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 79
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On November 28, 1895, Mr. Newton was united in marriage to Miss Eleanor W. Cary, daughter of W. H. Cary, a substantial and prosperous citizen of Croswell, Mich. They have had six children : those living are Orin I .. George M., Janet C .. John Theodore, and Eleanor Emma Newton.
Mr. Newton is a man of fine social qualities, generous, kind hearted and genial: is domestic in his tastes, and delights in nothing better than what he finds in his home and family. He is a member of the Masonic fraterniay.
Orin I. Newton. After an illness of years. Mr. Orin I. Newton fell into his final sleep on Saturday, March 30, at 6:30 p. m.
Mr. Newton was for the better part of his life a resident of Sparta and for twenty years or more was a leading and promi- nent figure in its business history. Hle was born in Georgia. Vt .. in August. 1842. his father dying when he was five years old. leaving a widow and eight children. In 1860 the family came to
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Sparta, Orin being then about eighteen years old. Ilis first busi- ness experience was in farming in company with his younger ·brother, Fred, in the valley southeast of Sparta in the summer of 1861, and he also taught school for a while. Subsequently he entered the store of Mr. John L. Mather, who was in the drug business in Sparta at that time and he managed the store during one season while Mr. Mather was absent prospecting with a party of gold seekers in Utah. After the latter's return Mr. Newton entered into partnership with him, their business connection eon- tinuing until Mr. Mather sold his interest to O. L. Irwin, and about six months after Mr. Newton bought out Mr. Irwin and became the sole owner of the establishment.
Mr. Newton became the owner of the Sparta paper mill, so-called, in 1871. and in the course of years built it up into a strong and profitable business and the chief manufacturing inter- est in the city. The mill was originally established by J. L. Mather, who subsequently transferred it to the firm of Farnaham, Shuter & Co .. and its early history was one of considerable vicissi- tude. Mr. Newton bought it. in company with W. E. Briggs, but soon after acquired the latter's interest, and by hard work got it on a paying basis. Mr. Newton was chiefly identified by the paper mills which have so long borne his name, but this busi- ness by no means represents the extent of his business operations, which have been extensive and varied. He managed a large lum- bering business, purchased and sueeessfully carried on a flouring mill at Angelo, built and operated a paper pulp mill at Tomahawk; in connection with M. A. Thayer, established the electric lighting company and had interests in other enterprises.
Mr. Newton was a man of marked force, energy and business sagacity and possessed a resolute will and indomitable courage. These alone enabled him to combat so long the constantly aggres- sive physical ailment from which he suffered, and in the face of which he kept up the management of his affairs till long past the period when ordinary men would have succumbed. Ill health began with a congestive attack as long ago as 1875, and with this began a pulmonary trouble. which, after long years of stubborn contest, finally gained the mastery.
Mr. Newton united with the First Baptist church in 1868 and was one of its most prominent members, active in its work and generous in giving to its support. He was a good and valuable citizen in all relations and one of whom the city owes much of its material prosperity as well as moral welfare.
Mr. Newton was married in 1867 to Miss Emma Mather, who
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died in 1873. leaving two sons. In 1875 he was again married, his present wife and his two sons. Harry and George. surviving him.
Joseph Nichols, the son of David and Eunice (Mayfield) Nichols, was born July 28. 1840. in New York. His parents, who were also natives of New York state, came to Wisconsin in 1854 with their family, and settled in Farmers' valley. Monroe county. Here the eldest brother of our subject purchased eighty acres of wild land. which was improved and placed under a high state of cultivation. In that early day the hills and forests were abund- ant with wild game and the creeks and rivers were well stocked with fish, of which the father took advantage-his chief recrea- tion being hunting and fishing. The father died in 1877 and the mother passed away in 1874.
Joseph was the ninth of a family of eleven children. and started in early life to make his own way in the world; he was variously employed at farm work. receiving $7 per month for his labor. When the Civil War broke out in 1861 he enlisted in company A. third Wisconsin Cavalry. and served until the close of the war. He participated in many engagements, among them being the battles Big North Fork Creek. Mo. : Clarendon. Ark .. Bull Creek. White Oak Creek. Jacksonport : Osage Mission, Kan. : Clarkesville. Ark .: Lexington. Mo .. Little Blue Creek. Independ- ence. Big Blue Mine Creek. Newtonia. Drywood and Clear Lake. and received his honorable discharge September 29, 1865. at Fort Leavenworth, Kan., and returned to his home. where he again engaged in farming on a rented farm until his marriage in 1867: he went to Clark county. Wisconsin. in the fall of 1870 and home- steaded a quarter section of Government land, which he improved and where he made his home until 1877. when he purchased the farm in Wells township, where he now resides. The farm is well improved. with a good residence, barn and outbuildings. This has been his home for the past thirty-five years and is one of the few surviving Civil War veterans residing in the town of Wells. In polities he is a Republican and upholds the principles of his party.
