USA > Wisconsin > Clark County > Biographical history of Clark and Jackson Counties, Wisconsin : containing portraits of all the presidents of the United States, with accompanying biographies of each, and engravings of prominent citizens of the counties, with personal histories of many of the early settlers and leading families > Part 19
USA > Wisconsin > Jackson County > Biographical history of Clark and Jackson Counties, Wisconsin : containing portraits of all the presidents of the United States, with accompanying biographies of each, and engravings of prominent citizens of the counties, with personal histories of many of the early settlers and leading families > Part 19
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Wedge's Creek. They came to Neillsville in 1861, and bought twenty acres of land, the place on which his widow now resides. This lie increased by more recent purchases until at the time of his death the homestead contained fifty-six acres. He also owned other real estate and was in well-to-do cir- cumstances. His death occurred June 28, 1885. Mr. Gates was a prominent man in the community where he lived. He was a Democrat, and always took an active part in political matters. He was School Director for several years, Magistrate two years, mem- ber of the Town Board several terms, Com- missioner of Clark County one terni, and Sheriff of the county two years, having been elected to the latter office in 1860. He was a director in the Clark County Bank several years, and by the dishonesty of the cashier lost about $2,000.
Mrs. Gates has passed throughi many hard- ships. During the early settlement of this county she experienced much of pioncer life. She came to Neillsville in a stage, bringing her three little children, all sick at the time. She is now in comfortable circumstances, liv- ing on the old liomestead with her daughter.
RS. JANE GREEN (formerly Mrs. Christie), of section 34, Eaton Town- ship, was born in London, England, December 1, 1834, the daugliter of William and Hannah (Hempstock) Bingham, both natives of England. The father brought his family to the United States in the spring of 1836, settling in La Crosse Valley. Ile was a miller by trade, and ran the Lewis Flour- ing Mill in Lewis Valley, La Crosse County, several years. He died there in 1861; the mother died in this city in May, 1879, at the age of eiglity four years. The parents had
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three children, two of whom still survive: Mary A., now the wife of William Hemp- stock, of McMinnville, Oregon; and Jane, our subject. The deceased, William A., died in McMinnville, June 28, 1890, at the age of seventy years.
The subject of this sketch was married December 30, 1857, to Romeo Bostwick, a native of Vermont, and they had four chil- dren: Isaac C., Henry A., Martin B. and George B. Isaac married Annie Sisco, and has three children: Sarah, Ella M. and an in- fant daughter. Henry married Mary Stanly, and has two children-Charles and Agnes. George married Mrs. Alice Ross, daughter of John W. Congley, of this city. Mrs. Bost- wick had two children by a former marriage -Archie P. and Maggie A. Ross. Mr. Bostwick was a soldier in the late war, in Company L, Second Wisconsin Cavalry, and died in the service. His widow was again married, October 4, 1865, to James Christie, a native of Green County, Pennsylvania, born May 8, 1840, and by this union there were four children-Martha J., Minnie M., Eleanor P. and Joseph. Martha married John T. Farning, of this city, and has one child-Annie B. Minnie married Thomas Chadwick, of Neillsville, and has two chil- dren-Joseph and Sabrina. Eleanor married Adolph Hemp, of Weston Township, this county. Mr. Christie died October 3, 1883, and his widow was again married, July 5, 1889, to Henry Green, a native of the State of New York. He had four children by a former marriage.
member of the Methodist Episcopal Church at Greenwood.
HARLES W. DYKINS, of Black River Falls, is now engaged in the insurance business in that city, but was for some time editor and proprietor of the Jackson County Journal. He is a native of Wis- consin, having been born in Baraboo, Sauk County, July 31, 1851. His father, James Dykins, is still a resident of Baraboo, where he was an early settler. Charles W. spent his early life in his native town, and there learned the trade of a printer. In 1879 he started the Sauk County Republican, and one year later sold the paper to H. B. Hans- brough, abandoning his trade to enter the railway mail service. He was in the employ of the Government for a period of two years, and in 1883 he came to Black River Falls and took charge of the printing department of J. W. Cole & Co. In the month.of Feb- ruary, 1886, the Jackson County Journal was founded, Mr. Dykins being one of the company to embark in this enterprise. He remained with this concern for a year, and then resumed his former position with J. W. Cole & Co. In February, 1889, he assumed control of the Journal, became its editor, and continued in this capacity until Decem- ber 18, 1890. He then retired from the editorship, and the paper passed into the hands of the Journal Publishing Company.
Mr. Dykins is now devoting his energies to the life and fire insurance business, and is well fitted for this line of work. He is a man of enterprise, public spirit, and has a genial, cordial manner that always wins him friends in every walk of life.
