USA > Wisconsin > Buffalo County > History of Buffalo and Pepin Counties Wisconsin (Volume 2) > Part 50
USA > Wisconsin > Pepin County > History of Buffalo and Pepin Counties Wisconsin (Volume 2) > Part 50
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Harrie M. Orlady, one of the leading business men of Durand, having important lumber interests both here and elsewhere, was born in Peters- burg, Pa., June 28, 1857, son of Henry and Martha (Boal) Orlady. The parents were natives of Center county, Pennsylvania, the father being a practicing physician and surgeon, who was graduated from the Jefferson Medical College of Philadelphia. They came west about 1887, locating in Durand, Pepin county, Wis., whither their son Harrie M. had preceded them, and where Dr. Henry Orlady practiced his profession until his death. His wife died in Pennsylvania some years later. Harrie M. was the third born in a family of five children. In his boyhood he attended the schools of Petersburg, Pa. After coming west he became superintendent of sev- eral farms belonging to his father in Buffalo county, Wisconsin. About 1880 he settled in Durand, where he entered into the lumber business, in which he has been engaged for about twenty-three years, conducting a retail business in Durand under the firm name of H. M. Orlady Company, and keeping a large general stock. He has also lumber interests at Little Rock, Ark .; in a yard at Meridian, Wis., and at Mondovi, Wis. Mr. Orlady was also the first president of the Durand Light & Power Company, and of the Home Telephone Company, which he was instrumental in starting. These two companies were later consolidated, at which time he became president of the consolidated company, but subsequently he disposed of his holdings in it. Since 1897 he has been a director in the Bank of Durand. A Republican in politics, he served formerly as a member of the city council, but has never cared much for public office, preferring to devote his whole attention to his business. As a business man and citizen he holds a high place in the community, and is a man ever ready to aid a worthy cause. He is an active Mason, belonging to the Blue Lodge and Chapter at Durand, and to the Commandery at Eau Claire. Mr. Orlady was married, Oct. 20, 1887, to Annabel Fraser, who was born in southern Wisconsin, daughter of John and Jessie (Draver) Fraser. Of this mar- riage four children have been born: George B., Horace, Nell and Annabel. George B., who was formerly president of the Arkino Lumber Company, in which his father is interested, is now vice-president of the Mondovi State Bank. He married Verne Pearce, of Menominie, Wis. Horace, a graduate of Northwestern Law School, who later engaged in the lumber business at Tulsa, Okla., is now a captain in the U. S. air service, being an instructor of aeronautics at Brooks Field, San Antonio, Tex. Nell is a student at the University of Wisconsin, and Annabel is attending school in Durand.
John Fraser, for many years a prominent attorney of Durand, was born on one of the Orkney Islands, Scotland, May 18, 1826, son of James
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ANTON HENRY BRUNNER
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Fraser. The family came to the United States in 1839, settling in East Troy, Walworth county, Wis., where James Fraser died in 1876. John Fraser was reared to young manhood in East Troy and studied law with A. O. Babcock, a leading attorney of that place. Admitted to the bar in 1855, he practiced with his preceptor until 1862, when he came to Durand, Wis., and opened an office here. He served in numerous local offices, being a member of the county board for several years and was repeatedly elected district attorney of Pepin county. Mr. Fraser was married, Nov. 3, 1844, to Jessie Draver, daughter of Andrew and Elizabeth Draver, of East Troy, Wis., and he and his wife became the parents of nine children, four of whom are living: Sarah, who married A. J. Wallace; Frances, who mar- ried E. D. Page; Leila, who married C. D. Bon, and Annabel, who mar- ried Harry M. Orlady.
Anton J. Brunner, a prominent citizen of Durand, where he is engaged in business as a blacksmith, was born in Austria, May 23, 1856. When about 16 years old he came to the United States with his parents. He had already been employed in his native land as a hat salesman and had in- tended to follow that occupation in New York City, but his parents insisted upon him coming west, and he, not wishing to be separated from them, accompanied them to Pepin county, Wisconsin. In Eau Claire he learned the trade of blacksmith and horseshoer, and then established himself in business in Durand, where he has since remained and where he may be found at his anvil every working day. One of the leading citizens of this place, he has served twelve years as alderman and is now serving a term as member of the county board. Mr. Brunner was married in Eau Claire, June 14, 1881, to Gertrude Wigen, who was born in Dunn county, Wiscon- sin, in 1861, and who is still living. They have had a family of nine chil- dren, four sons and five daughters, namely: Henry, Frank (deceased), Anton W., Edmund, Mary (Mrs. Guy Kratzer), Clara (Mrs. Frank Meix- ner), Anna (Mrs. Aug. Ender), Rose and Gertrude.
