History of Barron County Wisconsin, Part 87

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

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Casper Rassbach, now deceased, for many years a farmer in Prairie Farm Township, was born in Germany and came to America in 1840. He found his way to Blue Mound, Dane County, Wis., and engaged in farming. Later he took a claim of 160 acres in Prairie Farm Township, this county. The land was only partly cleared. He cleared the remainder, erected good buildings, put up ample fences, and carried on mixed farming, stock raising and dairying for the remainder of his life. He died Dec. 22, 1906. His wife, Mary Harmon, a na- tive of Pennsylvania, died in April, 1915. They were the parents of twelve children: Jerry (deceased), Julia, John, William, Henry (deceased), Anna, Lizzie, Charles, Walter (deceased), Christina (deceased), Helen (deceased) and Lena. The family faith was that of the Evangelical Association.

Charles D. Rassbach, general merchant at Hillsdale Village, is a native of this county, born in Prairie Farm Township, Dec. 24, 1873, son of Casper and Mary (Harmon) Rassbach. He received a good education in the district schools. and worked for his father until 24 years of age. In 1897 he went to Greenwood, Wis., as clerk in a store. Two years later he returned to his native township, and for eleven years was employed in the general store at the hamlet of Prairie Farm. In 1910 he came to Hillsdale Village, formed a partnership with Freeman F. Edmonds, and purchased the general store of L. A. Olsen. In 1918, Mr. Rassbach became the sole owner. He has a modern store, car- ries a good line of goods and does a good business, his honest 'methods, his fair dealing and his understanding of the needs of the community, having built up a large trade. Mr. Rassbach is well liked in the community at large. Fraternally, he associates with the Modern Woodmen. Mr. Rassbach was married June 26, 1907, to Alice Clough, daughter of Henry and Mary (Shriber) Clough, well known citizens. This union has been blessed with two bright boys : Robert C., born Dec. 31, 1909; and Lester H., born Dec. 29, 1911.

Freeman F. Edmonds, postmaster of Hillsdale Village and clerk of Maple Grove Township, was born in Dunn County, Wisconsin, Jan. 2, 1884, son of Charles and Sarah (Jump) Edmonds, natives respectively of Ohio and Wis- consin. The father came to Wisconsin when a young boy with his parents, who settled in Dunn County about 1870, and in 1886 brought his family from

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IVER ENGEBRETSON AND FAMILY

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Dunn County to Barron County, where they now reside. There were two children in the family, Freeman F. and John E. Freeman F. received his edu- cation in the district schools of Barron County. He also had the advantages of a year's course in the Northern Indiana Normal School, at Valparaiso, In- diana. In the meantime he had mastered farming under the tuition of his father and neighbors. In 1906 he started out to see something of the West, and journeyed in Washington and Oregon. He returned the following year and worked for a while on his father's farm. In 1909 he came to Barron, and found employment in the store of E. E. Nelson, Two years later he came to Hillsdale and purchased a partnership in a general store with C. D. Rassbach. In 1912 he was appointed postmaster. In 1918 he sold his interests to Mr. Rassbach and opened a confectionery store. For four years he handled the express business in Hillsdale. Fraternally, he is a member of the Odd Fel- lows, the Beavers and the Yeomen. He was appointed to his present position as town clerk in 1917. Mr. Edmonds was married June 30, 1909, to Mary K. Clough, daughter of Henry and Mary (Shriber) Clough, natives respectively of Ohio and Germany, and long-time residents of Minnesota and Wisconsin, and both now deceased. In the Clough family there were five children: Eva (de- ceased), David, Alice, Robert and Mary. Mr. and Mrs. Edmonds have three children : Byron F. was born March 18, 1912; Harold S., Aug. 16, 1914; and Wayne C., Oct. 14, 1917. The family faith is that of the Baptist Church.

