History of Buffalo and Pepin Counties Wisconsin (Volume 2), Part 42

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

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C. J. Thies, one of the leading business men of the village of Pepin, manager of the well known C. J. Thies Lumber Company, and who is also an active factor in the banking interests of Pepin and Buffalo counties, and in other useful enterprises, was born in the village of Pepin, Pepin county, Wis., Oct. 13, 1882, son of J. H. and Anna (Voege) Thies. The father, J. H. Thies, came to Pepin from Germany, in 1857, as a young man of 17 years. After various industrial experiences, in 1885, he en- gaged in the retail lumber business in association with August Thies. That connection lasted until 1902, when his son, C. J., became a partner in the concern. J. H. Thies remained in the firm, participating actively in its business activities until his death, June 25, 1917. His wife, who was born in Germany, in 1849, survives him and is still a resident of Pepin. C. J. Thies acquired his education in the common and high schools of Pepin, from both of which he was graduated. He began industrial life as clerk in a store, but subsequently took a commercial course in a busi- ness college at Madison. He then entered the employ of his father and, in 1902, became the latter's partner, as above stated. Since then the business has been incorporated with C. J. Thies as its active manager. In addition to his activities connected therewith, Mr. Thies took a prominent part in promoting the First National Bank of Pepin, of which he is now a director, and also helped to establish the Pepin Electric Plant, and in one way or another he is connected with various other industries in the vil- lage, having beside some farming interests. One of the most active mem- bers of the Civic League Improvement Association, he has rendered valua- ble service in promtoing many enterprises of benefit to the people of Pepin. He is a member of the German Lutheran Church, and in politics is inde- pendent. Mr. Thies was married Nov. 24, 1910, to Jennie C. Ryan, who was born in Ellsworth, Wis., daughter of Martin and Mary (Fallon) Ryan. Her parents, both of whom were born in Waukesha, Wis., settled on a farm in Pierce county, and were engaged in agricultural pursuits there for a num- ber of years. Both are now deceased. Mr. and Mrs. Thies have one child, Robert, who was born Oct. 31, 1914.

Henry Pfeiffer, who is engaged in farming 160 acres of land in section 12, Waterville township, where he is making good headway on the road to prosperity, was born in Prussia, Germany, Feb. 9, 1869. His parents, John and Margaret (Bates) Pfeiffer, were also natives of Prussia, and never came to America. Henry, who was one of two children composing his parents' family, was educated in Germany, and came to this country when 22 years old, landing at New York City. In his native land he had learned the baker's trade, but instead of working at that in eastern cities, he came on to Ashland, Wis., and took up the rough work of a lumberman in the woods, also being employed a part of the time in a sawmill. After being occupied in this manner for some three years, in 1893, he engaged in farm-

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ing, settling on his present place in the following year. He carries on general farming on a profitable basis, and is a stockholder in the creamery and telephone company. When he landed in this country he was unable to speak English, but soon overcame that difficulty. Independent in politics, he is now serving his third term as school treasurer. He is a Roman Catholic in religious faith, attending St. Joseph's Church at Arkansaw. Mr. Pfeiffer was married in June, 1894, to Theresa Youngman, who was born in Austria, daughter of Anton and Mary Youngman, who were natives of Austria, coming to this country in 1892. They located in Lima township, and later moved to Rock Falls, Dunn county, where his wife died in August, 1917. Since June, 1918, he has resided with his daughter, Mrs. Radle, in Waterville township. Mr. and Mrs. Pfeiffer are the parents of a large family, numbering 11 children: Anna, wife of Alexander Komro, of Lima township; Maggie, residing at home; Mary, wife of Joseph Pittman, of Eau Galle township, Dunn county; Rose, Lena, Henry, William, Gene and Charles (twins), Alexander and Lucy, who are all residing at home-a wide family circle, the older members of which are already taking active part in life's duties, and the younger giving ample promise of future usefulness.

