USA > Wisconsin > Fond du Lac County > Fond du Lac County, Wisconsin, past and present, Volume II > Part 89
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28 | Part 29 | Part 30 | Part 31 | Part 32 | Part 33 | Part 34 | Part 35 | Part 36 | Part 37 | Part 38 | Part 39 | Part 40 | Part 41 | Part 42 | Part 43 | Part 44 | Part 45 | Part 46 | Part 47 | Part 48 | Part 49 | Part 50 | Part 51 | Part 52 | Part 53 | Part 54 | Part 55 | Part 56 | Part 57 | Part 58 | Part 59 | Part 60 | Part 61 | Part 62 | Part 63 | Part 64 | Part 65 | Part 66 | Part 67 | Part 68 | Part 69 | Part 70 | Part 71 | Part 72 | Part 73 | Part 74 | Part 75 | Part 76 | Part 77 | Part 78 | Part 79 | Part 80 | Part 81 | Part 82 | Part 83 | Part 84 | Part 85 | Part 86 | Part 87 | Part 88 | Part 89 | Part 90 | Part 91 | Part 92
William H. Stringham was educated in the district schools of Fond du Lac and Lamartine and pursued his studies until he was sixteen years of age. He spent some time in Fond du Lac, working at various occupations, until the out- break of the Civil war. In 1861 he enlisted in Company A, Second Wisconsin Volunteer Cavalry, and served until February 29, 1864. He followed farming all during his active life and met with unusual success in this occupation. His practical methods and his personal efficiency, combined with his progressive tendencies, all united in making him a successful agriculturist, and his pros- perity had a solid foundation in his integrity and ability. He retired in 1909 but is still living upon a portion of his farm.
Mr. Stringham was united in marriage to Miss Minnie Bredenfeldt, a daugh- ter of William and Minnie (Kroll) Bredenfeldt. Her father followed agri- culture and was among the early settlers in Lamartine township. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Stringham have been born five children, as follows: Nettie C., who mar- ried G. M. Lee, a railroad conductor of Seattle, Washington, by whom she has one son, Gilbert; Gay B., who became the wife of G. F. Limeson, a railroad engineer of Milwaukee, and who is the mother of one daughter, Grace; Hattie, the wife of John West, a clerk living in Milwaukee, who has two children, Minnie and Roy ; Charles H., a clerk living in Fond du Lac, who married Clara Neis and has one son, Earl; and William H., Jr., who makes his home in Mil- waukee and is engaged as a fireman on the railroad.
In his political beliefs Mr. Stringham is a consistent republican and has served with ability and efficiency as a member of the school board for four years. He affiliates with the Methodist church. His attractive farm is a grati- fying evidence of his prosperity. His fellow citizens recognize in him a success- ful man who has contributed in no inconsiderable degree toward the agricultural development and resources of the state.
HENRY BRAUN.
Henry Braun is one of the up-to-date and successful farmers of Fond du Lac county, where he is successfully engaged in the cultivation of his highly developed place located in Eden township. He was born November 10, 1868, and is a son of Nicholas and Magdeline (Wilcomb) Braun, of whom more extended mention is made in the review of Peter Braun, his brother, published in another portion of this work.
Henry Braun was reared in his parents' home and received his early educa- tion in the district schools and also in the parochial school at Campbellsport, of which he was a pupil for six years. As a young man he was engaged in work on his father's farm until 1900, at which time he purchased a farm consisting of one hundred and thirteen acres, to which he has since added by additional purchase, and to the improvement and cultivation of that property he has since given his undivided attention.
Mr. Braun was united in marriage in 1894 to Miss Emma Mary Jaeger, a daughter of Nicholas and Annie Jaeger, both of whom are natives of Germany Vol. II-38
678
HISTORY OF FOND DU LAC COUNTY
and who emigrated to this country at a very early day. Mrs. Braun is a native of Wisconsin, her birth having occurred in the township of Eden. To Mr. and Mrs. Braun five children have been born, Paul, Leo, Esther, Veronica and Emma. Mr. Braun is a loyal member of the democratic party but preserves independence in local political matters. He has served for four years as a mem- ber of the board of supervisors and was clerk of school district No. 7 for eight- een consecutive years. He and his family are members of St. Mary's Catholic church of Eden. Mr. Braun is one of the substantial and respected citizens of Fond du Lac county and a man of nobility of character and one of the most useful citizens of the township in which he lives.
WILLIAM A. McLEAN.
