History of Barron County Wisconsin, Part 54

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

USA > Wisconsin > Barron County > History of Barron County Wisconsin > Part 54

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urer, and served with dignity and efficiency. Mr. Boorman was married Feb. 28, 1886, to Emma Hocumson, who was born in Sweden on March 26, 1864, the daughter of Carl and Marie Hocumson. This union has been blessed with eight children: Amelia was born Dec. 16, 1886, and is the wife of Paul Strom- quist, of Duluth, Minn. Edward was born Jan 13, 1891, and farms in Cum- berland Township. Bennie was born Aug. 5, 1894, and is now in Duluth, Minn. William was born March 7, 1896; Walfred was born July 28, 1900; Emily was born Feb. 1, 1903; Frank was born June 21, 1905; and Evelyn was born Jan. 24, 1909. The family faith is that of the Swedish Lutheran Church.

William Boorman, expert cheese maker for the Star Cheese Co., of Section 10, Cumberland Township, and veteran of the World War, was born March 7, 1896, the son of John and Emma (Hocumson) Boorman. He attended the dis- trict schools of Barron County, learned farming from his father, and worked on the home farm for a while. He was but seventeen when he started work- ing in lumber camps as a cook for Rice Lake Lumber Co. On April 28, 1918, he was inducted into the United States service. After fourteen days at Camp Grant, Rockford, Ill., he was transferred to Camp Robertson, Sparta, Wis., where he trained with the 332nd Field Artillery of the 86th Division. July 28. his unit was moved to Camp Mills, Long Island, for overseas equipment. He sailed Aug. 1 and landed in Liverpool, England, Aug. 14. Then he went to Southampton, crossed the Channel to La Havre, and from there went to south- ern France. At Keel he was taken to a hospital for an operation. Upon his recovery he joined his outfit at Bordeaux, and arrived in the United States Feb. 22, 1919. He was discharged at Camp Grant, Rockford, Ill., Feb. 28, 1919. After a short rest, he cooked for a while for the Apple River Milling Co. In the fall of 1920, he took the dairy course at the University of Wisconsin, and graduated in 1921. For a time he operated a factory in Eldorado, Wis. Since June 3, 1921, he has been operating the cheese factory of the Star Cheese Co. He is an expert in his line and the factory is prospering under his manage- ment. Mr. Boorman is a most estimable young man, highly esteemed through- out the community, and especially popular with the young people. With an ex- cellent record already made, his friends predict for him a still more successful future.

John Bonett, early homesteader, sawmill man and merchant of Cumber- land, was born in Vermont, and was there educated and grew to manhood. As a young man he married Alice Lynaugh, also a native of that state. In the late sixties they came to Wisconsin, and settled near Baldwin in St. Croix County. In 1878 he came to Barron County, and homesteaded 80 acres in Sec- tion 8, Cumberland Township. Later he bought other tracts, so that at one time he owned some three hundred acres, all near Cumberland. He started in as a pioneer, and opened up a farm. Not long after his arrival he built a sawmill, which he operated for many years, twice rebuilding it when it burned down. He opened one of the earliest general stores in Cumberland Village, and conducted it for quite a while. When he first opened the store, he was com- pelled to haul his goods overland from Menomonie. Later, he brought them in from Rice Lake. Mr. Bonett was a man of many activities, and was one of the best known men in this vicinity. After a long and useful life, he died March 12, 1919. His wife died Jan. 14, 1918. They were the parents of six children: John L. is in Everett, Wash. Fannie is the wife of Horace Seward, of Bloomingdale, Wash. Charles lives in Superior, Wis. Edward lives in Spokane, Wash. Nathan lives in Idaho. Mary is the wife of Jude Van Val- kenburg, of Everett, Wash.

John L. Bonett, for many years a horse fancier and dealer at Cumberland, and now a real estate man of Everett, Wash., was born at Vermont, Jan. 12, 1866, the son of John and Alice (Lynaugh) Bonett. He was brought to this state as an infant and to Cumberland Township at the age of twelve years. He was raised in the vicinity of the city, and as his own years increased, watched a little struggling rural sawmill hamlet develop into a busy little city

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MR. AND MRS. RUFUS L. YOUNG

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of over 1,500 people. He attended school, worked on the home farm, and helped his father in his sawmills and in his store. It so happened that in his youth, the farmers were just turning from the use of oxen and mules in this region to the use of horses. From his earliest boyhood he became interested in them, and as a young man, began dealing in them. He had a large sales stable just south of the city, and not only bought, sold, bred and traded horses, but also did considerable racing, and kept some excellent speedsters. In this business he became widely known in this and surrounding counties, and in building up his own trade he also did much to increase the standards of horses in this immediate region. In 1919 he moved to Everett, Wash., where he is engaged in the real estate business. He owns several residences there, and will there continue to make his home. He was married March 11, 1898, to Matilda Ostrum, born March 25, 1866. This union has been blessed with one son, Lester M., who was born March 1, 1899.

