History of Barron County Wisconsin, Part 77

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

USA > Wisconsin > Barron County > History of Barron County Wisconsin > Part 77

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GOTTLIEB C. KOENIG AND FAMILY

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Canada and Iowa, who came to Barron County in 1881, and settled in Clinton Township, where they bought 80 acres of land, which they developed, and where they now carry on mixed farming and dairying. In the family there are three sons, John L., Charles and Roy. John L. attended the district schools and remained with his parents on the home farm for some years. In 1911 he rented a farm in his native township. He bought his present place in 1913, continued the clearing, renovated the house and built a barn, and made other improvements. He now successfully carries on general farming with a special view to dairying. He is a useful man in the community and is now serving as clerk of his school board. Mr. Malone was married Aug. 4, 1910, to Elma Campbell, daughter of Scott and Ida (Smith) Campbell, natives respectively of Ohio and Kansas, who now farm near Poskin, in this county. Mrs. Malone has one brother, James Campbell. Mr. and Mrs. Malone have had four children: Harold E., born April 2, 1912; Glen E. and Jeanette L. (twins), born Sept. 7, 1914, the latter of whom died Sept. 12, 1914, and Dorothy J., born Sept. 24, 1918. The family faith is that of the Baptist Church.

Gottlieb C. Koenig, retired farmer and bee keeper, owning a good place of 80 acres in Section 3, west, Maple Grove Township, is one of the respected and honored citizens of his neighborhood. He was born in Cleveland, Ohio, Jan. 18, 1855, son of Jacob and Mary (Fisher) Koenig, natives of Germany, who came to America in the early forties, and located in Ohio, from which state the father enlisted in the Civil War. In that conflict he lost his life, after which the mother moved to Iowa, where she spent the remainder of her life. Gottlieb C. was taken to Iowa by his mother and remained with her until after he was of age, working in the meantime at farming and at the . carpenter trade. In 1879 he went to Buffalo County, Neb., and bought 80 acres of railroad land. He cleared 25 acres, erected a set of buildings him- self, and there farmed for several years. Later, for a while, he operated a sheep ranch in Banner County, Neb. In 1900 he came to Barron County and purchased his present farm. He cleared 55 acres, erected a complete set of buildings, put up fences, and developed a good place. He also took a special interest in bees, and had a large number of colonies. For three years he served on the school board, and for a long time was pathmaster. Fraternally he is a member of the Modern Woodmen and of the Odd Fellows. In 1918 he retired and rented the farm to his son, Conrad, but still lives on the home place. Mr. Koenig was married May 4, 1882, to Katherine Bienhaus, daughter of Adam and Katherine (Eberely) Bienhaus, natives of Germany, who came to America in 1867, and settled on a farm in Illinois, moving from there to Muscatine, Iowa, in 1876, and then to Iowa City, Iowa, where they spent the remainder of their lives. Mr. and Mrs. Koenig were the parents of eleven children. John was born Aug. 3, 1883, and is in Ne- braska. Jacob was born Nov. 30, 1885, and died Dec, 11, of the same year. William was born April 3, 1887, and lives in Nebraska. Clara was born June 18, 1889, and is the wife of John Maas, of Maple Grove Township. Eddie was born Jan. 23, 1892, and died three days later. Albert was born April 12, 1894, and lives in this county. He was inducted into the United States service July 15, 1918, trained at Camp Grant, and went to France, where he served until 1919. He then returned home and was dis- charged July 11, that year. Adam, born June 27, 1897, was killed by lightning Oct. 6, 1921 at Mt. Horeb, Wis. He was working in a field when the storm came up. He started for the house with his team, and while closing a wire gate, the bolt struck and killed him. Conrad was born Jan. 19, 1900; David, Sept. 13, 1902; Theodore, July 29, 1904; and Esther, April 15, 1906. The family faith is that of the German Lutheran Church.

