Adams County Wisconsin Genealogy

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 699 - 700

The early settlers of a country are the ones who mould her destiny, and in Adams county, Wisconsin, many of the pioneers who did so much for that region still reside. Foremost among this class stands the gentleman whose name heads this review. Adams county has been his home for many years, but he has not resided long in Monroe township. However, he has found a high place in the minds of his associates, and is a respected member of his community. Mr. York was born February 8, 1827, at Adams, Jefferson county, New York, and was the son of Erastus and Elizabeth (Tilden) York. His father was a shoemaker by trade, and came to Adams county, Wisconsin, from Jefferson county, New York, in 1892. He was eighty-five years of age at the time and came to reside with his children and his death occurred at the home of his daughter, Mrs Benjamin, of Vancburg, Dunn county, Wisconsin, at the age of eighty-six y ears. The mother died in Jefferson county, New York, June 24, 1843, aged forty-one years.

At a very early age our subject went to work on a farm at three dollars per month. At seventeen years of age he began sailing on the lakes, going as far west as Chicago, at which he continued about three years, when he went to Spring Prairie, Walworth county, Wisconsin, and engaged at work on a farm. After three years spent at farm work he learned the mason's trade, which he followed about three years there, and then two years in Poynette, Columbia county. He later moved to Easton, Adams county, and took up one hundred and twenty acres of land, all of which was wild. He was one of the first settlers, and neighbors were few and far away. He improved the land and erected good buildings, and occupied the place until 1875, when he disposed of the farm for one in Rome township, and in 1893 sold that farm and purchased his present estate in Monroe township. He has as a well improved farm and the appearance of the place evidences care in every detail.

Mr. York enlisted in Company K, Twenty-fifth Wisconsin volunteers, August 15, 1862, and was in all of Sherman's campaigns and on his march to the sea. He was a spectator of the grand review at Washington, but did not participate in the march, owing to his being on detached service, and second lieutenant of the Twenty-fifth Wisconsin, under Rusk. He was mustered out at Washington, in 1865, and received his discharge at Madison, Wisconsin, June 7th.

Mr. York was married, in Honey Creek, Walworth county, Wisconsin, October 8, 1848, to Lydia Ackerman, of Poynette.Mrs. York died December 30, 1894, and was buried in Rome, Wisconsin. Seven children, four of whom are living, were born to Mr. and Mrs. York, as follows: Frank E., an agriculturist, of Monroe township; Laura E., now Mrs. C. H. Snyder, of Monroe; Robert N., now residing at Friendship. Mr. York married Mrs. Alice M. Walker, of Big Flats, January 14, 1896. Mrs. York was the widow of Philo D. Walker, who during the Civil war was orderly sergeantof Company K, Twenty-fifth Wisconsin Infantry. He died October 5, 1895, and was buried at Big Flats. Mr. York is a member of Badger Post, No. 122, G. A. R., of Friendship. In religious faith he is a member of the United Brethren church. He takes an active part in the affairs of the Republican party, and has attended as delegate numerous county conventions. He is a true and highly respected citizen.