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 40

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 40
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 40
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 40

Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).

Judge Safford was married January 15. 1>49, to Miss Caroline E. Wadsworth, daugh- ter of David and Caroline ( Metcalf) Wads- worth, of Cambridge, Vermont, both of whom have been dead for many years, the mother's death occurring three months after the father's. They were each aged seventy- three years, and celebrated their golden wod- ding the year before their death.

" Fifty years together, husband and wife: Fifty years together, in the path of life; Fifty years together, stemming the tide; Fifty years together, happy groom and bride. Fifty years together, each faithful and true ; Fifty years together, there they vow anew; Fifty years together, and the rest of the way Ever proved to them a bright, golden day."

The home of Judge Safford was blessed in the birth of four children: Caroline Louisa, who died at the age of three years: Henry Eugene, who died at the age of sixteen years: Eldora L., an intelligent young lady. : who is at home; and George W., who died at the age of seven years.

OHN LANGDON, deceased, formerly of the firm of Langdon & Goodland, pork- packers, was born in Exeter, Devonshire, England, January S. 1830, a son of John Langdon, Sr. He came to the United States in 1854. and until 1566 was engaged in busi- ness in Milwaukee; then came to La Crosse and engaged in pork-packing, which business occupied his attention while he lived. The firm name was first Langdon & Goodland (a sketch of Mr. Goodland appears elsewhere in this volume), but in 1572 it was changed to Langdon, Goodland & Co., and continued such until 1579, when Mr. Langdon con- ducted business alone. Since his death, which occurred January S, on his fifty- seventh birthday, the firm name has been Langdon & Boyd, Mrs. Langdon retaining her husband's interest.

Mr. Langdon was married in 1850, at St. Mary Archer's Church, Exeter. England, to Miss Susan Sparks, who died March 5, 1863, leaving him with two children to care for: Florence Elizabeth and Amy Kate. His second marriage was in Milwaukee, to Mrs. Anna Boyd, widow of Andrew Boyd and

343

BIOGRAPHIICAL HISTORY,

daughter of Frank Wills. She became the | He spent part of a year in the surveyors' mother of three children by her first husband: Joseph, Andrew and Isabel, and bore Mr. Langdon two children: John Edwin and Maria Wills.

John Langdon was a man of fine business qualifications, was well known in the com- mercial circles of La Crosse county and was an earnest member of the Episcopal Church. He was honored with the office of Alderman of the city for one term, but had little taste for official life, although his duties were per- formed with accuracy and ability. He was personally one of the most popular of men and he was respected and esteemed by all who were so fortunate as to enter the wide circle of his friendship. He lived a blame- less life and his death was universally re- gretted.

22222422222

EORGE MCMILLAN, secretary and treasurer, general manager and super- intendent of the La Crosse Gas Light Company, was originally from Canada, his birth occurring July 25, 1844. His parents, Daniel and Isabella (Southerland) Mc Millan, " were natives also of Canada and the father's business was lumbering and farming. The latter came to the States in 1867, and here his death occurred on April 8, 1868, at the age of fifty-one years. Mrs. McMillan is still living; is sixty-eight years of age and enjoys good health. They reared twelve chil- dren, of whom George McMillan is the eldest.

office of H. 1. Bliss previous to this, and then, in August, 1870, engaged with the La Crosse Gas Light Company, as before mentioned. Ife has since been with the same company and has met with a success simply commen- surate with the abilities he has displayed and the high principles and moral business methods which formed the corner-stone of his earlier career. The company conduct one of the leading industries of the city and its in- dividual members are men of enterprise and means. It was organized March 19, 1863, and its capital stock is now $150,000. Eight men are employed all the time and sometimes many more. The president is Mr. James Vincent, and Mr. McMillan fills all the other offices. He also fills the same positions in the La Crosse Brush Electric Light & Power Company that furnishes the arc lights over the city. The capital stock of this is $80,000. Flon. J. J. Hogan is vice-president.