Even Monson, a respected citizen of Maple Grove Township, where he owns 80 acres in Section 23, west, is one of the steady, dependable men of the community, and is held in honor for his years and his experience and worth. He was born in Norway, Nov. 20, 1851, and was there reared. He came to ·

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America in 1886, and secured his present place, which was then railroad land. There were only a few settlers here then, and the making of the barest living entailed much hard work. But he presevered, cleared 60 acres, erected a set of buildings, and suitable fences, and developed a good place. For many years he had his share in the general prosperity of the community in carrying on general farming and dairying. In 1920 he turned the management of the farm over to his adopted son, Edwin E. Peterson, who has been in the family since infancy. The young man is well thought of in the community, and is conducting the place with credit to himself and to his foster father. Mr. Monson was married April 8, 1885, to Ronnage Olson, born at Amunduston, Norway, a worthy woman who proved a most capable and loving helpmate, and died Aug. 8, 1919, leaving a vacancy in the hearts of her husband and foster son, which can never be filled. Mr. and Mrs. Monson were the parents of three children, Ollie, Segwal and Magnus, all dead. The family faith is that of the Norwegian Lutheran Church.

Christ Nelson, now deceased, an early settler, at one time a successful pioneer farmer on Section 4, east, Maple Grove Township, was a man of wide experience on water and land, and left a heritage of staunch character and worthy accomplishment. He was born in Denmark, and as a youth, followed the sea, sailing many of the salt and fresh water bodies of the world, and in time becoming an owner of an interest in a sailing vessel. He acquired a farm in Barron County in 1876, and hired men to work it summers while he sailed the high seas, returning to live on the farm in the winter. He hauled his wheat to Eau Claire, Wis., and there did most of his trading. In 1884 he sold his sail- · ing interests and thereafter continued to devote all his time to his farm. He cleared 70 acres and built a set of log buildings, regarded at the time as very good, and later replaced these with a set of frame structures. Here he and his wife spent the remainder of their lives. In the family there were seven chil- dren: Oscar, Peter, Carl, Axel, Otto, William and Melvin.

William Nelson, a popular farmer, owning 80 acres in Section 5, east, Maple Grove Township, was born in the township where he now lives, Oct. 7, 1881, son of Christ and Peterena (Olson) Nelson, natives respectively of Den- mark and Norway. He attended a log schoolhouse in his district, and remained at home helping with the farm work until he started out for himself. In 1900 he went to Bayfield County, where he worked in the woods for a while, and a little later tried railroading in Washburn County, also in this state. But he decided to make Barron County his permanent home, so that same year he pur- chased his present farm. He cleared 60 acres, erected all the buildings, and successfully carries on mixed farming and dairying. His cattle are good grade Guernseys. For some time he has done good work as clerk of the school board of his district. He and his family worship at the Norwegian Lutheran Church. Mr. Nelson was married Nov. 27, 1913, to Pearl Nicholas, daughter of William and Elizabeth (Hall) Nicholas, natives respectively of New York State and England, who farmed in Iowa for many years. Mr. Nicholas was a veteran of the Civil War and died June 4, 1905. His wife still lives in Iowa. In the family there were five children: Jessie, Estella, Allie, Pearl and William. Mr. and Mrs. Nelson have two children: Viola M., born July 26, 1916, died in in- fancy; and Edwin C. was born Sept. 19, 1917.

Gilbert Olson, Section 35, west, Maple Grove Township, is living on the farm of 80 acres where he first settled in 1885. He took it when it was cov- ered with timber, and with courage and hard work has developed it into the place it is today. He was poor, with no resources save his own strength, he had little to encourage him, money was scarce, and provisions hard to get, but through it all he persevered, and his efforts were crowned with success. When he first came here, he cleared a small tract, and erected log buildings. As his prosperity increased he replaced these with more modern structures. He now has 40 acres cleared, his equipment is good, and the soil has proven its fer- tility. Mr. Olson was born in Norway, Oct. 2, 1866, was there educated and

