Lewis A. Waste, stepfather of J. R. Moses

From "Commemorative Biographical Record of the Upper Wisconsin Counties: Waupaca, Portage, Wood, Marathon, Oneida, Vilas, Langlade and Shawano" by Chicago: J.H. Beers & Co. 1895.

 

 "J. R. MOSES"

"In the busy community located in the thriving village of Ogdensburg, Waupaca county, we find several energetic and thorough-going business men, who have attained success through their own tact, good judgment and perseverance. Among this number is the gentleman whose name introduces this biographical notice, and who at the present time is the representative of the drug trade of that place. He is a native of New York State, born in the town of Hopkinton, St. Lawrence county, February 4, 1847, and is a son of William and Betsy (Robinson) Moses.

The father, who was a native of Vermont, was reared to agricultural pursuits, which occupation he followed throughout life. His birth occurred August 10, 1777. He was three times married, and became the father of a large family of children. By the last union were born six children: J. R., subject of this sketch; Lorenzo D., who for many years was a merchant of Ogdensburg, Wis., and is now a prominent banker of Ripon, Wis.; Betsy (widow of Spencer Hopkins), of Ogdensburg; two deceased in infancy; and Hulda, who died at the age of eleven years. The father became quite well-to-do, and at the time of his death, in 1853, he left a comfortable competence. His remains now lie interred in St. Lawrence county, New York.

The farm owned by the father went to a son of a former marriage, so that the mother of our subject was left in destitute circumstances with a family of little children depending upon her for support. Later she married Lewis A. Waste, who proved kind and fatherly to the children, and in 1855 the familv left New York, coming to Wisconsin. For one year they made their home in Fond du Lac, and then removed to the village of Winooski, Sheboygan county. The spring of 1857, however, found them residents of St. Lawrence township, Waupaca county, they having come by boat through Lake Winnebago and up the Wolf river to Northport, and the remainder of the distance by team. They first stopped at Ogdensburg while the farm of 160 acres in Section to was being prepared for their reception. A log house, 16 x 24 feet, was built about a mile and a half from the road, and the land was covered with light timber. For about ten years Mr. Waste continued the operation of that farm, when he removed to Ogdensburg, and there lived retired until his death in 1885.

The mother of our subject survived him until 1892, and they now sleep side by side in the cemetery of Ogdensburg. Previous to the death of his child, Alma, Mr. Waste was a devout Christian, a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and took an active interest in religious matters; but after that sad event, thinking it the work of the Almighty, he gave up his religion entirely. He had many friends in this community, and by all was highly respected.

The education of J. R. Moses was begun in the schools of Fond du Lac and Sheboygan counties, but after reaching the age of ten years he was able to attend only during the winter seasons until he was fourteen, when failing health rendered his services of less avail to his parents, and for the four following years he was able to give more time to his studies, thus acquiring an excellent knowledge. Until nineteen years of age he remained at home, when in June, 1865, he formed a partnership with his brother in general merchandising at Ogdensburg, which was his first experience in any business outside of farming. Under the firm style of Moses Brothers they continued operations for some time, when our subject returned to farming, and five years later sold out his interest to his brother, and bought the latter's interest in the farm which he had still retained after returning to the store.

On July 31, 1876, he became sole owner of the store, and he has since continued his connection with it. In the spring of 1893, however, he sold out most of the business,with the exception of the drugs, to his son;Charles S., and Albert Axtell; but the following year he purchased the latter's interest, and now the business is conducted under the firm name of J. R. Moses & Son. Always attentive to the wants of their customers, they have secured a liberal patronage, and are at the head of a prosperous and lucrative business.

In Eureka, Winnebago Co., Wis., November 15, 1869, Mr. Moses was married to Miss Carrie C. Cleaves, a native of Kane county, Ill., and a daughter of Christopher Cleaves. Four children came to bless this union-three sons and a daughter-William C., born September 3, 1870; Charles S., born April 12, 1872, is a thorough young business man, mentioned above; Maud M., born July 10 1874, and Louis A., born March 11, 1876, are with their mother in Ogdensburg. On July 11, 1891, at Oshkosh, Wis., Mr. Moses married Miss Mary A. Dunphy, and by this union there is one child - Marie, born August 24, 1894.

The general store of Moses & Son is one of the leading country stores of Waupaca county, well kept and supplied with a large stock of merchandise. In addition to his business Mr. Moses is also a registered chemist. He owns large tracts of land in the county, and is one of the representative citizens and leading men of the community. Honorable and fair in all transactions, he enjoys the confidence and esteem of his patrons, and by his wide circle of friends and acquaintances he is always spoken of in the highest terms.

Socially he belongs to the Masonic fraternity, in which he takes a deep interest, and rules his life in accordance with its excellent admonitions. Mr. Moses has ever been a patriotic citizen, and during the Civil war manifested his loyalty by his enlistment, May 19, 1864, in Company K, Fortieth Wis. V. I. He was mustered into the United States service at Madison, Wis., from which city the troops were sent to Memphis, Tenn., where they remained performing guard duty, with an occasional small skirmish arid trip southward guarding other troops. Soon after his arrival in Memphis, Mr. Moses was detailed as hospital nurse, which position he held until honorably discharged at Madison, Wis., September 16, 1864."

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