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 63
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 63
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 63
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
511
BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY.
position, and discharged the duties of the office with honor to himself. May 10, 1864, while gallantly leading his regiment on the sixth day of the battle, he met his death from a rebel ball in the woods of Spottsylvania, all the other officers having been killed in the first day's fight. It is said by his comrades that he voluntarily walked to his death in his attempt to suecor a wounded rebel who was crying for water, saying, "I will give him a drink of water." He was an enthusiastic military man, and was recognized as a model officer. His remains were interred in Laurel Hill Cemetery, West Virginia.
He came from the New England States to La Crosse in 1838, and this county never sent out a native-born son who faced death in a noble cause more bravely. Ilad he lived twenty-four hours longer his term of enlist- ment would have expired.
In affectionate remembrance of the dead hero the La Crosse eamp of Sons of Veter_ ans was named for him. A large portrait of the Captain adorns the hall of the Sons of Veterans, a treasured gift from his children in recognition of the honor. Upon the oeca sion of its presentation by Mrs. W. T. Symons, comrades G. M. Woodward and Milo J. Pitkin, who were members of the same company, made addresses in well chosen words, telling of the bravery and heroism of their dead soldier brother. Letters of regret were received and read from Hon. William Il. Harris and Dr. L. II. Bunnell, author of , Jones, natives of the same country. The " Yosemity."
March 29, 1846, Captain IInghes was united in marriage, at East Medway (now Millis) Massachusetts, to Hannah, daughter of Leonard and Olive (Abbe) Fairbanks, natives of Massachusetts. Six children were born of this union: Elizabeth R., widow of W. J. Carlyle, a sketch of whom is just given ; Engene F., of Winona, Minnesota; Ellen, , score and ten years old, and is well preserved
wife of C. A. Bartlett, of La Crosse; Fred- erieka, now Mrs. W. T. Symnon-, of La Crosse, and two who are deceased.
In 1868 Mrs. Hughes became the wife of William II. Stogdill, a prominent attorney of La Crosse, by whom she had a daughter, Cora who married J. P. Jacobson, of Portland Oregon. The death of Mr. Stogdill occurred at La Crosse. Wisconsin, October 28, 1887. Mrs. Stogdill resides with her daughter, Mrs. Carlyle.
The ancestors of the Fairbanks family emi- grated to America about the beginning of the French and Indian war. and lived in the garrison at Medtield, Massachusetts, for many months. Leonard and Olive ( Abbe) Fairbanks are both deceased; the former died at Medway, Massachusetts, in 1975, at the age of eighty-six, and the latter at the same place in 1845, aged fifty-five years. Mr. Fairbanks was four times married, Mrs. Stogdill being a child of the third union. Mrs. Stogdill and Leonard Fairbanks, of Mil- ford, Massachusetts, are the only surviving members of a family of eight.
OHN S. JONES, who has been identified with the farming interests of La Crosse eounty since 1868, was born in the Southern part of Wales, October 17, 1845, and is a son of David S. and Ifannah ( Davis) father was a shoemaker by trade, and was the owner of a large shoe store, keeping five skilled workmen to meet the demands of his trade. lfe was a quiet. retiring man, and a good citizen. Ile died March 15, 1861, aged forty-five years; his widow still survives, liv- ing in the same place, in the same house in which her children were born; she is three-
519
BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY.
in mind and body. Our subject is one of a family of five children; David is conducting the business established by his father, except- ing on a much enlarged scale. He married Ellen Davis, and they have two children, David and John T .; John S., the subject of this biography, is the second-born; Thomas died at the age of twenty-eight years; Mary died at the age of five years, and a second daughter, also named Mary, died at the age of three years.
Mr. Jones learned the trade of shoemaking with his brother David, and followed this occupation until he emigrated to America. He set sail September 26, 1868, and landed after a voyage of eleven days. He continued his journey to La Crosse county, and located in Bangor, where he had a friend living. He was employed in varions industries and worked diligently and perseveringly until he had accumulated sufficient means to purchase forty acres of land; he lived on this tract until 1881, when he bought 160 acres in Hamilton township, which is still his home; this was wild, uncultivated land, and he has cleared about seventy acres; he has a good house, two large barns, and many modern conveniences. He has given especial atten- tion to the raising of live-stock, having a good grade of Durham cattle. Poland-China hogs and Shropshire sheep; he also raises corn, wheat, oats and hay, the last being the principal crop. Mr. Jones furnishes another of the many examples of what can be accom- plished in a new country where will and de- termination to succeed are the chief capital; he had no money when he came to America, but by close application to his duties he has accumulated a competence.
