History of Barron County Wisconsin, Part 35

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

USA > Wisconsin > Barron County > History of Barron County Wisconsin > Part 35

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).

James Robbins, now deceased, was for nearly thirty years a prominent and highly influential citizen of Rice Lake, and his presence and wise counsel are greatly missed in all civic affairs in the same measure that his benignant presence is missed in his family, and his genial personality in his wide circle of friends. He was mayor of the city, city attorney, municipal judge, member of the board of education and of the library and park boards, president of the Commercial Club, and of the Red Cedar Valley Electrical Co., and a stock- holder and director in many companies formed for the advancement of the city's commercial interests. He also served in many other positions of public honor and private trust, was a member of various committees and delegations, and in fact always placed his services at the disposal of any 'cause that he be- lieved to be just and right. He attained high success in the. practice of his profession, and at one time was endorsed by the Barron County Bar Associa- tion as a candidate for Circuit Judge, but declined to run. At the time of his

Digitized by Google

206

HISTORY OF BARRON COUNTY

death it was written: "Jim Robbins is dead. These words came with a shock to nearly everyone Friday morning, for, though all knew that he was danger- ously ill, they had expected that he would recover and take his customary place among them. The news brought general sorrow, too, for few men are gifted with the pleasant personality which Mr. Robbins possessed. Many a man who came into his presence with a careworn expression on his face left happy and smiling after a little chat which generally started with the words 'hunting trouble, eh?' as a twinkle leaped into his eyes. At no place was Mr. Robbins' wit and humor more in evidence than when making a public address or acting as toastmaster at a banquet. His turn on any program was always awaited with eager smiles." James Robbins was born in Winnebago County, this state, Sept. 1, 1866, son of George and Mary (Reynolds) Robbins, natives respectively of England and Ireland, both now deceased, and for over a half a century residents of Oshkosh, Wis. There was but one other child in the family, an older brother, Decatur, now of Rice Lake. James Robbins graduated from the Oshkosh high school, and in 1889 completed the law course at the University of Wisconsin. The following year he took up the practice of his profession at Rice Lake, where he at once became an active citizen. After a useful life he died Oct. 3, 1919. Judge Robbins was married Dec. 14, 1887, at Clear Lake, Wis., to Hattie Curtis, born Nov. 16, 1866, in Menomonie, Wis., daughter of Almon and Lucy (Hatch) Curtis, long time residents of Menomonie. Mrs. Robbins as Miss Curtis was for some years an efficient teacher in that city. For fourteen years she was the public li- brarian at Rice Lake in the institution which her husband organized. She now resides at 25 West Douglas Street. Mr. and Mrs. Robbins have one son, Stanley, born Dec. 8, 1888, now a drug clerk in Rice Lake.

Drexel L. Dawson, M. D., of the firm of Sattre & Dawson, physicians and surgeons of Rice Lake, and members of the surgical and medical staff of the Lakeside Methodist Hospital, which they assisted in organizing and founding, was born in Scotland, Ill., Feb. 6, 1889, son of Douglas and Ida May (Rhoden- berger) Dawson, and grandson of Thomas L. Dawson, who brought his family to Illinois in the early days, and there farmed for many years. Douglas Dawson was born and reared on a farm in Illinois and became an agriculturist of considerable note in Edgar County, that state. His wife was a native of Kansas. Their home is one of hospitality and refined influences, and both are leaders in the community where they live. Drexel L. Dawson took the usual graded studies in the public schools and in 1908 was graduated from the Christman (Illinois) high school. After a year's classical course in the Col- lege of Arts of the University of Illinois, at Urbana, he entered the College of Physicians and Surgeons of that University at Chicago, and was graduated as validictorian of the class of 1913. He then took the usual eighteen months' work as an interne in the Cook County Hospital, in Chicago. With this prep- aration he came to Rice Lake in December, 1914, and entered into partnership with Dr. O. M. Sattre, under the firm name of Sattre & Dawson. They have a pleasant suite of offices and enjoy a large practice in city and country, making a specialty of surgical work at the Lakeside Methodist Hospital. It was largely through their untiring efforts that this beautiful institution, sit- uated at the head of North Main Street, overlooking the picturesque lake, was organized and erected, Drs. Sattre and Dawson not only laboring with en- thusiasm to further the project, but also personally contributing $10,000 and $5,000 respectively, in order that the project might be carried to a successful fruition. Dr. Dawson was secretary of the Barron County Medical Society in 1919, and is also a member of the Wisconsin State Medical Society, the Amer- ican Medical Association, the Wisconsin Surgical Association and the Air Service Medical Association. His fraternal relations are with Rice Lake Lodge, No. 234, A. F. & A. M., Pekegama Chapter, No. 67, R. A. M., of Rice Lake, and Rice Lake Lodge, No. 269, I. O. O. F. He is one of the directors of Rice Lake's Building and Loan Association. He is likewise active in the Commercial

