USA > Wisconsin > Fond du Lac County > Fond du Lac County, Wisconsin, past and present, Volume II > Part 29
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William Walter Wild was six years of age when his parents removed from Milwaukee to Fond du Lac, so that his school days began in the latter city. He was a pupil of the public schools and of St. Paul's private school, where he re- ceived the education which fitted him for a commercial career. He entered his father's office to familiarize himself with the successive steps of the industry and held the positions of cashier and bookkeeper for many years, until the busi- ness was sold to the syndicate. Mr. Wild was well acquainted with the details of the manufacture of crackers and confectionery and with the sale of the fin- ished product so that he naturally reentered business in the same line, allying himself with the National Biscuit Company, with which he remained for ten years. At the end of that period he became associated with the Crofoot Lumber Company, engaging in the lumber trade in which his foresight and business sagacity assured him success both rapid and permanent. He is a director in the First National Bank of Fond du Lac and a power in its councils.
On the 17th of October, 1878, Mr. Wild married Miss Agnes I. Jones, daugh- ter of Edward H. and Emily (Baker) Jones. She was born in Fond du Lac, her parents having come first to Milwaukee and later to Fond du Lac when both were frontier towns offering little to attract settlers from the cultured east. Her father was a native of Connecticut and her mother of England, and in the new country they established a home graced by the refinements amid which they had themselves been reared. They both passed away in Fond du Lac. To Mr. and Mrs. Wild has been born one daughter, Amy Estelle, who married F. S. McMillan of Fond du Lac. The three children of this union are, Franklin Wild, Marjory L. and Richard F.
In his political views Mr. Wild is an independent republican, standing by the party loyally in so far as it truly represents the fundamental principles upon which it was founded, but broad-mindedly supporting the men most worthy of office, whatever their party affiliations. He has been interested in the cause of education, being convinced that the industrial and social advancement of the masses is assured by the training which they receive through the free public school system, and his advice and judgment have been of great value in the delib- erations of the board of education of which he has been an honored member.
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He and his wife attend St. Paul's cathedral as did his parents before him. The advantages of education and wealth have been his, and with them the responsi- bility which power entails upon its possessors, so that Mr. Wild's name is one of great influence in financial and social circles.
FRANZ ROSSNER.
Mr. Rossner is one of the well known and highly respected citizens of Fond du Lac where he is engaged in manufacturing and dealing in marble and granite monuments. He is a native of Germany, being born in that country on March 15, 1843, and is a son of Gottfried and Christiana (Mueller) Rossner, both of whom were natives of Germany. The father during his life was engaged in the general contracting and building business in Germany. Besides our subject, one brother and one sister came to the United States.
Franz Rossner received his early education in the common schools and later studied architectural drawing and construction work in an architectural school. At the age of fifteen years he engaged as an apprenticed mason and stone cutter and continued in that employment until he had mastered a complete knowledge of the business. In 1868 he came to Fond du Lac, where he pursued the vocation of his trade until 1875 and at that time he opened a marble and granite shop and has since engaged in the granite and marble monument business.
Mr. Rossner was united in marriage to Miss Paulina Biedermann and they have adopted a son, Henry B., who is in partnership in business with his father. He was united in wedlock to Miss Norma Ruschmeier, of Sheboygan, Wiscon- sin, and to them two children have been born, Armand L. and Mellita. Mr Rossner is affiliated with the democratic party and fraternally is associated with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows Lodge, No. 112, of Fond du Lac.
Mr. Rossner is a highly esteemed and greatly respected man throughout the county of Fond du Lac. His long business career in the city of Fond du Lac has been one of success and of great credit to himself. He is an enterprising and industrious citizen, and is a man of scrupulous integrity in all matters of busi- ness and interested in the general welfare and advancement of the community.
WILLIAM H. TREWIN.
