History of Barron County Wisconsin, Part 46

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

USA > Wisconsin > Barron County > History of Barron County Wisconsin > Part 46

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and are making good strides along the road to success. They are keeping the farm in good shape and are successfully carrying on general farming and dairying in an approved manner.

John Lundstrom, an estimable and highly regarded citizen of Cumberland Township, where he has been a prominent figure for nearly forty years, was born Jan. 24, 1857, in Sweden, the son of Carl and Christena (Johnson) Lundstrom, who spent the span of their years in that country. He attended school there, and as a youth and young man, farmed there. In 1883 he came to America, finding his way directly to Cumberland Township, where he secured 40 acres in Section 21, in partnership with Nels J. Forsell. In 1887 he sold his interest in that tract, and bought 80 acres in section 28. Later he bought 80 acres in Section 16, eighty in Section 28, and 25 in Section 27, making a total of 265 acres. Of this large tract, he cleared and stumped no less than 150 acres. He put up a fine set of buildings on the original eighty in Section 28, and an additional barn on the other eighty in Section 28, and still another barn on the eighty in Section 16. The two last named eighties, with the barns set thereon, he has since sold, leaving him a good farm of 105 acres. Here he successfully carried on general farming and dairying. His herd is of Shorthorns, headed by a full blooded sire. He has for many years been one of the real leaders in the community. So pleased was he with this region, when he first came here, that he did all in his power to pursuade others to locate here. Not only did he encourage them in coming, but he helped them when they got here, giving them suggestions about getting started and aiding them in every way possible. As a further move toward progress and development, he assisted in building up and keeping improved the highways in the neighborhood. He saw in the Cumberland Farmers' Light & Power Co. another advantageous project for the community, and became one of its stockholders and supporters. When the line was put through, he installed electricity on his farm. As the father of children he has desired good educational facilities in the neighborhood, and has done his share toward that result by serving for some eighteen years as treasurer of the school board of his district. All in all he has been just the sort of man that the town has needed, and he has done his full duty as a citizen in every respect, reaping a full measure of honor and respect and esteem. He and his family are active in the Swedish Lutheran Church at Cumberland. Mr. Lundstrom was married in Sweden on Sept. 1, 1877, to Anna Marklund, who was born Dec. 15, 1854, the daughter of Gust and Christina (Brenstrom) Marklund, who spent the span of their years in that country. Mr. and Mrs. Lundstrom have ten children. Velma C. was born Nov. 18, 1878, and is now the wife of Carl A. Hedman, of Cumberland Township. Anna V. was born Jan. 12, 1881, and is the wife of Frank Lindquist, of Minneapolis. Teckla E. was born Sept. 18, 1883, and is the wife of Clarance Jacobson, of Cumberland. Minnie S. was born April 3, 1885, and is the wife of William Nyman, of Cum- berland. John H. was born Aug. 10, 1888. He was a young man of unusual promise and was cut off in the prime of life by being electrocuted in a garage at Cumberland, Aug. 2, 1915. Fred E. was born Nov. 8, 1890, and is a garage man in Minneapolis. He married Florence Scorder. Delia L. was born April 26, 1894, and is the wife of Peter Steineck, of Faribault, Minn. Violetta was born Dec. 29, 1895 and is a clerk in Cumberland. Elling W. was born May 21, 1898, and is at home. Grace E. was born Dec. 19, 1900, and is at home. All the members of the family have done well in life and are well thought of.

Andrew Lindquist, estimable citizen, was born in Sweden, and there married Johannah Anderson. He came to America in 1883, landed at New York, Aug. 23, and came directly to St. Croix Falls, Wis. Then he moved to Barronett, this county, and worked for the Barronett Lumber Co. In 1894 he came to Cumberland Township, and purchased 80 acres in Section 15, Cumberland Township. He erected a fine set of buildings, and cleared up

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nearly all the land. Here he carried on general farming and dairying. He is a stockholder in the Cumberland Farmers' Light & Power Co., in the Star Cheese Factory, and in the Comstock Co-operative Creamery. Mrs. Lindquist died Oct. 10, 1910, age 49. Mr. and Mrs. Lindquist are the parents of seven children : John A., Alfred F., who operates the home farm with his brother William; Jennie, who is in charge of the Island City Hospital at Cumberland; Anna, a nurse in that institution; William A., at home, and Arthur and Esther, both deceased.

