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 29

Author: Lewis Publishing Company. cn
Publication date: 1892
Publisher: Chicago, Ill. : Lewis Publishing Co.
Number of Pages: 938

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 29
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 29
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 29

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to La Crosse county, Wisconsin. His first work in this State was as foreman in the brick manufactory belonging to Deacon Syl- vester Smith, with whom he remained two years. Upon his arrival here he had entered 160 acres of land, and in 1853 he settled on the place with his family, which continued to be his home until his death, March 31, 1887, at the age of seventy-four years. His widow died February 27, 1890, at the age of seventy- six years, having borne a family of nine children, of whom the subject of this sketch is the eldest. The other members are: J. C., who married Naomi Maxwell, is the father of three children and is a resident of Color- ado; Catherine A., who married Henry Ves- tal, of White Rock, Kansas, is the mother of tive children; George W. is a resident of Webber, Kansas, married Mary Vestal, by whom he has seven children ; John is a resident of the old homestead, was married to Sarah Lattimer, and is the father of three children; Peter, who enlisted in the Sixth Wisconsin Infantry during the civil war, was killed in the battle of the Wilderness; Naomi, who married Peter Speck and died in La Crosse; Elmora (twin sister of Naomi) married C. Bernet, and died in St. Louis and Rachel; Jane, who died at the age of two years. Emanuel Markle's opportunities for acquir- ing an education were confined to the common schools, but he judicionsly applied himself to his books and obtained a fair practical edu- cation.

After remaining on the home farm with his father until 1856, he began trapping, and followed this calling with success until 1861, He and his brother, J. C., enlisted in the Union army in the Second Wisconsin Infan- try, in which they served for over three years, participating in the battles of the Wilderness, Antietam, seeond Bull Run and Gettysburg. In the last named engagement he was wound-

ed twice, was captured by the enemy and was paroled on the field. llis brother, J. C., was shot through the left arm at South Mountain, and at the battle of the Wilderness was shot through the right arm. Mr. Markle was married in 1866 to Miss Caroline, daughter of Lawrence and Maria Anna (Dorfel) Han- iseh, who were born in Austria. They became the parents of three children: Joseph, who was in the Austrian army and died in the hospital at Galetzia, Austria. They emi- grated to La Crosse in 1861; Raymond, re- siding at Lake City, Minnesota; and Caroline, Mrs. Markle. The latter has borne her hus- band the following children: Theodore M., Charles W., Laura May, Lillian Elberta; Simon Peter, Joseph E. and Harriet E. Four other children died in early childhood. Theodore M. is a mechanical engineer and is employed by the Great Northern Railroad in North Dakota. Lillian is attending com- mercial college at La Crosse, and is now writing in the office of the County Register of Deeds; Lanra M. is a milliner at La Crosse. and the others reside at home. Law- rence Hanisch died August 23, 1886. aged eighty-one years, and Mrs. Hanisch died January 22, 1888, at the age of eighty-three years.

In 1867 the subject of this sketch bought eighty acres of land in section 27, has since added eighty acres in section 16; eighty acres in section 21, and 149 acres in section 33, making in all 389 acres -- a fine farm. The buildings on this place are all excellent, and his home is a very pleasant and an extremely comfortable one. His principal business is in the raising of small fruits, and in bee- keeping. He keeps about twelve head of cattle, three horses, also hogs. Ile has been Justice of the Peace of his township for the past twenty years, and has been elected town Supervisor on several occasions, and a mem-

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ber of the School Board. He made the race January 1. 1574, he formed a partnership for Assemblyman of his district, but his with A. P. Kante-en for the purpose of well known temperance proclivities defeated him for that office. Hle is a member of the 1. O. G. T., F. & A. M., G. A. R., and I. V. 1 .. , and is a Democrat politically.

OF'IS E. MEASON, whose photographic studio is at 12s North Third street, La Crosse, is a native of the Badger State. born at Mineral Point. September 1, 154>. Ilis parents were Louis and Elizabeth ( Fick) Meason. natives of Prussia: they were brought to America in their childhood, and were married at Mineral Point, Wisconsin, in 1847, being among the pioneers of the State. The father was a cabinetmaker, and learned his trade in St. Louis, where he worked sov- eral years. In 1549 he left Mineral Point. and journeying via the old Fremont route, arrived in California, where he remained abont a year and a half. He returned by way of the Isthmus, and was stricken with cholera at St. Louis, where he died. in 1550. Ilis widow married again, her second husband being Frantz Enzenroth, and after his death became the wife of Adam Solems; she lives at Mineral Point.

