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

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 2
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again to get back on the road. When he got to Alma it was towards evening, and there he found that the delay he had experienced had been of benefit to him, as within a few hours the price of wheat had risen from $1.50 to $1.70 per bushel, an increase that paid him amply for his extra trouble and annoyance. On another occasion it took him from one o'clock in the morning until two o'clock the next morning to go to Alma and back for a load of lumber, allowing time for the oxen to feed twice. Mr. Linse is a stockholder in the local creamery and has served as one of its officials. He has also served on the school board and has been an official of the Lutheran church, of which he is a member. Mr. Linse was married, Dec. 13, 1872, to Caroline Danz, who came to the United States from Saxony, Germany, in 1871. He and his wife are the parents of nine children: Oscar, Albert, Emma, Lydia, Mary, Wilhelmina, Ida, Edward and Eugene. Emma, Lydia and Mary have taught school.

John George Stamm, Sr., now living retired in the village of Modena, Buffalo county, is a man who has had a varied and useful career both here and elsewhere, having been connected at different periods with the indus- tries of iron and steel manufacture, building construction and agriculture, as well as having participated prominently in local government matters in the county where he has so long resided-a period of 40 years. Like many of the successful men of Buffalo county, he was born in Switzerland, the date of his birth being Sept. 13, 1850. He was one of the two children of John and Elizabeth Stamm, who lived and died in that country, their other child being a daughter, Elizabeth. After attending school in his native land, he learned the mason's trade, and leaving home at the age of 16 years worked for three years continuously on one building, the insane asylum at Surik. Early in the summer of 1870 he started out on travels through Switzerland and France, but on account of the breaking out of the war between France and Germany was forced to return to Switzerland, and for four weeks was employed at Basel in building kitchens for the soldiers' barracks there, afterwards being employed at Listel at the same work. After that he went to Rumlengen, where he remained a year and a half, subsequently returning to Basel. He also worked on the railroad bridges across the Rhine from Birsfelden. During all this time he was saving his money with the intention of coming to the United States, but it was only after six years of self-denial that he succeeded in accumulating a sufficient sum to pay his expenses. He finally found himself able to make the trip in the spring of 1872, going to Paris and from there to Havre, and from the latter place to Liverpool, where he took a steamer for Boston. From there he went to New York City and then to Pittsburgh, Pa., where he found employment at the Isabella furnace, being foreman of a gang of men there for six years. Soon after arriving in Pennsylvania, in 1872, he was mar- ried to Anna Gausling, who had arrived there that year from Switzerland. In March, 1878, Mr. Stamm came to Buffalo county, Wisconsin, with his wife and two children, Sam and Anna, and secured 63 acres of land in Modena township, on the tract being an old log house. Here he subse- quently erected a better building-a fine brick house-his knowledge of the mason's trade enabling him to do all the work himself, and he not only

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MR. AND MRS. JOHN GEORGE STAMM, SR.

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built his own residence, but for twenty years subsequently took contracts for the erection of buildings for miles around, among those on which he did the brick mason's work being the Modena school house, the English church and the German Lutheran church, as well as the Modena creamery. To his original tract of 63 acres he subsequently added 80 acres more, and four years later, in 1895, sold or traded his farm for a tract of 160 acres. Afterwards he made other land purchases until he owned 245 acres. Besides erecting the building of the Modena creamery, he was one of the organizers of the company, and has been a member of its official board since it started, having served as treasurer for the past eight years. He has held the same office in the German Lutheran church, and has also taken active part in local government affairs, having been one of the town super- visors since 1896, and was made chairman by appointment in 1900, being later elected to that office four terms in succession. He has also served fifteen years as a member of the school board of his district and three years as a clerk. Mr. Stamm retired fom active work in 1910, and now has a comfortable residence in Modena. He is in the enjoyment of a fair com- petency, and is a shareholder in the local telephone company. His children are: Sam, a farmer of Modena, who married Bertha Moy and has nine · children; Anna, wife of Oscar Linse, of Modena township; Matilda, wife of Cornelius Ott, residing in Oregon; George, living on the old homestead in Modena township, who married Alba Heinck and has two children, and Ella, wife of Roy Kunselman, of Alma Center, Jackson county, who has one child.

