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 66

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 66
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 66
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 66

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).

Mr. Shepard was married in Ripon, Wis- eonsin, in 1856, to Miss Ruth A. Root, a native of New York, born near New Lisbon, Otsego county, and a daughter of Truman Root. Mrs. Shepard's parents were deseend- ants from old Puritan stock of New England. Our subjeet and his wife have reared a family of five sons and two daughters: De Witt B., a mason and builder, of Denver, Colorado;

Charles D., of Winona, Minnesota; Wright E., a buikler, of La Crosse; Jennie J., wife of George Ilyde, of Montana; Ida May, Harry E. and Arthur M. The father is a member of the 1. O. O. F., and the mother and two daughters belong to the Daughters of Rebekah, in which society Mrs. Hyde oeenpies a high official position. Mr. Shep- ard is a Worthy Past Grand of the I. O. O. F.

& DOLPHI SIEBRECHT .- Among the many suecessful, rising young builders and contractors of La Crosse, none have gained a superior position to that occupied by the subject of this biographical notice, Adolph Siebreeht. He was born in Pome- rania, near Bergen, November 17, 1860, and is a son of Charles and Johanna (Jahn) Sie- breeht. The father died in Bergen in 1851. and the following year, the mother and family crossed the sea and settled in the United States; there are three sons living: Charles, a gardener living in Winona, Minnesota; Adolph, and William, who is engaged in the same business as his brother Adolph. Our subject began the business of contraeting in 1883, and rapid'y made his way to the front ranks of his fellow-workmen. He is an active member of the Builders' Exchange, of the Third Ward Aid Society and of the Ger- man Soldiers' Society.

Mr. Siebrecht was united in marriage to Miss Emma Teehman, a native of Pomerania, Germany. Of the many countries that have contributed to the population of the United State, none have given to this nation a hardier, more industrious, or more honorable class of citizens than the German Empire.

Since embarking in his present business, Mr. Siebrecht has been connected with the

534

BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY.

erection of the City Hall, the Crematory Building, Metzger's Building, Concordia HIall. Bartl's Brewery, and many others, too numerous to mention in detail.

OHIN HI. SPENCELY is a member of the Builders' Exchange of La Crosse, and is one of the most successful con- tractors of the city. Ile was born in Leeds, England, May 19, 1835, and is a son of James and Hannah (Hilton) Spencely. His father was a plasterer by trade, and emigrated to America in 1840, residing for sixteen years in Philadelphia. In 1856 he came to La Crosse, Wisconsin, where he ended a long and useful life Angust 13, 1890. The mother of our subject died in England when he was an infant. He passed his boyhood and youth in Philadelphia and there learned his trade. He then spent ten years in traveling through the West and South. When the great civil war broke out in this country, he enlisted in Company E, Third Missouri Volunteer In. fantry, and served eighteen months, receiving an honorable discharge at the end of that time, as First Lieutenant of his company.

After leaving the army he went to Chicago, and two years were spent in contracting and building in that city. In 1864 he came to LaCrosse, and in 1865 he returned to Chicago, where he remained seven years. In 1873 he went to Streator, Illinois, and was actively engaged in business there until 1856, when he came back to La Crosse.

Mr. Spencely was united in mrrriage in Caledonia, Minnesota, to Miss Amelia Ilundt, a native of Westphalia, Germany, and a daughter of Joseph Ilundt, deceased. They had born to them one son and a daughter: Frederick is yet in school, and Sophia is de-

ceased; she was the wife of J. N. Blair of this city.

In early manhood our subject spent some time in Washington city. and was employed as a journeyman on the Capitol building of the United States.

