EVI LAY RANDALL

Picture taken 1888, Push to enlarge.

EVI  LAY RANDALL, of Appleton.  Wis., member of G. A. R. Post No. 133,  was born June 22, 1829, in Sandgate, ^ Bennington Co., Vt. He is the son of Levi and Anna (Hurd) Randall and belongs to New England Puritan stock in both lines of descent. His great grandfather in the paternal line was Jud2:e William Lav of Connecticut and held his office under warrant of George HL of England, 'i'he family held lionorable position and General Wasldngton was their guest on one occasion. His father, Levi Randall, was born in Saybrook, Conn. I'he' son received his education primarily in Werraont and attended Troy Conference .Academy at Poultney. He was reared on a farm and when he was twenty-one, he came to Appleton to enter Lawrence University to take a course of study. Later, lie fitted for the business of a carpenter which lie followed umtill he became a soldier.

When he was seventeen he acquired a knowledge of the cornet and at that age was the owner of his first instrument, and he was a member of various bands prior to enlisting as a musician in the 6th Wisconsin Regiment at Appleton, July 10, 1861. He was discharged Sept. 27th of the same year at Washington on account of hemorrhage of the lungs and consequent disability. He acted as a member of the regimental band and officiated in hospital duty until his discharge. Three of his brothers were in the service during the war. A. B. Randall was chaplain of a colored regiment and now resides at Ciaremont, Va. R. H. Randall was a soldier and musician in the 6tli Wisconsin (see sketch) and R. K. Randall of Grundy Center, Iowa, was a soldier in the Ist Wisconsin Cavalry through its entire period of service.

Mr. Randall returned from the war to Apple- ton and engaged in farming. His property is situated at the city limits and is separated from the corporation by 2nd Avenue. July 8, 1856, he was married to Jeanette J. Gridley and they had two daughters,Clarissa Anna married A. C. Tucker and her daughter is named Corinne. Lillian Harriet has been married and has a son Levi Randall Gridiey. Mrs. Randall died Dec. 24, 1886. She was the daughter of Rev. Cyprian H. Gridley, wdio was spiritual adviser of two deserters who were shot at Flatisburg in the war of 1812.

His family dated back to Pilgrim stock and was of Scotch lineage. His wife was Clarissa Peck, and Bishop Peck of the M. E. Church belonged to the same family. " Father " Gridley was one of the first ministers of the New York Conference and was ordained by Bishop Asbury, who arrived in the United States in 1784 and who was associated with Rev. Thomas Coke (ordained by Wesley in England) in the organization of the Methodist Church in America. (Dec. 24th, of the same year.) Mr. Randall's middle name perpetuates that of his ancestor, Judge Lay. Mr.Randall returned from the war to Appleton and has since been interested in farming. He is making a specialty of horticulture in which he takes an enthusiastic interest.