Biographical Sketch of

Asa Francis Kendall

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 765 - 766 


Asa Francis Kendall, who resides on section 10, in the town of Montello, Marquette County, is the owner of a 
fine farm of 160 acres.  The family has been prominently connected with the history of this community, but our 
subject is the only one now living in the county.  His father, Frederick A. Kendall, was born in Worcester County, 
Mass., June 16, 1803, and in his youth learned the trade of a carpenter and joiner.  He married Miss Selena Ann 
Aberill and shortly afterwards removed to the city of Boston, where for some time he followed his chosen occupation.  
He then resided in Fitchburg, Mass., for many years, and afterwards emigrated with his family to the West.  In the 
month of April, 1851, they left the Bay State and arrived in Marquette County in July following.  The family then 
consisted of five children, four sons and a daughter.  The journey was made by way of the lakes to Milwaukee, where 
they remained for about a month and then proceeded on their way to Watertown, where two months were spent.  Thus it 
is that we find them in Marquette County early in July.  Mr. Kendall laid aside carpentering and turned his attention 
to merchandising and agricultural pursuits.  He located on the farm where his son now lives, in 1853, and in the course 
of time became the owner of a large tract of land in that vicinity.  His death occurred in Montello, July 28, 1878, he 
having survived his wife about four years.  Mr. Kendall was an active, energetic business man, sagacious and far-sighted, 
and was numbered among the respected and valued citizens of the community.  In his political and religious views, he was 
liberal but gave his support to any enterprise which he believed would benefit the community.
 
The family of Mr. and Mrs. Kendall numbered ten children, seven sons and three daughters, but five of that number died 
in childhood.  The others grew to mature years, but only three are now living--F. A., who resides in Berlin, Green Lake 
County; George A., a resident of Worcester County, Mass.; and A. F., whose name heads this notice.  Charles L. died in 
1870, in Montello, where he had been engaged in the hardware business; Selena Ann became the wife of Eli A. Smith, and 
for many years resided in Stevens' Point, but died in Montello in 1881.
 
A. F., or "Frank Kendall," as he is familiarly called, was born in Fitchburg, Mass., in April, 1842, but has been a 
resident of Marquette County since his ninth year.  His early life was unmarked by any event of special importance 
until 1861, when at the age of nineteen years he enlisted in his country's service as a member of the 3rd Wisconsin 
Cavalry, but after seven months he was discharged on account of disability, caused by an injury received.  He was 
then employed in various ways for a number of years.  He spent three years in the Southwest and settled permanently 
on the old homestead farm that he now occupies in the summer of 1875.  The following year he attended the golden 
wedding of his parents, which was celebrated in September, 1876, when all the children were present with the exception 
of George A.
 
The (wife of Mr. Kendall was formerly Miss Electa Ann Record, she being a daughter of Luther C. Record, one of the 
early settlers of Dodge County.  The wedding was celebrated in 1874, and their union has been blessed with an interesting 
family of four children--Jessie L., Fred L., Frankie and Marian.
 
Mr. Kendall is now the owner of a fine farm of 160 acres of highly improved and cultivated land.  He is widely and 
favorably known throughout Marquette County, being ranked among her worthy and respected citizens.  He is not radical 
in his political views, but generally supports the Republican party on matters of National importance.  At local elections 
he casts his ballot for the man whom he thinks will best fill the office.






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