History of Barron County Wisconsin, Part 119

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

USA > Wisconsin > Barron County > History of Barron County Wisconsin > Part 119

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He has assisted his parents with the development of the place. He quit the farm and is now patrolman on a local section of the State Highway System. He is well liked by all the young people of the community, and is already get- ting a good start in life. John was born June 20, 1894, and lives in the Town of Bear Lake. He married Laura Weilep and has one daughter, Eleanore. Carl was born Nov. 18, 1896, and died May 25, 1918. Gunda was born Jan. 22, 1899, and lives in Minneapolis. Maggie was born April 30, 1902, and Anna, April 28, 1905. Theadore, Gunda and Margaret are all members of the Scan- dinavian Fraternity.

Henry Weilep, for a number of years an honored and respected citizen of Bear Lake Township, was born, reared and educated in Wisconsin, and early took up farming. He married Euphrosina Horsman, a native of Germany, and for several years farmed in Monroe County, this state. From there he brought the family to Barron County and bought 80 acres in Section 28, Bear Lake Township. This was all wild timber land. No highways had been laid out, and the only way to get to the land was over the tote roads of the lumber companies. He built a log house and barns and started clearing up the land. In 1895 he bought 80 acres more in Sections 28 and 29. This he also started to clear. He lost his wife in 1898. For a few years thereafter he continued on the farm, assisted by the children. Then he rented the place for a while. Later he sold it to his sons, William A. and Leo T. He has been a good citi- zen and a hard working farmer and is held in high regard by all who know him.

William A. Weilep is one of the leading and influential farmers of Bear Lake Township. He has taken an active part in public affairs, especially as relates to his own township. For nine years he has done most excellent serv- ice as chairman of the township, and as such served with credit on the county board. His work for the town and for the county was most excellent, and won the approbation of the taxpayers and voters. For some ten years he was director of the school board of his district. As treasurer of the Clover Leaf Cheese Co., he is brought into intimate contact with all the dairymen of this vicinity, and his work in this capacity is meeting with general satisfaction. Mr. Weilep was born in Monroe County, this state, Sept. 23, 1879, the son of Henry and Euphrosina (Horsman) Weilep. He came to this county with the rest of the family in 1880 and now with his brother, Leo T., owns the home farm, which they purchased in 1903, and to which they have given the name of Midway Farm. Mr. Weilep was married in Bear Lake Township, Jan. 22, 1899, to Carrie Troyer, who was born in Maryland, Dec. 13, 1879, the daugh- ter of John and Laura (Good) Troyer, natives of Indiana. The father is now liv- ing in Cumberland, the mother being deceased. Mr. and Mrs. Weilep have six children : Esther, Lawrence, Laura, Leslie, Everett and Cecil. Laura mar- ried John Brandon and has one child, Elnora. The two Weilep brothers have one of the best, most modern, and highly productive farms in the vicinity. The modern and comfortable home of stucco, furnished and equipped with many conveniences, was put up in 1920. The frame barn, 32 by 100 feet, with a wing, 32 by 32, equipped with the King ventilating system and the James stanchions, was put up in 1915. The two large silos were constructed at the same time. Other buildings have been put up as necessity has required. All the buildings are lighted with electricity, and house, barn and yard are fur- nished with running water. There is a pleasant lawn, and a good grove. The place is well fenced, and everything bespeaks the prosperity and thrift and good judgment of the owners. The pride of the farm is a herd of over 50 fine Guernsey cattle, nearly a half of which are pure bloods. The brothers successfully carry on general farming and dairying along modern lines, and have won a full measure of merited success. Both are among the most promi- nent men in the township.

