History of Barron County Wisconsin, Part 169

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

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Lynn Weatherbee Prideaux, proprietor of the Oak Grove Farm, Section 7, Chetek Township, is one of the progressive young men of the community, and is taking an active part in the affairs of the neighborhood in which he lives. He believes in modern methods and in doing everything possible to make farm life attractive, and is an enthusiastic exponent of community effort along both social and business lines. He was born in Murray County, Minn., Dec. 17, 1890, the son of H. L. and Ida (Weatherbee) Prideaux. He attended district school and'as a young man took a Farmer's Short Course, which has proved valuable to him throughout his career, as he has since continued to read widely along the same lines. For a while, in addition to farming, he was substitute carrier on a route out of Adrian, Minn. In 1919 he came to Barron County, and bought his present farm of eighty acres. He has made a number of improvements, in- cluding the erection of a barn, 34 by 40 feet, with a silo. On this place he con- ducts general farming operations, and makes a specialty of Holstein cattle, big type Poland-China swine, and Belgian horses. His holdings include stock in the Co-operative Store Co., and in the Farmers' Co-operative Creamery, both at Chetek. Fraternally, he is a member of Adrian Lodge, No. 199, I. O. O. F., at Adrian, Minn. He and his wife are both active in the Community Club of Sum- ner Township, and he is now serving efficiently at its president. Mr. Prideaux

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was married at Adrian, Minn., to Genevieve Robinson, the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Stewart Robinson.

Gustave H. Dahl, an enterprising farmer of Chetek Township, was born near Christiania Norway, Oct. 20, 1866, and was there reared and educated. In 1888 he came to the United States, and upon reaching Wisconsin, was em- ployed for a time on farms. For nine years he was in business in Menomonie, in Dunn County. In 1913 he came to Barron County, and located in Dovre Township. In 1920 he sold that place and bought his present place. He is a good farmer, carries on his operations in a business-like way, and being a genial, kindly man, is well liked by all. He is a popular member of the Modern Woodmen of America. Mr. Dahl was married at Menomonie, Wis., May 5, 1893, to Emma F. Barden, born in Chippewa Falls, Wis., Feb. 7, 1878, daughter of A. H. and Mary (Blood) Barden. This union has been blessed with three children: Grant C., Clarence H. and Evelyn G. Evelyn G. is the wife of O. F. Kopp, of Chetek Township.

Grant C. Dahl, a prosperous farmer of Section 28, east, Chetek Township, was born in Menomonie, Dunn County, this state, Oct. 14, 1895, the son of Gus- tave H. and Emma F. (Barden) Dahl. He was reared in his native county, and as a youth, learned farming. He came to this county with his parents, and for a time worked in the canning factory at Chetek. Then he began renting farms in this vicinity. He now operates a tract of 120 acres in Section 28, east. He is a hard working man and is well thought of by all who know him. Mr. Dahl married Marie Anderson, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Elmer Anderson. This union has been blessed with three children: June, Harry and William.

Amund Nelson, contracting well driller and thresher, with headquarters at Cameron, was born in Norway, Nov. 10, 1880, youngest of the three children of Nels Olson and Zena Peterson. He attended school for a while, and was but eleven years of age when he came to America with his brother, PeterJohnson, who brought him at once to Barron County. Here he spent his youth on a farm. When he became of a suitable age, he began spending his winters in the woods logging, and his springs on the rivers driving logs. For a short time he farmed as a renter. Some years ago he started digging open wells. Later he acquired a well-drilling outfit, and this he now operates throughout this part of the state. He is an expert in his line, he thoroughly understands underground wa- ter conditions in this region, and he is a good business man, known far and wide for integrity and far dealing. In the fall season he operates his fine threshing outfit. His life is a busy one, and he is regarded as one of the successful men of the village. Mr. Nelson married Ida Gilbertson, the daughter of Lars and Carrie Gilbertson, early settlers of this county. Mr. and Mrs. Nelson have three children: Lela, Clara and Marvin.

Henry S. Comstock, formerly county attorney, formerly county judge, and now a prominent attorney of Cumberland, was born at Indianapolis, Ind., Aug. 15, 1858. He attended school until fifteen years of age, and then started teach- ing. Seven years later he began the study of law at Arcadia, Wis., in the office of E. C. Higbee, now circuit judge, residing at La Crosse. Subsequently, he took a course in law at the University of Wisconsin, and graduated in the class of 1883. On July 1, of that year, he formed a partnership with his preceptor, under the firm name of Higbee & Comstock. In December, 1884, he moved to Barron, this county, and the following May came to Cumberland, where he has since maintained his home with the exception of the years when he was at the county seat in county office. In the fall of 1886 he was elected district attor- ney, refusing a renomination at the end of his term. In the spring of 1889 he was elected county judge, in which position he served with much distinction. In local politics he has filled a number of offices, including that of city attorney and city clerk. He has also served as member and chairman of numerous com- mittees. and delegations of the Republican party, being especially active in Conventions before the Primary system was adopted. Judge Comstock was mar- ried Nov. 6, 1887, to Jennie Rathbone.

