History of northern Wisconsin: containing an account of its settlement, growth, development, and resources, an extensive sketch of its counties, cities, towns and villages, their improvements, industries, manufactories, biographical sketches, portraits of prominent men and early settlers, views of county seats, etc. Chicago: Western Historical Co., 1881. p.1190

William M. Dana, Eureka, dealer in a general line of dry goods, groceries, hats, caps, boots and shoes, and all kinds of goods found in a country store; established in April, 1879; trade amounts to $12,000 to $15,000 per annum. He first located at Ripon, Wis., in 1848, with his parents, until war broke out, and enlisted in Co. M, 1st W.V.C., in 1862; was mustered into service at Madison in March, 1862; his regiment was constantly doing skirmish duty, and participated in the taking of Nashville, Tenn.; also at Atlanta, and many battles in that vicinity, and finally brought up at Macon, Ga. Mr. D. was a Special Orderly to Gen. O.H. LaGrange during his service. Was mustered out at Edgefield, a suburb of Nashville, in July 1865. He returned to Ripon and attended college eighteen months; then visited the States of Iowa and Minnesota, remaining eighteen months, in mercantile trade; he then went to Eureka, Wis.; engaged in milling business in company with E.B. Rounds; continued three years; sold out and went to Minnesota and farmed three years. He then went to San Francisco and clerked in the post office eight months; then as melter in United States Mint one year; returned to Minnesota and farmed one year, then to Eureka and farmed one year, after which he engaged in his present business. Was born in Schoharie Co., N.Y., June 16, 1846. Married, in Eureka, Feb. 22, 1871, to Miss Laura Coats, who was born in Walworth Co., Wis.; they have two sons- Hiram W. and William L. Mr. D. is a member of the ancient I.O.O.F.