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 20
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 20
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 20
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W. WOOD. proprietor of one of the best hotels in this section of country, is a native of Jefferson county, New York, born at Watertown. September 24. 1>33. Ilis parents were Lorenzo and Ann L. (Jenison) Wood, who were also natives of the "Empire State." The father died when our subjeet was a child of three years; the mother supported him and a sister. Harriet. until the death of the latter, in 1545; when L. W. was nine years of age he began to earn his own living, and from the time he had a home it was the shelter of his aged mother; she died at the age of sixty-eight years, a devout member of the Congregational Church, and a woman of rare force of character.
In 1554 Mr. Wool removed to Wisconsin from New York, and embarked in the rail- road building which was then being begun by the Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul Rail- way Company. When the road was com- pleted he was made a conductor and held that position for nine years. At the end of that period he resigned to engage in the hard- ware business; he learned the trade of a tinner, but afterwards abandoned it to take up agriculture; be carried on farming until 1890, and in that year built the hotel over
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which he presides with great success. Ile keeps a first-class house in every respcet; there are twenty sleeping rooms for guests, an office, parlor and dining rooms, all of which are well furnished. Mr. Wood sold his farm in 1890, and gives his undivided attention to the care and comfort of the guests of the house.
He was married in 1858, to Miss Clarissa D. Wyatt, a daughter of William and Clarissa (Dodge) Wyatt, of Erie county, Pennsylvania. Of this union three children have been born: Luther W. is the agent for the Chicago & Northwestern Railroad at IInron, Dakota, a position he has filled for twelve years; he married Miss Carrie Mower and they have three children: Burt, Gracie and Wyatt; Mary E. is the wife of George T. MeElroy of West Salem, and is the mother of two children: Clara and Blanche; Charles W. is the cashier in the office with his brother at Huron, Dakota. The parents of these child- ren are members of the Second Advent Church. Mr. Wood belongs to the Masonic fraternity, and in his political opinions ad- heres to the principles of the Prohibition party, He and his wife have proven their ability and qualifications to fill the position of host and hostess in their popular hostelry ; they have a constantly inereasing patronage, a fact which shows the appreciation of the traveling public.
William Wyatt, father of Mrs. Wood, was born at West Point, New York, and was a tanner by trade; he carried on this business in Pennsylvania and New York, and after- ward engaged in mercantile pursuits. Later in life he removed to Stevens' Point, and there acted as Notary Public and land agent. He was born March 26, 1802, and died March 8, 1864; his wife was born in the State of New York, January 15, 1812, and
died April 29, 1837. They reared a family of four children: Mary E., John II., William E. and Mrs. L. W. Wood.
K. JOHNSON, the subject of the fol- lowing biographieal sketch, ocenpies a position in the commercial circles of La Crosse county which entitles him to more than a passing mention in this history. Ile is a native of Norway, born February 14, 1856, and is a son of Johannes Mikkelson and Maline (Thoreson) Kollostuen, also Nor- wegians by birth. The mother is an honored resident of this county, living with her oldest daughter at Onalaska. The father died January 1, 1889, at the age of seventy- six years. J. K. Johnson is the ninth of a family of ten children, eight of whom are living. He received his education in the common schools and at Atwell's Business College, La Crosse, being a graduate there in 1872. His first business undertaking was as a clerk in North La Crosse, where he was employed by the firm of Tarbox & Son. The following year he taught school at New Amsterdam, La Crosse county, and although this was an entirely new vocation, he suc- ceeded remarkably well. He did not follow the profession any length of time, but re- sumed clerking, accepting a position with G. HI. Leet; at the end of six months, however, he agreed to teach one term of school at Holland, Wisconsin. When this was finished he returned to West Salem, and was em- ployed as a clerk in the general store of E. Johnson, who was postmaster of the place. In the spring of 1879 he purchased a half interest in the store in which he had been employed, the firm name being changed to E. Johnson & Co. This relationship existed until April, 1881, when E. Johnson sold his
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interest to L. Larson, and the firm name be- extraction. The father was engaged in agri- came Johnson & Larson (see sketch of L. enltural pursuits in Canada, and in 1556 came Larson.) This is the leading general mer cantile firm of the place: they do a heavy business, and have a continually increasing trade. The success of Mr. Johnson is not due to chance, but to the fact that he has made the most of his opportunities. Being endowed with superior business qualifications, he has persevered in all his undertakings until his efforts have been crowned with saccess.
