“The History of Jefferson County, Wisconsin”, published: Chicago:  
Western Historical Company.   1879.


RUFUS BINGHAM,  farmer, Secs. 19 and 30;  P.O. Albion, Dane Co., 
Wis.; born in Pike Co., Penn., May 14, 1816; received a common-school 
education; was a farmer.  He came to Wisconsin in the spring of 1839.  
For a time, he wandered over Jefferson and Dane Cos., looking for a 
location; bought 200 acres of land in Sumner Township, on the shore of 
Lake Koshkonong, which affords an abundance of water for stock; did 
not move on it until 1861.  In 1839, he settled and engaged in farming in 
Milton Township, Rock Co.  In the fall of 1841, he returned to his home 
in Pike Co., Penn.  Married, in Palmyra, Penn., in February, 1846, Miss 
Esther Ainsley, who was born in Pike Co., Penn.; they have four 
children – Ella, Florence, Amanda and Emeline.  Mr. Bingham remained 
in Pennsylvania until 1849; then came again to Wisconsin in the spring 
of 1849; farmed in Milton Township till the fall of 1851; returned home 
to his family in Pennsylvania; there he again farmed; spring of 1859, he 
came to Wisconsin again, bringing his family with him.  He located 
them in Milton Township, where he managed a farm of 160 acres, 
owned by his brother.  In 1861, removed his family to his own farm, 
where they are now living; has purchased, in addition, fifty acres.  He 
now owns 250 acres of land, which is situated on the north shore of Lake 
Koshkonong; is one of the most picturesque places in that portion of the 
State.  In April, 1879, he was elected Side Supervisor of the township.  
He formerly was a Democrat; since the late action of Congress, he 
entertains strong thoughts of changing.


Submitted by:  Linda Pingel  (LPingel@worldnet.att.net)