History of Barron County Wisconsin, Part 44

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

USA > Wisconsin > Barron County > History of Barron County Wisconsin > Part 44

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).

Nels N. Finstad, janitor for the engineering department of the Rice Lake public school, was born in Norway Jan. 6, 1861, son of Nels and Anna (Olson) Olson, who lived all their lives in Norway. He came to the United States in 1879 and located in Menomonie, this state, where he entered the employ of Knapp, Stout & Co. In 1882 he came to Rice Lake in the same employ, and in 1896 he secured his present position, having at the present time a long and faithful record of nearly a quarter of a century of ungrudging service. Fraternally, he is a member of the Loyal Americans, an insurance order. He has been identified with the Norwegian Lutheran Church for many years and helped to build the first edifice which the congregation occupied here. Mr. Finstad was married June 13, 1884, at Rice Lake, to Mary Knutson, who was

Digitized by Google

260

HISTORY OF BARRON COUNTY

born in Norway and came to America and located in Menomonie, Wis., June 12, 1880, the daughter of Knut and Regna (Olson) Halverson, who spent all their days in the old country. Mr. and Mrs. Finstad have seven children. Adolph R. was born June 24, 1885, and died Aug. 8 of the same year. Inga was born Oct. 26, 1886, and died on the same day of the same month, seven years later. Clara M. was born Sept. 14, 1888, and was married on her birth- day, in 1911, to Helmer Hogan, of Rice Lake, by whom she has two children, De Wayne, born May 12, 1912, and Russell C., born Dec. 15, 1917. Laura E. was born Feb. 20, 1892, and lives with her parents. Amanda N. was born Aug. 6, 1896, and was married Aug. 6, 1920, to Ole Lee, of Rice Lake. Marshal N. was born June 2, 1897, is a pipe organist, and plays in a church in Min- neapolis. Helmer I. was born July 26, 1899, and lives with his parents. The family residence is a modern house at 206 Reuter avenue, which Mr. Finstad erected.

Peter E. Olsen, Rice Lake, former postmaster, merchant, farmer and public official, now living retired, was born in Norway March 25, 1855, son of Jens and Anna (Peterson) Olsen. The family came to America in 1866, and the mother died five days after landing. The father then came to Pierce County, Wisconsin, and after five years there, moved to Dunn County where he worked at Menomonie six years, and then settled on 120 acres near Colfax, in the same county, where he broke and developed a good farm and remained there until his death in 1910. Peter E. attended public schools in Pierce and Dunn Counties. As a youth he was employed by the Knapp, Stout & Co., and in their employ spent the winter in the heavy timber at their lumber camp which was located in the present city of Rice Lake, south of the river, midway between the present wagon bridge and the present railroad bridge. He is, therefore, one of those men who saw the present city when it was a wilderness covered with virgin forest and when there was no indication, except for its advantageous situation, that a flourishing settlement would develop here. As a lumberman he was employed in different places for many years. In 1886 he again came to Rice Lake, to take charge of the clothing department of the Knapp, Stout & Co. store here. The pine forest of the earlier day had then given way to well-kept streets and sightly homes, and the industry which in his earlier residence here had been represented by a lumber camp, was now represented by stores and factories. In 1892, Mr. Olsen left the employ of Knapp, Stout & Co., and engaged in the general mercantile business for him- self. This he successfully continued until 1897, when he was appointed by President William Mckinley as postmaster of Rice Lake. He was an efficient officer, and gave general satisfaction to the public. His term was the period of the greatest growth in the office, as under his direction city delivery was inaugurated and six rural routes established. In June, 1916, he was suc- ceeded by W. H. Dunn, appointed under the Democratic administration. He then bought a farm of 160 acres near Earl, in Washburn County, this state, which he developed and improved, and followed general farming. In the fall of 1920, he sold his farm, and took up his residence in the village of Rice Lake. He has been interested in public affairs for many years, and has served on numerous delegations and committees in the old convention days. At one time he was a member of the county board, representing the second ward of Rice Lake, and city treasurer of Rice Lake one year. The family faith is that of the Presbyterian church. Mr. Olsen was married March 16, 1881, to Amelia Johnson, of Menomonie, this state, born in Winchester, Winnebago County, this state, May 2, 1860. They are the parents of eight children : Jasper E., Alba, Palma, Abner, Marshal, Harold, Orva and Philomen. Jasper E., married Evelyn Morrison, is car inspector for the Omaha railroad, and lives at Rice Lake. Alba is the wife of Oliver Stark, assistant postmaster at Rice Lake. Palma is the wife of Wendell Olson, of Earl, Wis. Abner married Mary Hammond, is connected with the Hammond-Olsen Lumber Co. as secretary and general manager, and lives at Rice Lake. Marshal is a

