History of Barron County Wisconsin, Part 140

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

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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).

John O'Flanagan was born in Lakeland, Minn., Oct. 23, 1856, son of John and Sallie (Clark) O'Flanagan. He received his education in Dunn and Bar- ron counties and farmed with his father for some years. He also worked in sawmills. In 1879 he bought forty acres and later eighty more in section 33, west, Dallas Township. Of this he cleared ninety-five acres, erected a set of buildings and fences and carried on general farming until March, 1920, when he retired and moved to Dallas. He now rents the farm to his son, Claude F. Mr. O'Flanagan was married Sept. 21, 1879, to Adelia White, who was born April 3, 1862, daughter of Isaiah and Malissa (White) White, farmers of Blue Earth County, Minnesota, both now deceased. Mr. and Mrs. O'Flanagan have had twelve children: Elsie C. was born April 3, 1881, and died Aug. 4, the same year. Adolphus W. was born May 31, 1882, and is now a Dunn County farmer. Silas E. was born July 16, 1884, and now farms in Prairie Farm Township. Elmer D. was born Feb. 16, 1889, and also farms in Prairie Farm Township. Olive A. was born July 10, 1893, and is now Mrs. Fred Frisle of Dallas. Claude F. was born June 27, 1895, and operates his father's farm. Lyle was born March 15, 1897, and farms in Dallas Township. Grace B. was born July 31, 1899, and died April 8, 1900. Maude E. was born Dec. 15, 1900, and is now Mrs. Edgar Seeger, of Prairie Farm Township. Winnie was born June 21, 1904, and makes her home in Dallas. Esther R. was born July 25, 1905, and is at home. John died in infancy.

John O'Flanagan was born in New Jersey and there married Sallie Clark of Ohio. They came west as young people and lived in Minnesota for a while, afterward moving to Dunn County, Wisconsin. In the early seventies they came to Barron County and settled on a homestead of 160 acres in Section 27, west, Dallas Township, then a wilderness. He cleared entire tract, built log

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buildings and fences and there lived for twelve years. The end of that period his entire property was swept by fire, entailing its total destruction. He then sold out and bought eighty acres in Section 33, west, this he likewise cleared, erected buildings and fences and there carried on general farming, until his death in 1900. His wife died ten years later. Mr. O'Flanagan was a man of excellent education and taught school for many years, he also served on the school board for a considerable period. In the family there were eight children: Darwin (deceased), Amelia (deceased), John, Napoleon (deceased), Andrew, Claude, Julia and Fidelia. The family faith was at the Methodist Episcopal Church.

Harry Mcintyre, proprietor of a harness store and dealer in agricultural implements and machinery, was born in Pennsylvania, Nov. 19, 1879, son of Sheldon P. and Jane (Walker) McIntyre, natives respectively of New York and Pennsylvania, who brought him to Chetek, in this county, where he con- tinued the schooling that he had started in his native state. From his youth up, he was an expert ball player, and was a member of several amateur teams. In 1899 he became a professional ball player with the Sioux Falls team of the South Dakota League, playing ball in South Dakota in the ball season, and working at his trade as a harness maker the rest of the year. In 1901 he went to Colfax, Wis., where he likewise played ball in the summer and worked at his trade in the winter for two years. Then in 1903 he went to Hudson where he was similarly occupied two more years. In 1905 he returned to Chetek, and for five years had charge of the harness department of the Chetek Lumber & Supply Co. He started in business for himself at Downing, Wis., in 1910, but eighteen months later, in 1911, came to Dallas, and opened his present store. He carries a general line of leather goods and does harness making and re- pairing. He also carries a line of farm implements and machinery valued at $10,000, including the La Crosse tractors. Mr. McIntyre is active in the affairs of the community and has served as one of the village trustees for seven years. He is a member of the Odd Fellows and the Yeomen. Mr. McIntyre was mar- ried Sept. 12, 1900, to Tessie Olinger, born July 26, 1881, daughter of Nicholas and Theresa (Lomiller) Olinger, natives respectively of Germany and Wiscon- sin. Mr. Olinger came to America in 1865, and settled at Fond du Lac, this state, where he was in business until 1884, and then going to South Dakota, where he farmed until his death, June 1, 1911, his wife still living in that state. In the Olinger family, there were ten children: Mary (deceased), Anna, Emma, Rose, Tessie, John, Fred, Lewis and George. Mr. and Mrs. McIntyre have three children: Perry, born Feb. 7, 1902, and Charlotte, born Sept. 11, 1904, living with their grandparents in Chetek, and attending the high school there; and Franklin, born Sept. 10, 1906, living at home and attending the Dallas public schools. The family worships at the Methodist Episcopal Church.