He was married December 7, 1865, to Miss Margaret Davis, a daughter of Steven
and Mary Davis, of Yestrad, Wales. Their marriage was celebrated in the town church. Of this union fourteen children have been born: David, Hannah, Stephen, who died at the age of three years; Charles, Letitia, Jen- nie, who died at the age of one year; Stephen. who was given the name of the deceased brother; Walter, Maggie, Jane, and four chil- dren who died in infancy. Politically Mr. Jones affiliates with the Republican party, and is an ardent supporter of the principles of that body. Mrs. Jones is one of a family of thirteen children : Mary, Margaret, Charles, deceased; Jane, Sarah; the others died in childhood. The father died in 1885, but the mother still survives, aged eighty years.
ATOIIN G. KEPPEL was born in Saxony, Germany, January 2. 1835. His par- ents, John David and Christiana (Bery- ner) Keppel, were natives of that country and lived and died there; the father a farmer by occupation, and in religion a Catholic. John G. was the first-born in their family of two sons and five daughters. Ile attended school until he was fourteen, after which he worked on a farm for a time. Four years he spent in the German army. Then, coming to America, he was employed in a gingham factory in Massachusetts, he having learned the trade of weaver in Germany.
When the civil war broke out Mr. Keppel entered the service of the Union, enlisting in Jnly, 1862, at the time when Lincoln called for 300,000 more, and became a member of Company K, Fifty second Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry. The regiment was sta- tioned for some time at New Orleans and on the Red river; was at the battle of Port
513
BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY.
IIudson and took part in a number of other engagements. Receiving an honorable dis- charge in October, 1863, Mr. Keppel came West and settled in Shelby township, La Crosse county. Ile made his home in La Crosse valley for some three years, after which he came to his present location in Onalaska township; postoffice, Holinen. Mr. Keppel brought with him to this country that thrift and enterprise that is character- istic of the German people, and in his efforts to secure for himself and family a comfort- able home and living he has been successful. Ile now owns 140 acres of well-improved land; has a house 16 x 20, feet, a story and a half. with a one-story L, 16 x 24 feet; barn, 34 x 62 feet ; granary, 16 x 24 feet; hog shed and stable, 16x20 feet; ice house, other buildings, etc. Ilis land is conveniently di- vided into fields for cultivation and stock purposes, and everything about the premises is kept in the best of order. Mr. Keppel keeps fourteen cows, besides horses, hogs and sheep.
Ile was married in Shelby township, this county, in February, 1864, to Miss Kate Schab, a native of Germany and a daughter of German parents, William and Margaret Schab. They have seven children. The oldest, Valentine S., a young man of good education, is the Assessor of Onalaska town- ship; Panlina is the wife of IIerman Pralle, of Campbell township; the names of the oth - ers are Rosa, Minnie, Emma, Clara and Willie. The youngest, Henry N., died at the age of five years and six months.
Mr. Keppel is in every respect an honor- able and upright citizen. Republican in poli- tics, he is identified with the best elements of his party, and believes in the advancement of educational and religions interests. Ile
has served four years as a member of the school board. His religious associations are with the Lutheran Church.
ILLIAM C. RICK, who is promi- nently identified with the commer- cial interests of North La Crosse, was born in Germany in 1854, and remained in his native land until 1865, when his par- ents emigrated to America. They settled in Jackson county, Wisconsin, and there passed the balance of their days; both died in 1875, the father aged eighty years, and the mother having attained seventy-five years. They were both possessed of many excellent traits, and were devout members of the Lutheran Church. At the age of seventeen years William C. Rick went to learn the wagon- maker's trade at North Bend, Wisconsin, where he lived four years; he then went to St. Charles, and in 1876 purchased a farm near Sparta, and for the time abandoned his trade. Ile found agriculture unprofitable and not at all to his taste, so he disposed of his land the next year and came to La Crosse.
For ten years he was a bridge contractor on the Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul rail- road, and in 1887 he embarked in the gro- cery business. Ile is building up an exeel- lent trade, and has one of the best locations in the city.
