Fond du Lac County, Wisconsin, past and present, Volume II, Part 12

Author: McKenna, Maurice
Publication date: 1912
Publisher: Chicago : Clarke
Number of Pages: 738

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HISTORY OF FOND DU LAC COUNTY

In 1906 Mr. Ingalls was united in marriage to Miss Bessie Wright, a daugh- ter of Irving H. Wright of Fond du Lac township in which section she was born. Three children have been born to their union : Cynthia I., Gordon W., and Irving W., all of whom are living with their parents on the home farm. Mr. Ingalls gives his political allegiance to the republican party but has preferred to keep himself aloof from active public life. He is affiliated with the Congregational church and is well known throughout Empire township as a man of exemplary character. By reason of the good qualities of his citizenship and the genial and kindly characteristics of his personality Mr. Ingalls has gained a prominent and popular place among his fellowmen. His success has been substantial and well deserved and the methods by which it has been attained have been distinguished by a strict uprightness and intelligent activity.

THOMAS J. MURPHY.

Thomas J. Murphy has for the past fourteen years conducted a plumbing establishment in association with Michael Murphy at No. 15 Forest avenue in Fond du Lac. His birth occurred in this city on the 9th of July, 1851, his parents being William and Eliza (O'Neal) Murphy, both of whom were born in Ireland. The father was an agriculturist by occupation and was also engaged in the dray- ing business. In 1847 he took up his abode in Fond du Lac, Wisconsin, but subsequently moved to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, where he remained for one year and where he met the lady who later became his wife and who had settled in that city in 1847. To Mr. and Mrs. William Murphy were born four children. Maria B. makes her home in San Francisco, California. Thomas J., is the sub- ject of this review and second in order of birth. Maggie A., who is a resident of San Francisco, California, married Mr. Snow of that state and has one child, William, who is employed as a clerk. Kathryn E., is the wife of Thomas Cody, a park watchman of San Francisco.

Thomas J. Murphy attended the public schools until fifteen years of age and subsequently secured employment in the gas works of Fond du Lac, where he remained at work for thirty years and served in the capacity of superintendent twenty years of that time. In 1898 he purchased a half interest in the plumbing establishment owned by Michael Murphy and for the past fourteen years the business has been conducted under the style of Murphy & Murphy. He has won success in this connection and owns a handsome residence at No. 225 South Marr street as well as some property on West Second street and a lot on Eighth street.

As a companion and helpmate on the journey of life Mr. Thomas J. Murphy chose Miss Mary A. Malloy, of Boston, Massachusetts, her parents being Patrick and Anna Malloy, who were born in Ireland. To Mr. and Mrs. Murphy has been born one child, Theresa E., whose birth occurred on the 21st of October, 1895.

In politics Mr. Murphy is a democrat, believing firmly in the principles of that party. He is a communicant of St. Joseph's Catholic church and he belongs to the Business Men's Association. He has spent his entire life in the city of Fond du Lac and is well and favorably known as a business man and citizen.

YANKOW BROTHERS.

Carl, Arthur and George Yankow are numbered among the representative and substantial farmers of Fond du Lac county and their association in the man- agement of their fine tract of land in Ashford township has resulted in distinct success. They are worthy representatives of agricultural interests in the section

HISTORY OF FOND DU LAC COUNTY

in which they reside, working along progressive, modern and systematic lines. · Their farm comprises one hundred and eighty acres of excellent land which constituted their father's homestead and which they have brought to a high state of improvement and development.

The family is of German origin, their father, Frederick Yankow, having been born in that country. He came to the United States in the early '50s with his father Frederick Yankow, Sr., who settled in Sheboygan county, Wilson town- ship. Here the grandfather purchased a tract of raw timber land which he cleared and cultivated. He built a log cabin upon his holdings, in which he lived until his death. Frederick Yankow, the father, purchased this farm and improved it for a number of years, later disposing of it in order to move to Port Washington where he operated an extensive fruit orchard, cultivating plums and pears. He enlisted in the Ninth Wisconsin Volunteer Infantry and served for three years and three months during the Civil war. For eighteen years he was a resident of Almira township, removing from that section to Ashford township in 1889. On March 16 of that year he purchased the one hundred and eighty acres which his sons are now operating and upon this property his death occurred in January, 1902, when he was sixty-six years of age. His wife was Miss Amanda Thomas, who was born in Germany, but who came to the United States when she was only three years of age, her parents being among the early settlers in Sheboygan county. After the death of her husband she married Conrad Leibenstein of Sheboygan Falls.

