History of Barron County Wisconsin, Part 45

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

USA > Wisconsin > Barron County > History of Barron County Wisconsin > Part 45

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Rice Lake to Cora Lathrop and resides at Rice Lake. Nancy B. was born at Milwaukee, Wis., Jan. 26, 1882, and died in infancy. Pearl I. was born Nov. 22, 1883, in Wauwatosa, Wis., married George Olson and has five children: Archibald, Victor, Gladys, Orvetta and Alta. They reside in Stanley Town- ship. Lillian M. was born at Wauwatosa, Wis., Sept. 14, 1885, married Peter Korbitz and has five children: Hazel, Arvella, Anneta, LeRoy and Lillian. They reside in Rice Lake.

Alfred P. Ast, of Alfred P. Ast & Co., Cumberland, dealers and manufac- turers of American and brick cheese, is a thorough expert in his line, and is building up a business which is proving an important asset to this part of the state. He was born in Switzerland, Oct. 13, 1889, son of Bernard and Caroline Ast, both natives of that country, the former of whom is still farming there, and the latter of whom is dead. In the family there are six children, of whom Bernard, Ernest, Robert and Alfred live in the State of Wisconsin, and God- frey and Emma in Switzerland. Alfred P. was reared in his native country, and was there educated. His boyhood was spent on a dairy farm, and he early became interested in cheese and butter making, which he thoroughly mastered. He came to the United States in 1907 as a youth of eighteen, and engaged in cheese making at Dodgeville, Wis. In 1919 he came to Cumberland and estab- lished his present business. Mr. Ast was married at Dodgeville, Wis., in Janu- ary, 1916, to Clara Larson, and they have two children, Bernard, born August, 1920, and Catherine, born in June, 1919.

Isaac G. Babcock, M. D., practicing physician and surgeon of Cumberland, and a specialist in the human eye, ear, nose and throat, was born in Afton, Minn., Feb. 4, 1864, son of Dr. B. F. and Amelia (Van Vleck) Babcock. B. F. Babcock was born near Camden, N. Y., in 1835, a descendant of early New England ancestry, the family tradition being that five brothers of the name of Babcock came to Rhode Island in Colonial times and there established the family in this country. He studied medicine in Buffalo, New York, and grad- uated from the Buffalo College of Physicians and Surgeons. He came west in 1854, and located in Stillwater, Minn., where he practiced his profession. From there he moved to Afton, where he practiced until his death, Sept. 20, 1870. His wife, who came of one of the old Holland families of New York State, spent her declining years in Cumberland, Wis., where she died in 1905. There were four children in the family. Two died young. Henry C. is a dentist in St. Paul. Isaac G. attended the public schools of Afton, and also the St. Croix Valley Academy at that place, graduating in 1881. Then for three years he read medicine with Dr. B. J. Merrill, of Stillwater, walking from the family home in Afton to the doctor's office at Stillwater, twelve miles away. At the same time he supported his family by teaching school winters and working as a carpenter in the summers. In 1886-7 he studied in the old St. Paul Medical College, in the meantime serving as an interne in the old Still- water Hospital. September, 1887, he entered the Bellevue Hospital Medical College, in New York City, and was graduated March 12, 1888. Thus prepared, he started practice at Stockholm, Wis., where he remained for nine months. Then he went to Red Wing, Minn., where he practiced a little over a year as a partner of Dr. W. A. Jones, still a well-known physician now of Salt Lake, Utah. Dr. Babcock came to Cumberland in 1890 and here he has since re- mained. His thirty years' work here is an integral part of the story of the northwestern part of the county. He has seen the generations grow up, and has been the beloved physician, advisor and friend to hundreds of families. His interest in youth is shown by the excellent service he has rendered as a member of the school board for many years. He is a Blue Lodge, Chapter and Commandery Mason, and has been through the chairs of the local lodge of Knights of Pythias. In politics he is a Republican. Dr. Babcock was married July 4, 1882, at Hudson, Wis., to Melissa C. Squire. Mr. Squire settled in Shakopee, Minn., in the early days, and moved from there to Afton, Minn., in 1880. After the death of Mr. Squire, his widow married John Carroll, of Lake

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City. She is now dead. Dr. and Mrs. Babcock have five children, Minnie, Frank, Florence, Grace and George. Minnie is the wife of R. F. Donehower, of Lidgerwood, N. D. Frank is a practicing physician of Cumberland. Flor- ence has charge of the English department at the Jonesville, Wis., High School. Grace teaches elementary science in the Cumberland High School. George, a veteran of the World War, is a dentist of Cumberland.

