- SAMUEL HONEYSETT, a representative farmer and stock-raiser
residing on section 7, Plymouth
- Township, born Nov. 16, 1828, is a native of England, where
he passed his life until 1849. Boarding the ship "Avey"
on the 10th of April he sailed for the New World, and after a
voyage of six weeks landed in Quebec on the 30th of May. He then
went to Cleveland, Ohio, proceeding from that city by steamer
to Milwaukee, where he secured a team and came to Footville,
Rock County. For some time he was employed by Cary BEACH and
others in the neighborhood, and in 1853 he made his first purchase
of land, consisting of a tract of forty acres of timber. Cutting
down the trees he grubbed up the stumps, or else disposed of
them by dynamite, then broke the land with ox-teams, and in the
course of time placed his land all under cultivation. By subsequent
purchase he extended the boundaries of his farm until it comprised
300 acres, 100 of which he has since disposed of. His farm is
now one of the most beautiful and productive in Plymouth Township,
a result due entirely to his efforts.
- Mr. HONEYSETT makes a specialty of raising Durham cattle,
and in connection with his farming
- interests works at the mason's trade during the summer months.
He assisted in the erection of the Catholic Church, was employed
on the residences of Messrs. PANKHURST, OGDEN, DULY, and a great
many others, and his work is always such as to win the approval
of his employers. He also built many of the first cisterns in
this part of the county, receiving $12 for each. Probably no
man has done more for the upbuilding and advancement of the community
where he resides than Mr. HONEYSETT, who for the long period
of forty years has been identified with the history of Rock County.
He built the first road to Footville, hauling brush and straw
for about eighty rods, which he covered with gravel and dirt.
In many places he had to dig stumps out of the road, breaking
the ground with six yoke of oxen, but it is now one of the best
in the country and is a work of which Mr. HONEYSETT can well
be proud.
- On the 27th day of May, 1850, our subject was united in marriage
with Miss Sophia BAITUP, a
- native of England, and by their union were born nine children:
Thomas who is now living in Spring Valley; John who is engaged
in farming in the town of Center; William, who owns and operates
100 acres of land, is living in Magnolia; James has been in the
employ of his father on the home farm since seventeen years of
age; Annie died in October, 1856; Samuel died on the 15th day
of March, 1880; Frederick and his wife reside on the old home
farm, receiving $300 per year; Jessie is living near Castle Rock,
Wash., and George, who has but lately attained his majority,
is still living at home.
- Mr. HONEYSETT and his wife are members of the Baptist Church
of Orfordville in which he has
- served as Trustee for several years. He has also filled various
official positions; for fourteen consecutive years was School
Treasurer, and at the present time is a director. Since the organization
of the Republican party he has been one of its faithful supporters
and is a worthy and valued citizen of Plymouth Township. He has
endured the trials and hardship of pioneer life, but it is to
such men who made their homes on the frontier, that Rock County
owes much of her present prosperity.
-
- Taken from "The Portrait and Biographical Album of
Rock County, Wis." (c)1889, pp. 598-599.
-
- Courtesy of Carol
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