History of Barron County Wisconsin, Part 79

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

USA > Wisconsin > Barron County > History of Barron County Wisconsin > Part 79

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).

Henry G. Puls, a representative farmer of Section 28, Clinton Township, was born in Grant County, in the southwestern part of this state, March 22, 1874, the son of George and Mary Puls, natives of Germany, who came to the United States in the seventies, found their way to Galena, Ill., and from there came over the line into Grant County. There the father died, and the mother later married William Gelting. In 1880, the family moved to Iowa, and settled on a farm near Dubuque. There Henry G. was reared and educated, and helped on the home farm. In 1903, he came to St. Croix County, and worked a while in a lumber yard at Hudson. Then he came to Barron County, and for a while lived on rented farms. In 1909 he purchased 80 acres in Section 28, Clinton Township, where he now carries on general farming. Later he bought another 80 in the same section. He has a good herd of graded Holsteins headed by a full blooded sire, and the cream is sold to the Barron Creamery Co. He also has a fine drove of Chester-White swine, and a flock of some fifty Shropshire sheep. He takes his part in the affairs of the community, and has done good work on the school board. He is a

Digitized by Google

ARVID ACKERSON AND FAMILY

Digitized by

Google

469

HISTORY OF BARRON COUNTY

director in the Oak Grove Mutual Fire Insurance Co. He is a popular mem- ber of the Foresters and of the Minnesota Roman Catholic Protective Society. Mr. Puls was married at Hudson, July 11, 1905, to Anna Drutchmann, who was born in Germany on Jan. 14, 1877, the daughter of Joseph and Matilda Drutchmann, natives of Germany. She died in Minnesota. He lived for some years in Barron County, and is now dead. Mr. and Mrs. Puls have six chil- dren : Josephine, Lauretta, Arthur, Marie, Clarence and Raymond, all at home.

Adolph Anderson, an industrious farmer of Section 22, Clinton Town- ship, was born in Sweden, Nov. 2, 1862, the son of Andrew and Johanna Swanson, who spent the span of their years in Sweden. In the family there were ten children. Claus, Maria and Selma still live in the old country. Adolph, Carl, Frank and John live in the United States. Four are dead. Adolph was reared in Sweden, attended school there, and helped his father on the farm. As a boy he became a clerk in a store. He came to the United States in 1881, and settled in Red Wing, Goodhue County, Minn., where he clerked in a store. There he remained until 1890. Then he became a steam- boat cook for the Government on the Mississippi River. In 1894 he entered the employ of E. H. Jacobs, in his store at Poskin. In 1900 he purchased 40 acres in Section 22, Clinton Township. Since then he has worked for some years as a railroad section hand, but most of his time has been devoted to the farm. When he took the place much of the land had been cleared, and a log cabin had been erected. He has put up a comfortable home and barn, and other buildings, he has developed the land, and now has a good place where he successfully carries on general farming and dairying. He is a prominent and well-known man in the township, and has done most efficient service for thirteen years as clerk of Clinton Township. In this capacity he kept the books well, and looked after the town affairs with judgment and discretion. For one year he was assessor. Mr. Anderson was married in Clinton Town- ship, Jan. 10, 1900, to Christina Dahl, daughter of Ole and Kare Dahl, natives of Norway, who came to the United States, settled first in Waupaca County, this state, and then in Dunn County, and then came to Barron County, and settled in Clinton Township, where they lived for many years. Their chil- dren are John, Otto and Christine. Mr. and Mrs. Anderson have three chil- dren. Fred is a section man for the "Soo" line. Esther is attending the High School at Barron. Elmer is doing well in the graded schools.

