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 49

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 49
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 49
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 49

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of the county. He is a member of the Far- acres of excellent land, well improved and mers' Alliance, is a Prohibitionist, and be- longs to the Lutheran Church. He is very liberal in his views, is genial in disposition. and his sound judgment and active mind have proven good friends throughout his career.

II. CRONK, farmer, Onalaska. Wis- consin, a man of marked character and more than ordinary prominence in the material affairs of La Crosse county. Wisconsin, is the eller of two children born to S. B. and Ennice A. (Gilfillan) Cronk. The father was a soldier in the civil war, en- listed at La Crosse, and served six months. Ile was born, reared and educated in New York State, and when a young man went to Beaver Dam, Wisconsin, where he met and married Miss Gilfillan, a daughter of William Gilfillan, who resided for years at West Sa- lem, and who there passed his last days. She was born July 9. 1832, in Barnett, Caledonia county, Vermont, and moved to Beaver Dam, Dodge county, Wisconsin, in June, 1548. Sibley B. Cronk, born September 23, 1827, in Naples, Ontario county, New York, moved to Beaver Dam in August, 1853, married August 25. that year, at that place; moved to Onalaska, La Crosse county, in March, 1855; enlisted March 14. 1865. in Company F, Fifty-first Wisconsin Volunteer Infantry, and is now living at Crystal Lake, Mellenry county, Ilinois. His second child, Jennie, became the wife of Bert Dillingham, and resides at Crystal Lake, Illinois. W. II. Cronk was born in La Crosse county, Wis- consin, December 27, 1851, attained his growth on a farm, and was educated in the schools of that county. He resided in Burns valley for several years, and in 1979 came to his present farm, which now consists of 160

well eultivated. His farming operations are conducted in a manner indicative of a pro- gressive, thorough agriculturist, and his stock is of a high grade, for long ago he found that it was poor economy to raise inferior animals. Energetieand public-spirited, he never allows any worthy movement to drag for want of support if he can help it.

lle was married on the 26th of September, 1876, at La Crosse, Wisconsin, by Esquire Stemlen, to Miss Eliza Jane Roddle, of one of the prominent pioneer families, and the daughter of Charles and Sarah (Jerrel) Rod- dle, both natives of Ambridgeshire, England. In politics Mr. Cronk is a Republican, and is one of the county's most worthy citizens.

ETER DENGEL. farmer, Sigel, Wis- eonsin .- Owing to the fertility of the soil in La Crosse county, Wisconsin, and by energy, industry and economy, Mr. Dengel has become one of the successful farmers and stock-raisers of this section. Ile is a self-made man in all that that much abused term implies, for when he first came to this county he had but the modest sum of twenty-five cents. He was born in Prussia in 1534, and his parents, Peter and Marga- rette (Lonie) Dengel, lived and died in that country. Peter Dengel, Jr., came to the United States in 1857, and his first work was in the butcher shops of Milwaukee. In Anne of that year he came to La Crosse county, worked on a farm for three years and then bought forty acres in section 19 To this he has added to as his means allowed, and he now has 250 acres of as good land as is to be found in the vicinity. He has a good two- story house, and his substantial barn and out buildings indicate the quality of farmer that

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he is. Ile has his farm in a good state of | adopted country, and to go forth in her cultivation, that is, 125 aeres of it, and the balance is in wood land. He has a young orehard of 300 trees that are looking remark- ably well, and he annually raises much small fruit. He keeps about twenty head of cattle, four horses and twenty-five pigs. Mr. Den- gel was married in 1860, to Miss Theresa Stelzig, daughter of Joseph and Theresa Stelzig, the parents' residing with Mr. and Mrs. Dengel. To this union were born six children: Katie, married Ed Johns, is the mother of three children, and now resides in Greenfield; Joseph, at home; Peter, married Emma Hess, and is the father of two chil- dren; he resides on a portion of his father's farm; R. married George Betts and is the mother of one ehild; William, resides at home, and Anna is also at home with parents. Mr. and Mrs. Dengel are members of the German Reformed Church of Mormon Cooley, and the children hold membership in the same. In politics Mr. Dengel is a staunch Demoerat.

