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 37

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 37
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 37
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 37

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The home farm is being ably conducted by the three youngest sons, who are enterprising and successful young men.

HARLES M. SCHAEFER, one of the leading contractors of La Crosse, was born in the city of Bonn, Germany, in 1830. Ilis father was a professor in the Uni- versity of Bonn, and there he and the mother lived and died. Charles M. received his edu- eation in the common schools and in the Uni- versity. In 1845, during the Revolution, he left his native land and emigrated to the I'mited States. Ile first settled in Mellenry county. Illinois, but remained there only three months; his next abiding place was Madison, Wisconsin, where he lived until 1555. engaged in agricultural pursnits: he next moved to La Crosse, where he kept a boarding-house on State street, conducting this hostlery until 1560. It was during this time that, moved by the German's true love of the art of musie, he organized the first singing society in La Crosse. In 1960 he moved to the town of Campbell and again took up farming. He was elected Clerk for five successive years. In 1565 he took the position of bookkeeper with the John Paul Lumber Company. continuing in that em. ploy until 1972. At that time an oppor- tunity to go to Lansing. Iowa, as manager of a lumber office, presented itself, and he made that point his headquarters for four years.

.Mr. Schaefer was married in 1852, at Madison, Wisconsin. to Miss Antoinette Koenig, a daughter of Lambert Koenig. a native of Germany, who lived and died in his beloved Fatherland. To Mr. Schaefer and wife were born five children, three of whom are living and all of whom are mar- ried and living near their father's home. Mrs. Antoinette Schaefer died in 1863, at the age of thirty-five years. Mr. Schaefer's second marriage occurred in 1865, when he was united to Miss Caroline Metcalf. dangh- ter of Gilbert and Almira Metcalf, natives of Vermont, but at the present time residents of Lawrence, Massachusetts. By this union five children were born: Charles, Henry, George, Florence, wife of Charles Smith, of La Crosse, and Ida.

EV. FATHER WILLIAM WHITE, the present pastor of St. Mary's Cath- olie Church, La Crosse, Wisconsin, was born in Rutland county, Vermont, October 9. 1550. and is a son of Owen and Elizabeth (Me Donough) White. His parents were from Ireland, and on emigrating to the United States settled in Vermont, the possibilities of the western frontier not then being developed. In 1553. however, they came to Wisconsin and settled in Sauk county, near the little town of Sandusky. There were nine chil- dren in the family, only four of whom are now living. Two of the sons entered the priesthood, one of whom died in 1577. The latter was a graduate of Milton College,

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Wisconsin, and afterwards studied law. He was admitted to the bar in Milwaukee, Judge Arthur McArthur presiding. He practiced there some time with flattering success. Be- lieving the ministry to be his calling, he abandoned his profession and all that it promised in the way of worldly advancement, to prepare himself for the priesthood. He entered St. Francis Seminary, and after taking a theological course of study there was ordained a priest in 1870. He was as- signed to Mauston Parish, where he labored indefatigably until God called him to his reward.

The mother of this family, Mrs. Elizabeth McDonough White, was a relative of Com- modore McDonough, of Lake Champlain fame.

Father White received his elementary edu- cation in the public schools of Sauk county, and at the age of sixteen years engaged in teaching, devoting himself to this profession for four years. At the age of twenty-one years he entered the State University at Madison, Wisconsin, and was graduated from that institution in 1873. Soon after this he decided to fit himself to enter the priesthood, and went to Niagara Falls, New York, where he began a four years' course of study in philosophy and theology in the Seminary of Our Lady of Angels. These were years of close application and diligent and earnest study, the fitting end of which was his ordi- nation as priest, Bishop Ryan, of Buffalo, New York, officiating.

The first parish of which he had charge was at Ettrick, Trempealean county, Wis- consin. He entered upon his duties there in July, 1877, and remained there until Febru- ary 1, 1880. During his pastorate there he built a church, and regularly visited the out- missions of Trempealeau and Roaring Creek. In February, 1880, he was sent to Ilammond,

St. Croix county, Wisconsin, where he also had the mission of Wilson, St. Croix county. At Hammond he had charge of the Church of the Immaculate Conception, which pros- pered and grew in numbers under his care, These parishes now number about 1,000 souls.

