History of Barron County Wisconsin, Part 166

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

USA > Wisconsin > Barron County > History of Barron County Wisconsin > Part 166

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JAMES A. ANDERSON

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disposing of his barber shop, he has continued in the stock buying business, from which he derives a good income. He is also the owner of two farms, one in Barron Township and the other in Clinton Township, this county, besides 40 acres of wild land in Barron Township. He operates both farms, besides buying stock, and conducts a stock sale stable in Barron. He is the owner of a good residence and two lots in the city and is in the full tide of a prosperous business career. On Dec. 23, 1902, Mr. Myers was united in marriage with Hattie E. Wygant, who was born at Rock Falls, Wis., Sept. 5, 1882, daughter of Charles A. and Ella G. (Woodward) Wygant. Her parents were natives of Illinois. The father, who was brought to Wisconsin when a babe, died June 5, 1915. The mother is still living, being now a resident of Mora, Minn. Their children were: Harvey, Nellie, Hattie, George, Ralph and Jack, all now living. Mr. and Mrs. Charles E. Myers have two children: Donald James, born Oct. 3, 1903, who works for his father; and Evelyn L., born Dec. 7, 1913. The family are affiliated religiously with the First Baptist Church of Barron, and Mr. Myers is also a member of Birch Camp, W. M. A. In politics he is a Democrat and served one year on the Barron County board of commissioners.

James A. Anderson, pioneer, prominent citizen, man-of-affairs and founder of the village of Dallas, was born in Norway, Feb. 2, 1849, son of Isaac and Caroline (Jenson) Anderson, natives of Norway, who came to America in 1858, and after living in Milwaukee a while, located at West Eau Claire, Eau Claire County, Wis., being the first Norwegians to locate there. Isaac Anderson was a boat builder and carpenter. He died in 1878. The first Norwegian Lutheran services in Eau Claire were held in his home, and as a carpenter he assisted in erecting the first Norwegian Lutheran Church building there. His good wife lived until 1918, dying at the age of eighty-nine years, after having lived in the same house in Eau Claire for fifty-seven years. In the family there were six children: James, Anna, Matt, Carl, Aurelia and Jule. James A. Anderson received his early education in Norway, Milwaukee and Eau Claire. As a youth he worked in sawmills. In 1878 he came to Barron County, purchased land on the present site of the village of Dallas, and constructed a home, dam and mill. The mill was at first a grist mill, but later rollers were installed. This mill is still in operation. In 1880 Mr. Anderson established a steam sawmill, to which he later added planing and shingle departments, and which he oper- ated for sixteen years. A hamlet grew up about his mill, and in time he platted the village. He early began the agitation for a railroad, spent time and money in its behalf, and when in 1900 his hopes were realized in the opening of the Rice Lake, Dallas & Menominee Railway, now a part of th "Soo" system, he had given the right of way and also a tract of land for the depot and the like. About this time in 1900 he erected the Anderson Hotel. Later in 1915 he established the municipal electric light system, and his mill still furnishes the power. He also established the local telephone system. In 1900 he put in a telephone exchange in his own home, and th next year constructed a long distance line from Dallas to Colfax. In 1902 he put in a local exchange at Colfax, and for some years was the owner and operator of the whole system. He sold out to the Farmers' Telephone Co. When he saw the need of a local financial institution, he established a private bank which was incorporated in 1903 as the Bank of Dallas, of which he was the first president. In addition to his mill and hotel, he owned two store blocks, several residences and other buildings. He did much for the schools, on the local board of which he served for some years as an efficient member, and he was also one of the active factors in the progress of the Norwegian Lutheran Church, donating a fine lot, a larger part of the timber of which the church edifice is built, a magnificent pipe organ and many other liberal contributions. He personally delivered the first load of lumber on the lot. Being a man of such varied activities, it is natural that he should have been deeply interested in public affairs. In spite of the earnest solicitations of his friends, however, he repeatedly refused to run for public office, and it was only with reluctance that he accepted the office of president

