History of Barron County Wisconsin, Part 84

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

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own place. The cabin was in the timber and there were no roads except the tote roads of the lumberers. The bedstead, chairs, table and much of the other furniture was made by hand from trees and poles cut on the place. Mr. Enge- bretson often brought provisions and supplies from Prairie Farm Village on his back. He took eggs and butter to the store there on a "jumper," often having to chop windfalls out of the road in order to make his way along. He was fortunate in having an ox team and a cow. On one occasion, a little later, he started on a trip with the ox team and two of his young sons. A great storm came up, trees were uprooted and blown down across the trails, and they had to spend the whole night in the open. Thus the family continued, through hardships and privations, and gradually built up a good farm. Mr. Engebretson added 40 acres to the original place, gradually cleared up the land, built fences and put up a fine set of buildings. To the cultivation and development of the farm he has since devoted his attention. He now has a good place and has attained a well deserved success. Mr. Engebretson is a substantial and respected man. He has seen the county develop, he has taken his part in that develop- ment, and his influence has ever been used in behalf of those things which he has believed to be right and just and advantageous to the neighborhood. He is well liked by his friends and honored for what he has been able to accom- plish. He was married in the fall of 1876 to Abelone Peterson, who was born in Norway, Oct. 14, 1853, and died in Vance Creek Township in the fall of 1901.

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He had wooed her in Norway, and when circumstances permitted wrote to her to join him here. She was a most worthy woman, kindly and generous, and was a most capable and cheerful helpmeet. Mr. and Mrs. Engebretson had ten children: Edward, Anna, Gusta, Margaret, Anton, Otto, Carl, Albert, Lena and Emma. The family faith is that of the Norwegian Lutheran Church and early services of the local congregation were held in their little log cabin.

Hans Peter Foss, a representative citizen who has built up a good place in section 36, Vance Creek Township, was born in Norway, April 22, 1864, the son of Martin and Bertha Larson, the former of whom was a hard working shoemaker. The subject of this sketch was reared and educated in the old country, and there grew to adult years. In 1888 he came to America and located in Buena Vista County, Iowa. When he reached the place of his future employ- ment he had just ten cents. This he spent for tobacco, and thus started his career here with nothing. In 1890 he located in Barron County. Thereafter he spent ten winters in the woods and a number of springs on the river drives. In the meantime, in 1890, he purchased 80 acres in section 36, Vance Creek Town- ship. In 1918 he bought 80 acres in same section, making a farm of 160 acres. About four acres of the first 80 had been cleared and a small log shack erected. To this place, in 1896, he took his bride. They started in with but little, to establish their fortunes. At first they had no domestic animals but a cow. It was hard work cutting down the trees, grubbing out the stumps, dragging the trees and stumps away, getting in the crops, and harvesting, all by hand. In about two years he secured a pair of mules and then the work went a little faster. Gradually he developed a good farm, with a sightly set of buildings and excellent equipment. He now successfully carries on general farming and dairying and has a good herd of cattle. He is a solid and substantial citizen, who is interested in all the things which pertain to the good of the town. At times he has served as pathmaster. Both he and his wife are devout members of the Norwegian Lutheran Church at West Akers and he has served the congregation as trustee. Mr. Foss was married in April, 1896, to Mary Edwards- datter, who was born in Norway, Dec. 29, 1863, and came to America shortly before her marriage. This union has been blessed with seven children: Mamie, Anna Ovidia, Paul, Inga, Helma and Benedik, who died in infancy.

Frank W. Halliday, prosperous merchant of Reeve, Vance Creek Township, is one of the most enterprising and influential men of his region. He was born in County Armagh, Ireland, Aug. 14, 1866, the son of James and Marie (Green) Halliday, who farmed in that country. He was educated in his native country, after which he clerked and learned the mercantile business. In 1893 he, with . his brother, Jacob, came to this country. From Red Wing, Goodhue County, Minn., where they first stopped. they went across the river to Pierce County, in this state, and at Trimbelle, opened a store in partnership with another brother, Edwin, who had previously come to this country. While there, Frank W. looked over this region thoroughly and decided that Reeve, in the center of a rich dairy county, presented an excellent opportunity for a store. Accordingly, in 1896, he came here, erected a building and opened a general mercantile estab- lishment. This store he has since conducted, building up a good trade. He is an energetic business man, he knows how to buy and how to sell, he is ever mindful of the interests of his patrons, and he is widely known for his fair dealing and good judgment. He has the confidence of his patrons, and his trade extends for miles around. The store is a good one and carries a full line of everything likely to be needed in the rural homes. When the Reeve postoffice was estab- lished he was made postmaster, and he continued in this position until the office was abolished. In 1897, one year after he came here, he was made town clerk, and with the exception of one year when he was out, served with effi- ciency in that position until 1913, winning honor for himself and giving general satisfaction to his constituents. In many ways, he has assisted in upbuilding the hamlet and vicinity. He helped to start the Farmers' Cooperative Creamery at Reeve and served for a while as its secretary. He helped to organize the