Mr. Green worked many years in a saw- mill of Mr. Farning, near the homestead of Mrs. Green. The latter came to this county with her husband, Mr. Christie, in the fall of 1865, where she has since resided. She owns forty acres of land, and has lived in her Politically he affiliates with the Democratic present residence eighteen years. She is a party, and when he had charge of the Jour-
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nal conducted it in the interests of that organization.
ANSOM PETERSON, a stone mason of Greenwood, was born in Prince Ed- ward County, Canada West, May 18, 1858, the son of William (deceased) and Elizabeth (Stoneburg) Peterson, both natives of Canada. The parents had eight children, five of whom are now living: Peter J., John, Jacob E., Abner L. and Ransom. The father died, and the mother was married to Stephen Fitch, by whom she had two children, only one of whom still survives, Hattie. Ransom was reared to farm life, and received but a limited education, as his father died when he was an infant, and his mother was poor and had a family of small children to support. Our subject's twin brother, Mansom, died at the age of eighteen years in Tunnel City, Wisconsin. Mr. Peterson first went to work in a cheese factory when but fourteen years old, and followed the same until 1876, when he came to this county. He worked the fol- lowing winter in the pineries for Tom Miller, and in the spring of 1877 went to Tunnel City and worked at the stone mason's trade; July 26 of the same year he went to Olmsted County, Minnesota, and worked one year on a farm; in the fall of 1878 he was married, after which he came to this county and settled in Greenwood. After a few years he returned to Tunnel City, remained three years, then spent three years in Minnesota, and in the fall of 1888 bought a good residence in Greenwood, which he still occupies. He also owns thirty-five acres by the railroad, on a part of which the depot now stands, and he is now clearing this tract, which is growing very valuable.
Mr. Peterson was married September 22,
1878, to Lydia Ainos, a daughter of Christ Amos, of Ohnsted County, Minnesota. They have had seven children, six now living, viz .: Mand, Ethel, Josephine, Richard, Lydia and Ransom. One danghter, Mabel, died at the age of three years and four months. Polit- ically Mr. Peterson is a Republican.
EV. COURTLAND M. KEACHI, of Albion, Jackson County, was born in Washington County, Wisconsin, Janu- ary 23, 1850, the son of Rex Keach, who was born in Chautauqua County, New York, February 23, 1810. In 1846 he removed to Washington County, in 1852, went to La Crosse Connty, this State, and in 1853 came to Albion Township, Jackson County, where he worked in a mill for Mr. Spanlding until 1856. He then removed to Manchester Township, where he remained until his death, which occurred in 1863. Politically he was a Democrat until 1860, since which time he has been united with the Republican party. He held several minor offices, and was in moderate circumstances financially. He was of English and German extraction. Onr subject's mother, Susannah, (Husted) Keach, was born at Staffordville, Dutchess Conty, New York, August 11, 1826, and is still living.
The subject of this sketch was reared and educated in Jackson Connty, Wisconsin, and also in the common schools of Black River Falls. At an early age he took a private course of study for the ministry, as an Advent Christian. In 1883 he bought a house and a few acres of land on section 23, Albion Township, where he now lives. In 1885 he was elected Treasurer of Albion Township, which position lie held one year, and in the winter of 1886 was appointed Town Clerk, of
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which he is the present incumbent. He still continues in the work of the ministry, having two churches under his pastorate at present. Politically he is a Prohibitionist. Mr. Keaclı was married November 7, 1873, to Sarah E. Barnum, who was born in the State of New York, February 22, 1852, the daughter of Israel and Elizabeth (Chariton) Barnum, na- tives also of New York. The parents subse- quently came to Jackson County, Wisconsin, locating in Manchester Township, where the father was engaged in farming. He has held several minor offices, and was Town Clerk for about twenty years, having held the office constantly for fifteen years. He has also officiated as county surveyor in his county. Mr. and Mrs. Kcach have had four children: Josephine, Frank A., Effie M. and Clarence C., three of whom are living-one having died in infancy.
ETER J. KLEIN, of section 13, Eaton Township, Clark County, was born in Nierstein, on the Rhine, Province of Hessen-Darmstadt, May 4, 1857, the son of George Klein (deceased), a native of the same country. The latter brought his family to the United States in 1870, settling in She- boygan County, Wisconsin, and subsequently removed to Clark County, in the fall of 1873, and settled in Loyal Township. Our subject came at once to Eaton, where he commenced work as a farın hand. In October, 1885, he settled on this present farm of 120 acres, fifteen of which is cleared. During the win- ters he is engaged in the pineries, and in the summers works on his farm and at other occupations.
