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 44
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 44
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 44
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Judge Prentiss has been twice married; his first union was to Mrs. Rachel Adams, a native of Johnstown, New York; one child was born to them, Guy, Jr., a civil engineer by profession. Mrs. Prentiss had one daugli ter by her first marriage, Nettie Adams, a graduate of the Fox Lake Female Seminary ; for several years she taught music in La Crosse, and was married to James L. Bracken, a banker and provision dealer in Tama City, Iowa. In 1875 Mrs. Prentiss died of a lin- gering illness. In Jannary, 1877, the Judge was married to Mrs. Ellen M. Hankerson, his present wife; by her former marriage she had two children: F. H., the elder son, is assist-
ant cashier of the La Crosse National Bank; he has had the distinction of being chosen aid-de camp to Governor Peck, with the rank of Colonel; Arthur P. is the second son.
In politics Judge Prentiss is identified with the Democratic party, although he is inclined to exercise his own judgment in the selec- tion of his own candidates at the polls.
EV. ROLLO BRANCHI, one of the most prominent and capable members of the ministry in La Crosse county, is the pastor of the West Salem Presbyterian Church. He was born in Cortland county, New York, September 6, 1854, and is a son of Enoch D. and Matilda (Mynard) Branch, who were also natives of the Empire State. The father was a farmer in Cortland county and was widely and favorably known; he set- tled on his land in 1813, and bravely met all the vicissitudes with which the path of the pioneer was beset. Possessed of unusual ability he was a leader in all movements cal- culated to develop the resources of the coun- try and aid in the upbuilding of the county; he was a man of liberal views upon all ques- tions, and of superior mental attainments. Ile beld many of the township offices, dis- charging his duties to the entire satisfaction of his constitueney, a fact made evident by his continued re-election to office. ITis death occurred in June, 1875. at the age of eighty years. IIis wife is still living, with powers of both mind and body well preserved, at the age of seventy-seven years. They had born to them a family of seven children, all of whom survive.
The Rev. Rollo Branch is the youngest of the seven. He received his education in Casnovia Seminary, where he completed his course in the class of 1878. Having deter-
BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY
mined to devote hi- life to the ministry, he about one-fourth of the time he was in the entered Auburn Theological Seminary, and sunny clime. His strength returned and before he left the coast he was fully restored to health. Ilis first work after this was in the pine regions of Wisconsin at Harrison and Parrish, where he did mission work among the lumbermen. At the end of one year he came to West Salem. in January, 1591. for three years pursued a course of study laid down by that institution; by 1985 he had finished this work, and had also given es- pecial attention to some subjects not required for graduation. In 1575 he began preaching. and did evangelistie work until 1879, when he commenced regular ministerial work. During the years 1579 and ISSO he filled the Mr. Branch was married in 1576 to Miss Ella L. Lincoln, a daughter of Wait and Melissa ( Munsey) Lincoln, residents of Vir- gil. New York. Of this union two children pulpit at Texas valley, New York, and then went to Mandan, Dakota, where he or- ganized the first church on the Northern Pacific road west of the Missouri river. He ,have been born: Ned and Carrie.
had this work in charge for two years, and then returned to New York, where he sup- 1. O. O. F. plied the pulpit of the church of his native town until the opening of the term at Auburn, New York. During the first and second years of his course he did mission work in the city of Elmira, holding five services on the Sabbath day, and keeping up his studies in the seminary. His health failed under this strain, and he lost about half of the senior year; but he was able to finish the work with his elas -. During his last few months at the seminary he filled the pulpit at Sodus, Wayne county, New York, to which he was called in May. 1985: he ac- cepted this work, remaining there two years, at the end of which time he went to Redfield, Oswego County, New York. Here he la- bored two years, when his health again failed, and he was obliged to relinquish ministerial duties. In order to give himself an oppor- tunity to grow stronger he took an casier charge at Orwell, New York, where he preached every alternate Sabbath. The decline of his physical forces continued, however, and the result was that a trip to California was determined upon: he remained there fourteen months, and as soon as he began to improve he took np some work, and preached
Mr. Branch is an honored member of the
ILLIAN ARTHUR LESTER, M. D., who is recognized as one of the lead- ing practitioners of La Crosse county, is the subject of the following biographical notice. He was born at Bristol, Kendall county, Illinois, March 20. 1856, and is a son of Dr. G. B. and Elizabeth Caroline (Hunt) Lester. The father was a native of St. John, New Brunswick, born of Scotch parents; he was one of the pioneers of Kendall county, Illinois, and was one of the first teachers in the community; he was also the first station agent of the Chicago, Burlington & Quiney railroad at Bristol; later in life he studied medicine and became a very skillful physi- cian. Renben Hunt, the maternal grand- father, was an attorney of considerable talent; his son, a brother of Mrs. Lester, is a practic- ing physician in Chicago.
