Biographical Sketch of

William Henry Dakin

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 613 - 614


Hon. William Henry Dakin, the earliest settler of the town of Brooklyn, Green Lake County, yet living, is now 
engaged in farming on section 36.  He was born in Poughkeepsie, Dutchess Co., N. Y., Aug. 8, 1816, and is a 
son of Ebenezer K. and Clarissa (Wilson) Dakin, who were also natives of the Empire State, where they made 
their home until emigrating to this county some years after the arrival of our subject.  William was educated 
in the public and private schools of his native county, completing his school life in Poughkeepsie Academy.  
When seventeen years of age, he went to live with a brother-in-law, and upon reaching his majority sailed for 
South America, visiting several of the countries on that continent.  Returning to his home, he then resided 
in New York until 1843, when he decided to cast his lot with the pioneer settlers of Wisconsin, and became a 
resident of Green Lake County.  Soon afterward he selected a tract of land--his present farm--but did not long 
remain in the West at that time.  After his second arrival, he went to Illinois where he purchased five yoke 
of oxen and then began the improvement and cultivation of his land.  His first crop of wheat yielded eighty 
bushels in all, and was the first wheat raised in this locality.  Believing that land would rapidly increase 
in value, he made several judicious investments and branched out as a real-estate dealer, at the same time 
helping others to secure homes, and also enter claims.  While assisting others to make permanent settlements, 
he was mindful of his own interests and at different times made purchases until his possessions aggregated 
between 3,000 to 4,000 acres.  He has, however, since disposed of a part of that amount, but is yet an extensive 
land owner.
 
Mr. Dakin's first shelter when he came to this county was a tent, in one corner of which he made a bed of hay, 
blankets and a buffalo robe furnishing the covering.  He has often been heard to remark that those were the 
happiest days of his life.  The independence and freedom exactly suited him.  He afterwards built a log house, 
living in one end of it, while his horse was stabled in the other until better arrangements could be made.  
Subsequently he hauled lumber from Portage and erected a frame dwelling.  The nearest mill in those early days 
was at Watertown, and mail was received but once a month.
 
Mr. Dakin has never been a politician or an office-seeker, but has held some important trusts.  He was one of 
three Commissioners appointed to conduct the county affairs under the old regime, and when the county got involved 
with the railroad company over some bonds, was chosen Chairman of the town of Brooklyn, it then becoming his duty 
to assist in making satisfactory arrangements between the two parties.  He assisted in saving the county some 
$13,000.  He retained his position until the county was free from indebtedness and placed on a solid financial 
basis, when he resigned.  In 1874 he was elected to the State Legislature and served in the session of 1875, 
with satisfaction to his constituents.  Before the county was divided, Mr. Dakin served as Treasurer of Marquette 
County for three years.  He was Chairman of Brooklyn for several years while the lawsuit with the railroad company 
was in the courts.  He supported the Democratic party previous to the war, since which time he has been an ardent 
advocate of the Republican party.  He has never married, but still lives in single blessedness.  Numbered among 
the leading and respected citizens of the community, we find William H. Dakin, and are pleased to record his sketch 
in this volume.  His history is inseparably connected with that of the county, which owes not a little of her 
progress, upbuilding and advancement to his untiring labors in her behalf.  He was never known to shirk any duty 
of citizenship imposed upon him, but is ever faithful to a trust.  See portrait.






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