Biographical Sketch of

James M. Solomon

Transcribed by Sandy Boudrou



Source: Portrait and Biographical Album of Green Lake, Marquette and Waushara Counties, Wisconsin, 
published 1890 by Acme Publishing Co., Chicago, Pages 548 - 549 


James M. Solomon, a practical farmer and one of the representative citizens of the town of Oxford, Marquette 
County, residing on section 23, has made his home on his present farm since 1872, but has been a resident of 
Wisconsin since 1849.  He is a native of the Empire State, having been born in the town of Ridgeway, Orleans 
County, March 27, 1825.  His father Martin Solomon, was also a native of New York and in the city of Albany 
learned the trade of shoemaking, which he followed for many years.  He married Adeline Salsbury, who was also 
born in New York, and is a daughter of James Salsbury, who died in Orleans County, only a few days previous to 
his one hundredth birthday.  Mr. Solomon and his wife began their domestic life in the town of Worchester, 
Otsego County, removed thence to Orleans County, and in 1851, emigrated to Wisconsin.  He settled in the town 
of Waterloo, Jefferson County, but after two years removed to the town of Dell Prairie, Adams County, where 
he died in 1855.  His widow afterward married John Folmsbee, and is still living in the town of Dell Prairie.  
Martin Solomon was the father of fourteen children, three born of his first marriage, and eleven by the mother 
of our subject, who was the eldest of that number.
 
James M. Solomon passed his early life in much the usual manner of farmer lads, attending the district school 
and assisting in the cultivation of the land owned by his father until he began life for himself.  In the autumn 
of 1849 he became a resident of the town of Lake Mills, Jefferson Co., Wis., and on December 31, following, was 
united in marriage with Miss Charlotte A. Carr, daughter of Esek and Wealthy (Jenks) Carr.  The lady was born in 
Massachusetts, and when eight years old removed with her parents to Buffalo, N. Y., and in 1846 came with the 
family to Milwaukee.  After two years they removed to Waterloo, Jefferson County where the father died in 1851, 
but the mother is still living and resides in Jefferson County, Wis., at the age of eighty-one years.  Six children 
grace their union, four of whom are yet living.  Julia, wife of Joshua Dawson of Chisago County, Minn., Ezra S., 
who is living in Lake Mills; Mrs. Solomon; and Esek J., with whom the mother makes her home.  Persis E. died in 
Nebraska at the age of fifty-three years, and Loriston Hall died in infancy.
 
Mr. Solomon and his bride began their domestic life in the village of Grandville, Wis., which was then situated 
in Marquette County, but now lies within the borders of Green Lake County.  In the fall of 1851, they settled in 
Jefferson County, and four years later became residents of the town of Dell Prairie, Adams County, where Mr. 
Solomon purchased a farm, devoting his energies to its cultivation until Sept. 7, 1861, when he responded to his 
country's call for troops, and enlisted among the boys of blue of Company E, 12th Wisconsin Infantry, for three 
years.  He served with his regiment for about fifteen months, and was then discharged on account of disability 
from which he has never yet fully recovered.  On his return home he at once resumed farming, which he followed 
in Adams County until 1872, which year witnessed his arrival in Marquette County.
 
Mr. and Mrs. Solomon have a most pleasant home on section 23, in the town of Oxford, where hospitality abounds, 
and where many of the comforts and luxuries of life administer to their happiness.  Their son, Eugene M., who was 
born in 1851, is living on a farm adjoining that of his father, and Herbert J., the younger child, who was born 
in 1860, is still with his parents.  Mr. Solomon is an intelligent and valued citizen, who keeps himself well 
informed on all the leading issues of the day.  He casts his ballot with the Republican party and both he and 
his wife are members of the Methodist Church.  It is their daily endeavor to live in harmony with their professions 
and they are zealous workers in the Master's cause.  Whatever tends to elevate or upbuild the community receives 
their hearty support and co-operation, and their aid is never sought in vain for the advancement of any worthy 
enterprise.  In the temperance cause Mr. Solomon is especially active, never tiring of his warfare against the 
liquor traffic.  Widely and favorably known, he and his wife rank among the best citizens of the town of Oxford 
and are held in high esteem by all.






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