He was appointed Postmaster by President Hayes, and filled the office four years with credit to himself and with entire satisfaction to the public. Before his appointment he had served as Deputy Postmaster for six or seven years, and was familiar with every de- tail of the business.
Mr. Johnson was united in marriage, July : owns 140 acres; this land lies in Burns 6, 1581, to Miss Nettie Larson, a daughter of Christian Larson, one of the oldest settlers of the La Crosse valley and a highly respected citizen. Four children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Johnson: Charles J., Guy MI .. Harrison and Morton, the last two being twins; Morton died in 1ss8. aged five months. The parents are members of the Norwegian Lutheran Church. In his politi- cal opinions our subjeet adheres to the prin- ciples of the Republican party. He is a man of that type which gives character to a com- munity, one whom any county may be prond to own as a citizen.
(. HEWITT. proprietor of the largest livery, feed and sale stable of West Salem, was born in Canada East, Aug- ust 7, 1640, and is a son of James and Ellen (Barton) Hewitt, natives of Canada, the for- mer being of English, and the latter of Scotch
to the United States and settled on a farm in La Crosse county, Wisconsin. He conducted this business with rare judgment, and accom- plished results that reflected great credit not only upon himself but also upon the pursuit of agriculture. He died in 1873, at the age of seventy years; his wife lived until 1889. aged eighty-two years; they were both con- sistent members of the Second Advent Church. Their family consisted of eight children, seven of whom are living. J. C., the subject of this notice, remained under the parental roof until he was twenty-four years of age. He had learned the blacksmith's trade, which he followed a number of years previous to em- barking in the business of tilling the soil. Hle purchased a farm of 160 aeres, and still township. is well improved, and excellently adapted to the raising of live-stock. Mr. llewitt has some very fine Jersey cattle, and has been very successful in his efforts to ele- vate the standard of all classes of stock raised in the community.
In 1867 he was united in marriage to Miss Fidelia, a daughter of George and Lavica (Whitcomb) Levitt; four children were born of this union: Jennie B., wife of J. Smith; Minnie, wife of Edwin Lovell; George, who is assisting his father in his present business; and Charles J., a teacher in the public schools of the county. The mother of these children died February 13, 1881; she was a consistent member of the Second Advent Church, and was a devoted wife and mother. Mr. Hewitt was married a second time in 1582, to Mrs. Eliza Robinson; Jesse Robinson, her son by her first marriage, has been a member of our subjeet's family since he was three years of age; he is now a student in the public schools and is a promising lad: his mother died De-
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cember 25, 1883, at the age of thirty-three years; she was a worthy member of the Pres- byterian Church. The third marriage of Mr. Hewitt was to Mrs. Viola Wilbur, nee Bun- day, July 3, 1884; she has one daughter, Gracie. the wife of W. Quiggle, of Mindoro, La Crosse connty.
Mr. Hewitt enlisted in 1861 as a member of Company B, Second Wisconsin Cavalry. In May, 1862, he was severely injured by a kick from a horse, which necessitated his discharge. In the fall of 1862 he re-enlisted in Company I, Eighth Wisconsin Volunteer In- fantry, and participated in the engagement at Nashville and Spanish Fort, and some minor battles and skirmishes. He received his final discharge at Madison, Wisconsin. He is now drawing a pension from the Gov. ernment in recognition of his services. He is a member of the G. A. R. Post. Politi- eally he supports the principles of the Pro- hibition party, but before he esponsed this cause he voted the Republican ticket. Ile and his wife belong to the Second Advent Church at Burns, and he is a deacon of the society. He is a man of the highest prinei- ples, of the most correct business methods, and is worthy of the esteem in which he is held.
AMES VINCENT, one of the most re. spected citizens of La Crosse county, Wisconsin, has been identified with the lumber interests of this section since 1854, and has largely aided in the development of this mammoth enterprise of the State. lle was born at Ilalf Moon, Saratoga county, New York, October 16, 1825, and is a son of Stephen Vincent, a native of the same place. His grandfather, Jeremiah Vincent, served seven years in the war of the Revolution, being Captain of a military company; he
died at the age of ninety-six years; his sec- ond wife, Mary Vincent, the mother of Stephen Vincent, died some years later, at the age of ninety-four years. The subject of this biography is the second in a family of six children. In his youth he went out to service on a farm, receiving 88 per month; like many another lad of that day, he had few educational advantages, and at the age of six- teen years he went to learn the carpenter's trade; three years later he went to Lansing- burg, New York, to work as a journeyman.
