History of Buffalo and Pepin Counties Wisconsin (Volume 2), Part 31

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 31
USA > Wisconsin > Pepin County > History of Buffalo and Pepin Counties Wisconsin (Volume 2) > Part 31

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).

Anson E. Kelton, who is now serving in his twentieth year as township treasurer of Waterville township, Pepin county, but is otherwise prac- tically retired, was born in Sutton, Ontario, Canada, March 10, 1851, son of Arden and Mary (Kirk) Kelton. Accompanying his parents to Pepin county in 1858, and to Arkansaw village in the spring of the following year, he attended school first on Eau Galle Prairie and afterwards in Ar- kansaw, there being at first no school in the latter place. At the age of 17 he entered the Holbrook furniture factory, at Arkansaw, where he was employed for about eight years. Then buying land near Arkansaw, he engaged in farming and continued in that occupation until he was injured in a runaway accident, when he was obliged to give up heavy work. Being soon afterward appointed postmaster at Arkansaw, he served in that posi- tion for nine years. . Since that time Mr. Kelton has followed no regular occupation. His farm of 120 acres in Waterville township is now operated by his sor. Clinton L. In addition to his duties as township treas- urer, in which office, as above stated, he has served for over nineteen years, he was at intervals for a number of years school clerk of his district. In politics he is a Republican, while his fraternal affiliations are with the Modern Woodmen of America at Arkansaw. Mr. Kelton was married Nov. 2, 1876, to Mrs. Rebecca Throne, who was born at Rockford, Ill.,

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daughter of James and Rosalana (Curtis) Throne, and who was educated at Eau Galle at Ingraham's Corner in Dunn county. A popular member of local society, she is president of the Ladies' Aid Society at Arkansaw, in which office she has served for many years. Mr. and Mrs. Kelton are the parents of three children: Clinton Lee, Eula Claire and Jay Cran- dall. Clinton Lee, who resides on his parents' farm, which, as above men- tioned, he is operating, married Jennie Lawrence of Durand, and has two children, Arden Anson and Willa. Eula Claire is the wife of Rodney Humphrey, a portable engineer, who served in the United States army eight years, took part in the Spanish-American war, was stationed at Ft. Flagner in the coast artillery service for three years, being first ser- geant, and was in China during the Boxer rebellion. Jay Crandall, who is engaged in farming at Cornell, Wis., and also works in the paper mill there, married Bernice Wilcott of Durand.

James Throne, who settled in Waubeek township, Pepin county, was born in Dublin, Ireland, in 1828; came to the United States alone when 12 years of age, having a brother in Philadelphia with whom he lived there until he was able to take care of himself. He then removed to northern Illinois, where for a few years he resided with his brother on a large farm, after which he came to Pepin county. Here he settled in Waubeek township, on what is now known as the Faast farm, which he operated for a number of years, becoming a successful farmer and exten- sive land owner. Retiring about 12 years before his death, he resided for a few years in Eau Galle and later in Arkansaw, but passed away at the home of his daughter, Mrs. W. B. Smith, in Durand, in 1914. During his active career he served a number of years as chairman of Waubeek town- ship. He was also active in school work and was a member of the Methodist Episcopal church.

Christian Bruenn, who founded in Durand, Pepin county, the wagon and carriage making shop now carried on by his sons, John and George, was born in Hirschberg, Prussia, Germany, Oct. 8, 1837, and came to America in 1853 at the age of about 16 years. For two years he resided in Buffalo, N. Y., and then coming west to Wisconsin, learned in Milwaukee the trade of wagon and carriage maker. In 1857 he returned to Germany, where he was united in marriage with Henrietta Ponsor, of Wunseidel, Bavaria. Then returning to the United States, accompanied by his wife, he resumed work at his trade in Jefferson, Mo., remaining there until 1861, when because of his Union sentiments he was forced to leave. Jefferson's loss was Durand's gain, for it was to this Wisconsin village that Mr. Bruenn next directed his steps, and here he established the carriage and wagon making industry that he carried on until his death, June 2, 1915, and which is today one of the leading manufacturing concerns here. At the time of his death he was the oldest business man in Durand, as he was also one of its leading citizens, having for many years held public office. Becom- ing town clerk in 1871, he served faithfully in that position for 15 years and at different times was assessor, city treasurer and alderman. His participation in the affairs pertaining to local government was beneficial to the community, as he was both an able and conscientious man, placing

