History of Barron County Wisconsin, Part 127

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

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Andrew Fossum, Section 14, Stanley Township, is one of the oldest pio- neers still left in Barron County. He came here in 1875, when the county was little more than a wilderness, and has lived to see the prosperity of the present day. In all of this progress, as a good citizen and a hard-working farmer, he has had his part. He was born in Norway, May 3, 1839, the son of Lars and Anna Frederickson, farmers of that country. He was reared and educated in Norway, there grew to adult years and married. In 1869 he came to America with his family, and located in Chicago. There for three years he worked at whatever he could get to do, part of the time unloading boats. In 1872 he came to Wausau, in Marathon County, this state, and there farmed for three years. Then he started out for Barron County. By hard work, self denial and frugal- ity he had saved $600. Then his son, Henry, was stricken with brain fever, and the devoted father and mother spent the whole $600 to aid in his recovery. But they had courage and determination, so they borrowed $10, hired a team, packed their family goods, and with their family started out for Barron County. Here they secured 160 acres in Section 29, Stanley Township, twenty of which has been sold off. Mr. Fossum had previously selected this farm while looking over the land for a location. When he made his first trip here, he walked from Eau Claire. After leaving the settlements in Dunn County, he saw not a single house along his way until he reached Section 29, Stanley, ex- cept the lumber camp at Chetek. He had nothing but his hands and a few crude tools with which to start. He put up a log house, 10 by 12 feet, which is still standing as a landmark of the olden days. Then he started clearing the land. But he was only able to devote a part of his time to this, as he had to work out some to secure provisions for his family. His wife was often left alone with the children. Indians were plentiful and often visited the little cabin. But Mrs. Fossum was of a kindly disposition, the bright children at- tracted the affection of the savages, and there was nothing to fear. Sometimes Mrs. Fossum would give tobacco to the Indians, and this still further increased

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their friendly relations. The first summer that the family was here they bought a cow. Later they were able to get a yoke of oxen, and oxen were what they used for many years. As time passed, the family achieved prosperity. The log building gave way to a good set of farm structures, and as means per- mitted, modern implements and machinery were purchased. The farm is now as good as any that can be found in the neighborhood.

Mr. Fossum was married in May, 1856, in Norway, to Oleana Rents, who was born in that country. This union has been blessed with six children: Henry, Anna and George, born in Norway, and Carl, Olga and Christ, born in Barron County. Mrs. Fossum died in 1916. She was born Aug. 14, 1840. Christ, the youngest of the family was born in Stanley Township, Sept. 20, 1880, and was reared and educated here. He learned farming from his parents, and has always remained on the home place. He took over the management on Feb. 28, 1918. He is meeting with success in his operations, and has already estab- lished his position as one of the solid, substantial men of the community. He is doing his duty in every way as a public spirited citizen, and is especially active in the Norwegian Lutheran Church of Cameron, which he has served as trustee for several years.

John A. Clemons, Section 21, Stanley Township, is one of the solid, sub- stantial men of the vicinity, and is taking his share in everything which is giving to Barron County the excellent reputation which it enjoys as a prosper- ous section of the state. He was born in Henry County, Virginia, Oct. 20, 1857, the son of Thomas and Salina (Davis) Clemons, both descended from early American Colonists. The family was a large one, John A. was the fourth of eight children, and he early had to shift for himself. He started doing farm work for neighbors at the age of fifteen, and so continued for a number of years. In 1888 he came to Barron County, and settled in Stanley Township. For some years he was variously employed, in grist mills, on farms, and else- where. In 1896 he purchased his present place of 20 acres in Section 21. He erected buildings, and has now a nice little place where he is successfully rais- ing crops for the market. He is interested in all public affairs and has done good service as a member of the school board.

Mr. Clemons was married Jan. 10, 1887, to Mollie Bray, who was born in Henry County, Virginia, June 16, 1861, daughter of Ambrose and Ann (Par- sons) Bray. Her father, like his own, was a veteran of the Civil War. Mr. and Mrs. Clemons have six children: Mabel, Thomas, Mary, Paul, Harry and Della. Mabel is the widow of George Severson, and has one child, George Jr. Mary is the wife of Roy Smothers, of Rice Lake, and has three children: Archie, Beatrice and Mearl. Thomas was with the United States army for several months and trained in this country and in England. The other children are at home.

