- JASPER GILBERT DRESSER, one of the highly respected and honored
citizens of Wisconsin,
- is a native of Connecticut, having been born in Tolland on
the 8th day of March, 1809, and is descended from an old New
England family. His parents were John and Delight (GILBERT) DRESSER,
the former born Aug. 19, 1771, and the latter Oct. 23, 1773.
Their marriage was celebrated on the 1st day of April, 1798,
and unto them was born a family of six sons, only one of whom,
our subject, is still living. Frederick, born Jan. 24, 1799,
was a resident of Canada after arriving at the years of manhood,
but in 1852 came to Rock County and settled near Beloit, though
his death occurred at Rockton; Josephus, born Nov. 30, 1800,
died in Connecticut; John M., born Aug. 31, 1804, died in Flint,
Mich.; George W., born Nov. 29, 1806, settled in Winona, Ill.,
where his death occurred; Jasper G., of this sketch, is the next
in order of birth; and Charles D., the youngest, who was born
Aug. 16, 1811, died in Connecticut. The mother of this family
was called to her final rest Feb. 7, 1816, and Mr. DRESSER was
again married, Dec.7, 1818, Miss Abby ALBRO becoming his wife.
He was a prominent and influential citizen and was a member of
the Presbyterian Church.
- Jasper Gilbert DRESSER, whose name heads this sketch, was
reared to manhood in South
- Coventry, Conn., and when twenty-two years of age left the
parental roof and went to Ancaster, in Upper Canada, where he
followed the trade of a tanner and currier, which he learned
with his father and also engaged in the manufacture of custom-made
boots and shoes. At the time of the building of the great Western
Railroad, he was engaged in the mercantile business, and furnished
to the laborers all necessary articles in his line. He was also
appointed Postmaster by Her Majesty's Government and held the
same until returning to his native county again. In the spring
of 1854, he left Canada for Wisconsin, and on arriving in Rock
County purchased land in Beloit Township, which he immediately
began to cultivate and improve. After one year he sold that farm
and bought a tract of 147 acres in Clinton Township, where he
continued to make his home until June 16, 1873, when he removed
to the village of Clinton and has since lived a retired life.
Practical and enterprising, success has attended his efforts
in his various business interests and he is now in comfortable
circumstances.
- While residing in Canada, Mr. DRESSER wedded Miss Phoebe
McCLIESH, their marriage being
- celebrated April 27, 1835. The lady was born in Charlotteville,
Canada, June 9, 1804, of Scotch descent. Their family numbered
ten children, but five have now passed away. Susan D., born July
3, 1836, became the wife of George H. ELLIOTT, and died in Manchester,
Ill., Sept. 16, 1872; Andrew R., born March 10, 1838, enlisted
in the 4th Wisconsin Battery and while in the service contracted
disease which caused his death, Sept. 20, 1883; Phoebe R., born
Nov. 25, 1838, is the wife of George A. WELLS, a resident of
Portland, Oregon; Frederick G., born June 22, 1841, was a soldier
in the late Rebellion, served with honor in the Army of the Potomac
and is now living in Benton County, Iowa; Martha J., born Dec.
26, 1842, wedded George W. MOLIERE, and they now reside in San
Francisco, Cal.; two daughters, Sarah E. and Alice R., died in
childhood; Sarah R., born Nov. 10, 1848, died at Manchester,
Ill., on the 1st day of April, 1870; Charles J., born Sept. 30,
1850, makes his home in this county; Wayburn E., born Jan. 24,
1853, is also living in Rock County.
- On the 30th day of April, 1856, Mrs. DRESSER was called to
her final home. She was an
- excellent wife, a kind and loving mother and was greatly
beloved for her many excellent traits of character. Mr. DRESSER
was again married Dec. 27, 1865, at Beloit, to Mrs. Alicia M.
BLAKE, a widow of John BLAKE, by whom she had five children,
three sons and two daughters, all of whom have passed away. The
parents of Mrs. DRESSER, John and Esther LUCAS, were natives
of Ireland, in which country they were married and where five
children were born to them, three of whom lived to mature years
- Alicia M., John and Jane. The parents were members of the Episcopal
Church and were highly respected people.
- Mr. DRESSER cast his first presidential vote for Gen. Fremont
and affiliated with the Republican
- party until 1872, since which time he has voted the Greenback
ticket. He is a great reader, is well informed on all matters
of public interest and is a valued and representative citizen.
His honorable and upright life throughout the long years of his
residence in this county has won him many friends and secured
him the confidence of all. Mr. DRESSER is a strong advocate of
the temperance movement. Although now in his eighty-first year
he is quite active. His hospitable home is pleasantly situated,
and his much esteemed lady, who shares the joys and sorrows of
so worthy a companion, is truly a helpmate.
-
- Taken from "The Portrait and Biographical Album of
Rock County, Wis." (c)1889, pp. 426-427.
-
- Courtesy of Carol
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