Arvid Ackerson, clerk of Clinton Township, and actively interested in a number of public enterprises, was born in Martin County, Minn., Aug. 31, 1889, the son of Peter and Emily Ackerson, natives of Sweden, who settled in Martin County in an early day, and from there came to Barron County in 1912, and located at Cumberland, where they are now living retired. Arvid. the subject of this sketch, was reared in his native county, and attended public school there. Later he entered the Gustavus-Adolphus College at St. Peter, Minn., from which he was graduated in 1908. Thus equipped, he became an accountant at Elmore, Minn., for two years. Next he was engaged in a general store at Pilot Grove, Minn., for two years. In 1912, he became a traveling salesman, selling silos for Ernest Nelson, of Barron. In 1912 he bought 60 acres in Section 8, Clinton Township. This land was partly im- proved, and a small frame house had been erected. He remodelled the house, erected a barn, silo, and engine house, put in a well pump, and cleared up the rest of the land. Here he successfully carries on general farming and dairy- ing, making a specialty of graded Holstein cattle and Belgian horses. In 1917, he was elected clerk of the township, and by re-election he still continues to serve. He is a careful and painstaking keeper of the records, he manages the town's affairs with discretion and good judgment, and his work has given general satisfaction to the voters. For five years he has also done good serv- ice as clerk of the school board of his district. He is a director of the Farm- ers' Produce Co. and the Farmers' Shipping Association, of Almena, and a stockholder in the Barron Creamery Co. He is much interested in athletics and

Digitized by Google

470

HISTORY OF BARRON COUNTY

is a member of the Almena basket ball team. Mr. Ackerson was married March 4, 1913, at Cumberland, this county, to Ellen Terhurne, daughter of John and Zenith Terhurne, early settlers of Faribault County, Minn. Mr. and Mrs. Ackerson have three children: Edwin, Dorris and Loraine.

Carl Anderson, a well-to-do farmer of Section 3, Clinton Township, was born in Sweden, Sept. 27, 1864, the son of William and Eva Anderson, farmers of that country, both of whom are now dead. In the family there were four other children. John and Victor are dead. Nina and Sophia live in Sweden, both being married. The subject of this sketch was reared in Sweden, attended school there and remained at home until 1882. In that year he came to America, and settled at Cumberland, in this county. With this as his headquarters, he worked on farms, in the lumber woods and on the spring drives. In 1897 he bought 40 acres in Section 3, Clinton Township, to which he later added 80 more in the same section. Later still more was purchased, so that he and his sons now own 240 acres. When he purchased the land, a small house had been erected, and a little clearing made. But most of it was covered with timber. This timber he cut off, selling the best, and sawing some of it into lumber for use on the place. He now has one of the best farms in the neighborhood. He has remodelled the house into a pleasant seven-room dwelling, he has put up a barn, 36 by 60 feet, and erected other buildings and sheds. Here he successfully carries on general farming and dairying, and has a good herd, headed by a full blooded sire. Mr. Anderson has seen this region develop from a wilderness. When he came here the only trail was the "tote" road of the lumber companies. The settlers were scattered in little houses here and there among the stumps and trees. In the development which has taken place since then, Mr. Anderson has had his full share and part. He is a good citizen in every respect and is held in high regard. Mr. Anderson was married, April 7, 1896, in Clinton Township. to Maude Campbell, who was born in Pierce County, Wis., on May 1873, the daughter of George and Ida Campbell, natives respectively of Pennsylvania and Wisconsin, who settled in Barron County in the middle seventies, and now have a fruit ranch in Roswall, New Mexico. Mr. and Mrs. Anderson have seven children : Ray, Hazel, the wife of Fred Hemner, of Rice Lake; Fay, George, Merle, Lawrence and Norman. Ray trained for the Artillery service at Fort Casey, Wash. Fay was in the transport service, making no less than seven trips to France and return. Mrs. Anderson died March 12, 1909. She was a worthy woman, a good wife, mother and neighbor, and was much respected.

