Biographical Sketch of

David Greenway

Transcribed by Char Eckman



Source: Portrait and Biographical Album of Green Lake, Marquette and Waushara Counties, Wisconsin, 
published 1890 by Acme Publishing Co., Chicago, Pages 493 - 494

David Greenway.  In the way of preparing a summer resort for the pleasure and rest of the overworked and pent up people 
in the cities, Mr. Greenway stands as a pioneer, not only of Wisconsin but of the Northwest.  In 1866, he purchased 
thirty-five acres of land on section 21, in the town of Brooklyn, having a lake front of some 2,000 feet.  On the south 
stretches the deep green waters of Green Lake; north, about a mile, lies the village of Dartford; the grounds have for 
some distance a gentle slope to the water's edge, majestic forest trees throw their delightful shade upon the green 
sword, and surely a more beautiful site could not have been selected.  Nature, long ago, did her part in preparing a 
delightful summer home for health seeking humanity, but not until 1866, did man add his efforts.  The first house was 
boarded up and down and was capable of accommodating about seventy-five guests.  Great fears were entertained by the 
proprietor and his friends that the enterprise would be but a bubble soon to burst.  These misgivings were unfounded, 
however, for the first season the house was so full that had the people been as exacting as the present day, they would 
probably have returned in disgust.  But all were contented and happy, enjoying the pure air and delightful freedom of 
country life.

This now famous resort was christened Oakwood.  To follow its progress from year to year would be too tedious; suffice 
it to say from that infantile beginning it has arisen to one of the first resorts east, west, north or south.  There is 
one mammoth building surrounded by broad verandas, spacious walks furnishing ample opportunity for promenades, and 
numerous cottages are finely located along the lake shore, so that more than 300 guests may be comfortably entertained 
at one time.  Amusement halls, flower gardens and everything necessary to the comfort and entertainment of the guest is 
there found and the stables furnish excellent riding horses for those who prefer that recreation.

In connection with the history of Oakwood, it would be interesting to know something of him who furnished the brains 
and money to establish that fine resort.

David Greenway was born in Warwickshire, England, March 14, 1826, and is a son of Thomas and Hannah (Padbury) Greenway 
who were also natives of the same county.  In 1835 the family sailed for America and after residing a time in New Jersey 
removed to Syracuse, N. Y.  While en route for that city, the death of the mother occurred, the father passing his last 
days in Syracuse.  Of their children our subject is the only one who found his way to the West.  His education was 
limited to such as could be obtained during a few terms attendance at the old log school house.  The first business 
enterprise in which he embarked was brewing, his brother being his partner in that pursuit.  After about three years he 
sold out and engaged in raising vegetables for the Syracuse market, continuing in that line of work until 1850, when he 
came to Wisconsin.  He first settled in the city of Ripon, Fond du Lac County, where after a year spent in farming, he 
opened a variety store, which he afterward converted into a drug store.  Subsequently, he held the position of agent for 
the express company of Livingston, Fargo & Co. for about fifteen years, but since 1866, his chief business has been the 
superintending and improving of his summer resort.  

On the 19th of February, 1849, Mr. Greenway was united in marriage with Caroline Chadburn, daughter of John Chadburn, an 
English optican.  She was born in Lancastershire, England, in 1827, and in girlhood came with her parents to America, the 
family locating in New York.  Their union was blessed with two children, William and George.  The mother was called home 
on the 3d of January, 1880, and her loss was a great sorrow not only to her immediate family, but to her many friends.  
After several years, on the 29th of January, 1887, Mr. Greenway was again married, his union being with Mrs. Lydia Irving, 
whose maiden name was Capron.  She died Aug. 21, 1889, leaving one child, Stewart.

Mr. Greenway is conservative in politics and has never sought or desired public office.  Socially he is a Royal Arch Mason.  He has been very successful in his business transactions, and in numbered among the wealthiest citizens in the town of Brooklyn.






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