History of Barron County Wisconsin, Part 121

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

USA > Wisconsin > Barron County > History of Barron County Wisconsin > Part 121

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was five years old, or about 1867, and he resided there 25 years, or until 1892. It was there that he attended common school and subsequently engaged in farming. On April 18, 1883, he married Mary R. Randall, daughter of Levi and Catherine Randall of Bloomer. In 1892 Mr. Woodard removed to Wash- burn, in Bayfield County, Wis., where for two years he was engaged in business as a buyer and shipper of cattle. In the fall of 1894 he went to Duluth and for three years was engaged in the wood business there. He then sold out his interests and, then coming to Barron County, engaged in agriculture at Prairie Farm. On July 1, 1903, he was appointed postmaster there, in which office he served until 1917, and during that period of fourteen years he also wrote fire, hail and cyclone insurance. His service as postmaster ended, he returned to his farm and remained there for two years or more, until he was elected, in December, 1919, by the board of county commissioners as successor to T. T. Hazelberg, who had resigned as county clerk. Mr. Woodard then removed to Barron to enter upon the duties of his office. His service therein giving general satisfaction, in 1920 he was nominated without opposition to succeed himself and, being elected, has since remained county clerk. Polit- ically, he is a Republican. He still owns his farm, which is now being oper- ated by his son, Leon, and is the owner of a good residence property in Barron. Previous to his election as county clerk, Mr. Woodard was a member of the county board. He served the Methodist Episcopal Church at Prairie Farm for years as trustee and was also active in Sunday school work there. He and his wife have had five children, three of whom died in infancy: Grace, born April 15, 1883, died Feb. 1, 1899. Leon, born Aug. 12, 1891, resides at home. T. W. Borum, the subject of this sketch, was born in Jackson, Jackson County, Ohio, Aug. 28, 1854. When only one year old he moved with his parents, settling on a farm in Bear Valley, Sauk County, Wis. Here amid rural surroundings and "near to nature's heart" and numerous trout streams, he laid the foundation for good health, integrity and those principles of char- acter that go so far toward shaping the future life of every young man. He was educated in the common schools of Sauk County, at Spring Green Acad- emy, and at River Falls Normal School. Mr. Borum was not reared in the lap of luxury, but was early thrown on his own resources and learned the rough and rugged road to success only by hard knocks. He earned his first dollar teaching school at the age of sixteen, and by following up teaching winters and by the practice of the most rigid economy, he managed to secure a very good education. In August, 1881, Mr. Borum entered the employ of the W. W. Kimball Piano and Organ Company of Chicago, first as agent, then as general agent, and finally as superintendent of agencies for Wisconsin and northern Michigan, establishing his home and permanent headquarters at Barron in 1885. Mr. Borum sold through agencies established by him, several million dollars worth of Kimball goods. Mr. Borum was united in marriage to Bertie E. Leach of this city, Feb. 28, 1883. Mrs. Borum contracted typhoid fever. which terminated fatally, June 7, 1910. Not content with success in one line, Mr. Borum interested himself in local business matters within the city and county. He was the original promoter and is now vice-president of the Barron County Telephone Company, at present a $100,000 successful corporation. Mr. Borum has been for years a stockholder, director and officer of the Bank of Barron, Barron, Bank of Dallas, Dallas, and First State Bank of Prairie Farm. At the time of the reorganization of the Bank of Barron, September, 1915, Mr. Borum was elected president of this institution, serving in this capacity until January, 1920. In politics Mr. Borum is a Republican, and has always taken a keen interest in politics. Mr. Borum is an enthusiastic sportsman and firm believer in the outdoor life, and has probably bagged his share of game and fish during his trips that have extended from ocean to ocean. During the World War, Mr. Borum served with fairness and ability as vice chairman of the Barron County Exemption Board.

