Biographical Sketch of

Oscar Clarke Ely

Transcribed by Joan Benner

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 341 - 342


Oscar Clarke Ely, a prominent dairyman and general farmer, and postmaster at Spring Creek, residing in Monroe 
township, Adams county, has been a resident of that place since his boyhood days, and the farm which is now 
his home is one he assisted his father in clearing for cultivation. When the family went to that region it was 
a wilderness, and the present farm is one of the best to be found within the limits of Adams county, and the 
subject of this interview is entitled to much credit for the share he took in its transformation. He was but 
a young lad at the time of their early life there, but put his shoulder to the wheel and did what was in his 
power, and has been rewarded by witnessing the development of a thriving agricultural district, as well as 
individual gain.

Mr. Ely was born July 22, 1839, at Wilbraham, Hampden county, Massachusetts, and was the son of Jonathan Dixon 
and Julia (Clarke) Ely. The family had lived in the county for many years, and the father was a shoemaker by 
trade, and also followed farming. They came to what is now the town of Monroe, Adams county, Wisconsin, in 1855, 
and took one hundred and sixty acres of government land, on which they erected good buildings, and at the time 
of his death ninety acres was cleared for cultivation. There were no settlers for a number of miles, and the 
nearest polling place was Necedah. The father died December 28, 1883, aged seventy-six years, and the mother 
died March 24, 1889, aged seventy-five years, and both were buried in Spring Creek. Mr. Ely was a devout 
Christian and a member of the Methodist church. He was a Republican in political sentiment and much interested 
in party movements. He served in several township offices of trust, and was a respected citizen and gained the 
confidence of his associates. Six children, five sons and one daughter, were born to this worthy couple, as 
follows: Henry D., now farming in Monroe township; Oscar C., our subject; Elwood M., now farming in Monroe 
township; Dexter W., residing in Chicago; Homer W., now living in Granite, Illinois; and Harriet E., now Mrs. 
C. R. Barker, of Chicago. 

Oscar C. Ely at the age of ten years went to work for a farmer, and after three summers entered the cotton 
factory at Rockville, Connecticut, and was thus engaged for about three years. He came with his parents to 
Wisconsin at the age of sixteen years, and from that time assisted his father in the clearing of the farm. 
He is now in possession of two hundred acres, and has about one hundred acres under cultivation. He was 
awarded a diploma and medal by the World's Columbian Exposition at Chicago, for butter made on his farm, 
which was a great honor from the fact that the butter scored one hundred points. He is thorough in his work, 
practical, and uses the most approved methods, and has made a success.

Mr. Ely was married December 12, 1863, to Annette B. Gardner, daughter of Oliver and Melissa (Tuller) Gardner, 
of Preston township. Five children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Ely, three of whom are living, as follows: 
Charlotte E., born January 8, 1867, now Mrs. G. Losey, residing near Hancock, Leola township, Adams county; 
Alice J., born August 16, 1870, now Mrs. G. H. Munroe, of Barnum, Adams county, and Arthur O., born March 2, 
1881. The son is a sufferer from paralysis, and is an invalid.

Mr. and Mrs. Ely are consistent members of the Methodist church, and take an active part in church matters. He 
has exerted his influence for the interests of his township, and has served in various local offices of trust, 
in every instance performing his duties with fidelity and gaining the confidence of his fellows. He has been 
township clerk and justice of the peace, and is well known in his community. In political faith he is a Republican.

Mr. Ely was appointed postmaster of Spring Creek in 1897. He still holds that position, while his wife is 
assistant postmaster.


Transcribed by Joan Benner






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