Anton Henry Brunner, the present register of deeds of Pepin county, in which office he is now serving in his fourth term, having commenced its duties Jan. 1, 1911, was born in Durand, Wis., May 17, 1886, son of Anton J. and Gertrude (Wigen) Brunner. His parents being Catholics, he attended the parochial school in Durand and also the Durand high school. About 1908 he went into his father's blacksmith shop as a mem- ber of the firm of A. J. Brunner & Son, and was actively associated with the business for some years, ceasing his active connection with it when he took his present office, though still remaining a member of the firm. About 1914 Mr. Brunner engaged in the insurance business, in which he still continues, also dealing in real estate and being at all times pre- pared to negotiate deals, loans, collect rents, pay taxes, draw abstracts and, in fact, do everything in connection with these kindred lines of busi- ness. He has made the subject a careful study, is acquainted with men and affairs, so knows the value of properties, thus rendering his judgment and advice of a nature to invite confidence in the good results to follow. He is a business man of popular standing and high personal character. Mr. Brunner was married, May 10, 1910, to Edith R. Radle, who was born
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in Waterville township, Pepin county, daughter of Michael and Margaret (Drier) Radle. He and his wife have two children: Henry Helk, born Nov. 3, 1913, and Ralph Harvard, who was born on his mother's birthday, April 15, 1917. Mr. Brunner in politics is a Democrat.
Michael Radle, a well-known and popular citizen of Waterville town- ship, was born in Austria. He learned the business of farming and was also a skilled musician, conducting an orchestra for a number of years. In addition to these occupations he learned the blacksmith's trade. Coming to the United States when a young man, he followed blacksmithing for awhile. Later engaged in farming in Waterville township, Pepin county, Wisconsin, buying a farm of 120 acres. Mr. Radle married Margaret Drier and they are now both residing on a farm in Waterville township. They had a large family, of whom their daughter, Edith R., is now the wife of Anton H. Brunner, of Durand, the present register of deeds of Pepin county.
Albert L. Dunbar, a prosperous general farmer of Waterville town- ship, Pepin county, having a farm of 84 acres in section 28, was born in this township, on Dead Lake Prairie, June 23, 1872, son of Albert and Har- riet (Mosher) Dunbar. His parents were early settlers in this part of Wisconsin, coming here before the outbreak of the Civil War, in which the father took part as a member of a Wisconsin cavalry regiment. They were for many years farming people in Waterville township, and Mrs. Harriet Dunbar is still living, making her home at Arkansaw, her husband having died in August, 1911. Albert L. Dunbar was brought up on his parents' farm and attended school on Dead Lake Prairie and also at Arkansaw. He lived at home until his marriage and then settled on his present farm, which he is operating in a general way, but paying particular attention to the breeding of Holstein cattle. He is a member of the Methodist Epis- copal church, and in politics is a Republican. Mr. Dunbar married Mary Gray, who was born at Arkansaw, this county, daughter of Henry and Elizabeth (Richardson) Gray. The following children have been born to them: Wayne Albert, Verne, Phyllis (deceased), Doris, who died in in- fancy, Bess and Gerald Henry. The father of Mrs. Dunbar, the Rev. Henry Gray, who was a Methodist minister, died at Oakfield, Fond du Lac county, Wis., and Mrs. Gray, with the other members of the family, then came to Arkansaw, Pepin county, where she now lives.
James A. Sweeney, who is engaged in operating a good 80-acre farm in section 8, Waterville township, Pepin county, was born in section 3, this township, son of John and Clara (Robelia) Sweeney. In his boyhood he attended district school No. 3, and when not pursuing his studies was gen- erally employed in assisting his father on the home farm. At the age of 15 years he began working at intervals for others, being chiefly engaged in farm work, and was subsequently for two years in the employ of John Youngman, of this township. At the time of his marriage he settled on his present farm, on which he has built a good modern barn, and is carry- ing on general farming with profitable results. He is a member of the Catholic church at Arkansaw, and in politics is a Democrat with inde- pendent proclivities. Sept. 30, 1916, Mr. Sweeney was united in marriage
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with Blanche F. Myers, daughter of George W. and Mina (Brown) Myers, her father being a well-known dairy and stock farmer of section 7, Water- ville township. Mr. and Mrs. Sweeney are young people, having a wide acquaintance throughout Waterville township and the vicinity, and are popular members of the community in which they reside.
