WI BIO - Dane Co - LONGFIELD, Samuel H.
Biographical Review of Dane County, WI. Chicago: Biographical Review Pub. Co. 
1893, Vol II, pp 609-610

Samuel H. LONGFIELD, the principal of the firm of S. H. Longfield & Company, 
manufacturers of sash, doors, blinds, and general planing mill supplies, was 
born in Cottage Grove Township, Dane County, WI, 02 May 1847, a son of John 
and Sarah (HALLERBUSH) LONGFIELD. Both of his parents were born and brought 
up in PA, his father being a carpenter, contractor and joiner by trade. He 
was one of the earliest settlers in Dane County, coming here in 1837, and in 
1839 he located in Madison. He had been one of the first settlers in the 
county, had [p 610] witnessed almost all of the wonderful growth that had 
taken place.

There were four sons in the family: our subject, Jesse, John and Frank. The 
father died in 1881, but the mother resides in Madison. The educational 
advantages of our subject were few, he attending the ward schools in the city 
after coming here, but not having any further opportunities. At the age of 
fourteen years he went to work, doing anything that came in his way. When 
sixteen years old he went with his father in the business and learned the 
trade of carpenter. His father had become one of the best contractors in 
Madison, and with him our subject continued until he had reached the age of 
maturity, and then began for himself. For seventeen years he worked for 
wages at $1.50 to $1.75 per day.

Our subject went into contracting about 1884, doing many good jobs, being 
very active in his line of work. This year he had erected sixteen fine 
residences besides a number of business houses. At present he is senior 
partner in the firm of S. H. Longfield & Company, one of the important 
business interests of this city. The mill employs some times a great number 
of workmen, probably forty are in regular employment. The plant was 
purchased last year of Olsen & Sayle.

The marriage of our subject took place 12 May 1876 to Margaret HINES, of 
Madison, WI, and they have a family of five children: Genevieve, Freddie, 
Annie, Joseph and John Charles. He lost two sons by death: Jesse and Artie, 
both dying when less than two years of age.

Mr. LONGFIELD has educated his family, and his daughter Genevieve, is the 
bookkeeper of the firm in which her father is the principal member. He is a 
Republican in his political belief, but has never sought office. His 
religious connection is with the Roman Catholic Church, and he is regarded as 
one of the most reliable men in this city.

Submitted by Cathy Kubly