History of Barron County Wisconsin, Part 98

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

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William Scott, retired farmer, Section 25, east, Chetek Township, is an excellent type of the men who came into this part of Wisconsin four decades ago, to assist in its development, and to establish their fortunes. He had strength and capacity for hard work, he had courage and ambition, and his never failing good cheer, his sturdiness of character and his kindliness of temperament have won him friends among all with whom he has come in contact. He was born in County Tyrone, Ireland, Oct. 31, 1858, the son of Joseph and Eliza (Bleming) Scott, who spent the span of their years in that country. In the family there was one other child, a younger brother, Joshua.

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William was reared in his native land, attended school as he had opportunity, and learned farming from his father. In 1881 he came to the United States, and located at Rio, Columbia County, this state, where he started work to pay back the money he had borrowed for his fare. As soon as he was able he bought a farm, and for a while kept house for himself. After his marriage, he came to Barron County, Dec. 24, 1899, and settled on a tract of 160 acres in Section 25, east, Chetek township. A set of old buildings stood on the place and a part of the land had been cleared. He, in time, erected a new set of buildings and developed and improved the land. He has now turned the responsibility of the place over to his son, Kennedy W. Mr. Scott was married in Columbia County, on March 26, 1896, to Florence M. Vining, who was born in January, 1872, the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Harrison Vining. She died April 20, 1914, leaving two children : Kennedy W. and Mary E. Kennedy W., born in Barron County, July 21, 1898, is one of the popular and energetic young men of the neighborhood. He is a leader among the young people, and he is working hard to operate the farm in a modern and successful manner. May E., born July 12, 1903, is doing well with her studies in the Chetek High School.

Rudolph Muller, an influential and substantial citizen of Almena Village, was born in Pomerania, Germany, the son of Carl and Charlotte (Richter) Muller, the former of whom was a forest warden. In the family there were six children : Hermiene, Richard, Rudolph, Carl, Anna and Minnie. Of these Rudolph was the only one who came to this country. He was reared and educated in his native land, and came to America in 1883. He lived a while at Minneapolis, Minn., then at Wayzata, Hennepin County, Minn., and then at Shakopee, Scott County, Minn. From there he came to Barron County in 1893, and located on 160 acres in Section 1, Almena Township. There he erected a log cabin, 26 by 35 feet, one of the largest ever built in the county. Its size made it one of the centers of the community, and in it, early church services were held. He cleared up some of the land, and started farming. Later he sold out, and bought an improved place of 80 acres in Section 26, to which he later added 80 acres more. He had been there but a short time when the great fire swept everything away. When the fierce flames ap- proached, the wife, with the children, Fred, Lottie, Paulina, Rosa and Minnie, the youngest a year and a half old, made their way through the blazing woods, and were in the fire region all day and night, with the flames all around them. All one night they searched for the family and finally found them in a root cellar, with the family of a neighbor, Nels Swanson, Rosa being severely burned. When the horror was over, and the desolated people began to creep back to their ravaged property, Mr. Muller and his family put up two crude sheds, and there lived until they could get a house erected. They had lost everything, but their loved ones were still together, and they sat to work with a will to again establish their fortunes. They put up a good set of buildings, and developed a good farm. In 1915 they sold out and purchased a ten-acre tract near Almena, where the son, Rudolph still lives. In 1920 they retired and moved to Almena Village, where they have a pleasant home, and where they are spending the afternoon of life in tranquility and comfort. Mr. Muller is at present serving as village marshal. At various times he has been road supervisor. He and his family adhere to the German Lutheran Church at Almena, of which he has ably served as treasurer for a quarter of a century. Mr. Muller was married Nov. 10, 1885, at Minneapolis, Minn., to Marie Gierlich, who was born in Leafland, Russia, June 22, 1861, the daughter of Franz and Caroline (Umrod) Gierlich, who brought their three children, Fred, Caroline and Marie, and Mrs. Gierlich's daughter, Amelia Sass to the United States in 1883, and located at Jordan, Scott County, Minn., coming to Barron County with the Muller family in 1893. Mr. and Mrs. Muller have nine chil- dren: Fritz, Charlotta, Paulina, Rudolph, Rosa, Minnie, Elsie, Arthur and Ervine. Fritz (Fred) is a liveryman of Almena. Charlotta (Lottie) is the

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wife of Peter G. Reiter, of Almena. Paulina is the wife of Clyde Forster, of Jamestown, N. D. Rosa is the wife of L. V. Johnson, a Campia banker. Rudolph lives in Almena. He was wounded in the United States service in France. Minnie is the wife of Eugene Curtis, of Prairie Farm, Wis. Elsie is the wife of Joshua Buschy, of Waukesha, this state. Arthur is at home. Ervine is at school.

