History of Barron County Wisconsin, Part 92

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


USA > Wisconsin > Barron County > History of Barron County Wisconsin > Part 92


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).


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Edward Solum, the industrious and progressive proprietor of the Oakland Homestead Farm, section 11, east, Chetek Township, was born in a log cabin on the place where he now lives, March 4, 1877, the son of Severt and Lena (Bohrdal) Solum, the pioneers. He was reared on the home farm, attended the district school and learned farming from his father. He has always remained at home, and took over the place about fifteen years ago. He has continued the improvements started by his father, and has a well developed estate in every way. It contains 280 acres, has a pleasant home and good set of buildings and is in excellent condition. He carries on general farming and makes a specialty of Holstein cattle, Poland China swine and Belgian horses. In public life he has taken the interest to be expected of a native born son of the township, and he is now one of the town supervisors and has served for some years as school clerk. His holdings include stock in the Cooperative Creamery at Chetek. Mr. Solum is one of the real leaders of his community. He stands well with all who know him, and is regarded as one of the foremost men in the township. Like his father before him, he has been a trustee in the Norwegian Lutheran Church at Chetek. Mr. Solum was married Dec. 17, 1905, at Chetek, to Betty Carlson, who was born in Ishpeming, Mich., on March 26, 1884, the daughter of Charles and Clara S. (Swanson) Carlson, now ·of New Auburn, this state. Mr. and Mrs. Solum have four children: Clarice


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0., born Aug. 31, 1906; Edward, Jan. 12, 1908; Ruby H., March 22, 1910; and Inez G., Dec. 1, 1911.


Charles H. Hartzell, a substantial farmer owning 120 acres in sections 9 and 16, west, Maple Grove Township, was born in Stevenson County, Ill., Nov. 14, 1866, son of William and Sarah (Dorman) Hartzell, natives of Penn- sylvania, who settled in Illinois in the early days, and there farmed the re- mainder of their lives, the father dying in 1880 and the mother in 1878. In the family there were five children: Charles H., May, Benjamin, Lora and Elma. Charles H. attended the district schools of his native county, learned farming from his father, and for a while was employed by various neighbors. In 1890 he went to Green County, this state, and operated farms as a renter for fourteen years. In 1904 he went to North Dakota and remained there for six years. He acquired his present place in 1910. A house was then standing on the place. He erected other buildings, installed the Libby equipment in his new barn, cleared an additional 30 acres, constructed some fences and made other improvements. He now carries on mixed farming and dairying, having a good herd of Holstein cattle with full blooded sires and a good drove of Poland China hogs. He is interested in education and is doing good work as clerk of the school board of his district. He and his family worship at the Methodist Episcopal Church. Mr. Hartzell was married Feb. 25, 1890, to Emma Dinges, daughter of Andrew and Elizabeth (Dittwiler) Dinges, natives of Pennsylvania, who came to Wisconsin and spent the remainder of their lives in Green County, where the father died in 1889 and the mother in 1895. In the Dinges family there were thirteen children: Willoughby, Lydia, Flor- ence, Cloyd, Sadie, Nora, Charles, Emma, Addie, Winnie, Fred, Oline and Winona. Mr. and Mrs. Hartzell are the parents of six children. Ruth E. was born Nov. 15, 1893, and is the wife of Henry Mackrell of Barron. Clarence W. was born June 6, 1896. He was inducted into the United States service Aug. 14, 1918. He served in an ambulance unit, training three months at Kansas City, Mo., one month at Camp Crane, Pa., and six months in France, making a total service of ten months. He received his discharge June 17, 1919. Elsie M. was born Dec. 8, 1899; Raymond A., March 16, 1902; Ida E .. Dec. 6, 1903; and Eva L., Sept. 7, 1907.