Dr. Lester Required a thorough literary education, and in 1876 began the study of medicine under his father; he worked faith- fully and industriously until he was fitted to enter Rush Medical College; he was graduated
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from this institution in February, 1881. He entered at once into practice in Oswego, Illinois, but in the fall of 1881 came to Wisconsin; he located at Whitehall, where he resided until 1884 and then came to Ona- laska. Ilere he has won a reputation as a careful, painstaking physician. He is well read on professional and popular subjects, and keeps fully abreast of the times on all lines. He is a member of the Masonic order and belongs to the school board. He is health officer of the town, and is very capable in this position.
The Doctor was united in marriage Jan- nary 25, 1886, at Galesville, Wisconsin, to Miss Mand Moulton, a daughter of Hon. P. G. Moulton.
- B. GRIGG, secretary of the La Crosse Lumber Company, was born in Phila- delphia, Pennsylvania, Angust 12, 1862, a son of Ilorace H. and Helen V. (Harinstead) Grigg, both natives of the City of Brotherly Love. The father, upon the solicitation of his uncle, the lion. Samuel D. Hastings, emigrated to the West. and from 1853 to 1859 was engaged in the real-estate and banking business in La Crosse. While in La Crosse Mr. Grigg took active part in the stirring events of those times, and being a gentleman of recognized and fine business ability he soon rose to the front and created a large business, becoming possessed of con- siderable property. He was a builder of towns and a pine-land owner, and was identi- fied with the establishing of the now pros- perous city of Superior, this State. In this work he was associated with the Breckin- ridges of Kentucky, and many other promi- nent Southern and Eastern gentlemen. ITis possessions were scattered through seven
counties in Wisconsin and two in Minnesota. HIis affairs were immensely prosperous until the dark financial times of 1858-'59 came upon the whole country, when with thousands of others his business was crushed and his fortune was lost. He then returned to Phil- adelphia and embarked in the wholesale drug business, which he conducted until his death in 1571, at the age of thirty-nine years. During the late civil war he gave his service in defense of the flag of his country and en- listed in the Corn Exchange Regiment, an organization made up in Philadelphia; he was doing duty in the Army of the Potomac when his failing health necessitated his dis- charge, a little less than one year from the time of his enlistment. Ile was a member of the Masonic order, and assisted in the building of the Masonic Temple of Philadel- phia; he was also a member of the La Crosse lodge, and took his demit when he returned to the East. He was well known in La Crosse and during his residence here was associated with some of the most prominent men of the State; he was possessed of great public spirit, and was a decided acquisition to all circles of La Crosse. In early youth he received a thorough mental training and was a classmate of the silver-tongued orator, Daniel Dougherty.
Mr. Grigg is one of a family of seven children: Frank, the oldest, was drowned while fishing in the Black river; II. H., Mary V., J. B., our subject; Ida C. and two who died in infancy. J. B. Grigg received his education at Girard College, Philadelphia, and then went to learn the printer's trade, at which he worked six years. In February, 1884, he abandoned this occupation to accept his present position with the La Crosse Lum- ber Company, in which he has proven him - self worthy of the confidence reposed in his ability and his nprightness and integrity.
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He was united in marriage, March 5, 1857, to Miss Belle Morrison, a daughter of Samuel Morrison, a former resident of Williamsport, I son, where he taught school two winters, and Pennsylvania: he died at Sunset, Colorado, while prospecting in that region in 1985; his wife died in 187>; they had a family of five children, of whom Mrs. Grigg is the young- est. Mr. and Mrs. Grigg are the parents of three children: Helen V., Horace II. and Martha B. Mr. Grigg is an ardent sup- porter of the principles of the Republican party, and takes a lively interest in the issues of that body.