Kurt Bauch is a native of this county and has watched its growth from a lumbering region into one of the best dairy districts in the state. He is ac- quainted with most of the leading men of the county, and has held the esteem and liking of his fellow citizens from boyhood up. Born on the old homestead in Section 21, Stanley Township, April 15, 1881, he is the son of Bernard and Mary Bauch, early settlers. He was reared on the old farm, attended school in the neighborhood, and learned farming from his father. After his marriage he rented a modern farm of 240 acres in Stanley Township, of which 160 acres are under the plow. Here he carries on general farming, and makes a specialty of raising high grade Holstein cattle, Poland China swine, and fine draft horses. Recently he has purchased a well-improved farm in Section 14, Barron Township.

Mr. Bauch was married May 15, 1912, at Cameron, to Minnie Sweitcher, born Feb. 15, 1892, the daughter of Jacob and Lizzie Sweitcher. This union has been blessed with three children, Walter, born March 15, 1913; Dorothy, born Aug. 14, 1915, and Gertrude, born Aug. 24, 1917.

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CARL BARTA AND FAMILY

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Bernhard Bauch, a respected resident of Section 21, Stanley Township, was born in Saxony, Germany, Aug. 20, 1859, the son of Frederick and Hen- rietta Bauch, the former of whom was a weaver, and both of whom spent the span of their years in their native country. Bernhard was reared in his native land, attended the government schools, and as a youth learned the weaving trade from his father. He came to the United States in 1881, and located in Racine, Wis. Four years later, in 1885, he came to Cameron, in this county, and purchased a tract of wild land in Section 21, Stanley Township. After making the purchase he continued working elsewhere for a while. Then he located here, he erected a frame house and a log barn, and started to clear up the place. With the passage of the years he and his wife have prospered. They have delighted in keeping open house to their friends and the children's friends, and they have lived up to every requirement of good citizenship. They are among the most respected people in the community, and are highly regarded by all who know them. In 1919 Mr. Bauch sold his farm and now resides in the village of Cameron.

Mr. Bauch was married Aug. 21, 1884, at Racine, Wis., to Mary Bechler, who was born in Germany, Dec. 31, 1863, and came to America alone in 1883. Mr. and Mrs. Bauch have nine children: Anna, Fritz, Kurt, Hedwig, Carl, Han- nah, Oscar, Clara and Elsie.

Carl Barta, Section 8, Stanley Township, is one of the best-liked men in this part of the county, respected and esteemed by the adults, and honored and beloved by the young folk and children. In working hard, achieving success and raising a good family of children, he has won for himself a high place. In personality he is courteous and genial, he enjoys all the pleasant things of life, he likes a good joke, a good companion, a good meal, and everyone with whom he comes in contact leaves him cheered and encouraged. People come to him for advice, and his judgment and good sense are always sound. He has been an ideal father, and he and his good wife have taken delight in making their home a pleasant place for their children, where their children's friends are always welcome. The children, in turn, have appreciated the advantages they have received, and all are a credit to their parents and to their home training.

Carl Barta was born in Bohemia, Aug. 15, 1853, the oldest child of Carl and Anna Barta, who lived and died as farmers in Bohemia. The subject of this sketch came to the United States in 1878, and lived a year in Dane County, this state. Then he located at Bangor, in La Crosse County, this state. In 1902 he came to Barron County, and bought 80 acres in Section 8, Stanley Township. This land was partly improved, and a house and barn had been erected. Mr. Barta has continued the improvements, has added to his land, and now has a good farm in every respect.

Mr. Barta was married in La Crosse County, to Amelia Arntz, who died in 1885, leaving two children, Margaret and John. On May 23, 1886, he married Nettie Herman, a native of La Crosse County, who died in December, 1919. This union was blessed with four children: Edward, Elizabeth, Anna and Rudolph. Margaret was born Jan. 28, 1882. John was born Nov. 9, 1885. Ed- ward was born Aug. 13, 1889. Elizabeth was born June 11, 1892. Anna was born June 4, 1897. Rudolph was born March 11, 1902. All except Rudolph, a bright and energetic youth, still under age, were born at Bangor. Rudolph was born on the farm in Stanley Township, soon after the family's arrival here.

