History of Trempealeau County, Wisconsin, Part 104

Author: Curtiss-Wedge, Franklyn; Pierce, Eben Douglas
Publication date: 1917
Publisher: Chicago Winona : H.C. Cooper
Number of Pages: 1318

USA > Wisconsin > Trempealeau County > History of Trempealeau County, Wisconsin > Part 104

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wife and two daughters, being 72 years old, and his wife 68. During his active career Mr. Reck was widely recognized as one of the most thrifty and prosperous settlers of Polish origin in the county. In company with Charles Hess, who came to the valley about the same time that he did, he owned and operated one of the very first threshing outfits owned in the town- ship. He is a member of St. Stanislaus Congregation of Arcadia ; also of St. Stanislaus Society. In politics it has been his custom to vote the Demo- cratic ticket, which was the limit of his activities in the political field, as he never sought a place in local government, being too busy in developing his farm. He and his wife have had eight children: George, born in 1879, who is now proprietor of the old family homestead; Paulina, born in 1881, now Mrs. J. F. Kokot, of Korpal Valley ; Victoria, born in 1883, wife of Peter Gondara, of North Creek, Trempealeau County; Haittey, born in 1885, who resides with her parents in Arcadia Village; Frances, born in 1887, now the wife of Valanty Misch, of Arcadia Village; Estella, born in 1889, who is the wife of Valentine Stetmach, of North Creek; Joseph, born in 1891, now a farmer in Korpal Valley, and Rosa, born in 1893, who resides with her parents in the village. Mr. Reck is a man of good record, whose life and labors not only resulted in his own advancement, but added to the sum total of the wealth of the community in which he lived, and while he is now indulg- ing in well-earned repose, his sons are continuing the good work which he began.

George Reck, a farmer residing in section 1, Arcadia, Township 20, range 9, was born in American Valley, this township, Nov. 16, 1879, son of Augustus Reck. In the old log house, which was his birthplace, he resided until it was replaced by a stone house, helping his father on the farm and attending school at intervals until reaching the age of 12 years, when his services being needed all the time, he had to lay aside his school books, and never resumed them. The farm consisted of 160 acres, and he assisted his father in its cultivation until 1905, at which time he purchased it from his father. The next year he married Mary Pampuch, daughter of Thomas and Mary Pampuch, of Independence, Trempealeau County. In 1913 he tore down the old stone house, which was inadequate to his needs, and erected a modern, square, two-story, 9-room residence. He has also provided himself with a good barn and other out-buildings. He carries on general farming and dairying, keeping 35 head of cattle, 20 hogs and six horses, besides hav- ing a good supply of tools and farm machinery and keeping an automobile for rapid transit purposes. He is a charter member of St. Stanislaus So- ciety, having been one of the founders in 1910. For nine years also he has been treasurer of St. Stanislaus Congregation, of which he and his family are members. In politics Mr. Reck is a Democrat and has been clerk of the school district for two years. He is recognized as one of the thrifty and prosperous young farmers of the county. He and his wife have five chil- dren: Ignatz, born in 1907; Tracy, in 1909; Mary, in 1911; Stanley, in 1913, and Elanora, in 1917.

Wheat Brom. In 1868 a farmer of the dorf or village of Todne, near the city of Budweis, in the county of Swegnie, Bohemia, Wheat Brom, the father of Mathias and "Big Wenzel"

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Brom, sold his lands of nearly 100 acres there and with his wife and family, married son Frank, unmarried son John and unmarried daughter Mary, immigrated to America, leaving Bohemia July 21, 1868, and arriving at Bremen Haven took passage to New York, where they arrived Aug. 7 and immediately left for Winona, Minn., where they arrived Aug. 15, 1868. Wheat Brom settled in Pine Creek, in Trempealeau County, purchas- ing of John Pehler the farm later owned by Joe Eichman, on which farn Wheat Brom died, and is buried in the cemetery at Pine Creek. Mrs. Brom survived her husband and for many years made her home with her son, Frank Brom, and where she died. At the end of the first year in the cooley Mr. Brom had about five acres of lands under cultivation, but continued to make improvements from year to year, as did his neighbors, until many excellent farms are in the cooley. John Brom, the youngest son of Wheat Brom, married in Winona, and later than 1868 homesteaded lands in the cooley, which he sold in 1881 and went to Kansas, where he still resides. Big Wenzel sold his farm in the cooley and moved to Kansas in 1885, where he died a few years ago. Frank Brom purchased the farm of Little Wenzel in 1904, Wenzel removing to Winona, Minn., where he died in 1908.