During the California gold-fever of 1849 he started to the Pacific coast. Arriving in San Francisco in October, 1849, he was offered $11 and two rations per day to work at his trade for the Goverment, but this he declined. When he reached Stoekton he was offered an ounce of gold, or 816, per day to work at carpentering, and this he accepted. At the end of one week he discovered that he could do much better by going into busi- ness for himself; so he went to work on his own account. It was at this time he had the pleasure of voting at the first election in Cal- ifornia, the question at issue being the free- dom of the State; and it was about this time, also, that the Vigilance Committee was appointed.
In the fall of 1850 Mr. Vincent left Stock - ton for the mines, and had been there but six weeks when he heard of the serious ill- ness of his wife, and that she wished him to return home; the same day he sold his elaim, took his blanket with a box of gokl-dust the next morning and started on foot over a lonely trail to the nearest ranch, a distance of forty miles; he reached this place the evening of the same day, foot-sore and weary. Upon his arrival at his home in New York he found his family much improved in health.
Early in the '50s he started on his second
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trip with a friend, Sylvanus Sayles, for Cali- fornia; Mr. Sayle, was a companion of his boyhood, and it was his proposition that they go to California and engage in contracting and bridge-building; they carried out this plan, and were very successful. After an absence of eighteen months they returned to Lansingburg, New York, greatly gratified with their trip. Mr. Vincent was elected Alderman soon after coming home, the term being three years, but he resigned the office in the spring of 1955, upon his removal to Wisconsin. In the fall of 1554 he came to La Crosse, and was so much impressed with the place and its possible future that he re- moved his family and his parents the follow- ing spring. Soon after his arrival he com- menced building his residence, and engaged in the lumber business.
In 1858 he formed a partnership with Mr. George Edwards, and for some years did a large business in buying wheat and pork. In the fall of 1560, Mr. Vincent, with his usual business sagacity, observing the low price of lumber and the small quantity in stock throughout the country, suggested that they invest in this commodity. Mr. Edwards remarked, "Why, what are you going to do with lumber? You cannot give it away." Mr. Vincent replied. "That is just the reason we should buy now, There is no stock in the market, and prices must advance." They carried on the wheat and lumber business for two years, when they gave up the grain trade, and instead added to their lumber business that of logging. In 1575 Mr. Vin- cent became sole proprietor, and in 1880 he took his son Eagene into partnership in the lumber-yard. This partnership continued mutil the death of the son. since which time Mr. Vincent has continued the business, under the firm name of James Vineent &
Son, and is also interested in several of the leading enterprises of the eity.
Hle has been twice married. April 28, 1846, at Lansingburg, New York, he wedded Miss Eliza M. Cole; she died Janu- ary 7. 1992. There were three children by this union: James Platt, who died in November, 1565; Engene, whose death occurred in November, 1984; and Cordell M., the wife of F. B. Seymour, of Green Bay, Wisconsin. At Chicago, Illinois, January 31, 1884, Mr. Vincent was united in mar- riage with Miss Agnes MeKillip, a daughter of IIugh MeKillip, of La Crosse. They are the parents of one child, Agnes.
By industry and strict economy he has been eminently successful in the acquisition of wealth, and at his pleasant home on Cass street is surrounded by all the comforts that make life worth living.
W. RANNEY .- In recording the an- nals of any community there are always o a few characters that stand pre-eminent among the worthy pioneers, men possessed of many virtues that have had their influence in moulding and shaping the destinies of the coming generations. It is these men who readily find place in history, whose eareer it is a pleasure to review. Such a man is J. W. Ranney, an old and respected farmer cf La Crosse county. Ile was born in Oneida county, New York, January 3, 1812, and is a son of Eli and Eveline (Parmley) Ranney, natives of Massachusetts and New York re- speetively. The father was a farmer, and in 1853 he removed to Des Moines county, Iowa, where he settled on a traet of land which he cultivated until the time of his death at the age of seventy-one years; his wife died in 1535 at the age of thirty-four years. There
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were five children of this marriage: J. W., the subject of this brief biography; Naney J., wife of H. G. Minor; IIerman, who mar- ried Miss Smith; Levica, wife of Clinton Brand, and Julius, who married Miss Milks. Eli Ranney was married a second time to Miss L. Whitmore, and four children were born to them.
