History of Barron County Wisconsin, Part 100

Author: Franklyn Curtiss-Wedge
Publication date: 1922
Publisher:
Number of Pages: 1767

USA > Wisconsin > Barron County > History of Barron County Wisconsin > Part 100

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Henry Schneider, merchant and man-of-affairs, one of the leading busi- ness men of Rice Lake, part owner of the "Golden Rule," the leading dry goods and ladies' ready-to-wear apparel establishment in Rice Lake, and one of the real active makers of progress in this part of the county, is a local product, born in that part of Rice Lake, called from his parents, Schneider- town, Oct. 24, 1880, son of John and Josephine Schneider, the worthy pioneers who are numbered high among the founders of the county. He received a thorough education in St. Joseph's Parochial School and early determined that his bent lay along mercantile lines. With this thought in mind, he became a

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clerk, and as a youth and young man was employed in various Rice Lake stores. From 1901 to 1903 he was manager of the C. S. Nelson Co. dry goods store at Spooner, Wis. In 1903, to get a broader knowledge of the country, he traveled west, and spent varying periods of time in different towns in Oregon, Wash- ington and California. He returned to Rice Lake in 1904 and formed a part- nership with A. C. Robarge in the general store business under the firm name of Robarge & Schneider. He sold his interests in this place in March, 1912, and with Miss Mary Fournier, bought out Fred Field and established the "Golden Rule." The store handles an excellent line of dry goods and ready-to-wear garments for ladies. Miss Fournier, at the time the partnership was formed, had twenty years' experience as a clerk in Rice Lake stores. The experience and ability of the two proprietors makes the store one in which modish goods are purchased in the most advantageous manner, enabling the public to select the best. The growth of the community in population and wealth, and the increasing high standards of clothing and living, are finding their reflection in the growth of the store. Aside from his store, Mr. Schneider has somewhat extensive interests in Rice Lake and elsewhere. He has a pleasant residence at 836 Lake street, facing beautiful Rice Lake, and is also the holder of other real estate, urban and rural. He is a partner in the Wallace Land Co., which has its headquarters at Rice Lake and branches at Cumberland and Sarona. He is also interested in the Cement Stone Silo Co. of Rice Lake. Mr. Schneider has found much of his recreation in fraternal affairs. He was one of the char- ter members of Goldsmith Council, Knights of Columbus, of Chippewa Falls, and has been grand knight of Christopher Schmit Council, No. 2137, of Rice Lake. He has also been chief ranger of St. John's Court, No. 1618, C. O. F., and since 1920 has been secretary. The Rice Lake Commercial Club has found him an active member and he is one of the members and first president of the credit division of that organization. Mr. Schneider was married Oct. 30, 1906, to Blanche Taylor of Minneapolis, who was born May 12, 1884. Mr. and Mrs. Schneider have nine children: Ethel M., born June 7, 1908; Lee J., born Oct. 26, 1909; Paul H., born April 20, 1911; Lucille A., born Dec. 16, 1912; Henry M., born July 19, 1914; Blanche E., born March 16, 1916; Daniel A., born Oct. 30, 1917; Lilah M., born June 1, 1919; and Emily A., born Jan. 15, 1921.

Arnold Schieffer, son of Peter and Odilia Schieffer, pioneer of Monroe County, and now a respected resident of Barron County, was born in Germany and was brought to this country by his parents when but five years of age, locating with them in Wisconsin. He was reared in this state, and as a young man married Katherine Kreuser, a native of Wisconsin. In 1856 they settled on a piece of wild land on St. Mary's Ridge, Monroe County. This land was then covered with timber, brush and stumps, and the population consisted of only a few scattered settlers, none of whom had been there longer than since the previous fall. Mr. and Mrs. Peter Schieffer set at work with a will, they endured the hardships and privations of pioneer life with cheerful courage, and as time passed, prosperity rewarded their efforts. They added to their possessions until they owned 360 acres, all tillable, with a good set of build- ings, fences and equipment, all of which they had attained by hard work, frugality and good judgment. Throughout the community they were well regarded and held in the highest respect. But in 1913, in order to be nearer their children in their declining years, they sold their farm to their son-in-law, Frank Hauck, and came to Barron County. Here they purchased a farm of 160 acres in Rice Lake Township, on which they still live. They are the parents of twelve children. Odilia is the wife of Frank Hauck of Rice Lake Township. Margaret is the wife of John Leibert of Rice Lake Township. J. P. is a Rice Lake business man. Mary is the wife of Anton Haines of Oak Grove Township. Elizabeth is the wife of A. G. Kelnhofer, of Rice Lake Township. Aloise lives in Haven, S. D. Christina entered the religious state, became Sister Mary Arnold of St. Rose Convent, La Crosse, and is now dead.

