Biographical Sketch of

Ansel Shaler

Transcribed by Suzanne Folk 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, Page 386 - 387

Ansel Shaler, deceased, was for many years a prominent citizen of Green Lake County. He 
was born in Connecticut in the month of March, 1813, and died at his home in the town of 
Mackford, Jan. 27, 1881, respected by all who knew him. In his native State he grew to 
manhood, receiving a common-school education. His early life was passed uneventfully, but 
when a young man he started for the West with the hope of accumulation a fortune on its 
broad prairies. He chose Michigan as his home and in that State saw his wishes fulfilled. 
He accumulated considerable property but misfortune overtook him, he losing it all in the 
financial panic which swept over the country in 1837. Although he felt his loss, undaunted 
he set to work to retrieve his possessions. He continued his labors in Michigan for some 
time, but in 1845, decided to journey further West, and he engaged in teaching school for 
two winters. With the money thus earned, he came to Green Lake County and entered a claim 
of eighty acres in the town of Mackford. Again he was prosperous in his business transactions, 
and ere his death he was owner of 500 acres of valuable land, which left his family in 
comfortable circumstances. Diligence and perseverance were among his most prominent 
characteristics, and combined with good business ability, led to his success. He at first 
labored early and late to provide a home, but in his last years he was able to lay aside the 
more arduous duties which had formerly devolved upon him.

In 1859, Mr. Shaler was joined in wedlock with Miss Sally Steward, who still survives him. 
She is a daughter of Abijah and Lydia (Davis) Steward, of Delaware County, N. Y., where her 
father died. Her mother lived in Michigan, but she too has now passed away. Unto Mr. and Mrs. 
Shaler there were born two children, though one of whom is living, Clarence. Clara, the 
sister, died Feb. 8, 1878. Clarence and his mother are living on the old homestead farm in 
the town of Mackford. Mrs. Shaler was previously married to Benjamin Graham, and by their 
union were two children born-Henry A., who married Mrs. Julia Price, and Helen E., who 
married Walter A. Finney.

Mr. Shaler was liberal in his views of public policy and did all in his power to advance 
the best interests of the community. The cause of education found in him a true friend, and 
he served his township as School Superintendent, acceptably discharging the duties of that 
office. His life was such as to win the confidence of all with whom business or pleasure 
brought him in contact, and he was held in high regard throughout the community. Many warm 
friends mourned his death and the county deplored the loss of a good citizen.






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