Mathias Brom, for many years a resident of Pine Creek, in Dodge Town- ship, was born in September, 1828, in the village of Todne, near the city of Budweis, in Swegnie, Bohemia, his father, Wheat Brom, being a farmer in that locality. Mat Brom was the oldest child of his father's family, and was married in his native village to Elizabeth Marisech prior to his immigrating to America in 1861. His brother, Wenzel Brom, known as "Big Wenzel," and a cousin, Wenzel Brom, known as "Little Wenzel," immigrated with him. They landed in New York and immediately journeyed to Winona, Minn., where they had Bohemian acquaintances. Mat Brom settled in Winona and for nearly two years worked in a grain warehouse. In the latter part of 1862 he purchased 80 acres of land from the United States Government at $1.25 an acre, and moved onto these lands in 1863, improving and cultivating them. In 1869 he deeded these lands to his son, Frank Brom, and purchased 120 acres in section 11, town 19, range 10 west, from John Shonat, who had for several years resided upon them and who upon a sale of them removed to Decorah Prairie, where he long was a prominent and prosperous citizen. This 120 acres, with additions, constituted the Mat Brom farm at Pine Creek. Mr. and Mrs. Brom retired from farming and for years lived quietly in a small home on a tract of land near the Pine Creek church. They reared a family of two daughters-Eva and Mary- both of whom married, Eva dying some years ago and three sons-Frank, Martin and John.

Frank Brom came to America with other members of his family, reach- ing Winona, Minn., Aug. 15, 1868. The following day Frank Brom and his wife, whom he had married in the old Bohemian home early in July, started on foot to Pine Creek under the guidance of Mathias Brom, Jr., a son of Mathias Brom, to the home of his father, where they arrived and partook of dinner, and then on foot crossed the hills into the Tamarack Valley, which they crossed and journed to the home of the brother, "Big Wenzel," where they made their home during the remainder of the summer, thus their set-

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tlement in Holcomb Cooley dates from the 16th day of August, 1868. Frank Brom was born Oct. 27, 1841, at No. 14, Todne, Bohemia, grew to manhood there and married Eliza Tasick, who immigrated with him as a member of the family of Wheat Brom. Frank Brom and his wife lived with Wenzel, who in the course of a month aided him in making a homestead claim on 160 acres of lands on section 26, township 20 north, range 9 west, upon which he made final proof and cultivated. Mr. Brom purchased other lands from time to time until he owned a few years ago 784 acres in the cooley. When Frank Brom and his wife reached Holcomb Cooley they had $3 in money, no team and a scant amount of clothing. They were not daunted, nor often weary and discouraged, but worked and saved and reared a family of five daughters and four sons, so that at the time his wife died, Oct. 30, 1903, they had a comfortable home, a valuable farm with barns and out- buildings. Their first house was a rough unbarked log house with a single room, made from the forest about them. For many years Frank Brom has enjoyed good health and prosperity, and has always been respected by his neighbors and acquaintances as a man of great industry and thrift, of integrity and fine neighborly qualities, and he is in good health at 76 years, weighing 220 pounds and standing 6 feet 2 inches in his stocking feet. Mr. Brom has been and is a man of good habits, a kind father and was a good husband, thoroughly American in his notions. He and his wife had a family of 10 children: Katherine, now Mrs. John Kruger, residing in Winona County, Minn .; Thomas, who resides in Arcadia Village; John, who also lives in Arcadia; Martin, the subject of this sketch; Elizabeth; Estella, who is now Mrs. August Tonditzke, of Holcomb Cooley; Rose, the wife of Michael Herrick, of Arcadia ; Mary ; and Frank, now deceased.