Mads Ausland, now deceased, was for many years an honored and re- spected resident of Section 1, west, Dovre Township. He was a man of staunch character who believed in doing the right as he saw it, his first thought was of his family, and he was willing to toil and to sacrifice that they might have all the comforts of life. He was a faithful husband, a loving father, and a loyal friend and good citizen, and his death was sincerely mourned. He was born in Gjerestad, near Risor, Norway, July 24, 1835, of a good family, and was there reared and educated. As a young man he was a farmer and also did considerable contracting. He was married May 5, 1875, to Helga Mostad, who was born in Gjerestad, near Risor, Norway, June 24, 1851. There they had five children: Knute, Louis, Mary, John and Martha. In 1888, seeking better opportunities for these children, Mr. Ausland brought his family to America, and settled on 80 acres in Section 1, west, Dovre Town- ship, moving into an old log cabin which stood on the place. For a while they had little with which to farm, and but little with which to get along. Times were hard, and work was almost impossible to obtain. The first spring, they managed to get a cow, and two years later a yoke of oxen. The family all worked together and in time their efforts resulted in success. Two more children, Hilda and Minnie, were born on the home place. After a useful and well spent life, Mr. Ausland died Feb. 14, 1903. All the children are doing

Digitized by Google

MADS AUSLAND AND FAMILY

! :

1 1

1 1 1

1 1 1 1

i 1

1 1

Digitized by

Google

Digitized by Google

471

HISTORY OF BARRON COUNTY

well in life. Knute, who has charge of the home farm, was born in Norway, Aug. 12, 1878, came here with his parents, and has always remained at home. A good farmer and a good citizen, he is held in high regard. He successfully carries on general farming, making a specialty of Holstein cattle. He is a believer in progressive methods and has done all he can to assist in the general development of the neighborhood. He is one of the shareholders in the Co-operative Creamery Co. at Chetek. Louis was born Feb. 1, 1877, and has followed farming and ranching, having spent thirteen years in the latter occupation in Montana. He is now on the home farm. Mary, born June 16, 1880, is the wife of Charles E. Allen, of Jordan, Mont. John, born Feb. 16, 1884, is a successful farmer in Dovre Township. Martha, born April 22, 1886, died Oct. 16, 1901. Hilda, born May 8, 1888, is the wife of Ben Dodge. of Dovre, and has five children, Illa, Erma, Signa Iola, Kenneth W. and Benjamin R. Minnie, born Jan. 6, 1894, is the wife of F. W. Domogalski, of Utica, S. D. Mrs. Ausland is still on the home farm. She is a woman of many kindly qualities, greatly beloved by her family and friends. She underwent the privations of life in the wilderness and has found peace and comfort in the happiness of her children. The family faith is that of the Norwegian Lutheran Church.

George Boedeker is owner of a good farm of 40 acres in Section 30, Clinton Township, which he has developed in excellent shape. In addition to being an experienced farmer, he is also a carpenter, a trade which has stood him in good stead in making the improvements on his place. He was born in Milwaukee, Wis., Feb. 26, 1877, son of Charles and Matilda (Simon) Boedeker, natives of Germany, who came to America, and for many years farmed near Milwaukee. George received his education in the common schools and was reared to farm pursuits by his father. In 1900 he went to Blue Earth, Minn., and became a store clerk. This vocation he followed subsequently at Elmore and Almena. He came to Almena in 1903, and for two years clerked in the store of Sparlin & Kuchenmeister. He bought his present farm in 1909. At this time the tract was covered with mixed wild timber. He erected a small shanty and stable, and started clearing the land. The development of the place has kept pace with the progress of the years. Being a carpenter by trade, he gradually replaced the original buildings with a good set of modern structures which he erected himself. He also worked for his neighbors, helping them with their buildings. His house is a substantial structure, and all the outbuildings are adequate, including a barn, erected in 1920, with an attached silo. The barn is well equipped having James stanchions, water cups for cattle, and other conveniences. Mr. Boedeker carries on general farming and dairying, having a good graded herd headed by a full blooded Guernsey sire. He is well regarded in the community as a good citizen, and has served his township as supervisor and as assessor. For the past ten years, Mr. Boedeker has devoted much of his time to auctioneering. He is an expert in this line, knows how to keep the audience in good humor and sell the goods, and his services are greatly in demand. Mr. Boedeker was married June 22, 1900, to Ida Miller, daughter of August and Amelia (Newbauer) Miller, who farmed for some years in this county, and now live in Almena. Mr. and Mrs. Boedeker have four children: Theodore B., Gerhart G., Ella M. and Viola I. Theodore B. was born June 1, 1901, and is operating a cheese factory at Clear Lake, St. Croix County, this state. Gerhart G. was born May 12, 1903; Ella M., March 24, 1907, and Viola I., Aug. 24, 1918.

