History of Barron County Wisconsin, Part 59

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

USA > Wisconsin > Barron County > History of Barron County Wisconsin > Part 59

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).

Adolph J. Stodola, who is successfully farming in section 9, Oak Grove Township, was born in Colfax County, Nebraska, Dec. 20, 1890, son of Bohmil and Anna (Svoboda) Stodola, natives of Bohemia. He came to this county with his parents and attended school at Haugen. He learned farming with his father, gradually assumed more and more responsibilities of the home place, and when he became of age took over its management. After his father's death in 1906 he bought eighty acres of it, which he later sold, and in 1918 purchased his present farm of forty acres in section 9, Oak Grove Township. He has improved the buildings, cleared and stumped several additional acres, repaired the fences, and purchased new equipment. He now successfully carries on general farming and dairying. He is favorably regarded by all who know him and he and his family are in excellent standing in the community. Mr. Stodola was married June 2, 1915, to Caroline Posta, born in Allegheny, Penn., daughter of Anton and Caroline (Herbolt) Posta, now residing in this township. Mr. and Mrs. Stodola have five children: Albert P., Adolph A., Evelyn C., Irene and Theodore W.

Ludvik B. Stodola, who owns the home place of 80 acres in section 20, Oak Grove Township, was born in Colfax County, Nebraska, July 28, 1888, the son of Bohmil and Anna (Svoboda) Stodola, natives of Bohemia. He came to Barron County with his parents and attended school at Haugen. For some years he worked with his father and brothers. In 1911 he took possession of one half of the home farm of 160 acres in section 20. Here, as his prosperity has increased, he has made many improvements. In 1915 he built a barn 26 by 60 feet, with 16-foot leans on both sides, and furnished with full Libby equipment. In 1918 he put up a machine shed 26 by 150 feet. In 1920 he erected a silo. In 1921 he constructed a sightly modern home. His place is thus as good a one as is to be found in the neighborhood. He carries on general farming and dairying, and has a herd of Brown Swiss cattle headed by full blooded sires. He is an excellent citizen in every respect, and is doing his full duty in life as he sees it. Mr. Stodola was married June 22, 1915, to Mary

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Mazel, widow of Wencil Prucha, and born Dec. 26, 1884, in Webster County, Nebraska, the daughter of Frank and Anna (Hubacek) Mazel. Mr. and Mrs. Stodola have two children: Anna, born Sept. 4, 1917; and William, born Aug. 4, 1919. Mrs. Stodola has three children: Wencil Prucha, born March 24, 1904; Frank Prucha, born Sept. 11, 1905; and Mary Prucha, born Dec. 21, 1908.

Joseph Folz, a prosperous farmer of Maple Grove Township, has owned his present farm of 160 acres in section 11, West, since 1911. He has cleared forty acres and broke eleven, and has made general improvements, including a good barn 34 by 80 feet, erected in 1919, and a silo, granary and outbuildings. He has also put up fences, and is gradually bringing the farm to a high stage of improvement and fertility. Like his neighbors he carries on general farm- ing and dairying. He was born Feb. 24, 1880, in West Bend, Wisconsin, the son of Mathew and Margaret Folz, natives of Germany, who came to America in the sixties and farmed for many years in West Bend, until moving to Marshal, Wis., where the father still lives, the mother having died Feb. 30, 1915. They were the parents of fourteen children, of whom eleven are living. Joseph was reared to farm work and was educated in the district schools. He came to Barron County in 1902 and rented different farms until he purchased his present place. Mr. Folz was married May 25, 1915, to Lizzie Petrie, daugh- ter of Mathew and Mary (Bining) Petrie, natives of Germany, who came to America in the early sixties and settled in Brown County, this state, later moving to Morton County, where they now reside. Mr. and Mrs. Folz are the parents of four children: Leslie L. was born April 24, 1916; Wilmer M. was born June 14, 1917; Orleen A. was born April 9, 1919; and Laverne F. was born July 14, 1920. The family faith is that of the Roman Catholic church.

