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 74

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 74
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 74
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 74

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BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY.

Leipsic. The father, a farmer, came to America in 1860, settling in Washington township, La Crosse county. IIe had a son and a daughter born in Bohemia and two sons and a daughter in this country. Frank, the eldest, is a resident of Winona, Minne- sota; Mary is the wife of Joseph Kasimour; Joseph, a carpenter by trade; and Angust and Minnie, at home.

Mr. A. J. Bruha is a young man of bright prospects, stands highly in the estimation of all who know him, is a Supervisor of the Eighteenth Ward of La Crosse, and is highly respected as a member of the State Legis- lature.

ROFESSOR JOSEPHIUS L. WAL- LACE .- Among the prominent and honored institutions of the city of La Crosse. whose history has run parallel with the progress of the place for the past sixteen years, is that of the La Crosse Bnsi- ness College. The range of studies is broad and comprehensive and everything is done by the able corps of teachers, not only to aid pupils in their special studies, but also to stimulate in them a love of learning. Being generously equipped the institution has be- come one of the most attractive and benefi- cent institutions of the city, and those who finish a course there are well equipped to fight the battle of life for themselves.

moving to Racine, Wisconsin, in 1856, and also after taking up his abode in Milwaukee. He died in this city in 1858, at the age of fifty-eight years, a member of the Pres- byterian church, and his widow died July 14, 1889, a member of the Meth- odist Episcopal church, and was buried on her seventy-eighth birthday. They had four children: Charles E., who died in early childhood; Josephus L. and two that died in infancy. Professor Wallace was educated in New York city, where he successfully passed through a very severe course of study, after which he began teaching in the public schools of Wisconsin, his first term being taught in 1860. He continued a teacher of the public schools until 1875, when he bought the La ('rosse Business College, which he has since conducted with the best results. In him are strikingly exemplified those characteristics and principles which conduce to the occupa- tion of positions demanding the display of much mental ability; and the superior manner in which he has performed his duties as head of the La Crosse Business College, has made his school a very popular one. lle has a branch college at Sioux Falls, South Dakota, which has been in progress for the past five years and compares favorably in size and patronage with the La Crosse college. A good, sound business education can be acquir- ed in an incredibly short time and the rates 'of tuition are within the reach of all. Thousands of young men and women have been his pupils and many are tilling places of honor and responsibility. During the thirty- one years of his career as a pedagogne he has taught in Milwaukee, Eagle, Oconomowoc and La Crosse only, and takes high rank as "one of the educators of the State. The curriculum of his college embraces book-

Prof. Wallace was born in Westchester county, New York October 18, 1844, to William F. and Mary (Gale) Wallace, the former a native of Glasgow, Scotland, and the latter a native of New York and of Dutch extraction. After coming to the United States the father learned the calling of a paper-maker in Pennsylvania, and this call. ; keeping, commercial law, penmanship. busi- ing continued to receive his attention after i ness arithmetic, grammar, history of the

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United States, geography, spelling, business correspondenee, making and handling of all kinds of business papers, stenography, type- writing, besides other minor branches. Ilis work is eminently practical and the students often try law cases: have their judges, juries, lawyers etc. In 1869 Professor Wallace was married to Miss Emma J. Pittman, daughter of Thomas W. Pittman of Eagle, Wisconsin. They have two children: William P. and Binnie P., the latter being a teacher of stenography and type writing in the college. Mrs. Wallace died in July. 1576, at the age of thirty-five years. Professor Wallace takes but little interest in politics, but usually votes the Republican ticket.

ILLIAM GAVIN, one of the promi- nent agriculturists of Farmington township, has been a resident of La Crosse county since 1856. Ile is a native of county Mayo, Ireland, born May 2, 1833, children: Perry, William, Jr., Anna Sarah, John, a resident of Washington State; Gavin, who were also natives of county Mayo. 'Mary and Elizabeth, twins; George, also in Washington, and Edward; the two older sons live on portions of the home farm; they are both married. The entire family are mem- bers of the Roman Catholic Church.

and is a son of Patrick and Ann (Burke) The paternal grandfather, Andrew Gavin, be- longed to the Gavin family of county Mayo, who were highly respected citizens of that section of country. When William Gavin was an infant of eighteen months, his parents emigrated to America, first settling in l'enn- sylvania: thence they removed to Wheeling, West Virginia, where the father died at the age of forty-seven years. Our subjeet was reared in Delaware county. Pennsylvania, receiving his edueation in the common schools, and a thorough training in agricul- ture.

