WHITE, John Henry
Commemorative and Biographical Record of Columbia, Sauk and Adams Counties, 
WI. Chicago: Ogle, 1901, p 556-557

John Henry WHITE, an enterprising citizen, business man and prominent public 
official of Lavalle, Sauk County, WI, was born in Columpton, Devonshire, 
England, 23 Sep 1837. He was the son of John and Jane (COTTRELL) WHITE, who 
came to America with their family in 1849. The father was a wool comber by 
trade and followed it for some years at Bradford, Yorkshire, whither he moved 
soon after the birth of our subject. Upon arriving in the U. S. he located 
at Oconomowoc [Waukesha County], WI, and from there came to Lavalle in 1855. 
He died in Lavalle [Sauk County, WI] on 18 Aug 1882, aged 72 years, and the 
mother died in Lavalle four years later, aged 74 years. The father was a 
Democrat in political sentiment and took an active part in local govenment. 
He was a member of the Advent Christian church.

John H. WHITE came with his parents to WI at the age of 12 years, and 
attended the district school. He assisted his father on the farm until he 
reached his majority, when he began farming for himself, and for several 
winters was engaged in teaching school. He enlisted 24 Jan 1862 in the 12th 
WI Light Artillery, and was discharged 27 Mar 1865. He served under General 
Grant in the Army of the Tennessee, was through the Vicksburg campaign, and 
later in Sherman's army, at the siege of Corinth, battle of Iuka, crossing 
the Mississippi River at Grand Gulf, was at Port Gibson, Raymond, Jackson, 
Champion Hill, and Black River Bridge, and after the fall of Vicksburg was at 
Missionary Ridge. Subsequently his division was employed guarding the 
railroad until the battle of Altoona. Then came the march to the sea, and 
from thence to Goldsboro, NC, where he received his discharge. Before 
leaving Atlanta he was detailed as division hospital steward, and continued 
until his discharge through the expiration of his term of enlistment. At 
Altoona he was in the thickest of the fight and a bullet passed through his 
boot leg and another struck his horse. For two hours he loaded the cannon, 
taking the place of the regular man who had met death. The service was hard 
throughout his enlistment, but he did his duty to his country regardless of 
self comfort, and was one of the bravest soldiers who went in that struggle.

Mr. WHITE resided on his farm until 1889 when he removed from Lavalle 
Township into the village and has since been a resident of that place. He 
conducts an insurance business, is notary public and justice of the peace, 
which latter office he has held in the township or village for the past 26 
years. Mr. WHITE was married 15 Dec 1861 to Emily POND, daughter of Andrew 
and Rebecca POND. Mrs. WHITE was born in PA and came to Sauk County [WI] in 
1858. Her mother died in PA and her father died in Vernon County, WI. Six 
children who grew to maturity have been born to Mr. and Mrs. WHITE: (1) 
Anna Almira, born 05 Feb 1869, died in a burning building on 12 Feb 1899; (2) 
Charles J., (3) Abbie L., now Mrs. A. BESAW, of Waushara County; (4) 
Lorenzo A., (5) Frank E., a teacher in Sauk County [WI]; and (6) Nellie M. 
Mr. WHITE is a member of the Advent Christian church of Lavalle [Sauk County, 
WI], and contributed of his means for the erection of the church building. 
He is a member of the A. A. Matthews Post, No. 44, G. A. R, at Lavalle, and 
is adjutant in the local post. He has filled various offices of trust and 
was village clerk eight years. He has been a lifelong Republican and cast 
his vote for Abraham Lincoln in 1860. There is perhaps no man in the village 
who takes a more active interest in its welfare and has done more to promote 
its enterprises than Mr. WHITE. He is well-known throughout the county, and 
is a man whose opinions are sought and advice heeded.

Contributed by Cathy Kubly