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 87

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 87
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 87
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 87

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Mr. Gaveney returned from Caliornia via the Isthmus of Panama, and came to Trempealoan county from Mineral Point in 1957; he first purchased forty acres of land, which forms a part of the present homestead of the family. and he afterward increased his possesions un- til he owned many hundred aeres. His life was devoted mainly to agricultural pursuits, and he was ever a well-known and influential citizen. In 1979, in company with Mr. Comstock, he bought the Independence Mill at Independence, where they did quite an ex- tensive business; their ontput average l about 860,000 per annum. They were also engaged in the lumber business at the same place. Personally Mr. Gaveney was a man of more than average physical strength, and possessed great will power. He was prominent in whatever tended to promote the best interests of the community in which he lived, and possessed the respect and esteem of his fellow-citizens. In his political affilia- tions he was a Republican, but not a seeker for official place, though he accepted a number of local offices, including that of chairman of his township. He was appointed Postmaster in June, 1876, and served until July. 1985. when he resigned. He was a successful busi- ness man, and at his death, which occurred June 21, 1889, the community was hereft of one of its most worthy citizens. He left be- hind him a record worthy of preservation ia the annals of his county.

BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY.

IIe was married in Arcadia, to Maria Martha Briggs, a native of Vermont. Three children were born of this union, two sons and a daughter: Charles, the eldest. was born May 27, 1861, and died December 5, 1889; John C. was the next in order of birth; and the only daughter, Mamie, died in 1879, at the age of eleven years. The mother still re- sides at the pleasant homestead near the vil- lage of Arcadia.

John Comstock Gaveney was born in Arcadia. June 30, 1863. He graduated in the general science course of the Wisconsin State University at Madison, in 1885, and from the law department of the university in 1888. He began the practice of his profes- sion in the city of Milwaukee, but a short time afterward accepted a position from J. O. Raymond, of Stevens' Point, to form a part- nership with that gentleman, at that place. After the death of his brother in 1889, eir- enmstances compelled Mr. Gaveney to with- draw from that partnership, and to return to Arcadia to manage the estate of his father, and at the same time engaged in the practice of his profession. His wife was formerly Miss Isadore D. Webster, a step- daughter of Judge Keys, of Madison. Mr. Gaveney is a man of superior mental attain- ments, and possesses much ability as a lawyer.

EV. HERMANN JOSEPH UNTRAUT is the present pastor of the Catholic Church of Arcadia, which is designated as the Church of Our Lady of Perpetual Help. The first services of the Catholic Church in Arcadia or vicinity were con ducted by the Rev. Florentine, and held at the residence of Nicholas Meyer, about one and a half miles southeast of the present church in Arcadia, in 1867. Father Floren-

tine was a missionary, his home having been at Pine Creek. Hle officiated but a few times, and was succeeded by Rev. Klayber; next came Rev. Theodore, who resided at Pine Creek. He began the building of a church in Meyer's valley, which was finished in 1869, and in which Father Theodore held the first mass. Later Rev. Ludwig Lay, of Waumandee, attended that church until 1875; next Father Beau attended mass at this church; later, in 1875, Rev. Albert Mendl became resident pastor at Glencoe, Buffalo county, and attended Meyer's Valley Church monthly. January 1, 1885, the new church in the village of Arcadia was com- pleted, and the first mass was held by Rev. Bernhardt Klein, of Glencoe. At this time services were discontinued in Meyer's valley. Later Rev. William Weckes attended the Arcadian church until April, 1SSS, when the Rev. Hermann Joseph Untraut became the first resident priest. Under his anspices much progress has been made, the school house and parsonage having been erected and other improvements consummated. The congregation now numbers seventy-two fam- ilies, and 118 pupils were enrolled in the school during the last year, which is known as the school of St. Aloysius.

Father Untraut was born in Germany July 28, 1854, and was educated at Eichstaedt, Bavaria. He came to America in June, 1882, and was ordained at La Crosse in Sep- tember of that year. Ile was assistant priest at Chippewa Falls about five months after lis ordination, to Father Goldsmith, and then became first resident priest at Edson, Chip- pewa county, where he remained five years, until he came to Arcadia. Among the early settlers who were prominent in promoting the interests of Arcadia, were Nicholas and Casper Meyer, and Frank and Charles Zeller; Peter Meyers came in 1864, and Christian

BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY.

and John Hoenes in 1867. The above men- the two families came to Trempealoan tioned gentlemen are all still residents of Arcadia township, and are active in promot- ing the interests of the church.

