Surnames: TOMPKINS MAXWELL MASTERS

----Source: CLARK COUNTY REPUBLICAN & PRESS (Neillsville, Wis.) 07/11/1912

Tompkins, Ezra (13 Jul 1838 - 8 Jul 1912)

Ezra Tompkins, one of the earliest settlers of this vicinity (Clark County), died at his home here Jul 8, 1912. For some years he has been in feeble health, owing to several strokes of paralysis and for a few weeks past had been confined to his bed. He was born in Green County, N.Y., Jul 13, 1838, and spent his early life there among the Catskill Mountains. His youthful experience trained him for the life of a woodsman; at the age of fifteen he had charge of a crew of men getting out tan bark and hauling it down the mountains. He came to Wisconsin in 1855 and worked with his brother Ed Tompkins at the mouth of Wedges Creek. In 1857 he was married to Alice Ann Maxwell. They lived at the mouth of Wedges Creek for about five years , moving to the La Crosse Valley and lived there on a farm for about ten years. They then returned to Clark County and located at French’s old mill near the Big Spring on Black River. For many years Mr. Tompkins engaged in logging and rafting lumber down Black River and the Mississippi. He traded a span of mules for eight acres of land, a part of what was later known as the Dick Lynch farm. After selling the place to Mr. Lynch, he moved to California and lived there two years. On moving back he bought the Naedler farm, which he later sold and bought the farm adjoining on the south now owned by Mr. Schmidt. After living there some time he sold it and moved into Neillsville. Until failing health prevented, he continued to take an active part in logging and farming, and in town and county affairs, for many years representing the town of Pine Valley on the county board and in Republican County conventions. He was far sighted and active in business affairs, but generous and broad minded in his dealing with men and neighbors. Mrs. Tompkins died Aug. 12, 1903, and the only daughter, Mrs. Effie Masters in 1907. Two sons survive him, Fred, of Martinez, Cal., and Morton of Neillsville. He was a member of the Odd Fellows and the Free Masons.

The funeral will be held at the house today, Thursday, at 2 p.m. under the auspices of the Masons.