Martin Brom, one of the prosperous agriculturists of Trempealeau County, whose well-cultivated farm lies in section 26, Arcadia Township, was born in Holcomb Valley, this township, Nov. 12, 1884, son of Frank and Eliza (Tasick) Brom. In his boyhood he attended the district school up to the age of 12 years. He then assisted his father on the farm and remained with him subsequently until the latter's retirement, with the exception of a short period of four months in 1909, which he passed in Jamestown, N. D. In 1913 he purchased the home farm of 260 acres from his father, and in the following year, Feb. 17, 1914, he married Mary, daughter of Paul and Elizabeth Ressel, of Lewis Valley, Arcadia Township. Beginning housekeeping in the old log house on the farm, he and his wife lived there until 1916, in which year he built a modern, cement block resi- dence, also erecting a frame barn, 30 by 60 by 12 feet in dimensions, with full basement. The homestead lies 13 miles southeast of Arcadia Village, and the noticeable improvements attract attention and give evidence of industry and thrift. Mr. Brom is a· Democrat in politics, but has held no public office. He and his wife are members of the German Catholic church of Arcadia, and have many friends throughout this vicinity.

Charles J. Gibson, one of the leading citizens of Blair, is widely known for his progressive spirit, and the part he is having in every move which has for its object the upbuilding of the village and county. He was born in Cleveland, Ohio, June 24, 1872, the son of James and Catherine (Kutcher)

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Gibson, who brought him to Trempealeau County at the age of 9, arriving here Jan. 3, 1881. He was reared to farm pursuits and attended the district schools, supplementing this later with special courses in embalming. In 1895 he moved to Blair, where he has a large and successful furniture store, and where he is practicing his profession as a licensed embalmer and funeral director. He has been president, trustee and treasurer of the village, he has been prominent in educational affairs, and has been one of the moving spirits of the annual Chautauqua course. Mr. Gibson was married March 30, 1896, to Mary Elizabeth Ellison, and they have had four children: Merle, James (who was drowned at the age of 13), Evelyn and Lertha.

Rev. A. J. Orke, a clergyman of the Norwegian Lutheran faith, and pastor of four congregations with headquarters at Pigeon Falls, is a splendid representative of that faithful body of clergy who have made his faith so highly honored throughout the civilized world. Fulfilling the old ideal as a father of his people, he combines a deep and sympathetic understanding of human nature with much scholarly ability, and his work has resulted in a most decided uplift to the community. Modest as to his personal achieve- ments, he places his church and the welfare of his congregations as above everything else in his life, and the results he has achieved, with the assist- ance of his Divine Master, have been far reaching and permanent. At Northfield and at Whitehall churches have been built under his leadership, and the spiritual life of all his congregations has been greatly quickened. Rev. Orke was born in Skjold, Stavanger, Norway, Sept. 26, 1857, of a long line of God-fearing people who had lived on the same place for several generations. The father, John Orke, and the mother, Anna Roaldsvik, are both dead, the former having died in 1897 and the mother in 1899. They were the parents of 11 children. The subject of this sketch, as a youth, attended the common schools, and in 1881 was graduated with honors from the Koppervik Normal School. In 1882 he came to America and secured employment as teacher in a parochial school at Kenyon, Minn., while per- fecting himself in the English language. In 1883 he entered the Brecken- ridge Institute at Decorah, Iowa. Then in 1884, having decided to devote his life to the service of the church, he took up his studies at the Augsburg College, and in 1886 entered the Theological Seminary. Graduating in 1889, he was ordained to the ministry by the Rev. G. Hoyme. His first charge was at Chetek, in Barron County, this State, where he had charge of five congregations. In 1895 he came to Pigeon Falls, taking charge of the congregations at Pigeon Falls and Smithfield, organizing the one at White- hall in 1899 and taking charge of the one at Independence in 1913. Of these, the one at Pigeon Falls is the largest, having about 800 members. Rev. Orke was married May 6, 1891, to Olga Peterson, born in Colfax, Wis., daughter of Peter and Olava Peterson. This union has been blessed with seven children : Agnes O., Mildred P., Selma, Hazel R., Hjelmar A., Beatrice S. and Gerhard.

