DUKE 
 
 UNIVERSITY 
 
 LIBRARY 
 
Q*S|y 
 
Digitized by the Internet Archive 
 in 2015 
 
 https://archive.org/details/chippewacountywi21unse 
 
Chippewa County 
 
 WISCONSIN 
 
 PAST AND PRESENT 
 
 A Record of Settlement, Organization, Progress and 
 
 Achievement 
 
 ILLUSTRATED 
 
 VOLUME II 
 
 CHICAGO 
 
 THE S. J. CLARKE PUBLISHING COMPANY 
 1913 
 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
C54I 
 
LESLIE WILLSON 
 
BIOGRAPHICAL 
 
 LESLIE WILLSON. 
 
 A large and distinctive contribution to progress and municipal improvement 
 in Chippewa Falls was made by the late Leslie Willson, who became identified 
 with the state in 1867, was for a number of years in business at Eau Claire, 
 and during the seventeen years of his residence in Chippewa Falls built up one 
 of the largest concerns in the mercantile district. Throughout his long and 
 prosperous career he was one of the best friends and benefactors of his home 
 city. He was not sixty years of age when his course was finished. In every 
 community death is constantly taking its toll from the living, however valuable 
 their lives and services. It was a conspicuous member of Chippewa Falls’ 
 citizenship whose life came to an end on December 6, 1906, and the people of 
 both Eau Claire and Chippewa Falls paid many tributes of respect to their 
 former associate and friend. When, a few days later, his body was laid to 
 rest in Forest Hill cemetery, an unusual honor was paid to his memory in 
 the general cessation of business and the closing of all stores. 
 
 Leslie Willson was a Pennsylvania by birth, born at Sugar Grove in Warren 
 county, May 1, 1847. When he was fifteen years of age, and after he had 
 received most of his early education in Pennsylvania schools, the family went 
 to what was then the far west, locating in 1862 at Hastings, Minnesota, and 
 soon afterwards at Winona, that state. His father for upwards of twenty-five 
 years and until the time of his death was president of the Merchants National 
 Bank of that city. 
 
 The late Leslie Willson was twenty years of age when, in 1867, he became 
 associated with the Eau Claire Lumber Company at Eau Claire, Wisconsin. 
 Later that business was closed out, and Mr. Willson subsequently represented 
 as traveling salesman the firm of Bell, Conrad & Company of Chicago, selling 
 teas, coffees and spices over the states of Wisconsin and Minnesota for a 
 period of seventeen years, still making Eau Claire his home. From 1889 until 
 his death, Mr. Willson made his home in Chippewa Falls. Twenty-four years 
 ago he organized the Chippewa Valley Mercantile Company, a wholesale grocery 
 house of which at the time of his demise he was both president and active 
 manager. In the beginning it was a small concern but under his able and practi- 
 cal management it developed in the course of years into one of the leading 
 mercantile enterprises of Chippewa county. Mr. Willson erected the fine ware- 
 houses which are now in use and the general offices, which occupy a space of 
 
 5 
 
6 
 
 PAST AND PRESENT OF CHIPPEWA COUNTY 
 
 one hundred and fifty by one hundred and twenty feet and comprise a large 
 four-story structure of brick and stone. Practically all the stock in this com- 
 pany was owned by him. To no small degree the development of Chippewa 
 Falls as a commercial center was due to the initiative and enterprise of the 
 late Eeslie Willson. He was numbered among the most capable and farsighted 
 business men of the city and aside from his individual interests took an active 
 part in the promotion of many progressive public projects, so that his passing 
 deprived Chippewa Falls of a valued and representative citizen. As a business 
 builder he had few equals among his associates in northern Wisconsin. 
 
 His success in business he again and again converted into practical assist- 
 ance and cooperation in behalf of the general welfare of Chippewa Falls. Public 
 offices and places of honor were frequently offered to him but he preferred to 
 work in the ranks, although he was always present with his counsel and gen- 
 erous of his means. It is said that Leslie Willson very often subscribed liber- 
 ally to stock in order to locate new industries in Chippewa Falls. Almost the 
 only office ever held by him was that of president of the Progressive League, 
 which he accepted under protest. Probably a greater tribute was never ren- 
 dered a man by his fellow citizens than that conveyed in the resolutions and 
 testimonial written by the Progressive League in memory of Mr. Willson, a 
 copy of which is framed and hangs on the walls of the office of the institution 
 which he established. 
 
 His place in the community was recognized by all, and of the many tributes 
 paid to his life and services at the time of his death, one of the best is the 
 following paragraph quoted from the leading Chippewa Falls daily paper: 
 “Leslie Willson leaves a place that cannot be filled in this community. He was 
 a forceful character and striking personality. His many friends were loyal 
 to him to a marked degree. There is genuine sorrow throughout the community 
 over the loss of a man in the fullest sense of the term, and a friend who 
 loved to see his city progress and develop. Mr. Willson could be depended upon 
 to aid any legitimate enterprise for the benefit of the city. He was a most 
 potent factor in the Progressive League council, and doubtless his influence in 
 building up the city was greater than that of any other man in the League 
 * * * He did his work modestly, but effectively, and solely with the inter- 
 
 ests of his fellowmen in mind. A very successful business man, a highly esteemed 
 citizen, and a loving husband, Mr. Willson was a high type of manhood that 
 was refreshing to meet.” 
 
 On the 1 6th of September, 1884, Leslie Willson married Miss Nellie Wilson, 
 a native of Eau Claire, Wisconsin, and a daughter of R. F. and Martha (Newton) 
 Wilson, the former a pioneer lumberman in that vicinity. He died in February, 
 1903, at the age of seventy-eight, and is buried in the Forest Hill cemetery at 
 Eau Claire. His wife survives him and makes her home with Mrs. Leslie 
 Willson. Since her husband’s death Mrs. Willson is continuing the business 
 of the Chippewa Valley Mercantile Company. 
 
 A few years ago she erected in Forest Hill cemetery a beautiful chapel 
 known as the Leslie Willson Memorial Chapel. This monument to her late 
 husband was built not merely as a superficial structure to prolong the memory 
 of the dead but as an institution of lasting usefulness for the public and a 
 fitting memorial for a man who did so much for Chippewa Falls. The chapel, 
 
PAST AND PRESENT OF CHIPPEWA COUNTY 
 
 7 
 
 modeled after the architectural lines of the celebrated Parthenon, provides, in 
 addition to catacombs for the immediate family, a beautifully arranged and 
 decorated chapel for funeral services and a public vault where the people may 
 place their dead temporarily until other arrangements are made for their dis- 
 posal. The entire structure is built in the most permanent manner of stone, 
 cement, steel and enameled brick. 
 
 SAMUEL W. SHAFER. 
 
 Samuel W. Shafer owns and operates a fine farm of eighty acres on section 
 23, Lafayette township, a property which he developed through persistent and 
 intelligent effort from a wild tract of brush land. He has been a resident of 
 Chippewa county since 1885 but was born in Williamsport, Pennsylvania, Octo- 
 ber 17, 1868, his parents being Phaion and Mary (Cline) Shafer. The father 
 moved with his family to Chippewa county in 1884 and settled on an unim- 
 proved tract of land which he cleared of a heavy growth of brush and timber' 
 and brought finally to a high state of cultivation. He enlisted for service in 
 the Union army during the Civil war and engaged in the battles of Antietam, 
 Fredericksburg and C'hancellorsville. He was a democrat in his political be- 
 liefs and interested in the growth and welfare of the community. His wife 
 passed away in 1885 and is buried in Lafayette cemetery. The family is of 
 Pennsylvania-Dutch origin and has been in America for several generations. 
 
 Samuel W. Shafer began his education in the public schools of Williamsport, 
 Pennsylvania, and continued it in Michigan. He laid aside his books at the age 
 of sixteen and then assisted his father with the work of the homestead and 
 hired out as a farm laborer in Chippewa county, continuing thus for twenty 
 years thereafter. In 1891 he purchased his present property blit for some time 
 thereafter engaged in its cultivation in connection with his farm labor in the 
 employ of others. With untiring energy he cleared the property of the dense 
 growth of brush and timber and after ten years every foot of the soil was broken 
 and the work of development begun. Today this is one of the finest properties 
 in his locality and is equipped with a comfortable residence, good farm build- 
 ings and excellent machinery. Upon it Mr. Shafer carries on mixed farming and 
 his well directed efforts have met with a gratifying and substantial success. 
 
 In Chippewa Falls, on the 3d of June, 1903, Mr. Shafer was united in mar- 
 riage to Miss Gertrude Innes, a daughter of William and Isabella (Kennedy) 
 Innes, the former of whom came from Scotland with his parents in 1843, when 
 he was three years of age. The family settled on a farm near Milwaukee, 
 where William Innes grew to manhood. He afterward followed the carpenter- 
 ing trade there and at Chippewa Falls and in 1872 settled on a farm on section 
 28, Lafayette township. He cleared one hundred and twenty acres and in the 
 course of years won a gratifying degree of success and accumulated a substan- 
 tial fortune. He resided upon his property until 1909, when he retired and is 
 one of the most highly respected citizens of Chippewa Falls. His wife passed 
 away in 1904, when she was fifty-eight years of age, and is buried in Lafayette 
 
8 
 
 PAST AND PRESENT OF CHIPPEWA COUNTY 
 
 cemetery. Mr. and Mrs. Shafer have two children, Warren L. and Isabelle M., 
 who are attending school. 
 
 Mr. Shafer is independent in his political beliefs and a devout member of the 
 Methodist church. He belongs to the Fraternal Reserves Association. He is 
 an industrious and progressive business man and through patience, perseverance, 
 honesty and integrity has met with success in his farming operations, being ac- 
 counted one of the substantial and representative men of his community. 
 
 E. H. BURNHAM. 
 
 E. H. Burnham is the owner and editor of the Holcombe Journal, an eight- 
 page weekly which he established in 1906. His birth occurred in Princeton, 
 Minnesota, on the 31st of March, 1859, his parents being John E. and Lucy 
 Ellen (Locke) Burnham, who were born, reared and married in the state of 
 Maine. The father, a contractor and builder by trade, removed to Minnesota 
 in 1855 or 1856, being under contract with the government. At the time of the 
 outbreak of the Civil war he returned to Maine and attempted to enlist but 
 failed to pass the examination. Going back to Minnesota, in 1865, he settled 
 in Anoka, that state, and there both he and his wife spent the remainder of their 
 lives. 
 
 E. H. Burnham received a high school education and for many years was 
 engaged in business as a photographer. In 1906 he came to Holcombe, Wis- 
 consin, and established the Holcombe Journal, which he has since conducted 
 successfully, the paper boasting an enviable subscription and advertising patron- 
 age. He is likewise engaged in the undertaking and embalming business and in 
 that enterprise has also won success. 
 
 Mr. Burnham is a democrat in his political views, acts as a notary public 
 and is also chief of the fire department. Fraternally he is identified with the 
 Independent Order of Odd Fellows. He has won the high regard of the com- 
 munity during his residence in Holcombe and has a circle of friends which is 
 constantly increasing. 
 
 A. L. BEIER, M. D. 
 
 Dr. A. L. Beier, an able and successful physician and surgeon of Chippewa 
 Falls and since 1908 connected with the State Home for the Feeble-Minded, was 
 born at Antigo, Wisconsin, January 1, 1884, and is a son of W. D. and Appa- 
 lonia (Lochman) Beier, the former a retired farmer residing at Appleton. On 
 the maternal side the subject of this review is a representative of a pioneer 
 Wisconsin family, his grandfather, August Lochman, having settled in this state 
 in early times. He was a veteran of the Civil war, having fought in that conflict 
 as a member of the Union army. 
 
 Dr. Beier acquired his primary education in the parochial and public schools 
 of Appleton and afterward entered the Wisconsin College of Physicians and 
 
PAST AND PRESENT OF CHIPPEWA COUNTY 
 
 9 
 
 Surgeons at Milwaukee, from which he received the degree of M. D. in May, 
 1907. He afterward practiced his profession in Marinette, this state, for a short 
 time and then on the 17th of March, 1908, moved to Chippewa Falls and became 
 connected with the State Home for the Feeble-Minded as assistant superin- 
 tendent. This position he has since occupied and, being an able and well trained 
 physician and surgeon, has proved himself eminently well qualified for its diffi- 
 cult duties. 
 
 At Kaukauna, Wisconsin, on the 3d of January. 1910, Dr. Beier was united 
 in marriage to Miss Elizabeth Willkom, a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Nicholas 
 Willkom, the former a retired farmer living in Boyd, this state. Dr. and Mrs. 
 Beier have one son, August L., Jr. 
 
 Dr. Beier is a member of the Roman Catholic church and belongs to the 
 Chippewa County and Wisconsin State Medical Societies, the American Medical 
 Association and the National Association for the Study of the Feeble Minded, 
 thus keeping in touch with the trend of modern thought in his profession and the 
 most improved methods along his line of specialization. He is serving at pres- 
 ent as secretary of the county medical society and his ability is widely recognized 
 in professional circles. Dr. Beier is still a young man but the fact that he holds 
 a position of trust and responsibility in connection with a state institution is 
 sufficient proof of his ability and his future advancement is assured. 
 
 C. L. CHRISTIANSON. 
 
 Well known in Bloomer as one of the enterprising business men and reliable 
 officials is C. L. Christianson, who is filling the office of postmaster, in which 
 connection he is making a creditable record through the prompt and faithful 
 manner in which he discharges his duties. He was born in Norway, February 
 27, 1868, and is a son of Andrew Christianson, who came to the United States 
 in 1870. Making his way into the interior of the country, he established the 
 family home in Houston county, Minnesota, where he remained until March 
 of the following year. He then brought the family to Chippewa county, within 
 the borders of which he has since resided, devoting his time and energies to 
 general agricultural pursuits. He has now reached the age of seventy-eight 
 years, while his wife, who bore the maiden name of Otellia Larson, is seventy- 
 two years of age. Mr. Christianson has ever been reckoned as an energetic, 
 wide-awake and progressive farmer and the success which he achieved as the 
 years went by now enables him to live retired, possessing a competence suffi- 
 cient for all of his needs throughout his remaining days. Unto Air. and Mrs. 
 Christianson were born four children, of whom two are living, the surviving 
 daughter being Mrs. Samuel Nelson, who occupies the old home farm two and 
 a half miles south of Bloomer. Two of the children died in early life. 
 
 C. L. Christianson was a little lad of but three summers when brought by 
 his parents to Chippewa county. He is largely indebted to its public school sys- 
 tem for the educational opportunities which he enjoyed and he also spent two 
 years in Gale College. After leaving school he became connected with the firm 
 of Rasmus & Christianson in the grain and produce business and was thus en- 
 
10 
 
 PAST AND PRESENT OF CHIPPEWA COUNTY 
 
 gaged until 1905, after which he traveled on the road for several years. Accept- 
 ing the position of manager of the Bloomer Produce Company, he acted in that 
 capacity until appointed by President Taft to the position of postmaster of 
 Bloomer, since which time he has devoted his energies to the careful conduct 
 of the affairs of the office. 
 
 In 1890 Mr. Christianson was united in marriage to Miss Hannah Reiguam, 
 whose father was a farmer of Chippewa county. Unto this marriage have been 
 born five daughters: Louise, Abbie and Oveila, all of whom are graduates of 
 the Bloomer high school; and Lillian and Alice, who are attending school. 
 
 In politics Mr. Christianson is a republican and has been active in the work 
 of the party. He served on the board of trustees at Bloomer for several years 
 and is interested in the welfare and progress of his community. He has busi- 
 ness interests aside from the office, being secretary of the telephone company, 
 and his religious activities are with the Norwegian Lutheran church, of which 
 he is a faithful member. Many substantial qualities and sterling characteristics 
 have won for him high regard and the warm friendship of the majority of those 
 with whom he has come in contact. 
 
 MRS. LUCY PHILLIPS. 
 
 Mrs. Lucy Phillips owns a fine farm of two hundred and forty acres in Lafay- 
 ette township and has operated this property since her husband’s death in 1901, 
 proving capable in its management and meeting with a gratifying degree of suc- 
 cess. She was born in Ponts-martel, Switzerland, December 7, 1847, and is a 
 daughter of Frederick and Adele Jacob, the former of whom came to America 
 in 1861 and settled first in Pleasant Valley, Eau Claire county, where he was 
 one of the pioneers. He died in 1868 and was survived by his wife, who lived 
 until 1882. Both are buried in Pleasant Valley. 
 
 Mrs. Phillips acquired her education in the public schools of Eau Claire 
 county and after laying aside her text-books remained at home until her mar- 
 riage, which occurred October 10. 1869. Her husband was a native of France, 
 born in Dieuze, Lorraine, on July 13, 1835, and came to America in 1854. He 
 first made his home in New Orleans, working on the Mississippi river boats, but 
 in 1855 left the south for St. Louis, Missouri, where he engaged in the lumber 
 business until 1857. He then came to Chippewa county as one of its pioneers, 
 taking up his residence here when the section was still a wilderness and Indians 
 were numerous on the prairies. Upon his arrival here he purchased a farm, 
 upon which Mrs. Phillips now lives, and which through his own efforts he cleared 
 and put under cultivation. His property consisted of one hundred and sixty 
 acres, which he gradually brought under the plow, his annual harvests bringing 
 him a substantial fortune. In February, 1865, however, he interrupted his labors 
 on the farm and enlisted in Company L, First Wisconsin Cavavlry, for service 
 in the Civil war. He was honorably discharged in July of the same year. Mr. 
 Phillips was very popular in Lafayette township, where he lived for so many 
 years, and was respected and esteemed by every one as a reliable, upright and 
 farsighted man of considerable business ability. He was a member of the Cath- 
 
PAST AND PRESENT OF CHIPPEWA COUNTY 
 
 11 
 
 olic church, and along fraternal lines, of the Grand Army of the Republic, 
 in which connection he renewed war memories with his comrades of old. In 
 politics he was a republican, upholding the measures and candidates of the party, 
 although he never actively entered public life. His death, which occurred No- 
 vember 22, 1901, when he was sixty-five years of age, removed from Wisconsin 
 one of its most representative and valued citizens. 
 
 Mr. and Mrs. Phillips became the parents of four children : Laura, the wife 
 of Elmer Cressy, a farmer near Chippewa Falls ; Edward, who has agricultural 
 interests in this locality ; Emma, who married Victor Michaud, also engaged 
 in farming in Chippewa county ; and Delia, who resides at home. Since the death 
 of her husband, Mrs. Phillips has continued in the operation of the farm and 
 has shown decided business ability in its management. She and her family are 
 devout members of the Holy Ghost Catholic church of Chippewa Falls. She is 
 widely and favorably known here, her excellent qualities of mind and character 
 having brought to her many friends. 
 
 WILLIAM F. NAGLE. 
 
 William F. Nagle, proprietor of a cafe and restaurant at Cadott, is one of 
 the pioneer settlers of Chippewa county. He has witnessed the greater part of 
 the growth and development of this section of the state. He was born, April 
 2, 1849,111 Germany, in which country his ancestors had lived for several genera- 
 tions. His father, Fred Nagle, born in 1821, was a laborer throughout his 
 
 entire life. He married Christina Maykower, who was born in Germany in 
 
 1826. They continued to reside in the fatherland until 1855, and then sailed 
 with her family to America, settling first in New York. The mother died in 
 1899 and the father, after surviving her for ten years, passed away in 1909. In 
 their family were eight children: William, Fredericka, Minnie, May, Charles, 
 Louisa, Fred and Carrie. 
 
 William F. Nagle was a little lad of but six years when the family came to 
 the United States. He attended public school in New York until he reached 
 the age of fourteen and then went upon lake vessels in the capacity of cook, 
 spending three summers in that way. He subsequently learned the carpenter’s 
 trade, which he followed until 1870. That year witnessed his arrival in Wis- 
 consin and after spending two years in La Crosse, he went upon a farm and for 
 
 five years engaged in farming and threshing in the employ of others. He next 
 bought eighty acres of land which he cultivated for four years and then sold. 
 Coming to Chippewa county, he was employed as a cook in the lumber camp 
 for twenty winters. In 1894 he took up his abode in Cadott. Here in 1897 
 he established a cafe and restaurant and has been very successful in its conduct. 
 
 Mr. Nagle married Miss Lasora Jackson, a daughter of Eliza and Almira 
 (Saddlerger) Jackson of Eau Claire. The wedding was celebrated in the fam- 
 ily home in Draymin township December 2, 1877, an< 3 unto them have been born 
 seven children : Lottie, the wife of Martin Nelson, an undertaker of Eau Claire; 
 Flora, the wife of Floyd Saddlemyer, a farmer, by whom she has two chil- 
 
12 
 
 PAST AND PRESENT OF CHIPPEWA COUNTY 
 
 dren ; Nellie, the wife of Clinton Saddlemyer, and the mother of three children; 
 Mary; Merna ; William and George. 
 
 Mr. Nagle holds membership with the Knights of Pythias and with the Order 
 of Owls and is popular with his brethren of those fraternities. For six years 
 he has served on the school board and the cause of education finds in him a warm 
 friend. For four years he has filled the office of supervisor and has made a 
 good record in that connection. His political support is given to the republican 
 party. His work has brought him into close connection with the development 
 of the county along many lines and he is highly respected in Cadott where he now 
 makes his home. 
 
 LORENZO M. NEWMAN. 
 
 Lorenzo M. Newman, holding a position of distinctive precedence in financial 
 circles of Chippewa Falls as vice president of the First National Bank and in 
 business circles as president of the Handmade Shoe Company, was born in Lanes- 
 boro, Pennsylvania, July 8, 1851, and is a son of Martin and Melissa A. (Nor- 
 ton) Newman. The father began his active life as an inventor and for a num- 
 ber of years operated a factory and machine shop, wherein he manufactured his 
 own devices. However, the years 1872 and 1873 proved very disastrous to his 
 business and he disposed of his concern, turning his attention to the conduct of 
 a drug store. This he managed until 1879 and then came to Chippewa Falls, 
 where he established a book and stationery store, of which he was the proprietor 
 for many years. He died in 1902, at the age of seventy-nine, and was survived 
 by his wife until 1908, her death occurring when she was eighty-two years of 
 age. Both are buried in the Forest Hill cemetery, this state. 
 
 Lorenzo M. Newman acquired his education in the public schools of Unadilla, 
 New York, and laid aside his books at the age of sixteen. He spent some time 
 thereafter with his father in the machine shop and foundry and then turned his 
 attention to another field, securing a position as clerk in a private bank in Sus- 
 quehanna, Pennsylvania, beginning thus a career in the banking field which has 
 brought him constantly increasing success and distinction. After a short period 
 in his first position he went to Binghamton, New York, and there became identi- 
 fied with the City National Bank as bookkeeper, an office which he held until 
 he came to Chippewa Falls in 1876. Here he entered the First National Bank 
 as cashier and this position he held until the 1st of January, '1913, when he was 
 made vice president. In this office he has demonstrated his excellent organiz- 
 ing and executive ability and his power as a financier and he has always been a 
 helpful factor in the development of a concern which is now one of the strong and 
 reliable banks of Chippewa county. Mr. Newman organized the Handmade 
 Shoe Company in 1902 and was its vice president until January 1, 1913, at which 
 time, upon resigning his position as cashier of the First National Bank, he as- 
 sumed its management as president. He has other important business connec- 
 tions, being a director in the Bank of Bloomer, Wisconsin, and treasurer of the 
 Chippewa Falls Canning Company. His ability has carried him forward into 
 
PAST AND PRESENT OF CHIPPEWA COUNTY 
 
 13 
 
 important relations with the general business life of Chippewa Falls and he is 
 numbered among the most progressive and representative men of this city. 
 
 Although Mr. Newman is an able financier and a farsighted business man, 
 his interests have extended to many other fields, his activities being closely con- 
 nected with the development and growth of the city. He was the organizer of 
 the Progressive League, which has for its object the promotion of the city’s 
 interests along all lines and more particularly the securing of new manufacturing 
 industries. Mr. Newman served as first president of this organization, the initial 
 triumph of which was the securing of the beet sugar factory, which is today 
 one of the most important industrial concerns in this part of the county. Since 
 that time many other manufacturing and commercial enterprises have been 
 brought to the city and the league is still one of the most potent forces in munic- 
 ipal development. Mr. Newman is still active in the work of the institution and, 
 indeed, in the promotion of all measures and movements for the city’s welfare. 
 He is connected fraternally with the Masonic order and is a republican in his 
 political beliefs, serving at the present time as a member of the board of educa- 
 tion. He has met with great and well deserved individual success and stands 
 today among the men of marked ability and substantial worth in the community. 
 
 GUST HAGEN. 
 
 Energy and perseverance have been the basis of the success which Gust Hagen 
 has attained during the twenty-four years of his connection with agricultural 
 interests of Chippewa county. In that time he has developed a fine farm from 
 a tract of wild brush land, owning today two hundred and thirty acres on sec- 
 tion 24, Lafayette township. He was born near Eker, Norway, April 29, 1855, 
 and is a son of Andreas Larson and Karina Hagen, natives of that locality. The 
 father engaged in farming for a number of years, dying in January, 1903, at the 
 age of eighty-four. He had survived his wife since 1871, her death having oc- 
 curred when she was thirty-one years of age. Both are buried in Conrad Werke, 
 near Aker. 
 
 Gust Hagen acquired his education in the public schools of his native coun- 
 try, laying aside his books at the age of fourteen. He afterward worked as a 
 farm laborer until 1881, when he emigrated to America, settling in Chippewa 
 county. After his arrival he worked in the sawmills at Chippewa Falls for about 
 eight years and then purchased two hundred and thirty acres on section 24, 
 Lafayette township. He found this covered with a dense growth of timber and 
 was obliged to fell the trees and grub up the stumps before beginning the work 
 of development. He has now one hundred and sixty acres under cultivation 
 including nine acres in tobacco, and his farm is one of the finest and best im- 
 proved in this section of the state. Mr. Hagen engages in mixed farming and 
 is also interested in stock-raising, keeping cattle, horses and other stock. 
 
 At Skenger, Norway, on the 10th of June, 1877, Mr. Hagen was united in 
 marriage to Miss Inger Johnson, a daughter of Johan and Christina Erickson, 
 the former of whom met death by drowning and is buried in the Forest Hill 
 cemetery at Chippewa Falls. His wife survived him seventeen years, dying 
 
14 
 
 PAST AND PRESENT OF CHIPPEWA COUNTY 
 
 in 1899, and she is buried in the Lafayette cemetery. Mr. and Mrs. Hagen have 
 six children: Oscar C. and John, who are assisting their father; George, a resi- 
 dent of Eau Claire; Edith, the wife of Martin Hagen, of Chippewa Falls; Nor- 
 man, a resident of the same city; and Harold, who is attending district school. 
 
 Mr. Hagen is a member of the Norwegian Lutheran church and donated the 
 ground upon which the church edifice stands. He is a republican in his political 
 beliefs and is serving at present in an able and efficient way as road commis- 
 sioner. His life has been such as to merit the respect of his fellowmen and by 
 his honesty, uprightness and industry he has contributed much toward the up- 
 building of the community of which he is a representative citizen. 
 
 W. E. KITCH. 
 
 W. E. Kitch, cashier of the Peoples State Bank of Bloomer, has ever been 
 actuated by the spirit of ambition and enterprise in all that he has undertaken, 
 and thus he has worked his way steadily upward until he now occupies a credit- 
 able place in financial circles and among the business men of his city. He was born 
 in Mercer county, Pennsylvania, in 1862, a son of Joseph Kitch, also a native of 
 the Keystone state. The father, who was a tradesman, died in Pennsylvania 
 in early manhood, and his wife, who in her maidenhood was Elizabeth McClain, 
 also passed away in Pennsylvania. 
 
 W. E. Kitch, who was one of a family of two children, was educated in the 
 schools of Ohio and Wisconsin, and after completing his course, engaged in 
 teaching in the country schools. He also took up the occupation of farming, 
 which he followed for several years in Chippewa county, and in 1899 he became 
 connected with the banking business, making his initial step as bookkeeper for 
 Henry Marshall, proprietor of a private bank. When the company bought out 
 the Marshall bank, Mr. Kitch was retained as bookkeeper and so remained 
 until the organization of the Peoples State Bank, in January, 1912, when he be- 
 came cashier of the new institution, of which F. IT. Cutting is the president, and 
 Charles Albrecht, vice president. Tn addition to these gentlemen, the list of di- 
 rectors contains the names of C. F. Althans, C. Hansen, Dr. IT. M. Trankle, A. 
 J. Martin and H. P. Werner, all of Bloomer. The bank is capitalized for ten 
 thousand dollars and has a surplus of one thousand five hundred dollars. A new 
 bank building is being erected, which will be a part of the finest office building in the 
 town and will be thoroughly equipped for the conduct of a general banking busi- 
 ness, with fire-proof appliances to safeguard the interests of depositors, as well 
 as of the stockholders. Mr. Kitch is also connected with the telephone com- 
 pany and on its organization became its treasurer, in which capacity he served 
 for three years. He is resourceful, energetic and alert and in carrying forward 
 to successful completion whatever he undertakes, contributes to the business 
 activity and prosperity of the community, as well as to his own success. 
 
 Mr. Kitch was united in marriage to Miss Elizabeth A. Shipman, who was 
 born in the town of Bloomer, and is a daughter of Dewayne and Llenrietta Ship- 
 man, the former deceased. Mr. and Mrs. Kitch have three children, Ethel, Glen 
 and Norma, all in school. The family hold membership in the First Unitarian 
 
PAST AND PRESENT OF CHIPPEWA COUNTY 
 
 15 
 
 church of Duluth, and Mr. Kitch belongs also to the Independent Order of Odd 
 Fellows, with which he has been identified for twenty-three years. In politics he 
 is an independent voter. He served for two terms as a member of the village 
 council, was president of the board for one term and for two terms was treasurer 
 of the village. He votes as his judgment dictates, regardless of party affiliation, 
 and his public spirit is manifest in his active and hearty cooperation in many 
 movements for the general good. 
 
 P. L. LEAHY. 
 
 P. L. Leahy, well known in educational circles of Chippewa Falls as president 
 and owner of the Chippewa Valley Business College, was born in Green Lake 
 county, Wisconsin, in 1873, and is a son of John and Margaret Leahy, the lat- 
 ter of whom died in 1898 and is buried in Kingston. Her husband survives her 
 and makes his home in Marquette, Green Lake county. 
 
 P. L. Leahy acquired his early education in the public schools of Green Lake 
 county and in Ripon Academy and Ripon College in Fond du Lac county. After 
 discontinuing his studies at the age of twenty-four years he turned his attention 
 to teaching and since that time has been continuously connected with educational 
 interests. He spent seven years teaching in high schools in Green Lake, Ripon 
 and La Crosse and at the end of that time came to Chippewa Falls, accepting the 
 position as president of the Chippewa Valley Business College. Three years later 
 he became the sole owner of the college. He has proved very capable in the dis- 
 charge of his duties and the institution has had a rapid growth under his able 
 management, its affairs being always administered in a farsighted and able way. 
 
 Mr. Leahy married, at Ripon, Wisconsin, in 1898, Miss Florence E. ITocken- 
 hull, daughter of John and Magdalene (Just) Hockenhull, both of whom have 
 passed away and are buried in Ripon. Mr. and Mrs. Leahy have two children, 
 Lester and Harold. Mr. Leahy is a member of the Presbyterian church and is 
 pastor of the church at Cornell. Both he and his wife are members of the 
 Beavers Lodge. He is a man of exemplary character and his integrity, industry 
 and ability have gained him the esteem and confidence of all who are in any way 
 associated with him. 
 
 EDWARD NELSON. 
 
 Edward Nelson is the owner of a good farm on sections 12, 13 and 14, Cleve- 
 land township. He is a self-made man and he has been both the architect and 
 builder of his own fortunes. A native of Norway, his birth occurred about five 
 miles north of Christiania, on the 23d of November, 1856, his parents being Nels 
 and Elizabeth (Paulson) Erickson. The father died in Norway and later the 
 mother became the wife of Ole Thompson. They crossed the Atlantic to the 
 United States and traveled overland to the Mississippi valley, making a settle- 
 ment at Black River Falls, Wisconsin. After some time they came to Chip- 
 
16 
 
 PAST AND PRESENT OF CHIPPEWA COUNTY 
 
 pewa county, where Mr. Thompson passed away, his remains being interred at 
 Black River Falls. The mother died and was buried in Bloomer. 
 
 Edward Nelson pursued a common-school education and early learned the 
 lesson that industry and perseverance are the most substantial factors in success. 
 Reared in this state, he worked in the woods at lumbering and logging on the 
 Black river, on the Flambeau and on the Chippewa river. For ten years he was 
 employed by a Mr. Babb, for whom he worked as manager of his present farm. 
 He carefully directed its cultivation and improvement and eventually purchased 
 the property, which is situated on sections 12, 13 and 14, Cleveland township. 
 To the place he has added many modern accessories and equipments, having 
 now the largest barn in the township. He owns one hundred and twenty acres 
 on sections 13 and 14 and a tract of similar size on section 12, and is bringing 
 his fields to a high state of cultivation, his modern, progressive methods result- 
 ing in the raising of excellent crops. 
 
 On April 9, 1889, Mr. Nelson was married in Chippewa county to Miss Car- 
 rie Wierson, who was born in Vernon county, Wisconsin, and is a daughter 
 of Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Wierson. Her father is deceased but his widow re- 
 sides in Dunn county, South Dakota. Mr. and Mrs. Nelson have become the 
 parents of eight children, Lillian, William, Elmer, Albert, Irene, Walter, Edwin 
 and Grace, all of whom are yet under the parental roof. The religious faith of 
 the family is that of the Lutheran church and Mr. Nelson’s political belief is that 
 of the republican party. He has served as township treasurer but otherwise 
 has not been active in seeking or holding political office. He prefers to concen- 
 trate his energies upon his business affairs and is a successful farmer who has 
 recognized and improved his opportunities, working his way steadily upward 
 by honorable methods. 
 
 JOHN J. DIETZLER. 
 
 John J. Dietzler, of the firm of Dietzler & Sons, proprietors of a heading and 
 planing mill in Cadott, was born in De Pere, Wisconsin, April 15, 1879. He is 
 a son of Peter and Cornelia ( Artz ) Dietzler, the former born in Calumet county, 
 this state, in 1846, and the latter in Brown county in 1851. Peter Dietzler is a 
 well known business man of Cadott and head of the firm of Dietzler & Sons,, 
 millwrights and mill owners. He and his wife became the parents of five chil- 
 dren, Stephen, John J., Charles, Mathilda and Benjamin. 
 
 John J. Dietzler attended public school in Cadott until he was eighteen years 
 of age and then engaged in teaching for two years. At the end of that time he 
 became connected with the firm of Dietzler & Sons and has since been active in 
 the operation of the heading and planing mill business which this company con- 
 trols. He has proved himself a capable, reliable and farsighted business man 
 and his work has been a helpful factor in promoting the advancement of the enter- 
 prise with which he is connected. 
 
 At Boyd, Wisconsin, November 20, 1906, Mr. Dietzler was united in mar- 
 riage to Miss Ida Toutant, a daughter of Derrick Leo and Caddie (Grampher) 
 Toutant. Derrick L. Toutant was the proprietor of Pike Lake, a well known 
 
PAST AND PRESENT OF CHIPPEWA COUNTY 
 
 17 
 
 summer resort in this locality. He homesteaded a farm there over thirty-five 
 years ago and, recognizing a rare business opportunity, transformed his land 
 and the lake upon it into a retreat for summer visitors. He was very success- 
 ful in the conduct of this enterprise which he sold in 1910. Moving to Cadott, 
 he there lived retired until his death in 1912, when he was seventy-three years 
 of age. His wife survives him and makes her home at Cadott, being now sixty- 
 six years of age. In their family were ten children: Mary; Peter; Emil; Rosie, 
 who has passed away ; Alice ; Anna ; Adolph, also deceased ; Ida ; Laura ; and 
 one who died in infancy. Mr. and Mrs. Dietzler have become the parents of a 
 daughter, Oretta. 
 
 Mr. Dietzler is connected fraternally with the Modern Woodmen of America 
 and the Equitable Fraternal Union. He is a member of St. Rosa of Lima 
 Roman Catholic church of Cadott. He is a democrat in his political beliefs 
 and served as police justice for four years and as justice of the peace for two years 
 and for two terms as village clerk, proving himself a capable and farsighted 
 public official. He is a stockholder in the Citizens State Bank of Cadott and 
 owns a comfortable and attractive residence in the city. He is a man of energy, 
 resource and ability and his continued advancement is therefore assured. 
 
 CARL AMUNDSON. 
 
 Carl Amundson has resided in Chippewa county since 1866 and during that 
 time has made important contributions to its agricultural progress, developing 
 from the wilderness two productive and valuable farms. He is today the owner 
 of eighty acres on section 23, Lafayette township, and is recognized as an able 
 agriculturist and a representative citizen. He was born in Eker, Norway, Janu- 
 ary 13, 1847, and is a son of Amun and Carolina Amundson, natives of that coun- 
 try, who came to America in 1866. They took up a homestead claim in Bloomer 
 township, this county, when the land was an unbroken prairie and here the father 
 carried on agricultural pursuits until his death, which occurred in 1887. His 
 wife survived him until 1891 and is buried in Polk county. 
 
 Carl Amundson acquired his education in the public schools of Norway, lay- 
 ing aside his books at the age of fourteen. He afterward assisted his father with 
 the work of the farm until 1866, when he accompanied his parents to America, 
 settling in Chippewa county. For some time thereafter he worked in the lum- 
 ber woods during the winter, spending his summers at log driving. He after- 
 ward moved to Duncan’s Creek and from there to Rumseys Mill, where he spent 
 one summer. In 1873 he took up a homestead claim and brought it to a high 
 state of cultivation, remaining upon it for thirteen years. He then purchased his 
 present property which he cleared of timber and brush before beginning the work 
 of cultivation. By hard work and untiring industry, he gradually transformed 
 this property into a profitable farm and he has now the entire tract under cultiva- 
 tion, twelve acres being planted in tobacco. The place has been provided with 
 a comfortable residence, a well, and substantial outbuildings which Mr. Amund- 
 son erected, and it is today a model property. 
 
PAST AND PRESENT OF CHIPPEWA COUNTY 
 
 In Bloomer, on August 27, 1872, Mr. Amundson was united in marriage to 
 Miss Andrena Amundson, a daughter of Amun Erickson, the former an early 
 settler in Minnesota. He and his wife have passed away and are buried near 
 Ford Stone, Polk county, Minnesota. Mr. and Mrs. Amundson became the par- 
 ents of seventeen children, of whom the following survive : Emily, the wife of 
 Charles Wilson, a shingle manufacturer of Drummond ; Albert, who is assisting his 
 father ; Clara who married A. Anderson ; Hans, at home ; Anna, the wife of Oliver 
 Anderson; Borger, at home; Martha, also at home; Bennetta, the wife of Harry 
 Mills, a farmer of Wheaton township; Alvin, assisting his father; and Selma, 
 at home. 
 
 Mr. Amundson gives his political allegiance to the republican party and is a 
 member of the Lutheran church. He has lived in Chippewa county for forty- 
 seven years and is one of its well known citizens whose business enterprise, 
 integrity and public spirit have gained for him the high esteem of those who know 
 him. 
 
 FRANK O. BIBLE. 
 
 Frank O. Bible, who since 1909 has been serving in a capable and efficient 
 manner as superintendent of the Chippewa County Insane Asylum and Poor 
 Farm, was born in Sauk county, this state, March 13, 1869, and is a son of 
 George W. and Esther M. (Carr) Bible. The father settled in Sauk county in 
 pioneer times and engaged in farming there for a number of years. He served 
 in the Union army during the Civil war, taking part in many of the most 
 important engagements of that conflict. He is now living retired in Reedsburg, 
 Wisconsin, having survived his wife since 1895. She is buried at Limeridge 
 cemetery, in Sauk county. 
 
 Frank O. Bible acquired his early education in the public schools of his 
 native county and afterward entered the University of Wisconsin, graduating 
 from the agricultural department. After laying aside his books he became an 
 employe of the Richland County Nursery and when he severed his connection 
 with that institution entered the hardware business, in which he continued for 
 flve years. Upon the expiration of that time he became connected with the 
 Dunn County Insane Asylum and when he resigned this position came to Chippewa 
 Falls, where he secured a position as gardener and florist at the Wisconsin 
 State Home for the Feeble Minded. He did able work in this capacity for ten 
 years and during the last three years of that period held also the office of 
 supervisor of animal husbandry and was in charge of the agricultural depart- 
 ment. In 1909 he resigned all of these offices and became superintendent of 
 the Chippewa County Insane Asylum and Poor Farm. He has since discharged 
 his responsible duties in a capable and earnest way, his work winning the 
 approval of the people of the county as well as those immediately connected 
 with the institution. Mr. Bible has from time to time made judicious invest- 
 ments in land in Chippewa Falls and the vicinity and is today an extensive realty 
 owner, his interests being careful’ y managed. 
 
FRANK 0. BIBLE 
 
PAST AND PRESENT OF CHIPPEWA COUNTY 
 
 21 
 
 In Ironton, Sauk county, on the 29th of November, 1897, Mr. Bible was 
 united in marriage to Miss Rose Henriett, a daughter of C. F. and Mary E. 
 (Bonhotel) Henriett, early settlers in Wisconsin. The father makes his home 
 in Chippewa Falls, having survived his wife since 1908. She is buried in the 
 Forest Hill cemetery. Mr. and Mrs. Bible have become the parents of a son, 
 Robert La Follette. 
 
 Mr. Bible is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church and is a pro- 
 gressive republican in his political beliefs. He is widely and favorably known 
 in Chippewa Falls and has made an excellent record in his present office, having 
 gained a well deserved reputation for integrity, loyalty and public spirit. 
 
 CARI. ANDERSON. 
 
 Carl Anderson, a representative and successful agriculturist of Chippewa 
 county who has resided here for a period covering forty-six years, is the owner 
 of a farm comprising one hundred and twenty acres on section 13, Cleveland 
 township. His birth occurred in Norway, three miles east of Christiania, on the 
 26th of January, 1849, his parents being Andrew and Helena Hanson. In 1862 
 the father crossed the Atlantic to the United States, the vessel encountering a 
 storm and being eighteen weeks on the voyage. Making his way direct to Chip- 
 pewa county, Wisconsin, he entered land near Bloomer and on that farm spent 
 the remainder of his life, his demise occurring on the 13th of January, 1882. 
 Five years after he had come to this country his wife and children joined him 
 here. His widow, who still survives and resides on the home farm, is now eighty- 
 nine years of age. 
 
 Carl Anderson, who was a youth of seventeen when he accompanied his mother 
 on her emigration to the new world, well remembers the slow and tedious voyage 
 across the ocean, which consumed seven weeks and four days. He remained with 
 his parents until twenty-four years of age and worked at lumbering and also in 
 the mills for several years. Subsequently he purchased an unimproved tract of 
 eighty acres near Bloomer and resided thereon for four years, when he bought 
 another unimproved tract of land three miles east. Fourteen years ago he dis- 
 posed of that property and purchased the farm of one hundred and twenty acres 
 in Cleveland township which has been his home to the present time. The place 
 was improved when it came into his possession, and in its operation he has won a 
 gratifying measure of prosperity. 
 
 In 1874, in Chippewa county, Mr. Anderson was joined in wedlock to Miss 
 Martha Nelson, who was born in Norway on the 19th of September, 1850. Her 
 parents emigrated to the United States and settled in Jackson county, Wisconsin. 
 Unto Mr. and Mrs. Anderson were born the following children. Albert and Han- 
 nah, both of whom are now deceased; Nels, a resident of Chippewa Falls; Emil, 
 at home, who has served in the capacity of township supervisor for two years ; 
 Martin, who is employed by a manufacturing concern in Cornell, Wisconsin; and 
 Hilda, at home. 
 
 In politics Mr. Anderson is a stanch republican, exercising his right of fran- 
 chise in support of the men and measures of that party. His religious faith is 
 
 Vol. II— 2 
 
22 
 
 PAST AND PRESENT OF CHIPPEWA COUNTY 
 
 indicated by his membership in the Lutheran church, to which his wife and chil- 
 dren also belong. He is the possessor of many good qualities that have attracted 
 friends and by his straightforward course through life he has gained and re- 
 tained the confidence and respect of those with whom he is associated. 
 
 CHARLES ALBRECHT. 
 
 Throughout almost his entire life Charles Albrecht of Bloomer has been a 
 resident of Wisconsin. He is now widely known as the vice president of the 
 State Bank of Bloomer and also as a dealer in real-estate. He studies all the 
 requisites of success and by honorable methods and unfaltering purpose is work- 
 ing his way steadily upward. He was born in Germany in 1849 an d was brought 
 to the United States when about seven years of age. His father, John Albrecht, 
 made the voyage to the new world about 1856 and, at once penetrating into 
 the interior of the country, settled first at Milwaukee, where he remained for 
 four years. At the expiration of that period he came to Chippewa county, 
 where he turned his attention to general agricultural pursuits. He was a farmer 
 by occupation, making his home about a mile and a half north of Bloomer, where 
 he carefully tilled his fields and developed his place, making it one of the attract- 
 ive farm properties of the district. He died thereon when eighty-two years of 
 age. His first wife, the mother of Charles Albrecht, had died when they were 
 crossing the Atlantic to the new world, and John Albrecht had afterward married 
 again, his second wife departing this life about seven years prior to his demise. 
 
 Charles Albrecht was educated in the common schools and when not busy 
 with his text-books assisted his father in the work of the fields, being thus em- 
 ployed until he left home and started in business for himself on a farm north 
 of Bloomer. His previous practical experience well qualified him to enter upon 
 farm work on his own account. From time to time he was called to public office 
 and has made an excellent record in that connection. He filled the position 
 of supervisor for six years, was assessor for four years in the town of Bloomer 
 and when but eighteen years of age was made school clerk in his district, thus 
 serving until five years ago. He held the office longer than any other incumbent 
 in a similar position in the state. He also carried on his farm at the same time 
 until about five years ago, when he put aside agricultural pursuits and removed 
 to Bloomer, opening a real-estate office, since which time he has handled town 
 and farm property. He owns two farms north of the city, comprising one hundred 
 and eighty acres of land from which he derives a substantial income. The 
 careful management of his property interests and the wise direction of his farm 
 work have brought him a measure of prosperity that is substantial and gratify- 
 ing. Moreover, he is the vice president of the State Bank of Bloomer and holds 
 stock in various other business enterprises. On coming to the town he embarked 
 in the real-estate business and he now deals largely in farm lands, having farm 
 property in Canada and nine hundred acres in Mississippi. 
 
 Mr. Albrecht was married to Miss Elizabeth Gehreng, who was born in 
 Switzerland, and they have become the parents of five children : Lena, who mar- 
 ried Charles Prichard and has five children; William, who married Olga Krenz 
 
PAST AND PRESENT OF CHIPPEWA COUNTY 
 
 23 
 
 and has two children ; Clara, who is the wife of J. F. Krenz and also has two 
 children ; Edward and Elzie, both at home. The family are members of the 
 German Lutheran church and throughout his life Mr. Albrecht has been actu- 
 ated by honorable principles. He has worked diligently and persistently to at- 
 tain success and his intelligently directed labors have brought their merited 
 reward. 
 
 GEORGE FT GANNON. 
 
 A farm of one hundred and twenty acres on section 17, Lafayette township, 
 is the property of George B. Gannon, who for almost one-third of a century has 
 been a resident of this county and has witnessed much of its development along 
 agricultural and other lines. He was born at Schaull, County Cork, Ireland, 
 September 15, 1858, and is a son of Valentine and Eliza (Brown) Gannon. His 
 father was a police officer in the Royal Irish Constabulary. Both he and his 
 wife are deceased, the former being laid to rest in a cemetery at Schaull and the 
 latter at Donnynook, Norfolkshire, England. 
 
 The schools of his native country afforded George B. Gannon his educational 
 opportunities. He continued his studies to the age of fourteen years and then 
 enlisted in the royal navy. He was one of the body guards of the Prince of 
 Wales, later King Edward VII, on his trip to India. His brother Francis was 
 also in the service of the government, holding a commission as officer in the 
 Royal Irish Constabulary. He now lives retired on a pension. Another brother, 
 Valentine, was for seventeen years in the direct service of the late Queen Victoria 
 on her yacht Victoria and Albert. He was a non-commissioned officer and is now 
 retired with a pension. After becoming invalided George B. Gannon crossed the 
 Atlantic to America and cast his lot with the citizens of Chippewa county in 
 1881. He was for two years thereafter employed by the Eau Claire Lumber 
 Company. Subsequently he engaged in the lumber business on his own account 
 for a number of years, but eventually settled on a farm of eighty acres which 
 was only partly improved. There was a heavy growth of pine trees, but he 
 cleared the land and brought it to a high state of cultivation, making it one 
 of the productive and valuable farms of Lafayette township. As his financial 
 resources increased he extended its boundaries by adding purchases until it now 
 comprises one hundred and twenty acres. He carries on mixed farming but 
 makes a specialty of dairying, keeping a number of cows for that purpose. The 
 most thorough machinery conditions characterize his dairy and by reason of the 
 excellence of its product he derives a good income from his dairy business. He 
 is a stockholder in the Lafayette Creamery Company, of which he has been vice 
 president for eight years, and is also interested in the Melville Settlement Tele- 
 phone Company. He has remodeled his farm residence, has built a barn and 
 granary and made other substantial improvements upon his land, so that his farm 
 is today equipped with all modern conveniences and accessories. 
 
 In Chippewa Falls on the 29th of April, 1894, Mr. Gannon was united in 
 marriage to Miss Elizabeth Connell, a daughter of James and Mary Connell, 
 the former one of the pioneer farmers of Chippewa county. He died Tuly 24, 
 
24 
 
 PAST AND PRESENT OF CHIPPEWA COUNTY 
 
 1912, and lies buried in the Lafayette cemetery. Mr. and Mrs. Gannon are the 
 parents of three children; Anna, a high-school pupil; and Valentine E. and 
 George A., who are also attending school. Mr. Gannon gives considerable 
 credit to his wife for the success which he enjoys, appreciating her capable 
 management of the household affairs and her wise counsel in business matters. 
 
 In politics Mr. Gannon is a republican and is now serving as treasurer of the 
 town of Lafayette. He belongs to the Modern Benevolent Association and to 
 the Presbyterian church — connections which indicate much of the rules which 
 govern his conduct. His life is honorable in its purposes and his integrity and 
 reliability in business affairs are questioned by none. 
 
 SAMUEL SHAFER. 
 
 Samuel Shafer, a representative of the bee industry in Lafayette township, 
 has a large apiary on his place on section 7, not far from Chippewa Falls. He 
 is one of the county’s pioneer settlers, having made his home within its borders 
 for fifty-eight years. His birth occurred in Indiana county, Pennsylvania, Jan- 
 uary 22, 1837, his parents- being Leonard and Annie (Black) Shafer. The 
 former was a farmer of Pennsylvania and a veteran of the Mexican war. Both 
 he and his wife are now deceased. 
 
 Samuel Shafer is largely a self-educated man. He had little opportunity 
 to attend school and at the age of eighteen years started out on his own account. 
 He was employed at grubbing stumps, cutting wood and other similar labor, 
 but he was ambitious and energetic and, hoping to find better opportunity in the 
 middle west, made his way to Illinois, where he began husking corn. In August, 
 1855, he removed to Chippewa county and began work on a rotary in a sawmill, 
 following that business until 1864, when he put aside all personal considerations 
 in order to respond to the country's call for troops, enlisting as a member of 
 Company F, Fourth Wisconsin Volunteer Infantry, with which regiment he 
 continued until after the close of the war. 
 
 When hostilities were over and the country no longer needed his aid Mr. 
 Shafer returned to the north and entered the employ of Pound & Halbert, pro- 
 prietors of a sawmill. He afterward began farming and subsequently entered 
 the employ of the Cadott gristmill, which later was destroyed by fire. He then 
 resumed agricultural pursuits and also began raising bees for the production of 
 honey. This is now his principal source of income and in this connection he is 
 well known. He has thoroughly studied the question of bee culture and has 
 high-grade bees, which he cares for according to the most modern and progressive 
 methods. 
 
 Mr. Shafer was married in Edson, Wisconsin, in 1873, to Miss Catherine 
 Huff, a daughter of Henry LI. Huff, formerly a blacksmith of Edson, but both 
 he and his wife are now deceased. Mr. and Mrs. Shafer have a son, William, 
 who follows farming in Lafayette township. 
 
 In politics Mr. Shafer is a republican, stalwart and earnest in support of 
 the party, with which he was voted since age conferred upon him the right of 
 franchise. He belongs to the Grand Army post and wears with pride the little 
 
PAST AND PRESENT OF CHIPPEWA COUNTY 
 
 25 
 
 bronze button which bears mute testimony of his service as a soldier of the 
 Civil *war. He is well known in the county where much of his life has been 
 passed and where his many good qualities have won him high regard. 
 
 S. B. SIDDONS. 
 
 At the venerable age of eighty-two years S. B. Siddons is making his home 
 upon a farm of two hundred and sixty acres in Anson township which he owns. 
 He was born in Toronto, Canada, June 6, 1831, and is a son of Samuel and Mar- 
 garet (Hutchinson) Siddons, of early English ancestry, representatives of the 
 name arriving in the United States in 1725. The first American ancestor was 
 Benjamin Siddons, who settled in York county, Pennsylvania, and the town of 
 Siddonsburg was named after him, for he was the first settler there. He was 
 the father of only one child, John, who moved to Canada. The latter also was 
 the father of one child, Samuel, born in Pennsylvania, who, however, lived in 
 Canada and became the father of seven daughters and two sons, among them 
 Samuel, the father of our subject. Mr. Siddons’ father, grandfather and great- 
 grandfather were born in Pennsylvania, the last named during the Revolutionary 
 war. The government passed a law at that time that all those citizens not taking 
 up arms for England were to be considered citizens of the United States, and 
 this law proved of importance to Mr. Siddons of this review in 1879, when 
 he had voted at an election in Iowa. The election was contested, as he was 
 born in Canada, and his vote was challenged. The case was taken before 
 congress and congress held that Mr. Siddons’ vote was legal by reason of 
 the fact above stated. Samuel Siddons, the father, was a farmer by occupa- 
 tion and removed from Pennsylvania to Ontario but returned to the United 
 States in 1869 and spent his remaining days on this side of the border, passing 
 away in 1885. His wife preceded him to the Home Beyond, her death having 
 occurred in March, 1873. an d both were laid to rest in the cemetery at Troy, Iowa. 
 
 S. B. Siddons attended school in Canada until he reached the age of twenty 
 years. In the meantime he assisted his father in farming and the occupation 
 to which he was reared he has made his life work. About the time he attained 
 his majority he began purchasing and improving land, which he cultivated and 
 then sold. He continued this operation, owning as many as eight farms before 
 his removal to Troy, Iowa. In that district he again became identified with 
 agricultural pursuits, carrying on general farming but also specialized in raising 
 pure-bred horses. He was for twenty-nine years a resident of the state before 
 coming to Chippewa Falls in 1899. In that year he purchased his present farm 
 of two hundred and sixty acres on sections 14, 15, 22 and 23, Anson township. 
 He also bought a one hundred acre tract which he gave to his son, F. V. Sid- 
 dons. The entire property at the time of his purchase was in poor condition 
 but it is today in a high state of cultivation. He and his son broke about one 
 hundred acres of land and Mr. Siddons still actively carries on farm work, 
 personally supervising the tilling of the soil and the care of the crops. He also 
 keeps much live stock. He has a well developed farm property, lacking in none 
 of the modern accessories. The fine residence which is his home was erected 
 
26 
 
 PAST AND PRESENT OF CHIPPEWA COUNTY 
 
 by him and he has made various other excellent improvements upon the farm, 
 so that the place presents a fine appearance and constitutes one of the attractive 
 features of the landscape. 
 
 Mr. Siddons has been married three times. In Toronto, Canada, in 1853, 
 he wedded Miss Angeline Lloyd, who died in 1855. The following year, in the 
 state of New York, he wedded Miss Hannah Playtor, who passed away in 1875, 
 when they were living in Page county, Iowa. They were the parents of five chil- 
 dren. Priscilla M. is the wife of F. M. Gore, a farmer of Vernon county, Wis- 
 consin, and they have three sons and five daughters : Edwin, Samuel, Olive, Eva, 
 Ida, Lura, Frank and Bertha. Martha F. became the wife of W. B. Campbell, 
 a farmer of Troy, Iowa, and died and was buried in Fairfield, leaving her hus- 
 band with four children: Ada, the wife of Charles Reckoff ; Weldon, who is 
 living in Marion, Iowa; Minnie, the wife of G. W. Dunshee, of New Sharon, 
 Iowa; and Matthew, who is attending Parsons College at Fairfield, Iowa. Eliz- 
 abeth makes her home with her father. Freeman V. is a prominent farmer of 
 Chippewa county and has six children: Cleo, Harold, Vance, Lloyd, Samuel and 
 Mabel. Laura is the wife of Edwin Shulke, of Chippewa Falls, Wisconsin, 
 and they have three children: Verda, Weldon and Edna. Having lost his second 
 wife, Mr. Siddons was married in Troy, in 1876, to Miss Martha Akers, and 
 they had four children: Truman, who married Miss Mamie Hakes, by whom he 
 has two children, Otto and Ruth, and who is assisting his father in the farm 
 work ; and three who died in infancy. 
 
 Mr. Siddons is truly American in thought and interests and gives loyal sup- 
 port to the republican party, believing its platform to contain the best elements 
 of good government. While living in Iowa he held several local offices. For 
 many years he was a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and he 
 belongs to the Methodist church, to the teachings of which he has long been 
 loyal and devoted. His has been an active and useful life and in the various 
 districts in which he has lived he has ever commanded and enjoyed the respect 
 and good-will of those with whom he has been associated. 
 
 R. J. EMERSON. 
 
 It is significant of the progressive spirit prevailing in Chippewa county that 
 the most influential position therein was won by one of the younger generation, 
 as it has been recognized here as elsewhere that it is the young and enthusiastic 
 man who brings about reforms and deviates from the old way more readily in 
 order to embrace improvements or methods which lead by a shorter road to a 
 more satisfactory ending. Among these is R. J. Emerson, clerk of the circuit 
 court, who since giving up his grocery business has ably discharged his official 
 duties. A native of Chippewa county, he was born at Eagle Point, Wisconsin, 
 February 18, 1880, and is a son of Edward and Johanna (Larson) Emerson, 
 residents of Chippewa Falls. The father also held important public positions 
 such as register of deeds and deputy sheriff and is prominent in the community 
 life of the city. 
 
PAST AND PRESENT OF CHIPPEWA COUNTY 
 
 27 
 
 R. J. Emerson received his education in Chippewa Falls, leaving school at 
 the age of seventeen, at which time he engaged in work in a sawmill, remaining 
 there for about six years. He then accepted a position in a grocery store, where 
 he continued for two years, being enabled at at the end of that time to buy out 
 his employer. P'or six years he continued the business and was then elected 
 clerk of the circuit court. He has since given his entire attention to his duties 
 and in the discharge of them has earned the high commendation of the general 
 public and particularly of those who have business transactions with the court. 
 
 In November, 1904, at Chippewa Falls, Mr. Emerson was married to Miss 
 Helen Field and they have become the parents of three children, Carvel, Milton 
 and Evelyn, all of whom are attending school. The family reside at No. 618 
 East Allen street in a commodious and well appointed home. 
 
 In his political views Mr. Emerson is a republican, deeply convinced of the 
 righteousness of the principles of that party and ever upholding its candidates 
 and measures on election day. He has various fraternal relations, being a mem- 
 ber of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, the Knights of Pythias and the 
 Knights of the Maccabees. The religious faith of Mr. Emerson is that of the 
 Lutheran denomination and he is a member of the Norwegian Lutheran church 
 here. Mr. Emerson stands high in public esteem and is popular with many of 
 the citizens of Chippewa Falls, having a large personal acquaintance. As clerk 
 of the circuit court he has made an enviable record and his services find ready 
 appreciation. 
 
 GEORGE W. BOIE. 
 
 George W Boie, who for the past six years has held the position of cashier 
 in the Citizens State Bank of Cadott, of which institution he is also a stock- 
 holder and director, is widely recognized as one of the substantial young busi- 
 ness men and highly respected citizens of his community. His birth occurred 
 in Thorp, Clark county, Wisconsin, on the 22d of February, 1884, his parents 
 being John and Helen (Greve) Boie, the former born in Calumet county, this 
 state, in i860, and the latter in Germany in 1859. John Boie, an agriculturist 
 by occupation, now makes his home at Thorp, but his wife is deceased, her 
 demise having occurred in 1894. Unto them were born four children, namely: 
 Lillian, Oscar, Harry and George W. 
 
 The last named supplemented his early education by a course of study in 
 the Allen Business College at Stevens Point, which he left at the age of eighteen 
 years to enter the Citizens State Bank at Stanley, in the service of which insti- 
 tution he remained for ten months. On the 9th of October, 1905, he came to 
 Cadott to accept the position of bookkeeper in the Citizens State Bank there 
 and two years later was made cashier, in which capacity he has done able service 
 to the present time. He is not only a popular official of the institution but 
 also one of its stockholders and directors and has gained an enviable reputation 
 as a successful and representative citizen of the community. 
 
 On the 24th of June, 1908, at Cadott, Mr. Boie was united in marriage to 
 Miss Lillian Greene, her parents being Albert and Tina Greene, of Cadott, the 
 
28 
 
 PAST AND PRESENT OF CHIPPEWA COUNTY 
 
 former for many years a railroad carpenter in the service of the Omaha road. 
 Our subject and his wife have one child, Helen E. The family home is an at- 
 tractive and substantial residence which Mr. Boie owns. 
 
 His political sympathies are indicated by the fact that he is now serving as 
 secretary of the Cadott Progressive League. His religious faith in that of the 
 Lutheran church, while fraternally he is identified with the Knights of Pythias, 
 the Beavers and the Equitable Fraternal Union. In hunting he finds both rec- 
 reation and pleasure. His strong and salient characteristics are such as endear 
 him to all who come within the close circle of his friendship and wherever he 
 is known he is respected and esteemed. 
 
 PETER BEAULIEU. 
 
 Peter Beaulieu, who owns and operates a farm of one hundred and twenty 
 acres on section 12, Cleveland township, has resided thereon continuously for the 
 past thirty-five years and is one of the earliest settlers of the township. He was 
 born in Canada, December 16, 1844, and his father and paternal grandfather, both 
 named Peter, were likewise natives of that country. When twenty years of age 
 he crossed the border into the United States, locating first in New Hampshire 
 and subsequently in Maine, while in 1876 he made his way to Chicago, Illinois. 
 He was afterward employed in a pinery of Wisconsin and in 1878 homesteaded 
 a tract of eighty acres of government land in Cleveland township, Chippewa 
 county, while later he secured forty acres more from the government. The place 
 was densely covered with timber and as the nearest neighbor was miles away 
 and no help could be procured, Mr. Beaulieu alone undertook the arduous 
 task of clearing his land, chopping down the trees and cutting the logs. On 
 that farm he has remained continuously since, and as time passed on he brought 
 his fields to a high state of cultivation and improvement. In the early days 
 he cradled his grain and planted potatoes with a grub hoe. He well remembers 
 the time when the deer would come up and feed with his cattle. In those early 
 days he was a great hunter and for years supplied the table with game. He still 
 has his trusty Winchester, which has been his property since 1876, and still is 
 recognized as one of the best shots in his locality. His labors have been an 
 efifective element in the agricultural development of this county and he has long 
 been numbered among the substantial and representative citizens here. 
 
 On April 6, 1879, ’ n Chippewa county, Mr. Beaulieu was married to Miss 
 Rose Warded, a native of Pennsylvania and a daughter of Fred and Sarah E. 
 (McKinster) Warded, the former of German descent and the latter of English- 
 Yankee parentage. Mr. and Mrs. Warded were married in Pennsylvania and 
 the former was killed in the Civil war, sacrificing his life for the sake of his 
 country when Mrs. Beaulieu was but a child. When she was thirteen years of 
 age, the mother and family came to the west. Mrs. Beaulieu, as soon as old 
 enough, accepted employment in the family of Magnus Firth and later was in 
 the household of the Rutledge family, these two being among the earliest and 
 foremost families of the county. To Mr. and Mrs. Beaulieu have been born 
 five children, as follows: John, at home; Ada, the wife of Dennis Irvin; Junia, 
 
PAST AND PRESENT OF CHIPPEWA COUNTY 
 
 29 
 
 who gave her hand in marriage to Alphonse La Rose; and Vane and Ernest, 
 both at home. Mrs. Beaulieu is a Methodist in religious faith. She is one of 
 the typical pioneer ladies of the county, for she has undergone all the hard- 
 ships incident to life in the early days in this district. Although seventy-five 
 years of age, she is still young in mind and pleasantly and interestingly recounts 
 incidents of the long ago. Both Mr. and Mrs. Beaulieu enjoy an extensive 
 acquaintance in the community where they have so long resided and are highly 
 esteemed and respected by old and young, high and low. 
 
 JOSEPH JOAS. 
 
 Joseph Joas is well known in financial and commercial circles of Chippewa 
 Falls in connection with the Joas Investment Company, which he established in 
 1908 and which is doing an extensive real-estate, loan and insurance business. 
 He is a native of this county, born in Tilden, June 4, 1869, and is a son of 
 Joseph and Maria Joas. The father died in 1883 and is buried in Forest Hill 
 cemetery. He was a prominent farmer of Tilden, where he enjoyed the respect 
 and esteem of a large circle of friends. The mother now resides in Chippewa 
 Falls. 
 
 Joseph Joas received his education in the public schools of Chippewa county, 
 which he intermittently attended until eighteen years of age. He early began 
 to assist the mother on the home place, helping in the support of his brothers 
 and sisters, of which there were seven in the family. For three years he re- 
 mained so employed but at the end of that period started for himself by accept- 
 ing a clerkship in a general mercantile store in Dodge county, this state. He 
 held his first position for about two years and then traveled for three years with 
 different specialties throughout Wisconsin. At the end of that time he entered 
 the retail shoe business at Chippewa Falls and for twelve years conducted an 
 establishment of this kind here. In 1908 he established the Joas Investment 
 Company and has ever since done a continually growing real-estate, loan and 
 insurance business. He is well informed as to local values of real-estate and 
 many important transactions have passed through his hands. His insurance 
 department is also largely patronized and he often is able to negotiate or place 
 loans for clients at an advantageous figure of interest. 
 
 At Chippewa Falls, in 1898, Mr. Joas was united in marriage to Miss Carrie 
 L. Zeitinger, a daughter of Anthony F. and Mary Zeitinger, both of whom have 
 passed away, their burial taking place in St. Louis, Missouri. Mr. and Mrs. 
 Joas have three children, who are yet at home. They are Francis, Vivian and 
 Julian. Mr. Joas has erected a handsome residence at No. 422 West Columbia 
 street and there the family reside, extending a warm-hearted hospitality to their 
 many friends. 
 
 In his political affiliations Mr. Joas is a democrat but has never aspired to 
 office, although worthy public movements find in him a stalwart supporter. 
 He is fraternally a member of the Knights of Columbus and religiously con- 
 nected with the Catholic church, of which he and his family are devout com- 
 municants. An enterprising and aggressive man, Mr. Joas finds in the real- 
 
30 
 
 'PAST AND PRESENT OF CHIPPEWA COUNTY 
 
 estate and financial business a large field for his natural abilities and has 
 attained to a position which assures him of the respect and confidence of his 
 fellow citizens. 
 
 E. L. HENDERSON, D. D. S. 
 
 Dr. E. L. Henderson is engaged in the practice of dentistry in Bloomer and 
 is well qualified to discharge the delicate and onerous duties devolving upon him 
 in this connection. He was born in Dane county, Wisconsin, in 1885, and is a 
 son of James P. Henderson, a native of Scotland. The father came to the 
 United States in childhood and was a resident of New York for a time. After 
 a few years, however, he removed westward to Wisconsin and in this state de- 
 voted his life to farming, which he carried on with substantial success until death 
 called him, at the age of sixty-seven years. His widow, who bore the maiden 
 name of Ellen Brown, is still living in Dane county. They were the parents of 
 seven children, five of whom survive. 
 
 E. L. Henderson was reared and educated in Dane county, spending his 
 youthful days in the usual manner of farm lads. He worked in the fields dur- 
 ing the summer months and in the winter seasons mastered the branches of 
 learning taught in the public schools. His intellectual activity pointed to a pro- 
 fessional career and deciding upon the practice of dentistry he entered the 
 College of Dental Surgery at Chicago, from which he was graduated with the 
 class of 1908. He then practiced for two years in Dane county and in 1909 
 removed to Bloomer, where he opened an office. He has a well appointed oper- 
 ating room, possessing the latest improvements in dental instruments and equip- 
 ments. He possesses, too, that skill and ingenuity so necessary to the dentist 
 and his labors have been attended with excellent results. 
 
 In 1909 Dr. Henderson was united in marriage to Miss Mabel Paulson, of 
 Dane county. Politically he is a republican and though he does not seek nor 
 desire office as a reward for party fealty, he is always loyal to his honest con- 
 victions. He belongs to the Masonic fraternity and the family attends the Con- 
 gregational church. Principles of honorable manhood have ever characterized 
 his life and made him one of the worthy and respected residents of his adopted 
 county. 
 
 ONIAS G. WRIGHT. 
 
 Onias G. Wright, the owner of a tract of land comprising one hundred and 
 thirty acres on sections 6 and 1, Lafayette township, there devoted his attention 
 to the pursuits of farming and dairying for many years and is now living retired 
 in the enjoyment of well earned ease. The period of his residence in Chippewa 
 county covers thirty-six years and he is well known as one of its honored 
 pioneers. His birth occurred in Springfield. Massachusetts, on the 2d of 
 December, 1838, his parents being Aaron G. and Ruth (Tilly) Wright, both of 
 
PAST AND PRESENT OF CHIPPEWA COUNTY 
 
 31 
 
 whom are deceased and lie buried at Springfield, Massachusetts. The father 
 was a machinist by trade. The Wright family is of English origin. 
 
 Onias G. Wright attended school in his native city until eighteen years of age 
 and then became connected with railroading. In 1863, when a young man of 
 twenty-five years, he enlisted in the Union army as a member of Company I, 
 Second Massachusetts Artillery, and for his service during that sanguinary con- 
 flict now draws a pension. After the cessation of hostilities between the north 
 and the south he again took up railroading and subsequently spent three years 
 as a sailor on the Great Lakes. In 1877 he purchased a homestead in Chippewa 
 county, Wisconsin, the property being entirely undeveloped and unimproved. 
 He undertook the arduous task of clearing the land and preparing it for the 
 plow and eventually had eighty-three acres thereof under cultivation. Mr. 
 Wright followed mixed farming and also devoted considerable attention to dairy- 
 ing, meeting with a well merited and gratifying measure of success in both 
 branches of his business. Now, in the evening of life, he is enabled to spend 
 his days in honorable retirement, enjoying a competence which has come to him 
 by well directed effort and able management. 
 
 At Castle Rock, Wisconsin, on the 4th of December, 1876, Mr. Wright was 
 united in marriage to Miss Ruth A. Stevens, a daughter of S. G. and Christine 
 (Cushman) Stevens, both of whom have passed away and lie buried in the Bate- 
 man cemetery. The father was a pioneer agriculturist of Minnesota. Unto 
 Mr. and Mrs. Wright were bom two children, namely: Stella, who is the wife 
 of William Shafer, a farmer of this county ; and Nellie, the deceased wife of 
 Ephraim Gardner. The latter died when thirty-three years of age and is buried 
 at Duluth, Minnesota. 
 
 Mr. Wright is a republican in his political views and a stanch champion of 
 the cause of education, ably serving its interests while acting as clerk and treas-' 
 urer of the school board. He belongs to Comfort Post, G. A. R., and thus 
 still maintains pleasant relations with his old army comrades. He has witnessed 
 remarkable changes in Chippewa county during the long period of his residence 
 here and his influence has always been given on the side of progress, truth, justice 
 and right. 
 
 JULIUS B. FISK. 
 
 Julius B. Fisk, who since April, 1912, has owned and conducted the Hol- 
 combe Hotel at Holcombe, Wisconsin, was born in Juneau county, this state, in 
 1857, and is a son of Reuben and Mary (Pierce) Fisk, both of whom have passed 
 away, the father dying in 1907 and the mother in 1905. They are buried in 
 Wonewoc, Wisconsin. 
 
 Julius B. Fisk acquired his education in the public schools of his native county 
 and at the age of fourteen laid aside his books. He afterward engaged in the 
 mercantile business until 1896 and then moved to Chippewa county, where he 
 turned his attention to farming. His land was situated some distance from a 
 postoffice and the transportation facilities were limited, so that during the six- 
 teen years he resided upon his farm he often had to walk fourteen miles to get 
 
32 
 
 PAST AND PRESENT OF CHIPPEWA COUNTY 
 
 his mail. With characteristic energy he carried forward the work of improve- 
 ment, erecting a fine residence, a substantial barn and the necessary outbuildings 
 and finally becoming the owner of a valuable and productive farm. He dis- 
 posed of that property in 1912 and moved into Holcombe, where he purchased 
 the Holcombe Hotel, which he has since conducted. He has proven a farsighted, 
 able and progressive business man and in his new venture has met with a grat- 
 ifying and well deserved success. 
 
 In Juneau county, Wisconsin, June 10, 1878, Mr. Fisk was united in mar- 
 riage to Miss Albina Holland, a daughter of James and Rose (Osmer) Holland, 
 both of whom died when Mrs. Fisk was still an infant. Mr. and Mrs. Fisk have 
 become the parents of three children: Harry L., the proprietor of a shoe store 
 in Montana; Alfonzo, a railroad engineer, with headquarters at Holcombe; and 
 May, who lives at home. 
 
 Mr. Fisk is connected fraternally with the Independent Order of Foresters 
 and the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and is a democrat in his political 
 beliefs. Although a late arrival in Holcombe, he has already become established 
 as an important business factor here and holds the esteem and confidence of all 
 who are brought in contact with him. 
 
 AUGUST PLAGUE. 
 
 August Plagge, an energetic, industrious and enterprising agriculturist of 
 Cleveland township, is the owner of a well improved farm of one hundred and 
 sixty acres on section 12. His birth occurred in Hanover, Germany, on the 
 2d of April, 1869, and in that country his parents passed away. When a young 
 man of nineteen, August Plagge crossed the Atlantic to the United States and, 
 making his way to Wisconsin, here secured employment in the woods and on 
 the river. Subsequently he purchased a tract of forty acres which was covered 
 with timber and after clearing the property erected thereon a log house, while 
 six months later he built a frame dwelling. He has since extended the bound- 
 aries of his farm by additional purchase until it now embraces one hundred and 
 sixty acres of rich and productive land on section 12, Cleveland township. There 
 is a valuable spring on the property which furnishes water to the house and 
 also for the stock. The well tilled fields annually yield golden harvests as a 
 reward for the care and labor which he bestows upon them and his success en- 
 titles him to recognition among the substantial and representative citizens of the 
 community. 
 
 In Chippewa county Mr. Plagge was united in marriage to Miss Eliza Hen- 
 nekens, a native of Germany and a sister of August and Fred Hennekens, sketches 
 of whom appear on other pages of this volume. Our subject and his wife have 
 two children, Henry and August. Another son, Otto, died at the age of five 
 years. 
 
 In politics Mr. Plagge is a stanch republican, while his religious faith is that 
 of the German Lutheran church. The hope that led him to leave his native 
 land and seek a home in America has been more than realized. He found the 
 opportunities he sought, — which, by the way, are always open to the ambitious, 
 
PAST AND PRESENT OF CHIPPEWA COUNTY 
 
 33 
 
 energetic man, — and making the best of these he has steadily worked his way 
 upward. He possesses the resolution, perseverance and reliability so character- 
 istic of his nation, and his name is now enrolled among the best citizens of Chip- 
 pewa county. 
 
 ALFRED E. EMERSON. 
 
 Alfred E. Emerson, a progressive and enterprising citizen of Chippewa Falls, 
 serving since 1912 as assessor of income taxes, is a native son of Chippewa county, 
 born April 27, 1S77. His parents are Edward and Johannah (Larson) Emer- 
 son, residents of Chippewa Falls, where the father is prominent in community 
 life, having held such important public positions as register of deeds and deputy 
 sheriff. 
 
 Alfred E. Emerson acquired his education in the public schools of Chippewa 
 Falls working at the same time in the lumber woods. He then attended for one 
 year the State University at Madison. After laying aside his school books he 
 obtained a position as clerk in the office of the railroad commission at Madison 
 and retained this position until he resigned in order to accept his present place. 
 He has also turned his attention to farming, and owns a farm of two hundred 
 and ten acres in Cleveland township, engaging thereon in the dairy business. 
 In 1912 he was elected assessor of income taxes for Chippewa county and he 
 has since held this office, discharging his duties in a way which reflects credit upon 
 his integrity, energy and public spirit. 
 
 In Madison, Wisconsin, in 1903, Mr. Emerson was united in marriage to 
 Miss Molly Bingham, a daughter of Eric Bingham, of that city. Mrs. Emer- 
 son passed away in September, 1907, leaving a son, Irvin J. Mr. Emerson is a 
 member of the Modern Woodmen of America and is affiliated also with the Sons 
 of Norway. He is independent in his political beliefs, voting for men and meas- 
 ures without regard to party lines. He is at all times a stanch supporter of 
 progressive public movements and his cooperation may always be relied upon 
 in projects for the general welfare. 
 
 HAMLIN A. TOWN. 
 
 Hamlin A. Town, a representative of one of the best known pioneer families 
 in Chippewa county, owns and operates a fine farm of one hundred and thirty 
 acres on section 19, Wheaton township. Upon this property he has lived since 
 he was four years of age and he has been its active manager since 1874, the 
 results of his careful supervision and practical labor being seen in its attractive 
 appearance and excellent condition. He was born in Rose, Wayne county, New 
 York, November 17, 1853, and is a son of Henry M. and Malina J. (Chamber- 
 lain) Town, both of whom have passed away. The father came as a pioneer to 
 Wisconsin, settling in Rock county, and in 1857 he moved to Chippewa county, 
 where he- resided until his death. He became very prominent in local public 
 
PAST AND PRESENT OF CHIPPEWA COUNTY 
 
 34 
 
 afitairs, serving as the first member of the first town board of Wheaton and later 
 as chairman of the town board, town clerk and justice of the peace. He was 
 especially interested in the cause of education and organized the first school 
 in Wheaton, giving a great deal of time and attention to its affairs. He passed 
 away in October, 18P4, after having been an invalid for a number of years, and 
 was survived by his wife until September, 1905. The Town family is of old 
 Puritan stock, the first representative, William Town, and his wife, Johanna 
 Blessing, having come to the United States in 1630 when they settled in Salem, 
 Massachusetts. On the maternal side Mr. Town is a lineal descendant of James 
 Hamlin, of the Hamlin family of which Vice President Hannibal Hamlin was 
 an honored member. This line was founded in America in the year 1640. 
 
 Hamlin A. Town was the first stu’dent in the school which his father founded 
 in Wheaton and he continued his studies until he was twenty-one years of age. 
 He then laid aside his books in order to assume the management of the home- 
 stead, his father’s ill health not permitting him to engage in the active labor of 
 the farm. Mr. Town has since operated this property and is today the owner 
 of the farm, which comprises one hundred and thirty acres of valuable land on 
 section 19, Wheaton township. In addition to general farming he also has ex- 
 tensive stock-raising interests, keeping about twenty head of cattle, fifteen hogs 
 and four horses. 
 
 On the 22d of November, 1883, Mr. Town was united in marriage to Miss 
 Hattie Wells, a daughter of Simeon and Mary (Smith) Wells, both of whom 
 have passed away, the former dying January 19, 1874, and the latter March 11, 
 1902. Mrs. Town passed away Aharch 12, 1913, and is buried in the Wheaton 
 cemetery. She left three children, Clarence, Harlow and Alilton. 
 
 Ahr. Town is a member of the Methodist church and in 1912 joined the pro- 
 gressive party. He has been active in community affairs and has held the same 
 public offices that his father held, his record as an official and as a private citizen 
 being a credit to a name that has long been an honored one in this community. 
 
 ROBERT BRITTON. 
 
 Robert Britton, living on an excellent farm of one hundred and sixty acres 
 on section 13, Wheaton township, devotes his time and energies to general agri- 
 cultural pursuits and stock-raising. He is one of the early settlers in this part of 
 the state, having come here in 1858 and has witnessed a great deal of the develop- 
 ment of this locality, taking advantage of the opportunities which it offered 
 to achieve a gratifying and well deserved success. He was born in England, 
 Aharch 8, 1848, and is a son of Thomas and Alary (Peacock) Britton, both of 
 whom have passed away, the father dying in 1898. He is buried in North 
 Dakota. 
 
 Robert Britton was ten years of age when he was brought to Chippewa county 
 by his father and acquired his education in the public schools of Chippewa halls, 
 laying aside his books at the age of sixteen. After leaving school he began 
 working in the lumber woods and so continued for about thirty years thereafter. 
 At the end of that time he turned his attention to farming, buying one hundred 
 
PAST AND PRESENT OF CHIPPEWA COUNTY 
 
 35 
 
 and sixty acres on section 13, Wheaton township, which he now owns. He has 
 one hundred and twenty acres under cultivation and is specializing in the rais- 
 ing of grain, his efforts along this line having been attended with excellent results. 
 Mr. Britton has made many substantial improvements upon his farm, erecting 
 a fine residence, a good barn and the necessary outbuildings, and he owns today 
 one of the best improved and most valuable agricultural properties in this vicinity. 
 
 In Chippewa Falls, in 1873, Mr. Britton married Miss Emma Orm, a daughter 
 of Mr. and Mrs. John Orm, both of whom have passed away. The father died 
 when Mrs. Britton was still very young and both parents are buried in Mil- 
 waukee. Mr. and Mrs. Britton have become the parents of nine children : Wil- 
 liam, who is engaged in farming in Chippewa county; Jennie, the wife of Chris 
 Miller, a resident of Washington; Emma, who married Hall Gulder, engaged in 
 the cigarmaking business at Belt, Montana ; Thomas, a market gardener in 
 Chippewa county ; Robert, engaged in cigarmaking in Montana ; Rachel, the 
 wife of Herman Kopp, a cigarmaker in Chippewa Falls; Frank, engaged in the 
 same line of business in Montana; Lillie M., a resident of Montana; and Albian 
 Myles, who lives at home. 
 
 Mr. Britton is a republican in his political beliefs and is keenly interested in 
 the growth and development of the county in which he has so long resided. His 
 life record shows what may be accomplished by determination, a persistent spirit 
 and unfaltering enterprise. He has carefully noted and used his opportunities, 
 making each moment count, and his example of unremitting industry and per- 
 severance is one well worthy of emulation. 
 
 ALEXIS A. GAYNOR. 
 
 Alexis A. Gaynor, principal of the manual and dramatic arts department of 
 the State Home for the Feeble Minded at Chippewa Falls, was born in Dund- 
 rum, King’s county, Ireland, March 13, 1876, and is a son of W. J. and Theresa 
 M. (Hammond) Gaynor, both of whom still reside in the Emerald isle, the 
 father being a retired captain of the Royal Horse Artillery. 
 
 Alexis A. Gaynor acquired his education in the Black Church school in 
 Dublin and in 1898 came to America, settling in Philadelphia, where he attended 
 an art school for some time. He afterward secured a position in the art depart- 
 ment of Wanamaker’s store and at the end of one year resigned this in order to 
 go to Europe. There he studied art as applied to the work of public institutions 
 under Brophy and Dupree and he thus received a thorough training in the line 
 of work in which he had determined to engage. Upon the completion of his 
 course in Europe he secured a position in the Pennsylvania Training School, and 
 afterward was connected with a similar institution at Oakbourne, Pennsylvania. 
 
 This he resigned in 1903 and came to Chippewa Falls, where he became iden- 
 tified with the State Home for the Feeble Minded as principal of the manual and 
 dramatic arts departments. He has been in charge of this department since that 
 time and, having supplemented excellent training by practical experience, has 
 accomplished a great deal of capable and farsighted work. 
 
36 
 
 PAST AND PRESENT OF CHIPPEWA COUNTY 
 
 In Milwaukee, Wisconsin, August 16, 1905, Mr. Gaynor was united in mar- 
 riage to Miss Emily Mieding, a daughter of Rudolph Mieding, a wholesale drug- 
 gist of that city. Mr. and Mrs. Gaynor have become the parents of four chil- 
 dren, three sons and one daughter. Mr. Gaynor is a devout member of the 
 Roman Catholic church and fraternally is connected with the Knights of Pythias. 
 His political allegiance is given to the democratic party and he has held various 
 positions of trust and responsibility, serving in an able, efficient way as alderman 
 and member of the county board. The institution with which he is connected is 
 fortunate in numbering him among its officials, for he is an expert in his chosen 
 line of work and sueccessful because he has made a special study of everything 
 relating to it. 
 
 W. C. STOLL. 
 
 Among the successful farmers of Holcombe township, Chippewa county, is 
 W. C. Stoll, who owns fourteen forty-acre tracts on sections 24 and 25, town- 
 ship 31, range 6, improved with two sets of buildings. Not only has Mr. Stoll 
 attained individual prosperity but through his labors he has greatly contributed 
 to the agricultural advancement made in Chippewa county. A native son of 
 Wisconsin, he was born in Vernon county on Christmas day of 1863 and is a 
 son of Charles A. and Sophia Stoll, born near Hamburg, Germany. Upon 
 coming to this country the father homesteaded in Vernon county and was a 
 pioneer in the Kickapoo country, where he passed away. The mother survives 
 and now makes her home at Viola, Wisconsin. 
 
 W. C. Stoll was educated in the neighborhood of his father's farm and 
 early trained by his parents in the old-fashioned virtues of industry and hon- 
 esty. On the father’s place he became acquainted with thorough agricultural 
 methods and acquired a knowledge of farm details which has ever stood him 
 in good stead. In 1901 he came to Chippewa county, acquiring by purchase 
 thirteen forty-acre tracts of wild land, and later another forty-acre tract. He 
 immediately settled down to the task of clearing and improving his land and in 
 that occupation has achieved a notable success. He engages in general farming 
 and the years have brought him prosperity along that line. There are two 
 residences on the place and also two large, substantial and well equipped barns 
 as well as other outbuildings. His land is devoted to such cereals as are best 
 adapted to soil and climate, and the appearance of the place speaks well for the 
 progressiveness of its owner. 
 
 On December 29, 1883, in Vernon county, Mr. Stoll was united in marriage 
 to Miss Etta Downer, a daughter of Charles H. and Lucinda (Taylor) Downer, 
 both natives of New York state. The former was for many years a farmer 
 but, with his wife, is now living retired at Viola, Wisconsin. To Mr. and Mrsi 
 Stoll were born eight children: A. IT., who married Anna Harriet Butler, by 
 whom he has two sons, Kenneth Delmore and Charles Everett, and who assists 
 his father with the operation of the home farm; Estella Pearl, who married 
 Myron C. Wfllis, of Colburn township; Charles Arthur; Gertrude May, who 
 
W. C. STOLI 
 
MRS. W. C. STOLL 
 

 . 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
PAST AND PRESENT OF CHIPPEWA COUNTY 
 
 41 
 
 married Paul K. Brown, of Ruby township; and Ethel Ruby, Fred Lewis, 
 Adeline and Grace Sophia, all at home. 
 
 Mr. Stoll gives his allegiance to the republican party. Although he is deeply 
 interested in all matters of public moment, he has never seen fit to actively 
 enter politics, preferring to discharge his duties as an American citizen in a 
 private way. However, by contributing toward the agricultural advancement 
 of the section, he has done perhaps as much as any public official in carrying 
 forward the banner of civilization, and he is therefore not only highly esteemed 
 on account of what he has accomplished in the way of material success for him- 
 self but also for what his labors have contributed toward the general welfare 
 by indirectly building up this section of Chippewa county. His friends and 
 neighbors speak of him only in the highest terms of praise and he well merits 
 their good-will and confidence, which have been won because of his high qualities 
 of mind and character. 
 
 CHARLES MARRINER. 
 
 Charles Marriner is ably discharging the duties devolving upon him in the 
 capacity of postmaster of Cadott, to which position he was appointed in 1912. 
 He is numbered among the worthy native sons of Chippewa county, his birth 
 having occurred in Cadott on the 23d of November, 1869. His father, Robert 
 Marriner, was born at Milton, Northumberland county, Pennsylvania, on the 
 10th of June, 1830, and when a little lad of seven years was taken to Allegheny, 
 that state, where he acquired his education. After putting aside his text-books 
 he worked as a shoemaker until he had attained his majority and subsequently 
 spent a short time as a buggy salesman. In 1853 he came to Chippewa county, 
 Wisconsin, which then comprised the area from Lake Superior to Eau Claire, 
 and there spent the remainder of his life, passing away in 1911. He first worked 
 in and around sawmills and later formed a partnership with Larry Calhoun. 
 They rafted logs to the Mississippi river under contract and on the return trip 
 brought back supplies to Eau'Claire and Chippewa Falls. In the winter of 1857-8 
 Mr. Marriner put logs in the Yellow river and in the fall of the latter year 
 preempted one hundred and sixty acres of land, the property including the water 
 power and most of the site of Cadott. He was elected sheriff of Chippewa 
 county in 1859 and held the office during that year and i860. At that early 
 period the district was infested with many desperate characters, but Mr. Mar- 
 riner proved himself a fearless official and exercised his authority even at the 
 risk of his life. Possessing strong will power, a quick eye and steady nerve, he 
 remained unharmed in times of extreme danger and by successfully enforcing 
 the law commanded the respect of all. In 1862 he was appointed provost marshal 
 of Chippewa county, ably discharging the important duties devolving upon him 
 in that connection until the close of the Civil war. In 1865 he built the first 
 sawmill in Cadott, utilizing the water power on his land, and ten years later 
 erected the first roller flour mill in the town. 
 
 In 1875 he platted the village of Cadott and at his own expense purchased 
 a stump puller, by means of which he cleared away the stumps from the streets 
 
 Voi n— 
 
42 
 
 PAST AND PRESENT OF CHIPPEWA COUNTY 
 
 of the village. He served as the first postmaster of Cadott and held the office 
 until the inauguration of President Cleveland, when he resigned. Robert Mar- 
 riner was the pioneer and founder of Cadott, which now has a population of 
 about eight hundred. The period of his residence there covered almost six 
 decades and during all those years his labors were a potent element in the up- 
 building and development of the district. His wife, who bore the maiden name 
 of Eleanor Norway, was a native of New York and passed away in 1901 at the 
 age of seventy-two years. Our subject is the only surviving member of their 
 family of six children. 
 
 Charles Marriner attended common school at Cadott until fifteen years of 
 age and after putting aside his text-books worked in the flour mill until it was 
 destroyed by fire in 1888. Subsequently he was engaged in various occupations 
 until appointed postmaster of Cadott in 1912, since which time he has proved 
 an efficient incumbent of that position. He is a stockholder in the Citizens State 
 Bank of Cadott and owns water power, a residence and several lots in the town. 
 
 On the 29th of June, 1901, at Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Mr. Marriner was 
 united in marriage to Miss Laura Vender Bie, her father being Engel Vender 
 Bie, a cabinet-maker and fire insurance man of Platteville, Wisconsin. Unto 
 Mr. and Mrs. Marriner have been born four children, namely: Hiltja E. ; Laura; 
 Charles N., whose demise occurred in 1908; and Beatrice. Mr. Marriner is a 
 republican in his political views and has served as a member of the county board 
 for eight years. In the community where his entire life has been spent he is 
 well known as a substantial, esteemed and representative citizen. 
 
 T. B. HASKINS. 
 
 T. B. Haskins is proprietor of a well appointed meat market in Bloomer. He 
 has been a life long resident of Chippewa county, his birth having occurred within 
 its borders in 1868. He is a son of T. Y. Haskins, a native of Illinois, who in 
 the year 1855 came to Wisconsin, settling about a mile from Bloomer upon a 
 tract of land which he devoted to general farming, carrying on agricultural 
 pursuits for a number of years. He died in Bloomer in 1903 at an advanced 
 age, and left behind him many friends who entertained for him warm regard. In 
 early manhood he wedded Sophia Walmsly, who also died in this county. They 
 were the parents of six children, of whom four are living. 
 
 T. B. Haskins was a pupil in the public schools of his native county and 
 devoted portions of his youth to farm work, assisting his father in the labors 
 of the fields. He was afterward engaged in the milling business and then, desir- 
 ing to add to his education, he became a student in the Superior University. He 
 thus became well equipped for life’s practical and responsible duties, and when 
 his text-books were put aside he turned his attention to the meat business, in 
 which he has since continued, remaining at his present location for the past eleven 
 years. He slaughters his own cattle, puts up his own ice and has a well equipped 
 plant, enabling him to care for his meats in most modern and approved manner. 
 His stock comprises a full line of fresh and salt meats, for which he finds a 
 
PAST AND PRESENT OF CHIPPEWA COUNTY 
 
 43 
 
 ready sale, his honorable and enterprising business methods securing him a liberal 
 and well merited patronage. 
 
 In 1899 Mr. Haskins was married to Miss Barbara Hartman, of Bloomer, and 
 unto them have been born two children, Violet and Lantz, who are attending 
 school. The parents hold membership in the Congregational church and Mr. 
 Haskins belongs to the fraternal organizations of Woodmen and Beavers. His 
 political allegiance is given the republican party, which he has supported since 
 age conferred upon him the right of franchise. 
 
 WILLIAM E. DE KELVER. 
 
 William E. De Kelver, one of the most progressive and able young business 
 men of Chippewa Falls, has since 1905 been proprietor of the Chippewa Glove 
 Factory and through well directed efforts has developed a concern which is today 
 ranked with the leading industrial enterprises of the city. He was born in 
 Green Bay, Wisconsin, September 29, 1879, and is a son of J. F. and Mary 
 (Vincent) De Kelver, the former of whom was one of the early merchants of the 
 old Green Bay settlement. 
 
 William E. De Kelver acquired his early education in the public schools of 
 his native city and afterward attended normal school at Oshkosh, from which 
 he was graduated in 1901. In the same year he turned his attention to teaching, 
 becoming principal of the public schools at Amberg, Wisconsin, a position which 
 he retained until 1905. In that year he moved to Chippewa Falls and although 
 he had had no experience in business, turned his attention to this field and pur- 
 chased the Chippewa Glove and Mitten Company and continued operations under 
 the style of the Chippewa Glove Factory, of which he has since been the owner. 
 The success of the concern was immediate. Starting in a small way, the factory 
 furnishing employment to only five people, Mr. De Kelver has developed a large 
 industrial institution occupying a floor space of fifty by one hundred and forty 
 feet and furnishing employment to thirty-five people in its various departments. 
 The remarkable growth of the institution is due entirely to the owner’s courage, 
 determination and well directed efforts and his career furnishes a splendid example 
 of the value of these qualities in the accomplishment of success. He is still a 
 young man but has already been carried forward into important relations with 
 business interests of Chippewa Falls and the city owes to him the development and 
 upbuilding of one of her important industrial concerns. 
 
 FRED W. HENNEKENS. 
 
 Fred W. Hennekens, a representative and successful agriculturist of Cleve- 
 land township, owns and operates a well improved farm of one hundred and sixty 
 acres on section 12. He is a native of Hanover. Germany, and a son of Tohann 
 and Sophia Wilhelmina (Vegel) Hennekens. The mother died in that country 
 but the father emigrated to the United States and settled in Cleveland township, 
 
44 
 
 PAST AND PRESENT OF CHIPPEWA COUNTY 
 
 Chippewa county, Wisconsin, here passing away at the age of sixty-seven years. 
 Unto Mr. and Mrs. Johann Hennekens were born eight children, as follows: 
 Sophia, who is the wife of Henry Plagge and makes her home in Germany; 
 Henry, who is a resident of Holland ; Louis and August, living in Cleveland town- 
 ship, this county ; Carrie, who is the widow of A 1 Raymond and also resides in 
 Cleveland township ; Eliza, who gave her hand in marriage to August Plagge ; 
 Fred W., of this review; and one who died in infancy. 
 
 Fred W. Hennekens obtained his education in the common schools of his 
 native land and when a youth of seventeen crossed the Atlantic to the new world, 
 taking up his abode in the home of a sister in Cleveland township, this county. 
 He secured employment on the river and in the woods and eventually turned 
 his attention to general agricultural pursuits, purchasing one hundred and sixty 
 acres of land on section 12, Cleveland township, on which some improvements 
 had been made. His house, substantial and commodious, is practically new 
 and he also has good outbuildings. His farming interests have returned to him 
 a gratifying annual income and he is numbered among the prosperous and 
 respected citizens of his community. 
 
 In Chippewa county, Mr. Hennekens was united in marriage to Miss Anna 
 Gourdoux, a native of Cleveland township and a daughter of Alexander Gour- 
 doux, a sketch of whom appears on another page of this work. Our subject and 
 his wife have six children, namely: Fred A., Eveline A., Dorothea E., Helena 
 M., Theodore J. and A. Josephine. All are still at home. 
 
 Politically Mr. Hennekens is a stanch republican, exercising his right of fran- 
 chise in support of the men and measures of that party. He has served on the 
 township board of supervisors, also in the capacity of justice of the peace and 
 as a member of the school board, ever proving a capable and trustworthy public 
 official. His religious faith is indicated by his membership in the German Lu- 
 theran church. His support is given to all progressive measures and his aid can 
 always be counted upon to further those interests which are of genuine worth 
 in the county. 
 
 WILLIAM A. MONTGOMERY. 
 
 William A. Montgomery, one of the active and progressive young farmers of 
 Chippewa county, owning and operating one hundred and sixty acres of fine land 
 on section 25, Wheaton township, was born in Eau Claire, this state, in 1881, 
 and is a son of Archie and Imogene (Kershner) Montgomery, residents of that 
 city. The father has been engaged in the lumber business there for over forty 
 years and is numbered among the most prominent and successful business men 
 of the community. 
 
 William A. Montgomery acquired his education in the schools of his native 
 city and laid aside his books at the age of twenty-three, spending seven years 
 thereafter assisting his father in the lumber mills. He then moved to Chippewa 
 Falls and purchased one hundred and sixty acres in Wheaton township. Upon 
 this farm he has since resided and has placed one hundred acres under cultiva- 
 tion, meeting with that success which always follows earnest and well directed 
 
PAST AND PRESENT OF CHIPPEWA COUNTY 
 
 45 
 
 labor. Mr. Montgomery carries on general farming and is also extensively inter- 
 ested in stock-raising, keeping about twenty head of cattle, six horses and fifteen 
 hogs. 
 
 In Eau Claire, Wisconsin, on the 22I of February, 1908, Mr. Montgomery 
 was united in marriage to Miss May Anderson, a daughter of Thomas and Paul- 
 ine (Tarney) Anderson, the former of whom died in May, 1913, and the latter 
 in 1909. Both are buried in Eau Claire. Air. Alontgomery is a republican in 
 his political beliefs and interested in the growth of his township, although not an 
 active office-seeker. Although still a young man, he is already ranked with the 
 progressive farmers of this locality and his continued success is assured. 
 
 SAAIUEL JENKINS. 
 
 The history of the commercial development of Chippewa Falls would be in- 
 complete and unsatisfactory were there failure to make mention of the career of 
 Samuel Jenkins, proprietor of the largest department store in the city. This 
 enterprise is operated under the name of Jenkins Brothers and has been for more 
 than thirty years a strong and reliable business concern, the name standing as a 
 synonym for honorable and upright methods of dealing and for business progres- 
 siveness. Air. Jenkins was born at Weymouth, England, December 23, 1849, 
 and is a son of Frank K. and Mary Ann (Atkinson) Jenkins, also natives of 
 that country. The father came to America in 1852 and for about nine years 
 thereafter followed the shoemaker’s trade. He fought through the entire period 
 of the Civil war, going to the front as commissary and winning promotion to the 
 rank of brevet major, holding a commission signed by President Lincoln. He 
 died almost immediately after the close of hostilities and is buried in Baraboo, 
 Wisconsin. His wife survived him many years, dying in 1893. 
 
 Samuel Jenkins was brought to America by his parents when he was still a 
 child and he acquired his education in the public schools of Baraboo. His 
 career furnishes many splendid examples of the value of determination, persever- 
 ance and industry in the accomplishment of success, for he laid aside his books 
 at the early age of fourteen and since that time has been dependent upon his own 
 resources. At that time the Civil war was not yet ended and times were hard 
 then and for some years thereafter. Air. Jenkins was obliged to turn his atten- 
 tion to any line of work in which he could earn an honest dollar and was not 
 ashamed to chop wood or work on a farm. Being young, ambitious and energetic, 
 he was soon fairly successful and when he was twenty-three years of age he 
 owned an excellent farm of eighty acres, well improved and cultivated and 
 entirely free from debt. Selling this in 1882, he came to Chippewa Falls, where 
 his brother George P. Jenkins owned a general store, in which the subject of this 
 review bought an interest. Three years later George P. Jenkins sold his interest 
 to his brother Rufus A. and the two brothers, Samuel and Rufus, carried on 
 business together under the name of Jenkins Brothers. Each year witnessed 
 the expansion of the enterprise, for its proprietors understood the mercantile 
 business in principle and detail, studied business conditions and conformed to 
 them, neglecting nothing which would in any way promote the growth of their 
 
46 
 
 PAST AND PRESENT OF CHIPPEWA COUNTY 
 
 store. As a result of their progressive and practical methods the concern became 
 the largest of its kind in the county, the brothers controlling an important and 
 representative patronage. Rufus A. Jenkins died June 30, 1912, and Samuel 
 Jenkins has since conducted the business, retaining the old name of Jenkins 
 Brothers. 
 
 At Delton, Wisconsin, April 13, 1873, Mr. Jenkins was united in marriage 
 to Miss Rosa Marshall, a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Marshall, the for- 
 mer a pioneer farmer of Sauk county. Both have passed away and are buried 
 at Delton. Mr. and Mrs. Jenkins have become the parents of two children: 
 May E., who married Alexander Wiley, district attorney in Chippewa county ; 
 and R. D., deputy county treasurer of Kootenai county, Idaho, at Coeur d’Alene. 
 
 Fraternally Mr. Jenkins is connected with the Knights of the Maccabees and 
 he is a republican in his political beliefs. For the past thirty years he has been 
 numbered among the enterprising merchants of Chippewa Falls and among the 
 greatest individual forces in the commercial development of the city. His suc- 
 cess has been entirely the result of his own well directed efforts, for he started 
 out in life empty-handed and by diligence, energy and perseverance has gained 
 prominence and substantial fortune. 
 
 FRANK ZIMMERMAN. 
 
 For twenty-six years Frank Zimmerman has been prominently connected 
 with the business interests of Cadott as a dealer in flour and feed and during 
 the whole period has met with that success which his straightforward business 
 methods and his practical ability so well deserve. He was born in Washington 
 county, Maryland, September 6, 1854, and is a son of John and Mary (Johnstone) 
 Zimmerman, both natives of that state, the former born in Washington county 
 in 1815 and the latter in Frederick county. The father was a distiller by trade, 
 following this occupation until his death in 1869. His wife survives him and 
 is now almost ninety years of age. To their union were born eight children, 
 Martha, Julia A., William T. H., Cornelia, Eliza C., Frank, Frances and Robert F. 
 
 Frank Zimmerman had no educational opportunities but he has made up 
 for his disadvantages along this line by a wide experience and contact with many 
 sorts and conditions of men. He left home when he was a mere boy and traveled 
 through various parts of the United States, staying for some time in Virginia, 
 Colorado, Kansas City and Chicago and finally in 1880 settling in Cadott. He 
 had learned the well and ditch digging trade but after following it for one year 
 formed a partnership with Mrs. I. W. Sheldon in the conduct of a boarding 
 house. He purchased his partner’s interests at the end of one year and after- 
 ward ran the establishment for five years. In 1887 he sold this enterprise and 
 opened a grain and feed store which he still conducts. He today carries a stock 
 of feed, grain, flour, roofing and building material valued at six thousand dollars 
 and controls a large patronage accorded to him in recognition of his reasonable 
 prices, his honorable business methods and his earnest desire to please his patrons. 
 In addition to his store property he owns an attractive residence in Cadott and 
 six hundred acres of land in Chippewa county. 
 
PAST AND PRESENT OF CHIPPEWA COUNTY 
 
 47 
 
 In Cadott, on the 3d of October, 1882, Mr. Zimmerman married Miss Effie 
 Boutelle, who was born June 19, i860, a daughter of William and Esther E. 
 (Woodbury) Boutelle. She was left an orphan at an early age and was reared 
 in the home of Dr. Myers, of Wautoma, Wisconsin. Mr. and Mrs. Zimmerman 
 have two children: Robert L., assistant cashier of the State Bank of Holcombe; 
 and Ruby F., who was graduated from the musical department of the Normal 
 Training School at Detroit in December, 1911, and is now teaching in the public 
 schools. 
 
 Mr. Zimmerman is a member of the Knights of Pythias and is independent in 
 his political beliefs. He served as treasurer of the village for five years and during 
 that time proved himself a capable and farsighted public official. A period of 
 residence in Cadott covering more than a quarter of a century has made him 
 widely known here and his energy, integrity and uprightness of character have 
 gained him the esteem and confidence of all who are associated with him. 
 
 HECTOR C. McRAE. 
 
 A long career in the public service, covering activity in various county, state 
 and federal offices, has brought Hector C. McRae an enviable reputation as a 
 capable politician, a farsighted business man and a public-spirited and progressive 
 citizen. He first came to Chippewa Falls in 1868 and, although his residence here 
 has not been continuous, it has covered a period of many years, during which he 
 has been a leading force in progress in the city. Since 1912 he has been serving 
 as immigration agent for the Canadian government and in this office is doing his 
 usual discriminating and capable work. 
 
 Mr. McRae was born in Stormont county, Ontario, March 21, 1837, and is 
 a son of John and Ann (Munroe) McRae, both of Scotch extraction. The father 
 was born in Scotland and went as a pioneer to Ontario, where he engaged in 
 farming for a number of years. He and his wife have passed away and are 
 buried in the same grave on the Indian lands in Glengarry county. 
 
 Hector C. McRae acquired his education in the public schools of his native 
 province and in a business college there, laying aside his books at the age of 
 eighteen. He then became connected with mercantile interests as a clerk in a 
 general store and held this position until he came to Chippewa Falls. Here he 
 entered the employ of Martin & Swan, general merchants, and after one year 
 bought an interest in the concern, the name being then changed to Swan & McRae. 
 Mr. McRae continued as a member of this firm until 1872, when he sold his 
 interest in the business and began a career in the public service which has brought 
 him well deserved honor and distinction. He was elected county treasurer and 
 after four years’ capable work in that office was made a member of the state 
 legislature, serving during two sessions and becoming identified during that time 
 with a great deal of constructive and progressive legislation. In 1880 he again 
 turned his attention to business, forming a partnership with his brother John in 
 the establishment of a mill at Chippewa Falls. They erected their own plant and 
 also built a dam and their partnership continued for some time. After it was 
 dissolved Mr. McRae of this review carried on the business for himself for two 
 
48 
 
 PAST AND PRESENT OF CHIPPEWA COUNTY 
 
 years and then formed another partnership. Later, on account of ill health, he 
 sold his interest to a Mr. Kennedy. The mill is still in existence and the business 
 is carried On under the name of the Consolidated Milling, Elevator & Power 
 Company. 
 
 When Mr. McRae disposed of his interest in this latter concern he went to 
 Washington, D. C., and there entered the stationery department in the capitol, 
 serving as clerk there for twelve years. At the end of that time he returned to 
 Chippewa Falls and in 1895 was appointed first immigration agent for the Cana- 
 dian government. This position he still holds and each year of his service has 
 increased his efficiency until today he is regarded as an expert in such matters 
 as come under his jurisdiction. 
 
 Mr. McRae has been twice married. He wedded first Miss Margaret McKay, 
 a daughter of Alexander and Mary (Johnston) McKay. She passed away leav- 
 ing one son, John A., who resides in California. Mr. McRae afterward married 
 Miss Alice Wiltse, a daughter of Judge Wiltse, of Chippewa Falls. 
 
 Mr. McRae is a member of the Presbyterian church and has served as elder. 
 He is connected fraternally with the Masonic lodge and is a member of the 
 Knights of Pythias. His political allegiance is given to the republican party and 
 during the many years of his residence in Chippewa Falls he has been among the 
 leaders in local politics, cooperating heartily in all measures for the public good 
 and proving his loyalty and public spirit in active official service. He has been 
 mayor of the city and during his term of office accomplished a great deal of 
 important work looking toward municipal advancement and progress. His has 
 been an excellent record and his activities as an official and as a private citizen 
 have been among the most important forces in the development of Chippewa 
 Falls since early times. 
 
 LEONARD TONNANCOUR. 
 
 Leonard Tonnancour, an enterprising, progressive and successful agriculturist, 
 devotes his time and energies to the operation of his farm of one hundred and 
 twenty acres on section 1, Cleveland township, and in this connection has won a 
 well merited measure of prosperity. He was born in Canada on the 28th of 
 August, 1870, and is a son of Lactence Tonnancour, likewise a native of that 
 country, and a grandson of Leonard Tonnancour, whose birth occurred in France. 
 When a youth of seventeen the subject of this review crossed the border into the 
 United States and, being obliged to earn a livelihood, accepted any employment 
 that offered itself, working in mills and on the river in Chippewa county. When 
 he had accumulated sufficient capital he purchased a tract of land in what is now 
 Rusk county but disposed of the property when that county was cut off from Chip- 
 pewa, and in 1890 bought one hundred and forty acres on sections 1, 2 and 12, 
 Cleveland township. The place was practically unimproved, but he began its culti- 
 vation with undaunted energy and erected thereon a substantial residence and good 
 outbuildings. In 1891 he sold twenty acres and the boundaries of his farm now 
 include one hundred and twenty acres. The property is well improved in every 
 particular, indicating the supervision of a practical and progressive owner. 
 
PAST AND PRESENT OF CHIPPEWA COUNTY 
 
 49 
 
 In Chippewa county Mr. Tonnancour was united in marriage to Miss Susan 
 Diamond, a native of this county and a daughter of Benjamin Diamond, who 
 was one of the earliest settlers here. They have eight living children, namely : 
 Charles, Percy, Clarence, Laura, Lucy, Elmer, Victor and Hazel. Two others 
 died in childhood. 
 
 In politics Mr. Tonnancour is a republican and his services have been sought 
 by his fellow townsmen as a public official. He has acted in the capacity of town- 
 ship clerk for nine years and for two years held that office in Rusk county. He 
 has likewise served as township treasurer for two years and has also been clerk 
 of the school board, ever discharging his public duties in a commendable and 
 creditable manner. In religious belief he is a Catholic. He is well known as a 
 man of strict honesty and integrity, true to every cause he has ever espoused, and 
 he enjoys in a high degree the respect and confidence of his neighbors and friends. 
 
 HENRY L. BROOKS. 
 
 Since 1882 Henry L. Brooks has been closely connected with business inter- 
 ests of Chippewa Falls as a marble and granite monument manufacturer and is 
 today in control of a large and important enterprise which owes its foundation 
 and continued prosperity to his energy, well directed labor and initiative spirit. He 
 was born in Worcester, Massachusetts, November 1, 1853, and is a son of J. O. 
 and Mary J. (Merriam) Brooks, the former a representative of a family whose 
 members came from England to America early in the seventeenth century. The 
 great-grandfather of the subject of this review, Henry W. Gates, fought in the 
 Continental army during the Revolutionary war and the family has been well 
 known in different parts of the United States since that time. J. O. Brooks was 
 for many years engaged in the manufacture of monuments but is now living re- 
 tired, he and his wife making their home at No. 2482 Grand avenue, South Min- 
 neapolis. They have celebrated their golden wedding anniversary and upon that 
 occasion were surrounded by a large gathering of their children, grandchildren and 
 great-grandchildren. 
 
 Henry L. Brooks acquired his education in the schools of Sparta, Wisconsin, 
 attending a normal school after he had completed his high-school course. He laid 
 aside his books at the age of twenty-two years and for a time thereafter en- 
 gaged in teaching, becoming principal of the schools at Norwalk, Wisconsin. 
 During this time he also engaged in the marble manufacturing business and after 
 coming to Chippewa Falls in 1882 resumed this occupation, starting in business 
 on a small scale as a marble and granite monument manufacturer. Success rapidly 
 followed his well directed and untiring labors and he today employs four men, 
 specializing in carving and monumental lettering. The name of the firm is now 
 IT. L. Brooks & Son, and controls a large and growing trade. 
 
 ■ At Norwalk, Wisconsin, on the 28th of June, 1882, Mr. Brooks was united in 
 marriage to Mjss Martha Romanoski, a daughter of August and Wilhelmina Ro- 
 manoski, the former of whom was for many years in the retail boot and shoe busi- 
 ness in that city. He now resides at Camp Douglas, having survived his wife, 
 who died in 1893 at Norwalk. Mr. and Mrs. Brooks have four children: Walter 
 
50 
 
 PAST AND PRESENT OF CHIPPEWA COUNTY 
 
 H., associated with his father under the name of H. L. Brooks & Son; Bertram 
 A., a rancher in Sheridan, Wyoming; Grace H., the wife of Joseph Prueher, an 
 attorney at law in Bloomer, Wisconsin ; and Mary, a student in the high school. 
 
 Mr. Brooks is a republican in his political beliefs and belongs to the Inde- 
 pendent Order of Odd Fellows and is a member of the Presbyterian church. 
 During the thirty-one years he has lived in Chippewa Falls he has made many sub- 
 stantial contributions to the industrial development of the city and has become 
 widely and favorably known, his ability and success winning him respect in busi- 
 ness circles and his personal qualities commanding the esteem and confidence of 
 all who are associated with him. 
 
 EDWARD C. GEHRING. 
 
 Edward C. Gehring is one of the proprietors of the Golden Rule Store, being 
 associated in this enterprise with Fred C. Scheidecker. He was born seven miles 
 west of Bloomer, his natal day being November 30, 1884. The family name 
 indicates his German lineage. His father, Jacob Gehring, was a native of Ger- 
 many, and when a young man crossed the broad Atlantic to the United States, 
 making his way direct to Wisconsin, where he followed the stonemason’s trade 
 for a time. Later he turned his attention to farming, in which pursuit he is still 
 engaged. He married Elizabeth Meier, and they became the parents of nine 
 children. Theirs is a notable record, for the family circle still remains unbroken 
 by the hand of death. 
 
 At the usual age Edward C. Gehring entered the public schools and mastered 
 the branches of learning taught therein, dividing his time between the duties of 
 the schoolroom, the pleasures of the playground and the work of the fields. 
 For several years after leaving school, his entire attention was given to farm 
 work and later he spent ten years as an employe in the Cutting & Thompson 
 store, but he was ambitious to engage in business on his own account and utilized 
 his opportunities toward that end, carefully saving his earnings until his capital 
 was sufficient to enable him to become a partner with Fred C. Scheidecker in the 
 ownership of the Golden Rule Store. They carry a general stock and business is 
 now prospering. 
 
 The republican party finds in Mr. Gehring a stalwart advocate. He is ever 
 loyal to the cause which he espouses and is therefore a faithful member of the 
 Independent Order of Odd Fellows, of the Beavers and of the Methodist church. 
 
 FRED C. SCHEIDECKER. 
 
 A history of Bloomer would be incomplete without mention of Fred C. 
 Scheidecker, of the Golden Rule Store, of which he is one of the proprietors. 
 The store is a leading mercantile establishment of the town, and its owners 
 bear an enviable reputation as enterprising and progressive young business men. 
 Mr. Scheidecker was born in Bufifalo county, Wisconsin, in 1876, and comes of 
 
PAST AND PRESENT OF CHIPPEWA COUNTY 
 
 51 
 
 German ancestry. He is a son of Fred Scheidecker, a native of Germany, who 
 remained in the fatherland until more than thirty years of age, when he bade 
 adieu to friends and native country, and sailed for the United States. He made 
 his way direct to Wisconsin and now resides a half mile north of Bloomer. 
 He is a mechanic by trade but has been connected to a considerable extent with 
 agricultural interests. He was married in Germany to Miss Wilhelmina Ehring 
 and their children were three in number. 
 
 Spending his youthful days in his father’s home, Fred C. Scheidecker was 
 a pupil in the schools of Bloomer and later turned his attention to the occupation of 
 farming, with which work he was connected until he reached the age of eighteen 
 years. He then took up merchandising and on the 14th of June, 1913, estab- 
 lished the Golden Rule Store at Bloomer in partnersip with Edward C. Gehring. 
 They carry a full line of general merchandise, including men’s and ladies’ furnish- 
 ings, groceries, shoes, etc. The store is supplied with all modern equipments 
 and would be a credit to a place much larger than Bloomer. 
 
 In 1900 Mr. Scheidecker was united in marriage to Miss Emma Andrews, and 
 they have become the parents of six children: Arthur, Lucile, Lillian and John, 
 all of whom are in school ; Edna and Elton, at home. Mr. Scheidecker holds mem- 
 bership in the Beavers, in the Woodmen of America and the Independent Order 
 of Odd Fellows. He is ever loyal to the allegiance he owes to these organizations 
 and in his life exemplifies the beneficent spirit upon which they are based. 
 
 FRANK G. MARTIN. 
 
 Frank G. Martin, assistant cashier of the Lumberman’s National Bank, is a 
 native son of Chippewa Falls, born December 25, 1873. His parents were L. 
 F. and Julia (Girard) Martin, the former of whom was a pioneer hardware mer- 
 chant in this city and very active in local democratic politics. For four years he 
 was a member of the senate, representing this district, and during President 
 Cleveland’s administration did capable and reliable work as postmaster. He 
 died in 1909, at the age of sixty-six years, having survived his wife since 1891. 
 Both are buried in Forest Hill cemetery. 
 
 Frank G. Martin acquired his education in the public schools of Chippewa 
 Falls, graduating from the high school in 1891. Immediately afterward he en- 
 tered the employ of the Lumbermen’s National Bank and he has been continu- 
 ously identified with this institution since that time. He has advanced steadily 
 and is now a stockholder and director in the bank and holds the office of assistant 
 cashier. In addition to this he is vice president of the Chippewa Falls Realty 
 Company and his ability is recognized and respected in business circles. 
 
 On the 25th of August, 1908, Mr. Martin was united in marriage to Miss 
 Minta Shook, a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. R. H. Shook, the former for many years 
 a well known business man of this city. He and his wife now reside at Lafay- 
 ette, Indiana. Mr. and Mrs. Martin are well known in social circles of Chippewa 
 Falls and occupy an attractive residence at No. 716 West Columbia street. 
 
 Mr. Martin is a thirty-second degree Mason and has been through all the 
 chairs in the local lodge. He is a democrat in his political beliefs and takes an 
 
52 
 
 PAST AND PRESENT OF CHIPPEWA COUNTY 
 
 intelligent interest in public affairs without being active as an office seeker. His 
 religious views are in accord with the doctrines of the Presbyterian church and 
 he is a man of high worth and sterling integrity, widely respected and honored 
 in a community which has known him from his birth to the present time. 
 
 AUGUST HENNEKENS. 
 
 August Hennekens, who has been a resident of Chippewa county for a quar- 
 ter of a century, has devoted his time and energies to general agricultural pur- 
 suits and is owner of a tract of land comprising eighty acres on section 13, 
 Cleveland township. His birth occurred in Hanover, Germany, on the 15th of 
 October, 1861, his parents being Johann and Sophia Wilhelmina (Vegel) Hen- 
 nekens, who are mentioned at greater length on another page of this work in 
 connection with the sketch of Fred W. Hennekens, a brother of our subject. 
 In 1888, when a young man of twenty-seven years, August Hennekens crossed 
 the Atlantic to the United States, coming direct to Chippewa county, Wisconsin. 
 He worked at lumbering for one year and then acquired forty acres of unim- 
 proved land, which he cleared and has since cultivated. The buildings on the 
 place were erected by him, and he subsequently extended the boundaries of his 
 farm by an additional purchase of forty acres, so that it now comprises eighty 
 acres. He carries on general farming and his efforts in this connection have been 
 attended with a gratifying and well merited measure of success. 
 
 In Chippewa county Mr. Hennekens was united in marriage to Miss Wilhel- 
 mina Martens, a native of Germany, who came to the United States with her 
 brother. They have three children : Mary Sophia, August and Wilhelmina. The 
 family are devout communicants of the Lutheran church, and in his political 
 views Mr. Hennekens is a republican. Coming to the new world in search of 
 broader opportunities, he has worked persistently and energetically and has won 
 and maintained a reputation as one of the substantial and representative agri- 
 culturists of his community. 
 
 JACOB P. MILLER. 
 
 Prominent among the successful business men of Chippewa Falls is Jacob P. 
 Miller, who since 1896 has been engaged in the cigar manufacturing business. 
 He is a native of this city, born December 18, 1873, and is a son of John and 
 Susanna (Welter) Miller, both of German extraction. The father was for many 
 years well known in business circles of Chippewa Falls, he and Jacob Leinen- 
 kugel having founded the Leinenkugel & Miller Brewery, which is now operated 
 under the name of the Jacob Leinenkugel Brewing Company. John Miller passed 
 away August 13, 1906, at the age of sixty-nine, having survived his wife since 
 1883. Both are buried in the family lot in the Catholic cemetery at Chippewa 
 Falls. 
 
PAST AND PRESENT OF CHIPPEWA COUNTY 
 
 53 
 
 Jacob P. Miller acquired his education in the Notre Dame parochial school 
 and laid aside his books at the age of fourteen years. Immediately afterward he 
 began to learn cigarmaking and, having mastered the details of this occupation, 
 established a factory of his own at No. 513 North Bridge street. Here he has 
 engaged in business since 1896 and he controls today a large and representative 
 trade, for he is an expert in his chosen line of work and adheres always to high 
 and honorable business methods. 
 
 In Chippewa Falls, on the 21st of February, 1905, Mr. Miller was united in 
 marriage to Miss Frieda Burkhardt, a daughter of Christian and Caroline Burk- 
 hardt, the former at one time a well known farmer of Taylor county. The parents 
 have passed away and are buried at Thorp, Wisconsin. Mr. and Mrs. Miller 
 have one daughter, Caroline. Mr. Miller is a member of the Roman Catholic 
 church and is a democrat in his political views. He is a man of unquestioned 
 integrity and commercial honor, who enjoys in the highest measure the respect 
 of all who know him. That many of his stanchest friends are numbered among 
 those who have known him from boyhood to the present time is an indication 
 that his has been an honorable and upright life and that he is well worthy of the 
 esteem in which he is uniformly held. 
 
 DAFE CHARE ES HICKOK. 
 
 Dale Charles Hickok, well known in journalistic circles in Chippewa county 
 as publisher of the Cadott Blade, was born in Clintonville, Waupaca county, Wis- 
 consin, January 27, 1888, the youngest son of John A. and Almeda J. (Davis) 
 Hickok. John A. Hickok was born in Cato, Manitowoc county, this state, 
 December 18, 1846, and on the 21st of April, 1873, married Miss Almeda Davis, 
 whose birth occurred in Omro, Wisconsin, October 7, 1845. The father was 
 telegrapher by profession, following this occupation for many years. He and his 
 wife now reside at Shawano, Wisconsin. 
 
 Dale Charles Hickok acquired his education in the public schools of Waupaca 
 county and afterward attended school in Clintonville for three years. Laying 
 aside his books at the age of seventeen, he moved north with his parents and there 
 gained a great deal of practical and beneficial knowledge regarding outdoor life, 
 taking a keen delight in hunting, fishing and trapping. During his school career 
 he was a member of the football, baseball, basketball and track teams, competing 
 in the distance runs, and this interest in athletics he has carried forward into 
 later life. Linder the direction of an older brother, Mr. Hickok studied telegraphy 
 and he followed this occupation at intervals for three years. In 1908 he held a 
 position as time-keeper on the construction of grade, of the Wisconsin and North- 
 ern Railroad, this line being built through the virgin forests of the Menominee 
 Indian Reservation. In the fall of 1912 he embarked in the newspaper business 
 as associate editor of the Cadott Blade and on the 1st of March, 1913, he accepted 
 the management of this paper, which he still publishes. In addition to this he 
 is the proprietor of a moving picture theater, which is the only place of amuse- 
 ment in Cadott. 
 
54 
 
 PAST AND PRESENT OF CHIPPEWA COUNTY 
 
 In his early days Mr. ITickok attained considerable reputation as an orator. 
 He was deeply interested in the oratorical contests of his high school, and repre- 
 sented it in the district oratorical contest held at Appleton in 1905. He was also 
 a member of the Clintonville High School Interscholastic Debating Team in the 
 same year. 
 
 He is a member of the Order of Owls and is independent in his political beliefs. 
 He is well and favorably known in Cadott, holding the esteem and confidence of 
 all who are associated with him. 
 
 JAMES M. DODMEAD. 
 
 James M. Dodmead devotes his energies to tilling the soil, stock-raising and 
 to the conduct of a dairy business. His farm lies on section 36, Wheaton town- 
 ship, and comprises three hundred and twenty acres, which under his able man- 
 agement have become very productive. Mr. Dodmead was born at North Prairie, 
 Waukesha county, Wisconsin, July 4, 1862, and is a son of Matthew and Sarah 
 (Garside) Dodmead, the former of whom died in 1881 and is buried in Genesee, 
 Wisconsin. His wife survives at the age of eighty years and makes her home 
 with the subject of this review. Both parents were natives of England, the father 
 coming to Wisconsin at an early day in the history of this state. By trade he was 
 a bricklayer and plasterer. He located in Milwaukee and there worked at his 
 trade, assisting in the building of some of the foremost edifices, among which 
 may be named the cathedral. Later he removed to Waukesha county, continuing 
 along building lines, but also engaging to some extent in farming. 
 
 James M. Dodmead acquired his education in the public schools of his native 
 county and laid aside his books at the age of fourteen years. After leaving school 
 he assisted his father on the farm for about two years and then accepted employ- 
 ment with the Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul Railroad as an apprentice in the 
 shops. Three years later he turned his attention to surveying, which occupation 
 he followed for one year and then became a fireman on the Wisconsin Central 
 Railroad, now known as the Soo Line. This position he held for four and a half 
 years, after which he was engaged as engineer for twelve years. During that 
 time he acquired by purchase one hundred and sixty acres of land on sections 10 
 and 15 in Wheaton township. At the end of the twelve years he came to this 
 farm, giving his entire attention to its cultivation, and he has since continued 
 along agricultural lines. In 1906 Mr. Dodmead purchased one hundred and sixty 
 acres in addition to his other holdings, which makes a complex of three hundred 
 and twenty acres. He is today classed among the representative agriculturists 
 of this vicinity. In addition to general farming he engages in stock-raising, 
 keeping about forty head of cattle and making a specialty of Guernseys. He also 
 keeps an average of thirty hogs and ten horses and has some fine pedigreed stock. 
 He gives considerable attention to dairying, along which line he is particularly 
 successful. 
 
 On November 29, 1889, in North Prairie, Wisconsin, Mr. Dodmead was mar- 
 ried to Miss Mary Carlin, a daughter of John and Anne (James) Carlin, both 
 of whom have passed away. The mother died in 1900, at the age of seventy- 
 
PAST AND PRESENT OF CHIPPEWA COUNTY 
 
 55 
 
 three years, and was survived by her husband for four years, his death occurring 
 when he was eightv-four. They are buried in Waukesha county. Mr. and Mrs. 
 Dodmead have become the parents of five children, Jay, Estella, Ruth, Elmer and 
 Esther. It is interesting to note that both parents of these children were born and 
 reared in the same locality, attended the same public and Sunday schools and 
 were sweethearts from childhood. 
 
 Mr. Dodmead is a republican in his political beliefs and has been active in 
 local affairs, having held the office of town treasurer for nine years and having 
 been a member of the school board for twelve years. Beside his extensive farm 
 he is interested in other affairs, serving at present as president of the Wisconsin 
 Telephone Company and being a stockholder in the Wisconsin National Life Insur- 
 ance Company and the Farmers Cooperative Produce Company of Eau Claire, 
 Wisconsin. Fraternally he is connected with the Masonic lodge, the Knights of 
 Pythias, the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and the Modern Woodmen 
 of America. He is well known in Chippewa and adjacent counties as a man of 
 tried integrity and worth, and he and his family stand high in the estimation of 
 the community. 
 
 HENRY J. MISFELDT. 
 
 Henry J. Misfeldt, since 1892 prominently connected with industrial interests 
 of Chippewa Falls as a member of the firm of Felber & Misfeldt, carriage and 
 wagon manufacturers, has been a resident of this county since 1869 but is a 
 native of Germany, born near Kiel, September 7, 1864. He is a son of John and 
 Emily Misfeldt, who came to America in 1869 and settled in Chippewa county, 
 where the father engaged in the lumber business and also worked in the lumber 
 woods. He was for a number of years connected with the Union Lumber Com- 
 pany in their store and warehouse at Chippewa Falls and is now carrying on a 
 general mercantile business in this city. Pie has taken an active interest in edu- 
 cational affairs and has done a great deal of constructive and able work along this 
 line. He has long survived his wife, who died in 1872 and is buried in Chippewa 
 Falls. 
 
 Henry J. Misfeldt acquired his education in the public schools of this city 
 and laid aside his books at the age of sixteen years in order to begin learning the 
 carriage and wagon manufacturing business. Having mastered this trade, he 
 formed a partnership with R. E. Felber and in 1892 they organized the firm of 
 Felber & Misfeldt, carriage and wagon manufacturers. They have a fine modern 
 plant at No. 1 Bridge street and since the business was established it has expanded 
 rapidly year by year, Mr. Misfeldt’s energy, ability and power of organization 
 being helpful factors in its growth. 
 
 In Chippewa Falls, on March 11, 1890, Mr. Misfeldt was united in marriage 
 to Miss Martha Wenzel, a native of Germany, and they have become the parents 
 of three daughters: Emma, the wife of John Rheingans, manager of the elevator 
 operated by the Farmers Produce Company of Eagle Point ; Erna, residing at 
 home ; and Florence, a graduate of the Chippewa Fails high school. The family 
 occupy a comfortable residence at 106 State street and are well known in social 
 
56 
 
 PAST AND PRESENT OF CHIPPEWA COUNTY 
 
 circles of the city. Mr. Misfeldt is a member of the German Lutheran church 
 and is a democrat in his political beliefs, serving at the present time as a member 
 of the board of aldermen. His personal characteristics have gained for him the 
 high regard and friendship of many, while along business lines he has attained 
 that success which comes only as the result of ability and industry. 
 
 REV. JOSEPH FRECENON. 
 
 Rev. Joseph Frecenon, pastor of Holy Ghost church, Chippewa Falls, was 
 born on the island of Martinique, in the West Indies, July 27, 1851, and is a son 
 of Charles and Josephine Frecenon, both French origin and the former for many 
 years a well known general merchant in Martinique. The parents have both 
 passed away and are buried in the family cemetery at Samentin. 
 
 Rev. Joseph Frecenon acquired his primary education in the public schools 
 of Martinique, completing it in Ploermel (Britain) France, where he took his 
 philosophical course. He began his first year of theology at St. Pierre, the town 
 destroyed by Mont Pelee. He was ordained at Paris to the Catholic priesthood 
 on the 28th of October, 1874, by the Bishop De Margueries of Autun and after 
 spending one year at Cellule, where he was connected as professor with a college, 
 was sent to St. Pierre, Miquelon, in the vicinity of Newfoundland, where he 
 remained for sixteen years as teacher superior of an educational institution, doing 
 also a great deal of mission work. Father Frecenon afterward went to Beauvais, 
 France, as professor and chaplain of the Agricultural Institute there and from 
 that city was sent to Detroit, Michigan, where he acted as assistant pastor for 
 nine years. From Detroit he was transferred to Chippewa Falls and he has since 
 been pastor of the Holy Ghost church here, accomplishing a great deal of earnest 
 and consecrated work among the people of his parish and proving at all times zeal- 
 ous in the discharge of his duties and able and farsighted in his administration of 
 the church property under his charge. In order to help his poor church he com- 
 posed a book which has been approved by the highest authorities of the Catholic 
 church in America. He holds in a large measure the love of his parishioners and 
 has the esteem and respect of people of all denominations, for his upright and 
 honorable life is in entire accord with the doctrines and principles which he 
 professes. 
 
 C. SUNDET. 
 
 C. Sundet, well known as one of the leading business men of Chippewa Falls, 
 where since 1890 he has been connected with mercantile interests as the proprie- 
 tor of a large and profitable music store, was born at Eker, Norway, June 28, 
 1863. His parents were Ole and Martha Sundet, both of whom were born in 
 Eker and both of whom have passed away. 
 
 C. Sundet acquired his education in the public schools of his native country 
 and in the public schools and business college at Chippewa Falls, whither he came 
 
REV. JOSEPH FRECENON 
 
PAST AND PRESENT OF CHIPPEWA COUNTY 
 
 59 
 
 in 1883, when he was twenty years of age. After laying aside his books he worked 
 in a sawmill and was later cook in a lumber camp, spending three years in this 
 latter occupation. At the end of that time he secured a position as a sewing 
 machine agent and after four years established himself in the sewing machine 
 business, conducting a profitable enterprise of this character in Chippewa Falls 
 until 1890, when he turned his attention to his present field. He erected the 
 music block at No. 318 Bridge street and here has a well stocked music store, 
 which under his able management has become one of the leading concerns of its 
 kind in the city. Mr. Sundet deals in pianos, organs and other musical instru- 
 ments and in sheet music and controls an important and growing patronage, which 
 has been accorded to him in recognition of his well selected line of goods and his 
 upright and honorable business methods. 
 
 In Chippewa Falls, on the 16th of September, 1889, Mr. Sundet married Miss 
 Helena Bakke, a daughter of Erick Bakke, deceased, formerly a farmer in Tay- 
 lor county. Mr. and Mrs. Sundet have two children: Margaret, who was for- 
 merly a student at Lawrence University and who now attends the State University 
 at Madison; and Mabel, a graduate of the Chippewa Falls high school. 
 
 Mr. Sundet is a trustee of the Norwegian Lutheran church and he gives his 
 political allegiance to the republican party. Fraternally he is connected with the 
 Masonic lodge, the Sons of Norway and is a charter member of the Woodmen of 
 the World. He gives most of his time to the conduct of his business interests 
 and in this field has met with gratifying and well deserved success, being now 
 regarded as one of the most substantial as well as one of the most progressive 
 and reliable business men of the city. 
 
 ERNEST LEEGE. 
 
 Ernest Leege, owning a fine farm of one hundred and sixty acres on section 
 33, Wheaton township, is classed with the men who have in the past quarter of 
 a century made substantial contributions to the agricultural development of Chip- 
 pewa county. He was born April 4, 1867, in Germany and is a son of Mitchell 
 and Pauline (Nonnanpradigan) Leege, both of whom have passed away and are 
 buried in the fatherland. 
 
 Ernest Leege acquired his education in the public schools of Germany, laying 
 aside his books at the age of fourteen in order to secure employment as a farm 
 laborer. He continued thus in his native country for six years and then, in 1887, 
 emigrated to America, locating in Chippewa county, where he resumed his former 
 employment. He worked at farming in the employ of others for five years and 
 during that time saved his money, finally accumulating enough to purchase land. 
 He bought one hundred and sixty acres on section 33, Wheaton township, and of 
 this he has forty-five acres under cultivation, specializing in the raising of grain. 
 His methods have always been practical and, therefore, productive of excellent 
 results and his success places him among the prosperous and substantial agricul- 
 turists of his locality. 
 
 Mr. Leege has been twice married. In Chippewa county, on the 28th of Sep- 
 tember, 1893, he wedded Miss Francisco Slacroski, a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. 
 
 V ol. II — 4 
 
60 
 
 PAST AND PRESENT OF CHIPPEWA COUNTY 
 
 Antonio Slacroski. To this union were born four children, William, John, Amanda 
 and Arthur. Mr. Leege’s first wife died June 15, 1912, and on the 20th of March 
 of the following year he married Mrs. Philomena (Hidemann) Sandman, a daugh- 
 ter of August and Philomena (Kouzenbaugh) Hidemann, who have passed away 
 and are buried in Minnesota. 
 
 Mr. Leege is a member of the Lutheran church and is a democrat in his polit- 
 ical beliefs. He has, however, never been active in public affairs, preferring to 
 concentrate his attention upon his agricultural interests, which are ably conducted 
 and have brought him gratifying and well deserved success. 
 
 ROBERT L. ZIMMERMAN. 
 
 Robert L. Zimmerman, assistant cashier of the Holcombe Bank at Holcombe, 
 Wisconsin, was appointed to his present position in 1907, and in that connection 
 has rendered satisfactory service that has contributed to the success of the bank 
 and placed him among the enterprising business men of the town. Chippewa 
 county numbers him among her native sons, his birth having occurred in Chippewa 
 Falls, April 3, 1887, his parents being Frank and Effie (Boutelle) Zimmerman. 
 The father is a flour and feed merchant of Cadott, Wisconsin. The family is of 
 German origin that has long been represented in this country. 
 
 Robert L. Zimmerman acquired his education in the schools of Cadott and was 
 graduated from the high school with the class of 1904. He then began work on a 
 farm near Holcombe and was also employed for a time in a store, thus beginning 
 a business experience which well prepared him for his present duties. He entered 
 the bank in 1907 in the capacity of assistant cashier, which position he has held 
 ever since, making a creditable record in that connection. He is also interested in 
 the real-estate business and has negotiated several important real-estate deals. 
 
 In politics Mr. Zimmerman is independent, supporting men and measures 
 rather than party. He is well known in local fraternal circles, having taken the 
 royal arch degree in Masonry, while he is also a loyal representative of the Inde- 
 pendent Order of Odd Fellows. He is a young man whose life’s record covers a 
 little more than a quarter of a century, but already he has gained a position which 
 many an older citizen might well envy. Mr. Zimmerman was married July 15, 
 1913, to Caddie M. Runkel, of Cornell, Wisconsin. 
 
 ALEXANDER R. McDONALD, M. D. 
 
 Dr. Alexander R. McDonald, a well known and successful representative of 
 the medical fraternity in Chippewa county, has been continuously engaged in prac- 
 tice as a physician and surgeon of Boyd for the past three decades. His birth 
 occurred on a plantation on the Trinity river, Trinity county, Texas, on the 10th 
 of September, 1851, his parents being Alexander and Margaret (Roberts) Mc- 
 Donald, the former a native of Stony Point, Glengarry county, Ontario, Canada, 
 and the latter of Texas. Alexander McDonald, Sr., held the rank of colonel in 
 
PAST AND PRESENT OF CHIPPEWA COUNTY 
 
 61 
 
 the old Texas Rangers and was also prominent in public life, serving as a member 
 of the state legislature which met at Austin, Texas. He was one who was in- 
 strumental in the location of the state penitentiary at Huntsville, Texas. His 
 demise was most untimely, for he died of cholera at Houston, Texas, in 1851, when 
 our subject was still but an infant. His wife, whose natal year was 1820, passed 
 away in 1892, at the age of seventy-two. They were the parents of three children, 
 as follows: James, who served as a Confederate soldier in the Civil war and died 
 
 in Arkansas during the conflict; Ranald, a landowner of Trinity, Texas, who 
 wedded Mollie Turner and has five children ; and Alexander R., of this review. 
 
 The last named obtained his early education in the common schools of Hunts- 
 ville, Texas, and in 1866 went to Canada, where he continued his studies. In order 
 to prepare himself for a professional career he entered the medical department of 
 McGill University where he was a student for three years. Owing to impaired 
 health he went west in the fall of 1875 and on his return again entered McGill 
 where he was graduated with the degree of M. D., C. M. in 1882. Coming to 
 Chippewa county, Wisconsin, in the spring of 1875 h e opened an office in the 
 village of Boyd and has there remained to the present time, having built up a 
 large and lucrative practice. He was the first physician to locate between Chip- 
 pewa Falls and Abbotsford and has gained and maintained an enviable reputa- 
 tion as a skilled and able representative of the profession in this part of the 
 state. As a member of the Chippewa County Medical Society and the American 
 Medical Association he keeps in close touch with the progress that is being contin- 
 ually made by the fraternity. He owns an attractive and commodious residence 
 in Boyd and also has other property holdings. 
 
 In Minneapolis, Minnesota, on the 9th of June, 1897, Dr. McDonald was united 
 in marriage to Miss Lydia May McCallum, her parents being Archie and Priscilla 
 (Eastman) McCallum, the former a woodsman of Minneapolis. Dr. McDonald 
 is a democrat in his political views and has served as a member of the school board 
 for two years. Pie finds recreation and pleasure in hunting and fishing and is an 
 adept with both the rod and gun. His professional labor is regarded as of value 
 by the general community and he enjoys the respect of his brethren of the medical 
 fraternity by reason of his strict conformity to a high standard of professional 
 ethics. 
 
 RAYMOND L. CLEAVES. 
 
 Raymond L. Cleaves is a partner in the firm of A. J. Edminster & Company, 
 conducting a general business at Holcombe and at Cornell. He has been inter- 
 ested in that undertaking since 1911 and now bends his entire energies to the 
 successful direction and development of that enterprise. He was born in Chip- 
 pewa county on the 17th of October, 1882, his birthplace being Eagle Point. His 
 parents are Eugene A. and Jennie (Shipman) Cleaves. The former is a hotel 
 proprietor at Kuna, Idaho, and the family is an old one in America. 
 
62 
 
 PAST AND PRESENT OF CHIPPEWA COUNTY 
 
 Raymond L. Cleaves acquired his education in the public schools and in the 
 normal school at River Falls, Wisconsin, where he pursued his studies until he 
 reached the age of eighteen years. Thinking it time that he became a factor in 
 business circles and provide for his own support, he spent the succeeding two 
 years at farm labor and then entered the employ of the Omaha Railroad in the 
 engineering department, with which he was connected for two years. On the 
 expiration of that period he entered the employ of A. J. Edminster in the capacity 
 of clerk in his general store and so served until he was admitted to partnership, 
 his business advancement coming to him in recognition of his merit, capability 
 and faithfulness. The firm of A. J. Edminster & Company own and control 
 stores at Holcombe and Cornell and the business is enjoying a substantial growth. 
 
 Mr. Cleaves was united in marriage, at Packwaukee, Wisconsin, on the 5th 
 of June, 1907, to Miss Frances Kendall, a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Charles 
 Kendall, residents of Packwaukee, where the father is well known as a capitalist. 
 Mr. and Mrs. Cleaves now have one child, a daughter, Geraldine. 
 
 Mr. Cleaves is a chapter Mason, loyal to the teachings of the craft, and he 
 also belongs to the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and to the Modern Wood- 
 men of America. His political allegiance is given to the republican party and 
 he firmly adheres to its principles, yet he does not seek nor desire public office, 
 preferring to concentrate his energies upon his business affairs, in which con- 
 nection he is making progress, having already gained for himself a place among 
 the enterprising young business men of the county. 
 
 GEORGE ALD WORTH. 
 
 George Aldworth owns and operates a farm of one hundred and twenty acres 
 on section 12, Wheaton township, and since 1872 has been closely connected with 
 agricultural interests of Chippewa county. He was born in Platte county, Mis- 
 souri, and is a son of William and Susan (Harris) Aldworth, both of whom 
 have passed away, the father dying in 1891 and the mother in 1883. They are 
 buried in Huron county, Ontario, Canada. 
 
 George Aldworth was still a child when his parents moved to Huron county 
 and he there acquired his education. He laid aside his books at the age of 
 sixteen years and thereafter worked in the lumber woods of Ontario and Michigan 
 for about twenty-seven years. At the end of that time he moved to Chippewa 
 county and here turned his attention to farming, buying the property which he 
 now operates. Upon this he has made substantial improvements, erecting a 
 comfortable residence, good barns and outbuildings, and installing the necessary 
 machinery to facilitate the work of the fields. He specializes in the raising of 
 grain and because he has always followed practical methods has met with gratify- 
 ing success, standing today in the front ranks of progressive agriculturists of this 
 vicinity. 
 
 Mr. Aldworth married, in Eau Claire, Wisconsin, on November 15, 1881, Miss 
 Mary E. Stone, a daughter of David and Sarah (Gunningham) Stone, the former 
 a veteran of the Civil war. Both have passed away. Mr. and Mrs. Aldworth 
 have four children: David D. and Fred S., who are assisting their father; R. 
 
PAST AND PRESENT OF CHIPPEWA COUNTY 
 
 63 
 
 Earl, a motorman on the Chippewa Valley Electric Railway, Light & Power Com- 
 pany; and Gertrude, who lives at home. 
 
 Mr. Aldworth is a republican in his political beliefs and interested in public 
 affairs, although not active as an office seeker. He is a progressive business man, 
 a practical farmer and a loyal citizen and throughout the period of his residence 
 here has gained a high place in the respect and esteem of his neighbors and 
 friends. 
 
 H. L. TINKER. 
 
 H. L. Tinker has been agent for the Chicago, St. Paul, Minneapolis & Omaha 
 Railway at Holcombe since April, 1906, coming at that date to Chippewa county. 
 He was born at Westfield, Massachusetts, on the 20th of November, 1875, an( l is 
 a son of Edwin P. and Isabelle (Osborn) Tinker. The family is of English 
 lineage, but representatives of the name have lived in America since the Mayflower 
 brought passengers to the new world in the early Colonial period. The father 
 was a bookkeeper, which profession he followed in various places in Massa- 
 chusetts. He died in 1895, having for about fifteen years survived his wife, who 
 passed away in April, 1880, their remains being interred in the cemetery at West- 
 field, Massachusetts. 
 
 Spending his youthful days in the state of his nativity, H. L. Tinker, pur- 
 sued his education in the schools of Huntington, Holyoke and Springfield, Massa- 
 chusetts, and later attended the Mt. Hermon Academy, in which he remained 
 a student until eighteen years of age. He then entered the employ of the Spring- 
 field National Bank in the capacity of bookkeeper and occupied that position for 
 three years; but the opportunities of the middle west attracted him and in 1897 he 
 made his way to River Falls, Wisconsin, where he became an employe of the 
 Chicago, St. Paul, Minneapolis & Omaha Railroad in the capacity of telegraph 
 operator. He occupied that position until after the outbreak of the Spanish- 
 American war, when he offered his services to the government, enlisting at Hud- 
 son, Wisconsin, as a member of Company C, Third Wisconsin Volunteer Infantry. 
 He served with that command throughout the campaign in Porto Rico, and after 
 the war returned to Wisconsin in 1899 and reentered the employ of the railway 
 company, occupying the position of agent in various places in Iowa, Minnesota 
 and Wisconsin. He eventually came to Chippewa county in 1906 and has since 
 been agent at Holcombe. He has met with a substantial measure of success as 
 the years have gone by, and the visible evidence of his prosperity is his real- 
 estate holdings, which include his own residence, two other houses, and still 
 other property in Holcombe and different places. His judgment is sound in 
 matters of business and is shown by his judicious investments. 
 
