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 46
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 46
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 46
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Frank J. Samuels remained at home until he was twenty years of age, and then came to La Crosse for the purpose of taking the high - school course of study; this he did and then turned his attention to teaching, devoting his time and energies to the profession for several years. For one year he was clerk on a river boat, and for two seasons was with the Dia- mond Joe Transportation Company; for two years he was associated with the Three Star Ice & Fuel Company as secretary and treasurer. In 1890 he was elected secretary of the Jeffer- son Club, a position which he still holds; he is also engaged in the real-estate business.
Politieally Mr. Samuels is identified with
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the Democaatie party, and is an ardent sup- eighty acres of land. now in the heart of parter of the issues of that body. lle is a member of the Masonie fraternity, Lodge No. 45. In his efforts to develop the re- sourees of the county he has been unremitting. and has early in life taken up the responsi- bilities borne so heroically by the pioneers.
HARLES W. FLETCHER, one of the most industrious and prosperous farin- ers of La Crosse county, resides on stetion 25. Burns township. He was born in Crawford county. Pennsylvania, May 29, 1526. a son of Charles Fletcher, a native of Plymouth, New Hampshire, who was a son of Joshua Fletcher; the paternal grandfather was a member of the company that went to Santa Fe, New Mexico, about ninety years ago; he was absent twelve years before any tidings were received from him and after eighteen years he returned. Charles Fletcher was nine years old when his father left home. and, being the eldest son and second child. much responsibility fell to him. Ile made a trip from New Hampshire to Erie county, Pennsylvania, accomplishing the journey on foot and carrying his books and clothes on his back; he employed every leisure moment in study, fitting himself for teaching school. He followed this profession during the win- ter season, and in the sunnner he worked on a farm. After teaching many years he en- gaged in mercantile pursuits in Saegerstown. Pennsylvania. Through the dishonesty of his partner be lost heavily in this operation, surrendering everything but his personal property. Gathering his effects together he joined the caravan of emigrants wending their way to the Western frontier. arriving in Chicago in 1836, when that great metropolis had but five hundred people. He was offered
the city. for $2.50 per acre. His family were ill with scarlet fever, two of them dying of the terrible disease; so the follow- ing year he left Chicago and went to Knox county, Illinois, where he farmed until 1540. Hle removed thenee to Kane county. Illinois, where he owned 500 acres of land. Owing to a failure of his health, however. he returned to Erie county. leaving his farm in charge of his sons, He passed from this life in November. 1579, at the age of eighty years. His wife. Mary ( Mininm) Fletcher, was a native of Crawford county. Pennsylvania; they had fourteen children, six of whom are living: Sebastian; Charles W., the subject of this biographical sketch, Amos, Samuel W., Julia, now Mrs. Wilson. a resident of Richfield, Minnesota, and Emily, now Mrs. Hitchcock of Waterford, Pennsyl- vania.
Charles W. Fletcher in early manhood be- gan looking up the reports of different agri- cultural localities with a view of securing a home for himself. In 1954, accompanied by his stepbrother, W. A. Thomas, he came to Wisconsin and found some excellent farming lands in La Crosse and Jackson counties: mak- ing their selections, they entered the tracts, and returned to Illinois to lay their plans for for the future.
In his childhood Mr. Fletcher had instilled in him the highest principles of honor and morality. At the age of fourteen years he signed the temperance pledge, and now re- calls with pleasure the satisfaction with which he signed his name in "the big book of prin- ciples," as it was then called. Ile was taught the worth of a man of integrity, one possessed of the courage of his convictions. Ile was also taught that order is a law of life. and was trained to be systematie in all his operation». When it came to purchasing an
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outfit for his frontier farm, he quite aston- ished and shocked the entire community by the princely outlay he made for his team and wagon. He bought a span of colts for which he paid $176 in gold, and a wagon for $120. The whole sum invested was 8333.50, a fab- ulous amount.