John F. Wetzel, proprietor of the Golden Ridge Farm, sections 1 and 5, west, Maple Grove Township, was born in Stanley Township, this county, Nov. 2, 1887, son of Albert and Ida (Heuer) Wetzel. He was educated in the district schools and remained with his father until 1914. At that time he started farming for himself. He has a good place of 325 acres, 80 of which he secured from his parents, and two tracts of which 65 acres in section 5 and 180 acres in section 1, he purchased from others. He has been successful in his operations, and has a good herd of grade Holstein cattle, including nine pure blooded females and headed by a full blooded sire. He is constantly building up his herd and already has an excellent start. Mr. Wetzel is a pro- gressive man, is interested in everything which he believes to be for the good of the community and especially active in work among the young people of his church. He is well liked by all who know him, and is highly regarded and respected. Mr. Wetzel was married Nov. 2, 1913, to Mrs. Lena (Johnson) Severson, born in Maple Grove Township, Dec. 27, 1885, the daughter of Thomas and Minnie (Storm) Johnson, and widow of Simon Severson. By Mr. Severson, Mrs. Wetzel has a daughter, Loleta, born July 30, 1911. Mr. and Mrs. Wetzel have had two children. Frederick was born Aug. 29, 1915. Wanda was born Aug. 5, 1919, and died May 29, 1920.


Fredrick H. Burdick, well known farmer and a man of considerable influence in the community, is the owner of 80 acres in section 16, west, Maple Grove Township, where he is building up a fine farm. He is a native of this state, born in Outagamie County, April 4, 1869, son of Thomas and Lucy (Worden) Burdick. He received a good public school education, and left home when very young, spending his time as a farm laborer and as a worker in


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MR. AND MRS. WALTER L. MORRISON .


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the lumber woods. For some years he rented farms in Sauk County. In 1903 he purchased his present place and in 1904 he settled upon it. A house had already been built. He renovated the house, erected a barn and other build- ings, cleared an additional 35 acres, fenced a part of it, and now carries on general farming and dairying. He takes an active part in everything that pertains to the good of the community, and has served efficiently for six years as a member of the school board. Fraternally, he is a member of the Odd Fellows and of the Beavers. Mr. Burdick was married Nov. 24, 1893, to Rosetta Spencer, daughter of Charles and Selina (Jones) Spencer. Mr. and Mrs. Burdick have six children. Harold T. was born May 6, 1896, and lives in Maple Grove Township; Charles E. was born Nov. 7, 1899, and lives at home; Lester F. was born Nov. 17, 1904; Willis S. was born Oct. 27, 1907; Cecelia R. was born Aug. 17, 1910; and Helen C. was born Feb. 3, 1912. The family faith is that of the Baptist Church. Harold T., the oldest son, already mentioned, was inducted into the United States service in 1918, and left the county with the largest contingent which went out of Barron. He trained at Camp Grant, Ill., was assigned to replacement troops and then went to Waco, Tex., for further training. Later he was returned to Camp Grant, and was there discharged on March 4, 1919. The Burdicks are one of the early Wis- consin families. At one time the family owned a homestead of 160 acres which embraces a part of the present city of Milwaukee. When the family divided the tract, Thomas Burdick, who was a carpenter by trade, traded his share for 160 acres of pine land in Outagamie County, where he worked as a millwright and carpenter in connection with small farming for the remainder of his days. She died in 1872, and he lived to a good old age and died in 1912. Thomas Burdick was a veteran of the Civil War. He enlisted at Eureka, Wis., in Company F, First Wisconsin Cavalry, and served through the four years of the conflict. The Spencer family dates back to the days of early New England, some of its members having come over in the Mayflower and others in later Colonial days. Samuel Spencer, a member of the family, served in the Revo- lutionary War. His son, Thomas, followed the sea and was also a skilled cooper in the days when that trade was one of dignity and honor. A grandson of Thomas was Charles, the father of Mrs. Frederick H. Burdick. He came to Wisconsin with his parents and with them settled near Portage, on the Fox River. True to the instincts of his ancient and hardy race, he enlisted at Spring Green, Wis., July 4, 1861, in Company C, First Wisconsin Heavy Artil- lery, and served four years in some of the fiercest fighting of the Civil War. As a young man he homesteaded 160 acres in Sauk County, and there lived until 1911, when he moved to Baraboo, where he and his wife now live. Although eighty years old, he is hale and hearty and drives his own Buick car. He is actively serving as health officer of the town and is prominent in the G. A. R. His good wife, a most kindly lady of many gracious qualities, has reached the age of seventy-one years. In addition to being descended from the Spencers, Mrs. Frederick H. Burdick has also other Revolutionary blood. Nathaniel Chapman, who served in the Revolution as a drummer boy and was promoted to ensign for bravery in action, was her great-great-grandfather.