ALBERTUS VAN LOON, New Amster- dam, La Crosse county, Wisconsin, is another one of the old settlers and rep- resentative citizens of Holland township.

He was born in Holland, Europe, Septein- ber 27. 1845. His parents were natives of that country, and his father died there. Ilis mother came to Wisconsin, and her death occurred in this county. It was in 1854, at the age of nine years, that the subject of our sketeh landed here, and in La Crosse county he was reared on a farm and received a com- mon-school education. While a youth he spent some time at work in the woods.

When the civil war came on Mr. Van Loon was not slow to answer to the eall of his of battle during the war.

defense. le enlisted August 11, 1564, in Company I. Eighth Wisconsin Volunteer Infantry, one of the best regiments that went ont from Wisconsin, and one that made a brilliant record. It was known as the Eagle Regiment. In the battle of Nashville, Ten- nessee, he was wounded by a minie ball below the knee eap. He was eonfined for a time in the hospital at Louisville, Kentucky, and afterward at Jeffersonville, Indiana; re- turned home on furlough, and before his leave of absence expired was ordered to the nearest innstering-out place and was honor- ably discharged. This was May 5, 1865. After his return home it was some time before he could abandon his erutehes, and his wound is very troublesome to this day; it resulted in uleeration. He also had three brothers who served in the war. L. E. was a member of a Minnesota regiment; now re- sides at Tomah, this State. Raynard, who served four years in the Eighth Wisconsin Infantry, is deceased. Paul, who also did good service on the field, is now a resident of the State of Washington.

In 1870 Mr. Van Loon located on his present farm. He owns 255 acres, some of which is as good meadow land as there is in the township. He sells about 8800 worth of hay each year. He has a story-and-a-half cottage home. good barns, granary. sheds, wind pump, hay scales, and all the necessary conveniences for successfully carrying on agricultural pursuits.

November 18, 1866. he was united in marriage with Emma Olson, a native of Nor- way, who came to this country at the age of six years. She is a daughter of Albert and Jane Olson. Her father died in this county in 1882. Her family, like her husband's, was one that had its representatives on the field

Four of her

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brothers -- Nelson, S. Olson. Chester and William C .: Stephen, died when thirty-two Charlie, served in the Union army. Mr. and years of age and left a widow and one son, Mrs. Van Loon have six children living, viz .: Charles Roddle, of Dakota; John C. and Eliza Jane, wife of Henry Cronk, of Mid- way, Wisconsin. The father was a success- Banke Jane; Abbie May. wife of Dan Han- son. has two daughters. Fernie and Lotta; Raynard A; Ward Dan; Emma A., and ful farmer and was well thought of by all. Willie O. They lost three children by death : Arthur F. in his fitth year, Emmet E. in his third and Clifford II. in his fifth.

In politics he was a Republican, and in religious views he was a Universalist. Mrs. Roddle is a worthy and consistent member of the Episcopal Church.

Mr. Van Loon is a strong and radical Republican. and a member of John Flynn Post, No. 77, North La Crosse. He is a member of the Masonic fraternity, Frontier Lodge, No. 45, of La Crosse.

