Leet, George Foster

George Foster Leet and Jessie Ann Leet
Oakwood Cemetery, Somers, Wisconsin
(Source:  Photo Courtesy of Jacqueline Klapproth Nelson.  Copyright 2012.  All Rights Reserved.)

George F. Leet
Among the community of old settlers who have done so much for the development and progress of Somers Township, Kenosha County, and who are especially attached to this locality as their place of birth, is George Foster Leet, who resides on Section 10, where he was born February 15, 1838, son of Charles and Sarah B. (Wiard) Leet, natives of Connecticut, who were married in New York, and who became the parents of three children, viz: Mathew W. of St. Louis, Mo.; George F.; and Miss Sarah H., of Racine, Wisconsin.
The paternal grandfather of Mr. Leet was a farmer in Chautauqua County, N.Y., and was the father of three sons, Charles, Warren, and Martin.  The material grandparents were Mathew and Sallie Wiard, who had four daughters whom they reared in New York, viz: Sarah B., mother of our subject; Elmira, formerly wife of William Bly; Mrs. Dale and Mrs. Maxwell.
After the close of the War of 1812, in which he took part, Charles Leet kept a hotel at Delhi, N.Y. for some years, but in 1837 he came to Wisconsin and took up Government land in what was then Pike Township, but now is Somers Township, two farms of 160 acres each, in Section 10 and 11.  He improved them both, and lived there until his death, which occurred Feb. 11, 1874.  His wife survived him, and died October 23, 1877, aged seventy-seven years.  In religious faith they were Episcopalians.  In addition to the children of his second marriage, above noted, by a prior marriage Mr. Leet had these children:  Joseph, Jane R., Robert, Clark, Mary, and Charles, all of whom are deceased.  For a number of years he was Post Master here at a point known as Aurora, and for some years he served also as a Justice of the Peace.
George F. Leet grew up on the pioneer farm and obtained his education in the schools of his neighborhood.  When he reached his majority he went to Waukegan where he engaged in Clerking for one year for Loveday & Dodge, grocers, and then entered the Army, enlisting in Company C, 2nd Illinois Light Artillery, in which he served almost two years, being mustered out in 1865.  His battery was stationed at Fort Donelson, and he was detailed mainly on scout duty.  After the War he returned home and bought his father's farm, which now contains 198 acres.  This he has greatly improved and it stands today as one of the most valuable in the county, well tilled, and most presentable in every way.
In 1860 Mr. Leet made a trip to California overland, where he engaged in mining for a year, when he returned, deciding that Kenosha County offered every chance to a young man who was willing to take advantage of it.  His war experience followed.
On May 14, 1868, Mr. Leet was united in marriage with Miss Jessie Ann Smith, daughter of William and Janet (Park) Smith, and five children were born to this union, namely:  Everett C. was drowned aged two years and four months; Fred W. resides at home, unmarried; Edward H., a machinist by trade, living in Milwaukee, married Lulu C. Rhodes; Nellie J. is a stenographer; and George P. also resides at home.  Mr. and Mrs. Leet are members of the Presbyterian Church.  Fraternally he belongs to the Modern Woodmen of America.  Politically he is a Republican, and he was served two terms as a Member of the Town Board, and for about eight terms was on the School Board, and he served also as Town Treasurer for one term.
The paternal grandfather of Mrs. Leet was a native of Scotland, where he died; he was a farmer by occupation.  His children numbered seven in all.  Her maternal grandparents were William and Janet Park, and they died in Scotland, parents of six children.  The parents of Mrs. Leet were natives of Aberdeenshire, Scotland, and came to America in 1841, locating in Somers Township, where the father bought 100 acres of land, which was a part of the Charles Leet farm.  The father died there in 1891, aged ninety years and over, and his wife died in January, 1887, aged ninety-one years.  They were stanch Presbyterians.  They had six children, four of whom grew to maturity: William P. Smith; George H., Jane M., wife of Hugh Gorton, of Racine; and Jessie A., wife of George F. Leet.
Mr. Leet is one of the older residents of this section in point of continuous residence, having spent sixty-seven years on the farm on which he was born. 
(Source:  Prominent Men of Racine and Kenosha Counties, J.H. Beers & Co., Chicago, 1906)

George Leet Obituary

Elwin G. Leet wedding (son of George P. Leet)

Erma Bower Leet obituary (wife of George P. Leet)

More About Leet
1.  The great-grandfather of George Foster Leet was Allen Leet of Saybrook, Middlesex County, Connecticut and his lineage was traced back to William Leete, Government of Connecticut, who owned what is now known as Leete's Island in Connecticut, together with large landed estates in Middlesex County.  Allen Leet became the father of six children: Allen, who died at the age of three years; Warren; Martin; Nancy; Abigail; and Charles.  It is through the last named that the line is traced down to George Foster Leet.

2. Charles Leet was born in Saybrook, Connecticut, August 28, 1793, and in New York, was married to Sarah B. Wiard, who was also born in Connecticut, and was a daughter of Matthew Wiard and a granddaughter of Matthew Wiard, Sr., whWiard, Jr., wedded Sally Roberts and lived in Bristol, Hartford County, Connecticut.  It was there that the birth of Sarah Beecher Wiard occurred on the 21st of May, 1800.  She was one of four daughters, the others being:  Mrs. Eliza Dales; Mrs. Emma Maxwell; and Mrs. Elmira H. Bligh.

3.  George Foster Leet died March 1, 1907.  He was laid to rest in the Oakwood Cemetery.
(Source:  City and County of Kenosha, Record of Settlement, by Frank H. Lyman, Vol. II, S.J. Clarke Publishing Co., 1916)

Fred W. Leet
Oakwood Cemetery, Somers Township, Kenosha County

"Fred William Leet, age 78, passed away at Michael's Home in Silver Lake, following a long illness. Mr. Leet was born in Somers on October 28, 1872, and is the son of the late Mr. and Mrs. George F. Leet. Surviving are a brother, George P. Leet of Somers. Burial at Oakwood Cemetery, Somers Township, Kenosha County."
(Source: Racine Journal July 10, 1951)

 

 

 

 In the News
Ton and Half of Cabbage Stolen
Thieves Raid Field in Somers Township, Secure Large Supply of Cabbage
A few heads of cabbage might not have been missed but when thieves raided his field in Somers Township and cut out about a ton and a half, George Leet, the proprietor, immediately notified the sheriff's office here.
Deputy Sherriff N.J. Otto investigated.  He reported that the thieves had apparently been making systematic raids in the cabbage field, hauling away large amounts of the vegetable each time.  The total loot, he said, would probably total at least a ton and a half.
(Source:  Racine Journal August 30, 1934)

Fred W. Leet trapped one of the largest minks in Pike Woods last week.
(Source:  Racine Daily Feb. 8, 1899)

Sarah H. Leet Obituary (daughter of Charles and Sarah Leet)

Charles Leet Home
 

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)

Bose, William F. and Nellie

William F. and Nellie Braid Bose
50th Wedding Anniversary Photo
(Source:  Original Photo courtesy of Jim and Sharon Bose Smith.  Copyright 2012.  All Rights Reserved.)

