History of Barron County Wisconsin, Part 149

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

USA > Wisconsin > Barron County > History of Barron County Wisconsin > Part 149

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a barn 36 by 80 feet, and cleared and stumped 100 acres of the land. On this place he has since resided, carrying on mixed farming and dairying, his stock being pure bred Holsteins. His enterprise and industry have met with their fitting reward and he is now numbered among the well-to-do citizens of his township. Aside from his farming interests, he is a stockholder in the Silver Lake cheese factory, the Farmers Light and Power Co., and the Mckinley Tele- phone Co. It is nearly thirty-two years ago since Mr. Oldeen gave up bachelor life, being united in marriage Nov. 10, 1889, with Bertha Morken, who was born in Milwaukee, Wis., June 30, 1867, daughter of Ole and Ingeberg (Rit- tan) Morken. Both her parents are now deceased. Mr. and Mrs. Oldeen are members of the Old Settlers Association of Cumberland. They have a family of eight children as follows: Norman L., Elling, Oscar O., Carl E., Selma E., Anna C., Laura I., and Clifford. Norman L. is clerk in a grocery store at Cum- berland, Elling is also engaged in mercantile business there, and Anna C. is a school teacher.

Oscar J. Okerson, who has helped to increase the agricultural resources of Lakeland Township by the development of a farm of 80 acres, and who is now one of the supervisors of that township, was born at North Branch, Minn., Nov. 3, 1871, son of Oke and Maria (Johnson) Trulson. His parents were na- tives of Sweden, who came to America in 1866, settling at North Branch, where they were engaged in farming until 1881. Then they removed to Grants- berg, Wis., where they continued in the same occupation. There Mrs. Maria Trulson died on Feb. 16, 1894. In 1901 Mr. Trulson retired from active work, selling his farm and removing to Barron County, where he subsequently re- sided at the home of his son, Oscar, until his own death on Nov. 3, 1912. He and his wife were the parents of four children: Oscar J., subject of this sketch; Eddie, deceased; Jennie, deceased, and Hilda, now the wife of Charles Pierson. Oscar J. Okerson in his boyhood attended school at Grantsberg, Wis., and subsequently worked for his father until 1901, when he came to Barron County and bought 80 acres of wild land in Section 16, Lakeland Township, which he began at once to improve. In time he cleared the entire tract of brush, broke 40 acres and erected a set of buildings. Here he has since resided, fol- lowing mixed farming and dairying, his cattle being mixed grade Holsteins with a pure bred sire. He is also a stockholder in Coy's creamery at Barronette and a director in the Mckinley Telephone Co. As a public official he has served acceptably in various offices. In 1905 he was appointed road superintendent, and in 1910 was elected supervisor on the township board, in which office he is still serving. He also filled an unexpired term on the school board. His re- ligious affiliations are with the Norwegian Lutheran Church. He has proved his worth as a citizen and is respected and esteemed by his fellow townsmen. Mr. Okerson was married June 13, 1896, to Lena M. Johnson, who was born in Grantsburg, Wis., June 27, 1873, daughter of Ole and Anna (Otson) Johnson. Both parents are now deceased. Mr. and Mrs. Okerson are the parents of eleven children, all living, whose record in brief is as follows: Oliver C., born April 5, 1897; Ruth F., born June 29, 1298. now a clerk in the Hines Mer- cantile Co.'s store at Cumberland; Edna H., born Feb. 4, 1900; Alva L., born September 16, 1901, now employed with the Cumberland Package Co .; Mamie M., born Feb. 27, 1903, Arlad O., born Dec. 18, 1904; Esther A., Dec. 19, 1906; Ruby J., July 7, 1909; Willard C., Dec. 10, 1911; Genevieve E., Jan. 5, 1915, and Doris J., July 4, 1916.