Crosse by river. He purchased land in Lewis valley, which he improved and finally devel- oped into a good tarm ; he lived on this place, which he still owns nntil 1881, when he bought his farm in Farmington township. He and his sons own 320 acres, well improved with substantial buildings and in an advanced state of cultivation. The residence, a two- story structure, was built by Michael Moloy, and is a very comfortable dwelling; the barns and sheds are convenient, and the entire place wears an air of thrift that reflects credit upon the owner. Mr. Gavin has given especial attention to the dairy business, and keeps ahont twenty cows for this purpose.

He was united in marriage, November 8, 1855, in the State of Pennsylvania, to Miss Saralı McQuigen, a native of county Tyrone. Ireland, and a daughter of William and Mary (Donely) MeQuigen, natives of the Emerald Isle. Mr. and Mrs. McQnigen never left their own country; both are now deceased. To Mr. and Mrs. Gavin have been born eight

Mr. Gavin affiliates with the Democratic party, and gives a cordial support to those enterprises which are originated for the bene- fit of the general public.

TOIIN CAPPER was born on the farm on which he now lives, near Stevenstown, Ilolland township, La Crosse county, Wisconsin, June 21, 1856, and is one of the representative farmers of the neighborhood.

In 1856 he joined the caravan of emigrants moving to the frontier, and settled in La Crosse county: the journey was made by rail- road to Galena, Illinois, and thence to La A sketch of his life will be found of interest

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to many, and, briefly given, it is as follows:

Mr. Capper comes of Scotch- Irish parents. Ilis father, William Capper, was born in 1817, at Warrenstown, near Belfast, county Down, Ireland, son of James Capper. Ile was reared and educated at his native place Mr. Capper has a farm of 245 aeres. Ilis modern residence was erected in 1590, and is and there learned the trade of weaver. lo September, 1837, he married Mary Jane ; located on the Galesville and Stevenstown road. This home, beautifully situated on a natural building site, is shaded by pine trees that were set out by the owner's father. A wind pump, substantial farm buildings, good fenees, ete., are among the other improve- ments on this place, and everything is kept in first-class order. Aside from his general farming Mr. Capper is also engaged in operating a thresher. Ile owns a good machine and for ten years has run it success- fully during the autumn season.

Russell, a native of the same place and a daughter of Robert and Isabella (Graham) Russell. In 1847 he and his wife came to America and settled in Rhode Island, where they remained until 1853, when they came to Wisconsin and took a Government elaim, the same land on which John Capper now lives. William Capper was among the first settlers in this neighborhood, and here he passed the rest of his life and died. Ile and his wife had a family of ten children, six of whom are deceased. Those living are : James, who lives in Burns township, this county; Mrs. Elizabeth Kane, of Farmington town- ship: Robert Henry, of Holland township; and John, whose name appears above. The father was a man highly respected by all who knew him. Ile spent his life engaged in agricultural pursuits; was in politics a Repub- liean; in religion a member of the Church of England. His widow still resides on the ok homestead with her son John, where she enjoys all the comforts of life in her declining years.

John Capper was reared here, received his edneation in the district schools, and, like many of the early residents here, had some experience in working in the woods. IIe was married, April 18, 1886, to Miss Kate Harmon, a native of Maine. She is a dangh- ter of Joseph Harmon, also a native of Maine, and now a resident of La Crosse county, and in Lewis valley, this county, she was reared. Her mother, whose maiden name was Sylven - dia Guilford, was born in that State, and died

here in 1889. Mr. and Mrs. Harmon had a family of nine children, five of whom are living. Mr. Capper and his wife have four children, viz .: Mand Elizabeth, Minnie Syl- vendia, Edith Myra and John Edwin, twins.

In politics he atliliates with the Republican party.

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LE EVESON, one of the popular, in- telligent and successful citizens of Mindoro township, La Crosse county, Wisconsin, dates his arrival here in 1868. lle is well known throughout this part of the county, and merits appropriate mention in its history. Briefly given, a review of his life is as follows:

Ole Eveson was born in Norway, October 18. 1850, son of Evan Larson and Carrie (Emensen) Larson. His parents, natives of Norway, were reared and married in that country. His mother died when he was a babe, and left three other children: Gester, Andrew and Louis. Andrew is now deceased. Ole Evenson was reared on a farm in Norway, and attended school until he was fifteen years of age. When he was eighteen he came to America and took up his abode in Wisconsin.

