History of Barron County Wisconsin, Part 132

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

USA > Wisconsin > Barron County > History of Barron County Wisconsin > Part 132

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).

William G. Guenther, a representative farmer of Maple Plain Township, where he has resided since 1908, was born Sept. 23, 1887, in Marengo, Iowa, son of Nicholas and Augusta (Tautenhahn) Guenther. The parents were na- tives of Germany who came to America in the late seventies, settling at Ma- rengo, Iowa, where Nicholas Guenther followed the trade of weaver until death in 1895. His wife, who survived him, died Feb. 7, 1915. William G. Guenther was educated in his native state, attending the common or district school and afterward being engaged in farm labor there until 1908, when he came to Bar-

Digitized by Google

MR. AND MRS. GULICK OLSON-BARNEY GULICKSON

Google

Digitized by

Google

785

HISTORY OF BARRON COUNTY

ron County. Here he bought 40 acres in Section 21, Maple Plain Township. After clearing off a part of the acreage, Mr. Guenther sold that farm in 1914 and bought 80 acres in Section 23, the same township. This tract consisted of wild land, fifteen acres of which he has since cleared, having also erected the necessary buildings. He is giving special attention to dairying, keeping Hol- stein cattle, and is reaping good financial returns. In 1918 he became treas- urer of the township board, and in 1919 was elected to the office of assessor, in which he is still serving. The German Lutheran Church numbers him among its useful and consistent members. Mr. Guenther was married Nov. 17, 1915, to Bertha Beck, who was born in Clinton, Iowa, March 26, 1891, daughter of Henry and Sophia (Hanson) Beck. Her parents are residents of Crystal Lake Township, this county. Mr. and Mrs. Guenther have one child, William H., who was born July 19, 1918.

Christ I. Larson, proprietor of a good farm of 120 acres in Sections 23 and 26, Maple Plain Township, is a man who has had a varied industrial career in which he has made steady advancement. He was born in Lee County, Illinois, July 19, 1870, son of Iver and Bertha (Knutson) Larson. The parents were na- tives of Norway, who came to America in the year of his birth. In 1892 they removed from Lee County, Illinois, to Hardin County, Iowa, where Iver Larson died Nov. 24, 1896. His trade was that of stone mason and bricklayer. His wife survived him until Sept. 21, 1915. They were members of the Norwegian Lutheran Church. Their children, eight in number, were Sarah, Lars, Knute, Iver, Christ I., Thomas, Martin and Heldeor. Christ I. Larson acquired his education in Lee County, Illinois. His home was with his parents until 1888, after which he went about for four years doing farm labor. In 1892 he en- tered the employ of the Interstate Elevator Co., with which concern he re- mained for seven years. After that he was in the tile and sewer business for a year. The next two years were spent as surveyor for the Chicago and North- western Railway Company in Iowa. In 1905 he went to Morgan, Minn., to be- come manager of a stock farm. Subsequently for nine years he operated a rented farm at that place. In 1916 Mr. Larson came to Barron County and bought his present farm of 120 acres in Sections 23 and 26, Maple Plain Town- ship. On this place he has cleared ten acres and improved the rest of the property, including the buildings. He is a stockholder in the Camp Dixon cheese factory, having served one year as president of the company while the factory was under process of construction. He is also a member of the Farm Bureau. As school clerk he has rendered efficient service. Mr. Larson was married Sept. 6, 1900, to Cora Knapp, who was born in Brown County, Minn., Sept. 1, 1878, daughter of Charles and Sarah (Sherman) Knapp. The children of this union are: Curtis C., born April 4, 1911, and Beatrice S., born July 27, 1914. Mr. Larson and family are members of the Norwegian Lutheran Church.

