History of Barron County Wisconsin, Part 151

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

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Robert Christiansen, who has been a resident of Arland Township for nearly thirty years, during which time he has operated a farm in Section 9, was born in Denmark, Dec. 27, 1850, son of Christ and Mary (Thorson) Chris- tiansen. He attended school in his native land and began industrial life as a farm laborer. In 1870 he enlisted in the Danish army, being attached to the Fourth Cavalry Regiment, in which he served two years. For ten years he was employed as a care-taker in the woods. In 1883 he came to the United States, landing at Castle Garden, New York, whence he proceeded to Hammond, Wisconsin. There he first worked as section hand on the railroad, but in a short time bought a small farm which he operated two years. In 1886 Mr. Christiansen went to St. Paul, Minn., where he worked for the street car com- pany and as a common laborer for six years. So far, with the exception of the time he had farmed near Hammond, he had been merely a wage earner, but in 1892 he came to Barron County, Wisconsin, and once more engaged in farming on his own account, buying 40 acres of wild land in Section 9, Arland Township. On this he erected log buildings, and has since cleared 40 acres. He now has a set of good modern outbuildings, and is carrying on general farming and dairying with success, his herd of Guernsey cattle including a pure bred sire. He is a stockholder in the Barron Co-operative Creamery. For three years he has served on the school board of his district, and as a citizen is a man who

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SIMEON BROWN

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commands the respect of his fellow townsmen. Mr. Christiansen was married Aug. 10, 1873, in Denmark, to Anna Hanson, who passed away in June, 1891. He and his wife had nine children, but three of whom are now living, namely: Christina, now Mrs. Frederickson of Fresno, Cal .; Hannah, wife of Charles Kendall of St. Maries, Idaho, and Julius, who resides on the farm with his father.

Simeon Brown, the developer, and for many years the proprietor of East- wood Farm in Arland Township, was born in Vernon County, Wisconsin, Nov. 6, 1861, son of George W. and Abbie (Adams) Brown. The parents, who were among the early settlers in Barron County, are now deceased. Simeon ac- quired his education in the district schools in Vernon County, and subsequently worked for and with his father. During that early period he had his youthful ambitions of carving out a modest fortune, and as a first step thereto bought a small piece of land in Clinton Township, Barron County, which he later sold. In 1890 he bought 80 acres in Arland Township, this county, located in Section 1, on which he erected a set of log buildings. Later he purchased 110 acres in the same section, putting up a set of modern buildings and naming the farm Eastwood. This place was his home until his death on April 26, 1921. During his active career he was engaged in mixed farming and dairying, keeping high grade Guernsey cattle with a pure bred sire, and his practical knowledge of all branches of agriculture, together with his diligent application to business, placed him finally in a position of comfortable independence. His character as a man was one that commanded the respect of his neighbors, and he proved himself a useful citizen, serving several years on the school board, also as town treasurer, and as a member of the Arland Township board. He was a consistent attendant of the Methodist Episcopal Church, of which his family are members, and belonged to that class of men who, when they pass away leave a void in the community not easily filled. Mr. Brown was married July 27, 1898, in Barron, Wis., to Eva Knowlton, who was born in Wabasha, Minn., Jan. 31, 1871, daughter of Jason and Laura (Shirtlaff) Knowlton. Her parents are now deceased. The children of Mr. and Mrs. Simeon Brown, all now living, were born as follows: Margaret E., July 25, 1899; Laura M., Dec. 19, 1901; Myron L., March 9, 1903; Abbie A., Sept. 24, 1905, and Esther G., Oct. 10, 1910. Since her husband's death Mrs. Brown has continued to operate the farm with the assistance of her son, Myron L. The place is well improved and the Browns are among the respected and prosperous families of Arland Township.

