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)

Stetson

William R. Stetson
Oakwood Cemetery
(Source:  Photo by Jacqueline Klapproth Nelson.  Copyright October 2011)

William R. Stetson
William R. Stetson, who is engaged in general farming on Section 13, Somers Township, Kenosha County, is a native of the Empire State. He was born on the 11th of March, 1817, in Westfield, N.Y. and is the son of William A. Stetson, who was born in Maine. Oliver Stetson, the grandfather of our subject, was a native of New England, and served his country in the War of the Revolution. His father and three brothers were of English birth and emigrated from their native land to America in early colonial days.

Family Notes:  "Cap't Oliver Stetson was born November 12, 1756, Hanover, Plymouth Co., Mass. and died in Westfield, Chautauqua Co., New York on November 10, 1839.  He is buried in East Ripley Cemetery.  The D.A.R. have placed a marker on the grave which reads: "Bailey's Mass. Mil. Rev. War.".  Oliver was  a private in Capt. Amos Turner's company of "Minute Men" from Mass. which marched on Lexington alarm April 19, 1775.  There were seven Stetson in this company Col. John Bailey's Regiment, the "North Company of Minute Men".  Battles engaged in White Plains and both battles of Stillwater.  After finishing his service, he went to Hebron Maine where he married in the year 1780 in Paris, Maine, Miss Jeanette Anderson who was born in Scotland in 1757.  She died in Ripley, N.Y. December 23, 1825 in her 69th year and is also buried in East Ripley Cemetery.  Accordingly to family records, Oliver and Jeanette settled in the "wilds of Maine" far from civilization.  Here their first child was born, Oliver.  The 1790 U.S. Census has Oliver at "Canajoharietown" Montgomery Co.  He next appears in Middlefield, N.Y. where land records bear the signature of his wife, Jeanette.  When John, the youngest child was age 13, the family traveled to Westfield, Chaut Co., N.Y.  They traveled with ox teams thru Buffalo as it lay in ruins after being burned by the British.  In 1819 Oliver bought 109-1/2 acres in Ripley, N.Y. overlooking Lake Erie.  he paid $546.96 for it.  Here he built a brick house and ran a tavern.  They were active in the Presbyterian Church.  On the neighboring farm of James McMahan is a large stone on which has been carved the name of Oliver Stetson and his neighbors as the "first settlers of Chaut. So. N.Y.  He and his neighbor made a long sled a drew their grain by hand to the mill in Buffalo, sixty miles away, on the ice of Lake Erie.
Ten children were born to Oliver and Jeanette Anderson Stetson.  William A. (this story) was born Feb. 1, 1788 and died January 20, 1868. "

The father of our subject was reared to manhood in the Pine Tree State and on removing to New York, settled in Cooperstown, where he later married Jane Anderson, who was born at the place and was the daughter of Samuel Anderson, another of the Revolutionary heroes. After his marriage Mr. Stetson continued to make his home in New York until 1841, when he emigrated with his family to Wisconsin, locating in the village of Southport, now Kenosha, where he resided for a number of years. He died at the home of his daughter in that city. In the Stetson family were three sons and five daughters, the eldest of whom, Oliver, was a railroad contractor, and died in Lima, Ohio; Almira married Sheldon Fisk and is now deceased; Dorliska is also deceased; William R., of this sketch, is the next younger; Janette is the deceased wife of E.M. Kinney, one of the early settlers of Kenosha; Mary Ann has also passed away; Carl G. served in the late war as Captain of Company I, Thirty-Third Wisconsin Infantry. Carl was killed at Spanish Fort, located on the Gulf; and Jerusha, is the wife of J.R. Payson, a manufacturer of Chicago. She and our subject are now the only surviving members of the family.

(Note:  William Eugene Thompson had always thought the Stetson arrival date in Kenosha county was 1835.  They moved from Chautauqua County (previously Norwalk, Conn.) in 1833, through Ohio to Chicago, leaving two daughters at school in Oberlin, Ohio.  Moved from Chicago to Wisconsin as cholera broke out.  Traveled by oxcart.  Immigrant cholera victims buried in cemetery north of Racine, Wisconsin.  Kenosha County Historical Society has travel trunk dated 1833 used during the travels of the Stetsons to Wisconsin.)
(Source:  Thompson family records)

