USA > Wisconsin > Trempealeau County > History of Trempealeau County, Wisconsin > Part 105
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Thomas Truog, Sr., came to America in 1856 and for several years worked at the carpenter trade in Iowa, Tennessee, Missouri and other southern states. During the Civil War he was employed by the govern- ment to help in the construction of bridges in Tennessee and Kentucky. In 1866 he located on a tract of land in Buffalo County, this state, in that locality which is now called Glencoe. This tract of land, which consisted of 120 acres, he grubbed and broke and brought under cultivation, erect- ing such buildings as were necessary. In 1881 he moved to the village of Arcadia. Leaving his family there he traveled westward through the states of Iowa, Colorado, the Dakotas and Montana, but not being favor- ably impressed with the west he returned and bought a tract of land partly in section 2, Arcadia Township, and partly in section 25, Lincoln Town- ship. To this he has since added until he now has 226 acres. This tract of land was but partially improved and the buildings thereon consisted of a board shanty and straw shed. He developed it fully, erecting a good home and barns. The place is located two miles south of Independence, and commands a beautiful veiw of the surrounding hills and valleys. Here Mr. Truog continued to reside until his death Sept. 25, 1906. He was born in Switzerland in 1834, where he spent the first 22 years of his life. It was there that he learned the carpenter trade. His wife, Magdalena Keller, was born in Switzerland July 1, 1845, came to America in 1854 and was married Sept. 1, 1866. They had ten children, four sons and six
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daughters. Two sons and two daughters preceded their father in death. Thomas, Jr., farms the home place, while the youngest son, Emil, is an instructor in the agriculture department of the University of Wisconsin.
John A. Latsch, philanthropist, public benefactor and leading whole- sale grocer, is a native of Trempealeau County, having been born in Latsch Valley, Aug. 15, 1860, son of John and Anna (Buol) Latsch, the pioneers. He left Trempealeau County with the family in 1867, and has since spent his life in Winona. In 1874 he started working for his father in the retail grocery business in Winona, and since 1887 he has been connected with the large wholesale grocery firm of Latsch & Son, of which he is now the head. A lover of the out-of-doors, Mr. Latsch has long dreamed of pre- senting to the general public tracts of land for public recreation. Already he had presented for public use a strip of land extending from Winona nearly to Minneiska, along the Mississippi river, which will be used as a game preserve and general recreation tract. He is now planning to present Trempealeau Mountain to the state of Wisconsin. The John A. Latsch public baths, across the Mississippi River from Winona, are another boon to the people from Mr. Latsch's generosity. And his friends declare that this is but the beginning of an elaborate project which he has under way for the establishing of reserves, which will be open to the public for all time for recreation, health and sport. Trempealeau County has benefited directly by his benefactions, and is proud of having given birth to this distinguished and generous citizen, whose name will be honored in grati- tude for countless generations. As modest as he is big hearted, Mr. Latsch shrinks from public expressions of gratitude, and lives an active life of quiet modesty, taking his greatest delight in his business through which he realizes the money for his gifts, and in spending his time out in the open, enjoying those delights which he has now made possible for the general public.