Frank Babcock, M. D., practicing physician and surgeon of Cumberland, was born in Afton, Minn., April 3, 1885, the son of Isaac G. and Melissa C. (Squire) Babcock. He was brought to Cumberland by his parents and was here reared, passing through the graded schools, and graduating from the Cum- berland High School in 1903. Then for two years he received business experi- ence in various places in the Northwest. In 1907 he entered the Marquette University, at Milwaukee, Wis., from which he was graduated in medicine in 1912. With this preparation he came back to Cumberland and engaged in practice with his father. In 1915 he went to Haugen, also in this county, and opened an office there. He came back to Cumberland in 1918, opened an office, and has since been in successful practice here. He is at present municipal health officer. Fraternally, he associates with the Knights of Pythias. Dr. Babcock was married Jan. 26, 1920, to Mabel Irwin, daughter of George and Lila (Anderson) Irwin, long-time residents of Cumberland. Dr. and Mrs. Babcock have one child, Jean Phyllis.

George H. Babcock, D. D. S., practicing dentist of Cumberland, was born in the city where he still resides, Nov. 30, 1895, son of Isaac G. and Melissa C. (Squire) Babcock. He passed through the public schools and graduated from the Cumberland High School in 1914. In that year he entered the dental de- partment of the Northwestern University at Chicago, and was graduated with the degree of D. D. S. in 1917. Then he opened an office in Haugen, in this county, where he practiced for one year. He opened an office in Cumberland in 1918. He has a well equipped laboratory and operating room, and is well prepared to handle all cases requiring dental surgery and oral hygiene. He and his brother, Frank, a physician, have a suite of offices, using the pleasant reception room together. On July 15, 1918, he was inducted into the United States service, trained at Camp Hancock, Georgia, and was made machine gun instructor, being discharged July 12, 1919. Dr. Babcock was married March 8, 1920, at Wabasha, Minn., to Frances Brand, of Cumberland, daughter of Edward and Emma Brand, who, upon coming to Wisconsin, settled first at Turtle Lake in this county and then came to Cumberland, where they man- aged the Commercial Hotel. Dr. and Mrs. Babcock had one son, George Frank, who died in infancy.

John A. Bergstein, successful business man of Cumberland, was born in Sweden, Aug. 28, 1851, son of Carl and Mary A. Bergstein, both natives of that country, and life-long residents there, the father being a carpenter and farmer. In 1870, one of the daughters of the family, Susana, later the wife of Adolph Newman, came to this country and located in Centralia, Wis. In 1872 came John A. and a sister, Jennie, who afterward became wife of Frank Anderson. For a while, John A. farmed near Centralia, Wis., and worked in the sawmills there. In 1876 he went to Washington Territory where he spent two years, farming. He went to California, in 1878, and for four years worked on a . ranch. In 1882 he went to South Dakota, and farmed. He came to Cumber- land in the fall of 1889, and entered the employ of Frank Anderson's Mar- ket, working there in suitable seasons, and in the meantime devoting some of his winters to logging. In the spring of 1908 he opened his present market. This he has since successfully conducted, and he is regarded as one of the solid, substantial men of the community. For twelve years he farmed in Crystal. Lake Township, and during a part of that time was town assessor. He is in- terested in fraternal affairs, and is a member of the Odd Fellows, which order he joined in California, and also of the Knights of Pythias. He and his fam- ily attend the Congregational Church. Mr. Bergstein was married at Cum-

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berland in 1902 to Minnie Oako, who died in January, 1906. On November, 1916, he married Cora L. (Mitchell) Hart, widow of Sam Hart.

