Timothy Fellows facts for kids

Timothy Hopkins Fellows (born March 14, 1812 – died November 5, 1894) was an American farmer from Bloomfield, Wisconsin. He was an important person in his community, serving on the local town board and even as its leader. He also served two terms (1852–1853) in the Wisconsin State Assembly, which is like the state's law-making group. He was a member of the Free Soil Party, a political group that was against slavery spreading to new areas.

Early Life and Moving West

Timothy Fellows was born on March 14, 1812, in Luzerne County, Pennsylvania. He was one of thirteen children! When he was seventeen, he moved with his father to Kalamazoo County, Michigan. There, he bought his own farm and worked as a farmer for about ten years.

On December 1, 1831, Timothy married Elizabeth Ann Duncan. They had eleven children together, but sadly, only six of them lived to be adults.

In the spring of 1840, Timothy and his family moved to Wisconsin Territory. They settled in the southeast part of Walworth County. This area was considered "frontier country" back then, meaning it was wild and undeveloped with no roads. Timothy had to mark trees to find his way around! Besides farming, he also worked as a merchant, which means he bought and sold goods. He lived on this farm for the rest of his life.

Helping His Community

Timothy Fellows was very involved in his local government. He served many times on the town board of supervisors for Bloomfield. This board helps make decisions for the town. He was first elected in 1844 and later served as the chairman, or leader, of the board in 1846, 1868, and 1878.

Even though his father was a Democrat, Timothy first joined the Whig Party.

He became a strong abolitionist, meaning he was against slavery and wanted to end it. He even helped with the Underground Railroad, a secret network that helped enslaved people escape to freedom. Once, he sent his oldest son, Theodore, to help an escaped slave get to the next safe place.

In 1851, Timothy was elected to the Wisconsin State Assembly as a member of the Free Soil Party. He was re-elected in 1852. After his time in the Assembly, he became a strong supporter of the Republican Party when it was formed.

He continued to serve on Bloomfield's town board in later years, in 1856, 1857, 1865, 1868, and 1878. He was also elected to the county board three times, in 1846, 1873, and 1878.

Later Years

By 1882, Timothy and his wife, Elizabeth, were still living on their farm in Bloomfield. Their farm was quite large, about 600 acres. They were both members of the local Congregational Church.

Elizabeth died on April 23, 1887. Timothy Fellows passed away on November 5, 1894, at his home in Bloomfield. He had been sharing his home with his son Gilmore and Gilmore's family. Timothy and Elizabeth are buried at Hillside Cemetery in Genoa City, Wisconsin.