Henry E. Broten, a representative farmer of Section 30, Arland Township, is a native of the place where he still resides, born Oct. 7, 1880, the son of Erick and Eliza (Halverson) Broten. These good people were born, reared and mar- ried in Norway. They came to America in the early seventies and located at Menomonie, Wis., where he entered the employ of Knapp, Stout & Co., work- ing in the lumber woods and on the river drives. In 1872 he took a home- stead of 80 acres in Section 30, Arland Township. It was then covered with heavy timber. He had to cut a trail to get his provisions and supplies to his claim. There he built a log cabin and started to establish a home and a farm. He did his logging and clearing with a yoke of oxen, and continued to use oxen for some twenty years. Often he walked to Prairie Farm, bringing flour home on his back. It was some years before adequate roads were built in the vicin- ity. Mr. Broten worked hard and as the years passed got 60 acres of his place cleared. He continued actively engaged in farming until his death, Dec. 15, 1908. In the family there were five children: Matilda, wife of Martin Ander- son of Turtle Lake Township, this county; Andrew, of Birchwood County, this state; Henry E., the subject of this sketch; Charles, of Saskatchewan, Canada; and George, who is dead. Henry E. attended the district schools, was reared on the home place, and learned farming from his father. In 1891 he started out, worked in the woods of northern Wisconsin and Minnesota for a while, then did railroad work at Seattle, Wash., several years, and for one year was employed in cattle roundups in Montana, his employer being an Indian named

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Jack Galbraith. In 1908 he returned home and bought the old homestead. Here he successfully carries on general farming and dairying, and has a good herd of mixed graded Holsteins. He has made many improvements on the place, in- cluding the erection of a pleasant new home. Here he and his aged mother live comfortably. Both are well known throughout the community, and both are well thought of by all who know them. The log cabin which was the family home for so many years is still standing.

Frank Baker,, a pioneer of Barron County, who has been a resident of Ar- land Township for 43 years, was born in Germany, July 1, 1855, son of Fred and Marie (Court) Baker. Coming to America in 1869 the family settled at Oconomowoc, Wis., but subsequently removed to Reeseville, Wis., where the father died Oct. 8, 1876, and the mother Nov. 27, 1900. They had seven chil- dren: Fred, now in Germany; William, who died Nov. 11, 1919; Christian, a resident of Marquette County, Wis .; Frank, subject of this sketch; and Sophia, Louisa and Augusta, who are deceased. Frank Baker attended school in Ger- many and was fourteen years old when he came to this country with his par- ents. For a while he did farm labor in Waukesha County, and was there until 1878, when he became a pioneer of Barron County, taking a homestead of 40 acres in Section 30, Arland Township. The tract was heavily covered with tim- ber and he cut the first tree on it, and also many others subsequently. For a residence he erected a log cabin, 18 by 24 feet, in which he lived for. 23 years. The next building he erected was a log barn. Both buildings were constructed of logs cut on his land, and both are still standing. As for some years his farm produced no income, Mr. Baker worked during the winters for Knapp, Stout & Co., and also in the fall in the harvest fields of the state to earn money for running expenses. He also helped to build roads and was the first man to drive from his homestead to Turtle Lake. In 1887, having by that time made some progress, he bought an additional tract of 40 acres north of his home- stead. More recently, in 1918, he purchased 80 acres in Section 31, this giving him a total of 160 acres. Of his 80 acres in Section 30 he has cleared 35. In 1901 Mr. Baker erected a good, modern house, and in 1905 a modern barn, with the Phoenix equipment. He follows general farming and dairying, keeping mixed grade cattle, and is conducting a profitable business. On Oct. 14, 1875 Mr. Baker was united in marriage with Christina Nelson, who was born in Norway Nov. 26, 1851, daughter of Nels and Sophia (Anderson) Anderson, and came to America in 1870. Mr. and Mrs. Baker have five children: Alice G., born Aug. 28, 1876, now Mrs. Martin Clayton; Cora E., born Jan. 4, 1882, who is the wife of Julius Larson of Barron; Minnie F., born Nov. 28, 1885; Walter E., born March 13, 1889, and Olga C., born July 8, 1893, who are residing at home.

