Spencer



Spencer Family Plot
Oakwood Cemetery, Somers Township
(Source:  Photo Courtesy of Larry and Linda Kopet, USGenWebArchivesProjectWisconsin)

James E. Spencer
James E. Spencer, one of the prominent farmers of Kenosha County, residing on his farm in Section 8, was born in that county in what was then known as Pike Township, now Somers, Township, December 9, 1846, a son of Ambrose and Martha (Evans) Spencer.
The first of the Spencer family to locate in America was William Spencer, who came from England in 1631 and settled at Cambridge, Mass., although he evidently returned to England to marry his wife, Alice, in 1633.  He was counted a prominent man at Cambridge in 1634-35 and afterward was one of the first settlers in Hartford, Conn.  He had two brothers, Jared and Thomas, who came to America some years later than William, the first settler.
It only requires tracing to our subject's paternal great-grandfather to find a Revolutionary patriot in the person of Asa Spencer, who was in the fifth generation from the first William.  It is proved by records that Asa Spencer served faithfully, and was a personal friend of Washington and also of Thomas Jefferson, and as he was a man of prominence we can easily believe that on many occasions he exchanged views on public questions with these great statesmen of our country's early days.
The paternal grandfather of Mr. Spencer was the well known Judge James B. Spencer, who was born in Salisbury, Conn., and moved in an early day to Fort Covington, Franklin Co., N.Y.  He was one of the early settlers there, and for years a prominent man and political leader in the northern part of the State, holding many important offices, at one time being in the Custom House, as collector. He was a representative in the State and National Legislatures and was an eminent member of Bar and Bench.  He served with distinction in the War of 1812.  He was staunch Democrat.  His death occurred in 1848, at the age of sixty-eight.  He had three sons and one daughter.
The maternal grandfather of Mr. Spencer left a large family, eight sons and two daughters.  He resided in Mississippi at the time of the birth of his daughter, Martha, the mother of Mr. Spencer.
Ambrose Spencer was born in New York and was an early settler in Kenosha County, coming here in 1842, and buying a farm of 160 acres in Section 8, Somers Township, where he reared his family.  He died on this farm in 1886, aged sixty-eight years.  He was a member of the M.E. Church.  In his young manhood he was on a Government vessel, a man-of-war, in which he crossed the ocean a number of times.  After the death of his first wife, in 1850, he married (second) Arvilla Woodward, a native of Vermont, who died in 1893.  In religious belief she was a Methodist.
Two children were born to Ambrose and Martha Spencer: James E., of this sketch; and William H., of Seattle, Washington.  The children of the second marriage were, Walter A., of Kenosha; Clark W. of Appleton, Wisconsin; Florence, wife of Lafayette Owen of Burlington, Wisconsin; and Watson B., of Racine.
James E. Spencer was reared on his father' farm in Somers Township, and obtained his early education in the district schools, later attending a seminary at Richmond, Michigan., and a commercial college at Racine.  He lived at home until he reached his majority and then bough his present farm of eighty acres, which he has continued to improve until the present day.
Mr. Spencer was married September 24, 1872, to Miss Helen A. Clemons, daughter of Hosea Clemons, and they had three sons and one daughter:  James C., Estella, Ambrose, and Edgar.  James C., who is a carpenter in Kenosha, married Amelia Longmore; Estella died aged seventeen years, and Ambrose died aged two and a half years; Edgar lives at home.  Mrs. Spencer died in 1895, aged forty-two years.  She was a much beloved woman in her neighborhood and was a consistent member of the M.E. Church.
On October 27, 1898 Mr. Spencer was married (second) to Miss Mary L. Rhodes, daughter of Jonas W. and Caroline (Rutan) Rhodes, natives of Sussex County, N.J.  The father came West in 1842 and the mother in 1843, in which year they were married at Vernon, New Jersey.  They settled in what was then known as Pike township, now Somers Township, Kenosha County.  The father followed farming and was also well known as a stock and wool buyer.  He died in 1891, aged seventy years.  His widow who still survives, is now eighty-five years of age.  Of their eight children the survivors are: Anna, wife of Dr. F.H. Longley, of North Platte, Neb.; Mary L., wife of James E. Spencer; and Kitty Clyde, wife of Charles Mitchell, of Milwaukee.
William Jonas Rhodes, the paternal grandfather of Mrs. Spencer, was a native of New Jersey, and in early life was a blacksmith, later a farmer.  He died in New Jersey when over seventy years of age.  He married Anna Courter, and they had eleven children, the survivors being:  Caroline, mother of Mrs. Spencer; Abraham, of Sussex County, N.J.; Elizabeth, widow of William Faber, of Unionville, N.Y.; Julia, Mrs. Ferguson, a widow, of Paterson, N.J.; Catherine, widow of Nicholas Faber, of Sussex County, N.J.; and Carlotte widow of John Moore, of Canadaigua, Michigan.  The maternal great-grandfather, Abraham Rutan, was a soldier in the Revolutionary War.  He married Rebecca Rutan.  They were of Dutch extraction, their ancestors coming to America from Holland.
James E. Spencer is a Democrat, and he has served as Somers Town Clerk for the past nine years.  He is president of the Farmers' Mutual Life Insurance Company, having been a Director for a long period.  Both he and his wife are member of the M.E. Church.  He belongs to the fraternal order of Woodmen.
(Source:  Biographical Record of Prominent and Representative Men of Racine and Kenosha Counties, J.H. Beers & Co., Chicago 1906)

