Biographical Sketch of

Cornelius Ham

Transcribed by Sandy Boudrou



Source: Portrait and Biographical Album of Green Lake, Marquette and Waushara Counties, Wisconsin, 
published 1890 by Acme Publishing Co., Chicago, Pages 557 - 558 


Cornelius Ham, a retired farmer and millwright of Plainfield, was born in Rensselaer County, N. Y., Sept. 
21, 1822, and is a son of Conrad and Mary (Bruce) Ham, both of whom were natives of the Empire State and of 
German descent.  Their family numbered twelve children, nine of whom grew to mature years, though only two 
are now living--Peter, who resides in Burton County, Mo., and Cornelius.  Those who have passed away are 
Antoino, Margaret, George, Eliza, wife of Samuel Devoe of Wautoma; Eva, Philip and Lansing.  The parents 
were members of the Lutheran Church and were highly respected people.
 
Our subject passed the days of his boyhood and youth in his native State, where in the common schools he 
received his education.  When seventeen years of age he began learning the trade of a millwright and 
carpenter, which he followed during his residence in New York, and also continued after his emigration to 
the West.  On the 22nd of September, 1842, he led to the marriage altar Miss Harriet M. Cunningham, a 
native of Warren County, N. Y., and their union was blessed with two children:  Emma, the elder, is now 
the wife of Frank Hayward, a farmer of the town of Hancock, by whom she has four children, Clarence, Earl, 
Nellie and Ida.  Elias Irwin, a contractor and builder, resides in Minneapolis, Minn.  He married Miss Mabb 
Mann, and unto them were born four children, but only one, Roy, is now living.  The other three died in 
infancy.
 
In 1855, Mr. Ham decided to cast his lot with the early settlers of Waushara County, Wis. and since that time 
has been one of her best citizens.  Entering 160 acres of land on section 29, in the town of Plainfield, he 
turned his attention to agricultural pursuits.  His claim was still in its primitive condition, not a furrow 
had been turned, a fence built, or other improvement made.  There were few settlers in the neighborhood, the 
Indians had only just left for their reservation beyond the Mississippi and the work of progress and cultivation 
had been scarcely begun.  He bore his share in the trials and hardships incident to life on the frontier, but 
his labors were crowned with success and he became the owner of one of the finest farms in Waushara County.  
Although he met with some discouragements and reverses in business life he overcame all such obstacles and many 
happy days were passed on that old homestead, but in 1877, the family was visited by a deep sorrow occasioned 
by the death of the wife and mother.  She died in full fellowship with the Methodist Episcopal Church, of which 
she was a devoted member, and deep grief was felt at her loss.
 
The following year, Mr. Ham left the old homestead and removed to the village of Plainfield.  He was again 
married Oct. 5, 1880.
 
Mr. and Mrs. Ham have a pleasant home in the village of Plainfield, where surrounded by all the comforts of 
life they expect to spend their last days.  He has ever been identified with the upbuilding and progress of 
the community since his arrival in Wisconsin, more than a third of a century ago and is regarded as one of 
its leading citizens.  He built the first school house in the town of Plainfield, has aided in the promotion 
of church and school interests, and has done all in his power to promote the general welfare.  At various 
times he has been called upon to serve in official positions, being elected by the Republican party of which 
he is a warm advocate.  Socially, he is a member of the G. A. R. of Plainfield, and of the I. O. O. F.  In 
early life he united with the Methodist Episcopal Church, of which he has since been a faithful member.  He 
is charitable and benevolent, ever ready to extend a helping hand to the poor and needy, and his acts of 
kindness have won the lasting gratitude of many.  Mr. Ham enlisted in 1864, was assigned to Company I, First 
Wisconsin Heavy Artillery, and served till the war was over as a non-commissioned officer.
 





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