Biographical Sketch of

William Irving Sherwood

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 734 - 735 


William Irving Sherwood, the efficient County Treasurer of Green Lake County, Wis., residing in Dartford, was born in 
Fairfield, Herkimer Co., N. Y., on the 1st of August, 1837, and is a son of William C. and Sarah (Thompson) Sherwood.  
For some generations past both his paternal and maternal ancestry were members of the Empire State.  His grandfather, 
Amos Sherwood, was a New York farmer and wedded Miss Mary Favill, by whom he had a family of three children:  William C., 
Amos and John C.  His death occurred in his native State at the age of sixty-five years, and his wife died in Green Lake 
County at an advanced age.  The maternal grandfather of our subject, Capt. Silas Thompson, also followed the occupation 
of farming in New York.  He was confined to his home by rheumatism but possessed splendid business abilities and not-
withstanding his physical difficulties accumulated wealth.  He was united in marriage with a Miss Jackson and unto them 
were born four children, one son and three daughters.
 
We now come to the immediate family of Mr. Sherwood.  His father was born in Salisbury, Herkimer Co., N. Y., Jan. 5, 1815, 
and his mother was born in the same place on the 15th of February, 1818.  After their marriage Mr. Sherwood engaged in farming 
in his native county until 1843, when he removed with his family to Penfield, Monroe County, there residing until 1848, when 
accompanied by three cousins he came to Wisconsin.  The party stopped in Jefferson County, where the cousins located, but Mr.
Sherwood continued his travels until reaching Green Lake County.  Pleased with the beautiful scene which now greeted his eyes, 
he determined, if possible, to locate a claim in this section, and at length entered a tract of land which was along the lake 
shore for three quarters of a mile.  In 1853, his family came to the county and he has here made his home since.  Mrs. Sherwood 
died in New York, Dec. 24, 1852, a consistent member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, leaving three children--William I., 
Mary, who died at the age of five years and John D.  Mr. Sherwood was again married and by his second union had one daughter, 
who is now the wife of Dr. Victor Kutchen, with whom he resides most of his time.  In early life, he was a supporter of the 
Whig party, but now casts his ballot with the Republican party.  He is a member and an active worker in the Methodist Episcopal 
Church, and ranks among the best citizens of the community.  William C. Sherwood, the father of W. I., first came to Green Lake
County about 1848, in company with his cousin, and after looking the country over returned and brought his brother, John C. 
Sherwood.  In 1849 and 1850 in company with his brother and Anson Dart he built the old mill, the first in the place.  John C. 
remained and took charge of the mill business, while Wm. C. spent a part of his time here, and a part at his home in the State 
of New York.  After the removal of Mr. Sherwood's family to this place he engaged in farming, they having made a division of 
their property.  John C. continued in the mill business for many years.  He was the original proprietor of "Sherwood Forest," 
now a popular summer resort.  His death occurred about 1883.
 
The subject of this sketch was reared upon a farm and in the district schools began his education.  When he had thoroughly 
mastered the branches there taught, he then entered the Lawrence University at Appleton,, Wis., where he remained for three 
years.  At the end of that time he turned his attention to the occupation of farming, which he followed for a number of years.  
On the 1st of November, 1859, he led to the marriage altar Miss Iome C. Taylor, a native of New York, who was born at Hamburg, 
near the city of Buffalo in January, 1838.  The young couple began their domestic life upon a part of the land first entered 
by his father, Mr. Sherwood devoting his attention to agricultural pursuits.  Their union has been blessed with six children:  
Alma, wife of George G. Green, of the town of Alto, Fond du Lac County; Jessie and Lizzie who died in childhood; William A., 
Irving and Iome.
 
Politically, Mr. Sherwood is a Republican and takes an active interest in the success and welfare of that party.  He has 
frequently been called upon to fill positions of honor and trust, was Side Supervisor for several terms and Chairman of his 
town one term.  He also acted as Deputy County Treasurer for one term and at the present time is serving his third term as 
Treasurer of Green Lake County.  He is a faithful officer and one in whom his constituents place the utmost confidence.  
Socially, he is a member of the Masonic fraternity, being Master of Green Lake Lodge, No. 147, A. F. & A. M.  His wife, a 
most estimable lady, was a member of the Methodist Church and was called to her last rest Nov. 8, 1886.  Mr. Sherwood is the 
owner of a fine farm of 225 acres, which for half a mile borders the lake shore and is beautifully located.  He is accounted 
one of the leading citizens of his community and is held in high esteem by all.






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