GREENWOOD, Robert
Commemorative and Biographical Record of Columbia, Sauk and Adams Counties, 
WI. Chicago: Ogle, 1901, p 636-8

Robert GREENWOOD, a substantial farmer and influential citizen of Winfield 
Township, Sauk County, WI, was born on 14 Aug 1839 in the town of Dent, 
Yorkshire, England, and is a son of Robert and Eleanor (JACKSON) GREENWOOD, 
the former also a native of Dent, the latter of Lancashire. The paternal 
grandparents were Joseph and Betsy GREENWOOD, farming people, who reared a 
family of seven sons. Besides the father of our subject only one of this 
number, Miles GREENWOOD, came to America, and he died in Canada soon after 
his arrival.

Robert GREENWOOD, Sr., was a stone mason by trade and was employed on public 
works much of the time in England. On 09 May 1848 with his family he 
embarked on a sailing vessel bound for the U. S. They were 38 days in making 
the voyage from Liverpool to NY, being delayed by fog and storms, but finally 
arrived at their destination in safety. After a week spent at Poughkeepsie 
[Dutchess County], NY, they proceeded to [p 637] Racine, WI, where they spent 
three years, and in Jun 1852 came to Sauk County, locating in Winfield 
Township. The father brought with him all of his family and effects in one 
wagon, and on his arrival here his posessions consisted principally of two 
yoke of oxen, one cow and ten dollars in cash, with which to begin life on a 
new and undeveloped farm. He purchased a soldier's land warrant for 160 
acres for $130, and so busy was he in clearing and improving his farm that 
the family had only slight shelter until fall, when a log house was built, 
though there was no floor to the same for several years. He was 
distinguished for his industrious habits and conscientious actions, and died 
03 Dec 1894, at the age of nearly 90 years. In England he was a member of 
the Episcopal church, but never united with any congregation in this country. 
Politically he was a Republican. His worthy wife, who was reared as a 
Quaker, died in 1872, at the age of 68 years. To them were born nine 
children: Elizabeth (now the widow of I. GREGORY, residing near Reedsburg), 
Robert (our subject), John (a resident of Winfield Township, Sauk County), 
James (of NE), Miles (of Winfield), Joseph (who died at the age of 21 years), 
Isabel (who died at the age of 18), Mrs. Margaret DAWSON (deceased), and Jane 
(who died in NE).

The subject of this sketch was in his ninth year when the family emigrated to 
the new world, and during their three years' residence in Racine County, WI, 
he worked for his board and clothes on a farm near the city of Racine. At 22 
he rented a farm, at the same time going in debt $70 for a yoke of oxen, 
which he paid for out of his farm crop. Feeling the great need of an 
education he attended school after this time and by studious habits has 
become a well-informed man. In Oct 1863 he offered his services to his 
adopted country and aided in her successful efforts to preserve the Union, 
enlisting in Company F, 3rd WI Cavalry, which was assigned to the Army of the 
Southwest, and was on duty under General BLUNT in MO and AR, fighting 
bushwhackers under the command of the Conferate General PRICE. Fortunately 
he escaped capture and was never wounded, and after the close of the war was 
honorably discharged in Nov 1865. In the fall of 1867 Mr. GREENWOOD 
purchased 80 acres of his father's farm, to which he has since added a 
40-acre tract, and upon the place he has made many valuable improvements 
which add to its attractice appearance, including the erection of a large and 
comfortable residence, commodious barns and other outbuildings. He now has 
about 100 acres of land under excellent cultivation; for several years has 
been extensively interested in hop culture; gives considerable attention to 
stock raising and dairying; and for about four years also bought and shipped 
livestock at Reedsburg [Sauk County, WI].

On 11 Feb 1874 Mr. GREENWOOD married Miss Dora CABSTICK, a daugher of George 
CABSTICK, of New Lisbon [Juneau County], WI, who came to this country from 
Dent, England. She died in Mar 1870, in little less than a month after their 
marriage, and on 22 Apr 1879, Mr. GREENWOOD wedded Miss Eveline L. MILLER, 
who was born in Walworth County, WI, in 1851. Her parents, Harmon and 
Elizabeth (DARROW) MILLER, were natives of OH, and are now living at Valley 
Junction, WI. The children born to our subject and his wife are: James 
Garfield, Joseph Henry, Vesta Belle, Eveline Elizabeth, Carrie Maud, Robert 
Q., Benjamin Harrison, and George Lewis, all living, and Frank, who died in 
infancy. Mrs. [p 638] GREENWOOD is a faithful member of the Baptist church 
at Reedsburg, which the family attend, and our subject belongs to H. A. Tator 
Post, G. A. R., at that place. Politically he has always been identified 
with the Republican party, has most creditably and acceptably filled the 
principal offices of Winfield Township, and for the past 19 years has been 
clerk of his school district.

Contributed by Cathy Kubly