USA > Wisconsin > Eau Claire County > History of Eau Claire county, Wisconsin, past and present; including an account of the cities, towns and villages of the county > Part 71
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HISTORY OF EAU CLAIRE COUNTY
Charles Hoehn, the well-known and popular merchant of Fall Creek, Eau Claire county, is a native of Germany and was born in the Province of Brandenburg, near Berlin, December 12, 1854, the son of August Frederick and Louise (Perso) Hoehn, also na- tives of Germany. The ancestors of Mr. Iloehn, who lived in Germany, were foremen on the large estates of wealthy land owners in the Province of Brandenburg. His parents and fam- ily emigrated to the United States in 1873 and settled in Monroe county, Wisconsin.
In 1877 Charles Hoehn came to Ean Claire county, and for two years worked as a farm hand. In 1880 he came to Fall Creek and here found employment as clerk in a general retail store. Being of an economical disposition, energetic and thrifty, he managed to save up sufficient capital to start in business on his own account. Consequently in 1892 he opened a general store in Fall Creek and from the start has prospered, being well liked and highly esteemed for his good business judgment and fair deal- ing. Besides a complete line of general merchandise, he carries a full assortment of drugs and sundries and is doing a flourishing business. He is a man of pleasing personality and presence, and readily wins the confidence and respect of the people.
Ile was married in 1887 to Miss Ottilie Glenz, and they have eight children: The eldest, Ella, is the wife of Ed. Boernke; Archie is a druggist, now attending a course in chemistry at the Marquette University at Milwaukee, Wis .; Lillie, George. Ililda, Carl, Alma and Frank Hoehn.
Mr. Hoehn is prominent in the social circles of Fall Creek and is a member of St. Paul's Lutheran church.
Frederick Julius Hoeppner, president of the Hoeppner-Bart- lett Company, was born in Germany, February 5, 1854. He was reared and educated in his native country; came to the United States in 1880 and settled in Eau Claire.
In 1881 he married Miss Bertha Krueger, and they have had three children, Hedwig, Margaret and Edmund.
After his arrival in Eau Claire he worked as a carpenter for several years and then engaged in the contracting and building business. In 1898 he went into partnership with W. W. Bartlett and organized the firm of Hoeppner & Bartlett, contractors. which was incorporated in 1906 as the Hoeppner-Bartlett Com- pany, of which concern he has since been president.
William F. Hood, cashier of the First National Bank of Fair- child. Wis .. was born at Green Bay, this state, May 7. 1859. the
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son of William and Mary A. (Russell) Hood, natives of Ayre- shire, Scotland, the home of the celebrated poet, Robert Burns. The father, who in early manhood became manager of a sugar plantation in the West Indias, came to the United States in 1855, locating at Kaukanna, Wis., where he purchased land. He soon afterward moved to Green Bay and was engaged for several years in the drug business, later embarking in general merehan- dising. He served several years as municipal judge in Green Bay, where he was a resident for over forty years. In 1903 he moved to Fairchild, where he has sinee lived in retirement. He reared a family of six children, viz: William F .; IIattie A. mar- ried August Mehleisen; John R .; Marion, wife of R. B. Laird; David R .. and Alexander A.
William F. was reared in Green Bay, receiving his education in the publie schools and the Green Bay Business College. He began his business career as clerk in a grocery store in Green Bay, and in 1882 he came to Fairchild and entered the employ of N. C. Foster, later the N. C. Foster Lumber Company, as book- keeper, serving in that capacity until the organization of the First National Bank of Fairchild in 1904, when he was elected its cashier, a position he still retains.
Mr. Hood married December 27, 1882, Miss Sarah M., daugh- ter of Ephriam and Amanda (Tremain) Williams, of Green Bay. They have three children living: William F., Jr., who is an arch- deacon of the Episcopal church; Ruth A., and Allen A. Relig- iously Mr. Hood is affiliated with the Episcopal church. and fra- ternally he is an active member of the Masonic order, including the Chapter, Royal Arch and the Commandery.