George Ladd, whose farm of 240 acres lies partly in Maple Plain and partly in Crystal Lake Township, was born in New York state Aug. 9, 1867, son of William and Margaret (Coleman) Ladd. The parents, who were natives of New Brunswick, came to Barron County, Wis., in 1882, taking a homestead in Crystal Lake Township, which William Ladd continued to improve until his death Oct. 31, 1899. His wife did not long survive him, passing away in the following year. Of their ten children four are now living. George Ladd ac- quired his education in the district school. Until 1892 he worked for his par- ents and then, in the following year bought 160 acres of wild land in Section 32, Maple Plain Township, which he began to improve, in time clearing 60 acres and erecting a set of buildings. In 1920 he bought 80 acres more in Crystal Lake Township, thus enlarging his farm to an area of 240 acres. He follows general farming and dairying, keeping mixed grade of cattle with a pure bred sire, and has made good financial progress. He is a director of School District No. 3. On Nov. 1, 1899 Mr. Ladd was united in marriage with Tilda Hogan, who was born in Norway, June 24, 1876, daughter of Charles and Hilda (Rude) Hogan. Both her parents are now deceased. To Mr. and Mrs. Ladd have been

Digitized by Google

786

HISTORY OF BARRON COUNTY

born seven children of whom four are living, the record being as follows: George H., born Sept. 25, 1900, who died Nov. 18, 1913; William F., born Jan. 13, 1903; Charles H., born Aug. 31, 1904; Frederick W., born Jan. 5, 1909, who died April 10 the same year; Helga, born Feb. 14, 1910, who died Feb. 17, 1910, and George, born Jan. 19, 1916.

Halvor O. Juve, a respected farmer of Section 31, Stanley Township, has lived in this county for over 36 years. He was born in Norway, March 14, 1848, the son of Ole and Helga Juve, who, in 1852, left their native land, and after a long and dangerous voyage aboard a sailing vessel and a weary trip overland, reached Dane County, this state, where they remained for a while. They then moved to Juneau County, where they purchased a farm on which they spent their remaining years. They were devout members of the Norwegian Lutheran Church and helped to organize the congregation in their neighborhood. Halvor was the fifth of a family of ten children. He started school while in Dane Co., but received most of his education in Juneau County. As a young man he was employed at farm work and on railroads. In time he saved enough to purchase 120 acres of wild land in Plymouth Township, Juneau County, on which he built a log house and barn. He was married in Juneau County Nov. 13, 1875, to Martha Everson, who was born in Norway Nov. 25, 1848, and came to America when but a young girl. In 1884 he sold out and in 1885 moved with his family to Barron County and bought 65 acres of land in Section 6, West Maple Grove Township, where he built a frame house 16 by 24 feet. He cleared some of this land and the next year traded it for 240 acres in Section 6, East Maple Grove Township. This land was partly improved and a log house and barn had been erected. After a few years he sold about 80 acres of it and made extensive improvements on the quarter remaining. He erected a frame house, the main part of which is 16 by 24 feet and the kitchen 12 by 18 feet. He farmed here over 20 years. In 1890 he bought 40 acres in section 31, Stanley Township, and in 1909 he bought 80 acres adjoining the 40 acres, making a 120-acre farm. Here, on Forest View Farm, he and his son, Oscar, carry on general farming and dairying. His cattle are of the Guernsey breed. Mr. Juve has been highway official in his district and while in Juneau County served as member of the school board. The Norwegian Lutheran Church in Barron has found in him a loyal and faithful contributor, and he has taken an active part in its affairs. He is a good citizen in every way, his work in life has met with success, and he has the confidence and esteem of all who know him. Mr. and Mrs. Juve have. had seven children: Henry, Mary, Helena (de- ceased), Isabelle, Oscar, Helena and Sarah. Henry farms in Maple Grove Town- ship. He married Gena Amundson. Mary is the wife of Gust Hong of Wheeler, Dunn County. Isabelle attended the public schools in Barron County, in the city of Barron, and at St. Paul. She graduated from a Minneapolis business college and is a stenographer. Helena attended the Barron High School, the Superior (Wis.) Normal School, and is a proficient teacher. Sarah is a grad- uate of the Barron High School and the Wisconsin Business University of La Crosse, Wis. She has attended the Valley City and Mayville Normal schools in North Dakota. She is an efficient teacher and stenographer. To the mem- ory of Mrs. Martha Juve, wife of Halvor O. Juve, who shared the burdens of pioneer days in Barron County, worked unceasingly for her family, her church and her community, and who died at her home in Stanley Township March 8, 1919, this article is faithfully dedicated.