He was married January 1. 1867. at Sparta. to Miss Melissa French, daughter of William French. also a native of New York state, and who in an early day located in Clark county. Wisconsin. Both parents of Mrs. Nichols are deceased. To Mr. and Mrs. Nichols have been born nine children, eight of whom are living. viz .: Edward H .. born February 7. 1870: Gertie G .. born March 7. 1872: Lonis IL .. born March 10. 1874 : Clara A .. born November
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23. 1875: Johnie E., born October 6, 1877 ; Mand I .. born January 12, 1882; Josephine M .. born November 27, 1889, and Myrtle R., born Jannary 9. 1893; Odell J., born December 28, 1867, is deceased : Gertie G., Lonis H., Clara A .. Mand I., Josephine MI., Edward H. and Johnie E. are married.
Robert G. Nicke, dealer in agricultural implements at Tomah, was born in Germany October 5. 1875, and came to America with his father. Gotlieb Nieke. and his family of five children in 1892. They first located in Chicago. Ill., where for two and one-half years the father worked as a day laborer. In the fall of 1895 they removed to Monroe county, Wisconsin, and purchased forty acres of land and here made their home for ten years. For two and one-half years Robert and his father operated a sawmill with marked success near Tomah. In 1904 Robert G. moved into the city of Tomah and engaged in the grocery business. which he conducted for three years. Disposing of his grocery, he pur- chased the implement business from Dan Crowley. and has since successfully continued in that line. He carries a large stock of all kinds of farm machinery. inelnding gasoline engines. binders, twine. pumps, windmills. spring and farm wagons and carriages from the leading manufacturers of the country. He is one of Tomah's prosperous, safe and reliable business men and promi- ment alike in business and social circles. In polities he is inde- pendent in thought and action, supporting the man for office whom he thinks best qualified for the position regardless of party affiliations.
On August 12. 1908. at Tomah. Mr. Nieke was united in mar- riage to Miss Eda Miller. They have two children, Raymond and John Nieke.
Abel Benjamin Naset, manager of the Sparta Sash and Door Company. one of Sparta's younger class of successful business men, is a native son of Wisconsin, being born in Dane county, March 20. 1880, to J. J. and Anna B. (Johnson) Naset, natives of Norway and Illinois, respectively. In 1844 Mr. Naset came to Wisconsin and located in Dane county, where he successfully carried on farming for a number of years. He is the youngest and only surviving member of a family of six children-two sons and four daughters, and is now a resident of Bloomer, of this state. His wife. mother of Abel. died September 19, 1903, at the age of sixty-four years.
Mr. Naset, the subject of this sketch, is the youngest of a fam- of eight, five sons and three daughters. He, with his brother. W. O. Naset, are associated with the Sparta Sash and Door
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Company. Raised on a farm, he received his education in the public schools of his home town, in the Albion Academy, and the Northern Indiana Normal School. Hle early gave up the idea of farming. and after finishing his school days, set out to learn the woodworkers' trade, beginning first as a carpenter. During the years 1901-2, he was in Winnebago county, Iowa, and the year 1903 he spent at Bloomer. Wis., working a portion of the time at the carpenter's trade. From 1903 to 1907 he was successfully engaged in the woodworker's trade and contracting at Edgerton. The year 1907 and part of 1908 was spent at Eauclaire, Wis., where he conducted an architectural office. On March 30 in the year 1908 he came to Sparta, and purchasing an interest in the Sparta Sash and Door Manufacturing Company, assumed the management of the concern. This is one of Sparta's largest insti- tutions, and turns out a high grade of interior and exterior finish- ings, as demand requires from a wide radius of territory.
Mr. Naset was married April 30, 1907, at Cambridge, Wis .. to Miss Hattie May, daughter of William and Kate (Mechersmith) Kensler. Mr. Kensler died in October, 1910.