William C. Roddle was but fifteen years of age whe he came to La Crosse, Wisconsin, and the principal part of his edneation was received in this State. When the war broke ont he enlisted in the Forty-fourth Infantry, Company G, and served one year. The regi- ment was stationed most of the time at ILLIAM C. RODDLE, one of the Nashville and Paducahi, and during that time early settlers of La Crosse county. Wisconsin, and a brave and faithful soldier during the civil war, was originally from the Empire State, his birth occurring in Cayuga county. April 14, 1542. His father, Charles Roddle, was born near Lon- don. England. where he attained his growth and received his education. When eighteen years of age he bade farewell to relatives, friends and country and came to America to he was on detailed duty until honorably discharged. He returned home, and subse- quently went to Iowa, where he resided in Buchanan county, near Independence. for three years, and then in Cooper county, Mis- souri, for one year. Since that time he has resided in La Crosse county, Wisconsin, and now owns 240 acres of excellent land. the same being known as the Poler or Nichols farm. On this is a fine modern residence, good make his fortune. He was married in Cay- "barns and other buildings, a fine windmill, uga county, New York, to Miss Sarah Jarred, and everything goes to prove the owner to be a progressive and enterprising man. Mid- way was laid ont on a portion of this farm. a native also of London, England. and they afterward moved to Huron county. Ohio, from there to Illinois, thence to Wisconsin Mr. Roddle was married, in September, 1850, to Miss Ella Suttye, a lady of more and popular teacher in the county for some time. She was born in Michigan, was reared and educated there, and was the daughter of William and Eliza Suttye. Her death, which occurred on December 24, 1590, was a sad blow to Mr. Roddle, who fully realizes the great loss he has sustained. She was a mem- ber of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and and. in 1857, to La Crosse county of the last named Stato, where the father pre- than ordinary intelligence and a successful empted and bought a large tract of land. This is now one of the best farms in the " neighborhood and here the father resided until his death in February, 1550, when sixty- four years of age. The mother resides with our subject and although seventy years of age is quite hearty. The four children born to this union are named as follows:

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was prominent in all good work. Mr. Roddle is also a member of the same church, and is steward and trustee in it. He is one of the county's best citizens, and is universally respected. In politics he is a Republican.

LLIS B. USHIER was born June 21, 1852, at Buxton, York county, Maine, and two years later was brought to Muscatine, Iowa, by his parents. In 1855 they came to Wisconsin, and spent nearly a year in Clark county, removing in the spring of 1856 to Onalaska, La Crosse county. In 1858 the parents settled on a farm one mile east of Onalaska, where they resided until 1868, with the exception of two years (1863 and 1864) spent in La Crosse city, when the father, Isaac L. Usher, was Sheriff of the connty of La Crosse. With the exception of one year, 1867-'68, spent in Lombard Uni- versity, at Galesburg, Illinois, Ellis B. Usher received his education in the public schools. In 1868 he began keeping the books of Judge S. S. Burton in the office of Burton & Wood- ward; Judge Burton was then Receiver of the United States Land Office and Deputy ('ol- lector of Internal Revenue. Mr. Usher did the clerical work of these two offices for two years, and then was employed by N. D. Taylor as clerk. At the age of eighteen years he became a partner in the business with Mr. Taylor, and they had a thriving real- estate trade for a year. Later he entered the employ of 'G. C. Ilixon, Immnberman, and kept books for him until 1874.

Here Mr. Usher's journalistie career began, as a reporter on the Republican und Leader: he had some knowledge of the publishing business, acquired while assisting Mr. Taylor in the publication of a monthly real-estate paper. April 1, 1875, he purchased a half

interest in the Daily Liberal Democrat of John Symes; this was an evening paper, but was changed to a morning publication in 1876, and the firm of Symes & Usher did business until July 30, 1878, when Robert Howard bought Mr. Symes' interest, and the name of the paper was changed to The Morn- ing Chronicle. November1, 1879, Usher & Howard dissolved partnership, Mr. Usher be- coming sole owner, a proprietorship which he till retains.

He was for three years secretary of the La Crosse Board of Trade, and inaugurated the system of annual reports since continued by Secretary Calvert. In 1887 he was chosen chairman of the Democratic State C'entral Committee of Wisconsin to fill a vacancy occasioned by the resignation of W. A. Walker. He was re-elected for two years at the State Convention held in 1888, his term ending January 1, 1891. In January, 1890, he resigned, the death of his father making it necessary for him to give more time to private business affairs.

