USA > Wisconsin > Monroe County > History of Monroe County, Wisconsin, past and present : including an account of the cities, towns and villages of the county [microform] > Part 64
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 | Part 72 | Part 73 | Part 74 | Part 75 | Part 76 | Part 77 | Part 78 | Part 79 | Part 80 | Part 81 | Part 82 | Part 83 | Part 84 | Part 85 | Part 86 | Part 87 | Part 88 | Part 89 | Part 90 | Part 91
Herman is the oldest of the family, and like his father, has always followed the occupation of farming. He was married in Sparta on May 7, 1895, to Miss Barbara Schmitz, and they have
673
BIOGRAPHY
had a family of eight children, seven of whom are now living: Matt, William, Alios, Freddie, Elizabeth, Joseph and Elnora. After his marriage Mr. Flock rented a farm for one year, and in 1901 he purchased 160 acres in section thirty-one, in the town of Ridgeville. His residence was built in 1886 and in 1902 he erected a new barn, which adds greatly to the prosperous appearance of his farm. He keeps the best grade of stock and uses the most up-to-date methods in conducting it. He is a Democrat in politics and has been supervisor for some time, and served also as chair- man of the town board of Ridgeville for four years.
Mr. Flock is a good general farmer and well liked by his neighbors.
Charles L. Flume, who resides in section thirty-two, Lafayette township, is pre-eminently a self-made man. Starting out in life with nothing but his native ability, he has risen from obscur- ity to a place of prominence among the enterprising and influential citizens of Monroe county, and is widely known as the successful owner and proprietor of "Clover Dale Farm," which is unexcelled, if equalled, by any other farm in the county. A native of La Crosse county, Wisconsin, he was born May 6, 1859, the son of Carl and Kate (Schladger) Flume. natives of Germany, who came to the United States, he in 1848, and she in 1856. When he first arrived in America he was engaged for a time in the copper mines on the Eagle river, but later settled in La Crosse county, and where his wife also settled, and where they were married. They were among the early settlers of that locality and among the best class of pioneers. He lived to the age of seventy-one years, and died in 1893. His wife, mother of our sub- ject, survived until 1903, when she passed away at the age of sixty-eight years. They raised a family of six children, Charles L. being the eldest. The others are: Kate, who is the wife of Frank Kiel, of La Crosse county; Josephine, wife of Peter Haas, lives in La Crosse county; Minnie, resides in Indianapolis ; William, also of La Crosse county, and Mary, of Minneapolis.
Charles L. was raised on his father's farm, attending the common schools and assisting in the farm work until he became of age. He then went to Spink county, Dakota, where he re- mained one year. Returning to La Crosse county, at the end of that time, he was employed at farm work for the next seven years. Thrifty and economical, he saved his earnings until he had accumulated $1,200, and at the age of twenty-nine purchased his first farm of 220 aeres, in Greenfield township, La Crosse county, where he made his home until 1900, when he removed to
674
HISTORY OF MONROE COUNTY
the Morse farm, which he had purchased the same year and which contained 620 acres, and has been known for many years as the "Clover Dale Farm." He has since sold to the United States government 280 acres, which forms a part of the government range in Monroe county. He is thoroughly systematic and up-to- date in his operations and his farm, which is highly cultivated and handsomely improved and equipped, and well stocked with horses and registered Durham cattle, of which he is one of the leading breeders in the county. He carries on general farming and dairying, and in addition to his blooded Durham cattle he raises Poland China hogs. Mr. Flamme is a hard working man who has made his way in the world by persevering and persistent effort, and by his straightforward, manly life maintains the con- fidence and esteem of all who know him.
On January 17, 1888, Mr. Flume was united in marriage with Miss Maggie Kiel, daughter of Fred Kiel. a prominent citizen of La Crosse county, and a native of Bavaria. To Mr. and Mrs. Flume have been born five children. J. F. carries on 160 acres of the home farm which he rents from his father; Georgia E. resides at La Crosse : Viola, Forrest and William L. reside at home.
In politics the subject is a Democrat. While he has been offered publie office at the hands of his party he has never accepted.
Nelson J. Forrest, of section 6, La Grange township, Monroe county, Wisconsin, was born here on January 4. 1868, the young- est of a family of four children born to Thomas N. and Martha (Edgerton) Forrest. Of the others. Elizabeth is the wife of J. W. Taft, of Hood River, Ore .; Harriet is the wife of Jacob Vander- vort, of La Grange township, and Charles W., who resides at Grand Rapids. Minn. The father, who was a native of Scotland, came to Whitewater, Wis .. when he was twenty-one years of age. He later went to Walworth county, thence to Monroe county in 1855. and settled on the farm of 153 acres where our subjeet now resides. He was married November 6. 1859, to Martha Edgerton, a native of Connecticut, and daughter of Charles and Mary Edgerton, who came west to Wisconsin in an early day and first located in Jefferson county. From there they came to Monroe county in 1856, and spent the balance of their lives experiencing the hardships and privations incident to pioneer life in La Grange township.
