Biographical Sketch of

Henry Hildreth

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 674 - 675


Henry Hildreth, who is engaged in farming on section 32, in the town of Brooklyn, was born on the farm where 
he now makes his home, Jan. 15, 1852.  His father was a native of Sag Harbor, N. Y., born June 25, 1816.  
When nineteen years of age, he went to Oswego County, in the same State, where he became acquainted with and 
married Sarah Perkins, who was born in Oswego County, in 1825.  He there learned the trade of a millwright, 
serving an apprenticeship of three years.  Subsequently he followed that business in Canada and the Empire 
State, making his home in the East until 1851, when he emigrated to Green Lake County, shortly after his 
arrival pre-empting forty acres of land, which comprises a part of the farm on which our subject now resides.  
By purchase, he added to that an 80-acre tract, but has never engaged in agricultural pursuits to any great 
extent.  For about five years after his arrival he followed carpentering, and then engaged in wagon making 
in Berlin for about fifteen years.  In 1886 he retired from active life and resided in Berlin, until his 
death which occurred from pneumonia Oct. 23, 1889.  His wife, who was a devoted member of the Methodist 
Church, died in 1862.  In political sentiment, Mr. Hildreth is a Republican and like many supporters of 
that party was an advocate of Whig principles until the dissolution of that organization.
 
The subject of this sketch was the only child born to Henry and Sarah Hildreth.  He was educated in the 
schools of Berlin, and at the age of twelve began working for Thomas F. McConnell, with whom he remained 
for three years, receiving his board and clothing.  He then engaged in the cultivation of his father's 
farm until 1873, when he emigrated to Nebraska entering a claim in that State.  On the arrival of the 
grasshoppers a few months later, he returned to his home, having decided that he did not care to locate 
in that State.  In 1878, we find him in Cass County, N. D., where he secured a homestead of 160 acres of 
which he is still owner.  It is furnished with good buildings, a never failing well of water and is a 
valuable farm.
 
On his return to Green Lake County,Mr. Hildreth led to the marriage altar Miss Josephine Krom, the union 
being celebrated March 12, 1879.  The lady was born in Ulster County, N. Y., Aug. 4, 1850, and is a daughter 
of Hiram and Rebecca A. (Stringham) Krom, who were also natives of the Empire State.  Accompanied by his 
family, in 1856, Mr. Krom settled in Green Lake County, where he made his home until his death, which 
occurred in February, 1889, at the age of seventy-four years.  His wife had died several years previous, 
her death having occurred in 1872, when fifty-three years of age.  They were both members of the Methodist 
Church and were highly respected citizens.  By their union five children were born:  Peter S., who served 
as a soldier of the 12th Wisconsin Battery during the late War; Alonzo, who defended the Union cause in 
Company I, 31st Wisconsin Regiment; Josephine, Anna M., wife of James Crosby and Henrietta, now Mrs. M. R. 
Clancy.
 
Mr. and Mrs. Hildreth began their domestic life upon their farm in Dakota, where they resided until 1883, 
when they returned to this country.  During the three succeeding years, our subject was engaged in the 
lumber business in Berlin, after which he removed to the farm where he now makes his home.  He is a man 
of enterprise and progressive ideas and manages his business with good ability.  He has thus been very 
successful in his work.  He is widely and favorably known throughout the community and himself and family 
are held in high respect by all.
 
Four interesting children, one son and three daughters, have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Hildreth, namely:  
Edna A., Sarah B., Mary E. and Guy.  The father is a supporter of the Republican party and in religious 
belief his wife is a Methodist, being a faithful member of that Church.






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