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    SIDNEY A. CADDELL, a representative of one of the pioneering families of Richland county, of which he is a native son, and is successfully engaged in farming and stock-growing in section 22, Marshall township, being associated with his brother in this enterprise. He was born in Marshall township, this county, Sept. 22, 1858, and is a son of Richard and Mary S. Caddell, the former of whom was born in Boston, Erie county, N.Y., Aug. 30, 1833, and the latter of whom was born in Columbiana county, O., July 30, 1833. When Richard Caddell was three years old his mother died and he was "bound out" to David Fogo, of Columbiana county, O., where he was reared and educated, remaining under the charge of Mr. Fogo until he had attained to his legal majority. At the age of twenty-two years he came to Wisconsin and for a number of years he was employed in lumber camps at Black River Falls. In 1856 he came to Richland county and located on a farm in section 22, Marshall township, the greater portion of the land being covered with native timber. He instituted the reclamation of the farm, which now belongs to the subject of this sketch and his brother, and the property is now one of the valuable places of the county. Richard Caddell remained on his farm until July 1861, when he responded to the call of higher duty and went forth in defense of the Union, whose integrity was menaced by armed rebellion. He enlisted in Company D, Eleventh Regiment of Wisconsin volunteer infantry, with which he served three years, receiving his honorable discharge at the expiration of this period and then returning home. Shortly afterward he re-enlisted as a veteran, and he met his death in an engagement at Fort Blakely, Ala., April 9, 1865. His wife survived him by many years, her demise occurring Feb. 11, 1898. She was a charter member of the Fancy Creek Presbyterian church, and the subject of this review was the first male child baptized in that church. Richard and Mary S. Caddell became the parents of five children, of whom only two are living: Rachel J., now deceased, was the wife of George W. Mark, who resides in Livingston, Mont., where she died; Sidney A., of this sketch, was the next in order of birth; Ida M., and Richard P. both died unmarried; Jesse M., who married Miss Minnie Doudna, is associated with the subject of this review in farming operations and resides on the old homestead farm, in Marshall township. Sidney A. Caddell was about seven years of age at the time of his father's death, and when but ten years old he began to assist in the support of the family, so that his educational advantages were limited to a somewhat irregular attendance at district schools. He continued to be associated with his brother Jesse in the work and management of the home farm until the death of their mother, and the two brothers still operate the land together, as already noted. When Mr. Caddell was seventeen years of age he entered upon an apprenticeship at the mason's trade, becoming a skilled workman, and he has done considerable contracting in this line. His memory forms a link between the pioneer days and the present epoch of opulent prosperity in this favored section of the state. When he was a boy Richland Center, the present attractive county seat, was a small and straggling village; the pioneer farmers utilized ox teams in carrying on their work and the wagons and many other appurtenances of the farm were of home manufacture. He has labored consecutively from his youth to the present and has won success through his own efforts, in the meanwhile gaining from this discipline a wholesome regard and appreciation for the dignity of honest toil and endeavor. In February, 1906, while on a hunting trip, Mr. Caddell discovered, on the farm of Edward Doudna, in section 16, Marshall township, a rock about four feet in height and with an inscription of the date 1796 and the word "Leatherstockings", besides the initials "W.O.U.E," the significance of the latter of which has not been learned. The rock is evidently of historic interest and, strangely enough, it was never discovered until the recent date noted, the greater portion being beneath the surface of the ground. In politics Mr. Caddell is a staunch Republican and for many years he has taken an active part in public affairs of a local nature. He was a member of the town board for seven terms, served four years as deputy sheriff and was a member of the school board of his district for a decade. He also served two years as assessor. Mr. Caddell is a bachelor and resides on the old homestead with his brother and the latter's family.
    ARCHIBALD D. CAMPBELL is one of the younger members of the medical fraternity in Richland Center, his professional life at that place covering a period of only seven years, but the success he has achieved and the high standing he has attained, both professionally and otherwise, clearly demonstrate his ability as a physician and surgeon and his worth as a citizen of the community. Dr. A. D. Campbell was born in Aurora, Ill., on May 22, 1865, being the son of Archibald and Isabelle (McMillan) Campbell, both of whom are now deceased, the mother dying in 1884, in Fredericksburg, Tex., where the family took up its residence in 1880, and the father died in 1900 at Phoenix, Ariz. Both of the parents were natives of Scotland. The subject of this review attended the common schools until he had reached the age of nineteen years, when he began his independent career by clerking in a store in the territory of New Mexico. Later he went to Montana and entered the employ of the Union Pacific Railway Company, in the engineering department, and after a time he located in Wyoming, where he engaged in the sheep-raising business in company with his brother, remaining thus employed about four years. But his aspirations were in a different direction, and as soon as he was able to do so he entered the Louisville Medical College at Louisville, Ky., graduating in that institution with the class of 1896, receiving the degree of M.D. He immediately located at Portsmouth, O., for the practice of his profession, but in 1899, he removed to Richland Center, where he has been located ever since, and where his has built up a very extensive practice. He makes a specialty of diseases of children, and for the purpose of perfecting himself in this branch of the medical practice he has taken special courses. Doctor Campbell was married April 22, 1896, to Miss Nellie Owen, an accomplished young lady of Richland Center and a graduate of the high school at that place. Of this union there has been born one son, Donald. Doctor Campbell is a member of the county, state and American medical associations, and at present officiates as secretary of the first-named society. Fraternally he is a member of the Modern Woodmen of America, the Equitable Fraternal Union, the Mystic Workers and the Beavers. Politically he affiliates with the Republican party, and has served on the board of aldermen of Richland Center.
    WILLLIAM A. CAMPBELL, who is now living retired in the village of Viola, has been long and prominently identified with the agricultural industry in Richland county and is an honored veteran of the Civil War. He was born in Tippecanoe county, Ind., Jan. 28, 1840, and is a son of Andrew Jackson Campbell and Elizabeth (Wilcox) Campbell, the former of whom was born in Virginia and the latter in Ohio. Andrew J. Campbell took up his residence in Indiana when a young man, his marriage having been solemnized in that state, where he died. His widow subsequently married Joseph Pitman, and they came to Richland county, Wis., in 1858, first settling in the town of Eagle, where, in the following year, Mr. Pitman secured 160 acres of land, which he reclaimed from the wilds. He finally disposed of the property and moved to Marshall township, where he passed the remained of his life, his wife surviving him by a number of years and having been a resident of Forest, this county, at the time of her demise, in 1902. By her first marriage she had three children, of whom two sons are living. The three children of the second marriage also survive their mother. The paternal grandfather of the subject of this sketch was William Campbell, who was of Scotch descent, having been native of the state of Virginia, whence he removed to Ohio, where he passed the remainder of his life. The maternal grandfather, Green Wilcox, was a pioneer of the state of Indiana, where he died. William C. Campbell, subject of this review, was reared to maturity in Indiana, in whose common schools he received his early educational training. He remained in the Hoosier state until 1861, when he came to Richland county, Wis., where he followed farm work until 1864, when he enlisted in Company A, Sixteenth Wisconsin volunteer infantry, with which he served about eight months, receiving his honorable discharge at the close of the war. He was with General Sherman on the ever memorable march from Atlanta to the sea and participated in a number of sharp engagements. He is a member of the Grand Army of the Republic. After the war Mr. Campbell returned to Richland county and bought a farm of 102 acres, in the town of Bloom, reclaiming and otherwise improving the property and there remaining until 1901, when he removed to the village of Viola, in the town of Forest, where he has since lived virtually retired. He still owns his farm besides a fine modern residence in Viola. He is a stockholder in the well equipped creamery at Viola. In politics Mr. Campbell is a Democrat, and both he and his wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal church. He has been twice married. March 15, 1866, he wedded Miss Ellen Gull, who was born in Pennsylvania and who was doubly orphaned when a child, having been reared in the home of Elias Bender, one of the Sterling pioneers of Richland county, Wis. Of this marriage were born ten children, and the names of those living are as follows: Effie M., Gertrude J., Chester N. and Ada. Those deceased are: Sherman, Earling, Oltha, Charles O., Clayton V., and Leonard R. Mrs. Campbell was summoned to the life eternal Oct. 8, 1903 and Oct. 18, 1905, Mr. Campbell wedded Mrs. Etoil (Fawcett) Grear. She was born and reared in Ohio and there married James W. Grear, who came to Richland county, Wis., and later removed to Vernon county, where his death occurred Feb 8, 1901. The four children of Mr. And Mrs. Grear are still living, namely: Albert H., Roy E., Clyde E., and Harry F.