ORTON MARCUS FAREWELL, one of the early settlers of La Crosse county, is a native of Massachusetts, born at Lowell, November 13, 1838, a son of Mason Spooner and Sarah (Hawkins) Fare- well; the father was born in Windsor county, Vermont, and was a son of Captain Abel Farewell, a soldier in the war of 1812; the mother was a native of the same town and county as her husband, and was a daughter of Denison Hawkins: they had born to them two children: Joseph D. and Morton M. The latter was nine years old when the family emigrated to the West, coming by team to Buffalo, New York, and thence by the Great Lakes to Racine, Wisconsin. From this point they removed to Fond du Lac county, where they lived until 1551; in that year they came to La Crosse county, and resided near the town of La Crosse for three years; there the mother died March 30, 1877, aged sixty - five years, eight months and five days; the father died February 28, 1879, aged eighty- three years, seven months and seven days; he was a carpenter and wheelwright by trade; politically he affiliated with the Democratic party in his early days and later voted the Republican ticket: in his religion he was a Universalist; he was twice married, and by his first union had six children.

Morton M. Farewell passed his youth on a farm and acquired an education in the com- mon schools. After starting out in life for himself he was occupied with various pursuits

535

BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY.

until 1866, when he located in this county on the Caleb Roberts farm, one of the first im- proved tracts in the township; it contains 183 acres, has a good two-story residence, and substantial barns and sheds for the care of crops and the protection of live-stock.

Mr. Farewell was married, November 5, 1863, to Miss Abigail Seraphena Ilonek, a native of Chautauqua eounty, New York, and a daughter of Chandler Houck, of St. Law- rence county, New York, who was a son of Peter Houck; the mother's maiden name was Parmelia Burdick, and her father was Samuel Burdick. Chandler and l'armelia Houck had four sons, who served in the civil war: Ilar- mon, Francis C., Oliver B. and Lawton K.

Mr. and Mrs. Farewell are the parents of one son, Fitz Leander, born September 30, 1864; he married Miss Mand E. Andrews, a | daughter of Chester Andrews, an old soldier of the late war; of this union one child was born, May 9, 1887; her name is Bessie Marian.

Our subject is an ardent Democrat; he has held the office of township Treasurer and Over- seer. Ile is a man of many sterling traits ot character, and is deserving of the popularity he enjoys.

N. BARCLAY, a merchant of Stevens- town, Wisconsin, is one of the promi- 6 nent, enterprising and successful busi- ness men of this place.

Mr. Barclay was born in La Crosse county, Wisconsin, March 17, 1856. son of James and Elizabeth ( McCrindle) Barclay. His father is one of the most extensive land- owners in this eonnty, and is well-known as the proprietor of the Union Mills. Ile was born in Ayrshire, Scotland, near the birth-place of Burns, December 22, 1830, one of the tive

children of David and Jane (Smith) Barclay. and was reared on a farm in his native land. At the age of twenty-one years he sailed from Glasgow for this country, and after a voyage of twenty-eight days landed in New York. From New York he went to Pennsylvania and from there came to Wisconsin, arriving in La Crosse county November 4, 1551. Ilere he has since resided. He owns a fine farm of 670 acres, well improved with frame house, stone-basement barn, etc. For thirty years he has owned the Union Mills. These are supplied with the roller process and manufacture as fine a quality of Hour as can be found in the State. In 1855 Mr. Barclay returned to Scotland for his bride, Elizabeth McCrindle, who was born May 16, 1830. daughter of W. M. and Anna (Cleveland) MeCrindle. Of the eight children born to them seven are living, viz .: David N., the subject of our sketch; Anna Casberg; Will- iam. of Minnesota; Jennie, wife of James Friend, a prosperous farmer of Mindoro, this county ; John and James, twins; and George, of Montana. Lizzie died at the age of eleven years.

David N. was reared on a farm and re- ceived his edueation in the common schools. When a young man he learned the miller's trade, and followed the same for some years in the Union Mills. In 1887 he bought out the store of Peter Casper at Stevenstown, or Union Mills, as it is sometimes called by the old settlers. He carries a well assorted stock of general merchandise-dry goods, boots and shoes, groceries, provisions, ete .- and is do- ing a thriving business, which averages some $12,000 per annum.

