PAGE, Henry D.
Commemorative and Biographical Record of Columbia, Sauk and Adams Counties, 
WI. Chicago: Ogle, 1901, p 654

Henry D. PAGE, formerly of Baraboo, Sauk County, WI, who has been an honored 
and trusted employee of the Chicago & Northwestern Railroad Company for 
nearly 40 years, was born in Malone, Franklin County, NY, 16 Dec 1848, a son 
of Moses and Cornelia (NOLAN) PAGE. The father was born on the Atlantic 
Ocean while his parents were emigrating to the U. S. The family settled in 
Franklin County, NY, where he grew to manhood, and in that state he learned 
the shoemaker's trade. In 1858 he removed to Green Bay, Brown County, WI, 
where he conducted a shoe store for a time, and then went to Fond du Lac 
[Fond du Lac County], WI, but is now living retired in Minneapolis, MN, at 
the age of 94 years. His estimable wife, who was born in CT, died in Walnut 
Grove [Redwood County], MN, 24 Jan 1894, at the age of 76.

The subject of this sketch came with his parents to WI, and at the age of 11 
years entered the employ of the Chicago & Northwestern Railroad Company as an 
apprentice in their machine shops at Fond du Lac. Before he reached his 18th 
year he took charge of an engine on the Winona & St. Peter division and 
served the company in the capacity of an engineer for eight years. During 
the winter of 1870-71 he was on an engine on the Northern Pacific Railroad 
and in the fall of 1871 was transferred to Harvard [McHenry County], IL, 
running a train for several months between Chicago [Cook County, IL]and 
Baraboo [Sauk County, WI]. Later he returned to the Winona & St. Peter 
division, and in 1876 became foreman of the shops at Winona [Winona County], 
MN, but in Dec 1877 accepted the position of foreman of the shops at Harvard 
[McHenry County], IL. On 09 Aug 1883 he was appointed master mechanic of the 
Madison division, with headquarters at Baraboo, where he remained until 
transferred. He had charge of 516 miles of railroad; had an average of 130 
men working under him in the shops, and about 300 train men. His practical 
knowledge of all the details of his business, as well as his acquaintance 
with men, renders him a most valuable employee, as is evidenced by his long 
continuance in so important a position with one of the leading railroad 
companies of the Union.

On 24 Nov 1876 was celebrated the marriage of Henry D. PAGE and Miss Louisa 
BUNNELL, who was the first white child born in LaCrosse County, WI, a 
daughter of Willard and Matilda BUNNELL, of Winona [Winona County], MN. The 
father, who is a son of Dr. John Bradley BUNNELL, was born in Rochester 
[Monroe County], NY, and is a pioneer of Winona, MN, where for many years he 
served as an Indian fur trader and kept a wood yard. His wife was born in 
Detroit, MI. Mr. and Mrs. Henry D. PAGE have two children: (1) Henry 
Willard, born 23 Aug 1879; and (2) Grace Louise, born 21 Apr 1882. The 
family is connected to the Methodist church and is held in high regard by all 
who have the pleasure of their acquaintance. Mr. PAGE is an honored member 
of Cream City Division, No. 66, of L. E., Milwaukee; Prairie Lodge, No. 7, 
Independent Order of Odd Fellows, of Winona; and a charter member of Devil's 
Lake Camp, No. 390, Modern Woodmen of America, of Baraboo. He is a 
Republican in principle but has neither time nor inclination for political 
agitation. In 1896 he erected a fine residence in Baraboo.

Contributed by Cathy Kubly