    GEORGE S. CARSWELL has been a resident of the town of Buena Vista since 1853, having in March of that year bought of E.M. Sexton 160 acres of land on section 26, town 9, range 2 east, where he settled with his family the following September. Mr. Carswell was born in the town of Exeter, Otsego county, N.Y.; Dec. 5, 1823, and he is the son of Benjamin and Fanny (Herrington) Carswell, the former of whom was a native of Massachusetts and the latter of Connecticut. The Herringtons were among the first settlers in New England, and the paternal great-grandfather of out subject was the founder of the Carswell family in America, immigrating from Europe prior to the Revolutionary War. Benjamin Carswell, the father of him whose name introduces this review, was born at about the beginning of the Revolution, and two older brothers of the latter, Abner and David, were soldiers under General Sullivan in that conflict, David being taken prisoner by the British. Abner participated in the battle of Stillwater. These two Revolutionary patriots settled in the state of New York at the close of the struggle for independence, and at a later day David removed to Sandusky, O., where he was one of the pioneers of that section of the Buckeye state. Benjamin Carswell was one in a family of ten children, the names of whom were as follows: Abner, David, William, Henry, Daniel, Nathaniel, Benjamin, Sally, Esther, and Julia. The father of our subject enlisted as a minute-man in the War of 1812, and with his company started for the battle of Platteville, N.Y., but they arrived too late, and shortly thereafter the war was ended. Benjamin Carswell died in 1827, in Otsego county, N.Y., aged fifty-one years, and the mother of our subject died at the age of seventy-three. To the union of these parents there were born eleven children: Thomas, John, Benjamin, Nathaniel, George J., Lydia, Philip, Salinda, Esther, Fanny, and Adaline, the subject of this review being the only survivor of this large family. He was but four years old when his father died, and he remained in Otsego county, N.Y., engaged in the occupation of farming, until he had reached the age of thirty years, when, in 1852, he came to Richland county, as above stated. In addition to the land purchased from Mr. Sexton, he also entered some government land adjoining, and he has remained thereon ever since, being at this time the oldest settler in Bear Valley, not one living who came to that locality at the time Mr. Carswell came. Richland county was then very sparsely settled, and upon coming here the subject of this review made the journey by boat and railroad as far as Milton Junction, and thence the remainder of the way by team. Few among the pioneers of the county were more successful than Mr. Carswell. He began his life poor, but by energy and industry secured a competence, and his farm contains 360 acres of excellent land, the improvements thereon being not excelled in the town of Buena Vista. This fine tract of land is managed by the son of our subject who also owns eighty acres adjoining, which makes a total of 440 acres, practically in one estate. For a number of years Mr. Carswell gave much attention to the subject of draining and in this way reclaimed to cultivation much land that would have otherwise been useless for agricultural purposes. For a long time he was engaged in raising the Devon breed of cattle, and at one time possessed a herd of 100 cows, sixty of which were thoroughbred Devons, and probably a finer herd could not be found in the state than that possessed by Mr. Carswell. In addition to interests of a purely agricultural nature, it may easily be inferred from the facts stated above that our subject gave considerable attention to the dairy business, and to further that industry he started the second cheese factory in the state, becoming one of the pioneer dairymen of Wisconsin. He still continues in the dairy business, the dairy being sublet to his son, who operates the farm. Socially, Mr. Carswell is a genial, intelligent gentleman, possessing an excellent memory, and he is well informed on the earlier and later history of Richland county. He was married on Sept. 26, 1850 in Otsego county, N.Y., to Miss Louisa Matteson, who was born in the town of Hoosic, in the same state, of a family coming from old Empire State stock. Her uncle Morgan Burgess, owned the farm upon which the battle of Bennington was fought, and she also had other uncles who served in the Colonial army during the Revolution and participated in the battle mentioned above. She is a daughter of Nason Matteson, who was a native of Vermont. Mr. and Mrs. Carswell became the parents of three children - John A., born Oct 29, 1854, now resides in Richland City; Fred E., born in February, 1861, resides at Richland Center, and George A., born in March, 1867, resides with his father and manages the latter's farm. Mr. Carswell was elected town supervisor in the spring of 1855, he assessed the town in an early day, and was chairman of the board for the years 1866-7 and again in 1878. He served as road commissioner when there were only three of such officials in the county, and he has also served on the county board. He has been a Republican since the organization of that party, and in fact helped to perfect the organization in Richland county in 1856. He cast his first presidential vote for Gerrit Smith, in 1848, the year in which Taylor was elected, and he was a member of the Anti-slavery society. He was an earnest Abolitionist long before the Civil War.
    JOHN H. CARSWELL, deceased, was a permanent resident in the town of Buena Vista from the spring of 1864 until his death, Aug. 12,1895, but he was in the county as early as Christmas, 1853. He was a native of Otsego county, N.Y., where he was born in October, 1815, and he was reared in his native state to agricultural pursuits. After settling in Richland county he became one of the solid men of the town of Buena Vista. He was four years president of the agricultural society of Richland county, and did much toward promoting the interests of agriculture by his advocacy and support of advanced methods in farming. Mr. Carswell was a man of positive opinions, and was always found on the side which he believed to be right. Politically he was an abolitionist of the Gerrit Smith school, and he knew well that advocate of universal freedom. He was also personally acquainted with John Brown, and was at the convention at Syracuse, in 18859, where, with Gerrit Smith and others, he contributed to a fund for the purchase of arms for "Old Possawatomie" and his sons, to enable them to defend themselves against the border ruffians of Kansas. He lived to see the extreme views he advocated on the slavery question, prevail, and he was as strong a foe of intemperance as he was of the institution of human slavery. His father, Benjamin Carswell, who is given a more extended mention in the sketch devoted to his son George J., brother of our subject, died when John H. Carswell was but twelve years old, and the latter resided many years with his mother and the younger children of the family. He was married quite late in life to Miss Mary Lutin, a native of Germany, and she and their two children - Nathaniel and Elizabeth - still survive, the mother residing on the old homestead, which contains 240 acres, in the town of Buena Vista.
    NEWTON CHESEMORE, owner of the Pine Valley stock farm, in Rockbridge township, is a member of one of the pioneer families of the county and has here gained marked success in connection with farming and stock-raising, being one of the representative citizens of his township and having been one of the loyal men of Wisconsin who went forth in defense of the Union in the Civil War. Mr. Chesemore is a native of the old Green Mountain State, having been born in Troy, Orleans county, Vt., April 5, 1836, and having been a son of Stephen W. and Betty (Colborn) Chesemore, both of whom were born in Rhode Island. The father died in 1877 and the mother passed away in 1880. Of their twelve children the subject of this sketch was third in order of birth. Five of the sons were valiant soldiers in the Civil War. Mr. Chesemore's paternal grandfather was a soldier in the War of 1812, and he removed with his family from Rhode Island to Orleans county, Vt., when his son Stephen was about ten years of age. After the death of his father, Stephen W. Chesemore assumed the management of the home farm, remaining thus engaged until the death of his mother, in 1853. In the following year he came to Wisconsin, first locating in Rock county, where he remained until 1857, when he came to Richland county, where he had purchased eighty acres of wild land in the preceding year. He developed the property and was one of the honored pioneers of the county, remaining on the old homestead until his death. Newton Chesemore, the immediate subject of this sketch, secured his educational training principally in the schools of his naïve state, having been eighteen years of age at the time of the family removal from Vermont to Wisconsin. He assisted in the reclamation and other work of the home farm and remained with his parents until he had attained to legal majority, after which he was employed as a farm hand until he responded to the dictates of his patriotic spirit and tendered his services in defense of the Union. Aug. 20, 1662, he enlisted as a private in Company B, Twenty-fifth Wisconsin volunteer infantry, with which he proceeded to the front, continuing in active service until the close of the war and taking part in many battles and minor engagements. Among the important battles in which he participated were those of Resaca, Kenesaw Mountain and Big Shanty. He was with Sherman in the ever memorable march from Atlanta to the sea and with his command participated in the Grand Review, in the city of Washington, receiving his honorable discharge in June, 1865. In the autumn of the same year Mr. Chesemore bought eighty acres of land in Rockbridge township, where he has since continued to make his home, later adding forty acres to his possessions and now having a well improved farm of 120 acres, devoted to general farming and stock-raising; to the latter department of his farm business he gives special attention. His success is the direct result of his own efforts and he is one of the progressive and highly esteemed citizens of his township. He is a Republican in politics and while he takes a loyal interest in local affairs of a public nature he has never sought or held office. In a fraternal way he is identified with the Grand Army of the Republic. Sept. 27, 1866, Mr. Chesemore was united in marriage to Miss Mary Fogo, daughter of John and Jane (Dreghorn) Fogo, both of whom were born in Scotland and both of whom passed the closing years of their lives in Richland county. Mr. and Mrs. Chesemore have two children: Jugenia Ferella is the wife of George Huffman, of Rockbridge township, and John Stephen who married Miss Elizabeth James, resides in Monroe county, this state.