The next and most essential thing was to find a companion to share the privations and hardships of the first years in this new home. In Ruth A. Field he found a woman of good judgment, a wise counselor; she was a teacher of talent, having entered the profession be- fore she was fifteen years of age; a very pre- cocious child, she mastered the principles of arithmetic and algebra in girlhood, and was ready to give instructions to her elders. To this brave, loyal woman Mr. Fletcher was married January 15, 1857, fully appreciating the good fortune that had befallen him when he won her hand and heart. She was born in Cornwall, Addison county. Vermont, May 9, 1835, a daughter of Norman and Happa- lonia (Chadderdon) Field. Iler father was born in Vermont, September 28, 1803, and died March 26, 1886. During the last twenty years of his life he made his home with Mr. and Mrs Fletcher. The maternal ancestors were from Rhode Island; Elisha Field, her grandfather, was a shoemaker and farmer by occupation ; he was one of the first settlers of Cornwall, Vermont, and was a soldier in the war of the Revolution; Orrin Field, her unele, was a Major in the war of 1812.
In 1857 Mr. Fletcher and his brother, with their wives, returned to Wisconsin. After some very amusing experiences, Mr. Fletcher relinquished to his wife all domestic cares and responsibilities, finding her much better adapted to that branch of the business. Ile has devoted himself indefatigably to agricul- ture, and has been very successful. He makes a very philosophical explanation of
the failure of agricultural industries, attrib- uting it to the poor management and idleness of farmers. "Without labor there is no re- ward." Here Mr. Fletcher has proved the wisdom of his investment in horses and wagon referred to above; the latter is still good, though it has been in service thirty- seven years, and the labor performed by the horses and the returns from offspring have been a capital investment.
Mr. and Mrs. Field, the parents of Mrs. Fletcher, had a family of six children: Ruth, the eldest; Lydia M., now Mrs. Sisson; Fran- cis, Alma M., now Mrs. Caldwell; Steukley S., and Charles C.
Mr. and Mrs. Fletcher have had born to them five children, four of whom survive: Kittie M., Ella, Charles and Orrin; the eldest child, Cephas J., died Jannary 5, 1883, at the age of twenty-three years; he was an intelligent young man, and an accomplished singer. He was fond of his home and its associations, was a dutiful son and brother. In his death the family were greatly bereav- ed and the community lost one of its most valuable members.
R. JOHN SHANKLAND, deceased, late of Bangor, was born in Hebron, Washington county, New York, October 22, 1812, a son of John Shankland, who was for many years a merchant at Argyle. New York, near Hebron. Our subject was reared at Argyle, and graduated at the Castleton (Vermont) Medical College, but taught school several years previous to this. He came West when a young man, and taught some time in Illinois, and also spent one year in Scotland on business, the family being of Scotch ancestry. He practiced medicine some time in Lawton, Michigan. and at one
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time drove from New York to that State, and thence to this county. locating at Holland, where he practiced for some time; next to Whitehall, and soon afterward to Bangor. where he purchased a one-half interest in a drug store. Here he also engaged in prae- tice, which he soon afterward gave up to at- tend to the store. The Doctor also owned a fine farm of 120 acres in Burns township. which his widow now owns.
Mr. Shankland was married March 15. 1569. to Ellen 1., daughter of Thomas and Christie (Scott) Cummings. Mr. and Mrs. Shankland had no children, but Mrs. Shank- land's niece is now living with her. Our subject died April 29, 1855, after a pro- tracted illness. He was a member of the Presbyterian Church, a consistent Christian, and always gave liberally of his means to support the gospel, and various benevolent purposes. In his death the community lost a valuable member of society, and the wife a tender and loving companion.
ARL PISKE is another example of what energy, industry and perseverance, when intelligently applied, have accomplished for those of foreign birth who have seen fit to locate within the limits of this county. He was born in Pru-sia, Germany, in 1926, and is strongly imbued with the characteristics of that race of people as far as energy and hard work goes, and he has thus far shown himself to be a useful and progressive citizen and a strong advocate of all measures of morality, education, temperance, etc. Hecame to Barre township. La Crosse county, Wisconsin, in 1866, and purchased eighty acres of land in section 15, which he has since increased to 250 acres, and which he has finely improved. On this most desirable piece of property he "about one year. In 1559 he removed to La
has a large two-story house, large basement barus, wind pump and other conveniences, all of which are kept in the best repair and are models of neatness and thrift. He was married in 1955. to Augusta, daughter of Carl and Wilhelmina Kuel. The marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Piske has resulted in the birth of the following named children: Theo- dore, born in 1956; Otto, born in 1939; Al- bert, born in 1963, and William, born in 1>67. All are married excepting William, and living on farms in the same township with their father, which he has aided them to secure, and they are upright and substantial citizens and acquisitions to the section in which they make their home. Mr. Piske is a Democrat politically, and he and his family are members of the Lutheran Church of Bostwick valley, of which he has been a trustee.