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August C. Boltz, a respected and well thought of citizen of Section 12, Clin- ton Township, was born in Germany, Jan. 5, 1858, the son of John and Minnie Boltz. These good people were born in Germany, were reared, educated and married there, brought their family to the United States in 1870, and engaged in farming in Jefferson County, this state. There the father died May 11, 1914, at the age of seventy-six years. The mother, at the age of eighty-four years, is making her home with a daughter, Emma, at Johnson Creek, in Jefferson County, this state. In the family there were five children: Edith; Hattie, the wife of J. Jones, of Milwaukee, Wis .; Emma, the wife of Henry Stark, of John- son Creek, Wis .; and Mollie, who is dead. August C. attended school in Ger- many until 1870, when he was brought to Jefferson County, this state, where he continued his education. As a youth he worked out for a while, but most of his time was spent at home, helping to farm and clear up the land, and chop wood. In 1881 he came to Barron County, and bought 80 acres in Section 12, Clinton Township. He was not yet ready to settle down however, so he traveled through Wisconsin, Minnesota and the Dakotas, and finally learned the moulders' trade at Milwaukee, specializing in making car wheels. In this capacity he worked for several railroad companies, first in Milwaukee, then in Chicago, and then for six years in St. Paul, Minn. Later he came back to his farm, and started clearing up the land. At first he put up a three-room house. To this he has added until he now has a comfortable eight-room residence. His first barn was of logs. Now he has a frame structure, 34 by 66 feet, with full basement, ce- ment floor, and other conveniences. Here he successfully carries on general farming and dairying. He has a good herd of cattle, some full-bloods and some grades, with a full-blooded Holstein sire. Fraternally, he is a member of the Modern Woodmen. Mr. Boltz was married on July 2, 1895, to Emma Eilers, the daughter of William and Mary Eilers, natives of Germany, who came to the United States when young, and lived for many years in St. Paul, both being now dead. Mr. Eilers was a veteran of the Civil War, having served as a cook throughout the entire conflict. In the Eilers family there are three children : Frank, of St. Paul; Selma, the wife of Charles Brums, of St. Paul; and Emma, Mrs. Boltz. Mr. and Mrs. Boltz have four children: Evelyn is a proficient teacher; Theodore helps on the home farm; Roy and Edith are doing well with their studies in the public schools. The family faith is that of the Baptist Church.

Ralph W. Goss, blacksmith of Dallas, partner in the firm of Goss & Rudy, was born in Pepin County, Wis., Aug. 22, 1895, son of John S. and Ida G. (Drinkwine) Goss, natives of Pennsylvania and Wisconsin, respectively. In the family there are nine children: Nora, John, Harry, Lloyd, Ralph, Guy, Ida, George, Frank (deceased). Ralph received his education in his native county and learned farming from his father. He was inducted into the United States service May 4, 1918, and was stationed at Camp Custer, Mich., with Co. L, 10th Infantry, 14th Division. He was discharged May 13, 1919. After farming for a while he came to Barron County and on Aug. 23, 1920, formed a partner- ship with Elmer P. Rudy in Dallas. The young men are doing good business and are well liked in the community. Mr. Goss was married Aug. 3, 1919, to Lillian Mawby, daughter of Charles and Mary (Rudy) Mawby, natives of Wis- consin. Her father died April 6, 1907, and her mother now makes her home with her. In the Mawby family there were four children: Alvina, Clarence, Lillian, and Charles.

Gilbert Wall, who is living in one of the two pleasant cottages which he owns on the banks of Lake Chetek, in Chetek Township, was born in Norway. His parents brought him to this country when he was nine years of age, and settled on a farm in Dane County, this state, coming to Barron County in the early seventies and settling in Dallas Township. Gilbert attended common school, and learned farming with his parents. In 1880 he bought 80 acres of wild land in Section 11. He erected a set of buildings, cleared about 60 acres, and successfully farmed there until 1906, when he rented the farm to his sons,

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Ole G. and Henry, and bought some land on the banks of Potato Lake. Then he bought the two cottages on Lake Chetek which he now owns. His wife died in 1894. They were the parents of four children: Ole G .; Henry; Minnie, wife of Ed. Anderson; and Emma, wife of William Jellerma.

