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 32
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 32
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Dr. Lyman was married in 1881 to Miss Bertha A. Terry, a native of the State of New York, but at the time of their marriage a resident of Cordova, Illinois. The Doctor and wife have two children: Walter and Irving. Dr. Lyman is a successful physician, and the firin of Esch & Lyman have an exten- sive and lucrative practice.
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B ENT PEDERSON, a wealthy agricultur- ist of Jackson County, has been one of the fortunate men who have had every effort crowned withi success. He is a native of Sweden, born December 1, 1830, and grew to manhood in his native land. When he was twenty-three years of age, he determined to go to the New World and seek out the fortune that might be in store for him. So he bade farewell to his home and friends, and sailed away over the sea, to the " land of the free and the home of the brave." The first three years in this country were spent in Dane County, Wisconsin, and thence, in 1856, he came to Jackson County, and set- tled on 160 acres of raw land. The nearest trading point was Black River Falls, and the hardships and privations to which the early settlers were subject can scarcely be imagined
in this day of railroads. Mr. Pederson has purchased, as his means would admit, addi- tional acres, until he has altogether 440 acres, 200 of which he has converted into a fine, fertile farm; he has erected comfortable buildings after modern styles of architecture, and has one of the most attractive homes in the community. He is a self-made inan, and too much praise can not be bestowed upon the perseverance and determination he has exhibited. When he came to America he could not speak a word of English, and the only capital he had was that with which he was endowed by nature, willing hands and a brave heart.
Politically he is identified with the Repub- lican party. Ile has represented the people of his township in many of the offices within their gift, and has proved capable and efficient. He and his family are members of the Lu- theran Church, and take a deep interest in all its movements.
Mr. Pederson was inarried November 19, 1861, to Anna Olsen, of Jackson County, Wisconsin. She was born in Norway, Octo- ber 20, 1844. Fourteen children have been born of this union, eight of whom are living: Olans, Albert, Sophia, Caroline, Tilla, Ame- lia, Benny A. and Myrtle. Albert married Miss Amelia Tarkelson, of Black River Falls, Wisconsin, and they have had born to them one child, Basil .. The other children are un- inarried.
ERVILLE MASON, one of the most worthy citizens of Pine Valley Township, Clark County, is a native of Scotland, born September 21, 1813. His father came to Massachusetts at an early day and spent the rest of his life in this country. Merville remained with his parents until he
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was fifteen years old. His education was obtained chiefly through his own efforts. He attended the institute at Clinton, Oneida County, New York, and devoted fifteen years of his life to the profession of teaching. In 1863 Mr. Mason came to Clark County, Wis- consin, and bought 360 acres of land. Here he engaged in agricultural pursuits for many years. Since coming to this State he has also been engaged in civil engineering, teach- ing and in the lumber business.
In 1849 Mr. Mason married Maria Pixley, who was born in Massachusetts in 1823. She received her early education in her native State and graduated at Oberlin College, Ohio, in the class of 1847. She also taught school a number of years. During her life she was noted for her kindness and intelligence. Mrs. Mason was an active worker in the cause of anti-slavery, woman suffrage and prohibition, and was a conspicu- ous member of the W. C. T. U. Seven chil- dren were born to them, six of whom are living, namely: Alice, Mary, Milo, Irvin W., Martha, Walter and Bertha. All were thor- ouglily educated by their mother who gave thein private instructions.
In his early life Mr. Mason was a strong anti-slavery man and bitterly fought the fugi- tive slave law. While living in Ohio he was instrumental in securing the liberty of inany a slave. He was one of the agents of the "underground railroad " of Wisconsin. He relates the following incident: One night about twelve o'clock lie was awakened to find a colored man and his family at the door. The poor run-away slave begged for help to make his escape into Canada, saying that the officers were in close pursuit of them. In the morning Mr. Mason went to a neighbor and told him the circumstances of this case. He, however, would render no assistance. Then Mr. Mason called upon another neigh-
bor and found him more lenient than the Republican. This last neighbor remarked that " if the d-d slave had made his way this far he ought to be helped on" and gave $5 to aid in securing his passage to Canada.
Mr. Mason is now well advanced in years. Much of his time is spent in reading and in scientific research, in which he takes great pleasure.
