USA > Wisconsin > Trempealeau County > History of Trempealeau County, Wisconsin > Part 108
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The Citizens' State Bank of Trempealeau was established Dec. 6, 1912. The officers are: President, William Nicholls ; vice-president, F. W. Graves ; cashier, L. S. Sanders ; assistant cashier, Carroll Nichols ; directors, William Nichols, F. W. Graves, L. S. Sanders, N. H. Carhart, W. A. Bright. State-
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HISTORY OF TREMPEALEAU COUNTY
ment May 1, 1917: Capital, $10,000.00; deposits, $112,000.00 ; surplus and undivided profits, $1,500.00; loans and discounts, $90,700.00; cash and due from banks, $21,000.00.
The Farmers' State Bank of Arcadia was established Aug. 15, 1913. The officers are: President, Dr. J. A. Palmer; vice-president, Robert Ashton; cashier, D. G. Wieland; directors, Dr. J. A. Palmer, Robert Ashton, Joseph Danuser, M. N. Lehnerts, A. C. Stielow, H. E. Hensel. Statement, May 1, 1917: Capital, $15,000; deposits, $150,000 ; surplus and undivided profits, $800; loans and discounts, $151,000; cash and due from banks, $17,000.
The First State Bank of Dodge was incorporated Oct. 3, 1914, by Frank J. Rohn, M. D. Brom, J. B. Literski, M. J. Kulas, S. Losinski, J. K. Rezab and J. F. Brom. The first officers were: M. J. Kulas, president ; M. D. Brom, vice-president ; Frank J. Rohn, cashier ; directors, M. J. Kulas, M. D. Brom, Frank J. Rohn, J. B. Literski, S. Losinski, J. K. Rezab and J. F. Brom. This institution opened for business Dec. 4, 1914. On Oct. 2, 1916, Harry J. Satka, formerly with the First National Bank of Winona, Minn., was elected cashier to succeed Frank J. Rohn, who resigned. The present staff is as follows: M. J. Kulas, president; M. D. Brom, vice-president ; Harry J. Satka, cashier. The policy of the bank is to treat all its customers alike, whether large or small, and give them prompt and courteous treatment. Its motto is "Safety, service and courtesy." This bank is a new one and has had many difficulties to overcome. There had never been a bank in Dodge, and the people naturally tributory to this village have been accus- tomed to do their business elsewhere, so that there is strong competition on all four sides. Obligations for financial accommodations in time of need are not easily forgotten, and there is a reluctance to break long-established connections. The establishment of the bank here, however, is a strong move toward bringing other business to Dodge, and is proving an important factor in increasing Dodge's advantages as a trading center. While prog- ress in developing the bank was at first slow, the present cashier has won the confidence and esteem of the people, and under his management the business has nearly doubled. Statement May 1, 1917: Capital, $10,000.00; deposits, $37,978.12; loans and discounts, $41,612.14; cash and due from banks, $6,654.70. Statement June 20, 1917: Resources-Loans and dis- counts, $43,498.27; overdrafts, $142.54; furniture and fixtures, $1,624.49; due from approved reserve banks, $3,351.13; checks on other banks and cash items, $22.50 ; cash on hand, $2,586.69 ; total, $51,225.62. Liabilities- Capital stock paid in, $10,000.00 ; surplus fund, $2,000.00; undivided profits, $200.75 ; individual deposits subject to check, $9,773.14; time certificates of deposit, $7,609.25; saving deposits, $18,785.38; cashier's checks outstand- ing, $357.10 ; bills payable, $2,500.00 ; total, $51,225.62.
