Bio: Short, Andrew O. 1849
Contact: stan@wiclarkcountyhistory.org
 
Surnames: SHORT, RITCHE, SCOTT, BELL

----Source: 1918 History of Clark Co., WI, by Franklyn, Curtiss-Wedge, pg. 274 - 275.

Andrew O. Short & Family

ANDREW O. SHORT, an early settler in Washburn Township," coming here forty-five years ago, and now a prosperous farmer of the township, was born in Jefferson County, Wis., May 28, 1849, son of James and Betsey (Ritche) Short. The parents were natives of Scotland, who were married in St. Lawrence County, N. Y. Later, they settled as farmers near Ft. Atkinson, Wis., locating in the woods at a place called Pumpkin Hollow, where James Short built a frame house and began clearing the land with an ox team. There he passed the rest of his life, dying at the age of 70 years.

His wife died in Clark County at the same age. They were faithful members of the Presbyterian Church. Their family numbered ten children: Betsey, James, Stephen, George, Belle, Jane, Andrew, John, Mary and William. Andrew O. Short attended district school in Jefferson County and grew up on his father's farm. Later, he took up agricultural work on his own account, coming to Clark County in 1871. Here he settled on a tract of eighty acres in Section 3, Washburn Township, both the tract and surrounding country being covered with woods. In beginning operational he first erected a log dwelling, 16 by 24 feet, with two rooms and pantry, and then, with nothing but his, hands to work with, started clearing the land.

In the next year, on July 10, Mr. Short was married to Jennie Scott, daughter of William and May Scott of Jefferson County. He and his wife beginning housekeeping in the log residence., There were no roads and they had to walk to Neillsville to get supplies. Their stock consisted at first of one cow, one pig and a few chickens. For awhile, Mr. Short worked in the woods. during the winters, clearing his place in the summer. He raised an ox team from calves and in course of time finished clearing his farm. He also erected a frame residence on the site of the old log building. He now has a good farm of eighty acres, with substantial buildings and all necessary equipment, raising a good grade of stock, including cattle and hogs. Formerly he also raised sheep, his wife spinning wool to make caps, mittens and socks for the family.

He has since very early times taken an active part in the affairs of the township, formerly being a member of the township board and school board. He also helped to start the Shortville creamery, of which he was president one year, being still a shareholder. He was the first postmaster in Washburn township the office being established in his log house, and the locality being named Shortville in his honor. He and his wife are the parents of three children: James, a farmer in Washburn Township, who married Onie Vanfleet, and has three children, Opal, Gale and Wanda; Ralph, unmarried, who resides at home with his father; and May, now Mrs. Walter Bell, of Washburn Township, has two children, Leland W., and Bruce A.