- S. G. COLLEY, farmer, Sec. 32; P.O. Beloit; born in Bedford,
New Hampshire, Dec. 8, 1807;
- son of Joseph COLLEY. His grandfather, Joseph COLLEY, Sr.,
was impressed into British service when 16 years old, and was
at the engagement when Quebec was taken; was afterward a sea
captain, and died at the age of 77, in Bedford; his son, Swift,
was a farmer, near the same town. Mr. S. G. COLLEY came to Beloit
in spring of 1838, made a claim in Sec. 21, Range 13, of 320
acres. Built a little frame house in which eleven lived for
the first winter. There was only one bed. Soon after coming,
Mr. COLLEY made a trip to Chicago, found the old Indian trail,
and was twenty-two days on the trip; brought back pork and flour.
Pork was $25, and flour was $20 per barrel. When he returned,
broke up ground and got in some corn. Mr. COLLEY counted thirty
deer from his house one morning. His father came on to Wisconsin
in 1840. He was a member of the Constitutional Convention in
1847 and 1848, and was a man generally suited to represent the
people. He died at the good old age of 90 years. Mr. S. G.
COLLEY went to California in 1850, and returned in 1851. In
1860, went to Pike's Peak. Was there five years; while there
was chosen to bring on Indian chiefs, representatives of the
five tribes, to make treaty at Washington. Married Lydia ATTWOOD,
of Bedford, who died January, 1873. His second wife was Clara
BOUTWELL. Had one child by first wife - D. COLLEY, who is in
Kansas in business. Mr. COLLEY was elected member of the Assembly
in 1848, and again in 1850 and 1855, and in 1876 was elected
Sheriff; has been a worthy representative of the people. His
present wife has a beautiful pistol, presented to her for her
bravery in preventing the escape of prisoners at Janesville.
Mr. COLLEY has now retired in his farm just outside of Beloit;
is improving his residence, and has many acres under good cultivation.
Himself and wife are members of Congregational Church.
-
- Taken from "The History of Rock County, Wis."
(c)1879, p. 803.
-
- Courtesy of Carol
|