Adams County Wisconsin Genealogy

Transcribed by Christy Janke

Source: Memorial and Biographical Record and Illustrated Compendium of Biography of Citizens of Columbia, Sauk and Adams Counties, Wisconsin, published 1901 by G. A. Ogle & Co., Chicago, 1901, Pages 271 - 272

George Volney Bacon, Deceased.

Springville township, Adams county, had no better representative farmer during his life than the gentleman whose name heads this personal history, and who was one of the early settlers of Wisconsin. His estate was conducted with the greatest care, and he showed a progressive spirit commendable to him, and was respected by his entire community.

Mr. Bacon was born in Livingston county, New York, December 12, 1826, and was the son of Nathaniel and Achsah (Terry) Bacon. His father was born in Vermont, but when a young boy his family moved to New York, leaving him to the care of others. At the age of twenty-two years he removed to Livingston county, New York, where he married. His death occurred December 13, 1878, at Hanover, Michigan.

Of a family of twelve children, six sons and six daughters, our subject was the second child. Until about seventeen years of age he assisted his father on the farm. His eyesight was affected and he could not attend school, but obtained a fair education. In June, 1845, he went to Beaver Dam, Wisconsin, and was employed in different works for about three years, when he returned to Allegany county, New York, and engaged in farming. He located in Beaver Dam, Wisconsin, in 1850, remaining there until 1856, when he went to Springville, Adams county. He took government land and a few years later purchased a farm in the same township, which he occupied until his death. He was through and practical and conducted a model farm. In November, 1864, he entered the army and was away three months at Madison, but was discharged at the end of that time on account of defective sight.

Mr. Bacon was married November 9, 1848, to Mary Jane Hay, daughter of Jonathan and Julia (Collins) Hay, of Livingston county, New York. Mrs. Bacon's father was of Scotch descent and was born in Vermont, where he resided until he reached the age of twenty-six years. Five children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Bacon, as follows: George Mansfield, born June 30, 1852, died at Springville, June 22, 1873 ; Frances E., born March 21, 1850, married J. W. Cummings, of Springville, November 9, 1872; Helen E., born March 24, 1861, married A. D. Billings, of Springville, October 15, 1884; Charles E., born August 14, 1863, now residing on the old homestead; and Anna L., born October 29, 1872, Married A. E. Richardson, of New Lisbon, April 13, 1898. Mr. Bacon departed this life in Springville township, Adams county, Wisconsin, July 5, 1882. He left a loving family and a large circle of acquaintances and friends to mourn for him. He was an honest man, ever interested in the welfare of his associates. He served for several terms on the town board, and in all matters of public nature gave his support. He was a Republican in political faith, but did not take an active part in the affairs of his party. He kept posted on important public questions, and was keenly awake to the needs of the hour. Mrs. Bacon has erected a fine residence on the estate of her son-in-law, A. D. Billings, near the old homestaed, where she lives in comfortable circumstances. She is a lady of refinemant and good taste, and her home is a model convenience and neatness.