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Here he was variously employed, first on a the sea to the European Continent, we find farm, then for eleven years in the pine woods, his birthplace in Poland, in the city of War- and for two springs was on the drive. A strong and active young man, he made a sue- cess at whatever he undertook. Hle now owns a farm of 160 acres, which was Government land at the time he came here and which he obtained through the small colony. It is rich soil and very productive, and in develop- ing this fine farm he has expended much time and hard work. He has now a comfortable | home and good farm buildings, and keeps everything about his premises in first-class order, devoting his time to general farming and dairying. saw, where he first saw the light of day Jan- mary 10, 1522. His parents were Jacob and Rosanna (Schwartz) Warsaw, natives of the same country and city; the father was a wagonmaker by trade and emigrated to America when a young man: he settled in the State of Pennsylvania, but afterward re moved to Cincinnati, Ohio, where he died about the year 1832. He left two sons and four daughters. Andrew A. passed a portion of his youth in Cincinnati, and there learned his trade, that of a plasterer. In 1857 he came to La Crosse, where he has carried on a thriving business. Ile is a charter member of the Builders' Exchange, and takes an active interest in the movements and deliberations of that body.

Mr. Eveson was united in marriage, March 31. 1879, with Housene Gullickson, a native of Norway. At the age of ten years she came to this country with her mother, Ingbaar Gullickson, who is now a resident of Mr. Warsaw was married in Covington, Kentucky, to Miss Josephine Patton, a daugh- ter of John Patton, a native of South Caro- lina. Of this union three sons and four Mindoro. Her father, Isaac Gullickson, came to America in 1866. He died from the ef- feets of poison, which he accidentally re- ceived. Mrs. Eveson was the sixth-born of daughters have been born: Annie, wife of their children, and in Farmington township she grew up and was educated. Mr. and Mrs. Eveson have six children, namely : Emma Caroline. Leonard. Mabel Gulbury, Laura, William and Torwald Gunder.

A man in the prime of life, intelligent and well informed, broad and progressive in his views, Mr. Eveson is regarded as one of the representative citizens of his neighborhood. He was reared a Lutheran; is a member of the Farmers' Alliance, and in politics is a Democrat.

Samuel Jewel, resides in Milwaukee; John is a brick mason; Ilenry is associated with his father in business; William is a tanner by occupation; May Belle married Oliver French of La Crosse county; Rose, wife of Marion Newton; Delia is the wife of Joseph Gray of Minneapolis, and Ida is at home.

Our subject is a member of the Masonie fraternity and of the 1. O. O. F. Ile is a man of sterling traits of character and has the respect of the entire community.

ILLIAM L. MATHEWSON emi- grated to Wisconsin in 1853, and settled in Lewis valley, La Crosse county, on the 9th day of April in that year.

NDREW A. WARSAW, one of the reliable and progressive citizens of ba Crosse county, is the subject of the fol- lowing brief biographical sketch. Crossing He was born at New Berlin, Chenango

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county, New York, June 10, 1526, a son of is the wife of Charles Jenks; William is a William Mathewson, also a native of New merchant; Arthur is engaged in business with his brother William; Lee is a student at home; one child, a son named Lynn, met with a painful death at the age of eleven years; he was kicked by a horse and the in- juries proved fatal; he was the fourth-born. York. The Mathewson family were pioneers of the Empire State, and were descendants of Scotch ancestors. William Mathewson was a soldier in the war of 1812, doing valiant service in the cause he had espoused His death occurred in 1829. His wife, whose maiden name was Maria Briggs, was born in the Mohawk valley, and her parents were of Dutch ancestry; she died August 7, 1886, in her ninetieth year. They reared a family of tive sons and one daughter.

Mr. Mathewson lived in Lewis valley, near Mindoro, for many years; he opened up a valuable farm on which he made great im- provements ; he finally sold this place and removed to Onalaska. as he desired to give his children better educational advantages, and to retire from active agricultural pursuits. Ife owns a good dwelling pleasantly sur- rounded, and furnished with many modern conveniences. He keeps a large number of bees, and has proven a very successful apiar- ist. Politically he affiliates with the Repub- lican party.