Louis A. Stodola, an active and progressive farmer of Section 13, Bear Lake Township, is a native of this county, born at Haugen, in Oak Grove

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MR. AND MRS. LOUIS A. STODOLA

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Township, Sept. 23, 1896, the son of Bohumil and Anna (Svoboda) Stodola. These good people were born in Bohemia, came to America in 1873, and bought 160 acres of prairie land near Clarkson, Nebraska. There they farmed until 1894, when they came to Barron County, and purchased 160 acres near what is now Haugen, in Oak Grove Township. This was then covered with brush and stumps. They cleared up the land, and built a frame house, a good barn, a granary, machine sheds and other buildings, and became well known and substantial citizens. The father died in 1907 and the mother now lives in the Village of Haugen. Louis A. attended the schools of his neighborhood and learned farming on the home farm. He lost his father when he was eleven years old, and gradually as he grew old enough, assumed the responsibility of running the place for his mother. In 1919 he rented a farm in the Village of Haugen, Oak Grove Township. In 1920 he came onto his present place, which he rents. He is engaged in general farming and dairying, and has a good herd of Holsteins, headed by a full-blooded sire. A hard working, in- dustrious man, he understands his business thoroughly, and is making a good start in life. Louis A. Stodola was inducted into service in the United States Army, at Barron, Wis., Oct. 23, 1918. He was sent to Camp Shelby, Miss., for training and went from there to Camp Grant, at Rockford, Ill., where he was discharged Dec. 28, 1918. Mr. Stodola was married June 8, 1920, at Haugen, this county, to Mary Kodesh, who was born in Omaha, Neb., March 1, 1901, the daughter of Anton and Francis (Uchytil) Kodesh, who are still living in Haugen. Mr. and Mrs. Stodola have one son, Rudolph F., born April 10, 1921. Isaac Faurot, an honored and respected resident of Sections 31 and 32, Bear Lake Township, was born at Highland Mill, on the Hudson River, in Orange County, New York State, Aug. 9, 1848, the son of Stephen and Ruth (Bull) Faurot. The father was a well known and popular character in his day, a boatman on the Hudson River at West Point, also for some time a steam- boat man, and at another period of his life being engaged in government work. Isaac, the subject of this sketch, came to Wisconsin in 1861. He at- tended the common schools and was still a boy when he enlisted in Co. H, 47th Wis. Vol. Inf., was transferred to the 44th Regiment and served for one year. One of the exciting incidents of his service was a chase after Jefferson Davis, the president of the Southern Confederacy. At one time the company came within a few miles of him, and was but ten miles away at the time of his capture. Upon his discharge, Mr. Faurot returned to the farm. For some years he farmed in Columbia County, this state, and later spent fourteen years clearing up a farm in Pierce County. In 1884 he came to Barron County and homesteaded 40 acres in Section 32, Bear Lake Township, and bought 80 acres in Section 31, adjoining. This was all heavy timber land. He cleared up a home lot and built a log house and log barn. Then he set to work to establish a farm in the wilderness. By working early and late at the most arduous toil, he gradually cut off the timber and put the land under cultivation. In 1905 he built a frame house which is convenient and comfortable. Later he put up a good frame barn, granary, machine sheds, chicken house, swine house, and other buildings. He has taken pride in having a good farm, and every- thing about it bespeaks his good judgment and hard work. He successfully carries on general farming and stock raising, and has a fine herd of high grade cattle, headed by a full-blooded sire. His financial holdings include electric light, telephone, cheese factory and creamery stock, as he has be- lieved in supporting everything that contributes to the progress, develop- ment and welfare of the community. Mr. Faurot was married at Maiden Rock, Wis., to Mary Phillips, who was born in New York on Sept. 5, 1856, the daughter of John and Adelia (Cook) Phillips, natives of New York State and early settlers of Wisconsin. The father in early life was a blacksmith and having a mechanical turn of mind, later became an engineer. He died May 2, 1871, and his wife, after spending many years with her daughter, Mrs. Faurot, died in April, 1919. Mr. and Mrs. Faurot are the parents of nine children :

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Charles S., Edna, Ferne, William, Arthur S., Mamie . A., Lloyd, Hazel and Vivian. Charles S. was born May 29, 1875, and died in October, 1893. Edna was born April 7, 1877, married Burt Brinkley, of Cumberland, and has a child, Fern. Ferne, born Nov. 2, 1879, is now Mrs. Chas. Raberty of Cumber- land. William, born Oct. 12, 1880, is married and lives near Seattle, Wash., having one child, William M. Arthur S. was born Sept. 7, 1884. Mamie A. was born May 5, 1886, married Robert Read, of this township, and has seven children, namely: Mabel, Mary, Velma, Lelah, Charles, Hazel and Vayne. Lloyd was born Nov. 21, 1888, and died Dec. 12, 1918. Hazel was born Nov 21, 1890. Vivian was born June 19, 1896, married Elmer Woline, who died Dec. 24, 1918, and has one child, Mary Eleanor.

