JAMES ISHERWOOD. Among the leading and influential farmers of Plover Township, Portage County, who thoroughly understand their business and pursue the vocation of their chosen calling in a methodical and workmanlike manner, is the subject of this biography. He is a native of England, born in Ramsbottom, Lancashire, near Manchester, January 17, 1833, a son of James and Ellen (Brocton) Isherwood, who had a family of six children, viz.: Mary (the widow of Abraham Coolthurst), now residing in Stevens Point, Wis.; James, our subject; Richard, who died in the prime of life from an injury sustained in the back; Henry, a farmer living near Stevens Point; Ellen, wife of J. White, of Bancroft, Wis., and Alice, wife of Charles Webster, and still a resident of England. The father was a merchant in his native land, where both he and his wife spent their entire lives.
The education of James Isherwood was very meager, as he was only able to attend school for about one month. Being the oldest son, he had to aid in the support of the family, and remained at home until he reached the age of seventeen, at which time he sailed for America, landing in New York In 1851, after a voyage of five weeks. He came direct to Milwaukee, Wis., and from there proceeded to Portage City with oxen. He had a sister living at Wausau Wis., and to that place he then walked, a distance of one hundred miles, which, as there were no roads laid out, was a most arduous task. After arriving at that place he began working for his brother-in-law, with whom he remained two years, and then went into the woods and engaged in making shingles and ‘‘driving the river.” He remained there some eight years, during which time he was chiefly engaged in teaming.
On December 25, 1862, Mr. Isherwood was united in marriage with Miss Almirette Taylor, a daughter of George E. and Clarissa (Graves) Taylor, of Plover. She is a native of Wisconsin, born February 5, 1843, in Darien, Walworth county. To Mr. and Mrs. Isherwood have been born seven children, as follows: Clara, at home; Ellen, now the wife of Henry Edwards, of Grand Rapids, Wis.; Edwin, a resident of Plover; and James, George, Henry and Grace, all four with their parents at home. The year following his marriage, Mr. Isherwood purchased seventy-six acres of land in Section 1, Plover Township, Portage County, which comprises a portion of his present farm. There were some old buildings on the place; but he has rebuilt, and also erected a hotel, which he has since conducted. He has enlarged his farm until it now contains 460 acres, of which about 135 are under the plow, and it is considered one of the best farms of the neighborhood. He has witnessed the many changes that have taken place in this portion of the State since his arrival, and has contributed his share toward its advancement.
In connection with his hotel, he engages in general farming and lumbering, and the success that has come to him has been due to the united efforts of both himself and his noble wife. He was the first man to bring a separator into Portage County, and has also carried on a creamery business to some extent. He was one of the active and progressive men of the county, and takes great interest in all matters calculated to enhance its value, or to benefit his fellowman. Politically, he is independent, and has served as a member of the town board.