John Latsch, founder of the firm of Latsch & Son, Winona, Minn., and the first settler in Latsch Valley, Trempealeau County, Wisconsin, was born in Wald Canton Zurich, Switzerland, March 18, 1832, and was educated in the public schools of his native country. After completing his schooling he was employed for about six months in the drug business at Frankfort-on-the-Main. Later he was engaged in Paris at the Chocolet Menier factory. He remained in Paris three years and then decided to emigrate to America. He had heard of the wonderful opportunities in the new country, and had planned to cross the mighty Atlantic and cast his lot with the great republic whose form of government appealed to the liberty-loving native of the free land of lofty mountains. Therefore, in 1854, he sailed for this country, coming by way of the Great Lakes to Green Bay. From there he went south, determined to look the country over before making a permanent settlement. The new country thrilled him with its prospective enterprise, and the horizon loomed large with undeveloped resources, while the atmosphere was vibrant with the spirit of adventure. The wanderlust seized the Swiss youth and he went from place to place, drinking in the strange sights of the land and seeking an opportunity for his brain and muscle in the rich regions of the Gulf states. During his
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first year in America he traveled some ten thousand miles, and at last found desirable employment in the cyprus swamps of Louisiana cutting timber for barrel staves. He had been at work but a few months when he was taken down with malarial fever and was removed to a hospital in New Orleans, where he was confined for some time. When he was con- valescent he returned north in 1855 and located in Dakota, Winona County, Minn. After remaining there about a year he decided to look over Trem- pealeau County, Wisconsin, with a view to locating land, as the new country was being rapidly settled by homeseekers from the East, and by people from southern Wisconsin. In 1856 he pre-empted government land in Trempealeau County, in a valley three miles northeast of Dodge. He set- tled near a creek at the mouth of this valley, and purchased some state land adjoining his claim, in the same county, as well as some state land in Buffalo County. After his marriage in 1859 he continued to improve his farm land in Trempealeau County. He also taught a few terms of school and served for a while as justice of the peace. Feb. 27, 1864, he enlisted in Company C, Twenty-fifth Wisconsin Infantry, was mustered in at La Crosse, and was transferred the following spring to Company E, Twelfth Wisconsin Infantry, in which command he participated in Sherman's famous march to the sea. At the close of the war he was mustered out at Louisville, Ky., and resumed farming in Trempealeau County. But in 1866 he met with an accident, which compelled him to abandon agricultural pursuits. His foot was badly cut with a breaking plow, and the injury left him a cripple for several years. In 1867 he moved his family to Winona and there engaged in the retail grocery business, which he conducted until 1887, when he, T. J. Preece and John A. Latsch established the wholesale grocery business of Preece & Latsch Company. This was the beginning of the business which is now one of the largest of its kind in the Northwest. In 1892 he purchased Mr. Preece's interest and the firm became Latsch & Son. Mr. Latsch's activities were not confined to this business, which he was instrumental in building up, but extended to other lines. For many years and up to the time of his death he was director of the First National Bank. He also served a term as alderman of Winona. He revisited his native country three times-in 1873, 1882 and in 1900. Mr. Latsch was highly esteemed by all in his wide circle of acquaintances and his death was sincerely mourned by many. The subject of this sketch was married in Buffalo County, Wisconsin, in 1859, to Anna Buol. Four children were born: John A. Latsch; Nettie, who died in 1887; Emma, who died in 1873, and Edward G. Latsch, who died in 1909. Mrs. Anna Latsch died in 1898. In October, 1899, Mr. Latsch married Mrs. Ursula Ruedy of Bangor, Wis., the wedding taking place in Minneapolis. Mr. Latsch passed away May 21, 1909. An extract from a former history of Trempealeau County, regarding Latsch Valley, is well worthy of preservation in this sketch. The history says : From 1865 to 1870 a number of Polish and Hungarian settlers located in the main portion of Latsch Valley, and in honor of these Hungarian pioneers the valley was called Hungary Valley, from their native land. But this long narrow valley that sets back from the Trempealeau River will live in history of Latsch Valley, and the Trempealeau County Historical
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Society is glad to honor the memory of a man whose life history reads like a romance-a man who came here and used his energetic brain and capital in wresting a part of our fertile territory from the wilderness. The wild rough country did not discourage this Swiss youth; he was used to the mighty Alps, and could see the great possibilities in agriculture in this land of cozy valleys and wooded hills. With the energy characteristic of his race he set to work and accomplished things. Others followed, and today we can look out upon farms rich with the promise of harvest, and if there used to be anything in the saying that a person would get hungry wandering through Hungary Valley (on account of its length and meager settlement), it is not true today, because there is abundance written on every farm in this sequestered glen.