Bernard G. Richter, an energetic farmer of Section 36, Bear Lake Town- ship, was born in Monroe County, this state, near Cashton, Aug. 29, 1895, the son of Louis B. and Fredericka (Derring) Richter, who now make their home with him. He received a common school education, and was reared to farm pursuits by his father. In 1913 he came to Barron County with his parents and purchased his present farm of 160 acres. It was then partly improved, and a small frame house was standing on it. To the improvement, develop- ment and cultivation of this place he has since devoted his attention. He car- ries on general farming and dairying and has a good herd of cattle, headed by a full-blooded sire. He has put on an addition on the house, and built a good barn, a granary, a milk house and machine sheds. He has made a good farm, well fenced, and well equipped, and everything about the place bespeaks his thrift and energy. Mr. Richter is prominent among his fellows. He is president and director of the Goodhope Cheese Co., in Bear Lake Township. He was married May 23, 1916, at Rice Lake, Wis., to Mary Willger, who was born in Monroe County on Oct. 9, 1897, the daughter of John and Agnes Will- ger, the father being a native of Germany and the mother of Wisconsin. They are now living in Bear Lake Township. Mr. and Mrs. Richter have three chil- dren: Lawrence, born June 12, 1917; Fredericka, Nov. 17, 1918; and Bernice, Jan. 31, 1921.

John G. Kolar, a prosperous farmer of Section 13, Bear Lake Township, was born in Homer Township, Will County, Ill., May 24, 1871, the son of John and Mary (Kuresh) Kolar, natives of Bohemia, who came to America as young people, and located on a farm in that county and state, and where the father died in 1917, and where the mother is still living. The subject of this sketch received his education in the common schools, and for many years was em- ployed by the American Steel & Wire Co. at Rockdale, Ill. But although he did well as a factory employe, he desired a different life for his children, so in 1908 he came to Haugen, Barron County Wis., and purchased 120 acres of brush land in Section 13, Bear Lake Township. There he built a frame house and a straw stable, and started to clear up the land. In 1916 he built a frame barn, hay sheds, machine sheds, granary and chicken house, and other build- ings. From time to time he is making further improvements. His home is comfortable, and his barn is well equipped with stanchions, water cups and other conveniences. Here he successfully carries on general farming and dairying and has a good herd of cattle. He is a man whose judgment is re- spected by his fellowmen, and he has done considerable public service, having been a member of the school board and of the town board. Fraternally, he is a member of the Modern Woodmen of America. Mr. Kolar was married March 11, 1903, at Lockport, Ill., to Mrs. Francis Frijer, the widow of Joseph Frijer, and the daughter of Joseph and Mary (Kolar) Kolar, she being a Kolar before marriage, both of whom died in Bohemia. Mr. and Mrs. Kolar have seven children: George A. was born April 22, 1894; John V. was born Aug. 22, 1895; James was born Feb. 16, 1896, and died at the age of six weeks; Agnes T. was born Jan. 9, 1897; Mary was born Dec. 8, 1899; Edward F. was born Nov. 24, 1901; and Frank J. was born Jan. 13, 1903. George A. Kolar enlisted in 1916 in Company I, Third Wisconsin Regiment, but was later transferred

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JOHN G. KOLAR AND FAMILY

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to Company I, 127th Infantry, 32nd Division. He sailed for France, Feb. 26, 1917, and saw active service on the Argonne sector, at Chateau Thierry, Ver- dun and the Meuse-Argonne. As corporal, he returned to the United States in June, 1919. John V. Kolar was inducted into the United States service Sept. 19, went to Camp Grant; was attached to 341st Infantry, 86th Divi- sion, and was transferred to the Headquarters Division of the same organiza- tion. Sept. 8, 1918, he sailed for France. After the armistice was at Trier, Germany, on guard duty with the Army of Occupation. May 7, 1919, left Germany for France; June 28, 1919, sailed for the United States. Held rank of sergeant.

