Biographical Sketch of

James McNely

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 680 - 681

James W. McNely, Chairman of the Board of Supervisors and one of the leading farmers of Berlin Township, 
residing on section 11, was born in Morrow County, Ohio, July 22, 1842, and is a son of James H. and Sarah 
A. (Wood) McNely.  The McNely family is of Scotch origin, and was founded in America by the great-grandfather 
of our subject, who settled in Virginia at a very early day.  His son John, the grandfather of our subject, 
was a native of Virginia, and followed blacksmithing in that State until his death.  The maternal grandfather, 
Frederick Wood, was a soldier of the War of 1812, and his father served in the Revolutionary War.  In an 
early day Frederick Wood removed to New York, where he became acquainted with and married Electa Russell, 
a native of Massachusetts.  Their family numbered ten children, but only four are now living.  In 1820 they 
became residents of Ohio, where the father died at the age of forty-five years, his wife departing this life 
in the eightieth year of her age.
 
We now come to the history of Mr. McNely's immediate family.  His father was born in Farquhar County, Va., 
on the 2d of September, 1800, and when a young man removed to Ohio, where, in 1830, he married Miss Sarah 
Wood, a native of Onondaga County, N. Y., born Jan. 18, 1814.  She was but six years of age at the time of 
the removal of the family to the Buckeye State.  The young couple began their domestic life in Morrow County, 
where they resided until 1855, in which year they came to Wisconsin.  For ten years they made their home in 
Waushara County, but at the expiration of that time they resumed their journey and cast their lot with the 
settlers of Green Lake County, where Mr. McNely remained until his death.  He located upon the farm where 
our subject now resides, making it his home until called to his final rest, on the 4th of February, 1882.  
He was a Republican in politics, and like many of the supporters of that party affiliated with the Whig 
party previous to the organization of the Republican party.  He was a successful farmer and worthy citizen, 
and his loss was deeply felt.  His wife still survives him.  In their family were nine children, five sons 
and four daughters, but only three are now living:  Arthela, widow of Justin Noble, who makes her home in 
Minnesota; James W.; and Thomas, who is engaged in milling, in Antigo, Wis.
 
The subject of this sketch was reared to manhood upon his father's farm, and such education as he obtained was 
acquired in the district schools.  His advantages, however, were very limited, for the schools of that day were 
very inferior, and it was not until many years later that the present perfected system was introduced.  Like a 
dutiful son, he remained at home and assisted his father in developing his farm, and in later years he purchased 
the old homestead.  He is now the owner of 220 acres of fine land, 180 of which are under cultivation.  Mr. 
McNely is unmarried, and makes his home with his mother.  Prosperity has attended his efforts, and as the 
result of his diligence, perseverance and good management he has become of the the wealthy farmers of this 
section.  He raises a good grade of stock, which he is constantly increasing; his farm is furnished with all 
the necessary buildings, and is one of the best in the community.  Mr. McNely has given his influence and 
support to the Republican party since attaining his majority, and has been frequently called upon to serve 
in official positions.  For six terms he held the office of Side Supervisor and is now Chairman of the Town 
Board.






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