History of Barron County Wisconsin, Part 71

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

USA > Wisconsin > Barron County > History of Barron County Wisconsin > Part 71

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).

Hans Borgen, a retired farmer of excellent standing, now living in Dallas Village, who has developed a good farm, and erected two sets of buildings in Dallas Township, was born in Norway, Oct. 1, 1847, the son of Ole and Mary (Johnson) Borgen, both now deceased. He was reared and educated in that country and as a youth learned the shoemakers' trade. In 1869 he came to America, landed in New York, went from there to Milwaukee, and found em- ployment in Racine County, Wis. Three years later, in 1872, he came to Eau Claire, this state. For a while he worked for the lumber companies, and then

Digitized by Google

422

HISTORY OF BARRON COUNTY

took up the carpenter trade which he followed there for many years. In 1887 he came to Barron County, and settled on 160 acres in Section 22, which he had purchased the previous year. This was the homestead of an early set- tler and a few crude buildings had been erected. He put up a fine set of buildings and cleared eighty acres. Here for many years he successfully car- ried on general farming and dairying, and became one of the leading men of the community. In 1901 he rented and in 1908 he sold eighty acres of the land, including the old home, to his son, Albert, and erected for himself a good set of buildings on the other eighty. He continued to operate his farm until 1918, when he retired and purchased his present pleasant residence in Dallas Vil- lage. Mr. Borgen has seen the wonderful progress made in this region for the past thirty-five years. He encouraged the building of the railroad and boarded many of the members of the construction crew. He assisted in starting the creamery and warehouse at Dallas, and has been active in promoting the farmers' store there. As the father of children, he is interested in education, and did most efficient service on the school board for twelve years. He is now enjoying the reward of a well-spent life. Mr. Borgen was married at Eau Claire in 1873 to Magdalena Stevenson, born in Norway, July 30, 1848, the daughter of Ingebret and Martha (Anderson) Stevenson. This union has been blessed with nine children: John O., Martin I., Albert, Henry, Matilda, Sigwald, Hilda, Maria, Olga, and two that died in infancy. John O. was born July 7, 1874, and died April 20, 1893. Martin I. was born Sept. 29, 1877, and farms in Dallas. Albert was born Oct. 30, 1879, and farms on a part of the home farm in Dallas. Henry was born Aug. 8, 1881, and farms in Dallas. Matilda was born Aug. 8, 1885, and is the wife of Henry Palmquist, of Barron Township. Sigward L. was born June 30, 1887, and is now farming in Dallas Township. Hilda was born Feb. 6, 1889, and died Feb. 18, 1899. Maria was born March 18, 1891, and is now the wife of Charlie Bailey of Nebraska. Olga J. was born Jan. 21, 1894, and is the wife of Enon Nelson of Big Spring, Neb.

Charles Rich, proprietor of the Chetek Feed Mill, has a growing establish- ment of considerable importance. He established his business in 1919 when he erected his plant in Bank's addition, near the Omaha Railroad tracks. He in- stalled modern machinery and modern equipment, and does a good business in manufacturing flour and other cereal products and grinding feed. In the win- ter of 1920-21 he built an addition, 40 by 40 feet. A spur track will soon be laid to facilitate the shipping of corn, flour, bran, shorts and feed, and Mr. Rich is also contemplating the erection of an elevator to supplement his present warehouse. His business is a growing one, the business in 1920 was over double that of 1919, and Mr. Rich is regarded as one of the good business men of the place. He is thorough in his work, honorable in all his dealings, and familiar with all lines of the grain and flour trade. Charles Rich was born in Tunnell City, Monroe County, this state, April 5, 1881, son of Samuel S. and Saphronia (Smith) Rich, early settlers, who moved from there to near Prairie du Chien, and thence to this county, where both died. In the family there were twelve children, eight of whom live in Barron County, and two in Canada, and two of whom are dead. Charles Rich came to this county with his parents, and attended the "Stub Hollow" school in Dovre Township. As a young man he became interested in the gas engine business. Later he grad- uated from an electrical engineering course at Superior. Subsequntly, he fol- lowed that line for a few years. He was then interested in the flour mill busi- ness at Chetek until establishing his present place. Mr. Rich is a stockholder in the Wisconsin Stock Farm Co., of Chetek; the Chetek Auto Co., of Chetek; the Pan-Motor Co., of St. Cloud, Minn .; the Ko Klice Oil Co., of Oklahoma; and the U. S. Switch Co., at Eau Claire, Wis. Fraternally, he is a member of the I. O. O. F., the Modern Woodmen and the Good Templars. He and his fam- ily are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church at Chetek. Mr. Rich was married April 19, 1918, at Chetek, to Christina Hansen, born at Hildreth, Neb.,

