USA > Wisconsin > Buffalo County > History of Buffalo and Pepin Counties Wisconsin (Volume 2) > Part 46
USA > Wisconsin > Pepin County > History of Buffalo and Pepin Counties Wisconsin (Volume 2) > Part 46
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).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28 | Part 29 | Part 30 | Part 31 | Part 32 | Part 33 | Part 34 | Part 35 | Part 36 | Part 37 | Part 38 | Part 39 | Part 40 | Part 41 | Part 42 | Part 43 | Part 44 | Part 45 | Part 46 | Part 47 | Part 48 | Part 49 | Part 50 | Part 51 | Part 52 | Part 53 | Part 54 | Part 55 | Part 56 | Part 57 | Part 58 | Part 59 | Part 60 | Part 61 | Part 62 | Part 63 | Part 64 | Part 65 | Part 66 | Part 67 | Part 68 | Part 69 | Part 70 | Part 71
Rev. N. O. Olson, pastor of the Swedish Congregational church in Pepin township, Pepin county, and a man highly esteemed throughout this part of the county, was born in Sweden, Sept. 15, 1865, son of Olof and Johanna (Jacobson) Peterson, his parents being farmers. The father was born in Sweden in 1829, which was also the year of the mother's nativity. On coming to the United States in 1889, they settled at Lake City, Minn., where Olof Peterson followed the trade of a stone mason. In their later years he and his wife resided in Lake City with their sons, brothers of the subject of this sketch, Mrs. Peterson dying in 1910 and Mr. Peterson in 1915. N. O. Olson acquired his literary education in his native land, being in his twenty-fourth year when he came to America with his parents. In 1890 he entered the Chicago Theological Seminary, from which he was
Digitized by Google
REV. N. O. OLSON AND FAMILY
Digitized by
Digitized by Google
847
HISTORY OF BUFFALO AND PEPIN COUNTIES
graduated in 1893, and was ordained a Congregational minister. The first charge to which he accepted a call was in the Congregational church of his home town of Lake City, Minn., which he served acceptably for sev- eral years. In 1896 he went to Crompton, R. I., and in 1903 to New Rich- mond, Wis., remaining at the latter place until 1911. After that he had charge of a church at Stillwater, Minn., where he was located until 1913, when he came to his present charge in Pepin township. During his min- isterial career he also preached for awhile at Plum City, Pierce county, Wis., and at a branch church in Pepin township, Pepin county. Mr. Olson was married, June 23, 1894, to Nellie Anderson, who was born at Star Prairie, Polk county, Wis., daughter of Andrew and Betsy (Veline) Ander- son. Her parents, natives of Sweden, came to this country in the seventies, settling on a farm in Deer Park township, Polk county. Her mother died at the age of about 69 years on Aug. 12, 1917. The father, who was born in 1841, is now living in Star Prairie Village, retired. Mrs. Olson in her girlhood attended Cedar Lake School in Deer Park township, Polk county. Mr. and Mrs. Olson have a family of six children: Maynard, Edgar, Elsie, Harriet, Clifford and Helen, all residing at home except Edgar, who is attending Minnehaha Academy at St. Paul, Minn.