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RASMUS RASMUSSEN AND FAMILY

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Rasmus Rasmussen, a hard-working farmer owning 190 acres of good land in section 7, Sumner Township, was born in Denmark, July 19, 1865, the third of the six children of Peter and Carrie Rasmussen. He was educated in the schools of his native land and started out for himself at the age of four- teen, when on May 28, 1880, he sailed for America. Here he made his way to Muskegon County, Mich., where he did farm work for about ten years. Then he went to Chicago and delivered ice for nine years. In 1899 he came to Barron County and located on 160 acres of land in Chetek Township. The tract was all covered with timber. He built a log cabin and started cleaning up the land. At the start he had little to work with but his hands. As time passed he gradually bought tools and implements. In 1904 he moved to his present farm of 190 acres in section 7, Sumner Township. Here he has im- proved the place in good shape, has fixed up the buildings and erected a good silo. He carries on general farming and stock raising and makes a specialty of Holstein cattle and Poland China swine. Mr. Rasmussen's success in life has been won by his industry and good judgment. His decisions are respected, and he is often sought for advice. He and his family attend the Norwegian Lutheran Church. Mr. Rasmussen was married in Michigan, Feb. 24, 1889, to Annie Jacobsen, born in Denmark, the daughter of Jacob Paulsen and Kasten Hansen. This union has been blessed with three children: Dick, born in Chicago, July 13, 1898; Edna, born in Chetek Township, July 2, 1901, and Ella, born in Sumner Township; June 20, 1905; all are living at home. The family is well thought of in the community and the home is always cheery and hospitable.

Gustav Dahl, early settler of Turtle Lake Township, was born in Norway and was there reared. In 1873, when he was a young man, he came to America and, like so many of his countrymen, secured employment in the lumber busi- ness with headquarters at Eau Claire, this state. To that city in 1875 with her parents came Mary Wold, likewise a native of Norway. The two young people were there married, and in 1878 came to Turtle Lake and bought eighty acres of railroad land, in section 13. This was all covered with heavy hard- wood timber, mostly red oak, maple and birch. After clearing a small space they erected a log cabin and in this they lived while developing the farm. This log house is still standing. Additions have been made, but the old walls are still intact, and give stability to what is probably one of the most substantial houses of its kind in the neighborhood. The land was gradually cleared off, a full set of buildings was erected as necessity required and the place in time took on the appearance of a modern and successful farm. After a long life filled with hard work, they sold out in 1906 and purchased 25 acres on the edge of Rice Lake. A year later they sold this and moved to the city of Rice Lake, where he died in 1917 and where she is still living. In the family there were ten children, of whom there are living six: Gilbert, Lena, Mary, Ida, Gena and Bessie.

Gilbert M. Dahl, a prosperous farmer, operating the Brill Valley Stock Farm, consisting of 40 acres, in section 24, Oak Grove Township, on the out- skirts of Brill Village, is an excellent representation of the progressive farmers of this part of Barron County who, with faith in their hearts and willingness to work hard and undergo privations, settled on wild tracts of land and, by their diligent, intelligent and arduous labor, brought about the present-day development and prosperity. He came to this township in 1913 and purchased his present tract of land. It was then wild land covered with heavy pine stumps intergrown with thick brush. He cleared a small tract and moved up a small house from Rice Lake. Since then he has erected a complete set of buildings and continued to clear and develop it, leaving a part of it, however, still in wild pasture. He carries on general farming, has a good dairy herd of Guernsey cattle headed by a full blooded sire, and raises a good yield of potatoes each year. Gilbert M. Dahl was born in Turtle Lake Town- ship, July 28, 1880, son of Gustav and Mary (Wold) Dahl, the pioneers. He

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was reared amid pioneer conditions in his native town, attended school there and learned farming from his father. He remained at home for many years. In 1907 he purchased a tract of 60 acres in Rice Lake Township, successfully farmed there for seven years and then came to his present place. He is well liked in the community and is popular in the Modern Woodmen. He and his family attend the Norwegian Lutheran Church. Mr. Dahl was married May 16, 1905, to Ellen Finstad of Minneapolis, Minn., who was born in Norway, Nov. 7, 1880, and came to this country when she was about twenty years of age. Mr. and Mrs. Dahl have seven children: Helma, Gustav, Edwin, Gunder, Elizabeth, Adolph and Emma.

Borre Larson was a highly respected citizen of Section 13, Stanley Town- ship, for many years, and is held in honored memory as one of the early set- tlers. He was born in Norway in 1833 and there married Johana Bakke. Four children, Christ, Louis, Anna and Ole, were born. They set out for the United States with these four children in 1866, and located in Vernon County, this state. From there they came to Barron County, and located on 160 acres of wild land in Section 13, Stanley Township. They built a log cabin, and started to make a home for themselves in the wilderness. At first they had little with which to do the farm and household work. It was some time before they could afford a cow and a yoke of oxen. Provisions had to be brought in from far-away stores on the father's back. To him and his wife another child was born, Sophia. After a long and useful life, Mr. Larson died, Nov. 23, 1908. His wife survived him some years, passing away Jan. 29, 1913. They were loyal adherents of the Norwegian Lutheran Church.

