USA > Wisconsin > Buffalo County > Biographical history of La Crosse, Trempealeau and Buffalo Counties, Wisconsin : containing portraits of all the presidents of the United States, with accompanying biographies of each; engravings of prominent citizens of the counties, with personal histories of many of the early settlers and leading families > Part 12
USA > Wisconsin > La Crosse County > Biographical history of La Crosse, Trempealeau and Buffalo Counties, Wisconsin : containing portraits of all the presidents of the United States, with accompanying biographies of each; engravings of prominent citizens of the counties, with personal histories of many of the early settlers and leading families > Part 12
USA > Wisconsin > Trempealeau County > Biographical history of La Crosse, Trempealeau and Buffalo Counties, Wisconsin : containing portraits of all the presidents of the United States, with accompanying biographies of each; engravings of prominent citizens of the counties, with personal histories of many of the early settlers and leading families > Part 12
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J. POLLARD, the gentlemanly and accommodating passenger conductor on the Chicago, Burlington & North- ern Railroad, with residence at La Crosse, Wisconsin, was born in Morgan county, Illi- nois, in 1844, a son of William HI. and Lucretia (Gray) Pollard, natives of Vermont, who removed to Illinois in 1840, and for many years resided on a farm in Morgan county. The father is now residing at Rock
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Island, Illinois, aged eighty years, but since upon the Omaha division of that road, and 1891 has been a widower, his wife dying in upon the completion of that branch he ran a train over the road for about six years. When the river branch of the Burlington and Northern Railroad was built he was trans- ferred to the construction department of that branch, and when it was completed was given a train on that division, which position he still retains. He is an old and experienced railroad man, and has always shown himself to be competent, and has given good satis- faetion in the different positions he has held. lle is a member of the Knights of Pythias of Freeport, Illinois. He was married November 29. 1852, to Miss Mary MeCor- maek, whose parents are James and Anna MeCormack, of Kane county, Illinois. Mrs. Pollard is an amiable and intelligent lady, and is a member of the Catholic Church. her seventieth year. They were the parents of five sons and two daughters. E. I. Pol- lard was educated in the publie schools of Morrison, Illinois, and at the age of eighteen years he started out to make his own way in the world, and for one year worked as a farm hand. The next year he elerked in a dry- goods and clothing store, which position he retained until the fall of 1564, when he en- listed in the One Ilundred and Fortieth Regiment of Illinois Infantry-a one hun- dred-day regiment- and was in the service for five months before being mustered out. He immediately re-enlisted for one year, but was in the service fourteen months before receiving his discharge. He was on the staff of General Judy, and was the one who carried the news of the assassination of President Lincoln to the army. After General Judy's resignation he was assigned to the staff of General Wilson, with whom he remained USTAV CARL. wine dealer, La Crosse -In this age of gross and almost uni- versal adulteration, it is a pleasure to be able to refer to those reliable houses where the public are assured of obtaining only the purest and best goods. Of such is the re- sponsible establishment of Gustav Carl, wine dealer of La Crosse. This gentleman was born December 23, 1536, in Saxony, Ger- many, of which country his parents, Adam and Laura (Smith) Carl, were also natives. In the year 1554 the family sailed for Amer- iea, and after an veean voyage of six weeks landed in New York city, on July 2. The family remained in that city about two years, and the father followed the trade of a book- binder. He died in Milwaukee when fifty- nine years of age, but the mother is still living and is seventy-nine years of age. Both parents were Freethinkers in their re- until his term of service had expired. Ilis first work after leaving the army was as a clerk in the hotel at Morrison, Illinois, where he was employed about one year. He then went to work for the Chicago and North- western Railroad, first as brakeman, being promoted one year later to the position of eonduetor. Ile remained in the employ of that road until 1569, when he went to Rock Island to work in the construction depot of the Rock Island and St. Louis Railroad as conductor, and at the end of six months began traveling for the road as advertising agent. Following this he was conductor for two years on the Rock Island and Pacitic Railroad; but in 1880 went to Chicago, and for one year was in the employ of the Street Railway Company. In 1951 he went to work in the construction department of the Chi- cago, Burlington and Northern Railroad, ligious views. Of the nine children born to
