Biographical Sketch of

E. W. Underwood

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 647 - 648


E. W. Underwood is the proprietor of "Oakwood," which is conceded to be one of the most beautiful homes in 
Marquette County.  It is located about 200 rods from the post office at Montello, on the northern shore of 
Buffalo Lake, and the beautiful residence is situated in the midst of a grove of noble oaks that give to the 
place its name.  This palatial home was completed in 1889 and its tasty and well-chosen furniture together 
with all its surroundings are in harmony with its exterior.  The farm embraces eighty acres, twelve of which 
are comprised within the oak grove.  No prettier or more desirable site could have been selected than the one 
chosen, for it has all the advantages of the city and country combined and commands a splendid view of the lake, 
the ground rising in a gradual slope from the bank.  To the enjoyment derived from witnessing the improvements 
and the growing beauty of his place as the result of his labor and care, rather than the profits to be derived 
there from, is the motive that actuates the possessor of "Oakwood."  Much of his time and attention Mr. Underwood 
devotes to fruit culture, especially the cultivation of the cranberry, for which his land, from its character 
and location, is well adapted.  Already he has a number of acres of that plant in bearing condition and expects 
eventually to include about fifty acres in a cranberry farm.  Other fruits are also found there in profusion, 
including strawberries, raspberries, blackberries, grapes, etc.
 
Mr. Underwood is a native of Orange County, Vt., his birth having occurred there Oct. 4, 1821.  His parents were 
Benjamin and Mary Ann (Newhall) Underwood, who were also natives of the Green Mountain State.  They had but one 
other child (Lucy) who became the wife of Judge William Whittaker, who while a resident of New Orleans obtained 
national fame from his connection with the "Returning Board" following the election of 1876.  He died at the 
home of Mr. Underwood in November, 1887, having been in failing health for some time previous.
 
When a youth, our subject moved with his parents to Grafton County, N. H., where he was reared to manhood.  He 
assisted his father in the cultivation of the home farm until attaining his majority when he left the parental 
roof, locating in Sauk County, Wis.  He had determined to try his fortune in the West, believing that it furnished 
better opportunities for young men than the older States of the East, so he purchased a farm on Sauk Prairie.  
The following year his parents also settled in the same county, where they made their home until death.  Our 
subject continued to reside upon his farm until 1873, then sold out and removed to Prairie du Sac, whence he 
came to Montello in the autumn of 1875.  He then engaged in business with L. A. Perkins, as proprietor of the 
woolen mills of that village and when the partnership was dissolved, being pleased with Montello and its 
surroundings, decided to make it his future home and put forth efforts to that end, which have resulted in one 
of the finest country seats in this section.
 
While residing in Sauk County, Mr. Underwood was united in marriage with Miss Orsina Barber, but was deprived 
of his wife by death.  Later he married Miss Ellennor Keysar and unto them has been born one child, a daughter, 
Jessie.  This family holds a high position in the social world and their home is noted for its hospitality.
 
In his business enterprises Mr. Underwood has been eminently successful, and has acquired a handsome property.  
He is a gentleman of varied and extensive reading and is especially well informed on matters pertaining to his 
vocation.  The proximity of his residence to the lake and Montello River, which abound with the finny tribe, 
affords abundant opportunity for the sport of fishing in which he is an adept, as the frequent fine specimens 
of pickerel and bass which his skill with the rod produces, abundantly testify.






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