Louis E .. the subject of this notice. was the only child of the first marriage of his mother; by her second union she had three children, and by the third marriage three are highly esteemed members of the com-

daughters. He was educated in the public schools of Mineral Point, and took a com- mercial course at Bryant & Stratton's College. Chicago, from which he was graduated in 1>71. He came to La Crosse in July. 1871. EV. ELIAS P. ILARBO, pastor of St. Paul's United Lutheran Church, resid- ing at 616 Market street, La Crosse, was born in the province of Berg, Norway, and engaged as a bookkeeper for a retail grocer, with whom he remained two and half years. He had managed to acquire a theo- retieal knowledge of photography, and on February 6, 1556, and is the sixth of a family

opening a first-class photograph gallery. Later he purchased his partner's interest, and has since continued the business alone. He employs all the modern appliances and the latest methods used in the art, and does artis- tie work in India ink and crayon. He has won a wide patronage. and bids l'air to attain excellent rank in the profession.

Mr. Meason was united in marriage May 26. 1874, to Miss Emma L. Kinne, a dangh- ter of Edward and Katherine Kinne, natives of Saxony and Prussia respectively. Mrs. Meason's mother died in Mineral Point, and her father resides at Highland. Illinois. She is the eldest of a family of two sons and five daughters. To Mr. and Mrs. Meason have been born four children, the two younger ones dying in infancy; those living are Mary Georgiana and Edward Kinne.

Our worthy subject has filled the various offices of Gateway City Lodge No. 153, I. (). (. F., and has attained the second position in the Patriarchal Cirele. He has served six years in the Wisconsin National Guards. Third Regiment, and about seventeen years in the La Crosse Volunteer Fire Department. He is a member of the La Crosse Board of Trade, and is a zealous supporter of home in- dustries. Politically he affiliates with the Democratic party. Ile and his family be- long to the Protestant Episcopal Church, and munity.

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of nine children. His parents were Ilans and Ellen Mary Olsen. He was reared to mature years in his native conntry, attending the common school. At the age of twenty- four years he bade farewell to the pine-clad hills of his native land and crossed the sea to America. Upon arriving in this country he settled at Eau Claire, Wisconsin, and re- mained there one year and a half, working at the tailor's trade, which he had learned in Norway. Having determined to enter the ministry he became a student at Augsburg Seminary, Minneapolis, Minnesota, and pur- sued a classical course in that institution, covering a period of five years. He then took np the theologieal course of the Augs- burg Seminary, and was graduated from this department at the end of three years; his ex- aminations covered a period of two weeks, at the end of which time he received his diploma, June 6, 1889. Immediately thereafter he was ordained and assigned to his present charge. His congregation comprises fifty- five families, numbering 333 souls. His church is located on King street between Fifth and Sixth.

Mr. Harbo's mother died in her native country, but his father is still living; one brother, Rud, came to America about one year after his arrival and is now a resident of Duluth, Minnesota, a mechanic by trade; three of the family are deceased, and the other four are living in their native country.

Our worthy subject was united in marriage to Miss Martha Maria Larson, a native of Wisconsin and a daughter of Erie Larson, a farmer residing near Eau Claire, Wisconsin. This nnion occurred December 3, 1889. One child, Elise Mathilde, was born in La Crosse, February 22, 1891.

tongue, although he posseses a thorough knowledge of the English language; he is, in faet, an accomplished linguist, having passed an examination in Latin, Hebrew, Greek, German, English, and Norsk. He owns a large and well selected library.

ENRIK K. E. NISSEN, M. D., an honored member of the medieal profession in La Crosse county, Wisconsin, is a native of Maalselven, Norway, born April 22, 1864, and is a son of A. E. and E. (Istad) Nisset. His father was born in Tromso, and his mother in Stordalen, Norway. The Doetor received his elementary education in the private schools of Christiania, and at the age of eighteen years he entered upon the study of medieine in the Royal University of that city; he was gradnated from the classical de- partment in 1832, and six years later received the degree of M. D. During one year of his college life, 1887. he was resident physi- cian of Rotvold Insane Asylum. When he had completed his professional studies he de- termined to visit America, and accordingly erossed the sea, landing in La Crosse, Wiscon- sin, in February, 1889. Ile at once entered upon the practice of liis profession. and sue- cess has attended him on every hand; he has won a large practice, and his skill as a prac- titioner is daily adding to the laurels already won.

