History of Barron County Wisconsin, Part 139

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

USA > Wisconsin > Barron County > History of Barron County Wisconsin > Part 139

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Jacob Peter Hoffman, miller, merchant and farmer, ranks well among the leading and substantial men of Prairie Farm Village. He was born in Jackson Township, Washington County, Wis., Nov. 15, 1851, the son of Peter and Cath-

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erine (Smith) Hoffman. These good people were born in the Rhine region in Germany, and were there reared and married. They came to this country as young people, being just 31 days on the water. They settled on a farm in the woods in Jackson Township, Washington County, this state, and here started to establish their fortunes. Milwaukee, their trading point, was twenty-six miles away, and he often made the trip there afoot, bringing home provisions on his back. In time he built up a good farm. He took his part in the affairs of the community and served for some twenty years as clerk of his school district. He was also active in the German Lutheran Church. Jacob Peter was born in a log cabin on his father's farm, and attended a log schoolhouse in the neighborhood. This was a real pioneer school, built by the early settlers with their own hands. The benches were hewed out of rough logs, and all the fur- nishings were most primitive. When he was a young man his father bought a flour mill at Young America, Washington County, Wis. There young Jacob Peter learned the milling trade. In 1876 he decided to start out for himself. He came to Chippewa Falls, in Chippewa County, this state, on the railroad, and then walked to Rice Lake, where he secured a homestead. This he sold some time later. The first winter he worked in the woods. In the spring of 1877 he entered the employ of Knapp, Stout & Co. in their mill at Rice Lake, acting as second miller, and having charge of the establishment nights. In the fall of 1877 he was sent to Prairie Farm, to take charge of the Knapp, Stout & Co. mill. He remained in this employ for nearly eighteen years. In 1893 the Prairie Farm Milling Co. was organized, took over the mill, and con- verted it into a roller mill, of which Mr. Hoffman remained in charge. He was the president of the company, F. F. Tibbetts was vice-president, and George E. Scott, the merchant, was secretary and treasurer. In 1900, Mr. Hoffman sold out to Mr. Scott, and engaged in the general mercantile business at Prairie Farm, with a flour and feed establishment in connection. The firm name was J. P. Hoffman & Son. In 1910 the place was burned down, and Mr. Hoffman did not resume the business. In the meantime, he had purchased a farm in Section 27, Prairie Farm Township, and had moved his family on it. There he lived and farmed while in business in the village. He had a good place, which he brought to an excellent stage of development. In 1914 he sold out and moved to the village, where he erected the pleasant home where he now lives. In 1891, Mr. Hoffman helped to establish the Prairie Farm Co-operative Creamery Association, and served for some years as its treasurer. He also has other interests. He has' been prominent in the endeavor to secure railroad facilities for the village. He and his family are loyal in their support of the Evangelical Church, and Mr. Hoffman has been clerk of its Sunday School for some twenty years. Fraternally, he is a member of the Maccabees. He has done his duty in every way as a good citizen and is held in the highest regard. Mr. Hoffman was married July 14, 1879, at Horicon, in Dodge County, this state, to Louisa Weisensale, who was born in Kliman Township, Dodge County, this state, Feb. 13, 1854, daughter of Martin and Fredericka (Lindemur) Weisensale, natives of Saxony, Germany, who came to America in 1853 and set- tled in Dodge County. Mr. and Mrs. Hoffman have one son, Louis E., who was born in Prairie Farm Township, May 5, 1880, attended the local schools, and is now a prominent lumberman of Clara City, South Dakota. He married Eva C. Roemhild and they have one child, Floyd L.

Carl Meisegeier, for some years a resident of Clinton Township, now de- ceased, was born in Saxony, Germany, and was there reared and educated and became a stone mason. As a young man he married Catherine Bone, and they had two children, Lizza and Lena, born in that country. He brought the family to America about 1877, and for a while followed his trade as a mason in She- boygan County, this state. He came to Barron County about 1890 and pur- chased 160 acres of wild timber land in Clinton Township, northwest of Bar- ron. He cleared a small tract, erected some buildings, and there started to make a home for himself and his family. Prosperity came with the years, and

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CHARLES MEISEGEIER AND FAMILY

MR. AND MRS. CARL MEISEGEIER-MR. AND MRS. HERMAN WELK

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in time the place took on the aspect of thrift and success. The original build- ings were replaced with good frame structures, and the timber gave way to well cultivated fields. Mr. Meisegeier was a believer in education and did good service as a member of the school board. He was also prominent in the af- fairs of the German Lutheran Church at Barron, and helped to build and plaster the first church building occupied by that congregation. He and his wife are both dead. The children born in this country were: Charles, Emma, William, Bertha and Richard.

