History of Barron County Wisconsin, Part 148

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

USA > Wisconsin > Barron County > History of Barron County Wisconsin > Part 148

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Mr. Garner has various interests, including stock in the Co-operative Store at Chetek. In public affairs he has won commendation as supervisor of the township, and he has also done excellent work for many years as the clerk of his school district. In everything he does his duty as he sees it, and his work has met with well-deserved success. Mr. Garner was married in Dallas Town- ship on March 20, 1903 to Anna Massie, who was born in Dallas on April 15, 1879, the daughter of Benjamin and Hannah (Sims) Massie. This union has been blessed with five bright children: Myrtle F., born May 6, 1905; Clayton P., Sept. 29, 1906; Paul F., March 25, 1908; Esther, Jan. 12, 1910, and Perry W., Sept. 10, 1911. The children, who are all attending school, reside at home with their father, the mother, Mrs. Anna Garner, having passed away Aug. 18, 1921.

John G. Johnson, now deceased, pioneer of two states, veteran of the Civil War, early woodsman, farmer, merchant, and for sixteen years postmaster at Dallas Village, was one of the real founders of the county. He came here as a woodsman before the Civil War, he worked here in the same capacity after the war, he took one of the first claims in Maple Grove Township, he carried mail from Durand to Rice Lake when there was nothing in the county but lumber camps, and he early held various public offices. John G. Johnson was born Sept. 23, 1836 in Norway, and was there reared. He came to this country in 1856, and after landing in New York joined a number of his relatives who were pioneers of Fillmore County, Minnesota, and had claims near Spring Grove in Houston County. While making his headquarters with these rela- tives, with the exception of a short time when he was in Tennessee, he spent his summers farming in Fillmore County and his winters working in the woods in what is now Barron County. April 29, 1864, he enlisted in the Civil War and served with Company K, 11th Minnesota Volunteer Infantry until his dis- charge June 26, 1865. Then he worked in the woods of what is now Barron County for many years as an employe of the Knapp, Stout & Co. In 1870 he took a homestead of 160 acres in what is now Section 10, west, Maple Grove Township. He cleared some seventy acres and erected a set of log buildings. Later he sold out. For some years he had 160 acres in Section 14, west, Dallas Township, which he bought of his father-in-law and improved, and which is still owned in the family. For three years he worked for William S. Foster and James A. Anderson in Dallas Village. He operated a general store for Ole Nelson at Colfax for four years, and was then in business there for himself two years. In 1891, with T. O. Malum and A. N. Granum as partners, he started a general store in Dallas which they operated until 1902, when they sold out. Mr. Johnson was appointed postmaster in 1898 and served in all some sixteen years, occupying that office at the time of his death June 23, 1914. With all his busy life he had found time for much public service, he had sur- veyed many roads and school sites, he had his share in the inauguration of many movements which had the good of the county for their object, and he was a most important factor in public life in the days when the county was beginning to take on the aspects of a settled community. He was also one of the founders of William Pitts Post, No. 144 G. A. R. at Dallas and held office in it at various times. Mr. Johnson was married Jan. 5, 1873 to Anna Granum, born Sept. 22, 1855, daughter of Nels and Gurtie (Tollefson) Granum, whose sketch appears elsewhere in this work. Mr. and Mrs. Johnson had three chil- dren: Gurtie, who was born Dec. 1, 1874 and died in early infancy; Emma, who was born Jan. 6, 1876 and died Feb. 5, 1880, and Frank G., born Aug. 29, 1877, now a farmer of Dallas Township.