Erik David Lundquist, a resident of Stockholm village, who until recently operated a farm of 158 acres in section 8, Stockholm township, was born in Sweden, Nov. 8, 1865, son of Erik and Maria Carolina (Hedstrom) Lundquist. The parents were both natives of Sweden, the father born in 1837 and mother in 1830. The former was formerly connected with the lumber business as foreman of a gang, but is now living retired with his wife in Sweden. He has at various times held petty offices under the gov- ernment, including that of health overseer. He and his wife have had a family of three children: Erik David; Anna E., who lives in Sweden, and one who died in infancy. Erik David Lundquist was educated in his native land and at the age of 12 years went to work as ship's boy on steamboats on the Baltic Sea, being thus occupied for three summers. In 1881 he came to this country, locating first in Minneapolis, Minn. For some time he worked on a farm near that city, and was then employed for three years in a creamery and dairy at Minneapolis. After that he spent ten years in Minneapolis grain elevators. Realizing at last that the only way to become independent and prosperous was to work for himself, he came to Stockholm township, Pepin county, and took the farm already referred to, where he had good buildings and equipment and followed general farming with profitable results, his success being due to steady industry and a com- petent knowledge of the business in which he was engaged. Having at last acquired a competence, he rented out the farm and he and his wife took up their residence in the village, where they are now enjoying the fruits of their former industry and thrift. He is a stockholder in the Farmers' Telephone Company, believing it good policy to help establish worthy local enterprises calculated to advance the interests of the community and which in time may yield good returns. A Republican in politics, Mr. Lund- quist has served on the town board for a number of years. He is a mem- ber of the Mission church at Stockholm. In 1886 Mr. Lundquist was united
Digitized by Google
848 HISTORY OF BUFFALO AND PEPIN COUNTIES
in marriage with Mary Lindberg, who was born in Sweden, daughter of John and Mary Lindberg. She came to the United States in 1881, her parents coming in the following year and settling on a farm in Stockholm township, this county. The father died in 1904. Mrs. Lindberg survived him, making her home with her son-in-law and daughter, Mr. and Mrs. Lundquist, until her death, December 7, 1918. Mr. and Mrs. Lundquist had one daughter, born May 10, 1887, who died when 10 months old.
Robert Crapser, owner of a farm of 200 acres in section 9, Albany township, Pepin county, which he is operating with good financial results, was born in this township, April 28, 1871, the youngest of the three children of John and Rebecca (Murman) Crapser. His parents coming from Germany at an early date, were early settlers in Albany township, the father clearing a farm from the wilderness. He was a soldier in the Civil War, enlisting as a volunteer, but died a few years after the close of that great struggle. His widow later became the wife of James Turner, who had also been a Union soldier and who was a well known and respected citizen of this township, which he served on the official board. He is now deceased. The mother of the subject of this sketch is now living. Robert Crapser acquired his education in Albany township, attending district school. His early years were spent on the home farm, which he helped to cultivate, and it was not until 1906 that he began farming on his present place. Since then, however, he has made excellent progress and is doing an extensive business as a general farmer, keeping Holstein cattle, Shrop- shire sheep and other good stock. His farm is well equipped with buildings and machinery, and he had taken a prominent place among the prosperous agriculturists of this locality. Independent in politics, he is serving effi- ciently on the school board, is a member of the Lutheran church and of the Woodmen's Camp at Caryville. Feb. 26, 1908, Mr. Crapser gave up bachelor life and was united in marriage with Hattie Thalacker, daughter of Louis and Emma (Thomas) Thalacker. Her father, a native of Ger- many, born 1856, settled in German Valley, Albany township, as a youth, and there cleared a farm from the forest. He is still living, a hale and hearty pioneer, and has been a member of the town and county boards. Mrs. Crapser's mother, who was born in Germany in 1860, is living yet and has reared a large family. Mr. and Mrs. Crapser have three children: Erma, born in 1910; Orvilla, born in 1912, and Lawrence, born in 1918. The family have a high standing in Albany township and the vicinity.
