History of Barron County Wisconsin, Part 124

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

USA > Wisconsin > Barron County > History of Barron County Wisconsin > Part 124

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).

Benjamin H. Oliver, a careful and prudent farmer of Section 8, Doyle Township, held in the highest esteem by his neighbors, was born near Trem- pealeau, Trempealeau County, Wis., April 5, 1865, the son of Benjamin and Jane (Rainey) Oliver. He received a common school education and learned farming with his parents. He was scarcely in his teens, when he first went into the lumber woods, and thereafter for over a quarter of a century he con- tinued to be identified with the lumbering industry, in Wisconsin, logging in the winter, driving on the rivers in the spring, and working in the mills in the summer and autumn. He was a good worker, conscientious and pro- ficient, he knew his business thoroughly, and had the respect of his com- panions and the confidence of his employers. In 1905 he bought 86 acres of wild land in Section 35, Cedar Lake Township. There he built a frame house and a barn and started to break the land. In 1917 he sold out and bought his present place of eighty acres. Buildings had been erected and the land was partly improved. On this place he has since continued to farm, raising the usual crops and doing considerable dairying. He has a herd of graded cat- tle, headed by a full-blooded Guernsey sire, a drove of Poland-China swine, and a few horses and some poultry. He sells his cream to the Central Cheese & Butter Association of this township, in which he is a stockholder, and his potatoes to the farmers' warehouse at Campia, in which he is likewise a stockholder. He is a prominent man in the community and has done good service on a number of local committees. While in Cedar Lake Township, he

Digitized by Google

738

HISTORY OF BARRON COUNTY

served as school treasurer, as a member of the school board. He is well known throughout this part of the county, and is a useful and substantial citizen. Mr. Oliver was married in Otter Creek Township, Dunn County, this state, to Augusta School, the daughter of George and Martha School, natives of Germany, now deceased. Mr. and Mrs. Oliver are the parents of six chil- dren: Guy R. was born Nov. 8, 1890; Angeline J. was born May 5, 1892; Iva M. was born Oct. 10, 1896, and is the wife of Martin M. Lewis, of Bar- ron, by whom she has one child, John Oliver; Beatrice C. was born May 15, 1901; George William was born Dec. 10, 1905; and Roland D. was born Dec. 19, 1907.

Julius A. Zabel, a well known farmer, is operating 120 acres in Section 10, west, Maple Grove Township, with steady success. He has cleared about forty acres, erected buildings, and constructed fences, and here carries on general farming and dairying, and devotes his time to the still further development and improvement of the place. He was born in Greenlake County, this state, son of Christ and Henrietta (Guelke) Zabel, natives of Germany, who came to America in the early sixties, and located on a farm in Greenlake County, this state. Julius O. attended the public schools, and was reared on the home farm. As a young man he went to South Dakota, and there devoted his time to horse dealing and farming. Next he farmed for twelve years in Renville County, Minn., and afterward became a blacksmith in Renville Village, in that county. He came to Barron County in 1913 and acquired his present place. Mr. Zabel was married March 15, 1894, to Martha Laumar, daughter of Ernest and Henrietta (Ernst) Laumar, natives of Germany, who came to America in the early sixties, and settled in Greenlake County, Wis., where they farmed until the father's death, after which the mother took up her home in Renville, Minn., where she lives. Mr. and Mrs. Zabel have four children: Albert, born June 21, 1915, died Oct. 2, of the same year; Emil was born March 25, 1901; Eleanor was born Feb. 21, 1904; and Meta was born May 17, 1907. The family worships at the German Lutheran Church.

