History of Buffalo and Pepin Counties Wisconsin (Volume 2), Part 38

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

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Jacob Frank, a general farmer of Pepin township, is the owner of 360 acres of good land, his residence being situated in Section 8. He was born in Germany, in 1861, on the 16th of June, his parents being Jacob, Sr., and Margaret (Beestaher) Frank. The parents came to the United States in 1887, locating at Downsville, in Dunn county, Wis., where they engaged in farming, being obliged to clear the land. Both are now deceased. Jacob Frank, Jr., attended school in Germany and at the age of 16 years began industrial life in the city of Stuttgart. In 1885, being then 24 years old, ne came to America alone-two years before his parents-and located at Menominie, Dunn county, this state. There was then no railroad to Pepin. The next year he removed to Downsville, and a year later was joined by his parents and wife. The latter, whose maiden name was Amy Frank, he had married in Germany. She was the daughter of William and Johan- na (Elk) Frank, natives of that country, who settled on a farm in Pepin township, this county, but are both now deceased. From Downsville Mr. Frank removed to Pepin township, Pepin county, and here purchased land which he has developed into his present farm. Much of this land he has cleared of timber and brush, and on it has erected modern farm buildings. He has made steady strides in prosperity and is one of the substantial citizens of his township. Aside from his immediate farming interests, he is a shareholder in the Farmers Co-operative Creamery at Pepin. He also belongs to the Modern Woodmen's camp in that village. In politics he is a Republican. He and his wife are the parents of eight children : Fritz, who is now serving in a Wisconsin Company in the United States army; Minnie, who married William Christopher, a farmer; Margaret, who is the wife of Wesley Lenhart, a farmer of Pepin township, and has two children, Leroy and Bernice; Edward, who married Eda Herman, is a farmer in Pepin township; Gottlieb, residing at home; Pauline, who is the wife of John Hawkins, a carpenter of Pepin township; and Viola and Ray- mond, residing at home. Mr. Frank and family are members of the Ger- man Lutheran church at Pepin.

Henry A. Miles, manager of the Durand Light & Power Company, and for a number of years a leading official of Pepin county, was born at Arkansaw, this county, June 3, 1867, son of Henry Milton and Mary E. (Wilcox) Miles. The parents were natives of Ravenna, Ohio, and came directly from that state to Pepin county, Wisconsin, locating at Arkansaw. Henry Miles was a millwright and miller and erected a grist mill there, which he operated until his death, on Christmas Day, 1913. His wife's parents, George and Elizabeth Wilcox, came to the county about the same time, locating on Dead Lake Prairie, Wilcox Lake being named after Mr.

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JACOB FRANK AND FAMILY

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Wilcox. Mrs. Miles died in 1915. Mr. Miles served two or three terms as register of deeds and was a man widely known and highly respected. He and his wife had five children: George Melville, Eva M., Henry A., Ernest M., and Mary Calista, all of whom are now living. Henry A. Miles was the fourth born child of his parents. He attended school at Arkansaw and also the high school at Durand. At the age of 19 he went into the register of deeds office to serve under his father, and was thus occupied for six years, at the end of which time he was elected to the office himself and served four years. He then engaged in mercantile business in Durand, continuing in it for a year and a half, after which he spent the same length of time in the state of Iowa. Returning to Durand, he spent a short time here and then went to Elmwood, where for seven years he was engaged in the lumber and grain business. Once more returning to Durand, he en- gaged in the light and power business, with which he has since been con- nected. The Light & Power Company at that time also owned the telephone business, but have since disposed of that interest. As general manager of the Light & Power Company, Mr. Miles devotes his entire time in business hours to that company's interests. He is also the owner of valuable prop- erties in Durand. He served as secretary of the Durand Commercial Club for a number of years and is now its treasurer. His fraternal society affilia- tions are with the Blue Lodge of Masons at Durand, which he has served as junior and senior officer ; the Odd Fellows' Lodge and the camp of Modern Woodmen of America, in both of which he has passed through the chairs. Mr. Miles is a Republican in politics. He has served as township clerk a number of times, as register of deeds three terms, clerk of court one term and county treasurer two terms. As a member of the Methodist Episcopal church at Durand he has served it officially in the offices of president, treas- urer and trustee and as superintendent of the Sunday school. Mr. Miles was united in marriage, Jan. 20, 1891, with Minnie Taylor, who was born in Waterville township, Pepin county, Wisconsin, daughter of F. L. and Mary (Catura) Taylor. Her parents were natives of Vermont, who came to this county about 1866, Mr. Taylor developing a large farm, on which he lived many years. His death occurred Jan. 6, 1916. He was a Civil war veteran, having served in a Vermont regiment. His wife died in the fall of 1915. They had a family of three children: Warren, Minnie and Clyde. Mr. and Mrs. Miles are the parents of four children: Ilene, Merle, Starr and Wayne. Ilene is the wife of George Smith and resides at St. Paul, Minn., Mr. Smith being a graduate of the Pharmaceutical School in that city. Merle was graduated from the Eau Claire Normal School in the class of 1917. Starr is assisting his father in the Durand office. Wayne is residing at home.

