History of Barron County Wisconsin, Part 83

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

USA > Wisconsin > Barron County > History of Barron County Wisconsin > Part 83

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Nels B. Rogstad, who is improving a good farm of 40 acres in section 29, Rice Lake Township, was born in Norway March 17, 1875, son of Ben A. and Ingeborg (Sockness) Rogstad, both of whom spent the span of their years in the old country, the father dying in 1906 and the mother in 1911. He was reared in Norway, worked on his parents' farm and was variously employed among the neighbors. He came to America in 1906 and came directly to Rice Lake, where he found employment with the Rice Lake Lumber Co. working in

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the woods in the winter season and in the mills in the summer season. In 1908 he bought his present farm. He has cleared up the land, erected a good set of buildings, and in general developed it into a good place. He is a man of considerable influence among his neighbors, and has achieved a satisfactory degree of success in life. Mr. Rogstad was married Aug. 22, 1903, at Rice Lake, to Inga Folstead, daughter of Ole and Engeborg (Froseth) Folstead, both of whom died in Norway. Mrs. Rogstad was born in Norway Dec. 8, 1876, was there educated and came to America in 1894. She has a brother, Louis Folstead, living in Minnesota, and a sister, Bertha, wife of Iver Oien, of Rice Lake. The family faith is that of the Norwegian Lutheran Church.

Peter Gagner, fur trader and early settler, was born in Canada, of French ancestry, Nov. 29, 1846. The family name was originally spelled Gagnie, but American usage has changed the spelling to Gagner. The subject of this sketch early became a trapper, fur trader and farmer in his native country. He came to Wisconsin in 1861 and secured employment with Louis Nadeaux, as a fur trader, buying from the Indians in various parts of Wisconsin, and having many interesting adventures in driving a team through the wilderness, dis- tributing goods and gathering pelts. In the meantime he took a homestead of 160 acres in section 22, Rice Lake Township. The tract was covered with heavy timber. Mr. Gagner devoted his spare time to developing this place. He cut off the timber, grubbed out the stumps, broke up the land, built a log house 18 by 26 feet, and a barn, and lived there alone. Later he built a stone house. He gave up fur trading in 1868 and devoted the remainder of his life to farming until his lamented death, Dec. 3, 1916. Mr. Gagner had many interesting stories to tell of his adventures and of the Indians. He was respected for his good qualities and his death was sincerely regretted. A sincere Roman Catholic, he helped to establish the first church of that faith in his neighbor- hood, and also served thirteen years as a member of the school board. Mr. Gagner was married in 1876 at Rice Lake, to Sialine Lavelier, born in Canada March 13, 1860, who died July 25, 1920. They were the parents of eight chil- dren. Melanie was born Feb. 23, 1878, and died June 13, 1914. Virginia, born Jan. 4, 1881, married Leon King, of Rice Lake, and has three children, Malena, Delores and Elizabeth. Peter E., born April 14, 1883, was married July 6, 1907, to Cessire Demers, and has five children : Malena, Olive, Henry, Ida and Lorine. William was born May 1, 1885. John, born Aug. 25, 1888, was married April 26, 1910, to Lida Demars, and is on the home place. Delore, born Sept. 27, 1890, was married Nov. 24, 1920, at Stanfold Township, this county, to Aveline Demars. Delphine, born June 18, 1892, married Delore Demars, and has four children, Leo, John, Victor and Morris. Alex H., born July 14, 1894, was married at Rodeo, Cal., Feb. 9, 1917.

John Gagner, a hard working farmer of Rice Lake Township, owning the home place of 160 acres in section 22, was born on the farm where he still lives, Aug. 25, 1888, son of Peter and Sialina (Lavelier) Gagner, early settlers. He was reared on the home farm, attended school for a while and early took up farm work with his father. He gradually assumed charge of the work, and at his father's death assumed ownership of the farm. He is well thought of by his neighbors and stands well throughout the community. In addition to the home place he owns a tract of 80 acres in section 23, Rice Lake Township, and a forty-acre tract of wild land in Sumner Township. His stock includes Guernsey cattle, pure bred Chester-White hogs, and a good grade of horses. He was married April 26, 1910, to Lida Demars. The family are members of the Catholic Church.

