Biographical Sketch of

Lorentus J. Brayton

Transcribed by Suzanne Folk



Source: Portrait and Biographical Album of Green Lake, Marquette and Waushara Counties, Wisconsin, 
published 1890 by Acme Publishing Co., Chicago, Pages 415 - 416

Hon. Lorentus J. Brayton, one of the prominent and enterprising citizens of Green Lake County, residing in Marquette, 
is a native of the Empire State, having been born in Kingsbury, Washington County, April 27, 1846. His parents, William 
and Aurelia (Kingsley) Brayton, were also born in Washington County, and unto them were born eight children who lived 
to mature years. Anzoletta married Charles Adams, and died in Troy, N.Y., but was buried in her native county; Jane is 
also deceased; Augusta J. is living in Green Lake County, Wis.; Cornelia married Charles Harris, now deceased, and is 
living in Washington County, N.Y.; George F., who served as Sergeant in the 44th New York Regiment, died in this county 
in 1888; William T., who served for three years with honor in the 3d Wisconsin Cavalry, is now a clerk in the Pension 
Office at Washington, S.D.; Lorentus J. is the next younger; and Erastus C., who was Sergeant in the 44th New York 
Regiment, is living in Marquette.

William Brayton, the father, served his country in the War of 1812, and his sons, following his example of loyalty, 
defended the Union cause in the late war. He was a strong supporter of the Whig party and entertained strong abolition 
principles. He held various offices; was Commissioner of Loans, and for several terms was Supervisor. He was a great 
student, and possessing a retentive memory, became a man of much more than average intelligence, and was a valued 
citizen of the community in which he made his home. He died in Grand Isle County, Vt., in 1854, and was buried in his 
native county, as was also his wife. Both were consistent members of the Baptist Church, in which he served for many 
years as Deacon.

Our subject passed his youthful days in his native county, and remained under the parental roof until 1858, when he 
left home and came direct to Wisconsin. He first located in Columbia County, where he obtained a position as teacher in 
the public schools. In the spring of 1859 he came to Marquette, where he has since made his home. He here became 
acquainted with Miss Helen A. Potter, daughter of Judge Daniel Potter, and in 1861 they were united in marriage. The 
lady is a native of Genesee County, N.Y., and their union has been blessed with three children: James E., who married 
Nellie Skeels, and is now engaged in the drug business in Ripon, Wis.; Helen A., who married Charles H. Smith, son of 
Samuel Smith, one of the prominent citizens of Markesan, and Mary D., who is still at home.

Mr. Brayton is one of the firm supporters of the Republican party, and a warm advocate of its principles. His 
fellow-citizens have honored him with various official positions, including several local offices, and in the sessions 
of 1865 and 1866 he represented his district in the Legislature. Twenty years later he was again elected to the same 
office and during his term served as chairman of the committee on State Affairs and other important committees. Few, 
if any, have labored more effectively for the best interests of the community than Mr. Brayton. He used his legislative 
powers for the benefit of the public, and as a member of the School Board, which position he has occupied for many 
years, he has greatly promoted the educational interests. He believes in providing the best school privileges for the 
children, and thus fitting them for the duties of life and citizenship. Socially he is a member of the Masonic order, 
belonging formerly to Marquette Lodge, No. 102, of which he was Master for a number of years, and its representative to 
the Grand Lodge. He and his family are members of the Protestant Episcopal Church, and stand high in the social world. 
He is also a member of Ripon Chapter, R. A. M. Both in his public and private life Mr. Brayton is above reproach. His 
honorable career, and his uniform courtesy, have won him the confidence and high regard of all.






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