Sever Paulson, one of the early settlers of Lakeland Township, where he is now living retired on his original farm in Section 26, was born in Norway, where he grew to manhood. There he married Carrie Nickelson and, soon a family of children began to grow up around them. The necessity of provid- ing for this growing family brought home to Mr. Paulson the fact that in his native land his opportunities for advancement were very limited and that to avoid poverty and dependence in his old age he must seek his fortunes in a more favored land. The journey to America with his wife and children was

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expensive, but he managed to secure the funds and in 1888 landed at Quebec, whence he came directly to Cumberland, Wis. For two years after his arrival he worked in the woods and in sawmills. Anxious, however, to lose no time in beginning the development of a farm, in 1890 he bought 120 acres of wild land in Section 26, Lakeland Township, which he began to improve by the erection of a set of log buildings. In course of time he cleared 50 acres of the land and developed it into a good farm. He also took an active part in helping to im- prove the township by building roads and encouraging the advent of new settlers. For several years he was road superintendent and also served on the school board of District No. 6. In 1911 he retired from active work on the farm, but has since continued to reside on it, making his home with his son, Martin. His wife died Nov. 30, 1920. He is a member of the Norwegian Lutheran Church. His long career in the township has made him acquainted with all the old settlers and most of the later ones, and he himself, is one of the best known and most highly respected citizens within its limits. He and his wife have been the parents of eight children, of whom six are now living, the record being as follows: Martin, Paulina, now Mrs. Andrew Flottum of Cumber- land; Mike, who is separately mentioned in this volume; Christ, now de- ceased; Ole, connected with the Hines Mercantile Co. of Cumberland; Andrew, who died in infancy; Gunhild, now Mrs. Herman Peterson of Cumberland, and Mattie, who is the wife of Morris Berklund of Polk County.

Mike Paulson, a well known and successful farmer of Lakeland Township, of which he is one of the supervisors, was born in Norway, April 25, 1872, son of Sever and Carrie (Nickelson) Paulson. In 1888, at the age of sixteen, he accompanied his parents to America, the family settling first at Cumberland, Wis. He had attended school in his native land, and continued his studies for a while in Barron County, but after 1890, when his father bought a farm, or rather, wild land in Lakeland Township, he had to make himself useful and subsequently took an active part in developing the place. After working for his father until 1902 he entered the employ of the Beaver Dam Lumber Co. at Cumberland. In 1910 he bought 80 acres in Section 26, Lakeland Township, and began an independent career as an agriculturist. Of this land he has cleared 30 acres, and also erected a granary, woodshed and machine shed, and rebuilt the house and barn. He is enjoying a prosperous career, and aside from his direct farming interests is a stockholder in the Farmers' Light and Power Co., the Silver Lake Cheese Factory and the Section Ten Cheese Factory; a director in the Mckinley Telephone Co., and the Cumberland Live Stock Ship- ping Association, and a member of the Farm Bureau. In 1915 he was elected township supervisor, in which office he is still serving, and during the same period he has served as school treasurer. At present also he is acting as road superintendent of his district. Mr. Paulson was married April 6, 1901, to Christie Lovaas, who was born in Norway March 22, 1876, daughter of Olous and Carrie Lovaas. Her mother died in 1917, but her father survives and is now residing in Cumberland. Mr. and Mrs. Paulson are members of the Nor- wegian Lutheran Church. They have an adopted daughter, Nora, who was born Aug. 31, 1905.

Mathias Arnes, postmaster at Barronett, oldest business man in the vil- lage, and one of the organizers and original owners of the Barronett State Bank, was born in Norway, and was there reared and educated. In his native land he married Lena Olson, the daughter of a neighbor. In 1880 he came to America, and landed in Clear Lake, Polk County, Wis., with but fifteen cents in his pocket. Four some time he was employed in logging in various lumber camps in western Wisconsin. In 1885 he came to Cumberland and entered the employ of the Beaver Dam Lumber Co. In 1893 he gave up the lumber business and homesteaded 80 acres in Burnett County, this state. He devel- oped and improved the property, and there carried on general farming until 1901. In that year he sold out, and entered the employ of James O. Jenson, who then owned a general store at Barronett. Four years of this work gave

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him much experience in the mercantile line, and in 1905 with his brother, Steiner Arnes, and Ed Anderson, he started in the general store business at Barronett for himself. Soon afterward he bought out his partners and has since continued in business with increasing success. In 1920 he took his sons, Harry C., Melvin and Barney as partners. In 1918 he started a hardware store, the management of which he has turned over to his son, Melvin. He started dealing in potatoes several years ago, and in 1915 built a potato ware- house. In 1916, seeing the need of a financial institution in the village, he helped to organize the Barronett State Bank. He was appointed postmaster in 1905, and has since conducted the office in his store.

