Sylvester Buck

From The Portrait and Biographical Album of Rock County, Wis., publ, 1889 page 194

SYLVESTER BUCK, of Shopiere, one of the Nation's defenders during the late war, was born in Tompkins County, N.Y., Nov. 19, 1823, and is a son of Marvin and Hannah (WILLIAMS) BUCK. The father served as a soldier in the War of 1812. His death occurred in 1864, at the age of eighty-four years, and his second wife, who is yet living, has been placed upon the pension roll of the soldiers' widows of that war. Marvin BUCK was a public spirited man and always identified himself with the leading interests of the community in which he resided. He had a family of five children by his first wife, namely: Rachel, who wedded William RUDE, both now deceased; Sally, also deceased; Emiline, who is living in Cuba, Allegany Co., N.Y.; Sylvester of this sketch; and William Nelson. The mother of this family died about the year 1828, and the father married for his second wife, Miss Jane BURCH, who is now making her home with her children. She also was the mother of five children: Eli, Amos, Hannah, May and Harriet, the latter being deceased. Our subject received his education in the common school of his native county, and his early life was spent in the manner of farmer lads generally. He was united in marriage with Miss Sarah A. TAYLOR, a native of the Empire State, and a daughter of Charles and Annie (LOTHROPE) TAYLOR. Their marriage was celebrated on the 1st day of January, 1844, and until 1856 they continued to reside in Tompkins County, N.Y., where five of their children were born: Mary E., widow of Edward HOGEBOON, residing in New York; Emma J., wife of Rev. H. B. TUTTLE, a citizen of St. Charles, Minn.; Charles; Marion, of Kansas City, Mo., who has charge of the affairs on the home farm; George F., a resident farmer of Dolan, Dakota. Three children were born after their removal from New York: William, who is also engaged in farming in Dakota; Edward A., a street-car conductor in Chicago; and Byron F., who is engaged in the steam laundry business in Kansas City. IN 1856, Mr. BUCK, accompanied by his family, emigrated to Rock County, locating in Turtle Township, where he engaged in farming until the breaking out of the Rebellion. His love of country prompted him to enlist, and he became a member of the 33d Wisconsin Infantry. He was sent to Vicksburg, and there being taken sick, was placed on detached duty as guard on the wagon train going with Sherman to Atlanta. From that city he was sent back to Nashville, Tenn., on account of disability. He was then placed in the hospital where he lay sick for about two months, when he was sent to St. Louis, Mo., but after a week was ordered to Rock Island, where he did guard duty until the close of the war. He was then sent to Springfield, Ill., and discharged in September, 1865. While in the service, he became a great admirer of Gen. Sherman, placing the fullest confidence in his ability. After being mustered out Mr. BUCK returned to his home and again gave his attention to agricultural pursuits, but the long marches, the frequent exposures to inclement weather and the many privations of army life had undermined his constitution, and his health failing perceptibly, he was forced to abandon the farm, and in 1874 removed to Shopiere, where he has since lived a retired life. He bought a neat residence in that town in 1880, where he has since made his home. He has been placed upon the pension list, but no money could pay for the sufferings which he has endured. In politics Mr. BUCK is a Republican. He is a worthy and well known citizen of the community, and by his many friends is held in high regard.

Submitted By Carol