John W. Johnson, garage man of Dallas, was born in Norway, June 27, 1881, son of John and Gurena (Ellingson) Wintroen, natives of Norway, who came to America in 1888 and settled in Dallas Township, this county, where they bought 80 acres in Section 10, west. This land they cleared and erected outbuildings and there lived for twenty years, afterward selling to their son, Ellen, and purchasing 73 acres in Section 9, west, Dallas Township, a part of which they cleared and erected a barn and granary. The father died Dec. 22, 1904, and the mother, Oct. 13, 1908. In the family were nine children : Ellen, Gilbert, John W., Andrew, Helena, Mary, Carrie, Julia and Olive. John W. re- ceived his education in the district schools and worked for his father until 1897. Then for some years he was employed in lumber and sawmill work in Sawyer County. In 1901 he came back to Dallas and took charge of his father's farm. He went to Duluth in 1905 as an employe of the Duluth & Iron Range Railway Company. In 1906 he became manager of the Anderson Hotel in Dallas Village. Four years later he became manager of the Dallas Warehouse of the M. A. Gedney Pickle Company. He went to California in 1915 and there worked on a fruit farm but the next year returned to Dallas and resumed his

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employment in the pickle warehouse. In 1919 he formed his present partner- ship with Norval Severud in the garage business. His wife, in company with Mrs. Sofus Moe, operates a restaurant in a building which Mr. Johnson pur- chased in 1918. Mr. Johnson was married May 24, 1905, to Minnie Bunker, born May 10, 1888, daughter of Peter and Johanna Bunker. Her parents were na- tives of Norway, who settled at an early date at Strum, Trempealeau County, Wisconsin. From that locality they came to Barron County, in 1887, settling on a farm in Dallas Township. Both have passed away.

Sofus Moe, manager of the Northern Supply Company warehouse of Dal- las, was born June 21, 1873, in Norway, son of Iver and Dorothea (Iverson) Moe. He came to America with his parents in 1884 and after attending school in Eau Claire, graduated from the business department of Valparaiso Univer- sity at Valparaiso, Ind. In 1900 he and Harry Halverson started a general mercantile store of which, six years later, Mr. Moe became the sole owner. In 1912 he sold out and for a while operated a general store at Eliston, Mont. Then he returned and took up his present employment. In 1915 he bought 95 acres in Sections 14 and 15, Dallas Township, erected a fine set of buildings and established a dairy farm. He owns all the stock and machinery but rents the place to others. For three years he was secretary and treasurer of the Dallas Co-operative Creamery. In public life he has been town clerk three years and village clerk three years. Mr. Moe was married January 15, 1913, to Anna Granum, who was born May 19, 1884, daughter of Anton and Regneld (Berg) Granum.