Harry C. Arnes, town clerk and prosperous farmer of Lakeland Township, was born in Burnett County, this state, Dec. 25, 1895, the son of Mathias and Lena (Olson) Arnes. He attended the schools of his native township, and per- fected this with courses in the Capital City Commercial College at Madison, Wis. Then he worked with his father until 1916, when he rented a farm. In 1918 he bought 100 acres in Section 5, Lakeland Township. He has built up a good place, has named it the Pleasant View farm, and has been successful in his operations. His herd is of grade Guernseys, headed by a full blooded sire. His swine are pure blooded Duroc Jerseys. In 1919 he was elected to his present position as town clerk, and is filling the position with efficiency. Mr. Arnes was married June 20, 1916, to Ruth Loomis, daughter of Clarence and Chrissie (Tonolli) Loomis, of this county. He and his wife have two children : Harriet, born May 19, 1917; and Lyle, born Jan. 21, 1920. The family faith is that of the Norwegian Lutheran Church.

Christ Anderson, a pioneer settler of Lakeland Township, where he is now living retired from active work, was born in Norway Oct. 9, 1852. He grew up in his native land, attending school and later doing farm work until 1874, when, as a young man of 22 years, full of strength and ambition, he cut loose from home ties and emigrated to the United States. From New York, where he landed, he went to Lansing, Iowa, where, however, he remained but a short time, soon coming to Menomonie, Wis., and entering the employ of Knapp, Stout & Co. In 1876 he came to Barron County and took a homestead of 80 acres in Section 26, Lakeland Township. The land of course was wild, as he was one of the first settlers in the township. As such he had pioneer work to do. He cut the trail to Cumberland which is now the main road to that place, and used to fetch his provisions from Rice Lake before the village of Cumber- land was started. Until 1897 he resided on his land in Section 26, of which he cleared 20 acres, besides erecting log buildings. He then sold it and bought 80 acres in Section 13, the same township, which tract, after improving it, he sold in 1909. In the same year he bought his present place in Section 25, which he has since cleared and provided with buildings. In 1911 he gave up the active work of the farm and has since lived a life of comparative leisure. Among Mr. Anderson's early labors was the building of the road from the Robertson farm to Pipe Lake. He was a member of the first school board in the township, serving as its treasurer for five years. His long residence in the county has made him one of its best known citizens and he has a wide circle of friends and acquaintances of all ages and conditions. He is affiliated religiously with the Norwegian Lutheran Church. Mr. Anderson was married May 6, 1876, to Johanna Hanson, who was born in Norway Dec. 19, 1857. She passed to the higher life June 30, 1911, leaving four children: Lena, now Mrs. Clint Beardsley of Rice Lake, Wis .; Carrie, wife of Anton Balmer of Lakeland Town- ship; Christina, wife of John Snekvik of Duluth, Minn., and Dave, who is a farmer in Lakeland Township.

Dave Anderson, a well known and successful farmer of Section 26, Lake- land Township, and the son of one of its pioneers, was born in this township, Aug. 2, 1888, son of Christ and Johanna (Hanson) Anderson. He was edu- cated in the district school and subsequently until 1911 worked for his father. In that year the latter retired and Dave then bought 80 acres in Section 26,

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of which he has since cleared 20 acres besides erecting buildings. He is doing a successful business as a general farmer and dairyman, his cattle being grade Holsteins. He is also a stockholder in the Silver Lake cheese factory. On June 18, 1912, Dave Anderson was united in marriage with Elsie B. Cox, who was born in Bear Lake Township, Aug. 20, 1894, daughter of William and Iva (Stevens) Cox, her parents being prominent farmers of that township. Of this union two children have been born: Bernice J., May 26, 1916, and Clarence B., March 28, 1918.

Martin Vogt, who is profitably engaged in farming and poultry raising in Crystal Lake Township, of which he is a public official, was born in Jackson County, Illinois, Aug. 16, 1888, son of Hans H. and Alvina (Schroeder) Vogt. The father, a native of Germany, came to America in 1870, settling in Jackson County, Illinois, and remaining there until 1911, when he came to Barron County, Wisconsin, and bought 80 acres in Crystal Lake Township, Section 7. After a residence of one year on this place he retired and took up his residence at Turtle Lake, where he died in 1917. His wife, Alvina, who was born in Missouri, is still living at Turtle Lake. They were the parents of seven chil- dren, of whom there are now six survivors, namely, Fred H., Anna, Martin, Henry, Ernest and Julius. Martin Vogt attended school in his native state of Illinois, and at an early age became his father's assistant on the home farm. After working for his parents until 1912, he rented their farm in Crystal Lake Township, and so operated it until 1919, when it became his own property through purchase. Its present condition is chiefly the result of his own labor, as it was he who cleared and broke the land and made most of the important improvements. Among the latter is a fine, large chicken house. Mr. Vogt makes a specialty of raising pure bred White Leghorn chickens, of which at the present time he has a flock of about one thousand. His operations have been successful, and in spite of occasional drawbacks he has continued to prosper. He donated land for the new Woodside School, his interest in educa- tional matters being further manifested by his service as clerk of the school board, District No. 18. In 1921 he was elected town treasurer. The Lutheran Church numbers him among its useful and consistent members. Mr. Vogt was married Dec. 26, 1912, to Clara Ruehling, who was born Jan. 25, 1888, daughter of Frank and Madeline (Feig) Ruehling, then residents of Cape Girardeau County, Missouri. Mrs. Vogt's mother died in 1890, being survived by her husband, who now lives in Missouri. To. Mr. and Mrs. Martin Vogt three chil- dren have been born: Malinda M., Dec. 16, 1913; Harold G., Dec. 17, 1915, and Edgar A., April 15, 1919.