The Pigeon Falls Norwegian Lutheran Congregation was organized in 1878 by Rev. C. J. Helsem, of Strum, with about 60 members, a number which has since increased to about 830. Early services were held in the schoolhouse for several years. In 1888 a church edifice was started and

REV. AND MRS. A. J. ORKE

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in 1893 completed. Rev. Helsem served until 1892, then Rev. M. Gulbrand- son took charge and moved to Pigeon Falls. He was an energetic and successful worker, and the congregation prospered. About this time Our Saviour's Congregation was united with it, and it became a strong organ- ization. Rev. A. J. Orke took charge in 1895. The congregation has con- siderable valuable property. The church and cemetery are valued at $10,000. The parsonage, built in 1892 and rebuilt and enlarged in 1907, has a value of about $6,000. A Young People's Hall, built in 1896 and rebuilt and enlarged in 1914, has a value of about $4,000. There is no indebtedness on the property, and the congregation has contributed liberally to missions, schools and different charitable institutions. There are two Ladies' Aid Societies, a Young Ladies' Aid Society and a large and active Young Peo- ple's Society, Sunday school and choir.

The Immanuel Norwegian Lutheran Congregation at Whitehall was organized in 1899 by Rev. A. J. Orke, with a membership of 50, which has since been increased to 200. The church, having a value of about $5,000, was built in 1901. The congregation has one Ladies' Aid Society, a Sunday school and choir.

The Independence Norwegian Lutheran Congregation was organized in 1879, with a membership of 80, now increased to 150. The church, valued at $5,000, was built in 1883. There is also a fine cemetery. The congregation has supported missions and schools. The pastors have been : Rev. H. A. Meyer, 1879-1884 ; Rev. A. Hauge, 1884-1898; Rev. Halbert Ras- mussen, 1899-1913 ; Rev. A. J. Orke, 1913.

The Northfield Norwegian Lutheran Congregation at Northfield, in Jackson County, was organized in 1889 by Rev. C. J. Helsem, of Strum, with a membership of 50, which has since been increased to 370. The original officials were: Knut Olson, L. Johnson, Sam. Thompson, trustees; L. E. Larson, secretary ; C. A. Severeide, treasurer. The first pastor, Rev. Hel- sem, served until 1892, followed by Rev. M. Gulbrandson, who in 1895 was succeeded by Rev. A. J. Orke. In 1896, with a membership of only about 70, a church was built, having a value of $5,000. In 1914 the church was struck by lightning and destroyed. In 1915 a larger and modern church was built, having a value of $12,000, absolutely without indebtedness. There is a Ladies' Aid Society and a Young People's Society, very active. The congregation has contributed to missions, schools and different charitable institutions.

John Manning, one of the pioneer farmers of Trempealeau Valley, who passed away some 21 years ago, was born at Fedamore, County Limerick, Ireland, in 1838. In 1855, when only 17 years of age, he came to the United States, landing at New York. The next few years of his life were spent in the Eastern States, as in 1859 he removed to Philadelphia and was there until 1862, in which year he located in Cleveland, Ohio. It may have been here that he heard of the opportunities for self-advancement in the Northwestern State of Wisconsin, but however that may be, just three days before Christmas, 1864, he made his appearance in La Crosse, Wis., where he spent the next six months. June 27, 1865, he arrived in Arcadia, riding in the ox-team wagon of J. H. Gleason, who had preceded him to this

