From Memorial and Genealogical Record of Dodge and Jefferson Counties, Wisconsin, 
publ. 1894 - Page 22-23
 
JAMES J. DICK.  In the veins of the gentleman whose name is given above, flows 
sturdy, thrifty and honest Scotch blood, for in the land of "thistles and oatmeal" the 
paternal grandfather of the subject of this sketch was born.  He bore the name of James 
DICK, and his home continued to be in the land of his birth until he attained the age of 
eighteen, when his adventurous nature led him to cross the broad Atlantic to seek a home 
on the free soil of America.  He settled in the Green Mountain State, founded a family 
and became a progressive and useful citizen.  His son James, the father of the immediate 
subject of this sketch, was born in Vermont, and in his youthful days learned the trade of 
a mechanic.  In the spring of 1856 he removed to the Badger State, locating at Westfield, 
Marquette County, of which place he was one of the very first workers in boots and 
shoes.  He was profitably employed there until his career was closed by death, at the 
advanced age of four-score years and four, April 30, 1893.  He took for his companion 
through life, Miss Mahala ROGERS, a native of Pennsylvania, but of Holland descent, 
and found in her an affectionate and faithful wife and a true helpmate.  James J. DICK 
was born in Westfield, Chautauqua County, N.Y., September 8, 1836, and was reared in 
the state of his birth.  He was given good educational advantages in his youth, for, 
besides being an attendant of the common schools for a number of years during his early 
youth, he was given an academic education at Westfield, where his record was an 
honorable one.  From 1856 to 1859 he was successfully engaged in teaching the "young 
idea," and during this time his leisure moments were devoted to the study of law.  In the 
summer of 1861 he graduated from the Albany University, and deserves the greatest 
credit therefore, for his way through college was paid with money which he himself had 
earned by the sweat of his brow, no outside aid being asked for or tendered him.  In 
August, 1861, he came direct to Beaver Dam, Wis., which had previously been his home 
for two years while he was pursuing the calling of a pedagogue, and here he entered 
actively upon the practice of his profession in the room he now occupies.  During the past 
thirty-three years he has successfully practiced the profession of law and during this time 
has successfully refuted the old saw that "there is no honest lawyer," for his career has 
been above reproach.  He is always true to the interests of his clients and manages his 
cases with skill and ability, a fact which has become widely known and highly 
appreciated  The political arena has had no charms for him and he has never aspired to, or 
held, official position, although he has always been a stanch Democrat.  The cause of 
education has always found in him an active supporter, and continuously since 1874 he 
has been the efficient superintendent of city schools at Beaver Dam, a period of twenty  
years, and has filled the office by election.  He is very popular with the masses, as his 
long tenure in office would indicate, for his well-known ability and interest in popular 
education were recognized and appreciated, and his friends have voted for him regardless 
of his political views.  In August 1863, he led to the altar Miss Helen M. DROWN, a 
native of Vermont, and they have a comfortable, pretty and hospitable home in Beaver 
Dam.  Socially Mr. DICK is a member of the A.F.& A.M., the I.O.O.F., and he has been 
high priest of the Chapter for a number of years.  He is one of the most substantial and 
useful citizens of Dodge County and is a credit and honor to the Dodge County bar.

Submitted by:  Carol Holmbeck