History of Trempealeau County, Wisconsin, Part 107

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 107

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Edward D. Smith, who is engaged in operating a stock farm of 120 acres in section 17, Gale Township, was born near Melrose, Jackson County, Nov. 1, 1884, son of Adam and Jane D. (Love) Smith. He acquired his education in the district schools of Gale Township and his industrial train- ing on his father's farm, where he obtained a good knowledge of agricul- ture. At the age of 22 years, being still a single man, he rented the home farm of 120 acres and has since operated it continuously as a stock farm, breeding Jersey cattle, and also keeping a number of high class horses. He is also a stockholder in the La Crosse Packing Company and in the Industrial Harvester Company at Plano, Ill. Mr. Smith was married June 3, 1913, to Bertha Nordstrum, who was born in Jackson County, near North Bend, Wis., daughter of Carl and Bertha (Olson) Nordstrum. Her parents were married in the United States, the father being a native of Sweden and the mother of Norway. Carl Nordstrum learned the car- penter's trade early in life and followed it for many years, also devoting some time to agriculture. He is still actively engaged in the vicinity of North Bend. His wife died 13 years ago. Their daughter Bertha, who was the youngest of five children, was educated in Jackson County. Mr. and Mrs. Smith are the parents of one child, Leolah Dorine. Mr. Smith is affiliated in membership with the Modern Woodmen of America and the Beavers. He attends the Presbyterian church, though not a member, and in politics is independent. He is doing a profitable business in stock rais- ing and is well to do.

Clarence J. Van Tassel, civil engineer, is having an important part in the road work which is giving to Trempealeau County its justly-famed system of public highways. The new roads over some of the most difficult ridges in the county owe their location and grades to his skill, and his efficiency is highly praised throughout the state, being in constant demand over a wide territory. His work in locating the route of the new Ettrick & Northern Railroad has permanently established his record among the successful engineers of the state. Mr. Van Tassel is a native of this county, having been born in Hale Township, July 5, 1879, son of James and Clara (Wegner) Van Tassel. James Van Tassel was born in Kenosha, Wis., came

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to Trempealeau County with his parents in 1863, married Clara Wegner, and devoted the remainder of his life to agricultural pursuits, dying in 1898, since which time his wife had made her home in a comfortable resi- dence in Whitehall. Clarence J. Van Tassel was reared to farm pursuits and received a solid foundation for an education which he has since sup- plemented by wide reading and close observation. For several years he was a teacher, after which he was a successful photographer. But he was a man of resource and ambition, and determining to become a pro- fessional man he took up the study of civil engineering at home, and found it not only to be an occupation which he found congenial, but one for which he had great natural aptitude. He devoted a part of his time to this profession for several years, and in 1912 adopted it as his life work. For several terms he has been county surveyor. A popular genial man of many friends, Mr. Van Tassel has allied himself with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, in the local lodge of which he has passed through all the chairs. Mr. Van Tassel was married Nov. 1, 1899, to Anna Stanley of Onalaska, Wis., daughter of Lyman and Diana Stanley, a former school teacher, and a gracious lady of many accomplishments. Their pleasant and hospitable home is blessed with the presence of four children: Thur- man, Howard, Gerald and Olive. The family has a wide circle of friends and is highly regarded and respected.

