| From History of Dane County, Wisconsin, publ. by Western
Historical Company, Chicago, 1880, page 543 LUKE STOUGHTON, son of Thomas STOUGHTON, was born in a sturdy New England family, in the town of Weathersfield, Vermont, on the 10th of December 1799. While he was still a child, his father removed to Westfield, in the northern part of the State, then an almost unbroken wilderness. Here, of course, his opportunities for acquiring an education were extremely limited; but he was trained to habits of strictest industry, economy and integrity. He learned a mechanical trade and followed it for a number of years, spending a part of his time in Boston, Mass, and Mobile, Ala. Returning to his native State, he married Miss Eliza PAGE. In 1837, he visited Wisconsin. In 1838, he removed his family to Janesville. He entered the mercantile business, built the American House, and otherwise aided in promoting the growth of the young town. Here he resided for twelve years, and accumulated a handsome property. In 1847, he purchased of Daniel WEBSTER a large tract of land in the county of Dane, upon which the village of Stoughton is now located. Although in feeble health, he soon bent all his energies to improving the water-power, and building up a large village. He induced a large number of his old friends to settle around him, started several kinds of business, and influenced the railroad company to run the Milwaukee & Prairie du Chine road thorough the place. Stoughton is beautifully situated upon the banks of the Yahara, and in appearance resembles a New England town. It has grown into a thriving village, and is now the busy center of trade for a large extent of country, and contains several large manufacturing establishments. Mr. STOUGHTON was a man of strong practical sense, sound judgment, a trusted friend and wise counselor. Modest, retiring and deferential to others, he never sought any public position, but has held the high esteem of all who knew him. He loved truth for truth's sake, and was uncompromising in his regard for justice. His religious views were liberal. He read extensively and possessed a large fund of general information. His manner was characterized by a quiet but manly dignity. At his home he was hospitable in the highest degree, genial in spirit, discussed freely and intelligently the public topics of the day, in regard to which he was stable and conscientious in his opinions. In his domestic relations he was distinguished for kindness and tenderness. His many years of feeble, failing health, a great trial to one of his active temperament, were borne uncomplainingly. He died on the 15th of August, 1874. The Masonic Order, of which he was a member, took charge of the body on the occasion of his funeral, and at the grave read their beautiful and impressive ceremony. Few men lived more respected or died more regretted by those who knew him, than Mr. STOUGHTON. Transcribed and contributed to this site by Carol |
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