Mrs. Helen Clemons Spencer Obituary
"Mrs. Helen Spencer, aged 42 years, wife of James E. Spencer, died Monday at 5:30 p.m. at her home in the Town of Somers, of consumption, after an illness of over a year.  The deceased was a daughter of the late Hosea Clemons, of Mt. Pleasant, and was born and grew to womanhood in this vicinity.  She was a woman devoted to her house and family and to her bereaved husband and three children.  She leaves besides four brothers and five sisters to mourn her untimely death.  Deceased was a member of the Somers Methodist Church from which place the funeral will be held Wednesday at 10:45 a.m.  A brief service will be held at the house at 10 o'clock and the interment will be in Oakwood Cemetery, at Somers.
(Source:  Racine Journal June 13, 1895)

Spencer "In the News"
"W.A. Spencer, who for years has served in the capacity of butter maker at the creamery, has tendered his resignation.  Mr. Spencer has given good satisfaction and we hope that his place will be filled by a person fully as competent."
(Source:  Racine Journal Feb. 21, 1900)

Bishop, Sr, Isaac T. and Lydia

Isaac T. Bishop, Sr. and Lydia J. Clemons Biship
Oakwood Cemetery, Somers, Wisconsin
(Source:  Photo courtesy Larry & Linda Kopet US GenWeb Archives Project Wis.)

Isaac T. Bishop
The Hon. Isaac T. Bishop, former Senator from the Third senatorial district of Wisconsin, and one of the best known of the pioneer residents of Kenosha County died at his home in the Town of Somers on Sunday morning at the age of 76 years.  Death followed a long illness due to a general breaking down from advancing age.  Senator Bishop was one of the most widely known residents of this section of the state and he had won distinction as a farmer, as a soldier in the war of the rebellion and as a member of the legislature.  He had also held many offices in his home town and was prominent for years as a political leader among the members of the Republican party.  His most distinguished service for the state was rendered during the two terms he served as a member of the state senate.  During his career in the upper house of the legislature he was the author of many bills to aid the agricultural districts of the state and he held many important committee assignments.

The former senator was a native of Kenosha county.  He was born in the town of Somers June 6, 1844, a son of the late Jacob and Fanny (Potter) Bishop, who were among the earliest pioneers of this section of Wisconsin.  Mrs. Bishop was a direct descendant of Gen. Potter, one of the famous leaders of the American troops in the war of the Revolution.  His father was a political leader and had the distinction of being the first clerk in the school district No. 1 in the Town of Somers.