Mr. Rick was united in marriage to Miss Matilda Peters. a daughter of Lonis Peters, of North Bend, Jackson county, Wisconsin. Mr. Peters is one of the leading farmers and politicians of Jackson county; for the past forty years he has been a member of the School Board for his township, and has also been chairman of the County Board. He is a German by birth, emigrated to this country about 1840, and is yet living in Jackson
514
BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY.
county, at the advanced age of ninety years. His wife died in 1886, at the age of sixty- five years. Mr. and Mrs. Rick are the par- ents of four children: Rudolph, Eddie, Fred- die and William. Rudolph and Eddie are members of the Lebbert's Jubilee Band of North La Crosse. The family all belong to the Lutheran Church. Mr. Rick takes no active interest in political questions, but casts his suffrage for the man he deems best qualified for the duties of office.
APTAIN CHARLES LUCE, one of the pioncer settlers of La Crosse county, was born at Montreal, Canada, in 1833, a son of Charles and Julia Luce. The father was a farmer and a master of all the details of agriculture. The Captain worked for his father and in the employ of neighboring farmers until 1858, when he removed to La Crosse, Wisconsin. He soon secured em- ployment on the river, and faithfully per- formed the duties presented him until he finally reached the position of commander of a vessel. During the past ten years he has been captain of one of the boats of the David- son Lumber Company, and has been in the employ of that company continously since 1858, a fact showing his efficiency and the high esteem in which he is held by the com- pany.
Mr. Luce was united in marriage, in 1866, the year of his coming to Wisconsin, to Miss Julia Jarvis, a daughter of Charles Jarvis. Her father and mother were both natives of the Dominion of Canada, but the latter is now deceased. Mr. Jarvis is now eighty- nine years of age, and is a resident of La Crosse.
Mr. and Mrs. Luce are devout members of the Roman Catholic Church. Although they
have had no children of their own, they have been father and mother to the children of other parents, and have reared to honorable manhood and womanhood the helpless and dependent. Mr. Luce has always been an in- dustrious, energetic man, and without the aid of capital or education has accumulated a competency for his declining years. He has given a loyal support to the government of his adopted country, having the highest re- gard for the duties of citizenship in a re- public.
UGENE J. FARNAM is a native of the State of Wisconsin, born in Fond du Lac county, in 1856. His parents, Eli and Lucy Il. (Hicks) Farnam, were natives of Canada. Mr. Farnam came West in 1836 and settled in Illinois, where he remained three years; at the end of that time he re- moved to Fond du Lac county, Wisconsin, where he was one of the first settlers. Mr. Hicks' family had come to Fond du Lac county in 1842, and Mr. Farnam and Miss Luey HI. Hicks were married in 1848. They continued their residence there until 1864, when Mr. Farnam sold his land in Fond du Lac county and purchased a farm in Lewis valley, La Crosse county; this he improved and made his home until his death, which occurred in 1891. He attained the good old age of four-score years. His wife is still living at the homestead in Lewis valley; she is now sixty-seven years old, and in excellent health.
Eugene J. Farnam enjoyed the advantages offered in the public schools of his town, and had three terms in the University at Gales- ville. When his school days were ended he made a trip through Dakota, and there took
515
BIOGRAPHIICAL HISTORY.
up a section of land, which he improved for eight years; when a good chance to sell out presented itself he disposed of the property and returned to La Crosse. Here he engaged in the milling and teaming business, and fol- lowed both lines until Jannary, 1892, when he was appointed janitor of the City Hall; then he abandoned the milling industry, but retains his interest in the teaming, having won a large patronage.
Mr. Farnum was united in marriage, No- vember 24, 1881, to Miss Minnie Willey, a dangliter of Henry and Janette (Gage) Wil- ley. Her father died in 1889, aged fifty-five years; her mother is now residing at La Crosse. Mr. and Mrs. Farnam are the par- ents of one daughter, Lulu Belle. Mr. Far- manı is a member of Gateway City Lodge, No. 153. 1. O. O. F., and holds an important office in the same.
22222 + 22220
AMES RAWLINGSON, JR., who is known in La Crosse as one of the most prominent contractors and builders, was born at Chester, England, a son of James and Mary (Edwards) Rawlingson, a full his- tory of whom appears on another page of this volume. Ile is the youngest of a family of six children, and received his education in Jersey City and La Crosse, the family re- siding in the former city for nine years after coming to the United States. Afterwards they removed to Wisconsin, and James, Jr., engaged in agricultural pursuits from 1861 to 1863. Descended from ancestors who had been builders for five generations, it was but natural that he too should finally be attracted to this vocation. In 1864 he gave up tilling the soil, and began to learn the trade of building with his father and brother. lle worked with them in La Crosse for a number|
of years, and was employed on some of the largest buildings in this eity. For one season he was in Denver, Colorado, and also spent a season in St. Paul. Inheriting a decided talent for building, he has cultivated it to the fullest extent, and has centered all his forces in this direction, the result of which has been very gratifying.