In January, 1892. he was appointed to succeed Bishop Schwebach at St. Mary's Church, La Crosse. This congregation is the original Catholic society of La Crosse, the first services being held by the Rev. Father Tappert. August 24, 1855, in the courthouse, which was opened to him as well as to all other clergymen. One year later St. Mary's Church was dedicated, occu- pying the site of the present editice, which was begun in 1874. Rev. Father (now Bishop) Schwebach came to this congrega- tion in 1870, and after twenty years of faith- ful service was succeeded by Father White, giving into his charge a united, intelligent congregation of 800 souls. The people of the church will find in their new pastor not only a zealous churchman, but a citizen in- terested in public affairs, and well informed as to current events. He has brought with him a valuable experience gained in other fields of labor, and through his efforts the church has much to hope, much to attain.

PHIRAIM STEVENS has resided in La Crosse county since 1855, and is entitled to more than passing mention in this record of the leading citizens and pioneers. Ile was born in Wellesley, Massachusetts, November 16, 1828, and is a son of Timothy and Eliza (Stimson) Stevens; his father was also a native of Massachusetts and a soldier in the war of 1812; his paternal grandfather, Ephraim Stevens, was born at Holden, Mas-

BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY.

sachusetts, and served in the war of the Revolution. Timothy Stevens and wife reared a family of six sons and six daughters; one son died at Andersonville while in the service of his country: the father was a farmer by ocenpation, and in polities was a - Jackson man." In his religions faith he adhered to the teachings of the Congregational Church.

Our subject was reared and educated in Massachusetts, and in 1854 he made a jour- ney to the fromier, coming by the great lakes to Chicago, and thence by rail to Galena, 11- linois, and by boat to La Crosse. His brother, A. J. Stevens, who was at one time associated with him in business, was a prominent citi- zen of the county; he died in Minnesota in 1880. After coming to the county in 1855, they opened a store in the old hotel at Min- doro, and soon after erected a store at that place, which they opened December 14. This was the first store between La Crosse and Black River Falls. After three or four years, Ephraim Stevens sold his interest in this enterprise, and engaged in farming and stock-raising. He now owns 160 acres of well improved land, a good house and barn, and is surrounded with many of the comforts of life.

He was married in 1865 to Miss Ellen R. Brown, a native of Vermont and a daughter of Sammel and Betsey Brown of La Crosse county. Of this union two daughters were born: Nellie, who was just entering the pro- fession of teaching, died at the age of nineteen ; years; Carrie M. is the wife of Oliver N. Ol- sen, and the mother of one son. Lynn Stevens Olsen. The wife of Mr. Stevens was called

from this life August 3, 1554. She was a | for several years, but at the end of that time woman of excellent traits of character, a zealons worker in the Presbyterian Church, and a faithful wife and devoted mother.

workers in the township; his first vote was cast for Fremont in 1856. In the pioneer days of the country when game was plentiful, there was no hunter more successful than our worthy subjeet; he has brought down many a deer, and was familiar with every inch of the country for many miles. He is a man of broad, progressive views, and is one of the most popular and highly respected residents of Farmington township.

S. MCARTHUR, M. D., was born in Holland, Erie county, New York, Oc- tober 30, 1822, and is the son of Moses and Mary (Salisbury) MeArthur. Ile is one of the American representatives of the Me- Arthur elan, the eldest branch of the great clan Campbell, his grandfather John McAr- thur having come to America in 1772, from Glen Lyon, Perthshire, Scotland. Ilis early life was passed upon his father's farm, and at the age of eighteen he entered the academy of Aurora, New York, where he studied three years. Ile then determined to enter the medieal profession, and began his reading under the preceptorship of Dr. Paul, of Honeoye Falls, New York. He next at- tended three courses of lectures at Geneva, New York, where he was under the instruc- tion of the celebrated Dr. Frank Hamilton, as well as other leaders in the profession. He then entered Buffalo Medical College, from which he was graduated in 1817. He practiced medicine at Holland, New York. for three Iyears, and afterwards at Caledonia, New York.

the promise of the new West made him de- eide to remove to the frontier, and on October 22. 1855, he arrived at La Crosse, which has since been his home. In 1561 he spent sev-

Politically Mr. Stevens affiliates with the Republican party, and is one of the active eral months in New York city, studying at

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the Long Island Hospital, and the Eye and Ear Infirmary. In 1866 he again spent several months there in study under the leading practitioners of that city. Few mem- bers of the profession in the West have had better opportunities for fitting themselves for practice, and few have become more skillful. Dr. McArthur has a fine professional library and constantly adds to it the standard pro fessional works, which are published from time to time. He is a close student of the science and keeps fully abreast with its prog- ress. Of late years his son, Dr. D. S. Me- Arthur, has been associated with him in practice. Ile was married January 1, 1852, to Miss Mary L. Dean, of Caledonia, New York.