Gerhard Olson, whose farm of 80 acres lies in Section 32, Maple Plain Township, is a man who has achieved success and a respected position in the community through well directed industry and perseverance along agricul- tural lines. He was born in Norway, Aug. 7, 1870, son of Ole Carston and Olena (Jorgenson) Carston. The father is still residing in Norway, the mother being deceased. Gerhard Olson was educated in his native land and for ten years thereafter was aligned in the ranks of industry as a sailor and fisherman. In those precarious pursuits he earned but a scanty and uncertain

Digitized by Google

H. O. JUVE AND FAMILY

Digitized by

Google

Digitized by

Google

787

HISTORY OF BARRON COUNTY

living, with no chance of acquiring wealth and but little of making reasonable provision for old age. Seeing no opportunity in his native land to better him- self, he resolved to seek it elsewhere, and hence, in 1896, stepped on board a vessel bound for New York. On arriving in this country he came west imme- diately to Cumberland, Wis., and soon after entered the employ of the White River Lumber Co. at Mason, Wis. For some years thereafter he was engaged chiefly in the lumber and logging industry, continuing therein in order to earn the necessary capital for making a start in agriculture. In 1901, having saved enough money for the purpose, he bought 80 acres of wild land in Sec- tion 32, Maple Plain Township, a tract which he has since developed into a good farm by clearing 40 acres and erecting substantial buildings. He fol- lows general farming and dairying, keeping grade Guernsey cattle, the herd including a pure bred sire, and his operations, conducted on a practical basis, have brought profitable results. Mr. Olson is recognized by his fellow citizens as a man of honesty and capacity, and has twice been elected township treasurer. For the last seven years he has also served as treasurer of the school board of his district. He was married in Cumberland, Wis., Aug. 10, 1896, to Danilkel Rassmussen, who was born in Norway Aug. 26, 1872, daughter of Rasmus and Ingeborg (Nilsen) Anderson. Both she and her parents are now deceased, her death having taken place Nov. 26, 1919. To Mr. and Mrs. Ger- hard Olson six children were born: Ray I., Dec. 8, 1897; Julius, June 15, 1902; Olga, Aug. 2, 1904; Gena, Sept. 18, 1906; Bernard, April 7, 1909, and Inda, Nov. 8, 1911. All are living except Julius, who died May 6, 1918, in his sixteenth year.

Lars Olson, who owns and operates a good farm of 80 acres in Section 34, Maple Plain Township, is a man who has made his own way in the world and gained a prosperous independence through foresight and industry. He was born in Sweden June 23, 1850, and there spent his youth and early manhood engaged in farm work and other common labor. In 1880 he emigrated to the United States, landing in New York, whence he came west to Wisconsin. For eight years he resided in Frontenac, subsequent to which he was employed for some time by Knapp, Stout & Co., and for a time by the Soo Railway Com- pany. In 1890 he came to Cumberland, Barron County, where at first he worked on wood trains loading lumber. The following year saw him take an important step in advance, as he then began an independent career as a farmer by purchasing 80 acres of wild land in Section 34, Maple Plain Township. During the thirty years that have since elapsed he has made continual im- provements on his farm and has cleared forty acres of the land. His early buildings were constructed of logs and answered the purpose for a number of years; but in 1917 he began the erection of a set of modern buildings, in- cluding a barn 32 by 60 feet, installed with the James equipment. In 1918 he erected a modern house of seven rooms. A reliable gas-lighting system was also installed. Mr. Olson is engaged in mixed farming, giving particular attention to dairying, and may be classed among the successful men of his township. His cattle are of mixed grade, the sire of the herd being a pure bred Shorthorn. In 1892 Mr. Olson was united in marriage with Mary Mattson, who was born in Sweden April 11, 1869, daughter of Matt and Hannah (Peter- son) Mattson. The family circle of Mr. and Mrs. Olson has been enlarged by the birth of seven children, as follows: Emil, Jan. 15, 1893; Otto, Sept. 25, 1894; Hjalmer, Oct. 30, 1896; Esther, Nov. 28, 1898; Lucille, Sept. 18, 1901; Anna, Sept. 28, 1904, and Clarence, Nov. 29, 1906. Religiously the Olson family are connected with the Swedish Lutheran Church.