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Reeve Cemetery Association. He also assisted in organizing the Community Church, now the United Brethren, and was one of the charter members of the local lodge of the Modern Woodmen of America at Reeve. His interest in edu- cation is shown by his service on the school board. All in all, he is an active and useful citizen, who has been of real benefit to the community. He is a man of genial temperament, who puts his whole soul into everything he under- takes, he believes that everything that is worth doing is worth doing well, and he was just the man this township needed in the days of its rapid development. Mr. Halliday was married on Sept. 13, 1896, at Minneapolis to Louise Emerson, who was born in Pierce County on July 26, 1862, the daughter of C. F. and Har- riet (Morrison) Emerson. This union was blessed with one son, William, who was born at Reeve on May 8, 1900, passed through the graded schools, gradu- ated from the Clear Lake High School in 1920, and is now engaged in the auto- mobile business.

Ole Gulbrandson Lee, a worthy and hard working early settler, now deceased, was born in Norway, Aug. 25, 1836, and was there reared, educated and married. In 1866 he came to America, bringing his wife and three children. The voyage took eight weeks aboard a sailing boat, from Christiania to Quebec. People of the present generation have but little realization of such a trip. Food was scarce and not of the best quality, comforts were few, life was rigorous in the extreme. To make matters still more uncomfortable, the ship was loaded with goats, no very pleasant companions for a two months' voyage. From Quebec the family came to Madison, this state, riding in cattle cars like stock. After looking about for a while he walked to Blanchardville, in Lafayette County, this state. There he was joined by his family, who were brought from Madison by horse team by his brother-in-law, Christ Howett. From Blanch- ardville, the family came to Menomonie, Dunn County, this state, where Mr. Lee entered the employ of Knapp, Stout & Co. In this employ he became familiar with Barron County while working in the lumber camps. With the future ever in mind, he selected a tract of 80 acres of railroad land in section 35, Vance Creek Township, but was unable to purchase it until 1884 when it came into the market. Later he added another forty. In October, 1884, he settled on the land, and started building a log cabin, he and his family living with a neighbor, Knut Hanson, until they could move into their own place. They had but little furniture and few kitchen utensils and dishes. An axe was about the only tool he had until spring when he got a few agricultural implements. When he moved into the cabin he had $3 in cash and only about a week's provisions ahead. The nearest market was far away, and he had to make the trip on foot, bringing supplies home on his back. The cabin was lonely, food was scarce, much of the work had to be done with makeshifts manufactured on the place. But Mr. Lee was a man of strength and fortitude, he was willing to undergo hardships for the sake of his family's future, and he worked early and late, overcoming obstacles that would have daunted many a man and winning success by sheer pluck and endurance. His family was also possessed of some of the same courage and all toiled together. As years passed, the farm was devel- oped and life became more comfortable. Mr. Lee became a man of some importance in the community, and served the town as supervisor and path- master and the school board as treasurer. He was a worthy man in every respect, and his death May 5, 1921, was sincerely mourned. His good wife, who was his faithful helpmate in all his undertakings, died Dec. 12, 1913. Mr. Lee was married in Norway, to Elise Amundsdatter Haugen, who was born April 7, 1840. This union was blessed with nine children: Olia, born Feb. 22, 1861; Andrew, born Dec. 10, 1863; Ingeborg, born Oct. 30, 1866; Gunnil, born Sept. 10, 1869 and died March 19, 1878; Elise, born April 13, 1873; Olava, born July 1, 1875; Gulbrand, born April 6, 1878; Edward, born Oct. 4, 1879; and Olaf O., born Jan. 14, 1882.