William A. McLean, who is living retired in South Byron, but was for many years actively and successfully identified with the agricultural interests of this county, was born in Hamilton, Canada, on the 22d of February, 1836. His father, William McLean, was born in Ireland of Scotch parentage. In his early manhood he located in Canada but subsequently came to Wisconsin, settling in Byron township, where he passed away in 1872. The mother, whose maiden name was Mary Allison, was a native of England. Their family numbered eighteen: A daughter who died in infancy; John, whose birth occurred on Feb- ruary 24, 1830; Fannie, who was born on the 8th of August, 1831 ; Sarah, whose natal day was February 27, 1833; Joseph, who was born on the 8th of October, 1834; William, our subject; George, whose birth occurred on the 27th of Sep- tember, 1837; Elizabeth, who was born in 1838; Mary, who was born on August 23, 1840; Margaret, whose natal day was the 7th of November, 1842; Henry, whose birth occurred on March 28, 1844; Isabella, who was born in 1845; Charles, born on the 20th of January, 1847; Ezra, whose natal day was April 20, 1848; Thomas, born on the 14th of February, 1851; James, whose birth occurred on June 14, 1852; Herman, who was born on the Sth of May, 1854; and Fred, born on August 6, 1855.
The boyhood and youth of William A. McLean were largely passed in Byron township, where for many years the family home was located. His educational advantages were limited to the course provided by the district schools, which he attended until he was a lad of twelve years. Being one of the elder members of a large family in meager circumstances he then laid aside his text-books and assumed the heavier responsibilities of life. He was an industrious, painstaking youth of definite purpose and practical ideas and at the age of sixteen began cul- tivating land on shares. He subsequently removed to Iowa, where he purchased eighty acres of land and continued his agricultural pursuits for three years. From there he removed to Kansas, where he acquired a quarter section of land, remaining a resident of that state for twelve years. At the expiration of that period he returned to Fond du Lac county and in 1883 bought eighty acres of land in Byron township. He cultivated that place with varying success until 1905, when he withdrew from active work and removed to South Byron where he has since lived retired. His has been a hard life, as he assumed the duties of manhood when little more than a boy, but the thrift and frugality of his youth enables him to spend his latter years in well earned ease, his competence providing him and his wife with all of the necessities and many of the luxuries of the present age. Mr. McLean is one of those who offered his services to the nation during its time of need, having enlisted in Company K, First Wis- consin Volunteer Infantry on the 17th of September, 1861. He remained at the front for three years and one month, receiving his discharge on the 8th of October, 1864. During the period of his enlistment he participated in many
.
679
HISTORY OF FOND DU LAC COUNTY
of the notable battles of the war, but was never wounded his physical injuries being confined to three broken ribs.
Mr. McLean has been twice married, his first union having been with Miss Sarah Fern, the event being celebrated on February 22, 1859. Six children were born to them, three of whom, Harriet E. and Gary, the two eldest, and John H., the fourth in order of birth, are deceased. Louis F., the third mem- ber of the family, married Carrie Felch of Byron township and to them have been born three children: Walter C., Arson C. and Fern F. Hattie A. mar- ried Edward M. Cowles a farmer of Leroy on the 27th of December, 1894, and is now residing in South Byron. Their family number four: Arthur W., who was born in 1896; Alfred C., whose birth occurred in 1897; Alice, who was born in 1899; and Laurence V., whose natal day was in 1904. Charles H., who is a real-estate dealer at Great Falls, Montana, married Alice Ripley of Oak- field and they have one child. The wife and mother passed away about 1879, and on April 30, 1882, Mr. McLean was married to Miss Louisa Folks a native of the state of New York. She is a daughter of John and Emily Folks, who early located in this county, the father having filed on one of the first home- steads in Byron township, where he passed away. He was one of the successful pioneer agriculturists and at the time of his death owned six hundred acres of land.
Mr. and Mrs. McLean are ardent members of the Methodist Episcopal church, and fraternally he is affiliated with the Grand Army of the Republic. He votes the republican ticket, but never aspired to public honors or sought political preferment. A man of unassuming manner his has been a quiet life, but none the less useful, as he has performed his duties from day to day to the best of his ability, in fulfillment of his obligations to his fellow citizens and society at large.
FRANK S. TOWNE.