John A. Brunett, farmer and bricklayer, owning 80 acres of land in Sec- tion 19, Cedar Lake Township, was born May 15, 1871, at La Moile, Winona County, Minn., son of Michel and Mary Brunett, natives of Canada, who set- tled in Winona County, Minn., in 1858 and in 1876 they moved to Trempealeau County, Wis. As a child and a boy he went to La Crosse County, also in this state, where he farmed with his father at Onalaska. As a young man and with his parents he moved to Pepin County, this state, in the year 1916, and helped his father farm on Dead Lake Prairie, where they owned 80 acres of land. In the year 1894, Mr. Brunett was married, May 3, at Durand, Wis., to Miss Elenora Manor, daughter of William and Mary (Martin) Manor, the lat- ter of whom died Oct. 14, 1892, and the former of whom is living with one of his daughters. Mr. and Mrs. John Brunett have six children: Charles William was born March 22, 1895. He married Bessie V. Peer in the year 1915. They have three children, Dolores, Alice and Shirley. Mary Emeline was born Feb. 24, 1897, was married to Galen Anderson in 1917. They have had two chil- dren, Hugh Robert and Elenora Nettie. The oldest child died in 1919. Eunice M. was born Feb. 15, 1899, was married to Budd Peer in 1916. They have one child, Donald William. Alonzo J. was born April 26, 1901. Alfred J. was born May 26, 1903, and Galen Percy was born June 29, 1909. The three eldest were born in Pepin County, this state, and the three youngest in Barron County, this state. Mr. Brunett came to Rice Lake, Dec. 13, 1899, and worked two years at common labor. Two years later he purchased a farm in the town of Cedar Lake, which afterward became the town of Doyle. His parents lived with him until their death. The mother died Jan. 19, 1904, and the father, Feb. 20, 1910. They lived in the town of Doyle until the year of 1916, when they purchased a farm of 40 acres in the town of Rice Lake. Buildings had been erected and about fifteen acres cleared, the rest being stump land. He has made some im-

Digitized by Google

H. P. RASMUSSEN AND FAMILY

1 !

Digitized by

Google

739

HISTORY OF BARRON COUNTY

provements and has brought the place to a satisfactory stage of improvement. The family faith is that of the Roman Catholic Church.

Hans P. Rasmussen, a progressive farmer residing in Section 4 and also owning land in Section 3, Clinton Township, was born in Denmark, Jan. 15, 1872, the son of Soren and Christina Rasmussen. The parents, also natives of that country, came to America in 1885 and settled on 40 acres near Albert Lea, in Freeborn County, Minn., where they spent the remainder of their lives. Of the ten children, all born in Denmark, there are now living seven: Mary, Hans P. and Henry (twins), Charles, Robert, Louis and Olena. Mary, a widow, lives in Mankato, Minn. By her first husband, N. P. Nelson, she has seven chil- dren; and by her second husband, Andrew Jenson, she has five children. Henry and Charles live in Greely, Colo. Louis farms at Regent, North Dakota. Olena is the wife of Frank P. Mortenson, of Albert Lea, Minn. Robert lives in Man- kato, Minn., where he is engaged in the dairy business. He married Olava Olson, of Albert Lea, who is now deceased. Hans P. Rasmussen attended school in his native land, and was a boy of thirteen when brought to Minne- sota by his parents. He continued his schooling at Albert Lea, and worked on his father's farm. In 1895 he came to Barron County and purchased 80 acres of wild cut-over land in Sections 3 and 4, Clinton Township. He erected a small frame house, and started clearing a farm among the stumps. As time passed, his hard work brought prosperity. He has replaced the small house with a pleasant, modern, nine-room dwelling, furnished with many conveni- ences. The excellent set of buildings also includes a good barn, 30 by 60 feet, a machine shed, silo, granary and swine house. The farm is well kept and excellently equipped with modern machinery. Here Mr. Rasmussen carries on general farming and dairying, and has a good herd of full-blooded Holstein cattle with a full-blooded sire. In addition to the home place, he owns a farm of 40 acres, half a mile away in Cumberland, which his son, Russell, is farm- ing. Mr. Rasmussen is one of the leading men of his community. He is a stockholder in the Mckinley Telephone Co., the Barron Creamery Co., the Pos- kin Co-operative Store Co., and the Farmers' Terminal Packing Co. of Newport, Minn. In public affairs he is doing excellent service as a member of the town board and as a member of his school board. Mr. Rasmussen was married at Albert Lea, Sept. 13, 1899, to Mary Peterson, who was born in Denmark, Nov. 26, 1874, the daughter of Jens and Elizabeth (Matson) Peterson, who spent the span of their years in that country. Three of the Peterson family, besides Mrs. Rasmussen, are living in the United States. Mads is in Wesby, Mont. Sina is the wife of Arthur Nelson, of Albert Lea. Kirsten, the wife of Anton Winter, of Flaxton, N. D., died Aug. 13, 1919. Mr. and Mrs. Rasmussen have a fine family of seven children: Russell W., Arthur Victor, Elsie Esther, Ray- mond Alvin, Hazel Mildred, Olive Reberta and Donald Woodrow, all living at home. The family faith is that of the Lutheran Church.