Charles Walter Richardson, agriculturist and stock raiser, operating the old Richardson farm of 80 acres in section 34, Waterville township, Pepin county, was born on this farm, May 4, 1882, son of Charles and Mary (Carrington) Richardson. The father was born in England, in 1843, son of Samuel and Ann (Rands) Richardson, and came to America with his widowed mother, and her other children, in 1857, the family taking up their residence with relations on Dead Lake Prairie, Frankfort township, this county. Charles Richardson subsequently worked at lumbering, running timber down the Chippewa river for Knapp, Stout & Co., beginning this work in the spring of 1861. In the fall of the same year he enlisted in the 16th Wisconsin Infantry, and served three years and ten months. After his return from the war he worked three months on the river, and then took charge of his mother's farm, buying it the following summer (1867), with some adjoining land, and here he lived for 47 years, engaged in general farming. He then retired and is now living in Pepin. More detailed men- tion of Mr. and Mrs. Charles Richardson and their children may be found in his own personal biography. Charles Walter Richardson acquired his edu- cation in the Barber schoolhouse in Frankfort townishp, Pepin county. He was brought up to agricultural pursuits, and when 18 years of age took charge of the home farm, which he managed for three or four years. The next twelve years he spent in working for others, being engaged in team- ing and other occupations. He then resumed farming, and in 1914 moved back to the old homestead, where he has 80 acres of valuable land, which he is operating in a general way, breeding up in Guernsey cattle and raising other good stock in addition to crops. In politics he is a Republican with independent proclivities. He and his wife belong to the order of Beavers. On Sept. 9, 1907, Mr. Richardson was united in marriage with Beryl Close, who was born in Eau Claire, the elder of the two children of Newton and Minnie (Blair) Close. Mrs. Richardson attended school at Red Cedar, in Dunn county. When she was a young child her mother died, but her father,

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MR. AND MRS. ALBIN CARLSON

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who was in early life a railroad man, is now living near Elk Mound, Wis., and is still industrially active. Mr. and Mrs. Richardson are the parents of seven children: Blair, Gerald, Elwood, Frederick, Marion, Neal and Opal, all residing at home.

Albin Carlson, who owns and operates a farm of 217 acres in sections 27 and 28, Frankfort township, Pepin county, was born in Sweden, Oct. 10, 1864. His father, whose name was Carl Jacobson, and who was a farmer and blacksmith, never came to this country, and is now deceased, as also is Albin's mother. Albin Carlson attended public school in Sweden, and, after coming to this country, a night school in Chicago. He began indus- trial life in his native land at the age of 10 years, helping the neighbors tend sheep and doing other farm work. Later, he learned the carpenter's trade, and also served in the Swedish navy and as a sailor on merchant ships. In 1887 he came to the United States, and for some time followed the carpenter's trade in Chicago. In 1897 he began farming in Frankfort township, this county, an occupation in which he has met with success. His farm of 217 acres of fertile land is well provided with modern buildings, including a fine new modern residence, completed in the spring of 1918, and which is finished in stucco on the outside, with hardwood finish inside. It contains nine rooms, together with a good hall and closets, and is pro- vided with furnace heat. From the lot of a common sailor to that of pro- prietor of a fine western farm is a long step in advance, and Mr. Carlson may be congratulated on the industry and enterprise which have enabled him to make the transformation. In addition to the interests above men- tioned he is a stockholder in and treasurer of the Farmers' Telephone Company. As one of the leading citizens of his township he has been called upon to serve in public office, and has acted efficiently on the town board and on the school board of his district, being now treasurer of the latter. In politics he is independent, while his religious affiliations are with the Lutheran church at Lund, in Pepin county, in which organization he has held the office of treasurer for the last 19 years. He also for 16 years held the office of clerk of the school. Mr. Carlson was married Sept. 20, 1890, to Emma Ranatrom, who was born in Varmland, Sweden, Jan. 17, 1867, and was educated in that country, her father being a tailor by occupa- tion. Mr. and Mrs. Carlson are the parents of seven children: Hattie, Robert, Elmer, Frank, Emma, Emery and Gaylord. Hattie married Oscar Westman of Duluth, Minn., and has three children: Woodrow, Florence and Helen. Robert, who was recently in the United States service, mar- ried Adeline Galbraith. They reside at Virginia, Minn., and have one child, Robert. The other children of Mr. and Mrs. Albin Carlson are residing at home.