The Farmers' and Merchants' Bank of Independence, with its clever slogan, "The Bank That Banks the Farmer," is one of the youngest banks in the county, but has some of the oldest citizens of the county as its stockholders. The bank was incorporated May 9, 1916, and opened for business Nov. 27, 1916, the incorporators being William L. Lambert, Paul Sura, A. C. Stielow, Robert S. Cowie, Peter Nelton, J. P. Libowski, William
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HISTORY OF TREMPEALEAU COUNTY
H. Meyer, Math Elstad, Ole H. Berg and Peter C. Skroch. The officers and directors are : President, Frank A. Hotchkiss ; vice-president, Peter Nelton ; cashier, Paul T. Schultze; directors, F. A. Hotchkiss; James N. Hunter, P. M. Lambert, Peter Nelton, William H. Meyer, Mike Skroch and F. G. Theisen. The institution is doing business in a rented building, but expects soon to erect an edifice in keeping with its growing business. Mr. Hotchkiss and Mr. Schulze are giving their personal attention to the bank, their motto being "To serve, and help build up Independence and the surrounding com- munity." Statement May 1, 1917: Capital, $20,000.00; deposits, $62,- 705.43 ; surplus and undivided profits, $2,852.50; loans and discounts, $69,- 936.06; cash and due from banks, $12,782.68. Statement, Sept. 13, 1917: Resources-Loans and discounts, $91,820.76 ; bonds, $1,000; furniture and fixtures, $1,583.20; due from reserve banks, $9,031.09; cash on hand, $5,669.67; total, $109,104.72. Liabilities-Capital, $20,000.00; undivided profits, $2,378.25; bills payable, $3,000.00; deposits, $83,726.47; total, $109,104.72.
The Farmers' Exchange Bank of Osseo was incorporated May 22, 1916, the incorporators being Dr. Oscar Knutson, George Gjuul, C. S. Van Gorden, S. H. Van Gorden, B. L. Van Gorden and M. P. Skogstad. The first officers were C. O. Dahl, president ; William J. Fisher, vice-president ; M. P. Skog- stad, cashier; directors, C. O. Dahl, S. C. Van Gorden, William J. Fischer, George Gjuul, William Stubbe, H. M. Olson, Ludvig Person, Oscar Knutson and M. P. Skogstad. The bank opened for business July 10, 1916, in the Van Gorden Building, in small quarters, and immediately started the erec- tion of its handsome bank building on Seventh Street, into which it moved in January, 1917. No change in officers has been made. The bank is progressing, having total resources of $160,000.00 at the close of the first year's business. Its policy is always to help promote the welfare of this locality, rendering service to the farmers and business men of northern Trempealeau County. Statement May 1, 1917: Capital, $25,000.00; de- posits, $130,000.00; surplus and undivided profits, $1,500.00; loans and discounts, $112,000.00 ; cash and due from banks, $36,000.00.
The First State Bank of Strum was incorporated Dec. 2, 1904, by Severt Rekstad, H. N. Robbe, William Peterson, J. C. Johnson and J. A. Call. The first officers were: H. A. Warner, president ; William Peterson, vice-president, and J. A. Nelson, cashier; directors, H. A. Warner, J. A. Nelson, Severt Rekstad, J. A. Call, T. J. Johnson, H. N. Robbe and William Peterson. The bank, which owns its own building, erected in 1905, opened for business on January 24 of that year. The following changes in officers have since taken place: H. N. Robbe was elected assistant cashier in 1906, president in 1912 and cashier in 1916. Severt Rekstad was elected vice-president in 1912 and president in 1916. M. P. Skogstad was elected cashier in 1911 and resigned in 1916. J. M. Olson was elected vice-presi- dent in 1912. The present official staff is composed of Severt Rekstad, president ; J. M. Olson, vice-president ; H. N. Robbe, cashier. The directors are Severt Rekstad, H. N. Robbe, J. M. Olson, J. J. Dahl, O. H. Dahl, Even Holte and J. P. Hanson. The statement of this institution for Sept. 11, 1917, was as follows: Resources: Loans and discounts, $179,870.99 ; over-
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HISTORY OF TREMPEALEAU COUNTY
drafts, $769.16; bonds, $10,500.00 ; banking house, $2,000.00; furniture and fixtures, $1,600.00; due from resident banks, $42,543.80; checks on other banks, and cash items, $1,660.29 ; cash on hand, $2,905.52 ; total, $241,849.76. Liabilities: Capital, $20,000.00; surplus, $3,000.00; undivided profits, $442.80 ; individual deposits, $63,168.04 ; time certificates, $117,041.46; sav- ings department, $36,590.91 ; cashier's checks, $1,606.55; total, $241,849.76.