Thomas Beecroft was born in England, of good stock, and there married Anna Fenwick. After their marriage, they came to the United States and settled at Comstock, in Cumberland Township, this county. After a while they bought 80 acres in Section 18, Clinton Township, to which they later added 40 acres more. This was all wild land. For a time they lived in a log house and started clearing the land. As prosperity increased, they put up a good set of buildings, and developed a good farm, where they carried on

Digitized by Google

472

HISTORY OF BARRON COUNTY

general farming and dairying for many years. He died Jan. 5, 1907, and she March 23, 1916. Both were worthy people, highly esteemed throughout the community. Of their eleven children, there are now living ten: James, Herbert, Frank, Thomas, Harry, Anna, wife of Alfred Westrom, of Almena Township; Sarah, wife of Andrew Jergerson, of Clinton Township; Jane, wife of Matthew Matthys, of Clinton Township; Alice, widow of George Becker, of Almena Township, and Mary, who lives with her sister, Mrs. George Becker, in Alena.

James Beecroft, a useful farmer of Section 18, Clinton Township, was born on the section where he still resides, Aug. 25, 1892, the son of Thomas and Anna Beecroft, natives of England. He was reared here, attended the district school, and learned farming from his father. At the age of twenty- one he rented the home farm, and a year later purchased 40 acres of it. In 1915, he sold out, and bought 80 acres in Section 8, this township. He renovated the house, remodelled some of the buildings, and made other im- provements. In the spring of 1921, he bought 80 acres in Section 18, in the same township, and moved onto it. He successfully carries on general farm- ing and dairying, and has a good herd of graded Guernseys. He is doing most excellent work as secretary and treasurer of the Farmers' Produce Co., of Almena, and is a stockholder in the Almena Telephone Co. and in the Almena Shipping Association. In many other ways also he is taking his part as a good citizen in the affairs of the community. Mr. Beecroft was married at Almena, on Nov. 20, 1913, to Louise Miller, who was born in Iowa on Nov. 21, 1893, the daughter of William and Emma Miller, for some years farmers of Almena Township, the former of whom is dead, and the latter of whom still lives on the farm in Almena. Mr. and Mrs. Beecroft have two children. Myra was born Nov. 6, 1914, and Ronald was born June 4, 1916.

Joseph Braml, a prosperous farmer of Section 30, Clinton Township, was born in Germany, Jan. 1, 1863, the son of Charles and Rosa Braml, natives of Germany. Charles Braml was a weaver in his native land. He came to the United States in 1890, and for some years worked in Minnesota as a stone mason. In 1894 he came to Barron County and bought 40 acres in Section 30, Clinton Township. This land was all brush and stumps. He built a log cabin, moved his family into it, and started clearing up the land. In 1916 he lost his wife, and then returned to Germany, where he now lives. There were two children in the family, Joseph, and a daughter now deceased. Joseph attended school in Germany, and came to the United States in 1891, coming to St. Paul, Minn. In 1895 he purchased 120 acres of land in Section 30, Clinton Township. He fixed over the log cabin which was standing on the place, and continued to improve the land. He now has a well developed farm. The residence is a sightly modern structure of red brick, eight rooms, with hot water heat, running hot and cold water, bath, and other conveniences. The barn is 32 by 100 feet, with a full basement. The buildings also include a granary, machine shed, swine house, chicken house, and other buildings. He successfully carries on general farming and dairying. He has a good herd of graded Jerseys, and sells cream to the Barron Creamery Co. He also has some good swine, horses and poultry. Mr. Braml takes an interest in everything that has for its object the progress of the community, and has taken stock in the Almena Telephone Co. He is also interested in the Farmers Shipping Association of Almena, and the Farmers Produce Co. of Almena. As a good citizen he has served faithfully for twenty years as a member of the school board of his district. Mr. Braml was married in Germany in January, 1886, to Cecelia Seidl, daughter of Joseph Seidl, who spent the span of his years in that country. Mr. and Mrs. Braml have had nine children: Joseph, Jr., Anna, Rosa, Cecelia, John, Mary, Katie, Margaret and Tressa (deceased). Joseph, Jr., is married and lives in Almena Township. Mary married Mike Karpowich, and lives in St. Paul. Anna, Cecelia, Rosa and Katie are at St. Mary's Convent in Milwaukee, Cecelia being a music teacher, Rosa and Katie