The three Yankow brothers are natives of Dodge county. The eldest, Carl, was born on October 23, 1874; George was born on the 17th of October, 1878; and Arthur, the youngest, was born on the 8th of February, 1882. The brothers have spent their entire lives up to the present time in agricultural pursuits. They aided their father in the work of the farm when they were mere children and have always been identified with the conduct and management of the same. Sub- sequently they purchased the land and have since that time been associated in its improvement and development. They are numbered among the substantial and representative citizens of their community and have founded their success upon expert knowledge of the details of their occupation and upon industry, ambition and business integrity.

In 1904 Arthur Yankow was united in marriage to Miss Gertrude Flanagan, a daughter of Edward Flanagan, and a native of Eden township. They are the parents of two children : Anna Edwina, born June 27, 1905; and Eunice Cecilia, born May II, 1908. The second brother, George, is also married. His wife was Miss Martha Odekirk, who is a daughter of Jonathon Odekirk of Auburn township.

The Yankow brothers are well known in Ashford township as successful agri- culturists. They manage their farm in an expert way, supplementing their agri- cultural skill by business ability of a high order. Their methods being based upon the strict principles of integrity, they well deserve their position as repre- sentative citizens of the county where they are accorded universal respect and esteem.

PETER BRAUN.

Peter Braun is a well known and respected citizen of Eden township, Fond du Lac county, where he is engaged in the cultivation of the homestead which originally was the property of his father. He was born on November 8, 1852, in his father's log cabin in Washington county, this state, and is a son of Nicholas and Magdeline (Wilcomb) Braun, both of whom were natives of Germany. The father was by occupation a farmer in his native land and emigrated to the United States in 1844, settling first in Washington county, Wisconsin, on a rented

HISTORY OF FOND DU LAC COUNTY

farm. He built a log cabin on that farm and during his residence there cleared the timber and underbrush from fifty acres of the land, which he worked on . shares for a period of six years. He then purchased land in the town of Eden, which is now a part of the property known in that community as the Braun Home. The land at the time he settled upon it was heavily covered with hard- wood timber and his first improvements made upon the place consisted of a log cabin and stable. The latter is still standing and is one of the relics of early pioneer life in Wisconsin. In 1875 he built the present modern brick house and improved the property also with fine barns and granaries. On that property he remained until the time of his death, which occurred in 1889, at the age of seventy-one years. In 1845 he was united in marriage to Miss Magdeline Wil- comb, a native of Germany, who emigrated with her parents to America and settled in Washington county at a very early period in the history of Wisconsin. To Mr. and Mrs. Nicholas Braun thirteen children were born, nine of whom are living, Annie, Mary, Louisa, Ellen, Katherine, Henry, John, William and Peter. The mother of this family passed out of this life in September, 1910, at the advanced age of eighty-two years. The father and mother were members of St. Matthew's Catholic church at Campbellsport, Wisconsin, as are also all the members of their family.

Peter Braun was reared in his parents' home and received his early education in the public school of the district in which he lived. He attended school in the winter and during the summer season was engaged in work on his father's farm. During the latter years of his father's life he and his four brothers remained at home and were engaged in the care and operation of the old homestead. In 1893 Peter Braun purchased a farm in Empire township, on which he lived for a period of seven years. He then sold that place and immediately thereafter bought the interests of the other heirs in the old homestead, to which he removed and where he has since resided.

In 1880 Mr. Braun was united in marriage to Miss Julia Herbert, a daughter of Conrad and Caroline Herbert. Her parents were natives of Bavaria, Germany, and emigrated to the United States in 1872, settling at Newcastle, now Campbells- port, in Fond du Lac county. Mr. and Mrs. Braun are the parents of eight children, Josephine, Edwin, Nicholas, Martin, Marie, Agnes, George and Albert.

Mr. Braun is affiliated with the democratic party but liberal in the use of his franchise in local political affairs. He has served on the board of supervisors for four years and for three years has been assessor of Eden township. He and his family are members of St. Mary's Catholic church at Eden. Mr. Braun is one of the respected and well known citizens of Fond du Lac county, in which he has spent the greater portion of his active and successful life. He is a man whose reputation for integrity is above suspicion and is numbered among the most useful citizens of his part of the state.

