USA > Wisconsin > Buffalo County > History of Buffalo and Pepin Counties Wisconsin (Volume 2) > Part 36
USA > Wisconsin > Pepin County > History of Buffalo and Pepin Counties Wisconsin (Volume 2) > Part 36
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Adolph Ericson, proprietor of a modern stock farm of 120 acres in section 28, Frankfort township, Pepin county, was born in this township, April 29, 1886. His parents were Erik and Bertha (Swanson) Ericson, both natives of Sweden, where the father followed the occupation of a farmer. Erik Ericson came to the United States about 1867, settling on a farm in Frankfort township, this county. After developing a good farm from an unimproved tract of land, he operated it for six years until his retirement in 1912, and is now living on a farm in this township. For a number of years he served as a member of the town and school boards. Adolph Ericson in his boyhood attended district school at Little Plum, Frankfort township, this county. He worked on the home farm until he started in for himself in 1912 on his present farm of 120 acres, a well equipped place on which he is raising Hereford cattle and Poland-China hogs, finding an excellent market for his products. He is also a stock- holder in the Farmers Telephone Company, and is making good progress financially. In politics he is independent. He is a member of the school board of his district and also belongs to the Lutheran church at Little Plum Creek, Frankfort township. Mr. Ericson was married May 20, 1911, to Eva Carrol, daughter of John and Rebecca Carrol. She was born in Pepin township, this county, where her parents were farming people, and in her girlhood attended district school at Lost Creek, that township. Mr. and Mrs. Ericson are the parents of three children, Ethel, Gertrude and Lawrence.
Asahel Goss, an elderly resident of Lima township, where he was an early settler, was born in Pennsylvania, in 1818. He became a farmer and was married in his native state to Susan Teets, who was also a Penn- sylvanian. Later they removed to Illinois, and from Mason county, that state, came to Pepin county, Wisconsin, arriving in November, 1863, hav- ing traversed most of the distance by steamboat. Here Mr. Goss took land in section 32, Lima township, built a log house and with an ox team began the work of developing a farm. He had 116 acres, which he cleared with the assistance of his son, Lawrence M., who now owns the property, and here he resided until his death in January, 1893. . He had been one of the prominent men in the township, having served as township treasurer, as a member of the school board, and in other offices. His wife, who was some years younger than himself, died in March, 1907, at the home of her
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son, Lawrence M. Lawrence M. Goss, who was the youngest of his par- ents' six children, acquired his education in the district school in Lima township. He resided at home, working on the farm and when 22 years of age taught school in Lima township, and also in Canton township, Buf- falo county, being thus occupied for four years. During his vacations he continued to assist his father on the parental homestead, which in time came into his possession. He is successfully engaged in general farming, having a well equipped place, of the original acreage, and is also a stock- holder in the Inter-county Telephone Company and the Tarrant County Co-operative Creamery. Mr. Goss has served as township clerk for the last 22 years, and has also been school clerk for several years. In politics he is a Republican, with independent proclivities. On Feb. 25, 1895, Mr. Goss was married to Mary Forster, who was born in Lima township, daughter of Daniel and Julia (Fidi) Forster. Both her parents were born in Austria, the father in 1844 and the mother in April, 1849. The former was a stone mason by trade, but was also a useful man in many other ways. He was only 12 years of age when he came to America, and after attaining maturity he worked at various occupations besides masonry. For many years he operated a threshing outfit and also a sawmill, but always called himself a farmer. He still resides in Lima township, but is now retired. During his active career he served at various times in local office, including that of school treasurer. His wife is also living. They were the parents of three children, of whom their daughter, Mary, was the eldest. She was educated in Lima township, attending district school. Mr. and Mrs. Goss have been the parents of ten children: Ruth Elizabeth, Annie, John, Irene Margarct, Richard Carl, Julia Susanna, Daniel Charles, Susan Rosina, Mary Cecelia and James Lewis. Annie and John are now deceased; the others are residing at home. Fraternally Mr. Goss belongs to the Modern Woodmen of America. He has been a suc- cessful man in the line of industry he represents, and he and his family are highly respected in Lima township.
