History of Barron County Wisconsin, Part 160

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

USA > Wisconsin > Barron County > History of Barron County Wisconsin > Part 160

Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).

George Washington Sines Sr., pioneer of what is now Dovre Township, was born in New York state and was brought to Wisconsin by his parents when he was about eleven years old. He was reared to farm pursuits and attended the district schools. Oct. 10, 1860, he married Cornelia A. Weiant, who was born in New York state, Feb. 15, 1844. After their marriage they

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MR. AND MRS. EVERETT G. WHITE

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farmed for some years in Columbia County, this state. They came to Dovre Township in 1874, and took a homestead four miles northwest of New Auburn. This was all wild land. They cleared and broke it, erected buildings, and by working early and late developed a good place. After a long life filled with worthy endeavor, they retired about 1906 and moved to Rice Lake, where they died, he Jan. 16, 1911, she July 6, 1912. Mr. and Mrs. Sines were the parents of ten children: James Melton, John T., George W., Florence Della, Charles Wes- ley, Otto T., Elizabeth Irena, Julia Florence, William H. and Francis Clinton. James Melton was born Feb. 8, 1862 and died April 23, 1914. John T. was born Nov. 30, 1863, and operates a bus line in Rice Lake. George W. was born June 7, 1866, and is a retired farmer of Chetek. Florence Della was born March 17, 1868, married Sidney Drake, and lives in Florence, Oregon. Charles Wesley was born April 13, 1870, and died in Chicago in 1915. Otto T. was born Oct. 9, 1872, and died Aug. 11, 1908. Elizabeth Irena was born Dec. 6, 1874, married William Harrison, and died June 9, 1910. Julia Florence was born Feb. 16, 1878, married Simon Carlson, and lives in Florence, Oregon. William H. was born Aug. 29, 1882, and died in February, 1920. Francis Clinton was born Nov. 8, 1886, and lives in Florence, Oregon.

George Washington Sines, retired farmer of Chetek, was born in Colum- bia County, Wisconsin, June 7, 1866, son of George W. and Cornelia A. (Weiant) Sines. He was brought to Dovre Township, this county, by his parents, at the age of eight years, and here attended the district schools. He was reared to farm pursuits and upon attaining his majority acquired a place of 120 acres adjoining the home farm. But fifteen acres had been cleared. He developed a good farm, and there carried on agricultural operations until 1911. Then he traded the place for a farm of 140 acres near Chetek. In 1919 another deal was made by which this place was disposed of and Mr. Sines acquired 350 acres east of Rice Lake, 80 acres of which was under hay. A part of this tract has since been sold, but 280 acres remain. The present family residence in Chetek was built in the spring of 1919 and occupied March 12, of that year. It is a sightly eight-room structure with modern improvements. In addition to his other holdings, Mr. Sines is interested in the Farmers Co-Operative Store. While on the farm he was interested in public affairs, and served on the town board, resigning when he moved to the city. Fraternally he is a member of the Canton and the Encampment of the Odd Fellows. Mr. Sines was married Aug. 23, 1891, to Mrs. Rose Donaldson, from Sand Creek, Dunn County, this state. She died Nov. 22, 1913. Their son, Glen, married Eva Reardon, and lives in Eau Claire. Mr. Sines was married Dec. 9, 1914, to Mrs. Emma Albright of Chetek, daughter of Fred Gehler. By her marriage to Frederick Albright she had three children, Leo, Hazel and Lawrence. Leo lives on a farm north of Chetek, married Emma Rogge, and has two children, Bernice and Harold. Hazel married Elmer Francois of Chetek, and they have two children, Margaret and Viola. Lawrence is on the farm with his brother, Leo.

