Charles G. Bacon was the son of Orson & Urella Bacon who were the original builders of the home now owned by Bill Roberts' home in Neillsville, Wisconsin.  It was built in 1856.  The property that laid west and south of the house and buildings became known locally as "Bacon’s Hill"  Today, this land has become Neillsville’s western neighborhood -- full of all the architecturally significant homes on Clay Street and Oak Street.  The piece of land that lies to the north of the house - currently the location of "Kuhn’s Decorating" -- was called "Bacon’s Woods" in the Civil War Era.  This piece of land was Neillsville’s earliest "park" where the pioneer families gathered on warm spring, summer, and fall Sundays to socialize.  Goose Creek - which is now encased in concrete - flowed through this piece of land.  One can only imagine what it must have been like . . .  Both "Bacon’s Hill" and "Bacon’s Woods" have long been forgotten by the residents of this area .

Orson Bacon was born July 8, 1810 in Jericho, Chittenden County, Vermont.  In addition to farming, Orson and his father were also carpenters and joiners.  Together, they and their family moved to St. Lawrence County, New York in 1826 and then to Ohio.  From there, they went west to Fayette Township, Hillsdale County, Michigan where Orson's father apparently died.

In 1835, Orson married Urella R. Hastings of New York.  Orson & Urella had nine Children: Everett H; Charles G; Charlotte; Mary who married C. O. Sturgeon; Willard; Abbie L.; twins, Ella Vista and Alla Vesta; and Minette who became the wife of Lafayette Sturdevant (a prominent, early Neillsville attorney).

About 1855, Orson moved to Neillsville, Clark Co, Wisconsin where he was one of the areas earliest pioneers.  He cleared land and farmed it. He also served as the County Supervisor and Treasurer.  He also served jury duty when called upon and was definitely a respected man and was trusted in civic affairs.

Charles G. Bacon, son of Orson, died at the Jefferson Barracks, St. Louis, Missouri, from wounds he suffered during the battle of Shiloh. November 14, 1882, the Neillsville "Civil War Legion" of the era was named the "Charles Bacon Post" after him.  He fought with Company I, 14th Wisconsin Infantry.  He is buried at Neillsville City Cemetery, Neillsville, Clark Co, WI. Block F Lot 30. His original marker is now broken and no longer readable.

Census Records

The 1840 census for Fayette, Genesee County, MI, Bacon, Wm. - Lists 1 male between 2- & 30, Lists one 1 male between 50 & 60, Lists one female between 40 & 50.

The 1850 census for the same place there is no longer a William listed. There is a Noah, age 60, Farmer, b Mass. With wife Nancy age 57, born in New York and two daughters, Emeline E. 25 b NY and Almeda N 23 b NY and two sons, Warren N. 20 b NY and Milo D 15 b NY. 

1850 Federal Census - Fayette, Hillsdale County, Michigan