From History of Walworth County Wisconsin, Vol. II, by Albert Clayton 
Beckwith, Publ. 1912 - Page 1115-1116

JOHN G. MEADOWS.  We are glad to give specific mention to such worthy citizens 
of Walworth county as John G. MEADOWS, of Lyons, now living retired at Lyons 
after an active life as a general farmer in this vicinity.  He has been loyal 
to this, his adopted country, for he hails from "merrie England," from whence 
have come so many of our sterling citizens.  He even sacrificed his time and 
offered his life, if need be, for the preservation of the Union during its 
days of peril fifty years ago.

Mr. MEADOWS was born in 1830 at Bent, England, and he is the son of George and 
Elizabeth (GREENWOOD) MEADOWS, both natives of England, the father born on 
December 26, 1804, and the mother on June 5, 1805.  The father died on January 
26, 1886, and the mother is also deceased.  George MEADOWS and wife grew up 
and were married in their native country and there they remained until about 
1841 when the brought their family to America, first settling near New 
Hartford, New York, where they lived for a short time, then moved to 
Burlington Flats, Oswego county, where they lived about four years.  They then 
moved to Lyons, Walworth county, in 1855, where the father bought two hundred 
and eighty-six acres one and one-half miles from town, and this he put in a 
high state of cultivation.  He finally sold the place to two of his sons, who 
divided it, and moved to Burlington where he and his wife spent the rest of 
their lives.  They were the parents of eight children, five of whom are 
living.  The father was a Republican in politics.  He was a successful farmer 
and led a quiet life.

John G. MEADOWS grew to manhood on his father's farm and received his 
education in the district schools, which was limited to about three months 
each winter.  In 1861 he enlisted in the Ninth Wisconsin Battery, Light 
Artillery, and he served very gallantly in the Federal army for three years, 
three months and twenty-six days.  He was in the battles of Blue River and 
Weston, Missouri.  He was made duty sergeant when he enlisted.  He was sent 
home on recruiting service by special order No. 209, dated "District of 
Colorado, Denver, December 22, 1863."  He was discharged at the expiration of 
his term of enlistment, January 26, 1865, at Leavenworth, Kansas.  After 
returning home he again took up farming which he followed successfully until 
about four years ago when he retired from active life.

Mr. MEADOWS was married in 1866 to Ellen M. HOND, daughter of Nathan B. and 
Marcia M. (COWLES) HOND, both natives of New Lebanon, New York, where they 
spent their early lives, emigrating to Walworth county in a very early day, in 
fact, were among the pioneer settlers.

John G. MEADOWS and wife had five children, four of whom are still living, 
namely: Frank H. is deceased; Fred G. is farming and lives at Lyons; John E. 
lives in Walla Walla, Washington; Emma Ruth is teaching school; Roy N. lives 
at home.

The subject has always been a stanch Republican and he has held several 
township offices; he was assessor for a period of seven years, and was also 
chairman.  He was elected one of the commissioners of the Turtle Creek 
drainage district of Walworth county.  He was also jury commissioner and a 
member of the Soldier's Relief Corps, also of the soldiers' memorial 
committee.  He has long been active in Masonic affairs.

Submitted by Carol