History of Buffalo and Pepin Counties Wisconsin (Volume 2), Part 10

Author: Franklyn Curtiss-Wedge
Publication date: 1919
Publisher:
Number of Pages: 885

USA > Wisconsin > Buffalo County > History of Buffalo and Pepin Counties Wisconsin (Volume 2) > Part 10
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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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but seven years old, and it was chiefly to the mother that the children owed their start in life, as it was she who secured a homestead of 120 acres in Modena township, section 4, to which there was a trail cut through the woods, but no road. There she settled with her four children, two cows and an ox team, and as Christ was only a young boy and the other children girls, the labor devolved almost entirely upon herself. What that labor was every early settler knows, but she persevered and established a home, where she finally passed away at the age of 77 years, leaving a record that marks her as a woman deserving of high honor. She was a member of the Norwegian Lutheran church and was buried in Church valley, where her husband's remains also repose. Christ C. Serum re- mained on the old farm and took an active part in its improvement. He built a new log house, larger and more convenient than the original build- ing, also a good barn and silo. As a general farmer and stock raiser he was successful and also became a shareholder in the packing plant at South St. Paul. A member of the Lutheran church, he served on its official board. He continued his farming operations until August, 1918, when he retired and took up his residence in Urne, where he is now living. Mr. Serum married Carrie Christianson, who was born in Norway, January 29, 1859, daughter of Sever and Anna Olson, who came to the United States in 1869, crossing the ocean in seven weeks, and settling in Fillmore county, Minnesota, whence six years later they moved to Modena township, Buf- falo county, for their final residence. Mr. and Mrs. Serum have had the following children: Ella, Anna, Olaus, Sever, Albert, John, Elmer, Carl, Mary, Melvin, Arthur, Clara and an infant that died unnamed. Clara and Anna are also now deceased. Elmer is now a member of a machine gun company in the American army serving in France. Sever and Olaus (twins) have been drafted for service.

Toney H. Quarberg, a well-known farmer of Modena township, was born on his parents' homestead in this township, June 10, 1888, son of Martin and Martha (Anderson) Quarberg. As a boy he attended the dis- trict school and was brought up to farm life and labor. About 1909 he began operating the home farm on his own account and is still located here, having a tract of 160 acres, where he is raising good stock, besides the usual crops. Through hard work he has attained to a prosperous condi- tion in life and is one of the substantial citizens of Modena township. His religious affiliations are with the Norwegian Lutheran church. Mr. Quar- berg was married February 27, 1915, to Marie Mickelson, who was born in Buffalo county, Wisconsin, daughter of Ole and Maggie Mickelson. He and his wife are the parents of two children: Anga and Orvilla.

Auren Rockwell, one of the early settlers in Modena township, Buffalo county, and formerly township and county official, was a native of New York State, where when a young man he worked as a carpenter and miller, which trades were also followed by his father, Herman Rockwell. About 1860 the family removed west to Wabasha, Minn., where Herman engaged in farming. About 1861 or 1862 he secured 160 acres of land in section 26, Modena township. It was wild government land covered with "grubs" and timber. He and his wife, however. spent the rest of their lives in

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Wabasha, he farming and at times doing carpenter work. Auren Rock- well attempted to enlist for service in the Civil war, but failed to pass the examination. He then gave his attention to farming, obtaining land in Modena township, Buffalo county, from his father, taking up his residence there in October, 1865, a building having been already constructed. Be- ginning in pioneer style with an ox team, he made steady progress and in time accumulated 760 acres of land, all of which, except one forty-acre tract in Alma, was situated in Modena township. He was one of the most forceful and progressive citizens the township ever had, holding office a great part of the time and working in many ways for the general good of the community. Among other useful work he had much to do with caus- ing the railroad to be constructed through the county. At one time he served as county treasurer, and he also for a while held a partner's interest in the Alma Journal. A prominent member of the Methodist church, he also served as Sunday school superintendent, while fraternally he was affili- ated with the Knights of Pythias. At first a Republican in politics, he became a Democrat at the time of President Cleveland's first candidacy. Mr. Rockwell died in 1899 at the age of 67 years, after a long career of useful activity. His wife, whose maiden name was Mary Benedict, was a native of Connecticut, in which state they were married. She lived to the age of 77 years, passing away in 1908. They had seven children: Albert Erwin, Lucy, Moses, Ida, Frank, Fred and Emily ; the last mentioned died young.