Everett G. White, for a quarter of a century a representative farmer of Section 7, Sumner Township, was a hard working man who thoroughly under- stood his business, and occupied a position of influence and respect among his fellows. He was possessed of an unusually strong character, he followed the right as he saw it, he believed in making all those about him happier, he was ever genial and good natured even in the most trying circumstances, and his life, which spanned less than half a century, was one of real usefulness to the community. He was a native of this state, born in Calumet County, May 10, 1873, the son of Henry J. and Alvira White, who brought him to Sumner Township as an infant. Reared to boyhood on the farm, and educated in the district school, he was in his teens when the family moved to the village of Canton. As a young man he worked for several years in sawmills. In 1895 he secured 40 acres of land in Section 7, Sumner Township, to which he later added 40 acres more. When he first secured the land about ten acres had

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been cleared. The rest was wild and no buildings had been erected. He put up a good set of buildings, and continued the clearing and development of the land. He was well along the road of merited success, when death overtook him March 9, 1921. His death was sincerely mourned by all with whom he came in contact. Mr. White was married on Oct. 11, 1905, to Helen Nessey, who was born in Waukesha County, this state, April 22, 1885, the daughter of Adolph and Helen Nessey. This union has been blessed with three bright children: Nora, Sidney and Raymond. In the home is also a little girl, Juanita Sauer.

George Albert Strong, of the firm of G. A. Strong & Son, insurance, Chetek, was born in Lowville, Columbia County, Wisconsin, Feb. 4, 1858, son of Dr. Dewitt Clinton and Sarah Jane (Bliss) Strong. He was reared in his native county and was brought to Barron County as a boy. Here he continued his education. For two terms he taught in rural schools, and then clerked in the store at Rice Lake for Knapp, Stout & Co. Three years later he went to Chetek and engaged in selling farm machinery. Later he and his brother Dewitt C., opened a mercantile establishment at Chetek. He sold out in 1894 and went to Albertville, Wis., where he conducted a store and warehouse for six years for Clark & Taylor. Then he returned to Chetek in 1900, and took up the feed business, after which he operated a dray line. In 1903 he engaged in his present business. At first he handled all kinds of insurance, but after a while gave up the life insurance department. For some years he has also been en- gaged in the sale of monuments, first as agent of Stotzer Bros. at Portage, and now as agent of the Nelson Brothers of Rice Lake, this county. He likewise has a good business in cream separators, home lighting plants, milking ma- chines, lightning rods, and general farm supplies of various sorts. He also does general plumbing in all its branches. The business has constantly grown and in April, 1919, Mr. Strong took his son, Dean, as a partner. Aside from his other holdings, Mr. Strong is a stockholder in the Chetek Auto Co. He is a good business man, he has the confidence of all with whom he has dealings, and he is highly regarded throughout the community. Mr. Strong was married Dec. 31, 1879, at Sumner, this county, to Josephine Hutchinson, born in Co- lumbia County, this state, daughter of William and Jane (Loveland) Hutch- inson, natives of Canada, who early settled in Columbia County and later in Chippewa County, subsequently coming to Sumner, in this county, where Mr. Hutchinson operated a sawmill and gristmill for some years, later moving to Drummond, in this state, where he still lives, the mother having died in 1901. Mr. and Mrs. Strong have four children: Roy, Jennie, Lyle and Dean. Roy was born in February, 1881, and died at the age of eight years. Jennie was born June 16, 1883, and died at the age of six years. Lyle was born April 22, 1890, and is now a farmer in Chetek Township. He married May Cook, and has two children, Duane and Kenneth. Dean was born April 28, 1896, and is now in business with his father. He married Elizabeth Ruffcorn, a native of Minnesota.

Dewitt C. Strong Sr., M. D., a pioneer physician of Barron County, was born in New York state, and there married Sarah Bliss, also a native of that state. They came west as young people. In the early seventies they settled in Sumner Township, Barron County. At that time there were but few farms in the county and the lumber camps were still in full operation. In 1881 they moved to Chetek, and there Dr. Strong practiced his profession until his death in 1899. Fraternally he was a prominent member of the Masonic order at Barron. He served efficiently as chairman of Sumner Township, and also of Chetek Township, and not only did good service for the two towns, but was also a valued member of the county board, serving on a number of important committees. Dr. Strong was a country physician of the old school, giving his whole life in devotion to duty. He was up at all hours, out in all sorts of weather, traveling far in the wilderness, bringing comfort and cheer and health to the people living in the isolated pioneer cabins in the woods. He worked

