History of Barron County Wisconsin, Part 164

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

USA > Wisconsin > Barron County > History of Barron County Wisconsin > Part 164

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).

William Bell, an early settler, was born in England and was there reared and educated. He there married Ann Smith, the daughter of a neighbor. As a young man he determined to sometime make his home in America. Accord- ingly, he came here in 1852. In 1855, however, he went back to England. In 1872 he had his affairs in such shape that he could make his home here per- manently. Accordingly, with his family, he set out again, and after living in Kenosha for six months, came to Barron County and homesteaded 160 acres of wild land in Sections 14 and 23, 33 Township. He erected log buildings and

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J. W. BELL

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started to clear the land. In time he developed as good a farm as was to be found in the neighborhood. After many years of hard work, he retired and moved to Chetek City, where he still lives, having reached the good old age of 92 years. His wife died in 1904. In the family there were eight children. Mary is the wife of Thomas Dixon, of Kenosha County, this state. Fannie mar- ried John Findley, of Chetek, and is now dead. John W. is a prominent man in Chetek. Elizabeth is the wife of Frank Pleas, of Berkley, California. Alice is the wife of C. A. Taylor, of Olean, New York. Thomas lives at Sand Point, Idaho. E. S. lives in Green Bay, Wis. The family is a highly respected one, and the members all stand well in the communities in which they reside.

John W. Bell, real estate dealer and insurance man of Chetek, is one of the prominent citizens of this part of the county. He was born in Wold New- ton, in the northern part of England, Sept. 10, 1863, the son of William and Ann (Smith) Bell. He was brought to this country in 1872, and after six months at Kenosha, in this state, came to Barron County, where he has since lived. His youth and young manhood were spent on the farm and in the woods. In 1883, he became a clerk in the general store of Moore & Regan in Chetek. He was commissioned postmaster in 1897 and served eighteen years until 1915. He was a most efficient official, the office grew under his direction, and gave gen- eral satisfaction to all the patrons. In 1904 he became interested in the Chetek "Alert", and this interest he still retains. About 1915 he became interested in real estate and insurance and in this he has since continued with increasing success. He is interested in a number of public affairs. When the city was first incorporated, in 1891, he served as the first treasurer and retained that office for several years. For one term he was mayor. As a friend of educa- tion he has served for some time as clerk of the school board. He has likewise been a member of various committees and delegations. During the war he was one of the most active workers in the various activities incident to the home work which assisted in winning the conflict. He has been one of the moving factors in the Community Club. His fraternal relations are with the Masons and the Woodmen. Mr. Bell was married in Chetek, Oct. 5, 1886, to Fannie Sykes, daughter of Samuel and Jane Sykes, who were born in England, came to Canada as young people, from there moved to Pepin County, this state, and about 1883 came to Barron County, where both died. Mr. and Mrs. Bell have had three children: Bessie, George Samuel and Margaret. Bessie is a pro- ficient kindergarten teacher. George Samuel received his degree of D. D. S. at the Chicago College of Dental Surgery in 1912. During the World War he served in the dental corps of the 311th Sanitary Train, 86th (Black Hawk) Division, training at Camp Grant, Ill., landing in France in October, 1918, and receiving his discharge in July, 1919. He married Irene Manning, and they have one daughter, Dorothy Jean. Margaret graduated from the Chetek High School, and is the wife of Raymond Tiffany, of Chetek.

William E. Hunt, of the Badger Electrical Co., Barron, was born in Decorah Township, Columbia County, Wis., March 12, 1891, the son of William C. and Anna Augusta (Cross) Hunt. He was brought to Barron County by his par- ents and was graduated from the Barron High School in 1911, after which he taught rural schools in this county for several years. He was inducted into the World War service May 29, 1918, was assigned to Co. A, 333rd Machine Gun Batt., and trained at Camp Grant, Rockford, Ill. He left Camp Grant Aug. 25, 1918, bound for overseas. He served for some time in the reserve lines and saw active service at St. Mihiel. In the winter of 1918-19 he was with the Army of Occupation in Luxemburg. He sailed for home April 29, 1919, and was discharged at Camp Grant, June 8, 1919, reaching Barron a few days later. Oct. 1, 1920, with David W. Lake, he bought the Badger Electrical Co. The company does general electrical work, handles fixtures and supplies, and makes a specialty of the Delco Light products for this territory, installing plants, wiring houses, soliciting business. The show rooms and home plant are on La Salle street, Barron.

