USA > Wisconsin > Langlade County > History of Langlade County, Wisconsin, from U. S. government survey to present time, with biographical sketches > Part 62
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Judge Parsons and his father were two of the thirty-nine Antigo followers who went to Langlade and lay in ambush in the spring of 1881 before the polls closed and defeated the Wolf River pioneers by three votes on the question whether Langlade or An- tigo should be the county seat.
Judge Parsons was first elected a Director of the Beavers Reserve Fund Fraternity in June, 1907. He served in that capacity fourteen years, until June 23, 1919, when he was elected, at a Grand Colony Con- vention at Racine to the office of Grand Commander and entered upon the duties of that office January 1, 1921, being elected for a term of four years. Judge Parsons is also a member of the Loyal Order of Moose, Knights of Pythias, Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, I. O. O. F., Encampment branch of I. O. O. F., and also the Rebekah branch. His hobby is fraternalism and an opportunity to serve his fellow- man, which has been his inspiring motive in life since childhood.
He occupies a position of prominence and prestige among the respected citizens of a county he has grown up with from his youth at a time when most of upper Wisconsin was a vast wilderness.
DENNIS J. MURPHY, prominent railway conduct- or, was born June 10, 1869, at Footville, Wisconsin, the son of Ellen (Collins) and James Murphy. When a youth he attended rural schools and engaged in gen- eral farming on his father's farm. He began his railroad career as a brakeman at Baraboo, Wisconsin, in 1887. He was promoted to the rank of conductor when in the service of the Great Northern Railroad and making runs out of Superior, Wisconsin. He moved to Antigo township, Langlade County May 1, 1910, from Fond du Lac, Wis. Mr. Murphy was united in marriage to Margaret Gillespie, of Adams, Minnesota, on October 29, 1894. To this union the following children were born: Merrill, Pearl, Ella, Harold, Royden, Raymond, James, May, John, How- ard and Patricia. Merrill and Harold, sons, served
in the World War as seamen in the United States Navy. Merrill enlisted January 3, 1918, and was hon- orably discharged October 14, 1919. Harold enlisted July 1, 1918, and served until his honorable discharge March 12 ,1919. The Murphy family attend St. Johns church, Antigo, Wis.
D. J. Murphy, the subject of this sketch, is a mem- ber of the Knights of Coloumbus and the Order of Railway Conductors. The Murphy farm of 110 acres located on Highway No. 64, is within an easy dis- tance from Antigo. It is well equipped and intensely cultivated by Mr. Murphy and his sons.
ERNEST E. SCHUBERT, former proprietor of Pal- ace Garage, was a new resident in Langlade County. He was born July 15, 1898, in Chicago, Ill, the son of Anna and Charles Schubert. He attended the Chicago public schools and a private institution. He then en- gaged in the grocery business with his father for four years (1917-20) after which he became a salesman for the H. Piper Wholesale Bakery, Chicago, Ill. He moved to Antigo, Wisconsin, February 1, 1921, and March 15, 1921 opened the Palace Garage with George Kernohan, Chicago, Ill., as his associate. This association was dissolved after five months. Mr. Schubert then conducted the business alone until No- vember, 1921, when Donald E. Reed was taken into the business as a partner. The Palace Garage is located at 807 Superior street. Mr. Schubert was married July 30, 1919, to Anna Menze, Chicago, Ill. One child, Robert, has been born to this union. The Schubert family resided at 1140 Seventh avenue. Mr. Schubert is a member of the Elks and Masonic orders. He believes that the tourist possibilities of upper Wisconsin are unlimited. Mr. Schubert is now a resi- dent of Chicago, Il1.
THOMAS E. FORD, ex-Sheriff and Farmer. Be- longing to a family which has resided in Langlade County since 1879 and has taken an important part in its advancement, Thomas E. Ford holds prestige as a worthy representative of his township's best citizenship. Mr. Ford was born October 8, 1877, the son of John and Mary Ford. He moved when two years old from his birthplace in Outagamie County, near Kaukauna, to Antigo township, Langlade County. Here he was reared to manhood. He attended the Boulder Hill district school after which he engaged in farming on his father's farm. John Ford passed away when his son was but fourteen years old, on April 15, 1891. He is buried in the Antigo Catholic cemetery.
