Biography: Fond du Lac County, Wisconsin: Henry Francis SACKETT ************************************************************************ Submitted by Kari Roehl, February 2006 © All rights reserved. http://www.usgwarchives.net/copyright.htm ************************************************************************ December 13, 1851 - June 7, 1925 Author: Acme Publishing Company, 1889 HENRY F. SACKETT, who resides on section 29 in the town of Osceola, has resided upon that farm almost his entire life. He was born in the Buckeye State, and is a son of Alzara and Sarah A. Sackett. His father was also born in Ohio, but his mother was a native of Virginia. She removed with her parents to Ohio, however, when a child and was there reared to womanhood. Her maiden name was Sarah Harbaugh, and in 1843 she became the wife of Mr. Sackett, a farmer residing in the neighborhood in which she made her home. They became the parents of six children: Freeman, the eldest, who was born Nov. 5, 1847, in Champion, Trumbull Co., Ohio, and served in the Army of the Potomac as a member of the 28th Wisconsin Infantry under Col. Pier, is a printer by trade and is now living in Phillips, Wis.; Austin S., also a a native of Trumbull County, born June 20, 1849, now makes his home in California; Henry, of this sketch, is the third in order of birth, he having been born in Champion, Dec. 13, 1851; Simmons E., who was born in Waucousta, Wis., Dec. 8, 1853, when last heard of was in California; Edith Adela, who was born in Waucousta, Sept. 23, 1856, died in infancy; George E., who was born in the same town, June 12, 1861, is a printer of Fifield, Wis. In 1852 when our subject was a babe, Mr, Sackett left his home in Ohio and emigrated with his family to Wisconsin, where he purchased a farm of 160 acres in the town of Osceola, Fond du lac County. It became the homestead and there our subject yet resides with his mother. The land at that time was covered with a heavy growth of timber, only five acres of the entire amount having been cleared. In the opening, a little log cabin had been built which constituted the home of the family during these early days. With a resolute will and unbounded energy, Mr. Sackett began the development of a farm. Little by little the land was cleared of the forest trees and crops were planted. The work of cultivation and improvement was carried forward with such ceaseless industry that it was not many years before the Sackett farm was numbered among the best in the county, which rank it still occupies. In the month of October, 1869, the husband and father was called to his final rest, but his excellent wife still survives him, and makes her home with our subject. Henry Sackett was reared on the old homestead farm and in the district schools of the neighborhood acquired his education. With his family he was forced to endure many hardships and trials such as are incident to pioneer life, and at the early age of seventeen years, on the death of his father, he became manager of affairs. Though so young, he displayed much ability in the discharge of his arduous duties and is now numbered among the leading farmers of the community. Perhaps the care of the farm and family served but to develop his self-reliance and resolute character. The thoughtfulness and care which he evinced would have done honor to one much older, but he has been rewarded by great success in his undertakings, and is now numbered among the prosperous citizens of Osceola Township. In connection with general farming he owns and operates two cheese factories, one located on the old homestead, the other in the town of Ashford. These also yield a good income and are leading enterprises of the township. On the 13th day of June, 1880, Mr. Sackett was joined in wedlock with Miss Cora I. Marston, of Campbellsport. They now have two interesting children, both sons, namely: Ray Marston, who was born Nov. 9, 1883; and Herbert Simmons, who was born Dec. 30, 1885. Their first-born, a daughter, Eva Clair, died in infancy. Mr. Sackett is a stalwart advocate of the Republican party, which he has supported since attaining his majority, but though he feels a deep interest in political affairs he has never sought public office, preferring to devote his time and attention to his business interests. He does not hold membership with any religious organization, but contributes liberally to charitable and benevolent institutions, and is a worthy and valued citizen. As a business man he displays much ability, is careful and accurate in his methods and courteous and affable in manner. --Transcribed from the "PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM OF FOND DU LAC COUNTY, WISCONSIN" 1889, pages 539-540 by Kari J. Roehl