Mr. Klein was married August 20, 1882, to Elizabeth Condon, who was born near Peterboro', Upper Canada, the daughter of
Joseph Condon, a native of County Cork, Ire- land. They had four children, three of whom survive: John P., born May 28, 1883; Gertrude, May 24, 1887, and Oswald, De- cember 22, 1889. Joseph L. died at the age of nine months. Both Mr. and Mrs. Klein are members of the Catholic Church.
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ULEF H. GILE, proprietor of the Wis- consin Leader, Merillon, Wisconsin, was born in Addison, New York, Nov- ember 20, 1854, son of R. S. and A. E. Gile. His early education was received in the dis- trict schools of Pennsylvania. In 1866 he came to Wisconsin with his mother and located in Waushara County, where he re- mained for twelve years and for nine years worked in a printing office. He came to Jackson County and settled in Merillon in 1878. Here he became the proprictor of the Leader, and in this enterprise has been very successful, having established a large cir- culation. He was married, January 3, 1875, to Miss Charlotte I. Herrick, of Wantoma, Wisconsin. She was born in 1855, and was educated in the common schools of this State. Her parents were among the early pioneers of Wisconsin. Mr. Gile associates with the Masonic Order. Politically he is a Repub- lican.
EV. J. F. VOLZ is the present pastor of Saint Mary's (Catholic) Church at Neillsville, Wisconsin. Religious ser- vices were first held in the present church building in 1878. It is a substantial structure of brick, and was erccted at a cost of $3,500. In connection with the church there is a school building, which was completed in
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1887. St. Mary's Parochial School has an average attendance of seventy pupils. The parsonage, or priest's residence, is a comfort- able dwelling, and the style of it is in keeping with the other surroundings. The congrega- tion of St. Mary's Church numbers about one hundred and twenty-five families, about equally divided as residents of the town and adjoining country.
Catholic religious services have been held in Neillsville regularly since 1876; previous to that date they were conducted only occa- sionally. Among the naines prominent in the promotion of the interests of the church throughout its history should be mentioned that of Mr. James Furlong, who was truly one of its chief benefactors. He donated the land on which the church property is located, and was ever a liberal and earnest supporter of the church. He was highly esteemed, was a public-spirited citizen, and one of the hon- ored pioneers of Neillsville; his home was formerly in the State of Pennsylvania; his death occurred in 1884.
The Rev. Father Volz has liad charge of this congregation since 1879. He has accomplished a great deal towards improving the church property in his time. When he came here the church was in a rough, nnfin- ished state, and the congregation $1,000 in debt. The church and its surround- ings have been much improved and the entire indebtedness removed through the faithful and energetic labors of the present pastor, and the hearty co-operation of the active meinbers.
The Rev. J. F. Volz was born at Prattsburg, in the State of Indiana, January 1, 1857; the same year his father, Melchior Volz, removed with his family to La Crosse, Wisconsin, and they have since made it their home. Mel- chior Volz is a well-known citizen, and a re- tired business man of the place.
Father Volz received his earlier education
in the parochial schools of La Crosse, and was gradnated from St. Jolin's College at Prairie du Chien, Wisconsin, in 1873. He took his theological course at St. Francis Seminary, near Milwaukee; was ordained priest Novem- ber 9, 1879, by the late Archbishop Heiss, and was well fitted for the work he has chosen. Ilis present charge is his first one, and he lias exhibited a marked ability in its management.
UGUST F. SNYDER, a merchant of Neillsville, was born in Clark County, August 18, 1856, the son of German parents, who came to America in 1851. Upon their arrival in the United States they located in Cincinnati, Ohio, where they re- mained a few years, and where the father, N. F. Snyder, was engaged in work at the cooper's trade, a trade he had learned in the old country. Five children were born to them, two of whom are now living, the subject of this sketch being the oldest. The parents mnoved to Clark County, Wisconsin, and from there to Iowa, where they spent some time, after which they returned to Clark County. Here Mr. Snyder bought a quarter section of land from the Government, paying for it $1.25 per aere. At that time there was nothing but Indian trails from here to La Crosse and Sparta, and provisions had to be brought from those places. He employed the Indians to help him roll logs, and he worked in the logging camps nine winters. When Mr. Snyder landed in New York his only capital was fifty cents; but in this republic of ours the opportunities for success are boundless, and as the years passed by he saved his earnings and secured for himself a comfortable home. A man of good judgment and one who always made his word
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as good as his bond, he soon gained the re- spect of all who knew him.