August C. Bruesewitz, for nearly thirty-five years a leading citizen of Brighton Township, Marathon County, who has now selected Cumberland as a desirable place in which to spend the pleasant afternoon of life, was born in Germany, Oct. 13, 1851, the son of Ernest and Sophia (Mouns) Bruesewitz, both now deceased. He received his education in his native land, and remained with his parents until 1869. In that year, at the age of eighteen, he came to the United States, and located in Dodge County, Wis., where he was variously em- ployed for some eleven years. It was in 1880 that he went to Marathon County, and purchased 120 acres in Brighton Township. He erected a set of buildings, cleared up the land, and as the years passed, developed one of the best places in that part of the county. Busy as he was in developing his farm, and rear- ing his large family of children, he nevertheless found time for much public service. For nine years he was a valued member of the town board, one year of which he was chairman. He was also town assessor for one year. His interest in education is shown by the fact that he was on the school board of his district as treasurer for twenty-four years. In 1914 he retired and rented his fine farm to his son, Frank. Then in looking about for a place to live, he fixed upon Cumberland. He is very fond of fishing and of out-door life, and here he found a place where he could indulge in that liking to the utmost, and a place where he could have a pleasant home amid agreeable surroundings and with congenial townspeople. Accordingly, he purchased a home on North Street, and there he now lives. He was married Sept. 13, 1880, to Ida Boeder, who was born in Dodge County, Wis., Sept. 7, 1863, daughter of Frederick and Fredericka (Hohm) Boeder, natives of Germany, who came to America in 1866, and settled in Dodge County, where they farmed for the remainder of their lives. Mr. and Mrs. Bruesewitz have ten children: Ella, Frank, Anna, Dora, Walter, Minnie, Robert, Fred, Linda and Irene. Ella was born June 24, 1881, and is the wife of Robert Voelker, of Marathon County, Wis. Frank was born Nov. 7, 1882, and as already noted, operates the home farm in Marathon County. Anna was born April 7, 1884, and died Aug. 2, of the same year. Dora was born July 3, 1885, and is the wife of Herman Schwantis, of Marathon County, Wis. Walter was born Nov. 7, 1890, and is farming in Clark County, this state. Minnie was born Aug. 1, 1892, and died Dec. 29, 1900. Robert was born Jan. 31, 1894, and now lives in Marathon County, Wis. Fred was born Nov. 24, 1896, and is farming in Park County, Wis. Linda was born Nov. 11, 1898, and is now Mrs. Paul Walitz, of Marathon County, Wis. Irene was born July 20, 1900, and lives at home.

James Collingwood, a respected and active citizen, now living retired in Cumberland, was born in Ontario, Canada, Dec. 8, 1857, the son of Thomas and Violet (Dixon) Collingwood. The father was born in England, came to Canada in 1851, and spent his life as a farmer and railroad contractor. He died in 1882. The mother was born in Scotland. After the death of her husband she came to the United States and took up her home with her son, Thomas D., at Cumberland. When he died, she went to live with her son, James, until her death, November, 1903. In her early days she had been maid to a lady of the English royalty, and she had many interesting stories to tell of her experiences .. Of the five children in the family, John S. lives in Everett, Wash .; William lives in Huron County, Ontario, Canada; James lives in Cumberland; Thomas D., a pioneer of Cumberland, is dead; and Robert, who lived in Idaho, is also dead. James was reared in the Province of Ontario, and was there educated. At the age of eighteen he secured employment on a ranch and a little later worked in a store at Winnipeg. In 1882 he came to the States and located in Cumberland. Shortly afterward he homesteaded 80 acres in Section 34, Cum- berland Township, and to this added 80 acres by purchase. When he took this land it was all covered with heavy timber. With some assistance of employes, he cleared and broke this land and erected a fine set of buildings. There he