August H. Noth, one of the influential and successful farmers of Wilton township, is a native son of Monroe county, and was born in the town of Wilton. August 10. 1869. the son of Fred and Louisa (Reke) Noth. The father was born in the state of Lippe. Germany, March 6, 1839, and when twenty years of age came to America and first located at New Orleans in the fall of 1859. After his arrival there he found the war elonds so heavy that he moved on to St. Louis, not being in sympathy with the Southern cause, and not feeling inclined to take up arms against the Union. He enlisted at St. Louis, Mo .. on July 21, 1861. in company E. second Missouri Volunteer Infantry, and was made sergeant and color bearer of his regiment. and served until honorably dis- charged September 29. 1864. In 1866 he came to Monroe county, and with his father, purchased 240 acres of land in sections seven and eight, Wilton township, which at that time was wild land. He endured many hardships and privations as a pioneer, but by hard work and perseverance succeeded in subduing the land and bringing it to a good state of cultivation and productiveness. He was one of the successful farmers of the county, and owned at the time of his death, which occurred in 1890, one of the best farms in the township. He was honorable in all his dealings, public spirited and genial, and any worthy cause always received his support. He stood high in his community. and was considered one of the well-to-do men in the town. Mrs. Noth, mother of our
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subject, who was a kind and loving mother and indulgent wife, passed away October 27, 1881, honored and esteemed by all who knew her.
August H. received his education in the district school, which he attended up to his twentieth year, helping with the general farm work and assisting in elearing the land and making the improvements. Since the death of his father he has had charge of the farm, which he has continued to improve and bring to a higher state of cultivation. The residence, which was erected about thirty years ago, is comfortable and well constructed, and his barns, one of which is 30 x 56 feet, and other outbuildings are commodious and conveniently arranged. His supply of pure water, which is secured from a deep driven well, operated by a large windmill, furnishes plenty of water for his house and stock. In his farming operations, Mr. Noth uses the latest up-to-date methods and his place is well supplied with modern labor saving machinery, and he takes pride in keeping it well stocked with a good grade of horses, cattle, sheep and hogs.
On October 26, 1898, he was married in the town of Ridgeville, to Miss Amelia Kevit, daughter of August and Arnstena Kevit, pioneers, and highly respected settlers of Ridgeville township. Mrs. Noth is the second child in a family of six children, five of whom are now living. Five children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Noth, viz .: Neta, born January 27, 1900; Raymond W., born February 22, 1902; Corliss August, born July 11, 1905; Adalia A .. born October 25. 1907. and Mildred L., born March 11, 1911.
Mr. Noth is one of the substantial farmers of his town, and takes an interest in all public matters. He has been chairman of the town board, treasurer of the Farmers' Mutual Fire Insurance Company and a director of the school board for fifteen years. IIe is a stockholder in the Elgin Creamery Company, of Wilton, and in politics a progressive Republican.
Fred W. Noth, chairman of the board of Ridgeville township, Monroe county, was born March 29, 1874, in the town of Wilton. Wis., the son of Fred and Louisa (Reke) Noth, both natives of Germany. The father came to America in 1860 and settled in St. Louis, Mo., where he lived until he enlisted in the second Missouri Volunteer Infantry. After the close of the war, he came with his father, mother, two sisters and one brother to Ridge- ville, Wilton township, and settled on the farm, where he married and where he lived until his death. His first wife died and he remarried. After the death of his father, our subject went with
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his stepmother to her farm in Ridgeville, which he leased from her and took care of her. A. H. Noth getting the home farm. Mr. and Mrs. Noth raised a family of six children. five of whom are now (1912) living. Fred W. being the fourth child. He attended the district schools until his seventeenth year, and at the age of twenty-two. on June 2. 1897. he was married to Miss Bertha Kewit, whose parents were early settlers of Ridgeville township. They have two children, viz .: Eldon, born July 20, 1899, and Leona. born February 27. 1902.
Fred W. NNoth acquired the homestead of 120 acres in sections ten and eleven. Ridgeville township, by purchase, where he has since resided: the mother also lived here until 1909, when she died. He is a man of more than usual thrift and ambition, and the wave of prosperity which he has enjoyed for the past few years is evidence of his good management and economical meth- ods. Ile has increased his acreage to 260 in sections ten. eleven and twenty-three. enlarged his residence. barns and other ont- buildings, until he now has one of the most spacious and commo- dions homes in Monroe county, and besides carrying on general farming, he makes a specialty of the dairy business. He is a Republican in politics and active in all movements pertaining to the welfare of his community. In 1912 he was elected chairman of the board of Ridgeville township, and for some time served as supervisor. He is also a director of the Farmers' State Bank.