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William C. Hunt was born in West Meriden, Conn., July 24, 1853, the son of Isaac and Julia (Cleveland) Hunt. The father was born in Plattsburg, N. Y., and the mother, who was a second cousin to President Grover Cleveland, was born in Bechertown, Mass. They were married in Cleveland. In 1853 they came to Chicago, and there the father became chief of police. The mother died in 1855 and the father returned with his infant son to New England. He remarried in 1862. That year he enlisted at Chicopee Falls, Mass., and served three years under General Burnside, being wounded at Roanoke Island. He died in the fall of 1865. William C. was thrown on his own resources at the age of thirteen. At seventeen he entered the Roxbury (Mass.) Business College, but after two years had to abandon his studies by reason of ill health. As a young man he learned the trade of wool sorter, and followed this trade at Law- rence, Mass. He was also interested in railroading, and for some seven years was construction foreman for the Springfield, Athol & New England Railroad. He came west to Portage, Wis., in 1876, and for some years was variously employed as bricklayer, plasterer, painter and paperhanger. Mr. Hunt was married Sept. 15, 1877, to Anna Augusta Cross of Decorah Township, Columbia County, this state, born June 19, 1857, daughter of Henry and Angeline (Peck- ham) Cross. This union has been blessed with two children: Ida Leona, born Dec. 8, 1878, now wife of Robert Gerry of Madison, Wis., and William Edgar, born March 12, 1891, now of Barron.

Arvid Erickson, Cumberland, of the firm of Erickson Brothers, contractors and builders, was born in Sweden, March 15, 1898, son of Gust and Sophia (Oakerland) Erickson, both of whom still live in Sweden, where the father is a general contractor and builder. Arvid attended the schools of his neighbor- hood and was reared to the building trade, learning carpenter work from his father. He came to America in 1916 and located in Cumberland, where he entered the employ of his brothr, John G. In 1918 they formed their present partnership, and have since successfully continued together. Mr. Erickson was married Feb. 21, 1920, to Clara Swanson, who was born in Barron County, May 15, 1897, daughter of Charles and Hannah (Carlson) Swanson, natives of Norway, the former of whom lives near Cumberland, and the latter of whom is dead. Mr. and Mrs. Erickson have one son, Lewis, born Feb. 19, 1921.

John G. Erickson, Cumberland, of the firm of Erickson Brothers, contrac- tors and builders, was born in Sweden, Aug. 20, 1885, son of Gust and Sophia (Oakerland) Erickson, both of whom still live in Sweden, where the father is a general contractor and builder. John G. attended the schools of his neigh- borhood and was reared to the building trades, learning carpenter work from his father. He came to America in 1909 and settled first at Solon Springs. Douglass County, Wis., where he worked at his trade and was otherwise em- ployed. In 1911 he located in Cumberland, and here worked at his trade. His good work commended itself, and many people expressed the desire that he embark in business. Accordingly, in 1915 he became a contracting builder. Since then he has enjoyed a steady business and has erected many pleasant homes. In order to add to the advantages of his work, he has erected a work shop on Grove street, 40 by 70 feet, where he turns out the cabinet and moulding work needed in his buildings. His work is known for its stability and its hon- esty, and his business is increasing. In 1918 he took his brother as a partner. Mr. Erickson enjoys an excellent reputation as a contractor and as a citizen. Fraternally, he is a member of the Knights of Pythias and the Scandinavian American Union. Mr. Erickson was married Dec. 18, 1913, to Minnie Nelson, who was born Feb. 10, 1893, in Barron County, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Nels Nelson, natives of Norway, who now live retired at Fergus Falls, Minn. Mr. and Mrs. Erickson have two children, Kenneth, born May 20, 1915, and Virginia, born in July, 1920.

Joachim Gartmann, early settler of Barron County and now an estimable farmer of section 1, Stanley Township, was born in Switzerland, Sept. 20, 1845, the son of Alexander and Fida (Hunger) Gartmann, farming people of that