Rudolph and Henry Kube, who are prosperously engaged in farming in section 17, Arcadia Township, are sons of Gustave and Ernestine Kube, and were born, Rudolph in Arcadia Township May 1, 1887, and Henry in Arcadia Township Oct. 28, 1893. Their parents came to America from Germany in 1883, locating first in West Salem, Ill., where they remained nine months, and then coming to Arcadia Township, this county, where they purchased 80 acres of land from John G. Greiner. There were some improvements on it, but none very important, a one-room house with a log barn and granary being the only buildings. Water had to be carried or hauled for about a mile, but after a few years a 340-foot well and steel windmill were put in. Whenever time and money would permit land was bought adjoining the 80 acres until the farm now contains 396 acres. A quarry of limestone was also opened and is today one of the finest in the county, being operated by steam and drill. The father and mother had built a commodious two-story brick upright to the house, a basement barn, 36 by 96 feet, and a machine shed and granary. The sons have since added a poultry house, 16 by 36 feet, and a silo. Mrs. Kube was born May 30, 1850, in Rohrsdorf, Province of Pommern, Germany, and died July 15, 1912, in this township. Mr. Kube was born Sept. 13, 1849, in Gebersdorf, Province of Pommern, Germany. They were married Nov. 28, 1878, in Rohrsdorf, at the Lutheran church, with which church the family is affiliated. Nine children were born of this union, namely: Julius, Frederick, Martha, Gustave, Rudolph, Ida, William, Henry and Edward, the last mentioned of whom died in infancy. All are engaged in farm- ing in this township, with the exception of William, who is operating a farm at Alma Center, Wis., and Martha, who is now Mrs. Percy T. Veto of Sanish, N. D., also living on a claim. Their father sold the old home Dec.

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15, 1913, to the two sons, Rudolph and Henry, who have since operated it together in partnership. The father, who became a naturalized Amer- ican citizen Oct. 4, 1915, lives with them, and Ida attends to the house- keeping, since neither of the sons is married. Rudolph and Henry had but little opportunity for schooling, but attended the district school when- ever they could and thus picked up the rudiments of knowledge. They remained at home with their parents and worked on the farm, acquiring in good time a knowledge of agriculture. The subjects of this sketch are among the energetic and prosperous young farmers of Trempealeau County and are respected both for what they are and for what they have done.

Robert Van Tassel, an enterprising and successful farmer of Sumner Township, having a fertile farm of 185 acres in section 3, was born in Adams County, Wisconsin, near Kilbourn, June 18, 1861. He is a son of Jacob and Harriet (Bradford) Van Tassel. Jacob Van Tassel was born in New York state in September, 1821. Mrs. Harriet (Bradford) Van Tassel died in 1863, and three years later Jacob Van Tassel married Catherine Costello, who now resides at Madelia, Minn. They came to Trempealeau County in 1868, homesteading a farm in Hale Township, where Jacob Van Tassel spent the rest of his life. Robert Van Tassel was the youngest of the six children by his father's first wife. He acquired a knowledge of agriculture in his youth and early manhood and after his father's death rented the home farm in Hale Township for two years. He then went to Verdi, Minn., where he resided until 1888. Subsequently returning to Hale Township he rented farms until 1898, in which year he bought the old home farm in Hale Township. There he remained until 1913, after which he sold it and bought his present farm, which is a well improved piece of property. The residence is a good two-story frame structure, with basement, and containing nine rooms. The barn meas- ures 34 by 64 by 20 feet, with cement floors and steel stanchions, and in addition there is a stave silo, 12 by 32 feet, and a machine shed, 22 by 40. The property was purchased from E. J. Matchett and is well fenced with woven wire. Mr. Van Tassel was married March 31, 1889, to Dora Bailey of Verdi, Minn., who was born near Melrose, Jackson County, Minn., Jan. 4, 1871, daughter of Zaccheus W. and Catherine (House) Bailey. Her father, born in New York state in 1842, died Sept. 9, 1902; his wife Catherine died Dec. 19, 1897. Mr. and Mrs. Van Tassel are the parents of seven children: Ethel, born March 17, 1891, who married Elmer Wood, railroad agent at Alma Center, and has one child, Muriel; Vern, born Aug. 30, 1893; Ruth, born March 26, 1897, and now a teacher; Bessie, born Sept. 2, 1899; Cecil, born May 30, 1902; Alfred, born Dec. 19, 1909; and Dolores, born Sept. 4, 1914.

CHAPTER XVI

BANKS AND BANKING

There are sixteen State Banks and one National Bank in Trempealeau County, as follows: John O. Melby & Co. Bank of Whitehall, People's State Bank of Whitehall, Farmers' and Merchants' Bank of Independence, State Bank of Independence, Farmers' State Bank of Arcadia, Bank of Arcadia, Bank of Galesville, Farmers' and Merchants' Bank of Galesville, State Bank: of Osseo, Farmers' Exchange Bank of Osseo, Citizens' State Bank of Trem- pealeau, Bank of Eleva, First State Bank of Strum, Bank of Ettrick, Home Bank of Blair, First State Bank of Dodge, and the First National Bank of Blair.