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FRED OTTO AND FAMILY

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successfully carried on general farming and stock raising for a long period of years. In 1918 he rented the farm, and for two seasons was employed by the Fame Canning Co. at Cumberland. In 1920 he took a trip to the State of Wash- ington, where his brother lives. Early in 1921 he returned to Cumberland. He is a prominent man in the community, has been town supervisor and town assessor at varying periods, and treasurer of his school district for more than two decades. Mr. Collingwood was married Dec. 17, 1879, in Ontario, to Jane Narin, a native of Canada, daughter of Thomas and Jane Narin, who spent their lives in that Dominion. Mr. and Mrs. Collingwood have six children. Violet M. is the wife of Charles I. Doll, of the State of Washington. Mary Edna lives in Cumberland. Walter E. is a ranchman in the State of Wash- ington. Lulu C. is the wife of Richard Meisegeier, of Buckeye, Washington. Effie J. also lives in that place. Helen N. is the wife of Herbert Howell, who is in the garage business in Duluth, Minn. . Walter E. Collingwood, already mentioned, was inducted into the United States service from Barron, Sept. 21, 1917, and was assigned to Camp Grant, Rockford, Ill. He was transferred to Camp Logan, Houston, Texas, April 3, 1919, and was attached to Battery F, 123rd Field Artillery, 58th Brigade, 33rd Division. He sailed from the States May 27, 1918, and saw long and active service. The famous Thirty-third par- ticipated in.every major American offensive, from Chateau Thierry to Hell's Valley. After the Armistice it was stationed in Luxembourg, with the Army of Occupation. Mr. Collingwood returned to the United States May 29, 1919, and was discharged at Camp Grant, June 8, 1919.

Fred Otto, a well-to-do farmer of Section 36, Cumberland Township, was born in Buchannan County, Iowa, Aug. 8, 1865, the son of Henry and Mary (Romey) Otto, both of whom are now dead. Henry was a cabinet maker by trade, followed it 24 years at Independence, Iowa. As a boy he attended school in his native county. For some years he did farm work, rented different farms, and for eight years clerked in a hardware store at Independence, Iowa. In 1913 he came to Barron County, and bought 120 acres in Section 36, Cumber- land Township. He fixed over the buildings, erected others, and has cleared an additional 45 acres. Here he successfully carries on general farming and dairying, and has a fine herd of graded Holsteins, headed by a full-blooded sire. He is a good citizen, farmer and neighbor, and stands well with all who know him. His holdings include shares in the Barron Creamery Co. Mr. Otto was married Oct. 10, 1894, to Mary Flynn, who was born Nov. 4, 1861, the daughter of Thomas Flynn. She was a faithful wife, mother and neighbor, and died Dec. 26, 1920. Mr. and Mrs. Otto had one son, F. Raymond, born Oct. 9, 1898. He helps his father on the farm and is well liked among the young people of the community. The family faith is that of the Roman Catholic Church.

Charles W. Poulter, farmer, stock-breeder and exhibitor, specialist in Shropshire sheep, and active man of affairs, is a fine type of modern Wis- consin farmer. He studies modern methods, he believes in farming as the lead- ing occupation in the country, he is widely known, and he is as well liked and esteemed as he is well known. He was born in Lee County, Iowa, July 15, 1889, the son of Charles J. and Martha (Clark) Poulter, natives of Illinois and Iowa. These good people came to Barron County from Iowa, in 1901, and bought 160 acres in Section 1, Cumberland Township. This was then all wild. He erected a set of log buildings and cleared a part of the land. In 1906 he bought 80 acres of partly cleared land in Section 2, where he erected a set of buildings, and where he logged and brushed a part of the land. In 1918 he moved to Fayetteville, Arkansas, where he now operates a poultry and fruit farm. His wife died in 1918. In the family there are four children: Alfred, Samuel R., Alice and Charles W. Charles W. attended graded school in Iowa. He con- tinued his graded studies after he was brought to this county at the age of twelve. He also had the advantages of two years in the high school at Cum- berland. In 1907 he entered the agricultural college of the University of Wis-

