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.1161

Sylvanus Ripley, lumber manufacturer; was born in the town of Barry, Vt.,
March 3, 1818; reared in that vicinity, and came from Montpelier to
Illinois in 1843; engaged in threshing in Illinois for four years. In
June, 1848, he came to Oshkosh, brought the first threshing machine west of
Fox River, in Wisconsin, and he introduced the first reaper which was
operated near Rock River. He was engaged in threshing in Wisconsin for
sixteen winters; engaged in farming the year he came to this State, logging
that winter, and in the fall of 1848, commenced threshing; commenced the
manufacture of lumber in partnership with his present partner, Mr. Meed, in
1850, and they have continued that business since that time. Mr. Ripley
was married, at Appleton, Wis., June, 1861, to Phoebe Bowen, she is a
native of the state of New York. They have three children- Alton, Montague
and Mary.