This is the obituary of Charles Tuttle and he died in his house in the town of Clinton on the evening of January 18, 1882, Charles Tuttle, age 70 years.

It is well to pause in our onward strife to contemplate for a moment the benefits which we derive in a measure from the courage and self-sacrifice of those men. Charles Tuttle was one of the 5 who first located in what is now the town of Clinton. The death of Mr. Tuttle leaves but one of the original. Dennis Mills now living at Lodi in this state. These 5 men have all been residents of the county of Jefferson in the state of New York.

In the spring of 1837 this little company made their way into the then new territory of Wisconsin, seeking to locate farms. On the 7th of April of that year they arrived at what is now Beloit. It then boasted of one log shanty. Following the Indian trail which extended from this point to Milwaukee, the company reached a spot near Turtle Creek where there was a fine growth of young trees and here they concluded to locate.

They built a log cabin 12 x 16 which they were join - jointly to use for a house and they gave it to the place the name of Jefferson Prairie in honor of their old home. The location of this first log house is near what is now known as Clinton Corners.

In the fall of 1833 Mr. Tuttle went back as far as Ohio where he married Elmina Gilbert whose family had formerly lived in Jefferson county and returned with her to the little colony. He then built a log house about one mile north of the first location and commenced housekeeping.

The first town meeting was held at this cabin and here the town was given the name of Clinton, after Gov. De Witt Clinton of New York, the name being suggested by a brother of Mrs. Tuttle.

The first political meeting was held in that door yard, a lumber wagon serving for a stand for the speaker. On the site of this log cabin, Charles Tuttle lived, honored and respected for 40 years. Mr. Tuttle was singularly modest and retiring in his disposition, but was possessed of sound judgment and sterling integrity. His was one of those rare lives that teach by the force of example. He lived what he believed and now after a residence of nearly 45 years in the same community there is no one to say that Charles Tuttle was ever guilty of a dishonest or dishonorable action.

He was one of the founders of the Congregational Church at Clinton and always remained one of its most earnest supporters, one of its most earnest supporters. His intercourse with the church was of the same peaceful harmonizing nature and his religious feelings and aspirations are set forth in the line "Nearer My God To Thee".

Throughout his life he gave liberally of his time, of his influence and his means in the support of any cause that would advance the interest of the community, always kind and affectionate to his family, singularly affable and courteous in his intercourse with his neighbors.

He was idolized by his family and beloved by all who knew him. In his later years with his white hair and beard and benevolent countenance he seemed like one of the patriarchs of old.

The kindly pressure of his hand was a blessing, his smile was a benediction. When his long and useful life came to its close, his death was in harmony with his life surrounded by his loving family, he calmly and peacefully breathed his last. “Well", did the minister say during the funeral discourse, "we have lost one of our best men and if I say the best man, none will object. And yet such a life is never lost. Its influence for good will continue to be felt long after the man is forgotten.”

He leaves besides his wife who has been a beloved helpmate to him through all the years of their sojourn together, three sons and one daughter, who are valuable members of society and who do honor to such a parentage. The eldest son Eugene enlisted during the late war and gave his life to his country