Charles F. Flaherty, 1851

Posted4U@Charter.net on Sat, 17 Feb 2001

Surname: FLAHERTY, CAREY, NIVER, WELSH, BEAVER, DUAL

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

CHARLES F. FLAHERTY, who is now living retired in the village of Loyal after many years of activity in the farming industry, was born at Sheboygan Falls, Wis., Aug. 15, 1851. His parents were Michael and Mary (Carey) Flaherty, both natives of county Clare, Ireland. Michael, who was a working man, served as a soldier in the Mexican War of 1848, and after his return was married to Mary Carey in New York City. They joined the westward movement, locating at Sheboygan Falls, Wis., but remaining there only a short time, removed to Chilton, Calumet County, this state, this being in 1858. There Michael bought 120 acres of wild land, the country around being practically a wilderness. Clearing a place on his purchase, he erected a log house and barn, but for awhile had no stock and had to work out at times to support the family, improving his land as he was able. In time he built a frame house and better barn, and by dint of perseverance and hard work attained to a reasonable measure of comfort and prosperity. The last forty-eight years of his life were spent on that farm, his death occurring May 11, 1906.

He and his wife reared eight children: Charles F., Stephen, Mary, James, Joseph, Anna, Michael and John. Charles F. Flaherty remained on the home farm until he was 21 years old. He then found employment elsewhere making staves, coming home occasionally as he found opportunity. On Feb. 7, 1881, he was united in marriage with Rhoda Welsh, daughter of William and Elizabeth (Niver) Welsh, her father being a farmer of Clark County. In the same year he moved with his wife to Clark County, buying eighty acres of wild land in Loyal Township., On this he erected a log house and barn, but then had no stock. His supplies were obtained at Loyal village. He worked to some extent in the woods, the rest of his time being given to the improvement of his farm. There he made his home for thirty years, during which time gradually increased in prosperity, and then, in 1911, moved to Loyal village, where he has since made his home.

He and his wife have been the parents of seven children: Eugene, John, Margaret, Agnes, Kathryn, Anna and Vincent. Eugene, who is now serving with Company A, Second Regiment, Wisconsin Volunteers, married Viola Campbell, and has three children, Eugene, Jr., Ellen and Lillian. John is now deceased. Margaret is a resident of Bismarck, N. D.; Agnes, is the wife of Harry Stoneburg, of Eaton Township, and has two children, Lucille and Alice. Kathryn, now Mrs. Frank Beaver, of Loyal Village, has two children, Gilbert and Loraine. Anna, wife of Frank Dual, of Beaver Township, has two children, Kenneth and Adelbert. Vincent is serving with Company A, Second Regiment Wisconsin Volunteers.