J. W. Ranney began life upon his own re- sponsibility at the age of eighteen years. Ile taught school for four or five winters in the primitive schoolhouse of "ye olden times" and was quite successful. Ile worked at the carpenter's trade in the summer season, and also operated a sawmill. Ilis marriage oe- curred in the State of New York to Miss Elizabeth Quaekenbush, a daughter of John Quaekenbush and one of a family of eleven children. Mr. Ranney was engaged in the milling business for several years after his marriage, and in 1854 emigrated to Wiscon- sin, settling on the farm where he now resides. He owns 200 acres of as fine land as lies within the borders of the State of Wisconsin, and is surrounded with all the improvements and modern appliances for carrying on husbandry in the most profitable manner. His barn is large and conveniently arranged, and the sheds for the protection of live-stoek are of the same substantial eharac- ter. Mr. Ranney is numbered among the most progressive and successful farmers of the county, and his opinion on all agricultural questions is given due weight.
Politically he is identified with the Re- publiean party. He has filled all the minor offices of the township, and the people of the county have testified to their confidence in his ability and judgment by electing him to the State Senate. IIe discharged his duties with that fidelity which has ever marked his every action, and reflected great credit not on himself alone but also upon his constituency.
Mr. and Mrs. Ranney are the parents of six children: Clara M. died at the age of twenty-four years; Cassius M. is assisting his father on the farm; Edwin II. was killed while attempting to board a train February 25, 1576, aged sixteen years; Mary L. died at the age of twenty-one years; Minnie, twin sister to Mary L., died at the age of six months, and Jay W. The mother passed from this life in 1881, aged fifty-four years. She was a member of the Congregational Church, and was a devont Christian, a faithful wife and a loving mother.
Abner Ranney, grandfather of our subject, lived to be one hundred years and six months old! He was a soldier in the war of 1812, and died in Oneida county, New York.
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B. SMITII .- No name is more promi- nent in agricultural cireles in La Crosse county than that of the gentle- man whose name appears at the head of this brief biographical sketch. He is a native of the State of New York, born in Oneida county, August 21, 1835. llis parents, Robert and Margaret (Green) Smith, were also born in the " Empire State," but emi- grated with their family to Wisconsin, and settled near Oconomowoc; there they lived until 1851, and then went to La Crosse county, where they were among the earliest settlers; they endured many privations and hardships, but being possessed of those ster- ling traits characteristic of the pioneer they overcame all obstacles, and aided in securing to the coming generations one of the finest farming communities in the Union. The father followed agriculture all his life, and after coming to the county purchased 200 acres of choice land, on which he lived until his death in 1888; his age was seventy-seven
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years; his wife died in 1879 while she was chairman of the building committee of the visiting a daughter in Kansas. They had a La Crosse county jail, a structure which cost over $50,000. family of four children: F. B., the subject of this notice; Anna E., deceased; Nettie, de- ceased, and Lavern, who was murdered in California, being shot from his horse while riding over the Sierra Nevada mountains; the murderer was caught, and hung after a trial by jury.
Mr. Smith grew up amid the wild scenes of the frontier, and was carly inured to the hard labor of the farm. In 1860 he began cultivating the tract of land on which he now lives, which he had purchased from his father Ile set abont twenty acres to hops, and this proved a most profitable industry: from four acres he took in two years $13,000 worth of hops. Ile now owns 600 acres of land, nicely located in the La Crosse valley; the soil is fer- tile, and produces everything that grows in this latitude. Ile has erected a commodions house, large and convenient barns, and has furnished his place with all the modern ap- pliances of farming. The land is wel- watered by natural streams and is well sup plied artificially by means of a windmill and pipes. llis largest erop for 1891 was oats, of which grain he threshed 5,000 bush- els; he has fifty-four acres in corn, and equally as inneh land in hay. He is known as a pro- gressive fariner, and his success is the result of wise management and industry.
Politically Mr. Smith affiliates with the Republican party. He was elected chairman of the Town Board, a position he has held for twelve years, and which he has shown himself well fitted to ocenpy. He was elected a member of the building committee of the La Crosse Insane Asyhun, and after the hos- pital was completed he was appointed a trustee for three years by the County Board; at the expiration of his term he was re-elected for another term of three years. He was
Ile also takes a great interest in blooded stock, of which he has some fine specimens on his farm; he has a trotting stallion which has a record of 2:25, which also took second money in a free-for-all raee at Black River Falls: he has a herd numbering about sixty head of Shropshire sheep, and eighty head of hogs, of a superior grade.