Peoples State Bank, Whitehall. The articles of incorporation of this institution were drawn May 13, 1913, the incorporators being Ludwig L. Solsrud, E. A. Sorenson, C. Q. Gage, R. H. Holtan, E. F. Hensel, J. E. Wil- berg, Anton Vold, F. A. Caswell, Geo. Larson and Ludvig Hammerstad. The charter was granted Sept. 29, 1913, and the bank opened for business on the same day, with the following officers and directors: Officers: Lud- wig L. Solsrud, president; R. H. Holtan, vice-president; J. E. Wilberg, cashier ; S. N. Hegge, assistant cashier. Directors: Ludwig L. Solsrud, P. K. Risberg, E. F. Hensel, Ludvig Hammerstad, J. E. Wilberg, R. H. Holtan and C. A. Adams. At the annual stockholders' meeting held Jan. 6, 1914, the following directors were elected: Ludwig L. Solsrud, R. H. Holtan, C. A. Adams, Ludvig Hammerstad, E. A. Hegge, Claude E. Everson and F. W. Lowe. Following this meeting the directors appointed the fol- lowing officers: Ludwig L. Solsrud, president ; R. H. Holtan, vice-president, and S. N. Hegge, cashier. Examining committee: E. A. Hegge, E. A. Sorenson and G. O. Eid. On June 2, 1914, R. H. Wiezorek was appointed an assistant cashier. There have been no further changes in officers or directors, those selected Jan. 6, 1914, being in charge at the present time. A condensed statement of condition, as reported to the commissioner of banking Sept. 11, 1917, shows as follows: Resources : Loans and discounts, $235,182.78 ; banking house, $4,527.74 ; due from reserve banks, $25,419.89; cash on hand, $12,207.10 ; total resources, $277,337.51. Liabilities: Capital stock, $15,000.00 ; surplus, $1,500.00 ; undivided profits, $2,338.16 ; deposits, $258,499.35 ; total liabilities, $277,337.51. The policy of this institution is to aid in every way possible in the growth and development of this com- munity, including the introduction into the community of high grade live stock and pure bred seeds. The bank has 60 stockholders, all of whom are residents of this community.
The First National Bank of Blair is the only National bank in Trem- pealeau County. It was organized in 1914 chiefly through the efforts of Albert B. Peterson and his son Ernest A. Peterson, assisted by leading business men and farmers. It has grown in importance during its brief existence. With a capital stock of $25,000 it has now (July 20, 1917) a total of $129,937.78 in deposits, and its surplus and undivided profits amount to $5,064.46. The officers are: John Thompson, president; Frank G. Richmond, vice-president ; Gabriel Anderson, vice-president ; Basil I. Peter- son, cashier, and Omer Houkom, assistant cashier. The board of directors consists of A. B. Peterson, E. B. Christopherson, Byron R. Curran, John Thompson, Frank C. Richmond, Gabriel Anderson and Thos. Mattison. The cashier of the institution, Basil I. Peterson, has the honor of being chairman of the Liberty Loan Committee for the county. The membership of this bank in the Federal Reserve Bank gives it the necessary machinery
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IHISTORY OF TREMPEALEAU COUNTY
for securing funds with which to finance legitimate agricultural, commer- cial and industrial enterprises, and thus develop the resources of this part of the county.
State Bank of Independence. This institution was started April 1, 1897, by John Sprecher and Anton Senty, as a private bank, with a capital of $10,000, and was carried on under the firm name of Bank of Indepen- dence. In 1902 the business was incorporated as a state bank under the name of State Bank of Independence, with a capital of $25,000, John Sprecher and Anton Senty being the incorporators, the new organization taking over the business of the old company June 2, 1902. In January, 1914, the capital was increased to $50,000.00. The bank owns a good sub- stantial brick building, which was erected in 1901, the first story being used by the bank, while the second is rented for offices. John Sprecher was elected president at the first organization and has served in that capacity continuously. Anton Senty was the cashier from its organization to January, 1913, at which time he was elected vice-president, in which capacity he has served to the present time. O. A. Sprecher was appointed assistant cashier in January, 1905, and W. E. Sprecher in January, 1907, the latter being appointed cashier in January, 1913. The present. officers are: John Sprecher, president; Anton Senty, vice-president; W. E. Sprecher, cashier, and O. A. Sprecher, assistant cashier. This bank has always been conservative, but mindful of the best interests of the com- munity and its patrons, and has always tried to assist in the development and upbuilding of the surrounding territory. The deposits have steadily increased and at this time are $580,577, while the total assets are $645,- 960.93.
