BIOGRAPHIES:  James GAVENEY, Arcadia, Trempealeau Co., WI

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**Posted for informational purposes only -- the poster has no connection to 
this subject.

James Gaveney was one of the founders and pioneers of Trempealeau County, 
his personality was woven into much of the warp and woof of the county's 
early history,and his name was inseparably connected with its destinies for 
many years.  He not only developed one of the best farms in the county, but 
he likewise became interested in a number of important business ventures, 
and his varied activities included the milling, lumbering and cheese-making 
industries.  James Gaveney was born at Balley Bay, County Monaghan, Ireland, 
April 5, 1825.  Left an orphan at an early age, he was reared to farm 
pursuits, and upon attaining his majority, went to Dublin, where for some 
years he was employed as a member of the police force.  While thus engaged 
he constantly heard stories of the wonderful possibilities offered to men of 
industry and intelligence in the United States, and he accordingly determined 
to try his fortunes in the new world.  The opportunity came in 1848, when, 
with little more than sufficient funds to pay his passage, he set out for 
America.  After landing, he found his way to Mineral Point, this State, where 
for a while he was engaged in lead mining.  In 1852, when the excitement 
attending the gold discovery in California was at its height, he joined 
Captain Sublette's company and crossed the plains to the Pacific coast.  His 
first location in that State was at French Corral, where he remained one 
year, and was afterward at Forest City about four years.  At French Corral 
he formed the acquaintance of Noah Comstock, another pioneer and prominent 
citizen of Trempealeau County, who preceded Mr. Gaveney here by a year, and 
became one of the first settlers in the now historic "Bishop Colony," of 
which he was a member.  The circumstances of the meeting of these two sturdy 
frontiersmen was most peculiar and furnished them with much amusement in 
after years.  According to the story which, with many a chuckle, they often 
told, they met as strangers and there arose between them a most serious 
dispute as to the title of a certain claim which grew so violent in its 
character that revolvers were drawn, and the quarrel seemed likely to 
terminate seriously to one or both of the parties.  But better counsels 
prevailed, and they agreed to work the claim in partnership.  As these 
gentlemen came to know each other better, and to appreciate each other's 
better qualities, a friendship was formed which only ceased with death.  
Their attachment was ever a subject of remark.

Mr. Gaveney returned from California via the Isthmus of Panama, and came to 
Trempealeau County from Mineral Point in 1856; he first purchased 40 acres 
of land, which forms a part of the present homestead of the family; and he 
afterward increased his possessions until he owned many hundred acres.  His 
life was devoted mainly to agricultural pursuits, and he was ever a well-
known and influential citizen.  In 1879, in company with Mr. Comstock, he 
bought the Independence Mill at Independence, where they did quite an 
extensive business; their output averaged about $60,000 per annum.  They 
were also engaged in the lumber business at the same place.  Personally, Mr. 
Gaveney was a man of more than average physical strength, and possessed 
great will power.  He was prominent in whatever tended to promote the best 
interests of the community in which he lived, and possessed the respect and 
esteem of his fellow citizens.  In his political affiliations he was a 
Republican.  His tastes were opposed to the seeking of political preferment, 
but he was prevailed upon to accept a number of public offices, including 
the chairmanship of his township, and other positions, and from June, 1876, 
until July, 1885, he was postmaster, resigning his position by reason of 
advanced years.  He was a successful man, and deservedly so, and at his 
death, which occurred June 21, 1889, the community was bereft of one of its 
most worthy citizens.  He left behind him a record worthy of preservation in 
the annals of his county.  Mr. Gaveney was married in Arcadia in 1860, to 
Maria Martha Briggs, who was born in Vermont, June 30, 1830.  This union was 
blessed with three children:  Charles, John C. and Mamie.  Charles was born 
May 27, 1861, and died Dec. 5, 1889.  John C. was born Oct. 30, 1863, and is 
one of the leading citizens of Arcadia.  Mamie died at the age of 11 years 
in 1879.  After the death of Mr. Gavaney his good wife continued to live on 
the pleasant homestead near the village of Arcadia until her lamented death, 
Feb. 19, 1908.

--Transcribed from "The History of Trempealeau County, Wisconsin, 1917," 
pages 673 & 674.