History of Buffalo and Pepin Counties Wisconsin (Volume 2), Part 30

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 30
USA > Wisconsin > Pepin County > History of Buffalo and Pepin Counties Wisconsin (Volume 2) > Part 30

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).

Samuel L. Plummer, in former years one of the best known and most highly esteemed citizens of Pepin county, a successful business man, rep- resentative of his district in the state assembly, and for twenty-three years county judge, was born at North Hampton, Rockingham county, New Hampshire, March 5, 1828, son of Samuel and Lydia (Cooley) Plummer. His paternal grandfather was Nathan Plummer and his maternal grand- father Daniel Cooley, both representing old New England families. Samuel and Lydia Plummer's children were Daniel, Jonathan, Hannah, Mary, Sam- uel L. and David. Samuel L. Plummer received but little schooling in his younger days. When 16 years old he began to learn the carpenter's trade, and later he worked in a sawmill and wagon shop. When 17 he left home and went to Lowell, and thence to Lawrence, Mass. In 1848 he made a trip to New Orleans, and in the following year came to Wisconsin, working his way along and walking some 600 miles until he reached Beloit on the Wisconsin-Illinois state line. There he remained a while, but later settled in Green county, where he was married to Eunice Belknap, whose father was also a native of New Hampshire. In 1854 Mr. Plummer came to Pepin county, camping in Bear Creek Valley. Being favorably impressed with the country, in the following year he located in Durand and built a saw-mill on Bear Creek, which was the first frame building in that valley; he also built the first grist-mill in the locality. In 1861 he purchased a farm in Waterville township, Pepin county, and for over twenty years gave his

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attention to its improvement and cultivation. Then, retaining the owner- ship of his 320 acres of land, he removed to Arkansaw and organized the Plummer Mercantile Company, in the conduct of which he was associated with his sons. The concern proved successful and was favored with a large patronage, Mr. Plummer remaining at its head until 1897. He also owned the Arkansaw creamery, which he and his sons carried on for some ten years. Appointed county judge in 1861, in place of Judge Bartlett, he served in that office by successive elections for twenty-three years, making a highly creditable record. His sound good sense and impartial judgment, united with a pleasing personality, caused him to be frequently consuited on matters of importance by people from many miles around, and he was often able to adjust personal difficulties and prevent needless and expensive litigation. Judge Plummer took an active or sympathetic interest in all commendable enterprises throughout his locality, and as long as he resided on his farm was a member of the school board. His great popularity resulted in his election for three terms to the State Assembly, where he served the interests of his constituents in a faithful and efficient manner. Politically he was a Republican. For thirty years or more he was chairman of the Waterville township board, and during much of that time was chairman of the county board. As a member of the Baptist church he identified himself with the cause of religion, and he remained a faithful member of it to the end of his life. His integrity and business ability were widely known and he and his family commanded the respect of all. Judge Plummer's death took place in March, 1897. His wife sur- vived him less than three years, passing away in February, 1900. Nine children had blessed their union: Forrest S., Frank S., David, Arthur, Mary, William E., Carrie, Lillian and Lane L., all of whom are now living except William, Lillian and Frank.

Walter H. Anderson, who is now living practically retired on a valuable farm of forty acres in section 26, Waterville township, Pepin county, was born in Faribault, Minn., October 15, 1856. His parents, Lemuel and Martha (Holder) Anderson, were natives of Ohio who came west to Min- nesota at an early date, Mrs. Anderson dying there in 1861. In the year after her death Mr. Anderson moved to Durand, Wis., where, however, he remained but a short time, as he soon set out for California, intending to try his fortune in the gold fields, or perhaps because he felt lonely and craved excitement and change of scene. It is probable, however, that he never reached his destination, as he was taken sick at Pike's Peak, Colo- rado, and soon after all trace of him was lost, and he has never more been heard from. In those adventurous days, before the Pacific railroad linked the Eastern and Middle States with those on the Pacific coast, the overland journey was fraught with dangers, and one human life was little regarded, the westward-rushing pioneers having their hands full in preserving their own existence and guarding their lives from the perils of the way. Mr. Anderson probably, therefore, shared the fate of the thousands who set out full of hope and courage, but whose remains were laid to rest in hastily dug graves all the way along the route from the settled communities of the East to the far western El Dorado. Lemuel and Martha Anderson had