Charles Meisegeier, a representative farmer of Section 32, Stanley Town- ship, was born in Sheboygan County, Wisconsin, June 28, 1881, son of Carl and Catherine (Bone) Meisegeier, and was brought to Barron County when he was a small boy. He attended school in Clinton Township and grew to man- hood on the home farm, helping his parents clear the land and carry on farm- ing operations. In 1907 he purchased a farm in Clinton Township, which he successfully operated for nine years. Then, in 1916, he purchased his present farm in Section 32, Stanley Township. He has continued the improvements on the place and cleared more of the land, renovated the house and other build- ings, and put up a silo. A believer in modern methods and machinery, he has equipped his home and farm with many mechanical conveniences. He has his own Delco plant, furnishing electric light for his house, barn and yards, he has a seven-horse power Stanley engine, a force pump for the water in house and barn, a washing machine to make the house work easier, an en- silage cutter, and other improvements. Mr. Meisegeier successfully carries on general farming and dairying, and makes a specialty of pure bred Holstein cattle and spotted Poland-China swine. He is one of the real agricultural leaders of Barron County, and is a recognized factor in the various move- ments which are maintaining Barron County's standing as the leading dairy county of the state. Mr. Meisegeier was married Dec. 4, 1907, to Rose Welk, who was born in St. Croix County, this state, July 4, 1885, daughter of Herman and Wilhelmina (Tromps) Welk, who were born in Germany, and came to the United States in the seventies, bringing one child, who died on shipboard. Six children, Josephine, Edward, Tillie, Harry, Marie and Rose were born in St. Croix County. Mr. and Mrs. Welk were devout members of the German Luth- eran Church, and helped to establish the congregation in their neighborhood. Mr. and Mrs. Meisegeier have four children: Beatrice, born June 1, 1908; Walter, June 27, 1909; Emgard, born Nov. 26, 1910; Reynold, born June 3, 1913, and Edward, born March 21, 1918.

Erland Berg was born in Norway, Oct. 17, 1877, the son of Ole and Ger- trude (Granum) Berg, also natives of that country, who came to America in 1884 and located in Section 9, Dallas Township, west, where they became sub- stantial citizens and where they both died. Erland Berg was seven years of age when he was brought to Barron County. He attended school in the neigh- borhood, grew to manhood on the farm, and learned farming from his father. As a young man he bought 80 acres of land which he later sold. In 1911 he bought the present farm of 80 acres in Section 13, west, and there he got a good farm started. Then his health failed. With courage and fortitude, Mrs. Berg took over the management of the place. With but little outside assistance she has continued the development of the place and has built it up into a good farm. In 1919 she built a new granary and some other outbuildings. Most of the place is now rented, but she retains the home and enough land for a gar- den plot, a potato field, and pasturage for a few dairy cows. Mrs. Berg is held in the highest respect by all who know her and is honored for her worth and her unfailing good nature. Mr. and Mrs. Berg have had four children: Gina was born Nov. 21, 1905; Alfred was born Nov. 7, 1907; Aden was born Sept. 20, 1909 and died Jan. 11, 1912; Elmer was born Aug. 20, 1911. The family faith is that of the Norwegian Lutheran Church.

Even Erickson, who has been proprietor of a planing mill in Dallas Vil- lage since 1900, has a substantial establishment which he erected himself, and

