History of Buffalo and Pepin Counties Wisconsin (Volume 2), Part 27

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 27
USA > Wisconsin > Pepin County > History of Buffalo and Pepin Counties Wisconsin (Volume 2) > Part 27

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Bernhardt Tanz, a general farmer, residing in section 23, Albany township, Pepin county, is one of the successful and prosperous citizens of his township, his farm of 360 acres, with modern equipment, being a valuable piece of property. He was born in Saxony, Germany, Sept. 11, 1852, son of Caspar and Elizabeth (Bitner) Tanz, both natives of that German state. The family came to America in 1872 and, locating in Pepin county, Wisconsin, resided in German Valley one summer, and then came to the farm now owned and operated by the subject of this sketch. Here they took up their abode in a small log dwelling measuring 12 by 16 feet, and Caspar Tanz, undaunted by the heavy labor before him, started in to improve the land. This work he continued for eight years or more and then relinquished it, his son taking the farm, and he being called away by death in 1888. He was already a widower, having lost his wife in 1886. Neither were able to speak the English language, as they mingled little with the English-speaking population. Bernhardt Tanz was the fifth born of his parents' seven children. He was educated in Germany and never attended an English school. Working for his father until 1880, he then bought the home farm, on which he has resided since youth and which, as above stated, contains 360 acres of land. He has put in a number of valuable improvements in the shape of modern buildings and machinery and his reputation as a successful general farmer stands high in the com- munity. In addition to the money he has invested in his farm, he is a stockholder in the creamery and in the elevator at Mondovi. Mr. Tanz's marriage occurred June 21, 1880, to Anna Ronneberger, who, like himself, was born in Saxony, Germany, her parents being Gottfried and Henrietta (Klopfiel) Ronneberger. Coming to America in 1869, they located in Albany township, this county, where Mr. Ronneberger died at the venerable age of 95 years, in the fall of 1916. His wife was almost his equal in longevity, as she had passed away only two years before at the age of 90. Such a long lease of life proves that both had come of healthy stock and had lived careful and regular lives. Mr. and Mrs. Tanz have had a family of nine

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REV. PETER TRIERWEILER

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children, the first born of whom died young. The others are: Frank, a farmer in Eau Claire county, Wisconsin; Minnie and William, residing on the home farm; Edward, who is a buttermaker, residing in Washington: Oscar, living at home; Ida, a teacher, also at home; Hilda, wite of Glen Hardy, a farmer near Mondovi, and Walter, who lives at Oshkosh, Wis.

Rev. Peter Trierweiler, pastor of St. Mary's Roman Catholic church, at Durand, Pepin county, Wisconsin, was born at Lauterborn-Echternach, in the Grand Duchy of Luxemburg, Feb. 17, 1873, son of Franz and Mary (Brucher) Trierweiler, his father being a forester by occupation. The eldest in a family of five children, he attended college for four years in his home town of Echternach, and was afterward a student for three years in the Atheneum of Luxemburg. His theological studies were pursued in the diocesan seminary and theological academy at Luxemburg. At that place he was ordained to the priesthood, Aug. 10, 1896, by Bishop John J. Koppes, of Luxemburg, and became assistant pastor in the parish of Munshausen, with residence at Bockholz, county of Clerveaux, Luxem- burg. In 1901 he came to America, landing in New York, December 17, and in the same year was appointed pastor of St. Andrew's parish at Rozell- ville, Marathon county, Wisconsin. There he remained, faithfully per- forming his pastoral duties until July 7, 1909, when he was transferred to his present charge at Durand. Here he has performed a good work in the care of his flock over whose moral and spiritual interests he keeps careful guard, and has won, not only their confidence and esteem, but the respect of the general community, including people of other religious faith.