William H. Trewin is one of the well known and successful farmers of Fond du Lac county where he is successfully engaged in the cultivation of his farm of forty-five acres located in Fond du Lac township. He was born in Dupage county, Illinois, May 26, 1848, and is a son of William and Mary (Jeffrys) Tre- win, both of whom were natives of England. The father was born in 1808 and emigrated to America, settling in Illinois at the time that state was still des- ignated on the map as a territory. He there purchased government land and for many years was engaged in agricultural pursuits. The mother was born in 1803 and celebrated her marriage in England, her native country. To Mr. and Mrs. William Trewin seven children were born: Alice, who was the wife of John Batton, of Bloomingdale, Illinois, and passed away about 1872 leaving six children ; Elizabeth, who married John Jones, an agriculturist of Bloomingdale, Illinois, and has three children: Hannah, who is the widow of A. G. Kaughman and the mother of six children and resides in Fond du Lac; William H., the sub- ject of this sketch; and Susan, Eliza and Richard, all of whom are married.
William H. Trewin was reared in his parents' home and received his elemen- tary education in the public schools of Bloomingdale, Illinois. He remained
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under the parental roof until twenty years of age at which time he started out in life for himself as a carpenter and continued to follow the pursuit of that craft for a period of twelve years. He had charge of the roundhouse of the Narrow Gauge Railroad until it ceased to be operative, which service extended over a period of eight years. He was then employed by the Chicago & North- western Railroad Company for some time after which he worked as an engineer for two years at Marinette, Wisconsin. In the spring of 1884 he located on a farm in Fond du Lac county and has since devoted his attention to its cultiva- tion, in which he has been very successful.
Mr. Trewin was first united in marriage in 1874 to Miss Priscilla Morton, of Fond du Lac. She was a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. A. M. Morton, who were among the early pioneer settlers of Wisconsin. The father was born in 1808 and passed away at the age of ninety-two. To Mr. and Mrs. William Trewin one child, Susan, was born. Mrs. Trewin passed away in 1882. Mr. Trewin in 1883 was united in marriage to Miss Maggie McDougall, a daughter of Ar- chibald and May McDougall, the father a farmer by occupation. To this union eight children were born, Archibald, William, Roy, Maud, Gilbert, Nina, and two children who died in infancy.
Mr. Trewin is affiliated with the republican party, has held the office of justice of the peace for a period of twelve years, has been weed commissioner for four years and for two years has served as health officer in the town of Fond du Lac. He holds membership in the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and is one of the active members of the Old Settlers' Club of Fond du Lac. He and his wife are communicants of the Methodist Episcopal church. Mr. Trewin is justly entitled to be enrolled among the early pioneers of Fond du Lac county in which he has spent the major portion of his life. He is one of the well known and highly respected citizens of his portion of the state and a man who has always been identified with every public measure intended to advance and improve the conditions of the people in his community.
IRA WALTENBERRY.
The late Ira Waltenberry was one of the early pioneers of Fond du Lac county, where for many years his energies were devoted to farming and stock- raising. He was originally a subject of Great Britain, having been born in Toronto, Canada, on the 19th of August, 1827, his parents being John and Elizabeth (Barnhart) Waltenberry.
Ira Waltenberry remained in his native country until he had attained his majority, when he crossed the border into the United States, locating in Fond du Lac in 1848. For several years thereafter he freighted between Empire and Waupun, following which he took a position as stationary engineer, subsequently having the distinction of running the first electric light plant in Fond du Lac. He had previously purchased a farm of sixty acres in the vicinity of Empire, which he had been renting, but it had become badly run down and the buildings were much in need of repair, so he removed there with his family and gave his personal supervision to its cultivation and improvement. For several years thereafter he gave his undivided attention to agricultural pursuits, but he subse- quently returned to Fond du Lac. Mr. Waltenberry was given but meager schooling, but the experiences and observations of later life united with wide general reading enabled him to become well informed on a variety of subjects, particularly those of current import.
