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From Commemorative Biographical Record of the Counties of Rock Green, Grant, Iowa and Lafayette Wisconsin, Publ. 1901- Page 506-507
WILLIAM LOY, M.D. Prominent among the citizens of Grant county who have witnessed the marvelous development of this section of the State in the past half century, and who have, by their own well-directed efforts, succeeded in acquiring a handsome competence, and are now able to spend the sunset of life in quiet and retirement, is the gentleman whose name introduces this sketch.
Dr. LOY was born in Trumbull county, Ohio, Sept. 9, 1825, a son of John and Mary Ann (WESLEY) LOY, natives of Pennsylvania, who at an early day emigrated to the Buckeye State, and spent the remainder of their lives in Trumbull county. They were the parents of the following named children: George; Catherine; Esther; John, a physician of Trumbull county, Ohio; Mildred; Mary; William; Jacob, a physician of Cedar Rapids, Ia., formerly of Platteville, Wis.; and Elizabeth, a resident of Shenandoah, Iowa.
In his native State Dr. William LOY was reared and educated, and after completing his literary training entered the Ohio Medical College, at Cleveland, where he prepared for his chosen profession. On Oct. 16, 1849, he came to Grant county, Wis., first located in Liberty township, afterward practiced several years in the village of Platteville, and in 1854 settled at Annaton, Wis., where he purchased a farm, in connection with its operation successfully engaging in the practice of medicine throughout that section of the county for forty years. He was also largely engaged in stock raising, and, being a man of good business ability, sound judgment and strict integrity, he prospered in his undertakings, becoming one of the most substantial citizens of his community. In 1890 he moved to Platteville, and has since lived a practically retired life, enjoying the fruits of former toil.
In Liberty township Dr. LOY was married, in 1852 to Miss Susannah E. WANAMAKER, a native of Liberty township, Trumbull Co., Ohio. Her parents, Jonas and Esther (EVERETT) WANAMAKER, were born in Pennsylvania, at a very early day moved to Ohio, and in 1838 or 1839 came to Grant county, Wis., locating in Liberty township. This was during Territorial days, when this section of the State was still in its primitive condition, being all wild and unimproved. Both Mr. and Mrs. WANAMAKER died in Crawford county, Wis. The Doctor has been called upon to mourn the loss of his wife, who departed this life July 1, 1899. Of the seven children born to them, William and Arthur, the fourth and fifth in order of birth, are now deceased. Those living are as follows: (1) Viola F. is now Mrs. DENNIS, of New California, Grant county. (2) Sarah Ellen is Mrs. MELLOR, of Clifton, and has seven children, Anna, Frank, William, Clara Bell, John, Flossie and Everett. (3) Clara Estella is Mrs. ROSEMEIER of Annaton, Wis., and has two children, Leon and Archibald. (4) L. W. married Frances SWEENEY, and has three children, William, Donald and Susannah E. (5) A. W., a graduate in law at the State university of Madison, married Frances A. BURRIS; he is now serving as city clerk of Platteville.
During the latter part of the Civil war Dr. LOY enlisted in Clifton township, and was mustered into service at City Point, Va., March 3, 1865, as surgeon of the 6th Wis. V.I.; while in camp, however, he was transferred to the 7th Regiment, which formed a part of the famous Iron Brigade. He was stationed in Virginia during his entire service of four months and twenty-four days, and was honorably discharged at Madison, Wis., in July, 1865. He now holds membership in W. T. Sherman Post, No. 66, G. A. R. In politics the Doctor is a Democrat. During the long years of his residence in Grant county he has championed every movement designed to promote the general welfare, has supported every enterprise for the public good, and has materially aided in the advancement of all social and moral interests. After a useful and honorable career he can well afford to lay aside all business cares and live in ease and retirement.
This biography generously submitted by Carol Holmbeck