William S. Maxwell, proprietor of the old Maxwell farm in section 13, Waterville township, Pepin county, was born near Eau Galle, Dunn county, Wis., Nov. 1, 1869, son of William and Ann Jane (Thompson) Maxwell. He attended school one term at Eau Galle, and later for a longer period at Arkansaw, near where his parents took a farm. Residing at home until 21 years old, he then became clerk for the Plummer Mercantile Company at Arkansaw and was thus employed for three years. After that he spent a year in Montana, subsequently returning to the home farm. Working for others for a time, he at last bought the parental homestead, where he has since been engaged in farming with profitable results. The farm con- tain 200 acres of valuable land, one part of it coming to within a mile of the village of Arkansaw. Here he is breeding up in Guernsey cattle, Poland-China hogs and other good stock. Mr. Maxwell is a stockholder in and is president and director of the Waterville Creamery, of which he was one of the organizers, and also holds stock in the Telephone Company. In politics he is a Republican of the independent type, but has never cared for public office. On Jan. 2, 1906, Mr. Maxwell was united in marriage with Rosa Leschinger, who was born in Austria, her parents being natives of that country. The family came to Waterville township, Pepin county, from their native land in 1890, and engaged in farming, the parents resid- ing with their son John. Of the six children, all of whom are now living, Rosa (Mrs. Maxwell) was the youngest. She was educated in this town- ship, attending the Liddy district school. The children of Mr. and Mrs. Maxwell are Arnold Sidney, Findley Irwood, Blanche Lerina, Walter James, Dorothy Theresa and Hazel Martha, all residing at home.
Eugene S. La France, president and general manager of the Pepin Pickle Company, after several years of active life in Pepin, Wis., to whose commercial life he gave a most decided impetus, is now a prominent citizen of Winona, Minn., where are located the headquarters of his company. He was born in Clinton county, New York, May 4, 1870, son of Eugene and Julia (Lee) La France, and received his academic education at the Old Brandon Academy, Brandon, Vt., where at an earlier period no less a man than Stephen A. Douglas had been a pupil. After the family came west in 1887, Eugene S. La France secured employment as a salesman in a store in St. Paul. With this preparation he later went on the road as a traveling salesman, meeting with considerable success and constantly adding to his list of friends. While thus traveling he became convinced of the tre- mendous possibilities of the pickling industry in this region. Therefore in 1904, after carefully looking over the field, he came to Pepin and estab- lished the Pepin Pickle Company. He organized the Pepin Creamery in 1909 in association with C. J. Thies, and was its president until his resig- nation in January, 1917. In 1911 he helped to organize the First National Bank of Pepin and has been a director since the beginning. In 1917 the
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Pepin Pickle Company transferred its headquarters to Winona, and Mr. La France moved his family there, retaining, however, many of his inter- ests in Pepin. Mr. La France has been active in fraternal circles for many years. For twenty-five years he has been a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and passed through all the chairs of that lodge at St. Paul. For seven years he was chief ranger of the Catholic Order of Foresters at St. Paul. In the Woodmen of the World he has been head counsel of the jurisdiction and for three years was chairman of the legal committee of the national jurisdiction. For eight years he was commander of the Pepin Lodge of the Modern Woodmen of the World. He is also a member of various other organizations, including the Arlington Club of Winona and the Winona Association of Commerce. In politics he is a Re- publican, and served for two years as a member of the Pepin City Council. Mr. La France was married, Feb. 25, 1895, to Emma Marcott, who was born in Montreal, Canada, youngest of the large family of Nazaer and Mary (La Duke) Marcott, both of whom are now deceased, the father hav- ing died when she was a child of ten years. Mr. and Mrs. La France have five children: Leo Charles, Jeanette E., Raoul L., Alfred Eugene and Paul M. Leo C. was born Nov. 28, 1895, graduated from the Pepin High School and the St. Paul Business College, served on the general staff at Wash- ington, D. C., during the latter part of the world war, and is now secretary of the Pepin Pickle Company. Jeanette E. was born Dec. 11, 1896, grad- uated from the St. Clair Seminary at Winona in 1917, and is now assistant supervisor of music at the Winona State Normal School. Raoul L. was born July 5, 1902; Alfred Eugene was born Oct. 27, 1903, and Paul M. was born May 6, 1908.