 On the 14th of June, 1900, Mr. Tinker was united in marriage at River 
 Falls to Miss Mary A. Deans, a daughter of J. T. and Mary (Freeman) Deans, 
 who were among the pioneer settlers of Pierce county, Wisconsin. Mr. and Mrs. 
 Tinker now have two children William I., who is attending the Holcombe school; 
 and Lola L, who is also pursuing her education. Fraternally Mr. Tinker is 
 a Mason, an Odd Fellow and a member of the Order of Railway Telegraphers. 
 
64 
 
 PAST AND PRESENT OF CHIPPEWA COUNTY 
 
 In politics he is a republican and for one year has served as town clerk of Hol- 
 combe. He always keeps well informed on the questions and issues of the 
 day and is interested in any measure or movement that tends to benefit and 
 promote the substantial interests of the community in which he lives. 
 
 ARTHUR FORD. 
 
 Arthur Ford, who has resided in Chippewa county for more than a half 
 century and is therefore one of its pioneer settlers, has won success in the 
 pursuits of farming and dairying and now lives upon and owns a tract of eighty 
 acres on section 19, Anson township. His birth occurred at Chedder, Somer- 
 setshire, England, on the 30th of August, 1843, his parents being Thomas and 
 Maria Ford, who emigrated to the United States and settled in Rochester, New 
 York, in 1846. The father, who followed farming and gardening throughout 
 his active business career, there passed away in 1903, when eighty years of age. 
 Both he and his wife, who preceded him in death, lie buried in the Hooker 
 cemetery near Rochester, New York. 
 
 Arthur Ford attended school in Rochester until eighteen years of age and 
 then made his way to Ganes Station, Michigan, where he was employed in a 
 stave factory for six months. In May, 1862, he came to Anson township, Chip- 
 pewa county, Wisconsin, and was here employed in a sawmill for eight years. 
 On the expiration of that period he purchased three hundred acres of land, 
 onlv eight acres of which had been broken. By dint of untiring industry and 
 perseverance he eventually prepared one hundred and sixty acres of the land 
 for cultivation and continued farming thereon for twenty-four years. At the 
 end of that time he bought an improved farm of eighty acres on section 19, 
 Anson township, where he has remained continuously since, following mixed 
 farming and dairying with good success. He has made a number of substantial 
 improvements on the property and his place presents a most pleasing appear- 
 ance. Mr. Ford found only a few farmers at the time of his arrival here, but 
 there were plenty of Indians. During the half century which has since come 
 and gone he has witnessed many changes as pioneer conditions have given way 
 before the onward march of civilization. 
 
 On the 2d of November, 1864, at Chippewa Falls, Mr. Ford was united in 
 marriage to Miss Susan Hamilton, a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Hamil- 
 ton, both of whom died of cholera in Chicago. The children of Mr. and Mrs. 
 Ford are seven in number, namely: Thomas A., who is a resident of Tilden ; 
 Albert, an agriculturist of this county ; George, a farmer residing at Clare, Michi- 
 gan; 'Olive, who is the wife of Fred Brooks, of North Yakima, Washington; 
 Edward, a farmer for the sugar beet factory; Martha J., the wife of Benjamin 
 Tidlen, of Davenport, Washington; and Mary, who gave her hand in marriage 
 to Edward Olson and resides in the Ford home. 
 
 Mr. Ford has always exercised his right of franchise in support of the men 
 and measures of the republican party and has ever been a most public-spirited 
 and progressive citizen. He has served in the capacity of supervisor and school 
 officer for many years and in 1873, 1874 and *875 acted as town treasurer, Anson 
 
PAST AND PRESENT OF CHIPPEWA COUNTY 
 
 65 
 
 township being at that time nearly as large as the entire county of Chippewa is 
 now. He has likewise served as sheriff of the county for two years and now 
 acts as chairman of the town board, having held the latter position for several 
 terms. His record as a public official has ever been characterized by ability and 
 fidelity and is most commendable. His religious faith is that of the Episcopal 
 church and he was formerly identified with the Independent Order of Odd 
 Fellows. Both he and his wife are widely and favorably known throughout 
 the county, having gained many friends during the long period of their resi- 
 dence here. 
 
 GEORGE F. SOWLE. 
 
 George F. Sowle, successfully engaged in business as a general merchant 
 of Cornell, has also served as postmaster of the town since January, 1908, and 
 in this connection has made a creditable and commendable record. The period 
 of his residence in Chippewa county covers nine years, the date of his arrival 
 being February 17, 1904. 
 
 His birth occurred at Sparta, Monroe county, Wisconsin, on the 3d of Jan- 
 uary, 1861, his parents being D. W. and Helen M. (Van Alsteine) Sowle. The 
 family is of British origin and its first representatives in this country were pas- 
 sengers on the Mayflower. D. W. Sowle, an agriculturist by occupation, also 
 operated a sawmill in Monroe county for twenty years. He was likewise an 
 active factor in public life, serving as chairman of the county board and trustee 
 of the courthouse building committee of Monroe county. At the present time 
 he makes his home with our subject. His wife passed away on the 8th of 
 February, 1913, and was buried at Warrens, Wisconsin. 
 
 George F. Sowle acquired his education in the public schools of his native 
 county, leaving high school at the age of nineteen. He then secured a position 
 as station agent and was employed in that capacity in various parts of Minne- 
 sota, Nebraska, Iowa and Wisconsin for a period of thirty-one years, being at 
 the end of that time pensioned by the Chicago, St. Paul, Minneapolis & Omaha 
 road. No higher testimonial of his efficient and faithful service could be given. 
 He is now actively engaged in the general mercantile business, conducting a 
 store at Cornell, where he has built up a gratifying and profitable trade. His 
 store and home, which he erected, was the first structure built in Cornell. 
 
 On the 24th of May, 1899, at New Richmond, Wisconsin, Mr. Sowle was 
 united in marriage to Miss Anna Roberts, a daughter of Griffith and Elizabeth 
 Roberts. The father, a pioneer farmer of St. Croix county, passed away on 
 the 20th of January, 1903, while the mother was called to her final rest on 
 the 16th of November, 1912. Both were interred in the cemetery at Boardman, 
 Wisconsin. The Roberts family is of British origin. Mr. and Mrs. Sowle have 
 four children, namely: Griffith R. and Clarence F., who are attending school; 
 Walter H., who is the first child born in Cornell ; and George N. 
 
 In his political views Mr. Sowle is independent and when exercising his right 
 of franchise considers the capability and fitness of a candidate rather than his 
 party affiliation. In January, 1908, he was appointed postmaster of Cornell 
 
66 
 
 PAST AND PRESENT OF CHIPPEWA COUNTY 
 
 and has ably served in that capacity to the present time. He is the possessor 
 of many good qualities that have attracted friends and by his straightforward 
 course through life he has gained and retained the confidence and respect of 
 those with whom he is associated. 
 
 TRACY M. CARY. 
 
 Tracy M. Cary became connected with the First National Bank of Chippewa 
 Falls in 1873 ar *d since that time has risen steadily, advancing through depart- 
 ment after department until today he occupies a position of distinctive precedence 
 in financial circles of the city as cashier of the institution, in which he is also 
 a stockholder and director. He was born in Binghamton, New York, January 
 17, 1854, and is a son of Oliver A. and Sarah M. (Newell) Cary, the former 
 of whom was for many years a merchant of that city and, from 1872, of 
 Corning, New York. He is now engaged in the insurance business at Corning 
 and has reached the age of eighty-six years. His wife passed away in 1857 
 and is buried in the Binghamton cemetery. The Cary family is of ancient 
 English origin, the record dating back to Adam de Kari, who lived in Great 
 Britain in 1170. Mr. Cary of this review is a direct descendant in the twenty- 
 second generation of Adam de Kari, of Castle Kari, Somerset, England, and 
 possesses the coat of arms of the English Carys, used by all the American 
 representatives of this family. The line was founded in the United States by 
 John Cary, who joined the Plymouth colony in 1634 in the time of Miles Standish. 
 He later settled in Bridgewater, Massachusetts, and there became very prom- 
 inent in public affairs, serving as the first town clerk until his death in 1681. 
 In the year 1656 he acted as the only town official, serving as constable, and 
 tradition says that he was the first teacher of Latin in the Plymouth colony. 
 
 Tracy M. Cary acquired his education in the public schools of Binghamton, 
 leaving the high school when he was seventeen years of age. He then entered 
 the employ of the City National Bank, remaining for two years. At the end 
 of that time he moved to Chippewa Falls and upon the opening of the First 
 National Bank in October, 1873, became connected with the institution as 
 clerk. His ability gained him advancement and he rose steadily in the regard 
 and confidence of his employers until he was finally made cashier of the insti- 
 tution. He also holds stock in the bank and is a member of the board of direc- 
 tors and a helpful factor in determining the policy of the institution and pro- 
 moting its growth along practical lines. The First National Bank of Chippewa 
 Falls is one of the oldest and most reliable institutions of its kind in Chippewa 
 county. The original charter was issued May 1, 1873, f° r a twenty year period 
 and this was renewed May 1, 1893. Upon the expiration of the second charter 
 in 1913 it was again renewed for a twenty year period, the last charter to expire 
 May 1, 1933. During the past forty years the First National Bank has had 
 an interesting history. It was organized in pioneer times, in the palmy days 
 of the Union Lumbering Company, and was opened for business in October, 
 1873. Thomas L. Halbert was president; H. S. Allen, vice president; V. W. 
 Bayless, cashier; and T. M. Cary, bookkeeper. L. M. Newman was made 
 
TRACY M. CARY 
 
PAST AND PRESENT OF CHIPPEWA COUNTY 
 
 69 
 
 cashier in 1876 and S. M. Newton was the second president, succeeded by the 
 late A. K. Fletcher, upon whose demise L. C. Stanley was elected to the office. 
 His successor was F. Weyerhaeuser, who was followed by the present president, 
 August Mason. The late J. B. Kehl followed H. S. Allen as vice president and 
 B. D. Viles succeeded the latter and is now serving. L. M. Newman is now 
 acting as second vice president, T. M. Cary is cashier and L. A. Marshall, 
 assistant cashier. The bank is a designated depositary of the United States 
 postal funds, state and city funds, and it is one of the most sound and reliable 
 financial institutions in the city, notable for the share it has taken in develop- 
 ing business interests and industries here. The bank is in the hands of some of 
 the most able and conservative capitalists of this part of the state and has a wide 
 reputation for fair dealing and conservative policies. 
 
 In Chippewa Falls, on the 26th of September, 1877, M r - Cary was united 
 in marriage to Mary G. Cruttenden, a daughter of Hopestill Cruttenden, who 
 was for many years a farmer at Morris, New York, and whose first American 
 ancestor came from England to Connecticut in 1639. He and his wife have 
 passed away, the former being buried in Morris and the latter in Forest Hill 
 cemetery, Chippewa Falls. Mr. and Mrs. Cary became the parents of three 
 children. Clara M. died in 1905, at the age of twenty-six, and is buried in 
 the Forest Hill cemetery. Walter E. is an accountant in the First National 
 Bank of Minneapolis, Minnesota. He married Miss Bertha Schneider, of Mil- 
 waukee, and they have two children, Alice G. and Robert N. Evan F. is a 
 student in the Chippewa Falls high school. The family residence is at No. 215 
 West Spruce street and is an attractive dwelling, which Mr. Cary remodeled. 
 
 Mr. Cary has been a notary public from 1886 and since 1893 treasurer of the 
 Chippewa Falls Forest Hill cemetery and has done very useful and able work 
 in this capacity. He is well known in church circles, being senior warden of 
 Christ Episcopal church, and has represented the diocese of Milwaukee as dep- 
 uty to six triennial conventions, namely those held at Minneapolis, Minnesota ; 
 Washington, D. C. ; San Francisco, California; Boston, Massachusetts; Rich- 
 mond, Virginia ; and Cincinnati, Ohio. He is also a delegate-elect for the next 
 convention, to be held in New York city. His political allegiance is given to 
 the republican party and, while he has never sought public office, he served 
 for three terms on the board of aldermen, acting as chairman of the finance 
 committee. For forty years he has been a resident of Chippewa Falls and 
 during that time has witnessed practically the entire development of the city, 
 never neglecting any opportunity to advance its interests or promote its growth. 
 
 FREEMAN V. SIDDONS. 
 
 Freeman V. Siddons, the owner of one hundred and eighty acres of land in 
 Anson township, embracing fifty acres on section 14 and one hundred and thirty 
 acres on section 15, follows diversified farming, stock-raising and dairying with 
 excellent success. His birth occurred in Aurora, Ontario, Canada, on the 26th 
 of April, 1865, his parents being S. B. and Hannah (Playtor) Siddons. A sketch 
 of the father appears on another page of this work. 
 
70 
 
 PAST AND PRESENT OF CHIPPEWA COUNTY 
 
 Freeman Y. Siddons attended school in Troy, Iowa, until sixteen years of age 
 and throughout the following six years assisted his father in the work of the fields. 
 When a young man of twenty-two he made his way to Lincoln county, Nebraska, 
 and was there engaged in farming on his own account for a period of four years, 
 returning to Iowa in 1892. He then cultivated rented land in that state until 1897, 
 when he came to Wisconsin, here also operating a rented farm for two years. 
 On the expiration of that period he came to Chippewa county and took charge of 
 the farm of one hundred and eighty acres in Anson township which he now owns 
 and operates, acquiring eighty acres thereof by purchase and receiving one hun- 
 dred acres from his father. The residence and other buildings on the property 
 were erected by him, and the neat and thrifty appearance of the place indicates 
 the careful supervision of a practical and progressive owner. He follows the pur- 
 suits of farming, stock-raising and dairying and has met with success in these 
 undertakings, being now numbered among the substantial and representative citi- 
 zens of his community. 
 
 On the 22d of January, 1890, in Troy, Iowa, Mr. Siddons was united in mar- 
 riage to Miss Axie Conner, a daughter of John and Elizabeth (Akers) Conner. 
 The father, a blacksmith by trade, passed away in 1906 and lies buried in a 
 cemetery at Troy, Iowa, in which town the mother still makes her home. The 
 family is of old Irish origin. Mr. and Mrs. Siddons have six children, as follows: 
 Cleo, who assists his father ; Harold, at home ; Vance, Lloyd and Samuel, all of 
 whom assist the father in the operation of the home farm ; and Mabel, who is 
 attending school. 
 
 Mr. Siddons gives his political allegiance to the republican party and frater- 
 nally is identified with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, belonging to Lodge 
 No. 146 at Chippewa Falls. His religious faith is indicated by his membership in 
 the Methodist Episcopal church. His support is given to all progressive measures 
 and his aid can always be counted upon to further those interests which are of 
 genuine worth to the community. 
 
 EDWARD FALBE. 
 
 Edward Falbe, one of the most prosperous and enterprising residents of Hol- 
 combe, acquired property here when the district was still but a wilderness and 
 today owns twenty-two forty-acre tracts, clearing and farming an extensive 
 tract near the village. He likewise conducts a hotel and livery business in 
 Holcombe and has been identified with railroad construction work as a contractor 
 since 1901, spending most of his time with a construction gang. Success has 
 attended his various undertakings, for he is a man of excellent executive ability 
 and sound judgment. 
 
 His birth occurred in Green Lake county, Wisconsin, on the 16th of October, 
 1871, his parents being Henry and Minnie (Ponto) Falbe, natives of West 
 Prussia, Germany. In 1864 they crossed the Atlantic to the United States, 
 settling in Ripon, Wisconsin. The father was in limited financial circumstances 
 and accepted any employment that he could get. Subsequently he turned his 
 attention to general agricultural pursuits, successfully carrying on farming until 
 
PAST AND PRESENT OF CHIPPEWA COUNTY 
 
 71 
 
 he had accumulated a competency. He is now living retired at Princeton, 
 Wisconsin, with his wife, the worthy couple being more than eighty years of age. 
 
 Edward Falbe went to work as a farm hand when but fourteen years of 
 age and when a young man of nineteen removed to Princeton, where he embarked 
 m the ice and draying business. He afterward spent three years as a cook in 
 logging and railroad camps and subsequently took up railroad construction work, 
 having been engaged in contracting to the present time. In 1902 he assisted 
 in building the road through Chippewa county and, foreseeing the rapid growth 
 and development of the district, purchased property and located in Holcombe 
 township when there was not a house in sight and all the land was covered with 
 timber and brush. Today he owns twenty-two forty-acre tracts and is clearing 
 and farming an extensive tract near the village of Holcombe. He also conducts 
 a hotel and livery business in Holcombe but spends part of his time with a con- 
 struction gang in railroad work, having his own outfit and having been a 
 contractor along that line for the past twelve years. His connection with any 
 undertaking insures a prosperous outcome of the same, for it is in his nature 
 to carry forward to successful completion whatever he is associated with. He 
 possesses untiring energy, is quick of perception, forms his plans readily and 
 is determined in their execution, gaining and maintaining an enviable reputation 
 as one of the substantial and influential citizens of Holcombe. 
 
 In Green Lake county, Wisconsin, Mr. Falbe was united in marriage to Miss 
 Tillie Manthey, a native of that county, by whom he had seven children, five 
 of whom are still living, namely : Irvin, Lester, Agnes, Lillie and Edward. 
 
 PETER MICHAELS. 
 
 Since 1883 Peter Michaels has owned and operated a fine farm of one hun- 
 dred and thirty-five acres on sections 12 and 13, Howard township, and by his 
 practical methods and untiring industry has surrounded himself with an enviable 
 degree of prosperity. He was born in Germany in February, 1851, and is a 
 son of John and Anna M. (Smith ) Michaels, both of whom have passed away, 
 the father dying in 1885 and the mother in 1887. They never came to America 
 and are buried in Germany. 
 
 Peter Michaels acquired his education in the public schools of his native 
 country and at the age of thirteen laid aside his books. He then began assisting 
 his father with the work of the homestead and so continued until 1883, when 
 he came to America. He was at that time a progressive and practical farmer, 
 for he had learned the best agricultural methods by personal experience upon 
 his father’s farm. Upon arriving in Chippewa county, he at once turned his 
 attention to agricultural pursuits, buying one hundred and thirty-five acres of 
 land on sections 12 and 13, Howard township. Upon this he has since resided, 
 steadily carrying forward the work of improvement and development, erecting 
 a fine residence and good farm buildings and neglecting nothing which would 
 add to the appearance or value of the place. He has about ninety acres under 
 cultivation, specializing in the raising of grain, and his interests, being all care- 
 fully and practically conducted, have brought him a large measure of success. 
 
72 
 
 PAST AND PRESENT OF CHIPPEWA COUNTY 
 
 In Germany, in 1874, Mr. Michaels married Miss Maria Ochman, a daugh- 
 ter of Joseph and Eva (Glasman) Ochman, who have passed away and are 
 buried in their native country. Mr. and Mrs. Michaels have four children : 
 Mary, of Chippewa Falls; Caroline, the wife of John Bobley, who is engaged 
 in farming in Chippewa county; Nick, assisting his father; and Joseph, at home. 
 
 Mr. Michaels is a member of the Roman Catholic church and is a democrat 
 in his political beliefs. He has lived in Chippewa county on his present farm 
 for thirty years and each year has witnessed his increasing prosperity. His 
 success is well deserved, for he is a man of upright character and honorable 
 principles, commanding and holding the esteem and confidence of his neighbors 
 and friends. 
 
 N. H. DEUEL. 
 
 One of the most forceful factors in progress and advancement and the founder 
 of Arnold, Wisconsin, N. H. Deuel has done much along various lines to bring 
 about the prosperous conditions which now prevail in that locality. An able, 
 shrewd and farsighted business man and a successful merchant, he has been a 
 resident of Chippewa county for thirty years. Moreover, Mr. Deuel in his 
 earlier years was prominent in the milling business and has achieved success 
 along that line. He also conducts a profitable hotel, owns valuable farm lands, 
 beside village lots, and is the owner of the Deuel telephone line, also known as 
 the Arnold line, which operates one hundred and seventeen miles of telephone 
 connections. In addition to all this, Mr. Deuel has held several public positions, 
 the duties of which he discharged with conspicuous ability. 
 
 N. H. Deuel was born in La Crescent, Houston county, Minnesota, opposite 
 La Crosse, Wisconsin, April 10, 1867. His father was C. C. Deuel, a native 
 of New York state, who in the early ’40s went to La Crosse and became an 
 engineer on the Mississippi river boats. On May 30, 1883, he removed with 
 his family to Chippewa Falls, where he built and operated a sawmill five miles 
 north of Cadott, in this county. On that property he died in 1887. He was 
 married to Emma Sophia Willard, a native of Illinois, who now makes her home 
 at Shell Lake, Wisconsin. In their family were three children : George W., a 
 journalist of Chippewa Falls; Lucy M., the wife of Judge Bugby, of Washburn 
 county, Wisconsin; and N. H., our subject. 
 
 N. H. Deuel received a common school education, attending until sixteen 
 years of age, at which period of his life he came to Chippewa county. He took 
 up employment in his father’s mill, becoming a millwright and learning all of 
 the details connected with running a sawmill. After his father’s death he con- 
 tinued operating the mill for a while, and for four years also ran a mill on 
 
 Little Jump. While there he was seriously injured by a log rolling on him, 
 
 which accident made it impossible for him to continue in this calling. In 1904 
 
 he came to his present location, which was then known as Sillhawn, being named 
 from the firm of Sill & Hawn, who operated a mill at Ruby. The location which 
 Mr. Deuel selected is on the Hannibal branch of the Omaha branch of the 
 Chicago & Northwestern Railroad. Here he established a store and postoffice 
 
PAST AND PRESENT OF CHIPPEWA COUNTY 
 
 73 
 
 in 1905 and the name given to the place was Arnold, being the name of Mr. 
 Deuel’s eldest son and was one of three offered to the postoffice department 
 when a request was made for a name to be given to the postoffice. Mr. Deuel has 
 been very successful in conducting his store, which is modernly equipped and 
 where he carries a complete and reliable line of goods, including practically 
 everything which his trade might demand. He also successfully operates a 
 hotel and owns forty acres of valuable land, beside a number of village lots. 
 In partnership with others Mr. Deuel also built a sawmill, later purchasing the 
 interests of his partners, but he has not operated this enterprise for the last 
 three years. He is proprietor of what is known as the Deuel or Arnold tele- 
 phone line, connecting Holcombe, Arnold, Sheldon, Donald, Ruby, Hannibal, 
 Stanley, Colburn and Huron. They operate one hundred and seventeen miles 
 of line and have long-distance connection at Stanley. This now extensive system 
 had its beginning when Mr. Deuel constructed a line from Arnold to Holcombe 
 for his own use. Other parties asked to be connected and thus gradually the 
 system has grown to what it is today. 
 
 Mr. Deuel was united in marriage to Miss Martha Stassel, a native of Ger- 
 many and a daughter of Gottlieb Stassel, who emigrated from that country in 
 1891. The father has since passed away but the mother still makes her home 
 with Mr. and Mrs. Deuel. The latter have seven children : Arnold, Ella, Walter, 
 Curtis, Orville, Norman and Gordon. 
 
 Public-spirited and progressive, Mr. Deuel has ever taken a deep interest 
 in the advancement of his locality and forcefully endorses all worthy public 
 enterprises. He at present serves as treasurer of his township and has held 
 the same office in relation to the school board ever since the township was 
 organized. Deeply interested in the cause of education, he has done much 
 toward promoting facilities for that purpose. Mr. Deuel has, through his exten- 
 sive connections with various enterprises, perhaps done more than any other 
 man in furthering the interests of his locality, and his life record not only fur- 
 nishes an example of individual attainment through worthy methods but sets 
 up a standard for the younger generation of true and public-spirited citizenship. 
 Mr. Deuel enjoys in full measure the respect and esteem of his friends and 
 neighbors, who regard him highly on account of his achievements and even 
 more so because of the high qualities of character which have made possible 
 his success. 
 
 JOHN C. McRAE. 
 
 John C. McRae, a blacksmith of Chippewa Falls, has conducted a shop on 
 West Grand avenue for more than a quarter of a century and has built up the 
 largest horseshoeing business in the city. He came to Chippewa county in 
 1877, and the period of his residence here therefore covers thirty-six years. 
 His birth occurred in Glengarry county, Ontario, Canada, on the 10th of June, 
 1854, his parents being Christopher and Annie (Chisholm) McRae. The father, 
 a storekeeper and lumber logger, passed away in 1864, being for many years 
 
74 
 
 PAST AND PRESENT OF CHIPPEWA COUNTY 
 
 survived by the mother, who was called to her final rest in 1911. Both are 
 buried in St. Andrews, Ontario. 
 
 John C. McRae obtained his education in his native county, attending school 
 when opportunity offered until twenty-two years of age. As above stated, he 
 then came to Chippewa Falls in 1877 and here began learning the blacksmith’s 
 trade, which he followed as a journeyman until he embarked in business on his 
 own account in 1885. Success has attended his efforts from that time to the 
 present and he now enjoys the distinction of carrying on the largest horseshoeing 
 business in the city. He owns much property in Seattle, Washington, and is 
 widely recognized as a prosperous and representative citizen of his community. 
 
 In December, 1881, at Menomonie, Wisconsin, Mr. McRae was united in 
 marriage to Miss Minnie Calder, her father being a pioneer blacksmith. Her 
 parents are still living and reside in Seattle, Washington. Mr. and Mrs. McRae 
 have two children, namely : Florence, who is the wife of James Healy, a con- 
 fectioner of Chippewa Falls; and William, an agriculturist of Chippewa county. 
 The family residence at No. 510 High street was erected by our subject. 
 
 In his political views Mr. McRae is independent, supporting men and meas- 
 ures rather than party. He is a devout communicant of the Catholic church 
 and also belongs to the Knights of Wisconsin. A prosperous business man, an 
 exemplary citizen and a man of high moral standards, he enjoys the respect 
 of all who have come in contact with him. He has become widely and favorably 
 known during the long period of his residence in Chippewa Falls, the circle of 
 his friends being almost coextensive with the circle of his acquaintances. 
 
 ERNEST C. RHEINGANS. 
 
 Ernest C. Rheingans, one of the worthy native sons and enterprising agri- 
 culturists of Chippewa county, is the owner of an excellent farm of one hundred 
 and eighty acres on sections 24, 30 and 35, Tilden township. His birth occurred 
 on the old homestead, where he still resides, on the 18th of April, 1880, his 
 parents being Phillip and Mary E. (Kehrine) Rheingans. The father emigrated 
 to the United States in 1850 and, making his way direct to Chippewa county, 
 Wisconsin, settled first in Eagle Point township but later bought the property 
 which is now in possession of our subject. The tract was covered with heavy 
 timber, and the Indians still roamed through this part of the country. By dint 
 of hard labor and undaunted perseverance Mr. Rheingans succeeded in clearing 
 his land and began its cultivation. As the years passed he prospered in his 
 undertakings as an agriculturist and at the time of his demise owned a splendidly 
 improved and valuable farm of three hundred acres as well as other properties. 
 He passed away in 1900, at the age of sixty-five years, and is buried in the 
 Forest Hill cemetery. He had been a resident of this county for a half century 
 and his labors were a factor in its development and upbuilding. He took a deep 
 and helpful interest in all matters that affected the general welfare and was a 
 very popular man, enjoying the regard and esteem of all with whom he came 
 in contact. He is still survived by his widow and nine children, who cherish 
 
PAST AND PRESENT OF CHIPPEWA COUNTY 
 
 75 
 
 and revere his memory, for he. was ever a most devoted and loving husband and 
 father. 
 
 The record of the children is as follows: Frank P., a railroad engineer 
 residing in Rochester, New York; John H., a Presbyterian minister of Elkton, 
 Michigan ; Mary K., who is a nurse in the Cook County Hospital ; Anna, who 
 died in 1897 and is buried in the Forest Hill cemetery; Edward, who follows 
 farming and is also engaged in the real-estate business at Ladysmith, Wisconsin; 
 Nettie S., living in Chippewa Falls; Walter H., an agriculturist by occupation; 
 Minnie C., a nurse in the Presbyterian Hospital of Chicago; and Ernest C., of 
 this review. 
 
 The last named obtained his early education in Chippewa Falls and subse- 
 quently pursued a course of study in the agricultural college at Madison. In 
 the meantime he had assisted his father in the work of the home farm and 
 after returning from college took charge of the place, having since devoted his 
 attention to its operation. He is now pursuing the diversified method of agri- 
 culture and is planning to make his place a stock farm for cattle, hogs and 
 Percheron horses. 
 
 On the 7th of June, 1905, at Baraboo, Wisconsin, Mr. Rheingans was united 
 in marriage to Miss Harriett E. Cline, a daughter of W. H. Cline, who is a deco- 
 rator of Baraboo. Mrs. Rheingans was graduated from the Baraboo high school 
 with the class of 1898 and for two years taught in the kindergarten department 
 of the schools of that city and later for two years in the State Institute for Feeble 
 Minded. By her marriage she has become the mother of two sons, William and 
 Robert. 
 
 Mr. Rheingans is a republican in politics and at present serves in the capacity 
 of road commissioner. His religious faith is indicated by his membership in 
 the Presbyterian church. In the community where his entire life has been spent 
 he enjoys an enviable reputation as a substantial young agriculturist and a citizen 
 of worth and enterprise. 
 
 ANDREW BENISH. 
 
 Andrew Benish, owning a farm of one hundred and eighty acres on section 
 15, Howard township, a property upon which he has resided since 1882, was 
 born in Germany in 1856 and is a son of Frank and Kaby Benish, who lived 
 and died in their native country. Andrew Benish acquired his education in the 
 public schools of Germany and after laying aside his books at the age of twelve, 
 hired out as a farm laborer for about fourteen years. At the end of that time 
 he emigrated to America and, settling in Chippewa county, began farming inde- 
 pendently, acquiring one hundred and eighty acres on section 15, Howard town- 
 ship, upon which he has since resided. He specializes in the raising of grain 
 and during the thirty-one years he has lived upon this property has steadily 
 adhered to progressive and practical methods, meeting with gratifying and well- 
 deserved success. 
 
 In Bloomer, this state, Mr. Benish was united in marriage to Miss Agnes 
 Sokup, a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Frank Sokup, residents of that city. Mr. 
 
76 
 
 PAST AND PRESENT OF CHIPPEWA COUNTY 
 
 and Mrs. Benish have become the parents of four children, Mamie, Joseph, 
 Mary and John, all of whom reside at home. 
 
 Mr. Benish is a member of the Roman Catholic church and is a republican 
 in his political beliefs. While his life has been quietly passed, the record of it 
 nevertheless contains lessons of value, for it shows what may be accomplished 
 by determination and honorable dealing. He now occupies a position among the 
 prosperous farmers of Chippewa county and the most envious cannot grudge him 
 his success, so worthily has it been won. 
 
 W. J. SMETANA. 
 
 W. J. Smetana, who conducts the only harness store in Bloomer, is a young 
 man of thirty years, who believes in hard work and is winning success through 
 his diligence and unfaltering determination. He was born in Bohemia, in 1883. 
 In the schools of his native land he pursued his education and afterward began 
 learning the harness trade, gaining a good knowledge of the business during his 
 residence in his native country. The reports which he heard concerning the 
 opportunities of the new world attracted him and with the hope of more readily 
 winning success on this side the Atlantic, he came to the United States in 1903, 
 when twenty years of age. He did not pause on the Atlantic coast but made 
 his way direct to Bloomer, where he was employed for four years in the harness 
 shop which he now owns. At the expiration of that period he bought out his 
 employer and has since conducted the business, which has been a growing one. 
 He handles a full line of harness and saddlery and does all kinds of repairing, 
 his practical knowledge of the trade enabling him to promptly execute all orders 
 and meet all requirements. 
 
 Mr. Smetana was married in 1911 to Miss Agnes Smetana. They have one 
 child, Julia. In politics Mr. Smetana is a democrat. He always votes with the 
 party and is well informed on the questions and issues of the day. He holds 
 membership with the Catholic Knights of Wisconsin, and is a communicant of 
 the Catholic church. He has never had occasion to regret his determination to 
 come to the new world, for he has here found the opportunities which he sought 
 and in their utilization has worked his way steadily upward, having already 
 gained a substantial measure of success that promises well for the future. 
 
 JAY E. POZNANSKI. 
 
 Chippewa Falls numbers among its progressive native sons and among the 
 most enterprising and active of the younger generation of its business men Jay 
 E. Poznanski, who since the incorporation of the Northwood Furniture Company 
 in 1910 has done farsighted and able work as its secretary, treasurer and general 
 manager. He was born in this city December 7, 1885, and is a son of Edward and 
 Leah (Pozner) Poznanski, the former of Polish origin. The father came to 
 Chippewa countv in 1867. He became one of the prominent dry-goods merchants 
 
JAY E. POZXANSKI 
 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
PAST AND PRESENT OF CHIPPEWA COUNTY 
 
 79 
 
 in Chippewa Falls, retaining his connection with this line of business until his 
 death, which occurred in 1898, when he was fifty-six years of age. His wife 
 survived him only a short time, dying in 1900, at the age of fifty. Both are buried 
 in the Greenwood cemetery in Milwaukee. 
 
 Jay E. Poznanski acquired his primary education at St. Johns Military Academy, 
 Delafield, Wisconsin, and afterward was a student in Phillips Exeter Academy at 
 Exeter, New Hampshire. He completed his education by a course in Yale Uni- 
 versity, which he left at the age of twenty-two years. Afterward he went to 
 Nevada and spent one year in the zinc mines of Las Vegas, returning at the end 
 of that time to Chippewa Falls and assisting in the formation of the Northwood 
 Furniture Company. This concern has a large factory on Wagner street and 
 since its formation Mr. Poznanski has acted as secretary, treasurer and general 
 manager. His executive ability, energy and organizing power have been called 
 forth and have been helpful factors in the development which has brougnt the 
 enterprise from a concern employing forty men to one which offers continuous 
 work to ninety. 
 
 In Hot Springs, Arkansas, April 14, 1909, Mr. Poznanski was united in mar- 
 riage to Miss Louise Richards, a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. D. C. Richards, of that 
 city. Mr. and Mrs. Poznanski have become the parents of two children, Louise A. 
 and Tay E., Jr. Mr. Poznanski is connected fraternally with the Independent 
 Order of Odd Fellows' and is interested in the affairs of the local lodge. Although 
 still a young man, he has already demonstrated his possession of those qualities 
 necessary for business success and his future will undoubtedly be marked by 
 continuous and rapid advancement. 
 
 JOSEPH HURT. 
 
 Joseph Hurt, engaging in diversified farming upon five hundred and twenty- 
 eight acres of land on section 6, Tilden township, is ranked among the progres- 
 sive agriculturists and successful stock-raisers of his locality, where his individ- 
 ual prosperity has been accounted for many years an important factor in general 
 development. He was born in Oxburg, Austria, January 15, 1871, and is a son 
 of Frank and Theresa (Zweifelhofer) Hurt, the former of whom passed away 
 when the subject of this review was still a child and is buried in Germany. 
 His wife survives him and makes her home with her son, being now seventy- 
 three years of age. 
 
 Joseph Hurt was only two years of age when he was brought to Chippewa 
 county by his mother, and in the public schools of Tilden township he acquired 
 his education, laying aside his books at the early age of thirteen. He afterward 
 assisted with the work of his mother’s farm and at the end of eight years bought 
 one hundred and sixty acres of the homestead. Upon this property he has 
 resided since that time, adding to his holdings at intervals until he is today the 
 owner of five hundred and twenty-eight acres of valuable land. He engages in 
 mixed farming, keeping eighteen head of cattle, twelve hogs and seven horses, 
 and his interests are all carefully and progressively conducted, bringing him a 
 gratifying and well deserved success. 
 
80 
 
 PAST AND PRESENT OF CHIPPEWA COUNTY 
 
 On the ioth of January, 1893, in Tilden, Mr. Hurt was united in marriage 
 to Miss Theresa Drexler, a daughter of Remegius and Anne (Schinko) Drexler, 
 residents of Chippewa Falls. Mr. and Mrs. Hurt have become the parents of 
 nine children: Anne, the wife of Conrad Geotel, a farmer of Chippewa county; 
 Mary; joe; Frank; Theresa; John; Philip; Leo; and Herbert. 
 
 Mr. Hurt is a member of the St. Peter's Roman Catholic church of Tilden 
 and is a democrat in his political views, taking an active interest in the welfare 
 of the section in which he has so long resided but never seeking public office. 
 He has gained an enviable reputation as a man of high integrity and straight- 
 forward dealing and his success is a reward of many years of well directed and 
 untiring labor. 
 
 E. C. DETTLOFF. 
 
 E. C. Dettloff, proprietor of the only drug store in Bloomer, is a native of 
 the city, born in 1870, a son of Charles and Lena (Albrecht) Dettloff. The 
 father was a native of Germany and came to the United States when he was 
 ten years of age, locating first in New York and moving to Wisconsin when he 
 was still a boy. He operated the first hotel in Chippewa county but later sold 
 this enterprise and turned his attention to farming, continuing in this occupation 
 until his death, which occurred in 1900 when he was sixty-three years of age. 
 His wife survives him. They became the parents of three children: H. M., 
 Otto and E. C., of this review. 
 
 E. C. Dettloff acquired his education in the public schools of Chippewa 
 county and later took a course in pharmacy at Colby, graduating in 1897. In 
 the same year he opened his drug store in Bloomer and has since met with 
 splendid success as a result of his energy and ability in carrying forward his 
 interests. He carries a complete line of drugs, stationery, paints, oils, smokers’ 
 supplies and sundries and is in control of a large and growing patronage. 
 
 Mr. Dettloff married Miss Gertrude Foster, also a native of this county, and 
 they have two children : Edward, aged six ; and Clelland, aged five. Mr. Dettloff 
 is a democrat in his political beliefs and although he is not an active office 
 seeker, is interested in the growth and progress of his native county and always 
 ready to do his part in promoting its advancement. He is held in high esteem 
 by all who know him and has an extensive circle of friends. 
 
 THOMAS BRESINA. 
 
 Not only is Thomas Bresina one of the most substantial agriculturists ot 
 Tilden township, Chippewa county, but he also operates a blacksmith shop, and 
 a sawmill and conducts a saloon, deriving gratifying financial returns from his 
 various undertakings. His farm of two hundred and three acres is located on 
 section 13, Tilden township, and there he has erected a building which would 
 do credit to any city and which he uses for carrying on his various business 
 
PAST AND PRESENT OF CHIPPEWA COUNTY 
 
 81 
 
 enterprises. Thomas Bresina is a native of Chippewa county and Tilden town- 
 ship, having been born on February 24, 1880, a son of Wenzel and Theresa 
 (Prueher) Bresina. The father engaged in farming and blacksmithing and 
 came to this country about 1850. He died in 1911, at the age of seventy-four, 
 and is buried in the Tilden cemetery. He was one of the substantial men of 
 the locality and was very popular with all who knew him. 
 
 Thomas Bresina received his education in St. Peter’s Catholic school at Til- 
 den, which he left at the age of fourteen years. He then assisted his father 
 with the work of the farm, becoming acquainted with agricultural methods, and 
 later learned from him the blacksmith's trade, which business he still follows. 
 He also has made a decided success in the cultivation of his land and in con- 
 junction with these two enterprises carries on sawmilling and conducts a saloon. 
 As the years have passed prosperity has come to him and he is considered one 
 of the substantial men of Tilden township. 
 
 On April 15, 1902, in Bloomer, Wisconsin, Mr. Bresina was united in mar- 
 riage to Miss Mary Zwiefelhofer, a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Zwie- 
 felhofer, the former of whom is a pioneer of this district and both of whom 
 are now residing at Auburn, Wisconsin. Mr. and Mrs. Bresina had six children: 
 Frederick, who died in infancy; and Ida, Bernard, Martha, Bertha and Joseph. 
 
 Mr. Bresina gives his allegiance to the democratic party, the principles of 
 which he considers the most conducive to good government. He and his family 
 are members of St. Peter’s Catholic church at Tilden and he is a member of the 
 Catholic Knights. A progressive and enterprising man, he takes an active 
 interest in all affairs that pertain to the community, and he himself has set an 
 example of progressive standards by erecting upon his farm a typical city block, 
 in which he carries on all his enterprises. He has made numerous improvements 
 on his property, which through his incessant efforts has greatly increased in 
 value. He is highly respected and esteemed by all who know him and his friends 
 are many. 
 
 CHARLES EMMERTON. 
 
 Among the well-to-do agriculturists of Howard township and Chippewa 
 county is Charles Emmerton, who owns a productive farm of eighty acres on 
 section 4. His success is the more commendable as it has been achieved entirely 
 through his own efforts. Mr. Emmerton is a native son of Chippewa county, his 
 birth having occurred February 26, 1863. His parents were Thomas and Sarah 
 (Roberts) Emmerton, both natives of England. More extended mention of 
 Thomas Emmerton and his family is made in another part of this work under 
 that heading. 
 
 Charles Emmerton received his education in Chippewa county, leaving school 
 at the age of eighteen years. He early began to assist his father in work on 
 the latter’s large farm of four hundred acres, gaining valuable knowledge and 
 making himself master of thorough methods of agriculture. He remained upon 
 his father’s homestead until 1907, when he began his independent career on 
 the place which he now owns. He engages in mixed farming, planting the soil 
 
82 
 
 PAST AND PRESENT OF CHIPPEWA COUNTY 
 
 to the most suitable grains and keeping five horses and twenty-five head of 
 cattle. His land is in a good state. of cultivation and he has erected thereon a 
 handsome residence and other substantial buildings. He has modern ideas and 
 is progressive in his methods, his good judgment and incessant industry being 
 creditably reflected by his valuable property. 
 
 In 1901, in Chippewa county, Mr. Emmerton married Miss Rose Prince, a 
 daughter of Andrew and Sarah (Corrigan) Prince, residents of Chippewa county. 
 Mr. and Mrs. Emmerton have four children, Norman, Ernest, Lyle and Leila, 
 all of whom are yet at home. Mr. Emmerton is a member of the SS. Peter 
 and Paul Catholic church of Auburn, Wisconsin, and politically is a prohibi- 
 tionist. He is interested in all undertakings inaugurated to benefit the com- 
 munity, and, although he has never participated in public life, furnishes an 
 excellent example of true American citizenship and of what American grit and 
 American ambition may accomplish. 
 
 JOHN B. BENISH. 
 
 John B. Benish, one of the prosperous agriculturists of Tilden township, 
 Chippewa county, is a descendant of one of the first settlers of this region. He 
 now owns a valuable farm of one hundred and twenty acres on section 26, town 
 29, his place being located on rural route No. 7, from Chippewa Falls. A native 
 of this county, he was born on December 23, 1870, a son of Martin and Teresa 
 (Duraney) Benish. The father emigrated from Germany to America in or 
 about 1840 and was one of the first settlers in this part of the state, taking up 
 land which was still entirely in a wild state and covered with bush and develop- 
 ing it into a highly cultivated farm. It is this place on which our subject is 
 now residing. The father died on May 5, 1908, at the age of seventy-four years, 
 and is buried in Mount Calvary cemetery. His widow makes her home with 
 our subject. 
 
 John B. Benish attended district school until he was thirteen years of age. 
 He then began his independent career, working in the woods. For fourteen years 
 he ran a lumber camp, eight of which he entirely devoted to this occupation. 
 During the rest of the time he assisted his father to some extent. Later he 
 acquired the old homestead, buying out the other heirs, and has since given his 
 entire time to its improvement. He has built a handsome residence and sub- 
 stantial barns as well as other farm buildings. He engages in mixed farming 
 but is at present contemplating taking up stock breeding. Mr. Benish also 
 owns a threshing machine and in later years has received a gratifying income 
 from operating this outfit. He is also engaged in the selling of farm imple- 
 ments, handling several well known machines, and is deriving gratifying returns 
 from that source. 
 
 On May 9th, 1899, at Chippewa Falls, Mr. Benish was united in marriage 
 to Miss Margaret Roehling, a daughter of Peter and Margaret (Kase) Roehling, 
 the former a pioneer agriculturist of Chippewa county, who passed away in 
 October, 1899, and is buried in St. Charles cemetery. His widow still resides 
 
PAST AND PRESENT OF CHIPPEWA COUNTY 
 
 83 
 
 on the old homestead. Mr. and Mrs. Benish have five children : Mildred, Louise, 
 Clarence and Florence, attending school ; and Helen. 
 
 In his political affiliations Mr. Benish is republican, giving his stanch sup- 
 port to the measures and candidates of that party. He has taken a lively interest 
 in the general advancement and in matters of political importance and at present 
 serves in the capacity of town supervisor, discharging his duties in a very satis- 
 factory manner. Both he and his wife are members of St. Charles Catholic 
 church of Chippewa Falls, of which they are regular attendants. The success 
 which Mr. Benish has attained is to be attributed to his inherent qualities of 
 industry and good judgment. However, he himself ascribes a good deal of what 
 he has accomplished to the assistance of his able and helpful life companion. 
 
 PETER BOWE. 
 
 Peter Bowe has resided in Chippewa county since 1866 and during the greater 
 portion of this time has been closely identified with the agricultural interests of 
 Tilden township, where he owns and operates an eighty-acre farm. He was 
 born in Germany, March 9, 1842, and is a son of Peter and Katrina Bowe, both 
 of whom have passed away and are buried in the fatherland. 
 
 Peter Bowe acquired his education in the public schools of his native country 
 and at the age of fifteen laid aside his books in order to assist his father with 
 the work of the homestead. He remained in Germany for some time thereafter 
 but finally emigrated to America, where he began working in the mills and 
 woods and on farms in various localities, continuing thus until 1866, when he 
 moved to Chippewa county and turned his attention to farming. He purchased 
 eighty acres on section 7, Tilden township, and upon this property has resided 
 since that time, his careful supervision and practical labors making it productive 
 and valuable. 
 
 In Jefferson county, Wisconsin, Mr. Bowe was united in marriage to Miss 
 Barbara Swinde, who died in 1909, leaving eight children, four sons and four 
 daughters. Mr. Bowe is a member of the St. Peter’s Roman Catholic church in 
 Tilden and is a democrat in his political beliefs. His life has been such as to 
 give him a high standing in the eyes of the community and he is generally 
 recognized as a man whose long years of earnest labor in this township have 
 not only contributed to his own prosperity but have also been a boon to the 
 community at large. 
 
 JOHN BJERKE. 
 
 Among the substantial farmers of Chippewa county is John Bjerke, who 
 owns one hundred and twenty acres of land, forty of which have been cleared 
 while the remainder is used for pasture. A native of Norway, he was born four 
 miles north of Christiania, January 24, 1862, and is a son of Ole and Mary 
 (Engelson) Bjerke, both natives of Norway. The father came to the United 
 
84 
 
 PAST AND PRESENT OF CHIPPEWA COUNTY 
 
 States in 1863, settling in Fillmore county, Minnesota, where he engaged in farm- 
 ing on rented land. Ten years later he came to Chippewa Falls, Wisconsin, 
 finding employment as a lumber jack. Five years later he moved to township 
 31, range 5, and after working in the woods for a few years purchased one 
 hundred and sixty acres of unbroken land covered with pine timber. There he 
 built a home and lived until his death in 1905. His wife also passed away on 
 the old homestead. In religious faith they were Lutherans. Their family num- 
 bered three sons: Gustav Peterson, who now lives on the old homestead and 
 uses the name of Peterson as it was the family name when the parents came to 
 America, the father, however, adopting the Norwegian farm name for himself 
 and his other children ; Charles, who also lives on a farm in this township ; and 
 John, our subject. 
 
 John Bjerke in the acquirement of his education attended the common schools 
 near his father’s home and subsequently remained on the homestead until thirty 
 years of age, assisting in its operation and acquiring a good knowledge of agri- 
 cultural methods. His father then transferred to him forty acres of unbroken 
 land, upon which our subject built his home and where he has since resided, 
 engaged in clearing the property. He has also since acquired title to eighty 
 acres which is used as a pasture. 
 
 In Chippewa Falls Mr. Bjerke was married to Miss Bertha Bakke, who 
 was born about fifteen miles north of Christiania, Norway, and came with her 
 parents to America in 1881, when a child. She was reared in Taylor county, 
 Wisconsin. She died July 18, 1904, leaving four children: Ole, who makes his 
 home in Minnesota; and Elmer, Arne and Minda, at home. Mr. Bjerke is a 
 republican and serves at present as township supervisor. He is a member of 
 the Lutheran church. He is respected by all who know him and has many friends 
 in this locality. 
 
 CHRIS GANZEL. 
 
 Chris Ganzel, a highly respected and valued citizen of Boyd, where since 
 1897 he has been connected with business interests as the proprietor of a hotel, 
 was born in Outagamie county, Wisconsin, February 28, 1862. He is a son 
 of Chris and Dora (Frick) Ganzel, natives of Germany, the former born in 1831 
 and the latter in 1827. The father came to Wisconsin in 1857, and engaged first 
 in farming, later becoming the proprietor of a hotel. He died in 1906 and was 
 survived by his wife until 1907. In their family were ten children, six of whom 
 are now living. 
 
 Chris Ganzel acquired his education in the district schools of Greenville 
 township, Outagamie county and laid aside his books at the age of sixteen. He 
 afterward worked upon a farm until 1881, when he moved to Boyd, settling in 
 this community in very early times. He engaged in various occupations until 
 1897, in which year he opened a hotel in the city. This enterprise he has since 
 conducted and under his able management it has become a modern and up-to-date 
 hostelry, drawing its patronage from a discriminating class of people. Mr. 
 
PAST AND PRESENT OF CHIPPEWA COUNTY 
 
 85 
 
 Ganzel is a stockholder in the State Bank of Boyd and in the Boyd Produce 
 Company and is known as a farsighted and progressive business man. 
 
 At Chippewa Falls, on the 18th of April, 1888, Mr. Ganzel was united in 
 marriage to Miss Anna Bashford, a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Elisha Bashford, 
 the former a blacksmith and farmer. Mr. and Mrs. Ganzel became the parents 
 of six children, Ollie, Clyde, Verna, Vergil, Kermit, and one who died in infancy. 
 
 Mr. Ganzel is a member of the Lutheran church and is independent in his 
 political beliefs. He is one of the early settlers of Boyd, having made that city 
 his home for the past thirty-two years, and he has witnessed the greater part 
 of its growth and development. His own activities have been an important factor 
 in the work of progress and his success places him today among the substantial 
 and representative men of the community. 
 
 GEORGE HARTMAN, Jr. 
 
 Among the prosperous farmers of Chippewa county is George Hartman, Jr., 
 who owns a valuable farm of one hundred and sixty acres in Tilden township. 
 He is a native of this county and was born on the Hartman homestead on April 
 16, 1867, a son of George Hartman, Sr., and Kate (Rander) Hartman. The 
 father came to Chippewa county from Germany about 1855 an d was one of the 
 first settlers here. He is still residing on the old homestead, enjoying in full mea- 
 sure the confidence and good-will of his fellow citizens. He has been prominent 
 in public life, serving as chairman of the township board and also as township 
 treasurer. His wife passed away in 1891 and is buried in the Tilden cemetery. 
 She bore her husband ten children : Joseph, who farms in Howard township ; 
 Frank, an agriculturist of Tilden township; George, Jr., our subject; Paul, a 
 farmer of Auburn township ; Phillip, an implement dealer of Chippewa Falls ; 
 David, residing in Oregon; Godfried, who lives on the old homestead; John, 
 who is connected with the hardware business ; Edward, engaged in the creamery 
 business; and Mary, who married Joseph Garner, of Chippewa Falls. 
 
 George Hartman, Jr., acquired his education in the Tilden township district 
 school and the parochial school, laying aside his text-books at the age of four- 
 teen years. He then began to assist his father with the work of the home- 
 stead and continued there until twenty-four years of age, acquiring knowledge 
 of valuable agricultural methods. At the end of that period he rented land for 
 a few years and then bought his present holding of one hundred and sixty acres. 
 He has brought his farm to a high state of cultivation, carrying on mixed farm- 
 ing and raising various kinds of live stock. Mr. Hartman has erected a hand- 
 some modern residence upon the land, and every building on the farm bespeaks 
 by its excellent appearance the careful management of the owner. He is modern 
 and progressive in his ideas and the latest farm machinery can be found upon 
 his place. 
 
 On the 23d of July, 1895, at Tilden, Mr. Hartman was united in marriage 
 to Miss Lena Miller, a daughter of Valentine Miller, Sr., and Emilie (Geisler) 
 Miller, the former a pioneer farmer of Chippewa county and both residing in 
 Tilden township. Mr. and Mrs. Hartman have two children, a son and a daugh- 
 
86 
 
 PAST AND PRESENT OF CHIPPEWA COUNTY 
 
 ter. The former, George H., assists his father with the work of the farm, 
 while the latter, Elsie, is still attending school. 
 
 Mr. and Mrs. Hartman are devout communicants of the St. Peters Catholic 
 church of Tilden, in the work of which they take a deep interest. Politically he 
 is a democrat. Although he has never cared to accept public office, he takes a 
 great interest in all matters of general importance and is ever ready to give his 
 support to worthy enterprises intended to benefit the community. He enjoys in 
 full measure the respect and confidence of his fellow citizens and the circle of 
 his friends is large. 
 
 A. W. WILMARTH, M. D. 
 
 Since 1897 Dr. A. W. Wilmarth has been superintendent of the State Home 
 for the Feeble-Minded at Chippewa Falls and has based his remarkable success 
 in this position upon his excellent general training in medicine and surgery, spe- 
 cialization in nervous and mental disorders and a number of years’ practical 
 experience in other institutions similar to the one with which he is now connected. 
 He was born at Taunton, Massachusetts, May 3, 1855, and is a son of John and 
 Peddy W. (Dary) Wilmarth, the former of whom was for some time superin- 
 tendent of the Oakland Cotton Mill in Oakland, Massachusetts. He died in 
 1881 and was survived by his wife until 1887. The family is of English origin 
 and its first representative came to America in 1638. Some of the ancestors of 
 the subject of this review fought in the Revolutionary war 
 
 Dr. A. W. Wilmarth acquired his preliminary education in the public and high 
 schools of his native city and afterward entered the Albany Medical College, from 
 which he received the degree of M. D. in 1879. Immediately afterward he took 
 up the general practice of his profession in eastern Massachusetts and at the end 
 of four years and a half became assistant superintendent in the Pennsylvania 
 Home for the Feeble-Minded at Elwyn, Pennsylvania. He remained there for 
 eight years and then went to Norristown, Pennsylvania, where he acted as senior 
 assistant physician at the State Hospital for the Insane until January 11, 1897, 
 when he entered upon his duties as superintendent of the State Home for the 
 Feeble-Minded at Chippewa Falls. His previous experience has aided him 
 greatly in the discharge of his important duties and, combined with his ability and 
 practical views, makes him eminently well qualified for his position. He keeps 
 in touch with the trend of modern thought in his profession and pays particular 
 attention to what is being done in the field of nervous or mental disorders. He is 
 a member of the Philadelphia Neurological Society, the American Association 
 for the Study of the Feeble-Minded, the Philadelphia Pathological Society and the 
 American Medical Association, and his ability is known and recognized in profes- 
 sional circles. 
 
 In Easton, Pennsylvania, on the 24th of March, 1891, Dr. Wilmarth was 
 united in marriage to Miss Theodora M. Kolb, a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. 
 Reuben Kolb, the former a real-estate agent in Easton. Dr. and Mrs. Wilmarth 
 have become the parents of a son, Raymond K., who is a student at Princeton 
 University. 
 
DR. A. W. WILMARTH 
 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
PAST AND PRESENT OF CHIPPEWA COUNTY 
 
 89 
 
 Dr. Wilmarth is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church. He is well and 
 favorably known in Chippewa Falls, for he has accomplished a great deal of 
 excellent work in the difficult position which he occupies. He holds the high 
 esteem of his brethren of the medical fraternity and the regard and confidence 
 of all with whom he has professional or social relations. 
 
 E. L. HAWN. 
 
 For many years E. L. Hawn has been prominent in the lumber industry of 
 Chippewa county and in that connection has become the founder of the town 
 of Ruby, named after his only daughter. Mr. Hawn is still engaged along that 
 line and as the years have passed prosperity has been the result of his endeavors. 
 He is a native of Dodge county, this state, and a son of C. A. Hawn, who was 
 born in New York state and in 1848 came west, settling at Neosho, Dodge county. 
 He was a millwright by occupation and engaged in the sawmill business in this 
 state. He operated successfully for a number of years in Pierce county under 
 the firm name of C. A. Hawn & Sons and was prominent in his county, which 
 he represented in the legislature m 1877 and in 1878. After retiring from active 
 business life he made his home in Chippewa county, where he died about three 
 years ago. His father was Adam Hawn, a soldier of the War of 1812, and 
 assisted in building Perry’s fleet on Lake Erie. He first went to Prairie du Chien, 
 Wisconsin, in 1836 but subsequently returned to New York, coming again to 
 this state when Wisconsin was admitted to the union in 1848. The mother of 
 our subject was Priscilla Louisa White, born at Enosburg Falls, Vermont. She 
 passed away nineteen years ago at Rock Elm, Wisconsin. She bore her husband 
 four children : J. L., who is engaged in the lumber business and farming at Rock 
 Elm; C. D., who also follows agriculture and sawmilling in that city; E. L., our 
 subject; and Eliza, wife of George Breed, residing at Rock Elm, Wisconsin. 
 
 E. L. Hawn received a common-school education and subsequently he and 
 D. J. Thompson organized a select school society, which he attended for three 
 seasons. This was the first summer school organized in this part of Wisconsin. 
 At the age of twenty-one he engaged in business with his father and brothers 
 as C. A. Hawn & Sons. In 1896 he removed to Olivet, Pierce county, Wisconsin, 
 where he operated a sawmill successfully, being well acquainted with all details 
 of the business to which he was practically born and with which he had ever 
 been connected during his youth and young manhood. In 1902 Mr. Hawn came 
 to Chippewa county, buying sixty-five forties of timber land. He then organized 
 the Ruby Lumber Company, of which he became president, this company oper- 
 ating on an extensive scale in the lumbering business until they discontinued 
 activities in 1909. They were capitalized for fifty thousand dollars. At that 
 time this township was nothing but a wilderness and not one rod of road had 
 been built. Around their mills they gradually built up quite a settlement which 
 at one time contained as many as forty-five families. They also owned and 
 operated a railway from Ruby to Arnold, which was built in 1902 and discon- 
 tinued in April, 1913. Mr. Hawn continues alone in the lumber and sawmill 
 business. He has since been instrumental in founding the village of Ruby, which 
 
90 
 
 PAST AND PRESENT OF CHIPPEWA COUNTY 
 
 now contains thirty-six families. There he still owns five forties of timber land, 
 which he is at present clearing in order to devote the tract to agricultural pur- 
 poses. He has a fine and modern home and prosperity has been the result of 
 his incessant labors. 
 
 On December 2 5, 1884, at Boardman, St. Croix county, Wisconsin, Mr. Hawn 
 was united in marriage to Miss Emma Melcher, a native of Dodge county, this 
 state, and a daughter of Fred Melcher, a very early settler of that county and 
 a carpenter by trade. Mr. and Mrs. Hawn have one daughter, Ruby, for whom 
 the settlement in which they live was named. She was at that time a little girl 
 of but five years but has grown to be an accomplished young lady of seventeen. 
 While in Pierce county, Mr. Hawn was nominated on the prohibition ticket for 
 clerk of the courts, was subsequently indorsed by the republicans and lastly 
 elected by all three parties. He was only twenty-one years of age at the time 
 and served for two years. Fraternally he is a member of the Masonic order, the 
 Independent Order of Odd Fellows and the Modern Woodmen of America. 
 Mr. Hawn enjoys in large measure the good-will and respect of his neighbors 
 and friends, who admire him for his indomitable courage and incessant industry. 
 These qualities have brought him the financial independence which he now enjoys 
 and his success is therefore highly merited. 
 
 CHARLES AMUNDSON. 
 
 A well improved farm of eighty acres, located on section 5, Sigel township, 
 has been the home of Charles Amundson since 1893. He is a native of Norway, 
 his birth having there occurred August 6, 1867. He is the second in order of 
 birth in a family of eight children, whose parents are Amun and Bertha (Peter- 
 son ) Amundson the former born in Norway, about 1840, and the latter in 
 1845. The father emigrated to the new world in 1869, locating in Wiscon- 
 sin, and in 1882 he made his way to Chippewa county, and bought a tract of wild 
 land, which he cleared and developed and on which he erected a log house. 
 This primitive structure continued to serve as the family home for ten years, 
 when Mr. Amundson erected a more modern and comfortable residence. Both 
 still survive and are residents of Sigel township. Their children, eight in number, 
 still survive and are as follows : Mathew, Charles, Albert, Peter, Emma, Otto, 
 Dora and Jennie. 
 
 Charles Amundson was reared to the pursuits of farm life, assisting his 
 father on the homestead during the spring and summer months, while in the 
 winter seasons he attended the district schools to his sixteenth year. He was 
 then employed in various ways until 1893, when he purchased his present farm 
 of eighty acres, situated on section 5, Sigel township, and to that he has since 
 given his time and attention, and now has a well developed tract. He erected 
 a modern home in 1903, and he has likewise erected all the outbuildings which 
 are seen on the place. His principal crops are hay, corn, oats and potatoes and 
 he also specializes in dairying. 
 
 Mr. Amundson has been married twice. His first union was with Miss Caro- 
 line Jurgerson, by whom he had two children, Olga, and one who died in infancy. 
 
PAST AND PRESENT OF CHIPPEWA COUNTY 
 
 91 
 
 The wife and mother passed away in 1904, and on the 15th of December, 1906, 
 Mr. Amundson was married to Mary Johnson, by whom he has three children, 
 Jalmer, Alof and Hilda. 
 
 Mr. Amundson is a republican in his political views and his religious faith 
 is indicated by his membership n the United Lutheran church, while his frater- 
 nal relations are with the St. Olaf Lodge, No. 26 I. S. W. A. Both he and 
 his wife have a wide circle of friends who enjoy the hospitality of their pleas- 
 ant home. 
 
 NICHOLAS BOWE. 
 
 \ 
 
 Nicholas Bowe is one of the prosperous agriculturists of Tilden township, 
 Chippewa county, where he owns a highly cultivated farm of one hundred and 
 twenty acres on section 26 on which he resides. He also holds title to another 
 tract of land equal in size on section 28. Mr. Bowe came to this county in 1866, 
 from Germany, where he was born in Berlinge, in the Rhine province, Prussia, 
 April 11, 1841. He is a son of John and Margarete (Casper) Bowe, who were 
 farming people in the old country, where both have passed away and are buried 
 in the village of Kirchweiler, Rhine province, Prussia. 
 
 Nicholas Bowe received his education in his native country and after leaving 
 school took up the trade of a shoemaker, later serving his obligatory term in 
 the army. While a soldier he was stationed in the fortress of Coblenz during 
 the time of the war with Denmark in 1864. After coming to Chippewa county, 
 Mr. Bowe worked as a farm hand on different farms until 1870, when he settled 
 in the woods upon land which he developed into his present farm. Overcoming 
 hardships and enduring all privations incident to pioneer life, he succeeded by 
 means of determination, energy and industry. Gradually he cleared his land 
 and put it under cultivation, tract by tract, and has now one hundred acres in 
 bearing. He engages in general farming and also gives considerable attention to 
 stock-raising, keeping a goodly number of cattle and other live stock. Beside 
 this farm Mr. Bowe also owns another tract of land of one hundred and twenty 
 acres located on section 28. Mr. Bowe has erected all of the buildings on the 
 property on which he resides and their substantial appearance speaks well for 
 the careful management of the owner. He is modern and up-to-date in his 
 methods and the latest farm machinery is employed in the cultivation of his acres. 
 
 In St. Mary’s church at Chippewa Falls, on October 5, 1870, Mr. Bowe was 
 wedded to Miss Katherina Semon, a daughter of Otto and Barbara (Kreck) 
 Semon, the former of whom was a pioneer farmer who created, out of a wilder- 
 ness, a rich productive farm, upon which both he and his wife passed away. 
 They were buried in the Tilden cemetery. They were also natives of Germany 
 and came to America the year of their marriage in 1852. Mr. and Mrs. Bowe 
 became the parents of eleven children: Otto, who farms in Tilden township; 
 Maria Magdelena, who married Nicholas Mayer, an agriculturist of Tilden town- 
 ship; Christina, who died June 28, 1895, at the age of eighteen years, and is 
 buried in the Tilden cemetery; Wilhelm, who is engaged in farming on some 
 land which belongs to his father: Jacob, who assists the father in the cultivation 
 
92 
 
 PAST AND PRESENT OF CHIPPEWA COUNTY 
 
 of the home farm; Fredericka, who married Anton Kreiling, of Chippewa Falls ; 
 Anna Maria, the wife of Joseph Price, who is engaged in the blacksmith busi- 
 ness at Chippewa Falls; Margaret, of Chippewa Falls; Ludwig, who died in 
 1893 and is buried in Tilden; Francis, helping in the cultivation of the home 
 farm ; and August, attending school. 
 
 Mr. and Mrs. Bowe are devout members of the St. Charles Catholic church, 
 of Chippewa Falls, in the work of which they take an active interest. Polit- 
 ically he is a democrat and, interested in the good roads movement, has served 
 for five years as road commissioner. Although he has passed his seventieth year, 
 Mr. Bowe is still active in his life work, carefully looking after his farming 
 interests. He is highly respected by all who know him for the high qualities 
 of his mind and character, which have been instrumental in making his success 
 possible. 
 
 Jacob Bowe, who assists his father with the work of the farm, was born on 
 June 9, 1882, and received his education at Chippewa Falls, being a pupil in 
 the German Catholic school of lhat city. He left this institution at the age of 
 fourteen and has since given his sole attention to the cultivation of the home 
 farm, in which he ably assists his father. He was married on September 27, 
 1910, in Chippewa Falls, to Miss Josephine Tousaint, a daughter of Mr. and 
 Mrs. Paul Tousaint, both of whom passed away in the old country, finding their 
 last resting place in the cemetery of Benaz in the grand duchy of Luxemburg. 
 Mr. and Mrs. Jacob Bowe have one daughter, Katherine L. Both are poular 
 with the younger people of their locality and are highly regarded by all who 
 know them. 
 
 R. W. EICKERSTAFF. 
 
 Among the well-to-do agriculturists of Cleveland township, Chippewa county, 
 is numbered R. W. Bickerstaff, who here operates a profitable farm comprising 
 eighty acres. He was born in Crawford county, Pennsylvania, on May 28, 1876, 
 his parents being William and Jane (Adams) Bickerstaff, both natives of the 
 Keystone state. The father came to Chippewa county in 1884 and settled on 
 one hundred and sixty acres of wild land on section 17, township 31, range 7. 
 For a number of years he gave his best efforts to improving this property, but 
 now he and his wife make their home in Bloomer, this state. They are the 
 parents of thirteen children. 
 
 R. W. Bickerstaff was reared under the parental roof and on his father's 
 farm early became acquainted with efficient agricultural methods. His school 
 advantages consisted of a common-school education. At the age of twenty-four 
 he purchased from his father eighty acres of land, which were then entirely 
 unimproved. He now, however, has a good set of buildings upon this land, 
 which he has largely cleared and where he engages in general farming, turning 
 his labors to good account. 
 
 In this county Mr. Bickerstaff was united in marriage to Miss Florence 
 Kingman, who was born in Chippewa Falls, a daughter of Lon Kingman, who 
 
PAST AND PRESENT OF CHIPPEWA COUNTY 
 
 93 
 
 now lives at Thorp, Wisconsin. Of this union two children were born who are 
 now living, Leland and Lester. One son, Cleff, has passed away. 
 
 Mr. and Mrs. Bickerstaff are devout members of the Baptist church at Eau 
 Claire. He served in 1912 as township supervisor, was a member of the school 
 board for four years and also held the office of president of that body. He 
 gives his allegiance to the republican party. Fraternally he is a member of 
 the Modern Woodmen of America. Mr. Bickerstaff enjoys the esteem and regard 
 of all who know him, for he has shown himself to be a substantial citizen of 
 high qualities of mind and character. He is interested in all that pertains to 
 the public welfare and stands ever ready to give of his means and time in sup- 
 port of worthy enterprises that make for public progress and advancement. 
 
 FRANK S. STEINMETZ. 
 
 With farm work Frank S. Steinmetz has been closely identified from the 
 time that he was old enough to handle the plow and prosperity has rewarded his 
 efforts, so that he is now the owner of one hundred and seventy-six acres on 
 section 22, Tilden township. The residence which he occupies was erected more 
 than a half century ago but he has remodeled it and converted it into a modern 
 home. In the rear stand substantial barns and outbuildings and these in turn 
 are surrounded by well kept fields, making his farm one of attractive appearance. 
 
 Mr. Steinmetz is a native of Chippewa county, born October 31, 1868, and 
 is a son of Stephen and Christiana (Wachter) Steinmetz. The father arrived 
 in this county in 1851, in company with his parents, who had previously lived 
 for a time in Milwaukee. He was twelve years of age when the family home 
 was established in this county. They were among the earliest settlers and their 
 dwelling stood in the midst of an almost trackless wilderness. The Indians 
 roamed through the forests and the trees stood in their primeval strength. There 
 was little to show that the work of civilization and progress was soon to convert 
 this into a productive region, inhabited by a contented and prosperous people. 
 Stephen Steinmetz and his father cleared the farm, upon which the former con- 
 tinued to make his home and reared his family. He is today one of the most 
 respected and valued of the pioneer settlers of Chippewa county and has a wide 
 acquaintance in this part of the state. He has been a member of the board of 
 Tilden and has taken an active interest in all that has per.tained to the public 
 welfare. He and his wife now reside in Chippewa Falls and are among the 
 most highly esteemed people of the community. 
 
 Frank S. Steinmetz acquired his education in the public schools, but at 
 the age of fourteen years put aside his text-books in order to assist his father 
 on the farm. Through eleven winter seasons he worked in the lumber woods 
 and at the end of that time he received from his father a gift of eighty acres. 
 The remainder of his land he has acquired by purchase from time to time until 
 he is now the owner of an excellent tract of one hundred and seventy-six acres, 
 constituting one of the valuable farms of the locality. Mr. Steinmetz carries 
 on general agricultural pursuits, raising the crops best adapted to soil and climate 
 and also keeping much stock. He makes a specialty of raising horses and handles 
 
94 
 
 PAST AND PRESENT OF CHIPPEWA COUNTY 
 
 those of good grade. Both branches of his business are carefully conducted and 
 have brought him substantial returns. Ample shelter is provided for grain and 
 stock in large barns and sheds and the latest improved machinery facilitates the 
 work of the fields. In fact the farm is splendidly equipped with modern acces- 
 sories and everything about the place indicates the progressive spirit of the owner. 
 
 On the 2d of October, 1894, in the Lutheran church of Tilden township, was 
 celebrated the marriage of Mr. Steinmetz and Miss Clara Bornemann, a daughter 
 of Mr. and Mrs. Theodore Bornemann, the former a pioneer farmer of this 
 county, who, having passed away, is laid to rest in the cemetery at Bloomer. 
 His widow, after a period of two years, married William Schroeder. Mr. and 
 Mrs. Steinmetz have become the parents of five children : Laura, at home ; 
 Florence, Arthur and Theodore, who are attending school ; and Wallace, five 
 years of age, who completes the family. 
 
 Mr. Steinmetz votes with the republican party and has served as a member 
 of the town board. He is now treasurer of the school board and the cause of 
 education finds in him a warm friend, loyal to the best interests of the schools. 
 Fraternally he is connected with the Owls and his religious faith is that of the 
 German Lutheran church. High principles of manhood and citizenship have 
 actuated him in all the relations of life and his genuine worth commands for 
 him the confidence, esteem and good-will of those among whom his entire life 
 has been passed. As one of the native sons of the county, he has lived to see 
 many changes here, and at all times has borne his part in the work of general 
 progress and improvement. 
 
 A. R. GWIN. 
 
 A. R. Gwin has been engaged in farming upon his eighty-acre farm in Cleve- 
 land township for over twenty years, and as time has passed prosperity has come 
 to him, for his property is now conceded to be one of the best improved in this 
 section, boasting of a fine house and the best and largest barn in the township. 
 Mr. Gwin engages in general farming, following modern and progressive methods, 
 and these, in combination with his natural industry and energy, have won him 
 a place among the substantial men of Chippewa county. 
 
 Born in Lawrence county, Pennsylvania, February 9, 1S53, A. R. Gwin is 
 a son of Robert P. and Isabel (McKinley) Gwin, the latter a distant relative 
 of the late martyred president, William McKinley. Robert P. Gwin was born 
 May 11, 1828, and died March 13, 1903. He was a carpenter by trade and 
 highly respected in his home community. His wife was born on July 21, 1826, 
 and survived her husband about five years, passing away on February 4, 1908. 
 The Gwin family are of old Scotch ancestry. 
 
 A. R. Gwin attended school in Lawrence county, Pennsylvania, and then 
 worked on the home farm, assisting his father. Later he found employment in 
 the stone quarries and lime kilns, but after his marriage, in 1880, settled on a 
 rented farm, which he cultivated until 1884. He then moved with his family 
 to Youngstown, Ohio, and there engaged in bridge and car work until about 
 1890 or 1891, when he came to Chippewa county and for the first year or two 
 
PAST AND PRESENT OF CHIPPEWA COUNTY 
 
 95 
 
 worked in the woods or as a farm hand. Being careful of his earnings, he was 
 enabled in 1892 to acquire eighty acres of slightly improved land, on nine acres 
 of which the trees had been felled. However, there were no fences or buildings 
 on the land. Setting himself to the task of pioneering and clearing his acres, 
 he has placed his land under cultivation and annual harvests have brought pros- 
 perity to him. Mr. Gwin now owns one of the finest homes in the township, 
 has substantial barns upon his land and has installed such modern machinery as 
 is considered indispensable by the up-to-date agriculturist. He engages in gen- 
 eral farming and fruit raising, having one of the finest orchards in the county, 
 and is modern and progressive in all his methods. 
 
 On May 13, 1880, in Wampum, Pennsylvania, Mr. Gwin was married to 
 Miss Ella Kitch, of Mercer county, Pennsylvania, a daughter of John M. and 
 Elizabeth (McClary) Kitch. The Kitch family is of German descent, while the 
 McClary’s are Irish. John M. Kitch was a harness, saddle and glove maker 
 by occupation. He died February 25, 1869, at the comparative early age of 
 thirty-seven, while his wife died April 2, 1877, aged forty-six years. Mr. and 
 Mrs. Gwin are the parents of three children: Zona Belle, the wife of Edward 
 Foster, of Chippewa county; Tirza H., at home; and Paul L., who follows rail- 
 roading in Pennsylvania. The two daughters both have been successful as school 
 teachers in this county. Mr. and Mrs. Gwin also have a foster daughter, Alvina 
 Bergeson, whom they have reared since nine years of age. Mrs. Gwin, her two 
 daughters, son and foster daughter are members of the Congregational church. 
 
 A substantial citizen, Mr. Gwin takes interest in public affairs and for five 
 years served as township clerk. He also has been for one term clerk of the local 
 school board. He gives his allegiance to the republican party, in the platform of 
 which he believes are embodied the best measures for good government. He 
 enjoys to a large degree the respect and good-will of his neighbors, who esteem 
 in him an earnest, industrious, energetic man who has not only encompassed 
 individual prosperity but by his labors has contributed toward bringing about 
 the prosperous conditions that now prevail in this section. 
 
 WILLIAM S IE PERT. 
 
 William Siepert owns a tract of eighty acres and also cultivates a tract of 
 similar size belonging to his wife. Their home is situated on section 21, Tilden 
 township, not far from Chippewa Falls. More than a third of a century has come 
 and gone since William Siepert arrived in that community, having emigrated 
 from Germany in 1879. He was born in Pomerania, Prussia, on the 16th of 
 January, 1849, an d is a son of Gottfried and Henrietta (Zimmerman) Siepert, 
 both of whom have passed away and are laid to rest at Grabuitzfelde, Saatzig, 
 Pomerania. 
 
 After acquiring his education in the schools of his native country, William 
 Siepert assisted his father in the farm work for a time and then started out 
 independently, after which he supported his mother. Favorable reports reached 
 him concerning the new world and its opportunities, and thinking that he might 
 better his financial condition on this side the Atlantic he came to the United 
 
96 
 
 PAST AND PRESENT OF CHIPPEWA COUNTY 
 
 States and made his way to Chippewa Falls, Wisconsin. Here he began grub' 
 bing trees and was thus employed for three and a half years, but he was 
 ambitious to engage in business on his own account and at the end of that time; 
 rented a farm. He continued to cultivate leased land for ten years before he 
 was able to purchase a farm. The land which he bought was a wooded wilder- 
 ness but he has actively and persistently continued his labors until of the one 
 hundred and sixty acres owned by himself and wife, one hundred acres are now 
 under cultivation. He carries on general agricultural pursuits and keeps con- 
 siderable live stock. The farm is most attractive in its appearance, Mr. Siepert 
 having made many modern improvements thereon, including the erection of 
 a comfortable and commodious residence. He is determined and energetic, carry- 
 ing forward to successful completion whatever he undertakes, and he combines 
 scientific ideas with practical methods. 
 
 Mr. Siepert was married in Tilden township, on the 6th of December, 1882, 
 to Miss Magdalene Hennemann, a daughter of William and Dorothea (Maxiener) 
 Hennemann. Mrs. Siepert was the first white child born in this district and is 
 today the oldest living woman in this district who was born here. Mr. and Mrs. 
 Siepert have three children : Albert, who is a teacher of manual training in 
 South Carolina; Frederick W., who completed his education in the Dunn County 
 College of Agriculture and is now assisting his father on the home farm ; and 
 Clara K., a graduate of the Chippewa Falls high school and a teacher in the 
 county public schools. 
 
 The family attend the German Methodist church, in which the parents hold 
 membership. Mr. Siepert gives his political support to the progressive party. 
 He does not believe in the blind following of party leaders, but studies vital 
 questions for himself and votes according to the dictates of his judgment. He 
 is public-spirited in citizenship and his indorsement of any measure indicates, 
 his firm belief in it. 
 
 JOHN M. ANDREJESKI. 
 
 John M. Andrejeski is president of the Chippewa Shoe Manufacturing Com- 
 pany and as such prominently connected with industrial interests of Chippewa 
 Falls. He is a native of Germany, born in Schubin, in the province of Posen, 
 June 2, 1868, a son of Martin and Emily (Froeley) Andrejeski. The father 
 came to America and settled in Berlin, Wisconsin, where he follows the shoe- 
 making trade. 
 
 John M. Andrejeski acquired his early education in Germany, completing 
 his studies in Wisconsin. He began his active career in his father’s shoemaking 
 establishment, where he remained until he was twenty-one years of age, after 
 which he engaged in mechanical shoemaking independently until 1900. He 
 then came to Chippewa Falls and formed a partnership with J. B. Piotrowski 
 in the shoe manufacturing business. They started in a small way, conducting 
 their factory at Nos. 12, 14 and 16 East Spring street, where their enterprise 
 furnished employment to about seven people. Success came rapidly, however, 
 and the business soon outgrew the original quarters. The partners then erected 
 
JOHN M. ANDREJESK 1 
 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
PAST AND PRESENT OF CHIPPEWA COUNTY 
 
 99 
 
 iheir present modern plant which is five stories high and one hundred and 
 twenty-four by sixty-three feet in dimensions, one of the largest shoe manu- 
 facturing concerns in Chippewa county. Three hundred people are employed 
 therein and the daily output of shoes is very large, the company’s selling terri- 
 tory extending to all parts of the United States. Much of the credit for the 
 remarkable growth and development of the concern is due to Mr. Andrejeski, 
 who since its organization has given practically all of his time to its -affairs, dis- 
 playing excellent organizing and administrative ability and the energy, resource- 
 fulness and well timed aggressiveness necessary for success in the business 
 field. 
 
 In Chippewa Falls, on November 17, 1903, Mr. Andrejeski was united in 
 marriage to Miss Margaret Anderson, a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. C. P. Ander- 
 son, of Medford, Wisconsin. The father was a pioneer farmer in that vicinity 
 and is still residing there with his family. Mr. and Mrs. Andrejeski have three 
 children : Floyd J. and Lorraine M., who are attending school ; and Carl B. 
 
 Mr. Andrejeski is connected fraternally with the Knights of Columbus and 
 is independent in his political views, voting for the man whom he considers 
 best fitted for the position without regard to party lines. A man of upright 
 character and honorable principles, he has ever conformed to a high standard 
 of commercial ethics and is honored and respected by all with whom he has come 
 in contact. 
 
 CARL DUENOW. 
 
 Carl Duenow, an enterprising and progressive agriculturist, whose life of 
 activity has been crowned with success, owns and occupies a farm of one hundred 
 and twenty acres on section 21, Tilden township. He has lived in this county 
 for more than a half century and he has now reached the age of seventy-nine 
 years. However, he still gives supervision to his farm work and it is well known 
 that his industry and intelligence have constituted the foundation upon which 
 he has built his prosperity. He was born in Pomerania, Prussia, October 26, 
 1834, and is a son of Gottlieb and Dorothea Duenow, both of whom now sleep 
 in the Evangelical cemetery of Tilden. 
 
 In his native country Carl Duenow pursued his education, but his opportuni- 
 ties were quite limited. He began earning his own living when but eight years 
 of age as a herder and his youth was a period of unremitting toil. In 1856, he 
 crossed the Atlantic to the new world, hoping to better his financial conditions 
 in the United States and for five years he was employed in different sections 
 of Wisconsin. He carefully saved his earnings until his labor and economy 
 had brought him sufficient capital to enable him to purchase one hundred and 
 forty acres of woodland on the Yellow river. He hewed the trees and built 
 a log house and other necessary farm buildings. Acre after acre was cleared, 
 plowed and planted and in time he gathered good crops as a reward of his 
 labors. He lived upon his original farm for seven and one-half years. In 1869 
 he purchased a part of his present farm and eventually became the owner of 
 
 two hundred and eighty acres in the Henneman settlement, starting with one 
 voi. n— 6 
 
100 
 
 PAST AND PRESENT OF CHIPPEWA COUNTY 
 
 hundred and sixty acres, which he improved. He remained upon that farm for 
 thirty-two years before removing to his present place on section 21, Tilden town- 
 ship, and during the period of almost one-third of a century spent in the Henne- 
 man settlement, he won substantial success through his wisely directed efforts. 
 
 His present farm was largely in a state of wilderness when it came into his 
 possession, but he cleared and cultivated it and today has a valuable and well 
 improved property. He has built three residences in this county and has borne 
 his full share in the arduous task of transforming the forest lands into produc- 
 tive fields. When he came to Chippewa county, he made the journey with oxen 
 from Washington county and it was after three weeks of slow and tedious travel- 
 ing that he reached his destination. He broke his first land with oxen and the 
 farm machinery was of a primitive character. Much of the work that is today 
 accomplished with improved agricultural implements then had to be done by 
 hand. At all times Mr. Duenow had the assistance and encouragement of a 
 faithful wife who has indeed been a helpmate to him. 
 
 It was on the 29th of August, 1861, that Mr. Duenow was married to 
 Miss Augustina Harck, daughter of Christian F. and Wilhelmina Harck, both of 
 whom have passed away. Mr. and Mrs. Duenow celebrated their golden wedding, 
 on which occasion ninety of their descendants were present. They had a family 
 of nine children: Wilhelm, who died in October, 1910, at the age of thirty-five 
 years; Minnie, the widow of William Wesenberg, who was a farmer of Wash- 
 ington county, Wisconsin ; Hannah, the wife of Earnest Rank, a farmer of 
 Cooks Valley, this county ; Heinrich, a farmer living in the vicinity of his father’s 
 home; Anna, who is residing in California; Augusta, who makes her home with 
 her brother, Heinrich; Emma, also in California; Louisa, at home; and Adolph, 
 who is assisting his father in the work of the farm. 
 
 Mr. Duenow votes with the republican party which he has supported since 
 he became a naturalized American citizen. The right of franchise was conferred 
 him about the time the party elected its first president, and he has always re- 
 mained one of its strong adherents to the present time. His life exemplifies 
 his religious faith, which is that of the German Methodist church. 
 
 He has reached the age of seventy-nine years and received the veneration 
 and respect which should ever be accorded those who have long traveled life's 
 journey and whose record is worthy of emulation. Mr. and Mrs. Duenow are 
 today among the best-known residents of Tilden township, and as pioneer set- 
 tlers, well deserve mention in this volume. 
 
 LOUIS HOEL. 
 
 Louis Hoel, a well known farmer of Cleveland township, is the owner of 
 ninety acres of land on section 28, township 31, range 7. His birth occurred in 
 Norway on the 4th of April, 1875, his parents being Edward and Carrie Hoel, 
 who are still residents of that country. He spent the first seventeen years of 
 his life in Norway and in 1892 emigated to the United States, locating in North 
 Dakota, where he remained, for a year and a half. On the expiration of that 
 period he came to Chippewa Falls, Wisconsin, and secured employment as a 
 
PAST AND PRESENT OF CHIPPEWA COUNTY 
 
 101 
 
 lumber jack, in which line of work he has been largely engaged to the present 
 time. In 1902 he purchased ninety acres of land on section 28, township 31, 
 range 7, the only improvements on the property being a small house and a wood- 
 shed. The trees had been cut down from an acre and a half, but the stumps 
 were still standing. Mr. Hoel has cleared about twenty acres of the place, has 
 enlarged the residence and erected a new barn. He carries on general agri- 
 cultural pursuits during the summer seasons and in the winter works in the lum- 
 ber woods in order to augment his income. 
 
 As a companion and helpmate on the journey of life Mr. Hoel chose Miss 
 Ethel Butterfield, a native of Jackson county, Wisconsin. They were married 
 on October 13, 1900, at Chippewa Falls. Mrs. Hoel is a daughter of William 
 and Edith (Austen) Butterfield, natives of Wisconsin. The father died when 
 she was but two years of age and the mother about fifteen years later. Mr. 
 and Mrs. Hoel have four children : Herbert, Edward Allen, Hazel Bernice and 
 Ray Cleo. 
 
 Mr. Hoel is a republican in politics and acted as town assessor during 1909 
 and 19TO, while at one time he also served as clerk of the school board. His 
 religious faith is that of the Lutheran church. He is an intelligent, hard-working, 
 energetic man who has succeeded by his own efforts, and is known as one of 
 the substantial citizens of Cleveland township. 
 
 NATHAN DONALDSON. 
 
 The home of Nathan Donaldson is a farm of forty acres on section 17, Tilden 
 township. His residence in Chippewa county covers all of the intervening 
 years from 1866, to the present time, and therefore he has witnessed many of 
 the changes which have led to the present prosperous condition of the district. 
 He is of Canadian birth, the place of his nativity being St. John, New Bruns- 
 wick, and the date September 12, 1847. » His father, Nathan Donaldson, Sr., 
 was a logger and pilot on the St. Lawrence river. He died in 1877 at the age 
 of seventy-four years, having for only a brief period survived his wife, who 
 passed away in September, 1876, at the age of seventy. She bore the maiden 
 name of Luna Hazel. When called to their final rest, both the father and 
 mother were interred in the Forest Hill cemetery at Eau Claire. 
 
 After attending the public schools of his native province until fourteen years 
 of age, Nathan Donaldson, Jr., assisted his father on the farm, giving his atten- 
 tion to agricultural pursuits until thirty years of age. He was next employed 
 in a sawmill in Eau Claire and at Rice Lake for seven years, and during the 
 seasons for twenty-nine years he worked in the lumber woods driving teams, 
 while during the spring months for sixteen years he was a log driver on the 
 river. He also did carpenter work and throughout these years there were few 
 leisure hours in his career. He realized that if success should be his it must come 
 as the direct result of indefatigable industry and persistent purpose. In 1889 
 he settled on a farm on section 17, Tilden township, which at that time was 
 covered with a dense growth of timber. The task of clearing it was a difficult 
 one, but he resolutely undertook the work and has brought thirty-five acres 
 
102 
 
 PAST AND PRESENT OF CHIPPEWA COUNTY 
 
 under cultivation. He is now engaged in general farming and is making his 
 fields bring forth rich returns. 
 
 Mr. Donaldson was married in Eau Claire, on the 22d of March, 1881, his 
 union being with Miss Mary H. Oehman, a daughter of Nicholas and Gertrude 
 (Metzger) Oehman, who were pioneers of Chippewa county, but are now 
 deceased. Mr. and Mrs. Donaldson had five children, but one of the number 
 died in infancy. The others are : Charles, a farmer residing in Minnesota ; 
 William, who follows farming in Bloomer township ; Annie, the wife of Anton 
 Rufif, a farmer of Brush Prairie; and Ida, the wife of Fred Fitzpatrick, an 
 expressman of Eau Claire. 
 
 Mr. Donaldson votes with the democratic party and is interested in its 
 success and active in its work. He has served as a member of the county board 
 and as road commissioner. He and his wife belong to St. Peter’s Catholic 
 church at Tilden, and he is a member of the Order of Owls. The rules which 
 govern his conduct are such as measure up to high standards and his fidelity to 
 these rules has made him worthy of the high respect and confidence in which he 
 is uniformly held. 
 
 JOHN S. MELVILLE. 
 
 John S. Melville, a representative of one of the most honored pioneer 
 families of Chippewa county and closely connected with agricultural interests 
 of Lafayette township as the owner of a fine farm of one hundred acres on sec- 
 tion 15, was born in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, July 30, 1853. He is a son of 
 William and Sarah C. (Thomas) Melville, pioneers of Chippewa county. 
 
 The father settled in Chippewa Falls when there were only a few houses in 
 the place besides the tepees occupied by Indians. The surrounding country was 
 a dense wilderness where frontier conditions prevailed and where all the hard- 
 ships of pioneer life confronted the settler. William Melville founded what is 
 now known as the Melville settlement, a name which has clung to it through the 
 years by reason of the fact that members of this family have made their home 
 there since the establishment of the community. William Melville brought a large 
 tract of land to a high state of cultivation and became a prosperous, progressive 
 and able farmer. He took a prominent part in public afifairs and was honored 
 by his fellow citizens by election to various township offices, in all of which he 
 discharged his duties capably and conscientiously. He was a member of the 
 first jury impaneled in this county, it being composed mainly of business men on 
 the south side of the river, which portion of the city was then called French- 
 town. His death occurred July 15, 1906, when he was nearly eighty-six -years 
 of age. He had long survived his wife, who passed away in 1866. Both are 
 buried in Lafayette cemetery, Chippewa county. 
 
 John S. Melville acquired his education in the district schools of Chippewa 
 county and continued his studies until he was eighteen years of age, although 
 during the latter part of this time he spent seven months in each year assisting 
 his father with the work of the farm. After laying aside his books he remained 
 at home until he was twenty-one years of age and upon attaining his majority 
 was presented by his father with an eighty-acre tract of land in Lafayette town- 
 
PAST AND PRESENT OF CHIPPEWA COUNTY 
 
 103 
 
 ship, the nucleus of his present farm. From time to time he added to his hold- 
 ings, acquiring finally three hundred acres, a portion of which he has divided 
 among his children, retaining for himself one hundred acres on section 15. Upon 
 this property he engages in general farming and dairying and his practical and 
 progressive methods have been rewarded by excellent results. Mr. Melville 
 erected the residence which is now upon his property and good farm buildings, 
 all of which he keeps in excellent repair. By untiring and well directed labor 
 he has made this a valuable and productive farm, reflecting everywhere his 
 careful supervision and capable management. 
 
 In Lafayette township, February 17, 1878, Mr. Melville was united in mar- 
 riage to Miss Lizzie E. Ogden, a daughter of Joseph and Fannie (Livingston) 
 Ogden. Her father was a soldier of the Civil war. Mr. and Mrs. Melville have 
 three children: Carrie, the wife of B. A. Stone, a farmer in Lafayette township; 
 Oliver W., also engaged in farming in that township; and Roy R., who is 
 assisting his father. 
 
 Mr. Melville is a devout member of the Presbyterian church and is a republi- 
 can in his political beliefs. He is interested in the cause of education and active 
 in its promotion, having served as director, clerk and treasurer of the school 
 board. He has been loyal in his advocacy of everything pertaining to the wel- 
 fare of the county and has made many substantial contributions to development 
 and progress, adding by his upright and honorable life to the esteem and respect 
 in which his name has been held since pioneer times. 
 
 FRANK PETSKA, Jr. 
 
 Frank Petska, Jr., is well known in the business circles of Bloomer where 
 he makes his home. He is engaged in teaming and he also has an interest in a 
 farm of one hundred and twenty acres. He was born in this locality thirty-one 
 years ago and is a son of Frank Petska, who was born across the water, but 
 came to the United States when twenty-five years of age. He journeyed across 
 the country until he reached Wisconsin, taking up his abode in Chippewa county 
 where he engaged in farming. He now lives at Taylors Corners where he con- 
 ducts a road house. He married Lena Eder and their family numbered thirteen 
 children. 
 
 The usual experiences of the farm lad came to Frank Petska, Jr., in his 
 youth, his time being divided between the duties of the schoolroom, the pleas- 
 ures of the playground and the work of the fields. When his school days 
 were over his entire attention was given to farm work on the old homestead 
 until about six years ago when he came to Bloomer and has since engaged in 
 teaming. He is usually busy at this work and his patrons find him thoroughly 
 reliable as well as industrious and enterprising. He owns the home place in 
 Bloomer and he is also interested in the old home farm and owns an interest 
 in one hundred and sixty acres of land east of Taylors Corners. 
 
 In 1905 Mr. Petska was united in marriage to Miss Tillie Miller and as 
 the years have gone by four children have been added to the family, Herbert, 
 Lena, Lucile and Eldon. 
 
104 
 
 PAST AND PRESENT OF CHIPPEWA COUNTY 
 
 Mr. Petska votes with the republican party and has filled the offices of road- 
 master and assessor, in which connection he has performed his duties with 
 promptness and fidelity. He belongs to the Catholic church and he is well known 
 in the county where he has a circle of friends almost coextensive with the circle 
 of his acquaintances. 
 
 FRANK J. MAIER. 
 
 Frank J. Maier who conducts one of the largest and most up-to-date black- 
 smith shops in Bloomer, was born in Germany in 1872 and is a son of Frank J. 
 Maier also a native of the fatherland. Mr. Maier of this review remained in 
 Germany until he was sixteen years of age and then emigrated to America where 
 he completed his education and afterwards worked at various occupations. On 
 the 4th of March, 1902, he opened a blacksmith shop in Bloomer and this he has 
 since conducted with gratifying success. He owns the building, which is the 
 oldest blacksmith shop in the town, but he has entirely remodelled it, installing 
 excellent equipment and making it new and modern in every particular. Mr. 
 Maier carries on a horseshoeing and general repair business and has met with 
 well deserved success in his activities. 
 
 Mr. Maier married Miss Theresa Geisler and they have become the parents 
 of five children: Richard, aged seven; Irene, aged five; Florence, aged three; 
 Rosalie, aged sixteen months; and Frank J., Jr., aged seven weeks. The family 
 are members of the Roman Catholic church and Mr. Maier is connected fraternally 
 with the Catholic Order of Foresters. He is a democrat in his political beliefs 
 and interested in public affairs, although he is not active as an office seeker. He 
 is a man of high integrity and worth and holds the esteem and confidence of all 
 who are in any way associated with him. 
 
 JOHN SUNDET. 
 
 John Sundet, following mixed farming and dairying upon eighty acres of 
 land on section 15, Lafayette township, was born in Sundet, Norway, a com- 
 munity named in honor of his family, on the 12th of October, 1854. He is a 
 son of Ole and Martha (Hogseth) Sundet, both of whom have passed away and 
 are buried in Fiskom, Sundet, Norway. 
 
 John Sundet acquired his education in the public schools of his native country 
 and laid aside his books at the age of fourteen. He afterward assisted his father 
 for some time and then began farming independently, operating a tract of land 
 in Norway until he came to America in 1883. He first settled in Grand Rapids, 
 Wisconsin, where he worked in a sawmill for a time and later in the lumber 
 woods. From there he removed to Sawyer county, where he spent nine years, 
 and at the end of that time came to Chippewa county, where, in 1896, he pur- 
 chased his present farm. At that time it was entirely unimproved, there being no 
 buildings upon the place, but he has since erected a fine residence and good barns 
 
PAST AND PRESENT OF CHIPPEWA COUNTY 
 
 105 
 
 and other outbuildings, steadily carrying forward the work of development and 
 making the place a model and valuable farm. For thirty years he has engaged in 
 mixed farming and dairying and his well directed efforts have been rewarded 
 by a success which places him among the substantial and progressive farmers 
 of his locality. 
 
 In Hayward, Wisconsin, November 5, 1888, Mr. Sundet was united in mar- 
 riage to Miss Caroline Paulson, a daughter of Paul Iv. and Margaret (Morten- 
 sen) Torgberg, the former for many years a farmer in Fusen, Norway. Both 
 have passed away and are buried in Haagh cemetery, that country. Mr. and Mrs. 
 Sundet have become the parents of five children : Ole, a farmer in Canada ; 
 Arthur, a telegraph operator ; Melvin, who lives at home ; Christ, who is assist- 
 ing his father ; and Martha, also at home. 
 
 Mr. Sundet gives his political allegiance to the republican party and his relig- 
 ious views are in accord with the doctrines of the Lutheran church. He is a man 
 of high moral character, industrious and enterprising, and his honesty and 
 integrity have merited him the confidence and regard of his neighbors, among 
 whom he has lived for over a quarter of a century. 
 
 HENRY GOETZ AND BROTHERS. 
 
 The Goetz family has long been highly esteemed in Sigel township, Chip- 
 pewa county, and Henry Goetz is worthily carrying on the family tradition, 
 being not only one of the foremost farmers and stock-raisers of this section but 
 also vice president of the Citizens Bank of Cadott and prominent in the public 
 life of the county. The family is of German extraction, the father, Henry Goetz, 
 Sr., having been born in that country on September 10, 1833. He was one of 
 the early pioneers of Sigel township, a farmer by profession, and attained to a 
 degree of prosperity which made him one of the most substantial men in his local- 
 ity. Moreover, he was widely known as a public official, enjoying in a large 
 measure the trust and confidence of the general public. He served for four 
 years as county treasurer and for twenty-seven years held the same office in his 
 township. He was also prominently connected with the commercial and financial 
 life in Sigel township, being treasurer and director of the Eagle Point Mutual 
 Fire Insurance Company and one of the organizers and president and director 
 of the Citizens Bank of Cadott. For three years he served as president in this 
 connection. He was highly respected by all who knew him on account of his 
 foresight, good judgment, his ability and his absolute integrity. His death, 
 which occurred December 10, 1909, marked a loss to the community of one who 
 had perhaps done more than any other citizen for progress and advancement 
 along many lines of endeavor. Henry Goetz, Sr., was married to Miss Caroline 
 Grassle, a native of Ohio, born in 1843, who still makes her home on the old 
 farm. Of this union were born fifteen children, of whom Henry Goetz, Jr., is 
 the eldest and the others were: Leopold, deceased; John; George; Caroline; 
 August, deceased; Christian L. ; Louis; Martha; Mary; Reinhardt; Benjamin; 
 Emma; Frederick; and Walter. 
 
106 
 
 PAST AND PRESENT OF CHIPPEWA COUNTY 
 
 Henry Goetz, our subject, attended district school in Sigel township until 
 eighteen years of age, early assisting his father in his agricultural work and 
 becoming acquainted with valuable methods of cultivating the soil. He has ever 
 remained here and now owns about two hundred and sixty acres of land located 
 on section 23, township 29, range 7. The Goetz family own a total amount of 
 sixteen hundred and eighty acres in this county, most of which is located in 
 Goetz township. This was originally part of Sigel township but has been named 
 Goetz in honor of the Goetz family. Being a thorough agriculturist and an 
 able business man, Mr. Goetz employs the most modern methods in the operation 
 of his farm and has made a remarkable success, bringing his property to such a 
 profitable condition that it must be classed as one of the most valuable in the 
 county. He gives much attention to stock-raising, averaging about one hundred 
 head of cattle per year, most of which are shorthorns. It takes ten horses to 
 carry on the operation of the farm. The farm buildings, sheds, granaries and 
 barns are up-to-date in every respect and substantially built, and the most mod- 
 ern machinery has been installed upon the place. Mr. Goetz specializes in dairy 
 products and gives particular attention to the sanitary arrangements and the 
 highest class of quality in their manufacture. Moreover, Mr. Goetz is connected 
 with some of the institutions in which his father was already prominent, for he is 
 vice president of the Citizens State Bank of Cadott and treasurer and director 
 of the Eagle Point Mutual Fire Insurance Company. Both of these institutions 
 profit by his business ability to a large extent. Ever interested in the higher 
 things of life, Mr. Goetz is a devout member of the German Lutheran church, of 
 which he is treasurer and one of the overseers, taking part in all branches of 
 religious life. For fourteen years he has served his township as treasurer. He is 
 a republican and his convictions always lead him to the support of candidates 
 and measures of this party. Eminently successful, Mr. Goetz enjoys in full meas- 
 ure the regard of all who know him and is most deeply respected by those who 
 have known him from his boyhood days and who are most intimately acquainted 
 with him. He is one of the most worthy native sons of Sigel township and it 
 is this worthiness more than his material achievements which assure him of the 
 continued respect of the general public. A well informed, modern farmer, a 
 thorough, able and shrewd business man, a sincerely devout churchman and 
 a public servant of great merit, he is entitled to all the honor that comes his 
 way and well merits the material achievements which have been the result of 
 careful planning and sagacious execution. 
 
 HERMAN MEYER. 
 
 Herman Meyer, a representative of a well known pioneer family of Chip- 
 pewa county, has since 1881 been connected with the agricultural interests of this 
 part of Wisconsin and today owns and operates a fine farm of one hundred and 
 thirty acres in section 14, Lafayette township. He was born in Wayne, Wash- 
 ington county, this state, October 24, 1851, and is a son of Ludwig and Anna 
 (Toedder) Meyer, both of German origin. The family came from Wash- 
 ington county to Chippewa county in pioneer times, settling near Cadott when 
 
PAST AND PRESENT OF CHIPPEWA COUNTY 
 
 107 
 
 there were only three families within a radius of many miles. The surrounding 
 country was a tract of dense timber land and the Indians were numerous. 
 Ludwig Meyer took up a tract of land and with characteristic energy carried 
 forward the work of its development, bringing it eventually to a high state of 
 cultivation. Besides being an active and prosperous farmer he was prominent 
 also in public affairs and held a number of county offices, such as register of 
 deeds and clerk of the court. He is now living retired in Tilden, having reached 
 the advanced age of ninety-four. His wife passed away in 1896, at the age of 
 seventy-two, and is buried in the Tilden cemetery. 
 
 Herman Meyer acquired his education in the district schools of Chippewa 
 county and laid aside his books at the age of sixteen. He afterward assisted 
 his father with the work of the farm during the summer months and spent the 
 winters in the lumber camps, continuing thus until 1881. He then turned his 
 attention to farming, settling upon an eighty-acre tract of land in Wheaton 
 township. At the time this came into his possession it was entirely unimproved 
 but in the course of years he brought it to a high state of cultivation, making it 
 one of the finest properties in the locality. When he disposed of this he bought 
 his present farm, comprising one hundred and thirty acres lying on section 14, 
 Lafayette township, and here he has since engaged in agricultural pursuits, tak- 
 ing a particular interest in the conduct of his large modern dairy. His interests 
 are all carefully and ably conducted and have brought him a gratifying measure 
 of success. 
 
 In Tilden township, on the 21st of October, 1874, Mr. Meyer was united in 
 marriage to Miss Pauline Vonderheiden, a daughter of William and Henrietta 
 Vonderheiden, both of whom have passed away. The father is buried in Tilden 
 but the mother was laid to rest in Chippewa Falls. Mr. and Mrs. Meyer are the 
 parents of five children: Gustav, who is engaged in poultry raising in California; 
 Clara, the wife of Vines Clothier, a farmer in Kansas; Walter, a bricklayer resid- 
 ing in Spokane, Washington; Emma, who married James Koyle, a foreman for 
 the Chippewa Canning Company ; and Arthur, who is assisting his father. 
 
 Mr. Meyer is a member of the German Evangelical church, of which he has 
 been treasurer and trustee, and he is connected fraternally with the Knights of 
 the Maccabees. He is a republican in his political beliefs and interested in public 
 affairs, having served for some time as a member of the board of aldermen of 
 Chippewa Falls. He is an upright man, interested not only in the material but 
 also in the moral standing of the community, and he has gained the confidence 
 and respect of his neighbors as a substantial farmer and a useful citizen. 
 
 JOHN BENNESCH. 
 
 For thirty years John Bennesch has made his home in Howard township, 
 and that success has attended his labors is evident from the fact that he is 
 today the owner of one of the largest and most profitable farms on section 15, 
 comprising three hundred and eighty acres, where he engages in general farming 
 and stock-raising. A native of Bohemia, he came to America at the age of 
 twenty, after the death of his father, to seek the opportunities of the new world, 
 
108 
 
 PAST AND PRESENT OF CHIPPEWA COUNTY 
 
 and that he has found them and made use of them, his present prosperity rs 
 the best proof. 
 
 John Bennesch was born in Bohemia in September, 1863, and is a son of 
 Frank and Kedy Bennesch, both of whom spent their entire lives in the old 
 country, where they passed away. John Bennesch attended common school in 
 Bohemia until fourteen years of age, after which he assisted his father in farm 
 work until the latter’s death, when he came to America. This was in 1883. He 
 engaged as a farm hand and worked for others for a period of seven years, 
 carefully husbanding his resources and assumulating the means which enabled 
 him to start for himself. He began with the cultivation of about one hundred 
 and fifty acres and has since added to his holdings until his farm now comprises 
 three hundred and eighty acres of fertile land. His acres are planted to the most 
 suitable grain and he also engages to a considerable extent in stock-raising, hav- 
 ing at present forty-four head of cattle, eighteen hogs, nine sheep and five horses. 
 He is progressive in his methods, and the present appearance of his farm is the 
 best evidence of his indefatigable industry, good judgment and ready under- 
 standing of the agricultural proceedings most certain to obtain results. Mr. 
 Bennesch has erected a handsome residence on his land and has also put up a 
 number of other farm buildings which are up-to-date and substantial and in 
 every way adequate to his needs. He has installed modern machinery and 
 manages his enterprise with a view toward obtaining the best results at the 
 least expenditure of labor, which is the foundation for great success. 
 
 On May 14, 1889, in Tilden township, Mr. Bennesch married Miss Theresa 
 Manan, a daughter of John and Mary (Wheatle) Manan, well known residents 
 of Tilden township. Mr. and Mrs. Bennesch have six children: Emil, who assists 
 his father with the work of the farm ; Caroline, the wife of William Dackel, a 
 prosperous farmer of Howard township; and Rose, Adolph, Regina and Herman, 
 all of whom are yet at home. 
 
 Mr. Bennesch and his family are devout communicants of the Roman Catholic 
 church, and politically he is a democrat. Although he has never sought public 
 office, he is interested in all worthy enterprises promoted for the benefit of the 
 community, and as a private citizen has done much toward agricultural advance- 
 ment. Through his own efforts he has attained a success of which he may well 
 be proud and which none can begrudge him. He is highly respected by all who 
 know him and has many friends in Howard township who esteem him highly 
 for his qualities of mind and character. 
 
 THOMAS GERMYN. 
 
 Thomas Germyn has resided in Chippewa county since 1887 and during the 
 greater portion of the time has made his home upon his fine farm of one hundred 
 acres on section 13, Lafayette township, making in the course of years many 
 substantial contributions to the agricultural development and progress of his 
 locality. He was born in County Cork, Ireland, in 1840, and is a son of William 
 and Susan (Levis) Germyn, both of whom have passed away. The father died 
 in his native country and is buried in Skibbereen Abbey, County Cork. His 
 
PAST AND PRESENT OF CHIPPEWA COUNTY 
 
 109 
 
 wife survived him many years, living to the advanced age of ninety-nine. She is 
 buried in the cemetery at Wolf Prairie. 
 
 Thomas Germyn acquired his education in the public schools of County Cork 
 and after laying aside his books engaged in agricultural pursuits upon a rented 
 farm. When he left Ireland he crossed the Atlantic to America, settling in Wis- 
 consin, where for a number of months he worked at anything which would bring 
 him an income. At the end of that time he turned his attention to farming in 
 Waukesha county and there remained until 1887, when he removed to Chippewa 
 county, where he has since resided. He purchased his present farm, comprising 
 one hundred acres lying on section 13, Lafayette township, and here engages in 
 mixed farming, his practical efforts being rewarded by a substantial measure of 
 success. Mr. Germyn has made all of his own improvements, erecting a resi- 
 dence, a good barn and substantial outbuildings, and his property is today one of 
 the finest in this section of the state. 
 
 Mr. Germyn has been twice married. In Ireland he wedded Miss Eliza 
 Pipering, who died in that country leaving two children : Edward, who is engaged 
 in farming in Oklahoma; and William, a farmer in Lafayette township. After 
 the death of his first wife Mr. Germyn married, in 1883, Miss Ellen Allen, a 
 daughter of Mr. and Mrs. William Allen, the former a pioneer farmer in Wis- 
 consin. Both have passed away, the former being buried in Ireland and the 
 latter in Wolf Prairie, this township. Mr. and Mrs. Germyn became the parents 
 of two children : Susan, the wife of Ole Larson, who is operating a farm belong- 
 ing to his father-in-law; and Allen, who died while in the United States naval 
 service. 
 
 Mr. Germyn is a member of the Church of England, and is a republican in his 
 political beliefs, taking an active interest in the progress of the community, where 
 he has so long resided. In all of his business dealings he is straightforward and 
 reliable, and in matters of citizenship helpful and progressive, and he enjoys to 
 the fullest extent the confidence and good-will of those who know him. 
 
 HENRY PFAFF. 
 
 Henry Pfaff, a prosperous and successful farmer of Sigel township, owning 
 eighty acres of fine land on section 28, was born in Dunn county, Wisconsin, 
 February 27, 1875. He is a son of Adam and Mary (Templeman) Pfaff, natives 
 of Washington county, Wisconsin, the former born in 1847 and the latter in 
 1852. They came to Sigel township about the year 1876 and for many years 
 thereafter the father was prominently connected with agricultural interests. He 
 is now living retired in Cadott. In his family were nine children : Henry and 
 Katie, who are living; Carrie, Lena and John, who have all three passed away; 
 Charles; George; Elizabeth; and Frieda. 
 
 Henry Pfaff acquired his education in the public schools of Sigel township 
 and from his early childhood assisted with the work of his father’s farm, becom- 
 ing in this way thoroughly familiar with the best agricultural methods. When he 
 was twenty-one he went to North Dakota but returned after a short time and 
 later spent some years working in the woods in the winters and at farming during 
 
110 
 
 PAST AND PRESENT OF CHIPPEWA COUNTY 
 
 the summer months. He purchased his present property when he was twenty-four 
 years of age, buying eighty acres on section 28, Sigel township, and in the fol- 
 lowing year he moved upon this property, concentrating his attention since that 
 time upon its development. It was entirely unimproved when it came into his 
 possession and he was obliged to clear it of timber before beginning the work 
 of cultivation. He has erected upon it a fine nine-room residence, a commodious 
 barn, built in 1902, and other substantial outbuildings, neglecting nothing which 
 would add to its appearance and value. He engages in general farming, raising 
 hay, oats, corn and potatoes, and he is also interested in stock-raising, keeping 
 twelve head of cattle and five horses. He is in addition a gas engine inspector 
 and has the exclusive agency for gas engines, windmills and threshing machines in 
 his township. He also operates a threshing machine and a corn husker of his 
 own during the fall of the year and is well known as a capable, reliable and pro- 
 gressive business man. 
 
 On the 15th of August, 1900, in Sigel township, Mr. Pfaff was united in mar- 
 riage to Miss Henrietta Gerber, a daughter of David and Henrietta (Prill) 
 Gerber. Her father, who was a farmer in Sigel township, died March 28, 1906. 
 His wife is still living and makes her home with her son, who lives in Arthur 
 township. Mr. and Mrs. Pfaff have become the parents of nine children : Robert ; 
 Herman ; Edward ; Mary and Leonard, who have passed away ; Carl ; John ; 
 Frederick ; and Pauline. 
 
 Mr. Pfaff is a member and secretary of the Evangelical church. He is an 
 independent republican in his political beliefs and has been justice of the peace 
 since 1911. He was also for six years clerk of the school board and has served 
 as road commissioner, discharging all of his public duties in a capable and con- 
 scientious way. He is a man of energy and resource and through his enter- 
 prise and honesty has acquired an enviable reputation in his community. 
 
 OLE EMERSON. 
 
 Chippewa county numbers among its worthy and valued citizens Ole Emerson, 
 who has resided in this part of the state since 1869 and who has in the intervening 
 period made many substantial contributions to its agricultural development and 
 progress. For thirty-nine years he has lived upon his present farm of two hundred 
 and forty acres on section 12, Lafayette township, and his holdings also include 
 valuable city property in Chippewa Falls. He was born in Eker, Norway, Sep- 
 tember 15, 1848, and is a son of Amon Peterson and Maria (Gustavson) Emerson, 
 also natives of that country, where the father was a lumberman and farmer. 
 Both have passed away and are buried in Fiskom, near Eker. 
 
 Ole Emerson acquired his education in the public schools of his native country 
 and after laying aside his books worked as a chore boy for a doctor in Eker. 
 After resigning this position he came to America, journeying by way of Quebec, 
 Canada, to Chippewa county, where he arrived June 14, 1869. He afterward 
 worked at farm labor for five years and at the end of that time purchased one 
 hundred and sixty acres of land in Lafayette township, twelve acres of which 
 were improved. Upon the remainder of the property Mr. Emerson felled the 
 
PAST AND PRESENT OF CHIPPEWA COUNTY 
 
 111 
 
 trees, grubbed up the stumps and broke the soil, eventually bringing the farm 
 to a high state of cultivation. He has become known as one of the most able 
 farmers in this section of the state and his interests have become extensive and 
 important with the passing years. In addition to general farming he engages 
 also in stock-raising and dairying, lines of activity which under his able man- 
 agement have become important and profitable. In his earlier years he was one 
 of the largest logging contractors in this part of the state, employing as many 
 as four hundred men and paying about one hundred and thirty thousand dollars 
 every year for labor, but he has since abandoned this occupation, concentrating 
 his attention upon the work of the farm. He has added to his holding from time 
 to time until he now owns two hundred and forty acres, upon which are a good 
 residence, which Mr. Emerson erected himself, and substantial barns and out- 
 buildings. The buildings are modern and in good repair and everything about 
 the place is in excellent condition, reflecting the careful supervision of the owner, 
 who is a practical and able agriculturist. He also owns a great deal of city 
 property and has accumulated a comfortable fortune as a reward of his untiring 
 labor and industry through the years. 
 
 In Eau Claire, Wisconsin, October n, 1873, Air. Emerson married Miss 
 Gurnel Hanson, a daughter of Andrew and Gurry Hanson, natives of Nor- 
 way, where the father followed farming. Both have passed away and are 
 buried in Lear, near Drammen, Norway. Mr. and Mrs. Emerson became the 
 parents of nine children : George, who died at the age of fourteen and is 
 buried in the Forest Hill cemetery; Andrew, a foreman of a lumber camp; 
 Mary, the wife of William Johnston, a farmer in Lafayette township ; Milly, 
 who married Charles C. Stone, a logging contractor; Frank, a bookkeeper for 
 the Alio Lumber Company ; Harry, engaged in farming in Lafayette town- 
 ship ; Olga, the wife of Ole Hanson, a clerk with the Farmers Produce Company 
 of Bloomer; Oscar, who is assisting his father; and Evelyn, the wife of Walter 
 F. Larabee, an attorney at law at Chippewa Falls. 
 
 Mr. Emerson is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and 
 politically votes for men and measures of which he approves without regard to 
 party lines. His interest in all that pertains to the general welfare is that of a 
 public-spirited citizen who finds time and inclination to cooperate in movements 
 for the public good. He has witnessed practically the entire growth and develop- 
 ment of Chippewa county and throughout the years has made excellent use of 
 his time and opportunity, taking advantage of every chance that would lead to 
 honorable advancement. 
 
 AUGUST ALBRIGHT.' 
 
 August Albright is living upon a farm on section 24, Lafayette township, 
 where he devotes his time and energies to general agricultural pursuits and 
 dairying. He owns eighty acres of valuable land, whereon he has resided for 
 several years, making it by his practical efforts and untiring industry a productive 
 and valuable farm. He is a native son of Chippewa county, born at Bloomer, 
 October 6, 1886, his parents being Fred and Louise (Nemtz) Albright, both of 
 
112 
 
 PAST AND PRESENT OF CHIPPEWA COUNTY 
 
 German extraction. The father came as a pioneer to Chippewa county, locating 
 here about 1863, when this region was yet a wilderness. He turned his attention 
 to farming pursuits and brought the land which he took up to a high state of 
 cultivation. He was killed by a horse in 1909 and is buried in Bloomer township 
 beside his wife, who passed away in May, 1897. 
 
 August Albright acquired his education in the public schools of Bloomer 
 and laid aside his books at the age of fifteen. He then assisted his father with the 
 work of the homestead and after the latter’s death received the property which 
 he now owns. He engages in general farming but specializes in dairying and is 
 meeting with that success which always follows earnest and persistent labor. 
 
 In Chippewa Falls, February 3. 1910, Mr. Albright was united in marriage 
 to Miss Ruth Roycroft, a daughter of John and Mary Melville Roycroft, the 
 former a prominent farmer of this locality, who died in 1909, and is buried in 
 Lafayette cemetery. His wife survives him and makes her home in Chippewa 
 Falls. Mr. and Mrs. Albright have become the parents of a son, Albert. 
 
 Mr. Albright gives his political allegiance to the republican party and is con- 
 nected fraternally with the Modern Woodmen of America. He is a young man 
 of energy, resource and ability and has already attained an enviable position 
 in agricnltural circles and will undoubtedly make continued progress in his 
 chosen field. 
 
 PLINY POWER ELLIS. 
 
 Pliny Power Ellis is now practically living retired, although he still occu- 
 pies his farm on section 4, Howard township, where for many years he carried 
 on general agricultural pursuits. He has been a resident of Chippewa county 
 since the 28th of April, 1859, removing to the west from Pennsylvania, his 
 native state. He was born on the 14th of July, 1833, his parents being Asaph 
 and Amanda (Spencer) Ellis, both of whom continued residents of the Key- 
 stone state until called to their final rest. The father died in 1853 and the 
 mother in 1844, and their remains are interred in the Sabanes burying ground at 
 Mahaffey, Pennsylvania. 
 
 Pliny Power Ellis was reared in the state of his nativity and acquired his educa- 
 tion in the schools of Pennsylvania, pursuing his studies to the age of seven- 
 teen years. After leaving school he began working in the woods and was thus 
 employed for about nine years, after which he determined to try his fortune 
 in the west and came to Chippewa county. Here he again sought employment 
 in the lumber woods, spending three years in that way, after which he started 
 in business on his own account. He had gradually saved his earnings and was 
 anxious that his labors should more directly benefit himself. His frugality 
 and economy were the foundation of his present prosperity. He has always 
 led an industrious life and what he has accomplished has been the merited reward 
 of his earnest, persistent labor. 
 
 Mr. Ellis was married, in Dunn county, Wisconsin, on the 22d day of March, 
 1868, to Miss Emma Chase, a daughter of James and Hannah (Gay) Chase, 
 both of whom have passed away and were laid to rest in Cook Valley cemetery, 
 
PAST AND PRESENT OF CHIPPEWA COUNTY 
 
 113 
 
 Chippewa county. To Mr. and Mrs. Ellis have been born the following children: 
 Lulu jane, born May 4, 1870, is at home. Ida M., born July 14, 1871, is the 
 wife of J. W. Bitney, of Okee, Wisconsin. Charles . Joseph, born January 18, 
 1873, is associated with his father in the operation of the home farm. Perry 
 James, born July 6, 1874, is living in Waukegan, Illinois. Grace Greenwood, 
 born April 20, 1876, is the wife of Jesse Nichols, of Colfax, Wisconsin. Pliny 
 Orlando, born April 15, 187S, married Cora Glover and resides in Baraboo, 
 Wisconsin. Asaph Chelsom, born June 23, 1880, died January 22, 1882. Han- 
 nah Mary, born August 13, 1882, is the wife of Abraham La Baron, of Wauke- 
 gan, Illinois. Emma Alice, born June 23, 1884, is the wife of Clarke Lee, a 
 farmer of North Dakota. Lucy Amanda and Arlie Ray, twins, were born April 
 1 2, 1887. The former is now a resident of Waukegan, Illinois, but the latter 
 died October 18, 1887. Rosetta Belle, born September 7, 1888, is at home. 
 Luman Bowers, born October 20. 1890, died June 18, 1892. 
 
 Politically Mr. Ellis is a republican, having voted with the party since 
 its organization. He takes an active interest in the affairs and questions of 
 the day and has always concentrated his energies and efforts upon his busi- 
 ness, and as the years have gone by his earnest work has brought him success. 
 He has long lived upon the farm which is now his home and has carefully 
 cultivated the fields, making it one of the excellent properties of Howard town- 
 ship. At the present time he is largely leaving the work of the fields to his 
 son, while he enjoys a well merited rest. 
 
 WILLIAM J. GEISSLER. 
 
 The residence upon the farm of William J. Geissler on section 9, Howard 
 township, was erected by him, as were other buildings upon his place, and he 
 has carried steadily forward the work of development and improvement until 
 his tract of land of one hundred and sixty acres is now very productive and 
 yields him golden harvests as a reward for the care and labor he bestows upon 
 it. He is yet a comparatively young man but has won success that many an- 
 other might well envy. 
 
 He has always lived in Chippewa county, his birth having occurred within 
 its borders in 1878, his parents being Edward and Anna (Rubenser) Geissler, 
 who are residents of Tilden. Spending his youthful days under the parental 
 roof, William J. Geissler was educated in the schools of Tilden until he put 
 aside his text-books at the age of fifteen years. After leaving school he assisted 
 his father for about eight years and became familiar with every branch of 
 farm work, thus gaining the practical knowledge and experience which enabled 
 him to win success when he started out in life on his own account. He today 
 has a good tract of land of one hundred and sixty acres and carries on mixed 
 farming. He has about five head of horses, twenty-one head of cattle and 
 fifty hogs, so that his farm is well stocked. He employs modern methods in 
 carrying on his place and it presents a neat and attractive appearance, which 
 bears evidence of the progressive spirit of the owner. 
 
114 
 
 PAST AND PRESENT OF CHIPPEWA COUNTY 
 
 Mr. Geissler was married in Tilden, in February, 1894, to Miss Clara Blair, 
 a daughter of William and Matilda Blair, now residents of Canada. Mr. and 
 Mrs. Geissler have a family of nine children: William, Edward, Harold, Henry, 
 Albert, Walter, Anna, Angeline and Ernest, all yet at home. 
 
 The religious faith of the family is that of the Catholic church and the 
 political support of Mr. Geissler is given to the republican party. He has firm 
 faith in its principles and while he does not seek office for himself, he is always 
 willing to support the candidates who stand for the political principles in which 
 he so strongly believes. 
 
 M. S. BAILEY. 
 
 A man of varied interests and forceful personality, M. S. Bailey has since 1871 
 been closely connected with business and public affairs in Chippewa Falls and is 
 today numbered among the leading citizens of that community. For almost a 
 quarter of a century he has been active in the real-estate and insurance business 
 and his efforts have extended to many other fields, carrying him forward into 
 close relations with general municipal life. He is well known in educational 
 circles for his excellent work on the school board and as a member of the 
 industrial commission and his interests are all of a progressive character. He 
 was born in Rolling Prairie, Wisconsin, August 19, 1857, and is a son of Ethan 
 Allan and Adelia J. Bailey. The former was for some time a wheat and grain 
 buyer in Wabasha, Minnesota, and Randolph, Wisconsin, and at the time of the 
 birth of the subject of this review was engaged in merchandising. He died in 
 1866 and was survived by his wife until 1872. The latter is buried in the Forest 
 Hill cemetery, this city. 
 
 M. S. Bailey acquired his education in the public schools of his native city 
 and in Notre Dame school in Chippewa Falls. He laid aside his books at the age 
 of fifteen and afterward took up the study of telegraphy. For a time he had 
 charge of the operating office of a private company which had a line between 
 Chippewa Falls and Eau Claire. This was later purchased by the Northwestern 
 Telegraph Company and merged into the Western Union Telegraph Company. 
 Mr. Bailey continued as operator until 1881 and in the later years of his connec- 
 tion with the telegraph office had also full charge of the express department. In 
 1881 he became corresponding clerk for the American Express Company in their 
 office in Milwaukee but after a few years returned to Chippewa Falls, where he 
 purchased an interest in the business conducted by A. S. Stiles & Company, the 
 name being changed to Stiles, Lego & Bailey. Mr. Bailey retained this connection 
 until the fall of 1884, when he was elected to the office of clerk of the court. 
 
 After serving as clerk of the court for four years Mr. Bailey turned his atten- 
 tion to the insurance business. He retained his connection with this line of work 
 during his term of service as county superintendent of schools, from 1890 to 1894, 
 and during that time and afterward he built up a large and important patronage. 
 In 1889 he engaged in the insurance business with B. F. Miller, which relation- 
 ship was continued for one year. He then formed a partnership with Ambrose 
 Hoffman under the firm name of M. S. Bailey & Company, insurance and real 
 
M. S. BAILEY 
 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
PAST AND PRESENT OF CHIPPEWA COUNTY 
 
 117 
 
 estate. The firm so continued until the death of Mr. Hoffman, after which Mrs. 
 Hoffman, now Mrs. Cary, succeeded to her husband's share in the business. In 
 January, 1911, the share of Mrs. Hoffman was taken over by Earle H. Bailey, 
 the son of our subject, and the business is still conducted under the style of 
 M. S. Bailey & Company. In 1897 he joined A. B. McDonell and R. E. Chin 
 and they organized the Wisconsin Land & Loan Company, the growth of which 
 is due in a large measure to Mr. Bailey’s energy, resourcefulness and ability. The 
 latter in 1900 joined with a number of other local business men in the organization 
 of the Chippewa Falls Canning Company and Mr. Bailey is still secretary and 
 manager of this concern. He has also aided in the foundation and development 
 of a great many other business enterprises and, having the interests of the com- 
 munity always at heart, has been a valuable factor in its commercial and indus- 
 trial expansion. His business interests alone do not serve to indicate the scope 
 of his activities for his efforts have extended to many fields, lying always along 
 lines of progress and improvement. As a member of the board of education he 
 aided in securing the erection of a new high school building in the city and he is 
 at present a member of the industrial commission which was organized under 
 the laws of the state of Wisconsin for the purpose of conducting vocational 
 schools. 
 
 In Chippewa Falls, on the 7th of September, 1882, Mr. Bailey was united in 
 marriage to Miss Grace E. Halbert, a daughter of Thomas L. and Emily A. 
 Halbert, the former a pioneer lumberman in that city and afterward organizer and 
 president of the First National Bank. Mr. and Mrs. Bailey are the parents of 
 two sons: E. H., who is in partnership with his father; and Lee A., a graduate 
 of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and now in practice as a structural 
 engineer. 
 
 Mr. Bailey is a democrat in his political beliefs and aside from the offices 
 above mentioned is serving as a member of the park board. His activities have 
 been important factors in advancing the commercial, industrial and general busi- 
 ness interests of Chippewa Falls and aside from all of these fields in which his 
 labors have brought him profitable returns he has put forth effective efforts for 
 the benefit and upbuilding of the city, cooperating largely and generously where 
 the welfare of the community has been involved. He is well known in Chippewa 
 Falls and the years of his residence there have brought him well deserved honor 
 and esteem among his fellow citizens. 
 
 PERRY FRIEDERICK. 
 
 Chippewa county numbers among its prosperous and successful native sons 
 Perry Friederick, who for a number of years has owned and operated a fine 
 farm of one hundred and twenty acres on sections 14 and 23, Lafayette town- 
 ship. He was born November 11, 1861, and is a son of Jacob and Catherine 
 (Prescoe) Friederick, of German extraction. The father was one of the earli- 
 est settlers in Chippewa county, taking up his residence here in 1858. At the 
 outbreak of the Civil war he joined a Wisconsin regiment and lost his life on 
 Yoi. n— 7 
 
118 
 
 PAST AND PRESENT OF CHIPPEWA COUNTY 
 
 the southern battlefields. His wife survived him many years, dying in 1905, 
 when she was sixty years of age. Both are buried in Lafayette cemetery. 
 
 Perry Friederick acquired his education in the district schools of Lafayette 
 township and laid aside his books at the age of sixteen. For five years there- 
 after he worked at farming in the employ of others and when he was twenty- 
 one took charge of his mother’s homestead. This property he has operated 
 since that time and is now its owner, its excellent condition being entirely due 
 to his well directed and practical labors. His father had broken fifteen acres 
 of the land, but with this exception the farm was practically unimproved when 
 it came into Mr. Friederick’s possession. He broke the soil, erected substantial 
 farm buildings and fenced the property into convenient fields, bringing it to 
 a high state of cultivation. He engages in mixed farming and dairying and 
 under his able management both branches have proven profitable and important. 
 
 At Chippewa Falls, on the 3d of May, 1893, Mr. Friederick was united in 
 marriage to Miss Diana White, a daughter of Samuel and Isabelle White, the 
 former one of the pioneer settlers in Chippewa county. He now resides in 
 Greenville and has survived his wife, who is buried in the Lafayette cemetery. 
 Mrs. Friederick passed away February 12, 1909, leaving six children: Ethel, 
 who is her father’s housekeeper ; Samuel, assisting with the operation of the 
 homestead ; and Robert, Loretta, Margaret and Clarence, all of whom are 
 attending school. 
 
 Mr. Friederick is a republican in his political beliefs and a devout member 
 of the Presbyterian church. Having resided in Chippewa county from his birth 
 to the present time, he is widely and favorably known here and his excellent 
 qualities of mind and character have gained him the esteem and confidence of 
 his neighbors and friends. 
 
 THEODORE W. FILTZ, Jr. 
 
 Among the progressive and enterprising young business men of Cadott is 
 numbered Theodore W. Filtz, Jr., who since 1896 has been connected with the 
 firm of Theodore Filtz & Sons, box manufacturers. He has founded a gratify- 
 ing success in this field upon industry, reliability and well timed business aggres- 
 siveness, and during the period of his connection with it has been one of the 
 greatest individual factors in promoting the advancement of the concern and 
 in directing its policies along modern and progressive lines. 
 
 He was born in Chippewa Falls, on the 6th of November, 1875, a son of 
 Theodore and Theresa (Schuster) Filtz, natives of Germany, the former born 
 in 1845 and the latter in 1848. The mother came to Wisconsin at the age of six- 
 teen and her marriage occurred in Chippewa Falls. Theodore Filtz, Sr., was 
 brought to America when he was six years of age and he grew to manhood in 
 Chippewa county. In 1880 he moved to Cadott where he was employed by the 
 Clark Manufacturing Company for thirteen years thereafter. At the end of that 
 time he purchased a small engine and established a lathe mill of his own, to which 
 at the end of a year he added a shingle mill. In 1896 he enlarged his business 
 and bought another mill, a lumber mill, which he operated until 1899, when 
 
 1 
 
PAST AND PRESENT OF CHIPPEWA COUNTY 
 
 119 
 
 he again added to his undertakings by beginning the manufacture of cheese 
 boxes. In 1907 he purchased the plant of the Cadott Manufacturing Company and 
 formed the firm of Theodore Filtz & Sons, box manufacturers. He is still con- 
 nected with this business and is numbered among the prominent and representa- 
 tive men of the city. He and his wife became the parents of eight children : 
 Minnie, married Edward Heagle, a farmer of Sigel township and they became 
 the parents of three children: Gerald, Leonia, and one who died in infancy. 
 August is a partner in the firm of Theodore Filtz & Sons; he married Miss Emma 
 Kaiser and to their union were born two children: Jeannette and one deceased. 
 Henry was passed away. Theodore W.. Jr., is the subject of this review. Annie 
 married Joseph Couey, a railroad man of Hudson’s Bay Junction, Canada, and they 
 have a son, Robert. Frank is also connected with Theodore Filtz & Sons. He 
 married Miss Annie Schultz and they have a son, Walter. Mary has passed away. 
 Edward, the youngest child in this family, is a mill hand in the factory of Theo- 
 dore Filtz & Sons. He married Miss Frances Bean. 
 
 Theodore W. Filtz, Jr., acquired his education in the public schools of Cadott 
 which he attended until he was fifteen years of age. When he laid aside his books 
 he entered the employ of his father, working in the mill, and in 1896 was taken 
 into partnership. He has since been connected with Theodore Filtz & Sons and 
 has been a helpful factor in the remarkable growth of the business it controls. 
 This is one of the largest manufacturing enterprises in this section of the state, 
 the plant and stock being valued at about forty thousand dollars. The firm con- 
 trols a large and growing patronage for its business standards are high and its 
 policy progressive. Mr. Filtz of this review is also a stock holder in the Citizens 
 State Bank of Cadott and lie owns one hundred and sixty acres of land on 
 section 20, township 29, range 6, northwest, ten acres of which are cleared and 
 under cultivation. 
 
 Mr. Filtz is connected fraternally with the Modern Woodmen of America 
 and is a devout member of the Roman Catholic church. He gives his political 
 allegiance to the democratic party and is at present village supervisor, dis- 
 charging his duties in a conscientious and able way. He is known as a progres- 
 sive, reliable and straightforward business man and his record is a credit and an 
 honor to a name that has been highly esteemed and respected in Cadott for 
 many years. 
 
 JOHN A. FRIEDERICK. 
 
 John A. Friederick is engaged in general farming in Lafayette township, 
 owning and operating three hundred acres of land on sections 14, 23 and 24. 
 He has brought his fields under a high state of cultivation and his place presents 
 an attractive appearance, reflecting everywhere his careful supervision and prac- 
 tical methods. Mr. Friederick has lived in Chippewa county since he was 
 three months old but was born in Adams county, this state, June 10, 1856. He 
 is a son of John and Eva (Lena) Friederick, the former one of the earliest 
 settlers in this part of Wisconsin. He came to Chippewa county when it was 
 still a wilderness and here took up land, which in the course of vears he brought 
 
120 
 
 PAST AND PRESENT OF CHIPPEWA COUNTY 
 
 to a high state of cultivation. He became prominent and active in public affairs 
 and was honored by his fellow citizens by election to various positions of trust 
 and responsibility, serving as school director and also as clerk of the board of 
 education. He passed away in 1894, at the age of sixty-nine, having survived 
 his wife eleven months. Both are buried in the Lafayette cemetery. 
 
 John A. Friederick acquired his education in the district schools of this 
 county and laid aside his books at the age of fourteen. He then assisted his 
 father with the work of the farm, helping to clear the land and to carry forward 
 the work of development and improvement. Upon the death of John Friederick, 
 Sr., the estate, comprising three hundred and twenty acres, was divided among 
 his children, Mr. Friederick of this review receiving eighty acres as his share. 
 By hard work and intelligent management he has added to his holdings since 
 that time, owning today three hundred acres, all in a high state of cultivation. 
 He has erected upon his farm a large modern residence and has made many 
 other improvements, neglecting nothing which would add to the appearance 
 or value of the place. Upon this fine property Mr. Friederick engages in general 
 farming and has achieved a substantial and gratifying success, owning one of 
 the best agricultural properties in his locality. 
 
 In Chippewa Falls, on the 28th of December, 1884, Mr. Friederick was 
 united in marriage to Miss Dorothea Klages, a daughter of Fred and Dorothea 
 Klages, the former a pioneer settler in this locality. He died in February, 1913, 
 at the age of seventy-two, having survived his wife one year. Both are buried 
 
 in the Lafayette cemetery. Mr. and Mrs. Friederick became the parents of 
 
 eight children: Lizzie, who married Roy Melville, a son of John S. Melville, of 
 whom further mention is made elsewhere in this work; George IT., who is 
 assisting his father; Alice, the wife of James Ryan, a farmer in Lafayette town- 
 ship; Martha, at home; William J. and Oscar, who are aiding in the operation 
 of the homestead ; and Dorothea and Verner, who are attending school. 
 
 Mr. Friederick is a republican in his political beliefs and is interested in the 
 
 advancement and growth of Chippewa county, where he has resided practically 
 all his life. He is widely known here as a representative citizen and he com- 
 mands the confidence and respect of the entire community. 
 
 HERMAN G. SCHROETTER. 
 
 Herman G. Schroetter, a representative and progressive agriculturist ot 
 Cleveland township, owning two hundred and forty acres of land on section 
 31, township 31, range 7, is an up-to-date dairy farmer who has won a most 
 gratifying measure of success in his undertakings. His birth occurred in Prince- 
 ton, Green Lake county, Wisconsin, on the 23d of April, 1875, his parents being 
 Edward and Minnie (Zimmerman) Schroetter, both natives of Germany. The 
 father, a carpenter by trade, followed that occupation for several years after 
 his emigration to the United States and subsequently turned his attention to 
 general agricultural pursuits, owning a farm in Green Lake county, this state. 
 Later he came to Chippewa county and purchased a farm near Bloomer, on 
 
PAST AND PRESENT OF CHIPPEWA COUNTY 
 
 121 
 
 which he spent the remainder of his life. His widow survives and makes her 
 home on that property. 
 
 Herman G. Schroetter began working as a farm hand when twenty years 
 of age, being employed by agriculturists of the neighborhood. In 1901 he came 
 to Chippewa county and purchased a slightly improved tract of two hundred 
 and forty acres on section 31, township 31, range 7. He has cleared consider- 
 able more of the land and carries on dairy farming with excellent success. For 
 his horses and cows he erected a barn with cement floors which is the largest 
 in Cleveland township, its dimensions being one hundred and twenty by forty- 
 two feet. He also owns a milking machine, operated by a four horse power 
 gasoline engine, which has a capacity of from one to eight cows. Mr. Schroetter 
 disposes of his cream at the creamery and for eight years has had a wagon on 
 the cream route. He is, moreover, a machinist of no mean ability and possesses 
 considerable inventive genius. He has equipped his well with a gas engine 
 pump and has also a wood saw of his own invention, the logs being brought 
 under the saw by means of pulleys and feeding apparatus without having to 
 be lifted. Mr. Schroetter milks on an average of twenty cows and is widely 
 recognized as a modern and up-to-date dairy farmer. He has filled his silo for 
 the past five years and owns the best ensilage cutting machine in the neigh- 
 borhood. 
 
 On December 8, 1901, in Green Lake county, Wisconsin, Mr. Schroetter 
 was united in marriage to Miss Louisa Nehring, a native of that county and a 
 daughter of Carl and Emelia Nehring, natives of Germany. The father first 
 located at Caloma Station, where he was engaged in farming, but when Mrs. 
 Schroetter was about six years of age the family removed to Marquette county, 
 Wisconsin. The mother has passed away, but the father is still living there. Mr. 
 and Mrs. Schroetter became the parents of seven children, of whom Erma died 
 in infancy. The others are Laura, Elmer, Ida, Mildred, Norma and Lucile. 
 
 Mr. Schroetter is independent in his political views and has served as a 
 member of the school board for three years, the cause of education finding in 
 him a stalwart champion. In religious faith he and his family are Lutherans. 
 In all the relations of life his has been a creditable record and he has a circle 
 of friends almost coextensive with the circle of his acquaintances. 
 
 WILLIAM IT. WOLF. 
 
 William H. Wolf, who since 1881 has followed the trade of a mason and 
 contractor and engaged also in mixed farming upon one hundred and sixty 
 acres of fine land on section 20, Lafayette township, was born in Decorah, Iowa, 
 May 29, 1863. He is a son of Harrison and Nancy (Mizner) Wolf, the former 
 of whom followed the mason’s trade for a number of years. He came with his 
 family to Chippewa county from Iowa and became very prominent and highly 
 respected in this locality, where he continued to reside until his death, which 
 occurred in 1889, when he was fifty-eight years of age. His wife survived 
 him many years, dying in 1910, at the age of seventy-six. Both are buried in 
 Lafayette cemetery. They became the parents of twelve children, six of whom 
 
122 
 
 PAST AND PRESENT OF CHIPPEWA COUNTY 
 
 died in infancy, the others being: Charles, who was drowned at the age of nine- 
 teen and is buried in Lafayette cemetery ; Minnie, the wife of Anton Snyder, 
 a resident of Chippewa Falls ; Ella, who married Robert I lerold, a lumberman 
 in Portland, Oregon; William H., of this review; Ida, the wife of J. Rich, a 
 farmer in Canada; and Louis, who died in the fall of 1880. 
 
 William H. Wolf acquired his education in the public schools of Decorah, 
 Iowa, laying his books aside at the early age of twelve. Even before this time 
 he was obliged to earn his own livelihood and after leaving school worked in 
 the flour mills in Decorah and at anything else which would bring him an income. 
 He came to Chippewa county in 1880 and here engaged in various pursuits for 
 a number of years thereafter. Success rewarded his well directed labors and 
 he gradually accumulated enough money to purchase land. He bought one 
 hundred and twenty acres on section 20, Lafayette township, and to this after- 
 ward added forty acres, his property being today one of the finest and most 
 productive in his locality. Mr. Wolf has remodeled the residence, built a com- 
 modious barn and a good silo and always uses the most modern machinery to 
 facilitate the work of the fields. He engages in mixed farming and has been 
 very successful, for he invariably follows the most practical methods and never 
 neglects anything which will add to the value of his farm. Since settling in this 
 county in 1880 he has also followed the trade of a mason and contractor in 
 connection with the work of the farm. 
 
 In Chippewa Falls, July 14, 1889, Mr. Wolf was united in marriage to Miss 
 Christine Heiser, and they have become the parents of ten children: John H. 
 
 and Willis, both of whom are engaged in farming; Hazel, Mabel and Nancy, at 
 home; Ruth, Dorothea, Ethel and Wesley, all of whom are attending school; 
 and Loraine. 
 
 Mr. Wolf is a progressive in his political beliefs and is interested in commu- 
 nity affairs, cooperating heartily in measures to promote general progress. He has 
 steadily advanced as a result of his persistent energy and unabating industry 
 and enjoys the friendship and confidence of all who come in contact with him. 
 
 FRANK HORN. 
 
 Frank Horn carries on general farming on section 13, Howard township, 
 where he owns and cultivates a tract of land of two hundred acres. Through- 
 out the greater period of his manhood he has lived in Chippewa county, arriv- 
 ing here in 1875. He was reared, however, in Dodge county, Wisconsin, where 
 he was born on the 2d of December, 1848, his parents being Jacob and Theresa 
 (Kliner) Horn, who lived for many years in Dodge county and were there laid 
 to rest. The father passed away in 1858 but the mother long survived, her 
 death occurring in 1911. He was a prominent and influential citizen of Dodge 
 county in the early half of the nineteenth century and he held several of the 
 leading county and township offices, the duties of which he discharged with 
 promptness and fidelity, making a creditable record in that connection. 
 
 Reared under the parental roof, Frank Horn was but ten years of age 
 when his father died. He was at that time attending school and continued his 
 
PAST AND PRESENT OF CHIPPEWA COUNTY 
 
 123 
 
 education until he reached the age of fourteen, when he left school, feeling it 
 incumbent upon him to provide for his own support. He secured employment as 
 a farm hand and thus worked in Dodge county until his removal to Chippewa 
 county in 1875. Here he began farming on his own account on the tract which 
 he today owns. He now has two hundred acres and the soil, naturally arable, 
 responds readily to the care and labor which he bestows upon it. The fields 
 show that he is following diversified farming, for he raises various crops and 
 keeps upon his place seven head of horses, fifteen head of cattle and twenty or 
 more hogs. The buildings upon his farm were erected by him and include a 
 substantial residence and good barn and outbuildings. His farm is divided 
 into fields of convenient size by well kept fences and he utilizes improved 
 modern machinery in the work of plowing, planting and harvesting. 
 
 In 1882, in Tilden, occurred the marriage of Mr. Horn and Miss Theresa 
 Bowe, a daughter of Michael and Mary Ann (Myers) Bowe, both of whom 
 have passed away, their remains being interred in Tilden cemetery. Mr. and 
 Mrs. Horn have a familly of five children : Nick, Gilbert, Benjamin and Adelaide, 
 who are all under the parental roof ; and Anna, who is the wife of Joseph Hepp- 
 feller, a saloon keeper of Marsfield, Wisconsin. 
 
 The family attend the SS. Peter and Paul Catholic church, of Tilden, of 
 which Mr. Horn is a member. In politics he is a democrat but has never been 
 an office seeker in the usually accepted sense of the term. For about twelve 
 years he was school clerk and the cause of education finds in him a stalwart 
 champion. The major portion of his time and attention, however, is devoted 
 to his farming interests and the neat and thrifty appearance of his place is 
 indicative of the spirit that actuates him in his chosen life work. 
 
 VALENTINE MULLER. 
 
 About fifty-five years have come and gone since Valentine Muller arriveu 
 in Chippewa county. Already some of the first hardy pioneers had settled here 
 and land was rapidly being taken up by those who wished to make homes for 
 themselves and were willing to meet the hardships and privations of frontier 
 life. Mr. Muller was ambitious to own property and, arriving here in 1858, 
 bought eighty acres upon what is now section 15, Tilden township. About 
 ten years later he bought an additional eighty acres and upon this place he has 
 since resided, converting it into a productive and profitable farm, which annually 
 returns him bounteous harvests. All this represents much hard work, but his 
 persistent labor has at length been crowned by success. Mr. Muller was born 
 in Frankenberg, Germany, July 27, 1836, and is a son of Johannes and Eliza- 
 beth (Mitze) Muller, the former of whom engaged in the flour milling business. 
 Both have passed away, the mother dying in 1841 and the father in December, 
 T870. They are buried in the family cemetery near Hesse-Darmstadt, Germany. 
 