Erling H. Anderson, a prosperous farmer of Section 9, Stanley Township, was born in Norway, July 9, 1894, eldest of the nine children of Johakim and Edle Anderson, who brought the family to America in 1899, and after living a while in Iowa, settled in Washburn County, this state. The subject of this sketch was reared in Iowa and in Washburn County, this state, attended rural schools, and learned farming from his parents. He early started out for him- self, working first as a farm helper. In the fall of 1920 he purchased 80 acres in Section 9, Stanley Township. To the development and operation of this place he is now giving his attention. He has a good start in life, and years of success are opening pleasantly before him. His place is well equipped and well stocked, and Mr. Anderson is doing his share in every respect as a good citizen. Mr. Anderson was married March 1, 1917, at Rice Lake, Wis., to Flor- ence Solum, who was born in Rice Lake, Wis., June 8, 1894, daughter of Edward and Catherine (Burger) Solum. Mr. and Mrs. Anderson have two bright chil- dren: Esther, born March 10, 1918, and Erline, born June 2, 1919. The family faith is that of the Norwegian Lutheran Church.

Digitized by Google

740

HISTORY OF BARRON COUNTY

Carl Victor Peterson, veteran of the World War, and energetic farmer of Section 19, Stanley Township, was born in Britt, Hancock County, Iowa, Feb. 26, 1896, son of Edward and Mary (Olson) Peterson, natives of Denmark, who came to this country as young people, and were married in Britt, Iowa. He received his education in the public schools, and in the Bible Institute and Academy at Rushford, Minn. Then he went to Minneapolis, and learned the machinists' trade, which he followed there for two years. In 1918, he en- listed in the Headquarters Company of the 337th Field Artillery. He left this country for overseas May 18, 1918, reached Liverpool, England, June 1, and La Havre, France, June 5. He trained at Camp La Courtine; went into action August 20 on the Toul sectors; retired August 28; went to the St. Mihiel front Sept. 1; went into action; retired Sept. 20; went into action Oct. 6 at Argonne Woods and stayed in till Nov. 8, when he was retired and camped at St. Menhold till Dec. 19, when he moved into Hartz. There he was injured in a motor cycle accident and was sent to the hospital. March 4, 1919, he left Marseilles aboard the hospital ship Argentia, landed at New York, March 26, and was assigned to Camp Mills. April 1, he was transferred to Camp Mer- ritt, N. J., and on April 12 sent to Camp Dodge, Iowa, where he was discharged April 15, 1919. After his discharge he came to Ridgeland, Wis., and on Oct. 15, 1919, purchased his present farm of eighty acres in Section 19, Stanley Township. Here he has erected a silo and made other improvements. He car- ries on general farming and dairying and has a good herd of Holstein cattle. Mr. Peterson was married Dec. 28, 1917, to Minda Hoyland, of Stanley Town- ship, daughter of Andrew and Cora (Sandbolokken) Hoyland, natives of Nor- way. Mr. and Mrs. Peterson have two children: Victor Rodger, born Dec. 4, 1918; and Adalina Vida, born Aug. 4, 1920. The family attends the Methodist Episcopal Church.