ANIEL SEYMOUR MCARTHUR, phy- sician and surgeon, La Crosse, Wiscon- sin, was born in this city March 28, 1859, and is the son of Dr. P. S. and Mary (Dean) McArthur. He was educated in the public school of La Crosse, and graduated from its high school in 1887. In the fall of the same year he entered the University of Wisconsin, and in 1881 was graduated from that institution. lIe had early determined upon entering the medical profession, and having chosen his studies with that end in view, was well prepared at the elose of his university course to begin his study of medi- cine. He entered the Rush Medical College at Chicago, and received the degree of M. I). in 1884, being valedictorian of his class. Ile then returned to La Crosse and began profes- sional work, being associated with his father. In 1888 he entered the Post Graduate Medi- cal College and IIospital in New York city, pursuing the general course, and also taking special instrnetion in diseases of the nose,

throat and ear, giving particular attention to the methods of instruction in vogue in the various hospitals of the city. Dr. McArthur was married January 13, 1886, to Miss Eloise Johnson, a daughter of N. D. and Sarah (Streeter) Johnson. Her parents were natives of Massachusetts, their ancestors hav- ing settled there early in the seventeenth century. They have two children, Helen and Philip Seymour. The Doctor is a member of the American Medical Association, the Ninth International Medical Congress, the State Medical Society of Wisconsin, and the La Crosse County Medical Society. He has been secretary and treasurer of the County Society for several years. He is vice-president of the American Archælogical Association, and takes great pleasure in the study. Ile is prominent in Masonic circles, being W. M. of Frontier Lodge, No. 45, F. & A. M., P E. C. of La Crosse Commandery, No. 9, K. T., and Grand Junior Warden of the Grand Com- mandery of Wisconsin. Ile is also Past Chancellor of La Crosse Lodge. No. 27, Knights of Pythias. Ile has been visiting physician of St. Michael's Boys' Orphan Asy- lum since 1884.

ENRY P. MAGILL, bank cashier .- The city of La Crosse, Wisconsin, is constantly enlarging the scope of her influence and the volume of her commerce and industries, and has need for additional capital and financial facilities, and this fact had for some time been apparent before the establishment of the Exchange Bank of North La Crosse, in the early part of the 80s. Established as private bank in 1884, by II. P. Magill, in 1889 it was incorporated as a State bank, with J. E. Wheeler as president and Henry P. Magill as cashier, and has

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been in successful operation ever since. H. which he has been engaged. and, as he has P. Magill is a member of the well-known carved out his own career. much credit is due him for the admirable way in which he has bent the force of circumstances to his will. He was united in marriage. October 21, 1578. to Miss Carrie Moore, daughter of William R. Moore, of Danville, Kentucky. Mrs. Magill is a highly cultured and refined lady. and as she is the possessor of a fine contralto voice she is a member of one of the finest quartette choirs of the city, which furnishes the Methodist Episcopal Church with music. Mr. and Mrs. Magill are members in good standing of this church, and move in the highest social circles of La Crosse. Mr. Magill is especially well and favorably known in business circles, and his honor has never been questioned. Ile comes of a fine family and his father (of whom mention is made on another page of this work) Rev. Henry T. Magill, was an esteemed Methodist divine. firm of Il. P. Magill & Burke. investment bankers and insurance agents, and obtained his knowledge of the banking business in the Security Bank, of Minneapolis, Minnesota. which institution he entered in 1553. Ile was born in Clark county, Ohio, but received his initiatory training in the public schools of La Crosse. and upon attaining a suitable age began the study of telegraphy, in the pursuit of which calling he spent several years in the cities of La Crosse, Milwaukee, Chicago and Cincinnati. Subsequently he drifted into railroad contracting. which he followed as a business until he took up banking. The bank of which he is cashier has a capital stock of $25,000. and since its inception its business has been carried on under the most favorable auspices, and has had the cordial indorsement of leading firms and corporations that have opened accounts with it. Under the sound and conservative --- management of the president and directors the bank is prepared to extend every facility EV. HENRY T. MAGILL, deceased, of La Crosse. Wisconsin, who was an esteemed divine of the Methodist Epis- eopal Church, and a man of marked purity of character, was born in Saint Clairsville, Bel- mont county, Ohio, on the 16th of February, 1531. llis parents were of Scotch-Irish origin, and the father, Charles Magill, was a local minister of the Methodist Church. They moved to Cincinnati, Ohio, in 1842, and there both received their linal simmons. Rev. Henry T. Magill was educated at Woodward College, graduating in the class of 1550. and soon after entered the ministry in the Ohio conference, filling various ap- pointments in the same, notably in Zanes- ville and Portsmouth districts. He came to La C'rosse in the fall of 1560. being transfer- red on account of his health, and filled the consistent with legitimate banking to its eus- tomers. The direetors are: JJ. E. Wheeler, Mayor Copeland, C. P. Crosby, Henry P. Magill and N. B. Holway. As a member of the firm of Magill & Burke, Mr. Magill is engaged in loaning money on real estate, mortgages, bonds and local securities, and also does the largest fire insurance business in the city. and by the display of faithful and conscientious zeal for the best interests of his enstomers, he has secured a clientage of no ordinary character. In South La Crosse their business requires the constant attention of four elerks, and in their bank on the corner of Rublee and George streets, in North La Crosse. employment is given to three clerks. Mr. Magill has been deservedly successful in the different enterprises in