Digitized by Google

261

HISTORY OF BARRON COUNTY

Presbyterian clergyman, married Caroline Van Dame, and now has a pulpit in Chicago. Harold married Emily Ohnstad, and is in charge of the physical work at Ripon College, Ripon, Wis. Orva died in June, 1916. Philomen lives at home. Harold enlisted in the aviation service of the United States and was commissioned lieutenant. He served in this country until the close of the war and was mustered out in 1918.

Oscar C. Overby, musician, music dealer, and moving-picture man, of Rice Lake, was born in Menomonie, Wis., Aug. 16, 1877, son of Christian and Juliana Overby, who brought him to Rice Lake when he was ten years of age. He attended school in his native city and in Rice Lake, and as a youth entered the employ of his father's mercantile establishment in the musical department. He gradually built up this department, and then started in the music line himself. He conducts the "Music House," sells various makes of pianos and organs and accessories, the leading phonographs and accessories including records and needles, several makes of other musical instruments, a fine stock of sheet music, and general musical merchandise. A musician of considerable ability himself, especially on the pianoforte and cornet, he has shown his ability as band and orchestra leader, and has been a dominant figure in the musical life of the community. At the present time he is con- nected with the Hoppe-Overby Orchestra, a musical organization which furnishes music for all occasions such as dances, parties and receptions, and is known far beyond the limits of the county. As a member of the firm of Bull, Field & Overby, he assisted in the building and management of the Ideal and Lyric theaters, moving picture houses, and is still interested in the Lyric. He is a member of the Commercial Club, and for one term was city treasurer. Mr. Overby was married June 26, 1907, to Sena Sigstad, who was born in Sand Creek Wis. They have two children: Eleanor Dorothy, born July 16, 1909, and Helen Jane, born May 16, 1916. The family resides in Mr. Overby's pleasant house, 22 Newton street.

Christian O. Overby, one of the worthy pioneer merchants of Rice Lake, now living retired in that city, was born in Norway, May 21, 1849, and there received a thorough education in the public schools. As a youth he started to learn the jewelry and watch-making business, and, as was the custom with a boy learning a trade, served a faithful apprenticeship of four long years, thoroughly mastering the art of making and repairing jewelry, en- graving, and repairing clocks and watches. He followed his trade at Drammon, Norway, until 1870, when he started out to seek his fortunes in the New World. In due time he reached Menomonie, Wis., and there opened a store. His business grew and he became a pros- perous and substantial citizen. In 1886, when Rice Lake was developing from a hamlet into a thriving community, he came here and opened a general store, with one department devoted to watch repairing and jewelry. He won the confidence of the people from the start, and soon his customers were num- bered by the hundreds, and were coming from miles away. In those days the Indians were still plentiful. Being a man of understanding nature, he soon won their confidence and became their friend. In time he learned their language. They were always assured of a welcome in his store, and knew that in business they would receive fair treatment from him, so that his place soon became their headquarters. When he first came here he was in partnership with Fred Fields, under the firm name of Fields & Overby. After he had been here three years he bought out his partner and conducted the business alone. As the years passed on he won success and became one of the active factors in the life of the city. With the improvement in his fortunes he made several trips to Norway, where he visited his old home, and saw his old neighbors and friends. But his strenuous life in business un- dermined his health, and in 1910 he sold out his jewelry business and made his last trip to Norway. Upon his return three months later he likewise dis- posed of his mercantile business. Then for some time he found exercise and