Elmer C. Smart, former postmaster at Hillsdale Village, was born in Wau- kesha County, Wis., May 9, 1874, son of William and Elizabeth (Powell) Smart, who took him to Trempealeau County, Wis., when he was about thirteen years of age. He attended the public schools of Waukesha and Trempealeau coun- ties, and remained with his parents until 1896, when he rented a farm in Trempealeau County and started on his own responsibility. In 1899 he came to Barron County with his parents, and remained with them two years. He was appointed postmaster at Hillsdale in 1901 and held that office satisfactorily until 1912. From 1904 to 1912 he was local express agent. He went to Colo- rado for his wife's health after retiring from office, but returned to Hills- dale the same year and became manager of the Hillsdale and Barron Shipping Association. He is a prominent man in the community, and has been town clerk four years, town treasurer three years, town assessor one year and school treasurer six years. He is a member of the Odd Fellows. Mr. Smart was married June 3, 1896, to Isabelle Brownlie, daughter of John and Sarah (Robertson) Brownlie, natives of Scotland and farmers in Arcadia, Trem- pealeau County, Wisconsin. Of this union four children were born, of whom two are living, Floyd and Sylvia. Flossie and one other child died in infancy. Mrs. Isabelle Smart died July 10, 1914, and on Aug. 14, 1919, Mr. Smart mar- ried Mabel Bahm, daughter of Henry and Estella (Schermerhorn) Bahm, of Winnebago, Minn. Mr. and Mrs. Smart have a son, Robert, born July 6, 1921.

Iver Engebretson, pioneer and founder of the fertile Sunny Side Farm, Section 32, Vance Creek Township, was born in Norway, May 10, 1853, and was there reared and educated. In the early seventies he came to the United States, and found his way to Menomonie, in Dunn County, Wis., where he entered the employ of Knapp, Stout & Co., who sent him into the woods. He landed in Menomonie without funds, but by saving every cent that he earned, he was able the next year to send for his wife. While waiting for her, he homesteaded 80 acres of wild land in Section 32, Vance Creek Township, and built a cabin, 20 by 24 feet. Into this he and his wife moved. There were no roads in the vicinity. The trees and windfalls on the land were so thick, that it was almost impossible to lead their only cow to water. At first this had to be cleared by hand as it was several years before he was able to get a yoke of oxen. Pro- visions and supplies he brought in on his back from Prairie Farm and Clear Lake. After children were born, sickness and death came to the little family. When the little ones died, Mr. Engebretson had to carry their silent bodies through the woods to their last resting place, as no vehicles could get through.

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In order to help out the family income, Mr. Engebretson did considerable work away from home, leaving his devoted wife to look after things in the little cabin. In all, he worked for eleven winters in the logging camps and seven springs on the river drives. As time passed he built up a good farm. He erected a suitable set of buildings, got the land cleared, broken, cultivated and fenced, and added forty more acres. As necessity required he bought tools, implements and machinery. Here for many years he successfully carried on general farming and dairying. In 1917 he retired but still lives upon the place. He is a man held in the deepest respect for his worth and for what he has ac- complished. He has worked hard, he has been a good husband, a good father, a good neighbor, friend and citizen, and has been faithful to every obligation that life has brought him. He is a man of genial and pleasant personality, and has made friends of all with whom he has come in contact. Mr. Engebret- son was married in Norway in 1874 to Carrie Anderson, who was born in Nor- way, May 7, 1853. Mr. and Mrs. Engebretson have six children living: Edwin, Mary, Alfred, Clara, Ingval and Inga. Anna, Anton, Margaret, Julia and Lena are dead. The family faith is that of the Norwegian Lutheran Church.

Ingval Christ Engebretson, an energetic young farmer of Section 32, Vance Creek Township, was born on the place, where he still lives, Sept. 9, 1896, the son of Iver and Carrie Engebretson. He attended the district school, learned farming from his father, and has always remained at home. In 1917 he took over the management of the farm. He successfully carries on general farming and dairying, and has a good herd of Shorthorns and a good drove of Duroc- Jersey swine. He is a fine type of the modern Wisconsin farmer, he keeps thor- oughly abreast of the times, he is a wide reader, and is following the latest improved methods. He is active in the affairs of the neighborhood, and is well liked by all who know him. Mr. Engebretson was married at Menomonie on June 28, 1917, to Grace Thomas, who was born in Graytown, Wis., Oct. 8, 1899. This union has been blessed with two children: Marie Ellen and Frances May.

Erick A. Weslen, local manager at Hillsdale for the Carter Lumber Co. of Menomonie, Wis., was born in Sweden, Nov. 24, 1863. He was educated in his native country, and came to America in 1893, settling in Marinette, Wis., where he worked in a planing mill and wood-working plant. After about nine years he went to La Porte, Indiana, where he was similarly employed, working on bank fixtures. It was in 1907 that he came to Hillsdale, Wis., and took charge of the lumber yard of which he is at present manager. He is an expert in his line, and is successful in operating the yard to the satisfaction of his company, and with the confidence of his fellow citizens. Genial and affable in personality, he has won many friends, and is well liked throughout the entire community. Mr. Weslen was married March 25, 1888, to Christina Ohlien, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Peter Ohlien. This union has resulted in nine children: Gustave, August, Sigert, Theo, Joel, Clarence, Dora, Esther and Ruth (deceased).