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this union six died in infancy, and were buried in Germany. From the three living children Mrs. Carl has twenty-seven grandchildren and six great-grandchildren. She still pos- sesses great power both of body and mind, and is well preserved for her years. One of her children, Emelie, resides in Milwaukee, is the wife of George Schrader, and the mother of thirteen children, Gustav is next in! order of birth, and then Adolph, who died in 1889, at the age of forty-two years. The latter was a regular in the United States Army for five years, and then in the navy for two and a half years, during the civil war. HIe married a lady in Canada and became the father of five children. two deceased. On coming to America Gustav Carl worked in a book-bindery with his father for a year, but was taken sick, and went to St. Louis, where he worked on a farm for a year, withont compensation, his employer being worth nothing. However, he was restored to health by his out-door employment, and after re- ceiving remittances from home he went to Chicago in search of work at his trade, book- binding. Not being successful in this, he went on a farm sixteen miles from Chicago, and worked three months at 813 per month. He then paid up his indebtedness, and with the remainder went to Milwaukee, where he again tried to find work as a bookbinder. Failing again, he engaged for fifty cents a day as a waiter in a hotel, and there continned for two months. He was then coaxed away by a boarder, and served as bartender in his place at 830 a month, He remained there about fourteen months, then, in 1857, re- turned to New York on a visit to his parents, and at the same time was a delegate from the Bundes Turner's Society of Milwaukee to attend the Bundes Festival of New York. From there the whole family moved to Chi- cago, rented a farm sixteen miles west of that
eity, and there tilled the soil. They worked hard, but could not make a living, produce being so cheap, potatoes selling for ten cents a bushel. Gustav then went to Milwaukee and became bartender at the same place for the same man, sending his means to his parents. He remained there seven months and then became bartender for John S. Becker, at La Crosse, Wiconsin, in 1860. His former employer failed, and Mr. Carl took his pay in an imported Swiss cheese that lie brought to La Crosse as his stock in trade, his entire capital. Ile worked for one year as clerk in a grocery store at $15 a month and board. Abont this time John S. Becker burned out, and the stock he saved he let onr subject have to go up to Winona and start a saloon, the latter taking in partnership John Fox. On June 2, 1861, they started that saloon, and on the 4th of July the whole city (135 buildings) was destroyed in two hours, the saloon with the rest. They owed $1,100 on this, and they returned to La Crosse without even a Swiss cheese. They were helped by friends to start another sa- loon, and Mr. Fox, being a stone mason, worked at his trade while our subject at- tended the bar. Mr. Becker, sympathizing with their condition, made them a present of $300, and they then had but $800 of the $1,100 to pay. They soon paid off all their indebtedness, and were even with the world. Mr. Carl purchased property, built the stone honse in which he now resides at 517 and 519 South Third street, and on January 24, 1864, he married Miss Bertha Herzberg, whose parents were from Germany, the mother dy- ing there when Mrs. Carl was but three years of age. The father was Ernst Herzberg. After this Mr. Carl was in the saloon busi- ness with Mr. Fox for seven years, when they dissolved partnership, and Mr. Carl started in the manufacture of soda and mineral waters.
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in Appanoose county. He was engaged in the construction of a mill, his trade being that of a millwright; then he worked one sea- son at Fort Madison on a sawmill, and in 1-56 he came to La Crosse. The first em- ployment he had here was with the firm of White, Dyer & Gregory, and the next was with Crosby & Hickson. In the year 1859 he began work for Captain P. S. Davidson & member of the I. O. O. F., the U. W., the Co., and was with that firin continuously Germania Society and for one year wis presi- dent of the Liederkranz Singing Society. Mr. Carl held the position of City Treasurer for two years, was also Alderman and Super- visor, and has held other prominent posi- tions. During the war he was an ardent Republican. He is a self-made man, and what he has accomplished in the way of this world's goods has been the result of his own energy and good management.
On September 26, 1581, Mr. and Mrs. Carl started to Germany, and spent four months visiting friends in their native land.
LBION CLARK, who has been for many years a resident of Wisconsin, is a New Yorker by birth, having first seen the steamboat; they had two sons born to them ; light of day in the Empire State in 1521. Mrs. Green was married again to Francis llis parents, Adin and Mehitta ( Palmer) Clark, Garner, of La Crosse, and of this union one daughter was born; Mr. Garner died in February. 1592: Frank Clark, the fourth of the family died at the age of two years: Ella, one of the twins, whose mate died in infancy, is the wife of Walter Garner, of La Crosse: he is the purchasing agent of the Pullman Palace Car Company, of Chicago; they are the parents of three children, one son and two daughters.
were also natives of Otsego county, New York, and in early life removed to Chan- tauqua county, New York, where they reared a family of nine children and passed the remainder of their lives. Albion Clark was the sixth of the family, and the only member who ever came to the West. The opportuni- ties of the frontier, however, seemed so much greater than in those sections where progress had made longer strides, that he determined .