Thomas Ford was married to Maud Goodwin, a daughter of John Goodwin, who was one of the first citizens of Antigo, having erected one of the first frame houses in the city. The marriage took place October 31, 1903. Four children have been born to this union as follows: John and Edward, Ione and Mae. Mr. Ford has found time to engage in public service as well as efficiently managing his 160 acre tract located on section 35, Antigo township. In 1915-
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HISTORY OF LANGLADE COUNTY.
16 he served as Sheriff of Langlade County and was one of the best officers ever in that capacity. He is a member of the Beavers, Knights of Columbus, Elks, Foresters, E. F. U., and Blinn Camp No. 7, Sons of Veterans. Mr. Ford has been honored by his fellow township citizens with township Chairman, Assessor, Supervisor, and school district director's offices fre- quently. The Ford family attend St. John's church, Antigo, Wis. Thomas Ford has lived from a boy to manhood in Langlade County watching it grow from a wilderness to a progressive region with nearly twenty- five thousand inhabitants.
GEORGE OSCAR PALMITER, son of Abner Pal- miter and Mary Palmiter, was born in Sheboygan County, near Sheboygan, on February 23rd, 1852.
He obtained his education at the country schools of Mishicott and Plymouth.
At twelve years of age he worked in a lath mill all summer for fifty cents a day. He then worked on a farm near Chilton Junction for nearly two years. When seventeen years old he carried mail from Mishi-
G. O. PALMITER
Present City Clerk and City Commissioner, who came to Antigo in 1885. He was the first chief of the Antigo Paid Fire Department.
cott to Anapee (now Algoma) going one day and re- turning the next, making one trip from Algoma to Casco and two trips from Casco to Algoma during the week.
In 1880 he was married to Mary Brodhead. To them was born one daughter, Maud, who is now liv- ing in Kansas City, Missouri. He came to Antigo, April 15, 1885, and purchased the residence on the corner of Edison street and Eighth avenue, where he has since resided.
On November 9th, 1890, he was married to Mrs. Dealvi H. Beard, who passed away May 11th, 1920.
He was Alderman of the Fifth Ward from 1894 to 1895, and Supervisor from 1896 to 1898, and finished
out the term of George Drake as Alderman from Aug- ust, 1905, to April, 1906.
From the time he came to Antigo until the estab- lishment of a paid Fire Department he was a member of the Volunteer Fire Department, and after the in- stallation of the paid department he was driver of the team six months and Chief of the Department for two years.
In 1906 he ran for the office of City Clerk and was elected by a unanimous count of 764 votes and has held the office ever since.
When the city took up commission form of govern- ment in 1914 he was elected one of the Commissioners and was appointed a member of the Board of Educa- tion, which offices he is still filling.
He is a member of the I. O. O. F., Maccabees, Beavers, Eagles and E. F. U. Lodges.
E. S. KOEPENICK, deceased. The pioneers of this great section of Wisconsin were those who blazed the way to civilization and made a vast wilderness bloom and blossom like a rose. E. S. Koepenick, the subject of this sketch, aided materially in the build- ing of the great commonwealth of Langlade County. Mr. Koepenick was born in 1852 at Luxumberg, Ger- many, the son of Mr. and Mrs. Albert Koepenick. When seventeen years old he came to the United State (1869) where he lived a successful and honored life. Mr. Koepenick came to Langlade County in 1880, settling at Summit Lake, Upham township. Here he became a leader among the pioneers. He was the second postmaster of that village. In 1892 he moved to section 18, East Upham township, and opened a store. The community was granted a postoffice and was named Koepenick in his honor. Mr. Koepenick was the first postmaster. He lived at this settlement until his death October 27, 1914. He was buried in Antigo, Wis. He is survived by his wife, nee Mary Scanlon, whom he married July 20, 1879, and five children, as follows, Edward, creamery manager at Cloverdale, Ill .; Alfred, locomotive engineer, Milwau- kee, Wis .; Auriel, a World War veteran, who is in business in Koepenick, Wis .; Emily, now Mrs. B. L. Prior, Detroit, and Alice Koepenick.