Barrney Olson was born in Norway, Oct. 11, 1861, son of Ole and Jennie (Peterson) Christianson. He came to this country with his parents, received his education at Madison, remained with his parents until 1880, and then took up railroading from Baraboo, Wis., to Harvey Junction, Ill. Later he went west for a year. In 1882 he came to Barron County and worked for J. A. Anderson in the sawmill at Dallas. After two years he went to Iowa and engaged in railroading for a considerable period. In 1891 he came back to Dallas, did farm work for a while and then went west again. In 1900 he located in Dallas per- manently. In 1906, while on his way to the pineries, where he was then em- ployed, he lost his left leg by slipping between two cars, but in spite of this handicap has forged ahead and is achieving success. Mr. Olson was married Sept. 9, 1881, to Rhoda Jurgeson, who was born Aug. 1, 1851, daughter of George Jurgeson, who brought his family to America in 1852, and settled in Dane County, this state, where he farmed for thirty-four years, later going to Iowa, where he died. Mr. and Mrs. Olson are the parents of three children: John, born Nov. 8, 1885, resides in Dallas. Ira, born Dec. 17, 1887, is a veteran of the World War, having served 23 months in France, on many fronts, with Co. B, 503rd Engineers. Bertha, born July 7, 1891, is the wife of Jean Jozlin, of Madison, Wis.

Edward Dodge, retired farmer, living in Dallas Village, was born in Can- ada, Sept. 24, 1851, son of Gabriel and Sarah (Massey) Dodge, natives of Can- ada, who came to Manitowoc County, this state, and there died. Edward re- ceived his education in Canada and farmed there until 1874, when he came to the United States and settled in Manitowoc County, Wis. Then he went to Winona, Minn., and from there to New Hartford Township, in Winona County, Minn., where he farmed for twenty-five years, on three different farms. In 1899 he came to Barron County and bought 120 acres in Section 9, east, Dallas Township, cleared 20 acres, remodeled the buildings and carried on general farming for four years. Then he sold and bought 320 acres in Sections 29 and 32, west, Dallas Township, and 40 acres in Prairie Farm Township. He im- proved this farm, built fences and carried on general farming for three and a half years. Then he sold and bought 200 acres in Section 34, west, Dallas Township. In 1912 he came to Dallas and lived in the village three years, but in 1915, bought 80 acres in Section 28, west, Dallas Township, which he cleared and improved to some extent. In 1919 he retired and moved to Dallas

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Village. While living in the township he served as road foreman and for a time was on the school board. Mr. Dodge was married Aug. 21, 1872, to Mary Smith, who was born in Canada July 1, 1855, daughter of William and Marie Mc- Cready, natives of Canada who settled in Nebraska and there lived the re- mainder of their lives. Mr. and Mrs. Dodge are the parents of six children: Ida, born June 29, 1873, is the wife of William Richmond of Winona, Minn. Charles, born Aug. 16, 1875, is in Salmon, Idaho. Emery, born Aug. 19, 1877, is in Chetek Township, this county. Chloe, born Aug. 7, 1879, is now Mrs. Paul Walter of North Dakota. Edith, born Oct. 24, 1885, is now Mrs. Harvey Flannagan of Dunn County, this state. Loyd, born July 3, 1893, lives in Dallas. Christian Oleson, a worthy early settler, now deceased, who homesteaded a quarter section within the present limits of the Village of Dallas, which has been in the unbroken possession of the family for nearly fifty years, was born in Sorum, Norway, the son of Ole and Anne (Horne) Oleson. He was reared and educated in his native land and was there married to Anna Hanson, who was born in Skemso, Norway, in 1843. In 1869 they came to America, bringing their son, Ole. From Quebec, where they landed, they came to Chicago, and then settled in Rock County, Wisconsin. In 1872 they came to Barron County and homesteaded 160 acres of wild land in sections 13 and 14. There were then but few settlers in this vicinity. No roads had been cut except a few trails and the tote roads of the lumber companies. The Indians and the wild ani- mals still roamed the woods. The Indians had a camp on the homestead and came here in large numbers. Mr. Oleson was a man of kindly disposition, who believed in being fair and just to all men; he treated the Indians as he would treat any other neighbors and their relations were always friendly. Mrs. Oleson and her baby also soon got over their fear of the savages, and they had many pleasant visits. The deer, too, were tame and often came within a few rods of the house. For a while times were hard, and the family had many difficulties to overcome. The trading and marketing points were far away. It was difficult to clear and break the land, even though they were fortunate in owning a yoke of oxen. As time passed, they built up a good farm. Mr. Oleson was active in the development of this part of the township, and helped to build many of the roads. He successfully carried on general farming and dairying for thirty-five years. After a long and useful career, he died, Nov. 20, 1907. He was well liked, and held in the deepest esteem, and his death was sincerely mourned. His good wife still lives on the place. She is still active and sprightly at 78 years. She is popular with the young people, and beloved by all who know her, and being a real pioneer, she has many interesting stories to tell of the early days. In the family there are three sons and two daughters: Ole was born in Norway, Nov. 27, 1867. Martin was born in Rock County, Wisconsin, Nov. 18, 1870. The others were born on the present place. Oluf was born Jan. 20, 1873; Julia (first), born in 1877, died in infancy; and Julia M., July 20, 1879. When the father died, each received forty acres, Julia and Oluf the eighty, with the buildings in Section 14, and Ole and Martin the eighty in Section 13. The four live together with the mother and constitute a happy family. They delight in keeping open house to their friends, and their home is always hospitable and cheery: The increase in values in this region may be seen from the fact that the taxes on the property the first year were forty cents. The taxes are now well over $100.

