- WILLIAM H. HATFIELD, who is numbered among the early settlers
of Rock County, is a lead-
- ing farmer, residing on section 29, Union Township. He was
born in Wethersfield, Wyoming Co, N.Y., and was the fourth in
a family of six children, whose parents were Nathan and Cynthia
(WETMORE) HATIFELD, who were both natives of the Empire State.
In 1833 he removed with the family to Huron County, Ohio, where
the father entered land in what was known as the Western Reserve.
His location was in the midst of the heavy timber, which he had
to cut away in order to make a place to erect his house. He cleared
the land and in the course of time developed one of the best
farms in Huron County, which he continued to cultivate and improve
until his death, which occurred in 1846. He was a quiet, unassuming
man, whose interests centered in his home and family, and was
a worthy and valued citizen. Mrs. HATFIELD survived until 1855,
when she was called to meet the loved ones gone before. Of their
six children four are now living. Mary A., the eldest, is deceased;
Elmirea is the wife of Cyrus FRANCES, a farmer, resident of North
Dakota; Hannah L., widow of James HOWELL, makes her home in Ohio;
William is the next in order of birth; Harriet wedded George
ROWCLIFF, who is engaged in agricultural pursuits in Peoria County,
Ill., and Charles N., the youngest of the family, died at the
age of thirteen years. In Huron County, Ohio, the children were
reared, and on attaining mature years were married and left the
parental roof.
- Our subject was educated in the common schools of Huron County,
and remained at home until
- after the death of his mother, in 1855. Both parents then
having passed away, he started out in life for himself, and in
February, 1856, came to Rock County, locating in the town of
Magnolia. In the month of January, 1857, he married Miss Margaret
EVANS, a native of England and a daughter of John and Jane (EVANS)
EVANS. Her parents emigrated to America about the year 1851,
and became residents of Albany, Green Co., Wis., where her mother
died in 1855. Mrs. HATFIELD came about two years later. Her father
afterwards removed to Nebraska, making his home in Tecumseh,
Johnson County, where his death occurred in 1865. Mrs. EVANS
was a member of the Episcopal Church and they were the parents
of ten children, but only two of that once numerous family are
now living - John, a retired farmer, residing in Wisconsin, and
the wife of our subject.
- In 1857, Mr. HATFIELD, having purchased ninety acres of land
on section 29, in the town of
- Union, removed to this new farm, upon which he has from that
time continuously resided. The uncultivated land by his energy
and labor was soon transformed into a tract of rich fertility,
to which he has since added until now 172 broad acres pay tribute
to his care and cultivation. He has given eighty acres to his
sons. The many fine improvements found thereon are the work of
his hands, and everything about the place indicts the thrift
and enterprise of the owner. He is a practical and progressive
farmer, and is a leading citizen of the township.
- By the union of Mr. and Mrs. HATFIELD six children were born,
namely: William E., who
- wedded Wealthy ROWLEY, and is now engaged in farming in Union
Township, near the old homestead; Charles L., who became the
husband of Seba SHAW, is the owner of a farm adjoining his father;
Fred B. is still at home; two children died in infancy, and George
H. died in March, 1888. The death of Mrs. HATFIELD occurred on
the 9th day of May, 1880. She was a lady beloved by all who knew
her for her Christian virtues, her high moral character and kindly
bearing toward all. In 1859 she united with the Baptist Church
as did also Mr. HATFIELD, and her place in the house of worship
was seldom vacant. She labored long and earnestly in her Master's
vineyard, and was also an indefatigable worker in the interests
of the Sunday-school. The distressed and needy found in her at
true friend, and her death was not alone mourned by her family,
but her loss was felt throughout the community. Conscious of
a well-spent life, she had no fears for the future, and when
the final summons came she was ready to respond to the Master's
call.
- Mr. HATFIELD was again married, his second union being with
a sister of his former wife, Martha
- M. EVANS, who is a most estimable lady. She was born in Shropshire,
England, and came with the family to America. She is also a member
of the Baptist Church and feels a deep interest in its welfare.
Mr.. HATFIELD started in life in limited circumstances, but by
energy, economy, industry and good business ability, has accumulated
a competency for his declining years. He has filled various official
positions in the schools and church, and has even been an active
worker in the temperance cause, and at its formation joined forces
with the Prohibition party. All social, educational and moral
interests are sure of his support and influence, and he has been
prominently identified with the leading enterprises of the community.
For three years Mr. and Mrs. HATFIELD resided in Evansville,
where they owned a handsome residence, but in the spring of 1889
returned to the old farm. They have one of the most pleasant
homes to be found in the county, and are surrounded with all
that goes to make life pleasant.
-
- Taken from "The Portrait and Biographical Album of
Rock County, Wis." (c)1889, pp. 600-601.
-
- Courtesy of Carol
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