William F. Bose and Nellie A. Braid Bose
Oakwood Cemetery, Somers, Wisconsin

William F. Bose

William F. Bose engages in general farming on section 6, Somers Township, Kenosha County.  He can boast of a fact which is true of few, that he is living on the farm which was his birthplace.  He first opened his eyes to the light of day on the 17^th of May, 1855.  His father was William Bose and mother Ann.  In the usual manner of farmer lads our subject spent the days of his childhood and received the advantages afforded by the public schools of the neighborhood.  Under the parental roof he remained until he attained his majority, giving his father the benefit of his services and when he had reached man’s estate he aided in carrying on the home farm until his marriage.

On April 9, 1878, Mr. Bose was joined in wedlock with Miss Nellie Breaid, daughter of John Breaid[1].  The lady is also a native of Kenosha County, and the young people, boys and girls together, were reared in the name neighborhood and attended the same school.  Mr. Bose brought his bride to the old home farm which he rented for a few years until he was able to purchased one hundred acres.  His land he now has under a high state of cultivation and the improvements, which are many, are both useful and ornamental and stand as monuments to the enterprise of the owner.  The home is a large and substantial residence, there is also a good barn and other necessary outbuildings and a fine bearing orchard.

Four children have come to brighten the home by their presence and the family circle yet remains unbroken.  They are two sons and two daughters and in order of birth are as follows: Jennie Belle, Anna Margaret, William Frederick Jr., and Charles Clarence, the youngest.

In religious belief Mr. and Mrs. Bose are Methodists, holding membership with the Lake Shore Church.  To its support they contribute freely and in its work and progress take a deep interest.  They are also liberal with their means for charitable and benevolent purposes and are highly respected people whose social qualities have won them many friends.  The Bose household is the abode of hospitality and the members of the family rank high in social circles.  Mr. Bose is an enterprising and progressive farmer and a public-spirited citizen who is ever ready with his influence and co-operation to aid in the advancement of those interests which are calculated to upbuild and benefit the town and county.  In politics he is a Republican, having supported that party since he cast his first Presidential vote for Rutherford B. Hayes.  He is a warm advocage of its principles and a stanch believer in its politics.  He has taken quite an active part in local politics and is now serving as a member of the Town Board of Supervisors, also as a member of the School Board.[2]

 More About William Frederick Bose
William Frederick Bose, a widely known and prosperous farmer of Somers Township, was born in that Township on the 17th of May, 1854, of the marriage of William and Anna (Canvin) Bose, natives respectively of Germany and Northamptonshire, England. In 1846 the father came to Kenosha County, Wisconsin, and from that time until his demise on the 9th of April, 1898, followed agricultural pursuits in Somers township. His wife passed away on the 15th of April 1900, and both are buried in Oakwood Cemetery, Somers Township. To them were born three children, namely: Ed, who is married; William Frederick; and Mary, the deceased wife of John Wensing, by whom she had four children. Mrs. Bose also had two children by a former marriage, namely: John Hansche, who is married; and Herman Hansche, deceased. Mr. Bose was a Republican in politics and held the office of road overseer. His religious faith was that of the Methodist Church.

William Frederick Bose entered the common schools at the usual age and received a good education. For some time he worked for his father, but when twenty-wo years of age he rented the homestead which he farmed on his own account for a decade. He then bought the place, comprising one hundred six and forty-eight hundredths acres, and for many years he devoted his time to its operation. However, on the 10th of January, 1909, he rented that farm to his son, and purchased forty acres of land on Section 12, Somers Township, which had also belonged to his father’s estate, and there he has since lived. He has made many improvement upon the farm and it is in a high state of development. The house is one of the finest farm homes of the Township, and the barn and other buildings are commodious and substantial. He understands everything connected with farming and is progressive in his methods.

On the 7th of April, 1876, occurred the marriage of Mr. Bose and Miss Nellie Braid, a daughter of John and Jeanette Braid. Mr. and Mrs. Bose have five children, as follows: Jennie married A.F. Hansche and has two living children, Dorothy and George; Annie is the wife of Walter Derby of Racine County and has two sons, George and Robert; William married Hattie Donsing; Clarence, who resides in Somers, married Audrey Wilsey and they have two children, Marjorie and Albert Clarence; Everett is a bookkeeper for Simmons Company, of Kenosha.

Mr. Bose indorses the Republican policies but often votes independently. For five years he was a member of the Town Board and for eight years served on the School Board, proving very efficient in both capacities. He is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church and of Lodge No. 18, A.F. & A.M., of Racine, in which he has held several offices. He is respected for his ability and integrity and, moreover, those who have been brought in close contact with him hold him in warm personal regard.

[1] John Breaid has a biography listing in this book. Under his picture, in his own handwriting, he spells his name Breaid. Later, the family changed the spelling to Braid.

[2] Source: Portrait and Biographical Album of Racine and Kenosha Counties. Lake City Publishing Co. Chicago. 1892. Page 540

[3] Source: City and County of Kenosha, Wisconsin, A Record of Settlement, Vol. II, pages 567-568, Frank H. Lyman, Chicago, The S.J. Clark Publishing Co. 1916.