    JOHN W.CHITWOOD is one of the representative farmers of his native town of Richwood, where he was born April 3, 1858. He is a son of Matthias and Rebecca M. (Dimitt) Chitwood, the former of whom was born in Howard county, Ind., in 1830, and the latter of whom was born in Kentucky, in 1835. Their marriage was solemnized in Indiana, from which state they came to Wisconsin in 1853, becoming pioneers of Richland county. They first settled in Richwood township, but soon afterward removed to the town of Sylvan, where they remained about fifteen years. The father then sold his farm in that township and returned to Richwood, where he became owner of a large tract of land, much of which he reclaimed from the virgin forest, living up to the full tension of the pioneer days. He spent the remainder of his life there and passed away in December, 1903. The mother still makes her home on the homestead where both were held in unqualified esteem in the community. He was a Democrat in his political allegiance and served as a member of the town board. Both he and his wife were zealous members of the United Brethren church. They became the parents of eight children, of whom six are living, the other two having died in infancy. John W. Chitwood, to whom this sketch is dedicated, was reared to the sturdy discipline of the farm and was educated in the public schools. He has not wavered in his fealty to the great basic art of agriculture and is now the owner of an excellent farm of 320 acres, on which he has erected good buildings and made other substantial improvements. He is a raiser of high-grade livestock in addition to carrying on diversified agriculture and his farm bears evidence of thrift and good management. He gives preference to the Durham cattle, Poland-China swine and Percheron horses. His political support is given to the Democrat party, and while he has never been a seeker of public office he has rendered efficient service in the capacity of town assessor. Both he and his wife are members of the United Brethren church. In 1882 was solemnized the marriage of Mr. Chitwood to Miss Lura Earl, who was born in Bridgeport, Crawford county, Wis., being a daughter of William and Delilah (Tisdale) Earl, who were born in New York state, whence they came to Wisconsin and became pioneers in Richland county. The father went forth as a soldier in the Civil War and was killed in an engagement at City Point, Va. His widow now resides in Excelsior, Richland county. Mr. and Mrs. Chitwood have five children, namely: William Earl, Mabel, Harvey, Delos and Rebecca.
    LEROY S. CHITWOOD is an able and popular exponent of the agricultural and stock-growing industry in Richwood township and has been a resident of Richland county from the time of his birth. He was born in the town of Sylvan, March 7,1865, and when he was but eighteen months of age his parents took up their residence in Richwood township, where he has since continued to make his home. Data regarding the family genealogy are given in the sketch of the life of his brother, John W., in this work. Leroy S. was afforded the advantages of the public schools of Richwood township and had been continuously identified with farm from his youth to the present. He was associated with his father in the ownership of 570 acres of land, and since the death of his father he has added eighty acres to the tract, so that he is now the owner of a fine landed estate of 650 acres. In the stock-raising department of his farm enterprise he gives special attention to the breeding of Durham cattle, Oxford sheep and Poland-China hogs. He is recognized as one of the progressive farmers of his township and his standing as a citizen is unassailable. In politics he votes in harmony with his convictions and is a staunch advocate of the principles of the Prohibition party. Both he and his wife are devoted members of the United Brethren church, in whose faith he was reared. Feb 3, 1893, Mr. Chitwood was united in marriage to Miss Annie Collier, who was born and reared in this county, having been a daughter of Hans Collier, an early settler of Richwood township. She died Jan. 9, 1897, leaving one son Lloyd. In 1901, Mr. Chitwood wedded Miss Alice S. Kite, daughter of George Kite, and they have two children, - Clara Belle and Orpha Arkie.
    GEORGE CLARK has made farming his life vocation and had not only found it worthy of his allegiance and best efforts, but has also attained through its medium a definite success, being now the owner of a well improved farm in the town of Bloom and one of the highly respected citizens of the county. He was born in Jefferson county, O., Jan. 28, 1840, and is a son of Hugh and Delilah (Peoples) Clark, both of whom were likewise natives of Jefferson county and members of sterling pioneer families of that section of the old Buckeye State. They passed their entire lives in Jefferson county, where the father followed farming as a vocation. He was first a Whig and later a Republican politics, but was never a seeker of public office. Of his nine children six attained to maturity, namely: Mary, who is now deceased; Sarah, who is the widow of Lyman Hart and resides in Rockbridge township, Richland county; Matthew and John are deceased, the latter having been a twin of the subject of this sketch; and Samuel is also deceased. George Clark was reared to the sturdy discipline of the farm and his educational advantages in his youth were limited to a desultory attendance in the country schools of Jefferson county, O., where he was reared to manhood. He remained on the home farm until he had attained to legal majority, in the meanwhile having had charge of its operations for a number of years. In February, 1865, he enlisted for service in defense of the Union, becoming a private in Company H, Forty-sixth Wisconsin Volunteer Infantry, and being with his command on guard duty in Athens, Ala., until after the close of the war, and receiving his honorable discharge after a faithful service of about nine months. The proudest moments in Mr. Clark's life were those in which he wore the Union blue and marched under the stars and stripes. Soon after his first marriage Mr. Clark came to Wisconsin and numbered himself among the pioneers of Richland county, settling in the town of Marshall about 1861, and there securing a tract of wild land, the greater portion of which he reclaimed to cultivation. He continued to reside in that township until February, 1890, when he sold his farm and removed to the town of Viola, where he remained three years, at the expiration of which he returned to Bloom and purchased his present farm, in section 35, the same comprising forty acres of excellent land, which is maintained under a high state of cultivation and yields good returns for the labors expended. Mr. Clark is a loyal and progressive citizen, and while he has never sought or held public office he is a staunch supporter of the principles and Politics of the Republican party. He and his wife are members of the United Brethren church, and he assisted in erecting the first church building of this denomination in Marshall township, the same having been a log structure. In 1859, Mr. Clark married Miss Sarah Ann Van Dusen, of Jefferson county, O., and she was summoned to the life eternal in the spring of 1898, having been a faithful companion and helpmeet to her husband. Following is a brief record concerning the children of this union: Hugh N. is an engineer by vocation and resides in the town of Henrietta, this county; Myron E. is a successful farmer of Bloom township; Lieuriena is the wife of Frank Brown, a farmer of Sylvan township; Mary is the wife of Elmer Rockhill, editor and publisher of the Enterprise, at Lafarge, Vernon county; and Delilah is the wife of Delbert Meyers, a farmer in the town of Bloom. Mr. Clark's second marriage was to Mrs. Amelia Clark, widow of Alonzo Clark. She was born in Vermont, and is a daughter of Jacob Williamson, who was one of the pioneers of Richland county and who now resides in Oklahoma, his wife being deceased. Mrs. Clark had six children by her first marriage.
