Biographical Sketch of

William Garner

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 816 - 817 - 818


William Garner resides on section 22, in the town of Kingston, Green Lake County, where he is engaged in farming and 
stock-raising.  He was born in Lower Canada on Jan. 5, 1843, and is a son of Francis and Mary Garner, both of whom 
were natives of Northrup, England.  In that country they were reared and married, afterward removing to Canada, where 
they made their home until 1856, when they came to Green Lake County.  Mr. Garner made farming his life occupation.  
On his arrival in this community he purchased a farm in Kingston Township, it being now the property of his son, Horace.  
The father and mother both passed their last days upon that farm.  The former was called home in 1877, at the age of 
eighty-five years, and the mother departed this life in 1878, at the age of seventy-nine years.  Mr. Garner was one of 
Green Lake County's best citizens and one of nature's noblemen.  He was well and favorably known throughout the county, 
where his many excellent traits of character won for him the respect of all.  In political sentiment he was a stalwart 
Republican, and took a deep interest in the success of that party.  To him and his wife were born five children:  Mary 
became the wife of Eli Seymour; both are now deceased.  Edward A. is one of the prominent and wealthy citizens of Lowell, 
Mass.  He left home in early manhood without any means and with but limited education, but by industry he educated himself.  
For a few years he worked in the cotton factories of Manchester, N. H., was soon promoted to overseer.  Soon after the 
war he removed to Lowell, Mass., where he has been successful in acquiring a considerable property and is now a prominent 
citizen of that city.  John has been lost to his family for the past nineteen years; Horace is engaged in farming and 
merchandising in Kingston, Wis.; William, of this sketch, is the youngest.
 
Our subject passed his early life in the usual manner of farmer's sons.  He assisted in the cultivation of the land and 
attended the district schools of the neighborhood.  He began his education in Canada, completing it after his removal 
to Green Lake County, where he has resided since 1856.  Like a dutiful son he assisted in the work on the farm until 
attaining his majority, when on Feb. 5, 1865, he enlisted in the 2nd Wisconsin Cavalry for one year's service or during 
the remainder of the war.  He joined his regiment at Memphis and after being assigned to Company E, at once entered into 
active service.  The command marched from Alexandria to Austin, Texas, in 182 days, and was then engaged in skirmishing 
and scouting until mustered out at the latter city.  He then returned to Madison, where in December, 1865, he received 
his discharge.  On his return home he again resumed his duties as a farmer, which occupation he has followed throughout 
his entire life.  During the first few years he engaged in operating a farm on shares, but is now the owner of a good 
homestead and is numbered among the leading agriculturists of this community.
 
About a year after his return from the battle fields of the South, Mr. Garner led to the marriage altar Miss Janet Semple, 
the wedding taking place Nov. 18, 1866.  Like her husband Mrs. Garner is a native of Canada, but is of Scotch descent.  
The young couple began their domestic life upon a rented farm, but after three years, success having attended his efforts, 
Mr. Garner was enabled to purchase a farm, he becoming owner of 160 acres of land in the town of Buffalo, Marquette County, 
which continued to be his home until 1871, when he sold out and purchased 160 acres on section 22, in the town of Kingston, 
Green Lake County, where he has resided continuously since, covering a period of eighteen years.  Industry and diligence 
are numbered among his chief characteristics and are elements indispensable to success.  By the exercise of these powers 
Mr. Garner increased his financial resources and thus added to his land until he now owns 240 acres, the entire amount 
being under a high state of cultivation.  Starting in life as he did, without capital, he deserves no little credit for 
his success.  Overcoming all adversities, undaunted with the trials which he has met, he has pushed steadily forward until 
he has now reached the goal for which he has so long been striving.  A comfortable competence, acquired by his own efforts, 
will enable him to pass his declining years in retirement from all labor.  His farm is one of the finest in the community, 
the stock which he raises is of the best grades and all necessary improvements have been secured.  Though his life has been 
a busy one Mr. Garner has yet found time to inform himself on all the leading issues of the day.  He can converse intelligibly 
on all matters of general interest and is a valued citizen well and favorably known throughout the country.  Politically he 
is a Republican, and socially is a member of the G. A. R., Newton Wilson Post, No. 28.
 
The children born of the union of Mr. and Mrs. Garner are four in number, two sons and two daughters--Francis O., born Oct. 
6, 1867, Nellie M., Aug. 6, 1873, Minnie L., Aug. 15, 1875, and Robert E., Sept. 23, 1877.  They have been provided with 
liberal educational advantages, and are thus fitted for lives of usefulness and honor.  Miss Nellie has already received 
a teacher's certificate, and has followed her chosen profession in the county with good success.  Mrs. Garner is a daughter 
of Robert and Jeanette (Ingles) Semple, who were both natives of Scotland.  The former emigrated to Canada when but a small 
child, the latter when about twenty years of age.  They were married in Canada but settled in Marquette about 1850.  Mr. 
Ingles was farming in Kingston Township at the time of his death, April 15, 1855.  His widow is still living.  They were 
parents of eight children, six of whom are now living, viz: Jane, the wife of Rockwell Griffin; Thomas, a farmer; David, 
also farming; Mrs. Garner next in order; Ellen, who wedded Horace Garner; and Isabelle, who is now the wife of William 
Jenkins, of Kingston.
 





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