Perry Heath, proprietor of a good farm of 320 acres in section 16, Arcadia Township, was born at Marengo, McHenry County, Ill., Oct. 26, 1843, son of Joel and Margaret (Miller) Heath. His parents, who were natives of New York state, migrated to Illinois about 1842, buying 80 acres of land at Marengo. After residing there until 1853 they moved to La Crosse County, Wisconsin, locating not far from where the village of Holmen now stands. Here the Heaths began farming on 160 acres of land, for which Mr. Heath had traded his Illinois property. In 1856 they returned to Illinois and remained three years, coming back to Wisconsin in 1859. The father came first, however, in order to get a settlement for the La Crosse county farm, for which it seems he had not been fully paid, and while here was taken sick and died, his body being returned to Illinois for burial. The widowed mother and her family then took up their resi- dence on the La Crosse County farm, the subject of this sketch being then 16 years old, and here she lived until her death in 1868. There were eight children in the family: Lusetta, Oscar, Lydia Ann and Permelia, all of whom are now deceased ; Perry, Barnabas, who is now residing at Strum, Trempealeau County ; Emmett, deceased; Matilda, now Mrs. Charles Hil- liard of Fargo, N. D. Perry Heath acquired his education in the district schools. After his father's death he remained at home with his widowed mother until he was 22 years old, at which time he purchased 40 acres adjoining the home farm in La Crosse County. Aug. 13, 1865, he married Jennie Briggs, daughter of Thomas and Phoebe Briggs of La Crosse County, and, building a house on his 40-acre farm, took his bride there and began housekeeping. After operating his farm for about four years, in 1869 he bought 160 acres of wild land in Lewis Valley, section 16, Arcadia Township, and built a small house on it, to which he moved his family, then consisting of his wife and two children, in addition to himself. The journey was made overland by horse team. Here Mr. Heath has since remained. He has greatly improved his property, the size of which he increased by purchasing 160 acres more, making a farm of 320 acres, 200 of which are under the plow, the balance consisting of timber land and pasture. In 1879 he built a comfortable frame house and in 1902 a good frame barn. In September, 1888, his first wife died. She had borne him eight children: Lusetta, born in 1866, who is now Mrs. John Busby of Fridley, Mont .; Elsie, born in 1869, now Mrs. Henry Smith of Whitehall,
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Wis .; Alonzo, born in 1871, who is now living in Osseo, Trempealeau County ; Lela, born in 1874, wife of Frank Horsey of Utica, Minn .; Alvah, born in 1876, who is deceased; Lester, born in 1878, now living on the old farm; Chauncey, born in 1881, now residing in Arcadia Village, and Pearl, born in 1885, who is the wife of Grant Smith of Roundup, Mont. March 27. 1891, Mr. Heath married for his second wife, Elizabeth, daughter of Mal- colm and Margaret Malles of Fountain City, Wis., and of this marriage there has been one child, Ervin, born in 1892, who is living at home. Mr. Perry is a Republican in politics and for many years has served as school director in his district. Aside from his own farming interests he holds stock in the Glencoe Co-operative Creamery of Arcadia Village. Though reared a Methodist, he is not at present a member of any church.
Francis Asbury Goodhue in former years was one of the leading mer- chants of Trempealeau Village, where he was highly esteemed as a man and citizen. His father was one of those itinerant preachers of the Methodist denomination known as "circuit riders," who had so much to do with civilizing the frontier settlements at various stages of this coun- try's history. Francis early learned the trades of millwright and cabinet- maker. On Oct. 29, 1852, he married Alsina Manning, who was born in Russeltown (now Frankfort), Canada, June 23, 1835, daughter of Abram and Anna Manning. Abram Manning had died in 1841, when she was six years old, and she had then come to the states, going to live with a cousin at Moores, Clinton County, New York, which place was her home up to the time of her marriage and for two years after that event. Her mother, on coming to the states, located in Springfield, Ill., later moving to Chicago. Francis A. Goodhue and wife resided at Moores until 1854 and then went to Jericho, Vt., which was his old home town. In 1856 they joined the tide of westward emigration, locating in Trempealeau Village, Trempealeau County, Wis., where Mr. Goodhue followed the trades of millwright and cabinetmaker until 1862. During that time he built several mills on Black River, near La Crosse. After 1862 he confined himself to carpenter and cabinet work, and later entered into partnership with A. P. Ford and opened a furniture business on Front street, Trempealeau Village. This partnership was continued for about four years, at the end of which time Mr. Goodhue sold his interest in the business to Mr. Ford. He then opened a book and stationery store, and though burned out in the "big fire" he reopened the store and continued in the business until 1888, when his health failed. On June 29, 1900, he passed away and was buried in the family lot in Trempealeau Cemetery. Mr. Goodhue was an active and useful member of the Congregational church, which he had joined in his youth, serving it as deacon for a number of years and taking a leading part in all its affairs. He was also warmly interested in the growth and development of the village, which he could remember in its early stages. as he had often killed bear and deer immediately in front of where the family residence now stands. His aid and influence as a business man and well-to-do citizen were always to be depended upon on behalf of any feasible project for the public good. His life was unselfish and there were few
LONE MOUND FARM; WILLIAM NICHOLLS, PROPRIETOR
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men in. Trempealeau, if any, who were more highly esteemed or whose loss was more deeply regretted. Mrs. Goodhue was a member of the Congrega- tional church, to which her husband belonged, almost since its organization. She and her husband were the parents of six children: Sarah Eunice, who died in infancy ; Edwin Francis, Elbert Newton, Beard, Alletta D. and a babe, unnamed, that died in infancy. Edwin F., who was in the railway mail service for a number of years, is now living in Helena, Mont., being retired from active work. Elbert N., who was for a time editor of the Trempealeau Herald and for 18 years district court stenographer in Winona, Wabash and Rochester, Minn., died in Winona, Jan. 10, 1916, and is buried in Trempealeau Cemetery. Beard, also deceased, is buried there. Alletta, who is editor and proprietor of the Trempealeau Herald, resides at home with her mother.