Henry Ambrose Wells, a well-known farmer of Section 30, Stanley Town- ship, is a native of this state, born in a pioneer log cabin at Big Spring, Adams County, March 14, 1866, the son of Simeon L. and Mary Ann (Smith) Wells, natives respectively of Vermont and Quebec. He attended the school in his neighborhood and was reared to farm pursuits. As a young man he divided his time between farm work and work in the lumber woods. For a time he was located at Cartwright, now New Auburn, Chippewa County. From there he came to Barron County and worked in the mills here. Then he rented a farm in Stanley Township. He continued as a renter until 1903 when he purchased a tract in Section 9, Stanley Township. In 1908 he sold that and purchased his present place of 80 acres in Section 30, Stanley Township. This was practically all wild land. Only three acres had been cultivated, and no buildings had been erected. Since then he has continued the clearing, and has gradually added to the cultivated acres. His first house was a frame structure, 14 by 24 feet. To this he has added from time to time until he now has a substantial and com- fortable home. He has also erected a commodious barn and other structures. Here he carries on general farming and dairying, making a specialty of Guern- sey cattle and Chester White swine. In addition to his farm work, Mr. Wells has had charge for several winters of the transportation of the school chil- dren of his district to school at Cameron. He was married at Chetek, July 4, 1886, to Louise Gray, who was born at Briggsville, Wis., on Aug. 1, 1869, the daughter of Thaddeus and Susan (Winchell) Gray. This union has been blessed with nine children : Clinton, Arthur Clayton, Orlin Justis, Jesse Henry, Clifford Ambrose, Archie, Margie, Ernest and Cedric. Clinton was born in Chippewa County, this state, June 19, 1887. Arthur Clayton was born in Chip- pewa County, May 25, 1889, and died Aug. 5, 1889. Orlin Justis was born at Cartwright, Wis., Dec. 14, 1892. Clifford Ambrose was born at Rice Lake, Nov. 14, 1895, and died Feb. 21, 1896. Jesse Henry was born at Rice Lake, March 11, 1897. Archie was born at Rice Lake, March 18, 1899. Margie was born in Stanley Township, March 10, 1902. Ernest was born in Stanley Township, May 25, 1905. Cedric was born in Rice Lake, Nov. 18, 1908. Clinton married

Digitized by Google

Digitized by

Google

CARL LUCHT AND FAMILY

Digitized by

Google

741

HISTORY OF BARRON COUNTY

Edith Henry, and they live in Rice Lake. They have two children, Vernice Z. and Margie M. Orlin Justis married Lucy Clark, and they live at Dallas. They have three children, Charles E., Gordon and Clayton. Mr. and Mrs. Wells are very prominent in the affairs of the Methodist Episcopal Church at Cameron, and he is one of the trustees, while she is superintendent of the Sunday School. She is secretary of the Woman's Foreign Missionary Society of the Church, and official in the Cameron W. C. T. U., and a member of the Royal Neighbors. The children have all been reared in the church, and at a suitable age the older ones have become Sunday School teachers.

Carl Lucht, an early settler, now living retired on his good farm in Sec- tion 22, Stanley Township, was born in Germany, Sept. 22, 1849, one of the six children of Michael and Caroline Lucht. He was reared and educated in his native land, and learned farming from his father. At an early age he was apprenticed to a mason and from him learned the trade. He was married in Germany, and there had three children. In 1884, he came to America, and set- tled at Old Cameron, in Stanley Township, where he worked the first summer as a section man on the "Soo" line in that neighborhood. Then for some time he worked at his trade as a mason in the summer time and in the woods in the winter time. Then he took up farming, and after renting farms for a while, bought his present place of 160 acres in Section 22, Stanley Township. This tract was mostly wild. By hard work he cleared the place, put up suitable buildings, and achieved success. At first he had to get along as best he could with few implements and tools, and with but meager equipment. He cut his first wheat with a cradle, and also helped his neighbors cut theirs the same way. His wife brought with her to this country a spinning wheel, and on this she used to spin yarn to make jackets for her husband and children. She still has the spinning wheel, and still works at it a little each day. The two toiled together, early and late, developed a good farm, raised their children, and took their part in the affairs of the neighborhood. They have been staunch sup- porters of the German Lutheran Church at Cameron, and helped to build the first church. Mrs. Lucht was Amelia Wolf, the daughter of John and Anestina Wolf, who came to the United States and settled in Wisconsin in 1890. The children born in Germany were, Bertha, Albert (deceased) and Ida. The chil- dren born in the United States are, Emma, Anna and Otto. Otto was born Oct. 18, 1897. He is one of the popular young men of the township, is taking his part in public affairs, and is successfully operating the home farm along modern lines.