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MR. AND MRS. B. F. FLYNN

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for the good he might do, with no thought of pay, and indeed often received no pay. After a useful life which had been of real benefit to his fellow men, he passed away, but his memory is still cherished. His wife, who was his able helpmeet in all his endeavors, died in 1908. In the family there were four children: Lizzie, who married Joseph Collins of Poynette, Wis .; George A. insurance man of Chetek; Theresa, who died in 1881; and Dewitt C., who is in the real estate business in Chetek.

Dewitt C. Strong, a prosperous real estate man of Chetek, formerly a railroad man and merchant, was born in Lowville, Columbia County, this state, Sept. 26, 1862, son of Dr. Dewitt C. and Sarah (Bliss) Strong. He was brought to Barron County as a boy and completed his schooling in Sumner Township. As a youth he became a telegraph operator and was employed for a while with the Omaha road at Chetek. For a while thereafter he clerked in the mercantile trade in that city, and in 1891 he and his brother, George A., engaged in the general store business for themselves. In 1900 he left the store business and has since been engaged in his present line of work. He is well liked socially and is a popular member of the Modern Woodmen and of the Maccabees. Mr. Strong was married in Chetek, Sept. 23, 1891, to Ella M. Robbins, who was born in Elgin, Ill., Aug. 17, 1871, daughter of Dr. W. H. and Lydia Robbins, who came to Chetek in 1881. Mr. and Mrs. Strong have had five children: William R. was born June 20, 1892, and is cashier of the Farmers and Merchants Bank of Chetek. Harry D. was born Oct. 18, 1893, and is assistant superintendent of the Chetek plant of the Barron County Canning Co. He married Stella Thingbold of Chetek, and they have four children, Jessie, Clifford, Raymond and Harry. Neal was born Dec. 7, 1902, and Charles was born Aug. 21, 1904. Ellen was born Feb. 12, 1909 and died in infancy.

Ernest Summerfield, business man of Chetek, was born in Monroe County, this state, Aug. 20, 1882, son of William J. and Martha (Golden) Summerfield. The father was born in Pontypool, Monmouthshire, Wales, and the mother in Nova Scotia. They were married at Sparta, Wis. They were the parents of fourteen children, of whom there are now living five. Sarah is the wife of Charles Seymour of Chicago. Mary lives in California, and is the widow of Samuel Marx. John and Elmer live in Monroe County, Wisconsin. Ernest was reared in Sparta in his native county, and as a young man became a barber. He came to Chetek in 1910 and purchased a barber shop. In 1913 he estab- lished a cigar store, pool and billiard hall, and bowling alleys in connection. He still conducts this department, but in 1919 sold the barber department to Arthur Nelson and Percy Andrews who still conduct it. Mr. Summerfield is a member of the Odd Fellows and of the Community Club, as well as of Chippewa Falls Lodge No. 1326, B. P. O. E. Mr. Summerfield was married in Warren, Monroe County, April 20, 1910, to Edna Rose, daughter of Calvil and Jane Rose, the former of whom is living and the latter dead.

Benjamin Franklin Flynn, now deceased, was a substantial, hard working man, who was held in great liking, and exerted a considerable influence over the affairs of his neighborhood. He was an energetic, out-door man, one noted for his strength even in the days when all the pioneers were hardy men of rugged health, and he was known far and wide as a sportsman, especially as a successful fisherman. He was born in New York state, Feb. 13, 1852, on Wolfe Island, in the St. Lawrence River, the son of John and Susan Flynn, the former a native of Ireland, and the latter of New York state. As a young man, Ben- jamin F. came to Richland County, Wisconsin. There he married, and in the late seventies came to Barron County and secured 160 acres in Chetek Town- ship. He made the trip here with three horses, bringing, aside from furniture, utensils, tools and supplies, three cows. For some years, before the farm was sufficiently productive to be profitable he spent a part of his time working in the lumber woods. In the early days of their settlement here, the family underwent many hardships. There were no roads worthy of the name, there were few neighbors, provisions were brought in from Chippewa Falls, the