Alletta Dixon Goodhue, editor and proprietor of the Trempealeau Herald, is a native of this village. She received a high school education, which was supplemented by instruction in painting and music. After- wards she became identified with the business interests of the town in the book and stationery line, in which she has since continued. Later she entered the field of journalism by purchasing the Herald from her brother. While others sought new and, as they thought, more promising fields else- where, she has remained in her home town, and now has the satisfaction of knowing that she has been fully as successful as most of those who have tried other locations. In its infancy the Herald was published under a leased roof, as are most of the papers in the county today, but is now issued every week from its own building and is operated on a paying basis. This happy result has been achieved by devotion to clean journalism and close attention to business on the part of its proprietor, who not only edits the paper and attends to its business management, but also superintends its mechanical production, and, if necessary, can set type and get out the paper alone. By reason of her artistic ability she can also illustrate local or general events, doing all the work herself. The Herald is Republican in politics and is on the high road to prosperity.
William Nicholls, Sr., a pioneer, was born in Kingsbridge, Devonshire, England, June 11, 1824, and was there reared and educated. He came to America in 1848, and lived two years in Montreal and Quebec, before locat- ing in Whitewater, Wis. From there, in 1851, he came to Trempealeau, and homesteaded 145 acres in section 36, Caledonia township, about one mile and a half east of Trempealeau village. There he built a shanty and started to develop a farm. As time passed he achieved prosperity, and became one of the leading men in the community. For many years he did most admirable service as a member of the town board, and he also occupied other positions of public honor and private trust. He continued in active work until he reached the age of 70 years, when he had the mis- fortune to fall and break his hip. From that time he was able to do but little work. After a long life filled with worthy endeavor, he died Novem- ber 11, 1910. Mr. Nicholls was married July 9, 1863, to Charlotte Dun- ham, then of Trempealeau Village, who was born in New Haven, Vermont, Feb. 17, 1833, and came to Wisconsin with her parents. Mr. and Mrs.
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Nicholls were the parents of three children: One who died in infancy; William, who was born July 18, 1870, and is now a prominent man of Trempealeau, and Nellie, who was born Sept. 24, 1874, and is now the wife of C. H. Growt of Trempealeau.
William Nicholls, one of the leading agriculturists of Trempealeau County, carries on farming operations in Caledonia Township, not far from Trempealeau Village, and has as good a farm as is to be found in this region. Born on the homestead of his parents, William and Charlotte (Dunham) Nicholls, July 7, 1870, he has spent his life on the home place, and has established for himself an excellent reputation among his fellow men. Until 12 years of age he attended the school of district 3, near his home, then he entered the Trempealeau schools, and was graduated from the high school there at the age of 17 years. During the winter of 1887-88 he was a student in the agricultural department of the University of Wisconsin, at the time when that department was still in its infancy. With this preparation he took over the active management of the home place, and here he has since remained. This he has improved in every way, adding to its value year by year through careful cultivation, build- ing operations, fence construction, and the purchase of tools, implements and machinery. The original home has been remodelled until it is a large commodious structure, modern in many ways, and well furnished through- out. Three new barns, 28 by 64 feet, 40 by 72 feet, 20 by 46 feet, a swine house, 20 by 46 feet, and many other buildings have been constructed. To the original tract he has added 255 acres, and now has a place of 400 acres, 150 acres of which are under the plow, and 250 acres in pasture, hay and woodland. The cattle on the place are Guernseys, his herd containing about 60 head. From this herd he secures some 15,000 quarts of cream annually, which is shipped to Winona and sold at retail. His cattle are widely known and are shipped from coast to coast. In addition to stock raising and dairying he specializes in pure blood Chester White swine. He likewise successfully carries on general farming. Mr. Nicholls is a public- spirited citizen, and while not actively