Digitized by Google

423

HISTORY OF BARRON COUNTY

daughter of H. J. and Dorothy Hansen, who came to this county some twenty years ago. Mr. and Mrs. Rich have one child, Dorothy, born Nov. 24, 1919.

Peter C. Pearson, a representative farmer of Section 4, Almena Township, was born in Sweden, June 2, 1864, the son of Peter Nelson and Johanna Pear- son, also natives of that country. The mother died there, and the father, in 1866, came to this country and located in Minneapolis, where he spent the re- mainder of his life. In the family there were four children: Nels is in Sweden. Matilda, Fritz and Peter C. are in the United States. Peter C. was reared in Sweden, went to school there, and as a young man did farm work. He came to America in 1888, and located in Minneapolis. In 1891 he went to Polk County, in this state, and farmed there. In 1900 he came to Barron County, and bought 80 acres of partly improved land in Section 4, Almena Township. To this place he has since devoted his attention, and has added to it until he now has 227 acres of good land, all in the same section, with some 50 acres under the plow. He has remodeled the house, has built a barn, 30 by 50 feet, with six- teen foot posts, a machine shed, tile chicken house, and other buildings. Here he successfully carries on general farming and dairying. He has graded Dur- ham cattle, Duroc-Jersey swine, and Rhode Island Red chickens. The farm is well equipped with tools, implements and machinery. Mr. Pearson takes his part in all the affairs of the community, and is a good citizen in every respect. For some years he has served as road overseer for his district. His financial holdings include stock in the Almena Telephone Co. Mr. Pearson was married in Turtle Lake, this county, July 4, 1893, to Elva Shaw, who was born in Ohio on Feb. 27, 1872, the daughter of Isaac and Lottie Shaw, natives respectively of Maine and Ohio, and descended from early New England stock. Wallace Mann, father of Mrs. Shaw, served in the Civil War. One day when in the service, while riding on horseback after water, singing the old hymn, "I'm going home to die no more," he was struck by lightning and killed. Mrs. Pearson is a woman of education and culture, and has proven herself a per- son of gracious influence in the community. For some years she was a suc- cessful school teacher. Mr. and Mrs. Pearson have had eight children. Gladys married Oscar Wold, of Prairie Farm Township, this county. Lottie is the wife of August Stoeckig, of Turtle Lake Village. Pearl is the wife of Archie Thompson, of Menomonie, Wis. Clyde is unmarried. Dean accidentally shot himself while hunting. Marion Earnet and one unnamed infant are also dead. The family faith is that of the Baptist Church.

Nels John Forsell, now deceased, an early farmer of Cumberland Town- ship, and for nearly forty years one of its most industrious and best known citizens, was born in Byske, Sweden, Sept. 4, 1851. He attended school there and early went into the woods, where he became an expert at hewing logs with a broad axe. He came to America in 1882, landed in New York, and found his way to Cumberland, and in company with John Lundstrom, purchased 40 acres of land in Section 21, Cumberland Township. In 1887 he purchased his part- ner's interest. Later he bought 120 more acres in Section 21, and 40 acres in Section 16, making a fine farm of 200 acres in all. When he and his wife started home-making, they were confronted for several years with the hard- ships and privations of pioneer life. There was hard work to do in the house, there was hard work to do in getting the place cleared up and farming opera- tions started. For a while to get money before the farm could be made profit- able, Mr. Forsell worked in sawmills for the Beaver Lake Lumber Co. His skill with the broad axe stood him in good stead, and he not only hewed the heavy timbers for the substantial house which he built, but also for many houses built in the neighborhood. By hard work and pluck, Mr. Forsell and his wife gradually won success. He erected a fine set of buildings, which were among the most attractive in this vicinity, well kept, well painted, surrounded by a pleasant yard, and in every way bespeaking the thrift and good taste of its owner. A man of vigorous strength, he was able to toil early and late, and his efforts were crowned with prosperity, and with the respect of his neighbors.