 Valentine Muller acquired his education in the public schools of Buchenberg 
 and laid aside his books at the age of fourteen. Afterward he assisted his 
 father in the mill until 1857 and then emigrated to America. He worked for 
 a time on the building of a sugar factory in New York but, wishing to engage 
 
124 
 
 PAST AND PRESENT OF CHIPPEWA COUNTY 
 
 in farming, came in the following year, by way of Milwaukee, to Chippewa 
 Falls, arriving here when the town boasted of only one store. He hired out 
 to a farmer and at the same time located a claim, soon afterward moving to this 
 property, where he has since resided. It meant much difficult labor to develop 
 a farm from the unbroken wilderness, but he resolutely set himself to the task, 
 clearing his property, breaking the soil and erecting the first necessary buildings. 
 Flour at that time was five dollars a sack and other provisions proportionately 
 expensive and Mr. Muller was obliged to endure many hardships during the 
 early days of his residence here. The work of developing the farm was, how- 
 ever, carried forward year by year until he was finally in possession of a valua- 
 ble property, provided with an excellent residence and substantial farm buildings. 
 
 In Chippewa Falls, December 26, i860, Mr. Muller was united in marriage 
 to Miss Emily Geisler, a daughter of Wenzelaus and Barbara (Meyer) Geisler, 
 natives of Bohemia. The mother died in that country in 1850 and was buried 
 near Tabor and three years later the father came to America, settling in Chip- 
 pewa Falls, where he engaged in paper making and mill building. He died here 
 in 1876. Mr. and Mrs. Muller became the parents of six children: Henry, who 
 
 passed away in May, 1882, at the age of seven, and is buried in the Tilden 
 cemetery; Emily, the wife of Joe Hartman, a farmer in Howard township; 
 Mary, the widow of Charles Lowe, a farmer of Howard township; Valentine, 
 Jr., who is engaged in farming in Tilden township; Helena, who married George 
 Hartman, Jr., who is engaged in farming in Chippewa county; and Henry, the 
 second of the name, who is assisting his father. 
 
 Mr. Muller is a member of SS. Peter and Paul Roman Catholic church 
 of Tilden, and is a republican in his political views. For the past three years 
 he has served as township treasurer and has been always active in community 
 affairs, cooperating heartily in movements for the general good. The fifty- 
 five years since his arrival here have been filled with hard work and many priva- 
 tions but have brought him finally a gratifying degree of success, so that he 
 stands today among the prosperous agriculturists of Chippewa county and 
 among its most honored and respected pioneers. 
 
 GEORGE A. STEWART. 
 
 Among the extensive landholders of Cleveland township, Chippewa county, 
 is George A. Stewart, who owns a valuable farm of two hundred and ninety-three 
 acres, one hundred of which are under cultivation, yielding him a gratifying annual 
 income. His land is improved with excellent buildings, and the appearance of 
 the property indicates clearly the prosperity of its owner. Moreover, Mr. Stewart 
 has participated in the public life of his township, having served in an official 
 capacity in various connections for many years. A native of Canada, George A. 
 Stewart was born in Granville, August 1, 1861, his parents being William and 
 Mary (Bates) Stewart, natives of Ireland. The father made removal to the 
 Dominion when a young man, there engaging in lumbering and farming. Mary 
 Bates was brought to Canada when a mere baby. 
 
GEORGE A. STEWART AND FAMILY 
 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
PAST AND PRESENT OF CHIPPEWA COUNTY 
 
 127 
 
 George A. Stewart was reared under the parental roof and in the acquire- 
 ment of his education attended school in his native province. Upon coming to 
 the United States he made his way to Chippewa Falls, arriving on the Saturday 
 before the election of President Garfield. Willing to work and ambitious to suc- 
 ceed, he turned to the lumber woods for employment and for about ten years was 
 so engaged, carefully husbanding his resources and acquiring the means which 
 enabled him at the end of that time to engage in the sawmill business in partner- 
 ship with his father-in-law, in which connection he continued for two years. He 
 then bought one hundred and sixty acres of land on section 18, township 31, range 
 7, which was slightly improved and on which he found a small log house and barn. 
 That his indefatigable labor has brought results is evident from the fact that he 
 owns today two hundred and ninety-three acres, one hundred of which are in a 
 high state of cultivation. He has a substantial, well appointed house upon the 
 property and his barns are modernly equipped and in every way adequate to his 
 demands. He has installed modern machinery and is successfully carrying for- 
 ward the work of cultivation. Of late he has bought a handsome home on Cedar 
 street, in Chippewa Falls, and it is his intention to retire from an active agri- 
 cultural life and to move to the city. His farm will then be taken in charge by 
 his son William. 
 
 On September 13, 1888, in Chippewa county, Mr. Stewart was united in mar- 
 riage to Miss Lida Gordon, a native of Eau Claire and a daughter of L. P. Gordon, 
 an early settler and a millwright by trade, who now lives with his, son in town- 
 ship 31, range 8. Mrs. Gordon died when Mrs. Stewart was but a child. Mr. 
 and Mrs. Stewart have six children: William, George, Elsie, Wealthy, Earl and 
 Esther, all of whom are yet at home. Mr. and Mrs. Stewart are members of the 
 Congregational church, to the work of which they contribute in a material way, also 
 setting up examples of true Christian citizenship. In his political convictions 
 Mr. Stewart is a republican and has served for one year on the township board. 
 For six years he held the important position of township treasurer, doing valu- 
 able work while in charge of the finances of the district. He has always deeply 
 interested himself in the cause of education, his twenty years’ service as school 
 director giving undeniable evidence thereof. As the years have passed Mr. Stew- 
 art has come to be numbered among the most highly valued citizens in this 
 part of Chippewa county, and the confidence and respect which he readily receives 
 on every hand are given in due recognition of what he has attained and those 
 qualities of his heart and mind which have made it possible for him to achieve 
 the prominent place which he now occupies in his community. 
 
 ANTON SOLBERG. 
 
 Chippewa county has been singularly fortunate in its public officials, having 
 always had men of ability, honesty and public spirit to administer its affairs. 
 One of these is Anton Solberg, the present county treasurer, who makes his 
 home at Chippewa Falls. In the fall of 1883 he came to Chippewa county, 
 having crossed the ocean from Jarlsberg, Norway, where he was born in i860, 
 
J 28 
 
 PAST AND PRESENT OF CHIPPEWA COUNTY 
 
 a son of Andrew and Karen (Lean) Solberg. The father passed away in 1892 
 in his native country and the mother still makes her home there. 
 
 Anton Solberg received his education in the excellent schools of Norway 
 which he left at the age of fourteen years in order to go to sea. Before com- 
 ing to Wisconsin he was a sailor for five years but upon arriving here he hired 
 out for work in the lumber camps and at other occupations that would yield 
 him an honest living. He was thus engaged for some years and then ac- 
 cepted a position with the Chippewa Lumber & Boom Company, remaining 
 in that position for eleven years. For five years he worked as a section hand 
 on the Soo Line and for twelve years he followed agricultural pursuits, at the 
 end of which time he was elected to his present position. He is a republican 
 in politics and as the nominee of his party he won the contest for election. 
 
 In 1886, at Chippewa Falls, Mr. Solberg was united in marriage to Miss 
 Matilda Hauge, a daughter of Gulbrand and Maren Hauge, both of whom spent 
 their entire lives in Norway, where they passed away. Mr. and Mrs. Solberg 
 have seven children, all of whom are at home, namely, Clara, Axel, Gudrun, 
 Lillian, Harry, Valborg and Evelyn. The career of Mr. Solberg again proves 
 that opportunities are awaiting in this country for the sons of all nations. That 
 he has attained to the important position he now holds is indeed a credit to 
 him — a credit to his character and the high qualities of his mind, the recognition 
 of which led the people to elect him to this place of trust. 
 
 WILLIAM SIMON. 
 
 William Simon owns a fine farm of one hundred and twenty acres on sec- 
 tions 9 and 16, Tilden township, and upon this property has resided since he 
 was two years of age. During his entire active iife he has engaged in its culti- 
 vation and it reflects today in its excellent condition the many years of care 
 and labor he has bestowed upon it. Mr. Simon was born near Tipton, Iowa, 
 April 3, 1858, and is a son of Otto and Barbara (Kreg) Simon. The father 
 came from Germany by way of New York to Iowa, where for a time he worked 
 at farm labor, later moving to Chippewa county, where he settled upon the 
 farm now owned by the subject of this review. He began with eighty acres 
 and gradually added to his holdings until at the time of his death he owned 
 two hundred acres. He passed away in the fall of 1908, having survived his 
 wife since 1903. Both are buried in the Tilden cemetery. 
 
 William Simon acquired his education in the public schools of Tilden, laying 
 aside his books at the early age of thirteen. He afterward assisted his father 
 with the work of the farm and has continued active in the operation of this 
 property since that time. It was then a wilderness and Mr. Simon assisted in 
 its development, felling the timber and erecting the necessary buildings. Upon 
 the death of his father he came into possession of the homestead and has since 
 carried forward the work of its cultivation along practical and modern lines. 
 He has erected almost all of the buildings upon the place, including fine barns, 
 one of which is one of the largest in his locality. In addition to general farm- 
 
PAST AND PRESENT OF CHIPPEWA COUNTY 
 
 129 
 
 ing he engages extensively in stock-raising, keeping fine herds of cattle and a 
 number of horses. 
 
 On the 27th of November, 1883, in Tilden township, Mr. Simon was united 
 in marriage to Miss Maria Gertrude Hunc, a daughter of Nicholas and Magda- 
 lena Hunc, the former a pioneer farmer in this section of Wisconsin. He 
 died in 1892 and is buried in Tilden. Mr. and Mrs. Simon have two children: 
 Ludwig, who is assisting his father; and Caroline, at home. 
 
 Mr. Simon is a member of the St. Peter’s Catholic church of Tilden and a 
 democrat in his political beliefs. His enterprise and industry have made him 
 prominent in agricultural circles and he has won for himself a creditable repu- 
 tation by his integrity and reliability in every situation in which he has been 
 placed. 
 
 CHARLES H. DICKINSON. 
 
 Charles H. Dickinson, owning an excellent property of fifty-six acres on 
 section 18, Lafayette township, upon which he has established himself in the 
 marble and granite monument manufacturing business, is numbered among the 
 enterprising and successful native sons of Chippewa county. He was born 
 March 1, 1863, his parents being Myron C. and Jane E. (Russell) Dickinson. 
 The father came to this county in 1856, among the early settlers here, and he 
 took up his residence in that year upon the farm which is now owned by the 
 subject of this review. He developed and improved this place for many years, 
 following general farming here until his death, which occurred July 4, 1883, 
 when he was fifty-three years of age. His wife survived him until 1904, dying 
 at the age of sixty-nine. Both are buried in Lafayette cemetery. The Dickin- 
 son family is of ancient English origin and the line can be traced back to the 
 time of William the Conqueror. 
 
 Charles H. Dickinson acquired his education in the district schools of Chip- 
 pewa county, laying aside his books at the age of fourteen. He afterward 
 assisted his father with the work of the farm and spent some time in the lum- 
 ber woods, continuing thus until he was eighteen years of age. He then went 
 to Janesville, on a visit to his uncle, who was a marble cutter, and there he 
 became interested in that business, which he learned in principle and detail. 
 However, he afterward farmed for five years and at the end of that time began 
 work as a journeyman marble cutter, continuing in this way until he established 
 his present enterprise upon the land which he had inherited from his father. 
 Being able and enterprising, he has secured a large patronage and his business 
 has steadily increased in volume and importance until he controls today one of 
 the largest enterprises of this character in the county. 
 
 On the 25th of November, 1885, on the farm which he now owns, Mr. 
 Dickinson married Miss Mabel E. Billington, a daughter of Lorenzo and Hanna 
 (Mabbott) Billington, of Arena, Wisconsin. The father engaged in the general 
 merchandise business in that city until his death, which occurred in 1897, when 
 he was sixty-nine years of age. His wife survives him and makes her home in 
 Le Roy, Minnesota. The family is of English origin. 
 
130 
 
 PAST AND PRESENT OF CHIPPEWA COUNTY 
 
 Mr. Dickinson is a member of the Methodist church and is a republican in 
 his political beliefs, interested in everything that pertains to the progress and 
 advancement of his native county. He is one of the active and progressive 
 citizens of Lafayette township, a man of good business capacity and enterprise 
 and unquestioned business integrity, enjoying in an unusual degree the confi- 
 dence and good-will of the community. 
 
 WILLIAM H. PHILLIPS. 
 
 William H. Phillips owns and operates a fine farm of seventy-eight acres 
 on section 25. Lafayette township, a property whereon he has resided since 
 i860. He was born in Lancaster, New York, October 30, 1843, an d is a son 
 of John and Elizabeth (Maydole) Phillips, the former of whom engaged in 
 farming in New York state for some time. He afterward moved to McHenry, 
 Illinois, where his death occurred in 1846, when he was forty-five years of 
 age. His wife survived him until 1893, dying in Chippewa county at the age 
 of eighty-four. She is buried in Lafayette cemetery, while her husband was 
 laid to rest in McHenry, Illinois. The family is of Dutch origin and its repre- 
 sentatives were early settlers in America. 
 
 William LI. Phillips acquired his education in the district schools of Illinois 
 and in Lafayette township, whither he came in 1857. He laid aside his books 
 at the age of seventeen and then began working on a farm which he afterward 
 purchased and which has remained his place of residence to the present time. 
 In February, 1864, Mr. Phillips followed the call of duty and enlisted in 
 the Fourth Wisconsin Cavalry for service in the Civil war. He was honorably 
 discharged in June, 1866, having for about a year done police and guard duty 
 on the Rio Grande river after the close of the war. This was at that time a 
 very wild and lawless part of the country and his duties were severe and respon- 
 sible ones. When he had moved upon his land the tract was nothing but wild 
 timber and prairie, and upon his return he again took up the work of clearing 
 and cultivating. He is responsible for all the work which has been done on 
 the place, and such success as has come to him is but the reward of diligent 
 and incessant effort. 
 
 In Eau Claire, Wisconsin, on the 25th of November, 1868, Mr. Phillips was 
 united in marriage to Miss Laura A. Wilcox, a daughter of Sylvanus and Mary 
 Ann (Lansing) Wilcox, the former a shoemaker and cook by trade. He was 
 one of the earliest settlers in Chippewa county and died here in 1870, at the 
 age of fifty. His wife survived him until 1911, passing away when she was 
 eighty-seven years of age. Mr. Wilcox was laid to rest in Lafayette cemetery, 
 while his wife was buried in Tacoma, Washington. The Wilcox fam- 
 ily is of English origin, while the Lansings have been in America for several 
 generations. Mrs. Phillips’ father took part in the Florida-Indian war. Mr. 
 and Mrs. Phillips became the parents of five children : Meta, who died when 
 she was seven years of age and is buried in the family cemetery in Lafayette 
 township; George H., a farmer in Union township, Eau Claire county; Ida, 
 who married John Wilcox, a farmer in Lafayette township; Edith, the wife of 
 
PAST AND PRESENT OF CHIPPEWA COUNTY 
 
 131 
 
 A. McDonald, a merchant in Chippewa Falls ; and Beatrice, who married Paul 
 Hess, a farmer in Sigel township. 
 
 Mr. Phillips is a member of the Presbyterian church and is a republican in 
 his political views. He has been town clerk for many years and has made an 
 excellent official record, his work being at all times straightforward, conscien- 
 tious and reliable. He is today in control of a very valuable farming property, 
 upon which he has made substantial improvements and which represents many 
 years of care and labor. 
 
 JOHN NILSON. 
 
 John Nilson, an industrious and successful agriculturist of Holcombe town- 
 ship, is the owner of a tract of eighty acres on section 28, township 31, range 
 6, but for the past six years has worked on the farm of Mrs. Jennie Hendrick- 
 son, which adjoins his property. He was born in Sweden on the 15th of Decem- 
 ber, 1861, a son of Nils Jacobson, who died in that country. In 1887, when a 
 young man of twenty-six years, he crossed the Atlantic to the United States 
 and, making his way to Wisconsin, worked for a number of years in the lumber 
 woods and on the river. During the past six years he has worked on the farm 
 of Mrs. Jennie Hendrickson in Holcombe township, where he also owns a tract 
 of eighty acres which he purchased when it was all wild land. He has cleared about 
 twenty acres thereof, has erected a residence and barn and also set out fruit 
 trees. 
 
 Energetic and enterprising, he has met with excellent results in his under- 
 takings as an agriculturist and is recognized as one of the substantial citizens of 
 his community. He has never married and makes his home with Mrs. Hen- 
 drickson, whose farm, as above stated, adjoins his own. 
 
 BERT A. SYVERSON. 
 
 Wisconsin is certainly an Eldorado for the agriculturist. Her land, natu- 
 rally rich and productive, responds readily to cultivation and the meadows afford 
 splendid pasturage for stock. It is then to be expected that the farmers and 
 dairymen win success if they are persistent, earnest and honorable in the con- 
 duct of their business interests. Such a man is Bert A. Syverson, who owns a 
 farm of eighty acres on section twenty-eight, Howard township. He has been 
 a resident of Chippewa county only since 1900, but is numbered among Wiscon- 
 sin’s native sons, his birth having occurred in Trempealeau county on the 14th 
 of May, 1873. He is a son of Arnt and Anna Marie (Benson) Syverson. The 
 mother is now living with her son, Benhart, the father having passed away in 
 July, 1910, his grave being in a cemetery of Trempealeau county. 
 
 It was in the schools of his native country that Bert A. Syverson pursued 
 his education, continuing his studies to the age of eighteen years. He after- 
 wards accepted any employment that would yield him an honest living, working 
 
132 
 
 PAST AND PRESENT OF CHIPPEWA COUNTY 
 
 in various ways for about ten years, or until 1900, when he came to Chippewa 
 county and invested the money, which he had saved from his earnings, in eighty 
 acres of land. He has since lived on this tract, of section 28, Howard township, 
 and has fifty-five acres under cultivation devoted to general farming. He keeps 
 three horses to work his place and also about twenty head of cattle. Substan- 
 tial improvements have been made upon his land. Well kept fences divide the 
 place into fields of convenient size, and as the years go by, he is transforming 
 his farm into one of the well developed properties of the township. 
 
 Mr. Syverson was married in Trempealeau county in 1899 to Miss Lena 
 Olson, daughter of Ole and Parnilla Olson, natives of Norway, where they 
 still reside. Mr. and Mrs. Syverson have five children: Mabel P., Olga R., 
 
 Elleda O., Norman W., and Borgheld V. 
 
 No event of great importance has occurred to vary the routine of farm life 
 for Mr. Syverson, yet his life work constitutes an example worthly of emula- 
 tion, showing what may be accomplished when determination and energy con- 
 stitute the salient features in a man’s character. 
 
 WILLIAM PRINCE. 
 
 William Prince, identified with general farming in Howard township, is 
 numbered among those citizens whose lives are proof of the attractiveness of 
 Chippewa county as a place of residence. Numbered among the native sons 
 of the county, he has by preference remained within its borders, recognizing 
 the fact that there is no better investment than Wisconsin farm land and that 
 the various opportunities and advantages here afforded are surpassed nowhere. 
 His place embraces one hundred and twenty acres of rich and productive land 
 on section 9, Howard township. He was born on the 2d of December, 1879, his 
 parents being Andrew and Sarah (Corrigan) Prince, well known and highly 
 esteemed residents of this county. The father is of French extraction and the 
 mother of Irish. 
 
 William Prince obtained his education in Chippewa county and left school 
 at the age of fifteen, subsequently assisting his father in the operation of the 
 home farm for about nine years. On the expiration of that period he started 
 out as an agriculturist on his own account, coming into possession of a tract 
 of one hundred and twenty acres on section 9, Howard township, where he has 
 carried on mixed farming to the present time. He keeps about five horses, fifteen 
 cattle and twenty-two hogs. The residence and other buildings on the farm, 
 which were erected by him, are modern and substantial structures. His labors 
 are intelligently directed and his enterprise is bringing him well merited success. 
 
 On the 29th of September, 1903, in St. Peter’s Catholic church, in Bloomer, 
 Wisconsin, Mr. Prince was joined in wedlock to Miss Mary Swartz, a daughter 
 of John and Kate (Sickora) Swartz, who are residents of Chippewa county. 
 Our subject and his wife now have three children living, Evelyn, Ethel and 
 Charlotte, and two deceased. 
 
 In his political views Mr. Prince is independent, considering the capability 
 and fitness of a candidate as of more importance than his party affiliation and 
 
PAST AND PRESENT OF CHIPPEWA COUNTY 
 
 133 
 
 supporting the measures that he deems will most quickly promote the general 
 welfare. In religious faith he is a Catholic, member of SS. Peter and Paul 
 church of Auburn. Both Mr. and Mrs. Prince are widely recognized as people 
 of genuine personal worth and of many sterling traits of character. 
 
 WILLIAM HILP. 
 
 Farming and dairy interests of Chippewa county find a progressive and 
 worthy representative in William Hilp, who owns and operates a fine farm of 
 eighty acres on section 27, Lafayette township. He has resided in that locality 
 since he was nine months old but was born at Sulzfeld, Baden, Germany, July 29, 
 1880. His parents are John and Christine Hilp, natives of Germany, who in 
 1881 settled in this section, where the father has since engaged in farming. He 
 is a substantial agriculturist and a progressive and public-spirited citizen, holding 
 the esteem and respect of his neighbors and friends. 
 
 William Hilp acquired his education in the public schools of Lafayette 
 township and, being the eldest son, was obliged to lay aside his books at the early 
 age of fourteen in order to assist his father. He remained at home until after 
 his marriage and then purchased eighty acres on section 27, Lafayette town- 
 ship, upon which he has since resided, steadily carrying forward the work of 
 development. He has erected a comfortable residence, good barns and out- 
 buildings, and upon the property engages in mixed farming and dairying, 
 both branches proving important and profitable under his able management. 
 
 In Chippewa Falls, on the 19th of June, 1909, Mr. Hilp was united in mar- 
 riage to Miss Emma Buttenhofif, a daughter of William Buttenhoff, a resident of 
 Chippewa Falls. They have two children, Agnes and Herman. Mr. Hilp is a 
 member of the German Lutheran church and is a republican in his political 
 beliefs, taking an intelligent interest in the welfare and progress of the town- 
 ship. He is widely known in Chippewa county and his substantial characteris- 
 tics have gained him the warm regard and unqualified confidence of his fellow 
 citizens. 
 
 OLOF NYSTROM. 
 
 Olof Nystrom, a representative agriculturist and esteemed citizen of Hol- 
 combe township, is the owner of one hundred and sixty acres of land on sec- 
 tions 26 and 27, township 31, range 6. His birth occurred in Sweden on the 
 17th of June, i860, his parents being Nels John and Anna Martha (Johnson) 
 Anderson, both of whom passed away in that country. In 1882, when a young 
 man of twenty-two years, Mr. Nystrom crossed the Atlantic to the United States 
 and, making his way to Wisconsin, engaged in lumbering at Rice Lake. In 
 1884 he returned to Sweden but two years later again came to this country 
 and located in Chippewa county, Wisconsin, here devoting his attention to lum- 
 bering at Estella, near the site of his present farm. In 1892 he purchased one 
 
134 
 
 PAST AND PRESENT OF CHIPPEWA COUNTY 
 
 hundred and sixty acres of land in Holcombe township that was but slightly 
 improved, the buildings thereon being a small house and barn. He has cleared 
 sixty acres of the place and has also erected a substantial frame residence and 
 good barn. In his undertakings as a general farmer he has won well merited 
 success, his well tilled fields annually yielding golden harvests as a reward 
 for the care and labor which he bestows upon them. Thirteen years ago he 
 sent his family to Sweden and went to the Klondike, where he spent two years. 
 He then joined his family in Sweden and at the end of six months’ sojourn 
 there returned with his wife and children to his farm in this county. Subse- 
 quently he again made his way to Alaska, remaining in the north for another 
 period of two years. 
 
 As a companion and helpmate on the journey of life Mr. Nystrom chose 
 Miss Carrie Oleson, a native of Sweden, their marriage taking place in Chip- 
 pewa Falls, August 15, 1891. They have six children, as follows: Anna Elsie, a 
 graduate of the Cornell high school, who attended the normal school at Stevens 
 Point, Wisconsin, and has followed the profession of teaching for three years; 
 Esther Gunhild, who graduated from the high school at Chippewa Falls as 
 valedictorian of the class of 1912 and has taught school for one year; and Val- 
 demar Oliver, Ansel W., Arne O. and Bechtel J., all at home. 
 
 In his political views Mr. Nystrom is a stanch republican, exercising his 
 right of franchise in support of the men and measures of that party. His relig- 
 ious faith is that of the Lutheran church. He is a man of many sterling traits 
 of character as well as of good business ability, and high regard is uniformly 
 tendered him. 
 
 JAMES R. MURPHY. 
 
 Among the law firms of Chippewa county is none which, enjoys a higher repu- 
 tation than that of Murphy & Browne, located at Chippewa Falls, where they 
 conduct an extensive and important business which connects them with much of 
 the litigation before the local courts. James R. Murphy, the senior partner of 
 the firm, came to Chippewa county on August 15, 1887, from Richibucto, New 
 Brunswick, Canada, where he was born January 7, 1877, a son of Constantine C. 
 Murphy. The mother before her marriage was Miss Ellen Roach. In 1887 the 
 parents came to this section and here the father died on February 22, 1905, at 
 the age of seventy-eight, finding his last resting place at Chippewa Falls. There 
 the mother is still living. 
 
 James R. Murphy received his primary education in New Brunswick, which 
 he left at the age of about ten years, subsequently attending Notre Dame high 
 school at Chippewa Falls, from which he graduated at the age of sixteen. He 
 then taught school for about seven years and in that time also attended the 
 Superior State Normal School at Superior, Wisconsin, from which he graduaded. 
 Becoming principle of the Chippewa Falls high school, he remained there for five 
 years, and also conducted the Teachers’ Institute for four years. Entering the 
 University of Wisconsin, he graduated from the law department at Madison in 
 1910 and has since that time engaged in the practice of law in Chippewa Falls, nav- 
 
JAMES R. MURPHY 
 
PAST AND PRESENT OF CHIPPEWA COUNTY 
 
 137 
 
 ingbeen in this city now about three years. Not only is he well versed in the law 
 but has also deeply studied humanity as a teacher and brings to his profession 
 many qualities which spell success. He ably supplements the work of his younger 
 partner and important cases have been at various times entrusted to their care. 
 
 In April, 1911, he was appointed city attorney for the city of Chippewa Falls, 
 which position he still holds. During his incumbency in office the rights and inter- 
 ests of the city have been guarded and protected in an exceptionally able and fear- 
 less manner, and his prudence, tact and vigilance have annually saved thousands 
 of dollars for his city. He resides at No. 21 North Prairie street, Chippewa 
 Falls. Mr. Murphy is a member of the Catholic church and is well known in the 
 Catholic Order of Foresters, the Knights of Columbus and the Ancient Order 
 of Hibernians. 
 
 GEORGE E. BEESTON. 
 
 George E. Beeston, carrying on dairy fanning upon a highly improved 
 tract of eighty acres on section 19, Lafayette township, was born in Adams 
 county, Wisconsin, October 4, 1862, and is a son of Reuben and Sarah A. 
 (Williamson) Beeston. The father came from England in 1852 and settled 
 in Cook county, Illinois, whence he moved in pioneer times to Adams county, 
 Wisconsin. There he took up a homestead claim of wild land, which he 
 improved by clearing the brush and timber and breaking the soil, afterward 
 carrying forward the work of development along practical lines. He served 
 in the Union army during the Civil war and was at all times progressive and 
 public-spirited in matters of citizenship, serving as chairman of the township 
 board of Monroe township and as poor commissioner of Adams county He 
 died in 1904, at the age of seventy-eight, and is buried in the Strongs Prairie 
 cemetery, Adams county. His wife survives him and makes her home at 
 Nekoosa, at the age of eighty years. 
 
 George E. Beeston acquired his education in district school in Adams county 
 and in high school at Necedah, from which he was graduated at the age of 
 nineteen. He afterward assisted his father with the work of the farm until 
 he was thirty-one years of age and then rented land until he bought his present 
 property. This comprises eighty acres and under his able management has 
 been increased to eight times its original value. He specializes in dairying and 
 keeps a large herd of Jersey cattle for this purpose, his dairy products com- 
 manding a high price and a ready sale upon the market. 
 
 In Monroe township, Adams county, on the 4th of October, 1893, Mr. 
 Beeston was united in marriage to Miss Edith Ayers, a daughter of J. B. Ayers, 
 a pioneer farmer of that section, who died in 1898 and is buried in South Burr 
 Oak cemetery in Richfield township. His wife survives him and makes her 
 home at Coloma. Mr. and Mrs. Beeston became the parents of two children, 
 Gladys E. and one who died in infancy. 
 
 Mr. Beeston is a devout member of the Methodist church. He is a republi- 
 can in his political beliefs and is especially interested in the educational advance- 
 ment of the. county, serving at the present time as clerk of the district school 
 
 Vol. II— S 
 
138 
 
 PAST AND PRESENT OF CHIPPEWA COUNTY 
 
 board. As a resident of this township he is loyal in his advocacy of everything 
 pertaining to its welfare and has made some substantial contributions to its 
 development and progress. 
 
 ANTON TUSCHL. 
 
 Farm work claims the time and energy of Anton Tuschl who in the devel- 
 opment of his place is specializing in the raising of grain. He owns a good 
 tract of land of one hundred and twenty acres on section 9, Howard township and 
 he possesses the spirit of enterprise and resolution, characteristic of the Ger- 
 man race. He arrived in Chippewa county in 1908, coming direct to this section 
 upon his arrival in the new world. He was born in Germany in the year 1855 
 and is a son of Leonard and Maria Tuschl, both of whom spent their entire life 
 in Germany. 
 
 The schools of that land afforded Anton Tuschl his educational opportuni- 
 ties, but his advantages were somewhat limited, for he left school at the age of 
 twelve years. His time was then given to assisting his father, with whom he 
 worked until he reached the age of twenty-five years, after which time he 
 hired out as a farm hand, being thus employed until he determined to come 
 to the new world. He had heard favorable reports concerning the opportuni- 
 ties offered in America and hoping to improve his condition, he bade adieu to 
 friends and fatherland and sailed for the United States. He has never had 
 occasion to regret this step and during his residence here he has made contin- 
 uous advancement. He is now the owner of one hundred and twenty acres of rich 
 and productive land, pleasantly situated in the vicinity of Colfax. All modern 
 improvements and equipments are found upon his farm and everything about 
 the place indicates his careful supervision and progressive methods. He has 
 erected a substantial residence and good farm buildings, and the place presents 
 a neat and thrifty appearance. He devotes his land to the raising of grain and 
 annually harvests good crops. 
 
 He belongs to the Catholic church and is interested in matters pertaining 
 to the welfare of the county along many lines. Although he has been a resident 
 of this section of the state for but a comparatively brief period, he has become 
 well known and has gained many friends during the past five years. 
 
 WILLIAM McILQUHAM. 
 
 William Mcllquham has been a resident of Chippewa county for the past 
 three decades and is a substantial and representative agriculturist of Anson 
 township, owning a farm of one hundred and sixty acres on section 11, town- 
 ship 29. His birth occurred near Drummond, Lanark county, Ontario, on tire 
 1 6th of September, 1859, his parents being James and Mary (Spalding) Mcll- 
 quham, both of whom are deceased and lie buried in the Lanark cemetery of 
 Ontario. The father, who was successfully engaged in farming throughout his 
 
PAST AND PRESENT OF CHIPPEWA COUNTY 
 
 139 
 
 active business career, passed away near Drummond. Lanark county, in 1901, 
 when seventy-eight years of age, having for eight years survived his wife, 
 who was called to her final rest in 1893, a * ^ ie a g e of seventy-one. The family 
 is of old Scotch origin. 
 
 William Mcllquham, in the acquirement of his education, attended various 
 schools in his native province, leaving the agricultural college at Guelph, Ontario, 
 when a young man of nineteen years. He afterward assisted his father in the 
 operation of the home farm for a time and subsequently crossed the border 
 into the L T nited States, securing employment in the lumber woods and being thus 
 engaged during fourteen winter seasons. In the summer months he worked 
 on the railroad or at general carpentering in Wisconsin and in the Rocky moun- 
 tains. It was in the year 1891 that he purchased the farm of one hundred and 
 sixty acres which he now operates in Anson township, Chippewa county, which 
 was at that time partially improved but had no buildings. As the years have 
 gone by Mr. Mcllquham has brought the land to a high state of cultivation and 
 has erected all of the buildings on his property, which in its neat and attractive 
 appearance indicates the supervision of a practical and progressive owner. The 
 prosperity which he now enjoys is but the merited reward of his well directed 
 industry, untiring perseverance and capable management. 
 
 On the 8th of October, 1896, at Eau Claire, Wisconsin, Mr. Mcllquham was 
 united in marriage to Miss Jessie Brainard, a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. James 
 Brainard. The father, an early pioneer of this county, is still living at the 
 age of eighty-five years, but the mother is deceased and lies buried in the Anson 
 cemetery. Our subject and his wife have seven sons, as follows: William A., 
 who assists his father in the operation of the home farm; James A., John Dowie 
 and Walter S., all of whom are attending school ; David Theodore ; Robert A. ; 
 and Lawrence. 
 
 In his political views Mr. Mcllquham is independent, supporting men and 
 measures rather than party. Hrs religious faith is indicated by his membership 
 in the Church of Zion. He is an enterprising and progressive citizen and has 
 well earned the confidence and esteem not only of the people of his own town- 
 ship but of the well disposed citizens in the county. 
 
 PATRICK O’DONNELL. 
 
 Patrick O’Donnell needs no introduction to the readers of this volume for 
 since 1884 he has resided in Chippewa county and during the entire period of 
 his active life has been connected with agricultural pursuits here. He was 
 born in Peterboro, Canada, September 23, 1870, and is a son of Patrick 
 and Margaret (Ryan) O’Donnell, the former of whom engaged in farming 
 in Canada. He came with his family to Chippewa county in 1884 but died 
 one year later, at the age of sixty-three. His wife survived him until 1899, 
 dying when she was fifty-eight years of age. Both are buried in Mount Cal- 
 vary cemetery, Chippewa Falls. 
 
 Patrick O’Donnell acquired his education partly in Canada and partly in 
 the district schools of Chippewa county. Lie laid aside his books at the age 
 
1-40 
 
 PAST AND PRESENT OF CHIPPEWA COUNTY 
 
 of seventeen and afterward worked during the winter months in the lumber 
 woods, spending his summers assisting in the operation of his mother’s farm. 
 After her death he inherited half of the property and he bought the other 
 half from her brother Peter, his holdings now comprising one hundred and sixty 
 acres on section 29, Lafayette township. Upon this he has made excellent 
 improvements, erecting a good residence, a large barn and other buildings, 
 and he has worked diligently and capably to attain the success which he now 
 enjoys. 
 
 In Chippewa Falls, on the 14th of October, 1903, Mr. O’Donnell was united 
 in marriage to Miss Dell Thibeau, a daughter of Telesphore Thibeau, a native 
 of Kankakee, Illinois, who engaged in farming for a number of years. He 
 and his wife now reside in Chippewa Falls. 
 
 Mr. O’Donnell is a member of the Holy Ghost Catholic church, is a democrat 
 in his political beliefs and belongs to the Modern Woodmen of America and 
 St. Joseph's society. There are few citizens of this county more widely and 
 favorably known than he, for his enterprise has carried him forward into 
 important relations with agricultural interests and his friendly spirit and unfail- 
 ing courtesy have gained him the warm and lasting regard of those with whom 
 he has been brought in contact. 
 
 FRANK J. LAVELLE. 
 
 Frank J. Lavelle, prominently connected with business interests of Cadott as 
 a dealer in harness, buggies and farm implements, was born in Eau Claire, 
 Wisconsin, April 1, 1871. He is a son of Patrick and Nora (Culbert) Lavelle, 
 the former born in Ireland in 1833 and the latter in Canada in 1834. The 
 father emigrated to the Dominion in 1854, working as a laborer there for some 
 time, after which he moved to Michigan, where he spent five years. He then 
 moved to Eau Claire, this state, engaging in the lumber business there until 
 his death, which occurred on the 15th of July, 1901. He had long survived his 
 wife, who passed away in 1875. To their union were born three children, Frank 
 J., Anna L. and one who died in infancy. 
 
 Frank J. Lavelle acquired his education in the public schools of his native 
 city, laying aside his books when he was fifteen years of age. He afterward 
 learned the harness-making trade, working at it for five years in Eau Claire. 
 In 1890 he came to Cadott, where he became connected with H. W. Frase in the 
 latter’s harness shop. After three years Mr. Lavelle purchased the enterprise 
 and has since added a line of buggies and farm machinery. He controls an 
 important and growing patronage, which has been accorded to him in recogni- 
 tion of his well selected stock of goods, his reasonable prices and his honorable 
 and straightforward business methods. He owns two business houses in Cadott 
 and is vice president of the State Bank of the city, his ability being known and 
 recognized in business circles. He is also connected with agricultural interests 
 of his locality as the owner of one hundred and twenty acres in Sigel township. 
 
 Mr. Lavelle was married on the 12th of September, 1892, to Miss Jennie 
 Snyder, a daughter of Richard and May (Sharp) Snyder, the former foreman 
 
PAST AND PRESENT OF CHIPPEWA COUNTY 
 
 141 
 
 in the spoke factory of the Clarke Manufacturing Company in Cadott. Mr. 
 and Mrs. Lavelle have become the parents of two children: Harry, who was 
 born in 1900 and who died in 1901 ; and Doris, born February 23, 1904. 
 
 Fraternally Mr. Lavelle is connected with the Knights of Pythias, the Equi- 
 table Fraternal Union, the Owls and the Beavers. His political allegiance is 
 given to the democratic party. He was for five years a member of the village 
 board and served as president of the school board for fifteen years, the cause 
 of education finding in him a loyal and able supporter. He was also for twelve 
 years chief of the fire department of Cadott. His enterprise and industry have 
 carried him forward into important relations with business affairs and he has 
 won for himself a most creditable reputation by his enterprise and reliability in 
 every relation in which he has been found. 
 
 HENRY G. MEIDER. 
 
 Henry G. Meider owns a fine dairy farm of eighty acres on section 27, 
 Lafayette township, and by well directed efforts and practical labor has gained 
 a success which places him among the substantial and prosperous agriculturists 
 of his locality. He was born in Washington county, this state, February 22, 
 1865, and is a son of Martin and Margaret (Schlicher) Meider, the former of 
 whom came from Germany in 1852 and settled on a tract of wild land in that 
 locality. With characteristic energy he cleared the timber from his farm, broke 
 the soil and carried forward the work of improvement and cultivation, becoming 
 a successful farmer and a representative citizen. He and his wife had six chil- 
 dren : Henry G., of this review; John, who resides upon the homestead; Mar- 
 
 garet, the wife of Charles Holly, a farmer in Columbia county; Gotlieb, engaged 
 in farming in Lafayette township ; and Leonard and William, both of whom 
 died in Waukesha, Wisconsin. The former is buried in that citv and the latter 
 was laid to rest in the Erin cemetery, Washington county. The father of the 
 subject of this review passed away in 1885 and he is also buried in the Erin 
 cemetery. His wife survives him and resides upon the home farm. 
 
 Henry G. Meider received a very limited education, for even before he left 
 school he spent a great deal of time assisting his father with the work of the 
 homestead and when he was fourteen years of age laid aside his books in order 
 to give all of his attention to farm labor. At the end of seven years he became 
 an employe of the Wisconsin Central Railroad, working in various capacities 
 for four years, after which he bought a farm of eighty acres on section 27, 
 Lafayette township. Upon this property he has since resided and he has erected 
 unon it a comfortable residence, good barns and substantial outbuildings. He 
 engages in dairy farming, keeping a fine herd of milch cows, and he has been 
 very successful, because his methods have always been practical and farsighted. 
 
 In Chippewa Falls, August 29, 1900, Mr. Meider was united in marriage 
 to Miss Mary Morin, a daughter of Michael and Julia Morin, who came to 
 Chippewa county in 1868. The father has since engaged in farming and car- 
 pentering and is one of the earliest living settlers in this county. He and his 
 wife celebrated their golden wedding anniversary in 1904 and are among the 
 
142 
 
 PAST AND PRESENT OF CHIPPEWA COUNTY 
 
 best known and most highly respected residents of this community. The father 
 has reached the age of eighty and the mother is seventy-nine years of age. In 
 their family were five children besides the wife of the subject of this review: 
 Dr. John B., of Detroit, Michigan; Julia, the widow of Paul Felix, a contractor 
 of Chippewa Falls; Napoleon, who died at the age of twenty-eight and is 
 buried in Sagniaw, Michigan; Michael, who has passed away and is buried in 
 Stratford, Canada ; and Artemus, deceased, who is buried in Chippewa Falls. 
 Mr. and Mrs. Meider have four children : William and Henrietta, who are 
 attending school; Edna; and Rene. 
 
 Mr. Meider is a member of the German Lutheran church and is independent 
 in his political views, voting for men and measures without regard to party 
 lines. Upright character and sterling worth have gained him a favorable place 
 in the regard of many friends and Lafayette township numbers him among her 
 valued and representative citizens. 
 
 CHARLES F. SCHULTZ. 
 
 Charles F. Schultz, a representative of a well known pioneer family .of Wis- 
 consin and one of the most prominent and substantial agriculturists of Sigel 
 township, owns and operates a fine farm of two hundred and forty acres on sec- 
 tions 28 and 29, a property upon which he has resided since he was three years 
 of age. He was born in Washington county, this state, September 6, 1859, and 
 is a son of Carl and Johanna (Borchardt) Schultz, natives of Germany, the 
 former born March 5, 1816, and the latter in 1822. The father came to Jefferson 
 county, Wisconsin, about the year 1855, moving into Washington county three 
 years later. He later took up a government homestead claim in Sigel township 
 acquiring eighty acres of land and moved with his family to that township, this 
 county. The journey was made with ox teams over a road which the men of 
 the party chopped through the brush and timber in order that the carts mighr 
 pass through. This is now the upper or north road to Chippewa Falls from 
 the Chippewa bridge to a point on section 28, township 29, range 6 west, where 
 the farm upon which the family settled in pioneer times is located. The father 
 continued to reside in Chippewa county until his death, which occurred in 
 1910. He had survived his wife ten years. Twelve children were born to their 
 union, as follows: August; Minnie; Caroline; William, who has passed away; 
 Augusta; Henrietta; Bertha; Charles F. ; Henry; Amelia; August; and one who 
 died in infancy. 
 
 Charles F. Schultz was reared upon his father’s farm in Sigel township and 
 attended district school until he was fifteen years of age. Even before laying 
 aside his books he assisted with the operation of the homestead and in 1881 
 assumed entire charge of the property. This he inherited after the death of 
 his parents and he still owns the place, which is one of the finest and best- 
 improved farms in Sigel township. The property comprises two hundred and 
 forty acres and lies on sections 28 and 29 and upon it Mr. Schultz engages in 
 general farming and stock-raising, keeping fifty hogs, twenty-eight head of 
 Durham cattle and nine horses. He also specializes in dairying and his interests 
 
PAST AND PRESENT OF CHIPPEWA COUNTY 
 
 143 
 
 are all carefully conducted, so that he is meeting with that success which always 
 follows earnest and persistent labor. 
 
 At Chippewa Falls, on the 24th of April, 1883, Mr. Schultz was united in 
 marriage to Miss Caroline Spaeth, a daughter of Gottlieb and Barbara (Meyer) 
 Spaeth, the former a well known farmer, who was a companion of the father 
 of the subject of this review on the overland journey into Chippewa county. 
 Mr. and Mrs. Schultz have four children. Annie married Frank Filtz, identi- 
 fied with the firm of Filtz & Sons, box manufacturers in Cadott. They have one 
 son, Walter. The other members of the Schultz family are Arthur, Laura and 
 Walter. 
 
 Mr. Schultz is a member of the German Lutheran church and a republican in 
 his political beliefs. For over thirty years he was treasurer of the school board 
 and he- served for two years as supervisor and for one as assessor, discharging 
 his public duties in a capable, conscientious and efficient way. He is one of 
 the most highly esteemed and respected farmers of Sigel township and holds 
 the confidence and regard of his neighbors and friends. 
 
 ADAM HAAG. 
 
 Adam Haag is now living retired in Delmar township after many years of 
 close and prominent connection with agricultural interests of this locality. The 
 farm upon which he resides comprises one hundred and sixty acres lying on 
 section 36, township 29, range 6 west, and upon it he has made his home since 
 he was twenty-one years of age, making during that time many substantial 
 contributions to agricultural development and progress. He was born in Ger- 
 many, December 9, 1844, and is a son of George A. and Rosina K. (Schmidt) 
 Haag, also natives of that country, the former born August 8, 1804, and the latter 
 in 1811. The father was one of the early settlers in Wisconsin, having come to 
 Washington county, this state, in 1854. He moved to Chippewa county in 
 1864 and made his home with his sons until his death in 1872. He was a man 
 of great benevolence and kindliness of spirit and his passing was deeply regretted 
 by his many friends. He and his wife became the parents of six children: Joseph, 
 Mary and Casper have passed away; John is a retired farmer, living in Cadott. 
 He married Miss Anna C. WYbert and they have twelve children. Katherine is 
 a resident of Oklahoma. She married George Meinhard who died in 1902, leav- 
 ing seven children. Adam is the subject of this review. 
 
 Adam Haag acquired his education partly in Germany and partly in the public 
 schools of Washington county, whither he moved with his parents when he was 
 still a child. At the age of fourteen he laid aside his books and afterwards assisted 
 his father with the work of the farm until he was twenty-one. He then pur- 
 chased one hundred and sixty acres of land on section 36, township 29, range 6 
 west, and upon this property has resided continuously since that time. When 
 it came into his possession the land was wild and unimproved, but with charac- 
 teristic energy he set himself to the work of developing it, clearing it of a heavy 
 growth of timber and building upon it a small log cabin. In this dwelling all of 
 his children were born with the exception of his youngest daughter, Ernestina, 
 
144 
 
 PAST AND PRESENT OF CHIPPEWA COUNTY 
 
 whose birth occurred in the fine modern home erected in 1891. Mr. Haag worked 
 steadily and persistently in the development of his farm, carrying forward the 
 work of improvement along progressive and practical lines, and the years brought 
 him gratifying and well deserved success. Eventually he laid aside the cares of 
 active life and since that time has lived in retirement, enjoying the fruits of his 
 industry and enterprise in the past. 
 
 In Sigel township, March 1, 1870, Mr. Haag married Miss Mary Rosenthal, 
 a daughter of Gottlieb and Constantina (Gauzel) Rosenthal, the former a pioneer 
 blacksmith of Chippewa county. Gottlieb Rosenthal was twice married and had 
 four children by his first wife, who died in 1857. Fifteen children were born to 
 his second union. He died in 1889 at the age of seventy-four. Mr. and Mrs. 
 Haag became the parents of eleven children : George, who has passed away ; 
 Gottlieb, who married Miss Ida Speath and who resides in Boyd ; Henry, also 
 deceased; John; Margaret, who has passed away; and Jacob, Mary, Philip, Chris- 
 tian, Frederick and Ernestina. 
 
 Mr. Haag is a devout member of the Lutheran church and gives his political 
 allegiance to the republican party. He has witnessed a great deal of the develop- 
 ment of this section of the state and may well be proud of the part which he 
 has taken in promoting its advancement, for he brought an unimproved tract 
 of timber land to a high state of cultivation, making it one of the finest farms 
 in the county. He is now enjoying the fruits of his former toil, resting in the 
 consciousness of a life well lived and of worthy work well done. 
 
 HERMAN F. KLEMIvE. 
 
 Herman F. Klemke has been a resident of Chippewa county since 1882 and 
 during the greater part of the intervening period has been closely identified with 
 agricultural interests of Lafayette township. He owns today one hundred and 
 sixty acres on section 27 and in its cultivation follows the most practical and pro- 
 gressive methods, resulting in the attainment of a gratifying success. Lie was 
 born in Landsberg, Brandenburg, Prussia, September 2, 1856, and is a son of 
 August and Anna (Lubich) Klemke, natives of that province. The father has 
 passed away and is buried in Kernein, Brandenburg, Prussia, and his wife sur- 
 vives him, making her home with her son August in her native country. 
 
 Herman F. Klemke acquired his education in Germany and laid aside his 
 books at the age of fifteen. He afterwards worked at anything which would 
 bring him an income until 1882, when he crossed the Atlantic to America, settling 
 first in Chippewa Falls. There he secured a position in the planing mill operated 
 by the Chippewa Lumber and Boom Company and he remained with this concern 
 for twelve years thereafter, spending the latter portion of this time in their saw- 
 mill. During this period he acquired some property, which he traded for a farm 
 on section 27, Lafayette township, and upon this he has since resided, giving his 
 attention to mixed farming and dairying. Throughout the years he has steadily 
 carried forward the work of improvement and development, clearing every foot of 
 his property and erecting a fine residence and other substantial buildings. He has 
 
PAST AND PRESENT OF CHIPPEWA COUNTY 
 
 145 
 
 met with gratifying success in his farming operations and has won a prominent 
 place among Chippewa county’s progressive and able agriculturists. 
 
 In Chippewa Falls, on the 26th of August, 1882, Mr. Klemke was united in 
 marriage to Miss Augusta Ross, a native of Germany, and they have become the 
 parents of seven children : Mary, the wife of Fred Ellis, of Minneapolis, Min- 
 nesota; Emma, who married Gus Klages, a farmer in the same state; Bertha, 
 who became the wife of George Warner, a carpenter in Pleasantdale, New Jersey; 
 William, who is assisting his father; George, attending school; Fred, who died at 
 the age of eight; and Frieda, who passed away when she was six years of age. 
 The two last named children are buried in the Lafayette cemetery. 
 
 Mr. Klemke is a member of the German Lutheran church and gives his political 
 allegiance to the republican party. He is one of Chippewa county’s enterprising 
 men and has contributed much in thirty-one years to the general welfare of the 
 community, being numbered today among its most representative and stubstantial 
 citizens. In the fall of 1912 Mr. and Mrs. Klemke visited his old home in Prussia, 
 remaining abroad for four months. He met many old friends, schoolmates and 
 relatives and thoroughly enjoyed his visit. Being a progressive, up-to-date 
 American farmer, he expected to tell them “a thing or two,’’ but found that in 
 many instances they were even farther advanced than the American farmers and 
 friends that were poor during his boyhood were now rich. 
 
 JOSEPH H. KELLY. 
 
 Joseph H. Kelly, one of the most extensive landowners and prominent agri- 
 culturists of Chippewa county, residing on section 31, Eagle Point township, is 
 the owner of one thousand acres of valuable land. He is engaged in mixed farm- 
 ing and dairying and also owns and conducts an elevator at Eagle Point. It was 
 in the year of 1881 that he came to this county from Canada, in which country 
 his birth occurred February 4, 1863, his parents being Thomas and Eliza (Murray) 
 Kelly. The mother, who passed away in 1868, was buried in Canada, but the 
 father still survives and now makes his home in Chippewa Falls. 
 
 Joseph Ii. Kelly attended school in his native country until fourteen years 
 of age and after putting aside his text-books began working in the woods, being 
 thus employed for about twenty-six years. On the expiration of that period he 
 turned his attention to general agricultural pursuits and has since followed farm- 
 ing on section 31, Eagle Point township, Chippewa county, owning one thousand 
 acres of rich and productive land. He is engaged in mixed farming and dairying’ 
 and keeps about thirty-two head of horses, two hundred head of cattle and fifty 
 hogs. Mr. Kelly erected the residence and other buildings which adorn his 
 property and is widely recognized as one of the most prosperous and progressive 
 citizens of the community. He owns an elevator at Eagle Point and in its con- 
 duct has also met with success. 
 
 In 1893, at Eagle Point, Mr. Kelly was united in marriage to Miss Nettie 
 Bartlett, a sister of H. V. Bartlett. Our subject and his wife have three children, 
 namely: Murray T., Joyce and June, all of whom are now assisting their father. 
 
146 
 
 PAST AND PRESENT OF CHIPPEWA COUNTY 
 
 In his political views Mr. Kelly is independent, supporting men and measures 
 rather than party. His religious faith is indicated by his membership in the 
 Methodist church. He is widely known in Chippewa county, where he has resided 
 for almost a third of a century and where his genuine personal worth, high 
 integrity and straightforward principles have gained for him the good-will, trust 
 and respect of all with whom he has been associated. 
 
 * 
 
 JOHN A. HILP. 
 
 John A. Hilp, who during the thirty-two years of his residence on his farm 
 on section 27, Lafayette township, has by hard work and intelligent management 
 made that one of the finest and best improved properties in Chippewa county, 
 was born in Sulzfeldt, Baden, near Bingen, Germany, March 26, 1856. He is a 
 son of Andreas and Regina Hilp, also natives of that community, where their 
 deaths occurred. 
 
 John A. Hilp acquired his education in the public schools of Germany and 
 laid aside his books at the age of fourteen. He then assisted his father with 
 the work of the farm until 1881, in which year he emigrated to America. Settling 
 in Chippewa county, he worked for one year at farm labor and then purchased 
 forty acres of land on section 27, Lafayette township. This tract was covered 
 with timber and stumps, which he was obliged to clear before the work of culti- 
 vation could be begun. However, he applied himself to this task with characteris- 
 tic energy, pursuing the most practical methods and finally developing a valuable 
 and productive property. From time to time he added to his holdings, accumulat- 
 ing four hundred acres of excellent land, which he improved with a comfortable 
 residence and substantial farm buildings. Half of his holdings he has of late years 
 divided among his children, retaining two hundred acres in Lafayette township, 
 where he engages in mixed farming and dairying. 
 
 In Germany, on the 22d of April, 1880, Mr. Hilp was united in marriage to 
 Miss Christine Friedrich, and they have become the parents of six children : Will- 
 iam ; John, who is assisting his father; Albert, a farmer in Chippewa county; 
 Henry, also aiding in the operation of the homestead; Alice, at home; and Emma, 
 who married Oscar Buttenhoff, who is assisting the subject of this review. 
 
 Mr. Hilp is a member of the German Lutheran church and his political alle- 
 giance is given to the republican party. He stands high in business and social 
 circles and is well known in Lafayette and adjoining townships. 
 
 BRYAN GORMLEY. 
 
 Among the energetic, successful and progressive farmers of Lafayette town- 
 ship is Bryan Gormley, the owner of a fine property of one hundred and twenty- 
 acres on section 33, where he has resided for twelve years. He has lived in 
 Chippewa county since 1879 but was born in Turin, Lewis county, New York, 
 October 22, 1844, his parents being Bernard and Alice (Earley) Gormley. The 
 
PAST AND PRESENT OF CHIPPEWA COUNTY 
 
 147 
 
 father was born in New York state and there engaged in farming for a number 
 of years, dying in 1871. His wife survived him four years and they are buried 
 side by side in the Constableville cemetery in New York. The Gormley family 
 is of English origin and its representatives have been in the United States for 
 several generations. 
 
 Bryan Gormley acquired his education in the public schools of Constableville, 
 but his opportunities along this line were limited, for he laid aside his books at 
 the early age of fourteen years. He has, however, made up for the deficiencies 
 of his early training by constant reading and study in mature years. After leav- 
 ing school he assisted his father on the farm until he was twenty years of age 
 and then purchased the homestead, which he cultivated and improved for a num- 
 ber of years thereafter. In 1879 he came to Chippewa county and here worked 
 for fourteen years at carpentering and contracting, meeting with that success 
 which is the natural result of earnest, well directed and persistent labor. He sub- 
 sequently acquired his present farm, the cultivation of which takes up his sole 
 attention. 
 
 In Chippewa Falls, on the 15th of February, 1898, Mr. Gormley was united 
 in marriage to Miss Eva Wilcox, a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. William Wilcox 
 of this county, the former of whom died in 1889. Mr. and Mrs. Gormley have 
 become parents of a daughter, Eva E. Mr. Gormley is a member of the Roman 
 Catholic church. He is independent in his political views and interested in the 
 growth and welfare of the county, although his attention has been largely con- 
 centrated upon his business affairs, in which he has met with substantial and 
 gratifying success. 
 
 GEORGE HARTMANN, Sr. 
 
 George Hartmann, Sr., one of the respected citizens and prominent agricultur- 
 ists of Tilden township, where he owns a valuable farm of three hundred and 
 sixty acres on section 2, has been a resident of Chippewa county for almost six 
 decades. It was in January, 1855, that he came to this county. He was born in 
 Bavaria, Germany, on the 31st of March, 1837, his parents being Jacob and 
 Katherine (Russell) Hartmann, who lie buried in Bavaria, having passed away 
 when our subject was but four years old. He attended school in Bavaria until 
 fourteen years of age and remained in that -country two years longer, being sixteen 
 at the time he crossed the Atlantic to the new world on a sailing vessel which 
 was forty-three days making the voyage. He landed in New York in July, 1853, 
 and from there went to Chicago, and later to Iowa, coming to this county in 
 January, 1S55, as previously stated. 
 
 During the first fifteen years of his residence in this state Mr. Hartmann 
 engaged in logging and for three years of that time had his own logging camp. 
 He subsequently turned his attention to farming, homesteading forty acres and 
 purchasing various tracts from time to time until he now owns a fine farm of 
 three hundred and sixty acres in Tilden township which has remained in his 
 possession continuously since. He is successfully engaged in mixed farming, 
 keeping about eleven horses, forty head of cattle and thirty hogs. The residence 
 
148 
 
 PAST AND PRESENT OF CHIPPEWA COUNTY 
 
 and other buildings on the place which were erected by him enhance the value 
 and attractiveness of the property. 
 
 In 1859, in Chippewa county, Mr. Hartmann was united in marriage to Miss 
 Catherine Rander, a daughter of Francis and Mary Rada, both of whom passed 
 away and were buried in Bohemia. Eleven children were born of this union, as 
 follows: Joseph, who is engaged in farming in Howard township; Frank, who 
 follows farming in Tilden township; George, Jr., a sketch of whom appears on 
 another page of this work; Phillip, a machinist of Chippewa Falls; Paul, who 
 makes his home in Auburn township; Godfrey, who assists his father in the 
 operation of the home farm ; David, a truck farmer of Washington, D. C. ; Edward, 
 abutter maker of Bloomer; John, who is engaged in business as a wagonmaker of 
 Bloomer; Mary, the wife of Joseph Gerner of Chippewa Falls; and Louise, who 
 died in 1882 and was buried in the Tilden cemetery. The wife and mother was 
 called to her final rest in 1891 and her remains were interred at Tilden. In 1893, 
 at Tilden, Mr. Hartmann was again married, his second union being with Mrs. 
 Mary Swartz, who passed away in 1905. 
 
 Mr. Hartmann is a democrat in his political views and has ably served his 
 fellow townsmen in various positions of public trust, having acted in the capacity 
 of assessor, township treasurer, chairman of the township board and in several 
 other offices. He is a devout communicant of St. Peter’s Catholic church of Tilden 
 and for about twenty-five years has served as treasurer thereof. Coming to the 
 new world as a youth of sixteen years, he eagerly availed himself of the oppor- 
 tunities here afforded and has worked his way steadily upward to a position 
 among the substantial 'and most respected citizens of his community. 
 
 JACOB F. KAPPUS. 
 
 Jacob F. Kappus, since 1903 connected with agricultural interests of Chip- 
 pewa county, is the owner of an eighty-acre tract of highly improved land on 
 section 20, Lafayette township, and through his well directed labors and capable 
 management has attained a gratifying degree of prosperity. He was born in 
 Wabasha, Wabasha county, Minnesota, June 9, 1866, and is a son of Jacob F. 
 and Fredericka (Wood) Kappus, both of German origin. The father was for 
 many years a grain buyer and farmer and followed those occupations until the 
 time of his death, which occurred in 1897, when he was seventy years of age. 
 His wife passed away in 1894 and both were buried in the Maxwell cemetery, 
 Buffalo county, Wisconsin. 
 
 Jacob F. Kappus began his education in the public schools of Reed’s Landing, 
 Wabasha county, Minnesota, and completed it in Buffalo county, Wisconsin. At 
 the age of sixteen he laid aside his books and from that time until 1897 worked 
 as a log driver on the river. He then purchased land and engaged in farming. 
 This he afterward sold in order to purchase a fruit farm in Washington county. 
 In 1903 he disposed of this property and removed to Chippewa county, where 
 he bought eighty acres on section 20, Lafayette township. Upon this farm he 
 now resides and he gives a great deal of time to its improvement, having erected 
 
PAST AND PRESENT OF CHIPPEWA COUNTY 
 
 149 
 
 a large barn and other substantial buildings. He has also fenced his fields and 
 raises the grains which in his judgment are best adapted to the soil and climate. 
 
 At Durand, Pepin county, this state, Mr. Kappus was married on the 14th 
 of September, 1889, to Miss Alice Hyde, a daughter of Pliney and Mary (Gard- 
 ner) Hyde. Her father, who was a millwright, carpenter and farmer, died July 
 12, 1912, at the age of eighty-six, and was buried in Maxwell cemetery, Buffalo 
 county. Her mother passed away in 1874. Mr. and Mrs. Kappus have four chil- 
 dren: Arthur and Violet, who are attending school; Jacob, Jr., and Mamie, aged 
 two years. 
 
 Mr. Kappus is a member of the German Lutheran church and gives his 
 political allegiance to the republican party, serving at present as director of the 
 school board. He is not only industrious and enterprising but is also a man 
 of high moral character and is greatly esteemed throughout the township both 
 as a farmer and business man. 
 
 DANIEL H. CAMERON. 
 
 Daniel H. Cameron has resided in Chippewa county since 1866 and has there- 
 fore witnessed practically its entire development. Since 1872 he has been closely 
 connected with agricultural interests as the owner of a fine farm of two hundred 
 and forty acres on section 33, Lafayette township, and has been an individual 
 factor in promoting growth and progress. He was born in Quebec province, on 
 the Beaudet river, November 19, 1842, and is a son of Hugh and Flora (Mc- 
 Donnell) Cameron, the former also a native of Quebec. He was a son of Donald 
 Cameron, one of the first settlers in that province, and the family has been well 
 known near the river Beaudet for many years. Mr. and Mrs. Hugh Cameron 
 have passed away and are buried in that vicinity. 
 
 Daniel H. Cameron acquired his education in the public schools of his native 
 district, laying aside his books at the age of fourteen years. He afterward spent 
 a few years assisting his father with the work of the farm, and then began working 
 in the lumber woods and on the river, continuing thus for five years. At the end of 
 that time he left Canada and came to Chippewa county, where he resumed farm- 
 ing operations and also maintained his connection with lumbering until 1881. In 
 1872 he bought two hundred and forty acres of land on section 33, Lafayette 
 township, of which at that time only four or five acres were cleared, but with 
 characteristic energy Mr. Cameron set himself to the task of improving and devel- 
 oping his farm which as a result of his untiring labor soon became productive 
 and valuable. Upon it he has erected a fine residence, good barns and a shed, all 
 substantial and in good repair, his farm presenting one of the attractive features 
 of the landscape in this locality. 
 
 In Chippewa Falls, on June 7, 1874, Mr. Cameron was united in marriage to 
 Miss Levina Sloan, a daughter of Robert and Sarah (Daugherty) Sloan. The 
 former was the first settler on 5 Mile creek, locating in that vicinity when the 
 Indians were still numerous and when pioneer conditions prevailed everywhere. 
 He and his wife have passed away and are buried in Lafayette cemetery. Mr. 
 
150 
 
 PAST AND PRESENT OF CHIPPEWA COUNTY 
 
 and Mrs. Cameron have three children: Hugh, who is assisting his father;’ 
 Sarah, at home ; and Don, also aiding in the development of his father's farm. 
 
 Mr. Cameron is a member of the Roman Catholic church and is a democrat in 
 his political beliefs. He takes an active part in public affairs and has held various 
 positions of trust and responsibility, serving as supervisor for four or five years 
 and as school director since the organization of the board. He has also been clerk 
 and treasurer of the school board and the cause of education finds in him an able 
 supporter. His worth is widely acknowledged, his enterprise having gained him 
 distinction in agricultural circles and his excellent qualities of mind and character 
 having won him the esteem and confidence of his neighbors and friends. 
 
 GUSTAVE ALBERT. 
 
 Gustave Albert, who has been a resident of Chippewa county for about a 
 quarter of a century, is now successfully engaged in dairy farming in Holcombe 
 township, owning a tract of land comprising sixty acres on section 3, township 31, 
 range 6. His birth occurred in Saxony, Germany, on the 18th of December, 1872, 
 his parents being Carl and Pauline (Fritche) Albert. The father still survives 
 and makes his home with our subject, but the mother passed away in this county 
 four years ago. 
 
 Gustave Albert came to Chippewa county as a youth of seventeen and 
 secured employment in a sawmill and lumber camp at Estella. He was largely 
 engaged in lumbering for a number of years or until 1909, when he began to 
 develop the farm which is now his home, having purchased a slightly improved 
 tract of sixty acres in Holcombe township in 1892. Thirty acres thereof are 
 now cleared and under cultivation, and Mr. Albert devotes his attention to dairy 
 farming with excellent results. He has erected a substantial frame dwelling and 
 also a good barn on the property and is widely recognized as an industrious, 
 honest and upright citizen whose success is well merited. 
 
 In 1909 Mr. Albert was united in marriage to Miss Fannie Nagler, a native 
 of Germany, by whom he has two children, Charlotte and Mary. His religious 
 faith is that of the Lutheran church, while in politics he is independent, support- 
 ing men and measures rather than party. His good qualities, and they are many, 
 have strongly endeared him to those with whom he has been associated and wher- 
 ever he is known he is popular with a large circle of friends. 
 
 LOUIS MONDOUX. 
 
 For thirty-three years Louis Mondoux has been closely connected with agri- 
 cultural interests of Chippewa county and during that time has made many sub- 
 stantial contributions to general progress, owning today a valuable and productive 
 property. His land lies on section 28, Lafayette township, and comprises one 
 hundred acres, all of which is in a high state of cultivation as a result of his in- 
 telligent care and management. 
 
PAST AND PRESENT OF CHIPPEWA COUNTY 
 
 151 
 
 Mr. Mondoux was born in Serrell, Quebec, January 8, 1857, and is a son of 
 Narcis and Elie (Levee) Mondoux, of French extraction. The father engaged 
 in agricultural pursuits all during his active life, dying in 1893. He is buried in 
 the Serrell cemetery, and his wife, who survived him until 1908, was laid to rest 
 in St. Zephirin cemetery, Quebec. 
 
 Louis Mondoux acquired his education in his native province and laid aside 
 his books at the age of thirteen. He afterward assisted his father with the work 
 of the farm for five years and at the end of that time came to Chippewa county, 
 where he has since resided. After working in the lumber woods for five years he 
 turned his attention to farming, purchasing eighty acres of wild timber and brush 
 land, which he cleared and brought to a high state of cultivation. This he after- 
 ward traded for forty acres on section 28, Lafayette township, and to this added 
 another forty acres, which he had previously acquired, and another tract of 
 twenty acres, his holdings aggregating one hundred acres of valuable land. When 
 this came into his possession it was only partially cultivated, but he has steadily 
 developed it since that time until it is today a productive and valuable property. 
 It is provided with a comfortable residence and substantial barns and outbuild- 
 ings, and modern machinery has been installed to facilitate the work of the fields. 
 Mr. Mondoux engages in mixed farming, finding this method the most practical, 
 and his well directed efforts have been rewarded by a substantial degree of 
 success. 
 
 In Chippewa Falls, on the 22d of June, 188(4, Mr. Mondoux was united in 
 marriage to Miss Mary O’Donnell, a daughter of Patrick and Margaret (Wren) 
 O’Donnell. Her parents were both natives of Ireland, the father born in Cork and 
 the mother in Kerry. Mr. O’Donnell engaged in farming in Chippewa county for 
 a number of years. He died in 1885 and was survived by his wife until 1898. 
 Both are buried in Mount Calvary cemetery, Chippewa Falls. Mr. and Mrs. 
 Mondoux have become the parents of eleven children : Louise M., who married 
 Charles Bishop, of Chippewa Falls; Mamie G., Sarah A., and Dolores, all of whom 
 reside in Duluth, Minnesota ; Harold, who is assisting his father ; Alice, a student 
 in the high school ; Milton, Cecilia and Loretta, who are attending district school ; 
 Joseph, who died at the age of four and is buried in Mount Calvary cemetery 
 of Chippewa Falls ; and Leo, who passed away in infancy. 
 
 Mr. Mondoux is a member of the Holy Ghost Roman Catholic church and 
 gives a general allegiance to the democratic party, although at times he votes inde- 
 pendently. He is a man of high social and business standing and is recognized 
 as one of the most valued and progressive citizens of the community. 
 
 A. LAURSEN. 
 
 A. Laursen, a well known and enterprising agriculturist of Holcombe town- 
 ship, is the owner of a tract of land comprising eighty acres on section 20, 
 township 31, range 6. His birth occurred in Denmark on the 5th of January, 
 1849, his parents being L. and Kerstine Laursen, both of whom passed away 
 in Denmark. The father in his earlier life followed agricultural pursuits but 
 later, moving from his original location, settled in Skovlyst, Smadkaeclund, 
 
152 
 
 PAST AND PRESENT OF CHIPPEWA COUNTY 
 
 Denmark, where he successfully conducted a large summer garden and restau- 
 rant during the season from April ist to October ist. Mr. Laursen of this 
 review still treasures a beautiful and large picture of his father’s home. 
 
 A. Laursen spent the first twenty-three years of his life in the old world and 
 in 1873 crossed the Atlantic to the United States. For two and one-half years 
 he resided in P>oston, Massachusetts, being a sailor, and on the expiration of 
 that period made his way to Nebraska, where he bought one hundred and sixty 
 acres of land in Stanton county. Because of the grasshopper scourge he sold 
 the place, however, and returned to Denmark. In 1899 once more came 
 to America and took up his abode in Chippewa county, Wisconsin, working in 
 the woods during the first winter. Subsequently he purchased eighty acres of 
 unimproved land in Holcombe township and has resided on that tract contin- 
 uously since. When it came into his possession five acres of the 
 land were partly cleared and on it stood a little log house, twelve by twelve 
 feet, with a bark roof. At the time of the assessor's first visit, Mr. Laursen 
 had no table nor box to offer him on which to write. He was practically penni- 
 less when he landed on American shores and earnestly began the struggle for 
 a livelihood. As the years have passed, success has attended his well directed 
 efforts and he now has forty acres of his land under cultivation, a substantial 
 and commodious frame residence and good log barns. 
 
 In Boston, Massachusetts, on August 27, 1873, Mr. Laursen was united 
 in marriage to Miss Berget K^rstine Davison, a native of Denmark, by whom 
 he has three children, as follows: Adolphine, the wife of Christ Johnson, of 
 
 Chippewa county ; Lawrence A., who is a resident of Eau Claire, Wisconsin ; 
 and Rufus A., at home. 
 
 Mr. Laursen exercises his right of franchise in support of the men and 
 measures of the republican party and in religious faith is a Lutheran. The 
 sterling traits of his character are well known to his fellow townsmen, the 
 great majority of whom number him as a friend. In the course of his business 
 career he has encountered difficulties and obstacles that would have disheartened 
 many a man of less resolute spirit, and has labored undauntedly and untiringly 
 until he now occupies a place among the substantial and esteemed citizens of 
 his community. 
 
 J. HOWARD BROWNE. 
 
 J. Howard Browne, junior member of the firm of Murphy & Browne, lawyers, 
 at No. 100 North Bridge street, came to Chippewa county in September, 1906, 
 from Vernon county, Wisconsin, where he was born on August n, 1S84. He is 
 a son of Fenton J. and Belle L. (Latshaw) Browne, residents of Vernon county. 
 
 J. Howard Browne received his education at Mount Gilead high school of 
 Mount Gilead, Ohio, which he left at the age of sixteen years in order to take up 
 the profession of teaching. He was so occupied for two years, at the end of which 
 time he entered the State Normal School at Stevens Point, Wisconsin, graduating 
 in 1906. He then came to Chippewa Falls, where he taught for two years, going 
 from here to Wisconsin University, where he studied in the law department for 
 
J. HOWARD BROWNE 
 

PAST AND PRESENT OF CHIPPEWA COUNTY 
 
 155 
 
 about two and a half years, graduating in 1910, at the end of which time he came 
 back to Chippewa Falls and entered into a partnership with Mr. Murphy which 
 still continues. 
 
 Mr. Browne is a democrat in his political views and gives his stanch support 
 to the candidates and measures of that party. He is a member of the Catholic 
 church and fraternally connected with the Knights of Columbus, the Catholic 
 Order of Foresters and the Ancient Order of Hibernians. He has achieved a wide 
 reputation as an orator and in that connection is a member of the state lecture 
 bureau for the Knights of Columbus. The talents of both Messrs. Murphy and 
 Browne have found ready recognition and in the three years in which they have 
 practiced in Chippewa Falls they have built up a reputation which connects them 
 with rpuch important legal business of the county. 
 
 M. A. HENRIIvSEN. 
 
 M. A. Henriksen, who has resided in Chippew r a county for more than three 
 decades, and who enjoys an enviable reputation as one of the best agriculturists 
 in the county, devotes his attention to dairy farming in Holcombe township and 
 is the owner of a tract of one hundred and twenty acres of land on section 21, 
 township 31, range 6. 
 
 He was born in Laurvik, Norway, on the 21st of November, 1867, a son of 
 Knut Henriksen, likewise a native of that country, who brought his family to 
 the United States in 1881. The latter first worked for one year in Milwaukee, 
 Wisconsin, and then came to Chippewa county, purchasing two hundred and 
 eighty acres of wild land which was covered with standing hardwood timber. 
 There was not a highway for miles, the district being still but sparsely settled and 
 largely undeveloped. Knut Henriksen, who was a blacksmith by trade, devoted 
 his attention to that occupation and to general agricultural pursuits throughout 
 his active business career. He built a house of six-inch hewed, planed and 
 matched logs — the kind of dwelling common in his native land. On his farm 
 in Holcombe township he spent the remainder of his life, passing away in 1903 
 and being deeply and sincerely mourned as one of the substantial and respected 
 pioneer settlers whose labors had contributed to the development and growth of 
 the community in no small measure. In religious belief he was a Lutheran. 
 It was in Norway that he wedded Miss Olea Frederickson, who is also deceased. 
 Their children were ten in number, as follows : Henry, who is a resident of 
 South Dakota ; Anna, who is the widow of C. G. Olson and makes her home 
 in Montana; M. A., of this review; Fannie, the wife of Elijah Coats, of Philip, 
 Wisconsin; Fritz, who was married and who died on his way to Australia, being 
 buried in the Sandwich Islands; Anton, who was drowned in the Chippewa river 
 when sixteen years of age ; C. A., who is deceased and of whom a sketch appears 
 on another page of this work; and three who died in infancy. 
 
 M. A. Henriksen, who was a youth of fourteen when he accompanied his 
 parents on their emigration to the new world, remained with them until they 
 passed away. He came into possession of one hundred and twenty acres of the 
 old homestead in Holcombe township, this county, and resides in the log house 
 
 Vol. 11— 9 
 
156 
 
 PAST AND PRESENT OF CHIPPEWA COUNTY 
 
 which was built by his father and which is still a handsome and substantial 
 dwelling. The other buildings are also well constructed and the place, in its 
 neat and thrifty appearance, indicates the supervision of a practical and pro- 
 gressive owner. Mr. Henriksen is engaged in dairy farming and has won a 
 gratifying and well merited measure of prosperity in that connection. 
 
 On the 2d of April, 1904, Mr. Henriksen was united in marriage to Miss 
 Hattie Albert, her father being Carl Albert, a sketch of whom appears on 
 another page of this volume. Our subject and his wife have one child, Marie. 
 
 In his political views Mr. Henriksen is a republican, loyally supporting the 
 men and measures of that party at the polls. That his life has ever been upright 
 and honorable is indicated by the fact that the associates of his youth and early 
 manhood are still numbered among his stanchest friends and admirers, and he 
 well merits the high regard in which he is uniformly held. 
 
 HENRY MORRIS. 
 
 Henry Morris is a progressive and public-spirited man of Lafayette town- 
 ship, who since 1866 has been closely associated with the progress and develop- 
 ment of this part of Wisconsin. As the years have gone by, through his agri- 
 cultural interests and his hearty cooperation in every progressive movement, 
 he has contributed to the general advancement and at all times has manifested 
 a deep interest in whatever is calculated to promote the general welfare. He 
 is now living on section 30, Lafayette township, where a valuable property of 
 eighty acres does tribute to his care and industry. He is also entitled to repre- 
 sentation in this volume as a veteran of the Civil war. 
 
 Mr. Morris was born in Sussex county, England, April 15, 1844, and is a 
 son of Stephen and Annie Morris, both of whom passed away during an epi- 
 demic of cholera in 1849 an d were buried in Niagara county, New York. He 
 came to America with his parents when he was still a child and settled with 
 them in Niagara county, where he acquired his education. He laid aside his 
 books at the age of fifteen and then worked at farm labor in New York state 
 until the outbreak of the Civil war. He volunteered for service in the Union 
 army as a member of the Twenty-third New York Independent Battery and 
 was sent to the front as private, taking part in many of the most important 
 battles of the war. He received his honorable discharge at the close of hostili- 
 ties July 15, 1865, at Buffalo, New York, and following this moved to Wiscon- 
 sin, where he has since made his home. For fifteen seasons he worked in the 
 lumber woods and on the rivers and then settled on a farm in Buffalo county, 
 where he remained until 1892. He then purchased his present property on 
 section 30, Lafayette township, finding the land at that time covered with a 
 heavy growth of timber. This he cleared and with characteristic energy has 
 since carried forward the work of improvement and development, owning today 
 a productive and valuable farm. 
 
 In Buffalo county, this state, August 15, 1881, Mr. Morris was united in 
 marriage to Miss Ellen Stoken, a daughter of Timothy and Adelia (Rouse) 
 Stoken, the former of whom engaged in carpentering and farming for a num- 
 
PAST AND PRESENT OF CHIPPEWA COUNTY 
 
 157 
 
 ber of years. He was also a veteran of the Civil war. Both parents have 
 passed away and are buried in the North Brant cemetery. Mr. and Mrs. Morris 
 have become the parents of one daughter, Daisy, who married James Moloney, 
 a prominent farmer of this district. 
 
 Mr. Morris gives his political allegiance to the republican party and is con- 
 nected fraternally with the local post of the Grand Army of the Republic. He 
 is a man whose excellent moral character, industry and enterprise have given 
 him a high standing in the community, of which he is acknowledged to be a 
 representative and valued citizen. 
 
 CHRIST L. GOETZ. 
 
 Christ L. Goetz, a worthy native son and representative agriculturist of 
 Chippewa county, is the owner of one hundred and sixty acres of rich and pro- 
 ductive land on section 14, Sigel township. His birth occurred in this county 
 on the 2 1 st of June, 1871, his parents being Henry and Caroline (Grassle) 
 Goetz. The father passed away on the 10th of December, 1909, but the mother 
 still survives and resides on the old home farm, being well known and highly 
 esteemed throughout the community. 
 
 In the acquirement of an education Christ L. Goetz attended school in this 
 county until sixteen years of age and after putting aside his text-books assisted 
 his father in the operation of the home place, gaining a thorough knowledge of 
 agriculture in all of its phases. In 1908 he started out as an agriculturist on 
 his own account and has since cultivated a tract of land comprising one hundred 
 and sixty acres on section 14, Sigel township. He carries on mixed farming and 
 keeps about nine head of horses, twenty cattle and ten hogs. The residence and 
 other buildings on the property were erected by him, and the neat and thrifty 
 appearance of the place bespeaks the supervision of a practical and progressive 
 owner. 
 
 On the 6th of October, 1908, in Sigel township, Mr. Goetz was united in 
 marriage to Miss Martha Grimm, a daughter of Herman and Minnie (Wohlbier) 
 Grimm, who reside in that township. Our subject and his wife have three 
 children, Victor, Anita and Lloyd. 
 
 Mr. Goetz gives his political allegiance to the republican party and in religious 
 faith is a Lutheran. He enjoys a wide and favorable acquaintance in the county 
 where his entire life has been spent and has long been numbered among its 
 substantial and esteemed citizens. 
 
 MICHAEL MEAGHER. 
 
 Michael Meagher, who has been a resident of Chippewa county for over a 
 half century, has devoted his attention to agricultural pursuits throughout his 
 entire business career and is now the owner of an excellent farm of two hundred 
 and fifty-four acres on section 28, Eagle Point township. It was in 1859 that 
 
158 
 
 PAST AND PRESENT OF CHIPPEWA COUNTY 
 
 he was brought to this county from Trempealeau county, Wisconsin, where his 
 birth occurred on the 4th of April, 1854. His parents, Patrick and Mary (Flynn) 
 Meagher, are both deceased and lie buried in Chippewa Falls. 
 
 Michael Meagher attended school in this county until seventeen years of age 
 and afterward assisted his father in the operation of the home farm until the 
 latter’s death in the spring of 1892. He took possession of the property at that 
 time and subsequently purchased a farm of two hundred and fifty-four acres on 
 section 28, Eagle Point township, on which he has remained continuously since. 
 His time and energies are devoted to mixed farming and he keeps about seven 
 horses and fifty cattle. He is energetic and industrious in the conduct of his 
 agricultural interests, and his carefully directed labors have brought to him 
 well earned success. 
 
 In 1888, in Chippewa county, Mr. Meagher was joined in wedlock to Miss 
 Mary Manning, a daughter of Thomas and Bridget (Flynn) Manning, both of 
 whom are buried at Chippewa Falls. Our subject and his wife have three chil- 
 dren, namely : Lawrence, George and Theresa, all at home. 
 
 Mr. Meagher gives his political allegiance to the democracy and has ably served 
 as chairman of the town board for about two years. His religious belief is that 
 of the Catholic church, attending Notre Dame church of Chippewa Falls, and he 
 is also a member of the Modern Woodmen of America. Throughout almost his 
 entire life he has made his home in Chippewa county and for a long period has 
 been recognized as one of the most substantial and progressive citizens, receiving 
 from all who are associated with him the respect due to one whose career has 
 ever been upright and honorable. 
 
 PAUL H. FELIX. 
 
 Paul H. Felix, a progressive and practical farmer of Lafayette township, 
 owning and operating one hundred acres of fine land on sections 21 and 28, is 
 a native of Chippewa county, born January 29, 1873, his parents being Prest 
 and Kate ( Pelocjuin) Felix, both of French origin. The father was one of the 
 first settlers in Lafayette township, having taken up a tract of heavy timber 
 land in pioneer times. This he cleared and by hard work and intelligent manage- 
 ment brought it to a high state of cultivation. During the course of a long) 
 active and honorable life he won the esteem and confidence of his neighbors and 
 friends and his death, which occurred in April, 1910, when he was seventy-five 
 years of age, deprived Chippewa county of a representative citizen as well as an 
 honored pioneer. He had survived his wife since 1908, her death occurring 
 when she was fifty-nine years of age. Both are buried in Mount Calvary ceme- 
 tery, Chippewa Falls. 
 
 Paul H. Felix was reared upon his father’s farm and from his” early childhood 
 assisted with its operation, learning in this way the best agricultural methods and 
 all the details of farm operation. At the age of fifteen he began working in the 
 lumber woods during the winters, remaining at home during the summers, and 
 he continued thus until 1904, when he purchased his present farm. He now 
 owns one hundred acres of fine land on sections 21 and 28, Lafayette township, 
 
PAST AND PRESENT OF CHIPPEWA COUNTY 
 
 159 
 
 and upon this engages in dairy farming, winning that success which always 
 follows earnest labor and intelligent management. 
 
 Mr. Felix is a member of the Holy Ghost Roman Catholic church of Chippewa 
 Falls and is independent in his political views, voting for men and measures with- 
 out regard to party lines. Wherever he is known he is respected for his unfalter- 
 ing allegiance to the principles of honorable manhood as manifest in business and 
 social relations and in public-spirited citizenship. 
 
 LAWRENCE VERHULST. 
 
 Lawrence Verhulst, engaged in dairy farming in Holcombe township, is the 
 owner of a tract of land comprising eighty acres on section 3, township 31, range 
 6. His birth occurred in Holland on the 24th of July, 1861, his parents being 
 William and Jakoba (Joosse) Verhulst. In that country the mother died. Later 
 in 1882, the family emigrated to the United States and located in Sheboygan 
 county, Wisconsin, near Oostburg. The father is still living. 
 
 Lawrence Verhulst spent the first twenty-one years of his life in the land of 
 his nativity and then accompanied his father on his emigration to the new world. 
 He worked as a farm hand and also in factories of Sheboygan for a number of 
 years and subsequently cultivated rented land in northwestern Wisconsin for a 
 few years. In 3906 he purchased a slightly improved tract of eighty acres in 
 Holcombe township, Chippewa county, the property being located in section 3, 
 township 31, range 6. He has since resided on that place and is successfully en- 
 gaged in dairy farming. Twenty acres of the tract are now under cultivation. 
 
 As a companion and helpmate on the journey of life, Mr. Verhulst chose Miss 
 Katie De Groot, also a native of Holland and a daughter of Cornelius De Groot, 
 who is a resident of Sheboygan, Wisconsin. By this union there are five children, 
 namely: Cornelius Anthony, Cora Martha, Elizabeth Mary, William Jacob, and 
 Lawrence. 
 
 Mr. Verhulst was reared in the faith of the Dutch Reformed church, and in 
 politics is socialistically inclined. His life is in harmony with his professions 
 and those who know him entertain for him the highest regard because of his 
 admirable qualities of heart and mind. 
 
 PATRICK A. BOYLE. 
 
 Patrick A. Boyle, a well known lumberman and farmer of Chippewa county, 
 was born in Ingersoll, Ontario, July 29, i860, and is a son of Patrick and 
 Hannah (Walsh) Boyle, both of Irish origin. The father engaged in farming in 
 Canada and later came to Wisconsin, where he lost his life by drowning. He is 
 buried in Eau Claire, where his wife still resides. 
 
 Patrick A. Boyle acquired his education in the public schools of Eau Claire 
 and laid aside his text-books when he was sixteen years of age. Immediately 
 afterward he turned his attention to the lumber business and has since been 
 
160 
 
 PAST AND PRESENT OF CHIPPEWA COUNTY 
 
 in some way connected with this industry, either as foreman of a camp or as 
 an independent logger. He came to Chippewa county in 1908 and, although he 
 has not abandoned lumbering, gives a great deal of his time and attention to 
 his farming interests here. He owns one hundred and sixty acres of fine 
 
 land on section 29, Lafayette township, and has made this a valuable and pro- 
 
 ductive property, reflecting everywhere his careful supervision and practical 
 labors. 
 
 In Eau Claire, on the 3d of November, 1878, Mr. Boyle was united in mar- 
 riage to Miss Rose A. McKay, a daughter of Patrick and Mary (Muldoon) 
 
 McKay, who were natives of Ireland and Rhode Island, respectively. The 
 
 former was one of the first settlers in Eau Claire county and died there in 1870. 
 His wife survived him until 1911 and both are buried in the Catholic cemetery 
 in Eau Claire Mr. and Mrs. Boyle became the parents of the following chil- 
 dren: Helen, who was graduated from high school and afterward married 
 Alfred Flagstad, a draftsman in Bradford, Ontario; William and Patrick, who 
 are assisting their father; Paul, a student in high school; Gladys, also attend- 
 ing school; and Margaret and Lawrence, who died in infancy. 
 
 Mr. Boyle is a member of the Holy Ghost Roman Catholic church of Chip- 
 pewa Falls and is connected fraternally with the Catholic Knights of Wisconsin. 
 He votes independently and is interested in the progress of his community, 
 although his attention has largely been given to his business affairs, the capable 
 management of which has brought him gratifying and well deserved success. 
 
 H. W. GARDNER. 
 
 H. W. Gardner, engaged in general and dairy farming, is the owner of a 
 tract of land comprising two hundred and forty acres on sections 19 and 30, 
 township 30, range 6. His birth occurred in the state of New York on the 28th 
 of February, t866, his parents being William and Anna Marie (Pauley) Gard- 
 ner, the former a native of Germany. Their marriage was celebrated in the 
 Empire state. William Gardner died eighteen years ago, passing away on the 
 farm of his son in this county. His widow still makes her home with her 
 son, H. W. 
 
 The boyhood of H. W. Gardner was spent in New York and his education 
 was acquired in the common schools of that state. In 1883, when a youth of 
 seventeen, he came to Chippewa county, Wisconsin, and here began working 
 in the woods and sawmills. In 1884 he purchased a tract of eighty acres of 
 wild land and undertook the task of development. As the years have passed 
 and success has crowned his labors as an agriculturist he has made additional 
 purchases of land until his holdings now embrace one hundred and sixty acres 
 on section 30, township 30, range 6, and eighty acres on section 19. The property 
 is lacking in none of the improvements and accessories of a model farm of 
 the twentieth century, and Mr. Gardner carries on both dairy and general 
 farming with excellent results. He likewise owns a sawmill and has operated 
 the same successfully for many years. He was also one of the successful log- 
 gers on the Chippewa waters for many years. 
 
PAST AND PRESENT OF CHIPPEWA COUNTY 
 
 161 
 
 In Chippewa county Mr. Gardner was joined in wedlock to Miss Mary 
 Johnson, her father being Rufus Johnson, who is deceased and a sketch of 
 whom appears on another page of this work. Mr. Gardner is a democrat in 
 his political views and for many years has held the office of chairman of the 
 township board, making a creditable record in that connection. The period of 
 his residence in this county covers three decades, and he has long been num- 
 bered among its prosperous and esteemed citizens. 
 
 RHINEHARDT GOETZ. 
 
 Rhinehardt Goetz, who devotes his attention to mixed farming with excel- 
 lent success, is the owner of a well improved tract of land comprising one 
 hundred and sixty acres on section 24, Sigel township. Chippewa county num- 
 bers him among her native sons, his birth having occurred in Sigel township 
 on the 22d of September, 1880. His parents were Henry and Caroline (Grassle) 
 Goetz. The demise of the father occurred on the 10th of December, 1909, 
 but the mother still survives and resides on the old homestead farm. 
 
 Rhinehardt Goetz attended the public schools of his native township until 
 seventeen years of age and subsequently assisted his father in the work of the 
 fields until the latter’s death. He then took possession of a part of the home 
 place and has since been busily engaged in its operation, carrying on mixed 
 farming and keeping three horses, three head of cattle and about one hundred 
 and ten sheep which are principally pure blooded Shropshires. He erected his 
 residence and other buildings and has gained recognition as an enterprising 
 and successful young agriculturist of his native county. 
 
 On the 28th of December, 1909, in Sigel township, Mr. Goetz was joined 
 in wedlock to Miss Louise Spaeth, a daughter of C. G. and Ernestine (Rosen- 
 thal) Spaeth. The mother, who passed away in 1895, ^ es buried in the Sigel 
 cemetery, but the father still survives and makes his home in the town of Sigel. 
 Our subject and his wife have one child, Alice. In his political views Mr. 
 Goetz is a stanch republican, while his religious faith is indicated by his mem- 
 bership in the Lutheran church. He has many friends in Chippewa county, 
 among whom he is highly esteemed and respected. 
 
 JULIUS SIPPEL. 
 
 By hard work, intelligent management and persistent effort Julius Sippel 
 has met with excellent success in the management of his two hundred and forty 
 acre farm in Lafayette township and is numbered today among the most pro- 
 gressive and able agriculturists in his locality. He was born in Wurtemberg, 
 Germany, July 13, 1867, and is a son of Henry and Margaret Sippel, who came 
 to America in 1881 and settled in Chippewa county, where the father passed 
 away in 1896, at the age of seventy. His wife survived him until 1900, she 
 
162 
 
 PAST AND PRESENT OF CHIPPEWA COUNTY 
 
 also being seventy years of age at the time of her death. Both are buried in 
 the Lafayette cemetery. 
 
 Julius Sippel acquired his education in his native country and in the public 
 schools of Chippewa county, where he learned English. After laying aside his 
 books he assisted his father with the work of the farm for some time and 
 when he was nineteen years of age obtained employment in the iron mines, 
 continuing thus for about eight years. He then purchased one hundred and 
 twenty acres of good land and after developing this for some time bought two 
 hundred and forty acres on section 36, Lafayette township, a property whereon 
 he has since resided. He engages in mixed farming and has been very success- 
 ful, his farm being today one of the best equipped and most valuable in this 
 vicinity. 
 
 In Chippewa Falls, on the 29th of December, 1888, Mr. Sippel married 
 Miss Lucinda Wells, a daughter of Romanzo and Harriet (Smock) Wells, the 
 former a veteran of the Civil war. Lie makes his home in Washington and sur- 
 vives his wife, who is buried in Lafayette township. Mr. and Mrs. Sippel 
 became the parents of five children : Emma, who lives at home ; Elmer J., 
 assisting his father; Harriet, at home; Alvin M., also aiding in the operation 
 of the homestead ; and Thomas A., who died in 1909 and is buried in Lafayette 
 township. Mrs. Sippel passed away in 1908. Mr. Sippel is a member of the 
 German Lutheran church and is independent in his political beliefs. He is 
 numbered among the able and progressive men of this community and through 
 industry and perseverance has acquired a high standing in agricultural circles.^ 
 
 EDWARD PORTER. 
 
 Edward Porter, who has conducted a real-estate business at Cornell since the 
 spring of 1913, came to Chippewa county in 1877 and has therefore resided within 
 its borders for more than a third of a century. His birth occurred in Durham, 
 Quebec, Canada, on the 25th of May, 1853, his parents being William and 
 Margaret Porter. The family is of Irish origin. William Porter, an agricul- 
 turist by occupation,- passed away in 1893, while his wife was called to her 
 final rest in 1896. Both are buried in Durham, Canada. 
 
 Edward Porter obtained his education in the place of his nativity and when 
 a youth of fourteen put aside his text-books and secured a position as clerk 
 in a general store, being employed in that capacity for some time. Subse- 
 quently he spent three years in railroad construction work in the state of Ver- 
 mont and afterward did the same kind of labor in Duluth and Superior. His 
 next removal was to Eau Claire, Wisconsin, where he worked in the woods and 
 later began logging in partnership with Warren Flint, maintaining that associa- 
 tion for ten years and continuing in the business until 1900. In connection 
 with his logging interests he also carried on farming until the year in which 
 he established his present business enterprise. It was in the spring of 1913 that 
 he embarked in the real-estate business at Cornell, where he has since conducted 
 operations in that field with gratifying success, possessing a thorough and 
 
EDWARD PORTER 
 
PAST AND PRESENT OF CHIPPEWA COUNTY 
 
 165 
 
 comprehensive knowledge of realty values and figuring in many important trans- 
 actions. 
 
 On the 1 6th of September, 1882, at Eau Claire, Wisconsin, Mr. Porter was 
 united in marriage to Miss Jennie F. Kean, her father being I. H. Kean, a 
 merchant of Eau Claire. The parents are both deceased and lie buried in 
 Sumner, Washington, where Mr. Kean was engaged in fruit ranching. Mr. and 
 Mrs. Porter have three children, as follows : Herbert T., who is a civil engineer 
 by profession; Grace, the wife of Dr. Ostrie, of Merrill, Wisconsin; and Mar- 
 garet, who attends the high school at Merrill, Wisconsin. Mr. Porter erected 
 the family residence at Cornell. 
 
 In politics Mr. Porter is a stanch republican and an active worker in the 
 local ranks of the party. lie has served as chairman of the township of Hol- 
 combe for nine years and at present acts in the capacity of assessor and super- 
 visor of Cornell, discharging his official duties in a prompt and capable manner. 
 Fraternally he is identified with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and 
 the Modern Woodmen of America. Genial and kindly in nature, he fully appre- 
 ciates his obligations to his fellowmen, and his honorable principles and upright 
 manhood have won for him the high regard, confidence and good-will of all with 
 whom he has come in contact. 
 
 PETER EMERSON. 
 
 Peter Emerson, who has been engaged in business as a cheese manufacturer 
 of Chippewa county for the past seventeen years, resides in Arthur township, 
 on section 19, township 30, range 6. He is now the proprietor of the Crescent 
 Cheese Factory, which he purchased in September, 1911, and also conducts 
 a general mercantile store in connection therewith. His birth occurred in 
 Oconomowoc, Waukesha county, Wisconsin, on the 6th of October, 1873. His 
 parents are now residents of Sigel township, Chippewa county, having lived 
 here for more than a third of a century and being well known and highly 
 esteemed throughout the community. 
 
 Peter Emerson, who was a little lad of six years when he came to this 
 county with his parents, attended the common schools in the acquirement of 
 an education. He learned cheese making at Anson and for the past seventeen 
 years has been engaged in that business. Four years ago he leased the Monroe 
 Cheese Factory at Crescent and in September, 1911, bought the establishment, 
 which is now known as the Crescent Cheese Factory. It has a capacity of 
 eleven thousand pounds of milk per day, and its thirty-five patrons make an 
 average delivery of five thousand pounds daily. When Mr. Emerson first took 
 hold of the concern only three thousand pounds of milk were delivered daily. 
 He makes an excellent quality of cheese and has won an enviable reputation 
 in that respect. In connection with his factory he also conducts a general 
 mercantile store and is accorded a liberal patronage because of his reasonable 
 prices and well selected stock of goods. He is a man of good business ability 
 and well merits the success which has attended his efforts both as a manu- 
 facturer and merchant. 
 
166 
 
 PAST AND PRESENT OF CHIPPEWA COUNTY 
 
 As a companion and helpmate on the journey of life Mr. Emerson chose 
 Miss Julia Christianson, a native of Norway, by whom he has four children, 
 namely: Evelyn, Karles, Laura and Albert. The religious faith of the family 
 is that of the Lutheran church. The period of his residence in Chippewa county 
 covers thirty-four years, and he has won and retained the regard and esteem 
 of a large circle of friends and acquaintances within its borders. 
 
 REV. JOSEPH J. CALLAHAN. 
 
 Rev. Joseph J. Callahan, pastor of Notre Dame church at Chippewa Falls, 
 'was born in Bay City, Michigan, January 7, 1878, and is a son of James and 
 Ellen (Tuohy) Callahan, the former one of the old settlers in that citv, where for. 
 many years he engaged in general merchandising. Both parents are living there 
 now. The family is of Irish origin but its members have been in America for 
 several generations. 
 
 Father Callahan acquired his primary education in the parochial schools of 
 Bay City, Michigan, and afterward entered Pittsburg College of Pittsburg, 
 Pennsylvania, from which he was graduated in 1897. He then went to Rome, 
 Italy, where he took a course in the Gregorian University, after which he returned 
 to the United States and was ordained in 1904 to the Catholic priesthood in 
 St. Vincent’s Abbey, Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania. Immediately after- 
 ward he became connected with educational interests as a professor of philosophy 
 and theology in Philadelphia and he afterward was professor of classics in Pitts- 
 burg and for about seven years he was professor of philosophy and theology at 
 Ferndale, Connecticut, resigning in August, 1912, when he was appointed pastor 
 of Notre Dame church at Chippewa Falls. Since that time he has labored ear- 
 nestly and untiringly in his new field and has accomplished a great deal of con- 
 secrated work among the Catholic people of the city, holding their love in large 
 measure as he does the esteem and confidence of the people of all denominations. 
 
 THOMAS W. MELVILLE. 
 
 Among the members of the Melville family who are ably carrying forward 
 the work which their father began in early times in the Melville Settlement is 
 numbered Thomas W. Melville, who owns and operates one hundred and 
 twenty acres on section 21, Lafayette township, and by intelligent management 
 and careful cultivation has surrounded himself with a gratifying measure of 
 success. 
 
 He was born in the section where he now resides August 27, 1865, and is 
 a son of John C. Melville, of whom further mention is made elsewhere in this 
 work. He acquired his education in district school No. 4, laying aside his 
 books at the age of sixteen. He afterward assisted his father with the work 
 of the homestead until he was twenty-two and then spent a few years in the 
 lumber woods. When he abandoned this occupation he purchased his present 
 
PAST AND PRESENT OF CHIPPEWA COUNTY 
 
 167 
 
 property, finding thirty-five acres broken and the rest entirely unimproved. 
 He now has the entire tract of one hundred and twenty acres under cultiva- 
 tion and has erected upon it excellent buildings, being entirely responsible for 
 its present excellent condition. Mixed farming and dairying occupy his atten- 
 tion and he has made both branches profitable sources of income. 
 
 In Chippewa Falls, April 30, 1896, Mr. Melville was united in marriage to 
 Miss Elsie Bennett, a daughter of James and Jane (Baker) Bennett. The 
 former was an early settler in Anson township and for many years engaged in 
 farming there. He died in 1903 and is buried in Sigel cemetery. His wife 
 survives him and resides upon the homestead, being now over seventy years 
 of age. Mr. and Mrs. Melville became the parents of six children : Irene, 
 Morris, Raymond and Albert, who are attending school ; Alice, deceased ; and 
 one child who died in infancy. The two latter are buried in the Lafayette 
 cemetery. 
 
 Mr. Melville belongs to the Modern Brotherhood of America and gives his 
 political allegiance to the republican party. He is a member of the school 
 board and is interested in everything pertaining to the growth and development 
 of the township and county. He has made many substantial contributions to 
 agricultural progress and is regarded as an able farmer and a public-spirited 
 citizen. 
 
 ANDREW METOTT, Jr. 
 
 Andrew Metott, Jr., who has spent his entire life, covering almost a half 
 century, within the borders of Chippewa county, is familiar with the history 
 of this region from early days to the present and experienced many of the hard- 
 ships and privations of pioneer times. He is successfully engaged in dairy 
 farming in Arthur township, owning a tract of eighty acres on section 23, town- 
 ship 30, range 7. 
 
 His birth occurred on the old homestead in Anson township on the 19th of 
 January, 1864, his parents being Andrew and Mary (Schnider) Metott, more 
 extended mention of whom is made on another page of this work. He was 
 reared to manhood on the home farm and when twenty-eight years of age 
 
 was married and purchased the tract of eighty acres on which he has resided 
 
 to the present time. About an acre and a half of the land was cleared, and 
 the only building on the place was a little log house. Mr. Metott has cleared 
 seventy-five acres of the tract and forty acres thereof are under cultivation. 
 As a dairy farmer he has won success, at all times keeping in touch with 
 modern and progressive methods. His buildings include a substantial log house 
 and barns, and he is now contemplating the erection of a new residence. The 
 farm as it is today furnishes evidence of the enterprise, thrift and ability of 
 Mr. Metott, for it was merely a tract of wild land when it came into his pos- 
 session. Twenty years ago he cut and hauled logs to Cadott and sold them 
 
 for five dollars per M. At the present time he is obliged to pay sixty dollars 
 
 per M. for the same kind of lumber. He sold oats for fifteen cents per bushel 
 and wheat at forty-five cents, and well remembers the struggle for a livelihood 
 
168 
 
 PAST AND PRESENT OF CHIPPEWA COUNTY 
 
 in pioneer days. As the years have passed, however, prosperity has attended 
 his efforts and he is now numbered among the successful and esteemed citizens 
 of his native county. 
 
 In 1892, in Chippewa county, Mr. Metott was united in marriage to Miss 
 Caddy Bell, who was born in Richland county, Wisconsin, in 1872, her parents 
 being Adam and Belinda (Bartels) Bell. The mother is deceased, but the father 
 still resides on the farm in Arthur township which has been his home for about 
 thirty years. Mr. and Mrs. Metott have five children, namely: Oscar, Fern, 
 
 Donald, Malcolm and Harold. All are still under the parental roof. 
 
 Mr. Metott is a republican in his political views and has served as a mem- 
 ber of the school board, the cause of education ever finding in him a stanch 
 champion. He has always been a man of exemplary habits and strict integrity 
 and in the course of his life has performed his part in advancing the true wel- 
 fare of the community. 
 
 RICHARD G. BENNETT. 
 
 Richard G. Bennett, carrying on mixed farming upon a property of eighty 
 acres on section 20, Lafayette township, was born upon this farm in an old 
 cabin, which is still standing, August 28, 1878, his parents being Jonathan and 
 Mary (Johnson) Bennett. The family is of Irish origin. Jonathan Bennett 
 came from Eau Claire, Wisconsin, to Chippewa county in 1873 and purchased 
 land in Lafayette township. He found his farm a wilderness, covered with a 
 dense growth of heavy timber, and he was obliged to clear this before the work 
 of cultivation could be begun. With the timber which he cut down he built a 
 log house and resided in this for many years, becoming during the time a pros- 
 perous agriculturist and well known in public affairs. He died in 1898, at 
 the age of fifty-five, and is buried in Lafayette cemetery. His wife survives 
 him and makes her home with her son, the subject of this review. 
 
 Richard G. Bennett acquired a limited education in the district schools but 
 is largely self-educated, having made up for his early disadvantages along this 
 line by constant study and reading. On account of his father’s ill health he was 
 obliged to lay aside his books at the early age of twelve and to assist in the oper- 
 ation of the homestead, gradually assuming entire control. He has made all 
 of the improvements upon the place, erecting a commodious residence and good 
 barns and installing modern machinery. The farm is today a valuable property 
 and worthy of comparison with the best in his locality. Mr. Bennett is also 
 well known as the organizer of the Lafayette Creamery and has been secretary, 
 treasurer and general manager of this concern since its foundation. He was 
 also for three years secretary and treasurer of the Melville Settlement Tele- 
 phone Company and his ability is recognized and respected in business circles. 
 
 Mr. Bennett is a member of the Episcopal church and is connected fra- 
 ternally with the Masonic order, being a member of the blue lodge, chapter 
 and commandery. He also belongs to the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. 
 In politics he is a stanch republican and has been very active in public affairs, 
 serving as clerk of the school district for twelve years and being now in the 
 
PAST AND PRESENT OF CHIPPEWA COUNTY 
 
 169 
 
 fourth term of his able service as township clerk. He is numbered among 
 Chippewa county's most active and progressive native sons and his success has 
 been worthily won and is well used. 
 
 ROBERT W. HENDRY. 
 
 Among the men who have been active in shaping the agricultural develop- 
 ment of Chippewa county is numbered Robert W. Hendry, who since 1875 has 
 lived upon his farm of two hundred and eighty acres on section 20, Lafayette 
 township, bringing it by his untiring industry and well directed labor from a 
 wilderness to a productive and modern property. 
 
 He was born near Daihousie, in lower Canada, January 19, 1849, an d is 
 a son of William and Eliza (Stewart) Hendry, the former of whom was born 
 in Scotland. He followed teaching in that country until 1832 and then came 
 to America, settling in Canada, where he turned his attention to farming. He 
 resumed this occupation in Chippewa county, whither he came in 1868, and 
 he resided afterward with his son, the subject of this review. He died in 
 1889, at the age of seventy-four, and was survived by his wife, who passed 
 away in January, 1897, when she was almost seventy years of age. Both are 
 buried in Lafayette cemetery. They reared a family of ten children besides 
 the subject of this review: Mary, the wife of Alfred Grammont, of Oregon; 
 Elizabeth, who married A. J. Scholenberg, of Newport, Oregon; Rev. William, 
 supervising pastor of the Presbyterian church ; Peter S., a farmer in Scio, 
 Oregon ; Alexander, a dentist at Marshfield, Oregon ; George H., following 
 the blacksmith’s trade at Holcombe, Wisconsin; Neil F., traveling salesman for 
 the Lang Grocery Company of Eau Claire; Walter, a baker in Minneapolis, 
 Minnesota; Anna, the wife of Fred Smith, a carpenter in La Moine, California; 
 and James H., a bookkeeper in San Diego, California. 
 
 Robert W. Hendry is a self-made man, for from a very early age he has 
 been entirely dependent upon his own resources for a livelihood. He acquired 
 a meagre education in his native province, but, being the oldest son, was soon 
 obliged to lay aside his books and begin working at something which would 
 bring him an income. He came to Chippewa county in 1868 and until 1871 
 worked in the logging camps, later turning his attention to selling timber on 
 his own account. He continued thus until 1897 but in the meantime had pur- 
 chased his present farm, upon which he settled in 1875. It was practically a 
 wilderness, only ten acres being broken, the remainder being covered with a 
 dense growth of oak and poplar trees. These Mr. Hendry felled and then 
 grubbed up the stumps, broke the soil and got it into condition for cultivation. 
 The work of development has been carried forward steadily year by year until 
 today two hundred acres have been wrested from the wilderness and are planted 
 in the grains best adapted to the soil and climate. Upon this excellent property 
 Mr. Hendry has made substantial improvements, erecting a fine residence and 
 good outbuildings, all substantial and in good repair. He engages in general 
 farming, specializing in the breeding of Holstein cattle, draft horses, Shrop- 
 
170 
 
 PAST AND PRESENT OF CHIPPEWA COUNTY 
 
 shire sheep and Poland China hogs, his stock-raising interests being extensive 
 and important sources of income to him. 
 
 In Eau Claire, December 25, 1881, Mr. Hendry was united in marriage to 
 Miss Mary Douglas, a daughter of D. S. and Sarah (Cop) Douglas, the former 
 a veteran of the Civil war and a pioneer in Chippewa county. He was a loyal 
 supporter of the republican party and held various township positions, being 
 a member also of the school board. He passed away and is buried in the Anson 
 cemetery. His wife survives him and is living in Anson on the homestead at 
 the age of eighty-five. Mrs. Hendry passed away June 9, 1895, at the a & e of 
 forty-one, and is buried in the Lafayette cemetery. She left four children: 
 Robert D., who is assisting his father; Bessie, the wife of Sam Wolf, a farmer 
 in the Melville settlement; Marjorie, who married Dr. A. F. Brown, of Eau 
 Claire; and Maud, residing at home. 
 
 Mr. Hendry is a devout member of the Presbyterian church and gives his 
 political allegiance to the republican party. Since early times he has taken 
 an active interest in public affairs, applying for and securing one of the first 
 mail routes in Chippewa county. He has served on the township board and 
 also as a member of the school board and has gained an enviable reputation for 
 conscientiousness and energy in the public service. During the forty-five years 
 he has lived in this county he has contributed substantially to the general devel- 
 opment and progress, while his upright and honorable life has gained him the 
 esteem and confidence of his fellow citizens. 
 
 ROBERT SERB. 
 
 Robert Selb is a well known butcher of Cadott where he has been established 
 in business since 1885. He was born in Eau Claire, Wisconsin, March 27, 1861, 
 a son of Max and Elizabeth Selb, natives of Germany, the former born in 
 183 s and the latter in 1839. The parents came to America in j86i and settled 
 in this state, where the father followed the milling business until about 1874. 
 He then removed to Eau Claire, remaining in business there for about three 
 years. He next came to Chippewa Falls, where he remained about four years, 
 and then removed to Cadott, living there until his death in 1892. His wife 
 survived him until 1911. In their family were five children: Elizabeth, who 
 died in i860; Robert, of this review; Peter; Paul, who passed away m 1865: 
 and John, who died in 1882. 
 
 Robert Selb acquired his education in the public schools of Chippewa Falls 
 and Eau Claire, attending until he was sixteen years of age. After laying 
 aside his books he became connected with the butcher business in the capacity 
 of clerk and so continued for ten years thereafter. At the end of that time 
 he opened a shop of his own in Cadott and for the past twenty-eight years has 
 been continuously in business in that city. He sells about fifty tons of meat 
 every year and controls an important and representative trade, accorded to 
 him in recognition of his fair and honorable business methods and his reason- 
 able prices. In addition to his shop Mr. Selb owns a comfortable residence in 
 
PAST AND PRESENT OF CHIPPEWA COUNTY 
 
 171 
 
 Cadott, four town lots, and a farm of forty acres on section 33, township 29, 
 range 6, west. 
 
 At Boyd, Wisconsin, on Thanksgiving day, 1893, Mr. Selb married Miss 
 Emma Lancour, a daughter of Mitchell and Matilda (Lavell) Lancour. Both 
 parents have passed away, the father dying in 1909 at the age of ninety and 
 the mother in 1907 at the age of eighty-seven. Mr. and Mrs. Selb have two 
 children: Francis, who was born January 25, 1895; an d Irene, who was born 
 February 15, 1896. 
 
 Mr. Selb is a member of the Roman Catholic church. He votes independ- 
 ently, supporting men and measures rather than parties. For two years he 
 served as trustee of Cadott and he proved a very capable public official, dis- 
 charging his duties in a creditable and able manner. His ability is known and 
 recognized in business circles and twenty-eight years of fair and honorable 
 dealing have gained him a place among the representative and substantial busi- 
 ness men of the city. 
 
 JOHN W. MELVILLE. 
 
 John W. Melville, who since 1881 has lived upon his present farm of one 
 hundred and twenty acres in the Melville Settlement, has since that time devel- 
 oped this from a tract of wild land into a productive and valuable property, 
 which annually returns him a gratifying income. He has lived in Chippewa 
 county since he was eight years of age, his father having been one of the original 
 founders of the Melville Settlement. Further mention of his career will be 
 found on another page in this work. 
 
 Tohn W. Melville was born in Waukesha county, Wisconsin, August 22, 
 1848. a son of John C. Melville. He acquired his education in his native county 
 and in district school No. 4, Lafayette township, this county. He laid aside 
 his books at the age of eighteen but even before this time had spent his sum- 
 mers aiding in the operation of the homestead. When he left school he went 
 to the lumber woods, where he chopped and sawed wood, and later engaged 
 in logging. During this time also he operated a threshing machine, these activ- 
 ities engaging his attention until 1881. In that year he bought one hundred 
 and twenty acres of land on section 29, Lafayette township, and since that 
 time has carried forward the work of improving and developing that property. 
 When he took up his residence upon it he found it a tract of wild land, with 
 not even a road leading to it. He cleared the heavy timber and with the lum- 
 ber which he cut down built a loghouse, in which he lived for many years. His 
 perseverance and well directed labor were finally rewarded by success and 
 his farm each year became more productive and valuable until today it is one 
 of the finest properties in this section of the state. Mr. Melville engages in 
 general farming and dairying and, being a progressive business man as well 
 as an able agriculturist, has met with a gratifying measure of success. 
 
 In this township, February 7, 1878, Mr. Melville was united in marriage 
 to Miss Margaret Hunt, a daughter of Joseph and Nancy Hunt, of Rochester, 
 New York. Both are buried in the Mount Hope cemetery, that city. Mrs. 
 
172 
 
 PAST AND PRESENT OF CHIPPEWA COUNTY 
 
 Melville passed away in February, 1894, leaving five children: Scott, of Point 
 
 Richmond, California; Ernest W., a plumber in Oakland, that state; Nina N., 
 the wife of Ben F. Babcock, of Kerriston, Washington; Bertha, who married 
 Harry Emerson, a farmer in this district ; and Stanley, who is assisting his 
 father. 
 
 Mr. Melville is a member of the Episcopal church and a republican in his 
 political beliefs. He takes an intelligent interest in community affairs and has 
 been active in public life for the past forty years, during which time he has 
 served as supervisor, assessor and member of the school board. His support 
 is given always to worthy and progressive projects and his interests have lain 
 along lines of progress and advancement, so that his activities have been impor- 
 tant elements in the general growth. 
 
 MRS. IDA E. DICKINSON. 
 
 Mrs. Ida E. Dickinson is the owner of the Oak Ridge Farm on section 18, 
 Anson township. The place comprises two hundred and sixty acres of land and 
 is a well developed property which is being capably managed by Mrs. Dickinson, 
 who is one of Chippewa county’s native daughters. Her birth occurred in Chip- 
 pewa Falls, October 25, 1858, her parents being Robert Ebright and Eleanor 
 (Harris) Davis. The father was one of the old-time loggers of this section of 
 the state, taking contracts for logging and he was also active in public affairs, 
 serving as chairman of Anson township at the time of his death, which occurred in 
 1873. For about nine years he had survived his wife, who passed away in 1864. 
 They had come to this county when there was hardly another white woman within 
 its borders, Mrs. Davis being probably the third white woman in this section. 
 At the time of the Civil war Mr. Davis responded to the country’s call for troops 
 and loyally defended the interests of the Union through the darkest hour in our 
 nation’s history. He enlisted on September 27, 1864, in Company B, Nineteenth 
 Wisconsin Volunteer Infantry and was honorably discharged August 9, 1865. He 
 was ever interested in the welfare of his comrades and when death called him he 
 was laid to rest with military honors in Lafayette cemetery. 
 
 The daughter, Ida E. Davis, pursued her education in the schools of Chip- 
 pewa Falls and afterward engaged in teaching for a few years but later re- 
 mained at home and assisted in the household duties until her marriage, which 
 was celebrated on the 25th of May, 1881, at Chippewa Falls. She became the 
 wife of Ralph P. Dickinson, who was a farmer of this county. He, too, was a 
 representative of one of the old pioneer families, his parents being Myron and 
 Jane E. (Russell) Dickinson, who were early residents of the county. Both 
 are deceased and their remains rest in Lafayette cemetery. The parents of both 
 Mr. and Mrs. Dickinson went through the Indian scare in this county when all 
 the white people congregated in the old Rosseau Hotel in the old French town, 
 for protection. They found, however, that their fears were unwarranted and 
 soon returned to their homes. All of the experiences, hardships and privations 
 of pioneer life were known to the two, families and in its early settlement they 
 
MR. AND MRS. RALPH P. DICKINSON 
 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
PAST AND PRESENT OF CHIPPEWA COUNTY 
 
 175 
 
 bore an active and helpful part in the work of general development and im- 
 provement. 
 
 Ralph P. Dickinson was reared in this county and had the usual experiences 
 of a farmer boy, acquiring a public-school education and being trained to the 
 work of the fields. In 1886 he was elected superintendent of the county poor- 
 house, and after eight years’ capable service in that connection was elected to the 
 office of superintendent of the county asylum, holding both offices. He was a 
 very popular man and he was retained in those positions through democratic 
 administrations, notwithstanding the fact that he was a stanch and stalwart repub- 
 lican. He was still filling office at the time of his death, which occurred Novem- 
 ber 13, 1909, when he was fifty-two years of age, his remains being interred in 
 Lafayette cemetery. He enjoyed the respect and good-will of all who knew him 
 and had a circle of friends almost coextensive with the circle of his acquaint- 
 ances. He was devoted to the welfare and happiness of his family and all who 
 knew him recognized his loyalty and his reliability. 
 
 Mr. and Mrs. Dickinson were the parents of three children. Dr. Carl Dick- 
 inson, the eldest, graduated from the Chicago College of Dental Surgery and 
 practised seven years in Wisconsin and Minnesota. On account of ill health 
 he engaged in farming and is now in charge of his mother’s farm. He married 
 Ella Wagner, of Downing, Wisconsin, a daughter of August and Krug Wagner, 
 the former a railroad man who resides in Downing. Mrs. Carl Dickinson is a 
 graduate of the River Falls Normal School. Unto Dr. and Mrs. Dickinson 
 has been born a son, Ralph. The second son of Mr. and Mrs. Ralph P. Dick- 
 inson was given his father’s name. He is now a student in the high school. A 
 daughter, Irma, is the wife of Delbert Hock, of Los Angeles, California. The 
 family is one widely and favorably known in Anson township and other sections 
 of the county. Mrs. Dickinson has spent her entire life here and has an ex- 
 tensive acquaintance. She has been an interested witness of the many changes 
 which have occurred through the past half century and speaks with authority 
 upon many points relating to the history of Chippewa county. 
 
 ANDREW METOTT, Sr. 
 
 Andrew Metott, Sr., whose demise occurred in Arthur township on the 16th 
 of January, 1907, was one of the early settlers of Chippewa county and devoted 
 his attention to general agricultural pursuits throughout his active business 
 career, owning and operating a farm of one hundred and sixty acres on sec- 
 tions 22 and 27, township 30, range 7. 
 
 He was born in the state of New York on the 8th of September, 1829, a 
 son of Francis Metott, who was a native of France. When Chippewa county 
 was still but sparsely settled and largely undeveloped, Andrew Metott came 
 here and homesteaded eighty acres of land south of Jim Falls, being the earliest 
 resident in that part of the county. Subsequently he disposed of the property 
 and homesteaded one hundred and sixty acres of wild land on sections 22 and 
 27, township 30, range 7. No roads had been built and the region was still 
 in its natural state. Mr. Metott erected a log house, improved his land and 
 
 Vol il— I 0 
 
176 
 
 PAST AND PRESENT OE CHIPPEWA COUNTY 
 
 later built the frame dwelling which is still standing on the place. Through- 
 out the remainder of his life he gave his time and energies to general farming 
 pursuits there, gaining recognition as one of the substantial and respected 
 citizens of the community. 
 
 In Chippewa county, Mr. Metott was joined in wedlock to Miss Mary 
 Schnider, a native of Wisconsin, who passed away on the old home farm in 
 1881. They became the parents of seven children, as follows: Mary, who is 
 
 the wife of Walter Williams and resides in Drywood, Wisconsin; Andrew, who 
 is a resident of Arthur township; Amelia, who died at the age of fourteen years; 
 Sarah, the wife of Charles Apley, of Idaho; Octavia, who gave her hand in 
 marriage to Arthur Negus and makes her home in North Dakota; Peter, who 
 lives on the home farm; and Philip, who wedded Miss Mary Scheidler and 
 also resides on the old home place. Peter and Philip came into possession of 
 their father’s farm of one hundred and sixty acres and have since added forty 
 acres to the same. They devote their attention to dairy farming and have 
 about one hundred acres of the land under cultivation. All of the improve- 
 ments on the property, including a frame residence and barn, were made by 
 the Metott family. Peter Metott has spent his entire life in this county and 
 is well and favorably known as one of its enterprising and progressive agri- 
 culturists. 
 
 Andrew Metott was a republican in politics, becoming a supporter of that 
 party when it was formed and casting a vote for its first candidate. He was 
 prominent in local ranks of the party and held the office of township treasurer 
 for a number of years. Such in brief is the history of Mr. Metott, a man whose 
 life at all times measured up to the highest standards and who, by his many 
 splendid qualities, gained the respect, confidence and good-will of all who knew 
 him. 
 
 WILLIAM JOHNSON. 
 
 William Johnson, one of the largest fruit growers in Chippewa county, 
 owning and operating a fine fruit and dairy farm 'of one hundred acres on 
 section 31, Lafayette township, was born in Rochester, New York, July 18, 
 1865, a son of Joseph and Isabelle (Williamson) Johnson. The father came 
 to Chippewa county with his family in 1875 and purchased from a Mrs. Cornell 
 an unimproved farm. It was covered with a dense growth of oak timber but 
 this Mr. Johnson cleared and by diligence and well directed labor gradually 
 developed a productive property. He enlisted for the Civil war but was rejected 
 on account of a broken leg. For many years he continued to reside upon his 
 property in Lafayette township, dying upon his holdings November 14, 1908, when 
 he was seventy-eight years of age. His wife survives him, making her home 
 with the subject of this review, and is now seventy-four years of age. The 
 family is of very old Danish origin but its representatives settled in England 
 many centuries ago. 
 
 William Johnson was ten years of age when he came with his parents 
 to Chippewa county and he completed his education in the public schools of 
 
PAST AND PRESENT OF CHIPPEWA COUNTY 
 
 177 
 
 this locality. At the age of thirteen he laid aside his books and afterward 
 assisted his father with the work of the homestead, continuing thus until he 
 was twenty years of age. He then traveled through the western part of this 
 country for eight years and upon his return settled upon the property which 
 he now operates. Since that time he has specialized in fruit and dairy farm- 
 ing, having put out over twelve hundred bearing trees, his orchard being the 
 third largest in this part of the state. Since taking up his residence upon it 
 Mr. Johnson has greatly improved his farm, erecting a comfortable residence 
 and good outbuildings and neglecting nothing which will add to its appearance 
 or value. 
 
 In Chippewa Falls, on the ioth of June, 1S93, Mr. Johnson was united in 
 marriage to Miss Mary Emerson, a daughter of Ole Emerson, one of the earliest 
 settlers in this township. Air. and Mrs. Johnson have two children: Verner L., 
 a graduate of the Chippewa Falls high school ; and Eunice N., who is attend- 
 ing that institution. 
 
 Mr. Johnson is a republican in his political beliefs and is connected frater- 
 nally with the lodge, chapter and commandery of the Masonic order and is 
 also a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. He and his family 
 belong to the Episcopal church. He is well known throughout this part of Chip- 
 pewa county, being a progressive citizen and a substantial and prosperous 
 agriculturist. 
 
 JOHN TURECEK. 
 
 John Turecek, a well known and prosperous agriculturist of Arthur town- 
 ship, is the owner of a tract of eighty acres on section 31, township 30, range 6, 
 and devotes his attention to dairy farming with excellent results. His birth 
 occurred in Bohemia on the 13th of February, 1862, his parents being Joseph 
 and Carolina Turecek, both of whom passed away in that country. He was 
 one of a family of four children, and his three brothers are still residents of 
 Bohemia. 
 
 When a young man of nineteen he crossed the Atlantic to the United States 
 and afterward worked in rolling mills at Pittsburg, Pennsylvania, for a year 
 and a half. His financial resources were very limited, and when married at 
 Pittsburg he was obliged to borrow five dollars in order to pay the priest. 
 His wife's people insisted that he establish a home in Wisconsin, and he there- 
 fore sold his furniture in Pittsburg for nine dollars. In this state he located 
 at Leopolis, Shawano county, and in the struggle for a livelihood scorned no 
 employment that offered an honest dollar. Subsequently he removed to Antigo, 
 Wisconsin, and there worked in a sawmill, while later he lived in Duluth and 
 also in Superior. Returning to Leopolis, Wisconsin, he there embarked in the 
 saloon business and, the venture proving profitable, later came to Cadott, Chip- 
 pewa county, with fifteen hundred dollars. In association with a partner he 
 here engaged in business as a merchant but disposed of his interests for nine 
 hundred dollars when he felt that he was being defrauded. He next purchased 
 eighty acres of wild land on section 31, township 30, range 6, and has there 
 
178 
 
 PAST AND PRESENT OF CHIPPEWA COUNTY 
 
 made his home to the present time. The property was only slightly improved 
 when it came into his possession but is now neat and attractive in every respect, 
 the buildings thereon being both substantial and modern. As above stated, he 
 devotes his attention to dairy farming and in this branch of activity has won 
 a well merited measure of success. In the course of his career he has encoun- 
 tered obstacles and difficulties that would have disheartened a man of less 
 resolute spirit, but he has worked steadily on and has gained a place among the 
 substantial and representative citizens of his community. 
 
 Mr. Turecek has been married twice. He first wedded Miss Annie Ashen- 
 brener, a native of Bohemia, who died in Leopolis, Wisconsin, leaving him with 
 nine children, some of whom were still quite small. Her death was his hardest 
 blow, for she had been a faithful helpmate to him in his early struggles. Three 
 years later, in Shawano county, he wedded Miss Mary Vomostek, likewise a 
 native of Bohemia, by whom he has three children. The record of his family 
 is as follows: Mary, who is the wife of George Bruner and resides at Eland 
 Junction, Wisconsin; Joseph, who is married and makes his home at Witten- 
 berg, Wisconsin; John, at home; Annie, who gave her hand in marriage to 
 Rhinold Nitzel, of Shawano county; Charles, at home; George, who is a musi- 
 cian and an attendant in the asylum at Independence, Iowa; and Emma, Frankie, 
 Mattis, Rosa, Ella and Wila, all at home. 
 
 Mr. Turecek gives his political allegiance to the republican party and has 
 served as a member of the township board of supervisors for two years, while 
 for a similar period he acted in the capacity of school director. His life work 
 may well serve as an example to others who wish to attain success but must 
 start out in life as he did, without capital or the aid of influential friends. Grad- 
 ually he has worked his way upward and his efforts have been effective forces 
 in the attainment of prosperity in this country, where “labor is Ting.” 
 
 MATHIAS GOODMAN. 
 
 Mathias Goodman, one of the prosperous and representative agriculturists of 
 Chippewa county, residing on section 36, township 30, range 7, is the owner of 
 eleven forty-acre tracts in one body and has an excellent set of improvements 
 thereon. His birth occurred in the grand duchy of Baden, Germany, on the 15th 
 of April, 1848, his parents being Anton and Gertrude (Spath) Goodman. In 
 1873, when a young man of nearly twenty-six years, he crossed the Atlantic to 
 the United States in a sailing vessel, the voyage consuming three weeks. He 
 made his way to Chicago by rail and thence journeyed by rail to Eau Claire, com- 
 ing from the latter place to Chippewa Falls by stage. After arriving in Chippewa 
 county he worked as a farm hand and also in the woods. When his capital per- 
 mitted he purchased eighty acres of wild land on section 24, township 30, range 7, 
 improved the property and resided thereon for twenty years. In 1885 he became 
 associated with his brother in the conduct of a store at Drywood, being thus actively 
 identified with mercantile interests until he sold his share in the enterprise in 
 1896. In that year he bought land in section 36, township 30, range 6, and now 
 owns eleven forty-acre tracts in one body. He carries on general farming with 
 
PAST AND PRESENT OF CHIPPEWA COUNTY 
 
 179 
 
 excellent success and has a fine set of buildings on the place. As the years have 
 passed his prosperity has increased until he is now numbered among the leading 
 agriculturists of the community. 
 
 While still in Germany, Mr. Goodman was united in marriage to Miss Theresa 
 Streabel, also a native of that country, with whom he attended school. Their 
 children are as follows: Louise, who is the wife of Frank Gardner; Barney, an 
 agriculturist of Arthur township; Lena, who gave her hand in marriage to Felix 
 Sargent of Chippewa Falls; Charles, at home; Edith, the wife of Leo Sault, of 
 St. Paul ; Mary, the wife of Dr. Melby, of Portland, Oregon ; and Emma and 
 George, still under the parental roof. 
 
 In his political views Mr. Goodman is a democrat, believing firmly in the 
 principles of that party. He and his brother were the principal donators in the 
 building and maintenance of the St. Anthony's Catholic church at Drywood, of 
 which he is still a devout communicant. The period of his residence in this county 
 covers more than four decades, and he has aided in, as well as been a witness of, 
 the wonderful transformation that has occurred, as pioneer conditions have given 
 way before the onward march of civilization. 
 
 JAMES W. MELVILLE. 
 
 In very early times three brothers came as pioneers into Wisconsin and 
 took up land in Chippewa county, developing out of the wilderness productive 
 and profitable farms. Gradually a little commmunity grew up around them 
 and this is still known as the Melville Settlement, in honor of the men who 
 founded it and who were active in inaugurating and shaping its development. 
 Many representatives of the name now own farms in the settlement, among 
 them James W. Melville, who operates a tract of one hundred and forty acres 
 on section 31, Lafayette township, a property upon which he is specializing 
 in raising apples. He was born in Germantown, Wisconsin, April 22, 1855, 
 and is a son of John C. and Alice (Williamson) Melville. The father came 
 to Chippewa county in 1856 with two of his brothers and together they settled 
 in the wilderness in Lafayette township, founding here the Melville Settlement. 
 From a tract of wild land, covered with a heavy growth of timber, John C. 
 Melville developed a fine farm, engaging in agricultural pursuits in this vicin- 
 ity until his death, which occurred in 1888. During the latter period of his 
 life he was a stanch republican and he was at all times interested in public 
 affairs, taking an active part in promoting the growth and progress of the sec- 
 tion named in his honor. His wife was a native of England and went to 
 Rochester, New York, when she was seven years of age. The paternal branch 
 of the family is of Irish origin. Mr. and Mrs. John C. Melville became the 
 parents of eleven children: John, a farmer in this locality; Isabella, the 
 deceased wife of William Paddock; William, a farmer near Spokane, Washing- 
 ton; James W., of this review; Henry, who died in Minneapolis; Albert, who 
 has passed away and is buried in the Lafayette cemetery ; Walter, superinten- 
 dent of a flour mill in Shanghai. China; Thomas, a farmer in the Melville Settle- 
 ment; Amy, the wife of Thomas C. Roycroft, also engaged in farming in this 
 
180 
 
 PAST AND PRESENT OF CHIPPEWA COUNTY 
 
 vicinity; Edwin, a ranch owner and mine inspector in Arizona; and Elsie, who 
 died in 1912 and is buried in the Lafayette cemetery. 
 
 James W. Melville acquired his education in the district schools of Chippewa 
 county, laying aside his books at the age of fifteen years. He afterward assisted 
 his father with the work of the farm and at the age of twenty-five engaged in 
 farming independently. He bought a property which he sold after twelve 
 years, when he inherited his present tract of land from his father. Since that 
 time he has specialized in growing apples and has planted over six thousand 
 trees, having now about five thousand in bearing, his orchard covering seventy 
 acres. This is the largest bearing orchard in Wisconsin and it has proven very 
 profitable, returning Mr. Melville a gratifying annual income. 
 
 In Eau Claire, this state, September 21, 1894, Mr. Melville was united in 
 marriage to Miss Helen Britts, a daughter of Joseph Britts, a large landowner, 
 who has passed away. His wife survives him and makes her home in Seattle, 
 Washington. Mrs Melville passed away May 20, 1907, and is buried in the 
 Forest Hill cemetery, Chippewa Falls. She left one daughter, who is attend- 
 ing school. Mr. Melville is a member of the Episcopal church and is a republi- 
 can in his political beliefs. He takes an active interest in the welfare and 
 development of the section where he has spent practically his entire life and 
 his career has added greatly to the respect and esteem in which the name has 
 long been held in this section of the state. 
 
 FRANK MELVILLE. 
 
 Frank Melville, a worthy native son of Chippewa county, is one of the 
 representative citizens and prosperous agriculturists of Anson township, owning 
 two farms comprising two hundred and forty acres of land on sections 19 and 
 27. He resides on the former section and is sucessfully engaged in the raising 
 of Hereford cattle and pure bred hogs. His birth occurred in Chippewa Falls 
 on the 15th of November, 1868, his parents being John and Mary (Newman) 
 Melville. The father, who was the second blacksmith in Chippewa Falls and 
 an esteemed and respected citizen of the community, passed away in 1906, when 
 sixty-eight years of age. His remains were interred in the Lafayette cemetery. 
 Our subject is a representative of the family in whose honor the Melville Set- 
 tlement was named. 
 
 Frank Melville began his education in the Lafayette school and afterward 
 attended the Eau Claire high school until sixteen years of age. Subsequently 
 he assisted his father in the operation of the home farm in Lafayette township 
 and in 1888 located with him on the place where he now resides and which was 
 at that time entirely covered with heavy timber. When they had cleared the 
 property, he began its cultivation and as the years have gone by has continued 
 the work of improvement until his is now one of the most highly cultivated 
 farms in Anson township. Mr. Melville has won success as a stockman, rais- 
 ing Hereford cattle and also pure bred hogs. The residence, barn and other 
 outbuildings were erected by him and stand as monuments to his enterprise 
 and industry. He is a director of the Farmers Produce Company and the 
 
PAST AND PRESENT OF CHIPPEWA COUNTY 
 
 181 
 
 Eagle Point Fire Insurance Company and was one of the organizers of the 
 Chippewa County Telephone Company. He has long been numbered among 
 the progressive and substantial citizens of his native county and is a man who 
 attributes his success to untiring industry, close application to business and 
 strict sobriety. 
 
 On the ist of May, 1894, at Chippewa Falls, Mr. Melville was united in 
 marriage to Miss Phillipena Buske, a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. August Buske, 
 who took up their abode among the pioneer settlers of Chippewa county and 
 are now living retired in Cadott. Unto our subject and his wife have been 
 born four children, as follows: John, who assists his father in the operation 
 of the home farm ; Ivy and Bessie, both at home ; and Erma, who is two years old. 
 
 Since age conferred upon him the right of franchise Mr. Melville has stanchly 
 supported the men and measures of the republican party. He has served as a 
 member of the town board for four years, making a creditable and commend- 
 able record in this connection. His religious faith is that of the Episcopal 
 church, in which he holds membership. He has spent his entire life in this 
 county and is not only familiar with its history from pioneer times to the pres- 
 ent but has also aided in the work that has made possible the wonderful trans- 
 formation which has here occurred. 
 
 JOSEPH KOHLER. 
 
 Joseph Kohler, engaging in mixed farming upon three hundred and sixty 
 acres of land on section 34, Sigel township, was born in Austria and is a son 
 of Joseph and Anne (Tomasheck) Kohler. The parents now make their home 
 with the subject of this review, the father having reached the age of seventy- 
 nine and the mother of seventy-two years. 
 
 Joseph Kohler was born in Austria, August 17, 1868. When five years of 
 age he came with his parents to America, the family first locating at Eau Claire, this 
 state. However, they remained there only until that fall, when they came to the 
 farm which the father homesteaded in Chippewa county. This was in 1873, ar, d 
 therefore Joseph Kohler acquired his education in the public schools of this 
 locality. After discontinuing his lessons at the early age of twelve years he 
 worked in the lumber woods for about five years and then assisted his father 
 with the work of the farm. Eventually the homestead came into Joseph Kohler’s 
 possession, and upon it he has since engaged in mixed farming, principally 
 raising grain. His live-stock interests are also important, for he keeps on an 
 average of thirty-five head of cattle, five horses and twenty-three hogs. He 
 has made substantial improvements upon the property, erecting a fine brick 
 residence and good farm buildings, and everything about the place is in excel- 
 lent condition, reflecting his careful supervision and practical management. 
 
 On September 23, 1901, at the Catholic church at Cadott, Mr. Kohler was 
 united in marriage to Miss Mary Kubale, a daughter of Frank and Mary 
 (Highack) Kubale, residing near Cadott. Both parents were born in Austria 
 and the father came to this country when but six years of age, while the mother 
 was twelve Mr. and Mrs. Kohler have six children: Martha, Ernest, Benjamin, 
 
182 
 
 PAST AND PRESENT OF CHIPPEWA COUNTY 
 
 Mary, Josie and Agnes. The family are members of the Roman Catholic 
 church of Cadott. In his political beliefs Mr. Kohler is a democrat. He is a 
 man of exemplary character, well known throughout the township for his 
 honesty and integrity, and he holds the esteem and confidence of all who 
 know him. 
 
 ERNEST KLAGES. 
 
 Ernest Ivlages, owning a farm of one hundred and sixty acres on section 23, 
 Lafayette township, has spent his entire life upon this property, having been 
 born here March 2, 1882. He is a son of Fred and Dora (Schultz) Klages, 
 of whom further mention is made elsewhere in this work in connection with 
 the sketch of Herman Klages. 
 
 Ernest Klages acquired his education in the Chippewa county district schools 
 and laid aside his books at the early age of fifteen. He afterward assisted his 
 father with the work of the homestead, aiding in the operation of the property 
 and in the erection of all the buildings and improvements. After the father’s 
 death he inherited the homestead and here he has since resided, carrying on 
 mixed farming and dairying and meeting with substantial and gratifying success. 
 
 Mr. Klages is a republican in his political beliefs and a member of the Ger- 
 man Lutheran church. He is a young man of energy and ability and these 
 qualities have not only brought him material success but have commanded for 
 him the esteem and confidence of his fellow citizens. 
 
 SILAS M. YATES. 
 
 Silas M. Yates, an enterprising and progressive citizen of Chippewa Falls, 
 prominently connected with its business interests as the owner of the business 
 operated under the name of the Chippewa Ice Company, is a native of this 
 county, born in January, 1857. His parents were Jacob V. and Clarinda (Brown) 
 Yates, both of whom have passed away and are buried in Lafayette cemetery 
 at Chippewa Falls. 
 
 Silas M. Yates acquired his education in the public schools of his native 
 county and after laying aside his books at the age of sixteen went to work in 
 the woods as a lumber jack. After ten years he had risen to be foreman in 
 a lumber camp and he held this position for a similar period of time, resigning 
 it in order to form a partnership with a Mr. Roycraft in a lumber business 
 operated under the name of Roycraft & Yates. This association was dissolved 
 after six years and Mr. Yates then turned his attention to cruising lumber. In 
 ^904 he came to Chippewa Falls and here established himself in business, form- 
 ing the Chippewa Ice Company, with which he is still connected. His enter- 
 prise has had a remarkable growth and he now employs eight men and supplies 
 all of the ice used in the city. 
 
SILAS M. YATES 
 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 % 
 
 
 
 
 
PAST AND PRESENT OF CHIPPEWA COUNTY 
 
 185 
 
 In Chippewa Falls, in 1881, Mr. Yates was united in marriage to Miss Ella 
 Beaver, a daughter of Edward and Mary (Fitch) Beaver, both of whom have 
 passed away and are buried in Forest Hill cemetery. Mr. and Mrs. Yates have 
 become the parents of four children : Delos, a machinist in Milwaukee ; Lorena, 
 a graduate of the State Normal School; Pearl, who is engaged in teaching music 
 and drawing at Santa Rosa, California; and Dewitt, who is assisting his father. 
 
 Mr. Yates joined the progressive party in 1912 and he is connected fraternally 
 with the Modern Woodmen of America and the Independent Order of Odd 
 Fellows. He is well known in business circles as a farsighted, capable and 
 reliable business man and his success has come as a natural result of the 
 straightforward and honorable methods of dealing to which he has steadily 
 adhered. 
 
 GERALD O’DONNELL. 
 
 Gerald O’Donnell, who follows mixed farming on section 27, Lafayette 
 township, has been connected with the agricultural interests of this locality 
 since 1884 and is today a prosperous and progressive farmer, owning and 
 operating two hundred acres of land. He was born in Peterboro, Ontario, 
 May 6, i860, and is a son of Patrick and Margaret (Kenn) O’Donnell, of 
 whom further mention is made elsewhere in this work. 
 
 Gerald O’Donnell acquired his education in his native province, laying aside 
 his books at the age of fourteen. He afterward assisted his father with the 
 work of the farm during the summer months while spending the winters in 
 the logging woods In 1884 the family came to Chippewa county and the 
 father purchased the farm which his son Patrick now owns. Upon this place 
 our subject spent twelve years and then bought eighty acres, to which he later 
 added until he now owns two hundred acres on section 27, Lafayette town- 
 ship, a property upon which he has since resided. When he located here only 
 four acres were under cultivation but he has since cleared a great deal of the 
 property of timber and brush and has now one hundred and twenty acres 
 planted in various kinds of grain. He has made substantial improvements and 
 the farm is today one of the most valuable and productive in that part of the 
 county. 
 
 In Chippewa Falls, July 19, 1892, Mr. O'Donnell was united in marriage 
 to Miss Ellen Culbert, a daughter of John and Julia (Cudahy) Culbert. Her 
 father was the first settler in the valley which now bears his name and for a 
 number of years took a prominent part in public affairs. He died in 1911 at 
 the age cf eighty-six, having survived his wife since 1884. Her death occurred 
 when she was forty-one years of age and both are buried in the Eau Claire 
 Catholic cemetery. Mr. and Mrs. O’Donnell have become the parents of eight 
 children: John, Wren and Gerald, Jr., who- are assisting their father; Annie 
 and Clayton, who are attending school; James and Nellie, at home; and Lenora, 
 who died at the age of eleven years and is buried in the Catholic cemetery in 
 Chippewa Falls. 
 
186 
 
 PAST AND PRESENT OF CHIPPEWA COUNTY 
 
 Mr. O’Donnell is a member of the St. Bridget’s Roman Catholic church at 
 Springfield Prairie and gives a general allegiance to the democratic party, 
 although at times he votes independently. He is interested in the cause of 
 education and has rendered the township excellent service as a school director. 
 He does all in his power to further the interests of the community and is loyal 
 in his advocacy of all measures calculated to promote progress and improvement. 
 
 HERMAN KLAGES. 
 
 On a well improved farm of one hundred and sixty acres on section 26, 
 Lafayette township, Herman Klages makes his home, and he is justly accounted 
 one of the most progressive and worthy representatives of agricultural interests 
 in that locality. He was horn in Fond du Lac, Wisconsin, April 21, 1870, and 
 is a son of Fred and Dora (Schultz) Klages, natives of Germany, who emi- 
 grated from that country in 1866 and settled in Fond du Lac, where they 
 remained for eight years. At the end of that time they moved to Chippewa 
 county and after a short residence in Chippewa Falls settled upon a farm, which 
 the father improved and developed for about five years. At the end of that 
 time he bought another property in Lafayette township and with the assistance 
 of his sons broke every foot of the land; wresting an excellent farm of three 
 hundred and twenty acres from the wilderness. For a number of years he car- 
 ried on agricultural pursuits there and he also became prominent in public 
 affairs, serving as treasurer of the school board. He died February 25, 1913, 
 in the seventy-fourth year of his age, having been killed in a gas explosion. 
 He had survived his wife since March 18, 1911, her death having occurred when 
 she was sixty-four. Both are buried in the Lafayette cemetery. 
 
 Herman Klages acquired his education in the district schools of Chippewa 
 county and laid aside his books at the early age of fourteen. Two years before 
 this he had begun assisting with the work of the homestead and, being the eldest 
 son, he gradually assumed entire control. When he was twenty-eight years of 
 age his father gave him eighty acres and to this he added another eighty-acre 
 tract, which he purchased, turning his attention to mixed farming and dairying 
 upon this property. Here he has since resided and upon it has made excellent 
 improvements in building and equipment, making it one of the finest farms in 
 this locality. He is in addition a director in the Lafayette Cooperative Creamery, 
 and his business judgment is regarded as reliable and trustworthy. 
 
 In Waupaca, this state, June 26, 1907, Mr. Klages was united in marriage to 
 Miss Marie Viergutz, a daughter of William and Augusta (Ohm) Viergutz. 
 Her father was a native of Germany and in that country learned the miller’s 
 trade. It was in 1880 that he crossed the Atlantic to America and first located 
 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, where he engaged in the milling business for a time. 
 He next made his home in Clintonville, this state, and from there removed to 
 Bear Creek, and later to Marion, Wisconsin, where he and his wife are still 
 living. Mr. and Mrs. Klages have become the parents of four children: Theo- 
 dore and Ruth, who are at home; and Marie and Lena, who died in infancy, and 
 are buried in the Lafayette cemetery. 
 
PAST AND PRESENT OF CHIPPEWA COUNTY 
 
 187 
 
 Mr. Klages is a member of the German Lutheran church and is a republican 
 in his political beliefs, serving at the present time as director of the school 
 board. He is one of the well known agriculturists of this locality and is a careful, 
 prudent man of business, who enjoys and merits the confidence and esteem of the 
 entire community. 
 
 hugh k. McDonald. 
 
