Biographical Sketch of

William H. Foote

Transcribed by Sandra Boudrou



Source: Portrait and Biographical Album of Green Lake, Marquette and Waushara Counties, Wisconsin, 
published 1890 by Acme Publishing Co., Chicago, Pages 599 - 600 


William H. Foote, who is engaged in farming on section 32, in the town of Westfield, Marquette County, has 
made his home upon that farm since April, 1855.  He is one of the early settlers and one of the self-made 
men of the community, having by his own efforts acquired a competency which places him among the substantial 
citizens of this section.  He was born in Tioga, N. Y., Nov. 10, 1826, and is a son of William C. Foote, who 
was a native of Connecticut, but for many years made his home in Massachusetts.  He married Sarah P. Brumley, 
a native of Schoharie County, N. Y., and then settled in Tioga County, N. Y., where he followed his trade of 
shoemaking until his emigration to the West in the autumn of 1853.  Mr. Foote had previously visited Marquette 
County and located 120 acres of land on section 33, in the town of Westfield.  It was entirely unimproved, but 
after building a house he immediately turned his attention to its development and made a good home for himself 
and family.  He there passed the remainder of his days, dying in 1881.  His wife was called to her final rest 
in 1867.  They were numbered among the best citizens of the county and were widely known.  They were consistent 
Christian people, members of the Baptist Church, whose acts of kindness and words of sympathy endeared them to 
many.  Mr. Foote supported the Republican party after its organization, but had previously been a Democrat.  
 
Our subject was one of five sons who grew to manhood.  Frank D. Foote, who resides in Sparta, Wis.; James, the 
eldest son, enlisted in an Ohio regiment in the late war and died in Tennessee during his service; Orton was a 
resident of Augusta, Wis., at the time of his death; Andrew died on the old homestead prior to the death of his 
parents.
 
William H. Foote was reared to the occupation of farming and has made that enterprise his life work.  While 
residing in the town of Owego, Tioga Co., N. Y., he led to the marriage altar Miss Susan Matthews, a lady of 
Irish birth. Her parents, John and Julia (Griffin) Matthews, were natives of County Down, Ireland, and came 
to America soon after their marriage, settling in Susquehanna County, Pa., where they resided until death.  
They were parents of four sons and four daughters but several members of the family are now deceased.  Mrs. 
Foote is a native of the Keystone State, having been born in Susquehanna County, March 26, 1832.
 
Until 1855, our subject continued operations in his native State, but in that year cast his lot with the early
settlers of Marquette County, whither his parents had removed a year and a half previous.  He settled on land
which his father purchased and a short time afterwards bought his present farm, which adjoins the old homestead.  
Turning his attention to the development of his land, he worked zealously to make for himself and family a 
comfortable home.  He possessed but little of this world's goods on his arrival but his unceasing toil, his 
enterprise and perseverance have at length been rewarded and he is now accounted one of the well-to-do farmers 
of the community.  His wife also did her share, providing an able helpmate to him with whom she has traveled 
life's journey for many years.  Their union has been blessed with five children, all sons--Charles F., Frank D., 
John, George H. and Andrew J. The children received good educational advantages, such as would fit them for 
the practical duties of life and three of the sons now own farms adjoining their parents and are comfortably 
situated.  In 1887, Mr. Foote erected a fine residence, and in that pleasant home, surrounded by many of the 
luxuries of life, he and his worthy wife expect to spend their last days.  Few citizens of the community are 
more widely known and none are held in higher regard.  Their upright lives have won them the respect and 
confidence of all and from the early days of their settlement in Marquette County their circle of friends 
has been very extensive.






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