Biographical Sketch of

William Hare

Transcribed by Barbara Voss



Source: Portrait and Biographical Album of Green Lake, Marquette and Waushara Counties, Wisconsin, 
published 1890 by Acme Publishing Co., Chicago, Pages 432 - 433

William Hare has made his home upon his farm on sections 10 and 15, Mackford Township, Green Lake County, since 1854, 
covering a period of almost forty-five years. He is of English birth, his parents being Christopher and Jane (Hayes) 
Hare, who were natives of Lincolnshire, England. James, their eldest child, married a Miss Gall, and died in London, 
England, in 1877; William is the next younger; George is living in Lincolnshire; Ann was twice married, but is now a 
widow and resides in her native land. Mr. and Mrs. Hare were members of the Church of England, (the Episcopal) and 
both died in their native county, the father in 1879, the mother in 1865.

Our subject was born on the 19th of October, 1812, in Lincolnshire, and was reared to manhood under the parental roof. 
His father was a warm friend of education and he therefore received excellent school privileges. When twenty four years 
of age he bade good by to home and friends and with the intention of making America the scene of his future operations, 
embarked on a sailing vessel bound for New York. He made his first location in Rahway, N. J., where he remained for 
several years. He there became acquainted with Miss Charlotte Johnson, a Native of that State, and their friendship 
ripening into love, they were united in marriage in 1845. Shortly afterwards they removed to Pennsylvania, but they 
did not long remain in the Keystone State, going thence to Mount Vernon, Ohio. Seven weeks comprised the length of 
stay in the Buckeye State. Many people of that community were selling their lands with the intention of emigrating to 
Wisconsin, and following their lead Mr. Hare continued his journey until reaching Green Lake County, where he has 
resided continuously since. In the month of July he entered a claim of eighty acres, situated on section 10 and 15, 
Mackford Township, but by subsequent purchase he has added to that amount until now 217 acres pays to him a golden 
tribute. After paying for his farm he had but money enough to pay for a yoke of oxen and with these he began the 
development of his land.  Acre by acre the furrows were upturned until the whole amount was broken and placed under 
cultivation. His home is now one of the best in the town the result of the indefatigable labors of Mr. Hare. He also,
immediately after his arrival, built a log cabin and in true pioneer style the family began life in their new home. 
Their table consisted of a dry goods box and rude stools took the place of chairs. The bed was made from poles procured 
in the forest and the room was lighted by small windows mere apertures in the logs. Truly necessity is the mother of 
invention. A year previous Mr. Hare would hardly have accredited the statement that he would be living in that manner 
upon one of the wild prairies of the new world. Prosperity has attended his efforts, however, and he now has a 
comfortable home and is surrounded by all that goes to make life worth living.

A family of eight children, four sons and four daughters, has been born to Mr. and Mrs. Hare; John C., the eldest, is 
now living in Rochester, Minn.; Jennie is the wife of Edwin Robinson, of the town of Mackford; William Jr. is living 
near Rochester; Mary, who became the wife of William H. Sherwood, died in 1888; George W. is now living in Green Lake 
County; Cordelia is the wife of John McKee, of this county; Charlotte is the wife of William Hall, who resides on the 
old homestead; and Albert M., Who makes his home with his father.

Mrs. Hare was called to her final rest on the 2nd Day of August, 1878. She was a loving and tender wife and mother, a 
kind and accommodating friend and neighbor and a faithful member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Mr. Hare is also a 
member of that Church, in which he holds the office of steward and trustee and is one of its active workers. He supported 
the Republican Party for many years. But now casts his ballot with the Prohibition Party, believing the question of the 
suppression of the liquor traffic to be the most important issue now before the people.






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