Job Denton Eldridge, jurist, journalist and educator, for many years a resident of Durand, and one of the most noted citizens of Pepin county, who died March 10, 1908, was born at Dover, Maine, June 2, 1847, son of Ensign and Eunice P. (Dow) Eldridge. The early progenitors of the Eldridge family in this country were among the puritan settlers in New England and were men and women of a sturdy race. The paternal grand- father of the subject of this memoir fought for American independence in the war of the Revolution. Ensign and Eunice P. Eldridge, parents of Judge Eldridge, came west in 1849, locating near Chilton, Calumet county, Wis., where the father engaged in farming. He died May 24, 1858, after nine years spent in pioneer labor. His wife survived him about 24 years, passing away in 1882. They had five children, of whom Job Denton was the youngest. The latter was educated in the common schools of Calumet county, the Chilton high school and the normal school at Oshkosh, Wis. He was quite young when his father died, being hardly eleven years of age, and after that event the home farm was operated by his next elder brother, Job and his mother residing with the latter. He was still attend-
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JOB D. ELDRIDGE
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ing school when 17, and also working at intervals on the farm. At the age of 20 he engaged in teaching school, and at about the same time he engaged in the study of law in the office of Hobart & Reynolds, at Chilton. He was admitted to the bar at Chilton, and began the practice of law. In 1879 Mr. Eldridge came to Durand and soon after became a partner of John Frazer, this connection, however, lasting but a short time, as Mr. Eldridge soon went to Stockholm, Wis., where he practiced law and taught school for about three years. He was married, at Durand, April 24, 1884, to May Babcock, who was born on Bear Creek, where Durand was first settled, daughter of George W. and Harriet M. (Babcock) Babcock. Returning to Durand from Stockholm, Mr. Eldridge now engaged in a new enterprise, in January, 1885, becoming the owner, by purchase with E. F. Morsbach, of the Pepin County Courier, a weekly newspaper, which they conducted for about five years. In 1884 he was appointed to fill an unexpired term as county superintendent of schools, and at the end of the term was elected to the same office, in which he served until 1887. In 1890 he was elected county judge, which office he filled with credit for four years. During a part of that time he also served as deputy register of deeds. In 1899 Judge Eldridge re-entered the journalistic field, becoming owner of his old newspaper, the Courier, in partnership with B. E. Barton, with whom he was associated until the latter's retirement in 1902, when he became the sole owner. His proprietorship of the paper lasted until his death in 1908, and from that time on the Journal was conducted by his widow and children, until 1914, when they sold their interests to Bardill Brothers. In addition to his useful activities in connection with the bench and bar, the journalistic field, and the cause of education, Judge Eldridge was per- sonally interested in various other local enterprises. He was a director and stockholder in the Bank of Durand, and was the owner of valuable city property, both of a business and residence character, including a tract of 12 acres inside the city limits. But while thus advancing his private interests he was not unmindful of the public welfare, to which he cheerfully devoted a part of his time. He was a member of the fire department, and being elected a member of the library board in 1897, he served efficiently on that board up to the time of his death. In politics he was a Republican, with leanings toward prohibition doctrine, and for a number of years served as alderman. When a young man of 19 years he joined the Methodist Episcopal church, of which he ever after remained a faithful member, taking an active part in the work of the Epworth League, of which society he was the first president in Durand. His fraternal soci- ety affiliations were with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, the For- esters, and the Beavers, of which last mentioned order he was a social member. Judge Eldridge and wife were the parents of four children, Robert Graham, Harriet Eunice, Jennie Bernice and Florence M. Robert G., born March 23, 1885, married Clara Gleason, and now resides at Pine- hurst, Wash., and is engaged in business as a job engraver and printer, at Everett. He has one child, John Denton. Harriet E., born Oct. 17, 1891, is the wife of Rev. Charles Griswold, a Baptist minister, and resides in Missouri. She is the mother of three children, Elizabeth May, Nedra
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Elaine and Florence Bernice. Jennie B., born Jan. 27, 1894, who is unmar- ried, was graduated in music at Ypsilanti, Mich., and is now a music teacher there. Florence M., born March 12, 1895, graduated in 1917 from the State Normal School at Ypsilanti, Mich, with the degree of Bachelor of Arts, and is now physical director in the Y. W. C. A. at Austin, Texas. Mrs. Eldridge, who survives her husband, is still residing in Durand, where she was reared and educated, and is a prominent member of the best society here, and a member of and an active worker in the Methodist Episcopal church.