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where he does a general planing business, including the manufacture of sash, doors, frames, screens, interior finish, stock tanks, beehives and supplies, and other things belonging to a general line of mill work. He is the present secretary of the school board, was one of the first village trustees after the in- corporation of the village in 1903, and holds stock in the Dallas Telephone Co. of which he was for one year treasurer. An estimable citizen in every respect, he is well regarded throughout the community. Even Erickson was born in Norway, Jan. 13, 1862, son of Erick and Dena (Peterson) Erickson, natives of Norway, who spent the span of their years there, the father dying Sept. 14, 1920, at the good old age of 91 years, and the mother in 1887. In the family there were six children: Even, Ole, Peter, Bertina, Pauline and Rena. Even received his education in Norway and did manual labor there. In 1883 he came to America, landing at Castle Garden, New York, and coming west to Eau Claire, Wis., where he found employment in the sawmills and in the woods. In the summer of 1884 he came to Dallas, Barron County, and started to work for a blacksmith. After following the blacksmith's trade for ten years, he formed a partnership with Even Amundson and bought a sawmill of J. A. Anderson of this place, and began the manufacture of lumber, shingles and lath. After a year's time he bought the interest of Mr. Amundson and con- tinued the business alone. In the year 1900 Mr. Erickson shut down the saw- mill, which was dismantled and sold, and in the same year built the planing mill which he is operating at the present time. Mr. Erickson was married June 30, 1902, to Ida Anderson, daughter of Andrew Anderson of Maple Grove Township. This union has been blessed with eight children: Dena, born Aug. 1, 1904; Elmer, born Oct. 18, 1906; Ruth, April 23, 1908; Mildred, Oct. 4, 1910; Paul, June 6, 1912; Myrtle, June 2, 1914; Bernie, July 5, 1916; and Leon- ard, Jan. 29, 1919. The family faith is that of the Norwegian Lutheran Church, and Mr. Erickson is now treasurer of that congregation.

Norval Severud, garage man of the firm of Severud & Johnson, Dallas, was born Feb. 18, 1886, in Maple Grove Township, son of Ole and Lena (Arin- son) Severud, natives of Norway, who came to America in 1869 and settled in Dane County, Wisconsin, from which in 1872 they came to Barron County and took a homestead of 160 acres in Section 36, west, Maple Grove Township. They cleared eighty acres and built a good set of buildings and there farmed until 1912 when they rented the place to their son, Norval, and moved to Dallas where the father still resides, the mother having died in March, 1910. In the family there were fourteen children: Henry, Emma, Nora (deceased), John, Nora, Anna, Norval, Matilda, Inga, Oscar, Albin, Ella (deceased), Ella and Clifford. Norval received his education in the district schools and remained with his parents until 1906, when he rented the home place and carried on farming, spending his winters working in sawmills. In 1912 he came to Dallas Village and bought ten acres just outside the village limits where he did truck farming and worked on the roads. In 1913 he purchased a clothing store in Dallas, but sold out two years later. Then until 1919 he sold farm imple- ments. In that year he engaged in his present business. The company handles the Chevrolet motor cars, Allis-Chalmers tractors, and the Sunbeam light sys- tem. It is doing a constantly increasing business and both of the partners stand high in the community. While in the township Mr. Severud served on the school board. He is a member of Norwegian Free Church. Mr. Severud was married Oct. 30, 1908 to Hannah Wahl, daughter of Ole and Olena (John- son) Wahl, for many years residents of Dallas, but now deceased. Mr. and Mrs. Severud have had five children: Ruth, born May 25, 1910; Esther, born April 20, 1913; Lloyd, born May 23, 1916; Chester, deceased, who was born May 20, 1917, and Neva, born April 16, 1919, who died April 23 the same year.

Garrett C. Smith, now deceased, veteran of the Civil War, early raftsman, pioneer of several Wisconsin counties, and one of the first settlers in Dallas Township, was a man highly esteemed for his solid worth and sterling quali- ties. He was a typical American of the old stock, and his name is worthy of

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MR. AND MRS. JOSEPH PECORE

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being enrolled among the names of those who by their hard work had a part in making Wisconsin the state that it is today. Born in Ohio, Nov. 28, 1840, he was brought to Wisconsin by his parents as a youth, and remained with them until 1860, when he went to Necedah, in this state, to learn the blacksmith trade. While there he enlisted as a blacksmith, Dec. 29, 1862, in Company L, First Wisconsin Battalion, Light Artillery, and served until discharged July 18, 1865. By virtue of this service he later became a charter member of William Pitts Post, No. 144, G. A. R., and was active in its affairs. After his discharge from the army he resumed his trade at Necedah for a while. Then he became a raftsman on the Mississippi. In 1867 he took a claim in Dunn County, and two years later located at Chippewa City. He came to Dallas in 1873, and in the following years worked at his trade as a blacksmith, and also operated saw- mills and threshing outfits. In 1891 he moved to Douglas County, Missouri, and secured 80 acres of land, a part of which he cleared, erected a good set of buildings, and there farmed successfully until his death, Sept. 28, 1902. After his decease his widow came back to Dallas where she now resides. Mr. Smith was married Jan. 1, 1888, to Catherine Cole, born in Richmond, Virginia, June 3, 1862, daughter of Seth and Mary (Allen) Cole. This union has been blessed with nine children: Nellie, born Dec. 3, 1888, is now wife of James Lingle, of Dallas; Leroy, born Dec. 3, 1889, died March 8, 1890; Raymond, born June 1, 1891, is now in Dallas; Mildred, born May 27, 1893, is now the wife of Elmer Cox, of Dallas; Andrew was born June 14, 1895, and Hobert, July 30, 1897; Esther, born Dec. 13, 1899, is now Mrs. Perry Flanagan, of Dallas Township; Hazel, born April 20, 1902, is now Mrs. Laren Jump, of Wasea, Minn .; Ruby, born Oct. 24, 1904, is at home. Hobert was drafted for service in the World War in 1918 and served five months at Hattersburg. Laren Jump enlisted in 1917, among the first in Barron County, and served till the close of the war; he drove an ammunition truck.