Frank G. Johnson, former postmaster and merchant at Dallas Village, where he served in various public offices, was born in Maple Grove Township, this county, Aug. 29, 1877, son of John G. and Anna (Granum) Johnson, the pioneers. After attending the common schools of this county he entered the business course of the Valparaiso University at Valparaiso, Ind., and was there graduated in 1897. With this preparation he joined his father at Dallas Vil-

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lage and assisted his father in his store and postoffice until his father's death, when he succeeded as postmaster and filled out his unexpired term. For a while he worked in the Bank of Dallas and for a time as clerk in the hard- ware store of the Smith Brothers. In 1915 he took charge of the home farm for his mother. . He has 250 acres, a part of which he now conducts and rents out the other part. He has been successful as a general farmer and makes a specialty of a good herd of Holsteins, headed by full-blooded sires. While in the village he served as village assessor, village clerk, and village trustee. His fraternal relations are with the Masonic Order. Mr. Johnson was mar- ried Oct. 18, 1905, to Hilma Stowe, born April 6, 1884, daughter of Nels and Matilda (Storm) Stowe, natives of Sweden, who came to America in 1880, and settled on 80 acres in Section 30, east, Maple Grove Township, where they farmed for many years and where they now live. In the Stowe family there were eight children: Oscar, August, Ernest (deceased), Hilma, Olga, Eusten, Minnie and Emella. The family faith is that of the Norwegian Lutheran Church. Mr. and Mrs. Johnson have two children: Norton G., born Aug. 2, 1906; and Franklin H., born May 30, 1911. The family faith is that of the Norwegian Lutheran Church.

Hiram A. Chapman, who was for a number of years a well-known and high- ly-respected citizen of Lakeland Township, but who passed to the higher life, December 30, 1919, was born in the State of New York, July 30, 1845. As a young man, he came to Wisconsin and in 1867 was married at Tomah to Rachel Ann Dale. By her he had ten children, four of whom, Ernest Alonzo, Cynthia Etta, Archie LeRoy and Florence, passed away before him. In 1892, Mr. Chapman moved to Menomonie, where several years later, Jan. 7, 1895, he suffered a bereavement in the death of his wife, Rachel Ann. In the spring of 1896, Mr. Chapman married Mrs. Eliza Girvin of the town of Shewin, and in 1898 he moved to the vicinity of Cumberland, Barron County, where he engaged in the manufacture of lumber. Here his wife, Eliza, died in 1900. In 1901 Mr. Chapman married Mrs. Cora Cady. Soon after this he engaged in mercantile business, becoming proprietor of a store and hotel, located in Section 25, Lakeland Township, and known as the Lake View House, it being well patronized by tourists visiting Silver Lake. In this business he continued until his death. An affectionate husband and lov- ing father, he left six children to mourn his loss, besides his wife and a host of relatives and friends. The children are: L. I. Chapman of Barron, Mrs. R. P. Daniels of Knapp, M. L. Chapman and H. H. Chapman of Barron, H. A. Chapman, Jr., of Minneapolis, Minn., and Mrs. H. E. Jones of Tacoma, Wash., all of whom were present at the funeral except Mrs. H. E. Jones, who was prevented from coming by illness. Mr. Chapman had been a member of the Baptist Church for about thirty years and was an earnest worker in the church and Sunday school as long as his health would permit. Mrs. Cora Chapman, who has continued to reside in Lakeland Township, was born in Sparta, Wis., Aug. 6, 1865, daughter of Geo. C. and Mary Jane (Parks) Hodgkin. She was for a number of years previous to her first marriage a successful school teacher in Barron County. Further mention of her parents may be found elsewhere in this volume.

Louis Dutilly, for 28 years an industrious farmer and respected citizen of Lakeland Township, where he passed away Sept. 28, 1911, was born at St. Denis, Province of Quebec, Canada, April 13, 1859, the eldest son of Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Dutilly. He was descended from a line of ancestors who were distinguished in the early history of Quebec. His people were farmers, and thus at an early age he acquired an expert knowledge of agriculture, varying that occupation with work in the woods at lumbering in the winter and on the drive in the spring. In these arduous occupations he became an expert as he was in farm work and developed a strong physique. On Sept. 1, 1879, at Waterloo, Canada, he was married to Miss Pauline Morroy, of St. Joachim-de- Schefford, Province of Quebec, and as a family soon began to grow up around

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MR. AND MRS. HIRAM A. CHAPMAN

