Francis Augustine Deleglise was born in Canton Valais, Switzerland, emigrated to America in 1848, and enlisted in Company E of the 6th Wisconsin Volunteer Infantry in 1861. He served in the Iron Brigade under General Bragg, was wounded at Antietam and taken prisoner at Gettysburg, and was honorably discharged in 1864. In the spring of 1877 he located the site of Antigo, and in 1893 he was a member of the Wisconsin Legislature. He was regarded as a truly public spirited citizen, generous and energetic.