Frank S. Towne carries on general farming on section 4, Oakfield township, where he is cultivating one hundred and seventy-two acres on shares. His entire life has been devoted to farm work, for he was reared to that pursuit and started out to earn his own living as a farm hand. He was born at Waupun, Wisconsin, May 22, 1861, and is a son of Wesley and Rosephia A. (Fairbanks) Towne, both of whom were natives of the state of New York. The father was born in 1836 and was but seven years of age when brought to Wisconsin by his parents, who secured a homestead of one hundred and sixty acres in the town of Waupun. The land which was entered from the government was con- verted into productive fields and Wesley Towne bore his share in the work of the home farm while spending his boyhood days amid the scenes and environ- ments of pioneer life. He made farming his life work and lived to the age of sixty-nine years, passing away in 1906. His wife was brought to Wisconsin in early girlhood, the family home being established at Waupun, where she now lives. In their family were seven children, Freeman W., Frank S., James F., Jaspar D., Eugene W., Hattie L. and an infant who died unnamed.
Frank S. Towne was educated in the district schools of Waupun, pursuing his studies to the age of eighteen years, after which he gave his father the benefit of his services for four years and at the age of twenty-two began work as a farm hand. He was thus employed for three years, when he felt that his experi- ence justified him in taking up farming on his own account. For eight years he cultivated rented land and then returned to Waupun, where he remained for five and a half years. He next went to Rock River, where he carried on general farming for four years and in 1909 he took possession of the farm on section 4,
680
HISTORY OF FOND DU LAC COUNTY
Oakfield township, on which he now resides. It is a tract of one hundred and seventy-two acres, which he is cultivating on shares, and his industry and energy are manifest in the excellent appearance of the place and its well tilled fields. He has here thirteen head of cattle and five head of horses and he raises such crops as are best adapted to soil and climate, so that he gathers good harvests. Aside from his farming interests he is a stockholder in the Oakfield Elevator Company. ,
On the 15th of May, 1890, in Waupun, Wisconsin, Mr. Towne was married to Miss Clara E. Wells, a daughter of William and Sarah (Fairbanks) Wells, of that place, who are farming people, living in Waupun. In their family were five children, Charles W., John G., Clara E., Jennie V. and one who died in infancy. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Towne have been born the following named : F. Leslie, Frank L., Clifford H., Lyle G., Claude J., Vivian S., Retta R., Evelyn C., Robert L., Clyde M., and one who passed away in infancy. The parents hold membership in the Baptist church and Mr. Towne belongs also to the Equitable Fraternal Union. His political support is given to the republican party, which he supports by his ballot and his influence but otherwise takes little active part in political affairs, as he feels that his entire time and energies are demanded by his farming interests, as it is his earnest desire to win success and thus provide a comfortable home for his family.
FREDERICK G. STEENBERG.
Frederick G. Steenberg is a native son of Fond du Lac county and city and is one of the leading manufacturers in central eastern Wisconsin, being the secretary and treasurer of The O. C. Steenberg Company, manufacturers of sash, doors and blinds. He maintains his residence at No. 35 North Park avenue. His birth occurred on the 29th of April, 1867, his parents being Orrin Clement and Harriet (Green) Steenberg, the former a native of New York and the lat- ter of Connecticut. Orrin Clement Steenberg was born near Ithaca, Tompkins county, August 12, 1836, and a review of his life is given on another page of this work. Unto him and his wife were born three children. Sarah passed away at the age of twelve years. Dr. Hubert S. Steenberg, a practicing physi- cian of Milwaukee, wedded Miss Clara L. Huntington, of Green Bay, Wisconsin, by whom he has four children: David Knox, Gerald Huntington, Harriet Alice and Clarice Louise.
Frederick G. Steenberg, the other member of the family, is at present the secretary and treasurer of The O. C. Steenberg Company. He was reared at home and educated in the public schools of his native city. In 1887, after completing his education, he was for a short time employed as local editor of the Fond du Lac Commonwealth. Later he engaged at work in the O. C. Steenberg fac- tory. Since first becoming identified with this concern as an employe he has given his entire time and attention to the development and success of the busi- ness. Upon the death of his father, Orrin C. Steenberg, he was elected secre- tary and treasurer of this manufacturing institution. The company was incor- porated in 1896 with a capital stock of fifty-six thousand dollars. The high grade of work done in the O. C. Steenberg sash, door and blind factory is well known not only throughout the middle west but has an enviable reputation on the continent of Europe, sending its products to the English and German ports of entry, from which they are distributed to the consumers throughout the British isles and the German empire.