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MR. AND MRS. G. P. MOE

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Anna entered the religious state and is now Sister Mary Arnoldine of St. Rose Convent, La Crosse. Catherine is the wife of Joseph Svacina of Cedar Lake Township. Theodore resides with his parents and manages the home farm. Paulina is the wife of Henry Richter of Bear Lake Township. Joseph lives with his parents and is associated with his brother in managing the home farm.

J. Peter Schieffer, farmer, business man and manager of the Equity Exchange of Campia, with headquarters at Rice Lake, was born on St. Mary's Ridge, Monroe County, this state, son of Arnold and Katherine (Kreuser) Schieffer, the pioneers. He received his early education in the parochial school located near his home and as a boy took up farming with his father. At the age of 27, feeling the need of a higher education, he entered St. John's University at Collegeville, Stearns County, Minn., where he studied four years, receiving a diploma in high school work, and also taking a part of the regular college classical course. He came to Rice Lake in the spring of 1913 and purchased a 200-acre farm from W. A. Demers, east of the lake in Rice Lake Township, where he farmed for three years. Then he sold out and after a brief visit in Rice Lake bought a farm of 160 acres in Jackson County, this state. But he was not contented there, so after seven months he sold out and moved to Sparta, also in this state, where he already owned property and where he built a fine residence. After five months there he traded with M. E. Crate of Rice Lake for a good farm of 160 acres in Oak Grove Township, to which he moved. Of this property he later sold 80 acres, still retaining 80 acres, which he rents and which is considered one of the best pieces of land in the county. In 1918 he retired on account of ill health, but not being satisfied to be idle, he took a position with the Consumers Store at Rice Lake for three months. Then he went to Marathon County, this state, and bought 80 acres adjoining the property of the Capuchin Fathers at Marathon City. Six months later he returned to Rice Lake once more and bought a farm of 80 acres in Oak Grove Township. But after nine months there he again decided that his health would not permit of farming, so he rented the farm and moved to Rice Lake, where he purchased his present home at 108 West Marshall Street. He accepted his present position in July, 1920. The Equity Exchange, under his management, buys, sells and exchanges all kinds of farm produce to the advantage of the farmer. Mr. Schieffer has long been interested in the Equity movement, has been secretary of the local body since its establishment and served one term as county president. Aside from his two farms and his residence, his financial holdings include stock in the Bank of Campia, in which he is a director; in the Campia Equity Exchange, in which he is also a director; in the Consumers Store of Rice Lake and in the Merchants and Farmers Bank of Marathon City. He also owns a lot on Main Street, Rice Lake, where he intends erecting a business block. Fraternally, he is a member of the Catholic Foresters and the Knights of Columbus, and holds office in the latter order. Formerly he and his family worshiped with Our Lady and Lord's congregation at Dobie, this county, of which he was secretary, and they now belong to St. Joseph's Church of Rice Lake, where he is a member of the choir. Mr. Schieffer was married Oct. 31, 1913, to Rose A. Robarge of Dobie, Wis., who was born Oct. 21, 1890. This union has been blessed with five children: Bernard O., born Aug. 20, 1915; Leona O., born Oct. 2, 1916; Clara M., born Dec. 31, 1917; Francis J., born April 1, 1919; Christina M., born Dec. 10, 1920.

Gudbrand P. Moe, a pioneer of section 24, Dovre Township, was born near the city of Lillehammer, Norway, in 1828, and was there reared, receiv- ing his education through the common and high schools, later entering the military academy, graduating from same. He served as an officer in the Norwegian army for a number of years, taught common school, taught ath- letics at the Lillehammer High School, was employed to a large extent as accountant for various corporations, he being an expert in this line of work.

