Biographical Sketch of
James H. Castor
Transcribed by Joan Benner 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 359, 360, 361 James Henry Castor, a leading farmer and apiarist of Leon Township, Waushara County, residing on section 26, is a native of New York. He was born in the town of Florence, Oneida County, on the 15th of October, 1823, of English and French extraction and is descended from from old Revolutionary stock. His paternal grandfather, John Castor, served in the Colonial army during the struggle for Independence. He made his home in Redfield, Oswego County, New York. Joseph Wilson, the maternal grandfather, was a Massachusetts farmer who spent his entire life in the Bay State. The father of our subject, Rodolphus Castor, was born near Albany, N. Y., about 1783. He was a mechanic in early life but later followed agricultural pursuits. In 1813 he was united in marriage with Amanda Wilson, who was born in Berkshire County, Mass., in 1797. Unto them were born the following children: Nancy Janet, Alva Hull, Almira Amelia, Melvina, James Henry, Achsah, Theodore Wilson and Cleantha. But three of the family are now living--Theodore W., who is engaged in farming in Underwood, Pottawatomie County, Iowa; Cleantha, wife of William Purdy, a mechanic of Richland, Jefferson County, N. Y.; and our subject. The father died in Jefferson County, N. Y., in 1863, at the age of eighty years. He was a believer in the Presbyterian doctrines and a consistent member of that church. His wife, who was also a member of the same church died in 1865. The first twenty-one years of the life of our subject was spent upon his father's farm in Oneida County, New York. During that time he received a common school education and in a degree was fitted to battle with the world. On arriving at mature years, in 1844, he left home and went to St. Lawrence County, N. Y., where for five years he was a day laborer. He came to Wisconsin in the spring of 1849 and spent the greater part of that year in the vicinity og Berlin, Green Lake County, but on the 20th of March, 1850, made a claim of land on section 26 in the town of Leon, which has since been his home. The prairies were all then wild land, unbroken by the plow, over which the deer roamed at will, while the Indians still had possession of a great amount of it. No roads had been made at that time but an Indian trail, often very obscure, led from place to place. Mr. Castor made his way to his claim by following blazed trees. He returned to the East in April, 1850, and in St. Lawrence County found a helpmate to share with him life on the frontier. Mrs. Castor was formerly Miss Lucretia Willard. She was born in Permelia, Jefferson County, New York, August 31, 1825, and is a daughter of Micah Willard, a native of Worcester County, Mass., born in 1791. His father, Solomon Willard, was born on Manhattan Island, but afterwards engaged in the tanning business in Berkshire County. Mass., where he married Catherine Johnson, and spent the remainder of his life. Micah Willard served in the War of 1812 and married Margaret Vebber, who was born in the town of Buckland, Brasher Co., Mass., in 1791. He then embarked in farming, which he followed until his death in 1860. His wife departed this life July 10, 1858. She was a great-granddaughter of John Vebber, who was born at Franklin on the Main, Germany, and accompanied by two brothers crossed the Atlantic, landing at Manhattan Island. He settled in the German colony on Manhattan Island and at one time owned nearly the whole of the Island. He married Margaret Fox, a native of England. He served in the Revolutionary War under Gen. Warren and was wounded at the battle of Bunker Hill. Forty years have passed since Mr. Castor and his estimable wife took up their residence in Leon Township and they are numbered not only among its honored pioneers, but are also held in the highest regard for the upright lives they have led. On his arrival in this county, Mr. Castor had but $200. With that sum he paid for his land and then had to work as a day laborer in order to secure means to carry on the work of improvement. He first worked for William Lucky, for forty days, receiving $1 per day for his services, with which he bought a pair of three year old steers. During the first year he managed to clear and develop five acres of land and little by little that tract was extended until the whole farm was placed under cultivation. It was no easy task, but a resolute will, energy and perseverance overcame all obstacles and his efforts were at length crowned with success. Many were the toils and hardships to be endured but everything has succumbed to the progress and advancement which have been carried forward so rapidly by the pioneers who certainly deserve all honor for their noble and self-sacrificing labors. Mr. Castor has not devoted himself exclusively to farming, but has given considerable attention to the culture of bees. He first introduced that industry as a business into the county, beginning with a single colony. He has for upwards of thirty years kept from fifty to 100 colonies, which yield him an income of $400 per year, while the public receive an excellent quality of honey. The old homestead of Mr. and Mrs. Castor is dear to them not only because they have so long resided thereon, but it was also the birth place of their children and under its sheltering roof their sons were reared to manhood. James Edwin, the eldest, was born April 13, 1853, married Ellen Terrill and they have three children -- Herman A., Katie and Winnie L. Henry D. O., who was born June 27, 1854, followed the profession of teaching. He was educated in the schools of Oshkosh and Ripon and held the highest certificate in the county. He married Lulu O. White, by whom he had two children, Estella, who died when three years of age, and one who died in infancy. The mother died Aug. 29, 1885, and her husband's death occurred May 8, 1887, and was mourned by many friends. The entire family now sleep side by side in Auroraville Cemetery. Jaynes Herbert, born July 10, 1858, was educated in the schools of Berlin and Ripon, after which he studied law for two years with L. M. Kimball and is now engaged in the practice of the legal profession. Both Mr. Castor and his wife are members of the Congregational Church, and are active workers in the temperance cause. They belong to the Independent Order of Good Templars, while the husband was also a charter member of the Temple of Honor of Auroraville. In political sentiment he is a stanch Republican and has held the office of Township Supervisor.
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