Digitized by Google

FRANK BARFKNECHT AND FAMILY

Digitized by Google

473

HISTORY OF BARRON COUNTY

graded school teachers, and Anna a cook. The family are members of the Catholic Church.

Frank Barfknecht, Section 11, Clinton Township, prosperous farmer and valued public official, was born in Pomerania, Germany, July 10, 1861, the son of William and Caroline Barfknecht, the former of whom, a stockman, died in 1877, and the latter of whom came to America in 1885, and died at Cameron, this county. In the family there were three children, Frank and Fred, and Paulina, who died in Germany. Frank went to school in Germany, and as a youth was employed in the stock business, helping to care for 100 head of cattle. In 1885 he came to America with his mother, and located at Cameron, in this county, where he worked as a section hand. Then he went to Lady- smith, in Rusk County. There he worked on the section and operated a board- ing house for the section crew for a while, and then became section foreman. In this capacity he continued for several years, giving general satisfaction to his employers. In 1897 he bought 160 acres of land in Section 11, Clinton Township, and two years later he came here to live. When he bought it, it was covered with heavy timber. By hard work he developed it to a good farm. He added more acres, thus making him a place of 320 acres. Of this, how- ever, he has presented 80 each to his sons, John and William, so that he now has 160 left. His first house, a small frame structure, is still standing and is used as a hen house. The present residence is a comfortable structure of thirteen rooms, with many conveniences, including hot water heat, running hot and cold water and electric lights. It was erected in 1900. The barn was put up in 1917. It is 40 by 120 feet, with twenty-foot posts, provided with a full basement and cement floor, and furnished with the Star equipment. Running water is provided for the cattle, and the building is illuminated with electricity. Another building is the granary, which is equipped with its own engine for grinding feed. There are also two silos, a swine house, and many other buildings. Here Mr. Barfknecht is successfully carrying on general farming and dairying, on a successful scale. He is making a specialty of pure bred Duroc-Jersey swine, some of his flock being registered. He also has a good registered Holstein sire, and about half his herd of cows and heiffers is also registered. In public affairs, Mr. Barfknecht is one of the real leaders. For four years he did most efficient service as chairman of the township, and during that time showed most excellent judgment as a member of the county board. For many years he has served in various capacities on the school board of his district, and is now its treasurer. In many other ways he has likewise shown his interest in everything that is for the best good of the community. Mr. Barfknecht was married in Germany in 1881, to Bertha Laudwiss, who died in 1882, leaving one daughter, Augusta, now deceased. In 1883, he was married in Germany to Augusta Pinow, who was born in Pomerania, Germany, in 1860, daughter of William and Wilhelmina Pinow, who were born in that country, and in 1887 came to America as the guests of Mr. Barfknecht, who furnished them a home in Ladysmith, and then in Clinton Township, for the remainder of their lives. Mr. and Mrs. Barfknecht have had nine children. William and John are on the farms presented by their father. Elsie is the wife of Gust Miller, of Almena Township. Ida is the wife of Albert Kuhrt, of Cumberland Township. Lillie, Paul, Emma and Fritz are at home. One is dead. The family is well esteemed throughout the community.

