Biographical Sketch of

Nicholas Gernon

Transcribed by Sandy Boudrou



Source: Portrait and Biographical Album of Green Lake, Marquette and Waushara Counties, Wisconsin, 
published 1890 by Acme Publishing Co., Chicago, Page 553 

Nicholas Gernon who is engaged in general farming on section 6, town of Neshkoro, Marquette County, is a native 
of the Emerald Isle, having been born in County Louth, Jan. 1, 1820.  As far back as his ancestry can be traced, 
his people were natives of Ireland.  His paternal grandfather, Paddy Gernon, and his maternal grandfather, George 
Gernon, were both natives of County Louth.  His father was born in the same county in 1764.  By occupation, 
Nicholas Gernon, Sr., was a farmer, and followed that business throughout his entire life.  He wedded Miss Mary 
Gernon, and out of that union were born three children, two sons and one daughter, who grew to mature years.  
The parents were life-long members of the Roman Catholic Church.  Mr. Gernon died on the 21st of March, 1839, 
in the county of his nativity, where he lived a useful life.
 
The subject of this sketch passed the days of his boyhood and youth in Ireland, but left that country soon after 
the death of his father.  His education was obtained in the Kildare school in County Louth, and was limited to 
the common branches.  Believing that he could better his condition by emigrating to the new world, where better 
opportunities were afforded young men, when nineteen years of age, he crossed the broad Atlantic and came to the 
Territory of Wisconsin.  The date of his arrival was 1839.  Hardly a citizen of the community has so long been 
identified with the history of the county.  He settled on section 9, in the Neshkoro Township, where he made his 
home for several years, and in 1853, entered 103 acres of land on section 6 in the same town.  The tract which 
he claimed was in its primitive condition, not an improvement having been made or a furrow turned, but soon, as 
the result of the industry and energy of Mr. Gernon, a fine farm was developed.  Its boundaries have been extended 
until it now comprises 254 acres, the greater part of which is under a high state of cultivation.  The only 
inheritance which Mr. Gernon ever received was 300 pounds sterling left him by his brother Martin, who died in 
Ireland.  Almost his entire possessions therefore, have been acquired by his own efforts, and he may truly be 
called a self-made man.

Mr. Gernon was united in the holy bonds of matrimony with Miss Mary Kieran of County Louth, Ireland, and the birth 
of seven children blessed their union.  Nicholas, the eldest, who is now a wealthy farmer and blacksmith living in 
Russell County, Kansas; Richard, who resides in Red Bluff, Cal., and by occupation is a civil engineer; Lawrence, 
a resident of Hiawatha, Kansas; Simeon, who is still on the home farm; Elizabeth. wife of Daniel Haley of Denver, 
Col.; Mary, at home; and Kate, who is a Sister in the Catholic School of Notre Dame, at Milwaukee.
 
In politics, Mr. Gernon has been a lifelong Democrat, and is one of the firm supporters of the party's principles.  
As one of the pioneers of Marquette County, he deserves no little credit for that part which he has borne in the 
upbuilding and advancement of the county's interests, and in the promotion of her leading enterprises.  He has 
watched her growth from the earliest days, and has seen the transformation from a wild and uncultivated wilderness 
to the present advanced position.  During the early history of the county, he served as Town Superintendent and 
Chairman of the Board, and for thirty years was Justice of the Peace.  Certainly no higher testimonial of the 
confidence and regard in which he is held could be given than his long continued service in one office, and his 
faithfulness to duty won him the respect and well-wishes of even his political opponents.  Both Mr. and Mrs. 
Gernon are numbered among Marquette County's most honored and respected citizens.
 





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