Mr. Usher was married November 27, 188S. to Anna M. Bliss, of La Crosse.

HIRISTIAN HIATZ, late of section 27, Bangor township, was born in Switzer- land, May 16, 1834. a son of John Hatz, deceased, a native of the same country. The latter came to the United States in 1857, settling in this township, where he died in 1888. Our subject came to this country in 1856, loeating in Bangor township, which has since been his home. Ile settled on the farm, now occupied by his family, in 1566, of 200 acres in the Dutch Creek valley, where he had one of the strongest and best springs in the county. It comes from a hillside sixty feet above the house, furnish-

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ing the means to supply every room in the and then came to La Crosse county. Wis., honse if he so desires. It is soft water and where he made his home until 1572. Hle and his estimable wite lived together fifty-five years, and she was killed by accident on the 2sth of June. 1989. always maintains the same temperature, fifty- two degrees Fahrenheit. He built the fine two-story brick house, 25x35 feet, in 1872. and the large frame barn, 3>x48 feet, with eighteen-foot posts, in 1975. The basement of the barn is of solid stone masonry, eight feet high.

Mr. Hatz was married June S, 1567, to Bertha, daughter of Ulrich Wettstein, a na- tive of Switzerland. They had five children, viz .: John, Susan. Anna, Rosa. Julia. all of whom are at home. Mr. llatz was a member of the school board several years, a member of Concordia Society, of Bangor, and a Re- publiean politically. HIe died Angust 12, 1.91. of paralysis.

M RS. ESTHIER M. RANDALL, a well-known an i popular lady of Ona- laska. La Crosse Connty, was born on the 7th of September, 1836. Her father. II. B. White. was a native of Tioga county, Pennsylvania, born in 1513, and her grand- father. Elisha White, who was alsoa native of the Keystone State, was of Dutch aneestry. Elisha's wife, and the grandmother of our subject, was a Miss Esther Ingersoll, sister of Colonel Robert Ingersoll's father. Her parents were taken prisoners by the Indians in Mo- hawk valley, and held two weeks. 1I. B. White was reared in Tioga county, Pennsylvania, and Steuben county, New York, and was mar- ried in the former county, to Miss --- Tut- tle, a native of Steuben county, New York. The latter was the daughter of Ebenezer and Lney Ann ( Platt) Tuttle and Miss Platt was the daughter of Sally Jackson, a sister of Gen- eral Jackson, of New Orleans fame. H. B. White resided in Steuben county until 1855,

They were the parents of eight children. four now living: Esther M., Lucy, of Mon- roe county. Wisconsin, Sylvia, of St. Paul, Minnesota, and Simeon II., who re- sides in Turner, Oregon, and is a man- nfacturer of fine steel tools lIe was a soldier in the Fourteenth Wisconsin Infantry for twenty months. The four children deceased were: Royal P., who died in Oregon, when twenty-one years of age: Leonard B. died when thirteen years of age: Mary M. was eight years of age at the time of her death, and Deloss was a babe of six months. Esther M. White attained her growth and received her education in Ti- oga and Steuben connties, and was in her nineteenth year when she married Albert Randall, who was of a very prominent family of Cortland county, New York.

After marriage, or in 1856. Mr. and Mrs. Randall came to Onalaska township, La- Crosse county, Wisconsin, and here Mrs. Ran- dall has made her home since. Iler marriage was blessed by the birth of three sons: Charles E., a stone mason of Onalaska: David W .. at Fargo. Dakota, and Albert E., a young man of twenty. Mrs. Randall lost one child, a daughter two years and two months old. She has a good farm ot 120 acres, on which is a comfortable frame house and a commodious barn, and this is two and a half miles from Onalaska, a convenient distance. The farm is well cultivated and divided up into pastures. meadows, wood lots, etc., etc., and she has a modern windmill. Mrs. Randall is a lady of intelligence, has considerable exeentive ability and business aeumen. She is highly respected by all acquainted with her, and has

Nicholas Hintgen.