Stephen Hoover,* whose death at Ean Claire, Wis., on Feb- ruary 6, 1914, was deeply mourned by a large circle of friends and acquaintances, was one of the city's enterprising and public- spirited men. Mr. Hoover had been a resident of the city for nearly half a century, and during that time had been prominently identified with its business and civic life. He was born in Geneva, N. Y., and from the close of his school days followed various occupations. In 1866 he came to Eau Claire and engaged in the butcher business, which occupation he successfully followed for thirty or more years. He closed his business in 1898 and from that time on lived in retirement. In all his business dealings Mr. Hoover was the soul of honor, and his uniform courtesy and manly demeanor, combined with social qualities of pleasing char- acter, won for him universal confidence and esteem and made
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him beloved by all, especially by those most intimately associated with him. He was a devoted member of the Congregational church and contributed liberally to its support.
He married Elizabeth Barland, who was formerly from New York state, and to this union one daughter, Fannie, who is now the wife of B. A. Buffington, was born.
Emmet Horan, a prominent and progressive citizen of Ean Claire, has for many years been actively identified with the busi- ness, politieal and edneational interests of the eity. His paternal grandfather, John Horan, a farmer by occupation, was a promi- nent and influential man of his day in County Tipperary, Ireland. Ilis son Thomas, father of our subject, was born in the same county December 21, 1806. Ile married in 1831 Catherine Finan, and emigrated to America in 1842, settling first in Canada, and in 1863 came to Eau Claire, Wis., and engaged in farming. and here made his home until his deeease in 1876. He was a Demo- erat in politics ; served as chairman of the town board and filled many other local offices. He was an honorable and respected man. Ilis family consisted of seven children: John; Bridget, wife of Dennis Hogan: Timothy F .; Maria married John Me- Donough ; Thomas ; Jane married Frank MeDonough, and Emmet.
Emmet Horan was born in Canada, March 11, 1852, and came to Eau Claire with his parents in 1863. He was reared on the farm, educated in the publie schools and later entered the em- ploy of the Eau Claire Lumber Company. Ilis ability to handle men and the faculty he exhibited in attending to the details of the business seeured for him the position of foreman of the log- ging eamps of the company. In 1885 he was appointed by Presi- dent Cleveland register of the United States Land Office in Eau Claire and held that position four and one-half years. In 1884 he was a candidate for member of the assembly. but was de- feated through the influence of an indepedent candidate. He has represented Eau Claire at various times as member of the city council, and was for four years a member of the county board of supervisors. In 1889 he became a member of the Me- Donough Manufacturing Company, of Eau Claire; was one of its incorporators, and was made seeretary and treasurer. He eon- tinued in that position until 1912, and is still a member of the company. He served as secretary of the Ean Claire board of trade for several years, and sinee 1891 has been a member of the Eau Claire school board and was the first president of the Eau Claire training school board.
During President Cleveland's second administration he was
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appointed postmaster of Ean Claire and served in that capacity four and a half years. Ile was appointed a member of the state board of normal school regents in 1908, and has served in that capacity continuously sinee, and was a leading factor in secur- ing the location for the Normal School at Eau Claire, now (1914) in course of construction, the state having made an appropriation of $225,000 for this purpose, and he is now a member of the executive committee of the state board of normal school regents.
Mr. Horan was married November 4, 1874, to Margaret, daughter of Joseph Lawler, of Eau Claire. They have three ehil- dren, as follows: Mande, wife of Richard F. Kaiser; Lenore, wife of Mark L. Williams, and Emmet, Jr., an attorney of Mil- waukee. Mr. Horan and family are members of St. Patrick's church of Eau Claire. lle is a member of the Ancient Order of Hibernians, and served as state president of the same for a period of four years. Ile is also a member of the ('atholie Knights of Wisconsin, of which he was vice-president six years. Politically he is a Democrat of the progressive type.
Sydney E. Horel, superintendent of the Eau Claire County Insane Asylum, was born in the town of Lincoln, Eau Claire county, Wis., July 6, 1873, the son of Henry and Ann ( Roberts) HForel. His paternal grandparents were Samuel and Ann (Mor- gan) Horel, who came from Benwell, Somersetshire, England, with their family to the United States in 1837, and first settled near Auburn, N. Y. In 1845 the family moved to Waukesha county, Wisconsin, where the grandfather cleared and improved a farm and there remained until his decease. Henry Horel, father of Sydney E., left Waukesha county and in June, 1856. came to Eau Claire county and engaged in himbering and contracting, a business he followed until 1864, when he purchased 160 acres of land in what is now Lincoln township, to which he subsequently added 40 more aeres. Ile cleared and improved the land and there made his home until he died, January 14, 1903, at the age of 67 years. His wife, mother of our subjeet, who survives, was a daughter of John and Mary Ann ( Halbert) Roberts, who were raised near Manchester, England. They came to the United States and settled in Milwaukee county, Wisconsin, in 1842, after which they spent a short time. in Waukesha county, thenee in 1850 moved to Columbia county, where they remained until 1860. and then moved to and settled in what is now the town of Otter Creek. in Eau Claire county, where he cleared a farm of 100 acres and there established the family home and made their resi- dence for a number of years. Later in life they retired from
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HISTORY OF EAU CLAIRE COUNTY
active labors and moved into the city of Augusta, where they spent the balance of their lives. The father died in 1891 and the mother in 1881. The children of Henry and Ann (Roberts) Horel were: George C .; Laura M., wife of C. E. Blair; Olive E., wife of A. C. Minto, and Sydney E.
