----Source: 1918 History of Clark County, Wisconsin

ROBERT HOREL an early settler in Mentor Township, now deceased, was in his day a well known and highly respected citizen. He was born in England, Feb. 13, 1823, son of Isaac and Betsey (Morgan) Horel, his parents also being natives of that country. There were eight children in their family, all of whom have now passed away, except a son named Isaac, who is living in Humbird, Clark County.

Robert Horel came to the United States with his parents in 1834, when about 11 years of age. They settled near Syracuse, N. Y., where the father died. The mother, with her family, subsequently removed to Merton, Waukesha County, Wis. At this time Robert was the main support of the family. Securing a farm, they made their home there until 1856, in which year they set out for Clark County with an ox team and on arriving here located on a quarter section of land three miles northwest of Humbird, it costing them 1.25 an acre. The land, of course, was wild and to reach it they had to cut a road through the timber. Their first dwelling here was a tent, but as soon as possible a log cabin was put up, in which they made their home. Here the mother died in 1871. Robert Horel resided on that farm for some thirty-six years, or until his death, which occurred Mar. 25, 1892. During that time he developed it into a good piece of agricultural property, clearing the land and erecting substantial buildings. He was a man of sterling character, regarded as a good neighbor and a reliable and patriotic citizen. One of his brothers served in the Civil War.

Mr. Horel was married, April 3, 1865, to Rosana Dickey, who was born in the state of Maine, May 30, 1839, daughter of Robert and Mary (Paine) Dickey. Her father, born Nov. 11, 1806, died Nov. 20, 1862. Her mother was born July 24, 1812, and died Sept. 21, 1857. They had a family of nine children, three of whom are now living: Rosana, who married Robert Horel Alphonso, of Ashland, Ore., and John, who lives in Florida.

The children of Mr. and Mrs. Horel were: Robert M., born Jan. 28, 1867, now residing in Humbird Bessie, born Aug. 30, 1869, who died Feb. 22, 1876, when in her seventh year Josephine, born Jan. 24, 1874, who resides in Abbotsford, Clark County, and George H., born May 2, 1877, and now a resident of Humbird. Robert, who married Mary Holman, is now a widower, and has one daughter, Theo, who was born Dec. 5, 1891, and is now Mrs. William Finnegan, living at Lewiston, Cal. She has two children, Velma and Robert. Josephine is the wife of Louis Horn and has five children: Robert, born Nov. 13, 1895 (died Sept. 4, 1901) Alfred O., born Nov. 16, 1896 Ralph D., born June 11, 1898 Dorothy, born June 7, 1899, and Vivian, born June 2, 1908. George, who has always spelled his name Horrell, was married Nov. 30, 1900, to Carrie Colburn, who was born at Melrose, Wis., Mar. 8, 1879, daughter of Nelson and Nancy (Rathborn) Colburn. Her father was born Nov. 30, 1835, and was a miller in early life. In 1883 he bought a farm in Mentor Township, and operated it until 1901, when he retired to Humbird, where he died April 5, 1906. He took an active part in the affairs of the community and at one time was a member of the Mentor Township board. He is also a member of the Masonic Order. His wife, who was born Aug. 16, 1840, is now living in Humbird. There were six children in their family: Norman I., James E., Lilly E., Frank, Cullen A. and Carrie. George Horrell and wife are also the parents of six children, who were born as follows: Miles Colburn, July 3, 1893 died Jan. 25, 1897 George Robert. Feb. 23, 1905 Wilma M., Nov. 20, 1907 Kathleen M., Mar. 6, 1908 Muriel, Jan. 11, 1910, and Ruth M., May 5, 1915. Mrs. George Horel had five uncles in the Civil War, and Mrs. Robert Horel had four brothers who also fought for the Union in that momentous struggle. The latter resides in Humbird.

1880 Mentor Township, Clark Co., WI Federal Census

Robert Horrel @57, b. England, Farmer, Parents b. England

Wife: Annie @41, b. ME, Keeps House, Parents b. ME

Son: Bertie @13, b. WI, Student

Dau: Josephine @6, b. WI, Student

Son: George H. @3, b. WI

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Responses

Re: Bio: Horel, Elisha & Mary (1880)
Contact: Paul Horel
My name is Paul Lynn Horel. My father was Harold Lynn Horel, son of Arthur. My grandfather Arthur who apparently is your grand uncle was born in 1872. He moved his family to Page County, Iowa around the turn of the century and farmed in the Coin, College Springs, Braddyville area. My father also farmed 3 mi. north of Blanchard from about 1940 until around 1984. He was born in 1910 on a farm outside of Coin, IA. He had five brothers and sisters, Charles, Lloyd, Hattie, Vera and Kennard. All, including my father are deceased. Hope this is of interest to you. Several years ago I stopped at the cemetary where Elisha Horel is buried near Tunnel City, WI.