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 58
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 58
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 58
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).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28 | Part 29 | Part 30 | Part 31 | Part 32 | Part 33 | Part 34 | Part 35 | Part 36 | Part 37 | Part 38 | Part 39 | Part 40 | Part 41 | Part 42 | Part 43 | Part 44 | Part 45 | Part 46 | Part 47 | Part 48 | Part 49 | Part 50 | Part 51 | Part 52 | Part 53 | Part 54 | Part 55 | Part 56 | Part 57 | Part 58 | Part 59 | Part 60 | Part 61 | Part 62 | Part 63 | Part 64 | Part 65 | Part 66 | Part 67 | Part 68 | Part 69 | Part 70 | Part 71 | Part 72 | Part 73 | Part 74 | Part 75 | Part 76 | Part 77 | Part 78 | Part 79 | Part 80 | Part 81 | Part 82 | Part 83 | Part 84 | Part 85 | Part 86 | Part 87 | Part 88 | Part 89 | Part 90 | Part 91 | Part 92 | Part 93 | Part 94 | Part 95 | Part 96 | Part 97 | Part 98 | Part 99 | Part 100 | Part 101
Ellsworth, of civil war fame. H. A. Tripp and family eame to La Crosse county in 1857, the mother dying here on the 20th of January, 1877, and the father on the 16th of January, 1878. He had followed farming all his life, and politically was a Republican and a mem- ber of the Baptist Church in his religious views. Their family consisted of five daugh- ters and one son: Sarah, Lovejoy, Mrs. Johnson, George, Ellsworth, of Madison, Wisconsin, and Maria. of Greenville, Illinois. Mrs. Tripp was married twiee, her first union being to Allen Ilawley, by whom she became the mother of two children: Lavina Barlow, of La Crosse, and Joel Ilawley, of Ohio. John W. Johnson and his wife have three children: Ellsworth T., one of the well known young men of the township, born December 2, 1867, was elected Town Clerk in 1890 and served two years; Mary Grace, and Agnes Pearl. The youngest child, Addie Myrtle, is deceased. Mr. Johnson is one of the wheel horses of the Republican party, and has been chairman of the Town Board seven terms. He has also filled the position of school trus- tee, in which he acquitted himself with credit. Ile has been a member of the Masonic fra- ternity for thirty years. His wife is an active Sabbathı-school worker, and the management of the school has often been in her efficient hands. The family are intelligent and refined and have a large circle of friends and ac- quaintances.
ASPER RICHARDSON .- For many years, or since locating in La Crosse county, Mr. Richardson has enjoyed the reputation of being a useful and law-abiding citizen, and an intelligent and thoroughly posted man on all public matters. He was born near Jamestown, Chautauqua county,
475
BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY.
New York, June 9, 1832, a son of Freeman Richardson, and grandson of Hill Richard- son, a soldier of the war of 1812. Freeman Richardson was married to Rebecca Smith, who was born at Ashfield, Massachusetts, in 1808. She was eight years of age when her father moved to New York State, and in that State she was educated and grew to woman- hood. Her parents were Ebenezer and Keziah (Elder) Smith, and her paternal grandfather was Rev. Caleb Smith, a prominent Baptist minister of the East for many years. Mr. and Mrs. Richardson came to La Crosse connty, Wisconsin, in 1834, and were resi- dents of Campbell township until their deaths, the father dying at the age of sixty-six years, and the mother at the age of seventy-nine, in North La Crosse. Of a family of eight ehil- dren born to them. the following are living: Jasper, Matilda, of Tomah, Wisconsin; Aman- da, wife of William Purdy, of Barton county, Missouri; Squire F., of Chautauqua connty, New York; Myra, wife of James Walters, of Missouri; and Florilla, wife of William Gear, of North La Crosse.