Ole O. Johnson. In the development of the agricultural resources of Buffalo county, as in many other places, the Norwegian race has taken a prominent part. One of its prominent representatives in Modena town- ship, this county, for many years was Ole O. Johnson, who is now retired. He was born in Norway in 1844, Oct. 4, son of Ole and Mary Johnson. In 1858 the father came with his family to America, landing in this country after a six weeks' voyage in a sailing vessel. Besides the parents there were three children-Ole O., Halvor and John. Their first settlement was in Dane county, Wisconsin, where they stayed six years, the father work- ing at anything he could find to do. They then came to Modena township, Buffalo county, driving in with an ox team and settling on a homestead in little Tamarack valley. This was in 1863. The land was wild, but a log house was erected and there the family stayed for about thirteen years. By that time Ole O. Johnson had become the head of the family, and when he removed to 160 acres of land in Lee valley they accompanied him to the new home. As this land also was wild and there were no buildings on it, pioneer work had to be taken up again, an ox team being used to break the land. On this latter place the parents spent the rest of their lives. They and their children were members of the Norwegian Lutheran church. Forty years ago, or about 1877, Ole O. Johnson was united in marriage with Lena Nelson, who was born in Norway, Sept. 5, 1845, daughter of Nels and Gessie Nelson. She came to the United States at the age of 21 years with her brother Knut, who is now dead, the parents coming later. They located in Modena township, this county, where in time the latter died.

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Ole O. Johnson and wife began domestic life on their farm in section 28, Modena township, where he had to clear the land, building a log house for a first residence. This building he later improved and enlarged, converting it into a house that was chiefly frame without destroying the original log structure. On this place he and his wife lived for many years, improving it and developing it into a good farm and doing a profitable business in the different branches of agriculture. In 1912 Mr. Johnson sold the place and retired from active work, building a comfortable residence on the farm, where he still lives. He still owns 190 acres of land and is a stockholder in the Modena creamery. He is a member of the Norwegian Club. Mr. and Mrs. Johnson have had five children, one of whom, Nels, died at the age of one month. The others are: Otis, who resides in Nelson township; Mary, now Mrs. William Bloomer, of Modena township; Julia, wife of Sam Cochran, of Superior, Wis., and Henry, who resides on the homestead. Mr. and Mrs. Johnson have eight grandchildren.

Sever Hanson, who settled at an early date in Modena township, Buf- falo county, was a native of Norway, where he married Gunnell Kjoren, also a native of that country. Their emigration to the United States oc- curred in 1866, and they brought with them their three children-Hans, Johanas and Ole. At Madison, Wis., they were met by Erik Alme, who helped them to reach Buffalo county, as Mr. Hanson had run out of funds. Renting a house in Norwegian valley, Nelson township, Mr. Hanson worked for different farmers until he had paid his debts and had a little cash in hand. He then realized his ambition of becoming a land owner by home- steading a farm in section 31, Modena township, on which his son, Ben S. Hanson, now lives. This was in the fall of 1867, when the county was thinly settled, and the tract of 160 acres which he obtained was wild and not located on any road. A log dwelling was the first requisite, which he erected, and then getting an ox team, he began the work of developing a farm which he finally brought to a successful issue, also becoming the owner of 160 acres more. In association with his brother Ole he also built a brick house. He was a member of the Norwegian Lutheran church and helped to build its edifice in Church valley. Mr. Hanson was called from life's activities at the age of 65 years, being survived by his wife, who is still residing on the old homestead, having now attained the age of 89 years.

Ben S. Hanson, proprietor of the farm in section 31, Modena town- ship, Buffalo county, established by his father in 1867, was born in Nor- wegian valley, Nelson township, Sept. 24, 1867, son of Sever and Gunnell Hanson. In his boyhood he attended both the district school and the Church Valley School, and was reared to manhood on the home farm, which in company with his brother Ole he operated from 1894 to 1900. In the latter year he became the sole owner and has since done a successful farming business here. The present barn was erected by him and he has besides made other improvements, and is keeping a good grade of stock. His residence is a red brick house of ten rooms, with bath and hot-water heat, and is lighted by electricity from a dynamo run by a gas engine installed by him. He is treasurer of the school board of his district, and

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MR. AND MRS. SYVER HANSON- BEN S. HANSON AND FAMILY

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is a member of the Norwegian Lutheran Church, which he formerly served as trustee. Mr. Hanson married Marit Helstad, a native of Norway, who came alone to the United States. He and his wife are the parents of eight children: Hannah Josephina, Gena, Selma, Arthur Melvin, Sylvia, Belinda, Bertha Alvina, Bernice May, Olga Marie and Elsie Evelyn.