Perry S. Scott, an influential farmer of Section 30, Stanley Township, was born in Madison County, New York, Sept. 5, 1871, son of Henry and Lucenia (Mason) Scott, both descended from Colonial families. The father, who was a miller by trade, died in New York State, leaving two children, Perry S. and Mary. The mother later married Judson Briggs. Perry S. was reared and edu- cated on the farm in New York State. At the age of seventeen, in 1889, he was brought to Wisconsin by his step-father and mother, who settled on a farm in Otter Creek Township, Eau Claire County. He remained at home for a while, and after attaining his majority, started renting farms. He purchased his present place in March, 1919, and brought here the fine herd of Guernsey cat- tle which he had previously developed. He here successfully carries on gen- eral farming, and although comparatively a newcomer, has already attained a position of importance in local affairs. He stands for everything that he be- lieves to be for the best interests of the community, and is an enthusiastic worker in the cause of good schools. Cattle and good stock are his hobby, and the results he has achieved have justified his interest. Mr. Scott was married Oct. 24, 1900, to Elgie B. Chrysler, born in Eau Claire County, April 20, 1880, daughter of Philip and Miranda (Ketchum) Chrysler, both descended from early Colonial families. The parents came to Columbia County, this state, as young people and were there married. Later they settled in Eau Claire County.

Digitized by Google

742

HISTORY OF BARRON COUNTY

Mr. and Mrs. Scott have four children: Alice E., Leeta M., Perry Mason and Helen Grace.

August Gumm, for many years a prominent man in Cameron Village, was born in Pomerania, Germany, and was there reared and educated and there married Fredericka Schwanbeck. They came to America in 1880, and after living in Menomonie for nine months, came to Stanley Township. It cost $8 to get the family here, and to pay it, Mr. Gumm had to borrow fifty cents from Peter Martin, a well-known man in those days. Thus the family started. Mr. Gumm worked at such jobs as he could find. He was employed on farms, he helped to clear the streets of Old Cameron, he worked in the potato warehouse at New Cameron, and also earned money in other ways while his wife worked out at housework. Later the family achieved prosperity, and for fifteen years Mr. Gumm was section foreman for the Omaha. He died at the age of 52 and his wife is now living at Faribault, Minn. He was active in the German Lutheran Church, and was active in organizing the congregation in Cameron, serving for several years as trustee.

August F. Gumm, farmer of Section 20, Stanley Township, was born in Pomerania, Germany, Nov. 6, 1876, the son of August and Fredericka (Schwan- beck) Gumm, who brought him to Menomonie, this state, in 1880, and to Cam- eron nine months later. He was educated in Cameron and Duluth, Minn., and as a youth was employed on various farms. He bought his present place of 77 acres in 1899. The tract was then wild, covered with brush and stumps. He cleared up the land, put it under the plow, fenced it, and brought it to a high stage of cultivation. He has also erected a good set of buildings, and alto- gether has as good a place as is to be found in the neighborhood. He has served in public office practically all the time since he was twenty-one, having served as treasurer of Cameron Village and clerk of Stanley Township. He is manager of the Cameron Live Stock Shipping Association, in which he has taken a deep interest. He is a skilled musician, and for ten years has been leader of the Cameron Cornet Band. Mr. Gumm was married May 9, 1900, to Emma Boortz, who was born in Stanley Township, Feb. 7, 1878, daughter of John and Bertha (Klemp) Boortz, early settlers. This union has been blessed with two children, Curtis and Harold. Curtis was born Sept. 19, 1904, and Harold was born March, 1901. There is also an adopted daughter, Beatrice, born May 29, 1909.