John Nelson, who is now living retired in Frankfort township, Pepin county, after a long period of activity spent in agricultural pursuits, was born in Varmland, Sweden, in 1852. He settled in this township on his arrival from his native land, in 1882, and wisely choosing the cultivation of the soil as his future occupation, he bought land, which in time he cleared and developed into a good farm, operating it on the plan of general farm- ing, until his retirement, in 1915. He is now in comfortable circumstances,

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enjoying the fruits of his former years of industry. Mr. Nelson married Matilda Johnson, who, like himself, was born in Varmland, Sweden, the year of her nativity being 1855. Their children are: Oscar, a farmer in Frankfort township; Charles, who married Amy Harris, and is farming in Hicks Valley; John and Axel, residing on the home farm; Esther, who married John Seyffert, a farmer of Frankfort township; Emma, wife of Orion Byington, also a farmer in this township, and Lillie, who is residing at home.

Michael Sweeney, who is profitably engaged in farming in section 29, Waterville township, Pepin county, was born in this township, June 6, 1874, son of James and Sarah (Skahol) Sweeney. The father, a native of Ire- land, came to America when a lad of 14 years, and for some time resided with a brother in Lower Canada. When about 19 he came to Eau Galle, Dunn county, Wis., where he became connected with the lumber trade, working both in the woods and in sawmills. Later, he bought a farm on the Arkansaw river in Waterville township, and began pioneer farming, living as a bachelor in a small log cabin, where he was frequently annoyed by wolves. That place became his permanent residence, as he improved it into a good farm and spent the rest of his life there, dying about 1892. His wife, Sarah, who was born near Sharon, Wis., but just across the line in the state of Illinois, and not far from the Rock river, died in November, 1914. Michael Sweeney, the date of whose nativity has been already given, was the fifth born of his parents' family of six children. In his boyhood he attended what was known as the Little Arkansaw School in Waterville township, and resided at home for the most part until he had reached the age of 21 years, though occasionally working out in the woods at lumber- ing. He then began working on the river, and was thus occupied for eight or nine years, for one year being a member of the crew of the "Isaac Staples." After quitting the river he went to Minneapolis and entered the employ of the Monitor Drill Works as a moulder. Then he worked as a harvest hand in Dakota, subsequently returning home to Waterville township. After that for a while he spent his winters at lumbering in the woods, and his springs in the mines at Spring Valley, and in the smelting works. Later, he was employed in a sawmill and then, returning to Minneapolis, followed the plumber's trade there for some months. Then he went to Ashland, where he worked in the mills until the harvest season came round again- a season that he spent in North Dakota, as before. His next employment was in railroad work at Ladysmith, Wis., after which he again worked in the woods. He next spent eight months at Grand Forks, N. D., as a police- man for the park board. This was his last industrial experience away from home, for on returning to Waterville township he took his present farm of 80 acres in section 29, and has since been engaged in its improvement and the cultivation of the soil, besides raising some stock. To this work he is giving his whole attention, having so far taken no part in local government affairs. In politics he is independent, and in religion a Catholic.

Ole Dahlberg, a well known and respected citizen of Pepin township, Pepin county, engaged in general farming, was born in Dalarne, Sweden, July 7, 1857. His parents, Ole and Annie Larson, who were natives of the

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MR. AND MRS. OLE DAHLBERG

MR. AND MRS. WILLIAM MOLINE

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same part of Sweden, and were farmers by occupation, never came to this country. Ole Dahlberg attended public school in Sweden, and was employed on his father's farm until he came to the United States, in 1882. On arriv- ing in this country he first located in Eau Claire, Wis., where he worked in a sawmill, afterwards doing some carpenter work. He started farming in Pepin township, this county, in 1890, and has 120 acres of land, 40 acres of which are just over the line in Frankfort township. He has cleared and improved a greater part of his land, and his farm buildings are modern, and his equipment fully adequate. As a general farmer Mr. Dahlberg has been successful, and has made progress from year to year, his products finding a ready and profitable market. He is also a shareholder in the Farmers' Telephone Company. In politics he is independent, and he is a member of the Free Mission church at Ella.

