History of Barron County Wisconsin, Part 143

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

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Peter Bonkrud was born in Norway, was reared and educated there, and married Johanna Rognlien. He came to America in 1880, landed at Baltimore, and found his way to Trempealeau County, this state, where he operated a pioneer blacksmith shop at Strum. In 1888 he came to Barron County and bought 80 acres in section 11, Dallas Township. He erected a set of buildings, cleared a part of the land and carried on general farming. In 1899 he sold out and moved to Dallas Village where he later erected a pleasant home. With his headquarters there, he operated sawmills in various parts of the county. He also conducted a planing mill and cabinet shop in the village for a few years. After a useful life, he finally passed away. His wife died in 1899. They were the parents of nine children: Hans J., Emma (deceased), Minnie (deceased), Minnie (deceased), David, Martin (deceased), Minnie, Paul and Anetta (deceased). By his second wife, Christina Saglien, he had three children: John, Mabel and Melvin. The family faith is that of the Norwegian Lutheran Church.

Hans J. Bonkrud, a progressive farmer of section 3, west, Dallas Town- ship, was born in Norway, March 16, 1873, the son of Peter and Johanna (Rognlien) Bonkrud, who brought him to Strum, Trempealeau County, Wis., in 1880, and to Dallas Township, this county, in 1888. For some years he worked in the woods and operated sawmills and threshing machines. In 1894 he became a head sawyer. In 1897 he bought 80 acres in section 3, west, Dal- las Township, and settled thereon. Later he bought 44 acres more. He erected a good set of buildings, including a barn, 36 by 72 feet, put up in 1918. This barn is a modern structure, furnished with James equipment and other con- veniences. About 55 acres of the land has been cleared. Here Mr. Bonkrud carries on general farming and dairying, and has a good herd of high grade Holstein cattle, with a pure bred sire at the head of the herd. His imple- ments, tools and machinery are of the best. He is a man of good sense and judgment and is held in high regard. Mr. Bonkrud was married, April 16, 1899, to Ida Kringle, who was born in Maple Grove Township, Barron County, July 29, 1877, the daughter of Nels and Olia (Brenden) Kringle. Mr. and Mrs. Bonkrud have seven children: H. Irving was born April 21, 1900, and is in the office of the News-Shield at Barron. Lester D. was born Oct. 21, 1901, and is at home. Joel M. was born Oct. 29, 1903, and is a lintoype oper- ator in the News-Shield office at Barron. Philip R. was born March 5, 1905, and is attending school at Dallas. Gideon O. was born July 5, 1907. Dewey was born Nov. 25, 1910. Quenton A. was born Dec. 27, 1920. Mr. Bonkrud

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took an active part in the fight for prohibition in Barron County and was associated therein with Christ Nordberg. He also did active work as an evangelist in this and other counties of Wisconsin and Minnesota.

Elmer Carlson, an energetic farmer of section 17, Dallas Township, was born March 15, 1885, in Grundy County, Ill., the son of Frank and Emily (Nielson) Carlson, natives of Sweden. He attended school in his native county and learned farming from his father. In 1897, after coming to Barron County, he lived with his parents in Maple Grove Township. For some years he worked in this county as a plasterer. He was also employed for a while as a brick setter in the old brick yard just south of Barron. In 1914 he rented the present farm from William H. Salsbury. He is a good farmer and a good business man, he is taking his share in public affairs, he is popular among the young people, and is well along the road to success. Mr. Carlson was married at Eau Claire, Wis., Nov. 27, 1913, to May Salisbury, who was born Dec. 7, 1882, the daughter of William H. and Eva Lynn (Burdick) Salisbury. This union has been blessed with two children : Hale F., born Dec. 2, 1914, and Evelyn V., born May 4, 1916.