Senator Bishop was educated in the common schools of his home town and when he completed his school he worked as a clerk in the store of Doan & Hawle.  He remained in the store for a year when he heard the call to service in the Union army and served extensively including the Battle of Port Gibson, Champion’s Hills, and the Siege of Vicksburg.

After he had been honorable discharged from the Union Army he returned to the farm in the town of Somers.  A little later he bought a farm of his own which he cultivated until 1908 when he retired and moved to the village of Somers.  He was one of the organizers of the Home Insurance Company of the town of Somers and he served as secretary of the company for 37 years.

Senator Bishop was recognized as leader of the Republicans in Racine and Kenosha Counties and he had wide influence over the party thought the state.  He was one of the “Old Guard” of the Republicans.  He held many public offices.  He served as Town Treasurer in his home town for 11 years, as a Justice of the Peace for seven years, and for many years he served as a member of the county board serving as chairman of the board for a period of several years.  1906 he was elected as State Senator from the third senatorial district.  He was re-elected for a second term and after he had completed his eight years the senate he declined to be a candidate for re-election.

Senator Bishop had always been a leader in the social life of the town of Somers.  He was united in marriage in November, 1886, to Miss Lydia J. Clemons, a native of Utica, New York.  To this union five children were born and two sons Adelmar A. Bishop, Racine and Benjamin H. Bishop, Racine, survive.  Another son, Edwin S. Bishop , who became a prominent instructor in the University of Chicago, died July 31, 1916.

May 23, 1912 Mrs. Lydia J. Clemons Bishop gently dropped the threads of this earthly existence and peacefully passed to her Heavenly Home after suffering many weeks from a complication of diseases.  She was born in Oswego County, New York, July 3, 1846 and was a daughter of Hosea and Eliza (Wallace) Clemons, who came to this area of Wisconsin.  At the age of sixteen years her mother died, leaving her the oldest daughter in a family of nine children.  Her splendid, unselfish devotion endeared her to the whole family and bears sufficient evidence to the nobility of her character.

(Source:  Racine Journal Times, publication date July 19, 1920)

Isaac Bishop Wedding Announcement (April 8, 1915)

Isaac T. Bishop Civil War History
Isaac T. Bishop has lived in Somers Township all his life.  The outbreak of the Civil War interrupted the quiet current of his life just as it did the thousands of others who answered the call of country in the fateful years of 1861-1864.
On September 9, 1862, Mr. Bishop enlisted under Chief of Police Bradley of Chicago, in Battery B, First Illinois Light Artillery, and was ordered to report to the Battery then located at Memphis, Tenn.  The quota of the Battery having been filled, he enlisted in Company C, 55th Illinois, Vol. Infantry.  During the siege of Vicksburg he was assigned to special duty in the Ordnance Department of the 15th Army Corps.  After the capitulation of Vicksburg, he was transferred to the Post Ordnance Department.  In January 1864, he was assigned to duty in the Ordnance Department, Military Division of the Mississippi, located at Nashville, Tenn., by order of Lieut. Gen. U.S. Grant, where he remained until the close of the War, in May 1865.  He enlisted as a private, and was mustered out as Assistant Ordnance Officer.  Seven days after joining the 55th regiment, he participated in the Battle of Chancellorsville and his regiment soon after went down the Mississippi River to Young's Point, opposite Vicksburg, where in the summer of 1863, they helped to dig the canal which was usually called by the soldiers, "Grant's Ditch," which is destined some day to cut an important figure in navigation.  A force of 25,000 men was engaged for three months in digging this canal.  The object was to cut off and leave Vicksburg an inland town, and the work was in charge of Generals Grant and Sherman.
General Grant then threw his Army across the river to Grand Gulf, where he met General Pemberton in command of the Confederate forces, who fought stubbornly from Grand Gulf to Raymond, and next at Champion Hills, Black River Bridge, ending with the siege of Vicksburg.  Mr. Bishop carried a gun and participated in all of that campaign, and was finally mustered out of the service at Nashville, Tenn.  He returned to his home in Somers Township and again became a farmer with his brother.
(Source:  Commemorative Biographical Record of Racine and Kenosha Counties, J.H. Beers & Co., Chicago 1906)

