Wisconsin History Day By Day

Related Web Sites:
The Father of Modern Dairying

Hoard, William Dempster, 1836-1918

William Dempster Hoard


Read More About It

"Dictionary of Wisconsin Biography" by the Wisconsin Historical Society

"Wisconsin Blue Book"


Vocabulary:

publication
dairy
devoted


Interesting Fact:

Hoard served as a musician with the 4th Wisconsin Volunteer Infantry from 1861-1862 during the Civil War.


Study Questions:

  • Why did Hoard move to Wisconsin?
  • What were the reasons why Wisconsin famers turned to dairy farming in such a big way?
  • After his term as governor, what did Hoard do?


    U.S. historical events that occurred on October 10:

    1845: The U.S. Naval Academy opens.



    • October 10

    Wisconsin's Governors
    William D. Hoard, Wisconsin's 16th governor, was born in Stockbridge, New York in 1836. His father was a Methodist minister but also a successful dairy farmer. Hoard moved to Wisconsin in 1857. In 1870, he began the publication of the Jefferson County Union, first in Lake Mills and later in Fort Atkinson. He quickly devoted much space to the problems of dairy farming. By 1885, he began the publication "Hoard's Dairyman." Hoard was elected governor in 1890 despite having little political or legislative experience. Died: November 22, 1918.

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