On the 26th of May, 1897, Mr. Steenberg was united in marriage to Miss Jessie W. Moore, a daughter of Benjamin F. and Eliza Mary (Conklin) Moore. Her paternal grandparents were Colonel Herbert and Nancy (Clark) Moore, the former a native of Chelmsford, Massachusetts, and the latter of New Hamp-
681
HISTORY OF FOND DU LAC COUNTY 1
shire. Their children were thirteen in number, namely: Herbert T., George H., Charles, Henry C., Benjamin F., Alfred, Caroline, Mary. Ann, Harriet, Char- lotte, Augusta, Julia and Adeline. The maternal grandparents of Mrs. Steen- berg were Colonel Henry and Mary Ann (Hewitt) Conklin, the former born in New York on the 10th of April, 1793, and the latter in England on the 19th of November, 1797. They were married on the 26th of May, 1818, and had a family of eight children, as follows: Henry Hewitt, Edgar, Eliza Mary, Robert, James Tallmadge, William Davies, Theodore and Frances H. To Colonel Henry Conklin belongs the honor of having built the first log cabin in this county. Settling in the township of Empire in 1841, he afterward built a log house in 1843 at the "big spring" under the ledge, the location being three miles east of Fond du Lac. This was the first residence in this county having shingles upon its roof and pine lumber for its floors, board partitions and "pinted up" between the logs with pure manufactured mortar. Luxurious indeed were all the appointments of this residence of Colonel Conklin. All of the lumber, mortar, shingles and other necessary material to make this the most notable and elegant establishment of its kind at that time in the county was freighted by wagon from Green Bay and Fort Howard over the old military road. Colonel Conklin was a man of broad ideas and large business capacity. He believed that the county was peculiarly adapted to dairying interests and, having the courage of his convictions in this particular, he was the pioneer dairyman of Fond du Lac county, owning several large farms of a thousand acres each upon which he kept from fifty to one hundred cows whose product was used in the stock and dairy enterprises of this progressive man. It is worthy of notice that his advent into this section of Wisconsin from Poughkeepsie, New York, occurred in the fall of 1841. At the time of his removal from the east he brought with him in connection with the necessary household goods for family use a steamboat bell which he had taken from the dismantled wreck of his steamer, Advocate, that once proudly plied the far-famed Hudson. This bell was regarded as a great novelty and a wonder of its kind at this early period in Wisconsin's pioneer days.
Mrs. Steenberg is a native daughter of this county, her parents having been among the earliest settlers in Fond du Lac. Her father, Benjamin F. Moore, was the first prospective bridegroom to apply for and obtain a marriage license in this county. At that time he was a resident of Taycheedah village, where he was engaged in the operation of a general merchandising store. Some time after their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Moore removed to the city of Fond du Lac and there spent the remaining years of their lives. Few men have so success- fully devoted their time and ability to the best interests as Benjamin F. Moore. For many years he was known to be a devoted friend and successful leader in building up the enterprising affairs of business, education and religious insti- tutions of his city and county. Both he and his wife lived to old age, Mrs. Moore passing away on the 12th of August, 1903, at the age of seventy-six years, and Mr. Moore following her in death on the 18th of February, 1904, at the age of eighty-four years. Their children were as follows: Jessie W., who became the wife of Frederick G. Steenberg; Mrs. S. D. Wyatt; Mrs. J. W. Hiner, of Chicago; J. M. Moore, of Portland, Oregon; C. H. Moore, who is a resident of Spokane, Washington, and has served as mayor of that city for two years; A. L. Moore, of Moline, Illinois; H. C. Moore, of Fond du Lac; Ed M. Moore, living in North Adams, Massachusetts; George Moore, of New York city ; and one who died in early life.
Frederick G. Steenberg is affiliated with the republican party, giving his sup- port to that great political organization. He belongs to the Elks Club and is a mem- ber of the Congregational church. He is one of the enterprising and among the most successful manufacturers in his line in this part of the country, his factory employing at present sixty skilled laborers. He is regarded as a con-
682
HISTORY OF FOND DU LAC COUNTY
servative, reliable man of high business standing and is to be counted upon for his support in the advancement of any cause of merit affecting the educational and religious advancement of his state and county.
THOMAS E. WORTHING.