Lester M. Bonett, expert horseman of Cumberland, was born near the present city, March 1, 1899, the son of John L. and Matilda (Ostrom) Bonett. He was educated in the public schools, graduating from the Cumberland High School in 1917. From youth up, he has worked with his father in the horse business, and in 1919 he succeeded him, taking over the stables just south of the city. He is an excellent judge of horses and a good business man. In every way he is taking part in the affairs of the community which gave him birth, and is acknowledged as one of the energetic and active men of the city. He was married Oct. 27, 1920, to Helma O. Solum, who was born in Cumberland Town- ship, Dec. 4, 1894, the daughter of Hans and Olia (Olson) Solum. They have one daughter, Alice J.

Rufus L. Young, veteran of the Civil War, pioneer farmer, veteran Mason, and former storekeeper and restaurant man, now living retired in Rice Lake, was born in Oswego County, New York, June 11, 1839, son of Isaac and Rose (James) Young, natives of New York State. After the mother died, the father came to Illinois in 1870, and there farmed until his death, two years later. Rufus L. came west in 1859 and located at Fort Atkinson, Wis. As a young man he became a cooper by trade. In 1862 he enlisted in Co. I, 32nd Wis. Vol. Inf., and served until his discharge in 1865. He entered as a private and was promoted successively to corporal and sergeant, and accompanied Sherman on his famous March to the Sea. It is interesting to note that just before he en- listed, Mr. Young joined Kane Lodge, A. F. and A. M., at Neenah, Wis., so that he has now completed nearly sixty years of membership in that Order. He located in Barron County in 1872, in the employ of Knapp, Stout & Co. The next year he secured 160 acres in Section 6, Township 34, Range 11. This was all wild land. He cleared a part of the land, erected a good home and out- buildings and successfully farmed for many years. During this period he was clerk of his school board from 1873 to 1900, nearly thirty years, and road supervisor from 1892 to 1898. In 1900 he traded his farm for property in Rice Lake, consisting of a residence and a store building. He opened a store and restaurant, which he conducted until 1907, in the meantime making several improvements. In 1907 he sold the property, and purchased his present resi- dence at 307 West Marshall Street, where he is now living retired. He has re- modeled the house and greatly improved the property by erecting additional buildings, planting fruit trees, and doing some grading. He is one of the stockholders in the Consumers' Store at Rice Lake. He belongs to the G. A. R., as well as to the Blue Lodge and the Eastern Star of the Masons, and his wife is a member of the Relief Corps and of the Eastern Star. Mr. Young was mar- ried Oct. 27, 1861, at Clayton, Wis., to Mary A. Brown, who was born Oct. 17, 1846, daughter of Chester F. and Martha (Smith) Brown, residents of Neenah, Wis., the former of whom was a veteran of the Civil War, serving in Co. K, 11th Wis. Vol. Inf., for two years. Mr. and Mrs. Young have had six children: Hattie E., born Dec. 26, 1866; Frank A., born Feb. 2, 1868; Marietta, born July 11, 1876; Rufus E., born Aug. 4, 1880; William L., born Nov. 27, 1885; and

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Mertie M., born Nov. 3, 1887. Hattie E. was married in Rice Lake, Feb. 15, 1882, to John Dietz, and they have six children, Harry, Clarence, Mira E., Les- ter, Helen and John. Frank A. lives in Rice Lake. He married Emma Todd, and has seven children, Irene, Blanche, May, Emma, Ruth and Ruby (twins) and Marshall. William L. married Alma Lee, and they have three children, Rodney, Inda and Loren. Mertie M. married Frank Gaylord, and they have one child, Gale. One of the bright days of the married life of Mr. and Mrs. Young was the celebration of their Golden Wedding Anniversary on Oct. 27, 1911. Their friends of all ages, including their fraternal and church asso-

ciates, gathered at the Rice Lake Armory, to do them honor, and after an eve- ning of good cheer, the happy couple were presented with a purse of gold. Talks were delivered, showing the high esteem in which they are held in the community. It is interesting to note that at the affair, five generations of the family were represented. Mr. and Mrs. Young delight in keeping open house to their friends and neighbors. They are spending the afternoon of life in quiet and contentment, after worthy years well spent.