Walter Lowry Morrison, at one time county clerk, and for many years a prominent citizen of Chetek Township, was born in Ohio July 2, 1849, and as a young man came to Wisconsin. He was married March 29, 1870, to Caro- line Sexton, who was born in Richland County, Wis., Nov. 3, 1851, the daughter of Morris and Caroline (Fellows) Sexton, Wisconsin pioneers. After their marriage, Mr. and Mrs. Morrison lived in Richland County for a number of years. In the late seventies, Mr. and Mrs. Sexton and Mr. and Mrs. Morrison came to Barron County, and each secured homesteads in section 24, Chetek Township. Both families had similar experiences. They lived in a sparsely settled community where comforts were few and hardships many. They broke and cleared their land, erected buildings as necessity required, and in time developed good farms. Walter L. Morrison farmed until his death, May 8,


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1897. His widow now makes her home with her son-in-law and daughter, Mr. and Mrs. Carl Nielsen. Mr. and Mrs. Morrison were the parents of four chil- dren: Albert Sexton, Kate, Mattie and Minnie. Albert Sexton is a farmer in Chetek Township. Katie married Amos Clemmons and they operate a farm just outside the city limits of Chetek, Mr. Clemmons also working as clerk in the Cooperative store. They have nine children : Roy, Harold, Fay, Lucille, Guy, Walter, Amos, Roger and Dorothy. Mattie married Gus Barlindal and they live in Ferndale, Wash. They have five children: Clarence, Hope, Percey, Frances and Fern. Minnie is the wife of Carl Nielsen of Chetek Township, and they have three children: Lena Marie, Wilda Louise and Evelyn Jeanette.


Albert Sexton Morrison, a well-to-do and estimable farmer of Chetek Township, near the western limits of the city, was born near the place where he now lives, May 18, 1872, son of Walter Lowry and Caroline (Sexton) Morri- son, the pioneers. He was educated in the rural schools and reared to farm pursuits. As a young man he went to Minnesota and there engaged in farm work for several years. He then returned home and bought 38 acres from the estate of his maternal grandfather, Morris Sexton. He erected a house, barn, granary, swine house, machine shed, silo and other buildings, and made other improvements. He carries on general farming and dairying and keeps graded cattle and swine. His holdings include stock in the Chetek Cooperative Mercantile Co. and the Chetek Auto Co. He and his wife attend the Methodist Church and she is active in the Ladies' Aid. Mr. Morrison was married in Chetek to Minnie Louise Knudson, whose parents were natives of Norway, and early settlers in Adams County, this state, where the mother died in 1914 and where the father is still living. There were eight other children in the family: Theodore of Allansby, Wash .; Edith of Brooks, Wis .; Frank of Kenosha, Wis .; Iver of Adams, Wis .; Ulva, wife of Victor Totton of Adams, Wis .; and three who are dead. Mr. and Mrs. Morrison have two children: Lillian, born Dec. 17, 1907, and Thelma, born July 6, 1909.


Carl Nielsen, a respected citizen, who farms within the city limits of Chetek, was born in Denmark, Sept. 14, 1884, son of Morten and Annie Nielsen, the former of whom, a baker, is still living in Norway, and the latter of whom died there late in 1917. Carl and his brother, Christ, came to America in 1899, and joined a sister, Annie, now Mrs. Julius Hanson, of Racine, Wis. He learned the painting and paper hanging trade, in Racine, and there worked for a num- ber of years. He came to Barron County in 1906 and followed his trade at Chetek. In 1907 he purchased two acres on the outskirts of the city, with buildings standing thereon, and has since devoted his time to farming. He operates the farm of his mother-in-law, Mrs. Walter L. Morrison. The place consists of 70 acres, 50 acres being land and twenty acres being a pond. Here he successfully carries on general farming, raising grain, hay, feed and pota- toes, and making a specialty of grade Guernsey cattle and registered Poland China swine. In addition to his other holdings, he has stock in the Chetek Co- operative Creamery, the Chetek Cooperative Mercantile Co. and the Chetek Auto Co. Mr. Nielsen was married Aug. 3, 1907, to Minnie Rebecca Morrison. who was born Sept. 9, 1887, daughter of Walter L. and Caroline (Sexton) Mor- rison, pioneers of Chetek Township. Mr. and Mrs. Nielsen have three children : Lena Marie, born March 28, 1908; Wilda Louise was born Nov. 10, 1910; and Evelyn Jeannette, born Dec. 29, 1916. The family attends the Methodist Epis- copal Church, and Mrs. Nielsen is active in the Ladies' Aid Society.


