History of Barron County Wisconsin, Part 150

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

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John Lentz, who helped to increase the agricultural wealth of Barron County by the development of a farm in Dallas Township, was born in Ger- many, where he grew to manhood and married. With his family he came to America in 1882, continuing his journey directly to Menomonie, Wis., where he arrived in June, and soon after settling in Dallas Township, Barron County, where he bought 166 acres of mostly wild land on which were some poor build- ings. From this inauspicious beginning, through hard work he advanced grad- ually in prosperity, in time becoming the owner of 486 acres, all in Barron County, and after a successful career retired, settling three of his sons, John C., Fred C. and Ernest, on the home farm. He is now living in Ridgeland, Dunn County, having with his residence a tract of five acres. He and his wife had eight children, of whom two are deceased. The living are: Otilia, who is the widow of Herman Kruger and resides in Barron Township; August H., of Rice Lake, this county; John of Dallas Township; Clara, now Mrs. Gust Prell

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of Bloomer, Wis .; Fred, of Dunn County, and Ernest, who is still on the home farm in Dallas Township.

Martin A. Miller, supervisor on the town board of Arland Township, and proprietor of a flourishing farm of 80 acres, was born in Norway, Sept. 11, 1867, son of Andrew and Mary (Hanson) Miller. The parents were also na- tives of that country, the father during his active career being a mason and farmer. He was born June 13, 1829, and died In November, 1917. The mother died Jan. 11, 1891. They had a family of five children: Martin A., subject of this sketch; John and Sever, who are farmers in Arland Township; Anna, now Mrs. Edward Storm of Minneapolis, and Maren of Norway. Martin A. was educated in his native land, where he learned and followed the black- smith's trade. In 1892 he emigrated, landing at Boston, April 21. From that city he went to Sacred Heart, Minn., then to Maynard, Minn., where he worked at his trade for two years. In 1894 he transferred his energies to Barron County, Wisconsin, locating first at Turtle Lake. For two winters he worked in the woods, then in 1896 he established a blacksmith's shop at Turtle Lake which he operated till 1914. During his stay there he served eleven years as a member of the village council. In 1915 Mr. Miller bought 100 acres of wild land in Section 17, Arland Township, of which he later sold 20 acres and cleared 40. He has remodeled the buildings and put an addition to the barn, and is conducting a general farming and dairy business with satisfactory finan- cial results, keeping mixed Guernsey cattle. In 1916, 1917 and 1918 he served as assessor of Arland Township, and in 1921 was elected supervisor. He is fraternally affiliated with the Beavers and Odd Fellows at Turtle Lake, and religiously with the Norwegian Lutheran Church. July 18, 1903, he was united in marriage to Hilda Anderson, who was born in Renville County, Minnesota, Jan. 22, 1880, daughter of Andrew and Bertha (Peterson) Anderson. Her parents came to the United States from Norway in the late sixties, settling near Granite Falls, Minn., where for many years they were engaged in farming. They are now retired and reside in Granite Falls. They have had seven children : Amelia, Martin, Betsey, Hilda, Inga, Anna and Christina, of whom the two last mentioned are now deceased. Mr. and Mrs. Miller have one child, Goldie O., who was born April 23, 1914.

Martin P. Miller, a prosperous farmer of Arland Township, residing on the old Ostgaard farm which he purchased a year or two ago, was born in Norway, Dec. 1, 1880, son of Peter A. and Sarina (Anderson) Miller. In 1885, a child of five years, he accompanied his parents to America, the family settling in Arland Township. Here he attended school in District No. 4. Subsequently he worked for and with his father until 1905, in which year he bought 120 acres in Section 29, Arland Township, of which he partly cleared 30 acres, in 1907 building a house, barn and outbuildings. There he lived until 1920, when he bought the Ostgaard homestead of 80 acres in Section 32. This farm has an area of 200 acres and Mr. Miller is here carrying on a mixed farming and dairying business, keeping mixed grade cattle with a high grade Guernsey sire. His operations are conducted on a profitable basis and he has taken his place among the well-to-do citizens of his township. On the death of his father Mr. Miller became the treasurer of Concordia church, in which position he is still serving, and for nine years he has been treasurer of District No. 4 school board. He is a member of the Farm Bureau and also of the Farmers Shipping Association at Poskin. On Oct. 20, 1906, Mr. Miller was united in marriage with Anna Aker, who was born in Arland Township, Dec. 14, 1886, daughter of John and Beret (Erlien) Aker. Her parents who came to America from Norway in 1880, settled on 80 acres of wild land in Section 19, Arland Town- ship, which they subsequently developed into a farm. The mother died Dec. 24, 1892, and the father Sept. 18, 1894. Thus left an orphan at an early age, Anna Aker made her home in the family of Solan Ostgaard until her marriage. The matrimonial felicity of Mr. and Mrs. Miller has been heightened by the birth of five children, all now living, namely: ' Albert S., born March 7, 1907;

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Peter, March 8, 1909; John B., Oct. 5, 1911; Selma A., Feb. 5, 1914, and Melvin A., Jan. 7, 1917. The Miller family are connected religiously with Concordia church and are socially popular throughout their neighborhood.

