History of Barron County Wisconsin, Part 95

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

USA > Wisconsin > Barron County > History of Barron County Wisconsin > Part 95

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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David Stang, an industrious and well regarded farmer of section 8, Prairie Farm Township, where he has developed a good place, was born in Norway Oct. 20, 1866, the third of the nine children of Colben and Patrina Stang. He was educated in his native land and reared on a farm. In 1890 he came to America and located in Prairie Farm Township. There he did farm work for a while and in the winter went into the woods. Thus he continued for several years. In 1897 he purchased 80 acres, to which he later added 40 acres more, thus constituting his present place of 120 acres. When he made the purchase the land was all covered with brush, and no buildings had been erected. He built first a small shack for a residence, and then a barn. Fortunately he was able to get a horse, and as his brother, Nels, also had one they were able to work together. He had little else, except some small tools, with which to work. But he had strength and courage and as time passed he built up a good farm. He replaced the original home with a large frame house in 1904. Later he built a circular barn, 56 feet in diameter, which is one of the landmarks of the neighborhood. The land is well tilled and well fenced, and there he carries on general farming and dairying. His herd is of the Guernsey breed. As a good citizen who believes in encouraging every commendable enterprise, he has taken stock in the co-operative creamery and co-operative store at Prairie Farm. Mr. Stang was married June 13, 1904, to Anna Johnson, who was born in Prairie Farm on July 4, 1883, the daughter of Andrew and Mary Johnson, of Prairie Farm. Mr. and Mrs. Stang have five children: Carl, Mary, John, Julius and Dagney. The family faith is that of the Norwegian Lutheran Church.

Peter K. Nelson, who occupies a high position among the influential men of Cumberland Township, was born in Norway Nov. 1, 1861, the son of Nels and Patrinella (Larson) Konekson, who spent all their years in the old country. He attended school in his neighborhood and as a young man worked at such work as he could find to do. In 1882 he came to America, landed in New York, and found his way directly to Baldwin, St. Croix County, this state. The next year, in 1883, he secured work in the sawmills at Cumberland. In 1884 he bought 40 acres in section 11, Cumberland Township, later he added 80, and still later 10 more, all in the same section making 130 acres in all. The tract was entirely wild when he purchased it. He has cleared, broken and tilled about 100 acres of the tract, and has put up a fine set of buildings, most of the carpenter work of which he did himself. When he first came here he was filled with enthusiasm as to the opportunities to be found in the township, and accordingly he did all he could to induce others to locate here and to help them get started. He supported every move that meant progress and develop- ment, and was especially active in the making of good roads. As the years have passed he has built up a good place, and has met with a deserved degree of success. He carries on general farming and dairying and has a good herd of Guernseys headed by a full blooded sire. His holdings include stock in the Star Cheese Co., the Mckinley Telephone Co. and in the Cumberland Farmers' Power & Light Co. As a parent, he has taken an interest in the educational affairs of the community, and has served for some years as a member of his school board. His interests have been especially centered in the affairs of the Norwegian Lutheran Church, located in section 10, and he has been one of its trustees for the past quarter of a centruy. He is a useful citizen in every respect and is well regarded by all. Mr. Nelson was married May 9, 1888, at Cumberland, to Minnie Olson, who was born Aug. 20, 1867, in Norway, the daughter of Arnie and Inga (Severson) Olson, both of whom are now dead. This union has been blessed with the following children. Arthur N. was born Feb. 22, 1889, and farms in Stanfold Township. Inga P. was born March 16, 1890, and is now in Minneapolis. John A. was born June 21, 1891, and is in Cumberland. C. Julius is a carpenter. He was born Dec. 24, 1892. O. Leonard was born Nov. 1, 1894; Bennie was born April 13, 1896; Clara M. was born Sept. 28, 1897, and is the wife of Theodore Ingman, of Minneapolis; Oscar W. was born April 7, 1903, and died Jan. 27, 1905; Herold was born Sept. 25, 1904;