Dr. Nissen was united in marriage May 28, 1889, to Fayette E. Nissen, who was born in Norway, July 15, 1864, of Norwegian parents. Both the paternal and maternal grandfathers of our subjeet, as well as two of his father's brothers, were honored members of the medical profession. He has passed the State examination in Minnesota, and holds

Mr Harbo is a gentleman of broad and comprehensive views, and a finished scholar. Ile addresses his congregation in their native | a diploma from the board of examiners of

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that State. He makes a specialty of the ately after this event he formed a partnership treatment of the eye, and is a devoted student of the science he has chosen for his life's occupation.

To Dr. and Mrs. Nissen has been born one son, Arvid, who first saw the light of day, May 4, 1590, and a daughter, Dagny, born September 17, 1891. The Doctor is a mem- ber of the Norden Society.

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OILY J. FRUIT, attorney and counselor at law, La Crosse, is a native of the State of Wisconsin, born at Lima, Grant county, March 29, 1849, and is a son of Perry and Sarah M. (Lambkin) Fruit. His father was a farmer by occupation, and a native of Illinois. The parents reared a family of four sons and tive daughters, John JI. being the fourth-born. He obtained his elementary education in the public schools of Grant county, and at the age of sixteen years he entered the State Normal School at Platte- ville, Wisconsin. At the age of twenty-two he finished the course of study in this insti- tution, and received its diploma. In August, 1571, he came to La Crosse and was em- ployed a- principal of the Fifth Ward school, a position he held for four years, and was then transferred to the Third Ward, of which he was principal one year.

From his boyhood the legal profession had had its attractions for Mr. Fruit, and during the years he was teaching he devoted his leisure moments to studying the subject, pre- paratory to taking a prescribed course of in- struction. In 1876 he left the school-room and entered the law office of James I. Lyndes, under whose direction he continued his studies until he became a student in the law depart- ment of the State University. He was grad nated with the class of 1877, and immedi-

with Mr. Pfund; this relationship existed but six months, and Mr. Fruit was alone in practice until June 1. 1880, when he and John Brindley formed a co-partnership, which has since been continued uninterruptedly. The firm name is Fruit & Brindley.

During the year 1550 Mr. Fruit served as City Superintendent of the Public Schools, devoting only that portion of time which he could spare from his professional labors. Preferring to give his whole energy to his legal work, he resigned the superintendeney at the end of the first year. He is a close and careful student, and has a very high standing among the members of the bar; he possesses the confidence of the entire com- munity, and has a host of friends both in and out of the profession.

In recognition of his ability as an attor- ney Mr. Fruit was appointed to the responsi- ble position of Assistant United States At- torney for the Western District of Wiseonsin in April. 1890, an office which he has filled with dignity and to the complete satisfaction of the public. In the fall of 1851 he was elected District Attorney of La Crosse county, and served five years.

Our worthy subject was united in marriage December 11, 1877, to Miss Marion E. Haw- ley, a daughter of R. Il. and Rnth W. Haw- ley, of La Crosse. Her parents were natives of Vermont, in which State she also was born. Her father was a merchant during the active years of his life, but he is now retired from business. Mr. and Mrs. Fruit are the parents of four children: John Clyde, Clarence Henry, Alice Marion and Edna Ruth, all pupils in the public schools of La Crosse. Mr. Fruit is an ardent Republican in his political convictions, and during the local campaigns does his duty in the canvass. He

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and his wife are members of the Congrega- tional Church.

The firm of Fruit & Brindley have a fine legal library, and an excellent location. What is of greater importance, they are personally well adapted to the work, and are an orna- ment not only to the bar of La Crosse county, but also to the bar of the State of Wisconsin.

M ORRIS HIRSCHHEIMER, one of the enterprising young business men of La Crosse, has been a resident of the city since his early childhood, his parents having settled here in 1855. He was born in Würtemburg, Germany, January 6, 1850, and is a son of Lonis and Fannie (IIart) Hirschheimer, natives of the same country. The father emigrated to America in 1850, making the voyage in a sailing vessel, and consuming two months on the journey. He settled in Indiana county, Pennsylvania, where his family came soon after their arri- val in America. There were five sons and four daughters, eight of whom are still living. Morris enjoyed the advantages afforded by the public schools of La Crosse city. Having attained his majority, he looked about for some congenial occupation in which to em- bark, and decided to establish a foundry; this he did in April, 1865, the plant being known as the La Crosse Foundry. He con- ducted this enterprise until 1889, when he disposed of the property and engaged in the manufacture of tents and awnings. Ile makes a specialty of awnings, tents, flags and banners, employing a number of men in the busy season. He has established a fine trade, and has so satisfactorily supplied the demand that no competitor has offered. lle is located at 109 and 111 South Fifth street.