Jasper Richardson was reared and edu- cated in his native county, but in 1854 he went to Janesville, Wisconsin, and spent the winter in the woods. He purchased his present farm of forty-two acres in 1870, and on this he has a comfortable residence and out-buildings, besides which he owns five acres of very valuable land near La Crosse. Ilis farm is located three miles from Onalas- ka, and being so near La Crosse is worth considerable money.
Hle was married November 21, 1859, to Miss M. Holmes, a woman whose intelligence ' and kindly heart have won her a host of friends. She was born in Oswego county, New York, and when six years of age was taken by her parents to Ohio, and in 1847 came with them to Fond du Lac, Wisconsin.
The family came to La Crosse county in 1854, but the father died in Fillmore county, Minnesota, when sixty-seven years of age, having been a soldier in the war of 1812. The mother was called from life in Lake county, Dakota, at the age of seventy-nine. They reared a large family of sons and daughters. Three children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Richardson: Bertha Alme- da, Herbert Franklin and Elmer. Two chil- dren are deceased : Flora, who died at the age of seven years, and Squire Freeman, at the age of two years and eleven months.
Politically Mr. Richardson is a Republi- can. Ile is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church; has been elass-leader, and lias always been interested in the cause of re- ligion and morality. He is a frank and jovial gentleman, kind, hospitable and char- itable, and one whom it does one good to ineet. Personally and in every private re- lation and duty of life he has been liberal, generous and high-minded, and he is the soul of true honor and unbounded greatness of heart. Ile has the instinct and training of the true gentleman; his life has been full of kind deeds, and it can truly be said of him that he never violated a friendship nor forgot a kind action done him.
OSEPII BOUCHER, a well- known resi- dent of West La Crosse, Wisconsin, and one of the substantial men of the county, was born on Wolfe river, near Quebec, Can- ada, in 1842, and is of French descent. His parents. Anthony and Elizabeth (Dorris) Boucher, were natives of Canada, where they resided for many years, but finally moved to Illinois, where the father received his final summons. The mother is still living, and makes her home in St. Mary's, Illinois. Jo-
476
BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY.
seph Boucher was reared in Canada, taught the ardnous duties of the farm at an early age, and received but a limited education. At the age of twenty-two he traveled by sea four months, visiting Martinique and Jamaica Islands, St. Peter's, Quebec and Montreal: then spent eighteen months in New Hamp- shire. In 1865 he went to Michigan, thence to Dubuque, Iowa, and in 1866 he came to La Crosse county, Wisconsin, where he is numbered among the prosperous and suc- cessful citizens. He has worked for many years in the pine woods and on the river, and has met with more than the ordinary degree of success. In 1890 he built a fine house, 22 x 26 feet, with an L 14 x 20 feet: has this well furnished, and a large bay window is well filled with lovely plants. He has a good home, and besides is the owner of eigliteen valuable lots in West La Crosse, be- sides property in the city. He was married April 12, 1875, at La Crosse, to Miss Caro- line Egan, daughter of M. C. aud Eliza (Meltimore) Egan, prominent settlers of the island. Mrs. Boneher was born in St. Law- rence county, and reared in Clinton county, New York. The two living children born to Mr. and Mrs. Boucher are: Willie Anthony, born September 5, 1878, and Caroline Eliza- beth, born April 7, 1890. They lost an in- fant, Frank, when only two weeks old. In politics Mr. Boncher is a Democrat, and he and wife hold membership in the Catholic Church.