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UGUSTUS C. VAUGHAN, a liard- ware merchant and one of the enter- prising business men of Neillsville, is a native of the Empire State. He was born August 23, 1850, and is the third son of the eleven children of David and Ellen Vaughan. All are living except two. With a family of seven, David Vaughan came to Wisconsin in 1862 and located in La Crosse County, and was a member of the Assembly from La Crosse Connty. His father died in February, 1890. His death occurred when Augustus was twenty-three years old, and it became his duty to help provide for the large family. He received liis education in the common schools of La Crosse County and learned the blacksmith trade at West Salem, following his trade until the time of his marriage. May 24, 1877, he wedded C. Delia Serviss. Her parents, natives of Canada, came to Wis- consin at an early date. William Gordon Serviss, her father, was an old soldier in the Thirtieth Wisconsin Regiment and served through the Rebellion, and is still living in this State. Mrs. Vanghan is well educated, and had taught school before her marriage.
Mr. Vaughan came to Clark County in 1883 and engaged in the hardware business with Charles Carter, at Neillsville. Liberal in his dealings and public-spirited in all beneficent causes, he has by close attention
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to business and strict integrity won a large circle of friends and secured a trade which is rapidly increasing. Was Supervisor of the Third Ward three years ago and served on various committees. He is the vice-presi- dent and member of the board of directors of " The Neillsville Basket & Box Manufac- turing Company," located in Neillsville. He, with other enterprising citizens, organized this new manufacturing company with a paid up capital of $15,000. R. Demhurst, presi- dent; H. N. Wither, Secretary ; C. C. Snite- man, Treasurer.
ONORABLE JOHN R. STURDE- VANT, of Neillsville, attorney and counsellor at law, is a representative of one of the pioneer families of Clark County, being a son of James W. Sturdevant, who settled in the town of Pine Valley, in June, 1854. James W. is a native of Pennsylvania, born in Warren County, in September, 1816, where he grew to manhood. In 1842 he emigrated with his family to Jefferson Coun- ty, Iowa, and later to Lee County, same State. In 1854, as already stated, the family came to Clark County, and still reside on the farm on which they first settled, and which he purchased of the Government. He has been prominently identified with the devel- opment of his town, and is an honest, up- right and worthy citizen. He was Town Treasurer when Clark County consisted of but one town, and was a member of the Board of County Commissioners for many years. His chief occupation in life has been farming, in which he has attained success. He has taken an important part in many im- provements, and has built by contract about eight miles of turnpike, constituting a part of the main Black River road. Mr. Sturde-
vant has also attained considerable reputation as a successful bee-keeper, and has the honor of having brought into this county the first swarm of bees. On attaining to the years of manhood he was nnited in marriage to his present wife, Mary Ann French, who was born in Vermont, in August, 1817, bnt re- moved with her parents to the State of New Jersey, and thence to Warren County, Penn- sylvania. Considering their somewhat ad- vanced age, they are worthy representatives of the pioneer element of Clark County, that is now fast disappearing. They were the parents of six children, five sons and one daughter: the latter, named Nancy, died in childhood. There are three surviving sons: the eldest, Robert S., is a lawyer by profes- sion, and now occupies the position of Cir- cuit Judge, and resides at Dayton, Columbia County, Washington. He is a member of the late constitutional convention of that State. James F. lives at the old homestead in Pine Valley. David Marshall, a deceased brother, died a number of years ago in Pine Valley, leaving a family. He was an energetic and successful business man, and a worthy citi- zen. Gilderoy, the other deceased brother, died in early manliood.
John R. Sturdevant, the subject of this sketch, was reared on a farm, and educated in the public schools. He was about nine years of age when he came with his father's family to Clark County. He served in the war of the Rebellion as a member of Com- pany I, Fourteenth Wisconsin Volunteer In- fantry, enlisting in 1863, and serving until the close of the war. He was mustered out October 9, 1865. He served with his regi- ment in several important battles and cam- paigns. He took part in Banks' unfortunate Red River campaign, serving in A. J. Smith's division, which covered Bank's re- treat. He was with his regiment at Mem-
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phis, Guntown, Spanish Fort, Fort Blakesley, Mobile and at Nashville, under the brave General Thomas. After returning from the army, he attended school for a time, and then studied law with his brother, R. F. Sturde- vant. He was elected Prosecuting Attorney of Clark County in 1873, and three times re- elected to that position. Near the expiration of his forth term, or eight years, as Prose- cuting Attorney, he was elected to the office of County Judge, a position he occupied eight years, retiring from that office Jannary 1, 1890, and is now engaged in general practice.
