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 39
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 39
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 39
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Farmington township, where he became the owner of 720 acres of land. Hle applied himself diligently to agricultural pursuits, tilling the soil and raising and feeding live- stock, and his efforts were crowned with snc- cess. Mrs. Henry is one of a family of four daughters and two sons, none of whom ever came to America, and only two of whom survive, Jolin and Betty. Mr. and Mrs. Ilenry have a family of five children: Edward is logging on Black river; he married Anna Gorton, and to them were born two children, Mary E. and Winifred; the mother died in 1891, aged twenty-six; before her marriage she was a teacher, and was an ornament and honor to the profession; Martha is the wife of William Quinn, and resides in North La Crosse; they have two children living, Maude and May; Maggie lives in Chicago, with a cousin; Anna married Vevan Fuller, proprietor of the City Hotel, La Crosse. Mr. and Mrs. Henry are highly respected citizens, and are fully deserving of all the honors accorded the pioneers of the county.
James Heury, Jr., attended school at Stevenstown, La Crosse county, and when his school days were ended he devoted his ener- gies to agriculture. Ile was united in mar- riage, November 28, 1882, to Miss Elizabeth Quinn, a daughter of James and Susan Quinn, of Ettrick, Trempealean county, Wisconsin, where they are well and favorably known; they have reared a family of three sons and four daughters. After his marriage to Miss Quinn, Mr. Henry removed to La Crosse, where he has since resided. For five years he was policeman of the city, doing faithful service and keeping an excellent reputation, in fact placing himself in the front ranks of the city's guardians. In 1888 he was ap- pointed sergeant of the police, and held that office three years, giving a high degree of satisfaction. In 1891, August 15, he was .
appointed turnkey of the county jail, and is maintaining the high standard he has already established. Politically he affiliates with the Democratic party, and takes an active part in its movements.
Ile and his wife are the parents of two children: Gertrude and James. The family belong to the Roman Catholic Church.
AVID H. YONKER is the efficient freight conductor on the South Minne- sota branch of the Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul Railroad. He was born in Seneca county, Ohio, May 6, 1850, to Peter and Sarah (Hemming) Yonker, the former of whom was a successful farmer of Seneca county for a number of years, and afterward followed the same occupation in Wyandotte county, five miles from Sandusky city. While crossing an iron bridge, spanning the San- dusky river, with a loaded wagon, the bridge gave way, precipitating Mr. Yonker, his team and load to the bottom of the river, which fortunately happened to be at low water. The horses were but little injured, but one of the iron arches of the bridge fell across Mr. Yonker's body and pinned him to the ground. A plowman near by came to his relief and succeeded in lifting off the arch, which afterward proved too heavy for two strong men to move. Mr. Yonker re- ceived such severe injuries that they resulted in his death at about the age of fifty-two years. This occurred in the year 1557. Ile was a consistent member of the United Brethren Church, and was a man universally esteemed. He left a family of six children, of whom the subject of this sketch was the fifth. Hle and a sister, Mrs. Amanda Smith, wife of Franeis Smith, of Fostoria, Ohio, are the only ones now living. The mother is
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still living in Fostoria, in the seventy-eighth year of her age, and is remarkably well pre- served, both mentally and physically.
David II. Yonker attended the publie schools of Ohio in his youth, and assisted his parents on the farm, remaining with his mother until he was about twenty-two years of age. In 1872 he came West to Minnesota, and after some time spent in farming he begin dealing in grain at Brownsdale, for Fountain & Peterson, and wasafterward with Hodges & Hyde, of La Crosse, Wisconsin, for three years. He then began braking on the railroad, and at the end of two years was promoted to conductor, which position he has held for four years, giving good satisfaction. While buying grain he served for several years as Justice of the Peace, serving, also, for some time, as school director, his influ- ence in that direction being used for good in the community where he resided. lle was married in Jo Daviess county, Illinois, No- vember 30. 1$76. in Fountain, Minnesota, to Miss Sylvia Long, daughter of John and Mary Long, natives respectively of Pennsyl- vania and Ohio, and the parents of nine children, of whom Mrs. Yonker is the fifth.