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JAMES L. HAWLEY AND FAMILY

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there became a woodsman. Upon coming to America in 1885, he found his way directly to this county. He was married Nov. 30, 1899, to Betsy Arenson, daughter of Iver and Julia (Hanson) Arenson, natives of Norway, who came to Barron County in 1884. Both are now deceased. Mr. and Mrs. Olson have six children: Lena, born Sept. 26, 1900; Ingvald, Oct. 6, 1901; Genard, Dec. 12, 1903; Gena, Aug. 22, 1905; Oscar, April 28, 1910; and Glen, Feb. 26, 1920. The family faith is that of the Norwegian Lutheran Church.

Edward Nelson, an early settler of Maple Grove Township, was born in Norway, and was there reared to farm pursuits. As a young man, he married Dena Amundson, the daughter of a neighbor, whom he had known since boy- hood. In the late seventies they determined to try their fortunes in the New World where so many of their countrymen had preceded them. Accordingly, they set out, and in due time reached this county, where they bought 80 acres in Section 13, west, Maple Grove Township. The town was then but partly settled. They set to work with a will, cleared 50 acres, erected a set of build- ings, and for many years carried on mixed farming and dairying, assisted by their family of children. Mrs. Nelson died Nov. 24, 1916. In 1920, Mr. Nelson sold the farm to his sons, Henry and Alfred, and moved to Chetek, in this county, where he now lives. In the family there are eight children: Bertha, Alfred, Elmer, Norval, Henry, Jennie, Richard and Oscar.

Alfred Nelson, an energetic farmer owning a part interest in 80 acres in Section 13, west, Maple Grove Township, was born on the home farm, Jan. 17, 1888, son of Edward and Dena (Amundson) Nelson, early settlers. He was educated in the district schools, and learned farming at home with his family. In 1904 he started out for himself, and was employed for several years in lumber camps and on farms, in Minnesota and the Dakotas. He was inducted into the United States service Sept. 19, 1917, from Polk County, this state, and was assigned first to a supply company and then to the quartermaster's corps, and after due training in camps, was sent to France, where he served for a year. He was discharged June 1, 1919, and returned home. In 1920 he and his brother, Henry, purchased the home place. He is popular in the neighborhood, and is held in high regard by all who know him.

Henry Nelson, a prosperous young farmer owning a part interest in 80 acres in Section 13, west, Maple Grove Township, was born on the place where he still lives, Dec. 5, 1896, son of Edward and Dena (Amundson) Nelson, early set- tlers. He was reared in the district schools, and learned farming from his father. At the age of sixteen he went to Frederick, Wis., and after remaining there for four years, went to North Dakota. Then he returned home. April 3, 1918, he was inducted into the United States service from Polk County, this state, and after due training, was assigned to the 48th Coast Artillery. He served in France for seven months. He was discharged March 29, 1919. For a time he did farm work near Barron, and in 1920, with his brother, Alfred, purchased the home place. He is well liked in the community, and is an excel- lent citizen in every respect.

James L. Hawley, now deceased, was for many years a prominent man in Barron County and as a farmer assisted in its growth and progress. He was a good citizen and a good neighbor and kind and loving with his family. Mr. Hawley was born in Dane County, Illinois, April 28, 1843, and as a young man, went to Iowa, where he farmed until 1883. In that year he came to Barron County and bought 160 acres in Sections 25 and 36, Barron Township. Of this he sold twenty. He cleared forty acres of the remainder, erected a good set of buildings and there farmed until 1900, when he sold out and bought eighty acres in Section 19, west, Maple Grove Township, cleared ten acres, erected a set of buildings and there continued for four years. Then he bought eighty acres more in the same section, cleared sixty acres and there farmed until his death, February 4, 1911. Since his death his wife and son, Grover, have continued to operate the farm. Mr. Hawley was married April 29, 1866, to Lucy L. Stone, who was born in Chautauqua County, New York, Oct. 31, 1847, daughter of

