Biographical Sketch of

Amasa Manley

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 703 - 704 


Amasa Manley, a well-to-do farmer residing on section 27, in the town of Mackford, Green Lake County, has been a 
resident of this community since 1854, a period of 35 years.  He is a native of the Empire State, having been born 
in Greene, Chenango County, Sept. 10, 1825.  He was the ninth child born to Cephas and Phoebe (Millard) Manley, 
both of whom were descended from New England ancestry.  The father was born in Massachusetts and served his country 
in the War of 1812.  Of their ten children, nine lived to adult age--Joseph the eldest,married Miss Esther Gibbs, 
and settled in Steuben County, N. Y., where his death occurred; Lester wedded Christina Smith and died in Chenango 
County, N. Y., where they were living; Sally became the wife of Horace Wilson and died at her home in Delaware County, 
N. Y.; Uriah wedded Miss Sylvia Gibbs in Steuben County, N. Y., and subsequently emigrated to Grant County, Wis., where 
he departed this life; Robert was joined in wedlock in Steuben County, with Miss Abnie Gibbs, after which they removed 
to Potter County, Pa., where he passed away; Louisa was married in Chenango County, to James Hutchins, who died in 
Steuben County, N. Y., where she still makes her home; Lucy D., widow of Ottis Abby, is living in Steuben County, 
where her husband died; Esther, is the wife of Harlow S.Colgrove of Potter County, Pa.
 
In early life, Mr. Manley cast his ballot with the Whig party.  He was a strong advocate of its principles and was a 
great admirer of William Henry Harrison.  He afterward supported the Republican party until his death.  He was a great 
reader and was well versed on the leading issues of the day, both political and otherwise.  He was a man of upright 
character, strictly honorable in all his dealings and made many friends.  He came to the West in 1854, and made his 
home with our subject until called to his final rest.
 
Our subject was reared upon his father's farm and received such educational advantages as the common schools of the 
neighborhood afforded.  He began life for himself on attaining his majority and first engaged in making shingles.  
He had previously learned the mason's trade and also followed that occupation for a few years.  Subsequently, in 
company with his brother, he built a sawmill, shipping the lumber to Pittsburg and continued in its operation until 
1854, when he resolved to try his fortune in the West.
 
Previous to that time, in 1850, Mr. Manley was united in marriage with Miss Celia, daughter of Paul Van Brunt.  Two 
children were born to them in the East and accompanied by his family and also his parents, our subject started for 
Wisconsin, taking with him only a few household effects and a small sum of money.  After paying the expenses of the 
trip and purchasing a cook stove, he found that he had but $1 remaining.  He at once looked about him to find some 
means to support the little band depending upon him and as he had no capital with which to purchase a farm he concluded 
to operate land on shares.  On the expiration of seven years, during which he was thus employed, he found himself the 
happy possessor of a team and wagon and $500 in cash.  He determined with that sum to secure a home and purchased his 
present farm of eighty acres on section 27, in the town of Mackford.  By judicious management, untiring labor and the 
assistance of his estimable wife, he has accumulated a comfortable property and is accounted on of the prosperous farmers 
of the town.  He tenderly cared for his parents in their old age, surrounding them with all the comforts which he could 
provide.
 
Three children graced the union of Mr. and Mrs. Manly, but one is now deceased--Sarah, who died at the age of thirteen 
years.  Those living are Viola, now the wife of Merritt Vader, and Cora, wife of Edgar Bassett, both of Green Lake County.  
The parents are both members of the Free Will Baptist Church of Union, also the daughters and their husbands.  Politically, 
Mr. Manley is a Republican and does all in his power to promote the interests and insure the success of that party.






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