Biographical Sketch of

John H. Card

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 683 - 684 - 685


John H. Card resides on section 2, in the town of Manchester, Green Lake County.  We take pleasure in 
presenting his sketch to the readers of the Album as that of one of the representative and leading 
farmers of the community.  He is a native of the Empire State, having been born July 2, 1823, in Saratoga 
County, which was also the birth-place of his parents, Henry B. and Elizabeth (Chapin) Card.  His father 
was born May 29, 1797, and was educated in the schools of his native county.  He became one of the prominent 
and influential citizens of that district and was frequently called upon to fill public offices of trust.  
In business he was sagacious and shrewd, but his transactions were marked with utmost honesty and his word 
was as good as his bond.  He married Miss Betsy Chapin, in 1818, and they continued to reside in Saratoga 
County for forty years, when in 1858, they came to Wisconsin.  Previous to that time, during their entire 
married lives, they resided in one house, but in three different towns, but after settling in the Badger 
State were residents of one locality.  They both lived to a ripe old age, but we can best mention their 
death by quoting from an article written at the time.  Mr. Card was the first to be called and these were 
the words which announced the sad fact to his many friends.  "At two o'clock in the afternoon, on Sunday, 
Sept. 16, 1883, Mr. Henry B. Card, of the town of Manchester, breathed his last and his spirit turned to 
its Maker.  He was a native of Saratoga County, N. Y., and was eighty-six years, three months, and eighteen 
days of age at the time of his death.  At the age of twenty-one, he was married to Miss Elizabeth Chapin, 
of the same county.  The partner of all his trials and comforts for nearly sixty-five years still survives 
him and is only one year his junior.  They have lived in their pleasant home in Manchester, two miles north 
west of this village, for twenty-six years, in the full enjoyment of the friendship and esteem of all and 
in the midst of their family of grown up sons and daughters and grand-children.  Mr. Card has lived long 
past the allotted time of man and at last has quietly passed away with no particular disease save the 
infirmities and ailments incident to extreme old age.  The funeral was held at his late residence on 
Tuesday and the remains were deposited in the Markesan Cemetery."  Six months more passed and it them 
became the sad duty to lay away the mother.  The announcement was as follows:
 
"Died.  At her late residence in the town of Manchester, at 1:30 a. m., March 12, 1884, Betsy A. Card, 
wife of the late Henry B. Card.  Betsy A. Chapin was born in Cheshire County, Mass., June 4, 1798, and 
when quite young removed with her parents to Saratoga County, N. Y., where in the year 1818, she was 
married to Henry B. Card, and bore him a family of ten children, five of whom are still living--three 
sons and two daughters.  She united with the Baptist church at Greenfield Center, in 1823, and always 
lived in that faith until her death, a consistent Christian and a true mother.  The remains were conveyed 
to the Markesan Cemetery and laid by the side of her husband.
 
At peace, with all the world, dear Lord, and Thee,
No fears my soul's unwavering faith can shake;
All's well!  which ever side the grave, for me,
The morning light may break."
 
The children of the family yet living are William, of Santa Cruz, Cal.; Lucinda Elliott, who resides with 
our subject; Olive L. Howe; Elisha, a farmer of Marquette County; and John H.  Those who have passed away 
are--Hannah Mary; Sally, wife of Enos Ambler; Amanda, wife of Ethan Bailey, who is also deceased; Charles 
B. and Charles B., who died in Manchester Township.
 
Our subject passed the days of his boyhood and youth in his native county, receiving his education in its 
common schools.  His early years were spent in the usual routine of farmer lads, nothing of any great 
importance occurring, but soon after attaining his majority he performed an heroic action which will 
never be forgotten by the friends of both parties.  He saved the life of an old gentleman, but in so 
doing almost lost his own.  For a year and a half he was unable to perform any manual labor and for 
some time fears were entertained for his recovery.  Possessing a vigorous constitution, he, however, 
rallied and when able to resume labor returned home and took charge of the farm.  He also filled the 
office of Collector for fourteen years in his native county and it is needless to say discharged his 
duties with credit to himself and to the satisfaction of his constituents.  His next venture was in 
the butchering business, in which he was quite successful.  He also engaged in burning charcoal, 
supplying all the large hotels at Saratoga Springs.  From the two pursuits he obtained a good income 
and was enabled to lay by some money which furnished him a start in life.
 
On the 23d of December, 1842, Mr. Card was united in marriage with Lavissa M. Mallery, who was born in 
Corinth, Saratoga Co., N. Y., and is a daughter of William and Lydia (Holden) Mallery.  They are now 
parents of seven children:  Henry W., who was born in Saratoga County, Oct. 16, 1855, wedded Mary Remier, 
of Green Lake; Frank, born in 1870, died March 9, 1873; John A., born March 29, 1873, is at home and two 
other children died in infancy, viz: Frankie and an infant.
 
After their marriage, Mr. and Mrs. Card resided upon the old homestead in Saratoga County, N. Y., until 
1856, when he determined to make the West the scene of his future operations, believing that by so doing 
he might better his financial condition.  Accordingly with his wife and baby he started for Illinois, 
making his location near Elgin, in Kane County, where he operated a rented farm until 1860.  Practicing 
habits of industry and economy during those years he acquired some capital which he invested on thirty 
acres of land on section 2, Manchester Township, Green Lake County.  The land was partially improved and 
a small house had been erected.  The purchase price was $1,000 but the farm since has greatly increased 
in value.  As his financial resources increased he added to the original amount until he has now become 
one of the extensive land owners of the community.  He first purchased 200 acres in the town of Marquette 
and afterward having an opportunity to dispose of it at an advantage he sold 160 acres and bought an 
adjoining thirty.  The home farm now comprises 300 acres and in addition to that he has another 160-acre 
tract in Manchester Township and eighty acres in the town of Marquette, the whole amounting to 540 acres.
 
Mr. Card is a man of excellent business ability.  His judgment of men and enterprises is generally correct 
and he will never let any one over-reach him.  Neither will he take undue advantage in any transaction.  
He scorns to do a wrong to any one and has gained a reputation for honesty and fair dealing which any might 
envy.  His sagacity and foresight, combined with industry, perseverance and prudence, has led to the success 
which he so justly merits.  He has made the best of every opportunity and has given liberally in proportion 
to his means for the advancement of all worthy enterprises.  He appreciates the use and need of education, 
and does all in his power to advance the cause and provided his children with excellent opportunities, 
thereby fitting them for the practical duties of life.  The poor and needy find in him a true friend who 
not only expresses sympathy with them in their trials but relieves their wants by more substantial aid.  
As a citizen, he is public spirited and progressive and is ranked among the representative men of the 
community.  In political sentiment he is generally a Republican but believes in supporting the best men.  
He has never sought public office but his fitness has led to his election to various public positions, 
the duties of which he discharged with ability and fidelity.  Socially, he is a member of the Masonic 
Lodge of Markesan, and President of the Manchester, Princeton and Marquette Mutual Fire Insurance Company, 
having held the position for three years, and was Chairman of the town of Manchester three years.






Back to the Marquette Pages Menu