    HOMER J. CLARK fills the responsible position of vice-president of the First National Bank at Richland Center, and in this capacity, as in all others in which his busy career has placed him, he brings to the discharge of his duties capability and honesty, indispensable attributes in the large affairs of life. Mr. Clark was born in Schuyler county, N.Y., April 20, 1848, and is the son of Edmund and Sally (Benson) Clark, both of whom are now deceased. Edmund Clark came to Richmond county in the fall of 1856, and in the spring of 1857 settled on section 34, town of Richwood, where he had purchased 80 acres of land. He was industrious, and soon his log cabin gave way to a large frame residence and his real estate holdings were increased. He gave his entire attention to farming, and thus made a success of life. He was a native of Massachusetts, born at Egremont, May 12, 1817, and when fourteen years of age he moved with his parents to Schuyler county, N.Y., where the father and mother spent the remainder of their lives. On Oct. 11, 1845, he was married to Sally Benson, and to this union were born two children, only one of whom is living, Homer J., who is the immediate subject of this review. His first wife dying in January, 1854, in November 1854, he was married to Rosetta Ann Benson, and to this union one child was born, but it died in infancy. After the death of his second wife Mr. Clark removed to Richland Center and there lived the remainder of his life in retirement. He was unpretentious in his appearance, honorable in his dealings, hospitable to strangers, and highly esteemed. Although not an office seeker in the usual understanding of that term, he held various local positions, among which was representative of his town on the county board of supervisors. Homer J. Clark, whose name introduces this review, was reared an his father's farm and received his primary education in the district schools of the town of Richwood, after which he attended the high school at Richland Center. He began his independent career as a farmer, superintending 200 acres of his own land and 140 acres for his father, and he remained engaged in agricultural pursuits until 1880, when he was elected clerk of the circuit court for Richland county. Two years later in the fall of 1882, he was elected to the position of county clerk, entering upon the duties of the office on Jan. 1, 1883, and two years later was reelected, serving in that position four years. He then engaged in the abstract business for a time, after which he entered the banking business, connecting himself with Pease Bros. & Co., and he officiated as vice president of the institution from the time of its organization until 1899, when he resigned. He then engaged in the mercantile business at Richland Center, Clark and Elliot being the name under which a general merchandise business was carried on for several years. Mr. Clark was one of the organizers of the First National Bank at Richland Center, which succeeded to the business of the firm referred to above, and he fills the position of vice-president of the same. It is the only national bank in Richland county. The subject of this review was married on Oct. 23, 1873, to Miss Mary A. McNelly, daughter of Henry McNelly who was an early settler in Orion, and the second physician to locate within the limits of Richland county, practicing in the county several years. Three children have been born to the union of Mr. And Mrs. Clark: Nora who died at the age of twelve years; Harriet, who is a teacher in the Madison high school and Hazel Etta, who resides at home with her parents. Mr. Clark is a genial, whole-souled gentleman, affable and accommodating, ever ready to serve anyone who may have business in his office. As a public man he proved himself a satisfactory officer, having, beside the offices named above, served several years as town clerk at Richwood, and he was assistant enrolling clerk of the general assembly in 1882. He is a member of the Masonic Order, Blue Lodge, Chapter and Commandery, at Boscobel, and in politics he has always adhered to the Republican party.
    PHILANDER M. CLARK, deceased, the first postmaster at Buck Creek postoffice in the town of Rockbridge, was born in Lewis county, N.Y., April 5, 1820, and he was the son of Charles and Ann (Pratt) Clark, the former of whom was born in Massachusetts, and the latter was a member of the Pratt family descended from Mary, "Queen of Scots." Both of the parents were of Scotch descent. Mr. P. M. Clark came from Massachusetts to New York as a child, with his father and mother, and at the age of fifteen years went to Whitby, Canada, where he learned the carpenter's and builder's trade, serving an apprenticeship of seven years. He then returned to the state of New York, where he worked at his trade until 1844, and then went back to Canada. He was married there in 1846 to Miss Ann Kinney, who was born in Sidney county, Nova Scotia, Aug. 3, 1829. They remained in Canada until 1862, then removed to Buffalo, N.Y., and in 1863 took up their residence in Niagara county, where he engaged at his trade until 1865, and then came to Richland county, Wis. He first located on Bird Creek in the town of Rockbridge, but there his health failed him, and in the spring of 1878 moved to Ithaca, where he died on July 5, the same year. Our subject was an original Abolitionist, later becoming a strong Republican, and while residing in the town of Rockbridge he was elected to and served in the position of justice of the peace. In the fall of 1878 Mrs. Clark with the family removed to Richland Center, and lived there until 1881, when they returned to their old home in Rockbridge and opened a store, in which was kept an good assortment of articles in general use; she also acted as postmaster at Buck Creek. But later the mother returned to Richland Center, where she died May 29, 1906. To P.M. Clark and wife there were born twelve children, concerning whom the following facts are given: Elizabeth married Willis Brewer, of Rockbridge, and died in 1876; Charles Thomas, an expert accountant and an ex-bank inspector, now resides at Denver, Colo.; George M. was killed in an explosion in Barber county, Kan., in 1886; Albert is a resident of New Lisbon, Wis.; James Victor is given a more extended notice in a latter part of this review; Hattie M. married Charles Horne and resides in Richland Center; Lillie married Eugene Tichenor and resides in Richland Center; Emma F. married Herman Burdick and resides in Richland Center; as does Minnie, who married Edwin Craig. James Victor Clark was educated in the public schools of Richland county and also received instruction from private tutors. He began his independent career as a wood-worker in Minneapolis, in 1878, shortly after the death of his father, and he was foreman and superintendent of work in that city during the succeeding eight years. He then spent eight years in the same capacity in the city of Madison, Wis., after which, in 1897, he located in Chicago and has since followed the same vocation in that place. He has been twice married: first on July 31, 1885, to Miss Jennie DeWolf, of Stillwater, Minn., who, after bearing him one child, died, and she and the little child, Olive, are both buried in the cemetery at Richland Center. The second marriage occurred on Sept 16., 1893, the lady being Miss Mary Allen, of Richland county, and to this union there have been born two children - Edna and Nellie. Mr. Clark is a Democrat in his political affiliations, and takes a deep and intelligent interest in economic and sociological questions. He is a member of the Chicago federation of Labor and of the Pattern Maker's League, having been a recent candidate for secretary and treasurer of the national organization of the latter guild. He is a member of the Masonic order at Madison, Wis., having attained to the Commandery degree.
    CASSIUS M. COLLINS, who is now living retired in the village of Basswood, Eagle township, was long and prominently identified with the agricultural industry in this town and still owns a fine farm of 320 acres. He has passed the major portion of his life in Wisconsin and is one of those who represented the Badger State so valiantly as soldiers of the Union in the Civil War. He has been prominent in public affairs in Eagle and is one of the well known and highly honored citizens of this section of the county. Mr. Collins is a native of the state of Pennsylvania, where he was born Oct. 28, 1847, being a son of John and Rosanna (Jordan) Collins, who were likewise born in the old Keystone State, - the former in 1808 and the latter in 1813. The former was a son of John Collins, who was born in Ireland, where his marriage was solemnized, and he immigrated to America in 1808, there passing the remainder of his life. He died in Harrisburg, in 1851, and there his wife died in the same year. The parents of the subject of this sketch came from Pennsylvania to Wisconsin in 1851, settling near Reedsburg, Sauk county, where the father secured 160 acres of government land, a considerable portion of which he reclaimed the following decade. He left the farm to go forth in defense of the Union and sacrificed his life on the altar of his country, having been killed in the battle of Fort Donelson. His son, Hugh, also died while in the service, his death occurring at Memphis. John Collins was originally an old-line Whig, but he identified himself with the Republican party at the time of its organization and was an ardent supporter of its cause during the climactic period leading up to and culminating in the Civil War. His wife was a member of the United Brethren church. She passed the closing years of her life in Richland county, whither she came with her son Cassius M., of this sketch, in 1866, and she died in 1900, at the venerable age of eighty-seven years. Of the three children, all sons, the subject of this review in the only survivor, and his mother remained in his home until she was summoned to the life eternal. Mr. Collins was four years of age at the time of his parents' removal to Sauk county, Wis., where he was reared on the home farm, receiving the advantages of the common schools at Reedsburg. In 1863, when but sixteen years of age, he tendered his services in defense of the Union, enlisting as a member of Company A, Thirty-seventh Wisconsin volunteer infantry, and forthwith proceeding to the front. He took part in many important battles as well as minor engagements, and among the most noteworthy may be mentioned the following: Spottsylvania Court House, Cold Harbor, City Point, the siege of Petersburg, Poplar Grove church, Yellow House station on the Weldon Railroad, Hatcher's Run, Ream's Station and Five Points. He remained with his regiment until the close of the war, receiving his honorable discharge in August, 1865. Soon after his return to Wisconsin, in the spring of 1866, he removed from Saul county to Richland county, and in 1869 he bought eighty acres of land in Eagle township, reclaiming the same to cultivation and later having bought and sold much other land in the township, - aggregating fully 500 acres. He still retains in his possession his finely improved farm of 320 acres, as already stated, having continued to reside on this homestead until 1897, when he removed to Basswood, where he has since lived virtually retired, renting his farm to his son-in-law, Edward Persinger. In his political proclivities Mr. Collins is an uncompromising Republican, and while residing on his farm he was called into service as town treasurer and as justice of the peace, also serving eight years as a member of the township board, of which he was chairman seven years of this period. He is affiliated with Harry Laughton Post, No. 279, Grand Army of the Republic, at Muscoda, and with Eagle Corners Lodge, No. 63, Independent Order of Odd Fellows. In 1873 Mr. Collins was untied in marriage to Miss Sarah Roth, who was born in Blackford county, Ind., May 9, 1848, being a daughter of the late George F. and Barbara (Leffler) Roth, who came to Richland county in 1853, settling in Eagle township, where they secured eighty acres of land, a portion of the present estate of Mr. And Mrs. Collins. Mr. Roth died in 1862, while a soldier in a Wisconsin regiment, and his widow passed the closing years of her life in the home of her daughter, Mrs. Collins, where she died in 1894. Further data in regard to the Roth family are given in the sketch of the life of Daniel A. Roth, appearing elsewhere in this work. Mr. And Mrs. Collins have one child, Cora B., who is the wife of Edward Persinger, lessee of her father's old homestead farm, and they have one son, Cassius M. Persinger, who was born Mar. 29, 1904.