Mr. Koepenick was honored with several township offices including that of Chairman for many years. His name has been firmly placed in the history of Langlade County through his deeds and his life.
J. H. HOWE, Proprietor of Howe Creamery, was born at Decorah, Iowa, Feb. 3, 1877, the son of Jennie and Elmer E. Howe. When a youth he moved to Elgin, Illinois, with his parents. Shortly afterwards they moved to Madison, Dane County, Wisconsin. Here he stayed until he reached eighteen years. Mr. Howe began the study of cheese making in 1899 and attended the University of Wisconsin dairy school in 1900. He located at Loyal, Wisconsin, thence to Spring Green, Wisconsin, and thence to Clark County, Wisconsin, from where he came to Langlade County, November 2, 1908. Mr. Howe conducted the Howe
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HISTORY OF LANGLADE COUNTY.
creamery in Antigo township until 1921 when he moved into Antigo. He is associated in the creamery business with his son-in-law, O. W. Johnson. The plant, which since May, 1922, has had an ice cream plant in connection, is located at 509 Superior street. In January, 1900, he married Evelyn A. Foulkes, of Barneveld, Wisconsin. To this union three children, Bernice, Florence and Meda, have been born. The
secure status of Attorney Whiting, who is known for his excellent professional attainments and his marked civic loyalty and public spirit. He was born on a farm in Murray County, Minnesota, the son of Aura and W. S. Whiting, March 8, 1885. When two years old he moved with his parents to Balaton, Lyon Coun- ty, Minnesota. He attended the rural schools of Lyon County and when a youth entered Carlton Academy,
ATTORNEY AMI N. WHITING
One of the leading members of the Langlade County bar, who has been twice chosen District Attorney, first in 1918 and again in 1922. Attorney Whiting is a married man and resides at 1237 Superior Street, Antigo.
Howe family reside at 317 Fifth avenue. Fraternally the subject of this sketch is allied with the L. O. O. M., and M. W. A. He is also connected with the State Grange and the Langlade County subordinate granges.
AMI N. WHITING, Present District Attorney. Definite success and prestige as one of the younger members of the bar of Langlade County indicates the
a department of Carleton College, Northfield, Minne- sota. In the fall of 1907 he left Carleton College to enter the University of Minnesota law department. A year later he went to South Dakota where he became stenographer and law clerk in the office of the late Justice Charles S. Whiting, of the South Dakota Su- preme Court. Mr. Whiting studied law with Justice Whiting until the fall of 1910. He then entered the
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HISTORY OF LANGLADE COUNTY.
University of South Dakota at Vermillion, S. D., from which he graduated in law in 1911. He began prac- ticing at Sioux Falls, South Dakota, with Attorney Charles Bates, as his associate. Attorney Whiting came to Antigo, Langlade County, September 15, 1914, after having practiced at De Smet, S. D. alone for a while. He was associated with H. F. Morson in the practice of law until December, 1916, when the firm of Whiting & Dempsey (Ami N. Whiting and Ray- mond C. Dempsey) took over the entire practice of the firm of Morson & Whiting. Whiting & Dempsey have offices in the Hill building, Antigo, Wis.
Attorney Whiting was married to Beatrice Hale, of Spring Valley, Minnesota, July 23, 1919, and they have two children, William and James. Mr. Whiting served in 1919-20 as District Attorney of Langlade County. Politically he is a Republican. Fraternal- ly he is associated with the Masonic order, Elks, of which he is a former Exalted Ruler, and the Modern Woodmen of America. The Whiting residence is at 1237 Superior street, Antigo, Wisconsin.
