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.






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