Alfred F. Lindquist, one of the real leaders in the modern progress of Cumberland Township, was born in St. Croix Falls, Polk County, Wis., Feb. 6, 1889, the son of Andrew and Johannah (Anderson) Lindquist. He was brought to his present farm of 80 acres in Section 15, Cumberland township, as a small boy, and was here reared and educated. In working the home farm, he has continued the improvements made by his father, and is successfully carrying on general farming and dairying along modern and scientific lines. From young manhood up, he has been active in all the things which have meant progress and betterment, and he is enthusiastic and aggressive in every- thing that pertains to the improvement of rural conditions. His abilities as clerk and as execuive are widely acknowledged. He is president of the Cum- berland Township unit of the Barron County Farm Bureau, and thoroughly believes in its future. He is secretary and treasurer of the Crop Growers Association, and of the Cow Testing Association. He helped to organize the Cumberland Farmers Light & Power Co., and has also been an enthusiastic supporter of the Stanfold Cheese Co. of Section 7, Stanfold Township. In 1919 he showed fairness and good judgment as assessor of the township. The same year he was elected clerk of his school board and is still serving. Mr. Lindquist was married May 5, 1917, to Katherine E. Larson, who was born Sept. 24, 1893, the daughter of Charles A. and Katherine (Johnson) Larson. These good people were born in Sweden, came to America in 1880, landed in New York, lived in Milwaukee, Wis., a year, and in 1881 came to Cumberland, this county, where he worked in the mills for several years. In 1893 he settled on 76 acres in section 15, Cumberland township, where he has developed a good farm. Mrs. Larson died Jan. 14, 1919. In the Larson family there were six children. Charles is in Mason, Wis., as manager of the Farmers' Co-operative Store there. Ada, deceased, married William Downs. Gustie is at home. Lillian, wife of Alvin Finley, is dead. Katherine is the wife of Alfred F. Linquist. Mary is dead. Mr. and Mrs. Linquist have two children. Katherine was born April 15, 1918. Shirley A. was born Dec. 12, 1919.

Hans J. Larson, now deceased, early settler, and for nearly forty years a prominent and progressive farmer of Cumberland Township, came to this township in 1882, and bought 120 acres in Section 2. This was all wild land, and there were then but few settlers in the immediate vicinity. He started in with but little, but as the result of hard work the tract soon began to show evidence of intelligent occupancy and management. To his original holdings, he added 120 acres in Lakeland Township, so that in all he owned 240 acres. He cleared the entire tract, put up a good set of buildings, acquired suitable equipment, and for many years successfully carried on general farming and dairying. In 1914, feeling that the tract was somewhat larger than he desired to handle, he sold it, and bought 40 acres in Section 1, Cumberland Township. There he put up a good set of buildings, and there farmed until his death, Feb. 20, 1919. A brief outline of Mr. Larson's career here, does little to ex- press what his life really meant to the community. He did everything he could to assist in the development of this part of the county, he met every duty in life as it came to him, he was an ideal family man, and a good citizen, respected and esteemed for his intelligence, his manhood, his neighborliness and his friendliness. He was born at Vestre Uslef, Denmark, Dec. 6, 1855, and descended from good Danish stock. In early boyhood he became a sailor,

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and followed the seas until 1880. In that year he landed at New York City, and came directly to Cumberland City where he worked in the sawmills and in the neighboring woods for two years before buying a farm. Mr. Larson was married Sept. 1, 1884, to Dorthea Hendevidt, who was born in Denmark, Feb. 17, 1861, and came to America in 1882. This union was blessed with eleven children: Jacob, Nina, Bessie, Louis, Christ, Dora, William, Fred, Dewey, Anna and Elmer. Jacob was born April 4, 1886, and is a garage man in Cumberland. Nina was born Aug. 28, 1887, and is the wife of Rudolph Strunk, of Lake City, Minn. Bessie was born Dec. 9, 1888, and is the wife of Thomas Millows, of Buffalo, New York. Louis was born March 21, 1890, and manages the home farm for the mother. Christ was born May 8, 1891. He was inducted into the United States service, July 23, 1918, and trained with Co. B, 3rd Regt., Pioneer Infantry, at Camp Wadsworth, South Caro- lina. Later he was at Camp Stawil, Virginia. He sailed for France, Aug. 29, 1918, was there nearly a year, returned to the States July 24, 1919, and was discharged July 31, 1919, from Camp Grant, Rockford, Ill. Dora was born March 24, 1893, and is the wife of Michael Le Jeune, of Bear Lake, this county. William was born Oct. 13, 1918. He was inducted into the United States service July 23, 1918. He trained at Camp Grant, Rockford, Ill., with Co. M, 343rd Regiment, Infantry, left for Camp Mills, N. J., in August, 1918. He sailed in September, 1918, and saw action in the Argonne Forest with Co. H, 331st Infantry, 78th Division. He was gassed in action. In due time he was returned to the United States and was discharged at Camp Grant, June 1, 1919. Fred was born Dec. 5, 1896, and is a farmer. Dewey was born June 14, 1898. He enlisted in Minneapolis, Aug. 18, 1918, and trained at Great Lakes, Illinois. Later he was sent to Camp Luce. From there he was transferred to Norfolk, Va., and was assigned to the U. S. S. "Iowa". Next he served on the U. S. S. "May". He was discharged Aug. 12, 1919. Anna was born May 26, 1900. Elmer was born April 4, 1902. The family faith is that of the Norwegian Lutheran Church.