Mr. Waltenberry was married in Fond du Lac on the 13th of November, 1854, to Miss Margaret Stoddart, who was born in Edinburgh, Scotland, on the 29th of November, 1827. She is a daughter of John and Elizabeth (Brun-
MR. AND MRS. IRA WALTENBERRY
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ton) Stoddart, who emigrated to America with their family in 1849, locating in Fond du Lac, where the father acquired land in the cultivation of which he engaged until his death. Mr. and Mrs. Waltenberry became the parents of seven children, as follows: John and William, who are twins; Elizabeth; Anna Mary, who is deceased; Ira; Emma; and Archibald. After the death of the father the sons engaged in the operation of the farm at Empire which they sub- sequently sold, purchasing the place they now own in Ripon township. Their present farm is comprised of four hundred and forty-two acres. Here they engage in general agricultural pursuits and stock-raising, making a specialty of dairying. They annually raise large quantities of hay and such cereals as are best adapted to the feeding of stock. Their cattle are all high-grade Durhams, and they continually maintain a herd of about one hundred head. As they are highly diligent and enterprising men they are meeting with success in the de- velopment of their interests and are numbered among the prosperous and ef- ficient agriculturists of the township. Their place, which is known as "Ever- green Mound Stock Farm," is well kept, manifesting in its general appearance the direction of capably organized and clearly defined methods in its operation. Mr. Waltenberry passed away on the 12th of July, 1897, but he is survived by his widow, who possesses unusual mental and physical vigor for a woman of eighty-five years. She leads a life of activity and makes her home on the farm with her sons.
Mr. Waltenberry was a member of the Presbyterian church as is also his widow and family, and his fraternal relations were confined to his membership in the Odd Fellows organization, He was a republican in his political views, but was not connected with the official life of his township, although he took an active interest in all that pertained to the community welfare.
WILLIAM A. SIMMONS.
William A. Simmons, who owns and operates the "Hillside Stock Farm," comprising two hundred and forty acres, is extensively engaged in the breeding and raising of high-grade Holstein cattle. He was born in Winnebago county, Wisconsin on the 3d of March, 1863, and is a son of William and Eurella (Bar- tow) Simmons, the father a native of Pennsylvania and the mother of New York. The father came to Winnebago county, making the journey from the east along the old Indian trail, in 1848, and filed on government land on the old site of the postoffice at Nekima. His holdings there comprised three hundred acres, which he diligently and successfully cultivated for many years. He sub- sequently disposed of this farm, however, and purchased a small one in the vici- nity of Oshkosh, where he passed the remainder of his life. Mr. Simmons was one of the prominent citizens of the pioneer period, taking an active interest in all political affairs. He voted the republican ticket and had the distinction of being the first postmaster of Nekima, while he was several times sent to the state assembly. He had long been identified with the Masonic fraternity, which order conducted his funeral obsequies. The family of Mr. and Mrs. Simmons numbered six, two of whom are deceased.
William A. Simmons was only three years of age when his parents removed to Oshkosh, in the public schools of which city he pursued his education. After graduating from the high school he took a general commercial course in a local business college, qualifying himself for the practical duties of life. He has al- ways devoted his energies to farming in which occupation he has met with more than average success, owing to the capable and efficient methods he has em- ployed. For three years after his marriage he resided on his father's place, but at the expiration of that period he removed to his present farm. He takes great Vol. II -- 13
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pride in his farm which is one of the most attractive and valuable properties in the community. He has a large comfortable residence, and substantial barns and sheds to shelter his stock and grain. During the period of his ownership he has wrought many improvements, and has installed about the premises various appliances and conveniences consistent with the progressive spirit he at all times manifests in his undertakings. In connection with the cultivation of his fields he raises stock, making a specialty of Holstein cattle. He is one of the best known stockmen in this section of the state, and ships his cattle all over the United States, and at the same time maintains a herd of one hundred head.
On the 6th of January, 1886, Mr. Simmons was united in marriage to Miss Jane Fraser, who was born on the farm, where our subject now resides. Her father was a sea captain, but his health failed and he came to Wisconsin and en- gaged in agricultural pursuits until he was able to resume his former vocation. It has always been supposed that his ship was lost in a storm, as neither he nor any member of his crew were ever again heard from. Four children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Simmons, as follows: Walter, who is twenty-three years of age; Charles, who is nineteen; Edith, who has passed the seventh anniversary of her birth; and George, who died at the age of nine years. The eldest son graduated from the high school and Ripon College and is with his father en- gaged in the cattle business.