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ANTON P. MOEN AND FAMILY

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Oscar W. was born Oct. 2, 1906; and Selma C. was born Dec. 25, 1908, and died Jan. 4, 1909. Arthur N. was inducted into the U. S. service Aug. 5, 1918, went to Camp Greenleaf, Georgia. He followed carpenter work and was discharged Jan. 22, 1919. C. Julius was inducted into the U. S. service July 8, 1918, and went to Columbus Barracks, thence to Camp Hancock, Georgia, where he trained. He then went to Camp Sherman in Ohio and remained there until his discharge from the service Dec. 10, 1918.

Anton P. Moen, a highly regarded citizen of section 5, Prairie Farm Town- ship, was born in Norway Sept. 20, 1859, the son of Peter P. and Anna Maria Evensplads, who spent the span of their years in Norway, where they were substantial and respected people. Of their four children, those who came to America were: Anton P .; Mary, wife of Ole Tozen, of Hudson, Wis .; Carrie, wife of Martin Christenson, of Wilson, Wis .; and Peter, a farmer of Arland Township, this county. Anton P. was reared and educated in Norway, did farm work as a young man, and was there married. In 1884 he left Norway, with his wife and one child, Peter A., and after landing found his way to Menomonie, Dunn County, this state. From there he came to Barron County, and joined his brother, Peder, in Prairie Farm Township. With headquarters there, he worked on farms summers, in the woods winters and on drives in the spring. In 1887 he bought 69 acres of heavily wooded land in section 5, Prairie Farm Township. He built a log cabin, 16 by 24 feet, and started farming. At first he had but little to do with. Nearly all the furniture in the house was manufactured by his own hands. It was not until the second year on the place that he managed to get a cow, and not until the fifth year that he obtained a pair of oxen. His wife is an excellent housekeeper and made butter which found a good market, so often he walked to Barron and Turtle Lake, carrying the butter and bringing back groceries which he received in exchange. As time passed he developed a good farm. He added to his holdings until he has 170 acres, much of which he cleared and broke, and a part of which he fenced. He replaced the log buildings with a good set of frame structures, including a pleasant home and a barn, 34 by 72 feet. He successfully carries on general farming and dairying, and has a good herd of Durham cattle. His holdings include creamery and store stock. In public life he has been a member of the school board for several years. His religious faith is that of the Norwegian Lutheran congregation at Arland in which he has held several offices. Mr. Moen was married in Norway June 22, 1882, to Gurena Nelson, who was born in that country Dec. 24, 1861. This union has been blessed with eleven chil- dren: Peter A. and John N., farmers of Prairie Farm Township; Mary, the wife of Magnus Microne, of Arland Township; Ellen, wife of Charles Hoag, of Minneapolis; Albert, who is at home; Elwin, who is farming in Prairie Farm Township; Bennie, who is a carpenter in Prairie Farm Township; Otto, Nina; Oscar and Paul at home.

Adam Froetschl, successful farmer of section 32, Clinton Township, who has worked at his trade as a mason on several of the best buildings in Barron, was born in Austria, April 7, 1865, the son of Joseph and Elizabeth Froetschl, who were born in that country and in 1883 came to America and located at St. Paul, Minn., where the father worked at his trade as a mason until his death Nov. 2, 1893, and where the mother continued to live until her death in Jan. 20, 1897. Adam attended school in Austria, and as a youth was employed in polishing glass in a mirror factory. In 1883 he came to America and located at St. Paul, where he learned the mason trade. After his father came over he worked with him at this trade. In 1899 he went to Butte, Mont. With the money he earned there he returned to St. Paul, and soon after came to Barron County, in 1900, and purchased 40 acres in section 32, Clinton Township. This was all rough land, covered with stumps, windfalls and logs. He built a small frame house, 16 by 26 feet, in which he lived while he was getting the place cleared up. By later purchases he has increased the tract until he now has 120 acres, which he has developed and improved into a well-tilled and