Dearsley

1861 Partial Somers Township Map
Section 6.  Walter Dearsley parcel, lake shore

William S. Dearsley
William S. Dearsley, who is operating a fine farm on Section 6 in Somers Township was born in England on the 29th of September 1846 and received his education in the common schools of that country.  When thirteen years of age, however, he accompanied his parents, Walter and Ann (Shepard) Dearsley, on their emigration to the United States.  The family settled in Kenosha County, where the father bought forty-five acres of land.  He engaged in operating that place during his remaining years and gained recognition as one of the successful agriculturists of his locality.  He was a Republican in politics and for several years, served as district clerk and for one term as a member of the Town Board.  In religious faith he was an Episcopalian.  He was married in 1845 and his children were two in number:  William W. and Laura.
William S. Dearsley continued his education in the public schools of Somers Township until he was eighteen years of age, when he concentrated his energies upon assisting his father with the farm work.  He was so engaged until the later's death in 1893, when the home place came into the possession of our subject, who is still cultivating it.  Everything about the farm is kept in excellent condition, the land is in a high state of cultivation, and the improvements are substantial and modern.  Mr. Dearsley is energetic and progressive, and his well directed labors are rewarded by a good financial return.
In 1875 Mr. Dearsley was married to Miss Helena Wyman, a daughter of Michael and Emeline Wyman, who were among the earliest settlers of Racine County.  Six children have been born to this union, as follows:  Mabel who is at home; Grace, the wife of George Scheckler a resident of Mt. Pleasant who whom she has two children, Irwin and Ethel; William Walter, who married Inez Shaw and has had two children, Lorraine and Virginia, deceased; Isabel who is at home; Ethel Lucy; and Lillian, deceased.
(Source:  City and County of Kenosha Record of Settlement by Frank H. Lyman, Vol. II, Chicago, S.J. Clarke Publishing Co. 1916)

William S. Dearsley
Oakwood Cemetery, Somers, Wisconsin
(Source:  Photo by Larry & Linda Kopet, USGenWebArchives Wisconsin)

Laura I.  Dearsley
Oakwood Cemetery, Somers, Wisconsin
(Source: Photo by Larry & Linda Kopet, USGenWebArchives Wisconsin)

 Ethel Lucy Dearsley
Oakwood Cemetery, Somers, Wisconsin
(Source: Photo by Larry & Linda Kopet, USGenWebArchives Wisconsin)

Lena  Dearsley
Oakwood Cemetery, Somers, Wisconsin
(Source: Photo by Larry & Linda Kopet, USGenWebArchives Wisconsin)

Mabel Dearsley
Oakwood Cemetery, Somers, Wisconsin
(Source: Photo by Larry & Linda Kopet, USGenWebArchives Wisconsin)

More About Dearsley
"Michael Wyman, age 86, died at the home of his daughter at Berryville, Mrs. W.S. Dearsley.  He was born in Germany and came to America in 1852.  Funeral services will take place at the Berryville church."
(Source:  Racine Journal News, publication date April 10, 1903)

"At the last meeting of the Berryville church Sunday School, the following was elected:
 Miss Grace Dearsley, Missionary Treasurer and Teacher of Class No. 4"
(Source:  Racine Journal, publication date August 22, 1899)

"Miss Julia Dearsley of Racine has been visiting Miss Belle Dearsley."
(Source:  Racine Daily, publication date August 9, 1899)

"Three of the churches of Racine held picnics in Berryville on Saturday.  The First M.E. church in Mr. Piper's Grove; the church of the Holy Innocents in Mr. Dearsley's Grove; and the German Evangelical in Mr. Kreuger's Grove."
(Source:  Racine Daily, publication date August 17, 1899)

"Mrs. J.W. Dearsley and son of Racine were the guests of Mr. and Mrs. W.S. Dearsley in Berryville last week."
(Source:  Racine Daily, publication date September 6, 1899)

"President Larson of the Foreman's National Assoc. in Racine was given a painting, life size portrait, painted by John W. Dearsley, foreman of the molding department of S. Freeman & Sons Mfg. Co. of Racine.  Mr. Dearsley has made other paintings in the past and is classed among the lead amateur artists of the state."
(Source:  Racine Daily, publication date January 13, 1908)

"Farmer Dearsley, residing on the Lake Shore Road in Berryville, came to town last night and stated than unusual thing happened at his barn early in the afternoon.  More than fifteen hundred swallows appeared and swarmed into the barn.  His son went into the building and scooped up the birds in his hands, the same as one would scoop up corn.  The cold appeared to have driven the birds to shelter and they were numb.  The species of the swallow is entirely different from anything Mr. Dearsley has ever seen in this part of the country."
(Source:  Racine Daily, publication date May 16, 1907)

"The funeral service of the late Lorraine Dearsley, 4 year old daughter of Mr. and Mrs. William Dearsley was private because of the nature of the illness from which she had suffered.  Internment was held at Graceland Cemetery."  (Note:  This entry is provided to suggest other family members may be interred at Graceland Cemetery in Racine.)
(Source:  Racine Daily, publication date May 15, 1918)

Note:  The biographical sketch of John W. Dearsley is found starting on page 532 of the book:  Biographical Record of representative men of Racine and Kenosha Counties by J.H. Beers & Co. Chicago 1906.  This may provide additional resources to relate the two Dearsley families.


1880 U. S. Federal Census
Walter Dearsley, age 64 in 1880, born about 1816 in England
Home in 1880:  Somers Township, Kenosha County
Marital Status:  Widower
Occupation:  Huckster (Note:  huckster is one who sells wares or provisions in the street, a peddler of fruits)
Lived at this location:
William Dearsley, age 33
Helena Dearsley, age 26, daughter-in-law
Mabel Dearsley, age 4, grand-daughter
Grace Dearsley, age 1, grand-daughter
Laura Dearsley, age 22, school teacher
Christopher Peterson, age 18, farm labor
Frank Grasser, age 15, farm labor

U.S. Naturalization Records
Walter Dearsley was born in England in 1816 and arrived in the United States in June 1856 in New York.
William Shepard Dearsley was born in England on September 29, 1846 and arrived in June 1858 in New York.

Note About Dearsley regarding Shepard
To anyone researching the Dearsley family history, you may want to investigate the Ann Shepard family.  The Township of Somers had a Shepard family (named spelled the same) who lived in the western part of the Township.  You may or may not find a connection.  You will find information about the Shepard family in my Somers Pioneer History web site.  See link above "More Blogs".

