Biographical Sketch of

William F. Scovel



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 370 - 371 Curtis, Foster, Fulton, Gibbon, Lawrence, Russell, Scovel, Shipley, Wright William F. Scovel, who is engaged in general farming and stock-raising, resides on section 7, St. Marie Township, Green Lake County. He was born in Cornwall, Vt., Oct. 28, 1815, and is the oldest living child of Ezekiel and Rachel (Wright) Scovel, who were also natives of the Green Mountain State. Tradition traces the ancestry of the Scovel family back to Irish origin, and on the maternal side our subject is of English descent. Engaged in the occupation of farming, Ezekiel Scovel resided in Vermont until 1816, when he determined to remove to the West, choosing Ohio as the scene of his future labors. With his family he then settled in that State, where he carried on agricultural pursuits until his death in 1836. His wife survived him many years, dying at the home of her son William in Wisconsin in 1872, at the ripe old age of eighty. That worthy couple were parents of six children, four of whom yet survive: William, of this sketch; Ezra, who is living in Dakota; Simeon W., whose home is in Iowa, and Maria, widow of John Shipley, also of Dakota. When a lad our subject attended the common schools of his native State, completing his education in the college at Granville, Ohio. He was just entering manhood when the death of his father occurred and from that time the care of the family devolved upon his young shoulders. Nobly did he perform the task, keeping the children together until all had attained to maturity, while his widowed mother found a home with him until called from this life. He was reared as a farmer and has made agriculture his principal occupation. Until 1859, he operated the homestead farm in Ohio, but in that year came to Wisconsin, where he purchased 192 acres of land on section 7, St. Marie Township. Of that amount about ninety acres had been broken. A little log cabin constituted the improvements and for four years furnished the home of his family, when it was replaced by a commodious and tasteful two-story residence. Other improvements have also been made, and the farm is now one of the best in the township. Its barns and outbuildings, well tilled fields, fine grades of stock and pleasant home all indicate the thrift and enterprise of the owner and testify to his industry and perseverance. Mr. Scovel has been three times married. In 1847, while residing in Ohio, he led to the marriage altar Miss Margaret J. Fulton, and unto them were born six children, as follows: Jennie, who is now the wife of Charles Curtis of California; Ezekiel, deceased; Mary, wife of Henry Gibbon, whose home is near Pittsburg, Pennsylvania; Keziah and Harriet, deceased; and Franklin H., who is now clerk of St. Marie township. He resides with his father and is now operating the farm. On the 6th of November, 1886, he was joined in wedlock with Laura Lawrence, by whom he has two children, Blanche and Thomas L. After the death of his first wife, which occurred in 1868, Mr. Scovel married Abigail Foster, who died in 1871. He then wedded Mary M. Russell, but was deprived of her companionship by death in July, 1887. Mr. Scovel deserves no little credit for his success in life. He not only had to make his own way in the world but had to provide for his family. >From the lowest round of the ladder he has worked his way up step by step, until at last his efforts have been crowned with success and his labors have received their just reward. In addition to his farm he now operates a sorghum factory which yields a good income, he manufacturing about 1,500 gallons a year. He served his fellow citizens as chairman of the Town Board of Supervisors for two terms; was Treasurer, Assessor and School Director. In former years he was a supporter of the Greenback party, but is now a warm advocate of Republican principles. He keeps himself well informed on all the leading issues of the day, both political and otherwise, and is a valued citizen, having ever exerted his influence for the advancement of public enterprises and the promotion of social, educational and moral interests. He and his family are held in high esteem by all, and it is with pleasure that we present this brief sketch of his life to the readers of the Album.



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