August F. received his education in the district schools of Clark County, and also in the public schools of Neillsville. He went with his father to Iowa, being engaged in the hotel business there for a time. After his return to Wisconsin he clerked one year in Tomah and one year at Unity. Then he went back to Iowa, and was in the railroad employ one year.
In 1887 he was married, in Clark County, to Stella Sells. One child has been born to them. Mr. Snyder is now engaged in the clothing business in Neillsville, where he has worked up a good trade. He is a member of the Masonic fraternity, having taken the degrees in the blue lodge, chapter and com- mandery.
LI L. SNYDER, proprietor of a variety store in Thorp, was born in Michigan, December 2, 1861, the son of Levi and Anna (Valden) Snyder,-the former a native of Jefferson County, New York, who removed to Michigan when young; the mother was born near Attica, New York. The parents had eight children, four of whom are now living: Lovina, now Mrs. George C. Howard, of Thorp; Warren, of Onalaska, La Crosse County, Wisconsin; Sarah, the wife of Lewis Barnes, also of Onalaska, and Eli L., the sub- ject of this sketch. The father brought liis family to Tomalı, Wisconsin, in the fall of 1865, and died in Adrian, in 1872; the mother now lives in Onalaska.
Eli L., our subject, remained on a farın until eleven years of age, when his father died, and he was then thrown upon his own resources. He first worked a few months for his board in Cole's Valley; next for Mr.
Howard six months; then for Wallace Jack- son, of Jacksonville, Wisconsin, nearly two years; in 1875 went to Red Wing, Minne- sota, where he worked on a farm for Merritt Tripp seven months; then returned to Adrian and attended school that winter; the next suminer worked in the saw-mills of Warren & Co .; in 1876 went to St. Paul, where he worked four months in a jewelry store; then as waiter in the Merchant's Hotel there until the fall of 1877. He then came to Onalaska, Wisconsin, and that winter worked in the pineries in Monroe County, for Warren & Co., and in the spring of 1878 went to St. Panl, remained four months, and then re- turned to Onalaska, where he worked in a jewelry store a short time. Next he went to the vicinity of Stevens' Point, where he worked in the pineries one winter for Brooks & Barrs; in the spring of 1879 he went to Appleton, Wisconsin, where he established a shooting gallery and confectionery stand, which he conducted six months, and then re- turned to Stevens' point. There Mr. Snyder entered the employ of the Inter-Ocean Circus, and traveled with that company through Southern Wisconsin, leaving them at Racine. Late in the fall of the same year he went to Adrian, where he attended school, aud in the spring of 1880 went to Onalaska, aud was en- gaged in sorting logs on Black River several months, after which he again attended school. Mr. Snyder worked in the pineries that win- ter on Yellow River for Joe Nesbit, and in the spring of 1881 went to St. Paul, where he worked in a jewelry store four months; next he returned to Onalaska and worked in a saw-mill; thence to Tunnel City, where he clerked in the store of George Howard; in 1882 he entered into partnership with Mr. Howard, after which they came to Thorp and built a store near the depot and engaged in general merchandising. This was in October,
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1882. In 1883 Mr. Snyder dissolved part- nership, and soon afterward engaged in liis present business, keeping a general variety of goods. He has a capital stock of $700, his annnal sales amounting to abont $2,500.
He was married June 20, 1883, to Louisa Burke, who was born in Green Lake County, Wisconsin, December 15, 1863, the daughter of Jolin Burke, of this city. They liave three children: George L., William (deceased) and Levi J. Mrs. Snyder is a member of the Catholic Clinch, and politically Mr. Snyder is a Republican.
- ILLIAM WAGNER, editor and pro- prietor of the Courier, Thorp, Clark County, was born in Beaver Dam, Dodge Connty, Wisconsin, July 28, 1859, the son of Josepli Wagner, deceased, late of Beaver Dam, where he liad lived since 1844, when the place was known as Grubville. The parents had five children, namely: Theresa, wife of Samuel J. Sliafer, editor of the Phonograph of Colby, this county; Joseph, a business man of Beaver Dam; Mary L., now Mrs. Carl Van Neuport, a druggist of Stevens' Point, Wisconsin, and Belle, who is still in Beaver Dam.
William Wagner, onr subject, was edu- cated in the public schools of his native city, where he also learned tlie printer's trade in the Argus office, and also in the Phonograph office, of Colby. He worked a short time in Chicago, Illinois, and Buffalo, New York, and in November, 1883, came to Thorp, where he established the Courier, a spicy little sheet, a quarto, five-column. Mr. Wagner served as Postmaster during Cleveland's administration.
