- JOSIAH M. EVERETT, a leading and prominent farmer residing
on section 26, Turtle Township,
- is numbered among the pioneer settlers of this county, dating
his residence back to 1844. He is a native of New York, his birth
occurring in Onondaga County on the 14th day of December, 1818.
His parents were Josiah and Lydia (HALE) EVERETT, the former
a native of Massachusetts and the latter born in New York. His
father and the father of Edward EVERETT, the eminent statesman,
were cousins, and his mother was descended from Puritan ancestry.
Josiah EVERETT, Sr., removed to the Empire State in an early
day, and there became acquainted with the lady whom he subsequently
married. During the earlier years of his life he engaged in merchandising,
but in after years was engaged as a stock-dealer. His home for
many years was in Onondaga County, N.Y., where he passed away
Jan. 14, 1865, at the age of eighty-two years. His wife departed
this life five days previously, her death occurring in her seventy-eighth
year. In the work of the Presbyterian Church, of which they were
both members, they gook an active part, and Mr. EVERETT built
the first house of worship for that denomination in Otisco, Onondaga
County. Their family numbered five children, three sons and two
daughters: Emily, born in 1808, became the wife of N. B. BOSTWICK,
a resident of Onondaga County, N.Y., and her death occurred April
25, 1885, at the age of seventy-seven years; Dwight, the second
in order of birth died in Nevada; James, born in Onondaga County,
N.Y., in 1816, is a resident of Blossburg, Pa.; Lydia, who wedded
Abraham WILKINS, died in Vineland, N.J., in 1878.
- The education of our subject was received in Onondaga County,
N.Y., and his early life was spent
- as a stock-drover, as there were no railroads on which the
cattle could be shipped. This occupation he followed until his
marriage, which occurred in Otsego, N.Y., in 1840, Miss Mary
ROSS becoming his wife. The lady was born April 22, 1820, in
Onondaga County, and her parents, Ichabod and Sybil (MURRY) ROSS,
who were also natives of the Empire State. They located in the
county in which Mrs. EVERETT was born at a very early day, when
wolves and bears were often seen, and the land was almost entirely
uncultivated The last days of their life were spent at the home
of our subject, the father departing this life in 1875, while
the mother was called to her last rest April 17, 1884.
- For four years after their marriage Mr. and Mrs. EVERETT
resided in New York, but at that time
- became residents of Rock County, Wis., where for the long
period of forty-five years they have continued to reside. Purchasing
a claim of fifty-five acres on section 26, Turtle Township, upon
which was a small house, he began the improvement of his farm.
Into the little cabin the family moved, and there passed many
happy days of pioneer life, which, though fraught with toils
and privations, yet had its pleasures. Three children were born
to the worthy couple, and made merry the little home with their
laughter and fun. With an ox-team the furrows on the claim were
turned, and in a primitive manner the land cultivated. Only four
houses were situated on the road between this little home and
the city of Beloit, but notwithstanding, the days passed happily,
crops were good, and the boundaries of the farm were extended
until it now comprises 204-1/2 acres in one body. Many fine improvements
have been made, the farm is considered one of the best in Turtle
Township.
- The children of Mr. and Mrs. EVERETT were: Charles H., who
was born May 22, 1855, and
- wedded Miss Angerona BARNINGHAM, who was born in Durant,
Ill., June 4, 1856, and is a daughter of Joseph and Villette
(BREWER) BARNINGHAM, the former a native of Yorkshire, England,
and is yet living, the latter a native of Otsego County, N.Y.,
and died Oct. 5, 1882, and one child graced their union, Milton
Wayne, born June 22, 1881. Albert K., born Dec. 29, 1856, is
a resident of Chicago; Eddie A., born March 23, 1861, is also
a resident of Chicago, and on the 10th day of November, 1884,
wedded Nellie TASCOTT. On April 11th, 1876, the mother of these
children was called to her final rest. She was a member of the
Presbyterian Church of Beloit, a lady noted for her kindness
of hand and heart, and her death was mourned by many friends.
- The life of Mr. EVERETT is a fair example of what can be
accomplished by energy, enterprise,
- perseverance and honesty. Notwithstanding his cash capital
on his arrival in this county consisted of but $50, he has now
become one of the well-to-do farmers of the community, his success
being due to his own efforts. He has now retired from the active
management of his farm, it being under the control of his son
Charles, who is an able manager and systematic farmer. In his
political sentiments Mr. EVERETT is a stalwart supporter of the
Democratic party, and though not an aspirant for political distinction,
he takes a lively interest in all matters pertaining to the public
good.
-
- Taken from "The Portrait and Biographical Album of
Rock County, Wis." (c)1889, pp. 877-878.
-
- Courtesy of Carol
|