William L. was trained to the occupation of a farmer, and during the winter season at- tended the common schools near his home. In early life be formed habits of industry and economy, which, with the principles of honor and uprightness instilled into him, laid the foundation of a character not easily turned from the path of rectitude. Mr. Mathewson was first married at the age of twenty-two years, to Miss Jane Sage, a native of Che- nango county, New York, and a daughter of ATHAN CLARK, a prominent citizen of Onalaska, was born near Lowell, Dodge county, Wisconsin, June 28, 1843, a son of Daniel Clark, a farmer who was an early settler in the Territory of Wis- eonsin near Racine, Watertown and Dundee; in 1854 he moved to the vicinity of New Amsterdam, La Crosse county, where he lived until his death, at the age of sixty-eight years. For his wife he married Rosanna Allen, a native of Ashtabula county, Ohio, and they had nine sons and five danghters, four sons and two daughters are yet living. Simeon and Deborah (Holmes) Sage, who were also New Yorkers by birth. In 1853 he came with his wife and children to Lewis valley, where Mrs. Mathewson died, leaving four children: Julius, Henrietta, wife of Henry Kendrick; Mrs. Mary McIntosh, who died leaving one child, Earl, and Marcellus, who died at the age of eighteen years. Mr. Mathewson was married in June, 1860, to Miss Ellen Hodge, a member of one of the prominent pioneer families, and a native of Jefferson county, New York. Her parents, Robert and Jessie (Halberton) Hodge, were Mr. Nathan Clark was a lad of twelve years when the family located in this county. At he age of fifteen he entered the employ of G. C. Hixon. Being strong, sturdy, quiek and reliable, he was in a short time promoted to a position of trust, in which he had charge natives of England and Scotland respectively : the father died in 1887, at the age of eighty- four years, and the mother passed away, aged seventy-seven years. By the second marriage there were six children : Jessie, wife of George Moulton; Lizzie, who was a popular teacher, ' of work on the river, and of a lumber camp

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in the woods. After following the business of lumbering for some years he began to operate a sawmill in connection therewith, and also engaged in merchandising in Clark county, doing a large and profitable business. At length he engaged in farming for one year, 1886-87; then he entered the hardware trade at Onalaska, which he afterward sold to Gunderson & Co. In 1891 be purchased the Onalaska House, the best hotel in the town, which he is now conducting in a first- class manner. Some years ago he went to Codington county, South Dakota, where he was one of the first settlers, and helped to organize the county. He has also visited C'alifornia, Oregon, Washington and other sections of the wonderful West. He is a member of the Odd Fellows' order, being a charter member of the lodge at Onalaska. In 1889 he was Alderman in this city, and in 1890 Mayor. Ilis residence is a fine brick house, and he has other valuable property, including a good farm of 410 aeres near New Amsterdam, well improved, and also a large tract of land in Clark and Taylor counties.

For his wife he married Abbie Cummings, who was born in Waupaca county, this State, a danghter of George Cummings, and they have three children: Franklin, Fannie and Mary.

ICHARD R. EVANS, a druggist and pharmacist of Bangor, was born in South Wales, August 27, 1849, a son of Morgan Evans, a native of the same conntry. The latter brought his family to the United States in 1851, settling on a farm in Dodge county, Wisconsin, and in 1866 removed to Bangor, settling one and a half miles southeast of the village. The mother died Ausust 17, 1889, at the age of eighty-

nine years, and the father May 13, 1886, also at the age of eighty-nine years.

Richard R., our subject, left home at the age of fourteen years and traveled through the Southern and Western States and Terri- tories. He was in Idaho during the war, and there became a member of Company A, Eleventh Ohio Cavalry, and assisted in guard- ing the emigrant trains and ranches from the ravages of the Indians. After serving one year he returned and engaged in the drug business in Chicago seven years, after which, in 1871, he came to Bangor to visit his parents, who persuaded him to locate here. He at | once established a drug store, where he keeps a full line of drugs, paints, oils, wall paper, window and plate glass, carrying a capital stock of $2,500, his annual sales amounting to $5,000 or $6,000.

Mr. Evans was married in May, 1872, to Jennie Thomas, a daughter of William W. Thomas, deceased, formerly a pioneer of this county. They have but one child, who is now deceased. Mrs. Evans died in 1878, and in 1881 Mr. Evans married Mary A. Jones, a daughter of David Jones, deceased. By this marriage there was also one child, who died at the age of fourteen months. Mr. Evans has declined all official honors, and is now a member of Modern Woodmen of America and of the Baptist Church.