Mr. McMillan was married June 21, 1971, to Miss Nettie Hofstetter, daughter of Dr. J. J. Hofstetter of Lyons, Iowa, and sister of Dr. George Ilofstetter, a practicing physician of Lyons, Iowa; Leo Hofstetter, a farmer at Green Island. near Iowa, and Bruno Ilofstet- ter, who died at the age of twenty-three. To Mr. and Mrs. McMillan were born three children: Mary S., Daniel G. and Nettie. All the family are members of the First Presbyterian Church, in which Mr. Mc Millan has been elder and trustee for abont twenty years. Socially he is a member of the Ma- sonic fraternity, Frontier Lodge, No. 45; is a member of the chapter and commandery, and is Worthy Master in the blue lodge. He has been, since its organization in Febru- ary, 1884, president of the Provident Loan and Building Association. Although not much of a politician he advocates the princi-

The latter was educated in the public schools of Canada, and, like many other young men who afterward became prominent in business circles, he commenced teaching school in his native country. Not liking this business he followed farming for a year and then embarked in his present business. ' ples of the Democratic party. Ile is a prom-

344

BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY.

inent factor in La Crosse enterprises and encourages by his influence and financial support any undertaking for the upbuilding of the best interests of the community. He is recognized as a man of worth and strict integrity.

OSEPH A. GOODLAND, a prominent and influential business man and vice- president of the La Crosse Packing & Provision Company, was born in England, November 20, 1533. His parents, William and Abigail (Sharman) Goodland, were also natives of England and there passed their entire lives, he dying in 1569, at the age of seventy-two, and she in 1989 at the age of eighty-four. The father was a coal merchant, handling coal, salt, drain-pipes, tiles, etc. Ile and wife were members of the established Church of England and he was warden for many years. Of the nine children born to this union fonr are still living, one besides our subjeet re- siding in Appleton, Ontagamie county, one is in New Zealand, and the other in England. Joseph A. Goodland came to Milwaukee in 1$53 from his native country, and followed the business of pork-packing in that city. This he continued there until 1866, when he came to La C'rosse and followed the same busi- ness until 1889, when he engaged with the La Crosse Packing & Provision Company. Fable and responsible houses devoted to this This is one of the prominent and important industries of the city, and the successor of the La Crosse Abattoir. It employs a great many hands and distributes a large amount of money to the operatives. It also gives a home market to the farmers for their stock, thus rendering a mutual service.

Mr. Goodland selected as his companion in life Miss Mary Heal, daughter of George and Mary Heal, and the nuptials were celebrated

on the 19th of September, 1865. Mr. and Mrs. Heal were natives of England. The for- mer died in 1856, at the age of seventy-eight years. The latter died in England. They were the parents of six children, all danghters, and only one ( Mr>. Frank Harrison), besides Mrs. Goodland, now in this country. Mrs. Har- rison and her husband reside in Milwaukee. Mr. Goodland's home has been cheered by the birth of four children: James (deceased); Anna, still in the home circle: Emma died at the age of seven and a half years; and William Sharman died at the age of two years. Mr. and Mrs. Goodland are worthy and exemplary members of the Episcopal Church. Mr. Goodland takes little interest in politics but generally votes for the man instead of the party. He is a member of the Masonic fraternity. He is a man of unques- tioned business qualifieations, and in his intercourse with others he is admired and re- spected for his high sense of honor and strict integrity.

ANDREW BOYD is a member of the widely-known firm of Langdon & Boyd, pork-packers of La Crosse, Wis., and from his early youth has been familiar with the business. He became a member of the firm in 1857, which is one of the most reli- branch of commerce in the state. The com- pany's packing houses are very complete and the supervision is so perfect that it is impos- sible for a diseased or inferior animal to be entered for consumption. The firm handles only first-class stock and deals extensively in dressed hogs, mess pork, hams, bacon, lard. ete. They do an extensive business in the surrounding cities and States, and from twelve to fifteen hands are kept constantlyemployed.

345

BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY.

Their principal place of business is located at 116 North Third street, and their warehouse and cold storage is on Sixteenth and La Crosse streets. Mr. Boyd is highly esteemed in finan- cial and commercial circles for his sound busi- ness principles and sterling integrity, while his brands of provisions have become famous wherever they have been used. Ile is a young man of decided intelligence, is pos- sessed of business qualifications of a high or- der, and without doubt has a bright future before him

Ile was born in Milwaukee in 1864, to Andrew and Anna Boyd, the latter being now the widow of John Langdon. She and Mr. Boyd were born in Scotland; the latter was a sailor by occupation. He was thrown from the bowsprit of his vessel, in a storm on lake Erie, and was drowned. Ilis body was never recovered. The mother came to Ameriea in an early day and in this eountry was married. Her eldest son, Joseph Boyd, died in 1884, at the age of twenty-four years. The daughter Isabel is book-keeper for the firm of Langdon & Boyd. Andrew Boyd was edu- cated in La Crosse, and in his early manhood studied law under the tutelage of Judge H. M. Safford of this eity, but has never prac- ticed that noble profession, as his time has been profitably occupied otherwise. He is a Democrat in politics, has always supported the men and measures of that party, but has never interested himself particularly in poli- ties. He is a Royal Arch Mason, and a member of the Episcopal Church,

