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 71
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
Mr. Jackson is an ardent Republican and from the first has taken an active part in local and state politics. He has been a member of the county board, president of the village of Cashton. and a member of the Cashton school board for several years. Hc
741
BIOGRAPHY
is a man of fine personal qualities and social standing, courteons in manner, dignified in his bearing, of generous impulses and a lover of good cheer. He is a devoted member of the Norwegian Lutheran church of Sparta, and of the Order of the Knights of Pythias. He is one of Monroe country's most reliable and substantial citizens.
Joseph Jankel,“ a prosperous farmer, whose 160-acre farm is located in section twenty-one, Lafayette township, is a son of Peter Jankel and was born in Germany, July 3, 1850. While yet a young boy his parents both died and he went to live with his aunt, Mrs. Derbert, with whom he remained until he became sixteen years of age, when he started out in life for himself. IIe was first employed in a machine shop. where he remained for a time, and then was engaged in railroad work at Hamburg, Ger- many, which occupation he followed for two years. When he became of age he entered the German army and served as a pri- vate until 1875. when he received his discharge and returned to his former home and resumed employment in the machine shop, where he remained for one year. In the spring of 1877 he sailed from his native land for America, and on June 10 of that year he arrived in Sparta and went to live with his brother William in Ridgeville township. During the next five years he was variously employed, making his home for the time with his brother. He then rented a farm, which he conducted on his own account for seven years : thence he went to Coles valley and lived on a rented farm for four years, and at the expiration of that time he came to Sparta township and worked the King farm for one year, and in November. 1893, purchased his present farm. The land is under a good state of cultivation, is well stocked and improved with a good class of buildings, in the most part put there by Mr. Jankel since he has owned the place. Mr. Jankel began life on this farm with a capital of $300, backed by a determined purpose to succeed, and the first year cleared ten aeres, and has since continued to improve the land. IIe is engaged in general farming and raising of Durham cattle.
In 1880 he was married to Miss Amelia Dresner. daughter of Christ Dresner, of Leon township. To this union have been born three children. Clara A. and Martha E. are now engaged in teaching, and Adolph A. is conducting the John Swartzlow farm in Lafayette township.
Adolph A. Jankel was born in Ridgeville township, January 13, 1888, and is the son of Joseph and Amelia (Dresner) Jankel. HIe attended the district school and was reared on the home farm.
742
HISTORY OF MONROE COUNTY
After leaving home he was employed at farm work for E. T. Doane and Charles L. Flume, and later was employed by David Hemstock in the draying business. Ile was married February 14, 1912, to Miss Nina Dahl, daughter of Jens and Celia (Madsen) Dahil, of Angelo township, and immediately thereafter took charge of the John Swartzlow farm.
William T. Jefferson, president of the Jefferson Leaf Tobacco Company, another one of Sparta's representative business men and highly respected citizens, is a native of Pittsylvania county, Virginia, and was born April 29, 1862, and is the second of a family of ten children born to William Tazwell and Amelia (Witcher) Jefferson. The others are James T., of Franklin county. Virginia ; Mollie is the wife of F. P. Graves, of Franklin county. Virginia; Charles F. and Vincent W .. of Danville, Va .; Leslie W. resides at Worth, W. Va .; Christian D. and Ossie A., of Roanoke, Va .; Cabell D. resides on the homestead farm near Sandy Level, Va., and Kelly B. lives at Watertown, Wis. Wil- liam T. JJefferson, father of our subject, has been a resident of Pittsylvania county for many years, where he has been success- fully engaged in agricultural pursuits and attained to a position of prominence. Isaiah Jefferson, paternal grandfather of our subject, is also a native of Virginia, as was also Coleman Witcher, the maternal grandfather, who was a representative of one of the oldest and most respected families of Virginia.
William T. was educated in the public schools of his native town and his life up to his twenty-fourth year was spent in farm- ing, a portion of his time being associated with his older brother, James T. In 1886 William went to Danville, Va., and established the firm of W. T. Jefferson & Company. dealers in leaf tobacco. He later followed the same line of business in North and South Carolina, making his headquarters at Danville, Va., and purchas- ing tobacco at Fair Bluff, N. C., and Mullen, S. C., for some five years, whence he came to Wisconsin, and in 1901 to Sparta. as manager of the American Cigar Company's plant. He continued in that capacity until January, 1906, when he was made state manager of the same company with headquarters at Madison. After a residence of four years at this place he resigned his posi- tion and returning to Sparta in November, 1908. organized the Jefferson Leaf Tobacco Company, which is incorporated for $50,000, with W. T. Jefferson, president ; D. W. Cheney, vice- president, and H. W. Jefferson, secretary and treasurer. The extensive output of this establishment is distributed throughout the middle west and eastern states. The purchase of this product
743
BIOGRAPHY
is made in Wisconsin and Minnesota, and is sold to large jobbers and manufacturers through William T., who represents the company in the various cities of the two states.