This business he sold out in April, 1\91. to take the consequences of the venture, and and since then he has been dealing in Cali- in 1554 went to lowa and spent one season fornia and imported wines. To his marriage have been. born five children: Gustavus, now working at Ashland; Bertha, wife of Carl Lehrkind, resides in Ashland and is the mother of one child, Thekla; Oscar, married to Susan Toolen and resides in La Crosse; he runs the City Steam Laundry, which is doing a very successful business: and Albert A., a pupil of the publie schools. Mr. Carl is a
until 1591, when he resigned his position to make a trip to Oregon and California.
Mr. Clark was married in 1844, in Chau- tanqua county, New York, to Miss Betsey Chase, a daughter of Christopher and Sallie (Streight) Chase, who lived and died in Chan- tanqua eounty, New York To Mr. and Mrs. Clark have been born six children: Lorisa was first married to Arthur Boardman, who died in San Jose. California, having gone there in quest of health; their three children are also deceased; she was married a second time, in 1583, to Indge R. A. Odell, of Trein- pealean county, Wisconsin; Adin Clark, now a resident of Minnesota, married Rose Story. and they have five children, three daughters and two sons; Hittie married Nathaniel Green, who was accidentally killed on a
Mr. Clark affiliates with the Republican
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party, and is a stanch supporter of the princi- ples of that body. Ile is a man of strict integrity, and on all questions has possessed the courage of his convictions.
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W. PETTIBONE, Inmber merchant, La Crosse .- In the various enterprises that have made La Crosse one of the commercial centers of the country, the lumber trade has always held an important place, employing large capital in its conduct, and giving to cognate industries a decided im- petus by the energy and ability displayed in its development. In every department the enterprise characteristic of its leading ex- ponents has been abundantly shown, and the flourishing character of their establishments amply demonstrates the vigorous grasp with which they have seized and held the trade in this gigantic national industry. Among those actively engaged in this business is Mr. A. W. Pettibone, who is one of the leading business men of the eity, having been en- gaged in the lumber and log business here for many years. Ile was born in Benning- ton county, Vermont, April 22, 1827, and is ETER SCHIINTJEN, ice and wood dealer of La Crosse .- In reviewing the various enterprises that have contributed toward making La Crosse the commercial cen- tre that it now is, it is interesting to note the advance made in each industry, and among those demanding business ability of a high order is that in which Mr. Sehintjen is en- gaged. Ile was born in Luxemburg, Ger- many, May 2, 1529, to Michael and Lucy (Schaff) Schintjen, being the youngest and the only one of their five children now living in America. The father died in 1845, at the age of sixty-four years, his wife having died a year earlier, when about fifty-three years of the son of John S. and Laura (Grave) Petti- bone, natives also of the Green Mountain State. A. W. Pettibone came to La Crosse, Wisconsin, in 1854, engaged at once in the manufacture of lumber, and here continued until 1866, when he moved to Hannibal, Missouri, where he resided until 1884. Ile then returned to La Crosse and has been a much esteemed resident of this city ever since. He has been president of the Han- nibal Sawmill Company of Missouri since its organization in 1850. It employs about 150 operatives and is one of the most extensive mills in that part of the State. Ile is also interested in another mill located at Quincy, age, both of whom were earnest members of
Illinois, and still another at Merrill, Wiscon- sin. Mr. Pettibone was married in his native State in 1855, to Miss Cordelia Wilson, daughter of Isaac Wilson, of Vermont, and the fruits of this union were three living children: Wilson, residing at Hanmbal, Mis- souri, and in charge of the milling interests of that locality; he married Miss Laura Jones, of Missouri; Anna, at home, and A. W., Jr., who.is now in the junior class in Yale College. Mr. Pettibone takes very little in- terest in politics, but aets with the Demo- cratic party. In the spring of 1862 he was elected Mayor of La Crosse, was re-elected in 1863, and again in 1564. This was during the troublesome times of the civil war, and the duties of that office he discharged in an eminently satisfactory manner. His life has been one of industry and activity, and by his honest, upright dealing he has won a host of warm friends. 1Ie is well equipped to sue- ceed in whatever he is likely to undertake. Ile and Mrs. Pettibone are among the most worthy and respected citizens of La Crosse.