Richard C. Olson, a popular farmer owning a good farm in Sections 6 and 7, west, Dallas Township, was born in Wyoming, Iowa County, this state, Dec. 8, 1875, the son of Simon C. and Elizabeth (Carpenter) Olson, natives respec- tively of Norway and England, who were brought to Wisconsin as children. After their marriage, they lived at Milton: Junction, Rock County, this state, and then moved to Iowa County, this state, first living at Dodgeville and then moving to Wyoming, where he kept a lumber yard and operated a farm. He died Dec. 29, 1904, and the mother, Feb. 14, 1890. In the family there were four children, Addie, Libby (deceased), Allan and Richard C. Richard C. at-

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MR. AND MRS. BENJAMIN MASSIE

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tended the common schools of his native county, and learned farming at home. In 1917 he came to Barron County, and bought his present farm of 160 acres. The farm was already a good one and he has continued the improvements. The buildings are in good repair and adequate for their needs, the land is well tilled and substantially fenced, and the equipment in tools, implements and machin- ery is of the best. Mr. Olson successfully carries on general farming and dairying, and has a good herd, headed by a full-blooded Holstein sire. He is a believer in co-operative effort among the farmers, and has taken stock in the Hillsdale Equity Exchange, the Hillsdale Cheese Factory and the Fourtowns Cheese Factory. Fraternally, he is a member of the Beavers at Spring Green, Wis. Mr. Olson was married at Lone Rock, Wis., on March 14, 1909, to Ethel P. Philips, who was born in Iowa County, Wis., Dec. 28, 1885, the daughter of John and Anna (Van Blarcom) Philips, who were born in Canada, and farmed for many years in Iowa County, Wis., where he died July 12, 1897, after which she moved to Richland County, this state, where she still lives. In the Philips family there were six children, Bartlett, Roy, Ruth, Jennette, Irene and Ethel P. Mr. and Mrs. Olson have five children: Harold P., born Feb. 13, 1910; Lucille L., born March 14, 1913; Earl R., born April 11, 1915; Elaine V., born July 19, 1917; and Laverne L., born Nov. 17, 1920.

Aslak Olson, retired farmer living in the village of Dallas, was born in Norway Feb. 13, 1850, and in 1870 came to America and located in Columbia County, Wisconsin, where he joined an uncle, and did farm work for him for four years. In 1874 he purchased a tract of 40 acres, erected a log building, broke the land and farmed there for nearly thirty years. A number of. his friends in the meantime had come to Barron County, and in 1900 he, too, de- cided to locate here. He bought 160 acres in Section 31, east, Maple Grove Township, erected a set of buildings, made many other improvements, and de- veloped a fine farm. He conducted mixed farming and dairying, having a large flock of good sheep, and raising a little tobacco. In 1915 he sold his farm to his son, Adolph, and retired and moved to the south part of the village of Dallas where he has a pleasant home, and where he is now enjoying a well- deserved rest after his many years of hard work. Mr. Olson was . married Oct. 14, 1871, to Gunnel Austin, who was born in Norway, April 30, 1848, daughter of Austin and Anna :(Tollefson) Austin, natives of Norway, where Mrs. Austin died, Mr. Austin afterward coming to America and making his Ihome with his daughter, Mrs. Aslak Olson, until his death. Mr. and Mrs. Olson have had four children : Oliver, born June 9, 1872, lives in Dallas; An- drew, born April 1, 1874, died Oct. 7, 1902; Anna, born Nov. 28, 1882, died Feb. 23, 1886; Adolph, born Aug. 25, 1899, owns the home farm in Maple I Grove. Township. The family faith is that of the Norwegian Church ..

