This is a Message Board Post that is gatewayed to this mailing list. Author: MayorJoe Surnames: Mabie, Buckley Classification: biography Message Board URL: http://boards.rootsweb.com/localities.northam.usa.states.wisconsin.counties.walworth/2435.1/mb.ashx Message Board Post: >From the "History of Walworth County, Wisconsin - 1882" there is a biographical sketch under the 'Town of Delavan' for Edmund F. Mabie, deceased, was born in Patterson, Putnam Co., NY, in 1810. About 1840, he, in company with his brother, Jeremiah, and a Mr. Hawes, organized and operated the celebrated Mabie Circus and Show. The Mabies were the pioneer circus men of the West and South, and were among the few men in their line who maintained their popularity and made money at the same time. While on one of their Western tours, in 1847, they were attracted by the peculiar natural advantages of Walworth Co., Wis., and Edmund F. Mabie selected a large tract of land, about 1,000 acres, near Delavan Lake, and adjacent to the village of Delavan, besides purchasing various lots and other property in the village. This property was owned jointly by the two brothers, who had for years been partners in all their business relations. They also purchased the Delavan Mills. Mr. Edmun! d! Mabie was married, at Delavan, Nov. 25, 1850, to Miss Laura Buckley, daughter of Matthew Buckley. Mrs. Mabie was born in Philadelphia. Eight children were born to them - Marline, Marianne C., Ann Mary, Sarah E., Matthew G. (died when 4 years of age), Edmund G., Gurdon M., E. Foster (died in childhood). The eldest, Marline, is now the wife of J.M. Hawes, of Delavan; Marianne is now Mrs. Frank Sturtevant, of Delavan. Soon after his marriage, Mr. Mabie gave up traveling with the show, and made his home in Delavan, where he devoted himself to the care of the farms, mills and other property belonging to himself and brother. He was active in encouraging the building of the plank road from Racine to Delavan, and later, in aiding in securing the construction of the Racine & Mississippi Railway to that point. He was generally recognized as an active, enterprising business man, liberal in his views in regard to public improvements, in all of which he was cheerfully seconded by! his brother. Mr. Mabie was a zealous member of the Congregat! ional Ch urch. He served as President of the village of Delavan, and was a member of the Walworth County Agricultural Association. His widow was married to Mr. Orlando Crosby, Dec. 5, 1870, at Delavan, where she still resides. Important Note: The author of this message may not be subscribed to this list. If you would like to reply to them, please click on the Message Board URL link above and respond on the board.