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of the village, in which office he served with much distinction and credit for five years. His business interests were not confined to Dallas. At Colfax, in Dunn County, this state, he built the dam, erected a three-story stone flouring mill and dam, put in the village lighting system and the public telephone sys- tem, and owned considerable real estate. At Superior, also in this state, he was interested in real estate promotion and owned a number of dwellings and building lots. At Barron, in this county, he was one of the founders of the Normanna Savings Bank, of which he was president several years, and he also had other interests there which he disposed of a number of years ago. Thus briefly is told the life of a man whose life and work are inseparably woven into the warp and woof of the story of the modern development of this part of Wisconsin. He was a man of energy and vision, a man who in building his own success, was also ever mindful of the welfare of others. In fact, he valued his success only in so far as it brought his family comfort, and himself additional spheres of usefulness. He loved progress, he believed that humanity should take every advantage of modern inventions, he believed that railroads and tele- phones, banking facilities, electric illumination, good schools, adequate churches, and the opportunity for a comfortable livelihood should be within the reach of all, and he labored to the end that these objects should be obtained in the regions where his influence extended. His was a busy, active, useful life, and the world is truly the better in that he lived and wrought. He died December 10, 1920. His memory will ever be cherished and his life story will ever be an inspiration. Mr. Anderson was married July 3, 1873, to Clara Bue, born in Lillehammer, Norway, Sept. 22, 1850, the daughter of Ole and Inga (Rau) Olson, natives of Norway, who came to America in the early sixties and farmed the remainder of their lives in Trempealeau County, this state. Mr. and Mrs. Anderson had four children who grew to adult years: Oscar Ingwald was born Aug. 16, 1878, and is now in Colfax, where he is manager of the Apple River Milling Co. hydro-electric power plant. Matthew A. was born March 29, 1886, and operates the mill and electric light plant at Dallas. Carl, twin brother of Matt, died Sept. 5, 1913. Julius C. was born May 16, 1889, and is an automobile salesman at Eau Claire. Mrs. Clara Bue Anderson, a most worthy woman, died June 29, 1913. On Aug. 15, 1920, he married Mrs. Inga (Amund- son) Nelson.

Matthew A. Anderson, one of the energetic citizens of Dallas, manager of the mill and electric light plant, was born in the village where he still lives, March 29, 1886, the son of James A. and Clara (Olson) Anderson. He was reared and educated in Dallas and Milwaukee, Wis., and early became inter- ested in his father's enterprises, in time taking over the mill which he now operates.

The Wenzel Brothers Manufacturing Co., wood workers, manufacturing sash and doors, and doing general cabinet making and mill work, consists of Herman L. and Charles Wenzel, young men who were born in Marathon County, this state, and who have both taken special courses to fit them for their work. They came to Barron city in the spring of 1921, formed their present partner- ship, and bought out Charles Holtz & Son. They fixed up the factory and are now building an addition and installing some extra machinery of the most modern type. They are already building up a good trade and are winning the confidence of the people. Their success is assured, and their industry is fast becoming one of Barron's commercial assets.

Charles Wenzel, one of the partners in the Wenzel Bros. Mnfg. Co., Barron city, was born in Marathon County, this state, Dec. 30, 1881, the son of Charles and Albertine (Luther) Wenzel, natives of Germany, both now deceased. He attended the schools of his native town, took a general course at Wittenberg Academy, Wittenberg, Wis., and studied the manual arts in school at Wausau, Wis. With this preparation, he became a lumber scaler and worked in the Wisconsin woods until 1914. Then he located at White Lake, this state, in the employ of the Yawley-Bissell Lumber Co. In March, 1921, he came to Barron,

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and with his brother established the present concern. His long experience in the lumber business has made him thoroughly familiar with the material in which he works, and he is admirably suited for success along the lines he has chosen. Mr. Wenzel was married April 2, 1910, to Mrs. Jennie Kaufman, the widow of James Kaufman and the daughter of George and Jane (Lilly) Ham- line, both of whom are now deceased.

Herman L. Wenzel of the firm of Wenzel Brothers Manufacturing Co., woodworkers of Barron city, was born in Marathon County, this state, June 6, 1877, the son of Charles and Albertine (Luther) Wenzel, natives of Germany, both now deceased. He attended the school of his native county and took a thorough course in drafting by correspondence. In the state of Washington he did general contracting for eighteen months. Then he came back to Wis- consin and located at Wausau. There he had charge of a sawmill, and also engaged to some extent in general contracting. In 1915 he became general superintendent for the Owen Canning Co. at Owen, Clark County, this state. From there, in March, 1921, he came to Barron and formed the present partner- ship. His business experience, his contracting work and his sawmill employ- ment have all fitted him for success in this line of endeavor, and his friends predict for him a pleasant future. Mr. Wenzel was married June 30, 1911, to Anna E. Johnson, the daughter of Fredrick and Dora (Laqua) Johnson, the former of whom is dead and the latter of whom lives at Egger, Wis. Mr. and Mrs. Wenzel have three children: Fredrick, born April 13, 1912; Gladys, born Sept. 11, 1913; and Rupert, born Oct. 16, 1915.

