Biographical Sketch of
William J. Galbraith
Transcribed by Robert Schieber 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 623 - 624 William J. Galbraith, a representative and prominent farmer of New Haven township, Adams county, Wisconsin, was born in Logan county, Ohio, October 2, 1849, and is the third son of William and Eliza (Woods) Galbraith, natives of the north of Ireland. The father emigrated to America in 1830 and took up his residence in Logan county, Ohio, where he followed his trade of shoemaking for a time and later engaged in farming with marked success. In 1854 he came to Wisconsin and purchased one hundred and sixty acres of land in Dodge county, to the improvement and cultivation of which he devoted his energies for two years. He then sold that place and moved to Waupaca county, where he took up a tract of one hundred and sixty acres of government land, but in 1862 he disposed of that property and bought another farm in Lynn township, the same county, which he commenced to clear and improve. At the end of five years he sold out and started for Minnesota in a covered wagon, but on reaching Dividing Ridge he met his brother and together they returned to this state. He next purchased what was known as the Old Man Searles farm, just across the line from Adams county, in Marquette county, but after residing there for two months he traded the place for the Platt Staples farm on section 1 and 2, New Haven township, Adams county. He soon had one hundred acres of the one-hundred-and-sixty-acre tract under a high state of cultivation and otherwise improved the farm, but he finally sold the place to his sons, and removed to Portage, where he was working at his trade of shoemaking at the time of his death, which occurred in 1878. Wherever known he was highly esteemed. In early life William J. Galbraith attended the common schools near his home, and aided his father in the improvement and cultivation of the home farm. On attaining his majority he and his brother, Charles, bought the home place in New Haven township, which they subsequently divided, and to his share our subject has added until he now has one hundred and eighty acres of land, of which all but fifty acres is now under a high state of cultivation and improved with good buildings. He has been prominently identified with the development of this locality, and has ever borne his part in its improvement. He now owns the Stockbridge place, upon which is a log building forty-five years old and still in a good state of preservation. On the 10th of October, 1875, Mr. Galbraith led to the marriage altar Miss Carrie Smith, who was born in New Haven township, Adams county, Wisconsin, April 5, 1856, a daughter of A. D. and Polly A. (Bennett) Smith, natives of Pennsylvania and pioneers of this state. They located in New Haven township when it was almost an unbroken wilderness and their nearest neighbor was six miles away. In the eastern part of the township the father took up a large tract of government land, and the family lived in true pioneer style. Their hospitable home was ever open and many an early settler found accommodations with them until they could erect rude dwellings for themselves. Mrs. Smith used to grind corn in the coffee mill for family use. Fires had to be kept burning at night to keep the wolves away from the little pigs, and she once had an encounter with a bear, her weapon being a butcher knife. Mr. Smith was chosen judge of the county, and all legal questions for miles around were brought to him for settlement. He improved one of the best farms in the county, took an active part in laying out roads and organizing school districts, and was one of the most useful and influential citizens of the community in those early days. He owned four hundred acres of valuable land, and as his fellow citizens placed in him the utmost confidence, he was never called upon to give his note. He died in New Haven township, in June, 1889, and his wife passed away two years later. Of the thirteen children born to Mr. and Mrs. Galbraith, five are now living, namely: Edith S., born September 17, 1883; Helen V. G., June 29, 1885; Lee T., born August 3, 1889; Julius E., born April 9, 1896; and Carrie J., born June 7, 1899. At the last call of the government for troops during the Civil war, Mr. Galbraith enlisted and served for three months. As a Republican he takes quite an active interest in the political affairs of the county, and has ably filled the office of township supervisor. He has held some school offices in his district for twelve consecutive years and has done much toward raising the standard of schools in the community. He is a far-sighted, energetic business man and has met with well-merited success in his endeavors.Transcribed by Robert Schieber
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