Sydney E. Horel was reared on the homestead in Lincoln township, receiving his education in the district and high schools of Augusta. After attaining his majority he worked at the mason's trade for five years, and returned to the home farm two years prior to the death of his father, and until the spring of 1909 carried on the farm. He was at that time appointed super- intendent of the Ean Claire County Insane Asylum, a position he still retains and which he has filled with ability and satisfac- tion to the community generally. Mr. Horel has been twice married ; first to Nellie Hackett, daughter of John and Charlotte (Stone) Hackett, of Augusta, by whom he had three children: Ira S., Thelma L. and Elsie L. His present wife was Mary Chris- tenson, daughter of Nels Christenson, of Seymour township, this county.
Mr. Horel is a member of the Modern Woodmen of America. the A. F. & A. M., the R. A. M. and the Knights of Pythias. Ile has always been enterprising to an eminent degree and takes a lively interest in all matters tending to the welfare and pros- perity of his town, county and state. A Democrat in his political opinion, he has served as a member of the Eau Claire county board three terms, was treasurer of the school board of the town of Lincoln for six years, suceeding his father, who held the same office many years. In the fall of 1908 he was a candidate of his party for the office of sheriff, running 1,100 votes ahead of his ticket, but failed in the election by the small margin of 73 votes.
Morris M. Horn, president of the Horn & Blum Manufacturing Company, was born near Vienna, Austria, on November 27, 1883. His father, Heiman N. Horn, was also born in Austria, and after his marriage to Anna Sender he came to America and located in Chicago, Ill., where he is now largely engaged in the manufac- ture of ladies' clothing, under the firm name of II. N. Horn. They are the parents of four children, two sons and two daugh- ters, as follows: Morris M., our subject; Peter is associated with his father in Chicago; Ray married David Solomon, of Chicago, and Rose, single.
Morris M. came to Chicago with his parents and there at- tended the public schools. At the age of fifteen he entered the employ of his father and became thoroughly efficient as a cutter
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and draftsman. In 1905 he went into the manufacturing busi- ness for himself, first locating at Neilsville, Wis., where he re- mained until 1911, successfully engaged in making overalls and jackets, then, associated with A. Blum, he came to Eau Claire and established the firm of Horn & Blum, manufacturing over- alls, packets and shirts, which they have since continued to carry on successfully with Mr. Horn president and Mr. Blum vice- president and secretary. Mr. Horn is an energetic. wideawake business man, and stands well in the commercial circles of Eau Claire. In 1903 he married Miss Freda Meyers, of Chicago. Ile is an independent Republican and a member of Brai Birith.
Edgar L. Horton is another one of the prosperous and thrifty farmers of Bridge Creek township. A native son of Eau Claire county, he was born at Augusta, February 2, 1870. the son of Elipha Horton and grandson of Hezekiah Horton, natives of New York state. The Horton family came West to Wisconsin in 1861, and in 1868 the father came to Bridge Creek township and settled on a farm in Diamond Valley. He reared a family of four children, three of whom are now (1914) living: Edgar L., the subject of this sketch; Engene and Rolland; Nellie, who married Alfred Lund, is now deceased.
Edgar L. was raised on the home farm, receiving his educa- tion in the district schools and the public schools of Augusta, and has spent nearly his whole life at farming. He owns 160 acres of land in sections 21 and 22, Bridge Creek township, where he resides, and 40 acres near the city of Augusta. His home farm is a beautiful piece of land, finely improved, and his buildings, which are modern and up-to-date, are handsomely located. In addition to general farming Mr. Horton makes a specialty of breeding and raising fine stock. His herds of registered Guern- sey cattle and Poland-China hogs are among the best to be found in Eau Claire county. He also makes a specialty of raising full- blooded Barred Plymouth Rock chickens.