Knute Jordet, who is prosperously engaged in agriculture in section 16, Modena township, Buffalo county, was born on his parents farm, May 27, 1866, son of Knute and Ollea (Knuteson) Jordet. The parents were both born in Norway, and came to this country in 1860 or 1861 by sailing vessel, taking passage on the same boat. . They were married at Spring- dale, Dane county, Wis., and resided in that county subsequently for four years. Knute Jordet then came to Buffalo county on foot to locate a place on which to settle, securing land that now forms a part of the farm of the subject of this sketch. His family joining him, he built a log house into which they moved, there being then three children-Julia, Sarah and Caro- line. Later seven others were born on the farm-Knute, Carl, Olous, Dorothea, Tillie and Ole, being those who are now living, and Leon and Albert, who are deceased. Like all the early settlers, Mr. Jordet often had to carry supplies on his back through the woods. He started with prac- tically nothing but his hands to depend on and it was four years before he got a yoke of oxen. He had, however, a cow, which he fed with wild hay from a tract of marsh land. His farm then consisted of 80 acres, but he has since increased its size by the purchase of 43 acres more. In time he built a good frame house. Both he and his wife have passed away, the former dying at the age of 76 in 1906 and the latter at the age of 78 in 1917. Knute Jordet grew up on the parental homestead, on which he has always resided and where he was the first child born. He was about 28 or 30 years old when he took over the farm, of which he has since been the proprietor. Some of the most important improvements on it are due to him, including the large frame house and a basement barn, 30 by 66 feet. He raises a good grade of stock and carries on farming along modern lines. He is also a stockholder in the Modena creamery.

Mr. Jordet was married, Aug. 20, 1895, to Julia B. Bjorgo, who was born in Norway, Aug. 4, 1866, daughter of Knute and Gertrude Bjorgo. Her parents lived and died in Norway. They had nine children: Ingeborg, Andrew, Inger, Ole, Anton, Anna, Gunhild, Julia B. and Bertha. Andrew and Anna, who never came to this country, are now deceased, as also is Gunhild. Mr. and Mrs. Jordet have seven children: Clifford, Ollie, Inga, Christina, Selma, Anna and Cora, all living home.

Erick Johnson, one of the pioneers of Modena township, who died in 1873, was born in Norway and came to the United States by sailing vessel. He was married in this country to Elizabeth Solve, and located on a farm in Goodhue county, Minnesota, where he resided until 1868. Then with his wife and four children-John, Joseph, Thomas and Carl-he drove with a horse team to Buffalo county, having bought 200 acres of land in section 14, Modena township. The journey was made in a covered wagon and the family brought with them a few cows. Forty acres of the land were already broken, the rest being covered with brush. Mr. Johnson sub-

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sequently purchased 40 acres more and for the rest of his life was engaged in developing his farm. His death, which occurred in 1873, was acci- dental, as he was killed by a steam engine tipping over on his runway, he being then somewhat over 40 years of age. He was a member of the Norwegian Lutheran church. His wife, who also was a native of Norway, was born April 2, 1829, and died March 5, 1908. Their son Joseph died young, and they subsequently had another son to whom they gave that name, and also a son named Erick.

John E. Johnson, who owns and operates a fine farm in section 15, Modena township, was born in Goodhue county, Minnesota, March 28, 1859, son of Erick and Elizabeth (Solve) Johnson. His parents, who were farm- ers, settled in Modena township in 1868, and here he grew to manhood. At the age of 21 years he began farming for himself on 40 acres of land in section 15, Modena township. He was already married to Bertha Thompson, a native of Norway, who had come to the United States with her parents, and they took up their residence and began housekeep- ing in a small shanty that stood on the place. He had a team and a few cows to begin with, and since then has developed a fine farm, having now 140 acres of land. He is successfully raising Jersey cattle. Percheron horses and Poland-China hogs, besides the usual crops, and his operations have proved profitable. Mr. Johnson has also taken pains to improve the looks of his property, as well as to provide all necessary conveniences. In the vicinity of the house he has set out pine trees and one big elm. His barn measures 32 by 64 feet, and he has also built a good wheat granary 44 by 16 feet. He is a stockholder in the Modena creamery, which he has served as director, and has also held township office, both as treasurer and assessor, the latter many times, and has served on the district school board. He is a member of the Norwegian Lutheran church, in which he has held the office of secretary. He is now one of the prosperous citizens of his township, a result achieved only through hard work and perseverance, as in earlier years he had to do a great deal of grubbing to clear his farm. He and his wife have had thirteen children, of whom those now living are: Selma, now Mrs. Otis Lurndal, of Modena township, and has one child, Helen, and Joseph, Walter, Esther and Hazel, residing at home. Those deceased are: Elenor, Sophia, Mattie, Elmer 1st, Carrie, Elmer 2d, Oscar Leo and Victor.

