From Memorial and Genealogical Record of Dodge and Jefferson Counties, Wisconsin, publ. 
1894 - Page 119-121
 
DANIEL C. VAN BRUNT.  Although seventy-six years have passed over the head of this fine old 
pioneer, his mind is as keen and active as in the days of his early manhood, and it is only so far 
as his physical being is concerned that Father Time has left his traces.  His walk through life has 
been characterized by a sturdy independence, uncompromising honesty, great energy, and the 
utmost loyalty to his friends, his family and his country, and he may truly be said to be a 
nobleman among men.  He was born in Otsego County, N.Y. February 8, 1818, but in 1846 he 
became a resident of Dodge County, Wis., and has ever since resided within its orders.  His 
father, William C. VAN BRUNT, was a native of Trenton, N.J., as was his father, who also bore 
the name of William.  The progenitor of the family in this country came from Holland, and was one 
of the pioneer settlers of Monmouth, N.J.  William VAN BRUNT, grandfather of D. C. VAN 
BRUNT, when a very small child sat at the same table with Gen. Washington during the 
Revolutionary War, when that famous commander took breakfast at his father's house.  William 
C. VAN BRUNT, father of D. C. VAN BRUNT, grew to manhood in Otsego County, N.Y., and was 
there married to Miss Phoebe HALL, a native of that State and county, whose ancestors were 
among the early English settlers of Connecticut.  This Mr. VAN BRUNT followed farming in 
Otsego County until 1833, then moved to St. Lawrence County, N.Y., and in 1846 came to Dodge 
County, Wis., at which time the country was in a very primitive conduction.  He opened up a farm 
in Burnett Township, on which he resided until the death of his wife, after which he made his 
home with his son, G. W. VAN BRUNT, in Waukesha County, until his death, but both he and his 
wife sleep their last sleep in Burnett Cemetery, this county.
 
Daniel C. VAN BRUNT grew to manhood in St. Lawrence County, N.Y., and his youth was spent 
in tilling the soil, but his advantages for obtaining an education were limited, and he is principally 
self-educated.  After reaching man's estate he located in Mansville, Jefferson County, N.Y., 
where he started to engaged in the manufacture of wagons and carriages, and continued in that 
business for several years. He was married there September 8,1845, to Miss Mary Annette 
FASSETT, who was born and reared in Jefferson County, but her death occurred in Mayville, 
Wis., September 16, 1852.  By this marriage there were three children: Willard A., formerly a 
business man of Horicon, now retired, and Charles D. and Conover C., both of whom died in 
infancy.
 
In 1846 Mr. VAN BRUNT disposed of his property in Mansville and took up his residence at 
Williamstown, Wis., in which town he entered 160 acres of land, on which he at once located and 
began the work of clearing and improving.  A few years later he left his farm and opened a wagon 
shop in Mayville, and is said to have made the first wagon ever put up in Dodge County.  This, 
however, was done while he was yet residing on his farm, in 1848.  In the year 1861 Mr. VAN 
BRUNT sold his establishment in Mayville, and forming a partnership with his brother, G. W. VAN 
BRUNT, they engaged in the manufacture of seeders at Horicon.  Their business increased 
rapidly from year to year but in 1870, G. W. VAN BRUNT retired from the firm.  This business has 
given almost continual employment to 100 men, and the pay roll in recent years has increased to 
275 men, and from 2,000 to 6,400 machines are put up annually.  This immense enterprise has 
been the means of building up and greatly supporting the business interests of the village of 
Horicon, and D. C. VAN BRUNT has been the active and successful manager of the business 
almost the entire time from its inception, in 1861.  Mr. VAN BRUNT was married a second time in 
Fond du Lac, Wis., October 20, 1893, to Mrs. Mary SHERMAN, a daughter of Chester WRIGHT, 
of Jefferson County, N.Y.  This second wife died in Horicon, April 9, 1881, having borne him three 
children: Ida, wife of S. N. CAMPBELL, of Horicon; Elliot, who was engaged in business in 
Horicon and is now dead; and Hattie, the wife of A. W. WILCOX, who holds a responsible position 
in the seeder factory.  Mr. VAN BRUNT returned to Jefferson County, N.Y., and was there 
married October 17, 1883, to Miss Martha L. MOORE, who was born and reared in that place, 
and was a successful teacher in that county prior to her marriage.
 
Mr. VAN BRUNT has identified himself with the Republican party since its organization having 
formerly been an old Line Whig, his first presidential vote being cast for William Henry Harrison in 
1840.
 
Mrs. VAN BRUNT is an active member of the Episcopal Church of Horicon, and while her 
husband is not a member of any church, he gives liberally of his means in the support of all 
churches.  Socially he is a member of the I.O.O.F., and was one of the original members of 
Mayville Lodge.  During the forty-eight years that he has resided in Horicon he has witnessed its 
growth and development, and has been identified with a number of its most substantial 
institutions.  He is well known throughout the county as a man of superior business qualifications, 
of sterling character and great worth.  A sketch of his career will be of more than passing interest 
to the many friends whom his correct mode of living has gathered about him.
 
Submitted by Carol