Biographical Sketch of

Robert D. Bursell

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 791 - 792 


Robert D. Bursell has since the early day of the history of Waushara County been one of its leading farmers, and 
is still engaged in the same occupation on section 10, in the town of Oasis.  The family is of English descent.  
The parents of our subject, Henry and Mary Bursell, were both natives of England, the former born in Driffield, 
England, the mother in Yorkshire.  In early life they crossed the Atlantic and became residents of Canada, where 
the family of four children were born unto them:  James, a resident of Dorchester, Wis.; Alley A., wife of Gideon 
Crow of Warren County, N. Y.; Mary C. is the wife of William Crow, a farmer of the town of Oasis, and Robert D.

In 1855 Henry Bursell cast his lot with the pioneer settlers of Waushara County.  He located on the farm which has 
since been the home of our subject, and there passed to his last rest in April, 1874.  His wife still survives him 
and is living with her daughter Mary.  In early life Mr. Bursell had been a chain-maker but he afterward devoted 
the greater part of his time to the work of the ministry.  He made the Bible his study until he was very familiar 
with it and could quote passage after passage, so that he was well fitted for the work which he chose.  He lived 
a quiet and unassuming life but exerted a strong influence for good through the community, and all people delighted 
to do him honor, while by his many friends he was greatly beloved.

Our subject is a Canadian by birth.  He was born in Chautauqua, Canada, on the 17th of June, 1832, and in his youth 
learned the blacksmith trade, which he followed for many years.  Leaving Canada he went to Illinois, where he again 
engaged in that pursuit.  He came to Waushara County in 1854, and located a claim of eighty acres and pre-empted a 
quarter-section of land.  His father also entered some land, the whole aggregating 320 acres.  In the midst of a wild 
and almost unbroken prairie, with no neighbors and far remote from towns of any importance, he began his life in 
Waushara County.  He erected the first blacksmith-shop within the borders of Oasis Township and built one of the 
first cabins.  As he possessed no capital with which to begin life in his new home, Mr. Bursell had to labor early 
and late to procure the means necessary for the support of himself and family and the prosecution of the work of 
improvement.  His land was still in its primitive condition.  It had to be cleared of the brush before it could be 
plowed and planted.  Rising early in the morning, he would work at the blacksmith's trade until about 9 o'clock, 
when he would enter the fields, there labor until 4 o'clock in the afternoon and then return to the shop, where 
he remained until the rapid approach of night warned him to seek his home.

On the 14th of January, 1860, Mr. Bursell was united in marriage with Lucy A. Currier, and four children have been 
born to them:  Clarence; Fred A., of Minneapolis, Minn.; Hattie, wife of Guy Sherley, of Clear Water, Minn., by 
whom she has two children; and Ernest G.  The wife and mother died at her home in the town of Oasis, April 26, 1872, 
and in April, 1876, Mr. Bursell wedded Miss Margary Ethridge, a native of England, by whom he has three children--
Maud, Justin and Rollo.  Again on the 14th of August, 1866, he was deprived of his wife by death.  To his children 
he has given good educational advantages, thereby fitting them for the practical duties of life.

When the late war was in progress, Mr. Bursell laid aside the plow and entered the service as a member of Company C, 
44th Wisconsin Infantry.  With his regiment he was actively engaged in service until January, 1865, when he was taken 
sick and was confined in a hospital for two months.  When able to be around again, he rejoined his command and served 
on guard duty until the close of the war, when he was mustered out.

Waushara County has been the home of Mr. Bursell since 1855, with the exception of about six years spent in Portage 
County,and he has ever borne his part in its upbuilding and advancement.  He has been a witness of the many changes 
which have taken place, and in all possible ways has promoted its best interests. 






Back to the Marquette Pages Menu