AVID HEMSTOCK .- If industry and ceaseless activity, united with a strong and determined perseverance, can ac- complish anything in this world, Mr. Hem- stock is bound to succeed, for in him are to be found the characteristics mentioned, and indeed he is deserving of more than ordinary credit for his carver thus far in life. He was born in Racine, Wiseonsin, in 1857, to Will- iam and Elizabeth (Steadman) Hemstock, the former of whom was born in England. In 1536 he removed to Canada with his parents. where he obtained his education and his knowledge of farming, remaining with and assisting his father until he attained his ma- jority. He was married in Canada and re- moved to Milwaukee, Wisconsin, in 1556, where he made his home for a short time, after which Raeine became his home for
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Crosse county and settled at Neshonic, where, name heads this biographical sketeh. Ilâ„® after renting land for about two years, he was of German nativity, born in 1819, a son purchased a 125-acre tract in Burns town- ship, on which he still resides. of Philip and Christena (Webber) Beckel. The parents lived and died in the Fatherland, honest, active and industrious, and a credit to their numerous posterity. Jacob Beckel
David Hemstock worked with his father until he was twenty-five years of age, then bought 200 acres of land, to which his wife's was the last of a family of ten children to estate of 160 acres has since been added, pass from this life to the reward beyond; after a long and useful life he peacefully breathed his last January S, 1892. He emi- grated to the United States in 1840, and after arriving on this shore continued his journey to Mansfield, Ohio, where he engaged in the which makes him a fine farm of 360 acres. In 1883 he was married to Mrs. Clara ( Hurl- burt) Bradley, widow of John Bradley, by whom she became the mother of three chil- dren: Horace. Nellie and John. Mr. and Mrs. Hemstock are blessed in the birth of | shoemaker's trade, which he had mastered in one child, Vena Ray. They are attendants of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and in his political views he is a Prohibitionist. Ile is one of the progressive young farmers of the township, and has a good and comfort- able home, and all necessary buildings for the storing of grain and the comfort of his live- stoek. He keeps about six head of horses, twenty-one head of graded cattle, about forty- tive hogs and the same number of sheep. All kinds of grain can be raised in abun- dance on his land, and his career thus far as a tiller of the soil has resulted most satisfac- torily. His wife is a fine housekeeper, and for some time past has been devoting con- siderable attention to the raising of poultry of a good grade, and in the last six months has sold over 100 dozen eggs, and in 1891 fattened about thirty turkeys for the Thanks- giving market. At the La Crosse county fair she secured the special prize for the best sample of butter exhibited. his own country. IIe followed this calling five years, and in the spring of 1545 he came to La Crosse, which was then a hamlet of four houses. He took up a farm which he cultivated one season, and then returned to Ohio, where he remained eleven years. IIe worked at his trade, at butchering, and still later established a drug store. In 1836 he came back to La Crosse and purchased 160 acres in seetion 27; this tract he converted into one of the finest farms in the county; it is good valley land, well watered, and in a high state of cultivation. The improve- ments in the way of buildings are of a sul)- stantial character and well suited to the de- mands of agriculture. For many years after coming to the county Mr. Beekel kept a hotel, and until the railroads were built he had an excellent patronage from the traveling publie; the reputation of his house spread to the end of each guest's journey, and no one ever had cause to regret giving it a hearty recommendation.
ACOB BECKEL .- Among the worthy pioneers of La Crosse county who have passed away, none were more widely known or highly honored than he whose
Mr. Beckel was married in 1846 to Miss Frank, a daughter of AAdam and Barbara Frank, who emigrated to America in 1835. Twelve children were born to them, eight of whom are living: Mary married John Wack- er, and they have five children; Christena is
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the wife of Raymond Tausche, and they are generous patronage they have received at the the parents of seven children: Elizabeth; hands of the citizens of La Crosse. Louisa married Lute Stinson: Louis: Emma is the wife of John Bauer; Ida married 4 Mr. Pope: Lena is the youngest. Mrs. Eliza- beth ( Frank) Beckel passed out of the bond- age of this life October 15, 1879; this was a sad affliction to the husband and children, to whom she had been all that a wife and mother could be.