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the Catholic Church at the time of their death. who died when eight years of age; Philli- porna and Bertha Mr. Sehintjen and his family are members of the Catholic Church, and in polities he is a Democrat. By his straightforward business methods he has won the esteem of the publie in general and is a substantial factor among the business men of La Crosse. He has laid aside his busi- ness eares and is now living a retired life in his pleasant home on South Third street, enjoying the competence earned in his aetive business eareer. In 1554 Peter Schintjen determined to seek a home for himself in America, his attention up to this time having been principally de- voted to tilling the soil. Ile first placed his foot on American soil in the city of New York, but at the end of one week he went to Galena, Illinois, and two weeks later to St. Paul, Minnesota, where he remained one year. In 1854 he purchased some real estate in La Crosse, and on the beautiful building spot where his residence now stands only two houses could be seen. While in St. Paul he was in the hotel business, but at the end of one year he sold out and returned to Europe for his bride, Miss Lucy Keeper, whom he THEO. MANNSTEDT .- The undertak- ing business is of the utmost importance to society, and every consideration sug- gests that its representatives shall be reliable, sympathietie and experienced. An old estab. lished and popular house is that of Theo. Mannstedt, which was founded in 1981. The store is well equipped and fully stocked with coffins, caskets, trimming, shronds and other burial goods of the handsomest kind, and he is so sitnated as to furnish everything neces -- sary for the plainest or most imposing fu- nerals. Ile is prompt in meeting his engage- ments, performs his duties with accuracy and propriety, and enn always be relied upon in all matters relating to the last rites of burial. His establishment is the most ex- tensive and oldest in La Crosse, and as an honorable business man he has secured a large patronage by honestly deserving it. He was born in Germany, May 5, 1550, to Philip and Emily (Feicher) Mannstedt, and in 1570 came with them to America, first >ettling in Dubuque, Jowa. In 1875 Theo. Mann- stedt came to La Crosse and succeeded in obtaining a position with the La Crosse Carriage Company, with which he remained married on the 6th of March, 1555. Their bridal tour was across the ocean to this coun- try, the voyage occupying twenty-two days from the 9th of April. They came in the French vessel, the Delta, were delayed by storms and were compelled to put up at the Azores Islands for forty eight hours for re- pairs. Upon their arrival in this country they came straight to La Crosse, which city they reached on the 4th of May. After farming for five years Mr. Schintjen operated a mill for one year, and since that time has re- sided in La Crosse. Ile has followed the va- rions occupations of a grocer, miller and ice dealer for the past thirty years, and has been deservedly successful. He possesses the char- aeteristics of the German people -is indus- trious, thrifty and honest, and has proven himself a good financier. He has served in the capacity of City Ablerman for five years and has discharged his duties in a manner highly satisfactory to all concerned, as is evi. donced by his continnous re-election. His home has been blessed in the birth of six ehil- dren: Mary ; Susan, wite of L. Reimers, Lucy being the only child of this couple; Sophia, who died at the age of eleven years: Leona, for three years, at the end of which time he
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became the proprietor of his present estab- lishment. The building is two stories in height, 50 x 20 feet, and he and his family live on the second floor. He learned the art of carriage-trimming in his native land, and at the age of nineteen years was so expert at his trade that he was made foreman of forty-three men in the employ of Fred Stein- metz, who did work for the Emperor and Princes of Germany. Mr. Mannstedt was married in 1879 to Miss Elizabeth Joseph, of Dubuque, one of four surviving members of a family of six children born to John B. and Mary Joseph, who came from Germany and have been honored and respected residents of Dubnque for the past forty years. To Mr. and Mrs. Mannstedt three children have been born: Gustave, who died at the age of three years and one month in 1883; Lizzie, who died in 1888 when four years and six months old, and Arthur, a bright and promis- ing hoy of six years. Mr. and Mrs. Mann- stedt are members in good standing of the Episcopal Church of La Crosse, and in his political views he is a Demoerat. He has been a member of the Third Ward Aid So- ciety, and is the present competent Comp- troller of the Second District. He has made his own way in life, and his success is in a greater measure due to taet and natural kind- ness of heart than to luck. His father is still residing in Dubuque, Iowa, and the 10th of November, 1891, reached the advanced age of seventy-nine years. His wife died of paralysis in 1881, at the age of fifty-eight years. Of thirteen children born to them six are living, of whom the subject of this sketeli is the second.