Frank J. Vautrot, who is engaged in the automobile business in Durand. under the style of Durand Auto Co., being associated with his brother, Alphonse, was born in Durand, Wis., July 25, 1879, son of Alphonse and Anna (Hillie) Vautrot. In his youth he attended the Durand high school and subsequently spent two years at Wisconsin University, at Madison, in the department of mechanical engineering. In 1889 he returned home on account of his father's failing health and went into the hardware store which his father was conducting, to manage the business in association with his brother, Alphonse, Jr. A furniture department was added, but later both it and the hardware business were dropped, the two brothers engaging in the automobile business which they are now carrying on. They have an extensive establishment, handling Ford cars, and also conducting an auto-livery line in connection with their regular branch of the business. They have built up a good trade and have taken rank among the most prosperous citizens of Durand, where Frank J. owns both business and residence property. The latter was married March 16, 1904, to Mildred E. Culbertson, who was born at Eau Claire, Wis., daughter of Henry Miller and Caroline (Coffin) Culbertson. Her mother came to Wisconsin from Ohio at the same time as Mr. Vautrot's father, in 1862. Her father, who was a native of Pennsylvania, was manager of the Phoenix Manu- facturing Co. at Eau Claire, Wis. At one time, while residing in Eau Claire, he was engaged in wagon-making and kindred lines of industry. He was a man of inventive ability and patented the first dump-cart to be used in this section of Wisconsin. Later he went to California and engaged

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in fruit farming, where his death occurred in May, 1888. He was a veteran of the Civil War, having served as captain in the Vol. Co. G., 16th regiment His wife survived him a few years, passing away in Durand, Aug. 1, 190, Mr. and Mrs. Frank J. Vautrot are the parents of two daughters, Ruth Eleanor and Mildred Caroline, both of whom are residing at home. Mr. Vautrot is a member of the Masonic order and has passed through the chairs both of the Blue Lodge and Chapter.

Alphonse Vautrot, formerly a well known business man of Durand, Pepin county, was born in Lorraine, France, June 27, 1827. In company with his father's family, he came when a boy to America, residing some years in Crawford county, Pennsylvania. He afterwards went as a young man to Ravenna, Portage county, Ohio, where for a time he worked for others. From that place he came to Durand, Wis., in April, 1862, and here engaged in the jewelry business for three years, in association with his brother, Phillip. Later they added a stock of hardware and as Vautrot Bros. built up a fine business. In the great fire of 1881, they, with most of the other business men of the place, were burned out. The following year they built the fine block, now occupied by Vautrot Brothers of the Durand Auto Company. About 1891 Phillip Vautrot retired on account of ill health and was succeeded by A. Vautrot, Jr., son of the subject of this sketch, the style of the firm being then changed to Vautrot & Son. The jewelry business had been discontinued previous to this, the firm dealing only in hardware. About 1901 Vautrot & Son added a stock of furniture, and a successful business was carried on, which, owing to the impaired health of the father, fell more and more into the hands of his son, Alphonse Vautrot, Jr., and the latter's brother, Frank J. On April 18, 1906, the life of Alphonse Vautrot, Sr., came to an end, after months of suffering, during which trying period he had been tenderly cared for by members of his family. His death, though expected, caused much sor- row in the community, of which he was a highly esteemed citizen. A Republican in politics in the days of strong party feeling, he had served a number of times in responsible public offices. In 1866 he was elected sheriff of the county and made a very capable officer. He was chosen first mayor of Durand on the incorporation of the city and in that office also showed ability and trustworthiness. A master Mason, having joined the order in Ohio, he assisted in instituting the Masonic lodge in Durand. He was also a charter member of Durand lodge, No. 157, I. O. O. F., and took a lively interest in its welfare. Mr. Vautrot's funeral was conducted under Masonic auspices, his Odd Fellow brethren also taking part in the services as a lodge. Alphonse Vautrot, Sr., was married in Durand, Sept. 22, 1867, to Annie Hillie, a native of Germany. They were the parents of four children : Alphonse, Jr., Frank J., Mamie, and another daughter, who died in infancy. The two sons, Alphonse and Frank, continued the hardware and furniture business after their father's death, but later dropped the furni- ture branch substituting an automobile business instead. Finally they also gave up the hardware line and now confine themselves entirely to the auto business. Mrs. Vautrot, their mother, died in 1889. It is worthy of addi- tional mention that Alphonse Vautrot, Sr., was the first master Mason in

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HIRAM E. STANTON

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MRS. AMELIA H. STANTON

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Durand and was also the first to hold the office of noble grand in the Odd Fellows' lodge.