Digitized by Google

207

HISTORY OF BARRON COUNTY

Club. Dr. Dawson is an enthusiastic athlete and takes especial pleasure in such outdoor recreation as swimming and tennis. At the entry of the United States into the World War he offered his services, and in November, 1917, received his commission as first lieutenant. He was called to active duty in February, 1918, and was assigned to Chanute Field, Rantoul, Ill. After eight months there he was assigned to the Army Medical School at Washing- ton, D. C., where he was discharged with the rank of first lieutenant Dec. 3, 1918. Dr. Dawson was married June 8, 1914, to Lulu Sinclair, a concert vio- linist, who for several seasons traveled through the United States and Panama with a concert company. They have one son, Lorin Drexel, born June 28, 1918, at the Post Hospital, Chanute Field, Rantoul, Ill., the only child to be born in that camp. The family faith is that of the Presbyterian church.

John S. Crisler, lumberman and prominent citizen, senior partner of the J. S. Crisler & Son Lumber Co., Rice Lake, dealers in lumber, cement, plaster, and other building material, and coal, and furnishers of blue prints, specifi- cations and estimates, has been connected with the lumber business in its varying aspects in this county for many years, he has encouraged the building of better homes, and it is said that in his different business connections he has furnished lumber and suggested plans for more houses in Barron County than any other man that has ever lived here. In addition to achieving success for himself, he has found time for public service, and has taken an active part in many movements which he has believed to be for the best interests of the city and county. For several years he was a valued member of the city council of Rice Lake, and at various other times he has filled positions of private honor and public trust. He is active in the Commercial Club, and for many years has been a member of the U. C. T. Mr. Crisler was born in Houston County, Minn., Dec. 17, 1859, son of John P. and Jane Crisler, natives respectively of Kentucky and Virginia, who came to Houston County in the early days, and there lived until 1875, when they came to Barron County and settled on a farm in Doyle Township, which was then a wilderness, and which they developed into a well kept place on which they farmed the remainder of their lives, the father dying in 1889 and the mother in 1897. The subject of this sketch attended the district schools of his native county and came to Barron County with his parents in 1875 at the age of sixteen. For a few years he followed farming. Then he took up the lumber business as an employe of the Knapp & Stout Lumber Co. In this employ he remained for ten years, receiving a knowledge of lumber from the time it stood in the forest until the time that it was made into a completed dwelling. He was a scaler and logger in the woods, he was a logger and raftsman on the river, he was an employe in sawmills, and he was familiar with the selling end of the concern as well. In 1884 he engaged in the lumber business at Rice Lake. In 1899 he assisted in forming the Sigler & Crisler Lumber Co. at Rice Lake. This company was succeeded by the J. S. Crisler Lumber Co. In 1916 the present yard was established. Three years later the firm became the J. S. Crisler & Son Lumber Co. Mr. Crisler was married June 29, 1892, to Hattie Johnson, of Augusta, Wis. They have one son, Allyn B., born Jan. 21, 1897. He attended the graded and high schools of Rice Lake, and the Marquette University at Mil- waukee, Wis. Then he followed the drug business until Sept. 1, 1919, when he was admitted to partnership in his father's lumber company. He was mar- ried Jan. 1, 1919, to Edna Bjoin, of Rice Lake. He is one of the popular young men of the village and is doing excellently in his chosen business.