About Lydia J. Clemons Bishop
The Death Angel has again visited Somers and taken one of our oldest and best known pioneers.  On Thursday afternoon, May 23, 1912., Mrs. Lydia J. Clemons Bishop gently dropped the threads of this earthly existence and peacefully passed to her heavenly Home, after suffering many weeks from a complication of diseases.
Lydia J. Clemons was born in Oswego County, New York, July 3, 1846.  She was a daughter of Hosea and Eliza (Wallace) Clemons, who came to Wisconsin from New York in 1846 and settled in Mt. Pleasant, Racine County, where they lived until their death.  She was a woman of high educational attainments, educated in the common schools and later attending the Racine Kenosha High Schools. 
At the age of sixteen years the mother died leaving her the oldest daughter in a family of nine children.  Her splendid, unselfish devotion endeared her to to the whole family and bears sufficient evidence to the nobility of her character.  November 28, 1866, she was united in marriage to Isaac T. Bishop, who survives her.  Five children were born to this union.  Three of whom are living, Adelmer A. of Racine, Edwin S. of Chicago, and Benjamin H. of Somers her.  The funeral services were held from the late home on Saturday afternoon, conducted by the Rev. Johnson, assisted by the Rev. Bruhn.  A quartet from Racine, directed by Russell Lewis, Jr., sang some of the dear old hymns.  A large concourse of surviving friends followed the remains to its resting place in Oakwood Cemetery.
(Source:  Racine Journal, publication date June 4, 1912)

Benjamin H. Bishop
"Benjamin H. Bishop, an enterprising young agriculturist of Kenosha County and a representative of one of its well known pioneer families, owns and operates a farm of forty acres on Section 16, Somers Township, which he purchased from his father three years ago.  His birth occurred in that township on the 18th of June 1887, his parents being Isaac T. and Lydia Jane (Clemens) Bishop.
Benjamin H. Bishop attended the common schools until sixteen years of age and subsequently assisted his father in the work of the fields until 1913, when he was married and established a home of his own, purchasing forty acres of land from his father on Section 16, Somers Township.  His labors as an agriculturist are attended with excellent success and bring him a gratifying annual income.
When a young man of twenty six years, Mr. Bishop was united in marriage to Miss Annette Sorensen, a daughter of Chris and Marie (Christensen) Sorensen, both of whom were born in Denmark.  They now have a daughter, Lydia Jane.
Mr. Bishop gives his political allegiance to the Republican party while his religious faith is that of the Methodist Church.  Fraternally he is identified with the Modern Woodmen of America belonging to Camp No. 828.  His entire life has been spent within the borders of Kenosha County.
(Source:  City and County of Kenosha, Vol. II, Chicago, S.J. Clark Publishing Co. 1916)

Isaac and Lydia Children
Five sons:
John G., who was drowned in August 1902 while in the employ of the St. Paul Railway Company, married Maggie Fitzgerald, of Somers Township, and had two daughters, Arvilla L. and Delia M.
Click here to read John G. Bishop posting.

John G. Bishop
1870-1902 (32 years)
Oakwood Cemetery, Somers, Wisconsin
(Source: Photo courtesy Larry & Linda Kopet US GenWeb Archives Project Wis.)

Adelmar A., a graduate of the State Normal School at Whitewater, and formerly for nine years bookkeeper for the J.I. Case Threshing Machine Co., and now in the laundry business at Racine, married Maud E. Thompson, and has one son, Gordon A.
Issac T. died at the age of eighteen years

Isaac T. Bishop, son of Isaac T. Bishop and Lydia J. Clemons
(1878-1896) 18 years old
Oakwood Cemetery, Somers, Township
(Source: Photo courtesy Larry & Linda Kopet US GenWeb Archives Project Wis.) 