The Bank of Eleva was organized in 1901 as Larson-Melby Company, Bankers, by O. P. Larson, John O. Melby and Even Bratberg. It was incor- porated as a state bank under the name, Bank of Eleva, June 17. 1903, the incorporators being O. P. Larson, John O. Melby, Even Bratberg and George Esbensen. The first officials were: O. P. Larson, president ; J. O. Melby, vice-president ; E. Bratberg, cashier, and George Esbensen, assistant cashier. The bank was located in the Larson-Melby Company store until its own building was erected in August, 1910. The first change in the official staff occurred Aug. 24, 1907, C. P. Larson taking the place of O. P. Larson as president. Even Bratberg, the cashier, died in April, 1910, and since that time the offices of president and cashier have both been filled by C. P. Larson. The present staff is composed of C. P. Larson, president and cashier; Chas. B. Melby, vice-president, and L. Nicholson and H. A. Moltzau, assistant cashiers. The bank's statement of Sept. 11, 1917, showed its condition as follows: Resources : Loans and discounts, $169,- 153.19; banking house, furniture and fixtures, $4,947.06; due from banks. $22,667.23 ; cash on hand, $6,063.79 ; total, $202,831.27. Liabilities: Capital stock, $10,000.00 ; surplus, $3,500.00; undivided profits, $702.95; deposits, $188,628.32; total, $202,831.27.
CHAPTER XVII
DAIRY INTERESTS
The dairy industry is one of great importance in Trempealeau County. In 1916 the 14 creameries had an output valued at $1,191,950.33, the two cheese factories had an output valued at $10,648.71, and the value placed upon butter made on the farms was $118,321.75, thus giving an aggregate value of $1,320,920.79 to Trempealeau County butter and cheese, in addition to the milk and cream sold, and fed to stock.
The Eleva Co-Operative Creamery Company is located in Albion Town- ship; the Farmers' Co-Operative Creamery Company in Arcadia Township; the Glencoe Farmers' Co-Operative Creamery Company at Arcadia Village; the Dodge Valley Creamery Company in Dodge Township; the Ettrick Creamery Company in Ettrick Township ; the Arctic Springs Creamery Com- pany in Galesville Village; the Elk Creek Creamery in Hale Township; the Independence Creamery Company in Independence Village; the Whitehall Creamery Association in Lincoln Township; the H. H. Solie Creamery in Osseo Village; the Williams Creamery Company in Osseo Village; the P. Ekern Company (Pigeon Falls Creamery) in Pigeon Township; the Preston Creamery Company in Preston, and the Unity Co-Operative Creamery Com- pany in Strum, all manufacturing butter.
The H. H. Solie Company at Osseo and the Little Elk Cheese Association in Chimney Rock each conduct cheese factories.
Several small cheese factories were started in Trempealeau County in the '60s, the most important of which was that of James Gaveney and Noah Comstock, located on the Comstock farm south of the present village of Arcadia.
But the making of cheese in the '60s in this county did not reach any considerable proportions.
The production of milk was not regarded with high favor. Wheat was the big crop, and while the farmers all had a few cows for the purpose of providing milk and meat for family use, stock raising was looked upon merely as a side line, and dairying was of not much more importance than kitchen gardening.
Here and there were housewives noted in nearby villages for their ability as butter-makers, and their product met with a ready local sale, but for the most part the butter made on the farms of the county was of poor quality.
Storekeepers took butter "in trade," and by charging a good price for the goods sold "in trade" usually came out even on the transaction, though much of the butter which they thus took in was suitable only for lubricating purposes, and was in fact often shipped by the merchants to makers of axle grease in the larger cities.