Demeter Uggern, a substantial farmer of Section 1, Bear Lake Township, who has for a number of years been identified with the sugar beet industry in this country and is now successfully carrying on general farming, was born in Hungary, Oct. 15, 1866, the son of Demeter and Mary (Miscaska) Uggern, also natives of that country. He was reared and educated in his native land, and there grew to manhood. In 1893 he came to America, and bought 100 acres of cut-over land in Section 1, Bear Lake Township, this county. Here he built a log cabin and made a small clearing. The next year he was joined by his parents. Soon afterward, he allowed his farm to revert to the owner, and he and his parents went to Norfolk, Nebraska, where he entered the employ of the American Sugar Beet Co. In 1901 he came back to Barron County and bought his present place of 80 acres. It was then cut-over land. He built a small frame house and started to do some clearing up. Here he farmed for several years. In 1911 he rented the farm and went to Chippewa Falls, Wis., where he worked for a sugar beet company for three years, his services being of much value by reason of his previous experience. In 1914 he came to his farm again. In 1915 he put up a frame house, a granary, a machine shed and other buildings. The next year he built a good barn, with full basement, and equipped with stanchions, water cups for the cattle, and other conveniences. Mr. Uggern has a good herd of cattle, headed by a full-blooded sire. He is building up a good place and is a good citizen in every respect. As the father of children, he is interested in education, and is doing good service on the school board. Mr. Uggern was married June 14, 1896, at Norfolk, Nebraska, to Mary Costneck, the daughter of Demeter Costneck. Her parents, born in Hungary, came to this country, settled in Nebraska, and lived there until the mother's death in 1896, after which the father returned to Hungary. Mr. and Mrs. Uggern have nine children: Mary, John, Joseph, Anna, Frank, Hellen, George, Susie and Daniel. The family faith is that of the Catholic Church.

Joseph Subrt, a prosperous farmer of Section 22, Bear Lake Township, was born in Bohemia, July 13, 1876, the son of Frank and Mary (Barta) Subrt, also natives of that country. The family came to America in 1889, and set- tled in Boxbutte County, in the western part of Nebraska, on a homestead on which the father proved up and received his deed. In 1896 he sold out for fifty cents an acre. Then he went to Colfax County, in the same state, where he rented a farm for seven years. In 1903 the family came to Barron County, and Joseph and his brother, Rudolph, bought 320 acres in Section 22, Bear Lake Township. This was then in the real wilderness, no roads had been built, and thev had to get onto the land by following the tote roads of the lum- ber companies. They built a small house and started to clear up the wild cut- over stump land. In 1913, Mr. Subrt built a good barn with full basement and equipped with James stanchions. Later he built a silo and a chicken house. In 1920 he put up a modern house. He has built up a good place, has a well- developed farm. and is already well along the road to success. He carries on general farming and dairying, and has a good herd of grade cattle. His bus- iness holdings include stock in the Consumers' Store at Rice Lake. Frater- nally, he is a member of the W. M. A. and of the Z. C. B. J. He stands well with all who know him, and is regarded as a hard working and substantial citizen. His father, who came here with him, died July 23, 1918, and the

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mother is living with her daughter, Emma, wife of Burt Modocks. He has held the office of supervisor and assessor and school clerk. The family are "free thinkers" and have monthly meetings with songs, etc., generally held at the Subrt home. Mr. Subrt was married Feb. 14, 1898, at Schuyler, Ne- braska, to Emily Mundil, who was born on Aug. 11, 1876, the daughter of Frank and Josie Mundil, natives of Bohemia, both now deceased. This union has been blessed with eight children: Libby, born Dec. 31, 1898, married James Vanek, and has one son, Merwin. Lidia was born March 18, 1900. Al- bert was born Oct. 23, 1901. Alice was born Feb. 25, 1903. Rosa was born Jan. 25, 1906. Joseph was born Oct. 12, 1907. William Frank was born July 13, 1909. Blanche was born Aug. 30, 1916.