Nick Bins, a substantial farmer of Section 33, Clinton Township, and Section 5, Arland Township, was born in the Rhine county, Germany, March 25, 1869, the son of Bartel and Katie Bins, who spent the span of their years in Germany, the father being a farmer and stone mason. Of the seven chil- dren in the family, one died in Germany, four are still living in Germany, and two, Nick, and Maggie, who is the widow of John Corlis, and lives in St. Paul, came to this country. Nick received a good common school education in Germany, attending school from the time he was six until he was fourteen. In the meantime he had helped his father on the farm, and at the age of

Digitized by Google

474

HISTORY OF BARRON COUNTY

fourteen when he left school, he became a farm hand, working for farmers throughout his neighborhood. In 1889, when he was twenty, came the time for him to enter the Germany army for three years' compulsary service. De- siring to avoid this, he came to the United States, and settled at first in Pennsylvania, in which state he was employed in the mines for two years. Next he was employed in Chicago, Ill., for six months. Then he located near Hastings, Minn., where he farmed. In 1898, he married, and brought his bride to Barron County, where he secured his present farm. Here he has built up a good farm. He has erected a comfortable home, a barn, 32 by 40 feet, with full basement, and other necessary buildings. He has cleared up the land and got it in a good stage of cultivation. Here he successfully carries on general farming and dairying. He has a satisfactory herd and sells cream to the Barron Creamery Co. Mr. Bins was married at New Trier, Minn., Aug. 9, 1898, to Kate Rischette, who was born at that place, June 21, 1874, the daughter of William and Elizabeth Rischette. This union has been blessed with four children: Susie, W. Nick, Clemens and Peter, all at home. The family faith is that of the Roman Catholic Church.

Adolph F. Berg, who has a good farm in Section 34, Clinton Township, was born in Sweden, on' Jan. 13, 1858, the son of Lars and Christina Larson, who spent the span of their years in that country on a farm. Of their eight children, three, Adolph F., August and Axel, came to the United States. The subject of this sketch attended school in his native land. In 1883, at the age of fourteen, he came to the United States, and located at Lockport, Ill., where he worked in the stone quarries. The next year he went to St. Paul., Minn., and was similarly employed. In 1885 he entered the employ of the Pullman Palace Car Co. as car repairer, working at St. Paul, Minn., and at Spokane, Wash. Subsequently, with headquarters at St. Paul, he was similarly em- ployed by the Great Northern and by the "Soo" line. In 1894, he came to Barron County, and purchased 80 acres in Section 34, Clinton Township. He continued railroad work, however, until the fall of 1900, when he settled on the land, which was then wild. In the two decades that have since passed, he has built up a fine place. He has erected a comfortable home, a commodious barn, and other buildings, has cleared up about 50 acres which is under the plow, erected fences, and equipped the place with tools, implements and machinery. Here he successfully carries on general farming and dairying. He has a good herd of cows, headed by a full blooded Holstein sire, and a good drove of Chester-White swine. Mr. Berg takes his part in the affairs of the community, and is doing good work on the school board of his district. He was married at St. Paul, March 10, 1889, when he was thirty-one years old, to Anna W. Swanson, who was born at Scandia, Minn., on June 27, 1862, the daughter of John J. and Inger (Halson) Swanson, natives of Sweden, who settled in Scandia, Washington County, Minn., where both died. Mr. and Mrs. Berg have four boys: Fred W., Alex, Casper T. and Edward. Fred W. married Ethel Clark, and farms in Arland Township. Alex helps his father on the farm. Casper T. and Edward are in Milwaukee. Casper T. served in the World War with the American Expeditionary Force and the American Army of Occupation, and is the veteran of the Battle of St. Mehiel, the Battle of the Meuse and other engagements, serving in all two years.

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 79

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

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