Racine County ALHN


Raymond Township Biographical Sketches


As published in "The History of Racine and Kenosha Counties" (Chicago: 1879), pages 664-668

K. ADLAND, Postmaster and merchant, Sec. 30; North Cape; was born in Norway, in 1829 came to Wisconsin and settled in Raymond, at North Cape, in 1840; engaged in agricultural pursuits until 1860, then entered the mercantile business in connection with farming. Since his residence here he has held the office of Justice of the Peace for sixteen years Chairman of the Town Board of Supervisors two years; been Postmaster at North Cape since 1858; was elected to the Legislature in November, 1878, by an assembly. In January, 1857, he married Miss Phoebe Drought; she was born in Canada. They have eight children. Mr. Adland owns 195 acres of land in Section 30.

JOHN AMBROSON, farmer, Sec. 7; P. O. North Cape; was born in Norway, in 1815; came to Wisconsin in 1846. Married in 1860; his wife was born in Norway; they have four children. Mr. and Mrs. Ambroson are members of the Lutheran Church. While a resident of the town of Norway, Mr. Ambroson served one term as Town Treasurer. He owns 120 acres of land in Section 7.

JOHN ARMER, farmer, Sec. 17; P. O. North Cape; was born in England, in 1828; came to Wisconsin in 1842, and located in Raymond. Married, in 1864, Miss S. J. Braund; she was born in England; they had two children. He owns forty acres of land in Section 17.

MATTHEW ARMER, farmer, Sec. 17; P. O. North Cape; born in England, in 1825; came to Wisconsin in 1849. Married, in 1859, Miss Elizabeth Blain; she was born in Ireland, died in 1873; they had six children, lost two. Mr. Armer has served as Side Supervisor and Town Treasurer for one term. He owns forty acres of land in Section 17.

JOHN BAUMANN, farmer, Sec. 6; P. O. Union Church; was born in Mecklenberg, Germany, in 1837; came to Wisconsin in 1857. Married in 1875; his wife was born in Germany; they have two children. Mr. and Mrs. Baumann are members of the Lutheran Church. He owns twenty acres of land in Section 6.

SAMPSON BEEBE, farmer, Sec. 24; P. O. Thompsonville; was born in New York, in 1822; came to Wisconsin in 1845. Married, in 1855, to Miss Marian Rastall, a native of England. Mrs. B. is a member of the Baptist Church; they have six children- Emeline, Frank, Alma, Jessie, Jennie and Greta. Mr. Beebe owns 57 acres of land in Section 24, all in a good state of cultivation.

WM. BLAKELY, farmer, Sec. 13; P. O. Raymond; was born in New York, in 1848; came to Wisconsin, in 1875. Married in 1871; his wife was born in New York; they have four children. Mr. and Mrs. Blakely are members of the Episcopal Church. Owns eighty acres of land in Section 13.

NIELS CHRISTENSEN, farmer, Sec. 22; P. O. North Cape; born in Denmark, in 1844; came to Wisconsin in 1866. He married in 1873, and his wife died in 1874; married again in 1875; his wife was born in Denmark; they have four children. Mr. Christensen owns thirty acres of land in Section 22.

L. CHRISTIANSEN, Postmaster and dealer in dry goods, groceries etc., Raymond; was born in Denmark, in 1845; came to Wisconsin in 1869; was appointed Postmaster in 1877. Married, in 1870, Miss Christina Frederickson; she was born in Denmark; they have five children living, lost one infant. Mr. and Mrs. Christiansen are members of the Danish Baptist Church.

MARTIN CONLAN, farmer, Sec. 3; P. O. Raymond; was born in Ireland, in 1807; came to America in 1834, and located near Utica, N. Y.; removed to Wisconsin, in 1837, and located in Milwaukee County; from there he went to Illinois, remained for a time, and returned to Greenfield, Milwaukee County; resided there for fourteen years, and then removed to Racine County, where he has resided ever since. In 1837, he married Miss Mary Crane, a native of Ireland; they have seven children. Members of the Catholic Church. Owns 174 acres of land in Sections 3 and 4. Mr. Conlan was Chairman of the Board of Supervisors in Milwaukee County, and held various other offices while there. In Raymond he has been Town Assessor for the last twelve years.

MRS. CHAS. F. CORDES (widow), dealer in dry goods and general merchandise, Sec. 13; was born in Germany; came to Wisconsin in 1843. Married Charles F. Cordes in 1863; he was born in Detroit, Mich., in 1840; died Aug. 18, 1878; he came to Racine Co. in 1877, and was engaged in mercantile business until his death; they had five children, of whom two are dead.