Henry Schneekloth, who in company with his brother Herman is operating a fine stock farm of 255 acres in Pepin township, Pepin county, his residence being located in section 18, was born in Pepin township, April 10, 1873, son of Jochim and Wibke (Voege) Schneekloth. The parents were natives of the province of Holstein, Germany. They came to the United States in May, 1865, settling on a farm in Pepin township, this county, where they resided until the death of Jochim Schneekloth in Feb- ruary, 1913. His wife survived him three years, dying in October, 1916. In his younger days he has served under the Danish government in the war against Prussia. Henry Schneekloth acquired his elementary educa- tion in district school No. 2 and was later a student for two years in the
Digitized by Google
1
1
HENRY SCHNEEKLOTH
MR. AND MRS. JOCHIM SCHNEEKLOTH
Digitized by Google
Digitized by Google
849
HISTORY OF BUFFALO AND PEPIN COUNTIES
Pepin High School. His industrial life was begun at the age of eleven years, when he was often engaged in helping neighbors in the lighter duties of farm work, and when he was not doing that, or engaged in his studies, he was for the most part helping his father, so that in time he was able to do a man's work at farming. In 1910 he and his brother Herman bought the farm in section 18, Pepin township, that they are now operating and which is equipped with good modern buildings and all necessary machinery of the most recent type. They are breeding Galloway cattle and Poland- China hogs. Henry Schneekloth is a shareholder in the co-operative cream- ery at Pepin, also a stockholder and one of the directors of the First Na- tional Bank of Pepin. He has served as a member of the town board, on which he has shown himself a progressive and useful citizen, and he is a member of the Lutheran church and of the M. W. A. Lodge at Pepin. In politics he is independent.
John Layne, who was a charter member of the Masonic Lodge at Durand, was born at Frankfort, Mo., July 10, 1830, son of John and Ann Layne. The father, a farmer, was a native of Kansas, and the mother of Virginia. After their marriage they resided in Missouri, where Mrs. Ann Layne died some years before her husband. Neither ever came to Wisconsin. John Layne was one of the older children in a family of seven. He attended school at Frankfort, Mo., and began industrial life when a mere lad, working for others. Subsequently coming to Wisconsin, he became filer in the sawmill of Carson & Rand at Eau Galle, with whom he remained for a number of years, leaving that firm to enter the employ of Knapp, Stout & Co., of Cedar Falls, where he remained for four years, from there going to Downsville, where he worked for them four years longer. At the end of that time he moved to a farm near Eau Galle, where he was engaged in agriculture until he retired and took up his residence in Eau Galle two years before his death. The latter event occurred Feb. 4, 1901. He was a member of the Methodist Episcopal church, and in politics a Democrat. Mr. Layne was married May 1, 1864, to Jane Granger, who was born near Danville, N. Y., daughter of Charles and Phoebe (Van Middleworth) Granger. Of this union six children were born: Edith, who is the widow of Royal De Long, a wheelwright and carpenter, and resides at Summers, Mont .; Harry E., who resides at Bottineau, N. D., and who married Maud Kirk, of Eau Galle; Phoebe, wife of Frank Pierce, cashier of a bank at Menominie, Wis .; Alma, who is now a teacher in the Durand schools and resides with her mother; Clarence, a bookkeeper in the Bank of Durand, and Clara, wife of Dr. Cain, residing at Elmwood, Wis. Mrs. Layne is a member of the Rebekah Lodge, I. O. O. F., and of the Ladies' Aid Society of the Congregational church, and she and her family have a high standing in Durand society.
Charles Granger, a pioneer settler of Pepin, Pepin county, Wis., was a native of Pike, Wyoming county, N. Y., and a farmer by occupation. He came to Pepin, Wis., about 1852, at which time there were but two or three buildings in the place. He was engaged in the hotel business in Pepin for about ten or twelve years, and for seven years also carried the mail from Pepin to Durand. At various times in early days he held local
Digitized by Google
850
HISTORY OF BUFFALO AND PEPIN COUNTIES
office. His last years were spent in retirement and he died in Pepin, March 14, 1882. His wife, whose maiden name was Phoebe Van Middleworth, was born and reared in Auburn, N. Y. She survived him many years, dying in February, 1910, at Eau Claire, where she was residing with a daughter. They had four children, of whom the eldest, Jane, became the wife of John Layne, of Eau Galle, now deceased. She now resides in Durand. The other children of Charles and Phoebe Granger were: Mrs. Elizabeth Ranous, of Eau Claire; Mrs. Helen Wilcox, of Eau Claire, and Charles, who died in infancy.