    JOHN JOHNSON CONKLE of Dayton township, is a representative of one of the sterling pioneer families of Richland county and here he has long stood as an able exemplar of the great basic art of agriculture. He is now living semi-retired, his fine little homestead being located in immediate proximity to the village of Boaz. Mr. Conkle was born in Vinton county, O., Oct. 31, 1840, and is a son of Joseph and Elizabeth (Johnson) Conkle, the former of whom was born in Pennsylvania, Mar. 4, 1807, and the latter in Ohio, Nov. 28, 1819. The paternal grandfather of the subject of this sketch was a native of Germany, as was also his wife, Catherine. They came to America when young and their marriage was solemnized in Pennsylvania, where both passed the remainder of their lives. The maternal grandparents were John and Elizabeth (Kline) Johnson, both of whom passed their entire lives in Ohio. Joseph Conkle was reared and educated in Pennsylvania, whence he removed to Ohio when a young man, in 1831. He was there, married and there continued to reside until the autumn of 1855, when he came with his family to Wisconsin and located in Marshall township, Richland county, where he secured 120 acres of government land, heavily timbered, at the same time purchasing an adjoining tract of forty acres. He continued his residence in this county until his death, which occurred in Dayton township, Oct. 15, 1892, his loved and devoted wife having passed away Sept. 1, 1883. They became the parents of seven children, and two sons and two daughters are still living. Both were zealous members of the United Brethren church and the father was a Democrat in his political allegiance. John J. Conkle, the subject of this review, was reared to the discipline of the farm and secured his early education in the common schools of Ohio, having been fifteen years of age at the time of his parents' removal to Wisconsin. He was reared to manhood in Richland county and has here continued to make his home during the long intervening years, making his labors count for good and winning and retaining the respect and confidence of his fellow men. He developed a good farm of 120 acres in Marshall township and has bought and sold other farm properties in the county. In 1897 he purchased thirty acres adjoining the village of Boaz, Dayton township, where he has since maintained his home, having erected good buildings on the place and having sold a number of village lots from the property. He is a stanch Republican in politics, and both he and his wife hold membership in the United Brethren church, being active in the work of the same. In 1859 Mr. Conkle married Miss Mary Jane McKy, daughter of John McKy, who is mentioned in this publication, and they have three children: Walter J., who was born Dec. 10, 1860, is a successful farmer of Dayton; Mary Catherine, born Jan. 14, 1864, and for twenty-six terms engaged in teaching in the schools of the county, is now the wife of Elmer Robinson, a farmer in Dayton township; Johanna, born Jan. 8, 1866, is the wife of John Peters, concerning whom an individual sketch appears in this work.
    AQUILLA T. COOK has passed his entire life in Richland county, and has attained to success through his own well directed exertions, being now one of the representative farmers and stockraisers of Sylvan township. He was born in Marshall township, this county, Jan. 21, 1859, being a son of Arthur and Elizabeth (Thomas) Cook, the former of whom was born in Pennsylvania and the latter in Maryland. They came to Wisconsin in 1854, making Richland county their destination and settling in Marshall township, on Mill creek, where the father reclaimed a good farm, which he held in his possession until 1887, when he sold the property, passing the remainder of his long and useful life in the homes of his children. His cherished and devoted wife passed away in 1881 and his death occurred in 1901. The subject of this sketch was reared to maturity on the home farm and early became inured to the sturdy work thereof, his educational training being received in the district schools. Upon attaining to his legal majority he began working by the month, thus being employed for three years, at the expiration of which he rented his father's farm, there remaining during the ensuing three years and then purchasing 120 acres of his present homestead, which now comprises 170 acres. He reclaimed every acre of the property from the wild state and has developed one of the valuable farms of the county. He devoted his attention to the raising of the various products as best suited to the soil and climate and also has been very successful in his adjunct operations in growing cattle, sheep, swine, etc. In politics he is a strong Prohibitionist and both he and his wife are members of the United Brethren church. Dec. 13, 1885, Mr. Cook was united in marriage to Miss Minnie Ripley, who was born in Dayton township, this county, Sept. 25, 1865, being a daughter of Augustus and Catherine (Conkel) Ripley, who came to this county from Ohio in 1855, becoming pioneers of Dayton township. Mr. And Mrs. Cook have eight children, all of whom remain at the parental home, their names, with respective dates of birth, being as follows: Ethel, Aug. 30, 1886; Edith, Nov. 8, 1887; Vern, July 20, 1889; Ray, June 25, 1891; Warren, Dec 31, 1892; Arthur, Jan. 15, 1894; Lulu, Jan. 7, 1900; and Buren, Sept. 1, 1903.
    JUDSON A. COOK is a scion of one of the early pioneer families of Wisconsin, where he was born and reared, and he was one of the loyal sons of the state who went forth in defense of the Union in the climacteric period of the Civil War. He is now numbered among the prominent farmers and popular citizens of Sylvan township. Mr. Cook was born in Lancaster, Grant county, Wis., May 30, 1845, and is a son of Horace and Mary (Ward) Cook, the former of whom was born in the state of New York, in 1810, and the latter of whom was born in Underhill, Vt. They came to Wisconsin in 1831 and he was one of the first permanent settlers in Grant county, having worked in the lead mines at Beetown, that county, and also in other sections of the state. The family made the trip from Chicago, which was then a mere village, in a covered wagon, and in the same were transported their little stock of household effects and also their provisions, which they had secured in Chicago. When they arrived in Lancaster its site was marked only by one log house. He became one of the influential citizens of the pioneer community and was the first sheriff of Grant county. He also served later as deputy sheriff, having held this position at the time of the murder of Delasso by a man named Brewer, the latter having been executed by the county authorities. A full half century ago he removed with his family to Richland county and secured a tract of wild land in Willow township, where both he and his wife passed the remainder of their lives. He died at the home of the subject of this sketch, in 1892, and his wife died in 1897. Of their seven children Judson a. is the eldest; William Clinton enlisted as a soldier in the Civil War and died while in the service, at Atlanta, Ga.; Mary Louise became the wife of John Savage and is now deceased; Melinda Jane was the wife of James Pringle, of Storm Lake, Ia., who is now deceased; Horace N. has not communicated with other members of the family for some time past and his whereabouts are not known; Giles E. is deceased; and Helen E. is the wife of Adam Davis, of Sylvan township. Judson A. Cook secured his early educational training in Lancaster, Grant county, and later continued his studies in the district schools of Richland county, having been about ten years of age at the time of the family removal to this county. He was but sixteen years of age at the time of his enlistment in the Union army, and the record of his military career will be given in the closing portion of this sketch. When he returned home after the close of the war he had saved enough of his soldier's pay to enable him to purchase eighty acres of his present farm, which now comprises one hundred and sixty acres. He recently sold forty acres. He cleared the land from its wild state, having cut the first tree and having assisted in rolling every log on the place. He has erected good buildings and has always done his own carpenter work, having much natural mechanical ability. He is one of the pioneers of Sylvan township and his fine farm indicates the energy and good judgment he has brought to bear in its development and cultivation. He is a Republican in his political allegiance and has held various township offices, also having served for the past thirty years as treasurer of his school district. He raised high-grade Jersey cattle and supplies a considerable amount of milk to the local creamery. He is identified with the Grand Army of the Republic and the family are Baptists in their religious faith. Feb. 27, 1866, Mr. Cook was united in marriage to Miss Alma E. Dean, who was born in Indiana, Nov. 16, 1846, being a daughter of Dr. Luke, and Rachel (Cook) Dean, both native of New York, whence the family removed to Indiana and thence came to Wisconsin in 1850, locating in Lynxville, Crawford county. Mrs. Cook was nine years of age at the time and was reared and educated in this state. Her mother died in Indiana, in 1854, and her father passed the closing years of his life in Wisconsin, where he died in December, 1902, having been one of the pioneer physicians of the state. Following is a brief record concerning the children of Mr. and Mrs. Cook: Alvena is the wife of Arthur Fish, of Sylvan township; Dean married Miss Nora Bailey and they now reside in Aurora, Mo.; Myrtle is the wife of Otto Walker, of Sylvan township; Horace is deceased; Lee married Miss Elizabeth Walker and they reside in Sylvan township; Stephen is operating a creamery at Mount Sterling, Crawford county; Amos Logan married Miss Martha McCumber, and they likewise reside in Mount Sterling, the brother Stephen making his home wit them; and Emerson remains at the parental home and is associated in the work and management of the farm. In the spring of 1861, at the age of sixteen years, Mr. Cook enlisted as a private in Company D, Eleventh Wisconsin volunteer infantry, being mustered into the United States service in the following September and continuing with his regiment, principally in the western department, until the close of the war, having been mustered out and received his honorable discharge in the fall of 1865. He took part in a number of spirited engagements and was once wounded, through the muscle of the right arm, incapacitating him for active service for some time. Mr. Cook gives details in regard to a serious experience encountered by him and his comrades in the spring of 1862. His regiment was marching down Current river, southwest of St. Louis, Mo., his company at the time being under the command of Capt. Jesse Miller. The march was ordered to a certain ferry, which