Rook Co. ; in 1849, removed to Dane Co., and engaged in mercantile business in Oregon, in partnership with Mr. Isaac M. Bennett; in the spring of 1855, Mr. Winston settled in Evansville, and engaged in mercantile business with his father, John Winston, and his brother Reuben, under the name of J. Winston & Sons; in 1861, the firm dissolved, and Mr. Nelson Winston continued the business; in 1864, Mr. Winston, with Mr. Bennett, his former partner, engaged in the lumber business ; in 1870, he and Mr. Bennett secured a charter, under which the First National Bank of Evansville was organized, with Mr. Winston as Vice President ; in January, 1875, the bank changed from a National to a State bank, when Mr. Winston withdrew ; since, he has been engaged in mercantile business and real estate and loaning. He married, in Oregon, Dane Cu., on March 27, 1851, Miss E. A. Parsons, a native of New York ; have four children. Members of the Congregational Church. His father, Mr. John Winston, was born Albany Co., N. Y., in 1796 ; came to Wisconsin with a family of twelve children ; in 1841, settled in Union and engaged in mercantile business. He was an active worker in the interests of the county, then newly settled ; he was for many years Commissioner of the Poor ; was the originator of the movement which resulte 1 in the organization of the Firsc Baptist Church in Union ; after an active and useful life, he died Nov. 13, 1867, within a few days of his 7 1st year.

REUBEN WINSTON, merchant, Evan,ville ; born in New York Nov. 17, 1826 ; he came to Wisconsin in the tall of 1841, and located in Porter, Rock Co., at that time under Territorial Government. Mr. Winston's father, John Winston, engaged in farming in tlie fall of 1855. Mr. Reuben Winston, with his father and his brother Nelson, engaged in mercantile business in Evansville, under the firm name of J. Winston & Sons ;, continued until 1861, when the firm dissolved, and Mr. Reuben Winston and his father started in business under the name of J. Winston & Co. ; continued until 1864, when Mr. Winston bought out his father, and continued the business with several changes. In 1875, he took into partnership Mr. Woodbury, since, his dry-goods business has been conducted under the name of Winston & Woodbury. Mr. Winston, in the spring of 1873, also established a lumber business - still continued. He has a farm rented. He has been for the past nine years Treasurer of Evansville. He married, in Union, Rock Co., Nov. 27, 1853, Miss Mary H. Nicholas, a, native of Ohio. Has two children living, one having died.