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consin, from which he was graduated in 1909. In 1911 he rented 160 acres from his father in Section 1, Cumberland Township, and in 1912 bought it. In 1917 he bought 40 acres more, making a total of 200 acres. Of this tract he has stumped, brushed and broke 70 acres. In 1916, he erected a barn, 24 by 80 feet, with an 18-foot lean-to. In 1920, he put up a seven-room, modern home. At that time he also built a number of outbuildings. Here he suc- cessfully carries on general farming, dairying and sheep raising. His herd of cattle are Guernsey grades, headed by a full-blooded sire. His sheep are pure- bred Shropshires. He is a well-known exhibitor at the State Fairs in Minne- sota, Iowa, North Dakota and Wisconsin. In 1908 he had the champion ram at the Wisconsin State Fair. In 1911, 1912 and 1913-14 he carried off the breeders' flock prize at the Minnesota State Fair. In 1919 he had the cham- pion ram at the North Dakota State Fair. His stock has a good sale among fanciers and breeders throughout the four states. Mr. Poulter is a stock- holder in the Cumberland Farmers Light & Power Co., which furnishes elec- tricity for his farm. He is naturally interested in education and is a member of the school board of his district. Mr. Poulter was married March 5, 1910, to Sophie Score, who was born May 21, 1887, in Lakeland Township, the daugh- ter of Ole and Helena (Berg) Score. This union has been blessed with five unusually bright boys and one girl: Clarence O., born Dec. 5, 1910; Lester A., born Sept. 9, 1912; Glenn V., born June 27, 1914; and Clyde S., born Oct. 12, 1916; Dennis Clark, who died at the age of 15 months in 1920; and Helen Marie, born June 28, 1921.

Samuel R. Poulter, D. V. M., the only veterinarian in the northwestern part of the county, was born in Lee county, Iowa, Nov. 5, 1891, son of Charles J. and Martha A. Poulter, natives respectively of Iowa and Illinois. The father was reared in Iowa, was there married, and there became a prosperous farmer. He came to Barron County in 1901, and farmed in Cumberland Township until 1919, when he moved to Fayetteville, Arkansas, where he is engaged in fruit culture. The mother died at Rochester, Minn., in November, 1918. In the family there were four children. Charles W. is farming in Sec- tion 1, Cumberland Township. Alfred C. is on the home farm in Section 2. Mary keeps house for her father in Arkansas. Samuel R. was a lively youngster of ten years when the family came to Barron County. He attended the graded and high schools of Cumberland, and early became interested in farm animals. In 1912 he entered the Chicago Veterinary College, and was graduated with the degree of D. V. M. in 1915. With this preparation he at once started practice in Cumberland. Here he has built up a large practice, and is highly regarded for his skill as a veterinarian and his merits as a man. In September, 1917, he answered his country's call, and offered his services to the government. He was accordingly commissioned second lieutenant in the Veterinary Corps and served as such at Camp Hancock, Ga., until his discharge, in March 1919. Fraternally, Dr. Poulter is associated with the Masonic order and the Knights of Pythias. Dr. Poulter was married at Cum- berland, Sept. 8, 1920, to Jennie Nystrom, daughter of Axel and Emma Nystrom, both natives of Sweden, who upon coming to the United States settled first in Duluth, and then came to Cumberland. The father died March 30, 1920, and the mother is still living in Polk County.

Erick E. Neby, for a quarter of a century a respected and substantial citizen of Section 31, Cumberland Township, was born in Tonset, Norway, and was reared, educated and married there. In 1881 he came to America and located on 80 acres of land in Section 31, Cumberland Township. This land was then covered with heavy timber. With courage in his heart, and with faith in the future, he set to work, and as the years passed, his untiring efforts resulted in a well-merited success. He put up a good set of buildings, cleared ninety acres, built fences, purchased suitable equipment, and developed an excellent place. Here he successfully carried on general farming and dairy- ing. At one time he owned an additional 80 acres in Clinton Township, this

