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


J. W. OSTRANDER, President of Farmers’ and Merchants’ Bank, and 
Secretary of the Wisconsin Odd-Fellows’ Mutual Life Insurance Co., 
Jefferson; was born in the town of Clay, Onondaga, Co., N.Y., July 20, 
1825; came to Wisconsin with his parents and settled in Jefferson in 
1842; at that time, there was but one frame house in the place; for a few 
years, was clerk in the first store of general merchandise kept in the 
place.  Married Miss Sarah E. Ward Sept. 16, 1846.  Went to California 
in 1851, and remained there two years; returned to Jefferson; buried his 
wife in 1854; she left one daughter, Nettie, who married J. J. Post, and is 
now living in Washington Territory.  Married Mrs. L. Poesons in 1855, 
and by her has had two children – Ellis and Nellie; Ellis died at the age 
of 21; Nellie is living at home, aged 14.  Since 1857, he has for the most 
of the time been engaged in the manufacture of furniture, in which 
business he still retains an interest.  Mr. O. started out in life as a Whig, 
and has been a Republican since the organization of the party; he always 
lived in a strong Democratic town and county, consequently could not 
have been much of an office-seeker, although he has served as Town 
Clerk, Assessor, County Surveyor, Treasurer, Register of Deeds, and has 
represented his district three times in the State Legislature.  In 1847, he 
became associated with the Odd Fellows, and since that time has been an 
active member; represented his Lodge in the Grand Lodge of the State in 
1851; in 1875, was elected Grand Master of the State, and served one 
year, to the satisfaction of the Brotherhood.  A Universalist in faith, 
though he is always ready to aid in the support of the other 
denominations of the place.


Submitted by:  Linda Pingel  (LPingel@worldnet.att.net)