George B. Congdon - He was born in Otisco, Onondaga County, New York, April 9, 1835. His father died in 1842, leaving his mother with a large family, and limited means with which to provide for them. By her wise, economical management, she kept them all together until they were able to do for themselves. At the age of twelve he began life for himself as a picker-boy in Harlem Mill. At the age of eighteen he came to Beaver Dam, Wis., where he followed various occupations until 1859, when he engaged in banking, which proved disastrous, owing to the breaking out of the Rebellion, and depreciation of Southern State stock. From 1861, to May, 1863, he was engaged in the United States mustering office at Madison, where he received appointment as paymaster in the army, and served in this capacity until close of the war, when he resigned, came home, and purchased an interest in mills, with which he is still connected, and has from that time been manager of an institution which is a credit to the woolen industry of Wisconsin. It may be truly said of Mr. Congdon, that he is an economical and an industrious man, always actively interested in every enterprise that is productive of the financial, educational, and moral good of the people.

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