Biographical Sketch of

Sidney C. Waterman

Transcribed by Char Eckman



Source: Portrait and Biographical Album of Green Lake, Marquette and Waushara Counties, Wisconsin, 
published 1890 by Acme Publishing Co., Chicago, Pages 618 - 619 


Sidney C. Waterman, who resides on section 24, in the town of Plainfield, is a representative of one of 
the pioneer families of Waushara County, and the name of Waterman is inseparably connected with its history.  
His father was the founder of the village of Plainfield, and did more for its upbuilding in the early days 
than any other of its citizens, and our subject also deserves no little-credit for the part he has borne 
in the promotion of the public interests of the community.  Almost his entire life has been passed in 
Wisconsin.  He was born in Beloit, on the 30th of March, 1840, whither his parents, Elijah C. and Elizabeth 
(Hall) Waterman, removed in an early day.  His father was a native of Vermont, his mother of Ohio, and their 
marriage took place in the State of Illinois.  For many years Elijah Waterman operated a led mine near Galena, 
where he made his home until 1839.  He then removed to Beloit where he engaged in the hotel business, owning 
and operating the Beloit House.  The family afterward resided in various places in Wisconsin, and at each 
point would embark in some different line of business, which they later sold out.  At length we find them, 
in 1849, in Waushara County, their home being situated on part of the land now comprised within the 
corporation limits of Plainfield.  Mr. Waterman laid out that village, and to induce settlers there to 
locate offered each a lot if he would build and reside upon it.  A number of the old settlers now living 
in the village had their first property given them by its honored founder.  He there erected a hotel, and 
in many other ways aided in its upbuilding and advancement.  At that time Stevens' Point had not yet sprung 
into existence, and the now thriving city of Portage was but a mere trading post.  He did not belong to 
that class of men who believes the world owes them a living, but on the other hand provided liberally for 
himself and family, and aided many others less fortunate that himself.  By his timely assistance he has 
tided many over bankruptcy, were if it had not been for his aid they would probably have sunk to the bottom 
never again to rise to their former level.  He was lenient in his judgments, yet strongly discouraged all 
underhand business or wrong doing.  He was truly one of nature's noblemen, and when called to his home the 
deep regret felt at his loss was sincere.  He had made friends of all with whom he came in contact, among 
both the rich and poor, the young and old.  His excellent wife, who was his co-laborer in many of his lines 
of work, and like him delighted in doing good to her fellow creatures, survived him many years.  Every one 
throughout the community knew Aunt Betsy Waterman, as she was familiarly called.  The children loved her, 
the older people respected her, and all delighted in her companionship.  She peacefully passed away, in 
1885, and her remains were laid to rest by the side of her husband.

Unto Mr. and Mrs. Waterman were born eleven children, two of whom died in infancy.  The remaining nine grew 
to maturity, and are as follows:  Ora C., a hotel keeper of Park River, N. D.; Sidney, of this sketch; Alvin, 
of Grafton, N. D.; Walter, who enlisted in the 7th Wisconsin Infantry, and was killed during the battle of the 
Wilderness, on the 5th of May, 1864; James, who is a lumber dealer, of Ashland, Wis.; George, a merchant of 
Ashland; Theresa, wife of Peter Mitchell, Sheriff of Waushara County; Jane, wife of Allen Jenkins, of Wood 
County; and Charles, who is engaged in farming near Mansfield, S. D.

Sidney C. Waterman, whose name heads this sketch, had little opportunity to secure an education, but by spending 
his leisure hours in reading and study, and closely observing man and his ways, he has gained a practical general 
knowledge which has been of much use to him through life.  In his youth he learned the carpenter's trade, which 
he followed in connection with farming until he offered his services in defense of the honor of the old flag that 
now proudly floats over a united nation.  He enlisted, in August, 1861, for three years, in Company I, 7th Wisconsin 
Infantry, and was mustered in at Madison.  The regiment joined the Army of the Potomac in Washington, and after being 
equipped for war, marched to the front, participating in the second battle of Bull Run and other important engagements.  
At North Ann, Mr. Waterman was wounded by a ball passing through his left thigh, after which he was sent to the 
hospital where he remained until November, 1864.  Rejoining his command he remained with the Army of the Potomac 
until the surrender of Robert Lee at Appomattax, after which the 7th Wisconsin was sent to Jeffersonville, Ind., 
where on the 3d of July, 1865, it was mustered out.  For almost four years Mr. Waterman had endured the hardships 
of army life, but returned with the proud consciousness of having done his duty, and aided in bringing about the 
result which will cause the name of the soldiers to be ever encompassed with honor.

On the 8th of December, 1867, Mr. Waterman wedded Mary H. Adams, daughter of William and Harriet (Benton) Adams, the 
former a native of England, the later of New York.  After the marriage of their daughter they made their home with 
our subject until death.  Mrs. Adams died Jan. 16, 1868, and Mr. Adams on the 25th of February, 1870.  They were 
members of the Presbyterian Church.  A family of eight children was born of the union of the young people:  Edith 
T., born Nov. 5th, 1868, died Nov. 14, 1874; Ora W., born March 26, 1870; Hattie E., April 25, 1873; Ralph S., Feb. 
17, 1876; Carrie M., May 24, 1878; Franklin Earl, Jan. 23, 1880; Lucius Ray, Nov. 1, 1882; Mary, born June 22, 1885, 
died on the 18th of July, of the same year.  In 1880 Mr. Waterman was called upon to mourn the loss of his wife, who
died on the 26th of May.  She was a devoted member and active worker of the Presbyterian Church, and her loss to 
her family is immeasurably great.

In 1868 Mr. Waterman purchased forty acres of land, on section 24, in the town of Plainfield, but his farm now 
comprises 120 acres, and is under a high state of cultivation.  Socially, he is a member of the Masonic fraternity 
and the G. A. R. Post and in politics is a stanch Republican.  For five years he was Clerk of the town of Plainfield, 
and has filled various other offices since his return from the war.  Forty years have passed since he became a 
resident of Waushara County, and though his business affairs have been many, he has found time to devote to the 
interests of the public, and belongs to that noble band of men and women who laid the foundation for the present 
prosperity of the county,


Transcribed by Char Eckman


Note: Cristy in WA writes "I am the g.g.g.granddaughter of Elijah and Elizabeth Waterman, the parents of Sidney Waterman. 
The bio of Sidney states that his parents were married in Illinois.  I have a copy of the marriage record of Elijah and 
Elizabeth (Hall) which states that they married 'on Rock River in 1837 and were both residing in Janesville, Rock Co., WI' 
in 1837.  I sent for a copy to the Racine Co. Register of Deeds with just the names and date of marriage.  That was all 
I needed. Elijah Waterman and Betsey Hall married on February 8, 1837:

# 6 Elijah C. Waterman to Betsey Hall
Married on Rock River February 8th inst. Mr. Elijah C. Waterman to Miss Betsey Hall both residing at Janesville Rock River.
Janesville April 15th 1837                  Daniel Smiley - JP
Received for Record April 28th 1837.






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