Biographical Sketch of

William Warwick

Transcribed by Joan Benner



Source: Portrait and Biographical Album of Green Lake, Marquette and Waushara Counties, Wisconsin, 
published 1890 by Acme Publishing Co., Chicago, Pages 577 - 578 


William Warwick, the first actual settler of Waushara County, who served his country in the Mexican War and 
also in the War of the Rebellion, is numbered among the honored pioneers of Waushara County, and is now engaged 
in general farming on section 2 in the town of Marion. He is a native of the Buckeye State, having been born 
in Trumbull County on the 16th of August, 1828. His father, Isaac Warwick, was born in the city of Philadelphia, 
and was reared in the faith of the Society of Friends. When a child he removed with his family to Trumbull County, 
Ohio, where he became acquainted with and married Nacy Stahl, who was also a native of Pennsylvania, and became 
a resident of Trumbull County during its early days. Of their family of ten children, but four are now living: 
Isabel, wife of Seipha Foster, of Indiana; Elizabeth, widow of Nathan Marshall, of Indiana; Lois A., who is 
single and resides in San Francisco Cal.; and William, of this sketch. About the year 1846, the parents removed 
to Indiana, settling in La Porte County, where they passed their last days.

Our subject was reared to manhood in his native county, amid its wild scenes, as that section of the State was 
still in primitive condition to a great extent. The building in which he conned the rudiments of learning was a 
log structure with a  puncheon floor, slab seats and an immense fireplace, which occupied one entire end of the 
building. The master sat at the other end and ruled his school with an iron rod. Mr. Warwick remained in the 
Buckeye State until 1847, when he joined his parents, who had previously became residents of Indiana. The same 
year, in company with his brothers, Isaac and Charles, he enlisted in Company I, of the 4th Regiment Indiana for 
the Mexican War. The regiment was commanded by Col. Gorman, afterwards a General in the Civil War, and who was 
the first Governor of Minnesota. He was mustered in at Jeffersonville, Ind., and with his command went to New 
Orleans, and thence to Brass Island, after which he joined Gen. Taylor, who was 700 miles from the mouth of the 
Rio Grande River. He then returned to the Gulf under Gen. Scott, and while stationed at the mouth of the river 
was taken seriously ill and sent to Point Isabel Hospital, in Texas, where he received his discharge. His brother 
there parted from him, never to be seen again. It was reported to his regiment that he was dead and his brother 
wrote the same news to his parents, but a vigorous constitution at length overcame disease, and day by day he 
grew stronger until he was able to travel and started for home. The meeting with his parents, who had given him 
up for lost, is one never to be forgotten while memory lasts.

Mr. Warwick remained at home a short time and then came West to Fond du Lac County, Wis., where he worked as a 
farm hand until 1848, when he came to Waushara County, where he has since resided. He made a claim on section 2, 
in the town of Marion, of land which was still in primitive condition. Rolling up logs he built a cabin which he 
covered with dirt, and then started for Stevens Point to obtain the lumber to complete his house. The season was 
winter, and while on his way a heavy snow fell, almost blocking the roads, and when he had obtained his lumber, 
anxious to complete his task, he started for home. At that time there was not a house between his claim and 
Stevens Point, and he had cut the road which he had traveled. All day long he pressed forward, but night overtook 
him, and as he could no longer see the way, he made a windbreak of his boards, built a fire, and on the frozen 
and snow-covered ground passed the night. He reached home in safety the next day and when his cabin was complete 
began his preparations for the development of his land. Industrious and energetic, he has worked his way upward 
until he has become one of the prosperous citizens of the community, and is now the owner of 240 acres of land, 
with a good residence, barns and outbuildings, and all the necessary improvements. In company with his brother 
he built the first sawmill in the neighborhood, and during those early days the people would come from miles 
around to procure lumber for their homes. He has been closely identified with the upbuilding and development of 
the county, and has not only witnessed, but has been a participant in the many great changes which have taken 
place. 

In his efforts to secure a home, Mr. Warwick has been ably assisted by his estimable wife, whose maiden name was 
Miss Sarah M. Wright. She was a daughter of Zabina Wright, and their marriage was celebrated in 1850. Two children 
were born of their union, but George, the eldest, died at the age of eleven years; Charley is still at home. 

Since coming to the county, Mr. Warwick has carried on operations as a farmer, with the exception of the time spent 
in the service of his country. In 1864 he became a member of Comapny K, of the 38th Wisconsin Infantry, and joined 
his regiment in front of Petersburg. He participated in the seige against that city until its surrender, and was 
with his command until the close of the war, when he was mustered out of service at Madison. He is a member of Ed. 
Saxe Post, No. 135, G. A. R.
 





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