- SYLVESTER BUCK, of Shopiere, one of the Nation's defenders
during the late war, was born
- in Tompkins County, N.Y., Nov. 19, 1823, and is a son of
Marvin and Hannah (WILLIAMS) BUCK. The father served as a soldier
in the War of 1812. His death occurred in 1864, at the age of
eighty-four years, and his second wife, who is yet living, has
been placed upon the pension roll of the soldiers' widows of
that war. Marvin BUCK was a public spirited man and always identified
himself with the leading interests of the community in which
he resided. He had a family of five children by his first wife,
namely: Rachel, who wedded William RUDE, both now deceased; Sally,
also deceased; Emiline, who is living in Cuba, Allegany Co.,
N.Y.; Sylvester of this sketch; and William Nelson. The mother
of this family died about the year 1828, and the father married
for his second wife, Miss Jane BURCH, who is now making her home
with her children. She also was the mother of five children:
Eli, Amos, Hannah, May and Harriet, the latter being deceased.
- Our subject received his education in the common school of
his native county, and his early life was
- spent in the manner of farmer lads generally. He was united
in marriage with Miss Sarah A. TAYLOR, a native of the Empire
State, and a daughter of Charles and Annie (LOTHROPE) TAYLOR.
Their marriage was celebrated on the 1st day of January, 1844,
and until 1856 they continued to reside in Tompkins County, N.Y.,
where five of their children were born: Mary E., widow of Edward
HOGEBOON, residing in New York; Emma J., wife of Rev. H. B. TUTTLE,
a citizen of St. Charles, Minn.; Charles; Marion, of Kansas City,
Mo., who has charge of the affairs on the home farm; George F.,
a resident farmer of Dolan, Dakota. Three children were born
after their removal from New York: William, who is also engaged
in farming in Dakota; Edward A., a street-car conductor in Chicago;
and Byron F., who is engaged in the steam laundry business in
Kansas City.
- In 1856, Mr. BUCK, accompanied by his family, emigrated to
Rock County, locating in Turtle
- Township, where he engaged in farming until the breaking
out of the Rebellion. His love of country prompted him to enlist,
and he became a member of the 33d Wisconsin Infantry. He was
sent to Vicksburg, and there being taken sick, was placed on
detached duty as guard on the wagon train going with Sherman
to Atlanta. From that city he was sent back to Nashville, Tenn.,
on account of disability. He was then placed in the hospital
where he lay sick for about two months, when he was sent to St.
Louis, Mo., but after a week was ordered to Rock Island, where
he did guard duty until the close of the war. He was then sent
to Springfield, Ill., and discharged in September, 1865. While
in the service, he became a great admirer of Gen. Sherman, placing
the fullest confidence in his ability.
- After being mustered out Mr. BUCK returned to his home and
again gave his attention to
- agricultural pursuits, but the long marches, the frequent
exposures to inclement weather and the many privations of army
life had undermined his constitution, and his health failing
perceptibly, he was forced to abandon the farm, and in 1874 removed
to Shopiere, where he has since lived a retired life. He bought
a neat residence in that town in 1880, where he has since made
his home. He has been placed upon the pension list, but no money
could pay for the sufferings which he has endured. In politics
Mr. BUCK is a Republican. He is a worthy and well known citizen
of the community, and by his many friends is held in high regard.
-
- Taken from "The Portrait and Biographical Album of
Rock County, Wis." (c)1889, pp. 194.
-
- Courtesy of Carol
|