Mrs. Jane WESCOTT (1820 - 1897)
Shawano County Journal, Thursday, Feb. 11, 1897
MRS. WESCOTT'S DEATH - Coming close upon the death of Mr. Charles Magee Sr. is the announcement of the demise of Mrs. Jane Wescott, wife of Charles Wescott, the original founder of Shawano, and the first white settler in Shawano county. The life of Mrs. Wescott is replete with most interesting events which have a direct bearing on the history of Shawano county and the story of her life is the story of a great influence for good along the Wolf river, where a few traders constituted the only white inhabitants on the banks of the stream. Mrs. Wescott was born in Sparta, Livingston county. New York, November 9, 1820, the eldest daughter of Joseph and Mary Gillespie Driesbach. January 6, 1848 she was married to Mr. Wescott having come to Wisconsin three years before and settling at Waukau, Winnebago county. In 1849, Mrs. Wescott removed to Shawano with her husband, making the journey up the Wolf river by an old French batteau and an Indian canoe. She was the first white woman to appear on the Wolf river, and although she always refers to her early experiences in a modest, unassuming way, it is well known that she was a tremendous power for good not only among the settlers but among the then uncivilized Indians. There are many incidents regarding her early life that are worthy of much notice. It is interesting to know that she sent the first bible to make its appearance on the Wolf river. This is practically indicative of Mrs. Weskit’s Christian character. It is also interesting to know that she made the first flag ever floated in Shawano county which proves her loyal American patriotism. There are many other instances which would prove most interesting. Her kindness to the Indians and the high regard in which she was held by the original settlers are too well known to need further comment here. While in no sense an "advanced woman," it is more than probable that Mrs. Wescott wielded a greater influence for good by her quiet mode of living, her willingness to ever befriend the stranger and care for the sick, than any woman who from a platform preaches the twentieth century methods of woman's equal rights and suffrage. Her life was an example for great good and she will ever be remembered by those who knew her best as a true, womanly woman in all the best that the term implies. Born in Sparta, New York, she was as fearless as the Spartans of early history and suffered every hardship without complaint. She was a member of the Presbyterian church but for years has been unable to attend the services owing to the infirmities of age. Though confined to the house for years, she has enjoyed fairly good health, her death resulting from an attack of grip. Both Mr. & Mrs. Wescott had looked forward with many happy anticipations to the celebration of their golden wedding which would have occurred next year. She was the loving mother of a large family, all of whom have been prominently identified with the history of Shawano county, Charles J. Wescott, Mary J. Wescott Montour, Dayn P. Wescott, Ella Wescott, who died in 1880, and John A. Wescott. Funeral services were held at the family home this afternoon, Rev. Mr. Bethel conducting the services. A quartet composed of Mrs. G. M. Upham, Mrs. Anton Kuckuk, Mr. Edward Sprague and Mr. Almon M. Andrews, sang two appropriate selections. The pallbearers were; George Dickinson, John C. Black, Jesse Brooks and Dr. C.E. Munn.
(Contributed by Cathe Ziereis; Shawano FHC Collection)

Charles Wescott was the original founder of Shawano, Wisconsin, and the first white settler in Shawano county.

1880 United States Census
Marital Birth B-place
Name Rel Status Sex Race Age place Occup Fa Mo
Charles WESCOTT Self M M W 63 NY Farmer VT NY
Jane WESCOTT Wife M F W 58 NY Keeps House PA NY
Charles WESCOTT Son S M W 32 WI Woods Man NY NY
Ella WESCOTT Dau S F W 26 WI At Home NY NY
John WESCOTT Son M W 23 WI Laborer NY NY
Louis COATS Other S M W 30 PRU Laborer In Brick Yard PRU PRU
William HAKER Other S M W 23 PRU Laborer PRU PRU

Source Information:
Census Place Richmond, Shawano, Wisconsin
Family History Library Film 1255447
NA Film Number T9-1447
Page Number 398A