Nels P. Hanson, a respected and substantial citizen, who was a resident of this state for over 45 years, spent his last years in this county, and during his short residence here was held in the highest regard by all who knew him. He was born in Norway June 4, 1851, son of Hans and Kari (Skrepen) Hanson, both of whom spent the span of their years in Norway. He was educated in his native land, and in 1871 came to this country. He spent several years in Dunn County and St. Croix County, both in this state, went to Polk County, also in this state, in 1880, and in 1883 took a homestead of 80 acres in that county, which he cleared, broke and developed, erecting thereon a good set of buildings and carrying on general farming and dairying. In 1905 he sold out, and took a homestead in Bayfield County, this state, which he likewise broke and developed, erected a set of buildings, and farmed for some ten years. In 1915 he came to Barron County and settled near Cumberland, where he died Feb. 2, 1917. Mr. Hanson was married July 18, 1881, to Carrie Bottolfs, daughter and Andrew and Johanna (Hanson) Bottolfs, natives of Norway, who came to America in the early seventies, settling first in Pierce County, this state, and later moving to a farm near Clayton, in Polk County, this state, where the father died April 22, 1909, since which time the mother has made her home with her daughter, Mrs. Nels P. Hanson. Mr. and Mrs. Hanson had twelve children: Gusta C. was born Aug. 31, 1882, and is now Mrs. Anton Holman. Albert H. was born Oct. 30, 1884, and is now at Eau Claire, Wis. Hans was born Nov. 12, 1886, and lives in Minneapolis. Clara was born Nov. 4, 1888, and is now Mrs. Charles Eckholm. Lora A, was born May 1, 1891, and died Sept. 11, 1894. Hilda was born April 22, 1894, and is now Mrs. Oscar Olson. A. Leonard was born Nov. 2, 1896. Melvin was born April 27, 1899. Elmer was born May 7, 1901. Richard was born Dec. 27, 1903. Conrad was born Jan. 12, 1905. Ellem M. was born Sept. 10, 1911. Hans is a veteran of the World War. He was inducted into the United States service Aug. 14, 1918, was assigned to the 41st Company, Group 4, M. T. D., and served until discharged Jan. 1, 1919. In 1916, Hans, A. Leonard and Melvin bought 80 acres in Section 13, West, Maple Grove Township, remodelled the house, erected a silo and machine shed, made other improvements, and now carry on general farming and dairying under the name of the Hanson Brothers. They

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ANTHONY SHIMON AND FAMILY

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have given the place the name of the Elms Stock Farm. They are well known young men, are well liked in the community, and are building up an excellent place. The active managers are A. Leonard and Melvin.

John J. Hopman, a prominent farmer of Section 17, Oak Grove Township, was born in Libertyville, Ill., March 17, 1882, the son of John and Johanna (Brownberg) Hopman, natives of Holland, who came to America in the early seventies. Having settled in Illinois they farmed there until 1888 when they moved to Renville County, Minnesota, and there farmed the remainder of their lives, the father dying Feb. 10, 1919, and the mother June 6, 1913. In the family there were nine children: Anna, Henry, Mary, Elizabeth, Jennie (deceased), Della, Bertha (deceased), John J. and James. John J. was a small child when the family moved to Renville County and there he was reared and educated. He worked with his father until 1905 and then rented a farm. In 1911 he bought 200 acres in Bird Island Township, in that county. There he successfully farmed for four years. He was one of the leaders in public affairs, and served for several terms as one of the supervisors of that town- ship. In 1916 he came to Barron County and bought 160 acres, which con- stitutes his present farm. He stumped 60 acres, put up fences and improved and developed the land. In 1910 he built a sightly ten-room house, built a machine shed and silo, repaired the granary and fixed up the barn. He carries on mixed farming and dairying. He is well liked by all who know him, and is now serving acceptably as constable of his township. Mr. Hopman was married Sept. 25, 1906, to Helena Rauenhorst, who was born in Walnut Town- ship, Faribault County, Minnesota, Aug. 1, 1884, daughter of Theodore and Francis (Koonze) Rauenhorst. This union has been blessed with five chil- dren : Levina, born Dec. 15, 1908; Marie, born May 8, 1910; Marsellia, born April 26, 1912; Leona, born Nov. 24, 1916, and Bernard, born Feb. 6, 1919. The family faith is that of the Roman Catholic Church.