Thomas O. Myhers, local manager of the Rice Lake interests of the Park Falls Lumber Co., including the large wholesale lumber yard, and extensive, modern planing mill, was born in Eau Claire, Wis., May 31, 1888, son of Ole and Mary (Johnson) Myhers. The parents are natives of Norway, who came to Wisconsin as young people, and were married in Eau Claire, where they still live. In the family there are six children, all living, Thomas O., John, Melvin, Martin, Mabel and Julia. Thomas O. received his early education in the pub- lic schools, and took a commercial course in the McCarthy Business College of his native place. He started work in Eau Claire in the lumber yards of the John H. Kaiser Lumber Co., and through hard work was promoted through the various departments until he became sales manager. June 11, 1919, he be- came associated with the Park Falls Lumber Co., and on May 10, 1920, came as yard manager to Rice Lake, where, with the exception of a few months at Hayward, Wis., he has since remained, being now general local manager. The yards are said to be as extensive as any of their kind in the country. The planing mill is a model of its kind, with concrete fireproof roof, electric motor power, and a monorail system of cartage. Mr. Myhers is a capable manager, he is thoroughly familiar with wood and woodworking, and in his able hands the yard and mill are increasing in business and importance. He is also tak- ing his part in public life. While in Eau Claire he was school commissioner from the Seventh Ward for three years, and in Rice Lake he has already served on a number of committees and delegations. Fraternally, he is a member of the Masonic Order and of the S. A. F. He finds his recreation in outdoor sports, being fond of hunting and fishing, especially in the unbroken forests. Mr. Myhers was married March 17, 1912, to Lena Matilda Nelson, of Eau Claire, born March 7, 1892, daughter of Gilbert and Anna G. Nelson. Her parents, natives of Norway, were early settlers in Eau Claire. The mother died Feb. 5, 1921, but the father is still living. Three children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Thomas O. Myhers: Dorothy Phyllis, Dec. 11, 1913; Fern Eleanor, March 27, 1917; and Thomas Nelson, April 10, 1918. The family faith is that of the Norwegian Lutheran Church.

Eugene M. Rogers, D. D. S., of Rice Lake, was born in Dodge County, Wis., and received a public school education. He studied dentistry under a preceptor, and then took a post-graduate course in the Chicago Post-Graduate College, receiving his post-graduate degree in 1902. In 1882 he opened an office at Augusta, Wis., and there practiced until 1906, when he went to Eau Claire, this state. There he practiced five years, and then went to Minneapolis, where he practiced for three years. He came to Rice Lake in 1914, and opened his pres- ent office. He is a successful practitioner, and has a well-equipped office. His pleasant residence is at 122 West Knapp Street. Dr. Rogers was married Sept. 25, 1882, to Laura A. Allen, and they have two children, Eugene A. and Edgar M. Eugene A. is a graduate of the College of Physicians and Surgeons of

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Milwaukee and now is a dentist in Chippewa County, this state. He married Mattie Clark and has a son, Clark. Edgar M. is a veterinary surgeon at Rice Lake.

Edgar M. Rogers, D. V. S., of Rice Lake, was born in Augusta, Wis., April 3, 1887, son of Eugene M. and Laura A. (Allen) Rogers. He attended school in his native place and was graduated from the high school there in the class of 1906. He then took the classical course at the University of Wisconsin. Thus prepared, he entered the Chicago Veterinary College in 1906 and was graduated with the degree of D. V. S. in the class of 1910. The following year he opened an office at Rice Lake. He is a thorough master of his profession, and has a constantly increasing practice, having the confidence and esteem of his fellow citizens, both as a practitioner and as a man. His work demands his constant attention, and as the saying is, "He is going night and day." His office is at 13 East Eau Claire Street, and his home at 813 North Main Street. His professional connections are with the Wisconsin and Northwestern Veterinary Medical Associations. Fraternally, he is a Chapter and Blue Lodge Mason. He offered his services to his country Sept. 12, 1917, was commis- sioned as second lieutenant, and assigned to service in the veterinary corps in Camp Travis, at San Antonio, Texas, where he was promoted to first lieu- tenant. He received his discharge Nov. 20, 1919. Dr. Rogers was married May 1, 1910, to Mabel Moonshower, of Chicago, and they have a daughter, Evelyn, born Sept. 13, 1912.

