- ELIJAH BULLOCK, a representative farmer, residing on section
20, Union Township, is one of
- the self-made men of Rock County having started out in life
for himself when but thirteen years of age. He began working
at $3 per month and his success in life is the result of his
unaided efforts, showing what can be accomplished by determined
energy, perseverance, industry and fair dealing. He was born
in Dutchess County, N.Y., April 2, 1818, and is the son of Joseph
and Chloe (CANFIELD) BULLOCK, who were also natives of Dutchess
County, where their marriage was celebrated. The family is of
English origin, having been founded in America by two brothers,
who emigrated from England to this country during the early colonial
days. In 1824, Joseph BULLOCK, accompanied by his family, removed
to Broome County, N.Y. He was a soldier of the war of 1812,
and in early life engaged in the profession of teaching, but
later devoted his time and attention to agricultural pursuits.
For many years he was a sufferer for consumption, but at length
death ended his pains, he departing this life in Broome County,
in 1836. His wife continued to reside in that county until 1839,
when she too passed away. They were the parents of nine children,
only two of whom are living - Elijah, who was second in order
of birth; and Emiline, the youngest of the family, who became
the wife of Henry BEVEER, a resident farmer of the town of Union.
- The education of our subject was received in Broome County,
N.Y., and in 1836, he went to
- Chenango County, where he worked at the carpenter trade.
During his residence in that community, he formed the acquaintance
of Miss Nancy MEAD, who afterwards became his wife, their marriage
being celebrated on the 10th day of June, 1845. Mrs. BULLOCK
was a native of Chenango County, and a daughter of Stephen MEAD.
The young couple began their domestic life in her native county,
but later moved to Broome County, yet subsequently again became
residents of Chenango County, where they continued to reside
until 1853. That year witnessed their arrival in Rock County,
Wis., and the same year Mr. BULLOCK rented a farm in Green County,
where his residence was short however, as in 1854, he purchased
his present home of his brothers, Samuel M. and Reuben W., who
removed to Iowa, where both have since died. On removing to
his farm, he at once began the development of the wild land,
which was then in its primitive condition. A small cabin had
previously been built, and into this the family moved, making
it their home for a number of years.
- Five children graced the union of Mr. and Mrs. BULLOCK as
follows: Edson, the eldest, who is
- now deceased; Alfred, who was a soldier during the late war,
and married Miss Lucy MARTIN, by whom he had four children, Flora
E., Mabel May, Ira M. and Ada May, who died in infancy; Elijah
E. and Nancy E. are deceased; and George M. is engaged in farming
on the old homestead. In 1864, the mother of this family was
called to her final rest and Mr. BULLOCK was again married.
Mrs. Emily HARTLEY, widow of George H. HARTLEY, becoming his
wife. By her former union two children were born - Albert H.
and Frank E., who is now engaged in farming in Dane County, Wis.
Mrs. BULLOCK was born in the town of Farnum, Province of Quebec,
Canada, Jun 12, 1841, and when eight years of age, in 1849, her
father's death occurred in that place. Her mother afterwards
became the wife of Samuel PINKHAM, and is now residing in Rock
County. Three children have been born of the second union of
Mr. and Mrs. BULLOCK, all sons - James H., born Nov. 19, 1869;
Lewis E., April 19, 1872; Clarence, April 22, 1873.
- The first purchase of land made by Mr. BULLOCK in Rock County,
comprised eighty-five acres,
- to which he has since added until now it is 105 acres in
extent. The many fine improvements testify to the progressive
spirit of the owner, while the pleasant home and its cheerful
surroundings indicate thrift and refinement. His honorable,
upright course of life has won him the confidence of all with
whom business or pleasure have brought him in contact, and he
is held in high regard by a large circle of acquaintances. In
early life he affiliated with the Whig party, casting his first
presidential vote for Gen. William Henry Harrison, and taking
a prominent part in the exciting scenes of that campaign. On
the organization of the Republican party, he enlisted under its
banner, and from that time has regularly deposited his ballot
for its candidates, while exerting his influence in its behalf.
-
- Taken from "The Portrait and Biographical Album of
Rock County, Wis." (c)1889, pp. 287-288.
-
- Courtesy of Carol
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