Eugene La France, father of Eugene S. La France, was born in Ver- mont in 1847, and moved to New York State, where for several years he was engaged in the manufacture of footwear. He married Julia Lee, a native of New York State. They came west in 1887 and lived for awhile in Minneapolis, later moving to St. Paul, where he engaged in the retail shoe business for seventeen years. Then he retired and made his home with his son until his death, Dec. 11, 1917, his wife still residing there. It is inter- esting to note that at the time of the Civil War he enlisted for military service, but was rejected on account of his age. He and his wife had two children: Eugene S., and Georgianna, the wife of L. A. Parent, of St. Paul.
The Pepin Pickle Company, one of the important industries of this region, was organized by Eugene S. La France in 1904, with a capital of $12,000. The officers were: E. Langers, president; C. H. Schluter, vice- president; August Thies, treasurer; Eugene S. La France, secretary and general manager. Operations at Pepin were started at once. The company has since grown to large proportions. The central plant is located at Winona, the magnificent building there having been started in the fall of 1916 and completed in June, 1917. It is fully equipped for the constantly growing business and cost about $150,000. In Minnesota, in addition to the Winona factory, there are factories at Kellogg, Plainview, Lewiston and Chielman, while in Wisconsin there are factories at Pepin and Coch- rane. The products of the company are of the highest quality and stand
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EUGENE S. LA FRANCE
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high in the estimation of jobbers, retailers and consumers, orders being shipped to all parts of the country. During the war the government also bought extensively of the product. All kinds of pickles are manufactured, and there is also a large output of sauerkraut. The operation of this com- pany's various plants has been a distinct advantage to the territory in which it has operated, both to the commercial interests of their immediate location and to the agriculturists of the whole region, the farmers thus finding an accessible market at good prices for all vegetables suitable for pickling. Agents of the company encourage the farmers in planting a suitable acreage of these vegetables and give advice and information. The capital is now $100,000, and the officers are: Eugene S. La France, presi- dent and general manager; C. H. Schluter, vice-president; C. M. Morse, treasurer; and Leo C. La France, secretary.
William George Schlosser, a prosperous farmer residing on the Dunn- Pepin county line, in section 2, Pepin county, was born in Lima township, Pepin county, May 5, 1889. His parents, Leo and Mary S. (Bauer) Schlos- ser, were natives of Austria, the father coming to this country with his parents when a lad of five or six years, they settling in Lima township, Pepin county, Wisconsin. In this county Leo Schlosser, Sr., grew to man- hood and was married. Buying land, he became an independent farmer and now resides in Waubeek township, where he is operating a farm of 240 acres. He is also a stockholder in the Eau Galle Creamery Company and the Telephone Company, and is one of the well-to-do citizens of that township. William George Schlosser was the second born child in a family of ten. He attended school in Waubeek township and also for two years the Durand High School. At the age of 18 he engaged in railroad work on the "Soo" line in North Dakota, his employment being on that part of the line between Endland and Harvey. It only lasted four months, how- ever, as he soon tired of railroading and returned home, where for five winters he operated an engine in a sawmill. He also ran a threshing engine for seven seasons and spent one fall in North Dakota. At the time of his marriage he settled on his present farm of 127 acres, all valuable land, where he carries on general farming and is already a prosperous citizen. He has a well-kept place with all necessary improvements, to which he devotes practically his whole time, not caring for public office. In politics he is independent, and the Roman Catholic church at Eau Galle numbers him among its members. On June 21, 1913, Mr. Schlosser was married to Ella Catherine Denning, who was born Dec. 13, 1891, in Weston township, Dunn county, Wisconsin, daughter of Simeon and Mary (Knopps) Den- ning. The father of Mrs. Schlosser was born in Ohio and came to Dunn county, Wisconsin, about the close of the Civil War. Besides farming, he taught school in that county for twelve years. He is still living there, operating a farm of 320 acres, and is a prosperous and respected citizen of his locality. His wife Mary was born in Dunn county. Their daughter Ella (Mrs. Schlosser) was the third born of their six children. She first attended school in Dunn county, was later graduated from the Dunn County Normal School and became a teacher, following that vocation for two years in the New Auburn State graded schooi, Chippewa county, and then two
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years in the rural school, known as the Weber School, in Eau Galle, Dunn county, making a good record for efficiency. Mr. and Mrs. Schlosser have been the parents of three children: Dennis Stephen, Evelyn Catherine and Wayne W. Mr. Schlosser's fraternal affiliations are with the Catholic Knights of Wisconsin at Eau Galle.