Digitized by Google

424

HISTORY OF BARRON COUNTY

After a long and useful life, he died, May 5, 1921. The tributes to his life and character were many. A newspaper item, after speaking of his beautiful home and well-kept farm, said: "His life has always been in accord with the sur- roundings he so loved, at peace with the world. He was a consistent Christian gentleman, a useful American citizen, kind and considerate of his family, genial and generous with his friends, and among the most highly respected men in his community." His faith was that of the Swedish Lutheran Church. Mr. Forsell was married in Cumberland, Wis., to Anna F. Lundstrom, who was born in Sweden, Feb. 22, 1859, the daughter of Carl and Christina (Johnson) Lundstrom, who spent the span of their years in that country. Mr. and Mrs. Forsell had six children: Nels A., Herbert A., J. Edwin, Anna V., Hattie C. and C. Leonard. Nels A. was born July 3, 1885, and died May 25, 1889. Herbert A. was born March 8, 1887. J. Edwin is a veteran of the American Expeditionary Force. He was born June 27, 1890. On May 25, 1918, he was inducted into the United States service. He trained at Camp Grant, Rockford, Ill., and was assigned to Co. L, 343rd Infantry, 86th Division. He sailed from Camp Mer- ritt, N. J., Sept. 14, 1918, and landed at Southampton, England, Sept. 21, 1918, and then went to France. Much of his time there was spent in hospitals. He returned to the United States, Feb. 23, 1919, and was discharged at Camp Grant, March 11, 1919. Anna V. was born Dec. 20, 1892; Hattie C., Sept. 13, 1895; and C. Leonard, March 13, 1898. The children are all at home, and all are highly regarded and popular throughout the community.

John Westin, substantial land owner, leading citizen, and for nearly forty years a Cumberland Township farmer, was born in Sweden, July 26, 1851, the son of Andrew and Ulrika (Anderson) Westin, both of whom spent the span of their years in that country. He received his education in his native country, did farm work for several years. As a young man he became a sailor, and by application and attention, qualified as a second mate. He crossed the North Sea no less than nineteen times, and touched at nearly all the important ports on that body of water. After he left the sea, he purchased a farm, which he operated for several years. In 1882 he came to America, landed at New York, and found his way directly to Cumberland Township where, with Nels John- son and John Hedlund, they purchased 80 acres of wild land in Section 22, of which his share was 26 acres. Thus he made his start. He put up a small house, and started clearing the land. He worked early and late, used indus- try and intelligence in his methods, and as time passed, achieved a full meas- ure of prosperity. He worked in the logging camps to get funds to keep things going. He was never too busy, however, to think of the welfare of the town. He had great faith in the future of this region even when he found it little more than a wilderness. He encouraged others to settle here; he gave them advice as to getting started, and he helped them in every way possible. He foresaw the need of good roads, and helped to build many of the highways in his vicinity. By shrewd purchases, self-denial, and intelligent management, he has increased his holdings until he now owns 272 acres, of which he himself has cleared and broken 150 acres. The tract is divided into three farms, on each of which he has erected a fine set of buildings. In association with his son, Arthur, he operates all his land except 80 acres, which he rents. The home place is one of the most sightly to be found in the neighborhood, with well-kept buildings, a good lawn, and a full equipment of implements, tools and machinery. Mr. Westin successfully carries on general farming and dairy- ing on an extensive scale, and has a good herd of Holstein and Durham grades. As the father of children, he is interested in education, and has done good service on the school board. He is in every way all that a good citizen should be, and his efforts have played a real part in the development of the town- ship. Mr. Westin was married in Sweden, Nov. 25, 1879, to Minnie Lundquist, who was born in that county, Dec. 15, 1851, the daughter of Daniel and Eva (Larson) Lundquist, who spent the span of their years in that country. This union has been blessed with four children: Elis V., L. Arthur, Marie A. and

