Bio: Joseph, Solomon Fordger (History - 1848)

Contact: Janet Schwarze

Surnames: JOSEPH DALE

----Source: 1891 History of Clark and Jackson Co., Wisconsin, pg. 336-337

SOLOMON FORDGER JOSEPH, one of the prominent businessmen of Neillsville, Wisconsin, was born in Cattaraugus County, New York, July 23, 1848. His father died in Genesee County, that State, in 1876. Solomon was the second of a family of three children. He began to work on a farm when he was eight years old and worked for his board and clothes until he was sixteen. His education was obtained in the common schools of Wisconsin. When he was twelve years old his mother hired him out to a farmer in Columbia County, Wisconsin, with the understanding that he was to have three months schooling in the winter. The farmer did not come up to the terms of his agreement and refused to let the boy attend school. From being imposed upon and kept away from school, young Joseph became indignant, and , as another man had offered to hire him and give him six months schooling during the winter, he decided to run away. This, however, was not such an easy matter, as the sequel proved. He carefully packed his clothes, let them down with a rope from the second story window, crept down stairs in his stocking-feet, secured his bundle and started for the home of the gentleman who had made him such a liberal offer. Ere he reached his destination he was overtaken by his employer and was compelled to return with him and remain until his time had expired, which was one year. It is scarcely needless to say that he is in favor of the Bennett law.

When he was eighteen years old Mr. Joseph entered railroad employ, working at telegraphy in Columbia County. In 1866 he engaged in a general store in Rio, same county. By the time he was twenty-one he had saved up $350. About this time he was seized with a desire to go further West and found his way to Lake Benton, Minnesota. He subsequently returned to Wisconsin and settled at Poynette, where for six months he worked at the carpenter's trade. In 1868 he learned the harness trade there, and in 1872 he came to Neillsville and engaged in the harness business.

January 15, 1872, Mr. Joseph married Nellie E. Dale, daughter of Hon. E. O. Dale, of Poynette, a member of the Assembly of Wisconsin in 1873. She was born at Lowell, Massachuetts, September 23, 1849, and her education was obtained in the common schools of Wisconsin. She had an unusually bright intellect and was engaged in teaching from the time she was sixteen until she was twenty. Her death occurred June 6, 1890, and her remains were interred at Neillsville. A most estimable woman and an earnest Christian, her departure was a source of bereavement not only to her family but to a large circle of friends. For a number of years she was organist of the Presbyterian Church, of which she was a consistent member. Their family of four children are as follows: Florence, Edith, Syndol and Hayes T.

Mr. Joseph is independent in his political views. He is a member of the I. O. O. F. and has twice been a representative to the Grand Lodge. He is High Chief Ranger of the Ancient Order of Foresters, and was a representative to the Superior Court of Foresters held at New York City June 14, 1881, every State being represented, and Canada as well.