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In 1850 he was married to Ingeborg Holme. To this union were born five children, namely: Bernard (deceased), Peter Anton, George (deceased), Jens Martin and Bertha Marie (deceased). He came to America in the year 1876, and in 1877 took up a homestead in the then town of Chetek, later the town of Dovre, this county, on which he remained for the rest of his life. He started with a log cabin and a little clearing and underwent all the hardships of pioneer life, getting along as best he could while building up a home for himself and his family. He was a man of devout faith and was a member of the Norwegian Lutheran Church at Dovre. He died on the tenth day of Jan- uary in the year 1905; his wife died on the 13th day of March in the year 1903. Jens Martin Moe, cashier of the Bank of Sand Creek, Sand Creek Village, Dunn County, Wis., and for many years one of the foremost farmers of Dovre Township, this county, is an excellent type of the men who constitute the foundation of the financial and business integrity of this part of the state. He has had broad experience in business, in agriculture and in finance, he has never shirked any duty that has come to him, he has taken his part in every- thing that has meant progress and betterment, and he has won and held the confidence, friendship and esteem of his fellow men. He is a man of forceful personality, rugged strength and genial temperament, whose abilities have ever been directed in right channels and whose judgment and opinion is widely sought. As a clerk he was courteous, able, obliging and dependable, as a farmer he kept abreast of the modern methods and studied how best the agricultural interests of the community might be advanced, and as a banker he is thoroughly familiar with the needs of his patrons and his policy is sound, solid and conservative. He was born in Norway, Nov. 6, 1865, the son of Gudbrand and Ingeborg (Holme) Moe, the pioneers, who brought him to this country and to Dovre Township in 1876. He grew to manhood here and early became interested in mercantile pursuits. For ten years, from 1887 and on, he was a clerk in Chetek, in this county, and for five years, from 1881 to 1886, had similar employment in Chicago. He took over his father's farm, built a modern home around the old log cabin, erected barns and outbuildings and developed a good place, which he conducted along scientific lines, success- fully carrying on general farming and dairying. During this period he was regarded as one of the most influential and important men in the township, and little of a public nature was undertaken without first consulting him. For twenty-eight years, from 1890 to 1918, he served most efficiently as town treasurer, and the town finances prospered in his care. He helped to organize the Spring Hill Creamery and for a time was its secretary. In other ways as well he was one of the real leaders in the affairs of his neighborhood. In 1916 he was the candidate of his party for a seat in the assembly, and although running as a Democrat in a strongly Republican district, he came within thirty votes of his successful opponent. In 1918 he turned the farm over to his son, Gerhard A., who now conducts it. In that year he moved to Sand Creek and helped to establish the institution of which he is now the cashier and in whose success he is the vital and dominant factor. Although living outside of Barron County, he is still interested in its affairs and draws many of his patrons from among his old neighbors and friends. Mr. Moe is a director of the Farmers Store Co., which has its headquarters at Bloomer and maintains a chain of stores, many of which are in Barron County. Frater- nally, he is a member of Lakeside Camp, No. 2347, Modern Woodmen of America, at Chetek, and of Chetek Lodge, No. 277, A. F. & A. M., at Chetek, Wis. Mr. Moe was married in Dovre Township, July 16, 1892, to Petra Jorstad, the daughter of Arne and Annie Jorstad, pioneers of Dovre Township. This union has been blessed with six children. Ida Alma is the wife of Oscar Thompson of Sand Creek. Olga Lydia is the wife of John Olson of Dovre Township. Gerhard Alvin married Minnie Christopherson and farms the old homestead. Thorvald Eilert married Mildred Hanson and is employed in Chetek State Bank, Chetek, Wis. Arnold James is assistant cashier in the

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Bank of Sand Creek. Bertha Marie is cashier of the Farmers Store Co. at Sand Creek.

Sigwall Severson, a substantial farmer of section 13, Dovre Township, was born in Norway, Feb. 10, 1873, the son of Jens and Mary Severson. He at- tended school for a time in his native land. In 1887, then but fourteen years of age, he came to America with his brother, Sophus, then seventeen years old, a serious venture indeed for a boy of such tender years. For a while the two boys made their headquarters at Chetek and worked on farms in the summer and in the woods in the winter. In 1890 the parents and younger children came to this country, and the family was thus reunited. In 1891 the two brothers, Sigwall and Sophus, bought a farm of 120 acres in section 12, which they placed in charge of their parents. The father died May 3, 1920, and the mother still lives on the place, which is now operated by a grandson, Henry, who bought it in 1920. In 1894 the two brothers, Sigwall and Sophus, still in partnership, bought 160 acres of land in section 13. It had previously been occupied, some crude shacks had been erected and twenty acres had been cleared. In 1900 the partnership was dissolved. The subject of this sketch has continued to occupy the west half of the 160 acres, his brother occupying the other half. The subject of this sketch has a good home and has built a basement barn and other structures. He successfully carries on general farming and dairying, raises a grade of Guernsey cattle and has a well tilled, well developed and productive farm. Mr. Severson is a man of broad inter- ests, is director in the Dovre Telephone Co., has been a director in the Spring Hill Creamery Co. and is a stockholder in the Farmers Store. As the father of children, he is interested in education and has done efficient service on the school board. Mr. Severson was married at Chetek to Clara Larson, who was born in Dunn County, this state, on Sept. 19, 1879, daughter of Louis and Nettie Larson. This union has been blessed with seven children: Henry, Anna, Inga, Lillian, Carl, Alice and Ada. Henry, an energetic farmer, was born June 18, 1900, and as already mentioned is on the original home place in section 12, this township. The family is highly respected throughout the community.

