Biographical Sketch of

Lewis Henry Coville

Transcribed by Sandy Boudrou



Source: Portrait and Biographical Album of Green Lake, Marquette and Waushara Counties, Wisconsin, 
published 1890 by Acme Publishing Co., Chicago, Pages 511 - 512 - 513


Lewis Henry Coville, who is extensively engaged in stock-raising and dairying on a fine grazing farm of 120 acres 
situated on section 10 in the town of Warren, Waushara County, is a native of New York.  He was born in the town 
of Coventry, Chenango County, on the 22nd of May, 1838, and is of English and Welsh extraction.  His paternal 
grandfather was a native of Wales, from which country he emigrated to Canada, where he spent the remainder of his 
life.  His maternal grandfather, Joseph Foote, a native of Massachusetts, fought for American independence.  He was 
only sixteen years of age when as a drummer boy he enlisted in his country's service.  For six years he served under 
the immediate command of Gen. Washington, with whom he was personally acquainted, and at the close of the war was 
mustered out as orderly sergeant.  He then settled in New York, where he spent the remainder of his days, dying at 
the advanced age of one hundred years, three months and sixteen days.

Simeon Coville, the father of our subject, was probably born in Canada in 1794, and was there reared to manhood, but 
when the War of 1812 broke out he was drafted into the British service, and his sympathies being enlisted with the 
American people, he deserted and came to the United States, joining the American forces, with which he fought until 
the close of the war, although he never regularly enlisted.  He also had four brothers who deserted the British service 
and crossing the line into this country defended the stars and stripes.  When the war was over he settled in New York, 
where he became acquainted with and married Abigail Foote, who was born near the city of Hudson in 1796.  During the 
early history of Wisconsin, accompanied by his family he emigrated to this State, and became the second settler in the 
town of Ashiton, Dodge County.  The country was then almost in its primitive condition, and the family shared in the 
trials and privations incident to pioneer life.  They afterward removed to Adams County, and about the time of the 
breaking out of the Civil War became residents of Waushara County, but at the close of that struggle Simeon Coville 
and his wife removed to Waukesha County, where they made their home with their daughter, Mrs. Dorcas Robinson, until 
death.  The husband died in March, 1872, and in May, 1883, the wife was called home.  Both were members of the Methodist 
Episcopal Church and were highly respected citizens.

Lewis Henry Coville, whose name heads this sketch, was but three years of age when he was brought by his family to the 
Territory of Wisconsin.  Amid its wild scenes was reared to manhood and in the primitive schools received his education. 
Aiding his father in the cultivation of the home farm until twenty-one years of age, he then started out in life for 
himself, his first venture being the purchase of 240 acres of land, upon which he made his home for seven years.  At 
the expiration of that time he traded his first farm for the 120 acres of grazing land before mentioned.  At that time 
only one and a half acres had been cleared, while the only improvements consisted of a little log cabin of one room built 
upon the clearing.  For twenty-two years it continued to be his home, but a number of years since it was replaced by a 
commodious and substantial residence.

Mr. Coville was united in marriage with Miss Melissa, daughter of T. Anderson, and by their union two children were 
born--Thorn, who was born April 16, 1860; and Delbert, who was born Oct. 14, 1865, and wedded Mary Jordan.  The mother 
departed this life Feb. 21, 1869.  She was a faithful and consistent member of the Wesleyan Methodist Episcopal Church, 
of which denomination her father was a minister for many years.  Mr. Coville was again married on the 9th of November, 
1872, when Miss Sarah Decker became his wife.  She is an estimable lady, having many warm friends in this community, and 
is a daughter of James and Elizabeth (Travis) Decker.  They also have one son, Milo A., born Dec. 1, 1873.

When the Civil War was in progress, Mr. Coville responded to the country's call for aid by enlisting in Company H. of 
the 30th Wisconsin Infantry.  For a period of eighteen months the regiment made its headquarters at Madison, in the 
meantime doing guard duty at Milwaukee over the Ozark rioters.  In the spring of 1863 Mr. Coville accompanied his 
command to Hartland, Dodge County, and assisted in the enforcement of the enrollment of that county.  He then went to 
Shellburg, in the southern part of the State, where he assisted in performing a similar duty, after which he returned to 
Madison.  He was there taken sick and confined in the post hospital at Camp Randall for several weeks.  When able once 
more to resume duty he was transferred to Company A, 22nd Regiment Veteran Corps.  He was then sent to the provost 
marshal's office at Green Bay, and there acted as orderly sergeant, being engaged in the service for fourteen months 
when he rejoined his company at Camp Reno at Milwaukee.  He was honorably discharged on the 6th of September, 1865, 
after more than three years of active service.

Since his return Mr. Coville has given special attention to stock-raising, his farm being peculiarly adapted to that 
purpose.  Since 1881 he has also been extensively engaged in the dairy business.  In both pursuits he has been quite 
successful and now ranks among the well-to-do farmers of the community.  He is also numbered among the representative 
and progressive citizens of Waushara County, where he is widely and favorably known.  Politically he is a Republican 
and socially is a member of Edwin Saxe Post, No. 135 G. A. R., of Wautoma, and Pine River Lodge, No. 207, A. F. & A. M.  

 




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