Digitized by Google

262

HISTORY OF BARRON COUNTY

recreation by doing light farming on his farm of 80 acres in Rice Lake town- ship. For the past few years, however, his health has been so that he has retired and is spending the afternoon of his life in peace and quiet, looked after by his faithful and loving wife. In the days of his activity Mr. Overby took a leading part in all things that tended toward the betterment of his city and county, and was interested in a number of business enterprises. For some years he did good service as a member of the board of education. Mr. Overby was married at Menomonie, Wis., Oct. 7, 1876, to Julia Olson Finstad, who was born in Norway, May, 28, 1856, and was there excellently educated. In 1872 at the age of sixteen, she came to the United States and located at Menomonie, where she lived until her marriage. Descended from gentle peo- ple, she is a lady of culture and refinement, of that disposition that instantly inspires friendship and admiration. She has been a valued neighbor and a loyal, faithful wife and mother. Her pride has been in her children, and all have done credit to her influence and training. Mr. and Mrs. Overby are the parents of eleven children: Oscar C., Arthur J., Mabel A., Melvin R., Ella C., Carl Edwin, Effie Juliana, William R., Lilliam M., Ella Lucille and Agnes M. Oscar, born Aug. 16, 1877, is a music dealer at Rice Lake. Arthur J., born Aug. 7, 1878, is a salesman. Mabel A., born Jan. 1, 1880, married Edward Nielsen, of Oshkosh, Wis., and has one child, Alice. Melvin R., born April 7, 1881, died in infancy. Ella C., born March 7, 1884, also died in infancy. Carl Edwin, born April 6, 1885, is now assistant cashier of the First National Bank of Rice Lake. Effie Juliana, born Dec. 26, 1886, married E. G. Shervey, a Rice Lake banker, and has three children, Edward, William and Lucille. William R., born Oct. 26, 1888, is in the automobile business at Rice Lake. Lilliam M., born Dec. 2, 1892, graduated as a nurse from the Presbyterian Hospital, Chicago, and is now a resident nurse in St. Joseph's Hospital, that city. Ella Lucille, born March 31, 1894, is assisting her mother in the care of the household. Agnes M., born Sept. 13, 1897, is the wife of Jeremiah Meyer of Cleveland, Ohio. The family faith is that of the Norwegian Lutheran church.

Allan S. White, M. D., head surgeon of St. Joseph's Hospital, Rice Lake, specialist in bone diseases, and general practitioner, was born in Ontario, Canada, Feb. 1, 1876, son of James and Mary (Isbister) White. The father, who was born in Canada, of staunch Scottish descent, has devoted his life to agricultural pursuits, and now operates and owns a fine farm of 320 acres in Swan River Valley, Manitoba, Canada. The mother, who was a native of Scotland, died April 13, 1914. Allan S. was reared in the home of sterling virtues, and received his preliminary education in the schools of Toronto, Canada. His classical course was taken at Trinity College, in that city. Then he entered the Michigan College of Medicine & Surgery at Detroit, Mich., and was graduated with honors in the class of 1899. Thus prepared, he opened offices at Gillett, Wis. He was successful from the start, and built up an excellent practice, but relinquished it at the desire of his aging parents, who requested that he return home. He accordingly successfully passed the examination at the College of Physicians & Surgeons of the (Canadian) Northwestern Territories, and opened an office at Togo, Saskatchewan, Canada. Here he practiced with increasing success, winning wide approval for his work and worth. But his thoughts still turned toward the States, whose educational advantages he desired for his daughter, Evalda, and so on Feb. 6, 1911, after looking about for a suitable location, he came to Rice Lake, and here established himself. He has well furnished offices, and well equipped laboratory, supplied with all the latest appliances, and adequate for coping with the most critical cases of pathology. Especially is the electrical equipment unusual in its variety of instruments, including two X-ray ma- chines constructed along the latest lines of scientific therapeutics. Dr. White was accorded a full measure of success from the beginning. He has a large practice of a general nature in both city and country, and is gradually

Digitized by Google

ALLAN S. WHITE, M. D.