Mr. Long removed to Minnesota about 1555, and there died on the 15th of August. 184%, at the age of sixty-three years, of rhenmatism of the heart. His widow is still living in Hamilton, Minnesota, and is sixty eight years of age. The union of Mr. and Mrs. Yonker has been blessed in the birth of two children: Charles F. and Archie HI. Mr. Yonker is a member of the A. F. & A. M., the K. of P., and the O. R. C. He takes no interest in polities, but generally supports the man whom he considers best titted for the office. The Yonkers are of German extraction, and the town of Yonkers. New York, was named in honor of this family. Mrs. Yonker was a teacher prior 10
her marriage, as were also two of her sisters. She is a refined and cultivated lady, and her parents are well connected on both sides. Mr. Yonker is public-spirited in his views, and is in every way a worthy and respected citizen.
S. THOMAS, one of the faithful and trusted employés of the Chicago, Burlington & Northern Railroad Company, at La Crosse, Wisconsin, was born in Reading, Pennsylvania, in 1845, the son of William and Laura (Norris) Thomas; the father was of Welsh descent, and the mother's ancestors landed on Plymonth Rock. William Thomas was a brassmolder by trade, and had charge of the Armstrong Brass & Iron Works at Armstrong, Pennsylvania, for many years. Ile removed to Bushnell. Ilinois, in 1857, and there purchased a farm which he cultivated until 1861. Ile then engaged in buying live-stock for the Government, and continued in this business until the time of his death, which was the 2d day of September, 1864; he was fifty-five years of age; his good wife followed him one year later on the same date. W. S. Thomas received his education in the public schools of the Keystone State and at South Bend, Indiana. When only sixteen years of age he responded to the call of his country, and went out in defence of her flag, enlisting in the Sixteenth Ilinois Volunteer Infantry, and served with his regi- ment until it was mustered out at the close of the war; he participated in all the engage- ments of his regiment, was with Sherman on his march through Georgia to the sea, and back to Washington, where he took part in the Grand Review in 1865. When peace was declared, and the pursuits of civilization once more claimed his attention, he entered
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the employ of the Hannibal & St. Joe Rail- road Company, and since that time has been in the service of the Northern Missouri, Kansas City & Council Bluffs, Wabash, St. Louis & Pacific and Central Pacific. From 1881 to 1888 he was in the mountains with the Shackelford and Garrett exploring and prospecting party, traveling from the Black Hills down into Mexico. He has been run- ning an engine on the Chicago, Burlington & Northern Railroad from this city, since his return from the prospecting expedition. Politically he is a stauch Republican, zeal- ously supporting all the measures of that body.
Mr. Thomas was married at Oshkosh, Wis- consin, to Miss Katie Keeley, daughter of James and Julia Keeley, of Fond du Lac county, Wisconsin .; Mr. Keeley was one of the prominent farmers of that county; his death occurred in 1863, at the age of forty five years; his wife survived him until 1889, when she, too, passed away, at the age of sixty years. To Mr. and Mrs. Thomas has been born one child, Lanra. Mrs. Thomas and her parents are members of the Roman Catholic Church. Mr. Thomas is a member of John Flynn Post, G. A. R.
RCHIBALD E. BOLEY, deceased, was one of the prominent business men of La Crosse, Wisconsin for many years, and was the efficient bookkeeper for C. L. Coleman. He was born in Mahoning county, Ohio, April 6, 1846, from which place he re- moved to Fond du Lac, Wisconsin, and about 1870 took up his abode in the city of La Crosse. Soon after his arrival in this city he secured the position of bookkeeper with Mr. Coleman, with whom he remained until his death. He was faithful and conscientious in
the discharge of his duties, an upright citi- zen, a social and agreeable companion, and in his family he was ever kind, thoughtful and considerate. Ile was faithful in his friend- ships, and as a citizen commanded respect from a wide circle of friends. fle is one of the men to whom is due a great deal of credit for the upbuilding and progress of the city, and will long be remembered as one of its most enterprising and upright citizens. In the early part of the civil war he served for about one year, but being greatly troubled with asthma he was discharged at the end of nine months. Ife had acquired a fine practi- cal education in the Pittsburg Business Col- lege, became an expert at bookkeeping, and was considered a well posted man on all sub- jects. He was an able financier and owned as many as eleven houses in the city of La Crosse, all valuable pieces of property which became the property of his wife at his death. Hle was in every way a public-spirited man, and although his heart was willing, his flesh was weak and the duties laid upon his shoul- ders proved too much for his strength, and he, after a severe struggle, at last laid down the burden of life.
