Posted on: Pierce Co. Wi Queries Reply Here: http://genconnect.rootsweb.com/genbbs.cgi/USA/Wi/Pierce/10085 Surname: Preble ------------------------- Sorry no mention of Benjamin but does mention Eli. "James A. Preble is a native of Vallalboro, Me., born September 1, 1850. His parents, Eli and Martha J. Preble, were born in that state, the former October 28, 1820, and the latter September 25, 1825. The father followed farming and lumbering until 1853, when he located in Prescott, Pierce county, Wis., purchasing 160 acres, which he broke and improved. In 1859 he sold the farm and went to Pike's Peak, crossing the plains with "Kit" Carson, whose team he drove. After eighteen months in the West he returned to Prescott, Wis., and did general work until 1862, when he joined the Union army, serving in Company F, Thirtieth Wisconsin Volunteer Infantry. He did good service and was discharged in 1863. Coming back to this section of the country, he ran the mail route between Prescott and Hudson, Wis., in 1865, and then moved to Balsam Lake, Polk county, Wis. For three years he ran a sawmill, then pre-empted eighty acres in Lincoln township Polk county, Wis., afterward going to North Dakota, where he took up 160 acres. In 1906 he came back to Lincoln township and lived with his son, James A., until his death, April 24, 1908. His wife died February 8, 1906. James A. received his education in the public schools of Prescott, Wis., and worked in the woods and on the river until twenty-six years of age, then doing general work for several years until 1888, when he first rented and afterward purchased eighty acres in Lincoln township, Wisconsin, which he now conducts, carrying on general farming. He was married, June 19, 1881, to Anna Jones, born August 7, 1860, daughter of William and Mary (Lanigan) Jones, whose sketch is found elsewhere in this work. This union has been blessed with eleven children; Eli W. was born February 10, 1882; Mary, January 6, 1884; Myrtle, June 27, 1885; Frances, January 14, 1887; Alta, November 4, 1889; Stella, May 9, 1891; Irma, January 21, 1893; Lloyd, September 30, 1895; Alice, March 22, 1898; Ramona, January 12, 1902, and Leroy, August 31, 1904. Mr. Preble is a Republican in politics and has been road overseer three terms. He is a Mason, both he and his wife being members of the Eastern Star. The family religion is that of the Baptist church."