Sigurd Alfred Carlson, a prosperous and influential farmer of section 16, Dovre township, was born on the section where he still lives, Nov. 11, 1886, the son of Martin and Ingrid (Stene) Carlson. He was reared on the home farm, learned argiculture from his father and received his preliminary educa- tion in the district schools. His higher education was received at St. Olaf's College, Northfield, Minn., where he spent three years. In 1905 he formed a partnership with his brothers, Carl Joseph and Christian G., in the operation of over a section of their father's land. During this partnership three new sets of buildings were erected on the place. When the partnership was dis- solved in 1912, Sigurd A. took one of the sets of buildings and 200 acres of land. He successfully carries on general farming and dairying, making a specialty of Shorthorn cattle, Percheron horses and Hampshire swine. He has a good house and barn, with a sightly yard, and everything about the place testifies to his industry and good judgment. His financial holdings include interests in the store, creamery and telephone company at Chetek. As a native of this town, Mr. Carlson has its general welfare deeply at heart. He has advocated better roads and better schools, he believes in everything that has as its object the betterment and progress of the community, and is taking his share in public affairs as a good citizen. He has served on the town board, and in 1910 and 1920 won commendation for his excellent work in taking the United States census for this township. He was married at Chetek on May 17, 1913, to Lillian Olson, born in Dovre Township, on Feb. 16, 1893, the daughter of Ole S. and Karen Olson. This union has been blessed with five children: Sigrid, Iduna, Mathilda, Agnes and Esther.

Andrew Larson, a veteran of the Civil War and an early settler in the southern part of Dover Township, was born in Norway, Feb. 14, 1825, and

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there grew to manhood. On June 24, 1847, he married Ingra Knudson, who was born in Norway, Dec. 21, 1824, and who was fifty-five days his senior. In 1863 they came to America, the voyage aboard the sailing vessel taking ten weeks and four days. The family landed in Quebec and then came to Eau Claire, in this state, where they lived for four years, Mr. Larson working in the mills and in the logging woods. While there he enlisted in Company H, 16th Wisconsin Volunteer Infantry, and served as a good soldier for about nineteen months. In 1867 Mr. and Mrs. Larson came to Barron County and took a homestead near Sand Creek, on section 36, west, Dover Township. This was all wild land and there were only about four families in the whole settle- ment, there were no roads, and the principal route of travel was an Indian trail which crossed a corner of the farm, extending from the river to the present site of Bloomer. Here he built a log house and moved his family into it. The family came from Eau Claire with a hired team of horses. He himself drove up a pair of oxen which he had bought. That summer he got a cow. With almost nothing in the way of tools and equipment, he started clearing up the farm. For some years times and conditions were hard. But he and. his wife worked hard, assisted by their family, and in due time won success. Both are now dead. Mr. Larson was the first to pass away, departing this life Nov. 15, 1894. Mrs. Larson's death came nearly nine years later, on Sunday, Oct. 4, 1903. They were devout members of the Norwegian Lutheran Church and early services of that denomination were held in their cabin. They had six children, Louis, Andrew, Martin, John, Carrie and Trena (Mrs. George Olson and Mrs. Theo. S. Peterson).

Louis Larson, a well known farmer of section 36, west, Dovre Township, was born in Norway, Sept. 2, 1847, the son of Andrew and Ingra Larson, who brought the family to Eau Claire in 1863 and to Dovre Township in 1867. He helped his parents develop the farm and for a time was employed in the mills at Eau Claire. He well remembers the early days when there were few settlers in the township, when provisions had to be brought from Eau Claire on the settlers' backs, and when a walk to Eau Claire was regarded as not much more of an undertaking than an auto ride there now is. He gradually took over the responsibility of the home place and is now its owner. He has a fine place of 140 acres, which he has developed. Each acre represents hard toil, for in the days when he was clearing land there was no dynamite, and the pulling of a single stump was a hard and laborious task. On this place he carries on general farming and stock raising. He is active in public affairs and has served on the town board and on the school board, both with credit. Mr. Larson was married on the farm, about 1873, to Natie Peterson, who was born in Norway, Oct. 14, 1851. This union has been blessed with five children: Albert L., clerk in the Farmers Store at Bloomer, who married Mary Eng; Clara, the wife of Sigval Severson of Dovre Township; Ingvald of Wheeler, Wis., who married Tillie Anderson; Alma, wife of Oscar Hanson of Dovre; and Lena, at home. Mr. and Mrs. Larson are active in the affairs of the community, in which they are highly regarded.

