Edwin Gates, 1864

Posted4U@Charter.net on Sat, 10 Feb 2001

Surname: WITZ, HEWETT, GATES, NICHALLS

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

Edwin H. Gates and Family

EDWIN GATES, who resides on the old Gates homestead adjoining the suburbs of Neillsville, was born on this place Dec. 8, 1864, son of Daniel and Jane (Hewett) Gates. He was educated both in the district and high schools and under his father's direction early acquired a knowledge of farming in its various branches. He has always resided on the place and since the death of his father in June, 1885, he has been proprietor of the homestead, his mother -residing with him until her death, June 8, 1916.

He has been very successful in his operations and has paid special attention to dairying, keeping Holstein cattle and being a member of the Pine Valley Creamery Company. He also raises a good grade of hogs and graded Percheron and Clydesdale horses and is ranked among the prosperous and reliable citizens of Neillsville and the vicinity.

Mr. Gates was first married to Mary Nicholls, who was born in Norway and came to the United States with an uncle, the marriage taking place on her twenty-fourth birthday, Oct. 25, 1889. After a few years of happy married life she died at Taylor, Jackson County, in 1896, at the early age of 31 years, leaving one child, Blanche Edna. Mr. Gates subsequently married for his second wife: Anna Witz, a native of Adams County, Wis., and of German and Irish ancestry. Of this union five children have been born: Daniel, Edwin H., Jr., Nellie, Genevieve and James Leslie. The eldest daughter is a school teacher in Clark County.