History of Buffalo and Pepin Counties Wisconsin (Volume 2), Part 21

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 21
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spirited man, and during his active career often served in local office. His daughter Elizabeth (Mrs. Hardy) was one of eight children. She was educated at Lodi Academy, at Lodi, Wis., and when about 17 years of age began teaching school in Columbia county, and subsequently followed that occupation there and in Dane county for several years. While on a visit to her sister, Mrs. Niles, in Pepin county, she was induced to take charge of a school in the district in which Mr. Hardy's parents lived, and thus be- came acquainted with their son Joseph, whose wife she became. Until her marriage, however, she continued to teach school. Since her early years Mrs. Hardy has devoted much of her time to literary work. When quite a young girl she began writing for the Frank Leslie publications, and her talent was such as to obtain ready acceptance for her articles. Later she became a contributor to the Standard magazine, and other magazines and papers, in which her stories and poems frequently appeared. Some of the latter were set to music as songs or cantatas, and in this way have become well known in musical circles all over the world. After her marriage she began to turn her attention to agriculture, contributing articles on the sub- ject to various farm papers, and is now household editor for the Wisconsin Agriculturalist. She is about to publish a book of poetry, under the title of "Life, Love and Laughter," to which event those who are acquainted with her work look forward with pleasurable anticipations. The Mun- sey's and Scribner's magazines are among those which in recent years have gladly accepted articles from her pen. After her husband's death Mrs. Hardy disposed of Sunny Brook Place and bought her present resi- dence in Durand, where she expects to make her permanent home. She is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church in Durand and takes a helpful part in every practical enterprise for the betterment of her city, county and state.

George Peter Gerber, Sr., one of Pepin county's pioneer settlers, was born in Germany, March 22, 1811. He learned the business of farming and when 25 years old came to America, locating first in Oneida county, New York, where he lived for eighteen years. He was married in this country to Catherine Fassmann and in 1856 came to Durand, Wis., where for a number of years he conducted a boarding-house, and also, for twenty years, a lime kiln. His death took place on September 24, 1889. He had served as overseer of highways and was a well known and popular citizen. His wife Catherine, who by a previous marriage had two children, Caroline and Alonzo, by her marriage with Mr. Gerber had four, namely: Mary, George Peter, Jr., Katherine and Jacob William. Mrs. Gerber died April 2, 1890.

George Peter Gerber, son of George Peter, Sr., and Catherine (Fass- mann) Gerber, was born in Oneida county, New York, April 15, 1846, and accompanied his parents to Durand, Wis., at the age of ten years. He at- tended school here and for two winters was a pupil at the Durand Academy. He resided at home until he was 21 years old, taking care of his parents. In 1873 he went to California, remaining there two or three months, and then going on to Oregon and Washington, was employed in the lime busi- ness at Roseburg, Ore., for about eight months. He then returned by way of San Francisco to New York State, on a visit, subsequently coming back

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MR. AND MRS. GEORGE P. GERBER

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to Wisconsin after an eighteen-months' trip. Here he took up carpenter work, in which he was engaged for a number of years, and in 1885 erected what is now the Masonic Temple, which building he recently sold to the lodge. He also erected a number of residence buildings which he sold. He still owns the old Gerber homestead of forty acres, which lies within the city limits of Durand, and which he operates as a general farm. Mr. Gerber belongs to the Blue Lodge and Chapter of the Masonic order, he and A. J. Wallace being the two oldest Masons in the lodge. Mr. Gerber was first married June 6, 1876, to Barbara Kircher, who was born in Ger- many, daughter of John and Barbara (Young) Kircher, who were early settlers in Pepin county. Mr. Kircher, who in his later years was a retired farmer, died in Buffalo county. His wife had died years before in Minne- sota, before he came to this county. Mrs. Barbara Gerber died May 27, 1891, having been the mother of five children: Eva Henrietta, wife of Charles Smith, proprietor of a barber school at Minneapolis, who has one child, William Carson; George William, of Minneapolis; Helen, who mar- ried Charles Meixner, a clerk in the postoffice at Minneapolis, and died June 2, 1918, leaving one child, Helen C., who lives with her grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. Gerber; August Edward, who was engaged in a manufac- turing business in Minneapolis, but who is now in France in the United States service; and Charles Ernest, who is a mason and resides at home. Mr. Gerber married, secondly, November 15, 1895, Miss Nina Willimann, who was born at Luzerne, Switzerland, daughter of John B. and Catherine (Glanzman) Willimann. Her parents, who were natives of that country, came to America in 1868, locating at Highland, Ill., where they resided two and a half years, and then removed to Menominee, Wis., where Mr. Willi- mann died in 1910. He was a book binder and music teacher by occupa- tion, and while in Switzerland had been an instructor of military bands, and also a composer. His wife's death occurred two years after his. Their daughter Nina (Mrs. Gerber) was the fourth born of their eight children and attended school both in Switzerland and America. Of Mr. Gerber's second marriage no children have been born.