Louis Dahl, a highly regarded citizen of Rice Lake, was born in Norway, Nov. 9, 1854, son of Nels and Christine Dahl, natives of Norway, who devoted their lives to agricultural pursuits in that country, the father dying in 1912 and the mother in 1879. In the family there were six children: Marie, still of Norway; Louis and Edward of Rice Lake; Lena, of Washington State; Carl, who is dead; and Gunda, who is still in Norway. Louis received his early education in his native land, and from the ages of 21 to 24 served in the stand-

Digitized by Google

208

HISTORY OF BARRON COUNTY

ing army, Norway being then a part of Sweden. He came to America in 1880, and with headquarters at Menomonie, in Dunn County, this state, worked for several years in the employ of Knapp, Stout & Co., in the mills and in the lumber woods. For a time he had a farm near Ridgeland, town of Wilson, Dunn County. In 1917 he purchased a pleasant home at 405 Noble Avenue, Rice Lake, where he now lives. He is employed by the Park Falls Lumber Co. In addition to his home he has a ten-acre tract on the lake front, where he expects shortly to erect himself a new residence. Part of the tract is platted as the Dahl Addition to Rice Lake. Mr. Dahl was married April 30, 1894, to Mrs. Carrie (Young) Thorberg, widow of Ole Thorberg, and born in Norway Jan. 13, 1856, daughter of Jergen and Francisco (Sem) Young, who came to America in 1865 and located on a farm near Madison, this state, the father

dying in Minneapolis in 1897 and the mother in Twin Valley, Minn., in 1911. In the family there were nine children, of whom James is dead; Carrie is the wife of Louis Dahl; Frank lives in Oregon; Rudolph is in Montana; Anna is at Twin Valley, Minn .; Walter is dead; Leif is in Montana, and Ragna is dead. Of Mrs. Dahl's children by Mr. Thorberg, Fred lives in Rice Lake, and is local agent for the Bankers Insurance Co .; Aimar is in the garage business at Ridgeland, in Dunn County, this state; Oscar is a barber at Hoquiam, Wash .; Frances and two Delberts are deceased. The family faith is that of the Nor- wegian Lutheran church.

J. P. Schneider, furniture dealer and undertaker of Rice Lake, is one of the leading business men of the place. He is one of the few commercial men of the town who were born here, and in addition to the pride he takes in the city as a citizen and business man, he is also interested in its progress and growth as one of its native sons. His endeavor is to serve his customers to their fullest satisfaction and benefit, and outside of his business he is ever ready to lend his aid and influence to every movement which he believes to be for the best good of the community. He was born in Rice Lake Feb. 28, 1876, the son of John and Josephine (Burwitz) Schneider, and was here educated. For several years he engaged in the grocery and meat business here. In 1900 he went to Spooner, Wis., and associated himself with C. S. Nelson under the firm name of C. S. Nelson & Co., operating two large stores dealing in general merchandise, hardware, furniture and farm implements, and conducting a bank in connection. Five years later he sold out to Mr. Nelson, and engaged in business for himself, dealing in furniture, hardware and farm implements, and conducting an undertaking and funeral directing parlor. To equip himself in the last named line, he attended the Eckels School of Embalming at Superior, Wis. He continued as a successful man at Spooner for several years, took an active part in business, social and public affairs and served as a member of the city council for five years. In 1912 he sold out and came back to Rice Lake where he purchased the two-story brick building with full basement at 15 North Main street, which he now occupies, and took over the furniture and undertaking business of John Ruths. He does a flourishing business in modern furniture and general house furnishing goods, and his undertaking parlors and funeral directing facilities are adequate in every particular. He is also the owner of the brick building at the corner of North Main and Newton streets, which houses the Citizens' State Bank and the Rice Lake Hardware Co. With H. J. Jacoby, under the firm name of Jacoby & Schneider, he has a hardware store at Haugen, Wis. He is a stockholder in the Citizens' State Bank and is part owner of the Rice Lake Hardware Co., having acquired same recently with A. K. Michaelson and his son, William Schneider, successors to the West Hardware Co. Mr. Schneider was married Sept. 14, 1899, at Rice Lake to Mary Jacoby, of Minneapolis, and this union has been blessed with nine children. Of these, William is in the hardware department of the Rice Lake Hardware Co .; Gertude is a student at St. Mary's Academy at Altoona, Wis., and Stephen is attending the St. Lawrence College at Mt. Calvary, Wis.