ACOB CONRAD, one of the well-known citizens of Gale township, resides on i on section 26, where he settled in 1867. Ile is one of the pioneers of this township, having resided here since 1854, having at that time settled on section 28, on a farm where no improvements had been made, There he made a pleasant home, and resided for thirteen years. He bought his present farm of George Brown, of Gale township.

Mr. Conrad was born in Hessen-Darm- stadt, Germany, in 1821, the son of Peter Conrad, who died in his native country many years ago. In 1849 Mr. Jacob Conrad came to America, and after landing in New York he went to Baltimore, Maryland, where he worked at his trade, that of a mason, which he had learned in his native country. In 1851 he was married to Miss Wilhelmina, danghter of William Niemaier. After mar- riage Mr. and Mrs. Conrad went to Fort Madison, Iowa, and in 1854 came to Trem- pealean county, he having been the only one of his father's family who came to America. Mrs. Conrad's mother died in Germany, and in 1945 her father came to America with his only son, Christian. He remained in Mary- land about eight years, and then went to Lee county, Iowa, and in 1834 came to Trempea- lean county, locating on seetion 28, Gale township, on the farm above mentioned as having been the former residence of Mr. Con- rad. Mr. Niemaier died in this township. August 2. 1862. Mrs. Conrad, the only daughter of her parents, came to America two years after her father and brother, but

county together from lowa. Mr. and Mrs. Conrad have seven children, one son and six daughters, namely: Lonisa, wife of William Young, of La Crosse county: Julia, wife of Thomas Hardie, of Gale township: Mary, wife of Harrison Young, of La Crosse county; Frank W., their only son; Augusta W., the wife of John L. Stellpflug, resides in La Crosse county; Anna M., the wife of Thomas Powell, of North La Crosse; Katherine, the youngest of the family, is the wife of Oscar Marshall, of Jackson county. Frank W. Conrad married Wilhelmina Genske, dangh- ter of Christian Genske, who came with his family to Walworth county in 1867, but is now a resident of La Crosse county. Wil- helmina was born on the ocean during the passage of the family to America, January 28, 1867. They have one son, Ilenry, born September 26. 1886. Frank and his family now reside on the old homestead.

Mr. and Mrs. Jacob Conrad are among the pioneers of Trempealean county, and are numbered among its most esteemed and sub- stantial citizens. They have a pleasant home, are possessed of a competency, which is the result of their industry and good manage- ment, and here they have resided for the long period of thirty-seven years, and expect to spend the remainder of their days in the en- joyment of the fruits of their labor and in- dustry.

IDELES GEHRLICHI. one of the pro- prietors of the Eagle Hotel, Fountain City, Wisconsin, was born in Galena, Illinois, June 25, 1860. His parents, August and Barbara (Apple) Gebrlich, were natives of Bavaria, the former born December 10. 1829, and the latter, April , Istl. Mrs.

BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY.

Gehrlich was first married to Joseph Gehr- lich. brother of August, who was drowned in the Yellow River some time in the fifties. August Gehrlich came to the United States with his parents when he was three years old. They settled on a farin near Cineinnati, Ohio, where he was reared. Ile learned the trade of tailor, and afterward that of painter. When a young man he located in Galena. Illinois, and was there married to Barbara Apple. At that place he was engaged in painting. In 1866 he moved to Fountain City, and was employed in the same business there for a number of years, or until 1850. After that he lived successively in Wanman- dee, Alma, St. Paul, New Orleans, Dubuque, and again in Fountain City, much of the time being engaged in the hotel and saloon business. While at St. Paul he had the misfortune to lose his wife, who died January 27. 1587. In March, 1891, Mr. Gehrlich went to New York city, where he is now living. He and his wife had a large family of children, as follows: Fred August, born July 3, 1556: Carrie, May 10, 1>58; Fidelis, June 25, 1961; Lud. Wilhebald, June 15, 1862; George Ilenry, May 10, 1966; Emma Elizabeth, May 10. 1568; Lena. August 26, 1870; John Elmer, September 25, 1874: Alfred Isadore, September 25, 1876: Elenora, September, 17>; John Henry, September 30, 1850.

Fidelis left home when he was five years old, went to Dubuque and lived with his unele about six years. He then returned to Fountain City, and attended school and assisted his father until he was seventeen. At that time he apprenticed himself to the blacksmith trade with Martin Fenerhuk, and remained with him four years. After finish- ing his trade, he went into the lumber district and was employed in smithing for lumbermen, In 1ss1 he went to Chicago; was in the em-

ploy of Reid, Murdoek & Fisher, wholesale groeers, abont nine months; and worked in Hiram Sibley's seed store eight months. In 1883 he returned to Fountain City, and in 1889, in partnership with Christopher Nei- mann, took charge of the Eagle Hotel, which they have since condueted. In connection with it they also do a livery business. This hotel is a popular resort. Guests receive prompt and kind attention, and always have a good table and fine serviee.

