Biographical Sketch of

Benjamin R. Saxton

Transcribed by Joan Benner



Source: Portrait and Biographical Album of Green Lake, Marquette and Waushara Counties, Wisconsin, 
published 1890 by Acme Publishing Co., Chicago, Pages 427 - 428


Benjamin R. Saxton, who is engaged in farming on section 22, in the town of Berlin, is numbered among the early settlers 
of Green Lake County, dating his residence from 1853. He was born in New Hartford, Oneida County, New York, Jan. 17, 
1810, and is descended from good old Revolutionary stock. His maternal grandfather, Ezekiel Pierce, aided his country 
in her struggle for independence and in recognition of his services his wife was awarded a pension until her death. She 
was a woman of great strength and it is said that she could pick up a barrel of cider with ease. They had a family of 
seven children, one of whom lived to be ninety-two years of age, another eighty-four, while two of the surviving ones 
have now attained their ninetieth year and another is eighty years of age. The father of our subject, James Saxton, was 
born in Connecticut, on the 30th of May, 1780, and when a lad was bound out to a man as a farm hand. One Sunday morning 
while hitching up the old gentleman's horse that he might drive to church, James unthoughtedly whistled a strain, which 
so incensed his employer's Presbyterian ideas that he gave the boy a gentle "limbing;" the boy in turn was so angered at 
what he deemed an unmerited punishment that he ran away, going to Oneida County, New York, where he was reared to manhood 
and there became acquainted with Miss Saloma Pierce, who was born in Connecticut, May 11, 1777, but had removed to the 
Empire State with her parents. Mr. Saxton learned the trade of a brick mason and in an early day removed to Cleveland, 
Ohio, where he built the first brick building in that city. Believing that he could there procure steady employment he 
returned for his family and they located in Pickaway County, where he departed this life Aug. 13, 1848. His wife survived 
him until 1867, dying on the 7th of February. In their family were nine children, but only two are now living--Benjamin 
and Ray. The latter resides in Minnesota.

The educational advantages of our subject were limited to those afforded by the primitive schools. He conned the 
rudiments of knowledge in a log schoolhouse but when eleven years of age laid aside his books, and began learning the 
bricklayer's trade, working for his father until attaining his majority. He then began business for himself, carrying 
on operations in the same line until 1850, when he removed to the West. Ten years prior to that time, on the 5th of 
January, 1840, he wedded Sarah A. Mattison, who was born in Greenwich, N. J., July 7, 1817, and is a daughter of Joseph 
and Phoebe (Simpkins) Mattison, who were born, reared, married and died in New York. Her father was a weaver by trade 
and was one of the prominent citizens of the community in which he made his home. He took an active part in public 
affairs, served as Sheriff of the county and held other important offices. He had nine children, three of whom are 
yet living. 

Mrs. Saxton was one of twin sisters and when three years old was taken to raise by a cousin who moved to Madison 
County, N. Y., where she remained until after her marriage. She is the second wife of Mr. Saxton, who had previously 
wed Ruby Witter, by whom he had two children who are now deceased. In 1850 Mr. Saxton and his family left their old 
home in the Empire State and removed to Pickaway County, Ohio, whence they came to Green Lake County in 1853. He has 
here since made his home and is one of the leading farmers of the town of Berlin. He owns 160 acres of highly improved 
land and his home with its entire surroundings indicates thrift and enterprise. Whatever he undertakes he carries to 
a successful completion and has thus become one of the well to do farmers of the community. He now supports the 
Republican party, having joined its ranks on the dissolution of the Whig party. Mrs. Saxton, a most estimable lady, 
is a member of the Seventh Day Baptist Church. 

By the marriage of this worthy couple seven children have been born: Lizzie S., who is now the wife of Morris B. Coon 
and has two children; Cornelia P., wife of Oscar D. Gilbert, by whom she has three children; Mary N. wedded John Sergent 
and they have one child; Willard P. married Mary Childs and three children have been born unto them; Emma M. is the wife 
of T. A. Sergent, by whom she has two children; George B. married Retta Bedal and has two sons; Etta, the youngest, is 
the wife of L. D. Smith.

George B. Saxton is one of the energetic and progressive young farmers of the county. He was born in the house which 
still shelters him on the 19th of July, 1854, and was there reared to manhood. Since attaining his majority, he has 
cast his ballot with the Republican party and has twice served as Side Supervisor. As before stated, he was joined 
in wedlock with Miss Bedal, the union being celebrated November 18, 1880. Their children are W. Roy and Lorenzo G.  
Like their grandfather, they display much musical talent. He is an expert with the fife which he has played since 
sixteen years of age, and for many years was leader of the Berlin Martial Band. Roy, though only eight years old, 
plays nicely on the same instrument, and Lorenzo displays much ability in that direction.






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