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them, Mr. Dutilly, in search of a place to establish a permanent home, came in 1883 to Barron County, Wisconsin, and bought 80 acres of land in Section 35, Lakeland Township. The tract was covered with heavy timber, and the work of transforming the wilderness into a farm was not light, but Mr. Dutil- ly's logging experience stood him in good stead and he soon had a clearing started and a log cabin built. In the years that followed he cleared and stumped the entire tract and erected buildings, besides which as one of the earliest settlers in the township he helped to construct roads and build school houses. In time, by the exercise of industry and thrift, he accumulated a com- petence, the log cabin of pioneer days being replaced by a more pretentious farm house, and no comfort which money could buy was lacking. Mr. Dutilly was a loving father and husband, a friendly neighbor and good citizen and a Christian gentleman. He was a devout member of St. Mary's Catholic Church. To him and his wife were born eleven children, three sons and eight daughters, all of whom survive, the father's death being the first to break the family circle. These children are: Mrs. George Jerry of Lakeland; Mrs. George A. Brinkley of Park Falls; Mrs. Henry Sans of Rochester, Minn .; Mrs. J. S. Mills of Min- neapolis; Mrs. William Peterson of Bear Lake; Mrs. Bruce Gardiner of Doland, S. D .; and Roselba, Arthur, Alfred, Agnes and Wilfred, who are now at home with their mother.

Nels Grant, who for fourteen years, or until his death, was well known in Lakeland Township as one of its useful, industrious and respected citizens, was born in Norway, May 14, 1853. In his native land he acquired a good edu- cation, graduating from college, and then entered mercantile life, being em- ployed successively as clerk in different stores. In 1882, seeking a wider sphere of opportunity, he came to America, landing at New York, whence he proceeded to Maronette, Wis., and thence to North Dakota, where he took a homestead. In 1901 he transferred the scene of his agricultural endeavors to Barron County, Wisconsin, buying 80 acres of land in Section 26, Lakeland Township. Forty acres of this land he cleared from stumps and on it erected a set of buildings, carrying on mixed farming and dairying with profitable re- sults, until his death, which occurred Dec. 31, 1915. He had attained the age of sixty-two years, seven months and seventeen days. The news of his demise spread sorrow throughout the community in which he had made many warm friends. He had served in 1915 as treasurer of the township board and was a man always ready to do his part as a good citizen. The funeral occurred on the Sunday afternoon following his death, a short service in English being held at the house, Norwegian service at Section 10 Church, with a few words more in English and an English song to close. The Rev. Amundson conducted the service and interment was made in Section 10 Cemetery. Mrs. Grant's sis- ter and her husband, Mr. and Mrs. Victor Johnson, and L. E. Strum, a brother- in-law, were present to attend the funeral and aid in comforting the sorrow- ing family. Mr. Grant was a member of the local lodge of the I. S. W. A. Honest, energetic and kindly, a faithful and loving husband and father, and an intelligent and useful citizen, he earned the reward promised to those who fight the good fight. He was married Dec. 21, 1898, to Maren H. Omholt, who was born in Norway, Oct. 27, 1867, daughter of Ole and Helen (Hendrickson) Omholt. Five children were the issue of this union, namely: Carl, born June 3, 1900; Emmet, Dec. 6, 1902; Morten, Aug. 11, 1903; Herold, Jan. 25, 1905: and Arnold, June 27, 1910. Herold died at the age of ten years, on May 2, 1915, his death preceding that of his father by less than nine months. The other children are still living, and with their assistance, Mrs. Grant is still operating the farm.

