Biographical Sketch of

William J. Foat

Transcribed by Jaimee Hedlund

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 400 and 403

William J. Foat, a representative and prominent farmer of Jackson township, Adams County, Wisconsin, is a veteran of 
the Civil War and bears an honorable record for brave service in the cause of freedom and union, and in the paths of 
peace he has also won an enviable reputation through the sterling qualities which go to the making of a good citizen.
 
Mr. Foat wa born in Sullivan, Madison County, New York, September 24, 1842, a son of Samuel and Maria J. (Becker) Foat. 
The father, a native of Kent County, England, emigrated to America in 1833, and located in Sullivan County, New York, 
where he successfully engaged in farming until 1843. He died in Canada in 1849.  The maternal grandfather of our subject 
was of Holland descent, and was one of the early settlers of the Mohawk Flats.  The mother died June 30, 1875.
 
When our subject was a year old he was taken by his parents to Canada, where he was reared. His opportunities for 
obtaining an education were very meager, as he was only able to attend school for about three months, but being 
naturally bright and intelligent, he has become a well-informed man through his own unaided efforts. Leaving his 
home in Canada at the age of seventeen years, he came to Wisconsin, traveling most of the distance on foot, and he 
located first in Racine, but afterward removed to Hebron township, Jefferson County, where he engaged in agricultural 
pursuits for sometime. After his marriage he bought a small farm in that county, which he successfully operated until 
1885, when he came to Adams County and purchased eighty acres in Jackson township.  At that time it was nearly all 
wild land, but he has placed fifty-five acres under the plow and erected good buildings, and made other improvements 
upon the place, which add to its value and attractive appearance.  The success that he has achieved in life is due 
entirely to his own perseverance, good management and untiring labor.
 
During the Civil War Mr. Foat enlisted August 21, 1862, in Company F, Twenty-second Wisconsin Volunteer Infantry, and 
being disabled at Camp Dick Robinson, Kentucky, he was discharged February 1, 1863.  In 1864 he tried to re-enlist, but 
was not accepted on account of disability.  As a Democrat he takes an active interest, in political affairs, but has 
never sought office. He is very much interested in educational matters, and his influence is always exerted in behalf 
of good schools and competent teachers.
 
On September 23, 1871, Mr. Foat married Miss Olive L. Elmendorf, a daughter of John and Elizabeth (Youmans) Elmendorf, 
who were born in New York, and were of Holland descent.  Her father was born March 7, 1792, and died at the advanced age 
of ninty-four years, living under the administration of every president of the United States with the exception of 
Harrison and McKinley. He was a soldier of the War of 1812,  being stationed on Staten Island to help guard New York 
City.  Our subject and his wife have two children:  John S., born September 29, 1872, and Emery S., born April 26, 1878.  
The younger son attended the common schools and now assists his father in the operation of the home farm.
 
John S. Foat, the older son, after attending the district schools, entered Ripon College in September 1892, and pursued 
a scientific course, graduating with the degree of A.M., in June 1899.  He was an earnest worker and one of the most 
popular students of that institution, being business manager of the "College Days;" president of the Eolian Society, 
vice-president of the College Oratorical Union, president of the graduating class and president of the Athletic Society. 
He was one of the best debaters in the college.  Before completing the course he laid aside his text-books to enter 
the service of his country in her war with Spain, enlisting May 12, 1898, in Company D, Second Wisconsin Volunteer 
Infantry. He was made corporal in his company, and was afterward promoted to the rank of sergeant.  After a month spent 
at Camp Harvey, he went with his command to Camp Thomas, Georgia, and two months later sailed with the regiment for 
Porto Rico, where they landed July 28, 1898. He was in the engagement at Coamo, August 9, and was valiant and fearless 
soldier.  He reached home, September 10, much reduced in flesh, and was mustered out November 14, 1898.  On the 1st of 
October, 1899 he entered Rush Medical College, Chicago, where he expects to graduate in June, 1902, and then engage in 
the pratice of medicine.
 

Transcribed by Jaimee Hedlund






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