Biographical Sketch of

Richard Hoyt

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 632 - 633


Richard Hoyt, one of the progressive farmers and leading citizens of the town of Brooklyn, Green Lake County, 
residing on section 4, is numbered among the early settlers, dating his residence from 1855.  He was born in 
Fairfield County, Conn., July 4, 1832, and is a son of Ezra and Patty (Forrest) Hoyt.  The Hoyt family probably 
originated in England, and in an early day of American history, was established in this country by a progressive 
member who determined to cast his lot with the emigrants who had already sailed for the shores of the new world.  
One of the chief characteristics of the family is longevity, several of its members having lived to the very 
advanced age of one hundred years.
 
Ezra Hoyt was also a native of Connecticut, and on reaching manhood wedded Miss Forrest.  Their entire married 
life was spent in Fairfield County, where were born unto them nine children, of whom four are yet living.  Mr. 
Hoyt engaged in farming for a livelihood, and became one of the well-to-do citizens of his native county, but 
in trying to tide his friends over the abyss of bankruptcy, he himself was nearly ruined.  He lost his wife 
when about forty-five years of age, he surviving until eighty-seven years of age.  He was a firm believer in 
the faith of the Presbyterian Church, and Mrs. Hoyt was a member of the Methodist Church.
 
In the family to which he belonged, our subject was the seventh in order of birth.  He received no special 
advantages in his youth, not even being afforded the opportunity of securing a good common school education.  
Since the early age of eight years, he has made his own way in the world, leaving home at that time to live 
among strangers.  In 1851, we find him in Milwaukee, Wis. where he was for some time employed at various 
occupations, both there and in the surrounding country, whereby he might earn an honest dollar.  He traveled 
far and wide over the country to find a piece of Government land and thus secure for himself a home, but about 
the time he thought his efforts were to be successful, he would discover that another party had just entered 
it.  By reason of exposure on these long trips, he fell sick and was compelled to go to a more healthful section.  
Emigrating to Walworth County, he there made his home until 1855, when he came to Green Lake County, at the 
same time purchasing the farm on which he now resides.  It was then unimproved, and he was without the necessary 
means to carry on the work of development.  With characteristic energy, however, he set to work, struggling along 
under the most adverse circumstances, until the sun of prosperity began to dawn upon him.  He not only possesses 
great energy and perseverance, but is a man of excellent business ability.  Had it been otherwise, he would 
probably not have overcome the obstacles in his path.  He is also sagacious and far-sighted, and when other 
farmers were mortgaging their homes to invest their money in railroad stock, he kindly gave them timely warning, 
but many of them did not heed his voice to their great sorrow.
 
For a companion in life, Mr. Hot chose Henrietta De Witt, who was born Jan. 29, 1842.  Their union has been blessed 
with two children, Herby and Hattie.  On March 29, 1884, Mrs. Hoyt was called from the toils of earth after many 
years of suffering.  She bore her affliction with Christian fortitude.  She was a devoted member of the Methodist 
Episcopal Church, and was a lady greatly beloved by her many friends for her acts of kindness and excellencies of 
character.
 
Mr. Hoyt is a man of sterling worth, and is accounted one of the best citizens in the community.  Like his wife, 
he holds membership in the Methodist Episcopal Church, and is one of its faithful and active workers.  He is now 
the owner of a fine farm, comprising 154 1/2 acres of land, which he has acquired by the most untiring labor.






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