George Novotny is one of the prominent Bohemian citizens of Ridgeville township. Monroe county. He was born in Racine county. Wisconsin, on March 11. 1859. the fifth of a family of six children, only three of whom are now (1912) living, born to Francis and Therisa (Hondek) Novotny, both natives of Bohemia. They came to America in 1852 and located in Racine county. where they purchased forty acres of wild timber land and imme- diately set to work to clear and cultivate the land. and after about seventeen years of pioneer experience, they disposed of this farm and moved to Monroe county in 1869 and purchased a farm of 120 acres in section twelve in the township of Ridgeville, which they made their homestead and where they continued to experi- ence the trials and hardships of pioneer life. Ten years later the father died, and his widow survived until 1898. Mr. Novotny was married twice: his first marriage was with Miss Lydia Tomas. and they had a family of four sons. Mrs. Novotny died in 1841. and he married again in December. 1842, the second Mrs. Novotny being the mother of our subject.
George was always the mainstay of his parents, and after the
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death of his father he continued to live on the homestead with his mother during her lifetime, and eventually acquired the farm in his own right. His education was limited, however, to the district schools of his neighborhood up to his fourteenth year, owing to his farm duties, but being an apt pupil and wide awake to the affairs of the day, his practical knowledge soon placed him in the front ranks in the township as a farmer and citizen. He has always been a good Republican and a faithful worker for the principles of that party. He is greatly interested in and favors every enterprise for the development of his town and county.
Mr. George Novotny was married on November 19, 1885, in the city of Racine, Wis., to Miss Mary llaman, daughter of Anton and Marianna Haman, who were also natives of Bohemia, and came to America in 1865 and settled in Racine county, where her father was employed in a sash and door factory for some twenty- five years. He died in 1891: the mother is still living at the age of seventy-six years. They were both devoted members of the Catholic church. They had a family of three children, Mrs. Novotny being the second ehild.
Mr. and Mrs. Novotny have two children: Esther M., born October 25. 1886. married Angust 28, 1912. to Mr. Adolph Noth. moved to Unity, Clark county. Wis .. and Gordon G., born January 16, 1891.
Nehemiah Oakley, who has been a resident of Monroe county. Wisconsin, for forty-three years, is an active and useful citizen and has done his full share in developing the material resources of the county and transforming it from a wilderness to its present high place among the rich and fruitful connties of the state. A native of Montgomery county, New York, he was born August 19, 1834. When he was three years old, his parents, Edward and Polly (Wire) Oakley, who were also. natives of New York state, moved to Ontario, Canada, and there spent the balance of their days. Mr. Oakley, our subject, is the second child and only surviving member of his family of brothers and sisters: the others were Charity. Charles, Mary Elizabeth and Phochie Jane.
Nehemiah attended the common schools of Ontario, but the death of his father having occurred when he was twelve years of age. he was practically thrown upon his own resources, and his chances for advances were limited. At the age of eighteen. he purchased the home farm from his stepfather, and in that year married and began a farmer's life in earnest ; he afterwards sold this farm, however, and rented a farm in the same locality, where
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he remained for six years. In 1869 he came to Wisconsin and homesteaded an eighty-acre tract in Monroe county near Tunnel ('ity, to which he subsequently added another eighty acres in section two. Greenfield township, where he now resides. He was not long in clearing the first eighty and fifteen acres of the other. which he subdued and brought to a good state of cultivation, erected a good class of buildings and added all the needed appliances and conveniences of an up-to-date, model farm. Energetic, enterprising and progressive, he takes pride in his farm, town and county. Mr. Oakley is one of the representative and intelligent citizens of Greenfield township and is a man of general worth in the community; he has been chairman of his town for nine terms and a member of the side board: clerk of the school district, and for nineteen consecutive years school treasurer.
