- JAMES HULL, a retired farmer and prominent citizen of the
village of Lima Center, Wis., is a
- native of the Empire State, having been born in Cortland
County on the 11th day of January, 1819. His parents, Zerah and
Roxy (LOOMIS) HULL, were born in Connecticut, and in his early
days the father was engaged in blacksmithing, but in later life
followed the occupation of farming. Our subject was the third
in order of birth in the family of six children, all of whom
were born in Cortland County, N.Y.: Loomis, who was born Nov.
20, 1816, and emigrated to Wisconsin in 1841, became one of the
leading farmers of the town of Lima, Rock County, where he died,
his remains being interred in the Utter's Corners Cemetery; Michael,
born Dec. 22, 1818, died in Cortland County, N.Y.; James, of
this sketch, is the next in order of birth; Samuel, born Feb.
18, 1821, is a resident farmer of the town of Johnstown, Rock
County; Lois, born July 1, 1825, is the wife of James STEPHENS,
a farmer residing in Dane County, Wis.; Elijah and Elisha, twins,
were born June 29, 1830, and the latter died in Eau Claire County,
Wis., May 10, 1885, while the former is engaged in merchandising
in Lima Center; Electa, born July 16, 1813, is the widow of Ara
HARDY, and resides on the old homestead in the town of Lima.
- In 1839, accompanied by his wife and children, Mr. HULL,
having disposed of his property in
- New York, emigrated to the West. The 30th day of May, 1840,
witnessed his arrival in Rock County, where he passed the remainder
of his days. He entered 320 acres of land in the town of Lima,
which was then in a wild, uncultivated condition, and after moving
into a little log cabin, began the development of a farm. In
that home the family spent their pioneer days, and underneath
its sheltering roof witnessed the rapid growth of the town and
county. Mr. HULL was a life-long member of the Congregational
Church, to which his wife also belonged, and for many years filled
the office of Deacon. He was one of Rock County's most honored
citizens, and was beloved by all who knew him. He was always
ready to extend a helping hand to the downfallen, to render substantial
aid to the needy, and to speak a word of encouragement to the
despondent. He was welcome to the homes of the wealthiest, and
the poor man was glad to take his hand. In early life he was
a Whig, but upon the dissolution of that party, became a radical
Republican, and remained one of the stalwart advocates of Republican
principles ever afterward. He died at his home in the town of
Lima, his wife surviving some time, and they were interred side
by side in the cemetery at Whitewater, and their memory is lovingly
enshrined in the hearts of their many friends.
- The early boyhood of our subject was spent upon his father's
farm and in attendance at the
- common schools of his native county, where his education
was received. At the age of eleven years he went to make his
home with his uncle, James HULL, with whom he remained until
1838, when he began learning the shoemaker's trade in the town
of Little York, serving the term of apprenticeship of two years.
On the 31st day of December, 1839, he was united in marriage
with Miss Harriet SHERMAN, who was also born in the town of Homer,
Cortland County, a daughter of Erastus and Rhoda (BOSTWICK) SHERMAN.
That was a day never to be forgotten by Mr. and Mrs. HULL. It
was in the middle of winter, and heavy snows had fallen until
the roads had become so blocked that, before Mr. HULL could reach
his intended bride, a path had to be cut through the drifts.
The father of the young lady holding the office of Pathmaster,
he saw that the roads were promptly cleared, and in due time
the marriage ceremony was performed. In the spring of 1840 the
young couple bade good-by[e] to their home and friends in the
East, and started for the Western frontier to carve out a fortune
for themselves. Thus the county secured two of its best citizens.
Moving into a little log cabin, they began life in true pioneer
style, and though the hardships and trials were many, and the
inconveniences and difficulties were great, many happy days were
passed beneath that humble roof, and the old logs rang with the
merry laughter and shouts of four light-hearted children, but
at length a dark shadow cast its gloom over the home. As the
flowers were beginning to fade and die, and nature was clothing
her children in sombre hues preparatory to the coming of winter,
the loving wife and mother was called to her final rest. She
died on the 12th day of September, 1852, at the age of thirty-two
years, seven months and fifteen days, and was interred in the
family burying ground at Whitewater. For many years she had been
a member of the Congregational Church, and was a tried and true
Christian, who taught her children more by example than by precept
the righteous way of life. Kind and accommodating to her neighbors
and friends, tender and loving to the home circle, her death
proved a sad loss to the community. She left a husband and four
children, two of whom have since followed her to that better
land - Erastus, who died Feb. 11, 1853, and Henry W., who was
killed by the cars at Northfield, Minn. The two remaining children
are Jason W., a harness-maker residing at Decorah, Iowa, and
Ellen J., wife of L. STEPHENS, a resident farmer of the town
of Lima.
- On the second of March, 1853, Mr. HULL was again married,
the lady of his choice being Miss
- Abigail S. BACON, a native of Cape Cod, Mass. After their
marriage our subject built a large two-story frame residence
on his farm, where they made their home until July, 1886, when
he erected his present comfortable dwelling in the village of
Lima Center. They there expect to pass their remaining days in
retirement from the more active duties of life. They can look
back over the years that are passed with the satisfaction of
knowing that they have not been spent in vain, that many are
the good deeds which they have wrought, and the kind acts performed.
For many years Mr. HULL has been a member of the Congregational
Church, and has been prominently identified with the best interests
of the community, where for almost half a century he has made
his home. As an honored pioneer, he receives the respect and
confidence of all with whom business or pleasure have brought
him in contact; but as a friend and worthy Christian gentleman,
he is greatly beloved. In his social relations he is a member
of the Masonic fraternity, belonging to the lodge at Whitewater,
and in his political sentiments is a stanch supporter of the
Republican party. For two years he has served as Chairman of
the County Board of Supervisors, and has filled various other
offices of trust. We are pleased to record this brief sketch
among those of representative citizens of Rock County, feeling
that none are more worthy than he of a place in this record.
-
- Taken from "The Portrait and Biographical Album of
Rock County, Wis." (c)1889, pp. 929-931.
-
- Courtesy of Carol
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