Edwin S., a graduate of the State University at Madison, taught two years there in the Pyhsics Department, and at present occupies the chair of Physics in the East Division High School at Milwaukee.

Edwin Sherwood Bishop, son of Isaac and Lydia J. Clemons Bishop
Born July 14, 1880.  Died July 31, 1916 in Chicago at age 36.  Working in Chicago as a Teacher.
Married to Florence Melissa Spence, daughter of James Alexander Spence and Frances Amelia Strong Spence.
Florence was born April 15, 1879.  Died June 1930.
James Spence Bishop, son of Edwin Sherwood and Florence Melissa Spence Bishop
James born July 26, 1910 and died February 28, 1933.  Born in Chicago.  See below.
(Source: Photo courtesy Larry & Linda Kopet US GenWeb Archives Project Wis.)

James Spence Bishop
Funeral services for the late (James) Spence Bishop whose death occurred in Texas last week, were held from the Hansen Funeral Home, Kenosha, Saturday afternoon, Rev. Hogan of the Plymouth Congregational Church officiating. The remains were interred beside his parents, the late Mr. and Mrs. E.S. Bishop, at the Oakwood Cemetery.
(Source: Racine Journal Times, publication date March 10, 1933).

Edwin Sherwood Bishop, son of Edwin Sherwood Bishop and Florence Melissa Spence Bishop
1915-1947
Oakwood Cemetery, Somers, Township
(Source: Photo courtesy Larry & Linda Kopet US GenWeb Archives Project Wis.)

Benjamin H. is at home (see biography above)

Isaac T. Bishop Biography

Lived in Section 16.  Born in Somers in 1845.  His father, Jacob Bishop was one of the early settlers who came to Wisconsin in 1839 and brought his family in 1842, locating on the farm where he now lives.  At the age of 16, Isaac engaged as clerk in the dry goods store of Seth Doom in Kenosha.  September 9, 1862, he enlisted in Taylor's Battery, at Chicago, Ill. He was transferred to the 55th Ill V.I. and detached from that to the Ordnance Dept, Military Division of the Mississippi serving in the capacity of Ordnance Office until the close of the war.  He participated in the battle of Champion Hills, Miss.; Raymond, Black River and others; also in the siege of Vicksburg; returning to Kenosha, he was in 1867 elected Justice of the Peace of Somers, holding that position at present.  He married, in 1866, Miss Lydia Clemens, a native of Wisconsin.  He has three sons and owns 160 acres.

(Source:  History of Racine Kenosha Counties  1879)

Lytle

Henry Lytle
Oakwood Cemetery
(Source:  Photo by Jacqueline Klapproth Nelson.  Copyright October 2011)

Amanda Lytle
Oakwood Cemetery
(Source:  Photo by Jacqueline Klapproth Nelson.  Copyright October 2011)