Soland Ostgaard, one of the pioneer settlers of Arland Township, who still resides on his old homestead in Section 32, was born in Norway, Nov. 5, 1843. After attending school he became a farm laborer, which occupation he followed in his native land until 1872, when he came to America, landing at Quebec June 21. From that port he came directly to Madison, Wis., thence going to Menomonie, Wis., where he entered the employ of Knapp, Stout & Co., who employed him in their sawmills for about two years. In 1874 Mr. Ost- gaard came to Barron County and took a homestead of 80 acres in Section 32, Arland Township, the country being so wild that he had to cut a trail to his property. His provisions he had to bring from Prairie Farm, carrying them in a pack on his back, and he frequently carried his butter to Cumberland to sell. For many years he worked for Knapp, Stout & Co., logging and driving. During the first five years on his farm he used oxen for the draught work, and then got a horse team. He also helped to build roads, and his first road in the township went by his farm on the Hay river. Mr. Ostgaard cleared 40 acres of his land and erected a full set of buildings. Some of the original log struc- tures are still standing on the place. He also helped to build Concordia church, donating some of the lumber for it. One of the active and stirring citizens of his township he took a prominent part in everything calculated for its ad- vancement and was widely known and respected as one of its most useful citizens. After carrying on his farm successfully until 1920, Mr. Ostgaard sold it to Martin P. Miller and retired from active work, but continues to re- side on the old homestead. He was married in 1872 to Argot Grue, who passed away April 13, 1918. They had but one child, John, who passed away when · three years old.

Peter A. Miller, Sr., for many years one of the leading citizens of Arland Township, but now deceased, was a native of Norway, where he grew to man- hood and was married. In 1884 he emigrated to the United States, leaving his family behind to rejoin him a year later. Landing at New York, he came di- rectly to Menomonie, Wis., and thence to Barron County, where for' a short time he lived with Ole Johnston's family. In 1887 Mr. Miller bought a home- stead right of 80 acres of wild land in Section 20, Arland Township, on which he erected a set of buildings and proceeded to make a home. At several dif- ferent times he bought more land and at one time owned several hundred acres in Arland Township. He also owned a half interest with Even Larson in the first sawmill in the township. On his original homestead Mr. Miller cleared 50 acres, besides parts of his other property. Identifying himself closely with the affairs of the township, he proved a useful citizen in various ways, helping to build roads, serving several years as pathmaster, for many years as treasurer of the school board of District No. 4, and as assessor of Arland Township from the time it was set off until his death. He also helped to build Concordia church, of which he was treasurer till his death. In 1914 he retired from active farm work, and a few months later, on Feb. 6, 1915, he passed away to the sorrow of the entire community. Mr. Miller was married in Norway to Sarina Anderson, and they became the parents of seven children: Charles, a farmer in Arland Township; Sina, wife of Hans Holverson of Turtle Lake; Martin P., a farmer in Arland Township; Peder A., now proprietor of the home farm, his mother residing with him; and Peder, Martha and Anna, who are deceased.

Peder A. Miller, who is successfully operating as general farmer and dairyman the farm in Arland Township which was established by his father 34 years ago, was born in this township, Jan. 8, 1887, son of Peter A. and Sarina (Anderson) Miller. The year of his birth was that in which his father bought his original 80 acres in Section 20, so that he has grown up with the old home. As a boy he attended school in District No. 4 and subsequently be-

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SOLAND OSTEGAARD

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came his father's assistant on the farm. In 1914, on his father's retirement he rented it, and, having since bought the interests of the other heirs, it is now his own property. It consists of 2041/2 acres in Sections 20 and 21, of which he has himself cleared 15 acres, besides remodeling the buildings, and erecting a garage, silo and chicken house. His cattle are mixed, but his herd includes a pure bred Holstein sire. Mr. Miller was married Sept. 20, 1913, to Thora Gilbertson, who was born in Norway, May 30, 1894, daughter of Gilbert Tuftin and Gulberg (Anderson) Tuftin. Her parents, who came to America in 1907, are now residing in the village of Arland, this county. Mr. and Mrs. Miller are the parents of three children: Gena L., born July 10, 1914; Peter G., Dec. 16, 1917, and Edna V., Jan. 29, 1921. The family are affiliated re- ligiously with the Concordia Lutheran Church.