Andrew O. Wold, an early settler of Section 20, Arland Township, was born in Norway, in 1838, and was there reared and educated, and there married Anna Severson, who was born in that country in 1844. In 1872 he brought his fam- ily to America. After landing in Quebec, Canada, he went directly to Green County, in this state, where he remained for a year. In 1873 he located at Menomonie Junction, Dunn County, this state, where he did railroad construc- tion work. It was in 1874 that he came to Barron County and took a home- stead of 80 acres in Section 20, Arland Township. He was the first settler west on what is now the Clayton road, between the Hay river and the county line. When he first came he had to cut a trail among the trees for three miles in order to get his family and supplies onto his land. Even with that he had to carry bedding and provisions part of the way on his back. For a while the family lived in the open under the big pines, blankets being hung up to pro- tect them from the wind and the rain. When he got the log shack built, they moved into it. Then he opened the road and purchased a yoke of oxen. It was some time before he used horses. For a while he and his wife and children endured many hardships. Even food was scarce. Only 50 pounds of fiour could be obtained at one time from the store at Prairie Farm, and even then

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MR. AND MRS. OLE MOSENG

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he had to bring it to his cabin on his back. Getting the farm cleared and broken was a task of great difficulty. The white pine logs had to be cut and skidded to the Hay river, where Knapp, Stout & Co. paid $2.50 a thousand feet. Little by little, Mr. Wold built up the place. When he retired in 1889 he had a good set of log buildings and 35 acres of the land had been cleared and cul- tivated. From 1889 to 1892 the son, John W., had charge of the place, and since then the son, Sever Anderson, has owned it. Mr. Wold died in 1893, and his wife Nov. 14, 1905. He was a man of energy and sterling character, who be- lieved in everything that was good, and his memory will long be cherished. His wife, a most worthy woman, was a faithful helpmeet in all his under- takings. They were the parents of fourteen children, of whom there are now living six. Inga is the wife of Ole Severson, of Arland Township. Bertha is the wife of Martin Halverson of Arland Township. Carrie is the wife of Peter Korbal of Minneapolis, Minn. Sever is farming the home place. John W. is a farmer in Prairie Farm Township. Hans W. now resides with his sister, Inga. The sons have taken the name of Anderson.

Sever Anderson, proprietor of the Riverdale Guernsey Farm, is one of the prominent men of Arland Township, and is taking his part in those modern movements which have for their object the agricultural progress of this com- munity. He is doing most efficient work as clerk of the Arland Township unit of the Barron County Farm Bureau, he is active in the Barron County Guern- sey Breeders Association, and he is a stockholder in the Barron Creamery Co., and in the Hillsdale Telephone Co. He has also served with credit as a member of the school board of his district. He was born on the place where he still lives, Sept. 11, 1874, the son of Andrew O. and Anna (Severson) Wold, early settlers. He was reared on the home place and attended school in the old log

schoolhouse in District No. 4. At the age of sixteen he started out for himself, and worked in the woods and on farms for a while. In 1892 he bought 120 acres of the old homestead. To this he has added so that he now owns 160 acres. He has cleared 5 acres more, has rebuilt the buildings, and has installed modern equipment including the Westinghouse system of electric lighting. He has a good place and successfully carries on general farming and dairying. His fine herd of Guernseys is headed by a full blooded sire and some of the cows are also full bloods. Mr. Anderson was married at Prairie Farm Jan. 9, 1905, to Gertie Bustgaard, who was born in Norway, May 30, 1874, the daughter of Lars and Mary (Thalberg) Bustgaard, natives of Norway, and both now deceased. Mr. and Mrs. Anderson have a fine family of five bright children: Andrew, Hawkin, Martin, Gunde and Lars. The family faith is that of the Norwegian Lutheran Church.

