From Memorial and Genealogical Record of Dodge and Jefferson Counties, Wisconsin, publ. 
1894 - Page 52-53
 
JAMES L. PENDELL.  On the 9th of May, 1822, there was born in Delaware County, N.Y., a son 
to Elisha and Sallie (MANARD) PENDELL, and this son was James L. PENDELL, whose name 
heads this sketch.  The paternal grandfather was born and reared in Saratoga County, N.Y., was 
an active participant in the Revolutionary War, and after returning to civil life devoted his attention 
to collecting and farming, rearing his three sons, Elisha, Moses L. (a minister of the M. E. Church) 
and James, to this latter occupation.  Elisha PENDELL was also born in Saratoga County, but 
when a young man he removed to Delaware County, and there operated a distillery, and was also 
engaged in the manufacture of potash for a great many years.  When the War of 1812 came up 
he enlisted in the service of the United States, and made a brave and faithful soldier.  From 
Delaware County he moved to Schoharie County, N.Y., and from there by canal and lake to 
Racine, Wis., in 1846, and with an ox team moved his household effects to Lake Mariah, now in 
Green Lake County, where he entered and in due course of time improved forty acres.  Here he 
lost his wife in 1848, after which he made his home with the subject of this sketch until his death, 
February 7, 1869, at the age of eighty-two years.  He was first a Whig in politics, afterward a 
Republican, and for some time served as justice of the peace after coming to this State. He was a 
member of the M. E. Church nearly all his life, and he and his wife were both active workers in the 
same.  To them were born the following children: Stephen, who enlisted in the Union army, was 
taken ill at St. Louis and there died of fever, leaving a widow and son and daughter; Orin died 
leaving three daughters; James L.; William H. died in Dunn County, Wis.; Rebecca (BEEBE) died 
near St. Paul, and two children died in infancy.  The subject of this sketch was reared in Delaware 
County, N.Y., and after attending the common schools until he was sixteen years of age he 
began life for himself as a farmer's boy, continuing two seasons, when he leased thirty-five acres 
and began farming for himself.  In May, 1846, he started West and pre-empted and entered 160 
acres, adjoining his father's land in Green Lake County, to which he later added 240 acres.  In 
1867 he came to where he now resides, and first bought forty acres, and from time to time other 
lands, until he owned at one time 377 acres.  He has given to his children a piece of land, eighty 
acres each, and still holds 127 acres, on which he has a comfortable home.  He has always 
supported the principles of the Republican party, and while in Green Lake County held the office 
of county supervisor two terms, also collector and treasurer two terms. He was married January 
13, 1846, to Miss Mary SAGE, who was born in Schoharie County, N.Y., July 26, 1824, a 
daughter of English origin, the father being a farmer by occupation.  To them the following 
children were born: ____ (deceased); Lucy (MATTHEWS), (deceased); Sylvester, (deceased); 
Eunice (BLINN), (deceased); Emily (PENDELL), (deceased); Mary (PENDELL); Laura (KURAN), 
(deceased); _____(BERRY); and Alonzo, of Washington, Ia.  The grandfather SAGE lived and 
died in Schoharie County, N.Y., and there became the father of twelve children.  The following 
children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. PENDELL: Melissa, wife of Leroy WOODWORTH; 
Annette, who died at the age of two years; Sallie, who died when two years old; Sylvester died at 
the age of three years; Alonzo H. and Ellery.  Mr. PENDELL and his wife are the worthy and 
consistent members of the M. E. Church, and he is a trustee in the same, and was one of the 
active workers of the church here.  The family are highly esteemed and have numerous friends.
 
Submitted by Carol