Christ Sather, now deceased, was a solid and substantial farmer of Sec- tion 13, Stanley Township. He was a good husband, a kind father, a loyal citizen and a faithful friend, and his loss will long be mourned. He was a hard working man of good judgment, he took pride in his farm, his home and his family, and he was interested in education and religion, serving with credit as an officer of the Norwegian Lutheran Church at Pokegema, and as a member of the school board of his district. He was born in Norway, Nov. 22, 1863, the son of Ole Sather. He was reared in Norway, and there grew to adult years. In 1884 he came to the United States and found his way to Stan- ley Township. After his marriage he moved onto the home place of his wife's parents, Mr. and Mrs. Borre Larson. Mr. and Mrs. Sather started with a will to build up the place. They replaced the log cabin with a good set of build- ings, they improved the place generally, and successfully carried on general farming. He was respected and honored by his neighbors, and was numbered among the leaders in his community. He died Dec. 20, 1904. Mr. Sather was married March 31, 1888, to Sophia Larson, who was born in Vernon County, this state, Sept. 8, 1867, daughter of Borre and Johana (Bakke) Larson. This union has been blessed with three children, Julia, Olga and Oddie. Julia is the wife of Geo. Wetzel, of Stanley Township. Olga died Nov. 23, 1898. Oddie resides at home. After her husband's death, Mrs. Sather continued to op- erate the farm until 1913. She then retired and bought a pleasant home in Canton, where she has since resided.

Walter L. Karker, head buttermaker at the Brill Creamery Co., ranks among the best buttermakers of the state, and his skill is shown by the medals he has won for excellence. Oct. 11, 1917, at the National Creamery Buttermak- ers' Association convention held at Milwaukee, he was awarded a diploma for excellence, with a score of 93.50. At the Wisconsin State Fair held at Mil- waukee in 1918 he received a premium for excellence with a score of 94.25. At the National Dairy Show held at Chicago in the fall of 1920, he received a medal for excellence, his score being 94. He is also the holder of numerous other awards and premiums, certifying to his ability and skill, as well as his judgment and experience. His standing as a man and a citizen is likewise excellent, and he is regarded as one of Brill's useful citizens. He was born in Chippewa County, this state, Aug. 27, 1893, son of Charles and Mary (Tang-

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MR. AND MRS. BORRE LARSON CHRIST SATHER AND FAMILY

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ler) Karker, who are still residents of that county. He received his pre- liminary education in the schools of his native county and early became in- terested in dairying. In 1914 he entered the agricultural department of the University of Wisconsin, and took the two-year dairy course. Thus prepared, he perfected his training by working a while in the Jim Falls Creamery, Jim Falls, Wis. He came to Brill to take his present position in 1916, and here he has fully demonstrated his fitness for the position. Fraternally, he is a member of the Catholic Order of Foresters. Mr. Karker was married Nov. 29, 1916, to Viola Frank, of Brill, born March 27, 1897, the daughter of John Frank. Mr. and Mrs. Karker have two children, Lucille and Bernard Lewis. Lucille was born June 27, 1917, and Bernard Lewis, June 18, 1920. The fam- ily worships at Our Lady of Lords Church at Dobie, Wis.

James McGlade, one of the first settlers of Oak Grove Township, was born in the province of Ontario, Canada, June 29, 1846, and was there reared and educated. He came to the States in 1876, and located on 160 acres of home- stead land in Section 12, Oak Grove Township, this county. Here he experi- enced all the hardships of pioneer life. The country was wild, there were very few settlers, logging camps were about the only activity, and there was much doubt expressed as to whether the county would ever be anything but a dreary waste of stump land after the wood was cut off. But Mr. McGlade was one of those who believed that it would develop into a rich farming com- munity. So he set to work with a will to make a good farm of his own. He carried provisions on his back from the nearest settlement, cleared, grubbed and broke the land, and erected a log house, which is still standing, and with this beginning gradually developed the present place. In addition to this farm, he also owns another of 40 acres, some eighty rods from the village. In 1903 he moved to Brill, purchased four lots, and erected a house. At the same time he established a livery stable and feed barn. Brill was then only a cross road. The railroad had been built through two years, and the first store estab- lished only the year before. Mr. McGlade has therefore seen the village grow from nothing to its present proportions. He became a prominent man in the community, serving on the township board and on the school board. He still lives in the village and still operates the farm. Fraternally, he has been a member of the Catholic Knights for some 35 years. He and his family at- tend the Our Lady of Lords Church at Dobie, Wis. Mr. McGlade was mar- ried April 24, 1870, to Catherine Kennedy, who was born in Ontario, Canada, July 19, 1844. This union has been blessed with eight children: Albert J., Rosella, Catherine E., Patrick John, Peter Joseph, Margaret A., Bridget Ma- tilda and Michael George. Albert J. was born in Canada, May 24, 1871, and lives at Solon Springs, Wis. Rosella was born Oct. 19, 1873, and is the wife of Andrew Parks, of Brill. Catherine E. was born in Canada, Oct. 22, 1875, and is now Mrs. William Donaldson, of Minneapolis. Patrick John was born in Oak Grove, April 27, 1878, and now lives in Swatara, Minn. Peter Joseph was born Jan. 14, 1880, and is at home. Margaret A. was born Sept. 2, 1883, and is the wife of Fred E. Keesey, of Brill. Bridget Matilda is dead. Michael George, born Aug. 16, 1888, is residing at home.