In Bedford county, Virginia, January 17, 1881, Mr. Jefferson was united in marriage with Miss Laura D. Rorer, daughter of J. Q. and Sallie (Hensley) Rorer. They have six children, viz. : Harley W., Mahlon H., attorney at law, Beach, N. D .; Earl A., Rorer, Sallie A., and Thomas Jefferson.
Harley W. Jefferson, secretary and treasurer of the Jefferson Leaf Tobacco Company. was married in June, 1908, to Miss Lelia A. Shannon, daughter of W. O. and Alice Shannon, of Henderson, N. C. They have one son, Harley W. Jefferson, Jr. Mr. Jefferson is a member of the Masonic fraternity, Knights of Pythias, the Modern Woodmen of America, the U. C. T., and the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks.
Mrs. Anna Jenkins, the widow of the late David Jenkins, a resident of section eight, Leon township, a daughter of Evan S. and Ann Evans, one of the early settlers of Fish Creek valley, who emigrated to La Crosse county from North Wales in the spring of 1855, was married to Mr. Jenkins December 7, 1877. Mrs. Jenkins was born June 14, 1858, and is the oldest of a family of eight children, all of whom are living.
David Jenkins was one of the highly respected citizens of the Fish Creek valley in Monroe county, and was a native of South Wales. He was the third child in a family of five children born to Evan and Margaret (Williams) Jenkins, also natives of Wales. His birth occurred August 5, 1848, and he came to America with his mother, two brothers and a sister, and joined his father, who had preceded them to Leon township. Mr. Jenkins, the father, was a coal miner from South Wales, but wishing to better his condition sought out the new country in which to make a more desirable home. He homesteaded 160 acres of land where Mrs. Jenkins. the subject of, now resides, he being one of the very early settlers of the valley, where he continued to reside during his active life, making his home with his sons during his later years, and died in La Crosse county in 1898 at the age of eighty years. He was a good eitizen and a devoted member of the Con- gregational church, and in polities a Republican. His wife, the mother of David, died in 1880. There were born to David and Anna Jenkins three children, viz .: Arthur, born April 15, 1878; Emlyn, born March 15, 1883, and Vida Claudia, born June 8, 1887. David Jenkins was one of the snecessful farmers of Leon town- ship, a man devoted to his home and family, a striet temperance
744
HISTORY OF MONROE COUNTY
man and a staunch Republican, and with his estimable wife was a member of the Congregational church. He passed away on June 20, 1910, and was buried in Fairview cemetery at Bangor, Wisconsin.
SKETCH OF THE JENKINS FAMILY.
The Jenkins family are of British origin. The name in Welsh is "Cuneyn" or "Sheukin." They originated in South Wales and dwelt there for many generations. Very few of this name are found in North Wales. They are quite numerous in Glamor- gan county. They were freeholders of land until mining was developed about one hundred years ago : then they followed min- ing, iron and tin workers, and the clan have scattered to every part of the globe. They have taken part with other family clans in the advancement of freedom, education and religion. Wales has advanced more in comparison than any state in Europe. Education in different grades is of the best. It furnishes more preachers and divines than any part of the United Kingdom. The Bible and the hymn book is the encyclopedia and songster of the Welshman for a long period. The Welsh language is spoken by hundreds of thousands through the principality. It is a poetical and musical language : it has variety of sound almost endless ; it has a stanza to the spider composed of vowels alone. No other language can boast of such a feat : the people have chung to the language for thousands of years with wonderful tenacity. while cousins, the Scotch and Irish, have neglected their vernacu- lar to an alarming extent. The Scotch clung to the musical bagpipe while the Welsh and Trish have taken to the harp. This three elans are holding a triennial festival they call the sitting, or "Eistedfod," where they have competition in essays, poetry. songs, music. instrumental, dancing, art. ete., in every branch of learning and literature. The foremost kelt of the clans today are leaders in every branch of learning and constitute noblemen in the advanced line in civilization of mankind in every part of the globe.
PROGRESS OF FIFTY-FOUR YEARS.
