Biographical Sketch of

George Friday



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 645 - 646 George Friday, who is engaged in farming on section 31, in the town of Green Lake, Green Lake County, is a native of Prussia. He was born in Wetzlar, in the Province of Coblenze, Aug. 24, 1825, and was a son of Peter and Susanna P. (Baker) Friday, both of whom were born in the same locality. In his youth he learned the blacksmith's trade, following that occupation for about four years. He then, in 1847, enlisted in the Prussian army, in which he served two years and four months, aiding in crushing out the rebellion. At the end of that time, he was allowed to return home on a furlough, as his father was disabled and could not work. While there news reached him that he would be recalled to the field, but he did not wish to again enter the army, and after due consideration determined to emigrate to America. His grandfather Baker furnished him with $28 to pay his passage. When he arrived in New York his funds were all exhausted, and he borrowed $12 of a friend, but as he had to go to a hospital that he might be cured of a disease contracted on board the ship, he left the money with an acquaintance, who proved unfaithful to the trust reposed in him and spent the money. Again penniless, he looked for work in New York City, and at last obtained employment with a blacksmith at $4 per month and board, but the board was such that he ended the contract in a half day. He was unable to speak the English language, and found it impossible to obtain work in New York City, so boarding a steamer he made the captain understand that he wished to go to the country to seek employment. The captain allowed him free passage to Albany, where he landed and obtained a position, working until he had money enough to pay his expenses to Wisconsin. He believed that he might better his financial condition by removing to the West, and in 1850 we find him in Columbia County, where he located a claim and began the development of a farm. The first money which he earned in this State was used in defraying his father's expenses to this country. Mr. Friday reached America in 1851, and worked at his trade near Milwaukee. As soon as possible he sent for his mother and the other members of the family, directing them to meet him in Milwaukee, but when he reached that city, he found that the fare had been raised, and he lacked $16 of having enough to meet the expenses of their passage. With some misgivings, he went to a stranger, who trusted in his honesty and loaned him the money. The family was again united, but only a short time elapsed before death entered the household. The father one day walked into his shop, when a gun, loaded with buck-shot, in the hands of his son-in-law, was discharged, killing him instantly. The man was tried, and the evidence showed that it was intentional murder, but he was never convicted. Mr. Friday was sixty-four years of age at the time of his death. He was the father of eight children, having been twice married. By his first marriage one child was born, and by the second seven children were born, our subject being one of the latter family. The mother was called home in 1862, at the age of fifty-six years. While a resident of Columbia County, Mr. Friday was united in marriage in 1850, with Ernstina E. Vinz, who was born in Elxlaben, Prussia, July 18, 1829, and when eighteen years of age came to this country. Thirteen children have been born unto them, eight of whom are living, namely: Margaret, Albert, George, Louisa, Solomon B., Henry P., Sarah and Rosa. In 1851 Mr. Friday removed from Columbia County to Green Lake County, locating on a claim in the town of Manchester, where he made his home for about twenty-eight years. In 1878 he removed to his present farm, in the town of Green Lake, where he now owns 226 acres of land. His possessions at one time amounted to more than that, but he has aided his children in starting in life by giving to them some of his property. To his own efforts can be attributed his success, and he may truly be called a self-made man. He labored on, battling with hardships and discouragements, when many would have given up in despair, but his perseverance, energy and diligence have at last been rewarded, and he is now numbered among the substantial and prosperous farmers of the community. When he purchased his present farm he had to give his note for $10,000, and many of his neighbors predicted that he would never be able to pay for it, but ere six years had passed it was not only free from all indebtedness, but he had also made many excellent improvements and greatly increased its value by placing it under a high state of cultivation. Great indeed is the contrast between his present home and that in which he began life in the county. His first residence was a little log cabin, which afforded neither sufficient shelter nor warmth; now his residence is one of the finest in the community. It is neatly, yet elegantly furnished with all the comforts and many of the luxuries of life, but in the parlor is still seen one of the relics of pioneer days. Below a beautiful hanging lamp is suspended the old grease lamp which was used in lighting the log hut. As a citizen Mr. Friday is public-spirited and takes an active part in promoting the best interests of the community. He has identified himself with all worthy enterprises, and has given liberally for the upbuilding of the community. He is a strong supporter of the temperance cause, and is also deeply interested in education. He provided his children with excellent advantages, and three of them have been successful teachers in the county. He and his wife are members of the Methodist Church, and are highly esteemed by all for their upright lives and Christian characters.

Transcribed by Sandra Boudrou for the Marquette Co WI Pages

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