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Rock County, Wisconsin

Biographies

"Caleb T. Winslow"

CALEB T. WINSLOW, one of the oldest engineers on the Chicago & Northwestern Railroad,
now living in Janesville, was born at Waterford, Saratoga Co., N.Y., Oct. 21, 1836, and is a son of Peter Alex and Catharine A. (BRIGGS) WINSLOW. His father was born in Pittsfield, Mass., and was descended form pilgrims who came to American in the "Mayflower." The family gained distinction in the New England States, one of its members having served as Governor of Massachusetts, and another as Governor of Connecticut. Mrs. WINSLOW was born in Montgomery County, N.Y., and was descended from Holland ancestry.
The subject of this sketch was reared to manhood in his native county, and received his primary
education in the district schools, supplemented by a course in the Janesville Academy, where he completed his literary studies. When eighteen years of age, he began his business career in the position of fireman on the Rensselaer & Saratoga Railroad, remaining in the employ of that company during the years 1853 and 1854. He came West in 1855, and in the spring was employed as fireman on the Galena & Chicago Union Railroad, the first road ever built out of Chicago. He remained on that line from March 1, 1855, until the fall of 1856, when he came to Janesville, and entered the employ of what was then known as the Chicago, St. Paul & Fond du Lac Railroad, now a division of the Chicago & Northwestern. After firing for about two years, in November, 1858, he was placed in charges of his first engine, and continued as engineer until June 20, 1877, when he was taken sick. As soon as he had sufficiently recovered his health, he was employed as machinist in the shops of the railroad company at Janesville, where he is still occupied. He is one of the oldest employes of the road, and one of the ablest workmen. He is an expert machinist, understands the engine in all its details, is careful and reliable, and is held in high esteem both by his employers and his associates in the shops.
On the 10th day of January, 1865, Mr. WINSLOW was joined in the holy bonds of matrimony
with Miss Abigail F. WHEELER, a daughter of R. M. and Elizabeth WHEELER. Mrs. WINSLOW is a native of Charlotte, Vt., and is a member of the Trinity Episcopal Church of this city. Two children have been born of their union - Carrie Belle and Fred Wheeler, both born in Janesville.
In politics Mr. WINSLOW is a supporter of the Republican party. He takes great interests in civic
societies, and is a member of various organizations. In 1858, he joined the Masonic Lodge at Woodstock, Ill., is a member of the Woodstock Chapter, No. 36, and is also a Knight Templar. He holds membership in Wisconsin Lodge, No. 14, and Rock River Encampment, No. 3, I.O.O.F., and is Past Grand and Past Chief Patriarch of the Order. He is also Past Sachem of Mohawk Tribe, No. 3, Improved Order of Red Men. Mr. WINSLOW has now been a resident of Janesville for thirty-three years, and is held in high regard by his many friends in this city, as a man of integrity and sterling worth.
 
Taken from "The Portrait and Biographical Album of Rock County, Wis." (c)1889, p. 638.
 
Courtesy of Carol H.

This page last updated May 20, 2002
 
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