- JAMES A. FATHERS, born in Chicago, Ill., May 5, 1859, came
to Janesville with his parents in
- 1860. He attended the public schools of this city. In 1873,
he entered the employ of F. A. WHEELER & Sons, for the purpose
of learning the trade of a carder in their woolen mills. He continued
in this employment until 1877, when he became dissatisfied with
the business, and was apprenticed to Charles H. PAYNE for the
purpose of learning the trade of a harnessmaker. His apprenticeship
continued in this business for four years, and proved a most
fortunate move on his part. At this time he had not only completely
mastered the trade of harnessmaking in all its details, but had
become so familiar with the business that he was induced to purchase
the interest of Mr. PAYNE, which he died in 1881. Mr. FATHERS
is a "hustler," and believes in building up his business
by fair dealing with his customers. His establishment is one
of the largest in Southern Wisconsin; his stock of harness and
horse-furnishing goods generally is most complete, and excelled
by none. He is one of the permanent fixtures of the city. In
politics Mr. FATHERS is an outspoken Republican of the "Plumed
Knight" order. He represented the Third Ward in the Common
Council from April, 1885, to April, 1889, and was President of
that body for two years - 1887 and 1888 - besides being Chairman
of several important committees and taking a leading part in
all municipal affairs. In 1881 Mr. FATHERS was joined in marriage
with Miss Emma A. SCOFIELD, daughter of Theodore SCOFIELD, a
farmer of Center Township. Their family now numbers two children
- Elsie J. and John T. Their eldest child, Rosa May, a charming
daughter, died in 1882.
-
- Taken from "The Portrait and Biographical Album of
Rock County, Wis." (c)1889, pp. 504.
-
- Courtesy of Carol
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