Albert W. Cooper, prominent citizen and well-to-do farmer living in section 22, west, Maple Grove Township, is one of the active progressive men of the county and is taking his full share in its growth and progress. He is a native of this state, born in Monroe County, April 20, 1864, son of Isaac and Elizabeth (Decker) Cooper, natives of New York State, who settled in Monroe County in the spring of 1854, and there spent the remainder of their lives, the father dying July 14, 1895, and the mother Oct. 27, 1891. In the family there were eight children: James (deceased), Laura, Sarah, John, Edward, Albert W.,


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Minnie and Mary (deceased). Albert W. received his early education in Monroe County and worked for his father until 1883 when he secured employment with his brother. After doing general farm work for a while he then rented his father's farm two years, after which he bought it and operated it for three years more. In 1888 he went to Redwood County, Minn., and rented a farm there seven years. He came to Barron County in 1895 and purchased eighty acres of wild land in Dallas Township, where he cleared forty-five acres and erected a good set of buildings. In 1902 he went to Webster County, Mo., where he farmed and operated a photograph gallery; from there in 1907 he went to Kansas City, where he was a motorman. He came back to Barron County in 1909 and bought seventy-three acres in Prairie Farm Township which he cleared and erected buildings. In March, 1918, he sold out and bought his present place of eighty acres. This place he improved to some extent and here he carries on general farming and dairying. He has been a member of the school board. His faith is that of the Christian Church. Mr. Cooper was mar- ried November 27, 1887, to Hattie Hulburt, daughter of Henry and Lydia (Snyder) Hulburt, natives of New York State, who came to Monroe County, Wis., and later farmed in Dallas Township, this county, until their death, the father dying April 28, 1897, and the mother July 26, 1919. In the Hulburt family there were eight children: David, Henry (deceased), Lottie, Edward, Hattie, Emily (deceased), Alona (deceased), and Ella. Mr. and Mrs. Cooper have four children: Josephine L., Allen W., Lorence H. and Florence (now deceased). Josephine L. was born Aug. 21, 1888, and is now Mrs. Cris Hanson of Dallas. Allen W. was born April 2, 1897. He enlisted Sept. 3, 1918, and served at Fort Oglethorpe, Ga., and at West Baden, Ind., being attached to hospitals with units of the medical corps. He was discharged April 23, 1919. Lorence H. was born Jan. 26, 1903, and is now attending high school at Barron. Florence was his twin.


Albert J. Cornelius, a well-to-do citizen of sections 5 and 8, west, Maple Grove Township, was born in Norway, July 30, 1865, son of Cornelius and Anne (Paulson) Halleson, the former of whom, a sailor, was drowned at sea in 1866, and the latter of whom later married Anton Tarlson, who brought the family to America in 1888, and after a year in Roberts, this state, came to Barron County and bought 40 acres in section 8, west, Maple Grove Township, where he still lives and where his wife died Nov. 19, 1913. Albert J. received his early education in his native country and came to America in 1887, living for a year in Roberts, Wis., and a year at Marine, Minn. He came to Barron County in 1889, and bought 40 acres in section 5, west, Maple Grove Township. Later he bought tracts of 20 and 40 acres in the same section, and one of 20 acres in section 8, west. Eighty acres of the place has been sold to the son. Mr. Cor- nelius cleared about 50 acres, erected buildings and fences, and acquired stock and equipment. He has remained on the same place since he first settled here, with the exception of two years when he and his wife were in the state of Washington. He successfully carries on general farming and is one of the solid substantial men of the community. His financial holdings include stock in the Barron Cooperative Creamery. He is a public spirited citizen and has served as the efficient treasurer of his school district for 20 years. Mr. Cornelius was married March 30, 1890, to Julia Conrad, daughter of Conrad and Ellen (Hel- derson) Ingerson, natives of Norway, who came to America in 1891 and settled in Maple Grove Township, Barron County, and here resided until their death, the father dying Nov. 26, 1909, and the mother July 13, 1913. Mr. and Mrs. Cornelius have three children: Jennie, born March 1, 1891, is now Mrs. J. E. Watner of Maple Grove; Clarence was born Jan. 24, 1894, and is now farming in Maple Grove Township. Elmer was born Dec. 4, 1896, and died April 13, 1897. In the family there is also an adopted daughter, Rachael Conrad.


