The community in which a good man passes his life suffers a loss in his death, although he may leave an influence that widens as the years roll by, through the better lives of those who were directly benefited by him. When the late David N. Bacon was called from his life work many felt a personal sense of loss, due to a knowledge of his good citizenship, and habits of industry and prudence. He was an early settler of Wisconsin, and for many years resided in Adams County, where he was proprietor of a pleasant estate near Point Bluff. He had become known to a large circle and had pursued a career that had won an abundant reward in a financial sense.

Mr. Bacon was born in Bath, Steuben County, New York, March 26, 1834, and was the son of Noah B. and Charlotte (York) Bacon, both natives of Steuben County. His father went to Walworth County, Wisconsin, in 1843, and later moved to White Creek, Adams County, where he purchased a farm and lived there until about 1855, when he sold his land and purchased a residence in White Creek, where he resided until the death of his wife in 1877. He now resides with his son, E. F. Bacon, in Des Moines, Iowa, and reached his one hundredth birthday December 19, 1899. He possesses good health and is able to enjoy his life.

Our subject came with his parents to Wisconsin, and attended school and assisted with the work on the farm until he reached his twentieth year. He was fitted for any kind of business, and was well educated and capable. He learned the trade of blacksmith, which he followed in White Creek until about thirty-five years of age. He then purchased a mercantile business in that place which he conducted three years, and, on account of failing health, disposed of his business interests and purchased a farm at Point Bluff, which is now in possession of Mrs. Bacon.

Mr. Bacon was married in 1855 to Caroline Dewing, of Sugar Creek. Mrs. Bacon died in 1861, leaving two children: Addison, born in 1856, now an agriculturist of Springville township: and May L., born in 1861, now Mrs. G. Reynolds, of Springville. Mr. Bacon married Mrs. Sarah L. Coulson, widow of Iram Coulson, of Aurora, Illinois, February 17, 1864, who still survives him. Mr. Bacon was for over twelve years postmaster of the village of Point Bluff, and was an efficient and popular man. He served as sheriff two years, and was treasurer of his township and chairman of the board, serving in various capacities for about eighteen years. He discharged the duties of the several positions faithfully and well, and gained the confidence of the people whom he served. In political sentiment he was a Republican, and took an active part in the affairs of his party. He was public-spirited, loyal, intelligent and progressive. His death occurred April 16, 1898, and he was laid to rest at White Creek. The state and community was better for his having lived, and his career afforded a striking example of what can be accomplished by the judicious use of the traits of character which dominated his career.