ILLIAM VAN ZANDT, a retired farmer of Hamilton township, La Crosse county, now residing at West Salem, was born in Columbia county Penn- sylvania, September 29, 1826, and is a son of

David and Nancy (Perry) Van Zandt. The father's ancestors were from Holland, and the mother was of Welsh extraction. They removed to Lake county, Ohio, and lived there ten years, coming at the end of that time to Walworth county, Wi-consin. The father was a farmer and followed this calling in Walworth county for thirty years; he then came to La Crosse county, where he passed the remainder of his days. Ilis death oceurred in 1884, at the age of ninety years; his wife passed away in 1886, at the age of eighty nine years. Our subject is one of a family of eleven children. In his early man- hood he engaged in teaching school, devoting the winter season to this profession, and during the summer assisting his father on the farm. For five winters he taught in eastern Wisconsin, and then came to La Crosse county, where he has the distinction of being the first teacher outside of the city of La Crosse. He gained an enviable repu- tation in this calling, but finally abandoned it to give his undivided attention to agri- enlture. For thirty-six years he was one of the leading members of the farming com- munity of Hamilton and Burns townships, and did his share in developing the resources of his county. At one time he embarked in the mercantile trade, and was proprietor of a hardware store for a period of three years; at the end of this time, however, he disposed of his interest.

Mr. Van Zandt has been prominently identified with public movements in his township, and in politics is an ardent Re- publican. Ile has been chairman of the board of Burns township for six years, and has held the same office on the board of Hamilton township for seven years. In 1870 he was appointed to take the census, and under the administrations of Grant he was Postmaster for a number of years. Ile

346

BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY.

has been president of the County Agri- drev, of whom Christian, two brothers and cultural Society for three or four years, and for one year filled the office of secretary. Ile has always been a liberal supporter of worthy publie enterprises, and takes a lead- ing rank among the progressive citizens of the county. He has always been chairman of the County Board, and was instrumental in having the Insane Hospital located at West Salem.

lle was united in marriage, in 151, to Miss Lucretia Jewett, a daughter of Marens 1 .. Jewett, of MeHenry county, Illinois. Two children have been born to them: Will- iam I. and Edith E. The son married Miss Julia Gilfillan, and resides on a farm in Monroe county, Wisconsin; their children are Lucretia and Lynn: Edith E. resides at home.

Mr. Van Zandt is a member of the Ma- sonic order, having joined that fraternity nearly thirty years ago.

Marcus L. Jewett removed from Mellenry county, Illinois, to Reedsburg, Wisconsin, and later to Burns, La Crosse county, where he died in September, 1>75, at the age of sixty-nine years. Ilis wife is still living, at the age of eighty three years.

IRISTIAN KOENIG, Registrar in Pro- bate for the county of La Crosse, Wis consin, Notary Public, land and general insurance agent, was born in Cologne on the Rhine in Germany, October 2, 1830, to Lam- bert and Isabel ( Rubstock) Koenig, the for- mer of whom was a hotel proprietor. He was a soldier under Napoleon 1, in 1805 '06, and died in 1813, at the age of seventy-four years, his wife dying at the same age but in 1867. They were members of the Catholic Church and reared a family of fifteen chil-

one sister came to America, the eldest, Joseph. arriving in 1849 and is now residing in Booneville, Missouri. William and his sister. Antoinette, and Christian came in 1851, and almost immediately took up a temporary location in Milwaukee. The same year they went to Madison, Wisconsin. and in July, 1955. became residents of La Crosse, in which city they have since made their home.

Christian followed different occupations until the spring of 155s, when he was elected Clerk of the city of La Crosse, which position he held four years, and at the same time worked as Clerk of the United States Land Office, but upon the election of Mr. Lincoln to the Presidency, he was deprived of this position. llis employer was Charles S. Ben- ton, Registrar of the United States Land Office, in every way a worthy man. In 1861 Mr. Koenig was elected Registrar of Deeds of La Crosse county, but at the end of two years embarked in the mereantile business, which business he continued with fair success until 1869. lle was then elected to the posi- tion of Clerk of the Circuit Court of the county, and this position filled for six years in succession, although the county had a Republican majority. Since that time he has been Deputy Registrar of Deeds, and in 1553 he was appointed Registrar in Probate, the duties of which office he still ably dis- charges. The esteem in which he is held by the citizens of the county has been clearly demonstrated by his continuons election to otlice, and he has always discharged the duties incumbent upon the positions he has filled with fidelity, care and ability.