William H. Salisbury, a well-to-do citizen of Dallas Township, owning 280 acres in sections 17-18, is one of the best known men in this part of the county. "Mac," as he is called by those who know and like him best, has been a promi- nent figure in the life of this region for some forty-five years. He has seen the county develop from a wilderness, and in that development and progress has taken a most decided part. He was born in Lorain County, Ohio, Sept. 6, 1854, the son of William H. and Mary (Salisbury) Salisbury, who brought him to Juneau County, Wis., in the sixties, when he was a young boy. He attended school in that county and thoroughly learned farming from his father. In 1874 he came to Barron County and did farm work for a year while looking about for a location. In 1875 he purchased 80 acres in section 17, Dallas Township, on which tract stood a log cabin and straw shed, and Mr. Salisbury started clearing up the land. There were then but few settlers in the vicinity, and living here entailed many hardships. But he was a man of vigor and courage and thoroughly believed in the future of the county as a prosperous agricultural region. He took an active lead in the early develop- ment of the township, he helped to build roads, he encouraged people in set- tling here, and after they had settled he helped them to get the log houses up, and their farms started. In the meantime he worked early and late to develop his place and establish his own fortunes. By frugal care and judicious purchases, he added to his holdings until he owned 360 acres of good land, 280 of which he still retains. He replaced the log cabin with a good substantial set of buildings, and from time to time secured suitable tools, implements and machinery. He also developed a good Shorthorn herd, headed by a full blooded sire. Later he selected another site and put up another set of buildings, a house in 1912 and a barn in 1915. The house is a sightly comfortable structure, with many modern conveniences. The barn is 36 by 80 feet, furnished with Louden equipment. In 1907 Mr. Salisbury moved to Barron, and for a little more than seven years conducted what is now the Park Hotel. In 1914 he returned to the farm. It is now conducted by his son-in-law, Elmer Carlson. Mr. Salisbury is a stockholder in the Ridgeland State Bank and in the Prairie Farm Telephone Co., and is regarded as a leading citizen. Fraternally, he is a popular member of Prairie Farm Lodge, No. 6612, Modern Woodmen of America. In spite of the fact that he was one of the early settlers, he is still in the prime of life, an active, vigorous man. His life has meant real good to the community, his genial and helpful spirit has been impressed on the neigh- borhood, and his work is inseparably interwoven in the warp and woof of the town's progress. Mr. Salisbury was married Sept. 6, 1880, to Eva Lynn Burdick, who was born June 21, 1853, in Lake Mills, Wis., the daughter of Thomas and Eva (Lynn) Burdick, natives of England, both now deceased. The family is well known, among its distinguished members being Dr. Parker,

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MR. AND MRS. ISAAC COOPER MR. AND MRS. FRANK E. NICKLOW AND SONS

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an uncle of Mrs. Burdick's, who was one of the physicians who attended President Garfield. Mrs. Salisbury died Jan. 25, 1912. Mr. and Mrs. Salisbury became the parents of one daughter, May, born Dec. 7, 1882, now the wife of Elmer Carlson.

Samuel Nicklow, an estimable citizen who spent a short time in Barron County and died here, was born in Pennsylvania, and as a young man married Elizabeth Beach, a native of Ohio. In 1851 they moved to Indiana, and there for five years he drove a stage coach between Logansport and South Bend, meeting with many interesting adventures. Then he took up farming in Fulton County in that state, and followed that occupation there for nearly a quarter of a century. He built up a good farm, took an active part in neighborhood affairs, and he and his wife were among the most highly regarded people in the community. He served in the Civil War in Company A of an Indiana regiment. In 1880 he came to Barron County and bought 40 acres in section 5, Dallas Township. But his health had already begun to fail, and he died a few months later, Jan. 4, 1881. His wife now lives in a pleasant little home on the farm where she settled so many years ago. In the family there were eight children : John W., Lydia, Margaret, Hattie, Samuel E. and Agnes, all deceased, and Frank E. and Perry V. of Dallas Township.

Frank E. Nicklow, a prominent farmer of section 8, Dallas Township, was born in Fulton County, Ind., Jan. 7, 1864, the son of Samuel and Elizabeth (Beach) Nicklow, natives respectively of Pennsylvania and Ohio. He attended the district schools of his native county and learned farming from his father. He came to Barron County with his parents in 1880, and after his father's death, which occurred the next year, remained at home for some time. In 1884 he bought 20 acres in section 8, Dallas Township. . To this he added from time to time until he owned 220 acres. Later he sold 80 acres to his son, W. H. Nicklow, leaving a good place of 140 acres. The development and operation of this farm has since continued to be his life work. In 1907 he erected a pleasant and comfortable home. In 1911 he put up the present barn, 36 by 60 feet, which is furnished throughout with Star equipment. The other buildings are suitable and in good repair. The farm is well tilled and well fenced, and everything about the place bespeaks the thrift, good judgment and public spirit of the owner. Here Mr. Nicklow successfully carries on general farming and dairying. He has a good herd of fifty graded cattle, headed by a full blooded Guernsey sire. He believes in helping everything that is for the good of the community, and has taken stock in the Fourtowns Cheese Co. and in the Prairie Farm Telephone Co. He is much interested in educational problems and has been most efficient as clerk of his school district for six years. All in all, he is regarded as one of the useful and active citizens of the community. He takes his stand firmly for everything which he believes to be right and just, and he is a man of real influence among his fellows. Mr. Nicklow was married Nov. 20, 1884, to Lela Cooper, who was born in Monroe County, Wis., June 3, 1868, the daughter of Isaac and Ursula (Lamb) Cooper. Mr. and Mrs. Nicklow have had four sons: Frank V., Leroy C., William H. and Otto D. Frank V. was born Feb. 12, 1886, and died Dec. 25, 1905. Leroy C. was born July 1, 1888; William H., Aug. 5, 1890; and Otto D., Sept. 1, 1892. The three young men are all at home assisting their father. They are active in the affairs of the community and are popular with all who know them. Leroy C. is especially active in public affairs, and for four years served with credit as town clerk of Dallas Township, giving general satisfaction to the voters. The family faith is that of the Baptist Church.