Thomas N. Forrest was one of Monroe county's most influen- tial citizens, straightforward and honorable in all his dealings, and a man with many warm friends. He had one brother. William
675
BIOGRAPHY
Forrest, who came to Wisconsin from Scotland, and settled at Whitewater, Wis., where he spent the balance of his life. His widow, whose maiden name was Huldah Rawson, still survives. Mrs. Forrest, mother of our subject, is a charming lady, and one of three survivors of a family of twelve children; the others are Frank Edgerton, of La Grange township, and Caroline, widow of William Sayre. He was a native of New York state and in abont 1879 came to Monroe county, locating in section five, La Grange township, on a farm of eighty acres, consisting mostly of unim- proved land, and for a time lived near the present homestead. He started to improve his land and first built a log house, which was replaced with a modern one, where his widow and son, Clarence M. Sayre, now reside. Mrs. Sayre was born in 1831 and at the age of more than four score years is well preserved and enjoys good health. Mr. Sayre, after a long and busy life, died at the age of eighty-four years.
Nelson J. Forrest was reared on the home farm and received his education in the district schools and early devoted his time and attention to farming and the management of the homestead where he has spent his entire life. He carries on general farm- ing, dairying and stock raising. and makes a specialty of Duroc- Jersey hogs. The farm is under a high state of cultivation and the place is well improved with a good barn erected in 1903 and a modern residence erected in 1909, with outbuildings to corre- spond. Ile takes an active interest in local matters: has been treasurer of the town, supervisor two terms, and is now serving his third term as assessor. He is president of the Farmers' Co- operative Elevator Company and is a well-to-do and progressive man of affairs. Ile was married February 17. 1892, to Miss Julia Mininger, a native of Waukesha, Wis., and a resident of La Grange township. They have an interesting family of six children, viz. : Gny N., Gladys J., valedictorian of the 1912 class of the Tomah high school; Raymond T. and Leroy C., twins; Ruth E., and Chester W. Forrest.
Fred M. Foster, the popular and enterprising photographer of Sparta, a lifelong resident of that city, was born June 25, 1862, the son of Hiram and Julia A. (Harvey) Foster, natives of Cat- taraugus county, New York, and who early came to Sparta, where he built the Globe Hotel, the first frame building erected in Sparta and which stood on the ground now occupied by the Carnegie library. He later engaged in farming in Sparta town- ship, which he continued for several years, where he died in 1889 at the age of seventy years. His widow, mother of our subject.
676
IHISTORY OF MONROE COUNTY
died in 1899. He has always taken a commendable interest in the affairs of his town and county and served as treasurer of his township. He is one of Sparta's most prominently and highly respected citizens. Ilis father, Ezekiel Foster, was a native of Maine and followed his son to Monroe county, where he died.
Our subject, Fred M., was the fourth child of a family of four sons. The others are: Theodore, who resides at Santa Clara, Cal .; Orlando lives in Washington, and Edgar M. resides in Sparta. Fred was reared on his father's farm, attending the dis- triet schools and assisting in the farm work. When starting out in life for himself. His first employment was that as clerk in the Winship Hotel at Sparta, and later he became clerk at the Jewell Hotel, at Winona, Minn .. remaining there until he became engaged in the photograph business with Richardson Brothers. of Sparta, this arrangement continuing until the fall of 1894. when he purchased the studio at No. 101 South Water street, which he has continued with unabating success.
Mr. Foster is a man of decided artistic tastes and has made a thorough study of photography in all its phases and branches, and is recognized as a most skillful expert and operator in his class of art. His studio is a perfeet model in all its appointments, equipped as it is with every facility and appliance for turning out the highest elass of work, producing portraits on platinum, in water colors, sepia, etc., with every variety and style of finish and mounting.
Mr. Foster is a member of the Northwestern and the National Photographers' Associations, and is also a member of the Knights of Pythias. He was appointed captain and commissary of the Third Regiment, Wisconsin National Guard, April 7. 1912. Ile was married April 19. 1887, to Miss Georgie A. Wise, daughter of G. A. Wise, of Michigan. They have one child, Gerald L. Foster.