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ALBERT GARTMANN AND FAMILY JOACHIM GARTMANN

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country. In the family there were six children: Albert, Marie, Elizabeth, Joachim, Theda and Anna, all of whom, except Elizabeth, came to the United States. Joachim started for this country in 1867, and after seventeen days aboard a steamer, landed in New York State. He lived for a while at Wabasha, Minn., and for a while at Chippewa Falls, Wis. In 1869 he came to Barron County and homesteaded a tract of land in Doyle Township, where he erected a log cabin and started developing a farm. He made the trip here from Buffalo County, Wis., with Mike Bandli, driving a yoke of oxen, and bringing his goods and supplies in the ox wagon. The two men encountered many interesting adventures on the trip. At one place they found the bridge out, and the water was over the oxen's backs. Accordingly they emptied the wagon, swam the oxen and floated the wagon, and then carried all the contents of the wagon across on their backs, a hazardous and strenuous proceeding. In due time they reached their destination. Soon after Mr. Gartmann established his home, one of the oxen died. There were also many other discouragements. But in spite of all drawbacks, Mr. Gartmann persevered, and with the aid of his brother, Albert, developed a good farm. He also helped his brother, Albert, develop a good farm in section 1, Stanley Township, where he now lives. Mr. Gartmann is one of the estimable men of the township, and is held in the highest esteem. He has proven an active worker in the Reformed Church and has held several offices in that body. All in all, he is a believer in every movement which he believes to be for the best of the community in which he lives.

Albert Gartmann, a pioneer of this county, and for many years a farmer in section 1, Stanley Township, was born in Switzerland, April 21, 1839, the son of Alexander and Fida Gartmann, who lived on a farm there. He came to America in the spring of 1869 and in the fall of that year came to Barron County and located in Stanley Township, where he helped his brother, Joachim, develop a farm. In 1870 he homesteaded a tract of land in section 1, Stanley Township, where his brother, Joachim, helped him in making the improvements. In time the place became one of the best in the neighborhood and brought in good returns. Mr. Gartmann took part in everything that he believed to be for the good of the community. He did not, however, care to mingle actively in official or public life, but gave all his attention to his farm and to his family. He was a member of the Reformed Church. After a long and useful life, he died June 7, 1901, and his death was sincerely mourned. Mr. Gartmann was married on the farm, May 11, 1884, to Christina Jehli, who was born in Switzer- land, Oct. 29, 1862, and came to this country in 1881. She is still living on the old homestead. Mr. and Mrs. Gartmann had two children: Christian, who operates the home place; and Lena, who is the wife of Lee Moore of Stanley Township.

Christian Gartmann, an energetic young farmer of section 1, Stanley Township, was born on the place where he still lives, April 15, 1887, the son of Albert and Christina (Jehli) Gartmann, early settlers. He was reared on this farm and attended the district schools. He has continued the improve- ments made by his father and uncle, Joachim, and now has what is regarded as one of the best farms in this part of the county. He here successfully car- ries on general farming and stock raising and makes a specialty of raising Guernsey cattle. He believes in modern methods, he takes his share in the affairs of the community, and is well liked by all who know him. Like the other members of his family, he attends the Reformed Church.

Oswald Kurschner, early storekeeper in. Prairie Farm hamlet, was born in Germany and there married Margaret Kallenbach. They came to America in the early eighties and settled at Prairie Farm, this county, where he opened a store which he conducted until his death in July, 1898. After his death, his wife conducted the store two years, and then sold out and went to Vanceburg, Wis., where she opened a store and was appointed postmistress. In 1900 she married William Roney and came to Barron, where she died. By her first marriage she had four children: Laura, Ida, Alma and Esther Kurschner; and

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by her second marriage she had three children: Blanche, Edward and Clar- ence Roney.

Andro Yurecko, expert shoemaker, repairer and dealer, of Barron city, was born in Hungary, Nov. 24, 1882, son of Johan and Anna (Krucsovski) Yurecko, natives of that country, both now deceased. He received his education in his native land and there learned the shoemaking trade. He came to America in 1906, and after landing in New York went directly to Minneapolis, where he joined his brother. In 1910 he came to Barron City, and for a while was employed as a shoemaker for the merchants. It was in 1912 that he started in business for himself. By hard work and fair dealing he has built up a good trade and has prospered, now owning a building, 25 by 40 feet, on Main street, equipped with modern machinery, where he makes and repairs shoes and sells a full line of overshoes and rubber goods. Mr. Yurecko was married Dec. 31, 1913, to Esther Kurschner, daughter of Oswald and Margaret (Kallenbach) Kurschner, and this union has been blessed with three children: Wayne, born Nov. 18, 1914; Phyllis, born Nov. 11, 1916; and Wilbur, born May 6, 1918.