Henry Peterson, proprietor of Daisy Meadow Farm in Section 31, Maple Plain Township, and who for a number of years has been one of the leading citizens and public officials of that township, was born in Germany March 31, 1869, son of Detlef and Mary (Lang) Peterson. In 1885, when he was a lad of sixteen, his parents came with their family to America, stopping first at Wabasha, Minn., and thence going on to Iowa, in which state they remained

Digitized by Google

788

HISTORY OF BARRON COUNTY

for a number of years, or until Mrs. Mary Peterson's death, which occurred Feb. 10, 1897. Soon after that event, and in the same year, Detlef Peterson came with the surviving members of his family to Barron County, Wis., buy- ing 60 acres of wild land in Section 30, Maple Plain Township. With the help of his sons he cleared some of the land and erected a set of buildings, con- tinuing his improvements until his death Nov. 12, 1908. The children of Mr. and Mrs. Detlef Peterson were: Christina, now Mrs. H. L. Frost of Mckinley, Wis .; Emil, residing in Grant County, S. D .; John of Mckinley, Wis .; Henry, subject of this sketch; Emma, deceased, and Peter H. of Merrill, Wis. Henry Peterson acquired his education in his native land. Until 1888 he continued with his parents for whom he worked, and then, cutting loose from home ties, went to St. Paul where he remained for a year. After that he spent two years in Chicago. In 1897 he came to Barron County and bought 80 acres in Section 30, Maple Plain Township. This was a tract of wild land which called for much strenuous labor before it could be regarded as a farm. In the 14 years which he spent on the place Mr. Peterson effected the necessary transformation, hav- ing by the end of that period cleared 40 acres and erected buildings. He then sold the property and bought 80 acres in Section 31, the same township, on which he made similar improvements, clearing 40 acres of the land and erecting buildings. This is his present farm, where he is engaged in mixed farming and dairying, keeping grade Holstein cattle, with a pure bred sire. Through well directed industry he has prospered and is now a substantial and widely known citizen. His capacity was early recognized by his fellow citizens, who, in 1901, elected him supervisor of Maple Plain and Lakeland Townships, in which office he served one year; in 1910 he again became a supervisor of Maple Plain Township, and served two years, after which he was assessor four years. In 1915 he was chairman of the town board. In ad- dition to the above mentioned offices Mr. Peterson served 17 years on the school board, twelve years as clerk and five years as director of Joint District No. 3 (Emerson school). He was also road superintendent one year. Aside from his farming interests he is a stockholder in the Mckinley Telephone Company. His religious affiliations are with the German Lutheran Church. Mr. Peterson was married Dec. 29, 1895, to Caroline Wingefield, who was born in Chicago Jan. 13, 1875, daughter of Conrad and Dora (Holse) Wingefield, the parents being natives of Germany. Her mother died in May, 1919. The father operates a paint store in Chicago as a member of the firm of Winge- field & Holse. They had seven children: George, Caroline, Conrad, Philip, Anna, Dora and Olga, of whom George and Dora are now deceased. To Mr. and Mrs. Henry Peterson seven children have been born, of whom six are living, the record being as follows: Anna, born Oct. 24, 1896, now Mrs. William Williams of Comstock, Wis .; Ludwig, born July 17, 1899, who died Dec. 27, 1913; Olga, born May 27, 1902; Dora, Dec. 7, 1904; Henry, Dec. 6, 1909; Caroline, Sept. 9, 1912, and Ruth, Sept. 12, 1916.

