Biographical Sketch of

Thomas Joslin

Transcribed by Sandra Boudrou



Source: Portrait and Biographical Album of Green Lake, Marquette and Waushara Counties, Wisconsin, 
published 1890 by Acme Publishing Co., Chicago, Pages 600 - 601 


Thomas Joslin, deceased, is numbered among the pioneer settlers of Waushara County, and ranked among its 
best citizens.  He was a native of Rhode Island, and in Cumberland Hills, that State, in his earlier years, 
learned the trade of a blacksmith, which business he followed throughout his entire life.  When he had 
completely mastered the occupation, he was placed in charge of a trip hammer in a rolling mill, then 
located in Winstead, R. I., and owned by Mr. Boyd.
 
While a resident of that city, Mr. Joslin was united in marriage with Miss Eliza Moses and during their 
residence in Winstead three of their children were born; Sarah, Mary and Phronia, while Thomas H., the 
youngest, was born after the emigration of the family to Wisconsin.
 
Severing his business connections in Winstead, Mr. Joslin removed to Wisconsin in 1845, and settled near 
where the city of Oshkosh now stands and during those early days worked for the Winnebago chief, Oshkosh, 
for whom the city was named.  He became well acquainted with that personage and also was quite familiar 
with the habits and customs of that tribe of Indians.  They were generally of a friendly mood, but sometimes 
committed depredations and occasionally when under the influence of whiskey, or "red eye" as the Indians 
called it, would steal the children of the settlers.  Mr. Joslin continued to make his home in Winnebago 
County, where, as formerly, he followed the occupation of blacksmithing.  Day after day he was found at 
his forge and to say that one was not acquainted with Mr. Joslin was almost to argue oneself unknown.  He 
was held in the highest respect by all and his death was sincerely mourned.  His wife still survives him 
and is making her home with her son.
 
Thomas H. Joslin, Jr., who is now a leading farmer of Marion Township, was born in Winnebago County, Wis., 
July 13, 1849, and with his parents came to Waushara County when a lad of six years.  In the district schools 
of the neighborhood he acquired his education and amid the pioneer scenes of this community was reared to 
manhood.  His father owning a farm, he aided in the cultivation of the land for a time, but during his youth 
and the early days of his manhood he followed various occupations.  A portion of the time was spent in the 
pineries of Northern Wisconsin, but at the age of eighteen years, he began learning the carpenter's trade, 
which he easily mastered as he possessed mechanical genius.  He has aided in the erection of many of the best 
farm buildings in Marion and adjoining townships, and in that way has done much for the upbuilding of the 
county.  Tiring of that life, however, he laid aside his tools and embarked in the general mercantile business 
at Spring Lake, Waushara County, and for six years successfully conducted the same.  Ill health, brought on 
by close confinement, finally forced him to dispose of his business and engage in some pursuit which would 
call him more into the open air and require him to take greater exercise.  In consequence he traded his 
stock of goods for 175 acres of land in Marion Township, his present farm.  In connection with its cultivation 
he is also engaged in the culture of bees, having an apiary, which consists of forty-two hives.  This yields 
him a good income and is a profitable branch of his business.
 
On the 14th of July, 1872, Thomas H. Joslin was united in marriage with Miss Ella Fuller and unto them were 
born four children:  Ira, Delmer, Mary and Gilbert.  The mother was called to her final rest March 5, 1885.  
All who knew her loved her and her death was sincerely mourned not only by her immediate family but by her 
many friends also.  Mr. Joslin was again married July 30, 1887, when Miss Lizzie Kemp became his wife.  She 
was born in Wautoma and her parents were numbered among the honored pioneers of Waushara County.  They have 
one child.
 
For the past thirty-five years our subject has been identified with the best interests and leading enterprises 
of the county.  In his political affiliations he is a Republican and a stanch supporter of the party principles.  
During his residence in Spring Lake he served for five years as Postmaster and proved an able and efficient 
officer.






Back to the Marquette Pages Menu