He was married December 23, 1885, to Kate Diamond, who was born in St. Law-
rence County, New York, Marchi 8, 1867, the daughter of Danicl Diamond, of Eagle River, Wisconsin. They have two children: Mand, born December 3, 1886, and Florence K., March 30, 1889.
LBION K. JAMES, of Melrose, Jack- son County, was born in New Hamp- shire, October 3, 1849, the son of Alonzo G. James, wlio was born in Deerfield, New Hampshire, in 1826. In 1855 he came to Ricliland Center, Richland County, Wis- consin, where he died, at the age of sixty years. He was a dealer in boots and shoes by occupation, and was a Prohibitionist po- litically, but in early years was a Republican. He was a very prominent man, and was President of the village of Richland Center, and also a member of the town board of Supervisors for several years. Our subject's mother, nee Eliza Knowlton, was also born in Deerfield, New Hampshire, and is now living at Richiland Center, Richland Connty, Wisconsin. Slie is a daughter of Nathaniel and Eliza Knowlton, natives of New Hamp- shire. Mr. and Mrs. James liad seven ehil- dren, viz .: Albion K., Emma J., Lewis E., Charles F., Minnie, Mary and Anna, all of whom are living except Mary.
The subject of this sketch, Albion K., tlie eldest child, was reared and educated in Richland Center. In 1873 he went to Hills- borouglı, Wisconsin, and in 1875 came to Jackson County, locating in the town of Millston. While residing at Millston he was elected Town Clerk. In 1878 he re- moved to Melrose, where he engaged in the mercantile business, which he still continues He is also proprietor of the Exchange Bank of Melrose. He is a prominent man, and has lield a number of important offices. He
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was Postmaster here for six years. He is treasurer of the Irving Insurance Company, of $500,000 capital, which he has held for four years. Politically he is independent, but he was formerly a Republican. He has repre- sented his town and county in several county and senatorial conventions at different times. He has been twice elected Clerk of the School Board of Melrose graded school. He is a member of the Good Templars' Lodge, at Melrose, and is also a member of the Baptist Church. He was treasurer of the Melrose Creamery Association for two years, and dis- bursed nearly $40,000 among the patrons of the company, to their satisfaction.
Mr. James was married Marclı 22, 1883, to Kate Tuttle, who was born in Black River Falls, January 10, 1860, the daughter of Albert and Emeline (Jean) Tuttle. The mother was born in Olio, in 1822, and died at the age of fifty-nine years, at Merrillon, in Jackson County, Wisconsin. The father was born in Connecticut in 1815, and died at Arcadia, in Trempealeau County, this State, on February 6, 1891. He was among thie early settlers of Jackson County, having located at Black River Falls in 1850. Mr. and Mrs. James have had two children : Bessie, born September 2, 1884, and Carrie, born February 14, 1887, who died August 7, 1887.
UNCAN HARDISON, a representative citizen of Jackson County, Wisconsin, was born in Ft. Steenley, Canada West, February 20, 1821. He received his educa- tion in Canada, and in 1836, at the age of fifteen years, came to the United States and was employed at $6 per month in a grocery at Buffalo, New York. After that he went before the mast on lake vessels, serving first
as cabin boy, then as cook, afterward as mate, and finally as master. During his experience on the lakes he saw rough times, and was in many a heavy gale. He came to Jackson County and settled in section 26, Garden Valley Township, where he still resides. Pre- vions to his coming here he bought eighty acres of wild land, which he has since cleared up and developed into a fine farm. His buildings are in first-class condition, and everything about the place indicates pros- perity. When he came to this county Mr. Hardison had only $100, and all that he now has is the result of his own unaided efforts.
The subject of this sketch has been twice married. By his first wife, whom he wedded in 1850, lie had four children. His present wife, nee Mary A. Coon, was born in Livings- ton County, New York, in 1861. Five chil- dren have been born to them, only two of whom are living. Mr. Hardison is a Republican.
LBERT J. BEILFUSS, yard-master in Nye, Leisk & Hudson's extensive lum- ber yards at Thorp, Clark County, was born in Prussia, Germany, August 16, 1858, the son of Charles and Johannah (Schmidt) Beilfuss, both also natives of Prussia. They were the parents of ten children, six of whom arc now living, namely: William, Charles, Minnie, August, Albert and Bertha. Caro- line and Ollerike died after reaching ma- turity. The father brought his family to the United States in 1871, settling in Reed City, Osceola County, Michigan, where he still re- sides. Our subject lived in that city until the spring of 1881, when he came to Abbots- ford, this county, and kept a grocery two years. In 1883 he came to Thorp, where lie has since worked for his present employers,
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