Biographical Sketch of

William Inglis

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 687 - 688


William Inglis, who is engaged in general farming and blacksmithing on section 1, in the town 
of Marquette, has been a resident of Green Lake County since 1851.  He is a native of Scotland, 
having been born in Dunfermline, on the 28th of March, 1821.  His parents were David and Mary 
(Bruce) Inglis.  His mother was a descendant of Sir Robert, the Bruce, whose remains now rest 
under the altar in the temple in the birth place of our subject.  A family of eight children 
were born unto Mr. and Mrs. Inglis, all of whom grew to manhood and womanhood, while five are 
yet living:  Andrew, a mechanic, is residing in the village of Horicon, Wis.; Clermond B. makes 
his home in Canada; Janet is the widow of Robert Sample, and resides in Kingston; Helen is the 
wife of William Sample, who is living in the town of Kingston.  The family left their native 
land in the year 1834, and became residents of Canada, where the father followed farming until 
his death, which occurred in 1881.  He survived his wife a number of years, she having died in 
1872.  They were earnest Christian people, and members of the Presbyterian Church, all of which 
he was an Elder for many years.
 
Our subject resided in his native country until thirteen years of age, when with his parents he 
bade good-bye to his childhood home, and crossed the broad Atlantic.  His early life was spent 
amid play and work, he remaining at home until the age of seventeen years, when he was apprenticed 
to the blacksmith's trade, of which he became a thorough master.  From 1836, until 1850, he 
followed that occupation at his home in Canada, but in the latter year made a trip to Wisconsin. 
He traveled over Green Lake and Marquette Counties with the purpose of selecting a location, and 
at length purchased forty acres of land on section 1, in the town of Marquette, after which he 
returned to Canada.  The following year he came with his family, moving onto the land which he 
had purchased.  He, however, stopped for a short time at the home of his brother, Andrew, until 
a house could be erected upon his own property.  As soon as possible a comfortable frame dwelling 
14 x 20 feet was erected, and is still used as a residence.  Mr. Inglis then went to work to 
develop a farm.  He also obtained a position as blacksmith with a Mr. Patrick, one of the pioneer 
settlers, with whom he remained for six years.  After working for a full day in the shop, he would 
then return to his home and engage in farm labors.  In 1868, he erected a shop upon his own land, 
which he has since operated, carrying on both blacksmithing and farming.  His road to wealth has 
not been an easy one.  He has labored early and late, and displayed much energy and ability in the 
management of his affairs, but he is now in comfortable circumstances, and is the owner of a nice 
home.  As he is an excellent mechanic, his trade yields him a good income and 138 broad acres pay 
tribute to his care and cultivation.
 
On the 22d of September, 1845, Mr. Inglis was joined in wedlock with Miss Augusta Elkins, a native 
of Orleans County, Vt., born Nov. 17, 1823.  Her parents were Ralph and Mary (Hill) Elkins, the 
former a native of the Green Mountain State, the latter of Connecticut.  Both were descended from 
old Puritan stock, and were among the early settlers of Vermont.  In 1852, they removed to Canada, 
where the death of the father occurred about the year 1860.  His widow then came to Wisconsin, and 
made her home with Mrs. Inglis, until her death in 1881.  Both were members of the Congregational 
Church, and were highly respected people.  Unto them was born a family of six children, but three 
are now deceased, namely:  Hector, William and Lucretia.  Those who are still living are Joseph, a 
farmer of Wilcox County, Neb.; Mrs. Inglis; and Mary, who resides with her sister.  Four children 
grace the union of our subject, and his worthy wife; William H., who was born in Canada, June 16, 
1847, died in this county, at the age of five years; Joseph A., who was born in Shefford, Canada, 
May 4, 1850, wedded Miss Emma Seely, by whom he has three children--Hattie, Nelson, and Ruth, and 
is now engaged in merchandising in Marquette; William, born in the town of Marquette, Dec. 5, 1853, 
married Julia Burk, who died leaving one child, Will, who resides with his father in Pierpont, S. 
D.; Charles, born April 25, 1863, is at home.
 
Mr. and Mrs. Inglis are true Christian people, and have reared their children according to Bible 
precepts, instilling into their youthful minds habits of industry and sobriety.  For a quarter of 
a century they have been members of the Seventh Day Baptist Church, and have given liberally for 
its support and the advancement of the Master's cause on earth.  All enterprises which are 
calculated to benefit the public, are sure of their sympathy, encouragement and influence, and 
throughout the county this worthy couple are held in high esteem.  In political sentiment, Mr. 
Inglis is not fettered by party, but cast his ballot for the men whom he thinks will best fill the 
office.  He and his wife have a pleasant home where hospitality and sociability abound, and where 
all their many friends are sure of a hearty welcome.  Respected by all, deserving of the highest 
confidence, they are surely entitled to a representation in this volume, and it is with great 
pleasure that we record their sketch.






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