Francis Marion Kirby, now deceased, veteran of the regular army and of the Civil War, pioneer of Wisconsin, and early settler of Cumberland Town- ship, was born in Nashville, Tenn., March 12, 1833, the son of John B. and (Barllett) Kirby, and Scotch and English ancestry, respectively, who brought him to Madison, Dane County, Wis., when he was a young boy. He was but sixteen when he went overland to the Pacific Coast, and there at Sante Fe, New Mexico, enlisted in the regular army, with which he served at Indian garrison posts for five years. Then he returned to Wisconsin. In 1861, he enlisted in Co. D, 5th Wisconsin Volunteer Infantry, and served for three years as a good soldier in the Civil War. Afterward he lived near Sparta, in Monroe County, this state, for some years. In 1878 he came to Barron County, and bought 80 acres in Section 8, Cumberland Township. He erected a log cabin and log shed, and cleared up some of the land. He started in as a true pioneer, enduring many hardships, and undergoing many interesting experiences. He was getting a good start here when he died, Oct. 2, 1896. Mr. Kirby was an admirable American citizen of the staunch old type. Ambitious and vigorous of mind, kindly of disposition and generous in his view point, he made friends wherever he went, and few people of his time were held in higher respect and esteem than he. He was married April 12, 1871, to Mary Musson, who was born in Walworth County this state, May 6, 1853, the daughter of George and Demarius (Strader) Musson. This union has been blessed with six children: Lelah M., John B., George M., Maude, Clyde V. and Marion L. Maude is dead. Lelah M. is the wife of Forest Abbott, of Cumberland. John B., George M. and Marion L. are employed in Cumberland. Clyde V. operates the home farm. He was born Oct. 3, 1881, was educated in the district school, reared on the home place, and has always remained here. He is an active and energetic man, a good citizen, a good farmer and a good neighbor. He has put up a good set of buildings and con-

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FRANCIS MARION KIRBY

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tinued the clearing of the land. He carries on general farming and dairying. The mother, a most kindly and gracious lady, widely esteemed and be- loved, still lives here. The family is well thought of by all.

Henry Horstman, owner of a fine farm of 200 acres in Sections 26 and 27, Cumberland Township, was born in New Minden, Illinois, Aug. 22, 1872, the son of Christ and Caroline (Busse) Horstman. These good folks were born in Germany, came to America as young people and spent their lives as farmers in Illinois, the father dying Aug. 15, 1905, and the mother Feb. 24, 1908. In the family there were seven children: Christ, of Illinois; Henry, the subject of this sketch; Fred and William, of Missouri; and Caroline, Mary and Emma, of Illinois. Henry Horstman was educated in his native state and worked with his father, learning farming thoroughly in all its branches. In 1896 he took over the general store at Minden, and successfully conducted it for thirteen years. He was well known and well liked in that community, he was a good business man, he built up a good business, and had the confidence of his customers. His thoughts still turned to farm life, however. He learned of the opportunities offered in the cut-over regions of Wisconsin, so he sold his store, and in 1910 came to Barron County, where he bought 200 acres in Sections 26 and 27. He has added 80 acres more in Section 23. He rebuilt all the structures he found on the place and enlarged them. He cleared an additional 35 acres, and put up some new fences. All in all he has built up a fine place. The buildings are sightly and in good repair, and surrounded with a pleasant lawn. The land is well tilled and productive. The equipment in tools and machinery is most excellent in every respect. He successfully carries on general farming and dairying and has a good grade of Durham cattle, headed by a full blooded sire. He is one of the strong men of the community, and has much influence among his fellow men. He is interested in everything that pertains to the growth of the community, and has taken shares in the Cumberland Farmers' Light & Power Co., and in the Mckinley Telephone Co. In public affairs his interest has centered especially in the educational affairs of the community, and for the past six years he has done most admirable service as a member of the school board of his district. He and his family attend the German Lutheran Church. Mr. Horst- man is a fine type of the Illinois men who came here with capital to invest, with the intention of taking their share in the development of this region, and his efforts have been crowned with success. He was married at Minden, Ill., June 17, 1897, to Louisa Vulbrock, who was born at Minden Feb. 22, 1879, the daughter of Louis and Christina (Froelke) Vulbrock, both now deceased. Raymond S. C. was born June 17, 1898, grew to promising boy- hood, and died Dec. 27, 1912. Ella C. L. was born May 30, 1900; Alina M. L. was born Aug. 26, 1903. Louisa W. C. was born May 27, 1907. Harriett S. A. was born July 1, 1909. Lydia B. C. was born Feb. 5, 1912. Frieda D. B. was born Jan. 28, 1915. Henry R. O. was born June 4, 1916. Paul O. W. was born March 12, 1918. Clarice R. was born Nov. 7, 1919.