Mr. Simmons is a member of the Masonic fraternity at Ripon, and takes an active interest in the work of the order. He gives his political allegiance to the republican party and has for twenty years been secretary of the school district. He is one of the substantial citizens of the community and is numbered among the prominent stock men of the state. Enterprising and progressive in his busi- ness, he applies himself with such earnestness and determination of purpose to his tasks that ultimately will bring success in any line of work.
JOHN A. WILLIE.
John A. Willie is one of the well known and respected citizens of Fond du Lac county, where he is successfully engaged as superintendent of a two hun- dred acre farm located in Fond du Lac township, which is the property of E. A. Galloway, of Fond du Lac. He was born in the town of Fond du Lac, Jan- uary 13, 1874, and is a son of John Henry and Elizabeth Catherine (Von Hime) Willie. The father, a native of Hessen, Germany, was born January 17, 1835, and emigrated to America, settling in New York on May 7, 1855. The mother, a native of Hanover, Germany, emigrated to America in the fall of 1857 and set- tled first at New Orleans, Louisiana, but in 1858 removed to Chicago, Illinois, where she celebrated her marriage on October 29, 1863.
John Henry Willie received his education in the schools of his native land and as a young man was there engaged in various kinds of labor until 1855, at which time he emigrated to America. After spending one year in New York he removed to Chicago, where he entered the employ of a gentleman of prominence as coachman, remaining thus engaged for a period of ten years, during which time he was married. On the 14th of April, 1865, the day on which President Lincoln was assassinated, he removed with his family to Fond du Lac county, Wisconsin, where he has since continued to live. He was for eighteen years in the employ of E. A. Galloway, during which time he had charge of the latter's farm of two hundred acres, located in Fond du Lac township. He has since re- tired from active work and lives on Eleventh street in Fond du Lac. At Chicago, October 29, 1863, Mr. Willie was united in marriage to Miss Elizabeth Catherine Von Hime, the officiating clergyman at their wedding being the Rev. Kinchen of the German Lutheran church. To them six children were born: Emma Marie,
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born November 23, 1864, whose marriage to Thomas Warren occurred November 19, 1890 ; George Henry, born February 10, 1867, who married Sarah Jane Houn- sell on February 26, 1900; Edward John, born December 14, 1870; John August, of this review; Frank Christopher, born August 5, 1877; and Charles Frederick, born November 12, 1881, who was married on December 27, 1911, to Roselia Au- gusta Jahn. Mr. Willie affiliates with the republican party and he and his wife are members of the German Lutheran church of Fond du Lac.
John A. Willie was reared in his parents' home and completed his elementary education in the public schools at the age of sixteen years. He then worked with his father on Mr. Galloway's farm until 1903, in which year his father retired from active labor and since that time the subject of this review has taken entire charge of the place, which consists of two hundred acres of highly developed agricultural land, on which is a herd of thirty-five cattle, and seven horses.
In Fond du Lac, July 22, 1901, Mr. Willie was united in marriage to Miss Anna Roselia Jahn, a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Carl Jahn. The father was formerly engaged in farming but now conducts a saloon at Monticello, Wiscon- sin. Mr. and Mrs. Willie are the parents of three children, George, Walter and John III. Mr. Willie is affiliated with the independent wing of the republican party and has served as road superintendent for ten years. He and his wife are members of the Congregational church. Mr. Willie is in every way a worthy successor to his father in farming and is numbered among the successful men in that branch of industry in his portion of the state. He is a man of unquestioned integrity and always is interested in every movement intended to advance the interests of the people of his county and state.
PETER OLESON.
Peter Oleson, who owns and operates eighty acres of land in Ripon township, is one of the diligent and enterprising citizens Denmark has furnished the United States. His birth occurred in the land of the Danes in 1845, his parents being Rasmus and Bertha Oleson, both descended from substantial and highly respected families. They passed their entire lives in the old country, the father's death occurring at the age of seventy-one and that of the mother at sixty-eight years, and to them were born eight children.