Charles Larsgard, retired farmer, living at 417 West Allen street, Oak Park, Rice Lake, was born Feb. 22, 1854, in Aalesund, Norway, son of Jetmund and Petrine (Johanekn) Larsgard, also natives of that country. He received a common school education in Norway, and after leaving school followed the sea. He came to America in 1883, and located in Stanfold, Barron County, Wis., where he took a homestead of heavy timber land, which he partly cleared, and erected a log house, barn and sheds. In 1890 he erected a frame residence. He sold out in 1902, and bought 80 acres in the same township, this county, four miles from Rice Lake. This was partly improved. He con- tinued its development, and farmed thereon until 1916, when he sold out, and moved to Rice Lake, where he bought a lot in Oak Park, and erected a modern home in Rice Lake. He has many interesting stories to tell of the incidents pertaining to the development of this part of Wisconsin, especially of the fire

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MR. AND MRS. ANDREW LARSON LOUIS LARSON AND FAMILY

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of 1899 when he lost everything he possessed. Mr. Larsgard was married July 3, 1889, at Rice Lake, to Anna Johnson, daughter of John and Ellen (Jenson) Johnson, who came to this country in 1889. Mr. and Mrs. Larsgard have eight children: Tena, Emma, Josephine, Joseph, Carl, Ella, Tilda E., and Lillis. Tena was born April 3, 1890, was married to Sigwat Olsen who died July 19, 1920, and has a son, Byron Sidney Olsen, born Feb. 2, 1913, now living with his grandparents. Emma was born Jan. 23, 1892, and works in Minneapolis. Josephine was born Aug. 24, 1894, married Alex Peterson, who lives on the home farm, and has one son, Lester Clifford Peterson, born May 28, 1915. Joseph was born June 19, 1896, and lives in Racine, Wis. He en- listed at Rice Lake, Wis., in 1917, with the 20th Engineers and served 14 months in France in the World War. He married Dorris O'Neil, and they have one child, June Dorris, born Aug. 24, 1920. Carl was born Jan. 11, 1899, and lives at home. Ella born July 6, 1902 and Tilda E. born July 5, 1904, live in Minneapolis. Lillis was born June 2, 1907, and attends High School at Rice Lake.

Nels Larson, retired contractor and one of the aldermen of Rice Lake, was born in Denmark, Aug. 23, 1862, the son of Nels and Mary Larson, who spent the span of their years in that country. He was educated in his native land, and came to America in 1882, locating first in Legana, Mich. He was then engaged in railroad construction for several years, working in various parts of the country. In 1893 he came to Rice Lake and became a general contractor on his own responsibility. He was successful in this line and built up an excellent business, his work commending itself by its honesty and excellence. His fair dealing, his straightforward methods, and his knowledge of his business won for him a high place in the community. He continued in this line for some quarter of a century, and then retired. He stands well in the community and enjoys the regard of his fellow men. His work in public life has demonstrated his desire for the best good of the community at large, and he has always stood for those things which he has believed to be just and right. He was married Dec. 11, 1890, at Prairie du Chien, Wis., to Mary Anderson, daughter of Andrew and Britta (Person) Anderson, who came from Sweden in 1869, and took up farming, the father dying in 1910, and the mother still making her home in Mason City, Iowa. Mr. and Mrs. Larson are the proud parents of a fine family of eleven children: Charlotte Katrene was born Jan. 22, 1892, was married in 1911 to Sam Kellerman, and lives in Rice Lake. Marion D. was born Aug. 22, 1893, is married and lives in Duluth. Albin was born in 1894 and died in infancy. Edwin L. was born Nov. 29, 1894, is married and lives in Oakland, Calif. He served in the World War as a private in the 32nd Division for two years, being in France for fifteen months, and seeing active service at the front. Esther Ruth was born May 29, 1898, married Frank Torna and lives in Duluth. Amanda E., born July 26, 1900, died in infancy. Florence L. was born Oct. 5, 1901, and died in 1907. Lillian A. was born Dec. 9, 1904; Laura, Feb. 13, 1906; Beatrice, March 20, 1909, and Sydney F., March 20, 1914.

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History of Barron County Wisconsin, Part 100

Author: Franklyn Curtiss-Wedge Publication date: 1922 Publisher: Number of Pages: 1767

Author: Franklyn Curtiss-Wedge
Publication date: 1922
Publisher:
Number of Pages: 1767