...

~ Milieu C. Flasche En. fr.

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Methodist Episcopal pulpit in the Fourth Street Church for two years, the limit of time allowed by the church at that day. Ile was then appointed by the conference to the Eau Claire pulpit. He was in very poor health at that time and his physician forbade his going, but being enthusiastic in his life- work he began preparing to move. While thins engaged he was taken with hemorrhage of the lungs, and was obliged to give up his ministerial duties for a time. Instead he went to Mindoro and engaged in merchandis- ing, which he carried on successfully. Three and a half years later his death occurred, May 29, 1866. "The good old Ohio confer- ence had few young men more noble and gifted than Henry Taylor Magill," writes a friend who had known him for years. IIe was a man of strong and vigorous mind, was well beloved by all his acquaintances, and ex- erted a great influence over those with whom he associated.

Ile was married on the 18th of July, 1861, to Miss Abbie S. Bentley, daughter of Edwin S. and N. M. Bentley. Mrs. Magill is a lady of culture and refinement and was a pupil in the seminary at Charlotteville, New York. She was a teacher for one year at Carlisle Seminary, New York State. They had five children. Mrs. Magill is still living, and is an honored and respected resident of La Crosse city.

a gentleman highly esteemed for his integrity of character. One son and three daughters were left to mourn his loss. The danghters entered the Notre Dame Convent at South Bend, Indiana, as nuns. The son, the sub- ject of this sketch, decided to devote his life to the church, and became a student at Notre Dame University. From there he entered St. Francis Seminary at Milwaukee, and graduated. He was ordained priest Decem- ber 16, 1859, and assigned to mission work, where he was ever active and worthy. In November, 1869, he returned to St. Francis Seminary and accepted a professorship, which place he filled until failing health compelled his retirement.

After a brief rest he was assigned to aetive duty in the ministry and took charge of St. Mary's congregation at Elm Grove, Wiscon- sin, remaining there till 1875, when he again returned to the seminary, to fill the chair of theology. In 1879 he was appointed rector of the institution, and remained there until 1881. August 24, that year, he was conse- crated Bishop of La Crosse, of which eity he was an honored resident until his death.

Bishop Flaseh was never a robust man. In 1867 he had an attack of typhoid fever, which came very near proving fatal. Ilis strong will brought him through the fever, and supported him through many trials. In May, 1891, while on a visit to New Orleans for the good of his health, he was taken sud- denly worse and never recovered. Rev. Father Kilian Beyer, of La Crosse, went to Chatawa, Mississippi, and brought the sick prelate North. On reaching Milwaukee they were obliged to remain there several days; they finally reached home, however, which had been the great desire of the sick man

ISHOP KILLIAN CASPER FLASCII, deceased, was born at Retzstadt, Bavaria, July 9, 1831, and in 1847 came to America with his father, Andreas Flasch, who settled at Fond du Lac, Wisconsin, as one of the pioneers of the Badger State. He served as Justice of the Peace in Fond du Lae from the time of his sudden attack. The county for many years, and died there in 1869, struggle with death then began in earnest,

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and terminated at 6:15 A. M., August 3. priests dressed in their church vestments; 1891.

Bishop Flasch was noted for his kindness of heart and his religions fervor. llis acts of charity were numerous, and he was greatly beloved by all his church, while his exemplary life and great worth won respect and admir- ation even from people of other creeds than his own. Many of the charitable and beney- olent institutions which adorn and bless the city of La Crosse are a direet ontgrowth of Bishop Flasch's innate desire to " do good to all mankind."