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productive farm. In 1909 he put up an eight room, modern brick home, sightly and comfortable, set in a nice lawn; a barn, 60 by 44, with excellent equipment; a granary, 14 by 20 feet; a silo, machine shed and other buildings. His supply of tools, implements and machinery is adequate in every respect. Here he carries on general farming and dairying, and has a good herd of graded Holsteins, which he is gradually working into full blooded stock. In the mean- time he has worked more or less at his trade, especially at Barron, and there helped to build the Barron County Court House, the Barron High School Building, the Bank of Barron, the Barron Creamery Co. plant, and the Pa- vilion, as well as other lesser buildings. He is a stockholder in the Barron Creamery Co. of Barron; the Almena Telephone Co., of Almena; the Farmers Produce Co., of Almena; and the Farmers Co-operative Store at Paskin, and is one of the active members of the Farmers' Shipping Association of Almena. Fraternally he is a Forester, belonging to Almena Court, No. 1609. Mr. Froetschl was married at St. Paul, Feb. 3, 1892, to Clara Raxeisen, who was born in Australia on Mar. 14, 1871, the daughter of Matthew and Josephine Raxeisen, natives of Austria, who in 1870 came to St. Paul, Minn., where they spent the remainder of their lives. In the Raxeisen family there were four children. Clara is the wife of Adam Froetschl. Mary, the widow of George Froetschl, lives at St. Paul. Anna is the wife of M. John Dusel, of St. Paul. Frank lives in St. Paul. Mr. and Mrs. Froetschl have eight children: George, Marie, Adolph, Rose, Joseph, Anna, Frank and Mary (deceased). George was inducted into the United States service Aug. 6, 1918, and was sent to Camp Shelby, Miss., where he trained, and after a while was assigned to Co. D, 56th Brigade, 38th Division. He sailed from Montreal, Canada, and after arriving in France was transferred to the 27th Division. He returned to the United States March 6, 1919, and was discharged April 6, 1919, from Camp Grant, Rockford, Ill. Adolph was inducted into the United States service Oct. 23, 1918, and was sent to Camp Shelby, Wis., where he trained for overseas service with a replacement unit. He was discharged at Camp Grant Dec. 28, 1919.

Eric John Carlson, a progressive farmer of section 17, Clinton Township, was born in Sweden April 7, 1872, the son of Erick and Lottie Carlson, farming people of that country, the former of whom still lives there, and the latter of whom is dead. Of the family of seven children, all are living, and three, Eric J., Adolph and Johannah, came to the United States. Eric J. attended school in his native land and was reared to farm pursuits by his father. In 1893, when he was of age, he came to the United States. After a short time in Michigan he continued his trip to Barron County, where he found work in the lumber industry, laboring as a logger, scaler and sawmill man. In 1899 he bought 80 acres in section 17. All this was wild land when he purchased it, and he has developed it into a model farm. The residence is a pleasant house of eight rooms, with such modern conveniences as running hot and cold water, hot water heat, electric light and bath. The barn is 32 by 72, with a half basement. The barn is also equipped with electric lights and running water. In addition to the house and barn there is full complement of other buildings, including the granary, tool house and machine shed. The equip- ment is of the best and includes a high-power tractor. To the original tract of land Mr. Carlson has added another 120 acres. This tract also contains a good set of buildings, including a model barn, 40 by 26 feet, with a lean-to, 40 by 14 feet. On his fine stretch of 200 acres Mr. Carlson successfully carries on general farming and dairying. He has a good herd of graded Holsteins, and sells cream to the Barron Creamery Co. He takes his part in all the affairs of the community and is a useful and active citizen, well thought of by all who know him. He follows modern methods and his efforts in life have resulted in a good degree of success. As the father of a fine family he is interested in education and has done excellent work as a member of the school board. Mr. Carlson was married at Barron to Hulda Orn, who was born in Sweden on Nov. 3, 1874, the daughter of Jacob and Anna Orn, natives of

