History of Barron County Wisconsin, Part 73

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

USA > Wisconsin > Barron County > History of Barron County Wisconsin > Part 73

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).

George Wetzel, a well-to-do farmer living on a good farm of 160 acres in Section 23, Stanley Township, was born in an old shack on Section 13, this township, March 4, 1883, the son of Albert and Ida (Heuer) Wetzel, early settlers. He was educated in a little log school house in his neighborhood and learned farming from his father. He remained on the home place and as his father advanced in years, took over the management. He made many improve- ments including a new barn. Then he sold out the home place, and on Nov. 6, 1919, bought his present farm. It is well improved and well equipped in every way. Mr. Wetzel here carries on general farming, and has some Hol- stein cattle of good grade. He is a stockholder in the Farmers' Co-operative Store at Cameron. Mr. Wetzel was married, Oct. 16, 1909, to Julia Sather, the

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daughter of Cris. and Sophia (Larson) Sather, and granddaughter of Borra and Johanna Larson, the pioneers. She was born April 6, 1890, in the log cabin of her grandparents, on Section 24, Stanley Township. Mr. and Mrs. Wetzel have two bright boys, Raymond, born Oct. 29, 1910, and Rolland, born April 14, 1914.

Levi Perry Busch, an energetic young farmer of Section 14, Stanley Township, better known as Lee Busch, is a native of this county, born in Sumner Township, Feb. 6, 1892, the son of Fred and Ella (Landon) Busch. The father was a stationary engineer and was employed for some years in sawmills at Canton and elsewhere, as well as operating his own farm. He was born in 1862, came to Barron County about 1888, and died in 1907. He had seven children, of whom Levi Perry was the second. Levi Perry was reared on the home farm, attended school, and learned farming from his father. As a youth he worked in the woods winters and on farms summers. In 1917 he began renting farms. He now rents a good farm in Section 14, Stanley Town- ship, which he is successfully conducting. He was inducted into the United States service, July 15, 1918, trained with the 22nd Company, 161st Depot Brigade, at Camp Grant, Rockford, Ill., and was discharged Dec. 12, 1918, reaching home in time for the Christmas festivities. Mr. Busch married Dorothy Huiras, who was born in Odell, Ill., May 20, 1896, the daughter of Mathias and Catherine (Miller) Huiras. Mr. and Mrs. Busch have three chil- dren: Loretta, born May 3, 1918; Viola, born Jan. 7, 1920, and Teddy Levi, born July 27, 1921. The family faith is that of the Methodist Episcopal Church.

Edward A. Erickson, successful farmer of Stanley Township, and well known potato buyer of Cameron, was born in Dane County, this state, Aug. 7, 1872, son of John and Carrie (Branden) Erickson, who brought him to Maple Grove Township when he was an infant. He was reared on the home farm, and attended the rural schools and the Barron High School. As a youth he worked in the office of the Barron "Shield", at Barron, and in the office of the Nelson County "Observer", at Lakota, N. D. When he was 21, he pur- chased 85 acres in Section 31, Stanley Township, and started farming on his own responsibility. Later he bought 60 acres in Barron Township, and lived there until June, 1920, when he went back to the tract in Section 31, Stanley. He now owns 145 acres. By hard work and good judgment he has ac- quired success, and is profitably engaged in general farming, stock raising and dairying. Since 1907 he has devoted a part of each year to potato buying and is now one of the leading buyers in this part of the county. For two years he also engaged in business at Barron, this county, operating a flour and feed store and buying hay, grain and potatoes. He has extensive holdings here and elsewhere. He holds stock in the First National Bank of Barron; the Barron Co-operative Creamery; the Consumers' Store at Barron; the Bloomer Farmers' Store Co., which operates a chain of stores; the Mason Shoe Co., of Chippewa Falls, and the Chippewa Falls Silver Fox Farm of Chippewa Falls. In public life he has been treasurer of the town of Barron for three years. He has also been a member of the school board for a considerable period. Fraternally he is a charter member of the Beavers at Barron. Mr. Erickson was married Dec. 26, 1898, to Gusta Nerison, daughter of Osmund and Margaret Nerison, natives of Norway, who came to the United States and acquired land in Stan- ley Township, this county, the father being now dead and the mother making her home with the Erickson family. Mr. and Mrs. Erickson have two chil- dren, Harold and Alfred, two sturdy sons who are at home helping with the farm work.