Bernard Moe, now deceased, early settler of what is now Chetek Township, extensive land owner, one of the organizers and first cashier of the State Bank of Chetek, postmaster at Chetek Village, for a long period secretary of the Barron County Fire Insurance Co., and for some thirty-three years town treas- urer, was a man who exercised a real influence over the affairs of his com- munity, being one of the best known men in this region and well liked by all who knew him. He was born near Lillehammer, Norway, Dec. 8, 1849, and was there reared and educated. In 1873 he came to the United States and located at Chicago. He was married there in 1876 and a little later came to Barron County and settled on 160 acres in what is now Chetek Township. Here he erected a log cabin, 16 by 20, and started farming with a cow, a pig and a few chickens. In time he got a yoke of oxen, which he still later traded for a team of horses. The furniture was made from poles cut from the place. The floor

was made from rough boards, through which the snakes often stuck their heads. For several years Mr. Moe worked in the woods during the winter sea- sons, as the farm was not then sufficiently developed to be operated on a profitable basis. Mrs. Moe had brought her spinning wheel with her, and she spun yarn from which she knitted socks, not only for her family, but to sell to neighbors, and thus help out the family funds. Thus they worked together, and in time won success. They erected a good set of buildings and added to their holdings until they owned 300 acres. Much of Mr. Moe's activity centered in the village, where clerked in a store, and, as noted, served as postmaster and as cashier of the State Bank of Chetek. After a long and useful life, he died April 10, 1917, in the faith of the Norwegian Lutheran Church, in the local congregation of which he had held a number of offices. Mr. Moe was married at Chicago, July 10, 1876, to Anna Martin, who was born in Norway, Oct. 14, 1850, the daughter of Martin Olson and his wife, Ingeborg Torgerson, and came to America when she was nineteen. This union was blessed with five children: Inga, who died at the age of 24 years; Jerome, who died at the age of thirty years; George and Arthur; and Bessie, now the wife of Leroy Lockwood of Glasgow, Mont. The son, George, now operates a half of the home farm, and he and his good mother live together. He is a hard-working, energetic man, who thoroughly understands farming, and is doing his duty as a good citizen in every respect.

Arthur Moe, an influential farmer of section 32, east, Chetek Township, was born in a log cabin in Chetek Township, the son of Bernard and Anna (Martin) Moe, early settlers. He was reared in this vicinity, attended the Che- tek High School, and had the advantages of courses at the Culver Military Academy, Culver, Ind. With this preparation, he spent several years in the southern states engaged in railroad surveying. Later he came back and pur- chased the home place in Chetek Township. This he sold in 1919 and purchased his present place of 96 acres on the line between Chetek and Dovre. He has a

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H. E. BECKWITH

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well improved place, and successfully carries on general farming. With the advantages of a good education, and somewhat wider experience that usually falls to a pioneer farmer boy, he is a man of broad views and wide information. He keeps well abreast of the times in the general topics of the day, and believes in scientific methods of farming. He takes part in everything that he believes to be for the good of the community, and he and his family rank well among the best people of the community. He married Mamie Weeks, who was born in South Dakota, the daughter of Chauncey and Mary (Gibson) Weeks. Mr. and Mrs. Moe have three children: Gene, Bernard and Frederick.

Chauncey Weeks was born in Adams County, Wis., Jan. 13, 1851, the son of Chauncey and Mary (Armstrong) Weeks, natives of New York State, who came to Wisconsin in 1840. He was married in 1875 to Mary Gibson, who died in South Dakota in 1900, leaving five children: Ida, Maude, Florence, William and Mamie. Mrs. Mary Gibson Weeks was born in Michigan, Aug. 25, 1858, the daughter of Benjamin and Almira Gibson. In 1905, after the death of her first husband, she married his brother, C. A. Weeks, and they now live in Chetek, this county.

Frank H. Gilbert, Chetek contractor, who erected many important buildings here, including several of the churches, was born in New York State, came west to Wisconsin as a young man and married Carol Tait, a native of this state. They came to Chetek in the fall of 1882, and at once took their place in Barron County life. He died July 5, 1919, and his wife is now living with their daughter, Mrs. Harry E. Beckwith, of Chetek.