John Myers, a pioneer settler of Maxville township, Buffalo county, where by long and arduous toil he developed a farm from the wilderness, was born in Steuben county, New York, in 1836. He was married in Massachusetts to Bridget McDonough, a native of County Clare, Ireland, and they subsequently located in Fillmore county, Minnesota, whence in 1860 they came to Buffalo county with an ox team, Mr. Myers securing 80 acres of wild railroad land in Maxville township, on which he erected a log building. Four years later he and his family removed to Modena valley, taking 300 acres of wild land, 200 of which lay in Canton township and 100 in Modena township. The place was a part of the wilderness with not even a road to indicate its proximity to civilization, and the Myers were the only settlers in the neighborhood. They arrived in the spring of the

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JOHN J. MYERS AND FAMILY

MR. AND MRS. JOHN MYERS

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year, and Mr. Myers soon had a log house constructed and had begun the work of improvement. He had been thus occupied but for a few months, when in November or December, 1864, he was drafted for service in the Civil War and went to the front, taking part in the battle of Petersburg, where he was wounded in the leg. In August, 1865, he was discharged and returned home to resume his agricultural labors. In time he cleared his farm and made a good home, erecting a frame house. As one of the leading citizens of his township he was called upon to serve as justice of the peace and as town assessor, and the G. A. R. post at Coleman num- bered him among its members. Mr. Myers died at the age of 70 years while on a visit to one of his daughters in Minnesota. His wife passed away at about the same age. Of their five children John J., subject of another sketch, was the eldest and now owns a part of the old homestead. The others were: William J., Isaac F., Margaret and Mary J., all of whom are still living.

John J. Myers, a well-known farmer of Modena township, Buffalo county, who is also connected with other local interests, was born in the city of Lowell, Mass., Nov. 19, 1857, son of John and Bridget (McDonough) Myers. He was still an infant when he came with his parents to Buffalo county, Wisconsin, and his education was acquired in the log school house of his district in Modena township. He has always remianed on the home farm, 80 acres of which came into his possession in 1901, together with some of the buildings. Of the land 25 acres were broken. His farm now contains 160 acres, and he has erected additional buildings, including a barn 36 by 72 feet in size. His stock, all of good quality, consists of Jersey cattle, Percheron horses and Poland-China hogs. Mr. Myers is a share- holder in the Modena creamery, of which he has served as president for 16 years; also in the Equity Exchange, of which he has been a director for three years, and in the local elevator at Mondovi. His fraternal affiliations are with the Modern Woodmen of America, and he has served as clerk of the local lodge since it was organized. On Oct. 19, 1884, Mr. Myers mar- ried Anna Riley, daughter of John and Catherine (Neary) Riley, of Can- ton township, Buffalo county, and he and his wife are the parents of ten children : Ellen, Frank, Mary, Agnes, Rosa, Catherine, Josephine, John, Anna and Alice. Ellen is the wife of Andy McDonough, and Rosa is now Mrs. Peter H. Urnes, of Canton township.

Jacob T. Flakoy, proprietor of a good farm of 230 acres in Modena township, Buffalo county, was born in Norway, May 12, 1851, son of Thora and Carrie Flakoy. The parents, who passed their lives in Norway, had ten children, of whom the subject of this sketch was the fifth in order of birth. Four of the sons-Paul, Ever, Thomas and Jacob-came to the United States, Paul and Jacob, the two first to emigrate, coming in 1869. The latter, who had learned the blacksmith's trade from his father, located in Madison, Wis., later removing to Eau Claire county, where he remained for three or four years. After that he traveled from place to place, work- ing at his trade and whatever he could get to do, but finally coming to Thomson valley, Buffalo county, rented a farm for two years. He then bought a tract of 120 acres in Modena township, and afterwards one of 80

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acres, and since then has bought and sold several farms in Modena and Nelson townships. On his present farm of 230 acres in.Modena township he has erected all the buildings now in use, the first and original structures being of logs. He is doing a prosperous business as a farmer and stock- raiser and is a shareholder in the Burnside creamery. In the Norwegian Lutheran church, of which he is a member, he has held the office of trustee.