Frank Erwin Rockwell, a prosperous farmer of Modena township, was born in section 26, this township, October 30, 1865, son of Auren and Mary (Benedict) Rockwell. He attended school here and also for one winter in Minnesota. With that exception he has always resided on the old home- stead, at first assisting his father, and later renting the place for five years with his brother Fred. He then bought a part of the farm lying in sec- tion 35 and consisting of 120 acres, on which there was no building, which defect, however, he soon remedied. Of that tract he later sold forty acres, and now owns seventy acres in section 36, and 113 acres in section 35. He has a well improved place, on which he is raising full blooded Percheron horses and Jersey cattle. He is also a stockholder in the Modena cream- ery, a member of the Equity Exchange at Mondovi, Wis., and also of the Lutheran church. Mr. Rockwell was married February 2, 1895, to Mary B. Lauterbach, who was born in Buffalo county, Wisconsin, daughter of August and Emelia Lauterbach. Mrs. Rockwell died at the age of 45 years, in January, 1911, leaving two children, Freda and Auren, both of whom are residing at home.

John W. Voss, proprietor of the old Voss homestead farm in section 35, Gilmanton township, Buffalo county, was born on this farm February 3, 1880, son of John and Sophia (Bockenhauer) Voss. He was educated in the district school, which he attended up to the age of 14 years, and has always remained on the home farm, assisting his father up to the time of the latter's retirement in 1906, at which time he bought the place. The farm is located about four miles from Gilmanton, twelve from Mondovi and twenty from Alma, the two latter villages being Mr. Voss's markets.

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The soil is a good clay loam, and of the 155 acres, ninety are under the plow. Mr. Voss carries on general farming and dairying and is breeding full blooded Holstein cattle and Poland-China swine, all the branches of his business being conducted on a profitable basis. Until 1916 he resided in the frame house built by his father, but in that year he built his present residence, a frame two-story modern dwelling, 28 by 28 by 16 feet in di- mensions. He has also erected a frame barn 24 by 40 by 12 feet, with a full stone basement, this latter building having been constructed in 1910. In 1918 he erected a stave silo, 12 by 24. The granary, a frame building, 14 by 22 by 12 feet, and the poultry house, 10 by 12 by 8 feet, were erected by his father. Mr. Voss has been clerk of his school district for some years, but is not active in politics. He votes the Republican ticket. His fraternal society affiliations are with Camp No. 2464, M. W. A., of Gilman- ton. On November 17, 1906, Mr. Voss was united in marriage with Ma- tilda, daughter of Joseph and Mary (Herdeg) Mattausch, of Alma town- ship, Buffalo county. They have had three children, two of whom (twins) died in infancy. The surviving child is Frances, who was born April 11, 1911.

William L. Knospe, a prosperous farmer and dairyman of section 27, Belvidere township, Buffalo county, was born in Belvidere, October 2, 1887, son of Charles and Rika (Mueller) Knospe. The father was born in Ro- senthal bei Soldin, Germany, November 25, 1854, and came to America in 1873, settling on a tract of land in Belvidere township, Buffalo county, Wisconsin. It was a part of the wilderness, being covered with trees, and he began improvements by clearing a space on which he erected a small house, in which he lived a bachelor life until 1880. He married Rika Mueller of Fountain City, who was born September 3, 1864, and whose parents removed to a farm in Belvidere township. Mr. and Mrs. Charles Knospe resided on their farm until ten years ago when, on account of Mrs. Knospe's health, they retired and took up their residence in Cochrane village, where they are now living. They are the parents of six children: Louisa, Charles, Alvina, William, Edward and Clara, all now living. Will- iam L. Knospe spent his youth in the usual manner of farmers' sons in this region, attending district school and helping his father in the home farm. After reaching the age of 20 he worked out as farm hand for a year and subsequently operated a creamery route for something over two years. Then for two seasons he rented a farm in section 24, Belvidere township, and after that his father's farm in sections 22 and 15, which latter he operated for four years. In 1916 Mr. Knospe bought his present farm, which contains 193 acres, of which about eighty-six acres are cleared, the rest being in wood and pasture land. Here he carries on mixed farm- ing, keeping Holstein cattle, and giving special attention to dairying and the raising of swine. His barn measures 36 by 64, with a lean-to 14 feet long, the barn having a stone foundation, and being equipped with patent stanchions. His residence is a good frame house of seven rooms, and his outbuildings, including a granary and chicken-house, are substantial and conveniently located. Mr. Knospe is also a stockholder in the Cochrane creamery. He employs help throughout the year and is conducting busi-