Phillip Henrich Sr., a pioneer of Section 2, Stanley Township, was born in Rhine Province, Germany, July 19, 1843, second of the four children of George and Elizabeth (Fuchs) Henrich. The other children were John, Cas- imer and Catherine, of whom Casimer was the only one to come to the United States. Phillip was reared in his native land, and was there educated. He came to the United States in 1867 and located at Watertown, Dodge County, Wis. There in 1869 he was married. In 1871 he went to Winnebago County, near Oshkosh, with his bride, and there secured a ride by team to Barron County,'a long, rough and tiresome trip. Upon reaching this county he located on Section 2. This was a wild tract of land set in the wilderness, with no roads to connect it with the outside world. He cleared a small tract and erected a log cabin 20 by 24 feet. He had little to work with except his hands, and no money to purchase necessities. For several seasons he worked in the woods for Knapp, Stout & Co., leaving his wife alone in the log cabin among the Indians. Later he was enabled to devote more of his time to clearing the

Digitized by Google

PHILLIP HENRICH AND FAMILY

Digitized by

Google

Digitized by

Google

789

HISTORY OF BARRON COUNTY

land and developing a farm. He bought a yoke of oxen from Knapp, Stout & Co., and a cow from a neighbor, and gradually acquired other stock. He and his wife took a share in everything that tended toward the .development of the community, and opened their small home for services of the German Evangelical Church. In this church he held office for some years. He also served on the school board. Gradually he built up a good farm and erected suitable buildings. Mr. Henrich was married at Watertown, Wis., in 1869, to Anna Elizabeth Elasser, who was born in Germany July 21, 1850, and died in Stanley Township April 27, 1912. They were the parents of seven children : Frank, Christ, Ferdinand, Phillip and Anna, who are living, and two who died in infancy.

Phillip Henrich Jr., a prosperous farmer of Section 2, Stanley Township, was born on the place where he still resides, March 5, 1879, the son of Phillip and Anna Elizabeth (Elasser) Henrich, the pioneers. He attended district school in the neighborhood and also took a course at the Des Moines Business College at Des Moines, Iowa. For several years thereafter he was employed in machine work in West Superior, Wis., and Minneapolis, Minn. In 1912 he returned to the home place and here he has since remained. He success- fully carries on general farming and makes a specialty of a good grade of Holstein cattle. He has continued the improvements made by his father, and has erected a milk house, machine shed and other buildings. Like his par- ents before him he is a member of the German Evangelical Church. Mr. Henrich was married at Rice Lake, Sept. 25, 1906, to Ella Schneider, who was born at Black River Falls, Wis., Sept. 17, 1885, the daughter of David and Matilda Schneider. Her father was a native of Wisconsin and her mother of Canada. Mr. and Mrs. Henrich have had five children: Gladys, Ruth, Marion, Harvey and one who died in infancy. Gladys is attending school at Janesville. The others are residing at home.

Hans Howe, who, in partnership with his son, John O. Howe, is engaged in a farming and dairying business in Section 35, Crystal Lake Township, under the style of Hans Howe & Son, was born in Norway, March 11, 1849. The first 25 years of his life were spent in his native land, where, after arriving at man- hood, he followed various occupations, doing farm labor, engaging in the fish- ing industry, and in winter working in the pineries. In 1874, with the view of bettering his condition, he came to America, landing at New York, whence he came at once to Woodstock, Ill. There he stayed five years, engaged in farm labor. In 1880 he came to Cumberland, Barron County, Wis., and entered the employ of the Mansfield & Lang Lumber Co., with whom he remained for 18 months, or until the fall of 1881. Having hitherto worked for others, Mr. Howe now took a step in advance and became his own master by purchasing 80 acres of wild land in Section 35, Crystal Lake Township, on which he en- gaged in agriculture. Of this tract he cleared and improved 40 acres, also erecting a complete set of buildings. The barn, which was constructed in 1910, measures 36 by 80 feet and is provided with the James equipment. His cattle are of the Guernsey breed, the herd have a pure-bred sire. With his son, John, he is doing a profitable business and has taken rank among the promi- nent citizens of his township, which he has helped to improve by the building of roads. For 24 years he also served as school clerk for District No. 4. Re- ligiously he is a member. of the Norwegian Lutheran Church. Hans Howe was married April 3, 1880, to Susannah Foss, who was born in Norway, May 2, 1857, daughter of Ole and Anna (Olson) Soxison. Both her parents have since passed away. To Mr. and Mrs. Howe three children were born: John O., April 21, 1881; Ida, May 2, 1883; and Helmer, Sept. 27, 1885. John O., as al- ready mentioned, is now his father's partner. Ida is the wife of Ben Wall, of Cumberland Township, and Helmer is a farmer in the same township.