Burgess, William and Jane Leet Burgess

Amanda Foster Burgess (widow of Benjamin Burgess who is father of William E. Burgess)
Oakwood Cemetery, Somers Township
(Source: Photo by Jacqueline Klapproth Nelson. Copyright October 2011)
 

William E. Burgess and Jane Leet Burgess
Oakwood Cemetery, Somers Township
(Source:  Photo by Jacqueline Klapproth Nelson.  Copyright October 2011)



 

William Everington Burgess
William Everington Burgess is a prominent farmer of Somers Township, residing on Section 8, and a worthy representative of one of the pioneer families of Kenosha County, the history of which would be incomplete without this mention.  Our subject was born in Erie County, New York, May 2, 1830.  The family is of English descent and was probably founded in America in early Colonial days, for the grandfather of our subject was a native of New England.
Benjamin Burgess, father of William, was born in Vermont, and when a young man went to New York.  He was twice married, his second union being with Amanda Foster, a native of the Empire State and a daughter of Alfred Foster, a mechanic and well-known citizen of the community in which he resided.  After a few years' residence in Erie County, New York, Mr. Burgess removed to Oswego County, where he was engaged in the milling business, and manufacture of lumber for a number of years.  Alfred Foster came to Wisconsin in 1835, to make locations for friends, and finally took up his residence in Kenosha County, where he resided until his death.  Benjamin Burgess and his family followed him in 1836.  They started in the month of February with teams and sleighs, and from Michigan continued to journey with wagons, at length arriving in the Town of Southport, now known as Kenosha, on the 9th of March.  He made a location in what is now the Town of Somers, where he took a claim and built a mill engaging in the manufacture of lumber.  The family endured much exposure, suffered from sickness and many privations came upon them during the first year.  They had to live in covered wagons ere their cabin could be built.  As a result of this exposure, Mr. Burgess died after two years, in March, 1837.  His widow then carried on the business and when the land came into market paid for the same.  She reared her family and lived to an advanced age.  She passed away in 1887, when in her eighty-eighth year.  In the family were two sons and two daughters.  Martha is the deceased wife of Charles Ticknor, of Racine; Belinda married Thomas Dow, of Racine; and Cyrus, a sailor on the lakes, met his death by drowning.
William E. Burgess, the eldest of the family, during his boyhood aided his mother in carrying on the farm, and as soon as old enough worked out as a farm hand, his earnings going toward the support of the family.  His educational advantages were necessarily very limited and after he was grown, he spent one year in the Kenosha High School, under Prof. Harvey, afterward Governor.  One of his first ventures was in the milling business, and he engaged in the manufacture of lumber for several years.  In the meantime he was married in Kenosha County, October 17, 1850 to Miss Jane R. Leet, daughter of Charles Leet, a pioneer, who aided in the development upbuilding of Kenosha County.  She was born in Delphi, New York, and during her girlhood, came to Wisconsin in 1837.
When Mr. Burgess relinquished the milling business, he bought one hundred and sixty acres of land on which Somers Station is now located, and in the three succeeding years, placed it under a high state of cultivation.  He then returned to the mill, having charge of that business for two years, after which he bought another farm.  It was operated by Mr. Burgess for two years, and he then sold it and bought an eighty-acre tract of timber land upon which he made his home for a similar period.  Having cleared and improved it, he sold at an advance of $36 on the acre, thus realizing a handsome profit on his investment.  In 1870 he bought the farm which is now his home, fenced it, and has made the well-tilled fields yield him a golden tribute.  This farm comprising two hundred and twenty acres is a valuable one, pleasantly situated about a mile from Somers Station.
In 1872 and 1873 Mr. Burgess traveled for J.I. Case & Co. making sales and showing how to operate machines, where an experienced man was needed for that purpose.   Since that time, he has devoted his energies chiefly to agricultural pursuits.
Since attaining the majority, Mr. Burgess has strenuously upheld the principles of the Republican party and has frequently served as delegate to the county conventions, his opinions being much sought for in the councils of the party.  He has been honored with a number of official positions, having served as Assessor of Somers Township for fifteen consecutive years, was also Town Treasurer, and is not a member of the Board of Supervisors.  These offices have been conferred upon him unsought, and their duties have ever been discharged with promptness and fidelity.  He has also been officially connected with the schools of the community and has done much for the cause of education.
Mrs. Burgess departed this life on the 3d of June 1891.  She was a most estimable lady of noble Christian character, and was an active worker and consistent member of the Presbyterian Church.  She also belonged to the Woman's Christian Temperance Union.  For over forty years she proved herself a true and faithful helpmate to her husband and was a friend to all those in need of the aid which she could bestow.  The family numbered ten children - Mary, wife of Dr. Frank Cogswell, of Oaksdale, Washington; Emma, wife of Charles Buswell, of Lewiston, Minnestoa; Virginia, who keeps house for her father; Charles, who is married and follows farming in the Town of Bristol; Edwin C., who is married and engaged in business in Momence, Illinois; George, who aids in the operation of the home farm; William E., who is engaged in business in Chicago; Hattie, Burdette and Robert, all at home.
Mr. Burgess commenced life a poor boy.  He is both a self-educated and self-made man financially.  By his own labors and enterprise he has accumulated a large and valuable property and has aided his children in obtaining homes.  He is now, practically, living a retired life, his sons having relieved him of the care of the farm.  For more than half a century he has been a resident of Kenosha county, where he is regarded as a valued citizen.  He is a man of unblemished character and sterling worth, social and genial in manner, and his friends throughout the community are many.  At his hospitable home they delight to gather to do him honor and share in the good will and kindly cheer ever extended to the guests of the Burgess household."
(Portrait and Biographical Album of Racine and Kenosha Counties, Lake City Publishing Co., 1892, Chicago).

William E. Burgess
Again the death angel has entered and taken from our midst one of our pioneer citizens.  William E. Burgess, age 73 years, departed this life April 9, 1903 after a long illness from lung trouble.  The deceased was a man who was honored and respected by all who knew him.  In 1836, he with his parents came to Wisconsin.  Oct. 17, 1850 he was united in marriage to Miss Jane Leet.  Eleven children were born to them, of which number ten survive.  Mrs. Frank Cogswell and Charles of Salem; Mrs. Charles Buswell of Winona, Minn; Edward, William and Burdette of Chicago; Mrs. Clayton Rease of Portersville, Cal.; Jennie, George and Robert of Somers.  Mrs. Burgess died June 3, 1891.  The family have the sympathy of the entire community in this their hour of sadness.  The funeral services were held from the Methodist Church Saturday afternoon, conducted by the Rev. Stockham.  Internment at Oakwood Cemetery. (Source:  Racine Daily, April 17, 1903)

Additional information about the Burgess - DeLong family
Horace R. DeLong was born on June 20, 1837 in Utica, New York.  He came to Wisconsin with his parents in 1838.  Horace married Mary Rease, daughter of Peter Rease, on October 13, 1861.  They had 4 children.  The DeLong family settled at Kellogg's Corners in Section 6, of Somers Township, facing County Line Road.  Mary (Rease) DeLong died in Chicago, Illinois on Feb 14, 1927.  She is buried at Graceland Cemetery, Racine, by her son J. Edwin DeLong.  It is not known where or when Horace died.
Children of Horace and Mary:
Carrie DeLong born August 16, 1862 in Mt. Pleasant Township, married William E. Burgess, the son of William E. and Jane Leet Burgess, on December , 1891; died Dec. 8, 1941, buried in Oakwood Cemetery, Somers, Wisconsin.
James Edwin DeLong, buried at Graceland Cemetery, Racine.
Willard DeLong, died June 1870
Alton B. DeLong, buried at Graceland Cemetery, Racine.
(Source:   Mary Ann Culshaw Falk and Sylvania Cemetery Trustees)

