"David H Ennis, the particulars of whose sudden and unlooked for death by apoplexy, June 5th, were given in the Express, was born Feb. 8, 1854 in the town of Buffalo, where his aged parents and 4 other members of the family still reside. In reviewing his history, the characteristics of his mind, the facility with which he acquired learning, in connection with a firmness of principle to become something, are traits he evinced in early life as the elements of a truly grand and noble nature. When about 18 years of age he commenced teaching school, and in this important and responsible calling succeeded in winning for himself an enviable reputation. The time not employed was mostly spent in different institutions of learning where by application and the most untiring industry and perseverance in the pursuit of knowledge, he succeeded in acquiring an excellent education. [22 June 1878, Montello (Wisconsin) Express]
I have been trying to figure out where gg uncle Dave studied in the years between about 1872 and 1878. He was not from a wealthy family so a nearby tuition-free normal school is most likely. The Oshkosh State Normal School is the best bet, I think. Other possibilities are the University of Wisconsin at Madison, the Platteville Normal School, the Whitewater Normal School or possibly even Beloit College or Ripon College. All of these were fairly close to his home in Marquette County.
Does anyone have access to yearbooks or student rosters at these institutions for the 1870s?
