Biographical Sketch of

Hiram Wilcox

Transcribed by Barbara Voss 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 650 - 651


Hiram Wilcox, who for forty years has been numbered among the prominent citizens of Waushara County, is 
now engaged in general farming and stock-raising on section 26, in the town of Plainfield. He is a native 
of Vermont, having been born in Hinesburg, Chittenden County August 1, 1831. His father, John Wilcox, was 
a native of Connecticut and married Altha Spaulding, Who was a true helpmate and his loved companion until 
his death. He followed the occupation of farming throughout his entire life and died in Vermont in 1865, 
his excellent wife surviving him until 1868. They were parents of twelve children, nine of whom are living: 
Leonard of Minnesota; Lewis of Vermont; Henry of Michigan; Hiram of Waushara County; and Daniel, Silas, 
Laurie, Sophia and Louisa of Vermont.

Our subject spent his early boyhood days in the Green Mountain State and remained under the Parental roof 
until eighteen years of age, when he started out to fight the battle of life for himself. Bidding good-bye 
to his old home, he started for the West, believing that he could better his financial condition on its 
broad prairies, where farms could he secured for the cultivation and all stood a fair chance of rising in 
the world. He chose Waushara County as the scene of his future labors, but ten years passed ere he made 
a permanent location. During that time he spent the winters in the pineries and in the summer months 
engaged in rafting on the river. When he had acquired some capital by his industry and perseverance, he 
made an investment in 160 acres of wild land and began the development of a farm. It was yet unbroken not 
a furrow having been turned or an improvement made, but after building a small cabin and seeing his family 
as comfortably settled as possible, he began the work of cultivation and as success attends those who 
diligently labor, his efforts were crowned with prosperity.

An interruption of his labors came in the shape of the late war. Believing it his duty to strike a blow for 
his country he enlisted in 1862, in the 30th Wisconsin Infantry, serving for the period of two years and two 
months, the regiment being principally engaged in guard duty. The exposure and hardship of war broke down his 
health and in consequence he was discharged from the service, in Madison, in October, 1864, and immediately 
there after returned home.

In December, 1854, Hiram Wilcox was united in marriage with Catherine Furman, a native of Virginia, and daughter 
of Peter S. and Elethear (Besley) Furman, both of whom were natives of Pennsylvania, and unto them have been 
born three children: Ella, wife of L. Frost, of Portage County; Mary at home, and Florence, wife of Almond Lane, 
a resident farmer of the town of Oasis.

A fine farm of 200 acres now pays tribute to the care and cultivation of our subject. Its fields are well tilled, 
the latest improved machinery is there found, all the necessary buildings have been erected and he raises good 
grades of stock. Everything about the place denotes the care and supervision of an energetic and industrious 
owner, while the many improvements stand as monuments of his labor in former years. As a citizen, he is public 
spirited and progressive and in all public matters which pertain in the welfare of the community he feels a deep 
interest. He is a Republican in polities and himself and family are well and favorably known throughout the county. 
He has lived to see the great changes which have transformed this section of Wisconsin and not only been a witness 
of its progress and development but has been an active participant in the labor which has been required to bring 
about the result. His upright life and courteous manner have won him many friends and placed him in the ranks of 
the worthy and valued citizens of Waushara County as well as the honored pioneers.






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