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ID PEPIN COUNTIES

) Throne, and who was edaz unn county. A popular mac! adies' Aid Society at Ariaegy y years. Mr. and Mrs. Id= Lee, Eula Claire and Jay &: nts' farm, which, as abores Lawrence of Durand, and b la Claire is the wife of Pir ed in the United States merican war, was stationed i or three years, being first # rebellion. Jay Crandal t. ! also works in the paper!

township, Pepin county, FF he United States alone vi! delphia with whom he jz mself. He then remore' : esided with his brother county. Here he settle! : s the Faast farm, which ! uccessful farmer and erz ore his death, he residel' aw, but passed away at 3 urand, in 1914. During' hairman of Waubeek : a member of the Methe's

Pepin county, the vur ions. John and George. DE 837. and came to Ane ears he resided in BE d in Milwaukee the ed to Germany, when! , of Wunseidel, Borse ! by his wife, he res there until 1861. *** leave. Jefferson's is village that Mr. BE the carriage and me June 2. 1915, and ris s here. At the tie : nd. as he was ske i public omce. Ber : position for 15 par r and aldermat. Es moment was bereit cientious man påes

MR. AND MRS. CHRISTIAN BRUENN

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duty before pleasure, and giving of his best to any cause he decided to support. An instance of his stability of character may be found in the fact that during the 32 years he served as secretary of Durand Lodge No. 149, F. & A. M., he was absent from only three meetings-a record not often equalled in any lodge. Mr. Bruenn's first wife died in 1882, and on Nov. 9, 1882, he married Wilhelmina Tanz, of Albany township, Pepin county. Of this second union nine children were born, four of whom are now living: John and George, who are carrying on the business estab- lished by their father; Martha, who is a school teacher; and Eliza, who is engaged in the profession of a nurse. The family, including the mother, reside together in Durand.

John Bruenn, proprietor with his brother George of the Bruenn wagon and carriage-making works in Durand, Pepin county, was born in the vil- lage of Durand, June 24, 1890, son of Christian and Wilhelmina (Tanz) Bruenn. His education was acquired in the local schools, including the high school, from which he was graduated in 1908. His knowledge of the carriage and wagon-making industry was gained through practical expe- rience in his father's shop and under the father's instructions, and is a trade that he has thoroughly mastered, as also has his brother. Together they make a strong firm and are conducting a profitable business. John Bruenn is independent in politics, and is a member of the German Lutheran church at Durand.

Alex Johnson, who is engaged in the general mercantile business at Ella, Pepin county, Wisconsin, is one of the thriving and up-to-date business men of this section. He was born in Applebo, Sweden, July 6, 1873, son of Mr. and Mrs. F. L. Johnson, his parents being natives of the same country. The father was born in 1842 and in 1882 came to this country with his family, locating on a farm in Frankfort township. Both father and mother are now deceased. Alex Johnson attended school in Frankfort township. He was nine years old when he came to America, and at the age of 20 began working out for farmers. Preferring mercan- tile life, however, he soon found employment in a store and was manager of the Farmers' Store at Ella for nine years. Three years ago he purchased his present store, which he has fitted up in up-to-date manner, and is carry- ing a full stock of general merchandise for which he finds a ready trade. He is a member of the Farmers' Telephone Company, and as an enterpris- ing and reliable citizen takes an interest in every feasible project for the benefit of the community in which he resides. He is serving on the district school board, being independent in politics. On May 4, 1913, he was united in marriage with Dolores Fuller, who was born in Pepin vil- lage, daughter of Ira Fuller of Pepin. She was educated in the local school. Mr. and Mrs. Johnson have one child, Donald, who was born July 16, 1917.

Mamre Hurlburt, now living retired in the village of Durand, Pepin county, was for a number of years one of the most prominent and success- ful agriculturists in Buffalo county. His native place was in St. Lawrence county, New York, where he began life's journey, Feb. 13, 1839. His parents were Horace and Anna (Miller) Hurlburt, the father born in St. Lawrence county, New York, in 1810 and the mother in Grand Isle county,