Mr. Smith was married in 1566 to Miss Celestia Best, a daughter of William Best of La Crosse county, and to them have been born six children: Millie, wife of Howard Cronk: Walter. Burt, Stella, Pearl, and Winnie. Mrs. Smith is a member of the Presbyterian Church. The family stand high in the community, ocenpying an enviable position in social and financial cireles.
A. L. BRADFIELD. M. D., specialist of the eye. ear, nose and throat, is ranked among the leading practitioners of La Crosse, a position that has been ac- corded him through his own merit. He is a native of the State of Ohio, born in Colum- biana county, at East Fairfield. February 3, 1861. His parents. G. W. and Saline (Beck)
Bradfield, were natives of the same county; the father was a farmer by occupation, and in 1863 he removed to Crawford county, Illi- nois, where he engaged in the raising of live- stock for six years; thence he went to Clay county, Illinois, where he resumed agricult- ural pursuits, which he continued to the time of his death in 1579; he was forty-tour years old. He held various local offices where he resided, was well and favorably known and universally respected. He was a member of the Disciple Church from his youth, and
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lived the religion he professed; his wife is also a consistent member of the same church. After the death of her husband she lived for four years on the farm, and then removed to Eureka, Illinois, where she opened a milli- nery store. She was born February 3, 1835, and to her and her lamented husband were born eight children, seven of whom are living: Sophronia J. is the wife of Milton Slack, of Washington; Louella married A. E. MeKnight, of Chicago, Illinois: the Doctor is the third in order of birth; Kate C. is the wife of Ira Culp, a bookkeeper in the em- ploy of the Armour Packing Company; W. G. is principal of the public schools of Georgetown, Illinois; Ruth A. is assisting her mother in the millinery business; Ilattie A. is still in school, and is now a student at Enreka College; the fifth child, a son, died in infancy.
Dr. Bradfield remained on the farm four years after his father's death, and then entered the Eureka College, where he remained two years; for the next two years he was a suc- cessful teacher in the public schools of Wood- ford county, Illinois; vacations and all other time which could be spared from school duties were devoted tostudy in his chosen profession. Having determined upon the medical pro fession as his life work, in the spring of 1884 he began his study of the seicuce under the direction of Dr. L. A. Ferry, of Eureka, Illi- nois. Ile remained with this physician two years and then entered the College of Physi- cians and Surgeons, Chicago, from which he was graduated with the class of 1888. Im- mediately following this event he went to Loyal, Wisconsin, where he opened an office and began practice; for two and a half years he remained in this place, and met with very gratifying success. Ambitious to excel in his profession, he returned to Chicago for the purpose of taking a special course in the
study of the diseases and treatment of the eye, ear, nose and throat. After he had com- pleted this work he came to La Crosse, in 1891, and opened his office at 323 Main street; he has done a very satisfactory busi- ness, having made a reputation as a skillful, conscientious physician.
Dr. Bradfield was married November 1, 1888, to Miss Frona A. Castner, a daughter of Jolin and Lydia Castner. John Castner was a pioneer of the State of Wisconsin, although a native of Ohio; he has traded with the Indians on Black river, and can tell many a thrilling experience he has had with the red men. Ile is now a resident of Clark county, Wisconsin, and is engaged in agri- cultural pursuits. Ilis wife's maiden name was Lydia Mack; she is a native of the Do- minion of Canada, and came to Wisconsin in her girlhood. They have had born to them nine children, two of whom died in infancy: Mary is the wife of Ernest Boyer, and the mother of three children, Pearl, Ruby and Delbert; George married Miss Lilian Nutting, and they have two children. Cora and John; Mrs. Bradfield is the third born: Albert and Alfred are twins, the former a farmer and the latter a teacher of wide experience and excel- lent reputation ; Bina is the wife of William Dutcher and the mother of one child, Royce; Daniel is still at home. Mrs. Bradfield was educated in the public schools, and at the age of sixteen years began teaching; she was suc- cessful in her chosen field of labor, and in order to fit herself better for the work she had undertaken she entered the River Falls Normal School, from which she was graduated in 1886. She taught in the La Crosse pub- lie schools for one year, fully sustaining her reputation as one of the best educators in the county. The year the Doctor was in college in Chicago she spent in an art school, study- ing painting and crayon work; she also has
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