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Sweden, and early settlers of Barron County, both now deceased. In the family there were five children: Anna, who lives in Sweden; Axel, Julius; Selma, wife of Frank Osten, of Minneapolis; and Hulda. Mr. and Mrs. Carlson have seven children: Helmer, born July 27, 1900; Waldo, June 9, 1902; Ethel, July 14, 1904; Esther, Oct. 29, 1906; Edna, Dec. 15, 1908; Selma, June 3, 1910; and Gladys, Aug. 23, 1914; all living at home. The older ones help with the farm work, and the younger ones are doing well with their studies in the public schools. The family attends the Lutheran Church at Clinton.

Peter Jacobson, a hard-working farmer of section 16, was born in Sweden July 11, 1861, the son of John and Anna Jacobson, who spent the span of their years in that country. In the family there were seven children: Peter, Charles (deceased) August, of Hastings, Minn .; Louisa, widow of John Lestrom, and now living in Minneapolis; and Lettie, Julius and Mary, of Sweden. Peter attended school in his native land, and was there reared. As a young man he was variously employed. He came to America in 1882 and located at Hastings, Dakota County, Minnesota, on a farm. A year later he went to Minneapolis, Minn., where he was employed for a time as a teamster. In 1900 he came to Barron County and settled in section 16, Clinton Township, on 80 acres situated on the shore of Paskin Lake, which he had previously pur- chased. The land was then covered with small timber. In the twenty-one years that has since passed he has built up a good place. He has a pleasant, seven-room frame house, a barn 26 by 39 feet, with a lean-to 18 by 39 feet, and full basement, furnished with Louden equipment, and also other buildings. His farm is well tilled and well equipped. Here he successfully carries on general farming and dairying. He has a. good little herd and sells cream to the Barron Creamery Co. Mr. Jacobson was married at Hastings on May 2, 1881, to Jennie Carlson, who was born in Sweden on Sept. 25, 1862, the daughter of Carl Mangnuson and his good wife, both natives of Sweden, who came to this country and farmed in Goodhue County, Minn. In the family there are two other children: Emma and Emil. Mr. and Mrs. Jacobson have a sturdy son, Rudolph, a popular young man of the community, who helps his parents on the home farm. The family faith is that of the Swedish Lutheran Church. He was married June 15, 1920, at Poskin, to Ruth Fornell, the daughter of Gustav and Amanda (Peterson) Fornell. The family faith is that of the Swedish Lutheran Church.

Albert H. Miller, an energetic farmer of section 31, Clinton Township, was born in Faribault County, Minnesota, Jan. 26, 1892, the son of August and Emelia Miller, natives of Germany, who came to Canada in the sixties, came to the States in 1879, purchased 440 acres of land in Faribault County, Minn., where he farmed for a number of years, and then came to Clinton Township, where he also farmed. About fifteen years ago he retired and with the exception of one year spent in Cumberland, he and his wife have since made their home with their daughter, Mrs. Adolph Rolf, in Clinton Township. Albert H. was reared in his native county, attended school there, and worked with his father until 1915. Then he purchased 80 acres in section 31, Clinton Township. The place was then partly improved and a house and barn had been started. He completed these two buildings, put up a garage, silo, hen house and other structures, and has made general improvements in the way of fences and new equipmnt. Here he successfully carries on general farming and dairying, and has a herd of graded Guernsey cattle. The cream is sold to the Almena Creamery Co. Mr. Miller was married at Almena on April 21, 1915, to Clara M. Lueck, who was born at Kousouth County, Iowa, March 2, 1897, the daughter of Julius and Margaret Lueck. This union has been blessed with three bright boys, Roy, Earl and Clarence. The family attends the Ger- man Lutheran Church at Almena.

