Biographical Sketch of

Sherman Bardwell

Transcribed by Barbara Voss


Source: Portrait and Biographical Album of Green Lake, Marquette and Waushara Counties, Wisconsin, 
published 1890 by Acme Publishing Co., Chicago, Pages 457 - 458

Hon. Sherman Bardwell, of Plainfield is one of the leading merchants of Waushara County, and is numbered among its well
known and prominent citizens. He was born in Allegany County, N. Y., August 17, 1828 and is of English descent. His 
parents were Joel and Hannah (Hammond) Bardwell. His father was born in the city of Albany, N. Y., and became one of the 
pioneers of Allegany County. The mother of our subject was an invalid from his early infancy, and at her death left two 
little children Willard, who died at the age of nineteen years, and Sherman of this sketch. Joel Bardwell was again 
married and by his second wife had several children. He was a highly educated man and followed the profession of 
teaching for a livelihood. In 1834, when Sherman was but a child of six years, he removed to Michigan, where he remained 
until 1867, at which time he came to Plainfield, but after a residence of twelve years in that city he returned to 
Michigan, where he spent the last years of his life. His death occurred some years ago.

Sherman Bardwell, whose name heads this notice, was educated principally by his father, who was an excellent instructor. 
When fourteen years of age he was apprenticed to the trade of a carpenter, receiving as his compensation $5 per month. 
Three years later he engaged in teaching and at the age of twenty years returned to his native State, where he resumed 
work as a carpenter. A short time afterward, on the 25th of February 1852, he was united in marriage with Miss Roxanna 
Swift, a native of Geneseo N. Y. She was a highly accomplished lady, well educated and taught school prior to her 
marriage. Only three years of happy wedded life were passed, when on the 22nd of May 1855, Mrs. Bardwell was called 
home, leaving a daughter, Charlotte M., who is the wife of George B. Fox, of Plainfield. Mr. Bardwell was united in 
marriage May 7, 1856 with Miss Esther Sherman and immediately thereafter came to Plainfield. Their union was blessed 
with a family of four children: Mary A. became the wife of George H. White and died at the home of her father in 
Plainfield January 31, 1883; Frank D. died in Marshalltown, Iowa on the 29th of August 1881, when visiting his sister, 
Mrs. White. He was born in September, 1860 and had he been spared eighteen days longer, would have attained his majority. 
He was a promising young man, and his death, which occurred very suddenly, was a sad loss to his father and friends. 
Jay, Born August 26, 1865 and Grace, who completes the family, are still at home.  The mother of these children died 
July 16, 1875 and in March 1876, Mr. Bardwell was again married, his union being with Alice H. LaSalle, who was born in 
Swanton, Vt., February 5, 1850 and was a successful teacher for a number of years. They have one son, Worth, Born 
September 23, 1882.

The date of Mr. Bardwell�s arrival in Plainfield was May 22, 1856, since which time he has been one of the prominent 
business men of the village. For some years he engaged in carpentering, the first building on which he was employed 
being the Plainfield Hotel, in 1856. He was the principal carpenter of this section for a number of years, but at length 
turned his attention to other pursuits. He embarked in merchandising in 1862, and has made that his chief occupation 
since, but has been connected with various enterprises of a business character. In 1876 he erected the first grain 
elevator in the place, and also established the first industrial interests of the village. He was also connected with 
the milling interests of Plainfield, having been part owner of the flouring mill. He is extensively engaged in 
merchandising. Beside his fine store in Plainfield, he owns branch stores in Chelsea and Minocqua, and also has sawmills 
at those points. He owns a fine farm of 272 acres, ninety of which lie within the corporation limits of Plainfield. He 
has the honor of being the first newspaper man of the town.

The success to which Mr. Bardwell has attained in life has been due to his own efforts. He began life without capital, 
but with a determination to succeed supplemented by good judgment, energy and perseverance, he has attained that object. 
He served in the legislative session of 1872-73 having been elected on the Democratic ticket, he being a warm supporter 
of the principles of that party.






Back to the Marquette Pages Menu