From Memorial and Genealogical Record of Dodge and Jefferson Counties, Wisconsin, Publ. 1894 - Page 267

R. J. WASHBURN. This gentleman is one of the pioneer business men of Palmyra, Jefferson County, Wis., and inaugurated his business here in 1860 as a tin shop, but which has developed into an extensive hardware stock.

He came here from Madison County, NY., where he was born June 6, 1839, a son of Isaac and Phoebe (SHAW) WASHBURN. The father came to Jefferson County, Wis. in 1850, and located at Palmyra, where he was first engaged in milling and later opened a dry goods store. He was born in the State of New York and died about 1855 in Wisconsin. He had been married twice, and the mother of the subject of this sketch died about 1844. They had two children: Charles, who died in 1851, and R. J. The second marriage was to Betsey SHAW, a sister of the first wife, and one daughter was born to the second union: Leora, now the wife of L. J. BILLINGS, of this State.

The early day of R. J. WASHBURN were passed in the State of his birth and in Palmyra, and he was given the advantages of the common schools. While growing up he learned the tinner's trade, and when starting out in life for himself it was as a tin merchant in Palmyra, which was the inception of the present business. In 1870 he established a drug business here also, and has continued to conduct the same with success ever since. He has always been active in the political affairs of his section, and is a stanch Republican in his views. He has been very successful in a business way, has one of the best appointed stores in Jefferson County, and is doing an excellent business. He is a member of Palmyra Lodge, No. 68, of the A. F. & A. M., which lodge he has represented in the Grand Lodge of the State.

He was united in marriage with Miss E. I. HARLOW, a native of Vermont, and daughter of E. C. and Emeline HARLOW, who have resided in this section ever since the early forties, opening and clearing a large tract of land. To Mr. and Mrs. WASHBURN one son has been given: L. H., who is associated with his father in business and is unmarried.

Submitted by Carol