August Charles Kurschner, a prosperous farmer of section 34, Prairie Farm Township, was born in the old homestead in this township, Dec. 4, 1876, the son of Martin and Anna (Kellenbach) Kurschner, the pioneers. He was reared to farm pursuits by his father and attended the district school. As a youth he first went into the lumber woods, and thereafter spent ten winters there. Later he took over 80 acres of the home farm. He has built up a good place and successfully carries on general farming and dairying along approved lines. He is a man of sound sense and good judgment and is highly regarded throughout the community. He married Fannie James, a native of Michigan. She was a gracious woman and of sterling qualities, and her death, Dec. 25, 1903, was sincerely mourned. She left six children, Raymond, Leonard, Mildred, Lloyd, Dorothy and Alice. All are at home. All the members of the family are well liked by all who know them.

John M. Kurschner, a substantial citizen of section 34, Prairie Farm Town- ship, is a native of this township, born in a log cabin in 1886, the son of Martin and Anna (Kallenbach) Kurschner, early settlers. He was reared on the home farm, attended district school and learned farming from his father. As a young man he took over 40 acres of the homestead, and this he has since conducted. He has a good set of buildings and successfully carries on general farming. He has taken an active part in the affairs of the community and has done good service on the school board. His home is a hospitable one and he and his wife delight in extending a pleasant welcome to their friends. Mr. Kurschner mar- ried Tena Hellendrung, who was born in Prairie Farm Township, this county, the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Henry Hellendrung. This union has been blessed with two children: Harry and Archie.

Fred Wirth, a successful farmer of section 35, Prairie Farm Township, was born on the old homestead in section 26, Oct. 14, 1876, the son of Daniel and Katherine (Miller) Wirth, the pioneers. He attended the district schools and learned farming from his father, while helping his parents and brothers clear up the home place. As a young man he rented the farm of John Rassbach. When he bought his present place of 80 acres in section 35 it was then nearly all wild land, only an acre or so had been cleared, and no buildings had been erected. By hard work and intelligent effort he has developed this tract into as good a place as is to be found in the neighborhood. His dwelling is an eleven- room house, his barn is commodious and the other buildings adequate, and

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lighted and supplied with running water. The equipment is excellent and well cared for, and everything about the place bespeaks the thrift and good judg- ment of the owner. Mr. Wirth carries on general farming and dairying along modern lines, and has a good herd of Jersey cattle and a good drove of swine. He and his family stand well in the community and their house is one of the hospitable homes of the neighborhood. Mr. Wirth was married June 6, 1901, to Tillie Sander, who was born in this county, Nov. 6, 1882, the daughter of Louis and Louisa (Wagner) Sander, and granddaughter of Mr. and Mrs. George Sander and Mr. and Mrs. Christ Wagner, pioneers of this county. Mr. and Mrs. Wirth have a fine family of nine children: Romie, Berthel, Esther, Lyle, Archie, Meirl, Mildred, Ethelyn and Richard.

Maurice D. Manson, a business man of Rice Lake, was born on a farm near Bellville, Dane County, Wis., Nov. 23, 1875, the son of Alexander and Sarah (Ulrich) Monson. He received a good graded and high school education and as a boy worked on the home farm and in his father's store. As a youth he learned the stone mason's trade and followed it several years. In 1899 he engaged in the clothing business in his native village. After twelve years he sold out, in 1911, and came to Rice Lake, where he was associated with Harry Whitney in the clothing business. Since June, 1919, Mr. Monson has repre- sented the Rice Lake Grocery Co. as traveling salesman, covering northern Wisconsin. He is well known and well liked in Rice Lake. In fraternal circles he is a Blue Lodge, Chapter and Council Mason, and has been through the chairs of the Blue Lodge. He and his family adhere to the faith of the Presby- terian Church.

Alexander Monson, now living retired at Rice Lake, was born in New York State, his parents being natives of Ireland, who came to America as young people, and in 1853 brought their family to Wisconsin and devoted the remain- der of their life to farming. Alexander was reared on the farm and as a young man spent three years in Texas. He opened a store at Bellview, Dane County. which he operated for thirty-five years, also having a farm near by. Then he retired and took up his home with his son, Maurice, at Rice Lake, Wis. His wife, Sarah Ulrich, was a native of Pennsylvania, of German descent. She died in 1917. They.were the parents of four children: Lillian is the wife of Melvin Oslundson of Madison, Wis. Alice is the wife of Dr. Clark Devine of Marshall, Wis. Merle died at the age of six years. Maurice D. is a traveling man of Rice Lake, Wis. Mr. Monson was married in 1901 at Exter, Green County, Wis., to Mabel Longhead, daughter of John and Mary (Compton) Longhead, the family being of old American lineage and of original Irish origin. Mr. and Mrs. Long- head have devoted most of their lives to farming. They have five children: Bert, Mabel, Elizabeth, Esther and Jessie. Mr. and Mrs. Monson have given parental love and care to a little girl, Jean, now eight years of age.