Digitized by Google

Digitized by

Google

R. L. SCHLICK AND FAMILY

Digitized by

Google

209

HISTORY OF BARRON COUNTY

Reinhold Schlick, music professor of considerable note in Germany and America, was born in Kalsbrieth, Grossherzogthun Weimar, Germany, descended from a Bohemian ancestor from whom the family derived its soldierly and musical abilities. He was the son of Dankegott and Bertha Schlick. At the tender age of eight years he started his musical education by taking up the study of the pianoforte, organ and violin. Six years later he went to the city of Weimar, not far from the hamlet of his nativity, and in that city his activities centered until he came to America. He received his classical education in the high school and college there, his studies being interrupted by an interval which he spent at home recovering from a nervous breakdown. For three years his teacher on the pianoforte was Louis Jungman, a pupil of Franz Liszt. For a time he taught in the high school at Weimar, giving instruction on the piano- forte, organ and violin, and in singing, to young women who planned to become teachers. He also taught Frankenhausen am Kyffhauser in Schwartz- burg Rudolstad, Germany, where his future wife, Anna Lintz, was one of his pupils. His debut as a public performer was made in the city of Rossleben, when he was twenty-three years of age. Among his numbers were the "Con- cert Pharaphrase" from Dalberg, for the left hand only, Beethoven Sonata Op. 101 Schumann Carnaval, Liszt Fantasie, "Robert le Diable," and the "Huge- notten Overture" from Liszt's "Meyerbeer." So brilliant was his rendition of the latter selection, that when he broke into the stirring strain of the choral "Eine feste burg ist unser Gott" ("A Mighty Fortress Is Our God") the audience was so enthused that all began to sing, and later insisted upon encore after encore. After this performance, he played with increasing talent in many of the largest cities in Germany. A notable event in his life came in 1869 or 1870, when, with a dear friend, Herr Rath von Bamberg, a nobleman, he attended a session at Weimar of the Ton Kunsler Versamlung (Conference of Artists of Music of Europe) of which he was a member, and where he met Carl Tausig, a famous piano player, and Franz Liszt himself. At the request of Liszt, Prof. Schlick played one of the master's own pieces from memory, a feat not then in common vogue, and so greatly pleased the famous musician that he praised the professor's talent and memory and urged that he remain in Weimar so long as he himself should stay there. In 1871 Prof. Schlick came to America with the intention of living in Chicago, but upon his arrival he continued on his way to Sheboygan, in this state, where he had friends and where he established his permanent home, still continuing to teach music and playing in concerts in various important cities. He died in 1882 at the age of 37, and in 1886 the family moved to Milwaukee. He and his wife were the parents of six children: Ida, Reinhold L., Otto, Hugo, Oscar and Frank.

Reinhold L. Schlick, jeweler of Rice Lake and nationally known as a marksman, was born in Sheboygan, Wis., Aug. 9, 1871, the son of Reinhold and Anna (Lintz) Schlick. He was taken to Milwaukee as a small boy, and was there reared and educated. It was there also that he learned the jeweler's trade. He came to Rice Lake in 1908 and opened his present store, where his success has been assured by ability and hard work. He carries a good line of goods, and has the confidence and esteem of the entire community. He has purchased the store which he occupies, together with the lot on which it stands, and he has also erected a pleasant home in the north part of the city on Norh Wilson street. Mr. Schlick is chancellor of the local lodge of Knights of Pythias and is also a member of the D. O. K. K. He is a believer in the Commercial Club and all kindred movements. He finds his recreation in hunt- ing and fishing. Mr. Schlick was married March 10, 1903, at Milwaukee, to Ida Warnke, of Milkaukee, the daughter of Frank and Minnie (Buetow) Warnke. This union has been blessed with three children: Marcella, born Sept. 9, 1908; Rolland, born Sept. 27, 1914, and William Woodrow, born Feb. 18, 1918. Mr. Schlick in August, 1890, enlisted at Milwaukee in Company A, 4th Regiment, Wisconsin National Guard, and served until December, 1912, and attaining the rank of color sergeant. Upon joining the Guard, he at once

