- HON. WILLIAM M. NYE, who resides on section 28, Beloit Township,
is one of the
- representative citizens of Rock County, who receives the
respect of all who know him. He was born in Herkimer County,
N.Y., April 28, 1829, and is a son of Clark and Abigail (MORGAN)
NYE, (his father's
sketch appearing on another page of this work). His early
life was passed in his native county, in the uneventful routine
of farm life. He assisted his father in the labors of the farm,
and attended the common schools for one term. Thus we see that
his advantages for securing an education were indeed limited,
but he improved his every opportunity and used his leisure time
for securing a knowledge of those studies which are essential
to every business. He eagerly devoured the books which he could
obtain, and is still a great reader, being well informed on all
the leading issues of the day.
- When seventeen years of age, William left his native county
and came with the family to Wisconsin.
- They resided in Beloit for a period of six years, during
which time he attended a select school for two terms. He engaged
in teaming for two years, and in 1848, in connection with his
brother Ira, he began the improvement of a farm. Purchasing an
ox team, they turned the first furrow on many acres of wild prairie
land, which previous to this time was still in its primitive
condition. For four season our subject engaged in this occupation,
when, in 1852, the family removed to the old homestead in Beloit
Township, and he aided in the cultivation of the farm. The years
passed merrily to the family who there took up their abode until
the death angel visited their home, taking from it the loved
wife and mother.
- In 1857, Mr. NYE left the parental roof and engaged in farming
for himself. The first land which
- he owned was a claim of 160 acres, located on Crow River,
in Minnesota. This he cultivated until the fall of 1858, when
he returned to Rock County, and in 1859 purchased 120 acres of
land on section 28, Beloit Township, upon which he has now resided
for thirty years. It was then raw land, but by care and cultivation
he has developed it into one of the finest farms in the township.
With his own hand he planted and tended the now towering trees
which throw their welcome shade around the home, and, in 1869,
he erected the large two-story frame residence which was presided
over by one of Rock County's most noble women, whose hospitality
and kindness was extended to all. On March 10, 1860, he wedded
Miss Fannie MILLER, a native of Massachusetts, and a daughter
of Thomas and Salina (McGEE) MILLER, who came to Rock County
about 1855, and are still residents of Beloit. Two children were
born to them, Nellie and Lou. Twenty-two years of happy wedded
life had passed when Mrs. NYE was called to her final home, her
death occurring Sept. 25, 1882. She was an untiring worker in
the Baptist Church, an earnest, sincere Christian lady, who was
beloved by all for her many excellencies of character. For several
years prior to her death she was an invalid, but she bore her
affliction with patience and true Christian fortitude.
- Mr. NYE is still engaged in general farming, and his farm,
which now comprises 162 acres is
- under a high state of cultivation. Politically, he is a faithful
adherent of the Republican party, and has borne a prominent part
in local political affairs. For thirteen terms he served his
township as assessor, and, in 1887, was nominated by his party
as their Representative to the General Assembly and triumphantly
elected. His course as a member of the Legislature has met with
the approbation of all concerned. To each question that comes
up before the House he gives his careful consideration, casting
his ballot for the best interests of the people. He is a man
of sound judgment, a logical thinker, careful in his business
transitions, and is held in the highest regard by all. As a citizen
he is loyal and true, and his sketch deserves an honored place
in the history of Rock County.
-
- Taken from "The Portrait and Biographical Album of
Rock County, Wis." (c)1889, pp. 945-946.
-
- Courtesy of Carol
|