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Vermont, in 1813. Horace Hurlburt, who in early industrial life worked for others, in 1847 bought land in Franklin county, New York, where he and his family resided until 1854. He then removed west to Dane county, Wisconsin, resided there one year, and at the end of that time came or. to Buffalo county, where he made his home until he was disabled by an injury, after which he lived with a son in Trempealeau county until his death. His wife died at Gilman, Buffalo county. They had nine children : Vincent, Mamre, Ellen A., Louisa, Mary, Horace, William, Rodney and Hannah. Mamre Hurlburt, who was the second born child of his parents, first attended school in Franklin county, New York, and afterwards one winter in Dane county, Wisconsin. He worked for his father until he was 21 years old, and two years later became a soldier, enlisting in 1862 in Company A, 20th Wisconsin regiment, being mustered in as a corporal at Madison. After serving nine months he was mustered out because of impaired health. He then returned to Buffalo county, Wisconsin, and bought land in section 36, township 24, range 13. By the time of his mar- riage in 1867 he had cleared a good farm, to the size of which he added from time to time until he owned a full section. He also erected good buildings and made other improvements until he had the best farm in the township. He first engaged in wheat raising but later raised corn and hogs, always raising a field of winter wheat, however, to help out his spring work. He frequently threshed 5,000 bushels of wheat and was for a number of years one of the most extensive farmers in the county. In 1901 he removed to Durand, though retaining the ownership of his farm until 1908. When he came here he purchased his present home, in which he has resided continuously. Mr. Hurlburt is a stockholder in the First National Bank of Durand, and is a man of ample means, having a con- siderable amount of money out on interest, and holding a number of mort- gages. His affluence is the result of many years' hard labor and skilful management of his resources. In politics he is independent, and while in Buffalo county represented his township, serving on various committees. He has also served as alderman in Durand for one term. . Mr. Hurlburt was married April 25, 1867, to Hattie Evans, who was born in Cambria county, Pennsylvania, Sept. 23, 1842, daughter of Thomas and Martha (Griffith) Evans. Her parents were natives of Wales who came to this country when young and were married in Pennsylvania, Mr. Evans being a stone mason by trade. Later they removed to Illinois and from that state came to Wisconsin in 1865, locating at Nelson, Buffalo county, where he engaged in farming. He died there in 1883, his wife having previously passed away in 1869. Their daughter Hattie (Mrs. Hurlburt) was the third born of their seven children. She was well educated, and subsequently be- came a teacher, following that occupation in Illinois for the modest remu- neration of $1.50 a week. She also taught school in Buffalo county, Wis- consin, and one year in Iowa. Mr. and Mrs. Hurlburt have been the par- ents of six children: Lora, wife of John Ward, a farmer of Buffalo county, and the mother of three children, John J., Mamre and Lorena; Jessie, wife of Arthur Fox, of Cornell, Wis., who has one child, Marion, a graduate of the University of Wisconsin; Mamre, Jr., who died at the age of seven

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MR. AND MRS. CHARLES HARSCHLIP CHESTER J. BUTLER AND FAMILY MR. AND MRS. EPHRIAM BUTLER

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years in 1881; Harriet, who died in the same year at the age of three years; Cora J., residing at home; and Roy, a land owner of Cornell, Wis., who married Anna Shaar and has four children, Samuel, Margaret, Loretta and Edwin; Mr. Fox, husband of Jessie, was an extensive land owner in Pepin county. At Cornell, where he now lives, he has erected 100 or more houses in the Fox's addition. Mr. Hurlburt is a member of the G. A. R. post at Durand, of which he is ex-vice commander.

Chester Julius Butler, a successful farmer of Albany township, Pepin county, operating a farm of 176 acres in section 17, was born in Modena township, Buffalo county, Wisconsin, Oct. 10, 1870, son of Ephraim and Matilda (White) Butler. The father was born in Pennsylvania in 1845 and the mother in Ohio in 1855. The former, who is now living retired in Mondovi village, served four years in the Civil War as a volunteer from Pennsylvania, and was wounded three times. He has been a prominent citizen of his township, having served in public office, and is a man highly respected, and with a large acquaintance. Chester Julius Butler was edu- cated in Modena township, Buffalo county, attending district school. He worked on his father's farm until 24 years old, acquiring a good practical knowledge of agriculture in its various branches, and then began farming .for himself. In 1907 he came to his present farm of 176 acres, on which he is raising both crops and stock with profitable results, advancing in prosperity from year to year. His political principles are those of the Republican party. On Nov. 27, 1895, Mr. Butler was united in marriage with Rose Harschlip, daughter of Charles and Dora (Babbits) Harschlip. Her parents were born in Germany, the father in 1844 and the mother in 1846. They settled on a farm in Buffalo county in 1850. Mrs. Dora Harsch- lip is now deceased. The daughter Rose was given a good education, first attending the rural school in Canton township, Buffalo county, later the Durand High School, and afterwards attending the summer sessions at normal schools. Being thus qualified for a teacher, she followed that occu- pation for some time in Dunn, Pepin and Buffalo counties. Mr. and Mrs. Butler are the parents of eight children: Charles Leroy, Orvin Ephraim, Rexford Milton, Julius Dean (deceased), Dorothy Matilda, Esther Louisa, Vivian Irene and Malcolm Richard. Mr. Butler is a member of the camp of Woodmen at Caryville, Dunn county. He and his family have a good social standing in their township and the vicinity.