Rev. Father Francis Bourg, pastor of the parish of the Sacred Heart, Almena; the parish of St. Charles, in Turtle Lake Township; and the parish of St. John, Vance Creek Township, was born in Luxembourg, Europe, Sept. 25, 1868, the son of Peter Bourg, a worthy and substantial farmer. After the usual classical, theological and philosophical studies, he was ordained to the priesthood at the historic cathedral at Rheims, France, on June 8, 1895, and for nine years was stationed there as an assistant. In January, 1904, he came to the United States and took charge of the parish of St. Ann, at Saxon, Iron County, this state. In 1906 he came to Barron County and took charge of his present work. His rectory is at Almena, where his principal congregation is located. The other parishes have about twenty families each. In addition to this work, Father Bourg was in charge of St. Joseph's parish at Barron for five years. Father Bourg admirably fulfills the ideal of a village priest, the true father of his people, and respected by all for his learning and piety. Under his guidance, through the blessing of God, spiritual work in his parishes has flourished, and prospered excellently. In 1910 under his direction the

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REV. FRANCIS BOURG

CHURCH OF THE SACRED HEART. ALMENA

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people of St. Charles parish erected the Maple Leaf parish in Turtle Lake Township.

H. Walter Melbye, an energetic and popular young farmer of section 9, Stanley Township, and a second lieutenant in the United States forces during the World War, was born in St. Paul, Minn., May 28, 1894, son of Lauritz O. and Lizzie (Halverson) Melbye, and grandson of Olaus and Ellen (Jorgenson) Halverson, the pioneers. He attended the graded schools, and in 1912 was graduated from the Humboldt High School at St. Paul. Then he entered the agricultural department of the University of Minnesota and was graduated in 1914. With this preparation he was employed three years on farms in Mower County, in southern Minnesota, and then for a year did cow-testing association work at Lakefield, Minn. He was inducted into the United States service, Sept. 19, 1917, and trained at Camp Dodge, Iowa, with Company I, 351st Infantry, Eighty-seventh Division. On Oct. 14, 1917, he was made corporal. Nov. 25, 1917, he was transferred to Camp Pike, Ark., where he trained with Company I, 346th Infantry, Eighty-seventh Division. Jan. 10, 1918, he entered the Third Officers' Training Camp at Camp Pike, and after completing the course, March 19, 1918, was granted a furlough. Upon his return, May 5, 1918, he was assigned as sergeant to Company K, 345th Infantry, Eighty-seventh Division. May 25, 1918, he was assigned to the Infantry Replacement Camp at Camp Lee, Va. June 1, 1918, he was commissioned second lieutenant and went on special duty with Company L, 146th Infantry, Thirty-seventh Division. June 19, 1918, he was transferred to the 154th Depot Brigade at Camp Meade, Md. June 29 he was assigned to special duty in the small arms firing school at Camp Perry, Ohio, where he took up rifle and pistol practice and sniping. August 15 he returned to his command with the 154th Depot Brigade at Camp Meade. Dec. 27, 1918, he was transferred to the Overseas Convalescent Detachment, dis- charging wounded soldiers. Jan. 11, 1919, he was discharged at Camp Meade. He then located on his present farm of eighty acres in section 9, Stanley Town- ship, which he had purchased in 1917. Here he successfully carries on general farming along scientific and modern lines and makes a specialty of Guernsey cattle, Duroc-Jersey swine and good horses. He is a member of the Cameron Live Stock Shipping Association. Mr. Melbye was married Oct. 19, 1921, at Cameron, to Agnes Berger, born at Rice Lake, Aug. 23, 1894, the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Jacob Berger, whose sketch appears elsewhere in this work.