Joseph Pecore, the oldest man in Barron County, and one of its pioneers, has now passed the century mark along life's way, and is still vigorous and hearty, enjoying the life of the present day and taking pleasure in the doings of the several younger generations that he has seen born and grow to years of maturity. As time has moved along he has seen his youthful friends all laid away one by one, but the fleeting years have brought him new friends, and he has found that life has been well worth the living. His years have been well spent, he has seen adventure on land and water, and he has played well his part in the human events of the century which has marked the span of his life. Joseph Pecore was born in St. Lawrence County, New York, May 6, 1820. Left an orphan at a tender age, he started out for himself by working among neighbors for his board. He was but twelve years of age when he became cook's mate on the Great Lakes vessel, the "Elecounto". Thereafter he spent several years of his youth on Great Lake boats in various capacities. As a young man he went to upper Canada, where he spent three decades or more, hewing logs in the winter season, and planing them in the summer season. Next he visited various states on the Pacific coast looking for a place to locate, and witnessed the construction of the railroad from Portland to Sacramento in the year 1870. Then he found his way to Wisconsin, and squatted on 160 acres of school land in Section 16, west, Dallas Township, where he sent for his family who were then living in Canada. He cleared ten acres, erected a log cabin and a crude shed, and raised a small crop. The next year, in 1872, he left his squatter's claim and took a pre-emption of 160 acres in Section 27, west, in the same township. He cleared the greater part of the tract, erected a set of log buildings and there farmed until 1890. Then he bought 160 acres in Section 26, west, in the same township, on which he lived until 1903, when he retired. In his long years of farming in Dallas Township, he had cleared five or six hundred acres, had made improvements on at least three different tracts, and had been the owner at one time or another of 1120 acres. Not only this, but he had found time for considerable public service. He and Wood-

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bery Grover were influential in getting the first postoffice started in Dallas Township. He helped organize the township and served as its first treasurer. He also helped to organize his school district and served on the board for many years. In the making of roads he was also very active, and built many miles of improved highways. When he retired he moved to the village of Dallas, where he lived until March, 1919, when he went to live with his son, Isaac, in Dallas Township. Mr. Pecore was married Feb. 13, 1860, to Mary Ward, born in London, England, July 14. 1841, a most worthy woman who shared his joys and sorrows through many years, proved an ideal wife and loving and thought- ful mother, and passed away March 28, 1920, causing her husband his greatest sorrow, and leaving a vacant place in the hearts of her relatives and friends that can never be filled. Mr. and Mrs. Pecore were the parents of fourteen children: John J., born June 11, 1861, died July 7, 1864; Joseph, born June 13, 1863, died July 16, 1907; Anthony, born Aug. 8, 1864, now resides in the village of Dallas; Elizabeth, born Sept. 18, 1866, is the wife of Wint Grover of Washington state; John P. was born Dec. 29, 1867, and died June 1, 1904; Louis A. was born Feb. 20, 1870, and lives on the home farm in Dallas Town- ship; Isaac, born Oct. 14, 1871, also lives in Dallas Township; David, born April 3, 1873, died May 2, 1873; David, born Feb. 17, 1874, also lives in Dallas Township; Priscilla, born April 6, 1875, is the wife of Victor Huot of Duluth, Minn .; William, born Feb. 26, 1877, is in Washington state; Francis T., born Nov. 5, 1880, died Feb. 5, 1882; Edward T., born Nov. 5, 1881, now lives in Bar- ron, this county; Robert D., born April 27, 1883, lives in Ridgeland, Wis. All these children have been given a good start in life, and of them their father is justly proud. It is interesting to note that in the summer of 1920, Mr. Pecore took a trip to Duluth alone to visit his daughter, Mrs. Victor Huot. From there he took a trip to Grand Marie by motor, a distance of 700 miles, visiting the Iron Range. He also inspected several plants at Duluth, and found the modern machinery and methods of the greatest interest. He has an excellent memory of men and events during his long life and is a most pleasing companion.