AUL McIlUGII, of Onalaska township, was born in Springfield, Ohio, October 15, 1854, son of Bernard Meflugh, de- ceased, one of the prominent early settlers of La Crosse county. Bernard Mellugh was a son of Bernard and Mary Mellugh, and, like
many of the prominent citizens of Wisconsin, was born in county Tyrone, Ireland, the date of his birth being 1827. He was reared in Ireland, and after coming to America he was married, at Springfield, Ohio, to Isabelle Mel- lon, who was born and reared in the same neighborhood with her husband. She was a member of a highly respected family, was a woman of much strength of character, and proved herself a worthy helpmate to her companion. After his arrival in this country Mr. McHugh located at Springfield, Ohio, where he worked in the railroad shops for some three or four years. In 1956 he came to La Crosse county and settled at Onalaska, where he worked in a mill two years. He then purchased eighty acres of land near Holmen. By his industry and good manage- ment, and by the able assistance of his sons, he became the possessor of several improved farms, owning in all 1,170 acres. He and his wife were the parents of eleven children, ten of whom are living, viz .: William, Paul, James, John, Thomas, Cornelius, Mary, wife of Thomas Heagney, of Chicago, Illinois; Margaret, Michel and Ellen. Anna died at the age of three years. Mrs. Mellugh died in 1852, and Mr. MelIngh survived her two years, dying in 1884, at the age of fifty-six. IIe was a Democrat in politics, and a Catholic in religion.
Paul McHagh was only two years old when his parents located in this county, and on the old homestead he spent his boyhood days and grew to manhood. He received his education in the district schools and at Gales- ville Academy. Since 1876 he has resided on his present farm, which consists of 260 acres, and is one of the best farms in Ona- laska township. He has a comfortable resi- dence, two large barns and other substantial farm improvements. Everything is arranged with reference to convenience, and is kept in
P.S. Thompson.
477
BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY.
the best of order, the general appearance of the premises indicating thrift and prosperity. Mr. Mellugh devotes his time to general farming and stock-raising, keeping a good breed of hogs and both draught and driving horses.
He was married in February, 1881, to Miss Ida Campbell, who was born in Pitts- burg, Pennsylvania, daughter of John Camp- bell, of this county. They have six children: Cecelia, Agnes, Margaret, Walter, Marcella and John.
Mr. Mellugh is an enthusiastic Democrat, and is a member of the Farmers' Alliance. He has served two years as town elerk, and is now serving his third year as chairman of the Town Board. Although comparatively a young man, he is ranked, socially, politically and financially, among the representative citizens of La Crosse county.
OHIN BANKER, one of the most popu- lar of the city officials of La Crosse, Wisconsin, is an American citizen by adoption, his native country being Germany. He was born in the year 1844, and is a son of Jacob and Anna (Lickoff ) Banker, both of whom lived and died in the old country. The father was a brewer by occupation, and was master of the business in all its details. He and his wife were devoted members of the Lutheran Church.
Our subject was educated in the common schools of Germany, receiving that strict mental training characteristic of the German nation. After his school days were ended he went to learn the machinist's trade, and worked at the trade until 1876. when he emigrated to the United States, determined to seek out the fortune that the New World might have in store for him. He settled first 32
at Clinton, lowa, where he was engaged in work for two years; then he spent one year in Washington, and about two years in Da- kota. In 1884 he came to La Crosse, and since that time has been in the employ of the city government. He was superintendent of the sewers and city works, and in April, 1891, he was appointed health officer for the eity for a term of two years. Politically he is independent, supporting those men and measures which he esteems of the highest in- terest to the city and country. Ile is a mem- ber of the I. O. O. F., and has been an officer of the order for a number of years. In the capacity of a public officer he has discharged all his duties with a strict fidelity that has won the confidence of the citizens, and given him high rank among his brother officers.
Mr. Banker was married in 1877 to Miss Barbara Bower, a daughter of George and Emma Bower, formerly of Chicago, but now deceased. One child has blessed this union, a son named William.
ETER STRUM THOMPSON, who is engaged in the grocery business at the corner of Kane and Gillette streets, La Crosse, Wisconsin, was born at Strommen i Kvadfjords Prestejeld, Senjens Fogderi, Tromso Stift, Norway, April 12, 1554, a son of Thomas and Maren (Jermiasen) Peterson, also natives of Norway. The father was a farmer and fisherman by ocenpation, and passed all his days in the old country; his death occurred in 1890, at the age of sixty- five years; the mother has attained the age of three score years, and still resides in Norway.
