JAMES A. CHAMBERLAIN is a leading farmer of La Prairie Township, residing on section 35. We are pleased to record the sketch of this pioneer, whose history has been identified with that of the county since March 22, 1838, nearly his entire life having been passed within its borders, while for a half century he has resided upon the same farm. He was born in Hartford, Conn., March 2, 1833, and is a son of James and Maria (JACKSON) CHAMBERLAIN. The father was born in the Isle of Wight, March 13, 1791, and in 1819 sailed from the shores of England across the broad ocean to America, locating first on Long Island. He was a carpenter and joiner by trade, and while there residing became acquainted with the lady who afterward became his wife, she being a native of Long Island. Shortly after their marriage they removed to Hartford, Conn., where Mr. CHAMBERLAIN was employed as a contractor and builder, erecting many of the finest buildings in that city, including the Episcopal Church. In 1832 the city awarded him the contract of building a stone arch bridge, which yet stands as a monument to his efficient skill, while many other fine structures testify to his ability as a workman. In the month of December, 1836, he made a trip to the West and stopped at Rockford, Ill., and in January of the following year made a trip to Beloit. Proceeding up Turtle Creek, he located a claim on its banks in the town of Bradford, pre-empting a half-section of land, and when the land came into market in 1837, he sold 160 acres in order to pay for the remaining quarter section. This land was entirely unimproved, but he at once built a log cabin on the claim, and in the spring of 1838 removed his family, consisting of wife and three children, to their new home which he had prepared. The journey was made by team from Hartford, Conn. Starting on the 20th day of January, 1838, they traveled until March 22d, when they arrived at their destination.
Mr. CHAMBERLAIN at once turned his attention to farming, and began the development of the wild land, upon which he made his home until 1841, when he traded for forty acres on section 35, La Prairie Township, and removed to that farm, where he continued to reside until his death, Sept. 10, 1874. He was numbered among the leading citizens of this county, and was a member of the first convention that met in Madison to frame the constitution for the State of Wisconsin. He filled various township offices, erected the first school house in the township, and bore a prominent part in the promotion of religious and educational interests. None stood higher in the community than Mr. CHAMBERLAIN. His estimable wife departed this life Oct. 19, 1876. To them were born eight children, four of whom grew to maturity: Julia A., widow of Peter SMITH, one of the early pioneers of this county, is now residing in Clinton; James A., of this sketch; Sarah J. is the wife of Joseph DOCKSTADER, who is engaged in farming in La Prairie Township; and Mary C., who resides in Darien, Walworth County, is the widow of Napoleon JOHNSON.
Our subject received his education in the common schools of Rock County, and his entire life has been spent upon a farm. Coming to this county when five years of age, he has spent fifty-one years of his life within its borders. He remained under the parental roof until Nov. 26, 1856, when he led to the marriage altar Miss Helen J. HUMPHREY, a native of Montgomery County, N.Y., born June 2, 1838. Her parents were Frederick A. and Eliza (YATES) HUMPHREY, the former a native of Troy, N.Y., and the latter of Saratoga County, N.Y. On the 1st day of May, 1847, they left their native State and came to this county, where the father has since followed the trade of carpenter and joiner, which he carries on in Shopiere.
Mr. and Mrs. CHAMBERLAIN began their domestic life upon the old home farm, where they have continued to reside. He has added to his original possessions until he now owns 245 acres of land, 160 situated in La Prairie Township, and eighty-five in the town of Bradford. One child came to grace the union of our subject and his wife, a daughter, Emma, who was born Jan. 2, 1860. She received a liberal education, having been graduated from Milton College in 1878. On the 12th day of May, 1886, she became the wife of Dr. James MILLS, of Janesville. From the time when Mr. CHAMBERLAIN cast his first Presidential vote for Fremont, he has been a supporter of the Republican party and a strong adherent to its principles. He has served in various local offices of trust, for several years was Township Superintendent of Schools, and for a long period served as Township Supervisor. The honorable, upright life of Mr. CHAMBERLAIN has gained him the confidence and esteem of his fellow-citizens, and his name is familiar throughout the county as belonging to a man of unswerving integrity. Whenever in his power he has aided in the advancement of the community, and not only has he witnessed the remarkable growth and progress, but has participated in the great development which has been made.
From Portrait and Biographical Album of Rock County, Wisconsin, publ. 1889 - page 857-859
See Also: Joseph Dockstader