Mr. Barclay was married, at the age of twenty-two, to Mary Friend, daughter of John and Elizabeth (lodge) Friend. Iler father is a prominent early settler and an old soldier. To Mr. and Mrs. Barclay four children

53G

BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY.

have been born, two of whom, James and Helen, are living. David died at the age of five months and Bessie at the age of eight years.

Politically Mr. Barclay is a Republican; socially, a member of the I. O. O. F., No. 318 of Mindoro. June 14, 1887, Mr. Barclay was appointed Postmaster of Stevenstown, and is still filling that position most acceptably. Ile is a successful business man and a popu- lar citizen.

ILLIAM N. NORTHI, is the proprie- tor of the Campbell dairy, which is located one mile from North La Crosse, in one of the most picturesque parts of the county. Mr. North is well known to be a good business man, a law abiding and enterprising citizen and an accommodating and reasonable neighbor. On his dairy farm

he keeps thirty or forty cows, and sells their | during the winter time is warmed by a tank

milk on his farm; but at one time he kept seventy-three cows and a number of delivery On the 29th of March, 1880, Mr. North was married to Miss Henrietta T. McCarty, who was born, reared, educated and married in La Crosse county. She is a daughter of Michael and Elizabeth (Davis) MeCarty, the latter of whom died on the 24th of April, 1867. The father is still living, at the age magons. Ile was born in Dublin, Ireland, March 31, 1854, to Henry W. North, a na- tive of county Galway, Ireland; and Mary (Boulger) North, who was born on the Cape of Good Hope. Her father was an officer of the English army, and held the rank of Ma- jor, in the Ninety-third Highlanders, of the | of seventy-six years, and makes his home Queen's Own. He was a native of Scotland, with Mrs. North. IIe came to this section in 1837. but his wife was born in Ireland.

William N. North received a good educa- tion, in Dublin college, and in 1864 came with his parents to America and in 1865 settled with them at Onalaska, where the mother died, in August, ISSS. She bore her husband two children: Anna, wife of Ruins P. White, residing in Adams, Jefferson connty, New York, and William N. The

father resides with his daughter in New York, and is a well-read gentleman, having descended from Irish land owners and gen- tlemen. In religion he is au Episcopalian. William N. North was eleven years of age when his parents located in New York, and twelve years of age when they took up their abode in Wisconsin. He located on his present farm December 16, 1879, which was then known as the old Conch farm. It com- prises 120 acres and is one of the most fertile farins in the neighborhood. On it is a nice frame house, which is furnished in a manner showing a refined and cultivated taste. This home is beautifully situated, is surrounded by handsome trees and flowering shrubs, and has become noted for the hospitality which is extended to all who enter its portals. One barn is 32 x 80 feet in dimensions; another is 23 × 48; and both are furnished with tracks for cars to carry feed down the center. Ile also has a horse power for cutting feed and a large windmill for drawing water, which heater.

Mr. and Mrs. North have the following children: Engene N., born June 30, 1882, and Villa Anna, born November 19, 1886.

Mr. North is independent in politics, and socially is a member of the Catholic Knights of Wisconsin. He is a member of the Cath- olie Church, is an intelligent and well in- formed man of business. and is popular with

537

BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY.

all elasses, for he is of a genial, social tem- perament and the soul of honesty in his busi- ness transactions.

- HESTER ANDREWS, a well-known and highly respected citizen of La Crosse county, residing near Stevens- town, has made his home here since 1871.