JOHN J. HANOUSEK, JR., Hotel Proprietor, was born November 25, 1895, at Ramsey, Michigan, the son of Katherine and John Hanousek. He lived at Ramsey, Gogebic County, Michigan, until he reached the age of seventeen years. Here he attended the public schools after which he entered Pio Nono Col- lege, St. Francis, Wis., from which he graduated in 1917. Mr. Hanousek then entered the College of Ag- riculture of the University of Wisconsin and gradu- ated from that institution in 1921. He was elected a member of the Farm House fraternity, College of Ag- riculture students' fraternity, in 1921. This frater- nity had just then been organized. He then came to Antigo. February 28, 1922, he was married to Emma M. Mattek, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. W. J. Mattek, Neva township settlers. July 1, 1922, he took over active management of the Hotel Hanousek in Antigo. Mr. Hanousek is a member of the Antigo Lodge No. 662 B. P. O. E .. When a youth he was engaged suc- cessively as a miner, logger and on road construction work in Gogebic and vicinity.
WILLIAM HENRY BROWN, retired railway con- ductor, was born near Mauston, Juneau County, Wis- consin, August 14, 1856, the son of Hanna and Edward Brown. When seven years old he moved with his parents to Ripon, Fond du Lac County, Wisconsin. He attended the public schools of Ripon during the winter months. Leaving High School Mr. Brown worked on a farm and in the woods until he started his railroad career as a brakeman with the old Mil- waukee, Lake Shore & Western Railroad April 17, 1879. His first run was from Oshkosh to Norrie, then the end of the track. In 1882 he was promoted to the rank of railway conductor, serving with the M., L. S. & W. R. R. Co until it was purchased by the C. & N. W. R. R. Co. in 1893. He was with the lat- ter company until 1918, when he retired from service
after thirty-nine years. Mr. Brown married Meda Hickey, of New London, Wis., on November 22, 1890. Two children, Dr. William H., of Laona, Wis., and George, of Minneapolis, Minn., were born to this union.
W. H. Brown first came to Antigo in November, 1881, when the first passenger train pulled into the village. He was then a brakeman. Antigo then had a box car for a depot, and a strip of forest blocked the sight of Teipner's log stopping place. Fifth ave- nue was just a path through the woods, and there were but a few log cabins, including Niels Anderson's store, and F. A. Deleglise's place. Mr. Brown per- manently located in Antigo in 1900. He was active in all Liberty Loan, Victory Fund, and other war drives, was a member of the Committee on the Wel- fare of the Soldiers and their Dependants, aided in the establishment of the Antigo Soldiers and Sailors Club Rooms, was a committeeman selected to meet the 107th T. M. B. at Camp Dix, N. J., and actively aided in other war activities. His two sons served, Dr. W. H. with an Ohio Medical unit, and George with the 107th Trench Mortar Battery. He is fra- ternally affiliated with the Knights of Columbus, B. P. O. E. and M. W. A. He was once Treasurer of Antigo Council No. 1002, K. of C. The Brown resi- dence is at 1004 Superior street.
WENZEL NEUBURGER, Shoe Merchant, was born in Furstenhut, Bohemia, January 8, 1880, the son of Marie and William Neuburger. He lived in Bo- hemia until twenty-two years old, when he came to the U. S., settling at Oshkosh, Winnebago County, Wis. He lived there for fifteen years following the trade of shoemaker, which he learned when a lad, before leaving Bohemia. From Oshkosh he moved to Beloit and after six months' residence there located in Antigo, Wis., in July, 1919. In January, 1921, he purchased the property owned by Harry Cash and has since conducted the Antigo Shoe Hospital in that lo- cation, 527 Superior street. Mr. Neuburger married Frieda Mondl, of Oshkosh, Wis., August 4, 1909. To this union two children, Bernice and Mildred, were born. The Neuburger family reside at 412 Second avenue. Mr. Neuburger's parents are still living, in Bohemia.
Fraternally Mr. Neuburger is affiliated with the Loyal Order of Moose.