Thomas E. Worthing, a native son and respected and representative citizen of Fond du Lac county, was long and actively identified with general agricul- tural pursuits here and has for nine years served as general manager of the Oak- field Telephone Company, of which he is a stockholder. His birth occurred in Oakfield township, this county, on the 14th of September, 1860, his parents be- ing Thomas B. and Mary (Lewis) Worthing, the former a native of Wales and the latter of the state of New York. Thomas B. Worthing, who was born in 1830, was brought to Waukesha county, Wisconsin, as a lad of nine years and there continued his education, which had been begun in his native land. In 1844 he came to Oakfield township, Fond du Lac county, here purchasing one hundred and twenty acres of land and devoting his attention to general agricultural pursuits until about 1872. Leaving the farm, he took up his abode in Fond du Lac and there conducted a grocery store until the time of his retire- ment in 1881. The remainder of his life was spent in Oakfield, where his demise occurred in 1882. At that time his holdings embraced about four hun- dred acres of valuable land. His death was the occasion of deep and widespread regret, for he had gained an extensive circle of friends during the period of his residence in this county, which covered almost four decades. His wife, whose natal year was 1836, was called to her final rest in 1902. Their children were six in number, as follows: Viana, who died in 1904 and who was the wife of Stephen A. McGauley, a carpenter of Fond du Lac, by whom she had three children; Ida, the widow of C. W. Large, who was a retired agriculturist of Oakfield at the time of his death in 1908; Carrie, who gave her hand in mar- riage to M. Angelo McGalloway, of Fond du Lac; Thomas E., of this review ; George W., a merchant of Fond du Lac, who wedded Miss Alice Lurvey of Oakfield and is the father of four children; and Charles A., a ranch owner in Montana, who married Miss Ida Lurvey of Oakfield and has two children.
Thomas E. Worthing obtained his early education in the district schools of his native township and attended a public school in Fond du Lac until sixteen years of age. He was subsequently employed as a farm hand for a period of four years and then returned to the old homestead, which he operated for two years, his sister keeping house for him. He next cultivated rented land for four years and in 1890 purchased property, successfully engaging in farming for a period of several years or until he disposed of the place and took up his abode in the village of Oakfield. He acted as manager of the Oakfield Elevator Com- pany for two years and has been general manager of the Oakfield Telephone Company for nine years, proving a capable official and manifesting excellent executive ability in these connections. He is likewise a stockholder in the Oak- field Light & Power Company.
On the 21st of September, 1881, at Oakfield, Thomas E. Worthing was united in marriage to Miss Ella Beirne, her father being John Beirne, a farmer of Oakfield township. Mr. and Mrs. Worthing have three children, namely : Edna N., who gave her hand in marriage to Clarence Corcoran, of Fond du Lac; Ione A .; and Hazel O.
Thomas E. Worthing is a republican and his fellow townsmen, recognizing his worth and ability, have called him to several positions of public trust. He acted as school clerk of district No. 8 for twenty-one years, was assessor of Oakfield township for eight years, township supervisor for four years and
683
HISTORY OF FOND DU LAC COUNTY
supervisor of the village of Oakfield for nine years. He was also vice chair- inan of the county board for a period of two years. His fraternal relations are with the Modern Woodmen of America, the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and the Rebekahs. Having spent his entire life within the borders of Fond du Lac county, he has become widely acquainted here, while his genial disposition has made for him a circle of warm friends which is almost coex- tensive with the circle of his acquaintances. He possesses, moreover, those sterling traits of character which in every land and clime win confidence, respect and good-will, and by the consensus of public opinion he is accorded a promi- nent place among the valued citizens of Oakfield.
EDWARD ROEDER.
A substantially improved stock farm of a hundred and fourteen acres in Taycheedah township pays tribute to the energies of Edward Roeder, who for many years was engaged in blacksmithing in Fond du Lac. He was born in Germany in 1860, and is a son of August Roeder, who passed away when his son was a lad of ten years.
Diligence and thrift have been the dominant factors in the success of Edward Roeder, who upon the completion of his schooling learned the blacksmith's trade. He followed this occupation in Fond du Lac for many years, thus acquir- ing the capital which enabled him to purchase his present farm and retire to the country, where he is devoting himself almost exclusively to the raising of stock. He bought this place six years ago, and during the intervening years has wrought many improvements on it, having expended more than two thousand dollars in this direction. Mr. Roeder is a man of practical ideas and progressive meth- ods and it is his ambition to make his farm one of the model enterprises of its kind in this section, and to this end he is intelligently directing his energies with gratifying results. His fields have been gradually brought into a higher state of productivity, and are annually yielding more abundantly. As he is mak- ing a specialty of live stock he raises such cereals as are best adapted to his purpose, using practically his entire harvest.
In 1882, Mr. Roeder was married to Miss Bertha Winnerstall, a native of Germany, where her parents passed their entire lives, and to them have been born eight children.
The family are members of the St. Peter's Lutheran church and Mr. Roeder is a stanch republican in his political views. Both he and his family are highly respected in their community, as they are people of excellent qualities the worth of which has been clearly manifested during the period of their residence here.
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.