interested in political affairs, has consented to serve for several terms as a member of the town and school board. He helped to organize the Citizens State Bank of Trempealeau, and has been its president since 1912. He is a stockholder as well in the Western Wisconsin Telephone Company, the Trempealeau Lime Products Company, the Galesville Creamery and other organizations. In the Con- gregational church, of which he and his family are all members and active workers, he is a trustee. His fraternal relations are with the Masonic order, the Eastern Star, the Modern Woodmen and the Independent For- esters, in all of which local lodges he has held office. Mr. Nicholls was married June 22, 1893, to Elizabeth Carr, daughter of Thomas and Regina Carr, of De Soto, Wis., and born in Winona, March 1, 1872. Mr. and Mrs. Nicholls have had three children: Auline, William Carroll and Charlotte Elizabeth. Auline was born March 25, 1895, graduated from the Trem- pealeau high school and the La Crosse normal school and is now a teacher. William Carroll was born May 13, 1897, graduated from the Trempealeau high school, and is at home with his parents, assisting with the work of
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WILLIAM NICHOLLS, SR .- WILLIAM NICHOLLS AND FAMILY-MRS. WILLIAM NICHOLLS, SR.
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HISTORY OF TREMPEALEAU COUNTY
the farm. Charlotte Elizabeth was born June 12, 1901, and is still attend- ing school.
Peter Johnson, who is successfully farming 160 acres of land in sec- tion 15, Gale Township, his place being known as Rolling Prairie Farm, was born in Toten, Norway, April 3, 1880. His parents, Johanas and Josephena (Christensen) Johnson, natives of Norway, are both living, the father being a stone mason by occupation. Peter Johnson was the fourth born in a family of eight children. He began to work when he was 12 years old and remained in his native land until 1908, when he came to the United States, locating in Trempealeau County, Wisconsin. He was at this time ignorant of the English language, but applied himself to learn it as speedily as possible, and with good success. After arriving in the county he found employment with Mr. Hardie, with whom he remained about 18 months. Then, ambitious to be his own master, and have chances for advancement which he could never have working for others, he rented his present farm and began agriculture on his own account. Not long afterwards he pur- chased the farm, consisting of 160 acres, and is now engaged in operating it, doing general farming, including stock raising and dairying. He is gradually improving the place and is doing a profitable business. Mr. Johnson was married in Norway in 1899 to Hannah Evenson, who was born in Vordval, Norway, daughter of Even and Eliza Evenson. Her parents came to the United States many years ago, settling near Deer Park, St. Croix County, Wis., where they followed farming. Both are now deceased. Mr. and Mrs. Johnson have five children: John, Alfred, Ingvald, Paul and Hannah, all residing at home. With the thrift and energy characteristic of most Scandinavian people, Mr. Johnson has made good progress since coming to this country, and with good health and prolonged life he can hardly fail of further self-advancement.
Andrew J. Klundby, who is engaged in farming in section 26, Gale Township, was born in Biri, Norway, April 24, 1861, son of Jens and Martha (Nelson) Klundby, both parents being natives of the same place. They came to the United States at some time between 1886 and 1888, locating on a farm in Jackson County, Wisconsin, where Jens Klundby died about 1904 and his wife in 1914. They had a family of nine children, Andrew J. being the fourth born. Andrew J. Klundby acquired his educa- tion in his native land, where he resided until he was about 19 years of age. Then, in 1880, he came to this country, and from that time until his marriage in 1895, he made his home with John Johnson in Gale Town- ship. Oct. 31, 1895, he married Bertha Johnson, who was born in Gale Township, daughter of Hans and Gulena Johnson, her parents being natives of Norway, who came to America in the early seventies. They located first on Half Way Creek, in this township, but afterwards moved to Hardie's Creek Valley, where Hans Johnson followed farming, and where he still resides, though now retired from active work. His wife died in the fall of 1916. They had a family of five children. At the time of his marriage Mr. Klundby moved onto a farm in Skunk Coolie, near the Grant school house, where he was engaged in agriculture for eight years. He then came to his present farm, which contains 80 acres of land in one piece, while he
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