Biographical Sketch of

William B. La Selle

Transcribed by Barbara Voss



Source: Portrait and Biographical Album of Green Lake, Marquette and Waushara Counties, Wisconsin, 
published 1890 by Acme Publishing Co., Chicago, Page 478

Hon. William B. La Selle, of Plainfield, Waushara County, was born in Franklin County, Vt., October 23, 1845 and is a 
son of J.P. La Selle. The family is of French origin, the original American ancestors having emigrated from France 
during the colonial days and settled in Massachusetts, of which State the grandfather of our subject was a native. He 
was a physician by profession and became one of the early settlers of Swanton, Vt. 

J.P. La Selle was born in 1801 and in connection with the occupation of farming engaged as a lumberman. He married Eliza 
Flint, a native of New Hampshire, who attended school with Franklin Pierce. In 1855 the family came to Wisconsin and 
settled in Oshkosh, removing thence to Waushara County in 1857. Mr. La Selle purchased a farm, hitherto uncultivated, 
in the town of Hancock, which he improved and still owns. His wife died August 16, 1885, at the age of seventy four 
years. The father, who is now living at the advanced age of eighty eight years, resides with his son William. He was 
twice married. Of the first family there are two surviving members: Charles, who resides in Commonwealth, Wis.; and 
Mrs. Frances Gumaer, of Wausau. Of the second marriage there are two sons and a daughter of whom our subject is the 
eldest. Zachary Taylor, the second son, resides on the old homestead farm and Mrs. Sherman Bardwell of Plainfield, 
completes the family.

On the 23rd of August 1862 when in his seventeenth year, William B. La Selle enlisted in Company G. of the 30th Regiment, 
Wisconsin Volunteers and served until the close of the war. With his command he did duty on the frontier for some time 
and later his service called him to Kentucky and Tennessee. During the last six months of the war he was chief clerk 
of the transportation office in Louisville. During his service in 1864 although he had not yet attained his majority, 
he cast a vote for Abraham Lincoln, since which time he has been one of the stanch supporters of the Republican Party. 

In 1868 Mr. La Selle engaged as clerk in the store of J.F. Wiley, of Hancock, and continued with that gentleman as 
salesman until 1871, when he engaged in the livery business at Stevens� Point, where he remained until 1876. During 
the last year of his residence at that place he was engaged in the grocery business and since residing at Plainfield he 
has devoted his attention to the real estate and insurance business and as book keeper and clerk for S. Bardwell. His 
fellow citizens, appreciating his worth and ability, have called upon him to serve in various official positions. He was 
Town Clerk of Plainfield from 1877 to 1881 and served two years as President of the Village Board. He was elected to the 
assembly branch of the Legislature in 1886 and re-elected in 1888, receiving 2,922 votes against 151 for John D. Jones, 
the Prohibition candidate and 17 for D.W. Jones, who was nominated on an Independent ticket. He has proved himself an 
able and efficient officer and is a highly esteemed and honored member of the Legislature.

In 1871 Mr. La Selle was united in marriage with Miss Lanah B. Chafee, daughter of Lloyd Chafee, an early settler of 
Waushara County. Mrs. La Selle was born in Winnebago County, November 9, 1853 and three children have been born of 
their union: Anna R, Raymond J. and Ethel M.






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