In 1863, when a youth of eighteen years, Peter Oleson started on the long voyage to America, with Wisconsin as his destination. As he had never learned a trade he began his career in the United States as a farm hand in Fond du Lac county, which occupation he followed for eight years. He was thrifty and enter- prising and during that time managed to accumulate sufficient means to enable him to begin farming for himself, so he rented the place where he now resides. It was his ambition to become a property owner, and with this incentive to goad him on he worked tirelessly and practiced the most rigid economy, subsequently acquiring the title to the farm he was operating. During the long period of his ownership he has wrought many changes in the place, which is one of the attrac- tive and valuable homesteads of the community and is in every way a tribute to his skill both as an agriculturist and business man. He is ambitious and progres- sive and his undertakings are directed with intelligence and foresight.
On the 3Ist of January, 1874, Mr. Oleson was married to Miss Hannah Eliza- beth Andreasen, whose birth occurred in Denmark on the 28th of March, 1847. She emigrated to America alone in 1870 and joined friends in Wisconsin. Here she met and was subsequently married to Mr. Oleson and they have become the parents of five children. Bertha, who was born in 1874, the wife of Ora W. Goodrich; James P., whose birth occurred in 1876; May Julia, whose natal year was 1880; Norman H., who was born in 1883; and Katrina E., who was born in
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1889. They have all been given the advantages of good, practical educations and have developed into ambitious, capable members of society. All but the eldest daughter are living at home and are directing their energies toward the achievement of a definite end, which they are pursuing with earnest purpose. The youngest daughter is teaching and she and her sister are also deeply inter- ested in horticulture, and have a most attractive and well kept garden. They find a ready market for their flowers in Ripon, particularly their peonies of which they make a specialty. They have been awarded the first prize on their cut flow- ers at Fond du Lac, Ripon and Berlin and also on their apples and plums. In connection with their horticultural pursuits they are successfully engaged in raising chickens. The eldest son took a course in the agricultural department at the State University at Madison, and has for several years been superintendent of the fruit display at the Fond du Lac county fair. Mr. and Mrs. Oleson take great pride and satisfaction in their children, who are in every way a credit and well repay them for the effort they made to provide them with good advantages.
He and his wife are members of the Danish Lutheran church, and in politics he is a republican. Although he takes an active interest in the development of his community, he has never been identified with its political life in any capacity save that of treasurer of the school district. Both Mr. and Mrs. Oleson relate many interesting reminiscences of pioneer days and their early experiences, al- though discouraging and hard have never darkened their lives nor lessened their enjoyment of the success that has come to them in later years. They are most estimable people and would be an acquisition to any community, as they are not so deeply absorbed in their personal affairs as to forget their obligations to their neighbors and society generally.
MICHAEL COSTELLO.
The prosperous and fertile state of Wisconsin owes its present greatness to the men of pioneer times who bought farm lands in the state when they were in an extremely unimproved condition, felled the timber, cleared off the stumps and wrested out of a primitive wilderness civilization and prosperity. Michael Costello has the distinction of being the son of one of the earliest Wisconsin pioneers. He was born in Dodge county, Wisconsin, September 2, 1857, and is a son of Daniel and Ann (Claughton) Costello, both of whom were natives of Ireland. Daniel Costello left his native country for America in 1839. He landed in New York in that year and went immediately to Massachusetts where he remained sixteen years. At the end of that time he came to Fond du Lac, where he worked as a laborer on a railroad. By much economy and strict saving he accumulated enough money to buy forty acres of farm land in Dodge county. He operated this for some time but subsequently sold his holdings and purchased eighty acres in Byron township where he lived until his death in 1867, at the age of sixty years. He was one of the early pioneers of the state of Wisconsin and when he bought his first tract of land was obliged to clear it of timber before he could commence its cultivation. He built himself a crude log cabin with the lumber which he obtained by felling his trees and lived in this for many years. He was one of the prominent figures in the early development of the state and was well known as an active worker during his life. He and his wife were the parents of five children : Daniel M., who married Miss Martha Lloyd; Thomas, who wedded Anna Lonergan; Michael; Rose, the deceased wife of George McCarthy; and Margaret, who married John Murray, both of whom have passed away, the latter in 1910.
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