- JOSEPH MAYO, a retired farmer and representative citizen
of Cooksville, was born in
- Gloucester, England, on the 11th day of June, 1824, and is
a son of Thomas and Alice (WALLEN) MAYO, who were also natives
of that country. His father was a farmer by occupation, and resided
near Gloucester until his death, which occurred at the advanced
age of ninety three years, three months and sixteen days. His
good wife died at the age of eighty-four years on the farm where
she was born and spent her entire life. They were a worthy and
highly respected couple and they had many warm friends in the
community where they resided. Their family numbered nine children,
five of whom are yet living - Elizabeth, widow of Thomas BROWN
is a resident of England; William is now deceased; James is living
hear Gloucester, England; Thomas, George and John have all departed
this life; Maria is the wife of William BYLESS, who is living
in England; Joseph, of this sketch, is the eighth in order of
birth; and Alice the youngest of the family, is also a resident
of England.
- The early life of our subject was spent upon his father's
farm until attaining the age of eighteen years.
- His education was received in the common schools of his native
country, and about the year of 1842 he bade good-bye to his parents,
friends and everything that he held dear, and started out to
win his way in the world, to struggle against its hardships and
overcome its difficulties. For several years he followed a seafaring
life, embarking on a sailing vessel which made trips between
England, Ireland and Wales. After enduring many trials incident
to life on the ocean, he at length abandoned that occupation
after twelve years, and in 1855 sailed from Liverpool to New
York with the intention of making his home in America. Having
been advised by some acquaintances, made during his voyage, to
go to Mineral Point, Wis., where it was said that he could obtain
good work and good wages in the lead mines, he at once acted
upon that advice after in New York, but on reaching his destination
found that already there were many more laborers than were needed.
Knowing that he must find employment, he at once began searching
for work and soon hired out as a farm hand for one year, receiving
$12 per month. At the expiration of that time he operated land
on shares for three years, when he purchased forty acres in section
10, Porter Township, which had been but partially improved. After
six years spent in the cultivation of that tract he added to
it seventy acres, operating the whole for fifteen years, when
he sold out. Purchasing a farm of 185 acres of Edward GILLY,
he made his home thereon for about nine years, when he disposed
of his property and removed to Cooksville, on account of his
wife's failing health, and has there since made his home.
- Mr. MAYO has been twice married, his first union being with
Miss Mary DRUMMOND, and
- was celebrated on the 29th day of April, 1856. She died Feb.
14, 1887, at the age of seventy-two years. She was a member of
the Congregational Church, an earnest and sincere Christian and
devoted to the cause which she advocated. After the death of
his former wife, Mr. MAYO was united in marriage with Evelyn
SEAVER, who is a native of New York, her parents were numbered
among the early settlers of Wisconsin of 1846. Her father was
a farmer and followed that occupation until called from this
life at the age of ninety years. Mrs. MAYO, who is a most estimable
lady, spent the greater part of her life in caring for and administering
to the wants of her aged parents until their death, when she
left her home and went to Illinois and Kansas, where visiting
relatives and friends she tried to forget her sorrow and grief.
Returning to her home after three years absence, she was married
to Mr. MAYO, as stated above.
- Energetic and progressive, Mr. MAYO has even taken a deep
interest in the advancement of
- public enterprises, and is liberal in his support of any
object for the welfare of the community. In political sentiment
he is a Republican, having supported that party since its organization.
Beginning life in a humble position, he has worked his way up
to one of eminence, and by his perseverance, prudence and industry
has secured a comfortable competency which enables him to pass
his declining years in retirement from active work. He is a man
well known throughout the county, having made it his home for
thirty-four years, and is held in high regard by all.
-
- Taken from "The Portrait and Biographical Album of
Rock County, Wis." (c)1889, pp. 278-279.
-
- Courtesy of Carol
|