Biographical Sketch of

Fred Engelbracht

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 673 - 674


Samuel Staples, who resides on section 24 in the town of Green Lake, is numbered among the earliest settlers 
of Green Lake County.  He was born in Piscataqua County, Me., April 10, 1833, and is a son of David and Susan 
(Robbins) Staples.  The father was also a native of the Pine Tree State, born Oct. 14, 1796, but the mother 
was born in Massachusetts on the 1st of August, 1795.  Soon after their marriage they removed to Maine, where 
Mr. Staples in the midst of the forest cleared a farm, making that his home until the spring of 1846, when 
with his family he followed the course of human emigration until reaching Green Lake County.  He located in 
the town of Green Lake and became one of the prominent and influential citizens of the community.  He was one 
of nature's noblemen, his daily endeavor being to live in harmony with the teachings of the Bible.  His house 
was always open for the reception of the pioneer ministers and any others who chose to enjoy his unstinted 
hospitality.  He was a Whig in politics, but later became a Republican and both he and his wife were members 
of the Free Will Baptist Church.  Mr. Staples died May 7, 1862, and the death of his wife occurred May 8, 1881,
much lamented by all.
 
Our subject was reared to manhood upon the farm, assisting his father in the cultivation of the old homestead 
until attaining his majority.  When he left the old home, his father gave him the sum of $300 with which he 
made a partial payment on a farm of 155 acres.  With characteristic energy he began its development and in a 
short time had paid off all his indebtedness.  As his financial resources increased he has added to his land 
until he is now the owner of a fine farm of 320 acres, highly cultivated and improved.  In a little log cabin, 
the dimensions of which were 14x18 feet, he made his first home, but that pioneer dwelling has long since been 
replaced by a neat and substantial residence surrounded by good barns and out-buildings.  Mr. Staples has 
certainly been a successful farmer and the stock-raising, in which he is also engaged has been equally profitable.  
The hardships and trials of pioneer life were to him but obstacles to be overcome and not insurmountable barriers.  
He bore all with patience and fortitude and as a result his efforts have been crowned with prosperity and he is 
numbered among the well-to-do citizens of Green Lake Township.  During his long residence of forty-two years in 
this community, business and social relations have brought him in contact with men and all with whom he has had 
dealing regard him as an upright, honorable man and his friends are both many and faithful.
 
On the 3d of October, 1857, Mr. Staples married Rebecca See, daughter of David and Catherine (Demora) See.  She 
was born in Rensselaer County, N. Y., Oct. 3, 1837, and unto them have been born nine children as follows:  Frank 
D., who died at the age of nineteen years; Albert, who married Lydia Gardenier; Lillie, who died at the age of 
nine years; Susie, wife of Wallace Card; George H., John E., Eva M., Arthur L. and Grace L.
 
David See, deceased, father of Mrs. Staples, is numbered among the pioneer settlers of Green Lake County, dating 
his residence from 1849.  He was born in New York, April 14, 1799, and in his youth received a liberal education 
when compared with the usual advantages afforded the children of that day.  When he had attained to man's estate, 
he embarked in business as proprietor of a hotel and in connection operated a farm.  He was united in the holy 
bonds of matrimony with Catherine Demora, who was born in New York, Aug. 6, 1801, their wedding being celebrated 
on New Years Day of 1824.  They continued to reside in the Empire State until 1849, which year witnessed their 
arrival in this county, where they passed the remainder of their days.  They were parents of four children who 
are yet living, one son and three daughters.  Another son, Abner, who is now deceased, served for two and a half 
years in the Union Army and was promoted to the rank of Captain.
 
Mr. See made his own way in the world, rising from a position of comparative poverty to one of wealth and affluence, 
owning at the time of his death 700 acres of land.  He was a prominent citizen, a leading farmer and a highly 
esteemed man.  He held various offices of honor and trust and was nominated to the General Assembly by the 
Democratic party, but owing to a trick in having the tickets printed, his name was omitted from the list of 
the candidates and as many, who would have otherwise have voted for him, did not notice the omission, he was 
defeated by a small majority.  He and his wife were members of the Methodist Church.  Mr. See died on the 17th 
of March, 1873, his wife passing away Oct. 16, 1871.






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