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IHISTORY OF TREMPEALEAU COUNTY
This condition is not to be wondered at, as the farms had few facilities for making butter or for caring for dairy products. On many of the farms there was not even a well. Icehouses were almost unknown. The milk was left to "set" in shallow pans, the cream skimmed off by hand, and saved until a sufficient quantity was collected, when it was put in a wooden keg or earthen crock, and beaten into butter with a wooden paddle. The tumbling barrel churn did not come until later, and was never in extensive use in this county.
Corn was raised only in small tracts. Even as late as 1864 there was probably not 100 acres of tame grass in the whole county.
Wheat was the staple, and on this the farmers depended for their living. But with the passing of the years, the land refused to repeat its heavy crop of wheat. The cynch bugs also came to work their havoc. At first appearing only in spots, they gradually increased their ravages.
In 1878 came an almost total failure of the wheat crop. For three days, when the wheat was in milk, there were alternating hours of rain- storms and periods of extreme heat, which resulted in baking the kernel and stopping further growth. When the wheat was harvested it weighed but about 30 pounds to the bushel, instead of the 60 pounds which wheat should weigh when fully matured. Only about $3 an acre was realized, and great distress followed.
This failure was almost coincident with the rush to the Dakotas, which affected all the Northwestern States, and many farmers left the county.
It was at this juncture that the people began to turn their attention to dairying.
Not long after, the creameries were established. Those at Galesville and Arcadia were started in 1883, and the papers of those villages expressed great surprise that butter could actually be made by machinery. In 1885 K. K. Hagestad, of Ettrick, interested the farmers and business men in starting a creamery, and the first co-operative plan creamery in the county was the result.
These three places have since continued to be important creamery points.
Creamery operations in Arcadia, as noted, date back to 1883, when a creamery, the old Arcadia Creamery Company, was erected near the Arcadia Mineral Spring. After the creamery had been in operation for some time the Koenig Brothers started a creamery south of the village. The Koenig concern went into bankruptcy and was in time acquired by J. M. Fertig. April 9, 1909, it was incorporated as the Arcadia Co-Opera- tive Creamery Company and absorbed the Arcadia Creamery Company. Later the name was changed to the Arcadia Farmers' Co-Operative Cream- ery Company. It had been in operation for several years when the Glencoe Farmers' Co-Operative Creamery Company was organized, and the village now supports two creameries.
The Arcadia Farmers' Co-Operative Creamery Company is managed by Ellis G. Bigham. The report for the year ending April 30, 1916, was as follows: Value of property, $4,200; number of patrons contributory, 310; number of cows contributory, about 10 per patron ; pounds of cream received. 1,820,250; pounds of butter made, 441,127; amount of money
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HISTORY OF TREMPEALEAU COUNTY
received for products sold, $119,307.81. This creamery was incorporated April 23, 1904.
The Glencoe Co-Operative Creamery Company is managed by J. J. Fern- holtz. The report for the year ending April30, 1916, was as follows: Value of property, $6,000; number of patrons contributory, 170; pounds of butter made, 210,755; amount of money received for products sold, $53,038.59.
Galesville dates its creamery operation from Nov. 1, 1883, when a private concern was organized and started operations. Editorial writers at that time expressed wonderment that butter could actually be made by machinery. The Arctic Springs Creamery was organized as a co-operative association May 3, 1899, with G. O. Gilbertson, M. J. Scarseth, D. D. Chap- pell Francis Stellpfling, L. L. Odell, John Bohrnstedt, L. O. Moe, C. M. Kellogg and George Uhl as directors. Isaac Clark was chairman of the committee and L. L. Odell secretary. The profits the first year were $2,111.87. This company took over the old creamery and as soon as pos- sible erected the present building. The present officers are: W. F. Raichle (president), John Norgaard (vice-president), O. S. Bergquist (secretary) and J. A. Berg (treasurer), Will Stellpfling, J. R. Barge, F. J. Stellpfling, J. M. Bibby and John Dick. The cream is gathered and 13 routes are main- tained.
The report for the year ending April 30, 1916, is as follows: Value of property, $5,000; number of patrons contributory, 300; number of cows contributory, 2,800; pounds of butter made, 525,1681/2; amount of money received for products sold, $158,734.90.