Judge Sturdevant was married to Miss Mary E. Johnson, a native of Iowa, and they have one son, Claude R., now a student of law in his father's office. In his political views Judge Sturdevant is a Republican. Ile is a lawyer of acknowledged ability, and a progressive, enterprising citizen.
EVI ARCHER, deceased, was born in Ontario County, New York, in 1835. He located in Clark County, Wisconsin, in 1855, becoming one of the pioneers of the State In early life he learned the black- sinithi trade, which he followed in Indiana for some time prior to his coming to Wisconsin. He worked at his trade awhile in this State, but up to the time of his death lie was presi- dent of Clark County Bank.
He was married January 19, 1858, and to him and his wife one son was born. This son, Frank, is now twenty-two years of age and is a clerk in a Neillsville bank. Mr. Archer died in 1889, leaving a large farm in section 35, Pine Valley Township, to his widow and son. They occupy this place, and Mr. Archer's mother, a lady well advanced in years, makes her home with them. Mrs.
Rosisla R. Archer is a kind and intelligent lady and is surrounded by a large circle of friends and acquaintances.
HARLES T. HASKIN has been identi- fied with the agricultural and lumber interests of Clark County since 1871. He is a native of Chautauqua County, New York, born February 21, 1841, and is a son of William and Aurilla (Vosburgh) Haskin, also natives of the Empire State. The parents emi- grated to Wisconsin in 1847, and settled in Waukesha County, at the town of Waukesha, where they resided until 1857; thence they removed to Fond du Lac County, Wisconsin, where the father passed the remainder of his days; the mother is still living, at the age of seventy-six years. Mr. Haskins died in 1883, aged seventy-one years. He was a carpenter by trade, but in the later years of his life de- voted his time to farming. The family con - sisted of five children: Horace, Elizabeth, William E., Charles T. and Frank H.
Charles T., the subject of this notice, was a young child when his parents brought him to the wilds of the frontier, and there he grew to manhood, surrounded by all the vicissitudes and privations of pioneer life. He received his first lessons in the primitive log school-house, and during the vacations assisted his father in the work at home. When he was sixteen years old he went with his parents to Fond du Lac County, and there he began farming on his own account. He remained there until 1871, and then came to Clark County, and purchased eighty acres of timber land which he has since inade his home. As his means would admit he has invested in land until he now owns 280 acres, situated on sections 11 and 12, Beaver Town- ship and section 34, Green Grove Township.
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Fifty acres of this land have been converted from the wild state in which nature left them, to one of advanced cultivation. To accom- plish this has been an undertaking of no small magnitude. It should be remembered, too, that Mr. Haskin has been unaided by any financial assistance in his business, and that all his success is dne to his own merit.
In 1864, December 15, this worthy gentle- man was united in marriage to Miss Mary R. Woodworth, of Fond du Lac County. She was born in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, October 17, 1846, and is a daughter of Harvey and Emaline (Brush) Woodworth, natives of the State of New York. They removed to Wis -. consin in 1844, and located in Milwaukee; thence they went to Fond du Lac County, and about the year 1874 they moved to Ne- braska, where they are now making their home.
Mr. and Mrs. Haskin have had born to them five children: Laura, deceased; Rosa, William, John and Charles T.
NDREW HEATHI, a farmer of Fremont Township, Clark County, Wisconsin, was born in St. Lawrence County, New York, December 9, 1833, the eldest son of a family of eight children, five sons and three daughters. His father was a Vermont farmer of the hardy and sturdy class, and settled in St. Lawrence County, in wilderness times. Andrew's mother, whose maiden name was Rebecca Seaver, was one of eleven children, two sons and nine daughters. Botlı families were of English extraction, and trace their ancestry through a number of generations. Jehiel Heath, the father, was a man of sturdy traits of character. Of the sons, Henry and Martin answered the call of their country at the breaking out of the Rebellion and entered
the service, Ilenry enlisting in Company J, Eighth New York Cavalry, and Martin in Company G, One IIndred and Sixth New York Infantry. Henry was wounded and died from the effects of lis injuries Septem- bor 12, 1862, while Martin served out the time of his enlistment and now lives in Wood County, this State. Horace, the other living son, and the remaning one of the living sisters (Mrs. Sarah Rollins) live near the home of the subject of this sketch in the township of Fremont. Their parents camne West in 1867, settling in the township of Grant, but later took up a homestead in what was then the township of Lyun, a portion of which has sinee been erected into the town- ship of Fremont. Jeliiel Ileath died in 1876, a long sufferer from chronic diarrhea; but his wife is still living and in the enjoyment of fair health. Their eldest danghter lived to womanhood, married Philander Chase, reared four children and died in 1862, five years before her parents came West.
