WI BIO - Dane Co - BANCROFT, Henry Valentine
Biographical Review of Dane County, WI. Chicago: Biographical Review Pub. Co. 
1893. Vol II, pp 343-344

Dr. Henry Valentine BANCROFT, a practicing physician of Blue Mounds, Dane 
County, WI, was born at Lodi, [Columbia County], WI, 14 Feb 1860. His 
paternal grandfather was born and reared in MA, and was a farmer by 
occupation, and his death occurred in MA at the age of 64 years. The father 
of our subject, Henry Lawson BANCROFT, was born in MA in 1824, was early 
inured to habits of industry, and worked at farm labor until 15 years of age. 
He was then apprenticed to learn the carpenter's trade, at which he was 
engaged five years, then taught school for a time, and next worked at his 
trade. Early in the 1850's he came to Madison, Dane County, WI, but shortly 
afterward began work at his trade in Lodi, WI, where he remained many years. 
In 1888 he removed to Woodburn [Marion County], OR, where he still resides. 
Henry Lawson BANCROFT was married first in Lodi, [Columbia County], WI, to 
Emily KINGSLEY, a native of McHenry County, IL. Her people removed from CT 
to that county in an early day, but both parents are now deceased. To that 
union four children were born: Henry Valentine, our subject; Charles F., a 
druggist of Dodge County, WI; George, telegraph operator at Beloit [Rock 
County], WI; and Herbert A., attending the Decorah Normal School in IA. 
Emily (KINGSLEY) BANCROFT died in 1867, and Henry Lawson BANCROFT was then 
married to Anna STEWART, who is still living. They had three children, two 
of whom are now deceased, and the eldest, Ida, resides in Woodburn, OR.

Henry Valentine BANCROFT, the subject of this sketch, attended school during 
the winter months, and worked on his father's farm during the summer. His 
mother died when he was seven years of age, and he was in a great measure 
thrown on his own resources in early life. At the age of 16 years he went to 
live with an uncle, Porter KINGSLEY, a farmer of Lodi [Columbia County], WI, 
who took an interest in the young man and desired to give him a complete 
education. The uncle died one year later, and our subject was thus deprived 
of the intended benefit. He continued to work on the farm at that place 
until 21 years of age, taught school the following winter at Arlington, 
Columbia County, WI, then resumed farming during the summer, and again taught 
school at the same place. Mr. BANCROFT next entered the Rush Medical 
College, at Chicago, having formerly studied medicine at Lodi with Dr. 
WHITELAW, graduated two years later, and thus began the practice of his 
chosen profession at Blue Mounds, Dane County, WI. One year later he 
established a drug store in this city which he still continues. In addition 
t his other business interests, Mr. BANCROFT is also general manager and 
local editor of the "Blue Mounds Press," a weekly, seven-column paper, 
independent in politics. The Doctor was an ardent Republican until the late 
election, when he supported the Democratic platform. He served as Deputy 
Postmaster under Cleveland's administration, as Justice of the Peace four 
years, Town Clerk two years, Notary Public, and is now holding the position 
of Health Officer.

Henry Valentine BANCROFT was married 25 Nov 1885 to [p 344] Christie 
HELMENSTEIN, who was born in Iowa County, WI. Her parents came from Germany 
in 1848, landing in NY after a long and tedious voyage. They settled in Iowa 
County, WI, near the Dane County line, where they both still reside. The 
father is one of the prominent old settlers of Iowa County, and has served as 
Postmaster and Township Clerk. Henry V. and Christie (HELMENSTEIN) BANCROFT 
have three children: Henry Irving, born 16 Oct 1886; John Albert, 25 Mar 
1888; and Mabel Emily, 26 Nov 1890. Although a young man, Dr. BANCROFT is 
properly considered a leading man in the community, and his advice is sought 
in all matters of public interest. He is a genial gentleman, and worthy of 
the respect and confidence of the people among whom he has cast his lot.

Submitted by Cathy Kubly