From Memorial and Genealogical Record of Dodge and Jefferson Counties, Wisconsin, publ. 
1894 - Page 89-90
 
MARTIN RICH.  This worthy citizen, who is now living a retired life in the village of Horicon, has 
been a resident of Dodge County, Wis., since 1845, and has been one of its most progressive 
and enterprising citizens.  He was born in the city of Ithaca, N.Y., December 15, 1835, a son of 
Martin RICH, Sr., who was born in the Green Mountain State, and when a youth removed to New 
York, locating in Tompkins County, where he attained man's estate.  He was a man of keen 
intelligence and fair education, was of an inventive turn of mind and invented several valuable 
patents for milling purposes.  In early life he engaged in the manufacture of lumber in New York 
and continued to follow that business the greater part of his life, and amassed a fortune thereby.  
He was married in that State to Miss Philena JONES, a native of the State of Vermont, but who 
was reared in Tompkins County, N.Y.  In 1845 Mr. RICH came with his family to Wisconsin and 
entered a large tract of land near Juneau, and the following year located with his family on this 
land and began the arduous work of clearing and improving.  In 1847 he completed the erection 
of a mill dam at Horicon, and in 1852 he bought the water power and milling interest at that place 
and engaged in the manufacture of lumber, and received the first pine logs from the Wolf River 
country.  He was very extensively engaged in this business for years, and until 1870 was 
associated with his sons.  He was one of the active and prominent business men of the county, 
and through his influence, it is said, the county seat was located at Juneau, and the first 
courthouse there was built by himself.  After residing in Dodge County for about thirty years he 
moved to Oshkosh, where he was called from life to 1865.  His widow lived until 1888, and both 
now sleep in Juneau Cemetery, where a substantial and handsome monument now marks their 
last resting place.  Martin RICH came to Wisconsin and Dodge County with his father when ten 
years of age, and during the years that he remained with his father he assisted him to carry on his 
business, and became associated with his brother, H.H. and A. J. RICH, in the lumber business.
 
In 1855 he was united in marriage with Miss Modina TYLER, who was born in New York but was 
reared in Dodge County, Wis., but was left a widower in 1873, after which he sold his property at 
Horicon and moved to Omro where he, for two or three years, was engaged in the lumber 
business.  In 1877 he moved to Ontonagon, Mich., on Lake Superior, where he was engaged in 
the manufacture of lumber, in partnership with his brothers, H. H. and A. J. RICH, and they 
carried on an extensive business there for some five years.  In 1882 they sold out to the Diamond 
Match Company and Martin RICH returned to Horicon and purchased a nice residence property 
which he now resides, also an interest in the Van Brunt & Davis Manufacturing Company, and still 
holds an interest in that enormous concern.  Mr. RICH and his brother have been conducting a 
very extensive business in Minneapolis and are engaged in the manufacture of seed drills.  For 
some years past Mr. RICH has been retired from the active duties of life, and is enjoying the rest 
and ample means he has so honestly earned.  Mr. RICH was united in marriage with his present 
wife in Ontonagon, Mich., in 1879, her maiden name having been Adaline DICKENS, who was 
born, reared and educated in Michigan.  By his first marriage Mr. RICH has three children living: 
Selva; Carlie, wife of N. O. BUTLER, of Michigan; and John, who is a pushing and enterprising 
young business man.  One child has been born of the last union: Phila, who is an intelligent 
young lady, and is at present attending the Horicon High School.  Mr. RICH has always supported 
the men and measures of the Democratic party, but has never been an aspirant for public office.  
He is a prominent Odd Fellow, has served as Grand Master of the State and has been a 
representative to the Sovereign Grand Lodge.  He has taken a deep interest in this order, and is 
one of the foremost Odd Fellows of the State.  He has represented his lodge in the Grand Lodge 
of the State for thirty-three years, and is one of the trustees of the Odd Fellows' Home at Green 
Bay.  He is well known throughout the State as a man of superior business qualities, and he and 
his family move in the most aristocratic social circles.
 
Submitted by Carol