October 1, 1863, Mr. Andrew IIeath mar- ried Miss Paulina Kennedy, who was born in Essex County, New York, in 1839, and she was one of a family of five sons and six daughters: the early progenitors of her father came from Ireland. Her grandfather was a Protestant and an early pioneer of Essex County. Mrs. Heath's eldest brother, in 1863, during the late civil war, enlisted, was shot through the lungs by a rebel bullet, re- turned home and lived twelve years, thoughi never robust in health. Mrs. Heath and her sister Ellen were teachers in New York State, in their younger days, at a time when " board- ing around" was the custom for teachers. Mrs. Heath taught nine terms in Essex County, and continued in the profession for eight years after coming to Clark County. Here she was the first to teach public school in the town of Fremont, using a room in her
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own house the first winter, as the school- house was not built until the spring follow- ing. She was a member of the Baptist Church at Jay, Essex County, New York, and also of the choir there. Her motlier's family came from a long line of English an- cestry by the name of Parislı, and they first settled at Plattsburg, New York. At the time of the battle of Plattsburg her mother was four years of age, and to the day of her death bore a distinct remembrance of many incidents on that memorable day. On her father's side hier ancestry were long-lived. Her father lived to the age of eighty years, and two of his brothers passed the ninetieth mile-post. All through Mr. Heath's life in Clark County he has taken an active interest in local and county affairs, as Town Clerk, Supervisor, etc. He has tliree daughters, namely: Effie, born June 26, 1865, and now the wife of Henry Davis; Lessie, the second daughter, was born September 11, 1868; and Allie, the youngest, December 2, 1873. Tlie last two were married on the twenty-seventh anniversary of the marriage of their parents, October 1, 1890; the former to Sherwin Davis and the latter to Adelbert Lovell. Effie and Lessie both commenced teaching school at about the age of sixteen years and are following the profession at the present time.
OSEPH GIBSON, a farmer and stock- raiser of section 16, Hixton, was born in Kingsey, Quebec, Canada, April 30, 1848, tlie son of Alexander and Margaret (Brown) Gibson. The former, a native of Tyrone, Ireland, came to Canada when eight years of age; the latter died when our sub- ject was ten years of age. They were the parents of eleven children,, seven of whom
are still living, viz .: James, Elizabeth, Will- iam, Robert, Joseph, Emina and Alvira.
The subject of this sketch left home April 30, 1858, when ten years of age, and two weeks later reached La Crosse, in company with another lad, they having run away from home. He did chores for board for Phineas Hurd, who was murdered by the Indians the following summer in Minnesota, where lie had gone to take up land. Mr. Gibson then lived with a Mr. Baker in La Crosse four years, and during all that time received fifty cents, the only money he had ever received in this country. He then learned the butch- er's trade, but only followed it eiglit montlis, after which he worked in a saw-inill. Soon after this he began working in the woods in the winter and driving logs in the summer. He was a noted Jog-rider, for which he re- ceived good wages. He was specially adapted to breaking jams on river banks, and when nineteen years old began running for Bright & Withee, and was their foreman two years. They subsequently took him as a partner on contracts. In 1871 he began logging for lrimself, in which he has ever since continned. Mr. Gibson settled on his present farm in April, 1872, which was at that time covered with timber, with no one but Indians for neighbors. Mrs. Gibson saw but two white women in three monthis, and taught several Indian women how to make clothing. When Mr. Gibson came to this county there was not a tree cut, and he first lived in a tent in the thick forest. He has been wonderfully successful, having begnn a penniless boy, and now owns 480 acres in one tract and also an- other tract of 320 acres. At one time he liad 3,000 acres in Taylor County, Wisconsin. He is running two camps this winter, and has put in as high as 12,000,000 feet in one season. He lumbered six winters in copart- nership on the land of Hon. W. T. Price.