During his illness he was attended by his two sisters, who now live in the convent at Milwaukee. Sister Killiana and Sister Lan- rentia. It was most fitting that he should pass away in his chosen home surrounded by his dearest friends, in the city where he had accomplished his greatest work as a church- man and won a distinction accorded to but few. Ile was conscious to the last. his latest andible words being a whispered prayer coupled with the name of Jesus. Those present at his deathbed were Very Rev. Father JJames Schwebach, now administrator of the Diocese of La Crosse; Rev. Kilian G. Beyer, nephew of the Bishop: Very Rev. Father Vander Sanden, of St. Louis; Rev. Father Joseph B. Wiedmann, of St. Joseph's Cathedral, La Crosse; Rev. James Nevin, of St. Mary's Church; the two sisters of the Bishop and several other Francisean sisters from St. Francis Hospital, La Crosse.

The funeral of the Jamented Bishop was one of the most imposing events in the his- tory of La Crosse. Archbishop Katzer and other notable leaders of the church were present. The body was consigned to its ' final resting place Angust 11. It is authori- tatively stated that 175 priests were present from abroad. The procession was headed by reven anchorites, followed in order by 109

Archbishop Katzer, of Milwaukee: Areh- bishop Ireland, of St. Paul; Bishop Zardette, of St. Cloud, Minnesota; Bishop Cotter. of Winona, same State: Bishop Scanlan, of Omaha: Monsignenr Zeininger, of Milwaukee; and Very Rev. Father James Schwebach.

At the church the exercises were conducted by Archbishop Katzer, beginning with a recitation of the " Offices of the Dead." and participated in by all the churchmen. The service was very impressive. A guard of honor, composed of Division No. 1, Ancient Order of Hibernians, stood near the casket. while the officiating priests chanted the funeral service. Tippman's orchestra assisted in the rendition of appropriate music. The services were attended by about 3,000 people, while other thousands were unable to obtain even standing room within the church, but waited patiently without, equally manifesting their interest in the sad rites. Archbishop Katzer officiated at the solemn requiem mass, assisted by Mousigneur Zeininger, Rector Reinor, of St. Francis, and Dr. Moes, of Ohio. This very impressive ceremony closed, Bishop Cotter, of Winona, delivered an eloquent and feeling sermon, in English, and with a strong voiee which reached every corner of the vast auditorium. The discourse, a glowing trib- nte to the memory of the deceased, touched upon the uncertainty of earthly existence, the promises of life hereafter and the life of the departed prelate. Father Abbelen, of Milwaukee, followed with a sermon in the German language, including in his address feeling references to his early acquaintance with the deceased bishop, briefly tracing the career of his old-time friend from 1866 to the day of his death, and pathetically referring to his exceptionally devout and Christian spirit and his modesty in shrinking from public honors. He preferred, he said, to be known

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simply as " Father Flasch," and when the recognition of his superior ability forced his advancement first to a professorship, then a reetorate and finally the episcopacy, he bore his honors in a true Christian spirit.

The procession to the grave was headed by Tippman's military band, followed by the uniformed Bohemian Knights, Catholie Knights, the Hibernians, St. Joseph's So- ciety, the Society of St. Boniface, and dele- gations from other Catholic societies of the city. The procession was one of the largest ever seen in La Crosse, and the good Bishop Flaseh was laid to rest in a most befitting manner.

B. EMERSON, one of the most faith- fnl and efficient employés of the Chi- eago, Burlington & Northern Rail- road Company, was born at New Comerstown, Ohio, in 1858, a son of Cabel T. and Louisa A. (F'reeman) Emerson. The father was a professor in an Ohio college, but his latter years were spent in the ministry of the Bap- tist denomination in Ohio, Illinois and Min- nesota. Ile died August 9, 1881; the mother is still living, and resides at Taeoma, Wash- ington. O. B. Emerson obtained his ednea- tion at Austin. Minnesota, attending school until he was seventeen years of age: he remained there umil 1878, when he went to the Black Hills; there he engaged in driving a team, his route being from the Black Ilills to Bismarck, Dakota. In the meantime his parents had removed to Moorhead, Minne- sota, and in the spring following his residence in Dakota he too went to Moorhead, and ob- tained a position in a hardware store, where he was employed two years. Ile then took a position in the Great Northern freight office at Barnesville, Minnesota, and after one

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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