- H. G. LOYD. It can be said of but few citizens of Rock County
that their entire lives have been
- spent upon one farm, but such is the case with our subject,
who was born, reared, and still resides on section 2, La Prairie
Township. His parents, William and Martha (JONES) LOYD, were
both natives of New York. The father was born in Syracuse, of
Welsh parentage, was reared to farm life, received his education
in the district schools, and was a farmer by occupation. About
the year 1844, desiring to cast his lot with the pioneers of
the West, he emigrated to Rock County, Wis., settling on section
2, La Prairie Township, where he entered a claim of 160 acres
of land. From the wild prairie he developed a fine farm, making
it his home until his death, which occurred in October, 1876,
at the age of sixty-five years. His wife died about the year
1850. But one child was born to them, H. G., of this sketch.
After the death of his first wife, Mr. LOYD wedded Nancy RANSOM,
and by the second union six children were born - Eli B., who
is now in Dakota; Elbert O., a ranch man, resides in the State
of California; Mary E., who died in the days of her girlhood;
Paulina J., who wedded S. S. HIGBY, a merchant of Milwaukee;
Maranda, who is living in Milwaukee; and Martha, deceased. In
1860 Mr. LOYD was called upon to mourn the loss of his second
wife, and being left with a family of six small children who
needed a mother's care, he wedded Mrs. Electa H. HOSKINS, whose
maiden name was BLOOD, on the 16th day of September, 1861. On
the 17th day of October, 1876, Mr. LOYD was called to his rest,
and Sept. 7, 1886, Mrs. LOYD passed from earth. He was a member
of the Methodist Episcopal Church of Emerald Grove, and was prominently
identified with that organization as one of its leading members
and workers, having served both as Class-Leader and Steward.
He also took deep interest in political affairs, and was a strong
anti-slavery man when it was dangerous to express his views on
the subject. When the Republican party sprang into existence,
having for it subject the non-extension of slavery, he joined
its ranks and continued to be one of its earnest supporters until
his death. He was an energetic though careful business man, and
took great interest in the cause of education, always endeavoring
to furnish his children with such advantages for instruction
as would enable them to creditably fill any position. Although
commencing life as a poor boy, at the time of his death he was
the owner of a fine farm and possessed of such competence as
would enable his widow to live in comfortable circumstances.
- H. G. LOYD, the subject of this sketch, was reared to farm
life. In the district schools of Rock
- County, he received his education, which was supplemented
by several terms attendance at Milton's College. With the exception
of one year spent as a traveling salesman in northern Wisconsin,
he has engaged in agricultural pursuits throughout his entire
life, and now operates a fine farm of 160 acres. In February,
1870, he was united in marriage with Miss Eliza JONES, who was
born at Emerald Grove, and is a daughter of David and Margaret
(GILLIES) JONES. Her father was a native of Wales, and emigrated
to this country in 1846, while her mother, who was born in Scotland,
crossed the Atlantic to this country in 1847. Her father is now
engaged in farming in Bradford Township, and both parents are
members of the Methodist Episcopal Church.
- Unto Mr. and Mrs. LOYD have been born a family of six children
- Estella M., Willie E., Elleura
- P., Gilbert I., Frank H. and Jessie O., the latter being
deceased. Since attaining to mature years, Mr. LOYD has held
various local offices of trust. For five years he served as Township
Trustee, has held office of Road Supervisor, and is at present
a member of the School Board. In earlier years he supported the
Republican party, but now casts his ballot with the Prohibition
party. In connection with general farming, he operates a dairy,
and throughout the county is known as one of the leading and
enterprising citizens. He is held in high respect by all who
know him, and holds an enviable position in the esteem of his
friends.
-
- Taken from "The Portrait and Biographical Album of
Rock County, Wis." (c)1889, pp. 275-276.
-
- Courtesy of Carol
|