Biographical Sketch of

Benjamin S. Wilber



Transcribed by Joan Benner 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, Page 530 Benjamin S. Wilber is the leading merchant of the village of Packwaukee, where he has been engaged in business since 1879. He is a native of the Empire State, having been born in Albany County, in 1841. In 1855, his father, Simpson Wilber, removed with his family to Walworth County, Wisconsin, where he purchased a farm, but two years later sold out and removed to a farm in the Town of New Haven, Adams County. He then again purchased land and also bought a half interest in the mercantile establishment owned by his son, Henry A., who had preceded the family to Adams County, and for two years had been engaged in business in the village of Big Spring. The death of the father occurred on the 16th of July, 1879, and his wife survived him only about six months. They were the parents of ten children, six of whom are yet living: Henry, the eldest son, returned to Albany County, N. Y., where he still makes his home; Mary, wife of Stephen Griffith, is living near Aberdeen, Edmunds Co., South Dakota; Ira, a farmer, is living in Big Spring; Maggie is the wife of S. S. Landt, who is the present treasurer of Adams County. The subject of this sketch is the fifth in order of birth of the surviving members of his father's family. He was a lad of fourteen years when his parents left the Empire State, and since that time he has mad ehis home in Wisconsin. He was reared to mercantile pursuits, and in his father's store learned the methods and systems of business. Together they engaged in merchandising until 1868, when he bought out Mr. Wilber's interest, and afterwards erected a store and also a residence. He carried on operations in Big Spring until 1878, when a destructive fire caused him to lose nearly all that he had accumulated in years past. But not discouraged, he set to work to retrieve his lost possessions, and in 1879 came to Packwaukee, where he established in business as a general merchant. He has been very successful in his undertakings, and is regarded as one of the leading merchants in Marquette County. His stock of goods is valued at $7,000, and he also owns a store building, and nice residence property. By strict attention to all details and systematic business methods, he has built up a fine trade, and by fair and honest dealing and courteous treatment to all, has won the confidence and high regard of his mnay patrons and acquaintances. In 1862, Mr. Wilber was united in marriage with Miss Ella Ottman, daughter of Rev. David Ottman, one of the early settlers of Walworth County, who passed to his final rest many years since. Their union has been blessed with three children: Ruby B., wife of Frank Welch; Matthew and Benjamin B. The Wilber household is noted for its hospitality, and the fmaily holdsa a high position in the social world. Mr. Wilber is public spirited and progressive, and is one of the representative and valued citizens of the county.



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