WILLIAM M. ELDREDGE belongs to the present generation of business men of Janesville, whose native intelligence, sound common sense, good judgment, and enlightened public spirit, have done so much toward the upbuilding and improvement of the city. He was born at Clinton, Oneida Co., N.Y., Nov. 1, 1848, son of Barnabas B. and Louisa M. (HUTCHINS) ELDREDGE. The original home of the family was in Wales, whence emigrated his great-great-grandfather, who settled on the rockgirt peninsula of Cape Cod. The story of his ancestry is most interesting, and for its recital in detail the reader is referred to the biographical sketch of his father, B. B. ELDREDGE, which may be found elsewhere in this volume.
Our subject was but a child when his parents made their home in Janesville, bringing him with them. He attended the public schools in that place, and later for a year the Liberal Institute, at Clinton, Oneida Co., N.Y., of which school his father was an alumnus. For some two years after returning home he was content to hold a clerical position in various stores. His next experience was as an assistant to the distinguished civil engineer, Capt. Edward RUGER, with whom he was associated five of six years. He next studied pharmacy, to whom the State Board of Pharmacy (in the year of its official existence) granted certificates on June 1, 1882. For some sixteen or seventeen years he was identified with the drug business, but he is now a successful real-estate agent, of quick perception, flawless memory and unfailing tact.
Mr. ELDREDGE married Sarah C. PEASE, and has one daughter, Louise H., wife of John BARLASS, of Janesville, Wis. His wife's father, John J. R. PEASE, married Cornelia M. RUGER. Mrs. ELDREDGE has been confirmed in the Episcopal Church. In private life Mr. ELDREDGE is universally popular. Generous and genial, he readily makes friends, whom he retains through his high sense of moral obligations. He is a Republican in politics. Socially he is a member of Janesville Lodge, No. 55, A.F. & A.M.; and of Janesville Chapter, No. 5, R.A.M. His home is at No. 65 Prospect avenue.
From Commemorative Biographical Record of the Counties of Rock, Green, Grant, Iowa and Lafayette, Wisconsin, publ. 1901 - page 224
See Also: Eldredge, Barnabas and Eldredge Family