History of Barron County Wisconsin, Part 85

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

USA > Wisconsin > Barron County > History of Barron County Wisconsin > Part 85

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).

Albert J. Hoover, a solid substantial citizen of Maple Grove Township, who is farming 100 acres in section 33, was born July 23, 1870, in Kosciusko County, Indiana, son of Thomas and Mary (Van Ness) Hoover, natives of Ohio, who spent most of their adult years in Indiana, where the father was a railroad man. The father died April 22, 1911, and the mother March 22, 1881. In the family there are ten children : Harvey E., John, Albert, Belle, Dora, George E., Nathan L., Henry (deceased), Grace and Ora. Albert J. received his early education in Indiana and as a young man took up railroad work. Later he farmed for a while. In 1887 he came to Wisconsin and located in St. Croix County. A year later he came to Barron County and worked in a sawmill in Maple Grove Township. Then he went to the Dakotas for a short time. The same year he came back, and with headquarters in Maple Grove Township, worked in the pine woods in the winter and in the sawmills in the summer. In 1892 he bought 80 acres, but soon afterward sold it. Then he bought 40 acres in section 33, to which in 1904 he added 40 acres, and in 1915 twenty acres. He cleared 86 acres and erected a suitable set of buildings. The house is modern and equipped with electric lights and other conveniences. Mr. Hoover is active in the affairs of the community and has served on the town and school boards. Fraternally he is a member of the Odd Fellows and the Modern Woodmen. In 1921 Mr. Hoover rented his farm and moved to Cameron, where he is now living in well deserved retirement. Mr. Hoover was married May 29, 1892, to Mary Miller, daughter of Alexander and Lucinda (Mooney) Miller, natives respectively of Ohio and Indiana, who came to Barron County in the early days, where the father died in 1901, the mother now making her home in Hillsdale Village. In the family there were three children: Mary, Franklin and Susan. Mr. and Mrs. Hoover are the parents of eight children : Earl V. was born April 16, 1893, and lives in Barron. Alice M. was born Nov. 5, 1894, and is the wife of Herman Williams, of Barron. Grace M. was born Aug. 7, 1896, and is the wife of Ben. J. Becker, of Barron. Cody A. was born Jan. 13, 1900; Merlyn M.

Digitized by Google

505

HISTORY OF BARRON COUNTY

was born Dec. 6, 1901; Niles R. was born April 30, 1904; Hazel M. was born June 29, 1906, and died March 23, 1907; Mildred M. was born June 29, 1908. The family faith is that of the Baptist Church.

David B. Hulburt, section 32, west, Maple Grove Township, was born in Monroe County, Wis., Dec. 11, 1858, son of Henry M. and Lydia A. (Snyder) Hulburt, natives of New York State. He received his education in the district schools of his native county and remained for some years with his father, also working out for a time. In 1883 he came to Barron County and purchased 80 acres in section 32, west, Maple Grove Township. He returned to Monroe County and worked a season, and then located on his Maple Grove farm per- manently. He cleared and fenced the land, erected buildings, acquired suitable equipment and developed a farm. Here he now carries on general farming, stock raising and dairying. He is a prominent man in the community, has given good satisfaction as a member of the town board of supervisors, served intelligently and efficiently as director and clerk of his school board and has been a capable pathmaster. Mr. Hulburt was married Nov. 30, 1899, in Maple Grove Township to Alice C. Skinner, daughter of Austin and Cordelia (Pardee) Skinner, natives of New York State, who came to Wisconsin in the early sixties and settled in Monroe County, later, in 1869, coming to Barron County, where they spent the remainder of their lives. Austin Skinner was a veteran of the Civil War, serving throughout the conflict in a Wisconsin regiment of volunteer infantry. In the Skinner family there were eight children: Elva, Albert (deceased), William, Mary, Mabel, Ernest (deceased), Alice and Clement (deceased). Mr. and Mrs. Hulburt have seven children. Lottie was born Oct. 24, 1891, and is now Mrs. Earl Eggleston, of Dallas; Cordellia A. was born Oct. 16, 1893, and is now Mrs. Carl Severson, of Dallas; Elsie D. was born Aug. 10, 1896; Glen A., Aug. 1, 1900; Clement, April 23, 1902; Rena, April 18, 1905; and Lester, Dec. 24, 1907. The family faith is that of the Disciples of Christ. Clement is studying for the ministry in the International Christian Bible College, at Minneapolis. Henry M. Hulburt brought his family to Wis- consin in 1857 and settled in Monroe County. In 1891 he went to Redwood Falls, Minn., and in 1896 came to Maple Grove Township, this county, where he died in May, 1906. His wife died in August, 1919. The children in the family were: David, Henry (deceased), Charlotte, Edward, Harriett, Emily (deceased), Alona (deceased), and Luella.