Mr. Andrews was born in Potter county, Pennsylvania, at the head of the Allegheny river, on May 5, 1836. IIis father, Chester Andrews, Sr., was born in Hartford, Connee- tient, son of Levi Andrews, who was of Welsh ancestry and who served as a soldier in the war of 1812. Mr. Andrews' mother was before her marriage Miss Susan Chand- ler. She was born in Connecticut, daughter of Abram Chandler, who came of an old line of English extraction. Chester and Susan Andrews had a family of six sons and one daughter. Two of the sons, Abram and Chester, did good service in the late war. The Andrews family came West and were among the early settlers of Fillmore county, Minne. sota. The father died there in 1863, at the age of sixty-three years. He had been a farmer all his life; was, politically, a Repub- lican; religionsly, a Baptist. The mother died in Allegan county, Michigan, in 1877.

Chester Andrews was reared on a farm and received a common-school education. He was twenty years of age when the family emigrated to Minnesota. When the war broke out he was among the first to enter the service of the Union. Early in 1861 he enlisted in Company A, Second Minnesota Infantry, and was actively engaged in the war four years and four months. He was first under fire at Bowling Green, Kentucky. and afterward took part in a number of im portant engagements; was with General

Sherman on his march to the sea, and was at the Grand Review at Washington. He was honorably discharged and returned to his home in Minnesota, remaining there until 1871 when he came to his present location.

Mr. Andrews was married July 26, 1565, to Mrs. Sarah Frances McNeal, widow of Iliram MeNeal, who was a member of the Eighth Wisconsin Infantry, and who died in the service of his country. Mrs. Andrews is a daughter of James Sykes, a prominent early settler and an old soldier. Mr. and Mrs. Andrews have one daughter and three sons, namely: Emma, wife of F. Farewell ; Benjamin G., of Burr Oak, this county; and James C. and Willie L., at home. They lost an infant daughter, Eunice, aged seven weeks.

Politically Mr. Andrews is a Republican. He is a charter member of Nelson Quygle Post, G. A. R., of Mindoro; and is a member of the Masonic fraternity, having been made a Mason in Minnesota, in 1863. Ile is a prosperous and well-to-do citizen of this vicinity, and owns a fine farm of 160 acres.

OHIN JOHNSON, of West Salem, has been a resident of La Crosse county since 1869, and has been a prominent factor in developing its best interests. Ile is one of the many enterprising and successful men who have come from Norway to this country and have made Wisconsin their home.

Mr. Johnson was born in Norway, July 31, 1841, son of Michael and Malina Johnson, natives of that country. The Johnson family bade farewell to friends and native land on the fifth of May, 1859, and sailed for Amer- ica, landing in Quebec after a voyage of six weeks. They came by the lakes to Detroit.

538

BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY.

thenee by rail to Prairie du Chien, and up the river to La Crosse, arriving here on July 1. The father purchased land in Farmington township, and lived here two years, then moved to the town of Holland, where he lived until near the time of his death, which occurred when he was seventy-six years of age. The mother died at Half-way ereck. The subject of our sketch is one of a family of ten children, whose names are as follows: Maria Olson, a widow, residing at Half-way Creek; Tonette Chritiason, of the same place: Ellen Larson, living near West Salem; John; Michael, who was born February 5, 1844, and who was a member of Company 1, Eighth Wisconsin Infantry, Eagle Regiment, contracted disease while in the army, and died in 1867; Jennie Johnson, of West Salem; Martha, deceased; Thomas, a promi- inent citizen of Ilolland township, this county; J. K., a well known merchant of West Salem; Alexander, the Postmaster and a druggist of West Salem.

John Johnson was eighteen years of age when he began life in this eonnty. He had attended school in Norway until he was fifteen and had received a fair education. After he came here he spent three win- ters in the woods and on the river, engaged in the Inmber business. In 1864 he settled on a farm in Farmington township, where he lived until the fall of 1891. At that time he sold his land, a fine farin of 200 acres, and moved to West Salem.

He was married in the spring of 1>64 to Paulina Lewis, a daughter of the widow Lewis and a native of Norway. She was six years old when she came to this country, and in Wisconsin she grew up and was educated. She died April 6, 1890. To Mr. and Mrs. Johnson four daughters have been born, three of whom are living, namely: Matilda L., a popular and successful teacher for four years;

Julia HI. and Ida P., who are now attending the Salem high school. Laura J., a bright and amiable young lady, died at the age of twenty-four. She was loved by all who knew her, and her untimely death was a sad blow to the family and her many friends.