Digitized by Google

425

HISTORY OF BARRON COUNTY

James E. Elis V. was born Aug. 26, 1881, and for fifteen years has been a well- known insurance man of Rockford, Ill. L. Arthur was born April 27, 1884, and is his father's partner on the farm. He is a good farmer, a good business man and a good citizen; he takes his part in local affairs, and is highly regarded by all who know him. Marie A. was born March 19, 1887, and is the wife of Carl Erickson, of Cumberland Township. James E. was born March 6, 1890, and is now operating the branch office of the Free Sewings Machine Co. at Spokane, Washington. The family faith is that of the Swedish Lutheran Church.

Hans T. Solum, for nearly twenty-five years a resident of Section 3, Cum- berland Township, was born in Norway, Jan. 24, 1858, and was there reared and attended school. As a youth he worked on farms and in the woods. He came to America in 1880, landed in New York, and found his way directly to Cumber- land. He first purchased 80 acres in Section 3, and later added 40 more. Still later he sold 40 acres to his brother, Iver. He put up a log cabin, and in time brought his bride there. He built up a good set of log buildings and cleared about 30 acres. In 1904 he took up his home in Crosby, N. D. Mr. Solum was married Dec. 5, 1885, to Olia Olson, who was born in Norway on Oct. 9, 1854, the daughter of Arnie and Inga (Severson) Olson, both now deceased. This union has been blessed with eight children. Theodore was born Jan. 1, 1887. Albert was born Sept. 26, 1888. Edwin was born July 12, 1890. Ida A. was born Sept. 11, 1891, and is now the wife of John Worsley, of Superior, Wis. Henry was born March 25, 1893. Helma O. was born Dec. 4, 1894, and is the wife of Lester M. Bonett. John was born Nov. 17, 1896. Sophia was born July 5, 1898. For many years Mrs. Solum successfully conducted the home farm with the assistance of her sons. They have cleared and broken 30 more acres. In 1906 they erected a comfortable and pleasant home. In 1912 they put up a chicken coop and hog house. In 1910 they built a good barn, furnished with modern barn equipment. They successfully carry on general farming and dairying, and have a good herd of Holsteins with a full-blooded sire. They have stock in the Cumberland Light & Power Co., and in the Star Cheese Co. The youngest son, John, has been the manager of the farm since 1915. Mrs. Solum is a most worthy woman, of good business mind, and an excellent mother and neighbor. The sons are energetic and capable, and the family enjoys a most excellent standing in the community. The home is one of hospitality and good cheer, and the doors are always open to the family friends.

Ole J. Sandve, an energetic farmer of Section 12, Cumberland Township, was born in Norway, Dec. 4, 1875, the son of Johannes and Ingeburg (Olson) Halverson, also natives of that country. The father followed the seas as a sailor for many years, and visited practically all the principal ports of the world. He is now dead, and the mother is still living in Norway. There are six children in the family: Sigward, Louisa, Hannah, Johannah, Laura and Ole J., all of whom except the last named are still in Norway. The subject of this sketch was reared and educated in Norway, and remained at home until he was seventeen years of age. He came to America in 1893, landed in New York, and went from there to Norway, Iowa, where he did farm work for three years. Then he worked in Marshalltown, Iowa, for a year. From there he went back to Norway, Iowa. In the meantime he heard of the possibilities of Barron County, and accordingly in 1900 he came here and bought 80 acres of wild land in Section 12, Cumberland Township. He cleared up 36 acres, and built a small house, and outbuildings, got things started, and farmed there ten years. In 1910 he went to Marshall County, South Dakota, and rented a farm there for five years. In 1915 he returned to his Barron County farm. His prosperity has increased by hard work and application, and in 1920 he erected a barn, 34 by 80 feet, furnished with full James equipment. Nearly all the lumber was sawed from logs cut on the place. Here Mr. Sandve successfully carries on general farming and dairying. He has a good herd of graded Holsteins, headed by a full blooded sire. In public life, Mr. Sandve has taken his share, and has been treasurer of his township a year

