Biographical Sketch of

John Storke

Transcribed by Sandra Boudrou



Source: Portrait and Biographical Album of Green Lake, Marquette and Waushara Counties, Wisconsin, 
published 1890 by Acme Publishing Co., Chicago, Pages 593 - 594 - 595 


John M. Storke, who resides on section 17, in the town of Marion, Waushara County, is one of the leading 
farmers and stock-raisers of this community.  He was born in Cayuga County, N. Y., April 6, 1827, and is 
a son of Moses and Sally (Moore) Storke, who were also natives of Cayuga County, and were representatives 
of early New England families.  His father was a farmer, and an industrious and energetic man.  He labored 
earnestly and zealously for his children, but was called to his final rest in the prime of life, his death 
occurring in 1831; in the year 1837 his wife also passed away.  They were parents of four children, two 
sons and two daughters, but the daughters have long since crossed the dark river to be again united with 
their parents on the other shore.  Lewis, the brother of our subject, a carpenter and joiner by trade, is 
now living in Weedsport, Cayuga County, at the age of sixty-five.
 
John M. Storke was but ten years old when he was left an orphan.  He then went to live with his grandfather, 
but after a short time, he too, was laid in the silent grave.  He continued then to reside with his widowed 
grandmother, remaining with her until he attained his majority.  She would often beguile the long winter 
evenings by relating to him stories of the Revolutionary War, especially concerning the battle of Bunker 
Hill, which took place near her home.  Although he resided with his grandmother, Mr. Storke has virtually 
been dependent upon his own resources since his tenth year, and may truly be called a self-made man.  He 
began work as a farm hand in 1848, and at length emigrated to the West with the hope of securing for himself
a home on its broad prairies.  On the 13th of October, 1851, he crossed the Fox River, at Berlin, in a scow, 
there being no bridges built across the stream at that time.  The now thriving little city of Berlin was then 
a mere hamlet, known by the name of Strong's Landing.  He spent the night in a little tavern called the Taylor 
House, and the following day sought his brother, Lewis, who had previously come to the county.  He worked for 
him until 1853, but the year previous had begun preparations for a home by entering land on section 17, in 
the town of Marion.  He and his brother labored together for two or three years, cultivating the wild and 
undeveloped prairie into fertile tracts of farm land, but at length severed their connection, each laboring 
for his own interest.
 
On the 22nd of February, 1855, Mr. Storke was united in marriage with Miss Jane Barnhart, who was born in 
Oxford, Canada West, and with her parents came to Waushara County, in 1850.  Her father died in July, 1876, 
but her mother still survives and makes her home with her daughter, Mrs. Jennis, having now reached the 
advanced age of eighty-eight years.  The same year in which he was married, Mr. Storke erected a house upon 
his claim, 16x22 feet.  It was made of sheeting and was neither lathed nor plastered, but he afterward made 
extensive additions to it and repairing the old portion had a good home.  He has lived a useful and industrious 
life, and although he was in very limited circumstances on his arrival in this county he has become one of the 
substantial citizens of the town of Marion.  His career, however, has not always been a prosperous one.  He 
has had a number of reverses, and twice suffered considerable loss by fire.  On Dec. 14, 1875, his large barn, 
30x60 feet with 16 foot posts was burned with most of its contents, including grain and fodder enough to feed 
his stock through the entire winter.  Again in 1885, fire broke out upon the farm and swept away the pioneer 
home, but with characteristic energy, Mr. Storke at once replaced it with a commodious and substantial residence, 
two stories high, the main building of which is 16x24 feet, while the dimensions of the "L" are 16x24 feet and 
the kitchen 12x14 feet.  It is one of the most comfortable homes in the county and is neatly and tastefully 
furnished.  Other improvements have also been made and the work of development has been steadily carried 
forward until the 170 acres of land which he entered have been converted into a rich and fertile farm, which 
pays a golden tribute to the care and labor which he has bestowed upon it.  The stock which he raises is of 
good grades and he is now making a specialty of the breeding of Jersey cattle.
 
Only once since Mr. Storke took up his residence in Waushara County, has he left home for any length of time.  
In 1865, he enlisted in Company C, of the 52d Wisconsin Infantry, for one year's service and after being mustered 
in at Madison was ordered to the front.  He was engaged in active duty until June, 1865, when he was taken sick 
and was unable any longer to perform the arduous tasks devolving upon a soldier.  He did not care to enter the 
hospital, however, but remained with his regiment until mustered out at the close of the war.  He possessed a 
strong and robust constitution when he entered the service, but the rigor and hardships of war broke down his 
health and he has never since possessed the strength of former years.  In the early days of the county he could 
cut and cradle three acres of grain in a half day and cut two cords of wood per day.  During his residence in 
this county he has filled various township offices and in many ways has aided in the upbuilding of the community 
and the advancements of its interests.  Politically, he is a supporter of the Republican party.
 
Mr. and Mrs. Storke are the parents of three children:  Della C., wife of John Deuel, a resident farmer of the 
town of Dakota, Waushara County; Charles L., born Sept. 8, 1858, was united in marriage Jan. 29, 1887, with Miss 
Lizzie Davis, a native of the town of Warren, Waushara County, and a daughter of Ed J. Davis, and is engaged in 
farming; Lew B., born April 21, 1875, is still at home.  The children received good educational advantages and 
are thereby qualified for useful positions in life.






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