John A. Hedlund, a representative citizen of Cumberland Township, was born in Sweden, Jan. 4, 1849, the son of John and Urika (Erickson) Hedlund, who spent the span of their years in that country. He attended school in his native land, and for some years was a farmer and carpenter. At one time he owned and operated 200 acres of land. In 1882 he came with John Westin and Nels Johnson, and located in Cumberland Township, where the three bought 80 acres of land in Section 22, of which his share was 26 acres. That fall he bought 40 more acres in Section 21, and in 1890 he purchased 65 acres in Section 15, thus making a total of 131 acres. He put up a log cabin and started homemaking there. Later the cabin and buildings were destroyed by fire, and he then put up a good set of frame buildings. In the early days be- fore his farm was developed to a profitable basis, he worked out to get funds to keep things going. At various times he took contracts to build highways. In the winters of 1883 and 1884 he worked in the woods for the Maxwell

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Lumber Co. For many years he continued to successfully carry on general farming and dairying and built up a good farm. In 1911 he rented the farm to his sons, but still continues to make his home there. He is a stock holder in the Farmers' Light & Power Co. of Cumberland, and in the Comstock Creamery. As the father of a fine family of children, he has been interested in education, and has served on the school board of his district. Now in the afternoon of life, he is spending his declining years, blessed with the honor and esteem of the community, and happy in the standing that his family has attained in the community. Mr. Hedlund was married Dec. 12, 1874, in Sweden, to Christine K. Johnson, who was born there Dec. 30, 1854, and died Nov. 24, 1914. She is laid to rest in the Lakeside Cemetery at Cumberland. Mrs. Hedlund was a most estimable woman of many excellent qualities, a sympathetic and helpful wife, an understanding and indulgent mother, and a good neighbor. Mr. and Mrs. Hedlund have had eleven children, of whom seven are living.

John Hellstrom, Section 17, Cumberland Township, public official, suc- cessful farmer and man-of-affairs, was born in Sweden, June 26, 1867, the son of Peter and Christina (Nelson) Hellstrom. He received such education as could be obtained in the neighborhood, and worked at farming and black- smithing. In 1887, at the age of twenty, he came to the United States, landed at New York, and found his way directly to Cumberland. Here he entered the employ of the Beaver Dam Lumber Co. with which concern he remained for twenty years. In the meantime, in 1901, he bought 40 acres in Section 17, Cumberland Township, started working on it at intervals, and since 1907 has devoted the major part of his time to it. He has put up a pleasant home, a commodious barn, and other buildings, installed an electric light plant and other conveniences, and made a sightly yard. Of the land he has brushed and stumped thirty acres, and erected suitable fences. He successfully carries on general farming and dairying and has a good herd. He has been active in the affairs of the Farmers' Light & Power Co. of Cumberland, and in 1919 was made vice-president. As a good citizen he has taken his part in public affairs. In 1913 he was elected supervisor, and in 1919 he was elected town chairman. In this position he has given most excellent service. He believes in progress and improvement, but he is very mindful that the burden of taxation must not be too great, and therefore while advocating progress along all lines, he believes that the utmost value should be received for every cent spent for progress. On the county board his judgment is sound and conservative, and he is a member of a number of important committees. The Cumberland Old Settlers' Association has found him a valuable member. Fraternally he is associated with the Modern Woodmen of America, and has been an officer of the local lodge. He has also done much to promote the interests of the Farm Bureau. All in all, he is a useful and active citizen. He is a man of energy, good judgment, and straightforward character, and has the esteem and respect of all. Mr. Hellstrom was married July 18, 1889, to Augusta Swanson, who was born Jan 5, 1866, in Sweden, the daughter of John and Carrie Swanson. She lost her parents when young and was reared in the home of Carl Hawkinson. Mr. and Mrs. Hellstrom have four children: Oscar E., Frieda V., Frank G. and Hilda C. Oscar E. was born May 7, 1890, and is at the head of the shipping department of the F. A. Patrick Co., Duluth wholesalers. Frieda V. was born March 11, 1892. For some ten years she was the efficient stenographer and private secretary to the Coe Brothers, Barron attorneys. Frank G. was born July 21, 1896. He enlisted Aug. 14, 1918, trained at Madison, Wis., and Omaha, Neb., and served with the 62nd Balloon Corps, on the Atlantic coast. He was discharged at Camp Grant, Rockford, Ill., April 4, 1919, and is now an automobile man in Minneapolis. Hilda C. is the wife of Dane G. Knapp, of Minneapolis. She was born May 20, 1898. The family faith is that of the Swedish Lutheran Church.