NEWMAN FILLMORE, farmer, Sec. 22; P. O. Raymond; was born in Vermont in 1814; came to Racine Co. in 1844. Married, in 1838, Miss Minerva Beebe; she died in 1864; Nov. 15, 1864, he married Miss Mary E. Kitchingman; she was born in Utica, N. Y., and a daughter of Dr. James and Mrs. B. E. Kitchingman. Mr. Fillmore owns fifty acres of land, all in good state of cultivation.

RICHARD FLETCHER, farmer, Sec. 18; P. O. North Cape; was born in England in 1815; came to Wisconsin in 1841, and located in Raymond. Married, in 1849, Miss Martha Dawson; she was born in England; they have three children. Mr. and Mrs. Fletcher are members of the Congregational Church. He owns 120 acres of land in Sec. 18.

JAMES R. GIBBS, merchant and farmer, Sec. 21; P. O. Raymmond; was born in New York State, Onondaga Co., in 1816; resided there until 1836, then removed to Berkshire Co., Mass., and engaged in the marble business; thence removed to Kendall Co., Ill., and engaged in farming and mercantile business; he came to Wisconsin in 1860, and located in Raymond. Married Miss Jane C. Lee in 1841; she was born in Berkshire Co., Mass. The are members of the Congregational Church. Since his residence in Raymond, Mr. G. has served on the Board of Supervisors, and was Postmaster for four years. He owns seventy-eight acres of land in Sec. 21.

JOHN GRAHAM, farmer, Sec. 7; P. O. North Cape; was born in England in 1819; came to Wisconsin in 1844. Married in 1866; his wife was born in Germany; they have two children. Mr. G. owns eighty acres of land in Secs. 7 and 8.

CLAUS HANSEN, farmer, Sec. 27; P. O. Raymond; was born in Denmark, in 1838; came to Wisconsin in 1860, and located in Raymond. Married Miss Sarah Hansen in 1865; she was born in Denmark. They are members of the Danish Baptist Church. He owns sixty acres of land in Sec. 27.

SAMUEL J. HAYNES, farmer, Sec. 17; P. O. Raymond; was born in Massachusetts, in 1836; came to Wisconsin in 1859, and located in Raymond. In 1861 be enlisted in the 9th Wis. Battery; mustered out in 1865; since then engaged in agricultural pursuits; owns eighty acres of land in Sec. 17.

THOMAS HESELDEN, farmer, Sec. 32; P. O. Yorkville; was born in England, in 1810; came to America in 1837; came to Wisconsin in 1842. Was married in 1837; his wife was born in England; they have one child- Mary, now Mrs. M. Hays. Mr. and Mrs. H. are members of the Episcopal Church. He owns eighty acres in Sec. 32.

C. P. HORTON, farmer, Secs. 4 and 9; P. O. Raymond; was born in Westchester Co., N. Y., in 1819 came to Wisconsin in 1846; settled in Raymond, and has resided there ever since. Married, in 1844, Miss Jane M. Scott, a native of New York; they have seven children- Mary, now Mrs. Clague; Abiah, now Mrs. Sheard; Charles, Frank, Elmer, Carrie and Estella. Mr. Horton has held various offices since his residence here; was Superintendent of Public Schools before the county system commenced, and, has also served as Supervisor and Town Clerk. Owns 140 acres of land in Secs. 4 and 9, all in first-class state of cultivation.

EDWIN F. HOTCHKIS, P. O. Raymond; was born in Racine Co., in 1855; son of John Hotchkis, deceased; has resided in the county all his life, and lived in Raymond for the past seventeen years; is a member of the Congregational Church.

JAMES HUNTER, farmer, Sec. 22; P. O. Raymond; born in Scotland, in 1826; came to Wisconsin in 1850, and located in Raymond. Married Margaret Stubbs, in 1856. She was born in Scotland; died Dec. 5, 1858. In 1861, he married Mrs. Amanda Hotchkiss. They have five children. Mr. and Mrs. H. are members of the Congregational Church. In 1862, Mr. H. enlisted in the 1st Wis. Heavy Artillery, Co. K.; mustered out in 1864. When he came to Wisconsin, he worked out as a farm hand, since which time he has accumulated a competency, being the owner of 100 acres in Sec. 22.

WILLIAM HUNTER, farmer, Sec. 22; P. O. Raymond; was born in Dumfriesshire, Scotland, in 1829; came to Wisconsin in 1853; married, in 1850, Miss Ann D. Boyd. They have six children living; lost two. Mr. and Mrs. Hunter are members of the Congregational Church. Mr. Hunter came to Wisconsin a poor man, but, by economy and industry, has a fine home, and one of the best-cultivated farms in the county, of eighty acres, in Sec. 22. Since his residence in Raymond, he has held the offices of Town Treasurer and Constable.