Ole G. Wall, a successful farmer and experienced potato buyer, living on Section 11, west, Dallas Township, was born on the farm where he still lives, March 30, 1888, the son of Gilbert and Olena (Hanson) Wall. He attended the district schools and learned farming from his father. In 1906 he and his brother, Henry, rented the home farm, and operated it together for eight years. In 1914 he bought the place. He has renovated and repaired the buildings, and has erected a machine shed, garage, silo, woodshed and other buildings. He has also improved the land, and has purchased new equipment. He carries on general farming and dairying along the latest improved lines, and has a good herd of Guernseys, headed by a full-blooded sire. In connection with his farm- ing he has been an extensive buyer of potatoes at Dallas since 1913. He has the confidence of the producers and the company for which he buys. The esteem in which his fairness and good judgment is held is shown by the fact that he was elected assessor for his town in 1917 and has since continued to serve. Mr. Wall was married Sept. 10, 1914, to Olive J. Jacobson, who was born Feb. 6, 1894, the daughter of Knute J. and Gurena (Birchland) Jacobson, natives of Norway. Mr. and Mrs. Wall have three children. Ione L. was born July 16, 1915. Lowell B. was born March 29, 1917. Erwin L. was born Oct. 2, 1919.

Knute J. Jacobson, a representative farmer of Section 23, Dallas Township, was born in Norway, and was brought to America in 1871 by his parents. In 1905 he came to Barron County and bought his present farm of 160 acres. There he has built up a good place. He successfully carries on general farm- ing and dairying, and has a good herd of Durham cattle, and a good drove of pure-blooded Duroc-Jersey swine. He is a solid, hard working man who takes much pride in his home, his farm and his family. He married Gurena Birk- land, who was also born in Norway, and was brought to America by her parents when young. Mr. and Mrs. Jacobson have had thirteen children: Josie, Homer B., Olive., Agnes, Carl, Milton (deceased), Kermet G., Everett T., Mabel B., Milton J., Obed C. (deceased), Milfred L and Ardis E.

John O. Wall, now deceased, for over a quarter of a century a prominent and popular farmer of Section 11, Dallas Township, whose untimely death took from the neighborhood one who was well liked and highly esteemed, was born in Norway, the son of Mr. and Mrs. Ole Wall, who brought him to this country as a child, and located in Green County, this state, where they remained about two years and then came to Barron County. As a young man he bought 80 acres in Section 11, east, Dallas Township, to which he later added 30 acres more. He also acquired 40 acres in Section 12, making 150 in all. He erected a set of buildings and cleared about 110 acres of land. He was getting a good start in life, when he and his daughter, Selma, were killed by lightning, while in the barn, July 26, 1906. His good wife, Oleia Espeseth, still lives on the place. In the family there were eight children: Oscar, Olger, Gertrude, Selma, Tilda, Albert, Joseph and Benjamin.

Olger Wall, a prosperous farmer of Section 11, west, Dallas Township, was born on the place where he now lives, May 8, 1886, the son of John O. and Oleia (Espeseth) Wall. He was educated in the district school and learned farming at home. After his father's untimely death in 1906, he operated the farm for a while for his mother. In 1909 he bought 70 acres of the home place, and later added more, until he now has a good farm of 143 acres. He has continued the improvements started by his father, and has broken 20 more acres. In 1914 he erected a sightly eight-room house, and he has made repairs on the other buildings. His good mother occupies the old home and has reserved five acres for lawn and gardens. Mr. Wall successfully carries on general farming and dairying. He has a good herd of Guernseys, headed by a full-blooded sire. He

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is doing well and has already got a good start in life. In looking after his own interests he is not neglecting the public welfare, and he is doing good work on the school board of his district. Mr. Wall was married at Dallas, June 25, 1913, to Alma Kringle, who was born at Dallas on Aug. 20, 1884, the daughter of Nels and Olia (Branden) Kringle. Mr. and Mrs. Wall have four children. Jonathan was born June 24, 1914. Irene N. was born June 26, 1916. Judith O. was born Aug. 4, 1919. Elmer Silvester was born Sept. 18, 1921. The family faith is that of the Free Church.

