Biographical Sketch of

James Sexton

Transcribed by L. John Ribar



Source: Portrait and Biographical Album of Green Lake, Marquette and Waushara Counties, Wisconsin, 
published 1890 by Acme Publishing Co., Chicago, Pages 576 - 577 

James Sexton, who, since 1850, has resided in Marquette County, and has therefore been a witness of its 
growth and advancement for almost forty years, now resides in Neshkoro. He was born in Ireland, and with 
his parents, Andrew and Bridget Sexton, crossed the Atlantic to America in 1848. The family settled in 
Milwaukee, making their home in that city for a period of two years, when they came to Marquette County 
and took up their residence on a farm which is now comprised in the town of Marion, Waushara County. The 
family numbered ten children, six sons and four daughters, and with one exception all are living at the 
time of this writing. John, the oldest, is married and resides on the old homestead; James is next in the 
order of birth; George and Andrew, twins, are both residents of this State, the former now living in Wautoma, 
Waushara County, the latter in Madison; Jane is the wife of Andrew Vineps, of Waupaca, Wis.; Mary became 
the wife of John Hefernan of Waushara County, but is now deceased; Fannie wed Ed. Hales of Waupaca, Wis.; 
William is married and makes his home in Shawano County, this State; Lizzie is the wife of Dr. Frank Dodson 
of Berlin, Wis.; Thomas, who completes the family, is married and resides in Iowa. 
 
Our subject passed the days of his boyhood and youth on the farm with his father, and assisted in the 
cultivation of the land until he had attained mature years and began life for himself. He was a loyal 
soldier during the late war, having fought in defense of his country's cause four years. He served as a 
member of Company C, 12th Wisconsin Infantry, and the first regular engagement in which he participated 
was the seige and battle of Vicksburg. He was in the Atlanta campaign, and with his regiment participated 
in many hard fought battles of the Rebellion. At length he was honorably discharged, having spent nearly 
four years in the South, being mustered out in Louisville, Ky.  

On his return from the war Mr. Sexton again took up his residence in Marquette County, where, on the 19th 
of October, 1868, he was joined in wedlock with Miss Tillie Finskey, a native of Ireland, born June 29, 
1849. She was eighteen years of age when with her parents, Austin and Ann Finskey, she came to this country. 
The family settled in Neshkoro, Marquette County, where he father and mother still make their home. The young 
couple began their domestic life in Neshkoro, where they still reside, and their home has been blessed with 
three children, two of whom are yet living: Albert, who is twenty years of age, and Clara, aged fifteen. They 
are still under the parental roof. A daughter, Mabel, died in infancy.

In 1866 Mr. Sexton embarked in the mercantile business in Neshkoro, and since that time has successfully carried 
on operations in that line. He is an energetic and enterprising business man, and by all who know him is held 
in high regard. His fair dealing and courteous treatment to all has won him a liberal patronage, which increases 
each year. In political sentiment he is a Democrat, and takes an active interest in the success and welfare of 
that party. He is now serving his fellow citizens as Town Clerk, and at intervals since attaining his majority 
has held public office, the duties of which have been well and faithfully performed. Mr. Sexton is a member of 
Wautoma Lodge, No. A. F. and A. M. and is a firm believer in the principles of Masonry. He has the honor of having 
personally met each Governor of the State of Wisconsin. As a citizen none are held in higher regard, and few are 
more widely known than he, whose residence in Marquette County covers a period fo almost forty years. Those who 
settled in the community during its early history deserve no little credit, for to them is due much of the 
prosperity and the advanced position to which the county has attained, and it affords us great pleasure in 
writing this, a history of the county, to present this sketch of one who has so long been prominently identified 
with its leading interests.
 





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