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but two children, of whom Walter H., the subject of this memoir, is the younger. Their other child is Fannie, now the widow of Henry Amidon, her husband having died in 1915. Walter H. Anderson acquired his edu- cation in Buffalo and Pepin counties, attending district school. After losing his parents he was received into the family of John Plummer, by whom he was reared until 12 years of age, and then went to live with Nathaniel Plummer. At the age of 14 he went to work in the stave and sawmill of Nathaniel Plummer, located one mile west of Mr. Anderson's present resi- dence, and for over twenty years remained in his employ. Besides attend- ing to his duties connected with that position, he had owned and operated land in Waterville township from the time he was 23 years old, and he now gave his undivided attention to farming. In this line of industry he has had a successful career, having owned various farms, all of which he devel- oped, putting them on a profitable basis. To his present farm he came in 1907, and is here living practically retired, enjoying the fruits of his former enterprise and industry. His land is valuable and well improved, and he has a comfortable modern residence. During his active career he served as school treasurer for seventeen years, and for one term was town- ship treasurer. In politics he is a Republican. Mr. Anderson was united in marriage, June 23, 1878, with Mary H. Plummer, who was born in Durand, Wis., daughter of Samuel L. and Eunice (Belknap) Plummer. He and his wife have three children, Walter W., Lillie Irene, and William Henry. Walter W., who worked his way through the University of Ne- vada, was for two years principal of the high school at Dayton, that state. He is now president of the School of Mines at Ely, Nev. He married Hope Bain of Nevada and has three children, Walter Lindley, Harry Leroy and Dorothy Hope. Lillie Irene, after attending district school, was graduated from the high school at Arkansaw and a business college at Lake City, Minn. She has taught in various schools for the last ten years and is now a teacher in Big Coolie. William Henry, who was educated in Pepin county, was in the employ of William V. Dorwin at Dorwin's Mill. He is now a first-class machinist in the United States navy on the U. S. S. New Mexico. Lillie and William are both unmarried.

Josef Anibas, who is engaged in general agriculture on a farm of 240 acres in section 13, Durand township, Pepin county, was born in central Austria, February 4, 1873, son of Anton and Hannah (Ibl) Anibas. His parents, also natives of Austria, came to this country in 1892, settling in Durand township, Pepin county, Wisconsin, on a farm. There they sub- sequently died. Josef, who was the youngest member of the family, at- tended school in his native land and was 16 years old when he came to America. He soon found employment and worked for others until he bought his present farm, which contains 240 acres of valuable land. Here he carries on general farming, including dairying and the raising of cattle and hogs. He is also a stockholder in the telephone company. Religiously he belongs to the Catholic church, and in politics is independent. Mr. Anibas was married in May, 1912, to Dana Meixner, a native of Austria, who was one year old when she came with her parents to the United States. They settled on the north side of the Chippewa river, near Arkansaw,

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PEPIN COUNTIES

subject of this memoir, i the widow of Henry Amix I. Anderson acquired his e , district school. After bing f John Plummer, by whe i went to live with Nathan in the stave and sample Mr. Anderson's present is his employ. Besides atar. , he had owned and openz was 23 years old, and be n'y this line of industry be bs farms, all of which he dre nis present farm he came i enjoying the fruits of bo valuable and well improve. During his active care i and for one term was tor Mr. Anderson was nice lummer, who was born ! e (Belknap) Plummer. & Lillie Irene, and Wils igh the University of ." hool at Dayton, that sz2 v, Nev. He married Hope Lindley, Harry Leroy as rict school, was graduata ess college at Lake Cay last ten years and is Do was educated in Pepe at Dorwin's Mill He's avy on the U. S. S.V.

culture on a farm of ** ity, was born in centr. nah (Ibl) Anibas Ex itry in 1892, settling i farm. There they s nber of the family, & 3 old when he came il ed for others until le of valuable land. Her nd the raising of cath company. Religious* is independent. I: ; a native of Austria s to the United States 'iver, near Arkansır.

ANTON ANIBAS AND FAMILY

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MR. AND MRS. GEORGE BROOKS MR. AND MRS. ANDREW JOHNSON

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Pepin county, where Mr. Meixner engaged in farming, and where Mrs. Anibas' mother died. Mr. and Mrs. Anibas are the parents of six children : William, Mary, Margaret, Henry, Johanna, and Matilda, all of whom are residing at home.

