- JAMES H. ELLWOOD is a farmer of Rock County, now residing
in Union. In recording the
- events of his life, we give the history of one of the self-made
men of the county, who, though starting out in limited circumstances,
has by industry and economy, and the assistance of his estimable
and frugal wife, acquired a competence. He was born in Livingston
County, N.Y., on the 23d of October, 1831, and is a son of Hezekiah
R. and Mary (EDWARDS) ELLWOOD, the former a native of New York,
of which State his wife was also a native, having been born in
Saratoga County. In 1835, the family removed to Lorain County,
Ohio, where Mr. ELLWOOD established his wife and children on
a farm, while he devoted his attention to the trade of a cooper.
In that county our subject received his education, and was reared
on a farm, but disliking the dull routine of farm life, and his
ambition leading him to believe that a brighter future was in
store for him elsewhere, he decided to leave the parental roof,
and in 1851, we find him in Reedsburg, Wis., where he purchased
eighty acres of land. He erected a good house, and in 1853, the
family went to Reedsburg, where the aged father and mother found
a good home, residing there until called to their final rest.
The death of the father occurred in 1872, and his wife departed
this life in 1855. They had a family of eleven children, ten
of whom grew to manhood and womanhood.
- On the 23d of March, 1852, James ELLWOOD was united in marriage
with Miss Sarah M.
- JOHNSON, daughter of David JOHNSON, who was one of the pioneers
of Rock County. Shortly after their marriage, the young couple
removed to Iowa, Mr. ELLWOOD purchasing 160 acres of land near
Mitchell, where he made his home until 1859, when he came to
Rock County, and bought a farm of eighty acres on section 11,
Union Township. Like his other purchases, this land was in a
wild and uncultivated condition, but building a good residence,
he began the development of the farm that afterward became one
of the best in Rock County. He had hardly established his wife
and child in their new home, however, when the report came that
Ft. Sumter had been fired upon, and the President at once called
for troops. His patriotism prompted him to respond, and bidding
good-by to his little family, he enlisted in September, 1861,
in Company G, of the Wisconsin Sharp-shooters, and started for
the field of war. Going to New York City, he was assigned to
the 1st United States Sharp-shooters, which regiment was then
being organized, and sent to Washington, D.C., where he remained
during the winter. In the spring of 1862, he entered into active
service at Fortress Monroe, and was with Gen. McClellan during
the Peninsular campaign. He participated in the seven-days' siege
at Richmond, where the army was driven back, fighting all day,
but still slowly retreating until nightfall, when they fell back
to Harrison's Landing on the James River. Here they remained
about four weeks then went to Newport, and from there to Fredericksburg,
Va., where Mr. ELLWOOD was detailed to take charge of a team
carrying baggage. He continued to perform that duty until receiving
his discharge on the 23d of September, 1864. After being mustered
out of service, he at once returned to his home. Three of his
brothers were also numbered among the boys in blue, being members
of Company G, 1st United States Sharp-shooters. Jonas, who is
now living in Baraboo, Wis., was for thirteen long months a prisoner
of war, suffering all the horrors and pain endured by those unfortunate
soldiers who fell in to the hands of the rebels.
- After his return from the war, Mr. ELLEWOOD again resumed
the occupation of farming. To him
- and his wife have been born four children: Evan, wife of
August FREUCHEN, a mechanic and manufacturer of Milwaukee; Ada,
widow of L. W. BRIGHAM, is living in Union County, and has one
child, Bertha; Seminary, is still at home with her parents; David
Ray, who was born May 11, 1882, is the youngest. Mrs. ELLWOOD's
mother finds a happy home with her daughter, but for several
years past has been greatly afflicted, her eye-sight having almost
failed her.
- Mr. ELLWOOD is now engaged in general faring and stock-raising,
operating 156 acres of land,
- part of which was entered by David JOHNSON in 1840. Upon
his farm will be found a good grade of all kinds of stock, together
with many fine improvements. Although he began his life as a
farm hand, receiving only fifty cents per day, by determined
energy, industry and ability, he has become one of the well-to-do
citizens of Rock County. He is a man well-informed on all the
leading questions of the day, is socially a member of the G.A.R.,
and in politics is a stalwart Republican. He has never aspired
to political distinction, preferring to devote his time and energies
to the more agreeable pursuits of farm life, though he has taken
a lively interest in educational affairs, and at all times favors
any enterprise having for its object the public good. He and
his family are all worthy citizens, who enjoy the confidence
and respect of the community in which they have so long lived.
-
- Taken from "The Portrait and Biographical Album of
Rock County, Wis." (c)1889, pp. 225-226.
-
- Courtesy of Carol
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