Hans Emerson, an early settler of Section 36, Stanley Township, was born in Norway, the son of Amund and Caroline Marie Amundson. In 1866 the par- ents set out with three of the sons, Martin, Edward and Carl, and after a long voyage of seven weeks aboard a sailing vessel, landed safely in America, and found their way to Chippewa County, this state, where the parents spent the

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remainder of their lives. Two years later, in 1868, Hans and Amund, Jr., joined the family in Chippewa County. The other son, Johanas, stayed in Norway. Hans worked in the mills at Chippewa Falls for several years, and in 1870 came to Barron County, where he secured 200 acres of wild land, in Section 36, Stanley Township. Here he erected a log cabin, log barns, and log sheds, and started farming. For a while conditions were hard. There was little money, and comforts were scarce. Often he walked to Chippewa Falls to do his trad- ing, bringing home provisions on his back. As the years passed the family prospered and achieved success. Mr. Emerson died Jan. 18, 1908. His wife died in March, 1918. Both were devout members of the Norwegian Lutheran Church.

Carl J. Emerson, a representative farmer of Section 36, Stanley Township, is a native of this state, born near Bloomer, Chippewa County, Sept. 1, 1869, the son of Hans and Sophia Amundson, the pioneers. He was brought to his present farm as a baby, and was here reared, attending the neighboring school, and learning farming from his father. He now owns 50 acres of the old farm, to which he has added 60 acres, so that he has a good place of 110 acres. He had put up a comfortable house and suitable barns and other buildings, and has excellent equipment. He carries on general farming and dairying and raises good stock. He is well regarded throughout the community. Mr. Emerson was married Jan. 27, 1904, to Emma Nelson, who was born in Poskin, Barron County, Jan. 9, 1882, the daughter of August and Johanna Nelson, na- tives of Sweden, who came to America as young people, were married at Flint, Mich., located at Cedar Falls, Dunn County, this state, and then came to Clin- ton Township, this county, and took a homestead, both being now dead. Mr. and Mrs. Emerson have three children, Arthur, Alda and Orville, all living at home.

Ole Erickson, a leading citizen owning 320 acres in Section 36, Stanley Township, is a splendid type of the men of his nationality who have brought here the sturdy virtues of their ancestors, and is pointed out as an example of everything that a good farmer should be. He is of pleasant and genial personality, a pleasant companion to those of his own generation, and deeply beloved by those of the younger generations. He has been a hard working man all his life, he has been just with all, and generous to the needy, and the prosperity which he has met in life is well merited. He was born in Norway, Aug. 2, 1862, the son of Erick Hanson. He was reared in his native land, and was educated there. At the age of eighteen, in 1880, he came to America, and located in Waupaca County, this state, where he found employment working on farms in the summers and in the woods in the winters. In the late eighties he came to Barron County, and located on 80 acres of partly broken land in Sec- tion 36, Stanley Township. He built a log cabin, and started improving the place. At first progress was slow, as he had no money, and but little to start with. But he soon got a couple of cows, to which he added from time to time, and developed a good herd. For some years he farmed with a yoke of oxen, later he secured horses, and still later he purchased mechanical power. His log cabin was replaced with a comfortable home, where he has delighted in entertaining his relatives and friends. The log sheds gave way to a fine set of modern barns and other buildings. Purchases of additional land were made, so that the farm is now a well-developed place of 320 acres, well equipped in every way, and a just source of pride to its owner. A natural leader among his fellows, Mr. Erickson has been honored with various offices in the town and school district. He has also been an official in the Norwegian Lutheran con- gregation at Pokegema. Mr. Erickson was married Oct. 25, 1888, in Portage County, Wisconsin, to Betsie Bromstad, who was born in that county, May 11, 1870, daughter of Hans Bromstad. This union has been blessed with eight children: Mabel, Helmer, Milo, Lawrence, Effie, Viola, Lila and Gladys. Mabel was born April 11, 1891; Helmer, Feb. 9, 1893; Milo, Dec. 26, 1898; Lawrence,'

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May 5, 1900; Effie, March 4, 1902; Viola, Oct. 30, 1904; Lila, April 10, 1907; and Gladys, April 4, 1909.