Isaac Cooper, one of the earliest settlers of Barron County, came here over half a century ago, when there was little indication that the country would develop into a rich agricultural region. The pine wood was then being cut off, leaving the hard wood standing, settlers were building their little cabins in the woods and grubbing out the stumps to get a small garden plot, the market for produce was far away. There were no highways except the

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"tote" roads of the lumber companies. But the pioneers had faith and courage, and many of them lived to see their hard work result in success. Isaac Cooper was born in New York State of good old stock, and as a young man married Ursula Lamb, a native of Pennsylvania. He was not yet thirty when he came westward and settled in Dodge County, Wis. Later he moved to Monroe County, in the same state. From there in 1870 he came to Barron County and took a claim in section 17, Dallas Township. He put up a log house and straw barn and started to develop a small farm. In 1878 he took a homestead in section 8. There he developed a good place. He died March 24, 1916, his wife having passed away Aug. 28, 1905. They had one daughter, Lela, the wife of Frank E. Nicklow, who now owns the old homestead.

Richard Thompson, an energetic and hard working farmer of section 4, east, Dallas Township, was born near Ridgeland, Dunn County, Wis., Sept. 14, 1879, son of Thomas and Mary (Thomas) Thompson, who were natives of Norway. The father, who was brought to this country as an infant, was reared in Dunn County, this state, and farmed there until he brought his family to Barron County, when he settled in Dallas Township. His death which occurred in 1885 was accidental, being caused by a falling tree. His widow later married Austin Granger, Sr., a farmer in Dallas Township. After Mr. Granger's death she married William Pearson and they are now living at Estevan, Canada. Richard Thompson attended the district schools of Dallas Township and learned farming at home. In 1912 he purchased 80 acres in section 4, east, Dallas Township, improved and repaired the buildings, put up a silo and machine shed and continued the clearing and breaking of the land. Here he successfully carries on general farming and dairying, and has a good herd of Jersey. and Durham cattle and a drove of Duroc Jersey and Chester White swine. Fraternally, Mr. Thompson is a member of the Beavers. He is gradually building up a good place and stands well with all who know him. Mr. Thompson was married Aug. 1, 1906, to Margie Howard, who was born in Dallas Township on June 15, 1888, the daughter of Thomas and Nellie (Ward) Howard, the former of whom is dead and the latter of whom lives with her son, William. Mr. and Mrs. Thompson have five children : Herman M., born May 8, 1911; Kenneth W., Sept. 25, 1913; Garled J., April 7, 1916; Dorothy E., April 27, 1918, and Harled, June 20, 1921. The family faith is that of the Methodist Episcopal Church.

Nels Kringle, now deceased, a solid and substantial citizen of Barron County for some forty-five years, had his full share in the agricultural devel- opment of Maple Grove and Dallas Township. He was born in Norway, March 13, 1848, the son of Andrew and Gertrude (Granum) Kringle, who were born in Norway and came to America with their family in 1860, locating on a farm in Dane County, Wis., where he died. In the early seventies, Nels and his brother, Gabriel, then both young men, came to Barron County and took a claim in Maple Grove Township. There the two developed a fine farm. But few settlers were here when they first built their log cabin, neighbors were few and far between, and it was real work to clear a farm in the wilderness and to get along while they were getting the place in condition for profitable farming. In 1879 the subject of this sketch traded his interest in the claim for 40 acres in section 11, Dallas Township. To this place he devoted his attention for twelve years. Then in 1891 he bought 80 acres in the same section and 40 acres in section 12. This made a total of 160 acres. He erected a good set of buildings. Later he sold ten acres to Hans Bonkrud. All of this except a few acres was wild land when he acquired it. He erected a good set of buildings and cleared up about 90 acres. There he farmed until 1913, when he rented the place to his children, continuing, however, to live there until his death, Nov. 5, 1917. He was a good citizen and served at one time on the town board of Dallas. He took especial pride in his farm, his home and his family, and was faithful to every duty which life brought to him. He was married Aug. 23, 1874, to Olia Brenden, who was born in Norway, Sept. 29,