Michael Barron, a well known and respected farmer residing in sec- tion 20, Waubeek township, Pepin county, was born in Waterville town- ship, Pepin county, June 28, 1861, son of James and Ann (Lieth) Barron. The parents were natives of Ireland, the father born in Down, February 7, 1802, the mother in County Tyrone in 1829. Both were farming people, and, like many others in their unhappy country, they sought in America that freedom and opportunity for self advancement that were too restricted at home. It was in 1856 that they landed in this country and settled in Eau Galle township, Dunn county, Wisconsin, where James Barron found work in a lumber mill. Later he and his wife moved to a farm in the same township, where they spent the rest of their lives, his death taking place in 1884 and hers in 1907. Michael Barron in his boyhood attended dis- trict school in Waterville township. He early acquired a knowledge of farm work, and when only 13 years old became connected with the logging business, working in Chippewa county, and on the Chippewa river, driving rafts and steamboating. Before the railroads were constructed he used to

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carry freight on the Chippewa river. He also helped to build the bridge across the Chippewa river at Durand. In these various labors he was engaged from 1874 to 1897, in which latter year he commenced farming at his present location. He is raising both crops and stock successfully and conducting his farm on a profitable basis. Mr. Barron is a Democrat in politics and has been a member of the town board of Waubeek township for a number of years. On January 19, 1889, Mr. Barron was united in marriage with Martha Gordon, who was born April 23, 1862, daughter of William J. and Ellen (Davidson) Gordon. He and his wife are the parents of four children: Ellen Martha, Clara Belle, Mary Frances and Georgina Gordon, the two latter residing at home. Ellen Martha is the wife of Alfred Clarke and lives in Minneapolis, while Clara Belle married Edward Erickson, and they reside in Eau Claire.

George Ingersoll, a prosperous farmer residing in Section 5, Waubeek township, Pepin county, was born in Connecticut in 1853, the younger of the two children of W. B. and Elmira (Howe) Ingersoll. The parents were farmers who came to Waterville township, Pepin county, in 1857, and cleared up a farm which they later exchanged for that now operated by George Ingersoll. The father died in 1887 and the mother in 1897. George Ingersoll attended the Marble District School in Waterville township and later a district school in Eau Galle township, Dunn county. He was brought up on the farm and at the age of 18 years, having acquired a good prac- tical knowledge of agriculture, began working out, being thus occupied most of the time. In 1887 he began farming for himself on the old home- stead, where he has since remained, and has had a successful career, being now numbered among the prosperous agriculturists of Waubeek township. A Republican in politics, he has taken an intelligent interest and active part in public affairs, having served as a member of the township board, and also as path master for a number of years. Mr. Ingersoll was first married in 1881 to Sarah Trombley, daughter of Joseph and Mary (Jarvis) Trombley. Her parents were born in Canada and were of French descent. Removing to New York State, they later came west to Iowa, and in 1879 to Waubeek township, this county, where they resided on a farm until their death, the father in 1902 and the mother in 1913. He was a Civil war veteran, having served in an Iowa regiment. A few years after Mr. Inger- . soll's marriage his wife, Mrs. Sarah Ingersoll, died, leaving one child, Bertha, who is now the wife of Charles Lorshbough, a farmer of Lewisville, Dunn county, and the mother of two children, Benjamin and Mabel, both young. In 1886 Mr. Ingersoll married Hattie Trombley, a sister of his first wife, and of this union six children have been born, of whom three are now living: Myrtle Ruby, wife of Frank Grossman of Menominie, Wis .; Joseph Ray, who resides on the home farm, which he is helping to operate, and Ralph, also residing at home. The family are members of the Meth- odist church and have a high standing in the community in which they live.