Mr. Gehrlich was married, May 12, 1884, to Anna. danghter of Martin and Dora (Pfosi) Niek. Her parents are residents of Fountain City. Three children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Gehrlich, namely: Ma- bel. born October 23, 1885. died October 23, 1857: George, born January 12, 1887, died January 27, 1887; and Myrtle Matilda, born April 19, 1889.

He is a member of the Sharpshooter Rifle Club, the Harmonia Society, the Foun- tain City Fire Comany. Liberty No. 1, and the Gun Club. Politically, he is a Democrat.

EORGE BROWN resides on seetion 31. Gale township, which place he pur- chased in 1867 of Walter Irvine, who made the first improvements. Mr. Brown was born in Orange county, Vermont, April 21, 1831, the son of Benjamin Brown, a native of the Green Mountain State, as was probably the grandfather also. Benjamin Brown married Bessie Huntley, a native of Vermont, and daughter of Dr. Huntley, who was born in the State of New York. Mr. and Mrs. Brown continued to live in Vermont until their death. They were the parents of four children, three sons and a daughter, the eldest of whom, Ilarris, resides in Boston. The second son, Oramel, was a soldier in the

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BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY.

Union army in the war of the Rebellion, and died in the service. Adeline, the only daugh- ter, never married, and when last heard from was residing in Lowell, Massachusetts.

George Brown, the youngest of the family, came to Milwaukee, Wiseonsin, in 1854, where he remained one year, and then came to Trempealeau county, where he has since resided.

He was married October 7, 1859, to Miss Ellen Irvine, a daughter of John Irvine, a pioneer of this county, a sketch of whom is found elsewhere in this work. Mrs. Brown was born in Scotland, in 1839. They have three children, two daughters and a son, viz .: Bessie, a teacher by occupation; Alice, now Mrs. Dick; and George I., born January 3, 1873. Mr. and Mrs. Brown are among the well-known early settlers of Gale township, and have a pleasant home on the beautiful Decora Prairie, where they are surrounded by the comforts of life, the result of their own industry. They have lived on this place since 1867, having formerly resided on sec- tion 26, on the farm now owned by Jacob Conrad. Mr. and Mrs. Brown are among the well-known and esteemed citizens of Gale township, where they have lived so long.

OSHUA RHODES, one of the pioneers of Wisconsin, resides on section 12, in the town of Caledonia, Trempealeau county, where he settled in 1834. But he came to the Territory of Wisconsin in the spring of 1842. He was born in Yorkshire, England, March 21, 1827.

In 1842 the family, consisting of parents and eight children, emigrated to America and at once located in the town of Brighton, in what is now Kenosha county, but then a part of Racine county, on Government land,

which they improved and made of it a home, and there the parents passed the remainder of their lives. The father was born Septem- ber 20, 1793, and died February 3, 1861. The mother was born April 1, 1800, and died February 29, 1872. Of the nine children of Abraham Rhodes and wife five are living. The eldest, John, eame to Racine county from the State of New York with the rest of the family in 1542, and to Trempealean connty in 1855.

At about twenty-three years of age, MIr. Joshua Rhodes left the homestead and made a settlement near Montello in Marquette county, where he lived till 1853, when he sold and purchased his present place in 1354.

He was married February 1, 1857, to Miss Susan F. Stevens, born in Newburg, Ver- mont, November 11, 1834, a daughter of Samuel and Elizabeth Stevens, early settlers of North Bend, Jackson county, Wisconsin, where they lived until death. Mr. Rhodes was bereft of his wife by death January 14, 1890. Ile has six children: Mary A., Ida J., Henry A .. Albert J., Willie and Charles C. He lost two children: Byron S., at the age of nineteen years, and Cora, at the age of three years.

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TILSON DAVIS, proprietor of the flouring mill at Galesville, was born in St. Genevieve county, Missouri, in 1827. Ilis father, Timothy Davis, was a native of the State of New Jersey. In 1835 he removed with his family to Dubuque, lowa. He was a lawyer by profession, dealt largely in real estate, milling interests and merchandising. He finally removed to Elka- der, Iowa, where he ereeted a fine mill and where he resided until his death. He was a

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BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY.

man of much ability and well known in the acres in this township, which was partly im- early history of Iowa. He and wife were the proved, and which he exchanged for the first parents of two sons and two danghters. The | forty acres of his present farm. subject of this notice and a sister are the only surviving members of the family. Mr. Davis' principal occupation through life has been milling. He erected and operated a number of mills before coming to Trempea- lean county ; has been very successful as a business man.