The first bank in the county was the Trempealeau County Bank, estab- lished at Whitehall, May 10, 1878, by James and Frank C. Allen. June 1, 1879, it was moved to Arcadia. The oldest bank in the county is the Bank of Arcadia, which dates from June 6, 1883. The second is the Bank of Galesville, established July 30, 1883, the first incorporated bank in the county. The next is the John O. Melby & Co. Bank of Whitehall, estab- lished Oct. 28, 1888. The next is the State Bank of Independence, estab- lished April 3, 1897.

The Bank of Arcadia had its beginning as early as 1855, when John Gillispie began dealing in notes and loaning money at Arcadia. He estab- lished the Bank of Arcadia June 6, 1883. Associated with him was J. M. Higbee. In October, 1898, the bank was purchased by Joseph Ruth, J. M. Fertig and Emil Maurer, and Mr. Ruth, who had long been cashier, was placed in charge. Aug. 1, 1901, there was a reorganization as a State bank, with Emil Maurer as president, Joseph Ruth as cashier, and J. M. Fertig as the third member of the board. The capital was increased to $25,000 and Mr. Maurer, who for many years had been a leading citizen and prosperous business man, entered into active participation in the management of the institution. Sept. 4, 1901, John C. Gaveney and G. N. Hidershide became stockholders, and other stockholders were admitted the following year. Aug. 12, 1907, John C. Gaveney and N. Lehrbach were added to the list of directors. On April 21, 1908, Mr. Ruth was succeeded as director by G. N. Hidershide, and as cashier by O. B. Strause, a rising young business man of Winona, who has since been an active factor in the bank's progress. At the same time, J. I. Dewey was added to the directorate. Mr. Fertig was succeeded July 25, 1910, by F. C. Richmond. The new bank building, started in 1913 and occupied Jan. 1, 1914, is one of the most sightly and imposing banking houses in the county. The structure is of brick, and a facade of Bedford rock, with Greek Ionic pillars and cap. The interior is finished in mahogany, marble and stucco-work and is equipped with all the latest equipment for banking sightliness and safety. Aside from the

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private offices and directors' rooms, there is a consultation and rest room for the use of the patrons. The officers are: President, Emil Maurer ; vice- president, John C. Gaveney ; cashier, O. B. Strouse ; directors, Emil Maurer, John C. Gaveney, Nicholas Lehrbach, J. I. Dewey, Frank C. Richmond, George N. Hidershide. Statement May 1, 1917: Capital, $25,000. 00; deposits, $538,595.01 ; surplus and undivided profits, $12,961.18; loans and discounts, $366,777.94; cash and due from banks, $171,870.78. Statement June 20, 1917: Resources-Loans and discounts, $361,883.40; overdrafts, $7,909.20; bonds, $29,000.00; bank building, $8,750.00; furniture and fix- tures, $7,665.05 ; due from banks, $113,814.67 ; cash, $14,478.49 ; total, $543,- 501.81. Liabilities-Capital stock, $25,000.00; surplus fund, $10,000.00; undivided profits, $3,333.78; deposits subject to check, $93,350.17; certifi- cates of deposit, $353,059.02 ; savings deposits, $57,983.84 ; cashier's checks, $775.00; total, $543,501.81.

