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.1143

William J. Dean, engineer for McMillen, was born in Stony Creek, Warren Co., N. Y., in 1842. He parents came west in 1854, and after spending about three months in La Salle Co., Ill., moved to Wisconsin and located in Oshkosh. Mr. Dean first worked on the river for a time, and was watchman in the mill for three months in 1860, and in 1861 commenced engineering. In August, 1862, he enlisted in Co. C, 21st W. V. I., and served until he was mustered out in June, 1865; was detailed as a nurse for some six months, and was for several years, Postmaster of his regiment. On his return from the war, he worked in the saw-mill at Appleton several years, engaged in setting and filing; after spending one year in Oshkosh and some three years in Wrightstown, he bought an interest in a portable saw-mill; after running it about one year, he sold out and returned to Oshkosh and engaged with McMillen. He was married in Oshkosh, Oct. 18, 1865, to Miss Marion Howard, of Oshkosh. They have had four children, one only survives- Jesse A. Mr. Dean is a member of the I. O. O. F.