Digitized by Google

210

HISTORY OF BARRON COUNTY

became a leader in rifle shooting, rapidly advancing from marksman to sharp- shooter and then to expert. Seven years out of eight, from 1899 to 1907, he was champion of the state militia and was never defeated for that honor. He was finally barred by the state military authorities from receiving any more Wisconsin National Guard medals, it being understood that he could take part in shooting contests of the militia if he so desired, but that he would be awarded no prizes, even though his score might warrant it, which happened to be the case in 1907, when he led the state with a grand total of 1,115 points, and the first prize going to Lieut. Paul Ahmert of the First Regiment of Mil- waukee with a score of 1,075, Schlick having a lead of 40 points over the nearest competitor. He now has in his possession sixteen medals, including the seven state championship medals for the years already mentioned. One of his medals is the Falk Skirmish Medal, given by Quartermaster General Otto H. Falk for the member of the Wisconsin National Guard twice winning the highest score in skirmish shooting in annual competition. This medal was awarded to Mr. Schlick for his scores in 1902 and 1907. Another medal he holds is the Fortrie Medal, donated in 1888 by Senator John L. Mitchell, father of General William Mitchell, of aviation fame, to be won three times. By scores achieved in the years 1901, 1903 and 1904, Mr. Schlick won this medal after it had been in competition for sixteen years. Mr. Schlick represented the Wisconsin National Guard in three national meets, twice at Sea Girt, N. J., and once at Camp Perry, Ohio. At the first match, in 1905, where teams were present from every state in the Union and from Porto Rico and the Hawaiian Islands, Mr. Schlick won eleventh place in the great national individual match, which placed him with the medal winners' class, there being but 14 points difference between the first and the eleventh place. All these honors Sergeant Schlick bore modestly and preferred that his state, his regiment and his company should be accorded the glory rather than himself. He has now retired from the militia, but still delights in keeping up his practice as a marksman.

Ray Fitch, railroad engineer on the main line of the Omaha Railroad between Eau Claire and Ashland, with a pleasant residence at 402 West Hum- bird street, Rice Lake, was born Feb. 6, 1890, at La Crosse, Wis., the son of Casper E. and Ora (Nimoch) Fitch, the former of whom, a retired railroad man, is now living at Winter, Wis. Ray Fitch attended the common schools in St. Paul and early took up railroad work, learning the steamfitters' trade with the Eau Claire Cornice & Heating Co. at Eau Claire in the summer months and working in the woods in the winter. In 1911 he became fireman on the Omaha Railroad, with a run from Spooner to St. Paul, making his home at Spooner. In September, 1918, he was promoted to engineer. His present run is from Rice Lake to Ashland, Wis. He took up his home in Rice Lake in 1917, moving here from Park Falls. He is a member of the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Firemen. Mr. Fitch was married June 1, 1916, to Anna Winkler, then of Phillips, Wis., daughter of G. O. and Maria (Nebus) Winkler, and this union has been blessed with one daughter, Ruth Marie, born July 28, 1918. G. O. Winkler, a blacksmith by trade, has large interests at Phillips, Wis. He lives in Ashland, Wis., his wife having died June 24, 1902.