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county, but this he sold in 1916. Mr. Neby was a most excellent type of mod- ern farmer. He was an ideal husband and father, he took much pride in his home and family and found his greatest happiness among his own children. He was a patriotic citizen, a good man, a genial companion and generous neighbor, honest and upright in all his relations, charitable of the short- comings of others, and imbued with the true Christian spirit. As a father he was interested in education, and served on the school board of his district. For one year he showed fairness and discretion as township assessor. In the Norwegian Lutheran congregation he was especially prominent. He helped to build the church in Clinton Township, near his home, and for many years served as one of its deacons. After a well spent and worthy life, he died Sept. 24, 1907. Mr. Neby was married in Norway, July 11, 1881, to Marit Lokken, who was born in that country, June 30, 1861, the daughter of Ole and Anna (Okren) Lokken, the latter of whom died in Norway, and the former of whom came to America in 1884, and lived with the Neby family until his death. This union was blessed with ten children: Edward, Ole, Martin, Anton, Knute E., Theodore E., Peter, Millie, Anna and Elmer. Edward was born Nov. 11, 1883, and is a cabinet maker in Minneapolis. Ole was born Oct. 27, 1886, and is farming in Clinton Township. Martin was born Dec. 13, 1888. He was inducted into the United States service, July 23, 1918, and trained at Camp Grant, Rockford, Ill., with Co. M, 343rd Infantry, 86th Division, and was later transferred to Co. G, 343rd Infantry, 77th Division. He was equipped for overseas duty at Camp Merritt, New Jersey, and sailed for France in September, 1918. He saw vigorous action in the Argonne sector, acquitted himself as a good soldier, came through unscathed, and re- turned to the States in June, 1919. He was discharged at Camp Grant, June 12, 1919. Anton was born Feb. 27, 1890, grew to attractive boyhood, and died Sept. 24, 1905. Knute E. was born Aug. 31, 1892. He enlisted at Minneapolis, Aug. 31, 1918, in Co. 4, Motor Transport Corps, and was assigned as instructor at Kansas City, Mo. He was discharged Dec. 10, 1918. Theodore E. was one of the heroes who gave his life in the cause of his country. He was inducted into the United States service, March 4, 1918, trained at Camp Dodge, Iowa, and Camp Logan, Texas, and was assigned first to Co. E, 130th Infantry, 88th Division, afterward being transferred to Co. E, 130th Infantry, 33rd Division. He sailed for France May 15, 1918, landed at Brest, was assigned first with the British troops, and later saw active service at Verdune, St. Mihiel and the Argonne Forest. He was killed in action Nov. 10, 1918, and his body transferred here and buried Aug. 7, 1921. As a boy, he was bright, active, affectionate and industrious. As a young man he was hard working, progressive, unselfish, and very popular among the young people. As a soldier he was faithful to every duty imposed in him. In making the Supreme Sacrifice he placed his name forever in the rolls of those great souls who have given their lives that the world might be a better place in which to live. He was born Oct. 8, 1894, and was 24 years of age at the time of his death. Peter was born Jan. 9, 1897. He also gave his life in his country's service. He was inducted into the army Aug. 14, 1918. He was sent to Kansas City, Mo., with Co. 8, Sweeney Auto School Unit, Motor Transport Corps, and was assigned to training duty. He was assigned for service in France when he was taken sick and died of influenza, Oct. 5, 1918. His death, coming so soon after his en- listment, was a great shock to the community. Like his brother, he was a lively and attractive boy, doing well in his studies and making himself useful about the home. As a young man, he was ambitious and energetic, and took his part in all the affairs of the community. He was making a good record, and had a bright future before him both as a soldier and as a citizen, when illness overtook him. Millie was born Jan. 26, 1899. Anna was born Feb. 7, 1901, and is a stenographer at Clear Lake. Elmer was born June 5, 1903. The home farm is operated by Martin, Knute and Elmer, for the mother. All are active young men who have the best interests of the community at heart,

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History of Barron County Wisconsin, Part 45

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

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