Ole Vinger, who was for several years a tinsmith at Hillsdale Village, and a farmer nearby in Maple Grove Township, was born in Norway, and there mar- ried Lena Jenson. They came to America in 1890, and Mr. Vinger worked for a while at his trade in Canton, Minn. Then he moved to Mabel, in the same state, where he opened a shop of his own. In 1910 he came to Barron County, pur- chased 40 acres in Section 21, west, Maple Grove Township, and opened a tin shop in Hillsdale Village. He sold out in 1916, and after operating a shop in Houston, Minn., for a while, went to Newburgh, Minn., where he opened a shop and where he still resides. Mr. and Mrs. Vinger are the parents of seven chil- dren: Carl, Olaf, Jacob, Henry (deceased), Oscar, Jennie and Minnie.

Olaf Vinger, hardware merchant of Hillsdale, was born in Christiania, Norway, Dec. 14, 1885, son of Ole and Lena (Jenson) Vinger, who brought him to America in 1890. He was reared in Mabel, Minn., and was there educated, taking a two-years' course in the high school in addition to the usual grade studies. Then he became interested in the telephone business. In 1910 he

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GEORGE ERICKSON

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came to Wisconsin, and was employed for a while as a painter and paper- hanger, after which he became a clerk for Dahl & Co., at Barron, in this county. He was in the war service for one year. Upon his return he worked at his trade as painter and paperhanger for a while, and also again clerked at Bar- ron. Aug. 15, 1920, he established his present business. In the short time he has had the store he has demonstrated his ability as a merchant, and his suc- cess is confidently predicted by all his friends. His trade is increasing and his honest methods and unfailing courtesy are finding their reward. Mr. Vinger en- listed in the United States service Feb. 11, 1917, and trained with the 83rd Aerial Squadron at Langley Field, Virginia. Then he was assigned to duty on Long Island as a musician. He was discharged Jan. 25, 1919. He was mar- ried Oct. 8, 1913, to Ella Lemler, daughter of Stephen and Louise (Mooney) Lemler, of Maple Grove Township, and they have one daughter, Erma L., born Oct. 9, 1915.

George Erickson, a highly regarded farmer of Section 35, Vance Creek Township, was born in Ringreca, four miles west of Christiania, Norway, July 30, 1860, the son of Erick and Carrie Johnson. He was reared and educated in his native land. In 1880 he came to this country, found his way to St. Paul, and then came to this region where he entered the employ of Knapp, Stout & Co. For this company he worked fourteen winters in the woods and twelve springs on the river drives. At times he received but $14 a month in addition to board and lodging, and then had to accept a discount or wait six months for his cash. In 1886 he purchased 80 acres in Section 35, Vance Creek Town- ship, to which he has since added until he now has 180 acres. He started with but little except his hands. After he got the cabin built and finished, he and his brother, Ole, sent for their parents, who spent the remainder of their lives here, both dying in 1893, and both at the age of 82 years. Mr. Erickson con- tinued to develop and improve his place. In 1898 he went to the Klondyke, and spent nearly five years there. With some sixty thousand others he went over White Pass, with a pack of from 100 to 200 pounds on his back. Afterward he once more returned to his farm. He has developed a good place, and is an up-to-date farmer in every respect. His wide experience in the world, rang- ing from Norway to Alaska, has given him a broad knowledge of men and affairs. He is a good citizen, a loyal friend and a pleasant companion, and held in most excellent esteem. He is interested in good roads, and for several years has served the town as pathmaster.

Charles Olson, a substantial citizen owning 160 acres in Section 10, west, Maple Grove Township, was born May 24, 1864, in Norway, son of Ole and Mary (Johnson) Larson, both now dead. He was reared in his native land, and came to America in 1885. At Jackson, Minn., he remained for eighteen years, five years as a railroad section hand, and thirteen years in the employ of a grain elevator. In 1903 he came to Barron County, and bought 80 acres in Clin- ton Township. He cleared 45 acres, erected a set of buildings, doing all the work himself, fenced some of the land, and there carried on general farm- ing and dairying. He sold out in 1918 and purchased his present place. He continued the breaking and improving, and built up a very good farm. He believes in everything that is for the best of the community and for some years has served on the school board. In the spring of 1921, Mr. Olson rented the farm to his son, Oscar, who now carries on the place with the help of his parents. He is an energetic young man, a good citizen like his father, and is meeting with success in life. Mr. Olson was married Sept. 28, 1890, to Anna Eggen, daughter of Anders and Barbara (Peterson) Eggen, natives of Nor- way, the former of whom came to America in 1889, and settled in Sioux City, Iowa, afterward going to Jackson, Minn., where he died Jan. 14, 1895, the mother having died in Norway in 1884. Mr. and Mrs. Olson have four chil- dren: Oscar, Arnold B., Melvin J. and Carlton A. Oscar was born May 10, 1895. He was inducted into the United States service Dec. 12, 1917, was trained in several different camps in the United States, was assigned to the 41st Bal-