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county by two years, and who furnished him transportation from La Crosse. He had been married in Philadelphia Nov. 1, 1859, to Mary McGrath, daugh- ter of Michael and Ellen McGrath, and she accompanied him to this new country. After looking over the ground, Mr. Manning decided that Trem- pealeau Valley possessed advantages of beauty, together with fertility of soil, that made it a desirable place for settlement, and he accordingly took up 160 acres of wild Government land in section 12, township 20, range 9, and set to work to develop a farm. Building a small log house and barn, he began the arduous work of clearing the land. For years, while primitive conditions lasted, he made use of ox teams, oxen being hardier than horses and able to survive under conditions impossible for the more noble animal; but in time he had plenty both of horses and cattle, together with a good basement barn, and a substantial frame house to replace his primitive log dwelling, besides a granary, tool shed and other necessary buildings, all of which he erected. When he died, March 19, 1895, he had cleared and broken 120 acres of his land. He was survived by his wife, who is still living, being cared for by her daughters, Mrs. Michael Crawford and Mrs. Manning. She is, however, in feeble health, having suffered a stroke of paralysis in 1912 and a second stroke subsequently. Their family con- sisted of six children: Cornelius, born in Philadelphia, Pa., Aug. 9, 1858, who was a railway employee and was killed at New London, Wis., Dec. 9, 1890 ; Michael J., born at Philadelphia, Pa., July 6, 1861, who died at the old home in Arcadia, June 10, 1898; James, born in October, 1862, at Phila- delphia, who died in that city, July 15, 1864; Joseph, born at Arcadia, Wis., Sept. 15, 1865, who died Aug. 25, 1871; Ellen, born in Arcadia, Wis., Sept. 27, 1867, who is now the wife of Michael Crawford, and resides on the old Manning farm ; and Agnes, born in Arcadia, Aug. 25, 1869, who died Aug. 15, 1871. In 1893 the daughter Ellen, with her husband, Michael Crawford, came from their home in Superior, Wis., so that she might care for her mother, her husband taking care of the farm, of which he is now the manager. In politics John Manning was a Democrat, but contented him- self with casting his vote, never seeking or holding public office. He was a member of the Catholic church in Arcadia, to which all the family belong. As one of the hardy pioneers of this county his memory deserves per- petuating.

Walentine Pietrek, proprietor of a large and flourishing farm of 560 acres in section 15, Arcadia Township, was born in Posen, Germany, Feb. 9, 1863, son of Andrew and Frances (Susa) Pietrek. In 1870 the parents came to the United States with their family, locating in section 15, Arcadia Township, this county, their farm lying about four miles north of the village. This property, which was known as the O'Rourke farm, consisted of 200 acres and was partially improved. Here Walentine Pietrek was brought up and trained to farm work, and here he has resided ever since, having added 360 acres to the farm. June 6, 1890, Mr. Pietrek was mar- ried to Barbara Sluga of Independence Township, and he and his bride set up housekeeping on the Pietrek homestead, Andrew Pietrek and wife mov- ing across the railroad to a location east of the old home. The father died in 1899 and was buried at North Creek; his wife survived him and is

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still living, being now 84 years of age. In 1902 the subject of this sketch built a modern, two-story, brick-veneer house of 10 rooms; also a frame barn, 38 by 78 feet in dimensions. The latter burned down in 1898, but was rebuilt the same summer. Mr. Pietrek has also built a third barn, together with woodsheds, hog house, granary and garage, all the buildings being substantially constructed and in good shape. He has now 350 acres of his farm under cultivation, the balance consisting of post and timber. The property is located on Independence road, midway between Indepen- dence and Arcadia, just at the foot of Lewis Valley. Aside from general farming, he is engaged in dairying, having a fine herd of 18 graded Hol- steins, with 45 to 50 head of young cattle. His equipment is all modern and in first class condition, and his horses and wagons the best of their kind. Mr. Pietrek is a stockholder in the Glencoe Co-operative Creamery Company of Arcadia. Politically he is a Democrat, but has held no public office. He and his wife are the parents of ten children: Sophia, now Mrs. John Gondora of North Creek, this county; Roman, unmarried, who is employed on the Chicago & Northwestern Railway; Theresa, unmarried, residing at home, and Paul, Andrew, Joseph, Martha, Mary, Benjamin and Anna, all of whom reside with their parents. The family belong to St. Michael's (Polish) Catholic church.