Mr. Thompson acquired an education from from the age of seven to fifteen years, and before he left school he was confirmed in the
478
BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY.
Lutheran Church; the next six years of his life were spent with his father in farming, fishing and trading on the coast of Norway.
In 1876 he determined to emigrate to America, and see what fortune was held for him in the New World. He bade farewell to his own pine-clad hills, to his home and friends, and sailed away across the sea to a strange land, a strange people and a strange tongne. The first three months in the United States were occupied with farm work in Wisconsin; the first winter he attended school in Lewis valley where he made rapid progress in the langauge of his adopted country. He was next engaged in rafting, and worked for eight years on the river, the last four years being in the employ of one man.
It was at this period that the first misfor- tune overtook him, as his health failed and he was obliged to give himself a long va- cation during 1887. In 1888 he embarked in the grocery business, and has met with gratifying success. He is possessed of ex- cellent ability, and of that perseverance which accomplishes an object in spite of many ob- stacles.
Mr. Thompson is an ardent supporter of of the great prohibition movement in this country, and has been most zealous in his ef- forts in behalf of that class of humanity en- chained through the liquor traffic.
EORGE W. MANSERGH has been identified with the agricultural interests of La Crosse county since 1855. He was born at Stanstead, Province of Quebec, December 25, 1836. ITis father, Lewis Mansergh, was a son of George and Mary (Stodard) Mansergh. Lewis Mansergh mar- ried Mary Ann Atkinson, a daughter of
Moses and Saralı (Bartlett) Atkinson, and they reared a family of four children: George W., the subject of this notice; Christopher, who was a soldier in the late war; Emily and Lewis, both residents of St. Panl. The father removed to Pierce county, Wisconsin, abont 1856, and died there, at the age of sixty-five years; the mother still survives and lives in St. Paul, Minnesota. George W. lived in Canada until he was nine years of age, and then went to Chittenden county, Vermont, where he followed farm life until 1855. In that year, as before stated, he came to La Crosse, and in 1867 purchased the farm on which he now lives; it was then partially im- proved, but the present substantial, con- venient and roomy buildings were erected by him. In 1882 and 1883 he expended $3,300 in improvements, and has one of the most attractive homes in the township of Farm- ington. The farm consists of 160 acres of fine, fertile land, 100 acres being in the val- ley; the old dwelling is used for the storing of tools, having been replaced by a modern structure of a most tasteful style of architect- ure. The barns and sheds are of the same substantial character as the residence. Mr. Mansergh carries on a general farming busi- ness, and gives special attention to the dairy- ing.
In 1859, September 17, he was married to Miss Eleanor Hewitt, who has proven a most worthy help-meet. She was born at Hull, near Ottawa, Canada, and is a daughter of James and Eleanor (Barton) Hewitt, highly respected pioneers of La Crosse county. To Mr. and Mrs. Mansergh have been born six children: Lewis James has been in the United States mail service five years; Eleanor Eliza, wife of William McAdams; Marion, George Arthur, Emily Jane and Clara Eveline. The children have received a liberal education,
479
BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY.
and have been well equipped for the duties of life.
Mr. Mansergh affiliates with the Demo- eratie party, and takes a lively interest in the issues of that body. He is a liberal contrib- utor to the support of all religious and edu- eational movements and is highly esteemed by the entire community.
OM PAUL GEAR, a well-known resi- dent of La Crosse county, Wisconsin, and one of the pioneer settlers of the same, was born in Somersetshire, England, June 3, 1841, and is the son of Jonathan and Jane (Paul) Gear, natives also of that coun- try. The family left England in 1844 and sailed for America, first locating in Milwau- kee, Wisconsin, and later settled in Wauke- sha county of this State. There the father died when Tom was but six years of age, and left another child, Matthew William, who is now a grocer of North La Crosse. The mother was afterward married twice, first to a Mr. Look, who lived but one year, and then James Gay, now an old soldier. They now live on a farm in Lewis valley, Wisconsin.