Louis Poeschl, a farmer of section 1, Lima township, Pepin county, was born in this township, Aug. 14, 1882, son of Ambrose and Anna (Shaden) Poeschl. The parents, who were born in Austria, were married there in 1881 and came to this township and county. The father took land and engaged in farming, in which occupation he continued up to the present time. His wife is also living. Louis Poeschl was the oldest of his parents' ten children. He attended school at Fall Creek, Lima township, and when 14 years of age had to take charge of the home farm on account of an

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accident which happened to his father. Remaining at home until he was 18, he then began working out at the carpenter's trade, spending one year in Durand. He bought the Jonathan Moser farm before his marriage and after the latter event moved onto it, since which time he has been engaged in its active operation, doing general farming with profitable results. The farm contains 120 acres and is about one mile from his old home. Mr. Poeschl was married July 14, 1914, to Anna Anibas, whose parents, Michael and Theresa (Roessler) Anibas, natives of Austria, came to this country in 1880, and were farming people in Lima township. Anna was educated in the Fox school at Bear Creek. Mr. and Mrs. Poeschl have one child, Kath- erine Elizabeth, who is residing at home. Mr. Poeschl belongs to.the Fam- ily Protective Association, and he and his family are members of the Catholic church.

Albert Baier, a well-known general farmer in section 3, Waterville township, Pepin county, was born in Baden, Germany, Nov. 17, 1862, son of Florian and Theresa (Esseck) Baier. Married in their native land, the parents came to the United States in 1869, settling at Eau Galle, Dunn county, Wis. There Florian Baier worked one year for Knapp & Stout, and was afterwards at intervals for five or six years in the employ of Carson & Rand, lumbermen. Then in 1872 he bought and settled on the farm now operated by his son, Albert, on which at that time there were practically no improvements. His first dwelling was an old round log house, and it remained his home during the carly years when he was engaged in clearing and developing a farm. After a residence here of 30 years he removed in 1902 to Eau Galle, where he lived retired until his death, March 17, 1911. His wife passed away four years before him, March 12, 1907. They had reared four children, of whom Albert was the second in order of birth. Albert Baier was educated in district school No. 3, Waterville township, Pepin county. Until reaching the age of 26 years he resided at home, assist- ing his father on the farm. He then went to Chetek, Barron county, Wis., where he learned the harness-maker's trade, which he worked at there for nine years. At the end of that time he returned home and purchased the old homestead, which he has since operated as a general farmer. He has 120 acres of valuable land, which is yielding good returns, and is also a stockholder in the Waterville Creamery and the Telephone Company. Mr. Baier is a member of the Roman Catholic church at Arkansaw, and of the C. K. of W. Lodge there. In politics he is independent and holds no local office. On Aug. 16, 1893, Mr. Baier was married to Alta Stitser, who was born near Waverly, Bremer county, Iowa, daughter of Carl and Helen Morse Stitser. Her father, a farmer by occupation, was born in Saxony, Ger- many, and was married to Helen Morse in Galesville, Wis. After removing to Bremer county, Iowa, they spent the rest of their lives there, both dying in middle age, the father in 1880 and the mother in 1882. Mr. and Mrs. Baier are the parents of six children, five unmarried and residing at home. They are as follows: Nellie, born May 12, 1895, now Mrs. Anton Sam, of Dead Lake Prairie, this township; Carl F., born Jan. 20, 1900; Lee M., born Dec. 5, 1901; Alfred A., born Feb. 3, 1904; and John C. and Clara W. (twins), born March 1, 1907.