Jacob Jackson, one of the substantial citizens of Arland Township, who has taken a prominent part in its upbuilding and development and is now en- joying a prosperous career, the result of his own industry and enterprise, was born in Sweden, June 18, 1865, son of Andrew and Carrie (Anderson) Jacob- son. He was educated in his native land, where he learned the carpenter's trade. At the age of seventeen he lost his parents, who both died in October, 1882. In May, 1893, he came to America, landing at New York and proceeding west to Barron County, Wisconsin. In Arland Township he bought 40 acres of land located on Section 27, and subsequently purchased 120 more, bringing the area of his farm up to 160 acres. Of this land he has since cleared 90 acres, He erected a set of buildings on the west eighty, where he lived until 1917. Then he sold that part of the farm to his son, Albert, and erected a new set of modern buildings on the east eighty, which is the part on which he now lives, and where he carries on mixed farming and dairying. His buildings are illuminated with the Delco electric light system and the aspect of his place is indicative of thrift and prosperity. During his early years in the township Mr. Jackson proved himself a useful acquisition in many ways. He helped to build roads and schools and was always ready to lend a hand to any worthy enterprise, a characteristic which he has not yet lost. For three years he served on the school board of District No. 5. In addition to his farming in- terests he is a stockholder in the Barron co-operative creamery and the Hills- dale Western Telephone Co. He married in Sweden, Margaret Anderson, who was born Aug. 28, 1866, daughter of Andrus and Carrie (Anderson) Youren- son. The union of Mr. and Mrs. Jackson has been blessed by a family of twelve children, whose record in brief is as follows: John T., born Oct. 31, 1889, now a carpenter in Duluth, Minn .; Albert, born June 18, 1891, who is a farmer in Arland Township; Gunnar E., born Oct. 2, 1893, now a farmer in Maple Grove Township; Mary C., born June 27, 1895, who married Gust Lindholm and lives in Ortenville, Minn .; Aldridge L., born April 27, 1897; Carl H., born May 3, 1899; Ernest L., born Dec. 26, 1900; Otto W., born Feb. 6, 1903, now in La Crosse, Wis .; Clara T., born March 31, 1905; Anna T., born Dec. 14, 1906; Wallace R., born Feb. 17, 1908 and Gladys E., born June 27, 1912. The family attend the Swedish M. E. Church, of which they are active and faithful mem- bers. Of the sons, John T. and Gunnar E. are veterans of the World War. John T. enlisted in the aviation branch of the service at Grand Falls, Mon- tana, Dec. 5, 1917, as a private. He was sworn in at Fort George Wright, Washington, Dec. 10, and two days later left for the Kelley Field, near San Antonio, Texas, where he was attached to a casual squadron. Jan. 20, 1918 he was transferred to Camp McArthur, Waco, Texas, and assigned to the 22nd Squadron, Second Provisional Regiment, Aviation Section. Later he was trans- ferred to the 833rd Aero Repair Squadron, and equipped for overseas service. His next camp was at Field 2, Hempstead, Long Island, New York, where he was in quarantine for a while. May 11, he sailed on the "Anslem" and on May 23, arrived at Liverpool. He marched to a rest camp named Knotty Ash, and on May 25 arrived at Camp Morn Hill. Later he was sent to Camp Flower Down, near Winchester, England, to repair hospitals. June 5, he left for