Digitized by Google

426

HISTORY OF BARRON COUNTY

and road overseer a year. He was married Dec. 7, 1895, to Gustena Gran, who was born Sept. 21, 1872, the daughter of Gustav and Olena (Olson) Gran, both of whom are now dead. Mr. and Mrs. Sandve have six children. Jennie J. was born Feb. 1, 1897, and is the wife of Martin Wickre, of Marshaltown, S. D. Gustav A. was born June 24, 1899, and is in Marshall County, S. D. Arthur was born April 3, 1902; Harry was born Nov. 18, 1903; Oscar was born May 25, 1909, and Reuben was born Dec. 28, 1913. The family faith is that of the Norwegian Lutheran Church.

William E. Shoemaker, a thoroughly modern farmer of Section 4, Clinton Township, was born in Avoca, Iowa County, Wis., Sept. 15, 1866, the son of Herman and Oleva Shoemaker, natives respectively of Germany and Canada. The father was for many years a blacksmith at Avoca, and there he died in 1871, his wife continuing to live there until her death, in 1895. Of their five children, there are now living two. George is in the telephone service in St. Paul, Minn. William E. was reared on the home farm and attended school there. As a young man he went to Redfield, Spink County, N. D., and re- mained two years. Upon his return he became a cheese maker, an occupa- tion which he followed in his native county for many years. Late in 1904 he came to Barron County, and purchased 80 acres of cut over land in Section 4, Clinton Township. A small frame house and a cow barn had been erected, and a small tract had been cleared. From this beginning, Mr. Shoemaker has built up as good a place as is to be found in the neighborhood. He has an eight-room residence, covered with stucco, and furnished with modern con- veniences. The barn is a commodious structure, 24 by 70 feet, with a lean to, 18 by 65 feet for stock. There are two silos, 10 by 24 and 12 by 24, a machine shed, 18 by 50 feet, granary, 16 by 32, and other buildings. The yard is ample and sightly. House, barns and grounds are illuminated with electricity. Modern machinery and labor saving devices add to the equipment of the place, and a Titon tractor lightens the labor. Mr. Shoemaker has a good herd of graded Guernseys, with one registered cow, and a registered sire. His swine are pure blooded Poland-China. He also has a fine flock of pure blooded brown Leghorn Chickens. As the father of children, Mr. Shoemaker is interested in education, and has served as a member of the school board of his district. Fraternally he is a popular member of the Modern Woodmen, his wife is a member of the Royal Neighbors. All in all he is a man of real usefulness, a fine type of the active aggressive modern farmer of the present day, and he is doing his share in every way in the development of his community and of the county at large. Mr. Shoemaker was married at Highland, Iowa County, Wis., March 9, 1897, to Rocelia Anding, who was born at Highland, Jan. 6, 1878, the daughter of Fred W. and Louise (Schwingle) Anding, natives respectively of Germany and of Dansville, New York State. They were married March 11, 1873. The father came to the United States as a child, and was reared in Wisconsin. He still lives in Highland, Iowa County, where he has farmed for so many years, and his wife, born May 9, 1854, died in 1915. In the Anding family there were eleven children: Clara, Emma, Louise, Rocelia, Cora, Kate, Ilma, Fred, Oscar, Otto and George (deceased). Clara is the wife of Ed. Zemlicka, of Highland, Wis. Emma is the wife of Frank Klingele, also of Highland. Louisa is the wife of Frank Baker, of Hudson, Wis. Cora is the wife of John Bach, of Highland. Kate is the wife of John Zemlicka, of Cobb, Wis. Ilma is the wife of Frank Zemlicka, of Ida, S. D. Mr. and Mrs. Shoe- maker have two children. Ruth is a proficient teacher. She graduated from the Barron County Training School at Rice Lake in 1916. Howard did well with his studies in the Cumberland High School and is now attending the Ripon College.