Mrs. Louise B. Fox, widow of the late Benjamin F. Fox. was born in Sussex county, New Jersey, April 28, 1834. Her parents were natives of New Jersey and the father by trade was a cooper and also followed farming. He was born in 1800 and died in 1884. The mother of Mrs. Fox was born in 1811 and died in 1867. They moved from New Jersey to Milan, O., where they lived for a short time, then moved to Huron county, that state. and lived for sixteen years. They had a family of seven children, three of whom are now (1912) living, viz .: Mrs. Fox, whose maiden name was Louise Be Dell; Edwin Be Dell, born June 24, 1 1836, and Jonathan N. Be Dell, born February 22, 1851, makes his
1
677
BIOGRAPHY
home with his sister, Mrs. Fox, and looks after her business inter- ests. He was formerly a resident of Oakland, Cal., a man of fine education and experienced in school teaching.
Mrs. Fox is a member of the Congregational church, a devoted Christian worker, and all charitable subjects receive her support.
Benjamin F. Fox, deceased, was born April 11, 1821, at Milan, Erie county, Ohio. In 1854 he came west to Wisconsin and located in the Leon valley, Monroe county, and purchased 120 acres of school land one and one-half miles from the village of Leon. IIe was married March 18, 1858, to Miss Louise Be Dell at Norwalk. O. One son, George Collins Fox, was born to them in Monroe county, December 16, 1858, and died in 1878. Starting out in life with little else than his native ability, Mr. Fox by thrift, perseverance, hard work and good management succeeded in accomplishing the greater part of his undertakings, and at the time of his death was enjoying the fruits of his labors in com- fortable circumstances. He improved his farm and soon after his marriage built a modest residence, which was later replaced with a large and commodious residence, where they lived until 1905, and then purchased the comfortable home in the village of Leon, where he passed away in 1909, and where his widow now (1912) resides. He was a successful general farmer and one of the sub- stantial and representative men of Monroe county, and owned at the time of his death 200 acres of land in Leon valley. He was a typical American, self-educated, a great student and much interested in all matters of public importance: a man of sound judgment. whose influence was felt by his neighbors and friends. He was strictly temperate in all things, never used tobacco in any form, and was an active member of the Congregational church, to which he contributed liberally. He was superintendent of the Sunday school and all worthy charitable objects found in him a liberal supporter. A Republican in politics, he was active in the affairs of his party and held nearly all of the minor offices of his town.
Benson S. Fox, of Leon, is the son of George W. and Candice (Lee) Fox, and was born at New Hartford, Minn., February 4, 1864. and is the eldest in a family of three children, all sons. who are now living. The father came from Ohio in an early day and settled at New Hartford, Minn., where he was married in 1863. and in 1873 removed to the town of Leon in Monroe county. By hard work, thrift and economy he acquired 280 acres of land and there lived until his death, which occurred August 30, 1911. ITis widow, mother of our subject, still survives at the age of sixty-
678
HISTORY OF MONROE COUNTY
eight years. He was a man of much force and highly respected by the citizens of his community. He was moral and upright and gained many friends by his honest dealings, and was one of the most respected and highly esteemed citizens of Leon. He served as a member of the town board, was school director for many years, and assessor for two years. The paternal ancestors of our subject came over with William Penn and settled in Massachu- setts. Peter Clow, the grandfather of the subject's mother, was a soldier in the war of 1812. Grandfather Lee lived in Canada during the French and Indian war, and because he refused to take up arms against the United States he was forced to leave Canada and removed to New York, the English goverment confiscating all his property. After the war he returned to Canada but failed in his efforts to regain his property. He emigrated to Minnesota when the mother of our subject was thirteen years old, going overland with ox team from Rockford. Ill .. where the family had lived a short time. He was born in Jefferson county, New York. in 1820, and died in 1904. The grandmother was born in 1822 and died in 1872. He enlisted in 1862 during the Civil War in Company D, Seventh Regiment, Minnesota Volunteers. and served until the close of the war.
Benson S. attended the public schools until his seventeenth year and remained at home until he became of age. He was married December 4. 1884, to Miss Aurella Smith at Sparta, the daughter of Aleander and Catherine Smith. To this union were born three children, of whom two are now living. viz. : Herbert L., born September 25, 1885. and B. Earl, born June 24, 1895. Mrs. Fox died January 17, 1912. The farm, which was homesteaded and owned by Mr. Smith, father of Mrs. Fox, was purchased by Mr. Fox and he there made his home for twenty-five years, suc- cessfully engaged in farming, and where he made many of the valuable improvements. Mr. Fox for many years has taken an active interest in the affairs of his town. and has held many local offices. For twenty years he was school director, has been super- visor and assessor, and for nine years treasurer of the town. and is the present incumbent. An extract from the La Crosse Trib- ume says of him: "Ben Fox, treasurer of the town of Leon, has made his annual settlement with County Treasurer Babcock. and again presents a book clean of all delinquents. not a dollar being returned on either real estate or personal property. His total roll amounted to $10.060.79. This is the tenth year that Mr. Fox has served as the treasurer of the town of Leon, and for the past six years he has collected all the taxes on the roll."