JESSE INGERSOLL, farmer, Sec. 27; P. O. Raymond; was born in Canada, in 1809; came to Wisconsin, May 21, 1845, and located on his present homestead. He married, in 1835, Miss Sarah B. Kelly. She died Oct. 16, 1850. They had six children; lost two. Two of his sons were volunteers in the late war. John W. enlisted in the Wis. Heavy Artillery; James in the 22d Wis. V. I., Co. K., and was killed in "Hood's Raid," near Atlanta, in 1864. In 1852, Mr. Ingersoll married Miss Thomasin Sleeman. She is a native of England. Mr. Ingersoll has served as Justice of the Peace for two years, in Raymond. He owns 18O acres of land in Sec. 27, all under good cultivation.

J. JOHNSON, farmer, Sec. 20; P. O. North Cape; was born in Denmark, in 1854; came to Wisconsin in 1869, with his parents, and located in Yorkville; lived there seven years; then removed to Raymond.

JOHN J. KIME, farmer, Sec. 32; P. O. Yorkville; was born in New Jersey, in 1843; came to Wisconsin, with parents, in 1844; married, in 1869, Miss Isabel Hay. They have three children - Edgar G., John and Ida I. Owns fifty acres of land in Raymond, and twenty in Yorkville. In 1864 he enlisted in the 2d Wis. Cavalry, Co. G. was mustered out in June, 1865. Has also served two terms as Deputy Sheriff, in Raymond.

WM. KIME, farmer, Sec. 32; P. O. Yorkville; was born in New Jersey, in 1841; came to Wisconsin in 1844, with parents; married, in 1865, Miss Elizabeth Hay. They have four children - Emma, William, Albert and George. He owns fifty acres; part in Raymond, and part in Yorkville.

A. A. KITCHINGMAN, M. D., Sec., 22; P. O. Raymond; was born in Racine, in 1846. In 1866, he commenced studying medicine; entered the Rush Medical College in 1869, and graduated the following year. In May, 1871, he married Miss Emma Scott. She was born in Wisconsin. They have one son- Ray S.

RASMUS LARSEN, farmer, Sec. 27; P. O. Raymond; was born in Denmark, in 1837 came to Wisconsin in 1867, and located in Raymond; married in 1870. His wife was born in Denmark; They have four children, and are members of the Danish Baptist Church. He owns twenty-two and one half acres of land in Sec. 27.

JOSEPH LAW, farmer, Sec. 6; P. O. Union Church; was born in England, in 1823; came to New York in 1845; stopped in New York for a year; came to Wisconsin in 1846; resided in Waukesha Co. until 1851; removed to Raymond, and has resided here ever since. Has been Roadmaster for a number of years; is a member of the Baptist Church; owns 100 acres of land, and values it at $50 per acre.

WILLIAX LENDEMANN, farmer, Sec. 8; P. O. Raymond; was born in Germany in 1827; came to Wisconsin in 1871 married in 1850. His wife was born in Germany; they have five children living and lost one. Mr. and Mrs. L. are members of the Lutheran Church. Mr. L. owns forty acres of land in Sec. 8.

ALLEXANDER, MCPHERSON, farmer, Sec. 27; P. O. Raymond; was born in Scotland in 1805; emigrated to Wisconsin in 1844, and located in Raymond. He married, in 1832, Miss Helen Steven; she was born in Scotland; died March 26, 1878; they had nine children, lost one. Mr. McPherson is a member of the Congregational Church; since his residence in Raymond he has served as Town Treasurer for one year and Justice of Peace for sixteen years. He owns forty acres in Sec. 27.

GEORGE MILLER, farmer, Sec. 25; P. O. Thompsonville; was born in England; came to Wisconsin in 1842; was engaged at wagon-making until twelve years ago, then went to farming. Was married in 1845; his wife is a native of England; they have six children living, and have lost three. Owns 120 acres of land.

ROBERT J. MOYLE, farmer, Sec. 34; P. O. Yorkville; was born in England. Owns 150 acres of land in Sec. 34.

P. D. OLWELL, farmer, Sec. 3; P. O. Raymond; was born in Ireland in 1837, and came to New York in 1839 and to Wisconsin in 1850 -- he first located in Oconomowoc, Waukesha Co., and removed to Racine Co. in 1869. Married July 23, 1865, Miss Sarah Doolan; she was born in New York; they have six children- James, Lawrence, Elizabeth, Mary, William, and Leo. Mr. and Mrs. Olwell are members of the Catholic Church. In Waukesha Co. Mr. O. was one of the Board of Supervisors, and has served in same capacity since his removal here. Owns 161 acres of land in Sec. 3, and is an extensive breeder of stock.

NILS PAULSON, farmer, Sec. 7; P. O. North Cape; was born in Norway in 1827; came to Wisconsin in 1876. Married in 1850; wife was born in Norway; they have six children living and lost one. Mr. and Mrs. P. are members of the Lutheran Church.