Rev. Thomas L. Hancock, retired Methodist Episcopal clergyman, living in Rice Lake, was born in Ohio, of New England ancestry. Of pious parents, he early became interested in things religious, and after receiving the proper education and training he was duly ordained, and started preaching. For over thirty years he preached, occupying pulpits in various parishes in central and southern Illinois. When he retired from the ministry he took up farming near

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Covington, Tenn. In 1919 he came to Rice Lake and bought the Joseph Ren- ville farm of 333 acres in sections 13 and 24, Rice Lake Township, and now known as the Spring Dale Farm. He at once turned this farm over to his son, Arthur L., and bought a home in the city where he now resides.

Arthur L. Hancock is proprietor of the Spring Dale Stock Farm, consisting of 333 acres in sections 13 and 24, Rice Lake Township, which his father pur- chased in 1919 and placed in his charge. There is a good house on the place, a good barn 40 by 100 feet with full basement, two sheep sheds, a swine house, machine sheds, granary and other buildings. The land is well tilled, the pas- turage is rich, the fences are well kept and the equipment is of the best. The stock consists mostly of a fine herd of Holsteins, headed by a full blooded sire. A specialty is made of stock raising, and from three to four car loads of cattle are shipped each year to the market. Mr. Hancock was born at Forreston, Illinois, June 17, 1895, the son of Rev. Thomas L. and Mary F. (Whallon) Hancock. He was married Nov. 22, 1917, at Meredosia, Ill., to Reva H. Hyde, daughter of George and Mary E. (Hyatt) Hyde, natives respectively of Illinois and Missouri. Mr. and Mrs. Hancock have three children: Francis E. was born at Meredosia, Ill., Oct. 26, 1918; Arthur L. was born at Meredosia, Ill., Sept. 26, 1919; and William H. was born on the present farm, Nov. 1, 1920. The family faith is that of the Methodist Episcopal Church.

Clint Howard Wilson, public official, agriculturist and merchant, who has a prosperous store at Reeve, and a fertile farm in section 21, Vance Creek Township, was born at Waterville, Minnesota, March 24, 1880, the son of Andrew and Hannah (Homer) Wilson, who came to that county in the late fifties and settled on a tract of wild land, living first in a sod house, then in a log cabin, and finally in a frame dwelling, where Clint H., the youngest of three children, was born. He attended the public schools of his neighborhood, took courses in the Faribault High School, and for three years taught rural school. As a young man he operated the home farm for several years. In 1908 he came to Barron County and purchased a tract of eighty acres of partly improved land in section 21, Vance Creek Township. He has built up a good set of buildings and has increased his holdings to 200 acres. Here he successfully carries on general farming and dairying on an extensive scale. Oct. 1, 1920, he bought the store at Reeve, which he now conducts. He is an excellent business man and his fair dealing and genial temperament has commended itself to the patrons for miles around. In 1913 he was elected town clerk, a position he has since continued to hold with credit to himself and to the sat- isfaction of his constituents. He has also done good work as clerk of his school district. He is a stockholder in the Farmers' Creamery at Reeve. Fra- ternally he associates with the Modern Woodmen of America. Mr. Wilson is a fine type of the Wisconsin citizen. Energetic and progressive, with a faith in the future of the county, he is taking his share in everything that he believes to be good and worthy, he is one of the real leaders among his fellows, and he is liked and respected by all. He has just completed a fine modern bungalow residence at Reeve, which is cheery and bright, as well as an asset to the appearance of the little hamlet. He was married at Waterville, Minn., Nov. 25, 1903, to Helen Stavemaugh, who was born at Waterville, Minn., on Nov. 21, 1884, the daughter of Samuel and Henrietta Stavemaugh. This union has been blessed with four children: Florence, born in Waterville, Minn., and Ralph, June and Arthur, born in Vance Creek Township.

Andrew Eidskar, who is farming 57 acres in section 35, Rice Lake Town- ship, was born in Norway Feb. 29, 1876, son of Andrew O. and Gunhild (Lone- graf) Eidskar, who spent the span of their years in Norway. He attended the common schools until fifteen years of age. For a time he worked with his father. As a young man he learned the baker's trade, and in following this trade for many years thereafter he traveled from place to place in his native land saw much of life in different parts of the country. He came to America in 1905 and located in Iowa County, this state, where he rented farms for

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MR. AND MRS. CLINT H. WILSON

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ten years, part of the time near Moscow and part of the time near Brigom. He came to Rice Lake in 1915 and purchased his present place. The tract was wild land which had been cut over. He grubbed out the stumps, developed tilled fields, put up suitable fences, and made of it a fine farm. He also put up good buildings including a house, barn, sheds and the like. He has been successful in his operations and is regarded as a desirable citizen and good neighbor in every respect. Like his ancestors before him he is a member of the Norwegian Lutheran Church and a supporter of the local body. Mr. Eidskar was married July 20, 1902, in Norway, to Tadranud O. Stoil, daughter of Ole Knutson and Anna G. Yohanesen. The parents, with three boys and three girls, were drowned while en route to America on the steamer "Norway" in the spring of 1904. Mr. and Mrs. Eidskar have four children: Carl was born Oct. 26, 1903; Anna O. was born June 11, 1905; Amy G. was born June 19, 1910; and Gunil Harriett was born July 30, 1913.

