Surnames: COLBURN RATHBONE

----Source: HUMBIRD ENTERPRISE (Humbird, Clark County, Wis.) 12/23/1905

Colburn, Nelson (18 NOV 1835)

Nelson Colburn was born Nov. 18, 1835 in Livingston Co., N.Y., and came to Wisconsin in 1854. He first came to Jefferson Co., and later worked on the river in the early days. He afterwards went to Pennsylvania, where he was married to Miss Nancy Rathbone in 1856. After living in Pennsylvania for seven years he again removed to Wisconsin and settled in Arcadia, Trempealeau Co. About twenty-four years ago he came to Humbird, Clark County, Wis., and has since been a continuous resident here. For many years he owned and operated a large farm south of town, but five years ago sold his farm to Herman Zerbel and since that time has been a resident of the village. At present he is proprietor of a flour store. Of the six children born to Mr. and Mrs. Colburn, but two are living, both being well known here. Mr. Colburn's opinion as to the causes of the re-awakening of Humbird is the "change in proprietorship of the mercantile interests." According to his opinion Humbrid has to its credit a very good school and on the whole an enterprising lot of citizens. The greatest need is more capital -- enterprising capital. At present Humbird is holding its own with any of its neighbors, while a few years ago there were but a few of its citizens who evinced any public spirit whatever, the natural result therefore is a betterment of public interests.