(The latter died at a little over six years of age.) His second marriage occurred in 1877, to Miss Margaret A. Kern, an intelligent lady of a good family, who is a native of Boone county. Indiana. She is the daughter of Jesse and Mary E. (Beck) Kern, the former a native of Kentucky and the latter of Indi- ana. Mr. Kern died in Boone county, Indiana, but the mother is still living and makes her home in Clark county, Wisconsin. She was born in 1829. Mr. and Mrs. Gear's marriage was blessed by the birth of five children: Jessie Mand, Myrtle May, William Arthur, Ethel Adella and Ruby Belle. Mr. Gear is a Republican in polities but has never aspired for office, preferring the peace- ful life of the farm instead. Ile is genial and hospitable, and has a host of warm friends. He delights in hunting and has killed many dear and one bear in La Crosse connty.
HOMAS BARCLAY, of Farmington township, is one of the well-known and highly respected citizens of La Crosse county. He came here in 1857, and has sinee made this place his home.
Mr. Gear was reared in Waukesha county, Wisconsin, and was early initiated into the Mr. Barelay dates his birth in Ayrshire, Scotland, February 7, 1836. His parents, William and Catherine (Granger) Barelay, were both natives of Ayrshire, and passed their lives and died in Scotland. They had a family of six sons and three daughters. The father died at the age of seventy-four years. He was a farmer all his life, and was a member of the Presbyterian Church. The mother departed this life at the age of sixty- three years. Thomas Barelay was reared and edneated in his native land, remaining there until he reached his majority. March 26, duties of farm life. He received but a lim- ited education, and after growing up spent one season in the pine woods of Northern Wisconsin. He came on his present farm in 1869, and as this joins the city limits it is very valuable. He has a roomy and very convenient house, and his barns and out buildings are kept up in good shape. He also owns forty aeres of good land in Clark county, Wisconsin, and more land in Lewis valley. He has been twiee married, his first wife being Miss Jane Pratt, a native of Ohio, who bore him one daughter, Clara Augusta. 1857, he set sail from Liverpool for New
480
BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY.
York, from there coming West to La Crosse, Wisconsin. After living in La Crosse two years he moved to Trempealean county and took up his abode in Hamlin, township of Gatesville, where he lived until 1870. That year he bought his present property in Farmington township, this county, of Angus Cameron. Here he owns 120 acres of well improved land; has a comfortable frame house, good barn. other outbuildings, etc.
November 2, 1860, Mr. Barclay wedded Agnes Oliver, a native of Kilmarnock. Scot- land, and a danghter of Robert and Mary (Allen) Oliver. She was five years of age when she came with her parents to this country and settled in Galesville, Trempea- lean eounty, Wisconsin, where she grew up, and was educated. IIer father died in 1888, and her mother is still living, at Galesville. Mr. and Mrs. Barclay had seven children born to them, four of whom are living: Mary, wife of Frank Hobbs, died February 19, 1892, aged thirty-one years; Kate, wife of James Hicks; Jennie, wife of George Hicks -all of Farmington township; Agnes, at home; and Mabel, wife of Ed Stilson, of Jackson county, Wisconsin. Those deceased are Ellen, who was born in 1870 and died at the age of six years, and William, born in 1876, died in his ninth year. Mrs. Barelay departed this life in 1876. In 1878 Mr. Barclay married Pethrine Larson, a native of Norway.