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Charles and Lois (Cobb) Stone. Her parents, natives of New York State, are both now deceased. Mr. and Mrs. Hawley were the parents of fourteen chil- dren: Ella L. was born April 18, 1867, and is the wife of Carlton Ewer of Bruce, Wis. Dora L. was born July 30, 1869, and died July 16, 1897. She mar- ried Orel Tennant, of Bloomer, Wis., and had two children, Mort O. and Esta. Bertha A. was born Feb. 15, 1872, and is the wife of Eugene Armstrong of Tripoli, Wis. Benjamin F. was born June 30, 1874, and now lives in British Columbia. Lucy was born Sept. 14, 1876, and is now Mrs. Charles Thomas of Barron County. Josephine was born November 18, 1878, and is now Mrs. Oren Greeley of Rusk County, Wis. Ida was born Jan. 3, 1882, and is now Mrs. Paul Schmidt of Dent, Minn. James W. was born Jan. 22, 1883, and died Feb. 22, of the same year. Virgaline E. was born March 27, 1884, and died May 18, of the same year. Norman C. was born May 18, 1885, and died Feb. 27, 1886. Grover C. was born March 9, 1887, and as already noted, now operates the home farm. He was inducted into the United States service Aug. 27, 1918, and served in the Nineteenth Company, Fifth T. R. B. N., 158th Depot Brigade and was discharged Nov. 29, 1918. Stella A. was born April 6, 1889, and is now Mrs. William Barton of Dallas Township, this county. Emma R. was born Aug. 31, 1891, and is now Mrs. William Faust of Dallas Township. Myrtle was born July 30, 1893, and died Aug. 13, 1893.

Ole Otterholt, now living retired in Minneapolis, at one time a well-known citizen of Maple Grove Township, and for four years one of the board of county supervisors, was born in Norway, and there married Sarah Johnson. They came to America in 1867, and located in Walworth County, this state, where they farmed five years. In 1872 they came to Barron County, and took a homestead of 160 acres in Section 21, east, Maple Grove Township. He cleared 100 acres, erected a set of log buildings, and for some years continued to work at lumber- ing and logging in the winter and on his farm in the summer, later giving all his attention to the farm. His business holdings included stock in the Bar- ron Co-operative Creamery, and his public work, in addition to his service on the town and county board, consisted of several years on the school board of his district. Mr. Otterholt now lives with his son, Nalvin Olson, in Minne- apolis, having retired in 1918. His wife lives with their son, Oscar, on the home farm. The children in the family were Julia (deceased), Oscar, Nettie (deceased), Nalvin, Minnie (deceased), Henry E. (deceased), Henry and George (deceased). The family faith is that of the Norwegian Lutheran Church. Oscar Otterholt, a well-known farmer, is operating the home place of 160 acres in Section 21, east, Maple Grove Township. He was born on the farm where he now lives, April 18, 1873, and with the exception of the seasons he has worked in the woods, he has always made his home here. He attended pub- lic schools here and worked with his father for many years, taking over the farm as a renter in 1918. As a boy, he assisted in its development, and this development he has since continued. He successfully carries on general farming and dairying and has some good stock. He is interested in the school affairs of the district where he pursued his youthful studies, and was a mem- ber of the district building committee when the present sightly building was erected. Mr. Otterholt was married July 12, 1903, to Carrie Lande, daughter of Ole and Ingeborg (Nelson) Lande, the former of whom died in Norway, and the latter of whom is still living there. Mr. and Mrs. Otterholt have six chil- dren: Ingman S., born Dec. 22, 1903; Walter, born March 21, 1908; William, born Feb. 12, 1910; Mabel, born Nov. 10, 1913; Minnie, born Jan. 6, 1916; and Myrtle, born March 30, 1919. Mr. Otterholt died on May 20, 1921.