William E. Burgess
William E. Burgess, a farmer in Section 8 of Somers Township, was born in Oswego County, New York in 1830.  His father, Benagh Burgess was a native of Vermont who came to what is now Kenosha County in 1836, and engaged in business in a saw-mill located on the Pike River in what is now the Town of Somers, in which business he engaged until his death, in the spring of 1838.  At an early age, William entered the milling business, which he followed up to 1850, when he went to farming, in which he is at present occupied.  Mr. William Burgess has been Assessor of the Town of Somers for the past two years, and held the office of Town Treasurer.  He married in the town of Somers, in 1850, Miss Jane Leet, a native of the State of New York, and a daughter of one of Kenosha County's earliest settlers, Mr. Charles Leet, who died in Somers Feb. 11, 1874.  Mr. William Burgess has ten children living:
Mary A. born August 5, 1851
Martha E., October 30, 1852
Virginia L. March 11, 1855
Charles, March 15, 1857
Cyrus E., August 23, 1859
George F., January 23, 1861
William E., October 29, 1865
Hattie J., March 9, 1868
Burdett H., November 9, 1870
Robert C., May 9, 1873
Della, April 25, 1863 (died June 27, 1863).
Mr. Burgess' mother, Amanda Burgess, formerly Miss Foster, is still living; she was born in the State of New York in 1799; her father, Mr. Alfred Foster, was one of Kenosha's first settlers, having been one of the exploring party who came to Wisconsin in 1835; he built the first saw-mill in what is now Kenosha County.  Mr. Burgess is owner of 247 acres of land.
(Source:  The History of Racine and Kenosha Counties, Chicago, Western Historical Company, 1879)

Della Burgess, infant daughter of Willim E. Burgess
Oakwood Cemetery, Somers, Wisconsin
 

George F. Burgess, son of William E. Burgess
Oakwood Cemetery, Somers, Wisconsin

Virginia Burgess, daughter of William E. Burgess
Oakwood Cemetery, Somers, Wisconsin

1877 Partial Map of Somers Township
Section 8
W.E. Burgess parcel

Rhodes

William J. Rhodes and Alice B. Rhodes
Oakwood Cemetery
(Source:  Larry and Lina Kopet, USGENWEBARCHWIS)

Jonas W. Rhodes, father of William J. Rhodes
Oakwood Cemetery
(Source:  Photo by Jacqueline Klapproth Nelson.  Copyright October 2011)

Rhodes Family
For more than a half century William F. Rhodes occupied the old homestead farm of the Rhodes family in Somers Township, and when he passed away the locality lost one of its valued and representative citizens.  He was born in Kenosha County, April 24, 1844.  Almost forty years passed before his father, Jonas W. Rhodes, was required by death to put aside the work of the home farm, and as time passed on he kept adding to his holdings until he was the owner of about five hundred acres, constituting a most excellent property.  On that farm he continued until his death, which occurred in 1891, his remains being then interred in Oakwood Cemetery.

William J. Rhodes pursued his education in the district schools of Kenosha County, mastering the lessons which qualified him for life's practical and responsible duties.  He was early trained to the work of the field, largely devoting the summer months to the task of cultivating and harvesting the crops.  Upon his father's death he inherited a part of the estate and purchased the interest of the other heirs in the old home property, which he continued to cultivate and occupy until his demise, which occurred on the 23rd of May, 1905, when he had reached the age of sixty-one years.

It was in 1874 that William J. Rhodes was united in marriage to Miss Alice Carmen and they became the parents of three children:  Jay William; Lulu, who married Ed Leet and has two children; and Frank E., who married Florence Buswell and has two children.

In his political views Mr. Rhodes was an earnest Republican.  He served as Somers Town Clerk for thirteen years, was also Town Treasurer and was Treasurer of the School Board.  He guided his life according to the teachings of the Methodist Church.

His eldest son, Jay William Rhodes, was born in Somers Township, January 13, 1875, and supplemented his early educational training by study in the high school of Kenosha.  He was reared to farm life and has never sought to change his occupation, for he agrees with George Washington that "farming is the most useful as well as the most honorable pursuit of man."  He today owns two hundred and twelve acres which he farms, the place being situated in Somers Township.  Upon this land he engages in raising sheep and cattle, the latter for dairy purposes, and he ships his milk to the Chicago market. His business is well managed and he carefully watches over every detail so that the best possible results are achieved.

On the 8th of June, 1905, Mr. Rhodes was united in marriage to Miss Mabel Cook, a daughter of Elliott Cook, one of the early settlers of Kenosha County.  They now have one child, Wendell, in school.   Jay William Rhodes has been school Treasurer and for two years filled the office of Somers Town Treasurer.
(Source:  The City and County of Kenosha, Wisconsin, Vol. II, Chicago, The S.J. Clark Publishing Co., 1916).

More About William J. Rhodes
Early yesterday morning, William J. Rhodes of the Town of Somers, prominent throughout Kenosha county as a politician and farmer, died at St. Mary's hospital in Racine.  Mr. Rhodes has been ill for a long time and six weeks ago was brought to the hospital.  Deceased was a son of the late Jonus W. Rhodes, one of the pioneer settlers of Kenosha County.  He was born in Somers, April 24, 1844.  In his younger days he became prominent in the affairs of Somers Township and for 61 years was a resident of Somers.  The funeral will be held from his late home in Somers on Thursday afternoon at 2 o'clock.
(Source:  Racine Journal, publication date May 26, 1906)

More About Caroline Rhodes
Mrs. Caroline Rhodes, one of the oldest residents of this section died Monday. May 28, 1906.  She was born in Vernon, Sussex County, New Jersey on February 9, 1821.  She married Jonas William Rhodes, also of Vernon, Sussex County, on April 13, 1843 and immediately they moved to Somers.
Mr. Rhodes died in 1891 after 48 years of happy married life here.  Seven children were born to this couple.  Mrs. James E. Spencer, a daughter lives in Somers.
Mrs. Rhodes passed quietly while sitting in a chair.  In her death, she ranks of the pioneers of this section, being among the very earliest settlers in these parts.  She was also one of the earliest members of the M.E. Church of Somers.
(Source:  Racine Journal, publication date June 8, 1906)