Anthony Shimon, now deceased, was a hard working, substantial citizen, who developed a good farm in Oak Grove Township and found time likewise to do general carpenter work for his neighbors. He was a good citizen, a kind husband, and an indulgent father, and in his religious obligations a faithful Catholic. He took the greatest pride in his family, gave the older ones a good start in life, and was looking pleasantly forward to the future of the others at the time of his death. He was born in Prague, Bohemia, May 27, 1859, and was brought to America by his parents, John and Catherine Shimon, who settled on a farm in Manitowoc County, this state, where they farmed for the remainder of their lives. As he grew up he farmed with his parents and also worked in lumber camps. In 1885 he bought 80 acres of timber land in Manitowoc County, on which a few small buildings had been erected. He remodelled the buildings and erected others, cleared 60 acres of land, and successfully carried on general farming while making general improvements. In 1900 he sold out and came to Barron County where he bought 166 acres in Section 35, Oak Grove Township, to which he later added 35 acres more. He erected a good set of buildings, cleared some of the land, and there success- fully carried on general farming and dairying until his death April 3, 1916. Since that time the farm has been conducted along the same general lines by his widow and the sons. Mr. Shimon was married Nov. 18, 1885, to Katherine Schimanek, who was born Nov. 1, 1865, in Manitowoc County. Mr. and Mrs. Shimon became the parents of sixteen children, namely: Mary, Adolph, Anton, Emma, Julia, Sophia, Joseph, Charles, Agnes, Frank, Victor, Anna, Edward, Ludmilla, Benjamin and Martha. Of these children, Adolph is now on the home farm; Mary lives in Rice Lake, this county; Anton is in Phoenix, Ariz .; Emma lives at Rice Lake; Julia is at home; Sophia is the wife of Joseph Meyer of Eau Clair, Wis .; Joseph died at the age of ten years in August, 1904; Agnes is the wife of Henry Meyer of Minneapolis, Minn. Charles and Frank have World War records. Charles was inducted into the United States service Sept. 19, 1917. He trained at Camp Grant with Company F, 341st Infan-

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try, and was afterward assigned to the supply company of the same regi- ment. He sailed for France September 9, 1918, on the steamer "Elpenor," landed at Liverpool, England, Sept. 21, 1918, and was sent to France soon afterward. He was transferred to Divisional Company 1, in the same division. He returned to the States in the summer of 1919 and was discharged at Camp Grant Aug. 11, 1919. Frank volunteered April 29, 1917, and was sent to Great Lakes, Ill., where he trained for seven months. He was then sent to the Atlantic coast, was on the training ship "Wolverine" for two weeks, and was then sent to Norfolk, Va. At Philadelphia he boarded the "Oklahoma." After seven months on that boat he boarded the "New Mexico" in New York harbor, and then sailed the Atlantic coast as far south as Virginia and as far north as Maine. Jan. 15, 1919, he reached Brest, France, and came back to the United States on the "New Mexico" as consort to the "George Washing- ton," which brought President Wilson back to the United States. Later he was sent to the Canal Zone, patrolled the Pacific Ocean and later was returned to Great Lakes where he was discharged Oct. 10, 1919.

