Biographical Sketch of
Gideon Safford
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 671 - 672 Gideon Safford, who is engaged in general farming in Green Lake Township, Green Lake Co., Wis., his home being on section 27, was born in Salem Township, Washington Co., N. Y., on Dec. 29, 1822. The family was established in America at an early day. The paternal grandfather, Gideon Safford, was a Connecticut farmer and followed that business throughout his entire life. He married Lucy Freeman and unto them were born eleven children, five sons and six daughters. He lived to an advanced age of eighty-three years and his wife of seventy-six years of age at the time of her death. The maternal grandfather, Mr. Eastland, was a native of Massachusetts, but afterwards removed to Rhode Island and thence to Washington County, N. Y., locating in Salem Township, where his wife died, leaving eight children four sons and four daughters. Mr. Eastland then removed with his sons to Genesee County, where his death occurred at an advanced age. Nathan Safford, father of our subject, was born Sept. 14, 1783, in Salem Township, Washington County, and in his youth learned the blacksmith's trade, which he carried on in connection with farming. He wedded Huldah Eastland, who was born in Rhode Island, Sept. 4, 1783, their union being celebrated in 1804. They had both been brought by their parents to Washington County when about four years old and had known each other from childhood up. Their family numbered ten children, but only three are now living: Mary, wife of William Fairley of New York; Gideon, and Thomas D., a farmer of Dakota. The death of Mr. Safford occurred at the age of sixty-seven years, his wife passing away at the advanced age of eighty-seven. Both were faithful members of the Presbyterian Church and strong believers in its early doctrines. Our subject was reared to manhood upon his father's farm and in the district schools received his primary education which was supplemented by a partial academic course. In his youth he sometimes assisted his father in the blacksmith shop, but gave no thought to the business. The use of tools seemed to be inherited, however, and without apparent effort he had mastered the trade, so in 1854 he opened a blacksmith's shop of his own which he operated for eleven years. Like a dutiful son he cared for his father in his declining years, trying to repay him for the love and tenderness which sheltered him in early life. On attaining his majority he led to the marriage altar Miss Cynthia Coon, the wedding taking place Feb. 12, 1857. She was born in Salem Township, Washington County, March 23, 1831, and spent her days in the East until she accompanied her husband to her new home in this State. In 1856 Mr. Safford went to Brandon, Fond du Lac County, and opened a blacksmith shop, returning the following year for his bride. They made their home in that city until 1865, when they removed to the town of Green Lake, where Mr. Safford is now living. His wife died May 10, 1862, leaving one child that died after a few months. He was again married Nov. 9, 1863, when Eliza J. Moore became his wife. She was born in Grand Rapids, Mich., July 3, 1837, and is a daughter of Lovell and Lucy (Fuller) Moore. Their union has been blessed with one child, Hulda L. Mr. Safford supported the Whig party in early life but has cast his ballot with the Republican party since its organization. He has never been a politician in the sense of office seeking, but like every true American citizen should do, he feels an interest in political affairs. He keeps himself well informed on all the leading issues of the day and can converse well on almost any subject. He now has a nice farm of eighty acres as the result of his industry and good management and is accounted one of the leading and representative farmers of the community. His wife, a most estimable lady, is a member of the Episcopal Church.
Transcribed by Sandra Boudrou for the Marquette Co WI Pages
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