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DWARD TRITTON. a merchant, Post- master and Town Clerk of Burns, was born in eounty Kent, England, May 6, 1×25, a son of Stephen and Anna (Hawkatt) Tritton, natives of the same place. The father brought his family to the United States in June. 1525, locating in New York city. and two years later removed to Essex county. same State, and subsequently to Willsborough, Essex county, where he died many years Inter. The parents had twelve children, six of whom survive, namely: Caleb, Mary and Eleanor, in Boone county, Nebraska; Joshua resides in this county: and Timothy, at the head of Lake George, New York. Their eldest son, Stephen, was a soldier in the late war, was taken prisoner at Shiloh, and died in the prison at Macon, Georgia. Another son. Thomas, died in Huron, South Dakota. in 1\\2. The remainder of the children were: Betsy, who married Mr. Gold; Annie. the wife of Mr. Helm; and two boys who died when small.
Mr. Tritton, our subjeet, was reared to farm life, and educated in the seminary at West Poultney, Vermont, and also taught school four terms in New York. In the | shire, and the latter of Maine. The father
spring of 1552 he came to Sun Prairie, Dane county, Wisconsin, twelve miles from Madi-
also worked on a farm during the summers. le came to this county in 1854, settling in Burns township, one-half mile sonth of his present location, where he was engaged in farming until 1881, Declining health then caused him to give up that ocenpation, and he engaged in his present business. Mr. Tritton was appointed Postmaster in 1852, which position he still holds, and also keeps a general stock of merchandise. He has held the office of Town Clerk since the spring of 1552. Ile was married October 21, 1551, to Mary Walker, who was born in Elburg, Vermont, July 4, 1827. a daughter of Chester Walker, deceased. Of their four children, two still survive, viz .: Cassius HI .. who lives in Monett, Missouri, married Lamia Scafe, and has two children: R. T. and an infant girl; and Jennie A., who married Harvey Morey, of Lyons, Colorado, and also has two children: Clyde and an infant girl. Relig- ionsly, Mr. Tritton is a member of the Second Adventist Christian Church, and politically, a Republican,
EORGE L. WILLEY. - New Hamp- shire has given to La Crosse county. Wisconsin, many estimable citizens. but she has contributed none more highly respected or. for conscientious discharge of every duty in every relation of life, more worthy of respect and esteem than Mr. Willey, who is one of the progressive and enterprising farmers of this section. He was born in Carroll county, New Hampshire, in April, 1529, to Stephen and Tabitha (Lewis) Willey. the former a native of New Hamp-
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was a prosperous New England farmer, and died the same day on which President Lincoln breathed his last, April 15, 1865, at the age of sixty-seven years. His wife died in 1850, at the age of forty years. They were ardent and devont church members, and the father was a deacon in the Baptist Church. His brother, Samuel Willey, with his wife and six children, were killed by an avalanche on the White Mountains, which was caused by the bursting of a cloud in August, about seventy years since. It oecur- red about ten o'clock at night, and two of their servants were buried alive. Hearing the noise, they realized their danger, and left the house to secure a greater place of safety, and thus met their death. Their house-dog, which was fastened in the cellar, was unin- jured, and proved very servicable in finding the dead. All the bodies except two were found after several days' hard work, and the mother was found clasping her babe to her breast. The house, which is a log one, is still standing, and being near a summer re- sort is visited annually by thousands of people. It is about twenty miles from North Conway. The children born to Stephen and Tabitha (Lewis) Willey are as follows: Sam- nel, who died in 1845, at the age of twenty- seven years. Ilis wife was Harriet Barlin, now living in La Crosse; George L .: Sarah P., wife of Joseph Dole. She died in 1873, at the age of forty-three years; Ann, aged fifty-five, is the wife of John II. Hale, of Minnesota; and Catherine, who died in infancy.
George L. Willey commenced by teaching school in New Hampshire, but this calling he followed only a short time. his next ocen- pation being to drive a pleasure carriage near Boston for two years. He next came to Wyota, Wisconsin, in 1849, and during the one year that he remained there he was a
shoe-cobbler. In the spring of 1850 he, with twenty-five others, started on the over- land route for California, the journey oecu- pying seven mouths. He walked 2,000 miles barefooted, because he had no shoes. After having the mountain fever for about six months, he engaged in mining, and in this business was quite snecessful. At the end of three years he returned to New Hamp- shire, with mueh experience and a fair share of gold as well After a short visit there he returned to Wisconsin in 1854, and settled on a farm in La Crosse county, containing 640 aeres, which he still owns. It is located in Onalaska township, and is conducted by his two sons. He has filled the office of County Supervisor, and for many years has been Sabbath-school superintendent at Mid- way.