Christian Doehle, a prosperous farmer who is successfully carrying on agricultural operations on the outskirts of Cameron, was born near Houston, Houston County, Minn., Dec. 25, 1860, the son of Diedrich and Augusta Doehle, the former a native of Bremen, Germany, and the latter a native of Hanover, Germany. The parents came to America as young people, and were married in New Orleans. Shortly after their marriage they located in Houston County, built a log cabin and started pioneer farming. There they spent the remainder of their lives. At the time of the Indian Massacre in western Minnesota in 1862, they participated in the measure taken for the defense of southeastern Minnesota, but the Indians did not come near. Christian was born and reared in a log cabin, and obtained such education as the schools of the neighborhood afforded. As a young man he worked on various farms in his native county. In 1903, being then a married man with six sturdy children, he came to Barron County, with his brother, Fred, and bought 160 acres in Section 29, Stanley Township, now within the village limits of Cameron. This land was practically all wild, only three acres having been cleared and no buildings having been erected. Later he added 80 acres more. He has cleared most of the land, and bas erected a good set of buildings. Here he carries on general farming and dairying. He is fortunate in being near a good market and shipping point, and in having the advantages of village life while still living on the farm. Mr. Doehle was married Jan. 29, 1890, to Ann Elizabeth Wilson, who was born in Houston County, Minn., March 26, 1870. They have a fine family of eight children: Elsie, Leslie, Helen, Anna, Alice, Dorothy, Morton and Pearl. Elsie is the wife of Julius Voight, of Rice Lake. Leslie is at York, N. D. Helen mar- ried William Jorjensen, and they live in Whitewater, Wis. Anna is a teacher. Alice married Howard Jump and is at home. Dorothy is employed in the post- office at New Auburn. The family worships at the Methodist Episcopal Church at Cameron.

Henry J. Byhre, a modern young farmer of Section 17, Sumner Township, and a veteran of the World War, was born on the place where he now resides, Dec. 19, 1895, son of Martin and Anna (Severson) Byhre, now residents of Rice Lake. He learned farming from his father, passed through the rural schools, and took a two-years' course in the Rice Lake High School. As a youth he learned the carpenter trade, and in order to see something of the country, traveled in North and South Dakota, Montana, Iowa and Missouri. For a few months he conducted a garage at Prelate, Saskatchewan, Canada. He was inducted into the United States service in 1918. He trained the first month with the 311th Engineers of the 86th Division, and served for nine months in France with Co. O, 22nd Engineers, attached to the Sixth Army Corps. After his honorable discharge, May 17, 1919, he took up farming on the home place of 160 acres, and here he has since remained. He successfully carries on gen- eral farming, and makes a specialty of Holstein cattle and Duroc-Jersey swine. He is interested in all modern progression in agricultural and community en- deavor. Mr. Byhre was married May 25, 1918, to Rena Pettis, who was born in Sumner Township, this county, April 12, 1899, the daughter of George and Hattie (Wilcox) Pettis, and they have two daughters, Lois and Joice.

David Joelson, one of the early settlers of Chetek Township, was born in Norway, Feb. 28, 1833, the son of Joel and Carrie, farmers of that country, the former of whom died when David, the oldest of the children, was eight years old. The others in the family were John, Christian, Louise and Johanna. David took to the sea as a fisherman about as soon as he was old enough to handle an oar. This occupation he followed for many years. In 1867 he came to America, and located at Neenah, in Winnebago County, this state, where he worked at grubbing and ditching. In 1870 he drove to Barron County with a yoke of oxen, one of which was owned by himself and the other by Christian Olson, the trip taking about three weeks. After looking about for a few days,

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he located on 160 acres of wild land in what is now West Chetek Township. Here he built a log cabin, 12 by 16 feet, still standing, and started to clear up the land. For a while times were hard, and it was difficult to get along. There were no roads, neighbors were few and scattered, the marketing places and trading points were a considerable distance. It was some years before the farm could be made profitable. Mrs. Joelson had brought her spinning wheel, and spun yarn, and knit mittens, socks and jackets for the family. They were hospitable people, and opened their homes to meetings of the Norwegian Lu- theran denomination, and to neighborhood social gatherings. After the church was built, he was made cantor of the congregation, and served for many years. Mr. Joelson has many interesting stories to tell of pioneer experiences in the early days. His friends especially enjoy hearing of one day when two Indian squaws visited him, and urgently demanded a half of his meager supply of flour. He could not spare the flour, but could not rid himself of the importunate squaws. Tired of the argument he walked out of the house. Then he picked up a tin bucket and began drumming on it. His oxen, who had been trained to come at that call for their feed, came crashing through the brush and around the cor- ner of the cabin. The two great animals presented such a terrific aspect in their rush, that the squaws gave a frightened shriek, and with their dog beat a re- treat. To really appreciate this story in full, one must hear Mr. Joelson tell it, and he has many more equally amusing and interesting. Mr. Joelson was mar- ried in Norway to Stefena Christoferson, who was born in Norway, Aug. 7, 1834, and died April 10, 1917, at the age of eighty-two. She joined her husband in this county shortly after he came here and shared all his experiences with courage and fortitude. After long and useful years of activity, Mr. Joelson retired, and turned the farm over to his son, Alfred. It is interesting to note that Mr. Joelson long ago predicted woman's suffrage, and lived to see his prediction come true. The oldest child of Mr. and Mrs. Joelson died in Norway. Four were born on the farm in Barron County, Charles, Lena, Alfred and John (who died in infancy).