ESTER DEWEY PARSONS, who re- sides on section 22. range 7 west, Lin- coln township, settled on this place in 170. He originally had but forty acres of his present farm, but which he has increased to 170 acres. He has a good farm, a pleas- ant home, has made all the improvements on his place, and has also sold thirty acres of improved land. He was born in Jefferson county, Wisconsin, July 16, 1845, the son of Samuel Lincoln Parsons, who died when our subject was but seven years of age. Ile de- scended from an early New England family, and his father was Simon Parsons. The maiden name of the mother of our subject was Sarah Maria Sherwood, who, after the death of Mr. Parsons, became Mrs. Alvah Wood, and now resides at the Wood home- stead in Lincoln township, Mr. Wood being also deceased. Mr. and Mrs. Samuel Parsons haul two children, -Mrs. David Wood, of this township, and the subject of this sketch.

When Lester D. was quite young the fam- ily removed from Jefferson county to Dane county, and in 1556 came to Trempealeau county, Mr. Parsons being at that time abont twelve years of age. He can remember the appearance of the country thirty-five years ago, when all was new and comparatively wild, and the first land he owned was eighty county. In 1857 they came to Buffalo

Mr. Parsons was married in 1870, to Miss Belle G. Ervin, a daughter of James Ervin, an early settler of Lincoln township. He emigrated with his family from New Jersey to Rock county, Wisconsin, and thence to Trempealeau county, where his death oceurred October 26, 1888, and his wife died July 3, 1890. Mr. and Mrs. Parsons have five ehil- dren: Mary A., Fannie M., Ruby I., Amy Estelle and Archie. They lost their second child, Ervin, who died at the age of four and a half. Mr. Parsons is one of the represent. ative citizens of Lincoln township, where he has lived so many years. In his politieal principles he was formerly a Republican, but now endorses the principles of Prohibition. Ile and his wife are members of the Baptist Church.

一

LLEN II. DE GROFF, general mer- chant at Misha Mokwa, Buffalo county, is a representative of one of the pioneer families of that part of Wisconsin. His father, John S. De Groff, also a resident of Misha Mokwa, was born in the town of Wes- ton, Oneida county, New York, May 6, 1818. When twelve years of age he removed with his father's family to the town of Mentz, Cayuga county. His father, Garrett De Groff, was also a native of the Empire State. John S. De Groff grew to manhood in Cayuga county, and married Eliza Barner, a native of Ulster county, New York, born August 17, 1820, and a daughter of John and Jane (Frayer) Barner. They removed to Dodge county, Wisconsin, from the State of New York, and were pioneers of that

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BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY.

county and settled in the town of Nelson. was engaged in a hard fight, the regiment In the fall of 1889 Mr. De Groff sold his losing heavily in a charge on the Confederate forces. Ilis regiment was a part of the Seventeenth Army Corps, and with this corps marched on to Washington, taking part in the grand review in that city. Mr. De Groff was doubtless the youngest soblier who carried a musket in the service, from the three coun- ties represented in this work. farm and removed to the village of Misha Mokwa, where he and his wife now reside. They have had eight children, five of whom, four sons and a daughter, were living in 1891, viz .: John W., Margaret J., Allen II., George W. and Charles F. The deceased members of the family were: Eliza, Harriet A. and Samuel D.