Andrew Bock, who has occupied the position of postmaster at Stock- holm, Pepin county, for the last twenty years, was born in Bjorneborg, Varmland, Sweden, April 19, 1857, son of J. P. and Louisa (Gillstrom) Bock, who were natives of that country. In 1866 J. P. Bock, then 41 years old, set out with his wife and family for the United States, and after arriv- ing in this country proceeded west to Lansing, Iowa, where he remained, however, but three months, at the end of that time coming to Stockholm. Here he resided for the rest of his life, dying March 19, 1910, at the ven- erable age of 92 years. He had long survived his wife, who died, at the age of 63 years, June 11, 1879. Andrew Bock first attended school in Sweden and later in Stockholm, this county. He began industrial life at home as assistant to his father and later was employed successively in various occu- pations, working as a farm hand, then in a wagon shop, later on a ferry on the Mississippi River, and subsequently as an engineer running steam threshing-machines when such machines were first introduced into this part of the country. He also worked in stores for over twelve years, one year of that time being spent in Lake City, Minn., and the rest of the period in Stockholm, this county. On August 1, 1897, having been ap- pointed postmaster at Stockholm, he assumed the duties of that position, in which he has ever since served with efficiency, no complaint having ever been made against him. He gives his entire time to the office, but is also a stockholder in the State Bank of Stockholm. In May, 1889, Mr. Bock was united in marriage with Esther D. Johnson, who was born in Stockholm, this county, in 1867. Her parents, Erik and Anna Eliza (Nelson) Johnson, natives of Sweden, were among the earliest settlers in this locality. In her girlhood she attended school at Pepin. The home life of Mr. and Mrs. Bock has been broadened by the birth of three children: Evald A., Eugene Wendell and Elna D., all of whom are residing at home.
.
Albert W. Larson, who is now living retired on a farm in section 34, Pepin township, Pepin county, was born in Maiden Rock township, Pierce county, Wis., Oct. 28, 1872. He is the son of Nels and Kristine (Nelson) Larson, both of whom were born in Varmland, Sweden, the father in 1840 and the mother in 1839. They came to America in 1868 and engaged in farming in Maiden Rock township, above mentioned, residing there until the father's death in 1895. Since then Mrs. Kristine Larson has resided on the farm in Pepin township on which her son is living and which is her property. Albert W. Larson attended district school in Maiden Rock township, Pierce county. At the age of sixteen years he worked out for a time, but for the most part was kept busy on his father's farm. When 23
Digitized by Google
Digitized by Google
FREDERICK SEYFFER AND FAMILY
Digitized by
851
HISTORY OF BUFFALO AND PEPIN COUNTIES
years old he began renting farms and operating them on his own account, and he was thus engaged until 1912, when he retired from active work. He is the owner of a good farm in Pierce county.
Mr. Larson was united in marriage, Dec. 17, 1900, to Gertrude Daniel- son, who was born in Pepin township, this county, daughter of David and Sophia Danielson. Her parents came to this township from Sweden and engaged in farming here, but both are now deceased, as also is Mrs. Larson, her death taking place Nov. 10, 1911. She left three children: Frances, Norris and Norman, who reside with their father and grandmother on the farm. Mr. Larson is a member of the Lutheran church in Stockholm township.
