Biographical Sketch of

John W. Stickel

Transcribed by Char Eckman



Source: Portrait and Biographical Album of Green Lake, Marquette and Waushara Counties, Wisconsin, 
published 1890 by Acme Publishing Co., Chicago, Pages 568 - 569

John W. Stickel, a general farmer and stock-raiser, residing on section 15 in the town of Marion, Waushara County, was 
born in Schoharie County, N. Y., July 31, 1829, and is a son of Nicholas N. and Harriet (Carpenter) Stickel, the former 
a native of Pennsylvania, born of German parentage, the latter of Schoharie County, and a descendant of the old Puritan 
stock.  In the War of 1812, the father was a soldier and participated in the battle of Sackett's Harbor.  He followed 
the occupation of farming throughout his entire life and died at the ripe old age of eighty-five years, in Delaware 
County, N. Y., in 1874.  He had removed to Delaware County, in 1839, and continued there to make his home until his 
life was ended.  His wife died in 1868.  Their family numbered the following children, seven of whom are still living: 
Mary, wife of Darius Olmstead, is living in Otsego County, N. Y.; Alonzo who was a soldier in the 7th Wisconsin Regiment 
during the late war, died in Kansas; John W. is the third in order of birth; William, who enlisted in his country's 
service in a New York Regiment was captured and after eight months' confinement in Andersonville prison, was released 
only to meet death the next day as the result of the cruel and inhuman treatment of the southern prisoners; Peter died 
in Delaware County, N. Y.; Henry is engaged in farming in Dodge county, Wis; Bloomer follows the same occupation near 
Washington, Neb; Augustus is living in Binghampton, N. Y.; Elizabeth is the wife of Stephen Post of New York; Charles 
resides in Chenango County, N. Y.; and Andrew, who enlisted in the New York cavalry was killed in battle.

Our subject passed his boyhood days upon his father's farm and received such educational advantages as the district 
schools of that day afforded.  When fourteen years of age, he began working as a farm hand by the month and in his 
leisure hours devoted himself to the further study of those branches of learning which he had taken up in the school 
room.  He is a natural mechanic and also picked up various trades which have proved of great use to him in his later 
years.  Believing that he could better his financial condition by a removal to the new and growing West, he bade good-by 
to home and friends in 1855 and emigrated to Wisconsin, where for several months he worked in the pineries of the North. 
The following year, 1856, he came to Spring Lake and secured a position as clerk in a hotel and also had charge of the 
post-office.  In 1857, Mr. Stickel was untied in marriage with Miss Frances Carpenter, and they began their domestic 
life on the farm which he had rented, there continuing to make their home until 1860, when, having accumulated some 
capital, he purchased eighty acres of land in the town of Marion and began its development.

His farm labors were interrupted, however, when in 1865, he enlisted as a member of Company I, 1st Wisconsin Heavy 
Artillery.  With his regiment he was sent to Ft. Lyon, where he did garrison duty for eight months, when the company 
was discharged, but owing to illness Mr. Stickel was sent to the hospital in Washington, where he was mustered out.  On 
his return he again resumed agricultural pursuits, his labors in that direction being quite successful.  He purchased a 
small farm in 1867, and in connection with its cultivation engaged in teaming until the following year when he bought 
200 acres of land on section 15, in the town of Marion, upon which he still makes his home.  The land was then but 
partly improved but Mr. Stickel soon had the entire amount under a high state of cultivation.  He also has devoted 
considerable attention to stock-railing and keeps on hand a good grade of horses and cattle.

By the union of Mr. and Mrs. Stickel have been born four children - Alice, wife of Edward Scoville, a resident farmer 
of Marion township; Joseph E., at home; Clara M., an intelligent and accomplished young lady who is still with her 
parents; and one child who died in infancy.

As a citizen, Mr. Stickel is enterprising and public spirited.  He gives his support and influence to all worthy 
interests, such as are calculated to benefit the general welfare, and is an especial friend of the cause of education.  
He supports the Republican party in politics and for three years was Assessor of the town of Marion.  Socially, he is 
a member of Ed. Saxe Post, No. 135, G. A. R. of Wautoma.  Mr. and Mrs. Stickel are respected people and are widely known 
in the community in which they have so long made their home.

 




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