Otto Boortz, an energetic farmer who is operating the family homestead, Section 29, Sumner Township, in partnership with his brother, Paul H., was born in a log house on the place where he now resides, June 2, 1888, the son of Herman and Otilia (Kruger) Boortz, the pioneers. He was reared to farm pursuits by his parents and attended the district school in the neighborhood. For some years he was employed by the "Soo" railroad, and for a time he worked in the shipyards at Superior, Wis. The home farm which he assists in operating consists of eighty acres of good land in Section 29, and with his brother he also owns an additional eighty in Section 30. The subject of this sketch is one of the popular young men of the township, and takes his part in everything that he believes to be for the best interests of the community at large. He is a lover of out-of-door life, and is especially interested in all

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kinds of sports, especially baseball. He thoroughly understands farming, he is a hard worker, and is proud of the development of this part of the county, which his parents and other relatives assisted in settling so many years ago. The brothers carry on general farming on a successful scale, and raise Guern- sey cattle, Duroc swine and Percheron horses. Both are stockholders in the Farmers' Co-operative Shipping Association at Canton. During the War, when his brother was at the front, Otto shouldered the extra responsibilities, and did his share as a good citizen for the cause in which his brother was en- listed.

Paul H. Boortz, an active young farmer of Section 29, Sumner Township, is enrolled on the scrolls of honor of his country, having served six months with the American Expeditionary Force in France. He was born in a log cabin on his present place, Nov. 10, 1889, the son of Herman and Otilia (Kru- ger) Boortz, the pioneers. He attended the district schools, learned farming from his father, and was still a young boy when he began working out for neighbors. He has devoted his whole life, with the exception of his war serv- ice, to farm pursuits. In company with his brother, Otto, he operates the old homestead of 80 acres in Section 29, Sumner Township, and in addition to this, the two own another eighty in Section 30. The subject of this sketch is a leader among the young people of the neighborhood, and is well liked by all who know him. He takes pride in the appearance of the farm, which has been in the family so many years, and he has watched with interest the growth of the county since his early boyhood. He is a good farmer, believes in follow- ing the latest methods, and is just getting a good start in life. He takes his part in public affairs, and, like his brother, is a stockholder in the Farmers' Co-operative Shipping Association at Canton. He was inducted into the United States service April 2, 1918, and was sent for training to Fort Warden, Wash- ington. He was equipped for overseas duty at Camp Mills, New York, and sailed for France, Aug. 19, 1918, arriving in that country on Sept. 1, 1918. He was there six months with Battery B, 69th Regiment Field Artillery. He sailed for the States Feb. 4, 1919, and was discharged at Camp Grant, March 8, 1919, after which he returned home.

Ole Kinn, retired farmer who has land interests in Brill Village and Oak Grove Township, was born in Norway, April 18, 1861, son of Peter and Gunild (Olson) Kinn, natives of Norway, both now deceased. He was reared in his native land and learned farming from his father. In 1881 he came to Amer- ica and for two years was employed at Minneapolis. Then he started work for the Northwestern Lumber Co., and with headquarters at Eau Claire, Wis., worked as a teamster and in the sawmills. In 1886 he went back to Minne- apolis. He came to Barron County in 1895, and bought 40 acres in Section 4, Oak Grove Township. He cleared this entire tract and erected a set of build- ings. Later he traded this for 160 acres over the line in Frog Creek Town- ship, Washburn County. He made general improvements to the buildings and cleared about twenty more acres of the land. Then he sold out. In 1918 he purchased ten acres in Brill Village, erected a sightly and comfortable bunga- low and now makes his home there. At about the same time he purchased 80 acres in Section 24, Oak Grove Township, to the clearing and developing of which he is now devoting his spare time. In 1920 he erected a house and barn on it. The place is now conducted by his son, Norman. He and his fam- ily attend the Norwegian Lutheran Church. Mr. Kinn was married Nov. 24, 1885, to Josephine Berg, the daughter of George and Hilda (Peterson) Berg, natives of Norway, both now deceased. This union has been blessed with six children: Julia, who was born Dec. 29, 1886, now the wife of Harry Olson; Petra G., born Jan. 14, 1888, who married E. W. Scheel, and died April 12, 1919; Sophia A., born Jan. 6, 1890; Josephine, born Dec. 17, 1892; August L., born Aug. 9, 1895; and Norman, born Sept. 12, 1900.

