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


JOSHUA THAYER,  farmer, Sec. 19 and 30; P.O. Palmyra; born in 
Berkshire Co., Mass., Aug. 16, 1820; he is among the very first settlers 
in Southern Wisconsin, as he came to Rock Co. in December, 1837, and 
settled in Fulton, where he engaged in the usual work of opening up a 
new country; he removed to the farm he now owns of 512 acres in 
November, 1842, and began with wild land and a log house; had no 
neighbors within two miles.  Mr. Thayer married Miss Diana Young, of 
La Prairie, Wis., June 22, 1841, who died Oct. 16, 1866, leaving seven 
children – Freeman, Ellen, Joseph, Louisa, Alice, Joshua and Matie; the 
last two are twins, and all were born on the old homestead in Palmyra.  
Mr. Thayer married Mrs. Martha E. Morse, of Lake Mills, Wis., Feb. 6, 
1867.  He is one of the successful pioneers who, by remaining upon his 
first location, has made a home and competence for himself and family; 
his income tax in 1863 was the largest in Jefferson Co.; he is now 
breeding Merino sheep, Holstein cattle, horses, hogs, etc.  Mr. T. is a 
stanch Republican, and has been a Supervisor and Assessor in Palmyra, 
and is in sympathy with the Universalist Church.  Freeman Thayer 
enlisted in the 1st W.V.C.; was discharged on account of disability; again 
enlisted in the 38th W.V.I., and served as 1st Sergeant; was with Grant at 
Richmond, Petersburg, in the Shenandoah Valley, etc.; served until the 
close of the war.


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