Mr. Rawlingson was united in marriage in La Crosse, Wisconsin, in 1873, to Miss Marie Didier, a daughter of Henry and Marie Did- ier, natives of France, who emigrated to the United States about the year 1850. Mrs. Rawlingson's father is still living, and is now a resident of La Crosse; the mother died in 1874. To Mr. and Mrs. Rawlingson have been born a son and daughter, Charles Homer and Emma Marie. They have a pleasant home where they are surrounded with all the comforts of the nineteenth century. Mr. Rawlingson is a member of the Buiklers' Exchange, and the family all belong to the First Methodist Episcopal Church of La Crosse.
AMES RAWLINGSON, deceased, one of the first and best known contractors and builders of La Crosse, was born in England, July 5, 1815, and was descended from four generations of builders. He emi- grated to America in 1849, and settled in Jersey City, where he resided nine years. When the opportunities of the Western frontier became known in the East he re- moved with his family to Wiseonsin in 1856, and settled in La Crosse. Ile and his sons engaged in contracting and building, the oldest son, William, being his partner. They erected many of the large and substantial buildings which adorn the city, and estab- lished a reputation as men of the highest
516
BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY.
honor and strictest integrity. Their many James and Mattie J. Elizabeth married Joseph Stacy, and to this nnion one child was born, Emma E., who died at the age of one year. Mr. Staey died January 3, 1566, aged twenty-nine years. He was a soldier in years of experience enabled them to do their work intelligently and with the greatest economy both of time and material. Mr. Rawlingson passed from this life October 22, 1880. in the sixty-fifth year of his age. He ; the late war, but at the end of twelve months' was a man of generous impulses, a loyal eit- izen of his adopted country, and greatly be- loved by his family. He had four sons and two daughters: William, Fred C .. Joseph E., Elizabeth A .. Emma and James. The mother died in 1879, at the age of fifty-nine years; she was a member of the Methodist Epis- eopal Church, and for many years was act- ively engaged in the work of the church.
William Rawlingson was born in Chester, England, in 1837. Ile was in business with his father. and they did some of the most important work in masonry in this eity. Many of the structures erected under their supervision are monuments to their honor and skill that will outlast many generations. William Rawlingson married Miss Mary Ilolmes, and their only son, Harry, is a resi- dent of St. Paul, Minnesota. He was a member of the Masonic order, and was Wor- shipful Master of his lodge for several years. he also belonged to the Chapter, of which he was King. Fred C. was born April 27. 1839, in Chester. England, eame to this country, and was with his father and brother in business until 1858, when he went to Mississippi. When the war broke out he enlisted in a Mississippi battery, and served until the cessation of hostilities. When the war was ended he came to La Crosse again and engaged in business. Ile was married April 3, 1886, to Miss Sarah Cooper. He is also a member of the Masonie fraternity. Joseph E. is a contractor, and a resident of La Crosse. He married Miss Charlotte Ber- nette, of Brooklyn, New York, and to them , The father was a successful agriculturist, and have been born three children: Mary E.,
service he was wounded, on account of which he was discharged. Mrs. Staey was married a second time, to Edward C. Peek, who was an engineer. During the civil war he ranked as Lientenant in the United States Navy, and has a brilliant record as a seaman. Charles Edward, the only child of this marriage, lived to be nine years old; he was a bright and promising child, and a great comfort to his parents. Mr. Peck died in La Crosse, at the age of fifty-two years. He was one of the most skilled engineers on the river, an up- right man in all his dealings, and a valued citizen. His widow was married December 25, 1890, to George H. McCumber. of Fond du Lac, a millwright by trade. Ile erected Coleman & Paul's mill in La Crosse, and is now in Michigan, where he has charge of a mill in process of construction. Emma, the fifth child of our subjeet, is the wife of F. X. De Lorie, a contractor and builder of La Crosse. James Rawlingson married Miss Marie Didier, of La Crosse, and they have two children, Charles and Emma.
IRAM LOVEJOY, of La Crosse county, came to the frontier in 1855, and since that time has been identified with those enterprises which placed Wisconsin among the leading States of the Union. He was born in St. Lawrence county, New York, July 22, 1833, and is a son of Ransom and Mary (Bromaghisn) Lovejoy, natives of Canada. was well and favorably known in his conuty.