The John O. Melby & Co. Bank of Whitehall has for nearly three decades been a leading factor in the financial stability and business and agricultural development of the county. Starting as a private bank in 1888, it has gradually increased its scope and influence, and has woven its history into the warp and woof of Trempealeau County life. In 1887 John O. Melby became cashier of the Bank of Galesville, this and the Bank of Arcadia then constituting the only two banks in the county. In this relation, he came to see the advantages of opening a financial institution in Arcadia, the county seat. Accordingly on Oct. 28, 1888, he started business under the name of John O. Melby, Banker. Its success was assured from the start. With an increased volume of business. Mr. Melby was influenced by the tendency of many of the leading bankers of the State to incorporate their institutions, and accordingly he decided to associate himself with a number of other business men and enlarge the field of the bank by incorporating. This step was taken during the summer of 1894, and in the fall the new firm received its charter from the State of Wisconsin, the business of Mr. Melby being merged in the present corporation on Oct. 1, 1894. The John O. Melby & Co. Bank was incorporated Sept. 22, 1894, and started business under that name Oct. 1, with a capital of $25,000 and a charter to operate for twenty years. The incorporators were John O. Melby, O. P. Larson, A. W. Newman, Anton O. Melby, J. B. Beach, H. A. Anderson, David Wood, E. N. Trowbridge, C. P. Thompson, J. C. Lamberson and Peter Ekern. The first officers and directors were: John O. Melby (president), O. P. Larson (vice president), Anton O. Melby, E. N. Trowbridge, O. P. Larson. Anton O. Melby and Peder Ekern. July 7, 1896, E. N. Trowbridge was elected assistant cashier, and in July, 1897, was made a vice-president, which posi- tion he held until his death, Jan. 1, 1900. Feb. 21, 1900. H. A. Anderson was elected vice-president to succeed Mr. Trowbridge. July 2, 1901, O. P. Larson became vice-president. July 3, 1906, H. A. Anderson succeeded him. April 3, 1909, C. B. Melby was elected as assistant cashier. May 10, 1909, O. P. Larson again became vice-president. July 6, 1909, H. A. Anderson was elected president to succeed John O. Melby, deceased. P. H. Johnson was elected second vice-president. July 5, 1911, Anton O. Melby was elected president and C. B. Melby cashier. July 8, 1913, David Wood

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was elected a vice-president. The composition of the present staff is as follows: Anton O. Melby, president ; P. H. Johnson, vice-president ; David Wood, vice-president ; Charles B. Melby, cashier. In 1892 the bank erected a two-story brick building, which was destroyed by fire in March, 1894. The present structure was started at once and completed the same year, 1894. Extensive remodeling was done and a two-story addition built in 1914, which provides a commodious room for the bank officials and directors, and which is also given over to the use of its customers and the public. This insti- tution has ever been conducted along lines of conservatism, safety being the watchword from the beginning. Its policy has been to conduct a banking business strictly, in a manner that will best serve the needs and require- ments of the people of the community, bearing in mind that to do this one must be progressive, keeping pace with the changes in methods and service which time imposes. Its service, treatment and courtesy extend to all uniformly. It has stood for the best that goes to build up any locality and has interested itself in all movements and endeavors which have tended to better the vicinity in which it operates, whether moral, social or religious. The bank's statement issued May 1, 1917, showed the following items : Capital, $50,000.00; deposits, $660,618.09; surplus and undivided profits, $25,909.18; loans and discounts, $567,478.93; cash and due from banks, $159,935.01. The statement showing the condition of the bank at the close of business Sept. 11, 1917, is as follows : Resources-Loans and discounts, $556,689.87; overdrafts, $472.13; bonds, $34,100.00; banking house, $4,000.00; furniture and fixtures, $3,600.00; due from approved reserve banks, $131,317.77 ; due from other banks, $10,441.10 ; checks on other banks and cash items, $568.83 ; exchanges for clearing house, $10.00 ; cash on hand, $9,605.40 ; total, $750,805.10. Liabilities-Capital stock paid in, $50,000.00; surplus fund, $15,000 ; undivided profits, $7,572.75 ; individual deposits sub- ject to check, $181,503.28 ; time certificates of deposit, $394,898.56; savings deposits, $94,402.17; cashier's checks outstanding, $4,088.41; reserved for taxes, $2,739.93 ; Liberty bond account, $600.00; total, $750,805.10.