YATT II. GRAVES, attorney at law and cashier of the West Salem Bank- ing Company, was born at Deeatur, Green county, Wisconsin, June 9, 1856, and is a son of William G and Sarah A. Graves, residents of Cooksville, Rock county, Wis- consin. For the past thirty years his father has been a carriage and wagon manufacturer,

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but has now retired from active business. Ile was a soldier in the late civil war, volun- teering with twelve others in Company (', Second Wisconsin Cavalry. He was regi- mental blacksmith for three years, and, at the elose of the war, was honorably discharged. Mrs. Graves, mother of our subject, is a lady of rare refinement and literary ability. being a poetess of considerable merit. They had seven eliildren, of whom the eldest, Carrie, died when four years of age, and of the six still surviving, four have been teachers of decided ability, one still following that pro- fession.

Our subjeet was educated in the publie schools of Cooksville, Evansville and Madison. He then taught one year at Appleton, Min- nesota, and at Morris, Minnesota. After this, he turned his attention to the profession of law, beginning his study under the direc- tion of the Hon. John Wynans and the late Judge Conger, of Janesville, Wisconsin, being admitted to the bar when barely twenty-one years of age. From Janesville he went to Evansville, remaining there from the spring until autumn, after which he went to Areadia, where he practiced for one year. In 1582 he came to West Salem, where he has been very successful in legal work. Ile organized the first bank ever established in West Salem, and in 1889 sold the business and building, preserving all books and dis- counts, and reserving the right to organize and open another bank if he desired. On the 24th of May, of the same year, he had a new building completed and a banking es- tablishment in operation. He virtually started the first newspaper of West Salem, the West Salem Journal, and supported the enterprise by his influence and money until it reached a self-supporting basis. He has expended a larger sum of money than any other one citizen in the erection of residences

and business buildings in the place, and has generously contributed to philanthropic movements.

Mr. Graves was married in Galesville, Trempealean county, Wisconsin, to Miss Emma A. Boynton, a daughter of William and Sarah Boynton. Her father was a promi- nent man in the county, having held various official positions, and was respected by all. Mr. and Mrs. Graves have one child.

Mr. Graves is a man of a cordial dis- position, is energetie and progressive, and calculated to give character to any community.

EORGE HOWARD, deceased, was a prominent citizen of La Crosse. He was born in England, April 29, 1832, served an apprenticeship of five years there in the druggists' trade, and came to America in the spring of 1850, settling in Raeine, Wisconsin. After residing at several points he located in La Crosse, April 27, 1552. opening what he believed to be the first drug store between Dubuque and St. Paul, in partnership with S. D. llastings, In 1884 he was president of the Pharmaceutical So- ciety. Was a County Supervisor several years, member of the School Board, and Al- derman for the Fourth Ward. Ile died in the spring of 1892, leaving a widow and two children: Iferbert and Mrs. (. Van Auken. lle was a Mason, Odd Fellow, and a member of A. O. U. W. He took great interest in edneational matters, and was therefore an efficient member of the School Board, and in all his official relations he left a favorable impression upon the community.

He enjoyed the respect of the people of La Crosse, to whom he was very generally known, having been in active business so long and a social, genial companion among men.

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BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY.

JOHN F. BUTLER, merchant, Nelson. Wisconsin .- Among the varied and ex- tensive business operations carried on in the progressive village of Fairview, Wisconsin, there is none that meets more general recognition than that of merchandis- ing. A prominent citizen engaged in this line of business is John F. Butler, a native of Eddyville, Armstrong county, Pennsylvania, his birth occurring March 2, 1843. His parents, Isaac and Christina (Guld) Butler, came to Wisconsin and located on a farm near what is now Fairview, in the fall of 1864. The father's death occurred Angust 26, 1881. The mother is still living. They owned a large tract of land in Nelson town- ship. Isaac Butler's grandfathers, both pa- ternal and maternal, were soldiers in the Revolutionary war. Mrs. Butler's father was a soldier in the Mexican war, and her paternal grandfather in the Revolution. John F. But- ler acquired a good common-school education in his native country, and when nineteen years of age he enlisted in Company D, Sixty- second Pennsylvania Infantry, August 13, 1862. serving in the Potomac Army, Fifth Corps. He participated in the South Moun- tain and Antietam campaign, but was subse- quently taken sick, while the army was in the vicinity of Frederick City, Maryland, and was absent in hospital until July, 1863. He then rejoined his regiment at Warrenton, Virginia, took part in the battle at Rappa- hannock Station, and was on the Mine Run expedition. He passed the winter of 1863 and '64 at Licking Run, Virginia, and May 5, 1864. he was with his command in the battle of the Wilderness. Three days later he was in General Grant's famous "lett flank" movement, and on the 12th of that month he was in the Spottslvania engage- ment, where he received a very severe wound through the left hip. A minie ball pene-

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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