Charles I. Brigham has long been identified with experimental and scientific farming, dairy methods, and herd improvement. Brigham was born February 4, 1862, the son of Jerome Ripley Brigham and Mary Ilsley Brigham. He spent the first years of his life in Milwaukee and attended public school there. In 1885, Brigham graduated from the University of Wisconsin with a B.A. and Phi Beta Kappa honors. Following his graduation, he took over the operation of the family farm at Blue Mounds, Wisconsin, which is now the site of the Cave of the Mounds.
From 1909 to 1911 Brigham compiled detailed reports and statistics relating to his dairying, breeding, and farm management methods, and turned them over to the United States Department of Agriculture. These were among the first of their kind and a major step forward in scientific farming. Although dairying was the chief business of the Brigham farm, sheep raising also received attention. Brigham innovated methods of flock management and prophylactic practices in handling diseases in sheep.
In 1888, Brigham established a butter and cheese factory in Blue Mounds, and in 1893 a creamery, which upgraded the popular regard of dairying in the area.
Throughout his life, Charles Brigham was also active in civic, social, and church activities. Upon his death on March 22, 1948, Brigham was survived by his wife, Anna Gray Brigham; a son, Charles I., Jr.; and a daughter, Elizabeth.
