DSC_6666 Homestead
After the war of 1812, soldiers were able to purchase land in the Town of Wilson for $1.25/acre. John Poth was one of those settlers building this house after logging the land to start a farm. freepages.genealogy.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~sheboygan/news... Many generations continued to farm the family homestead, a few ventured into other careers, well drillers, butchers...opening a very successful meat market in the city of Sheboygan.
Around 1930 the Poths acquired another parcel of land in the town of Wilson where they built a modest retirement home for themselves and passed the family farm on to younger generations. They lived there until about 1990 when they succumbed to old age. That’s when I purchased the same house and continue to live in it today.
I’ve always felt a connection with this family, learning more and more about them over the years both good and bad. They were very well known throughout town and the city. I often find reminders of them in and around my house thru lost possessions and their workmanship/craftsmanship. I found it very weird that the homestead property was lined with pine trees and also had several chestnut and apple trees just like my property.
As far as the old homestead, the city of Sheboygan now owns the house and the land, leasing the land to a neighboring farmer. I’m guessing they acquired it thru money owed possibly from advanced age healthcare provided by a city facility. The city limits were miles from town years ago but are only a few properties away today and eventually the old homestead will become part of the city and another sub-division.
The house has been sealed up tight for over 20 years now, never entered or kept up. I’ve always been very interested in this house.
DSC_6666 Homestead
After the war of 1812, soldiers were able to purchase land in the Town of Wilson for $1.25/acre. John Poth was one of those settlers building this house after logging the land to start a farm. freepages.genealogy.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~sheboygan/news... Many generations continued to farm the family homestead, a few ventured into other careers, well drillers, butchers...opening a very successful meat market in the city of Sheboygan.
Around 1930 the Poths acquired another parcel of land in the town of Wilson where they built a modest retirement home for themselves and passed the family farm on to younger generations. They lived there until about 1990 when they succumbed to old age. That’s when I purchased the same house and continue to live in it today.
I’ve always felt a connection with this family, learning more and more about them over the years both good and bad. They were very well known throughout town and the city. I often find reminders of them in and around my house thru lost possessions and their workmanship/craftsmanship. I found it very weird that the homestead property was lined with pine trees and also had several chestnut and apple trees just like my property.
As far as the old homestead, the city of Sheboygan now owns the house and the land, leasing the land to a neighboring farmer. I’m guessing they acquired it thru money owed possibly from advanced age healthcare provided by a city facility. The city limits were miles from town years ago but are only a few properties away today and eventually the old homestead will become part of the city and another sub-division.
The house has been sealed up tight for over 20 years now, never entered or kept up. I’ve always been very interested in this house.