679
BIOGRAPHY
In politics Mr. Fox is a La Follette Republican, and takes an active interest in the affairs of his party. He has served two years as justice of the peace. On February 28, 1909, he moved into the village of Leon, where he owns considerable property besides his commodious residence where he now resides.
Capt. Frank Lyon French, who has attained to a prominent position among the military men of the country, is a product of Monroe county, Wisconsin, and was born October 29, 1862, the son of Jacob Jewell and Elizabeth C. (Lyon) French, natives of East Jeffery, N. H., and Benton Center, N. Y., respectively. In 1860 Jacob J. French removed from his native state to Wisconsin and settled in La Fayette township, Monroe county. Here he re- mained until 1866, when he moved into the city of Sparta and embarked in the grocery business, and in 1868 he engaged in hop and stock raising, and still later was engaged with the firm of French & King from 1870 to 1886, who were extensive dealers in hops and live stock. During the administration of President Cleveland, Mr. French was. in 1886, appointed postmaster of Sparta, and continued to dispatch the duties of this office for five years. His next business venture was in the fruit business, which continued to be his occupation until his death, which occurred on February 7, 1903, in his eighty-fifth year, he having been born August 24, 1818. He took an active part in all matters pertain- ing to the betterment of his city and county, was prominent in business and social life, and was at one time president of the village board, city treasurer and promoter of Sparta's North park. In 1872 he held the honor of being the champion rifle shot of the United States. and was an active member of the original Masonic lodge in Sparta.
Elizabeth C. Lyon French, mother of our subject, was born July 14, 1845, and died April 28, 1902. She was the youngest of a family of six children, one of whom, James R. Lyon, of Kendall, a pioneer of Monroe county, is still living. Those deceased besides Mrs. French are: John C., Myran F. and Harriet C., wife of Rev. J. R. Jaques.
Samuel C. Lyon, maternal grandfather of Frank L., was born in the state of New York in July, 1800, and was one of the first settlers in the town of Glendale, Monroe county, Wisconsin. He died November 5, 1873. His wife, Lois Elizabeth Kendall Lyon, maternal grandmother of our subject. was born in August, 1802, and died May 4, 1873. She married Samuel C. Lyon, at Benton Center, N. Y., in 1824.
Jacob Jewell French, father of Frank Lyon French, was a son
680
HISTORY OF MONROE COUNTY
of Thomas French. Jr., of East Jeffery, N. H. His father, Thomas French, was a native of Dunstable, N. II. The mother of Thomas French, Jr., was Hannah Cummings, and the mother of Jacob Jewell French was Sophia Jewell, of Marlborough, Mass., and she was a daughter of Jacob Jewell, of England, and her mother, Polly Smith, came originally from Ireland.
Frank Lyon French was married September 25, 1897, to Miss Mabel Laura Masters, daughter of Bissill M. and Helen (Cross) Masters, of Sparta. The father of Mrs. French, Bissill M. Mas- ters, was born in Springfield, Mass., in 1838, came west in 1865, was on the coast during the San Francisco earthquake in 1908, and is now a resident of Sparta. Mr. Masters was a son of John Masters, who was born April 4, 1805, and died in his one hun- dredth year. He traces his ancestors back to the Huguenots of France in 1562. His wife was Laura Bissill, born October 28, 1807. Mrs. Helen (Cross) Masters, the mother of Mrs. French, was born March 16, 1847, and died April 15, 1888. The maternal grandfather of Mrs. French was Andrew Cross, a native of New York state, who came to Sparta and who was at one time sheriff of his native county. Hle was born in October, 1804. and died February 11, 1878. His wife was Mary Moak, of New York, born August 11, 1810. Other members of this family were Katherine, born December 21, 1818; Emenzo, born March 31, 1824; John, born May 13, 1836; Alexander, born December 14, 1839; Virgene, born December 16, 1843, and Germane, born September 24, 1849. The children of Mr. and Mrs. French are Helen Elizabeth, born December 27, 1898; Virgene, born July 31, 1902; Kathryn Belle, born September 9. 1903. Mrs. French was graduated from the Sparta high school with the class of 1891.