Supreme Court of Wisconsin: Truesdell and wife vs. Rhodes, impleaded, etc. June Term, 1870.  Appeal from the circuit Court for Kenosha County
(Purpose of this information is to show relationships of Charles D. Rhodes, pioneer land owner of Somers Township)
"This action was brought by Calvin Truesdell and Sarah Truesdell, his wife, against James Ozanne, Jr., Jonas W. Rhodes, Charles D. Rhodes, and "the unknown heirs of Wm. Rhodes, deceased, and the unknown owners" of certain described lands.  The facts alleged in the complaint are substantially as follows:
1. That sometime in 1857, William Rhodes died intestate, being at the time of his death owner and in possession of the lands in dispute, and left surviving him Jonas W. Rhodes and Charles D. Rhodes, his children, and other heirs-at-law to the plaintiffs unknown, and that no administrator had been appointed upon his estate in this state; that in 1857 Jonas W. Rhodes, who resides upon lands adjoining the tract in controversy, disclaimed any ownership in said tract, and requested the assessors of the town to assess the same separately from his lands, to owners unknown; that the tract was thus assessed for the taxes of 1857, returned to the county treasurer for non-payment of taxes, and sold for the same to Jonas W. Rhodes, who purchased and took the certificate in the name of James Ozanne, Jr., but without his knowledge or consent, and the certificate was never delivered to or accepted by said Ozanne, and he never acquired any title to or interest in the lands a against the plaintiffs.

Rhodes Parcel Ownership - 1861 Somers Township
Section 2 - J.W. Rhodes 24 acres
Section 2 - C.D. Rhodes 25 acres
(The parcels in Section 2 above are now the current property of Petrifying Spring Park, Kenosha County.
Section 4 - J.W. Rhodes 160 acres
Section 5 - C.D. Rhodes 80 acres
Section 5 - C.D. Rhodes 80 acres
Section 6 - C.D. Rhodes 80 acres
Section 6 - C.D. Rhodes 40 acres

Partial 1861 Map of Somers Township, Kenosha County
See Rhodes parcel ownership above.
Click on map for larger view.

For Sale
"Valuable Farming Land For Sale.  The subscriber offers for sale a portion of his valuable farming land located in the Town of Somers, about ten miles from the cities of Kenosha and Racine.  I will sell from 100 to 300 acres at TWENTY DOLLARS AN ACRE.  This land is well improved and watered and is only offered for sale because I have more than I want to take care of.  For further particulars enquire of the subscriber, on the premises.  I have also a quantity of wild land in the State and Minnesota.
Town of Somers, February 1, 1865.  J. W. RHODES."
(Source:  Racine Daily May 10, 1865)

Rhodes and Cook Marriage
On 08 June 1905 Mr. (Jay William) Rhodes was united in marriage to Miss Mabel Cook, a daughter of Elliott Cook, one of the early settlers of Kenosha County.  They (Jay William and Mabel Cook Rhodes) now have one child, Wendell, in school.  The religious faith of the family is that of the Methodist Church, and Mr. Rhodes also belongs to the Modern Woodmen Camp at Somers.  He votes Republican, for two years filled the office of Town Treasurer, and has also been school Treasurer,  He has never sought political office to any extent, however, preferring to give his thought and energy to his business, and has been most diligent in all that he has undertaken.
(Source:  Submitted by Cathy Kubly)

Jay Rhodes
Obituary
Kenosha News

Wendell Rhodes weds Frances Smith (daughter of Frank Smith)

W. Wendell Rhodes Obituary

Frances B. Rhodes Obituary (daughter of Frank and Emily Watkins Smith)

Jay Rhodes and William Bullamore and Pike Grove Bible Society

Thompson, N.E. (Norman Eugene) family

Norman Eugene Thompson
(Source:  original photo courtesy of Lynn Thompson Powell)



 

Julia Bennet Stetson Thompson and Norman E. Thompson
(Source:  original photo courtesy of Lynn Thompson Powell)
 

 

 



Norman Eugene Thompson
(Source:  original photo courtesy of Lynn Thompson Powell)



 

 

Norman E. Thompson and Julie Stetson Thompson house in Somers, Wisconsin
This house is located on Highway E, north side of the road, two houses west of Neumiller Park
(Source:  original photo courtesy of Lynn Thompson Powell)

 



 

 N.E. (Norman E.) Thompson

N.E. Thompson, Station Agent for the Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul Railroad at Somers, Kenosha  County, has been connected with that road since 1875 and since 1877 has been its representative here.  He owns land in the county and has been called to public office a number of times, his fellow citizens thus expressing their confidence in his ability and public spirit.
He was born in Paynes Point, Ogle County, Illinois, on the 24th of October, 1857, and is a son of John and Sarah (Hardy) Thompson, both of whom were natives of Canada but who passed their later years in Paynes Point where they died and were buried.  Although his parents were born in Canada, previous generations of the family lived in the United States, and his great-great-grandmother was the first white child born in Stafford, Connecticut.
N.E. Thompson was reared under the parental roof and until fifteen years of age attended the common schools, thus acquiring his early education.  Later he was for two years a student in the Mount Morrie Seminary and after leaving that institution he learned telegraphy and entered the employ of the Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul Railroad.  For two years he has located at Deerfield, Illinois, but on the 1st of January, 1877, was transferred to Somers, Wisconsin, where he has since remained as Station Agent.  He is accurate and systematic in his work, carefully safeguards the interests of the company and at the same time seeks to accommodate the patrons of the road.  He holds title to one hundred and sixty acres of excellent land in Somers township and also to a comfortable residence in the town of Somers, and his success is doubly creditable in that it is the direct result of his own energy and good management.
Mr. Thompson was united in marriage in 1886 to Miss Julia B. Stetson, a daughter of William R. Stetson of Somers Township, and they have two sons:  William and Harry, who are operating the old Stetson homestead now owned by our subject.  The latter married Edna Barrows and they have two daughters, Harriet and Ruth.  William graduated from the University of Wisconsin with the Class of 1911 and Harry is an alumnus of the Racine High school and the Trenary Business College of Kenosha.
Mr. Thompson believes in the politics of the Republican party.  For nineteen years he held the office of Post Master at Somers; for twelve years was Justice of he Peace; for six years was school district Clerk; and was also for some time a member of the School Board.  In religious faith he is a Presbyterian and fraternally he is connected with the Masons at Kenosha, with the Knights of Pythias at Kenosha and with the Modern Woodmen of America at Somers, of which Camp he has been clerk for twenty years.
(Source:  The City and County of Kenosha, Wisconsin, Vol. II, Chicago, The S.J. Clarke Publishing Co., 1916).





