Biographical Sketch of
John E Tilton
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 797 - 798 Capt. John E. Tilton, of Hancock, Treasurer of Waushara County, and a loyal soldier of the late war, was born in Franklin County, Vt., March 23, 1830, and is a son of Ebenezer and Mary (Foster) Tilton. His father was born in New Hampshire in 1803, but their marriage was celebrated in Franklin County, Vt., where a family of two children was born unto them�Aurelia A., wife of C. E. Manzer, of Waushara County; and John, whose name heads this sketch. The father died when twenty-six years of age and in 1845 Mrs. Tilton became the wife of Joseph Paul. Unto them were born three children, who are yet living: Sarah, wife of Ralph LaSalle, of Swanton, Vt.; and Owen and Oscar (twins) who are also residents of Swanton. Mrs. Paul was called to her final rest in 1885, dying at a ripe old age. Our subject was but two years old when the death of his father occurred and at the early age of ten years he began life for himself. In consequence, he received but limited educational advantages and those such as the district school afforded. He began working on a farm at $3 per month and continued his labors in that capacity until he was sixteen years old, when he went to learn the carpenter�s trade. In 1853 he was united in marriage with Miss Sabina A. Manzer, native of Vermont, and the following year came with his young bride to the West. He first located in Allegan County, Mich., where his wife died in the spring of 1855(?) and after two years came to Waushara County, Wis., settling in Hancock, where he has since made his home. By occupation he is a carpenter, having served an apprenticeship in the trade when sixteen years of age. On his arrival he began to work in that line and as he thoroughly understood the business and earnestly desired to please his customers, he then won liberal patronage and has become one of the substantial citizens of the community. His possessions, however, have been acquired entirely by his own efforts and he may truly be called a self-made man. In the month of August, 1862, Mr. Tilton offered his services to the Government and assisted in raising Company G, of the 30th Wisconsin Infantry. He was mustered into service at Madison and when the company was organized was commissioned First Lieutenant, by Gov. Solomon. He remained with his command until 1865, when he resigned and returned home. Resuming work at his trade he has since followed carpentering and devoted his time to the discharge of the official duties which he has been called upon to perform. He has held a number of local offices, including those of Town Clerk, Assessor, Treasurer, Chairman of the Town Board, and Chairman of the County Board of Waushara County, and in 1886 he was elected County Treasurer. The acceptable manner in which he discharged the tasks devolving upon him led to his re-election in 1888, and he is now serving his second term. Socially, Capt. Tilton is a member of Tom Eubank Post, No. 150, G. A. R., of which he was the first Commander. He is also a Master Mason, belonging to Plainfield Lodge No. 208, A. F. & A. M. The Tilton household, the members of which are the Captain, his wife and his uncle, Sherburn Tilton, who is seventy-six years old, is noted for its hospitality, and the family holds a high position in the social world. Their circle of friends is very extensive and by all who know them they are held in high regard. The subject of this sketch has been married three times. By his first marriage he had one son, who died in infancy. By his second marriage, he had three sons, one of whom died when about two years old and one when about eight years of age; Frank is a railroad conductor. By his third marriage he had one son, who died in infancy.
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