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ITEM: Albert W. Bonesteel

SOURCE: Portrait and Biographical Album of Green Lake, Marquette and Waushara Counties, Wisconsin, Chicago: Acme Publishing Co., 1890.

ALBERT W. BONESTEEL, a practical farmer and leading citizen of the town of Green Lake, Green Lake County, now residing on section 23, has passed his entire life on the farm where he now lives. He was there born May 20, 1857, being a son of Henry and Maria L. (Davitt) Bonesteel. The father was born in Rensselaer County, N. Y., Feb. 7, 1807, and in the common schools received his education. On attaining man's estate, he turned his attention to farming and in connection with that occupation engaged in operating a sawmill. On the 23d of November, 1844, he led to the marriage altar Miss Davitt, who was born Dec.16, 1818. Her father, George Davitt, was a native of Ireland, but when a little child was brought by his parents to this county, the family locating in Renselaer County, N. Y., where he was reared and married a Miss Ives by whom he had six children; all, however, died in childhood. He weeded for his second wife Lydia Page, who was born in New Hampshire but removed to New York in her maidenhood. Eleven children were born unto them, including Mrs. Bonesteel, seven of whom are yet living. In 1849, Mr. and Mrs. Davitt came to Green Lake County to visit Mrs. Bonesteel, and while here the mother's death occurred in her sixtieth year. Mr. Davitt returned to New York and ere his death had reached the advanced age of eighty-four years. This worthy couple were members of the Baptist Church, and were sincere Christian people who won the respect and confidence of all.

On the marriage of Henry Bonesteel and Maria Davitt, they settled in New York, where one child, a daughter, was born unto them. In 1846, they came to Green Lake County, where the husband engaged in farming. The land was wholly uncultivated at the time of his purchase, but with characteristic energy he began its development and in a short time had a good home. He started in life a poor man, but ere his death became one of the most extensive land owners in this county, also owning valuable tracts in the State of Iowa. His success was due to his perseverance, industry and good business ability combined with honesty and fair dealing. He was never known to take undue advantage of any one, but his reputation for honesty was so great that his word was a readily received as his bond. He held some minor offices in the township, but never sought or desired public preferment as he was content to devote his leisure time to the enjoyment and pleasures of the home. For many years he held the office of Deacon in the Congregational Church and was one of the most active workers. He died on the 12th of May, 1877, respected and esteemed by all who knew him. His wife still survives her husband and is living on the old homestead with our subject. Unto that worthy couple were born four children, of whom Albert W. is the youngest; Amelia M., the first born, died at the age of nineteen years; Edward H. married Cora Gardenier and has one son, and Henrietta C. died at the age of seventeen.

Albert W. Bonesteel, whose name heads this sketch, was reared to manhood on the farm where his father located in 1846. His early life was spent in assisting in the cultivation of the land and in acquiring an education. He pursued his primary studies in the common schools until fifteen years of age when he entered Ripon College, there remaining one year. Since sixteen years of age he has had entire charge of the farm and has displayed much ability in its management. In his own right he is the owner of 240 acres of land and his mother owns a tract of 280 acres which he manages for her. He is a wide-awake, energetic young man and is accounted one of the best farmers of the community. He takes great interest in all church work and has been chorister of the Congregational Church for several years. In politics, he is a supporter of the Republican party, and is well informed on all the leading issues of the day, both political and otherwise. For fifteen years he has been a member of the Independent Order of Good Templars and is a member of the Right Worthy Grand Lodge of the World. He is especially active in promoting the interests of temperance, and is a citizen of whom any community might well be proud. Those who have known him from his boyhood up are numbered among his warmest friends, which fact is a high testimonial of his character and the upright life which he has led. On the opposite page will be seen portraits of Mr. and Mrs. Bonesteel.

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