Allen H. De Groff, whose name stands at the head of this sketch, was born in Dodge county. Wisconsin, September 12, 1848, and was but nine years of age when he came to Buffalo county with his parents. Mr. De Groff has the distinction of having entered the army in the war of the Rebellion as one of the youngest soldiers farnished by the State of Wisconsin. The date of his enroll- ment was January 3, 1864, in Company G, Twenty-fifth Regiment Wisconsin Volunteer Infantry, and served in that company until the expiration of the term of service of the Twenty-fifth Regiment, in June. 1865, when he was transferred to Company F, Twelfth Wisconsin, and was discharged July 15, of this post two terms, and has assisted in 1865. On entering the army he joined the organizing three posts, at as many different places. Ile was elected Department Junior Vice-Commander of the G. A. R. of the State of Wisconsin at Oshkosh, March 12, 1891. In his political affiliations Mr. De Groff is a Republican, and was chairman of the Republican County Committee from 1888 to 1590. Hle is also a member of the K. of P., and has been Postmaster of Misha Mokwa since 1883, with the exception of two years during Cleveland's administration. Mrs. De Groff was formerly Miss Anna Walker, daughter of Paul Walker. The latter came to Buffalo county about 1570, and met his death by accident in Iss2. The mother Twenty-fifth Regiment at Mooresville, Ala- bama. His regiment joined General Sher- man's army at Chattanooga, and took part in all the battles in the Atlanta campaign, in- eluding Resaca, Dallas, Kenesaw Mountain, and those in front of Atlanta. Following the battle of Kenesaw Mountain he was siek and in the hospital at Rome, Georgia, for about two months. and rejoined the regiment when Sherman went back after Hood, and was in the reserve when Hood attacked Corse at Altoona Pass. Mr. De Groff, with his regiment, marehed with Sherman to the sea. and took part in the attack on Savannah; thence across to Beaufort, and marehed [ of Mrs. De Groff resides at Wabasha, Min- through the Carolinas. At Pocotaligo he . nesota. The only son. Grant II. Walker,

On the expiration of his term of service he returned to his father's home in Buffalo county, and attended school during the two following winters. lle taught during the winter season and farmed during the summer for a number of years. In 1530 he engaged in merchandising, which he has since con- tinued. Mr. De Groff is one of the repre- sentative men of Buffalo county, and has held various official positions. He was chair- man of the Town Board of Nelson for six years, and for two years was chairman of the County Board, and is at present (1991) Treasurer of the town of Nelson. He is a member of General Warren Post. No. 252. G. A. R., at Nelson; has been Commander

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BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY.

lives at the homestead. A sister of Mrs. De Groff, Mrs. Josie Peck, lives at Argyle. Minnesota. The subject of this sketch was previously married, his first wife having been Miss Mary Evans, who died in 1980. Ile has one son. Arthur, a young man twenty years of age, who graduated at the village school one year ago. lle is at present help- ing his father in the store. Mr. De Groff takes an active interest in promoting the general welfare of the community in which ; few months. Next we find him at Defiance, he lives, and is numbered among the pro- gressive citizens of Buffalo county.

OIIN SCHEITZ. one of the prominent merchants of Alma, Wisconsin, was born May 13, 1851, at the village of Goisern, in the archdukedom of Upper Austria, and is the son of Leopold and Maria (Wintersauer) Scheitz. The elder Seheitz was born in 1805; was employed in the government salt mines of his native land; died at the old home in 1586. His wife, Maria, was born in December, 1812, and is still living at the old homestead. To them were born four children, of whom the subject of this sketch is the youngest and the only one who emi- grated to this country. The others are Martin, Leopold and Mary, now Mrs. Wall- man. John spent his early life at home, attending the parochial schools from the time he was six until he was thirteen years old.

Cumberland, Maryland, about six months; thence to Pennsylvania, where he was em- ployed on the construction of the Pittsburg & Cannelsville railroad, remaining there from 1870 until the branch was completed in 1872. Ile then went to Pittsburg and en- gaged with a glass manufacturing company. In 1873 he went to Toledo, Ohio, and ob- tained employment on the water works for a Ohio, first engaged in railroading and after- ward in a brick yard. After being there about a year he suffered from an attack of fever and ague, and before he recovered-in the fall of 1875-he went to Kentucky, re- inaining there only a short time, however. Arriving in Pittsburg in January, 1576, in such poor health that he was unfit for hard work, he purchased some goods and started ont on a peddling tour. While engaged in peddling he started toward Philadelphia, in- tending to visit the Centennial, but stopped on the way with a farmer and was employed by him, remaining there till fall. He then began peddling again. In the spring he went to Defiance, Ohio, and obtained work in a brick yard for the summer. In the winter he resumed peddling again. Ile con- tinued this line of business two summers and one winter, when he was taken again with ague and concluded he would go West, which he did, continuing his business. He soon afterward purchased a horse and wagon, and from the winter of 1978 till October. 1886, did a successful business throughout the counties of Dunn, Buffalo and Trempealeau, Wisconsin. In October, 1886, he opened a

June 10, 1867. Mr. Scheitz landed at New York city, and for a number of years he was variously employed at different places. Going from New York to Parkersburg, West Vir- i general store at Alma, which he has since ginia, he was engaged in farming about one conducted with marked success. He las built up an extensive trade, the result of his own industry and strict attention to business. By his conscientious principles and his fair year: engaged in railroading on the Baltimore & Ohio railroad a few months; spent the following winter in farm work; sojourned in

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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