From Memorial and Genealogical Record of Dodge and Jefferson Counties, Wisconsin, publ. 
1894 - Page 100-103
 
JOHN PIPHER.  This gentleman, who has for some time been retired from active business affairs 
of life, has been a resident of Dodge County, Wis., since 1859, and almost immediately identified 
himself with its best interests, and has remained one of its most public-spirited and enterprising 
citizens up to the present time.  That oft much-abused term, "self-made man," may with propriety 
he applied to Mr. PIPHER, for he has fought the battle of life ably and well, without advantageous 
aid or circumstances, and is now in the enjoyment of a comfortable competency and the universal 
respect of his fellows.  He is a product of the Keystone State, and first saw the light of day at 
Mount Bethel, Northampton County, November 15, 1815 his father being Peter PIPHER, also a 
native Pennsylvanian.  His father, Samuel PIPHER, who was reared in the Keystone State, was a 
soldier of the Revolution.  Peter PIPHER was married to Elizabeth VAN SICLE, a native of 
Pennsylvania, and in that State they reared their family and spent their lives.  The father was 
successfully engaged in tilling the soil, became the owner of a valuable estate, and eventually 
died in Northampton County.  In the county in which he was born John PIPHER grew to 
manhood, but, unfortunately, his educational advantages were limited.  However, he grew up to a 
thorough knowledge of the details of farming, and after reaching man's estate, he applied himself 
to his studies for some time and greatly increased his knowledge of the "world of books."  In the 
fall of 1839 he was married to Miss Julia A. LA BAR, a daughter of Isaac LA BAR, who was one 
of the wealthiest farmers of Northampton County, but is now deceased.  After his marriage Mr. 
PIPHER settled on a farm in his native county, then purchased a hotel at Water Gap, and for 
about fifteen years conducted this hostelry in a very satisfactory manner, financially.  In 1857 he 
disposed of his hotel and moved to Belvidere, N.J., where he spent about two years, then came 
West, moved to Chicago, and traveled over Illinois, Michigan and Iowa.  After returning to 
Belvidere, he, in 1858, once more came West and bought the farm on which he now resides in 
Dodge County, Wis., on which he built a substantial residence and made many other valuable 
improvements in the course of time.  His family did not arrive in this section until 1859.  Mr. 
PIPHER's first purchase of land consisted of 160 acres, upon which some slight improvements 
had been made.  He now has a substantial brick residence, good barns and other buildings, and 
the place is most carefully looked after by this most progressive of farmers.  Mr. PIPHER has 
always been independent in politics, and always cast his vote for the man whom he considers 
best fitted for the office, both morally and intellectually.  His first presidential vote was cast for 
William Henry Harrison, and throughout his entire life he has never been a political aspirant, the 
arena of politics having no charms for him.  He and his wife have reared three sons and two 
daughters: Wilson is engaged in business in Berlin, Wis.; Elizabeth is the wife of George G. 
JOHNSON, of Ispheming, Mich.; Stephen is in California; Minerva is the wife of H. A. WINTER, 
and Irwin, who resides on the old homestead, is engaged in farming.  Although Mr. and Mrs. 
PIPHER are not connected with any church, yet they are attendants and give liberally of their 
means in the support of worthy causes.  Mr. PIPHER has been a member of the Masonic order 
for years, which order he joined in Belvidere.  He has been a resident of Wisconsin and Dodge 
County for thirty-five years, and is well known in this and adjoining counties as a very thrifty and 
progressive agriculturist.  He is strictly honorable in all his business transactions,, and he and his 
wife are highly-respected citizens of the county.
 
Submitted by Carol