Hiram Eldridge Stanton, whose death at Durand, at the age of 78 years, on Feb. 22, 1915, caused wide-spread sorrow throughout this part of Pepin county, was born at the historic locality of Crown Point, in Essex county, New York, Nov. 23, 1837. His parents were James and Priscilla Stanton, the mother, whose family name is not now remembered, being a native of Montpelier, Vt. She died in the state of New York. Her hus- band, James, who had served as sheriff of his county for a number of years, finding home ties loosened, turned his face westward and at an early day arrived in Pepin county, Wisconsin. Here he became a land owner and with his sons' assistance operated a large farm. The latter years of his life he spent in retirement two miles from Durand. Hiram Eldridge Stanton was the youngest member of a family of eight children. He at- tended school at Crown Point, N. Y., and before he was 18 years old came west to his father's farm, in Pepin county, with a race horse. After arriv- ing here, however, he took up river work, becoming mate of the Ida Camp- bell, and later an officer on the Monitor, and, after he had thoroughly learned the river, a regular pilot, being thus occupied until the construc- tion of railroads caused steamboat transportation to become unprofitable. Some time before this, however, he had bought a farm, which he operated by means of hired help, never residing on it. He made his home in Durand, where he assisted in organizing the First National Bank, took part in various other local enterprises, and in time became the owner of a consid- erable amount of real estate. Mr. Stanton was a natural musician, playing with taste upon several instruments, of which he gave preference to the violin. In addition to being one of the first directors of the First National Bank of Durand, he served for a number of years as a member of the city council and in other local offices. In politics he was a Democrat. Mr. Stanton was married Jan. 1, 1872, to Amelia H. Cutter, a native of New York State, and daughter of Charles and Harriet (Locke) Cutter. Her parents were both born in Massachusetts, her father being a farmer by occupation. After residing in New York State for a number of years, they came west in 1850 to Wisconsin, locating near Emerald Grove, Rock county, where Mr. Cutter bought land and engaged in farming, which occupation he carried on quite extensively. There he and his wife spent their last years, the latter dying first, in 1884, and his death occurring in 1886. Though not ambitious of public distinction, he sometimes yielded to the requests of his friends and neighbors and accepted local office, in which he always served efficiently. He and his wife were the parents of five chil- dren, of whom Amelia H. was the fourth in order of birth. She acquired a good education, after leaving the district school becoming a pupil at Allen Grove Seminary, at Allen Grove, Wis., and subsequently at Milton College and the famous Smith College at Cambridge, Mass. Her marriage to Mr. Stanton took place at Emerald Grove. Mrs. Stanton is the owner of a farm of 168 acres on the Eau Claire road, two miles from Durand, and also of eight lots in Durand, on which her residence stands. She is a lover of good horses, of which she has an expert knowledge, and until recently

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owned and drove some of the best driving horses in this part of the state. One of the most valuable of these was the mare, Virginia Dare, having a record of 2:08, which came to an untimely end by being burned in Mrs. Stanton's barn shortly after Mr. Stanton's death.

George Tarrant, Sr., in former years one of the most active business men and highly esteemed citizens of Durand, and well known and respected throughout Pepin county, was born in Wool Hampden, England, Feb. 11, 1838. He was a lad of 12 years when he accompanied his parents to Amer- ica, they settling in Janesville, Wis. There his father died in the year of their arrival and George was obliged to begin industrial life at an early age, working at different occupations in Janesville and the vicinity for a number of years, always in the employ of others. Anxious to become his own master, however, he at last engaged in the grocery business on his own account, and in 1862 established in Durand, Wis., the general mercan- tile business now carried on under the name of George Tarrant & Sons Company. This concern was one of the first business houses established in Durand and is the one that has had the longest continuous existence. It was operated by Mr. Tarrant, who remained its head practically until the time of his death. Mr. Tarrant also established the first creamery in this part of the country, he being its sole proprietor, and operating it for a number of years.' He was also one of the founders of the Bank of Durand, established in 1884, and its president at the time of his death, having served in that position for a number of years. The Agricultural Society also profited by his activity and business ability, as he gave a part of his time to furthering its interests, and in many other things he made his influence felt to the advantage of the community in which he lived. His own per- sonal interests were large and he was an extensive land holder in the county. It was natural that a man who took so large a part in the material advancement of the community should participate to a more or less extent in politics, and at different times Mr. Tarrant held practically all the town offices. He was one of the early mayors of Durand and in 1881 and 1882 served in the State Assembly. His only fraternal society connection was with the Masons, he belonged to the Blue Lodge and Chapter, in each of which he had passed three chairs, and to the Commandery at Eau Claire. He attended the Congregational church, although not a member of it. Mr. Tarrant's death took place July 28, 1904, and was an event that cast a cloud of sorrow over the entire community of which he had been for so many years a leading member. October 4, 1860, he had married Clara Runey, who was born in Indiana in July, 1839, and who had accompanied her parents to Rutland township, Dane county, Wisconsin, when a child of six years. There she had passed her youth and acquired her education, attending the local schools. Mrs. Clara (Runey) Tarrant died Oct. 12, 1910. They were the parents of seven children: Burr R. and Shirley B., who reside in Durand; George, Jr., now vice president of the Bank of Durand, and a prominent business man of that city; Warren D., formerly circuit judge of the Second Judicial District in Milwaukee county, who died May 14, 1912; Mattie, who died at the age of 13 years; Mary, who died in in- fancy, and John, who died at the age of about four years.

