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 284 - 285

James Morris Crothers, a prominent and influential farmer and stock raiser, of New Haven township, Adams county, was born in Montreal, Canada, September 14, 1847, and was the son of James and Ann (Briggs) Crothers.

Our subject's father was a native of Belfast, Ireland, and came to America in the spring of 1841. He was a linen weaver at Belfast, and upon coming to America engaged in farming at Montreal, Canada. He settles in Jackson township, Adams county, Wisconsin, in 1856, where he still resides at the age of eighty-four years. He is a successful farmer and respected citizen, and renowned for physical and mental activity far beyond most men of his age. The mother of our subject was born in Isle of Jersey, England, and died in Wisconsin October 16, 1890, in the seventieth year of her age. Her father, Robert Briggs, served twenty-seven years in the British army, retiring as a coporal of the Royal Artillery. For twenty years he was the strongest man in his battery. His death occurred in Ireland.

Our subject was one of ten children, two of whom died in childhood, those who grew to maturity being as follows: Margaret, who married Abner H. Flook, and who has now passed away ; James M. , our subject; Robert Briggs, a resident of New Haven township ; Anna, now Mrs. Henry Kabaugh, residing in Jackson Township; Elizabeth, now Mrs. Edward Wylie, of Thorp, Wisconsin ; Samuel H., residing in Cass county, North Dakota ; George, an attorney at Neilsville, Wisconsin ; and William A., residing on the homestead in Jackson township.

James M. Crothers was but a small boy when the parents moved to Wisconsin, and he attended the district school, and at the age of seventeen years began work in a saw mill in Grand Rapids, Wisconsin, as a sawyer. Upon reaching his majority he began farming on his present farm, which he then rented, but three years later purchased the land. He added to his possessions from time to time, and his present estate comprises one hundred and sixty acres, about one hundred acres which is tillable, and the balance furnishes abundant timber and pasture land. He engages principally in the raising of live stock and has some high grade stock and has made a success in the branch of agriculture. For several years he dealt in live stock and is a man who is well versed on values.

Mr. Crothers was married August 15, 1866, to Julia M. Ward, daughter of Ira C. and Ursula Ward, of New Haven township. Mrs. Crothers was born in Jefferson county Wisconsin and her parents were among the first settlers of Adams county, locating on the farm which is now owned by Mr. Crothers. Mr. and Mrs. Ward now reside at Big Spring. To Mr. and Mrs. Crothers eight children have been born, as follows: Herbert Stillman, engaged in the banking business in Davenport, North Dakota ; Clifford Harris, produce dealer of Kilbourn, Wisconsin ; Bertha Viola, now Mrs. Charles George, of Plainfield, Wisconsin ; Nellie May, now Mrs. F. J. Durham, of Milwaukee, Wisconsin ; Asa Evelyn, now residing in Spencer, Iowa ; Cora Irene, Ethel and Archie Raymond, the last three named residing at home. Mr.Crothers has given his children good educational advantages, and is interested in educational matters. The family attend the Congregational church at Big Springs and Mrs. Crothers is a member of the same. Mr. Crothers is a gentleman who exerts a marked interest in local affairs, and has been a delegate twice to the state congressional convention. He has filled the principal township offices, and always has the welfare of his community at heart. He has been a Republican in political sentiment since his youth, and adheres to the principles of his party.