Biographical Sketch of

Frank M. Stocking

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, Page 781 


Frank M. Stocking has made farming his life occupation, and is now engaged in that business on section 24, in 
the town of Berlin, Green Lake County.  He was born in Nepeuskun township, Winnebago Co., Wis., July 28, 1854, 
and is a son of George and Eliza (Smith) Stocking.  His father was born in the Bay State, Oct. 2, 1814, but 
when a young man went to New York, where he became familiar with the principles and methods of business while 
clerking in his uncle's store.  Subsequently he went upon the road, selling notions from a wagon, and after 
having traveled for some time in the interests of his uncle, started out for himself.  He continued in that 
line of business for eleven years, and in the course of his journeys, traveled through Michigan.  He frequently 
stopped at the home of a Mr. Smith, and formed an attachment for his daughter, Eliza, whom he afterward married.  
Mrs. Stocking's home was Sciotoville, N. Y., and there she was born.  The young couple made their home in New 
York until 1846, when they decided to cast their lot with the pioneer settlers of the Territory of Wisconsin, 
and acting upon that resolution, located in Nepeuskum Township, Winnebago County, where he passed the remainder 
of his life.  He knew nothing of farming except what he had learned from books, but possessing an observing eye, 
and profiting by the experience of others, he was quite successful in his new undertaking.  He possessed the 
energy and diligence so essential to success, and if he once made a mistake he was never known to again commit 
the same error.  He became one of the prominent and influential citizens of the community, and when called home 
his loss was deeply felt.  Though too old to serve in the field, he did effective service by raising troops and 
money for the Union army.  He had supported the Democratic party until the war, but after that time was a stanch 
advocate of Republican principles.  He received but limited educational advantages in his youth, but by travel 
and observation became well-informed, and possessed a knowledge of men and their motives very useful to him in 
business life.  He died on the 3d of September, 1889, leaving his family in comfortable circumstances.  He owned 
at the time of his death 240 acres of land.  Mrs. Stocking still survives her husband.  They were the parents of 
three children--Adelbert, a telegraph operator; Frank M., of this sketch; and Elsworth, who is engaged in farming 
in Winnebago County.
 
The primary education of our subject, obtained in the district schools, was supplemented by a course in Ripon 
College, which he attended for three years.  On attaining his majority, he led to the marriage altar Miss Lillian 
Safford, who was born July 13, 1860, in Wautoma, Waushara Co., Wis.  Their union was celebrated Aug. 27, 1878, and 
has been blessed with a family of four children.
 
The year following his marriage, Mr. Stocking removed from Winnebago county to the farm on which he is now living.  
It comprises 100 acres of land, all under a high state of cultivation.  He received his start in life by selling a 
yoke of steers, which he had raised, for $202.40.  That money he put into the bank, accumulating interest on it until 
he was of age.  He has been an indefatigable worker, enterprising and progressive, and in consequence has made financial 
advancement.
  





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