John O. Howe, an enterprising and prosperous farmer of Crystal Lake Township, in partnership with his father, Hans Howe, was born in the City of Cumberland, Barron County, Wis., April 21, 1881. He acquired the elements

Digitized by Google

790

HISTORY OF BARRON COUNTY

of knowledge in the district school and subsequently took a short course in the agricultural college at Madison, Wis., being graduated there in 1909. Since that time he has been associated with his father in the management of their farm of 80 acres in Section 35, Crystal Lake Township, doing mixed farming and dairying. He is also a stockholder in the Comstock Creamery and has served three years as township assessor. On June 19, 1909, Mr. Howe was united in marriage with Anna Olson, who was born in Woodville, Wis., Sept. 22, 1880, daughter of Christ and Anna (Gundevalson) Olson. Her parents are now deceased. Fraternally, Mr. Howe is a member of Camp No. 8254, Mod- ern Woodmen of America. An active and up-to-date American farmer, he is making rapid strides on the road to prosperity.

William J. Diers, a young and energetic farmer of Crystal Lake Town- ship. and a patriotic American who offered his services to the United States in the late war and took such part therein as opportunity afforded, was born in Nebraska, Feb. 22, 1891, son of William and Marie (Clauson) Diers. The parents, natives of Germany, came to America in 1889, settling at once in Nebraska, where the father operated a farm for nine years. In 1898 the family came to Barron County, and for two years thereafter the elder Mr. Diers operated the Frank Hieser farm in Almena Township. In 1900 he bought 80 acres in Section 16, Crystal Lake Township, of which tract he cleared 25 acres, also erecting a set of buildings and improving the property in various ways during his residence of two years thereon. At the end of that time he sold it and took a homestead of 160 acres in Section 32, the same township, which, also, he improved, clearing 35 acres and erecting buildings. This place was his final earthly home, as he died there Sept. 19, 1906. He had become a prominent citizen of his township and county and his demise was greatly re- gretted. His widow subsequently sold the farm and bought another of 133 acres in the same township. Their family numbered eight children: Henry, a resident of Chetek; Dora, now Mrs. Irvin Line, of Cumberland, Barron County; Lena, wife of William Baird, of Aitkin, Minn .; William J., subject of this sketch; Fred, a farmer in Cumberland Township; Sophia, wife of Wil- liam Niemeier, of St. James, Minn .; Anna, who resides in Montana; and Mary, of St. James, Minn. William J. Diers was educated in the district school and at an early age was initiated into farm life and labor. Having worked for his father until the latter's death, he then took charge of the farm for his mother, and thus operated it until 1919, when he bought it. Since then he has been the sole proprietor and, in general farming and dairying, is doing a successful.bus- iness. His cattle are high grade Guernseys, the herd having a pure-bred sire. On April 2, 1918, Mr. Diers enlisted in the United States service, becoming a member of the 48th Coast Artillery. Having received training at Ft. Casey, Wash, he was transferred to Camp Eustis, Va., and later to Camp Stewart, Va. On Sept. 7, 1918, he sailed for Brest, France, in which country he remained six months, though he was not called into action. On March 13, 1919, he be- gan his return journey to the United States, where he arrived safely and was discharged at Camp Grant, Rockford, Ill., April 2, 1919.

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 132

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

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