Norman Hansen, an industrious and successful farmer of Section 16, Dovre Township, was born at New Auburn, this state, Feb. 4, 1887, the son of E. P. and Ingred (Agen) Hanson, natives respectively of Denmark and Norway, who settled on a farm near New Auburn in the early days, and became prominent and substantial people. The subject of this sketch was reared on the home farm, attended school, and learned farming from his father. In 1917 he bought his present farm of 80 acres. He has made many improvements and now car- ries on general farming and dairying. His cattle are pure-blooded Jerseys, his sheep are pure-blooded Hampshires, and his horses are of good grade. He is in every way a good citizen, he understands farming thoroughly, and is regarded as one of the substantial men of the community. Mr. Hanson married Ida Carlson, who was born in Dovre Township, Aug. 4, 1883, the daughter of Mar- tin and Ingred (Stegne) Carlson. This union has been blessed with five chil- dren: Ingrid, Matilda, Arthur, Carl and Philip.

Louis Thompson, an early settler of Dovre Township, and widely known at one time as an expert sawyer, was born in Hallingdahl, Norway, in 1843, and was there educated and grew to young manhood. Upon coming to America, he located in Eau Claire, and there secured employment in the woods. In 1880, he took a homestead of 160 acres in Dovre Township. He started farming with but little save his hands and a few small tools. The land was all wild, and he built his little cabin from timber cut on the place. Provisions had to be toted in on his back from Sand Creek in Dunn County. Before the farm could be made productive he continued to work during the winter seasons in the woods, and for many years he was head sawyer for Lars Torson. Gradually he im- proved his farm, and in time built up a good place. He took his share as a good citizen in the affairs of the community, and served for some time as a trustee of the Norwegian Lutheran Church. He died May 18, 1898. He had been honored and respected, he had been a faithful husband, and a kind and considerate father, he stood high with all who knew him, and his loss was sincerely mourned. Mr. Thompson's first wife, Emma, came to this country with him and died in Eau Claire, leaving two sons, Anton, now of Superior, this state; and Theodore, now of Dallas Township, this county. His second wife was Olea Olson, who was also born in Norway. This union has been blessed with nine children: Emma, Thomas, Tena, Sewell, Oscar, Nels, Thora, and Odin and Olive (twins). Mrs. Thompson still lives on the home place. It is operated by the sons, Sewell and Oscar. They were born on the place, were educated in the neighboring schools, and learned farming from their father. They are well known and well liked throughout the community, and are good and useful citizens and hard working farmers.

Thomas Thompson, a representative farmer of Section 14, Dovre Township, was born on the home place on Sept. 5, 1882, the son of Louis and Olea (Olson) Thompson. He was reared on the home place, and attended the district school. As a young man he learned farming from his father, and after his father's death, assisted his mother with the farm work for several years. In 1915 he moved into his present tract of 80 acres. He has erected a sightly modern home, with a good barn and other buildings. Here he successfully carries on general farming, and makes a specialty of Jersey cattle. His interests include stock in the Co-operative Mercantile Co. of Chetek, and in the Spring Hill Creamery. Mr. Thompson is a man of excellent judgment in all things, he keeps well abreast of his times in the latest developments in agriculture, and he believes

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in putting his best energies into everything that he attempts. He married Emma Pierson. This union has been blessed with four children: Alba, Esther, Violet and Louis Truman. The family faith is that of the Norwegian Lutheran Church, and Mr. and Mrs. Thompson are active in the Young People's Society.

Martin A. Martinson, a modern, energetic farmer of Section 17, Dovre Township, was born on the old homestead in Section 20, June 10, 1890, the son of Ole Martinson. He was reared on the home place, learned farming from his father and older brothers, and attended the district school. In 1910 he started farming for himself on the farm homesteaded by his uncle, John Chris- tianson Johnson, and now owned by his brother, Sivel L. Later he purchased his present farm of 157 acres, originally the Andrew Wolf homestead. He has a good home and barn, and maintains a well-kept farm in every particular. He is a wide-awake young man, and has the best interests of the community con- stantly at heart. He is very popular with the young people and is active in the social affairs of the community. His sister, Cora, keeps house for him, and they both delight in extending hospitality to their friends.

Lew Thomas, proprietor of the Cumberland Hotel, Cumberland, is one of the popular men of the city, and in excellent standing both with his townspeo- ple and the traveling public. In public affairs he has served two years on the city council. He is a native of this state, born in Arena, Wis., July 16, 1873, son of William C. and Sarah (Hanop) Thomas. He was reared and educated in Dane County, and in 1880 came to Cumberland with his father, who here en- gaged in the dry goods business for several years. In 1895 the subject of this sketch entered into the hotel business with his mother, who for a time operated the Commercial Hotel at Cumberland. They bought the Shell Lake Hotel and operated it three years. They bought their present hotel in 1898, renovated it, and have since continued to operate it. Mr. Thomas is a member of Cumber- land Lodge, No. 223, A. F. and A. M. Mr. Thomas was married June 30, 1909, in Cumberland, to Mildred Lawson, who was born Nov. 9, 1885, daughter of John and Elizabeth (Hutton) Lawson, natives of Wisconsin, and now residents of Cumberland, the former being a veteran of the Civil War. Mr. and Mrs. Thomas have two children: George, born Dec. 10, 1911; and John L. born May 1, 1915.