John Jancisin, a solid and substantial citizen of Section 6, Oak Grove Township, now deceased, was an earnest, hard working, industrious man, who did his duty in life as he saw it and maintained an excellent reputation for probity and worth. He was born in Austria Dec. 8, 1863, the son of John and Barbara (Shedlock) Jancisin. He was reared in his native land, attended the government schools there, and became a farmer. In 1888 he came to the United States and for many years was employed in the mines in upper Michi- gan. He still retained his fondness for farming, however. So in 1905 he bought 160 acres in Section 6, Oak Grove Township. To this tract he moved in 1909. He erected a good set of buildings, cleared about 40 acres, and carried on mixed farming and dairying. His career was cut short by his death Oct. 7, 1916. Since that time the sons, James and Anton, operate the farm for their mother. These young men are active, energetic youths who understand their business thoroughly, are among the most popular of the younger people of the community, and have an interesting future ahead of them. Mr. Jancisin was married Feb. 18, 1886, to Elizabeth Krawich, who was born in Austria June 24, 1866, the daughter of Matt and Anna Krawich, both now deceased. Mr. and Mrs. Jancisin had six children. William was born Feb. 18, 1889, and is now in Virginia, Minn. John was born Nov. 6, 1890, and lives in Rice Lake. Rose was born March 5, 1897, and helps her mother at home. James was born April 4, 1902, and Anton, June 12, 1903. Since their father's death they have erected a modern barn, 36 by 90 feet, furnished with Libby barn equipment. Rudolph was born Dec. 8, 1906. He is a bright boy who is doing well with his studies and helping out at home when he can.

Clarence M. Roseth, a well-to-do farmer of Sections 5 and 6, Oak Grove Township, was born in Norway March 8, 1865, the son of Martin and Carrie (Lee) Roseth, who spent the span of their years in that country. He was reared and educated in his native land and became a farm helper. In 1884 he came to America and, after landing at Quebec, came directly to St. Paul, Minn., from which place he later went to Madison, Wis. Then he went to Blanchardville, in Fayette County, Wis., and there learned the plumbing and tinsmith trade. In 1899 he came to Rice Lake and for a short time worked at his trade. Then he bought 160 acres in Section 9, Rice Lake Township, which he conducted while still working at his trade. In 1907 he sold the farm and bought 210 acres in Sections 5 and 6, Oak Grove Township. To this farm he has since devoted his entire attention. He has put up a good set of build- ings, has constructed fences, and cleared 80 acres of the land. Here he suc- cessfully carries on general farming and dairying. His herd is of graded Holsteins, with a full blooded sire at the head. Mr. Roseth is a believer in education, and for six years has been a member of the school board of Dis- trict 4. The family faith is that of the Norwegian Lutheran Church. Mr. Roseth was married at Blanchardville, Wis., Oct. 9, 1891, to Caroline Johnson,

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who was born in that place Jan. 27, 1873, the daughter of John and Anna (Gorden) Johnson. Her parents were born in Norway, came to America as children, and spent their lives in Blanchardville, the father dying in 1915 and the mother in 1895. Mr. and Mrs. Roseth have four children: John M., Alma, Clifford and Morris. John M. was born July 4, 1892. He is a veteran of the World War, having served nine months in France with the 316th Field Hospital of the 304th Sanitary Train. He was inducted into the United States service July 23, 1918, trained at Camp Georgia, Greenleaf, Ga., and was dis- charged at Camp Grant, Rockford, Ill., June 14, 1919. Alma was born Jan. 11, 1898, and is the wife of Edward Wick, of Washburn County. Clifford was born Oct. 9, 1899, and died Dec. 15, 1918. Morris was born May 15, 1909. Joseph Dvorak, general farmer, former wagon maker and business man, has good place in Oak Grove Township, whose buildings and general improve- ments bespeak the thrift and success of the owner. He is a native of this state, born in Manitowoc County Dec. 8, 1876, son of Joseph and Mary Dvorak, natives of Bohemia, who came to Wisconsin in the seventies and farmed in Manitowoc County the remainder of their lives. Joseph was reared in his native county and for a time helped his father at farm work. In 1892 he started to learn the wagon making trade at Manitowoc and worked there for several years. He came to Barron in 1899 and opened a wagon shop at Dobie, in Oak Grove Township. In 1901 he engaged in the refreshment busi- ness there. He went to Rice Lake in 1903 and there opened a wagon shop. Four years later, in 1907, he purchased 40 acres in Section 24, Oak Grove Township, cleared 30 acres, and erected a sightly house and suitable out- buildings. In 1919 he added 40 acres more in the same township. He is successfully carrying on general farming and dairying, and has a satisfactory herd of mixed cattle. Mr. Dvorak was married Oct. 29, 1901, to Elizabeth Frolik, who was born Dec. 23, 1879, in Manitowoc County, Wisconsin, daugh- ter of Frank and Barbara (Wagner) Frolik. Mr. and Mrs. Dvorak are the parents of three children: Victor, born Oct. 13, 1903, and died Feb. 17, 1920; Lydia, born June 14, 1906, and Clarence, born Oct. 11, 1911. The family faith is that of the Roman Catholic Church.