Peter Christenson, an early settler of the southern part of Dovre Town- ship, was born in Norway, in 1827, and was there reared and educated. As a young man he came to the United States, and worked four years in Wood- stock, Ill. Then he returned to Norway, and there farmed on a small scale for eight years. In 1866 he once more came to the United States, bringing his wife, Georgina Enger, who was born in 1829, and two children: Nels, now of Dovre Township, and Anna, of Los Angeles, Calif. For two years, they resided in Goodhue County, Minn. Then they moved to Eau Claire, Wis., where a daughter, Carrie, was born, June 5, 1868. In that year, they came to Barron County, where they secured 160 acres of wild land in Section 33, Dovre Township, on which he erected a log house and a log stable. No highways had been built, and the main routes of travel were the "tote" roads of the lumber companies. Mr. Christenson had little but his hands and some small implements with which to farm. In a few months, however, he secured a cow, and in time had an ox team. He often walked to Eau Claire for groceries and flour, dragging them back on a hand sled. For several seasons, he worked in the lumber woods to earn enough for the family to live on until the farm be- came productive. He was a man of rugged strength and untiring energy, never ill, and he endured hard work and privations that would have wrecked the health of many a weaker man. His wife was also a woman of courage and fortitude. Left lone with the children, she was often snowed in for weeks at a time, and sometimes for months she saw no one but her family. As time passed, they built up a good place. Mr. Christenson served as treasurer of his school board for many years. The early meetings of the board were held in a lumber camp near Barron. He opened his home to the early meetings of the Norwegian Lutheran faith, and was one of the founders of the congrega- tion in Dovre Township. After a useful life, he died July 1, 1905. His wife died April 14, 1906. Two more children, Hans, now on the old homestead, and Julia, of Los Angeles, Calif., were born in Barron County.

Hans Christenson, an influential and well-to-do farmer of Section 33, Dovre Township, was born in a log house on the place where he still lives, Feb. 5, 1871, the son of Peter and Georgina (Enger) Christenson. He was reared here, learned farming from his father, and attended the district school in the neighborhood. When he was of age, he took over the old homestead, and by hard work, good judgment, and careful purchases, added to his hold- ings until he owned a whole section of land. Then, as opportunity offered, he made advantageous sales until he now has 480 acres left. This he profitably farms, making a specialty of Hereford cattle. He is regarded as one of the most useful men in the community, and has the respect and esteem of all who know him. He has a pleasant home, presided over by his sister, Carrie. Aslak Thompson, early settler and prosperous land-owner of Dunn County, was born in Telemarken, Norway, and was there reared, educated and confirmed. After his marriage, he and his wife, Aasne, continued farm- ing. In the spring of 1879 they came to America, and located at Stoughton, Wis., where he was employed on the farm in the vicinity. In the fall of 1879 they came to Dunn County, and here took a homestead of 160 acres at Pine Creek, in Wilson Township. Here he set to work with a will, built a log cabin and a log barn, started farming operations, and in time succeeded in clearing 50 acres. In 1890 he moved his family onto a tract of 160 acres in Section 7, Sand Creek township, in the same county, which in 1881 he had purchased from Ole Nerison. In 1900 he sold 60 acres of the original tract, 80 that he now has a fine place of 260 acres. The sightly modern home was

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erected in 1913, the barn and other buildings are commodious and appropriate, the place is well fenced, and well stocked and equipped, and everything about the place bespeaks the thrift and good judgment of the owner and his family. Mr. and Mrs. Thompson have a fine family of eight children: Nellie, Edward A., Thomas, Emma, Christena, Christian, Lena and Selma. Nellie is the wife of Peter Stoker, of Dallas Township. Edward A. and Thomas are prosperous farmers of Dovre Township. Emma is the wife of John Knutson, of Dovre Township. Christena is the wife of Joseph Swanson, of St. Paul. Christian is associated with his father on the home farm. Lena is the wife of Ernest Wilson, of St. Paul. Selma is the wife of Carl Johnson, of St. Paul. All the members of the family are well regarded in their respective com- munities.