- ILLIAM II. LEWIS, master mechan- ic on the Chicago, Burlington and Northern Railroad, is a native of the
Empire State, born in Onondaga county, Octo- ber 15, 1845, and is of Welsh and English descent, his parents, George and Mary (French) Lewis, being natives of those con- tries respectively. They were married at Barnstable. Devonshire, England, and crossed the ocean to the United States in the early part of this century. The father was a rail- road man, was one of the old conductors on the New York Central for many years, was also in the service of the Delaware and Western, but subsequently returned to the New York Central and remained in their em- ploy until he retired. He and wife are both deceased, the former dying in 1876, at the age of sixty nine, and the latter in 1865, at the age of fifty-four. Their family comsisted of four sons and three danghters, William II. being the sixth in order of birth. The latter secured a good practical edneation in the public schools of New York, and is a natural mechanie, learning his trade with the New York Central. In response to Mr. Lincoln's call for 75,000 men. Mr. Lewis enlisted in April, 1861, and by general order of the War Department was discharged, October 24 ot the same year, he being less than sixteen years of age. He stood the ser- viee remarkably well, and during that time his growth was marvelous. When he en- listed he measured five feet, five and a half inches, and when he was discharged his height was five feet, eleven and a half inches. From 1862 until 1864 he was in the employ of the United States Government and worked in the Brooklyn Navy Yard. In the latter year he came West and entered the service of the Chicago, Burlington and Quincy Rail- road as machinist and located at Quincy. Illi- nois. A year later he engaged with the Hannibal and St. Joseph Railroad, as loeo- motive engineer, remaining in their employ until 1873, when he received the appoint-
11
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ment of master mechanie of the Northern culture, and Alexander Ramsey. ex-Secretary Pacific Railroad. He filled that position, of War. rendering satisfactory service, for over five years.
In January, 1979, when he severed his con- nection with the Northern Pacific Railroad, he applied to President llaves for a Govern- ment position, as Chief of the Steamboat Inspection Service of the United States. His application was supported by the following endorsements, which speak for themselves. On the back of a letter sent to General Sheri- dan, this high testimonial was written: HEADQUARTERS MILITARY DIVISION, MISSOURI.
C'HcaGo, Derember 22. 1977. Respectfully returned :
I have no hesitaney in endorsing on the within paper my high appreciation of the ability of Mr. Lewis as a master mechanic, and my confidence in his skill and industry to meet and carry out any work which per- tains to his line of business that may be en- trusted to him. P. II. SHERIDAN,
Lieutenant General United States Army. From Alf. II. Terry :
ST. PAUL, MINNESOTA, January 25, 1875. To all whom it may concern;
I have known William II. Lewis, Esg., for some years past, as the head of the mechani- cal department of the Northern Pacific Rail- road, and I take great pleasure in commend- ing him as a gentleman of unusual skill in his profession, of high character and ability, and of personal qualities which command tho respect and good will of all his acquaintances and associates. Full confidence may be given to any representations which Mr. Lewis may make.
ALLTID H. TERRY.
Brigadier General United States Army. WASHINGTON, DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA. February 21, 1978.
Recommended :
W. T. SHERMAN, General.
Among other prominent men who en- dorsed his application were William Windom, General La Due, Commissioner of Agri.
Mr. Lewis next entered the service of the Kansas Pacific, in charge of the second divi- sion west of Kansas City. He remained there four years, and in 1852 was ap- pointed master mechanic of the Oregon Short Line, with which he remained two years. IIc left them to accept the position of master mechanic of the Nickel Plate, the shops being located in Chicago. Five years later he re- ceived the appointment to his present posi- tion, November 1, 1555, and has filled this ever since.
Mr. Lewis had but few of the advantages to which systematic schooling is conducive until late in youth. He is well informed and especially so in all matters that pertain to his line of work. He is master mechanic in all that the words imply.
He was married July 10, 1570. to Miss Anna A., danghter of Wilbur Baldwin of Almira, Missouri. Four children have blessed this union: T. E. Jr., a locomotive fireman on the Chicago, Burlington and Northern Railroad; Eddie, who died when a year and a half old: Effie and Archie W. Mrs. Lewis was a member of the Episcopal Church, and her death occurred at Englewood, Illinois, January 11, 1556. Mr. Lewis is a member of the 1. O. O. F. and the G. A. R. He has been very fortunate in his business, was never discharged, never hunted for work, and his positions camo to him on account of his special fitness. Ho never worked for a cor- poration but that he left them on good terms, and with the assurance that he could return to his position if he so desired. He is con- nected with the American Association of Master Mechanics and Master Car Builders. He is lirst vice-president of the Western Railroad Club, of Chicago; also a member of the Northwestern Club of St. Paul, and has
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