WILLIAM M. HEMPHILL, one of the practical and progressive farmers of the town of Fulton, residing on section 13, was born in New Hampshire on the 15th day of June, 1820, and his parents were James and Sarah (Densmore) Hemphill. Their birthplace was also in the Granite State, where the father engaged in farming for many years. He afterwards removed to Oneida County, N.Y., where he followed the same occupation for fifteen years, when he took up his residence on a farm in Steuben County. He there resided until his death, and was buried in the cemetery at Hartsville, N.Y. His wife, who survived him for some time, died at the home of her eldest son, and was laid to rest by the loved one gone before. The family numbered eight children, five of whom, four sons and a daughter, are living at the time of this writing (1889). Robert, the eldest, is living on the old homestead in the Empire State; William M. is the next in order of birth; James M. is located in Oregon; Silas makes his home in Pennsylvania; and Ruth is the wife of the Rev. William C. Whitford, a resident of Milton, Wis. Mr. Hemphill and his wife were earnest Christian people, belonging to the Seventh-day Baptist Church and were held in high respect in the community where they made their home. In political sentiment the former was a Democrat.
Our subject passed the days of his boyhood and youth on his father's farm, but on attaining the age of twenty years bade good-by to his home and friends and started out to fight life's battle. He was first employed as a pile-driver on the New York & Erie Railroad for a period of six months and then began working as a farm hand, engaging in that line during the greater part of the time until August, 1848. Following the course of emigration, which was steadily flowing westward, he reached Wisconsin and cast his lot with the pioneer settlers of Rock County. For three years he again engaged in farm labor, when he returned to New York on a visit to his parents. In the spring of 1851, attracted by the discoveries in California, he started with an ox team to the Pacific Slope, his journey being from ocean to ocean. On the 3d day of April he left his home and after crossing mountains, fording rivers and enduring the exposure and perils of life on the plains, reached his destination Sept. 13, having been five months and ten days in making the trip. He at once engaged in mining, which he followed with reasonable success for three years, when he returned home.
Not long after his arrival Mr. Hemphill wedded Maria Langworthy, the marriage ceremony being performed Oct. 2, 1855. Two children were born unto them, namely: William E., who is now deceased, and Alida S., who was born March 16, 1861, and is the wife of Charles M. Morse, a resident of Clark County, Miss. Mr. and Mrs. Hemphill spent the winter in the East, and the following spring after their marriage came to Wisconsin, locating on land in Rock County which the husband had previously purchased. A commodious house had been built, but otherwise no improvements had been made. The work of cultivating the wild land was at once begun, and though in limited circumstances in those early days, he accumulated by industry, good management and ability, a comfortable property, and is now one of the most substantial farmers of the town of Fulton.
Although experiencing many inconveniencies and enduring many hardships the days passed merrily in the pioneer home until 1870, when a dark shadow cast by the gloomy hand of Death blotted out for a time all sunshine. The loving wife and tender mother died on the 25th day of May, and was laid to rest in the burying-ground at Milton. Mr. HEMPHILL's second marriage was celebrated in October, 1873, the lady of his choice being Mrs. AURELA C. GREEN, by whom he has one child, Nelson E., who was born Oct. 8, 1875, and still resides at home. The mother died May 29, 1889, and her remains were taken to Independence, N.Y. where they were interred. She was a most estimable lady, highly beloved for her many excellencies of character, and was a member of the Seventh-day Baptist Church, which represents the belief of Mr. HEMPHILL. The latter has always borne his share in the work of public improvement, is a representative citizen and is well known throughout the community. He casts his ballot with the Republican party, with which he has affiliated since its organization.