Thompson Brothers, Section 27, Dovre Township. Edward A. and Thomas Thompson, modern, progressive and prosperous farmers, were born in Dunn County, Wis., Nov. 30, 1879, and Oct. 19, 1881, respectively, the sons of Aslak and Aasne Thompson, early settlers. They were reared in their native county, attended the rural schools, learned farming from their father, and helped him with the work at home until 1901. In that year they came to Barron County, and settled on 160 acres in Dovre Township, which they had purchased the previous year. To this tract they have since added until they now own in all 400 acres, located in Sections 21, 22, 27 and 28, Dovre Township, of which 160 acres are under cultivation. When they first came here, they moved into a small log house which was standing on the original purchase. In 1912 they built a modern frame house of nine rooms and in 1915 a frame barn 36 by 74 feet, with 14-foot posts, and a full cement block basement. The barn is furnished with Louden equipment. Here the brothers successfully carry on general farming along the latest approved lines. They have the best of tools, implements and machinery, they keep well abreast of the times, and are demonstrating by their success the possibilities of Barron County farming. Their herd consists of some thirty head of high grade and full blooded cattle, headed by a full blooded Holstein sire. Both young men are highly regarded and are real leaders in their community. The family faith is that of the Norwegian Lutheran Church. Thomas Thompson was married at Sand Creek, July 2, 1907, to Emelia Thompson, daughter of Paul and Julia Thompson, natives of Norway, and early settlers of Dallas. Paul and Julia Thompson have nine children: Norman, Oscar, Arthur, William, Clarance, Emelia, Mamie, Alice and Edith. Mr. and Mrs. Thompson have three bright sons, Lyndon, Joseph and Philip.

Ole L. Larson, an enterprising and modern farmer of Section 6, east, Dovre. Township, is one of the real leaders of the community. He was born in Sweden, Jan. 7, 1867, the son of Lars and Hannah Olson, the former of whom died in that country some years ago, and the latter of whom died there April 24, 1921, at the good old age of 81 years. A daughter and two sons still live in Sweden, while Ole L. and two sisters came to the United States. The subject of this sketch was reared in Sweden, and as a young man set out for the United States. He landed at Boston, Mass., May 4, 1888, and from there came to Chicago, Ill. From there he went to Dekalb, in the same state, and entered the employ of the American Wire & Steel Co. His next location was at Waukegan, Ill. In 1902, he came to Barron County. Here he purchased 120 acres in Dovre Township, which was all wild and covered with brush. He moved onto a rented farm in the neighborhood, and while operating that, devoted his time to developing his own place, where he now lives, and which is as good a farm as is to be found in the neighborhood. The modern eight-room house is a model of its kind in every particular, with running hot and cold water, bath, furnace, electric lights and other con- veniences. It was erected in 1920. The barn, built in 1915, is also of modern structure, 34 by 60 feet, with cement floor, patent stanchions, and other equip- ment. The whole place bespeaks the good judgment, good taste and hard work

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OLE L. LARSON AND FAMILY

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of the owner. Mr. Larson is indeed a splendid example of what may be accomplished by courage, ability and industry. In early youth he made up his mind that he was sometime to own a pleasant home, amid pleasant surround- ings, and every effort has been bent to that purpose. He is a man of good nature, and genial temperament, a worthy husband and an affectionate father, a jovial companion and a loyal friend. His home, situated on a pleasant rise of land, and constituting one of the land marks of the community, is always open and he and his good wife delight in maintaining hospitality for their friends and their children's friends. Mr. Larson was married Dec. 8, 1900, at Waukegan, Ill., to Mrs. Marie Turnquist, who was born in Sweden, May 11, 1872, the daughter of John and Kajsa Berg, and came to the United States in 1888. Mr. and Mrs. Larson have four children: George, born Sept. 24, 1902; Albert, born May 30, 1904; Louise, born Jan. 11, 1907, and Harry Ivan, born Dec. 22, 1914. By a previous marriage to August Turnquist, Mrs. Larson has two sons, Herbert and Gustave Philip. Herbert served in the navy ten years. For four years he was with the Atlantic fleet, and four years with the Pacific fleet, and during the World War he was gunner on a torpedo boat. He was rescued from the coast survey boat, the U. S. S. "Isis" off the coast of Florida, in February, 1920. He is now in the coast service on Lake Michigan between Waukegan and Chicago. Gustave Philip, who is known as Philip Larson, served overseas for 11 months. He was inducted into the United States service, Sept. 19, 1917, and trained at Camp Grant, Rockford, Ill. He sailed Aug. 18, 1918, and arrived at La Havre, France, Oct. 2, 1918. On July 5, he was made corporal in Co. F, 341st Infantry, 86th Division. March 15, he was transferred to Co. A, 544th Engineer Corps, and was made sergeant. On Jan. 1, 1919, he was transferred with the same rank from Co. F, 341st Infantry, 86th Division. He was returned to the States on the Koningin der Nerderlanden, landed at Norfolk, Va., July 7, 1919, and was discharged at Camp Grant, July 23.