Homer C. Reed, proprietor of the Reed Art Studios, Rice Lake, was born in Dowagiac, Mich., and there received his early education. In early life he became interested in photography, and soon mastered what was then known of the art. Since then he has kept abreast of the progress of the profession both in mechanics, chemistry and artistry, and is well qualified for his work both by nature and experience. For some years he had a studio at Forest City, Iowa. In 1893 he came to Rice Lake and purchased the studio of T. H. Web- ster, on Main street. He there successfully carried on his business until 1910, when he built his present studio at 11 West Messenger Street, erecting at the same time a modern residence on the adjoining lot. The studio is flooded with sunlight in the day time, modified by an excellent system of shades, and elec- tricity provides means for night photography as well. The operating room is large and tastefully arranged, the waiting room and dressing room are com- fortable, and the laboratory, dark room and finishing room are thoroughly adequate. The equipment is modern and sufficient to all the demands made upon it. Mr. Reed is ably assisted by his wife. He is well thought of in the community, has done good service on the city council, and for one term was city treasurer. He and his wife are both leaders in community circles. Mr. Reed was married Oct. 10, 1895, to Adda A. Smith, who was born in Kilbourne, Wis. This union was blessed with one son, R. H., who was born in Forest City. He married. Vera Thompson, has one child, Virginia, and is engaged in the mercantile business at Lake Mills. Mr. and Mrs. Reed gave a parents' love and care to Stewart Smith, son of Mrs. Reed's brother. They took him into their home when he was ten days old, and he at once became as their own son. He married Thea Peterson, has one son, and is in the jewelry busi- ness at Ely, Minn.

William R. Swenson, a leading contractor, builder and carpenter of Rice Lake, and for several years a member of the well-known firm of Swenson Brothers, contracting builders, of Madison, Wis., was born in Norway, Nov. 3, 1864, the son of John and Sannov (Wesnes) Swenson, also natives of that country. John Swenson was a ropemaker by trade, and made ropes for the many ships which left the port of his native town to sail the high seas. In 1883, after a long and successful career, he and his wife came to America, and took up their home near Stoughton, Wis., with their son, William, where he passed away in 1885, the mother now making her home in Madison, with her daughter, Mrs. Goldbin, at the good old age of eighty-four. William R. received

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an excellent education in the elementary schools and in the high school of his native village, and as a youth, like so many of his venturesome fellow country- men, became a sailor. In this capacity he sailed all the seas of northern Europe, visiting ports in Russia, Denmark, Sweden, Germany, Holland, France, England, Ireland and Scotland. When he finally touched port at New York in 1882, he decided that this was the country for his future career, so he gave up his vocation as a sailor, and came to Stoughton, this state, where he had fam- ily friends. There he secured employment for six winters as a clerk in a store. In the meantime, in the summer seasons, he started to learn the carpenters' trade, and worked at this occupation first for the Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul Railway, along the line of that road, and later for the shipyards at Mil- waukee. In 1893 he took up his residence at Madison, Wis., and entered the employ of his brother, Albert. In 1900 he formed a partnership with his brother, Andrew, under the name of Swenson Brothers. The firm was highly esteemed for its excellent work, and did a constantly increasing building busi- ness in Madison and the surrounding rural districts in Dane County. In 1915 the subject of this sketch disposed of his Madison interests, and went to Serona, in Washburn County, this state, where he purchased an improved farm of 160 acres. In 1897 he traded this farm for a place of eighty acres in Cedar Lake Township, Barron County. Here he successfully conducted general farming, and made a number of improvements, including the building of a good silo and a milk house. But he still hankered for the building business, so in 1920 he came to Rice Lake, and once more became a general builder. He purchased seventeen lots here, and intends to build a series of modern dwell- ings, one of which he has already completed. Mr. Swenson is a successful man, of excellent judgment and sound business sense, of genial, courteous manner, and a fine example of the modern business man. He and his family are a dis- tinct addition to the life of the city. Fraternally, he is an active member of the Masonic Order. Mr. Swenson was married Dec. 8, 1885, to Hansine Ander- son, who came to America in 1883, oldest of the six children of John and Hannah (Hokins) Anderson, both of which good people spent the span of their lives in Norway and are now dead. The other five in the Anderson family are: Alice, Marit, Carl, Lena and Bert. Alice is the wife of Christ Hanson, who has a farm in North Dakota. Marit is farming near Edgerton, in Rock County, this state. Carl is employed by the Knickerbocker-Ide Co. at Williams Bay, Wis. Lena, who lives in Norway, is married and has four children. Bert is still in Norway farming. Mr. and Mrs. Swenson have had five children: Sigurd (first), Sigurd J., Eleanor L., Ruth E. and Anna Maria. Sigurd (first) died in early childhood. Sigurd J. was born Dec. 29, 1888, married Christina Matzka, and has one daughter, LaVon. He is a sheet and metal worker by trade and is now engaged in heat and ventilation inspection at Madison, Wis. At the entry of the United States in the World War, he enlisted, and was assigned to train- ing at Camp Douglas, Wis. By successive promotions he became captain of Co. L, 8th Inf., W. N. G. Regiment, and served in the United States training recruits. Eleanor L. was born Dec. 10, 1891, married Harold Wind, lives at Chicago and has three children: Robert E., Randall and Harold. Ruth E. was born March 15, 1896, married Ralph Hill, lives at Rice Lake, and has three children, Madeline V., William R. and Eugene R. Anna Maria Pauline was born July 25, 1905, and lives at home. She has done excellent work in the public schools and is now continuing her studies at home under correspondence supervision. The family are members of the Trinity Lutheran Church, of which Mr. Swenson is a liberal supporter, and in which all three of the family take the deepest interest.

