James Short (1836)

1891 Biographical History of Clark Jackson Counties WI

James Short. This gentleman, who is one of the successful farmers of Clark County, resides on a farm of 120 acres, which is located on section 18, Washburn Township. He took this a homestead claim in 1869, and by the expenditure of much labor he cleared up thirty acres which were at the time wilderness. He also cleared about eighty acres for other parties.

Mr. Short was born in Madrid, New York, July 17, 1836. About forty years ago his parents came to Wisconsin and settled in Jefferson County, becoming early pioneers of that district. His father still resides there. Of the eleven children his parents reared all are still living except two. James received his education in Jefferson County, and remained with his parents until he was twenty. He then began to work out by the month. The first six months he received a three-year-old heifer, one pig and three dollars in money. He continued to work by the month until the war broke out, when he with three of his brothers entered the army, enlisting in Company D, Twenty-ninth Wisconsin Infantry, Captain Bryant. He participated in the battles of Grand Gulf, Champion Hill, Vicksburg, Sabine Cross Roads, and remained in the Gulf Department until the war closed. At Sabine Cross Roads Mr. Short was captured, but made his escape and traveled five miles through the night to get back to Union ranks. He was active in service until 1866, when he was honorably discharged. At one time while drawing a ball from his gun he accidentally shot off two of his fingers. The war over he returned to his home in Jefferson County.

Mr. Short has been twice married. His first wife, nee Mary Elliott, of Jefferson County, Wisconsin, whom he wedded August 3, 1860, died during the war, in 1864. She bore him one child, that is also deceased. December 4, 1871, Mr. Short was married in Clark County, to Martha Shopp. They are the parents of three children. The subject of our sketch affiliates with the Republican party and is a member of the Presbyterian Church. He has served as School Treasurer five years and as a member of the Town Board one year.