Ole O. Rye, one of the hard working old settlers of Vance Creek Township, is one of the estimable men of his neighborhood, held in respect and esteem by all who know him. He has toiled early and late, he has always done what he has believed to be right and just and his integrity is beyond reproach. He was born in Norway Sept. 24, 1854, there attended school for a short time and early learned the realities of toil on a farm. As a young man he married Ragnald Rye, and one child, Andrew, was born. In 1884 he brought his wife and child to America and settled at Spring Grove in Houston County, Minn. There he worked as a railroad section hand. In 1890 he purchased 80 acres of land in section 23, Vance Creek Township, put up a small cabin and moved into it. When he started he had just fifty cents in money. The equipment, both in the cabin and on the clearing, was meagre. For provisions he had to walk to Prairie Farm, bringing supplies home on his back. The first year he bought a cow, but it was some time before he secured a good ox team. For four seasons, in order to get a little money while he was building up the place, he worked in the lumber woods. Gradually he developed a good place, working early and late, and seeing the place gradually develop into a well-kept and profitable farm. He has a comfortable home, a commodious barn, and other buildings, and his land is well tilled, well fenced, and well cultivated. Here he successfully carries on general farming and dairying. He is quietly doing his duty as a good citizen, and is a most estimable man in every respect. He has done good service on the school board for some dozen years, and he has also served the town as pathmaster and constable. As one of the representative men of his community he has been called to service by the United States Court at Superior, both as grand and petit juror.

John Joseph Yarabeck, an estimable citizen who has lived for about a quarter of a century in section 16, Vance Creek Township, was born in Austria Nov. 11, 1854, the son of John and Susie Yarabeck, also natives of that country. There was one other child, Mary, in the family. Born of a poor, though worthy, family, in a region oppressed with despotism, John Joseph received no education, but had to start work while still a child. As a young man he was married in Austria to Mary Zuhrance. In 1884 he came to America, bringing his wife and children. He lived in various places and was employed at different occupations, principally in the lead mines of Missouri, and in the iron mines of Michigan. In 1895 he came to Barron County and located on a tract of 80 acres in section 16, Vance Creek Township. When he reached here this neighborhood was jokingly called "no man's land," for although other portions of the town had been developed, there were no roads and no buildings, and the tract was covered with heavy timber. At first he built a small shack 16 by 20 feet. Then he put up a log cabin 18 by 24 feet, to which he later made an addition, 16 by 20 feet. He was almost without tools, and after he had a little clearing made, he had to get in his first crop with a grub hoe. The first year he got two cows, and it was a little later before he managed to buy an ox team. He brought provisions on his back from far-away stores. Sometimes

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he became confused and lost his way. Once he was lost in a storm and did not find his trail home for three days. Thus through hardships and privations he toiled ahead. His wife and his children, as they were able, helped and soon the wilderness began to be transformed into a farm. Mr. Yarabeck was one of the first men in this locality to use dynamite to get out the stumps. At that time dynamite was not so extensively used for farming purposes as it is now, but he had become an expert in explosives while engaged in mine work and he therefore found no trouble in using the dynamite to clear his land. The big fire of 1898 swept his place, but undaunted, he set to work again, and soon had brought order out of the ruins. He added to his farm from time to time until he owned 240 acres. He now has 160 acres. He has a comfortable home, a good barn 62 by 32 feet, and other suitable buildings. While gradually developing his farm he successfully carried on general farming and dairying for many years. In 1920 he retired and turned the place over to his son, Frank, but still lives here. He is a man much esteemed by all who know him. Although without early schooling he has acquired and retained a broad knowledge by reason of a retentive memory, he is of good judgment and clear reason, and his opinions are heard with respect. He and his good wife had twelve children: Mary, John (who died in Austria), Joseph, Anna, Frank, William, James, Albert, Alma (died Nov. 28, 1909), Susan, Josie and Emma. Mrs. Yarabeck died Nov. 9, 1918.