Ole Pederson, who is farming on 120 acres in Section 6, east, Maple Grove Township, was born in Norway, Nov. 15, 1876, son of Peter Olson and Maren (Renna) Pederson, natives of Norway, who came to America in 1887, settled on 80 acres, Section 26, west, Maple Grove Township, this county, cleared and fenced 25 acres, erected a set of buildings, developed a good place and still carry on general farming there. In the family there were six children: Hans,

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MR. AND MRS. LARS OTTERHOLT AND RESIDENCE

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Andrew, Ole, Anna, Annie and Helen (deceased). Ole Pederson received a common school education in Norway, and as a young man, was employed at various labor. He followed his parents to America in 1903 and for two years lived with them in this county. In 1905 he rented a farm near Cameron, also in this county. He bought his present farm in 1907. He has cleared 80 acres, erected some good buildings, put in adequate fences, provided himself with ample tools and implements, and is well on the road to success. His home is modern throughout, and both house and barn are equipped with electricity. Mr. Pederson was married in Norway to Tonetta Anderson, daughter of An- drew and Joren (Mickelson) Severson, both now deceased. Mr. and Mrs. Pe- derson are the parents of eight children : Peder O. was born Jan. 3, 1901, and died Jan. 19, 1920; Jennie was born Jan. 31, 1903; Andrew was born Dec. 25, 1904; Clara was born May 26, 1906; Oscar was born Oct. 10, 1909, and died Dec. 17, 1909; Severan was born May 17, 1910, and died June 22, 1910; Harold was born Dec. 22, 1912; and Rena was born Oct. 14, 1913. The family faith is that of the Norwegian Lutheran Church.

Lars Otterholt, an estimable and respected farmer of Maple Grove Town- ship, came here in the early days and has watched the development of the county from a lumbering region with scattered lumbering camps and a few farms, into the thriving dairy region which it is today. He was born in Nor- way, Sept. 2, 1845, and was there educated. He came to America in 1867, and located in Wolworth County, this state. In 1872, he came to Barron County, and took up a homestead of 160 acres in Section 28, east, Maple Grove Town- ship. He cleared 90 acres, erected buildings and fences, and carried on farm- ing operations for many years. He was an active man in the early days, in- fluenced a number of settlers to locate here, helped to build roads through the wilderness, and was interested in the starting of schools and churches. After a long life filled with hard work, he was stricken with ill health a short time ago, and has turned the management of the place over to the son, Irwin, a popular young man, who is carrying on the farm along the lines inaugurated by his father. Mr. Otterholt was married March 30, 1874, to Bertha Larson, daughter of Lars and Anna (Olson) Isaacson, natives of Norway, who came to America in 1866, lived for a while in Illinois, and then came to Barron County, Wisconsin, where they spent the remainder of their lives, the mother dying in 1875, and the father 35 years later, in 1910. She was the first one buried in the Otterholt cemetery, which was the first cemetery started in Maple Grove Town- ship, Mrs. Lars Otterholt donating the land for the purpose. In the Otterholt family there are eleven children: Anna L., Jennie L., Lena, Edward, Mabel, Lucille, Nora, Bennie, Henry, Selmer and Irwin. Anna L. was born Feb. 23, 1876, and is now Mrs. Henry Sigerson, of North Dakota. Jennie L. was born Nov. 16, 1878, and is now Mrs. Adolph Austin, of Maple Grove Township. Lena was born March 26, 1881, and is now Mrs. Sanky Hogan, of Chetek, this county. Edward was born in Chetek, Nov. 13, 1883. Mabel, born Oct. 10, 1885, is now Mrs. Albert Quaman, of Blair, Wis. Lucille was born May 20, 1889, and is now Mrs. Emil Wacht, of St. Paul. Nora was born May 10, 1891, and now lives in Canada. Bennie was born Aug. 13, 1893, and resides in Maple Grove Township. Henry was born Feb. 12, 1895, and lives in Chetek Township. Selmer, born Oct. 26, 1897, is a resident of Maple Grove Township. Irwin, who operates the home farm, was born Aug. 1, 1899. Selmer and Bennie have records of mili- tary service in the World War. Bennie was inducted into the service in 1918; trained at Camp Grant, Rockford, Ill .; went to France Sept. 8, 1918; was with the 343rd Infantry, Black Hawk Division, and was transferred to the 109th Infantry, 28th Division; saw active service in the Thioucourt sector; spent seven months in France; returned to the United States and was discharged at Camp Grant, May 21, 1919. Selmer enlisted for service April 27, 1917; re- cruited at Jefferson Barracks, Mo .; trained at Douglas, Arizona; was assigned to the 14th Infantry; served on the Mexican border two and a half months; was discharged at Camp Grant, Ill., Feb. 14, 1919.

