- HIRAM W. CATOR, who is numbered among the early settlers
of this county, and is a leading
- farmer residing on section 18, Janesville Township, was born
in Dutchess County, N.Y., the 1st of September, 1822. His parents,
Thomas and Elizabeth (DRUM) CATOR, who were also natives of Dutchess
County, had a family of six children, of which he was the youngest.
The death of the father occurred in New York, after which the
mother removed with her children to Indiana, where she died.
- Our subject was but nine years of age when he removed to
Indiana, and in that State he received
- his education. He first came to Rock County, in 1841, passing
through Chicago, which was then but a small town. Locating at
Beloit, he was in the employ of the firm of CURTIS & SAXBY,
after which he became collector for the Seth Thomas Clock Company
and other manufacturing companies, residing in the meantime in
Beloit. On the 15th day of January, 1854, he was united in marriage
with Melvina KIMBALL, the ceremony being performed in Janesville.
The lady was born in Batavia, N.Y., and was an adopted daughter
of John and Lucy (RICHARDSON) KIMBALL, who were natives of the
Green Mountain State. Her father followed the profession of
teaching for many years and also engaged in auctioneering. At
an early day he emigrated to the West, reaching Janesville in
August, 1847, and there made his permanent home, for several
years being the proprietor of the hotel known as the New England
House, but now called the Central. His death occurred in 1884,
and his wife departed this life in 1853. He was never an active
politician, but cast his ballot with the Republican party.
- By the union of Mr. and Mrs. CATOR six children have been
born - John, who is at home; Lulie,
- now Mrs. DAVIS, of Center Township; Hiram, at home; George,
who is married and is engaged in railroading, with headquarters
at Springfield, Mo.; Harry and Charley. In 1840 Mr. CATOR became
the proprietor of a hotel in Beloit and the owner of an entire
block, and also kept a livery stable in connection with his other
business. In 1848 he was elected sheriff of Rock County, and
after serving one term was re-elected to the same potion. After
serving out his time he removed to his farm, having in 1854 purchased
160 acres of land on section 18, Janesville Township, where comprises
his present farm. He now carries on general farming, making
a specialty of the cultivation of tobacco, and also raises a
good grade of stock. He affiliates with the Democratic party
and takes a deep interest in political affairs. For twenty-six
years he has served as postmaster at Leyden, first receiving
his commission from Alex Randall, who was postmaster general
under President Lincoln. Two mails are received daily, one at
6 in the morning, the other at 9 A.M. For the accommodation
of the public there has been built a side track and platform,
and the farmers in the vicinity would probably do quite a large
shipping business there if the railroad company would only build
a depot. Even with all the disadvantages they ship fourteen
carloads, the billing being done at Fellows, thus giving that
station the credit, when it properly belongs to Leyden.
- Mr. CATOR has always been fond of sports in which the rifle
is used, and during the early days
- of his settlement in this county had ample opportunity to
indulge his taste in this direction, for wild game of all kinds
abounded. He is numbered among the pioneer settlers of this
county, having become a resident in 1841. At that time the city
of Janesville was in its infancy, while many of the now highly
improved farms consisted only of unbroken prairie land or a dense
tract of timber He has witnessed almost the entire development,
has participated in its progress, and has aided in its transformation,
and to him Rock County owes a dept of gratitude which can never
be repaid.
-
- Taken from "The Portrait and Biographical Album of
Rock County, Wis." (c)1889, pp. 348-349.
-
- Courtesy of Carol
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