August F. Pieper, for many years a venerable and highly respected resi- dent of Cameron, now deceased, was born on a farm in Germany, Nov. 13, 1842, one of the five children of John and Wilhelmina (Bonflect) Pieper. He grew to adult years in his native land, and on March 28, 1867 married Henrietta Bortz, born in that country March 1, 1840, the daughter of John and Fredericka (Schultz) Bortz. In 1875 he determined that his growing family should have the wider and better opportunities of America. Accordingly he bade farewell to the scenes of his boyhood, and the land where his ancestors had lived for so many generations, and started for the United States with his wife and two children, Otelia and Elizabeth. They came directly to New Auburn, in Chip- pewa County, where they had friends. From there he drove into Barron County by ox team, and settled on a homestead of 80 acres of wild land in Sec- tion 31, Sumner Township, not far from the site of the old village of Sumner. He built a small frame house and a log barn, and started to clear the land. It was a year later before he got his first cow. At first he had little with which to carry on his farming operations. Grain was harvested with a cradle. Pro- visions were brought in afoot. The wife spun wool, knit socks, mittens and jackets, and wove linen cloth. Together they toiled through the hardships and in time attained prosperity. Two more children, Clara, (Mrs. Frank Draak) and Otto (deceased), were born on the farm. Mr. Pieper was most highly

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esteemed in his community and for ten years did good service on the school board. Of Mr. and Mrs. Pieper it was said: "In 1904, after a long and useful career as hard workers, they moved to Cameron where they have a pleasant home, and where they are enjoying the reward of rest and comfort their ardu- ous toil has well deserved. Mr. and Mrs. Pieper are genial, kindly people, and are held in the highest respect and love by all who know them. They have weathered the storms of life themselves, and know how to give advice to the younger people. Their home is one of hospitality and good cheer, and their doors are always open to their friends. They are good people and good neigh- bors, and they have been faithful to every obligation of life. The family faith is that of the German Lutheran Church in which Mr. Pieper held offices." Mr. Pieper died May 5, 1921, and his death was most sincerely mourned.

George H. Prock, real estate dealer of Rice Lake, was born in Jefferson County, Wisconsin, July 27, 1858, son of George and Catherine Prock, who were born in Bavaria, were there married March 17, 1850, and in 1851 came to America and located in Jefferson County, Wisconsin, and engaged in farming, later moving to Monroe County, in the same state, where they were similarly employed for the remainder of their lives, the father, who was born April 24, 1821, dying March 3, 1896, and the mother, who was born Jan. 27, 1831, dying March 17, 1874. In the family there were seven children: Michael, George H., Catherine and Mary (twins), Theresa, Celia and Babara William. George H. received his education in the Pine Hollow District, Jefferson Town- ship, Monroe County, Wisconsin, and remained with his parents until twenty- five years of age, working on the farm, in the lumber woods and in a barrel stave factory. Then he went to Clark County, also in this state, and was there variously employed, mostly in the lumber business, working in sawmills and a barrel stave factory, and doing other work as well. He came to Barron County in the fall of 1892 and from then until 1902, with the exception of three years when he engaged in logging in Sumner Township, this county, he engaged in farming and land dealing. His first farm consisted of 80 acres in Oak Grove Township, which he broke and developed. With this beginning he continued to buy land, selling on the increasing real estate market, and at times owning several hundred acres in the process of development. In 1912 he gave up farm- ing entirely and has since continued to devote his attention to the real estate business. He is one of the best judges of land in the county, he is ever willing to give his patrons the benefit and knowledge of his experience, and hundreds of satisfied customers testify to the success with which he has met in locating good farmers upon desirable farms. From the first he has been a believer in the agricultural possibilities of the county, and is conceded to be the first man who shipped hay and potatoes out of Rice Lake, an industry which has since grown to considerable proportions. Fraternally he is a member of the Catholic Foresters and the Modern Woodmen, while his wife is a popular mem- ber of the Catholic Foresters and the Royal Neighbors. Mr. Prock was married in Clark County, this state, March 24, 1884, to Catherine Wiesner, who was born on Oct. 24, 1867, daughter of Fred and Caroline Wiesner. Mr. and Mrs. Prock are the parents of fourteen children: Michael A., Francis J., Mary E., Martin J., Clara J., Laura C., and Anna B. are living; Theresa, George, Ma- thias, Mary and Joseph, and two unnamed infants are dead.

