- SELVEY K. BLODGETT, deceased, was one of the pioneers of
Rock County, Wis., and was
- numbered among its worthy citizens. He was born on the 12th
day of January, 1812, in Batavia, Genesee Co., N.Y., and in his
native city grew to manhood, receiving his education in the common
schools. When a young man, he emigrated from his native State
to Ohio, locating in Coshocton County, where he formed the acquaintance
of Miss Mahalia NORRIS, who afterwards became his wife. The
lady was a Virginian by birth, and was highly esteemed for her
many excellencies of character.
- Shortly after their marriage the young couple removed to
Columbus, Ind., where Mr.
- BLODGETT engaged in the distillery business until 1836, at
which time he went to Jones County, Iowa, where he located a
claim. In the meantime, his father, Caleb BLODGETT, had settled
in Beloit, coming accompanied by the wife of our subject and
their oldest son, William. The father induced his son to make
his home in this county, which he did, and after reaching his
destination engaged in farming upon land now owned by a man by
the name of YOST. In 1850 he discontinued his business in that
line, and became a resident of the city of Beloit, where he made
his home until 1852, when he formed one of a party that crossed
the plains to California. The wonderful stories told of that
western State proved myths to a great degree, and not being satisfied
with the country, Mr. BLODGETT returned to his home and family
after three months spent on the Pacific slope. He engaged in
the buying and shipping of stock and produce until 1857, when,
with his son, William, he purchased a half interest in the milling
business of John HACKETT, the connection continuing until 1867,
when they purchased Mr. HACKETT's interest. The mill has since
undergone many changes in ownership. The Messrs. BLODGETT sold
out to Messrs. KOENIG and DERGE, and six months later the latter
gentleman sold his interest to William BLODGETT, the firm becoming
BLODGETT & KOENIG, the business being conducted by that firm
until 1874, when Mr. KOENIG sold his interest to John N. NELSON,
the style of the firm becoming BLODGETT & NELSON. In 1888,
William BLODGETT purchased Mr. NELSON's interest, since which
time he has been sole proprietor.
- Mr. and Mrs. BLODGETT were the parents of four children,
three of whom are still living -
- William, the owner of the mill; Selvey K.; and Sabra H.,
who is now the wife of F. S. FENTON, of Rock County. Politically
Mr. BLODGETT was an old Jackson Democrat, and was honored with
several local offices of trust. For several terms he served
as Alderman of his ward, and also filled the office of Supervisor
of the township. He was an energetic, enterprising business
man, who by his own efforts of industry and economy accumulated
a large property. He and his wife, who were highly respected
people in the community, never associated themselves with any
church, but attended the Presbyterian Church, and contributed
liberally to its support.
-
- Taken from "The Portrait and Biographical Album of
Rock County, Wis." (c)1889, p. 776.
-
- Courtesy of Carol
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