Edwin Hillyer: Difference between revisions
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'''Edwin Hillyer''' was an American industrialist from [[Waupun, Wisconsin|Waupun]], [[Wisconsin]]. Hillyer first came to Waupun in 1847, nearly ten years after Seymour Wilcox, the settlement's founder. |
'''Edwin Hillyer''' was an American industrialist from [[Waupun, Wisconsin|Waupun]], [[Wisconsin]]. Hillyer first came to Waupun in 1847, nearly ten years after Seymour Wilcox, the settlement's founder. |
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== Life == |
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Edwin Hillyer was born in Ohio and settled in Waupun with his brother, Joseph Talcott Hillyer. When they first arrived the both of them worked in lumber. In 1849, he and eight other Waupun settlers got gold fever and formed a company to head for California. They all returned in 1852.<ref>''The History of Dodge County, Wisconsin''. Western Historical Company, 1880.</ref> |
Edwin Hillyer was born in Ohio and settled in Waupun with his brother, Joseph Talcott Hillyer. When they first arrived the both of them worked in lumber. In 1849, he and eight other Waupun settlers got gold fever and formed a company to head for California. They all returned in 1852.<ref>''The History of Dodge County, Wisconsin''. Western Historical Company, 1880.</ref> |
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== Civic Life == |
=== Civic Life === |
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Hillyer was heavily connected to several early Waupun industries. When he returned from California, he engaged in a store business with his brother before he sold his share a few years later. He and others established the Dodge County Mutual Insurance Company, and Hillyer worked there for the entirety of its existence. In 1856, he played a major role in constructing the Milwaukee & Horicon Railroad between Waupun and Horicon.<ref name=":1">''The First One Hundred Fifty Years: A History of Waupun, Wisconsin, 1839 to 1989''. James Laird, 1989.</ref> Hillyer was also a leader in the formation of the Forest Mound Cemetery. |
Hillyer was heavily connected to several early Waupun industries. When he returned from California, he engaged in a store business with his brother before he sold his share a few years later. He and others established the Dodge County Mutual Insurance Company, and Hillyer worked there for the entirety of its existence. In 1856, he played a major role in constructing the Milwaukee & Horicon Railroad between Waupun and Horicon.<ref name=":1">''The First One Hundred Fifty Years: A History of Waupun, Wisconsin, 1839 to 1989''. James Laird, 1989.</ref> Hillyer was also a leader in the formation of the Forest Mound Cemetery. |
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For a time, Hillyer was the deputy warden at the [[Waupun Correctional Institution|Wisconsin State Prison]]. It was also him who directed the landscaping in front of the original building. |
For a time, Hillyer was the deputy warden at the [[Waupun Correctional Institution|Wisconsin State Prison]]. It was also him who directed the landscaping in front of the original building. |
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=== Waupun Public Library === |
==== Waupun Public Library ==== |
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In 1858 the Waupun Library Association was established through the efforts of Hillyer and William Euen. Hillyer was the first librarian and ran the library out of his insurance office. When it began, the library only had nine feet of shelving. In 1895, citing his advanced age and the job's strenuous work, he turned the book stock over to the city. When the city took ownership of the library, the mayor appointed a new library board which included Hillyer and Lucius D. Hinkley, another prominent Waupun industrialist. Hillyer served on the board until his death.<ref name=":0">''The First Hundred Years: A History of Waupun, 1839-1939''. 1939.</ref> |
In 1858 the Waupun Library Association was established through the efforts of Hillyer and William Euen. Hillyer was the first librarian and ran the library out of his insurance office. When it began, the library only had nine feet of shelving. In 1895, citing his advanced age and the job's strenuous work, he turned the book stock over to the city. When the city took ownership of the library, the mayor appointed a new library board which included Hillyer and Lucius D. Hinkley, another prominent Waupun industrialist. Hillyer served on the board until his death.<ref name=":0">''The First Hundred Years: A History of Waupun, 1839-1939''. 1939.</ref> |
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== Military Service == |
=== Military Service === |
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When the [[American Civil War|Civil War]] broke out in 1861, Hillyer raised parts of two companies and was appointed captain. He served until he fell ill and resigned from his post. He was honorably discharged from the military.<ref name=":1" /> |
When the [[American Civil War|Civil War]] broke out in 1861, Hillyer raised parts of two companies and was appointed captain. He served until he fell ill and resigned from his post. He was honorably discharged from the military.<ref name=":1" /> |
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== Death and Legacy == |
=== Death and Legacy === |
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Edwin Hillyer died at the age of 83 in December of 1908. |
Edwin Hillyer died at the age of 83 in December of 1908. |
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Revision as of 19:13, 23 August 2019
Edwin Hillyer was an American industrialist from Waupun, Wisconsin. Hillyer first came to Waupun in 1847, nearly ten years after Seymour Wilcox, the settlement's founder.
Life
Edwin Hillyer was born in Ohio and settled in Waupun with his brother, Joseph Talcott Hillyer. When they first arrived the both of them worked in lumber. In 1849, he and eight other Waupun settlers got gold fever and formed a company to head for California. They all returned in 1852.[1]
Civic Life
Hillyer was heavily connected to several early Waupun industries. When he returned from California, he engaged in a store business with his brother before he sold his share a few years later. He and others established the Dodge County Mutual Insurance Company, and Hillyer worked there for the entirety of its existence. In 1856, he played a major role in constructing the Milwaukee & Horicon Railroad between Waupun and Horicon.[2] Hillyer was also a leader in the formation of the Forest Mound Cemetery.
For a time, Hillyer was the deputy warden at the Wisconsin State Prison. It was also him who directed the landscaping in front of the original building.
Waupun Public Library
In 1858 the Waupun Library Association was established through the efforts of Hillyer and William Euen. Hillyer was the first librarian and ran the library out of his insurance office. When it began, the library only had nine feet of shelving. In 1895, citing his advanced age and the job's strenuous work, he turned the book stock over to the city. When the city took ownership of the library, the mayor appointed a new library board which included Hillyer and Lucius D. Hinkley, another prominent Waupun industrialist. Hillyer served on the board until his death.[3]
Military Service
When the Civil War broke out in 1861, Hillyer raised parts of two companies and was appointed captain. He served until he fell ill and resigned from his post. He was honorably discharged from the military.[2]
Death and Legacy
Edwin Hillyer died at the age of 83 in December of 1908.