FRANK J. KOUTNIK, Merchant, was born in Deer- brook, Neva township, the son of Agnes and Jacob Koutnik, January 1, 1892. He attended the Deer- brook graded schools and the Antigo High School, from which he graduated in 1912. He then entered the Antigo Business College, from which he graduated in 1914. He was employed as a bookkeeper in the State Bank of Morton County, Mandan, N. D., from 1914-17. With war excitement high Mr. Koutnik en- listed in the U. S. Marines, May 21, 1917, and was overseas twenty months. He was in the 6th Regi- ment, 2nd Division, U. S. M. He received his hon-
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HISTORY OF LANGLADE COUNTY.
orable discharge from service August 13, 1919. Re- turning to Langlade County he purchased the N. D. Neilson grocery, November 15, 1921. This business is located at 631 Fifth avenue and has since been known as Koutnik's grocery. Mr. Koutnik's parents have a splendid farm in Neva township.
JOHN J. CHERF, retired farmer, was born in Reeds- ville, Wisconsin, July 16, 1859, the son of Barbara and Joseph Cherf. He spent his boyhood and youth in Reedsville. June 6, 1880, the Cherf family decid- ed to move to the wilderness of Langlade County. They took the Milwaukee, Lake Shore & Western railroad as far as Wausau and then "toted" their household goods and provisions from there via Ho- garty's stopping place to Neva township. Mr. Cherf followed the three wagon loads of family property afoot. His work was to drive the cattle, swine and sheep. The family arrived in this county June 10, 1880, the trip taking four days.
Mr. Cherf married Katherine Karban, May 12, 1886. To this union five children were born. They are: Mary, now Mrs. George Manthey; Emil, city letter carrier, former ex-service man, who served in the areo construction service, from which he was honorably discharged on December 13, 1919, and a member of the American Legion; Frank, a Priest, now Professor at St. Procopius College, Lisle, Ill .; Albert, deceased; John, an expert electrician. Mr. and Mrs. Cherf moved to Antigo March 10, 1914, having re- tired from the Neva farm. The family residence is at 1118 Third avenue. Mr. Cherf is a member of St. John's Catholic church. Mr. Cherf can recall many reminiscences of pioneer life in Langlade County.
OTTO RICHTER, Shoe Merchant, was born May 6, 1855, in Kamen, Pomerau, Germany, son of Marie and David Richter. He attended the Kamen schools, staying in Germany until he was twenty-six years old. July 7, 1881, he landed in America and proceeded to Forest Junction, Wisconsin. Here Mr. and Mrs. Richter resided until October 18, 1888, when they moved to Antigo, Wisconsin. Mr. Richter has en- gaged in the retail shoe business in Antigo since then. He was married September 10, 1880, to Augus- ta Kash. The ceremony was performed in Demen, Germany. Mr. and Mrs. Richter are the parents of seven children: Daniel J., a Milwaukee, Wis., mer- chant; Otto, a vaudeville actor; David, retail shoe merchant; Mrs. Fred Bohan, deceased daughter, who passed away at the age of 26; Mrs. Edwin Berg, and Miss Lydia Richter. Mr. Richter attends Zion Evan- gelical church. His residence is at 436 Lincoln street.
DR. FRANK KONRAD VOSS, Veterinary Surgeon, was born October 29, 1880, the son of Sophia and Charles Voss. When two years old he moved with his parents to Antigo (1882). He attended the public schools of Antigo until 1893 when he moved with his
parents on a farm in East Ackley. He worked on his father's farm and in the lumber camps until he was twenty-four years old. Young Voss then went out west, returning to Langlade County to begin the practice of veterinary medicine and surgery. He fol- lowed this profession from 1895 to 1907, temporar- ily. That year he permanently went into the work. Dr. Voss has practiced in Antigo since April 28, 1912. He now has his office at 1036 Fourth avenue, where he has a modern equipped veterinary hospital and
DR. F. K. VOSS
Pioneer Antigo Veterinary Surgeon, who has the distinc- tion of erecting the first modern Veterniary Hospital in Langlade County.
home stable for practice. This is the first stable of its kind in upper Wisconsin. The building is a tile and stucco construction 36 x 60 feet.
Dr. Voss was married to Belle Horton Strong, on March 1, 1916. His home is at 1042 Fourth avenue. He is a member of the Beavers and Moose lodges. He has been Humane Officer of Langlade County for many years.