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MR. AND MRS. THOMAS BILES- ALFRED BILES AND FAMILY -- MR. AND MRS. ANDREW OLSON

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George Tarrant, vice president of the Bank of Durand, and a prom- inent business man of that city, was born in Durand, June 12, 1865, son of George, Sr., and Clara (Runey) Tarrant. He was educated in the local schools, which he attended until about 15 years of age, and at the age of 16 entered his father's store as a clerk. A few years later he became a partner in the business, the style of the firm being then changed to George Tarrant & Son. In 1912 the concern was incorporated under the name of George Tarrant & Sons Company, and as such is now one of the leading business houses in Durand, as it is the oldest with respect to continuous existence, having been established in 1862 as a general mercantile business by George Tarrant, Sr. The present George Tarrant was active in it for 29 years and is still a stockholder, having resigned his active connection with it in 1911 in order to become an official of the Bank of Durand. To the duties of the latter position he now devotes his entire time. Following in his father's footsteps, he has from time to time identified himself with various local interests. He was one of the organizers of the Durand Light & Power Company, also of the Telephone Company, but had disposed of his interests in both these concerns. In politics a Republican, he served as mayor of Durand in 1904, and has also served several terms as alder- man, having been first elected to that position in 1894. In the Masonic order he belongs to the Blue Lodge, Chapter and Commandery, being pres- ent treasurer of the Blue Lodge, in which he has held all the offices but master. In the Chapter he has served as H. P. and in other offices. Mr. Tarrant was united in marriage, Oct. 10, 1892, to Sarah E. Culbertson, who was born in Eau Claire, Wis., daughter of Henry M. and Caroline (Coffin) Culbertson. Her parents were of eastern origin, coming from Nantucket or that vicinity, and were of the Quaker faith. They came to Durand, Wis., at about the same time as the Tarrants. Mr. Culbertson was a car- riage and wagon maker by trade, and after carrying on business for a number of years, he moved to Eau Claire, where he made his home almost up to the time of his death, which occurred in California, May 12, 1888. His wife, who had accompanied him to that distant state, subsequently returned to Wisconsin and took up her residence in Durand, where she passed away Aug. 1, 1907. Their daughter, Sarah E., who was the eldest of their three children, was educated in the schools of Eau Claire. Mr. and Mrs. Tarrant have been the parents of four children, Mildred S., Lydia, Catherine and Margaret, of whom the last mentioned died at the age of 18 months. Mildred S. was graduated from the Durand schools, later attended Downer College at Milwaukee, for one year, and the National Kindergarten at Chicago for an equal length of time, and was graduateu from Steven's Point Normal school. She then took a three months' course in the Montessori method of education and is now engaged in teaching that method in New York City. Lydia, who was graduated from the Durand schools and the Stout School of Domestic Economy and the Manual Arts of Menominie, Wis., is now teaching at Phillips, Wis. Catherine is attend- ing school at Steven's Point, Wis.