Mr. Dahlberg was married April 10, 1889, to Annie Larson, who was born in Dalarne, Sweden, Feb. 19, 1859, and who attended public school there. He and his wife are the parents of one child, Annie, who is now the wife of William Moline, a farmer of Frankfort township. Mr. and Mrs. Moline have five children: Ruby, Ethel, Olive, Leslie and Edna.

Frank Demarce, who is engaged in agriculture on a farm of 140 acres in section 16, Waterville township, Pepin county, was born in this town- ship Sept. 25, 1873, son of Joseph and Eliza (Kelly) Demarce, who were natives of Canada. Joseph, who was a carpenter by trade, came to Pepin county, Wis., at an early date, locating first at Round Hill, but soon moving from there to a tract of wild land 4 miles east, which was so thickly wooded that his first task was to clear a space large enough on which to build a log house. He resided there for a number of years, earning a living by doing carpenter work and clearing his land as he found opportunity. After mak- ing a number of improvements he died on his farm in 1899. He had been a widower for four years previous to his death, his wife having passed away in or about 1895. In early days he took an active part in school work, and was a useful and industrious citizen. Frank Demarce was next to the youngest member in a family of nine children. In his boyhood he attended Forest Vale school in Waterville township. Residing on the home farm and assisting his father until 17 years of age, he then went to South Dakota, where he worked four months for others, at the end of which time he mar- ried. For the next five years he was in the employ of a lumber company, being stationed at Menomonie. Then selling his holdings there he came to Waterville township, Pepin county, and bought his present farm, on which there were practically no improvements. These, however, he has made himself, and now has a good 140-acre farm with substantial and convenient buildings, which he is operating profitably as a general farmer, being also a stockholder in the Waterville Creamery. He is a member of the Roman Catholic church at Arkansaw, and in politics is independent. Mr. Demarce was married June 24, 1895, to Emma La Peau, who was born in this township, daughter of Louis and Christine La Peau. Her parents were natives of Canada, who came to the United States some years later than the Demarce family, taking a farm on Dead Lake Prairie, where Mr. La Peau is still actively engaged in agricultural pursuits. Their daugh-

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ter, Christine, was the third born in a family of four children, and was educated in Waterville township, attending district school. Mr. and Mrs. Demarce have had five children: Louis, Florence and Daisy-the first, second and fifth born-who are residing at home, and twins who died in infancy.

Joseph James Gordon, who is operating as a general stock farm 240 acres of land in section 36, Waterville township, Pepin county, was born in Lower Canada, Sept. 18, 1854, son of William John and Ellen (Davidson) Gordon. The parents were born in County Down, Ireland, the father Dec. 11, 1814, and the mother Oct. 29, 1824. Brought to America when young children, they lived for a number of years in Canada, where they were mar- ried, and in 1867 came to Wisconsin and settled in Eau Galle township, Dunn county, where they resided three years, William J. Gordon being en- gaged in lumbering, which was his occupation until his later years. He then settled on the farm in section 29, Waterville township, now occupied by his son, William John Gordon, Jr., where he died in 1908. His wife survived him a few years, passing away in 1915. Joseph James Gordon's educational opportunities were very limited, as he never attended school, but had to pick up such knoweldge as he could at odd moments. He re- sided on the home farm until his marriage, though at times working for others, and then began domestic life on the farm on which his parents had lived, which he operated on his own account. This marriage-his first- took place in November, 1878, the bride being Eliza Smith, a native of New York State, and daughter of Nathan and Mary Ann (Brown) Smith. Her parents, now deceased, were early settlers on Spring Creek, Buffalo county, where her father engaged in farming. After residing on the farm of his parents for about 15 years, Mr. Gordon moved into Weston township, Dunn county, where he farmed for a number of years. Subsequently, he sold his place there and returned to Waterville township, taking a farm in section 2, where he remained five years, when he purchased his present place. His first wife, Eliza, died in 1884, some five or six years after their marriage, leaving one child, Joseph. The latter, who served in the Spanish-American War, is now a commercial traveler, living in the South. He married and has a son, Joseph, Jr., who resides with his grandfather, the subject of this sketch. On May 5, 1900, Joseph James Gordon was united in marriage with Mrs. Mary L. Smith, who was born in New York State, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Peter Manore. For 16 years after his second marriage Mr. Gordon operated his wife's farm in Waterville township, and then came to his present farm. Mrs. Mary L. Smith Gordon died in December, 1914, leaving no children. Mr. Gordon's present farm is one of 240 acres, and is well improved .. He is operating it successfully as a general stock farm, and is also financially interested in the Arkansaw Creamery Company and the Farmers' Home Telephone Company of Arkansaw. Among his other interests in the same village are those as a member of the lodge of Odd Fellows and of the Rebekah lodge. He attends the Methodist Episcopal church, though not a member. In politics he is a Democrat. As a suc- cessful farmer and patriotic and reliable citizen, Mr. Gordon stands high in the community.

