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 301 - 302

The pleasant estate on which this gentleman makes his home is the old homestead farm of his father, whom he assisted and became thoroughly acquainted with the best methods to be pursued in that calling. The management of the estate has now fallen to his lot and he has taken up the work and is displaying those dominant traits of character which are destined to bring the best results. He is a man of much worth to his community and is interested in the general welfare of Adams county. His entire life has been spent in Easton township, and his home surroundings are of the most comfortable nature. Modern machinery is used for gathering and taking care of the grain products, and his stock is well provided with shelter.

Mr. Colby was born at Easton, Adams county, Wisconsin, July 17, 1855, and was the son of Jonathan C. and Sarah A. (Pettigrove) Colby, a sketch of whose lives will appear under the biography of Thomas P. Colby, elsewhere in this volume.

Our subject attended school until about fourteen yaers of age, and received a good education. He resided at home and after the death of his parents came into possession of the homestead, on which he still resides. He has about one hundred and seventy acres of land, one hundred acres of which is under cultivation. He engages in general farming and has been successful.

Mr. Colby was married, June 21, 1892, to Jennie M. Halstead, daughter of Isaac F. and Lydia Halstead, of Easton township. Three children have been born to bless the home of Mr. and Mrs. Colby, as follows: Irene F., born March 30, 1893 ; Floyd, born September 4, 1895, and Dorothy Ruth, born August 18, 1899.

Mr. Colby has been called upon to serve in various official positions in his township, and is at present chairman of the township board. He is non-partisan in politics and casts his vote for the man which his opinion will serve his community best. He is public-spirited, and in every possible way lends his influence for the advancement of his community, and enjoys the respect of his fellow men.