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OLE AASE AND FAMILY

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ness according to the latest approved methods. Mr. Knospe was married, May 6, 1911, to Adelheid Fetting, who was born in Belvidere, March 31, 1891, daughter of Otto and Lena (Scheidegger) Fetting. Her father was born in Germany and her mother in Buffalo county, Wisconsin. They are now residing in Cochrane, this county. Their children were Emil, Arthur, George, Alvina, Linda, Adelheid, Raymond, John, Mollie and Annie. Mr. and Mrs. Knospe have two children: Dohlas Beulah, born August 10, 1913; and Lyle Wilson, born June 11, 1916. The family are members of the German Lutheran church.

Benedict Aase, one of the early settlers of Dover township, Buffalo county, who is still living, was born in Norway, March 13, 1838, son of John and Susan Aase. The children in the family were Benedict, Anfin, Martha and Gertrude. Benedict grew to manhood in his native land, where in time he was married to Ingeberg In 1869 he left Norway with his young wife for the United States, and after being six weeks at sea a son was born to them on the ocean, whom they named Ole. On arriving in this country the family located first in Dodge county, Min- nesota, where they remained one year. At the end of that time they came to Buffalo county and located in Dover township, Mr. Aase securing a tract of land in section 5. Their first night in the county was spent in a barn. Benedict dug out a hole in a bank which served as a temporary dwelling until he had time to erect a log house. He had bought a yoke of oxen on time payments and with them he began the work of developing his land. His subsequent career was practically identical with that of other success- ful pioneers. In time he bought more land and erected good buildings, raised grain and stock and became prosperous. He has continued his resi- dence on the farm to the present time and is a well known and respected citizen of his township, also being a member of the Norwegian Lutheran church. His wife, who was born March 30, 1838, died in 1910. Their children were: Ole, now a prosperous farmer in Dover township, Buffalo county ; Susan, who is now Mrs. Peter Peterson of Gilmanton township; John, a farmer in Dover township; Lewis, who is on his home farm; and Carl, who is farming in Naples township.

Ole Aase, who is successfully engaged in agricultural pursuits in Dover township, Buffalo county, was born on the Atlantic Ocean, while his parents were on the way to America, March 16, 1869. The voyage occupied nine weeks and he was six weeks old when the family reached Dodge county, Minnesota. A year later they settled in Dover township, Buffalo county, Wisconsin, where he was reared to manhood. His early years after he had passed the age of infancy were spent in attending district school and working on the home farm. As he grew older he developed an ambitious disposition, even in childhood liking to acquire property of his own, and when he became a young man his thoughts were turned to the acquisition of landed property. At the age of 22 years he became the owner of a farm of 160 acres in Dover township, and his career ever since has been that of an enterprising and prosperous farmer. He is now the owner of 200 acres. When he first took up his residence on the place there were only a few acres broken and his land had no buildings on it, but it is now

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a well improved farm, with substantial buildings and about 160 acres under the plow. He is raising Shorthorn cattle of pure breed, having a registered sire. That Mr. Aase has attained a prominent place among his fellow citizens is shown by the fact that he served for three years as a supervisor on the town board, and has also been a director of his school district. His religious affiliations are with the Norwegian Lutheran church. Mr. Aase is a man of cheerful disposition, with a keen sense of humor and a kindly good nature which makes him many friends. He has been successful in life through his own exertions, and has the satisfaction of knowing that no one grudges him the prosperity he has attained. Mr. Aase was married June 10, 1896, to Bell Underdahl, who was born in Goodhue county, Minne- sota, daughter of Hans O. and Rhoda Underdahl. They have five children: Rose, Henry, Ben, Ida and Otis, all living at home.