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journey often being made afoot. There were no schools and Mr. Flynn, who was a member of the school board, helped to get the first school started in a crude log cabin. He also helped in other ways in the general progress of the community. In time he built up a good farm, and erected a suitable set of buildings. After a long and useful life, he died June 5, 1913, and his loss was sincerely mourned. His faith was that of the United Brethren. Mr. Flynn was married at Richland Center, this state, Oct. 19, 1876, to Josie Adair, who was born in that place, June 24, 1858, the daughter of James and Margaret (Hoffman) Adair, natives of Ohio, who came to Wisconsin in the fifties and settled in the woods of Richland County, and developed a farm. Mr. and Mrs. Flynn had nine children: Charles of Chetek; Almon, on the home place; Dillon, of Zion City, Ill .; Everett, who farms in Dovre Township, this county; John, who also farms in Dovre Township; Ella, now wife of B. F. LaBell of Brill, this county; James, who farms in Chetek Township; Frederick, who is at New Auburn, in Chippewa County, this state; and Earl M., who operates the home farm.

Earl M. Flynn, a hustling young farmer of Section 27, east, Chetek Town- ship, was born on his present place, Aug. 28, 1898, the son of Benjamin Franklin and Josie (Adair) Flynn, early settlers. He attended the district schools and was reared on the home farm. He lost his father when he was fifteen. As he grew older he assumed more and more of the duties of man- agement, and now has entire charge. He is modern in his methods and indus- trious in his habits, and is meeting with success as a modern and scientific agriculturist, keeping well abreast of his times in all lines of rural progress. He carries on general farming and makes a specialty of Durham cattle, Chester White swine and good horses. Mr. Flynn was married Dec. 15, 1919 to Ruth Henry, born at Springfield, in this state, on July 18, 1901, the daughter of Alex and Laura Henry. Mr. and Mrs. Flynn have one daughter, Charlotte Mildred, born Dec. 29, 1920.

Charles M. Shane, D. V. M., successful practitioner of Chetek, veteran of the World War, and one of the popular young men of this part of the county, is already taking his part in the life of the community, and is building up a large practice as a veterinarian, and adding to his friends as a man and citizen. He was born at Richland Center, Richland County, Wisconsin, Jan- uary 1, 1887, the son of Samuel and Lavina (Coates) Shane. The father was born in Indiana and was brought to Wisconsin when he was about eight years old. He died April 11, 1919. The mother was born in Viola, Wis., daughter of a Civil War veteran, who died as the result of wounds received in that con- flict. She is still living at Ridgeland, in Dunn County, this state. In the family there were four children. Phoebe Ann is the wife of James Britts, who farms near Hillsdale, in Maple Grove Township, this county. Frank married Lovita Campbell, and is at Ridgeland with his mother. One died in infancy. Charles M. received a graded and high school education in his native place. In the spring of 1912 he was graduated from the Kansas City Veterinary Col- lege at Kansas City, Missouri. He at once successfully took up the practice of his profession at Hillsboro, Wis. He volunteered for service and enlisted in the United States forces June 1, 1918, trained at Camp Lee, Virginia, sailed for France Oct. 13, with the Mobile Veterinary Hospital No. 2 as com- manding officer, and there remained for several months. He arrived in the United States July 6, 1919, and was discharged at Camp Dix, New Jersey, the following day. He opened his office at Chetek, Sept. 5, 1919. Fraternally Dr. Shane is a member of the Knights of Pythias. He was married Sept. 9, 1918, at Petersburg, Va., to Bertha Eunice Dodge, of Chetek, born at Briggsville, Wis., Oct. 10, 1887, daughter of D. W. and Eunice Lucinda (Smith) Dodge, who came to Chetek in 1883. The father was a well known railroad contractor, auctioneer and cattle buyer. He died Jan. 5, 1914. In the Dodge family there are five children. Earl Lester is in Superior, Wis. Bertha Eunice is the wife of Dr. Charles M. Shane. Carl Wesley is an agriculturist of Barron County,

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and owns three farms. Roy George farms near Chetek. Elma Lucinda is the wife of Arthur W. Ratsch, who farms near Neillsville, in Clark County, this state. Mrs. Shane is a bright, sprightly woman, and a brilliant conversation- alist, and she and her husband are both popular in Chetek society.

