- JEREMY S. DAYTON, one of the pioneer settlers of Rock County,
residing in Janesville, was
- born in Allegany County, N.Y., in the month of June, 1822.
His parents were Justus and Salome (SEARLS) DAYTON, the former
a native of Connecticut and the latter of Vermont. The paternal
grandfather, Abraham DAYTON, was also a native of Connecticut,
but emigrated to New York about 1805, settling near Rochester,
where he was numbered among the pioneers, and in that vicinity
opened up a farm. On that land Justus DAYTON was reared to manhood
and continued a resident of New York until 1845, when, accompanied
by his family, he came to Rock County, Wis., locating on section
15, Janesville Township, where he purchased 160 acres of raw
land. This he immediately began to improve and cultivate, making
it his home until his death, which occurred in July, 1883, at
the age of eighty-four years. The death of his wife occurred
in 1871. He was a thriving and successful business man, whether
engaging in farming or stock-raising, and received the respect
of all. He took a deep interest in political affairs, voting
with the Whig party in early life, but at the organization of
the Republican party became one of its supporters and was an
earnest advocate of that organization until his death. Mr. and
Mrs. Justus DAYTON were the parents of two children - J. S.,
of this sketch, and Sarah L., the wife of Colos FENTON, of Austin,
Minn. The subject of this sketch was reared to farm life and
in the common schools received his education. He was married
in 1880 to Nellie E. BRADLEY, who was born in Dane County, Wis.
Three children grace their union - Justus B., J. William and
M. Clara.
- In 1845 Mr. DAYTON came to Rock County, Wis., locating on
section 15, Janesville Township,
- where he purchased ten acres of land. For a few years he
there made his home, but later became the owner of eighty acres
on section 11 of the same township, which formed the nucleus
of his present farm, which now comprises 200 acres of fine land.
His general occupation has been farming and stock-raising, which
he carried on until his removal to Janesville. Since becoming
a resident of this county he has served in various official positions,
including that of township treasurer and assessor, both of which
he held for several terms. During his earlier years he cast his
ballot with the Whig party, but at the organization of the Republican
party he enlisted in its ranks and has since fought under its
banner. He is numbered among the earliest settlers of this county,
has witnessed almost its entire growth, has assisted in its development,
and been an active participant in all enterprises for the public
welfare. He is universally known and respected, and is a worthy
and honorable citizen.
- The parents of Mrs. DAYTON, William and Maria (SHORTALL)
BRADLEY, were both natives
- of Ireland. On attaining his majority Mr. BRADLEY, thinking
that the opportunities afforded in the new world were superior
to those in the old country, crossed the broad Atlantic and came
to America. For several years he worked as a farm hand in the
State of New York. In 1848 he was united in marriage with Miss
SHORTALL, after which he removed to Dane County, Wis., where
he made a home. Eight children were born unto them and all are
yet living - Anna, wife of James ROACH, of Montgomery County,
Iowa; Isaac, who is engaged in farming in Dane County, Wis.;
William, who also resides in Dane County, engaged in farming;
Eliza, wife of Henry CHADBOURN, of Chicago; Nellie, wife of our
subject; Kate, wife of William SLOWSON, now in Oregon; Sarah,
wife of Charles NUTTING, of Dane County; Clara, who wedded Charles
ALBERTS, of Dane County, Wis.
- Throughout his life Mr. BRADLEY followed agricultural pursuits,
and at the time of his death
- owned 360 acres of land under a high state of cultivation
in Dane County. He died March 26, 1888, at the age of sixty-nine
years. He was a member of the Catholic Church, and held the political
views of the Democratic party. His wife, who is a member of the
same church, still resides in Dane County.
-
- Taken from "Portrait and Biographical Album of Rock
County Wis." (c)1889, p. 319-320.
-
- Courtesy of Carol
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