James H. Ellwood

From The Portrait and Biographical Album of Rock County, Wis., publ, 1889 - page 225, 226

JAMES H. ELLWOOD is a farmer of Rock County, now residing in Union. In recording the events of his life, we give the history of one of the self-made men of the county, who, though starting out in limited circumstances, has by industry and economy, and the assistance of his estimable and frugal wife, acquired a competence. He was born in Livingston County, N.Y., on the 23d of October, 1831, and is a son of Hezekiah R. and Mary (EDWARDS) ELLWOOD, the former a native of New York, of which State his wife was also a native, having been born in Saratoga County. In 1835, the family removed to Lorain County, Ohio, where Mr. ELLWOOD established his wife and children on a farm, while he devoted his attention to the trade of a cooper. In that county our subject received his education, and was reared on a farm, but disliking the dull routine of farm life, and his ambition leading him to believe that a brighter future was in store for him elsewhere, he decided to leave the parental roof, and in 1851, we find him in Reedsburg, Wis., where he purchased eighty acres of land. He erected a good house, and in 1853, the family went to Reedsburg, where the aged father and mother found a good home, residing there until called to their final rest. The death of the father occurred in 1872, and his wife departed this life in 1855. They had a family of eleven children, ten of whom grew to manhood and womanhood. On the 23d of March, 1852, James ELLWOOD was united in marriage with Miss Sarah M. JOHNSON, daughter of David JOHNSON, who was one of the pioneers of Rock County. Shortly after their marriage, the young couple removed to Iowa, Mr. ELLWOOD purchasing 160 acres of land near Mitchell, where he made his home until 1859, when he came to Rock County, and bought a farm of eighty acres on section 11, Union Township. Like his other purchases, this land was in a wild and uncultivated condition, but building a good residence, he began the development of the farm that afterward became one of the best in Rock County. He had hardly established his wife and child in their new home, however, when the report came that Ft. Sumter had been fired upon, and the President at once called for troops. His patriotism prompted him to respond, and bidding good-by to his little family, he enlisted in September, 1861, in Company G, of the Wisconsin Sharp-shooters, and started for the field of war. Going to New York City, he was assigned to the 1st United States Sharp-shooters, which regiment was then being organized, and sent to Washington, D.C., where he remained during the winter. In the spring of 1862, he entered into active service at Fortress Monroe, and was with Gen. McClellan during the Peninsular campaign. He participated in the seven-days' siege at Richmond, where the army was driven back, fighting all day, but still slowly retreating until nightfall, when they fell back to Harrison's Landing on the James River. Here they remained about four weeks then went to Newport, and from there to Fredericksburg, Va., where Mr. ELLWOOD was detailed to take charge of a team carrying baggage. He continued to perform that duty until receiving his discharge on the 23d of September, 1864. After being mustered out of service, he at once returned to his home. Three of his brothers were also numbered among the boys in blue, being members of Company G, 1st United States Sharp-shooters. Jonas, who is now living in Baraboo, Wis., was for thirteen long months a prisoner of war, suffering all the horrors and pain endured by those unfortunate soldiers who fell in to the hands of the rebels. After his return from the war, Mr. ELLEWOOD again resumed the occupation of farming. To him and his wife have been born four children: Evan, wife of August FREUCHEN, a mechanic and manufacturer of Milwaukee; Ada, widow of L. W. BRIGHAM, is living in Union County, and has one child, Bertha; Seminary, is still at home with her parents; David Ray, who was born May 11, 1882, is the youngest. Mrs. ELLWOOD's mother finds a happy home with her daughter, but for several years past has been greatly afflicted, her eye-sight having almost failed her. Mr. ELLWOOD is now engaged in general faring and stock-raising, operating 156 acres of land, part of which was entered by David JOHNSON in 1840. Upon his farm will be found a good grade of all kinds of stock, together with many fine improvements. Although he began his life as a farm hand, receiving only fifty cents per day, by determined energy, industry and ability, he has become one of the well-to-do citizens of Rock County. He is a man well-informed on all the leading questions of the day, is socially a member of the G.A.R., and in politics is a stalwart Republican. He has never aspired to political distinction, preferring to devote his time and energies to the more agreeable pursuits of farm life, though he has taken a lively interest in educational affairs, and at all times favors any enterprise having for its object the public good. He and his family are all worthy citizens, who enjoy the confidence and respect of the community in which they have so long lived.

Submitted By Carol