George H. Unbehaun, operating a farm within the limits of Chetek City, was born in the town of Marshal, Richland County, Wisconsin, Feb. 3, 1886, son of John and Elizabeth (Wolf) Unbehaun, both born in the town of Day- ton, Richland County, Wisconsin. The paternal great grandparents came from Germany, and settled on a part of the present site of Waukegan, Ill. The pater- nal grandfather was brought from Germany with the family and grew up in Waukegan, where he married. He and his wife drove an ox team to Richland County, secured a farm at a time when Richland Center consisted of a mill, a store and three houses. The maternal grandparents likewise came from Ger- many, and were early settlers of Marshal, Richland County, Wis., having pre- viously settled at Freeport, Ill. Thus the father, John Unbehaun, was descended from pioneers on both sides of his house. He was born and reared on the home farm and has devoted his life to farm work. He is still living on the home place with his daughter, Mrs. Bert Basley. His wife, Elizabeth Wolf, died in April, 1918. In the family there were four children: Minnie, George H., Albert and Laura. Minnie was born Sept. 14, 1884, married Bert Basley, lives on the home farm, and has four children. George H. is a farmer at Che- tek. Albert was born June 7, 1889, and lives in Richland Center, owning and operating a farm in the country. He married Lulu Clark, and they have five children. Laura was born Feb. 28, 1895, and is the wife of Clay Dresden, a farmer of Richland Township. George H. was reared and educated in Rich- land County. One year he spent in Dunn County, this state, but with that exception he farmed in his native county until 1915 when he came to Barron County. Here his wife purchased a farm in Chetek Township, on the banks of Lake Chetek. The farm acreage is supposedly 112 acres, but only 85 acres is available, the rest being under water. About 75 acres are cultivated. When he came here the place was also in a well-improved condition. He has reno- vated the house, painted the barn, built a granary, machine shed, silo and other buildings, and made other improvements until the place presents a most neat and prosperous appearance. Mr. Unbehaun successfully carries on general farming and dairying, his stock being mixed Holsteins, Guernseys and Jer- seys. He is a member of the I. O. O. F. and the Mystic Workers. Mr. Unbe- haun was married Jan. 8, 1908, to Bertha Wanless, who was born in Marshal, Richland County, Wisconsin, Nov. 2, 1889, daughter of William and Florence (Gayman) Wanless, and died April 5, 1917, since which time her husband has managed her estate as executor under her will. Mr. and Mrs. Unbehaun had three children. Dalbert George, a bright boy, who much resembles his mother, was born Feb. 22, 1909. Alvina was born Nov. 5, 1910, is doing well with her studies, and is the sunshine of the home. Another child died in infancy. Mrs. Unbehaun was the third of seven children; Bessie, Roy, Bertha, Frank, Her- man, Archie and Eva. Bessie married William Rice of Richland County, and they have three children: Gaylord, Gerald and Lethe. Roy is a farmer of Clark County. Frank married Jennie Patch, lives in Richland County, and has two children, Gayman and Marieta. Herman, who was an artilleryman in the World War, is studying dentistry at the Marquette College, Milwaukee. Archie lives in Clark County. Eva lives with her parents. She is a graduate of the high school at Richland Center.