Frank Yarabeck, a prosperous farmer of section 16, Vance Creek Town- ship, was born in Iron Mountain, Mich., the son of John Joseph and May (Zuhrance) Yarabeck, the date of his birth being Feb. 17, 1889. He was brought to his present place in 1895. He was reared to farm pursuits, received a good education in the common schools and has always remained with his parents. He took over the home place of 160 acres in 1920. He believes in everything that is for the good of the community and is well liked by all. Mr. Yarabeck was married at Barron on June 15, 1918, to Rose Merstallinger, who was born in Austria Nov. 2, 1898, daughter of Tony and Victoria Merstallinger. Her father was born in 1865 and died in 1915. Her mother was born in April, 1866, and now makes her home with the Yarabeck family. They came to the United States in 1902. Mr. and Mrs. Yarabeck have a daughter, Sylvia, born May 9, 1920.

Frank Joseph Zorn, public official and prosperous farmer of section 28, Vance Creek Township, was born in Austria, March 15, 1868, the son of John and Johanna Zorn, likewise natives of that country. In 1872, as Frank began to grow from babyhood to boyhood, the father's thoughts turned to the wider opportunities of a free country. Accordingly, leaving his wife and son in Austria with relatives, he came to the United States in 1872 and located at Elysian, Minn., where he secured employment at his trade as a carpenter and wagon maker. By the utmost frugality, he saved enough money so that in 1876 he was enabled to send for his wife and boy. For a while, in 1881, the family lived on a farm, but soon moved back to the village, where the father died in 1917 at the age of 72 years and the mother in 1901 at the age of 57 years. The subject of this sketch was sent to the Elysian village schools and as a youth helped his father. For a while he was fireman on the Great Western, but when his mother took ill, he returned home. For some years he farmed on rented places in Waseca County, Minn. In 1897 he came to Vance Creek Township, and purchased 80 acres of wild land in section 28. This he has since increased to 120 acres. At first he started farming with a team of horses and two cows. Fo three years he lived alone, and then, in 1900, brought his bride to the place They started in together to establish for themselves a home. Their efforts have met with success, and they have achieved a well-deserved prosperity. Mr. Zorn now has a well developed farm and a good set of buildings. He has a good herd and sells cream to the Clear Lake Co-operative Creamery at Reeve, in which he is a stockholder and one of the most active directors. From the beginning, Mr. Zorn has been interested in public affairs. He has been super-

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MR. AND MRS. PETER H. STAFNE MR. AND MRS. THOMAS STAFNE

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visor of the township for seven years and his service has given general satis- faction to the taxpayers. He has also done efficient work as school treasurer for some three years. He has also served on various delegations and commit- tees. He is a good citizen in every respect and is held in esteem and respect by all. Mr. Zorn was married on Nov. 29, 1900, to Lillian D. Prosser, who was born in Le Sueur County, Minn., Jan. 3, 1878, the daughter of Abraham and Elizabeth (Uleven) Prosser. This union has been blessed with nine children: Johanna, Hazel, John, Amelia, Raymond, Helen, Florene, Leona and Charles.

Peter H. Stafne, now deceased, a hard working, industrious man, who developed a farm in section 12, Vance Creek Township, which is still in the family, was born in Norway, and was there reared and educated. He married Anna Uro, and there had three children: Thomas, now living on the home farm here; Anna, the wife of Ole Everson, of Star Prairie, Wis., and Emma, the wife of John J. Anderson, also of Star Prairie. As a young man he became a tenant farmer in his native land. But as the children began to grow, he desired for them the wider opportunities of America. In this he was seconded by his wife. So he bid farewell to the scenes they loved so well, and in 1881 set sail for America. In due time he reached Menomonie, Dunn County, this state, and entered the employ of Knapp, Stout & Co., working in their sawmill and in the lumber woods. In this way he earned enough money to send for his wife and children in the spring of 1884. When they arrived he secured 40 acres of land in section 12, Vance Creek Township, covered with dense hardwood forest. He drove the family from Menomonie by horse team, and left them with neighbors while he put up a small log cabin. Much of the furniture for the little cabin was made on the place. He brought provisions in from Prairie Farm Village on his back. Fortunately he was within a mile of a road, but even after he made his way through the woods to the road, the going was rough, and often obstructed. The first year he was on the place he secured a cow. Two years later he got a yoke of steers. For many winters, he worked in the woods, leav- ing his wife at home to look after the chores and the children. He and his wife were both devout people, and opened their cabin to meetings of the Nor- wegian Lutheran Church. Social gatherings were sometimes held there also. As the years passed, he achieved a well deserved success. He added 40 acres to his farm, cleared and broke it, put up some good buildings, and successfully carried on general farming and dairying. After a long and useful life, he died on May 12, 1909, at the age of 63 years. She died in 1916 at the age of 72 years. Both were people of high integrity, and were held in the highest esteem and respect. In addition to the children brought here, one, Ingebret, now of Flint, Mich., was born here.