 Hugh K. McDonald is one of the oldest living settlers in Chippewa county, 
 coming here in i860, or more than a half century ago. He was identified with 
 the lumber business for many years and in 1880 settled on his present farm of 
 one hundred and sixty acres on section 15, Anson township, where he has since 
 carried on mixed farming, dairying and stock-raising. His birth occurred in 
 Glengarry county, Ontario, on the 16th of May, 1842, his parents being Ken- 
 neth and Elizabeth (McDonnell) McDonald, both of whom are deceased and lie 
 buried in St. Raphael’s cemetery in Glengarry county. The father successfully 
 followed farming in Ontario throughout his active business career. The Mc- 
 Donald family is of old Scotch origin. 
 
 Hugh K. McDonald attended school in his native county until fifteen years 
 of age and when a youth of seventeen crossed the border into the United States 
 and made his way westward to Chippewa county, Wisconsin. Here he was 
 identified with the lumber business during both the summer and winter seasons 
 from 1870 until 1898. In 1880 he settled on a tract of one hundred and sixty 
 acres of wild land in Anson township, undertaking the arduous task of clear- 
 ing the property, which was covered with brush and timber. His energy and 
 industry were eventually rewarded in the improved appearance of his land, 
 all of which is now in a high state of cultivation. He has been engaged in 
 mixed farming and dairying and also devotes considerable attention to stock- 
 raising, winning well deserved success in his several undertakings. As the years 
 have gone by he has made a number of substantial improvements on his property, 
 and in 1885, at a cost of three thousand dollars, he erected what was the largest 
 barn in the county. When he first came to Chippewa county, the township of 
 Anson extended as far as Ashland and comprised one of the three townships in 
 the county. He has not only been a witness of, but has also aided in, the work 
 of development and progress here and has long been numbered among the 
 prosperous and leading citizens of the community. 
 
 On the 13th of June, 1876, in the Notre Dame church of Chippewa Falls, 
 Mr. McDonald was united in marriage to Miss Betsy Ermatinger, a daughter 
 of George and Mary (McDougal) Ermatinger, of Glengarry, Ontario. There 
 the father died in 1863 and was buried, being survived for seventeen years by 
 his wife, whose demise occurred in 1880 and whose remains were interred in a 
 cemetery at Chippewa Falls. The Ermatinger family is of English origin and 
 was represented in this country as early as 1812, when its members were engaged 
 in trading with the Indians. Mr. and Mrs. McDonald have one daughter, Annie 
 Laurie, who is at home and is a music teacher. They also have an adopted 
 
188 
 
 PAST AND PRESENT OF CHIPPEWA COUNTY 
 
 daughter whom they have reared, Miss Maud E. McDonald, who attended Notre 
 Dame school and is now living at home. 
 
 Since age conferred upon him the right of franchise Mr. McDonald has sup- 
 ported the men and measures of the democracy, believing firmly in the principles 
 of that party. He has always declined public office, however, preferring to con- 
 centrate his attention upon his private business affairs. The family are mem- 
 bers of Notre Dame Roman Catholic church of Chippewa Falls. Mr. McDonald 
 is known and honored for his genuine worth, for his progressiveness in citizen- 
 ship, his loyalty in friendship and his devotion to his family. 
 
 F. H. CUTTING. 
 
 One of the strong financial institutions of Chippewa county is the Peoples 
 State Bank of Bloomer, of which F. H. Cutting is the president. He stands 
 prominent among the energetic, enterprising and successful business men of 
 his section of the county and his efforts are an element in public prosperity as 
 well. Aside from his banking connections he is president of the Cutting-Thomp- 
 son Company and his study of business conditions, combined with his enterpris- 
 ing spirit, has wrought success in the various fields in which he has labored. 
 At the age of seventy-eight years he is still active and commands the respect and 
 high regard of his fellow townsmen because of a life fraught with successful 
 accomplishment and honorable purpose. He was born in Otsego county, New 
 York, March 15, 1835, a son of John F. Cutting, a native of the Empire state, 
 who was a saddle and harness maker in early life. Coming to Wisconsin in 
 1848, the father settled in Dane county, where he remained for many years, 
 after which he became a resident of Buffalo county. Three years were passed 
 there, after which he took up his abode at the Red Cedar river, where he died at 
 the age of sixty-eight years. In his latter life he followed farming and his days, 
 well spent, brought to him a comfortable competence and an honorable name. 
 He married Sallie Chapin, a native of New York, and they became the parents 
 of four children. 
 
 F. H. Cutting was educated in the common schools but his opportunities in 
 that direction were meager, as he never had the chance to attend after he 
 reached the age of thirteen years. He is numbered among the honored pioneer 
 settlers of the state, having been an interested witness of the changes and events 
 which have occurred in Wisconsin through the past sixty-five years. The only 
 boat on Lake Superior at the time of his arrival was the Algonquin. Business 
 along the other lines was scarcely more developed than the shipping industry 
 and everywhere were to be seen evidences of frontier life with its usual hard- 
 ships and privations. Mr. Cutting’s youth was largely a period of earnest and 
 persistent toil. After leaving school he worked on the farm for his father and 
 later began farming for himself in Dane county, where he remained until 1862, 
 when at the age of twenty-seven years he came to Chippewa county. There 
 were only three houses in Bloomer at that time and throughout the entire 
 county the work of civilization and development seemed scarcely begun Mr. 
 Cutting first engaged in farming here on a tract of land twelve miles west of 
 
PAST AND PRESENT OF CHIPPEWA COUNTY 
 
 189 
 
 Bloomer, residing thereon until August, 1875. 1 ° the meantime his patriotic 
 
 spirit prompted his enlistment for service in the Civil war and in 1864 he joined 
 Company A of the Fiftieth Wisconsin Volunteer Infantry under command of 
 Captain John C. Spooner. With his regiment he went to the front and was 
 mustered out in 1866. In August, 1875, he removed to Bloomer, where he 
 established a drug business, but eventually extended the scope of his activities 
 to include general merchandising. When he took up his abode at Bloomer there 
 was only one little store in the town and Mr. Cutting’s business is today the 
 oldest in existence in Bloomer. The firm carries a general line of goods, having 
 a well appointed department store occupying three rooms. They are now erecting 
 a large warehouse in the rear which will be forty by sixty-six feet, and they are 
 also building a two-story structure, seventy-eight by one hundred and thirty- 
 two feet, one room of which, thirty-three by fifty-six feet, is used and owned 
 by the bank. The remainder will be used by Mr. Cutting’s son in the conduct of 
 a machinery and implement business. When completed this will be the finest 
 building in the town. Mr. Cutting at all times has manifested a progressive 
 spirit and his undertakings have done much to promote public progress as well 
 as advance individual success. 
 
 Mr. Cutting was united in marriage to Miss Abigail Griffith, a native of 
 Wales, and they became the parents of three children: Ellen, the eldest, who is 
 deceased; William; and Emeline. The former, a resident of Bloomer, is pro- 
 prietor of a farm implement business of gratifying proportions. He married 
 Ora Huntington, and their only child, Hazel, died at the age of five years. 
 Emeline married Mr. Thompson, who is Mr. Cutting’s business associate in the 
 firm of Cutting & Thompson. 
 
 In politics Mr. Cutting is an earnest republican, believing firmly in the 
 principles of the party. While on the farm he was town treasurer and for 
 fifteen years he filled the office of president of the village. He has also been 
 chairman of the county board for about seven years and has ever been faithful, 
 capable and loyal in the discharge of his political duties. He holds membership 
 with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and with N. P. Lyon Post, No. 147, 
 G. A. R., of which he is now commander. The family attend the Congrega- 
 tional church and Mr. Cutting has long cooperated in all the movements which 
 tend to advance the social, political, intellectual and moral welfare of his com- 
 munity. His life has been well spent and the honors that have been accorded 
 him have been well and worthily won. 
 
 DANIEL BUCHANAN, Jr. 
 
 Since 1877 Daniel Buchanan, Jr., has been engaged in the general practice of 
 law in Chippewa Falls, and since that time has made steady progress in his 
 profession, being today recognized as one of the leading lawyers in this section 
 of the state. He served the city for three years as its city attorney, an office 
 in which he demonstrated not only his legal ability but his energv and public 
 spirit as well. He was born in Fort Winnebago, Wisconsin, July 11, 1851, and 
 is a son of Daniel and Mary (Shaw) Buchanan, both of whom have passed 
 
190 
 
 PAST AND PRESENT OF CHIPPEWA COUNTY 
 
 away. The father was one of the prominent grain buyers of Columbia county 
 and also engaged in farming there until 1884 when he moved to Ritzville, Wash- 
 ington, where he died in 1903. He had survived his wife only two years, her 
 death having occurred in December, 1901. 
 
 Daniel Buchanan, Jr., acquired his education in the public schools of Columbia 
 county and later entered the law department of the State University at Madison, 
 Wisconsin, receiving his degree from that institution in 1872. In the following 
 year he went to Eau Claire county, where he associated himself with the firm 
 of Bartlett & Hayden, continuing thus until 1877, when he moved to Chippewa 
 Falls, where he has since remained. The years have brought him prominence 
 in his profession and a practice that has steadily increased in volume and im- 
 portance, for he has become known as a strong, able and forceful practitioner. 
 
 In Chippewa county Mr. Buchanan married Miss Mary M. Waugh, a daugh- 
 ter of Mr. and Mrs. Alexander Waugh, both of whom have passed away, the 
 former dying in March, 1877, and the latter in July, 1882. They are buried in 
 Greenville. Pennsylvania. Mr. and Mrs. Buchanan became the parents of three 
 children, all of whom died in infancy. 
 
 Mr. Buchanan is a member of the Masonic lodge and is a republican in his 
 political beliefs, taking an active interest in community affairs and cooperating 
 heartily in all projects to promote the advancement and growth of the city. 
 During the thirty-six years of his. residence here he has become widely and 
 favorably known and he holds the esteem and confidence of all with whom 
 business or social relations have brought him into contact. 
 
 PETER MEINEN. 
 
 Peter Meinen, carrying on general farming and dairying upon one hundred 
 and sixty acres of land seven and one-quarter miles southwest of Bloomer, in 
 Auburn township, was born in Tilden township, Chippewa county, and is a son 
 of Nicholas Meinen, a native of Germany. After emigrating to America the 
 father settled in Chippewa Falls in very early times, taking up his residence 
 here before the city of Chippewa Falls was founded. He at first turned his 
 attention to anything which would bring him an income but eventually engaged 
 in farming, an occupation in which he was active for many years. He has now 
 retired from active life and lives in the town of Tilden, having reached the age 
 of eighty. He married Miss Magdalena Meyer, and they became the parents 
 of eight children, two of whom have passed away. 
 
 Peter Meinen acquired his education in the Catholic parochial school of 
 Tilden, and after laying aside his books worked upon the homestead until his 
 marriage. He then purchased one hundred and sixty acres seven and one- 
 quarter miles southwest of Bloomer, and upon this property has since resided, 
 steadily carrying forward the work of improvement and development along 
 progressive and modern lines. He has erected a comfortable residence, good 
 barns and outbuildings and lias made the place a model property in every par- 
 ticular, reflecting everywhere his. careful supervision and practical labor. 
 
PAST AND PRESENT OF CHIPPEWA COUNTY 
 
 191 
 
 Mr. Meinen married Miss Annie Stoffel, and they have become the parents 
 of eight children, Lidwina, Philomena, Susanna, Alphonsina, Leona, Marie, Gil- 
 bert and Henrietta. Mr. Meinen is a member of the Roman Catholic church 
 and connected fraternally with the Catholic Knights. He gives his political 
 allegiance to the democratic party and is serving as a member of the school 
 board, proving capable and conscientious in the discharge of his duties. He is 
 numbered among the substantial farmers and progressive men of his locality 
 and holds the esteem and regard of his neighbors as a man whose life has been 
 honorable and upright in all its relations. 
 
 JOHN G. ACHESON. 
 
 John G. Acheson owns a fine farm in Eagle Point township, eight miles 
 southeast of Bloomer on the Chippewa road and is a native of Ireland, born there 
 in 1872. His father, James Acheson, was also a native of Ireland and emigrated 
 to the United States about the year of 1878 locating in southern Wisconsin, 
 where he has since engaged in farming, having now reached the age of seventy. 
 He married in Ireland, Miss Reid, and they became the parents of eight 
 children. 
 
 John G. Acheson acquired his education in the public schools of Outagamie 
 county and after laying aside his books followed farming and carpentry until 
 1908. In that year he purchased from Frank Ludwig the farm in Eagle Point 
 township where he has since resided. He owns one hundred and sixty acres of 
 choice land and has made substantial improvements upon it, his farm being today 
 a valuable and attractive property. 
 
 Mr. Acheson married Miss Rebecca McElroy and they have four children : 
 Russell, Donald, Hazel, and Gladys. Mr. Acheson votes independently and has 
 held various positions of trust and responsibility, rendering the township excel- 
 lent service as assessor and treasurer. In 1912 he was elected school clerk and 
 reelected in 1913. He merits the esteem and confidence of all who know him 
 and is numbered among the most substantial citizens of Chippewa county. 
 
 JOHN MATSCHE. 
 
 John Matsche, numbered among the successful and enterprising dairy farmers 
 of Arthur township, is the owner of a tract of land comprising eighty acres 
 on section 19, township 30, range 6. His birth occurred in Austria, December 
 26, 1863, his parents being Frank and Mary Matsche, who passed away when 
 he was still but a child. John Matsche lived with a brother until twelve years 
 of age and then began earning his own livelihood. 
 
 In 1888, when a young man of twenty-five years, he emigrated to the United 
 States, for he had heard many favorable reports of the opportunities of the 
 new world and desired to take advantage of them. During the first several 
 years of his residence in this country he was employed in a glucose factory 
 
192 
 
 PAST AND PRESENT OF CHIPPEWA COUNTY 
 
 at .Marshalltown, Iowa, and also worked in a railroad roundhouse. In 1898 
 he came to Chippewa county, Wisconsin, and purchased eighty acres of wild 
 land comprising the north half of the southeast quarter of section 19, town- 
 ship 30, range 6. The place was entirely unimproved and much arduous labor 
 was necessary before the land was ready for cultivation. Mr. Matsche has 
 resided thereon to the present time and now has excellent buildings, while in 
 the conduct of his interests as a dairy farmer he has met with gratifying and 
 well deserved success. 
 
 On the 5th of November, 1888, Mr. Matsche was united in marriage . to 
 Miss Theresa Miksch, who was born in Germany on the 29th of December, 1869. 
 Unto them have been born nine children, as follows: Mary, who is the wife of 
 John Scheidler and resides in Chippewa county; Clara, who gave her hand in 
 marriage to Fred Roberts, of Arthur township; John, a resident of Ellendale, 
 North Dakota; Lena, who is employed in Chippewa Falls; and Frankie, Annie, 
 Alois, Katrina and Theresa, all at home. 
 
 In his political views Mr. Matsche is a republican, loyally supporting the 
 men and measures of that party at the polls. In religious faith he and his fam- 
 ily are Catholics and devout communicants of St. Anthony’s church of Drywood. 
 He is familiar with and speaks four languages — Norwegian, Bohemian, Ger- 
 man and English. He has never felt any occasion to regret his determination 
 to come to the United States, for here he has found the business opportunities 
 which he sought and in their improvement has won prosperity. 
 
 LEONARD GLADWELL. 
 
 Agricultural interests of Chippewa county find a progressive and worthy 
 representative in Leonard Gladwell, who since 1900 has operated one hundred 
 and sixty acres of fine land on section 18, Wheaton township. Mr. Gladwell 
 has resided in this county since 1861 but is a native of New York, born Decem- 
 ber 24, 1852, his parents being Thomas and Charlotte (Reed) Gladwell. The 
 father died in 1874 and is survived by his wife, who makes her home with the 
 subject of this review, having reached the age of ninety-two years. 
 
 Leonard Gladwell came to Wisconsin with his parents when he was still an 
 infant and he spent his early childhood in Whitewater, this state. In 1861 he 
 came to Chippewa county and here completed his education, laying aside his 
 books at the age of eighteen. After leaving school he began working in the 
 lumber woods and sawmills and he continued thus in the employ of others for 
 twenty-seven years. At the end of that time he purchased land in Chippewa 
 county and for some time thereafter spent his winters in the woods and his 
 summers upon his farm. Since 1900 he has confined his attention to agricultural 
 pursuits and has met with gratifying success in this line of work. He owns 
 eighty acres lying on section 18, Wheaton township, and operates eighty acres 
 adjoining and has made excellent improvements upon it, carrying forward the 
 work of its cultivation along practical and modern lines. 
 
 In Chippewa county on August 22, 1875, Mr. Gladwell was united in mar- 
 riage to Miss Lydia Eldred, a daughter of John and Ellen (Kane) Eldred, 
 

 
 I 
 
 
MR. AND MRS. LEONARD GLADWELL 
 
MR. AND MRS. THOMAS GLADWELL 
 

 
 
 
 
 
PAST AND PRESENT OF CHIPPEWA COUNTY 
 
 197 
 
 both of whom have passed away and are buried in Chippewa county. Mr. and 
 Mrs. Gladwell became the parents of eight children: Fred, who died at the age 
 of thirty-four years; Charles, who lives in the state of Washington; John, a 
 fireman on the railroad operated by the Rice Lake Logging Company ; Albert, 
 who is assisting his father ; Lee, engaged in farming in Canada ; Laura, who died 
 at the age of one year ; George, assisting his father on the farm ; and Lomie, 
 at home. Mr. Gladwell gives his political allegiance to the democratic party 
 but is not active in public affairs, preferring to concentrate his attention upon 
 his agricultural interests, which are capably conducted and have brought him 
 well deserved success. 
 
 JOHN L. EDER. 
 
 Chippewa county numbers among its worthy and valued native sons John L. 
 Eder, who owns and operates a fine farm of two hundred acres three and one- 
 half miles west of Bloomer. He was born in 1883 and is a son of Joe Eder, 
 a native of Germany, who came to the United States when he was four years 
 of age. He located with his parents in Iowa and from that state moved to 
 Chippewa county, where he turned his attention to farming in Tilden town- 
 ship. There he has resided since that time, being now in the sixty-third year 
 of his age. He married Miss Louise Zweifellhofer and they have four chil- 
 dren, Mrs. John Prince, John L., Mrs. Anna Schroeder and William. 
 
 John L. Eder acquired his education in the public schools of Chippewa 
 county and in a business college at St. Paul. After laying aside his books 
 he worked for his father on the homestead but following his marriage settled 
 upon the property in Bloomer township which is now his place of residence. He 
 owns a tract of two hundred acres with excellent buildings and other improve- 
 ments. He engages in general farming and dairying and has met with well 
 deserved success in both fields. 
 
 In 1909 Mr. Eder was united in marriage to Miss Blanche Snyder and they 
 have become the parents of two children, Izetta and Caroline. Mr. Eder is a 
 member of the Roman Catholic church and is connected fraternally with the 
 Catholic Knights. He gives his political allegiance to the republican party and 
 is progressive in matters of citizenship although not active as an office seeker. 
 He is widely known throughout his native county as a representative citizen 
 and he commands the confidence and respect of the entire community. 
 
 JOHN MAHONY. 
 
 A worthy and progressive representative of agricultural interests of Chip- 
 pewa county is John Mahony, who owns and operates a fine farm of one 
 hundred and twenty acres on section 19, Lafayette township, a property upon 
 which he has resided since 1887. He was born in Schull, County Cork, Ireland, 
 November 1, 1862, and is a son of John and Catherine (Farrington) Mahony, 
 
 voi. n— 1 1 
 
198 
 
 PAST AND PRESENT OF CHIPPEWA COUNTY 
 
 who went from Ireland by way of New York city to Ontario county, New 
 York. After residing there for one year they moved to Eau, Claire, this state, 
 and from there came to Chippewa county, where they settled on the farm now 
 owned by the subject of this review. The land was at that time only partially 
 cultivated and John Mahony, Sr., with the assistance of his sons cleared the 
 remainder, making it a valuable and productive property. He died on the 3d 
 of August, 1912, at the age of eighty, and is buried in Lafayette cemetery. 
 His wife survives him and makes her home with the subject of this review. 
 
 John Mahony acquired his education in the public schools of his native 
 country, laying aside his books at the age of fourteen. He afterward assisted 
 his father with the work of the farm and in 1887 came to America, locating 
 in Chippewa county. When the remainder of the family settled here the father 
 and son carried on the operation of the homestead and after the former’s death 
 John Mahony of this review inherited the property, which he has owned 
 ever since. He assisted in making all of the improvements upon it and its excel- 
 lent condition at present is largely due to his well directed and practical labor. 
 
 Mr. Mahony is a member of the Episcopal church and is a republican in his 
 political views. Success has followed him at every step as the result of his 
 industry, ability and perseverance until now he is numbered among the repre- 
 sentative farmers and progressive citizens of this county. 
 
 SMITH H. WRIGHT. 
 
 Smith H. Wright, successfully engaged in dairy farming, is the owner of 
 a tract of land embracing one hundred and twenty acres on section 36, Sigel town- 
 ship. He has been a resident of Chippewa county for more than three decades, 
 coming here from Spencer, Massachusetts, in 1882. His birth occurred in George- 
 town, Connecticut, in October, 1867, his parents being James and Mary Wright. 
 The mother passed away when our subject was still a small child, but the 
 father yet survives at the venerable age of eighty-four years and makes his 
 home with his son Smith. Mrs. Mary Wright is buried in Connecticut. 
 
 Smith H. Wright attended school in Massachusetts until fifteen years of 
 age and subsequently worked in a factory for about twenty years. On the 
 expiration of that period he took possession of the farm in Chippewa county 
 which he now operates, the property comprising one hundred and twenty acres 
 on section 36, Sigel township. He was one of the first in the township to own 
 registered Holstein-Friesian cows. He carries on dairy farming with good 
 success, keeping about four horses, twenty-five head of cattle and seven hogs. 
 He erected the residence and other buildings which adorn the property, and 
 in the conduct of his agricultural interests he has won a gratifying and well 
 merited measure of prosperity. 
 
 In iqot, in Sigel township, Mr. Wright was united in marriage to Miss 
 Emily Buetow, a daughter of Carl and Hannah Buetow. The father died in 
 1897 and lies buried in Sigel township, but the mother still survives and resides 
 with her son Levi. Mr. and Mrs. Wright have three children: Ada, Norma 
 and Arthur, all at home. 
 
PAST AND PRESENT OF CHIPPEWA COUNTY 
 
 199 
 
 Since age conferred upon him the right of franchise Mr. W right has sup- 
 ported the men and measures of the republican party, while fraternally he is 
 identified with the Modern Woodmen of America. He has an extensive circle 
 of friends throughout the county in which he has resided during the greater 
 part of his life, and he is worthy of the confidence and trust which are uni- 
 formly given him. 
 
 JOHN AND FRED MEIER. 
 
 The town of Bloomer finds enterprising and progressive representatives of 
 its business interests in John and Fred Meier who since 1906 have been partners 
 in the operation of a profitable general store. They are natives of Chippewa 
 county, the former born on the 5th of October, 1876, and the latter in 1880, 
 sons of Tohn Meier, a native of Switzerland who came to the United States 
 as a young man and settled in Minnesota where he engaged in farming. He 
 later moved to this county and here followed agricultural pursuits until 1911 
 when he went to Idaho where he now resides. He married Miss Mary Bichler 
 of Minnesota and they became the parents of eleven children: Mary, John, Gust, 
 Elizabeth, Frederick, Charles, Robert, Edward, Antone, Oscar, and one child 
 who died in infancy. 
 
 John and Fred Meier acquired their education in the public schools of their 
 native county and after laying aside their books both young men engaged in 
 farming for some time. Afterward Fred was for four years a clerk in the 
 employ of Cutting & Thompson but resigned this position in 1906 when he joined 
 his brother in the establishment of the mercantile enterprise which they now 
 conduct. They carry a full line of men’s and women’s furnishings, groceries, 
 etc., and enjoy a representative and growing trade, accorded to them in recogni- 
 tion of their fair and honorable business methods and their reasonable prices. 
 
 John Meier married Miss Lenora Proue of Chippewa Falls, and they have 
 become the parents of six children, Lenora, Elsie, Rose, William, Ellen and 
 Paul. The brothers give their political allegiance to the republican party and 
 Fred served for two years on the village board. He is identified fraternally 
 with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and John is a devout member of 
 the United Brethren church. Both are progressive and reliable business men 
 and they enjoy the esteem and confidence of all who are in any way associated 
 with them. 
 
 LEVI BUETOW. 
 
 Levi Buetow, who devotes his time and energies to mixed farming, is the 
 owner of a tract of land embracing one hundred and sixty acres on sections 
 25 and 26, Sigel township. He is a native of Chippewa county and in fact was 
 born in the same house in which he now resides, his natal day being September 
 19, 1871. His parents were Carl and Hannah (Betcher) Buetow. The father. 
 
200 
 
 PAST AND PRESENT OF CHIPPEWA COUNTY 
 
 who passed away in 1897, lies buried in Sigel township, but the mother still 
 survives and makes her home with her son Levi. 
 
 In the acquirement of an education Levi Buetow attended school in Chippewa 
 county until fourteen years of age and subsequently assisted his father in the 
 work of the home farm until the latter’s demise. The property came into his 
 possession at that time and he has since continuously devoted his attention to 
 its operations. He keeps about five horses, twenty cattle and five hogs and 
 in both his farming and live stock interests has won a well merited measure of 
 success. The residence and other buildings on the place were erected by him 
 and stand as monuments to his enterprise and thrift. He has conducted his 
 affairs according to modern and up-to-date methods, has been careful and sys- 
 tematic in the management of his interests and today is numbered among the 
 successful and progressive farmers of Sigel township. 
 
 On the 28th of March, 1895, in Chippewa county, Mr. Buetow was united 
 in marriage to Miss Emily Stark, a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Fred Stark, both 
 of whom are deceased and lie buried in Germany. Our subject and his wife 
 have four children, namely: Benjamin, Ella, Gladys and Elmer, all at home. 
 
 Mr. Buetow casts his ballot in support of the men and measures of the repub- 
 lican party and has served his fellow townsmen in positions of public trust. 
 He has held the position of township assessor for four years and for six years 
 acted as chairman of the school board, ably discharging his duties in both 
 connections. His religious faith is indicated by his membership in the Evan- 
 gelical church. He has resided in this county from his birth to the present time, 
 and the fact that those who esteem him most are those who have known him 
 from boyhood is an indication that his life record has ever been in harmony 
 with the principles of honorable and upright manhood. 
 
 MAURICE A. POZNANSKI. 
 
 Among the most progressive, enterprising and capable of the native sons 
 of Chippewa Falls is numbered Maurice A. Poznanski, to whose initiative spirit 
 the city owes the .foundation of some of its most important business institutions 
 and to whose activity and industry is due their development and upbuilding. 
 He is prominently identified with various business and corporate interests here, 
 among his connections of this character being the Northwood Furniture Com- 
 pany, of which he is president. A spirit of enterprise’ and progress has actuated 
 him in all the activities of his career and has brought him today to a place of 
 power and prominence in his native city. 
 
 Mr. Poznanski was born January 1, 1872, and is a son of Edward and 
 Leah (Pozner) Poznanski, of whom further mention is made elsewhere in this 
 work. He acquired his primary education in the public schools of Chippewa 
 Falls and later attended the Wayland University and Milwaukee Academy in 
 Milwaukee. He returned to Chippewa Falls, where on account of his father’s 
 ill health he took charge of the latter’s business. This was a large retail dry- 
 goods store and for twenty-two years thereafter Maurice Poznanski controlled 
 the affairs of this concern, making it one of the largest and most important 
 
PAST AND PRESENT OF CHIPPEWA COUNTY 
 
 201 
 
 mercantile houses in the city. He disposed of his interest in it in ign. During 
 the twenty-two years his interests extended to many other fields, as a record 
 of his accomplishments along business lines plainly shows. He organized and 
 developed the Chippewa Glove Company, of which he was president for many 
 years, the Handmade Shoe Company, of which he was vice president, and the 
 Northwood Furniture Company, of which he is now president. To the affairs 
 of this latter institution he gives a great deal of his time and attention and he has 
 directed its development along constructive and modern lines so that its present 
 success is largely the result of his energy and activity. 
 
 In New York city, on the 16th of July, 1909, Mr. Poznanski was united in 
 marriage to Miss Lillian C. Manwaring, a' daughter of Thomas and Margaret 
 Manwaring, both of whom have passed away, the former being buried in Hay- 
 ward, Wisconsin, and the latter in Chippewa Falls. Mr. and Mrs. Poznanski 
 make their home in the old family residence, which was erected by Edward 
 Poznanski in early times, and they are well known in social circles of the city. 
 
 Mr. Poznanski has at all times been interested in the growth and develop- 
 ment of Chippewa Falls and is active in the promotion of those projects looking 
 toward municipal advancement. He was chairman of the acreage committee of 
 the Progressive League and was a leading factor in securing for the city the 
 sugar beet factory, which is now one of the most prominent and important 
 industrial concerns in Chippewa county. He also aided in bringing to the city 
 a number of other industrial and commercial concerns and formed one of the 
 five members of the original council of the league, of which he acted as president 
 for some time. During the course of his business career he has acquired a 
 great deal of valuable city property through judicious investment and is the 
 owner of the Metropolitan building, one of the largest office structures in the 
 city. Fraternally he is connected with the Masonic lodge and chapter and the 
 Benevolent Protective Order of Elks. He also belongs to the Eau Claire Club, 
 of which he was one of the first non-resident members. He gives his political 
 allegiance to the republican party and has been alderman of the city for two 
 years, his vote and influence during this time having been always on the side 
 of right, reform and progress. A resident of Chippewa Falls from his birth 
 to the present time, he is well known here and his integrity of character, his 
 business ability and his progressive citizenship have gained him the high esteem 
 and regard of all who are associated with him. 
 
 OSCAR STELTER. 
 
 Oscar Stelter, president and general manager of O. F. Stelter & Company, 
 dealers in hay, grain and potatoes in Bloomer, is a native of Wisconsin, born in 
 Waushara county in 18S3. He is a son of Otto Stelter, who was born in Ger- 
 many and who came to the United States when he was nine years of age, going 
 directly to Waushara county, where he grew to manhood and where he is today 
 a prosperous farmer. He married Miss Paulina Wangrine and they became the 
 parents of nine children. 
 
202 
 
 PAST AND PRESENT OF CHIPPEWA COUNTY 
 
 Oscar Stelter acquired his education in the public schools of his native county 
 and after laying aside his books assisted his father for a time with the work 
 of the homestead. In 1907 he moved to Chippewa county and settling in Bloomer 
 joined his brother William in the organization of the firm of O. F. Stelter 
 & Company, of which he is now president and general manager. They own a 
 large elevator and deal in all kinds of grain, hay, flour, coal, potatoes, straw 
 and wool, besides cement and lime. The warehouse and the elevator are located 
 near the Northwestern Railroad tracks, and there are branches at Jim Falls and 
 Cobban. At the former all kinds of farm implements are carried as well as 
 grain. Mr. Stelter gives practically all of his time and attention to the develop- 
 ment of this business and its prosperous condition at the present is the direct 
 result of his energy and executive ability. 
 
 Mr. Stelter married Miss Esther Rosenbrook of Bloomer, and they are 
 the parents of a son, Harold. Mr. Stelter is a member of the German Lutheran 
 church and is a republican in his political beliefs, interested in the growth and 
 development of the county and always ready to cooperate in the support of 
 progressive public movements. His ability is widely recognized in business 
 circles and his integrity and fairness have gained him the esteem and confidence 
 of all who are associated with him. 
 
 OWEN F. STERZIK. 
 
 Energy, ability, experience and controlled ambition have formed for Owen 
 F. Sterzik the basis of a substantial and desirable success and have brought him 
 today into important relations with business interests of Chippewa Falls, where 
 he is doing capable and farsighted work as superintendent of the Northwood 
 Furniture Company. He was born at Big Rapids, .Michigan, September 15, 
 1871, and is a son of John and Elizabeth (Slamo) Sterzik, both of German 
 extraction. The father was for thirty years a resident of Big Rapids, where he 
 engaged in the carpentering and contracting business, his territory extending 
 all over the state of Michigan. During the early part of the Civil war he lived 
 in New Orleans, but being in sympathy with the Union cause, he went to France 
 but returning by way of the northern states, joined the Union army in Michigan. 
 He died there in 1886 and his wife survived him many years, passing away in 
 1907. Both are buried in the Big Rapids cemetery. 
 
 Owen F. Sterzik acquired his education in the country schools around Big 
 Rapids and later attended the Ferris Business College, the principal of which 
 institution is now the governor of Michigan. After laying aside his books Mr. 
 Sterzik learned the hand carver’s trade in a furniture factory in Big Rapids, 
 remaining in this connection for three years. At the end of that time he 
 moved to Edinburg, Indiana, where he took charge of the plant of the Edin- 
 burg Cabinet Company. At the end of six years he moved to Madison, Indiana, 
 and there built a piano factory, of which was part owner and general manager 
 until 1906, when he came to Chippewa Falls. Here he became manager of the 
 plant of the Chippewa Falls Furniture Company and after two years moved to 
 Galax, Virginia, where he took charge of the plant of the Galax Furniture Com- 
 
PAST AND PRESENT OF CHIPPEWA COUNTY 
 
 203 
 
 pany. Returning to Chippewa Falls at the end of two years, he became con- 
 nected with the Northwood Furniture Company, and since that time has acted 
 as superintendent of that concern, which owes a great deal of its success to his 
 excellent administrative ability and his thorough knowledge of the business. 
 
 In Big Rapids, Michigan, on the 9th of April, 1891, Mr. Sterzik was united 
 in marriage to Miss Nora Clifford, a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Richard Clifford, 
 the former a veteran of the Civil war who now resides in Big Rapids. His wife 
 has passed away. Mr. and Mrs. Sterzik have become the parents of six children: 
 Glenn, who is foreman of the Northwood Furniture Company; Earl, who is 
 employed by the Jenkins Automobile Company; Russell, also connected with 
 the Northwood Furniture Company; and Stella, Hazel and Raymond D., all of 
 whom are attending school. The family residence is at No. 417 Mansfield 
 street, Chippewa Falls, and Mr. Sterzik owns also a farm of forty acres in 
 Michigan which he uses as a summer home. 
 
 Fraternally Mr. Sterzik is a member of the Masonic lodge, the Knights of 
 Pythias and the Modern Woodmen of America. He gives his political alle- 
 giance to the democratic party, and is a member of the Methodist church. He 
 is a progressive and public-spirited citizen and a reliable, enterprising and ener- 
 getic business man and he stands high in the esteem and confidence of all who 
 have had either business or social relations with him. 
 
 LENARD BOWE. 
 
 Lenard Bowe is one of the foremost agriculturists of Tilden township, 
 Chippewa county, where he owns a valuable farm of seven hundred and twenty 
 acres on sections 14, 23 and 9. A native of this county, he was born on Sep- 
 tember 3, 1862, and is a son of Nicholas and Maria (Mayer) Bowe. The father 
 came to this section in 1856 and settled on the land which our subject now owns. 
 At that time it was practically covered with tall timber, which the father 
 cleared, later bringing the land under cultivation and greatly improving it. While 
 still in Germany he had been a soldier in the Prussian army and often referred 
 to chapters of his military life. He was popular with all who knew him and who 
 appreciated in him the sterling qualities of energy, industry and integrity. He 
 passed away April 8, 1913, at the age of nearly ninety years, and with him 
 passed one of the most venerable figures in Chippewa county. His wife had 
 preceded him to the Great Beyond in 1895 and both found their last resting place 
 in St. Peter’s cemetery. 
 
 Lenard Bowe received his education in the German St. Peter’s Catholic 
 school, which he left at the age of thirteen years in order to have more time to 
 assist his father on the farm. Later he worked for five years in the bush but, 
 returning at the end of that time, again assisted his father. He then began 
 independently by operating one hundred and twenty acres which his father 
 had given him, and to this amount he has gradually added until today he owns 
 a magnificent farm of seven hundred and twenty acres, much of which is in a 
 high state of cultivation. He engages in general farming and stock-raising, 
 employing modern and scientific methods and keeping as many as fifty head of 
 
204 
 
 PAST AND PRESENT OF CHIPPEWA COUNTY 
 
 cattle on the place. Ten horses are needed to carry on farm operations and he 
 also has other stock. Beside his valuable property in Chippewa county, Mr. 
 Bowe owns three hundred a,nd twenty acres in Canada. 
 
 On August 9, 1886, in St. Peter’s Catholic church at Tilden, Mr. Bowe was 
 united in marriage to Miss Margarete Kaiser, a daughter of John and Appolonia 
 (Eslinger) Kaiser, the former one of the pioneers of Fond du Lac county. Both 
 are deceased and buried in the Cadott cemetery. Mr. and Mrs. Bowe became the 
 parents of thirteen children: Philomena, who died at the age of twelve years 
 
 in September, 1902; John P., who passed away at the age of twenty-three, Jan- 
 uary 8, 1913; Peter J., a farmer of Bloomer township; Herman, assisting his 
 father in the operation of the farm ; Carl W. and Gilbert, who are also so en- 
 gaged; Ella J., at home; Rosa A., at home; Michael, Bertha, Alfred and Ma- 
 thilda, attending school; and Maria. Both Phiiomena and John P. Bowe found 
 their last resting place in St. Peter’s cemetery at Tilden. 
 
 In his political affiliations Mr. Bowe is a democrat and takes a laudable in- 
 terest in all matters of public interest. He has served as township supervisor, his 
 efficiency giving great satisfaction to his constituents, and is at present road 
 commissioner. He and his family are members of the Catholic church, in the 
 work of which they take an active and helpful interest. Largely through his 
 own efforts Mr. Bowe has become one of the most substantial agriculturists of 
 Tilden township, his farm being one of the most beautiful in his locality. He 
 has erected a large and handsome residence, modernly equipped, and his barp§, 
 are substantial and in every way up-to-date. The whole appearance of the 
 property bespeaks indefatigable labor and good judgment, and such success as 
 Mr. Bowe has attained is highly merited. 
 
 MAGNUS FIRTH. 
 
 Magnus Firth, discharging the duties of steward of the Wisconsin State 
 Home for the Feeble-Minded in an intelligent and capable way, was born in the 
 province of Quebec, Canada, in 1846. He is a son of Magnus and Mary (Car- 
 michael) Firth, both of whom have passed away. 
 
 Magnus Firth acquired his education in the public schools of his native 
 province and after laying aside his books at the age of sixteen, worked on farms 
 and in the lumber woods until he came to Wisconsin in 1869. He located in 
 that year in Chippewa county and for about five years thereafter worked at 
 lumbering, after which he purchased a farm of his own which he improved and 
 operated for about twenty years, making it during that time a well improved 
 and valuable property. He eventually turned his attention to politics and was 
 elected county clerk, continuing in this office for eight years, after which he was 
 made supervisor of assessments. At the end of two and one-half years in that 
 office he became cashier of the Citizens State Bank of Boyd and held that im- 
 portant position for two years, after which he moved to Chippewa Falls, becom- 
 ing steward in the State Home for the Feeble-Minded, a position which he has 
 since held. He discharges his duties with a conscientious sense of responsibility 
 and has made an enviable record in a difficult position, his work meeting with the 
 
MAGNUS FIRTH 
 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
PAST AND PRESENT OF CHIPPEWA COUNTY 
 
 207 
 
 approval not only of those who are connected with the institution but of the 
 community at large. 
 
 In Chippewa county, in December, 1874, Mr. Firth was united in marriage 
 to Miss Kate Blair, a daughter of Hugh Blair, who was a resident of New 
 Brunswick. Mr. and Mrs. Firth became the parents of four children : Edgar 
 A., of whom further mention is made elsewhere in this work; Minnie E., the 
 wife of A. H. Lytte, who died in March, 1913, and is buried in Chippewa Falls; 
 Earl I., a resident of Seattle, Washington; and Walter C., who died in infancy 
 and is buried in the Eagle Point cemetery. Mrs. Firth passed away in May, 
 1886, and in November, 1887, Mr. Firth was again married, his second union 
 being* with Miss Martha Blair, his present wife. 
 
 Mr. Firth is a republican in his political beliefs and served for nine years 
 as chairman of town of Cleveland. He is connected fraternally with the Masonic 
 lodge and the commandery and is a member of the Congregational church. He 
 has been found capable, conscientious and reliable in the discharge of the duties 
 of his office and he holds the esteem and confidence of all who are associated 
 with him. 
 
 H. E. McWITHEY. 
 
 H. E. McWithev is one of the early settlers in Chippewa county and since 
 pioneer times has taken an active part in the agricultural development of this 
 section of the state, evolving out of the wilderness a productive and profitable 
 farm, upon eighty acres of which he is now living in retirement. He is also 
 entitled to representation in this volume as a veteran of the Civil war. 
 
 Mr. McWithey was born in the state of New York, August 5, 1838, and is 
 a son of Telle Gilbert McWithey, a native of Vermont. The father came to 
 Wisconsin in 1849, spending five years in Dane county. At the end of that time 
 he moved to Iowa but after two years returned to Wisconsin, settling in Monroe 
 county, where his death occurred. His wife was in her maidenhood Miss Betsy 
 Bliton. 
 
 H. E. McWithey came to Wisconsin about fifty-two years ago and has re- 
 mained a continuous resident of the state since that time with the exception of' 
 his period of service during the Civil war. Almost immediately after his arrival 
 in 1861 he enlisted in Company A, Third Wisconsin Volunteer Cavalry, and served 
 for fifteen months and then received an honorable discharge for disability. Dur- 
 ing his active service he was stationed on the border between Missouri and Kansas 
 and did duty as quartermaster and commissary. After his arrival in this state 
 Mr. McWithey spent some time in Barron county, and then moved to Chippewa 
 county, where he has since resided. He first located upon property one mile west 
 of his present place, then moved to Bloomer and afterward to the farm he 
 now occupies, which is situated five miles west of Bloomer. This originally 
 comprised one hundred and sixty acres and upon it he carried forward the work 
 of development year by year, erecting fine barns and outbuildings and neglecting 
 nothing which would add to the attractive appearance or the value of the place. 
 During his. active life he engaged in general farming and dairying but of late 
 
208 
 
 PAST AND PRESENT OF CHIPPEWA COUNTY 
 
 years has lived retired upon eighty acres of his homestead, the remainder being 
 in possession of his son. 
 
 Mr. McWithey married Miss Cordelia Smith and they became the parents 
 of four children: John, of Edmonton, Alberta, who married Miss Lillian Bas- 
 sett, by whom he has three children, Hazel, Fred and William; Fannie, who mar- 
 ried Martin Randall, residing near Ridgeland; Judson, who has passed away; 
 and Stephen, who married Carrie Snyder, by whom he has four children, Marion, 
 Helen, Fannie and Ruth. 
 
 Mr. .McWithey is a member of the Congregational church and a republican 
 in his political beliefs. He is connected fraternally with the Independent Order 
 of Odd Fellows and belongs to the local post of the Grand Army of the Republic, 
 thus keeping in touch with his comrades of fifty years ago. His long period of 
 residence in Chippewa county has brought him widespread respect and esteem 
 and he is recognized today as one of the pioneer residents of this locality, a 
 capable business man and a loyal and public-spirited citizen. 
 
 WILLIAM D. HUTCHINSON. 
 
 Among the capable, reliable and enterprising business men of Chippewa 
 Falls, whose well directed activities have proved potent factors in the general 
 commercial development of the city, is numbered William I). Hutchinson, secre- 
 tary and treasurer and general manager of the Chippewa Valley Mercantile 
 Company. He was born in Chicago, Illinois, August 9, 1856, and is a son of 
 T. S. and Elizabeth (Dixon) Hutchinson, the former of whom was for many 
 years a captain on the Great Lakes. He died in [905, at the age of seventy-seven, 
 and is buried at Menominee, Michigan. The family is of Scotch origin. 
 
 William D. Hutchinson acquired his education in the public schools of his 
 native city and after the Chicago fire of 1871 laid aside his books and entered 
 the employ of the Kirby Carpenter & Lumber Company, at Menominee, Michi- 
 gan, a connection which he maintained until 1889. In that year he established 
 himself in the retail grocery business and at the end of six years became identi- 
 fied with Penderthy-Cook & Company, wholesale grocers with whom he 
 continued from 1895 to 1903, proving himself during this time a farsighted, capa- 
 ble and reliable business man. He resigned his position in the latter year 
 and came to Chippewa Falls, where he became identified with the Chippewa 
 Valley Mercantile Company as secretary, treasurer and general manager. In 
 these important offices he has displayed excellent business and administrative 
 ability and to him is due in large measure the credit for the later development 
 of the concern along practical and progressive lines. A man of energy, resource 
 and ability, he has made these qualities the basis of a great deal of farsighted 
 and constructive work and has won for himself a most desirable place in busi- 
 ness circles of the city. 
 
 At Menominee, Michigan, in December, 1882, Mr. Hutchinson was united in 
 marriage to Miss Etta Blorn, a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. William Blom, the 
 former a well known furniture dealer in that city. Mr. and Mrs. Hutchinson 
 have two sons : Thomas, who is manager of the Northwestern Lumber Com- 
 
PAST AND PRESENT OF CHIPPEWA COUNTY 
 
 209 
 
 pany at Hoquiam, Washington; and William B., who is working in the lumber 
 woods for the Wilson Brothers Logging Company. 
 
 Mr. Hutchinson attends the Presbyterian church and fraternally is connected 
 with the Masonic order, being a member of Menominee Lodge, No. 269, of 
 Michigan; Chippewa Chapter, No. 46, R. A. M.; and Tancred Commandery, 
 No. 27, K. T. He is a republican in his political beliefs and intelligently inter- 
 ested in public affairs without being active as an office seeker. Much credit is 
 due him for the excellent work he has accomplished in Chippewa Falls, for 
 he has not only aided in the development of an important commercial concern 
 but has gained a place among the substantial business men of the city, com- 
 manding the respect and confidence of all with whom he is brought in contact. 
 
 CHARLES KELLER. 
 
 Charles Keller, one of the able and progressive young business men of 
 Bloomer, is superintendent of the Bloomer Machine Works, an institution which 
 he assisted in founding and in the development of which he has borne an active 
 and important part. He is a native of Sweden, born in 1873, a son of S. A. 
 Keller, who is engaged in the blacksmithing business in his native country. S. A. 
 Keller married Miss Rose Hollenberg and four children were born to their union. 
 
 Charles Keller acquired his education in the public schools of Sweden and 
 after laying aside his books studied mechanics, displaying an unusual natural 
 aptitude for this kind of work. In 1892 he came to the United States, settling 
 first in Minneapolis, Minnesota, where he remained for seven years. At the 
 end of that time he moved to Eau Claire and at the end of six months to Bloomer 
 where he has since resided. He was one of the organizers of the Bloomer 
 Machine Works of which he is now superintendent and his energy and mechan- 
 ical ability have been important factors in its success. He patented the Kelly 
 engine, now manufactured by the concern, and has made many other important 
 contributions towards the upbuilding of the enterprise. 
 
 Mr. Keller married Miss Christiana Paulus and they have four children : 
 Florence, Helen, Carlos and Leonard. Mr. Keller is identified with the Inde- 
 pendent Order of Odd Fellows and he gives his political allegiance to the repub- 
 lican party. His attention is however largely concentrated upon his business affairs 
 in which he has met with gratifying and well deserved success. 
 
 A. H. HUNT. 
 
 A. H. Hunt living in retirement at Eagleton was born in New York state 
 on the 10th of March, 1845, and is a son of C. A. Hunt, also a native of the 
 Empire state. The father engaged in lumbering and farming during his early 
 life and was afterward for twenty-five years a hotel keeper in New York and 
 Ohio. He died in the latter state when he was seventy-nine years of age. His 
 
210 
 
 PAST AND PRESENT OF CHIPPEWA COUNTY 
 
 wife was in her maidenhood Miss Roxina Harris, and they became the parents 
 of three sons and two daughters. 
 
 A. H. Hunt acquired his education in the public schools of Allegany county, 
 New York, and after laying aside his books endeavored to enlist in the Union 
 army for service in the Civil war. He was, however, below the required age 
 and never went to the front, although he was hired by the government as a 
 team driver. In this capacity he followed General Sherman through the latter’s 
 campaigns and at the close of the war came to Wisconsin settling in Eau Claire 
 where he remained for ten years. At the end of that time he moved to the 
 vicinity of Chippewa Falls purchasing a farm northeast of the city whereon he 
 engaged in dairying and also in lumbering for some time. He still retains forty 
 acres of this property but has rented it out and has taken up his residence in 
 Eagleton where he lives retired. 
 
 Mr. Hunt married Miss Zilpah Trott, a native of Maine and a daughter of 
 E. C. Trott, a carpenter and ship builder. The father was among the early 
 settlers in Chippewa county, taking up his residence here in 1865. Mr. and 
 Mrs. Hunt have five children: Harry; Florence, who married Henry Rhein- 
 gans, by whom she has three children, Bernice, Ruth, and Hazel; Isabelle, who 
 married F. P. Rheingans ; Ina ; and Earl. 
 
 Mr. Hunt gives his political allegiance to the republican party and was for 
 six terms chairman of the town board. He has held several positions of public 
 trust and is known also as the organizer and builder of the Eagleton Creamery. 
 Through his own labor, enterprise and good management he has become the 
 owner of an excellent property and has won a period of rest and retirement in 
 his declining years. 
 
 WILLIAM GREWE. 
 
 William Grewe, owner of a dray line in Cadott, was born in Germany, 
 November 15, 1873, a son °f August and Fredericka (Lubeke) Grewe, natives 
 of Germany, both born in 1848. The father emigrated to America in 1892, and 
 settled in Wisconsin, buying land in Sigel township, this county, which he still 
 operates. He and his wife became the parents of three children, William, 
 Ferdinand and Emil. 
 
 William Grewe attended public school in Germany until he was fourteen years 
 of age and afterward worked upon the farm until he was eighteen. He accom- 
 panied his parents to America in 1892 and for some time thereafter worked in 
 the lumber woods during the winters and as a farm laborer in the summer 
 months. After his marriage in 1897 he lived for four years in Cadott, at the end 
 of that time buying a farm which he still owns and where he lived for four 
 years, after which time he again moved to Cadott, turning his attention to business 
 pursuits. He purchased a dray line in the town and under his able management 
 this has become a very profitable enterprise. Mr. Grewe also acts as agent for 
 the Chippewa Brewing Company at Cadott and has some valuable holdings in 
 land, owning a comfortable residence in the town and eighty acres of farming 
 land on section 24, township 27, range 7. 
 
PAST AND PRESENT OF CHIPPEWA COUNTY 
 
 211 
 
 In Sigel township, December 8, 1897, Mr. Grewe was united in marriage to 
 Miss Katharine Pfaff, a daughter of Adam and Marie Pfaff, the former a re- 
 tired farmer, living in Cadott. Air. and Mrs. Grewe are the parents of two 
 children, Clara and Frieda. Mr. Grewe is a member of the German Lutheran 
 church and a democrat in his political beliefs. His personal characteristics have 
 gained him the warm regard and friendship of many, while in business circles 
 he has attained that success which comes only as a result of merit and ability. 
 
 PAUL HARTMAN. 
 
 Paul Hartman, a prosperous farmer of Auburn township, owning a fine 
 property of one hundred and sixty acres, is a native son of Chippewa county, 
 born in 1868. His father, George Hartman, was a native of Germany and came 
 to the United States when he was fourteen years of age. He was among the 
 pioneers in the settlement of Chippewa county and has followed farming here 
 since that time, having now reached the age of seventy-seven. He married 
 Miss Catherine Rander and they became the parents of ten children. 
 
 Paul Hartman acquired his education in the public schools of Chippewa county 
 and after laying aside his books turned his attention to agricultural pursuits, 
 buying the farm which he now owns. He erected all of the buildings upon it 
 and has made other substantial improvements, the property reflecting every- 
 where the many years of care and labor he has bestowed upon it. 
 
 Mr. Hartman married Miss Theresa Dachel and they have six children, Dora, 
 Sebastian, Herman, Agnes, Robert and William. Mr. Hartman is a member of 
 the Roman Catholic church and connected fraternally with the Catholic Knights. 
 He gives his political allegiance to the democratic party and for the past four- 
 teen years has served as school district clerk, discharging his duties in a capable, 
 businesslike and conscientious way. His worth received additional recognition 
 last spring when he was elected town clerk. In all official and business dealings 
 he is straightforward and reliable and he enjoys to the fullest extent the con- 
 fidence and good-will of his fellow citizens. 
 
 A. J. MARTIN. 
 
 A. J. Martin, one of the most prominent and enterprising of the younger 
 generation of business men of Bloomer, is well known as a general contractor 
 and as the owner of the business operated under the name of the A. J. Martin 
 Lumber Company. He is a native of Bloomer, born in 1882, a son of Henry 
 Martin, whose birth occurred in Wayne township, Washington county, this state. 
 The father was for forty-five years engaged in the blacksmithing business and 
 for the past forty years has lived in Bloomer which counts him among its best 
 known pioneers. In 1902 he abandoned blacksmithing and entered the employ 
 of W. G. Cutting, remaining with them five years. In 1908 he associated him- 
 self with his son in the contracting and lumber business. His wife, who was in 
 
212 
 
 PAST AND PRESENT OF CHIPPEWA COUNTY 
 
 her maidenhood Miss Dora Schroeder, was born in Germany and died in Bloomer 
 in 1908. They were the parents of ten children, seven of whom are still living. 
 
 A. J. Martin acquired his education in the public schools of Bloomer and after 
 laying aside his books worked at blacksmithing and carpentering until 1905 when 
 he turned his attention, to the contracting business. He is the largest contractor 
 in the town and lias been connected with a great deal of important work, having 
 erected practically all of the large buildings in Bloomer. He has now the con- 
 tracts for the construction of the Peoples State Bank building and the Cutting 
 building, besides seven residences in town and a schoolhouse in the country. 
 In connection with his contracting business he operates a lumber yard under the 
 name of the A. J. Martin Lumber Company and he deals in all kinds of building 
 material, having on hand everything necessary for the construction of a build- 
 ing from cellar to chimney. In Bloomer lie is regarded as a progressive, energetic 
 and capable business man whose success is the natural result of his own well 
 directed efforts. 
 
 Mr. Martin married Miss Ella Schnoor who was born in the vicinity of 
 Bloomer. He is independent in his political beliefs and is interested in the wel- 
 fare and growth of the city although he never seeks public office. Fraternally 
 he is identified with the Modern Woodmen of America and he is a devout mem- 
 ber of the German Lutheran church. Although still a young man he has already 
 won gratifying success in business and the future undoubtedly holds for him 
 continued advancement along his chosen line. 
 
 ROBERT A. LANG. 
 
 Energy, persevering labor and well directed effort have been the basis of the 
 success of Robert A. Lang, and have brought him today to a position among the 
 large landowners and prosperous farmers of his locality. He owns one thou- 
 sand acres on sections 22, 26 and 27, Lafayette township, the property having 
 been originally in the possession of the Badger State Lumber Company. Mr. 
 Lang was born in Rock county, this state, March 22, 1855, and is a son of Henry 
 W. and Annice ( Ross ) Lang, the former of whom was for many years a ma- 
 chinery manufacturer in Ottawa, Ontario. He died in 1901. having survived 
 his wife since 1884. She was laid to rest in Minneapolis, Minnesota, and her 
 husband is buried near Pembroke, Ontario. 
 
 Robert A. Lang acquired his education in the public schools of Ottawa, lay- 
 ing aside his books at the age of seventeen. He afterward served an apprentice- 
 ship as a machinist and then learned engineering, working at this profession on 
 boats on the Ottawa river for several years. After he came to the United States 
 he worked as a hydraulic engineer, doing bridge construction work and building 
 other river improvements, such as dams and reservoirs for various well known 
 lumber concerns operating on the Chippewa, St. Croix and Wisconsin rivers. 
 He is still active in this line of work, concentrating his attention upon the develop- 
 ment of water power for electrical purposes. Some time ago Mr. Lang bought 
 from the Badger State Lumber Company one thousand acres in Lafayette town- 
 ship and he is today one of the large landowners in that section of the county. 
 
PAST AND PRESENT OF CHIPPEWA COUNTY 
 
 213 
 
 His holdings include Lake Hallie and Electric Park, the latter being rented by 
 Mr. Lang to the Chippewa Valley Light & Power Company. Mr. Lang gives a 
 great deal of time to his farming interests and his property, which is known as 
 the Lang Lake farm, is one of the finest and best equipped in this section of the 
 state. 
 
 In Eau Claire, Wisconsin, February 14, 1883, Mr. Lang was united in mar- 
 riage to Miss Harriet Ross, a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Joel Ross, the former 
 an old resident of Eau Claire. Both have passed away. Mr. and Mrs. Lang 
 have three children : Margaret, who is a graduate of Downer College, Milwau- 
 kee, and who is teaching in the public schools of Eau Claire ; Hiram, a student in 
 the State University of Wisconsin ; and Paul, who is assisting his father and 
 attending the high school of Eau Claire. 
 
 Mr. Lang is a thirty-second degree Mason and belongs to the blue lodge, 
 chapter, consistory and shrine. He is independent in his political beliefs and is 
 interested in public affairs, having served for one term as a member of the state 
 legislature, representing the first district of Eau Claire. Although one of the 
 later arrivals in Chippewa county, he has become widely and favorably known 
 here, his business integrity, progressive spirit and personal characteristics hav- 
 ing gained him the esteem and respect of many friends. 
 
 J. B. THERIAULT. 
 
 Throughout a period of residence in Chippewa Falls dating from 1867, J. B. 
 Theriault has witnessed a great deal of the development of the city and has made 
 his progressive citizenship a valuable asset in its growth. For the past twenty- 
 two vears he has been prominently identified with industrial interests as a manu- 
 facturer of red brick and his plant at Tilden, Wisconsin, is one of the largest 
 enterprises of its kind in that part of Chippewa county. Mr. Theriault was born 
 at Cacouna, Temiscouata county, Quebec, December 26, 1846, and is a son of 
 Charles and Celeste (Roy) Theriault, both of French Canadian origin. The 
 father was a pioneer settler in that part of Quebec province and engaged in 
 farming there for a number of years. Both parents have passed away and are 
 buried near Thetford Mine, Quebec. 
 
 J. B. Theriault was reared in his native province and acquired his education 
 in a little log schoolhouse. He laid aside his books at the age of fourteen and then 
 assisted his father with the work of the farm for three years. At the end of 
 that time he moved to Ottawa, Ontario, and there worked in the lumber camps 
 on Gatineau river for two years but in 1867 moved to Michigan, settling in Bay 
 City, where he worked in a sawmill. I11 October of the same year he moved to 
 Chippewa county and for a time worked in the lumber camps in the winters and 
 in the sawmills during the summers, spending seven years in this way. For 
 three years thereafter he worked at anything which would bring him an income 
 and then, seeking to better his fortune, moved to California, where, however, he 
 met with indifferent success. Returning to Chippewa county, he engaged in the 
 liquor business in Chippewa Falls and was thus engaged for several years, 
 after which he established himself as a red brick manufacturer. For the past 
 
214 
 
 PAST AND PRESENT OF CHIPPEWA COUNTY 
 
 twenty-two years he has engaged extensively in this line of work, each year mark- 
 ing an increase in his prosperity and a substantial growth in his business. He 
 controls today a large and important patronage and his factory in Tilden, Wiscon- 
 sin, supplies an extensive trade. The offices are located at No. 503 North Bridge 
 street and the business transacted there is constantly increasing’ in volume and 
 importance. 
 
 Mr. Theriault married in Ste. Marie, Beauce, Quebec, October 15, 1877, 
 Miss Demerise Hammann, a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Frank Ilammann, 
 both of whom have passed away and are buried in that city. Mr. and Mrs. 
 Theriault have become the parents of a daughter, Marie L., who is a graduate 
 of the Milwaukee Conservatory of Music. Mr. Theriault is a democrat in his 
 political beliefs and in 1893 served as city auditor, discharging his duties capably 
 and conscientiously. He is well known to the citizens of Chippewa Falls, among 
 whom he has resided for forty-six years, and is respected alike in business and 
 social circles as an upright man and a progressive citizen. 
 
 EUGENE P. ELLENSON, M. D. 
 
 Dr. Eugene P. Ellenson is one of the leading surgeons in Chippewa Falls 
 and since 1892 has specialized in this branch of his profession here, securing a 
 large, representative and important patronage, which has been accorded to him 
 in recognition of his superior merit and ability. He was born in La Crosse, 
 Wisconsin, April 29, 1869, and is a son of Eugene J. and Eva M. (Meier) Ellen- 
 son, the former for many years a traveling salesman. Both now make their 
 home at Eau Claire, Wisconsin. 
 
 Dr. Eugene P. Ellenson acquired his primary education in the Eau Claire 
 public schools and afterward entered Beloit College, where he studied for three 
 years. At the end of that time he entered Rush Medical College in Chicago and 
 from that institution received his degree of M. D. in 1892. The day after his 
 graduation he came to Chippewa Falls, entering upon the practice of his pro- 
 fession, in which he has since attained a position of prominence and distinction. 
 Dr. Ellenson specializes in surgery, devoting practically all of his time to this 
 branch of his work. He has performed many difficult operations most success- 
 fully and his reputation has steadily grown as his skill and ability have become 
 more generally recognized. In addition to his private practice he is surgeon of 
 St. Joseph’s Hospital and surgeon for the Soo Line and he keeps in touch with 
 the trend of modern thought in his profession through his membership in the 
 county and state medical societies and the American Medical Association. 
 
 On the 30th of May, 1890, in St. Paul, Minnesota, Dr. Ellenson was united 
 in marriage to Miss Rose L. Argard, a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Martin Argard, 
 the former commissioner of immigration for the state of Wisconsin for many 
 years. Both were old-time residents of Eau Claire, Wisconsin, where they 
 passed away. Dr. and Mrs. Ellenson have become the parents of a son, Eugene 
 A., who is studying medicine at the State University at Madison. The family 
 residence is at No. 421 West Willow street and is one of the attractive homes 
 in that locality. 
 
DR. EUGENE F. ELLENSON 
 
PAST AND PRESENT OF CHIPPEWA COUNTY 
 
 217 
 
 Dr. Ellenson gives his allegiance to the democratic party but is not active 
 politically, preferring to devote all of his attention to his professional duties. 
 During the twenty-one years he has engaged in practice in Chippewa Falls his 
 powers have continually developed and he is today one of the leading repre- 
 sentatives of his profession in the city and vicinity. 
 
 THOMAS ROYCRAFT. 
 
 Thomas Roycraft, widely and favorably known in Chippewa county, where 
 he has resided since 1868, is prominently connected with agricultural interests 
 here, owning and operating three hundred and forty acres of land on section 
 32, Lafayette township. He was born in Schull, County Cork, Ireland, Jan- 
 uary 30, 1852, his parents being John and Mary (Camier) Roycraft. The 
 father came with his family to America in 1863 and after a short stay in New 
 York city moved to North Adams, Massachusetts, where he worked as a car- 
 penter on the Hoosaic tunnel. On the 15th of April, 1865, the family went by 
 way of Milwaukee to the vicinity of Oshkosh, where the father rented a farm, 
 developing and operating this for three years. At the end of that time he 
 moved to Eau Claire and engaged as a carpenter in the employ of the Eau 
 Claire Lumber Company. Four years later he purchased land in Chippewa 
 county, buying a quarter of section 29, Lafayette township. He found this a 
 wilderness covered with a heavy growth of timber and the entire family aided in 
 felling the trees and in putting the land in condition for cultivation. As the 
 years passed he became a prosperous and progressive farmer and gained the 
 esteem and confidence of his fellow citizens. He and his wife have passed 
 away, both having died in 1887. They are buried in Lafayette cemetery. 
 
 Thomas Roycraft acquired his education partly in Ireland, partly in Brook- 
 lyn, New York, and partly in Oshkosh and Eau Claire, Wisconsin. He laid 
 aside his books at the age of fifteen and thereafter for three years was employed 
 in a sawmill at Eau Claire. When his parents moved to a farm in Chippewa 
 county he accompanied them, residing upon the homestead until he was twenty- 
 three years of age and aiding with the work of its clearing and operation. He 
 was afterward employed in a mill and in the lumber woods of the northern part 
 of the state, receiving his first logging contract in 1879. He carried this out for 
 Peet & Barnard, which firm sold out to the Chippewa Lumber & Boom Com- 
 pany. Mr. Roycraft continued in that line of business until 1896 but in the 
 meantime in 1882 purchased his first farm, which was located on section 28. 
 He sold that property and moved to another farm, afterward buying and selling 
 several tracts of land before finally settling upon his present holdings. These 
 comprise three hundred and forty acres on section 32, Lafayette township, 
 and Mr. Roycraft has provided the farm with an excellent residence and has made 
 other substantial improvements. He carries on general farming and dairying and 
 has met with well merited success in the conduct of his business interests. 
 
 Mr. Roycraft has been twice married. He wedded first on the 29th of March, 
 1882, Miss Ellen Harvey, a daughter of Robert and Elizabeth Harvey, early 
 settlers in Wisconsin. The father aided in the erection of the first capitol build- 
 
 Vol. 11—12 
 
218 
 
 PAST AND PRESENT OF CHIPPEWA COUNTY 
 
 ing at Madison and became well known in farming circles of Winnebago county. 
 He and his wife have passed away and are buried in Rushford township, that 
 county. Mrs. Roycraft died September 13, 1894, and is buried in Lafayette 
 cemetery. To this union were born eight children : Leslie, who died of diph- 
 
 theria in October, 1888, at the age of five, and is buried in the family plot in 
 Lafayette cemetery; Adelaide E., who died of the same disease October 31, 
 1888. at the age of three and one-half years ; Robert J., who also died of diphtheria, 
 his demise occurring October 4, 1888, when he was two years of age; Oscar, 
 who died September 4, 1892, at the age of two; Ellen S., who died August 15, 
 1895; Hollis, who died September 24, 1895, at the age of two and one-half 
 years; Cyrus W., who is operating the farm formerly owned by his father; 
 and Howard S., a resident of Marshfield, Oregon. On the 2d of April, 1895, 
 Mr. Roycraft was again married, his second wife being Mrs. Amy M. (Melville) 
 Johnson, a daughter of John C. and Alice (Williamson) Melville, the former of 
 whom was the first resident in Melville settlement. Mrs. Roycraft was the 
 widow of Joseph Johnson, who lived and died in Chippewa county. By her union 
 to Mr. Johnson there were three children: Laura, a professional nurse at Duluth, 
 Minnesota; Tracy, who resides with his mother; and Raymond, who also lives 
 with his mother. To Mr. Roycraft’s second union have been born four children, 
 Henry, James, Louis and Amy. 
 
 Mr. Roycraft is a member of the Episcopal church and is a republican in his 
 political beliefs. His success is directly attributable to hard work and the intelli- 
 gent use of the opporunities which have presented themselves and it has brought 
 him to a high place among the representative and substantial agriculturists of 
 his locality. 
 
 WILLIAM LARSON. 
 
 Prominently identified with various business and corporate interests of 
 Bloomer, William Larson figures as one of the representative men of that com- 
 munity. and for many years has been one of the most potent forces in promoting 
 its commercial and financial growth. He is vice president of the Bank of 
 Bloomer, treasurer and general manager of the Farmers Store Company and vice 
 president of the Bloomer Machine Works and is connected with numerous other 
 important concerns. He is a native of Chippewa county, born in 1861, a son of 
 Martin Larson, who came from Norway to the United States when he was a 
 young man, settling in Wisconsin where he turned his attention to farming. 
 He died in Chippewa when he was sixty-two years of age. 
 
 William Larson acquired his education in the public schools of Chippewa 
 county and after laying aside his books entered the mercantile business in 
 Bloomer, becoming connected with the Farmers Store Company of which he is 
 now general manager. The other officers are : C. P. Hansen, president ; Arnt 
 Erickson, vice president, and Jacob Boehmer, secretary. This is the largest 
 mercantile establishment in Bloomer and there are besides five branches in Chip- 
 pewa, Barron and Dunn counties. A complete line of general merchandise is 
 carried and there is a special building for farm machinery. Under Mr. Larson’s 
 
PAST AND PRESENT OF CHIPPEWA COUNTY 
 
 219 
 
 efficient direction the business has increased rapidly and the company is now in 
 control of an important trade. He' is recognized as a progressive and resource- 
 ful business man and possesses the faculty of carrying forward to successful 
 completion whatever he undertakes. 
 
 Mr. Larson married Miss Laura Benson, a native of Chippewa county, and 
 they have become the parents of two children: Lucy and Leon. Air. Larson is 
 a member of the Masonic fraternity and is a republican in his political beliefs. 
 He served for some time as clerk of the courts of this county, proving a capable 
 and conscientious official. He has an extensive circle of friends in Chippewa 
 county where he has spent his entire life and holds the esteem and confidence of 
 all who are associated with him. 
 
 HENRY KUNTZ. 
 
 Henry Kuntz, founder and president of the North Wisconsin Manufactur- 
 ing Company and as such an important factor in business circles of Chippewa 
 Falls, was born at Cedarburg, Wisconsin, May 29, 1853, and is a son of Christian 
 and Caroline (Conrad) Kuntz. The father was one of the first settlers in Wis- 
 consin, coming to America from Germany in 1843 and settling in this state when 
 Milwaukee was no more than a swamp in the wilderness. He engaged in the 
 real-estate business in Cedarburg for a number of years, having cut the first 
 tree on the present town site, and he became well and favorably known in polit- 
 ical circles of Brown county, having served as a delegate to various state conven- 
 tions and as a member of the county board of supervisors. During eight years 
 he made five journeys to his native country, where he slept in the room where 
 his cradle once stood. He was a well read and extremely able man, taking an 
 intelligent interest in community affairs and giving his hearty cooperation to 
 projects which had for their object the advancement of the permanent interests 
 of the county. He died in 1901, at the age of eighty-two, and is buried in Pine 
 Grove, Wisconsin. He had long survived his wife, who passed away in 1855, 
 leaving eight children. 
 
 Henry Kuntz acquired his education in the public schools of Morrison, Brown 
 county, and at the age of sixteen moved to Peshtigo, where he worked at load- 
 ing vessels in the harbor and also attended school for five years. Returning home 
 at the end of that time, he secured a position in a sawmill and held it for four 
 years, after which he moved to Marshfield, Wood county, where he turned his 
 attention to the manufacture of staves and beer barrels, building up a large and 
 important trade, his territory extending as far west as San Francisco. During 
 this time he also followed the real-estate business and became very well known 
 in business circles, rising to prominence as a man of energy, resourcefulness 
 and well directed ambition. At this period in his career he first became con- 
 nected with public life, being elected assessor of the town of Marshfield, which 
 included five townships of Wood county. He was afterward, almost without 
 his knowledge and entirely without his solicitation, elected treasurer of Wood 
 county and he held this office for ten years thereafter, his able service being evi- 
 denced by the fact that at his last election he polled the largest majority of votes 
 
220 
 
 PAST AND PRESENT OF CHIPPEWA COUNTY 
 
 ever received by a candidate for the office. In 1883 he was elected sheriff and 
 reelected in 1887 and his work in this office was distinguished by the same clear- 
 sightedness, energy and conscientiousness which have marked all of his public 
 service. From Wood county Mr. Ivuntz removed to Chippewa Falls, where he 
 established himself as a manufacturer of barrel staves and where he engaged 
 also as a dealer in real estate, continuing thus until 1903, when he turned his 
 attention to his present line of work. He founded the North Wisconsin Man- 
 ufacturing Company and erected a plant at the corner of Maynard street and 
 East Grand avenue. Here from ten to twenty people are constantly employed 
 in the manufacture of all kinds of interior furnishings and the business forms 
 one of the important industrial concerns in Chippewa Falls. Since its foun- 
 dation Mr. Kuntz has served as president and to his enterprise, well-timed 
 aggressiveness and ability the institution owes its continued growth and present 
 prosperity. 
 
 Mr. Kuntz is a republican in his political beliefs and belongs to the Masonic 
 lodge and chapter. His attention is, however, largely concentrated upon his 
 business affairs, which are ably and progressively managed and which have 
 brought him a success that places him among the men of marked ability and 
 substantial worth in his community. 
 
 CORNELIUS CHRISTIANSON. 
 
 Cornelius Christianson, prominently connected with industrial interests of 
 Pdoomer as manager of the Bloomer Milling Company, the business of which is 
 controlled by the Christianson estate, was born in Chippewa county, four miles 
 south of Bloomer, in Tilden township, in 1887. He is a son of Ole Christianson, 
 a native of Norway, who came to the United States when he was about twenty- 
 eight years of age and located in Minnesota. He afterward moved to Chippewa 
 county, where he followed farming and the lumbering and logging business for a 
 number of years. Until 1905 he owned a large lumber yard in Bloomer, disposing 
 of this when he purchased from R. D. Marshall and A. B. McDonald the business 
 operated under the name of the Bloomer Milling Company. The original plant 
 was destroyed by fire in 1907 and Ole Christianson erected the present mill which 
 he continued to conduct until his death, which occurred February 23, 1908. His 
 wife was in her maidenhood Miss Eline Gubberud and they became the parents 
 of two children : Cornelius, of this review; and Mrs. E. F. Ackley. 
 
 Cornelius Christianson acquired his education in the public schools of Bloomer 
 and later attended a business college in Eau Claire. After laying aside his books 
 he became connected with the Bloomer Milling Company as bookkeeper for his 
 father. Since the latter’s death he has been acting as manager of the concern 
 and has directed its affairs in a farsighted and progressive way. This is the largest 
 mill in the county outside of Chippewa Falls and in it is manufactured the Purity 
 and Belle brands of flour. The company also handles all kinds of grain, feed, hay 
 and potatoes and employs about five men the year round. In his management 
 of this important enterprise Mr. Christianson has proved himself a reliable, 
 
PAST AND PRESENT OF CHIPPEWA COUNTY 
 
 221 
 
 resourceful and progressive business man and the concern has grown rapidly 
 during the years of his connection with it. 
 
 Mr. Christianson is a republican in his political beliefs and his religious views 
 are in accord with the doctrines of the Norwegian Lutheran church. Bloomer 
 numbers him among her valued residents and the fact that many of his stanchest 
 friends are those who have known him from childhood is an indication that his 
 life has been at all times worthy of the high esteem in which he is uniformly held. 
 
 ALBERT I. JOHNSON. 
 
 Albert I. Johnson is actively engaged in general farming and dairying upon 
 one hundred and sixty acres of land in Tilden township and is numbered among 
 the most progressive and able of the younger farmers in this locality. He was 
 born upon the property he now operates in 1886 and is a son of John Johnson, 
 a native of Norway, who came to the United States after he was fifty years 
 of age. The latter worked in different sections of the country until about 1876, 
 when he moved to Chippewa county and purchased the farm now in possession of 
 his son. Here he engaged in general agricultural pursuits until his death, which 
 occurred when was eighty-two years of age. He married here Miss Anna 
 Berg, who survives him, and they became the parents of three children : Mrs. 
 
 A. L. Andreassen, of Sunnyside, Washington; Albert I., of this review; and 
 Oscar, living in Bloomer. 
 
 Albert J. Johnson acquired his education in the public schools of this county 
 and in those of Bloomer and he later attended the State University at Madison. 
 After he laid aside his books he assumed the management of the homestead and 
 this property he has since operated, carrying on general farming and dairying. 
 In the management and conduct of the place he displays excellent business 
 ability and his enterprise, careful control and keen discernment are factors which 
 have gained for him a place among the leading agriculturists of his locality. 
 
 In December, 1912, Mr. Johnson was united in marriage ro Miss Lennie Diet- 
 rich, and both are well known and favorably regarded in Tilden township. Mr. 
 Johnson is a member of the Norwegian Lutheran church and gives his political 
 allegiance to the republican party. Although still a young man, he occupies a 
 position among the prosperous farmers of Chippewa county and the most envious 
 cannot grudge him his success — so worthily has it been won. 
 
 JAMES HARRISON MUNRO. 
 
 Among the honored and prominent citizens of Chippewa county is fames 
 Harrison Munro, president of the State Bank of Cadott and for many years 
 a well known merchant of the town. He has now passed the seventy-sixth 
 milestone on life’s journey, having been born in the town of Bolton, Chitten- 
 den county, Vermont, in 1837. His parents were Spencer and Lucy (Kent) 
 Munro, the former' of Irish descent and the latter of Scotch lineage. In She- 
 
222 
 
 PAST AND PRESENT OF CHIPPEWA COUNTY 
 
 boygan Falls, James H. Munro pursued his education and devoted ten years 
 of early manhood to the occupation of farming. At different times in his life 
 obstacles and difficulties have confronted him but courage has enabled him to 
 continuously progress to success. For twenty-seven years he engaged in general 
 merchandising, keeping a well appointed store, and his close application and 
 unfaltering energy were the factors in bringing him the substantial rewards of 
 labor. He is now living practically retired, although he is still identified with 
 financial interests as a director and president of the State Bank at Cadott. 
 
 In Richford, Wisconsin, in 1861, Mr. Munro was united in marriage to Miss 
 Phoebe Jane Firman, who was indeed a faithful companion and helpmate to 
 him on life’s journey. In early womanhood she engaged in teaching school. 
 She proved herself a homemaker and one who carefully managed household 
 affairs and wisely reared her children, four in number — Cora, Arthur, Fred 
 and Alice. Mr. and Mrs. Munro traveled life’s way happily together for forty- 
 four years or until they were separated by the death of the wife in 1905. 
 
 In politics Mr. Munro is a republican, having long supported the party, 
 believing firmly in its principles. He has acceptably filled several local offices, 
 serving as town treasurer, as postmaster, as justice of the peace, as president of 
 the village and in several minor positions. He has made an excellent record in 
 all these connections and the town has profited by his efforts in its behalf. He 
 has long been prominent in the Odd Fellows society, is a past grand of the local 
 lodge, a member of the grand lodge and also president of Group No. 9 of 
 Wisconsin. High ideals have actuated him in his life and he has ever been 
 governed by manly principles, endeavoring to do to others as he would have 
 them do to him. He commands the respect and good-will of all and is justly 
 accounted one of the worthy and valued citizens of Chippewa county. 
 
 JOHN H. McGRAW. 
 
 John H. McGraw, a timber estimator residing at No. 519 West Willow street 
 in Chippewa Falls, has become an expert in that line through many years’ experi- 
 ence. He has made his home in Chippewa Falls for the past forty-six years and 
 has long been numbered among its prosperous, respected and representative 
 citizens. His birth occurred in Waukesha county, Wisconsin, on the 4th of 
 March, 1850, his parents being William and Ellen (Keith) McGraw. The 
 family is of Scotch-Irish origin. William McGraw, a pioneer farmer and store- 
 keeper of Waukesha county, passed away when our subject was but three months 
 old. Both he and his wife, whose demise occurred in 1861, are buried in the 
 cemetery of Erin, Washington county. 
 
 Tohn H. McGraw attended the public schools of his native county until four- 
 teen years of age and then removed to Fond du Lac, Wisconsin, where he worked 
 for a farmer for a short time. In 1867 he came to Chippewa Falls and was here 
 employed as helper to a male cook for about one year. Subsequently he worked 
 in the woods, hauling logs for the firm of Gilbert Hedge & Company, in whose 
 employ he remained for about five years. On the expiration of that period he 
 went out as an examiner, exploring the woods and land to estimate the standing 
 
PAST AND PRESENT OF CHIPPEWA COUNTY 
 
 223 
 
 pine, and with this line of work he has been identified continuously since. His 
 duties have often necessitated his absence from home for thirty days, and he has 
 carried provisions and remained away as long as these lasted. He is a director 
 of the Northwestern State Bank and owns much property. He is still frequently 
 called upon to settle disputes in timber estimates and is widely recognized as 
 an expert on the subject. 
 
 On the 4th of July, 1875, at Chippewa Falls, Mr. McGraw was united in 
 marriage to Miss Anna Melville, her parents being William and Carrie (Thomas) 
 Melville, both of whom are deceased and lie buried in the cemetery of Lafayette, 
 this county. William Melville was a pioneer agriculturist of Chippewa county. 
 Mr. and Mrs. McGraw have had four children, as follows : May, who died at 
 
 the age of twenty-three years and is buried in the Forest Hill cemetery of Chip- 
 pewa Falls ; Martha, who is the wife of Carl E. Johnson, a traveling salesman ; 
 W. D., who acts as a special agent for the Lumbermen’s Fire Insurance Com- 
 pany ; and Doris, a high school student. The handsome family residence was 
 erected by Mr. McGraw. 
 
 In politics Mr. McGraw is a stanch democrat, supporting the men and meas- 
 ures of that party at the polls. He has served in the capacity of county surveyor 
 and did excellent work in that connection. The cause of education has ever 
 found in him a stalwart champion and he has done valuable work in its behalf 
 as a member of the board of education for more than twenty-four consecutive 
 years, still serving thereon at the present time. Fraternally he is a Knights 
 Templar Mason, belonging to the commandery at Chippewa Falls. Industry 
 and progress seem to be the salient features in his career and have been potent 
 elements in the acquirement of a success which, however, is apparent not only 
 in terms of material gain but also in the regard and high esteem of his fellowmen. 
 
 CARL PEDERSEN. 
 
 Carl Pedersen, who for many years has been associated in an influential way 
 with farming interests of Chippewa county, was born in Aker, Norway, May 
 10, 1852, and is a son of Peder Rasmussen and Maren Ammunsen, both of whom 
 have passed away and are buried in that locality. He acquired his education 
 in the public schools of his native country and laid aside his books at the age 
 of fourteen. He afterward worked at driving logs on the river until 1872, when 
 he emigrated to America, settling in Chippewa county, where he engaged in the 
 same line of business in the employ of the Chippewa Lumber & Boom Company. 
 He worked in the mills and in various other departments of this concern for a 
 number of years but in the meantime had purchased land on section 13, Lafay- 
 ette township. This he developed in connection with his other business affairs 
 for a number of years but is now concentrating his attention upon his farming 
 interests. At the time he took up his home upon the property it was covered 
 with a heavy growth of timber and brush but he has now cleared over sixty acres, 
 six acres being planted in tobacco. He has erected excellent buildings upon the 
 property and has otherwise improved it until today it returns him a substantial 
 
 income. 
 
224 
 
 PAST AND PRESENT OF CHIPPEWA COUNTY 
 
 Mr. Pedersen married in Chippewa Falls in 1883 Miss Agnes Hanson, a 
 daughter of Hans Holberson, of Christiania, Norway. He died in that city and 
 his wife afterward emigrated to America. She also has passed away and is 
 buried in Lafayette cemetery. Mrs. Pedersen died in August, 1911, at the age 
 of fifty-nine years, leaving seven children: Alma, the wife of Christ Ingbert- 
 
 son, a lumber piler in Stanley ; Martha, who married Andrew Pedersen, of 
 Superior, Wisconsin; Peder, a farmer in Montana; Hartwig, a resident of Chi- 
 cago; Arnold, of Chippewa Falls; Conrad, who is assisting his father; and Carl 
 Edler. a farmer in Montana. 
 
 Mr. Pedersen is a member of the Scandinavian Workers Association, belongs 
 to the United Norwegian church and is a republican in his political beliefs. His 
 success is well merited for it has come to him as a reward of labor. 
 
 J. E. KUBAT. 
 
 In charge of one of the finest clothing establishments in the state of Wis- 
 consin, J. E. Kubat occupies an important position among the merchants of 
 Chippewa Falls, being a member of the St. Clair-Kubat Company, a corpo- 
 ration which operates a string of seventeen clothing stores in Iowa, Wisconsin, 
 Minnesota, and the Dakotas. A progressive and up-to-date young man, Mr. 
 Kubat has taken a leading place in commercial circles, although he came to Chip- 
 pewa Falls only in January, 1910, making his way here from Owatonna, Min- 
 nesota, where he was born April 5, 1881. He is a son of Joseph and Anna 
 (Slezak) Kubat, who now reside at Cromwell, Minnesota. The father is 
 prominent there as president of the village and has held other important offices. 
 He was one of the pioneers of that part of Minnesota and has participated in 
 its advancement toward becoming the great commonwealth it is today. 
 
 J. E. Kubat received his education in Owatonna, Minnesota, leaving school 
 at the early age of twelve years in order to become connected with the clothing 
 business, along which line he has ever since been engaged. He now conducts 
 the local store of the St. Clair-Kubat Company which is one of the best appointed 
 and best stocked in the state. It is a credit to the city of Chippewa Falls and 
 would be a credit to any metropolitan city. The St. Clair-Kubat Company was 
 formed by five enterprising business men : W. F. St. Clair, of Owatonna, Min- 
 nesota; Jacob Lenthold, of Kasson, that state; Charles Lenthold, of Waseca, 
 Minnesota; John Lenthold, of St. Paul; and J. E. Kubat, our subject. This 
 company operates seventeen modern and w r ell appointed stores scattered through- 
 out Iowa, Wisconsin, Minnesota and the Dakotas. On account of this combi- 
 nation it is enabled to purchase at the very lowest figures and mark its goods at 
 the most reasonable prices, without lowering the quality. They handle only 
 first-class goods and stand back of them with their business reputation. The 
 store of the St. Clair-Kubat Company in Chippewa Falls burned out in 1912 
 but instead of being hampered by this unfortunate accident it proved but a 
 stepping-stone toward the establishment of a more commodious and more modern 
 store. They immediately bought a building of their own, remodeled it and made 
 it one of the model clothing stores of the city. Mr. Kubat, who is also inter- 
 
J. E. KUBAT 
 
PAST AND PRESENT OF CHIPPEWA COUNTY 
 
 227 
 
 ested in the other stores, is one of the most aggressive merchants of the city and 
 public-spirited in the best sense of the word, being interested in anything that 
 will benefit the locality. 
 
 At Owatonna, Minnesota, on June 22, 1909, Mr. Kubat was united in mar- 
 riage to Miss Elise Kasper, a daughter of Albert and Rose Kasper, residents of 
 that city. The father has held important offices there and is one of the oldest 
 business men of the city. Mr. and Mrs. Kubat have one son, Clifford E. They 
 make their home at No. 19 West Central street, Chippewa Falls, and are prom- 
 inent in the best social circles of the city. Mr. and Mrs. Kubat are members 
 of the Episcopal church and the former is prominent fraternally, being a mem- 
 ber of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, the Knights of Pythias and the 
 Woodmen of the World. Mr. Kubat exemplifies in his career the value of action 
 and determination and although yet a young man, occupies an important posi- 
 tion in the commercial life of the city, being also a factor in its growth, progress 
 and expansion, although he has never aspired to official honors, preferring to 
 advance the general interests in a private capacity. 
 
 LOUIS C. MANDELERT. 
 
 Among the well-to-do agriculturists of Chippewa county is Louis C. Mandelert, 
 who owns a farm of twenty-one acres in Chippewa Falls. Beside this valuable 
 property he also owns improved real estate in the city and other farm land in 
 Sawyer county. He comes of distinguished French ancestry and his father was 
 one of the pioneers of this county. Louis C. Mandelert is a native of Chippewa 
 county, his birth having occurred on August 13, 1876, his parents being Charles 
 and Louise (Thiberaut) Mandelert. The father was one of the first and most 
 prominent lumbermen here and for a number of years served as secretary and 
 treasurer of the French Lumber Company. He also owned a general merchandise 
 store for some time and was one of the first treasurers of the township of Lafay- 
 ette. Moreover, he was prominent in church affairs, having served as the first 
 treasurer of St. John the Baptist Society. Mr. Mandelert, Sr., died in 1909, 
 at the age of eighty-four years, his wife having preceded him in death twenty- 
 two years, having passed away in 1887, at the age of thirty-five. Both found 
 their last resting place in Mount Calvary cemetery in Chippewa Falls. 
 
 Louis C. Mandelert received his primary education in the Holy Ghost parochial 
 school and subsequently attended St. John’s College of Collegeville, Minnesota, 
 where he graduated in 1894. He then became bookkeeper for the French Lumber 
 Company, continuing in that position until he purchased his present property. 
 His farm is in the very best condition and highly productive. The residence thereon 
 has been recently remodeled by Mr. Mandelert. He also owns considerable 
 improved real estate in the city and holds title to farm land in Sawyer county. 
 
 On June 10, 1901, Mr. Mandelert married, at Chippewa Falls, Miss Mabel 
 G. Crain, a daughter of Albert and Amelia Crain, the former of whom was in 
 former years a well known logger, and both parents now reside in the city. Mr. 
 and Mrs. Mandelert have four children : Alice A., Helen, Lucille M. and Robert L. 
 
228 
 
 PAST AND PRESENT OF CHIPPEWA COUNTY 
 
 Progressive and public-spirited, Mr. Mandelert takes a great interest in all 
 matters of public importance and has been prominent in the life of the city. His 
 political affiliation is that of a democrat and he upholds the measures and candi- 
 dates of that party at the polls. He has served as alderman and city auditor of 
 Chippewa Falls and in both connections discharged his duties in a most com- 
 mendable manner. He enjoys in full measure the esteem, good will and respect 
 of his fellow citizens and is an important factor in promoting the progress and 
 advancement of Chippewa Falls. 
 
 THEODORE J OHN SON. 
 
 Among the younger generation of Tilden township’s prosperous farmers is 
 numbered Theodore Johnson, living upon one hundred and forty acres located 
 six miles southeast of Bloomer, a fine property which reflects everywhere his 
 careful supervision and the practical labor he has bestowed upon it. He was born 
 on the Johnson homestead in this county in 1885 and is a son of Hans Johnson, a 
 native of Norway, who came to the United States when he was twelve years of 
 age and settled in Wisconsin, where he grew to manhood. He afterward engaged 
 in farming in Chippewa county and continued active in the operation of his prop- 
 erty until his death, which occurred when he was fifty-two years of age. He 
 
 married Miss Ragnel Lofthus, and they became the parents of eight children. 
 
 Theodore Johnson was reared upon his father’s farm and at an early age was 
 thoroughly familiar with the best agricultural methods. He remained upon the 
 homestead until 1908 and then purchased one hundred and forty acres in Tilden 
 township, Chippewa county, a property upon which he has since resided. He 
 
 has made substantial improvements upon it and there engages in general farming, 
 
 meeting with that success which always follows earnest, persistent anl well directed 
 labor. 
 
 Mr. Johnson is a member of the Norwegian Lutheran church and is a repub- 
 lican in his political beliefs. He has rendered the township excellent service as a 
 member of the school board and is interested in community affairs without being 
 active as an office seeker. Although he is still a young man, he has already become 
 an important factor in the agricultural development of his locality and his future 
 will undoubtedly be marked by continued progress. 
 
 RICHARD A. SHARP. 
 
 Richard A. Sharp is one of the younger agriculturists of Ruby township, 
 Chippewa county. He owns a valuable property comprising two hundred and 
 forty acres, improved with substantial buildings and one of the finest residences 
 in his section. Moreover, Mr. Sharp can lay claim to distinction as one of the 
 participants in the Spanish-American war, in which he followed the stars and 
 stripes to Cuba. 
 
PAST AND PRESENT OF CHIPPEWA COUNTY 
 
 229 
 
 Richard A. Sharp was born in Wooster, Ohio, May 22, 1870, a son of Phillip 
 W. Sharp, a native of Chambersburg. Franklin county, Pennsylvania, and a 
 miller by trade, who changed his domicile in 1859, when he moved to Ohio. 
 During the Civil war he showed his patriotism by serving in the Union army. 
 After retiring from active life he made his home in Canton, Ohio, where he 
 passed away. He was married to a Miss Flohr, who also died in that city. 
 
 Richard A. Sharp was reared under the parental roof and in the acquire- 
 ment of his education attended the common schools until seventeen years of age. 
 He then took up telegraphy and was employed as operator in various places 
 until the outbreak of the Spanish- American war. In April, 1898, he responded 
 to the cali for volunteers and enlisted in Company L, Eighth Ohio Infantry, 
 which regiment was with Shafter’s army in Cuba and took part in the siege of 
 Santiago. During the first two months of his enlistment he was a member of 
 the United States Signal Corps, serving for the rest of the time as a private 
 in his regiment. In 1901 Mr. Sharp came to Chippewa county and settled on 
 two hundred and forty acres of unbroken land, to which he had acquired title 
 as early as 1899. There were no roads leading to his farm when he came here 
 and everything was as yet in a wild state. All of the valuable improvements on 
 the farm have been made by him, and among these especially noteworthy is a 
 substantial, commodious, well equipped frame house — one of the finest in the 
 county. His outbuildings are also suitable and solidly built, giving evidence of 
 the foresight and good management with which the farm is operated. Mr. 
 Sharp engages in general farming and is on the highroad to prosperity. 
 
 At Fountain City, Wisconsin, Mr. Sharp was united in marriage to Miss 
 Lillian J. Clarke, a native of Fond du Lac county. Mr. Sharp has ever taken 
 deep interest in all matters affecting the public welfare and for five years has 
 ably served as supervisor of Ruby township. He gives his allegiance to the 
 republican party — that party which so quickly settled the dispute with Spain 
 and gave freedom to the oppressed peoples of the West Indies. He is as patri- 
 otic in his citizenship as he was as a soldier when he followed the flag to Cuba 
 and is therefore highly respected and esteemed by all who know him, and there 
 are many who are proud to call him friend. 
 
 MARTIN M. BERG. 
 
 Martin M. Berg, a prominent agriculturist and dairyman of Auburn town- 
 ship, owns a farm of one hundred and seventy-six acres two and a half miles 
 west of Bloomer. He was born upon this property in 1879 an d is a son of 
 Peter M. Berg, a native of Norway, who came to the United States when he 
 was about thirty-five years of age. He settled in Menomonie, this state, and 
 came from there to Chippewa Falls, locating on the land now owned by the 
 subject of this review. Here he passed away at the age of fifty-eight. He and 
 his wife, who was in her maidenhood Miss Martha Halverson, had eight chil- 
 dren, six of whom are still living. 
 
 Martin M. Berg acquired his education in the public schools of Chippewa coun- 
 ty and after laying aside his books began assisting with the work of the home- 
 
230 
 
 PAST AND PRESENT OF CHIPPEWA COUNTY 
 
 stead. He finally purchased the property, upon which he has erected practically 
 all of the buildings and made other substantial improvements. He has met with 
 a gratifying measure of success and the place reflects everywhere the care of an 
 able and progressive agriculturist. 
 
 Mr. Berg married Miss Alba Evenson, and they have two children, Leona 
 and Alvin. Mr. Berg’s political allegiance is given to the republican party and 
 he is connected fraternally with the Modern Woodmen of America and the 
 Beavers. He and his wife are members of the Norwegian Lutheran church. 
 He is a man whose personal characteristics have gained him the esteem and 
 confidence of his fellowmen and whose industry, enterprise and integrity have 
 not only contributed to his own prosperity but have enabled him to do much 
 toward advancing the general welfare. 
 
 NICHOLAS GUNDERMANN. 
 
 Nicholas Gundermann lives six miles northeast of Bloomer, in Bloomer town- 
 ship, where he owns and operates a fine farm of three hundred and forty acres. 
 He was born in Germany in 1853 and is a son of Matthias Gundermann, who 
 emigrated to America and settled in Chippewa county when he was about forty 
 years of age. He turned his attention to farming here and became one of the 
 prosperous and substantial agriculturists of this locality. His wife was in her 
 maidenhood Miss Elizabeth Peters and they became the parents of five children. 
 
 Nicholas Gundermann acquired a public-school education and after laying aside 
 his books, for some time turned his attention to farming. In Chippewa county he 
 worked in the lumber woods for a number of years and finally purchased three 
 hundred and forty acres in Bloomer township, upon which he has since resided. 
 He carries on general farming and dairying and because he has steadily adhered 
 to practical and progressive methods has met with a gratifying measure of success. 
 
 Mr. Gundermann married Miss Kate Bishel and they have twelve children, 
 Kate, Louisa, Lillie, Sadie, Mollie, Felix, Clara, Della, Leo, Rosa, Laurence and 
 Esther. Mr. Gundermann gives his political allegiance to the democratic party 
 and is a member of the Roman Catholic church. He is a man whose industry, 
 honesty and ability have gained him success in his farming operations and whose 
 excellent traits of mind and character have commanded for him the respect and 
 confidence of his fellow citizens. 
 
 ELI EVENSON. 
 
 Eli Evenson, who for the past thirty-seven years has been engaged in general 
 farming and dairying upon a fine property of two hundred acres eight miles 
 southwest of Bloomer, was born in Norway in 1840, a son of Even Ellefsen. The 
 father emigrated to America in 1848 and settled first in Chicago, whence he 
 moved to Fond du Lac county, this state, where he engaged in farming until his 
 death in 1852. 
 
PAST AND PRESENT OF CHIPPEWA COUNTY 
 
 231 
 
 Eli Evenson was eight years of age when he was brought by his parents to 
 America. He acquired his education in the public schools of Fond du Lac county 
 and after laying aside his books turned his attention to farming. After his father's 
 death he went with his mother to the vicinity of Eau Claire and took up a claim 
 near Elk Mound upon which he made his home while he worked in the woods. 
 He lived there until after he was twenty-eight years of age, when he moved to the 
 vicinity of Colfax where he purchased a farm. This he sold in 1876 and bought 
 his present property upon which he has resided for thirty-seven years. The 
 place is a testimonial to his industry and ability for he has made all the improve- 
 ments upon it, erected barns and outbuildings and installed the necessary equip- 
 ment. He engages in general farming and dairying and has made both branches 
 of his activities profitable sources of income. 
 
 When he was twenty-six years old Mr. Evenson married Miss Johanna Elisa- 
 beth Brandt and they became the parents of eleven children, six of whom survive 
 as follows : Carl, a resident of Canada ; Albert ; Elvin ; Claudine, who married 
 
 O. A. Aasen, a resident of Minnesota; Alba, who became the wife of Martin 
 Berg ; and Clara, who married Oscar Hanson. Mr. Evenson is a member of 
 the Norwegian Lutheran church and is a republican in his political beliefs. A 
 resident of Auburn township for thirty-seven years he has become widely and 
 favorably known there and has made many substantial contributions to agricultural 
 development. 
 
 BRADFORD D. VILES. 
 
 Honored and respected by all, there is no man who occupies a more enviable 
 position in business and financial circles of Chippewa Falls than Bradford D. 
 Viles, vice president of the First National Bank and president of the Chippewa 
 River Land Company. His position is due not alone to the success he has achieved 
 but also to the straightforward business policy which he has ever followed, his 
 course being one which will bear the closest investigation and scrutiny. Almost 
 thirty years have come and gone since he arrived in Chippewa county, being 
 then a young man of about twenty-one years. He was born at Dead River, 
 Maine, December 16, 1863, and is a son of Joseph and Lucile R. (Hewett) Viles. 
 His father was one of the early lumbermen of this part of the state and was 
 prominent in developing an industry which constituted the chief source of revenue 
 for this district for a long period. He died in 1909 at the venerable age of eighty- 
 six years, respected and honored by all who knew him. He is still survived by 
 his wife, who makes her home in Chippewa Falls. The family is of English 
 origin but has been represented in this country for centuries, and Mr. 
 Viles was truly American in thought and spirit, being at all times a loyal citizen, 
 devoted to the best interests of city, state and nation. 
 
 In the public schools of Eau Claire, Bradford D. Viles pursued his educa- 
 tion, passing through consecutive grades, until he left the high school at the age 
 of seventeen years. It was then that he made his initial step in the business 
 world, securing the position of bookkeeper with the firm of Rogers & Stanley, 
 proprietors, of a general store at Chippewa Falls, where he remained for a year. 
 
2:52 
 
 PAST AND PRESENT OF CHIPPEWA COUNTY 
 
 At the end of that time he took charge of the office of the Viles & Bruce Lumber 
 & Dogging Company, remaining there for five years. He was ambitious, how- 
 ever, to engage in business on his own account, carefully saving his earnings, 
 and when his industry and economy had brought him sufficient capital he estab- 
 lished a timber and logging business, in which he has since been engaged, own- 
 ing considerable tracts of timber land. He is president of the Chippewa 
 River Land Company and he further extended his efforts by entering into active 
 connection with the banking business, as vice president of the First National 
 Bank of Chippewa Falls. His plans are always carefully formulated and promptly 
 executed and his keen insight has enabled him to readily comprehend the possi- 
 bilities of a business situation and work toward its accomplishment. 
 
 In Chippewa Falls, on the 16th of December, 1887, Mr. Viles was united 
 in marriage to Miss Jessie I. Kehl, a daughter of John B. and Susie F. (Wright) 
 Kehl. Her father was the founder of the Glen Mills and for many years ranked 
 with the prominent business men of this district, so that his death was deeply 
 regretted when in 1909 he passed away, his remains being interred in Forest Hill 
 cemetery. He was prominent in various connections aside from business, was 
 honored with a number of political offices and at one time served as a member 
 of the state legislature. He left the impress of his individuality for good upon 
 the political development of this district. He is survived bv his wife, who resides 
 in Chippewa Falls. Four children have been born unto Mr. and Mrs. Viles: 
 Maurita, the wife of George M Smith, of Mondovi, Wisconsin; Josephine, a 
 graduate of the University of Wisconsin; Clair, a graduate of the Chippewa Falls 
 high school ; and Ralph, who is a student in St. John’s Military Academy. The 
 family occupy a pleasant and commodious home at No. 506 West Willow street, 
 which was erected by Mr. Viles, and in the social circles of the city they occupy 
 an enviable position. 
 
 Mr. Viles votes with the republican party and is conversant with the lead- 
 ing questions of the day, being able to support his position by intelligent argu- 
 ment. He does not seek nor desire office, however, but concentrates his energies 
 upon his business affairs, and their capable direction has made him one of the 
 substantial citizens of Chippewa Falls, while his business record is a valuable 
 asset in the commercial activity of the city. 
 
 NEDS O. NELSON. 
 
 A fine farm of one hundred and sixty acres eight miles southwest of Bloomer 
 in Auburn township is the property of Nels O. Nelson and in its cultivation he 
 has surrounded himself with a comfortable degree of prosperity. He is a native 
 of Norway, born in 1856, a son of Ole Nelson, who emigrated to the LJnited States 
 a few years after his marriage, settling in Dodge county in the summer of 1859. 
 He moved to Chippewa county at the end of two years and here purchased the 
 farm upon which his son now resides, continuing to operate this property until 
 his death which occurred when he was over sixty years of age. He married 
 Miss Mary Halverson and they became the parents of eleven children. 
 
PAST AND PRESENT OF CHIPPEWA COUNTY 
 
 233 
 
 Mr. Nelson was still a child when he came with his parents to America and 
 he acquired his education in the public schools of Chippewa county. After laying- 
 aside his books he turned his attention to farming, but soon afterwards began 
 working in the lumber woods, continuing thus for twenty-three years. At the 
 end of that time he moved upon his father’s farm in Auburn township and upon 
 this property he has since resided. All the buildings were upon it when it came 
 into his possession but he has made other substantial improvements, following 
 always the most progressive and practical methods in the operation of the farm. 
 
 Mr. Nelson married Miss Ella Olson and they became the parents of eleven 
 children: Olga, Oscar, Mary, Norman, Robert, Helen, Odin, Lawrence, Ila, 
 
 Norma and Evelyn. Mr. Nelson is a member of the Norwegian Lutheran 
 church and is a republican in his political beliefs. He is interested in the growth 
 and development of the section in which he has resided since his childhood and 
 enjoys the high regard of all who know him. 
 
 W. W. HILLMAN. 
 
 , One cannot carry investigation far into the pioneer history of Chippewa 
 county without learning of the part which W. W. Hillman took in promoting 
 agricultural development in those early times. For over forty years he has 
 made his home on his farm in Bloomer township and during the greater portion 
 of this time has been an active agriculturist, although he is now living in practi- 
 cal retirement. He has seen the section develop from an unsettled wilderness 
 into a prosperous farming community and his work has been an important force 
 in promoting the change. Throughout the years he has met with well deserved 
 and steadily increasing success and has gained the confidence and respect of his 
 neighbors, being honored also as a veteran of the Civil war. He was born in 
 Albany, New York, in 1839, and is a son of John Hillman, a native of Scotland, 
 who came to the United States as a young man and settled in New York state, 
 where he spent the greater portion of his life. During his latter years he moved 
 to a farm in the southern part of Wisconsin and engaged in agricultural pur- 
 suits there for some time. However, he afterward returned to New York city, 
 where his death occurred. He married Miss Jane A. Van Wormer, and they 
 became the parents of nine children, four of whom are still living. 
 
 W. W. Hillman acquired his education in the public schools of New York 
 state and after laying aside his books followed farming there for a short time. 
 He came first to Chippewa county when he was nineteen years of age and he 
 helped to build the first schoolhouse in Cook Valley, becoming its first teacher 
 afterward. From this state he enlisted in 1863 in Company K, Second Wisconsin 
 Cavalry, and he served in the Union army for one year and a half, at the end 
 of which time, his health failing, he received his honorable discharge. Upon 
 his return from the war he settled again in Chippewa county and preempted 
 the first land in Cook Valley, locating one hundred and sixty acres, upon one 
 half of which he has since resided. Pioneer times prevailed there at the time 
 of his arrival and all the hardships and trials of pioneer existence were to be 
 met. The region was a wilderness and sparsely settled, there being at that 
 
234 
 
 PAST AND PRESENT OF CHIPPEWA COUNTY 
 
 time no houses between Mr. Hillman’s farm and Bloomer. With characteristic 
 energy and resolution he set himself to develop his property, clearing the timber 
 and erecting the necessary farm buildings. The years brought him substantial 
 success as a result of his well directed and persistent labors and his farm became 
 very valuable, reflecting everywhere the careful labor which he bestowed upon 
 it. Eventually he rented a portion of his homestead, although he still makes 
 his home upon eighty acres of the property, and retired from active life, having 
 well earned a period of rest and leisure. 
 
 Mr. Hillman has been twice married. He wedded first Miss Florence A. 
 King, and they became the parents of six children, John W., Jennie C., Agnes 
 A., Nellie M., Arthur C. and Florence H. After the death of his first wife Mr. 
 Hillman married Miss Helen Radermacker, and they have become the parents of 
 a son, William H. 
 
 Mr. Hillman gives his political allegiance to the democratic party and has 
 been honored by his fellow citizens by election to positions of public trust and 
 responsibility. He was the first clerk of Auburn township and for the past 
 thirty years has been justice of the peace, discharging his duties in a capable 
 and conscientious way. During the many years of his residence in this county 
 he has taken an active and prominent part in the work of its upbuilding, cooper- 
 ating heartily in all measures and movements for the advancement of commun- 
 ity interests. His upright and honorable qualities of character are widely recog- 
 nized and have commanded for him the respect and esteem of a large circle of 
 friends. 
 
 ASA E. FLETCHER, M. D. 
 
 Dr. Asa E. Fletcher is recognized as a man of character, ready to meet an 
 emergency, capable, strong and successful. The determination which enabled 
 him to secure an education has been one of the chief factors in his success 
 throughout life and has placed him in a prominent professional position for one 
 of his years. Dr. Fletcher was born in Delta, Ohio, January io, 1882, a son 
 of Charles A. and Della M. Fletcher. While spending his youthful days under 
 the parental roof he attended the Delta high school, from which he was gradu- 
 ated with the class of 1896. He afterward attended the Spring Arbor Semin- 
 ary at Spring Arbor, Michigan, and completed his academic course in 1900. It 
 was his ambition to enter upon a professional career and the practice of medicine 
 seemed most attractive to him. Family tradition says that the first word he 
 pronounced was “Doc.” At any rate, in later years he determined to annex 
 that prefix to his name. He had no means to meet the expense of a college 
 education, but one day he met a medical student on a vacation who told him of 
 the chances to make his way through college in Indianapolis by selling papers. 
 Within a week he had made preparations for going to that city, and when he 
 arrived there the medical school had been in session for three weeks. He at 
 once set about to find a newspaper route. Within a few days he had fifty-seven 
 customers ; a little later the number had increased to four hundred, and then he 
 began to get up at 4 o’clock in the morning and walk ten miles before breakfast. 
 
ASA E. FLETCHER 
 
PAST AND PRESENT OF CHIPPEWA COUNTY 
 
 237 
 
 For four years that was his daily custom. He estimated that he walked fifteen 
 thousand miles and sold a half million copies of papers in order to get his medical 
 education. In 1907 he entered the Indiana Eclectic College of Medicine, of 
 Indianapolis, and was graduated from the Physio-Medical College of Indiana in 
 1909 and from the Indiana University School of Medicine in 1911. He studied 
 under physicians and engaged in nursing for five years before beginning the college 
 work proper, and thus his preparation for professional duties was most thorough 
 and comprehensive. He was appointed a member of the Indiana state board 
 of health and in the hygiene laboratory administered the Pasteur treatment in 
 1911 and 1912. He is now practicing in Cadott and is meeting with excellent 
 success as viewed from both the financial and professional standpoints. He is 
 constantly reading and studying along professional lines and his success has 
 brought him to a point where all recognize his ability. 
 
 On the 30th of July, 1913, at Cadott, Dr. Fletcher was married to Miss Flossie 
 M. Kreig, a daughter of George M. and Carrie S. Kreig, of Indianapolis. They 
 first met at a party where he was giving chiromantic readings and in her hands 
 he saw the ideal he had been looking for. Courtship began soon after that 
 memorable occasion and four years later ihey were married. Mrs. Fletcher is 
 a professional trained nurse and is ably assisting the Doctor in his practice. Dr. 
 Fletcher is a member of the Sidenham Society of Indiana and fraternally he is 
 connected with the Masons. He served as senior deacon in his lodge in 1912 
 and he is always loyal to the teachings of the craft. He served for four years 
 in the United States navy, advancing to the position of chief petty officer. The 
 incidents and events of his life have been many and varied for one of his years 
 and his experiences have been of a broadening character. He is a young man 
 of notable force and ability and all who know him predict for him a most suc- 
 cessful future. 
 
 JOHN ANGLUM. 
 
 John Anglum is engaged in the business of buying and selling live stock in 
 Chippewa Falls, with office at No. 407 West Central street. He has occupied 
 this location since 190S, and in the conduct of his interests is meeting with sub- 
 stantial success because of his well managed affairs. He was born in this city, 
 February 22, 1867, and is a son of William and Jane (Hogan) Anglum. The 
 father came to this county in 1858 from County Tipperary, Ireland, and for 
 twenty years acceptably filled the office of chief of police. He was a black- 
 smith by trade but much of his life was devoted to public service. Six brothers 
 came with him to the new world and all were killed during the Civil war. Wil- 
 liam Anglum survived until 1901, passing away at the age of seventy-eight years 
 and his wife died in 1904. Both are buried in Hope cemetery in Chippewa Falls. 
 The father was a popular citizen, many substantial qualities winning for him 
 the warm regard in which he was everywhere held. Unto him and his wife 
 were born five children : William, a merchant of Eau Claire ; Tohn. of this 
 
 review; Michael, who died at Superior, Wisconsin, in 1898, at the age of twenty- 
 
 one years, and is buried in the family lot where rest the remains of his parents • 
 
 vol n— 1 3 
 
238 
 
 PAST AND PRESENT OF CHIPPEWA COUNTY 
 
 Mary, a nurse in the Baptist Hospital in Chicago; and Katie, who died at the age 
 of thirteen years. 
 
 John Anglum acquired his education in Chippewa Falls, passing through 
 consecutive grades until he left the high school at the age of eighteen years, wish- 
 ing to enter business circles. Subsequently, however, he pursued a course in 
 the Chippewa Business College. He started out in the business world at scal- 
 ing logs in the woods and continued in that work for a decade. Later he turned 
 his attention to the purchase and sale of live stock and in connection therewith 
 has dealt in real estate. He is an excellent judge of stock and seldom makes 
 a mistake in his investments. He is also thoroughly informed concerning realty 
 values and has negotiated a number of important realty transfers. 
 
 In Chippewa Falls, on the 15th of July, 1903, Mr. Anglum was married to 
 Miss Eva Bell, a daughter of John and Lillian (Sealy) Bell, the parents being 
 among the oldest settlers of the county. The father is now engaged in farming 
 at Eagle Point. Mr. and Mrs. Anglum have a family of five children: Essie 
 
 and Isabelle, who are attending school; John; Helen; and Alice. Mr. Anglum 
 became the owner of a large and beautiful home at No. 407 West Central street, 
 which he and his family now occupy. It is celebrated for its warm hearted 
 hospitality and good cheer and is the scene of many attractive social functions. 
 
 Mr. Anglum is a member of the Ancient Order of Hibernians and adheres to 
 the Roman Catholic church. His political support is given the democratic party 
 and he has served as alderman for five terms and as chief of the fire depart- 
 ment. This does not cover his entire public service, however, for he is at all 
 times ready and willing to aid in movements for the general good and has given 
 hearty and helpful support to various public projects. 
 
 WILLIAM DURCH. 
 
 Since 1862 William Durch has owned and operated a farm of two hundred 
 and twenty acres in the town of Bloomer, township 31, range 9, west, and by 
 intelligent management and well directed labor has surrounded himself with an 
 enviable degree of prosperity, his farm today being one of the most valuable 
 properties in his locality. He was born in Germany in 1844 and is a son of Antony 
 Durch, a native of that country, who came to the United States in 1845 an d settled 
 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. After remaining there for a short time he moved to 
 a farm in Washington county and in 1863 took up his residence in Chippewa 
 county, arriving here in the year in which the wheat froze in July. He followed 
 farming in Bloomer township for the remainder of his active life, dying in Chip- 
 pewa Falls at the age of sixty-seven. He married Miss Magdalena Bieagal and 
 they became the parents of eight children. 
 
 William Durch acquired his education in the public schools of Washington 
 county and after laving aside his books followed farming there for a short time. 
 In the fall of 1862 he came to Chippewa county, locating on a farm in Bloomer 
 township which is yet his place of residence. He owns two hundred and twenty 
 acres of valuable land in the town of Bloomer which he has improved substantially 
 in the course of years, erecting a comfortable residence and good barns and out- 
 
PAST AND PRESENT OF CHIPPEWA COUNTY 
 
 239 
 
 buildings. He engages in general farming and dairying and since 1888 has also 
 operated a water power saw and grist mill. All of his interests are carefully 
 and capably conducted and have brought him a gratifying measure of success. 
 
 Mr. Durch married Miss Annie C. Rottgen and they became the parents of 
 eleven children, seven of whom, four sons and three daughters, still survive. Mr. 
 Durch is a member of the Catholic church and belongs to the Catholic Knights. 
 He is independent in his political views and active in public affairs, having served 
 for four terms as township assessor. The side board also appointed him as its 
 chairman to serve out the unexpired term of a man who resigned when the equal- 
 izing was done in the town. He is a man of many sterling traits of character, able 
 in business, progressive in citizenship and at all times trustworthy and reliable. 
 
 EDWARD H. COLEMAN. 
 
 The county of Chippewa and its people must be congratulated upon having 
 such efficient public servants as Edward H. Coleman, who now fills the position 
 of justice of the peace, an office which he has conducted for twenty years, and 
 who has also since 1909 been public administrator. He came to Chippewa Falls 
 on September 12, 1857, when not yet sixteen years of age, being a native of the 
 east, where he was born in Rochester, New York, on December 26, 1841, a son 
 of Henry and Persis (Marshall) Coleman. The father was prominent in his 
 section of the Empire state, where he was owner of a large lumber company. After 
 coming to this county he acted as the first municipal judge and held that position 
 until his death in 1883. He is buried in Chippew T a Falls, his wife surviving him 
 about eleven years, passing away in 1894, and being also buried there. 
 
 Edward H. Coleman received his education principally in Rochester, New York, 
 but completed the same in Chippewa Falls, laying aside his schoolbooks at the age 
 of seventeen. He then served an apprenticeship as clerk in a general store for about 
 three years and the following three years he spent in the army. At the end of 
 that period he became assistant postmaster, holding that office for two years. 
 For a period of eighteen years he then engaged in lumber cruising, at the end 
 .of which time he was elected city clerk, faithfully and efficiently discharging his 
 duties for two years’ and being elected, on the expiration of his term, clerk of 
 the county court. In the latter capacity he served to the satisfaction of the public 
 and to his own credit for four years and then became city auditor, remaining in 
 that office for two years. Since 1893 he has acted as justice of the peace and has 
 ever given such impartial and justified decisions that he has gained a high repu- 
 tation among his fellow citizens for legal ability, clearness of judgment and fair- 
 ness of character. On July 1, 1909, Judge Coleman was also appointed public- 
 administrator, doing justice to his added duties in an effective and circumspect 
 way. 
 
 At Chippewa Falls, on June 20, 1880, Judge Coleman was united in marriage 
 to Miss Mary Bowe, a daughter of Jeremiah and Ann (McGuire) P>owe, both 
 of whom are deceased and buried in Fox Lake. Mr. and Mrs. Coleman have 
 had four children: Henry J., a well known lawyer of Billings, Montana; Alice, 
 
240 
 
 PAST AND PRESENT OF CHIPPEWA COUNTY 
 
 at home; Mary P., who died in 1905, and is buried in Chippewa Falls; and Martha 
 E., who died in 1891 and is also buried there. 
 
 Judge Coleman is very deeply interested in the progress and welfare of his 
 community and his county and is always ready to give of his means and ability 
 in the support of worthy public objects. In his political views he is a republican, 
 in the principles of which party he sincerely believes and whose candidates and 
 measures he ever upholds. His faith is that of the Presbyterian church. He 
 is a member of the Grand Army of the Republic, being one of that surviving band 
 of patriots who willingly gave their services to the country in order to preserve 
 the unity of the nation. He is also prominent and esteemed in the Knights of 
 Pythias. There is much that is commendable in the career of Edward H. Cole- 
 man, for he has given an example in various public positions which might well 
 be emulated by others in official life. He has ever placed the public’s interests 
 above his own and to the best of his ability has discharged his duties, becoming 
 thereby a factor in the general development and advancement which has made 
 this one of the most prosperous counties of the state. 
 
 ROBERT E. McKAY. 
 
 Among the prosperous farmers of Sigel township, Chippewa county, is Robert 
 E. McKay, who owns a profitable farm of eighty acres on section 8. He is a native 
 of Michigan, having been born in Saginaw, May 18, 1848, a son of Archibald 
 and Margaret (McNanna) McKay, natives of Scotland. The father was born 
 in that country, in Glasgow, in 1813, and the mother in 1817. Archibald McKay 
 was a farmer by occupation and about 1833, when twenty years of age, came to 
 Michigan, removing to Canada about two years later. He remained in Canada 
 until his death, which occurred in 1883, his wife surviving him for about four 
 years, passing away in 1887. To them were born eleven children: Margaret; 
 
 Archibald, deceased; William; Robert E., our subject; Charles, deceased; Char- 
 lotte ; Joseph ; Elizabeth, deceased ; and three who died in infancy. 
 
 Robert E. McKay attended school in Guelph, Ontario, until fourteen years of 
 age, when he laid aside his books in order to assist with the work on the home 
 farm. He so continued for about four years and then went into the woods, finding 
 employment in lumber camps and drives for about eight years. During the fol- 
 lowing two years he engaged in contracting and then bought one hundred and 
 sixty acres of timber land, cutting the trees and selling the lumber and later the 
 land. This enterprise occupied three years. Mr. McKay then bought eighty 
 acres on section 31, township 28, range 6 west, which he still owns. In 1881 he 
 bought the eighty acres on section 8, township 29, range 0 west, which he now 
 farms. He has been very successful in the cultivation of this land and gives con- 
 siderable attention to stock-raising, specializing in dairy products. He keeps about 
 eighteen head of cattle and ten horses. His buildings are substantial and up-to-date 
 and his farm in every way reflects credit upon its owner. The success which Mr. 
 McKay has attained is largely due to incessant work and thorough, modern 
 methods. His stock is taken care of in the best possible way and adds largely 
 to the income Mr. McKay derives from his farm. 
 
PAST AND PRESENT OF CHIPPEWA COUNTY 
 
 241 
 
 Mr. McKay married Miss Margaret St. Martin, a daughter of Mr. and Airs. 
 Peter St. Martin, the former a well known river man of Chippewa Falls. Mrs. 
 McKay, a native of that city, was born October 15, 1856, and bore her husband 
 eight children : Annie E., who married George Barrington, a lumberman at 
 
 Chippewa Falls, by whom she had three children, one of whom, Lillian, is living; 
 Mary L., Margaret R. and William J., deceased; Eva C. ; George A.; Mildred L., 
 deceased; and Francis R. Miss Eva McKay for the past five years has followed 
 school teaching. 
 
 Mr. McKay is one of the most highly respected citizens of Sigel township and 
 has ever interested himself in worthy public enterprises. Politically he is independ- 
 ent, preferring to follow his own judgment instead of blindly following party 
 dictates. He is the oldest member, now living, of the county board of Chippewa 
 county, and it was he who was largely instrumental in building good roads in 
 Sigel township. For ten years Mr. McKay was chairman of the board of trustees 
 of Sigel township, and he was also chairman of the board of Anson township for 
 one term and supervisor for Anson township for one term. For six years he 
 was clerk of school district No. 9. He was a member of the Independent Order 
 of Odd Fellows, but on account of the distance which he had to travel to attend 
 the lodge meetings he demitted in good standing. He is a member of the Catholic 
 church and Mrs. McKay belongs to the Ladies Society in connection with that 
 organization. Mr. McKay is a kind-hearted man, who gives evidence of his char- 
 itable inclinations by taking care of four children besides his own family, keeping 
 them as they had no other place to go and being as kind to them as a father would 
 be. Such success as has come to Mr. McKay is well merited, as it is the result 
 of incessant industry and close application, and the esteem and respect with which 
 he is regarded comes to him in recognition of his high qualities of mind and char- 
 acter. 
 
 ALBERT C. CONRAD. 
 
 Albert C. Conrad, who engages in general farming, dairying and sheep raising 
 upon a fine property in Bloomer township of one hundred and twenty acres, upon 
 which he also operates a sawmill, was born in Germany in 1868. He is a son of 
 Albert Conrad, who came to the United States about the year 1871 locating first 
 in Michigan. He later moved to Wisconsin, settling in Chippewa county, where 
 he followed the milling business. He also took up a homestead claim, the land 
 comprising the property now operated by his son, but he never engaged in farming, 
 dying in Bloomer, at the age of seventy-four. He married Miss Julia Lehman, a 
 daughter of John Lehman, and they became the parents of five children, all of 
 whom survive. 
 
 Albert C. Conrad acquired his education in the public schools of Chippewa 
 county and after laying aside his books began farming upon the homestead, the 
 present excellent condition of which is entirely due to his careful management 
 and practical methods. He has erected a number of buildings upon the place 
 and engages in general farming, dairying and sheep raising, having made all of 
 these activities profitable sources of income to him. In 1908 he erected a sawmill 
 upon his place and he also operates a threshing outfit. 
 
242 
 
 PAST AND PRESENT OF CHIPPEWA COUNTY 
 
 Mr. Conrad married Miss Paulina Bansmer, and they have become the parents 
 of twelve children, John, Ida, Paul, Leonard, Harry, Clara, George, Lillie, Rosie, 
 Jesse, Albert and Lesley. Mr. Conrad is a republican in his political beliefs and 
 has been school clerk for twelve years and served for three years as school treas- 
 urer. He is an industrious and progressive business man and through his honesty 
 and integrity has become very successful in the management of his farm and 
 the direction of his business interests, standing today among the men of marked 
 ability and substantial worth in his community. 
 
 JOHN SCHWAB. 
 
 Bloomer township numbers among her progressive and active native sons 
 John Schwab, who owns and operates a fine farm of three hundred and seventy- 
 four acres five miles northeast of Bloomer. Upon this property he was born 
 March 3, 1863, a son of John Schwab, a native of Germany, who came to the 
 United States when he was thirty years of age and settled in Wisconsin, locating 
 for the first few years in the southern part of the state. He afterward moved 
 to Chippewa county and followed farming in this section until his death, which 
 occurred when he was sixty-three years of age. He married in this county and 
 had five children, three of whom are still living. 
 
 John Schwab acquired his education in district school No. 3 and after laying 
 aside his books began working upon the homestead, which is now his property. 
 It comprises three hundred and seventy-four acres of excellent land and the 
 improvements now upon the place have all been made by Mr. Schwab, who under- 
 stands farming in principle and detail and in his agricultural pursuits has met 
 with that success which always follows earnest and persistent labor. He engages 
 in general farming and conducts also a large dairy, which is an important source 
 of income to him. 
 
 Mr. Schwab married Miss Mary Bishel, and they have five children, Philip, 
 Mary, Jacob, Lena and Julia. Mr. Schwab is a member of the populist party 
 and his religious views are in accord with the doctrines of the Roman Catholic 
 church. His life has been one of well directed activity, resulting in the attain- 
 ment of a gratifying measure of success, and wherever he is known he is respected 
 and esteemed by reason of his genuine worth. 
 
 GILBERT EYK. 
 
 Gilbert Eyk is a representative of one of the best known pioneer families in 
 Chippewa county and has won individual prominence as the owner of Brookside 
 Farm, Auburn township, a fine property which owes its attractiveness and value 
 entirely to his well directed efforts and practical methods. Lie was born on the 
 old Eyk homestead, two miles west of his present farm in 1867, a son of Ole 
 P. Eyk, a native of Norway. The father came to America in 1866 and was the 
 first settler in that part of Chippewa county. In Norway he had followed the 
 
PAST AND PRESENT OF CHIPPEWA COUNTY 
 
 243 
 
 saw milling and mercantile business, but after taking up his residence here turned 
 his attention to farming, homesteading one hundred and sixty acres of land upon 
 which he continued to reside until his death. He married Miss Anna Paulson, 
 who survives him, and they became the parents of five daughters and five sons 
 of whom two have passed away. 
 
 Gilbert Eyk acquired his education in the public schools of Chippewa county, 
 and after laying aside his books moved to Superior, this state, where he remained 
 three years. At the end of that time he went to the Pacific coast and settled in 
 Oregon where he homesteaded land and where he worked at farming, lumbering 
 and prospecting for fifteen years thereafter. When he left Oregon he returned 
 to Chippewa county and purchased from his sister the farm upon which he still 
 resides. This comprises eighty acres of fine land lying four miles southwest of 
 New Auburn and in its cultivation Mr. Eyk has always followed the most practical 
 methods so that Brookside Farm has become a valuable and productive property. 
 The owner has made extensive improvements upon it, erecting a modern barn 
 and silo and keeps everything about the place in excellent condition. General 
 farming and dairying engage his attention and both branches of his activities have 
 brought him well deserved success. 
 
 Mr. Eyk gives his political allegiance to the republican party and is interested 
 in public affairs although not active as an office seeker. He is superintendent of 
 the local Sunday school, which is under the control of the Presbyterian church. 
 A man of exemplary character he has become widely and favorably known in 
 his locality and his record is a credit to a name that has long been an honored one 
 in this county. 
 
 EVERARD L. AINSWORTH. 
 
 Everard L. Ainsworth, a native of Vermont, came to Chippewa county in 
 1888 from Alma, Wisconsin, this state, and has now resided in Chippewa Falls 
 for over twenty-five years, occupying an important position as secretary of the 
 American Immigration Company, with offices on the corner of Bay and West 
 River streets, this city. He was born in Roxbury, in the Green Mountain state, 
 in May, 1854, and is a son of Luther and Betsy (Silsbv) Ainsworth, both of 
 whom have passed away. The father was one of those who took up arms in 
 defense of the Union and fell on the battlefield of Chancellorsville in 1863, 
 finding his last resting place at Fredericksburg, Virginia. He was a captain of 
 Company H of the Sixth Vermont Regiment. The mother had preceded him 
 in death, her demise occurring in 1858, when our subject was but four years 
 of age. She is buried in Roxbury, Vermont. 
 
 Everard L. Ainsworth received his education in Roxbury, remaining there 
 until fifteen years of age, when he entered the Randolph State Normal School 
 at Randolph Center, Vermont, preparing himself for the teaching profession, 
 and leaving this institution at the age of eighteen, he was actively engaged as 
 school teacher and so continued for six years. At the end of that time he became 
 connected with the Mississippi Logging Conipany, of which he is now assistant 
 secretary. In later years he has become connected with the American Immigra- 
 
244 
 
 PAST AND PRESENT OF CHIPPEWA COUNTY 
 
 tion Company, of which he serves as secretary, doing highly effective work in this 
 position. He also is president of the Hannah Rutledge Home for the Aged and 
 president of the Edward Rutledge Charity Corporation, which is a one million 
 dollar institution, this large sum of money for its founding being left by Edward 
 Rutledge. Mr. Ainsworth has done highly practical and largely beneficial work 
 in this connection, for which he is well fitted on account of his talents for organi- 
 zation and because of that humane spirit which always moves him to come to 
 the rescue of those who need help or assistance. 
 
 In Buffalo county, Wisconsin, in September, 1879, Mr. Ainsworth was united 
 in marriage to Miss Ella Fuller, a daughter of Stephen G. and Sarah (Woodard) 
 Fuller, the latter of whom died in 1900, while the former now makes his home 
 with Mr. and Mrs. Ainsworth. They have four children : Bessie A., a high 
 
 school teacher at Chippewa Falls ; May, who married E. R. Frissell, a prominent 
 real-estate dealer and attorney-at-law of Minneapolis, Minnesota; Charles L., 
 a lumber grader connected with the Potlatch Lumber Company of Potlatch, Idaho, 
 and a graduate of the law department of the University of Minnesota at Minne- 
 apolis ; and Edward A., a senior in the Chippewa Falls high school. Mr. and 
 Mrs. Ainsworth live at No. 818 West Columbia street, Chippewa Falls, in a hand- 
 some residence which the former has recently rebuilt, equipping the house with 
 all modern conveniences. There both Mr. and Mrs. Ainsworth often entertain 
 their many friends, who delight to gather at their hospitable fireside. 
 
 In his political views Mr. Ainsworth is a republican, and although he has 
 never cared for public office, he takes a deep interest in the public welfare, 
 as is directly evident from his connection with the Rutledge institutions. Fra- 
 ternally he is a member of the Masonic order, belonging to the local blue lodge, 
 and ever exemplifies in his life the tenets of brotherly love which are the basic 
 principles of that great organization. Mr. Ainsworth typifies in his life the 
 highest degree of American citizenship, doing in a quiet way much which works 
 out to the benefit of his city and county. 
 
 J. B. PIOTROWSKI. 
 
 A spirit of enterprise and progress has actuated J. B. Piotrowski in all the 
 activities of his career and has brought him today to a place among the able 
 and successful men of Chippewa Falls, where as secretary and treasurer of the 
 Chippewa Shoe Manufacturing Company he occupies a prominent position in 
 business circles. He is of Polish extraction and was born in West Prussia, 
 Germany, July 9, 1877, a son of Marion and Rose (Scheffler) Piotrowski. The 
 father is now a shoemaker in the concern of which his son is secretary and 
 treasurer. 
 
 J. B. Piotrowski acquired his education in the public schools of Berlin, Wis- 
 consin, and laid aside his books at the age of fifteen years. His first employ- 
 ment was with the Putnam Shoe Company in Berlin and he retained this 
 position until 1895, when he came to Chippewa Falls, where he has since resided. 
 For some time thereafter he acted as manager of the Weyenberg Shoe Manu- 
 facturing Company but in 1901 he joined John M. Andrejeski in the foundation 
 

 
PAST AND PRESENT OF CHIPPEWA COUNTY 
 
 247 
 
 of a concern of a similar kind. They carried on the business as a copartnership 
 until 1911, when the enterprise was incorporated under the name of the Chip- 
 pewa Shoe Manufacturing Company, Mr. Piotrowski being elected secretary 
 and treasurer. Through their united efforts the partners have made many sub- 
 stantial contributions to the progress of Chippewa Falls and have here built up 
 an industrial concern which has become one of the largest and most important 
 of its kind in the city. Mr. Piotrowski’s energy, resourcefulness and business 
 ability have been important factors in the attainment of this result and he him- 
 self is considered a valuable addition to the ranks of the city’s progressive and 
 able business men. 
 
 Mr. Piotrowski resides with his parents at No. 3 North Rural street. He is 
 connected fraternally with the Catholic Order of Foresters, the United Com- 
 mercial Travelers and the Knights of Columbus. He is a democrat in his polit- 
 ical beliefs and is at present serving as alderman and supervisor, his influence 
 being always on the side of right, reform and progress. His has been an excel- 
 lent official record and in business circles he has made for himself an enviable 
 position, being classed among Chippewa Falls’ most popular and representative 
 citizens. 
 
 HENRY A. CASPER. 
 
 Among the well known and successful business men of Chippewa Falls, Wis- 
 consin, is Henry A. Casper, secretary and treasurer of the J. Leinenkugel Brew- 
 ing Company and president of the Consolidated Elevator, Mill & Power Company. 
 In connection with the former position he has practically entire charge of the 
 management of the Leinenkugel brewery. Mr. Casper was born in Milwaukee, 
 Wisconsin, on July 15, 1861, of German parents. The father, Alois A. Casper, 
 is a native of Alsace-Lorraine, which at the time of his birth belonged to France 
 but is now a part of Germany. The mother in her maidenhood was Barbara 
 Woelfel, a native of Bavaria. About sixty years ago the father emigrated to 
 America, the mother following two years later, coming to Milwaukee, where 
 they were married. For many years Alois Casper was well known in that city 
 as a merchant tailor but he retired from business about ten years ago. Both he 
 and his wife are still living. They have a family of six children. 
 
 Henry A. Casper, in the acquirement of his education, attended St. Mary’s 
 parochial school in Milwaukee and St. Gall's school, studying at a business col- 
 lege in the evenings. When old enough he entered his father’s tailoring and 
 men’s furnishing store as a clerk, remaining with him for about fifteen years. He 
 then came to Chippewa, accepting the position of vice president with the Leinen- 
 kugel Brewing Company. In 1909 he was elected secretary and treasurer and 
 has since practically had charge of the management of these brewing interests. 
 Mr. Casper is thoroughly acquainted with all the details of the business and has 
 done much toward its upbuilding. Not only is he a shrewd, able and farsighted 
 business man but he is congenial and of agreeable disposition, easily making 
 friends, and his affability has often stood him in good stead in business trans- 
 actions. He also holds the position of president of the Consolidated Elevator, 
 
248 
 
 PAST AND PRESENT OF CHIPPEWA COUNTY 
 
 Mill & Power Company, carefully supervising the important interests of this 
 large concern. 
 
 On April 1 8, 1894, in Chippewa Falls, Wisconsin, at the St. Charles Catholic 
 church, Mr. Casper was united in marriage to Miss Rose, daughter of Jacob and 
 Josephine Leinenkugel, of whom more extended mention is made on other pages 
 of this history. Mr. and Mrs. Casper have two children, Irene and William. 
 The parents are faithful attendants at St. Charles Catholic church and frater- 
 nally Mr. Casper is affiliated with the Catholic Knights of America. He is inde- 
 pendent as regards political matters, voting for men and measures according to 
 his own judgment instead of following party dictates. While he has attained 
 individual success and has become recognized as one of the foremost business 
 men of Chippewa Falls, he has contributed his part toward general advancement 
 and can ever be found ready to give of his time and money for movements which 
 are undertaken for the benefit of the general public. 
 
 RUFUS JOHNSON. 
 
 Rufus Johnson, who passed away on the 16th of October, 1906, was one of 
 the early settlers of Chippewa county and for a number of years successfully car- 
 ried on general agricultural pursuits here, owning a farm of one hundred and 
 sixty acres on section 20, township 30, range 6. His birth occurred in Cortland 
 county. New York, on the 8th of June, 1842, his father being J. B. Johnson. He 
 spent his boyhood and early manhood in the Empire State and was there married 
 to Miss Helen Brown, who was born in Chenango county, New York, on the 30th 
 of January, 1842. 
 
 In 1872, when a young man of thirty years, he determined to establish his 
 home in the Badger state and traveled from Binghamton, New York, to Eau Claire 
 by rail, thence coming to Chippewa Falls by stage, where he hired Jim Woodruff 
 to take him to Arthur township with a span of mules. He located on a timber 
 tract of one hundred and sixty acres on section 20, township 30, range 6, not a 
 tree having been cut except perhaps a few pines that had been taken away surrep- 
 titiously. No road led to the place, but on the Monday morning following his 
 arrival here Mr. Johnson began to cut down trees preparatory to making the 
 highway which now adjoins the home. He also built a log cabin which is still 
 standing and is now used for a hen house. Subsequently he erected the frame 
 residence which has remained the family home to the present time. Throughout 
 his active business career he devoted his attention to general agricultural pursuits, 
 winning success and gaining recognition as one of the substantial and respected 
 citizens of his community. The period of his residence in this county covered more 
 than a third of a century, and he was a pioneer whose labors contributed in no 
 uncertain measure to the work of agricultural development and progress here. 
 His widow still resides on the old family homestead, which is now the property 
 of her son Erwin. 
 
 To Mr. and Mrs. Johnson were born four children, as follows: Luona, who 
 is the wife of Charles Smith and resides in Idaho ; Ralph, who is successfully 
 engaged in farming in Arthur township ; Erwin, who is the owner of the old 
 
PAST AND PRESENT OF CHIPPEWA COUNTY 
 
 249 
 
 home farm and who wedded Miss Vesta Eastman, a daughter of Daniel Eastman, 
 of Chippewa county; and Mary, who gave her hand in marriage to H. W. Gardner, 
 of Arthur township. The sons are well known and enterprising agriculturists of 
 the locality and have an extensive circle of friends there. 
 
 EZRA F. SHIPMAN. 
 
 Ezra F. Shipman, who for many years has been associated in an influential 
 way with farming and dairy interests of Bloomer township, owns and operates 
 eighty acres three miles east of Bloomer. He was born upon this property in 
 1859 and is a son of Charles Shipman, a native of Pennsylvania, who came to 
 Wisconsin as a young man, locating in Sauk county. He afterward moved to 
 Missouri but in 1857 returned to this state, settling in Chippewa county, where 
 he followed farming until his death, passing away at the age of seventy-nine. 
 He married Miss Amanda George and they became the parents of three chil- 
 dren: L. D., who has passed away; Mrs. Mary Tallman; and Ezra F., of this 
 
 review. 
 
 Ezra F. Shipman acquired his education in the public schools of Chippewa 
 county and after laying aside his books began farming on the home place, 
 which he has since operated. He assisted in erecting the buildings upon the 
 property and has made other substantial improvements, his farm being today 
 productive and valuable.' 
 
 Mr. Shipman married Miss Nora Ward, a daughter of Jerry Ward, of Chip- 
 pewa county, and they have become the parents of two children : Charles, who 
 
 married Miss May Webb, by whom he has a daughter, Inez; and Irene, who mar- 
 ried Percy Gorton, by whom she has two sons, Elmer and Edgar. Fraternally 
 Mr. Shipman is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and he is 
 a republican in his political beliefs, having served as town clerk and a member 
 of the town board. He is held in high regard throughout Chippewa county and 
 has an extensive and representative circle of friends. 
 
 CHARLES F. ALTHANS. 
 
 Charles Fs, Althans is living retired after fourteen years of close connection 
 with business interests of Bloomer as part owner of the Bloomer Brewery. He 
 was born in Iowa in 1859 and is a son of C. F. Althans, a native of Germany, who 
 came to the United States in 1851, locating first in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. 
 There he engaged as a painter for some time, moving thence to Quincy, Illinois, 
 and later to Keokuk, Iowa, where he published a republican newspaper during 
 the Civil war. In 1869 he moved to Alma, Wisconsin, and he died in Eau Claire, 
 this state, in 1891, when he was sixty-six years of age. He married in Phila- 
 delphia Miss H. Pfeiffer and they became the parents of three children: Charles 
 
 F. , of this review; Charles W., a resident of St. Paul, Minnesota; and Mrs. 
 
 G. Walker, of Nelson, Wisconsin. 
 
250 
 
 PAST AND PRESENT OF CHIPPEWA COUNTY 
 
 After acquiring a public-school education Charles F. Althans worked in the 
 sawmills 'until 1873 when he learned the tinner’s trade which he followed in 
 various parts of the middle west until 1898. In the latter year he moved to 
 Bloomer and formed a partnership with Valentine Schon in the operation of the 
 Bloomer Brewery. For fourteen years thereafter he continued his connection 
 with this concern and his business ability, energy and sound judgment proved 
 helpful factors in its success. In November, 1912, he disposed of his interests 
 in it and has since lived in retirement, enjoying a period of rest and leisure as 
 a reward of his well directed labor in the past. 
 
 Mr. Althans was married to Miss Amelia Rieck in 1882 and in 1883 a daugh- 
 ter was born to them who is now married and living at Detroit, Michigan. His 
 first wife died in 1905 and in 1906 Mr. Althans was married to Miss Lena Bischel 
 of Bloomer. Mr. Althans is independent in his political beliefs and has served 
 as president of the village board for two terms. Fraternally he is connected 
 with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and has been identified with this 
 organization for a quarter of a century. He is comfortably situated in life, enjoy- 
 ing a well earned rest which has been secured through his intelligently directed 
 activity in former years. 
 
 JOHN PHILLIPS. 
 
 Among the best known and most representative citizens of Stanley, is num- 
 bered John Phillips, who for many years has conducted a photographic studio 
 in the city. During the period of his residence he has also taken an active part 
 in public affairs, holding various positions of trust and responsibility, and he has 
 moreover, a creditable and honorable military record. He was born in Baltimore, 
 Maryland, on the 25th of December, 1844, and is a son of James and Frances 
 (Price) Phillips, the former born in Chester county, Pennsylvania, in 1812 and 
 the latter in Priceville, Maryland, in 1818. The father, a carpenter and con- 
 tractor by occupation, moved to Iowa in pioneer times and was killed there in 
 1854. His wife survived him many years, dying in 1885. To their union were 
 born three children: John, James and Eli. 
 
 John Phillips was educated in the public schools, laying aside his books at the 
 age of fifteen. He afterward studied photography and at a very early date estab- 
 lished a gallery in Stanley of which he has since been proprietor. For a time 
 he left this in charge of his wife and eldest son, he himself engaging in railroad- 
 ing as a brakeman, conductor and engineer on a number of western roads. He 
 was employed on the Chicago, Burlington & Quincy when the company owned 
 only seventy-five miles of road between Burlington and Ottumwa and he assisted 
 in the making of a great deal of railroad history. He retired from this work in 
 1894 and for four years thereafter was upon the road as a salesman. Since 1900 
 however he has maintained a continuous residence in Stanley, devoting all of his 
 time to the conduct of his photographic studio.. He controls an extensive and 
 representative patronage, for his work is of the highest quality and Ijis business 
 methods always honorable and straightforward. 
 
PAST AND PRESENT OF CHIPPEWA COUNTY 
 
 251 
 
 In Fort Madison, Iowa, on the 7th of April, 1870, Mr. Phillips married Miss 
 Ellen Brown, a daughter of William and Elizabeth (Lind) Brown, the former a 
 commission merchant of Burlington, Iowa. Mr. and Mrs. Phillips became the 
 parents of four children. Wellington J. is a photographer at Red Wing, Minne- 
 sota. He married Miss Mary L. Brooke and they have six children. Frantz H. 
 is a photographer in Stanley. He married Miss Clara Dolmer who died in 1909, 
 leaving two children: Francis H. and John D. Clarence C. is a sales manager 
 
 in St. Paul, Minnesota. He married Miss Estella Moore and they have two chil- 
 dren : Linden and Harry. Frances H., youngest child born to Mr. and Mrs. 
 
 Phillips, is the wife of Allen U. Johnson, the manager of the Biscayne Bay Y r acht 
 Club at Miami, Florida. 
 
 Mr. Phillips was a member of Company H, Second Berdans, a regiment of 
 sharp shooters, and served for eight months. Upon the organization of the 
 first Minnesota National Guard he joined Company G and served seven years and 
 seven months. He was afterward captain of Company L, Fourth Minnesota 
 Volunteers, and went to the front during the Spanish-American war, his entire 
 term of service covering four years. He is connected fraternally with the Masons, 
 the Knights of Pythias and the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and he is 
 very prominent in the affairs of the N. W. P. A., a photographers’ association, 
 of which he has served as president, vice-president and secretary, holding each 
 office for many years. He gives his political allegiance to the republican party 
 and has held important offices, serving for one term as alderman of a city in 
 Wabasha county, Minnesota, and for five years as chief of the fire department. 
 He was city clerk of Stanley for one term and judge of the police court for six 
 years and since 1911 he has done excellent work as justice of the peace and notary 
 public. His interests have extended to many fields touching closely the business 
 and political life of Stanley, and during the long period of his residence here he 
 has made the name of “Captain” Phillips, by which he is generally known, a 
 synonym for upright living and straightforward dealing. 
 
 FRANK J. THOMPSON. 
 
 Frank J. Thompson, who operates the Simon Christianson farm of two hun- 
 dred acres in Auburn township is a native of Wisconsin, born in Eau Claire in 
 1884. He is a son of Walter Thompson, a native of England who came to the 
 United States when he was twenty-four years of age and located in Eau Claire 
 where he engaged in the milling business for many years. He now follows the 
 same occupation in Washington state. 
 
 Frank J. Thompson acquired his education in the public schools of Eau Claire 
 and in the district schools of the county. He was reared upon his father’s farm 
 becoming early familiar with the details of its operation and when he laid aside 
 his books he assumed entire charge of the homestead which he continued to 
 develop until 1909. In that year he married and moved upon the farm which he 
 now operates. He expects, however, to return to the home place on Sand Creek 
 in a short time. 
 
252 
 
 PAST AND PRESENT OF CHIPPEWA COUNTY 
 
 Mr. Thompson married Miss' Caroline Christianson, a daughter of Simon 
 Christianson, a native of Norway. The father learned the carpenter’s trade in 
 that country and has followed it continuously since coming to America with the 
 exception of two years during which he engaged in farming and lumbering. He 
 has three children: Caroline, wife of the subject of this review; Gena, who is 
 engaged in teaching ; and George, a carpenter. 
 
 Politically Mr. Thompson is identified with the republican party and he served 
 for some time as town constable. He is a devout adherent of the Presbyterian 
 church. Although still a young man he is already ranked among the substantial 
 farmers of his locality and holds the esteem and confidence of all who are associ- 
 ated with him. 
 
 JOHN A. BROOKS. 
 
 John A. Brooks, prominently connected with industrial interests of Chippewa 
 Falls as manager of the Chippewa Sugar Company, was born in Watertown, Wis- 
 consin, December n, 1878. He is a son of Joseph Brooks, a pioneer farmer of 
 Dodge county. 
 
