- HON. GEORGE GLEASON, who is one of Rock County's most honored
citizens and pioneer
- settlers, is a native of Connecticut, having been born in
Hartford County on the 11th day of November, 1810. His parents
were Thomas and Elizabeth (CURTIS) GLEASON, and his father was
a soldier of the War of 1812, serving as quartermaster at New
London during that struggle.
- Our subject began his school life in his native county and
completed his education in the public
- schools of New York, to which State he removed with his parents.
While residing in Cortland County, he formed the acquaintance
of Miss Laura CLEVELAND, and their friendship ripening into love,
they were united in marriage. One child was born of their union,
Mary Jane, who is now the widow of Ira KINNEY, and resides in
Whitewater, Wis. In 1835, death visited the happy home, claiming
as its victim the loving wife and mother, who was laid to rest
in Cortland County. On the 9th day of June, 1839, Mr. GLEASON
was again married, his second union being with Miss Lovina CRAVATH.
They continued to reside in the Empire State until 1842, when
attracted by the more brilliant opportunities afforded by the
new and growing West, they emigrated to the Territory of Wisconsin
and settled in Rock County, Mr. GLEASON purchasing eighty acres
of land on section 14, in what is now the town of Lima, but then
a part of Milton. He bought the land of the Government and in
the course of time extended the boundaries of his farm until
it comprised 247 acres, but he has since disposed of a part of
his property, his landed possessions now amounting to 182 acres
of fine prairie land, which he has placed under a high state
of cultivation. His property has all been acquired since becoming
a resident of Rock County, and to his own efforts may be attributed
his success in life.
- To Mr. and Mrs. GLEASON were born in the pioneer home two
children, who awakened the
- echoes with their laughter and fun and filled the cabin with
sunshine. Norman M., the elder, is now a leading farmer of this
community. [See sketch.] Elizabeth is the wife of John M. THWING,
a farmer living in Dakota, by whom she has three sons, Wayland,
Ralph W. and Clay, besides a daughter who died in infancy.
- For the long period of forty-six years, Mr. GLEASON has been
numbered among the representa-
- tive farmers and leading citizens of Rock County. For eighteen
years he filled the office of assessor, has served as supervisor,
and in 1876, was nominated by the Republican party as a candidate
for the General Assembly and triumphantly elected. While a member
of the House, he was known as "the patriarch," being
the oldest member of that body. His sound judgment was brought
to bear upon every question, which he carefully considered in
all its details, and in consequence, he cast an intelligent ballot
for what he deemed the best interests of the community. He discharged
every duty devolving upon him with credit to himself and to the
satisfaction of his constituents, and won the respect and confidence
of even his political opponents. Mr. GLEASON has identified himself
with the advancement of such public enterprises as are calculated
to be a benefit to the community, and is prominent in the promotion
of social, educational and moral interests. He receives not only
the respect due to his advanced years, but is highly esteemed
as a worthy citizen, an upright and honorable gentleman and a
man of the highest worth. Both he and his wife are members of
the Congregational Church, having devoted many years of their
life to their Master's service. Mr. GLEASON has been a liberal
supporter of the church, has been instrumental in the building
of four houses of worship in the community, and for many years
has filled the office of deacon in the local organization to
which he belongs. The 9th day of June, 1889, was the fiftieth
anniversary of the marriage of Mr. and Mrs. GLEASON. They were
spending the day quietly at home, but their many friends, unknown
to them, assembled and proceeded to the home of the worthy couple
to celebrate that happy day. Though completely surprised, their
native hospitality soon placed everyone at ease and the day was
passed most enjoyably. Many valuable presents were brought by
the friends in token of their love, and the hopes expressed that
they might yet live to celebrate many happy returns of their
wedding day were heartfelt and sincere. Though they are now in
their declining years, conscious of a well-spent life, they can
look back over the past with no feeling of regret, and their
hope for the future grows stronger as the days speed by. Truly
their lives are worthy of emulation, and it is with pleasure
that we record this sketch in the permanent record of Rock County,
where they are so well and honorably known.
-
- Taken from "The Portrait and Biographical Album of
Rock County, Wis." (c)1889, pp. 751-752.
-
- Courtesy of Carol
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