In his political views Mr. Johnson is a Republican. For twelve years he has served as a member of the board of Supervisors of Farmington township, and has been chairman of the board eight years. He was active in helping to organize the Scandinavian Mutual Insurance Company, and has been its secre- tary and treasurer seventeen years. Ile is a member of the Lutheran Church, and has been a trustee of the church six years. Ile takes an advanced ground on all educational and religious matters, and his influence is ever given on the side of truth and right. At the present writing he is retired from active business.

ARMON SACIA, was born in Holland township, La Crosse county, Wisconsin, on the farm on which he now lives. Feb- ruary 13, 1855. Ilis father, II. B. Sacia, a prominent pioneer of this county and a vet- eran of the late war, is now an honored resident of Galesville, Trempealean county, Wisconsin. He was born in Schenectady, New York, his paternal ancestors being French, and his mother's people German. In 1851 he came to Wisconsin and settled in La Crosse county. where he lived until a few years ago, when he moved to Galesville. The mother of Mr. Sacia was born in Vermont, of an old New England family, and was, before her marriage, Miss Cordelia Packard. This worthy couple had a family of ten children, Harmon being the seventh-born. He was reared at the old homestead, and received his

539

BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY.

education in the distriet schools of the neigh- borhood. Ile is now the owner of 115 aeres of valuable farming land, which is improved with cottage and other good buildings. One of the best springs in the county is located on his place.

Mr. Saeia was married April 6, 1881, to Lena Halter. She was born in Norway, but has lived in this county sinee she was a child. They have six children: Howard Marvin, Pearl Cordelia, Lizzy, Lilly, Harrison and an infant son.

Mr. Sacia is a Republican. Although a young man, he is ranked socially and finan - eially among the representative citizens of the township.

2222222222

TEPHIEN LAMBERT .- This gentle- man has long been identified with the best interests of Holland township, La Crosse county. and is well and favorably known here, he having settled in this county in 1858.

Stephen Lambert was born in Chester county, Pennsylvania, October 15, 1844. Ilis father, John Lambert, was also a native of Pennsylvania, and was a descendant of Ger- man ancestry. Ilis mother, nee Catherine Brockem, was born in that State, the daugh- ter of Pennsylvania-Dutch people. Grand- father Broekem served in the war of 1812. Mr. and Mrs. Lambert had a family of nine children, five sons and four daughters. One son, John Tobias, was confined in Libby Prison, and was starved to death. Ile weighed 210 pounds at the time he was ta- ken prisoner, and at the time of his release was redneed to 100 pounds. Ile died a short time afterward, aged twenty-seven years. John Lambert was by occupation a charcoal burner. In polities he was a Jackson Dem-

ocrat. Ilis death occurred when the subject of our sketch was three years old. His mother came to La Crosse county, and passed the residue of her life here, dying in 1876, at the age of sixty-seven years. She was a devoted Christian woman, and a member of the Methodist Church.

At the age of fourteen years Stephen Lam- bert eame to La Crosse county. For several years he was variously employed, working on the farm, in the woods and at sawmilling. Ile gained what schooling he has at Phila- delphia, previous to his coming West. When the war came on he enlisted, in February. 1862, in Company D, Fourteenth Wisconsin Infantry Volunteers. Ile took an active part in many of the important engagements of the war; was with his regiment at Shiloh, when they covered themselves with glory and honor by capturing a New Orleans battery. One of the guns, a twelve-pound Parrot gun, is now at Madison, Wisconsin. Mr. Lam- bert was also in the battles of Corinth, luka, Black River Bridge, at the siege of Vicks- burg, in the Red River expedition, at Cham- pion Hills and Nashville. From the latter place he went to Cairo, Illinois, where he was honorably discharged, after a service of three years.