Mr. IIirschheimer was married October

15, 1876, to Miss Bertha Abraham, a daugh- ter of Henry Abraham, of Milwaukee, Wis- consin. Three children have been born to them: Hattie, Lonis and Clara, all pupils of the public schools of La Crosse. The mother of these children died April 26, 1885. Mr. Hirschheimer was married a second time, June 15, 1887, to Miss Mathilda Benjamin, a native of Hanover, Germany. They have no children. Onr subject is a worthy mem- ber of the A. O. U. W., of the order of Chosen Friends, and of a Jewish benevolent association called B'nai B'rith. He is a mem- ber of Anshe Cheset Congregation.

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TEPHEN MARTINDALE, JR., attor- ney and counselor at law, is a rising young member of the bar of La Crosse, to which he was admitted in 1885. He is the eldest son of Stephen and Katharine (IToward) Martindale, a full history of whom appears elsewhere in this volume, and was born in the city of La Crosse August 21, 1859. Ifere he passed his childhood and youthi, attending the public schools. Ile is a member of the first class that was graduated from the La Crosse High School, and in 1876 he entered Beloit College, Wisconsin; this institution conferred upon him the degree of A. B. in 1880, and two years later that of A. M. In 1882 he began the study of law, reading under the direction of Messrs. Wing and Prentiss of this city, and in 1885, as be- fore stated, he was admitted to the bar. In the fall of the same year he became a student in the law department of the Wisconsin State University, and took a two years' course, be- ing graduated with honors in 1856.

After this event, a partnership was formed between Stephen Martindale, Jr, and his brother, Edward S. H. Martindale, who was

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born in La Crosse November 23, 1861. He but he followed this profession only tempor- received his literary education in the public schools of La Crosse, studied law at home. and afterwards entered the law department of the Wisconsin State University; he was ex- amined before the State Commissioners and admitted to practice in 1557, before he had finished the course in the University. It was after his return to La Crosse that the part- nership of Martindale & Martindale was formed. He is now taking a post-graduate course in the University of Virginia.

Stephen Martindale, Jr., the subject of this notice, was united in marriage at Beloit. Wisconsin, in 1533, to Miss Sophia Rosen- blatt, a daughter of II. Rosenblatt, a merchant and manufacturer of that place. Two chil- dren have been born of this union: Henrietta and Katharine. Politically Mr. Martindale is identified with the Republican party.

WARD ALGER, M. D., residing at 221 South Seventh street, La Crosse, was born in West Bridgewater. Plymouth county, Massachusetts, March 9, 1537, and is a son of Ward and Elizabeth L. (Howard) Alger. Six generations of the family were born in Plymouth county, and three of them on the same farm. The Doctor is the second of three children: Mary Elizabeth, the eldest. died at the age of five years; Albert L. is a farmer and coal dealer and lives on the old Massachusetts homestead. Dr. Alger attended the common schools until he was thirteen years of age, when he entered Pierce Acad- emy at Middleboro; he afterwards pursued the classical course at Phillips Academy, Andover, Massachusetts, and was also a stud- ent at Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island. In 1953 hisstudies were interrupted for a time when he was engaged in teaching;

arily, and at the age of twenty years he was ready to begin his medical studies. When he was choosing a profession he gave some thought to civil engineering. and had pur- sued the study for a while when he decided upon medicine. He did his first reading in this line in the office of Dr. Swan, of West Bridgewater, and during the winter of 1858- '59 he attended a course of lectures at Har- vard Medical College. The following winters was a student at Jefferson Medical College, Philadelphia, and was graduated from this well-known institution March 9, 1861, his twenty fourth birth-day, receiving the degree of M. D. He opened an office at Conton, Massachusetts, near Boston, and continued in practice there for seven years, meeting with excellent sneeess. The western fever, how- ever, had begun to rage in New England. and in the spring of 1568 he came to Wis- consin and located at La Crosse. IIere he has built up a fine practice, and has accumu- la'ed a competenee. ITis college courses were according to the old school, as were also his preceptors; but he has made a study of the homeopathie system of medicine, and of late years has practiced according to it.

Dr. Alger was united in marriage January 8, 1562. to Miss Angenette M. Hall, at Mans- field, Massachusetts. She was born in that place April 23, 1542, her ancestors being early settlers of New England. The Doctor and his wife are the parents of four children: Ernest Ward, born December 20, 1863, died August 26, 1864: Fannie E., born March 18, 1867; Alice M., born August 24, 1572, and Clifton Howard. born June 14, 1876. The children have received their education in the common schools of La Crosse; Fannie E. is a graduate of the high school; she was mar- ried September 14. 1557, to Homer T. Fowler, and resides at West Superior; her husband is

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president of the State Bank of Wisconsin; they have three children.