Walter R. Hanson, farmer, section 21, west, Maple Grove Township, was born November 30, 1883, in the Village of Pewaukee, Wis., the son of George and Emma (Billings) Hanson, natives respectively of Denmark and Wisconsin, who in 1903 came to Barron County from Milton, Wis., where they had con- ducted a general store, and bought 831/2 acres in Maple Grove Township, which they operated for a while. George Hanson was a preacher, and preached in this neighborhood for several years. From here he moved to Prairie Farm, and then to Frederic, Wis. In the family there were three children: George E., Walter R. and Lucille May. Walter R. received his early education in Janesville and in 1901 was graduated from the high school at Milton Junction. He came to Barron County with his father and in time acquired the home farm. In addition to what his father had done, he has cleared thirty-five acres and erected most of the buildings which are now standing on the place. His home Is a pleasant one and he has a commodious barn furnished with Louden equip- ment and an Empire Milking Machine. He successfully carries on general farming and is one of the substantial men of the community. Mr. Hanson was married Sept. 12, 1909, to Lida West, daughter of John and Elizabeth West of this county. This union has been blessed with two children: Walter J., born Dec. 24, 1912, and Beulah E., born Aug. 12, 1915. The family faith is that of the Methodist Episcopal Church.

Peter Hilson, one of the earliest settlers of Vance Creek Township, was born in Norway, attended school there for a while and was reared to farm pursuits. In 1869 he brought his wife, Kari Johnson, and four children, Hans,

Digitized by Google

506

HISTORY OF BARRON COUNTY

Kari, Mary and Christ, to the United States, reaching Menomonie, Dunn County, this state, June 24 of that year. He there entered the employ of Knapp, Stout & Co. While at Menomonie, one of the children, Christ, was taken ill and died. In 1871 the family settled on 40 acres of railroad land in section 35, Vance Creek Township. To this they added until they owned 160 acres. He put up a log cabin and log barn and started farming under pioneer conditions. For several years his only domestic animal was a cow. Later he got a yoke of oxen. For some years he had to bring provisions in on his back. Year by year he prospered and in time had a good place. He was a quiet man of sturdy character, pronounced in his Christian belief and practice, and was a faithful adherent of the Norwegian Lutheran Church. He died June 24, 1897, at the age of 74 years. His wife died Nov. 9, 1896. One child, Christena, was born in Dunn County, Feb. 2, 1870.

Ole O. Gravermoen, a well-to-do farmer of section 26, Vance Creek Town- ship, is representative of the early settlers who came to this region with no resources save their energy, integrity and ability, and by unremitting toil achieved success. He was born in Norway, Jan. 13, 1855, and there grew to manhood as a farmer. He married Helena Drolsum in 1879, and one child, Olaf, was born in that country. In 1881 he brought his wife and son to this country. When he reached Deer Park, in St. Croix County, this state, he had only a few cents in money. He at once found employment and worked on a farm for four months. Then he located at Clear Lake, in Polk County, where for six years he was employed in the sawmills. While there another child, Anna, was born. Shortly after her birth, his wife died, and Dec. 24, 1883, he married Kari Hilson, who was born in Norway, April 8, 1863, the daughter of Peter and Kari (Johnson) Hilson, who brought her to this country in 1869. A year or two after his marriage, he took his family to Ashland Junction, Ash- land County, this state, where he was employed as a railroad section hand. Two years later he came to Vance Creek Township, and rented a farm for two years. In 1891 he bought 80 acres of his present tract of 160 acres in section 26, Vance Creek Township. This was all wild and no buildings had been erected. He started in to develop a farm with but little more than his hands and a few tools. He put up a log house and moved his family into it. Provisions had to be brought in from far away stores and the trip through the woods was made afoot, ofttimes amid real dangers. At first his only domestic animal was a cow. Later he bought a pair of six-months-old colts and in time trained them as a pair of horses. For some years he continued to work in the woods winters, leaving his wife to look after things at the little cabin. Gradually he built up a good place and achieved success. He has a pleasant home, a good barn and suitable outbuildings, and his equipment is adequate. He carries on general farming and dairying and has a good herd. As one of the representative men of the community he has done good service on the town board and on the school board. The Norwegian Lutheran Church has found in him a loyal supporter, and he is now serving as one of the trustees of the congregation at West Akers Church in Dunn County. Mr. and Mrs. Gravermoen had twelve children: Helma, Susie, Odin, Edward, Clara, Mabel, Georgia, Gust, Ida, Wil- liam, Harry and Olga. These with Olaf and Anna constitute as fine a family as will be found in the county. All are doing well in their respective walks in life, and all are highly regarded by all who know them.

