Bio: Polleys, Abner D. (History - 1856)

Contact: Janet Schwarze

Surnames: POLLEYS WOODCOCK

----Source: History of Jackson and Clark Counties, Wisconsin (1891-Lewis Publishing Co.) page 214.

ABNER D. POLLEYS, a prominent citizen of Jackson County, was born in Washington County, Maine, May 8, 1856, the son of William H. Polleys, who was born near Halifax, Colchester County, Novia Scotia, May 18, 1824. In 1841 he came to Washington County, Maine, and in 1856 to Jackson County, Wisconsin. At one time he owned about 1,200 acres of land in this county, but has since sold a considerable portion, and invested the money in lands in different parts of the country. He owns property in Florida, Georgia and also in La Crosse. His residence is one of the finest and best improved places in Melrose. He is also interested in a mill at La Crosse. Politically he is a Democrat. His father, Abner Polleys, was born at Bridge Hill, Massachusetts, in the year 1786, and subsequently came to Dodge County, where he died at the age of sixty-six years. He was a farmer by occupation, and very prominent man in his lifetime. Our subject's mother, nee Dorothy A. Woodcock was born in Washington County, Maine in 1829, and died in Jackson County, Wisconsin at the age fifty-eight years. She was a daughter of Dexter and Jane (Hovey) Woodcock, both natives of Maine. The father was a prominent manufacturer and dealer in boots and and shoes. Mr. and Mrs. Polleys had four children, namely: William E., Edgar H., Abner D. and Frank Ol, all of whom are still living.

Abner D., their third child, was reared in Melrose, Jackson County and completed his education in the high school at Black River Falls. In 1876 he went to La Crosse, where he was employed as bookkeeper in his father's mill until 1880.

In that year he returned to Jackson County, and engaged in farming until 1887, when he was elected Town Clerk of Melrose, which position he now holds, having been elected by a unanimous vote. He is now giving considerable attention to the raising of fine breed cattle, horses, pigs and sheep. He averages about twenty five head of cattle, twenty horses, 150 sheep and twenty five hogs. Politically he is a Prohibitionist, and socially a member of the I.O.O.F. fraternity, No. 300, Melrose, and is also a member of the Good Templars, Lodge. No. 220.

POLLEYS WOODCOCK