Biographical Sketch of

Walter B. Booth

Transcribed by Joan Benner



Source: Portrait and Biographical Album of Green Lake, Marquette and Waushara Counties, Wisconsin, 
published 1890 by Acme Publishing Co., Chicago, Page 482


Walter B. Booth, of Westfield, has resided in Wisconsin for three years under territorial government and during 
its entire existence as a State. He has been identified with the growth and progress of Westfield since 1856, 
and is one of its honored and respected citizens. He was born in Delaware County, New York, Aug. 17, 1817, and 
is a son of Jesse and Roxy (Francis) Booth. The family is of English descent and is one of the early families of 
New England. Joseph Booth, the grandfather of our subject, served his country in the War of the Revolution and 
after that struggle removed to Delaware County, New York.

Jesse Booth, who was born in Hartford, Conn., in 1790, was a lad of sixteen years when with his parents, he 
became a resident of the Empire State. By occupation he was a farmer and followed that business throughout his 
entire life. He was a well-known and influential citizen of Delaware County, and his friends as an appreciation 
of his ability and the confidence with which they regarded him, chose him to represent them one term in the General 
Assembly of New York. His wife, the mother of our subject, was also a native of Connecticut, and belonged to an 
early New England family. When a child her parents took her to the Empire State, and in Delaware County the young 
couple became acquainted and were married. A number of years later, in 1846, we find them enroute for the Territory 
of Wisconsin with the view of seeking a home on its broad prairies. They first located in Dodge County, where they 
remained for about nine years, when, in 1855, they came to Marquette County, and spent their last days in Westfield 
and Packwaukee. Jesse Booth was twice married. He first wedded Miss Francis, by whom he had one child who died in 
early life. The mother of our subject was a sister of his former wife, and their union was blessed with ten children, 
nine of whom are yet living, three sons and six daughters. Walter B., of this sketch, is the eldest. Since 1859 the 
family has not been united at one time. In that year parents and children all assembled in Westfield at a family 
reunion. With one exception all the daughters were married and sons-in-law and grandchildren were also present. The 
members of that household are now widely scattered throughout the various States of the Union, but the family circle 
has only once been broken, when a daughter died in childhood.

Walter Booth, whose name heads this notice, was reared to manhood in his native State, and in its common schools 
acquired his education. When he had attained to mature years he married Miss Ann Eliza Banner, a lady of German 
descent, the union being celebrated in 1844. The following year the young couple started for the West, believing that 
there they could more easily secure a home than in the older and thickly populated States of the East. They traveled 
by way of the Erie Canal to Buffalo, and from thence by the lakes to Milwaukee, where they procured teams and proceeded 
to their destination. For about eleven years Mr. Booth engaged in farming in Fond du Lac County, after which he located 
in the village of Westfield, where he has since made his home, covering a period of almost a third of a century. Only 
a few houses constituted the little village at that time, the railroad had not then been built through, and it had but 
little general trade. He has identified himself with the best interests of the community, has aided in the progress and 
advancement of Westfield and has ever faithfully discharged his duties of citizenship. He is now practically living a 
retired life, but still owns considerable land, including a fine farm in Marquette County, together with many broad 
acres situated elsewhere.

In 1888 Mr. Booth was called upon to mourn the loss of his wife, who died on the 10th day of May. They had traveled 
life's journey together for forty-four years, sharing with each other its joys and sorrows, and the loss of his loved 
companion to Mr. Booth is immeasurably great. Their family numbered five children, but one daughter died in infancy. 
The remaining four were two sons and two daughters; Flora L., became the wife of Rev. R. A. Fuller, and died many 
years ago, surviving her husband only one year. At her death she left a daughter, Lois Fuller, who lives with her 
grandfather. The second daughter, Rosella, became the wife of Randolph Norton and died about a year after the death 
of her sister. Charles Huron resides near Iroquois, S. D., and Alfred is living in the city of Escanaba, Michigan, 
where he is chief manager in the Western Union Telegraph office.

Mr. Booth has a pleasant home in Westfield and is one of the prominent citizens not only of that village but of 
Marquette County. He has a wide and extended acquaintance and by all who know him he is held in the highest regard. 
His life has been one of uprightness and honesty, whether in public relations or in social circles, and he has won 
the confidence and respect of young and old, rich and poor. Thus have we given a brief sketch of one of the worthy 
and early settlers of Marquette County, and in presenting this record to the readers of the Album we feel assured that 
it will be read with much interest. Seely Francis, grandfather of our subject, was a soldier in the War of 1812, 
commanding a regiment as Colonel. Joseph Booth, his paternal grandfather, was a soldier in the War of the Revolution. 
Our subject has been a Republican since the organization of that party.  






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