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George Marcks, a representative farmer of Frankfort township, Pepin county, operating 204 acres of land in section 21, was born in the village of Pepin, March. 23, 1881, son of William E. and Katherine (Stoltenberg) Marcks. The father came to this country from Europe when 24 years old, the mother coming at the age of six. They were married in this country and settled first at Watertown, Wis. Afterwards William E. Marcks kept a hotel and meat market at Pepin for a number of years, his original trade being that of a butcher. He was also engaged in the meat business at Lake City for a few years and for some time followed agriculture. With his wife he is now living retired at Ella, Pepin county. George Marcks in his boy- hood attended district school at Little Plum, Frankfort township. He worked at home on his father's farm until 1907, at which time he began farming independently at his present location. On his farm he has made many important improvements, having erected modern buildings, and his progress has been rapid and satisfactory. Aside from his direct farming interests he is a stockholder in the Farmers' Telephone Company. He is a member of the district school board, being independent in politics. His fraternal affiliations are with the Modern Woodmen. On September 11, 1912, Mr. Marcks assumed the responsibilities of domestic life, being united in marriage with Hulda Axelson. She was born in Frankfort township, this county, daughter of Andrew and Christine Axelson, well-known and re- spected members of the agricultural community, and both natives of Sweden. Mr. Axelson is now deceased, but his wife is still living and resides in Frankfort township. Mr. and Mrs. Marcks have one child, Lorene, who was born April 11, 1915. They are classed among the agreeable and sub- stantial people of their community and have a wide circle of friends and acquaintances.

Edward Doughty, an early pioneer farmer in Waterville township, Pepin county, was born in the state of New York, May 26, 1836. He became a mechanic and in early life followed the millwright's trade. Coming west he settled first on Maxwell's Prairie, Pepin county, and later moved to Durand, where he was engaged in millwright work for a number of years. Then taking a farm in Waterville township, he gave his whole attention to agriculture, residing for 40 years on the same farm, which he left in 1916 to take up his residence in Arkansaw, where he is now living retired. Mr. Doughty married Melvina Metcalf, who was born in Grant county, Wiscon- sin. She died many years ago, about 1872. They were the parents of six children.

Edwin H. Doughty, a general farmer residing in section 8, Waterville township, Pepin county, was born in Durand, this county, May 31, 1863 son of Edward and Melvina (Metcalf) Doughty. He was educated in dis- trict school No. 8, Waterville township. Residing at home until he was 20 years old, he assisted his father and also worked for other farmers for a number of years. He then bought his present farm, containing 127 acres of valuable land, which he is operating in a general way, keeping a good grade of Guernsey cattle and other stock, besides raising crops, and is realizing good financial returns. He is also a stockholder in the Waterville Creamery Company. Thirty years ago Mr. Doughty joined the Odd Fellows' Lodge

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in Durand and has ever since remained a member. He also belongs to the Masonic Lodge there, having taken the first degree. In politics he is inde- pendent. Mr. Doughty was married Jan. 21, 1886, to Elmira Gray, who was born in Waterville township, Pepin county, March 31, 1869, daughter of Joseph and Jennie (Gray) Gray, her parents being natives of the state of Maine. Joseph Gray in early life was a teacher, but later engaged in farm- ing. He and his wife were early settlers in Pepin county, and for a number of years he taught school on Dead Lake Prairie, afterwards farming in Waterville township until his death. His wife is still living and resides at Shell Lake, Wisconsin. Their daughter, Elmira, who was the oldest of four children, attended school in Waterville township, where Mr. Doughty, then a boy, was also a pupil. To Mr. and Mrs. Doughty eight children have been born: Ethel, wife of Richard Casey, a farmer of Price county; Grace, wife of Owen Metcalf, residing on the farm of Mrs. Al Metcalf, her husband's mother, in Waterville township; Ralph; Genevieve, wife of Henry Swarty, residing near the Doughty farm ; Holt, Edwin and Gladys, who are living at home, and one that died in infancy.