John W. Beylund, a respected farmer of Section 5, Stanley Township, was born in Sweden, Nov. 23, 1854, oldest of the six children of John and Margaret Beylund, who spent the span of their years in that country. He attended school in Sweden, and there grew to manhood. He was there married in 1878, to Wilhelmina Linstrom, who was born in that country, May 26, 1856, the daugh- ter of Alex and Margaretta Linstrom, who lived in the same neighborhood, and spent all their years there. In 1892 the subject of this sketch started out with his wife and his five children: Jennie, Mary, John, Alex and Anna, the last mentioned of whom is now deceased. He came directly to Rice Lake, and en-

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tered the employ of the Rice Lake Lumber Co., working in their yards and mills at Rice Lake, and also in the woods. In 1900 he bought a tract of 40 acres in Section 5, Stanley Township. This was stump land covered with brush. He erected a modern set of buildings, cleared up the land, and developed a good farm. When he started he had $25 in money, a cow, and a few tools. He is now a well-to-do and successful man, and is on the road to still greater pros- perity. He enjoys telling of the early days, when he was getting his start, when provisions were scarce, when the roads were little more than trails, and when he had to bring the supplies for his family on his back from far-away stores. He is an estimable gentleman in every respect and is highly regarded by all who know him. In addition to the children named, two, Oscar and Anna, were born in Barron County. The family faith is that of the Swedish Lutheran Church, in which Mr. Beylund has held office. The record of the children, in brief, is as follows: Jennie, born Sept. 5, 1882, is now Mrs. William Robarge of Chippewa Falls. Maria Adalia, born Nov. 20, 1884, is Mrs. Glenn Hartzel of Rice Lake. John V., born Feb. 10, 1887, resides in Duluth. Alex W., born Aug. 22, 1889, is at home. Anna (first), born Oct. 15, 1892, died April 27, 1896. Oscar, born April 17, 1895, and Anna (second), born Nov. 17, 1897, are at home.

Gunder Anderson, early settler of Stanley Township, was born in Norway, the son of Mr. and Mrs. John Anderson, who brought him to America when he was four years old and settled on a farm in Waupaca County, in this state. He was reared in that county and early took up farm pursuits, working on thresh- ing crews while he was still a boy. As a young man he secured a tract of land in Shawano County, this state. In the seventies he sold out, and came to Bar- ron County and took a homestead of 120 acres of wild land in Section 35, Stanley Township. At that time he was practically without means. But he had health and strength and perseverence, and by hard work he achieved suc- cess. First he built a log cabin and made a small clearing. Eau Claire was his market point, and the trip there with grain required three days' time. He could not then afford expensive machinery, and his grain was harvested with a cradle. In time he replaced his log cabin with a good set of buildings, and his wild land was developed into a fertile farm to which he added until he owned 200 acres. He was respected in the community and held various offices, including that of town supervisor. He was active in church affairs and gave the use of his log house for the first services of the Norwegian Lutheran faith held in this vicinity. He died in 1915, and his good wife is still living. In the family there were eight children: John, Oscar, Helga, George, Andrew, Alvin, Martin and Edna.

Oscar E. Anderson, public official and successful farmer of Stanley Town- ship, has the distinction of being a native of the township where he still re- sides, having been born in a pioneer log cabin here April 7, 1879, the son of Gunder and Antonette Anderson. As a boy he attended the old log schoolhouse of his district. This log cabin, sided up, plastered and remodeled, is still standing. He was reared to farm pursuits and as a young man purchased a farm in Maple Grove Township, this county. A year and a half later he sold out and purchased a farm in Barron Township, where he remained about two years. In 1908 he purchased 80 acres of wild land in Section 29, in his native township, and on this tract he still lives. When he purchased the place it was all wild. He has cleared and tilled the whole tract, and has erected a good set of buildings, so that he now has as good a home and farm as are to be found in the neighborhood. He carries on general farming and dairying, and has been successful in his operations. Outside of carrying on his farm work, he has done his duty as a good citizen in public life. He has been treasurer of his township, and in 1920 was elected chairman. For one year he was secretary of the Farmers Telephone Co. He has been trustee of the Norwegian Lutheran Church at Cameron for six years.

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MR. AND MRS. C. D. HOYER AND FARM BUILDINGS

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Mr. Anderson was married March 22, 1905 to Lottie Lee, who was born in Juneau County, this state, April 28, 1882, the daughter of Torger Lee. Mr. and Mrs. Anderson take especial pride in their fine family of four sturdy and straightforward boys, Alden, Orville, Lyle and Maynard. Their first-born son, Gordon, died in infancy.