Henry Lytle
Henry Lytle is one of the honored veterans of the Civil War now living in Somers Township and the same spirit of loyalty and devotion to his country his characterized his entire life.  He was but a young man of twenty years when he enlisted, his birth having occurred in Walworth County, Wisconsin, on the 5th of June, 1844, his parents being Adams and Maria (Carswell) Lytle, who at an early day in the development of Wisconsin came to this state.  They settled in Racine county in 1850 and there the father rented land and began farming.  Subsequently he purchased eighty acres in Yorkville, which he cultivated for some time and then sold.  He next removed to Racine, where he engaged in the nursery business, and afterward he made his home at Ives Grove for three or four years.  Subsequently he removed to Mount Pleasant, Racine County, where his last days were spent, and both he and his wife were laid to rest in the county.  His political allegiance was given to the Republican party, for he firmly believed its principles contained the best elements of good government.  His religious faith was manifest in his membership in the Scotch Presbyterian Church, to the teachings of which he was most loyal, guiding his life by that church.
Henry Lytle was largely reared in Racine County and there attended the common schools to the age of seventeen years, when, desirous of making his own way in the world, he secured employment in a butcher shop in Racine, spending a year in that connection.  On the 11th of August, 1862, he offered his services to the country in defense of the Union, which was then engaged in Civil War, going to the front with the "Boys in Blue: of company H, Twenty second Wisconsin Volunteer Infantry, with which he served until the close of hostilities.  He participated in many of the most hotly contested engagements which led up to the final victory that crowned the Union arms, including the battles of Resaca,  Peachtree Creek, Golgotha,  New Hope Church, Battle of Jonesborough, Battle of Kennesaw Mountain, Atlanta, and Bentonvile.  He was twice slightly wounded and was mustered out at Washington, D.C., on the 11th of June, 1865.  He had joined the army as a private but was promoted to the rank of corporal on the 20th of July, 1864.
When the war was over and the country no longer needed his military aid Mr. Lytle returned to Mount Pleasant and worked at home up to the time of his marriage, which occurred January 17, 1867, Miss Amanda McHuron becoming his wife.  She is a daughter of D.L. McHuron, of Racine County, and by her marriage she became the mother of eight children, but their first born, Nellie, is now deceased.
The others are: George H., of Green Bay, Wisconsin, who is married and has two children; Adams L., who is assisting his father upon the home farm; Mamie, at home; W.N., who is married and has one child; Kittie, who is the wife of John Haigh and has four daughters; Edith, deceased; and Clarence A., living in Montanta.
Following his marriage Mr. Lytle established his home in Yorkville, where he engaged in farming for five years.  He then removed to Mount Pleasant and carried on agricultural pursuits on different farms there for three years.
In 1891 he purchased a place in Somers and has since conducted a farmers' store, handling hardware, machinery and other supplies needed by the agriculturist.  In this connection he has built up a good business, from which he derives a substantial profit.  He is also Treasurer of a fire insurance company, is a Trustee of the Cemetery Association and a Director of the Corliss State Bank.
Mr. Lytle belongs to the Grand Army of the Republic and is prominent in the Modern Woodmen Camp at Somers, in which he has served as consul, and is secretary and treasurer of the Woodmen Hall Association.  He has filled some local offices, including that of Treasurer in the Town of Yorkville, and Town Treasurer in the Town of Mount Pleasant.  For several terms he was county committeeman.  He has attended the Presbyterian Church.
(Source:  The City and County of Kenosha,  Wisconsin, Vol. II, Chicago, The S.J. Clark Publishing Co., 1916)

Nathaniel Lytle
Oakwood Cemetery
(source:  Photo by Jacqueline Klapproth Nelson.  Copyright October 2011)

About Nathaniel Lytle
"Mr. Nathaniel Lytle, a resident of the village, and formerly of Mt. Pleasant died at his home on Sunday evening of internal hemorrhage at the age of 67 years.  Mr. Lytle had been failing for some time suffering from cancer of the stomach.  The funeral services will be held from the house on Tuesday afternoon at 1 o'clock and interment will take place in Oakwood Cemetery."
(Source:  Racine Daily News, publication date March 24, 1903)

"Mr. Nathaniel Lytle departed this life Sunday evening.  The deceased was born in Salem, New York, July 25, 1836, and with his parents came to Spring Prairie, Wisconsin in 1842.
The death of My Lytle marks the passing of a man who has been actively associated with the development of Racine County, and few men had a wider circle of friends than he.  Mr. Lytle was identified with the Republican party all his life time.  for several years he was Chairman of the Board of Supervisors of Mt. Pleasant.  He was one of the promoters of the Racine County insane asylum and served as Trustee of that institution for years.
December 22, 1882, he was united in marriage to Miss Melissa Clemons.  Mr. Lytle was a man of sterling qualities, and the vacancy made by his death can never be filled.  He with his wife moved to Somers nine years ago.  The bereaved wife, two brothers and two sisters have the sympathy of the entire community in this their hour of sadness.
the funeral services were held from the Presbyterian Church Tuesday afternoon conducted by Rev. McNary.  Internment at Oakwood Cemetery.
(Source:  Racine Weekly, publication March 27, 1903)