The Bank of Galesville was organized and opened for business in July, 1883, as a private bank by Isaac Clark and Walter C. Brooks, with a capital of $10,000.00, of which each partner contributed $5,000.00. For twoyears the business was carried on very successfully as a private bank. In 1885 it was incorporated under the Wisconsin laws, with a capital of $25,000.00. It was the first incorporated bank in Trempealeau County. The stock was dis- tributed among the leading business men in Galesville and vicinity. The first officers were: Isaac Clark, president; A. W. Newman vice president ; W. C. Brooks, cashier. The first board of directors were Isaac Clark, J. O. Melby, A. W. Newman, Wilson Davis, Iver Pederson, W. C. Brooks and Daniel Kennedy. In 1887 W. C. Brooks sold his interest in the bank and J. O. Melby was elected as cashier, which office he held for one year, resign- ing so as to organize the bank at Whitehall known as The J. O. Melby Co. Bank. Upon the resignation of Mr. Melby in 1888, C. M. Kellogg was elected as cashier and continued as such until July, 1896, when he resigned and Mr. J. F. Cance was elected to fill the vacancy. Isaac Clark was president con- tinuously from the time of the incorporation of the bank until his death

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in 1894, when his son, E. F. Clark, was elected to the office, which he has held ever since. The present officers of the bank are: E. F. Clark, president ; S. C. French, vice-president; Ben W. Davis, vice-president; J. F. Cance, cashier; R. H. Ashley, assistant cashier ; J. A. Hammer, assistant cashier. The present directors of the bank are: E. F. Clark, Ben W. Davis, S. C. French, L. N. Hammer, F. A. Kellman, W. S. Wadleigh and J. F. Cance. As stated above, Mr. Clark is now president of the bank and has occupied that office since 1894. The cashier, J. F. Cance, has been with the bank since 1889 and has held the office of cashier since July, 1896. He is the active managing officer of the institution. The bank owns its building-one of the best structures in Galesville. The policy has always been as liberal as is consistent with safety. It has always been foremost among the citizens of Galesville to promote any worthy enterprise for the benefit of the town. Statement May 1, 1917: Capital, $50,000.00 ; deposits, $683,868.15 ; surplus and undivided profits, $26,583.40; loans and discounts, $542,604.23; cash and due from banks, $151,929.80.

The Home Bank of Blair was incorporated March 20, 1903, the incor- porators being H. C. Hjerleid, O. B. Borsheim, W. G. Hyslop, J. B. Ellison, K. K. Hagestad, Reier Thompson, John McKivergin, K. S. Knutson, A. Anderson, O. Gulbrandson, P. T. Herreid, Morris Hanson, G. L. Solberg and L. L. Grinde. The first officers were H. C. Hjerleid, president ; W. G. Hyslop, vice-president, and O. B. Borsheim, cashier. The directors were H. C. Hjer- leid, Reier Thompson, K. K. Hagestad, J. B. Ellison, John McKivergin, W. G. Hyslop and O. B. Borsheim. The bank was opened for business as a private institution Oct. 7, 1899. The building was erected in 1901. The present officers are : O. B. Borsheim, president ; G. L. Solberg, vice-president ; G. L. Hjerleid, cashier. Statement May 1, 1917: Capital, $30,000.00; deposits, $431,651.38 ; surplus and undivided profits, $10,427.13 ; loans and discounts, $413,492.66 ; cash and due from banks, $52,305.78. Statement May 7, 1917 : Capital, $30,000.00; surplus and undivided profits, $12,300.00; deposits, $440,000.00 ; loans and discounts, $443,000.00 ; building, furniture and fix- tures, $3,500.00 ; cash and exchange, $65,000.00.

The State Bank of Osseo was established Jan. 12, 1900, and was incor- porated as a State bank May 11, 1903. The officers are: President, F. M. Smith ; vice-president, A. E. Bradford; cashier, T. J. Thompson; assistant cashier, C. Pupikofer; directors, E. Hagen, F. M. Smith, Paul Christopher- son. Statement May 1, 1917: Capital, $30,000.00; deposits, $350,000.00; surplus and undivided profits, $1,500.00; loans and discounts, $112,000.00; cash and due from banks, $36,000.00.