Olaf O. Lee, an industrious farmer of section 35, Vance Creek Township, was born on the farm in Vance Creek Township, Jan. 14, 1882, the son of Ole

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ARNT O. LIEN AND FAMILY

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Guldbranson Lee and his good wife, Elise Amundsdatter Haugen. He was reared on his present farm and attended district school in the neighborhood. He thoroughly learned farming from his father and as a youth assisted in the development of the home place. He took over the farm in the fall of 1920 and has since conducted it. He successfully carries on general farming and dairy- ing and has a good herd. Mr. Lee is a man of excellent standing in the com- munity, and is well liked by all who know him. He was married April 30, 1908, at the bride's home in Vance Creek Township to Matilda Grothe, who was born in this township, May 14, 1889, the daughter of Ole and Mary Anderson, early settlers. This union has been blessed with three children: Alice, born April 21, 1908; Inga, Sept. 7, 1909; and Anna, May 21, 1913.

Arnt O. Lien, a well-to-do farmer of Vance Creek Township, where he has lived for more than forty years, was born near the city of Trondhjem, Norway, May 14, 1853, son of Ole and Randi Lieloken, who spent the span of their years on a farm in Norway, the father being a shoemaker by trade. In the family there were eight children. Christine, Ole, Arnt, Carrie, Andrew and John came to this country. Engebret remained in Norway and an unnamed infant died there. Arnt was reared in his native land, received the rudiments of an education in the parish school, and learned the shoemakers' trade from his father. In 1877 he came to this country and found his way to Menomonie, in Dunn County, this state, where he entered the employ of Knapp, Stout & Co. Thereafter for this company he worked in the woods for many winters. In 1881 he secured 160 acres in section 26, Vance Creek Township. This was all wild land and the only thoroughfare was an old trail leading across a corner. With the help of his bride, Mr. Lien put up a log cabin, 15 by 24 feet, and here they started homemaking. At first Mr. Lien had but little to work with. Grubbing out the stumps alone was a task indeed. For a time the only domestic animal on the place was a cow. Often Mr. Lien brought in provisions on his back from Prairie Farm. While he was working in the lumber woods his wife stayed at home looking after the chores. She had a spinning wheel, with which she made yarn from which she knit caps, socks and mittens. After about six years they managed to get a yoke of oxen, and then the clearing of the farm went on a little quicker. As the years passed they built up a good farm with a comfortable home and good barn and other buildings. Later forty more acres were added in section 22. On this tract Mr. Lien also erected a set of buildings. In 1917 he turned the original place over to his son-in-law, John Broten, and moved to the new place. Mr. Lien has taken an active part in the general affairs of the community for many years. He did the town most excellent service as an official, serving one year as supervisor, two years as assessor and thirteen years as treasurer. He was conscientious in the per- formance of the duties of these positions and gave general satisfaction. He did equally good work as clerk of the school board for about twelve years. The Norwegian Lutheran congregation at Prairie Farm has found in him an active and conscientious member and he has served as its deacon for many years. He is an excellent citizen in every respect and is held in high esteem by all who know him. He was married at Menomonie, Wis., June 1, 1878, to Gertie Roaas, who was born in Norway Jan. 23, 1856, one of the eight children of Andrew and Mary Roaas. She came to America in 1877, being the only one of her family to emigrate. Mr. and Mrs. Lien have had five children. Oscar (first) is dead. Oscar is lineman in Sand Creek, Wis. Minnie is at home. Regna is the wife of John Broten. Inga is at home. John Broten, who operates the original farm, was born at Prairie Farm on Sept. 15, 1890, the son of James and Mary (Peterson) Broten. He was married August, 1914. He is a good farmer and a good citizen, is well along the road to success and has an excellent reputation throughout the township. They have one child, Mareen Genevieve.

John O. Lien, a substantial farmer of section 23, Vance Creek Township, was born in Norway March 28, 1861, the son of Ole and Randi Lien. He started attending school in Norway. At the age of twelve in 1873 he was brought