James Burton was born in Rush County, Ind., the son of Leonard Burton, who was born in Lincolnshire, England, and settled in Rush County, Ind., in 1815, where he developed a farm, and where he also helped in the original construction of the Wabash and Erie Canal. James was reared in his native county and as a young man married Maria Jackman, who was born in Virginia, but who was also reared in that county. In 1848, they moved to Fulton County, Ind., where they farmed for several years, going from there to Plymouth, Ind., in 1865. They came to Barron County in 1878 and bought 160 acres of wild railroad land in Maple Grove Township. Although over three score years, Mr. Burton cleared this land, erected good buildings, and de- veloped an excellent farm. In the family there were four children: Richard A., of Cameron; James E. of Barron; Mary E., widow of Julius Amundson, and Levi T., of Cameron.

Richard A. Burton, station agent at Cameron, is one of the veteran rail- road men of the state. He was born in Rochester, Ind., July 11, 1854, son of James and Maria (Jackman) Burton, with whom he moved to Plymouth, Ind., in 1865, and to Barron county, this state, in 1878. As a youth he received a district and High School education. This he supplemented with a com- mercial course in the Holbrook National Normal school at Lebanon, Ohio. With this preparation he became an instructor, teaching the regular district school studies in the day time, and giving lessons in penmanship in various districts in the evening. After coming to Wisconsin, he taught one year at Wilson and three years at Clayton. The last year he spent at Clayton he learned the art of telegraphy. Aug. 1, 1882, he was placed on the books of the "Omaha" as relief agent. Sept. 25, 1882, he was assigned to duty as station agent at Cameron, then the end of the road. In this capacity he has since re- mained. In 1884, when the "Soo" line was put through, Mr. Burton was given a similar position with that company, which employment he likewise retains. For some time during the construction of the "Soo" Cameron was

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the supply point for a considerable stretch east and west, and Mr. Burton as supply agent handled all the steel and other supplies. For some years he did the work alone, but the business has so increased that a force of nine men is now required. In the earlier days Mr. Burton was very active in public life, and served as town treasurer and as a member of the school board. Fraternally he belongs to the Blue Lodge, Chapter and Eastern Star of the Masons, and the Odd Fellows and the Modern Woodmen, being one of the oldest Woodmen in the country. He is also a member of the Veteran Associa- tions both of the "Omaha" and the "Soo." Mr. Burton was married at Wilson, Wis., April 9, 1879, to Partha Stockman, daughter of Thomas and Jane (Mckibben) Stockman, natives of Indiana, who came to Wilson in 1875, and there engaged in farming until 1895, when they moved to Lincoln, Neb., where they both died. Mr. and Mrs. Burton have three children: James E., Fred A. and Richard R. James E. is operator and ticket agent for the Chi- cago, Milwaukee & St. Paul, at Milwaukee. Fred A. is a conductor on the "Omaha" with headquarters at Spooner, Wis. Richard R. is a clerk in the railroad office at Cameron.

Julius E. Olson, manager at Cameron for the C. A. Carlson Cheese Co., is one of the active men of the place and is well known in village and country. He is a thorough business man, and in addition to being well equipped by nature for his position, is a cheese expert, familiar with every department of dairying, in farm, factory and store. He is a native of this county, born in Cedar Lake Township, Sept. 13, 1884, son of John J. and Lena (Olson) Olson, natives respectively of Columbia County and La Crosse County, both in this state. The father came to Barron County in 1879, settled in Cedar Lake Township, was there married, and there successfully farmed until 1919, when he retired and moved to Rice Lake. In the family there were ten children: Clara, Julius, Carl, Thomas, Claudina and Alvina (twins), Leonard and Llewlyn all living in Barron County, and Inga and Elmer, deceased. Julius was reared on the home farm, attended district school, and remained with his parents until 1902. Then he started cheese making. After working one year in his own town and five years in New Richmond, this state, he attended the Minnesota Dairy School at St. Paul. Then he had charge of the cheese factory of the Campia Cheese Co., at Campia, this county, three years, and of the butter and cheese factory of the New Richmond Cheese & Dairy Co. at New Richmond for a similar period. He came to Cameron and assumed the duties of his present position in 1919. Fraternally he is a member of the Odd Fellows' Lodge and Encampment at New Richmond. Mr. Olson was married at New Richmond, June 13, 1913, to Emma Nelson, daughter of Christ and Caroline Nelson. Christ Nelson was born in Darlington, Wis. His wife Caroline was born in Norway, and was brought to this country by her parents in infancy. Mr. and Mrs. Nelson have farmed for many years on Star Prairie, Alden Township, this county. Mr. and Mrs. Olson have three bright children, Ruth and Reva (twins) and Leonora.