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many warm friends in the county. Mrs. Ran- dall was married the second time, on the 24th of November, 1891, to Abner Maynard, a native of Steuben county, New York, who was a soldier in our late war, in the Twenty- Second Wisconsin Volunteers, and served over three years.

ICHOLAS HINTGEN, deceased, was born in Luxemburg, Germany, Jan- uary 17, 1825. He received his ednea- tion in his native land, and at the age of twenty-three years came alone to America, believing that he might better his condition in life in the United States. He stopped in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, where he resided for several years. Later he decided to come to the West, and after reaching Wisconsin he settled for a time in Kenosha; thence he went to Prairie du Chien, and finally, in 1851, he came to La Crosse. Ilere he embarked in the grocery business and continued in active commercial pursuits until his death. He was at one time interested in gardening, and was very successful in this industry. He took a deep interest in good government, and served the city as Alderman for one term. He was a member of the Roman Catholic Church, and in all the walks of life he proved himself a man of the highest integrity of character.

Mr. Hintgen was married, September 17. 1853, to Miss Mary E. Green, a daughter of IIenry H. and Abigail J. Green, of La Crosse. Mr. Green was a native of the State of New York, and a farmer by occupation. Ile emi- grated to La Crosse county in 1852, and engaged in agricultural pursuits. His death occurred in California in 1860, while he was there on a business trip. His wife is still living, an honored resident of La Crosse; she 28

is a native of the State of New York, and is now seventy-seven years of age. Mrs. Ilint- gen was born in Orange county, New York, the second of a family of fifteen children. Mr. Hintgen and wife had born to them three children: Lansing II., the oldest son, died in 1888, at the age of thirty-four years; Jose- phine died at the age of one year, and Em- ogene died in 1877, at the age of eighteen years. Mrs. Hintgen is a woman of great force of character, having the affection of a wide circle of friends and the confidence of all who know her. Both her paternal and mater- nal ancestors are well connected, and her life is an honor to their name.

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UGENE JOHNSON was brought up to the life of a farmer boy by his father, William Johnson, and like the majority of sons has followed in his father's footsteps and is now the successful manager of a good farm of eighty aeres, situated one and one- half miles from Onalaska. On this place is a comfortable residence, surrounded by hand- some shade trees, and his barn, stables and sheds are also well constructed and in good condition. He had made a specialty of sheep- raising, and his animals are all of a good grade and have proven a profitable source of revenne.

Ile was born in Orange county Vermont, October 7, 1847, and in 1560 became a resi- dent of La Crosse county. A history of his progenitors is given in the sketch of his brother, John W. Johnson, which appears in this volume. While a resident of his native State Engene Johnson resided on a farm, and in the different localities in which his parents resided he attended the common schools and acquired sufficient education to fit him for the practical duties of life. In 1879 he went

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to Kansas, in which State he spent two years, but has been a resident of La Crosse county. Wisconsin, since that time, and since 1952 the owner of his present farm. His intelli- genee, integrity and many other estimable qualities have acquired for him a popularity not derived from any fietitions circumstances but a permanent and spontaneous tribute to his merit, and he numbers among his warm personal friends the most reputable citizens of this section.

Eva M. Gardiner, an amiable and enltured lady, became his wife September 13. 1577. She was born in North Oxford, Massachu- setts. She is a daughter of James E. Gardi- ner and Abbie (Money) Gardiner, the former of whom died in 1869, at the age of 57 years. Ilis widow, who was born in South Kingston, Massachusetts, is now a resident of Webster. Massachusetts. Her father, Henry B. Money. was one of the early settlers of La Crosse county, Wisconsin, and died here in 1967. James E. Gardiner and wife became the par- ents of six children, and their daughter, Mrs. Johnson, is the mother of two sons: Leroy E., born November 5, 1575, and Dan Ray. born Angust 9, 1955.