517
BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY.
He was a devout member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, as was also his wife; his death occurred September 9, 1879, at the age of eighty-three years; his wife died March 17, 1888, at the age of eighty- eight years. They were most excellent people, and their many kindly deeds ren- der their memory dear to a wide circle of acquaintances. They had a family of six children, two of whom are living. At the age of eighteen years ITiram Lovejoy went to learn the carpenter and builder's trade, and in Angust, 1855, he came West, and for sev- eral years followed his trade; he also gave some attention to the mill business. For two years he lived in the city of La Crosse. and then came to his present place; he erected the Lovejoy mill, which he operated seventeen years, and as his means increased he invested in lands, adding to the first forty acres he purchased until he now owns 300 acres of good farming land. His dwelling is beanti- fully located on a natural building site, com- manding a fine view of the fertile valley, and he has large and convenient buildings for the
with their parents, and are a happy, well- ordered family. Mr. Lovejoy is a Republican in politics, and is an ardent supporter of the issues of his party.
II. A. Tripp, father of Mrs. Lovejoy, was a native of the State of Vermont, and was a farmer by occupation. He was a citizen of many sterling traits of character, and enjoyed the respect of all with whom he came in con- tact. He died January 20. 1878, aged sixty- five years; his wife passed from this life January 16, 1877, at the age of sixty-three years. They had born to them a family of six children : Adalaide, wife of J. W. Johnson; George E. married Miss Ida A. Farnsworth, and resides in Madison, Wisconsin; Sarah J., the wife of the subject of this sketch; An- gusta E., who died at the age of seventeen years; A. Maria, wife of W. II. Dawdy, and M. Alice, who died aged twenty. The chil- dren were all born in Trumbull county, Ohio. and emigrated to Wisconsin in 1557, settling two miles below the present home of Mr. Lovejoy. Mrs. Tripp was a native of Connec- tient, her maiden name Mary Elsworth. She care and protection of his live-stock. He | married Mr. Tripp with two children: Joel raises horses of the Norman breed, Poland- Hawley, who resides in Trumbull county. Ohio, and Lavina (Mrs. L. J. Burlow), who resides in La Crosse, Wisconsin, She was highly esteemed by all who knew her.
China hogs, Holderness cattle, and in grains corn, wheat and oats; he also harvests large erops of hay. He is one of the most pro- gressive agriculturists of the community, and it is to men of his type that the rapid advan- ces in this line have been made.
Mr. Lovejoy was married March 12. 1573, EDWARD LARSON, of the firm of Lar- son & Jordson, proprietors of the Ban- gor Creamery, located on section 14, Bangor township, was born in Hamilton town- to Miss Sarah J. Tripp, a daughter of II. A. and Mary (Elsworth) Tripp, and of this union six children have been born: William E., Hiram D., Mary Gertrude, George Henry, | ship, December 28, 1569. Hle is the son of Ilope and Faith. Mrs. Lovejoy is a member Christian and Cornelia (Sather) Larson, na. tives of Norway. The father came to the United States about forty years ago, when a small boy. The parents had ten children, af the Baptist Church; she is a woman of much intelligence, and that culture and re- finement that comes with close contact with books and schools. The children are at home | viz .: Ludwig, Nettie, Mattie, Benjamin,
518
BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY.
Julia, Edward, Theresa, Oscar, John and Clara. There has never been a death in the family, and all are members of the Lutheran Church.
Edward, our subject, was reared to man- hood on the old homestead in his native place, and educated in the common school. At the age of eighteen years he began work- ing in the Salem Creamery, where he re- mained until the spring of 1880. In that year he formed a partnership with William Jordson and bought the Bangor Creamery, which they began running in April, 1891, and are now doing a profitable business. Mr. Larson is an enterprising and successful young man, and gives strict attention to his business.
02222-22222
wind pumps. He owns 180 acres of land, where he makes a specialty of Holstein cat- tle, which are full-blooded registered stock, and also has high-grade Norman horses.
Mr. Hfatz was married June 2, 1866, to Rosina King, a native of Switzerland, and daughter of George King, of La Crosse county. They have had eight children, seven of whom are now living, namely: Margaret, Katie, Serena, John G., Anna, Rosina and Lucy. Margaret married Fritz Schroeder, of this township, and has one son, Alfred. Politically Mr. Hatz affiliates with the Republican party.
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.