Ife was married December 29, 1884, to Miss Emma L. Small, daughter of John G. and Emeline Small of Boston. Mrs. Boley was born in Maine, and is a highly cultured and refined lady, fitted to shine in any society. She was a teacher in the public schools of La Crosse for four years, but was herself edu- cated in the high school of Cambridge, Massachusetts. She came to La Crosse on a visit to a sister, Mrs. W. A. Anderson, and at once engaged in teaching, having had an experience of some four years in Maine, near Portland. Her mother died many years since and her father in Cambridgeport in 1883. Mrs. Boley bore her husband two children: Harry E., and Charles S., both bright and
BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY.
promising lads. Mrs. Boley is a member of Caledonia street, under the firm name of the Congregational Church. Her husband usually voted with the Republican party.
SCAR HOUCK, druggist .- - A reference to the drug trade of La Crosse suggests at once the house of which Mr. Houck is the proprietor, which is one of the best and most popular establishments known in the trade. The stock carried is a large one. embracing all kinds of drugs and chemicals. as well as a complete assortment of medicines, perfumes, toilet requisites and physicians supplies, making a specialty of prescriptions. The establishment is located at 1353 Cale- donia street. Mr. Honek was born in Nor- way, April 21. 1860, of which country his parents, Dr. Ove Gulberg and Anna Hoegh, were also natives. The father was a head physician for lepers for three or four hospi- tals, but was cut down in the prime of life in 1962, at the age of forty-eight years. His widow still survives him and is a resident of her native land. To them a family of eight children were born, five of whom came to America: Dr. Knut and Carl came to this country and to La Crosse, in 1569, and Oscar came to this city in 1978.
Hle at onee became an apprentice in a drug store with Il. Heyerdahl on Third street. with whom he remained as a clerk for one and one-half years. He then took charge of a drug store in Blair, and two and one-half years later he entered the Philadelphia Col- lege of Pharmacy, which he attended two sessions, succeeding which he remained in that city as assistant chemist in the Franklin Sugar Refinery: at the end of that time he returned to La Crosse and established himself in the Northern portion of the city where, in 1586, he opened a small drug store at 1115
Oscar Ilonck & Co., his brother being a silent partner, until 1989, when Oscar purchased the entire stock and a year and a half later moved into his present establishment. Mr. Houck is a Democrat politically, and socially is a member of the Knights of Pythias.
In 1889 he was married to Miss M. R. Piper, daughter of Thompson F. and Julia E. Piper of Bedford. Pennsylvania. She graduated from the Woman's Medical College of Philadelphia, in the class of 1957, and has since been one of the leading medical practi- tioners of North La Crosse.
APTAIN GOTTFRIED LANGSTADT, commercial traveler in clothing and a prominent eitizen of La Crosse, Wiseon- sin, was born in Nehiem, Westphalia, Prussia. October 18, 1835. Ile is the fifth in order of birth of nine children born to Nathan and Ilenrietta (Gotschalk) Lang- stadt, both natives of Prussia, in which country they passed their entire days, the father dying in 1856 at the age of fifty-six, and the mother in 1886 at the age of eighty- seven. Of their large family, eight children are yet living, and four sons and one danghter are in this country.
Captain Langstadt secured a common- school education in his native country and at an early age learned the trade of harness- maker and upholsterer. This he followed in Prussia, and in 1861 he sailed for Amer- ien, landing in Baltimore, Maryland, in July of that year. He remained in that city just twenty-four hours, then went to Milwaukee, thence to West Bend of this State, and there engaged in the harness- makers business until October 15, 1861, when he came to La Crosse. Here he followed the same business
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for Pfifner until November of that year, when of the G. A. R., and in politics he is inde- he enlisted in defense of his adopted country, in Company H, Second Wisconsin Cavalry, and remained in the same until cessation of hostilities. IIe enlisted as a private and was promoted through the different grades until he held the rank of Captain. He took part in the western campaign. was with General Grant at Vicksburg, and General Sherman in his march to Meridian, Mississippi, and has often conversed with those generals. Ile participated in the battle of Champion Hill, Cotton Plain, Vicksburg and the capture of Arkansas Post. He went with Sherman to Meridian, an then his regiment was sent to Texas. He was slightly wounded once, was - never taken prisoner although he had many hair-breadth escapes, and discharged his duties faithfully as a brave and patriotic soldier, as is evinced by his frequent promo- tions. Ile draws a pension and richly deserves it.
Returning from the war he elerked for eight or nine years for a firm in Buffalo, and was then on the road for eight years. After this he changed to another firm in Buffalo, worked for them tour years, and then was on the road selling clothing for C. Summerfield, of Chicago. He has been with this firm for abont three years, has been unusually snecessful, and his services are appreciated.
