Drought, George W.

The following data is extracted from Racine, Belle City of the lakes, and Racine County, Wisconsin : a record of settlement, organization, progress and achievement.

George W. Drought, who carries on farming on section 1, Norway Township, is a worthy representative of one of the honored pioneer families of Racine County. His birth occurred in Norway Township, October 18, 1869, his parents being William Beasley and Mary (Curren) Drought. The mother had been previously married, her first husband being Werley Drought, who was in the war. The father was born in Canada and was a son of George Drought, who brought his family to Racine County in 1838 from his old home in the Dominion. He was one of the earliest settlers of this locality and his first home here was a sod house. This was afterward replaced by a log dwelling and subsequently a frame house was erected. Amid pioneer scenes William Beasley Drought grew to manhood and in Norway township was married to Mrs. Mary (Curren) Drought, whose birth occurred in Raymond Township, of which her father, Frank Curren, was one of the early settlers. The young couple took up their residence upon a farm in Norway Township and Mr. Drought continued to follow agricultural pursuits throughout the remainder of his life. The first eighty acres which he owned was given him by his father, but as time passed and he prospered in his farm work he was able to extend the boundaries of his place until at the time of his death he owned five hundred acres. He served on the school board for a number of years and took a commendable interest in public affairs, supporting the men and measures of the Republican Party. Both he and his wife were faithful members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. To them were born five children: George W., Ernest F., who is engaged in running a sawmill in Waterford; Ira E., who lives on the old homestead; A. B., a resident of Raymond township, and Lucy, the wife of David Codfish, a farmer of Raymond township.

George W. Drought pursued his studies in the district schools of his native township and on starting out in life for himself continued to follow the occupation to which he was reared, becoming a successful farmer. He is the owner of one hundred and ninety acres of excellent land and in connection with its operation follows dairying, keeping on hand full blooded Holstein cows for this purpose. In 1899 he erected a good residence and has also built a large barn and silo upon his place, which is known as the Pioneer Farm.

In 1899 Mr. Drought married Miss Delia M. Olsen, who was born in Waterford and is a daughter of Halver Olsen, one of the early settlers of Norway Township now residing in Waterford. Mrs. Drought received an excellent education, attending the Rochester Academy and also the State Normal at White-water. For two years she taught school at Waterford and for the same length of time at Yorkville. For five years she was in charge of the Drought school and for two years held a position in a graded school at Waterford. She was a very successful teacher, having the ability to impart clearly the knowledge that she had acquired. To Mr. and Mrs. Drought were born four children, those still living being Merle Irene, George Delwing and William Donald.

Mr. and Mrs. Drought hold membership in the Methodist Episcopal Church, in the work of which they take an active interest, and politically Mr. Drought favors the Prohibition Party. He has served on the school board for many years and has done much to promote the moral, intellectual and material welfare of his community. He well merits the confidence reposed in him by his fellow citizens and wherever known is held in high regard.

Source: Racine, Belle City of the lakes, and Racine County, Wisconsin : a record of settlement, organization, progress and achievement

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