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.






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