Mr. Willey and his faithful wife have worked with untiring effort, and by industry and frugality have accumulated a comfortable competenee for their declining years. Ile was married in 1855, in Onalaska, to Miss Sarah E. Nutting, daughter of Abel and Clara Blackwell Nutting, of Maine. They came West in 1855, and after a two-years stay in Madison, settled in Onalaska. Their family consisted of two sons and four daugh- ters. Mr. and Mrs. Willey have the follow- ing children: Horace G., on the home farm, is married to Mahala Robins, and has three children: George, Grace and Stephen : Jewett, also on the home farm, is married to Emma Kruger, and has two children: Ada and Lester; Ansel died at the age of twenty-six years, and was married to Ella French ; Samuel was accidentally killed at the age of twenty-three years, by a runaway horse. Ile was breaking a colt, which threw him, his foot clinging to the stirrup. He died in 1-90. The next child died in infancy, unnamed; Elva is attending the public schools of La
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Crosse. Mr. and Mrs. Willey have been (Fink) Schaffer, who came to the United members of the Baptist Church for many States from Germany in 1554 and resided in years. Hle takes but little interest in politics, La Crosse county until their respective deaths but when he has the chance votes the Prohi- in 1859 and 1886. This couple became the bition tieket. parents of four children, one son and three daughters, all residing in La Crosse with the exception of Mrs. Ritter. The union of Mr. and Mrs. Ritter has been blessed in the birth of five children: John, Jacob, Maggie, Emma - and Louisa. Mr. Ritter has held nearly all the offices in the town of Newberg, and is at present chairman of the Board of Super- visors. lle has the confidence of his fellow- citizens, and in discharging the duties of the offices he has held he has displayed elear in- telleet and unsullied integrity. Mr. and Mrs. Ritter are members of the Catholic Church, and do their share in forwarding all church enterprises.
- RANK X. RITTER is a man whom nature seems to have specially designed to be a farmer, for he has met with more than an average degree of success in pursuing that calling, and owing to his de- sire to keep out of the beaten path: and to his adoption of new and improved methods, together with industry and good judgment, he is at present the owner of a valuable farm of 120 aeres. Ile was born in Germany in 1839, and in 1854 emigrated to this country with his parents, Minard and Lena (Zegler) Ritter, and with them settled in Jefferson county, Wisconsin; but in 1858 the parents removed to Waukesha county, where the father died the same year, and the mother in 1890. Frank X. Ritter made his home with his parents until he attained the age of twenty-one years, then started out to make his own way in the world, and until 1864 worked among the farmers of Jefferson and Rock counties, the three subsequent years being spent in the same capacity in La Crosse county. By trugality, for which his country- men have ever been famed. he had by this time saved enough money to enable him to purchase eighty acres of land in section 16, Washington township, since which time he has purchased forty acres more, making his present farin. He has a comfortable frame residence, a large basement barn, other con venient out-buildings for stock and grain, and a fine wind pump.
GUDMUNDSON, one of the most re- liable merchants of West Salem, La Crosse county, is a native of Norway, and was born May 12, 1858. His parents, Hans and Bolethe Gudmundson, are natives of the same country, and are now residents of La Crosse county. They emigrated to Amer- iea in 1871. The father is a farmer and con- ducts his agricultural operations with rare intelligence. The family consisted of four children: Rena, who died at the age of twenty years, was the wife of Mr. Pearce: Anna married Alexander Johnston; the subject of this notice is the third-born; and Caroline, who is at home, is the youngest. Mr. Gud- mundson remained under the parental roof until 1554, assisting his father in his farm work. When he left home it was to engage as a clerk in the drug business with his brother-in-law, Alexander Johnston. lle .
lle was married in 1879, to Miss Christina Schaffer, daughter of John B. and Feronia , served in this capacity for three years, and
BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY.
then clerked in a general store in Belmont. Iowa, nntil 1889, when he engaged in bnsi- ness for himself, opening a stoek in the store which he now occupies. He carries a full line of general merchandise, valued at $5,000. He has won a fair share of the patronage of the town and surrounding country, and his sneeess is due in a large measure to his eon-
Mr. Gudmundson has established a repu- tation for honorable and upright dealing that has won the confidence of the entire commu- nity. In April, 1891, he was elected treas- urer of the town, a position he is amply able to fill. Politically he affiliates with the Re- publiean party. He is publie-spirited, enter- prising and progressive, believing it every man's duty to keep pace with the rapid advance of the nineteenth century.
