Biographical Sketch of

John W. Greenfield

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 824 - 825


John W. Greenfield, one of the leading farmers and stock-raisers of Waushara County, who resides on section 30, 
in the town of Plainfield, was born in Tompkins County, N. Y., May 2, 1844, and is a son of Caleb and Elizabeth 
Greenfield.  His parents were descended from old New England families of Puritan origin.  Unto them were born 
four children, three of whom are now living__Daniel W. is engaged in farming in Greeley County, Neb.; John W. 
is the second; and Mrs. Mary Carpenter is the youngest.  The mother of this family departed this life while a 
resident of New York.  The father came to Wisconsin in 1858, and became a resident of the village of Plainfield 
in 1856.  He served in the late War, was a member of the 37th Wisconsin Infantry, and on account of physical 
disability, the result of a wound received at Petersburg, was discharged.  He then returned to Plainfield, 
where for a time he engaged in keeping hotel, and afterward followed blacksmithing in Wautoma and Montello.  
He won the respect of all with whom he came in contact, and for many years was a leading citizen of Waushara 
County.
 
Our subject was a lad of twelve years when his father located in Plainfield.  He acquired his educations in the 
village schools and remained at home until March, 1864, when at the age of twenty years he responded to his 
country's call for troops, and enlisted in Company B, 37th Wisconsin Infantry for the remainder of the War.  
He joined his regiment in Madison and thence was ordered to Washington, D. C.  He participated in a number 
of important engagements, and during the second day's attack on Petersburg was disabled for further duty in 
the field by a fall.  For some time he was confined in Chestnut Hill Hospital at Philadelphia, Pa., after 
which he was sent to Washington, where he joined the 10th Regiment Veteran Reserve Corps, in which he served 
until the close of the War.  He was engaged in patrol duty in the capital city at the time of the assassination 
of President Lincoln, and in fifteen minutes after the fatal shot was fired, he with his comrades were formed 
in line ready for action.  Mr. Greenfield, with others, acted as escort, while the remains of our martyred 
President was conveyed from the White House to the capitol.  Hostilities having ended, he was discharged July 
27, 1865, and immediately thereafter returned to Waushara County, where he embarked in farming.
 
On the 9th of June, 1866, Mr. Greenfield was united in marriage with Miss Emily S. Richards, a native of 
Pennsylvania and a daughter of Stephen and Hannah Richards, both of whom are now living.  By their union 
were born two children--Herbert, now a student of the Commercial College at Oskosh, Wis.; and Harry M., 
at home.  The mother departed this life June 9, 1886, on the twentieth anniversary of her marriage.  She 
was a devoted member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and won a large circle of friends by her many 
excellencies of character.  Mr. Greenfield was again married May 27, 1887, his second union being with 
Alice M. Gregg, a native of Wisconsin, and they have one child, Leon D.
 
In 1877, Mr. Greenfield purchased his present farm of 120 acres on section 30, in the town of Plainfield, 
where he has since made his home.  He has been an active participant in the many great changes which have 
taken place in this county since 1856, and is recognized as one of the useful and progressive citizens of 
the community.  Socially, he is a member of the G. A. R., and in politics is a Republican.
 






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