Biographical Sketch of

Giles A. Joslen

Transcribed by Char Eckman



Source: Portrait and Biographical Album of Green Lake, Marquette and Waushara Counties, Wisconsin, 
published 1890 by Acme Publishing Co., Chicago, Pages 487 - 488

Giles A. Joslen, a general farmer of the town of Kingston, Green Lake County, residing on section 24, is a native of 
the Empire State.  His father, Giles O. Joslen, was also born in New York, and in his earlier years learned the trade 
of a carriage-maker, which he followed for a livelihood throughout his entire life.  On attaining to man's estate he 
was united in marriage with Miss Mary A. Andrews, and unto that worthy couple was born a family of three children, of 
whom our subject was second in order of birth; Adelaide, the eldest, is the wife of Hiram Howard, who is engaged in 
farming in the town of Kingston; Brazilla, the youngest, is a resident of Roseville, Cal.  The father of this family 
continued to engage in the manufacture of carriages until his death, which occurred in Machias, Cattaraugus County, 
N. Y., in 1857.  The following year, after the death of her husband, Mrs. Joslen came with her children to Wisconsin, 
locating first at Waupun, from whence she removed to the town of Kingston, Green Lake County in 1861.  She there passed 
the remainder of her life, dying on the 6th day of July, 1883.

Giles A. Joslen, whose name heads this sketch, was born in Machias, N. Y., June 27, 1848, and consequently was but 
nine years of age at his father's death.  His school life was begun in Cattaraugus County, but he completed his 
education in Green Lake County, having accompanied his mother to this place when thirteen years of age.  His early life 
was passed upon a farm, he remaining at home until the 19th day of July, 1864, when, though only sixteen years of age, 
he enlisted in his country's service as a member of Company E. 3d Wisconsin Cavalry, and was placed in the Western 
Division.  During his entire term of enlistment he was engaged in active service, participating in the Red River 
expedition and the battle of Dardanelle, on the Arkansas River.  He served until the close of the war and was then 
mustered out at St. Louis, Mo., June 19, 1865.

When hostilities had ceased and peace was declared, Mr. Joslen returned to his home broken down in health.  Being so 
young, he was unable to stand the long rides and the exposure and hardships.  For some time he was in feeble health, 
wholly unable to perform his farm duties.  When he had somewhat recovered, he secured a position as farm hand, working 
by the month.  Throughout his entire life he has been engaged in agricultural pursuits and has been quite successful in 
his undertaking.  He understands every detail of the business and knows how to use his knowledge to the best advantage.  
He therefore plants such crops that will bring the biggest yield, and of him it is justly said that he is one of the 
best farmers of the community.

On the 23d day of April, 1867, Mr. Joslen was joined in wedlock with Miss Alma Blatchley, who was born May 5, 1851, on 
the farm where she now resides, and is a daughter of Harlow and Phoebe (Woodruff) Blatchley.  Her parents were natives 
of New York State and formerly residents of Broome County, N. Y., but at a very early day, about the year 1847, they 
came to Green Lake County, Wis., settling upon the farm which our subject now owns.  After some years, Mr. Blatchley 
left his family upon the farm and made a trip to California, remaining five years.  He returned to his home in 1858, 
and from that time engaged in farming until his death, which occurred in 1885.  In October of the same year his wife 
was also called home.  Both were members of the Methodist Episcopal Church and were true and tried Christian people.  
Their lives were in harmony with their profession and by their upright character and kindness of heart they won the 
love and confidence of all.  They are numbered among the pioneer settlers of Green Lake County, having located in this 
community in its early days, their first home being in a log cabin.  Though it was small, many happy days were there 
passed, and often the very logs would ring with the merry shouts of the children.  But one by one they left the parental 
roof and finally the day came when the entire household left the old home for a new.  The children of the family were as 
follows:  William, who is now deceased; Arad, who is living in Waseca, Minn.; Ashbel is a resident farmer of the town 
of Kingston; Nancy, wife of Edwin Vinning, a farmer of Raymond, S. D.; John, who died in Leadville, Col.; Washburn, who 
served as a soldier in the late war for four years and was wounded in the battle of the Wilderness, is now a resident 
of Reedsburg, Wis.; Eunice, wife of William Bradley, of Mondovi, Wis.; Harvey, deceased, and Alma, wife of our subject.

With the exception of about two years, Mr. and Mrs. Joslen, since their marriage, have resided upon the old homestead 
of her parents, who lived with the young couple during their declining years, receiving from them the tenderest love 
and care.  Eight children have there been born unto them, all of whom are yet living, namely:  Cora E., who was born 
Feb. 18, 1869, is now the wife of Charles Walker, a farmer of the town of Kingston; Frank was born Sept. 24, 1870; Dill, 
Nov. 15, 1872; Orrie W., June 26, 1875; Sherman, Dec. 8 1876; Jennie, Nov. 15, 1879; Ethel, Dec. 10, 1881; and Vera Nett, 
Nov 25, 1883.

In 1888, Mr. Joslen purchased the farm upon which he now resides and has since given his entire attention to its 
cultivation and the raising of stock.  It comprises 160 acres of arable land, and is under a high state of cultivation.  
Our subject is an enterprising and progressive citizen and since locating in the county has taken an active part in all 
matters pertaining to the best interests of the community.  In political sentiment, he is a Republican, but at local 
elections believes in casting his ballot for the man best fitted for the position,  He keeps himself well informed on 
all the leading issues of the day, is well read on all matters pertaining both to the State and the Nation, and is a 
valued citizen.  He has filled many township offices and at the present time is acting as Justice of the Peace.  
Socially, he is a member of the Masonic fraternity, belonging to Markesan Lodge, No. 59, A. F. & A. M., and also to 
Newton Wilson Post, No. 28, G. A. R. of Kingston.  Honest and upright in all his dealings, he and his family enjoy the 
confidence of the community in which they reside and where they are so well known.






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