Mr. Beckel held various township offices and was Postmaster, discharging all the duties that fell to his lot with a fidelity that won the confidence of the entire community. The habits of industry and the high and honor- able principles by which he was reared re- mained with him through life, and developed within him a manhood worthy of all respeet.
OFIS P. BECKEL, a member of the enterprising firm of Lamb & Beckel. was born in La Crosse county, Wiscon- sin, August S. 1562, a son of Jacob and Elizabeth (Frank) Beckel. Hle acquired a good common-school education in the public schools of La Crosse, and for two years was a student in the Wallace Business College. After leaving school he clerked in a cigar factory for six months, but at the end of that time entered the employ of C. W. Rodman, dealer in poultry and fish, with whom he re- mained five years. He then became asso- ciated with J. J. Lamb, giving him very efficient service as clerk for two years. In 1857 they formed a co partnership. and since that time have been doing a prosperous busi- ness, perhaps the largest of the kind in the city; they handle fruits of all kinds, and some vegetables. They are both young men of excellent business ability, and merit the
Mr. Beckel was married December 10, 1>>3. to Miss Emma Baller, and of this mar- riage two children have been born: Lillie and Florence. Mrs. Beckel is a member of the Lutheran Church, and her husband is a liberal supporter of the same, although he has no membership in the society. Hle belongs to the Modern Woodmen, but takes little inter- est in politics, merely exercising his right of sulfrage.
The pioneers of La Crosse county set an example of industrious perseverance which has been closely followed by the present gen- eration, and which insures the future snecess and development of the entire resources of the country. It is to this elass of citizens that Louis P. Beckel belongs, and as such his name is worthy of record among the honored residents of the county.
FROHN G. MOORE, a well-known citizen of Onalaska. has been identified with the interests of La Crosse county since 1566. Ile was born in Somerset county, Maine, November 10, 1544, a son of Hiram and Eliza (Coleman) Moore, also natives of the State of Maine. His paternal grandfather. Joseph Moore, was a Scotchman, and the maternal grandfather, James Coleman, was born in Maine. The father of John G. died in his native State at the age of four-score years: the mother survives, at the age of eighty years, and is a resident of Massachu- setts. Our subject passed his youth on a farm and in attending the distriet school. There was no unusual event in his life until in 1864; in October of that year he enlisted in the Nineteenth Maine Volunteer Infantry. Company C, and was first under fire at
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Petersburg. Hle was present at the time of the surrender of General Lee, April 7, 1865. Was on the "big" review at Washington. May 24, 1885, which will long be remem- bered by those present. After receiving an honorable discharge he returned to his home, but in a short time went to the oil regions of Pennsylvania. Having investigated that in- dustry to his satisfaction he came on to Wis- eonsin in 1866, and settled in La Crosse eounty. Ile located in Onalaska, and for the past twenty-six years he has been engaged in the lumber business, in the woods and on the river. There is no phase of the business which he does not know from actual experi- enee. He has filled various positions of trust and responsibility, and for the past ten years has been in the employ of the La Cross Lum- ber Company, superintending their river interests in summer and being foreman in the woods winters. In summer he usually has charge of a crew of men on the river at the mouth of Black river, taking care of the company's logs and running them to the mill. Possessed of great executive ability, in this voeation he has found a use for all his faenlties, and has used them to the advantage of his employers and to the credit of himself.
Mr. Moore was married in Onalaska in August, 1872. to Miss Mary A. Collins, a daughter of William and Ann (Hutchins) Collins, natives of England, now living in Onalaska Mrs. Moore was also born in England, but was brought to America in her childhood. Mr. and Mrs. Moore are the parents of three children: Abby .I., Flora A. and Edith E. In his political inelinations Mr. Moore is Republican. He is a member of the G. A. R., Wilson Caldwell Post, No. 38, Department of Wisconsin. He belongs to Onalaska Lodge, A. F. & A. M., of which he is Master. He was made a Mason in
1874, joining North La Crosse Lodge, No. 190. Ile has served the people of his town- ship as Marshal, and he has also been a mem- her of the village board. and is at present Supervisor on the county board from the First Ward of the eity. During the palmy days of the Good Templars he was an active and zealous member; he belonged to the Sons of Temperance and to the Temple of Honor, of which he was Worthy Chief Master. In his religious views he is a Methodist, while his wife is an Episcopalian, in which belief she was reared. Mr. Moore has been fortunate in his business ventures, and has been enabled to surround his family with all the comforts of the present civilization.
