AMOS COTTINGTON - Biography

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Commemorative and Biographical Record of Columbia, Sauk and Adams Counties, 
WI. Chicago: Ogle, 1901, p 485-487


AMOS COTTINGTON was for many years one of the leading and representative 
farmers of Winfield Township, Sauk County, WI, but is now retired from the 
active labors of life. He was born in Sussex, England, 14 Dec 1838, and is a 
son of Jesse and Rebecca (FORWARD) COTTINGTON, also natives of Sussex, who 
were among the most esteemed pioneers of Sauk County. On crossing the 
Atlantic in 1841 the family first settled in Madison County, NY. In his 
native land the father followed farming, making a specialty of hop culture, 
in which [p 486] he continued to engage during his residence in NY. In Oct 
1851 he came to Sauk County, WI, and settled on section 26, Winfield 
Township. To him is due the credit of having first introduced the culture of 
hops in this county. The next year after his arrival here he imported roots 
from Waterville, NY, and cultivated the crop successfully for many years, 
both before and after the crisis in the market, which occurred in 1868. Many 
of the first hop yards in the vicinity are propagated from roots which he 
furnished. He also gave some attention to improving the wild hops which grew 
in profusion in the woods, but did not obtain satisfactory results therefrom. 
Besides his own crops, he dealt more or less in hops and filled large 
contracts at Portage [Columbia County, WI] and Madison [Dane County, WI], the 
price fluctuating from 6 to 60 cents per pound. He was a prominent man in 
his community, a stanch Republican in politics and filled the principal 
offices in Winfield Township. He died at Webster City [Hamilton County], IA, 
26 May 1893, aged 77 years, but his wife, who was born in Ticehurst, Sussex, 
England, 26 May 1815, is still living in Reedsburg [Sauk County, WI] and is 
quite active for one of her years.

In the family of this worthy couple were four sons and three daughters, of 
whom three sons, including our subject, were soldiers in the Civil war. 
Levi, now a resident of Webster City [Hamilton County], IA, was a member of 
Company F, 3rd WI Cavalry. Jeremiah P., of Dallas, Brown County, WI, 
enlisted in 1861 in Company B, 4th WI Infantry, later known as the 4th 
Cavalry, and served all through the struggle. The other son is Robert, a 
physician of Bloomer [Chippewa County], WI; and the daughters were Mrs. 
Hannah ELLINWOOD; Agnes, who married O. F. GREGORY and died in Carthage 
[Jasper County], MO; and Mrs. Mary SPAULDING, of Webster City [Hamilton 
County], IA.

Amos COTTINGTON came with his parents to Sauk County, WI, in 1855, and was 
reared in much the usual manner of farmer lads in his day. He received but 
limited educational advantages, but always made the most of his opportunites 
and has become a well-informed man. He purchased a farm adjoining his 
father's, where he still owns 160 acres, having sold a 40-acre timber tract 
which formerly belonged to it. For many years he was a very strong, robust 
man, but was injured by the kick of a horse several years since, which 
finally resulted in the amputation of his right foot.

On 03 Dec 1862, Mr. COTTINGTON was united in marriage with Miss Elmira M. 
FISH, who was born in Albany County, NY, 19 Jul 1836, and died 17 Jan 1896. 
Her parents were Elisha and Polly (KING) FISH, the former also a native of 
Albany County, NY, and a member of the Society of Friends. Her mother lived 
to the advanced age of 90 years and 20 days. To our subject and his wife 
were born two children: Orna E., of Winfield Township [Sauk County, WI]; and 
Edna E., now Mrs. C. S. POWELL, of the same township.

In the spring of 1865 Mr. COTTINGTON enlisted in Company F, 51st WI Volunteer 
Infantry, and remained in the service until hostilities ceased. He is now a 
member of H. A. Tator Post, G. A. R., and the Modern Woodmen Camp at 
Reedsburg, in both of which he has held office, and has been a life member of 
the Sauk County Agricultural Society at Baraboo for many years past. In his 
religious views he is liberal and in political sentiment is an ardent 
Republican, taking an active and prominent part in the work of his party and 
serving as a delegate in many of its county conventions. As one of the 
popular and influential citizens of his community he has been honored with 
several official positions; has served as [p 487] chairman of the town of 
Winfield [Sauk County, WI] for many years; as school treasurer 28 consecutive 
years; and a member of the United States jury at Madison [Dane County, WI] 
for several terms. As a citizen he has always been true and faithful to 
every trust reposed in him.