William R. Stetson has for half a century made his home in Kenosha County. The days of his boyhood and youth were passed in Chautauqua County, New York, where he acquired an education. He then went on the river as a pilot, running rafts on the Allegheny and Ohio Rivers, to which business he continued to devote his time and attention for a number of years. He first came to Wisconsin in 1837, joining an older brother in Kenosha but returned to the East in the fall of the same year. The following spring he again went on the river as a pilot but in 1842 made a permanent location. He took up his residence upon the claim which his father had purchased and where he now resides. Clearing it of the timber and brush with which nature had clothed it, he plowed the fields, planted crops, and in course of time had a fine farm. It was no easy task to develop land which was hitherto in its primitive condition but his unceasing labors soon worked a great transformation in the place.
Mr. Stetson was married in Kenosha in 1846, to Eliza Melville, who was born in Ireland, but spent the days of her maidenhood in this country. Unto them was born one son, Charles, who is now a railroad engineer and resides in Alton, Illinois. About 1852 Mr. Stetson was again married, his second union being with Ellen Maely, who was also born on the Emerald Isle and came to the United States when fifteen years old. They became the parents of two children: Julia Bennet, the elder, is now the wife of N.E. Thompson, who is Station Agent at Somers, and until them have been born two sons, William and Harry. Grosvenor A. now carries on the home farm. He was married but his wife died leaving one son, William Sanford."
(Source: Portrait and Biographical Album, Racine and Kenosha Counties, Wisconsin, Chicago, Lake City Publishing Co., 1892).

More About William R. Stetson
"Mr. William R. Stetson one of the oldest residents of the Town of Somers, and one of the earliest pioneer settlers of Kenosha County, died at the home of his daughter, Mrs. (Julia Stetson Thompson) N.E. Thompson, Thursday morning, October 8, 1903. Mr. Stetson had been in failing health for several years. The deceased was born in Westfield, New York on March 11, 1817. He came to Wisconsin in 1837. In 1842 he took up his residence upon the farm where he lived almost to the time of his death. In 1840 he was united in marriage to Miss Eliza Melville. One son was born unto them, Charles Stetson, now of Chicago. In 1852 Mr. Stetson was again married, his second union being with Miss Ellen Maely. Two children were born unto them - Julia, the wife of N.E. Thompson and Grosvenor A. Stetson, both of Somers.
The death of Mr. Stetson marks the passing of one of the best known men in the county. He was a Republican in politics. He was connected with the School Board for nearly a quarter of a century and was a warm friend to the cause of education.
The funeral services conducted by Rev. McNary, were held from the home of his daughter Saturday afternoon. A large concourse of friends followed his remains to their last resting place in Oakwood Cemetery."
(Source: Racine Weekly Journal, October 16, 1903)

More about William R. Stetson
"William R. Stetson was a farmer, owning 163 acres in Section 13 of Somers Township. He was born in Westfield, New York and came West in 1840. His father, William A. Stetson, kept a hotel for a number of years. He married Miss Ellen Omealy, a native of New York. The Stetson's have two children: Grosvenor A. and Julia B.
(The History of Racine and Kenosha Counties, Wisconsin, Chicago, Western Historical Company, 1879).

More About Ellen Stetson, wife of William R. Stetson
"Mrs. Ellen Stetson departed this life on Friday evening at her late home of heart trouble, The deceased was born in Ireland, May 17th 1831 came to this country when 15 years of age and resided in New York State until 1850, when she came to Kenosha. She was united in marriage to William R. Stetson in 1853. Two children, a son and a daughter, were born to them, Julia, the wife of N.E. Thompson, and Grosvenor. They, with their aged and feeble father, survive. Mrs. Stetson possessed rare traits of character which endeared her to all who knew her. She was a true, gentle devoted Christan. The funeral services were held from her late home Monday afternoon, conducted by Rev. O.D. Dale.
(Source: Racine Daily Journal, publication date February 20, 1901)





1861 Partial Map of Somers Township, Kenosha County
Stetson parcels
Section 13
W.R. Stetson - 20 acres
W.A. Stetson - 60 acres
W.A. Stetson - 80 acres
Section 14
W.A. Stetson - 83 acres
W.R. Stetson 17-1/2 acres
W.A. Stetson - 5 acres
Section 23
W.A. Stetson - 50 acres
Click on map for closer view

G.A. (Grosvenor) Stetson
Oakwood Cemetery
(Source:  Photo by Larry & Linda Kopet, USGenWEb Archiv Wisconsin)

Grosvenor Stetson
Grosvenor Stetson will hold an auction sale tomorrow to dispose of his stock and farm implements after which he will move to Kenosha.
(Source:  Racine Journal Mar 21, 1904)


Carlton G. Stetson
Captain Carlton G. Stetson served in the 33rd Wis. Reg, Company "I" in the Civil War
Residence:  Somers
Enlisted:  August 6, 1862.  Lieut. September 3, 1862.
Killed in action April 2, 1865 at Spanish Fort, Alabama
(Source:  Roster of Wisconsin Volunteers, War of the Rebellion 1861-1865, Vol. II)

Carl Stetson
Carl Stetson owned a parcel (value of real estate $3,000) near William R. Stetson.
Name:  Carl Stetson (Stetson)
Age in 1860:  31
Birth Year:  About 1829
Birthplace:  New York
Home in 1860:  Somers, Kenosha County
Members of Household:   Jennie born about 1819 and Myra born about 1857
(Source:  1860 U.S. Fed Census)