1927 partial map of Somers Township and the Thompson William (W.E.)  and Harry (H.C.)  parcels located on Highway E and Highway JR
Thompson Apple Orchard
Norman Eugene (N.E.) Thompson 123 acres are located across the street on the south side of Highway E
The 51 acre parcel north of Highway is now University of Wisconsin Parkside.

 

 

Children of Norman Eugene (N.E.) Thompson and Julia Bennet Stetson Thompson

William Eugene Thompson, born August 13, 1886 in Somers, Wisconsin.
He died December 30, 1962 in Somers, Wisconsin.
William Eugene married Laura Jensen March 25, 1920.
Children include Jean Elaine, born September 4, 1921in Chicago, Illinois; Charles William Thompson born December 11, 1922 in Kenosha, Wisconsin; Margaret Lucille Thompson born April 8, 1925 in Kenosha, Wisconsin; and Richard Lewis Charles Thompson born February 7, 1927 in Kenosha, Wisconsin.

Harry Charles Thompson, born July 18, 1890 in Somers, Wisconsin.
He died September 13, 1964 in Somers, Wisconsin
Harry Charles married Edna Barrow in 1910.
Children include Harriet, Ruth Carolyn, Norman, and Mary Ellen.

 

 



Summer of 1909 or 1910
Norman Eugene Thompson - 52 years old
Julia B. Stetson Thompson - 53 years old
Wendell Rhodes standing in front row - 4 or 5 years old
Seated at left - Ned Ozanne, Jim Spencer, Norman E. Thompson, Jay W. Rhodes.
Back row standing at left Mollie Rhodes Spencer (2nd wife), Julia Stetson Thompson, Mabel Cook Rhodes
(Source:  original photo courtesy of Lynn Thompson Powell)
Click on photo for larger view.



John Thompson
(Source:  original photo courtesy of Lynn Thompson Powell)

John Thompson, father of Norman E. Thompson
John Thompson was born in Hamilton Township, Northumberland Co., Canada West, October 12, 1833.  His mother died when he was only six months old.  He lived in Canada until twenty-one years of age, when he and his father removed to Ogle Co., Illinois, and purchased a farm.  He lived in Ogle County until September 1862, when he enlisted in the 8th Illinois Volunteer Cavalry.  He served through the War.  In 1863 he was out with a scouting party, and was severely wounded by his horse falling down a stone quarry and falling upon him.  He received his discharge in St. Louis in August, 1865.  He participated in many hard fought battles, his company or regiment being a part of the arm of the Potomac.  Among the hardest battles were:  Williamstown, seven days fight on the peninsula, Battle of the Wilderness, Antietam, Gettysburg, Manassas, second battle of Bull Run, and Beverly Ford, a strictly cavalry battle, which lasted one whole day.  He return to Ogle County after the War, and followed farming.  In 1867 he helped get up a map of Ogle County.  In April 1876 he came to Iowa located in Algona, this county.  Before coming west, however, he had traded some property for 240 acres of land in this county, 160 acres in Wesley township, and 80 acres in Lott's Creek Township.  In 1878 he removed from Algona to the village of Wesley and engaged in carpenter work.  Mr. Thompson has been married three times.  In 1854 he was married to Sarah M. Hardy of Canada.  They had four children - Teresa J., Norman E., Everett W. and Charles W.  After she died he was again married, but his second wife died in the summer of 1875, and was buried in Byron, Ogle Co., Illinois.  In 1876 he was married to Mrs. Mary (Clemens) Artz of Ogle Co., Illinois.  Mrs. Thompson had two children by her first husband - Ozzy and Ella.  Mr. Thompson is a Republican.  He owns a nice residence property, also a good carpenter ship, which, by the way, is the building erected by Comstock & Baker, and the first one built in Wesley village.
(Source:  History of Kossuth, Hancock, and Winnebago Counties, Iowa, page 547(1884)

Children of John and Sarah Hardy Thompson
Teresa Josephine was born October 10, 1855 in Cold Springs, Ont.
Norman Eugene was born October 24, 1857 in Paynes Point, IL
William Everett was born in 1860 in Paynes Point, IL
Charles Winfield was born June 4, 1869 in Paynes Point, IL

Memories
"My grandmother Sarah died in 1874 at age 38 and is buried in Paynes Point, Illinois.  John Thompson lived another twenty-one years and died in Milwaukee, Wisconsin on September 18, 1895.  He is buried in the Old Soldier's Home Cemetery in Milwaukee.  Grandfather John remarried soon after Sarah's death and moved with his family to Wesley, Iowa.  Aunt Josie married Wm. P. Scoville on September 29, 1875 and lived near Byron and Paynes Point until her death on March 19, 1887.  My father was very unhappy in Iowa and his sister took him in the Scoville home soon after she was married.  He was there when Luella was born June 4, 1882 and Hiram was born Feb. 22, 1885.  He was more of a big brother than an uncle to them although he was always "Uncle Charles".  After Josie's death, he left to make his own way.  Her other two brothers were sent from Iowa to live with various relations in the Chicago area according to letters written my Bill Thompson in 1961.  Because of Daddy's close relationship with the Scoville's we have always maintained ties with them.  We had cottages next to each other at Twin Lakes, Michigan for many years.

Uncle Gene (Norman) was instrumental in getting Charles a job with the railroad.  Those passes were very convenient for the families. One of my earliest memories is a visit we made to Uncle Gene's and Aunt Julia's in Somers, Wisconsin.  I was three years old and had never seen a pump at a kitchen sink.  On another visit I tasted my first fresh asparagus served on toast with oodles of butter.  Uncle Gene came to visit us quite often in Laurence, Michigan where I was born November 30, 1908.  Uncle Will would come sometimes and stay a week or month or two.  He married two or three times.

Norman, my brother, was born in 1897.  I was 12 when he was born.  He graduated from Michigan Tech as a mining engineer.  His first job was with Republic State Corp in Bessemer, Ala.  His various positions took him from assistant engineer at one of the mines to general superintendent of ore mine and furnaces in the entire Birmingham area.  His only child, Eleanor Jean was born July 26, 1923, is married to Gerard E. Murray.  Eleanor graduated from the University of Illinois.  Norman and his wife Irene lived a very interesting life in many foreign countries after he resigned from Republic Steel, 1941 and then he worked at the AID State Department.  He died of cancer February 18, 1961 in Washington, D.C. and is buried in Birmingham, Ala.