W. F. Searle, who is successfully conducting 40 acres in the Village of Brill, after having owned and operated numerous farms in Wisconsin and

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South Dakota, is well known here and pleasantly remembered in all the places where he has resided. He was born near Lands End, Cornwall, England, Feb. 16, 1855, son of William and Ann (Pollard) Searle. The father, who was a veterinary surgeon, brought his family to America in 1859, and located near Rockford, Ill. From there he came to a farm near Cambria, Columbia County, Wis., and from there to a farm near Mauston, Juneau County, Wis. During the Civil War he served about fifteen months in the 9th Wis. Battery, and was discharged by reason of eye trouble contracted in crossing the sand plains. After that he returned to Mauston. From there he went to Baraboo, Sauk County, in this state. A few years later his pension enabled him to purchase a farm near Reedsburg, in Juneau County, and there he and his wife lived the remainder of their lives. He was born June 7, 1809, and died Dec. 3, 1891. She was born Aug. 6, 1812, and died March 26, 1874. W. F. Searle received his education in the rural schools and early took up farming. As a youth he also learned the blacksmith trade. At the age of twenty-one he rented a farm in Baraboo Township, Sauk County, for a year. Then he worked as a black- smith at Lyons, in Sauk County, this state, for a year. After a short time, in which he was variously employed, he took over the management of his father's farm at Excelsior, Sauk County, this state, in 1879, for eight years. In 1887 for a year he operated a farm near North Freedom, in Sauk County, this state. Then for three years he farmed once more in Baraboo Township. Then he returned to his father's farm for four years, then moved onto an adjoining farm for three years, and then onto another neighboring farm for three years more. Then for five years he operated a farm on Webster's Prairie, Delton Township, Sauk County. Jan. 26, 1899, he started to drive overland to South Dakota, reaching his destination Feb. 11. For seven years he rented farms in Brookings County, in that state, one farm for one year, another for three years, and still another for three years. Then he came back to this state, and collected cream at Baraboo for three years. He once more returned to Brook- ings County in 1909 and farmed for two years. In 1911 he came to Barron County and rented a farm in Dallas Township. He came to Brill in 1913 and bought his present farm of 40 acres. The tract was then a desolate stretch of stumps and brush and rocks, little resembling the present highly developed farm. He cleared up the property, fenced it, erected a good house, barn and other buildings, and purchased suitable tools, implements and machinery. He has a good herd of Jersey cattle, and specializes in dairying and potato raising. After a life filled with hard work he is now on the road to a well-de- served success. Mr. Searle was married Feb. 24, 1876, in Baraboo Township, Sauk County, Wis., to Lettie Graves, who was born in that county, Aug. 12, 1855, daughter of Willet J. and Rebecca Ann (Murphy) Graves, prominent resi- dents of Delton Township, Sauk County, where they farmed for many years, the father, who was born June 5, 1816, dying May 15, 1884, and the mother, who was born June 20, 1833, dying July 9, 1913. Mr. and Mrs. Searle have had eight children: Luella Maude, L. May, Eva Belle, Edith Frances, Sarah, George H., Frank V. and Inez A. Luella Maude was born Nov. 19, 1876, and is the wife of James Brown, of South Dakota. L. May was born Sept. 6, 1878, and died in August, 1913. Eva Belle was born Sept. 20, 1880, and died June 12, 1891. Edith Frances was born July 1, 1886, and is the wife of Wallace Miner, of Stanfold Township, this county. Sarah was born Aug. 15, 1888, and is the wife of Fred Wright, of South Dakota. George H. was born March 18, 1892, and is connected with the produce business in Brill. Frank V. was born Sept. 26, 1894, and is a potato buyer at Brill. Inez A. was born Jan. 21, 1896, and died Sept. 12, 1896. The family faith is that of the Presbyterian Church.

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History of Barron County Wisconsin, Part 121

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

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