ELWOOD A. QUICK.

Elwood A. Quick is now farming in Fond du Lac county on the beautiful old Macey homestead and by his thorough methods is adding to the fertility and at- tractiveness of a property which has long been a feature of agricultural develop- ment of Empire township. Mr. Quick's family have been prominent in agricul- tural circles of Wisconsin for two generations. His father, Alonzo F. Quick, was born in New York state in 1828 and was married while a resident of the east to Miss Jennette Ladd. In 1864 Alonzo Quick brought his family to Wis- consin and settled in Lamartine township in Fond du Lac county. Here he bought land and was successful in the cultivation of the soil until 1887 when he retired from active farm life and removed to the village of Lamartine where his

HISTORY OF FOND DU LAC COUNTY

death occurred in 1904. His wife survives him and is living in the city of Fond du Lac in the seventy-seventh year of her age. Mr. and Mrs. Alonzo Quick were the parents of three sons, who were all born in New York state.

Elwood A. Quick was born on October 31, 1857, and came to Wisconsin with his parents when he was seven years of age. He went to school in Lamartine township and received the usual course of instruction. He early became acquainted with the labors incident to farm life and by helping his father in the cultivation of the soil became familiar with the best methods of agriculture and the scientific operation of a farm. He was ambitious and energetic and gave his entire attention to perfecting himself in the various details of what he early determined to make his life work. He assisted his father with the practical intelli- gence which has always distinguished him and in 1887 when Alonzo Quick retired his son, Elwood, bought the home farm in Lamartine township and was success- ful in its operation for ten years. During that period he became known as an intelligent and progressive farmer and won a high place in the esteem and respect of his fellow citizens. In 1897 he disposed of his holdings in Lamartine town- ship and removed to the city of Fond du Lac where he engaged for some time in the wholesale cheese business with his brother John H. Quick. His commer- cial operations were successful and were carried on along honorable and worthy lines for ten years. Mr. Quick was, however, an agriculturist at heart and was never wholly content in commercial pursuits. He eventually bought the old Macey farm in Empire township and upon this he now lives. Besides adding to its productiveness and fertility he has made it by his constant labor beautiful and attractive in all its aspects and it is now one of the pleasing features of the land- scape in Empire township.

In 1884 Mr. Quick was united in marriage to Miss Jeannette Gilbert, a daughter of Benjamin and Jane Gilbert of Fond du Lac township. They are the parents of one child, Ethel I., whose birth occurred on the 21st of February, 1886, and who married Percy Chadbourne, an employe in the offices of the War Department at Washington, D. C.

Mr. Quick has always been interested in educational development and has taken a prominent part therein in Empire township for many years. He has served on the school board and is now treasurer of school district No. I, where his ability and intelligent labor have been a factor in promoting the cause of education. He is a republican and votes this ticket in national issues, while in local politics he supports man or measure irrespective of party with that inde- pendence which is the basic quality of his forceful and sturdy character.

FRANK O. BRIGGS.

Frank O. Briggs, the popular and efficient postmaster of Eden, is also the proprietor of a well equipped general mercantile store which he operates in connection with his official duties. He is well known in Eden township, within whose borders his entire life has been passed, and comes from a family that has long been prominent in this community. He was born in 1866 on the old Briggs homestead, a son of Monmouth and Charlotte (Berry) Briggs. The father, who was born in Dutchess county, Pennsylvania, came to Wisconsin in early manhood, settling on a farm in Eden township, Fond du Lac county, which later became known as the old Briggs farm. There he carried on general agri- cultural pursuits for a number of years, and then, in 1874, removed to the city of Fond du Lac, where he engaged in the farm implement business for three years, during which period his son Albert superintended his agricultural interests. At the end of that time he returned to his farm and there remained until his death. He had held the office of town supervisor of Eden for some

HISTORY OF FOND DU LAC COUNTY

time, and was a well known and prominent man of his community. He passed away on the 11th of October, 1904, at the age of seventy-seven years, but his wife, who was born in the state of New York, still survives. In their family were five children, three of whom are living.