P. STROM, traveling salesman for Cahn, Wampold & Co., Chicago, was born in Christiania, Norway, Novem- ber 20, 1857. and at the age of ten years was brought to America by his parents, N. P. and Hannah (Olson) Strom. residents of La Crosse. The father was a shoemaker by trade, but is now retired. On coming to this country he first settled in La Crosse, but in the spring of 1868 he went to Northwestern Minnesota to look for a homestead; he located in Swift county, where he tilled the soil for a number of years. lle and his wife had a family of nine children, five of whom died in infancy, and were buried in Norway. Nicholi, the oldest son, came to La Crosse in 1866, having stopped in New York city for three months on landing there. Ile was firstemployed as a elerk for W. S. Hanscom; he was this veenpied eight or nine years, and then embarked in the boot and shoe trade on his own account, the firm name being Strom & Peterson. Before his death. which occurred Angust 15, 1876, he sold his mercantile interests to
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Mr. Peterson. His wife's maiden name was Regina Severs, and they were the parents of two children, both of whom are deceased. Julia, daughter of N. P. and Hannah Strom, was the wife of S. J. Stenerson, manufacturer of furniture in Chicago; she died in 1>74, at the age of twenty-four years, leaving one son, John, who died at the age of sixteen years. Josephine is still a member of the home circle. The father is now seventy five years of age, and the mother is seventy-eight: both are in excellent health, and, considering the toil, trials and hardships they have endured, are remarkably well preserved.
O. P. Strom, the youngest of the family. was edueated in the common schools of La Crosse, at Benson, Minnesota, and in a business college under the late Prof. Wallace. He first attempted to learn the blacksmith's trade, but after two years devoted to this occupation his health gave way, and he went to clerking in the store of Webber & Rogers; later he was with Fred Croner a year: then he went to Mower county. Minnesota, and settled in a small town called Taopi, where he was in the employ of Mr. O. N. Olberg for seven years; he had entire charge of the busi- ness, and at the expiration of seven years he purchased the concern, which was managed by Bradbury & Strom for two years. Mr. Strom then sold out and came to La Crosse, securing employment with Marcus Ander- son: at the end of twelve months he entered the employ of L. Coren, merchant: Mr. Coren made a trip to the old country, and during his ab-ence Mr. Strom assumed the responsi- bility of the store. Upon Mr. Coren's return he went to work a> traveling salesman for Hanson & Seilstad, remaining with this firm one year. He has now been in the clothing business for four years, and has given a high degree of satisfaction.
Mr. Strom has held various local offices in
the towns where he has lived; he is a member of the Masonic order, and demitted from Le Roy Chapter, No. 34, in Mower county, Minnesota: he now belongs to St. Bernard Commandery, No. 13, at Austin. Minne- sota. Ile takes an interest in the govern- ment of his adopted country, and affiliates with the Republican party. Hle is a man of more than ordinary capacity, and has proven himself in every way capable of fulfilling his duties as an American citizen.
OHN L. YOUNG, Burr Oak, Wisconsin, was born in Saxony, Germany. Septem- ber 27. 144. His parents, Sebastian and Elizabeth Young, were both natives of Saxony, Germany, and were reared, edneated and married there. John L. was two years and a half old when the family emigrated to America. They sailed from Bremen and landed at New York, thence across the lakes to Racine, Wisconsin, and from there to Walworth county, settling near Lake Geneva. In 1553 they came to La Crosse county, and here he grew to manhood on a farm and re- ceived bothan English and German education. For thirty-eight years he has resided in this county, and is well known and respected here. The father has been a farmer all his lite. He votes with the Democratic party. and is a member of the Lutheran Church.
During the war John L. Young tendered his services to the Union, enlisting in March, 1865. in the Fifty-first Wisconsin Infantry Volunteers. His regiment was stationed for a time in Fort Leavenworth, Kansas, and afterward in various parts of Missouri. Hle was honorably discharged August 15. 1565, returned to his home in La Crosse county, and engaged in farming. He owns an 120.
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aere farm, with first-class improvements on it, and keeps everything in good shape.
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