REV. L. PEDERSEN, P. O. North Cape; was born in Denmark in 1812; came to Wisconsin in 1865. Married in 1870; his wife was born in Denmark; she died in 1878; they had four children. Mr. Pedersen is minister of the Dane Baptist Church in Raymond.

WILLIAM RANEY, farmer, Sec. 8; P. O. Raymond; was born on the Isle of McGee in 1817; came to Racine Co. in 1847, and located in Raymond, and helped to organize the institutions of the town. Married in 1845 his wife was born in Ireland; they have nine children living, and lost one. Mr. and Mrs. Raney are members of the First Congregational Church. Mr. R. has held various offices in the town. Owns eighty acres of land, part in Sec. 8 and part in Sec. 17.

EDWARD RICHARDS, farmer, Secs. 3 and 4; P. O. Raymond; was born in England in 1808; came to Wisconsin in 1844, and settled in Racine Co., and has been residing here ever since. In 1839 be married Miss Amy Foxwell; she was born in England; they have five children living, lost four. Mrs. R. is a member of the Methodist Church. Mr. R. has held various offices since his residence here; was Town Treasurer of Yorkville for one year, on the Side Board of Commissioners, is Secretary of the Town Insurance of Raymond, and School Treasurer. Owns 190 acres of land in Secs. 3 and 4.

JAMES ROBERTS, farmer, Sec. 29; P. O. North Cape; was born in England in 1816 came to Wisconsin in 1842, and located in Racine Co. In 1846 he married Miss E. Coad - she was born in England, and died in 1855; they had six children. Mr. Roberts was Doorkeeper in the Senate at Madison, Wis., in 1869, and has also served as School Clerk in his district for a number of years; when he came to Wisconsin he was a poor man, but by economy and industry he has gained a fine farm of 200 acres in Sec. 29; he is a strong advocate of temperance, and has belonged to the society for forty years.

MRS. JOSEPH ROBERTS, Sec. 20; P. O. Raymond; was born in England. Married Joseph Roberts in 1833 in Connecticut; he was born in England in 1811; came to Wisconsin in 1854; died in 1876; they had four children- William H., Cornelius, Mary A., and John. She owns eighty acres of land in Sec. 20.

LORING WEBBER, farmer, Sec. 23; P. O. Raymond; was born in Massachusetts in 1792; emigrated to Wisconsin in 1838, located in Raymond, and has resided here ever since. Married in 1813 Miss Sarah Upham; they have five children living, lost five. Mr. and Mrs. Webber are members of the Baptist Church. Mr. Webber has held the offices of Supervisor and Town Treasurer since his residence in Raymond.

GEORGE WEST, veterinary surgeon, Sec. 22; P. O. Raymond; born in Canada in 1834 came to Wisconsin in 1848, and located in Raymond Township, and has resided here since. Married M. A. M. Davis in 1858; she was born in New York; they have two children living and have lost four. Mr. W. was one of the Building Committee when the courthouse was being erected; also, Superintendent of the Poor in middle district for two years, and had full charge of the County Poor House; has followed veterinary surgery for eighteen years. He owns 121 acres of land in Section 22, all in good state of cultivation.

STEVEN WEST, farmer, Sec. 15; P. O. Raymond; was born in Canada in 1845; came to Wisconsin in 1848. Married in, October, 1868, Sarah M. Bacon; she was born in Wisconsin they have two children- Ruth R. and Arthur S.; Mrs. West is a member of the Free Baptist Church. Mr. West owns 110 acres of land in Sec. 15, and is a breeder of fine draft-horses.

THOMAS WEST, JR., farmer, Sec. 10; P. O. Raymond; was born in Canada in 1826; came to Wisconsin in 1848, and located in Raymond, where he has resided ever since. Married, June 16, 1850, Miss Charlotte Ferris; she was born in Canada; they have six children living; lost two sons. Members of Methodist Episcopal Church. Mr. West has held various offices since his residence here; has been Assessor of the town, on the Board of Supervisors, Town Treasurer, and is at present Justice of the Peace. Owns 143 acres of land, located in Secs. 9, 10, and 2.

ALEXANDER WILSON, farmer, Sec. 28; P. O. Raymond: was born in Ireland in 1837 son of Thomas Wilson, who was among the earlier settlers of the county; came to Wisconsin in 1839; in 1864; enlisted in Co. G, 43d Wis.; was mustered out in June, 1865. Is engaged in agricultural pursuits on his father's farm.

EDMUND ZENTGRAF, farmer, Sec. 1; P. O. Oakwood; was born in Germany in 1825; came to Wisconsin Jan. 5, 1870. Was married in 1849: wife was born in Germany: they have two children. Owns twenty acres of land in Sec. 1.




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