Alfred Joelson, a prosperous farmer of Chetek Township, was born in a log house on his present place, Aug. 19, 1872, the son of David and Stefena (Christoferson) Joelson. He was educated in the district schools and learned farming from his father. As a young man he was employed for a while in lum- ber yards. In 1900 he took over the home place and still successfully conducts it. He has put up a good set of modern buildings, fenced the farm, and con- tinued its improvement and cultivation. In public affairs he has taken his part as a good citizen, and has served on both the town and the school boards. Mr. Joelson was married in Chetek Township on Nov. 25, 1900, to Anna Hanson, who was born in Chetek on May 25, 1882, the daughter of Ole H. and Amelia Hanson, now living in Chetek Township. Mr. and Mrs. Joelson have four children, Emil, Levi, Thomas and Arden. There is also a little adopted girl, Grace, in the home.

Peter A. Johnson, a retired farmer living in Section 2, Cumberland Town- ship, has for many years been one of the active and useful factors in the life of his neighborhood, and there are few ventures in the community in which he has not had his share. Likewise in public life he has done his full duty as a patriotic and loyal citizen. He was born in Norway, Oct. 25, 1856, the son of Joseph and Caroline (Larson) Johnson, who were born, lived and died in that country. He attended school in his native land, and as soon as he was of suit- able age, worked on farms in the summer season and in the woods in the win- ter. In 1884 he came to America, landed in New York, and came directly to Cumberland, in this county. For a while he was employed by the "Soo" line near Poskin Lake, this county, and for a while did farm work near Hudson, in St. Croix County, Wis. In 1885 he purchased 40 acres in Section 2, Cum- berland Township, from Knapp, Stout & Co. To this he later added 40 acres more, making a good farm of 80 acres. He put up a shack, and a log barn, 24 feet square, and there established his home. The first year, in order to get a

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little money to live while developing his place. he worked in sawmills for the Beaver Lake Lumber Co. For a while he did contract work for Knapp, Stout & Co., logging. Little by little he built up his place and developed a good farm. For a time it was hard to get along, but he persevered, and in his efforts met with success. As means permitted he put up a good set of modern buildings to replace the log structures. Mr. Johnson not only labored hard to get his own place started, but he also did everything he could to assist in the develop- ment of the neighborhood. He encouraged people to come here, especially his friends in the old country, and after they got here he gave them advice as to good locations and as to how to get started. As a further movement toward development, he helped to make and to keep repaired many of the important roads in the township. As an output for the products of the herds, he helped to organize the Star Cheese Factory. When the Mckinley Telephone Co. was started, he took shares in it. A man of devout faith with a feeling that no community should be without a church, he donated lumber for the building of the Norwegian Lutheran Church in Section 10. In public life, his talents were called into requisition, and he did good service as town treasurer and town supervisor. In 1920 he retired and turned the place over to his son-in-law, Ole Rolla, with whom he now makes his home. Mr. Johnson was married Dec. 27, 1882, in Norway, to Anna Nelson, who was born in Norway, Sept. 26, 1856, the daughter of Nels and Anna (Benidson) Nelson, who spent all their lives in Norway. Mrs. Johnson died June 7, 1918. She was a most worthy woman, a sympathetic wife, an understanding mother, and a good friend and neighbor. Of the children, Jennie is dead. Christina was born Oct. 4, 1883, and is the wife of Ole Jacobson, of Minneapolis. Amelia was born July 18, 1884, and is the wife of Harry Hanson, of Minneapolis. Julia was born Nov. 2, 1885, and is the wife of Ole Rolla, who is carrying on the home farm in an energetic and intel- ligent manner. Anna was born Feb. 19, 1889, and is the wife of Jens Engen, of Minneapolis. Clara was born Dec. 24, 1891, and is the wife of John Dahl, of Cumberland. Josephine was born July 24, 1894, and is the wife of Louis Anderson, of Stillwater, Minn. Jennie was born April 26, 1896, and is the wife of Lars Putwin, of Minneapolis. Helma was born Dec. 27, 1901, and lives in Stillwater.