Miss Eliza Borghart, daughter of Peter Borghart of Cologne, Germany. became his wife October 6, 1851, previous to emigrating for America. They have a family of six

347

BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY.

children: Joseph B. died July 4. 1891, at the age of thirty-nine years. He was mar- ried to Agnes Weber, by whom he became the father of the following children: Malinda; Frankie; Charlotte, the second ehild, became the wife of Frank T. Becker of La Crosse; Sophia; Josephine is working in a mil- linery establishment, and still makes her home with her parents; Phoebe is the the wife of E. H. Chandler, resides in Minne. apolis, Minnesota, and is the mother of one child, Ralph; Ida, the wife of Fred Kemnitz of Green Bay, has one child, Leona; and Charles F. is a student in the Chicago Col- lege of Pharmacy. Mrs. Koenig is a mem- ber of the Catholic Church, and Mr. Koenig is a member of the I. O. O. F., in which order he has passed all the chairs, also that of the Germania Society. He is one of the pioneer settlers of the county, who is well known and highly respected. Although he has passed through many trials his career has been a success, and his early hardships only served to broaden his mind and enlarge his views on all matters of general importance. He is well informed and ripe in worldly ex- perienee.

T. LORING is one of the later acees- sions to the city of La Crosse, Wis- eonsin, and, being the proprietor of the Star Steam Laundry, he has one of the most useful establishments of the city. It is located at No. 118 South Fifth street, and as first-class work is turned out in the wash- ing and renovating of daily attire, his busi- ness is constantly increasing.

Mr. Loring was born in Montreal, Canada, December 16, 1867, a son of Nelson T. and Matilda (Bauche) Loring, both of whom are of French extraction. They are honored

residents of North Adams, Massachusetts, where the father follows the calling of a plumber and is engaged in laying heavy pipes for water, gas, etc. In Canada he kept a large and well-appointed livery stable. Of a family of fifteen children born to them, the subject of this sketch was the eldest, and in the public schools of North Adams, Massa- chusetts, he received his education, graduat- ing in 1883, thus becoming well fitted to enter upon an active business career. From his early manbood he has been familiar with laundry work, and it was but natural that when starting out in life for himself this should be his chosen field of operation. Although La Crosse has reason to be proud of the enterprise exhibited by her younger class of citizens in the different walks of life, few in the city combine the essentials for snecess in a higher degree than Mr. Loring. Ile brings to bear a perfect and practical knowledge of the requirements of the busi- ness in all its branches, and from his previous experience is intimately acquainted with the wants of the publie. Ilis. in age, is the second laundry in the city, but it is by no means second in the extent of its patronage, and those wishing first-class work will further their own interests by patronizing his estab- lishment. Mr. Loring is a member of the A. F. & A. M., the order of Foresters, in which he is Court Deputy Supreme Chief Ranger in and for Gateway Lodge No. 963. Hle takes no interest in polities other than voting for whom he considers the best fitted for office, but leans a little toward the Re- publican party.

July 14, 1887, he was married to Miss Esther Robinson of North Adams, Massa- chusetts, whose parents, William and Margaret Robinson, were born in England but came to America in 1874. Mrs. Loring was born in Manchester, England, and came to the United

BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY.

States with her parents, being the second of their nine chi dren and the only one of the family in the West. Her father is a ma- chinist, making a specialty of locomotive building, and has for many years worked for the Rhode Island Locomotive Works. One child has added to the happiness of Mr. Lor- ing's home, Amy R. Mr. and Mrs. Loring are members of the Baptist Church of La Crosse, and he is an usher in the same. Mr. Loring arrived in La Crosse with a capital of $1.60, May 13, 1597. with which he started in his life work.

22222722222

E. PHILLIPS, station agent for the Chicago & Northwestern Railroad, at Onalaska, Wisconsin, has had charge of the company's business here since 1555. Hle was born at Mt. Pisgah, Monroe county, Wis., April 22, 1861, a son of Gaines and Ruth (Maning) Phillips. The father was a black- smith by occupation, and was among the earliest settlers of Baraboo, Wisconsin. The grandfather, Ross Phillips, was successful in business and had accumulated a considerable property, but lost it. Hle then moved to Baraboo, and followed logging on the Bara- boo river. Gaines Phillips teamed from Milwaukee to Baraboo river for several years, and then worked at his trade. He resides at Elroy, Juneau county, which has been his home for more than thirty years. His son. S. E, passed his boyhood and youth in Junean county, received his education at Union Centre, Wonewocand Mauston. When he left school he began his career as telegraph operator at Winnebago, Illinois; he hekl this position for some two years, and then went to Woodstock. Illinois, thence to Kendall, Wisconsin, and later at Necedad Junction on the branch line, where he worked

for eighteen months; then followed a year spent at Winona, Harvard, in the train dis- patcher's office at Baraboo. and at other points on the road. In July. 1ss5. he was stationed at Onalaska, and for a time his wandering> ceased. He is a careful. the rough man in all his business relations, and is worthy the confidence reposed in him by the company. He is a member of the Brother- hood of Telegraphers.