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Camp Cranwell, near Sleaford, England, an old naval station where the 833rd Aero Squadron was assigned to training in repairing aeroplanes under the instructions of American and British experts. John T. was engaged in "rig- ging" air ships until Armistice Day, 1918. He arrived in the United States on the "Minnekahda", Dec. 5, 1918, and was discharged at Camp Mills, Hemp- stead, Long Island, N. Y., Dec. 20, 1918. Gunnar Jackson was inducted into the United States service at Havre, Montana, Sept. 22, 1917, left there the following day, and arrived at Camp Lewis, Wash., with the second draft quota, Sept. 25. There he was assigned to the 348th Federal Army organization. He arrived at Camp Mills, New Jersey, July 6, 1918, for overseas equipment, and on July 14, sailed on the S. S. "Caronia". He arrived at Liverpool, England, July 26, and on July 26 sailed from South Hampton, arriving at La Havre, France, July 28. At Le Cendre, France, which he reached July 31, the unit was drilled and equipped with heavy guns and caterpillar tractors. The unit left there Nov. 2, loaded at Clearmont, Nov. 3, and the next day arrived at Brocourt Woods, where they went into action on the Meuse Argonne from Nov. 4, until Armistice Day. Nov. 27, the unit started on its march with the Army of Occupation and ate Thanksgiving dinner at Stenay. The march con- tinued through Belgium and Luxembourg into Germany. At Sahlem, Private Jackson entered the motor school. Feb. 11, 1919, the return trip was started in box cars. Brest, France, was reached Feb. 16, and there the unit was at- tached to the Engineers for five weeks, helping to improve the camp. March 23 the unit sailed on the S. S. "Aquitania" and reached Camp Merritt seven days later. Mr. Jackson was discharged at Cheyenne, Mont., April 20, 1919. Erick N. Bergstrom, a substantial farmer of Section 28, Arland Township, was born in Sweden, June 19, 1861, the son of Nels and Margaret (Anarson) Bergstrom, both of whom spent the span of their years in that country. He attended school in his native land, worked at the painting trade for six years, then farmed for a while, then clerked in a mercantile store for six years, and was employed in the paper mills for twelve years. In 1909 he came to America. He landed in Philadelphia and came directly to Barron County, where for a while he lived with his brother, Henry, in Arland Township. In 1910, he bought 40 acres in Section 28, Arland Township. This was all wild land ex- cept ten acres of which six acres had been broken. He has put up a good set of buildings, and cleared about 25 acres. Here he successfully carries on general farming and dairying along modern lines. He has a good herd of graded Guernseys, headed by a full blooded sire. He stands well throughout the community and is respected by all who know him. Mr. Bergstrom was married in Sweden, June 9, 1895, to Edla C. Broman, who was born in that country, March 14, 1870, the daughter of Andrew and Hilda (Farnstrom) Bro- man, who lived and died in Sweden. Mr. and Mrs. Bergstrom have had six children. Nels H. was born April 14, 1896, and died eight days later. Erick H. was born April 25, 1897. Thure N. was born May 10, 1899. Hilda M. was born Nov. 1, 1902. Nels E. was born July 3, 1905. Carl H. was born Jan. 25, 1911. All the children except Carl H. were born in Sweden. He was born on this farm.

Louis J. Breen, influential citizen, now deceased, eight years county clerk, eight years chairman of Prairie Farm Township, many years chairman of the county board, prosperous farmer of Section 32, Arland Township, and a most worthy man in every respect, was born in Osterdalen, Norway, Nov. 26, 1848, the son of John and Mary (Holemo) Breen, also natives of that country. He was reared in Norway, attended school there, and became a farmer and painter. In 1868, he came to America and landed in Fillmore County, Minne- sota. There he did general farm work and followed the trade of painting which he had learned in Norway. In 1875 he came to Barron County, and located in what is now Section 32, Arland Township. Forty-five years ago conditions were different from what they are now. The lumber camps were still flourishing, the early villages were just getting a start, the "tote" roads