Leslie James Phillips, M. D., first lieutenant in the Medical Corps of the American Expeditionary Force in France, who gave his life on his country's altar, was born in Menomonie, June 25, 1888, son of Jerome C. and Rosalie (Cowing) Phillips, who brought him to Chetek when he was a child. He passed through the public schools here, graduated from the Menomonie High School in 1908, and after due preparation entered Queen's University at Kingston, Canada, where he received his medical degree. With this preparation he

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started the practice of his profession at Weyerhauser, in this state. He offered his services to the government, and on Aug. 27, 1917, was sent to the Medical Officers Training School at Fort Riley, Kansas. For a time he trained with the 132nd Infantry, but later was assigned to the 132nd Ambulance Corps, 108th Sanitary Train, 33rd Division, with the rank of first lieutenant. He was on duty during the winter at Camp Logan, Houston, Texas, where he had a strenuous time by reason of the prevailing epidemic. During this time his wife and two little girls spent a few weeks at Houston, and were able to see him twice a week. From Texas he was sent to Camp Merritt, N. J., for over- sees equipment, and to Camp Mills, R. I., for embarkation. He left the United States June 3, 1918, on the U. S. S. "Arabic". He duly reached France, and was stationed at Rongeaux, Pagny, Toul and Fleury-sur-Aisne, and took part in the St. Mihiel drive and in the Argonne offensive. He was cited for bravery and recommended for the D. S. medal. Oct. 8, 1918, he was taken ill with in- fluenza which developed into pneumonia, and he died Oct. 13, 1918. He was first laid to rest in a little cemetery near the hospital at Fleury-sur-Aisne, and on May 20, 1919, removed to the National Cemetery at Romagne, France. Just before he went to sleep he told the chaplain that he was ready to go, and only regretted the sadness of his dear ones. He had been recommended for cap- taincy, but his sudden death deprived him from receiving his commission. Dr. Phillips married Elizabeth V. Norwood, of New York City, and to this union there were born two daughters, Mary Elizabeth and Jeanne Rosalie. Dr. Phillips kept a diary which is now in the possession of the family. Following are some extracts therefrom, selected for publication by his father: June 4, 1918. All ordered below decks as we left the docks, until ship was off Fort Hamilton, but got a few peeps. When I came on deck I had a peculiar feeling at seeing home fading behind. Passed submarine and saw many chasers and a captive balloon off Fort Hamilton. Were very well convoyed by hydroplanes, dirigibles, torpedo boats and chasers. The Arabic is a fine boat, easy rider. With us are the Leviathan, Baltic and others. Red Cross and "Y" men aboard, also several notables. June 9, 1918. Sunday and raining. We buried the ship's printer at sea at 8 a. m. Saw ceremony from aft deck. Sewn in canvas on platform on rail and covered with English flag. Service was read, platform was raised, and the printer started for the "locker of Davy Jones" of nautical fame. Usual day though very lonely. Wish all the time I could have my girls along. Rougeaux, France, Aug. 14, 1918. Up from 3 to 4 a. m. Loud tearing around of Boche planes-sky full of search lights-few faint explosions- Boche routed by allied planes. Slept till 7 a. m. Sanitation work both a. m. and p. m. Aug. 20, 1918. Signed pay voucher-hurrah. Started 8 a. m. in bus for Langres-arrived at 9:05 a. m. Went to Hospital No. 24 on business. Bought kodak and shopped. Then visited Cathedral of St. Mormas, a magni- ficent place. Later spent three wonderful hours in the museum. All kinds of curios from 500 B. C. to date, Gallic, Vandal, Goth, Roman, Moorish, French. Magnificent paintings. Only fly in my ointment was, the one person to enjoy it wasn't there. Sept. 12, 1918. Wakened early by continuous firing. Sixteen doctors, 30 nurses and 65 men arrived. Am now out of the office and am anaesthetist in a night surgical team, 8 p. m. to 8 a. m. We are now con- sidered some of the old guard, eat at a regular place instead of Junior Officers' mess. Patients started coming at 7 a. m. and soon were coming in regular streams. Am giving dope. Three with last case at 7:40 a. m., breakfast, then bed. Eight hundred patients now in. Sept. 22, 1918. Will have to cut short diary from now on. The drive is on and we are being worked to death. The bravery and courage of the poor lads coming in so shot to pieces more than repays us for our weariness in working over them.

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History of Barron County Wisconsin, Part 160

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

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