J. Erwin Ward, a pioneer of Buffalo county, and in his day one of the most popular citizens of Canton township, whose death occurred April 11, 1910, was born in Erie county, New York, June 12, 1830, son of Elanson and Jerusha (Van Ness) Ward. The parents were also natives of New York State, the father born November 15, 1797, and the mother February 11, 1806. Elanson Ward was a farmer, following that occupation in his native state until 1846, when he removed with his family to Green county, Wisconsin, where he made his home until his death. His wife died subse- quently in Durand, Pepin county. Their children were Lucy, Lanson, Angeline, Maria, J. Erwin, Nathan, John and Rachel. J. Erwin Ward was a boy of 16 years when he came with his parents to Wisconsin. He had attended school in New York State, and in Green county, Wisconsin, he received a good training in agricultural work. In 1855 he came as a single man to Buffalo county, driving with a wagon and ox team. On reaching Canton township he stopped in section 5, where he secured land and in the following year built the first frame house erected between Black River and Reed's Landing, which is still standing. In 1857 he was united in marriage to Esther Plumer, who was born in Sanborn, N. H., January 7, 1834, daugh- ter of John and Hulda (George) Plumer. Her parents were both natives of that state, the father born September 11, 1808, and the mother May 27, 1812. They settled in Green county, Wisconsin, later removing to Canton township, Buffalo county, and locating on a farm in section 4 that is now the property of John Plumer Ward, son of J. Erwin. On his marriage, J. Erwin Ward began domestic life on his farm of 180 acres in section 5, where he spent the rest of his life. In time he became a large land owner, he and his son, John P., owning in partnership about 1,000 acres. He was also interested in a co-operative store at Durand. Of a very genial and good-natured disposition, and also something of a humorist, he was very popular among his neighbors, being always ready to do a good turn for anyone. He might have taken a prominent part in local affairs had he so desired, but never cared for town office. However, he served some time as a member of his district school board. He and his wife had four children, namely: Emily, who is now Mrs. A. B. Allison, of Brookings, S. D .; Nathaniel P., born November 22, 1861, who died February 16, 1917; John

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MR. AND MRS. JOHN W. WHELAN

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P., now residing in Canton township; and Angeline, born April 26, 1871, who died July 1, 1911.

John Plumer Ward, one of the most prominent representatives of the agricultural interests of Canton township, Buffalo county, was born in this township, October 28, 1866, son of J. Erwin and Esther (Plumer) Ward. His district school education was supplemented by a course in the Northern Indiana Normal School, and he also attended the agricultural college at Brookings, S. D. After arriving at manhood he became his father's part- ner in farming and the purchase and sale of land, being thus associated until the father's death on April 11, 1910, since which time he has con- ducted operations alone. His farm, known as Wayside Stock Farm, con- tains 820 acres and is one of the largest in Buffalo county. His cattle are of the Shorthorn breed, and he is somewhat extensively engaged in raising Shetland ponies. Mr. Ward was married, October 17, 1895, to Lora L. Hurlburt, daughter of Mamre and Harriet (Evans) Hurlburt, of Maxville township. Their domestic circle has been enlarged by the birth of three children: John P., Jr., Mamre H., and Lorena L. Mr. Ward is a member of the Masonic lodge and chapter at Durand, Mrs. Ward being a member of the Eastern Star lodge. They are influential members of the commu- nity in which they reside and have a wide acquaintance throughout this part of the county.

John W. Whelan, attorney, banker, legislator and public official, was for many years one of the best known men of Buffalo county, and his char- acter and influence are inseparably interwoven into the warp and woof of several decades of Mondovi history. He was born near Monches, Merton township, Waukesha county, Wisconsin, November 1, 1845, son of James and Bridget (Veale) Whelan, both natives of County Waterford, Ireland. As a boy he attended the schools in his neighborhood, and spent his early years much as other youths of his circumstances and surroundings. In 1862, while working in a sawmill at Fond du Lac, Wisconsin, he accidentally lost a foot, and this proved the turning point of his life, for being thus partially incapacitated for strenuous industrial activity, he resolved to de- pend upon his mental powers for whatever success he hoped to gain in life. With this ideal in view he prepared himself and entered the University of Wisconsin, from which he was graduated in 1871 with the degree of Ph. B. Thus equipped he became principal of schools at Fort Worth, Texas, for two years. While thus engaged he became interested in the law, and to perfect himself in legal knowledge he entered the law office of Judge James Barclay, at Shreveport, La. This study he continued after coming north in 1876, in the law offices of Davis & Ellis in Eau Claire, Wis. Late in that year he was admitted to the bar. It was then that he identified him- self with Mondovi as the scene of his future activities. After opening his office here he at once made himself felt as an enterprising and public-spir- ited citizen, and while he was of a conservative nature, there was no move- ment for the real progress and betterment of the community which did not find in him an ardent supporter. The years following his arrival were busy ones, and he constantly added to his interests and to the scope of his work. In 1888, in company with Frank H. Dillon, he established the Bank