Henry W. Bringman, a former resident of Lakeland Township, in the de- velopment of which he took a worthy part, was born in Germany, Feb. 1, 1851, son of Henry and Margaret (Hartung) Bringman. He acquired his educa- tion in his native land and began industrial life there as a farm laborer, an occupation in which he continued until reaching the age of thirty years. In

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the meanwhile he married and children came to enlarge the family circle and increase his responsibilities. How to provide for them soon became a serious question, to which emigration seemed to offer the only solution. Accordingly, in 1881, soon after the birth of his third child, Frederick, he set out with his family for America, and in due time arrived in New York, whence he pro- ceeded to La Salle, Ill., where Mr. Bringman found work in the coal mines, an occupation in which he continued for 14 years. This was hard work, not un- attended by danger, and not specially remunerative. Moreover he was now forty-four years old. Another step in advance was necessary and Mr. Bring- man took the right one, then went to Spencer, Iowa, where he bought a farm of 228 acres and operated it two years, then sold. Coming to Barron County, Wis., he bought 133 acres of wild land in Sections 17 and 18, Lakeland Town- ship, and began the task of developing a farm. It was a large undertaking, but Mr. Bringman in time accomplished it, with the assistance of his wife and children. He cleared 65 acres of the land and erected a set of buildings, and in addition, found time to help in the construction of roads through his town- ship. He successfully followed mixed farming and dairying, keeping Short- horn cattle, and was widely known and respected as an industrious and re- liable citizen. His religious affiliations were with the German Lutheran Church. Mr. Bringman continued his useful activities until shortly before his death, which occurred Jan. 22, 1917, when he had almost reached the age of sixty-six years. His loss was deeply regretted. His marriage in Germany, previously mentioned, took place June 9, 1853, and united him with Louisa C. Schaar, daughter of William and Anna (Guessner) Schaar. It resulted in the birth of ten children, whose record, in brief, is as follows: William, born Aug. 25, 1878, now a resident of Oshkosh, Wis .; Wilhelmina, born Dec. 31, 1879, now Mrs. William Kerslake, of Duluth, Minn .; Frederick, born Feb. 22, 1881, who resides at Hower's Lake, Minn .; Anna, born Feb. 10, 1883, now the wife of Walter Pierson, of Lakeland Township, Barron County, Wis .; Elizabeth, born February 10, 1885, who is the wife of Ernest Garrett, of Seattle, Wash .; Louisa, born May 16, 1887, now Mrs. Herman Ramey of Ladysmith, Wis .; Gusta, born July 7, 1889, wife of J. D. Morrow, of Hower's Lake, Minn .; Henry, born March 24, 1892, who was in the army during the recent war; Sophia, born Aug. 25, 1894, residing at Hower's Lake, Minn .; and Charles, born Jan. 21, 1899. After the father's death, Henry and Charles operated the farm for their mother until 1918, when they rented it. They are still operating it on their own account, under rental. Henry was drafted into the U. S. Army July 5, 1918, and from Barron, Wis., was sent to Columbus, Ohio, and thence to Camp Hancock, Ga., as a member of the 41st Company, Fourth Group Machine Gun Training Center. He was transferred Nov. 7, 1918, to Camp Travis, Texas, with Company A, 52nd Machine Gun Battalion. Feb. 6, 1919, he was sent to Camp Grant, where he was discharged Feb. 15, the same year.

Ole Thompson, a typical representative of the hardy Norwegian race, which has taken so large a part in the development of the Northwest, was born in Norway, May 7, 1867, son of Ole Olson, by his wife, Mary, whose maiden name was Jergenson. The latter still resides in Norway. having sur- vived her husband, Ole Olson, 52 years, as he died in 1869. Ole Thompson was educated in Norway, where in due time he engaged in farm labor. In 1884 he emigrated to the United States, landing in Philadelphia, whence he came directly to Wisconsin. During the next twelve years he worked in saw- mills at Perley and Mason. In 1900 he bought his present farm of 100 acres in Sections 21 and 28, Lakeland Township, which was then a wild tract, but of which he has cleared and broken 30 acres, having also erected a fine set of buildings. He follows mixed farming and dairying, keeping mixed Holstein and Guernsey cattle, and has taken rank among the successful and substantial citizens of his township. Mr. Thompson was united in marriage March 20, 1896, with Fredericka Paulson, who was born in Wisconsin, May 16, 1874, daughter of Andrew and Christina (Borgen) Paulson. Her mother now re-

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sides in Cumberland, Wis., the father being deceased. To Mr. and Mrs. Thomp- son have been born three children, all residing at home, namely: Alfred, April 6, 1897; Malven, May 25, 1900; and Christ, Dec. 26, 1904.