Mr. Langstadt was married on the 15th of March, 1866, to Miss Lena Coleman of Vicksburg, whose acquaintance he had formed while in the siege of Vicksburg. They were married in Cincinnati, Ohio, and are now the parents of three bright boys: Nathan, Albert and Otto. Nathan manages the store for Morris & Co., clothing mer- ehants of La Crosse, and Albert and Otto are electricians in Appleton, Wisconsin. Mr. and Mrs. Langstadt hold membership in the Jewish Church. Mr. Langstadt is a member
pendent. He has been very successful in business, and with his established habits of industry, good management and economy, is well calculated to succeed in any business in which he may engage. lle has ever been honest and upright, and as a patriotic busi- ness man he holds the respect of the com- munity in which he is known. He has been a hard worker, has struggled against the many difficulties which beset his way, and by diligent application has accumulated a comfortable competence. llis nicely located house gives evidence of the comfort that will attend his declining years.
EORGE D. WRIGHT, one of the lead- ing business men of La Crosse, Wis- consin, is engaged in dealing in flour, all kinds of feed, farm machinery and ear- riages, and is condneting an extensive busi- ness at 221 Pearl Street. IIe was born at Milton, Rock county, Wisconsin, November 28, 1848, to George A. and Elizabeth (Gar- rison) Wright, who were born, reared and married in York State, the father being a tiller of the soil. His unele. William Anson Wright, was Adjutant General for the State of New York for a number of years. George Anson Wright, the paternal grandfather of the subject of this sketch, took part in the war of 1812, as did also the maternal grand father. Ezra Garrison, the latter of whom was a pensioner until his death. George A. Wright, the father of George D., came to Wisconsin in 1845 and settled near Milton, where he farmed. In 1850 he moved to Cottage Grove in Dane county where, in addition to man- aging a farm, he conducted a hotel. Later he removed to Madison, where he lived a retired life which terminated in 1876
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at the age of fifty-nine years. He was only once-a flesh wound which he received well known and highly respected for his at Sehna. many worthy qualities. His wife died in Upon his return home he began the study of architecture at Madison, which he com- pleted at the end of three years. In 1969 he went to Clarksville, Iowa. where he taught school one term, then engaged in contracting and building. In 1570 he moved to New Richmond, St. Croix county, Wisconsin, and followed teaching, contracting and building until his marriage, October 19, 1581. to Miss Rose E. Hughs, daughter of John Hughs, of Waukesha, Wisconsin. Their home has been brightened by the birth of three children: Frank W., Cora E. and Olive M. Mr. Wright is Adjutant of Wilson Colwell Post of the G. A. R. of La Crosse. As a business man he has shown sound judgment, and his affairs are now in a flourishing condition. Ilis establishment is first-class of its kind, his patronage is deservedly large, and he is one who would add prestige to any com- munity. 1856. a devout member of the Baptist Church. George D. Wright is the third of nine children, and before the age of fifteen he lett home and the school he was attending to enlist in Company B, First Wisconsin Car- alry, and his first battle was fought at Hop kinsville, Kentucky. He was also at Selma, Alabama, West Point, Georgia, finishing up with the capture of Jefferson Davis, receiv- ing a part of the reward offered for his appre- hension. General Wilson ordered eighty men from the First Wisconsin Cavalry, at Macon, Georgia, to strike the trail of the rebel fugitives who were presumably on their way to St. Mark's, Florida, and struck the trail at Green River, Georgia, at the end of twelve days. On the morning of May 10. 1>65, notwithstanding the disguises to which Mr. Davis resorted -a woman's eiren- lar cloak and shawl -he aroused suspicion by unluckily forgetting to remove his spurs which protruded from under the waterproof. and was accordingly captured. A short time LAWRENCE CORDELL. manufacturer and wholesale dealer in rubber stamps. stencils, etc. Ilis business is one of those trades which, more perhaps than any other, finds its patrons in all branches of em- ployment, and is a necessary complement of them all. Mr. Cordell was born in Hamilton county. Indiana, May 31. 1859, to Andrew and Ureka Cordell, who were born in Sweden. They removed from their native land to To- ledo, Ohio, then to Indiana, where the father followed his trade of carpenter and builder from 1853 until his death at 1 o'clock on the morning of New Year's day, 1871. His age was fifty-five years. He was a member of the Presbyterian Church of which his wife, who survives him at the age of sixty-nine years, previous to the capture Mr. Wright heard Mrs. Davis say to her husband, "Don't irri- tate the Yankees, President;" to which he replied: "I might as well surrender here and meet my fate now as at any time." Post- master-General Reagan and General Cobb were captured at the same time. They were placed in a wagon under strong guard and taken to Macon, Georgia, the trip occupying two days, and from there were sent to Wash- ington. Mr. Wright, with his regiment. was then ordered to Nashville, where he was mustered out of service. All of this occurred prior to Mr. Wright's seventeenth birthday. lle stood the hardships and weary marches of the service quite well and was wounded
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also belongs. She resides in St. Paul, Minne- sota, with her daughter, Mrs. Gottschammer, who is the wife of Silas Gottschammer, a boot and shoe merchant. To Andrew Cordell and his wife the following children were born: Amanda, wife of Thomas B. Cook, a farmer of Tipton county, Indiana, by whom she has three children; Edward, with C. Gotzian & Co .; Lawrence; and Julia, now Mrs. S. J. Gottschammer. Four children died in early childhood.