Frederick Seyffer, now living on his farm in Frankfort township, Pepin county, though retired from active work, is the owner of con- siderable agricultural property, which he acquired through his own exer- tions. He was born in Germany, Oct. 26, 1848, son of Michael and Lizzie Seyffer, both of whom are now deceased. The father, who was a farmer, never came to this country. Frederick Seyffer attended public school in his native land and worked on his father's farm until he was 21 years old. In 1869 he came to the United States, landing at Baltimore, where he worked in factories and in the vicinity on farms in the capacity of farm hand, receiving seven dollars a month. Even out of that scanty remuneration he managed to save something, but seeing little chance of advancing his for- tune either as a farm laborer or as a factory hand, in 1874 he came to Pepin, Wis., locating first in the village, but soon buying land in the vicinity on which he started farming for himself in 1876. He had now found the right groove and his progress from that time on was along the same lines. After awhile he bought another farm, situated on Little Plum Creek, in Frankfort township, which place he cleared and improved. He is now the owner of two farms, one of 446 acres and another of 85 acres, which are operated by his sons, Otto and John Seyffer. He is a member of the German Lutheran church in Pepin village, and is independent in politics. Frederick Seyffer was married in 1874 to Hulda Will, a native of Germany, where she was educated, and whose parents were farmers. Mr. and Mrs. Seyffer have had five children: Will, Lizzie, Julia, John and Otto. Will died while serving in the United States Navy. Lizzie is the wife of D. Andrew, a farmer and woodworker of Park Rapids, Minn., and has two children, Rosa and Carl. Julia married Fred Dutcher, a farmer of Wabasha, Minn., and has seven sons, Frederick Mitchell, Adrain J., Clinton E., Julian E., John M., Wilbur W. and Levi D. John married Esther Nelson and is farming in Frankfort township, this county. He has three children, Gladys, Ruby and John. Otto, a farmer in Pepin township, married Augusta Hawkins, and has two children, William and Harold. Although no longer young, Mr. Seyffer is still hale and hearty, the many years he spent in healthful work in the open air having laid a good foundation for long life. He is now in comfortable circumstances and can take his ease, enjoying the social activi- ties of the village and seeing his children and grandchildren growing up around him, the former already being active and useful men and women and the latter giving bright promise for the years to come.
Digitized by Google
852
HISTORY OF BUFFALO AND PEPIN COUNTIES
Samuel Schilling, who died at Alma, Buffalo county, Wis., in February, 1915, was for many years a prominent citizen of that city. He was born in Buffalo county, Wisconsin, in 1852, and learned the trade of tinner. Com- ing to Alma about 1865, he engaged in the hardware business here and was occupied for about thirty years, becoming known to everybody for miles around as a successful and conscientious merchant. He was a lover of all the cleaner sports and was an excellent marksman. At various times, especially in early life, he was associated with other business interests of the place, though devoting his chief attention to the hardware business. He married Anna Maria Saxer, a native of Switzerland, and they had a family of five children, all sons: Edwin, Arthur, Julius, Elmer and Arnold. The mother, Mrs. Anna M. Schilling, died before her husband, in Novem- ber, 1908.
Arthur Schilling, cashier of the First National Bank of Pepin, Wis., and a well-known business man of that place, was born in Alma, Buffalo county, Wis., Aug. 3, 1881, son of Samuel and Anna Maria (Saxer) Schilling. He was educated in Alma, and at the age of 19 years, after leaving the high school, engaged in the cigarmaking industry here, in the employ of Henry Huber. After working thus as a journeyman for three years he, in company with L. P. Ehing, bought his employer's business, which he and his partner conducted together for about eighteen months. They then sold the business to Mr. Schwark, Mr. Schilling entering his employ and remaining with him for two years. After that he was em- ployed for a year in the store of P. E. Ibach. He then entered the First National Bank of Alma as an apprentice, continuing there about four months, or until September, 1911, when he assuned his present duties as cashier of the First National Bank of Pepin. Aside from this occupation he is engaged in the insurance business, representing a number of leading insurance companies, including the different branches of fire, life and acci- dent. He also has an interest in the estate his father left at Alma, and is a well-known business man, enterprising and progressive. The Knights of Pythias Lodge at Alma numbers him as one of its leading members and for two years he served in it as keeper of records and seals. Mr. Schilling was married, June 12, 1912, to Ella May Behlmer, who was born at Crookston, Minn., daughter of Fred and Ida (Schmitz) Behlmer. Her par- ents were both born at Fountain City, Buffalo county, Wis. They settled in Minnesota at an early date and engaged in farming, Mr. Behlmer being thus occupied for a number of years. He is now dead, but his wife resides at Fargo, N. D. Mr. and Mrs. Schilling have three children: Dorothy May, Daniel Belmar and Mary Ann.