Sophia Voss, his mother, died when he was six years old, March 18, 1886. Charles Voss, his father, resides in Antigo township on the Herman Hafmeis- ter farm. Dr. Voss is interested in good horses, likes to hunt, fish and go boating.
EDGAR MINER NEFF, was born at Lundon, Can- ada, April 5, 1851, where he spent his boyhood days and attended the common schools. When a young man he learned the blacksmith trade, then came to Green Bay, where he worked at his trade for a num- ber of years.
In 1875 he married Miss Mary A. Day. Six child-
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HISTORY OF LANGLADE COUNTY.
ren were born. Charles H., who died in his twentieth year; George; Albert; Margaret, (now Mrs. A. D. Washburn, of Ironwood, Michigan); Mary, (Mrs. Charles J. Hanzel) ; and a daughter who died in in- fancy.
Moved to Mill Center in 1877, continued the trade there. And in 1879 he moved on a homestead near Bryant; came through Shawano on the old Military Road to Langlade; then to Mueller's Lake. Stopped at Mr. Herman Mueller's on October 25, 1879; from Langlade to Mueller's Lake followed N. Anderson's blazed trail-no roads were built at that time.
In 1881 he moved to Antigo, which was only a village at that time. He immediately started a shop here. His skill as a workman brought him trade from all parts of the county. He worked from early morning until late at night. By hard work and much self- denial he saved enough to buy a half interest in a sawmill with Matt Miller, of Green Bay, at the place now known as Neff Switch. Later on he purchased the interest of his partner. He then built a new mill, one of the largest this side of Oshkosh. Besides the mill, he built a store, a boarding house and a number of houses for workmen. He built a branch line to connect with the Chicago & Northwestern. He pros- pered in the mill business. He was installing new ma- chinery in the new mill when a fire, of unknown origin, destroyed the entire plant.
After this loss he returned to Antigo and went into the mercantile business. Later on he again went into the blacksmith business.
Mr. Neff had great faith in the future of Antigo and he invested largely in real estate and built a number of houses for rent. In 1913 he and Mr. T. J. Roberts built the Neff-Roberts Block on Fifth avenue.
He served in the capacity of councilman for several years. Was also a member of the school board a number of years and he was on the building committee for the Antigo High School.
Mr. Neff was a man of quiet, unassuming nature and had a large number of friends and acquaintances.
His useful activities continued until a few years be- fore his death, when he retired to enjoy the fruits of his many years of labor.
Mr. Neff died on August 22, 1921. With his passing Antigo lost one of her most loyal and respected cit- izens.
CHARLES E. HOWARTH, Machinist, was born in the city of Springfield, Illinois, June 3, 1882, the son of Luella and Robert P. Howarth. When two months old he moved to Marshfield, Wisconsin, with his parents. Here he attended the public schools un- til he was nine years of age. He then moved with his parents to Chicago, where he completed his edu- cation. When he was seventeen years old he entered a machine shop as an apprentice. He has followed the machinist trade since and is an expert in his chosen field. He has been employed twelve years in Milwaukee, four years in Wausau, six years at An- tigo, and at other places. He came to Antigo Novem-
ber 1, 1916. Mr. Howarth has his machine shop at 513 Edison street. He lives with his parents at 331 Hudson street, Antigo, Wis. He is a member of the Royal Arcanum and Fraternal Order of Eagles. He is a Congregationalist by faith.
DR. ALFRED B. JORGENSEN, Veterinary Sur- geon, was born January 27, 1881, at Norway, Michi- gan, the son of Caroline and Rasmus Jorgensen. When eighteen months old he moved to the Town of New Denmark, near Green Bay, Wisconsin, with his par- ents. Here he lived until five years of age. He then moved with his parents to Iron River, Michigan, in 1888. He attended the public schools of Iron River. When twenty-one years old he left Iron River for Algoma, where he was engaged in the veterinary med- icine and surgery profession for thirteen years. He then came to Antigo, September 25, 1915, opened up veterinary offices in Antigo at 712 Superior street. Dr. Jorgensen is a graduate of the Ontario Veterinary College, Ontario, Canada. He graduated in 1908.
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