Digitized by Google

Google

Digitized by

263

HISTORY OF BARRON COUNTY

more and more turning his attention exclusively to his surgery, his laboratory and his study of bone diseases, their adjustment and fractures. His fame in the line of orthopedics is becoming wide spread, and his presence here makes Rice Lake an important center for those who need services along the lines in which he has perfected himself. Through Dr. White's efforts, the Sisters of St. Joseph's Hospital, with a Mother House at Victoria, B. C., Canada, sent Sisters Mary Alphonse and Mary Veronica here Dec. 31, 1917, to establish St. Joseph's Hospital, which Dr. White succeeded in founding, Jan. 8, 1918. Dr. White is prominent as a citizen as well as in the surgical and medical line. In a quiet, unostentatious way, he is considerable of a philanthropist. He not only liberally supports the public enterprises which appeal to him, but he also has numerous private charities, lending a helping hand and a word of cheer to many a down hearted and unfortunate one. He has a genial, equit- able temperament, which is one of his assets, both as a man and as a physician. His recreation is found in motoring with his family, in which pleasure he finds rest after the arduous grind of his daily life. He has a pleasant home at 118 West Messenger Street, his offices are at 106 North Main street, he owns considerable farm land throughout the county, and he is also interested in a number of business ventures. In 1917, finding the Land of his birth and the Land of his adoption aligned on the same side in the great World Conflict, he offered his services to the United States government, but was reluctantly refused on account of his British birth. The next year, having completed his naturalization, he renewed his effort and was accepted. For seven weeks he was given intensive training at Fort Oglethorp, Ga., and in August, 1918, sailed with the corps of Evacuation Hospital No. 27, for overseas service, with the rank of captain, his commission being dated June 11, 1918. He served with that unit at La Maons, France; at Mesves, France; at Bulcy, France, which was a hospital center with a capacity of 80,000 beds; and at Coblenz, Germany, where, with the Army of Occupation, he kept the "Watch on the Rhine", helping to care for the American soldiers. In due time he was sent back to the States, and received his honorable discharge at General Hospital No. 28, Fort Sheridan, Ill., Sept. 4, 1919, returning on the sixteenth to Rice Lake, where he is the only physician who saw overseas service. Dr. White was married Feb. 6, 1901, to Marguerite E. Feeney, who was born in Oconto, Wis., of sturdy Irish parentage. This union has been blessed with one daughter, Evalda M., who was born Jan. 5, 1902. For some years before her marriage, Mrs. White was an efficient school teacher. She is a prominent leader in intellectual and social circles, and is deeply interested in all subjects pertaining to public welfare, especially in child betterment work. She is now president of the Fortnightly Club, a position she has filled for the past two years with distinction and to the satisfaction of all. She and her husband delight in keeping open house to their friends, and their home is known as a center of hospitality.

Michael Weber, proprietor of the Weber Hotel at Rice Lake, from 1915 until April 1, 1921, was born in Germany, Dec. 4, 1875, son of Peter and Margaret (Mar) Weber, who brought him to America in 1876, and located on a farm at Two Rivers, Wis., later selling out and locating on a farm in Chip- pewa County, this state, where the father died Nov. 15, 1898, and the mother in 1917. Michael left home and school at the tender age of fourteen, and for three years was employed as a roustabout in lumber camps, later becoming a camp cook. In 1910, he started a restaurant in Eau Claire, Wis. He sold out in 1915 and purchased the Tourist Hotel in Rice Lake. This hotel he thorough- ly renovated, changed the name, established first class service, and con- ducted an excellent place, in good favor with the traveling public and a credit to the city. On April 15, 1921, he engaged in the furniture business on Main street, Rice Lake, handling a full line of new and second-hand furniture, stoves, etc. Mr. Weber was married Sept. 16, 1912, at Madison, Wis., to Minnie Kolb, daughter of Jacob and Wilhelmina Kolb, natives of Pennsylvania, both

Digitized by Google

264

HISTORY OF BARRON COUNTY

now deceased. Mr. and Mrs. Weber have one daughter, Margaret Leona, born in Eau Claire, Wis., Sept. 13, 1913.

