- AMOS E. REIGART, a leading farmer residing on section 21,
Turtle Township, is numbered
- among its settlers of 1856, since which time he has been
quite prominently identified with the history of the county.
He has ever been ready to aid in the advancement of its interests,
has participated in its progress and development, and is a valuable
and worthy citizen.
- Amos E. REIGART was born in Lancaster, Pa., May 14, 1822,
and is a son of Emanuel C. and
- Barbara (SWARR) REIGART. His parents were both born in Lancaster
County, and were descended form German ancestry. The father
was an influential citizen of that community, a prominent attorney
of the city of Lancaster, and represented his district in the
State Legislature. He was one of the committee sent to Philadelphia
to alter the State Constitution and draft new laws, which were
to be presented to the assembly and voted upon by that body.
- In his early life Mr. REIGART was a member of the Whig party,
but joined the Republican party
- on its organization. The death of his wife occurred in 1838.
She was a member of the Moravian Church, the oldest protestant
church now inexistence, while Mr. REIGART in his later years
united with the Presbyterian Church, acting with that body until
his death, which occurred in 1869. A family of seven children
were born to Mr. and Mrs. REIGART, namely: Amos E. who was the
eldest; Henry, a farmer of Clinton Township; Hamilton who is
residing in Fluvanna County, Va.; John H. who resides in Chicago
but operates a farm in Rock County; Susan, widow of William P.
BRITON, living in Lancaster, Pa.; Anna C., widow of Samuel H.
SLAYMAKER, who was among the leading farmers of the county, and
Sarah, wife of H. H. McLENEGEN, a wealthy farmer residing in
Turtle Township.
- The subject of this sketch received a liberal education in
the schools of Lancaster and York
- Counties, Pa., and in early life learned the tanner's trade
which he followed for a livelihood in his native city for several
years. Disposing of his business he then became proprietor of
a saw-mill which he operated some time. Notwithstanding he met
with losses occasioned by high water he was quite successful
in business, but at length selling out he turned his attention
to farming and engaged in the cultivation of his father's land
until 1856, when determining to make his future home in the West
he became a resident of Rock County. In Turtle Township he purchased
446 acres of but partially improved land which he at once began
to improve and cultivate. Many fine improvements have since
been made in accordance with his plans and under his directions
and his farm is considered one of the best in the county. It
comprises 200 acres on section 21, and 246 acres on section 22,
which is under a high state of cultivation, while the home with
all its surroundings indicate thrift and refinement.
- Previous to his removal to the West Mr. REIGART led to the
marriage altar, on the 5th day of
- March, 1850, Miss Lutitia A. MONTGOMERY, one of Pennsylvania's
fair daughters, a native of Lancaster County. Her parents, John
R. and Mary C. MONTGOMERY, were also born in the Keystone State.
Their union has been blessed with two children: Mary C. wedded
William V. WHITFIELD, who now has charge of the home farm, and
to them have been born two children - Ellmaker R. and William
V., Jr.; Emanuel C., the second child, is still at home. Mr.
and Mrs. REIGART have provided their children with good opportunities
for securing an education such as will fit them for the practical
duties of life. The lady is a member of the Episcopal Church.
Mr. REIGART is a man of great intelligence, devotes much of
his time to reading, and is the owner of one of the best libraries
in this section.
-
- Taken from "The Portrait and Biographical Album of
Rock County, Wis." (c)1889, pp. 596-597.
-
- Courtesy of Carol
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