Charles Bronkow, a prominent representative of the dairying interest in Pepin township, Pepin county, owning 230 acres of land, was born in Beef Slough, Buffalo county, Wis., May 17, 1876. He is a son of Charles F. and Dorothy (Hanneman) Bronkow, natives of Germany, who came to the United States in 1870 and settled in Buffalo county on land which they cleared and developed into a farm. The father is now living retired with his son Charles, the subject of this sketch, he having removed to this loca- tion a number of years ago. Mrs. Bronkow died at the home of her son
Digitized by Google
853
HISTORY OF BUFFALO AND PEPIN COUNTIES
Charles in 1912. Charles Bronkow acquired the elements of knowledge in a rural school in Buffalo county. In his youth he assisted his parents on their Buffalo county farm and accompanied them when they moved to Pepin township, buying the farm on which he now lives and of which he is now the proprietor. This is now a fine modern dairy farm with up-to- date equipment. Mr. Bronkow keeps Holstein cattle and Poland-China hogs and is doing a successful business, being now numbered among the leading dairymen in his township. He is a member of the Methodist church at Pepin, and in politics he is independent. Mr. Bronkow began domestic life Oct. 10, 1901, taking as his wife Martha Peters, who was born in Pepin, daughter of John and Amelia (Smith) Peters. Her parents were natives of Germany who came to this country and at an early date settled on a farm in Pepin township. When they began, however, it was practically unimproved land and they had to develop it. The mother is now dead, but the father, John Peters, is now retired and living with his son-in-law, George Stoltenberg, in the village of Pepin. Their daughter Martha in her girlhood attended village school in Pepin High School, where she studied several years. Mr. and Mrs. Bronkow's family circle has been enlarged by the birth of three children: Herbert, born Aug. 1, 1902; Romie, born Oct. 25, 1906, and Adeline, born May 18, 1910. The family are of good social standing and have numerous friends in this vicinity.
John Carroll, proprietor of a good grain and stock farm of 160 acres in section 15, Pepin township, Pepin county, has been at his present loca- tion for the last twenty-five years, during which time he has made many improvements on the farm and has become prosperous. He was born in the state of New York, Oct. 23, 1857, son of Michael and Marian Carroll, who were natives of the same state, where they were engaged in agricul- ture. The subject of this sketch was deprived of his parents by death when very young, but was reared by friends until old enough to aid in his own support. He began working out on farms at the age of 12 years and was still a boy when he came to Wisconsin. At the age of 16 he was work- ing on the Chippewa river as an oarsman, his headquarters, or usual resi- dence, being at Eau Claire, and he was connected with the boating or shipping industry on that river until his marriage in 1877. After that until about 1892 he was engaged in farming in Pepin county. He then came to his present location and engaged in farming here, conducting a general grain and stock farm, to which he has since given practically all his time. His place is well fitted up and managed and yields good financial returns. In politics Mr. Carroll is a Republican, but contents himself with casting his vote, having never been ambitious of public distinction. He has. always taken a warm interest, however, in the progress of the com- munity in which he cast his lot so many years ago, and is regarded as a good citizen and neighbor. He was married, May 13, 1877, to Rebecca McCain, a native of Pennsylvania and daughter of William and Eliza McCain. Her father was among the early settlers in Pepin township, but both he and his wife are now deceased. Their daughter Rebecca was edu- cated in rural schools in Pennsylvania. Mr. and Mrs. Carroll have had a family of five children, of whom the eldest, Belle, is now deceased. She was
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.