- PETER HADLEY, a representative farmer and stock-raiser residing
on section 21, Porter
- Township, was born near Hancock, Vt., on the 19th day of
December, 1819, and is a son of Amos and Mary (FARNHAM) HADLEY.
His father was a cooper by trade, and also followed the occupation
of farming. In the year 1821 he removed to Cortland County, N.Y.,
where he worked at his trade until 1822, at which time he became
a resident of Onondaga County, of the same State, there continuing
to reside until his death, which occurred during the summer of
1831, from cholera, which was then epidemic through the country.
The family of Amos and Mary HADLEY numbered ten children, but
only two are now living. The first five, Hannah, Hiram, Robah,
Harriet, and Mary have all passed away. Peter, of this sketch,
is the sixth in order of birth. He was followed by Russell, Clarissa
M., and John Leroy, who are also deceased. Andrew, the youngest,
who is a carpenter by trade, is residing in Janesville, Wis.
- By the death of her husband, Mrs. HADLEY was left with a
family of ten children depending upon
- her for support. She labored and cared for them as only a
mother can, until her son Peter had attained his eighteenth year,
when he became manager and provider for his widowed mother and
the younger children. Mrs. HADLEY was a faithful and consistent
member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and an earnest Christian
woman, who labored faithfully in her Master's vineyard and was
an active worker in the cause of Christ. She made her home with
our subject until the fall of 1845, when her health failing her,
she went to her son Hiram, then living in Michigan, with the
hope that a change of climate might prove beneficial, but after
a year's residence in that State, she was attacked with typhoid
fever and departed this life on the 11th day of September, 1846,
deeply mourned by her children and many friends.
- Our subject received his education in the common-schools
of New York State, and later learned
- the trade of a carpenter and joiner, to which he devoted
himself principally until the spring of 1847, when thinking that
he might better his condition in the West, he came to Rock County,
locating in Porter Township. He again resumed his trade which
he followed until the spring of 1854, and in the meantime purchased
eighty acres of land in the town of Center. He sold that farm,
however, before purchasing his present farm on section 21, Porter
Township, of which he became the owner in 1855. It then comprised
116 acres of land which he operated until the fall of 1866, when
selling out he removed to Fulton Township, there engaged in agricultural
pursuits for about two years, when in 1868, he again bought the
farm on section 21, with the addition of four acres, making in
all 120 acres.
- On the 20th day of May, 1847, Mr. HADLEY married Miss Samantha
C. PRATT, who was born
- in New York, and came to Wisconsin in the autumn of 1846,
her parents having removed to this State the year previous. Four
children have been born to this worthy couple, all are yet living
- William H., who was born April 14, 1848, and is a farmer by
occupation, resides in Edgerton; Sarah K., born April 20, 1850,
is the wife of William FOYE, a farmer living in Cresco, Howard
Co., Iowa; Herbert C., born Oct. 24, 1854, is operating the home
farm; and Ella A., born April 23, 1865, who resides with her
parents, is a successful teacher in the public-schools of the
county.
- Mr. HADLEY is one of the self-made men of Rock County, having
by his own efforts of industry,
- perseverance and economy accumulated a comfortable competence.
He is the owner of one of the most highly cultivated farms in
the county, on which maybe be found a good grade of all kinds
of stock, as well as all the latest improved machinery. His fair
dealings and honest upright life in both the social and business
world have won him many friends, and he richly deserves the respect
in which he is held by all. He has served as a member of the
Board of Supervisors in Porter Township for several terms, and
has even been a supporter of the Republican party, and an earnest
worker for its interests. He has given liberally of his means
to any enterprise of public benefit, and is a representative
citizen.
-
- Taken from "The Portrait and Biographical Album of
Rock County, Wis." (c)1889, pp. 553-554.
-
- Courtesy of Carol
|