William Arthur Jorstad, a modern farmer of Section 17, Stanley Town- ship, is a native of this township, born in a log cabin, Feb. 13, 1881, the son of Ole and Fredericka (Frederickson) Jorstad, pioneers. He received his edu- cation in the log schoolhouse in the neighborhood, and learned farming from his parents. In 1901 he left home and became a clerk in the hardware store of Ed. Post, at Cameron. Later he opened a hardware store of his own in that village, which he conducted for about eight years. But he was still interested in farming, so he sold the business and bought his present place of 135 acres. This place had been improved by his father, and he has continued its develop- ment. The farm is a model in every particular. The house and barn have modern improvements, including electric lights, and the farm equipment is of the best. Mr. Jorstad has a fine herd of pure-blooded Guernseys and a good drove of Poland-China swine. He is successful in his endeavors and is re- garded as one of the most prominent men in the community. In public life he has held various offices, including membership on the town board. His busi- ness holdings include stock in the Cameron Stock Shipping Association, in which he is a director. He was married Dec. 28, 1910, to Nora Olson, who was born in Stanley Township, Dec. 6, 1889, daughter of William and Alice Olson, the pioneers. The family faith is that of the Norwegian Lutheran Church.

Charles Cook, a progressive young farmer of Rice Lake Township, was born in Dundee, Ill., Oct. 8, 1889, the fifth of the nine children of Charles and Caroline Cook. The parents were worthy people, born in Germany, who came to the United States, located at Dundee, Ill., and from there moved to Batavia,

Digitized by Google

Digitized by by Google

H. E. KISLING AND FAMILY

Digitized by by Google

743

HISTORY OF BARRON COUNTY

Ill. Charles was a young boy when the family moved to Batavia. He attended school there and at the age of sixteen struck out for himself. For some years he worked in a foundry as a core maker. Then, desiring outdoor work, he took up farming. May 3, 1920, in partnership with his brother-in-law, Harry Hoover, who married his sister, Elsie, he came to Barron County and engaged in farming on a farm which they rented from W. H. Clark. The property was well improved and the young men kept it up in the best of shape. They were successful in their operations and took particular pride in the good herd of cattle on the place. They favored the Jersey breed as being well suited for general purposes in this part of the state. In November, 1921, the partner- ship was dissolved and Mr. Cook became proprietor of a fine farm of 80 acres in Section 34, Rice Lake Township. He is one of the popular young men of the community, being well liked by all who know him. He takes his part in neigh- borhood betterment, as a good citizen, and has already got a good start in life. He takes delight in making his home one of the social centers of the vicinity, and his doors are always open to his friends.

Harry W. Hoover, a farmer residing in Section 14, Stanley Township, was born at Geneva, Ill., Nov. 9, 1887, son of Ebenezer and Julia (Beam) Hoover. He was educated in the grammar schools of Batavia, Ill., after which he learned the moulders' trade in the U. S. Wind Engine Co.'s plant at Batavia, mastering its every detail, and he subsequently followed it both there and at Beloit, Wis., to which place he went in 1912, for a total period of thirteen years, or until 1919. In the latter year he came to Barron County and took up farming for W. H. Clark in Stanley Township. In the following year he formed a partner- ship with his brother-in-law, Charles Cook. They rented the Clark farm and there followed general agriculture together until the fall of 1921, when the part- nership was dissolved, Mr. Hoover taking full charge of the Clark farm, while Mr. Cook went to another farm in Rice Lake Township. Mr. Hoover's farm consists of 160 acres of fertile land in Section 14, fully equipped with stock and machinery, and an excellent set of buildings, including the residence. He is breeding into Jersey cattle, having a fine lot of grade cows, with a full- blooded sire at the head. He is a progressive farmer, modern in his methods and, as a man, stands high in his community. He is connected religiously with the M. E. Church and fraternally with the Court of Honor. Mr. Hoover was married Feb. 21, 1913, to Elsie Cook, and they have one child, Harriet, born Oct. 14, 1915.

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.

History of Barron County Wisconsin, Part 124

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

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