Marcius A. Farnham, who is engaged in operating a fine dairy farm of 265 acres in section 28, Waterville township, was born at Genesee, Wis., October 14, 1854, son of Hatton A. and Ann (Lucas) Farnham. The par- ents were natives of New York State, the father born at Forestville, Erie county, and the mother in Chautauqua county. Hatton A. Farnham was in early life a blacksmith, but later became a farmer, following agriculture after coming west to Genesee, Waukesha county, this state, and later at River Falls. While on his way to the latter place he homesteaded land in Dunn county, which he moved onto in 1855, being one of the first settlers there. It proved to be the place for which he was looking and he remained there until his death in the year 1900. As one of the leading men in his township, he held various local offices, and was an active worker in the Grange, in school work and other local interests. His wife died about 1891. They had five children. Marcius A. Farnham, who was the third born, in his youth attended school at Waneka, Dunn county. He resided at home until reaching the age of 21 years and then bought land in Dunn county, where he engaged in farming, having half a section of land. After residing on that place until he was 42 years old-a period of twenty-one years-during which time he made many valuable improvements, he sold it and came to Durand, where for about three years and a half he was engaged in mercantile business. He then disposed of his interests there and came to his present farm, where he is carrying on an excellent dairy business, being also a stockholder in the Arkansaw Creamery and the Farmers' Telephone Company. Mr. Farnham is a member of the Meth- odist Episcopal church and believes in prohibition doctrines, though inclined to be independent in politics. He has served on the district school board for a number of years. He was married, December 31, 1886, to Nellie R. Tubbs, who was born at Wauneka, Dunn county, Wisconsin, daughter of Jackson R. and Mida (Nichols) Tubbs. Her parents, both natives of New York State, settled at an early date in Dunn county, where the father followed farming. Both died in that county, the father about 1908 and the mother many years before, about 1890. Mr. Tubbs served three years in the Civil war in a Wisconsin regiment. He and his wife had six chil- dren, their daughter Nellie R., the eldest, attending school in Dunn county. Mrs. Marcius A. Farnham died November 23, 1913, leaving two children : Carl Hatton, a farmer of Frankfort township, Pepin county, who married Blanche Ogden of this township, and has two children, Nellie Marie and an infant daughter; and John, who is operating the farm, and who married Bessie Whaley.

George Brooks, who is successfully carrying on agricultural pursuits on a farm of 100 acres in section 34, Waterville township, was born in Auburn, N. Y., April 19, 1856, son of George and Roana (Humphrey) Brooks, being the first born of their nine children. Three of these children are now living, the two in addition to the subject of this sketch being:

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Charles E. Brooks of Spokane, Wash., and May, wife of Edwin L. Curtiss, of Arkansaw, Waterville township. Coming to Waterville township with his parents in early boyhood, George Brooks attended school here at Dead Lake Prairie and resided at home until reaching the age of 21 years. He then went to Esdaile, Pierce county, where for three years he was employed in a factory. From there he went to Mill Bank, S. D., taking a land claim, and living on it at intervals for three years. After that, for an equal length of time he was employed in a wholesale house in Minneapolis. Re- turning subsequently to Waterville township, he was married, September 21, 1891, to Francena A. Johnson, who was born in Waubeek township, Pepin county, daughter of Andrew J. and Persis Ann (Barnes) Johnson, and has since resided on his present farm, consisting of 100 acres of valu- able land. Besides carrying on general farming with profitable results, Mr. Brooks is a stockholder in and treasurer of the Waterville Creamery Company and a stockholder in the Bank of Durand. He has served as a school officer for ten years, in politics is independent, and is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church, of which he is a steward. The Good Templar lodge also numbers him among its members. Mr. and Mrs. Brooks are the parents of one child, Ralph R., who was educated in the schools of Pepin and Dunn counties, and also took a course in the Agricultural College at Madison. He is now residing at home.

George Brooks (Sr.), formerly a well known and respected citizen of Waterville township, Pepin county, but now deceased, was born at or near Gormsley, in Yorkshire, England, March 31, 1827. In early life he was a weaver, and after coming to the United States, and to Wisconsin, started the first carding mill at Capt. Dorwin's mill, which he operated for a year or two. Previous to locating in Waterville township he had bought land from the government at Dead Lake Prairie, this township, and moving to the farm in 1862, he here spent the rest of his life in agricultural pursuits. His first dwelling was a small frame shanty, built by John Worth, a car- penter and pioneer settler in this vicinity, who occupied it, and with whom he lived while developing his land. In time he developed a good farm, residing on it until his death in October, 1902. His wife, who was born in the northern part of Vermont, July 31, 1830, died December 23, 1901. Mrs. Brooks was of a loving disposition and possessed the untiring energy of the pioneer.