Lawrence Cordell was educated in the pub- lie schools of Indiana and his first work for himself was as a clerk in a hardware store in Red Wing, Minnesota. After remaining there five years and two years in Minto, Da- kota, two in Eau Claire, Wisconsin, and five years in La Crosse, Wisconsin, he, in 1888, started in the business in which he is now engaged. They have succeeded in estab)- lishing a connection of much importance, which is increasing day by day. In addition to manufacturing rubber stamps, stencils, fishing-rods, models, novelties, etc .. they are the agents for the Union bicycle, and make a specialty of repairing bicycles.
He was married February 22, 1882, to Miss Carrie Lowater of Red Wing, Minne- sota, in which place she was a successful teacher in the public schools for one year. She has borne Mr. Cordell one child: Ava. Mrs. Cordell's father was E. P. Lowater, who died in 1888, the maiden name of her mother bei :g Jennie MeIntire, who resides in Red Wing, Minnesota, and is sixty-three years of age. Mr. Lowater was one of the leaders of the Methodist Episcopal Church of that city. lle was a native of Canada and his wife of New Hampshire. Mrs. Cordell was educated in Red Wing and Tilden Seminary papers were made out with such precision, of New Hampshire. Mr. Cordell is Chief , correctness and absolnte adherence to the
Ranger in the seeret order of Foresters, but is not active politically, voting for the man he considers best fitted for the office.
UDGE HENRY M. SAFFORD, de- ceased .- Among the professional men of La Crosse, Wisconsin, who have passed away, none were more favorably known, perhaps, than Judge Safford. He was born at Cambridge, Vermont, May 14, 1826, to Oel and Louisa (Parker) Safford, who were also natives of the Green Mountain State. The father was a farmer and merchant by occupation, and in disposition was quiet and unobtrusive, though an honorable and far-seeing business man. He commanded the respect and good will of a large circle of acquaintances, and was much beloved and revered by his own family. He was born October 14, 1794, and died April 28, 1861. Emerson O. and the Judge were their only children. The former was born in 1824, and died February 18, 1859.
Judge Safford came West in 1870, having received a good education in Cambridge and Johnston, completing a thorough academic education. Ile read law under Salmon Wires, of Johnston, and was admitted to the bar in 1844. He at once began the practice of his profession at Hyde Park, and later at Richford, Vermont, and at the latter place he was Customhouse Officer for several years, but conducted his law practice at the same time. Ile came to La Crosse in 1870 and opened an office, having for his partner J. A. Kellogg. Ile was thoroughly versed in the details of his profession, and his
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technicalities of the law, that the shrewdest lawyers could pick no flaw in them. He practiced law in La Crosse until his death, and gathered about him a large clientage. He was appointed District Attorney to till a vacancy, and was afterwards elected to the office, his ability being thus recognized. He also filled the office of Justice of the Peace for ten or twelve years, and was appointed Police Justice also to fill a vacancy, being elected to this position for a term of three years at the expiration of his first term. He gave the best of satisfaction in every position he filled, and everybody knew him as a man of warm heart and strict integrity. His nature was so sympathetic that suffering humanity was the liberal sharer of his bounty, and people in all walks of lite were proud to be called his friends. He carried sunshine and good cheer wherever he went. and he possessed the kindliest sentiments , and the broadest charity. He was absolutely incorruptible in his public life, and was always guided by an enlightened conscience. and was likewise true and faithful in his friendships. He was not much of a politi- cian, but he acted with the Democratic party. His death, which occurred February 17. 1891, was deeply lamented by all. His funeral services were conducted by Rev. . Cheney, who paid an eloquent and glowing tribute to his many virtues.
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