The Farmers' and Merchants' State Bank of Galesville was incorpo- rated Sept. 17, 1908, by J. A. Berg, A. O. Nelson, H. F. Claussen, John Dick and L. M. Gimmestad. Its first officers were: A. O. Nelson, president ; H. F. Claussen, vice-president; J. A. Berg, cashier, and G. O. Sagen, assistant cashier. The directors were A. O. Nelson, H. F. Claussen, J. A. Berg, A. T. Twesme, G. H. Lawrence, John Dick and J. M. Benrud. The bank opened for business Nov. 9, 1908. It is located in a rented building, but the building is controlled by a corporation composed mainly of directors and stockholders of the bank, which has been in its present quarters for

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five years. A. O. Nelson, who was neither an active officer nor a resident of Trempealeau County, saw the advisability of resigning, for the best interest of the bank, which he did Jan. 13, 1913, and on the same date the present president, G. O. Gilbertson, was elected. Mr. Gilbertson is one of the oldest business men in the village, having conducted the largest mer- cantile store in town for more than 40 years, and is one of Galesville's most reliable citizens. The present officers of the bank are: G. O. Gilbertson, president; John Dick, vice-president; J. A. Berg, cashier; G. O. Sagen, assistant cashier. Directors: A. J. Baardseth, J. M. Benrud, John Dick, J. O. Hovre, F. J. Stellpflug, G. O. Gilbertson, S. D. Grover, C. C. Wason and J. A. Berg. Statement March 5, 1917: Resources-Loans and discounts, $233,467.89 ; overdrafts, $826.25 ; furniture and fixtures, $2,000.00 ; due from approved reserve banks, $24,336.79; checks on other banks and cash items. $491.51; cash on hand, $6,767.80; total, $267,890.24. Liabilities-Capital stock paid in, $15,000.00; surplus fund, $6,000.00; undivided profits, $2,683.50 ; dividends unpaid, $8.00; individual deposits subject to check, $60,808.58 ; time certificates of deposit, $134,003.79 ; savings deposits, $49,- 386.37; total, $267,890.24. Statement May 1, 1917: Capital, $15,000.00; deposits, $244,712.96; surplus and undivided profits, $9,300.00; loans and discounts, $231,770.46; cash and due from banks, $36,660.00. Statement Sept. 7, 1917: Total deposits, $265,426; loans and discounts, $230,500; cash and due from banks, $57,285.

The Bank of Ettrick was incorporated Aug. 28, 1911, by H. F. Claussen, O. E. Runnestrand, John Raichle, M. T. Pederson and E. E. Runnestrand. The first officers were: Iver Pederson, president; E. J. Brovold, vice- president ; H. F. Claussen, cashier ; directors, Iver Pederson, E. J. Brovold, H. F. Claussen, J. E. Cance, A. P. Ofsdahl, A. J. Ekern and L. K. Underheim. The bank opened for business Dec. 21, 1911. It occupies its own building, which was remodeled in 1911. On May 13, 1914, K. A. Knutson was elected vice president in place of E. J. Brovold, deceased, and on Oct. 20, the same year, H. F. Claussen was elected president in place of Iver Pederson. deceased. The present official staff is composed as follows: H. F. Claus- sen, president ; K. A. Knutson, vice-president ; H. F. Claussen, cashier ; Lucile Claussen, assistant cashier; A. M. Pederson, secretary ; directors, H. F. Claussen, K. A. Knutson, A. M. Pederson, J. E. Cance, A. J. Ekern, L. K. Underheim and A. P. Ofsdahl. Statement May 1, 1917: Capital, $15,- 000.00; deposits, $198,539.68; surplus and undivided profits, $3,382.89; loans and discounts, $144,140.82; cash and due from banks, $67,011.31. Statement Sept. 7. 1917: Resources-Loans and discounts, $153,856.05; bonds, $4,000.00; banking house, $3,750.00; furniture and fixtures, $1,750.00 ; due from banks, $35,074.40 ; cash on hand, $2,986.97 ; overdrafts, $466.29 ; total, $201,883.71. Liabilities-Capital stock, $15,000.00 ; surplus, $2,500.00; undivided profits, $1,507.02; deposits, $182,876.69; total, $201,883.71.

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History of Trempealeau County, Wisconsin, Part 107

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