USA > Wisconsin > Trempealeau County > History of Trempealeau County, Wisconsin > Part 58
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Dean G. Wilcox, one of the proprietors of the Wilcox and Jones farm in section 7, Trempealeau Township, was born at Trempealeau Prairie,
J. A. BERG AND FAMILY
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HISTORY OF TREMPEALEAU COUNTY
Trempealeau County, Wis., July 8, 1882. He was educated in Trempealeau village school, passing through the grades and then taking two years at the high school, at the end of which time he had to give up his studies on account of the illness of his father. He remained with his parents until he was 20 years old, and then went to Oelwein, Iowa, where he obtained employment as shipping clerk in a railway store house of the Chicago & Great Western Railroad. After working there for a while he went to St. Paul and was clerk in the Robinson & Cary office, selling railway supplies. His father's condition becoming worse, he had to return home and take care of the home farm for some time, but on his father's improvement he again entered railway service, becoming time keeper for the Chicago, Bur- lington & Quincy Railroad. His railroad experience covered in all some three years, but his lot was finally cast as a farmer.
April 3, 1906, Mr. Wilcox was married to Delia, daughter of Griffith and Martha Jones, of Bangor, Wis., the ceremony being performed by the Rev. John E. Jones, a Methodist-Calvinistic pastor. After the marriage he and his wife resided in Bangor for two years, at the end of which time he bought the old homestead formerly owned by his grandfather Gillies, consisting of 120 acres in sections 7 and 8, and at the same time he entered into partnership with Roger Jones, his wife's brother, to operate the farm. This partnership has since continued and he and his brother-in-law are among the thrifty and prosperous young farmers of the county. Besides raising the usual crops, they have successfully experimented with alfalfa for the last five years, and at this writing have four acres which is an excellent stand. They keep 12 head of Guernsey cows, 10 head of young cattle and have 50 head of Duroc-Jersey hogs. Their annual production of butter fat is about 3,000 pounds. Mr. and Mrs. Wilcox have three children : Stanley, born Feb. 8, 1907; Lawrence, born Sept. 11, 1909, and Ruth, born Aug. 19, 1916. Mrs. Wilcox, who was born in Bangor Village, July 16, 1879, was a teacher in the Trempealeau school for three years. Though reared in the faith of the Methodist-Calvinistic church, of which she is a member, she attends the Methodist Episcopal church with her husband and chlidren. Mr. Wilcox is independent in politics and has held no public office. In 1903 he joined Lodge No. 2813, Modern Woodmen of America, and became a Blue Lodge Mason in 1906, being a member of Trempealeau Lodge, No. 117, A. F. & A. M., of Trempealeau.
John A. Berg, a well-known banker and business man of Galesville, was born in La Crosse County, Wis., Nov. 16, 1873. His parents were Benjamin and Petrina (Aas) Holman, both natives of the northern part of Norway, but who were married in Wisconsin. The father came to the United States at an early date, stayed here awhile and then returned to Norway. Later he came again to this country, about 1871, and remained. Both he and his wife died when the subject of this sketch was a mere child and the latter was adopted and reared by a man named Berg, whose surname he has since borne. John A. Berg was educated in a grammar school at Halfway Creek, Wis., and in a business university at La Crosse. When 23 years old he opened a general store in Vernon County, Wis., and carried it on for two years. He then returned to La Crosse County and conducted a
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store at Holmen for about nine years. In 1908 he came to Galesville and organized the Farmers' and Merchants' Bank, of which he became cashier. This position he has since retained, having an interest in the bank as stockholder, besides a similar interest in other banks in La Crosse County. He is also interested in the Galesville Building and Realty Company and served as chairman of the building committee in the erection of several different public buildings, including the one above mentioned, of which he is president. He has served as treasurer of the Holmen Milling Company, for several years, also treasurer of the Holmen Creamery for five years, and for four years served as president of the La Crosse County Fair Association. In 1916 he was elected president of the board of trustees of Gale College, succeeding the Hon. K. K. Hagestad in that office, which he still retains. He has been an active member of the board since the college was transferred to the Lutherans, and was its unanimous choice as Mr. Hagestad's successor. As a member of the executive committee he devoted his time unstintedly to the interests of the school. He was at the head of the movment to erect the new dormitory and gymnasium and successfully conducted the cam- paign for funds for that building, as well as giving the closest attention to the work of construction. Mr. Berg is an extensive land holder in North Dakota, having holdings in Burk and Morton counties, besides having land in Ettrick Township, Trempealeau County, which he rents out to tenants. As an enterprising business man and public-spirited citizen he has been a strong factor for advancement in every community in which he has lived, or with which he has had anything to do, and his aid and influence have greatly aided in their development. In politics he has been a Prohibitionist since he cast his first ballot, and has been a candidate for different offices representing his party. July 7, 1898, Mr. Berg was united in marriage with Matilda Molstad, a native of La Crosse County, Wis., and daughter of Ole and Martha (Hough) Molstad. She has been a faithful worker in the Lutheran church, as well as Mr. Berg. Her parents, who were both born in Norway, settled in Wisconsin many years ago, the father being a farmer. Both are now deceased. Mr. and Mrs. Berg have one adopted child, Mildred E., who is now a student at St. Olaf College, of Northfield, Minn.