they were to hold until the arrival of General Steele, whose troops were en route to Little Rock, Ark. Heavy rains had been falling for some time and the river was rapidly rising when Mr. Cook's regiment arrived at the ferry. They crossed to the west side of the river and thence followed down to the ferry, arriving at dusk and taking a cold supper in the rain. Camp was made on both sides of the ferry road, which traversed the low bottom lands, and about ten o'clock at night, after the weary soldiers had gone to bed, the river began to overflow the bottoms, rising so rapidly that the men were compelled to load their food and utensils in the ferry-boat, which they then pushed across the flooded fields to a distance of about eighty rods, the valley being about one-half mile in width. The boat was pushed up a formerly dry channel, the intention being to run the same across the stream by means of poles. The poles, however, proved too short to reach bottom in midstream, and the boat finally drifted against a tree and was overturned, about fifteen men having been on board at the time. Two met their death as a result of this accident and the others drifted and swam from tree to tree until they finally reached shore. The other forty-one men were left in the submerged fields, and about two o'clock at night they began to gather rails which were floating down the river, utilizing the same in building up a sort of pen to the height of about eight fee, and on top of the same they were kept standing for forty-eight hours, with nothing to eat. When the flood subsided they burned the rail pen to dry their saturated clothing, standing ankle deep in the mud. As soon as the water had sufficiently lowered in the river they waded across the same and made their way to the nearest farm house, where they had a good feast, the farmer having a load of ground corn and having killed three hogs to supply the hungry and jaded soldiers. They finally worked the ferry-boat out of the brush and mud and got it back to its proper place on the river. They remained there until relieved by General Halleck's army, which was marching to Little Rock, as were also the forces of General Steele, which were paralleling the route at a distance of about twenty miles. Mr. Cook's regiment thereafter continued in service in Missouri, Arkansas, Mississippi and other points until the close of thee war, and the youthful soldier made a record for faithful and gallant service.
    JOHN F. COOK was one of the sterling pioneers of Richland county, having been one of the first settlers in West Lima, where he followed the blacksmith trade, and he also developed a good farm in the town of Bloom. He held the respect of all who knew him and he continued to reside in the county until his death. Mr. Cook was born near Pittsburg, Pa., Nov. 10, 1831, and was a son of John and Elnora (Hanstine) Cook. John Cook was a pioneer of Stark county, O., and in the early days he was engaged in the freighting over the Alleghany mountains. He died in Van Wert, O., having been a farmer for many years in the old Buckeye State. His eldest child, William died in Kansas; Susan married William Pier, of Richland Center, and is now deceased; Sarah, who became the wife of George Willison, died in Ohio; and John F. is the subject of this memoir. John F. Cook was reared in Pennsylvania, where he secured a good common-school education. In 1851 he came with his wife and their one son to Richland county, making the journey with team and wagon and transporting their little stock of household goods. He settled at West Lima, building the first house in what is now a thriving little village and here opening a blacksmith shop. He finally returned to Ohio, where he remained four years. In 1854 he came with one of his sons to Richland county, Wis., having taken up his residence in Ohio as a young man and having there learned the blacksmith's trade. Soon after he first came to the county he took up a preemption claim of eighty acres, in section 5, town of Bloom, and on the place he erected a log house. He held the property for a short time after his return from Ohio and then sold and located again in West Lima. Shortly afterward he bought eighty acres in section 10, town of Bloom, later adding forty acres to its area and developing and improving one of the excellent farms of this section of the county. He built a shop on the homestead and continued to follow his trade for many years, in connection with his farm work. His was a life of signal integrity and honor and to him was accorded the confidence and good will of all who knew him. He served forty years as justice of the peace and he took much interest in educational matters, having taught one term of school after coming to this county. He supported the cause of the Republican party from the time of its organization until his death, which occurred Jan. 27, 1905. His widow survives him and still remains on the old homestead. In 1851, he weeded Miss Maria L. Curtis, a daughter of Augustus and Eliza (Jacobs) Curtis of Allen county, O. Mrs. Curtis died in Allen county and he later married Sarah Voorhees, a native of New Jersey. She died in Ohio and in 1854 he came with his children to Richland county, Wis., where he passed the remainder of his life. His children were all born o f the first marriage: Elizabeth and Charlotte are deceased; Mrs. Cook was the next in order of birth; Jehu is deceased; Cadwallader is a resident of Allen County, O.' Augustus and Samuel are deceased, the latter having met his death while serving as s solider in the Civil War; Zenas is a resident of Livingston, Mont. Mr. and Mrs. Cook became the parents of seven children: George E. is a representative farmer of Bloom township; Nora is the wife of Joseph Calloway, of Vernon county; Belle is the wife of Norman Kidd, of Clark county; Mary is the wife of George Ford and they reside near Los Angeles, Cal.; James resides in Los Angeles; Charles M. remains with his widowed mother on the old homestead; and Carrie May is the wife of Lincoln Smith, a farmer of the town of Bloom. Charles M. Cook, who furnished the data for this brief tribute to the memory of his honored father, was born and reared in Richland county, where he received a good common-school education. He has always lived on the old homestead, of which he had the management for several years before the death of his father. He is a Republican in his political proclivities and has served as town clerk and also as a member of the school board of his district. Oct. 17, 1903, he was united in marriage to Miss Irma Sharpe, who was born in Vernon county, this state, being a daughter of Frank and Elizabeth Sharpe, both of whom were born in England. They still reside in Vernon county, Mr. Sharpe being a retired farmer. Mr. Cook is engaged in general farming and stock-growing and is one of the progressive and popular citizens of his native town and county.
    WILLIAM H. COOPER is one of the honored pioneers of Eagle township, where he has lived from his boyhood days, his parents having settled in said township more than half a century ago. He went forth as a loyal soldier of the Union in the Civil War and in all the relations of private life he has manifested the same fidelity and fealty, so that he has not been denied the fullest measure of popular confidence and esteem in the county which has so long been his home and with whose development and civic upbuilding he has been so closely identified. He was formerly the owner of a large landed estate but has disposed of the greater portion and is now living essentially retired on his homestead. Mr. Cooper was born in Pennsylvania, June 25, 1836, and is a son of William and Martha (Clark) Cooper, both of whom were likewise native of the old Keystone State. In 1850 they came to Richland county, Wis., arriving October 9, and in Eagle township the father took up a homestead claim of 160 acres of government land, where the subject of this sketch now resides, and also purchased an adjoining tract of eighty acres. The conditions which obtained were not such as to appeal to the tastes of a drone or a sybarite, for he settled in the forest and was compelled to grapple with the same right strenuously, literally hewing out a farm in the midst of the sylvan wilds. He continued a resident of this township until his death, in 1890, at the venerable age of ninety-two years, his wife having passed away in 1857. They became the parents of twelve children, all of whom are deceased except the subject of this review. In politics William Cooper was originally a Whig and later a Republican, and he served as a member of the town board and as justice of the peace, having been one of the honored and influential citizens of Eagle. Both he and his wife were devoted members of the Methodist Episcopal church and the first organization of the same formed in this township held its first meeting in his home. William H. Cooper, whose name initiates this article, secured his elementary education in the schools of Pennsylvania, having been fourteen years of age at the time of his parents' immigration to Wisconsin, where he continued his studies at intervals in the pioneer schools. He early began to aid in the work of clearing and cultivating the farm and was reared to manhood on the homestead which is now his place of abode and which is endeared to him by the gracious memories and associations of the past. At one time he was the owner of a well improved farm of 200 acres, but he has sold all and is now living retired, enjoying the rewards of former toil and endeavor. In politics he accords allegiance to the Republican party and while he and his wife were formerly active members of the Christian church, they are liberal and tolerant in their religious views, discerning the good in all denominations. On Feb. 6, 1862, Mr. Cooper enlisted in Company K, Fourteenth Wisconsin volunteer infantry, with which he continued in active service until after the final surrender, having received his honorable discharge Oct 27, 1865. Among the more important battles in which he participated may be mentioned Shiloh, Corinth, siege of Vicksburg, Kenesaw Mountain, siege of Atlanta, Jonesboro and Spanish Fort. In the last named engagement, April 9, 1865, he was wounded, but he was able to continue in service until the date previously mentioned, having been assigned to duty in the south after the surrender of Generals Lee and Johnston. He is one of the appreciative and valued members of Henry Lawton Post, No. 279, Grand Army of the Republic, a Muscoda, Grant county. July 9, 1857, Mr. Cooper was united in marriage to Miss Amy Elliott, who was born in Drake county, O., being a daughter of Isaiah and Rachel (Jones) Elliot, both of whom were likewise native of that county, whence they came to Wisconsin in 1853, locating in Eagle township, Richland county, where they passed the remainder of their lives. Mr. and Mrs. Cooper have three children, -- Leander, Thomas and Lucy.
