Biographical Sketch of

G. W. Meacham

Transcribed by Barbara Voss 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 660 - 661


G.W. Meacham. Among the wonders of Green Lake County, indeed of Wisconsin, should be mentioned Sunnyside 
Stock Farm. It is located on the northeast bank of Green Lake, bordering the lake for about a mile and a 
quarter and contains 609 acres. The residence is about three fourths of a mile from the lake, but being 
situated on a slight elevation, commands a splendid view of the water and the surrounding country. So 
numerous are the buildings on the farm that from a distance it appears like a small village nestling on 
a southern sunny slope. A fine carriage house, a spacious barn, sheds, stys, granaries cribs and a fully 
equipped blacksmith shop are the principal outbuildings that deck the farm and the best of material and 
workmanship are everywhere manifested. But it is the palatial residence that excites the admiration of 
who see it. Neither its size nor its architecture is imposing, though both are in harmony with good taste. 
It is a two story frame structure with a hip roof, the main building facing the north and overlooking the 
highway which runs east and west. To that is added an L, which extends southward. The grassy and will kept 
lawn is shaded by beautiful trees, and the highway for about one and a half mile is lined with large maples. 
The internal finish and furnishings of the house cannot be adequately described, for therein does it excel 
any residence in the Northwest, outside of the large cities. Indeed it is questionable whether Chicago can 
show a more lavishly furnished parlor. The wood work is of the finest grain; the moldings about the ceiling 
and windows are most elaborate and beautiful; the large mirrors and superb paintings are encased in the 
richest frames; the upholstery, pianos, chandeliers, etc., are the choicest the market affords, and the 
entire furnishings of the house are in harmony with the parlor. On the first floor are the family rooms, 
and above are the private apartments and the amusement room, which is furnished with a splendid billiard 
table. Various estimates have been made as to the amount of capital required in erection of such a building 
as Sunnyside, and it is generally thought that $25,000 would be a modest estimate. In silent magnificence, 
Sunnyside stands a monument to him who conceived it and gave material form to his conception � John McDonald,
whose character is too well known to require comment here. As a monument Sunnyside bears two inscriptions, 
plainly readable to almost anyone; on the one side is written Wealth and Enterprise; on the other Folly and 
Ruin. 

From Mr. McDonald the farm passed to C.M. Sanger of Milwaukee, who used it as a summer resort for a short 
time and then sold it to L. Trimborn of the same city. The latter made it his home for about four years 
and then transferred it in 1875 to G.W. Meacham of Chicago, who has become a permanent resident of Green 
Lake County and therefore deserves mention in the record of the other prominent citizens.

Mr. Meacham was born in Oswego County, N.Y., October 5, 1837, being a son of Col. Benjamin F. and Rebecca 
(Hinman) Meacham, both of whom were also natives of Oswego County, whence they removed to Fleming County, 
Ky., in 1848. Mr. Meacham was an enterprising and successful business man, but owing to his endorsing notes 
for others, he became bankrupt ere he left New York. On his removal to Kentucky, he rented a large farm of 
3,000 acres upon which were seventy five Negro slaves. He made the first cheese in that State, and there 
carried on business until 1855. He was a thorough outspoken Northern man and carried his principles with 
him into the South. In the year above mentioned, on account of his abolition principles, he left Kentucky 
and removed to DuPage County, Ill., where he passed his last days. He was the Captain of a company of 
militia which he led to Canada during the Black Hawk War and while on that expedition was commissioned 
Colonel. When the Republican Party was formed to prevent the further extension of slavery, he joined its 
ranks and took an active part in the recruiting service. Both he and his wife, who still survives him, 
belonged to the Congregational Church. They were parents of two children: G.W. of this sketch and Elizabeth, 
wife of Frank Woodworth of Chicago. 

Our subject received his primary education in the public schools, supplementing it by an attendance at Wheaton 
College in Illinois, where he remained two years. For the same length of time he also attended a private school 
in Peoria for young men. When he had reached man�s estate he was united in marriage with Cornelia A. Rathbun, a 
native of Oneida County, N.Y., born May 22, 1844. With her parents she emigrated to Illinois, the family being 
one of the first settlers of DuPage County. Five children have been born unto them, namely: Eliza, Edith R., 
George J., Charles, who died when four years of age and Roy R. 

Mr. Meacham began life in very limited circumstances. Indeed, for sometime he ran a ditching machine and a 
thresher, but by his industry he in that way acquired the capital necessary to purchase a farm, which he did 
managing his business in most approved manner. When the Milwaukee & St. Paul Railroad was laid, he platted a 
town upon his farm, christening it Meacham, by which name it is still known.  In 1872 forming a partnership 
with A.D. Loomis he engaged in the lumber business in Chicago, theirs being the first yard established on 
Goose Island. Later, Frank Woodworth became his partner, but the first title of G. W. Meacham & Co., remained 
unchanged. He also did a private real estate business and accumulated ample capital, so that when failing 
health compelled him to retire from active life, he repaired to Sunnyside, having sufficient means to enable 
him to pass his declining years in ease and quiet, and in the enjoyment of a well earned rest Thus have we 
given a brief sketch of the present owner of beautiful Sunnyside one of the finest homes in the Northwest.






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