Louis Leterski, for many years a highly esteemed citizen of Trem- pealeau Township, but now living retired in Winona, Minn., was born in Butuf, Germany, Aug. 19, 1852, son of Joseph and Josephine Leterski. When he was six years old his parents emigrated to America, accompanied by their four children, the other three being a son, John, and two daughters, Alice and Lena. The family landed at Ottawa, Canada, but six months later arrived in Milwaukee, Wis., where they remained for one year. In 1859 they settled in Winona, Minn., where Joseph Leterski found employ- ment with R. A. Foster, an egg dealer. Moving to Dodge Township, Trem- pealeau County, in 1864, they settled on a partially improved farm in sec- tion 18 (then Trempealeau Township), which Mr. Leterski had previously purchased. The buildings consisted of a log cabin and a log shed for a barn. Twenty acres of the land were already plowed. Here the family remained until the fall of 1889-a period of 25 years-during which time Mr. Leterski made many improvements on the place and increased the acreage of tilled land. On this farm were born four more children: Mary, Josephine, August and Joseph, who lives on the old homestead. In the meanwhile Louis had grown to manhood. He had little chance to obtain an advanced education, but acquired a good knowledge of agriculture in its various branches. About 1882, when 30 years of age, he began busi- ness for himself, buying a farm and in 1889 a store at Dodge. After con- ducting the store for about eight years he sold it and bought a farm in Clay County, Iowa. In the spring of 1902 he sold that farm and returned to Wisconsin, buying the Herman Carey farm of 244 acres of improved land in sections 29 and 30, Trempealeau Township, this county. The farm included an orchard of seven acres and the ten-room residence now stand- ing, and 170 acres of the land were under plow. He also repurchased his former store at Dodge, which he s'ull owns. During the following summer

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Mr. Leterski built a frame barn, 32 by 60 feet in size, and in 1911 he erected a silo of cement blocks, 12 by 38 feet inside. He continued to develop and improve the property and it was in fine condition when, on June 22, 1914. a cyclone passed over this region, devastating this farm and two others, Mr. Leterski having a granary, corn crib, machine shed, three barns and a windmill swept away. The only buildings left standing were the house and silo. By the next day Mr. Leterski had a force of 30 men at work repairing the damage, and by July 4 new barns had been built on the old foundations, the other buildings being speedily restored. In the spring of 1914, having decided to retire from active work, he turned over the management of his farm and store to his son, Leo H., and took up his resi- dence, May 16, at No. 626 East Sanborn street, Winona. He received the rent of his farm from his son and is also a shareholder in the telephone company. During his active career Mr. Leterski took a more or less active part in public affairs. While in Dodge Township he served six terms as assessor and five years as township treasurer. He was also chairman of the county board two years and constable for one year. A member of the Catholic church, he served as secretary of the church for 15 or 16 years. Louis Leterski was married Jan. 13, 1880, to Louisa Maraszwski, who was born in Winona, Minn., Dec. 9, 1852, daughter of Anton and Veronica Maraszwski, her parents being natives of Germany, who came to the United States in the fifties and were married in Winona. The father, who was a farmer of Trempealeau County, is still living, being now 87 years of age. To Mr. and Mrs. Leterski were born eight children, seven sons and one daughter: Frank, Leo H., Louis, Jr., Millie, Daniel and Jerome, living, and John and Edward, deceased.

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History of Trempealeau County, Wisconsin, Part 104

Author: Curtiss-Wedge, Franklyn; Pierce, Eben Douglas Publication date: 1917 Publisher: Chicago Winona : H.C. Cooper Number of Pages: 1318

Author: Curtiss-Wedge, Franklyn; Pierce, Eben Douglas
Publication date: 1917
Publisher: Chicago Winona : H.C. Cooper
Number of Pages: 1318