John F. Fuller, for many years postmaster of Cumberland, and also mayor and alderman, was in his day one of the most prominent men in the eastern part of the county. His death, in 1915, removed a good and useful citizen, whose loss is still truly mourned. He was born in Maine, and was there reared. On both sides of his family, he was descended from long lines of New England ancestry, the founders having come to this country some two decades after the Mayflower landed. Members of the family fought, it is said, in the Colonial Wars, the compaigns against the marauding New England Indians, the Revo- lutionary War and the War of 1812. He married Lydia E. Michaelson, who was born in Providence, Rhode Island. They came to St. Croix County, this state, in 1866, and located at Star Prairie, where he worked at his trade as a carpenter and conducted a store. In 1882 he brought his family to Cumberland, and there conducted a store for many years. His wife outlived him five years and died in 1920. They had two children, William N. and Elmer, who now live in Polk County, this state.

William N. Fuller, practicing attorney of Cumberland, formerly third mu- nicipal judge of Barron County, formerly district attorney, was born in Star Prairie, St. Croix County, Wis., April 28, 1870, son of John F. and Lydia E. (Nicholson) Fuller. He attended the schools of his native town until twelve years of age and in 1882 was brought to Cumberland by his parents. Here he finished the graded studies, and in 1888 was graduated from the Cumber- land High School. He then entered the law department of the University of Wisconsin, from which he was graduated in law in 1890. In that year, although still under twenty-one, he opened an office in Cumberland, and has since con- tinued in active practice. Nov. 1, 1919, he entered into partnership with Frank

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L. Louison, and the firm is now known as Fuller & Louison. Mr. Fuller, as county attorney, made a most excellent record. For several years he was municipal attorney of Cumberland. He was also judge of the Cumberland city court. For seven years he was a valued member of the school board. Judge Fuller was married in Leon, Monroe County, Wis., in 1892, to Grace Pinkerton, daughter of Adam and Nancy Pinkerton. Adam Pinkerton was a man of con- siderable distinction. During the Civil War he was major of the Seventy-sec- ond Indiana Volunteer Infantry, and followed the fortunes of that heroic regi- ment throughout the War, including the March to the Sea. He was for many years a clergyman of the Congregational faith. He and his wife are both dead. Judge and Mrs. Fuller have two children, Donald P. and Richard C. Donald P. is a private in the regular army. During the World War he was with the Headquarters Company, 121st Field Artillery, 32nd Division. He served in France eighteen months and was under fire at Chateau Thierry, Rougemont, the Meuse-Argonne offensive, and in several other sectors. Richard C. is in the Navy, and is stationed at the Government Navy Yard, Puget Sound, Wash. He was in France with Battery B, Seventy-second Coast Artillery, and was sta- tioned at Nazairre, St. Leonard, Panilac and other places. Mrs. Fuller died April 20, 1920. She was a good wife and mother, a loyal friend, and a hospitable neighbor, and her death is sincerely mourned.

Ole J. Score, Section 2, Cumberland, one of the earliest settlers of Lake- land Township, and a man who has perhaps broken as much wild land as al- most any other man in the county, was born in Norway, and there grew to man- hood. He came to America in 1873, and with headquarters at Menomonie, Dunn County, this state, worked four years for Knapp, Stout & Co. In 1877 he took a homestead of 80 acres in Section 34, Lakeland Township. He put up a set of log buildings and cleared about 40 acres. For a while he had a hard time. There were almost no neighbors, the region in which he found himself was prac- tically a wilderness, there was little to do with. But he persevered, built up a nice place and carried on general farming. After seventeen years he sold out. Subsequently, he developed several other farms. He now owns 40 acres in Sec- tion 2, Cumberland Township. He has been active in the development of the township. He helped to build the first roads, he encouraged schools and churches, and he has been firm in his belief in the future of this region. For some thirty years he has done most excellent service as a town board mem- ber, both in Lakeland and Cumberland townships. Mr. Score was married Dec. 3, 1881, to Helena Severson, the daughter of Sever and Helena (Halverson) Berg. This union has been blessed with eight children: Enga B. (deceased), Julia, Sophia (Mrs. Charles Poulter), Inga, Leonard H., Helma (Mrs. Leonard Tyval), Anna and Oscar.

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History of Barron County Wisconsin, Part 169

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

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