Andrew J. Johnson, formerly for many years a farmer in Waubeek township, Pepin county, and also well known throughout this section as a veterinary surgeon, was a native of Massachusetts, having been born in Becket, that state, August 6, 1836. He came to Waubeek township, Pepin county, Wisconsin, in 1857, and taught the first school held in the old boardinghouse in the village of Eau Galle, Dunn county. Subsequently returning to Massachusetts, he was married in Springfield, that state, in 1861, to Persis Ann Barnes, who was born at Middlefield, Mass., August 7, 1840. Immediately after his marriage-in March, 1861-he returned to Wisconsin, accompanied by his wife, and they settled on land in Waubeek township, Pepin county, which he had purchased soon after his first arrival here in 1857. There he resided for more than half a century, cultivating

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FRANK A. HOLMES AND FAMILY

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his farm, which he had developed from the wilderness, and practicing vet- erinary surgery through this part of Pepin and to some extent in Dunn county. He was one of Waubeek township's most notable citizens, becom- ing one of its officials when first organized, and always taking an interest in everything calculated to advance its prosperity. Among the public offices he held at different times were those of township chairman and member of school board. He was also one of the first stockholders in the local creamery, and for a number of years was active in school work, prov- ing himself a useful citizen whenever called on for aid. In 1911 he and his wife celebrated their Golden Wedding, when they received the con- gratulations of their many friends. Mr. Johnson died September 27, 1914, his loss being widely regretted. His wife died March 17, 1918. She was a woman of a kind and loving disposition. Her life was spent in the service of love for others and her influence was felt by all with whom she came into contact. Mr. and Mrs. Johnson were the parents of four children: Francena A., wife of George Brooks of Waterville township, Pepin county; Sarah N., Ruth A., and Milton A. Two of these children-Mrs. Brooks and Sarah N., now Mrs. George Throne, who resides on the old homestead in Waubeek-are now living.

Frank A. Holmes, who is engaged in general farming on a tract of 160 acres in section 25, Albany township, Pepin county, was born in Erie county, New York, December 12, 1858, son of Alby and Frances (Morey) Holmes. The father, who was always a farmer by occupation, was also a native of New York state, and he and his wife were married in Cataraugus county, New York. In 1867 they removed to Michigan, a year later came west to Buffalo county, Wisconsin, and in the next year removed to Eau Claire county, just over the Pepin county line, in which locality he was a pioneer. There he started farming, building a small frame shanty of one story and measuring 14 by 18 feet. He resided in that neighborhood for a number of years, improving his land, and at times worked for others, cutting and hauling hay to Eau Claire. After improving his farm, which contained 160 acres, he moved to Mondovi, and later to a small farm in that vicinity, where he died in 1904. During his active career he frequently held school office. His wife, who was a native of Massachusetts, died June 14, 1916. They had five children, of whom Frank A. was the oldest. Frank A. Holmes attended school one winter in Mondovi, having to walk a dis- tance of six miles, but later he attended a school only two miles from home, continuing there for two terms. When 30 years old he left home and engaged in farming for himself in Mondovi and also at times did teaming. At the age of 30, in or about 1888, he became a land owner, buying his present farm, on which he has since resided. All the improvements on it, including buildings and fences, were made by him, and the farm is now a valuable piece of agricultural property. Mr. Holmes served as town super- visor for about fifteen years, and has frequently held school office, at the present time serving as treasurer. In politics he is a Republican. He is a member of the Knights of Pythias at Mondovi. On April 8, 1888, the year in which he took his present farm, Mr. Holmes was united in marriage with Lucretia Jones, who was born in Sauk county, Wisconsin, daughter

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of Lucius and Ruth (Carr) Jones. Her father was reared in that vicinity but was a native of New York state, while her mother was born in Richland county, Wisconsin. Lucius Jones served four years in the Civil War as a member of a Wisconsin regiment. He now spends his time chiefly in trav- eling about. Mrs. Holmes' mother died in Sauk county. They had six children, Lucretia being the third born. The children of Mr. and Mrs. Holmes are as follows: Albert, unmarried, is in France in the United States' service; Ralph, who married Lea Possum and is a farmer in Albany township, Pepin county; Ada, a teacher, and Oscar, Mabel and Dutie, who all live at home.