More About Henry Lytle
Henry Lytle, of the firm of Henry Lytle & Sons, dealers in hardware, agricultural implements, hard and soft coal, flour and feed, at Somers Station, Somers Township, Kenosha County, Wisconsin, was born June 5, 1844, at Spring Prairie, Walworth County, Wisconsin.  He was the son of Adams and Maria (Carswell) Lytle.
The paternal grandfather of Henry Lytle, was Andrew Lytle, who was born in Ireland and came to America in youth, settling first in Pennsylvania, but later moving to New York.  He came West with the early pioneers into Yorkville township, Racine County, and died at Ives Grove at the age of ninety-two years.  He was a Revolutionary soldier, but turned his sword into a pruning hook and became a farmer.  His wife bore the name of Eliza and they both lived to old age, rearing a large family of children.
Adams Lytle, the father of Henry, was born December 10, 1792, in New York, where his wife was born April 19, 1802.  They were married November 21, 1822, and they had ten children as follows:
Jane, deceased and wife of W.P. Goff, died in Kansas
John went to California in 1850 but has been lost sight of by the family
Margaret, deceased, was the wife of Daniel Bull, brother of Stephen Bull of Racine
Mary, widow of Daniel Clark, a resident of New York
Eliza died in infancy
Andrew is in Edlorado, Kans
Nathaniel died at Somers Station
Lydia is the widow of David Secor of near Waterford, Racine County
Adams, Jr. who was a soldier in the Civil War, a member of Company H, 22nd Wisconsin V.I. died in the service
and Henry.
Adms Lytle came to Wisconsin in 1838 and always followed farming.  With his wife he settled in Spring Prairie Township, Walworth County, but a few years later moved to Racine County, where he bought a farm of eighty acres in Yorkville township.  Prior to his decrease, he moved to Mt. Pleasant township and died there in 1860, aged sixty-eight years.  His widow survived until 1888 dying aged eighty-six years.  She was a consistent member of the Presbyterian Church.  Adams Lytle was a survivor of the Mexican War and he was man of prominence in Yorkville Township, of which he was treasurer at one time.
Henry Lytle was reared a farmer boy and obtained his education in the district schools.  When seventeen years old he went to Racine and worked n the butcher shop of Daniel Bull until August 11, 1862, when he enlisted in Company H., 22nd Wis. V.I.  He was mustered out as a corporal, his promotions being the reward of personal bravery.
After the war, Mr. Lytle returned home and farmed in Mt. Pleasant Township until 1886, and then moved into Somers Township, where he continued to farm for the next five years.  In 1891 he quit the farm and bought out the general business of Allen Williams at Somers Station, which he still conducts, having associated with him in the business his sons, George H. and Adams L., both capable young business men.
On January 10, 1867, Mr. Lytle was united in marriage with Miss Amanda Ann McHuron, daughter of David L. and Catherine McHuron, early settlers in Paris Township, and afterward residents of Mt. Pleasant Township, Racine County.  The father died there aged eighty-two years, but the mother still survives.  Mr. and Mrs. Lytle have had eight children, four sons and four daughters, the first-born dying in infancy, the others being:  George H., of Green Bay, Wisconsin, where he is superintendent of the electric light plant, married Annie Johnson and they have two children, Bernice and George W.;  Catherine married John Haigh, and they live in Somers Township; and have two daughters, Mildred L. and Edith.  Edith A. died at the age of nineteen years;  William N. is of Gallatin County, Mont.  Clarence A., Adams L., and Mary J. live at home.
Mrs. Lytle is a Baptist in religious belief, but as there is no Baptist Church at this place, she and her husband attend and liberally contribute to the support of the Presbyterian Church.  Politically he is a Republican and he has been elected by his party as Town Treasurer both of Yorkville and Mt. Pleasant Townships in times past.  He belongs to the Harvey Post G.A.R. at Racine and is prominent in the Order of Woodmen of America.  He fills the office of president of the Woodmen Hall Association, and for several years was consul of the camp.
(Source:  Biographical Record of Prominent and Representative Men of Racine and Kenosha Counties Wisconsin, J.H. Beers & Co. 1906)

