Robert Fargo

Surnames: Burdick, Rogers

Regions: Herkimer and Wyoming Co., NY; Jefferson Co., WI

From Memorial and Genealogical Record of Dodge and Jefferson Counties, Wisconsin, Publ. 1894 - Page 275-277 ROBERT FARGO. Jefferson County, Wis., ranks among its solid banking institutions one that has preserved its integrity and under all circumstances guarded jealously the rights of its depositors and stockholders ever since it was established, and has maintained a standard of honorable and fair dealing in no wise inferior to that of sister organizations. This institution is known as the Bank of Lake Mills, and he whose name heads this sketch is its most efficient and trustworthy cashier. Mr. FARGO, who is one of the old residents of this place, was born in London County, Conn., August 10, 1828, being a son of Isaac and Sarah (ROGERS) FARGO, who were also natives of that State. The father was successfully engaged in tilling the soil, but in 1831, accompanied by his family, he emigrated to New York, and took up his abode in Genesee County, where he did a prosperous business until death closed his career July 4, 1858, his wife, who long survived him, passing away in 1887, at the extreme old age of ninety-three years. They were the parents of nine children, eight of whom are yet living. Robert FARGO, who was the sixth born of this family, was but three years of age at the time of his parents' removal to the Empire State, and on a farm there he resided until he was sixteen years old, during which time he acquired a practical education in the common schools. He began the battle of life for himself as a clerk in a general store in Churchville, where he was employed for two years. After spending one year in pursuing the paths of learning in an academy of Wyoming, N.Y., he, in the fall of 1847, emigrated Westward to Wisconsin and for three years thereafter was engaged in clerking in the store owned by his two elder brothers. At the end of this time he began the study of telegraphy, and after he had mastered the same he was made superintendent of the construction of a telegraph line from Madison to Galena, a portion of his duty being to instruct and employ agents along this line. Two years were spent in this manner, and then, owing to failing eyesight, he was obliged to give up this work, and he returned to his former home in Lake Mills, in 1851. He then became identified with the firm of GRISWOLD & FARGO, in the foundry and machine shops at this place. This industry became the largest of the kind west of Milwaukee, and was carried on with the most satisfactory success for two years, when Mr. FARGO's health began to fail, and he was obliged to retire from the business. After that he was engaged in clerking for a number of years, and in 1861 opened a mercantile establishment of his own and for fifteen years this business was conducted in a shrewd and most satisfactory manner financially. Since retiring from a mercantile life he has give his entire time and attention to looking after his extensive landed and financial interests, and as he from time to time purchased property, he is at the present time the owner of a considerable amount, and for some time was very successfully and extensively engaged in farming. In 1893 he erected a large brick business block in Lake Mills, 55 x 65 feet, and two stories in height, the style of the architecture being modern and attractive, and in this building he began the banking business which was incorporated under the State Laws with a capital stock of $30,000. The bank is an enterprise which was originated by him, and he was instrumental in organizing the stock company and in making a thriving and successful financial affair. He is one of the most substantial citizens of the county and has done much for the business interests of Lake Mills, for he has always been prominently and closely identified with its prosperity and growth. He does not count the cost when engaged in a work that will prove of public benefit, in fact he is in every way a model American citizen. One entire summer was devoted to the superintending of the construction of the elegant school building, which was erected at a cost of $10,000 For many years he was connected with the school board and did all that was in his power to advance the educational interests of his section. Although formerly a Republican but now a Prohibitionist in principle, he has never sought political preferment, although at the earnest solicitation of friends he was a candidate for State treasurer on the Prohibition ticket at one time. He much prefers to devote his attention to his business interest rather than to engage in the strife and turmoil of political life, and in this has shown his wisdom. He is a generous supporter to educational and religious enterprises, although not a member of any society, and is essentially a self-made man in every respect, for when he came to Lake Mills his capital amounted to the munificent sum of 25 cents. The competency which has been gained is the result of clear judgment, good management, persistent endeavor and close application, and he now has an elegant and modern residence, admirably arranged and supplied with all the comforts and conveniences which tend to make life enjoyable. March 30, 1853, he was united in marriage with Miss Ellen BURDICK, a native of Herkimer County, N.Y., and to their union two children have been given: Howell B., the present cashier of the Bank of Deerfield, and Wallie, who died November 7, 1867. Mr. FARGO was left a widower January 18, 1892, his amiable and intelligent wife being deeply mourned by a large circle of friends and acquaintances, besides her own immediate family. Submitted by Carol