Mr. Phillips was united in marriage at Mauston, Wisconsin, April 20, 1951. to Miss Addie Newkirk, a daughter of George and Ilarriet (Hetherington) Newkirk, residents of Manston, Wisconsin. Mrs. Phillips was born, reared and educated in JJuneau county. Wisconsin. One child has been born to our subject and wife, Hazel Eleanor.

APTAIN FRANK I. PHELPS was born in Tompkins county, New York, July 4. 1544. a son of Whitcomb Phelps, a native of Vermont. The paternal grandfather, Simlove Phelps, was of Welsh origin; the mother, whose maiden name was Mary E. MeDeavitt, was the daughter of Irish parents. When Captain Phelps was a lad his parents removed to Waukegan. Lake county, linois; later they came to Onalaska, and in these places he received his education. When the late civil war broke ont between the North and South, although a youth, he enlisted in defense of his country, and did valiant service. April Is, 1561, he became a member of the Second Wisconsin Volunteer Infantry. Company B, and participated in many active engagements during the follow- ing three years; he was in the first battle of Bull Run, Rappahannock Station, Blackman's Ford. and Gainesville. Angust 28, 1862, he was severely wounded in the left arm by a

349

BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY.

minie ball, and was taken to Donglas Hos- brigade in killed, wounded and missing was pital, Washington, District of Columbia. 900. Some time later he was transferred to the Veteran Reserve Corps, and was honorably discharged April 20, 1564. He returned to his home, and soon was busily engaged in recruiting a company for the Fortieth Wis- consin Volunteer Infantry. Ile was elected Captain of Company G, and the regiment was stationed at Memphis, Tennessee, and at other points in the South. He was honor- ably discharged a second time, September 25, 1864, and returned to Onalaska.

Whitcomb and Mary E. Phelps, parents of the Captain. had born to them seven children, five of whom are living: Angeline, Ann, V. N., Frank I., Antonette. V. N. Phelps, a resident of Tacoma, Washington, is father of Truman V. Phelps, of Onalaska. The father of this family died in Onalaska in 1881, at the age of eiglity-five years; the mother died in 1888, aged eighty-tive. The Captain is unmarried; he has ever been a most duti- ful son, giving to his aged parents the care and support which their love and affections merited.

When the war was ended and peace de- clared, the pursuits of commerce and agri- culture again elaimed the attention of the country. Captain Phelps secured a situation with one of the large lumber companies, and afterward was appointed station agent of the 12975 YSBERT VAN STEENWYK .-- To a considerable majority of the men who have won distinction in that portion of our country which, a generation ago, was the Western borderland, certain well-defined con- ditions are common. Those upon whom the real pioneer work has fallen were endowed with few early advantages save the hardy physique and steadfast mind acquired by a toilsome and somewhat narrow life from youth up. They found their opportunities in the resources of the country and attained wealth and some measure of preferment in advanced life which the disadvantages of youth debarred them from rightly enjoying. Another class came into the West fresh from the universities, without either the physical endowments or mental forces essential to successful pioneering. The lives of many steh were obsenre, misspent even, whereas amid more congenial surroundings they might have been distinguished. The perseverance with which Western life imbues every man Northwestern Railroad at Onalaska, a position he filled for six years. ITe was then in the employ of the East Fork Improvement Company for a period of three years. During the administration of President Cleveland he was appointed Collector of Customs for the port of La Crosse: this appointment was made in 1884, and Captain Phelps served two years, resigning his office at the end of that time. Ile has represented the people of his township in the office of Clerk, and he has also been City Clerk for two years; he has been trustee of the village, and in these varions capacities he has conducted the affairs with excellent ability and good judgment. He is a member of the Masonic fraternity, having joined the order at North La Crosse in 1876; he now belongs to Onalaska Lodge, No. 214, A. F. & A. M., of which he is a charter member. He belongs to Union Veteran Legion Encampment, No. 82. Captain Phelps has the distinction of having been a member of the Iron Brigade, has inscribed a noble record of success in that went out 1,203 strong; the loss of this . both elasses, but it has been retarded by the 24

Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.

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