George Speed, Wisconsin pioneer, came to Wisconsin with his wife and oldest child, from New York State. They lived a year in Racine, and then farmed a few years in Columbia County. Then they settled in Juneau County, where they farmed for a short period. In 1873 they came to Barron County

Digitized by Google

MR. AND MRS. FRANK SPEED

Digitized by y Google

427

HISTORY OF BARRON COUNTY

and took a homestead in Section 6, Dallas Township. This was all wild land, covered with heavy timber. They cleared and cultivated some of it and erected suitable buildings. Here they carried on general farming for many years. Then they moved to Barron City. He died suddenly while attending the funeral of the wife of his son, Walter, at Chetek. His wife died at the home of their son, Frank, in Chetek Township. Three of their children, Silas, Walter and Frank, lived to adult years. Silas, now deceased, was at one time sheriff of Barron County. Walter was at one time editor of the Chetek "Alert." He owns the farm now operated by his brother, Frank, but spends much of his time in Oregon.

Frank Speed, residing on a farm near the western limits of Chetek City, was born in the town of Lowville, Columbia County, Wis., May 27, 1854, son of George and Annie L. (Bonsteel) Speed. He was reared in Juneau County, and came to Barron County with his parents in 1873. For many years he was variously employed as a railroad man and as a farmer. He was interested for a time in a sawmill at Barron, in company with his brothers, Silas and Walter. In 1900 he first came to Chetek and helped in the office of the Chetek "Alert", then owned and edited by his brother, Walter. Then he again entered railroad work. He was employed in construction work near Cumber- land, in this county, and then became section foreman with headquarters at Haywood, in Sawyer County. Then he came back to Barron County, and worked on the construction of the "Soo" through the county. Afterward he was section foreman on a section some seven miles west of Rhinelander, Wis. His next employment was in the sawmill and lumber business at Barron,-in this county. Subsequently he worked in a planing mill at Strick- land in Rush County. In 1900 he took up his residence on the present farm. His time is largely occupied with his duties as night watchman at the plant of the Barron County Canning and Pickling Co. at Chetek. Mr. Speed is held in good respect by the community. He is a substantial and well-liked member of the Modern Woodmen. His wife belongs to the Rebekahas, the Royal Neighbors and the Woman's Relief Corps. Mr. Speed was married on July 3, 1881, to Edith Wood, born in Erie County, Penn., Aug. 6, 1865, daughter of Josiah and Sarah Jane (Utton) Wood, who came from Pennsylvania to Wiscon- sin in the seventies and settled near Lisbon, in Juneau County, afterward mov- ing to Barron County where they had forty acres east of Barron City. In 1890 he moved to Barron City. There the father died, Sept. 24, 1891. The mother took up her home with her daughter, Mrs. Frank Speed, with whom she lived for thirteen years until her death May 10, 1914. Mr. and Mrs. Frank Speed have had seven children: J. Don, Blanche, Earl R., Ross, Margie, Lyle and Verna. J. Don was born Aug. 20, 1883, and is foreman of the Chetek factory of the Barron County Canning & Pickling Co. He married Etna Pryce and they have two children, Doris Ione and Walter Lewis. Blanche was born Dec. 6, 1885, and died at the age of 14 months. Earl R. was born June 11, 1891, and is now supervising teacher in the East End High School at Superior, Wis. Ross was born May 9, 1892, and now operates his Uncle Walter's farm for his father. He was inducted into the United States service Aug. 2, 1918, was sent to Camp Taylor, Ky., and from there to Camp Merritt, N. J. He sailed for France Oct. 28, landed at Brest in a replacement division, was trans- ferred to the 107th Ammunition Train, 32nd Division, and with that Train participated in the Army of Occupation, guarding the Coblenz bridge head. He left Germany, April 21, 1919, sailed from Brest, May 1, and was discharged at Camp Grant, Rockford, Ill., May 24, 1919. Margie was born July 11, 1894, and is now wife of Irving Tubbs, a Chetek blacksmith. Lyle was born Oct. 20, 1896, married Nettie Johnson, of Albertsville, Wis., and works in the office of the Cheteck "Alert". Verna was born Dec. 15, 1898, and is the wife of Bennie Knutson, of Chetek.

Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.

History of Barron County Wisconsin, Part 71

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

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