- HENRY M. REIGART, one of the prominent and progressive farmers
of Clinton Township,
- residing one mile north of the village, was born in Lancaster
County, Penn., on the 19th day of August, 1824. His parents,
the Hon. Emanuel C. and Barbara (SWARR) REIGART, were also natives
of the same county. They were there reared and married, and
unto them was born a family of seven children, namely: Amos E.,
who married Letitia MONTGOMERY, is now residing in the town of
Turtle, Rock County; Henry M., of this sketch, is the second
in order of birth; James H. wedded Maty BROOKS, of Beloit, and
is now living in Union Mills, Va.; Susan, widow of W. P. BRENTON,
makes her home in Lancaster, Penn.; Annie, who was the wife of
Samuel H. SLAYMAKER, is now deceased; John is now living in Chicago,
Ill.; Sarah is the wife of H. H. McLENAGAN, a resident farmer
of Turtle Township. Emanuel REIGART, the father of this family,
was an attorney-at-law by profession, and possessed more than
ordinary ability. For many years he held a prominent place at
the Lancaster bar, and was honored by his district with the office
of Representative in the General Assembly of Pennsylvania. He
was a thorough scholar, a deep thinker, a clear reasoner, and
was quick to catch a point, which made him very successful in
his chosen profession. In early life Mr. REIGART was a Whig
and a great admirer of Henry Clay and Daniel Webster, two of
America's greatest statesmen. He and his wife were earnest Christian
people, believers in the Moravian faith, and when death called
them were ready to respond to the Master's summons. They died
in Lancaster, Penn., where their entire lives were passed.
- Our subject was reared to manhood in his native county and
received a liberal education, pursuing
- a course in the academy. He remained under the parental
roof until nineteen years of age, when he began learning the
machinist's trade, and for a year and a half was employed in
the Baldwin Engine Works in Philadelphia, but at the end of that
time, his health failing him, he was forced to abandon that occupation.
Attracted by the gold discoveries in California he formed one
of a party of forty-nine who sailed for the Pacific Slope to
engage in mining in that land. The journey was made by way of
Cape Horn, and 208 days were consumed in making the voyage on
account of the stormy weather and rough sea. For about six weeks
they were delayed at Cape Horn, but at length reached their destination,
and Mr. REIGART at once engaged in mining on the Tuolumne River.
After six months he engaged in steaming and shipping, which
he continued for five years, and then returned to his home by
way of the Nicaragua Route, the voyage being accomplished in
twenty-six days.
- In 1855 Mr. REIGART was united in marriage with Miss Catherine
G. CHAMBERS, a native of
- Lancaster County, Pa., and a daughter of John and Ann (HENRY)
CHAMBERS. The young couple began their domestic life in Westmoreland
County, Pa., where they resided until the autumn of 1856, at
which time they cast their lot with the settlers of Rock County.
Mr. REIGART at once purchased land in Clinton Township, one
mile north of the village and now has a fine farm of 212 acres
under a high state of cultivation. Many beautiful and useful
improvements have been made, and his pleasant home with its entire
surroundings, indicates thrift and refinement. His fields are
all richly cultivated; the latest improved machinery can there
be found, and his farm is an ideal one. In politics he is a
stalwart supporter of the Democratic party, but has never sought
public office, preferring rather to give his exclusive attention
to his business interests.
- By the union of Mr. and Mrs. REIGART there have been born
six children, four of whom are now
- living: James, who married Miss Caroline B. BRUCE, is now
living in Freeport, Ill.; Emanuel C., who wedded Miss Carrie
DEAN, makes his home in this county; Annie died at the home of
her parents and was buried in the Clinton Cemetery; Nettie has
also passed to her final rest; Susan is the wife of Paul BENSON,
a prominent farmer residing in Clinton Township, and Kittie,
the youngest, was joined in wedlock with E. A. LOOMIS, Jr., a
leading clothier of Beloit.
- Mr. REIGART is numbered among the early settlers of this
county, having made his home within
- its borders for almost a third of a century. He has not
only been a witness of, but has participated in the rapid growth
and progress which has taken place since that time, and has been
prominently identified with its development. In the work of
public improvement he has always borne his part, and to such
men is due the present prosperity of Southern Wisconsin. His
honorable, upright life through all these years has won him many
friends, and his sketch deserves an honored place in the history
of his adopted county.
-
- Taken from "The Portrait and Biographical Album of
Rock County, Wis." (c)1889, pp. 915-916.
-
- Courtesy of Carol
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