Mr. Flakoy married Margaret Hargness, a native of Norway, and he and his wife have had nine children, two of whom died in infancy. The survivors are Ida, Lena, Matilda, Thomas, Alfred, Josephine and Oscar.

Gjert Johnson, one of the early settlers who helped to increase the cultivated area of Modena township, Buffalo county, was born in Norway and came to the United States in 1862 on a sailing vessel, the voyage last- ing seven weeks. He first located in Dane county, Wisconsin, where he remained two years and where, soon after his arrival, he married Susannah Talle. Coming to Buffalo county in 1864, he settled on 40 acres of land in section 18, Modena township, the tract being wild and without buildings. Erecting a log house, he and his wife established their home in it, and with practically nothing but their hands began the work of improvement. An ox team was procured before long, however, after which the work on the farm progressed faster. Supplies were obtained at Reed's Landing and carried home on the back. In time Mr. Johnson became the owner of 260 acres and did a great amount of hard work in clearing the land. He also erected a good frame house and other buildings. He was one of the first stockholders of the Burnside creamery, served on the town side board for three years and was school treasurer for 25 years. He also helped to start the Norwegian Lutheran church, and was one of its trustees. His death occurred when he had reached the age of 72 years. His wife died much sooner, at the age of 45. They had in all eleven children, some of whom died in infancy, and one, Jacob, at the age of twelve years. The others were: Severina, Christopher, Stena, Albert and Julia.

Albert Johnson, a representative agriculturist of Modena township, Buffalo county, having a fine farm of 520 acres in sections 18, 19 and 20, was born on his parents' farm in this township, now forming a part of his own, on Dec. 6, 1872, son of Gjert and Susannah Johnson. He was reared on the homestead, acquiring his education in the district school. In 1897 he took over the old farm, on which he has since made some improvements, one of these being a round barn 60 feet in diameter, which he erected in 1916. He is raising good cattle and full-blooded Poland-China hogs with profitable results. He is president of the local creamery, and of the Equity Local of Urne. For three years he has been a member of the side board of his township, and for many years a school director. He is also a trustee of the Norwegian Lutheran church in Church valley. Mr. John- son married Elizabeth Severson, daughter of Jens Severson, of Modena. She died June 28, 1918. Of this union ten children were born, namely: John, James, Ovida, Sidney, Arthur, Melvin, Hazel, Selvina, Corneta and Julia.

Ole E. Hillman, who is prosperously engaged in the general mercan- tile business at Modena, Buffalo county, was born on a farm in the county

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MR. AND MRS. JOHN McDONOUGH MR. AND MRS. HENRY J. MCDONOUGH MR. AND MRS. JAMES H. NELSON

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.ers, Norway, Dec. 24, 1860, son of Engebert and Astri Hillman. In .12 the parents came to the United States with their children, Ole E., Halvor, Sari and Gurid, making the voyage on a steamship. Ole was then twelve years old and had attended school in Norway. After residing in Madison, Wis., for two years, the family came to Buffalo county, the father taking a homestead of 120 acres of wild land in section -, Modena town- ship, where he built a log house and began farming, making use of the picturesque ox team, in early days the pioneer's best friend. Here Ole E. Hillman grew to manhood, finishing his schooling in the log school house in section 17, and subsequently working on farms in the vicinity. The latter work was not long continued, however, as at the age of 21 years he went to Beef Slough, where for 25 years he acted as cook for the men engaged in lumbering there. On April 4, 1890, he was married to Lottie Sylvesterson, a native of Modena township, Buffalo county, and daughter of Sylvester and Martha Sylvesterson. After his marriage Mr. Hillman took up his residence at Wabasha, Minn., where on leaving the river he engaged in the restaurant business, being thus occupied for two years. In 1907 he sold out his interest in the restaurant and, coming to Modena, pur- chased his present store and business from T. J. Severson, which he has since conducted, enjoying a good patronage. He is also a stockholder in the Farmers' State Bank of Modena, and is the owner of real estate in the village, of which he is one of the leading citizens. Mr. Hillman has served as town treasurer and as trustee of the Norwegian Lutheran church, of which he is a member. The children born to Mr. and Mrs. Hillman are: Roy, who at this writing is a resident of the state of Montana; Spencer, now in the United States service; George, a student at Waldorf College, Forest City, Iowa.

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

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

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