- FRANCIS PENNYCOOK, an enterprising and progressive farmer,
residing on section 3,
- Janesville Township, was born in Scotland, April 9, 1835.
His parents, James and Agnes (STARK) PENNYCOOK, who were also
natives of Scotland, had a family of four children, of which
he was the youngest. His father was a shepherd, and resided
in his native land until his death, which occurred in 1856, at
the age of seventy-five years. His wife, who was a most estimable
lady, died in 1843, at the age of forty-five years. Both were
members of the Presbyterian Church.
- The subject of this sketch received a common school education
in his native land, and as his father
- was in limited circumstances, was early forced to begin life's
battle for himself. Hearing of the opportunities afforded young
men in the New World, he resolved to try his fortune in America,
and in company with his brother, Adam, when sixteen years of
age, he started for this county. The journey was made on the
sailing vessel "Ohio," which he boarded at the port
of Glasgow in the spring of 1851. The passage was exceedingly
rough, and nine weeks were spent in making the trip. Landing
at New York, he remained in the eastern part of the Empire State
for a year, working as a farm hand near Troy. His brother remained
with him but a short time and then went to New York City, and
in 1852 started for the gold mines of California, but on reaching
the Isthmus of Panama, he was stricken with the fever and died.
After working as a farm hand for a year, Francis went to Long
Island, where he engaged in gardening for a period of three and
a half years, at the end of which time he emigrated to the West,
locating near Fort Atkinson, Wis., where he was again employed
at farm labor.
- When the Civil War broke out Mr. PENNYCOOK was a resident
of Sumner, Jefferson Co.,
- Wis., but he soon came to Rock County, and on the 28th day
of November, 1861, enlisted at Janesville for three years' service.
He was assigned in Company C, of the 57th Regiment, Illinois
Infantry, after which he was stationed at Camp Douglas, Chicago,
from whence he proceeded to Cairo and onward to the front. He
participated in the battle of Fort Henry, then continued his
journeys to Paducah, and later joined the Army of the Tennessee.
He supported the Chicago Light Artillery at Pittsburgh Landing
on April 6, and 7, and was fired on at Clifton while proceeding
up the river. This engagement as followed by the siege of Corinth,
the battle of Booneville, Miss., the battle of Corinth on the
3d day of October, and the raid after Gen. Forrest through Tennessee.
He next participated in the battle at Barton Station, Big Bear
Creek, Town Creek, in Alabama, and the Atlanta campaign, being
with Sherman on the memorable march to the sea, and was honorably
discharged at Savannah, Ga., on the 29th of September, 1864.
- After the close of hostilities, Mr. PENNYCOOK returned to
Rock County, Wis., and later went
- to Buseyville, Jefferson County. He soon returned to Rock
County, however, and purchased eighty acres of partly improved
land situated on Section 3, Janesville Township. A little log
cabin was upon the land, and into this he moved with his family.
Immediately, beginning the work of improvement and cultivation,
he soon transformed the wild prairie into a fine farm, which
now comprises 166 acres of arable land in a high state of cultivation.
He raises a good grade of stock, and everything about the place
denotes thrift and industry. Politically he casts his ballot
with the Republican party. He takes a deep interest in educational
matters, doing all in his power to advance the standard of public
schools, and has ever given his influence and support to those
enterprises which tend to build up the community. Although starting
out in life with out capital, he has by industry, perseverance
and frugality gained a comfortable competence.
- In the month of February, 1684, the union of Mr. PENNYCOOK
and Miss Jeannette
- WATSON, a native of Scotland, was celebrated. The lady is
a daughter of George and Laura (BROWN) WATSON, who were also
born in the same country. Her father followed agricultural pursuits
in his native land, but in 1854 emigrated to American, settling
in Canada, where he remained for four years. From thence he
removed to Rock County, Wis., and bought an improved farm, upon
which he resided until his death, which occurred in 1864. Mrs.
WATSON died in Scotland previous to the emigration of her husband
to America. By the union of Mr. and Mrs. PENNYCOOK two children
have been born - James and Isabel, now Mrs. SIMMONS, of Janesville
Township.
-
- Taken from "The Portrait and Biographical Album of
Rock County, Wis." (c)1889, pp. 279-280.
-
- Courtesy of Carol
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