Thomas Dorcy, an early settler, was born in Canada, and there married Anna White, also a native of that country. They came to the United States in 1877 and located in East Saginaw, Mich., where he was employed for several years. In 1883 they came to Barron County and bought 40 acres in Section 27, Oak Grove Township. Conditions were still wild and times were hard. He cleared a small tract, erected a log house and crude sheds, planted small crops, kept a few cows and chickens and managed to get along as best he could by earning a little money now and then working at lumbering winter times. He and his family endured many hardships; there were almost no comforts and the bare necessities were sometimes scarce. But they labored together and in time acquired prosperity. Nearly all the land was cleared, better buildings were erected, and a good farm was developed. He died May 9, 1909. The wife now lives with her son, John J., aged 86 years. There was one other son in the family, Thomas P.

John J. Dorcy, one of the enterprising and popular farmers of Oak Grove Township, was born in Canada April 9, 1872, the son of Thomas and Anna (White) Dorcy, who brought him to East Saginaw, Mich., in 1877 and to Oak Grove Township, this county, in 1883. He was even at that time able to be of assistance to his parents in clearing up and developing the farm. He com- pleted his schooling in the schoolhouse of District 4. In 1896 he and his brother, Thomas P., purchased 140 acres in the home section, and this they operated jointly together with the 40 acres of the home farm. After success- fully working together for several years they divided the land in 1904. John J. now has 100 acres, well improved, on which he has erected a sightly and adequate set of buildings. The house is modern, the barn has the Star barn fixtures, and the other structures are well in keeping. Mr. Dorcy carries on

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general farming and dairying and has a fine herd of Holsteins, headed by full blooded sires. He has borne an excellent reputation from boyhood up and stands well as a citizen and as a farmer. Mr. Dorcy was married July 1, 1902, to Fidelia Deruso, born Sept. 6, 1882, in Canada, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Philman Deruso, natives of Canada, of French descent, who came to the United States in 1886 and purchased 120 acres in Rice Lake Township, this county, where they farmed the remainder of their lives, the father dying in October, 1896, and the mother, Sept. 3, 1902. In the family were eight chil- dren: Rose, Exzilla, Edward, Napoleon, Fidelia, Millie (deceased), Edmond (deceased), and John (deceased). Mr. and Mrs. Dorcy have four interesting children: Raymond, born May 22, 1904; Harvey, Sept. 28, 1905; Isabella, Dec. 15, 1906; and Edgar, Sept. 25, 1914.