Julius Lueck, at one time an extensive land owner in Clinton Township, was born in Germany and was brought to Grant County, this state, when he was but four years of age. For some years he farmed in Kousouth County,

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Iowa, and for some years in Faribault County, Minn. He came to Barron County in 1901 and purchased 440 acres of wild land in Clinton Township. He built a log cabin and started clearing up the land. A little later he built frame buildings, and developed a part of the land. He died just as he was getting a good start here, Nov. 8, 1903, and his widow now lives in Almena Village. Mr. and Mrs. Lueck were the parents of eight children: John, Henry, Leonard, George, Ida, Emma, Bertha and Clara. Ida M. is the wife of August D. Miller, of Clinton. Emma is the wife of William Schneider, of Waldo, Wis. Bertha M. is the wife of Gust Balko, of Almena Township. Clara M. is the wife of Albert H. Miller, of Clinton Township.

John Alfred Nelson, Sr., a worthy and God-fearing pioneer of section 10, Prairie Farm Township, now deceased, was born in Sweden Aug. 15, 1837. He was reared and educated there, and married Emma Christina Ward, who was born in that country Dec. 14, 1840. They came to America in the summer of 1866 and after a long and tiresome voyage aboard a sailing ship, landed in New York. From there they found their way to Red Wing on the Mississippi River, in Goodhue County, Minn., where they remained about a year. In 1867 they moved to Menomonie, where he entered the employ of Knapp, Stout & Co. A year later he came to Barron County and located on a homestead of 160 acres in section 10, Prairie Farm Township, moving his family into a small log cabin which he built. The land was then covered' with heavy timber and no roads led to it. Life in the wilds had but few comforts. The furniture for the little home was made from trees and poles cut on the place. Tools were few. It was some time before the farm was sufficiently cleared to raise enough crops to support the family, so for several years Mr. Nelson spent his winters in the woods, leaving his wife alone in the cabin among the trees. She passed the lonely hours looking after her household duties, attending to the chores, and spinning yarn and knitting socks and mittens. Mr. Nelson would some- times walk as far as Menomonie for supplies, bringing home his purchases on his back. His family well remembers one time when he came home with a spinning wheel on one shoulder and a heavy load of groceries on the other. As the family grew Mr. Nelson put up a second log cabin. Still later, as the county was developed and roads put through, he built a good frame house across the road from his original site. He erected other good buildings, added forty acres of land and in time had a good place on which he successfully carried on general farming and dairying. Mr. Nelson died Sept. 30, 1916. He was a man of many engaging qualities. Of genial temperament, with a good word for all, he was a man of broad mind, and not only was a loyal contributor to his own church but also helped other churches. He had a most abiding faith, and in times of stress and trouble he prayed for help, and as a result was comforted and sustained. His memory will long be cherished as a wholesome influence in the community. His wife died Oct. 16, 1904. Mr. and Mrs. Nelson were the parents of eight children, one born in Menomonie and seven in Prairie Farm Township. Andrew was born July 23, 1867. Emma was born Dec. 9, 1871, and died May 14, 1921. Tilda was born April 1, 1873. Louisa was born June 26, 1875, and died in infancy. Sophia was born July 13, 1877. John A. was born Sept. 22, 1880. Joseph was born April 9, 1883, and died Jan. 14, 1908. Louise was born April 22, 1885, and is the wife of Ralph Kipp, of Dallas Township.

John A. Nelson, Jr., a prosperous farmer of section 10, Prairie Farm Township, widely known as a lover of out-of-door sport, was born in a log cabin on the place where he still lives, Sept. 22, 1880, the son of John Alfred Nelson, Sr., and Emma Christina Ward. He was reared on the home place, attended the log schoolhouse in the neighborhood, and learned farming from his father. He now owns the home place and successfully carries on general farming and stock raising. The home and other buildings are in good repair, the farm is well kept, and everything about it bespeaks the good judgment and hard work of the owner. Mr. Nelson has been interested in outdoor life since

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MR. AND MRS. JOHN A. NELSON, SR.