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Mr. Gibson was married July 8, 1869, to Matilda C., daughter of Henry and Mary (Armstrong) Sperbeck. The former is de- ceased, and the latter now lives with her daughter, at the age of seventy-nine years. She is a native of New York State, near Al- bany. Mre. Gibson was born in Lorain County, Ohio, September 28, 1849. Her parents had six children, five of whom are still living: James, Jolin, Wallace, Johanna and Matilda. Mr. and Mrs. Gibson liave two children: Lew, born May 18, 1872, and Blanch E., June 8, 1875. Mr. Gibson has held the office of Assessor two years, was chairman six years, and was a member of the State Board of Commissioners that built the State road passing his farm. He also served in the late war, in Company G, Twelfth Wisconsin Volunteer Infantry; and was in the siege of Savannah, and was with Sher- man in his march to the sea. He became sick, but refused to go to the hospital; he was but fifteen years of age when he enlisted. His companion, with whom he ran away from Canada, was also a soldier, but in the Sixth Wisconsin, and was killed at the battle of the Wilderness. Mr. Gibson is a member of the Masonic order, being a Sir Knight, and is also a member of the G. A. R .; and religiously his wife is a member of the Meth- odist Episcopal Church. Politically Mr. Gib- son is a Republican.
ERNARD J. BROWN, of section 9, township 28, range 3 west, town of Withee, and also a pioneer of the town, was born near Rutland, Vermont, October 16, 1841, a son of Peris Brown, a native of the same place, and now of Angusta, Eau Claire County, Wisconsin. Ile emigrated to McHenry County, Illinois, in 1842, settling
in Coral Township, five miles west of Hunt- ley Grove. In 1856 they removed to Black River Falls, this State, where the father en- gaged in the hardware business until 1871, when they removed to Augusta, where they now reside. Onr subject's mother was forin- erly Achsah Parks, a native of Vermont. The parents had seven children, namely: Helen, now Mrs. Harrison Marshall, of Neills- ville; Edna, now Mrs. Peter Gwin, of Loyal, this county; Bernard, our subject; Benjamin F., of Minneapolis; Emeline, now Mrs. A. S. Eaton, of St. Panl; Mary, who married C. F. Stone, of West Superior, Wisconsin; and Edward P., of West Superior also.
The subject of this sketch received his education in Huntley and Black River Falls, where he also followed carpentering. He enlisted in the late war, in Company G, Fifth Wisconsin Volunteer Infantry, serving nine months. He was in the battles of Hatclier's Run, February 6, 1865; Petersburg, Vir- ginia, March 25, 1865; Petersburg again, April 2, 1865; Sailor's Creek, April 6, 1865, and many others. He came ont without having received a wonnd, and after the war returned to Black River Falls, where he re- sumed his trade. In the fall of 1871 he came to this county and took a homestead of 160 acres, his present home, and in January, 1872, brought his family to this place. He built a round-log cabin, with shake roof, which he occupied several years, or until he erected a liewed-log house, where he lived until 1883. He then built his present large frame residence, 20 x 30 feet, with additions 12 x 18 feet, and one and a half stories high, with a cellar under the latter part. He owns 120 acres of land, of which forty acres are cleared. Mr. Brown was the first Postmaster of Winnieoka, having been appionted in 1874. The postoffice was at his honse, and was also the first postoffice west of Long-
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wood. He also added a stock of general merchandise to this office, and traded with the settlers and Indians. The wild animals were numerous, and Mr. Brown established a deer lick, where he killed many animals, which afforded him plenty of venison. He once shot a deer from the window of a neigh- bor's house, while sitting in a rocking-chair, and often shot them through the cracks of his barn.
He has been a member of the Town Board two terms, School Clerk several years, and Town Treasurer one year. He is a member of the G. A. R., and was Commander one year of Asbra Welcome Post, No. 163, of Thorp. Mrs. Brown is a member of the W. R. C. Of Mr. Brown's early experiences in this county, one is especially worthy of men- tion: There were no roads here except logging roads, and those were cut through by settlers. He started to Greenwood with his mule team for supplies, and npon reach- ing Black River found it very high, with a jam of logs across the ford. He left the wagon and harness, went up the river a short distance, and after mnuch hard work suc- ceeded in pushing one mule into the river. He jumped upon his back, the other mnule following, and in this way swain across. He secured his supplies, carried them across on the jam, and swam the mules across to this side.
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