Carl William Becker, proprietor of a well improved eighty-acre farm in section 26, Albany township, Pepin county, was born in Port Huron, Mich., June 11, 1858, son of Carl and Caroline (Mecklenberg) Becker. The parents, both natives of Pommerania, Germany, were married in that coun-

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GEORGE INGERSOLL AND FAMILY

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ETTLING HOUSE

DURAND BREWING CO.

BREWERY AND RESIDENCE OF FRANK BAUR

FRANK BAUR AND FAMILY

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try and came to the United States about 1855 or 1856, locating in Michigan. In that state they resided until 1864, when they came to Buffalo county, Wisconsin. Carl Becker served as a soldier during the last nine months of the Civil War, and then returning to Buffalo county, took up work on his farm in Belvidere township, Buffalo county. After farming there until 1882 he moved to Wausau, Wis., residing in the city so that his children might have better school advantages, and there for a number of years he was employed in a lumber mill. He and his wife then went to reside with their daughter, Augusta. Later they moved to Waukegan, Ill., where Carl Becker died in March, 1893. While living in Buffalo county he had at times held local offices. His wife died June 11, 1858. They had a family of three children, of whom Carl W. Becker was the youngest. He attended the parochial school of a Lutheran church in Michigan, and at the age of 14 years left home and began working for others. His father, however, took his earnings until he was 21. At the age of 24 he married and moved onto a forty-acre farm that he had homesteaded in Belvidere township, Buffalo county. Later he doubled the size of his farm by buying forty acres more, and operated the place for thirteen years. He then bought his present farm in Albany township, three miles north of Mondovi, where he has eighty acres of valuable land, which he devotes to .general farming, and is doing a profitable business. In politics he is a Republican, but has never aspired to public office. On November 14, 1884, Mr. Becker was united in marriage with Frederica Bogwardt, who was born in Pommern, Germany, November 22, 1866, daughter of Carl and Frederica (Lembau- gen) Bogwardt. Her parents came to America in 1881, settling first in Middlefield, Conn., where Mr. Bogwardt worked for others. After a resi- dence there of one year they removed to Utica, N. Y., but six months later came from that city to Alma, Buffalo county, Wisconsin, in the vicinity of which place Mr. Bogwardt engaged in farming. Both he and his wife died in Albany, Pepin county. They were good sensible people who had the right idea in leaving the city, where he could be nothing but a wage earner, and settling on the land, the source of all wealth. They were, moreover, good neighbors and popular members of the community in which they lived. Of the family of thirteen children, their daughter Frederica was the youngest. Mr. and Mrs. Becker are the proud parents of a family of twelve children, all now living, and none of whom have done anything to tarnish the family name. These are, in brief: George William, who is single and resides at home; Robert, who married Cecil McGee, of Pepin township, and resides near Gilmanton, where he is engaged in farming; Elva, wife of Otto Steinhauer, a farmer of Eau Claire county ; Otto, now in the United States service; Romel, now in France in the United States serv- ice; Oscar, also in the United States service; Cora, a teacher in Albany township; and Charles, Hilda, Walter, Tena and Esther, who are residing at home. Mr. Becker and his family are members of the Lutheran church.

Frank Baur, manager and proprietor of the brewery operated under the name of the Durand Brewing Company, at Durand, Pepin county, was born at Marathon City, Marathon county, Wisconsin, October 15, 1863. His parents were Michael and Theresa (Unsel) Baur, both natives of Wit-

