Biographical Sketch of

Stephen Hungerford

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 670 - 671

 
Stephen Hungerford, who now makes his home with his son in Dell Prairie township, Adams county, having retired 
from the struggles and cares of a busy life, was for many years connected with the agricultural interests of 
Adams county.  He owned a considerable tract of land lying partly in that and partly in Columbia county, and 
carried on farming on a respectable scale.  In 1900 he disposed of his place and sought the rest a long and 
active career had earned for him.

Mr. Hungerford was born near Fulton, Oswego county, New York, September 29, 1818, and was the son of Eleazer 
and Harriet M. (Waterhouse) Hungerford.  The family settled in New York in an early day and became worthy 
citizens of that state.  The father engaged in sailing a vessel on Lake Ontario for a number of years, but on 
account of ill health gave up that occupation at the time of his marriage.  The father died about 1869 and was 
laid to rest in Oswego county, New York.

Until nineteen years of age our subject was bound out to farm work for a term of years, and upon attaining his 
majority he was employed by the state of  New York as salt inspector, at Syracuse.  During this time he also 
followed blacksmithing and carriage making in which work he continued for about six years.  When thirty-one 
years of age he went to California, via the Isthmus, which he crossed on foot, and then taking a steamer for 
San Francisco, the entire trip taking about six months.  He engaged in mining in that state with varied success, 
and after four and one-half  years, in 1854, returned to New York, and after a brief stay left for Kinderhook, 
Branch county, Michigan, where he purchased land and began farming.  He followed farming there nine years, and 
then disposed of his interests, and in April, 1864, came to Adams county, Wisconsin, where he carried on farming 
until 1900 when, as stated, he sold out and removed to Dell Prairie township.

Mr. Hungerford was married June 23, 1843, to Lydia M. Root, daughter of Freedom and Sally (Crippen) Root, of 
Lysander, Onondaga county, New York.  Mrs. Hungerford's father was a prominent hotel keeper of that place, and 
his death occurred in 1860, and the mother passed away in 1843.  To Mr. and Mrs. Hungerford the following children 
were born:  Mary, now Mrs. M. A. Rublee, of Kilbourn, Wisconsin: Henry, now in Washington; Orvil died February 
24, 1894, and was buried at Sibley, Iowa; Charles, Farming in Washington; Fred, farming in Dell Prairie township; 
Frank, now Mrs. L. B. Dunton, of Dundee, Illinois; and Louis, farming at White Creek, Adams county.  Mrs. Stephen 
Hungerford died July 24, 1900, and lies buried in Spring Grove cemetery, Kilbourn.

Mr. Hungerford is one of the public-spirited men of his community, and despite his eithty-two  years is still 
greatly interested in the welfare of the people.  He follows public affairs and keeps posted on the issues under 
daily discussion, and is a gentleman who is strong in his convictions.  He is a member of the Populist party in 
political sentiment, and along the lines of his party takes and active interest, but does not seek public office; 
he stands as a prominent member of the farming community, where he has chosen to reside for so many years.  His 
career has been one of usefulness and activity, and he is passing his declining years amid those who honor the 
characteristics which have dominated his life.

Transcribers note:  Frank being Mrs. L. B. Dunton is what is written in the story.                                  

Transcribed by Robert Schieber






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