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were still the principal routes of travel, the settlers were scattered, living in little cabins built in clearings among the trees, brush and stumps. The land Mr. Breen took was all wild. He put up a cabin, moved his family into it, and underwent all the hardships and privations while getting a start in life. In time he built up a good farm, with comfortable and sightly buildings, and well fenced and well tilled acres. He was a progressive and enterprising man who believed in modern methods, and as means permitted he acquired the best of equipment and machinery. While never of a type who pushed himself, and although finding his greatest delights in the quiet of his home life, Mr. Breen was a natural born leader and it was inevitable that his fellow men should call his talents into requisition for public service. For some years he was school clerk. In the town his first office was that of supervisor for two years. So efficiently did he fulfill the duties of this office that he was elected town clerk, in which position he served for seven years. In the fall of 1888, his friends placed him in nomination for county clerk. He was duly elected and served in all eight years. His work in this capacity is still remembered, and many of the systems he introduced are still in evidence at the courthouse. When he retired from this office his fellow townsmen elected him chairman of the township, a position in which he also served for eight years. His expe- rience naturally fitted him to make an unusually fine record both in handling the town's affairs, and in sitting on the county board. After a life of real use- fulness to his fellow men, he died April 12, 1908. At that time it was said of him: "As a man, Mr. Breen was modest, diffident and unassuming, while firmly holding to everything that he believed to be right; as a neighbor and friend he was kind-hearted, loyal, generous, true and helpful; as an official he was genial, efficient, attentive, courteous, exact and thoroughly informed; as a 'husband he was loving and considerate; as a father he was understanding, tender and indulgent; a fine type, whether as a man, citizen, friend, official or family man; his loss will long continue to be mourned; and his memory will remain forever in the annals of those whose worth and work went into the up- building of the county." Mr. Breen was married Nov. 27, 1870, to Anna Hilsta- hagen, at Fillmore, Minn. She was born in Norway on March 17, 1845, and died in Arland Township, March 17, 1882. This union was blessed with six children: Paul, Marie, Carl, Albert, Louise and Otto. April. 23, 1883, Mr. Breen married Augusta Margaretta Hanson, who was born in Norway, Sept. 29, 1853, the daughter of Hans C. and Henreka (Johanson) Hanson. This union has been blessed with eight children: Helmer, Anne, Helen, Christine, Laura, Clara, Hilda and Sophie. Paul is in Boville, Idaho. Marie is the wife of T. P. Breen of Minneapolis. Carl operates the home farm. Albert is farm- ing in Prairie Farm Township. Louise is a stenographer in the Fairview Hos- pital, Minneapolis. Otto operates a hardware story in Hendry, South Dakota. Helmer is a civil engineer connected with the United States government. His headquarters are now at Sand Point, Idaho. Anne is the wife of Albert Vad- heim, of Bridger, Mont. Helen is the wife of Michael Schoemer of Northport, Wash. Christine is the wife of Dr. Alfred Vadheim of Tyler, Minn. Laura is the wife of Erick Bergstrom of Venn, Saskatchewan, Canada. Clara is the wife of Proctor Shelby of Omaha, Neb. Hilda is the wife of C. R. Brooks, of St. Paul, Minn. Sophie is a telegraph operator at Omaha, Neb. Mrs. Breen, a worthy woman of many gracious qualities, who was a faithful helpmeet of her husband in all his undertakings, is still living on the home place.

Carl Breen is one of the progressive young farmers of Arland Township, successfully operating the family homestead in Section 32. He is energetic and modern, he understands farming thoroughly, he is popular with all who know him, he is a useful citizen, and he stands high throughout the commu- nity. Born on the farm where he still lives, April 6, 1877, the son of Louis J. and Anna (Hilstahagen) Breen, he attended the local schools and was reared to farm pursuits by his father. He gradually took over the responsibilities of the place, of which he is now part owner, and after his father's death rented

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it from the other heirs. Like his father before him, he is interested in public affairs, and has served six years as town supervisor and for a number of terms as a member of his school district board. He was married June 26, 1912, to Alma Swergen, who was born March 16, 1887. She graduated from the Minne- sota State Normal School at Madison, Minn., in 1909, and then became a profi- cient teacher, having charge of various public and parochial schools for seven years. Like her husband she is taking her share in the affairs of the community.

Martin Clayton, an active and industrious farmer of Sections 31 and 32, Arland Township, was born in Norway, May 3, 1874, the son of Nels and Johanna (Johansdatter) Clayton. These good people were born and reared in Norway, and were there married. They came to America in 1887, landing in New York May 28, of that year. From that city they came directly to Me- nomonie, Wis., where they stayed for a while. In 1889 they bought 80 acres in Sections 31 and 32, Arland Township. He erected a set of log buildings and cleared about fifteen acres. There he carried on farming for many years. He was active in the upbuilding of the community, was interested in church and school, and helped to construct some of the early roads. In 1899 he retired but continued to live on the place until his lamented death, Oct. 25, 1908. His wife died Dec. 2, 1913. They were the parents of five children. Andreas and

Ellen died in Norway. Curine is the wife of Anton Moen of Prairie Farm Township. Anna is the widow of Hans Thorson of Norway. Martin, the third child, attended school in Norway, and was thirteen years old in 1887, when his parents brought him to America, was reared on his present farm, and early learned the hard work of farm life in this region. He helped his parents de- velop the farm and in 1899 took over its management. He has erected a good set of modern buildings, has cleared 50 more acres, has put up fences and has purchased suitable equipment in the way of tools, implements and machinery. Here he successfully carries on general farming and dairying. He has a good graded herd, and raises the crops usual in this region. Mr. Clayton believes in helping every cause which is for the best interests of the community. He is a stockholder in the Hillsdale Northwestern Telephone Co. In 1904 Mr. Clay- ton homesteaded land in Marshall County, Minn., which he held for three years. Mr. Clayton married Alice G. Baker, who was born in Marquette County, Wis- consin, Aug. 28, 1876, the daughter of Frank and Christine (Nelson) Baker, now residents of Arland Township. Mr. and Mrs. Clayton have a daughter, Juna C., who was born March 6, 1901, and is at home. The family faith is that of the Concordia Church at Arland.

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History of Barron County Wisconsin, Part 150

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

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