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to America, an interesting trip indeed for a boy of his tender years. He completed his schooling in Prairie Farm Township and was reared to farm pursuits. As a youth he entered the employ of Knapp, Stout & Co. and worked for them eleven years as a sawyer in the woods winters and in the mills at Menomonie the rest of the year. In 1884, while still working for the lumber company, he bought 80 acres in section 23. To this place he moved his bride in 1885. He bought a cow the first summer and in time was able to get an ox: team also. For a while their circumstances were hard indeed. They had but; little in their small log cabin in the way of furniture and utensils, and he hacl to bring provisions on his back from Prairie Farm, some miles away. His wife spun yarn and knit socks, caps and mittens. In time their hard work resulted in success. They now have a pleasant home, good out buildings, and a well cultivated farm, all of which their industry has developed from the wilderness. Mr. Lien successfully carries on general farming and dairying. He is esteemed for his good sense and sound judgment and is a man of solic worth among his fellow men. He was married at Prairie Farm on Sept. 19, 1885, to Berit Olesdatter Hoel, who was born in Norway April 6, 1865, the daughter of Ole and Anna Hoel. She came to America at the age of twenty- one. Mr. and Mrs. Lien have had ten children : Odin R., Lena (wife of Andrew Rye of Vance Creek), Edward, Gena, wife of Fred Benson of Clear Lake, Wis .; Anna, wife of Howard Hepburn, postmaster at Prairie Farm Village, this county; Carl and Benedik; Betina and Benedik (first), died in infancy. The family faith is that of the Norwegian Lutheran Church.

Anders O. Lien, well known as Andrew, a prosperous farmer of section 13, Vance Creek Township, at one time a leading merchant in Prairie Farm Village, and for many years a prominent official both of the township and village, was born in Rennebo, Norway, June 8, 1858, the son of Ole and Randi Lien, who spent the span of their years in that country. Andrew O. was reared there and attended school. At the age of seventeen he set out for America, and after a long journey, filled with many incidents, reached Vance Creek, in this county. Here he worked for Knapp, Stout & Co. in the woods winters and on the drives in the spring. In 1879 he located on 80 acres in section 13, Vance Creek Township. This was wild railroad land. He put up a log cabin and he and his wife moved into it. They were fortunate in having a bedstead and a sewing machine, a stove and a few chairs, and some kitchen utensils and dishes. Other things in the way of furniture were manufactured on the place. Mr. Lien often made trips to Prairie Farm, bringing home supplies and pro- visions on his back. When the first child was born he brought in a cradle from Prairie Farm on his shoulders. With this beginning he has continued to develop a farm until he now has a place which is a model. It is larger than the average farm in this vicinity, consisting of 320 acres, much of which is broken and under intensive cultivation, and the remainder of which is in wild land and pasturage. He has a pleasant home, a good barn and suitable out- buildings equipped with a number of conveniences. His tools, implements and machinery are of the best. His herd is of the Holstein breed and he is a member of the Holstein Breeders' Association. In the interim of his farm life he was for fourteen years identified with the mercantile life of Prairie Farm Village. In 1896 he entered the employ of George E. Scott there. Six years later, in 1902, he entered into the mercantile business for himself. In 1910 he sold out and retired from the mercantile business. While in the village he took an active interest in its affairs, and served for one term as village president. He was also justice of the peace there. In the township he has long been an office holder. As chairman he labored for reasonable taxes, and the securing of the best results from the least expenditure of money. As a member of the county board his good judgment was highly commended. He has also been town clerk, justice of the peace and assessor, in all of which positions he served with credit to himself and with satisfaction to his constit- uents. As the father of children he has been interested in education, and has

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ANDERS O. LIEN

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done good work as a member of his school board. Mr. Lien was married at Vance Creek in 1878, to Betsey Michaelson, who was born in Rennebo, Norway, the daughter of Hendrik Michaelson. She died in December, 1886, leaving one son, Ole C., a farmer of this township. On Nov. 2, 1890, Mr. Lien was married at Prairie Farm to Ragnild Kleven, who was born in Oier, Norway, Sept. 1, 1870, the daughter of Ole and Maria Kleven. This union has been blessed with five children : Bendik, Olaf, Edna, Anna and Henry. Bendik married Anna Peterson and resides in Minneapolis. They have one child.