When father and I came to America in 1858 we came to a comparatively wild and desolate country. The Milwaukee & St. Paul railroad was then built to Tomah. Farmers who lived there then had rude small log huts. Their only market was La Crosse. Sparta was a small place then. There were only a few horses in the La Crosse valley : people used oxen. A buggy or cutter. and
THOMAS JENKINS
:
745
BIOGRAPHY
even a bobsled was a rare article. The long sleigh was in vogue and some used these in summer until they procured wagons. To ent grass and grain they used scythe and cradle and bound by hand. The virgin soil was very productive; everything was very cheap, wheat 33 cents per bushel, pork 2 cents per pound, and good cows $25. Horses were very dear, a good team costing $400 or $500; hired men $1 per day ; people very contented and wonderfully accommodating. The first settlers were strong men and women of all nationalities. If a man climbed on top of the bluffs he could see only timber, timber. Today field, houses, barns, cattle. horses, school houses and healthy and rugged look- ing children. Monroe county, thon hast changed wonderfully ; thou art big and almost square, so big I guess as Milwaukee, Kenosha and Racine counties. Thon art a baby vet in numbers of population, but there is great progress within thy bounds. La Crosse valley, the great rail highway to the wonderful west, is romantic and beautiful with young forest trees on both sides of the valley. Sparta. the most American city of Wisconsin, is located in a fertile and picturesque spot within five miles of the greatest soldier drilling camp in the United States. There are as good farms in this valley, as you can see in any part of the United States, and a glorious and progressive future awaits the coming generations.
Thomas Jenkins, one of the intelligent farmers of Leon town- ship. Monroe county, Wisconsin, was born in Wales, February 16, 1840. He emigrated to America and settled in Monroe county in 1858, and is a loyal citizen of the country of his adoption. Evan Jenkins, his father, was born in Wales in 1813, a son of Thomas and Mary Morgan Jenkins, also natives of Wales. He was reared in his own country and during his youth was engaged in agricultural pursuits and mining. In 1858 he determined to try his fortune in the new world. and accordingly crossed the sea to America. He came directly to Wisconsin and settled in Monroe county, where he made his home until his death, which occurred in November, 1898. He was one of the pioneers of this section and bravely bore his part in developing the resources of the country. He was married in his native land at the age of twenty- seven years to Margaret Williams, who was born in Wales. Of this union five children were born: Thomas, the subject of this sketch ; Elizabeth, the wife of W. W. Williams, of Seranton, Pa .: David, who lived on part of the old homestead, died in June, 1910; Evan, who lives on a farm near Bangor, and Llewellyn, who lived on part of the old homestead, died in March, 1904. The
746
HISTORY OF MONROE COUNTY
mother of these children died April 21, 1879, at the age of sixty- six years. She was a consistent member of the Congregational church. Mr. Jenkins is a member of the church; politically af- filiates with the Republican and Prohibition parties. He is a man of integrity. and honorable in all his dealings, and enjoys the highest respect of the community.
Thomas, the oldest of the family, remained with his father on the home farm until he purchased a farm of W. S. Jones in 1874. Ile received his education in the common schools and was fairly trained in all the details of agriculture. He now owns 379 acres in two farms and good buildings in Pleasant valley. The writer has been married twice, first to Mary Lloyd, daughter of John and Margaret Lloyd. Three children were born to them, Milton. Annie and Margaret. The mother of these children died in 1881. Milton died in 1898, and Annie and Margaret in 1906. Married for the second time in 1888 to Laura Rathbun, daughter of Hallet and Catherine (Cramer) Rathbun. at Cashton. Wis. The latter is now deceased. Six children are the result of this union : Hallet Rathbun, died in infancy : Gathorn Meredith, Lyel Newton, Melita Lucinda, Thomas Hallet, Glen Llewellyn. Deoming the temperance movement the greatest question of the day, the writer has given his hearty support and influence to temperance in every form; has served twice as juror and twice on the town board. I am glad that I did not load myself with bad habits in my youth, such as drinking, using tobacco, swearing, playing cards, daneing and mastered superstition and unreliable legends. I am a lover of books and am standing on a broad platform in my views and thinking that there are good people in all parties in every country. I admire Wisconsin with its equity and ad- vancement. and its great university. Our free schools will drive darkness, middle age dogmas and superstition out of the land. I leave my blessings to my descendants and kindest wishes to the readers of the history of Monroe county, Wisconsin.
Respectfully. THOMAS JENKINS.