Ole Moseng, for over forty-three years a resident of Section 32, Arland Township, was born in Norway, attended school there, grew to manhood, and married Bertha Troan. They came to America in 1871, landed at Quebec, and found their way to Perry, Wis., where they remained for over a year. From there they came to Menomonie, where he entered the employ of Knapp, Stout & Co., working in the lumber camps and on the river drives. In 1875, he came to Barron County, and took a homestead of 80 acres in Section 32, Arland Township. This was all wild land. He blazed a trail to his place, through the woods, built a log cabin, and there established his family. For many seasons he continued to work in the woods to get a little money to keep things going while he could get things well started on the farm. Gradually he built up a good place, and he and his wife became respected and substantial people. In 1896 he turned the place over to his son, Charles E., but continued to live there until his death. He died Dec. 15, 1918, and his wife June 12, 1916.

Charles E. Moseng, a leading farmer of Section 32, Arland Township, was born in Perry, Wis., Jan. 23, 1873, the son of Ole and Bertha (Troan) Moseng, who brought him to his present place in 1875. He was reared here, attended the district school, and learned farming from his father. He took over the place in 1896, and has since conducted it, carrying on general farming and

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dairying. He has rebuilt the house, put up buildings, and made general im- provements. His herd consists of mixed Guernseys and Jerseys. He is inter- ested in everything that has for its object the betterment of the community, and he has been especially active in school affairs, serving his school district as director and being the present school clerk. He is well liked throughout the community, and stands well with all who know him. Mr. Moseng was mar- ried May 4, 1900, to Emma Aker, who was born in Arland Township on Sept. 30, 1884, the daughter of John and Bertha (Erlien) Aker, natives of Norway, and for some time farmers of Arland Township, the former of whom died in Sep- tember, 1895, and the latter of whom died Dec. 31, 1893. Mr. and Mrs. Moseng have a fine family of six children : Ole J., born Aug. 6, 1901; Adolph B., born May 31, 1905; Orvel B., born Feb. 12, 1906; Clarence E., born Sept. 26, 1909; Selmer O., born Dec. 1, 1912, and Sigurd M., born March 5, 1916. The family faith is that of the Norwegian Lutheran Church.

Peter Marx, proprietor of a good farm in Section 9, Arland Township, which he has developed from wild land, was born in Luxembourg, March 9, 1867, son of John and Anna (Penning) Marx. The father still resides in Lux- embourg, the mother being deceased. After relinquishing his school studies, Peter Marx took up farm labor to earn a livelihood, continuing thus engaged until he came to America in 1889, a young man of 22 years. From New York he went to St. Paul, Minn., where he found employment cooking in restau- rants and hotels. He then wandered about the West, following the same occu- pation in various cities in Kansas and in San Francisco, where he remained for two and a half years. In 1896 he returned east as far as Barron County, and bought 80 acres of wild land in Section 9, Arland Township. On this he built a frame shanty and log barn, which two years later were destroyed by fire, when he lost all he had except his land. In 1920 he found himself in a position to repair his losses and built a barn and out buildings, the barn measuring 34 by 66 feet and provided with the James equipment. He has now one of the nicest sets of farm buildings in Arland Township and has cleared 75 acres of his land. Aside from his direct farming interests, he is a stockholder in the Barron Co-operative Creamery and the Farmers' Co-opera- tive store at Poskin. In religion he is a Catholic. On June 30, 1894, Mr. Marx was united in marriage with Katie Kasel, who was born in Luxembourg, Sept. 17, 1866, daughter of Peter and Katie (Nesen) Kasel. Her parents have both passed away. To Mr. and Mrs. Marx have been born seven children, of whom four are now living. The record of births is as follows: Joseph, Jan. 1, 1896; Edward, Nov. 2, 1898; Anna T., May 15, 1900; Gottfried A., Nov. 25, 1901; Mary J., Aug. 16, 1904; Lena M., May 3, 1907, and Nicholas T., Feb. 23, 1908. Those deceased are: Anna T., who died Oct. 4, 1900; Gottfried A., who died April 28, 1920, and Nicholas T., who died May 25, 1908. Though bereaved of three of their children, Mr. and Mrs. Marx still enjoy a happy home life at- tuned to harmony by the key of mutual affection.

