Biographical Sketch of

Sylvester B. Dibell

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 614 - 615


Sylvester B. Dibell is one of the early settlers of the town of Montello, Marquette County, where he has made 
his home since November, 1853, covering a period of more than thirty-six years.  He was born in Ashtabula County, 
Ohio, on the 12 of June, 1812, and is a son of John and Dency (Baldwin) Dibell.  His father was born in Massachusetts, 
but was reared in the Empire State, of which the mother was a native, though her parents came from Connecticut.  
To John Dibell and wife was born a family of seven children, five sons and two daughters, all of whom grew to mature 
years, while two sons and a daughter are living at this writing, namely; Sylvester B., of this sketch; Timothy, a 
resident of Michigan; and Calista, wife of Amos B. Luce, of Columbus, Ohio.  The deceased are Mrs. Caroline Taylor, 
Harvey L., and John A.  Another son, Elihu, died in infancy.  In 1810 John Dibell removed with his family to Ashtabula 
County, Ohio, where he and his wife spent their last days.
     
The subject of this notice was reared to the occupation of farming, which has made his life work.  As before stated, 
he came to Marquette County in the fall of 1853, settling on section 7, in the town of Montello, where he still makes 
his home.  He was married in his native State to Miss Lucia Tinker, a native of Ohio, but she was only permitted to 
enjoy her new home in Marquette County, Wis., for about a year.  He was then again married in April, 1855, his second 
union being with Adeline Cook, who was born in the town of Sheffield, Caledonia Co., Vt., in 1830, and is a daughter 
of Nathaniel and Rachel (Hawkins) Cook.  She came with her parents from the Green Mountain State to Marquette County 
in 1853.  Her mother has been dead many years, but her father is still living in the town of Packwaukee, at the 
advanced age of ninety-five years.  He was a soldier in the War of 1812, and in recognition of his services receives 
a pension.  His sketch is given elsewhere in this volume.

Mr. Dibell still devotes his attention to farming and is the owner of seventy acres of valuable land, while his wife 
owns an adjoining eighty acres.  He passed through all the trials and hardships of pioneer life, but though he had 
to contend with any disadvantages in those early days, he is now in comfortable circumstances.  He and his wife are 
numbered among the respected citizens of the town of Montello, where they are so widely known and where they have so 
long made their home.

By his first marriage Mr. Dibell had four children, three sons and a daughter. His sons all served in the late war.  
Monroe was a member of the 3d Wisconsin Battery and was killed in the battle of Murfreesboro, Tenn.; Adelbert was a 
member of the 3d Wisconsin Cavalry, but was discharged on account of disability, after which he re-enlisted in the 
48th Wisconsin Infantry, and died Sept. 16, 1863; Edward served in the 48th Infantry and is still at home.  The 
daughter is Mrs. Ann C. Washburn of Montello.  The children born to Sylvester and Adeline Dibell are Sarah, wife of 
Austin Wilkins, of Montello; Lucia A., wife of Simeon Eastman; and John N., who is on the old home farm.






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