George W. Babcock, who, in former years, was actively engaged in agriculture in Durand township, Pepin county, and also for a while in manufacturing, in Durand, was born in New York State in September, 1837. Coming west in early life, he worked for a number of years as sawyer in a mill at Bear Creek and later operated the first steam threshing outfit in the Bear Creek Valley. After that for a few years he owned and oper- ated a chair factory at Durand, and was subsequently sawyer in a mill there. He then returned to the occupation of threshing. About 1891 he engaged in farming in Waterville township, Pepin county, and later im- proved a farm in Durand township, adjoining Durand, residing there until a few months before his death, when he came to live with his daughter, Mrs. J. D. Eldridge of Durand. His death took place June 2, 1908, and was much regretted throughout this community, of which he was an active and enterprising citizen and where he had many friends. Mr. Babcock was married to Harriet M. Babcock, who was born in Canada, Dec. 31, 1842, and died Nov. 2, 1888. They had two children: May, who became the wife of Hon. Job D. Eldridge, and is now a widow, residing in Durand; and Maud E., who married John Burtis, resides in Ypsilanti, Mich., and has one son, Orville, who was born in 1895.
Joseph Hoover, of section 1, Albany township, Pepin county, is an agriculturist who is making good progress on the road to fortune, being already in prosperous circumstances, and as owner of a good farm of 230 acres, able to take advantage of the present urgent demand for agricultural products of all kinds. He was born in Rock Creek township, Dunn county, Wisconsin, Aug. 6, 1880, son of Elias and Katherine (Lock) Hoover, and is therefore now in the prime of life with all his energies unimpaired, and capable of the maximum amount of physical and mental effort. The father, Elias Hoover, was born in Pennsylvania in 1833, and also was a farmer, adding to the agricultural resources of Rock Creek township, Dunn county, by clearing a farm from the wilderness. Both he and his wife are now deceased. They had a large family, numbering 13 children, of whom Joseph was the youngest. Joseph Hoover attended school at Rock Falls, Dunn county, and at the age of 13 years began working out on farms, thereby hardening his muscles and acquiring much practical experience that has since been of use to him. During two winters he worked in the woods at lumbering, but with those exceptions, he continued to work out at farming until some 17 years ago, about the year 1900, when he found himself in a position to become an independent farmer, thus realizing a long-felt ambition. It was then that he began his prosperous career on
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e B., born Jan. 27. 1894 Tx 3 Ypsilanti, Mich., and is vi arch 12, 1895. graduated 2 IT= . Mich, with the degree d buder. in the Y. W. C. A a Aaa's usband. is stil residing iz and is a prominent zone !! ni an active worka los mer years. mas arriver are! in county. and is fr ir: in New York Sam Red for a number of yeurs a song cei sie Erst steam tiresting on ite a few years he ownel mite was subsequently senye in ud
JOSEPH HOOVER AND FAMILY
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the farm where he now resides, of which he has cleared up the greater part, and on which he has erected good and substantial buildings, and equipped with all necessary machinery and implements of modern type. Mr. Hoover carries on general farming, keeping Guernsey cattle and Poland- China hogs, and finding a ready market for his products, whether of grain or stock. As one of the leading and responsible men of his township he has served on both the town and county boards and as a member of his district school board, bringing to bear on public affairs the sound practical sense that he has manifested in his own private concerns. His political principles are those of the Republican party. October 9, 1900, Mr. Hoover was united in marriage with Cora Isham, daughter of Ira and Clara (Bel- den) Isham, her parents being farming people of Albany township, in the schools of which township she was educated. The domestic life of Mr. and Mrs. Hoover has been rounded out and perfected by the birth of eight children, named respectively: Glenn, Wallace, Eva, Bessie, Gale, Russell, William and Mildred. Glenn is a student in the Sweeny Automobile School at Kansas City, Mo.
Richard Augustus Buchanan, proprietor of a fine stock and dairy farm in Waterville township, near the village of Arkansaw, was born in this township, Oct. 15, 1860, son of Gabriel and Eleanor (Cavcaden) Buchanan. The father, a native of Ireland, came to America with his parents when three years old, they settling in Canada, where he grew to manhood. He was there married and subsequently came to Wisconsin and engaged in farming in Pepin county, in the vicinity of Arkansaw, where he was one of the first settlers. He also worked a short time at Eau Galle for Carson & Rand. Settling on the farm where his son, Richard, now lives, he spent many years in improving it, dying here, March 21, 1888. His wife, who was a native of Scotland, survived him a few years, her death occurring Feb. 15, 1893. Gabriel Buchanan took an active interest in school and church work and was a useful and industrious citizen. Richard A. Buchanan was the seventh born in a family of nine children. He attended school at Arkansaw and was only 14 years old when he took practical charge of the farm, of which he later became the owner. This farm now contains 234 acres and all the most modern improvements have been made by him. It is in the immediate vicinity of the village, a part of it touching the village limits. Here he is engaged in breeding various kinds of stock, including Guernsey cattle, Oxford sheep and Poland-China hogs, in all of which lines of industry he is doing a profitable business. He is also a stockholder and director in the Waterville Creamery Company and a stockholder in the Telephone Company, of which latter organization he was one of the founders. Mr. Buchanan is independent in politics and is not active in public affairs, having hitherto declined local office. He was married, Sept. 16, 1896, to Lillian Louise Hoffman, who was born in the state of New York, on Green Island, daughter of Henry and Katherine (Kline) Hoffman. Of this union five children have been born: Earl, Floyd, Katherine Eleanor, Henry and Bessie May. Earl is now attending Eau Claire Normal School and is studying to be an electrical engineer. Floyd graduated from
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the Durand High School in the class of 1917; Katherine E., Henry and Bessie May, are all residing at home.