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temberg, Germany, the father born September 9, 1827, and the mother October 31, 1832. Married in their native land about 1851, they came to America soon afterwards, locating first in Pittsburgh, Pa., where Michael Baur engaged in the shoe manufacturing business. After a residence there of six or seven years, he came with his family to Wisconsin, and engaged in farming at Marathon City, Marathon county, in which occupation he con- tinued for fifteen or twenty years. He then gave it up to enter into the retail shoe business, which he followed for five years, or until his death, March 28, 1892. While in Germany he had served in the regular army of that country, and near the close of the Civil War was a soldier for a short time in the army of the United States. His wife Theresa died January 2, 1899. They had a family of twelve children, of whom Frank was the fifth born, as follows: John, Joseph, Simon (first), Simon (second), Michael, Frank, Anton, Mary, Rosa, Sebastian, Carl and Annie. Frank Baur was educated in the school at Marathon City, Wisconsin. At the age of 14 years he began to earn his own living, spending three years as an apprentice to the tinner's trade in Marathon City. He then went to Steven's Point, where he was employed in a tin shop for two years. Re- turning home at the end of that time, he joined his father in the general mercantile business, being associated with him for some years. Then, with his brother Michael, he bought his father's interest, he and his brother continuing in the business for a number of years. Afterwards Frank Baur went to the state of Washington, but after a short residence there returned to Wisconsin and in 1888 located in Durand, Pepin county, entering the employ of Alphonse Vautrot, with whom he remained for about nine months. He then became a member of the firm of Boehm & Baur, engaged in the hardware and jewelry business at Durand. Two years later Mr. Baur disposed of his interests and started the Durand Brewing Company. At first he operated the plant alone, but later took as partner N. H. Mertes. Later Mr. Mertes sold his interest to Jacob S. Breunig, who remained a partner until January, 1915, since which date Mr. Baur has conducted the business alone, being the sole owner. The brewery is a thoroughly modern plant, with a capacity of from 2,500 to 3,000 barrels a year, Mr. Baur doing his own malting and bottling. The product is disposed of in Durand and the vicinity. Mr. Baur is also a stockholder in the Bank of Durand. In addition to the brewery he owns other city property in Durand and also property in Plum City, Pierce county. He has the distinction of having driven the first artesian well ever sunk in Pepin county, the boring being done by the horse-power drill owned by the Meat Brothers. In politics a Democrat, he has served as alderman of Durand and also two terms on the county board. A member of the Roman Catholic church at Durand, he belongs also to the Catholic Knights, of which he has been president eight years, and to the Catholic Order of Foresters, and is a trustee of the Auditorium Company. On February 5, 1891, Mr. Baur was united in mar- riage with Katie Leiffring, who was born in Canton township, Buffalo county, Wisconsin, daughter of John B. and Margaret (Moose) Leiffring, her parents being natives of Luxemburg. John B. Leiffring and wife were married in the state of New York and were early settlers in Pepin county,

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where he engaged in farming. At a later date he retired and took up his residence in Durand, in which place he died in January, 1916. His wife is still residing in Durand. Mr. and Mrs. Baur have been the parents of ten children : Felix J., Anton, Rosalie, Marsella, Angela, Stella, Esther, De Lores, Genevieve, and one (Mary) who died in infancy. Felix J., who is a physician and surgeon, residing in Wausau, Wis., married Helen Sweeny of that city. Anton, who is residing at home, is assisting his father. He has qualified as a brewer, is now second assistant to the brewmaster, and will become manager of the brewery as soon as sufficiently qualified, his father expecting to retire from business. He is unmarried. Rosalie, Mar- sella and Angela are also unmarried, Rosalie being a music teacher in Durand, Marsella a milliner, and Angela residing at home, as also do Esther, De Lores and Genevieve. Stella died at the age of 11 years.

John X. Bauer, proprietor of a fine dairy farm of 240 acres in section 26, Lima township, Pepin county, was born in this township, August 26, 1882, son of Andrew Bauer by his wife Hannah, whose family name was also Bauer. Both parents were born in Austria, but were married in Pepin county, Wisconsin. The father, Andrew, came to America with other , members of his family about 1870, locating on a farm in this township. He became a land owner and farmer and did his part in helping to develop the agricultural resources of the county. He is still residing with his wife on his farm in Lima township, though now practically retired. He was a stockholder in the old Bear Creek Creamery and during his active career was interested in whatever was for the benefit of the community in which he lived. John X. Bauer was the second born in a family of twelve chil- dren. He attended the district school at Fall Creek. He made his home with his parents, though working for others at intervals, until his mar- riage, and then located on his present farm, which he has improved by the erection of new buildings and in other ways, all his improvements being of modern type, and the land fertile and valuable. He breeds Holstein cattle successfully and is doing an excellent business, besides being a stockholder in the Inter-county Telephone Company. He is a member of the Roman Catholic church at Lima and in politics is independent. As treasurer of the school board he is rendering useful service, and also as a member of the township board. Mr. Bauer was married June 4, 1906, to Mary Bauer, who was born in Lima township, this county, daughter of Frederick and Agnes (Anibas) Bauer. Her parents, natives of Austria, were married in Pepin county, Wisconsin, her father coming to America at about the same time, or in the same year, as the father of the subject of this sketch. He settled on John X. Bauer's present farm, on which he made some of the improvements, and resided here until Mr. Bauer married. He and his wife are now living on an adjoining farm and he is still industrially active. They are well known and respected inhabitants of the township, with a large circle of friends. Their daughter Mary, who was their only child, was educated in this township, attending. district school. Mr. and Mrs. John X. Bauer are the parents of seven children: Frederick R., Hilda M., Raymond L., Clement J., Lawrence August, Edward C. and Wilfred F., all of whom are living at home.