Joseph T. Bilodeau, proprietor of the Home Store at Rice Lake, was born in St. Henry, Province of Quebec, Canada, Dec. 5, 1889, son of George and Cletilda (Gaugier) Bilodeau, both natives of Canada. George Bilodeau brought his family to the States in 1898 and settled in Rice Lake, where he worked for a while for the Mercier Sawmill Co. and later for Rice Lake Lumber Co., retiring in 1912. His wife died April 29, 1909. Of their twelve children, five are now living. Arthur farms in Chetek Township, this county, and Alphonse in Rice Lake Township, this county. Joseph T. is a Rice Lake business man. Louisa is now Sister Mary Peter Claver, mother superior of the Convent of Jesus and Mary, at Woonsocket, R. I., for which convent she solicited the funds and superintended its construction. Clara is now Sister Mary Saint

Digitized by Google

Digitized by

Google

JOHN SCHNEIDER AND FAMILY

Digitized by

Google

211

HISTORY OF BARRON COUNTY

Stephen, and is in a convent at Fall River, Mass. Joseph T., as a boy, attended St. Joseph's parochial school at Rice Lake. His higher education was received in the Rice Lake High School and in St. Lawrence College at Calvary, Wis. In 1908 he secured employment as a clerk, and in August, 1920, established his present store. He owns the buildings, carries a full line of standard groceries and other food products and does a good business. He is a member of the Catholic Order of Foresters. Mr. Bilodeau was married April 18, 1917, to Valeda Surette, born at Haverhill, Mass., March 22, 1894, daughter of Samuel and Grace (Bilodeau) Surette, the former of whom died in 1897, and the latter of whom then married Joseph Surette and lives at Haverhill. She had two children, Valeda and Grace, by her first husband, and three, Irene, Lilly and Leonard, by her second. Mr. and Mrs. Bilodeau have two children-Grace, born March 27, 1918, and Maurice, born March 26, 1919.

John Schneider, pioneer, retired farmer, and now a member of the county board, on which he has served 16 years, has been active in various public affairs for many years. While in the township he served on the town board for two years and as road overseer for five years, and since coming to the city he has served as a member of the council for five years. For fifteen years he was agent for the Barron County Farmers Insurance Co. He is the oldest member of the local lodges of the Knights of Columbus, Foresters and Mystic Workers, and is also one of the earliest and oldest members of the local Roman Catholic church. Mr. Schneider was born in Germany and came to the United States in 1867, locating in Wabasha County, Minn., where he worked for a time on a farm. In 1869 he entered the employ of Knapp, Stout & Co., at Menomonie, this state, and worked for that concern in Dunn County until 1872, when he came to Barron County in the same employ. In that year he took a homestead of 160 acres in Rice Lake Township, a part of which is within the present city limits. At that time the settlement consisted of one store and two small shacks. Across the lake there was a small encampment of Indians in 15 or 16 small wigwams. The pine timber had recently been cut off, and the present site of the city was a dreary stretch of stumps. The hard- wood was still standing in the vicinity, and only a few of the farms were occu- pied. In order to file his claim, Mr. Schneider had to walk to the land office at Eau Claire. He made the journey as far as Chippewa Falls in one day. He cleared almost his entire claim, and erected a set of log buildings, which ten years later he replaced with frame structures. In order to secure the money to make a living while developing his claim, he continued to work a part of the time for the lumber company. He carried on mixed farming and dairy- ing successfully for many years. Dec. 3, 1914, he sold to his son Frank and moved to Rice Lake City where he has a pleasant residence of seven rooms at 110 West Marshall Street. Mr. Schneider was married April 3, 1875, to Josephine Borwitz, born in Germany, Oct. 13, 1852, who came to America in 1870. This union has been blessed with nine children: John P., born Feb. 28, 1876, is a furniture dealer in Rice Lake. Mary, born June 19, 1877, is the widow of Peter Schaaf, of Rice Lake. Joseph, born Feb. 20, 1879, is a merchant in Rice Lake, dealing in hardware and second-hand furniture. Henry, who was born: Oct. 24, 1880, operates the Golden Rule Store at Rice Lake. Frank, born Oct. 10, 1882, operates the home farm. William, twin brother of Frank, owns a farm in Marshfield, Wis. Anna, born Jan. 4, 1885, is the wife of William Cruse, of Chippewa Falls, Wis. August, born April 11, 1887, is in the hardware business at Cumberland, this county. Emelie, born Nov. 4, 1885, is at home.

Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.

History of Barron County Wisconsin, Part 35

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

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