Harry E. Beckwith, president and manager of the Chetek Lumber & Supply Co., was born on section 36, Barron Township, Barron County, April 22, 1877, son of John C. and Anna (Craig) Beckwith. He was reared in his native town- ship, attended the public schools, and worked on the home farm. As a young man he further perfected his education by attending the Minnesota School of Business at Minneapolis. Then he became a traveling salesman. In 1902 he became manager of his present company and in 1907 at the incorporation was made president. His personality and business ability have been real factors in the success with which the firm has met. In addition to his other holdings, he is a stockholder in the Farmers' Co-operative Store and in the Farmers' Co- operative Creamery, both of Chetek. He has been active in public affairs, and has been mayor two years and alderman two years. His fraternal relations are with the Masons and the Modern Woodmen, and he is also a member of the Community Club. Mr. Beckwith was married June 24, 1903, in Chetek, to Edith C. Gilbert, who was born in Oregon, Dane County, Wis., Aug. 29, 1877, daughter of Frank H. and Carol (Tait) Gilbert. This union has been blessed with two children: Pauline, who was born Aug. 25, 1905, and Kenneth, who was born Oct. 19, 1910, and died Jan. 25, 1911. The family faith is that of the Presby- terian Church. Mrs. Beckwith graduated from the Chetek High School and taught school here for ten years. She is an active member of the Eastern Star, the W. C. T. U. and the Women's Relief Corps.

The Chetek Lumber and Supply Company was organized in 1900 by Roy C. Burger and J. O. Gillette. In 1902 Harry E. Beckwith became manager. In 1907 the company was incorporated with Mr. Beckwith as president and man- ager. The company carries a full line of building material and fuel, including lumber, cement, plaster, inside finish work, wall boards and coal. For a dozen years the company also handled farm implements and machinery, but that department has been sold to the Farmers' Co-operative Store Co. Branches are maintained at Canton in this county and at Spring Brook, in Washburn County. The branch formerly maintained at Haugen has been incorporated as a separate company, Mr. Beckwith being the president and Albert Olson, the former owner, being the manager. The Chetek company is incorporated at $100,000. In addition to its yards, it has a planing mill at Chetek, and consid- erable real estate.

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Capt. John C. Beckwith, now deceased, at one time one of the most noted men in Barron County, was born in New York State in 1841, descended from New England Colonial families. He was reared in his native state and as a young man learned the printing trade. Soon after the outbreak of the Civil War he enlisted in Company B, 65th New York Volunteer Infantry, and served two years, being promoted successively to corporal, sergeant, second lieutenant and first lieutenant. At this stage of his service, being incapacitated by illness, he was discharged and returned home. Upon his recovery he recruited Com- pany D, 187th New York Volunteer Infantry, was commissioned its captain and served in its command until July 15, 1865, when he was discharged. Then he once more engaged in farming in his native state. In the meantime he had married. About 1870 he brought his family to Wisconsin and settled in Colum- bia County. In April, 1874, he came to Barron County and homesteaded 160 acres of wild land in section 36, Barron Township, which he developed into a good farm, breaking the land and erecting suitable buildings. Here for many years he was engaged in general farming, stock raising and dairying, giving special attention to the breeding of Holstein cattle. At the height of his career he was frightened by an infuriated bull and died of heart failure, June 6, 1919. Mr. Beckwith was a man of strong personality, and was so recognized by his fellow citizens, by whom he was greatly respected. From January, 1903, to January, 1909, he served as county clerk of court. For over twenty years he served as clerk of the school district to which his name has been given. He also took an active part in helping to make Barron the county seat. In many ways Capt. Beckwith showed himself to be a man of action, efficiency and reliability and possessed of a high degree of public spirit. As a neighbor and friend he was kind-hearted, loyal, generous and true; as an official he was genial and attentive; and a model, whether as a husband, father, official, cit- izen or friend. Captain Beckwith was married Oct. 3, 1863, at Buffalo, N. Y., to Anna Craig, whose father was born in Scotland and the mother in England. This union was blessed with nine children: Mary, Emma, George W., Sadie, William J., Harry E., Jennie, Etta and Edward. Mary is the wife of Silas Cal- houn of Cashton, Wis., and they have three children: William, Alvin and Carrie. . Emma married William M. Bartlett, a farmer of Barron Township, and they have three children : Maude (Mrs. Karl Klub), Ray and Lyle. George W. lives in Moline, Ill., married Carrie Bartlett, and has two children: Blanche (Mrs. Lester West) and Donald. Sadie lives on the home farm with her mother. William J. operates the home farm. Harry E. is a business man in Chetek. Jennie and Etta (Mrs. John Cushing) are on the home farm. Edward, who is also on the home farm, married Mabel Jones, and has two children, Barbara Ann and Charles Burgess.

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History of Barron County Wisconsin, Part 164

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

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