Zeno Kent Jewett, whose death occurred at Sparta. September 12. 1903. was a leader among the horticulturists of Wisconsin, and an illustrious example of that type of enterprising. intelligent and resourceful business men who have given to Monroe county the advanced station it holds among the progressive counties of this state. Ile was a native of Aurora. Portage county. Ohio. born in September. 1837. His father. Christopher Jewett. was a native of New Hampshire and was descended from one of the
747
BIOGRAPHY
earliest and most respected New England families. He was one of seven brothers who have numerous descendants throughout the country.
The paternal grandfather. James Jewett. emigrated to Ohio when his son Christopher was a youth. and was among the early pioneers of Portage county. The mother of Zeno Kent Jewett, whose maiden name was Arabella Kent, was also a pioneer of that part of Ohio. having emigrated from Connecticut. Christo- pher Jewett. accompanied by his family, went to Illinois in 1841 and settled in Chicago, which was at that time a small village, remaining there but one year, when he removed to McHenry connty. After a residence of a few years at this place, the family again moved, going at that time to Lake county. Illinois, where the father died in 1851. Ilis wife. mother of our subject. survived him many years, spending the latter part of her life with her son, Zeno. at Sparta. Christopher and Arabella (Kent) Jewett were the parents of three children. Zeno K. being the eldest. The late Mrs. Miriam Morehouse. a long time resident of Sana Andro. Cal., was the second in order of birth and lived to the age of sixty-six years, her death occurring in 1908; the youngest and only sur- viving member of the family, A. H. Jewett. is a resident of White Salmon, Wash.
Zeno K. Jewett was reared and spent his early youth in Illi- mois. In the fall of 1865 he came to Monroe county and pur- chased a farm in LaFayette township. Returning to Lake county, Illinois. he married. in 1866. Miss A. Eliza Judd. daughter of Artemns and Hannah (Halliday) Judd. natives of New York state and Canada respectively. Artemus Judd accompanied his parents to Canada when twelve years of age, and here resided until early manhood, whence he came to Wisconsin, where Mrs. Jewett was born. The family later removed to Iowa, where he died in 1870. Ilis widow survived until 1882. when she too passed away. Mrs. Jewett has four brothers living, viz. : Eli E. Judd, of Antioch. Ill .; Capt. Samuel II. Judd. of Tacoma. Wash .: Artemus W. Judd resides in Illinois, and F. B. Judd lives in Iowa. Four children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Jewett, viz. : Miriam Irene, Art Judd. Mande Ione. all of whom reside at Sparta. and Bella, who is deceased.
Art Judd Jewett was united in marriage with Miss Catherine McMillen, daughter of C. W. and Mary K. McMillen. of Sparta, August 11. 1890. They have one son, Zeno Kent Jewett, who married Minnie D. King. daughter of John A. King. of Tomah, September 17, 1909. and they have one son. John Artemus Jewett.
748
HISTORY OF MONROE COUNTY
Mr. Zeno K. Jewett returned to Monroe county with his young wife in the spring of 1866, and moved onto the farm that he had purchased the fall previous, which he improved with a good residence and outbuildings, and carried on general farming until 1868, at which time he was joined by his brother. A. H. Jewett, and together they continued to operate the farm successfully until 1873, when Mr. Zeno K. Jewett purchased the interest of his brother and afterward conducted the farm alone, starting, in the meantime, a nursery and farm within the city limits of Sparta. Gradually disposing of all his holdings in LaFayette township. he devoted himself entirely to his Sparta interests and conducted a profitable and growing business. For years he kept a very com- plete nursery, making a specialty of the finest evergreens. Ile was also successfully engaged in the raising of small fruits and was for many years known as one of the most prosperous nursery- men and horticulturists. In 1898 he established the JJewett green- houses, which were also an acquisition to his already fine culture. and which are still most ably and successfully conducted under the management of his daughter. Miss Miriam Irene Jewett. while the farm and nursery is being carried on by his son. A. J. Jewett.
Mr. Jewett had always taken an active interest in public affairs and was always ready to lend his moral influence and financial aid to any worthy enterprise tending to the betterment of his community. Ile never sought political preferment nor desired publie office. although he was alderman from the First Ward and chairman of the board at the time the waterworks system was inangurated. He was a Republican in politics and a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. A man of jovial dis- position, he was recognized as one of Sparta's most influential citizens and highly esteemed by all.