William West, former Rice Lake groceryman, now deceased, was born in New York State, and there married Maryetta Doen, also a native of that state. They came west in the early fifties and located at Sheboygan Falls, Sheboy- gan County, Wis., where they farmed until 1862, when they located near Falls City, Dunn County, Wis., where they farmed until 1889. Then he came to Rice Lake in the employ of Knapp, Stout & Co. Later he engaged in the grocery business for himself, and continued to operate the establishment until his death. They were the parents of three children: Rosella Mary, now Mrs. August Dodge, of Rice Lake; Ella L., now Mrs. C. F. Ackerman, of Horsman, Wis .; and Charles Edward, a hardware merchant of Rice Lake.

Charles Edward West was born in Sheboygan County, Wis., July 13, 1859, son of William K. and Maryetta (Doen) West. He was brought to Dunn County, Wis., by his parents as a child, and after attending the district schools, com- pleted his early training at Menomonie. He then became a teacher, instruct- ing schools in Dunn County for eight years, four years in the rural districts and a similar period at Cedar Falls Village. Some years later he was super- intendent of schools in Rice Lake. He first came to Rice Lake in the employ of Knapp, Stout & Co., in charge of their hardware store here. In 1905 he and P. M. Parker organized the firm of Parker & West, and opened a hard- ware store. Three years later he sold out his interest and became a traveling salesman for Farwell, Osman, Kirk & Co., a wholesale hardware firm of St. Paul. In 1910, however, with H. A. Anderson as a partner, he again acquired the store, and opened business under the name of West & Anderson. Mr. Anderson withdrew in 1911, and Mr. West became the sole owner. He car- ried a large stock of shelf and heavy hardware, including a complete line of stoves and furnaces. He was a good buyer, he thoroughly understood his business, and his honesty and fair dealing won for him the confidence of the community at large. His store was neat and well arranged, and a model of what can be accomplished in the way of sightliness, neatness and efficiency in a hardware store in a rural community. Interested as he is in the business progress of the city and county, he has become a member of the Rice Lake Commercial Club, and is president of its credit division. His fraternal rela- tions are with the Masons, the Modern Woodmen and the Commercial Trav- elers. In the spring of 1921 he sold his hardware business and retired. Mr. West was married Jan. 16, 1886, to Ida Belle Richardson, of Eau Claire, Wis., who died Sept. 19, 1914, leaving three children: Lois, now Mrs. John A. Winn, of Austin, Minn .; Lyman E., a traveling salesman for the Hall Hardware Co. at Minneapolis; and Gladys I., now Mrs. W. W. Beggs, of Rice Lake. Mr. West was married July 30, 1916, to Catherine Fulton, of Stevens Point, Wis. Mrs. West, as Miss Fulton, perfected herself for instruction of the deaf, and be- came one of the leading educators in this line, teaching one year at Milwaukee, Wis., one year at Joplin, Mo., and four years at Rice Lake. So widely have her qualifications been regarded that in 1920 she was elected president of the Board of Education of Rice Lake. The family faith is that of the Presbyterian Church.

John V. Leisenring, proprietor of the Griddle Stove Shop, Rice Lake, was born June 19, 1872, in Harpers Ferry, W. Va., son of Benjamin and Isabelle (Hall) Leisenring, natives of Pennsylvania. Benjamin Leisenring served in the Union Army during the Civil War, and after his discharge went to West Virginia, from which state he went to Ellis, Kansas, where he was proprietor of the Pacific Eating House. He died in February, 1888, and his wife still lives there. In the family there were six children: Robert, George, Gideon, Albert (deceased), John V. and Anna. John V. received his early education in West Virginia and Kansas and his higher training in the Wesleyan Academy at Salina, Kans. Then he became a call boy in the railroad round house at Ellis, Kansas. In 1892 he went to Milwaukee, and entered the employ of the