The old homestead farm was the training ground upon which Frank O. Briggs received his preparation for the practical and responsible duties of life. Surrounded by the wholesome environment of rural life he grew to sturdy man- hood and meanwhile he attended the district schools in the acquirement of his education. He also had the benefit of study in the schools of Fond du Lac during the three years' residence of the family in that city, and with the excep- tion of the period spent in town, he acquired much practical experience through the assistance which he rendered his father in the work of the farm. Here he remained until the 17th of April, 1905, when he went to the village of Eden to assume the duties of postmaster, to which office he had been appointed and in which he has since served. At that time he also purchased the general mer- cantile business of M. Fay and has continued to conduct that store in connec- tion with the postoffice. He has since enlarged the business and improved the store and is in addition a shipper of hay, which he buys at whole- sale from the farmers of the surrounding territory. The capable conduct of his enterprise has brought him gratifying success which now ranks him among the prosperous business men of Eden.

Mr. Briggs was married, on the 31st of May, 1888, to Miss Estella Cottrell Bagley, who is a daughter of Edwin Cottrell. She was born in the state of New York and when but two years of age was brought by her mother and step-father, Dudley S. Bagley, to Sheboygan county. Mr. Bagley was numbered among the old settlers of that county but later, in 1885, he took up his abode in Fond du Lac county.

Mr. Briggs has ever taken deep interest in the political situation of the coun- try and since age conferred upon him the right of franchise he has given his support to the republican party. Prior to his appointment to the office of postmaster he served, during the years 1902-3-4, as town chairman, and for three years was also town assessor of Eden. He is extensively known in the com- munity in which his entire life has been spent, and the fact that his best friends are those who have known him the longest is an indication that he possesses in large degree those manly qualities which enable one to win and hold the respect, confidence and good-will of his fellowmen.

JAMES W. MEIKLEJOHN.

James W. Meiklejohn is the popular and well known postmaster of Waupun, in which office he has served continuously since having received his first ap- pointment under President McKinley. He was born in Empire, Fond du Lac county, Wisconsin, May 16, 1853, and is the son of John and Julia (Nims). Meiklejohn, both of whom were natives of New York. The paternal grand- father was Andrew Meiklejohn, a native of Scotland, who emigrated to America at an early day and settled in Putnam, New York. The maternal grandparents were natives of Pennsylvania and at a very early date established their home in New York. The father, John Meiklejohn, settled on a farm in Empire town- ship, Fond du Lac county, about 1846 and was among the very first of the pioneers to establish his home in that township. He purchased a part of his farm from the government and later bought a portion of what was known as the old Baker farm. He continued to live upon the land on which he first set- tled in Empire until in the early '8os, at which time he sold the property and moved on a farm which he had purchased, located two and one-half miles south

JAMES W. MEIKLEJOHN

HISTORY OF FOND DU LAC COUNTY

of Fond du Lac. He later moved to Fond du Lac and there continued to live until the time of his death, which occurred in 1899. He was one of the active and loyal members of the republican party and had served for several terms as chairman of the township board, served as a member of the county board, and was a member of the state legislature for one term in 1882. In his family were nine children, six of whom grew to maturity, namely: Warren, a resident of Fond du Lac; James W., of this review; Mary J., who is the wife of John Fisher, of Skaneateles, New York; Albert, whose death occurred in Iowa; Julia, who was a physician and was engaged in the practice of her profession for twelve years in Elgin, Illinois, her death occurring at Clinton, Wisconsin, in 1907; and Charles of Los Angeles, California.

James W. Meiklejohn was reared at home and received his early education in the public schools of Empire, later attending the high school of Fond du Lac. Following his school days he devoted himself to agricultural pursuits, in which he continued until 1880, at which time he moved to Waupun and there engaged in the livery business, in which he continued for nineteen consecutive years. He then received from President Mckinley the appointment as postmaster of Waupun and has since continued to devote his attention to the responsibilities and cares of that office.

In March, 1878, Mr. Meiklejohn was united in marriage to Miss Alice Wood, of Waupun township, Fond du Lac county, a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. George Wood, her father having been one of the early pioneers of his portion of the state. Mr. and Mrs. Meiklejohn are the parents of two children. John W., the elder is engaged in the gas business in Amarillo, Texas, and also runs a millinery establishment. He married Aggie North, of Fox Lake, Wisconsin, and they have two children. Kathleen married Eugene Blasdel, of Amarillo, Texas, and they have one child.