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loon Company, and was discharged Dec. 14, 1918. He married Mabel Larson, of Clayton, and as noted, carries on the home place with the aid of his parents. Arnold B. was born June 18, 1898, and is now at Superior, Wis. Melvin J. was born Dec. 6, 1903, and Carlton A., March 21, 1913. The family faith is that of the Norwegian Lutheran Church.

Alfred Peterson, a well-liked citizen of Maple Grove Township, who for some eight years has operated 140 acres in section 33, east, Maple Grove Township, is a good farmer in every respect, and stands high in the community. He was born in Adams County, Wis., the son of Peter and Lottie (Jenson) Peterson, and in that county received his earlier education. He came to Barron County with his mother in 1900, and spent one winter. Then they went to Washburn County, where they remained thirteen years. Although he was still a boy, he practically operated the farm under his mother's direction, and by working late in the evening and early in the morning, managed to attend school for a short time as well. Eight years ago they returned to Barron County and settled on the farm which they now own jointly. He continued clearing the land, and erected buildings from time to time, including a pleasant bungalow in which he and his mother make their home, which was erected in 1918. He successfully carries on general farming, and takes an interest in all public affairs. His mother is a most estimable woman, and delights in keep- ing open house to her friends and her son's friends. She was the daughter of Lossie and Anna (Olson) Jenson, natives of Norway, who came to America in 1867, and settled in Columbia County, Wis., where they spent the remainder of their lives, the father dying Jan. 6, 1881, and the mother Jan. 16, 1888. By her marriage to Peter Peterson, Mrs. Peterson has six children: Jennie, Alfred, Hilma, Ida, Clarance and Olga. Jennie was born Nov. 9, 1887, and is now in Washington, D. C. Alfred, as already mentioned, is farming in Maple Grove Township. Hilma was born March 30, 1890, and is now Mrs. John Alger, of Milwaukee. Ida was born April 13, 1892, and is teaching at Grants- burg, Wis. Clarence is attending school in Milwaukee. He was inducted into the United States service March 29, 1908, was assigned to Co. G, 353rd Infantry, 89th Division, and after proper training was sent to Europe and served in France and Germany twelve months. Olga was born May 12, 1897, and married Bennie Oterholt, of Maple Grove Township. The family faith is that of the Norwegian Lutheran Church.

John O. Moin, an early settler of Section 6, Sumner Township, was born in Norway, June 13, 1837, and came to America in 1870. He was married in Blooming Valley, Vernon County, this state, Nov. 7, 1871, to Lena Kyseth, who was born in Norway, Aug. 6, 1843. In the spring of 1872 they came to Barron County, where he had already filed a claim to 160 acres in Section 6, Sumner Township. They moved into an old log house owned by Mike Bandli, and as soon as possible put up a log house, 12 by 14 feet, on their own land. Then they started in to develop a place for themselves in the wilderness. There were no roads leading to the place. When provisions were needed, he had to make the journey afoot to the nearest store. Money was scarce, it was difficult to buy domestic stock, and it was not until the second year that they were able to purchase a cow. But they persevered, they worked hard, they met hardships with fortitude, and in time success crowned their efforts. They put up a good frame house, and a good barn and other buildings, and purchased suitable stock, tools and equipment. They still live on the same place, and are among the most highly respected people in the community. For a time, Mr. Moin held school office. He and his wife are members of the Norwegian Lutheran Church. Mr. and Mrs. Moin are the parents of three children, Ole, Mary and Hilda. It is interesting to note that the original family name is Moen, but in this country the name has been modified to its present form. Mr. Moin, in an interview regarding the early days, has said: "In the spring of 1872, I came from Vernon County, Wis., to Barron County, where I took up my homestead of 160 acres. Before I could build my little log house 12 by 14, I had to clear the