Mr. Lambert owns a farm of 180 acres of well improved land, which he purchased in 1870. Ilis honse is 16 x 24 feet, two-stories, with a one-story L, 16 x 24 feet, and is located on a good building site. His commodions barn is 52 x 54 feet, and his other farm im- provements are all first-class. A modern wind pomp supplies water for his stock.

Mr. Lambert was married, April 7, 1578. to Dora Grassma, a native of Minnesota, and a daughter of Bowker and Clara (Turkler) Grassma. natives of Holland. IFer father died in this eounty in 1575, aged sixty oue years. Her mother is still living. Mr. and

540

BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY.

Mrs. Grassma had a family of nine children. Mr. Grassma served in the late war as a member of the Fourteenth Wisconsin Infan- try Volunteers, being one year in the regi- ment with Mr. Lambert. While they were on the Red River expedition he received a sun-stroke, from the effects of which he never recovered. Mr. and Mrs. Lambert have five sons: John, Jacob, Benjamin F., Stephen G. and Harry E.

Socially, Mr. Lambert is a member of the Masonic fraternity, Acadia Lodge, No. 41. IIe is also a member of the John Flynn Post, G. A. R., of North La Crosse.

was published by the Scandinavian Press Association, with which paper he continued ! until the spring of 1856. He then began the study of law with the firm of Crawford, Wakely & Tenney-the former a late member of the Supreme Court of Wisconsin. He was admitted to the bar in November, 1857, and at once entered upon his practice in Madison, being associated with J. T. Knapp and Levi Booth. This partnership continued until the call of President Lincoln for 75,000 men in the month of April, 1961.

At this time Mr. Widvey offered his services in defense of his adopted country. bnt he was notified by Governor Randall of the State not to respond to the first call for troops as he had other work for him to do, which afterwards proved to be the recruiting of a company, which became Company K of the Third Wisconsin Volunteer Infantry. Although he was chosen its Captain he would not accept the office, but finally accepted the First Lieutenancy, being promoted Captain in the latter part of 1562. He took part in the battles of Winchester, Buekton Station, Cedar Mountain, Fredericksburg, and other engagements; and was in the Pope campaign in the Army of Virginia, and in the Army of the Potomac under MeClellan, Burnside and later under General Joseph Hooker. He was Aid-de-camp and Adjutant of General C. S. Hamilton's command from August, 1561, until relieved at Fortress Monroe in 1862. At the battle of Cedar Mountain, it should be mentioned, he was in command of a battalion of his regiment on the extreme right of the line of battle. During the third and last charge in that battle, he was severely wounded, and left on the field a prisoner, and was sent to old Libby, where he was confined for about forty days, then was exchanged, and was sent to Annapolis to take command of

HEODORE T. WIDVEY, attorney at law .- Of the many prominent names which make up the strength of Wis- eonsin bar is that of Theodore T. Widvey, who is to the manor born, and is a true type of the conservative, yet progressive and cul- tured Norwegian. He was born on October 17, 1835, to John and Anna (Peterson) Wid- vey, natives of Norway, the former of whom was a sea captain and the owner of vessels. Ile followed this ealling in the fisheries for a livelihood, but was also engaged in the lum- ber business. Of seven chiklren born to this union, only three are living, of whom the subject of this sketch is the eldest. The . other brothers, P. A. and O. Smith (twins) reside in Round valley, Custer county, Neb- raska, the former a minister of the Norwegian Lutheran Church. O. Smith Widvey is a farmer in that locality. Theodore T. Widvey received a thorough education, being an attend- ant of some of the higher schools of his native land. In the spring of 1854 he came to America and settled in Rock county, Wiscon sin, where he did editorial work on the Nor- wegian paper called the Emigrant, which . the Fourth Battalion of exchanged prisoners

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.

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