Fred Bauer, a prosperous farmer of section 14, Waterville township, was born in this township, June 1, 1874, son of John and Theresa (Statel- man) Bauer. The parents were natives of Austria who came to the United States in 1872, John Bauer being employed for some time by Carson & Rand, of Eau Galle, Dunn county, Wis. Later he settled on a small home- stead in Waterville township, Pepin county, where he resided for about 31 years, finally taking up his residence with his son, Fred. His death took place in 1915, his wife passing away previously, in February, 1908. He was an active member of the Catholic church. Fred Bauer was the youngest of his parents' nine children. He attended two terms of school in Durand and also district school No. 3 in Waterville township, and when not occupied with his studies assisted his father in taking care of the home farm, of which he became the owner when 20 years of age. There he resided subse- quently for 14 years, during which time he made some important improve- ments on the place, which, when he left, consisted of 160 acres of valuable land with good buildings. In the fall of 1913 he came to his present farm of 78 acres, which was formerly an 80-acre tract, two acres having been taken from it as a site for St. Joseph's Catholic church. On this place also he has made valuable improvements, having a barn 36 by 72 feet in size; a hay barn, 50 by 24 feet, with cement floor and feeding trough, and other buildings, all well equipped and in good condition. He does general farm- ing, keeps a good grade of cattle, and is breeding up in Chester-White hogs. As an expert agriculturist and stock raiser he has gained a high reputation, and his operations have been conducted on a profitable basis. He is also a stockholder in the local creamery and in the telephone company. In politics independent, he has never aspired to public office, having so far declined to serve, preferring to devote his whole attention to the farm. In September, 1895, Mr. Bauer married Anna Litschauer, a native of Austria, who came to this country with her parents when 3 years old, in or about the year 1878. The family located near Eau Galle, Wis., remaining there seven or eight years, when they removed to Sherman, Texas. After two years in

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LEVI PLACE-CHARLES PLACE MR. AND MRS. ELI PLACE

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the southwest they returned from Sherman to Dunn county, Wisconsin, where Mr. Litschauer engaged in farming. Later he retired and took up his residence in Eau Galle. He never held public office, but was quite active in the work of the Catholic church. He and his wife had five children, of whom Anna was the eldest. Her education was acquired in the schools of Dunn county. Mr. and Mrs. Bauer have quite a large household, 11 children hav- ing been born to them, all of whom are residing at home. Their names are, respectively : John R., Thomas F., Francis M., Laura T., Matilda, Paul Peter, Raymond, George William, Leonard, Edward and Agnes Anna. On May 17, 1918, John R. Bauer enlisted in the United States service, but was honorably discharged on account of disability. On July 22 he was drafted into the infantry, but was later assigned to an artillery regiment located at Camp Grant, with which he went to France in September. There he died Oct. 1, 1918, one of the noble army of young men who have laid down their lives for their country in the great war just ended. Mr. Bauer's other older sons are now doing useful work on the farm, while some of the daughters are old enough to be helpful to their mother. The family are members of the Roman Catholic church at Arkansaw. Mr. Bauer is a member and was vice-president two years of the local branch of the Catholic Knights of Wis- consin.

Eli Place, who previous to his death, on March 19, 1910, was a well- known and successful farmer of Waterville township, Pepin county, was born in Clearfield county, Pennsylvania, Oct. 5, 1852, son of Charles and Mary (Burns) Place. The mother dying in Pennsylvania, the father, with his five children, came west in 1863 and at once settled on the farm in this township, of which he afterwards became the owner. Eli, who was the youngest child, attended school in Pepin county and was reared on the home farm, on which he worked, assisting his father until his marriage. He then began farming in Big Cooley, remaining there two years, after which he came to the farm in Waterville township, on which he spent the rest of his life. This farm contained, as now, 40 acres, and here Mr. Place carried on quite an extensive stock business, the range for cattle in those days being free. From time to time he made improvements until he had a well-equipped place both as to buildings and machinery. Mr. Place was a man of quiet domestic taste, and though occasionally asked to accept public office, always declined. He aided, however, in organizing Big Cooley school district and also the Maple Ridge district. In politics during the latter part of his life he was independent. In 1872 Eli Place was united in marriage with Nancy Place, who was born in Clearfield county, Pennsylvania, daughter of Levi and Polly (Moorehouse) Place. Her father was a native of Ohio and her mother of New York State. They came west in 1863 with a party, includ- ing other members of the Place and Moorehouse families, Levi Place settling on a farm in Big Cooley, Waterville township, Pepin county. There he and his family resided for more than 25 years. He then moved to a smaller farm adjoining the Eli Place homestead, remained there some years and then moved to Augusta, Wis. Later he came to the home of his daughter, Mrs. Eli Place, residing with her until his death, at the advanced age of 86 years, in 1901. His wife, Polly Moorehouse Place, had died 40 years before, in

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1861, at the age of 43. Their daughter, Nancy, was the twelfth born of their 15 children, and was educated partly in Pennsylvania and partly in Waterville township, Pepin county. Since her husband's death Mrs. Place has continued to reside on the homestead. She is a lady highly respected and with numerous friends. At times she indulges her strong natural taste for poetry, and some of her most noteworthy productions of this kind have been issued from the press. One of these gives a vivid description of old- time days in and around Porcupine, depicting pioneer scenes and doings with close fidelity to historical facts.