Gust Jacobson, substantial citizen of Section 22, Cumberland Township, was born in Iowa County, Wis., the son of a pioneer family. He was reared there and married Clara Larson, who was also born in that county. They farmed there until 1910, and then came to Barron County and purchased 75 acres in Section 22, Cumberland Township. He improved the place, cleared an additional twenty acres, and there carried on general farming and dairying until 1919. Then he sold the farm to his son, Grover, and retired. But after living in the city of Cumberland for eighteen months, he again longed for farm work, so he purchased 40 acres in Section 22, Cumberland Township. He has 20 acres under cultivation, and busies himself by raising enough vegetables for his own use. Mr. and Mrs. Jacobson have eight children: Grover, Helen (deceased), Clarence of Cumberland; Grace, of Minneapolis; Lilly, at home; Ida, at home; David (deceased) ; and Fred, of Indianapolis. The family faith is that of the Norwegian Lutheran Church.

Grover Jacobson, public official and enterprising farmer, who has a good place in Section 22, Cumberland Township, was born in Eden Township, Iowa County, Wisconsin, June 8, 1887, the son of Gust and Clara (Larson) Jacob- son. He received his education in his native county, and worked for his father until 1907. Then he worked for the Stoughton Wagon Co. at Stoughton, Wis., for a year, and in the carriage department of the Moline Plow Co. for nearly three years. In 1911, he came to Barron County, and bought 40 acres in Section 34, Cumberland Township. He erected a set of buildings and cleared 20 acres. In 1919 he sold out and bought from his father his present place of 75 acres. Here he carries on general farming and dairying, and has a good herd of Holsteins, headed by a full-blooded sire. Aside from successfully con-

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ducting his farm, Mr. Jacobson has been unusually active in public affairs, and he thoroughly believes in concerted effort among the farmers to improve local conditions. He helped to organize the Cumberland Farmers Light & Power Co. and is serving efficiently as its secretary. He helped to start the Vermillion Dairy Co. and is now one of its directors. He was also active in the organization of the Barron County Farm Bureau Association and is secre- tary of the Cumberland Township unit. So highly is his ability esteemed that he was elected town clerk in 1917, and is still serving, with credit to himself, and to the satisfaction of his constituents. For several years he presided with fairness and dignity as justice of the peace. All in all, he is a useful and active citizen, who is doing his share in every good enterprise. He was mar. ried Jan. 2, 1907, to Clara Wasley, who was born in Iowa County, Wis., Dec. 7, 1889, the daughter of David and Hannah (Buckett) Wasley, farmers of that county. This union has been blessed with three children: Erwin M., born June 26, 1908; Boyd K., born Oct. 2, 1912; Bernice L., born Oct. 16, 1915.

Andrew Jerde, a retired farmer, living pleasantly and quietly in South Cumberland, after a busy life filled with hard work, was born in Norway, June 21, 1855, the son of Engbrigt and Ingeborg (Smemo) Peterson, who were born, lived and died in that country. He was reared in Norway, and as a young man farmed and did railroad work. In 1883 he came to America, and after landing at Baltimore, Maryland, came directly to Deerfield Township, Dane County, Wis., where, after doing general farm labor for a while, he rented a farm and successfully raised tobacco. In 1891 he returned to Norway for ten months. Then he came back with his brother, John Nesvold, and located for a few days at Cumberland. In 1892, he bought 160 acres, of which 120 acres was in Section 34, Crystal Lake Township, and 40 acres in Section 4, Almena Township. He put up a good set of farm buildings, and cleared and broke about 50 acres. Here he carried on general farming and dairying. He was a good farmer who followed sensible methods, and his operations were crowned with prosperity. He was one of the influential and prominent men in his community, and for one term his abilities were called into service by his fellow townsmen as town treasurer. In August, 1920, he rented his farm to his son, Ingel L., and purchased a pleasant home in South Cumberland, where he now lives. Mr. Jerde was married Oct. 11, 1892, to Carrie Roston, born in Norway on April 1, 1863, the daughter of Rasmus and Catherine Roston. As a young woman she married Andrew Swamby, now deceased, to whom she bore four children. Ralph was born March 1, 1886, and is now in Cambie, Oregon. Clara B. was born March 27, 1888, and is the wife of Ed. Houchen, of Mon- tana. Mabel E. was born Aug. 24, 1890, and is the wife of Gilbert Larson, of Montana. Andy was born Aug. 29, 1892. Mr. and Mrs. Jerde have seven chil- dren. Ingle L. was born June 16, 1896, and as stated, operates the home farm. He is an active and energetic young man, a good citizen and a good farmer. Claude was born May 11, 1898, and is in Minneapolis. Agnes was born March 21, 1900, and is the wife of George Stahl, of Everett, Wash. Edna was born April 12, 1902; John B. was born Feb. 10, 1904; Eleanor M. was born June 12, 1906; and Anna E. was born Dec. 1, 1910. All are well regarded in the com- munities in which they live.

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History of Barron County Wisconsin, Part 73

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

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