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E. H. STAFNE AND FAMILY

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land as it was all dense woods. After clearing a little land, my financial con- ditions showed me that I would be obliged to work for Knapp, Stout & Co. for a time, where I received for eleven hours' work, 75 cents a day and board, which consisted principally of pork and beans. However, this was lucky, as any one who wished work could get employment there, summer or winter. Dur- ing the winter months we could work in the lumber camps, and during the summer clear land. I helped clear out all old windfalls and stumps, where the main part of the city of Rice Lake is situated. The employes were obliged to take their salary in trade. Prices, however, were somewhat high on account of no railroads. Transportation had to be made over roughy, stony roads to Menomonie. Time will not permit me to describe the prices, so I will mention only a few. I paid 75 cents a gallon for my first gallon of kerosene and 80 cents for a tin can in which to carry it home; 50 cents for ten pounds of salt; 22 cents a pound for pork; $1.25 for syrup. Strange to say, however, flour was only $3.00 a hundred. It was manufactured at Rice Lake. In a short time, when the settlers began to get a surplus of products grown, prices immediately dropped; butter being then from 8 cents to 121/2 cents a pound, eggs 10 cents a dozen, potatoes from 20 te 30 cents a bushel, wheat 60 cents a bushel, dressed pork from 4 to 412 cents a pound, and other produce accordingly. As we were far from the railroad and there was no market for the produce we were glad to dispose of our produce even at a low price. However I do not blame Knapp, Stout & Co. for the low wages, as some of the employes did not even do enough to earn their board. There are many people who ought to be grateful to Knapp, Stout & Co. for helping them to get a good start."

Ole Moin, a well-known farmer of Section 6, Sumner Township, was born on the place which he now operates, June 21, 1872, the son of John O. and Lena (Kyseth) Moin, early settlers. He was reared on the home farm, and attended the district schools. He learned farming from his father, and has always remained on the present farm, with the exception of four years when he farmed in Doyle Township, in this county. During that period he served Doyle Township as a member of the school board of his district. . He now successfully carries on general farming, and makes a specialty of breeding good Jersey Cattle, and Belgian horses. He is a stockholder in the Farmers' Co-operative Store at Canton, and in the Farmers' Telephone Co. He stands well with all who know him, and is one of the township's solid men of worth. Mr. Moin married Ida Pieper, who was born in Sumner Township, the daughter of John Pieper. She died in 1911 at the age of thirty, leaving five children : Jasper, Reuben, Arthur, Dorothy and John.

Engebret H. Stafne has developed a good farm in Section 7, Prairie Farm Township, and Section 12, Vance Creek Township, where he has lived for some thirty-five years. He has won the respect of his fellow men, and attained a position of worth and integrity. He was born in Norway, Sept. 22, 1860, the son of Hagen and Anna Stafne. He was reared and educated in his native land. At the age of 20 years, in 1880, he set out for the United States, and in due time reached Menomonie, Dunn County, this state, where he entered the employ of the Knapp, Stout & Co. He worked in their mill for a while and was then sent into the woods as a sawyer. In all he worked in lumber camps twenty winters and on the spring drives two springs. After a few years he secured 40 acres of railroad land in Section 7, Prairie Farm township, and in 1886 put up a log cabin, which is still standing. For a time he lived alone. Then he sent the money for his parents to join him. They took up their home with him, and here spent the the remainder of their lives, the father dying at the age of seventy-five and the mother at the age of eighty- two years. They had three children, Ole H., Peter H. and Engebret H. When the subject of this sketch settled on this place, it was all wild land. No roads had been built, no building had been erected, and the place had little promise of the rich farm which it was to become. He had but little with which to work. Everything he had on the place had to be brought in on his

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back. In time he secured a pair of steers, and then the work went a little faster. As his means permitted, he purchased 80 more acres in the same section and 160 in Vance Creek Township. He has developed a most excellent farm, and erected a set of modern buildings. The frame house which he put up for his second home, was struck by lightning, and he then erected the present modern home. He also has a good barn and other suitable structures. He is a man who has worked hard, ever looking to the future, and his efforts have met with well deserved success. He carries on general farming and dairying, and has a good herd of cattle. Mr. Stafne was married Aug. 31, 1889, to Gertrude Kastberg, who was born in Norway, Sept. 19, 1865, the daughter of Louie and Carrie Kastberg. This union has been blessed with four children : Hagen, Carrie, Benedik and Olida. These young people are all well thought of in the community, and take their part in social and religious affairs. The home is a hospitable one, and their doors are always open to their friends. The family faith is that of the Norwegian Lutheran Church.

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History of Barron County Wisconsin, Part 87

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

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