Biographical Sketch of

Melzar B. Folsom

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 838 - 839

MELZAR Folsom Surnames: Baker, Barker, Brown, Clark, Folsom, Richards, Soule, Staples, Winslow
Melzar B. Folsom, who is engaged in general farming on section 27, in the town of Mackford, Green Lake County, 
was born in Franklin County, Me., May 5, 1840, and is a son of Stephen P. Folsom.  His mother, whose maiden 
name was Polly Soule, was a daughter of Capt. Soule of Mt. Vernon, Me.  By the union of that worthy couple, 
ten children were born, the record of whom is as follows:  Mary became the wife of Samuel Winslow, and died 
in the Pine Tree State; Hannah S. is the wife of John Richards of Nobles County, Minn.; Sally became the wife 
of Elias Winslow, and died in Furnas County, Neb.; James married Hannah Barker and is living in Green Lake 
County; Lavina is the wife of Samuel Winslow, who resides near Rochester, Minn.; William T., who married 
Sylvina Winslow, and is now living in Agra, Kan., enlisted in the 31st Wisconsin Infantry, and served with 
honor in many hotly contested battles; Rev. Richard P., a Methodist minister of Minnesota, married Olive M. 
Staples; Melzar B. is the next in order of birth; Thirza is the wife of H. A. Baker of this county; and Mary 
I. is the wife of James A. Soule.
 
Stephen P. Folsom was a prominent and influential citizen, and was actively connected with the upbuilding of 
the community in which he resided.  He was liberally educated, and possessed studious habits, and always kept 
himself well informed on matters of general interest.  He was an inflexible adherent of the Democracy, and was 
honored with several local offices, but in both public and private life was never known to betray a trust.  He 
came to Green Lake County in 1865, and devoted his energies to farming until his death, which occurred on the 
2nd of February, 1889.  Shortly afterward his wife crossed the dark river to meet the loved ones gone before.
 
Our subject was provided with liberal educational advantages in his youth, and for a number of years engaged in 
teaching school.  He accompanied the family to this county in 1865, and though his residence is not of as long 
duration as that of many, he is probably as widely known as any citizen in the community and none are more 
respected.  The following year after his arrival, he returned to the East, and in his native county was joined 
in wedlock with Miss D. E. Clark, the accomplished daughter of Wilson and Adeline (Brown) Clark.  She was 
graduated from a High School in Maine and afterwards took a partial course in the State Normal of Maine.  When 
the marriage festivities were over, he returned with his bride to his new home, and their union has been blessed 
with one child, a son, Stephen P.
 
Mr. Folsom has made farming his occupation since coming to Green Lake County, and is now the owner of a fine farm 
comprising 400 acres of rich and highly cultivated land.  It is furnished with good buildings and all the improvements 
necessary to a model farm, and the entire surroundings indicate the care and supervision of a thrifty and energetic 
owner who thoroughly understands his business.  Such a person he is known to be throughout the community.  Without 
neglecting his business interests, he has also devoted some time to public affairs and for the past few years has 
been acceptably discharging the duties of Town Supervisor.  Unlike his father, he is a stanch advocate of the 
Republican party and a warm supporter of its principles.  He cast his first Presidential vote for Abraham Lincoln, 
and has served as a delegate to the State Senatorial convention.  He is a most indefatigable worker in whatever 
he undertakes, is a man of intelligence and forethought, and is a valued citizen of the town of Mackford. 
 





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