Henry Clay Samples, now deceased, for many years one of the most estimable citizens of section 30, Vance Creek Township, where he built up a model farm which is still in the family, and which has long been one of the landmarks in this vicinity, represented a most excellent type of Wisconsin citizenship. Upright in character, genial in temperament, kindly and pleasant in bearing, a man who loved his home and home life, he was a faithful husband, an understanding and affectionate father, an agreeable companion, a loyal friend and a useful citizen. He was born near Charleston, W. Va., on a farm, March 8, 1848, the son of Henry Clay and Hulda Samples, of Scotch-Irish

Digitized by Google

OLE O. GRAVERMOEN AND FAMILY

Digitized by Google

507

HISTORY OF BARRON COUNTY

descent. He was reared on the home farm, and as a youth learned the cooper's trade, which he followed in Charleston and vicinity for some years. As a young man he determined to seek the broader opportunities of the west. Accordingly, he brought his wife and children to Minnesota, and after living a short time in Waseca, Minn., located on a farm in Kilkenny Township, Le Sueur County. There he remained for seven years. In 1896 he came to Vance Creek Township, and selected 80 acres of land in section 30, Vance Creek Township. The tract was away from the main highways, but a trail had been cut which eventually developed into a road. About two and a half acres of the place had been cleared. Mr. Samples cleared a little more, and put up a log house, 24 by 16 feet, and a log barn. Then he brought his family here in 1897. He drove them in with a three-horse team, bringing his household goods, and leading four cows. The county was already fairly well settled, railroad facili- ties had been established, there were many prosperous villages, but Mr. Samples started in as had the pioneers some twenty years before. He gradually cleared up the land, and in time developed a good place. He built a substantial brick house, a commodious barn and other buildings, beautified the yard, improved the fields, constructed fences and secured suitable equipment. Here he success- fully carried on general farming and dairying until his lamented death, Sept. 16, 1920. Mr. Samples was essentially a home man, who took his greatest pride and joy in his own household. He was a tender and loving husband, an un- derstanding and generous father, a loyal friend and a pleasant companion. He quietly went his way in life, doing his duty as he saw it, and his daily conduct represented everything that was wholesome and good. Mr. Samples was married at Elk View, W. Va., March 17, 1869, to Cynthia Jane Milton, who was born in that place, Dec. 28, 1853, and died Sept. 27, 1920, out- living her honored husband but a few days. Mr. and Mrs. Samples had twelve children, eight sons and four daughters. Four of the sons are now living, namely, Sidney, Henry, Albert and George Edward. Sidney and Henry own the home farm and Albert works with them. George Edward, the youngest, is a butter maker by trade. He was in the service of his country in the great World War, and is now living in Glenwood City, Wis. He was born in Kilkenny, Le Sueur County, Minn., July 3, 1891. The sons who are deceased are Farley Monroe, William, Joseph and Benjamin. Farley Monroe and William were buried at Elk View, W. Va .; Joseph at Frankfort, Ind., and Benjamin at Cor- dovia, Minn. All died in childhood. The four daughters are as follows: Mary Luvena, who married Anthony Kurtz, and lives on a fine farm in Glenwood, Wis., having a fine family of boys and girls; Elizabeth, who married Abel Black, residing three miles from the old home, with a fine family; Pearl Estella, who married Nathan Nelson and resides on a farm adjoining the home farm; and Nellie.

Sidney Samples, an energetic farmer of section 30, Vance Creek Township, was born in Jerrett Township, Kanawaha County, W. Va., Jan. 5, 1876, the son of Henry Clay and Cynthia Jane (Milton) Samples. He was reared and educated in his native state, spent a part of his youth in Le Sueur County, Minn., and was just of age when he came to this place with his parents. Here for ten seasons he worked in the lumber woods winters and on the river drives in the springs. Aside from that, he has devoted his attention to the home farm, assisting his parents in its development and operation. In 1920 he and his brother, Henry, took over the place. They are successfully carrying on general farming and dairying and have a good herd of Guernseys, both being stockholders in the Clear Lake Creamery at Clear Lake and Reeve, Wis. Mr. Samples takes his part in everything which he believes to be for the betterment of the community, he is popular and held in high esteem, and his judgment and opinions are respected by all who know him.