Dr. Alger is a member of the State Medi- cal Society of Wisconsin, and belongs to the Masonic order and to the A. O. U. W. The family are members of the Congregational Church.

ARVEY J. PECK, one of the honored pioneers of the State of Wisconsin, is a resident of La Crosse county, and a history of this section would not be complete without an outline of his career. He was born in Chenango County, New York, and is the youngest son of a family of four children of Joseph and Ada (Parker) Peck, natives of Vermont and Connecticut. During his in- fancy his parents moved to Oneida county, where his youth and early manhood were passed; he attended the common schools and received some academie training. In 1835, at the age of twenty one years, he came to Wisconsin, and for ten years was engaged in agricultural pursuits. Then he took up car- pentry, which trade he had learned while a resident of Green Bay, Wisconsin. Being impressed that La Crosse would be a good business center, he decided to locate here, his first introduction to the place being in 1851, when he was employed to build a dwelling for Rev. W. H. Card, a Baptist minister of this city. Ile followed building and contract- ing for some years, principally at Onalaska, where he resided until 1864.

one years. He has been United States Court Commissioner about eighteen years. In connection with his official business he at- tends to a large insurance business, and loans money.

He has been twice married; first, to Miss Lucinda Hickey, a native of New York, who was the mother of four children: Joseph, a resident of Onalaska: Cecelia, wife of II. Smith, a resident of Grant's Pass, Oregon; Hattie, the wife of W. II. Wadsworth, a resident of Madelia, Minnesota ; and one child that died in infancy. Mrs. Peck died in 1850, and six years afterward Mr. Peck was married! to Miss Carrie M. Lawrence, a native of the Empire State. No children have been born of this marriage.

Mr. Peck has been a member of the I. O. O. F. for many years, and when a young man took an active part in the order. He and his wife are members of the Baptist Church. Politically he affiliates with the Republican party, having voted with that body since its organization. He is a very prominent citi- zen, and is universally esteemed by his ac- quaintances. In all his official positions he has shown unusual capacity and an integrity of character that has placed him above the corruption which has erept into our political system. For twelve years he has been Notary Public, and in this, as in every other calling of life which he has entered, he has discharged his duty to the best of his ability.

In 1863 Mr. Peck was elected Clerk of the ON. GILBERT MOTIER WOOD- WARD, of the law firm of Losey & Woodward, was born in Washington, District of Columbia, December 25, 1835. Ile learned the printer's trade in Baltimore. being apprenticed in 1850. Ile worked as a Circuit Court of La Crosse county, a position he held for six years. In July, 1870, he was appointed by the Judges of the United States Court to the office of Clerk of the United States Circuit and District Courts, which position he has sinee held, a period of twenty- printer and proof-reader in the latter city. at

BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY.

Upper Marlborough, Maryland, and at Wash ington, District of Columbia, until the be- ginning of the year 1560. In Washington he was employed the greater portion of the time on the National Intelligencer. In February, 1560, he removed to La Crosse. and entered upon the study of law in the office of Messmore & MeKenney. He was admitted to the bar at Blok River Falls, Wisconsin, Judge George Gale presiding, but he did not immediately enter upon the practice of his profession, as it was at this time the eivil war broke over this country.

Ile enlisted in the La Crosse Light Guard, Company B, Second Wisconsin Volunteer Infantry, May 22, 1861. and was mustered into the I'nited States service for three years, Inne 11, 1561. at Madison, Wisconsin. Ile was with his regiment in all the campaigns of the Army of the Potomac until the expiration of his term of enlistment. He received various promotions, as follows: Orderly Sergeant in September. 1861: Second Lieutenant in Angust, 1862; First Lienten- ant in September, 1862, and Adjutant of his regiment in June, 1863. Hle was acting Aid- de-Camp of the First Brigade, First Division, First Army Corps (General James S. Wads- worth's Division), at the battle of Gettys- burg. In this engagement he received a severe gunshot wound in the right fore-arm. ITis services as Aid-de.Camp were continned during the Wilderness campaign, May 5 to June 11. 1864. hi- division being then a part of the Fifth Corps. He was mustered out of service at Madison, Wisconsin, June 30. 1864, when he returned to La Crosse.

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Author: Lewis Publishing Company. cn Publication date: 1892 Publisher: Chicago, Ill. : Lewis Publishing Co. Number of Pages: 938

Author: Lewis Publishing Company. cn
Publication date: 1892
Publisher: Chicago, Ill. : Lewis Publishing Co.
Number of Pages: 938