 Mr. Brooks acquired his education at Sacred Heart College, Watertown, Wis- 
 consin, from which he was graduated in 1896. He afterward taught school for 
 two years and in 1901 became connected with the Wisconsin Sugar Company as 
 stenographer. His ability won him rapid advancement and he rose through 
 department after department, gaining recognition as a reliable, trustworthy and 
 thoroughly competent man. He learned the sugar business in principle and detail 
 and in 1909 was made manager of the Chippewa Sugar Company at Chippewa 
 Falls. In addition he is president of the Citizens Home Land Company of that 
 city. 
 
 In Chippewa Falls, on the 24th of September, 1906, Mr. Brooks was united 
 in marriage to Miss Jennie E. Goddard, daughter of postmaster Harry J. Goddard. 
 Unto Mr. and Mrs. Brooks a daughter, Mary, was born on May 3, 1910. The 
 family residence is located at 616 Coleman street and is one of the attractive 
 homes of the city. Although one of the later residents in Chippewa Falls, Mr. 
 Brooks has already become recognized as one of the city’s leading business men 
 and his ability and progressive spirit insure his continued advancement. 
 
 ALFRED M. BERG. 
 
 Among the prosperous business men of Stanley, Wisconsin, is Alfred M. Berg, 
 who there conducts a modern and up-to-date drug store. lie is a native of Eau 
 Claire, Wisconsin, being born June 18, 1875, and a son of Mr. and Mrs. Ole Berg, 
 natives of Norway, in which country the father was born in 1841. When about 
 twenty years of age he came to Wisconsin and followed his trade, which was that 
 of machinist. The mother passed away in 1879, when our subject was only four 
 years of age. He and his sister, Palma, are the children of this union. 
 
PAST AND PRESENT OF CHIPPEWA COUNTY 
 
 253 
 
 Alfred M. Berg received his education in Eau Claire, Wisconsin, where he 
 attended school until eighteen years of age, when he accepted a position in a 
 drug store, where for ten years he remained as clerk. He then set up in business 
 independently and in 1906 came to Stanley, where he bought a drug store. Con- 
 tinuous success has been his and he does today a large and profitable business. 
 He carries not only all the regular lines of medical goods and medicines but also 
 has an extensive stock of sundries and has the agency for the Eastman kodaks 
 and cameras. His stock is valued today at four thousand dollars and his store 
 is well appointed and modernly equipped. He has gained a high reputation in 
 the city and the surrounding country for his honest dealing, and his customers 
 are ever assured of the best and most courteous treatment. 
 
 On June 26, 1907, Mr. Berg was united in marriage to Miss Pearl Flick, a 
 daughter of Mrs. Laura Flick, of Augusta, Wisconsin, the marriage taking place 
 in that city. The family are adherents of the Presbyterian faith, although they 
 are not members of that church. Mr. Berg is a member of the Order of Beavers 
 and the Sons of Norway. He owns his residence, where both he and his wife often 
 entertain a large circle of friends. He gives his political allegiance to the repub- 
 lican party, inclining towards the progressive wing of that organization. Mr. 
 Berg is a public-spirited man in the best sense of the word, ever interested in 
 movements undertaken on behalf of the general welfare. He is highly respected 
 in business and social circles and has made many friends who esteem him for his 
 high qualities of mind and character. 
 
 HON. CLARENCE B. CULBERTSON. 
 
 Not only is the Hon. Clarence B. Culbertson one of the foremost and most 
 successful lawyers of Chippewa county, maintaining offices at Stanley, this state, 
 but he has attained prominence along political lines, serving in various important 
 offices in connection with the county and state government. He was born in 
 Edinboro, Pennsylvania, on October 17, 1869, a son of Charles W. and Mary 
 (Barber) Culbertson. The father was born in the same city on September 12, 
 1839, and was a lumberman and a farmer. He came to Augusta, Wisconsin, in 
 1872 and there made his home until his death, which took place in 1910. The 
 mother was born in New York state in 1847 ar *d now makes her home in Wilmette, 
 near Chicago, Illinois. In their family were four children : Clarence, Andrew, 
 
 Tra and Bernice. 
 
 Clarence B. Culbertson was educated in the Augusta high school, from which 
 he graduated in 1888. He then attended the University of Wisconsin at Madison, 
 receiving his law degree in 1894 and being admitted to the bar of the state at 
 Madison in the same year, where he began practice in partnership with General 
 Griffen, continuing in that relationship for nine months. He then came to Stanley 
 and opened an office here in 1895, having ever since continued in the practice of 
 his profession with ever increasing success. 
 
 Mr. Culbertson was united in marriage to Miss Lillian McCaffery, a daughter 
 of James and Margaret (Durgan) McCaffery, of Augusta, Wisconsin, the cere- 
 mony taking place in that city on September 18, 1895. Mr. McCaffery is a miller 
 
254 
 
 PAST AND PRESENT OF CHIPPEWA COUNTY 
 
 by trade and prominent in that city. Mr. and Mrs. Culbertson became the parents 
 of three children; Charles D.; Clarence B., who died in infancy; and James G. 
 
 Mr. Culbertson is a republican in his political views and has ever taken a 
 laudable interest in public affairs. For sixteen years he served as city attorney 
 of Stanley and for eight years was county supervisor. He was city attorney at 
 the time when the village adopted the city organization and did much important 
 work in that connection. He also served as district attorney of Chippewa county 
 and as a member of the state legislature. While a representative in the lower 
 house he was one of the committee that framed the workingmen’s compensation act, 
 which was passed and adopted in Wisconsin and which since has been adopted 
 by a number of other states in the Union. Mr. Culbertson has beside his important 
 law practice other interests, being a stockholder in several local business corpora- 
 tions. He owns a beautiful and commodious residence in Stanley, where the 
 family make their home. He also has farm holdings in Chippewa and Taylor 
 counties. Both he and his wife are members of the Presbyterian church and he 
 is also a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and the Modern 
 Woodmen of America. Mr. Culbertson is one of the foremost citizens of Stanley 
 and the county, having attained a remarkable degree of success along various lines 
 of endeavor. While promoting his own interests, he is thoughtful of those of 
 others and always takes into consideration how his actions will affect the general 
 welfare. A faithful public official, a good politician, a forceful lawyer and an 
 upright man, Hon. Clarence B. Culbertson enjoys the high esteem and full con- 
 fidence of all those who have been brought into contact with him, 
 
 JOHN HAAG. 
 
 John Haag is honored as a veteran of the Civil war and is respected also as 
 a man who by his own determination, honesty and industry has worked his way 
 upward to a place among the representative citizens and prosperous farmers of 
 Chippewa county. He was born in Germany, November 27, 1841, and is a son 
 of George A. and Rosina K. (Schmidt) Haag, natives of that county, the former 
 born August 8, 1804, and the latter, July 4, 1800. The father was a farmer 
 and a shepherd in his native country and had an excellent record of six years 
 service in the regular army. He came with his family to Washington county, 
 this state, in 1854 in a sailing vessel, the trip consuming forty-eight days, and 
 resumed his agricultural pursuits, remaining there until 1864 when he moved to 
 Chippewa county. His health was very poor and during the greater period of 
 his residence in America he made his home with his sons. He died October 
 22, 1872, having survived his wife since October 29, i860. They became the 
 parents of six children: Joseph, Mary B. and Casper have passed away. 
 
 Katherine married George Meinhard, who died in 1902, leaving his wife and 
 seven children. Adam is a retired farmer living in Delmar township. He mar- 
 ried Miss Mary Rosenthal and has eleven children. John is the subject of this 
 review. 
 
 John Haag acquired his education in the public schools of Germany, but his 
 advantages along this line were limited, 'for he was obliged to assume the re- 
 

MR. AND MRS. JOHN HAAC 
 
JOHN HAAG 
 
PAST AND PRESENT OF CHIPPEWA COUNTY 
 
 259 
 
 sponsibility for the support of the family when he was only twelve years of 
 age, his father’s illness requiring that this duty be performed by the eldest son. 
 The family came to America in 1854 and settled in Washington county, Wiscon- 
 sin, where Mr. Haag of this review worked at farm labor until August, 1862. 
 In that year he enlisted in Company B, Twenty-sixth Wisconsin Volunteer In- 
 fantry, in the Union army and served until 1863, when he was mustered out. 
 He returned to Washington county, but his health was too poor to permit him 
 to work for almost a year thereafter. He endeavored for a while to work as a 
 lumber jack in the woods, but was not strong enough after the hardships in the 
 war, so he was made cook in a woodmen’s camp and continued at this until 
 in the spring, 1864, he moved to Chippewa county and here purchased one hundred 
 and sixty acres of land, turning his attention to its improvement and development. 
 The years brought him constantly increasing success, for his industry was untiring 
 and his methods at all times practical. He made extensive improvements upon 
 his property and by hard work and close application finally made it one of the 
 most productive and valuable farms in this locality. He raised all kinds of small 
 grains and was a stock breeder on an extensive scale, both of these branches of 
 his activities proving important and profitable. He was, however, especially in- 
 terested in dairying and his dairy products commanded a high price and a ready 
 sale on the local market. In 1907, feeling that he was entitled to a period of 
 rest and leisure, Mr. Haag rented his farm to his son. Edwin J., and moved into 
 Cadott where he has since lived in retirement. His landed holdings comprise 
 the original one hundred and sixty acres on section 35, township 29, range 6, west, 
 and twenty acres on section 34, township 29, range 6, west. He owns besides a 
 comfortable residence in Cadott. 
 
 In Sigel township, January 22, 1868, Mr. Haag was united in marriage to 
 Miss Anna C. Webert, a daughter of George and Anna C. (Goetz) Webert, 
 natives of Germany. The family emigrated to America in 1865 and settled in 
 Sigel township, this county. Mr. and Mrs. Haag became the parents of twelve 
 children. George A. is a farmer in Dunn county. He married Miss Mary Bush- 
 enderf and they became the parents of four children: Cora, Verona, Sylvester 
 
 and Irene. Louis C. is manager of a hardware store in Eau Claire, Wisconsin. 
 He married Miss Amanda Bushenderf and they have two children, Gilbert and 
 Luella. John makes his home in Cadott. Henry is a minister of an Evangel- 
 ical church in Chicago, Illinois. His wife was in her maidenhood Miss Katie 
 Zimmerman, of Big Stone City, South Dakota. Mary M. became the wife of 
 Fred Bushenderf, a farmer of Elk Mound, Wisconsin. They have five children: 
 William, Melvina, Colesta. Stanley and Alice. Carrie and William have passed 
 away. Anna became the wife of Wesley Becker, a salesman who resides at 
 Greeley, Colorado. They became the parents of two children : Addison and one 
 who has passed away. Arthur is a practising physician in Evansville, Wiscon- 
 sin. Edwin J. is operating his father’s farm. He married Miss Laura Eible 
 and they have one child, Gale. Benjamin J. is a clerk in a hardware store in 
 Eau Claire. He and his wife, who was in her maidenhood Miss Maude Rice, 
 have a daughter, Elizabeth. Adeline K., youngest child in this family, lives at 
 home. 
 
 Mr. Haag is a devout member of the Evangelical church of Chippewa Falls 
 and belongs to George T. Ginty Post, No. 183, G. A. R. Energy, determination 
 
 voi. n— 14 
 
260 
 
 PAST AND PRESENT OF CHIPPEWA COUNTY 
 
 and enterprise have formed the basis of his success in life, for he assumed the 
 responsibilities of manhood when he was still a child and since that time has 
 worked his way earnestly and persistently upward toward the goal of prosper- 
 ity. In whatever relation of life he has been found, he has proved always con- 
 scientious, straightforward and reliable and in the course of a long and useful 
 career has commanded and held the respect and esteem of all who have been 
 associated with him. 
 
 ALFRED ANDERSON. 
 
 Alfred Anderson is one of the enterprising and successful farmers of Auburn 
 township where for many years he has owned and operated a fine property of 
 one hundred and sixty acres. This constitutes the homestead upon which he 
 was born, his father being Andrew Anderson, a native of Norway and a pioneer 
 in this part of Wisconsin. As a young man he emigrated to America and home- 
 steaded land in Auburn township where he engaged in agricultural pursuits 
 until his death which occurred when he was eighty years of age. His wife, who 
 was in her maidenhood Miss Anna Christianson, survives him and makes her 
 home with the subject of this review. They were the parents of four children. 
 
 Alfred Anderson acquired his education in the public schools of this county, 
 and from an early age assisted with the operation of the home farm, becoming 
 familiar in this way with the best agricultural methods. When he began his 
 independent career he naturally turned his attention to the occupation to which 
 he had been reared and after his father’s death purchased the interests of the 
 other heirs to the homestead. This he has operated since that time and he has 
 made it a most attractive and valuable property, provided with substantial build- 
 ings and excellent machinery. 
 
 Mr. Anderson married Miss Olive Surdson and they have one child, Arline, 
 aged seventeen months. Mr. Anderson gives his political allegiance to the 
 republican party and holds the office of school clerk, discharging his duties in an 
 able and progressive way. He is well known in the township where he has spent 
 his entire life and he holds the esteem and confidence of his neighbors as a 
 reliable business man and a progressive citizen. 
 
 B. P. MATT] SON. 
 
 B. P. Mattison is engaged in general farming and dairying upon eighty acres 
 of land nine miles north of Bloomer in Sampson township and by his practical 
 methods and well directed efforts in its cultivation has surrounded himself with 
 a gratifying degree of prosperity. He was born in New York state in 1858 and is 
 a son of Luman and Mary (Hall) Mattison, natives of the Empire state. The 
 father died at the age of sixty-five and the mother is still living. They had four 
 children : B. P. ; Eva ; Mary ; and Clara, deceased. 
 
PAST AND PRESENT OF CHIPPEWA COUNTY 
 
 261 
 
 When he was still a child B. P. Mattison moved with his parents to Illinois 
 and in the public schools of that state he acquired his education. From his child- 
 hood he assisted with the work of the homestead and when he laid aside his 
 books was already a practical and able agriculturist. He began his independent 
 career in Illinois and went from there to Nebraska where he remained for fifteen 
 years. He afterwards spent a short time in Iowa and then came to Wisconsin, 
 settling in Chippewa county in 1903. For a time he worked at farming in the 
 employ of his brother-in-law but later purchased land of his own whereon he 
 has since resided. He owns eighty acres of choice land nine miles north of 
 Bloomer and gives his attention to general farming and dairying, meeting with 
 distinct and substantial success. 
 
 Mr. Mattison married Mrs. Bertha (Mitchell) Barry and both are well and 
 favorably known in their township. Mr. Mattison is a member of the Seventh 
 Day Baptist church and in politics votes independently, supporting men and 
 measures without regard to party lines. He has won for himself a creditable 
 position in agricultural circles of this section by reason of his sterling integrity 
 and the keen discrimination which he constantly displays in carrying forward 
 his interests. 
 
 ANSON GREEN. 
 
 Since 1895 Anson Green has been engaged in the practice of law in Stanley 
 and has in that length of time been connected with much important litigation tried 
 before the courts of the county and state. He came here from South Dakota, 
 where for many years he was prominent as a lawyer and legislator, and is a 
 native of this state, where he was born in Neillsville, Clark county, February 7, 
 1858. His parents were Anson and Mary E. (Dean) Green, both natives of 
 New York state, where the former was born in 1816 and the latter in 1826. The 
 father was engaged in logging in Clark county in the early days and there he passed 
 away in 1882, the mother surviving him for ten years. 
 
 Anson Green is one of a family of eight children and until nineteen years of 
 age attended the Neillsville high school. He then entered iipon his professional 
 studies in the law department of the University of Wisconsin, at Madison, from 
 which he was graduated in 1879. He began practicing at Spencer, Wisconsin, 
 there remaining for one year, and then removed to Aberdeen, South Dakota, where 
 for thirteen years he was intimately connected with the legal life of that city. 
 Returning to his native state, he then located in Prentice, where he remained 
 for about three years, and in 1895 came to Stanley, where he has ever since been one 
 of the city’s most successful legal practitioners. He is well versed in the principles 
 of law, forceful in presenting his cause, logical in his deductions and convincing 
 in his arguments, and there is no court or jury which would not be impressed by 
 his clear presentation of facts. It is therefore but natural that a large and impor- 
 tant clientage has come to him and that today he is considered one of the foremost 
 lawyers in Chippewa county. 
 
 On October 16, 1880, Mr. Green was united in marriage to Miss Mamie B. 
 Dawes, a daughter of Charles F. and Sarah M. (Searles) Dawes, of Necedah, 
 
262 
 
 PAST AND PRESENT OF CHIPPEWA COUNTY 
 
 Wisconsin. There the mother died in 1909 and the father now resides in St. 
 Paul, Minnesota. In the early days he was a lumberman widely known in his 
 district and highly respected and esteemed. Mr. and Mrs. Green became the 
 parents of six children, of whom four survive ; Grace, who married Elmer Kaas, 
 a banker in South Dakota; Charles A., who married a young lady from Spokane, 
 Washington, by whom he has one child, Helen; Jesse D., who is engaged in the 
 real-estate business in Stanley in association with H. H. Moore; and Fred M., 
 who is assistant manager and advertising man for the Aberdeen Daily News at 
 Aberdeen, South Dakota. Mr. and Mrs. Green attend the services of the Pres- 
 byterian church, in the work of which they take an active and helpful interest. 
 
 Mr. Green gives his political support to the republican party, the principles 
 of which he stanchly upholds at the polls, giving his vote always to the candidates 
 and measures of that organization. While in South Dakota he was for one term, 
 in 1889, a member of the state legislature and did highly efficient work in com- 
 mittee rooms as well as on the floor of the house. Mr. Green also has the dis- 
 tinction of having served as the first city attorney of Stanley. He is deeply inter- 
 ested in the public welfare and although he at present does not hold any public 
 position, strongly upholds all measures of whose worth he is convinced. A com- 
 petent lawyer and a public-spirited citizen, he is highly respected and he is also 
 esteemed as a kindly man who ever exhibits a spirit of human fellowship and takes 
 a deep interest in those around him, be they of a high or lowly station in life. 
 
 LOUIS KRANZFELDER. 
 
 Louis Kranzfelder is proprietor of the largest meat market in Bloomer, 
 and well merits the success which comes to him, for he has a food establishment 
 of which neatness, prompt service and honorable dealing are noticeable character- 
 istics. He is one of Wisconsin’s native sons, his birth having occurred in Sauk 
 county in 1855. Like many of the residents of the state, he is of the first gener- 
 ation of the family born in the new world. His father, Leonard Kranzfelder, 
 was a native of Bavaria, but crossed the Atlantic to the United States in 1854 
 and made his way to Wisconsin, where he took up his abode. He was first engaged 
 in farming but later turned his attention to the manufacture of brick, in which 
 connection he conducted a growing and profitable business. He died at an 
 advanced age and left behind him many friends who recognized and honored him 
 for his sterling worth. Lie was married in Sauk City, Wisconsin, to Miss Afra 
 Ivnopfle, and they became the parents of seven children. 
 
 At the usual age Louis Kranzfelder entered the public schools, in which he 
 mastered the common branches of learning. After putting aside his text-books, 
 he was employed in various ways on the river and in farming through ten sum- 
 mers. Fie next went to work in a meat market at Eau Claire and later was 
 employed in a similar capacity in Sauk City. Subsequently he opened a shop 
 there but after a year disposed of his interests at Sauk City and about 1882 came 
 to Bloomer, where he has since engaged in the meat business, having handled the 
 largest establishment of the kind in the town. He also has potatoes and mer- 
 chandise and was the first man in his locality to buy and ship carloads of potatoes. 
 
PAST AND PRESENT OF CHIPPEWA COUNTY 
 
 263 
 
 He has so successfully managed his business affairs that in addition to the owner- 
 ship of the store, he is a stockholder in the telephone company, in the creamery, 
 in the machine company and in the Bank of Bloomer. 
 
 Mr. Ivranzfelder was married in 1881 to Miss Rosalia Eiter, of Sauk City, 
 and they have become the parents of nine children : Richard, Edward, Leonard, 
 
 May, Anna, Helena, Joseph, Louis and Robert. 
 
 Mr. Kranzfelder votes with the democratic party and has held various village 
 offices. He holds a policy in the Bankers Life Insurance Company, of Iowa, and 
 he belongs to the Catholic Knights and to the Catholic church. Early in his busi- 
 ness career he was actuated by the laudable ambition of attaining success if it 
 could be done through persevering, earnest effort. His labors have brought about 
 the desired result. He has worked persistently and indefatigably and as the 
 years have gone by has achieved a creditable measure of prosperity. 
 
 OLE C. HAUGEN. 
 
 In the history of the business development of Stanley it is imperative that 
 mention be made of Ole C. Haugen, well known in the town as the founder of 
 the Otter Creek Ice Company. Although his connection with financial interests 
 there has covered only a comparatively brief period, he has already attained a 
 position of prominence, while in his farming operations he has also demonstrated 
 his worth and reliability. He was born in Norway, April io, 1857, and is a son 
 of Ole and Elsie C (Peterson) Anderson, also natives of that country, the for- 
 mer being born in 1836 and the latter in 1826. The father was a ship carpenter 
 by trade, following this occupation until his death, which occurred in 1882. He 
 had survived his first wife several years and by that union had two children : 
 Ole C. and Martina G. After the death of his first wife Ole Anderson married 
 Miss Patrine Anderson, and to this union were born seven children : Martina, 
 
 Anton, Gustave, Christina, Laura, Marie and Ole. The mother and children 
 make their home in Norway. 
 
 Ole C. Haugen attended the public schools in his native country until he was 
 fourteen years of age, and then followed the sea for a number of years, rising 
 to be captain of a vessel when he was only twenty-three years of age. He after- 
 wards attended a school of navigation for one year and then spent six months 
 studying this science under private tutors. He was afterwards a teacher of navi- 
 gation, but at the end of one year again went to sea, shipping as mate and con- 
 tinuing thus for six months, when he was promoted to the rank of captain. He 
 followed the sea thereafter until 1888, but in that year abandoned that line of 
 occupation and moved to Eau Claire, this state, where he secured a position in 
 a sawmill. At the end of three years he began taking contracts for piling lumber 
 and continued this in Stanley for sixteen years. In 1900 he purchased eighty 
 acres of fine farming land on section 24, township 29, range 5 west, and upon 
 that property he took up his residence in 1906. 
 
 He has been very successful in its cultivation and has made many substantial 
 improvements upon it, erecting modern buildings and installing labor-saving 
 machinery. He specializes in dairying and is also interested in stock-raising, keep- 
 
264 
 
 PAST AND PRESENT OF CHIPPEWA COUNTY 
 
 ing twenty-five head of cattle and six horses. He is a member of the Guernsey Cat- 
 tle Breeders Association, and he keeps abreast of the most advanced thought along 
 this line. Mr. Haugen is also well known in Stanley as the organizer of the Otter 
 Creek Ice Company. He founded this in 1907 and it has grown since that time 
 to be one of the representative business concerns of that locality, the plant having 
 a capacity of four thousand tons. In addition to this Mr. Haugen is a stock- 
 holder in the Stanley Dairy and Warehouse Company and in the American and 
 Norwegian Steamship Line and is known throughout his section of the county 
 as a farsighted, discriminating and able business man. 
 
 Mr. Haugen has been married three times. He wedded first in Norway in 
 1882, Miss Marion Evenson, by whom he had five children, three of whom are 
 still living. His first wife passed away in 1899 and in 1903 he wedded in Chip- 
 pewa Falls, Miss Oline Hansen. She died in 1910, leaving three children. In 
 Chippewa Falls in 1911 Mr. Haugen was again married, his third union being 
 with Mrs. Marie Stone of that city. 
 
 Mr. Haugen gives his political support to the republican party and has been 
 a member of the school board almost continuously since taking up his residence 
 in this county. His religious views are in accord with the doctrines of the United 
 Lutheran church, of which he is a deacon. He stands high in both a business 
 and a social sense and well deserves mention among the representative citizens 
 of Chippewa county. 
 
 ANDREW HALVERSON. 
 
 Sampson township numbers among its most representative and substantial 
 farmers Andrew Halverson, who owns and operates a fine property of eighty 
 acres whereon he engages in general farming and dairying. He was born in 
 Wisconsin in 1861 and is a son of Halvar Thompson, a native of Norway who 
 came to the United States soon after his marriage and located in Wisconsin, set- 
 tling first in Dane county, whence he moved to McCloud county, Minnesota, 
 where he lived three years, after which he moved to Wisconsin again, settling in 
 Jackson county/where he resided till his death. He married Miss Torborg and 
 they became the parents of seven children, of whom two are deceased. Of the 
 five who are living, three live in Chippewa county: Hans and Andrew, near New 
 Auburn; and J. B. at Stanley. Thomas and Isabella reside on the homestead in 
 Jackson county. 
 
 In the acquirement of an education Andrew Halverson attended the public 
 schools of Jackson county and business college at Valparaiso, Indiana, and after 
 laying aside his books worked at carpentering in various localities in the northern 
 states for eleven years. At the end of that time he settled in Chippewa county 
 and purchased a farm near New Auburn, this tract comprising one hundred and 
 sixty acres. He afterwards sold this and purchased the eighty acres which he 
 still owns. He carries on general farming and dairying and is meeting with 
 substantial success. He makes his home with his brother Hans, a well known 
 farmer of Sampson township, where he owns what is considered the best improved 
 property in the section. 
 
PAST AND PRESENT OF CHIPPEWA COUNTY 
 
 265 
 
 Andrew Halverson is unmarried. Hans wedded Miss Lena Ekern. All are 
 well and favorably known in this part of Chippewa county and are devout mem- 
 bers of the Norwegian Lutheran church. The subject of this review votes inde- 
 pendently, supporting men and measures without regard to party lines. He is 
 at present serving as chairman of his township and is known as a capable public 
 official as well as a progressive and able farmer. 
 
 MRS. ELIZABETH MULLIN. 
 
 Mrs. Elizabeth Mullin, who has lived within the borders of Chippewa county 
 for almost six decades, is the owner of a well improved farm of eighty acres on 
 section 12, Arthur township. It was in 1855 that she came to this county from 
 Milwaukee, Wisconsin, where her birth occurred on the 12th of September, 1838. 
 Her parents, Peter and Catherine (Geib) Snyder, are both deceased and lie buried 
 in Chippewa county. She attended school in Milwaukee until seventeen years of 
 age and subsequently earned her own livelihood until she gave her hand in mar- 
 riage to Harvey Luther, a storekeeper of Chippewa Falls, who passed away in 
 1867. By this union were born two children, namely: Anne, who is the wife of 
 James Mitchell, a logger of Chippewa county; and Emma, the wife of Jonas 
 Duesett, who follows farming in this county. In 1870 Mrs. Luther became the 
 wife of Albert Mullin, owning the farm of eighty acres in Arthur township on 
 which she is now residing and which has remained in her possession since her 
 husband’s death. The improvements on the property include a commodious and 
 substantial residence as well as barns and outbuildings and, carefully conducting 
 her farming interests, Mrs. Mullin enjoys a gratifying annual income. She is 
 a devoted member of the Lutheran church and exemplifies its teachings in her 
 daily life. She has won many friends in this county during the long period of her 
 residence here and is largely familiar with its history from pioneer times down 
 to the present. 
 
 IMBERT ROE. 
 
 Imbert Roe occupies an important position in financial circles of Stanley as 
 cashier of the Citizens State Bank. He was born in Porters Mills, Eau Claire 
 county, Wisconsin, August 11, 1884, and is a son of Louis I. and Ellen (Haagen- 
 sen) Roe, natives of Norway, the former born August 8, i860. They now 
 reside in Stanley, where the father is well known in business circles as president 
 of the L. I. Roe Company, general merchants. In their family were eleven chil- 
 dren, Imbert, Herman. Bertha, Edwin B., Ludwig I., Norman O., Bernhard O., 
 Edna L., Signe, Borghild and Sigfrid A. 
 
 Imbert Roe acquired his education in the public schools of Stanley and in 
 St. Olaf’s College at Northfield, Minnesota, from which he was graduated in 
 1902. When he returned to Stanley he entered the Citizens State Bank as a 
 clerk and he was advanced to the position of cashier in 1909. He has held this 
 
266 
 
 PAST AND PRESENT OF CHIPPEWA COUNTY 
 
 responsible position since that time and has proved himself a farsighted ana 
 capable financier. He has other important connections, being a stockholder in 
 the Ingram State Bank of Ingram and the Junction City Bank of Junction City, 
 and his ability is recognized and respected in business circles. 
 
 At Ostrander, Minnesota, August 29, 1905, Mr. Roe was united in marriage 
 to Miss Caroline Johnson, a daughter of Knudt and Elsie (Heleckun) Johnson, 
 the former a prosperous farmer of Ostrander, Minnesota. Mr. and Mrs. Roe 
 have two children, Evelyn D. and Nordis I. Mr. Roe is a member of the United 
 Lutheran church and a republican in his political beliefs. Although one of the 
 younger men of Stanley he has already attained gratifying success in his chosen 
 line of work and his ability and enterprise will undoubtedly carry him forward 
 into still more important business relations. 
 
 LUDGER VAUDREUIL. 
 
 Prominent among the energetic, capable and far-seeing business men of Chip- 
 pewa Falls, is Ludger Vaudreuil, president of the Vaudreuil Lumber Com- 
 pany. Realizing at the outset of his career that there is no royal road to wealth, 
 he cultivated the qualities of determination, persistency and energy until suc- 
 cess in large measure has rewarded his efforts. He has been a resident of Chip- 
 pewa county since 1870 and through the intervening years has made continuous 
 progress until his position in business circles of Chippewa Falls is an enviable 
 one. He was only four years of age when brought to Wisconsin, his birth hav- 
 ing occurred in Montreal, Canada, on the 2d of May, 1866. He is a son of God- 
 frey and Solime (Dussault) Vaudreuil, the former a lumberman and one of the 
 early settlers of Chippewa county. After many years’ residence here he passed 
 away in 1894, and was laid to rest in Forest Hill cemetery. His wife is still a 
 resident of Chippewa Falls and has reached the age of seventy-eight. The fam- 
 ily is of French lineage. The sterling worth and capability of Godfrey Vau- 
 dreuil made him widely and favorably known and he was classed with the most 
 highly respected residents of his city. 
 
 Brought to Chippewa Falls at the early age of four years, Ludger Vaudreuil 
 entered the public schools here and pursued his education to the age of eleven 
 years, when he started out in life on his own account. He may truly be called a 
 self-made man, for since that time he has been dependent upon his own resources. 
 ,In the school of experience he has learned many valuable lessons and he has 
 made each one count for the utmost in a successful career. He was employed 
 in various positions in connection with lumber manufacturing and through much 
 of his life was connected with the Chippewa Lumber & Boom Company. His first 
 service was in the sawmills but later he went into the woods, where he worked 
 until twenty-one years of age, when he became shipping clerk in 'the yard. 
 When he was twenty-four years of age he was promoted to the position of super- 
 intendent of the shipping department and thus continued until the business was 
 closed out in March, 1912. At that time he purchased the retail department of 
 the Chippewa Lumber & Boom Company and his business has grown steadily 
 month by month. Already his patronage has reached extensive proportions and 
 
LUDGER VAUDEEUIL 
 

 
PAST AND PRESENT OF CHIPPEWA COUNTY 
 
 269 
 
 his long connection with the lumber business makes him thoroughly qualified to 
 conduct an individual undertaking of that character. 
 
 In Chippewa Falls, on the 22d of November, 1893, Mr. Vaudreuil was mar- 
 ried to Miss Lenora Blair, a daughter of Louis and Mary Blair, of Tilden town- 
 ship, the former a pioneer farmer of this county. They are now residents of 
 Saskatchewan, Canada. In 1905 Mr. Vaudreuil was called upon to mourn the 
 loss of his wife, who passed away in March of that year and was laid to rest in 
 Forest Hill cemetery. She left five children, beside the husband, to mourn her 
 loss, namely : Annette, a sister of the Notre Dame order ; Wilfred, who is book- 
 keeper for the Vaudreuil Lumber Company ; Irene, a student in the high school ; 
 and Lionel and Ronald, both of whom are attending school. On the 20th of 
 June, 1907, Mr. Vaudreuil was again married, his second union being with Miss 
 Mary Caron, a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Caron, of Fall River, Massa- 
 chusetts. Three daughters have been born of the second marriage, Isabelle, 
 Gladys and Elsmele. 
 
 Mr. Vaudreuil has erected an attractive home at 202 Court street. He is de- 
 voted to the welfare of his family and is interested in various projects having 
 to do with the benefit and upbuilding of the community. He belongs to the 
 Notre Dame Catholic church, of which he has been treasurer for a number of 
 years. He is a member of St. John’s Society and of the Knights of Columbus of 
 which he is a trustee. He is a member of the board of education and has co- 
 operated in many projects that have led to substantial improvements in Chip- 
 pewa Falls. His life has been one of intense activity, intelligently directed, and 
 step by step he has worked his way upward until he occupies a prominent and 
 enviable place in the commercial circles of his city. 
 
 J. WESLEY RAVEN. 
 
 J. Wesley Raven is the owner of Raven’s Roost, a valuable and well managed 
 stock farm of one hundred and sixty acres, lying four miles west of Bloomer, 
 in Cooks Valley. His entire life has been spent upon that property and he has 
 been its owner for the past six years, its excellent condition at the present time 
 being largely due to his well directed efforts in its management. Mr. Raven 
 was born on the place he now owns, within six rods of his present house, August 
 2, 1884, and is a son of John V. Raven, a native of New York state, who came 
 to Wisconsin when he was about twenty years of age. He afterward moved 
 to Chippewa county, where he followed farming until his death, which occurred 
 in 1911, when he was sixty-two years of age. He married, in Wisconsin, Miss 
 Ede Sackett, who died in 1907, leaving three children: William, who makes his 
 home in Colfax ; J. Wesley, of this review ; and Elona. 
 
 J. Wesley Raven acquired his early education in the public schools of Chip- 
 pewa county and afterward took a short course at the Wisconsin State Univer- 
 sity at Madison. After laying aside his books he returned to the homestead and 
 six years ago purchased this property, which he has since operated. He carries 
 on general farming and dairying but is especially interested in stock-raising, con- 
 centrating his attention largely upon that branch of his activities. He raises 
 
270 
 
 PAST AND PRESENT OF CHIPPEWA COUNTY 
 
 pure-bred Holstein and ITolstein-Friesan cattle and has always a large and valuable 
 herd. Since the farm came into his possession he has replaced the old buildings 
 by modern structures, retaining, however, the house, which is a comfortable and 
 commodious residence. 
 
 Mr. Raven married Miss Fannie Harwood, and they are the parents of two 
 children, Robert and Roger, twins, five years of age. Mr. Raven is a member of 
 the Methodist Episcopal church and is independent in his political views, voting 
 for men and measures without regard to party lines. He has rendered the town- 
 ship excellent service as assessor and is public-spirited and progressive in mat- 
 ters of citizenship, taking an intelligent interest in the welfare of his native com- 
 munity. 
 
 EDWARD F. BURNS, D. D. S. 
 
 Edward F. Burns, who for a number of years practiced dentistry in Stanley 
 and who is now connected with important business interests of the city as secre- ' 
 tary and treasurer of the Stanley Produce Company, was horn in Portage county, 
 Wisconsin, April 20, 1871. He is a son of Nicholas and Mary (O'Connor) Burns, 
 natives of Ireland, the former horn in 1824 and the latter in 1830. Their marriage 
 occurred in Wilmington, Delaware, whither the father came in i860, and eight 
 years afterwards they moved to Wisconsin. In this state Nicholas Burns engaged 
 in farming until his death which occurred in 1905. His wife passed away in 
 1910. In their family were eight children. James died in infancy. John is a 
 farmer on the old homestead in Portage county. He married Mary Dorshiet 
 and they have four children. Mary is the third child in this family. Michael 
 and Margaret died in infancy. Nicholas is engaged in farming at Portage. He 
 married Miss Hannah Tobin and they have become the parents of five children. 
 Anna became the wife of J. E. Phillips, county superintendent of schools of 
 Taylor county. They have eight children. Edward is the subject of this review. 
 
 Edward F. Burns acquired his early education in the district schools of Portage 
 county and later attended the University of Notre Dame, South Bend, Indiana. 
 He took a course in the Oshkosh Normal School and afterward entered North- 
 western University at Evanston, Illinois, where he studied dentistry, receiving 
 his degree of D. D. S. in 1897. On the 22d of February in the following year 
 he opened an office in Stanley and continued in active practice of his profession 
 until August, 1910, securing in the meantime a large and representative patronage. 
 He eventually abandoned dentistry and turned his attention to business pursuits, 
 purchasing the warehouse and stock of the W. W. Crane Sons Company and 
 incorporating the Stanley Produce Company of which he has since been secretary 
 and treasurer, with Mr. J. F. Wallace, president. Dr. Burns has proved a reliable, 
 enterprising and aggressive business man and because of his ability he occupies 
 an important place in the business world of Stanley. He is secretary and manager 
 of the Stanley Cdnseng Company which he aided in organizing and was one of 
 the organizers and stockholders as well as vice president of the Citizens State 
 Bank of Stanley, which position he held until March, 1910, when he sold his 
 financial interests in order to enter mercantile life. He was also one of the organ- 
 
PAST AND PRESENT OP CHIPPEWA COUNTY 
 
 271 
 
 izers of the State Bank of Boyd, Wisconsin, and served as a director for the first 
 two years of its history. He attained a position of prominence in his profession 
 and was known as the first dentist to establish an office on the Wisconsin Central 
 Railroad between Chippewa Falls and Marshfield. 
 
 In Chicago, Illinois, on the 15th of November, 1898, Dr. Burns was united 
 in marriage to Miss Estella M. Judd, a daughter of Whitney and Martha (Hay- 
 wood) Judd, the former of whom engaged in the livery business for many years. 
 He now makes his home in Stanley at the age of eighty-three, having survived 
 his wife since 1900. Mrs. Burns passed away in 1912, leaving three children: 
 Judd, Donald and Robert. 
 
 Dr. Burns is president of the Wisconsin Ginseng Growers’ Association and 
 he is connected fraternally with the Order of Beavers and the Modern Woodmen 
 of America. He is an independent republican in his political beliefs and is a 
 devout member of the Christian Scientist church. Although he has been active 
 in business affairs for only three years he has already formed important and 
 permanent connections and has attained for himself a high place among the repre- 
 sentative and substantial men of the city. 
 
 WILBUR H. BRIDGMAN. 
 
 Wilbur H. Bridgman, editor of the Stanley Republican and postmaster of 
 the city for the past fifteen years, was born on a farm in Wiota, Lafayette county, 
 Wisconsin, November 27, 1866. His paternal ancestry is easily traced in the 
 history of this country from pre-revolutionary times, the progenitor of all of 
 the Bridgmans having emigrated from England in the seventeenth century and set- 
 tled in New England. The father of the subject of this review came from Ohio to 
 Wisconsin and his mother, Ellen Ann Williams, was born in New York state. 
 
 Wilbur H. Bridgman acquired his early education in the common schools 
 and supplemented it with courses in the Darlington high school, the Oshkosh 
 Normal School and Hillsdale College, Hillsdale, Michigan. He followed the 
 vocation of teaching for several years and in 1894 was elected county superin- 
 tendent of schools of Iron county, Wisconsin, winning reelection in 1896, In 
 1894 he established and began the publication of the Iron County Republican 
 at Hurley and two years later established the Stanley Republican at Stanley. This 
 he subsequently merged with the associated printing business into the Inter-County 
 Publishing Company in which he remains a controlling factor. He has been suc- 
 cessful in newspaper work and finds it congenial. He was elected president of 
 the Wisconsin Press Association in 1910 and reelected in 1911. Because of 
 the distinction enjoyed by this association as being the oldest organization of 
 the kind in the world and because of the fact that some of the most distinguished 
 men the state has produced are numbered in the long line of its presidents, Mr. 
 Bridgman believes that his choice for this position by his fellow editors is the 
 greatest honor that has ever been conferred upon him. He was appointed post- 
 master at Stanley by President McKinley on April 1, 1898, reappointed by Presi- 
 dents McKinley, Roosevelt and Taft, having now held this responsible position 
 for fifteen years and a half. Mr. Bridgman was one of the organizers of the 
 
272 
 
 PAST AND PRESENT OF CHIPPEWA COUNTY 
 
 t ltizens State Bank, Stanley s first banking institution, and has been continuously 
 on its board of directors and is at present its vice president. 
 
 On the ist of February, 1899, Mr. Bridgman married Miss Carolyn Fawcett 
 of Minneapolis and two sons and a daughter have been born to them. Mr. Bridgman 
 is a member of Stanley Lodge, No. 273, A. F. & A. M. ; Wisconsin Chapter 
 R. A. M.; and Tancred Commandery, K. T., of Chippewa Falls. He is also a 
 member of the Order of the Eastern Star and of the Modern Woodmen of 
 America. Mr. Bridgman is well known in Stanley as a capable public official, a 
 progressive citizen and a farsighted and reliable business man. 
 
 WALTER M. MILLER. 
 
 As secretary and treasurer of the Miller-Myers Implement Company Walter 
 M. Miller occupies an important position in commercial circles in Stanley. Since 
 1902 he has been engaged in that line of business and since 1906 has held his 
 present position with the Miller-Myers Implement Company, which was incor- 
 porated in that year with a capital stock of twenty-five thousand dollars. Mr. 
 Miller also has other important interests and has creditably discharged his public 
 duties as city clerk for a number of years. He is also interested in Indian lore 
 and Indian relics and has one of the finest collections of Indian trophies and 
 mementos in this part of Wisconsin. He was born in Dunn county, this state, 
 November 19, 1881, and is a son of Frank O. and Mathilda (Machmiller) Miller, 
 natives of Dodge county, the former born March 21, 1858, and the latter in 1857. 
 The father is one of the foremost citizens of Stanley and president of the Miller- 
 Myers Implement Company, having been largely instrumental in founding this 
 important business and contributing to its growth. He and his wife are the par- 
 ents of two children : Ella, who married Arthur A. Myers, vice president of the 
 Miller-Myers Implement Company, by whom she has three children, Zeona, Loma 
 and La Moine ; and Walter M., of this review. 
 
 Lfp to the age of thirteen years Walter M. Miller attended district school and 
 then for two years pursued his studies in the Eau Galle school. He subsequently 
 taught school during the winter months and in summer engaged in farming, con- 
 tinuing so for three years. At the end of that period he was engaged iff the imple- 
 ment business with his father for one year and then, recognizing the importance 
 of a thorough business training, took a course at Toland’s Business College at 
 Eau Claire, Wisconsin. After leaving this school he went to North Dakota, where 
 he remained for three months and then came to Stanley, where in 1902 he became 
 connected with the implement business. The Miller-Myers Implement Company 
 was incorporated in 1906 and he has served as its secretary and treasurer ever 
 since, contributing largely toward the growth of the business. The president is 
 Frank O. Miller, father of our subject, and A. A. Myers is vice president. The 
 capital stock is twenty-five thousand dollars. Mr. Miller of this review has exhib- 
 ited rare business ability and executive force in his connection with the company 
 and the present prosperous condition of the business is in a large measure due 
 to him. 
 
PAST AND PRESENT OF CHIPPEWA COUNTY 
 
 273 
 
 On October 26, 1904, at Elmwood, Wisconsin, Mr. Miller was united in mar- 
 riage to Miss Bessie Kelly, a daughter of Thomas P and Frances (Webb) Kelly, 
 of Spring Lake township, Pierce county, this state. Mr. Kelly is a sawmill owner 
 and prominent in his section. Mr. and Mrs. Miller have one son, Donald. 
 
 In his political affiliations Mr. Miller is a progressive republican, deeply inter- 
 ested in his party and always upholding its candidates at the polls. Fraternally 
 he is a Mason, a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and the 
 Modern Woodman of America. For three terms he has successfully discharged 
 the duties of city clerk of Stanley. He is a stockholder in the Farmers and Mer- 
 chants Bank. His religious faith is that of the Lutheran church, in the work of 
 which he takes a laudable interest. Mr. Miller finds recreation and great pleasure 
 in collecting Indian relics and now owns about three thousand pieces, one of 
 the finest collections in this part of the state. He owns his own residence and 
 there he and his wife often entertain, both being prominent and popular in the 
 best circles of society. Mr. Miller is recognized as one of the most progressive 
 business men of the city and is highly respected wherever known. Successful in 
 business, he ever exhibits those qualities which make for good citizenship and 
 is recognized as a forceful and influential factor in the community. 
 
 FRANK O. MILLER. 
 
 Frank O. Miller, prominently connected with business interests of Stanley as 
 president of the Miller-Myers Implement Company, a large concern which he 
 aided in organizing, was born in Dodge county, this state, March 21, 1858. He 
 is a son of William Miller, whose birth occurred in Germany in 1817 and who 
 came to Wisconsin when he was a young man, settling in Dodge county, where 
 he engaged in farming. His first wife died here six years later. They were 
 the parents of four children : William, who has passed away ; Louis ; Louisa ; 
 and Augusta, also deceased. William Miller afterward married Miss Henrietta 
 Melcher, of Dodge county, and they became the parents of eight children : Henry, 
 who resides in Dunn county; Frank O., of this review; Herman, of Cottage 
 Grove, Oregon; Otto, of Tomahawk Junction, Wisconsin; Julius, a resident of 
 Eugene, Oregon ; Fred, who lives in Red Wing, Minnesota ; and two who died 
 in infancy. 
 
 Frank O. Miller acquired his education in the Dodge county district schools, 
 laying aside his books at the age of fourteen. He afterward remained upon his 
 father’s farm until he was twenty years of age and then purchased a tract of 
 wild land in Dunn county. This he cleared of a heavy growth of timber and 
 upon it built a log cabin, in which he lived for eighteen years and in which all 
 of his children were born. Eventually he sold this property and moved upon 
 his brother’s farm in Weston township, Dunn county, where he remained for 
 three years. In 1900 he removed to Stanley and here opened a farm implement 
 store which he conducted alone until 1906, when the Miller-Myers Implement 
 Company was incorporated with the following officers: Frank O. Miller, presi- 
 dent; Arthur A. Myers, vice president; and Walter M. Miller, secretary and 
 treasurer. The capital stock is now twenty-five thousand dollars and the busi- 
 
274 
 
 PAST AND PRESENT OF CHIPPEWA COUNTY 
 
 ness controlled by the company is constantly increasing in volume and impor- 
 tance. Much of the credit for this growth is due to the energetic and well directed 
 work of Frank O. Miller, who gives a great deal of his time to the affairs of 
 the concern and who has directed its policy along modern and progressive lines. 
 
 In Woodland township, Dodge county, on the 20th of November, 1879, Mr. 
 Miller married Miss Mathilda Machmiller, a daughter of Charles and Johannah 
 (Beecher) Machmiller, the former a brickmaker and mason by trade and also the 
 proprietor of a store and hotel in Dodge county. Mr. and Mrs. Miller have 
 become the parents of two children. Ella married Arthur A. Myers, vice presi- 
 dent of the Miller-Myers Implement Company, and they have three children, 
 Zeona, Loma and Ea Moine. Walter is secretary and treasurer of the Miller- 
 Myers Implement Company. He married Miss Bessie Kelly and they have become 
 the parents of a son, Donald. 
 
 Mr. Miller is a member of the Lutheran church and is connected with the 
 Modern Woodmen of America and the Equitable Fraternal Union. He is a 
 progressive republican in his political beliefs and served for three terms as a 
 member of the town council and for ten years on the water commission at Stanley. 
 His cooperation <'an always be counted upon in the promotion of progressive 
 public projects and everything pertaining to the welfare and advancement of the 
 community receives his endorsement and hearty support. He is known as a 
 progressive and public-spirited citizen and holds the esteem and high regard of all 
 who are associated with him. 
 
 THOMAS EMMERTON. 
 
 Thomas Emmerton was the fifth settler in the part of Chippewa county which 
 is now Auburn township, having located on the farm which he still owns in i860. 
 He has, therefore, witnessed practically the entire development of this region, 
 for at the time of his arrival few settlements had been made within the borders 
 of the county and the land was practically an unbroken wilderness. In the work 
 of development which has been steadily carried forward since that time Mr. 
 Emmerton has borne an active and honorable part, making his own farm a valuable 
 and productive property and cooperating heartily in measures for the community 
 advancement and growth. Today, at the age of seventy-seven, he is one of the 
 most highly respected residents of Auburn township and is ranked with the real 
 upbuilders and promoters of this section of the state. 
 
 Thomas Emmerton was born in Middlesex, England, in 1836, and is a son 
 of John Emmerton, also a native of that country, who emigrated to America at 
 an early date and settled in Huron township, Ontario, Canada, in August, 1848. 
 For a number of years he engaged in railroad contracting, building railroads and 
 bridges in England, and he died in Ontario, Canada, at the age of ninety-three. He 
 and his wife, whose maiden name was Miss Caroline Hibbert, became the parents 
 of eight children, six sons and two daughters. Four still survive. 
 
 Thomas Emmerton acquired his education in the public schools of England 
 and after laying aside his books came to America, settling in Canada, where he 
 arrived in 1848. He remained there until i860 and then came to Wisconsin, 
 
PAST AND PRESENT OF CHIPPEWA COUNTY 
 
 275 
 
 I 
 
 making the journey from Janesville to this locality by wagon. The fifth settler 
 in Auburn township, he located on a farm there and upon this property has since 
 resided continuously, a period of fifty-three years. At the time of his arrival the 
 Indians were very numerous, wild game was plentiful and the entire county prac- 
 tically a wilderness. With characteristic energy Mr. Emmerton set himself to 
 improve his farm, erecting excellent buildings, and the years have brought him 
 constantly increasing success so that he is today in possession of a fine property 
 of four hundred acres, the excellent condition of which represents the results of 
 a long, honorable and useful career. 
 
 Mr. Emmerton married Miss Sarah Roberts, of Yorkshire, England, and 
 they became the parents of nine children; Alfred, of Butte, Montana; Charles, 
 who resides one and a half miles from his father’s farm; William, who is aiding 
 in the operation of the homestead; Ernest, deceased; Caroline, at home; Robert, 
 who has passed away; Helen, who lives in Chippewa Falls; George, a resident 
 of Colfax ; and Rose, also deceased. 
 
 Mr. Emmerton is a member of the Episcopal church and in politics votes inde- 
 pendently, being influenced by men and measures rather than by party lines. He 
 has held various local offices and since pioneer times has been interested in 
 business affairs, cooperating heartily in all measures to promote general advance- 
 ment and growth, and especially the welfare of the farming class. He was 
 elected first state president of the American Society of Equity of the state of 
 Wisconsin. Living in Chippewa county for fifty-three years, during all of which 
 time he has resided upon his present farm, he is one of the best known citizens 
 of this locality, being widely recognized as a man of tried integrity and worth, 
 of business enterprise and unfaltering diligence. 
 
 ERICK E. BRANDMO. 
 
 Since 1906 Erick E. Brandmo has conducted a photographic gallery in Stanley 
 and has built up a business of gratifying proportions. Not only is he thoroughly 
 acquainted with the technical aspects of photography but he also has a keen 
 artistic perception which makes his pictures true to life and always guides him 
 in bringing out the most advantageous yet unstudied pose and the most desir- 
 able effect. He is yet a young man, having been born September 26, 1884, in 
 Norway, in which country he remained until he was about nineteen years of 
 age. He is a son of Thorstein and Matlvia (Erickson) Brandmo, natives of Nor- 
 way, the former born in 1840 and the latter in 1858. The father followed the 
 same business in which his son is now engaged and upon coming to America 
 the parents settled in Stanley, Wisconsin, where the father died in 1912. The 
 mother survives and makes her home in that city. Of their family of eight chil- 
 dren five are yet living, Ellis, Erick, Peter R., Trygve and Margaret. 
 
 Erick E. Brandmo received his education in the schools of Norway until six- 
 teen years of age, and in 1904 came to America. He has ever since been con- 
 nected with the photographic art and during his first years in this country was 
 engaged in business for two years in Minnesota. In 1906 he came to Stanley, 
 buying a gallery, and has ever since been very successful here, numbering among 
 
276 
 
 PAST AND PRESENT OF CHIPPEWA COUNTY 
 
 his customers the most representative people of the section. His studio is excel- 
 lently appointed and equipped with all the necessities to insure satisfactory effects 
 in his pictures. He uses very powerful and high-grade cameras and his pic- 
 tures are not only perfect from a mechanical point of view but show an artistic 
 sense for proper proportion and effective arrangement which is highly satis- 
 factory. It is but natural therefore that Mr. Brandmo enjoys a profitable patron- 
 age which is fast increasing. 
 
 Mr. Brandmo owns a residence and lot in Stanley, in the growth of which 
 city he is much interested. He is a member of the Sons of Norway and his 
 religious views are those of the United Lutheran church. A progressive young 
 man, he has ambitiously set out to make his way in the world and, choosing the 
 profession most suitable to his tastes and abilities, is on the highroad to pros- 
 perity. 
 
 HUGH J. CALDER. 
 
 Hugh J. Calder owns and operates a farm of two hundred acres on sec- 
 tion 8, Lafayette township. His residence in Chippewa county covers a period 
 of forty-two years, as he arrived here in 1871. He was born at Lancaster, 
 Grant county, Wisconsin, February 12, 1855, and is a son of Alexander and 
 Jane (Johnson) Calder. The father was a lumberman in the employ of the 
 Union Lumber Company and later he was with the Chippewa Lumber & Boom 
 Company for thirteen years. Subsequently he retired from active business life and 
 made his home with his son, Hugh J., passing away in 1896 at the venerable age 
 of eighty years. His remains lie buried in the Forest Hill cemetery. His wife 
 had long preceded him to the home beyond, her death occurring in 1862, her 
 grave being in Lancaster, Grant county, Wisconsin. 
 
 Hugh J. Calder acquired his education in Chippewa Falls and left the high 
 school at the age of twenty-one years. He afterward worked as a scaler for 
 A,. K. Shaw but later took up a homestead of eighty acres and in connection 
 with his work in the lumber woods improved his farm. For several years he 
 carried on general agricultural pursuits on that land and the careful methods 
 which he employed in developing his land enabled him to win success. As his 
 financial resources increased he added to his property until he became the owner 
 of his present valuable farm of two hundred acres on section 8, Lafayette town- 
 ship. For some time he kept large flocks of sheep, but on account of the depre- 
 dations made upon the fold by the wolves, he had to give up that industry and 
 he now specializes in dairying, keeping fourteen milch cows for that purpose. 
 He also has considerable other stock, all high grade, and his farm is splendidly 
 equipped with all that goes to make up a model farm of the twentieth century. 
 In addition to his agricultural interests he owns stock in the Melville Settle- 
 ment Telephone Company, being one of its first subscribers. 
 
 In Chippewa Falls, on the 16th of November, 1903, Mr. Calder was mar- 
 ried to Miss Johanna Hall, a daughter of James and Eliza (Connell) Hall, 
 of Eau Claire, both of whom were born near Dublin, Ireland. They were mar- 
 ried in that country and came to America about 1863. The mother died on Febru- 
 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
MR. AND MRS. ALEXANDER CALDER 
 
PIONEER HOME OF HUGH .1. CARDER 
 
 INTERIOR OF HUGH J. CARDER PIONEER HOME 
 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 •*,, >■ 
 
 
PAST AND PRESENT OF CHIPPEWA COUNTY 
 
 281 
 
 ary 16, 1893, but the father is still living at the age of eighty-six years and makes 
 his home with his daughter, Mrs. Richard Johnson, in Eau Claire. Mrs. Calder 
 was formerly a school teacher and later a bookkeeper and stenographer, being 
 thus engaged prior to her marriage. Two children have been born of this union, 
 Hugh and Elizabeth J. 
 
 In politics Mr. Calder is a republican, stalwart in support of the party and 
 its principles. The cause of education finds in him a warm friend and for twenty- 
 one years he has served as a member of the school board, during which time 
 he has done effective work in behalf of public instruction. He was formerly 
 identified with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and he is still a member 
 of the Presbyterian church. Forty-two years have come and gone since he ar- 
 rived in this county, which was then largely a wilderness. He cleared his land 
 during the first two years of his occupancy of the farm with a yoke of oxen. 
 He knows what it is to work hard, but through perseverance and diligence he 
 has overcome many obstacles and difficulties and his success is evidenced in 
 the fact that he is today the owner of a large, well improved farm with a fine 
 modern residence and all other necessary buildings. His success may be at- 
 tributed to earnest, indefatigable effort and honesty and his popularity to his 
 upright character. 
 
 DAVID J. KEAN. 
 
 David J. Kean, a prominent hardware merchant of Stanley, was born in 
 Campbellton, New Brunswick, March 1, 1859, and is a son of John and Susan 
 (West) Kean, also natives of Canada. The father followed farming during 
 all of his active life, dying in 1895. His wife survives him and makes her home 
 in Canada at the age of eighty-two. To their union were born eight children : 
 James, John, David J., Margaret, Caroline, Katie, Edward and May. 
 
 David J. Kean acquired his education in the public schools of Canada which 
 he attended until he was eighteen years of age. He began his independent career 
 as a member of the construction crew of the Canadian Pacific Railway, and this 
 position he held for six months. Afterward he spent a similar period of time 
 in the lumber woods around Duluth, Minnesota, and he went from that city to 
 Eau Claire, Wisconsin, where he secured a position in the machine shop. At the 
 end of five years he went to Ashland, this state, and worked for some time as 
 an engineer and machinist, making during this time, the first steam engine ever 
 constructed in Chippewa county. This was one and a half horse power and was 
 used for ten years in the operation of the Cadott Blade, a weekly newspaper. 
 During the period of his residence in Ashland, Mr. Kean also spent one year 
 in the sawmill and when he resigned this position, returned to Canada, where 
 he worked in a machine shop. He afterward held a similar position for one year 
 in Eau Claire and in Cadott spent eight years as machinist and engineer for the 
 spoke and hub company. Eventually he purchased one-half interest in the 
 Cadott Stave & Heading Company and was manager of this concern for three 
 years. The enterprise was destroyed by fire at the end of that time, and the 
 company ceased to exist. Mr. Kean moved to Stanley, where he opened a hard- 
 
 Vnl TT — IS 
 
282 
 
 PAST AND PRESENT OF CHIPPEWA COUNTY 
 
 ware store, with which he is now connected. He has been very successful in the 
 conduct of this enterprise, his stock being valued at six thousand dollars and his 
 patronage being drawn not only from the city, but from the surrounding country 
 as well. He is a stockholder in the National Life Insurance Company of Osh- 
 kosh, the Inter-County Fair Association and he owns valuable property, includ- 
 ing a residence and store building in Stanley and forty acres of farming land 
 on section io, Delmar township. 
 
 Mr. Kean married on the 1 8th of October, 1888, Miss Annie Stockle, a daugh- 
 ter of Theodore and Victoria Stockle, the former a well known engineer. Mr. 
 and Mrs. Kean have two children: Winifred, who married Harold E. Grigerson, 
 assistant cashier in the Farmers and Merchants State Bank of Stanley, and Jack, 
 who is associated with his father in the hardware business. 
 
 Mr. Kean is connected fraternally with the Order of Beavers and the Equi- 
 table Farmers Union. Ide gives his political allegiance to the republican party 
 and has held various positions of trust and responsibility, serving for two years 
 as city clerk, for four years as city treasurer and for nine years as a member of 
 the school board. He manifests sterling ability, not only in business connec- 
 tions, but also in all other relations of life and is justly accounted one of the 
 valuable citizens of his community. 
 
 JOHN KNAR. 
 
 John Knar, proprietor of a large wagon-making and blacksmith shop in 
 Stanley, was born in Fond du Lac county, Ashford township, January 2, 1873. 
 He is a son of Wuenzel and Katherine (King) Knar, natives of Bohemia, the 
 former born in 1840 and the latter in 1849. At the age of seventeen the father 
 came to Wisconsin and he followed farming in this state until his death, which 
 occurred in 1901. His wife has also passed away, dying in 1909. To their union 
 were born fifteen children, Jacob, Peter, Joseph, John, Mary, Anna, Theresa, 
 William, Sophia, Johanna, Frances, Irma L., and three who died in infancy. 
 
 John Knar acquired his education in the district schools of his native town- 
 ship, attending until he was twelve years of age. He then began working in a 
 blacksmith shop and he learned the trade thoroughly. After seven years he 
 opened a shop of his own in Stanley, where he has since been in business. In 
 1894 he replaced his original premises by a modern shop thoroughly equipped 
 for the handling of a large trade. His stock and shop are valued at thirty-five 
 hundred dollars and his success in the management of his business places him 
 among the substantial and representative men of the community. 
 
 In Edson township, this county, on the 1 8th of February, 1896, Mr. Knar 
 married Miss Maggie Pinter, a daughter of Peter Pinter and a granddaughter of 
 one of the first settlers in Edson township. Mr. and Mrs. Knar have six chil- 
 dren, Irma AT, Cecilia, Margaret, Catherine, Marie and John L., all of whom 
 reside at home. 
 
 Mr. Knar is a member of the Roman Catholic church and is connected fra- 
 ternally with the Mystic Workers and the Owls. He is a democrat in his polit- 
 ical beliefs and served for two terms as deputy sheriff and for one term as 
 
PAST AND PRESENT OF CHIPPEWA COUNTY 
 
 283 
 
 alderman from the fourth ward. He has never neglected any of the duties of 
 citizenship but his attention is chiefly concentrated upon his business affairs, in 
 which he has met with enviable and well deserved success. 
 
 A. N. AMBLE. 
 
 A. N. Amble,, carrying on general farming and dairying upon a quarter sec- 
 tion of land eight miles southwest of Bloomer, was born in Auburn township 
 two miles from his present property in 1870, a son of Nels Olson, a native of 
 Norway. The father came to America in 1861 and settled in Chippewa county 
 where he engaged in farming until his death, which occurred when he was sev- 
 enty-two years of age. He married in Norway, Miss Carine Gunderud and they 
 became the parents of ten children, six of whom survive. 
 
 A. N. Amble was reared upon his father’s farm in Auburn township and 
 acquired his education in the public schools. After laying aside his books he 
 purchased a quarter section of land eight miles from Bloomer and upon this 
 property has since resided, engaged in general farming and dairying. He has 
 made extensive improvements upon the place, erecting new buildings and add- 
 ing to its equipment, and he is now in possession of one of the finest farms in his 
 section of the county. 
 
 Mr. Amble married Miss Anna Rice and they are the parents of four chil- 
 dren: Norman, George, Hilmer and Wilhelm. Mr. Amble is a devout member 
 of the Norwegian Lutheran church which his father assisted in organizing in 
 1863, and he is a republican in his political beliefs. He is known as a public- 
 spirited citizen as well as a progressive farmer and enjoys a high standing in his 
 native township. 
 
 OLE T. HOFF. 
 
 Since 1891 Ole T. Hoff of Stanley has been connected with the Northwestern 
 Lumber Company and he has advanced rapidly through various positions until 
 he is today in charge of the retail lumber department. He was born in Norway, 
 March 9, 1863, a son of Thomas T. and Gertrude (Hugdahl) Hoff, also natives 
 of that country, both born in 1831. The mother died in 1910 and is survived by 
 her husband, who makes his home in Eau Claire, Wisconsin. In their family 
 were six children, Thomas, Ole T., Ida, William, Julia and Oscar. 
 
 Ole T. Hoff attended public school in Norway until he was fifteen years of 
 age and then worked upon a farm and in a livery stable until he was eighteen. 
 He came to America in 1881 and settled in Menomonie, Wisconsin. His par- 
 ents came to this country in 1883 and settled in Eau Claire, Wisconsin. He after- 
 ward moved to Dowsville, where he worked for one year in a sawmill, later going 
 to Eau Claire and continuing in the lumber business there until 1887. He 
 worked at various occupations until 1891 and in that year became connected with 
 the Northwestern Lumber Company as a grader. He has since advanced through 
 
284 
 
 PAST AND PRESENT OF CHIPPEWA COUNTY 
 
 various positions and is today manager of the retail lumber department. He has 
 been very successful in this difficult and responsible position and is accounted 
 one of the most reliable and trustworthy of the company’s representatives. 
 
 On the 13th of April, 1889, Mr. Hoff married Miss Inga Eggen, a daughter 
 of Mr. and Mrs. Ole Eggen, natives of Norway. Mr. and Mrs. Hoff have rive 
 children, Thomas G., Olga, Selma, Oscar and Lawrence. Mr. Hoff is connected 
 fraternally with the Modern Woodmen of America, is a republican in his polit- 
 ical beliefs and a member of the United Lutheran church. His life has been 
 one of well directed activity and intelligent effort, resulting in the attainment 
 of a fair measure of success, and wherever he is known he is honored and 
 respected by reason of his genuine personal worth. 
 
 CONRAD GEHRING. 
 
 Farming interests of Auburn township find a worthy and progressive repre- 
 sentative in Conrad Gehring, who since 1864 has resided in Chippewa countv 
 and who has spent his entire active life upon his present farm. He was born in 
 Germany in 1852 and came to the United States in 1864, acquiring his education 
 in the public schools of Chippewa county, where his parents settled. After lay- 
 ing aside his books he purchased one hundred and sixty acres in Auburn town- 
 ship, six miles west of Pdoomer, and upon this property he has since resided, 
 the years bringing him steadily increasing success and prominence. He cleared the 
 entire tract and erected all of the buildings and the farm today represents the 
 result of many years of well directed energy and constant labor. 
 
 In 1879 Mr. Gehring married Miss Annie Fehr, and they have ten children, 
 Annie, Gus, Fred, Lizzie, Joseph, David, Mary, Bertha, Henry and Carl. Mr. 
 Gehring is a member of the German Lutheran church and a republican in his 
 political beliefs. He has for twenty-five years been a member of the school 
 board and is now serving as clerk of that body. He enjoys the respect of all with 
 whom business, social or official relations have brought him into contact and he 
 takes just pride in what has been accomplished in Chippewa county, while at 
 all times he has borne his full share in the work of general improvement. 
 
 MATHEW GRUBER. 
 
 Mathew Gruber, a popular and valued citizen of Stanley, was born in Ger- 
 many, February 5, 1874. He is a son of Mathew and Josephine (Hulstead) 
 Gruber, also natives of Germany, the former born in 1843 and the latter in 1848. 
 They came to Wisconsin in 1885 and here the father engaged in farming until 
 his death, which occurred in 1905. His wife survives him and makes her home 
 at Stanley. To their union were born eighteen children, eleven of whom are 
 still living: Lena, May, Antone, John, Mathew, Josephine, Annie, Frank, Theresa, 
 Susie and Hanna. 
 
PAST AND PRESENT OF CHIPPEWA COUNTY 
 
 285 
 
 Mathew Gruber attended public school in Germany until he was eleven years 
 of age and then came to America, settling in Wisconsin in 1885. He pursued 
 his education in this state for one year thereafter and then began working on a 
 railroad and in the lumber woods. He was foreman of a section gang for seven 
 years, resigning this position in 1900, when he opened a saloon in Stanley. In 
 1906 he built the opera house in that city and this enterprise he still conducts, 
 being known as a farsighted and capable business man who has met with grati- 
 fying and deserved success. 
 
 At Thorp, on the 13th of November, 1896, Mr. Gruber was united in mar- 
 riage to Miss Theresa Ramer, a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Michael Ramer, the 
 former a well known farmer of that locality. Mr. and Airs. Gruber have become 
 the parents of seven children, Ella, Alichael, Reinhardt, Francesca, Florence, 
 Alfred and Adeline. 
 
 Mr. Gruber is a stockholder in the Farmers & Merchants State Bank of 
 Stanley and has valuable property interests there, owning in addition to the busi- 
 ness above mentioned a valuable tract of land adjoining his theater. He is a 
 member of the Roman Catholic church, is connected with the Catholic Order of 
 Foresters and votes independently, supporting men and measures rather than 
 parties. He has many friends in Stanley and his ability is recognized and re- 
 spected in business circles. 
 
 GEORGE FINSTAD. 
 
 George Finstad, owner of the Prairie View farm in Bloomer township, a fine 
 property of one hundred and twenty acres lying two and a half miles southeast 
 of Bloomer, was born in Norway in 1857. He is a son of Jens E. Finstad, who 
 emigrated to America and settled in Wisconsin, where he passed away when he 
 was past sixty-five years of age. He married in Norway and his wife died when 
 the subject of this review was thirteen years of age. 
 
 At the age of fifteen George Finstad accompanied his father to America, 
 completing an education begun in Norway in the public schools of Eagle Prairie. 
 After laying aside his books he turned his attention to work in the sawmills 
 and was first in the employ of Pete Johnson and later in that of Stanley Brothers 
 for two years. He worked for one summer in the Badger Mills and later in 
 the sawmill in Chippewa Falls. For thirteen summers he continued thus, spend- 
 ing his winters in the pine woods, and at the end of that time he married and 
 began working on his father-in-law’s farm. While thus engaged he purchased 
 his present property in Bloomer township and here he has steadily carried for- 
 ward the work of improvement, fencing the fields and erecting a comfortable resi- 
 dence, barns and outbuildings. He has neglected nothing which would add to 
 the attractiveness of the place and by his careful supervision and practical man- 
 agement has made Prairie View farm one of the valuable properties of this locality. 
 
 Mr. Finstad married Aliss Lena Larson, and they became the parents of four 
 children : Minnie, who has passed away ; Minnie, the second of the name, who 
 
 married Jake Scritsmier and lives in Chicago ; Jalmer ; and Alma. Mr. Finstad 
 is a member, of the Lutheran church and is connected fraternally with the Modern 
 
286 
 
 PAST AND PRESENT OF CHIPPEWA COUNTY 
 
 Woodmen of America. He is a republican in his political beliefs and for the past 
 ten or twelve years has served as school treasurer. He is not only able, indus- 
 trious and enterprising but is also a man of high moral character and is greatly 
 esteemed both as a farmer and a business man in his township. 
 
 ANDREW P. LIEN, D. V. S. 
 
 Although quite a young man Dr. Andrew P. Lien already enjoys an extensive 
 practice as a veterinary surgeon in Stanley, where he located in 1912 after his 
 graduation from the Chicago Veterinary College. He was born at Hanley Falls, 
 Minnesota, January 9, 1888, and is a son of Peter and Giniah (Faldt) Lien, the 
 former born in Norway in 1855 and the latter also a native of that country, born 
 in 1871. The father is a farmer by occupation and at the age of twenty-seven 
 came from his native country to America. He first settled in Minnesota but is 
 now a resident of Stanley. He and his wife became the parents of^ four children : 
 Minnie M., who is employed in a store in Minneapolis, Minnesota; Andrew P., 
 of this review; Mary H., who fills a position as bookkeeper; and Samuel, assist- 
 ant cashier in the Farmers & Merchants Bank of Stanley. 
 
 Andrew P. Lien was educated in the public schools and subsequently attended 
 the Chicago Veterinary College, from which he graduated in 1912. He then 
 opened an office in Stanley and his business has since grown rapidly. He is 
 young, enthusiastic and popular. Religiously lie is connected with the United 
 Lutheran church, fraternally with the Masons and the I. S. W. A., and politi- 
 cally with the republican party. Not only is he a doctor of animals but also a 
 lover of animals, as every man in his position should be. He is particularly 
 fond of horses and can often be seen driving or riding in the neighborhood. Dr. 
 Lien has made an auspicious beginning toward a successful career and it may 
 be safely prophesied that the future will bring him all that he may desire in life. 
 
 W. B. SVETLIK. 
 
 W. B. Svetlik, the efficient and capable manager of the Svetlik Milling Com- 
 pany, of Cadott, was born in Manitowoc county, this state, September 23, 1883. 
 He is a son of Jacob and Anna (Shuber) Svetlik, natives of Bohemia, the former 
 born in 1846 and the latter in 1850. The father was engaged in farming in 
 Manitowoc county, Wisconsin, and Jackson county, Minnesota, for many years 
 and was principal stockholder of a flourmill in Cadott. He retired from active 
 life in 1913. His wife has passed away, her death having occurred in 1907. To 
 their union were born nine children: Joseph, Mary, Frank, Anna, W. B., Fred G., 
 Henry, Rose and Julia. 
 
 W. B. Svetlik acquired his education in the public schools of Jackson, Min- 
 nesota, which he attended until he was eighteen years of age. He afterward 
 worked upon the farm for about two years, but at the end of that time turned 
 his attention to the flour milling business, with which he has been identified for 
 
PAST AND PRESENT OF CHIPPEWA COUNTY 
 
 287 
 
 the past ten years. He is a stockholder, director and manager of the Svetlik 
 Milling Company and under his direction this has become a large and flourishing 
 enterprise and an important addition to the industrial resources of the section. 
 
 Mr. Svetlik is a member of the St. Rose of Lima Roman Catholic church of 
 Cadott and is connected fraternally with the Catholic Order of Foresters. He is 
 independent in his political beliefs and interested in public affairs, although never 
 active as an office seeker. A young man of business ability, enterprise and energy, 
 he has already gained an enviable position in business circles and his continued 
 advancement is assured. 
 
 H. O. RICE. 
 
 Auburn township numbers among its most progressive and successful agri- 
 culturists H. O. Rice, who for the past twenty-six years has lived upon his farm 
 of eighty-eight acres nine miles southwest of Bloomer. He was born in Nor- 
 way on the ist of October, 1855, and is a son of Ole Rice who came to the 
 United States about 1899 and died in Barron county, this state, when he was 
 seventy-six years of age. He married Miss Ella Hanson and they became the 
 parents of five children. 
 
 H. O. Rice was reared in his parents’ home in Norway, and acquired his 
 education in the public schools of that country. After laying aside his books 
 he worked at tailoring until he was twenty-one and then joined the army, remain- 
 ing for two years. At the end of that time he turned his attention to agricul- 
 tural pursuits, working upon a farm in Norway until he came to the United 
 States in 1880. He settled immediately in Chippewa county, and for seven 
 years thereafter worked on farms and in the woods. In 1887 he purchased land 
 of his own, buying the eighty-eight acres in Auburn township whereon he has 
 since resided. During the intervening years he has erected all of the buildings 
 upon the place and made other substantial improvements, his farm being today 
 one of the finest and best equipped in his section of the county. 
 
 Mr. Rice's wife was in her maidenhood Miss Mary Hanson. Mr. Rice gives 
 his political allegiance to the republican party and is a devout member of the 
 Norwegian Lutheran church. Having resided in Auburn township for the past 
 thirty-three years he has become well known there and his genuine personal 
 worth has greatly endeared him to many friends. 
 
 WILLIAM T. HOFF. 
 
 William T. Hoff is manager of the mill room for the Northwestern Lumber 
 Company at Stanley and is well qualified for the responsible duties which devolve 
 upon him in this connection. He is one of the worthy sons that Norway has fur- 
 nished to this county, his birth having occurred in that country on the 6th of 
 March, 1868. His parents were Thomas T. and Gertrude (Hugdahl) Hoff, both 
 natives of Norway and born in the year 1831. The father is now a resident of 
 
288 
 
 PAST AND PRESENT OF CHIPPEWA COUNTY 
 
 Eau Claire, but the mother passed away in 1910. In their family were six chil- 
 dren : Thomas, Ole, Ida, William, Julia and Oscar. 
 
 The public schools of Norway afforded William T. Hoff his educational 
 privileges. He pursued his studies to the age of fifteen years and then came to 
 America in company with his parents, going first to Eau Claire, Wisconsin. 
 He was employed in a planing mill in Eau Claire until 1893 and then entered the 
 service of the Northwestern Lumber Company as assistant foreman. Since 
 1908 he has been foreman of the mill room at Stanley and has made a creditable 
 record in that connection. He has worked his way steadily upward since start- 
 ing out in the business world at the age of fifteen years and is now one of the 
 well known mill men of his section. 
 
 Mr. Hoff was married to Miss Martha L. Larson, a daughter of Lars Solo- 
 mon, a salesman who was murdered by a highwayman while going by boat from 
 one town to another. The mother, who bore the maiden name of Brita Torger- 
 son, has also passed away. The marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Hoff was celebrated 
 at Eau Claire on the 21st of November, 1892, and unto them have been born 
 seven children: Thomas G., Eliza B., Edna L., Guy 1 ., Helen M., Walton M. 
 and Reuben L. The family occupy a pleasant residence which Mr. Hoff owns and 
 which is the visible evidence of his life of well directed energy and thrift. 
 
 Mr. Hoff is a member of the Modern Woodmen camp and also of the 1 . S. 
 W. A. His political support is given to the republican party but he does not 
 seek nor hold office. He belongs to the Lutheran church and at the time of the 
 erection of the house of worship was a member of both the building and finance 
 committees. He is interested in all that pertains to the moral development of 
 the community as well as to its material progress. His life has been a busy, 
 active and useful one and the years have brought him success which is well 
 merited. 
 
 GUSTAVE E. RHEINGANS. 
 
 Gustave E. Rheingans is residing upon a farm of one hundred and sixty acres, 
 situated on the outskirts of Eagleton, and is devoting his time and energies to' 
 the further development and improvement of the land, which is now under a 
 high state of cultivation. He was born upon this place in 1890, and is a son of 
 Jacob Rheingans, a native of Germany, who was brought to the United States 
 when a young lad. In his youth and early manhood he was employed at various 
 places. He was largely reared in Washington county, Wisconsin, and worked 
 on the Chippewa and Mississippi rivers at rafting and at other labor. Later, 
 however, he came to Chippewa county and settled upon the present homestead 
 farm, which he began to develop and improve, his labors bringing about a not- 
 able change in the appearance of the place. He erected a comfortable home and 
 substantial outbuildings and he cleared the entire farm, which was covered with 
 brush and timber when he took possession of it. He was one of the first set- 
 tlers in the section of the county in which the homestead is located and he resided 
 upon his farm there until death called him in 1909- when he was sixty-eight 
 years of age. It was while a resident of Washington county that he was mar- 
 
PAST AND PRESENT OF CHIPPEWA COUNTY 
 
 289 
 
 ried there to Miss Elizabeth Koenig, who still survives and makes her home with 
 her son Gust. They were the parents of ten children, seven sons and three 
 daughters, namely: Valentine, George, John, Henry, Fred, Gustave, Carl, Mrs. 
 Mary Small, Mrs. Bertha Steinmetz and Mrs. Annie Heidke. 
 
 Like most boys, Gustave E. Rheingans attended the public schools in pursuance 
 of his purpose of acquiring an education. After he had mastered the various 
 branches of learning therein taught, he put aside his text-books in order to give 
 his entire attention to farm work. He had early become familiar with the best 
 methods of preparing the soil and caring for the crops and he and his brother 
 Carl now operate the home place, which his mother still owns. The land has 
 been brought to a high state of cultivation and the farm presents a neat and 
 attractive appearance, indicating the enterprising and progressive methods of the 
 brothers who are in charge. 
 
 In politics Gustave E. Rheingans is a republican but the honors and emolu- 
 ments of office have little attraction for him. He holds membership with the 
 A. S. of E. and he also belongs to the German Lutheran church. He has never 
 known any other home than the farm upon which he resides and he is therefore 
 greatly attached to the place through the associations of his boyhood as well as 
 those of later years. 
 
 GEORGE H. CHAPMAN. 
 
 Wisconsin has long been one of the chief centers of the lumber trade of 
 America, and industrial activity in Stanley has to do largely with this branch of 
 business. The North Western Lumber Company is one of the chief industries 
 at that point, and in control of active work there are many men thoroughly 
 acquainted with the lumber business in all of its different phases, and splendidly 
 qualified to engage in the work which claims their attention and energy. Among 
 this number is George H. Chapman, wide-awake, alert and energetic, capably 
 filling his position as general manager for the North Western Lumber Company 
 at Stanley. He was born in Indianapolis, Indiana, January 30, 1867. His father, 
 George H. Chapman, Sr., was a native of the state of New York. He devoted 
 his life to the practice of law and passed away in 1882. In early manhood he 
 married Hannah Gilman, who was born in Ohio in 1846, and. surviving him for 
 three decades, died in 1912. In their family were six children: Pauline, George 
 H., Lawrence G., Morris, Page and Victor. 
 
 The eldest son, George H. Chapman, was educated in a private school of 
 Indianapolis and in the Rose Polytechnic Institute of Terre Haute, from which 
 he was graduated in 1888. For six months he worked for the Jenny Electrical 
 Company and then entered the employ of the North Western Lumber Company, 
 with which he has been connected since 1889. He has held various positions with 
 the corporation, doing both inside and outside work. Step by step he has ad- 
 vanced and thus gradually working his way upward, he has reached a position of 
 prominence and one which indicates his capability and fidelity. He has been gen- 
 eral manager of the Stanley plant since 1903, and thus has control over an impor- 
 tant industry, each part of which he carefully supervises. His long and varied 
 
290 
 
 PAST AND PRESENT OF CHIPPEWA COUNTY 
 
 experience well qualifies him for the undertaking and his position as a business 
 man is an enviable one. Mr. Chapman is now one of the stockholders and the 
 second vice president of the North Western Lumber Company. His keen intellect 
 has been sought in other connections and he is now secretary and one of the stock- 
 holders of the Linderman Box and Veneer Company of Eau Claire and treasurer 
 and stockholder in the Below Lumber Company of Marshfield, Wisconsin. A 
 greater part of his time and attention, however, is devoted to the interests of the 
 North Western Lumber Company and he is a most energetic young man, meet- 
 ing with substantial success, as a result of his intelligently directed labors. 
 
 On the 30th of August, 1898, Mr. Chapman was united in marriage to Miss 
 Harriet S. Hubbard, the wedding being celebrated at Eau Claire and the mar- 
 riage has been blessed with two children, Victor James and Harriet Mary. 
 
 Mr. Chapman holds membership with the Royal Arcanum and the Benevolent 
 and Protective Order of Elks and gives his political support to the republican 
 party. He is a member of the library board of Stanley, and is interested in all 
 that pertains to the welfare and upbuilding of the town. He is actuated in all that 
 he does by a public spirit that is manifest in many tangible ways for the general 
 good and in all of his business affairs he has labored along the lines which pro- 
 mote public prosperity as well as individual success. 
 
 J OMN C H R I S T I A N SON. 
 
 Chippewa county is indebted in large measure to Norway for a goodly per- 
 centage of her enterprising citizens, which number includes John Christianson, who 
 is actively and successfully engaged in farming on a tract of land of two hundred 
 and forty acres in Auburn township, about ten miles northwest of Bloomer. Lie 
 was born in the land of the midnight sun about fifty-eight years ago, his father 
 being Christian Olson, who came to the United States in 1880 and made his way 
 to Chippewa county, where he followed farming. Lie continued his residence in 
 this county throughout his remaining days and reached the venerable age of eighty 
 years, passing away in 1899. He was married twice, but lost his first wife in Nor- 
 way, before his emigration to the new world. 
 
 John Christianson was educated in the schools of Norway and afterward 
 learned the mason's trade, becoming a good workman in that branch of business. 
 Favorable reports reached him concerning the new w'orld and the opportunities 
 there offered in a business way, and at the age of twenty-six he completed his 
 arrangements to come to the United States. Making his way across the Atlantic, 
 he continued his journey overland to Wisconsin. He worked for thirty years in 
 Chippewa county as a stone mason in addition to farming. In 1855 he made his 
 way to his present place of residence and has cleared most of a tract of land of two 
 hundred and forty acres, cutting away the trees and brush and transforming the 
 wild district into highly cultivated fields. He follows diversified farming, rais- 
 ing the various crops best adapted to climatic conditions and to the soil. He also 
 conducts a good dairy business, keeping a number of high-grade cows for this 
 purpose. He has erected all of the buildings upon his place and has a well improved 
 property, which is indicative of his progressive spirit and enterprising methods. 
 
PAST AND PRESENT OF CHIPPEWA COUNTY 
 
 291 
 
 Mr. Christianson was united in marriage to Miss Anna Larson and they 
 became the parents of nine children, who are yet living, namely : Carl, Oscar, Ole, 
 Sam, Gus, Lowe, Manville, Peter and Theodore. They also lost one son, 
 Arthur, who was the sixth in order of birth. 
 
 Mr. Christianson’s study of the political conditions and issues of the day 
 has led him to give stalwart support to the republican party. He is guided in 
 his life by a firm religious faith that is manifest in his membership in the 
 Norwegian church. He has always endeavored to live peaceably with his fel- 
 lowmen, to deal righteously with all, and in following the golden rule, he has 
 won the high respect and unqualified confidence of all with whom he has been 
 brought in contact. 
 
 FATHER JOHN G. LAURER. 
 
 Father John G. Laurer is pastor of St. Paul’s Catholic church of Bloomer, in 
 which connection he has marked influence over the moral progress of the com- 
 munity, especially among his parishioners, who entertain for him the highest 
 regard and respect. He was born in Bavaria in the ioth of September, 1861, and 
 after attending the common schools continued his education in a classical course 
 at Passau and Straubing, Bavaria. He came to America in young manhood, arriv- 
 ing in this country in December, 1882, after which he studied in St. Vincent's 
 College of Pennsylvania and in St. Francis Seminary of Milwaukee. He was 
 ordained on the 24th of June, 1887, and having taken Holy Orders was assigned 
 to duty as priest of St. Mary’s church in Monroe county, Wisconsin. He after- 
 ward served the church at Keyesville, Richland county, and at Plain, Sauk county, 
 and was stationed at Mosinee, Marathon county, before coming to Bloomer, being 
 transferred to the latter charge on the 5th of January, 1910. He there has a con- 
 gregation of two hundred and thirty families, including St. Catherine’s congrega- 
 tion in Brush Prairie, four miles from Bloomer. The work has been well organ- 
 ized under the direction of Father Laurer and he expects soon to erect a house 
 for the sisters and also a new schoolhouse. He has inspired his parishioners with 
 much of his own zeal and interest in the work and he is a popular priest, greatly 
 esteemed by those who are under his moral guidance. 
 
 ROBERT A. LA BLANC. 
 
 Mercantile interests of Stanley find a progressive and worthy representative in 
 Robert A. La Blanc, who since 1908 has conducted a grocery and confectionery 
 store in the town. He was born in Canada, July 18, 1867, and is a son of Alexander 
 and Margaret (Nellis) La Blanc, also natives of the Dominion, the former born in 
 1833 an d the latter in 1839. The father still makes his home in Canada where 
 he conducts a small grocery store. He and his wife became the parents of nine 
 children: Philip, Robert A. and Ellen; Margaret, who died in infancy; Eliza- 
 beth A.; Joseph, who passed away in 1911 ; Bridget, Stephen and Ernest. 
 
292 
 
 PAST AND PRESENT OF CHIPPEWA COUNTY 
 
 Robert A. La Blanc attended school in Canada until he was fourteen vears 
 of age and afterward worked upon a farm until he was twenty-five. At that 
 time he came to the United States, settling in Eau Claire, this state, where he 
 worked at logging in the woods and on the rivers until 1899. In that year he 
 moved into Stanley and opened a saloon which after conducting successfully for 
 nine years he sold, establishing himself in the grocery and confectionery business 
 in which he has since remained. He handles only high class goods and has built 
 up a large and representative patronage which is steadily increasing as his straight- 
 forward business methods and honorable standards become more widely known. 
 Mr. La Blanc is a stockholder in the Farmers and Merchants State Bank and his 
 wife owns a store building and two residences in Stanley. 
 
 On the 24th of November, 1912, in Stanley, Mr. La Blanc married Mrs. Lucy 
 Knor, a daughter of John Laner. She has one child by her former marriage, a 
 daughter, Mary. Mr. La Blanc gives his political allegiance to the democratic 
 party and he is a member of the Roman Catholic church. By his own industry, 
 enterprise and well directed efforts he has worked his way upward to success 
 and he occupies a prominent place in business circles of Stanley, holding the 
 esteem and confidence of all who are in any way associated with him. 
 
 ARTHUR A. MYERS. 
 
 Arthur A. Myers is vice president of the Miller-Myers Implement Company 
 at Stanley, where he has lived since 1904. Through the intervening period of 
 nine years he has been connected with the business in which he is now engaged, 
 and his trade methods are such as will bear the closest investigation and scrutiny. 
 Lie was born at Eau Galle, Wisconsin, January 26, 1878, and is a son of Tinkey 
 C., and Dorcas (Seger) Myers. The father, a native of Indiana, was born in 
 1846, while the mother’s birth occurred in the state of New York in 1847. He 
 made farming his life work, but is now living retired at Eau Galle, where he has 
 lived since 1901. Unto this marriage were born five children: Joseph; Arthur; 
 
 and Lettie, and two who died in early life. The elder son married Muss Mate 
 Joiner and they have one child. Their home is upon a farm near Eau Galle. 
 
 In the public schools, Arthur A. Myers pursued his education until he reached 
 the age of sixteen years, after which he devoted a year and a half to the profes- 
 sion of teaching. He then returned to his father’s farm which he assisted in 
 cultivating and improving for two years, at the end of which time he invested his 
 earnings in one hundred and twenty acres of land. He farmed that tract for 
 two years and then sold the property, after which he came to Stanley in 1904. 
 There he bought a third interest in the implement and vehicle business of which 
 he is now vice president. He has thoroughly studied the conditions of the trade 
 and the wishes of his patrons, and by honorable business methods and unfaltering 
 enterprise, is building up a business which enjoys extensive and gratifying 
 prosperity. 
 
 On the 20th of February, 1902, Mr. Myers was married to Miss Ella Miller, 
 a daughter of F. O. AT iller, of Stanley, who is president of the Miller-Myers 
 
PAST AND PRESENT OF CHIPPEWA COUNTY 
 
 293 
 
 Implement Company. To them have been born three children: Zeona, Loma 
 and La Moine. The family occupies a pleasant home which Mr. Myers owns. 
 
 He is also a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and of the 
 Modern Woodmen of America. Progress and enterprise actuate him in all that 
 he does and he is recognized as one of the leading young business men of Stanley, 
 held in high esteem by all with whom he has come in contact. 
 
 IVER CHRISTIANSON. 
 
 Iver Christianson has lived in Chippewa county since 1881 and is now classed 
 with representative and successful agriculturists of this locality, owning and 
 operating a fine farm of one hundred and thirteen and a half acres, nine miles 
 southwest of Bloomer. He was born in Norway in September, 1843, an d acquired 
 his education in the public schools of that country. After laying aside his books he 
 worked as a stone mason under his father until 1881 when he emigrated to 
 America. He came directly to Chippewa county and began working at his trade, 
 following this in various localities for several years. He afterward purchased 
 land in Auburn township and this he still owns, his farm comprising one hundred 
 and thirteen acres It was in an unimproved condition when it came into his 
 possession but he cleared it of the timber and erected the necessary buildings, 
 making it finally a valuable and productive property. He is now living practi- 
 cally retired but still gives personal supervision to the management of his farm. 
 
 Mr. Christianson married in Norway, Miss Randi Marie Halvarson who died 
 in 1911. They had six children: Carrie; Anna, who has passed away; Anna, 
 second of the name, also deceased: Mila, deceased; Hartwill and Ida. Mr. Chris- 
 tianson gives his political allegiance to the republican party and is a member of 
 the Norwegian Lutheran church. The many years of his residence in this 
 locality have brought him the esteem and confidence of all who are associated with 
 him and he is widely known as a practical farmer and a progressive citizen. 
 
 J. E. LING. 
 
 For fourteen years J. E. Ling has lived upon his present farm and by his 
 practical and well directed efforts has made it one of the attractive and productive 
 properties in his locality. The farm lies in Sampson township, eight miles north 
 of Bloomer and comprises one hundred and sixty acres of choice land. Mr. 
 Ling was born in Burnett county, in 1876, and is a son of Andrew and Carolina 
 (Bergdahl) Ling, the former a native of Sweden who came to the United 
 States in 1869. He located immediately in Burnett county, this state, where he 
 followed farming. His death occurred in July, 1909, when he was sixty-five 
 years of age. He and his wife became the parents of five children : C. A., E. A., 
 Martin, J. E. and Philip B. 
 
 J. E. Ling acquired his education in public schools in Burnett county and in 
 Iowa and after laying aside his books followed farming in the latter state for a 
 
294 
 
 PAST AND PRESENT OF CHIPPEWA COUNTY 
 
 number of years. Eventually he returned to Wisconsin and settled in Chippewa 
 county where he has since resided. Fourteen years ago he purchased his present 
 farm and has steadily carried forward the work of improvement and development 
 since that time, clearing the property and erecting upon it substantial buildings. 
 Mr. Ling engages in general farming and dairying and his well directed labors 
 have been rewarded by a gratifying measure of success. 
 
 Mr. Ling is a member of the Order of Beavers and is a republican in his 
 political beliefs. For two years he served as chairman of his township, for one 
 year as assessor, two years as town treasurer, and he is now rendering excellent 
 service as township clerk. In whatever relation of life he is found, he is always 
 capable, reliable and energetic and he holds the respect and confidence of all who 
 are in any way associated with him. 
 
 CHARLES A. HENDRICKSON. 
 
 Charles A. Hendrickson, whose demise occurred in Holcombe township on 
 the 15th of May, 1907, was for a number of years actively and successfully 
 identified with agricultural interests in Chippewa county, owning and operating 
 a farm of one hundred and twenty acres on section 20, township 31, range 6. 
 He was born in Norway on the 16th of April, 1864, and emigrated to the United 
 States in early manhood. About thirty years ago he purchased one hundred 
 and twenty acres of land in Holcombe township, Chippewa county, Wisconsin, and 
 throughout the remainder of his life devoted his attention to its cultivation and 
 improvement, erecting thereon a commodious and substantial residence and barn. 
 He won a gratifying measure of prosperity in his undertakings as an agricul- 
 turist, and in his passing the community lost one of its substantial and re- 
 spected citizens. His widow and children still reside upon and operate the 
 home farm. 
 
 As a companion and helpmate on the journey of life Mr. Hendrickson chose 
 Miss Jennie Sather, who is a native of the United States and by whom he had 
 five children, as follows: Jessie, the wife of Dr. E. R. Benson, of Superior, 
 Wisconsin; Allen C., Carrol F., Henry and Alice, all at home. Mrs. Hendrick- 
 son is well and favorably known throughout the community, the circle of her 
 friends being almost coextensive with the circle of her acquaintances. 
 
 JOHN J. NICHOLSON. 
 
 John J. Nicholson, proprietor of the Stanley House, one of the first road- 
 houses of Chippewa county, was born in Canada, March 6, 1861. He is a son 
 of John and Sarah (Watson) Nicholson, the former born in 1810 and the lat- 
 ter in Ireland in 1819. The father engaged in farming during all his active 
 life, dying in 1881. His wife survived him several years, her death occurring 
 in 1889. They became the parents of six children, Edward, George, John J.. 
 Louisa, Henry and one who died in infancy. 
 
PAST AND PRESENT OF CHIPPEWA COUNTY 
 
 295 
 
 John J. Nicholson attended school a few weeks every winter until he was 
 twelve years of age and then laid aside his books, working on farms and on the 
 river, driving logs until 1896. In that year he moved to Stanley and purchased 
 the Stanley Hotel, of which he has since been the proprietor. The present build- 
 ing replaced the original edifice which was destroyed by fire several years ago 
 and the hotel is one of the first roadhouses in Chippewa county, situated on the 
 main road running north and south. Under Mr. Nicholson’s able management 
 its business has increased greatly and it has an enviable reputation as a con- 
 venient, comfortable and thoroughly equipped hostelry. 
 
 Mr. Nicholson is a member of the Roman Catholic church and a republican 
 in his political beliefs. He is affiliated with the Order of Owls and is a stock- 
 holder in the Inter-County Fair Association of Stanley. An expert judge and 
 a keen lover of horses, he has taken a great delight in acquiring a number of 
 valuable animals and he spends a great deal of time in his stables. He is a 
 representative, progressive and public-spirited citizen and his success in busi- 
 ness is well deserved as it is largely the result of his energy, industry and enter- 
 prise. 
 
 LOUIS I. ROE. 
 
 Louis I. Roe, a representative and progressive citizen of Stanley, has made his 
 home in the city since 1892, and during the intervening years has left the impress 
 of his ability and personality upon business and political development. He is 
 well known in mercantile circles as president of the L. I. Roe Company, general 
 merchants and he has other important and profitable connections. He was born 
 in Norway, August 8, i860, and is a son of Ingbregt and Bridt (Bronstad) Roe, 
 also natives of that country, the father born in 1807 and the mother in 1827 in 
 Surendalen near Trondhjem. Both have passed away, the father dying in 1883 
 and the mother in 1902. Ingbregt Roe was twice married, his first wife being Miss 
 Maret Fiske, who died in 1854. To this union were born six children: Ole, 
 
 John; Maret; Ingbrigt and two who died in infancy. By his second wife, 
 Ingbregt Roe had the following children: Finer ; Louis I., of this review; Ole; 
 Maret; and two who died in infancy. 
 
 Louis I. Roe acquired his education in the public schools of Norway, pursuing 
 his studies during the winter months and working as a cattle herder during the 
 summers. Eventually he removed to the city of Christiansund where he worked 
 in a general store for four years. At the end of that time he emigrated to Amer- 
 ica and in 1880 settled in the vicinity of Eau Claire, Wisconsin, where he worked 
 upon a farm for one summer. In the spring of 1881 he became connected with 
 the Northwestern Lumber Company as a clerk in their store at Porters Mills, and 
 he retained this connection for thirteen years. At the end of that time he moved 
 to Stanley, where for almost twenty-two years he acted as manager of a large 
 store. On the first of January, 1913, he resigned this position and organized the 
 L. I. Roe Company, with a capital stock of thirty thousand dollars, and with the 
 following officers: L. I. Roe, president ; Ole Roe, vice president ; and Edwin Roe, 
 secretary and treasurer. The company own a large general store and also a two 
 
296 
 
 PAST AND PRESENT OF CHIPPEWA COUNTY 
 
 hundred and forty acre farm near Stanley on sections 23 and 24, township 29, 
 range 5 west. 
 
 Much of the credit for the rapid development of the business is due to the 
 energy and ability of Louis Roe, who has devoted a great deal of time to the 
 upbuilding of the concern, and who has directed its policy along progressive and 
 modern lines. He is now a stockholder and a director of the Citizens State Bank 
 of Stanley. He is also vice president and stockholder of the Junction City State 
 Bank at Junction City, and president of the Cameron Bank of Cameron, and 
 stockholder and director of the Ingram State Bank at Ingram, and his influence is 
 felt as a progressive force in the financial development of this section of the state. 
 
 O11 the 31st of December, 1883, Mr. Roe married Miss Ellen Haagensen, a 
 daughter of Haagen Harrang and Berret Krangnes, the former a store 
 owner and farmer in Norway. Mr. and Mrs. Roe have become the parents 
 of eleven children: Imbert, who is cashier of the Citizens State Bank at Stanley, 
 married Miss Caroline Johnson and they have become the parents of two children. 
 Herman is a printer on a weekly newspaper at Northfield, Minnesota. He and his 
 wife, who was in her maidenhood Miss Anna Kirkeley, are the parents of one 
 child. Bertha M. married Dr. H. C. Erickson of Stanley. The other children 
 born to Mr. and Mrs. Roe are: Edwin B., Ludwig I., Norman O., Bernhard O., 
 Edna L., Signe, Borghild, and Sigfrid A. 
 
 Mr. Roe is trustee of the National United Lutheran church of America and 
 a member of the United Lutheran church of Stanley. He is a republican in his 
 political beliefs and active in public affairs, serving as president of the Stanley 
 Progressive League and of the Luther Plospital at Eau Claire. Although he has 
 attained prominence and success in business, his interests have extended to many 
 fields, notably that of public life. From 1900 to 1904, and from 1908 to 1910, 
 he served as mayor of Stanley and during his administration the city hall, 
 library and waterworks were erected; a park was laid out, a cemetery com- 
 pleted and a sewer system installed. 
 
 Mr. Roe was a member of the school board from 1892 to 1898, and has been 
 for several terms a member of the county board of supervisors. His influence 
 is always on the side of reform and advancement, and throughout the eastern 
 part of Chippewa county he is held in the high esteem which his ability and energy 
 so richly deserve. 
 
 THOMAS KING. 
 
 Thomas King, who passed away on the 21st of July. 1008, was one of the 
 early settlers and prosperous agriculturists of Chippewa county, carrying on farm- 
 ing on section 32, township 32, range 7. He was born on May 7, 1835, in Canada, 
 and spent his boyhood near Detroit, Michigan. In company with his brother 
 Archibald he came to Chippewa county, Wisconsin, here working as a farm hand 
 and also in the lumber woods. About 1868 they purchased one hundred and sixty 
 acres of land which had been homesteaded by the previous owner but was only 
 slightly imoroved. Subsenuentlv they sold out to Thomas Kelly and then went 
 west, but Thomas King soon afterward returned to Chippewa county and repur- 
 
MR. AND MRS. THOMAS KING 
 
 
PAST AND PRESENT OF CHIPPEWA COUNTY 
 
 299 
 
 chased the farm from Mr. Kelly, spending the remainder of his life within its 
 boundaries. He made extensive improvements on his farm, cleared about one 
 hundred acres thereof and erected a substantial frame residence — the third house 
 which stood on the property. In the conduct of his agricultural interests he won 
 a well merited measure of prosperity, following modern and effective methods 
 of farming. His widow still resides on the farm with her son William, who ope- 
 rates the place, carrying on general agricultural pursuits with excellent success. 
 The family own about two hundred and seventy-one acres of land and reside in 
 an attractive and well appointed home. 
 
 As a companion and helpmate on the journey of life Mr. King chose Miss 
 Eliza Ann Kelly, a native of Canada and a daughter of James and Anna 
 Jane (Murray) Kelly, who were also natives of the Dominion. Mrs. Anna 
 Jane (Murray) Kelly died August 9, 1861, and on January 7, 1862, Mr. Kelly 
 married Miss Ann Foster. The Kelly family came from the Dominion to Chip- 
 pewa county in 1865, when Eliza Ann Kelly was ten years of age. The father of 
 Mrs. King, Mr. James Kelly, for a long time a resident of Chippewa county, has 
 passed away, his death occurring July 18, 1894. Unto Mr. and Mrs. King were 
 born six children, as follows : John Edward, who makes his home at Estella, this 
 county; James, who died at the age of five years; Mary, the wife of Richard 
 Behnke, of Oshkosh, Wisconsin ; Ethel, who is a trained nurse at Oshkosh, Wis- 
 consin ; William, at home ; and Maud, who gave her hand in marriage to Walter 
 Gilbert, of Eau Claire, Wisconsin. 
 
 In politics Mr. King was a stanch republican, loyally supporting the men and 
 measures of that party at the polls. He was for several years clerk of the school 
 board and for a long time served as township treasurer. In religious faith he 
 was a Congregationalist and helped to organize the church of that denomination 
 at Keystone, three miles south of his farm. Not only was he one of the organ- 
 izers of the institution but continued his interest in its welfare, serving as trustee 
 and deacon. He ever enjoyed in the fullest degree the respect and confidence of 
 his fellowmen and his worth as a man and citizen was widely acknowledged. His 
 widow has been a resident of this county for almost a half century and is wideb- 
 and favorably known here. 
 
 JOHN E. PRINCE. 
 
 Through well directed business activity and enterprise John E. Prince has 
 gained recognition as one of the prosperous farmers and extensive landowners 
 of Chippewa county. He owns a highly improved tract of land in Auburn town- 
 ship, comprising three hundred and sixty acres, and also four hundred acres at 
 Cornell lake. His home farm he has developed and improved for a number of 
 years and his labors have not only contributed to his own prosperity but have 
 proven effective forces in advancing the general welfare. He was born in this 
 county, on the old Prince homestead, and is a son of A. P. Prince, a pioneer in 
 this part of Wisconsin. The father was born in Ontario, Canada, and came to 
 the United States as a young man, settling in Chippewa Falls in early times. 
 
 voi. n — 1 0 
 
300 
 
 PAST AND PRESENT OE CHIPPEWA COUNTY 
 
 lie married Miss Sarah Corrigan, and they became the parents of ten children, 
 two of whom have passed away. 
 
 John E. Prince acquired his education in the public schools of Chippewa 
 county and after laying aside his books turned his attention to farming, working 
 upon the homestead until he was thirty-three years of age. He then purchased 
 three hundred and sixty acres in Auburn township, ten miles southwest of Bloomer, 
 and here he has since engaged in general farming and dairying, his well directed 
 labors being rewarded by a substantial degree of success. He owns also four 
 hundred acres at Cornell lake and is accounted one of the large landowners in 
 this locality. 
 
 Mr. Prince married Miss Mary Eder, and they have become the parents of four 
 children, Roy, Vernon, Leon and Gilbert. Mr. Prince is a member of the Roman 
 Catholic church and is independent in his political views. He is interested in 
 the growth and welfare of his community and as the years have gone by has won 
 for himself a creditable position as a valued citizen and business man. 
 
 RICHARD NESS. 
 
 Richard Ness has been connected with the Northwestern Lumber Company 
 since 1881, and since that time has risen through successive stages of progress 
 and advancement to the responsible position of shipping clerk. He also owns 
 a large grocery store in the city and has made this enterprise one of the important 
 mercantile concerns in Stanley. He was born in Norway, January 7, 1867, and is 
 a son of Nels and Johanna (Stevenson) Rasmusen, also natives of that country, 
 the former born in 1834 and the latter in 1843. The father was a farmer by 
 occupation, following this line of work until his death in 1912. His wife has also 
 passed away, her death having occurred in 1907. To their union were born eleven 
 children: Anna, deceased; Richard; Alfred, Julius, Olf M., and Augusta, all of 
 whom have passed away; Julia, Augusta, the second of the name; Olf and Carl, 
 deceased ; and Evelyn. 
 
 Richard Ness attended public school in Norway until he was fourteen years 
 of age, and after laying aside his books worked upon his father’s farm until he 
 was twenty. In 1887 he emigrated to America and settled in Eau Claire, whence 
 he went to Porters Mills, where he entered the employ of the Northwestern Lumber 
 Company as a laborer. Since that time his energy and ability have gained him 
 many promotions, and in 1893 he was advanced to the position of shipping 
 clerk, a capacity in which he has since discharged his duties creditably and ably. 
 He is one of the best known employes of the corporation and enjoys the esteem 
 and respect of his superiors and associates. In addition to his connection with 
 the Northwestern Lumber Company, Mr. Ness is also the proprietor of a grocery 
 and confectionery store on east First street. He has a stock valued at fifteen 
 hundred dollars and controls an important and growing patronage. 
 
 In 1894 Mr. Ness made a journey to Norway, and on the 24th of July of that 
 year married Miss Karen Mosted, a daughter of Hans and Lina (Olsen) Mosted, 
 the former a manufacturer of wooden ware and also a cleaner and dyer. Mr. 
 
PAST AND PRESENT OF CHIPPEWA COUNTY 
 
 301 
 
 and Mrs. Ness are the parents of eight children : Jennie L., Hannah M., Rudolph, 
 Sophia, Martha, George, Rorgheld, and Esther C. 
 
 Mr. Ness is a member of the United Lutheran church and is connected fra- 
 ternally with the Modern Woodmen of America and the I. S. W. A. He gives 
 his political allegiance to the republican party and he did able work for six years 
 as a member of the school board. Prosperous in his business connections, he 
 proves what may be accomplished by determined and persistent labor. Starting 
 without capital, he has worked his way steadily upward, improving every oppor- 
 tunity, and utilizing every chance that would lead to honorable advancement. 
 
 P. B. LING. 
 
 P. B. Ling, the efficient and capable supervisor of the Deaf and Dumb School 
 at Delavan, was born in Burnett county in 1877, a son of Andrew and Carolina 
 (Bergdahl) Ling. The father was a native of Sweden and came to the United 
 States in 1869, locating immediately in Burnett county, this state, where he en- 
 gaged in agricultural pursuits. He died in July, 1909, when he w r as sixty-five 
 years of age. In his family were five children : C. A., E. A., Martin, J. E., and 
 P. B., of this review. * 
 
 In the acquirement of an education Mr. Ling attended public school, first in 
 Burnett county and later in Iowa. In the latter state he afterwards turned his 
 attention to farming, continuing to develop his holdings there until he returned to 
 Wisconsin. He settled in Chippewa county where he purchased one hundred 
 and twenty acres of farming land and property in North Auburn. The farm 
 is now being operated by his brothers and the town property is rented, for seven 
 years ago Mr. Ling was appointed supervisor of the Deaf and Dumb School 
 at Delavan and has since given all of his attention to the conscientious discharge 
 of his responsible duties. 
 
 Fraternally Mr. Ling is identified with the Order of Beavers and the Knights 
 of Pythias and he gives his political allegiance to the republican party. He is a 
 representative and progressive citizen and his work in his present official capacity 
 reflects credit upon both his energy and his public spirit. 
 
 PAULUS PETERSON. 
 
 Among the prominent business men of Stanley is numbered Paulus Peterson, 
 closely connected with important mercantile interests as a member of the Peterson 
 & Aasgaard Company, general merchants. He was born in Norway, January 
 13, 1877, an d is a son of Peter and Elizabeth (Ivorson) Christenson, also natives 
 of that country, the former born in 1833 and the latter in 1830. The father was 
 a fireman and policeman for many years in his native country and died there in 
 1897. His wife survived him some years, her death occurring in 1905. 
 
 Paulus Peterson acquired his education in the public schools of Norway and 
 at the age of fifteen laid aside his books, securing a position as clerk in a store. 
 
302 
 
 PAST AND PRESENT OF CHIPPEWA COUNTY 
 
 After one year he emigrated to America and in 1892 settled in Pennsylvania, 
 where he remained for four years. At the end of that time he moved to Stanley 
 and after spending three years in the tannery became a clerk in a general store 
 there. This position he held for nine years and a half and at the end of that time 
 formed a partnership with Carsten Olson in the conduct of an independent enter- 
 prise. After the death of Mr. Olson, Mr. Peterson took as a partner Iv. Aasgaard 
 and the business is now operated under the name of Peterson & Aasgaard. The 
 stock is valued at eight thousand dollars and the enterprise is a profitable and 
 well managed one, reflecting great credit upon the energy and ability of the man 
 who founded it and built it up. 
 
 In Stanley, on the 21st of May, 1898, Mr. Peterson was united in marriage to 
 Miss Julia Ness, a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Nels Rasmusen Ness, the former a 
 farmer who died in Norway. Mr. and Mrs. Peterson have three children, Peter 
 N., Bjarne J., and Hjalmar O. Mr. Peterson is a trustee of the United Lutheran 
 church and a republican in his political beliefs. He is one of the most popular 
 merchants of Stanley and is well known as a reliable, trustworthy and enterprising 
 business man. 
 
 FRED ERNATINGER. 
 
 Farming claims the time and attention of Fred Ernatinger, who occupies a 
 place of one hundred and twenty acres eight miles southeast of Bloomer. He 
 is one of the pioneers of the county, having been born here in 1847. Two-thirds 
 of a century have since elapsed, in which time marvelous changes have occurred 
 as the indications of pioneer life have been replaced by the evidences of a modern 
 and progressive civilization. His father, James Ernatinger, was a native of 
 Canada and on crossing the border into the United States made his way to Wis- 
 consin, locating near Jim Falls, where he engaged in Indian trading and in 
 logging. He was one of the first settlers of the county and was closely identified 
 with its early development as well as later progress. He continued to engage 
 in logging until his death, which occurred when he had reached an advanced age. 
 It was after coming to Chippewa county that he married a Miss Cadott, who be- 
 longed to the family for whom the town of Cadott was named. They, too, were 
 pioneer residents of the county. 
 
 Fred Ernatinger was the youngest of a large family and, like his brothers 
 and sisters, he was a pupil in the county schools. The experiences of his youth 
 were those which usually fall to the farm lad who is reared upon the frontier. He 
 can remember a period when the log cabin was no uncommon sight in the county, 
 when there were great stretches of timber land from which the trees had not yet 
 been cut and when considerable wild game was to be found in the forests. When 
 his school days were over he sought employment in the neighborhood and worked 
 at various places, but after the death of his brother he came to the farm upon 
 which he now lives to take care of his mother and has since made his home 
 on that place. He had three brothers in the army and one half-brother, and the 
 family has always been noted for loyalty and public spirit. Fred Ernatinger is 
 now the oldest settler in his section of the county. His mother located upon the 
 
PAST AND PRESENT OF CHIPPEWA COUNTY 
 
 303 
 
 farm in 1861, at which time the place was all covered with brush. Mr. Erna- 
 tinger has cleared the entire tract himself and has put up all of the buildings 
 upon the place. His has been a useful, active and busy life in which he has 
 accomplished a substantial measure of success. He carries on general farming, 
 cultivating the crops best adapted to soil and climate, and his energy, perseverance 
 and capable management have constituted the basis upon which he has builded 
 his prosperity. 
 
 Mr. Ernatinger was united in marriage to Miss Mary Rose, and they became 
 the parents of six children: Isaac, William, Charles, iVnnie, James and Sophie. 
 
 Since age conferred upon him the right of franchise Mr. Ernatinger has voted 
 with the republican party and has firm belief in the principles that constitute 
 its platform. He has, however, never sought office, preferring always to con- 
 centrate his energies upon his business affairs. He is one of the well known citi- 
 zens of the county and no history of pioneer times would be complete without 
 mention of him. 
 
 BERNHARD PETERSON. 
 
 Bernhard Peterson who engages in general farming and dairying in Auburn 
 township, and who is numbered among the substantial agriculturists of his locality 
 was born in Norway in t868. He is a son of Andrew who married Isabel Ander- 
 son, the former a native of Sweden who came to the United States in 1883 and 
 settled in Chippewa county where he died in 1896. He and his wife became the 
 parents of five children. 
 
 Bernhard Peterson acquired his education in the public schools of his native 
 country and accompanied his parents to America in 1883. Upon his arrival in 
 Chippewa county he turned his attention to farming, working in the employ of 
 others until he purchased his present property. He owns one hundred and thirty- 
 eight acres lying ten miles southwest of Bloomer in Auburn township, and here 
 engages in general farming and dairying, meeting with that success which always 
 follows determined and well directed labor. 
 
 Mr. Peterson married Miss Tillie Sampson and they became the parents of 
 ten children : Alfred, Severine, Isabel, Casper, Oliver, Einar, Hjalmar, Magnus; 
 and Bertha M. and Theodore, who have passed away. Mr. Peterson is a devout 
 member of the Norwegian Lutheran church and gives his political allegiance to 
 the republican party. He is a man of many sterling traits of character, capable 
 in business, progressive in citizenship and at all times trustworthy and reliable. 
 
 J. G. PRUEHER. 
 
 J. G. Prueher is the only attorney residing in Bloomer and Chippewa county 
 numbers him among her native sons, his birth having occurred at Tilden, April 
 16, 1879. His father, Lorenz Prueher, was a native of Austria, in which coun- 
 try he remained through the period of boyhood and youth, coming to America 
 
304 
 
 PAST AND PRESENT OF CHIPPEWA COUNTY 
 
 in early manhood. He made his way to Indiana, where he remained for three 
 years and then came to Chippewa county, Wisconsin, where he turned his atten- 
 tion to farming. Year by year he carefully cultivated his fields and was well 
 known as a representative agriculturist of the community. He died in this 
 county at the age of seventy-seven years and is still survived by his wife, who 
 in her maidenhood was Maria Zwiefelhofer. They were the parents of seven 
 children. 
 
 J. G. Prueher spent' the days of his boyhood and youth under the parental 
 roof and after attending the schools of Bloomer continued his education in the 
 Minnesota University. He entered the law department and in due course of 
 time was graduated therefrom in June, 1905. He then returned to Bloomer, 
 opened an office and has since been in continuous practice here. He now is and 
 for about six years has been village attorney of Bloomer, is secretary and a 
 director of the Bloomer Improvement Club, and is a director of the Bloomer 
 Machine Works and one of the stockholders of the telephone company of 
 Bloomer and also of the Peoples State Bank and is thus closely associated with 
 business as well as professional circles of the city. 
 
 Mr. Prueher was united in marriage to Miss Grace H. Brooks, of Chip- 
 pewa, and unto them has been born a son, Bertram J., now a year old. Mr. 
 Prueher is interested in the political situation and gives his support to the demo- 
 cratic party, and is at present chairman of the democratic county committee, 
 strongly indorsing its principles and its policy. He belongs to the Catholic 
 church and he is president of the school board of Bloomer, in which capacity 
 he is serving for the second year. His record in all connections has been credit- 
 able and his enterprising spirit makes him a valued business man and citizen of 
 Bloomer. 
 
 REED SPENCER MUNROE. 
 
 Reed Spencer Munroe is a successful farmer, owning one hundred and sixty 
 acres of land on section 29, Sigel township. He is a native son of Wisconsin, 
 born in Waushara county, November 6, 1867. His father, William S. Munroe, 
 was born in the town of Bolton, Chittenden county, Vermont, July 21, 1839. 
 In 1846 he was brought west by his parents who located in Wisconsin, Sheboy- 
 gan county. William S. Munroe began learning the printer’s trade in the Free 
 Press office in Sheboygan Falls and after working there a year went to the State 
 Journal office at Madison where he remained until 1861 when he removed to 
 Wautoma to take an interest in the Waushara Argus. He enlisted in the Union 
 army in the fall of 1861 as a private, serving his country through the war and 
 earning numerous promotions by his courage and loyalty manifested in the hard 
 fought battles of the campaign of the western army and in the march to the sea. 
 He was honorably discharged at the close of the conflict as captain of Company 
 I, Sixteenth Regiment. Some years later he engaged in farming and also oper- 
 ated a sawmill at Cadott. His wife, who bore the maiden name of Clara C. 
 Clark, was a native of Beloit, Wisconsin, born in 1840. Unto Mr. and Mrs. 
 Munroe were born five children: Allen C. ; Reed S. ; Jennie, who is deceased: 
 
PAST AND PRESENT OF CHIPPEWA COUNTY 
 
 305 
 
 William R. ; and one who died in infancy. Both the parents are now deceased, 
 the father passing away in 1899, while the mother preceded him in death seven 
 years, her demise occurring in 1892. 
 
 Reed S. Munroe was reared under the paternal roof and attended the public 
 schools of Wautoma, Wisconsin, to the age of twelve years. The family home 
 having been established in Cadott about that time, the son completed his edu- 
 cation in the high school of that place. He then entered his father’s sawmill, 
 and was thus engaged until he had reached the age of twenty-five years. In the 
 meantime he had purchased one hundred and twenty acres of land at various 
 times and cleared and developed the same. When he left his father’s sawmill 
 he then went to live on his farm and has since added forty acres, so that his 
 acreage now comprises one hundred and sixty acres, located on section 29, Sigel 
 township. He breeds Holstein cattle to some extent, and also engages in rais- 
 ing wheat, hay, corn, oats and potatoes, his principal crop being hay. He also 
 raises a few ’hogs and likewise engages in dairying. He leads a busy life on the 
 farm and is meeting with deserved success in all his various undertakings. 
 
 At Cadott, on the 20th of September, 1888, Mr. Munroe was united in mar- 
 riage to Miss Jessie Russell, a daughter of Louis A. and Julia M. (Ogden) 
 Russell, the former a drayman of Cadott. Two sons and one daughter have 
 been born unto Mr. and Mrs. Munroe, Spencer R., Caleb L. and Clarissa. The 
 family attend the Methodist church. 
 
 Mr. Munroe is a republican in his political affiliations and for eight years 
 served as trustee of the village of Cadott. He is a member of the Sons of 
 Veterans. Having always led a busy and industrious life, he has gradually 
 worked his way upward until today he is classed among the substantial farmers 
 and representative citizens of Chippewa county. 
 
 FRED C. PUTSCH. 
 
 Fred C. Pitsch, prominently connected with commercial interests of Chip- 
 pewa Falls as a member of the firm of Fred Pitsch & Company, shoe merchants, 
 was born at Grand Rapids, Wisconsin, June 16, 1879, and is a son of Charles 
 and Mary (Billmyer) Pitsch, both of German extraction. 
 
 Fred C. Pitsch began his education in the public schools of his native city 
 and when he was fourteen years of age moved to Chippewa Falls, where he 
 studied in the public schools and in St. Charles Roman Catholic school. At 
 the age of sixteen he laid aside his books and began his independent career as 
 clerk in the employ of Weyenberg Brothers, retail dealers in shoes, with whom 
 he remained until 1898, gaining during that time valuable practical experience 
 in a line of work to which he has devoted his attention during his entire active 
 life. When he resigned his position with Weyenberg Brothers he formed a 
 partnership with Henry Kuntz and they established themselves in the retail shoe 
 business under the name of Fred Pitsch & Company. This undertaking has 
 proved very successful and the partners control today a growing patronage, 
 their concern being ranked with the largest of its kind in the city. 
 
306 
 
 PAST AND PRESENT OF CHIPPEWA COUNTY 
 
 In Stevens Point, Wisconsin, August 6, 1912, Mr. Pitsch was united in mar- 
 riage to Miss Georgia Barrows, a daughter of G. L. and Louise Barrows, the 
 former a conductor on the Soo line, with headquarters at Stevens Point. Mrs. 
 Pitsch’s mother passed away in 1909 and is buried in that city. Mrs. Pitsch 
 was previous to her marriage a teacher in the high school there. 
 
 Fraternally Mr. Pitsch is connected with the Knights of Columbus, the 
 Catholic Order of Foresters and the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks. He 
 is a democrat in his political beliefs and has rendered the city excellent service 
 as a member of the board of alderman. In Chippewa Falls he is known as a 
 farsighted, able and resourceful business man and has made steady and well 
 deserved progress since the beginning of his active career. 
 
 FRANK W. STARR, M. D. 
 
 For nearly ten years Dr. Frank W. Starr has practiced medicine in Stanley, 
 Chippewa county, and in that time has built up a substantial practice which is 
 given him in recognition of his natural ability, his experience and also to the 
 interest which he takes in each particular case and which helps toward establishing 
 personal and pleasant relations between patient and doctor. Moreover, Dr. Starr 
 has held important official positions and as county physician has done much 
 toward stamping out disease in this section of the state and in improving general 
 health conditions. Dr. Starr was born in Grand Rapids, Wisconsin, May 10, 
 1866, a son of James Starr, a native of Ireland, born in 1825. When fifteen 
 years of age the father removed to Quebec, Canada, and at the age of thirty-five 
 came to Wisconsin. He worked along various lines largely in the employ of 
 others and passed away in 1869, at the comparatively early age of forty-four years. 
 The mother, who before her marriage was Miss Bridget Miskell, was born in 
 Ireland in 1833 and her death occurred in 1884. In their family were nine chil- 
 dren : John, Patrick, Mary, Ellen, Lizzie, James, Frank, Margaret and Emma. 
 
 Frank W. Starr attended the Grand Rapids high school, from which he grad- 
 uated in 1885, and for eight years thereafter taught school in Wood county. He 
 then attended the Oshkosh normal school, from which he graduated in 1895, after 
 which he was engaged for four years as a teacher in the high school. Desiring, 
 however, to make the medical profession his life work, he then attended the 
 Northwestern Medical College of Chicago, receiving the degree of M. D. in 
 1903. In that year he began practicing and in 1904 came to Stanley, Wiscon- 
 sin, where he has ever since been located. Earnest, capable and conscientious 
 in the discharge of his duties, he is careful in diagnosis but after reaching a 
 decision is quick to act. He has many notable and critical cases to his credit 
 and as the years have passed has established a large practice, winning the con- 
 fidence and esteem of his patients and the general public. He has the rare 
 quality of instilling into those who are ill that confidence in a cure which is 
 so necessary in bringing a difficult case to a successful issue. Dr. Starr has made 
 many friends since locating in Stanley, not only among his patients but also 
 among the general public, all of whom unite in pronouncing him a conscientious 
 physician and a man of high principles. 
 
PAST AND PRESENT OF CHIPPEWA COUNTY 
 
 307 
 
 On December 28, 1898, Dr. Starr was united in marriage to Miss Sarah 
 Crane, a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Wilder Willard Crane, of Weyauwega, Wis- 
 consin, the marriage taking place in that city. Mr. Crane was a lumberman and 
 very prominent in his district. Dr. and A'Irs. Starr are the parents of two daugh- 
 ters, Ruth I. and Elizabeth E. 
 
 Dr. Starr has been intimately connected with the public life of Stanley and 
 Chippewa county, having served for four years as a member of the city school 
 board and for the same period of time as county health officer, doing valuable 
 work in both positions. Besides his own residence he owns a valuable farm of 
 one hundred and twenty acres on section 34, Colburn township, this county. His 
 political support is given to the democratic party. Fraternally he is a member of 
 the Modern Woodmen of America, the Beavers and the Woodmen of the World. 
 That he is interested in church work is evident from the fact that he is a member 
 and serves as elder of the Presbyterian church of Stanley and he has always 
 taken an active interest in the movements which make for the betterment of 
 the Stanley country and which tend to elevate the moral or intellectual status 
 of its people. 
 
 WESLEY W. SHONG. 
 
 Prominently identified with various important corporate interests of Boyd, 
 Wesley W. Shong figures as one of the most progressive and representative men 
 of the town. In partnership with his father he owns and operates a large 
 planing and sawmill and he has other important business identifications, his 
 interests touching closely the financial and commercial development of the com- 
 munity. He was born in Augusta, Lincoln township, Eau Claire county, April 
 21, 1875, a son of Charles and Esther (Williams) Shong, natives of New York- 
 state, the former born in 1843 ar *d the tatter in 1848. The father came to Wis- 
 consin about 1865 and has followed farming in Lincoln township for many years. 
 He is associated with his son as a partner in the operation of a planing and saw- 
 mill at Boyd. He and his wife became the parents of six children: Wesley W., 
 of This review; Verna, who married Frank Scott, a farmer at Otter Creek; 
 Clara, who became the wife of Burl Arris, a farmer of Otter Creek, by whom 
 she has three children; Bessie, the wife of Richard Temple, a rancher in Mon- 
 tana by whom she has one child; and John and Robert. 
 
 Wesley W. Shong acquired his education in the public schools of Lincoln 
 township which he attended until he was eighteen years of age. After laying 
 aside his books he spent six years upon the farm and then joined his father in 
 the operation of a lumber mill in Ludington township, Eau Claire county. In 
 1905 he moved to Boyd and there in partnership with his father bought the 
 planing and sawmill which he has operated since that time. Under his able 
 management it has become a large and flourishing enterprise, controlling a large 
 market and supplying a representative and growing patronage. In addition to 
 the mill and yard the partners own also five hundred and twenty acres of land 
 in Ludington township, Eau Claire county, one hundred and sixty on section 6, 
 range 5 west and three hundred and sixty on section 2, range 6 west, all in town- 
 
308 
 
 PAST AND PRESENT OF CHIPPEWA COUNTY 
 
 ship 27. Mr. Shong is a stockholder in the Citizens’ State Bank of Boyd and 
 the Lndington Telephone Company and is a man of recognized business ability 
 and prominence. 
 
 At Lincoln, Eau Claire county, on the 24th of December, 1901, Mr. Shong 
 married Miss Anna Fedler, a daughter of Wenzel and Katherine (Kadlets) 
 Fedler. Her father is a well known farmer of Glenmore township, Brown 
 county. In the family were the following children: Mary; Frank, who has 
 passed away; Wenzel; Anna, wife of the subject of this review; Anton; Fred, 
 also deceased; John and Frank. Mrs. Schong has also a half brother, Joseph. 
 Mr. and Mrs. Shong are the parents of two children : Esther A. and Robert C. 
 The family attend the Roman Catholic church. Mr. Shong gives his political 
 allegiance to the republican party and takes an intelligent interest in the welfare 
 and development of Boyd. He is well known and favorably regarded in business 
 circles and wherever he is known he is held in high esteem by reason of his 
 genuine personal worth. 
 
 JACOB SAVORD. 
 
 Jacob Savord, whose demise occurred in Cleveland township on the 15th of 
 February, iqo 7, was for a number of years actively and successfully identified 
 with agricultural pursuits there, owning and operating a well improved farm 
 of one hundred and sixty acres on section 2. He was born in Canada on the 
 15th of March, 1845, ar >d ’ n early manhood was a sailor for several years then 
 crossed the border into the United States, locating in northern Minnesota, where 
 he was engaged in business for some time. On the expiration of that period 
 he came to Chippewa Falls, Chippewa county, Wisconsin, and eventually set- 
 tled on one hundred and sixty acres of government land in section 2, Cleveland 
 township. He made a number of substantial improvements on the property and 
 there carried on general agricultural pursuits until called to his final rest, winning 
 and maintaining a reputation as one of the prosperous and respected citizens of 
 his community. 
 
 At Keystone, Chippewa county, Mr. Savord was united in marriage to Miss 
 Lucy Violett, a native of Canada, who died at the age of twenty-eight years, 
 leaving her husband with five children. The responsibility which thus fell upon 
 him was a grave one, for some of the children were still small and one was but 
 an infant. His mother-in-law, who lived with him for a few years and died 
 on his farm, assisted him in rearing the family, but he largely trained and edu- 
 cated them alone. The children were named as follows : Louis, George, Charles, 
 Clara and Lucy. Mr. Savord was a democrat in politics and a prominent worker 
 in the local ranks of the party. In religious faith he was a Catholic, and his 
 life in all of its various relations was of such character as to command the respect 
 and esteem of those with whom he was associated. 
 
 Charles Savord, son of Jacob Savord, was born on the home farm in Cleve- 
 land township and attended the district schools in the acquirement of an educa- 
 tion. At the time of his father’s demise he bought out the other heirs in the home- 
 stead property, which has since remained in his possession. He carries on gen- 
 
PAST AND PRESENT OF CHIPPEWA COUNTY 
 
 309 
 
 eral farming with excellent success, for his land is productive and his place is 
 well improved in every particular. 
 
 In Chippewa county, Air. Savord was joined in- wedlock to Miss Barbara 
 Jeneman, her parents being Joseph and Catherine (Fleer) Jeneman, now deceased. 
 By this union there is one child, Clarence. 
 
 Air. Savord has served as township supervisor for two years, while for one 
 vear he acted in the capacity of township treasurer. His religious faith is indi- 
 cated by his membership in the Catholic church at Flambeau. He has always 
 resided in this county and is widely recognized as an enterprising young agri- 
 culturist and progressive citizen. 
 
 J. B. HALVERSON. 
 
 After a long and distinguished business career J. B. Halverson has since 
 1910 served as cashier of the Farmers & Merchants State Bank of Stanley. He 
 became connected with this institution in 1906 as assistant cashier and in 1910 
 was promoted to the position which he now occupies. He also is a substantial 
 stockholder and a director of this bank. Aloreover, he has other important finan- 
 cial interests and is considered one of the most shrewd and able bankers of this 
 part of the state. Public affairs have ever interested him and he has also endeavored 
 to spread the spirit of brotherly love by the means of his church, in the work of 
 which he is deeply interested. Mr. Halverson was born in Jackson county, this 
 state, April 12, 1864, and is a son of Halver Halverson Haugsjerd, who was 
 born in Norway in 1825. He came to Wisconsin in 1858, settling in Dane county, 
 where he became one of the early pioneers and whence he later removed to Alin- 
 nesota. Indians forced him during the early times to flee from his home and 
 he then went to Jackson county, Wisconsin, where his death occurred in 1883. 
 He married Aliss Torbor Sjurson, who was born in Norway in 1826. At the 
 age of eighty-seven she lives in Jackson county, Wisconsin, still showing an 
 active interest in her surroundings and her family. 
 
 J. B. Halverson is one of a family of eight children, of whom five are still 
 living. He was educated in the public schools of Jackson county until seventeen 
 years of age and subsequently graduated from the Indiana Normal School and 
 Business Institute at Valparaiso, Indiana, in 1887. He made his first step into 
 business life in connection with the Alercantile Association of Pigeon Falls, Wis- 
 consin, remaining with them as clerk, bookkeeper and cashier for a period of 
 eleven years. He then engaged in business for himself at Northfield, Wiscon- 
 sin, under the name of Steen, Halverson & Company, conducting a general store 
 for eight years. He then removed to A'linneapolis, where he engaged in the 
 manufacture of envelope openers for about a year. At the end of that period 
 he came to Stanley, entering the Farmers & Merchants State Bank as assistant 
 cashier in 1906. In 1910 he was made cashier of this institution. Air. Halver- 
 son gives his undivided attention to the affairs of the bank and while he is pro- 
 gressive in his undertakings he is conservative in judging of the investments 
 which this institution makes. He is ever ready to extend credit to worthy patrons 
 for such enterprises as need legitimate help if he deems the collateral offered 
 
310 
 
 PAST AND PRESENT OF CHIPPEWA COUNTY 
 
 safe enough for the bank to accept it. Shrewd, able and conscientious, Mr. Hal- 
 verson has become recognized as an authority on finance in his part of Wisconsin 
 and occupies in commercial circles of the community a foremost position. He 
 owns two residences in Stanley and besides being cashier of the Farmers & Mer- 
 chants Bank is also a large stockholder and a director. He also is interested in 
 the Union State Bank of Minneapolis, in the Citizens State Bank of Cadott, Chip- 
 pewa county, and in the Steen Mercantile Company of Northfield, Wisconsin. 
 He is in addition a stockholder in the Alberta Farm Company of Milk River, 
 Alberta, Canada. 
 
 On October 14, 1893, Mr. Halverson was united in marriage to Miss Gina 
 Ekern, a daughter of Anthony and Louisa Ekern, of Trempealeau county, Wis- 
 consin, the ceremony taking place at the home of the bride. In his district the 
 father is prominent as a successful agriculturist. Mr. and Mrs. Halverson became 
 the parents of seven children : Ames, who died at the age of seven years ; Thelma 
 L. ; Lenard ; Arnold, who died at the age of nine months; and Amy, Mabel and 
 Berenice, all at home. 
 
 Since 1890 Mr. Halverson has served as notary public in Trempealeau, Chip- 
 pewa and Jackson counties. For eight years he served as justice of the peace, 
 establishing a high reputation among his fellow citizens by his fair and impartial 
 decisions. Fraternally he is a member of the I. S. W. A. and politically he is a 
 progressive republican. While residing at Pigeon Falls he served for eight years 
 as assistant postmaster. He is secretary of the Progressive League and a member 
 of the school board and is also a member and treasurer of the United Lutheran 
 church. The career of Mr. Halverson sets forth what can be attained when 
 industry and energy lead the way and the success which has come to him is the 
 more creditable as it has been brought about entirely by his own labors. He 
 enjoys in an extraordinary degree the confidence and esteem of his fellow citizens, 
 who trust him implicitly and have great faith in him as an authority on financial, 
 real-estate and commercial matters. 
 
 MRS. JULIA OLIN ELLIS. 
 
 Mrs. Julia Olin Ellis owns one hundred and sixty acres of fine land on section 
 23, Howard township, and is conducting this property as a dairy farm, proving 
 herself as capable as any man in the direction and control of her interests. She 
 is the widow of Idewellyn Ellis, one of the best known farmers of that township 
 and one who was identified for more than thirty years with the progress and 
 development of its agricultural interests. He was the youngest of nine children 
 born to Joshua and Elfrida (Hilton) Ellis, of English ancestry, and he was born 
 at Madison, Somerset county, Maine, May 19, 1847. His childhood and early 
 youth were spent on the New England farm and from Maine he came in 1868 to 
 Wisconsin, settling first in Oshkosh, where he remained two years, and then in 
 Eau Claire. Shortly after he located in the latter city he engaged in the lumbering 
 business as a contractor, operating camps on the Chippewa river and its numerous 
 tributaries. In 1876, however, he turned his attention to farming, buying a tract 
 of land from F. W. Woodward. His holdings were located in Howard township. 
 
PAST AND PRESENT OF CHIPPEWA COUNTY 
 
 311 
 
 on section 23, and upon this property he continued to reside until his death, giving 
 his attention to diversified farming and specializing in the rearing of improved 
 grades of dairy cattle and various breeds of sheep. The results of his efforts 
 proved highly satisfactory and he was one of the most successful breeders in 
 Chippewa county, his animals being notable features of any fair in which they 
 were exhibited. Mr. Ellis was president of the local union of the American Society 
 of Equity after its organization in 1904 and was president of the Town Line 
 Creamery Association for several years, having been reelected on January 1, 1910, 
 on the day on which his fatal illness began. He was also a member of the Wis- 
 consin Live Stock Association, and a life member of the Northwestern Fair Asso- 
 ciation. 
 
 Mr. Ellis married, in Eau Claire, July 3, 1882, Miss Julia E. Olin, of that city, 
 and they became the parents of two children : Myra, the wife of Ole Olson, a 
 farmer of Chippewa county; and Elvira, who married H. E. Craft, also engaged 
 in farming in this county. Mr. Ellis passed away January 12, 1910, and his death 
 was deeply and sincerely regretted, for. he was a man of upright character and 
 high principles and he held the esteem and confidence of all who were associated 
 with him. Mrs. Ellis owns the homestead, consisting of one hundred and sixty 
 acres, and is conducting there a large dairy, the products of which command a 
 high price and a ready sale on the market. She has been very active in securing 
 public utilities for the township, being the first one to seek the establishment of 
 a mail route, and the first one to work for the establishment of a telephone line. 
 Mrs. Ellis has a diploma as a professional nurse in addition to her other achieve- 
 ments. Her ability is respected in business circles, and in private life her many 
 excellent qualities of character have gained for her an extensive circle of friends. 
 
 ANTON L. SOLI. 
 
 Anton L. Soli, engaging in general farming and dairying on a fine tract of 
 forty acres lying on section 14, Delmar township, is a native of Norway, born Jan- 
 uary 14, 1864. His parents, Lars, and Olina (Christianson) Hansen, were also 
 natives of that country and the father was employed in the sawmills there for 
 many years. They came to Stanley, Wisconsin, in 1895 and he remained a resident 
 of that community until his death in 1899. He had survived his wife several 
 years, she having passed away in 1884. In their family were nine children, 
 seven of whom are still living, as follows: Hannah, John, Hans, Anton, Carl, 
 
 Marius and Dora. 
 
 Anton L. Soli acquired his education in the public schools of Norway, attend- 
 ing until the year 1880. He afterwards worked in the sawmills in his native 
 country for two years and then emigrated to America settling in Eau Claire, Wis- 
 consin. He resumed his former occupation, there remaining until 1884, when he 
 returned to Norway for his marriage. In the following year he settled again in 
 Eau Claire, where he maintained his residence until 1900, in which vear he pur- 
 chased forty acres of land on section 14, township 29, range 5 west, and upon 
 this property he has since resided. He has given special attention to dairying and 
 is also to some extent interested in stock-raising, keeping eight head of cattle 
 
312 
 
 PAST AND PRESENT OF CHIPPEWA COUNTY 
 
 and two horses. He has made extensive improvements upon his property, erecting 
 substantial barns and outbuildings, and he keeps everything about the place in 
 excellent condition. 
 
 On the 22d of November, 1885, Mr. Soli married Miss Annie Larsen, a 
 daughter of Lars and Ingebor (Anderson) Jonssen. Mr. and Mrs. Soli became 
 the parents of nine children, Carl, Arthur, Hartvig, Jennie, Dagny, Gunda, Peter, 
 Ingebor, and a child who died in infancy. The parents are members of the 
 United Lutheran church in which Mr. Soli is a deacon. He is an independent 
 republican in his political beliefs and interested in everything pertaining to the 
 welfare of the county, although he is not active as a politician. His attention 
 is given chiefly to his agricultural pursuits and in these he has won that success 
 which always follows earnest and persistent labor. 
 
 CHARLES P. BARKER. 
 
 As owner of the Barker Dairy Farm, situated on sections 1, 2 and it, Wheaton 
 township, Chippewa county, Charles P. Barker occupies an important position 
 in dairying and stock-breeding circles. Although he is not yet thirty years of 
 age, he has already achieved a decided success which must be entirely attributed 
 to his modern and up-to-date methods and the careful attention which he gives 
 to his interests. Mr. Barker is a highly educated man and makes use of much of 
 what he has learned in the operation of his farm. He is a native of Chippewa 
 county and was born on the farm which he now owns, June 9, 1884, a son of 
 Herbert C. and Clara I. (Slayton) Barker. The father came with his father, 
 Charles P. Barker, from Maine. The latter was one of the largest lumber loggers 
 in this part of Wisconsin, and it was he who made settlement on the land and 
 began its improvement. He was a veteran of the Civil war and was highly 
 esteemed by all who knew him. Herbert C. Barker, the father of our subject, 
 was the first man to introduce pure-bred Holstein cattle into this part of 
 the county, and at the time of his death had the finest herd in this portion of 
 Wisconsin. He died in 1896, at the comparatively early age of thirty-eight years, 
 being accidentally killed by his own Holstein bull. He found burial in the 
 Forest Hill cemetery. His wife survives and now makes her home in Chippewa 
 Falls. The Barker family is of British origin but has long been established in 
 this country, some of the members having fought throughout the Revolutionary 
 war. 
 
 Charles P. Barker received his primary education in the public and high 
 schools, from the latter of which he graduated in 1902 and then entered the 
 University of Wisconsin From that institution he received the degree of A. B. 
 in 1906 and the degree of B. S. in G. E. in 1907. He then entered the employ 
 of the United States Steel Corporation in Joliet as steam expert, holding that 
 position until taking charge -of the Barker Dairy Farm, which comprises two 
 hundred and eighty acres of land. Here he has made numerous modern improve- 
 ments not only in buildings and machinery but also in methods of operation, and 
 he is at present making plans for an entirely modern dairy plant. He also gives 
 much attention to the breeding of pure-bred Holstein cattle. 
 
PAST AND PRESENT OF CHIPPEWA COUNTY 
 
 313 
 
 In Chippewa Falls, on August 31, 1907, Mr. Barker married Miss Margaret 
 Hurd, a daughter of Dr. H. H. and Minnie (Robinson) Hurd. Of this union 
 there has been born one daughter, Polly Hurd. 
 
 Mr. Barker is a republican in his political affiliations. He is a Tau Beta Pi, 
 member of a national honorary engineering fraternity, and of the Sigma Nu, a Greek 
 letter society. Both he and his wife are members of the Episcopal church. While 
 Mr. Barker has attained individual success and is one of the substantial men of his 
 locality, he has done much toward furthering dairy interests by introducing new 
 methods and new ideas. He is an enthusiastic, progressive young man and takes 
 interest in all that pertains to the welfare of his district. Although he is not 
 politically active, he is ever ready to give of his time and money toward worthy 
 public enterprises and his citizenship is of the truly helpful kind. 
 
 CARL M. TOFT. 
 
 After a number of years’ connection with the optical and jewelry department 
 of the Northwestern Lumber Company, Carl M. Toft established in 1913 a store 
 of his own, which enjoys an ever-increasing and representative patronage. He 
 has made a study of his trade and graduated with high honors from the optical 
 department of the Northern Illinois College, so that he is well fitted to conduct 
 an enterprise of this character. He also deserves mention for the fact that he 
 was one of those who participated in the Cuban and Porto Rican campaigns, 
 offering his services in order to uphold the honor of the American flag in this 
 cause. Mr. Toft was born in Seattle, Washington, October 31, 1876. His 
 father, Evan A. Toft, was born in Norway in 1844, and at the age of twenty-five 
 years crossed the ocean and went to Chicago. He was a jeweler by trade and 
 now makes his home in Grafton, North Dakota. The mother before her mar- 
 riage was Christina Nelson and was born in Norway in 1854, coming to America 
 when eighteen years of age. In their family were eleven children, Carl M., 
 Alma B., Elmer C., Helga L., Paul G., Arthur W., Mabel O., Clarence, and three 
 who died in infancy. 
 
 Carl M. Toft was educated in the high school of Menominie, Wisconsin, which 
 he attended until seventeen years of age, when he entered Trowbridge’s school 
 at Winona, this state, graduating in 1894. In 1900 he graduated from the North- 
 ern Illinois College at Chicago with the degree of Doctor of Optics. He then 
 came to Stanley, taking charge of the jewelry and optical department of the 
 Northwestern Lumber Company and remaining in that position for thirteen years. 
 In 1913 he opened his present store and has since been very successful in this 
 undertaking. He carries a complete line of the latest goods, affording his cus- 
 tomers a selection which is rarely to be met with in a town of the size of Stanley. 
 His stock is valued at four thousand dollars. 
 
 At Stanley, Wisconsin, on the 24th of June, 1903, Mr. Toft was united in 
 marriage to Miss Sarah E. Dunn, a daughter of John and Clara (Westphall) 
 Dunn, the former a well known hotel proprietor of Stanley. Mr. and Mrs. Toft 
 are the parents of four children: John W., Dorothy M., Lawrence G., and 
 
 Eleanor Grace. 
 
PAST AND PRESENT OF CHIPPEWA COUNTY 
 
 314 
 
 Mr. Toft is a member of Company E, Third Wisconsin Volunteer Infantry. 
 For six months he was stationed with his company at Chickamauga and then did 
 detached service as mounted orderly for General Ernest for one year. He served 
 with distinction in Cuba and Porto Rico and in 1899 was discharged from the 
 United States service. Fraternally Mr. Toft is a member of the Masons, the 
 Beavers and the I. S. W. A. He is also a popular and progressive young business 
 man and highly esteemed and respected in his city. He finds recreation and 
 pleasure in fishing and hunting. The career of Mr. Toft is proof of the fact 
 that ambition will find a way to succeed and it is for his determined qualities of 
 character that he is admired by all who know him. 
 
 WILLIAM IRVINE. 
 
 Since William Irvine was fifteen years of age he has been identified with 
 the lumber business in Chippewa Falls and during that time has constantly ex- 
 tended the scope of his activities as his powers and opportunities developed until 
 today his important and varied connections with lumber interests make him one 
 of the greatest individual forces in the development of this industry in the state. 
 Lie is known as a conservative, farsighted and capable man of business, with a 
 thorough understanding of his special field and a power and insight which would 
 spell success along any line. Mr. Irvine was born in Mount Carroll, Illinois, 
 October 28, 1851, and is a son of John and Amanda M. (Fitch) Irvine, the 
 former a native of Indiana county, Pennsylvania, of Scotch-Irish ancestry, and 
 the latter of Delaware county, New York. Their marriage occurred in Mount 
 Carroll, Illinois, whither the father had come in 1845. In that year he established 
 himself in the mercantile business there and so continued until his death, which 
 occurred in 1873. His wife survived him until 1900. Both were members of 
 the Methodist church. 
 