Ole O. Mytroen, one of the early settlers of Arland Township, was born in Norway, and was there reared and educated. He came to America in 1872, landed at New York and came directly to Menomonie, Wis., where he entered the employ of Knapp, Stout & Co. in the sawmills there. In 1873 he came to Barron County and homesteaded 80 acres in Section 28, Arland Township. This was all wild land. He erected a set of buildings, cleared some of the land, and there successfully farmed for many years. After a useful life of worthy ac- complishment, he died July 21, 1910. His good wife had passed away March 17, 1907. Mr. Mytroen was a man held in the highest esteem. He was a leader among his fellowmen, a kind and loving husband and father, a good citizen, a generous neighbor, and a genial companion. He will long be remembered as one of the prominent men in the township in its early days. Mrs. Mytroen was Ingrid Westeras. They had four children: John, now of Congress, Province of Saskatchewan, Canada; Hans, who farms in Turtle Lake Town-

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ship; Magnus, an active farmer of Arland Township, and Ole J. who is in Congress, Province of Saskatchewan, Canada.

Magnus Mytroen, a modern and progressive farmer of Section 32, Arland Township, where he has built up an excellent place which is a model in every respect, is a native of this township, born Feb. 2, 1884, the son of Ole O. and Ingrid (Westeras) Mytroen, early settlers. He was reared on the home place, and received his educational training in the district schools. In 1907 he bought his present place, and two years later, in 1909, moved into it. To the development and operation of this farm he has since devoted his attention. In 1920 he put up a modern 8-room bungalow, equipped with many conven- iences, including the Swanlite Electric system. In 1916 he built a barn, 32 by 64 feet, with full basement, and furnished with the Western Barn equip- ment. He has also erected some other good buildings. He has cleared about 20 more acres of the land, and has put up some good fences. His equipment in tools, implements and machinery is excellent. Mr. Mytroen is a man of ability and influence, and is already well along the road to success. He is a stockholder in the Prairie Farm Co-operative Association. Mr. Mytroen was married in Arland Township in 1909 to Marie Moen, who was born in Prairie Farm Township Oct. 29, 1886, the daughter of Anton and Gurina (Clayton) Moen. This union has been blessed with two children. Ida G. was born May 31, 1910. Mabel A. was born June 24, 1913. The family faith is that of the Concordia Church in Arland Township.

Ole Johnson, proprietor of a flourishing general store in the village of Arland, and who also contributed to the growth and agricultural resources of the township by the development of a good farm, was born in Norway, Nov. 13, 1850, son of John and Martha (Olson) Anderson. The parents never came to America but died in their native land. Ole Johnson attended common school in Norway and remained in that country until 1868, when he came to the United States, a young man with plenty of strength and not devoid of ambition. Locating in St. Croix County, Wisconsin, he worked in a store at Woodsite and also did farm labor for three years. In 1871 he went to Me- nomonie and entered the employ of Knapp, Stout & Co., being placed in charge of the sleeping shanties at the mill, which position he held for two years, afterwards for a year taking care of the horses. In the fall of 1873 he came to Barron County and took a homestead of 80 acres in Section 20, Arland Township. Later he bought 200 acres in Sections 17, 20 and 29: It was all wild land and he at once set about its improvement, erecting a set of log buildings. In course of time he cleared 60 acres of the land, making his home on that farm until 1899 and then started the store in Arland Vil- lage which he still operates. Mr. Johnson has grown up with the county, which, when he first came here was but thinly settled, many of the settlers also being transients engaged in the lumber business who moved away to other parts after the timber had been cut. He himself became closely iden- tified with local affairs and was soon numbered among the prominent citi- zens, taking an active part in all progressive enterprises. Among other things he went about and got signers to the petition to have the township of Arland set off from Clinton and Prairie Farm. He helped to organize the first school in Prairie Farm Township and was clerk of the board for 23 years. He also served eight years as supervisor on the Prairie Farm town board, and was the first chairman of the Arland town board and served eight years. In 1899, when he started his store in the village, he also organized and built the creamery in Arland, of which he was secretary and manager for two years, and for 18 months he served as postmaster of Arland. Thus his life has been full of action, well devised and successfully carried out, and few citizens of the township are better known or more highly respected. Mr. Johnson first assumed domestic responsibilities Oct. 10, 1882, when he was united in marriage with Olina Fristad, who passed away on June 13, 1903. By her he had eight children: James, who operates a garage in Arland;