Benjamin Massie, for many years a useful citizen of Barron County, was "a prominent figure in this region in the early days, and did much toward its growth and progress. He encouraged people to settle here, he helped them to pick out desirable locations, he exchanged work with them, and was every- thing that a good neighbor should be. He encouraged the building of roads -and the establishment of schools, and was ever ready to give of his time, means and sympathy to every good cause .. He was born in Ohio, and as a young man married Hannah Sims, also a native of that state. They came to Wisconsin in 1873 and homesteaded 160 acres in Section 19, east, Dallas Township, this county. Here he erected log buildings and started the life of a pioneer. For a while times were hard, but with the passage of the years his faithful and "intelligent toil resulted in well-deserved success. In 1892 he bought 160 acres more in the same section and erected a fine set of buildings. The original homestead, in 1897, he sold to his sons, Edward and Gomer R. The new place, in 1905, he rented to his son; A. Bert, and in 1908 sold to him, continuing, however, to make his home at the home of his daughter, Mrs. Edward Sigler, "until his lamented death, Jan. 30, 1921. His good wife had passed away Nov. 17, 1899. He was a Blue Lodge Mason for many years. During the Civil War

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he enlisted in Company B, 172nd Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and served till the close of the war. Mr. and Mrs. Massie were the parents of seven children. Eva is the wife of William L. Parker. Edward, Gomer R. and A. Bert are farm- ers in Dallas Township. Anna married Frank Garner, and died Aug. 18, 1921, less than seven months after the death of her father. Myrtle is the wife of Edward Sigler. Alice is a stenographer in St. Paul.

Gomer R. Massie, a representative farmer of Section 19, Dallas Township, was born in Jackson County, Ohio, Dec. 4, 1874, the son of Benjamin and Han- nah (Sims) Massie, who brought him to his present farm before he was a year old. He was reared here, and attended the log schoolhouse of Sioux Creek dis- trict. He thoroughly learned farming at home. In 1897 he and his brother, Edward, bought the father's original place. In 1900 he bought Edward out, and now owns the entire tract. He has continued to improve and develop this farm. In 1907 he put up a new barn and granary. The barn is commodious and modern, and is furnished with the Star and Louden equipment. Mr. Massie successfully carries on general farming and dairying. He is much in- terested in the development and progress of the town, and is especially an advocate of the cause of good roads. In 1921 he was appointed road overseer of the township and is doing most efficient work. He is a mechanic of consid- erable ability and for several years operated sawmills in this state and in Minnesota. Fraternally he is a member of Sand Creek Lodge No. 5687, Modern Woodmen of America. Mr. Massie is an excellent type of the modern farmer. He thoroughly understands his business, he is industrious and energetic, be- lieves in everything that is for the best interests of the community and takes just pride in his family, his home and his farm. Mr. Massie was married at Duluth, Minn., to Alice Conner, who was born in Saginaw, Mich., March 25, 1881, the daughter of John E. and Mary E. (Cole) Conner, natives of Canada, who came to the United States in 1877, settled in Saginaw, Mich., and from there moved to Superior, Wis., where the father died Jan. 28, 1909, and where the mother still lives. In the Conner family there were four children: Alice, Letitia, John and Jesse. The daughter Alice (Mrs. Massie) was reared in Supe- rior, Wis., and received her education in the Superior common and high schools, and at the State Normal school of that place. Mr. and Mrs. Massie have had seven children: John B. A., Letitia A., Robert G., Hazel E., Gomer E., Hugh (deceased), and Myrtle J. Mrs. Massie is doing most efficient service as treas- urer of School District No. 4, and was active in the erection of the new school building. She and her husband have a hospitable home and delight in keeping open house to their friends and their children's friends. The family faith is that of the Advent Christian Church.

