Biography extracted from History of Sauk County, Wisconsin Chicago: Western Historical Company, published 1880.

Reedsburg:

J. W. Gale, dealer in hardware, machinery, etc.; born at Quaker Street, Schenectady Co., N.Y., Dec. 8, 1836; he came to Walworth Co., Wis., near Sharon, with his parents in 1850, and remained on a farm, engaged in farm work, till about 25 years of age; his father, Stephen B. Gale, died in Adams Co., Wis., about the year 1874; in 1862. Mr. J. W. Gale went to Washington Territory, but returned to Wisconsin in 1863, and from there went to Idaho for two years; In 1865, returned to Wisconsin and went to Kilbourn, where he carried on grain and commission business until 1871; afterward went to Reedsburg, Wis., where he opened business in hardware, machinery, hops, etc., but, in 1875, he went to California prospecting, and, in 1876, intending to reside there, moved his family to that State; but not being so well-pleased as he had hoped, he returned to Reedsburg, where he has since resided; returning, he resumed his old business as hardware merchant, etc.; his firm is known as Hansen, Gale & Co. Mr. G. was married Sept. 13, 1866 to Miss Lucy Mallory, who was born Sept 13, 1848; they have two children - Earnest, born June 20, 1869 and Gladys, May 13, 1879. Mr. Gale has been twice a member of the Village Board. In politics, he is a Republican.

Return to Sauk County Biographies