Biographical Sketch of

Isaiah Moors

Transcribed by Joan Benner 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 772 - 773


Isaiah Moors, Esq., one of the honored pioneers of Waushara County, residing on section 10, in the town of 
Hancock, well deserves mention in this volume, not alone on account of his long residence in this community, 
but from the fact that he has aided so greatly in its upbuilding and advancement, its progress and the pro-
motion of its leading interests. He was born on the 3rd of May, 1811, in Hillsborough County, N.H., of which 
state his parents, William and Polly (Fitch) Moors, were also natives. He is the only living representative 
of a family of eight children, and his parents have long since passed to their final rest. His father died 
when Isaiah was but fifteen years of age. He then went to  Lancaster, Mass., where he made his home and 
completed his education in its public schools. In that city on the 2nd of May, 1839, he united his destiny 
with Miss Mary P. Wheeler, and together they have traveled life's journey for over half a century. Mrs. Moors 
is a native of Lancaster, Mass. Her parents were Amos and Prudence (Parker) Wheeler, who were both natives of 
New Hampshire. Immediately after their marriage they located at Lancaster, Mass., where they resided for many 
years and had five children born to them. Two died in childhood and three grew to maturity, and reared families, 
Mary P. is the eldest; Emily is the widow of Frank Haywood, and resides in Neenah, Wis.; Ellen, the youngest, 
wedded George Hall, a merchant of Fitchburg, Mass., and died several years ago.

Mr. and Mrs. Moors continued to make their home in the Bay State until, attracted by the new and growing West, 
they emigrated to Wisconsin in March, 1855, settling in Waushara County. Mr. Moors purchased forty acres of 
land in the town of Hancock and began the development of a home.

Great indeed has been the change which has taken place since that time. The few settlers of the county were then 
widely scattered, its now thriving towns and villages were mere hamlets or had not yet sprung into existence, 
Indians sometimes visited the settlements, wild game was found in abundance and the work fo progress and develop-
ment had then been carried forward to such a limited extent that the most far sighted could not have foreseen the 
present advanced condition of the county. In many ways Mr. Moors has aided in its upbuilding. He has been prominently 
connected with its agricultural interests, has given his support and influence tot he advancement of all worthy 
enterprises and has been specially active in the promotion of its schools and churches. His fellow citizens, 
appreciating his worth and ability, have honored him with several official positions. For two years he was Chairman 
of the Town Board and for the long period of twenty-four years has held the office of Justice of the Peace. No higher 
testimonial of the confidence reposed in him could be given and it is needless to say that he justly merits the high 
regard in which he is held. As a worker in the Congregational Church, of which he has long been a member, he is 
indefatigable. He held the office of Deacon, has been an officer in the Sunday school and is ever found at his place 
in the house of worship. His wife, also, belongs to the same church and cooperating with her husband in his labors, 
has accomplished much good. Like him she delights in performing those little acts of kindness which win many hearts 
and in extending a helping hand to the poor and needy.

The union of Mr. and Mrs. Moors has been blessed with seven children: Josephine, the eldest, is now the wife of William 
Welcome, a farmer of the town of Hancock; Charles W. is an enterprising merchant and postmaster of Hancock; Mary E. is 
the wife of William M. Lockwood, of Ripon, Wis.; Herbert wedded Alice Chapman, by whom he has four children -- Mabel, 
Ira, Claude and Maud; George, who married Letta Manzer, has two children -- Lulu and Clarence; Ida is still at home 
with her parents; and Fred completes the family. He married Miss Belle Collins and they have one child, Arthur.

Years came and went until at length half a century had passed since Isaiah Moors and Mary P. Wheeler plighted their 
troth at the marriage altar and on the 2nd of May 1889, they celebrated the fiftieth anniversary of that happy event. 
They have been blessed with prosperity, succes in business life and a family of seven children, each of whom occupy 
useful and respected positions in life, so when the half century has passed the children, grandchildren and many friends 
gathered in commemoration of the day with expressions of good will, respect and hearty congratulations. They also brought 
with them many tokens of their esteem and a most enjoyable time was spent by all present.
 





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