Arthur C. Smith, a well-known business man of Durand, where he is engaged in the insurance and loan business, was born at Eau Galle, Dunn county, Wis., April 15, 1872, son of William H. and Sarah J. (Flint) Smith. The father, who was a native of New York state, was in early life engaged in the mercantile and lumber business. Coming west in 1857, he became a partner in the firm of Carson & Rand at Eau Galle and was thus occupied until ten years before his death, which occurred March 11, 1908. He was also one of the founders and the first president of the State Bank of Durand (now the First National Bank), and continued in that office up to the time of his death. When the insane asylum at Menominee was founded he be- came one of the trustees, which office he also held for the rest of his life. At various times he served in township and other local offices, and during the Civil war period was a member of the State Assembly from Dunn county. He was also a very prominent member of the Masonic order. His wife, who was born in Illinois, is still living and is now residing with her son, Arthur C., in Durand.

Arthur C. Smith, who was the youngest of his parents' three children, after attending school in Eau Galle, took a course in a business school at Minneapolis. He resided at home until he had reached the age of 22 years, and then engaged in the general mercantile business in Durand, being thus occupied until about 1908. From that time until 1913 he was in the law office of W. E. Plummer. In 1913 Mr. Smith purchased the insurance business of A. Wallace, which he has since conducted, having now the oldest agency in Durand. He also owns land in Pepin county and conducts a loan business, devoting his principal attention, however, to insurance. Since February, 1917, however, he has been chiefly employed as clerk of the exemption board of Pepin county. Mr. Smith is a stockholder in the First National Bank of Durand. Fraternally he is affiliated with the Masonic order, belonging to the Blue Lodge and Chapter at Durand and the Com- mandery at Eau Claire. He is also president of the Durand Benefit Society. He attends the Methodist Episcopal church, though not a member. In poli- tics a Democrat, he served as alderman for six years, finally declining fur- ther election, was chairman of the Democratic county committee for 15 years and a member of the state central committee for four years. On Jan. 1, 1896, Mr. Smith was united in marriage with Flora G. Barnes, who was born at Eau Galle, Wis., daughter of D. G. and Abbie (Dawnes) Barnes. Her parents, who came from the eastern states, were early settlers in this section, Mr. Barnes engaging in mercantile business at Eau Galle, where during President Cleveland's administration he was appointed postmaster.

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In that office he served until his eyesight failed and then moved to a farm two miles from Eau Galle, which he is now operating. Mrs. Smith, who was the eldest of two children, was educated in Eau Galle and subsequently taught school for a number of years in Dunn county.

Edward C. Peters, who is numbered among the thriving agriculturists of Pepin township, Pepin county, was born in this township Feb. 4, 1871, son of John and Amelia (Smith) Peters. His parents were natives of Ger- many who came to this country at an early date, settling on a farm in this location, which they cleared and improved. For a number of years John Peters was a member of the school board of district No. 2, Pepin township. He is now retired and is residing with his son-in-law in Pepin. Edward C. Peters acquired his education in the village school of Pepin and became in- dustrially active on his father's farm as soon as he had finished his studies. At the age of 28 years he began farming for himself, purchasing his present farm in section 21, Pepin township. It contains 240 acres of productive land and is well provided with all the necessary buildings and machinery. Mr. Peters carries on general farming successfully and on a profitable basis. He is a member of the Equitable Fraternal Union at Pepin and of the Metho- dist church in the same village. In politics he is a Republican. Mr. Peters was married in 1899 to Louisa Schruth, daughter of Ernest and Emma Schruth, farming people of Frankfort township, of which they were na- tives, and where Mrs. Peters attended district school. Of this union three children have been born: Victor, Sept. 6, 1900; Myrtle, Nov. 4, 1901; and Freda, Sept. 11, 1906. The mother, Mrs. Louisa Peters, died April 19, 1918, while undergoing an operation.

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History of Buffalo and Pepin Counties Wisconsin (Volume 2), Part 38

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

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