    ALBERT CORNWALL. -- The old Buckeye State has contributed a number of sterling citizens to the population of Richland county, and among those who claim that commonwealth as the place of their nativity is the subject of this sketch, who is one of the representative citizens and successful farmers of Eagle township. He was born in Cuyahoga county, O., not far distant from the city of Cleveland, Nov. 28, 1852, and has been a resident of Richland county since he was a lad of ten years. He is a son of Horace and Diantha (Burrington) Cornwall, the former of whom was born in the state of New York, in 1813, and the later in Massachusetts, in 1818, both being representative of families which were founded in America in the colonial days. They were married in the Empire State of the Union and thence removed to Ohio in an early day, remaining there until 1862, when they came to Richland county, Wis., and located on a farm of 127 acres in Eagle township, where they passed the remainder of their long and useful lives. In politics the father was originally a Whig and later a Democrat, and his wife was a zealous member of the Christian church. Albert Cornwall secured his rudimentary education in Ohio and thereafter continued his studies in the schools of Eagle township, this county, where he was reared to manhood, assisting in the improvement and other work on the home farm and having been continuously identified with agricultural pursuits to the present time. His present homestead comprises eighty acres, is improved with good buildings and is devoted to diversified agriculture and the raising of excellent grades of live stock. He cleared a considerable portion of his land from the forest and his fine property stands in evidence of what he has individually accomplished through persistent and well directed effort. He is held in unequivocal confidence and esteem in the community and is liberal and public-spirited in his attitude, being a Democrat in his political adherency. In the centennial year, 1876, Mr. Cornwall was united in marriage to Miss Inez Cornwall, who was born in Ohio, Nov. 29, 1856, being a daughter of Mason A. and Barbara (Wise) Cornwall, the former of whom was born in New York state, in 1821, and the latter of whom was native of the dominion of Canada. The father came with his family to Richland county and here became an extensive land-owner, being a man of much wealth. His wife died in this county and he later located in Moscow, Idaho, where he was engaged in the banking business and had other important capitalistic interests at the time of his death, which occurred April 18, 1906. He was a Democrat in politics and he and his wife were members of the Christian church. Of their six children five are living. The two children of the subject of this sketch are Maud and Florence, both of whom were educated in the public schools of Richland county.
    JOHN W. COX is a representative farmer and stock-grower of the town of Forest and is a citizen who commands unqualified confidence and esteem, being liberal and public-spirited in his attitude. He is a native of the old Buckeye State and was one of its gallant soldiers in the Civil War. Mr. Cox was born in Marion county, O., May 23, 1843, being a son of Abraham and Mary Jane (Pitman) Cox, the former of whom was born in Virginia and the latter in Ohio. They were married in Ohio and there passed the residue of their lives, having been residents of Crawford county at the time of their death. He died in 1890, at the age of eighty-three years, and she passed to life eternal in 1893, at the age of eighty-seven years. Both the paternal and maternal grandmothers of the subject of this sketch lived to attain the age of more than one hundred years, longevity being marked in both sides of the family. Abraham Cox supported the Republican party for many years and then transferred his allegiance to the Prohibition party. He and his wife were devout and zealous members of the Christian church. John W. Cox, to whom this review is dedicated, was reared on the home farm in Marion county, O., where he received a good common-school education. In 1863, at the age of twenty years, he tendered his services in defense of the Union, enlisting as a private in Company A, Thirty-sixth Ohio volunteer infantry, with which he served two years, taking part in the battles of Franklin and Nashville and in many minor engagements. After the war he remained a resident of Ohio until 1873, when he located in Starke county, Ind., later removing to the city of Chicago, where he followed the carpenter's trade about six years, at the expiration of which in 1890, he came to Richland county, Wis., and located near Richland Center. He became a successful contractor and builder and continued in this line of enterprise until 1900, when he purchased and took up his residence on his present farm of 160 acres, to whose excellent improvements he has made many additions, and being now numbered among the successful agriculturists and stock-raisers of the town of Forest. His political allegiance is given to the Republican party; he is affiliated with the Grand Army of the Republic; and he and his wife are members of the Free Methodist church. In 1865 Mr. Cox was united in marriage to Miss Sarah Jane Campbell, who was born in Ohio and whose death occurred in 1879. Seven children were born of this union and the first two, Emma Jane and Clara Ann, are deceased. Those surviving are Joseph A., Cora, Minnie, Etta, and John. In 1886 Mr. Cox contracted a second marriage, being then united to Mrs. Augusta (Bowman) Waddington, window of Charles Lee Waddington, a native of Pennsylvania, who is survived by two children, Leota and William. Mrs. Cox is a daughter of John and Mary Bowman, who were born in Germany and both of whom died in the city of Chicago, in the year 1894. Mr. and Mrs. Cox have four children, namely; Arthur C., May S., Roy L., and Earl S.
    GEORGE CRONINGER is one of the venerable and honored citizens of the town of Forest and is now living practically retired on his fine farm, where he has made his home for many years. He was born in Stark county, Ohio, March 28, 1828, and is a son of Benjamin and Sarah (Keene) Croninger, who removed to Indiana in the pioneer days, there passing the remainder of their lives. The father was a farmer and distiller, was a Democrat in his political proclivities and was a member of the Masonic fraternity. The subject of this sketch was reared on a farm adjoining that of the father of the late President McKinley and they were schoolmates in their boyhood days. Mr. Croninger has made farming his life vocation and has been a resident of Richland county since 1855. He is the owner of a well improved farm of 125 acres, all of which he reclaimed from the native forest, and he has won success and independence through his own energy and application. For a period of six years he was employed in carding and folding wool and save for that interval he has been continuously identified with agricultural pursuits. In politics he gives his support to the Democratic party and he is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. Aug. 30, 1857, Mr. Croninger was united in marriage to Miss Nancy Smart, who was born in Illinois, and theirs was the first marriage solemnized in Forest township. In conclusion is entered a brief record concerning the children of Mr. and Mrs. Croninger. Mary is the wife of Frank Bryan and they have seven children, -- Lulie, George, Emma, Laura, Ray, Frank and May. Jerry married Miss Emma Palmer and they have eight children, -- Dess, Mary, Blanche, Vivian, Lily, Dora, Angeline, and Troy. Frank married Miss Kate Thomas and they have nine children, -- Lant, Joseph, Mamie, Ezra, John, Daisy, Della, Pearl and Dewey. Alfred married Miss Leona Moore, and they have six children, -- George, Charles, Jessie, Douglas, Everett and James. James is deceased. William married Miss Hannah Frye and of their four children three are living, -- Milton, Lula, and Letha. George was injured while being initiated in a lodge of the Modern Woodmen of America and the result was insanity, from which he has not recovered, being now in the county insane hospital at Richland Center. Jane is deceased. Daniel is a contractor and mover of Richland Center.
