John W. DeGroff

John DeGroff
Member of the Wisconsin Senate
from the 29th district
In office
January 3, 1887 – January 5, 1891
Preceded by Noah D. Comstock
Succeeded by Robert Lees
Member of the Wisconsin State Assembly
from the Buffalo district
In office
January 6, 1879 – January 5, 1880
Preceded by John J. Senn
Succeeded by Franklin Gilman
Personal details
Born October 12, 1843
Mentz, New York, U.S.
Died December 26, 1895 (aged 52)
Buffalo County, Wisconsin, U.S.
Political party Republican
Spouse(s) Frances H. Newman , and had three known children, a daughter: Winifred (1869–1942 (Cole)); and two sons:
Children
  • Winifred (Cole)
  • (b. 1869; died 1942)
  • Frederick O. DeGroff
  • (b. 1878; died 1938)
  • Robert Roy DeGroff
  • (b. 1878)
Relatives Allen H. DeGroff (brother)
Military service
Allegiance United States
Branch/service United States Volunteers
Union Army
Years of service 1862–1865
Rank Private, USV
Unit 25th Reg. Wis. Vol. Infantry
Battles/wars American Civil War

John W. DeGroff (October 12, 1843 – December 26, 1895) was an American politician, newspaper publisher, and businessman. He was a member of the Wisconsin State Senate and Assembly, representing Buffalo and Trempealeau counties. As a young man, he also served in the Union Army through most of the American Civil War.

Biography

DeGroff was born on October 12, 1843, in Mentz, New York. He moved to Juneau, Wisconsin in 1848 and to Alma, Wisconsin in 1858. During the American Civil War, DeGroff served in the 25th Wisconsin Volunteer Infantry Regiment of the Union Army. He took part in the Battle of Atlanta and Sherman's March to the Sea.

DeGroff edited the Buffalo County Journal and the Marshfield Times. Additionally, he was a deputy state factory inspector at the time of his death.

DeGroff was elected to the Wisconsin State Assembly in 1879. In 1886, he was elected to the Senate representing the 29th District. He remained a member until 1891. Additionally, he was president of Alma and Clerk of Buffalo County, Wisconsin, as well as chairman of the Buffalo County Board. DeGroff was a Republican.

He died in Buffalo County, Wisconsin, of heart disease on December 26, 1895.