Isaac Pecore, for many years a successful farmer in Dallas Township, was born in this township, Oct. 14, 1871, the son of Joseph and Mary (Ward) Pecore, the pioneers. He received his education in the district schools and learned farming from his father, also doing manual labor and working in the woods for a while. In 1895 he bought 200 acres in Section 34, west, in his na- tive township. He cleared and broke 100 acres, erected a set of buildings and did general farming there until 1906, when he traded the tract for 240 acres in Sections 29 and 32, west, in the same township, where he continued general farming and dairying until 1920, when he rented the farm to his sons, Merritt L. and Warren. He has served on the school board of his district for three years, and is now road superintendent for the township. Mr. Pecore was mar- ried March 13, 1891, to Lucy Grover, born Nov. 6, 1869, daughter of Woodbury and Angeline (Potter) Grover. This union has been blessed with seven chil- dren: Merritt L. was born Oct. 9, 1893. He was inducted into the United States service April 27, 1918, trained with the Supply Company of the Third Infantry at Camp Eagle Pass, Texas, and was discharged Feb. 10, 1919. Ber- nice was born Aug. 20, 1895, and died April 28, 1902. Angie was born June 19, 1898, and is the wife of Emil Tilseth of Ridgeland, Wis. Warren was born Sept. 13, 1901; Freeman, March 2, 1904; John, July 20, 1905, and Joseph B., Aug. 26, 1909. The family faith is that of the Methodist Episcopal Church.

Anthony Pecore, living in a pleasant home in Dallas Village, and owning two good farms in the township, is one of the leading men of this part of the county. He has served actively in numerous public offices, and has fulfilled with honor every trust that has been imposed in him. He was born in the Province of Ontario, Canada, Aug. 8, 1864, the son of Joseph and Mary Anna (Ward) Pecore, who brought him to Dallas Township in 1871. Before coming here Anthony had attended the Canadian schools, and after his arrival he con- tinued his education in the schools of Dallas Township. He learned farming

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ANTHONY PECORE AND FAMILY

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from his father and for some years remained on the home place. In 1884 he bought 40 acres, in 1885, 80 acres, and in 1892, 80 more acres, all in the same section. In 1888 he put up a good set of buildings and in time got 125 acres cleared up. There he lived for fifteen years, operating and developing the farm, and successfully carrying on general farming and dairying. In 1903 he bought some lots in the village and built a beautiful modern home, where he has since lived, continuing, however, to operate the farm. In 1915 he pur- chased the Amdall Farm, so-called, in Section 14, Dallas Township. In 1918 he put up a fine dairy barn there. It is furnished with the Louden equipment and other modern fixtures. An electric light plant has been installed for both house and barn. This place is occupied by the son-in-law, Vinton .M. Beggs. When Mr. Pecore moved to the village he put up a flour and feed store which he operated until 1920. In 1917 he bought a potato warehouse which he is still managing. He has probably had as active part in the upbuilding of Dallas Village and vicinity as any man living here, and has served in public offices for many years. In 1887 he was elected clerk of Dallas Township and served seven years. In 1894 he was elected assessor and served three years. In 1897 he became chairman of the town board. As such he did the town excellent service, and also had his first experience as a member of the county board. In 1901 he was elected a member of the county board from Dallas Village. In that capacity he has served with much credit at intervals for fourteen years. It is worthy of note that he was the first man to represent Dallas Village on the board after the village was incorporated. At various times he has also served as a member of the village council. He has taken stock in several local enterprises and for several years was a director in the Oak Grove Farmers Mutual Insurance Co. Mr. Pecore was married May 9, 1888, at Chetek, Wis., to Jessie Babcock, who was born in Chautauqua County, New York state, June 9, 1866, the daughter of Charles and Charlotte (Walker) Babcock. Mr. and Mrs. Pecore are the parents of three children. Alma M. was born March 11, 1890, and is the wife of Vinton M. Beggs, already mentioned. Elsie R. was born Oct. 11, 1892, and is the wife of John Randall of Dallas Township. Isla F. was born Nov. 13, 1901, and is a stenographer in the Curtis Hotel at Minneapolis.

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History of Barron County Wisconsin, Part 139

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

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