 William Irvine acquired his early education in the public schools of Mount 
 Carroll and at Mount Carroll Seminary. At the age of fifteen he went to work 
 for his brother-in-law, who was captain of a raft boat towing lumber from the 
 Chippewa Falls sawmills to Mississippi river points. Mr. Irvine engaged as 
 watchman and then as clerk, so continuing until 1875, when he was made sales- 
 man for the Union Lumbering Company of Chippewa Falls, his territory lying 
 along the Mississippi river from Winona to St. Louis. This position offered 
 him many opportunitities to display his energy, aggressiveness and foresight and 
 he did not hesitate to avail himself of them, becoming one of the most trusted 
 and reliable employes of the firm he represented. He advanced rapidly, becom- 
 ing in 1881 secretary of the company, and in 1885 manager, and he held this 
 position until 1911, when manufacturing at this point was discontinued. In the 
 forty-five years during which he was connected with the Chippewa Falls saw- 
 mills he learned every detail of the lumber business, studying both the mechan- 
 ical and administrative branches and never neglecting any opportunity to increase 
 his knowledge or add to his skill. He gained recognition as an expert in the 
 lumber business, a leader in the development of the lumber industry in the state 
 and the years brought him many important business identifications, connecting 
 
WILLIAM IRVINE 
 
PAST AND PRESENT OF CHIPPEWA COUNTY 
 
 317 
 
 him with notable interests along his chosen line. He is secretary of the North- 
 ern Lumber Company of Cloquet, Minnesota, and interested in various other 
 lumber concerns, holding stock in a number of the Weyerhaeuser companies. 
 He is vice president of the Lumbermen’s National Bank, was for three years 
 president of the Mississippi Valley Lumbermen's Association and for two years 
 president of the National Lumber Manufacturers’ Association. His interests 
 have extended to other fields also, as is evidenced by the fact that he is a member 
 of the board of directors of the Wisconsin Central Railroad Company and a 
 trustee of the Northwestern Mutual Life Insurance Company. 
 
 On the 8th of October, 1873, at Mount Carroll, Illinois, Mr. Irvine married 
 Miss Adelaide M. Beardsley, a daughter of Orlando S. Beardsley, a prominent 
 stock farmer in that vicinity. The father died in 1883 an d is survived by. his 
 wife. Mr. and Mrs. Irvine have one daughter, Ruth. Mr. Irvine attends the 
 Presbyterian church, although he is not a member, and is connected fraternally 
 with the Masonic lodge and chapter in Chippewa Falls, Tancred Commandery 
 and the Wisconsin Consistory. He gives his political allegiance to the republi- 
 can party but his extensive and always growing business affairs have left him 
 very little time for activity in public affairs. He is easily among the leading 
 business men of the state and has been a powerful force in the development of 
 the lumber industry here for the past half century. He is a man of marked 
 individuality, strong character and stalwart purpose, who in citizenship, in busi- 
 ness circles and in private life commands the respect of all with whom he has 
 been brought in contact. 
 
 S. B. NIMMONS. 
 
 S. B. Nimmons was born at Rockland Farms, Westchester county, New York, 
 June 15, 1863, and is a son of Samuel and Amelia (Archer) Nimmons, the 
 former of whom was a merchant in early times in New York city. He died in 
 1888 and his wife survived him until 1913. Both are buried in the cemetery at 
 Chatham, New Jersey. 
 
 S. B. Nimmons acquired his education in the public schools of Summit, New 
 Jersey. He began work at the age of fifteen as an employe of a brokerage firm 
 in New York city and after five years came to Chippewa Falls where he became 
 connected with the Chippewa Lumber & Boom Company as clerk. At the end of 
 two years he moved to Montana and there spent a short period on a sheep ranch 
 and also engaged in the mercantile business. He then returned to Chippewa 
 Falls and entered the employ of the Lumbermens National Bank as clerk. He 
 was elected cashier of the bank in 1890, and has occupied that position since, 
 and is also one of the directors of that institution. In Chippewa Falls he is known 
 as a conservative banker whose judgment in financial matters is considered sound 
 and reliable. He is also one of the executors of the Rutledge estate, secretary and 
 treasurer of the Hannah M. Rutledge Home for the x\ged, and secretary and trea- 
 surer of the Edward Rutledge Charity, and was formerly connected w r ith the 
 school board of Chippewa Falls and the new high school was erected during his 
 term of service. 
 
 voi. n— 1 7 
 
PAST AND PRESENT OF CHIPPEWA COUNTY 
 
 318 
 
 In St. Paul, Minnesota, September 25, 1888, Mr. Nimmons was united in mar- 
 riage to Miss Kate Rumsey, a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. John Rumsey, the 
 former one of the early merchants of Chippewa Falls. He has passed away but his 
 wife survives him, making her home in Chippewa Falls. Mr. and Mrs. Nimmons 
 have two daughters : Mary, who is a graduate of the Chippewa high school ; and 
 
 Charlotte, who is a graduate of the domestic science department of Stout institute. 
 
 Mr. Nimmons is a member of the Episcopal church and independent in politics. 
 
 MRS. CARRIE F. MILLIONS. 
 
 Mrs. Carrie F. Millions, the widow of Chauncey K. Millions, came to this 
 county from Loganville, Wisconsin, in [883 and has resided here through the 
 intervening three decades. The farm which she owns comprises three hundred 
 and seven acres of land on section 36, Sigel township. Her birth occurred in 
 Madison, Wisconsin, on the 1st of December, 1858, her parents being A. D. and 
 Hannah (Carly) Gibson, both of whom lie buried in Chippewa county. The 
 father passed away in 1862, while the mother’s demise occurred in 1890. 
 
 Carrie F. Gibson attended the schools of Loganville until fifteen years of age 
 and subsequently spent about eight years in the service of a hotel proprietor. On 
 the 24th of December, 1881, she gave her hand in marriage to Chauncey K. 
 Millions, a son of John and Eliza (King) Millions, both of whom have passed 
 away and were buried at Elbridge, New York. Chauncey K. Millions was one 
 of the first settlers of Cadott, Wisconsin, where he operated the first sawmill. 
 He' also built a hotel in the town in 1882, known as the Central Hotel, and carried 
 on business there for several years. At the time of his demise he left his wife 
 a well improved farm of three hundred and seven acres on section 36, Sigel 
 township, where she has since carried on mixed farming, keeping about seven 
 horses, thirty-five cattle and thirty-five hogs. The improvements on the property 
 include a substantial residence, barn and other outbuildings, and the place presents 
 a neat and well kept appearance. 
 
 L T nto Air. and Mrs. Millions were born two children, as follows: William S., 
 who resides with his widowed mother ; and Albert C., who is employed as foreman 
 by the Keith & Hiles Lumber Company at Crandon, Wisconsin. Mrs. Millions 
 has won many friends in her home community, for her life has ever been such 
 as to attract them. 
 
 JAMES AGNEW WATSON. 
 
 Among the popular young men of Chippewa Falls and those who are con- 
 nected with the government in official capacity is James Agnew Watson, assistant 
 postmaster of the local office. A native of Wisconsin, he was born at Menasha 
 on June 9, 1880, and when but two years of age came to this county in 1882. 
 He is a son of James O. and Agnes M. (Agnew) Watson, both of whom now 
 reside in Chippew^a Falls. The father is very popular and prominent in the city. 
 
PAST AND PRESENT OF CHIPPEWA COUNTY 
 
 319 
 
 enjoying the confidence of the general public and the esteem of a large circle 
 of admiring friends. In their family were three children : Frank, who died on 
 
 June 6, 1910, and is buried in Chippewa Falls; George, who has also passed away 
 and found his last resting place in Oshkosh, Wisconsin; and James Agnew. 
 
 James Agnew Watson was reared by his parents and early there was fostered 
 in him a realization of the value of industry and honesty. He received a good 
 education, attending the Chippewa Falls high school, which he left at the age of 
 seventeen in order to enter the Drew School of Pharmacy, which he attended for 
 nine months. Returning to Chippewa Falls, he then entered business with his 
 brother in the drug line and for eight years was successfully engaged in that con- 
 nection, their store becoming one of the most popular in the city. For a number 
 of years Mr. Watson has now efficiently filled the position of assistant postmaster 
 and has done much toward maintaining a highly satisfactory service. 
 
 Mr. Watson is prominent in the Masonic order, being a member of Chippewa 
 Falls Lodge, No. 176, A. F. & A. M. ; Chippewa Chapter, No. 46, R. A. M. ; and 
 Tancred Commandery, No. 27, K. T. He has attained the thirty-second degree 
 and is also a member of Tripoli Shrine of Milwaukee, Nobles of the Mystic 
 Shrine. His religious faith is that of the Presbyterian denomination and he holds 
 membership in the local church. It is interesting to note in regard to his family 
 that it was his father who brought the first locomotive into Chippewa Falls that 
 ever entered the city. Mr. Watson stands high in the esteem of his fellow citizens 
 and the confidence which he enjoys is highly merited, for it is given in return 
 and in appreciation of qualities which are considered the highest virtues in 
 American manhood. 
 
 AUGUST BRUSS. 
 
 August Bruss, head of the firm of August Bruss & Son, hardware dealers 
 of Boyd, and numbered among the substantial and representative business men 
 of that town, was born in Sheboygan county, this state, September 11, 1858. He is 
 a son of August and Elizabeth (Prock) Bruss, natives of Germany, the former 
 born in 1819 and the latter in 1832. Both have passed away, the father dying in 
 1887 and the mother in 1892. They were the parents of thirteen children: 
 Charles, Sophia, August, John, Philip, Henry, Ernestina, Lizzie, Augusta, Mary 
 and three who died in infancy. 
 
 August Bruss acquired his education in the public schools of Manitowoc 
 county, but his advantages along this line were limited as he laid aside his books 
 at the age of ten. He afterwards worked in the woods and at threshing and at 
 various other occupations until he was twenty, when he turned his attention 
 to farming, working as a laborer for five years. At the end of that time he pur- 
 chased forty acres and this farm he operated until 1895. He then sold his hold- 
 ings and opened a saloon and li\ery stable in Brillion. This enterprise was de- 
 stroyed by fire in 1899 and Mr. Bruss lost his entire fortune, but with characteris- 
 tic energy he rebuilt his store and within the next ten years secured a large and 
 important patronage. In 1909 he moved to Boyd and in association with his 
 son John, organized the firm of August Bruss & Son. They established them- 
 
320 
 
 PAST AND PRESENT OF CHIPPEWA COUNTY 
 
 selves in the hardware business and have been very successful, their stock being 
 valued today at thirty-three hundred dollars. 
 
 Mr. Brass married Miss Margaret Ohlogge, a daughter of John Ohlogge of 
 Iialstine, Wisconsin, and they are the parents of four children: August, Jr.; 
 
 John; Sobina; and Leona. August married Miss Emma Kreiger and they have 
 two children, Estella and Clarence. He is engaged in farming in Manitowoc 
 county. John is a partner in August Brass & Son. He married Miss Linda 
 Butscher, a daughter of Albert Butscher. Sobina and Leona live at home. 
 
 Mr. Brass is connected fraternally with the Equitable fraternal union and he 
 is a devout member of the Methodist church. He is independent in his political 
 views and has held some public offices of trust and responsibility, serving for 
 three years as trustee of Brillion and for two years as marshal. Both as a public 
 official and a business man his record is a creditable and worthy one and he is 
 moreover, held in widespread esteem by reason of his genuine personal worth. 
 
 ANDREW N. SNEEN. 
 
 For the past thirty-six years Andrew N. Sneen has been connected with the 
 Northwestern Lumber Company at Porters Mills and Stanley and during that 
 time has risen by his own energy, ability and enterprise to the position of super- 
 intendent of the mill, which he has held since 1905. He was born in Norway 
 on the 27th of October, i860, a son of Nels and Sigri (Asppeggen) Sneen, also 
 natives of that country, the former born in 1834 and the latter in 1836. The 
 parents came to Wisconsin in 1875 and the father followed farming in this state 
 until his death which occurred in 1903. His wife survives him and makes her 
 home on the farm near Rock Falls. 
 
 Andrew N. Sneen is one of a family of six children. He attended public 
 school in Norway until he was fifteen years of age and then accompanied his 
 parents to America, pursuing his studies for five months in Wisconsin. He 
 afterwards worked for a short time in a sawmill and in 1877 entered the employ 
 of the Northwestern Lumber Company at Porters Mills. He came to Stanley 
 in 1893, and he has since maintained his connection with the company. He has 
 risen steadily; for his employers have recognized his integrity, trustworthiness 
 and reliability and have rewarded them by rapid advancement. In 1905 he was 
 made superintendent of the mill and has since discharged the duties of this im- 
 portant position in a capable and farsighted manner. 
 
 At Eau Claire, Wisconsin, on the 18th of June, 1882, Mr. Sneen was united 
 in marriage to Miss Gertie Hugdahl, a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Andrew Hug- 
 dahl, the former a well known farmer of Washburn. Mr. and Mrs. Sneen 
 became the parents of six children: Nels, Oscar, Oliver and Sigvald, who are 
 
 living; Olina and George, who have passed away. 
 
 Mr. Sneen is connected fraternally with the Modern Woodmen of America 
 and the I. S. W. A. and he is one of the leading members of the United Lutheran 
 church, having been a delegate to a number of church conventions. He is a 
 stockholder in the Citizens State Bank and he has extensive property interests 
 besides his residence in Stanley. Lie is a stanch republican in his political beliefs 
 
PAST AND PRESENT OF CHIPPEWA COUNTY 
 
 321 
 
 and prominent in the party’s councils, serving as a delegate to the state convention 
 at Milwaukee when Robert La Follette was made a candidate for the nomination 
 to the office of governor in 1900. He has himself held a number of important 
 positions, having been for six terms a member of the board of aldermen and for 
 two terms on the school board. He takes a great interest in the growth and 
 development of Stanley and is always to be found among the leaders in any 
 work of public progress. He is a man of great energy, force and capacity and 
 is held in high esteem and regard as a successful business man and a public- 
 spirited citizen. 
 
 CHARLES L. SMITH. 
 
 Charles L. Smith, who came to Cleveland township, this county, more than 
 four decades ago, has here made his home continuously since with the exception 
 of a few short intervals when he leased his farm and lived elsewhere. He has 
 reached the Psalmist’s allotted span of three score years and ten and is the 
 only survivor of the original early settlers of his part of the county. His place 
 comprises one hundred and twenty acres of land, on sections 28 and 29, town- 
 ship 32, range 7. 
 
 Charles L. Smith was born in Allegheny county, New York, on the 9th of 
 June, 1843, his parents being Schuyler and Lydia Maria (Ferron) Smith, both 
 of whom passed away in the Empire state. He spent the first twenty years of his 
 life in New York and then came to Wisconsin, here being employed for four 
 years by the firm of Shaw & Bullen, later the Daniel Shaw Lumber Company, 
 of Eau Claire. On the expiration of that period he returned to his native state. 
 In 1872, however, he again came to Wisconsin and purchased eighty acres of 
 government land on sections 28 and 29 of what is now the township of Cleveland, 
 the property lying in township 32, range 7, of Chippewa county. The same year 
 he acquired an adjoining tract of forty acres. This place has remained his home 
 continuously since with the exception of a few short intervals during which he 
 leased his farm and resided elsewhere, his longest period of absence being the 
 four years which he spent on the Pacific coast. The greater portion of his land 
 is cleared and is under cultivation. Ten or twelve acres of fine rock maple still 
 stand, comprising a “sugar bush’’ from which hundreds of gallons of maple syrup 
 and quantities of sugar have been made. Twenty years ago a fire swept every- 
 thing from the property except the house. The buildings now include a comfort- 
 able and substantial frame residence and outbuildings which are constructed 
 mostly of logs. Mr. Smith still manages his affairs at the age of seventy years 
 but leaves most of the active work of the fields to others, having rented the farm 
 to his wife’s granddaughter and her husband. When he first took up his abode 
 on this property Flambeau road, the only thoroughfare in Cleveland township, 
 had just been laid out. There were no horses in that part of the county, and 
 Mr. Smith often went to Chippewa Falls on foot. He can recall many interest- 
 ing incidents of pioneer life and has not only witnessed but also aided in the 
 wonderful transformation that has here occurred as the work of progress and 
 development has been carried steadily forward. 
 
322 
 
 PAST AND PRESENT OF CHIPPEWA COUNTY 
 
 In New York, Mr. Smith was united in marriage to Miss Stebbens, now 
 deceased, by whom he had two daughters, namely : Cora, the wife of Charles 
 
 S. Lee, of Eau Claire; and Carrie, the wife of Charles Olliver, of Truax Prairie. 
 For his second wife he chose Mrs. Sarah E. Warded, a widow. 
 
 .Mr. Smith has been a lifelong democrat and an active worker in the local 
 ranks of his party. He was instrumental in organizing Cleveland township and 
 has held various township offices, ever discharging his public duties in a prompt 
 and able manner. When a young man of twenty-five years he became a Mason 
 and has since remained an exemplary representative of the fraternity. Genial and 
 kindly in nature, he fully appreciates his obligations to his fellowmen, and his 
 honorable principles and upright manhood have won for him the high regard, 
 confidence and good-will of all with whom he has come in contact. 
 
 DAYTON E. COOK. 
 
 Dayton E. Cook is engaged in the general practice of law in Chippewa Falls 
 and in a profession where advancement comes only as a result of individual 
 merit and ability has made rapid and steady progress and is meeting with well 
 deserved and substantial success. He was born in Dane county, Wisconsin, 
 December 14, 1873, and is a son of S. H. and Helen (Reese) Cook. The father 
 has spent his entire active life engaged in farming and is now following agri- 
 cultural pursuits in the vicinity of Aberdeen, South Dakota. He is a veteran 
 of the Civil war, having fought through the entire four years of that conflict as 
 a member of the Union army. 
 
 Dayton E. Cook acquired his common school education in the public schools 
 of Aberdeen, South Dakota, and was graduated from the Aberdeen high school 
 in i8qi. He afterward entered the University of Wisconsin and from that insti- 
 tution was graduated with the degree of LL. B. in 1895. After a post-graduate 
 course of one year he came to Chippewa Falls and here took up the general prac- 
 tice of law, in which he has since engaged. He has secured a large and repre- 
 sentative patronage, connecting him with a great deal of important litigation, 
 and he has proved himself a strong, able and forceful practitioner. He is con- 
 nected with business interests of the city as treasurer of the Clark Grain & Fuel 
 Company and in this connection has won for himself an enviable reputation for 
 business foresight and ability. 
 
 At Lodi, Wisconsin, on the 21st of October, 1896, Mr. Cook was united in 
 marriage to Miss Florence Stanley, a daughter of Daniel and Augusta Stanley. 
 The former was a lieutenant in the Union army during the Civil war and a 
 pioneer farmer in the vicinity of Lodi. His death occurred in 1874 and his wife 
 survives him, making her home in that city. Mr. and Mrs. Cook have become 
 the parents of three children : Stanley, who died at the age of seven years and 
 
 is buried in the Forest Hill cemetery, Chippewa Falls; Mabel, who is a student 
 in the high school; and Maurice, also at school. 
 
 Fraternally Mr. Cook is identified with the Independent Order of Odd Fel- 
 lows, the Maccabees and the Modern Woodmen of America. He is a republican 
 in his political beliefs and was for six years district attorney for Chippewa 
 
PAST AND PRESENT OF CHIPPEWA COUNTY 
 
 323 
 
 county. His personal characteristics have gained for him the warm regard and 
 friendship of many, while in professional circles he has attained that distinction 
 which is the natural result of his energy and ability. 
 
 BERNARD KRAMSCHUSTER. 
 
 Bernard Kramschuster owns a farm of one hundred acres four miles north- 
 west of Bloomer and another of forty acres north of the town. Upon the former 
 property he has resided for the past twenty-three years and he has been very suc- 
 cessful in its cultivation, being classed today among the able and successful farmers 
 of his locality. He was born in Watertown, Wisconsin, in 1866 and acquired his 
 education in the public schools of Chippewa county. After laying aside his books 
 he turned his attention to farming, engaging in this occupation in various parts 
 of Wisconsin and Minnesota until 1890 when he settled in Bloomer township, 
 this county, buying the land which he now owns. He has cleared all but five 
 acres of his holdings and has erected all of the buildings upon the place, neglect- 
 ing nothing which would add to its appearance or value. He engages in general 
 farming and being practical, progressive and energetic has met with gratifying 
 and well deserved success. 
 
 Mr. Kramschuster married Mrs. Agnes Gunderman and they have become 
 the parents of five children: Frank, Kate, George, Mary and Paul. Mrs. Kram- 
 schuster has also a son, John, by her former marriage. Mr. Kramschuster is 
 a devout member of the Roman Catholic church. In politics he votes independ- 
 ently and he has rendered the township excellent service in various" capacities, 
 serving as township assessor and as justice of the peace for a number of years. 
 He is interested in everything that pertains to the general welfare and advance- 
 ment and is esteemed as one of the representative and substantial citizens of this 
 section of the state. 
 
 ALBERT BUTSCHER. 
 
 Since 1887 Albert Butscher has been prominently connected with business 
 interests of Boyd and he now occupies a position of precedence in financial circles 
 as president of the State Bank. He was born in New York city, April 14, 1853, 
 and is a son of Joseph F. and Margaret ( Garstacker ) Butscher, natives of Ger- 
 many, the former born in 1826 and the latter in 1830. After the parents emigrated 
 to America they settled in New York where the father engaged in the carpentering 
 business until 1855. In that year he moved to Wisconsin and established himself 
 in the mercantile business in Watertown, continuing thus until his death in 1909. 
 He and his wife became the parents of six children : Albert, Joseph, Mary, Ida, 
 Annie and Theodore. 
 
 Albert Butscher acquired his education in the public schools oL Watertown 
 and at the age of fourteen laid aside his books and became a clerk in his father's 
 store. In 1878 he went to Edson Center, Edson township, Chippewa county, and 
 
324 
 
 PAST AND PRESENT OF CHIPPEWA COUNTY 
 
 there engaged in the mercantile business for himself, building up a large and repre- 
 sentative patronage. In addition he established the first cheese factory in the 
 county and this he operated for two years. At that time the village of Boyd was 
 becoming a thriving and prosperous trade center and Mr. Butscher took up his 
 residence there, opening a cheese factory and a general store. This he continued 
 until 1903 and then disposed of his interests, forming the State Bank of Boyd, 
 of which he has since been president. He is known as a reliable, discriminating 
 and able financier and his work has been the leading element in the building up of 
 a sound and conservative moneyed institution. 
 
 On the 9th of May, 1882, in Addison township, Washington county, Mr. But- 
 scher married Miss Bertha Weimer, a daughter of Peter and Margaret (Pert- 
 schy) Weimer. Mr.- and Mrs. Butscher have four children: Chester A., who 
 
 served in the Third United States Cavalry during the -Spanish-American war 
 and died in the Philippines; Herbert J., who is a bookkeeper in his father’s bank, 
 and who married Miss Bessie Nelson, by whom he has a daughter, Doris; Linda 
 G., who became the wife of John J. Bruss, a hardware merchant of Boyd; and 
 Carl, who is a student at Northwestern college in Watertown. The family are 
 members of the Lutheran church. 
 
 Fraternally, Mr. Butscher is connected with the Independent Order of Odd 
 Fellows and he is a stanch republican in his political beliefs. It was he who organ- 
 ized the republican party in the town of Edson in 1878, when the town of Edson 
 was composed of what is now the town of Edson, the town of Delmar, part of 
 the town of Colburn, part of the town of Sigel, the village of Boyd and the city 
 of Stanley. Since that time he has held various positions of trust and responsi- 
 bility, serving as supervisor of Boyd for four years, as trustee for a similar period 
 and for two terms as president of the village. He is a director in the .State Bank 
 and president of the Boyd Produce Company and his ability is recognized and 
 respected in business circles. As a resident of Boyd for more than a quarter 
 of a century, he has been loyal in his advocacy of everything pertaining to the 
 welfare of the city and has made many substantial contributions to its develop- 
 ment and progress. 
 
 JOHN F. WALLACE. 
 
 Energy, enterprise and initiative, guided and controlled by a sound and prac- 
 tical business judgment, have formed the basis of the success of John F. Wallace, 
 and have brought him today to a position of prominence in business circles of 
 Stanley where since 1911 he has been president of the Stanley Produce Company. 
 He was born in Kankakee, Illinois, on the 28th of January, 1866, and is a son 
 of William and Amanda (Locke) Wallace, natives of New York state, the former 
 born in 1825 and the latter in 1838. Both have passed away. In their family were 
 the following children : Ella, Leo, Laura, Bessie, William J., Frank, Lillian, Nina, 
 Edith, Cora. Of these Bessie and Cora died in infancy. 
 
 John F. Wallace acquired his education in the district school at Rock Falls, 
 Wisconsin, laying aside his books when he was seventeen years of age. He after- 
 wards spent six winters in the lumber woods, working at driving logs during the 
 
PAST AND PRESENT OF CHIPPEWA COUNTY 
 
 325 
 
 summers. In 1889 he moved to Stanley and there became connected with the 
 Northwestern Lumber Company with whom he continued for ten years. He 
 afterwards entered the employ of W. W. Crane Sons Company in the warehouse 
 business, but later formed a partnership with Edward F. Burns. Together they 
 purchased the business conducted by W. W. Crane Sons Company and continued 
 to operate it for one year, after which, in 1911, they incorporated as the Stanley 
 Produce Company. Of this concern Mr. Wallace has since been president, and 
 in a position calling for energy, resourcefulness and discrimination has accom- 
 plished a great deal of excellent and far-reaching work. 
 
 On the 4th of December, 1888, Mr. Wallace married Miss Hattie Swan, a 
 daughter of James and Alice (Faulkner) Swan of Dunn county. The father is 
 a retired farmer and makes his home at Bloomer. Mr. and Mrs. Wallace have 
 become the parents of a daughter, Edith, who is engaged in teaching at Bloomer. 
 Mr. Wallace is a member of the Presbyterian church and is a democrat in his 
 political beliefs. His genuine personal worth has greatly endeared him to a 
 large circle of friends while his ability has carried him forward into important 
 relations with business life. 
 
 HERMAN SCHMOCK. 
 
 Forty-two years have come and gone since Herman Schmock arrived in Chip- 
 pewa county and for forty years he has lived upon the farm which he now occupies 
 in Bloomer township. The place comprises a quarter section of land and its 
 location within five miles of Bloomer makes the advantages of the town easily 
 accessible. The work of clearing and developing the place was accomplished by 
 Mr. Schmock who is classed with the industrious and diligent farmers of his 
 community. He was born in Germany and came to the United States in 1871. 
 His father, William Schmock, however, always remained a resident of Germany 
 and Herman Schmock came to the new world with an uncle who was one of the 
 pioneer settlers of this part of the state. William Schmock was a harness maker 
 and merchant in his native land and continued actively in business there for many 
 years. He married Dorothy Rehpfenning and they had four children, Plerman, 
 Emil, Louise and Mary. The last three are still residents of the fatherland. 
 
 Herman Schmock is the only one of the family who ever came to the Linked 
 States. He attended a school in his native country and after accompanying his 
 uncle to the new world continued his education in the schools of Chippewa county, 
 being a student in district number one. This acquainted him with the English 
 language as well as promoted his knowledge of different branches of learning. 
 When in Germany he had mastered the jewelers' trade and for a short time he 
 worked in that line in Eau Claire, but in 1873 t°°k U P his abode upon the farm 
 which is now his home. In 1893 he and his elder son, William, went to Germany 
 to visit their kinsfolk there. Our subject was one of the first settlers in this section 
 and he cleared all of the land and erected all of the buildings upon his place. 
 His farm is now a well developed property and the fields yield him good harvests 
 as the years go by. He follows progressive methods in his general farm work, 
 
PAST AND PRESENT OF CHIPPEWA COUNTY 
 
 326 
 
 as he also does in the conduct of a dairy business which is proving a profitable 
 source of income to him. 
 
 Mr. Schmock was married to Miss Emma Zubkee of Milwaukee, a graduate 
 of Fox Lake Seminary and a successful teacher in Dodge county for eleven years. 
 They became the parents of five children: Matilda, who is living near Chetek; 
 \\ illiam ; Millard; and Mary and Dora, both deceased. The elder son is assisting 
 his father in the operation and improvement of the home farm. The younger 
 son is a graduate of Bloomer high school ; also of the commercial department of 
 Valparaiso University and is now employed in the Peoples State Bank at Bloomer. 
 
 Mr. Schmock votes independently and has never been active as an office seeker, 
 although he served as a member of the side board. He belongs to' the German 
 Lutheran church in Bloomer and honorable principles have actuated him in all 
 of his life work and in his relations with his fellowman. Long residence in the 
 county has made him widely known and he has proven the fact that , the way to 
 win a friend is to be one. 
 
 SOLOMON R. KAISER 
 
 Solomon R. Kaiser, one of the prosperous and leading residents of Cadott, 
 was for a number of years successfully identified with mercantile interests here 
 as the proprietor of a general store but has lived in honorable retirement since 
 1908. His birth occurred in Indiana on the 3d of November, 1845, his parents 
 being Andrew and Axey (Harget) Kaiser, the former born at Philadelphia, Penn- 
 sylvania, on the 30th of November, 1803, and the latter at Morgantown, Ohio, 
 on the 9th of August, 1811. Andrew Kaiser, an agriculturist by occupation, 
 removed from his native state to Indiana and in 1859 came to Wisconsin, taking 
 up his abode among the pioneer settlers of this state. His demise occurred on 
 the 9th of August, 1863, while his wife was called to her final rest on the 15th 
 of May, 1885. Their children were nine in number, namely: Isaac IT., Jacob S., 
 Harriett B., Daniel P., Mary IT., Andrew J., Elizabeth IT., Solomon R. and 
 Jerusha G. 
 
 Solomon R. Kaiser attended school at Sturgis, Michigan, until fourteen years 
 of age and then accompanied his parents on their removal to Black River Falls, 
 Jackson county, Wisconsin. There he continued his studies for one year and sub- 
 sequently became identified with the lumber business, working in the woods 
 during the winter seasons for two years. In 1864 he joined Company I, Fourth 
 Wisconsin Volunteer Cavalry, remaining with that command until honorably 
 discharged at Vicksburg, Mississippi, in 1865. His regiment was largely engaged 
 in scouting duty and took part in several skirmishes. Fie went with Grierson on 
 his memorable campaign from Mobile to Vicksburg, his regiment spending seventy 
 days, in the saddle and encountering hardships and privations of almost every 
 description. After returning from the war Mr. Kaiser was employed as a logger 
 at Black River Falls for five years and subsequently was for three years engaged 
 in the logging business on his own account. In 1872 he embarked in the mer- 
 cantile business at Scotts Valley and in 1873 came to Cadott, Wisconsin, opening 
 a general store which he conducted continuously and successfully until 1908. 
 
PAST AND PRESENT OF CHIPPEWA COUNTY 
 
 327 
 
 For the past five years lie has lived retired, spending the evening of life in well 
 earned ease. Material success has come to him in gratifying measure and his 
 property holdings are now quite extensive, including his residence, the store, 
 the postoffice building and several lots in the village, as well as an eighty acre 
 farm. He is likewise a stockholder and director in the Citizens State Bank at 
 Cadott. 
 
 Mr. Kaiser has been twice married. In 1867 he wedded Miss Ellen A. Oakes, 
 by whom he had three children, as follows: Clayton P., Louis A. and Margaret. 
 
 The wife and mother passed away on the 12th of July, 1877, and on the 13th 
 of July, 1882, at Hudson, Wisconsin, Mr. Kaiser was again married, his second 
 union being with Miss Laura M. Freeman, a daughter of John A. and Margaret 
 (Clinton) Freeman, of Indiana. By this marriage five children were born, 
 namely: Jay B., whose demise occurred in 1887; Roy C., who also passed away 
 in that year ; Ray S., an electrician in the navy who is employed on the battleship 
 Maryland; Fay N., a school teacher by profession; and Harry L., a painter by 
 trade, and now in the United States Navy. 
 
 In politics Mr. Kaiser is a stanch republican and his fellow townsmen, recog- 
 nizing his worth and ability, have called him to various positions of public trust. 
 He served as clerk of Sigel township for two years, acted as town chairman of 
 Sigel for several years and for four years was president of the village of Cadott. 
 For one year he held the office of trustee for Cadott and for five years did able 
 service in the interests of the cause of education as a member of the school board. 
 He still maintains pleasant relations with his old army comrades as a member 
 of George M. Potter Post, No. 149, G. A. R., of Cadott, Wisconsin, and fraternally 
 is identified with the Knights of Pythias and the Owls. Fishing affords him 
 delight and recreation and he is an enthusiastic disciple of Izaak Walton. While 
 acquiring success in business he has also gained and retained the respect and 
 honor of his fellowmen by his public service and private life, and all who know 
 him feel honored by his friendship. 
 
 L. W. BETHKE. 
 
 L. W. Bethke, proprietor of a cigar manufactory on West Grand avenue, in 
 Chippewa Falls, has gained a wide acquaintance during the twenty-nine years 
 of his residence in this county. He was born in West Prussia, October 21, 186^, 
 and is a son of Emanuel and Christine ( Coder) Bethke. The father came from 
 Prussia with his family, in 1868, and settled at Fall Creek, Fan Claire, on a tract 
 of land, which was then an undeveloped wilderness. There were no roads in 
 the district save the old Indian trails and it required much arduous labor to hew 
 out from the wilderness a farm. However, Mr. Bethke gradually cleared his 
 land from the timber, grubbed up the stumps, plowed and planted his fields and 
 brought the place to a high state of cultivation. His financial resources increased 
 until he was in possession of a comfortable competence that enabled him to give 
 to his family not only the necessities but some of the luxuries of life. Lie passed 
 away October 12, 1881, at the age of fifty-three years, having survived his wife 
 but ten days. They were buried in the Protestant Fall Creek cemetery. 
 
328 
 
 PAST AND PRESENT OF CHIPPEWA COUNTY 
 
 L. W. Bethke had the opportunity of attending school for only about three 
 months during his entire life, and while he is now a well informed man, his 
 knowledge has been acquired through observation, reading and experience. From 
 an early age he had to assist his father on the farm, being the eldest son in the 
 family. He early became familiar with the difficult task of clearing and culti- 
 vating the land and his youth was one of earnest, persistent toil. At length he 
 left home and started out in life on his own account, working as a farm hand for 
 thirteen years. He later came to Chippewa Falls, learned the trade of cigar- 
 making and eventually embarked in the business which he is now conducting. 
 He established his cigar manufactory in 1892 and now has a well equipped plant, 
 in which he furnishes employment to a large number of workmen, thus meeting 
 the demands of a growing trade. 
 
 Mr. Bethke was married in Chippewa Falls, July 20, 1890, to Miss Anna 
 Wirth, a daughter of Conrad and Elizabeth Wirth. the former a cabinet-maker 
 of Chippewa Falls, where he took up his abode about 1880. He died in 1900, 
 while his* wife passed away in Switzerland. Flis remains are interred in the 
 cemetery in Auburn township. Mr. and Mrs. Bethke became the parents of four 
 children: Ruth, who died at the age of eighteen years and six months, on the 
 
 18th of February, 1911, and was laid to rest in Forest Hill cemetery; Emanuel, 
 who is employed as car laborer in the Irving yards; George and Annette, who 
 are attending school. The family home is at No. 327 West Spruce street, which 
 property Mr. Bethke purchased. 
 
 In politics our subject is independent, yet is a public-spirited citizen, interested 
 in the general welfare. Fraternally he is connected with the Knights of the Mac- 
 cabees and is a trustee of Lodge No. ( 56 , at Chippewa Falls. He is also con- 
 nected with the advisory committee of the Fraternal Reserve Association, and 
 his religious faith is that of the Presbyterian church. He may truly be called a 
 self-made man, for he has worked his way steadily upward and whatever success 
 he has achieved and enjoyed is the direct reward of earnest, persistent labor. 
 
 A. J. EDMINSTER. 
 
 A. J. Edminster is well known in financial circles of the county as cashier of 
 the Bank of Holcombe. In connection with the banking business he has other 
 important interests and holdings and is accounted one of the representative busi- 
 ness men of his section of the state. He was born in Portage, Wisconsin, in 
 1863, a son of James Edminster, who was a native of Maine, but came to Wiscon- 
 sin at an early period of its development. He engaged in lumbering on the Wis- 
 consin river and later followed the same pursuit in Clark county, and subsequently 
 in Chippewa county, where his death occurred. His wife, who bore the maiden 
 name of Phcebe Pierce, was born in the state of New York, and is now living 
 with her son A. J. Edminster. 
 
 After pursuing a public-school education and thus qualifying for life’s prac- 
 tical and responsible duties, A. J. Edminster at the age of seventeen or eighteen 
 years engaged in lumbering and logging, continuing in the business in this sec- 
 tion of the state until the timber supply was exhausted. He also started a store 
 
PAST AND PRESENT OF CHIPPEWA COUNTY 
 
 329 
 
 at his first farm between what is now Cornell and Holcombe, and after the coming 
 of the railroad, moved his store fo Hoicombe. When the village of Cornell was 
 started he with one of his faithful clerks, Raymond Cleaves, and his cousin, 
 Philip Runkel, erected a store in that village and it is still running in the name 
 of A. J. Edminster & Co. He won success in his undertakings and is now classed 
 as one of the men of affluence in Chippewa county. He has made extensive and 
 judicious investments, so that his holdings return him a gratifying annual income. 
 He occupies the position of cashier of the Bank of Holcombe, a state bank, 
 which is capitalized for ten thousand dollars and has a surplus of three thousand 
 dollars. Of this bank E. H. Burnham is president and a general banking business 
 is conducted, the success of which is attributable in substantial measure to the 
 efforts and ability of A. J. Edminster. He also owns considerable timber land 
 and is engaged in the real-estate business, having negotiated a number of im- 
 portant realty transfers. 
 
 Mr. Edminster was married in Chippewa Falls to Miss Nellie Loiselle, a 
 native of Chippewa county and a daughter of Etienne Loiselle, a Frenchman, 
 who is now eighty-one years of age and makes his home with Mr. and Mrs. 
 Edminster, who occupy a beautiful residence in Holcombe. Hospitality there 
 reigns supreme and its good cheer is enjoyed by their many friends. Mr. Edmin- 
 ster has been termed a prince of good fellows. He is liberal, generous, kindly 
 in his opinions, loyal in his friendships and therefore popular. 
 
 TOM FOSTER. 
 
 Tom Foster, proprietor of the Star Theatre in Stanley, was born in Sussex, 
 England, May 28, 1870, a son of John B. and Nellie (Savage) Foster, also 
 natives of that locality, both born in 1835. The father was a civil assessor and 
 surveyor of taxes in England until 1903, when he retired from active life. He 
 and his wife became the parents of eight children, George, Maggie, Tom, Percy, 
 Gertrude, Maid, Daisy and Fred, of whom the first named served as sergeant of 
 the Volunteer Mounted Infantry in the Boer war. 
 
 Tom Foster attended school in England until he was thirteen years of age 
 and then went to sea, becoming connected with the White Star, Aberdeen line. 
 At the end of four years he came to America and settled on a farm in Iowa which 
 he cultivated for three and one-half years. He then moved to Minneapolis, 
 where he spent three years in charge of the Minnetonka Yacht Club, returning 
 in 1893 to Iowa. For three years he lived upon a rented farm in that state and 
 upon the expiration of that time moved to Rusk county, Wisconsin, where he 
 engaged in farming until 1909. In that year he turned his attention to the real- 
 estate business in Ladysmith. During this time he made a trip to England, Scot- 
 land and Wales in the interests of the department of immigration but he met with 
 great difficulties in this work owing to the fact that the British government offered 
 such great inducements to settlers in Canada. When he severed his connection 
 with the immigration department Mr. Foster came to Stanley and here opened 
 the Star moving picture theatre, the only place of amusement in the town. He 
 has met with most excellent success in the conduct of this enterprise and is num- 
 bered among the representative and substantial men of the community. He was 
 
330 
 
 PAST AND PRESENT OF CHIPPEWA COUNTY 
 
 for two years vice president of the State Moving Picture League and he keeps 
 in touch with everything connected with his line of business. 
 
 In Minneapolis, on April 15, 1893, Mr. Foster married Miss Nellie Porter, 
 a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. John Porter, the former a pioneer settler in Iowa 
 and veteran of the Civil war. He is at present a well known farmer near Cresco, 
 Iowa. Mrs. Foster passed away in 1909, leaving five children, Percy, Frank, 
 Madge, Reggy and Pearl. On the 10th of October, 1909, in Montreal, Quebec, 
 Mr. Foster married Mrs. Nettie Bassett, of New York. 
 
 Mr. Foster is connected fraternally with the Masonic order and with the 
 Independent Order of Odd Fellows and he is a stockholder in the Wisconsin 
 National Life Insurance Company of Oshkosh. His political allegiance is given 
 to the republican party and while a resident of Rusk county he served for four 
 years as chairman of Big Bend township and for two years as president of the 
 Rusk County Fair Association. He was also a delegate to Springfield, Illinois, 
 in charge of the fair exhibits from northern Wisconsin and he still takes a great 
 interest in this work. In all of his business dealings he has been thoroughly 
 reliable and in matters of citizenship helpful and progressive, giving his aid and 
 influence to many movements for the public good. 
 
 FRANCIS C. BABBITT. 
 
 Although past seventy years of age, Francis C. Babbitt still actively looks 
 after his extensive farming interests, being one of the largest landowners of 
 Chippewa county. He holds title to nine hundred and sixty acres, four hundred 
 and eighty of which are under cultivation, and gives much attention to stock- 
 raising and dairy farming. Francis C. Babbitt was born in Woodstock, Windsor 
 county, Vermont, December 28, 1841, a son of Isaac W. and Lucy (Atwood) 
 Babbitt the former born in Barnard, Vermont, in 1818, and the latter in Massa- 
 chusetts in 1819. The father during his active life followed agricultural pur- 
 suits and passed away March 27, 1889, his wife surviving him for about ten 
 years, her death occurring in 1899. In their family were five children, Amanda, 
 Ellen, George, Francis C. and one who died in infancy. The family moved to 
 Cleveland, Ohio, in 1854 and our subject was largely educated in that city. Fie 
 remained and worked in Cleveland until 1867, when he came to Wisconsin, set- 
 tling in Sigel township, Chippewa county. Here he bought one hundred and sixty 
 acres on section 29, which he kept for about eight years and then sold. He 
 engaged in the logging business for two years and then purchased another one 
 hundred and sixty acres on section 2, township 29, range 6 west, which is part 
 of the farm upon which he now resides. Gradually he extended the boundaries 
 of his property, now owning nine hundred and sixty acres, four hundred and 
 eighty of which is under cultivation. He has, however, cleared all of the land and 
 has done this almost entirely by himself. The land is located on sections 1 and 2, 
 township 29, and section 35, township 30. Mr. Babbitt keeps about seventy head 
 of cattle, mostly shorthorns, and five horses. He specializes in dairy farming 
 and has been very successful along that line. When Mr. Babbitt and family came 
 to Sigel township they spent the first night in a most primitive log cabin, it rain- 
 
PAST AND PRESENT OF CHIPPEWA COUNTY 
 
 331 
 
 mg so heavily that the roof gave but poor protection. Mr. Babbitt has always 
 said that a better alternative would have been to stay outside instead of in. 
 
 Mr. Babbitt married Miss Mary Gorham, a daughter of James A. and Mary 
 A. (Smith) Gorham, both of whom passed away in 1876. The father for many 
 years was a merchant at Cleveland, Ohio, and his daughter Mary was born there, 
 March 11, 1863. Mr. and Mrs. Babbitt became the parents of nine children. 
 Ellen is now Mrs. McConville and has five children. Frank married Laura 
 Phillips, by whom he has one child and farms in Delmar township. Isaac first 
 married Anna Hogan, who died, and he subsequently wedded a Miss Wedon, by 
 whom he has one child. He is a successful farmer in Idaho. Grace married 
 Jacob Braun, a merchant of Appleton, Wisconsin, by whom she has two children. 
 Julian married Ellen McTauge who bore him three children. He and his family 
 live at Boyd, Wisconsin, where Julian Babbitt is engaged in the contracting and 
 building business. Josephine married Fred Etten, a farmer of Edson township, 
 by whom she has six children. Benjamin, who farms in Delmar township, mar- 
 ried Mabel Phillips, by whom he has five children. Louisa married Adolph 
 Milling, who farms in Edson township, and they have two children. Wellman, 
 the youngest of the family, is also married and makes his home in Idaho. 
 
 Mr. Babbitt is one of the most successful agriculturists and stock-raisers of 
 Chippewa county, where he has done much toward progress and advancement. 
 His political convictions lead him to the support of the republican party. For 
 nine years he has served as chairman of the board of trustees of Sigel township ; 
 for twenty years he has been a member of the school board, and for two years 
 a township supervisor. He is a member of the Lutheran church. Mr. Babbitt is 
 the oldest living charter member of Neuberg lodge, No. 379, F. & A. M., of Cleve- 
 land which was organized in 1868. Mr. Babbitt enjoys in full measure the good 
 will and confidence of all who know him and is one of the most highly respected 
 citizens in Chippewa county. Success has come to him as the result of incessant 
 labor and practical, modern methods, and such prosperity as is his is highly mer- 
 ited. Not only has Mr. Babbitt attained personal success, but he has done much 
 toward advancement in Sigel township and honor is due him for the efforts which 
 he has made along various lines in the interests of the general public. 
 
 WILLIAM NABOB. 
 
 The agricultural interests of Chippewa county find a worthy and successful 
 representative in William Nabor, who owns and operates a farm of one hundred 
 and ninety acres on section 1, Tilden township. He is a native son of the county, 
 having been born here on the 25th of December, 1868. His parents, Fred and 
 Julia (Torno) Nabor, are both deceased, the father passing away on the 20th 
 of December, 1911, and the mother on the 26th of May, 1899. Their remains 
 were interred in the Eagle Point cemetery. They had gained many friends here 
 and their demise was the occasion of deep and widespread regret. 
 
 William Nabor attended the schools of this county in the acquirement of an 
 education until seventeen years of age and after putting aside his text-books 
 assisted his father in the^ operation of the home farm until the latter’s death. At 
 
332 
 
 PAST AND PRESENT OF CHIPPEWA COUNTY 
 
 that time he came into possession of the property, comprising one hundred and 
 ninety acres on section i, Tilden township, where he has since been engaged in 
 mixed farming. In connection with the cultivation of the cereals best adapted 
 to soil and climate he devotes considerable attention to live stock, keeping about 
 eight horses, thirty cattle, forty-eight hogs and thirteen sheep. He erected the 
 residence and other buildings which adorn the place and is well entitled to recog- 
 nition among the substantial and representative agriculturists of his community. 
 
 April 6, 1899, at Eagle Point, Mr. Nabor was joined in wedlock to Miss Martha 
 Polanski, a daughter of Lewis Polanski, of Eagleton, Chippewa county. Our sub- 
 ject and his wife now have three children: Fred, Lewis and Arnold. In his 
 
 political views Mr. Nabor is a stanch republican, while his religious faith is that 
 of the Lutheran church. Fraternally he is identified with the Masons. His 
 entire life has been spent within the borders of Chippewa county and he enjoys 
 the respect and confidence of all with whom business or social relations have 
 brought him in contact. 
 
 MRS. EMMA WOODRUFF. 
 
 Mrs Emma Woodruff, the widow of A. N. Woodruff, has spent practically 
 her entire life in Chippewa county, being brought here by her parents in 1868, 
 when but one year old. She successfully followed the profession of teaching 
 in Chippewa Falls for about thirteen years and now owns and resides upon a 
 valuable farm of four hundred acres on section 8, Eagle Point township. Her 
 birth occurred on the 13th of July, 1867, her parents being Abel and Agnes 
 (McMaster) Sellers, the former born on the 28th of March, 1837, and the 
 latter on the 10th of June, 1840. They have reached the ages of seventy-six 
 and seventy-three years respectively and make their home with their daughter, 
 Mrs. Woodruff. The period of their residence here covers forty-five years and 
 the circle of their friends and acquaintances is very large. The Sellers and 
 Woodruff families are among the oldest in the county. 
 
 Emma Sellers acquired her early education in Chippewa Falls and subse- 
 quently attended the State Normal School at River Falls, Wisconsin, until nine- 
 teen years of age. She then taught in the public schools of Chippewa Falls 
 for several years, imparting clearly and readily to others the knowledge which 
 she had acquired. On the 10th of June, 1896, she gave her hand in marriage 
 to A. N. Woodruff, who was born on the 12th of March, 1854, a son of James 
 and Alzina (Joslin) Woodruff, the former of whom died here, July 19, 1898. 
 His widow is now residing in Gibbon, Nebraska. 
 
 A. N. Woodruff attended the public schools of Chippewa county until a youth 
 of eighteen years and subsequently assisted his father in the operation of the 
 home farm until twenty-five years of age, when he took possession of the 
 property which is now known as the Woodruff place. He was successfully 
 identified with general agricultural pursuits throughout his entire business career, 
 leaving his widow a rich and productive farm of four hundred acres on section 
 8, Eagle Point township. His demise occurred on the 22d of October, 1908, 
 and his remains were interred in the Forest Hill cemetery at Chippewa Falls. 
 

 
 
MR. AND AND MRS. A. N. WOODRUFF AND FAMILY 
 
Mrs. Alzina Joslin Woodruff, Mrs. Minerva Joslin Stowell, Mrs. Lucia Josl 
 James H. Woodruff, Mrs. Belinda Joslin Waterman, Joel Waterman 
 

 % 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 J ?: t'j 
 
 
 
 
PAST AND PRESENT OF CHIPPEWA COUNTY 
 
 337 
 
 He gave his political allegiance to the republican party and held several school 
 offices, ably serving the cause of education for a number of years. Fraternally 
 he was identified with the Independent Order of Foresters. 
 
 Unto Mr. and Mrs. Woodruff were born five children, namely: Vivian A., 
 Ella M., Truman B., Lloyd A. and Leslie C. All are still at home. The family 
 home is one which was built by the Woodruffs in 1872 and is still a handsome 
 and attractive residence. Mrs. Woodruff is a devoted and consistent member 
 of the Methodist church, exemplifying its teachings in her daily life. Her 
 many excellent traits of heart and mind have won her the high esteem and 
 friendship of all with whom she has come in contact. 
 
 HENRY McCANN. 
 
 A farm of three hundred and sixty acres situated seven miles southeast of 
 Bloomer is the well developed property of Henry McCann. The place presents 
 a neat and thrifty appearance and indicates the careful supervision and practical 
 methods of the owner who carries on general farming and dairying. Mr. McCann 
 has been a life long resident of this county, his birth having occurred at Jim 
 Falls on the eleventh of March, 1866. His father, Dan McCann, was a native 
 of Ohio and became one of the pioneer settlers of Chippewa County. He made 
 his way to Wisconsin when a young man of twenty-one years and here engaged 
 in farming and in the lumber business. He made his home at Jim Falls for a 
 number of years but died in Chippewa Falls on the eighth of November, 1890. 
 He had reached a ripe old age, having been born on the first of January, 1816. 
 It was in 1837 that he arrived in this county finding a district largely undeveloped 
 and unimproved. Much of the native timber was still standing. Chippewa Falls 
 had not been founded and there was no house on this side of Eau Claire. Mr. 
 McCann was accompanied by his two brothers and they became actively identified 
 with the improvement of the county. They built the first Badger Mills and were 
 among the pioneers in the milling business. They had a hand saw and manufac- 
 tured much of the first lumber used in the county. As the years passed Dan 
 McCann bore his full share in the work of general development and he lived to 
 see notable changes in the county. He married Margaret LaPoint a native of 
 Canada, the wedding being celebrated at Prairie du Chien. Mrs. McCann, who 
 was born in 1821, passed away October 4, 1907, at Chippewa Falls. 
 
 Henry McCann, who was one of a family of sixteen children, pursued his 
 education in the schools of his native town. Throughout much of his life he has 
 followed farming and until the last four years has devoted the winter months 
 to lumbering and logging. He took up his abode upon his present farm in 1902 
 and has made all of the improvements upon the place. It is an attractive and 
 well kept property and he has some of the best farming buildings in Eagle Point 
 township. He uses the k improved machinery to carry on the work of the 
 fields and in addition to raising the crops best adapted to the soil and climate he 
 also conducts a dair> business keeping a number of cows for this purpose. 
 
 Mr. McCann was married June 24, 1889, to Miss Mary Kirchner of Jim Falls 
 and they became the parents of seven children, but Bessie, the second in order of 
 
 Vol. 11—18 
 
PAST AND PRESENT OF CHIPPEWA COUNTY 
 
 338 
 
 birth, and Ruth, the fourth, are now deceased. Those still living are Arthur, Alan, 
 Walter, Jessie and Archie. The family are well known in their section of the 
 county and have an extensive circle of warm friends. 
 
 In politics Mr. McCann is a democrat, active and prominent in the party and 
 in 1910 was elected to the office of county sheriff, which position he capably filled 
 for one term. He was chairman of the town for two years and filled the office 
 of supervisor for ten years. He was also vice president of the school board and 
 for fifteen years was school clerk. The cause of education has ever found in 
 him a warm and helpful friend and in the discharge of his official duties he has 
 ever been prompt, faithful and reliable. He holds membership with the Knights 
 of Pythias at Chippewa Falls and is a consistent member of the Methodist Epis- 
 copal church. He lends his aid to the betterment of the community along material, 
 intellectual, political and moral lines and his worth is quickly acknowledged 
 wherever he is known. Success has come to him as a reward of earnest and 
 enterprising efforts and high regard is given him in recognition of a well spent 
 life. 
 
 FRED L. MUNROE. 
 
 The name of Munroe has long been honored in Chippewa county, for members 
 of this family have for many years been intimately connected with the agricultural, 
 financial and commercial development in their district. F'red L. Munroe was 
 born in Marquette county, Wisconsin, January 17, 1869, a son of James H. Mun- 
 roe, who was born in Vermont, town of Bolton, in 1837. The father is a retired 
 merchant and now resides at Cadott. More extended mention is made of him 
 in another part of this work. He retired from active business cares in 1894, but 
 is still president of the State Bank of Cadott, having come there as a pioneer 
 in 1881. He has always been active in promoting the growth and advancement 
 of the eastern part of Chippewa county and is a highly respected citizen of Cadott. 
 The mother of Fred L. Munroe, Mrs. Phebe J. Munroe, was born in New York 
 in 1837 and died in 1905. In their family were four children, Cora B., Arthur 
 J., Fred L. and Alice E. Cora B. Munroe married Edward Griffin, a mill fore- 
 man, and they have two children, James M. and Martha J. They live in the state 
 of Washington. Arthur J. is also married and is connected with sawmilling in 
 Florida. Alice E. married Samuel G. Warner, a merchant at Stanbery, Wisconsin. 
 
 Fred L. Munroe was one of the first two graduates of the Cadott high school, 
 the other being a young lady. Fie graduated in 1886 and then became a clerk 
 in his father’s store, remaining for three and a half years in that capacity and 
 working on a commission basis. He then bought a half interest in the enterprise 
 and after three years acquired the remainder. He operated the store under his 
 own name until 1906, when he sold out. In 1896 he also started a private bank 
 in the store and continued same until 1903, when he incorporated the institution 
 as the State Bank of Cadott, with James H. Munroe, his father, as president; 
 F. J. Lavelle, vice president, and himself as cashier. The capital stock was seven 
 thousand dollars. Mr. Munroe is progressive and well versed in financial and 
 commercial methods, carefully guiding this institution and assuring it of success. 
 
PAST AND PRESENT OF CHIPPEWA COUNTY 
 
 339 
 
 After he had conducted the bank about five years, he built in 1900 a new building 
 to replace the old store which his father had erected in 1881. Mr. Munroe, of 
 this review, also built the first cheese factory m Sigel township, in 1893, and 
 operated it for eighteen years, for eight years as a cheese factory only and for 
 ten years as a cheese and butter factory. He continued along that line until 
 1911, when he sold out to good advantage. 
 
 September 26, 1894, Air. Munroe married Miss Hattie St. Louis, a daughter 
 of Thomas and Jennie (Renaud) St. Louis, of Appleton, Wisconsin, the cere- 
 mony taking place at Cadott. Of this union one daughter has been born, Marjorie. 
 The parents of Mrs. Munroe came to Cadott in 1892, the father being a millwright 
 by profession. They now live in Missouri. 
 
 Politically Mr. Munroe is a republican, and although participation in the 
 political life of the district should be a tradition with him, his father having held 
 about all the county offices, Mr. Munroe has never aspired to nor sought public 
 office. He devotes most of his time to his own important interests, and besides 
 being a director and the cashier of the State Bank of Cadott he is a stockholder 
 and director also in the State Bank of Holcombe. His religious faith is that of 
 the Presbyterian church, which he attends. Fraternally he is well known, belong- 
 ing to the Odd Fellows, the Modern Woodmen of America, the Owls and the 
 E. F. U. Mr. Munroe enjoys high prestige as a merchant and banker in Cadott 
 and is recognized as one of the most able and shrewd business men of his town. 
 He is highly respected wherever known and has made many friends in Cadott, 
 where he or his father have continued in business for more than thirty years. 
 Not only has he attained individual prosperity, but his career has been a factor 
 in the general progress of the section, and he has been a contributing factor toward 
 making possible the prosperous conditions which are now generally enjoyed in 
 his locality. 
 
 EDWARD WANISH. 
 
 Edward Wanish, engaging in general farming, stock-raising and dairying 
 upon one hundred and seven acres of land on section 36, Sigel township, was 
 born in Green Bay, Wisconsin, October 12, 1874, a son of Anton and Jessie 
 (Capers) Wanish. The father was torn in Manitowoc county, this state, and 
 after reaching manhood turned his attention to farming, an occupation which 
 he still follows being now a resident of Glenmore township. Brown county. The 
 mother is a native of Bohemia. They became the parents of seven children : 
 Edward, Joseph, Mary, Annie and Frank, twins, Emma and James. 
 
 Edward Wanish acquired his education in the public schools of Brown county, 
 attending until he was fourteen years of age. After laying aside his books he 
 worked at carpentering until 1901 and in that year began farming, buying one 
 hundred and sixty acres on section 30, township 28, this county. He afterward 
 sold this tract and bought another similar in extent, this land lying on section 
 31, township 28, range 6 west. After living upon this a short time he again 
 disposed of his holdings and then purchased the farm upon which he has since 
 resided. This is located on section 36. township 29, range 6 west and comprises 
 
340 
 
 PAST AND PRESENT OF CHIPPEWA COUNTY 
 
 one hundred and seven acres of choice land. Mr. Wanish has made excellent 
 improvements upon it and has been very successful in its cultivation, his farming, 
 dairying and stock-raising interests being extensive and important. He raises all 
 kinds of grain and feeds twelve head of cattle, keeping also six horses. In 
 addition to this he is a stockholder in the Citizens State Bank at Boyd and his 
 ability is recognized and respected in business circles. 
 
 In Glenmore township. Brown county, on the 1 8th of January, 1899, Mr. 
 Wanish married Miss Mary Fedler, a daughter of Wenzel and Katherine (Kad- 
 lets) Fedler, the former a large farmer and cheese maker in that locality. Mr. 
 and Mrs. Wanish have become the parents of six children: Clara, John, deceased, 
 Helen, Havey, Alice and William. The parents are members of the St. Joseph's 
 Catholic church at Boyd and Mr. Wanish belongs to Z. C. B. J. of Green Bay, 
 Wisconsin. He votes independently and is interested in public affairs although 
 not active as an office seeker. Throughout his section of the county he is recog- 
 nized as a prosperous farmer and a representative citizen and he commands 
 the esteem and confidence of all who know him. 
 
 THEODORE HEITING. 
 
 Theodore Heiting, president of the Stanley Woodenware Company, and 
 by virtue of this position and the force of his ability and energy, one of the 
 leading business men of the city, was born in Hollentown, Wisconsin, May 15, 
 1872. He is a son of John and Johanna (Airing) Heiting, natives of Holland, 
 the former born in 1830 and the latter in 1840. The parents came to Calumet 
 county this state in 1870, and there the father still resides, having survived his 
 wife since 1889. In their family were nine children: John, Henry, Barney, 
 
 Antone, Theodore, Frank, Joseph, Annie and Theresa. 
 
 Theodore Heiting acquired his education in the Hollentown district school, 
 laying aside his books when he was fourteen years of age. He afterward worked 
 upon his father’s farm until he was seventeen and then engaged in agricultural 
 pursuits in the employ of others, until he was twenty-five, at which time he moved 
 to Clark county. In partnership with his brother, Frank, he purchased there, one 
 hundred and twenty acres of land, and this they farmed for five years. At 
 the end of that time they disposed of their holdings and turned their attention 
 to business, erecting a cheese box factory in Stanley. They incorporated this 
 under the name of Stanley Woodenware Company, with the following officers: 
 Frank Heiting, president; Theodore Heiting, vice president; Nels Stahlhein, 
 secretary; and Joseph Walsdorf, treasurer. After three years Mr. Heiting of 
 this review purchased Mr. Stalhein’s interest and was made president of the 
 concern, a position which he still occupies. He bought his brother Frank’s stock 
 in 1912 and the officers of the company are now as follows: Theodore Heiting, 
 
 president and secretary ; and Joseph Walsdorf, vice president and treasurer. 
 The company is one of the most prominent of its kind in this part of Wisconsin 
 and the business it controls is growing rapidly, for it is conducted along modern 
 and progressive lines and its policy is at all times straightforward and honor- 
 able. 
 
PAST AND PRESENT OF CHIPPEWA COUNTY 
 
 341 
 
 On the 29th of July, 1896, in Hollentown, Mr. Heiting married Miss Annie 
 Lensen, a daughter of George and Catherine Lensen, the former a well known 
 farmer. Mr. and Mrs. Heiting have seven children: Minnie; Johnnie; Katie; 
 
 Evangeline; Lillian; Wilfred; and Harold. 
 
 Mr. Heiting is a member of the Roman Catholic church and is connected fra- 
 ternally with the Catholic Order of Foresters and the Order of Owls. His poli- 
 tical allegiance is given to the democratic party and for one year he served as 
 a member of the school board of Clark county. In addition to his one-half inter- 
 est in the mill operated by the Stanley Woodenware Company, he owns also an 
 attractive residence in the town and forty acres of timber land in Taylor county. 
 His interests are all carefully and capably conducted and have brought him a 
 gratifying and well deserved success. 
 
 W. J. STOCKWELL & SON. 
 
 The Maple Leaf Stock Farm of W. J. Stockwell & Son is one well known in 
 Holcombe township and Chippewa county. They are proprietors of a farm of 
 one hundred and sixty acres well stocked with pure-blooded and high-grade 
 Guernsey cattle and they conduct an extensive and profitable dairy business. 
 Everything is done along modern scientific lines, neatness and thriftiness charact- 
 erizing the place, while the utmost care is given to the sanitary conditions so 
 that milk of the greatest purity is put upon the market. Energetic and determined, 
 Mr. W. J. Stockwell has worked his way upward since he started out in life 
 on his own account at an early age. He was born in the Green Mountains of 
 Vermont on November 29, i860, and is,the son of Francis and Harriet (Hale) 
 Stockwell, both of whom were natives of Massachusetts. In 1865 they removed 
 to Webster county, Iowa, and subsequently went to Nebraska, where the father 
 homesteaded a tract of land and engaged in farming. He continued to reside 
 there for a long time, but in 1902 came to Barron county and now makes his 
 home on a small farm near Conrath, Wisconsin. Both he and his wife are now 
 past seventy years of age. 
 
 Although born in New England, W. J. Stockwell has spent the greater part 
 of his life in the middle west. He was but five years of age when the family 
 went to Webster county, Iowa, where he was reared until the removal to Nebraska. 
 Of the latter state he continued a resident until 1902 when he took up his abode 
 in Barron county. Two years later, however, he removed to Eau Claire and, in 
 1906, came to the farm which he now owns and occupies, first acting as manager 
 for the previous owner and subsequently purchasing the land. He and his sons 
 have made good improvements upon the place, building a large barn, also putting 
 up a silo and adding other modern accessories and equipments. The farm is 
 now carefully tilled and in addition to the raising of cereals, Mr. Stockwell 
 makes a specialty of handling cattle, and now has thirty-five head of high-grade 
 and pure-blooded Guernseys, with a registered bull at the head of his herd. He 
 thus breeds and raises stock and keeps many of his cows for dairy purposes, 
 selling a large amount of cream. His farming and dairying interests are con- 
 ducted along most scientific lines and Mr. Stockwell is meeting with good sue- 
 
342 
 
 PAST AND PRESENT OF CHIPPEWA COUNTY 
 
 cess, gaining for himself a place among the representative agriculturists of the 
 district. 
 
 While in Nebraska, Mr. Stockwell was married to Miss Violet Harvard, who 
 was born in the state of New York, and they became the parents of six children: 
 Lester D., who is in partnership with his father; Clinton H., who is married and 
 occupies an adjoining farm ; Herbert, who is married and makes his home in 
 Barron county, Wisconsin; Edith, the wife of Iva Dinsmore of Barron county, 
 and Ethel and Aletha, both at home. Mrs. Stockwell passed away in 1903, in 
 Barron county and Mr. Stockwell then had the whole care and responsibility of 
 the children and some of them were at the time quite small. 
 
 Mr. Stockwell is a republican and has served on the township board for two 
 years. He was also clerk of the school hoard for two years and he is interested 
 in all measures that tend to improve and upbuild town and county. He is work- 
 ing hard, and the success that crowns persistent effort is now rewarding his 
 labors. 
 
 EDGAR A. FIRTH. 
 
 The career of Edgar A. Firth is significant in several respects, one of which 
 is that ever since leaving school he has devoted himself to official life, having 
 served in various positions until 1908, when he was elected to the position which 
 he still holds as register of deeds of Chippewa county. The public spirit of 
 Mr. Firth has also found expression along other lines for he serves today in the 
 Wisconsin National Guard with the rank of captain, doing everything within his 
 power to improve the efficiency of the state troops and realizing fully the impor- 
 tant part which they may have to play on some future occasion in defending 
 American principles and American rights. Mr. Firth is a native son of Chippewa 
 county, where lie was born in 1877, a son of Magnus and Kate (Blair) Firth, 
 the latter passing away when our subject was yet in his childhood. She found 
 her last resting place in Eagle Point cemetery. 
 
 Edgar A. Firth attended school until about nineteen years of age, thoroughly 
 preparing himself for a successful career. Shortly after he became assistant 
 county clerk, continuing in that position for six years and becoming acquainted 
 with the public business of the county. For the next six years he acted as 
 deputy county clerk and, having given evidence of ability along that line, was 
 elected in that year to his present position of register of deeds. He has since 
 1908 discharged the difficult duties of his office and has given high satisfaction 
 to the public and made a record which is a credit to himself. He is systematic 
 and methodical and so conducts the business of his office that no unnecessary 
 delays occur. The public is always his first consideration and he often sacrifices 
 his private interests or time in order to accommodate someone who has to transact 
 business with the recorder’s office. 
 
 The marriage of Mr. Firth to Miss Sylvia Rumery took place in Chippewa 
 Falls on the 26th of February, 1903. Mrs. Firth is a daughter of Ernest and 
 Cora (Cunningham) Rumery, the former of whom passed away in 1913 and was 
 buried at Chippewa Falls. The mother now resides at Lusk, Wyoming. Mr. and 
 
PAST AND PRESENT OF CHIPPEWA COUNTY 
 
 343 
 
 Mrs. Firth reside at No. 207 High street and there often welcome their many 
 friends, who delight to gather at their hospitable fireside. 
 
 Mr. Firth has an interesting military record to his credit, holding the com- 
 mission of captain in Company C, Tenth Battalion of Infantry, Wisconsin National 
 Guard. He has been with this organization since July 26, 1898, when the com- 
 pany was organized upon the first call for troops. The young soldiers, however, 
 were not called upon for active service but remained at home. Captain Firth 
 is deeply interested in fostering the military spirit among his men, realizing the 
 value of training and obedience, for these characteristics have made him so suc- 
 cessful in the discharge of his public duties as register of deeds and he therefore 
 receives not only the highest commendation of the people but also enjoys their 
 confidence and good-will. 
 
 ANDREW KORN. 
 
 Prominent among Stanley's business men of ability is Andrew Korn, the 
 proprietor of The Square Deal, a general merchandise store. Mr. Korn has 
 been the owner of this store only since July, 1913, but was previously well known 
 in the commercial life of Stanley as manager of the Northwestern Lumber Com- 
 pany’s store there. He was born in Austria, May 28, 1871, and is a son of 
 Andrew and Anna M. (Lacher) Korn. The father, a farmer by occupation, 
 became a resident of West Bend, Wisconsin, May 10, 1883, and of Stanley in 
 June, 1886. Here he made his home for more than twenty-one years, passing 
 away September 6, 1907, while his widow still survives. Their children were: 
 Josephine, who is the wife of Frank Wald, of Stanley; Andrew, of this review; 
 Frank, and Anthony, both of whom are residents of Stanley; Mary, who gave 
 her hand in marriage to John Cance of Stanley ; and Albert, also living in Stanley. 
 
 Only limited educational opportunities were enjoyed by Andrew Korn. He 
 attended school for but four months yet in the school of experience has learned 
 many valuable lessons. His youth was largely a period of earnest and unremit- 
 ting toil and he worked upon the home farm to the age of nineteen years. He 
 entered the mercantile business in the employ of the Northwestern Lumber -Com- 
 pany, gradually working his way upward to the position of manager of the com- 
 pany’s store at Stanley, his ability and energy finding recognition in promotion. 
 He served efficiently and conscientiously as manager until July, 1913, when he 
 resigned that position and went into business for himself, buying a general mer- 
 chandise store which he conducts under the name. The Square Deal. He now 
 owns his residence and some city property and he is a stockholder in the Citizens 
 Bank. He ranks with the leading, resourceful and enterprising business men of 
 Stanley and is widely and favorably known through Chippewa county. 
 
 On the 13th of July, 1898”, Mr. Korn was married at Augusta, Wisconsin, to 
 Miss Rosetta Rick, a daughter of Charles and Pauline (Breur) Rick. The father, 
 a farmer, died December 31, 1912, but the mother is still living at Augusta. Unto 
 Mr. and Mrs. Korn have been born three children: Fritz, fourteen years of 
 
 age ; Arnholt and Reinholt, twins, six years of age. 
 
344 
 
 PAST AND PRESENT OF CHIPPEWA COUNTY 
 
 Mr. and Mrs. Korn are members of the German Catholic church and Mr. Korn 
 is a republican, identified with the Progressive League of Stanley. He has made 
 wise use of his time, talents and opportunities, and as the years have gone by his 
 employment of the advantages which have come to him has brought him a grati- 
 fying measure of affluence and given him position among the representative and 
 valued citizens of his adopted county. 
 
 GEORGE LOTZ. 
 
 Energy, determination and enterprise have been the basis of the success of 
 George Lotz and brought him to an enviable place in industrial circles of Boyd, 
 where he is well known as the owner of a large and valuable bee supply factory. 
 He was born in Sigel township, this county, September 4, 1869 and is a son of 
 August and Amelia Lotz, the former born in Germany in 1847. He is today 
 a prosperous farmer and bee-keeper in Delmar township. 
 
 George Lotz attended public school in Sigel township until he was sixteen 
 years of age, and after laying aside his books assisted his father with the work 
 of the homestead. They kept a great number of bees and this fact called their 
 attention to the difficulty of obtaining bee supplies. Recognizing a rare business 
 opportunity they erected upon the farm a plant for the manufacture of these 
 supplies. Their trade extended so rapidly that in a short time the business had 
 outgrown the original premises, necessitating the erection of a new factory. This 
 was built at Boyd in 1909 and has been in charge of George Lotz since that 
 time. Under his able management it has become a large, productive enterprise 
 and is considered an important addition to the industrial resources of this section 
 of the state. The plant is valued at fourteen thousand dollars and the trade 
 controlled by the owner is important and representative. In addition to being 
 a manufacturer Mr. Lotz is also a bee fancier of considerable reputation and 
 he raises a great number of bees, he and his father owning over two hundred 
 and fifty hives. 
 
 Mr. Lotz is a member of the Lutheran church. He is independent in his 
 political beliefs and served for three years as a member of the school board of 
 Sigel township, discharging his duties in a creditable and able way. A great 
 many of his leisure hours are spent hunting and fishing, sports in which he takes 
 great delight and in which he is very proficient. He is numbered among the 
 progressive and enterprising business men of Boyd and his success has been 
 entirely the result of his own industry, integrity and ability. 
 
 CONRAD WILLIAM WlLIvOWSKE, M. D. 
 
 Dr. Conrad William Wilkowske, a practicing physician and surgeon of Chip- 
 pewa Falls, has maintained offices in the Union block since November, 1908, 
 and enjoys an enviable reputation for his skill in the treatment of diseases of 
 the eye, ear, nose and throat, being the only specialist in the city. His birth 
 occurred in Morristown, Minnesota, on the 20th of June, 1874, his parents being 
 Rudolph H. and Ida M. (Kopiske) Wilkowske. The father, a pioneer of Wis- 
 
PAST AND PRESENT OF CHIPPEWA COUNTY 
 
 345 
 
 consin, removed to Minnesota during the period of the Civil war and in the latter 
 state devoted his attention to general agricultural pursuits throughout the 
 remainder of his active business career. He is now living retired at Faribault, 
 Minnesota. His wife was called to her final rest in May, 1898, and lies buried 
 at Morristown, Minnesota. The family is of German origin. 
 
 Conrad W. Wilkowske acquired his primary education in a district school 
 at Morristown, Minnesota, and afterward continued his studies in St. Paul’s Col- 
 lege. Subsequently he taught school for one year and on the expiration of that 
 period embarked in business with his brother, F. H., at Morristown. In the fall 
 of 1900 he entered the University of Minnesota and four years later was graduated 
 from that institution with the degree of M. D. He opened an office at Arlington, 
 Minnesota, and there practiced medicine for seven months, at the end of which 
 time he removed to Faribault, which remained the scene of his professional 
 labors until the spring of 1908. At that time he journeyed to Europe and pursued 
 post-graduate work at Vienna. After returning to the United States he settled 
 at Chippewa Falls, Wisconsin, in November, 1908, and has there maintained 
 his offices to the present time, specializing in diseases of the eye, ear, nose and 
 throat. He is the only specialist in the city and has been accorded a liberal and 
 lucrative practice in recognition of his skill and ability in the line of his chosen 
 profession. Through his membership in the Chippewa County Medical Society, 
 the Eau Claire County Medical Society, the Wisconsin State Medical Society 
 and the American Medical Association he keeps in close touch with the progress 
 that is being continually made by the fraternity. 
 
 On the 4th of June, 1896, at Morristown, Minnesota, Dr Wilkowske was 
 united in marriage to Miss Alice M. Kisor, a daughter of Aaron and Sarah G. 
 (Dunlavey) Kisor. The father, a pioneer agriculturist of Wisconsin, removed 
 from this state to Minnesota, where he spent the remainder of his life, his demise 
 occurring in 1908 and his burial taking place at Morristown. His widow still 
 resides at that place. Our subject and his wife have two children, namely: 
 Sarah G., who is a high school student; and Conrad W., an adopted son. The 
 family residence is at No. 410 Superior street, Chippewa Falls. 
 
 In politics Dr. Wilkowske is independent, supporting men and measures rather 
 than party. His religious faith is indicated by his membership in the Methodist 
 Episcopal church and he is also a worthy exemplar of the Masonic fraternity, 
 belonging to the blue lodge. He is appreciative of the social amenities of life 
 and his genial qualities have won him many friends, but his attention is preemi- 
 nently given to his professional duties. 
 
 LEONARD G. W. HART, Y. S. 
 
 Dr. Leonard G. W. Hart, proprietor of the Veterinary Infirmary at Chippewa 
 Falls and since 1903 in active and successful practice here as a veterinary surgeon, 
 was born in Le Roy, Minnesota, July 29, 1871. He is a son of George and Emma 
 J. (DeLine) Hart, the former a merchant tailor in Eau Claire, Wisconsin. The 
 latter died in 1902 and is buried in Lake View cemetery, that city. 
 
PAST AND PRESENT OF CHIPPEWA COUNTY 
 
 846 
 
 Dr. Leonard G. W. Hart acquired his primary education in the public schools 
 of Eau Claire and at the age of fourteen went to Europe in order to study veter- 
 inary surgery. x\fter one year he returned home and until 1890 assisted his 
 father with the work of the farm, after which he went to Toronto, entering the 
 Ontario Veterinary College, from which he received his degree in March, 1892. 
 Immediately afterward he opened an office at Eau Claire, where he built up 
 a representative practice, conducting it successfully until 1903, when he moved 
 to Chippewa Falls, where he still resides. He established a veterinary infirmary 
 here, measuring forty by sixty feet, with operating rooms, sixteen by thirty feet. 
 The infirmary is equipped with everything that facilitates the best service and 
 care in the handling of animals, including an operating table and horse stocks, 
 and he has met with gratifying success in his practice, being ranked with the 
 leading members of his profession in this part of the state. 
 
 In Eau Claire, April 23, 1893, Dr. Hart was united in marriage to Miss Eliza- 
 beth Crowley, a daughter of William Crowley, a pioneer farmer of that vicinity. 
 Dr. and Mrs. Hart have four children : Margaret IT, a graduate of the Chippewa 
 Falls high school; Leonard G. W., Jr., a student in the high school; and Bessie 
 and James M., both of whom are still pursuing their studies. 
 
 Dr. Hart is a blue lodge Mason, a member of the Knights of Pythias and he 
 gives his political allegiance to the republican party. In Eau Claire and Chippewa 
 Falls he has served as a member of the board of aldermen and is progressive and 
 loyal in matters of citizenship, cooperating heartily in movements for the general 
 good. He is able in his profession and well known in social circles, and he holds 
 the esteem and confidence of all who are in any way associated with him. 
 
 CHRIST MOORE. 
 
 Christ Moore now resides retired in Stanley after a successful agricultural 
 career. Here he owns his own residence, one of the most commodious and com- 
 fortable in the city, and also has other interests, including a valuable business 
 block in the city, forty acres of land in Taylor county, and shares in the Citizens 
 State Bank. He was born in Denmark, Brown county, Wisconsin, August 15, 
 1865, and is a son of John and Ellen (Meehan) Moore, natives of Ireland. The 
 father, who was born in 1831, was a farmer by occupation and came to America 
 when a young man. He died in 1903, his wife long preceding him in death, passing 
 away in 1880. In their family were eight children, of whom five are yet living. 
 
 Christ Moore was educated in the district schools of Brown county until 
 twelve years of age and then became acquainted with the minor duties in connec- 
 tion with operating the farm. At the age of twenty-four he started out for him- 
 self, buying land of his own, in the cultivation of which he was very successful. 
 In 1910 he was enabled to retire and came in that year to Stanley, where he now 
 makes his home, enjoying a well merited competence. 
 
 On November 15, 1889, at Cooperstown, Wisconsin, Mr. Moore was united 
 in marriage to Miss Anna Fagin, a daughter of Thomas and Lizzie (Radican) 
 Fagin. Mr. and Mrs. Moore become the parents of six children, Marcella, Agnes, 
 
PAST AND PRESENT OF CHIPPEWA COUNTY 
 
 347 
 
 Raymond, Richard, Irene and Thomas, of whom the last named passed away 
 at the age of eighteen months. 
 
 Mr. Moore while residing in Edson township was prominently connected with 
 public life, serving for three years as supervisor and for about eight or ten years 
 as a member of the school board. He is a member of the Catholic church. Mr. 
 and Mrs. Moore occupy a comfortable residence in Stanley, where they hospitably 
 entertain their many friends. He still owns forty acres in Taylor county and also 
 holds title to a valuable business block in his city. He is likewise a stockholder 
 in the Citizens State Bank. Having always applied himself industriously and 
 energetically to his work, he has been enabled to retire at a comparatively early 
 age and such success as has come to him is highly merited for it is the result of 
 his own labor. He enjoys the respect and esteem of all who know him. 
 
 OLE H. THORP. 
 
 A prominent representative of industrial activity in Stanley is Ole H. Thorp, 
 manager of the dressed lumber department and also of the planing mills of the 
 Northwestern Lumber Company. Enterprise, diligence and laudable ambition 
 have been the salient features in his career and have wrought for the success which 
 is now his in his present responsible position. He is one of the oldest lumber 
 men in his locality, still actively connected with the business. He was born in 
 Norway, October 6, 1852, and is a son of Christian Thorp, also a native of the 
 land of the midnight sun. The father, who was born April 24, 1824, learned and 
 followed the carpenter’s trade. He became a resident of Wisconsin in 1882. 
 spending his remaining days in this state, his death occurring in 1907. His wife, 
 who bore the maiden name of Inger M. Hansen, was also born in Norway and 
 died when her son, Ole, was but four years of age. He is the only child of that 
 marriage. After losing his first wife, the father wedded Ellen Anderson of 
 Norway, and they had five children ; Geina, Anton, Marie, Martin and Olaf. 
 
 Ole H. Thorp attended public schools of Norway until eleven years of age, 
 after which he began working in a planing mill, being thus employed until he 
 reached the age of twenty. He afterwards spent three years as a saw filer and 
 subsequently became assistant foreman in a mill and lumber yard, acting in that 
 capacity for eight years. He landed in New York on the 4th of June, 1880, and 
 then came to Wisconsin, settling in Downsville, where he lived to the age of 
 thirty, being employed there as a laborer. After two years spent there, he went 
 to Porters Mills in the spring of 1882 and became an employe of the Northwestern 
 Lumber Company, acting as saw filer for two years. The next five years were 
 spent as a grader and three years as foreman. On the 13th of January, 1892, 
 he was transferred to Stanley as manager of the dressed lumber department and 
 planing mill for the Northwestern Lumber Company. He is one of the oldest 
 employes of the company at Stanley and has the full confidence and high regard 
 of those whom he represents. His long and varied experience in the lumber 
 business has made his service of the utmost value and his capability and fidelity 
 are features in the success of the Stanley industry. In addition to his connection 
 
348 
 
 PAST AND PRESENT OF CHIPPEWA COUNTY 
 
 with the Northwestern Lumber Company, Mr. .Thorp is a stockholder in the 
 Citizens State Bank and in the Stanley Dairy & Warehouse Company. 
 
 On the 27th of October, 1872, in Norway, Mr. Thorp was married to Miss 
 Oline Oleson, a daughter of Ole and Ellen Christianson. The twelve children 
 born of this marriage are: Carl, who died in infancy; Martine O. ; Carl E. ; 
 
 Annettie, who died at the age of four years ; Harry A. ; Elsie, who has passed 
 away ; Olga Oline ; Dagni, deceased ; Henry O. ; George E. ; Daniel, who has 
 departed from this life; and Florence E. The eldest daughter, Martine is the 
 wife of John Long, a butcher of Stanley, and they have eight children. Others 
 of the family are also married. Carl E., who wedded Mary Peterson, makes his 
 home in Everett, Washington, and has two children. Harry A., a lumber in- 
 spector, married Clara Soles, and has four children. Olga is the wife of Nels 
 Mahlon, a minister at Harvey, North Dakota, and they have two children. 
 Another son, Henry, follows farming in North Dakota. 
 
 The parents are members of the United Lutheran church, taking active interest 
 in its work and doing all in their power to promote its growth. Mr. Thorp is 
 serving as one of its deacons. He has also filled political offices, having been aider- 
 man of Stanley for three terms. He is a stalwart advocate of the republican 
 party and stands loyal in support of any measure in which he believes. That his 
 has been a well spent life and that success has crowned his efforts is indicated 
 in the fact that he is today the owner of a good residence in Stanley and a farm 
 of seventy acrfes within the city limits. He has never had occasion to regret 
 his determination to seek a home in the new world, for here he has found the 
 opportunities which he sought and in their improvement has worked his way 
 steadily upward, gaining a substantial place in business circles and an honored 
 name. 
 
 CHARLES H. LIEHE. 
 
 Charles H. Liehe is one of the most extensive land-owners in Eagle Point 
 township and is also prominently connected with business interests as one of 
 the proprietors of the only general store at Eagleton. He was born at Chippewa 
 Falls in 1874, a son of Charles Liehe, a native of Germany who came to the 
 United States in 1869, locating first in Chicago, Illinois, where he spent one year. 
 At the end of that time he moved to Chippewa Falls and there engaged in car- 
 pentering until the spring of 1875 when he turned his attention to farming, buying 
 land a half mile east of Eagleton. Two years later he built a store in Eagleton, 
 and this he operated until his death, which occurred in October, 1911, when he 
 was seventy years of age. He married Miss Paulina Dreger, who died in 1889, 
 leaving seven children: Charles IT, of this review, Mrs. F. R. Struve, Bertha, 
 
 Otto, Albert, Emma and Clara. 
 
 Charles H. Liehe acquired his education in the public schools of Chippewa 
 county and even in his childhood assisted with the operation of the homestead. 
 When he began his independent career he turned his attention to farming and 
 he has since acquired valuable holdings, owning in conjunction with his brother, 
 Albert, two hundred and ninety acres of cultivated land and large tracts of cut 
 
PAST AND PRESENT OF CHIPPEWA COUNTY 
 
 349 
 
 ft 
 
 over land in Eagle Point township. Since the father’s death the two brothers 
 have also operated the general store at Eagleton and have built up a flourishing 
 business as a result of their reasonable prices, their well selected stock of goods 
 and their fair and straightforward methods of dealing. 
 
 Charles H. Liehe is still single, but his brother Albert married Miss Effie 
 Horton and has two children, Robert and William. Mr. Liehe of this review 
 is a member of the German Lutheran church and is identified with the Masonic 
 fraternity. He votes independently and has held various positions of public 
 trust and responsibility, serving for two years as town clerk and for four as sec- 
 retary of the school board. He now holds the position of town chairman and his 
 excellent work in all of these capacities has gained him a reputation as a careful 
 and conscientious public official. He is a man of sterling character and excellent 
 qualities and is a native son of whom Chippewa county has every reason to be 
 proud. 
 
 JOSEPH WALSDORF. 
 
 Prominent among the energetic, farseeing and prosperous business men of 
 Stanley is Joseph Walsdorf, who is president of the Farmers & Merchants State 
 Bank and also treasurer of the Stanley Woodenware Company. He was born 
 in Calumet county, Wisconsin, July 26, 1867. Llis father, William Walsdorf, a 
 native of Germany, made farming his life occupation. On coming to Wisconsin 
 in early manhood he settled in Calumet county, becoming one of its pioneer resi- 
 dents. In the midst of the forest he built a log cabin and it was in that home that 
 the birth of his son Joseph occurred. He lived to witness remarkable changes 
 as the county was settled and developed. ITe was seventy-two years of age when 
 he was called to his final rest, his death occurring in IQ04. In early manhood 
 he married Anna Nicklia, who was born in Germany in 1825 and now occupies 
 the old homestead in Calumet county. In the family were eight children : William, 
 Margaret, Peter, John, Nicholas, Joseph, Rosa and August. 
 
 Joseph Walsdorf entered the public schools at the usual age and continued 
 his studies until he reached his fifteenth year. He afterward spent the time 
 largely in farm work until he had attained his majority, when he went to Thorp 
 and obtained employment in the lumber woods, being thus engaged until he 
 reached the age of twenty-eight years. Nineteen years ago he came to Stanley 
 as agent for the Chippewa Brewing Company and throughout the years of his 
 residence here he has been very successful in his business affairs. As time 
 has passed and prosperity has rewarded his labors, he has become a factor in 
 financial circles and is now president of the Farmers & Merchants State Bank and 
 one of its leading stockholders. Lie has also became interested in the Stanley 
 Woodenware Company, of which he is treasurer. 
 
 On the 25th of June, 1894, Mr. Walsdorf was married to Miss Lizzie Posslev, 
 a daughter of Nicholas and Anna (Michaels) Possley, of Washington county, 
 who were farming people. The marriage was celebrated at St. Ann’s in Calumet 
 county, June 25, 1894, and they have six children: Chester, Isadore, Arthur, 
 Irene, Arnold and Marie. 
 
PAST AND PRESENT OF CHIPPEWA COUNTY 
 
 350 
 
 Mr. Walsdorf is a member of the Equitable Fraternal Union and also has 
 membership with the Owls. In politics he is a democrat and has been called to 
 public office, serving for four years as supervisor and for ten years as alderman, 
 making a most creditable record in both positions. He was serving as alderman 
 when the streets were paved, and it was through his efforts, in conjunction with 
 other members of the city council, that the paving and other improvements were 
 made. He has always stood for progress and advancement and his labors have 
 been effective and far-reaching forces along those lines. In addition to his 
 residence in Stanley he owns a half interest in eighty acres of timber land. Suc- 
 cess has come to him as the years have gone by as the result of close application, 
 persistent energy and well directed effort, and he is widely and favorably known 
 in the city and county in which he makes his home. 
 
 ANTIION N. FINSTAD. 
 
 Anthon N. Finstad, a young man of ability and enterprise, who has been 
 identified with the cheese and butter making business during all of his active 
 life and who is now doing capable work in the positions of manager and butter 
 maker at the Albertville Creamery, was born in Pierce county, Wisconsin, Jan- 
 uary 3, 1883, and is a son of Nels P. and Karen O. (Nesset) Finstad, who were 
 the parents of eight children, three of whom, a son and two daughters, died in 
 childhood. Those living are, Anthon N., Morton, Peter, Alvin and Mary. The 
 father has passed away and is survived by the mother, who makes her home in 
 Pierce county. 
 
 A. N. Finstad acquired his education in the public schools of his native locality 
 and laid aside his books at the age of eighteen. After leaving school he learned 
 cheese and butter making and followed his trade in Pierce county. In 1901 the 
 Pierce County Fair recognized his skill as a cheese maker by awarding him 
 the first premium. In 1902 he decided to try another line of work and entered 
 the employ of the Great Northern Railroad Company at St. Paul as clerk in the 
 auditing department. As this was too great a strain upon his health he returned 
 to dairy work the following spring. At the end of several years’ service in Pierce 
 county he moved to Albertville and accepted the position of manager of the 
 creamery there, acting also as butter maker. His previous experience has proven 
 invaluable to him and he has also found much of value in the literature dealing 
 with his specialties. He has done excellent work in both capacities, his ability 
 being widely recognized and respected. He is an expert cheese maker and received 
 the silver medal for cheese awarded at the convention of the Wisconsin Cheese 
 Makers Association in 1906, Mr. Finstad’s scoring ninety-nine points. 
 
 In this county in 1909 Mr. Finstad was united in marriage to Miss Hannah 
 L. Hernes, a daughter of John Hernes, a farmer of Chippewa county. Mr. and 
 Mrs. Finstad have become the parents of two children, Arleigh G. and John N. 
 Mr. Finstad is a member of the Independent Scandinavian Workingman’s Associ- 
 ation and his religious views are in accord with the doctrines of the Lutheran 
 church. He is a republican in his political beliefs and, although not an office- 
 seeker, is interested in the cause of education and is serving at the present time 
 
PAST AND PRESENT OF CHIPPEWA COUNTY 
 
 351 
 
 as a director of the school board of district No. io. He is well known in Albert- 
 ville and the vicinity, where his business integrity and personal characteristics 
 have gained him a wide circle of friends. 
 
 FRANK JACOBS. 
 
 Farming, stock-raising and dairy interests of Delmar township find a pro- 
 gressive and worthy representative in Frank Jacobs, living upon eighty acres of 
 fine land on section 8. He was born in Germany, August 15, 1855, a son of Mat- 
 thew and Anna (Dietrich) Jacobs, also natives of that country, both born in 1834. 
 The father came to Wisconsin in 1862 and settled in Washington county, where 
 he followed farming until his death, which occurred in 1906. His wife has also 
 passed away, dying in 1912. To their union were bora ten children, eight of 
 whom are still living. 
 
 Frank Jacobs acquired his education in the public schools of Germany and 
 in those of Washington county, Wisconsin. When he was thirteen years of age 
 he began working on his father’s farm and he continued thus until he was twenty- 
 seven. At that time he turned his attention to railroading, serving for eleven 
 years thereafter as foreman of a section gang. At the age of thirty-eight he 
 purchased a farm in Calumet county and upon that property remained for three 
 years. In 1899 he sold this and moved to Delmar township, this county, buying 
 eighty acres of land on section 8, township 29, range 5. There he owns eighty 
 acres of land and has been most successful in its cultivation, raising all kinds 
 of small grains. He is also interested in stock-raising and he specializes in 
 dairying, his dairy products obtaining a ready sale on the local market. 
 
 In Brown county, on the 14th of November, 1882, Mr. Jacobs married Miss 
 Agnes Jaster, a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Martin Jaster, the former a shoemaker 
 and farmer. Mr. and Mrs. Jacobs became the parents of eleven children: Wil- 
 liam, Joseph, Frank, Frank, second of the name, and John, all of whom have 
 passed away ; Matthew ; George ; August ; Peter ; Annie ; and Agnes, who married 
 Philip Stuttgen, proprietor of a saloon in Forest county. Air. Jacobs is a member 
 of the Roman Catholic church, is connected fraternally with the Catholic Knights 
 and is a democrat in his political beliefs. He takes an intelligent interest in public 
 affairs but his attention is largely concentrated upon his farming interests and 
 in their capable management he has met with gratifying success. 
 
 WILLIAM D. SCHULTZ. 
 
 \\ illiam D. Schultz, proprietor of a grocery and ice cream parlor in Stanley, 
 was born in Germany, November 9, 1857, a son of William and Hannah ( Keppen) 
 Schultz, also natives of that country. The father’s birth occurred in 1832 and 
 in 1 866 he emigrated to America, settling in Dodge county, Wisconsin, where he 
 followed farming. He went to Dunn county* this state, in 1876 and there bought 
 railroad land which he cultivated until his death, in 1879. His wife, who was 
 
352 
 
 PAST AND PRESENT OF CHIPPEWA COUNTY 
 
 born in 1831, survives and makes her home in the state of Washington. The) 
 were the parents of nine children: William D., Charles, Fred, Frank, Richard, 
 August, George, Minnie and Bertha. 
 
 William D. Schultz attended district school in Dodge county until he was 
 eleven years of age and then began working as a farm laborer, continuing thus 
 until he was twenty-six. He then moved to Boyd and secured a position in a 
 heading mill, retaining it for twelve years thereafter. In 1895 he moved to 
 Stanley and established himself in the grocery and ice cream business there. He 
 now controls a large and representative patronage, for he has become recognized 
 as an alert and farsighted business man whose methods of dealing are at all times 
 straightforward and honorable. His wife conducts a large millinery establish- 
 ment and she also has met with gratifying success. 
 
 On the 16th October, 1882, at Eau Claire, Wisconsin, Mr. Schultz was united 
 in marriage to Miss Catherine Baier, a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Baier, 
 the former a farmer in Dunn county. Fraternally Mr. Schultz is identified with 
 the Masons, the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and the Knights of Pythias. 
 He is a democrat in his political beliefs and has served as a member of the vil- 
 lage council, on the county board and as street commissioner. He merits the 
 confidence and respect of all who know him and is numbered among the most 
 substantial citizens of the community. 
 
 FRANK GOODMAN. 
 
 Frank Goodman, a successful dairy farmer whose home place comprises 
 one hundred and seventy-seven acres on section 25, township 30, range 7, is 
 the owner of six forty-acre tracts near Cobban. He has also made a creditable 
 record as a public official, having served for more than two decades as treasurer 
 of his township, while for sixteen years he held the position of postmaster 
 at Drywood. His birth occurred in the grand duchy of Baden, Germany, on 
 the 1st of April, 1855, his parents being Anton and Gertrude (Spath) Goodman, 
 both of whom passed away in that country. The father was an agriculturist 
 by occupation and acted as overseer of a forest. 
 
 Frank Goodman acquired his education in the common schools of his native 
 land and when a young man of nineteen years emigrated to the United States, 
 making his way direct to Chippewa county, Wisconsin, where he began working 
 in the woods. In 1885, in association with his brother Mathias, he purchased a 
 store at Drywood, the partnership being maintained until 1896, when he acquired 
 his brother’s interest and afterward conducted the establishment alone until 
 1904. In the meantime he had become a landowner and his holdings now em- 
 brace six forty-acre tracts near Cobban. For the past nine years he has lived 
 on a farm of one hundred and seventy-seven acres on section 25, township 30, 
 range 7, the place being improved with an excellent set of buildings, including the 
 only brick house in that part of the county. By means of a hydraulic ram, water 
 is supplied to the house and barns from a living spring. Mr. Goodman devotes 
 his time and energies to dairy farming and in this connection has met with success, 
 enjoying an enviable reputation as one of the substantial agriculturists and repre- 
 
MR. AND MRS. FRANK GOODMAN 
 

PAST AND PRESENT OF CHIPPEWA COUNTY 
 
 355 
 
 sentative citizens of Chippewa county. In 1900 he built the first cheese factory 
 in this section, giving thereby another evidence of his enterprise. 
 
 On October 23, 1883, in this county Mr. Goodman was united in marriage 
 to Miss Anna P>oseck, a native of Bohemia, and a daughter of Joseph and Anna 
 (Postpichel) Boseck. Mr. and Mrs. Goodman have seven children, as follows: 
 Anna, who lives at State Center, Iowa ; Louis W., who wedded Miss Malina 
 Giguer and resides in San Francisco, California; Lottie, who gave her hand in 
 marriage to Joseph Setlacetek, of Arthur township ; and Rose, Peter, Martha 
 and William, all at home. 
 
 Mr. Goodman gives his political allegiance to the democracy and has served 
 his fellow townsmen in positions of public trust. He acted in the capacity of 
 township treasurer for a period of twenty-three years and held the position of 
 postmaster at Drywood for sixteen years or until the office was discontinued. 
 He and his brother Mathias were the principal contributors to the building 
 fund of the Catholic church at Drywood and have remained its most liberal 
 supporters to the present time. Frank Goodman has served as treasurer of the 
 church since its organization. He has been straightforward and honorable in 
 all his dealings, has manifested public spirit in matters of citizenship and has 
 been loyal to the ties of home and of friendship. These qualities, therefore, 
 have made his record one of honorable manhood well worthy of emulation. He 
 has never had occasion to regret his determination to come to the new world, for 
 here he found the opportunities which he sought and in their wise utilization 
 has won prosperity. Chippewa county has been his home for almost four dec- 
 ades and he is well and favorably known within its borders. 
 
 LESLIE A. WILCOX. 
 
 One of the most enterprising and successful business men of Stanley is Leslie 
 A. Wilcox, who, since 1910 has conducted a large department store in the city. 
 He was born in Hebron, Jefferson county, this state, June 7, 1873, and is a son 
 of DeWight and Ella (Netting) Wilcox, natives of New York state, the former 
 born in 1846 and the latter in 1850. As a young man, the father moved to 
 Wisconsin and has been, since that time, sexton of the Fort Atkinson cemetery. 
 His wife passed away in 1891, leaving three children: Leslie A., of this review; 
 Frank and Alice. 
 
 Leslie A. Wilcox attended public school in Fort Atkinson until he was sixteen 
 years of age and then laid aside his books, turning his attention to farm labor. 
 When he was twenty-five he went to the northern part of Wisconsin and there 
 worked in the woods for a number of years. I11 1910 he abandoned that line 
 of occupation and came to Stanley, where he opened a department store, with 
 which he has since continued. His stock is valued at eighteen hundred dollars 
 and his patronage is continually growing, for he is recognized as a farsighted and 
 enterprising business man, whose sagacity is far-reaching and whose integrity 
 is beyond question. 
 
 On the 20th of April, 1904, Mr. Wilcox married Miss Ella Markert, a daugh- 
 ter of Mr. and Mrs. William Markert, the former a prosperous farmer, who 
 
 voi. n— 19 
 
356 
 
 PAST AND PRESENT OF CHIPPEWA COUNTY 
 
 died in 1908 at the age of eighty-four. Mr. and Mrs. Wilcox have two children. 
 Dale and Forrest. The parents own together, eighty acres of wild land in Clark 
 county and Mrs. Wilcox is the owner of the Star restaurant, which she conducts 
 successfully and profitably. Mr. Wilcox was, for more than a year and a half, 
 a member of Company B, Wisconsin National Guard and is connected fraternally 
 with the Modern Woodmen of America. He is a republican in his political 
 beliefs and his religious views are in accord with the doctrines of the Christian 
 Science church. He is a man of high integrity and sterling worth and he com- 
 mands and holds the respect and esteem of his friends and business associates. 
 
 PRESTON THOMAS FAVELL. 
 
 Preston Thomas Favell, holding a position of distinctive precedence in finan- 
 cial circles of Chippewa Falls as cashier of the Northwestern State Bank, has 
 been connected with banking interests here since 1890 and has held his present 
 responsible position since 1904. He was born in Royalton, Wisconsin, August 
 13, 1862, and is a son of Joseph and Laura (Hayward) Favell, the former one 
 of the early loggers in this state and a pioneer of 1840. He has passed away 
 and is buried in Royalton. The family is of English origin and has been in Amer- 
 ica for a number of years, its representatives having first settled in this country 
 about the year 1830. 
 
 Preston Thomas Favell acquired his education in the district schools of Wau- 
 paca county and in the high school at Waupaca, laying aside his books at the 
 age of fifteen. He then became telegraph operator for the old Green Bay & 
 Minnesota Railroad Company, retaining this connection for five years thereafter. 
 At the end of that time he moved to Winona, Minnesota, where he was employed 
 in the general freight office of the Chicago & Northwestern Railroad for about 
 one year. In 1882 he moved to Chippewa Falls and here secured a position as 
 American Express agent and manager of the Western Union Telegraph Company, 
 remaining thus until 1890. In that year he became connected with financial 
 interests of the city, entering the Lumbermens National Bank as assistant cashier, 
 a position which he held until 1904, when he accepted the office of cashier of the 
 Northwestern State Bank. He is still serving in that capacity and is also a 
 director in the institution, being well known in banking circles as a man of sound 
 judgment, far-reaching sagacity and great ability as a financier. 
 
 In Green Bay, Wisconsin, August 15, 1881, Mr. Favell was united in marriage 
 to Miss Elizabeth Eisman, a daughter of John G. and Catherine (Imig) Eisman, 
 the former an early settler in Wisconsin and a well known merchant. Both 
 have passed away and are buried at Waukesha, Wisconsin. Mr. and Mrs. Favell 
 became the parents of four children : Leslie D.. who met death by drowning 
 
 when he was sixteen years of age and who is buried in the Forest Hill cemetery, 
 Chippewa Falls; Harry P., bookkeeper in the Northwestern State Bank; Eugene 
 G., office manager of the Hunter Land Company in Minneapolis, Minnesota; and 
 Lucille A., a student in the Chippewa Falls high school. 
 
 Mr. Favell is worshipful master of the Masonic lodge of Chippewa Falls and 
 well known in that organization. He is a member of the Presbyterian church 
 
PAST AND PRESENT OF CHIPPEWA COUNTY 
 
 357 
 
 and a republican in his political beliefs. Since 1900 he has done efficient and 
 conscientious work as secretary of the board of education and has been president 
 of the Progressive League and treasurer of the North Wisconsin State Fair 
 Association. He is now president of Group No. 1, Wisconsin Bankers Asso- 
 ciation and his ability is widely recognized in financial circles. 
 
 FRED JENSEN. 
 
 Through well directed business activity and enterprise Fred Jensen has gained 
 recognition as one of the representative and able business men of Stanley, where 
 he is manager of the Stanley Dairy & Warehouse Company. He was born in 
 Denmark, March 2, 1870, and is a son of Andreas and Ida (Christensen) Jensen, 
 also natives of that country, the former born in 1840 and the latter in 1852. 
 The mother passed away in 1872 and is survived by her husband, who still makes 
 his home in his native country. 
 
 Fred Jensen acquired his education in the public and parish schools of Den- 
 mark and laid aside his books at the age of eighteen. At that time he emigrated 
 to America, where for a time he worked in a hotel as interpreter for the emi- 
 grants, making four trips between New York and Chicago and three trips across 
 the Atlantic as a guard and guide. When he abandoned this work he took up a 
 homestead in Saunders county, Nebraska, and after operating this for three 
 years moved to the vicinity of Cadott, where he bought one hundred and sixty 
 acres of land. This he afterward sold and in 1899 opened the first creamery in 
 Chippewa county. He afterward established a similar enterprise at Eden, in 
 Pierce county, and another at Jim Falls. In 1910 he moved to Stanley, where he 
 erected a modern creamery, opening it for business under the name of the Stanley 
 Dairy & Warehouse Company, of which he has since been manager, his previous 
 experience and his business ability making him very successful in this position. 
 
 At Omaha, Nebraska, December 23, 1894, Mr. Jensen married Miss Pearl 
 Christensen, a daughter of Fred and Lina Christensen, the former a contractor 
 and builder of that city. Mr. and Mrs. Jensen have four children, Russell J., 
 Tessie B., Goldie D. and Lester C. Mr. Jensen is connected fraternally with the 
 Beavers and the Owls, is a member of the United Lutheran church and a demo- 
 crat in his political views. He is held in high esteem in Stanley, where his ability, 
 enterprise and capacity are recognized and respected. 
 
 GEORGE MASON. 
 
 Among the men who have made substantial contributions to the agricultural 
 resources of Chippewa county and who in promoting their own prosperity along 
 modern and progressive lines have aided greatly in the general advancement, is 
 numbered George Mason, who owns and operates one hundred and twenty acres 
 on section 1, Edson township. He is a native of Wisconsin, born in Manitowoc 
 county, July 19, 1862, a son of Marvin and Susannah (Guewey) Mason, natives 
 
358 
 
 PAST AND PRESENT OF CHIPPEWA COUNTY 
 
 of New York state, the former born in 1818 and the latter in 1826. The father 
 was a Wisconsin pioneer, having come to this state in 1854 and homesteaded 
 eighty acres of land, which he cleared and improved, building upon it a log 
 cabin in which he reared his family of ten children. Both he and his wife 
 died in 1902, leaving the following children, Phoebe, Martha, Mary A., Marrilla, 
 Jane, Annis, Sarah, Permelia, George and Charles. 
 
 George Mason acquired his education in the district schools of Manitowoc 
 county, attending about two days every week until he was twelve years of age. 
 He grew up amid pioneer conditions and even before laying aside his books 
 assisted with the operation of the homestead, continuing thus until after his 
 father’s death in 1902. He then purchased the old farm and continued upon it 
 until 1909, when he moved to Edson township, this county, where he bought 
 one hundred and twenty acres on section 1, township 28, range 5 west. Upon 
 this property he has since resided and his farming, dairying and stock-raising 
 interests are extensive and important. He keeps thirty-five head of Holstein 
 cattle, two being pure-bred registered animals, and five horses, and he pays 
 special attention to this branch of his activities, which forms one of his most 
 important sources of income. 
 
 At Reedsville, on the 31st of July, 1903, Mr. Mason married Mrs. Bertha 
 (Rusch) Coony, the widow of Frank Coony, a fur dresser who died in 1902, 
 leaving three children : Violet, who married Daniel Shunk, a farmer of Edson 
 
 township, by whom she has a daughter, Bernice; Frances A.; and Charles E. 
 Mrs. Mason is a daughter of Carl and Amanda (Bessert) Rusch, the former a 
 sawmill proprietor at Reedsville. Mr. and Mrs. Mason have three children : 
 Susanna E., Amelia W., and Isabelle E. 
 
 Mr. Mason is a member of the Methodist church and a democrat in his poli- 
 tical beliefs. He is widely known throughout the county and his substantial 
 characteristics have gained him the warm regard and unqualified trust of his 
 fellow townsmen. 
 
 OLE E. BJORNSTAD. 
 
 For the past twenty-five years Ole E. Bjornstad has engaged in the tailoring 
 business and since 1900 has conducted a shop in Stanley, where he has secured 
 a position among the representative and prosperous business men. He was born 
 in Norway, December 19, 1853, a son of Erland and Guri (Anson) Bjornstad, 
 also natives of that country. The father was born in 1819, and during his entire 
 life engaged in farming. However, when he came to America he retired from 
 his active life and is still living with his son Ole in Stanley. His wife’s birth 
 occurred in 1821 and she died in Chippewa county in 1910. To their union were 
 born eight children, four of whom are still living: Thomas E., who is engaged 
 
 in farming in Minnesota ; Ole E., the subject of this review ; Gundhild, who became 
 the wife of Knute Johnson, a farmer in Minnesota, by whom she had six chil- 
 dren ; and Ragnhild, who married John Vager, a farmer in Minnesota, and has 
 two children. 
 
PAST AND PRESENT OF CHIPPEWA COUNTY 
 
 359 
 
 Ole E. Bjornstad attended school in Norway until he was sixteen years of 
 age, and then learned the tailor’s trade, working at it afterwards as an employe, 
 until 1888. In that year he opened a shop of his own at Augusta, Wisconsin, and 
 he afterward moved to Altoona, Wisconsin, where he was in business for some 
 years. In 1900 he moved to Stanley and there he now conducts an exclusive 
 tailoring establishment. He is a stockholder in the Inter-County Fair Association 
 and he owns, beside his business premises on North Broadway, a fine home on 
 the south side of the city. 
 
 Mr. Bjornstad married on the 27th of February, 1887, Miss Mary Olsen, a 
 daughter of Ole and Carry (Moen) Olsen, the former a laborer in Augusta, 
 Wisconsin. Mr. and Mrs. Bjornstad have three children: Edward, Gina and 
 Olga. 
 
 Mr. Bjornstad is connected fraternally with the Modern Woodmen of Amer- 
 ica and the Order of Owls. He is a republican in his political belief and he did 
 excellent service for five years as alderman at Altoona, Wisconsin. He is known 
 as a progressive citizen and he holds the high regard and confidence of an excel- 
 lent circle of friends. The family attend the Evangelical Lutheran church. 
 
 CHARLES S. ELLENSOHN. 
 
 Charles S. Ellensohn, a valued and representative citizen of Sigel township, 
 connected with agricultural interests as a successful truck farmer and with public 
 life as chairman of the township, was born in Germany, December 22, 1848. He is 
 a son of Conrad and Francisca (Mark) Ellensohn, also natives of that country, 
 the former born on November 22, 1821, and the latter in 1817. The father came 
 to Wisconsin in 1854 and followed farming in this state until his death, which 
 occurred March 26, 1911. He had long survived his wife, who passed away in 
 1857. They were the parents of seven children: Eugene, Joseph, Charles, of 
 
 this review, Louisa, Mary and two who died in infancy. 
 
 Charles S. Ellensohn was still a child when his parents emigrated to America 
 and he acquired his education in the public schools of Bangor and La Crosse, 
 Wisconsin, laying aside his books at the age of fourteen. He began his independ- 
 ent career as a farm laborer, continuing thus until he was seventeen years of age, 
 when he joined his father in the operation of a brewery at Chatfield, Minnesota. 
 At the end of six years they disposed of this enterprise and together operated a 
 farm in Minnesota for two years. Mr. Ellensohn of this review then moved to 
 La Crosse, where he was first watchman on a steamboat and then a wheat buyer 
 for several years. In 1880 he came to Cadott and was for five years thereafter 
 employed in a mill in that town, later working in the woods for three years. At 
 the end of that time he purchased forty acres of land on section 8, Sigel town- 
 ship, and there he has since engaged in truck farming with gratifying success. 
 He is a stockholder in the South Sigel Cheese Factory and his ability is known 
 and recognized in business circles. 
 
 In La Crosse, Wisconsin, November 25, 1873, Mr. Ellensohn was united in 
 marriage to Miss Eliza Helsapple, a daughter of Leonard Helsapple, a wagon 
 maker of Pennsylvania. Air. and Mrs. Ellensohn have become the parents of 
 
360 
 
 PAST AND PRESENT OF CHIPPEWA COUNTY 
 
 five children. Eugene married Anna Schuster and has one child. He engages 
 in farming in Sigel township. Archie is a contractor and road builder in this 
 township. He married Miss Margaret Taylor and they have three children. 
 William is the next in the order of birth. Cora became the wife of Joseph 
 Schwetz, who is engaged in farming in Sigel township, and they have become 
 the parents of one child. The other member of this family is a son, Charles. 
 
 Mr. Ellensolm is a member of the Roman Catholic church and is a republican 
 in his political beliefs. He has for many years been active in public afifairs and 
 has held various positions of trust and responsibility, serving as town clerk for 
 nine years and for a similar period of time as a member of the school board. 
 He is now rendering the township excellent service as chairman, his work in 
 this position being capable, farsighted and reliable. He is widelv and favorably 
 known in Sigel township, for his integrity, enterprise and personal qualities have 
 gained him the esteem and confidence of all who are associated with him. 
 
 ROBERT RITCHEY. 
 
 Robert Ritchey, a substantial farmer and a progressive citizen of Delmar 
 township, was born in Walworth county, Wisconsin, February 24, i860, a son 
 of Patrick and Agnes (Irving) Ritchey, the former born in Ireland in 1826 and 
 the latter in Scotland in 1809. There were six children in the family: William, 
 
 deceased; Catherine, deceased; Patrick, a fruit grower in Oregon; Thomas, a 
 sheep rancher in British Columbia ; Robert ; and James, formerly county super- 
 intendent of schools in Outagamie county, and now a traveling salesman in Penn- 
 sylvania. The parents came to America before the Civil war and the father 
 enlisted in the Union army at the last call for volunteers. After he was mustered 
 out he engaged in farming, following this occupation until his death in 1874. His 
 wife survived him ten years. 
 
 Robert Ritchey is one of a family of six children. He attended public school 
 in Outagamie county until he was fifteen years of age and then began working 
 upon neighboring farms as a laborer. When he was twenty-five he moved to 
 Edson township, this county, and in 1901 he purchased the farm on section 30, 
 township 29, range 5 west upon which he now resides. Being practical, able and 
 energetic, he has met with excellent success in his agricultural pursuits and has 
 now one of the best equipped and most carefully managed properties in the town- 
 ship. He raises all kinds of grain which he sells in the local market and he is 
 also interested in stock-raising, keeping fifteen head of cattle and three horses. 
 He is a stockholder and a director in the Citizens State Bank of Boyd and in 
 the Independent Harvester Company and is recognized in business circles as a 
 man of ability, energy and capacity. 
 
 At Seymour, Wisconsin, on the 27th of April, 1885, Mr. Ritchey married 
 Miss Catherine Mullen, the third child of Patrick and Bridget Mullen, of South 
 Osborn, Outagamie county, Wisconsin. Mr. and Mrs. Mullen were natives of 
 Ireland but came to America in 1858 and settled in New York state where Mr. 
 Mullen engaged in the manufacture of linen. In 1862 they moved to East Troy, 
 Walworth county, this state, where they resided until 1865 when they began 
 
PAST AND PRESENT OF CHIPPEWA COUNTY 
 
 361 
 
 farming on one hundred and eleven acres in Osborn township. There Mr. Mullen 
 died in 1888, his wife having passed away in 1885. Both are buried in the South 
 Osborn cemetery. Mr. and Mrs. Ritchey became the parents of a daughter, 
 Agnes, who died in infancy. They are rearing and educating Mrs. Ritchey’s 
 niece, Catherine McCormick, who has made her home with then) for the past 
 nine years. 
 
 Mr. Ritchey is a member of the Roman Catholic church and is independent 
 in his political beliefs, supporting men and measures rather than parties. He is 
 president of the American Society of Equity and has held various public positions 
 of trust and responsibility, having served for two years as supervisor, for five 
 years as clerk of school district No. 13, and for the past five years as chairman 
 of Delmar township. He has done excellent work in this capacity and during his 
 term of office a number of concrete and steel bridges have been erected throughout 
 the township. Mr. Ritchey is always to be found among the leaders in any pro- 
 gressive public project and his influence is always on the side of advancement and 
 reform. In consequence he is well and favorably known in the community which 
 counts him among its most progressive and representative citizens. 
 
 HENRY H. MOORE. 
 
 Since 1905 Henry H. Moore has been engaged in the real-estate and insur- 
 ance business in Stanley and has been very successful along that line, building 
 up an extensive and gratifying clientele. He also owns a valuable farm in Tay- 
 lor county and has other important interests. He was born in Edson township, 
 this county, on April 30, 1870, and is a son of Jacob and Mary (Reed) Moore, 
 the former of whom was born in Massillon, Ohio, in 1828 and the latter in 
 Coshocton county, that state, in 1836. The father for many years engaged as 
 a harness manufacturer and farmer and died on April 19, 1911. He came to 
 Wisconsin about 1866, making this state his home until his demise. He was a 
 veteran of the Civil w r ar, having served for two and one-half years as a member 
 of the Fifty-first Ohio Volunteer Infantry. The mother survives and makes her 
 home with the subject of this review in Stanley. Henry H. Moore is one of a 
 family of five children : William F., who married Mathilda Cole, by whom he has 
 six children; James T., a hotel proprietor of Polley, Wisconsin, who married Mar- 
 garet Adams, by whom he has four children ; Edward T., a barber at Stanley, 
 who married Agnes Spears, by whom he has four children ; Henry IT., of this 
 review; and Olive, who married Harry W. Cook, a merchant at Conrath, Wis- 
 consin, by whom she has one child. 
 
 Henry H. Moore attended the district schools of Boyd, Wisconsin, until 
 seventeen years of age and then for six years followed the trade of a harness 
 maker. At the end of that period he engaged in timber cruising for the North- 
 western Lumber Company and other corporations, being so engaged for nine 
 years. He then came to Stanley, where he established himself in the real- 
 estate and insurance business in 1905. He has been' very successful since coming 
 here, handling a number of important transfers, and is thoroughly acquainted 
 with the local situation as regards land values. He has ever dealt fairly and 
 
362 
 
 PAST AND PRESENT OF CHIPPEWA COUNTY 
 
 squarely with his customers and has therefore gained a reputation which is 
 highly flattering to him. 
 
 Mr. Moore owns his residence and also holds title to eighty acres of partly 
 improved land on section 31, township 32, range 4, in Taylor county. Fraternally 
 he is a Mason, belonging to the chapter. He finds recreation and pleasure in 
 hunting and fishing but this is practically his only diversion from his arduous 
 business duties. Public-spirited and progressive, he is interested in all that affects 
 the community and is ever ready to support any worthy undertaking for the 
 promotion of the interests of Stanley. 
 
 HENRY GANZEL. 
 
 Henry Ganzel, proprietor of a popular cafe in Boyd, was born in Outagamie 
 county, Wisconsin, May 10, 1870. He is a son of Chris and Dora (Frick) Ganzel, 
 natives of Germany, the former born in 1831 and the latter in 1827. Chris Gan- 
 zel came to Wisconsin in 1857 and engaged in farming and in the operation of a 
 hotel until his death which occurred in 1906. His wife survived for some 
 time, dying in 1907. Henry Ganzel is one of a family of ten children. He 
 acquired his education in the district schools of Edson township, this county, 
 laying aside his books at the age of fourteen. He afterwards worked in a factory 
 and engaged in various occupations, until 1890, when he opened the Star House 
 in Boyd, which he conducted until 1897. He then opened a cafe, which he has 
 since been very successful in conducting. 
 
 On the 31st of July, 1894, Mr. Ganzel married Miss Hannah Yeager, a daugh- 
 ter of Mr. and Mrs. John Yeager, the former a farmer and saloon-keeper. Mr. 
 and Mrs. Ganzel have seven children: Harry J. ; Felix H. ; Leo F. ; Christian T. ; 
 Minnie J. ; Johanna L. ; and Louis H. 
 
 Mr. Ganzel is a charter member of the Boyd Lodge No. 240 of the Independent 
 Order of Odd Fellows and is a republican in his political beliefs. He was one of 
 the early settlers in Boyd and during the period of his residence, has taken a lead- 
 ing part in the promotion of many movements for the upbuilding and develop- 
 ment of the city. His influence is found always on the side of right and 
 advancement and he therefore holds the high respect and esteem of his fellow 
 citizens. 
 
 NILS GUSTAV OLSON. 
 
 Nils Gustav Olson, engaged in the real-estate and insurance business in 
 Stanley, where he has made his home since 1895, was born December 17, 1863, 
 at Nedre Eker, Norway. His father. Ole Nilson, was born at Sigdal, Norway, 
 December 10, 1831, and passed away in 1896. Fie worked at the same place 
 for nearly half a century, being employed as foreman in the woods in the winter 
 seasons and at a sawmill and brickyards during the summer months. His long 
 continuance in these positions indicated clearly his capability and fidelity to 
 duty. His wife, who bore the maiden name of Berthe Marie Rolfsen, was born 
 
PAST AND PRESENT OF CHIPPEWA COUNTY 
 
 ■m 
 
 at Nedre Eker, Norway, in 1837, and died in 1902, in the same house in which 
 her birth occurred. 
 
 Nils G. Olson spent his youthful days in his native land. He was one of a 
 family of eight children, five of whom are living. At an early age he started in 
 the business world, being assistant to his father and clerk in a cooperative store 
 between the ages of twelve and fifteen years. When a youth of sixteen he 
 became a bookkeeper and so continued until nineteen years of age. He then 
 came to the United States in 1883 and worked at Porters Mills for seven and a 
 half years at common labor, as scaler, as clerk and bookkeeper. After spending 
 five years as bookkeeper in Eau Claire he came to Stanley in 1895 and has since 
 made his home here, being engaged in bookkeeping and in the insurance and real- 
 estate business. He has won a substantial measure of success as the years have 
 gone by and from 1895 until 1902 he was well known as the secretary and trea- 
 surer of the Stanley Manufacturing Company. 
 
 On the 16th of November, 1887, in Eau Claire, Air. Olson was united in 
 marriage to Miss Marie Christoffersen, who was born at Holmestrand, Norway, 
 June 11, 1862. Her father, Christofifer Nelson, was born in Norway, became a 
 sailor, rose to the rank of first mate and was shipwrecked on the coast of Scot- 
 land, November 25, 1864. His wife, Anna Elisa Anderson, was born at Dahls- 
 land, Sweden, in March, 1833. Mr. and Mrs. Olson have become parents of four 
 children: Bertha Elizabeth, born November 12, 1891, and now a trained nurse; 
 Oscar Gilbert, born May 23, 1896; Norman Walter, born February 15, 1899; 
 and Ralph Mehvin, born December 14, 1901. The three sons are yet at home. 
 
 Mr. and Mrs. Olson are members of the United Lutheran church and are 
 much interested in the moral progress of the community. Mr, Olson has mem- 
 bership with the Sons of Norway and is treasurer and trustee of that organiza- 
 tion. His political support is given to the republican party and for two years 
 he was assessor at Stanley and for two years was village trustee. He is also 
 serving on the library board and the school board and is actively interested in 
 all that pertains to the political, social, intellectual and moral welfare of the 
 community. His efforts have been of direct benefit in promoting the public good 
 and his worth as a man and citizen is widely acknowledged. 
 
 OTTO PETERSON. 
 
 Otto Peterson, one of the prosperous farmers and highly respected citizens 
 of Delmar township, was born in Norway, June 27, 1866. He is a son of Peter 
 and Regina Petero (Amenson) Christianson, also natives of that country, the 
 former born in 1840, and the latter in 1835. The father still resides in Norway, 
 having survived his wife since June 21, 1913. They became the parents of eight 
 children, six of whom are still living: Otto, Christian, Olaf, Ella, Annie and 
 Regina. 
 
 Otto Peterson attended public school in Norway until he was fifteen years 
 of age, and then began working as a farm laborer, continuing this for one year. 
 For six years afterwards he was an engineer in a mill, but resigned this posi- 
 tion at the end of that time in order to come to America. He settled in Eau 
 
864 
 
 PAST AND PRESENT OF CHIPPEWA COUNTY 
 
 Claire, this state, in 1892, and for a time, spent the summers working in a saw- 
 mill and the winters in the lumber woods. In 1898 he moved to Stanley and 
 became connected with the Northwestern Lumber Company, remaining in the 
 employ of that corporation until 1901. In that year he moved upon a farm of 
 eighty acres, which he had purchased in 1899 and upon this property he has since 
 resided. He engages in dairying and stock-raising, keeping nineteen head of pure- 
 blood Holstein cattle and five horses. Mr. Peterson is a stockholder in the 
 Stanley Dairy and Warehouse Company, and in the Inter-County Fair Associa- 
 tion and is a member of the Inter-County Holstein Cattle Breeders’ Association, 
 and is interested and active in all progressive public or business movements. 
 
 Mr. Peterson married Mrs. Karen (Mattson) ITigholt, a daughter of Matt 
 Johnson, a farmer in Minnesota and a widow of a Mr. Higholt, who was killed 
 while employed by the Northwestern Lumber Company. By her first union Mrs. 
 Peterson had eight children, Oscar, Magnus, John, Henry, Gilbert, Emma, Ole, 
 and one who died in infancy. Mr. and Mrs. Peterson have two children, Peter 
 and Katherine. 
 
 Mr. Peterson is a member of the United Lutheran church and a republican in 
 his political beliefs. 
 
 He served as supervisor of Delmar township and as clerk of school district 
 No. 11, proving himself a reliable and conscientious official. In all business and 
 personal relations he is thorough, straightforward and honorable, and he enjoys 
 to the fullest extent the confidence and good-will of those who know him. 
 
 MARTIN A. CHRISTENSEN. 
 
 Martin A. Christensen, proprietor of a large garage in Stanley, was born 
 near Soldiers’ Grove, Wisconsin, on the 9th of June, 1873, a son of Andrew and 
 Anna (Hiller) Christensen, natives of Norway, both born in 1847. The father 
 came to Wisconsin when he was seventeen years of age and in the state followed 
 the blacksmith’s and machinist’s trades until his death in 1893. His wife has also 
 passed away, her death having occurred in 1910. To their union were born 
 eleven children : Chris, Ole, Martin, John, Thomas, Louis, Bertha, Albert, Henry, 
 Josephine, and Ida. 
 
 Martin A. Christensen attended district school in Crawford county until he 
 was fourteen years of age and then took a one-year business course in Brecken- 
 ridge College. He afterwards learned the blacksmith’s and machinist’s trades 
 from his father, under whom he worked until the latter’s death in 1893. Mr. 
 Christensen of this review came to Stanley in 1903 and here established a black- 
 smith and machine shop of his own, conducting it with great success until the 
 fire of 1906, which practically destroyed the city, and which left Mr. Christensen 
 practically penniless. In order to retrieve his fortunes he moved to Spring Valley, 
 Minnesota, and during his four years stay there perfected and patented a neck 
 yoke to be used on buggies, a very useful article which has had an extended sale. 
 Mr. Christensen returned to Stanley in 1911 and established a garage there which 
 he has since conducted. He has a large patronage and is popular in business cir- 
 
PAST AND PRESENT OF CHIPPEWA COUNTY 
 
 365 
 
 cles, his methods being at all times straightforward and his integrity beyond 
 question. 
 
 At Soldiers’ Grove, Wisconsin, August 17, 1897, Mr. Christensen married 
 Miss Rachel Aspensen, a daughter of Tolab and Ingalor (Mickelsen) Aspensen 
 of Crawford county. The father passed away in 1909 at the age of seventy-eight 
 and his wife survives him, being sixty-eight years of age. Mr. and Mrs. Chris- 
 tensen are the parents of three children : Arthur F., who was born October 
 
 30, 1898; Adrian L., born January 3, 1900; and Irving A., whose birth occurred 
 May 15, 1 9 1 1 - 
 
 Mr. Christensen is independent in his political beliefs, voting for the men 
 and measures which he considers best for the welfare of the community without 
 regard to party lines. He is connected fraternally with the Modern Woodmen 
 of America. In all the relations of life he has been found upright, straightfor- 
 ward and honorable and he holds the respect and regard of all who know him. 
 
 CHARLES W. GIAUGUE. 
 
 Charles W. Giaugue, a representative of a well known pioneer family of 
 Chippewa county and prominently connected with business interests of Stanley 
 as the proprietor of a sawmill and as a successful bee fancier, was born in Edson 
 township, February 10, 1870. He is a son of David and Elizabeth (Daniels) 
 Giaugue, natives of Holmes county, Ohio, the former born in 1841 and the latter 
 in 1843. The father moved to Chippewa county in 1869 and purchased in Edson 
 township a tract of land for which he paid a dollar and a quarter per acre. 
 Upon it he built a log cabin in which he resided for many years, engaging in 
 general farming and stock-raising. He retired from active life in 1901 and 
 now makes his home in Stanley. He and his wife became the parents of seven 
 children, Charles W., Emma, Carrie, Edna, David; Jr., Eva and Edith. 
 
 Charles W. Giaugue acquired his education in the public schools of Edson 
 township, laying aside his books at the age of sixteen. Before and after leaving 
 school he assisted his father with the work of the homestead but at the age of 
 twenty-one became a lumber contractor. He continued at this occupation until 
 1897, at which time he moved to Stanley and built a sawmill which he has since 
 conducted successfully. In addition to this he is a bee fancier and raiser of 
 considerable reputation throughout the county, his hives containing only pure 
 bred Italian and Caucasian bees. He is a progressive and successful business 
 man, possessing the faculty of carrying forward to successful completion what- 
 ever he undertakes and he is well known in Stanley and its vicinity. He is a 
 stockholder in the Farmers & Merchants State Bank and in the Wisconsin 
 National Life Insurance Company of Oshkosh and besides his residence and 
 sawmill in Stanley owns also twenty acres of land on section 30, range 29, Delmar 
 township. 
 
 At Thorp, Wisconsin, May 2, 1899, Mr. Giaugue married Miss Mary E. Law- 
 rence, a daughter of Samuel and Mary Lawrence, of Akron, Ohio. Mr. Giaugue 
 is connected fraternally with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and the 
 Knights of Pythias and is a Presbyterian in his religious views. He gives his 
 
366 
 
 PAST AND PRESENT OF CHIPPEWA COUNTY 
 
 political allegiance to the republican party. He has made for himself a creditable 
 position in business circles and is highly esteemed and respected in Chippewa 
 county by reason of the progressive spirit and unfaltering integrity which he has 
 displayed in all of his business transactions. 
 
 WILLIAM SATTLER. 
 
 Since 1897 William Sattler has conducted the Royal Hotel in Stanley and 
 during that time has become well known in business circles of the city and 
 vicinity as an energetic, reliable and capable business man. He was born in 
 Foil du Lac county, May 14, 1865, and is a son of John M. and Christina (Roth- 
 man) Sattler, natives of Germany, both born in 183a. The parents came to Wis- 
 consin about 1853 and the father followed farming here until his death, which 
 occurred in 1908. He had survived his wife four years. To their union were 
 born seven children, Margaret, Philip, John, Henry, William, Julius and Anna. 
 
 William Sattler acquired his education in the public schools of Calumet Har- 
 bor, Fond du Lac county, attending until he was fifteen years of age. He after- 
 ward spent eight years assisting his father with the work of the farm and at the 
 end of that time moved to Breckenridge, Minnesota, where he opened a res- 
 taurant. This he conducted successfully for two years and a half, after which 
 he engaged in the saloon business until 1897. In that year he came to Stanley 
 and opened the Royal Hotel, which he has since operated. He has made this 
 an up-to-date hostelry in every particular, for he understands hotel keeping in 
 principle and detail and has provided the place with everything necessary for 
 the comfort and convenience of its guests. In addition he owns valuable resi- 
 dence and business property in Polleytown and a saloon in Thorp. 
 
 Mr. Sattler has been twice married. In Breckenridge, Minnesota, he wedded 
 Miss Lizzie McCann, who passed away thirteen months afterward. In 1894, 
 in Thorp, Wisconsin, Mr. Sattler married Mrs. Lena Bandlrob, who by her 
 former marriage was the mother of two children, John and Frank. The former 
 is a hotel clerk. He married Miss Mazie Ryan and they are the parents of a 
 daughter, Marian. Mr. Sattler is a member of the Lutheran church and is con- 
 nected fraternally with the Woodmen of the World. He is a democrat in his 
 political beliefs and was for thirteen years a member of the town council and for 
 one year on the county board. He is respected and esteemed in Stanley as a 
 progressive citizen and a capable business man. 
 
 CHARLES IT. ERDMAN, M. D. 
 
 Dr. Charles H. Erdman, a well known physician and surgeon of Stanley 
 where he has been engaged in general practice since 1893, was born in Augusta, 
 this state, March 6, 1872, a son of Christof and Rose (Seehafer) Erdman, natives 
 of Germany. The father was born in 1825 and came to America at the age of 
 thirty, following farming near Augusta until his death in 1900. His wife was 
 
PAST AND PRESENT OF CHIPPEWA COUNTY 
 
 367 
 
 born in 1834 and died in 1891. In their family were nine children: August G., 
 
 Annie, Bertha, Ernest W., Julius, Charles H., Amil G., Edwin J., and Alvina A. 
 
 Dr. Erdman acquired his early education in the public schools of Eau Claire 
 county and he began his medical course at Starling Medical College at Columbus, 
 Ohio. He afterward entered the medical department of the University of Ten- 
 nessee, from which he was graduated, M. D., in 1893. He had begun the practice 
 of medicine in Stanley in 1893 an d has continued here since that time, being 
 now in control of an important and growing patronage. He is well known as a 
 reliable and competent physician and one who keeps in touch with the most 
 advanced thought of the profession. 
 
 On the 20th of June, 1894, at Stanley, Dr. Erdman married Miss Emma 
 Sargent, a daughter of James H. and Julia A. (Newton) Sargent of that city. 
 Dr. Erdman is connected with the Masonic chapter, the Modern Woodmen of 
 America, the Knights of the Maccabees, the Order of Beavers, the Equitable 
 Fraternal Union, the Fraternal Reserve and the Royal Neighbors, and is well 
 and favorably known in fraternal circles. He is an elder in the Presbyterian 
 church and a progressive republican in his political beliefs. He has held various 
 important positions of trust and responsibility, acting as building inspector at 
 the time when the new high school was erected in Stanley, as trustee and as a 
 member of the board of aldermen. For four years he did excellent work as county 
 physician and for ten years he was health officer of the city, discharging his duties 
 in a conscientious and thorough manner. At present aside from his large private 
 practice he is also surgeon for the Soo line. He is recognized as one of the 
 leading members of his profession in his part of the county, and he holds the 
 confidence of the local public and the esteem and regard of his brethren of the 
 medical fraternity. 
 
 EDWARD E. WOLTER. 
 
 Among the citizens of Cadott who have attained an honorable place in the 
 community through their acknowledged ability and personal worth is numbered 
 Edward E. Wolter, who since 1909 has been the proprietor of a well managed 
 and profitable hardware concern. He was born in Milford township, Sauk 
 county, February 22, 1878, a son of William and Dealk R. (Baumgarten) Wolter, 
 natives of Germany, the former born in 1848 and the latter in 1850. The father 
 is now engaged in farming in the vicinity of Reedsburg, Wisconsin. In this 
 family were nine children : Amanda, Edward, Albert, Elsa, Gilbert, Olga, Amo, 
 and two who died in infancy. 
 
 Edward E. Wolter acquired his education in the district schools of Sauk 
 county, attending until he was fourteen years of age. He afterward worked in 
 a gristmill until he was eighteen and then turned his attention to the hardware 
 business, becoming an employe of E. L. Schultz in Columbus. He afterwards 
 conducted hardware stores in various parts of Wisconsin and Michigan until 
 1909, when he moved into Cadott and opened his present establishment. His 
 stock is valued at ten thousand dollars and is complete in every particular, Mr. 
 Wolter’s long experience in the hardware business having given him an exhaustive 
 
368 
 
 PAST AND PRESENT OF CHIPPEWA COUNTY 
 
 knowledge of the demands of the trade. He controls an important and repres- 
 entative patronage, for his business methods are at all times straightforward and 
 honorable and his integrity beyond question. 
 
 In Houghton, Michigan, on the 5th of September, 1900, Mr. Wolter married 
 Miss Eleanore Pumerrille, a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Frank Pumerrille, the 
 former a surveyor for the Copper Range Railroad Company. Mr. and Mrs. 
 Wolter became the parents of five children, Phoebe Lucy Ann, Franklin Weston 
 and three who died in infancy. Mr. Wolter is connected fraternally with the 
 Knights of Pythias, the United Commercial Travelers and the Equitable Fra- 
 ternal Union. He is a member of the Episcopal church and is independent in his 
 political views. He is an enterprising and progressive citizen, interested in his 
 business and in public affairs, and during his residence in Cadott he has made many 
 warm friends. 
 
 FRANCIS M. HOLINBECK. 
 
 General agricultural pursuits and stock-raising engage the attention of Francis 
 M. Holinbeck, a substantial farmer and representative citizen of Delmar town- 
 ship, whose exceptional career furnishes many splendid examples of the value 
 of determination and perseverance in the attainment of success. He is, moreover, 
 entitled to a place in this volume as a veteran of the Civil war, having served 
 for three years during that conflict as a member of a Wisconsin cavalry regiment. 
 He was born in Schoharie county, New York, April 13, 1844, and is a son of 
 Ames J. and Rebecca A. (Hall) Holinbeck, also natives of the Empire state, the 
 former born in 1820 and the latter in 1822. The father was a soldier in the 
 Union army during the Civil war and during the battle of Atlanta, Georgia, was 
 wounded and taken prisoner. He died in Andersonville prison before the close 
 of hostilities. His wife has also passed away, her death having occurred in 1881. 
 To their union were born nine children: Francis M., of this review; Henry D. ; 
 
 Fedelia; Miranda A.; Geoffrey; Minnie J.; and Giles M. and Lily J., deceased. 
 There was also another child who has passed away. 
 
 Francis M. Holinbeck acquired his education in the public schools of New 
 York state which he attended until he was fourteen years of age. He then 
 accompanied his parents to Wisconsin and with them settled in Monroe county, 
 where he grew to manhood among pioneer conditions. In 1862 he enlisted in 
 Company A, Third Wisconsin Volunteer Cavalry, for service in the Civil war 
 and he was at the front for three years, one month and nine days. He was 
 never wounded nor taken sick until 1863, when he was attacked by malarial fever, 
 from which he soon recovered. He received his honorable discharge at Fort 
 Leavenworth, Kansas, on May 9, 1865, and immediately afterward returned to 
 Monroe county. His ill health, however, prevented him from engaging in any 
 continuous occupation and he was obliged to work at odd jobs for seven years 
 thereafter. In 1872 he learned the brick and stonemason’s trade and continued 
 active at it in various parts of the state until 1911. He was a contractor for 
 many years and erected several of the largest buildings in Hudson, Wisconsin. 
 He resided also for some time in New Richmond, and there his house and all of 
 
PAST AND PRESENT OF CHIPPEWA COUNTY 
 
 369 
 
 his other property were destroyed by a tornado and two of his children were 
 killed and his wife permanently crippled. Mr. Holinbeck was left practically 
 penniless after this tragedy but with rare courage and resolution he moved to 
 Chippewa county, determined to make a new start in life. He purchased eighty 
 acres of land on section 12, township 29, range 5 west, this county, turning his 
 attention to farming. In this occupation he has met with gratifying and well 
 deserved success, owning today one of the finest agricultural properties in his 
 section of the county. He is a stockholder in the Otter Creek Telephone Company 
 and his ability is widely recognized in business circles. 
 
 On the 15th of September, 1877, Mr. Holinbeck was united in marriage to 
 Miss Ida Brown, a daughter of J. W. Brown, a carpenter and builder of Monroe 
 county. They became the parents of three children. Frank J. is associated with 
 his father in the operation of the farm. He married Miss Gertie Wisner and they 
 have five children, Claire L., Glenn L., Honora W., Donald C. and Ethel M. 
 Mr. Holinbeck’s two other children, Mason J. and Archie J., were killed in the 
 tornado. Mr. Holinbeck is an elder in the Presbyterian church of Stanley and is 
 a democrat in his political beliefs. His success is entirely the result of his own 
 energy and enterprise and his high standing in agricultural and business circles 
 has been attained through continued and well directed labor. 
 
 AUGUST PI. MASON. 
 
 Closely identified with various important business and corporate interests, 
 August H. Mason has for many years made his influence felt as a progressive 
 factor in the development of Chippewa Falls, which owes to him the foundation 
 and upbuilding of many of its most representative business institutions. A man 
 of force, experience and capacity, of unusual organizing and executive ability, 
 he has by the exercise of these qualities become one of the most prominent men 
 in the city, well known in financial circles as president of the First National Bank 
 and in the business field as founder of a large hardware and furniture store and 
 as founder and president of the Mason Shoe Manufacturing Company. 
 
 Mr. Mason was born in Germany, June 20, 1848, and is a son of Hubert 
 and Caroline Mason. The parents came to America and settled in Green Bay, 
 Wisconsin, whence in 1858 they moved to Chippewa Falls, where the father 
 engaged in business. He was at one time justice of the peace in that city, and 
 well and favorably known in official and business circles. His death occurred 
 in 1870 and he was survived by his wife two years. Both are buried in the 
 Catholic cemetery. 
 
 August H. Mason acquired his education in Chippewa Falls and, laying aside 
 his books at the age of seventeen, went into the northern woods, where he 
 worked as a lumberman by the month for some time. He later filled lumber con- 
 contracts and, his prosperity increasing, in 1870 he established himself in the 
 lumber business at Chippewa Falls, securing a large and representative patronage 
 and building up, in the course of years, one of the leading industrial enterprises 
 in the city. In 1901 Mr. Mason purchased property on Bridge street, with two 
 hundred feet frontage, and here he established a large hardware and furniture 
 
370 
 
 PAST AND PRESENT OF CHIPPEWA COUNTY 
 
 concern, in which he is still interested. By able management, careful supervision 
 of details and progressive methods he has made this a profitable and growing 
 enterprise and one which is an important addition to the commercial resources 
 of the city. Mr. Mason is also president of the Mason Shoe Manufacturing 
 Company, which he founded and the business of which he built up to its present 
 proportions. He has other important commercial, industrial and financial con- 
 nections, his interests extending to many fields. Since 1909 he has been president 
 of the First National Bank of Chippewa Falls and in this connection his excellent 
 business and executive ability have been called forth and he has proved himself 
 a capable director of the destinies of an institution which is one of the oldest and 
 most reliable of its kind in the state. In the course of his business career Mr. 
 Mason has made many judicious investments, mostly in timber and farming lands, 
 and he is today one of the most extensive property owners in Chippewa county. 
 Upon his farms he has made substantial improvements, erecting good buildings 
 and installing labor-saving machinery, and his property has proved an important 
 source of revenue to him. 
 
 In Chippewa Falls, in July, 1870, Mr. Mason was united in marriage to Miss 
 Elizabeth Linenkamp, a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Linenkamp of Muscatine, 
 Iowa; Mr. and Mrs. Mason have become the parents of six children: Albert, 
 who is manager of his father's hardware and furniture store; Bernard, manager 
 of the Mason Shoe Manufacturing Company; John, superintendent of the Rice 
 Lake Lumber Company ; Annie, a graduate of the St. Paul academy ; Agnes, a 
 graduate of the same institution; and August, Jr., who has completed his course 
 in the Chippewa high school. 
 
 Mr. Mason is a member of the Roman Catholic church and is connected 
 fraternally with the Knights of Columbus. A stanch democrat, he takes an 
 intelligent interest in community affairs but has never sought nor desired public 
 office. He is without doubt one of the leading business men of Chippewa Falls 
 and he owes his success entirely to his own well directed efforts and his com- 
 manding ability. During the years he has resided here his contributions to gen- 
 eral development have been many and substantial and his name has come to be 
 regarded as synonymous with advancement and progress. 
 
 A. C. F. BARTZ. 
 
 Agriculturist, apiarist, merchant, manufacturer and inventor, A. C. F. Bartz, 
 a native of Germany, has become one of the foremost citizens of Lhippewa 
 county. Although he has attained individual success and prosperity, his life 
 record is of even greater interest in what he has accomplished in promoting vari- 
 ous interests of the locality in which he resides. Born in the fatherland on July 
 29, 1859, he was there educated in the common schools and subsequently learned 
 the trade of blacksmith, also becoming a millwright later on. He continued in 
 these two occupations in his native land until 1883, when he crossed the Atlantic 
 in order to profit by the opportunities which he had heard the American middle 
 west was holding out to those who would embrace them. After coming to this 
 country and settling in Chippewa Falls he was engaged in the blacksmith’s trade 
 

 "N 
 
 
 y 
 
 
 \ 
 
 
 
A. C. F. BARTZ 
 
MRS. A. C. F. BARTZ 
 
PAST AND PRESENT OF CHIPPEWA COUNTY 
 
 375 
 
 until 1898, in which year he moved on to forty acres of unbroken land on section 
 18. township 31, range 7. There he engaged in bee culture and for years his 
 Keystone honey was famous in New York and Chicago markets, always com- 
 manding one or two cents more per pound than the ordinary varieties. He is 
 still engaged in bee-keeping, having about eighty stands. He recently sold one 
 hundred stands to John Danskin, his son-in-law, who makes his home on this 
 place. During the most productive period Mr. Bartz sold from fifteen hundred 
 to two thousand dollars worth of honey per year. Mr. Bartz also has discovered 
 the secret — although to the present time bee-keepers claim it impossible — of keep- 
 ing bees from swarming during the production of comb honey. 
 
 Mr. Bartz also established a store here, which he still conducts with gratifying 
 results. He carries a comprehensive line of reliable goods and has therefore 
 a representative and extensive trade. Several years before he located here a 
 postoffice had been established called Keystone and for nine years Mr. Bartz 
 served as postmaster, holding that office until rural free delivery was established. 
 In 1908 Mr. Bartz established an overall factory, erecting a building twenty by 
 forty feet, two stories in height, with a basement. In the basement is located a 
 twelve horse power water wheel supplied from a dam which Mr. Bartz built on 
 what he calls “Wet Weather" stream. When the water fails him he connects his 
 machinery with a four horse power gasoline engine which he has installed. The 
 first floor is used as a stock room and is filled with bolts of material purchased 
 from eastern and southern mills. The cutting room, equipped with dies and pat- 
 terns, is also located on this floor. The second floor is equipped with six machines 
 on which the goods are made. One machine works automatically, making but- 
 ton holes, cutting and stitching the button holes and then stops. Another machine 
 sews two rows of stitching, folds the goods and makes an interlocking seam. 
 Another machine puts on the buttons, and there are also ordinary sewing machines. 
 Six persons are employed in the factory, which has a capacity of twelve dozen 
 pairs per day. They manufacture overalls, jackets and shirts, turning out a fine 
 quality of goods, both as to material and workmanship. The factory is a cor- 
 poration and known as the K. S. Manufacturing Company. Mr. Bartz holds the 
 office of president and is connected with the selling end of the business. He has 
 built two residences on his place, which is well improved with other buildings, 
 including his store, factory, apiary and substantial barns. As the land is cleared 
 he gives more and more attention to farming. Mr. Bartz also is gifted with con- 
 siderable inventive genius and in a flattering way has been called by one of the 
 local papers “the Dutch-Yankee.” He has patented a steel wire spring device 
 attached to the suspenders on the overalls to relieve the strain on the buttons. 
 Along these many lines Mr. Bartz has been successful and has in that way done 
 much toward building up his locality and making possible the prosperous con- 
 ditions which now prevail. 
 