Goodheart Hutter, a well known resident of Waterville township, where he is engaged in farming, and also in contract work as a mason, was born in Jefferson, Jefferson county, Wis., Aug. 24, 1861. His parents, Joseph and Paulina (Sirler) Hutter, were natives of Germany. The father, who was a mason, came to this country when a young man and followed his trade in Jefferson for a number of years. In 1870 he came to Pepin county and secured a tract of wild land in Waterville township, which he cleared and developed into a farm. On one or more occasions he returned to Jefferson and worked at his trade there during the summer. The farm remained his home, however, until his death, which occurred in 1901. His wife died in 1915. They had a family of ten children, Goodheart being the second in order of birth. Goodheart Hutter attended district school in Waterville township and lived with his parents until he was 22 years of age. He then followed the mason's trade for a number of years, depending upon it for a livelihood until 1895, when he bought land and engaged in farming, which he has followed to a greater or less extent ever since, also taking contracts for mason work and plastering from time to time. His present farm, to which he came in 1912, is located in section 25, and consists of 80 acres of valuable land, well improved, and which he operates in a general way, raising both crops and stock. He is a member of the Roman Catholic church at Arkansaw and in politics is independent. Mr. Hutter was married June 13, 1888, at Durand, to Ida Crandall, who was born in Michigan, daughter of Jason and Ruth (McDonald) Crandall. Her parents, who were born in New York State, were early settlers in Dunn county, Wisconsin, where they resided many years. When they moved they came to Durand, Pepin county, in which place Mrs. Crandall died. Her husband then returned to New York State. While a resident of Pepin county, he served at times in local office. Mr. and Mrs. Hutter are the parents of nine children: Nina, who resides at Rice Lake; Clara, wife of Peter Manor, living at Rice Lake; Myrtle; Helen; Earl, who married Blanche Richardson, and lives on the Hutter farm, and William, who is serving as a mechanic in the United States army; Clarence, John and Charles, residing at home. All are unmarried except Clara, Earl and Nina.
John E. Marks, a well known stock farmer of Pepin township, Pepin county, whose well kept modern farm of 130 acres is located in section 16, was born in the village of Pepin, this county, May 28, 1881. His parents were Otto and Mamie (Parkinson) Marks, the father a native of Prussia and the mother of England. The former was a blacksmith and also con- ducted a hardware store, after coming to Pepin, Wis. He was a prominent citizen of the village and a member of the village board, but is now de- ceased, the hardware store being conducted by his brother, William, until 1918, when he sold out. Mrs. Mamie Marks, mother of the subject of this sketch, is still living. John E. Marks acquired his education in the graded school of the village of Pepin. At the age of 17 years he began working on the railroad and was thus occupied for a number of years as
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JOHN E. MARCKS AND FAMILY
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switchman and brakeman on the Chicago, Burlington & Quincy Railway, between Savannah, Ill., and St. Paul, Minn. About 1908 he turned his attention to farming, buying his present place in section 16, Pepin town- ship, where he has since remained. Here he has a very good farm, which he devotes largely to the raising of stock. The buildings, which are neat, modern and substantial, he has erected himself, and the place gives ample evidence of thrift and prosperity on the part of its owner. Mr. Marks is also a shareholder in the Farmers Telephone Company and is a member of the Woodmen's Camp at Pepin, and of the Lutheran church in that village. He is independent in politics. On Sept. 12, 1904, he was united in marriage with Mamie Lincoln, daughter of Charles and Fannie (Howard) Lincoln, of Pepin village, her father being operator of a grain-threshing outfit. She was educated in the schools of the village, graduating from the high school in 1904. Mr. and Mrs. Marks have a family of four chil- dren, Lucile, Mildred, Loretta and Marjorie, all of whom are residing at home.
