Biographical Sketch of

Frederick A. 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 774 - 775


Frederick Augustus Kendall, a pioneer merchant of Marquette county, now residing in Berlin, was born in the town 
of Medford, Middlesex Co., Mass, May 20, 1823, and is descended from an old New England family.  His parents were 
Frederick A. and Salena A. (Averill) Kendall, the former a native of Ashby, Middlesex Co., Mass., and the latter 
a native of New Hampshire.  When about seven years of age our subject accompanied his parents from Medford to Ashby, 
thence to Fitchburg, Worcester County, and later became a resident of Whinchendon, of the same county.  His father 
was a carpenter and joiner, and Frederick A. learned the same trade.  When he had attained to man's estate he was 
united in marriage in Fitchburg July 30, 1850, with Miss Celecta Marian Simonds, daughter of Jacob and Lucy Simonds.  
She was born in Fitzwilliam, Chester Co., N. H., and was also of New England descent.
 
In the spring following his marriage, in company with his father and family, and other relatives, Mr. Kendall emigrated 
from Massachusetts to Wisconsin, then the far West.  They traveled a short distance by rail, but the greater part of 
the journey was made on the great lakes, the party reaching Milwaukee May 20, 1851.  Procuring teams the men of the 
company started out on a prospecting tour, hoping to secure land for farms.  They first went to Watertown, thence to 
Montello, where they had friends living, and while there decided to continue their travels to La Crosse.  The country 
was very wild, in fact, a wilderness, and roads mere tracks cut through the woods, or trails over the prairie.  They 
passed what is now Kilbourn City, crossed the Wisconsin River on the new Dells bridge, and then found themselves in an 
uninhabited wilderness without roads, save those made for logging purposes or an outlet for some isolated squatter.  
After several days of wandering in one of the most dreary and desolate sections of Wisconsin, they became discouraged 
and decided to retrace their steps, which they did and once more reached Montello.  Their friends at that place urged 
them to join their colony and they were offered gifts of lots on which to build.  Their late hardships and trials made 
Montello seem a haven that was not to be slighted, so accepting they proffered lots they erected houses and brought their 
families from Watertown.
 
When they were as comfortably settled as circumstances would permit, Mr. Kendall began working at his trade which he 
followed until 1854, when he engaged in merchandising, buying grain, hides, pelts, wool, butter and eggs.  These he 
traded with the Winnebago and Menomonee Indians for furs, and in that way became quite familiar with the Indian language, 
so much so that he could speak fluently with members of either tribe.  That fact made his store a favorite trading post 
for the natives who would travel long distances to exchange their goods with him.  He prospered in business and as his 
capital increased, purchased land in considerable tracts, until he had accumulated a large property.  He still owns over 
600 acres of land in that vicinity.
 
In 1875 Mr. Kendall was called upon to mourn the loss of his wife, who died in the month of February, leaving two daughters
--Gertrude Marian, who is now the wife of W. S. Putnam, of Berlin; and Estelle Celecta who resides with her father.  Mr. 
Kendall was again married June 7, 1877, his union being with Miss Maria Isabel Collins, who was born in Rochester, N. Y., 
July 4, 1853, and came with her parents--Hugh J. and Elizabeth (Wray) Collins--to Wisconsin, in her childhood.  The sketch 
of her parents appears elsewhere in this volume.  She is a most estimable lady, and is a consistent member of the Methodist 
Episcopal Church.  One child graces their union, a daughter, Edna Wray.
 
On Aug. 31, 1875, Mr. Kendall removed to Berlin, where he ha since made his home.  He erected a beautiful residence in 1887, 
and devotes his time to the care of his property and loaning of his capital.  He is a Republican in politics, but has never 
held public office, preferring to devote his time to regular business pursuits.
 
Mr. Kendall's parents continued to reside in Montello during the remainder of their lives.  The father died July 29, 1878, 
and the mother passed away Feb. 21, 1882.
  





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