Mr. Meiklejohn is one of the active members of the republican party and served as chief of police for seven years in Waupun. He was also a supervisor for two terms and served for two terms as a member of the county board and for the same period as alderman of his ward. He is a member of the Knights of Pythias and of the Woodmen lodge. Mr. Meiklejohn is among the best known men of Fond du Lac county, as his entire life has been spent within the confines of the county in which he was born. He is one of the few who have a vivid memory of that strangest of frontier events, "the Indian scare" which occurred many years ago in Fond du Lac county and is regarded as one of the historical episodes of that part of Wisconsin, his father being one of the men who scouted the country for a distance of twenty miles from Fond du Lac in search of hostile red men and returned to the fear-smitten inhabitants later with the news that no trace of Indians, hostile or otherwise, could be located within the vicinity of the county seat. An esteemed and valued citizen Mr. Meiklejohn is a man high in the councils of the republican party, of which he has always been a loyal and enthusiastic supporter, and is interested in every public measure calculated to improve the conditions of the people.

JOHN DALTON.

John Dalton, the owner of an excellent farm of one hundred and eighty acres in Eden township, has devoted his time and energies to general agricultural pursuits with good results. He is numbered among the worthy native sons of Fond du Lac county, his birth having occurred in the city of Fond du Lac on the 15th of August, 1856. His father, John Dalton, Sr., was born in County Kerry, Ireland, in 1823, and when a young man emigrated to the United States with two or three of his brothers and sisters. After spending a few months in Vol. II-6

HISTORY OF FOND DU LAC COUNTY

New York state he came to Wisconsin, settling in the city of Fond du Lac, where he worked for a few years. Subsequently he purchased a tract of forty acres in Empire township, cleared the property and erected thereon a log house in which he resided for about nine years. On the expiration of that period he disposed of the place and purchased one hundred and eighty acres of land in Eden township, where he made his home until called to his final rest in 1887. The property was but little improved when it came into his possession and after clearing the same he erected a commodious residence and substantial barn, these buildings having since been enlarged and remodeled by his son John. In 1850 he wedded Miss Katherine Flaherty, by whom he had seven children, as follows: Ellen ; Thomas ; John, of this review ; Michael; Edward; Honora ; and Katherine, who died in infancy.

John Dalton acquired his education in an old log schoolhouse in Empire township and when not busy with his text-books assisted in the operation of the home farm. Since his father's demise he has operated the place on his own account, having purchased the interests of the other heirs. He is thoroughly familiar with the best methods of tilling the soil and caring for crops and an- nually reaps golden harvests which return to him a gratifying income.

In 1885 Mr Dalton was joined in wedlock to Miss Mary Meade, a native of Eden, this county, and a daughter of Thomas Meade. Unto them have been born three children, namely: George, who passed away at the age of two years; Jennie ; and Edward.

Politically Mr. Dalton supports the democratic party where national questions and issues are involved but at local elections casts his ballot for the man or measure that he deems will best conserve the general welfare. In religious faith he is a Catholic, belonging to St. Mary's church at Eden. Both he and his wife have spent their entire lives in this county and are well known and highly esteemed within its borders.

ROBERT J. REVOIR.

For the past twelve years Robert J. Revoir has been engaged in business at Fond du Lac as a stone mason contractor. His birth occurred in Winnebago county, Wisconsin, on the 15th of February, 1870, his parents being Robert and Margaret (Graigwin) Revoir. The father, whose natal year was 1831, followed farming as an occupation and for many years carried mail on horseback between Green Bay and Escanaba. His wife, a native of Wisconsin, was burned to death on the 3d of April, 1909. To them were born thirteen children, five of whom are still living. Thomas S., who is a river man engaged in the lumber business, wedded Miss Susie Gremgo of Winnebago county and they have one child, Helen, who is a school teacher. Charles J., who is identified with the publication of an agricultural journal in St. Paul, Minnesota, married Miss Brid- get Clary, of St. Cloud, Minnesota, and has two children, Guy and Helen. Mar- garet is married and has four children. Her husband is a foreman in a wooden- ware manufacturing company. Mary gave her hand in marriage to Matt Zell- ner who is also a foreman in a woodenware manufacturing concern. Robert J., of this review, is the other surviving member of his father's family.

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Fond du Lac County, Wisconsin, past and present, Volume II, Part 12

Author: McKenna, Maurice Publication date: 1912 Publisher: Chicago : Clarke Number of Pages: 738

Author: McKenna, Maurice
Publication date: 1912
Publisher: Chicago : Clarke
Number of Pages: 738