Herman Meyer, one of the substantial farmers of Lakeland Township, where he has resided for the last 25 years, was born in Germany, Oct. 2, 1857. He grew to manhood in his native land, receiving his schooling there and sub- sequently engaging in farm labor. In 1881, desiring to better his condition, he came to the United States, landing at New York, whence he proceeded to Benton County, Iowa. There he worked on farms for a while, afterwards for four years was employed on the railroad, and then rented a large farm which he operated for six years on his own account. In 1896, Mr. Meyer came to Barron County, Wisconsin, and began his career here by purchasing 71 acres in Section 18, Lakeland Township. The tract consisted of wild land and much hard work was needed to turn it into a fruitful farm, but Mr. Meyer, in time, broke 42 acres, besides erecting a good set of buildings. The latter include a barn, 32 by 56 feet, installed with the James equipment and laid with cement floors. Here he is still carrying on mixed farming and dairying, keeping mixed grade cattle with a pure-bred sire. His excellent farm, well managed, is pro- ducing reasonable returns. Mr. Meyer is a member of the Farm Bureau. He served two years as director on the school board and four years as clerk. The German Lutheran Church numbers him among its consistent members. Mr. Meyer was married March 12, 1889, to Anna Coleman, who was born in Louis- ville, Ky., Oct. 25, 1857. Four children have blessed this union, namely: Yetta, now Mrs. Robert Huehn; Anetta, wife of Arthur Peterson of St. Paul, Minn .; Gusta, now Mrs. Elmer Loverud; and Henry, who lives on the home farm.

Charles A. Ness, chairman of the town board of Lakeland Township, of which township he is a prosperous farmer and leading citizen, was born in Norway, April 21, 1864, son of Andrew and Elsie (Egga) Ness. The parents both died in their native land, leaving five children: Pedter, now a farmer in Rice Lake Township, this county; Charles A., subject of this sketch, and An- drew, Nora and Louisa, who are still in Norway. Charles A. Ness acquired his education in the Norwegian common schools. Subsequently for two years he attended an officers' training school, connected with the Second Brigade In- fantry, with headquarters at Christiania. In 1889 he came to America, landing at New York, whence he came directly to Shawano County, Wisconsin. There for a short time he was engaged in farm labor, but in the year 1890 he went to Rhinelander, Wis., where he spent seven years occupied as a lumber scaler. Removing to Barron County in 1897, he engaged in agriculture, buying of Christ Anderson 80 acres in Section 26, Lakeland Township, and beginning the development of a farm. A purchase of 80 acres more in 1912 doubled its area, and during the years he has resided on the place, Mr. Ness has cleared 70 acres and erected a set of buildings. General farming and dairying occupy his attention, his cattle being pure-bred Holsteins, and his operations have been conducted with profitable results. Aside from his direct farming inter- ests, Mr. Ness is a stockholder in the Farmers' Light & Power Company and in the Silver Lake Cheese Factory. Of the latter enterprise he was four years president. His capacity as a man of affairs has long been recognized by his fellow townsmen and at various times he has been called upon to serve in pub- lic office. As early as 1903 he was elected supervisor of the township board, on which he served two years. In 1905 he was elected chairman of the board and so continued until 1914, in which year he was elected a member of the board of education of Barron County, a position he held for two years. From 1916 to 1918 he was a member of the committee of three for Barron County schools; then in 1918 he was re-elected chairman of the township board, in which position he is still serving. For 18 years he has been a member of the school board of District No. 1. In 1911 he became president of the Mckinley Telephone Company. The Norwegian Lutheran Church numbers him among its faithful and consistent members. Mr. Ness was married in Barron, Jan. 7,

