Search our Places Database

Abbotsford, Village of

Return To List of Locations | Back to Search

For more information on this location, please contact our research library.

Author:
Mary Moltzan

Location:
T. 28 N. - R. 2 E, Sec. 6 & 7 and T. 29 N. - R. 2 E., Sec. 31, Townships of Hull & Holton

Background:

Instrumental in the founding of Abbotsford was the coming of the Wisconsin Central Railroad.The building of the railroad brought settlers to the area beginning in 1873. Abbotsford was named after Edwin H. Abbot, President of the Wisconsin Central Railroad. Many areas in Marathon County were settled mainly by people of one nationality, but Abbotsford was settled by many nationalities.

Application for incorporation was made June 13, 1894, and the first census of the area showed a population of 362. On April 1, 1909, the Wisconsin Central was acquired by the Soo Line. With the decline in logging, the Soo Line pulled out of the area creating a recession in the area. Property values decreased and many homes were almost given away. The recession abated as locals turned to farming in one of the most fertile areas for dairy farming.

Abbotsford's location borders two counties, Marathon and Clark.  It is composed of land annexed from four townships, including Colby and Mayville in Clark County and Hull and Holton in Marathon County.

See Railroad

First Public Official:
R. C. Tennant

Railroad:

The Wisconsin Central Railroad Company was instrumental in the founding of Abbotsford.  A contract to cut timber and clear the land for the village site was taken, and Edwin H. Abbot, president of the Wisconsin Central and after whom the village was later named, made the first survey. The railroad was finished in October of 1873, and the first train was run into the village.   On April 1, 1909, the Wisconsin Central, valued at 52 million, was sold to the St. Paul and Saute Ste. Marie, also known as the Soo Line Railroad Co.

The track east of Abbotsford, which was called the Abbotsford and Northeastern R. R. or ANE, was built in 1889.  The original plan was to build the line from Abbotsford to Merrill, but it was only built as far as Woodrich.

See Background

Farming:

See Background