Anton Zabka, an estimable farmer of Sections 22 and 23, Bear Lake Town- ship, was born in Austria, April 19, 1868, the son of Anton and Francis (Divi- sek) Zabka, also natives of that country, who brought the family to America in 1870, and settled on a farm near Cedar Rapids, Iowa. The subject of this sketch was reared on his parents' farm, and received a common school edu- cation. As a young man he went to Colfax County, Nebraska, and was there employed at farm work. In 1903, having determined to locate in this region, he came to Haugen, and secured 160 acres of land in Sections 22 and 23, Bear Lake Township. A heavy wind had swept the tract and uprooted the trees, and clearing the tract seemed almost impossible. Mr. Zabka cleared up an acre or so, and built a small shanty and frame barn. With this beginning he proceeded to build up a good farm. He hauled off the wind falls, cleared up the stumps, and placed the land under cultivation. This strenuous work, however, undermined his health, and in 1907 he went back to Nebraska, where for one year he conducted a restaurant at Leigh, then for three years was en- gaged in other work. After that he came to his farm once more. In 1917 he erected the present sightly frame house. In 1919 he built a barn, with a full basement, and well equipped with fixtures. Mr. Zabka successfully car- ries. on general farming and dairying, and has a good grade of stock. He is getting the most out of his place in every way, he is a good business man, he works hard and uses good judgment, and he has been successful in his en- deavors. Mr. Zabka was married at Clarkson, Nebraska, Oct. 29, 1892, to Anna Mundil, who was born in Austria on April 11, 1872, the daughter of Frank and Josie Mundil. Mr. and Mrs. Zabka have five children: Anna, Lillian, Adolph, Erwin and William. Anna was born Oct. 6, 1893, married John A. Glandt, and lives at Leigh, Nebraska. Lillian, born March 23, 1895, married Edward Cekal, and lives at Crete, Nebraska. Adolph, born Oct. 12, 1896, died March 5, 1907. Erwin was born Dec. 31, 1899, and William, March 20, 1908.

Hiram A. Beardsley, Sr., a veteran of the Civil War, and an early settler in Cedar Lake Township, now deceased, was born in New York State, Dec. 29, 1840, son of Alvin and Nancy (Conant) Beardsley. The father, Alvin, was born December 7, 1801, and the mother, Nancy, Sept. 20, 1812. Alvin Beardsley was a farmer who moved from New York State in 1850 to Racine, Wisconsin, at which place, or in its vicinity, he continued to follow agricul- ture. Hiram A. Beardsley in early manhood learned and followed the trade of carpenter and joiner. Becoming a soldier in the Union Army in 1862, he served until 1865, and during his active service was taken prisoner and spent nine months in Andersonville prison. After the war he worked at his trade for a number of years near Jefferson, Jefferson County, Wisconsin. In 1884 he came by team to Barron County and took a farm in Cedar Lake Township. In addition to developing that farm, he cleared one from the wilderness in Bear Lake Township. Later in life he retired and took up his residence at Rice Lake, of which place he was one of the well known and respected citi- zens, serving in the office of alderman, and being an active and prominent member of the Grand Army Post. He died at Rice Lake, July 28, 1912, in his seventy-second year, and was laid to rest with appropriate ceremonies. Mr.

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MR. AND MRS. HIRAM A. BEARDSLEY, SR.