The Ettrick Creamery Association was organized by farmers and business men of the vicinity, and incorporated Oct. 23, 1885, with officers as follows: K. K. Hagestad, president; Johannes A. Hogden, vice-presi- dent ; Iver Knutson, treasurer; C. F. Ringlee, secretary. This association served its patrons successfully on a co-operative basis until 1907, when most. of the stockholders having quit tilling the soil, or moved away, it was thought advisable to reorganize, so that its patrons could have an active voice in its management. With this in view the Ettrick Creamery Company was organized by about 200 stockholders, with a capital stock of $3,000, March 25, 1907. This company bought the stock of the old association. It is now doing a business amounting to nearly $150,000 yearly. The present officers are as follows: A. J. Ekern, president; A. C. Hagestad, vice-president ; R. J. Cantlon, treasurer ; A. P. Ofsdahl, secretary ; directors, Ed. Quammen, Ole Mustad and M. B. Hilten. The report for the year ending April 30, 1916, is as follows: Value of property, $6,500; number of patrons contributory, 400; amount of money received for products, $119,439.35.
The Pigeon Falls Creamery is located at Pigeon Falls, in Pigeon Town- ship, and is owned by the P. Ekern Company. The report for the year ending April 30, 1916, was as follows: Value of property, $3,500; number of patrons contributory, 210; number of cows contributory, 2,520; pounds of butter made, 356,324.8; amount received for products sold, $121,058.52.
The Pigeon Falls Creamery was established by Peter Ekern, the building being erected in the fall of 1885 and operations started Dec. 8,
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HISTORY OF TREMPEALEAU COUNTY
the same year. Mr. Ekern operated the creamery up to May 1, 1892, at which time he sold the institution to a farmers' organization, the Pigeon Creamery Association, incorporated April 9, 1892. This association oper- ated the creamery until the middle of October, the same year, or for about five and a half months, when it burned. It was promptly rebuilt on the same premises by P. Ekern and opened again for business Dec. 1, 1892, Mr. Ekern conducting the creamery from that date to April 19, 1898, when this branch, together with other business interests of P. Ekern, was incor- porated as the P. Ekern Company. The present officers are: Andrew Ekern, president; Minnie Sletteland, vice-president; B. M. Sletteland, secretary, treasurer and manager. The butter-maker is John A. Houkom, who has held this position since April 1, 1895. The Holstein and Durham cattle are the principal breeds raised by the patrons. For a number of years there were two large separators run at the creamery, taking in only milk at that time. A skimming station was also run in connection at North- field, Jackson County, whence the cream was hauled by the company's own teams to the creamery. These separators were removed years ago when the individual farm separators took their place. An exchange station is still maintained at Northfield. In 1897 an addition was built and equipped for a cheese factory, but was discontinued as such after being operated one season.
The first creamery in Dodge was operated by the Dodge Creamery Company. This company was organized in 1902, with M. J. Kulas as president, J. K. Rezob as treasurer, and Joseph Jeriski as secretary. This company sold out, in 1907, to F. J. Rohn. He was the sole owner, but operated the concern under the name of the Rohn & Kulas Creamery Com- pany. In the spring of 1909 the wooden building was burned, and Mr. Rohn erected the present adequate edifice of solid brick on the old founda- tion, resuming operations in August, 1909. On Feb. 14, 1914, W. O. Berthol and B. C. Kreher acquired the creamery under the name of the Dodge Valley Creamery and have since successfully conducted it. For the year ending April 30, 1917, the company took in $28,120.78, and of this paid the patrons $23,646.22. There are 96 patrons, averaging about 20 cows each. The favorite breeds are the Polled Durham and the Wisconsin natives. The report for the year ending April 30, 1916, is as follows: Value of property, $4,000 ; number of patrons contributory, 96; number of cows con- tributory, 600 ; pounds of milk received, 1,900,000; pounds of butter made, 100,000; amount of money received for products sold, $26,000. This creamery is a thriving and growing company under excellent management and ownership, both of the owners being substantial citizens in every respect.
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