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JOSEPH J. GORDON

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WILLIAM J. BREUNIG AND FAMILY

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HISTORY OF BUFFALO AND PEPIN COUNTIES

Chris Olsen, manager of the Larson & Swanson elevator at Pepin, Pepin county, and who is also engaged in the poultry business, was born in the northern part of Norway, July 24, 1873, son of Lars and Ingeborg (Tufter) Olsen. The father was a railway station agent, and neither he nor his wife ever came to this country, both dying in their native land. They had seven children, of whom the subject of this sketch was the second in order of birth. Chris Olsen was educated in Norway, attending high school, and was graduated and confirmed in a Lutheran school in the class of 1888. He then took up telegraphy and followed that occupation for three years and a half. In addition to these activities he attended an agri- cultural college in Norway. In 19- he gave up his position as telegraphic operator on the railway and came to the United States, locating at Stock- holm, Pepin county, Wis. He was unattended on his journey and knew not a word of English. His first work, consequently, had to be for people of his own nationality, and he found employment with his uncle, N. Larson, member of the firm of Larson & Swanson, working in their store and ele- vator. There he learned to speak English, remaining there until he came to Pepin to take charge of the firms' elevator here, where he holds the position of manager and grain buyer. He is also a stockholder and director of the Stockholm State Bank and of the Pepin Creamery Company. Hav- ing demonstrated his qualities as an able business man and good citizen, Mr. Olsen has become closely identified with the life of the village, having been a member of the village board two terms and now serving as treas- urer. In politics he is a Republican. He was married Oct. 20, 1905, to Edith Woods, who was born in Pepin county, near Pepin, daughter of Joseph and Elizabeth Woods. Her father, who was a farmer, is now deceased, but her mother is living and resides with Mr. and Mrs. Olsen. The latter was educated in this county and taught school in Pepin village and county for 13 years. In addition to the business activities already mentioned, Mr. Olsen is engaged in the breeding of White Leghorn chickens, keeping a number of registered fowls. He finds a ready market for his eggs, shipping both to St. Paul and Chicago. He has no children, but he and his wife have a comfortable home in the west side of the village. He is affiliated by membership with the Modern Woodmen of America, and with the Blue Lodge of Masons and Eastern Star at Pepin. His career has been an up- ward one ever since he landed in this country, and the progress he has made shows him to be a man of energetic and enterprising nature, qualities which, when united with honesty and true Americanism, make the model citizen. Of these latter qualities, also, is Mr. Olsen possessed.

William J. Breunig, proprietor of a general stock and dairy farm of 240 acres in Waterville township, Pepin county, was born in Germany, July 28, 1858, son of Carl and Eva (Kaylar) Breunig. The parents were natives of the same German state, the father being a farmer by occupation. Both are now deceased. William J. was the third born in a family of 12 children. He attended school in Germany, and at an early age began to learn the cigar maker's trade, at which he worked for two years. At the age of 16 he came to the United States with a friend, and located in Jefferson, Wis., where he had an uncle engaged in the brewing business. There he attended

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History of Buffalo and Pepin Counties Wisconsin (Volume 2), Part 42

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

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