Bio: Gallaher, L. W. (History - 1831)

Contact: Janet Schwarze

---- Surnames: GALLAHER BAKER

----Source: Biographical History of Clark and Jackson Counties, published by Lewis Publishing Co., 1891; page 225.

     L. W. Gallaher

L.W. GALLAHER Among the enterprising citizens of Neillsville, Wisconsin, we find the gentleman whose name heads this sketch, and who is an expert machinist and operates a planing and saw mill. He was born in Litchfield County, Connecticut, April 19, 1831, son of J. M. and Myria Gallaher, natives of a West India island. His father was a woolen manufacturer in Connecticut. They moved to Medina County, Ohio when L. W. was seven years old, and he obtained his education in the common schools of Ohio. There are eight children in the family, scattered in different States. The father and mother were Wesleyan Methodists, and the father a Whig and an Abolitionist. His death occurred in Warsaw, Indiana, and his is buried there.

The subject of our sketch assisted his father in the factory until he was eighteen years old, and by that time had acquired a knowledge of machinery. Then he was engaged in running engines for six years. By 1853 he had saved up $200. He came to Warsaw, Indiana, and opened a planing-mill and door factory, which he operated successfully for three or four years. He was united in marriage to Abigail BAKER, a native of Kosciusko County, Indiana, and they have had seven children, namely: Nelson E., Elma W., Carrie P., Charles S., Earl L., Owen V., Reuben H. Mr. and Mrs. Gallaher are active workers as members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, contributing liberally to its charities. This worthy couple are devoted Christians and exemplary citizens, and have the satisfaction of knowing their children are following the example set them, and are receiving a good education.

Mr. Gallaher came to Jackson County, Wisconsin in 1868, and in 1871 came to Clark County, settling in Neillsville, and for a year was interested in the Hub Manufacturing Company. That, however, proved unsuccessful, and he came to his present location and started his planing-mill and sash and door factory. In 1880 he was burned out, and the following year he re-built. He is now doing a successful business and employs a number of hands. Mr. Gallaher is a member of the I.O.O.F, and has been for twenty-eight years.

GALLAHER BAKER