K. E. Rasmussen, attorney and agriculturist, former Assemblyman and for many years a member of the county board, was born in Laaland, Denmark, Oct. 17, 1860, son of Ole and Marie (Smith) Rasmussen, natives of that place. The father came to America in 1865 followed two years later by the mother and children. For some years they lived in Waukesha County, this state, where the father worked at bridge construction and at farming. Later they moved to Adams County, this state, where the father died in 1871 and the mother in 1899. In the family there were four children: Hannah (deceased), K. E., of Rice Lake, and C. H., who is conducting a ranch at the Bitterroot Valley in Montana. The subject of this sketch received his early training in

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the public schools. He took up the study of law in 1881. In 1882 he became a student of W. P. Swift, who had offices at Barron and Rice Lake. He was admitted to the bar in 1884 and opened an office at Rice Lake, practicing law, and handling insurance, real estate and loans. He took up farming in 1914 on his place in Doyle Township, where he specializes in Shorthorn cattle. He still retains his residence at 35 West Stout street, in the city. He has been justice and town clerk in Stanfold Township, and city attorney in Rice Lake. He was a member of the county board for twenty-five years, serving once for nineteen consecutive years, and once for six years. In the interim in 1899 and 1901 he served with credit in the Assembly. He is highly regarded in the community and held in the best esteem. Mr. Rasmussen was married Aug. 8, 1888, to Fannie E. Chamberlain of Eau Claire, and this union has been blessed with eight children: Harold E., who married Elma Gilstad; Holden V .; Daniel P .; Dayton O., who married Florella Slater; Lucile A., Rolland E., Allerton K. and Behring W.

August H. Lentz, a retired farmer and respected citizen, residing at Rice Lake, was born in Friesland, Germany, Nov. 3, 1872, son of Mr. and Mrs. John Lentz. He was ten years old when he came to America, his parents settling on a farm in Dallas Township. There he attended school for a limited period only, as he had to help his father on the farm, which was very little improved. The work was hard but necessary and was continued on the home place until he was 15, after which he began working for others and became self-sup- porting. At last the time came when he was able to start out for himself, and was marked by a double event-his marriage and his first purchase of land. Both happened in 1896, his marriage on June 9, uniting him with Hulda Kra- mer, a native of Illinois. The farm he bought on the 26th of the same month, and was simply 80 acres of wild land in Barron Township. Instead of settling on it, however, he went to work in the grist mill of J. W. Taylor of Barron, for whom he worked seven years. He then secured a lumbering contract from the A. Y. Felton Company, and in their interests spent a year at Lehi, Wis., but this enterprise proved unfortunate, as he came out of it eighty dollars behind. For three years after that he was in the service of the Pennsylvania Railway, as a member of a wrecking crew, with headquarters at Chicago, where he resided. By the end of that time he had paid for his farm and had $100 over. Therefore, returning to Barron, he began the cultivation of the farm, on which he gradually erected substantial buildings to the value of over $11,000, the barn having concrete floors and a stone basement under all. Mr. Lentz re- mained there until June, 1919, when, his health having become impaired through hard work, he sold his farm and retired to Rice Lake, where he owns a good home. He is a Republican politically, while his religious affiliations are with the German Lutheran Church of Rice Lake. He and his wife are the parents of two daughters: Anna, born July 31, 1897, who is the wife of Ernest Koepp of Barron; and Mildred, born Jan. 26, 1907, who is residing at home.

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History of Barron County Wisconsin, Part 149

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

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