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of Mondovi, now the First National Bank of Mondovi. This was the first bank in the county. To his banking interests, his law practice, his model farm, and his duties as a public official, he devoted the remainder of his life. His bank grew in influence and importance and in time he added to his financial interests by securing holdings in the First National Bank of Fairchild. His home and farm on the outskirts of Mondovi became an increasingly interesting hobby in which he took his deepest interest and pride, exhibiting in his management of the farm, his belief in the splendid future of agricultural endeavor in this region. In this connection he organ- ized the Mondovi Dairyman's Association, and his unselfish work as its treasurer had much to do with the success which it is still enjoying. He was also an officer and stockholder of the Mondovi Driving Park Associa- tion, and at his death bequeathed his stock in said association to the city of Mondovi, that the driving park might become a free public park and the permanent site of the annual fair of the Buffalo County Agricultural Association. His interest in education caused his election many years ago to the school board of the city of Mondovi, where he served until his death. He was active in bringing the schools to their present high stand- ard, and the Whelan School, named in his honor, will be a perpetual monu- ment to his hard work, and the esteem in which he was held by his fellow citizens. He was chairman of the town board for twenty-one years, and as such did most efficient service on the county board, his legal training and broad education being important elements in the deliberations of that body. From 1889 to 1891 he sat in the State Assembly, and from 1897 to 1901 in the State Senate, and his legislative record reveals force and excel- lent judgment and will ever remain a matter of pride to the district he represented. After a long and busy life he died June 3, 1906, and his loss was sincerely mourned wherever he was known. A tribute to his memory published at that time said in part: "John W. Whelan was a man of clean heart and high ideals. He was well grounded in fundamental prin- ciples, and seldom erred in deciding the correct course to pursue. He took the short cut to truth and was immovable in his determination, once it was made. At an early date, he determined the business policy he would pursue, and he followed it tenaciously. And that policy won, and won legitimately, the great measure of success he attained. He was an aggressive fighter for the things and the men he believed in. In the legislature he was ever staunch and unyielding for the measures that were for the people's benefit. One of his best and gamest fights was the one he led for the reduction of passenger fares from four to three cents a mile on the "Soo" line. A search of the records finds him right on all questions. He was diligent and faith- ful as a public servant and well earned the high regard in which he was held. As a neighbor and friend he measured to the highest standards. He was ever cheery, cordial and happy. He was simple in his tastes and lived the simple life. He loved nature, the fields, the flowers, the woods, the birds, and all beautiful things. He loved children. These are things that portray the good man. He did many little kindnesses to many people, the sum would amount to more relatively than many men donate to estab- lish themselves memorials in the way of libraries and public buildings.

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His counsel was a safe guide and many sought and followed it. His pleas- ures were of the gentle kind, and he enjoyed them greatly. An evening with his family or with friends filled his demands for diversion and recrea- tion. Truly a good man has gone from the community. The influence of his life that was clean and manly will be an inspiration and a help to those who were his contemporaries and to all who follow the example he left. Mr. Whelan was married, April 21, 1878, to Anna Allen, born at Saratoga Springs, New York, June 24, 1854. This union was blessed with nine children: Dutee A., John V., Judson S., Paul, Mary, Allen, Miller, Julia and Anna. Dutee A. is cashier of the First National Bank of Mondovi. John V. is the manager of the Whelan farm. Judson S. assists with the home farm. Paul is a graduate of the Medical College of the University of Pennsylvania, and is now head surgeon for the Consolidated Copper Mines Co. at Kimberly, Nev. Mary graduated with the degree of M. A. from Columbia University, in the Department of History, and is now a teacher in the Eau Claire High School. Allen graduated from Stout Institute at Menomonie, Wis., taught school for three years, entered the Law Depart- ment of the University of Wisconsin, and is now a private in Company A, 341st Infantry, of the "Black Hawk" Division, serving in France. Miller also graduated from Mondovi High School and the manual training course of Stout Institute, and has taught for the past three years. Julia is a stu- dent in chemistry and Anna in medicine at the University of Wisconsin. It is thus evident that each member of the family following in the father's footsteps, is endeavoring to worthily fill a high sphere in life, and has made or is making adequate preparations to that end. The farm near Mondovi, established by Mr. Whelan, is still the family home, Mrs. Whelan presiding over the household.

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History of Buffalo and Pepin Counties Wisconsin (Volume 2), Part 10

Author: Franklyn Curtiss-Wedge Publication date: 1919 Publisher: Number of Pages: 885

Author: Franklyn Curtiss-Wedge
Publication date: 1919
Publisher:
Number of Pages: 885