Frank P. Roubal, influential official of Oak Grove Township, prosperous and successful farmer, and president of the Campia Equity Exchange Co., which owns the potato warehouse at Campia, has been in this county nearly twenty years. He has been supervisor of the township two years, is a stock- holder in the Brill Creamery Co. at Brill, and belongs to the Knights of Co- lumbus. He was born in Manitowoc County, Wis., Jan. 23, 1879, son of Frank and Mary (Sour) Roubal, natives of Bohemia, who came to America when they were children, were married in Manitowoc County, and there farmed for many years. The mother still lives in that county and the father in Rice Lake. In the family there were seven children: Barbara, Mary, Emma, Anna, John, James and Frank P. Frank P. attended school as a small boy, but started out for himself when he was about ten years old. As a youth and young man he worked at and about his birthplace. In 1901 he came to Barron County and the next year bought 70 acres, forty of which was in Oak Grove Township and 30 in Cedar Lake Township. He repaired some of the buildings, cleared some of the land, and there carried on general farming for eight years. In 1910 he sold out and purchased 80 acres in section 36, Oak Grove Township, where he still resides. To the development of this place he has since given his attention. He renovated and repaired the buildings, he has improved the land, and in 1916 he built a modern house and moved the barns and other buildings. Among his modern equipment may be mentioned the Matthews Lighting system. He carries on general farming and has a good herd of Holsteins headed by a full blooded sire. He was president two years of the Rice Lake Cattle Ship- ping Association, of which he is now a director. Mr. Roubal was married May 22, 1891, to Mary Svacina, born Sept. 28, 1879, in Manitowoc County, Wisconsin, daughter of Jacob and Mary (Rouse) Svacina, who now live in Rice Lake. Mr. and Mrs. Roubal have eight children: Frank, born Feb. 9, 1902; Joseph, born Aug. 23, 1903; Mary, born Aug. 11, 1905, who died July 15, 1912; John, born March 27, 1910; Anna, born April 3, 1913; Catherine, born March 28, 1915; Raymond, born Jan. 26, 1918; and Lillian, born March 7, 1920.

Owen McGeough, one of the early settlers of Oak Grove Township, was born in Ireland, and came to Upper Canada as a young man. Here he received a taste of pioneer life as he helped to clear two different farms for farmers there. He reached the States May 22, 1871, and shortly afterward took a homestead of 120 acres in section 10, Oak Grove Township. His previous experience stood him in good stead in breaking this farm. Like the other pioneers he underwent many hardships and had much to contend with. Farm- ing among the stumps was not profitable, and for some time did not even produce a living for his family, so he was forced to work on farms and in , the woods for others in order to get a little cash for immediate needs. But he and his family persevered in spite of hardships. He died June 8, 1885, and his wife, Bridget Kennedy, a native of Canada, was left to carry on his un- finished work with the aid of the children. After a long and useful life she died May 18, 1900. In the family there were ten children, namely: John, Mary, Margaret, Michael, Peter, Bernard, Bridget, Patrick, James and Thomas, of whom the six first mentioned, as well as Thomas, are now deceased.

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MR. AND MRS. PATRICK McGEOUGH

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Patrick McGeough, who has farmed in Oak Grove Township since early manhood, is one of the well-to-do men of the township, and his intelligent effort and well-directed hard work has resulted in success. He was born in Upper Canada March 7, 1861, son of Owen and Bridget (Kennedy) McGeough, who brought him to Barron County when he was eleven years of age. He attended school for a while and worked with his parents, helping them to develop a farm from the wilderness. As a young man he entered the employ of Knapp, Stout & Co., working for them in the woods in the winter time and engaging in farm work in the summer time. In 1887 he purchased 160 acres of railroad land in section 11, Oak Grove Township, to the development and operating of which he has since devoted his attention. He has cleared 80 acres, erected a good set of buildings, including a good silo built in 1920, and made many other improvements. He carries on mixed farming and dairying and has a herd of graded Holsteins. He is a stockholder in the Brill Creamery Co. at Brill. Mr. McGeough was married April 17, 1893, to Rosie Cosgrove, a most worthy woman, who was born in Benton, Wis., and died Feb. 16, 1902. In the family there were three daughters: Mary, Rosella and Loretta. Mary was born March 12, 1894. After her mother's death she kept house for her father until her own death, March 30, 1920. Rosella was born April 3, 1895, and is the wife of Frank Drost, of this county. Loretta was born Aug. 23, 1900, and is now Mrs. Earl Bollman, of this county.

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History of Barron County Wisconsin, Part 59

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

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