 In Chippewa county Mr. Bartz was united in marriage to Miss Ida Woller, a 
 native of Germany. They were already acquainted and engaged in the fatherland 
 and she followed him to this country a year or two after he had made settlement 
 here. They have eight living children: Clara, who married John Danskin. and 
 they make their home with Mr. and Mrs. Bartz: and Emma, Frieda, Cordelia. 
 Walter, Otto, Gertrude and Charlotte, all at home. Another son, Paul, died in 
 1912 at the age of thirteen years. Mr. and Mrs. Bartz and family are members 
 
 Vo 1. 11-^2 0 
 
376 
 
 PAST AND PRESENT OF CHIPPEWA COUNTY 
 
 of the Lutheran church. Mr. Bartz has ever taken a deep interest in the general 
 welfare and while residing in Chippewa Falls served as a member of the city 
 council. Since he has made the farm his home he has also held the office of 
 township treasurer for three terms. When Keystone was still a postoffice he 
 served for nine years as postmaster. Mr. and Mrs. Bartz are highly esteemed and 
 respected by all who know them and there is none who begrudge their prosperity, 
 for it is well merited and has been worthily won. 
 
 PETER PAUL. 
 
 Peter Paul, a prosperous farmer of Delmar township, was born in Presque 
 Isle, Michigan, June 29, 1873, and is a son of Julius and Katie (daymen) Paul, 
 natives of Germany, the former born in 1839 and the latter in 1847. The father 
 came to America in middle life and settled in Michigan, where he engaged in 
 farming. He and his wife are now residents of Delmar township. They were 
 parents of twelve children, eight of whom are still living. 
 
 Peter Paul acquired his education in the public schools of Michigan, but his 
 advantages along this line were extremely limited, as he attended classes for 
 only fifteen days. His childhood was spent assisting his father with the work 
 of the homestead and he continued this until he was twenty-two years of age. 
 He then secured a position in a sawmill and a stone quarry in Michigan, and 
 he there remained until 1904, when he took up his residence in Delmar town- 
 ship, buying forty acres of valuable land on section 9, township 29, range 5 west. 
 This property he has since operated and he has been very successful in his stock- 
 raising and dairy interests, both being profitable sources of income to him. 
 
 On the 10th of June, 1895, at Presque Isle, Michigan, Mr. Paul was united 
 in marriage to Miss Rosie Glentz, a daughter of John Glentz, a farmer in that 
 locality. Mr. and Mrs. Paul have become the parents of five children: John H., 
 Julius, Peter, Jr., Clarence and Bertha. Mr. Paul is a member of the Roman 
 Catholic church and a republican in his political beliefs, serving at the present 
 time as a member of the school board. He is an upright man interested not 
 only in the financial, but also in the moral standing of the community and has 
 acquired the confidence and respect of his neighbors, both as a substantial farmer 
 and a useful citizen. 
 
 CHARLES G. STRONG. 
 
 The advanced and enlightened methods which have of late years practically 
 revolutionized farming pursuits find a worthy exponent in Charles G. Strong, 
 who owns an excellent dairy farm of one hundred and twenty acres on section 17, 
 Lafayette township, and in its operation has carried out many original and prac- 
 tical ideas most successfully. He has been a resident of Chippewa county since 
 1877 but was born in Camp Douglas, Wisconsin, his parents being Seymour B. 
 •and Alice (Gardener) Strong. The father was a civil engineer and laid the first 
 
PAST AND PRESENT OF CHIPPEW A COUNTY 
 
 377 
 
 railroad into Chippewa Falls, this being the Chippewa & Western, or the old 
 Wisconsin Central Railroad. He also conducted a large department store in 
 Chippewa Falls and was a farmer and an extensive cattle breeder, his interests 
 extending to many Helds. He was prominent in community affairs and especially 
 active in the cause of education, serving for a number of year's as president of the 
 school board. He died in Chippewa Falls in 1899. at th e age of fifty-five, and in 
 his passing the community lost one of its most public-spirited and representative 
 citizens. 
 
 Charles G. Strong acquired his education in Chippewa Falls and was graduated 
 from high school in 1893. He afterward associated himself with his father in 
 the general merchandise business, following this occupation for three years. 
 In 1896 he turned his attention to dairy farming, buying thirty-six acres on 
 section 17, Lafayette township. He has since increased his holdings to their 
 present extent and has within a comparatively short time made his farm one of 
 the finest and best improved in this locality. He has erected a barn which is 
 circular in shape, containing in the center the deepest silo in Chippewa county — - 
 a new idea which when practically carried out adds greatly to the convenience 
 in caring for the stock. Mr. Strong has erected other substantial buildings upon 
 his farm, has installed labor-saving machinery and has neglected nothing which 
 he believes will add to its value or attractive appearance. 
 
 Mr. Strong is connected fraternally with the Independent Order of Odd Fel- 
 lows and the Fraternal Reserve Association. He is a member of the First Pres- 
 byterian church and a progressive in his political views. He has served as aider- 
 man of Chippewa Falls for one term. He is recognized as one of the most pro- 
 gressive and able farmers in his locality and as a man of enterprise, reliability and 
 integrity in business relations and his work has marked a distinct advance in 
 methods of modern farm operation. 
 
 LEMORE CROFT. 
 
 A fine farm of eighty acres, lying on section 36, Howard township, is the 
 property of Lemore Croft and its attractive appearance and excellent condition 
 pay tribute to the intelligent care and labor he has bestowed upon it. Mr. Croft is 
 one of the earliest residents of Chippewa county, having lived within its borders 
 since 1858, and in the course of a long and honorable active career has made 
 many substantial contributions to agricultural development. He was born in New 
 York State, August 14, 1850, and is a son of Elijah and Susan (Wright) Croft, 
 both of whom have passed away, the former dying in 1905 and the latter in 1903. 
 They came to Chippewa county in 1858 and settled in Chippewa Falls, where 
 the father became well known and prominent. Both are buried in Eau Claire, 
 Wisconsin. 
 
 Lemore Croft was eight years of age when his parents moved to Chippewa 
 county and he acquired his education in the public schools of Howard town- 
 ship, laying aside his books at the age of nineteen. He spent five years thereafter 
 aiding his father with the work of the farm and in this way learned the best 
 agricultural methods and became a practical and able farmer. This knowledge 
 
PAST AND PRESENT OF CHIPPEWA COUNTY 
 
 378 
 
 proved to lie very valuable to him when he began farming independently, buying 
 the property upon which he now resides. Throughout the intervening years he has 
 steadily carried forward the work of improvement and development, erecting sub- 
 stantial buildings and installing the necessary machinery, and he is today the 
 owner of one of the finest farms in his locality. He engages in general agri- 
 cultural pursuits but specializes in raising grain, this branch of his activities prov- 
 ing important and profitable under his able management. 
 
 In Eau Claire, in 1883, Mr. Croft married Miss Emma Reed, a daughter of 
 Hiram and Susan Reed, both of whom have passed away and are buried in that 
 city. Mr. and Mrs. Croft have become the parents of four children: Le Roy, 
 
 who is attending school in Chicago; Herbert, a farmer in Chippewa county; 
 May, who lives at home; and Hazel, who married Waldo Sherburn, a farmer 
 near Grassy Lake, Saskatchewan, Canada. 
 
 Mr. Croft is independent in his political views, voting for men and measures 
 without regard to party lines. He is keenly interested in the welfare and develop- 
 ment of the section where he has lived since his childhood and where his excellent 
 qualities of mind and character have gained the recognition they so well deserve. 
 
 AUGUST GREWE. 
 
 Among the many thrifty, enterprising and progressive citizens whom Ger- 
 many has given to America is numbered August Grewe, carrying on general farm- 
 ing and stock-raising upon one hundred and sixty acres of land on section 19, 
 Sigel township. He was born February 19, 1877, and is a son of August and 
 Fredericks (Lubeke) Grewe, also natives of Germany, the former born Septem- 
 ber 10, 1847, and th e Utter in the same year. The family emigrated to the United 
 States in 1892 and settled in Cadott, this state, where the father engaged in 
 laboring for many years. He and his wife now make their home with the sub- 
 ject of this review. They became the parents of three children : William, a sketch 
 of whom appears elsewhere in this volume ; August ; and a child who died in 
 infancy. 
 
 August Grewe attended public school in Germany until he was fourteen years 
 of age and then worked as a laborer for one year. In 1892 he accompanied his 
 parents to America, settling with them in Chippewa county, where he later pur- 
 chased land and turned his attention to farming. He bought eighty acres on 
 section 19, township 29, range 6 west, and in 1907 added another eighty acres 
 to his holdings which now comprise one hundred and sixty acres. When the 
 first tract of land came into his possession there were only about three acres 
 cleared, but he has steadily carried forward the work of development until today 
 only fifty acres of the entire property is wild. Mr. Grewe has made excellent 
 improvements upon his farm, erecting a comfortable residence and substantial 
 outbuildings all of which he keeps in good repair. He engages in general farming, 
 specializing in dairying, and he is also interested to some extent in stock-raising, 
 keeping twenty-five head of cattle and five horses. 
 
 On the 31st of Inly, 191T, at Winona, Minnesota, Mr. Urewe married Miss 
 Bertha Lebohr, a daughter of Carl and Alvina (Esterk) Lebohr of that city. 
 
PAST AND PRESENT OF CHIPPEWA COUNTY 
 
 379 
 
 Mr. and Mrs. Grewe have become the parents of a daughter, Helen. Mr. Grewe 
 is a deacon in the United Lutheran church and is a republican in his political 
 views. He was for two years a member of the school board and is at all times 
 interested in the growth and development of the community, giving his support 
 and cooperation to all progressive public measures. By his useful, honorable 
 and upright life he has become widely and favorably known and has won the 
 confidence and respect of his neighbors and friends. 
 
 CARL SCHULTZ. 
 
 Edson township numbers among its worthy and valued citizens Carl Schultz, 
 who owns and operates a farm of two hundred acres on sections 35 and 3 and 
 who has by his industry, enterprise and practical methods made it one of the 
 finest agricultural properties in his locality. He was born in Rockland township, 
 September 25, 1870. and is a son of Henry and Alvina (Gurada) Schultz, natives 
 of Germany, the former born in 1836. Throughout his active life the father has 
 engaged in farming and now follows that occupation in Manitowoc county. His 
 wife passed away in 1873. They were the parents of eleven children, nine of 
 whom are still living. 
 
 Carl Schultz acquired his education in the public schools of Manitowoc county 
 but had very few advantages along this line, attending only fifteen days during 
 two summers. His childhood was spent upon his father’s farm, which from a 
 very early age he assisted in operating, and before he was twenty-one years old 
 he was a practical and able agriculturist. From the age of nineteen until he 
 was twenty-six he worked at farm labor in the employ of others and then pur- 
 chased eighty acres of land in Manitowoc county. This he developed and improved 
 for three years, selling it at the end of that time and buying one hundred and 
 thirty acres in Brown county, a property which remained in his possession for 
 thirteen years thereafter. He then moved to Chippewa county and settled in 
 Edson township, where he purchased his present farm. This comprises two hun- 
 dred acres, eighty of which lie on section 35, township 29, range 5 west, and one 
 hundred and twenty acres on section 3, township 28, range 5. In the cultivation 
 of this property he has followed always the most practical and progressive meth- 
 ods and has met with gratifying success, his farm reflecting everywhere his 
 careful supervision and constant labor. Mr. Schultz specializes in dairying and 
 has also important stock-raising interests, keeping thirty head of cattle and five 
 horses. 
 
 At Brillion, Wisconsin, on the 22d of July, 1895, Mr. Schultz was united in 
 marriage to Miss Reake Labs, a daughter of John and Carolina (Flasky) Labs, 
 the former a well known farmer of DePere township, Brown county. Mr. and 
 Mrs. Schultz became the parents of six children, Clara. Minnie. Alvina, Lillian. 
 Florence, and one who died in infancy. They have also an adopted son, Albert 
 Dabs. 
 
 Mr. Schultz attends the German Lutheran church and is a republican in his 
 political beliefs. While a resident of Brown county he served for four years as 
 road supervisor and he is at all times interested in public affairs. His life has 
 
380 
 
 PAST AND PRESENT OF CHIPPEWA COUNTY 
 
 been one of well directed activity and intelligent effort, resulting in the attain- 
 ment of a fair measure of success, and wherever he is known he is respected 
 and esteemed by reason of his genuine personal worth. 
 
 ERICK MYRMAN. 
 
 Erick Myrman, who has been a resident of Chippewa county for almost three 
 decades, is a well known hotel proprietor of Chippewa Falls, conducting the Nor- 
 way House. His birth occurred in Sweden, his parents being Erick and Mary 
 (Johnston) Myrman, both of whom passed away in that country. It was in 
 1885 that he crossed the Atlantic to the United States, coming direct to Chip- 
 pewa county, Wisconsin, where he has remained continuously since. As pro- x 
 prietor of the Norway House he has become widely and favorably known, con- 
 ducting the same in a manner that has made his hostelry well patronized. It 
 is modern and up-to-date in its appointments, and nothing is neglected that can 
 add to the comfort of its guests. 
 
 As a companion and helpmate on the journey of life Mr. Myrman chose 
 Miss Johannah Ackren, a daughter of John and Ronog Ackren, both of whom 
 are deceased. The father passed away in Portage county, Wisconsin, while the 
 mother’s demise occurred in Chippewa county, this state. Our subject and his 
 wife have one son, John R., who is still at home. The family residence, which 
 Mr. Myrman erected, is at No. 24 West Grand avenue. Coming to the new 
 world that he might enjoy its greater advantages, he has wisely utilized the 
 opportunities that have come to him and has long been numbered among the 
 substantial and representative citizens of Chippewa county. 
 
 HON. WILLIAM H. STAFFORD. 
 
 One of the foremost lawyers of Chippewa Falls, one of its most public- 
 spirited men and one of its most influential democrats, Hon. William H. Staf- 
 ford has not only won laurels along strictly professional lines but, as is so often 
 the case with members of the legal profession, has attained to a notable degiee 
 of prominence in political circles. Not only has he served as city and district 
 attorney, as mayor and as county judge but he was honored in 1900 by being 
 elected a delegate to the national democratic convention. Moreover, he is 
 prominent in fraternal circles and is also connected with the agricultural devel- 
 opment of the county, owning eleven hundred acres of land, of which he culti- 
 vates one hundred and fifty. He takes as deep an interest in the moral and 
 intellectual development of the people as he does in politics and at present serves 
 in the capacity of vice president of the public library board. Mr. Stafford came 
 to Chippewa county about forty years ago, making his way here from Clark 
 county, Wisconsin. However, he is a native of Maine, his birth having occurred 
 in Orono, Penobscot county, March rp, 1855, his parents being Richard T. and 
 
PAST AND PRESENT OF CHIPPEWA COUNTY 
 
 381 
 
 Margaret M. (Field) Stafford. The father died in 1897 and the mother in 1907 
 and both are buried in Chippewa county. 
 
 Judge Stafford received his education in the public schools of Maine and 
 Wisconsin, laying aside his books in 1874, at the age of nineteen, in order to 
 engage in school-teaching, which occupation he followed for one year. Desirous 
 of larger ^opportunities, however, he saw a more prosperous and satisfactory 
 future ahead of him in the legal profession and began to read law under Lieu- 
 tenant Governor James M. Bingham. Assiduously applying himself to his studies, 
 he passed the bar examination in 1879 and for two years occupied himself with 
 legal problems in a private capacity. In 1881 Mr. Stafford was elected to the 
 office of county judge and fairly and squarely discharged the duties of that impor- 
 tant position until 1889. His decisions were models of judicial soundness and 
 ever based upon the equity of the law. While he meted out justice he was always 
 moved by the underlying spirit toward humanity of trying to alleviate the suffer- 
 ing of those who had committed their first wrong act and who were seemingly 
 the victims of circumstances. He ever exemplified in the conduct of his office 
 lofty ideals of the noble calling to which he gives his efforts and honored the 
 judicial position by adherence to the solid virtues which underly the law. Fairly 
 and impartially he judged the cases that came before him and neither claimant 
 nor defendant ever left his court without feeling that justice had been done. 
 Although Judge Stafford held numerous other positions he has since given his 
 time practically to his private practice. A representative and important clientage 
 is accorded him and he often finds occasion to exhibit his legal talents in connection 
 with important cases. He is recognized as one of the ablest lawyers of the 
 county and ever presents his cause with clearness and force, is strong in argu- 
 ment and logical in his deductions. He is a fluent speaker of marked oratorical 
 power and in addition to his ready gift of language has a keen perception and 
 accurately applies the principles of law to the points in litigation. For one term 
 Mr. Stafford also served as mayor of Chippewa Falls, giving the city an enlight- 
 ened, businesslike and beneficial administration, during which a number of 
 measures were passed which turned out to be of the greatest value to the growth 
 of the community. He also served several times as city attorney and for one 
 term as district attorney. In 1900 he was a delegate to the democratic national 
 convention and is thoroughly imbued with the principles of that great party. 
 
 In Chippewa Falls, in 1885, Judge Stafford was united in marriage to Miss 
 Eda Hopkins, a daughter of E. C. and Mary (Davenport) Hopkins, both of 
 whom have passed away and are buried in Chippewa Falls. Mrs. Stafford died 
 in 1887 and two years later Judge Stafford married Miss Fanny J. Shields, a 
 daughter of John and Anna (Thompson) Shields, the former of whom passed 
 away in 1898, finding his last resting place at Oshkosh. The mother now 
 resides in Milwaukee. To Mr. and Mrs. Stafford six children have been born: 
 William I., who is foreman of the track department of the Erie Railroad at 
 Huntington, Indiana; John S., who is attending an agricultural school at Mil- 
 waukee ; Lyman R., a graduate of the high school at Chippewa Falls ; Harold 
 E., who is attending high school ; and Howard D. and Margaret A., at home. 
 The family make their home in a beautiful residence at No. 419 Superior street, 
 where Judge and Mrs. Stafford often entertain, both taking a leading part in the 
 social life of the city. 
 
PAST AND PRESENT OF CHIPPEWA COUNTY 
 
 382 
 
 As the years have brought prosperity to Judge Stafford he has made judicious 
 investments, especially along realty lines, and now owns a farm of eleven hun- 
 dred acres in this county, one hundred and fifty acres of which are under cultiva- 
 tion. He is prominent fraternally, being a member of the blue lodge and the 
 commandery of the .Masons, in which order he has attained the thirty-second 
 degree, and he also belongs to the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, the Mod- 
 ern Woodmen of America and the Knights of the Maccabees. He is a member 
 of the Presbyterian church. Public-spirited and progressive, Judge Stafford 
 has ever given to public interests as much attention as to his personal gain and has 
 served in numerous positions of trust and honor all of which he has held greatly 
 to his own credit and to the benefit of all concerned. He has become recognized 
 as one of the foremost men in his community and his wise counsel is often 
 accepted as final in matters of controversy, particularly in those affecting the 
 public good. The success which has come to him is highly merited, for it has 
 been attained through his own efforts and it must be the greater satisfaction to 
 him that lie can lay claim to the title of being a self-made man in the best, noblest 
 and most truly American meaning of the word. 
 
 WILLIAM M. WILCOX. 
 
 William M. Wilcox, a representative of a well known pioneer family of 
 Chippewa county, owns and operates one hundred and sixty acres of fine land in 
 what is known as Wilcox valley in Lafayette township. Upon that property he 
 has resided during his entire life, having been born there October 23, 1865. He 
 is a son of William L. and Maria S. (McLean) Wilcox, pioneers in Chippewa 
 county. The former was a son of Romulus B. and Polly Ann Wilcox, of Rich- 
 land, Oswego county, New York. The family is of English origin and the line 
 can be traced back through several New England generations. The father of 
 the subject of this review settled upon the Wilcox homestead in pioneer times, 
 making his home in what is now called in his honor Wilcox valley, at a time 
 when pioneer conditions prevailed everywhere and Indians were still very numer- 
 ous. In 1864 he enlisted in the First Wisconsin Cavalry, and served until July 
 of the following year, taking part in Wilson’s raid through Alabama and Geor- 
 gia. He afterward joined the Grand Army of the Republic and was interested 
 in its affairs until the time of his death, which occurred in October, 1902, when 
 he was seventy-two years of age. His wife survived him until September, 1911, 
 dying at the age of seventy-six. Both are buried in Lafayette cemetery. 
 
 William M. Wilcox acquired his education in the public schools of Lafayette 
 township and laid aside his books at the age of nineteen. Even before this time, 
 however, he had assisted his father with the work of the homestead and also 
 worked for one year in the lumber woods. After leaving school he engaged in 
 lumbering during the winter months, spending his summers on the farm, after- 
 ward adding railroad contracting to the list of his activities. Upon the death of 
 his father the homestead came into his possession and he has since carried for- 
 ward the work of its development and improvement, although he is still active 
 as a railroad contractor. He owns a valuable and productive property, all of the 
 
PAST AND PRESENT OF CHIPPEWA COUNTY 
 
 383 
 
 buildings on which he assisted in erecting, and there he engages in mixed farming 
 and dairying, meeting with well deserved success. He is the organizer of the 
 Wilcox Valley Telephone Company and is interested in the affairs of this con- 
 cern, his ability being recognized and respected in business circles. 
 
 In Chippewa Falls, on July 3, 1895, Mr. Wilcox married Miss Minnie Wade, 
 a daughter of John and Mary (Dolan) Wade, the former a farmer residing in 
 Deer River, Minnesota. His wife passed away in 1877 and is buried in Wis- 
 consin. Mr. and Mrs. Wilcox have five children : Allan M., who is assisting his 
 father ; James, Mildred Steel and Dorothea L., all of whom are attending school ; 
 and William G. Mr. Wilcox is a republican in his political beliefs and is connected 
 fraternally with the Modern Woodmen of America. He is a man well known 
 throughout the county as one of its most progressive and able native sons and he 
 merits and holds the confidence of all who know him. 
 
 WILLIAM H. GATES. 
 
 William H. Gates is a prosperous farmer of Howard township whose suc- 
 cessful life merits exceptional praise owing to the fact that when scarcely out of 
 boyhood he was thrown upon his own resources and since that time has been 
 dependent upon his own labors for a livelihood. However, he possessed the 
 qualifications for a successful career and little by little they evidenced them- 
 selves. He accepted any employment offered him and applied himself diligently 
 to it and thus gradually bettered his condition, so that finally through industry, 
 thrift and economy he saved sufficient money to purchase more land and has 
 since prospered until today he is one of the most successful and enterprising 
 farmers of Chippewa county. He was born in Cass county, Michigan, in Octo- 
 ber, 1867, and is a son of William J. and I.ovina A. (Wood) Gates, residents of 
 Ontario, Canada, where the father is prominent and well known. 
 
 William H. Gates acquired his education in the public schools of Canada but 
 at the early age of thirteen was obliged to lay aside his books and begin earning 
 his own livelihood. After leaving school he hired out as a farm laborer, con- 
 tinuing thus for two years, after which he worked at anything he could find to 
 do until 1895. He was ambitious, thrifty and energetic and he finally saved 
 enough money to purchase land of his own, coming to Chippewa county and 
 beginning modestly with a forty acre tract. Upon this farm he worked early 
 and late, meeting with excellent success and gradually adding to his landed hold- 
 ings until today he owns three hundred and twenty acres. His land is highly 
 improved with a commodious residence, good barns and outbuildings and mod- 
 ern machinery and upon this property Mr. Gates carries on general farming and 
 stock-raising, keeping twenty-eight head of cattle, twenty-three hogs and six 
 horses. 
 
 In Eau Claire, Wisconsin, on the 21st of August, 1893, Mr. Gates was united 
 in marriage to Miss Jennie E. Belmore, a daughter of J. W. and Eliza (Polley) 
 Belmore. The father died in 1906 and is buried in Colorado. His wife survives 
 him, making her home with the subject of this review. Mr. and Mrs. Gates 
 have three children, Harry E., Eugene R. and Kenneth J., all at home. 
 
384 
 
 PAST AND PRESENT OF CHIPPEWA COUNTY 
 
 Mr. Gates gives his political allegiance to the republican party and is at pres- 
 ent serving as chairman of the town of Wheaton. He is a devout member of 
 the Congregational church and is connected fraternally with the Masonic lodge 
 and the Modern Woodmen of America. His career is a commendable one and 
 is one of the many evidences of what patience and perseverance will do in over- 
 coming difficulties and achieving success. Mr. Gates is an upright man, inter- 
 ested not only in the material but also in the moral standing of the community, 
 and he has acquired the confidence and respect of his neighbors both as a sub- 
 stantial farmer and a useful citizen. 
 
 JOHN NELSON. 
 
 Among the prosperous farmers of Chippewa county is John Nelson, who 
 owns valuable land on section 8, township 28, range 6 west, in Edson and Sigel 
 townships. A native of Kaukauna township, Outagamie county, Wisconsin, John 
 Nelson was born March 22, 1874, his parents being Lars and Catharine (Peter- 
 son) Nelson, both natives of Denmark, the former born in 1835 and the latter 
 in 1839. Lars Nelson still lives on his old homestead, having retired from active 
 farm labor in 1909. The mother passed away in that year. In their family were 
 nine children: Anna, Lena, William F., Hannah, Mary E., John, Frank, Law- 
 
 rence L. and Irwin. 
 
 John Nelson attended school in Outagamie county until fourteen years of 
 age, when he began to make his own living by working at farm labor for three 
 years. He then worked for one year in a brick yard and for thirteen years fol- 
 lowing was employed in a cheese factory, being a cheese maker for twelve years 
 of that time. However, as early as 1899 h e had bought one hundred and twenty 
 acres on section 8, township 28, range 6 west, and has been very successful in 
 the cultivation of his land. He raises corn, oats and hay and his live stock inter- 
 ests are also important, for he has about twenty-three head of cattle, five horses, 
 forty-five sheep and twenty-three hogs. He is modern and progressive in his 
 methods and his buildings are well equipped and substantial. Mr. Nelson spec- 
 ializes in dairy products, giving particular attention to that line of work, with 
 a view toward the best quality of milk and the production of the same under the 
 most sanitary conditions. 
 
 On December 25, 1901, in Kaukauna township, Outagamie county, Wisconsin, 
 Mr. Nelson was married to Miss Elizabeth Taggart, a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. 
 Taggart, the former a prominent farmer of Kaukauna township. He was born 
 in 1830 and Mrs. Taggart in 1838. Both still reside on the homestead in Outa- 
 gamie county. Mr. and Mrs. Nelson have six children: Mary E., Lloyd O., John 
 H., Leonard, H. J. and Bernicia. Mrs. Nelson is one of eleven children, her 
 brothers and sisters being: John; William H. ; Estella L., deceased; Homer; 
 Thomas J. ; Frank ; Ida ; Elizabeth ; James G. ; and Lillian M. 
 
 Mr. Nelson is very successful along his line and prosperity has largely come 
 to him in answer to his ambitions. Coming to Chippewa county and Edson town- 
 ship in 1899 as a cheese maker in the first factory in that part of the country, he 
 is now a well-to-do agriculturist, and his success is the more creditable as it 
 
PAST AND PRESENT OF CHIPPEWA COUNTY 
 
 385 
 
 has been brought about through his own efforts only. In politics he is inde- 
 pendent, following largely his judgment in supporting candidates. For eight 
 years he has served as board clerk and for one year as township supervisor. He 
 is a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. Mr. Nelson 
 in full measure enjoys the good-will and confidence of all who know him and 
 has made many friends in Chippewa county since making his home here. 
 
 FRANK DOUGLAS. 
 
 Among the young men of marked ability and substantial worth in Chippewa 
 county is numbered Frank Douglas, president of the Saltzaber & Douglas Imple- 
 ment Company and of the Farmers Produce Company, and prominently con- 
 nected with agricultural interests of this locality as the owner of a one hundred 
 and sixty acre farm on section 7, Anson township. He is a native son of Chip- 
 pewa county, born in October, 1884, his parents being Richard and Jessie (Cole) 
 Douglas, the former of whom died in 1902 and is buried in Anson township. 
 His wife survives him and makes her home in Raymond, Washington. 
 
 Frank Douglas acquired his education in the public schools of Chippewa 
 Falls and laid aside his books at the age of fourteen. He then worked as a farm 
 laborer for five years and at the end of that time secured a position in the lum- 
 ber woods, where he remained for six months. At the end of that time he estab- 
 lished himself in the dairy business, abandoning this at the end of two years 
 and coming to Chippewa Falls, where he has since resided. He is well known 
 in business circles as a member of the Saltzaber & Douglas Implement Company 
 and the Farmers Produce Company and he is besides active in agricultural pur- 
 suits, owning and operating a fine farm of one hundred and sixty acres on sec- 
 tion 7, Anson township. All of his interests are capably and progressively con- 
 ducted and have brought him a degree of success which places him among the 
 representative young men of this locality. 
 
 Mr. Douglas was married in Chippewa Falls. His wife’s parents reside in 
 Anson township. Mr. Douglas is a member of the Roman Catholic church and 
 is a republican in his political beliefs. Fie is still a young man but has already 
 made his influence felt in agricultural and business circles of Chippewa county 
 and he possesses in his ability and ambition a guarantee of continued progress. 
 
 JULIAN A. BABBITT. 
 
 Julian A. Babbitt, a prominent logger and road contractor of Boyd, was born 
 in Sigel township, this county, on the 1st of October, 1871, a son of Francis C. 
 and Mary (Gorham) Babbitt, the former born in Woodstock, Windsor county, 
 Vermont in 1841, and the latter in Cleveland, Ohio. The father was one of the 
 pioneer settlers in Chippewa county, having located here in 1865 when he was 
 twenty-four years of age. He turned his attention to the logging business and 
 was very successful along that line, abandoning it eventually in favor of farm- 
 
386 
 
 PAST AND PRESENT OP CHIPPEWA COUNTY 
 
 ing. He is now one of the most extensive land holders and prominent stock- 
 raisers in Sigel township owning over one thousand acres of land on section 2 , 
 township 29, range 6 west. He and his wife became the parents of nine child- 
 ren. Frank is engaged in farming in Delmar township. He married Miss Laura 
 Phillips and they have one child. Isaac makes his home in Idaho. He is mar- 
 ried and has two children. Grace became the wife of Jacob Braun, a merchant 
 at Appleton, Wisconsin. They have two children. Julian is the subject of this 
 review. Josephine married Fred Etten, a farmer of Edson township, and they 
 have become the parents of six children. Louisa became the wife of Adolph 
 Milling, also engaged in farming in Edson township. They have one child. 
 Benjamin is a well known farmer of Delmar township. He married Miss Mabel 
 Phillips and they have five children. Wellman, the youngest of the family, is 
 married and lives in Idaho. Ellen is now Mrs. McConville and has five children. 
 
 Julian A. Babbitt acquired his education in the public schools of his native 
 township and after laying aside his books assisted his father with the work of the 
 farm for some time. He later purchased land of his own and has since added 
 to this so that he has today valuable holdings in Delmar and Edson townships. 
 He makes his home, however, in Boyd, where he is well known as a logger and 
 a road contractor. 
 
 Mr. Babbitt married Miss Ellen McTauge, a native of Canada, and they 
 became the parents of three children. Politically Mr. Babbitt gives his allegiance 
 to the republican party and is well known in public affairs, having rendered the 
 township and village excellent service in various capacities. He is one of the 
 most highly esteemed and prominent citizens of Boyd and his ability is recog- 
 nized and respected in business circles. 
 
 WILLIAM A. WEYENBERG. 
 
 Among the young men of Chippewa Falls who have made their progressive 
 spirit, their energy, enterprise and ability the basis of an important and substan- 
 tial business success is William A. Weyenberg, vice president and one of the 
 founders of the L. W. Shoe Company. He is a native son of that city, born 
 March 11, 1885, his parents being William and Angeline (DeKelver) Weyen- 
 berg. The father was at one time a retail shoe merchant in that city and then 
 moved to Milwaukee, where he founded the Weyenberg Shoe Manufacturing 
 Company, controlling one of the most important concerns of this character in 
 the city. He afterward sold his interests to his brother and nephew and returned 
 to Chippewa Falls, where a few years later he joined his sons in the organiza- 
 tion of the L. W. Shoe Company. He has always taken an active interest in the 
 development and growth of Chippewa Falls and Chippewa county and is well 
 and favorably known in this part of the state. 
 
 William A. Weyenberg acquired his education in Notre Dame school, Chip- 
 pewa Falls. After he laid aside his books he entered his father’s retail shoe store 
 in that city and when this was disposed of went with the latter to Milwaukee, 
 where he took an active part in the upbuilding and development of the manu- 
 
PAST AND PRESENT OF CHIPPEWA COUNTY 
 
 387 
 
 facturing concern. After William Weyenberg, Sr., returned to Chippewa Falls 
 and repurchased his former store Mr. Weyenberg of this review became man- 
 ager of the concern, holding this position for three years. At the end of that 
 time he joined his father in the foundation of the E. W. Shoe Company and he 
 has since been vice president of this concern and an important element in the 
 growth which makes it today one of the leading industrial enterprises in the city. 
 
 In Chippewa Falls, on the ist of May, 1906, Mr. Weyenberg was united in 
 marriage to Miss Mary Ottilia Ruf, a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Anton Ruf, 
 the former a veteran of the Civil war. He and his wife reside in Chippewa Falls. 
 Mr. and Mrs. Weyenberg became the parents of three children, two of whom died 
 in infancy. The other, Burnadotte M., was born March 26, 1913. 
 
 Mr. Weyenberg is a member of the Notre Dame Roman Catholic church and 
 is a democrat in his political beliefs, taking an intelligent interest in public affairs 
 without being active as an office seeker. He is a progressive, reliable and far- 
 sighted business man and holds an enviable place in business circles, commanding 
 the confidence and high regard of all who are associated with him. 
 
 JOSEPH ARTHUR EVISON. 
 
 The spirit of enterprise and progress has actuated Joseph Arthur Evison, 
 in all of the activities of his career and has brought him today to a position 
 among the representative farmers of Delmar township. He owns one hundred 
 and sixty acres of land on section 21, and this he has developed and improved 
 along modern and scientific lines, so that it is representative of the best class of 
 the present day farming properties. 
 
 Mr. Evison was born in Bennett township, Dodge county, Wisconsin, Septem- 
 ber 26, 1863, a son of Joseph K. and Anna (Leith) Evison, the former born in 
 England in 1832 and the latter in Wisconsin in 1840. The father came to this 
 state when he was a young man and died here in T910. His wife has also passed 
 away, her death having occurred in 1896. To their union were born nine children, 
 six of whom are still living. 
 
 Joseph Arthur Evison acquired his education in the grammar schools in 
 Dodge county, in high school at Beaver Dam and in Spencer’s Business College 
 in Milwaukee. From the time he was twenty-one until he was thirty-two he 
 worked on the home farm, which he then rented, operating it for himself for 
 seven years. At the end of that time he purchased two hundred acres, lying 
 on sections 21 and 22, township 29, range 5 west. Of this he sold forty acres 
 in 1908, and now owns one hundred and sixty acres, the land comprising one of 
 the most valuable and productive farms in the township. Upon it Mr. Evison has 
 made substantial improvements, building a house and modern barns and outbuild- 
 ings, all of which are kept in excellent condition. The owner engages in general 
 farming and stock-raising, keeping twenty-one head of Guernsey cattle, seven 
 horses and fifty hogs. 
 
 In Waupaca county, this state, December 25, 1895, Mr. Evison married Miss 
 Elizabeth Crane, a daughter of W. W. Crane. Mr. and Mrs. Evison have three 
 children, Willard, Leland and Florence. Mr. Evison is a stockholder in the 
 
388 
 
 PAST AND PRESENT OF CHIPPEWA COUNTY 
 
 Inter-County Fair Association and is connected fraternally with the Modern 
 Woodmen of America. He is a member of the Presbyterian church and a demo- 
 crat in his political belief, serving at present as treasurer of school district No. 5. 
 His attention is, however, chiefly concentrated upon the conduct of his farming 
 interests, which are every year becoming more extensive and important. 
 
 JOHN MOORE CANCE. 
 
 Among the younger men of Delmar township, who have attained an enviable 
 degree of success in agricultural pursuits is numbered John Moore Cance, who 
 owns and operates one hundred and twenty acres of fine land on section 22. He 
 was born in Trempealeau county, Wisconsin, October 4, 1882, a son of Alex 
 and Agnes (Edmond) Cance, natives of Scotland, the former born in 1848 and 
 the latter in 1853. The father followed farming in Wisconsin for many years, 
 but is now living retired in Outagamie county, this state. He and his wife became 
 parents of six children, Alex, Katherine, Edmond, Tena, John and Gordon. 
 
 John Moore Cance acquired his education in the district schools of his native 
 county and afterwards assisted his father with the operation of the farm until 
 he was twenty-one. At that time he joined his brother, Edmond, and together 
 they cultivated the homestead there, two years after which Mr. Cance of this 
 review assumed entire charge. However, at the end of one year he moved to 
 Chippewa county and bought one hundred and twenty acres of land lying on 
 section 22, township 29, range 5 west. Here he has resided since 1906, and he 
 gives practically all of his attention to its development, following always the most 
 progressive methods, and neglecting nothing that would add to the appearance 
 or the value of the place. He raises all kinds of small grains and specializes in 
 dairying and stock breeding. 
 
 At Stanley, Wisconsin, September 5, 1909, Mr. Cance married Miss Mary 
 Korn, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Andrew Korn, residents of that city. Mr. 
 and Mrs. Cance have two children : Edmond L., and Ellen Iv. Mr. Cance 
 
 gives his political allegiance to the republican party and is interested and active 
 in public affairs. He is one of the most progressive and enterprising young 
 farmers of Delmar township and will undoubtedly win even greater prosperity in 
 his chosen field. 
 
 WILLIAM HORN. 
 
 William Horn has resided in Chippewa county since 1880 and on his present 
 farm since 1881 and during the years has made many substantial contributions to 
 agricultural development and has met with a gratifying personal success. His 
 farm comprises eighty acres of land on section 28, Lafayette township. Mr. 
 Horn was born in Peterborough county, Ontario, December 15, 1838, and is a 
 son of Daniel and Elizabeth (Ehrhart) Horn, the former a pioneer farmer in 
 
PAST AND PRESENT OF CHIPPEWA COUNTY 
 
 389 
 
 that part of the province. He and his wife have passed away and are buried in 
 Ontario in the family burial ground. 
 
 William Horn began to earn his own livelihood at the early age of fourteen, 
 working at farm labor, plowing with a cattle team led by a rope. He afterward 
 worked in the lumber woods and on the river, following these occupations in 
 conjunction with farming until 1880, when he left Canada and came to Chippewa 
 county, where he has since resided. In the following year he purchased eighty 
 acres of brush land on section 28, Lafayette township, and with characteristic 
 energy set himself to improve and develop this property, which owing to his 
 able management is today one of the finest farms in the township. Mr. Horn 
 owes his success entirely to his own unremitting energy and untiring efforts, for 
 he started out in life empty-handed and has steadily worked his way upward 
 to prosperity. 
 
 Mr. Horn has been twice married. He wedded in Canada Miss Matilda 
 Melville, who died March 16, 1894, leaving six children: Elizabeth; Mary, the 
 deceased wife of Thomas Monak ; Agnes, who married Alexander Wilkinson, 
 of Colorado; Hannah, the wife of John Whitton, of Chippewa Falls; Matilda 
 May, who married Thomas Hogan, a farmer in Saskatchewan; and Daniel, who 
 is assisting the subject of this review. On the 6th of June, 1904, Mr. Horn was 
 again married, his second wife being Miss Mary Crowley, a daughter of Mr. and 
 Mrs. Dennis Crowley, the former a farmer in this state. Mr. Horn is a member 
 of the Roman Catholic church and is a democrat in his political beliefs, taking 
 an intelligent interest in public affairs but never seeking public office. During 
 the thirty-three years of his residence in this county he has proved himself a 
 progressive and able agriculturist, while his personal qualities have gained him 
 the warm regard and esteem of all who are in any way associated with him. 
 
 EDWARD HEAGLE. 
 
 Industry, determination and unremitting labor have been the basis of the suc- 
 cess of Edward Heagle and have brought him today to a foremost position among 
 the progressive farmers of Chippewa county. He owns one hundred and twenty 
 acres on section 29, Sigel township and by constantly following the most practical 
 methods in the cultivation of his farm has surrounded himself with a gratifying 
 degree of prosperity. He was born in Seymour township, Outagamie county, this 
 state, March 18, 1868, and is a son of James and Elizabeth (Eaton) Heagle, na- 
 tives of Canada, the former born in 1841 and the latter in 1843. The father was 
 a mail carrier for many years but is now living retired in Gilman. He and his 
 wife became the parents of thirteen children: Emma, who has passed away; 
 
 Mattie; Edward, of this review; Clara, deceased; William; Anson; Myrtle; Alice 
 and Ellen, deceased; Roy; Ralph, who has passed away; and two children who 
 died in infancy. 
 
 Edward Heagle acquired his education in the public schools of his native 
 township, attending until he was seventeen years of age. When he was nineteen 
 he moved to Chippewa county and here worked at various occupations, saving the 
 money which he earned through his unremitting industry. In 1891, when he was 
 
PAST AND PRESENT OF CHIPPEWA COUNTY 
 
 390 
 
 twenty-three years of age he purchased one hundred and twenty acres of land on 
 section 29, township 29, range 6 west, and he has since made his home upon 
 this property which he has been very successful in developing and improving. 
 He engages in general farming and is also extensively interested in stock-raising, 
 having at present a herd of thirty-three head of cattle, part of which is composed 
 of pure-bred registered Holstein animals. Mr. Heagle conducts also a modern 
 and sanitary dairy, and the products of this as well as his hay, corn, oats and 
 wheat he sells readily in the local markets. 
 
 At Chippewa Falls, April 19, 1890, Mr. Heagle married Miss Minnie Filtz, a 
 daughter of Theodore and Theresa (Schuster) Filtz, of Cadott. The parents 
 settled in that city in 1880 and the father is prominent in the manufacturing 
 business there. In this family were eight children : Minnie, August, Henry, 
 
 Theodore W., Anna, Frank, Mary and Edward. To Mr. and Mrs. Heagle have 
 been born three children : Gerald F., Leona G., and one who died in infancy. Mr. 
 Heagle is a member of the Methodist church and is a republican in his political 
 beliefs. His life has been one of unremitting labor and well directed activity, re- 
 sulting in the attainment of a creditable measure of success, and wherever he is 
 known he is respected and esteemed by reason of his genuine personal worth. 
 
 DANIEL ERMATINGER, Jr. 
 
 Daniel Ermatinger, Jr., since 1911 general superintendent of the Chippewa 
 Valley Railway, Light & Power Company, is numbered among the most pro- 
 gressive and energetic business men of Chippewa Falls, where he has been con- 
 nected with business interests since the beginning of his active career. He was 
 born in Alexander, Glengarry county, Ontario, in 1874 and is a son of Daniel 
 and Jessie (Cameron) Ermatinger, who came to Chippewa Falls in 1879, among 
 the early settlers here, and who have made that city their home since that time. 
 The father is a well known stonemason and contractor. 
 
 Daniel Ermatinger, Tr., was five years of age when brought by his parents to 
 Chippewa Falls and he here acquired his education, attending the parochial schools 
 of Notre Dame. He laid aside his books at the age of sixteen and after spending 
 one year in the lumber woods took a course in a business college, after which 
 he started as an apprentice in the F. G. & C. A. Stanley Machine Shops. When 
 he completed this at the end of four years he went west, returning to Chippewa 
 Falls at the end of one year. Here he accepted a position as engineer on a canal, 
 in the employ of the Chippewa Lumber & Boom Company, but at the end of one 
 year became connected with the Chippewa Valley Railway, Light & Power Com- 
 pany as assistant in the power house. He proved his ability and trustworthiness 
 by fourteen years of capable work in this capacity and in October, 1911, was 
 appointed superintendent. This position he now holds and its responsible duties 
 are discharged always promptly and intelligently. 
 
 In Chippewa Falls, on September 7, 1898, Mr. Ermatinger was united in mar- 
 riage to Miss Carrie M. La Chappelle, a daughter of John and Margaret ( Dorland) 
 La Chappelle. The father passed away in 1880 and is survived by his wife, who 
 resides in Chippewa Falls. Mr. and Mrs. Ermatinger have become the parents 
 
DANIEL ERMATINGER, JR. 
 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
PAST AND PRESENT OF CHIPPEWA COUNTY 
 
 393 
 
 of six children : Claude, Margaret, Harold and Lloyd, all at home ; and Warren 
 
 and Matilda, who have passed away and are buried in Forest Hill cemetery at 
 Chippewa Falls. Mr. Ermatinger is a member of Notre Dame Roman Catholic 
 church of Chippewa Falls, Wisconsin, and is connected fraternally with the Knights 
 of Columbus, the Catholic Order of Foresters and the Modern Woodmen of 
 America. His political allegiance is given to the democratic party and he takes 
 a keen interest in the welfare of the locality where he has spent practically his 
 entire life and where he holds the respect and esteem of all who have been brought 
 in contact with him. 
 
 THEODORE A. HOIDAHL. 
 
 Since 1882 Theodore A. Hoidahl has been in some way connected with the 
 Northwestern Lumber Company and his industry, integrity and ability have 
 enabled him to rise since that time to the responsible position of cashier. He is 
 known as one of the most trusted and esteemed representatives of this concern 
 and holds a high place among progressive and successful business men of Stanley, 
 where he makes his home. He was born in Norway on the 5th of October, 1862, 
 and is a son of Andreas and Dorothea Hoidahl, also natives of that country, 
 born in 1838. The father was a sailor, later employed in a sawmill and also for 
 many years followed farming. He and his first wife had one son, Theodore A., 
 of this review. After the death of Mrs. Dorothea Hoidahl, which occurred in 
 1862, Andreas Hoidahl married her sister, Grethe, by whom he had six children, 
 as follows : Johan, Harold, Erling, Inga, Anna, and a child who died in infancy. 
 
 Theodore A. Hoidahl attended public school in Norway until he was four- 
 teen years of age and then secured a position as clerk in a general store. At the 
 end of three years he shipped aboard a vessel and followed the sea for two years 
 thereafter. On the 16th of April, 1882, he moved to Eau Claire and immediately 
 became connected with the Northwestern Lumber Company as a piler of edgings. 
 From piling edgings he was promoted to be a knot sawyer and was afterward 
 sent to the company’s office in Sterling, Wisconsin, where he remained as book- 
 keeper and postmaster for a year and a half. During that time he was also 
 managing the company’s store in Sterling and this position he held until 1892, 
 when he came to Stanley, acting as bookkeeper. In 1910 he was made cashier of 
 the concern and in this responsible position his initiative and administrative ability 
 have been called forth and he has aided in the development and growth of the 
 business. He is in addition a stockholder and director in the Citizens State Bank 
 of Stanley and his worth is widely recognized in business circles. 
 
 On the 19th of August, 1886, in Eau Claire, Wisconsin, Mr. Hoidahl mar- 
 ried Miss Annette Gunderson, a daughter of Hans and Maren Gunderson, of 
 Fredrikstad, Norway. Mr. and Mrs. Hoidahl became the parents of ten chil- 
 dren, Anton, Flarold, Theodore, Dagny, Aagot, Harold, Ruth, Theodore, Gudrun 
 and Annette. Mrs. Hoidahl passed away June 17, 1905, and on the nth of 
 August of the following year Mr. Hoidahl was again married, his second wife 
 
 being Miss Laura Johnson, formerly a nurse in St. Paul, Minnesota. 
 
 Voi. n— 2 1 
 
394 
 
 PAST AND PRESENT OF CHIPPEWA COUNTY 
 
 Mr. Hoidahl gives his political allegiance to the republican party and was 
 for one year city treasurer of Stanley and for fifteen years a member of the 
 board of education. He is a deacon in the United Lutheran church and serves 
 also as superintendent of the Sunday school. His is a splendid example of the 
 value of energy and perseverance in the attainment of success, for he started in 
 a humble capacity and through his own efforts has worked his way upward to 
 a responsible and important position. He holds the confidence and respect of his 
 superiors and the esteem and good-will of his associates, being numbered among 
 the representative and substantial men of Stanley. 
 
 FRANK LASH WAY. 
 
 Mixed farming and fruit raising command the attention of Frank Lashway, 
 who cultivates a tract of eighty acres on section 19, Lafayette township, and 
 who has met with a success which places him among the able and progressive 
 agriculturists of his locality. He is a native of Chippewa county, born in Chip- 
 pewa Falls, March 10, 1867, his parents being Louis and Elizabeth (Coleman) 
 Lashway. The family is of French origin on the paternal side and the maternal 
 ancestors were of New York Quaker stock. Louis Lashway came to Chippewa 
 Falls over sixty years ago and has made his home in that city since that time, 
 being today one of the most highly respected men of the community. He engaged 
 in merchandising for many years and has been also active in public affairs, serv- 
 ing for three terms as city clerk and for twelve years as postmaster. 
 
 Frank Lashway acquired his education in Chippewa Falls, leaving high 
 school when he was fifteen years of age. He afterward worked for seven years 
 in the planing mill of the Chippewa Falls Manufacturing Company, leaving this 
 concern in order to enter the employ of the Bell Telephone Company. He retained 
 this connection until 1909, when he purchased eighty acres on section 19, Lafay- 
 ette township, upon which he still operates a telephone exchange. Fie has two 
 acres of land planted in fruit and the remainder is under cultivation in various 
 kinds of grain, and his agricultural methods, being always practical, have been 
 accompanied by excellent results. 
 
 Mr. Lashway has been twice married. In 1892 he wedded, in Eau Claire, 
 Miss Stella M. Neill, a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. James Neill, of that city. Mrs. 
 Stella Lashway passed away December 17, 1896, and is buried in the Forest Hill 
 cemetery, Chippewa Falls. She left one daughter, Valeria E., a graduate of the 
 Chippewa Falls high school and now engaged in teaching. On the 26th of April, 
 1897, Mr. Lashway was again married, his second wife being Miss Allie Dell 
 Waldo, a daughter of Leverett H. and Luella M. Waldo, the former an old 
 settler in Appleton, Wisconsin, and for many years superintendent of the woolen 
 mills there. He was a veteran of the Civil war and well known and favorably 
 regarded in the community, where he spent practically his entire active life. He 
 died in 1895 and is buried in Appleton. His wife survives him and makes her 
 home at Park Falls. Mr. and Mrs. Lashway are the parents of four children : 
 Margaret E. and Luella E., who are attending school; Harriett L. ; and Henry 
 Coleman. 
 
PAST AND PRESENT OF CHIPPEWA COUNTY 
 
 395 
 
 Mr. Lashway is a member of the Presbyterian church and is connected fra- 
 ternally with the Masonic lodge, chapter and commandery. He is a republican 
 in his political beliefs and takes an intelligent interest in community affairs, 
 having served in 1911 as chairman of the town board. He is a progressive and 
 wide-awake farmer, always ready to incorporate modern methods in his busi- 
 ness, and his industry and enterprise have not only enabled him to attain pros- 
 perity but have won him a high place in the respect and confidence of his neigh- 
 bors. 
 
 FRED C. MOORE. 
 
 Fred C. Moore, proprietor of a first class barber shop in Cadott and also a 
 taxidermist of considerable skill and reputation, was born in Richland county, 
 this state, May 25, 1881. a son of Charles J. and Sophrona (Salins) Moore, the 
 former born in England in 1840 and the latter in Crawford county in 1855. 
 The father died in 1889 and the mother is living in Montana on a homestead 
 which she is improving. Four children were born to their union: Frank, Fred 
 C., Delpia and Ella, deceased. 
 
 Fred C. Moore acquired his education in the public schools of Richland and 
 Chippewa counties, laying aside his books when he was sixteen years of age. 
 He afterwards worked on farms, in the lumber woods and at various other occu- 
 pations until 1903, when he settled in Cadott and opened the barber shop which 
 he has since conducted. This is modern and sanitary in all its appointments 
 and the owner controls a large and growing patronage for he is recognized 
 as an able and enterprising business man. Tn addition to his barber business he 
 practises taxidermy to a considerable extent, dealing in mounted animals of all 
 kinds. A number of his specimens he has captured himself, for he is a success- 
 ful hunter and has brought home more than twenty deer. 
 
 Mr. Moore owns the residence in which the family have lived since 1891, 
 and there he makes his home with his two sisters. He belongs to the Equitable 
 Fraternal LTnion and is a devout member of the Methodist church. He votes 
 independently, supporting men and measures rather than parties and he is inter- 
 ested in public affairs cooperating heartily in all progressive public measures. 
 Although still a young man he has already attained a creditable place in business 
 circles and his industry and ability will undoubtedly bring him rapid and steady 
 advancement. 
 
 LEO C. WEYENBERG. 
 
 Leo C. Weyenberg, secretary and treasurer of the L. \V. Shoe Company and 
 an important factor in the success which places it among the leading mercantile 
 concerns of Chippewa Falls, is a native son of the city, born November 4, 1886. 
 his parents being William and Angeline (De Kelver) Weyenberg. The father 
 lived in Milwaukee for a number of years and there founded the Weyenberg 
 
396 
 
 PAST AND PRESENT OF CHIPPEWA COUNTY 
 
 Shoe Manufacturing Company, which is today one of the largest industrial con- 
 cerns of its kind in the city. He afterward sold his interest to his brother and 
 nephew and moved to Chippewa Falls, where he joined his sons in the organiza- 
 tion of the L. W. Shoe Company, of which he remained the active head for a 
 number of years. He and his wife make their home in that city and are well 
 known and widely respected there. 
 
 Eeo C. Weyenberg acquired his education in the Notre Dame Catholic school 
 in Chippewa Falls, which he left at the age of fourteen. Immediately afterward 
 he became connected with the Weyenberg Shoe Manufacturing Company in Mil- 
 waukee and there he attended school for one year, remaining employed at the 
 same time. When his parents returned to Chippewa Falls he accompanied them, 
 entering the store which his father had established there. After about two years 
 he and his father organized the F. W. Shoe Company and Feo C. Weyenberg 
 has since been secretary and treasurer of this concern. It has had a rapid and 
 steady growth and he has discharged his important duties connected with its 
 management in a capable and energetic way. He has had long experience in 
 the shoe business and understands it in principle and detail, possessing also the 
 energy and business ability necessary for success in any line. 
 
 In Chippewa Falls, on the 20th of June, 1911, Mr. Weyenberg was united in 
 marriage to Miss Rose De Kelver, a daughter of Frank and Mary (Vincent) 
 De Kelver. Mr. and Mrs. Weyenberg are the parents of a son, Leo A. The 
 family reside at 5 North Prairie street, in a house which Mr. Weyenberg has 
 recently purchased and is now remodeling. 
 
 Mr. Weyenberg is connected fraternally with the Knights of Columbus and 
 is independent in his political beliefs, voting for the man whom he considers 
 best fitted for the position without regard to party lines. He is a young man of 
 energy and resource and his ability will undoubtedly carry him forward into 
 still more important relations with the business interests of his native city. 
 
 GEORGE WEISSENBERG. 
 
 Probably no farmer in Delmar township has attained greater success in agri- 
 cultural pursuits than George Weissenberg, who owns and operates a fine prop- 
 erty of one hundred and sixty acres on section 34. He was born in Outagamie 
 county, June 25, 1871, and is a son of Francis X., and Anna (Brandner) Weissen- 
 berg, natives of Germany. The father was born in Baden in 1832 and after 
 reaching maturity followed farming. He came to America in 1850, and after 
 living in various localities during the following seven years, he finally located 
 in Outagamie county and purchased land. This he developed and improved for 
 many years thereafter, retiring from active life in 1896. He died in 1906. 
 His wife, who came to Wisconsin when she was fourteen years of age still 
 makes her home in Appleton, Wisconsin. In their family were five children, 
 I.ouisa, became the wife of Fouis Wurl, identified with the Hockworthy Con- 
 struction Company of Appleton, and they have two children; Clara, married John 
 Ward, a janitor in the schools at Appleton, by whom she has five children: Wil- 
 liam, a contractor and carpenter in Washington; Edward, who is engaged in farm- 
 
PAST AND PRESENT OF CHIPPEWA COUNTY 
 
 397 
 
 ing in Ellington township, Outagamie county, and who married Miss Mata Vogel, 
 by whom he has one child; and George. George Weissenberg attended the dis- 
 trict school until he was eighteen years ot age, dividing his time in his childhood 
 between his studies and work upon his father’s farm. He continued to aid in 
 the operation of the homestead until he was twenty-two and then formed a partner- 
 ship with his brother, Edward, renting the home property. At the end of six 
 vears, Mr. Weissenberg, of this review, purchased forty acres from his father and 
 operated this for a similar period of time. Disposing of his holdings, he moved 
 to Chippewa county and here in 1906 bought one hundred and sixty acres of 
 land on section 34, township 29, range 5 west. He has since engaged in general 
 farming upon this property and is well known also as a breeder of pure-blood 
 registered Holstein cattle, of which he has thirty head. He specializes in dairy- 
 ing and raises all kinds of small grains, peas and potatoes, these products find- 
 ing a ready sale on the local market. 
 
 George Weissenberg married Miss Helen Vogel, a daughter of Herman 
 and Johanna (Lohrenz) Vogel, the former a farmer in Ellington township, 
 Outagamie county. Mr. and Mrs. Weissenberg became the parents of a daugh- 
 ter, Fern, and a son, Wayne. Mrs. Weissenberg, who attended the Oshkosh Nor- 
 mal School, before her marriage taught in Outagamie County for two years. 
 
 Mr. Weissenberg is a member of the Order of Beavers, president of the 
 Inter-County Cattle Breeders’ Association of Stanley and a stockholder in the 
 Stanley Dairy and Warehouse Company. He gives his political allegiance to 
 the republican party. He is one of the most highly respected residents of Del- 
 mar township, and his notable success has been an imperative result of his own 
 energy, enterprise and progressive spirit. 
 
 FRANK S. WEIGAND. 
 
 Frank S. Weigand, an enterprising and successful florist of Chippewa Falls, 
 who since 1902 has owned large greenhouses at the corner of Grand avenue and 
 Bay street, was born near Cincinnati, Ohio, September 7, 1858, and is a son of 
 F. P. and Dorothea (Hankapp) Weigand. The parents came to America at an 
 early date and the father followed the tailor’s trade in various parts of the United 
 States until his death, which occurred in May, 1912. He had long survived his 
 wife, who passed away in 1893. Both are buried in the cemetery at Athens, Wis- 
 consin. 
 
 Frank S. Weigand acquired his education in the parochial schools of Indiana, 
 laying aside his books at the age of thirteen. He afterward worked in factories 
 and on farms in various localities until he had attained his majority and he then 
 moved to Wisconsin, making his home for the greater part of the time in Wausau 
 and working in mills as an engineer and millwright. He afterward spent some 
 time in the lumber woods, working as a tie maker, and eventually settled upon 
 a farm, engaging in agricultural pursuits for about four years. When he returned 
 to Wausau he spent one year employed in a dairy and then moved to Merrill, where 
 
PAST AND PRESENT OF CHIPPEWA COUNTY 
 
 398 
 
 he resumed his former occupation. Here he also first became identified with his 
 present line of business, working for an enterprising florist establishment in that 
 city until 1902, when he came to Chippewa Falls. He is today the proprietor 
 of a fine establishment on Grand avenue, where he has a number of greenhouses, 
 which he erected, and he owns also a farm on Mansfield street, where he has 
 three large greenhouses. His undertaking has proved very successful, for he 
 has managed the business carefully and practically, and is numbered today among 
 the enterprising and deservedly prosperous business men of the city. 
 
 In Milwaukee, Wisconsin, on the 28th of April, 1893, Mr. Weigand was united 
 in marriage to Miss Amelia Wiese, a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Peter Wiese, 
 both of whom have passed away and are buried in Milwaukee. Mr. and Mrs. 
 Weigand have had three children : Julia, the wife of Harley Wilson, who is assist- 
 ing Mr. Weigand with the operation of his farm ; Frank P., Jr., who was drowned 
 June 23, 1913; and Josephine, stenographer for Mr. Frost, of the Soo line. 
 
 Mr. Weigand is a democrat in his political beliefs and while residing near 
 Athens, Wisconsin, was chairman of Johnson township. He is a devout member 
 of the Roman Catholic church and is connected fraternally with the Knights of 
 Columbus and the Maccabees. Although one of the recent arrivals in Chippewa 
 Falls, he has already become an established business factor here and, being a man 
 of ability, energy and foresight, is accounted a valued addition to commercial 
 circles. 
 
 JOHN A. DIETRICH. 
 
 For the past thirty-two years John A. Dietrich has been closely connected with 
 agricultural interests of Edson township, where he now owns a well improved 
 and productive property and is closely connected with substantial and represent- 
 ative farmers. He was born in New York state, April 30, 1854, and is a son 
 of Philip and Margaret (Sucher) Dietrich, natives of Germany, the former born 
 in 1800 and the latter in 1814. The father was a tailor by trade and followed 
 this occupation in New York after he came to America in 1827. In 1854 he 
 settled in Brown county, this state, and there successfully engaged in farming until 
 his death, which occurred in 1875. His wife survived him some years, dying 
 in 1881. They were the parents of twelve children, three of whom are still living, 
 George, William and John. 
 
 John A. Dietrich acquired his education in the public schools of Brown county 
 which he attended until he was fourteen years of age, after which he worked for 
 thirty years as engineer in a sawmill. At the end of that time he moved to Edson 
 township, this county, and purchased eighty acres on section 11, township 
 28, range 5 west. In 1891 he added forty acres in the same section to this property 
 and the entire tract is under cultivation, yielding increasingly abundant harvests 
 every year. Mr. Dietrich operates a large dairy, paying special attention to the 
 sale of his dairy products, and he is also interested to some extent in stock-raising, 
 keeping fifteen head of cattle and five horses. He is a stockholder in the Citizens 
 State Bank of Stanley and in the Miller & Myers Implement Company and his 
 ability is recognized and respected in business circles. 
 
PAST AND PRESENT OF CHIPPEWA COUNTY 
 
 399 
 
 On the 18th of June, 1879, at Morristown, Brown county, Mr. Dietrich married 
 Miss Louisa Schwartz, a daughter of Daniel Schwartz, a farmer in Illinois. Mr. 
 and Mrs. Dietrich became the parents of five children. Luella married William 
 Turner, who is engaged in farming in Sawyer county. Jennie passed away in 
 1907. She was the wife of Bertram Purchase and had one son, Louis. Mary 
 married John Lauderbach, foreman of a railroad section gang in Minnesota, and 
 they have become the parents of a daughter, Irma L. Amanda married Fred 
 Laderbach, chef in a railroad house at Spooner. Arthur, the youngest member 
 of the family, lives at home. 
 
 Mr. Dietrich is independent in his political beliefs and has filled a number 
 of positions of trust and responsibility, serving for five years as road commis- 
 sioner and for one year as a member of the school board. He was one of the 
 early settlers in Edson township and through the years has taken an active and 
 honorable part in promoting its development and growth. At the same time his 
 genuine personal worth and excellent qualities of character have gained him the 
 high regard and confidence of all who have been associated with him. 
 
 OLE HANSON. 
 
 Ole Hanson, who introduced tobacco growing into Chippewa county and who 
 is now specializing in this industry and engaging also in dairying upon a farm of 
 fifty-two acres on section 26, Lafayette township, was born near Christiania, Nor- 
 way, May 20, 1865, his parents being Louis and Gertie (Gorina) Hanson. The 
 father settled in Stoughton, Dane county, this state, in 1870 and there passed away 
 in 1893, when he was seventy years of age. He is buried in the cemetery at 
 Stoughton and his wife survives him, making her home at Cooksville. 
 
 Ole Hanson acquired his education in Brooklyn, Green county, Wisconsin, 
 and laid aside his books at the age of fourteen. He afterward assisted with the 
 work of the homestead until he was twenty-one and then rented his father’s 
 farm for two years, after which he spent three years upon a property belonging 
 to his sister. At the end of that time he bought a tract of fifteen acres and in 
 addition to its cultivation worked in the employ of the Baker Manufacturing 
 Company as agent for their pumps and windmills. He conceived the idea of 
 planting tobacco on his farm, believing that it could be cultivated in this part 
 of the state as successfully as in Dane county. The other farmers in the locality 
 believed that the section was too far north, but Mr. Hanson was convinced that 
 his plan was practical and has since proved his conviction true. The district 
 between Chippewa Falls and Eau Claire is now well known as an excellent tobacco 
 growing section and Mr. Hanson has himself planted seven acres in tobacco, 
 harvesting abundant crops annually. He has added to his holdings since his 
 original purchase, owning today fifty-two acres on section 26, Lafayette town- 
 ship, and there in addition to tobacco growing engages also in dairying, keeping 
 ten milch cows. He has made excellent improvements upon his farm, erecting a 
 fine residence, good barns, a tobacco shed and a concrete silo and he has installed 
 modern machinery to facilitate the work of the fields. 
 
400 
 
 PAST AND PRESENT OF CHIPPEWA COUNTY 
 
 In Stoughton, Wisconsin, December 25, 1891, Mr. Hanson was united in mar- 
 riage to Miss Mary Stensley, a daughter of Peter and Annie Stensley, the former 
 of whom engaged in farming in Norway for a number of years. Both have 
 passed away and are buried in the cemetery near Ulens Aker, in that country. 
 Mr. and Mrs. Hanson have become the parents of eight children: Tnger, resid- 
 
 ing at home; Minnie, also with her parents; Louis, who is assisting his father; 
 Alfred; Axtel ; Emma; Selma; and Nora. 
 
 Mr. Hanson is a member of the Norwegian Lutheran church and is a republi- 
 can in his political beliefs. For the past three years he has been a member of the 
 side board and his work in this capacity has been conscientious and capable. 
 He has made a valuable contribution to the agricultural development of this 
 county by introducing here a profitable product which can be successfully culti- 
 vated. He is, moreover, known as a man of exemplary character and excellent 
 ability and he holds the esteem and confidence of his neighbors and friends. 
 
 SAMUEL SNYDER. 
 
 Since 1868 Samuel Snyder has been prominently connected with business 
 interests of Chippewa Falls and during that time has seen a great deal of the 
 development of the city, his own well directed labors proving important forces 
 in the general growth. The years have brought him constantly increasing suc- 
 cess and prominence and today he is a well known architect, controlling an import- 
 ant and representative patronage. Lie was born in Defiance county, Ohio, in 
 1843, and is a son of Alexander and Eva (Himes) Snyder, both of whom have 
 passed away, the father dying in 1904 and the mother in 1888. They are buried 
 in Ohio. 
 
 Samuel Snyder acquired his education in the public schools of his native 
 county, laying aside his books at the age of nineteen. In 1862 he joined the 
 One Hundred and Eleventh Ohio Volunteer Infantry, serving in the Union army 
 for three vears and a half and receiving at the end of that time his honorable 
 discharge. After the close of hostilities he turned his attention to any employ- 
 ment at which he could earn a livelihood, continuing thus at various occupations 
 until 1868, when he moved to Chippewa Falls and engaged in the building busi- 
 ness. In the course of time he formed important business relations and built 
 up a large patronage, maintaining his first connection for fifteen years, during 
 which he became known as one of the most forceful and farsighted men in the 
 city. At the end of that time he turned his attention to architecture and he has 
 since been numbered among the leaders in that profession, his practical knowl- 
 edge of building combining with his artistic sense to give him special excellence in 
 his chosen field. 
 
 In 1870, in Chippewa county. Mr. Snyder was united in marriage to Miss 
 Brown, a daughter of Charles K. and Nancy M. (Wessell) Brown, both of whom 
 have passed away and are buried in Chippewa Falls. Mr. and Mrs. Snyder have 
 two children : Ida M., the wife of Dr. S. S. Cook, of Eau Claire, Wisconsin ; 
 
 and Charles R., manager of the Tri State Telephone Installing System at St. Paul. 
 
PAST AND PRESENT OF CHIPPEWA COUNTY 
 
 401 
 
 Mr. and .Mrs. Snyder occupy an attractive residence, which has just been thor- 
 oughly remodeled. 
 
 Mr. Snyder is a republican in his political beliefs, a member of the Episcopal 
 church and connected fraternally with the Masonic lodge, and the Grand Army 
 of the Republic. In Chippewa Falls, where he has resided for forty-five years, 
 he is widely and favorably known not only as a keen, reliable and farsighted 
 business man but also as a progressive citizen and a veteran of the Civil war, to 
 whom the country owes a debt of gratitude that can never be fully repaid. 
 
 J. H. A. FOSTER, M. D. 
 
 Dr. J. H. A. Foster, who has been a practicing physician and surgeon of 
 Cornell since April, 19x3, followed his profession for twelve years prior to that 
 time in Cadott, coming to Chippewa county in November, 1901. His birth 
 occurred near Lindsay, Ontario, Canada, on the 9th of November, 1874, his par- 
 ents being Thomas H. and Lucinda (Bradley) Foster. The family is of old Irish 
 origin. Thomas H. Foster was one of the pio*neer agriculturists of Victoria 
 county, Ontario, there clearing a large farm. He passed away on the 25th of 
 March, 1912, when eighty-five years of age, and was buried near the old home 
 in the little Britton cemetery in Victoria county. His widow still resides on the 
 homestead. They had five children, as follows: Rev. A. H., a Methodist min- 
 
 ister of Colborne, Ontario; Maria E., who is the wife of T. A. Newman, an 
 agriculturist of Victoria county; Maud F., who gave her hand in marriage to 
 a Mr. Culbert, an electrician of Toronto, Ontario; C. W. S., who operates the old 
 home farm; and J. H. A., of this review. 
 
 The last named obtained his primary education in the collegiate institute at 
 Lindsay, Ontario, and was graduated therefrom in 1891. After receiving his 
 certificate he became identified with educational work and subsequently served as 
 principal in various schools of Victoria county and also held a similar position 
 in Assiniboia. In 1897 he entered Trinity University at Toronto, which institu- 
 tion conferred upon him the degree of M. D. in 1901. He then took the state 
 examination at Oshkosh, Wisconsin, and in November, 1901, began the practice 
 of his chosen profession in Cadott, Chippewa county, there remaining until 1913. 
 Since April of that year he has maintained his office in Cornell and has already 
 built up an extensive and lucrative practice which has been accorded him in 
 recognition of his skill and ability as a physician and surgeon. He acts as sur- 
 geon for the Brunet Falls Manufacturing Company and is widely recognized as 
 a successful and able representative of his profession. 
 
 On the 25th of May, 1909, at Cobban, Wisconsin. Dr. Foster was united in 
 marriage to Miss Edith Payne, her father being Delos Payne, one of the old 
 lumbermen of Chippewa county, who resides at Cobban. The Doctor intends 
 to erect a four thousand dollar residence in Cornell. 
 
 In politics Dr. Foster is a stanch democrat. He served on the village board 
 of Cadott and also on the board of health for several terms, while for five 
 years he held the office of county poor physician, ever discharging his duties in 
 a highly commendable and satisfactory manner. Fraternally he is identified with 
 
402 
 
 PAST AND PRESENT OF CHIPPEWA COUNTY 
 
 the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and the Knights of Pythias and has 
 received all the honors in those organizations. Esteemed in professional and 
 social circles as well, his salient characteristics are such as make for good citizen- 
 ship in any community and which win the regard and confidence of all. 
 
 JOHN KUHN. 
 
 For over a quarter of a century John Kuhn has lived upon his farm of eighty 
 acres on section 34, township 29, range 5 west, and the years have brought him 
 a prominent place in agricultural circles of the locality and that success which 
 always follows earnest and persistent labor. He was born in Germany, February 
 22, 1864, and is a son of John and Catherine (Bretz) Kuhn, also natives of that 
 country, the former born in 1820 and the latter in 1840. Both have passed away, 
 the father dying in 1870 and the mother in 1908. To their union were born five 
 children: Nicholas, John, Emma, Peter and Maggie. 
 
 John Kuhn attended public school in Germany until he was fourteen years of 
 age, afterward working upon his father’s farm. He emigrated to America with 
 his parents in 1881 and settled in St. John, Calumet county, this state, where he 
 remained for one year and a half. At the end of that time he moved to Chippewa 
 county and bought eighty acres of land on section 34, township 29, range 5 west. 
 He came into possession of this property in 1883 and each year since that time 
 has witnessed his increased prosperity so that he is today a substantial and pro- 
 gressive agriculturist. He keeps twenty head of cattle and five horses and makes 
 a specialty of dairying, his dairy products obtaining a high price and a ready 
 sale upon the market. 
 
 Mr. Kuhn has been twdce married. He wedded first Miss Maggie Trace, 
 who died in 1905, leaving three children: Michael, Katie and Henrietta. In 
 
 1907 Mr. Kuhn married Miss Agnew Replinger and she died in 1913, leaving a 
 son, Burnett. 
 
 Mr. Kuhn is a member of the Roman Catholic church and is connected fra- 
 ternally with the Catholic Order of Foresters. For seven years he served in the 
 office of road commissioner and rendered the township excellent service as school 
 treasurer. As a resident of Delmar township for thirty years he has become 
 widely and favorably known, winning recognition as a man of high moral char- 
 acter, industry and enterprise. 
 
 ALEXANDER K. LINTZ. 
 
 Since 1882 Alexander K. Lintz has lived upon a farm of eighty acres on 
 section 6, Sigel township, and for the past four years has concentrated his atten- 
 tion upon the development of this property, although he was for some time prom- 
 inently identified with hotel interests in Cadott. He was born in Oswego county, 
 New York, January 6, 1850, and is a son of George L. and Julia (Kellogg) 
 Lintz, natives of the Empire state, the former born in 1829 and the latter in 1834. 
 
PAST AND PRESENT OF CHIPPEWA COUNTY 
 
 403 
 
 The father was a ship carpenter by trade and in 1878 came to Wisconsin, settling 
 in Juneau county. Here he turned his attention to the hotel business at Linden, 
 retaining this connection until his death, which occurred in 1901. His widow 
 has also passed away, dying in 1909. They were the parents of six children : 
 Alexander K., Levy, Adella, Emma, Clara and Mary. 
 
 Alexander K. Lintz acquired his education in the public schools of New 
 York state, laying aside his books at the age of eighteen. He then became 
 connected with railroading as a brakeman, holding this position for four years, 
 after which he moved to Marquette, Michigan, where he spent a similar period 
 of time as manager of a sawmill. He next moved to Monroe county, Wisconsin, 
 and in 1876 purchased an eighty acre farm there. This he sold after three years, 
 moving to Jackson county, where he was for two years in the saloon business. 
 At the end of that time he moved to Trempealeau county and there engaged in 
 the conduct of a hotel, meeting with gratifying success during the six years of 
 his residence. Later he moved to Sigel township, purchasing a farm of eighty 
 acres on section 6. He also bought the Commercial Hotel in Cadott and oper- 
 ated this from 1882 to 1909, meeting with gratifying and well deserved success. 
 He disposed of the hotel in the latter year and now devotes all of his time to his 
 farming interests. He specializes in the operation of a modern and sanitary 
 dairy, keeping twenty-five milch cows and he has been very successful, his dairy 
 products commanding a high price and a ready sale upon the market. 
 
 Mr. Lintz married Miss Nellie Lawson, a daughter of Alexander Lawson, 
 foreman in an iron mill in New York. Mr. and Mrs. Lintz became the parents 
 of three children. Charles, the eldest, married Lydia Phillips and they became 
 the parents of a son, Orian. Charles Lintz was for many years the proprietor of 
 a saloon, conducting this until his death, in 1905. John has also passed away, 
 his death having occurred in 1908. He married Miss Maud La Marche and to 
 them were born five children, Bernice, Harry, Irma, Lee and Nellie. Hazel, the 
 youngest, married Jesse Miller, a cigar manufacturer in Cadott. 
 
 Mr. Lintz is a member of the Presbyterian church and a democrat in his poli- 
 tical beliefs, being now a member of the village board. In Cadott and throughout 
 Sigel township he is known as a public-spirited and progressive citizen, always 
 willing to cooperate in worthy public projects, and he holds the esteem and con- 
 fidence of all who are connected with him. 
 
 PETER MICHELS. 
 
 A fine farm of eighty acres lying on section 33, Delmar township, is the prop- 
 erty of Peter Michels and in its cultivation he has through his industry and 
 practical efforts surrounded himself with a gratifying measure of prosperity. He 
 is one of the many sturdy and enterprising citizens whom Germany has given to 
 America, his birth having occurred in that country August 20, 1862. His parents 
 were Peter and Mary (Pritz) Michels, also natives of the fatherland, the former 
 
404 
 
 PAST AND PRESENT OF CHIPPEWA COUNTY 
 
 born June 29, 1833, and the latter in 1838. They came to America in 1881, settling 
 in Calumet county, this state, where the father engaged in farming for many 
 years. In 1897 he sold his holdings and since that time has lived retired in Apple- 
 ton. He and his wife became the parents of eight children, seven of whom sur- 
 vive. 
 
 Peter Michels acquired his education in the public schools of Germany, attend- 
 ing until he was fourteen years of age. He afterward Worked upon his father’s 
 farm until he was twenty-five and then purchased from his father fifty acres of 
 land. This he developed and improved for five years, after which he sold the prop- 
 erty and moved to Chippewa county, arriving here in 1893. He bought eighty 
 acres of farming land on section 33, township 29, range 5 west, and there he carries 
 on general farming and stock-raising, keeping nine head of cattle and three horses. 
 He raises also all kinds of small grain which he sells in the local markets. 
 
 In Appleton, Wisconsin, on the 17th of April, 1887, Mr. Michels was united 
 in marriage to Miss Mary Pouly, a daughter of Nicholas Pouly, a merchant in 
 that city. They became the parents of eleven children, Nicholas, Hilda, Jacob, 
 Leta, Alois, Laura, Lenora and Leo (twins), Marie, Norman, and a child who died 
 in infancy. 
 
 Mr. Michels is a member of the Roman Catholic church, is connected fra- 
 ternally with the Catholic Knights of Wisconsin and is a democrat in his political 
 beliefs. He is a man of many sterling qualities of character, well known through- 
 out the community for his uprightness and honesty, and he merits and enjoys 
 the confidence of his neighbors and friends. 
 
 ANDREW TH RON SON. 
 
 A fine property of two hundred and forty acres on section 23, Lafayette town- 
 ship, is owned by Andrew Thronson, and its excellent condition is evidence 
 of his ability as an agriculturist and of his life of industry and thrift. He was 
 born in Eker, Norway, December 26, 1848, and is a son of Thron and Hella 
 Thronson, natives of that locality. The father died in 1897, at the age of seventy, 
 and is buried in Eker. His wife survives him and makes her home in Drammen. 
 
 Andrew Thronson acquired his education in his native country and laid aside 
 his books at the age of seventeen. He afterward took a course in the Agricultural 
 College at Aas, near Christiania, an institution from which he was graduated in 
 1870. For three years thereafter he managed large landed estates in his native 
 country. He became foreman on the Drammen Shaen Railroad but at the end 
 of two years he resigned this position and came to America, becoming in 1883 
 connected with the Omaha Railroad. At the end of one year he entered the 
 employ of the Wisconsin Central and continued thus until 1894. In that year 
 he purchased one hundred and sixty acres on section 23, Lafayette township, to 
 which he has since added, his holdings now comprising two hundred and forty 
 acres. When he moved upon the original tract he found it covered with a dense 
 growth of scrub timber and of this he cleared one hundred and twenty acres, having 
 now two hundred acres under cultivation. He has erected excellent buildings 
 upon the property, including a residence, a good barn and a cement silo, and he 
 
PAST AND PRESENT OF CHIPPEWA COUNTY 
 
 405 
 
 engages in mixed farming, his well directed efforts being rewarded by a gratifying 
 degree of success. 
 
 In Eker, Norway, January 2, 1874, Mr. Thronson was united in marriage to 
 Miss Sophie Guldbrandson, a daughter of Guldbrand and Marn Anderson. The 
 former owned the Hoanga farm near Eker and was well known in agricultural 
 circles of that locality. Both parents have passed away. Mr. and Mrs. Thronson 
 became the parents of twelve children, eight of whom are still living : Thomas, a 
 mechanic in Tacoma, Washington; Axel, a carpenter in Chicago; Hilda, who 
 married Borger Hanson, a carpenter at Rice Lake, this state; Agnes, who married 
 John Brekke, a manufacturer of cabinets and other furniture ; Morris, a mechanic 
 in Tacoma, Washington; Conrad, who is assisting his father; Elvira, a stenog- 
 rapher and bookkeeper at Rice Lake, Wisconsin ; and Mabel, at home. Four 
 children born to Mr. and Mrs. Thronson have passed away, Maria, Gustav and 
 two others bearing the same names. They are buried in Eker, Norway. 
 
 Mr. Thronson is a member of the Norwegian Lutheran church and is inde- 
 pendent in his political views, serving at the present time as clerk of the school 
 board. He is one of the leading farmers of his locality and his success is due 
 entirely to his own hard work and intelligent management. 
 
 NICHOLAS K. LIGHT. 
 
 Among the large land owners and prosperous farmers of Delmar township 
 and among Chippewa county’s most progressive and representative native sons is 
 numbered Nicholas K. Licht, engaging in general farming and stock-raising on 
 sections 29 and 32. He was born in Edson township, January 10, 1864, and is a 
 son of Nicholas and Frances (Ronacker) Licht, natives of Germany, the former 
 born in 1834 and the latter in 1843. The father moved to Dodge county, Wis- 
 consin, with his parents when he was eleven years of age and grew to manhood 
 there, later turning his attention to farming. He and his wife are now residents 
 of the town of Edson. 
 
 Nicholas K. Licht was one of a family of nine children. He acquired his 
 education in the district schools of his native township and when he was thirteen 
 years of age, laid aside his books, afterwards assisting with the work of the farm 
 until he was twenty-five. At that time his father gave him eighty acres of unim- 
 proved land, which with characteristic energy he cleared and developed, making 
 it finally one of the best farms in his locality. In addition to this he has recently 
 purchased another tract of one hundred and sixty acres, this land lying on section 
 32, township 29, range 5 west. Here he raises all kinds of small grains and he 
 is also especially interested in stock-raising and dairying, all branches of his activ- 
 ities being important and profitable. 
 
 On the 2d of October, 1888, in Edson township, Mr. Licht married Miss 
 Emma Kuhn, a daughter of John and Catherine (Bretz) Kuhn, the former a 
 pioneer settler of Edson township. Mr. and Mrs. Licht have become the parents 
 of four children. William is engaged in farming on eighty acres of land on section 
 32, township 29, range 5 west, and married Miss Louisa Lechtner. The other 
 members in this family are Edward. Agnes and Sylvester. 
 
406 
 
 PAST AND PRESENT OF CHIPPEWA COUNTY 
 
 Mr. Licht is a member of the Roman Catholic church and is identified with 
 the Catholic Knights of Wisconsin and St. Joseph’s Society. He is a democrat 
 in his political belief and was for two and one-half years supervisor of Delmar 
 township. He is one of the oldest farmers in Delmar township, in point of 
 continuous residence, having lived upon his present farm for the past twenty-five 
 years. During that time he has met with gratifying and constantly increasing 
 success and his honorable and upright life has merited for him the esteem and 
 confidence of all who know him. 
 
 JOHN C. HANSEN. 
 
 Well controlled ambition, energy, resourcefulness and enterprise have actuated 
 John C. Hansen in all the activities of his career and have brought him today to a 
 position among the representative business men of Chippewa Falls, where since 
 1884 he has been well known as an able and successful building contractor. He 
 is a member of the Chippewa Falls Construction Company and has been a most 
 helpful factor in the success of the business it controls. Mr. Hansen was born 
 at Flemsburg, Schleswig-Holstein, Germany, April 21, 1865, and is a son of 
 Hans P. and Maria M. (Jensen) Hansen. The father was a wagon manufac- 
 turer in his native country and after coming to America assisted his son in the 
 building business, continuing this until his death in 1895, at the age of seventy- 
 three. He is buried in the Forest Hill cemetery at Chippewa Falls and his widow, 
 who passed away in 1899, was laid to rest near Flensburg, in Schleswig-Hol- 
 stein. Although both were natives of Germany the family is of Danish origin. 
 
 John C. Hansen acquired his education in the public schools of Germany and 
 laid aside his books at the age of fourteen after which he learned the mason’s 
 trade, following this for four \ears. In 1883 he emigrated to America and 
 settled first in Ashland, Wisconsin, where for one year he engaged successfully 
 in the contracting business. At the end of that time he moved to Chippewa Falls 
 and there formed a partnership with his brother in the same line of work. After 
 seven years their association was dissolved, Mr. Hansen of this review continuing 
 by himself for a similar period cf time, after which he aided in the organization 
 of the Chippewa Falls Construction Company, with which he has since been 
 connected. In the twenty-nine years during which he has been closely identified 
 with business interests in that city he has superintended the construction of some 
 of the most important business blocks and residences here and has indirectly 
 aided in the promotion of industrial and commercial expansion and growth. He 
 was only twenty-one years of age when he built the Metropolitan block, the 
 largest office building in Chippewa Falls and since that time his success has been 
 continuous and has connected him with most of the important building operations 
 in the city. The Chippewa Falls Construction Company employs four hundred 
 men and has carried forward to successful completion the erection of the Racine 
 Insane Asylum building and is now erecting the Robert E. Debfield high school 
 at Duluth, Minnesota, its business territory extending to all parts of the state. 
 The company also owns the Colfax stone quarry from which excellent raw mate- 
 rial is obtained. Mr. Hansen himself erected the Hansen Block, which is now 
 
PAST AND PRESENT OF CHIPPEWA COUNTY 
 
 407 
 
 his property and he has other important holdings of a similar character, being 
 ranked today among the most substantial and progressive men of the city. 
 
 In Chippewa Falls, on the 28th of March, 1891, Mr. Hansen was united in 
 marriage to Miss Bertha Mahrke, a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Mahrke, the 
 former of whom met death by drowning at Oshkosh, Wisconsin. He was sur- 
 vived by his wife until 1905 and both are buried at Wrightstown this state. Mr. 
 and Mrs. Hansen have become the parents of five children: Elfrieda, who 
 
 married Arthur Durch, a clerk in the Chippewa Falls postoffice; Walter, who 
 is assisting his father; Victor, a student in the Chippewa Falls high school; and 
 Martha and Arthur, who are attending school. The family reside in an attrac- 
 tive home at No. 215 North Prairie street, a dwelling which Mr. Hansen erected, 
 and they are well known in social circles of the city. 
 
 Mr. Hansen is a republican in his political beliefs and is connected fraternally 
 with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and is a member of the German 
 Lutheran church. He is a man of foresight, experience and unusual business 
 ability and throughout the years of his residence in Chippewa Falls has been an 
 important factor in the advancement of the community along all lines of growth. 
 
 IRA J. KINGSLAND. 
 
 Ira J. Kingsland who carries on general farming in Lafayette township has 
 a tract of land of one hundred and twenty acres situated partly on section 8 and 
 partly on section 17. Almost forty years have come and gone since he took up 
 his abode in this county, being at that time a youth of thirteen years. He was 
 born in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, February 27, 1861, and is a son of Isaac and 
 Harriet (Phillips) Kingsland. The father was a farmer by occupation but at 
 the time of the Civil war put aside all business and personal affairs in order to 
 aid his country to preserve the union. He was killed in battle and thus gave his 
 life as a sacrifice to the cause which he had espoused. His widow survived him 
 until 1882, and was laid to rest in the Lafayette cemetery. He came of an old 
 American family of English origin, the first ancestor in this country having 
 crossed the Atlantic in the Mayflower. One of his descendants, Nathaniel Kings- 
 land, fought throughout the Revolutionary war and in days of peace engaged in 
 the work of the ministry, preaching in the first Trinity Church of New York 
 city, which was then a log building. 
 
 Ira J. Kingsland thus has reason to be proud of his ancestral record. His 
 own life too has been a creditable one, actuated by honorable purposes and fol- 
 lowed by good results. He was educated in the schools of Eau Claire, but at 
 the early age of nine years put aside his text books. He was hardly beyond his 
 infancy at the time of his father’s death. Some years later he went to live with 
 relatives for whom he worked between the ages of nine and sixteen years. He 
 then sought employment in the lumber woods and on the drive on the river, 
 being thus engaged until he attained his majority. He next took up railroading 
 and was employed as a brakeman and conductor on the Wisconsin Central for 
 twelve years. In 1894 he was appointed to a position on the police force of 
 Chippewa Falls and acted in that capacity for two years. In 1896, however, he 
 
408 
 
 PAST AND PRESENT OF CHIPPEWA COUNTY 
 
 took up his abode upon his present farm, which was a tract of wild and undevel- 
 oped land covered with a dense growth of timber. No road led from his place 
 and because of its primitive condition it was an arduous task to clear and develop 
 the farm. He never hesitated in his undertaking but carried forward the work 
 of cultivation and improvement from early spring until late autumn while the 
 winter months were devoted to work in the woods. For some years he has made 
 a specialty of the dairy business and finds it a profitable source of income. He 
 also carries on general farming and has so managed his business affairs as to 
 win success being now numbered among the leading and representative agricultur- 
 ists of the county. He is also a stockholder in the Lafayette Cooperative Creamery 
 and in the Melville Settlement Telephone Company. He brooks no obstacles that 
 can be overcome by persistent and honorable effort and the straightforward 
 methods which he follows have gained for him the high regard of all with whom 
 he has been brought in contact. 
 
 Mr. Kingsland was married in Chippewa Falls, April 6, 1881, to Miss Stella 
 Dumply, a daughter of John and Martha Dumply, the former a boat builder of 
 Eau Claire, who passed away in 1893. Mr. and Mrs. Kingsland have had three 
 children ; George, an engineer of the Soo line; Jessie, the wife of Forest Bateman, 
 a farmer of Sigel township ; and Walter, who met death in a cave at the age of nine 
 years and was buried in the Bateman cemetery. 
 
 Mr. Kingsland holds membership with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows 
 and the Modern Woodmen of America. His political support is given to the 
 republican party and he has held some local offices, having served as assessor and 
 chairman of the township of Lafayette. His success may be attributed to hard 
 work and intelligent management and his good qualities as manifest in business 
 and social relations have made him a popular citizen of Chippewa county. 
 
 HON. JOHN W. THOMAS. 
 
 Hon. John W. Thomas left and is leaving the impress of his individuality upon 
 the history of county and state and the record is one which reflects credit and honor 
 upon the people who have honored him in choosing him for high positions of 
 political preferment. His sterling worth is everywhere recognized and his sub- 
 stantial qualities have made him one of the foremost citizens of Wisconsin. He 
 makes his home on a farm of two hundred fifty-six acres on section 7, Anson 
 township, and has been a resident of Chippewa county for fifty-six years, or 
 since 1857. He was a lad of but eleven years at the time of his arrival, his birth 
 having occurred in south Wales on the 3 ls t March, 1846. He is a son of 
 Stephen and Sarah (Evans) Thomas. The parents died in the Cherry flats and 
 were laid to rest in the Welsh cemetery in Tioga county, Pennsylvania. 
 
 fohn W. Thomas was very young when the family home was established in 
 Pennsylvania, where he began his education as a public-school pupil. He came 
 to Wisconsin with the family of Mr. and Mrs. Richard Copp, who reared him 
 and whom he assisted in the work of pioneer settlement. He was left an orphan 
 at the age of seven and although he was but eleven years of age when he came 
 to this state, he drove a team for Mr. Copp all the long way from Pennsylvania to 
 
MR. AND MRS. .J. W. THOMAS 
 
PAST AND PRESENT OF CHIPPEWA COUNTY 
 
 411 
 
 Chippewa county. The family with whom he lived settled in the town of Anson 
 and again he had opportunity to attend school to some extent, but spent much 
 time in farm work, aiding Mr. Copp in developing and improving his land. When 
 he was a youth of seventeen, his patriotic spirit was aroused by the attempt of the 
 south to overthrow the union, and he offered his services to the government enlist- 
 ing as a member of the Thirty-sixth Wisconsin Volunteer Infantry, with which 
 he served until the close of the war. He participated in the brilliant movements 
 of his regiment during General Grant’s campaign of 1864 before Richmond and 
 Petersburg. When hostilities were over and the country no longer needed his 
 aid, he returned to the north and has since been identified with farming interests 
 in Chippewa county. 
 
 It was his intention to attend college, but ill health, prevented and the money 
 which he had saved for that purpose was invested in real estate. He became the 
 owner of a tract of wild land which he cleared and placed under cultivation. From 
 time to time he added to his first purchase until his holdings were quite extensive. 
 He has always retained possession of the old home place and in connection with the 
 cultivation of his crops has engaged extensively in the dairy business, which, by 
 reason of his capable management, has proven a success. He has always wisely 
 used the opportunities which have come to him and is recognized as a man of 
 sound business judgment and keen discrimination as well as of unfaltering energy. 
 In addition to his other business interests, he is president and manager of the 
 Jim Falls Cooperative Butter & Cheese Company, which is a paying enterprise 
 and constitutes one of the chief productive industries of Jim Falls. 
 
 Aside from his business connections, Mr. Thomas is prominently known through 
 his political activity and is a recognized leader of the republican party in Chippewa 
 county, various political honors having been accorded him. Fie served as chair- 
 man of the county board for several terms and was elected to the office of county 
 treasurer. He was likewise secretary to the Chippewa County Agricultural 
 Society for eight years and did much to stimulate an interest in improved agri- 
 cultural methods. His high standing in agricultural circles is indicated in the 
 fact that in 1897 appointment of the governor made him a member of the State 
 Board of Agriculture and in 1899 he was reappointed for three years, at the end 
 of which time he declined the third appointment. In 18(34 the republican party 
 of Chippewa county elected him to represent the second district in the state 
 legislature and he was reelected in 1896, 1898 and 1900, serving, in all, four con- 
 secutive terms, during which period he made a most excellent record as a legis- 
 lator, faithful to the interests of his constituents and loyal to the welfare of the 
 state. He was again called to public office in 1902, being elected railroad com- 
 missioner. He was reelected in 1904 and in 1908 was again called to the legis- 
 lative department of state service, being elected senator from his district by a 
 flattering majority. He was connected with much important constructive legisla- 
 tion and did much toward guiding and directing the destinies of the state while a 
 member of the house and of the senate. Mr. Thomas was active in the railroad 
 investigation which resulted in no longer giving rebates to shippers and in collec- 
 tion of a large amount of back taxes. 
 
 At Bloomer, Wisconsin, on the 29th of February, 1868, Mr. Thomas was 
 married to Miss Marcella M. Fuller, a daughter of Daniel and Sarah Fuller, of 
 
 Bloomer, the father a pioneer farmer of Chippewa county, upon a part of whose 
 Vol. 11—22 
 
412 
 
 PAST AND PRESENT OF CHIPPEWA COUNTY 
 
 farm the town of Bloomer was built. Both he and his wife are deceased and 
 their graves were made in Bloomer cemetery. Mr. and Mrs. Thomas have a 
 daughter, Sarah, the wife of Fred Hartzell, who is secretary-treasurer and the 
 active manager of the Jim Falls Cooperative Butter & Cheese Company. Mr. 
 and Mrs. Hartzell reside with their parents and they have four children : Miriam 
 and Robert, who are attending school ; and Lloyd and Norma, who are at home. 
 
 Mr. Thomas is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, and in 
 fact is the oldest representative of the organization in the county, in years of 
 continuous connection therewith. He occupies a fine residence upon his farm on 
 section 7, Anson township, and has splendidly improved the property. There 
 are large barns and outbuildings and all modern equipments of the model farm 
 are here to be found. Mr. Thomas was the first in north Wisconsin to own a 
 silo and he has ever displayed an enterprising spirit in carrying on his farm inter- 
 ests. He possesses excellent business ability and when upon his retirement from 
 the office of railroad commissioner he was elected president of the Jim Falls 
 Cooperative Butter & Cheese Company, he bent his energy to the development of 
 a business which was then in a precarious condition. The company was in debt 
 and the future seemed dark, but Mr. Thomas at once took hold of the business 
 and under his guidance, it has been developed, its output being increased from 
 eighty-three thousand to three hundred and fifty thousand pounds of butter annu- 
 ally. It is characteristic of Mr. Thomas that he accomplishes what he undertakes, 
 whether in business affairs or in public life and at all times he is actuated by a 
 spirit of enterprise and honor that has made him one of the most valued citizens 
 of his county and state. 
 
 JOHN B. GALBRAITH. 
 
 In Stanley and throughout Chippewa county John B. Galbraith is known as 
 a man who understands the lumber business in principle and detail and who has 
 made capable and effective use of this knowledge during his twenty-four years 
 of service in the office of superintendent of woods for the Northwestern Lumber 
 Company. He was born in Speaker township, Sanilac county, Michigan, Septem- 
 ber 25, 1859, a son of Alexander G. and Adeline (Stevens) Galbraith, natives of 
 Canada. The father went to Michigan as a young man and farmed in that state 
 until his death which occurred in 1865. His wife has also passed away. They 
 had two children : John B. and Walter. 
 
 John B. Galbraith acquired his education in district school No. 16, Pontiac, 
 Michigan, attending until he was nineteen years of age. He then spent two years 
 upon the farm and at the end of that time secured a position as a lumber scaler 
 under Albert Pack, a noted lumberman of that time, working for him for eighteen 
 years and becoming thoroughly familiar with the lumber business. He then 
 became connected with the Northwestern Lumber Company as superintendent of 
 woods and since that time has held this responsible position, gaining during the 
 years the confidence and regard of his employers and the respect and esteem of 
 his associates. Mr. Galbraith is a director in the Stanley, Merrill & Phillips Rail- 
 
PAST AND PRESENT OF CHIPPEWA COUNTY 
 
 413 
 
 way and he owns considerable property, including a comfortable residence in 
 Stanley and land on sections 6 and 21, Taylor township. 
 
 On the 20th of August, 1884, in Port Huron, Michigan, Mr. Galbraith mar- 
 ried Miss Sylvia Cole, a daughter of John and Martha (Moony) Cole, the former 
 a prominent lumberman of that city. Mr. and Mrs. Galbraith have two children : 
 Walter A., a lumber scaler; and John M., identified with an engineering corps 
 at Cornell. 
 
 Mr. Galbraith is a Chapter Mason and is connected also with the Benevolent 
 Protective Order of Elks. He is a member of the Presbyterian church and gives 
 his political allegiance to the republican party. He served as alderman of the 
 third ward for four years and proved a very capable official, standing always on 
 the side of right and progress. His worth is widely acknowledged, his business 
 ability having gained him prominence in his commercial connections and his integ- 
 rity standing as an unquestioned fact in his career. 
 
 JOSEPH BARCUME. 
 
 In the business circles of Bloomer the name of Joseph Barcume is synonymous 
 with enterprise, diligence and determination. He accomplishes what he under- 
 takes and as the years go by achieves success as a reward of earnest and intel- 
 ligently directed efforts. He is president of the Bank of Bloomer and of 
 the Bloomer Machine Company and in these connections contributes much to the 
 business growth and development of the city in which he lives. New York claims 
 him as a native son, his birth having occurred in Franklin county, that state. His 
 father, John Barcume, was a native of Canada and after living for a time in the 
 Empire state moved westward to southern Wisconsin where he engaged in 
 farming. Pie died in Roxburg, Wisconsin, at the age of sixty-five years, both he 
 and his wife passing away when their son Joseph was ten years of age. 
 
 Joseph Barcume is the only son of the family now living. Upon the death 
 of his parents he began working for farmers of the neighborhood and was thus 
 employed until the Civil war broke out. His patriotic spirit prompted his enlist- 
 ment and he became a member of Company K, Second Wisconsin Infantry with 
 which he served for three years and eight months. He saw the last cannon fired 
 by the confederates before the surrender of Lee. He was a brave and loyal 
 soldier faithful to duty and he participated in various battles including the engage- 
 ment at Fredricksburg, the second battle of Bull Run, South Mountain, Antietam, 
 Gettysburg, The Wilderness, Petersburg, Appomatox and numerous others. His 
 brigade took part in thirty-one battles and Mr. Barcume participated in twenty- 
 five of these. He was wounded in the battle of the Wilderness. Ever faithful 
 to duty he made an excellent reputation as a soldier and returned home with a 
 military record of which he has every reason to be proud. 
 
 Following the close of the war Mr. Barcume came to Cooks Valley in Chippewa 
 county and there engaged in farming until about twenty-five years ago when he 
 moved to Bloomer. He was in the elevator business with J. B. Kahl of Chippewa 
 Falls for some time, but about five years ago disposed of his interest in that busi- 
 ness in which he had been very successful. He was one of the men who reorgan- 
 
414 
 
 PAST AND PRESENT OF CHIPPEWA COUNTY 
 
 ized the Bank of Bloomer and has been its president for about three years. The 
 bank is capitalized for ten thousand dollars and its other officers are William 
 Larson, vice president, and A. T. Newman, cashier. On the board of directors 
 in addition to the officers are O. A. Abrahamson, L. M. Newman and Mr. McKin- 
 non. The bank is in a flourishing condition, is conducting general banking business 
 and its success is due in large measure to the enterprising methods and safe 
 conservatism of the president. Mr. Barcume aiso has other business interests, 
 being president of the Bloomer Machine Works. They do all kinds of machine 
 work including the building of gasoline engines and that the industry is one of 
 the largest business concerns of the city is indicated by the fact that employment 
 is furnished to about thirty men. The officers of the company are Joseph Bar- 
 cume, president; Wm. Larson, vice president and Torphen Thompson, secretary 
 and treasurer. 
 
 Mr. Barcume married Miss Mary E. Chase, a native of Ohio, but in 1908 
 was called upon to mourn the loss of his wife who died at the age of fiftv-five 
 years. In politics Mr. Barcume is a prohibitionist and his religious faith is that 
 of the Methodist Episcopal church. This fact indicates much of the nature of his 
 interest and the rules which govern his conduct. He is not only recognized as an 
 enterprising and prosperous business man but also as an upright and honorable 
 one and as the years go by is making a record which anyone might envy, for with 
 him prosperity and an honorable name have been synonymous. 
 
 HENRY F. POWERS. 
 
 Henry F. Powers, proprietor of a livery stable and a well appointed under- 
 taking establishment in Chippewa Falls, is a native son of that city and was 
 born on the spot where his business concern now stands, March 3, 1866. PI is 
 parents were Morris and Mary (Grady) Powers, natives of Ireland, who came 
 to Chippewa county at an early date. Here the father established the first sawmill 
 in Chippewa Falls and later turned his attention to farming, dying upon his hold- 
 ings January 28, 1901. His wife survived him until April, 1912, and both are 
 buried in the Mount Calvary Catholic cemetery. 
 
 Henry F. Powers acquired his education in the public schools of Tilden and 
 laid aside his books at the age of fifteen. He then spent twenty-one winters in 
 the lumber woods, assisting his father on the farm during the summers and con- 
 tinuing thus until 1903, when he moved to Chippewa Falls and established his 
 present enterprise on the corner of Bay street and Grand avenue. He carries 
 a fine line of caskets and funeral supplies and a liberal patronage is accorded 
 him, for his prices are reasonable and his integrity above all question. In con- 
 nection with his undertaking concern he also conducts a livery stable and by his 
 able management has made this branch of his enterprise profitable and important. 
 
 In Chippewa Falls, on the 25th of November, 1905, Mr. Powers was united 
 in marriage to Miss Edith O’Brien, a daughter of Daniel and Mary (Murphy) 
 O’Brien, the former a pioneer farmer of Chippewa county. Both have passed 
 away and are buried in Cooks Valley. Mr. Powers is a member of the Roman 
 Catholic church and is connected fraternally with the Knights of Columbus, the 
 
PAST AND PRESENT OF CHIPPEWA COUNTY 
 
 415 
 
 Catholic Order of Foresters and the Fraternal Reserve Association. He is inde- 
 pendent in his political views, voting for the man whom he considers best fitted 
 for the position without regard to party lines. He is widely and favorably known 
 in his native city, having based a substantial degree of success upon industry, 
 reliability and integrity. 
 
 JOHN OAKLAND. 
 
 Among the most progressive citizens and substantial agriculturists of Chippewa 
 county is numbered John Oakland, who, in connection with his brother, owns one 
 of the best improved and most competently managed farms in Sigel township. 
 He was born in Dane county, this state, March 4, i860, and is a son of John B. 
 and Carrie Oakland, natives of Norway, the former born in 1823 and the latter 
 in 1830. They came to Wisconsin in 1853, settling in Primrose township, Dane 
 county, where the father engaged in agricultural pursuits until his death, which 
 occurred in 1907. He had survived his wife some time, her death having occurred 
 in 1890. Six children were born to their union, as follows : Isabelle, John, Rhoda, 
 Joseph, Daniel and Caroline. 
 
 John Oakland acquired his education in the public schools of Dane county, 
 laying aside his books when he was seventeen years of age. He afterward worked 
 upon his father’s farm until he was twenty-one and then removed to North 
 Dakota, where he remained for ten years. On the 14th of November, 1898, he 
 came to Chippewa county and in association with his brother Daniel purchased 
 eighty acres of unimproved land in Sigel township. This they cleared and upon 
 it erected a modern six-room house and substantial outbuildings. In 1910 they 
 added a new barn and they have made other important improvements, the farm 
 reflecting everywhere the careful supervision and practical labor which they have 
 bestowed upon it. The brothers specialize in raising small grains and in the 
 conduct of a sanitary dairy, the products of which find a ready sale upon the local 
 market. John Oakland is a stockholder in the Clear Creek Cheese Factory and 
 is recognized as an able and resourceful business man. Mr. Oakland is a member 
 of the Lutheran church and a republican in his political beliefs, interested in the 
 growth and welfare of the community in which he lives. Wherever he is known 
 he is held in high esteem, for he is a representative citizen and a progressive 
 farmer. 
 
 JOSEPH ZWEIFELHOFER. 
 
 Among the most progressive and successful agriculturists of Chippewa county 
 is numbered Joseph Zweifelhofer, whose fine farm of one hundred and sixty 
 acres lies on section 24, Howard township, and in its neat and attractive appear- 
 ance is a visible evidence of his life of industry and thrift. Mr. Zweifelhofer 
 has resided in this county since 1869 but is a native of Germany, born in 1858,. 
 
416 
 
 PAST AND PRESENT OF CHIPPEWA COUNTY 
 
 a son of Joseph and Kate (Fidler) Zvveifelhofer. The mother died in 1904 and 
 is survived by her husband, who makes his home in Tilden township, this county. 
 
 Joseph Zweifelhofer was eleven years of age when he came to America and 
 his education was acquired in the public schools of Chippewa county. This was 
 limited, however, for he was obliged to lay aside his books at a very early age 
 and thereafter he assisted his father with the work of the homestead for seventeen 
 years, becoming during that time familiar with the best agricultural methods. 
 He finally began farming independently upon the property which he now owns 
 and throughout the intervening years he has steadily carried forward the work 
 of improvement and development until today he is the owner of a valuable and 
 productive farm. His holdings comprise one hundred and sixty acres on section 
 24, Howard township, and upon this property he specializes in the raising of 
 grain, conducting also a profitable dairy business. 
 
 In Tilden township, Mr. Zweifelhofer married Miss Lena Bloom, a daughter 
 of Poney and Benedicta Bloom, both of whom have passed away and are buried in 
 Tilden township. Mr. and Mrs. Zweifelhofer have become the parents of eight 
 children, one son and seven daughters. Mr. Zweifelhofer is a member of the 
 Catholic church and is a democrat in his political beliefs. He is progressive and 
 public-spirited in matters of citizenship and has held various important public 
 offices, the duties of which he has discharged in a capable and loyal manner. 
 During the forty-four years of his residence in Chippewa county he has become 
 known as a man of high standards and honorable principles and he merits and 
 holds the esteem and regard of all who are associated with him. 
 
 EDWIN SMITH. 
 
 Edwin Smith, a well known and representative agriculturist of Arthur town- 
 ship, is the owner of one hundred and sixty acres of land on section 31, town- 
 ship 30, range 6. He is one of the earliest settlers of that part of the county, 
 having come there in 1872 or more than four decades ago. His birth occurred 
 in Oxford, New Hampshire, on the 16th of February, 1852, his parents being 
 Jonathan and Maria (Bartholomew) Smith, who were likewise natives of that 
 state. In 1868 they removed to Sauk county, Wisconsin, and were there identified 
 with farming interests for four years. On the expiration of that period, in 
 1872, they accompanied their son Edwin to Chippewa county, the father purchas- 
 ing a small farm near that of our subject and spending the remainder of his 
 life thereon. The mother afterward resided with her son Edwin until she, too, 
 was called to her final rest. 
 
 Edwin Smith was a young man of twenty years when in the spring of 1872 
 he came to Chippewa county, purchasing eighty acres of land which comprises 
 the south half of the southwest quarter of section 31, township 30, range 6. 
 This was one of what were known as the hardwood ridges, the property being 
 covered with fine hardwood trees and only a few pines. The place was just as 
 it came from the hands of nature and merely a trail led through the fvoods. 
 There \vas no railroad in Chippewa county, the terminus of the road being at 
 Eau Claire, whence the Smith family traveled by stage to Chippewa Falls and 
 
PAST AND PRESENT OF CHIPPEWA COUNTY 
 
 417 
 
 from that place came to their farm by ox team. The first home of Edwin Smith 
 was a log building, sixteen by twenty-eight feet, which was covered with sawed 
 shingles and which remained his dwelling place for a quarter of a century. He 
 then erected the frame residence which now stands on the farm and also has a 
 substantial frame barn and other buildings. His farm now embraces one hun- 
 dred and sixty acres of land, eighty of which are under cultivation and twenty 
 or thirty of which have been cleared for pasture. As above stated, he was one 
 of the earliest settlers in his part of the county and has always been industrious 
 and energetic, enjoying good health and being still active and robust though now 
 more than sixty years of age. For fifteen or eighteen years he worked in the 
 woods during the winter seasons, from December ist until the spring, cutting 
 and hauling logs, and then until May was engaged as a log driver on the Chippewa 
 and Yellow rivers. He has a very vivid recollection of the early days and relates 
 many interesting incidents of pioneer times and conditions. 
 
 As a companion and helpmate on the journey of life Mr. Smith chose Miss 
 Vina Smith, the marriage ceremony being performed one mile north of the 
 place where he now resides. She was a. native of Canada and a daughter of 
 Albert Smith, who came to Chippewa county in 1877 or 1878. She passed away 
 seven years ago, leaving a family of five children, as follows: Alfred, who is 
 
 married and resides in Cadott; Edna, who gave her hand in marriage to Bert 
 Berry, of Drywood, Wisconsin ; Mary, the wife of Arthur Roberts, of Drywood ; 
 Frances, who is the wife of Earl Libby, of Lafayette township; and Grace, 
 at home. 
 
 Mr. Smith was formerly a republican in his political views but is now a sup- 
 porter of the democracy. He served for eleven years as a member of the town- 
 ship board of supervisors and acted as a member of the school board for many 
 years, severing his connection therewith in 1912. His life has been a busy, indus- 
 trious and useful one, and his relative worth is widely recognized by his fellow 
 townsmen. 
 
 J. A. MORRISON, D. D. S. 
 
 The dental profession has a capable representative in Bloomer in Dr. J. A. 
 Morrison, whose well equipped office and efficient methods mark him as a pro- 
 gressive man well qualified to undertake the delicate and onerous professional 
 duties that devolve upon him. He is thoroughly conversant with the most modern 
 methods and has practiced continuously in Bloomer since completing his col- 
 lege course in 1898. He is one of Wisconsin’s native sons, his birth having 
 occurred in Monroe county, in 1876. His father, E. J. Morrison, was a native 
 of the state of New York, and is now located at Chetek, where he is engaged 
 in the creamery business. He married Dora Prill, and they had six children. 
 
 Dr. Morrison was educated in the schools of Bloomer and in the Chicago 
 College of Dentistry, in which he prepared for the profession. He was grad- 
 uated with the class of 1898 and came direct to Bloomer, where he opened an 
 office, having attractive and pleasant quarters over the Peoples State Bank. His 
 office is well equipped with modern dental appliances and in the use- of delicate 
 
418 
 
 PAST AND PRESENT OF CHIPPEWA COUNTY 
 
 instruments he displays notable skill and ingenuity. He keeps in touch with the 
 advanced thought of the profession and with the most modern methods of 
 practice and his patronage is gratifying. He is also president of the Bloomer 
 Telephone Company. 
 
 Dr. Morrison was married to Miss Ella B. Cook, of Chetek, and they are well 
 known in social circles. In politics he is a democrat and has served as village 
 clerk. He exemplifies in his life the beneficent spirit of the Masonic fraternity, 
 holding membership in the lodge of Bloomer and he is also a member of the 
 Congregational church. He has a wide acquaintance and the circle of his friends 
 is almost coextensive therewith. He deserves the regard in which he is held 
 both socially and professionally and should be mentioned as one of the represen- 
 tative citizens of Chippewa county. 
 
 BERNARD RAGEOT. 
 
 Bernard Rageot, who came to Chippewa county in the ’60s has since been 
 actively identified with agricultural pursuits in this part of the state and is now 
 residing on a tract of thirty-three and a third acres on section 35, Washington 
 township, in Rusk county, which was cut off from Chippewa twelve years ago. 
 His birth occurred in Canada in 1838, his parents being Pierre and Mary Rageot, 
 who spent their entire lives in that country. In early manhood Bernard Rageot 
 crossed the border into the United States and for two years made his home in 
 Michigan, being a resident of that state during the period of the Civil war. 
 Subsequently he came to Chippewa county, Wisconsin, and here became identified 
 with sawmill and lumber interests. He also purchased one hundred and sixty 
 acres of unimproved land from the government and after clearing the property 
 began its cultivation, being actively engaged in its operation until a few years 
 ago, when he disposed of the place and bought the tract on which he now resides. 
 In the conduct of his agricultural interests he has won a well merited measure 
 of success and has long been numbered among the substantial and esteemed resi- 
 dents of his community. 
 
 Mr. Rageot was married in Chippewa county and has a daughter, Julia, who 
 is the wife of Richard Hopkins, of Washington township, Rusk county. The 
 religious faith of the family is that of the Catholic church. Mr. Rageot has now 
 attained the ripe old age of seventy-five years and is widely and favorably known 
 throughout the community which has been his home for about a half century. 
 
 H. M. TRANKLE, M. D. 
 
 Dr. H. M. Trankle, actively engaged in the practice of medicine and surgery 
 at Bloomer, was born in the year 1880, in the town which is still his home. His 
 father, Conrad Trankle, was a native of Germany and after coming to the new 
 world settled in Wisconsin, where he made his home for many years. He was 
 engaged in merchandising in Bloomer to the time of his death, which occurred 
 
PAST AND PRESENT OF CHIPPEWA COUNTY 
 
 419 
 
 when he was fifty-five years of age. After coming to the new world he wedded 
 Tracy Albright, a native of Wisconsin, who has also now passed away. They 
 had two children, the younger being Mrs. Ida Woodard. 
 
 Dr. Trankle, whose name introduces this review, pursued his early education 
 in the schools of Bloomer, passing through consecutive grades and laying the 
 foundation upon which he built his professional knowledge. Having determined 
 to engage in the practice of medicine as a life work, he matriculated in Rush 
 Medical College of Chicago and was graduated therefrom on the 21 st of June, 
 1901. He then practiced for three years in Minnesota and in 1904 came to 
 Bloomer, where he has since been located, occupying offices over the Peoples State 
 Bank. He is one of the directors of that financial institution and is recognized 
 as a capable business as well as professional man. He keeps in close touch with 
 everything bearing upon the practice of medicine, reads broadly, thinks deeply 
 and acts progressively. 
 
 Dr. Trankle was married in 1907 to Miss Blanche Bickerstaff, of Wisconsin, a 
 daughter of William Bickerstaff, and unto them has been born one child, Warren 
 Lynn, now three years of age. .Dr. Trankle exercises his right of franchise in 
 support of the men and measures of the republican party and keeps well versed on 
 the questions and issues of the day. He holds membership with the Masons and 
 with the Elks and is loyal to the teachings of those organizations. Substantial 
 qualities of manhood and of citizenship have made him popular, while his pro- 
 fessional skill has gained him recognition as an able practitioner of medicine, 
 well worthy of liberal support. 
 
 frank McDonald. 
 
 Frank McDonald is one of the extensive landowners and most progressive 
 and prominent agriculturists of Chippewa county, his holdings comprising two 
 hundred and thirty acres of improved farm land nine miles southwest of Bloomer 
 and one hundred and thirty acres of timber land adjoining. In the management 
 of his interests he has proved capable, resourceful and discriminating and, although 
 he is still a young man, has already gained for himself an enviable position in 
 agricultural circles of this locality. He was born at Eau Claire, Wisconsin, in 
 1881, and is a son of Duncan McDonald, a native of Canada, who came to the 
 United States when he was a young man and engaged in the logging business 
 for thirty-five years thereafter. He owned a farm in Chippewa county north 
 of Bloomer and operated this property for some time, dying upon it when he 
 was nearly eighty-eight years of age. He married Miss Lorenge Neary, who 
 survives him and who is still in possession of the homestead. 
 
 Frank McDonald is one of a family of four children. He acquired his educa- 
 tion in the public schools of Chippewa county and after laying aside his books 
 worked in the lumber woods for ten winters, spending his summers assisting his 
 father. At the end of that time he turned his attention to farming upon property 
 north of Bloomer, where he remained until 1909, when he moved to his present 
 place, whereon he has since carried on the work of improvement and development 
 along progressive and modern lines. He engages in general farming and dairying 
 
420 
 
 PAST AND PRESENT OF CHIPPEWA COUNTY 
 
 and under his able and farsighted management both branches of his activities 
 have proved important and profitable. 
 
 Air. McDonald married Aliss Ida O’Connell, and they have become the par- 
 ents of two children, Maude and Kenneth. Mr. McDonald is a republican in 
 his political beliefs and a regular attendant at the Methodist Episcopal church. 
 He is a young man of exemplary character, capable in business and progressive in 
 citizenship, and he holds the respect and esteem of all who are associated with 
 him. 
 
 EMERY HUTIT. 
 
 An excellent farm of two hundred acres, situated five and a half miles south- 
 east of Bloomer, is being cultivated and developed through the efforts and energy 
 of Emery ITuth, who is accounted one of the enterprising agriculturists of the 
 community. The place is owned by his mother, and it was upon this farm that 
 he was born thirty years ago. He is a son of Fred W. Huth, a native of Germany, 
 who, attracted by the opportunities of the new world, bade adieu to friends and 
 native country when about thirty-five years of age and sailed for the United 
 States. He continued his westward travel overland until he reached Wisconsin 
 and then began farming in Chippewa county, where he continued to make his 
 home until called to his final rest. He became the owner of a tract of land which 
 is now the property of his widow, and as the years passed by he brought the 
 fields to a high state of cultivation. He died in 1908, at the ripe old age of seventy- 
 five years, and is still survived by his wife, who bore the maiden name of Louise 
 Laube. In their family were nine children, of whom three have passed away. 
 
 Emery Huth had the usual experiences of the farm lad who devotes his time 
 to the acquirement of an education, to the pleasures of the playground and the 
 work of the fields. When not busy with his text-books he spent much of his 
 time in assisting his father in planting, cultivating and harvesting the crops and 
 thus practical experience qualified him for the duties which devolved upon him 
 when he took charge of the farm which he now operates. The two hundred acres 
 under his care constitute a well developed property upon which substantial 
 improvements have been made, and a spirit of enterprise and progress pervades 
 the entire place. Mr. Huth is an energetic young farmer, carrying forward to 
 successful completion whatever he undertakes, and the good crops which he 
 annually gathers bring to him a substantial return. His political allegiance is 
 given to the republican party and his religious faith is that of the Lutheran church. 
 
 SAMUEL NELSON. 
 
 Samuel Nelson owns and operates one hundred and sixty acres of land in 
 Tilden township and upon this property carries on general farming and dairying 
 and specializes in the breeding of high-grade Holstein cattle. His sons are inter- 
 ested with him in the operation of this property and their business is conducted 
 under the name of Nelson & Sons. Samuel Nelson was born in Norway in 1S70, 
 
PAST AND PRESENT OF CHIPPEWA COUNTY 
 
 421 
 
 and is a son of Nels Nelson, a farmer in that country, who never came to 
 the United States. He married Miss Emerinse Johannason, and they became 
 the parents of eight children. 
 
 Samuel Nelson acquired his education in the public schools of Norway and 
 in 1890 emigrated to America. He located first at Muskegon, Michigan, and after 
 six months moved to Chippewa county, where he began working for Martin 
 Rasmus in the woods and at various other occupations, continuing thus until 
 1899, when he purchased his present farm. Since that time he has improved this 
 with commodious barns and outbuildings and here engages in general farming 
 and dairying, making a specialty of breeding and raising high-grade Holstein 
 cattle, having a registered bull of the best stock at the head of his herd. In associ- 
 ation with his sons, under the firm name of Nelson & Sons, he carries on an 
 extensive business as a stock dealer and is numbered today among the enterprising- 
 agriculturists and able business men of his locality. 
 
 In Chippewa county, Mr. Nelson married Miss Hanna Christianson, a sister 
 of C. L. Christianson, and they have become the parents of seven children, Casper, 
 Nels, Oscar, Mary, Helen, Harold and Leona. Mr. Nelson is a member of the 
 Norwegian Lutheran church and is connected fraternally with the Modern Wood- 
 men of America. He has at all times taken an active interest in community affairs 
 and has held various public offices, including those of deputy sheriff under 
 McCann and treasurer of the school board. He has been for many years con- 
 nected with educational interests and is at present treasurer of school district 
 No. 9, Tilden township. He is active in all that pertains to the substantial improve- 
 ment and development of the community and is widely recognized as a public- 
 spirited and progressive citizen as well as a capable and farsighted business man. 
 
 THEODORE HOMELAND. 
 
 Successful accomplishment in business results from certain indispensable 
 qualities — energy, determination and recognition of opportunity. These are 
 possessed in considerable measure by Theodore Hoveland, who is the treasurer 
 of the Bloomer Land Company. He was born in Minnesota but was reared in 
 Dunn county, Wisconsin, and is a son of Samuel Hoveland, a native of Norway, 
 who came to the United States in 1865, settling in Minnesota. After living in 
 that state for a time he came to Wisconsin, taking up his abode upon a farm n 
 Dunn county, where he continued to carry on general agricultural pursuits until 
 his life’s labors were ended in death, when he was fifty-eight years of age. He 
 w 7 as married in Norway to Miss Tena Loftus, who is still a resident of Dunn 
 county, living at the old homestead with a son. They were the parents of thirteen 
 children, eleven of whom are yet living. 
 
 Theodore Hoveland acquired his education in the schools of Dunn county 
 and after his text-books were put aside, came to Chippewa county, where he 
 engaged in the hotel and saloon business and also conducted a livery stable for 
 a part of the time. He withdrew from that business about a year ago, however, 
 since which time he has been treasurer of the Bloomer Land Company, with 
 Jacob Radyer as president, and James H. Olds as secretary. This company 
 
422 
 
 PAST AND PRESENT OF CHIPPEWA COUNTY 
 
 handles improved farms and undeveloped lands and city property in this section of 
 Wisconsin, and also sells Texas lands. Mr. Hoveland has made himself well 
 informed concerning property values and is a progressive real-estate dealer, noting 
 the signs of the times and placing upon the market such property as he has reason 
 to believe will prove attractive to the purchasing public. The company enjoys 
 substantial success, not a little of which is due to the enterprising efforts of him 
 whose name introduces this review. 
 
 Mr. Hoveland was united in marriage to Miss Hannah Holverson, now 
 deceased, and they became the parents of four children: Mabel; William and 
 
 Frank, who are high-school students; and Della, also in school. 
 
 Mr. Hoveland votes with the republican party and keeps well informed on 
 the questions and issues of the day. He belongs to the Scandinavian Workmen’s 
 Association and he possesses many of the sterling characteristics of his Scandi- 
 navian ancestry, including the industry and enterprise for which the sons of 
 Norway are noted. 
 
 CHRISTIAN HANSEN. 
 
 When Christian Hansen was a young man, the attractions and opportunities 
 of the new world proved irresistible to him and he sought a home on this side 
 of the Atlantic. Here he gradually worked his way upward and is now known 
 as a successful stock dealer of Bloomer. He was born in Denmark, in 1861, and 
 is a son of Nels Hansen. The father never came to the United States and the 
 son was reared and educated in his native country, remaining there until twenty- 
 four years of age, when he made the long voyage to the new world. He did not 
 tarry long upon the Atlantic coast but continued his journey into the interior of 
 the country, going first to Neenah, Wisconsin, where he remained for a year 
 and a half. On the expiration of that period he removed to Ashland, where 
 he remained for ten years, engaged in the meat business. He next came to 
 Bloomer, arriving in 1896. He had previously been buying stock here, beginning 
 business at this point in 1889, and he shipped the first carload of stock from 
 this place. Since then not a single month has passed in which he has not made 
 a shipment of stock from Bloomer, and in order to better facilitate his business 
 interests he has lived here since 1896. At one time he was the owner of a 
 farm in this locality, but has disposed of it. However, he owns one of the best 
 residence properties of the town. From the beginning he has won success. He 
 employs a man who does most of the buying, while Mr. Hansen oversees and 
 directs the business. He is himself an excellent judge of cattle and his purchases 
 and sales of live stock have brought him a substantial annual return. In addition 
 to his other interests Mr. Hansen is a director of the Peoples State Bank and is 
 a stockholder in the telephone company of Bloomer. 
 
 Mr. Hansen was married to Miss Inez Woodard, and they have become the 
 parents of two children: Alda, who was graduated from the high school of 
 
 Bloomer in 1912 with valedictorian honors; and Dewey, whose birth occurred 
 at the same hour in which Admiral Dewey was winning his famous victory in 
 Manila. 
 
PAST AND PRESENT OF CHIPPEWA COUNTY 
 
 423 
 
 The religious faith of the family is that of the Congregational church and to 
 its support Mr. Hansen contributes liberally. In politics he is a republican, well 
 versed on the important questions of the day, and for seven years he served on 
 the village board, bringing to bear in the careful direction of public affairs the 
 same spirit of enterprise and sound judgment which marks the management of 
 his private business interests. 
 
 FRED A. R. SCRITSMIER. 
 
 Fred A. R. Scritsmier, a native son of Auburn township, who owns and 
 operates one hundred and twenty acres five and one-half miles southwest of 
 Bloomer and another tract of one hundred and sixty acres in the same locality, 
 was born in 1876 and is a son of P. L. Scritsmier, a native of Denmark, who 
 came to the United States with his parents when he was a boy of ten. He located 
 immediately in Wisconsin and after reaching manhood engaged in farming in 
 Chippewa county for a number of years. He has now retired from active life 
 and makes his home at Long Beach, California. He married Miss Mary Spies 
 and they became the parents of nine children. 
 
 Fred A. R. Scritsmier acquired his education in the public schools of this 
 county and after laying aside his books turned his attention to farming upon one 
 of his father’s properties. He continued to develop and improve this farm until 
 he moved to his present place of one hundred and twenty acres in Auburn town- 
 ship. Upon this he has erected all of the buildings and here he carries on 
 general farming and dairying, his practical and well directed labors being 
 rewarded by a gratifying degree of success. He owns also one hundred and sixty 
 acres near his home farm and this property he operates along modern and 
 progressive lines. 
 
 Mr. Scritsmier married Miss Alice McFarland and they have become the 
 parents of two children, Lorenzo and Violet, both of whom are attending school. 
 Mr. Scritsmier attends the Methodist Episcopal church and is independent in his 
 political views. His entire life has been spent in Auburn township, where he 
 has a wide acquaintance and is favorably known. 
 
 THEODORE ENGER. 
 
 Theodore Enger is among the prosperous farmers of Chippewa county, culti- 
 vating land on section 1, township 31, range 6, near Cornell postoffice. He has 
 forty acres under cultivation, upon which he erected a modern house and 
 other substantial farm buildings. He was born near Christiania, Norway, on 
 February 13, 1861, a son of Otto and Thea Enger. The father died in Chippewa 
 county about five years ago, his wife having preceded him in death while still in 
 her native land. Theodore Enger was about twenty-two years of age when he 
 came to the United States and therefore received his education in his native 
 country. After coming to this section he worked for three years in the employ 
 
424 
 
 PAST AND PRESENT OF CHIPPEWA COUNTY 
 
 of Daniel Seymour, a well known banker of Chippewa Falls, and then clerked 
 for five years in a store in that city. Having carefully saved his earnings, he 
 was enabled to acquire title to one hundred and twenty acres of fine land near 
 Cornell, which he improved and on which he made his home until 1906, when he 
 settled upon his present farm, selling his former property. The forty acres which 
 he acquired were slightly improved and lie has since improved most of the land 
 and brought it under cultivation. He has erected substantial buildings, including 
 a modern residence, a log barn and other outbuildings. He is progressive and 
 modern in his methods and success has come to him in response to incessant and 
 closely applied efforts. 
 
 Mr. huger was married in Norway to Miss Tollena Nymon, a native of that 
 country. Of their twelve children three died in infancy, those living being: 
 Olive, the wife of Henry McKenna, of Chippewa Falls; Thea, who married 
 Walter Doland, of St. Paul, Minnesota; Minnie; Otto, of Washington, D. C., 
 who for a time was a page in the house of representatives and is now studying 
 veterinary surgery; Martha, who married Roy Nash, of Pepin, Wisconsin; and 
 Finney, Albert, Thorvel and Amand, all at home. 
 
 Mr. Enger and family are members of the Lutheran church, in the work of 
 which they take an active and helpful interest. Politically he is a republican. 
 Such success as has come to him is highly merited, as it has been achieved through 
 worthy methods, and it is therefore but natural that Mr. Enger in large measure 
 enjoys the confidence and esteem of his fellow citizens. 
 
 ARA MORRIS CAM FIELD. 
 
 Ara Morris Camfield, who has been a resident of Chippewa county for three 
 decades and is therefore largely familiar with its history from pioneer times to 
 the present, is the owner of a tract of land comprising eighty acres on section 25, 
 township 30, range 7, and devotes his attention to dairy farming in Arthur town- 
 ship. His birth occurred in Kalamazoo county, Michigan, on the 30th of June, 
 1863, his parents being John A. and Mary E. (Herron) Camfield, natives of 
 New York. The father, an agriculturist by occupation, now resides in Michigan 
 but expects soon to come to this county to make his home with our subject. The 
 mother has passed away. 
 
 Ara M. Camfield spent his boyhood in Van Buren county, Michigan, and in 
 September, 1883, when a young man of twenty years, came to Chippewa county, 
 Wisconsin. Here he purchased eighty acres of wild land on section 26, township 
 30, range 7, erected a dwelling, improved the property and continued to reside 
 thereon until 1901. In that year he disposed of the place and bought a tract 
 of eighty acres of wild land on section 25, where he has remained continuously 
 since. He has cleared about forty acres thereof and his buildings include a log 
 house and barn. Mr. Camfield devotes his time and energies to dairy farming 
 and in that connection has won a well merited measure of success. As above 
 stated, he has lived in this county since pioneer days and for many years worked 
 in the lumber camps and on the river. He spent seven years in the logging camps 
 and for three years was engaged in logging on his own account. 
 
PAST AND PRESENT OF CHIPPEWA COUNTY 
 
 425 
 
 In Chippewa county, Mr. Camfield was united in marriage to Miss Ella Wilson, 
 a native of New Richland, Waukesha county, Wisconsin, by whom he has four 
 children, as follows: Viola, who is the wife of Charles Jahnke, a farmer of 
 
 Arthur township ; and Elmer, Charles and Lillie, all at home. 
 
 Mr. Camfield gives his political allegiance to the republican party and has 
 held the office of township assessor for two years, while at the present time he 
 acts as justice of the peace and road supervisor, ever discharging his public duties 
 in a highly satisfactory and commendable manner. His wife is a devoted member 
 of the Methodist Episcopal church. In all the relations of life Mr. Camfield has 
 manifested those sterling traits of manhood which command confidence and 
 awaken regard and is therefore well worthy of the esteem uniformly accorded 
 him. 
 
 L. H. YOH NIC 
 
 L. H. Yohnk is a representative of one of the well known pioneer families 
 of Chippewa county, and was himself but a lad of seven years when brought to 
 America. He was born near Kiel, Germany, August 23, i860, his parents being 
 John and Elizabeth (Tierfelt) Yohnk, who in 1868 crossed the broad Atlantic 
 to the new world and traveled across the country until they reached Jim Falls, 
 Chippewa county. The father was first engaged in the lumber mills, but in 1871 
 purchased one hundred and sixty acres of wild land on section 7, Arthur town- 
 ship. The tract was covered with hardwood timber and there was no road within 
 fifteen miles. Mr. Yohnk built a log house in the midst of the forest and began 
 the development of a farm, cutting away the trees, burning the brush, grubbing 
 up the stumps and continuing the work of improvement until the forest tract 
 was converted into richly cultivated fields. As he prospered in his undertakings, 
 the log house was replaced by a frame residence, that is still standing. The 
 family bore all the hardships and privations of pioneer life, but in time overcame 
 all obstacles and were enabled to enjoy the fruits of persistent and honorable 
 labor. Mr. Yohnk continued a resident of this county until called to his final 
 rest, on the first of December, 1907. The mother still survives and makes her 
 home with her daughter in Superior, Wisconsin. Mr. Yohnk held membership 
 in the Lutheran church. He gave his political allegiance to the democratic party 
 and held many township offices, the duties of which he discharged with credit 
 to himself and satisfaction to his constituents. He was one of the earliest settlers 
 of the county and lived to see remarkable changes as the years passed on and 
 when death called him, he left behind the memory of an active and well spent 
 life. 
 
 L. H. Yohnk was the elder of two children, his sister being Mrs. John Holland, 
 of Superior, Wisconsin. He was but seven years of age when the family came 
 to the United States, and his experiences were those of the boy who is reared 
 upon the frontier amid surroundings that entail all of the hardships of pioneer 
 life. 
 
 He roamed through the woods and learned, appreciated and enjoyed nature. 
 At an early age he went to work in the pineries and there continued until ten 
 
426 
 
 PAST AND PRESENT OF CHIPPEWA COUNTY 
 
 or twelve years ago, since which time he has devoted his entire attention to 
 farming. He c&me into possession of a part of the old homestead and has added 
 to his holdings until he now has two hundred and forty acres of rich and pro- 
 ductive land, which responds readily to the care and labor he bestows upon it. 
 There are good improvements upon his place, including a comfortable frame 
 residence and substantial outbuildings for grain and stock. In 1912 he erected 
 one of the largest barns in the township, its dimensions being thirty-six by eighty 
 feet. He has a herd of high-grade Holstein cattle, with a full-blooded bull at 
 the head of the herd. He successfully carries on dairying in connection with 
 general farming and is a man of notable energy and business foresight, carefully 
 managing his affairs so as to secure gratifying returns. 
 
 Mr. Yohnk was married in this city to Miss Edith Gardner, who was born in 
 the state of New York and is a daughter of William Gardner. Mr. and Mrs. 
 Yohnk now have five children: Lucius; Rollin ; Frank; Elmer and Anna, all 
 yet at home. Mr. Yohnk has always taken a deep and helpful interest in public 
 affairs. For twenty years he was chairman of the board of supervisors for his 
 township and for fifteen years was assessor. For twenty years he has filled the 
 position of school clerk and is still the incumbent of that office. The record 
 which he has made as a business man and citizen is a creditable one and during 
 the forty-five years of his residence in Chippewa county he has gained many 
 friends, chief among them being those who have known him from boyhood, a 
 fact which indicates that his has been an active, useful and well spent life. 
 
 GEORGE EDSON DEE. 
 
 The Chippewa Herald, with a circulation list of over two thousand subscribers, 
 is today the leading newspaper of Chippewa county and acknowledged to be the 
 most successful four-page daily in the northwest. This result has been brought 
 about by a man of strong personality, comprehensive education and restless energy 
 — George E. Dee. When he took charge of the paper about fifteen years ago, 
 the Chippewa Herald was a struggling country weekly with three hundred and 
 seventy-five subscribers, and it is due to his incessant work that it has come to 
 be recognized as one of the most aggressive and powerful organs among the 
 country press of the state. It largely reflects the opinions of its editor, who never 
 takes an equivocal view of any question but is as outspoken in his editorial columns 
 and in his recommendation of good or condemnation of bad as he is in his private 
 life. It is the mouthpiece of the people, is conducted in the interests of the people 
 and has therefore brought large benefits to those whom it sincerely represents. 
 Mr. Dee has always stood for progress and growth and his paper has strongly 
 reflected these views and has been the means of bringing about much needed 
 improvement in the city and county. Politically it is a clean sheet — republican, 
 honest and unbiased in its opinions and therefore independent, and this independ- 
 ence of opinion can be the more emphasized as its owner and editor has never 
 sought public office and is independent of politics and politicians except for the 
 honest convictions which decide him in favor of republican ideals and principles. 
 
GEORGE E. DEE 
 
PAST AND PRESENT OF CHIPPEWA COUNTY 
 
 429 
 
 George Edson Dee was born in Mulberry Grove, Illinois, November 7, 1873, 
 a son of Charles E. and Sarah B. Dee. He attended the graded schools at Mul- 
 berry Grove and high school at Greenville, Illinois, remaining in the latter institu- 
 tion one year and continuing his preparatory course for two years at McKendree 
 College at Lebanon, Illinois. His collegiate education consisted of four years in 
 De Pauw University of Greencastle, Indiana, where he took philosophical and 
 literary courses, graduating in the class of 1896. During that time he also did 
 three years’ practical work along journalistic lines. He then became principal 
 of the Redkey (Ind.) high school, remaining in that position for two years, and 
 then served one year as superintendent of the Redkey public schools, resigning 
 from that position on May 26, 1898, in order to enter upon newspaper work as 
 his chosen profession. Mr. Dee had always had a particular weakness for jour- 
 nalism and he has ever felt impelled to devote his sole labors toward that important 
 branch of our public life. 
 
 For over a year he carefully weighed the advantages and disadvantages of 
 various locations, but upon finding that the Chippewa Herald was for sale, decided 
 that the opportunity he sought had come to hand. Coming to Chippewa Falls, 
 June 27, 1898, he purchased the Herald on July 1, 1898, and published its initial 
 issue on July 5th. He has ever since devoted his entire attention and unflagging 
 energy to the upbuilding of his paper and for fifteen and a half years has been 
 its editor and business manager. Not only does he consider the Herald as a dis- 
 seminator of news, but he full well recognizes that a newspaper is a powerful 
 medium for educating the people as to all important public issues. Local projects 
 and improvements are discussed in the columns of the Herald, policies of growth 
 and progress are advocated and new movements initiated which may benefit the 
 industrial or agricultural life of the region. More than that, the Herald is an 
 organ of uplift, setting forth intellectual and moral ideals before its readers 
 which are of direct benefit to all those who want to profit by inspirited and 
 inspiring articles giving expression to what is good and noble in human nature. 
 Naturally the Herald is largely devoted to local affairs and gives a full account 
 of all the happenings of Chippewa county, but it also boasts of a comprehensive 
 service furnishing the news of the nation and the world. In state and national 
 politics it fairly treats the achievements and shortcomings of our statesmen irre- 
 spective of party, giving praise where praise is due and condemning where admo- 
 nition is in place. The Chippewa Herald (daily) and Weekly Herald are published 
 under the name of the Herald Printing Company, Inc., of which company Mr. 
 Dee is the owner. The firm also engages to a considerable extent in job printing 
 and their work enjoys a reputation for good taste and artistic design, while their 
 prices are very reasonable. The editorial columns Mr. Dee ever employs for 
 setting forth concisely his views upon all questions which affect the local public, 
 and they have become a powerful instrument for good in the community. It is 
 therefore but natural that the paper has been a continuous success. Its adver- 
 tising patronage has increased as its subscription list has mounted from three 
 hundred and seventy-five to over two thousand, and it is therefore considered by 
 local merchants the foremost and best paying medium for advertising or publicity. 
 Fearless, aggressive and enterprising as its owner is the Herald, and it may be 
 said that both are enthusiastic champions of the community and loyal to the 
 core in their American patriotism. The paper strongly reflects the individuality 
 
 Vo! U— 2 1 
 
430 
 
 PAST AND PRESENT OF CHIPPEWA COUNTY 
 
 of its editor and makes him stand out as an active and practical promoter of 
 worthy public enterprises. In that connection just one fact may be mentioned. 
 In 1912 he raised by the first popular subscription ever here undertaken money 
 for improving the public highways of the county and raised a similar fund in 
 1913. Pie and his paper have grown so closely together that both are considered 
 by the general public as one individuality and are popular, highly esteemed and 
 always respected in their opinions, for it has become generally recognized that 
 these opinions have been dictated by a policy of absolute honesty. 
 
 Mr. Dee was united in marriage at Anderson, Indiana, on June 4, 1898, to 
 Miss Charlotte Turner, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Frank L. Turner. There are 
 four daughters born of this union, the Misses Elinor, Nilah, Lois and Dorris 
 Dee. Mr. Dee is a republican but has never sought office. Pie feels more free 
 to express his opinion if unshackled and unbounden to anyone for political favors. 
 Moreover, his business is remunerative, as it is conducted in a business way and 
 the emoluments of public positions have no attraction for him. 
 
 I. O. SNYDER. 
 
 For almost twenty years J. O. Snyder has lived in Chippewa county and during 
 that time has been one of the greatest individual forces in promoting the growth 
 of the section. He started the first creamery in Cook Valley, thus introducing 
 into the county cattle-raising on a large scale, and his farming interests have 
 been extensive and important, his work along this line being of substantial value 
 to the community at large. He was born in Walworth county, this state, in 1858, 
 and is a son of William Snyder, a native of New York state, who came to Wis- 
 consin about the year 1848 and followed farming here for many years. He died 
 in Bloomer when he was past the age of eighty-five, and his wife, who was in 
 her maidenhood Miss Sybil Barber, passed away at the age of eighty-seven. 
 They were the parents of six children, four of whom are still living. 
 
 J. O. Snyder acquired his education in the public schools of Walworth county 
 and after laying aside his books worked as a monthly laborer for one year. He 
 then turned his attention to butter and cheese making and he followed this line 
 of occupation in the southern part of Wisconsin for twelve years thereafter. At 
 the end of that time he moved to Chippewa county and turned his attention to 
 farming, gradually accumulating three hundred and sixty acres of land and devel- 
 oping one of the finest agricultural properties in this locality. He has since sold 
 a portion of his holdings but retains eighty acres, which are in charge of his son, 
 who engages in general farming upon the property. Mr. Snyder has never 
 abandoned his interest in the creamery business and it was he who established 
 the first creamery in Cook Valley, thus giving an impetus to the advancement of 
 the cattle-raising industry in this section of the state. He is now interested in 
 the Bloomer Cooperative Creamery and his judgment is considered sound and 
 reliable in business circles. 
 
 Mr. Snyder married Miss Carrie Salisbury and they have two children : Bert 
 L., who operates his father’s farm; and Blanche E., who married John L. Eder 
 and who has two children, Izetta and Caroline. Mr. Snyder is a republican in 
 
PAST AND PRESENT OF CHIPPEWA COUNTY 
 
 433 
 
 eminent land on section 34, Washington township, Rusk county, which was then 
 a part of Chippewa county. The property was entirely covered with timber 
 and no improvements had been made thereon. When the land had been cleared 
 he began its cultivation and has made the place his home to the present time, 
 having erected substantial and commodious buildings and otherwise improved 
 the property. As his financial resources increased, owing to his untiring industry 
 and capable management, he extended the boundaries of his farm by an addi- 
 tional purchase of one hundred and twenty acres, so that the place now embraces 
 a quarter section. He carries on general farming and annually harvests good 
 crops which find a ready sale on the market. 
 
 In Chippewa county Mr. Gourdoux was united in marriage to Miss Josephine 
 Dallas, a native of this county, by whom he ha.s nine children, as follows : Anna, 
 who is the wife of Fred W. Hennekens; Leonard; Adeline, who gave her hand in 
 marriage to Oscar McCoy; Salestine, a resident of Portland, Oregon; Eulalia, 
 who is a Catholic sister of St. Paul; Raoul, at home; Agnes, a music teacher; 
 Claude ; and Christopher. 
 
 In his political views Mr. Gourdoux was formerly a republican but now 
 supports the socialist party. He has held various township offices, acting as 
 treasurer for a period of six years and also in the capacity of assessor and super- 
 visor. The duties which have devolved upon him as a public official have ever 
 been faithfully and promptly discharged and his record has been both creditable 
 and commendable. His religious faith is that of the Catholic church, of which 
 his wife and children are also devout communicants. He is well known in the 
 community, and a genial manner and cordial disposition have gained for him 
 many friends. 
 
 CLARENCE E. BREED. 
 
 There is much that is commendable in the life of Clarence E. Breed, for he has 
 made his own way in the world since nine years of age and through his own 
 efforts has become a prosperous builder and contractor in Holcombe, Chippewa 
 county. Although obstacles had to be overcome and adverse conditions had to 
 be conquered, Mr. Breed has attained to a most substantial position in his com- 
 munity, enjoying in great measure the high regard and confidence of all who 
 know him. 
 
 Clarence E. Breed was born in Neillsville, Wisconsin, December 13, 1875, 
 a son of Emery and Martha (Waterman) Breed, natives of this state. The 
 father was a carpenter by trade, which occupation he followed until his death, 
 which occurred about two years ago at the age of sixty-four years. The mother 
 now lives at Waukegan, Illinois. Of their four children two died in childhood, 
 while Chester, a sailor on Lake Michigan, passed away about four years ago 
 at the age of twenty-one. 
 
 Clarence E. Breed, the other member of the family, attended common school 
 for a short period, beginning to make his own way in the world at the age of 
 nine years. He was for nine years field manager for the J. L. Gates Land 
 Company, buying and selling timber and timber lands, making estimates for the 
 
434 
 
 PAST AND PRESENT OF CHIPPEWA COUNTY 
 
 firm and doing similar work. For the past seven years he has made his home in 
 Holcombe, where he engaged in carpentering and concrete construction work, 
 and is now doing general contracting, his business connections extending over 
 the entire state. Mr. Breed has proved himself an able and shrewd business man 
 and success has attended his efforts as the years have passed. 
 