Christian D. Hoyer, proprietor of the modern Meadow Creek Dairy Farm, Section 4, Stanley Township, is one of the well-to-do men of his vicinity. He believes in following the latest improved methods of farming, he believes in conveniences and comforts for his family, and he believes in taking advantage of the machinery and implements which place agricultural operations on a scientific basis. He comes of pioneer stock, and was born in a log house in Hamilton Township, La Crosse County, this state, Dec. 18, 1878, the son of Christian and Dora (Buteker) Hoyer, natives of Germany. These worthy peo- ple came to America when they were young people, and were married in Wis- consin. They started homemaking on 160 acres of wild land in Hamilton Town- ship, La Crosse County. For some years, while clearing up a part of the land, they lived in a log cabin. At first they had no oxen or horses and had to make arrangements with their neighbors for their heavier work, sometimes giving a week's work, for the use of a yoke of oxen for part of a day. The trading point was at West Salem, four miles away. The father brought all the provisions and supplies from that place on foot. They helped to organize the first Ger- man Lutheran Church in the vicinity, and early services were held in their cabin. As time passed they erected a good set of buildings and developed a fertile farm. The father died at the age of seventy-two. The mother had passed away many years before, at the age of forty-five. Christian D. was the fifth in a family of nine children. He was reared on the home farm, and attended school in the neighborhood. At the age of eighteen he started work- ing out by the month. At first he received $15 a month. After a while he became so proficient that he received $40 a month, which was regarded as a princely wage for a farmer in those days. On Nov. 9, 1904, he married Rachael Steloh, who, like himself, was born in Hamilton Township, the daughter of Fred and Marie (Miller) Steloh, early settlers of La Crosse County, and of German descent. After their marriage, Mr. and Mrs. Hoyer started home- making on a farm in Burns Township, La Crosse County. In 1915, he came to Barron County, and bought 160 acres in Section 4, Stanley Township. He started here with five cows and two horses. He has since then developed the place into one of the best in the township. He has a new, modern, eight-room house, and a new barn, 34 by 62 feet, with cement floor and full cement base- ment, equipped with modern appliances, including stanchions, and running water in front of every cow. He has also installed an electric plant which supplies light for the house, barn and yards. He carries on general farming in all its branches, and makes a specialty of dairying with a large herd of Hol- stein cattle. Mr. and Mrs. Hoyer have four children: Elsie, Margaret, Lorine and Maynard. The family faith is that of the German Lutheran Church.

Henry Maug, a modern farmer of Section 19, Stanley Township, was born in Trempealeau County, Wis., April 26, 1876, son of Hans and Caroline (Peter- son) Maug. Hans Maug was born in Norway, the son of Ole and Johanna Hal- vorson, and descended from a long line of sturdy Norwegian fishermen and farmers. He and his wife came to America as young people, and settled on a tract of wild land in Hale Township, Trempealeau County, this state. He built a sod house, and started farming with crude tools and implements. His only stock for some time was a yoke of oxen. His cultivating was done with a 22- inch plow. Provisions were scarce, the hardships and privations were many, and all the neighbors were poor people, striving for a living in a new country. But they had faith and courage and in time prospered. Ole helped put up the first Norwegian Church in his neighborhood, and also helped to establish the school. In time he became a prosperous and substantial citizen. Henry, the subject of this sketch, was reared in his native county and learned farming

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from his father. As a young man he operated various farms as a renter. In 1910 he came to Barron County, and bought 80 acres of land in Barron Town- ship, near Barron. Subsequently, he owned and improved several places in this county. In 1918 he settled on his present farm. He has a well-improved and well-equipped place, and his house and barn are of modern construction, with electric lights, running water, and other conveniences. He successfully car- ries on general farming and dairying and raises some excellent stock. Mr. Maug was married April 12, 1902, to Nellie Jacobson, who was born in Trem- - pealeau County, Dec. 30, 1885, daughter of Hans and Oline Jacobson, early set- tlers of that county. Mr. and Mrs. Maug have six children: Cora, Clara, Hazel, Gilbert, Hans and Alec. Another child, Hilda, died in infancy.

