Biographical Sketch of

Marvin E. Lathrop

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 739 - 740


Marvin E. Lathrop, whose pleasant home is in the town of Colburn, where he has a fertile and well-cultivated 
farm on section 12, near the postoffice of Hancock, is one of the successful agriculturists of Adams county, 
and he has been identified with its interests for many years.  He is a native of the state, and was born in 
the town of Ontario, Waushara county, March 29, 1850.  He is therefore in the very prime of manly powers, and 
though fifty years have passed away, still the natural fire of his youth is not abated nor his strength exhausted.

Mr. Lathrop comes of good old American stock, his ancestral lines running back into old colony times.  Ira R. 
Lathrop, his father, was born in Genesee county, New York, March 21, 1823, and his mother, Avis Alvira Foster, 
in the town of Greenwich, Hampshire county, Massachusetts, May 14, 1830.  They were married September 1, 1847, 
in Winnebago county, Wisconsin, and at once took a prominent position in the community, a position they always 
maintained.  They were the parents of seven children, two of whom died in infancy.  Marvin, their eldest child, 
is the subject of this sketch.  Annie is the wife of S. E. Brown, a prominent farmer and leading citizen of 
Brown county, Kansas.  Frank moved to Emmett county, Iowa, where he as long been recognized as an upright and 
worthy citizen and a most capable farmer.  His wife was known when a girl as Louisa Jenkins.  Edgar married Mary 
Davis, and lives in Washington county, Kansas.  He had his home for a time in Brown county, of that state.  
Charles found his wife, Kate Ames, at Burnett, Dodge county, Wisconsin, and was long a resident of this state, 
but is now register of deeds at Algona, Iowa.  Of these four boys, widely scattered and exposed to the temp-
tations of frontier life, it is somewhat remarkable that they have all grown to middle age without one of them 
so much as learning the taste of malt or spirituous liquors.  It is a fact that speaks well for the high moral 
character of the home in which they were nurtured.  The paternal Lathrop accompanied his father and mother to 
Indiana when he was only twelve years old, and remained with them until he attained his majority.  He was strong 
and sturdy, not afraid of hard work, a fact evidenced by his entering the Wisconsin pine woods, following a 
lumberman's career for the winter.  In 1846 he made his home in Green Lake county (then Marquette), where he 
lived for more than thirty years.  In 1879 he removed to Adams County, where he took possession of a choice 
farm of one hundred and fifty acres, which still continues to be his home.  Throughout his life he has been an 
active and intelligent farmer.  His upright character and manifest ability have always commanded respect, and 
his neighbors have repeatedly commanded his services in public position.  For many years he was a member of the 
board of supervisors of the town of Berlin, Green Lake county.  He was also treasurer of Leola township, Adams 
county, one year.  He father, Abiel Lathrop, was a miller in early life, and followed his trade in Connecticut, 
his native state.  When somewhat advanced in years he removed to Indiana, took up a farm, and died after a long 
and godly life.  He was for many years a deacon in the close communion Babtist church, and was always found on 
the side of right.

Marvin Lathrop came to Adams county in 1871, and from that time he has been an honored resident of that county.  
Miss Orvilla A. Flyte became his wife, January 21, 1871, and has proved everything that a loyal and devoted wife 
should be.  Mr. Lathrop was county surveyor for nearly twenty years, and has also served on the county board.  
It is also worthy of note that there has not been a year since he entered the county that he has not held some 
town office of more or less importance.  He lives on the old home farm, and in its management displays both 
industry and a comprehensive knowledge of the possibilities of the agricultural world.  Here he has a good house, 
a large barn and ample outbuildings, and at the present moment has some ninety acres under cultivation.  He gives 
much attention to the raising of High-grade Jersey cattle, and has won considerable distinction as a breeder of 
desirable stock.  He is a Republican, and a prominent Mason.  He was a charter member of the Edwards Lodge, No. 
268, at Hancock, and with his wife belongs to the Eastern Star.  He is now master of the local lodge, and has 
long been a faithful worker in the order.  They are the parents of one child, Harry A., and have many friends 
in the community.  


Transcribed by Robert Schieber






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