Mr. Horton married in 1901 Miss Agnes Hewitt, a very es- timable lady and daughter of Joseph Hewett, of Augusta. Mr. Horton has always taken a commendable interest in public affairs both local and national, and is a lifelong member of the Repub- lican party, although he has never sought political office. Both he and Mrs. Horton are members of the National Fraternal League and are active socially.
George H. Howe, deceased, who was esteemed alike for his sterling worth as a man and the public spirit, enterprise and tenacity of purpose, which made him an important factor in the
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HISTORY OF EAU CLAIRE COUNTY
business circles of Eau Claire, was born in Essex county, New York, in 1859, and there received his education. and grew to manhood. In the early 80's, being fully convinced he should find better opportunities for advancement, he came West and entered the employ of a large Chicago concern as traveling salesman, during which time he was thus employed making his home at Lancaster, Wis. In 1885 he moved to Charles City, Ia., and en- gaged in business for himself, remaining there for five years. He came to Eau Claire in 1890 and was for three years connected with the A. A. Cutter shoe establishment. In 1893 he entered the employ of A. F. Ellison, who conducted a shoe store in the building now occupied by the Lyric theater. After being thus employed for some time Mr. Howe purchased an interest and be- eame a member of that coneern. In 1904 Mr. Ellison withdrew his interest and the Howe Shoe Company was formed, with the late Mr. Howe as president, under whose guiding hand and fair and honorable dealings the business was inereased to such pro- portions as to be considered one of the best in its line in the state. A business man of the highest character, Mr. Howe was in all respects a most worthy and estimable citizen, and his death, which occurred February 6, 1911. was a great loss to the city of Ean Claire.
On September 1, 1887, Mr. Howe married Miss Mae Tisdale, at Minneapolis, Minn. Their family consists of two daughters, Margaret and Annabel. Margaret is now teaching domestic science in Bonner, Mont., and Annabel married George O. Bly- stone, of Eau Claire, and has one daughter, Kathryn.
Mr. Howe was a trustee of the Congregational church in Eau Claire and an ardent church worker. He took an active interest in the meetings of the Boys' Club, that looked toward the estab- lishment of the Y. M. C. A., which was successfully carried through.
Hans M. Howe was born in Christiania, Norway, December 8, 1866, receiving his education in the public schools. In 1882 he came to America and to Wisconsin, where he had an unele living by the name of Martin Olson. Ile was first employed by a farmer at Elk Mound, this state, and was later in the employ of J. P. Piekham, as gardener for three and a half years and spent one winter at lumbering. He first engaged in the furniture business as teamster, then as clerk, and now has been in that line of busi- ness for twenty-nine years and with the one house under the firm names of Williams & Lange, Williams & Co., Williams & Son and
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latterly the Williams Furniture Company, of which he is now (1914) vice-president and a large stockholder.
During the Spanish-American War he enlisted in Company B, 5th Wisconsin infantry, and served until the close of the war. After his discharge he re-enlisted in Company E, 3d regiment, Wisconsin National Guards, and served six years, during which time he was quartermaster sergeant. He is also a member of the I. S. W. A., the sons of Norway and the Lutheran Church.
In 1903 Mr. Howe married Miss Julia Olsen, daughter of Knute Olsen, of Red Wing, Minn. To Mr. and Mrs. IFowe has been born one daughter-Dorothy Pauline.
Eldred Hubbard,* one of the public spirited and representa- tive farmers of Otter Creek township, Eau Claire county, is the son of Alfred and Mary A. (Dighton) Hubbard. He was born in the town of Elgin, Ontario, Canada, July 16, 1854, and is de- scended from English ancestry. Ifis remote ancestors having emigrated from England to the United States and settled in an early day in Connecticut. Martin Hubbard, grandfather of Eldred. settled in Jefferson county, New York, and there his father was born. Grandfather Hubbard emigrated with his fam- ily to Canada, where he became a successful lumberman and manufacturer. Ile died in 1855 at the age of fifty-five years, when Eldred was eight years of age. The latter came to Wis- consin with his parents from Canada, who located on a farm in Bridge Creek township, Eau Claire county, in 1865. In later years his parents moved to the city of Eau Claire where the father died, May 6, 1908, at the ripe age of 82. The mother of Mr. Hubbard passed away March 31, 1910, at the age of 84. They were the parents of four children, as follows: Martin B., (whose sketch appears alsewhere in this volume) ; Amanda, who married M. E. Pride; Eldred, our subject, and Elva, now Mrs. J. H. Tifft.