Captain French was educated at the publie schools of Sparta. and on October 13, 1879, began to learn telegraphy at Viroqua, Wis., and followed that vocation until November 5, 1880. when he entered the employ of the Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul Railway Company as telegrapher at the Sparta station, continu- ing here until May 11, 1881, when he entered the service of the Northwestern Railway Company in the train dispatcher's office in November, 1882, at Huron, S. D., and in December of the same year was transferred to Pierre, S. D., in charge of the Western Union, Chicago & Northwestern, and the government telegraph lines, continuing here until July 8, 1883, when he made a trip to the Black Hills, thence to northwestern Wyoming and the Mon- tana buffalo range, where he remained until December 15. 1883,
1
681
BIOGRAPHY
when he returned to Sparta, but soon after went to Glendale and took charge of a store of general merchandise for J. R. Lyon, remaining here until October, 1886. He was then appointed assistant postmaster of Sparta, under his father, in November of that year, continuing in that capacity until December, 1891, when he engaged in the book and stationery business in Sparta, which he followed for seven years, or until April 28, 1898, when he entered the service of the United States in the Spanish-Ameri- can war as first lieutenant of Company L. Third Regiment, Wis- consin National Guard Volunteers, and was made captain September 13, 1898. He served with his regiment through the Porto Rican campaign until January 11, 1899, when he was mus- tered out with his regiment. He was appointed captain of the Thirty-fourth United States Volunteers, July 5, 1899, by President MeKinley, and entered upon his two years' service in the Philip- pines. He was promoted to battalion commander August 11, 1900, and discharged with his regiment April 17, 1901, when he returned to Sparta, where he was engaged in the fruit business until September 1, 1904, he was appointed mail agent for the rural route service. He has been commander of the American post of Spanish-American war veterans, and a member of Valley Lodge No. 16. A. F. & A. M., since 1891.
Captain French was a member of the local militia company from August 31, 1887, to May 11, 1898. During that time he was promoted to the rank of first lieutenant, his duties consisting of general instructions in shooting. He was a member of the state rifle team for several years and attended several interstate shoots. He also won the General King revolver for best revolver shot. The military record of Captain French, which follows, is one that he may justly be proud of :
Recommended by Maj. J. A. Penn, Thirty-fourth Infantry, U. S. V., for commission as major by brevet for gallant and meri- torious services in action at Tangnadan mountain. December 4, 1899. and in pursuit of General Tinios' forces. December 5 to 11. 1899. Actions at Bandi, December 8; Banna Canon, December 9; also recommended he be commissioned lieutenant-colonel by brevet for especially hazardous and meritorious services in the rescue of Lieutenant Gilmore, U. S. navy, and twenty-five Ameri- can prisoners, etc., December, 1899. Approved by Lient .- Col. Robert L. Howze and Gen. S. B. M. Young.
Expeditions : General Lawton's northern expedition, October, November and December, 1899: advance on Aliaga, November
682
IHISTORY OF MONROE COUNTY
9 to 11. 1899 : Colonel Ilowze's expedition from Aliaga, Luzon, via Victoria and Rosales to Bautista, November 13 to 20, 1899; Gen- eral McArthur's advance, Bautista to Dagupan, November 21 to 24, 1899; General Young's expedition up west coast of Luzon, November 25 to December 11 ; pursuit of General Tinio, December 5 to 11, 1899: Gilmore relief expedition, December 14, 1899, to January 3, 1900. Assisted in rescues : Pidigan Abra, December 6, 1899, 300 Spanish soldiers; Banquet, Abra, December 6, 1899, 1,100 Spanish soldiers; La Pax, Abra. December 8. 1899. three Americans : Dingras, I. N., December 10. 1899: General Pena, 450 Spanish officers and 450 Spanish soldiers: Salsona, I. N .. Decem- ber 10. 1899, 100 Chinese : Gaset, upper Abulng river, December 16, 1899, three Americans : Lannac. upper Abulug river, Decem- ber 18, 1899. Lieutenant Gilmore, U. S. Navy, and nineteen Amer- icans. Participated in captures : Dunlas, Abra. December 8, 1899, great quantity of arms and war material ; Banquet. Abra. Decem- ber 6. 1899, insurgent arsenal.
Battles: Tagnadin mountain. December 4, 1899.
Engagements : Bandi, Abra, December S. 1899; Banna, Ca- non, December 9, 1899; Gaset, upper Abulug river, December 16, 1899: Marradong, I. N., February 14. 1900: Bulbullala. I. N., April 9. 1900; Ester, I. N., April 16, 1900: Laoag. I. N., April 17, 1900.
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.