 Mr. Breed was married to Miss Edna Catherine Anderson, a native of Ward 
 county, Wisconsin, and a daughter of John and Elizabeth (Blake) Anderson, 
 both of whom are still living. Mr. and Mrs. Breed have six children: Ruth, 
 
 Selda, Charles, Clarence, Harry and Arlene. Although Mr. Breed is public- 
 spirited and takes an interest in all matters of public moment, he has never seen 
 fit to ally himself with the political life of his locality. He is first and foremost 
 a business man and prefers to fulfill his duties of citizenship in a private capacity. 
 
 JOHN B. KRAMSCHUSTER. 
 
 John B. Kramschuster, a well known business man of Bloomer where he is 
 treasurer and manager of the Bloomer Produce Company, and a prosperous 
 farmer of Bloomer township where he owns and operates a fine property of two 
 hundred and twenty-six acres, was born in Jefferson county, Wisconsin, in 1855. 
 He is a son of John and Kunigundis (Gloss) Kramschuster, natives of Ger- 
 many where their marriage occurred. They came to the United States in 1853 
 and after spending a short time in Chicago moved to Jefferson county where 
 they were among the pioneer settlers. The father was a farmer during all of 
 his active life, but for the past eleven years has lived in retirement in Bloomer. 
 He is eighty-six years of age and his wife is eighty-four. They celebrated their 
 sixtieth wedding anniversary June 17, 1913. Nine children were born to their 
 union, three of whom still survive: John B., of this review; Barney, engaged 
 
 in farming; and Mrs. Pfeifer, of Chippewa Falls. 
 
 John B. Kramschuster acquired his education in the Watertown public schools 
 and afterward followed logging in the woods and on the rivers for some time, 
 abandoning this occupation finally and turning his attention to farming. He 
 has lived in Chippewa county since 1869 and has farmed on various properties, 
 although for the past twenty-seven or eight years he has lived upon his present 
 farm. This comprises two hundred and twenty-six acres lying in Bloomer town- 
 ship and upon it Mr. Kramschuster engages in general farming, stock-raising 
 and dairying. He has made excellent improvements, erecting substantial barns 
 and outbuildings and installing labor-saving machinery. He devotes a great deal 
 of time to his farming operations but is also active in business circles of Bloomer 
 where his ability is recognized and respected. In May, 1902, he was one of the 
 incorporators of the Bloomer Produce Company and has since been a member 
 of the board of directors. In 1909 he was elected treasurer and manager and 
 again in 1911 and these positions he still holds, discharging his duties in an able 
 and conscientious way. Henry Leveis, Sr., is president of the concern and 
 Andrew Hansen of Chippewa Falls is vice president. The company handles all 
 kinds of farm produce, such as hay, grain, potatoes, fertilizer, etc., and maintains 
 a large warehouse near the Omaha tracks. It controls a large and growing 
 
PAST AND PRESENT OF CHIPPEWA COUNTY 
 
 435 
 
 patronage and the enterprise is one of the most important of its kind in this 
 part of the county. 
 
 Mr. Kramschuster married Miss Katie Boehm and they became the parents 
 of fourteen children : Peter, who has passed away ; John ; Joseph ; Anthony ; Peter, 
 the second of the name ; Mary ; Annie ; Elizabeth ; Margaret ; Leo ; Robert ; Lena ; 
 Monica, deceased ; and George. 
 
 Mr. Kramschuster holds membership in the Roman Catholic church and is 
 identified with the Catholic Knights of Wisconsin. He is a democrat in his 
 political beliefs and has held a number of public offices, having been supervisor, 
 clerk and assessor of Bloomer township. In both official and business circles 
 he is highly esteemed and respected as a man thoroughly upright and honorable 
 in whatever relation of life he is found. 
 
 MATH MULLEN. 
 
 Math Mullen, living three and a half miles southeast of Bloomer, on a farm 
 of two hundred and eighty acres, was born in Norway in 1S69 and is a son of 
 Samuel and Llilda Johanna Mullen, who are still residents of that country. They 
 became the parents of ten children. 
 
 Math Mullen acquired his education in the public schools of Norway and 
 after laying aside his books remained at home until he was twenty-one years 
 of age. He then emigrated to America and, coming to Chippewa county, worked 
 at various occupations, principally farming and lumbering, until 1901, when 
 he bought two hundred and eighty acres of land in Tilden township. Upon this 
 property he has since resided and he has greatly improved it during the inter- 
 vening years, erecting a comfortable barn, a good silo and other farm buildings. 
 He engages in general farming and dairying and under his able management 
 his has become one of the most productive and valuable properties in this section 
 of the county. 
 
 Mr. Mullen married Miss Anna Wilson, who was born in Norway, and they 
 have become the parents of seven children, Herman, Clara, Inga, Selma. Chris- 
 tina, Alvin and Edward. Mr. Mullen is a member of the Norwegian Lutheran 
 church and a republican in his political beliefs. Lie is a man whose energy and 
 industry have formed the basis of his success and, being of good character and 
 interested in the general welfare of the township, he is numbered among its most 
 substantial and desirable citizens. 
 
 BERT KENNEDY. 
 
 Bert Kennedy, carrying on general farming and dairying upon an eighty-acre 
 tract of land in Bloomer township, is a native son of Chippewa county, born on 
 the old Kennedy homestead in 1878. His father, Charles W. Kennedy, was a 
 native of Canada and came to the United States when he was a young man, 
 locating in Chippewa county, three quarters of a mile south of the homestead 
 
436 
 
 PAST AND PRESENT OF CHIPPEWA COUNTY 
 
 belonging to the subject of this review. He followed general farming during 
 the remainder of bis active life, dying upon his holdings at the age of fifty-two. 
 He married Miss Sarah Wright, also a native of Canada, and eight children 
 were born to their union, as follows: Mrs. Della Amenson ; Bert, of this review; 
 Duncan and Elizabeth, who have passed away; Charles; Fannie; Walter; and 
 Wright. 
 
 Bert Kennedy acquired his education in the public schools of Chippewa county 
 and after he laid aside his books turned his attention to farming, an occupation 
 in which he had been reared. He operated the homestead for some time and then 
 moved to his present farm, whereon he has since carried forward the work of 
 improvement and development. He has built an excellent barn and other good 
 farm buildings and has installed labor-saving machinery to facilitate the work 
 of the fields. Upon this fine property he engages in general farming and dairy- 
 ing and his well directed labors have been rewarded by a gratifying degree of 
 success. 
 
 Mr. Kennedy married Miss Edith Bassett, and they have become the parents 
 of six children, Hazel, Blanche, Mildred, Gladys, Lee and Earl. Mr. Kennedy 
 is a republican in bis political beliefs and is interested in the growth and progi'ess 
 of the community, cooperating heartily in measures and projects for the general 
 advancement and development. He is well known in social and agricultural 
 circles, for he has attained a gratifying degree of success and is a native son of 
 whom Chippewa county has every reason to be proud. 
 
 GEORGE BESTRUP. 
 
 George Bestrup, an industrious and enterprising agriculturist of Cleveland 
 township, is the owner of a farm comprising eighty acres on section 28, township 
 31, range 7. His birth occurred in Denmark on the 23d of September, 1861, his 
 parents being Peter and Kate Bestrup, the former still a resident of that country 
 and the latter deceased. He attended the common schools in the acquirement 
 of an education and remained in the land of his nativity until twenty-one years 
 of age. In 1882, wishing to test the truth of the many favorable reports which 
 had reached him concerning the opportunities and advantages of the new world, 
 he set sail for the LTnited States. Landing on American shores with but little 
 capital, he was obliged to seek employment and for three years worked in a 
 factory at Gowanda, New York, as a grinder of axes. Subsequently he engaged 
 in farming near Bay City, Michigan, and later was employed in cement works 
 at Utica, Illinois. In 1899, > n association with his brother, he purchased one 
 hundred and sixty acres of wild land in Chippewa county, Wisconsin, the property 
 being on section 28, township 31, range 7. No road led to the place and no 
 improvements had been made thereon. The brother of our subject eventually 
 sold his share in the property and removed to Canada, but George Bestrup 
 remained on the farm and still owns his eighty-acre tract, about forty acres of 
 which are cleared and under cultivation. He erected a frame residence, barn and 
 outbuildings and now has a well improved and productive farm which annually 
 returns to him a gratifying income. 
 
PAST AND PRESENT OF CHIPPEWA COUNTY 
 
 437 
 
 In Chippewa county, Mr. Bestrup was united in marriage to Miss Agnes 
 Hogan, a native of Canada, who passed away on the 24th of April, 1911. He 
 is a democrat in his political views but casts an independent ballot at local elec- 
 tions, supporting the candidates and measures that he believes will further the 
 best interests of the people. He is now serving for the third year as chairman 
 of the board of supervisors in Cleveland township. In religious belief he is 
 a Lutheran, having been reared in the faith of that church. Coming to the new 
 world in early manhood, he eagerly availed himself of the opportunities here 
 afforded and by dint of untiring industry and energy has worked his way steadily 
 upward until he is now widely recognized as one of the substantial and esteemed 
 citizens of his community. 
 
 WILLIAM SCHROEDER. 
 
 William Schroeder, a resident of Chippewa county for the past twenty-eight 
 years, devotes his attention to mixed farming and is the owner of a tract of 
 land comprising one hundred and forty acres on section 25, Sigel township. He 
 was born in Germany, in 1871, a son of Fred and Christina (Waechter) 
 Schroeder, whom he accompanied on their emigration to the new world in 1885. 
 Both have passed away and lie buried at Til den, Wisconsin. 
 
 William Schroeder, who was a youth of fourteen when he came to the United 
 States with his parents, continued his education in Sigel township, this county, 
 for one year. After putting aside his text-books he assisted his father in the 
 operation of the home farm for six years, becoming thoroughly familiar with 
 the best methods of tilling the soil and caring for the crops. When he had 
 attained his majority he acquired a tract of one hundred and forty acres on 
 section 25, Sigel township, and has remained thereon continuously since, giving 
 his time and energies to mixed farming and keeping about six horses, twenty 
 cattle and eight hogs. The residence and other buildings on the place have 
 been erected by him and stand as monuments to his enterprise, thrift and industry. 
 He enjoys a gratifying annual income and is recognized as one of the substantial 
 and representative citizens of his community. 
 
 In his political views Mr. Schroeder is a republican, loyally supporting the men 
 and measures of that party at the polls. His religious faith is indicated by his 
 membership in the Lutheran church. He is well known in the locality and a genial 
 manner and cordial disposition have gained for him many friends. 
 
 HENRY HENNEMANN. 
 
 Henry Hennemann, who follows farming in Auburn township, has for the 
 past sixteen years been connected with agricultural interests of this locality and 
 is today one of the prosperous farmers of Chippewa county, owning and operat- 
 ing two hundred and forty acres of fine land seven miles west of Bloomer. He 
 was born near Chippewa Falls in 1858 and is a son of John IT. Hennemann, a 
 
4.38 
 
 PAST AND PRESENT OF CHIPPEWA COUNTY 
 
 native of Germany, who came to the United States in 1854, locating in Ohio. 
 One year afterward he moved to Chippewa Falls and resided for many years 
 west of Tilden Mill. His death occurred near Bloomer, in the eighty-third year 
 of his age. He and his wife, who was in her maidenhood Miss Anna Plotuer, 
 became the parents of twelve children. 
 
 Henry Hennemann acquired his education in the public schools of Chippewa 
 county and after laying aside his books began working in the lumber woods, 
 spending seventeen winters at this occupation. He afterward took up his resi- 
 dence in the vicinity of Chippewa Falls and in 1897 purchased two hundred and 
 forty acres in Auburn township. Since he moved upon his property he has 
 erected all of the buildings and made other substantial improvements. He is 
 meeting with more than ordinary success in his farming and dairy operations. 
 
 Mr. Hennemann married Miss Sarah Helwig and they have become the 
 parents of five children, Arthur, Ella, Raymond, Dora and Emmons, all of whom 
 live at home. Mr. Hennemann is a republican in his political beliefs, is connected 
 fraternally with the Modern Woodmen of America and holds membership in the 
 Evangelical church. His excellent qualities of character and his enterprising 
 spirit have gained him high standing as a citizen of the community and his 
 ability and energy have made him well known in business circles. 
 
 EDWARD G. AND BENJAMIN J. WALTER. 
 
 Edward G. and Benjamin J. Walter constitute the firm of Walter Brothers, 
 engaged in general agricultural pursuits on section 13, Tilden township. They 
 not only are connected in their business affairs but also occupy the same residence 
 and have been closely connected in all their interests throughout their entire 
 lives. In addition to owning and improving a farm of five hundred and sixty 
 acres in Tilden and Eagle Point townships, they are likewise the owners of a 
 flour mill. They have been residents of Chippewa county since 1885. The elder 
 brother, Edward G. Walter, was born in Mazomanie, Dane county, Wisconsin, 
 October 12, 1881, and the younger on the 12th of August, 1883. Their parents 
 were George and Fannie (Badrutt) Walter. The father became a contractor 
 and afterward turned his attention to farming and to the manufacture of flour 
 and feed. He was not only active in business circles of the county, but was also 
 prominent in public affairs and was called to the office of county treasurer two 
 terms. He was popular with his many friends, was a devoted husband and 
 father and a public-spirited citizen, whose aid could be counted upon to further 
 any movement for the general good. He died July 12, 1903, at the age of 
 forty-seven years and was laid to rest in the Forest Hill cemetery. His wife 
 still survives, together with their four children, the daughters being: Anna 
 M., now the wife of Dr. H. F. Henneman, of Sauk Centre, Minnesota; and 
 Amelie A., who is private secretary to the secretary of the state board of 
 health. A son, Emil F. Walter, who was a bright and loving boy, died July 
 9, 1903, at the age of fourteen years and was laid to rest in the Forest Hill 
 cemetery. The farm which is now being cultivated by the brothers was originally 
 the property of the father, who made splendid improvements upon it, built the 
 
PAST AND PRESENT OF CHIPPEWA COUNTY 
 
 439 
 
 mill and barn and remodeled the residence. In fact he made the place one of the 
 model farm properties of the county. The family is of German lineage and many 
 of the sterling characteristics of the German people are found in the latter 
 generations. 
 
 The father removed with the family to Chippewa county when the sons were 
 but little lads and they pursued their education as pupils in the district schools 
 and in the public schools of Chippewa Falls. Edward G. Walter was sixteen years 
 of age when he left school. Soon afterward he took up the study of telegraphy 
 and afterward acted as telegraph operator in various places for the Chicago, St. 
 Paul, Minneapolis & Omaha Railroad Company, spending four years in that 
 way. On the expiration of that period he returned home and took charge of 
 the farm. While he raises good crops, he has also made a study of breeding, 
 raising and handling pure-bred Belgian and Percheron horses and high-grade 
 cattle. He is following in the footsteps of his father and through the employ- 
 ment of progressive, modern-day methods is meeting with substantial success. 
 Aside from his farming interests he is engaged in the manufacture of flour and 
 is the president of the Tilden Creamery Company and chairman of the town of 
 Tilden. 
 
 On the 12th of August, 1909, in Chippewa Falls, Mr. Walter was married 
 to Miss Alice J. Hennemann, a daughter of J. W. and Catherine Hennemann, who 
 were pioneer farming people of this county. The father was also a minister of 
 the Methodist Episcopal church and his life was a potent element for good in 
 the moral development of the community. He died in 1908 and was laid to 
 rest in the Forest Hill cemetery. His widow survives and yet makes her home 
 in Chippewa Falls. Mr. and Mrs. Edward G. Walter now have two children, Earl 
 and Gladys. 
 
 Benjamin J. Walter attended school to the age of fourteen years and then 
 began assisting his father, being thus employed until he became a partner of his 
 brother in the conduct of the old homestead farm of five hundred and sixty 
 acres, situated in Tilden and Eagle Point townships. Both brothers are enter- 
 prising, progressive men who did not fear hard labor nor that close attention to 
 details so necessary to success. They are both republicans in their political views 
 and hold membership in the German Methodist Episcopal church and sterling 
 worth commands for them the confidence, good-will and high regard of all with 
 whom they have been associated Their position in both business and social 
 circles is an enviable one and they are classed with the popular residents of Tilden 
 township. 
 
 ERNEST SCHEIDECKER. 
 
 For a number of years general farming and dairying have commanded the 
 attention of Ernest Scheidecker, who lives upon a farm of eighty acres four 
 miles west of Bloomer, in Auburn township, where he bears the reputation of 
 being an enterprising and up-to-date citizen as well as a progressive and repre- 
 sentative agriculturist. He was born in Germany in 1867 and is a son of Fred 
 
440 
 
 PAST AND PRESENT OF CHIPPEWA COUNTY 
 
 Scheidecker, who came to the United States in 1870, settling in Wisconsin. Ernest 
 Scheidecker was at that time three and a half years of age and he grew to 
 manhood in this state, acquiring his education in the public schools of Chippewa 
 county. After laying aside his books he engaged in farm labor in the employ 
 of others for some time and finally purchased a farm near Bloomer, which he 
 operated for several years. This he sold in 1903 and purchased property four 
 miles west of the town, upon which he has since resided. He engages in general 
 farming and dairying and has greatly improved his property, which is today pro- 
 ductive and valuable. He has built a new barn upon it and has made other 
 substantial improvements. 
 
 Mr. Scheidecker married Miss Minnie Fehr, and they have five children, Paul, 
 Herman, Carl, Walter and Annie. Mr. Scheidecker is a republican in his poli- 
 tical beliefs and interested in the progress and growth of the township. The 
 success which has attended his labors well entitles him to recognition among the 
 prosperous, enterprising and representative citizens of the community and his 
 many sterling traits of character have won him the warm friendship and regard 
 of those with whom he has come in contact. 
 
 ANTON NECITVATAL. 
 
 Good farm buildings in the midst of a well cultivated tract of land attest the 
 enterprising spirit and progressive methods of Anton Nechvatal, who was born 
 in Bohemia on the 20th of December, 1881. His father, Joseph Nechvatal, died 
 when the son was but six months old and he was brought to the United States 
 when a little lad of three summers. His mother afterward married again, becom- 
 ing the wife of Joseph Sebesta in Manitowoc county, Wisconsin. Anton Nech- 
 vatal then made his home with his mother and stepfather and in 1899 the latter 
 purchased eighty acres of slightly improved land on section 26, township 30, 
 range 7. Anton Nechvatal and his stepbrother, James Sebesta, began farming 
 this in partnership, while the stepfather purchased another tract of one hundred 
 and sixty acres near by on section 36. It was wild land on which no furrow had 
 been turned, or improvement made. For five years Joseph Sebesta lived upon 
 his farm assisting the boys, but he now makes his home in Manitowoc county 
 where he owns a good tract of land. Anton Nechvatal and his stepbrother pur- 
 chased the land in Chippewa county from Mr. Sebesta. They today own one 
 hundred and sixty acres each and are progressive farmers, carrying on their work 
 along modern lines, productive of good results. Mr. Nechvatal has recently 
 erected good buildings upon his place, including a modern residence and substan- 
 tial barns and outbuildings. He came to this county in 1901 and has lived at his 
 present place since 1906. 
 
 Mr. Nechvatal was married in Chippewa county to Miss Mary Foreman, who 
 was born in South Dakota and is a daughter of John Foreman, who now lives in 
 this county. Unto this marriage have been born three children : Emil, Edward 
 and Lester. 
 
 Mr. Nechvatal is independent in politics, nor does he seek or desire office. He 
 prefers to concentrate his energies upon his business affairs and by unremitting 
 
PAST AND PRESENT OF CHIPPEWA COUNTY 
 
 441 
 
 industry and perseverance has gained the success which has come to him. He is 
 yet a comparatively young man, but has already attained a measure of prosperity 
 that others might envy and his history shows what may be accomplished when 
 one has the will to dare and to do. 
 
 CHARLES KENNEDY. 
 
 Charles Kennedy lives upon a fine farm of one hundred and sixty acres two 
 and one-half miles southeast of Bloomer and this property he and his brother 
 Wright operate in a progressive and practical manner. He was born upon the 
 homestead in 1885 and is a son of Charles Kennedy. He acquired his education 
 in the district schools of Chippewa county and after laying aside his books worked 
 at various places in the United States, going as far west as the Pacific coast. In 
 1911 he returned to Wisconsin and he and his brother purchased the interests of 
 the other heirs in the homestead. Since that time they have engaged together 
 in general farming and dairying and have met with a substantial and gratifying 
 success. The farm is a well improved one, Mr. Kennedy’s mother having erected 
 all of the buildings, and nothing is neglected which will add to its attractive 
 appearance or value. 
 
 Mr. Kennedy is independent in his political views, voting for men and 
 measures without regard to party lines. He is one of the well known farmers 
 of this locality and is a careful, prudent man of business who merits and enjoys 
 the confidence and esteem of the entire community. 
 
 JOHN O'ROURKE. 
 
 John O’Rourke, one of the practical, progressive and able farmers of Auburn 
 township, owns a fine property of one hundred and sixty acres three miles west 
 of Bloomer, and another tract of one hundred and twenty acres in that locality. 
 He was born in Canada, November 19, 1855, and is a son of Samuel O’Rourke, 
 also a native of the Dominion. He engaged in farming during his active life 
 but is now living retired, making his home with the subject of this review. He 
 and his wife, who was in her maidenhood Miss Olive Geumo, became the par- 
 ents of eight children. 
 
 John O’Rourke acquired his education in the public schools of Canada and 
 after laying aside his books assisted his father with the operation of the home- 
 stead until 1876. In that year he went to Chicago, going from there to Chippewa 
 Falls. He turned his attention to farming in Chippewa county in 1904, moving on 
 to his present property, and he has since given his attention almost entirely to 
 his agricultural interests, his holdings now comprising two hundred and eighty 
 acres. He engages in general farming and dairying and his property is well 
 kept, having a comfortable residence and all the necessary buildings and ma- 
 chinery. 
 
442 
 
 PAST AND PRESENT OF CHIPPEWA COUNTY 
 
 Mr. O’Rourke married Miss Clara Ayotte, and they became the parents of 
 thirteen children : Liza, who married Harry Clarke and has three children, 
 
 Claude, Kenneth and Clarence ; Samuel ; Marshall ; Emma, who has passed away ; 
 Anna ; Adrian ; Harry ; Leonard ; Elo ; Arthur ; Clara ; Bernard ; and a child who 
 died in infancy. 
 
 Mr. O’Rourke is a member of the Roman Catholic church of Bloomer and 
 is connected fraternally with the Modern Woodmen of America. He gives his 
 political allegiance to the democratic party. His business affairs are carefully 
 conducted and his substantial qualities make him a valued citizen as well as a 
 prosperous and progressive farmer. 
 
 OSCAR BEKKEN. 
 
 Oscar Bekken, a prosperous farmer of Bloomer township, carrying on general 
 farming and dairying upon one hundred and twenty acres of land three miles 
 southeast of Bloomer, was born upon this property in 1881. He is a son of 
 Otto Bekken, a native of Norway, who came to the United States as a young 
 man and located in Bloomer township, following farming from that time until his 
 death with the exception of four years which he spent as the proprietor of a 
 hotel in Superior. He died in that city at the age of forty-three. His wife, who 
 was in her maidenhood Miss Anna Jackson, survives him and makes her home 
 in Sparta. They became the parents of four children : two daughters who have 
 passed away ; Oscar, of this review ; and Aleck, a resident of Sparta. 
 
 Oscar Bekken acquired his education in the public schools of Chippewa county 
 and after laying aside his books turned his attention to farming. After his 
 father’s death he aided his mother with the operation of the homestead and has 
 since purchased the property, remodeling the house which she built upon it. He 
 gives his attention largely to dairying and raising potatoes and is meeting with a 
 substantial degree of success, following always the most progressive and prac- 
 tical methods. 
 
 Mr. Bekken married Miss Minnie Anderson, and they have become the parents 
 of five children, Edward, Herbert, Olga, Alice and Mabel. Mr. Bekken is a mem- 
 ber of the Norwegian Lutheran church and is a republican in his political beliefs. 
 He is one of Bloomer township’s most progressive and successful native sons 
 and his straightforward dealing, together with his industry, have won him an 
 excellent reputation as a substantial and desirable citizen. 
 
 JACOB GEHRING. 
 
 With the exception of a few years spent in Kansas, Jacob Gehring has been 
 identified with the farming interests of Chippewa county since 1864 and during 
 that time has made his name respected and esteemed in this section of the 
 state, for he is an enterprising and energetic business man, who carefully con- 
 trols his individual interests and at the same time is never unmindful of his 
 
PAST AND PRESENT OF CHIPPEWA COUNTY 
 
 443 
 
 duties of citizenship. He was born in Germany in 1849, a son °f Jacob Gehring, 
 who came to Chippewa county in 1864 and engaged in farming here. He was 
 killed in a railroad accident at C-lenwood, Iowa, when he was sixty-eight years 
 of age. His wife, who was in her maidenhood Miss Barbara Werner, died in 
 Tilden township. 
 
 Jacob Gehring acquired his education in the public schools of Germany and ac- 
 companied his parents to America when he was fifteen years of age. At a very 
 early period he became identified with farming interests in Chippewa county but 
 after a few years moved to Kansas, where, however, he spent only a short time. 
 Returning to Chippewa county, he located upon his present farm and here he 
 has since engaged in general agricultural pursuits and dairying, witnessing a 
 great deal of advancement of the county and taking advantage of the opportuni- 
 ties thus offered to further his own interests and promote the general welfare. 
 
 Mr. Gehring married Miss Mary E. Maier, and they have nine children: 
 Rose, Eddie, Susie, Louise, Emma, Clara, George, Arthur, and Robert. Mr. 
 Gehring is a republican in his political beliefs, holds membership in the Methodist 
 Episcopal church and is connected fraternally with the Modern Woodmen of 
 America. He is an energetic man, having always been inspired by a spirit of 
 progress, and his long years of success and his present prosperity are due 
 entirely to his own exertions. 
 
 FRANK WAGNER. 
 
 Frank Wagner carries on general agricultural pursuits on section 14, 
 Howard township, where he has a farm of two hundred and forty acres that 
 pays golden tribute to the care and labor he bestows upon it. He has always 
 made his home in Chippewa county, his birth having occurred here in October, 
 1869. He is a son of John Peter and Mary (Ball) Wagner, who for many 
 years were residents of this part of the state. The father, however, died in 
 1882, but the mother still survives and makes her home in Chippewa Falls. 
 In their family were five children: John, who died in February, 1913, and was 
 
 laid to rest in the Tilden cemetery; Mary, the wife of Alexander McClennan, 
 residing at Clear Lake, Wisconsin; Frank; Matthew, a machinist of Portland, 
 Oregon; and Anne, who died in the spring of 1899, her remains also being laid 
 away in the Tilden cemetery. 
 
 Frank Wagner became a pupil in the public schools of Chippewa county and 
 pursued his education to the age of fourteen years, when his text books were 
 laid aside and he began farm work on his father’s place, there remaining until 
 the father’s death, after which he assisted his brother on his farm which was 
 later inherited by Frank Wagner according to the terms of his brother’s will. He 
 is today cultivating about two hundred acres of the farm which comprises two 
 hundred and forty acres and he devotes his attention to the raising of grain and 
 to the conduct of a dairy. All modern equipments and accessories are found upon 
 his place and the methods which he employs in tilling his fields are productive 
 of excellent results. His dairy too is well appointed and he finds a ready sale 
 
444 
 
 PAST AND PRESENT OF CHIPPEWA COUNTY 
 
 for its products. ITis life has been one of intense activity intelligently directed 
 and the years have crowned his labors with success. 
 
 Mr. Wagner was married in this county in the fall of 1893 1 ° Miss Emma 
 Olson, a daughter of Tobias and Mary Olson, who are now residents of Wash- 
 ington. Mr. and Mrs. Wagner have eleven children: Clara, Lawrence, Mamie, 
 
 Tobias, Viola, George, Eva, William, Fred, Theresa and David. All are still at 
 home with the exception of the eldest daughter, Clara, who is now the wife of 
 Joe Clarrisea, a liquor dealer of St. Paul. The family home is a pleasant one 
 and Mr. Wagner has erected other substantial buildings upon his farm, furnish- 
 ing ample shelter to grain and stock. 
 
 Mr. Wagner holds membership in the Catholic church and in politics is 
 independent, voting for the man who he thinks best suited for office, regardless 
 of party connections. A life-long resident of Chippewa county, he is well known 
 and that his life has been well spent is indicated by the fact that many of his 
 stanchest friends are those who have known him from his boyhood to the 
 present time. 
 
 A. P. BATEMAN. 
 
 A. P. Bateman is the owner of an excellent farm of two hundred and ninety- 
 seven acres on section 7, Lafayette township, where he resides. Tie has lived 
 in this county since 1854 and in all of the years which have since come and gone 
 has been an interested witness of the changes which have occurred and has 
 borne his part in the work of general development and improvement. He was 
 only six years of age when he arrived in the county having been born in Sun 
 Prairie, Dane county, Wisconsin, November 10, 1848. He comes of Irish ancestry 
 and is a son of M. P. and Mary E. (Enyert) Bateman. The father came to this 
 county in 1853 and bought out the interest of his brother, John Berry Bateman, 
 and in 1854 settled here with his family. At the time of his arrival the entire 
 county was largely a wilderness. The land was covered with a heavy growth of 
 timber and Mr. Bateman cleared a large amount of it. He was an enterprising 
 farmer and a progressive and popular citizen. He operated a sawmill, taking the 
 lumber down the Mississippi river to various markets. The Bateman railroad 
 station and schoolhouse were named in his honor. For many years he served his 
 town as chairman and took a general interest in the welfare and improvement of 
 the county. His political support was always given to the republican party. He 
 died May 20, 1880, at the age of sixty-two years and his wife, long surviving him, 
 passed away November 28, 1902. Both were laid to rest in the family lot in the 
 Lafayette cemetery. 
 
 A. P. Bateman acquired his education in Frenchtown and Eau Claire, Wis- 
 consin. He was eighteen years of age when he left the log schoolhouse to learn 
 the more difficult lessons which one must master in the school of experience. 
 He met the usual hardships of pioneer life yet he made good use of his time and 
 opportunities. There were still many Indians and few white people in the dis- 
 trict during the period of his youth. Eau Claire at that time contained a sawmill, 
 a blacksmith shop and a boarding house, but today has a population of twenty- 
 

 
 
MR. AND MRS. A. P. BATEMAN 
 
MR. AND MRS. M. P. BATEMAN 
 
PAST AND PRESENT OF CHIPPEWA COUNTY 
 
 449 
 
 two thousand. Similar conditions existed in Chippewa Falls and thus it is that 
 Mr. Bateman has witnessed almost the entire growth and development of his 
 section of the state. He worked in the lumber woods in connection with farm- 
 ing and also operated the sawmill that was formerly owned by his father. He 
 cleared about ninety acres of land himself and had a tract of similar size under 
 cultivation. He also became the owner of one hundred sixty acres on section io, 
 Lafayette township, and his total holdings now comprise four hundred and 
 fifty-seven acres. Mr. Bateman carries on general farming and dairying and he 
 has won success in all that he has undertaken. He is determined and industrious 
 and his honorable efforts have brought him reward. 
 
 Mr. Bateman was married at Eau Claire, Wisconsin, July 7, 1881, to Aliss 
 Isabella Hannon, of Cadott, a daugher of Patrick Hannon, a farmer of Sigel 
 township. Mrs. Isabella (Hannon) Bateman died January 7, 1896, and on De- 
 cember 28, 1898, Mr. Bateman married Catherine E. Allen, a daughter of John 
 and Jane (Hall) Allen, natives of Ireland, who settled first in Germantown, then 
 in Eau Claire, Wisconsin, and later in Cleveland township, where the father 
 engaged in farming. The mother died April 24, 1907, but the father is still 
 living near our subject’s farm. Mrs. Bateman taught in the public schools of 
 this county for eight years. 
 
 Mr. Bateman has a family of ten children, seven born of his first marriage and 
 three of his second. The children of the first marriage are Blanche, the wife of 
 Roy Barker, a farmer of Kirkland, Washington ; Hilda, the wife of Tames Love, 
 a farmer of Montana; Carrie, the wife of C. Simmons, a farmer of Touchet, 
 Washington; Bessie, who died at the age of nine years and is buried in the Bate- 
 man cemetery ; Forrest, a farmer of Sigel township ; Charles and Ernest who are 
 assisting their father. The three children of the second marriage are Chester, 
 Helen and Henry, all of whom are attending school. The family home is one 
 of the finest residences in Chippewa county and upon the farm are substantial 
 barns and all other modern improvements. 
 
 In politics Mr. Bateman is a republican, earnest and stalwart in support of 
 his party, and he has served as chairman in Lafayette township. He was for- 
 merly a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and belongs to the 
 Episcopal church as does his wife. His life has been active, useful and honor- 
 able and he enjoys the respect and friendship of the many friends and neighbors 
 among whom he has long lived. Having been a resident of the county for almost 
 six decades he deserves to be numbered among its pioneer citizens. 
 
 ISAAC LUND. 
 
 Isaac Lund, who for the past twenty-two years has engaged in general farm- 
 ing and dairying upon a fine property of two hundred acres, three-quarters 
 of a mile west of Bloomer, was born in Norway, and is a son of Austin Lund, 
 also a native of that country, where he resided until his death. Isaac Lund 
 came to America when he was twenty years of age and for a time worked in 
 the mills and stores in the vicinity of Eau Claire, this state. He remained there 
 four and one-half years and at the end of that time went to Nine Mile House, 
 
 • Vol. IT— 24 
 
450 
 
 PAST AND PRESENT OF CHIPPEWA COUNTY 
 
 this county, where he remained five years, spending one year as chore boy for 
 G. P. Hopkins and the remainder of the time in the logging business. He came 
 to Bloomer township about 1883 and twenty-two years ago located upon his pres- 
 ent farm, where he engages in general agricultural pursuits and dairying. He 
 has erected all of the buildings upon the property and has steadily carried for- 
 ward the work of improvement and development, the years bringing him steadily 
 increasing success and prominence. 
 
 Mr. Lund married Miss Lena Thompson and they have five children, Ida, 
 Edwin, Alma, Ella and Laura. Mr. Lund is a member of the Norwegian Lutheran 
 church and is connected fraternally with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows 
 and the Equitable Fraternal Union. He gives his political allegiance to the re- 
 publican party and during the thirty years of his residence here has been active 
 in public affairs, serving for two years as sheriff of the county, for one year 
 as treasurer- of the town board, for twelve years as chairman and for a long 
 period as a member of the school board. He is a man of good business ability, 
 recognized as an industrious and able farmer who has made good use of his 
 opportunities and has therefore prospered from year to year. 
 
 F. B. WOODARD. 
 
 F. B. Woodard, one of the progressive and successful young farmers and 
 stock-raisers of Bloomer township, owns seventy-five acres of land a half mile 
 west of Bioomer and rents his father’s farm of one hundred and sixty acres. 
 He constantly follows the most practical and modern methods in the development 
 of this property, and at an early age has won a gratifying degree of success. 
 He is a native of Chippewa county, born on the old home farm June 5, 1883, 
 his father being Western Woodard, well known in agricultural circles of this 
 locality. 
 
 F. B. Woodard was reared upon the homestead and when he was still a 
 child assisted with its operation, becoming in this way familiar with the best 
 agricultural methods. He acquired his early education in the public schools of 
 Bloomer and afterward took a course in agriculture in the State University at 
 Madison. After completing it he returned to Bloomer township, purchased 
 seventy-five acres of land and rented one hundred and sixty from his father, 
 turning his attention to farming, stock-raising and dairying. He makes a specialty 
 of raising pure-bred stock and his herd is headed by Reg Guernsey, a bull whose 
 dam as a two year old produced milk from which four hundred and fifteen pounds 
 of butter were made in one year. Mr. Woodard has thirty pure-blood milch 
 cows, all registered, one of which when three years old produced milk from which 
 four hundred and fifty pounds of butter fat was obtained. Cream and other 
 dairy products are shipped to eastern markets where they command a high price 
 and a ready sale. 
 
 Mr. Woodard married Miss Ida Trankle and both are well and favorably 
 known in this part of the county. Mr. Woodard is a republican in his political 
 beliefs and is at present a member of the school board. He is counted among 
 the men who by their scientific methods and unremitting industry have made 
 
PAST AND PRESENT OF CHIPPEWA COUNTY 
 
 451 
 
 distinct contributions to the agricultural development of this section and although 
 he is still a young man is already classed with representative and successful 
 citizens. 
 
 JACOB WIRTH. 
 
 Jacob Wirth, a substantial farmer and highly respected citizen of Auburn 
 township, where he is the proprietor of a farm of three hundred and twenty 
 acres, is a native of Switzerland, born in 1875. His father, Conrad Wirth, came 
 to the United States in 1879, settling first in Michigan and later in Milwaukee, 
 this state. He came to Chippewa county about the year 1898 and turned his 
 attention to farming, dying upon the property now owned by the subject of this 
 review when he was sixty years of age. He married Miss Elizabeth Bienz, and 
 they had four children. 
 
 Jacob Wirth was four years of age when he accompanied his parents to 
 America and he acquired his education in the public schools of Chippewa county. 
 He afterward turned his attention to farming upon the homestead and after his 
 father’s death came into possession of the property. He has since concentrated 
 his attention upon its development and the results of his labors are seen in its 
 attractive and excellent condition. He engages in general farming and has also 
 extensive dairy interests. 
 
 Mr. Wirth married Miss Mary Price, and they have five children, Margaret, 
 John, Charles, George and Albert. Mr. Wirth is connected fraternally with the 
 Modern Woodmen of America and the Beavers and his religious views are in 
 accord with the doctrines of the German Lutheran church. He gives his political 
 allegiance to the republican party and is at the present time serving as chairman 
 of the town board. He is a man of high business and personal principles, thor- 
 oughly reliable in all his transactions, and to his unflagging industry and well 
 directed efforts may be attributed the success he has attained. 
 
 J. TYLER PAINE. 
 
 Agricultural interests of Bloomer township find a progressive and worthy 
 representative in J. Tyler Paine, living upon a fine propertv of one hundred and 
 sixty acres two and one-fourth miles southwest of Bloomer. He is a member 
 of one of the well known pioneer families of this section, being a son of Simeon 
 S. Paine, a native of Maine, who mined in California for a number of years 
 and who came to Wisconsin in 1865. Two years later he purchased the farm 
 now owned by the subject of this review and upon the property engaged success- 
 fully in agricultural pursuits until his death which occurred when he was fifty- 
 two years of age. He married Miss Martha M. Usry and they became the par- 
 ents of four children: Joseph M., who lives in Montana; J. Tyler, of this review; 
 Mrs. Alma H. Donahue; and Mrs. Elizabeth Louise Kyle. 
 
452 
 
 PAST AND PRESENT OF CHIPPEWA COUNTY 
 
 J. Tyler Paine was born in Sacramento county, California, in 1865 and before 
 he was one year old was brought to Chippewa county, this state, where he has 
 since resided. He acquired his education in the public schools, dividing his time 
 in his childhood between his studies and work upon his father’s farm. After 
 laying aside his books he began farming upon the homestead which has been his 
 property since the death of his father. He has made substantial improvements 
 upon it, providing it with excellent buildings and modern machinery and the 
 farm is today one of the finest and most productive in this section of the county. 
 
 Mr. Paine married Miss Nettie May McGregor and they have become the 
 parents of six children: John Lyman and Simeon Lyle, twins; Iva; Malcolm; 
 Mary; and Archie. Fraternally Mr. Paine is identified with the Order of Beavers 
 and he is a democrat in his political beliefs. He is one of the active and progres- 
 sive farmers of this township, a man of good business capacity and enterprise and 
 of unquestioned business integrity, and he enjoys in unusual degree the confidence 
 and respect of the entire community. 
 
 JOSEPH PAULUS. 
 
 Joseph Paulus, the proprietor of the Central Hotel in Bloomer and well known 
 in this locality as a farsighted and able business man, was born in Germany in 
 1872 and is a son of Sylvester Paulus, a native of that country, who came to 
 the United States in 1882, settling in Wisconsin. He followed farming for a 
 number of years thereafter, dying in Douglas county in 1912. 
 
 Joseph Paulus was ten years of age when he accompanied his parents to 
 America and his education was completed in the public schools of Wisconsin. 
 After he grew to manhood he turned his attention to farming, buying two hundred 
 and forty acres six miles west of Bloomer. This property he sold in 1911 and 
 moved into the town, where he purchased the Central Hotel, which he has since 
 owned. He has proved capable and farsighted in the management of his interests 
 and the hotel is conducted according to a progressive policy which has made it a 
 very popular hostelry. 
 
 Mr. Paulus married Miss Lillian Crisman and they have become the parents 
 of two children, Leon and Mildred. Mr. Paulus is a republican in his political 
 beliefs and has served as a member of the side board and as school clerk. His 
 attention is, however, chiefly concentrated upon his business affairs, in which he 
 has won gratifying and well merited success. 
 
 JAMES SEBESTA. 
 
 lames Sebesta is the owner of a farm on section 26, township 30, range 7, 
 Chippewa county. He was born in Manitowoc county, January 24, 1883, a son 
 of Joseph Sebesta. IT is own mother died when he was very young and the father 
 afterward married Mrs. Joseph Nechvatal. The family home was established 
 in Chippewa county in 1901, after which he and his stepbrother, Anton Nechvatal, 
 
PAST AND PRESENT OF CHIPPEWA COUNTY 
 
 453 
 
 engaged in farming in partnership, on land which his father had purchased in 
 1899. Later the subject of this review purchased the farm and he now owns 
 one hundred and sixty acres of the rich land which has made this section of 
 the state famous. The farm was improved with good buildings, which he has 
 ever kept in a state of excellent repair. The place is divided into fields of con- 
 venient size, by well kept fences, and the farm work is conducted along pro- 
 gressive lines productive of good results. Mr. Sebesta and his stepbrother still 
 work together and have always maintained many interests in common. Mr. 
 Sebesta conducts a dairy business in addition to general farming, the rich meadow 
 lands affording excellent pasturage to his stock. The products of his dairy 
 command a good sale and the income derived therefrom is a substantial one. 
 
 Mr. Sebesta was married in Chippewa county to Miss Emma Vlasnik. daugh- 
 ter of Joseph Vlasnik, a farmer of the same township. Their children are two 
 in number, Charles and Alois. Industry is the rule of Mr. Sebesta’s life and to 
 it he has closely adhered. It is thus that he has worked his way upward step 
 by step until he is now classed with the representative agriculturists of the 
 community. 
 
 GOTTLIEB TURNER. 
 
 Gottlieb Turner is known as one of the representative farmers of Eagle Point 
 township. His home is situated six miles east of Bloomer and the farm com- 
 prises one hundred and sixty acres of rich and arable land, in addition to which 
 he owns eighty acres of timber land. He was born in Germany, seventy-six 
 years ago, his birth having occurred on the 19th of August, 1837. He was but 
 a young lad when his father died. His youth was spent in Germany, but the 
 stories which he heard concerning the opportunities of the new world led him 
 at length to try his fortune on this side the Atlantic. He made his way to the 
 United States when twenty-seven years of age, arriving in 1865. He did not 
 tarry on the eastern coast but continued overland and at length reached Chip- 
 pewa county, settling at once upon the farm which has since been his home. 
 When it came into his possession it was covered with a dense growth of timber. 
 He has cleared the entire place, performing the arduous task of cutting away the 
 trees, grubbing up the stumps and preparing the land for the plow. The soil, 
 naturally rich and productive, has brought to him substantial harvests as the 
 years have gone by and success has rewarded his labors, so that he is now in com- 
 fortable financial circumstances. He has erected all of the buildings upon his 
 farm and he is one of the oldest settlers of his part of the county. He carries 
 on general agricultural pursuits and dairying, and both branches of his business 
 have brought to him substantial returns. In the early days he had to cradle his 
 wheat and do his mowing by hand, but as the years have gone by he has been 
 enabled to purchase the modern, improved machinery and now has all of the 
 farm implements and accessories necessary to facilite the work of the fields. 
 
 It was after his arrival in this county that Mr. Turner was united in mar- 
 riage to Miss Paulina Rietz, and they became the parents of ten children, but 
 Ed, the second born, is deceased, and the youneest died in infancy. Those still 
 living are William, Gust, Emil, Henry, Samuel, Ida, Lelia and Bertha. 
 
454 
 
 PAST AND PRESENT OF CHIPPEWA COUNTY 
 
 Mr. Turner is an independent voter, supporting men and measures rather 
 than party. He belongs to the Lutheran church at Bloomer and contributed 
 generously toward its building. He has always been interested in the moral 
 development of the community and his life has been a potent force in promoting 
 progress along that line. For almost a half century he has lived in this county 
 and his memory forms a connecting link between the primitive past and the pro- 
 gressive present. He has lived to see the forests cut down and the land con- 
 verted into productive farms, while towns and villages have sprung up and been 
 transformed into thriving cities. He rejoices in what has been accomplished 
 and, while he has many pleasant memories of the past, he is not one who claims 
 that the days of old were better than present times. 
 
 ROBERT MEIER. 
 
 A native son of Chippewa county and one of the most successful agriculturists 
 and dairymen of Auburn township is Robert Meier, who was born upon the 
 property he now operates in 1885. He is a son of John Meier, for many years 
 a well known agriculturist in that locality. 
 
 Robert Meier acquired his education in the public schools of this county and 
 during his childhood aided his father with the operation of the homestead. 
 Since the latter went west Mr. Meier of this review has had entire charge of 
 the property, which comprises one hundred and sixty acres and lies four and a 
 half miles west of Bloomer. There are excellent buildings upon the place and 
 modern machinery and Mr. Meier follows the most practical and progressive 
 methods in its operation. He carries on general farming and dairying and his 
 close application and unfaltering energy have constituted strong features in 
 his success. 
 
 Mr. Meier married, in 1910, Miss Augusta Lamberg, a native of Chippewa 
 county, and they have two children, Edna and Alma. Mr. Meier is a republican 
 in his political beliefs and a devout member of the German Lutheran church. 
 He is still a young man but has already secured a high place in agricultural circles, 
 while his straightforward and upright life has gained for him the esteem and 
 regard of the entire community. 
 
 FRED CRANK. 
 
 Fred Crank, who since 1867 has lived upon a fine farm of two hundred and 
 twenty acres in Bloomer township, is known as an excellent representative of the 
 agricultural life of this community, a man to whom many years of well directed 
 labor have brought a substantial and gratifying success. He was born in Wauke- 
 sha in 1850, and is a son of Anton Crank, a native of Germany, who came to 
 the United States when he was about twenty-two years of age. He settled first 
 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, whence he moved to Waukesha, there engaging in 
 railroad work and helping to build the first track in that locality. He after- 
 
PAST AND PRESENT OF CHIPPEWA COUNTY 
 
 455 
 
 ward turned his attention to farming in Chippewa county, dying when he was 
 past sixty years of age. He married in this county and had six children. 
 
 Fred Crank acquired his education in the public schools of Waukesha and 
 after laying aside his books worked in the lumber woods and in the sawmills until 
 1867. He then came to Chippewa county and on March 17th of that year pur- 
 chased two hundred and twenty acres in Bloomer township, a property whereon 
 he has since resided. For a time he worked also in the lumber woods but of 
 late has concentrated his attention entirely upon his agricultural and dairy inter- 
 ests which are today extensive and important. 
 
 Mr. Crank has been twice married. He wedded first Miss Anna Baumgan and 
 after her death married Helen Derrick. He has six children, Joe, John, Fred, 
 Anton, Maggie, and Agnes. Mr. Crank is a member of the Catholic church 
 of Brush Prairie and is connected fraternally with the Catholic Knights. His 
 political allegiance is given to the democratic party and he has served for two 
 years on the town board and for sixteen years on the side board. He is interested 
 in everything pertaining to the welfare of the community, being heartily in sym- 
 pathy with movements for its material, political and moral progress. 
 
 R. E. LOOFBORO. 
 
 Probably no farmer in Sampson township is better known as a breeder of 
 high-grade beef cattle than R. E. Loofboro, who engages in this occupation and 
 also in general farming and dairying upon three hundred and ten acres of excel- 
 lent land nine miles north of Bloomer. He was born in Clinton county, Iowa, 
 in i860 and is a son of John Loofboro, a native of Ohio, who went to Iowa when 
 he was a young man and followed farming there until his death at the age of 
 .seventy. His wife was in her maidenhood. Miss Sarah Forsythe and they 
 became the parents of five children. 
 
 R. E. Loofboro acquired his education in the public schools of Iowa, and 
 after laying aside his books began farming independently, remaining in his 
 native state for four years thereafter. He then moved to Nebraska where he 
 took up a homestead upon which he carried on general farming for thirteen 
 years. At the end of that time he came north to Wisconsin and bought three 
 hundred and ten acres of land in Sampson township, this county. This is his 
 present farm and upon it he has made substantial improvements, for when it 
 came into his possession there were but forty acres cleared and no buildings what- 
 ever upon the property. One hundred and fifty acres are now under cultiva- 
 tion and in addition to a silo and other substantial outbuildings, Mr. Loofboro 
 has one of the largest barns in his section of the county. He makes a specialty 
 of breeding high-grade beef cattle and is also a large alfalfa grower and a suc- 
 cessful dairyman, all branches of his activities being, under his able manage- 
 ment, important and profitable. 
 
 Mr. Loofboro married Miss May Madison and they have become the par- 
 ents of eight children. Mr. Loofboro is a member of the Seventh Day Baptist 
 church and is a democrat in his political beliefs. Throughout Chippewa county 
 
456 
 
 PAST AND PRESENT OE CHIPPEWA COUNTY 
 
 he is known as a progressive and practical farmer and a farsighted and reliable 
 business man and his work has marked a distinct advance in the agricultural 
 development of his section. 
 
 MAX C. KRENZ. 
 
 Max C. Krenz, specializing in the cultivation of small fruits upon a line farm 
 of eighty acres near Bloomer, was born in Germany in March, 1883, a son of 
 Ludwig Krenz, also a native of the fatherland. When the latter emigrated to 
 the United States he located first at Monticello where he remained, however, 
 only a few months. At the end of that time he moved to Chippewa county and 
 for some time made his home in Bloomer. He afterwards turned his attention 
 to farming, buying in 1895 the farm in Bloomer township whereon his son now 
 resides. He is now living retired. His wife was in her maidenhood Miss Anna 
 Croll and they became the parents of three children : Gust ; Charles ; and Max C., 
 of this review. 
 
 Max C. Krenz acquired his education in the public schools of Bloomer, having 
 been but one year old when his parents moved to America. After laying aside 
 his books he began operating his father’s farm and since that time has made his 
 home upon the property which reflects everywhere the many years of care and 
 labor which he has bestowed upon it. He makes a specialty of the cultivation 
 of small fruits and is the only farmer in this section so engaged. General farm- 
 ing also engages his attention and in both branches he has met with distinct and 
 gratifying success. 
 
 Mr. Krenz gives his political allegiance to the republican party and is con- 
 nected fraternally with the Masonic lodge. He is a devout member of the 
 Lutheran church. He has contributed in an important way to the agricultural 
 development of his part of the county and has moreover gained the esteem and 
 confidence of his fellow citizens. 
 
 RASMUS MULLEN. 
 
 Rasmus Mullen owns and operates a fine farm of eighty acres located four 
 miles south of Bloomer, in Tilden township, and by constantly following the most 
 progressive and practical methods in its cultivation has surrounded himself with 
 an enviable degree of prosperity. He was born in Norway in 1877 and acquired 
 his education in the public schools of his native country. After laying aside his 
 books he worked in various localities in Norway and when he was about twenty- 
 one years of age emigrated to America, locating in Chippewa county, where he 
 has since resided. For several years he worked in the woods around Bloomer 
 and Superior, but in 1909 abandoned this occupation and turned his attention to 
 farming. He bought eighty acres of land in Tilden township, four miles from 
 Bloomer, and has since carried forward the work of improving and developing 
 this property. There were a number of buildings upon the place when it came 
 
PAST AND PRESENT OF CHIPPEWA COUNTY 
 
 457 
 
 into his possession and to these he has added a modern silo. He engages in gen- 
 eral farming and dairying and has extensive interests along both lines, his well 
 directed labors having brought him a substantial degree of prosperity. 
 
 Mr. Mullen married Miss Sophie Peterson, a native of Norway, and they 
 have become the parents of three children. Herbert, Eveline and Elza. Mr. 
 Mullen is a member of the Norwegian Lutheran church and a republican in his 
 political beliefs. He takes an active interest in the affairs of the community and 
 his aid can always be counted upon to further movements of reform and advance- 
 ment. In Tilden township he is known as a practical and able farmer and a pro- 
 gressive citizen and he commands and holds the esteem and high regard of all 
 who are associated with him. 
 
 CHARLES KRENZ. 
 
 Practical and modern agricultural methods find a worthy exponent in Charles 
 Krenz, carrying on general farming and dairying upon one hundred and sixty 
 acres of land in Bloomer township, eighty acres of which he owns. He was 
 born in Bloomer in 1883, and is a son of Louis Krenz, a well known farmer of 
 this locality. 
 
 Charles Krenz was reared at home and acquired his education in the grade 
 and high schools of Bloomer. After laying aside his books he bought eighty 
 acres of land from his father and rented another eighty and upon this prop- 
 erty which lies four miles northwest of Bloomer he engages in general farming 
 and dairying, meeting with that success which is the natural result of energy 
 and ability. He has made excellent improvements upon his place, including a 
 fine residence and the farm is modern and up-to-date in every particular, reflect- 
 ing everywhere his constant and careful supervision. 
 
 Mr. Krenz married Miss Annie Hilger and they have become the parents of 
 two children, Esther and Elmer. Mr. Krenz is a member of the Lutheran church 
 and connected fraternally with the Masonic lodge. He is a republican in his 
 political beliefs and active in his cooperation in all measures and movements for 
 the public welfare, so that he is generally recognized as a public-spirited and 
 loyal citizen as well as a practical and able farmer. 
 
 FRANK GARDNER. 
 
 Frank Gardner, whose residence in Chippewa county covers almost a third 
 of a century, devotes his time and energies to dairy farming and is the owner 
 of one hundred and sixty acres of land on section 30, township 30, range 6. 
 He was born in the state of New York in 1864, a son of William Gardner and a 
 brother of H. W. Gardner. His boyhood was spent in the Empire state and his 
 education acquired in its common schools. In 1881, when a youth of seventeen, 
 he came to Chippewa county, Wisconsin, and secured employment at teaming in 
 the woods. Subsequently he purchased a slightly improved tract of land com- 
 
458 
 
 PAST AND PRESENT OF CHIPPEWA COUNTY 
 
 prising one hundred and sixty acres, some of the trees having been chopped 
 down and the logs removed but the stumps still remaining. There was also a 
 small log house on the place. As the years have passed Mr. Gardner has 
 steadily carried forward the work of improvement and now has ninety acres of 
 his land under cultivation and a set of substantial and commodious farm build- 
 ings. 1 1 is attention is given to dairy farming, and in this branch of activity he 
 has won well merited and gratifying success. 
 
 In Chippewa county Mr. Gardner was united in marriage to Miss Louise 
 Goodman, her father being Mathias Goodman, a sketch of whom appears on 
 another page of this work. They are the parents of three children: Fred, Sidney 
 and Ella May. Mr. Gardner gives his political allegiance to the democratic party 
 and has served in the capacity of school director, the cause of education ever 
 finding in him a stanch champion. As he has lived in this county for more than 
 three decades, he has an extensive acquaintance here and his friends know him 
 as an enterprising agriculturist and a man of genuine worth. 
 
 FRED ZIEBELL, Jr. 
 
 A well developed farm of one hundred and twenty acres pays tribute to the 
 care and cultivation bestowed upon it by its owner, Fred Ziebell, Jr. The place 
 is pleasantly and conveniently located a mile and a half north of Bloomer and 
 the methods employed in its development are at once practical and effective. Mr. 
 Ziebell is yet a young man and the success he has already attained is creditable 
 and gratifying. He was born in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, in 1885 and is a son of 
 Fred Ziebell, Sr., a native of Germany who came to the United States when six 
 years of age. The family located in Canada but removed to Milwaukee and then 
 twenty-six years ago came to Chippewa county, where the father established a 
 home a mile west of the place upon which his son now resides. The father made 
 farming his life work and his persistent purpose and unfaltering energy consti- 
 tuted the foundation of his growing success. He married Amelia Schultz who 
 is still living and to them were born six children. 
 
 Fred Ziebell, Jr., was a young lad when the family came to Chippewa county 
 and in the public schools of the district he received his education. When not busy 
 with the work of the schoolroom he assisted his father in the tasks of plowing, 
 planting and harvesting and when his school days were over he gave undivided 
 attention to farm work on the old homestead until he reached the age of twenty- 
 five years and then he removed to his present farm in Bloomer township and has 
 since made his home thereon. He is busily engaged day after day in the manifold 
 duties which constitute the work of the agriculturist who carries on general farm- 
 ing. 
 
 Mr. Ziebell is also engaged in the dairy business and the products of his dairy, 
 as well as of his fields, find a ready sale on the market. He keeps everything about 
 his place in neat condition and his success is the direct outcome of persistent labor 
 intelligently and carefully directed. 
 
 He was married to Miss Ida Summerfield of Chippewa county whose home 
 was about four miles from Bloomer. They have become the parents of two chib 
 
PAST AND PRESENT OF CHIPPEWA COUNTY 
 
 459 
 
 dren, Valeria and one as yet unnamed. The parents hold membership in the 
 German Lutheran church, contribute liberally to its support and are interested 
 in its work. In politics Mr. Ziebell is a republican being one of the most stanch 
 supporters of the party to be found in Bloomer township. He does not seek nor 
 desire office, however, preferring to give his undivided attention to business affairs 
 which he is now capably managing and which rank him among the progressive 
 and enterprising young farmers of his part of the county. 
 
 CHARLES FEHR. 
 
 Among the native sons of Chippewa county who by their own energy and per- 
 severance have won well deserved success in agricultural pursuits is numbered 
 Charles Fehr, who owns a fine farm of eighty acres in Auburn township and who 
 operates in addition a tract of three hundred and sixty acres owned by his father. 
 He was born upon this latter property in 1887, a son of Baltis Fehr, a native of 
 Switzerland, who came to the United States as a boy, locating first in the southern 
 part of Wisconsin and later in Chippewa county. Fie followed farming here for 
 many years but is now living retired in Bloomer. He married Miss Elizabeth 
 Wirth and they became the parents of eleven children. 
 
 Charles Fehr acquired his education in the public schools of Chippewa county 
 and after laying aside his books turned his attention to farming upon a tract of 
 eighty acres in Auburn township. This adjoins his father’s homestead of three 
 hundred and sixty acres and Mr. Fehr operates this property also, carrying on 
 general farming and dairying. Fie has met with excellent success in his agicultural 
 operations, for his methods are at all times practical and his industry is untiring. 
 
 Mr. Fehr married Miss Lillian Culver and both are well known and highly 
 esteemed throughout the township. Mr. Fehr holds membership in the Lutheran 
 church and in politics is independent, voting for men and measures without regard 
 to party lines. He is a man whose enterprise and honesty have gained him an 
 excellent reputation throughout the county and he is numbered among the pro- 
 gressive and substantial citizens of Auburn township. 
 
 JOHN C. MULLEN. 
 
 John C. Mullen, who passed away in Saskatchewan, Canada, on the 24th of 
 March, 1904, was one of the earliest settlers of Chippewa county and here car- 
 ried on farming for more than a third of a century, owning one hundred and 
 sixty acres of land on section 29, township 31, range 7. He was born in Canada 
 on the 13th of July, 1839, and in that country spent the first twenty-nine years of 
 his life. In 1868 he came to Chippewa county, Wisconsin, and purchased a 
 quarter section of wild land which was covered with a dense timber growth. 
 Undertaking the arduous task of clearing the property, he eventually prepared 
 the land for cultivation and also made a number of substantial improvements 
 thereon, erecting a commodious residence and good barn. Here he carried on 
 
460 
 
 PAST AND PRESENT OF CHIPPEWA COUNTY 
 
 general agricultural pursuits with success until 1902, when he removed to Sas- 
 katchewan, Canada, and took up a homestead, there passing away on the 24th of 
 March, 1904. He was one of the earliest settlers of Chippewa county and long 
 enjoyed an enviable reputation as one of its substantial agriculturists and esteemed 
 citizens. His widow and son Ray still reside here, owning a farm of eighty 
 acres which they operate. 
 
 In 1872 Mr. Mullen was united in marriage to Miss Elizabeth Chrystal, whose 
 birth occurred in Canada on the 17th of March, 1853, her parents being John and 
 Jane Chrystal, early settlers of De Kalb county, Illinois, whence they came to 
 Chippewa county. Both passed away here. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Mullen were 
 born four children, as follows: Eva, who is the wife of Samuel Kelly, of Chip- 
 pewa Falls; Wilmer, who lives in the west; Ray, who is engaged in the operation 
 of the home farm ; and Grace, also at home. Mrs. Mullen, who has lived in 
 Chippewa county since 1872 or for more than four decades, enjoys an extensive 
 acquaintance here and has witnessed the development of this part of the state 
 from pioneer times to the present. 
 
 JOSEPH HEBERT. 
 
 Eighteen years have come and gone since Joseph Hebert passed away but he is 
 yet remembered by many of his old friends, who entertained for him warm regard 
 because of a well spent life. He was born in Canada in 1833, a son of James 
 Hebert, a Canadian farmer, whose entire life was spent in that country. Joseph 
 Hebert was one of a family of fourteen children. He acquired his education in 
 Canadian schools and after mastering the branches of learning therein taught he 
 left home when fourteen years of age to make his own way in the world. He 
 could truly be called a self-made, for whatever success he achieved was attributable 
 entirely to his own labors, perseverance and capable management. When he 
 started out for himself he crossed the border into the United States, thinking to 
 find better opportunities on this side of the line. He first settled in Massachusetts, 
 where he remained for two years, after which he came to Wisconsin. Establish- 
 ing his home in Chippewa county, he embarked in the logging business, and as 
 success attended his efforts in that direction, enabling him to save some of his 
 earnings, he at length secured a sum sufficient to purchase the farm upon which 
 his family still resides. He thereafter carried on both logging and farming until 
 his death and as his financial resources increased he added to his property until 
 he was the owner of four hundred and forty acres of improved land, together 
 with tracts of wild land. He erected most of the buildings upon his place and since 
 his death Mrs. Hebert has made many improvements. The barns, sheds and other 
 outbuildings are the largest to be found in his part of the county and the farm 
 is one of the best improved in this section of the state. It is an indication of 
 the enterprising spirit of both Mr. and Mrs. Hebert. He was also the owner 
 of property in Chippewa Falls and he was everywhere known as an active, ener- 
 getic business man of sound judgment and keen discrimination. He never faltered 
 in wdiat he undertook and his indefatigable energy constituted the basis of his 
 success. He was also one of the pioneers of this section in the logging business. 
 
PAST AND PRESENT OF CHIPPEWA COUNTY 
 
 461 
 
 He started in that business when seventeen years of age and followed it through- 
 out his entire life save for a period of two years. His example of persistent and 
 honorable purpose is one well worthy of emulation. 
 
 Mr. Hebert was united in marriage to Miss Mary Mayer, a daughter of William 
 Mayer, a native of Germany, who came to the United States fifty-six years ago, 
 settling in Tilden, Wisconsin. He followed farming but was a blacksmith by 
 trade and continued to conduct a shop until he died, having the only one in Tilden. 
 His wife bore the maiden name of Susan Beitweiler and she died during the 
 early girlhood of Mrs. Hebert, who was one of a family of four children. Unto 
 Mr. and Mrs. Hebert were born seven children, as follows: Joseph, who wedded 
 Miss Hannah Latendre; William, who married Miss Lillian Trudelle, by whom 
 he has a daughter, Margaret Mary; Louise; Marie; Gilbert; Charles; and Homer. 
 The last three named operate farms and are well known and enterprising agricul- 
 turists of the county. 
 
 Mr. Hebert gave his political allegiance to the democratic party but never 
 sought nor desired office. He was a member of the Catholic church of Chippewa 
 Falls and he was well known among the early settlers and later residents of the 
 county, where an active and useful life gained for him the warm regard and 
 enduring friendship of many with whom he came in contact. 
 
 CHRIS SCHNOOR. 
 
 Chris Schnoor is engaged in general farming on a tract of one hundred and 
 sixty acres in Bloomer township. The farm is situated four miles northwest of 
 the village of Bloomer and in its care and cultivation Mr. Schnoor finds exercise 
 for his dominant qualities of industry and determination. He is a native of Ger- 
 many, having been born in the fatherland sixty-five years ago. His father, John 
 Schnoor, never came to the United States and after spending his life as a laborer 
 passed away in his native land. He married Lena Reice and they were the parents 
 of seven children. 
 
 The educational opportunities which Chris Schnoor enjoyed were those offered 
 by the public schools of Germany. He worked as a farm hand in his native land 
 until he came to the Lffiited States in early manhood in 1865. He at once made 
 his way to Wisconsin locating first in Dane county, Avhere he secured employment 
 as a farm hand. For forty years, however, he has lived in Chippewa county and 
 for about thirty-six years has occupied his present farm. He was one of the 
 first settlers in his section of the county and he cleared all of his land, transform- 
 ing the wild tract into rich fields which annually yield him golden harvests. He 
 erected all of the farm buildings upon his place, building his barn twenty-three 
 years ago. He has added many modern improvements and he utilizes improved 
 farm machinery in cultivating his fields. He also engages in dairying, keeping 
 a number of cows for that purpose and the products of his dairy like those of 
 the fields find a ready sale on the market. 
 
 Mr. Schnoor was married in Wisconsin to Miss Pherena Ge’nring and they have 
 become the parents of ten children who are yet living, while two have passed away. 
 Those who still survive are: Annie, Lena, Dave, Rena, Otto, Lucinda, Alvin, 
 
462 
 
 PAST AND PRESENT OF CHIPPEWA COUNTY 
 
 Walter, Eizzie and Ella. The sons now operate the farm largely relieving the 
 father from the arduous cares incident to cultivating the fields, yet to his business 
 he gives personal supervision. That he is a man of sound business judgment is 
 evidenced in the success which has come to him for his energy and perseverance 
 have made him one of the substantial agriculturists of his section of the county. 
 
 Politically he is independent, voting as his judgment dictates and according 
 to the leads of the times. His religious faith is that of the German Lutheran 
 church. His life has been characterized by many sterling qualities and as a man 
 and citizen he enjoys the good-will and confidence of all who know him. 
 
 CHRIS HOLTER. 
 
 Chris Holter lives two miles east of North Auburn on a farm of one hun- 
 dred and sixty acres and in addition to cultivating this property engages also in 
 the produce business, his success in this field placing him among the representa- 
 tive and able business men jn this part of the state. He is a native of Norway, 
 born in 1873, a son of Sever Holter, who came to the United States and located 
 in Duluth, Wisconsin, where he engaged in business for a number of years. 
 He is now living in retirement west of New Auburn. He married Miss Carrie 
 Everson and they became the parents of five children, all of whom survive. 
 
 Chris Holter acquired his education in the public schools of Chippewa county 
 and after laying aside his books turned his attention to farming, an occupation 
 with which he has been to some extent identified since that time. He now 
 engages in general farming and stock-raising upon one hundred and sixty acres 
 of land in Bloomer township, but operates this property with the aid of hired 
 help as much of his personal attention is given to the conduct of his large produce 
 business. He has a fine warehouse in Bloomer and controls an important and 
 growing trade as his business methods are always straightforward and honor- 
 able and his goods high class. 
 
 Mr. Holter married Miss Signe Peterson and they have five children : Clin- 
 ton, William, Eveline, Stanley and Cecil. Mr. Holter is a member of the Nor- 
 wegian Lutheran church and is independent in his political views. Both in agri- 
 cultural and business circles he is well known and highly respected as a man of 
 unwavering integrity and excellent standards. 
 
 CASPER LARSON. 
 
 A well known resident of Chippewa county is Casper Larson. He is con- 
 nected with the implement department of the Farmers Store, near Bloomer. He 
 owns a tract of land of one hundred and sixty acres east of Bloomer and he lives 
 a busy life in which he is accomplishing substantial, results. Chippewa county 
 numbers him among her native sons, his birth having occurred on the old family 
 homestead thirty-six years ago. He was reared in the usual manner of farmer 
 lads, working in the fields through the summer months and attending school in 
 
PAST AND PRESENT OF CHIPPEWA COUNTY 
 
 463 
 
 the winter season. His public school course was finished by a course in Curtis 
 College in Minnesota and thus he was well prepared by a liberal education for 
 life’s practical duties and responsibilities. When his college days were over he 
 began farming upon the old homestead and purchased the interests of the other 
 heirs in the property. He now owns one hundred and sixty acres of rich and 
 valuable land not far from Bloomer and his place is splendidly improved. His 
 buildings are excellent and everything about the place is kept in good repair. 
 There is a substantial and commodious residence with good barns and sheds and 
 the farm indicates the progressive spirit of the owner. Mr. Larson left the farm 
 in 1912 to become an employe in the implement department of the Farmers 
 Store so that he is now devoting his attention to commercial pursuits, in which 
 he is proving equally successful. 
 
 Mr. Larson was married in 1904 to Miss Anna Johnson who died in 1909 
 leaving a daughter, Mildred, who is now six years of age. Mr. Larson votes 
 with the republican party and is an interested student of political conditions. 
 He filled the office of town clerk for three years and made an excellent record in 
 that position. Loyalty has ever been one of his marked characteristics and he 
 is faithful to every duty that devolves upon him. He is well known in the sec- 
 tion of the county in which he lives and his popularity is recognized by all who 
 meet him in a social or business way. 
 
 CHRIST NELSON. 
 
 Since 1868 Christ Nelson has been a resident of Tilden township and he has 
 seen the section develop from a wilderness into a populous and wealthy farming 
 community. He has borne an active and honorable part in the work of upbuild- 
 ing, for since 1870 he has owned a fine tract of one hundred and twenty acres 
 lying three and a half miles south of Bloomer, and he has during the course of 
 years made many substantial contributions to general agricultural development. 
 
 Christ Nelson was born in Norway in 1851 and spent his childhood and early 
 youth in his native country. In 1868 he emigrated to America and after his 
 arrival came directly to Chippewa county, settling in Bloomer and working in 
 the woods in the vicinity of the city for a number of years thereafter. By 
 the exercise of thrift and economy he saved enough money to purchase land of 
 his own and in 1870 bought a one hundred and twenty acre tract in Tilden town- 
 ship. The land lies three and a half miles south of Bloomer and here Mr. 
 Nelson has since steadily carried forward the work of development and improve- 
 ment along practical lines. He has erected a comfortable residence and good 
 farm buildings and has installed the necessary machinery, neglecting nothing 
 which would add to the appearance or value of his place. He engaged in gen- 
 eral farming, operating the property himself until about seven years ago, when he 
 retired from active life, leaving the work of the fields to a hired manager. He 
 still resides upon his homestead, where he has lived for forty-three years, each 
 year witnessing an increase in his prosperity and prominence. He is one of the 
 few who have so long witnessed the growth and development of this part of 
 Chippewa county, for Tilden township at the time of his arrival was a tract of 
 
464 
 
 PAST AND PRESENT OF CHIPPEWA COUNTY 
 
 dense timber land, covered with black pine trees, and Indians were the most 
 numerous inhabitants. During the years he has resided here Mr. Nelson has 
 made substantial contributions to general growth and development and in the 
 course of a long, active and honorable life has gained the esteem and regard of 
 his neighbors and friends. 
 
 GUSTAV WEIHER. 
 
 Gustav Weiher, who operates the Jacob Meier farm of one hundred and 
 sixty acres in Bloomer township and who owns ninety-four acres north of 
 Bloomer, was born in Germany in 1858 and is a son of Fred Weiher, a laborer 
 in that country, who never came to America. The son acquired his education 
 in the public schools of Germany and in 1885 came to the United States, set- 
 tling in Milwaukee, where he remained for one summer. At the end of that time 
 he moved to Whitewater, spending nine years there, and he then came to Chip- 
 pewa county and purchased ninety-four acres in Bloomer township, which he has 
 since owned. When this came into his possession it was a tract of wild land, but 
 he has since cleared thirty acres and erected an excellent set of buildings. Mr. 
 Weiher does not live upon this property although he operates it, for six years 
 ago he assumed the management of the Jacob Meier property, upon which he 
 carries on general farming and dairying. Being a progressive and practical agri- 
 culturist, his efforts have been rewarded by a gratifying degree of success. 
 
 Mr. Weiher married Miss Matilda Burger, a native of Germany, and they 
 have become the parents of seven children, Otto, Minnie, Lena, Fred, Willie, 
 Robert and Emma. Mr. Weiher gives his political allegiance to the republican 
 party, is connected fraternally with the Modern Woodmen of America and holds 
 membership in the German Lutheran church. The success which has attended 
 his labors entitles him to recognition among the prosperous, enterprising and 
 representative citizens of the community and his many sterling traits of char- 
 acter have won him the warm friendship and regard of those with whom he has 
 come in contact. 
 
 ROBERT D. C. MORAY. M. D. 
 
 Dr. Robert D. C. Moray, who has practiced medicine and surgery in Cornell 
 since the 3d of April, 1913, came to this county on that date from Manawa, Wis- 
 consin. His birth occurred at Brockville, Ontario, Canada, on the 12th of Novem- 
 ber, 1875, his parents being Robert and Isabella (Campbell) Moray, the former 
 a descendant of a United Empire Loyalist family and the latter of Scotch origin. 
 Robert Moray, who was a farmer by occupation, passed away in 1889 and was 
 buried in the county of Leeds, Ontario, near Brockville. The demise of his wife 
 occurred in 1875, when their son Robert was but two weeks old. Her remains 
 were interred in the Brockville cemetery. 
 
PAST AND PRESENT OF CHIPPEWA COUNTY 
 
 467 
 
 Robert D. C. Moray acquired his primary education in the public schools of 
 his native town and afterward attended the Brockville Collegiate Institute, from 
 which he was graduated in June, 1892. Subsequently he learned the trade of 
 draftsman and machinist and followed that occupation for nine years. Having 
 determined upon the practice of medicine as a life work, he then entered Mil- 
 waukee Medical College and in 1905 won the degree of M. D. In that year he 
 opened an office in Manawa, Wisconsin, which place remained the scene of his 
 professional labors until April, 1913, when he came to Cornell. His practice is 
 already large and lucrative, having steadily grown as he has demonstrated his 
 skill and ability in coping with the intricate problems which continually confront 
 the physician in his efforts to restore health and prolong life. He is a member 
 of the Wisconsin State Medical Society and the American Medical Association 
 and thus keeps in touch with the progress which is being continually made by the 
 profession. 
 
 On the 28th of August, 1907, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Dr. Moray was united 
 in marriage to Miss Flora S. Menish, her parents being Neil and Elizabeth Men- 
 ish, both of whom are deceased and buried in Milwaukee. In politics Dr. Moray 
 is a republican and his fraternal relations are with the Independent Order of Odd 
 Fellows and the Modern Woodmen of America. His support is given to all 
 progressive measures and his aid can always be counted upon to further those 
 interests which are of genuine worth to the community. 
 
 FRED W. THOMPSON. 
 
 Modern farming methods find their exemplification in the life work of Fred 
 W. Thompson, who is cultivating the old homestead farm of one hundred and 
 sixty acres in Auburn township. He was born in Osseo, Wisconsin, in 1885, and 
 is a son of Walter Thompson, who was a native of England and came to the United 
 States when twenty years of age. He made his way to Eau Claire, where he 
 engaged in the flour milling business but after some identification with commer- 
 cial pursuits he turned his attention to agriculture and took up his abode upon 
 what is now known as the old Walter Thompson homestead in Auburn township. 
 There he continued to till the fields and care for his crops until his sons were old 
 enough to relieve him of the cultivation and management of the farm, since which 
 time he has assumed active connection with the milling business, which he now 
 follows on the Pacific coast. He married Miss Hilda Nelson, of Chippewa county, 
 who was born in Norway but came to the United States when a little maiden of 
 eight years. In their family -were seven children: Frank, who is engaged in 
 
 farming in Running Valley ; Fred W. ; Bert, who is credit man for the Fairbanks- 
 Morse Company; Harry, who is traffic manager for the Northwestern Steel & 
 Iron Works, at Eau Claire; Grace, at home; Sibyl, wdio is attending the high 
 school, of Eau Claire ; and Willis. 
 
 Like the others of the family, Fred W. Thompson was accorded good educa- 
 tional privileges, which he improved, mastering the branches of learning taught 
 in the grade and high schools of Bloomer. He has always made farming his life 
 work, thus continuing in the pursuit to which he was reared and now operates the 
 
 Vo I IT— 2". 
 
468 
 
 PAST AND PRESENT OF CHIPPEWA COUNTY 
 
 old homestead farm, which he devotes to the cultivation of cereals and dairying. 
 He has erected a commodious and attractive modern residence, which is one of 
 the hue homes of the county and in the conduct of the farm he utilizes modern 
 methods and displays an enterprising spirit that conquers difficulties and pushes 
 forward to success. He is determined and energetic and has made wise use of 
 his time and opportunities as the years have gone by. 
 
 The republican party counts Mr. Thompson as one of its stalwart supporters 
 who has exercised his right of franchise in behalf of its candidates since attaining 
 his majority. He holds membership in the Presbyterian church of Sand Creek 
 and this association indicates much of the rules which govern his conduct and 
 shape his career. He is widely known in Chippewa county and his many sterling- 
 traits of character have made his circle of friends almost a coextensive one with 
 the circle of his acquaintances. 
 
 CHARLES SCHROEDER. 
 
 Bloomer township is a rich agricultural district and within its borders reside 
 many progressive farmers who recognize their opportunities and through the 
 improvement of the advantages which are theirs are winning substantial success. 
 To this class belongs Charles Schroeder whose attractive and excellent farm of one 
 hundred and fifty-seven acres is situated six miles northwest of the village of 
 Bloomer. He has been a life long resident of Wisconsin, his birth having occurred 
 in Waukesha county about a mile from the city of Waukesha. For fifty-four 
 years, however, he has been a resident of Chippewa county, having arrived here 
 November i, 1859. He was then but a little child, his birth having occurred on 
 the 5th of October, 1858. His father, Charles Schroeder, was a native of Germany 
 and on coming to the United States at the age of twenty-eight years, made his 
 way to Wisconsin. He was employed in a mill for ten years and on the expiration 
 of that period took up his abode on a farm at Eagle Point three miles north of 
 Chippewa Falls, there following general agricultural pursuits throughout his 
 remaining days. He died in 1882, falling into a well, which occasioned his demise. 
 He was well known as one of the early settlers here and as a man of sterling 
 worth. His wife, who bore the maiden name of Mary Charlotta Krieg, was born 
 in Leipsig, Germany, and lived in Waukesha county, Wisconsin, at the time of 
 her marriage. Her death, resulting from pleurisy, occurred February 22, 1910. 
 They had two children, but the elder son, Herman was drowned in the Chippewa 
 river June 29, 1873, when only sixteen years of age. 
 
 Charles Schroeder, reared in this county, is indebted to the public-school system 
 for the educational opportunities which he enjoyed. He early became familiar 
 with all branches of farm work and after leaving school his entire time was devoted 
 to the labors of the fields. He was twenty-one years of age when he took up his 
 abode upon his present farm and he is known as one of the oldest settlers in his 
 part of the county. He cleared all of the land which was covered with timber 
 and stumps when he took possession. 
 
 It required much arduous toil to convert the wild tract into productive fields, 
 but he never hesitated and his diligence and industry at length brought their 
 
PAST AND PRESENT OF CHIPPEWA COUNTY 
 
 469 
 
 reward. He has one of the best improved farms in his part of the county. The 
 buildings are commodious, modern and substantial and the barns and sheds furnish 
 ample shelter for grain and stock. He uses the latest improved machinery with 
 which to plant, cultivate and care for his crops and he also engages in stock-raising, 
 in dairying and in selling wood, having hauled wood for thirty years. He has 
 just completed a new barn thirty-six by sixty-six feet, all made from timber cut 
 on the place and from rock and sand secured from the sand pit on his farm. 
 
 Mr. Schroeder was united in marriage to Miss Bertha Heidtke, a daughter of 
 August Heidtke and they have one son, Walter, who was born May 27, 1885, and 
 now assists his father in carrying on the home farm. Mr. Schroeder votes with 
 the democratic party but does not seek nor desire office, preferring to concentrate 
 his energy on his business affairs which are important and which class him with 
 the representative agriculturists of his district. In business matters his judgment 
 is sound and his energy unfaltering and the years have brought him a good return 
 for his labor. 
 
 WILLIAM SUMM ER FI ELD. 
 
 William Summerfield owns and cultivates an excellent farm 01 two hundred 
 acres about six miles northwest of Bloomer. It is such men as Mr. Summerfield 
 who have won for Chippewa county her enviable reputation as an agricultural 
 district. The natural beauty of the landscape is heightened by the well cultivated 
 farms, thrifty orchards and pastures containing high-grade stock. Modern equip- 
 ments are found upon the home place of Mr. Summerfield who is an energetic 
 agriculturist, carrying on his work according to the most modern methods. Chip- 
 pewa county is deeply indebted to Germany for a large percentage of her enter- 
 prising citizens, among whom is the subject of this review. He was born in 
 Germany fifty-three years ago and is a son of Christ Summerfield, who on crossing 
 the Atlantic to the United States with his family made his way to Green Lake 
 county, Wisconsin, where he established his home. Later he removed to Chippewa 
 county settling near Bloomer but eventually sold his property there and took up 
 his abode on the farm which is now the home of his son, William. The place was 
 then covered with a dense growth of timber and with the aid of his son, William, 
 he began cutting away the trees, grubbing up the stumps and preparing the land 
 for the plow. He continued to reside upon the farm throughout his remaining 
 days, his death occurring in the spring of 1913 when he was eighty-five years of 
 age. He was married in Germany and had two children who are yet living, the 
 younger, being Mrs. William Luck. 
 
 In taking up the history of William Summerfield we present to our readers 
 the life record of one who has long resided in this county and who is widely 
 and favorably known. His youthful days were largely devoted to the acquirement 
 of an education in the public schools and he then started out in life on his own 
 account, working as a farm hand by the month. He was ambitious, however, to 
 engage in business for himself and began to cultivate farms which he leased until 
 he was able to purchase his present place. Lie carefully saved his earnings, living 
 economically and frugally and he now owns two hundred acres of land which is 
 
470 
 
 PAST AND PRESENT OF CHIPPEWA COUNTY 
 
 rich and productive and responds readily to the care and labor he has bestowed 
 upon it. He has made many substantial improvements including the introduction 
 of modern machinery to facilitate the work of the fields. He carries on a dairy 
 business in connection with general farming and both branches are bringing him a 
 gratifying financial return. 
 
 Mr. Summerfield married Miss Tena Drega and they have four children, 
 Martha, Ida, Annie and Otto. The parents hold membership in the German 
 Lutheran church of Bloomer and are faithful to its teachings. Mr. Summerfield 
 gives his political support to the republican party and. is in thorough sympathy 
 with its principles and purposes, but does not seek nor desire office, preferring to 
 concentrate his energy upon his business affairs which are capably managed and 
 which have gained him recognition as a representative farmer of his township. 
 
 P. B. OLSON. 
 
 Wisconsin offers excellent opportunities to the farmer. Her land is rich and 
 responds readily to the care and cultivation bestowed upon it. To the work of 
 tilling the soil, Mr. Olson gives his attention and his energy and careful manage- 
 ment are rewarded with good crops so that he has become known as one of the 
 representative farmers of his district. 
 
 He lives eleven miles northwest of Bloomer on a farm of one hundred and 
 twenty acres. Norway numbers him among her native sons, his birth having 
 occurred in that country fifty-nine years ago. His father was Ole Olson, who 
 came to the United States when in middle life. Wisconsin was his destination, 
 as it has been that of many another representative of the land of the midnight 
 sun. He worked in Eau Claire for many years and died in that city at the ripe 
 old age of eighty-four years. His wife bore the maiden name of Carrie Petersen 
 and unto their marriage were born six children. 
 
 P. B. Olson spent his youthful days in Norway and pursued his education 
 in the public schools. When his text-books were put aside, he turned to the new 
 world, as a more favorable place in which to earn a living. He completed arrange- 
 ments to cross the Atlantic and after landing on the American shores, he made 
 his way to Eau Claire where he was employed in a sawmill. He then removed 
 to a place east of his present home and after farming there for some time, sold 
 the property and nine years ago, came to his present farm, which he has brought 
 to a high state of cultivation. He has made many improvements including the 
 erection of some of the buildings upon the place and he carries on general farming 
 and stock-raising. His interests are carefully managed and his enterprising 
 methods and unfaltering industry constitute the foundation of his substantial and 
 well merited success. 
 
 Mr. Olson married Miss Emma Gustavson, a native of Norway, and they 
 have become the parents of four children : Charles, who is living in Montana ; 
 
 George who is associated with his father in the operation of the farm ; Hilma; and 
 Mabel. 
 
 Mr. Olson is a republican, but does not seek nor desire office. He prefers to 
 give his undivided attention to his business affairs and whatever success he has 
 
PAST AND PRESENT OF CHIPPEWA COUNTY 
 
 471 
 
 achieved, is the direct return and reward of his own labors. He has ever been 
 a diligent and industrious farmer and deserves mention among the representative 
 citizens of Auburn township. 
 
 ALFRED PETSKA. 
 
 Among the younger men of Chippewa county who have attained gratifying 
 success in the conduct of their farming and stock-raising interests, is numbered 
 Alfred Petska, living eight and one-half miles east of Bloomer on a farm of one 
 hundred and sixty acres. This constitutes a portion of the family homestead of 
 which his two brothers, Charles and Ernest, also own one hundred and sixty acres. 
 
 Alfred Petska was born upon this farm in 1885 and is a sou of Frank Petska. 
 He acquired his education in the public schools, dividing his time in his childhood 
 between his studies and work in the operation of the homestead. After leaving 
 school he began farming the one hundred and sixty acres which he now owns 
 and through his well directed efforts and untiring energy has made it a very 
 valuable property. The father erected the buildings but Mr. Petska of this review 
 has made other important improvements and has steadily carried forward the 
 work of cultivation and development. He engages in general farming and dairy- 
 ing and has met with most desirable success in both branches. 
 
 Mr. Petska is independent in his political views and is a member of the Pres- 
 byterian church as is also his brother Ernest who operates another one hundred 
 and sixty acres of the homestead. Ernest Petska was born in 1883 and acquired 
 his education in the public schools. On the 12th of August, 1913, Alfred Petska 
 married Miss Lena Schwaf, a daughter of John Schwaf, and both are well known 
 in their locality. The Petska brothers are numbered among the most progressive 
 and successful agriculturists of this part of the county and hold the esteem and 
 respect of their neighbors and friends. 
 
 OSCAR GARTON. 
 
 Oscar Garton, engaging in general farming upon two hundred and three acres 
 lying on section 32, township 28, Chippewa county, a property upon which he has 
 resided for about thirty years, was born in Jefferson county, this state, November 
 25, 1855. He is a son of Andrew and Katherine (Green) Garton, who now reside 
 in Santa Cruz, California. 
 
 Oscar Garton acquired his education in the public schools of his native county 
 and after laying aside his books at the age of seventeen, assisted his father for 
 about three years. At the end of that time he moved to Chippewa county, where 
 he spent two years as a farm laborer, after which he learned the blacksmith’s 
 trade, following it for three years. He then began farming independently, buying 
 two hundred and three acres of excellent land on section 32, township 28, and 
 upon this property he has since resided. Through the years he has steadily carried 
 forward the work of improvement and development and has now about one 
 
472 
 
 PAST AND PRESENT OF CHIPPEWA COUNTY 
 
 hundred and eighty acres under cultivation, specializing in the raising of grain. 
 He is numbered among the representative and able agriculturists of this locality, 
 for his labors have always been practical and well directed and have resulted in 
 his attaining a very creditable degree of success. 
 
 In Eau Claire, Wisconsin, in 1878, Mr. Garton was united in marriage to 
 Miss Ella Smith, a daughter of Jeremiah and Esther (Horton) Smith, both of 
 whom have passed away and are buried in Eau Claire. Mr. and Mrs. Garton 
 have become the parents of ten children : William, who is engaged in farming 
 
 in Chippewa county ; George, who is assisting his brother William ; Burt and 
 Charles D., residents of Elk Mound ; Roy, who makes his home in Menominie ; 
 David, who is assisting his father; Pearl; Myrtle; McKinley and Dewey, school 
 students. 
 
 Mr. Garton is a republican in his political views and has been for several years 
 past chairman of the Elk Mound town council. A resident of this county since 
 1876, he has become widely and favorably known here and his contributions to 
 general agricultural development have been many and substantial. 
 
 I. L. FREEBORN. 
 
 I. L. Freeborn is engaged in general farming in Auburn township, his home 
 being pleasantly and conveniently located about ten and a half miles northwest 
 of Bloomer. The farm comprises one hundred and sixty acres of rich and arable 
 land and in its cultivation and improvement the owner is meeting with good success. 
 A 4 r. Freeborn is a native of Wisconsin, his birth having occurred in Rock county 
 in 1857. His father, D. P. Freeborn, was a native of Pennsylvania and devoted 
 his life to general agricultural pursuits. For many years he lived in Rock county 
 and his last days were spent in Milton, Wisconsin, where he passed away at the 
 age of eighty years. He was married in Rock county to Amy Ann Burdick and 
 they became the parents of two children, the elder being O. P. Freeborn, who is 
 still a resident of Rock county. 
 
 I. L. Freeborn, the younger son, was reared under the parental roof and is 
 indebted to the public school system for the educational opportunities which he 
 enjoyed. When he started out in the business world he turned his attention to 
 farming which he followed in Rock county. Later he spent six years in Dakota 
 and then returned to Rock county where he remained for eight years. Five years 
 ago he came to Chippewa county and for three years has lived upon his present 
 farm in Auburn township. There are good buildings upon the place and the farm 
 is well improved according to the modern methods of the twentieth century. Mr. 
 Freeborn carefully tills his fields, raising such crops as are best adapted to the 
 soil and climatic conditions here. Dairying is also an important feature of his 
 business and the products of his dairy find ready sale. 
 
 Mr. Freeborn was united in marriage to Miss Nellie Fox, a native of Adams 
 county, Wisconsin, and they have become the parents of three children; Clayton, 
 who is married and lives in Rock county; Frank I., who makes his home in Penn- 
 sylvania ; and Victor D., who assists in the cultivation of the home farm. 
 
 Mr. Freeborn holds membership in the Seventh Day Baptist church and he 
 gives his political assistance to the republican party. He started out in life with 
 
PAST AND PRESENT OF CHIPPEWA COUNTY 
 
 473 
 
 the determination to win success if it could be accomplished through persistent, 
 honorable effort. He recognized the fact that there is no royal road to wealth and 
 that he must follow the path of earnest endeavor if he would advance. He has 
 accomplished what he has undertaken and has steadily worked his way upward, 
 his labors bringing him substantial and well merited reward. 
 
 ANDREW MULLEN. 
 
 Andrew Mullen, engaging in general farming and dairying upon eighty acres 
 of fine land in Tilden township, was born in Norway in 1879. He acquired his 
 education in the public schools of his native country and there remained until 
 1901, when he crossed the Atlantic to America. He settled immediately in Chippewa 
 county and here worked as a farm laborer, first in the employ of his brother Math 
 and then for four years under Samuel Nelson. About the year 1909 he purchased 
 an eighty acre tract of land in Tilden township and upon this property he has 
 since resided, engaged in general farming and dairying. His interests are today 
 important and his success rewards earnest, well directed and practical labor. 
 
 Mr. Mullen married Miss Bertha Omberg, and they have become the parents 
 of three children, Helmer, Helen and Melvin. Mr. Mullen is a member of the 
 Norwegian Lutheran church and gives his political allegiance to the republican 
 party. His life has been one of well directed activity, resulting in the attainment 
 of a fair measure of success, and wherever he is known he is honored and esteemed 
 by reason of his genuine personal worth. 
 
 MATHIAS LEINENKUGEL. 
 
 As secretary of the Leinenkugel Brewing Company Mathias Leinenkugel is 
 well known in Chippewa Falls. He was born in Sauk City, Wisconsin, April 
 16, 1866. With the removal of the family to Chippewa Falls he pursued his 
 education in the parochial and public schools here to the age of sixteen years. 
 He afterward spent a year in a drug store and then came to his father's brewery, 
 in which he acquainted himself with the various phases of the business and worked 
 steadily upward from one position to another of greater responsibility. The brew- 
 ery was incorporated in 1898, at which time he became secretary, and so continued 
 to the present, becoming an active factor in the successful management of a growing 
 business. 
 
 In Chippewa Falls, on the rSrh of June, 1889, Mr. Leinenkugel married Miss 
 Catherine Watzel, a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. John Watzel, who were natives of 
 Germany and are now deceased. Mr. and Mrs. Leinenkugel have become the 
 parents of three children. Josephine, the eldest, is the wife of John J. Black, a 
 resident of Durand, Wisconsin, where he is engaged in the general wholesale and 
 fur business. They have one child, John M. Jacob, the second member of the 
 family, is a student in the law department of the Wisconsin State L T niversity. 
 Carl, the youngest, is attending school in Chippewa Falls. 
 
474 
 
 PAST AND PRESENT OF CHIPPEWA COUNTY 
 
 In politics Mr. Leinenkugel is a democrat but has never cared for nor sought 
 public office, preferring to concentrate his energies upon his business affairs. lie 
 belongs to the St. Charles Catholic church, the Catholic Knights of Wisconsin, the 
 Catholic Order of Foresters, the German Benevolent Society and the United Com- 
 mercial Travelers. He is a man of generous spirit, giving liberally to those in 
 need, and he has many friends among the German American citizens of this county. 
 
 A. J. TURNER. 
 
 The agricultural interests of Eagle Point township find a worthy representative 
 in A. J. Turner, who owns one hundred and sixty acres of rich and productive 
 land at Eagleton. He was born upon the old homestead farm, in 1880, and it has 
 always been his place of residence. He is a son of Gottlieb Turner, at one time 
 a well known agriculturist of this section. At the usual age the son began his 
 education in the public schools, and when he had finished his studies he took up 
 the work of the farm, which he followed on the old home place until he removed 
 to his present home seven years ago. He also conducts a hotel and feed barn 
 and all the branches of his business are proving profitable He has substantial 
 buildings upon his land and he carries on general farming and dairying, keeping 
 a number of high-grade cows for dairy purposes. His fields present a neat and 
 well kept appearance and everything about the place indicates his progressive 
 spirit and enterprising methods. 
 
 Mr. Turner married Miss Jessie Jones, a daughter of Dell Jones. They now 
 have three children ; Clarence, Lillian and Dorothy. Mr. Turner votes independ- 
 ently and has never been an aspirant for office, yet he does not neglect the duties 
 of citizenship and is interested in all that pertains to the public welfare. He holds 
 membership in the Lutheran church of Bloomer and is widely and favorably 
 known in the section of the county in which his entire life has been passed. 
 
 W. G. WAUGH. 
 
 General farming and dairying command the attention of W. G. Waugh who 
 is the owner of a fine property of eighty acres lying nine miles north of Bloomer, 
 a farm upon which he has resided for the past ten years. He was born in Colum- 
 bia county, this state, in i860, a son of Edward A. Waugh, a native of England. 
 The father emigrated to the United States when he was eighteen years of age, and 
 located in Columbia county where he engaged in farming until his death. He 
 married Miss Catherine Curry and they became the parents of three children. 
 
 W. G. Waugh acquired his education in the public schools of his native sec- 
 tion and when not engaged with his books aided his father in the operation of 
 the homestead. When he began his independent career he naturally turned his 
 attention to the occupation to which he had been reared, following agricultural 
 pursuits in various localities until 1898 when he came to Chippewa county where 
 he has since resided. For the past ten years he has made his home upon his 
 
PAST AND PRESENT OF CHIPPEWA COUNTY 
 
 475 
 
 present farm and he has steadily carried forward the work of improvement, 
 erecting all of the buildings, installing the necessary machinery and neglecting 
 nothing which would add to its appearance or value. 
 
 In Columbia county Mr. Waugh married Miss Anna Porter and they have 
 become the parents of seven children : Mary, Blanche, Lottie, Vera, Archie, 
 John and Dora.' Mr. Waugh is connected fraternally with the Order of Beavers 
 and is a member of the Congregational church. He gives his political allegiance 
 to the republican party and was for eight terms township treasurer, discharging 
 the duties of that office to the satisfaction of all concerned. He has proved a 
 capable official, a farsighted business man and a progressive citizen and he holds 
 the esteem and confidence of all who are in any way connected with him. 
 
 GILBERT OLSON. 
 
 Gilbert Olson carries on general farming and dairying upon a fine property 
 of one hundred and sixty acres ten and one half miles northwest of Bloomer and 
 is numbered among the progressive and responsible agriculturists of Auburn town- 
 ship. He was born in Norway in 1857 an d acquired his education in the public 
 schools of that country. When he was twenty-two years of age he emigrated to 
 America settling immediately in Eau Claire, Wisconsin, where for three years he 
 worked in a sawmill. At the end of that time he moved to Sand Creek and engaged 
 in farming for a short time moving in 1899 to Marshall county, South Dakota, 
 where he remained for thirteen years. In 1909 he purchased land in Chippewa 
 county and in 1912 took up his residence upon it. Here he has since carried on 
 general farming and dairying and his well directed efforts have been rewarded by 
 a substantial measure of success. 
 
 Mr. Olson married Miss Lena Larson, a native of Norway, and they became 
 the parents of the following children; Clara, who married Samuel Brusen ; Jessie, 
 who lives in Montana ; Carl ; Edward, Laura and Oscar. Mr. Olson gives his 
 political allegiance to the republican party and is a member of the Norwegian 
 Lutheran church of Sand Creek. He is a resident of Auburn township and has been 
 loyal in his undertaking of everything pertaining to the general welfare and has 
 made some substantial contributions to development and progress. 
 
 PERCY GORTON. 
 
 Percy Gorton, one of the substantial and progressive young agriculturists of 
 Chippewa county, residing at Gorton's Mill, twelve and a half miles northeast 
 of Bloomer, and owning a well improved farm of one hundred and sixty acres, 
 is also the owner of a saw, feed, lathe and shingle mill, which is one of the old 
 mills of the section. He is numbered among the worthy native sons of this county, 
 his birth having occurred at Bloomer in 1886. His father, Lorentine Gorton, 
 removed from New York, his native state, to Menominie, Dunn county, Wisconsin, 
 and subsequently took up his abode in Eau Claire. Thence he went to Chippewa 
 
476 
 
 PAST AND PRESENT OF CHIPPEWA COUNTY 
 
 Falls and afterward came to Bloomer, where he is now living retired in the home 
 of our subject. He is a millwright by trade and followed that occupation through- 
 out his active business career. Both he and his wife, who bore the maiden name 
 of Louise Wire, are well known in the community and have many friends here. 
 
 Percy Gorton attended the schools of his home neighborhood in the acquire- 
 ment of an education and after putting aside his text-books turned his attention 
 to general agricultural pursuits, beginning the operation of a farm of one hundred 
 and sixty acres in Bloomer township, which has since remained in his possession. 
 He likewise conducts a saw, feed, lathe and shingle mill which is the largest in 
 the locality and which has been there for twenty-two years. In both his farming 
 and milling interests he has won a measure of success that entities him, to recog- 
 nition among the representative and enterprising citizens of his native county. 
 He erected the new barn which stands on the property, but all of the other buildings 
 were constructed by his father. 
 
 As a companion and helpmate on the journey of life Mr. Gorton chose Miss 
 Irens Shipman, by whom he has two children: Elmer, a little lad of three years; 
 and Edgar, who is one year old. In his political views Mr. Gorton is independent, 
 supporting men and measures rather than party. He and his wife are among the 
 popular young people of the community and well merit the regard and esteem 
 accorded them. 
 
 G. N. AMBLE. 
 
 G. N. Amble, a progressive and successful farmer of Auburn township, owning 
 and operating three hundred and fifty acres of land ten miles southeast of Bloomer, 
 was born in Minnesota in 1862, a son of Nels Olson, a native of Norway. He 
 acquired his education in the public schools of Chippewa county and after laying 
 aside his books turned his attention to farming buying three hundred and fifty 
 acres in Auburn township. Llpon this property he has since resided carrying on 
 general farming and dairying and he has made extensive improvements upon it, 
 erecting substantial buildings and installing the necessary equipment. 
 
 Mr. Amble married Miss Hannah Wikre and both are well known throughout 
 the township. Mr. Amble votes independently and for two years served as town- 
 ship assessor proving a capable and conscientious public official. He is a member 
 of the Norwegian Lutheran church and is recognized as a man of sterling character 
 holding the esteem of all who are associated with him. 
 
 OSCAR A. JOHNSON. 
 
 Oscar A. Johnson, engaged in the creamery business in Bloomer, being the 
 butter maker with the Farmers Creamery Company, was born in the town of 
 Tilden in 1890, a son of John Johnson. His education was acquired in the district 
 schools of the county and in the Bloomer high school until 1909, when he went 
 to Madison and through the succeeding two years pursued a course in dairying 
 
Px\ST AND PRESENT OF CHIPPEWA COUNTY 
 
 477 
 
 in the State University there. This brought him broad practical as well as scien- 
 tific training and when his education was completed he secured a position as butter 
 maker in Eau Claire. He afterward went to Greenwood, where he was employed 
 in a similar capacity and next to Beaver Dam, whence he came to Bloomer. He 
 has since remained in this town, doing excellent work as butter maker with the 
 Farmers Creamery Company. In the spring of 1914 he expects to locate upon a 
 farm and take possession of one hundred and eighty acres, which he owns. He 
 will then carry on the dairy business, for which his experience in butter making 
 has well qualified him, bringing him a knowledge of the requirements of dairying. 
 He knows what will best produce butter fat, has studied the question of feeding 
 cattle and with his knowledge and skill will undoubtedly win success in his new 
 work. 
 
 Mr. Johnson was united in marriage to Miss Hazel O. Knowles, a daughter of 
 James Knowles, and they have one son, Clayton Edward. In politics Mr. Johnson 
 is a republican having continuously supported the party since age conferred upon 
 him the right of franchise. He is a trustee of the Norwegian Lutheran church 
 and is interested in the moral progress, as well as the material development of 
 the community. Since starting out in life for himself his industry and enterprise 
 have constituted the source of his advancement and recognizing the fact that “there 
 is no royal road to wealth,” he puts forth earnest persistent effort in order to reach 
 the goal of his ambition. 
 
 FRANK S. GRUBB. 
 
 Not only is Frank S. Grubb one of the prosperous merchants of Stanley, Chip- 
 pewa county, but he is also a substantial real-estate holder and a man who has 
 actively participated in the public life of his community, serving at present as mayor 
 of the city. He has done equally important work along educational lines, being 
 in various parts of the state engaged as teacher and also having acted as a county 
 school superintendent. Born in Sauk county, near Baraboo, Wisconsin, on Feb- 
 ruary 4, 1864, he is a son of Phillip P. and Bena JRumpf) Grubb, the former 
 born in Germany in 1824 and the latter in the same country in 1829. The father 
 came to America, settling in Sauk county when but nineteen years old, and during 
 all his active life followed agricultural pursuits successfully. He died in 1881. 
 The mother removed from Germany to Pittsburg, Pennsylvania, at the age of 
 seventeen and subsequently became a resident of Sauk county, where she passed 
 away in 1905. 
 
 Frank S. Grubb is one of nine children born to his parents. He was educated 
 in the public schools of Baraboo, Wisconsin, until seventeen years old and then 
 became a teacher in the schools of that city, so continuing for two years. Afterward 
 he entered the University of Wisconsin at Madison, from which he graduated in 
 1887. He then accepted the principalship of the high school at Clintonville, Wis- 
 consin, remaining there for one year, and then became principal at Weyauwega, 
 where for two and a half years he filled that position. For six years he was county 
 superintendent of Waupaca county. Coming to Stanley in 1897, he built the first 
 feed and gristmill here but after five years entered the mercantile business, 
 
478 
 
 PAST AND PRESENT OF CHIPPEWA COUNTY 
 
 having conducted an establishment of this kind ever since with increasing success. 
 His store is well appointed and he carries only the best class of goods. As the 
 years have passed prosperity has come to him and he now not only owns his valuable 
 store and residence but also the theater and postoffice buildings in Stanley, beside 
 two other residences. 
 
 Mr. Grubb was married on December 24, 1890, at Weyauwega, to Miss Laura 
 Bauer, a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. William Bauer, of that city. The father during 
 all his active life was a painter and decorator and died in 1909 at the age of sixty- 
 eight years. The mother yet lives in Weyauwega. Mr. and Mrs. Grubb have 
 four children : Walter, Margaret, Rena and Arthur. 
 
 Mr. Grubb is a republican in his political views. In 1910 he was elected mayor 
 of Stanley and discharged his duties in such an able manner that in 1912 he 
 was reelected to the office, continuing to give the city a beneficent, businesslike 
 administration. For two years he was supervisor of Chippewa county and for 
 three years he served as a member of the board of education of Stanley. As 
 mentioned before, he served for six years as county superintendent of schools 
 of Waupaca county, doing valuable work in promoting the cause of education in 
 that section. He is also secretary of the Inter-County Fair Association at Stanley. 
 Among his other interests he is a stockholder and director in the Citizens State 
 Bank and is well known in fraternal circles, belonging to the Masons and the 
 Modern Woodmen of America. .Both he and his wife are Presbyterians, ever 
 giving their active and helpful support to the work of that church. There is 
 much that is commendable in the career of Mr. Grubb, who not only has devoted 
 himself to attain personal affluence but has given much of his time to public work 
 and is now doing valuable service in promoting the welfare of the city. He enjoys 
 in full measure the confidence and esteem of his fellow citizens, as is evident from 
 his reelection to the important office of mayor, and his record thus far has been 
 such as to justify and merit that confidence. 
 
 WILLIAM GEHL. 
 
 Among the prosperous and progressive young farmers of Auburn township 
 who are native sons of Chippewa county is William Gehl, who owns and ope- 
 rates a farm of three hundred and thirty-two acres six and one-half miles north- 
 west of Bloomer. Upon this property he was born in 1885, being a son of John 
 Gehl, a native of Germany, who came to the United States when he was twenty- 
 one years of age. He settled in Chippewa county and for a number of years 
 was active in agricultural pursuits, finally retiring and moving to Bloomer, where 
 he still resides. He married Mrs. Happl, a widow, and they became the par- 
 ents of five children: John, who resides in Canada; Minnie, who makes her 
 
 home in Iron River, Wisconsin; Fred, of Bloomer; William, of this review; 
 and Edward, who resides in Bloomer. 
 
 William Gehl acquired his education in the public schools of Chippewa 
 county and after laying aside his books assisted with the operation of the home- 
 stead. After his father's retirement he purchased the property and upon it 
 
PAST AND PRESENT OF CHIPPEWA COUNTY 
 
 479 
 
 carries on general farming and dairying, his progressive and practical methods 
 resulting in the attainment of a gratifying measure of success. 
 
 Mr. Gehl married Miss Ida Martin, a daughter of Jacob Martin, and both 
 are well known in Auburn township. Mr. Gehl is a member of the Lutheran 
 church and gives his political allegiance to the republican party. He is a man 
 of good business ability, carefully managing his interests and winning the suc- 
 cess which is now his. An upright character and sterling worth have gained 
 him a favorable place in the regard of many friends and Auburn township num- 
 bers him among her valued citizens. 
 
 ANDREW PEDERSON. 
 
 Andrew Pederson, a prosperous and representative farmer of Auburn town- 
 ship, was born in Norway in 1871. When he was twelve years of age he emigrated 
 to America and located immediately in Chippewa county where he worked in the 
 lumber woods for several years. At length he turned his attention to farming, 
 buying the property upon which he now resides. He owns two hundred and forty 
 acres of land, ten miles southwest of Bloomer and has made all the improvements 
 upon it, erecting the buildings and installing the machinery. He engages in general 
 farming and is especially interested in raising high-grade sheep. Being a practical 
 and progressive business man his labors have been attended with a gratifying 
 degree of success and he is now numbered among the prominent and able agricul- 
 turists of this locality. 
 
 Mr. Pederson married Miss Helga Ludrickson and they have become the 
 parents of five children : Emil, Inga, Hilga, Aagot and Clara. The parents are 
 members of the Norwegian Lutheran church and Mr. Pederson gives his political 
 allegiance to the republican party. He is deeply interested in the welfare and 
 advancement of the county where he has resided since childhood and has made 
 his individual success an important factor in general progress. 
 
 CHRIST CHRISTIANSON. 
 
 For the past twenty-five years Christ Christianson has lived upon a two hundred 
 acre farm eight miles southwest of Bloomer and by his well directed efforts in 
 its cultivation has attained a gratifying measure of success. He was born in 
 Norway in 1850 and as a young man emigrated to America settling in Chippewa 
 county where he has since resided. For the past quarter of a century he has lived 
 upon his present farm in Auburn township and is largely responsible for its excel- 
 lent condition having worked the soil and erected all of the buildings with the 
 exception of the house. He carries on general farming and dairying and has made 
 both branches of his activities important and profitable. 
 
 Mr. Christianson married Miss Annie Anderson and they have become the 
 parents of eight children; Mila, deceased; Inga, Carl, Mila, the second of the 
 name ; Gust, Christina, Alba and Florence. They have also an adopted daughter, 
 
480 
 
 PAST AND PRESENT OF CHIPPEWA COUNTY 
 
 Thora. Mr. Christianson is a member of the Norwegian Lutheran Church and 
 is a Republican in his political beliefs. He served for thirty years on the school 
 board holding during that time the position of clerk, director and treasurer. 
 Having resided in Chippewa county for over a quarter of a century he is widely 
 and favorably known being regarded as a practical farmer and a progressive 
 citizen. 
 
 OSCAR JOHNSON. 
 
 Oscar Johnson, operating a farm of two hundred and forty acres in Tiklen 
 township and numbered among the most progressive and practical young agricul- 
 turists in this locality, was born upon the farm where he now resides in 1887. He 
 is a son of Hans Johnson, a native of Norway, who came to the United States 
 as a boy in 1862, locating in Chippewa county, on the farm now occupied by his 
 son. He followed agricultural pursuits in this locality for many years thereafter, 
 dying upon his farm at the age of fifty-two. He married Miss Rena Loftus, and 
 they became the parents of eight children. 
 
 Oscar Johnson acquired his education in the public schools of Chippewa county 
 and after laying aside his books operated the farm for his father for some time. 
 Since the latter’s death Mr. Johnson of this review has rented the homestead 
 from his mother and upon this property carries on general farming and stock- 
 raising, meeting with a gratifying and well deserved success. 
 
 Mr. Johnson is a republican in his political beliefs and a devout member of 
 the Norwegian Lutheran church. He is a practical farmer and an enterprising 
 and progressive business man and, although still a young man, has already attained 
 a creditable place in agricultural circles of his native county. 
 
 L. P. STEVENS. 
 
 L. P. Stevens, a well known and successful agriculturist of Bloomer township, 
 owns and operates the Highland Stock Farm, comprising one hundred and twenty 
 acres of land eight miles northeast of Bloomer. His birth occurred in Dunn county, 
 Wisconsin, in the year 1866. His father, J. L. Stevens, was a native of New 
 York and came to this state in early manhood, locating in Dunn county. He fol- 
 lowed farming throughout his active business career and spent his last days in 
 honorable retirement at Bloomer. 
 
 L. P. Stevens acquired his education in the schools of Pepin county and sub- 
 sequently worked at various occupations until he came to Chippewa county, Wis- 
 consin. He was afterward engaged in the saloon business in both Bloomer and 
 Stanley and went from the latter place to the farm which he now operates. The 
 property is known as the Highland Stock Farm and in its conduct Mr. Stevens 
 has won well merited success, carrying on general farming and stock-raising in 
 accordance with modern and progressive ideas. He has made all of the improve- 
 ments on the place and is widely recognized as an enterprising, prosperous and 
 representative agriculturist of his community. 
 
PAST AND PRESENT OF CHIPPEWA COUNTY 
 
 481 
 
 As a companion and helpmate on the journey of life Mr. Stevens chose Miss 
 Lillian Gunn, by whom he has three children, namely : Richard, Forrest and 
 
 Verna. He gives his political allegiance to the republican party and has fraternal 
 relations with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. 
 
 J. E. JOHNSON. 
 
 A fine property of one hundred and seventy-two acres lying ten miles southwest 
 of Bloomer in Auburn township, pays tribute to the care and supervision of J. E. 
 Johnson who for a number of years has lived upon it and who is entirely responsible 
 for its present attractive appearance and flourishing condition. He was born in 
 Norway in 1863, the only son of Andrew and Antoinette (Olson) Johnson, also 
 natives of that country. After the father emigrated to America he settled in 
 Marinette county, this state, where he engaged in the sawmilling business. He 
 came to Chippewa county in 1878 and here he turned his attention to agricultural 
 pursuits, buying the farm now owned by the subject of this review, and making 
 his home thereon until his death which occurred in 1909 when he was seventy- 
 eight years of age. 
 
 J. E. Johnson was six years of age when he accompanied his parents to America 
 and he acquired his education in the public schools of Marinette and Chippewa 
 counties. After laying aside his books he turned his attention to farming and 
 for a number of years past has owned the family homestead which he now operates. 
 His father erected most of the buildings upon the place, but Mr. Johnson of this 
 review has made substantial improvements, has kept everything about the farm 
 in good repair and has neglected nothing which will add to its appearance or value. 
 
 Mr. Johnson married Miss Mary Anderson, and they became the parents of 
 eight children : Mrs. Anna Ludwick, Olga, Laura, Albert, Edward, Helga, Harold 
 and Gearhart. Mr. Johnson is a member of the Norwegian Lutheran church and 
 he gives his political allegiance to the republican party. Throughout his life he 
 has worked earnestly and persistently to attain success and is now numbered among 
 the substantial and progressive agriculturists of his township. 
 
 MARTIN RASMUS. 
 
 Martin Rasmus is prominently and actively connected with business interests 
 of Bloomer as president and principal stockholder of the Bloomer Electric Light 
 & Power Company. He lives upon a farm of one hundred and twenty acres in 
 Bloomer township and has made this property his home since the early '70s, his 
 contributions to agricultural development since that time having been many and 
 substantial. He was born in Norway in 1853 and came to the L T nited States in 
 1869, settling immediately in Bloomer. Here he first engaged as a common laborer 
 and afterward worked at farming and lumbering for several years. In the early 
 ’70s he purchased one hundred and -twenty acres in Bloomer township and this 
 property he cleared of the dense growth of brush and timber and upon it has 
 
482 
 
 PAST AND PRESENT OF CHIPPEWA COUNTY 
 
 since resided. He has erected a comfortable residence, good barns and outbuild- 
 ings and has made other substantial improvements, carrying on general farming 
 and dairying. 
 
 In addition to his agricultural interests Mr. Rasmus is also well known in 
 business affairs in Bloomer and for a long time has been recognized in that city 
 as a man of great business ability and foresight. For twenty-two years he was a 
 partner of Ole Christianson in the conduct of a large elevator and he is now chief 
 stockholder and president of the Bloomer Electric Light & Power Company. 
 This plant was started by Oscar Anderson, of Colfax, and was operated for a time 
 under the name of Anderson & Pierce. It afterward became Rasmus & Chris- 
 tianson and so continued until Mr. Rasmus purchased all but two hundred dollars’ 
 worth of the stock and became president of the concern. Since assuming control he 
 has purchased a mill at Eagle Point and has run a line from there to Bloomer. 
 About three years ago he built an electric line from Eagle Point to Chippewa 
 Falls and now buys current from the Chippewa Valley Railway Light & Power 
 Company. He has about thirty miles of wire in Bloomer and his own house is 
 wired for electricity for both lighting and cooking purposes. Mr. Rasmus owns 
 fifty-five acres of land, a water power and a gristmill near Eagle Point and also 
 has a half interest in a farm known as the Rasmus Brothers’ farm near Chippewa 
 Falls, consisting of three hundred and thirteen acres, and he owns eight hundred 
 acres of timber land in Douglas county, Oregon, with about forty million feet of 
 timber upon it. 
 
 In 1873 Mir. Rasmus was united in marriage to Miss Annie Fikji, who died 
 in 1906. To them were born twelve children, four of whom still survive, as fol- 
 lows : Mrs. Amelia Fulker, Herman, Edward and Oleana. In 1907 Mr. Rasmus 
 was again married, his second wife being Miss Marie Amant, and they became 
 the parents of two children, Albert and Alasia. 
 
 Mr. Rasmus is a member of the Lutheran church and is connected fraternally 
 with the Modern Woodmen of America, the Scandinavian lodge and the Inde- 
 pendent Order of Odd Fellows. Politically he is a republican but has never sought 
 local offices, preferring to concentrate his energies upon his business affairs, which, 
 being capably conducted, are bringing him richly merited success. 
 
 JOHN A. MORRIS. 
 
 The undertaking establishment of John A. Morris takes a foremost place 
 among such institutions in Chippewa Falls. However, Mr. Morris has not only 
 exerted himself to promote his own interests but has done much to benefit the 
 general welfare and at present serves as president of the city council. He 
 conducts his establishment at No. 305 North Bridge street where he keeps in 
 stock all accessories that are needed in his business. Mr. Morris has been a 
 resident of Chippewa county since May, 1873, coving a period of over forty years. 
 At that time he came from Milford, Massachusetts, where he was born on 
 June 15, 1859, a son of Patrick and Ann (Boyle) Morris. The father died in 
 Chippewa Falls in 1902 and is buried here. He was prominent in the county, 
 holding many important offices, and enjoyed the confidence of the public in a 
 
JOHN A. MORRIS 
 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
PAST AND PRESENT OF CHIPPEWA COUNTY 
 
 485 
 
 ! large measure. His death caused widespread regret and his memory is still 
 held in veneration by many of his old-time friends. Mrs. Patrick Morris, who 
 is seventy-six years of age, resides with her son John and is still remarkably 
 active for one of her years. She became the mother of nine children, as fol- 
 lows : Penelope, the wife of J. J. Thornton, a street car conductor of Chippewa 
 Falls; John A., of this review; Thomas F., who resides in Idaho; Mary E., who 
 married J. B. Mathews, a wholesale grocer of Ashland, Wisconsin; Anna B., 
 a milliner of Chippewa Falls; Michael B., engaged in the lumber business at 
 Iron River, this state; Frank F., an electrician for the Great Northern Railroad 
 at Portland, Oregon; Luke J., a druggist of Virginia, Minnesota; and Charles 
 F., who is prominent as a lawyer at Iron River, this state. 
 
 John A. Morris attended school in Chippewa Falls until fifteen years of 
 age and in the next year began teaching, in which occupation he continued for a 
 period of three years. He then turned his attention to the mercantile field, 
 clerking for about five years for the Glucksman Mercantile Company, and then 
 established himself with E. H. Coleman in the furniture and undertaking busi- 
 ness, this partnership continuing for four years. Mr. Morris subsequently be- 
 came sole owner of the business, which grew in a gratifying manner and made 
 him one of the substantial merchants of the city. In 1888, however, he sold the 
 furniture business but still conducts the undertaking establishment. He thor- 
 oughly understands the details of the business and carries a complete and well 
 selected line of goods. As the years have passed he has gained a high reputation 
 for honest, straightforward methods and reliability. Among other interests 
 Mr. Morris is connected with the Chippewa Building & Loan Association, having 
 served as secretary of this institution for eleven years. 
 
 In Fox Lake, Wisconsin, in 1883, Mr. Morris was united in marriage to 
 Miss Anna Bowe, a daughter of Jeremiah and Ann (McGuire) Bowe, both of 
 I . whom have passed away and are buried in the cemetery at Fox Lake. Mr. and 
 Mrs. Morris had one daughter, Helen, at home. In 1891 Mr. Morris married, 
 in Chippewa Falls, Miss Agnes L. Church, a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. William 
 Church, both deceased and buried in this city. 
 
 In his political affiliations Mr. Morris is a democrat and always gives his 
 stalwart support to measures and candidates of this party. He has taken a 
 laudable interest in local affairs, serving at the present time in the important 
 position of president of the council, with which governing body he has been 
 connected for twelve years, doing most valuable work and giving evidence of his 
 deep interest in all matters that affect civic welfare and civic improvement. 
 His interest in the cause of education is manifest from the fact that he served 
 for four years on the school board. He has also held the office of county 
 supervisor for twelve years, doing valuable work in this connection. He is a 
 member of the Northwestern State Fair, which organization has done much to 
 promote agricultural and other interests in Chippewa county. Along profes- 
 sional lines he is president of the Wisconsin Funeral Directors and Embalmers 
 Association. His religion is that of the Catholic church. Fraternally he is a 
 member of the Knights of Columbus, of which he is grand knight and holds the 
 fourth degree, and the Catholic Knights of Wisconsin, as well as the Catholic 
 Order of Foresters, the Knights of Honor and the Maccabees. For forty years 
 a resident of Chippewa Falls, his private interests and those of a general nature 
 
 Vol. U-2 6 
 
486 
 
 PAST AND PRESENT OF CHIPPEWA COUNTY 
 
 have become closely allied and lie has not only achieved success for himself but 
 has been a forceful factor in bringing about the advancement which the city 
 and county now enjoy. It is interesting to note that one member of his family, 
 an uncle, was a resident of Chippewa Falls as early as 1854, when he engaged 
 here successfully in the lumber business, passing away in this city in 1872. Mr. 
 Morris is one of the foremost citizens of Chippewa Falls, as is evident from the 
 important position which he occupies in public life, and is the recipient of the 
 highest regard and esteem of his fellow-citizens. 
 
 RALPH Id. ANDERSON. 
 
 Ralph Id. Anderson is manager of the real-estate department of the North- 
 western Lumber Company. For a long period he has been connected with this 
 corporation and has gradually worked his way upward until he was given charge 
 of the land holdings of the company and controls its business in this connection 
 at Stanley. 
 
 HENRY J. GODDARD. 
 
 Henry J. Goddard is filling the office of postmaster at Chippewa Falls for the 
 fourth term and his record in public office is a most creditable one. He has filled 
 various positions and no trust reposed in him has ever been betrayed in the slightest 
 degree. His high standing among those occupying similar positions is indicated 
 in the fact that in September, 1912, at Madison, he was elected president of the 
 Wisconsin Association of Postmasters. 
 
 Mr. Goddard was born November 3, 1844, in Almond, Allegany county, New 
 York, his parents being Nathaniel and Lucinda Goddard. Following the removal 
 of the family to the west he pursued his education in Beloit and supplemented 
 his high-school studies by a full course in Bryant & Stratton’s business college. 
 Mr. Goddard has an interesting military record. He enlisted as hospital steward in 
 the regular army during the Civil war and was on duty at Fortress Monroe, Vir- 
 ginia ; Hampton, Virginia, and at Richmond and Fredericksburg. He was trans- 
 ferred to Washington, D. C., by order of Surgeon General Barns, to assist in 
 compiling the medical and surgical history of the war which work was conducted 
 in Ford’s theater, where the lamented President Lincoln was assassinated by 
 Wilkes Booth. After leaving the capital city he was employed by Dr. B. F. Mills 
 in connection with the drug business and in October, 1874, came to Chippewa Falls, 
 where he purchased a drug store owned by Charles Hinkley. He was for a quarter 
 of a century active in the commercial circles of the city as proprietor of that store, 
 but sold out in September, 1899. In the meantime he had been called to several 
 public offices, his fellow townsmen recognizing his worth and ability. It was in 
 1878 that he was chosen city treasurer and in 1885 he was elected a member 
 of the state legislature for a two-year term. While in the assembly he served 
 as chairman of the railroad committee and was at all times actively interested in 
 
PAST AND PRESENT OF CHIPPEWA COUNTY 
 
 487 
 
 matters relating to the public welfare, giving his indorsement to various plans 
 which he deemed of essential value to the commonwealth. His first appointment 
 to the position of postmaster of Chippewa Falls came from President McKinley 
 on the 31st of March, 1900. He was reappointed by President Roosevelt, April 
 27, 1904, again by Roosevelt, April 9, 1908, and is now serving under appointment 
 of William H. Taft, who named him for the position on the 17th of April, 1912. 
 His present incumbency, therefore, will complete sixteen years’ service in this 
 position. He has discharged his public duties with the same sense of loyalty and 
 fidelity which marked the career of his private business interests when he was con- 
 nected with the commercial life of Chippewa Falls. In addition to his duties as 
 postmaster Mr. Goddard h^s other business connections. He is one of the trustees 
 of the Chippewa Falls Budding & Loan Association and has been president of 
 the Chippewa Falls Cemetery Association for many years. 
 
 On the 22d of June, 1871, Mr. Goddard was married in Lima, New York, to 
 Miss J. Adelle Grover, a daughter of Levi P. and Elvira M. Grover. Her father 
 passed away in the year 1882 and the mother is now living at the ripe old age of 
 eighty-four years. Mrs. Goddard, a woman of lovable character, passed away 
 at Chippewa Falls, April 8, 1900. Mr. Goddard has a family of two children : 
 Arthur Grover; and Jennie E., the latter the wife of John Brooks, resident man- 
 ager of the Chippewa Sugar Company. Air. and Airs. Brooks have a beautiful 
 little daughter, Mary Adelle, now three and a half years of age. 
 
 In politics Air. Goddard has always been a consistent republican since age con- 
 ferred upon him the right of franchise. He is now a member of the Progressive 
 League and one of its trustees. He is identified with a number of fraternal organ- 
 izations, holding membership in Chippewa Falls” Lodge No. 176, F. & A. M. ; 
 Chippewa Chapter No. 46, R. A. AT. ; Tancred Commandery No. 27, K. T. ; and 
 Wisconsin Consistory No. 1, S. P. R. S. Of the blue lodge chapter and com- 
 mandery he is treasurer. He likewise has membership with the Nobles of Trip- 
 oli Temple of the Alystic Shrine of Wisconsin; of Chippewa Falls K. P. and in 
 T877 was a member of the grand lodge. He is very prominent in grand army 
 circles and was chief of staff of the department commander of Wisconsin for 
 about six years. He has been commander of James Cormerford Post G. A. R. and 
 its quartermaster for the past twelve years. He never ceases to feel deeply in- 
 terested in the welfare of his fellow comrades in arms and for ten years has been 
 president of the Chippewa County Soldiers’ Relief Association. For twenty 
 years or more he has served on the school board and the cause of education indeed 
 finds in him a stalwart champion, whose labors in its behalf are most effective. 
 His wife held membership in the Presbyterian church and her many good quali- 
 ties of heart and mind had endeared her to a large circle of friends. Mr. God- 
 dard is justly accounted one of the prominent representative and valued citizens 
 of the community, well deserving prominent mention in the history of Chippewa 
 county. 
 
INDEX 
 
 Acheson, J. G 
 
 Ainsworth, E. L. . . 
 Albert, Gustave . . . 
 Albrecht, Charles . . 
 Albright, August . . 
 Aldworth, George . . 
 
 Althans, C. F 
 
 Amble, A. 1ST 
 
 Amble, G. N 
 
 Amundson. Carl . . . 
 Amundson, Charles 
 Anderson, Alfred. . 
 Anderson. Carl .... 
 Anderson, R. H.. . . 
 Andrejeski, J. M. . . 
 Anglum. John 
 
 Babbitt. F. C 
 
 Babbitt, J. A 
 
 Bailey, M. S 
 
 Bareume, Joseph. . 
 
 Barker, C. P 
 
 Bartz, A. C. F 
 
 Bateman, A. P. ... 
 Beaulieu, Peter. . . . 
 
 Beeston, G. E 
 
 Beier, A. L 
 
 Bekken, Oscar .... 
 Benish, Andrew. . . 
 
 Benish, J. B 
 
 Benneseh, John 
 
 Bennett, R. G 
 
 Berg. A. M 
 
 Berg, M. M 
 
 Bestrup, George... 
 
 Bethke, L. W 
 
 Bible. F. 0 
 
 Biekerstaff, R. W. . 
 
 Bjerke, John 
 
 Bjornstad, 0. E.. . . 
 
 Boie, G. W 
 
 Bowe, Lenard 
 
 Bowe, Nicholas . . . 
 
 Bowe, Peter 
 
 Boyle, P. A 
 
 Brandmo, E. E.... 
 
 Breed, C. E 433 
 
 Bresina, Thomas 80 
 
 Bridgman, W. H 271 
 
 Britton, Robert 34 
 
 Brooks, H. L 49 
 
 Brooks. J. A 252 
 
 Browne, J. H 152 
 
 Bruss, August 319 
 
 Buchanan, Daniel 189 
 
 Buetow, Levi 199 
 
 Burnham, E. H 8 
 
 Burns. E. F 270 
 
 Butseher, Albert 323 
 
 Calder, H. J .* 276 
 
 Callahan, J. J 166 
 
 Cameron, D. H 149 
 
 Camfield, A. M. 424 
 
 Cance, J. M 388 
 
 Cary, T. M 66 
 
 Casper, H. A 247 
 
 Chapman, G. H 289 
 
 Christensen, M. A 364 
 
 Christianson. Christ 479 
 
 Christianson, Cornelius 220 
 
 Christianson, C. L 9 
 
 Christianson, Iver 293 
 
 Christianson, John. 290 
 
 Cleaves, R. L 61 
 
 Coleman, E. H 239 
 
 Conrad, A. C 241 
 
 Cook, D. E 322 
 
 Crank, Fred 454 
 
 Croft, Lemore 377 
 
 Culbertson. C. B 253 
 
 Cutting, F. H 188 
 
 Dee, G. E 426 
 
 De Kelver, W. E 43 
 
 Dettloff, E. C 80 
 
 Deuel, N. H 72 
 
 Dickinson, C. H 129 
 
 Dickinson, Ida E 172 
 
 Dietrich, J. A 398 
 
 Dietzler, J. J 16 
 
 Dodmead, J. M 54 
 
 191 
 
 243 
 
 150 
 
 22 
 
 111 
 
 62 
 
 249 
 
 283 
 
 476 
 
 17 
 
 90 
 
 260 
 
 21 
 
 486 
 
 96 
 
 237 
 
 330 
 
 385 
 
 114 
 
 413 
 
 312 
 
 370 
 
 444 
 
 28 
 
 137 
 
 8 
 
 442 
 
 7 5 
 
 82 
 
 107 
 
 168 
 
 252 
 
 229 
 
 436 
 
 327 
 
 18 
 
 92 
 
 83 
 
 358 
 
 27 
 
 203 
 
 91 
 
 83 
 
 159 
 
 275 
 
 489 
 
490 
 
 INDEX 
 
 Donaldson, Nathan 101 
 
 Douglas, Frank 385 
 
 Duenow, Carl 99 
 
 Durch, William 238 
 
 Eder, J. L 197 
 
 Edminster, A. J 328 
 
 Ellensohn, C. S 359 
 
 Ellenson, E. P . 214 
 
 Ellis, Julia 0 310 
 
 Ellis, P. P 112 
 
 Emerson, A. E 33 
 
 Emerson, Ole 110 
 
 Emerson, Peter 3 65 
 
 Emerson. R. J 26 
 
 Emmerton, Charles 83 
 
 Emmerton, Thomas 274 
 
 Enger, Theodore . 423 
 
 Erdman, C. H 366 
 
 Ermatinger, Daniel, Jr 390 
 
 Ernatinger, Fred 302 
 
 Evenson, Eli 230 
 
 Evison, J. A 387 
 
 Eyk, Gilbert 242 
 
 Falbe, Edward 70 
 
 Favell, P. T 356 
 
 Fehr. Charles 459 
 
 Felix. P. H 158 
 
 Filtz, T. W 118 
 
 Finstad, A. N 350 
 
 Finstad, George 285 
 
 Firth, E. A 342 
 
 Firth, Magnus 204 
 
 Fisk. J. B 31 
 
 Fletcher, A. E 234 
 
 Ford, Arthur 64 
 
 Foster, J. H. A 401 
 
 Foster, Tom 329 
 
 Frecenon, Joseph 
 
 Freeborn, I. L • , 
 
 Friederick, J. A 
 
 Friederiek, Perry. 
 
 Galbraith, J. B.. 
 Gannon, G. B. . . . 
 Ganzel. Chris.... 
 Ganzel, Henry . . 
 Gardner, Frank. 
 Gardner, H. W. . 
 Garton, Oscar.. 
 Gates, W. H. . . . 
 Gaynor, A. A.. . 
 Gehl, William. . 
 Gehring, Conrad 
 Gehring, E. C. .. 
 Gehring, Jacob. 
 Geissler, W. J. . 
 
 412 
 
 23 
 
 84 
 
 362 
 
 457 
 
 160 
 
 471 
 
 383 
 
 35 
 
 478 
 
 284 
 
 50 
 
 442 
 
 113 
 
 Germyn, Thomas 108 
 
 Giaugue, C. W 365 
 
 Gladwell, Leonard 192 
 
 Goddard, H. J 486 
 
 Goetz, C. L 157 
 
 Goetz, Henry and Brothers 105 
 
 Goetz, Rhineliardt 161 
 
 Goodman, Frank 352 
 
 Goodman, Mathias 178 
 
 Gormley, Bryan 146 
 
 Gorton, Percy 475 
 
 Gourdoux, Alexander 432 
 
 Green, Anson 261 
 
 Grewe, August 378 
 
 Grewe, William 210 
 
 Grubb. F. S . 477 
 
 Gruber, Mathew 284 
 
 Gundermann, Nicholas 230 
 
 Gwin, A. R 94 
 
 Haag. Adam 
 
 Haag, John 
 
 Hagen, Gust 
 
 Halverson, Andrew 
 
 Halverson, J. B 
 
 Hansen, Christian 
 
 Hansen, J. C 
 
 Hanson, Ole 
 
 Hart, L. G. W 
 
 Hartman, George, Jr 
 
 Hartmann, George, Sr 
 
 Hartman. Paul 
 
 Haskins, T. B 
 
 Haugen, O. C 
 
 Hawn, E. L 
 
 Heagle, Edward 
 
 Hebert, Joseph 
 
 Heiting, Theodore 
 
 Henderson, E. L 
 
 Hendrickson. C. A 
 
 Hendry, R. W 
 
 Hennekens, August 
 
 Hennekens, F. W 
 
 Hennemann, Henry 
 
 Henriksen, M. A 
 
 Hickok, D. 
 
 Hillman, W. 
 
 Hilp, J- A 
 
 Hilp, William 
 
 Hoeil, Louis 
 
 Hoff, O. T 
 
 Hoff, W. T 
 
 Hoidalil, T. A 
 
 Holinbeck, F. M 
 
 Holter, Chris 
 
 Horn, Frank 
 
 Horn. William 
 
 143 
 
 254 
 
 13 
 
 264 
 
 309 
 
 422 
 
 406 
 
 399 
 
 345 
 
 85 
 
 147 
 
 211 
 
 42 
 263 
 
 89 
 
 389 
 
 460 
 
 340 
 
 30 
 
 294 
 
 169 
 
 52 
 
 43 
 437 
 155 
 
 53 
 233 
 146 
 133 
 100 
 283 
 287 
 393 
 368 
 462 
 1 22 
 388 
 
INDEX 
 
 491 
 
 Hoveland, Theodore 421 
 
 Hunt. A. H 209 
 
 Hurt, Joseph 79 
 
 Hutchinson, W. D 208 
 
 Huth, Emery 420 
 
 Irvine, William 314 
 
 Jacobs, Frank 351 
 
 Jenkins, , Samuel 45 
 
 Jensen, Fred 357 
 
 Joas, Joseph 29 
 
 Johnson, A. 1 221 
 
 Johnson, J. E 481 
 
 Johnson, O. A 476 
 
 Johnson, Oscar . 480 
 
 Johnson, Rufus 248 
 
 Johnson, Theodore 228 
 
 Johnson, William 176 
 
 Kaiser, S. R 326 
 
 Kappus. J. F 148 
 
 Kean, D. J 281 
 
 Keller, Charles 209 
 
 Kelly, J. H 145 
 
 Kennedy, Bert 435 
 
 Kennedy, Charles 441 
 
 King, Thomas 296 
 
 Kingsland, I. J 407 
 
 Kitch, W. E 14 
 
 Klages, Ernest 182 
 
 Klages, Herman 186 
 
 Klemke. H. F 144 
 
 Knar, John 282 
 
 Kohler, Joseph 181 
 
 Korn, Andrew 343 
 
 Kramscliuster, Bernard 323 
 
 Kramschuster, J. B 434 
 
 Kranzfelder, Louis 262 
 
 Krenz, Charles 457 
 
 Krenz, M. C 456 
 
 Kubat, J. E 224 
 
 Kuhn, John 402 
 
 Kuntz, Henry 219 
 
 La Blanc, R. A 291 
 
 Lang, R. A 212 
 
 Larson, Casper 462 
 
 Larson, William 218 
 
 Lashway, Frank 394 
 
 Laurer, J. G 291 
 
 Laursen, A 151 
 
 Lavelle, F. J 140 
 
 Leahy, P. L 15 
 
 Leege, Ernest 59 
 
 Leinenkugel, Mathias 473 
 
 Licht, X. Iv 405 
 
 Liehe, C. H 348 
 
 Lien, A. P 286 
 
 Ling, J. E 293 
 
 Ling, P. B 301 
 
 Lintz, A. K 402 
 
 Loofboro, R. E 455 
 
 Lotz, George 344 
 
 Lund, Isaac 449 
 
 McCann, Henry 
 
 McDonald, A. R 
 
 McDonald, Frank . . . 
 
 McDonald, H. K 
 
 McGraw, J. H 
 
 Mcllquham. William 
 
 McKay, R. E 
 
 McRae, H. C 
 
 McRae, J. C 
 
 McWithey, H. E 
 
 Maliony, John 
 
 Maier, F. J 
 
 Mandelert. L. C 
 
 Marriner, Charles . . . 
 
 Martin, A. J 
 
 Martin, F. G 
 
 Mason, A. H 
 
 Mason, George 
 
 Matsche, John 
 
 Mattison, B. P 
 
 Meagher, Michael. . . 
 
 Meider, H. G 
 
 Meier, Fred 
 
 Meier, John 
 
 Meier, Robert 
 
 Meinen. Peter 
 
 Melville, Frank 
 
 Melville. J. S 
 
 Melville. James W. . . 
 Melville, John W. . . 
 
 Melville, T. W 
 
 Metott, Andrew, Sr... 
 Metott, Andrew, Jr. . 
 
 Meyer, Herman 
 
 Michaels, Peter 
 
 Michels, Peter 
 
 Miller, F. 0 
 
 Miller, J. P 
 
 Miller, W. M 
 
 Millions, Carrie F.. . . 
 
 Misfeldt. H. J 
 
 Mondoux, Louis 
 
 Montgomery, W. A. . 
 
 Moore, Christ 
 
 Moore. F. C 
 
 Moore, H. H 
 
 Moray. R. D. C. 
 
 Morris, Henry 
 
 337 
 60 
 419 
 187 
 222 
 138 
 240 
 . 47 
 73 
 207 
 197 
 104 
 227 
 41 
 211 
 
 51 
 369 
 357 
 191 
 260 
 157 
 141 
 199 
 199 
 454 
 190 
 180 
 102 
 179 
 171 
 166 
 175 
 167 
 106 
 
 71 
 
 .403 
 
 273 
 
 52 
 272 
 318 
 
 55 
 
 150 
 
 44 
 
 346 
 
 395 
 
 361 
 
 464 
 
 156 
 
492 
 
 INDEX 
 
 Morris, J. A 482 
 
 Morrison, J. A 417 
 
 Mullen, Andrew 473 
 
 Mullen, J. C 459 
 
 Mullen, Math 435 
 
 Mullen, Rasmus 456 
 
 Muller, Valentine 123 
 
 Mullin, Elizabeth 265 
 
 Munro, J. H 221 
 
 Munroe, F. L 338 
 
 Munroe, R. S 304 
 
 Murphy, J. R 134 
 
 Myers, A. A 292 
 
 Myrman, Erick 380 
 
 Nabor, William 331 
 
 Nagle, W. F 11 
 
 Nechvatal, Anton 440 
 
 Nelson, Christ 463 
 
 Nelson, Edward 15 
 
 Nelson, John 384 
 
 Nelson, N. 0 232 
 
 Nelson, Samuel 420 
 
 Ness, Richard 300 
 
 Newman, L. M 12 
 
 Nicholson, J. J 294 
 
 Nilson, John 131 
 
 Nimmons, S. B 317 
 
 Nordin, J. 0 131 
 
 Nystrom, Olof 133 
 
 Oakland, John 415 
 
 O’Donnell, Gerald 135 
 
 O’Donnell, Patrick 13b 
 
 Olson, Gilbert 473 
 
 Olson, N. G 362 
 
 Olson, P. B 470 
 
 O’Rourke, John 441 
 
 Paine, J. T 
 
 Paul, Peter 
 
 Paulus, Joseph . . 
 Pedersen, Carl . . . 
 Pederson, Andrew 
 Peterson, Bernhard 
 Peterson, Otto . . . 
 Peterson, Paulus . 
 Petska, Alfred . . . 
 Petska, Frank .... 
 Pfaff, Henry .... 
 Phillips, John . . . 
 Phillips, Lucy . . . 
 Phillips, W. H.. . . 
 Piotrowski, J. B.. 
 
 Pitseh, F. C 
 
 Plagge, August . . 
 Porter, Edward . . 
 
 451 
 376 
 
 452 
 223 
 479 
 303 
 363 
 301 
 471 
 103 
 109 
 250 
 
 10 
 
 130 
 
 244 
 
 305 
 
 32 
 
 162 
 
 Powers, H. F 414 
 
 Poznanski, J. E 76 
 
 Poznanski, M. A 200 
 
 Prince, J. E 299 
 
 Prince, William 132 
 
 Prueher, J. G 303 
 
 Rageot, Bernard 418 
 
 Rasmus, Martin 481 
 
 Raven, J. W 269 
 
 Rheingans, E. C 74 
 
 Rheingans, G. E 288 
 
 Rice, H. 0 287 
 
 Ritchey , Robert 360 
 
 Roe, Imbert 265 
 
 Roe, L. 1 295 
 
 Roycraft, Thomas 217 
 
 Saltier, William 
 
 Savord, Jacob 
 
 Scheidecker, Ernest .... 
 
 Scheidecker, F. C 
 
 Schmock, Herman 
 
 Schnoor, Chris 
 
 Schroeder, Charles 
 
 Scliroeder, William 
 
 Sehroetter, H. G 
 
 Schultz, Carl 
 
 Schultz, C. F 
 
 Schultz, W. D 
 
 Schwab. John 
 
 Scritsmier, F. A. R 
 
 Sebesta, James 
 
 Selb, Robert 
 
 Shafer, Samuel 
 
 Shafer, S. W 
 
 Sharp. R. A 
 
 Shipman, E. F 
 
 Shong, W. W 
 
 SiddoTis, F. V 
 
 Siddons, S. B 
 
 Siepert, William 
 
 Simnicht, L. A 
 
 Simon, William 
 
 Sippel, Julius 
 
 Smetana, W. J 
 
 Smith, C. L 
 
 Smith. Edwin 
 
 Sneen, A. N 
 
 Snyder. J. 0 
 
 Snyder, Samuel 
 
 Solberg, Anton 
 
 Soli, A. L 
 
 Sowle, G. F 
 
 Stafford, W. H 
 
 Starr. F. W 
 
 366 
 
 308 
 
 439 
 
 50 
 
 325 
 
 461 
 
 468 
 
 437 
 
 120 
 
 379 
 142 
 351 
 242 
 423 
 452 
 170 
 
 24 
 7 
 
 228 
 
 249 
 
 307 
 
 69 
 
 25 
 95 
 
 431 
 
 128 
 
 161 
 
 76 
 
 321 
 
 416 
 
 320 
 
 430 
 
 400 
 
 127 
 
 311 
 
 65 
 
 380 
 306 
 
INDEX 
 
 Steinmetz, F. S 
 
 Stelter, Oscar 
 
 Sterzik, O. F 
 
 Stevens, L. P 
 
 Stewart, G. A 
 
 Stockwell, W. J. & Son 
 
 Stoll, W. C 
 
 Strong, C. G 
 
 Summerfield, William 
 
 Sundet, C 
 
 Sundet, John 
 
 Svetlik. W. B 
 
 Syverson, B. A 
 
 Theriault. J. B 
 
 Thomas, J. W 
 
 Thompson, F. J 
 
 Thompson. F. W 
 
 Thorp. 0. H 
 
 Thronson, Andrew 
 
 Tinker, H. L 
 
 Toft, C. M 
 
 Tonnaneour, Leonard . 
 
 Town, H. A 
 
 Trankle, H. M 
 
 Turecek, John 
 
 Turner, A. J 
 
 Turner, Gottleib 
 
 Tusehl, Anton 
 
 Vaudreuil, Ludger 
 
 Verhulst, Lawrence 
 Viles, B. D 
 
 49:1 
 
 Wagner, Frank 443 
 
 Wallace, J. F 324 
 
 Walsdorf, Joseph . 349 
 
 Walter, B. J 438 
 
 Walter, E. G 438 
 
 i'Wanish, Edward 339 
 
 Watson, J. A 318 
 
 Waugh, W. G 474 
 
 Weigand, F. S 397 
 
 Weiher, Gustav 464 
 
 Weissenberg, George 396 
 
 Weyenberg, L. C 395 
 
 Weyenberg. W. A 386 
 
 Wilcox, L. A 355 
 
 Wilcox, W. M 382 
 
 Wilkowske, C. W 344 
 
 W’illson, Leslie 5 
 
 Wilmarth, A. W 86 
 
 Wirth, Jacob 451 
 
 Wolf, W. H 121 
 
 Wolter, E. E 367 
 
 Woodard. F. B 450 
 
 Woodruff, Emma 332 
 
 Fright. 0. G 30 
 
 jFright. S. H 198 
 
 Yates, S. M 182 
 
 fohnk, L. H 425 
 
 iiebell, Fred 458 
 
 limmerman, Frank 46 
 
 Zimmerman, R. L 60 
 
 Zriefelhofer, Joseph 415 
 
 93 
 
 201 
 
 202 
 
 480 
 
 124 
 
 341 
 
 36 
 
 376 
 
 469 
 
 56 
 
 104 
 
 286 
 
 131 
 
 213 
 
 408 
 
 251 
 
 467 
 
 347 
 
 404 
 
 63 
 
 313 
 
 48 
 
 33 
 
 418 
 
 474 
 
 453 
 
 138 
 
 266 
 
 159 
 
 231 
 
 Vol IX— 2 7 
 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 
 
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