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Frank, an engineer on the Great Northern Railway, residing at Devil's Lake, N. D .; George, a baker in St. Paul, Minn .; Clarence, who died in 1915; Carl, who died in 1909; Alvin, who is operating the old home farm; Mabel, re- siding at home, and Lillie, who lives in Minneapolis. In November, 1909, Mr. Johnson married Mrs. Lisa Hagan, whose family name was Olson. She passed away in May, 1918. Mr. Johnson has been as successful as a merchant as he was as a farmer. He enjoys a good trade and is one of the most popular citizens of Arland Village.

Charles A. Westland, engaged in farming, dairying and the poultry busi- ness in Arland Township, where he has developed a good farm from wild land, was born in Norway, Sept. 12, 1869, son of Anders and Marn Christina (Peterson) Westland. The father died in Norway in 1884, but the mother is still living there. They had seven children: Bertha, now Mrs. Oliver Gulbransen of Racine, Wis .; Olof, residing in Christiania, Norway; Pauline, wife of John Johnson of Chicago; Johanna, wife of Andrew Anderson of Chicago; Charles A., subject of this sketch; Johan of Christiania, Norway, and Mary, who is deceased. Charles A. Westland was educated in his native land and began industrial life as an employee in a match factory, where he worked until he was 17 years of age. In 1886 he resolved to seek his fortune in America, and after landing at New York, proceeded to Chicago, where for one year he was employed in a chair factory. In 1887 he came to Dallas, Barron County, Wis., where he made his home for a year, being engaged in farm labor. After that he became connected with the lumber trade, working in the woods in northern Wisconsin and on drives in the spring, which occu- pation he followed until 1896. It was in that year that he started out for him- self as a farmer, buying 80 acres of wild land in Section 33, Arland Township, to which he later added 80 in Section 34. There being a log house on his land, he proceeded to build a log barn and to develop a farm and home. Later he erected a better house, barn and outbuildings, and now has a complete set, besides having cleared 80 acres of his land. For several years after he settled on his place, having but limited capital, he was obliged to work win- ters in the woods. During the subsequent years he has made gradual but steady progress and is now numbered among the substantial citizens of his township. He carries on mixed farming and dairying, his cattle being grade Guernseys with a pure bred sire. As a poultryman he breeds pure White Leghorns, at times having as many as 400 in his flock, and this business, scientifically conducted, adds materially to his income. Religiously he is con- nected with the Norwegian Lutheran Church. Mr. Westland was married Oct. 13, 1896, to Anna Holman, who was born in Menomonie May 24, 1870, daughter of Ole and Anna (Gravle) Holman. He and his wife are the par- ents of three children: Archie, born May 26, 1898; Oscar, Aug. 27, 1901, and Olaf, June 22, 1908. Archie was married June 15, 1921, to Adrie Johnson, who was born Jan. 8, 1903, daughter of Alfred and Lena (Eggen) Johnson, now residents of Prairie Farm Township, Barron County.

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History of Barron County Wisconsin, Part 151

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

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