Henry. Samples, a well known farmer of section 30, Vance Creek Township, was born in Kilkenny Township, Le Sueur County, this state, Feb. 28, 1889, the son of Henry Clay and Cynthia Jane (Milton) Samples. He started attending

Digitized by Google

508

HISTORY OF BARRON COUNTY

district school in his native county, and after being brought to this county at the age of nine, continued his studies in the district schools of Vance Creek Township. As a youth, being determined to follow farming as a life work, and desiring to thoroughly perfect himself along that line, he entered the agricul- tural course of the E. M. C. Missionary College at Berrien Springs, Mich., where he is still a student. He helped his parents with the development of the home place, and in 1920 he and his brother, Sidley, became the owners. They are carrying on general farming and dairying along the latest approved lines, and have a good herd of Guernseys, both being stockholders in the Clear Lake Creamery at Clear Lake and Reeve. Mr. Samples is one of the representative men of the community and has its best interests at heart. A man of broad mind and wide reading, he keeps thoroughly abreast of the times, in both politics and farming, and he is already making good strides along the road of success. He is well liked by all who know him, he is honored for his work and worth, and is held in substantial esteem.

Albert Samples, section 30, Vance Creek Township, is one of the estimable and hard working young men of this vicinity. He is a native of this county, born on the place where he still resides, Sept. 26, 1885, the son of Henry Clay and Cynthia Jane (Milton) Samples. He attended the district school of the neighborhood, learned farming from his father and brothers, and has always remained at home. He is prominent in the social doings of the neighborhood, and is regarded as a solid and useful citizen. He was married in Minnesota on June 9, 1921, to Mrs. Hazel Fink, who was born in Walworth County, Wis., on Nov. 22, 1892, the daughter of Henry and Claira Gulvin.

Lars Woxen, an industrious and genial citizen of Section 36, Vance Creek Township, is a native of this county, coming of one of the early families. He was born in a log cabin on section 30, Prairie Farm Township, this county, Feb. 10, 1878, the son of Christian and Randi (Sorenson) Woxen. He attended the old log school in his neighborhood, and learned farming from his father while helping to develop the pioneer homestead. For eight seasons he worked in lumber camps. In 1912 he bought a tract of land in section 8, Prairie Farm Township. In 1914 he bought his present place of 80 acres. It was then partly cleared. He now has a good set of buildings and a well improved farm, prop- erly equipped. He successfully carries on general farming and dairying, and has a good herd of Holsteins and good Percheron horses. Mr. Woxen is a man held in the highest respect and esteem by all who know him, and his judgment is regarded with value.

Emil O. Schneider, the prosperous and progressive owner of the fertile White Star Dairy Farm, section 22, Vance Creek Township, was born at Lebanon, Wis., Dec. 6, 1876, the son of Charles and Bertha (Piper) Schneider. Charles Schneider was born in Germany, the son of Mr. and Mrs. Carl Schnei- der, and was brought to this country as a boy of four years. He was reared in Dodge County, Wis., and there married Bertha Piper, who was also born in Germany and brought to Dodge County when she was about ten years old. A few years after his marriage he moved his family to Janesville Township, Le Sueur County, Minn., where he farmed eight years and then removed to Elysian, where he successfully operated a furniture store for the remainder of his life, and where his widow is still living. Emil O. was reared and educated in Minnesota, and learned farming from his father. When he was of age he went back to Dodge County and farmed for his Grandfather Schneider for a while. Later he once more returned to Elysian and farmed. In 1903 he came to Barron County and secured 80 acres in section 22, Vance Creek Township, which he still owns and operates. The land was then practically all wild. A little clearing had been made and a small frame house, 14 by 16 feet, and a small log barn had been erected. He moved into the small house with his wife and two sons, and started in with a will to establish his fortunes. At first his domestic animals consisted of a team of horses and five cows, brought from Minnesota. Gradually, by hard work and unremitting toil, and by persevering

Digitized by Google

E. O. SCHNEIDER AND FAMILY

Digitized by

Google

Digitized by Google

509

HISTORY OF BARRON COUNTY

through many discouragements, he has built up a fine place, loyally assisted by his family. To the original tract he has added 80 acres more. He has a sightly nine-room brick residence, a commodious barn and other outbuildings, and the best of equipment. Here he successfully carries on general farming and has a good herd of Holstein cattle. He has taken an active part in public life since he first came here, and has done most excellent service for three years as a member of the town board, his especial interest being in good roads and in securing for the town the utmost benefit out of every penny paid in taxes. He is a pleasant, energetic man, with good judgment and a determination to make his farm as good a one as can be found in the neighborhood, and his efforts have been crowned with a well merited success. Mr. Schneider was married at Elysian, Minn., Jan. 4, 1899, to Rose Marketan, who was born at Elysian, March 29, 1878, the daughter of Wencel and Roselia (Fijala) Marketan. This union has been blessed with two sons, Arthur and Walter. Both are ener- getic and efficient young men, who are popular in the community, and stand well with all who know them. The family faith is that of the Episcopal Church.