Sever Mickelson, a highly regarded farmer of Section 6, Stanley Town- ship, was born in Norway, Dec. 7, 1848, the son of Henry and Carrie Mickelson. The parents came to this country and settled first in Michigan and then in Wisconsin. In the family there were six children, of whom four are now liv- ing, Maret, Ole, Sever and Berit. Sever was reared on a farm and attended the government schools. He came to America and for some years worked in the lumber mills at Menomonie, Wis. In 1881 he secured a farm of 80 acres in Prairie Farm Township, this county. This was all wild. He built a log cabin, began to clear up the farm, and put in a small acreage of crops. He had no money, and few tools. His domestic stock consisted of one cow. But he per- severed in spite of handicaps and built up a good place. His wife, Gena, died there, leaving a little daughter, Gena. Then he moved to Rice Lake, and entered the employ of the Rice Lake Lumber Co. While in that city he married Mrs. Nellie Anderson, who was born in Norway, Jan. 21, 1861, and came to the United States in 1888. This union has been blessed with one son, Norman, who was born Nov. 3, 1897. In 1901, Mr. Mickelson bought 40 acres in Section 6, Stanley Township. A log house stood on the place and a few acres had been broken. Here, as before, he started to develop a farm. He has cleared and cultivated and fenced the fertile acres, he has erected a good set of modern buildings, and he has purchased a good supply of tools, implements and machin- ery. He now carries on general farming and dairying, and raises good stock. He and his family are supporters of the Norwegian Lutheran Church. Mrs. Mickelson, whose maiden name was Anderson, was first married in Rice Lake to Hans Anderson, who died Sept. 23, 1891. By him she had one son, Elmer, born Jan. 2, 1891, who now conducts the home farm.

John Ferdinand Rudolph, a solid, substantial and hard-working citizen of Section 20, Stanley Township, was born in Pomerania, Germany, Dec. 3, 1865, the son of John and Albertina Rudolph, honorable and God-fearing people of that country. In the family there were ten children. Seven came to this coun- try, and three, Carl, Herman and Wilhelmina, remained in Germany. Four, John F., Ferdinand, Julius and Robert-came to Wisconsin together. John F. was reared in his native land, and there married Ernestina Voelker, by whom he had one daughter, Anna. He came to America in the nineties, and located at Rice Lake, where he worked for the Rice Lake Lumber Co. for several years. Then he bought his present farm of 118 acres. The track was mostly timber land, and the buildings standing thereon were in poor condition. He set to work, toiled early and late, and cleared the land and developed a good place. He fixed over the house and built a substantial barn, 34 by 60 feet, and other buildings. Mr. Rudolph is well liked by his neighbors and has served with credit in town and school offices. He has been a faithful adherent of the Ger- man Lutheran faith, and helped to build the church of that denomination at Cameron. After the death of his first wife, he married her sister, Bertha. There are now six children in the family: Anna, as already mentioned, born in Germany, daughter by Mr. Rudolph's first wife; and Otto, Herman, Walter, Elizabeth, and Esther, born in the United States, the children of Mr. Rudolph's second marriage to Bertha Voelker. Another child of the second marriage, Ella, is now deceased.

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RUDOLPH H. RAUCHENSTEIN AND FAMILY

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Rudolph H. Rauchenstein, Section 4, Stanley Township, is one of the real pioneers of the county, having lived here for nearly half a century. He was born in Switzerland, July 31, 1846, and there grew to adult years. He came to America as a single man in 1869, and located at Eau Claire, Wis., where he worked in the mills and on farms. In 1872 he came to Barron County and took a homestead of 160 acres of wild land in Section 4, Stanley Township. He erected a log house and started in with little more than his hands. To this place, in 1875, he brought his bride. For some years they endured many of the discomforts of pioneer life. It was some months before they even had a cow. Cash was scarce and the family had to get along as best they could with such things as they could get. The wife spun yarn on her spinning wheel and thus made socks and mittens and even jackets. Gradually their hard work resulted in success. He built a good frame house, a modern barn 36 by 80 feet, and other buildings such as a granary, chicken house and sheds. By faithful toil he developed a good farm and became one of the substantial men of his com- munity. In 1913 his wife died, and at that time he practically retired from the more strenuous duties of farm life, though he still lives on the place, helps in the busy seasons, and gives his son the advantage of his long years of experi- ence. He has served on the school board and has taken his part in public affairs as a good citizen. He was married Aug. 14, 1875, to Barbara Markle, who was born in Switzerland July 17, 1846, and came to this country the year of her marriage. Mr. and Mrs. Rauchenstein had five children : Adolph, Fred, John, Emil and Bertha.

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History of Barron County Wisconsin, Part 127

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

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