Eldred Hubbard was reared on the farm and his boyhood was spent in much the same manner as most farmers' boys, attending the district school and assisting in the farm work. He has fol- lowed farming during his whole life, and by hard work, thrift and economy, has succeeded in accumulating a substantial for- tune. His farm, which is known as "The Fair Oaks Farm," contains 400 aeres of well improved land. Ilis modern and up- -to-date residence, which is so beautifully located, affords a com- manding view of the surrounding country. ITis barns and out- buildings are commodious and substantial, and his place is
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HISTORY OF EAU CLAIRE COUNTY
equipped with many of the latest labor-saving devices. He car- ries on general farming, stock-raising and dairying, and has a fine herd of blooded Holstein cattle. A few years ago Mr. Hub- bard met with an accident which incapaciated him from manual labor and he practically lives retired on the farm, the manage- ment of which has fallen to his son, Alfred.
In 1879 Mr. Hubbard married Eliza Edington, and they have two sons, Earl, who married Emma Barka, and Alfred, who lives at home, assisting in the operation of the farm. Mr. Hubbard is of pleasing personality, which has made him many friends in his community. Affiliated with the Republican party, of whose principles he is a staunch advocate, he thoroughly believes in discharging his duties as a private citizen in all matters of po- litical importance, but has had no desire for public office. He is a member of the Modern Woodmen and one of the leading men of his town.
John Huebsch, widely known as the head of the Huebsch Laundry Company, of Eau Claire, with branches in Milwaukee and Winona, and one of the prominent, public spirited and enter- prising men of this city, is a native son of Wisconsin. IIe was born at Buffalo City, Buffalo county, this state, to Frank and. Eva Huebsch. He passed his boyhood at home, receiving his pre- liminary education in the public schools and came to Eau Claire in 1892 and established the Huebsch Laundry Company, which for many years has been recognized as one of the leading laundries in this part of the state, as well as the foremost one in this city, and its founder as one of her substantial, reliable and most esteemed men. While the exacting duties of his business have engaged Mr. Huebsch's chief attention, he has yet found time to devote to other affairs and was a member of the first city council elected under the commission form of government, having been elected in 1910 for a term of two years. He made an excellent commissioner and could easily have been re-elected, but deelined to be a candidate.
Mr. Iluebsch is fond of outdoor pastime, his chief amusement being horseback riding, hunting and fishing. Socially he occupies a position of prominence. He is a member of the Eau Claire Club, the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, the Modern Wood- men, Maccabees and Eagles. In November, 1889, Mr. Huebsch was married to Miss Christina Sink and they have an interesting family of two children-Benjamin J. and Laura Huebsch.
Orrin H. Ingram. The Wisconsin lumber industry during its high tide of activity brought together and developed many re-
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markable men, in many respects the most noteworthy figures in the citizenship of the state during its history. One of these, who would be mentioned in any group of the leading lumbermen of the last half century, is Orrin H. Ingram. Since the pioneer days he has been identified with the lumber interests of the Chippewa Valley, with Eau Claire his headquarters and residence during a period of fifty-five years. Engaged from youth up in one of the most picturesquely rugged of industries, he developed those fine qualities which we like to associate with the forest and the woods- men, and at the same time the active forees of his career were permeated by a solid integrity and thorough going honesty that were as typieal of himself as his more superficial characteristics. During his active career, Mr. Ingram was not only a vitalizing factor in the lumber industry as a business, but was also an originator, an inventor, and some of his devices and mechanical improvements have done a great deal to make the business of lumbering easier and more profitable.
Orrin H. Ingram comes from New England, the original home of American lumber interests. He was born at Westfield, Massa- chusetts, May 12, 1830. Ilis parents were David A. and Fanny (Granger) Ingram. When Orrin was a child his parents moved to Saratoga, New York. There the father died in 1841, leaving very limited means for the support of his widow and children. Left at the age of eleven years, Orrin Ingram had to confront the severe responsibilities which usually fall to the lot of grown man- hood. Instead of attending sehool, he was bound ont to work for his board and clothes. Thus his early years were spent until he was seventeen years of age, and he then joined his mother, who had married again, on Lake George, and while working on a farm attended school during the winter months for three years.
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