Biographies from The History of Columbia County,
Wisconsin, 1880 


Contributed by Carol carolann612@charter.net
Copyright.  All rights reserved.
http://www.usgwarchives.net/copyright.htm


From The History of Columbia County, Wisconsin, 1880, publ. by Western Historical Company, Chicago, Page 934
 
ROBERT B. WENTWORTH was born in the town of Buxton, York Co., Me., Jan. 18, 1827, and resided there until he came to Wisconsin in 1848, locating at Madison.  He learned the trade of printing in Portland, Maine, when a boy, and while living at Madison, worked as a journeyman printer.  He published the first paper that was ever issued in Dodge Co - Dodge County Gazette - which was published in Juneau, and continued the publication of that journal for about four years; the last two years he issued it as the Burr Oak.  He came to Portage in 1857, and bought the Portage City Record, published it just four years, and then sold out to A. J. TURNER.  In 1861 he erected a grain elevator, and engaged in the grain and lumber trade; he also carried on steamboating between this point and Green Bay; in the latter business ten years, from 1864 to 1874.  He is now interested in the City Bank of Portage; he and his son own one-third of the stock of that institution.  Mr. WENTWORTH was married at Fryeburg, Me., Oct. 9, 1850, to Lydia H. PIKE; she as born in Fryeburg, Me., April 1, 1825.  They have three children - Ella Augusta, Winfield Scott, and Florence.  He has been Alderman of the Second Ward four years, and member of the Assembly from Dodge Co. in 1857, and Justice of the Peace one year.
 
W. S. WENTWORTH was born in Juneau, Dodge Co., Wis., Oct. 15, 1853; received his education at the public schools of Portage, and at the Lawrence University at Appleton, Wis.; was connected with McGREGOR & Co., in the lumber and grain business, as clerk for one year; afterward one year for his father until January 1875, he was then appointed assistant cashier of City Bank, and held that position until July 1, 1878, when he was elected cashier, which position he has since held; stockholder and Director of the bank since January 1876.
 
CHARLES H. WILLIAMS, freight engineer on the C. M. & ST. P. R.R.; was born in Vermont Jan. 14, 1843.  His parents came West in 1855 and settled in Beaver Dam, Wis.; his railroad life began in 1860, as fireman on the old La Crosse & Milwaukee R.R.; he enlisted in August 1862 in the 24th W.V.I., and was mustered out on the 22d of June 1865, having served nearly three years.  His regiment as in the Army of the Cumberland during the entire war, and he was in eleven regular battles, besides skirmishes and raids unnumbered.  Some of the engagements are familiar in history - Resaca, Kennesaw Mountain, Atlanta, Jonesboro, Franklin, and Nashville; he had several "close calls," but came out without a scratch.  He enlisted from Milwaukee, and at the close of the rebellion, he returned to his old position and "fired" until 1867, when he took charge of an engine, and has run as engineer to date.  He boards at the Fox House; belongs to the Temple of Honor.  "Charley is well liked."
 
REV. MATTHIAS WITTENWYLER was born in Switzerland Aug. 9, 1840; came to America in June 1853, locating in the town of Washington, Green Co., Wis.; resided there until 1862; then entered the holy ministry; was ordained in 1864; his first charge was the church at Lomira, Dodge Co.; remained there for five months and was then stationed at Waupaca Mission, embracing five counties; while in charge there, he traveled every day and had to preach about every other day; remained until 1863; the conference then sent him to Fox River Circuit; was one year connected with that; in 1864, was sent back to Waupaca Mission, where he remained two years; in 1866, was sent to two Rivers Mission, and was located there two years; in 1868, came to Winnebago Circuit, was also two years in that place; then sent to Dunn Co. Circuit and was there three years; then, in 1873, to Buffalo Co. Circuit; was Pastor there for two years; then, in 1875, appointed Presiding Elder for four years, and now has charge of Portage church, and has a number of other appointments; has made this city his residence since 1875.  Mr. W. was married in Portage Oct. 17, 1865, to Augusta M. MELLEA; she was born in Prussia; they have eight children - A. R., Lydia W., Martha M., Hulda S., Eddie E., Julia E., Fredrick F., and Henry H.
 
Submitted by Carol