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Anton M. Pauer, who is prosperously engaged in agricultural pursuits on a farm of 180 acres in section 6, Albany township, Pepin county, was born in Austria in 1872, son of John and Josephine (Komro) Bauer. The parents were also born in Austria, the father in 1843 and the mother in the same year. It was thirty-five years ago, or about 1881, that they left their native land for the United States, and arriving in Pepin county, Wis- consin, settled in Lima township on a farm. John Bauer had been a soldier in Austria and was a sturdy man of industrious habits, determined to carve out a home for himself and family in the land to which he had come. For some time after coming here he worked at times on the railroad in order to obtain ready cash, but with the help of other members of his family progress was gradually made on the farm and the Bauers became known as prosperous people. The father is now living retired on a farm in Lima township. His wife Josephine died February 12, 1902. Anton M. Bauer was about ten years old when he accompanied his parents to America. He had attended school for two years in Austria and later pursued his studies in the district school in Lima township. These studies, however, were not very extensive or long-continued, as he had to become industrially active at an early age, beginning to work on the farm when 11 years old, while his , father was away working on the railroad. At the age of 16 he left home and for five winters worked in the woods at lumbering. He then bought his present farm in Albany township, containing 180 acres of good land, and provided with adequate buildings. He carries on general farming, finding a ready market and receiving good prices for his products, whether crops or stock. In politics he is a Republican and is serving as a member of the school board. A Catholic in religion, he attends the church of that faith in Lima township. Mr. Bauer was married, May 2, 1899, to Mary Koller, who was born in Austria, January 28, 1880, daughter of Englebrecht and Mary (Dalmasel) Koller. The parents, natives of Austria, came to the United States about thirty-six years ago, settling on a farm in Lima township, this county, which the father cleared, it being practically unim- proved when they took it. He is now deceased, but his wife is still living. Both were born in 1853. Mr. Koller was a man of intelligence and force of character, and served efficiently on the town board of Lima township. The children of Mr. and Mrs. Anton M. Bauer, six in number, are Paulina, Amy Mary, Dorothy, Lucy, Christina Mary and William Anton. Paulina was married August 13, 1918, to Frank I. Bauer, and they reside on the home farm, as do all the other children. Mr. Bauer's present prosperity and comfortable condition in life is the result of his own efforts, and perhaps in part due to the fact that he follows the independent occupation of a farmer, which is undoubtedly the most necessary and useful occupation followed by man.

Andrew J. Bauer, a general farmer operating 165 acres of land in sec- tion 12, Durand township, Pepin county, was born in Lima township, this county, January 26, 1895, son of Joseph D. and Hannah (Vogler) Bauer. His parents were born in Austria, the father in February, 1868, the mother in April, 1870. The former came to America among a party of emigrants when a lad of 14, and worked for others until able to buy a farm in Lima

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ANTON M. BAUER AND FAMILY

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township, this county, where he was also married. He is still living and has been very prosperous, now owning 720 acres of land and being engaged. actively in stock raising. He and his wife had four children, Andrew J. being the second in order of birth. Andrew J. Bauer in his youth attended district school in Lima township and remained with his parents until his marriage, at which time he settled on his present farm. He is making improvements on it from time to time, increasing its value, and carries on general farming with profitable results. He is a member of the Roman Catholic church at Lima and in politics is independent. Mr. Bauer was married, April 24, 1917, to Minnie Bauer, who was born in Downsville, Wis., August 15, 1898, daughter of John L. and Barbara (Spindler) Bauer. Her parents were born in this country, the father May 23, 1873, and the mother November 28, 1878. They were married in this township and settled on a farm at Downsville, remaining on it for about three years. Subsequently they moved into this township on the Joseph Spindler farm, where they are still living. Their daughter Minnie, who was the first born in a family of five children, was educated in the district school at Bear Creek, Lima town- ship. Mr. and Mrs. Andrew J. Bauer have one child, Andrew William, who was born May 22, 1918.

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History of Buffalo and Pepin Counties Wisconsin (Volume 2), Part 21

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

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