EORGE A. HOSMER, farmer, La Crosse, Wisconsin,-Mr. Hosmer is a firm believer in the soil upon which he was born, having remained in this country since his birth. His occupation is that of farming and in this he has been unusually successful. Ile was born on his present farm, in Shelby township, in 1857, and was the son
of John F. and Harriet M. (Goodrich) Hosmer. both natives of the Empire State. The parents came to La Crosse county, Wisconsin, in 1851, and the father followed farming in Lewis valley until the spring of 1852, when he took up a claim in section 26, which is now owned by his son, George A. Hosmer. This he im- proved in every way and the following year was married to Miss Goodrich. He was one of the representative citizens of the township and held various offices in the same. Ile was a successful agriculturist, a good business man, and was well liked by his townsmen. Ile moved to West Point, Mississippi, in 1888, and there he now resides. George A. Ilosmer received a fair education in the com- mon-schools of La Crosse connty and remained with his father until twenty-one years of age, when he engaged in milling. This he fol- lowed for ten years at La Crosse and other places, and was then in the feed business in La Crosse for two years; in 1890 he moved to his father's place, and is working it for him. In 1887 Mr. Hosmer was married to Miss Ida Oehler, whose parents, Godfred and Mar- guerette Oehler, were natives of Saxony and emigrated to the United States in 1850. Mr. and Mrs. Oehler located in La Crosse county and there they have resided ever since, the father engaged in milling. Mr. and Mrs. Hosmer have but one child, a bright little girl named Gertrude. Mr. Hosmer is Di- rector of his school district, is one of the leading young citizens of the town, and is well thought of by all. In politics he is a Democrat.
UNCAN McINTOSH. an honored citi- zen of La Crosse county, Wisconsin, first came to this section of country in 1852, when he took up a Government claim.
481
BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY.
Ile is a native of Scotland, born on the Cale- donia canal, fourteen miles west of Inverness, June 22, 1822. lIe is a son of James and and Rebecca ( McMillan) MeIntosh, who were born, reared, married and died in the same parish. The father was a farmer all his life, and in his religious faith was a Presbyterian. Duncan McIntosh was reared to the life of a farmer until he was sixteen years of age, when he went to work at the stone mason's trade; lie served an apprenticeship, and later worked in the South of Scotland.
The New World presenting many attrac- tions and advantages, he, in company with his brother John, sailed across the sea to the United States, and after landing went to El- mira, New York, where they both found work; they did stone work on the New York & Erie railroad, and afterward went to Pennsylvania, where they worked on bridges and culverts. John McIntosh was for many years in the marble business in New York, and died in that State, in 1890. In 1854 our subject settled on the land which he had secured two years previous, and for thirty-seven years he has been a resident of the county. He has an excellent farm, consisting of 225 acres, well improved with substantial and convenient buildings. All the surroundings bespeak that thrift and prosperity which are charac- teristic of the Scotch people.
Mr. McIntosh was united in marriage at Elmira, New York, when thirty-three years of age, to Miss Harriet Down, who has been a most worthy help-meet. She was born in Hamilton, Ontario, Canada, in May, 1837, and is a daughter of Samuel and Mary (Mc- Intyre) Down; the father was a native of Glastonbury, England, and the mother was born at Glasgow, Scotland; the father is de- ceased, but the mother survives, at the age of seven-four years. Francis Down, a
brother of Mrs. Melntosh, was a well-known and popular citizen here for many years; he is a lawyer by profession and is now a resident of Santa Fe, New Mexico.
Mr. and Mrs. Melntosh are the parents of four children: James is a resident of Wood county, Wisconsin; he has been twice mar- ried, the first wife being Miss Emma Hall, a daugliter of S. L. Hall of West Salem; one daughter was born of this union, Lillie Pearl; the second marriage was to Miss May Math- ewson, who bore him a son, Earl, who is now six years of age; these children both live with their grandparents: Henry Alga, the second son of our subject and wife, is a merchant and Postmaster of Burr Oak; le is a member of the firm of Melntosh & Rhyme, general merchants of Burr Oak; they occupy a store-room under the town hall, and enjoy a good trade; the two chil- dren who are deceased are: Mary, born in April, 1861, and died August 25, 1862, and William, who died in Duluth, Minnesota, November 14, 1883; he was born July 16, 1864, and was a young man of rare promise; he was possessed of many fine traits of charac- ter, and his death was a sad blow to his fam- ily and a wide circle of friends.
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.