From the book History of Walworth County Wisconsin, by Albert Clayton Beckwith, 
publ. 1912 - Pages 642 - 643 
 
EZRA GIFFORD.  The life sketch of the late and well remembered Ezra GIFFORD is 
closely identified with the history of Walworth county, for here he spent the 
major part of his useful, industrious and honorable life, beginning his career 
in the pioneer epoch of the county, and throughout the years which later came 
and went until he was summoned to his reward he was closely allied with its 
interests and upbuilding.  His life, being one of unfailing activity, was 
crowned by success, and at the same time he won and retained the confidence and 
good will of all who knew him by his clean life and fair dealings with his 
fellow men in all his relations with the world.
 
Mr. GIFFORD was born in Albany, New York, April 30, 1843.  He was the son of 
Constant and Letitia (MOORE) GIFFORD, the father a native of Albany, New York, 
and the mother was born in Canada, probably Montreal.
 
The subject came with his parents in 1847 to Wisconsin, the family settling in 
Bloomfield township, Walworth county, and here he grew to manhood and received 
such education as he could in the early schools of the community.  When the 
Civil war came on he proved his loyalty to his country by enlisting in Company 
K, One hundred and Fifty-third Illinois Volunteer Infantry, and he served 
faithfully for the Union.  On January 1, 1867, he was united in marriage with 
Mariette CHAPIN, daughter of John CHAPIN and wife, a sketch of whom appears 
elsewhere in this work.  After their marriage they moved to Jessup, Blackhawk 
county, Iowa, and lived there about two years, later returning to this county 
and establishing their home near Delavan, moving to Boone county, Iowa, six or 
seven years later, and they lived there several years, later spending about two 
years near Ackley, Iowa.  They then came to the center of Bloomfield township, 
Walworth county, and went on a farm that had been owned by Mrs. GIFFORD's 
brother, W. D. CHAPIN, and here they resided for about twenty years, carrying 
on general farming successfully.  
 
Seven children were born to Ezra GIFFORD and wife, namely: May married J. W. 
CONN and lives at Camas, Washington; Ella married R. R. HOFFMAN and lives in 
Bloomfield township, this county; Lillian married Lewis A. KIMBALL, also of 
Bloomfield township; Charlie C, who lives on a farm in Bloomfield township, 
married Della ROWE, daughter of Asa ROWE,; Ora married F. M. HIGGINS, and they 
live in Lake Geneva; George M., who lives on the home farm in Bloomfield 
township, married Mattie GLEASON, daughter of Fred GLEASON; Jennie is the wife 
of Hervey ROWE and they live in Harvard, Illinois.
 
Ezra GIFFORD spent most of the last twenty years of his life in Bloomfield 
township on the CHAPIN farm near Bloomfield Center and led an active life, 
retiring from farming in the spring of 1905 and bought a home in Lake Geneva.  
During the following fall and winter he and Mrs. GIFFORD traveled extensively 
in the West, visiting Kansas, Idaho, Oregon, and Washington, making a tour of 
the Yellowstone Park and visiting the Portland Exposition, returning home in 
April 1905.  He was making extensive plans for improving his farm and city 
property when he was seized with his final illness, and his death occurred on 
May 21, 1906.  He was universally loved and respected.  While positive in his 
opinions, he always had consideration for the feelings of others and never 
injured anyone.  He was modest and retiring in dispotion, but always active for 
the betterment of the community in which he lived.  His integrity was beyond 
question.  He was a loving husband and kind father, well worthy of the respect 
he enjoyed from all who knew him.  He was a member of the Masons, and until 
late in life belonged to the Independent Order of Odd Fellows.  He had also 
been a member of the Grand Army of the Republic while living in Iowa.  He was 
much attached to his home and family, and was a good and useful man.

Submitted By:  Carol
(carolann612@charter.net)