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1857, the daughter of Andrew and Ingeborg Brenden. This union has been blessed with eleven children: Laura was born Sept. 26, 1875, and lives at home. Ida was born July 29, 1877, and is the wife of Hans J. Bonkrud. Anna was born Jan. 22, 1880, and married Thomas Olson, now deceased. George was born Feb. 12, 1882, and runs a sawmill at Webster, Wis. Alma, born Aug. 20, 1884, is the wife of Olge Wall. Malla was born Feb. 20, 1887, and died in infancy. Arthur was born Jan. 8, 1890, and farms at Webster, Wis. Karl, born July 6, 1892, was inducted into the United States service in the World War. He trained at Lansing, Mich., attended the automobile school and was in the transport service in France until attacked by the influenza, which caused him to be sent to the hospital. After his recovery he was dis- charged in 1919. Nettie was born June 24, 1894, and is the wife of Carl Barness of Eleva, Wis. Freeman was born June 16, 1897, and Orvil was born May 4, 1899. Freeman and Orvil operate the home farm. They are active and industrious young men who thoroughly understand farming and are carrying along the work inaugurated by their father.

Nels Arenson was born in Norway and there married Alena Larson. They came to America in 1866 and settled in Dane County, this state. In 1871 they came to Barron County and took a homestead of 120 acres in section 10, west, Dallas Township. They cleared 60 acres, built a set of log buildings and there farmed for fifteen years. Then they sold to their son and bought 80 acres in the same. section where they lived until 1895 when they retired and moved to Dallas Village. There they both died, Mr. Arenson in 1910 and Mrs. Aren- son in 1905. They were the parents of nine children: Arney (deceased), Nels, Ole, Lewis, Lena (deceased), Anna, Julia, Nellie and Carrie. The year that General Grant was elected president of the United States for the first time (1868) Mr. Arenson walked from his home in Chippewa County, where he was then working, to Rice Lake in Barron County in order to cast his vote.

Paul J. Thompson, a sturdy pioneer of Dallas Township, was born in Norway, Sept. 17, 1854, son of Jacob and Julia (Werpa) Thompson. The par- ents were natives of Norway, who came to America in 1861, first settled in Dane County, Wis., and moved two years later to Chippewa County, where they spent the remainder of their lives. Paul J. received his early education in the district schools and attended an academy at Madison two years, he then did farm work for his father and others during the summers, working in the woods during the winters, and was thus occupied for many years. In 1883 he came to Barron County and bought 160 acres of land in section 33, west, Dallas Township, where he has since made his home. He cleared 100 acres, put up a set of buildings and fenced the entire farm and here carries on mixed farming and dairying. In 1905 he sold 80 acres to his son, Oscar, but in the meantime had secured 80 acres of wild land in Dunn County which he still owns. Mr. Thompson is a prominent man in the community and has done most efficient service as chairman of the township for nine years. His administration in public affairs has been marked by progress and economy and the voters have been more than satisfied with his work. He has also been a valued member of the school board for ten years. For one year he served as justice of peace. Mr. Thompson was married in 1880 to Julia Aren- son, daughter of Nels and Alena (Larson) Arenson. This union has been blessed with twelve children : John N., born May 21, 1881, died April 15, 1882. Amelia T., born Jan. 28, 1883, is now Mrs. Thomas Thompson of Dovre Town- ship. Norman, born March 22, 1885, is in Minneapolis. Edward, born May 21, 1886, died Sept. 16, 1911. Mamie, born March 22, 1887, lives in Minne- apolis. Oscar, born Feb. 10, 1889, lives in Dallas Township. Arthur, born Jan. 25, 1891, is now in Ridgeland, Wis. William P., born May 3, 1894, served in the World War. Edith, born March 30, 1897, is at home. Pearl, born June 27, 1900, died Feb. 8, 1902. Clarence, born June 4, 1903, is at home; and Alice, born Feb. 22, 1905, attends school in Barron. Mr. Thompson and his wife have experienced all the hardships of pioneer life. There were no roads in the

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vicinity and provisions had to be brought in from Eau Claire, all of the land had to be broken and neighbors were few and far between. The family faith is that of the Norwegian Lutheran Church.