She is a member of the Baptist Church, and earnestly endeavors to live up to its teachings. Mr. Johnson is a Republican politically and is broad and liberal in his views on all subjects, political, religions and social.

Hle and his wife dispense a refined hos- pitality at their pleasant home, and intelligent and cultured people are delightfully at home with this genial couple.

E. KEIZER. the prosperou- proprietor of a general mercantile store at Mid. way, keeps a large and select stock of

goods, which he sells at very reasonable prices. lle has constantly on hand a full line of dry goods, boots, shoes, clothing, staple and fancy groceries, queensware, glassware and notions. Ilis store room is a good building 24 x 54 feet, well arranged, ventilated and lighted and Mr. Keizer has the knack of displaying his goods to a good advantage. Ile purehas- ed the stock of goods of P. G. Kribs in the spring of 1891, and as he is a good business man and perfectly honorable and upright in his dealings he will without doubt make a snecess of his enterprise. His patronage is already large and is constantly on the increase, and foreibly illustrates the fact that "coming events east their shadows before."

Hle was born at Westfield, Marquette conn- ty, Wisconsin, December 6. 1862, to Renard and Mary (Heimstra) Keizer, natives of IIol- land. They became residents of America in 1548 and of La Crosse county, Wisconsin, in 1865, loeating at Nine Mile Tavern. Here the father died July 15. 15$1. his widow still surviving him. The farm on which they set- tled comprised 240 acres, was a very fertile traet of land and was put in an excellent farm- ing condition by Renard Keizer. Their chil- dren are: Nicholas, Martin, John 11 .. James E., Alvin E., Elizabeth, Anna, a teacher; and Mary. John II. was educated in the Univer- >ity of Galesville for the ministry, but is now a business man in Madison. James E., the subject of this sketch, was edneated in the common schools and at Galesville, and made the most of his opportunities. He purchased a farm in Holland township in 1584, but sold it two years later: he is now the owner of an excellent farm of 120 acres on Brice's prairie. which he rents.

lle was married September 17, 1884, to Miss Mary Ellen Pittenger, a daughter of Nathaniel Pittenger of Onalaska, and by her

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is the father of two children: Inez Genevieve and Lester Alvin.

Mr. Keizer is a Republican, and for the past three years has served in the capacity of Town Clerk. He is a member of the Method- ist Episcopal Church, is superintendent of the Sunday-school, and is an earnest supporter and patron of educational as well as religions institutions.

0). BLACK, the leading general mer- chandise dealer of Holmen, Wiscon- sin, has been in business here since 1887. Until 1890 he was in company with Corin McCue. He then purchased his part- ner's interest, and has sinee conducted the business alone. llis large store building, 24 x 60 feet, is stocked with a well assorted line of dry goods, boots and shoes, staple and fancy groceries, glass and queensware, cloth- ing, notions, etc. By his extensive acquaint- ance in this vicinity, his reputation for fair dealing, his reasonable prices, and his uniform courtesy, he has established a fine trade and is doing a thriving business. He is ably assisted by his popular and accommodating elerk, N. H. Tolvstad, who has been with him for the past three years. Mr. Black has served as Postmaster of Holmen since 1890, and is also town Treasurer. IIe is manager of the Holmen Creamery Association, which firm does a business of $20,000 per year, and under his efficient management is in a flour- ishing condition. He is, without doubt, the most successful and popular business man in Holmen.

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Author: Lewis Publishing Company. cn Publication date: 1892 Publisher: Chicago, Ill. : Lewis Publishing Co. Number of Pages: 938

Author: Lewis Publishing Company. cn
Publication date: 1892
Publisher: Chicago, Ill. : Lewis Publishing Co.
Number of Pages: 938