Lawrence Kessinger, educator and historical writer, was born in Baden, Germany, Aug. 10, 1826; came to America in 1853, lived in St. Louis six months, and then taught school at Terre Haute, Ind. In 1855 he came to Buffalo county, located at Buffalo City, and for the remainder of his life followed the professions of teacher and surveyor. He was county surveyor of Buffalo county two terms, and county superintendent of schools three terms. He married Mary Schneider, a native of Germany, and had four children, Alice, Mary, Charles and Matilda. In 1889 he wrote a History of Buffalo County, which has been the basis of most of the historical work done in the county since then.

Fred Stienke, a pioneer settler of Canton township, now deceased, was a native of Prussia, Germany. There he was married to Elnora Harem,

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and in 1861 they emigrated to the United States, bringing with them their three children, Carl, Herman and Augusta. After a voyage of seven weeks in a sailing vessel they landed in this country and came west to Wisconsin, locating first in La Crosse, where Mr. Stienke, who was a strong, vigorous man, found employment in a brickyard. About three years later he gave up that occupation and with his family came to Buffalo county, securing 80 acres of government land in Canton township. To this he later added 80 acres of railroad land and finally increased his hold- ings to 200 acres. His original tracts were wild, as well as the surround- ing country, and he had to cut a road to his property, or rather clear a passage, as it was years before a real road was constructed. His party consisted of eight persons, as it included an uncle of Michael Stienke and a man named August Heck. For the first few days the family made their home in the wagon. Then Mr. Stienke went to Durand and got lumber with which to build a shanty, in which they resided until the fall, when a log house was erected. In addition to the ox team, Mr. Stienke had two cows and two calves. Thus provided, he began the life of a pioneer farmer, and in time, through hard work and perseverance, he increased in pros- perity until he and his family reached comfortable circumstances. Mr. Stienke died on his farm in 1906, at the age of 80 years and five months. His wife's earthly career was much shorter, as she passed away at the age of 52. In addition to the three children who came with them from Ger- many, they had four others-Albert, Fred, Rhinehold and Amelia, who were all born in Buffalo county, Wisconsin, except Albert, and he now resides on the old homestead. Mr. Stienke and family were members of the Lutheran church.

Carl August Stienke, a successful farmer and respected citizen of Modena township, Buffalo county, was born in West Prussia, Germany, Dec. 10, 1849, son of Fred and Elnora (Harem) Stienke. He first attended school in his native land, and later in La Crosse, Wis. After the family came to Buffalo county about 1863 he had no further educational advan- tages, having to help his father clear the land. Until reaching the age of 30 years he resided at home with his parents, and was then married to Mary Kreiger, a native of Germany. He then settled on 80 acres of land in section 15, Canton township, on which he built a log house, 16 acres of the land being then cleared. On that property he resided for ten years, engaged in making improvements. He then sold that farm and bought one in Gilmanton township. This estate, which he purchased in 1892, con- tained 180 acres of land and was a splendid piece of property. There he carried on general farming very successfully, raising good stock and real- izing a good profit from the place. It was his home until 1913, when he sold it and moved to Modena township, from which he moved to the village in 1916. He is now practically retired, except that for the last four years he has operated a threshing machine. Mr. and Mrs. Stienke are the parents of four children: Albert, of Mondovi township; Wilhelmina, wife of Sam Meyer, of Modena township; Richard, of Modena, and Mary, who is the wife of Martin Hagen, of Modena. The family are members of the Lutheran church.

