Biographical Sketch of
Austin Wilkins
Transcribed by Barbara Voss
Source: Portrait and Biographical Album of Green Lake, Marquette and Waushara Counties, Wisconsin, published 1890 by Acme Publishing Co., Chicago, Pages 466 - 467 Austin Wilkins, who is engaged in general merchandising in Montello, Marquette County, was born in Vernon, Sussex Co., N. J., September 13, 1824 and is a son of James and Hannah (Ferguson) Wilkins. When five years of age he began attending school, but shortly afterward his parents removed to another neighborhood and he was obliged to walk three miles to and from the school house. When he was ten years of age the family removed to Woodhull, Steuben Co., N.Y. where he again resumed his studies, working on the farm during vacations. Five years later, when fifteen years of age, the family removed to Athens, Bradford Co., Pa., and three years afterward came to Wisconsin, settling in Darien, Walworth County. In 1845 James Wilkins purchased his present fine farm near Fairfield, Rock County, but on retiring to private life fifteen years ago left that home and became a resident of Allen’s Grove, in Darien, Walworth County, where his wife died in 1877. Our subject made his home with his father until attaining his majority, when as chance offered and the seasons favored he engaged in carpentering, lumbering and rafting lumber down the rivers to St. Louis and other markets. In 1847 he leased a farm in Walworth County and engaged in its cultivation for two years, after which he removed to Packwaukee, Marquette County, where he bought a claim, entering the land as soon as it came into market. He again sold out in 1867, at which time he purchased a half interest in the freight and passenger steamer “Verona,” plying between Portage and Oshkosh, but disposed of it after two years and went to Iowa, though his family remained in Montello. In the Hawkeye State he entered a claim of 160 acres and after making some improvements sold it at a bargain and returned to his home. His next place of residence was Westfield, where he engaged in hotel keeping and dealt in hides, pelts and wool until after the memorable destruction of Peshtigo and Marinette by fire about twenty years ago, when there being a great demand for carpenters, Mr. Wilkins went there to assist in the work of rebuilding those towns. In 1870, he took up his residence in Princeton, where he was engaged as a liquor dealer for six years. Occupying a leased building for one year, after which he erected a building. Later he kept the Hubbard House and ran the Montello stage. In 1876, we find him again in Montello, where in partnership with Michael McCudden, his son- in- law he engaged in the furniture business. His efforts in that line were so successful that in 1881 he was enabled to purchase the large store which he now occupies as a dealer in general merchandise. Their connection was discontinued in 1883, after a partnership of four years. The store owned by Mr. Wilkins is one of the largest in the town and he is regarded as one of Montello’s most popular and substantial merchants. In 1863, Mr. Wilkins was drafted for service in the army but procured a substitute. The man however was killed soon after going to the front and in September 1864, he enlisted in Company F, of the 1st Wisconsin Heavy Artillery, with his command he was sent to Alexandria, Va., where he did guard duty until the close of the war. He is now a member and Senior vice Commander of W. D. Walker Post, No. 64, G. A. R., of Montello. In politics he is a Democrat and though he feels an interest in the success and welfare of his party, he has never been a politician in the sense of office seeking. Through the solicitation of friends however he has served four years as Assessor of the town of Packwaukee, was Treasurer of the same town, was Constable of Montello and Deputy Sheriff of Marquette County under Mr. Fallis and under Mr. Stimpson. Mr. Wilkins was first married in June 1847, to Miss Phoebe Gifford, daughter of Stephen Gifford of Darien, Walworth County who died November 7, 1878, leaving two children- Laura Ann, who married Michael McCudden of Montello and has two children, Bertha and Frank; Albert De Loss, a farmer of the town of Packwaukee, who married Mary, a daughter of Samuel R. Rood and has three children, Rowley, Frank and Lotta. On the 14th of April 1883 Mr. Wilkins married his present wife, who was Miss Sarah E. Dibell, daughter of Sylvester D. Dibell of Montello. They have had two children Ursula, who died May 3, 1889, at the age of three years; and Blossom an infant. As a citizen Mr. Wilkins has always been enterprising and progressive, never with holding his support from any worthy measure. Though not a church member he has made it a rule of his life to aid all denominations represented in the town where he lived, impartially and to the extent of his ability. Education has also ever found in him a generous friend. He is a prominent member of the Odd Fellows. In manner, Mr. Wilkins is genial and courteous and has many warm friends among all classes of people. He has been usually successful in his business ventures and his home relations have been happy in the extreme.
Transcribed by Barbara Voss
This site is maintained by Joan and was last updated October 2004
Click here to send Joan an e-mail Back to the Marquette pages Menu