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Charles M. Dahl, a worthy early settler, a familiar figure in the vicinity of Cumberland for nearly forty years, was born in Sweden, Feb. 16, 1842, attended school when he could, and devoted his young manhood to farming. In 1882 he came to America, landed in New York, and found his way directly to Cumberland. Here for eleven years he was employed in saw- mills by the Beaver Lake Lumber Co., and the Beaver Dam Lumber Co. In 1891 he bought 160 acres in Section 27, Cumberland Township. In the spring of 1894 he settled upon it. He was getting a good start when everything was swept away by the fire of 1894. But undaunted, he started again. Gradually he built up a good place. He cleared 80 acres, and successfully carried on general farming and dairying for some years. In 1903 he sold the uncleared 80 to his son, Charles. He continued to operate the cleared 80 until 1916, when he rented it to his son, August, with whom he now lives. His good wife died April 16, 1921. Mr. Dahl is a most estimable man, who is well thought of throughout the community. He has been especially interested in church affairs. He helped to organize the Swedish Lutheran congregation at Cumberland, and was the first deacon appointed. It is noteworthy that his son, Charles, was the first child confirmed in the church. Mr. Dahl was married in Sweden, in 1869, to Helen Christian Larson, who was born in that country Oct. 29, 1849. This union was blessed with four children, Charles, Albin, Axel and August. Charles and August are farming on the old place. Albin is in Duluth, Minn. Axel is in Cumberland Village.

Charles Dahl, a representative farmer of Section 27, Cumberland Town- ship, was born in Sweden, Nov. 20, 1870, and attended school there. He was brought to Cumberland as a boy .of 12, in 1882. As soon as he was old enough he went to work, and for thirteen years was employed by the Beaver Dam Lumber Co., and the Beaver Lake Lumber Co. In 1903 he purchased 80 acres of his father's farm. He put up a good set of buildings and cleared fifty acres of the land. Here he has continued to successfully carry on gen- eral farming and dairying on a profitable scale. He has good equipment and a good herd of graded cattle. Aside from his farm holdings, he is the .owner of stock in the Comstock Co-operative Creamery Co. and in the Vermillion Dairy Co. Mr. Dahl is a hard working, industrious man, of excellent standing, and is doing his duty as a good citizen in every respect. He was married Dec. 28, 1905, to Anna Nyman, who was born in Sweden in 1878, the daughter of John and Mary (Westerland) Nyman, now residing in Cumberland Village.

August Dahl, an experienced and energetic farmer of Section 3, Cumber- land Township, was born in Sweden, July 22, 1881, the son of Charles M. and . Helen (Larson) Dahl, who brought him here when he was an infant. He was reared here, attended school, learned farming from his father, and remained at home until 1907. Then he went to Duluth, Minn., and for nine years was employed by the Marshall-Wells Hardware Co. In 1916 he returned and rented 80 acres of his father's farm. Here he successfully carries on general farm- ing and dairying. He has a good place and is regarded as one of the useful and influential men of the community. He is a stockholder in the Vermillion Dairy Co. Mr. Dahl was married May 10, 1909, to Cemelia Johnson, the daugh- ter of Mr. and Mrs. Charles J. Johnson, the former of whom lives at Cumber- land and the latter of whom is dead. Mr. and Mrs. Dahl have a fine family of four bright children: Helen C., Werner H., Ellsworth M. and Clara.

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History of Barron County Wisconsin, Part 46

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

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