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CHRISTIAN VON WALD AND FAMILY

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Walter L. Houser, former secretary of state of the State of Wisconsin, agriculturist, stock breeder, journalist and man of affairs, was born in Tidioute, Warren county, Pennsylvania, May 6, 1855, son of James R. and Margaret L. (Magee) Houser. At the age of ten years he was brought to Wisconsin by his mother and received his education in River Falls. For a while he read law in the office of Abner Morse. Afterward he learned the printers' trade. In 1876 he came to Mondovi, where he has since resided. That year he founded the Mondovi Herald, with which he was connected for many years. He became interested in political affairs soon after his arrival, and became a leader in the progressive movement which did so much to place Wisconsin in the forefront in political and economic progress. He was a delegate to numerous conventions, served on numerous commit- tees, held clerkships in the State Legislature, and occupied many local offices. A commanding figure in state affairs, he served as secretary of state of Wisconsin from 1903 to 1907, and in 1911 had charge of the Progressive Republican Campaign at Washington, D. C. In the World War he has also been a leader in the civilian work in this part of the state, and for nearly a year devoted much of his time to work in this connection. Since early youth, Mr. Houser has been deeply inter- ested in nature, in farming, and in animals. As editor of a country news- paper, he found little opportunity of indulging in his hobby of stock rais- ing, but gradually he worked into it, and became the pioneer in the intro- duction of some of the best farm animals ever brought into the state. He has won a wide reputation as a successful breeder, especially of horses and cattle, and has been at the head of the movements instituting the baby beef contests, sheep and swine contest, and other activities along these lines throughout the state. His property, the Ethelwold Farms, beauti- fully located on a commanding site at the edge of the village of Mondovi, is one of the finest farms in this part of the state. Mr. Houser was mar- ried Feb. 6, 1877, to Susie Legore, daughter of John Legore, an early settler.

Christian Von Wald, a well to do resident of the city of Alma, Buffalo county, who has served as a member of the county board and in other im- portant offices, was born in Sauk county, Wisconsin, Aug. 25, 1849. His birthplace was the farmhouse of his parents, Christ and Mary (Thoeny) Von Wald, natives of Switzerland, who had come to this country in 1847, accompanied by four children, Zula, Leonard, Agnes and Anna. Landing after a seven weeks' voyage in a sailing vessel, they proceeded to Sauk county, Wisconsin, which location they had in mind, and where they bought wild land and began the life of pioneer farmers, though the father's trade was that of a carpenter. His facility with the axe and saw, however, enabled him quickly to put up the log cabin in which the subject of this sketch was born. An ox team was used on the farm, the oxen being also obliged to transport the family, or members of it, to Madison, which was the nearest or most convenient market. Sometimes, however, the dis- tance was covered on foot. Indians were plentiful in the neighborhood, but were friendly. There Christ Von Wald died at the comparatively early age of 49 years. His wife, surviving him, passed away at the age of sixty-

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eight. In addition to the children already mentioned, two others were born to them, in Sauk county, Charles, and a brother who died in infancy. Christian Von Wald spent his boyhood years on the pioneer farm of his parents, when quite young playing with the Indian children, from whom he learned to speak their language, and later helping in the work of the farm. At the age of fifteen he left home and came to Buffalo county, locating in Modena township, where he found employment at farm work. In 1865, being then only sixteen years old, he bought a tract of 80 acres of wild land in Modena township, and began to clear it, still continuing, however, to work out for neighboring farmers at intervals in order to earn his ex- penses. His first dwelling on the farm was a log house that he built him- self, and he used an ox team in breaking and plowing his land. When the blade of his large breaking plow got dull he used to carry it to town on his back to get it sharpened. In time he became the owner of 600 acres of land in Modena, which he later sold and then purchased 505 acres in Mill Creek, town of Alma, and erected a set of good buildings on his farm, which he cultivated profitably until his retirement in 1902, when he took up his residence in Alma. In early days he was a great hunter, killing many deer, in which he made a record not excelled, if equaled, by any other hunter in the county. While living in Modena township he held the office of supervisor and chairman of the town board, serving 18 years in succes- sion in Modena and the City of Alma, and was appointed bridge commis- sioner three different times. He also served on the school board as clerk and director, holding one office or the other from the time of its organiza- tion. During his first year's residence in Alma he was elected alderman and has held that position ever since. In national politics he is a Republi- can. Mr. Von Wald was married in Racine, Wis., to Amelia C. Beinnert, who was born at Lone Rock, in Richland county, Wisconsin, March 24, 1856. Their wedding took place July 9, 1879, and after 37 years of happy married life Mrs. Von Wald died, Oct. 22, 1916. She was a member of Eastern Star lodge, No. 148, of Alma, and her memory is revered as that of a good wife and mother. Of the five children born to the subject of this sketch and his wife, one, Frank, died in infancy. The others are: Albert C., a resident of Alma; Elmer H., a stock buyer, also residing here, and Orville L. and Richard, who are living on the home farm, having pur- chased it in 1917.

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History of Buffalo and Pepin Counties Wisconsin (Volume 2), Part 31

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

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