Louis B. Richter, residing on a farm of 160 acres on section 36, Bear Lake Township, was born in Monroe County, Wis., Feb. 20, 1864, son of Herman Richter and Anna Richter. The parents, who were born in Germany, came to America single, each about 1856. They were married in Wisconsin and located in Monroe County, where he took land and began the development of

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a farm. But one acre had been cleared when he began, and the only other improvement was a log house. At first he had no oxen, nothing but his hands with which to work; there were no roads past or near his farm, and the nearest market was at Sparta. Herman Richter's life was not spared long enough to permit him to reach the goal of his ambition-the establishment of a comfortable home-as he died in 1869 at the age of thirty-five. His widow subsequently married Anton Ewalt, and after residing on the original home- stead a while, bought another place in the vicinity, where she died in 1914 at the age of seventy-six years. She had survived her second husband, Mr. Ewalt, who had passed away in 1908 at the age of sixty-six. Her children by Herman Richter were Lena, Louis B., Anna and Henry. Those of her second marriage were Bernard, Dena Gertrude, Mary and Cecelia. Louis B. Richter acquired a knowledge of reading, writing and arithmetic in a little log school- house, poorly lighted, and with seats of boards and a dirt floor. To reach it he had to go a distance of two and a quarter miles, through woods and ravines and over a hill, following a narrow foot path. As soon as he was old enough he began work clearing and grubbing on the home farm. After attaining the age of fifteen, he worked out for others, but sent his earnings home until he was twenty-one. One winter was spent in the woods at lumbering. At last he started in for himself on an eighty-acre tract of rather poor land, which he bought for $900, paying $100 down. He erected a log shack and also a crotch shed to accommodate a yoke of oxen and a cow. After these prelim- inaries, he took another important step, being united in marriage, Oct. 26, 1886, to Fredericka Derring. She was born in Monroe County, Wis., June 1, 1860, daughter of Stephen and Ricca (Pingle) Derring. She proved a good helpmate to Mr. Richter, carefully performed all a good housewife's duties, operated a spinning wheel, and knit socks, caps and mittens for the family. Their farm was situated 25 miles from the county seat, Sparta, and was seven miles from the nearest market. There Mr. Richter and his family resided for 27 years. During that time he made many improvements on the place which entirely changed its original aspect, among them being the erection of a good set of buildings. He then sold out. Before the end of this period, however, he had purchased land in Barron County; first in 1906, when he bought a tract of 160 acres in Sections 3 and 10, Stanfold Township, on which his son Her- man now lives, and, secondly, in 1910, when he bought 160 acres in Section 34, Bear Lake Township, where his son Henry lives. To this latter place Louis B. Richter brought his family in 1913 and they made it their home for two years. Then Mr. Richter bought 160 acres in Section 36, Bear Lake Township, on which he has since made valuable improvements, and where he now lives with his son Bernard. An industrious and practical farmer, he has had a suc- cessful career and won the respect of his neighbors. He has been prominent in school affairs, and is a faithful member of the Catholic Church. He and his wife have been the parents of four children, all sons: Herman A., Henry J., Barnard G. and Martin W. The last mentioned met an accidental death, being drowned in the Kickapoo river, at the age of fifteen years, on June 9, 1912.

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History of Barron County Wisconsin, Part 54

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

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