William Columbus Hammond, a former hardware merchant of Durand, of which place he was for a number of years one of the foremost citizens, was born at Malone, St. Lawrence county, New York, November 8, 1842. His parents were Elisha Rollin and Lois (Parish) Hammond, both natives of Brockville, Canada, a city on the St. Lawrence river, 125 miles southwest of Montreal. They never came to Wisconsin, but settled in New York state, the father dying when the subject of this sketch was a young boy, or on August 22, 1856. He was born in 1808 and was therefore about 46 years old. His wife Lois, who was born in 1809, survived him many years, passing away in 1898. William C. Hammond was the fourth born of his parents' five children. He attended school at Malone, N. Y., and after his father's death, while still a youth, began working for others. After the Civil war broke out, being old enough to serve as a soldier, he enlisted in the 92d New York Regiment, as a private, and served three years, or until the close of the war. Wounded by gunshot, he was confined for some time to the hospital. Having faithfully served his country in her hour of need, Mr. Hammond returned home, but instead of remaining in New York, the state of his birth, he came west to Chilton, Calumet county, Wisconsin, where he had a brother whom he now joined. There he engaged in the grocery business, which he followed for a while, and then gave his atten- tion to farming. Later he sold his farm and in 1880 came to Durand, Pepin county, after a previous trip through the west, and here engaged in the hardware business, which he followed until his retirement about 1892 on account of ill health. He lived twelve years longer, however, finally passing away March 24, 1904. Mr. Hammond was a successful business man and through honesty and industry had built up a good trade. He was one of the first stockholders of the Bank of Durand. A member of the Grand Army post at Durand, he was also well advanced in the Masonic order, being one of the early members of the Durand Blue Lodge, the Chap- ter at Menominee and the Commandery at Eau Claire. A man of agree- able personality, he was widely popular and his death was felt as a distinct loss to the community in which he lived. Mr. Hammond was first married to Mary King, daughter of James and Tirzah (Pomeroy) King. Her par- ents were natives of Ohio, the father being a farmer, and at an early date they settled at Chilton, Calumet county, later removing to Iowa, where both Mr. King and his wife died, the former in 1887 and the latter in 1910. They were the parents of five children. Mrs. Mary Hammond died at Chilton, Wis., July 11, 1876. She had been the mother of three children:

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Emma Belle, wife of Alexander Nimmo, residing in Menominee, Wis., where her husband is connected with a piano factory ; Herbert Rollin, a physician and surgeon practicing in Chicago; and Millie, who is the wife of Frank Marvin, a railroad man, residing at Sheldon, Iowa. On September 22, 1877, Mr. Hammond married for his second wife, Sarah J. King, a sister of his first. She was born at Sycamore, DeKalb county, Illinois, and was the third born of her parents' children. She was young when the family re- moved to Chilton, Wis., and there she attended school. Mrs. Hammond takes a prominent part in various local activities, being a member of the Eastern Star Lodge of the Masonic order, the Woman's Christian Tem- perance Union and the Red Cross and Missionary societies.

Arden Kelton, a pioneer settler in Arkansaw, Waterville township, Pepin county, was born in New York State in 1804, and in early life was a painter and carpenter, working in various places before settling in New York. He was married to Mary Kirk and in 1858 they came west to Pepin county, Wisconsin, settling in Arkansaw in the spring of the following year. For about ten years he worked in the Holbrook furniture factory, and then, on a small scale, engaged in farming, but continuing to follow his trade at intervals until age compelled him to retire. He built a house in Arkansaw when that village contained but two houses and a small saw- mill, there being but one house between Arkansaw and Pepin. For a number of terms he served as town treasurer, was also active in church work and helped to organize his school district. His death in 1890 de- prived the community of a good and useful citizen, and was much regretted. His wife had died some thirteen years previously, in 1877. They had a family of seven children, of whom only two are now living: Jennie, now Mrs. M. H. Tucker, of Olympia, Wash., and Anson E., of Waterville town- ship.

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History of Buffalo and Pepin Counties Wisconsin (Volume 2), Part 30

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

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