ASAHEL W. SOPER, who for many years has been identified with the history of this county, and now resides on section 2, in the town of Clinton, was born in Huntington, Long Island, August 9, 1829, his birth occurring in an old block house, such as was common in Colonial days. His parents were Asahel W. and Elizabeth (SHERWOOD) SOPER, the former born of English parentage, the latter being of English and Scotch descent. His father served as a soldier in the war of 1812, going first as a substitute for a friend, but later was drafted. Our subject is one of a family of seven children, four sons and three daughters, all of whom grew to manhood and womanhood. Charles P., the eldest, was twice married, his first union being with Harriet WASHBURN, by whom he had one son, Frank, who was drowned at the age of fourteen years, and after the death of his first wife, he wedded Wealthy GALLOP, and three children were born unto them - James, Mary and Harriet; Elizabeth C., widow of Stephen VARNELL, is now living in California with her daughter, Josephine, the wife of Elijah HIGHAM; Herbert resides at Sauk City, Sauk Co., Wis.; Treadwell, a resident of California, married Nancy EVANS of Oneida County, N.Y., and unto them was born three children, Clara, Edgar and Nellie; Jane is now the wife of T. C. WILLIAMS, of Racine County, and Mr. WILLIAMS oldest son is an attorney at law and ex-district attorney of Milwaukee County, and their family numbers five children, W. C., Pliny, Dora, Clara and Retta; Pliny who was a soldier in the late Rebellion in the 13th Kansas Infantry, and was detailed and served as chief clerk under his Colonel, married Miss Fannie LELAND, by whom he had one son, now a practicing attorney of Topeka, Kan. He held a position in the Pension Department, during President Arthur's administration, and is now retired.
About the year 1838, Mr. SOPER removed with his family to Oneida County, N.Y., where he made his home until the spring of 1844, which witnessed his arrival in the Territory of Wisconsin. He became one of the pioneer settlers of Walworth County, but was only permitted to enjoy his new home for two years, death claiming him as its victim in September, 1846. His wife departed this life in February, 1869. They were life-long members of the Methodist Episcopal church, and at their house, the ministers of that denomination always found a home. Mrs. SOPER was a woman of more than ordinary ability and possessed a most extraordinary memory, always remembering anything which she once read. Politically, Mr. SOPER was what was known as an old line Whig, and was a great admirer of Gen. William Henry Harrison.
The subject of our sketch resided in his native city until about nine years of age, when he removed with his parents to Oneida County, N.Y., where his school life began. His education was completed in the schools of Walworth County, to which the family removed in 1844, and in that county he formed the acquaintance of Miss Meribe ENDERS, a most estimable young lady, who became his wife in 1850. She was born in Schoharie County, N.Y., in the month of March, 1829, and is a daughter of John W. and Kate (FREDENDALL) ENDERS. Soon after their marriage, the young couple removed to Linn County, Iowa, where Mr. SOPER purchased a farm, but after engaging in its cultivation for two years, returned to Walworth County. He there made his home until 1856, when he came to Rock County, locating in Bradford Township, and has since engaged in farming. In 1869, he purchased his present farm in the town of Clinton, where he has a pleasant home. He is recognized as one of the leading farmers of the community, is practical and progressive and everything about the place denotes thrift and enterprise.
Two children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. SOPER - Jerome,the oldest son is a florist of Rockford, Ill.; he wedded Miss Adell WINN, and they have a family of four children - Bertha, George, Lloyd and Harry. John, the youngest, who is now ticket agent at Clinton in the employ of the Chicago & Northwestern Railroad Company, married Miss Elvira WESTBY of Washington, D.C. and their union has been blessed with four children - Roy, Lillian, Ethel and Lizzie.
Mr. SOPER cast his first presidential vote for Gen. Fremont and since that time has been a staunch supporter of the Republican party and a warm advocate of its principles. He takes an active part in the political campaigns, earnestly working for the infests and success of the candidate whom he supports, but never seeking official honors for himself. As a citizen, he is true and loyal and was instrumental in sending many to the front during the late war. At that time, he was chairman of the Township Committee and handled large amounts of money which were always honorably accounted for. Fair and honest in all his dealings Mr. SOPER has won the respect and confidence of each and every one with whom business or pleasure has brought him in contact. He and his wife have been members of the Methodist Episcopal Church for many years.
From The Portrait and Biographical Album of Rock County, Wis., publ, 1889 - page 992, 993