Thomas Biles, one of the earliest pioneer settlers of Pepin township, Pepin county, was born at Mechanicstown, Carroll county, Ohio, May 9,

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1828. His father, Ninyon Biles, was a native of Germany, and his mother, Maria (Peckham) Biles, was of Scotch descent. Thomas was one of a family of ten children, and when thirteen years of age accompanied his parents to Lee county, Iowa. At eighteen he left home and came to Wis- consin, where he worked in the pineries. In 1848 he began working on a farm in Pepin township, Pepin county, and was thus occupied for several years, during which time he turned up with his plow tools and bars of metal which had probably been used by a gang of counterfeiters who op- erated in this section at an early day ; hence the name of this stream, Bogus Creek. In 1862 Mr. Biles removed to Pierce county, Wisconsin, and thence, in 1867, to Fremont county, Iowa. In 1871 he returned to Wisconsin and settled on a homestead on Porcupine Creek, Frankfort township, Pepin county. The valley was then so overgrown with shrubbery that he was obliged to follow a deer path on his hands and knees for some distance. In time he developed a well improved farm of 160 acres, where he gave his time to grain and stock raising, taking little active part in public affairs. He died April 10, 1911, aged 82 years, 11 months and one day. Mr. Biles was married Nov. 11, 1857, to Olivia Sproul, who was born Aug. 13, 1833, and died Feb. 26, 1915, having survived him less than four years. They were the parents of 11 children, of whom seven are now living, the complete record being as follows: Sarah J., born Sept. 22, 1858, who mar- ried L. J. Kinney; George R., born April 6, 1860, who is a merchant at Porcupine, Pepin county, Wisconsin; Margaret, born April 29, 1862, who married J. F. Warren, of Montana; Mary Ann, born April 8, 1864, who died March 20, 1865; Walter, born April 28, 1865, who is a merchant at Durand; John T., born Feb. 17, 1867, who died March 14, 1867; Homer, born March 7, 1868, who died Aug. 30, 1868; Albert, born April 10, 1870, who died Oct. 7, 1870; Alfred, born Dec. 23, 1871, who is a prosperous general farmer in Frankfort township, Pepin county; Francis, born Dec. 7, 1876, who resides in Durand, and Lottie, born Sept. 20, 1879, who is now Mrs. W. H. Shaw, of Arkansaw, Pepin county.

Alfred Biles, who is at the present time holding the responsible posi- tion of county treasurer of Pepin county, has also served in other impor- tant offices, and is also proprietor of an excellent farm of 280 acres in Frankfort township, Pepin county. He was born in this township, Dec. 23, 1871, son of Thomas and Olivia (Sproul) Biles, his parents being pioneer settlers in this locality. In his boyhood he attended school in this town- ship and was trained to agricultural pursuits on the home farm. At the age of 23 years he began farming for himself, buying 40 acres in section 8, and since then he has added to his landed property until he now owns 280 acres of fertile land, his place being well equipped with large and substan- tial buildings and up-to-date machinery. As a general farmer Mr. Biles is meeting with great success and reaping good financial returns on his investment. His principal stock consists of Durham cattle, Poland-China hogs and Oxford sheep, while both for his stock and crops he finds a quick and profitable market. As a good citizen, interested in local enterprises, he is a shareholder in the Farmers' Telephone Company. In politics a Republican, he has for a number of years taken an active part in the

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affairs of local government. His public service includes several years on the town board of Frankfort township, four years as clerk of the circuit court, and his present incumbency of the office of county treasurer, to which he was elected in November, 1916. As a public official Mr. Biles has proved his efficiency and trustworthiness, giving to his public duties that close attention and conscientious effort that have proved potent factors in his successful career as an agriculturist, and has won the approval and com- mendation of his fellow citizens. Mr. Biles was married April 5, 1904, to Mary Olson, who was born in Frankfort township, Feb. 8, 1874, daughter of Andrew and Carrie (Anderson) Olson. Her parents were natives of Sweden. The father, born in 1838, died in 1916. The mother, born in 1837, died in 1915, their lives being thus almost of equal length. Mrs. Biles acquired her elementary education in Frankfort township, and later attended the River Falls Normal School, from which she was graduated in 1900. She subsequently taught school for a number of years in Dunn, Pierce and Pepin counties, after which she served four years as superin- tendent of schools for Pepin county, making a very creditable record for efficiency. Mr. and Mrs. Biles are the parents of one child, Sherman, who was born Dec. 25, 1904. They occupy a high place in the social life of the community in which they live. Mr. Biles is fraternally affiliated with the camp of Modern Woodmen at Frankfort and his wife with the lodge of Royal Neighbors.

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History of Buffalo and Pepin Counties Wisconsin (Volume 2), Part 27

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

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