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Beardsley was married at Jefferson, Wis., to Josephine Fox, a native of Con- necticut, who died at Rice Lake, Sept. 1, 1892. There were born to Mr. and Mrs. Hiram A. Beardsley, Sr., eleven children, namely: Georgella A., Oct. 10, 1866; Emma A., March 20, 1868; Clinton E., Feb. 17, 1870; Susan V., March 2, 1871; Isa, Aug. 23, 1873; Hiram A., June 15, 1875; Taylor F., May 15, 1876; Nancy Luisa, June 1, 1877; Charles L., Sept. 18, 1878; George J., Oct. 15, 1879; and Madelia J., July 28, 1881. These facts and dates are taken from a record that has been in the family since 1801.

Hiram A. Beardsley, Jr., an active farmer of Section 34, Bear Lake Town- ship, was born in the City of Jefferson, Jefferson County, Wisconsin, June 15, 1875, son of Hiram A. Sr., and Josephine (Fox) Beardsley, natives of New York State and Connecticut respectively. He acquired his education in the common schools and for some years worked on the farm with his father. In 1895 he went west to Watertown, S. D., and took up decorating business as a painter and paperhanger. There he remained for eight years. In 1904 he came to Rice Lake, Barron County, Wis., where he continued in the same line of work. Ten years later, in 1914, he purchased his present farm of eighty acres in Section 34, Bear Lake Township. He is successfully carrying on general farming and dairying along the latest approved lines. The place is well developed and well equipped and the cattle are of good grade. Mr. Beardsley is a stockholder in the Clover Leaf Cheese Company. In Watertown, S. D., he joined the Sons of Veterans, of which organization he still remains a member. Mr. Beardsley was married at Watertown, S. D., Dec. 23, 1896, to Grace A. Beardsley, daughter of George W. and Susan (Crandall) Beardsley. Her father, a carpenter and joiner by trade, fought for the Union throughout the entire Civil War, being a member of Co. C, Nineteenth Wisconsin Vol- unteer Infantry. He was taken prisoner and confined in Libby prison for eight months. In 1878 he went to Watertown, S. D., where he was a member of the Grand Army Post. In 1906 he came to Rice Lake, Barron County, Wis. He is now living in the Old Soldiers' Home at Waupaca, Wis. He and his wife, Susan, were married at Jefferson, Wis., July 4, 1875. Mrs. Beardsley is a member of the Woman's Relief Corps, auxiliary to the Grand Army. Mr. and Mrs. Hiram A. Beardsley Jr., have become the parents of eight children, namely: Clay, who was born Jan. 17, 1898, and died July 23, 1909; Stanley, born Sept. 12, 1904; Aretta, born March 27, 1906; Elsie, born March 12, 1908; Eveline, born Oct. 9, 1910, and died Jan. 21, 1911; Neal, born May 5, 1914; Genevieve, born June 3, 1916, and Dewey Earl, born June 21, 1921. The fam- ily faith is that of the Methodist Episcopal Church.

James C. Colstad, expert cheese maker for the Goodhope Cheese Co., oper- ating a factory in section 36, Bear Lake Township, was born at Star Prairie, St. Croix County, May 25, 1890, the son of Hans and Elizabeth (Halverson) Colstad, the father a native of Norway, and the mother of Wisconsin. He attended the common schools of his neighborhood, and took a year's course in the High School at Osceola. He early became interested in dairying, and learned cheese making in the factory at Johannesburg. Having been reared to farm pursuits he knows the business thoroughly from the time the cows are fed on the farm until the time the cheese is ready for shipment. In 1912 he became cheese maker for the concern with which he is now connected. In 1912, this factory was receiving 4,000 pounds of milk daily. This was increased in time to 10,000 pounds daily, which is about the present average. Mr. Colstad is an ideal man for the position, he is a master in his line, he is of pleasing and affable de- meanor, and he has the full confidence of the patrons of his factory. All in all, he is regarded as a useful and active citizen. In 1919 he purchased 80 acres in section 34, Bear Lake Township. He brushed 35 acres and put ten acres under the plow. In 1920 he erected a good house and barn. This place he now rents. Mr. Colstad was married Feb. 17, 1909, at Stillwater, Minn., to Eleanor Firchow, who was born at Stillwater, Minn., on July 15, 1892, the daughter of

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History of Barron County Wisconsin, Part 119

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

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