Digitized by Google

JOHN VICTOR LEISENRING AND SON

Digitized by

Google

Digitized by

265

HISTORY OF BARRON COUNTY

Edward P. Allis Machine Shops, where he learned the machinists' trade and remained eight years. He returned to Ellis, Kansas, in 1900 and for three years worked in the railroad shops there. In 1903 he became traveling sales- man for the Majestic Manufacturing Co., of St. Louis, makers of first class ranges and stoves. He came to Rice Lake in 1915, and for a year was employed by the West Hardware Co. Then he established his present business. He de- votes his attention exclusively to stoves, handles various makes and acces- ories, and does general stove repair work. The place is located at the corner of North Wilson Avenue, and West Eau Claire Street, in a building owned by Mr. Leisenring. Mr. Leisenring is of the type known as a booster. He aims to make his establishment as good a one of its kind as can be found, a credit to the city, a convenience to his customers and a source of profit to himself. He is active in public affairs in the city and county, and is ever alive to every movement which has forward progress as its object. He is president of the Commercial Club and in June, 1920, was a leader in the plans which resulted in the notable pageant held that month. In 1918 he was nominated for the office of register of deeds but was defeated at the final election. Mr. Leisen- ring was married in June, 1899, to Jennie Anderson, . who was born Oct. 13, 1873, and died in March, 1903, leaving one son, Franklin V. He was born April 14, 1900, and was educated in the Rice Lake schools. He enlisted in the Navy in 1918, was assigned to the Aviation Service, and saw active duty with the Northern Bombing Group in France. Later he served in that country with the Hoover Relief Committee. He was discharged June 25, 1919, and is now enrolled in the Naval Reserve forces. He is now a pattern maker in Mil- waukee. John V. Leisenring was married Aug. 18, 1915, to Wilhelmina F. Price, born April 6, 1876, in Liverpool, England, daughter of William and Mary (Poole) Price, natives of England, both now deceased. Mrs. Leisenring was for some time engaged in the printing trade, and now assists her husband greatly in his business. The family attend the Methodist Episcopal Church.

Jacob Reed Collins, farmer and business man, living at Rice Lake, was born in Skowhegan, Maine, March 28, 1853, son of Archibald and Nancy (Budd) Collins, who were natives of that state. There Mrs. Nancy Collins died in 1856, and in the following year Archibald Collins came west to Osh- kosh, Wis., where he first worked at his trade as a carpenter, later went into the flour and feed business, and still later engaged in furnishing supplies for lumber camps. He died in 1883. The subject of this sketch started in for himself at the age of sixteen and worked as a cabin boy on the Mississippi River. Later he worked as a teamster in the pine woods, driving four horse teams. In 1876 he entered the employ of the Singer Sewing Machine Co. as agent, and in this employ he continued, in connection with other business, for thirty-eight years, in the meantime farming, acting as auctioneer, and dealing in real estate, stock and farm produce. When he first started farming he had a place in Brookfield Township, Milwaukee County, Wis. Later he had a farm in Fountain Prairie, Columbia County, Wis. In 1889 he came to Barron County, and purchased a farm in Cedar Lake Township. Later he bought another farm in the same township. He sold both farms in 1905. In 1907 he bought 30 acres in the city limits of Rice Lake, and a summer home at Long Lake, Washburn County. For several seasons he spent his summers at the lake and his winters in the city. In 1917 he bought a farm east of Rice Lake. In 1919 he sold the farm, and bought a comfortable home in Rice Lake, where he now lives. Mr. Collins was married Dec. 19, 1873, at Pewaukee, Wis., to Mary A. Phillips, daughter of Ervin E. and Isabel L. (Leith) Phillips, natives respectively of New York State and Brookfield, Wis., the former of whom died in 1903 and the latter of whom lives in Milwaukee, Wis. Mr. and Mrs. Collins have six children: Fred E., Charles B., George J., Nancy B., Pearl I. and Lillian M. Fred E. was born June 18, 1875, at Wauwatosa, Wis. Charles B. was born Dec. 19, 1877, at Oshkosh, Wis., and now resides at Los Angeles, Calif. George J. was born at Oshkosh, Wis., July 12, 1880, was married at

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 44

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

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