    WILLIAM H. CULBERTSON is one of the progressive agriculturists and stock-growers of Dayton township and is a citizen whose life has counted for good in all its relations, so that his standing in the community is one of unequivocal order. He was born in Guernsey county, O., Oct. 21, 1852, being a son of John A. and Mary (Sherrard) Culbertson, both likewise native of that county, where the former was born Sept. 11, 1825, and the latter Nov. 9, 1826. Their marriage was solemnized Feb. 13, 1851, and of their five children the subject of this sketch is the firstborn; Elizabeth was born Oct. 4, 1854; James M., Sept. 18, 1856; John T., Dec. 11, 1860; and Thompson, May 7, 1864. The father died in Ohio, Nov. 18, 1863, having been a farmer by vocation and also having been a skilled carpenter. He was a Democrat in politics and was a consistent member of the Presbyterian church, of which his widow likewise is a devoted adherent. The latter came to Richland county with her family in 1879, securing a farm of eighty acres in Akan township. She now resides in Dayton township, being eighty years of age and being held in affectionate regard by all who know her. Her parents were early settlers of Guernsey county, Ohio, her father, James Sherrard, having been a native of County Donegal, Ireland, and his wife, whose maiden name was Elizabeth McConkle, having likewise been of stanch Irish lineage. William H. Culbertson, to whom this sketch is dedicated, was reared and educated in his native county, in Ohio, and accompanied his mother on her removal to Wisconsin, having since been closely identified with agricultural pursuits. His father had secured the eighty acres of land in Akan town- ship, this county, in 1856, and the son reclaimed the greater portion of the same to cultivation. Mr. Culbertson now owns a finely improved farm of 160 acres and the same is devoted to diversified agriculture, stock-raising and dairying, about five acres being utilized for the cultivation of tobacco, and the farm being a model in its indications of thrift and good management. Mr. Culbertson is aligned with the Democracy and is a stanch supporter of the party cause. While resident of Akan township he served several years as a member of the town board. Both he and his wife hold membership in the United Brethren church. Nov. 8, 1883, Mr. Culbertson was married to Miss Priscilla Parsel, who was born and reared in this county, a daughter of Richard and Eliza Parsel, both of whom were early settlers of the county, where they continued to reside until death, the father having been a cooper by trade, but having followed farming as his principal vocation here. Mr. and Mrs. Culbertson have three children, -- Burford, born June 19, 1884; Ella May, Aug. 26, 1887; and Beulah Violet, June 11, 1895.
    MICHAEL H. B. CUNNINGHAM is one of the prominent business men and land owners of Rockbridge township and he has won definite success through his own efforts. He served with marked gallantry as a soldier in the Civil War and the same loyalty which prompted him to go forth in defense of the Union has marked his course in all other relations of life, so that he retains a firm hold on the confidence and regard of the community in which he has so long made his home, his residence being in the village of Rock Bridge. Mr. Cunningham is a native of the old Keystone State of the Union, having been born in Huntingdon county, Penn., April 11, 1842, and being a son of John and Susannah (Dean) Cunningham, the former of whom was born in the same county and the latter near Valley Forge, Chester county. They became the parents of nine children, of whom eight are living, the subject of this sketch being the eldest. The maternal grandfather of Mr. Cunningham was a soldier in the Continental line in the War of the Revolution, and his wife did faithful service as a nurse in the military hospital at Valley Forge, aiding the suffering soldiers during the memorable winter when they encountered so great hardships at historic Valley Forge. She lived to the age of nearly one hundred years and Mr. Cunningham remembers well the stories she related concerning her experiences during the Revolutionary epoch. In 1842 John Cunningham removed with his family from Pennsylvania to Illinois, locating in Adams county, about forty miles distant from Quincy, where he remained about three and one-half years, engaged in farming. He then removed to Grant county, Wis., securing employment in the lead smelter at Potosi, where he remained about five years, at the expiration of which he removed to Wingville, now known as Montford, in the same county. About two years later he bought forty acres of land in the northeastern part of Lafayette county, and there he continued to follow agricultural pursuits until his death, which occurred April 28, 1861. His widow long survived him, passing the closing years of her life in the home of the subject of this sketch, where she died in the spring of 1893. Mr. Cunningham passed his boyhood days in Grant and Lafayette counties and received a fair common-school education. He early began to depend largely upon his own resources, his father's health being poor, so that he had to assist in providing for the family. Dec. 17, 1861, he enlisted in Company B, Eighteenth Wisconsin volunteer infantry, having been nineteen years of age at the time. He was made corporal and continued in active service until shortly before the close of the war, having participated in many important engagements and having received his honorable discharge March 16, 1865. His interest in his old comrades in arms is evidenced by his membership in the Grand Army of the Republic. After the close of his faithful service as a soldier of the republic Mr. Cunningham returned to Lafayette county, where he rented a farm, operating the same one year and then being compelled to retire from active labor, on account of rheumatic troubles. In March, 1867, he came to Richland county and opened a general store at Rock Bridge, where he built up a most prosperous enterprise, continuing the same for a period of twenty-six years and also being engaged in buying and shipping live stock and in the lumber business. Through energy and good management he has accumulated a large estate, being now the owner of 610 acres of valuable farming land. He retired from the mercantile trade in 1893 and has recently disposed of his lumber business. He now has about 300 acres of land under cultivation and also makes a specialty of the dairy business, maintaining a personal supervision of his extensive farming interests. In politics he is a stalwart adherent of the Republican party and he takes a lively interest in public affairs of a local nature, though he has never been a seeker of office. He served at one time as treasurer of his township, having been appointed to fill a vacancy. March 26, 1865, Mr. Cunningham was united in marriage to Miss Hannah M. Cline, who was born in Ohio, July 4, 1842. She died Oct. 24, 1877. Of this union were born six children: William H. is engaged in business at Rock Bridge, as is also John G.; Frank O. is a resident of Shoshone, Idaho; Frederick M., a railway mail clerk, resides at Avalanche, Vernon county, Wis.; Myra died at the age of four years; and Kate died at the age of one year and five months. April 14, 1878, Mr. Cunningham contracted a second marriage, being then united to Miss Luella Lieurance, who was born in Missouri, Nov. 2, 1860, being a daughter of Noble and Jane (Newkirk) Lieurance, the former of whom was born in Ohio and the latter in Illinois. Thirteen children were born of this second marriage, the first dying in infancy; Bernard G., who was born Nov. 10, 1879, is a lawyer by profession and is engaged in practice in the state of Oklahoma; Ruby died in childhood; Winifred M. and Earl T. remain at the parental home; Marguerite S. is deceased; Hayes, Kenneth and Dorris Elizabeth are still members of the home circle; Herman is deceased; and the two youngest children are Margaret and Donald M.
    ELIAS R. CUSHMAN is one of the representative citizens of the village of Viola, of which he has served as president, and here he is the owner and operator of well equipped grist and sawmills. He has passed his entire life in Wisconsin and is a member of one of the sterling pioneer families of this section of the state. He was born in Vernon county, Aug. 14, 1860, and is a son of Abel C. and Elizabeth (Lawton) Cushman, both native of Vermont, where the former was born in 1822 and the latter in 1831, her parents having been pioneers of Richland county, whither they came in 1853, her father taking up government land in the town of Forest and here developing a fine farm, which continued to be his home until his death. Abel C. Cushman came to Wisconsin in 1838, first locating in Jefferson county. In 1852 he located in the little village of Kickapoo Center, Vernon county, where he built a sawmill, which he owned and operated for a number of years. In 1864, he came to Richland County and located in Viola, where he bought a sawmill, continuing to be identified with the lumber manufacturing industry at this place until his death, which occurred in December 1891. He was one of the well known and highly esteemed citizens and business men of the county and was a Republican in his political adherency. After the death of his first wife he married Mrs. Frances Algiers, five children having been born of the first marriage and four of the second; all are living at the present time. The subject of this review gained his initial business experience in connection with the sawmill operation of his father and he has since continued actively concerned with the lumber enterprise. His educational advantages were those of the public schools of Vernon and Richland counties, including a high-school course. He was associated with his father in the operating of the sawmill in Viola until the death of the latter and he now owns and conducts the Viola grist and sawmills, which are modern in their equipment and facilities. He is also the owner of 240 acres of valuable land, lying contiguous to the village, and maintains a general supervision of the same, giving special attention to the raising of purebred Hereford cattle. He has shown a deep interest in all that has touched the welfare of his home-town and county, and he was a member of the county board for three terms, also serving two terms as president of the village of Viola. He is a Republican in his political allegiance and is affiliated with the Viola lodge of Free and Accepted Masons. Mrs. Cushman is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church. In April, 1880, Mr. Cushman was united in marriage to Miss Angeline Corey, who was born in Vernon county, this state, being a daughter of Roswell Corey, who settled near Readstown, that county, in 1852. Both he and his wife passed the closing years of their lives in Viroqua, the capital town of said county. Mr. and Mrs. Cushman have two children: Byron, who was born in 1883, was graduated in the Viola high school and also in a business college and is now general superintendent of lumber yards at Soldiers' Grove, Crawford county; Abel Curtis, who was born in 1890, was graduated in the Viola high school and is now in the employ of the Nuzen-Hunter Lumber Company, at Viola.
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