WILLIAM CLIFTON, farmer, Sec. 2; P. O. Washburn; was born in St. Charles Co., Mo., May 23, 1817. His father removed to Callaway Co., Mo., soon after, and resided there until William was about 13 years old, when he moved back to St. Charles. He came to Grant Co., Wis., in 1834, being attracted by the lead mines, and followed mining about ten years; then combined farming with mining. He first settled on a farm a little north of his present home; this he soon exchanged for his present farm, now containing 144 acres; this farm, originally mostly heavily-timbered, had been somewhat improved before he bought it, a few acres being cleared and a stone house built, but his own toil and skill have brought farm and buildings to their present state. Large quantities of lead mineral have been mined on the farm, and a quarry of limestone opened, from which large quantities of excellent lime have been burned. He was married July 21, 1839, to Miss Frances Ann Basye, second daughter of Dr. J. J. Basye, the pioneer physician and minister of Platteville. They have had twelve children, five of whom are still living - E. W., J. Newton, Rev. J. Theodore (now Pastor of the Third Congregational Church, St. Louis, Mo.), Rev. Joseph J., of the Rock River M. E. Conference, Ill., and Carrie (now Mrs. Arnett). Their youngest daughter, Anna Belle (Mrs. Hoppin), died recently at La Crosse, leaving a little girl, which the fond grandparents accept as a loving legacy and solace in their declining years, bringing to them unwonted sunshine and gladness. Mr. and Mrs. C. are among the oldest members of the M. E. Church in this section of the country. Mr. C. has served on the Town Board of Clifton and Lima, principally as Chairman, many years, and is very much esteemed by all who know him.

This biography generously submitted by Roxanne Munns.