Thomas Stafne, veteran of the Spanish-American War and of the Filipino Insurrection, prosperous proprietor of the Valley View Farm, section 12, Vance Creek, and a leading man of this township, was born in Norway, Sept. 14, 1871, the son of Peter H. and Anna (Uro) Stafne. He came to Menomonie with his mother in 1884, and was then brought to this present farm by his father with the rest of the family. He had attended school for a while in Norway. Upon reaching here, although a boy of but ten, he helped with the farm work, and when his father was away, assumed many responsibilities. He was but a youth when he himself went into the woods. As a young man he went to North Dakota and did farm work there. April 28, 1898, he enlisted at Wahpeton, N. D., in Company I, First Regiment, North Dakota Volunteer Infantry. From there he went to Camp Briggs, Fargo, where he drilled until May 29, when the regiment was sent to San Francisco, Calif., for further training and equipment. On June 28 the regiment embarked on the U. S. Transport "Valencia," and after a trip of 35 days was landed at Manila, P. I., Aug. 1. There with many other west- ern regiments of militia and several units of regulars, encampment was made at Camp Merritt until Aug. 13, when the regiment assisted in the capture from . the Spaniards of the city of Manila. Thereafter the regiment was assigned to police duty in Manila. Feb. 4, 1899, the Insurrection having broken out, the

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regiment went into action and participated in 22 engagements. July 31 the regiment embarked on the U. S. Tranport "Grant" and after a trip of 28 days reached San Francisco. There the men were given a period of rest, recreation and a general good time after their strenuous experiences. The muster-out was on Sept. 25, 1899. Upon his return, Mr. Stafne located at Abercrombie, N. D. In 1903, having married, he brought his wife to the old homestead. Here they have since resided. To the original place Mr. Stafne has added 40 more acres, so that he now has 120 acres. He has built up a good place indeed, with sightly buildings, well tilled acres and excellent equipment. He has named his estate the Valley View Farm, and everything about it bespeaks the thrift and good judgment of the owner. He has a good herd of Holstein cattle and belongs to the Barron County Holstein Breeders' Association. As a man of wide experi- ence, who has fought in his nation's uniform under his country's colors, it is natural that Mr. Stafne should be a leader among his fellow men. He has been chairman of the township, and as such did most excellent service for both town and county. He has also been a member of the board of supervisors. For twelve years he was a most efficient school clerk, and he is now giving general satisfaction as town treasurer. In each of these positions he has served with dignity, integrity and ability, and his work has been highly valued. He is a liberal supporter of the Norwegian Lutheran Church. Mr. Stafne was married at Abercrombie, N. D., on Oct. 11, 1900, to Toneta Johnson of Starbuck, Minn., who was born in Starbuck, Minn., on Nov. 7, 1879, the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. J. E. Johnson. This union has been blessed with seven children: Anna, Edna, Jennie, Alice and Mabel (twins), Clifford and Evelyn.

Ole Engebretson, an honored pioneer, and proprietor of the well-kept Sunrise Dairy Farm, in section 32, Vance Creek Township, was born in Norway, Dec. 26, 1850, the son of Edward Olson Engebretson and his good wife, Anna. He attended the parish school and was reared to farm pursuits by his father. In the early seventies, after he was of age, he borrowed money from his rela- tives and started for America. His first location was at La Crosse, Wis., where he was a teamster and also worked at other employment. A year later he came to Menomonie, Wis. There he entered the employment of the Knapp, Stout & Co. For that concern he came to Prairie Farm, this county, as a sawyer. There- after he worked in the lumber woods five winters and on the spring drives for four springs. In 1883 he took a homestead of 80 acres in section 32, Vance Creek Township. After his marriage in 1876, he lived with his brother, Iver Engebretson, and later moved into a log cabin, 16 by 20, which he built on his

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History of Barron County Wisconsin, Part 83

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

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