During his lifetime. Mr. Jewett and his estimable wife were extensive travelers and visited the Pacific coast and other impor- tant points of the Republic, securing many mementoes from the interesting points visited. Mrs. Jewett relates many of the vivid seenes and incidents connected with the early days when they first settled in La Fayette township, at which time the Indians came and camped on their farm. the chief and others of their tribe often seeking a night's lodging at their home. She also tells of attending the war dances, which at times continued for three days and nights. It is such stirring incidents as she is able to relate that helped to make up the history of pioneer days in Monroe county.
1 I i
749
BIOGRAPHY
George A. Johnson,# who resides on seetion twenty-two, Green- field township, is a native of Monroe county, having been born on the homestead farm adjoining the one of 320 aeres where he now resides, and which is one of the well cultivated and pro- duetive farms of the county. He was born on June 14, 1884, to Albert and Sarah (Tarr) Johnson, who were natives of New England, and descended from an old and prominent family. The Tarr family were among the first settlers of Greenfield township, together with the Sawyers and others, sketches of whom appear elsewhere in this work.
Albert Johnson is a son of Calvin Johnson, who came to Mon- roe county in an early day and settled in seetion twenty-two. Greenfield township. where he spent many years of his active life. He moved to Riverside. Cal., where he passed away at the age of eighty-four years. His wife, grandmother of our subjeet, also died there. The parents of our subject are still residents of Greenfield and classed among the well-to-do and highly respected citizens of that town. They have had a family of nine children. eight of whom are now (1912) living. viz .: Herbert. deceased ; William resides in California; Ralph lives in Greenfield town- ship : Harry in Iowa ; Fred is a civil engineer and is located in the Philippine Islands; George A .. our subject. Jesse and David are residents of Greenfield township, and Charles lives on the home- stead farm.
George A. was reared on the farm. where he remained a greater part of the time until he reached the age of twenty-two; he at- tended the district schools and assisted in the farm work. He started on his own resources on a rented farm, which he subse- quently purchased in 1910, and where he now resides. He has his farm under a high state of cultivation and well improved with a good residence and outbuildings, and it ranks among the best farms of the township, while the owner occupies a prominent place among the citizens and is known as a thorough and up-to- date farmer.
HIe was married, January 12. 1910, to Miss Minnie Prescott. daughter of A. G. and Sarah (Hackett) Prescott, prominent citizens of Tunnell City.
John L. Johnson, a prominent resident of LaGrange township, was born in Sauk county, Wisconsin, July 2, 1855, the son of Rev. A. J. and Clarissa Almeda (Rouse) Johnson, natives of Penn- sylvania, where they married and came to Sank county, thenee to Monroe county; the father was a traveling preacher, in the faith of the Methodist Episcopal church, and in 1862, when our subject
750
HISTORY OF MONROE COUNTY
was seven years of age. began farming. He continued in this occupation, together with his ministerial work. until his death, which occurred in Mosinee. Wis .. in 1889. at the age of sixty-nine years. He was the father of eight children. viz. : Elson W .. of Augusta, Wis .: Harriet. wife of Samuel Hinkley, of Mosince, Wis. ; John L., our subject : Ehnar. deceased : Sarah Ahneda, wife of Daniel Roberts. of Milwaukee: Ida May, wife of William Upton, of Minneapolis: Dr. II. B. Johnson, of Tomah, and Vance, of Beloit.
John L. attended the common schools and has been on the farm since he was seven years of age. Early in life he was en- ployed for three years as overseer of a cranberry marsh at Ray- mour, where he continued for some time after the expiration of his three-year contract. In 1909 he purchased the Alvin Day farm in LaGrange township, where he now resides. engaged in general farming. In 1879 he was married to Miss Phoebe Getman. daughter of Nicholas and Jane Getman, of Monroe county. One son, Ernest II., was born to this union. Mrs. Johnson died in 1896 at the age of forty-two years and he married for his second wife Mrs. Fidelia Featherly, of Monroe county. in 1899.
Julius P. Johnson,* prosperous farmer in Sparta township, is a native of Denmark and was born January 10. 1870. He is a son of Ilans Henry and Marie Johnson. also natives of Denmark. Hans H .. the father of our subject. was the son of Jens and Kate Johnson, who spent their early life in Denmark, where he died at the age of fifty-six years. His wife, Kate, was left with a family of five children and later came to the United States and located at Tomah. Monroe county, Wisconsin, where she died in 1890. The children-three of whom are now living-are: Peter. of Tomah: Nels, of Valley Junction; Sina, the wife of Christ Hansen, of Valley Junetion : Kate and Mina. who are now de- ceased.
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.