“The History of Jefferson County, Wisconsin”, published: Chicago:  
Western Historical Company.   1879.


JOHN GATES,  farmer, Secs. 22 and 27; P.O. Oakland Center; born in 
Royalton Township, Niagara Co., N.Y., June 20, 1824; was born and 
raised on a farm; received a limited education; he came alone to 
Wisconsin in the autumn of 1844; located in Oakland Township, where 
he worked on different farms; by industry and economy, he was enabled 
by the spring of 1845 to purchase forty acres on Sec. 33; shortly 
afterward purchased eighty more acres adjoining, making all together, 
120 acres, for which he paid $150; made a few improvements, and sold 
the farm in 1848 for $600; in the fall of 1848, removed to Richland Co., 
Wis., bought 160 acres, which he partially improved, and sold that place 
at a profit in the beginning of 1850; he then returned to Oakland and 
bought 150 acres, partially improved, on which he lived and worked 
industriously; in the spring of 1853, he sold the farm at a profit and 
bought 100 acres where he is now living; has since added 200 acres; he 
now owns 300 acres, 280 under cultivation; raises the usual crops and 
stock of the county; he takes much pride in raising cattle and in dairying 
business.  He married, in Oakland Township, in April, 1855, Miss 
Marietta Royce, who was born Wyoming Co., N.Y., in December, 1833; 
they have had eight children, five living – Josephine, Rodell, Judson, 
Byron and John; the last two are twins.  Republican.  Has been 
Supervisor and Treasurer of Oakland.


Submitted by:  L.Pingel