"The Henry Lytle & Sons general store has been sold to Kansasville persons who will take over the business December 1st."
(Source:  Racine Journal Nov 12, 1941)

"Henry Lytle and son received a binder and a mower last week from the Champion Machine  Company."
(Source:  Racine Daily Feb. 8, 1899)


Celebrate Golden Wedding Anniversary
Mr. and Ms. Henry Lytle celebrated their golden wedding at their home in the village of Somers on January 20, 1917.  On January 10, 1867, Miss Amanda McHuron, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. D.L. McHuron of Mt. Pleasant and Henry Lytle, son of  the late Mrs. and Mrs. Adams and Marie Lytle of Spring Prairie, were united in marriage.  The bride of 50 years ago was born in New York state and came with her parents to Raine County when a young woman.  The groom was born at Spring Prairie 73 years ago.  After their marriage they resided in Mt. Pleasant ad Yorkville in Racine County and cam to Somers in 1885 where they lived on a farm until about 15 years ago when Mr. Lytle engaged in the hardware and feed business at the village.
(Racine Journal Times January 27, 1917)

Edith Lytle
Oakwood Cemetery
(Source: Photo by Larry & Linda Kopet, US GenWebWisconsin)

George Lytle
Oakwood Cemetery
(Source: Photo by Larry & Linda Kopet, US GenWebWisconsin)

Ozanne, Edward G.

Edward G. Ozanne
Oakewood Cemetery
(Source:  Photo by Jacqueline Klapproth Nelson.  Copyright October 2011).

Edward G. Ozanne
Edward G. Ozanne, who is engaged in general farming on Section 10, Somers Township, was born August 30, 1854, in the township where he now resides, his parents being James and Mary (Carre) Ozanne, who were natives of the Isle of Guernsey, whence they came to the United States in 1842.  They afterward returned to Guernsey but again came to the new world in 1850.  They were married in 1847 and four children were born to them:  Helena, now the widow of H.A. Hitler, by whom she had one child, Clinton; Alfred, who died in Tempe, Arizona in 1916 leaving three children, Emma, who is living in Somers township; and Edward G.
Edward G. Ozanne (father) purchased a half section of land in Kenosha County the first time that he came to the new world, and upon his return he took up his abode on that farm and continued to make it his place of residence until his death, being numbered among the representative agriculturists of the community.  He passed away in 1892, his grave being made in Oakwood Cemetery.  He was on the Methodist faith and was a local minister of the church, doing everything in his power to promote its growth and extend its influence.  His political belief was that of the Republican party, and he was ever loyal to any cause which he espoused, his life being ever guided by high and honorable principles, while his influence was a potent force for good in the community in which he lived.
Edward G. Ozanne attended the common schools until he reached the age of sixteen years and then concentrated his efforts upon the work of the home farm.  He has since inherited a portion of this farm and has purchased the interest of the other heirs in the property.  later he sold off part of his land but at present owns eight acres - a rich and valuable tract which he has brought to a high state of cultivation and which annually yields to him golden harvests.
In 1881 Mr. Ozanne was married to Miss Ida Clemens, who died in 1895, leaving two children, Edward C. and Mary E.  The former is married and has two children.  Mr. Ozanne was married again October 6, 1898, the lady of his choice being Miss Minnie A. Grimshaw, a daughter of Joseph and Bessie (Lee) Grimshaw, the former a native of England.  The mother, who was born in Somers, is still living in that town.
Mr. Ozanne is identified with the Woodmen Camp at Somers and is of the Methodist faith.
Source: (The City and County of Kenosha, Wisconsin, Vol. II, Chicago, The S.J. Clarke Publishing Co., 1916).