Frank D. Crisler, proprietor of the "Old Hillsdale Farm," in section 33, west, Maple Grove Township, was born in Steuben County, Ind., Feb. 5, 1867, son of Wesley and Martha (Wilsey) Crisler, natives respectively of New York


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and New Jersey. Wesley Crisler was a veteran of the Civil War. He died in Indiana in 1918. His five children were: John W., Frank D., William H., by his first wife, and Nora and Ora by his second wife. Frank D. received his early education in Indiana, worked for a while for his father, and then con- tinued farm work for a time in that vicinity. In 1896 he came to Barron County and bought 80 acres in section 31, west, Maple Grove Township. From this tract he cleared the heavy timbers himself, skidding the logs to a sawmill located where his residence now stands. After clearing a part of the land he erected a log house and barn. In 1903 he traded this place for 80 acres in section 32, west, and onto this, after living on a rented farm for two years he moved in 1905. He erected a large barn, fenced the entire place, and here car- ried on general farming for three years. In 1908 he moved to Montana, but a year later returned to his farm in Barron County. He sold the farm in 1912, and moved to Indiana, where he purchased 80 acres of land. After one year there he again returned to Barron County and bought 80 acres in Maple Grove Township. A short time later he bought his present farm of 160 acres. He has some good buildings, the house being equipped with electric lights and the barn with James stanchions. Here he carries on general farming and dairying. He is well liked in the community, and has the confidence of his fellow men. For some time he served as a member of the town and school boards, and for a while he was town chairman, being appointed that position by the board, to fill out the term of J. A. H. Johnson, who was elected sheriff. Mr. Crisler was married Nov. 29, 1897, to Anna Carr, daughter of George and Margaret (Jack- man) Carr, natives of Indiana, who settled on a farm in Barron County in the seventies and here spent the remainder of their lives. In the Carr family there were six children : George E., Maria, Lina, Hugh, Anna. and James (deceased). Mr. and Mrs. Crisler have four children : Russell L., born Aug. 25, 1898; Ruth B., born March 24, 1900, a clerk in the Snyder Brothers general store at Hills- dale Village; Mattie M., born Aug. 21, 1901, a student at the State Normal School at Superior; and Harold F., born March 25, 1908.


Louis L. Lindemer, now deceased, was a man of varied activities in this county, to which he came as a young man. He was a native of this state, born in Dodge County, Neb., Feb. 10, 1859, the son of George and Christiana Linde- mer, natives of Germany, who came to Wisconsin as young people and were married in this state. The subject of this sketch was reared on the farm, and attended the public and parochial schools. As a youth he learned the tinners' trade, at Horicon, in his native county. He was not quite of age when he went to Winona, Minn., on the Mississippi River, near which city he obtained farm employment. From there in the early eighties he came to Barron County and entered the employ of Knapp, Stout & Co., first on their farm, then in their tin shop at Rice Lake, and then in their tin shop at Prairie Farm. Next he worked for Willis Downs, on his farm and in the woods. In 1886 he was mar- ried, and thereafter stayed several months in his native county. Then he brought his bride to Barron County and settled on 80 acres of land in section 27, Prairie Farm Township, east of Prairie Farm Village. He built a frame house, started to clear up the brush and break the land and develop a farm. At first his domestic animals consisted of a span of horses and a cow. Mr. Linde- mer, however, has considerable other employment aside from farming. For several winters he continued to work in the woods. For a time he teamed for George E. Scott, the Prairie Farm merchant, and for a time for the Barron Woolen Mills. In 1909 he bought a place in section 28, Prairie Farm Township, which is still the family home. He put up a good house and barn and developed a profitable farm. Here he carried on general farming and dairying until his death, June 27, 1920, of heart failure. He was a man held in excellent regard by all who knew him, he was a good husband, a loving father, a kindly neighbor and loyal friend. His standing as a citizen is shown by his service for several years as a member of the town board. He was a member of the Evangelical Association Church, located east of Prairie Farm, and was always ready and


