- WILLIAM J. McINTYRE, who is engaged in general farming and
stock raising on section 1 in the
- town of Lima, is a native of Ireland. He was born in County
Derry, on the 15th day of February, 1840, and is a son of Hercules
and Mary Ann (SERSON) McINTYRE, who were also born in the same
county. While residing on the Emerald Isle, they became the parents
of six children, and after their removal to America, the family
circle was completed by the birth of four children. In 1848,
bidding goodbye to their native land, they sailed for the New
World, and after landing at once came to Wisconsin. After remaining
a short time in Rock County, they removed to Jefferson County,
locating in the town of Koshkonong, where Mr. McINTYRE purchased
land and engaged in farming, which occupation he made his life
work. His death occurred at his home in Jefferson County on the
14th day of January, 1859. Though quiet and unassuming, he won
many friends and was held in high regard by all. His wife was
called to her final rest in 1885. Of the ten children born to
Mr. and Mrs. McINTYRE, eight are yet living - Robert, who is
now engaged in farming in Jefferson County; William J., the subject
of this sketch; John S., a minister of the Methodist Episcopal
Church, who now has charge of the Fourteenth Street Church at
Davenport, Iowa; Margaret, wife of B. F. BROWN, a resident farmer
of Oakland Township, Jefferson County; Gertrude, who wedded Andrew
DIXON, a farmer in the town of Lima; Martha, wife of J. H. WALSH,
a farmer residing in Clay County, Iowa; Mary, and Sarah F., who
reside with their brother William. The deceased members of the
family are Hercules and Charles.
- When a lad of eight years our subject came with his parents
to America and since that time has
- been a resident of Wisconsin. His primary education received
in the common schools was supplemented by a course in the Fort
Atkinson High School. His early life was spent upon his father's
farm, and after competing his education, he engaged in the profession
of teaching which he followed each winter until 1863. No longer
could he resist the impulse to aid his country in her struggle
to preserve the Union, and like so many of his people he became
one of her most valiant and intrepid soldiers. Enlisting in the
12th Wisconsin Battery for three years' service or during the
war, he was soon ordered to the front and participated in many
hard fought engagements, including the Siege of Allatoona, Ga.,
the Siege of Savannah, Ga., the battle of Columbia, S.C., and
the last engagement of the Western Army at Bentonville, N.C.,
and numerous other engagements and skirmishes. The 12th Wisconsin
won a brilliant reputation for dauntless bravery on the field
of battle, and was mustered out of service July, 1865.
- Returning to his home at the close of hostilities, Mr. McINTYRE
taught school during the following
- winter, and in the spring of 1866, made an overland trip
to Montana where he engaged in mining. That venture proved reasonably
successful, and after spending three years in the placer mines,
he returned to Rock County in 1869. The same year he invested
his earnings which he had accumulated in the west, in real estate,
purchasing eighty-one acres of land on section 1, in the town
of Lima, which constitutes a part of his present farm. For about
ten years he spent his summer months in farming, while during
the winter season he engaged in teaching. By subsequent purchase
he has extended the boundaries of his farm until it now comprises
117 acres, all under a high state of cultivation. His entire
possessions have been acquired by his own unaided efforts - the
results of his industry and untiring energy. Socially, he is
a member of Charles E. Curtis Post, No. 34, G.A.R., and Lodge
NO. 39, of the A.O.U.W., both of Whitewater. Since the formation
of the Republican party he has been one of its stalwart supporters
and takes a deep interest in political affairs. He is a man of
intelligence and ability and is well versed on all the leading
topics of the day, both State and National. As a citizen Mr.
McINTYRE is public spirited and progressive, and has been honored
with several local offices of trust. For twelve years he has
held the position of Chairman of the Lima Board of Supervisors,
which long continued service is a high testimonial of his ability
and fidelity to duty, and has acted for three years as Side-Supervisor.
He is recognized as one of the leading farmers in the community,
and is also engaged in the raising of fine stock and in the dairy
business.
-
- Taken from "The Portrait and Biographical Album of
Rock County, Wis." (c)1889, pp. 618-619.
-
- Courtesy of Carol
|