- OREN D. VINCENT, who is engaged in farming and stockraising
on section 8, in the town of
- Milton, was born in almost, Allegany Co., N.Y., on the 29th
day of June, 1828, and is the son of David and Freegift (SAUNDERS)
VINCENT, the former a native of New York and the latter of Rhode
Island. Unto them was born a family of sixteen children, fifteen
of whom grew to manhood and womanhood, while ten of that number,
five sons and five daughters, are living at the time of this
writing in 1889. Christopher died in Milton; Amelia is the wife
of Russel BURDICK, a resident of Farina, Fayette Co., Ill.; Lois
died at the age of sixteen years; David departed this life in
California; Abigail and Albert died in the Empire State; O. D.,
of this sketch, is the next in order of birth; Eli, who enlisted
in the ranks of Berdan's Sharpshooters was killed at the battle
of Gettysburg; Benjamin is now a resident of Allentown, N.Y.;
John is a resident of Almond, in the same State; Joseph is living
on the old homestead in Allegany County; Eleanor resides in Farina,
Ill.; Nathan is located at Big Rapids, Mich.; Jane, widow of
Alonzo ROGERS, is living in Westerly, R.I.; Mary is the wife
of Henry STILLMAN; also of Westerly; and Susan is the wife of
John COTTRELL, a resident of Almond, N.Y. The sons all became
useful and leading citizens of the several communities in which
they resided and Eli, John and Nathan aided their country during
the great Rebellion. Nathan, who enlisted as a private was promoted
to the rank of a Colonel on account of meritorious conduct, being
placed in command of the 86th New York Infantry, and during his
term of service was several times wounded. He was a man of wonderful
courage, brave and undaunted in battle, never shirking his duty
whether light or arduous.
- The father of this family followed the occupation of farming
throughout his entire life. He was quiet
- and unassuming in manner, rarely engaging in conversation
to any great extent, yet was a man of strong convictions, a clear
reasoner and deep thinker, and when once his mind was made up
neither fear nor favor could induce him to change. He and his
wife were both members of the Seventh Day Baptist Church, were
devoted and consistent Christians, and in the faith of that denomination,
their children were conscientiously reared. Several of them have
united with the church and all are respected men and women. The
death of the father occurred in Almond, Allegany County, N.Y.,
in 1865, and the following year his wife also departed this life.
- Our subject was reared to manhood in his native State, and
in the common schools received his
- education. At the age of twenty-one years, he left the parental
roof to make his own way in the world. The opportunities afforded
young men in the West seemed to him superior to those of the
older States of the East and he resolved on the Western frontier
to carve out a fortune for himself. Leaving home, he started
for Wisconsin with but a few dollars in money, yet determined,
come what would, he would make his life a success. At the very
outset he met with a misfortune - the loss of his ticket which
secured his passage on the boat. After paying his way a second
time, he found that he had but $3 remaining. Yet with a young
man's bright hope of the future, he pressed forward with a stout
heart and resolute will, and the success which crowned his efforts
is shown by his life work. The 17th day of July, 1849, witnessed
his arrival in Rock County where he has resided continuously
since, covering a period of forty years. For a time he worked
at various occupations by which he might earn an honest dollar;
and from his meager earnings soon saved a small sum which he
invested in land, purchasing thirty acres in the town of Milton.
He also engaged in farm labor for the settlers in the neighborhood,
and being an expert with the cradle found plenty of employment
at fifty cents a day, which at that time was considered a good
price. He then made contract for cutting oak logs for 30,000
feet of lumber, and by these various methods accumulated a small
capital. After a short time, he sold his first purchase of land
and invested elsewhere, and subsequently, in 1858, purchased
eighty acres on section 8, Milton Township, which constitutes
a part of his present farm. The land had hitherto been uncultivated
and the improvements consisted of a little frame house 16 feet
square. Working on day after day he soon converted the wild land
into rich and fertile fields, his crops yielded abundant harvests
and prosperity attended his efforts. He now owns 236 acres under
a high state of cultivation, and he is recognized as one of the
leading farmers of the community. But few men who have started
in life with as limited a capital as Mr. VINCENT have risen to
as prominent a position as he now occupies, but it shows what
can be accomplished by determined energy, industry, fair dealing
and methodical habits.
- On the 29th of April, 1852, Mr. VINCENT was united in marriage
with Miss Almira TAYLOR,
- who was born in Alfred, Allegany Co., N.Y., July 3, 1835.
Her parents, Jehiel and Phoebe (STILLMAN) TAYLOR, were also natives
of the Empire State, and with their family emigrated to Rock
County in 1844, and became residents of Milton Township, where
the mother died April 3, 1861. Mr. TAYLOR afterward removed to
North Loup, Neb., where his death occurred Dec. 14, 1873. Six
children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. VINCENT - Addie, wife
of Charles GRAY, who is living in Milton Junction; Harriet A.
is the wife of Wilson BOWERS, a resident farmer of Graham County,
Kan.; Orlo T. and Avery P., farmers of the town of Milton, were
both united in marriage on the 20th day of December, 1883, the
former with Miss Lillie HALL, the latter with Miss Lola HALL;
Elmer D., is still living [at] home; and Daisy is now a student
at Milton College. The VINCENT household is noted for its hospitality,
and the family is well worthy a representation in the permanent
record of Rock County's best citizens. For many years the parents
have been members of the Seventh Day Baptist Church, and in politics
Mr. VINCENT is a Republican. He is numbered among the honored
and prominent pioneers of the county, where he has long made
his home, and by all is held in the highest regard.
-
- Taken from "Portrait and Biographical Album of Rock
County, Wis." (c)1889, p. 760-761.
- Courtesy of Carol
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