George Elmer Swanson, an energetic farmer of section 6, Stanley Township, is a native of this county, born in Cameron, March 14, 1894, the son of John and Amelia (Amundson) Swanson. John Swanson was born in Sweden, of a good old family. He came to America as a youth of sixteen, and as a young man became a bricklayer. He came to Cameron in the early days of that vil- lage, followed his trade, and operated one of the pioneer stores. Later he moved to a farm in Stanley Township, and there spent his declining years. He died in 1920. He married Amelia Amundson. She was born on section 5, Stanley Township, reputed to be the first white child born in the township. She died Nov. 1, 1920. Mr. and Mrs. John Swanson had three children: Raymond, Clar- ence (deceased) and George Elmer. As a young man, George Elmer started in as a farm renter, and later purchased his present place of 40 acres in section 6, Stanley Township. This was all covered with brush. He has cleared the land and has erected a fine set of buildings, so that he now has as good a place as is to be found in the neighborhood. He carries on general farming and makes a specialty of Guernsey cattle. Mr. Swanson was married Nov. 7, 1914, to Clara Victoria Hansen, the daughter of Amund and Margaret (Adams) Hansen, the former a native of Norway and the latter of Minnesota. Mr. and Mrs. Swanson have two children. The family faith is that of the Norwegian Lutheran Church.

Andrew J. Peterson, a progressive farmer of section 5, Stanley Township, was born in Sweden, Aug. 22, 1868, oldest of the six children of John and Bertha Peterson, the others in the family being Peter, Swan, Carl and Magnus

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(deceased). Peter came to the United States first, followed by Andrew J. and Swan. Andrew J. was reared in his native land, and there grew to adult years. He married Gustina Westlund, who was born Aug. 28, 1872, the daughter of Elias and Carrie Westlund. She was the youngest of four children, the others being Emil, Edward and Axel. The subject of this sketch came to this country in 1893 and located for a few weeks at St. Paul, Minn. Then he came to Rice Lake and entered the employ of the Rice Lake Lumber Co., with whom he remained for many years. He bought a tract of 40 acres of wild land in section 5, Stanley Township, and built a log cabin thereon. In 1897 he sent for his wife and daughter and they started home making on their farm. For some years he continued his employment at Rice Lake, walking to and from the farm and working early and late in his spare time to develop it. At first he had no animals at all. The second year he got a cow and a horse. As time progressed he developed a good place. He has built a good set of buildings, has cleared the land, purchased suitable equipment and machinery and acquired good stock. The hard work of himself and his wife has resulted in success, and they and their family are respected throughout the community. Mr. Peterson believes in conservative progress and supports the things that he believes to be for the best intersts of the community. He reads the farm papers and the daily papers and keeps well abreast of the times both in farming and in the topics of the day. Mr. and Mrs. Peterson have five children: Helma, born in Sweden; and John, Ellen, Bertha and Andrew, born in Stanley Township. The family is loyal in its support of the Swedish Lutheran Church.

Edward Oscar Hagna, a prosperous and energetic young farmer who is operating 120 acres in section 28, Stanley Township, was born on a farm not far away, Oct. 8, 1889, the son of Thurgen E. (Tom) and Lizzie (Johnson) Hagna. He attended the district school and was reared to farm work by his father. In 1914 he came to his present farm, which is one of his father's places. He is a good citizen, he understands his business thoroughly and is one of the rising men of the community. He carries on general farming and dairying, and makes a specialty of a good herd of Guernsey cattle. He is a stockholder in the Farmers' Shipping Association at Cameron. Mr. Hagna was married May 16, 1916, to Florence Moffett, born at Hutchinson, McLeod County, Minn., the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. James Moffatt, who now live on a farm near Weyer- hauser, this state.

Oscar Burgeson, a busy and modern farmer of section 18, Stanley Town- ship, was born in Sweden, Jan. 29, 1872, the son of Ole and Enga Burgeson, who spent the span of their years in that country. He was reared and educated there, and in 1892 came to this country and located in Minneapolis, where he was variously employed for some years. For a time he worked on a dairy farm. Then he bought a team and worked at teaming. About seventeen years ago he settled on his present place, which he had purchased some ten years previous. He had a team of horses and two cows and started with a small frame house and log barn. At first hardships were many and comforts were few. But he worked hard, cleared up the land and developed a good place. The comfortable home is furnished with electric lights and other conveniences, the barn is well suited to its purpose, about 65 acres of the land has been cleared, and the place is well stocked with tools and equipment. The cattle are of Jersey breed. Mr. Burgeson is well regarded in the community and has done good service on the school board. He is a deacon of the Swedish Lutheran Church at Rice Lake and has been loyal in his support. Mr. Burgeson married Louisa Reed, a native of Sweden. This union has been blessed with two children: Francis Oscar and Alice Louisa.

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History of Barron County Wisconsin, Part 166

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

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