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.1156

Capt. W. W. Neff, was born in the town of Burlington, Otsego Co., N.Y., July 28, 1839, and came to Oshkosh with his parents in 1850. He engaged in boating and was successful, plying mainly on Fox and Wolf Rivers and Winnebago Lake. In the spring of 1881, he became associated with N.C. Holmes in the grocery trade. He is a member of Masonic, Odd Fellow and Knights of Pythias lodges. Capt. Neff was married in 1862, to Miss Mary E. Ellinwood, formerly of Keeseville, N.Y. They have four children- Myra E., Anna M., George M. and an infant not named.