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Jack Doughty, a well-known and popular citizen of Waterville town- ship, Pepin county, proprietor of a general stock and dairy farm in section 18, was born on the old Doughty homestead in this township, Dec. 28, 1878, son of Edward and Melvina (Metcalf) Doughty. His parents were early settlers here, the father residing for forty years on the same farm, or until his retirement in 1916. He is now living in Arkansaw, this county. Jack Doughty acquired his education in Waterville township, attending district school. He lived at home until the age of 19 years, after which his winters for some time were spent in the woods at lumbering. In the summers he worked out as farm hand in this township. When 22 years old he bought a wild tract of land above Eau Galle, of which he cleared about fifteen acres and then sold the property. After that he spent three years working for others in Dunn county and then for one year rented the farm which he now owns. At the end of that time he married and bought a farm near Eau Galle, Dunn county, which he operated for two years. Then selling that place, he spent the next two years in Eau Galle, doing carpenter work and teaming. He now resolved to resume farming on his own account and, having purchased his present farm, has since been engaged here in dairy- ing and stock raising, breeding Guernsey cattle and Poland-China hogs. His farm contains 80 acres of valuable land and has been well equipped by him with modern and substantial buildings. His operations, based on prac- tical knowledge and carried on with industry and skill, have been crowned with success, and he is enjoying a well deserved prosperity. He is also a stockholder in the Waterville Creamery Company. In politics he is a socialist. On March 1, 1904, Mr. Doughty was united in marriage with Edna Cross, who was born in Waterville township, daughter of Lemuel and Ellen Jane (Thompson) Cross. Her mother was born in Canada in 1835 and her father in the state of New York a few years previously. Both are now deceased. They were early settlers in this vicinity, Mr. Cross being one of the numerous employes of Carson & Rand, the well-known lumber- men of those days. Later he bought land and became a farmer in Pepin county. Finally retiring from active work, he took up his residence with his daughter, Mrs. McRoberts, with whom he spent the rest of his life, dying about 1907. He was a veteran of the Civil War, having served in a Wisconsin regiment. His wife died at the age of 65 years. Their daughter Edna (Mrs. Doughty), who was the youngest in a family of eight children, attended school both in Eau Galle township, Dunn county, and in Pepin county. Mr. and Mrs. Doughty have no children of their own, but have taken a boy to rear, Dale Myers, now ten years old.
Ernest W. Barton, one of the proprietors of the Durand Hardware Company, of Durand, Wis., was born in this village, Aug. 8, 1868, son of Joseph and Mary (Casler) Barton. The parents were born in an eastern state, either New York or Pennsylvania, and the father in early days was
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engaged in the general mercantile business. They were among the early settlers of Durand. Later Joseph Barton became proprietor of a hotel and was thus occupied subsequently until his death. His wife, who survived him, is still a resident of Durand. Ernest W. Barton, who was one of a family of eight children, acquired his education in the Durand school, residing with his parents, and after his father's death with his mother until reaching the age of 21 years. At the age of 18 he began to learn the tinner's trade and in time became a journeyman in the employ of the Smith Bros. Hardware Company, who then occupied Mr. Barton's present busi- ness location. In their employ he remained for some eighteen or twenty years. Then, in association with H. P. Nicklas and Mr. Risner, he pur- chased the business, which was conducted by the three partners for several years, or until the death of Mr. Risner, since which time Mr. Barton and Mr. Nicklas have remained the sole proprietors. They carry a complete line of shelf and heavy hardware, also having a tinshop in connection with the store. Two floors and a basement warehouse are required to meet the demands of the business. The concern is well patronized, and the pro- prietors are numbered among the leading business men of Durand. Mr. Barton was first married to Bertha Strutz, daughter of Cecil Strutz. She died leaving no children, and Mr. Barton married secondly Glen Anderson, who was born in Frankfort township, Pepin county. Mr. and Mrs. Barton have one child, Ruth, who is attending school. Mr. Barton is a member of the Masonic order and of the Equitable Fraternal Union.
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