Irvin Holden, proprietor of a general stock and dairy farm in section 35, Waterville township, was born in this township, July 25, 1878, son of John P. and Susan (Richardson) Holden. The father was born in Ire- land, Dec. 25, 1839, and from the age of 14 to that of 17 followed a mari- time life as ship's boy and sailor on the Atlantic ocean. He then abandoned the sea and coming to Pepin county, Wisconsin, entered the employ of Knapp, Stout & Co., lumbermen, and worked on the Chippewa river for a number of years. After that he was employed for eight or ten years on the boom at Round Hill. Since then he has been practically retired and is now residing in Waterville township. His wife, Susan, who was born in England, Nov. 26, 1845, is also living. Irvin Holden was one of the younger members of a family of ten children. In boyhood he attended school in district No. 4, Waterville township, which was known as the Plummer district. Brought up to agricultural pursuits, when 20 years old, he took charge of the home farm and continued on it for one year after his marriage in April, 1899. He then operated another farm for four years, after which he purchased the farm on which he now lives, located in section 35, Waterville township, and containing 80 acres of good land which he is operating in a general way, raising crops and stock, besides carrying on dairying. He is also a stockholder in the Farmers Telephone Company at Arkansaw. Mr. Holden is independent in politics. At the present time he is serving as school clerk. He is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church and is fraternally associated with the Modern Woodmen of America. On April 29, 1899, Irvin Holden was united in marriage with Clara Stuart, who was born in Eau Galle, Dunn county, Wis., daughter of James and Levine (Thompson) Stuart. Of this union eight children have been born: Floyd Stuart, Jennie Marie, James Powell, Lila Blanche, Wilbur Irwin, Doris Blanche, Norman Herbert and Eveline Arline, all of whom are residing at home.
James Stuart, who died on his farm in Waubeek township, in the spring of 1906, was born in Canada, Nov. 25, 1831. At the age of 15 years he came to Pepin county, Wisconsin, and resided in this vicinity
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until the Civil War, when he joined as a private a company of light artil- lery, recruited from Dunn county, with which he served at the front. Escaping causualties, he returned home after the war and took up his residence in Eau Galle township, Dunn county, where he worked for a number of years for Knapp, Stout & Co., as cook in their lumber camps, and later for Carson & Rand. After being connected with the lumber industry for many years he finally settled on his farm in Waubeek town- ship, Pepin county, where he spent his remaining years. His wife, whose maiden name was Levina Thompson, and who was born in England in 1833, came to this country at the age of five years, her parents locating in Waubeek township, this county. She is still living on the homestead. They were the parents of ten children: Samuel J., James W., Milton E., William W., Catherine J., Clara B., Charles E., Gracie and Claude (twins), Levina W. Samuel J., Catherine and Claude are deceased.
John Drier, a well known farmer and stock raiser, located in section 11, Waterville township, was born in this township, April 26, 1874, son of John and Barbara (Bauer) Drier, the father being a native of Germany and the mother of Austria. John Drier, Sr., came to America when a young man and resided for a number of years in Jefferson county, Wiscon- sin. From there he removed to Eau Galle, Dunn county, and was employed for some time by Carson & Rand, well known lumbermen. After leaving them, he settled on the land now farmed by his son and namesake, the subject of this sketch, which was then covered with timber. On it he built a small log house in which he lived for five or six years, when it was replaced by a more commodious dwelling. After many years spent in improving the place, he died here, June 28, 1915. His wife, who survived him, is now residing in Eau Claire. Their son, John, was the eldest of their four children. John Drier, Jr., was educated in the Liddy district school in this township and his industrial career, which he began at an early age, has been devoted to farming, of which he has a thorough prac- tical knowledge. He assisted his father until his marriage, and then bought land in Pierce county, near Plum City, where he farmed for three and a half years. Then selling that place, he bought the old home farm, and now owns 100 acres of valuable land in section 11, Waterville township, and 20 acres near Eau Galle. He raises good stock, as well as crops, and is financially interested in the Waterville Creamery and the Telephone Company. He is a member of the Roman Catholic church at Arkansaw, and in politics is independent. In 1915 he built a fine modern eight-room house, and has also erected or remodeled all the buildings on his place. Mr. Drier assumed the responsibilities of domestic life, Oct. 22, 1900, when he was united in marriage with Julia Schlosser, who was born May 15, 1877, daughter of Lawrence and Theresa Schlosser. Her parents were born and married in Germany, coming to the United States at an early date and settling on an unimproved farm in Lima township, Pepin county, Wisconsin. There were few other settlers here then and Mr. Schlosser and wife had to struggle with pioneer conditions for a number of years. He developed the tract of land on which he settled and later bought another farm in Bear Creek Valley, Buffalo county. He also cleared still another
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