Bio: Means, Dudley B. (History - 1840)

Contact: Janet Schwarze 

Surnames: MEANS PAYSLEY

----Source: Biographical History of Clark and Jackson Counties, Wisconsin, by The Lewis Publishing Co., 1891, pg. 276-277.

DUDLEY B. MEANS, a self-made man and a prominent and influential citizen, resides on a farm of 245 acres, which is located on section 16, Pine Valley Township, Clark County.

An outline of his life is as follows:
Mr. Means was born in Quebec, Canada, May 30, 1840, son of Edward and Mary A. (Paysley) Means. His parents were born in Ireland, the father in 1807 and the mother in 1810. The former is deceased, and the latter, now at the advanced age of eighty years, resides with her son, the subject of this sketch. In 1862 Mr. Means learned the trade of stone mason, and for some years worked at his trade in Quebec during the summers, spending his winters at work in the woods. In 1865 he left Canada, came to the United States and for a time made his home in Ohio. There he secured employment, superintending the farm of Hon. John Sherman while that gentleman was on a trip to Europe. After remaining in Ohio for a year and a half, he came to Wisconsin, landing in Clark County May 23, 1867. Two years he worked in the woods, and then for seven years he superintended a logging camp for other parties. After that he began work for himself in the lumbering business. This adventure, however, proved unsuccessful and he lost $5,000 in one year.

In 1876 Mr. Means married Lottie E. Ross, a daughter of Robert Ross, the old pioneer lumberman of Wisconsin. Five children have blessed this union: Nellie, Della, Lottie E., Dudley B., Jr., and Frankie. Mrs. Means is a lady of culture and refinement. Her education was obtained at Fox Lake Academy, Wisconsin, and at the University of Rockford, Illinois.

While living in Wisconsin Mr. Means has been variously employed lumbering extensively and carrying on mercantile business for a number of years, conducting a general store in Neillsville and , although meeting with a great deal of misfortune by fire and otherwise in the past years, is now at full speed ascending the hill of prosperity. He is now giving his attention to farming. In 1889 he was burned out, and over the ruins of his old home he has constructed a large and beautiful brick residence, costing more than $3,000. Mr. Means is a member of the K. of P. and of the Modern Workmen. He is an active politician, casting his vote and influence with the Republican party.

MEANS PAYSLEY