Albert Vergin, for some thirty years a substantial farmer of Dallas Township, now living in Barron city, was born in Germany and was there reared and educated. As a young man he married Hermenia Henrich and started home making. In 1881 he decided to seek for himself and his family the broader opportunities of the new world. Accordingly, he came to this country and settled in Barron County, where he bought 160 acres of wild land in section 20, Dallas Township. Here by hard work and close application to business, coupled with shrewdness and good judgment, he developed a good farm. He put up a good set of buildings and cleared nearly 100 acres. Here he successfully carried on general farming and dairying. In 1910 he retired and purchased a pleasant home in Barron city where he now lives. While living on the farm he served a time as member of the school board of his district. Mr. and Mrs. Vergin have had six children: Gustave, Emil A., Mar- tin, Albert W., Olga (deceased) and Emma (deceased). The family faith is that of the German Lutheran Church.

Emil A. Vergin, who ranks well among the leading men of Dallas Town- ship, was born in Germany, June 7, 1871, the son of Albert and Hermenia (Henrich) Vergin. He was ten years old when the parents brought him to this township. Here he was reared to farm pursuits, attending the district school of the neighborhood and working at home with his parents. In 1899 he bought 80 acres of wild land in section 20, Dallas Township, just across the road west of his father's place. He cleared and broke thirty acres and fenced the entire eighty. Later he bought 20 acres of timber land in section 19 in the same township, thus making him 100 acres in all. He has put up a good set of buildings, with many modern conveniences, including a Delco lighting system. Here he successfully carries on general farming and dairy- ing. The place is well equipped with tools, implements and machinery and he has a good herd of graded Durham cattle and full blooded Duroc Jersey swine. Mr. Vergin's business holdings include stock in a packing plant at New Richmond, Wis. He has taken a deep interest in the educational affairs of the community and from 1905 to 1912 served with credit as treasurer of his school district. Mr. Vergin is well known throughout this part of the county. He has ever stood firmly for what he has believed to be the best interests of the community and he enjoys the respect and confidence of his fellow men. He was married Jan. 17, 1899, to Mary Beisswanger, who was born in Dunn County, this state, July 2, 1878, the daughter of Gottlieb and Maria (Chole) Beisswanger, natives of Germany, both now deceased. Mrs. Vergin passed away Oct. 14, 1918. She was a loving wife, an affectionate and understanding mother, a good friend and a kindly neighbor, and her loss is sincerely mourned. Mr. and Mrs. Vergin had seven children: Edward A. was born Jan. 19, 1900, and is an automobile man in Barron. Elmer E. was born June 9, 1902, and operates a cream route out of Ridgeland. Lester H. was born Sept. 2, 1904. Ernest G. was born Dec. 26, 1906. Oval E. was born April 19, 1909. Ethel A. was born Nov. 12, 1911. Raymond F. was born Oct. 17, 1914.

Henry C. Wiger, M. D., successful practicing physician and president of the village of Dallas, is a prominent citizen, enjoys the respect and esteem of his fellow man and has a large practice in village and country. He was born in Fillmore County, Minn., Nov. 4, 1883, son of Ole and Gurrie (Erickson) Wiger, natives of Norway, who came to America in the late forties and settled in Rock County, Wis., going from there to Fillmore County, Minn., where they bought 240 acres and developed a good farm. Ole Wiger, who spent eleven years in the mines in California, died Jan. 27, 1898. His wife now lives with her son, the doctor. In the family there were seven children: Nicolai, Clara, George, Henry C., Christopher, Wilhelm and Emma. Henry C. received his

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early education in the district schools and in the Kasson High School and attended Carlton College at Northfield, Minn., for one year, and the State University of Iowa at Iowa City for one year. He received his medical degree from Marquette University at Milwaukee in 1915 and at once took up the practice of his profession in Dallas. Fraternally, he is a Blue Lodge Mason and his faith is of the Norwegian Lutheran Church. Dr. Wiger was married May 16, 1917, to Agnes Jacobson, daughter of Knute and Gurina (Birkeland) Jacobson, natives respectively of Norway and Iowa, now living in Dallas Township. Dr. and Mrs. Wiger have one daughter, Elaine, born April 16, 1918, and one son, Henry, born Jan. 17, 1921.

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History of Barron County Wisconsin, Part 143

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

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