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1893, to Christina Strangstad, who was born in Norway July 15, 1867, daugh- ter of Ole and Elizabeth Strangstad. Her parents are now deceased. Mr. and Mrs. Ness have had three children: Arthur A., born Dec. 17, 1893; Einer L., born Jan. 7, 1899, and Lenora C., born Jan. 21, 1903. Einer L., who resides at home and is his father's assistant, is also secretary of the Silver Lake Cheese Company. Lenora C. is also at home. Arthur A. spent one year at the Menomonie Agricultural School and took the two years' short course in agri- culture at Madison. On Aug. 14, 1918 he enlisted in the United States' service and was with the U. S. Training Detachment at Madison. Less than two months after his enlistment he fell a victim to that deadly disease, influenza, of which he died Oct. 8, 1918. Though he fell not on the field of battle, he prac- tically offered up his life for his country and is worthy of the hero's crown.

Walter H. Organ, a well-known general farmer and dairyman of Lakeland Township in partnership with his brother, Howard, was born Feb. 16, 1887 in Sauk County, Wisconsin, son of William and Mary (Waffenschmidt) Organ. The parents were natives of this state and farmers who came from Sauk to Barron County in 1896. They settled in Lakeland Township where William Organ bought 200 acres of wild land in Sections 36 and 25. Of this land he subsequently cleared 50 acres besides erecting a set of farm buildings. He car- ried on farming and dairying here until 1916, when he sold the farm to his sons, Walter and Howard, and returned to Sauk County where he now resides. His wife died in 1912 and he has since remarried. By his first wife, Mary, he had five children : Walter H., Howard R., Emma, Lulu and Eva, the last men- tioned of whom is now deceased. Walter H. Organ in his boyhood attended school in Sauk and Barron Counties. He early acquired a knowledge of farm work and until 1916 worked for his father. He and his brother, Howard R., then bought the farm which they are now conducting on a profitable basis, doing mixed farming and dairying. Their herd consists of high grade Holstein cattle with a pure bred sire. Among their improvements may be mentioned a machine shed 16 by 40 feet. In 1917 they lost the house by fire and were obliged to rebuild. The two brothers have an equal interest in the place. Walter H. is the elder, Howard R. having been born Jan. 31, 1895. The for- mer is a director on the school board of District No. 1. On June 26, 1912, Wal- ter H. Organ was married to Eva Daughenbaugh, who was born in Cass County, Iowa, Feb. 20, 1894, daughter of Royer and Bessie (Kirk) Daughenbaugh, who are now residents of New Hampshire. The family circle of Mr. and Mrs. Organ has been enlarged and brightened by the birth of six children, namely: Fred K., born May 22, 1913; Maurice H., Aug. 10, 1915; Edgar A., Oct. 14, 1916; Max A., Oct. 28, 1917; Mary E., Sept. 26, 1919, and Robert Earl, Sept. 7, 1921.

Charles A. Oldeen, an enterprising and successful farmer of Lakeland Township, may be numbered among the pioneers of Barron County, as he first made his appearance here nearly forty years ago. He was born in Sweden June 7, 1857, son of Ole and Cecelia (Andrews) Nelson. His parents both died in Sweden, their native land. There Charles A. was educated and grew to manhood, after his school days were over engaging in farm labor. Sharing the ambition of so many of his countrymen who were seeking wider opportu- nities for advancement in America in 1881 he came to this country, landing at New York, whence he proceeded west to Cambridge, Ill. There for a short time he was engaged in railroad work, but in the fall of 1882 he came to Rice Lake, Barron County, Wisconsin, where he worked at railroad construction for a while, or until 1883, when, moving to Cumberland, he entered the planing mills of the Beaver Lake and Beaver Dam Lumber Co., and subsequently continued in their employ for 27 years. At the end of that period he engaged in farming on his own account, buying 160 acres of land near Comstock. After improving that farm he sold it in 1902 and then bought 140 acres in Cumberland Town- ship, which tract he provided with buildings and otherwise improved, residing there until 1910. Then selling that place, he bought 160 acres in Section 35, Lakeland Township, on which he rebuilt the house and outbuildings, erected

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History of Barron County Wisconsin, Part 148

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

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