- HENRY WHITAKER, one of the prominent farmers of the town
of Fulton, residing on section
- 28, was born at New Salem, Mass. Sept. 11, 1827, and is a
son of Joseph and Sallie (THOMPSON) WHITAKER, both of whom were
also native of the Bay State. The father was a carpenter and
builder during the greater part of his life and served his country
during the War of 1812, holding the rank of captain. Returning
to his home in Massachusetts after the close of hostilities he
there resided until 1831, when he moved with his family to Maine,
where he lived until his death, which occurred Aug. 6, 1838,
at the age of forty-eight years, he having been born March 1,
1790. In 1852 Mrs. WHITAKER came to Wisconsin to visit her daughter,
Mrs. W. T. HALL, with whom she remained until her death. She
passed away March 10, 1874, and was interred in Fassett Cemetery,
at Edgerton. Her age was seventy-nine years. This worthy couple
were members of the Unitarian Church, and were faithful and consistent
Christians.
- Socially, Mr. WHIAKER was a member of the Masonic fraternity,
and politically he was a
- Democrat. Their family numbered five children, three of whom
are living; Franklin and Frederick, the two eldest, are now deceased;
Sarah A. is the wife of W. T. HALL, a leading resident of Beloit;
Priscilla, who wedded C. L. FRANCIS makes her home in Mapleton,
Minn.; Henry, of this sketch, is the youngest.
- In the common schools of Maine to which State he removed
with his parents when but six years
- of age, our subject received his education. At the early
age of eleven years he started out in life for himself and began
his work-a-day career as a farm hand. He later engaged in teaming,
and was afterward employed as a salesman in a store, when, abandoning
that life, he began hauling timber, in which line he continued
until May, 1853. Having capital he resolved to come to the West
and invest in land. Acting upon that resolution we find him in
the spring of 1853 in Wisconsin. He purchased 185 acres of land,
but partially improved, on section 28, town of Fulton, and that
farm, of which he became the owner thirty-five years ago, is
the home farm on which he now resides. He further increased his
business interests by entering into partnership with W. T. HALL
in the mercantile line at Indian Ford, their connection continuing
for two years, when Mr. WHITAKER disposed of his interest. Since
that time he has devoted his entire attention to agricultural
pursuits, and has one of the finest farms in the community, upon
which may be found the latest improved machinery, stock of the
best grades, good barns and outbuildings and a comfortable residence.
- Mr. WHITAKER was united in marriage on the 12th day of April,
1860, with Miss Louisa
- BRACE, a daughter of Leonard and Lavina (SMITH) BRACE, who
were natives of New York. By their union two children have been
born, both daughters: Evelyn, the elder, who was born Jan. 20,
1862, is the wife of Irving WINTERS, a resident of Albion; Agnes,
born July 9, 1969, is the wife of C. L. CULTON, who resides in
Edgerton.
- Mr. WHITAKER is numbered among the early settlers of Rock
County, and from the early days
- of his residence has been prominently identified with its
history. Public-spirited and progressive, he has even been a
liberal supporter of all enterprises for the public good, and
is a representative valued citizen. He has been called upon to
fill various local offices of trust, including those of Town
Clerk and Supervisor, and has discharged his duties with fidelity
and promptness. To Mr. WHITAKER is due much credit for the success
to which he has attained. Few men beginning active life at the
early age at which he began to earn his own livelihood, have
risen to as honorable and prominent a position. His fair dealing
and upright course have won him the confidence and respect of
all; his energy, perseverance and industry have gained for him
a comfortable competency, and he is one of the well-to-do farmers
of the community, his landed possessions amounting to 265 acres;
forty of which adjoin the city limits of Janesville. We are pleased
to record this brief sketch of Henry WHITAKER and his family
in the permanent record of their adopted county, knowing that
it will be read by their many friends with pleasure.
-
- Taken from "The Portrait and Biographical Album of
Rock County, Wis." (c)1889, pp. 656-657.
-
- Courtesy of Carol
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