On May 23, 1852, Mr. Oakley was married to Miss Fannie I. Woodard, daughter of Daniel and Harriet (Sisco) Woodard, who also were natives of the Empire state, but who moved to Ontario, Canada, and later to Michigan, where both died. Mrs. Oakley is one of a family of eleven children. six of whom survive, viz. : Elvira is the wife of William Sisco, and resides in Michigan; Edwin. also of Michigan: Clifford lives in Lincoln township, this county : Sophia married Alfred Quik. of Michigan : Flavilla is the wife of Andrew Hilliker, late of Tomah, and Sarah is the wife of Wellington Schnell. of Michigan. Those deceased are Wilson, Anna. Marietta. Daniel and one who died in infancy.
The children of Mr. and Mrs. Oakley are Elveretta, who married Stowell Brown, of Trout Falls. LaFayette township; Mary E. is the wife of John Purdy, of Greenfield township; Wellington lives in Oregon: Oscar resides in the state of Wash- ington; Armina is the wife of Hamlin Griffin, of the town of Grant, this county, and Arcenith, wife of Edwin Purdy of Green- field. Those deceased are Sarah Jane, who married Frank Purdy : Alice; Emma and three who died in infancy. The celebration of the golden wedding of Mr. and Mrs. Oakley was an event long to be remembered by their wide circle of friends.
Mrs. Jens Oleson, wife of Jens Oleson. deceased, was born in Norway December 7. 1860, the daughter of Halvor Bergerson. She came to America with her parents from Norway in 1872. who. after their arrival in this country, came to Monroe county. Wisconsin, and located on a quarter section of land in section sixteen, Leon township. where they spent their lives. The father was born in 1819, and died in 1902. The mother, born in 1819.
NEHEMIAH OAKLEY AND FAMILY
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passed away in 1896. They were the parents of six children, and the father was a successful farmer and stock raiser, keeping his farm well stocked with a good grade of horses, cattle and hogs. He was a man of noble Christian character, and he and his wife were honored members of the Lutheran church and had great influence in the community.
Mrs. Oleson was married March 12, 1878, in the town of Leon, to Mr. Jens Oleson, who was born in Norway October 26, 1853. When five years of age, in 1858, his parents came to America and were among the early settlers of the Leon valley. The father was a hard working, thrifty farmer and owned at the time of his death 320 acres of land. Mr. Oleson, husband of our subject, was successful in his operations as a farmer, and his farm was highly improved by cultivation and buildings, and the modern residence erected in 1904, with the commodious outbuildings, make theirs one of the up-to-date country homes of the valley. He was kind-hearted and generous and a devoted member of the Lutheran church, having the confidence and esteem of all who knew him. He died May 7, 1904, leaving besides his estimable wife, a family of twelve children, as follows: Johanna, born August 11, 1878; Dora, born February 11, 1880; Oscar, born September 2, 1882; Harold, born December 20. 1884; Ida, born February 18, 1887; Augusta, born April 21, 1889; Nora, born January 6. 1892; Olga, born June 17, 1894; Joseph, born Sep- tember 2. 1896; Leonard, born October 6, 1898, and Walter and William, twins, born February 23, 1902.
Godfrey Oswald, of Pleasant valley, was born in Switzerland, May 11. 1854. His parents were Jacob and Anna (Frey) Oswald, both natives of Switzerland. They came to America with a family of eight children and located at Bangor, La Crosse county, Wisconsin ; after a residence there of two years they moved to Salem, and afterwards, in 1860, came to Monroe county and began the life of farmers on 160 acres of land, which the father home- steaded in the Pleasant valley, and where they spent the balance of their lives. They toiled hard in the honest endeavor to build them a home and suffered many privations at first, but were successful in the end, passing away at the close of a busy and well spent life, honored and respected by all who knew them. Mr. Oswald was born in 1811 and died in 1883. Mrs. Oswald, born in 1816, passed away in 1885. In Switzerland the father secured a liberal education and belonged to the Lutheran church, but after com- ing to America was never identified with any religious denomina- tion. Although not being able to converse fluently in the English
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language, he had many remarkable traits in his character, that were appreciated and admired by his many friends. In horti- cultural matters he took a decided interest, and during his lifetime planted two apple orchards, which are now bearing prolifically, and nearly every year produce liberal returns, and there is no orchard in the Plesant valley that will surpass them.
Godfrey Oswald received a limited education, but is well posted on all current topics. He has made farming his life work, and after the death of his father was made administrator of his estate and subsequently purchased the old homestead. Mr. Oswald is a man of thrift and ability, and has made a grand success of farming, as well as gaining and retaining the good will of his fellow men.
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