Mr. & Mrs. Edward W. Romaine

EDWARD W. ROMAINE, one of the earliest settlers in Beaver Township, but now deceased, was a man well known throughout Clark County, and held in high estimation. He was born in Paterson, N. J., Sept. 6, 1840, and when only 10 years old accompanied his parents to Fond du Lac County, Wis., where he attended country school and grew to manhood on the farm. There also he was united in marriage Dec. 25, 1862, to Celia Roscoe, who was born in Milwaukee, Jan. 5, 1844. She had received a good education and before her marriage was a school teacher. In 1864, Mr. Romaine enlisted as a private in Company C, 14th Wisconsin Volunteer Infantry, serving until the close of the war. It was in 1868 that he became a pioneer of Clark County, he and his brother Frank, with their families driving overland with an ox team from Fond du Lac County. Each took a homestead of 160 acres in Beaver Township, they being among the first settlers there. Edward W. Romaine's land was heavily timbered, which meant years of hard work for many hours a day, but he was not a man to be daunted by difficulties. Immediately he set to work on his task, which he kept up with a firm will and determination. The erection of a log cabin and stables first occupied his attention, after which the clearing of the land was begun. His persistent energy in time brought due reward, and he found himself the owner of a well cultivated farm, with a fine frame house and a complete set
of barns and outbuildings. There he carried on general farming for a quarter of a century, and became prosperous.

In 1893, owing to the poor health of Mrs. Romaine, he moved with her to the village of Loyal, where he made his home until his death twelve years later, which came unexpectedly. Accompanied by his wife and daughter, Jessie, he was on his way to the Portland Fair, anticipating a pleasant trip, and stopped off at Coeur d'Alene, Idaho, to visit his daughter, Mrs. C. M. Ransimer. Shortly after his arrival there he was taken ill and fourteen days later expired, July 29, 1905. His remains were taken in charge by the Odd Fellows' lodges of Coeur d'Alene and Spokane, and returned to Loyal, where the funeral was held at the residence of his son-in-law, Charles H. Brown. They were afterwards taken to Neillsville, where he now rests beside his son Robert. Mr. Romaine was an honored member of Hercules Lodge, No. 181, I.O.O.F., of Greenwood also of the G. A. R. Post. During his active career he had been closely identified with the affairs of Clark County, serving in many offices of public trust, including that of Deputy Sheriff and his public career was marked by energy, efficiency and fidelity to duty while his amiable characteristics made him personally popular.

To him and his wife five children were born: Edith D., who is now Mrs. Corwin M. Ransimer, of Lewiston, Mont. Mary E., wife of Charles H. Brown, of Loyal, Wis. Leah E., now Mrs. John Graves, of Spencer, Wis. Jessie I., who is the wife of Robert Eunson, of Lewiston, Mont., and Robert E., the only son, who died in 1881. Mrs. Celia Romaine, beloved by her children, is now spending the afternoon of life in quiet and comfort, and though some memories of the past are sad, they are not unhappy, for her duties as wife and mother were faithfully performed and have brought their own reward.

Family Notes

Corwin M. Ransimer was born 14 Feb 1860 in OH, and died 24 Dec 1942 in Santa Barbara, Los Angeles, CA (v. 16, pg. 43).  He married Edith Deyette Romaine in 1890.  She was born in Auburn Twp., Fond du Lac, WI, 30 Jan 1864.

Edward Wells Romaine is also featured in the book, "Civil War Soldiers in the heart of Clark Co., Wisconsin."