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early boyhood. Even as a youngster he was known as a good shot, and in the lumber woods where he worked for several winters as a young man, he had quite a reputation for his athletic ability. He still enjoys hunting and fishing, and has a fine collection of guns. Included in the collection is his father's old muzzle loading rifle, which he will hand down to his own sons as a keepsake. Mr. Nelson was married on April 2, 1914, at Prairie Farm, to Myrtle Seeger, who was born in Prairie Farm Township, this county, Sept. 28, 1894, the daughter of John C. and Catherine Seeger. Mr. and Mrs. Nelson have a fine family of four children; Joseph Elden, Kenneth John, Clinton Merton and Vivian Violet, all at home.

Thom Miller, a hard working and respected citizen of section 3, Clinton Township, was born in Norway June 19, 1866, the son of Thoral O. and Emma Thoralson, the former of whom, a prominent merchant and banker, is still living in Norway. Thom was reared in his native land, attended school, and as a young man was employed by his father teaming and farming. For some years he also worked in the nickel refineries. He was twenty-five years of age, when in 1891 he came to the United States. With headquarters at Min- neapolis, Minn., he worked in the woods on farms and as a stone mason. In 1894 he came to Barron County. Here he worked for Halvor Larson, cutting cord wood at eighty cents a cord. He also did farm work. In 1898 he pur- chased 80 acres of land in Clinton Township, to which he later added 40 acres more. In 1919 he sold the eighty acres and began to rebuild on the 40 acres. When he first took the land it was wild and heavily timbered. In clearing it he sold 7,500 feet of logs to Harry Jacobs. He put up a house, a barn 30 by 40 feet, and other buildings. Here he successfully carries on general farming and dairying. Milk from his herd is sold to the Barron creamery. It is interesting to note that in 1917 Mr. Miller made a trip to Norway to visit his parents. He has many souvenirs of his visit, including a bread ticket. Without a bread card it was impossible to get anything to eat. He made the trip home in safety in 1918 and failed to encounter a single submarine, though the crew was constantly on the lookout. Mr. Miller is a brother of Ole Thor- aldson, of this township, his name being a modified form of the estate name of Mallon.

Adolf Rolf, a careful and prudent farmer of section 18, Clinton Township, in which vicinity he has lived since boyhood, was born in Lester Prairie, McLeod County, Minn., Dec. 13, 1887, the son of Adolf and Bertha Rolf, the former born in Ohio, and the latter near Milwaukee, Wis., and both of German descent. The father brought the family to Barron County in 1896 and bought 240 acres of land in Clinton Township, where he farmed until killed while blasting stumps, Oct. 31, 1901. The mother still lives on the home place. In the family there were eight children: Gusta, the wife of Philip Miller of Sand Point, Idaho; Herman; Adolf; Martin; Anna, wife of Ed. Retzlaf, of Turtle Lake, this county; Herbert; Fred, deceased; and Louisa, deceased. Adolf attended school in his native county three years and continued his education in the district schools of Clinton Township. He spent two years as a helper in a blacksmith shop in Almena, but aside from that he has devoted his life to farm work. Feb. 1, 1914, he purchased 80 acres in section 18, Clinton Town- ship. This land was partly improved. He has continued the improvements, and now has about 60 acres under the plow. He has put up a modern stucco- finished house, furnished with many improvements; a barn 34 by 76 feet, with full cement basement, furnished with Louden equipment and running water; a silo and other buildings. Here he successfully carries on general farming and dairying along approved lines. He was married at Almena, Feb. 14, 1913, to Anna Miller, who was born in Elmore, Minn., on May 10, 1895, the daughter of August and Amelia Miller. This union has been blessed with three chil- dren: Randolf, Louella and Viola (deceased). August Miller was born in Germany. He came to America in 1869, lived in Canada until 1879, and then came to the states and located in Faribault County, Minn., where he farmed

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History of Barron County Wisconsin, Part 95

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

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