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John Prine, Section 29, west, Maple Grove Township, was born in Sauk County, Wis., Sept. 28, 1873, son of John and Lora (Ernst) Prine, natives of Germany, who came to America in the early sixties and settled in Sauk County where they farmed until the father died in 1875, the mother still mak- ing her home in Baraboo. In the family there were three children: Richard, Frank and John. John received his early education in the district schools and as a young man worked on farms and in mines. In 1911 he came to Barron County from Freedom Wis., and bought 72 acres in Prairie

Farm Township. He cleared 30 acres, built a silo and machine shed and made other improvements. Seven years later he traded this property for 80 acres in Section 19, west, Maple Grove Town- ship. It was in 1919 that he purchased his present place of 140 acres. He is gradually making improvements and carries on general farm- ing and dairying. Mr. Prine was married June 5, 1906, to Mrs. Sadie (Pease) Jacobs, daughter of Charles and Jessie (Goodenow) and widow of Seth Jacobs. Mr. and Mrs. Prine have five children : Luther J., born Sept. 13, 1908; Opal J., born Sept. 10, 1909; Leon C., born Sept. 1, 1911; Durlin L., born Sept. 22, 1916; and Lyle F., born Sept. 7, 1918. By her previous marriage Mrs. Prine has two daughters, Ruth A. and Ruby L.

John E. Paulson, who owns a garden plot, and a comfortable new home in Section 8, west, Maple Grove Township, has been one of the real leaders of the community for many years. He has served on the school board of his district for nearly a quarter of a century, four years as clerk and twenty years as treasurer, and in all this time he has proved himself a real friend of education, and has taken the deepest interest in the welfare of the school. For two years he was also town supervisor, and in other ways as well, he has served the public. He was born March 3, 1852, in Norway, son of Paul and Gurena (Ottesen) Paulson, natives of Norway, the former of whom died in that country, and the latter of whom came to America in 1872, and made her home with her son, the subject of this sketch, until her death, April 11, 1900, at the good old age of ninety-one years. John E. attended school for a while, and was reared as a fisherman, following the sea for several years. In 1872 he came to America and purchased 80 acres in St. Croix County, this state. He erected a set of buildings, cleared 60 acres, and there farmed for twenty years. In 1892 he sold out and came to Barron County, where he bought 40 acres, in Section 8, west, Maple Grove Township, cleared practically the whole tract, erected a set of buildings, and carried on mixed farming and dairying. July 20, 1920, he sold the place, purchased his present tract of three acres, and erected his present home. Mr. Paulson was married July 19, 1879, to Olena Olson, daughter of Ole and Ellen (Halverson) Severson, who spent thir entire lives in Norway. This union has been blessed with five children: Hannah was born July 31, 1880, and is now Mrs. Pearl Hanson, of Maple Grove Town- ship; Olaf was born Aug. 22, 1881 and died Aug. 13, 1917; Edwin was born Jan. 1, 1883; Oscar was born Nov. 15, 1885, and died May 20, 1887; Deanax was born March 25, 1890, and lives at home. The family faith is that of the Free Mission Church.

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History of Barron County Wisconsin, Part 77

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

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