My mother Jennie Williams and father were married on Sept 30, 1896 in Thomaston, Michigan.  Daddy had been the Station Agent at Sault St. Marie, Michigan and was transferred to Mestoria when they married.  Nestoria, Michigan was then the junction for several railroads running from Duluth, Minnesota, to the "sauet" or the Chicago to Haughton and Calument, Michigan routes.  After transfers to Marquette and Lauruim, Michigan, he decided in 1905 to leave the Rrand work for Marshall Wells Co. of Duluth, Minnesota as their western Upper Peninsula Michigan representative.  He was a happy outgoing man with a hearty laugh and many friends.  He died August 18, 1925 at the age of 56 after a two year battle with Bright's Disease.  Norman's cancer started in the bladder.  Grandfather John had bladder and color trouble according to his war records.  I have had bladder complications with several operations in the last years. 

I started Lawrence College in Appleton, Wisconsin the fall of 1925 and Uncle Gene wrote to me quite regularly.  I loved him dearly.  I graduated in 1929 and then taught piano and organ.  I was going to Europe to continue studying piano for a year after graduation.  James Bryant Morgan and I were married December 26, 1932 I Birmingham, Alabama.  We have three children.
(Source:  Elizabeth Jean Thompson Morgan , daughter of Charles Winfield Thompson, from old letters and conversations with her father)


Norman E. Thompson Obituary
Death Claims N. Thompson, Station Agent.  Resident at Somers Mourn Death of Outstanding Figure
"Residents in the village of Somers today mourned the death of Normal E. Thompson, outstanding figure in the civic, political, religious and educational affairs of his community since 1877.  He succumbed at his home this morning, after being in ill health for the past two months.
Since 1877, Thompson has served as Station Agent for the Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul Railway Company at Somers, and he was widely known throughout Kenosha and Racine counties.
Thompson served as Somers Postmaster for nearly 20 years, and was justice of the peace for 12 years, being a staunch Republican and notably active in political movements as well as church and athletic enterprises.
Normal E. Thompson was born in Paynes Point, Olge County, Illinois, October 24, 1857, a son of the late Mr. and Mrs. John Thompson.  Following his education in the public schools there, he attended Mount Morris Seminary.
The deceased studied telegraphy and entered the employment of the Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul Railway company in 1875, locating at Deerfield, Illinois.  On January 1, 1877, he was transferred to Somers, where he has since remained as Station Agent.  For nearly twenty years Thompson served as Postmaster, and he was the justice of the peace for twelve years, distinguished by the fact that many of his decisions were upheld by the higher court.
Thompson was frequently sent as a Republican delegate to Kenosha County and State conventions.  He was also a member of the School Board in Somers for a score of years.
Thompson also played baseball many years with the Somers team and was always a chief booster for that organization.
The body is at the Hansen Funeral Home where it will remain until noon Sunday, when it will be taken to the congregational Church at somers to lie in state until the time of services at 2 o'clock.
The Rev. George C. Flett, and Rev. O.A. Johnson will officiate at the last rites,  Burial will be in the Oakwood Cemetery, Somers."
(Source:  Racine Journal December 2, 1932)


About William Eugene Thompson

(Source:  Original courtesy of Lynn Thompson Powell)

William E. and Laura Jensen Thompson children:
Jean E. Thompson, age 8 in 1930
Charles W. Thompson, age 7 in 1930
Margaret L. Thompson, age 4 in 1930
Richard L. Thompson, age 3 in 1930
(Source:  1930 U.S. Federal Census)




Laura Jensen Thompson, wife of William E. Thompson (N.E. Thompson, father in law)
Oakwood Cemetery
(Source:  Photo by Jacqueline Klapproth Nelson.  Copyright October 2011)



William E. Thompson, son of N.E. Thompson of Somers
Oakwood Cemetery
(Source:  Photo by Jacqueline Klapproth Nelson.  Copyright October 2011)




William E. Thompson
(Source:  original photo courtesy of Lynn Thompson Powell)
 



(Source:  copy of article and original announcement courtesy of Lynn Thompson Powell)
Click or double click on image for larger viewing.

William and Laura Jensen Thompson
1930's sawing wood from wood lot for winter heat
(Source:  photo courtesy of Lynn Thompson Powell)

Richard L. Thompson
son of William E. and Laura Jensen Thompson

Richard L. Thompson
(Source:  photo courtesy of Lynn Thompson Powell)

(Source:  original Kenosha News Sept. 4, 2011 obituary, clipping courtesy of Lynn Thompson Powell)

Margaret Lucille Thompson
daughter of William E. and Laura Jensen Thompson

Margaret Lucille Thompson
(Source:  photo courtesy of Lynn Thompson Powell)

Harry C. Thompson
Harry C. Thompson and Harriot J. Thompson children:
Ruth C. Thompson, age 14 in 1930
Norman W. Thompson, age 12 in 1930
Mary E. Thompson, age 6 in 1930
(Source:  1930 U.S. Federal Census)


Harry Charles Thompson is an enterprising young agriculturist of Kenosha County who for the past three years has been busily engaged in the cultivation of his father's farm of one hundred and sixty acres on Section 12, Somers Township.  he is a native son of the county, having been born in the Town of Somers on the 18th of July. 1890, of the marriage of N.E. and Julia (Stetson) Thompson.
Harry Charles Thompson supplemented his early education, obtained in the common schools, by a high school course at Racine and subsequently attended a business college in Kenosha.  After putting aside his textbooks he entered the service of the Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul Railroad Company, being for four years employed as telegrapher at Somers and other points.  Three years ago, however, he located on his father's farm on Section 12, Somers Township, and has since devoted his time and energies to its cultivation, his well directed labors being attended with most gratifying results.
On the 18th of December, 1913, Mr. Thompson was united in marriage to Miss Edna Barrows, her father being J.J. Barrows, the first settler of Berryville, this county.  They now have two children, Harriet Julia and Ruth Caroline.
Mr. Thompson is a Republican in his political views.  At present he is ably discharging the duties of Somers Town Treasurer.  He is a member of the Presbyterian Church at Somers and is fraternally identified with the Woodmen at that place.
(Source:  The City and County of Kenosha, Wisconsin, Vol. II, Chicago, The S.J. Clarke Publishing Co., 1916).