Ole H. Stafne, a substantial early settler, now deceased, who lived for many years on his original homestead in section 12, Vance Creek Township, was born in Norway, Feb. 11, 1848, the son of Hagen and Anna Stafne, who spent the span of their years in that country. He was reared, educated and married in his native land, and there two of his children were born. In 1883, he brought his family to the United States and located at Menomonie, Wis., where he entered the employ of Knapp, Stout & Co., working in the mill there in the summer and going into the woods in the winter. Soon thereafter he took a homestead of 40 acres in section 12, Vance Creek Township, built a cabin, 20 by 26 feet, and moved his family into it. It was in the real wilds, away from roads and trails, and far from the nearest neighbors. He had but little in the way of furniture, utensils and tools, and at first not even enough money to get a sack of flour. But he was ingenious, he made furniture from poles and logs on the place, and he fixed up crude contrivances to aid him in getting his farm started. For some years he had to bring provisions and supplies in on his back from Prairie Farm. It was two years before he got a cow. In time hard work brought prosperity. He added another 40 in the same section, and 40 more in section 7, Prairie Farm Township. He cleared up a part of the land, developed well cultivated fields, put up fences, secured suitable equip- ment and erected a pleasant home, a good barn and other buildings. Here for many years he successfully carried on general farming and dairying. He was a man of influence in the community, his opinions were respected and he was held in high regard. He was an excellent example indeed of the men who left the beloved scenes of their youth, to seek here, wider opportunities for their children. After a long and useful life, he died Nov. 4, 1918. His wife still makes her home on the home place. Mr. Stafne was married in Norway, in August, 1877, to Marit N. Sather, who was born in that country, Dec. 15, 1846. This union was blessed with four children. The two born in Norway were Nels and Anna. Ole (first) was born March 8, 1884, and died in infancy. The other son, Ole, is still on the home place.

Ole O. Stafne, a popular farmer of section 12, Vance Creek Township, was born on the place where he still resides, Oct. 17, 1888, the son of Ole H. and Marit N. Sather. He was reared on the home place and attended school in the neighborhood. He learned farming from his father, and gradually took over the responsibilities of the place. He now successfully carries on general farming and dairying and has a good herd. He is a man highly regarded in the community, a good farmer and a good business man, and he is making good strides along the road to success. He is a shareholder in the Clear Lake Cooperative Creamery. He was married Nov. 17, 1921, to Mabel Morrison of Bowman, N. D.

John O. Flaw, an early settler of Vance Creek Township, now deceased, was born in Norway Aug. 13, 1823, and was there reared and educated. There

Digitized by Google

510

HISTORY OF BARRON COUNTY

also he married. In the middle seventies he started for the United States with his wife, Carrie, and his two children, Ingeborg and Hannah. His bright hopes were rudely shattered at the very start, for on the journey from their home to the seaboard, the family was in a railroad accident, and the wife killed. But he continued his journey with his two motherless children, and in due time reached Menomonie, Dunn County, this state. There he married. The next year he brought his family to section 24, Vance Creek Township, where he homesteaded 160 acres. He built a log cabin in the woods and located his family in it. Everything that he had in the way of furniture, furnishings, utensils, tools and supplies he brought in on his back from Menomonie. Some of the furniture and some of the things he used in his farming he made from logs and poles on the place. When he started he had a cow, which he drove in from Menomonie. After a while he raised a pair of oxen from calves. Then the work of clearing up the farm went quicker. In the winter time Mr. Flaw continued to work in the lumber woods. He was employed in the lumber camps during the logging season in one capacity or another until he was seventy years of age, a remarkable record indeed. In the meantime he built up a good farm and did his duty in every way as a good citizen of the township which he had chosen for his home. He died Feb. 7, 1896. He was a most estimable man in every respect, who did his duty in life as he found it, he worked hard and achieved well deserved success, and his death was sincerely mourned. Mrs. Flaw is still living on the home place. Her maiden name was Christena Lien. She was born in Norway on June 7, 1844, the daughter of Ole and Randi Lien. She and her husband had three children: Randina (deceased), Ole J., farming the home place; and Albertina, the wife of Louis Hanson, of Vance Creek. The family faith is that of the Norwegian Lutheran Church.

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 85

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

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