He was united in marriage, December 5, 1888. to Miss Tilda Johnston, a daughter of John J. Hoixven, and one of a family of ten children: James, Andrew, Nettie, Ella, Knud (deceased), Lewis, Charles, Martin, Tilda, and Lena (deceased). To Mr. and Mrs. Gud- mundson have been born two children: Milla died at the age of five months in 1890, Lloyd J. being the only living child. The parents are consistent members of the Norwegian Lutheran Church.
V. DEININGER, hotel proprietor and gardener, and an enterprising business man of La Crosse, was born in this eity. in 1859, to the union of Valentine and Chris- tina Deininger, who emigrated to this country from Bavaria in 1850. The parents both died in La Crosse, the father in 1872 and the mother in 1889. J. V. Deiniger passed his boy- hood and youth in La Crosse, and received
his edneation in the buplic schools of the same. When fourteen years of age he had to commence the battle of life for himself, and he worked on a farm until eighteen years of age. IIe learned briek-making, working at this during the summer months, and during the winter seasons he was in the pineries until 1884. Ile then rented his mother's siderate and courteous treatment of his cus- | farm for five years, and in 1889 moved to La tomers.
Crosse, where he worked at the cooper trade nearly two years. In the meantime he had secured some land in section 10, Shelby town- ship, and in April, 1891, he erected a neat brick cottage for a dwelling, and a large frame building attached for an hotel and hall. Mr. Deininger is a genial, social gentleman, is well liked by all his neighbors and fellow- townsmen, and has a host of warm friends. lle has held office in his town. Ile was mar- ried. in 1887, to Miss Hannah Pinger, daughter of John Pfinger, of La Crosse, and the fruits of this union have been two chil- dren: Matilda and one unnamed. Mr. and Mrs. Deininger are members of the Catholic Church of La Crosse.
ICHARD W. DAVIS, editor and pro- prietor of the Bangor Independent, was 5 born in Kane county, Ilinois, August 1, 1870, the son of Rev. Henry and Catharine (Morris) Davis, natives of Wales and Wanke- sha, Wisconsin. The parents had five chil- dren: IIngh, of Kane county, Illinois; Katie, Arthur, Richard and Henry. The latter died at the age of two years. The father eame to the United States in 1866, settling in Mil- wankee, Wisconsin, where he resided until 1869, and then removed to Kane county, Illi- nois. In 1871 he went to Riley county, Kansas; in 1877, to Osage county. same State; in 1883, to Williamsburg, lowa, and
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in the spring of 1890 to Bangor. He is the Constable, Justice of the Peace, was C'Lair- present pastor of the Welsh Congregational Church.
The subject of this sketch was educated in the common schools, and also in the lowa College at Grinnell. Ile learned the printer's trade at Williamsburg. Iowa, and for three and a half years worked on the Williams- burg Journal, and also on the North Eng- Jish Record one year. In the fall of 1590 he came to Bangor and purchased the Bangor Independent, which he has made a five-column quarto, with a good liberal patronage.
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VAN R. ROBERTS, a dealer in grain. lumber, building material. machinery . real estate and live-stock and also pro- prietor of a grain elevator, Bangor, is one of the pioneers of La Crosse county. He was born in North Wales, May 19, 1534, a son of Evan Roberts, deceased, a native of the same country. The father brought his family to the United States in 1951, settling near Portage, Columbia county, Wisconsin, after which, in 1552, he came to Bostwick valley, this county, in what is now Barry township, eight miles east of La Crosse. It was then wild and, inhabited mostly by Indians and wild animals.
Evan R., our subject, went to La Crosse in 1856, and was engaged in freighting until 185s, when he returned and rented che home- stead two years, after which he bought a farm in Bostwick valley and remained there twelve years. Ile then came to Bangor, and the second year here he bought the Bangor Hour- ing mill, which he operated three or four years, and during this time he established a lumber yard and built elevators. He began dealing in stoek about ten years ago, and now does a large business. He has held the office of traveled extensively throughout the West,
man of the Board many years, also Chairman of the County Board one year, ha- been a member of the School Board for the past fifteen years, and is now serving his sixth year a- director of the board. of which he was also treasurer several years.
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