William T. Cole, veteran of the Civil War, pioneer of Dallas Township, and early official, was born in Kentucky, Oct. 16, 1832, and as a small boy was taken to Bureau County, Illinois, where he was educated. He left home when quite young, and spent several years steamboating in the southern states. In 1856 he returned to Illinois, and there farmed and did general machine work. In 1862 he enlisted at Milwaukee, to which place he had moved with his family, in Company I, 27th Wisconsin Volunteer Infantry, and was promoted for bravery to second lieutenant. He was severely wounded in action and was in a hospital when the war ended. In 1866 he located in Monroe County, Wiscon- sin, and did mill work for a while. He reached Barron County, May 3, 1870, and took a homestead of 160 acres in Section 20, Dallas Township, which then contained but few settlers. While putting up a log cabin he lived in a tent, and moved into the cabin on Dec. 24. Being an experienced hunter he kept the nearby settlers supplied with wild game. In the winter of 1870-71 he killed 118 deer which he disposed of to Knapp, Stout & Co. for use in their lumber camps, receiving other provisions in exchange. From year to year he con- tinued to develop his farm. He also did much toward encouraging new settlers to locate here and in helping them to get a start. Being a natural leader among his fellow men, he was early elected chairman of the town board, and as an

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official not only did much toward getting roads laid out in the town, but also rendered efficient general service. For many terms he was a member of the school board of his district. After a worthy and useful life he died Aug. 30, 1888. At that time he had developed his claim until the entire place was fenced and some eighty acres broken and under cultivation. Mr. Cole was married at Princeton, Ill., April 13, 1857, to Mary J. Smith, a native of Pennsylvania. She died Dec. 25, 1901. This union was blessed with two children: Belzina C., now the wife of Frank Bootin of Prairie Farm Township, this county; and S. Grant, a prominent farmer of Dallas Township.

S. Grant Cole, an active farmer of Section 20, Dallas Township, was born in Milwaukee, Wis., Aug. 31, 1862, the son of William T. and Mary J. (Smith) Cole, who brought him to Monroe County in 1866 and to his present farm in 1870. He attended the district school of the neighborhood and later took courses in the Menomonie High School and the Bloomer High School. He first went into the woods in 1878 and thereafter spent eight seasons as a lumberjack. In 1886 he went west and spent two years in Oregon and Washington. Then, in 1888, he returned home and operated his father's farm. At his father's death he received forty acres which he still owns. He has continued the im- provements made by his father. In 1889 he built a frame house. Here he suc- cessfully carries on general farming and dairying, his herd being of graded Shorthorns. Aside from building up a good farm, Mr. Cole has found time to take an active interest in public affairs, and for fifteen years he has done effi- cient service as a member of the school board of this district. He was married at Dallas on Oct. 5, 1899, to Julia O'Flanagan, who was born at Menomonie, Wis., Sept. 15, 1868, the daughter of John and Sarah (Clark) O'Flanagan. This union has been blessed with ten children: Mabel was born Aug. 19, 1890, and is the wife of Emil Miller of Prairie Farm. Myrtle was born Dec. 10, 1882, and is the wife of Alvin Miller of Spooner, Wis. Gertrude was born Jan. 27, 1894, and is the wife of William Brown of Spooner. Peter was born Oct. 17, 1896, and does farm work in Dallas Township. Jane was born Feb. 21, 1899 and is now at St. Paul, Minn. Bertha was born May 1, 1903; Lottie was born June 30, 1905; Erma was born Oct. 5, 1909; Clark was born Nov. 9, 1911, and William was born Jan. 9, 1914.

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History of Barron County Wisconsin, Part 140

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

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