Biographical Sketch of

J. T. Ellerson

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, Page 743 


J.T. Ellerson, Postmaster of Wautoma and proprietor of the Waushara Argus, published in Wautoma, was born in 
the town of Mt. Pleasant, Racine Co., Wis., in 1855, and is a son of C. D. and Thalia (DeSylvia) Ellerson, both 
of whom were natives of the Empire State.  About the year 1848, they emigrated to Racine County, where they made 
a permanent location.  The mother is now deceased, but the father still resides on the old homestead, where for 
forty-two years he has now followed the occupation of farming.  To them were born five children, but only two are 
now living.
 
Our subject was the third in order of birth.  His boyhood days were unmarked by any event of special importance, 
his early life being passed in the usual manner of farmer lads.  In the district schools of the neighborhood he 
obtained the rudiments of an education, which was supplemented by a course of study in the Racine high school, 
where he fitted himself for teaching.  He followed that calling for a number of terms in Racine County and was 
widely known as a successful educator.  He first came to Wautoma in 1876, when he entered the employ of Mr. Monroe, 
then editor of the Argus, which paper was established in 1859 by D. H. Pulcifer & Co., under the name of the Pine 
River Argus.  Mr. Ellerson had previously worked at a case to a limited extent yet had obtained slight knowledge 
of the practical part of printing.  After three years spent with Mr. Monroe he went to Plainfield, purchasing the 
plant of the Plainfield Times, which he conducted three years.  In August, 1880, he purchased the Argus plant, and 
in 1882 removed to Wautoma, since which time he has given his personal attention to the publications of his paper.  
The Argus is a seven column folio and a bright newsy sheet, reflecting credit on the enterprising publisher.
 
Mr. Ellerson has been twice married. In 1876, he was joined in wedlock with Ellen E., daughter of O. C. Monroe and 
unto them was born one child, a daughter:  Millie.  The mother died in 1883, at the age of twenty-six years, and his 
second marriage was celebrated in 1884, he wedding Maud, the daughter of Gilbert and Mary Tennant.
 
In political sentiment, Mr. Ellerson is a Republican and has always devoted his best efforts and talents to the 
advancement of the party's interests.  He was commissioned Postmaster of Wautoma, Oct. 9, 1889, and on the 9th of 
November following assumed charge of the office.  The people seem well pleased with his administration thus far 
and in all probability their satisfaction will continue to the end of his term.  Socially, he is a member of 
Wautoma Lodge, No. 148, A. F. & A. M.

 





Back to the Marquette Pages Menu