Biographical Sketch of

Calvin Burrows

Transcribed by Sandra Boudrou for the Marquette Co WI Pages


Source: Portrait and Biographical Album of Green Lake, Marquette and Waushara Counties, Wisconsin, 
published 1890 by Acme Publishing Co., Chicago, Pages 792 and 795 


Calvin A. Burrows, manufacturer of wagons, carriages and sleighs, of Plainfield, Wis., is recognized as one of 
the leading and enterprising business men of the town in which he makes his home.  He was born in Susquehanna 
County, Pa., Dec. 12, 1844, and is a son of William E. and Permelia (McLoud) Burrows, who were also natives of 
Pennsylvania.  His parents were married in Luzerne County on the 1st of January, 1840, and unto them were born 
six children:  Calvin A. is the eldest; Lucy E. became the wife of S. C. Crandell, a farmer of Portage County,
 Wis., and died in 1884; Warren E. is a traveling salesman; William M. is engaged in farming in Portage County; 
Ellen J. is the deceased wife of A. L. Gordon, of Stevens Point, Wis.; and Alice is also deceased.

When the family left their old home and emigrated to the West, they located in Stevens' Point, Wis., but after 
a short time Mr. Burrows, Sr., rented a farm in Portage county, which he continued to operate until 1866.  He 
then removed to the town of Oasis, Waushara County, where he continued to reside until 1882.  His children having 
all left the parental roof, he then sold his farm, and with them now makes his home.  As each left for homes of 
their own he divided with them his property and saw that they were comfortably situated in life.  Upright and 
honorable in all his dealings he has won the confidence and respect of all who know him and is regarded as one 
of the prominent citizens of the community.  For many years he has been a member of the Baptist Church, and has 
labored earnestly for the upbuilding of the cause of Christ on earth.  The temperance cause has also found in him 
a warm advocate, and he is an active member of the I. O. G. T.  Warm-hearted and true, genial in disposition and 
cordial in manner, he has made many friends both among the high and the low, the rich and the poor.

The subject of this sketch began his school life in his native State and completed his education in Portage 
County, where his early life was passed.  In 1865 he enlisted in his country's service as a member of Company 
B, 46th Wisconsin Infantry, and was mustered in at Madison.  He was then at once sent to Athens, Ala., where 
he did provost duty for eight months, when the regiment was discharged.  Returning to his home he resumed work 
on the farm, shortly afterward purchasing land and for a number of years, when failing health induced him to 
abandon that occupation and follow some other pursuit.  Selling out he erected a shop on land near his old home, 
where he did a general repair business until 1887, when he removed to the village of Plainfield and opened his 
present manufactory.  Since that time he has engaged in the manufacturer of wagons, carriages, buggies and sleighs 
and has succeeded in building up an excellent trade.&n bsp; He is the inventor of a self-waiting table, which is 
a great help in the household and also in hotels.  It was patented in 1886, and by all who have tried it it is 
highly recommended.  The proprietor of the Mansion House of Stevens Point says that the use of that table has s
aved him the hire of two waiters, at $325 per year.  In February, 1890, the inventor disposed of territory valued 
at $3,000.

On the 6th of January, 1866, Mr. Burrows was united in marriage with Miss Sarah A. Crandall, a native of Pennsylvania, 
and the daughter of John T. and Elizabeth Crandall, of Bradford, Pa., who were pioneers of Portage County, Wis.  Her 
father passed to his last rest in 1866, honored and respected, but his wife is still living on the homestead in 
Portage County.  To Mr. and Mrs. Burrows have been born three children:  Eleanor M. is now the wife of Harman Beggs, 
a resident farmer of Portage County; Marion L., born May 9, 1871, is still at home, and Vera, born July 27, 1888, 
completes the family.  Mr. and Mrs. Burrows are followers of the Baptist faith, and are among the active workers 
of the church in Plainfield.  They give liberally to its support, and it is their daily endeavor to live earnest, 
consistent Christian lives.  Socially, Mr. Burrows is a member of the Independent Order of Good Templars, and the 
Modern Woodmen of America.  For many years he supported the Republican party, but for the past two years has voted 
with the Prohibition party, believing the liquor traffic to be the most important issue now before the people.






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