Ole E. Lien, a well known farmer of section 22, Vance Creek Township, and for many years a prominent official, is one of the real leaders among his fellow men, and his life has meant much of real usefulness to the community in which he lives. He was born in Norway Oct. 15, 1875, the son of Engebret and Mary Lien, who spent the span of their years as farmers in the old country. There were two daughters in the family, Anna and Emma, both of whom married and stayed in Norway. Ole E. was reared in that country, learned farming from his father and attended school there. At the age of 17 he set out for America and in due time reached this country and joined his uncle, Arnt Lien, in Vance Creek Township. After visiting a while he secured employment with Knapp, Stout & Co. In all he worked for them eight winters in the woods and one spring on the river drives, in the meantime working about on farms. In 1898 he purchased his present place of 80 acres in section 22. At that time it was all timber and no buildings had been erected. He did a little work on the place from time to time as opportunity permitted. After a while he put up a small frame house, and in this in 1901'he and his bride started housekeeping. At first they had but little to do with, either in home or on the land. But they set to work with a will, they built up a place gradually, and today they have as good a farm as is to be found in the neighborhood. The home is a pleasant ten-room house equipped with electric lights and other conveniences. The barns and outbuildings are adequate. Mr. Lien success- fully carries on general farming and stock raising on 120 acres of well improved land, and has a good herd of Holstein cattle. For nearly ten years he has been a stockholder in the Farmers Co-operative Creamery of Clear Lake, and has been active in its affairs. . Mr. Lien is widely known as a public official, and has served his fellow citizens in some official capacity or other for nearly twenty years. At the present time he is township chairman, having served continuously since 1912. In this capacity he has not only done most excellent work for the township in the interests of good roads and good government, but has also been prominent on the county board and is on several important committees of that body. Previous to this he had been supervisor of the township for two years. For two years he also did most excellent work as town assessor. For nine years he served with dignity and efficiency as town treasurer. As the father of a fine family of children he has taken a deep interest in education and has been a member of the school board about twelve years. Mr. Lien was married at Prairie Farm June 26, 1901, to Lillie Nelson, born in Vance Creek Aug. 29, 1881, the daughter of Fred and Olive Nelson, of this township. This union has been blessed with ten children: Ingram, Olga, Arthur, Otis, William, Mabel, Rosella, Verna, Clifford and Lavonne.

Fredrick Kuhnly, for some years a farmer in Maple Grove Township, now deceased, was born in Germany, and was there reared and educated. He came to America as a youth and found employment on farms in Ohio. There he met and married Caroline Borger, a native of that state. They brought their family to this county in 1883 and bought 80 acres in section 16, Maple Grove Township. This tract was unimproved and only about 12 acres had been cut over. He cut enough timber to build a log cabin and log stable, and with the help of his family started getting the whole farm cleared and under cultivation. In time they developed a good place, put up frame buildings, and successfully carried on general farming. In 1907 they sold out and he and his wife moved to Barron. In 1910 they took up their home with their daughter, Mrs. John W.

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Hunt, where they spent the remainder of their lives. Mr. Kuhnly dying April 9, 1916, and Mrs. Kuhnly Feb. 28, 1911. They were the parents of eleven children : Henry O. (deceased), Philip F., Margaret S. (deceased), Jacob W., Charles M. (deceased), Emma S., Daniel O., Jennie B. (deceased), Samuel R., Benjamin F. and Morris E.

John W. Hunt, now deceased, who was a substantial farmer of 80 acres in section 11, Maple Grove Township, for some twenty years, was born near Osceola, Iowa, son of. Fernie and Elizabeth (Fretake) Hunt, natives of Ohio, who as young people came to Iowa, farmed there for many years, and in 1880 came to Barron County and settled in Maple Grove Township. John W. attended the district schools of his native township and worked with his father for many years. He came to this county with his parents and acquired a farm of 80 acres. He cleared 55 acres, erected a set of buildings and fences and successfully carried on general farming. In 1917 Mr. Hunt, with his family, moved to Idaho for the benefit of his health and while there engaged in making brick with his brother, William. After one and a half years the family returned to Barron County and spent a year and a half in Barron City. They they moved back to the farm. There Mr. Hunt died, June 11, 1911. Since his death his wife is carrying on the place, assisted by her sons, Clifford and Norman. She is a most worthy woman, well thought of in the entire com- munity. The family worships at the Methodist Episcopal Church. Mr. Hunt was married April 30, 1893, to Emma Kuhnly, daughter of Fredrick and Caroline (Borger) Kuhnly. To this union have been born seven children: Bessie V., born Nov. 12, 1895, now Mrs. William Jenness, of Ladysmith, this state; Ray- mond W., born Dec. 29, 1897; Clifford D., born Sept. 29, 1900; Edma K., born Dec. 15, 1902, and now attending school at Ladysmith; Norman E., born Nov. 28, 1905; Agnes E., born May 16, 1908; and Dorothy G., born Aug. 6, 1911. Raymond W. married Viola Johnson, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Thor H. Johnson, of Maple Grove Township, and is farming in that township.

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History of Barron County Wisconsin, Part 84

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

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