Levi T. Burton, extensive potato buyer of Cameron, was born in Fulton County, Ind., June 23, 1860, son of James and Maria Burton, both natives of that state, who came to Barron County in 1877 and engaged in farming in Maple Grove Township, where they spent the remainder of their lives, both the parents being now deceased. In the family there were four children: J. Edward, Richard A., Emma, widow of Julius Amundson, and Levi T. Levi T. attended the public schools of his native county, came to Barron county with his parents, at seventeen years, and remained with them assisting in de- veloping their farm, for some years. For a while he worked in sawmills in Clayton and Turtle Lake. In 1884 he became assistant station agent at the old village of Cameron for the Chicago, St. Paul, Minneapolis & Omaha Rail- way. Later he moved to the new village, and for nine years was operator and bill clerk there for the same railroad. Then for three years he was train agent, looking after small stations where there was no local agent. In 1896

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JULIUS E. OLSON

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he formed a partnership with M. C. Howard in buying horses. He took up his present business as a potato buyer in 1898. He has been successful in this line, and has the confidence of all with whom he has dealings. His holdings include stock in the State Bank of Cameron, the Canton Farmers' Telephone Co., and the Chippewa Falls Silver Fox Farm. In public affairs he has been a member of the village board for twelve years. Fraternally he belongs to the Odd Fellows and the Modern Woodmen. He was married at Cameron, in 1892, to Genie Frederickson, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Lars Frederickson, both now deceased. In the family there were seven children, of whom there are now liv- ing five: Ole, Martin, Christine, Fredericka, wife of Ole Jorstad, of Cameron, and Genie, wife of Levi T. Burton.

Edward William Koepp, iron worker, wood worker and farmer, has a well equipped establishment in Cameron, where he does general blacksmithing, general repairing and gas welding, and in dull seasons manufactures sleighs which are in wide demand. He also has the local agency for the De Lavall Cream Separator. He was born in Baraboo, Sauk County, this state, Dec. 21, 1894, son of Albert and Fredericka (Nearlich) Koepp. The father was born near Berlin, Prussia, Germany, and as a young man was coachman for a noble family there. Upon coming to the United States he settled first near Baraboo, Sauk County, Wis. In 1902 he came to Barron County, and for many years was engaged in the machinery business at Barron City. He is now on a good farm of 80 acres in Barron Township. Of the twelve children in the family there are now living nine: Edward, Ernest, George, Albert, Leonard, Theodore, Arthur, Dorothy and Clara. Edward came to Barron County as a boy, attended school in Barron Township, and helped his parents at home. As a young man he was employed as a farmer and learned the carpenter's and blacksmith's . trades. He came to Cameron and opened his present establishment March 17, 1919. He is a well known citizen and has served the village as marshal. Fra- ternally, he is a member of the Modern Woodmen. Mr. Koepp was married April. 11, 1916, at Barron, to Leta Hover, one of six children, all living, of Homer M. and Christie (Cox) Hover, pioneer farmers in Barron Township, Barron County.

Knut O. Lofgren, a substantial and sturdy blacksmith of Cameron, was born in Sweden, Jan. 25, 1873, son of Gustave and Charlotte Lofgren. The father, who was also a blacksmith by trade, spent his whole life in Sweden. In the family there were six children. Alfred, Charles, Ludwig, Alma and Knut live in the United States, and Sven is dead. Knut O. was reared in his native land, attended school and learned blacksmithing from his father. He came to the United States in 1891 and settled at Stanton, Iowa, where he followed his trade. In 1901 he came to Barron County, and after conducting an establish- ment at Chetek for two years opened his present shop in 1903. He is an expert at his business, he has a good trade and his nearly twenty years' residence in the county has given him an excellent reputation for probity and worth. Mr. Lofgren was married at Cameron to Jennie Forseth, daughter of Evan and Stina Forseth, natives of Norway, who came to this country as young people and here spent the remainder of their lives. Mr. and Mrs. Lofgren have five children : Loleta, Cornelius, Glen, Charlotte and Constance, all at home.

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History of Barron County Wisconsin, Part 98

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

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