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willing to help in any good cause. All in all, he was a substantial citizen, who did his duty in life as he found it and left a gracious memory with all who knew him. Mr. Lindemer was married at Prairie Farm on Oct. 20, 1886, to Emma Wing, who was born in Cook's Valley, north of Bloomer, in Chippewa County, Sept. 26, 1866, the daughter of Gardner and Alma Wing, both natives of this country. This union has been blessed with six children. Leonard Rich- ard farms in Pairie Farm Township. Archie Lee is in Minneapolis. Grace Alma is the wife of Benjamin Haines of Ridgeland. Hazel May is the wife of Charley Curtis of Prairie Farm. Louis Arthur and George Gardner are at home.


Augustus L. Best, now deceased, at one time the most extensive owner of improved farm land in Prairie Farm Township, was born on a farm in Adams County, Wis., April 4, 1854, the son of Socrates T. and E. Frances (Langson) Best, and was taken by them to Texas while still a young child. At the outbreak of the Civil War the father was impressed into the Confederate service, but deserted and joined the Union Army. The mother, believing that the father had been killed, started for Wisconsin with her two sons, Augustus L. and William. Near Dardanelle, Ark., she met her husband, and he established a home near the hospital where he was assigned to duty. She died Nov. 5, 1864, and he was then ordered back to his regiment. He sent the boys north with other refugees in charge of a clergyman. But at Springfield, Ill., the clergyman decamped with the refugees' funds. The two boys were taken by kindhearted strangers, who cared for them a while, and then sent them to Chicago. There, too, they met kindly people, who, after entertaining them a while, sent them to Portage, Wis., where they had an uncle. From there they were taken to their grandparents' home in Adams County, where, at the close of the war, they were joined by their father. Augustus L. started out for himself in 1876, and located at Menomonie, Dunn County, this state, where he secured employ- ment carrying the mail between that place and Prairie Farm, in Barron County. After three years he went to North Dakota. A year later he returned and became clerk for Knapp, Stout & Co. at Prairie Farm. Three years after- ward he again went to North Dakota, but this time stayed only a short while. Upon his return he engaged in stock dealing. In 1884 he and his brother, Wil- liam J., formed a partnership, in the operation of a sawmill in New Haven Township, Dunn County. There, for several years, they did a flourishing busi- ness. In 1895 Mr. Best came to Prairie Farm once more and purchased a tract of 1,000 acres of well improved land from Knapp, Stout & Co. This tract was a part of the farm from which the town took its name, and which the lumber company had developed in the early day. He replaced the house with one of the best frame residences in the vicinity and put up other good buildings. Here he successfully carried on general farming for over fifteen years. Grad- ually the great tract has been sold off until the home place now consists of 130 acres, forty acres of which is in the village. Mr. Best took an active part in everything that pertained to the growth of the community. He was a Republican, and in the convention days was a delegate to many gatherings of that party. In Dunn and Barron Counties both he served in numerous town offices. He helped to get the Co-operative Creamery at Prairie Farm started, and served as a member of its first board of directors. The Methodist Epis- copal Church of Prairie Farm found in him a prominent supporter and liberal contributor. After a long and useful life, he died Feb. 11, 1912. Mr. Best was a man eminently fitted by temperament and ability to be a leader in the development of a new country. He was progressive and intelligent, he had a broad spirit of fairness, he was a man of sterling character, and of unfail- ing cheerfulness of disposition. He believed in the future of Prairie Farm, he demonstrated that belief, and the name he left is inseparably interwoven in the history of the town and village. Mr. Best was married April 6, 1878, to Alana Laundt, a native of Wisconsin, and the daughter of Jerry and Sarah (Ward) Laundt. This union was blessed with seven children: Almeron, of Barron; Eugene, of Coeur d'Alene, Idaho; Elsie, now deceased; Benjamin, of




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