Christian Raichle, who for many years was actively engaged in farming in Gale Township, though now retired, was born in Wittenberg, Germany, Nov. 6, 1840, son of Jacob and Barbara (Koenig) Raichle, natives of the same province, who remained in their native land, not coming to America. He was educated in Germany and was in his twenty-ninth year when, in April, 1869, he came to the United States. Locating at once in Trempealeau County, Wis., he found work on the farm of his brother William, who was already settled in Gale Township, and in whose employ he remained for one season. He then purchased the farm on which he now lives, consisting of 90 acres, and on which he has made all the improvements. Here he still makes his residence, though retired, renting the farm to his nephew. In May, 1871, Mr. Raichle was married to Mary Barbara Schott, who was born in Wittenberg, Germany, daughter of Conrad and Mary Barbara (Stark) Schott, natives of the same province, who died in their native land, which they never left. Mr. and Mrs. Raichle have an adopted daughter,
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Josephine, wife of Fred Raichle, who rents and operates the farm. Mr. Raichle is a stockholder in the creamery at Galesville. When a young man he served in the German army and is therefore well able to take an appre- ciative interest in the momentous events now taking place in Europe.
William Raichle, one of the older residents of Gale Township, of which he was a pioneer settler, was born in Germany in 1831 and came to America in 1854, locating first in the State of New York, where he spent two years engaged in farm work. In 1857 he came to Trempealeau County, Wis., taking a homestead in Gale Township which now forms a part of the farm of his son, William F. Raichle. Here he engaged in farming and stock raising and continued in those occupations until 1906, when he retired. Four years later he sold the homestead to his son, but is still living on it. He served formerly on the school board and in other local offices and since pioneer days has been one of the best known and most respected citizens of the township. He was married in 1869 to Emma Messer, who was born in Germany in 1848 and came to America in 1868, locating in Winona, Minn., whence she removed a year later to Trempealeau County, Wis. They had eight children: Anna, Chris, William F., Freada, Carl, Ella, Emma and Fritz, of whom Freada and Ella are now deceased.
William F. Raichle, who is engaged in operating a stock farm of 200 acres in section 10, Gale Township, is one of the prosperous and represen- tative farmers of this township. He was born on the farm on which he now resides Nov. 2, 1878, his parents being William and Emma (Messer) Raichle, natives of Germany, further mention of whom is made elsewhere in this volume. He acquired the elements of knowledge in the district school of his neighborhood and subsequently took a two years' course in the agricultural department of the State University at Madison. Beginning work for his father on the homestead at the age of 18 years, he continued to be thus occupied until 1904, when he took entire charge of the farm and operated it in the same way until 1910, when it became his property by purchase. Since his father bought the original land many years ago the size of the farm has been increased to 200 acres, and the land is now well cultivated. Mr. Raichle makes a specialty of raising pure-bred Guernsey cattle. His buildings are modern and substantial and his business has grown from year to year, his work on the farm keeping him busy so that he has had little time for anything else. He is at present, however, serving as a member of the school board, in politics being a Republican.
Mr. Raichle has led a domestic life for over ten years, having been married, Aug. 22, 1906, to Myrtle Irvine, who was born in Gale Township, daughter of James and Agnes (Dick) Irvine. Mr. and Mrs. Raichle have one child, Margaret Agnes, who was born June 22, 1910. Mr. Raichle, in addition to his farming interests, is president and a stockholder of the Arctic Springs Creamery, and he and his wife both belong to the Order of Beavers. They are in prosperous circumstances and have many friends in this part of the county.
John Raichle, proprietor of a farm of 230 acres in section 17, Gale Town- ship, was born in Wittenberg, Germany, March 23, 1836. His parents, Jacob and Barbara (Koenig) Raichle, were natives of the same province,
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the father being a farmer. Neither ever came to the United States. John Raichle was the fifth born in a family of eight children. He attended school in his native land and in 1854, at the age of 18, came to this country, locating first in New York State, where for two years he was employed on farms. In 1856 he came to Galesville, Trempealeau County, Wis., and during his first year here was employed on a farm at Trempealeau Prairie. At the end of that time he took a claim in section 15, Gale Township, where he was engaged in farming for himself until 1862, during which time he made a number of improvements on the property. August 20, that year, he enlisted in Company C, Thirtieth Wisconsin Volunteers, as a private, and served until he was mustered out in September, 1865. He was fortunate in his military career, as he was never wounded or confined in the hospital. About a month after his return home Mr. Raichle went to Missouri and the next four years of his life were spent in that State, working on farms in various places and watching out for any advantageous opportunity. As, however, he saw nothing better than he could find at home, he returned to Trempea- leau County and bought the farm where he now lives and which now con- sists of 230 acres of land. It is still his property, though now operated by his sons. He is a stockholder in the creamery and in the Farmers' Exchange at Galesville. Mr. Raichle was married in December, 1880, to Bertha John, who was born in Schwartzberg, Germany, daughter of Carl and Rosalie (Share) John. The John family came to America in 1872, locating on a farm in Caledonia Township, this county, which was their home for the rest of the parents' lives. They had five children, their daughter Bertha, now Mrs. Raichle, being the first born. Mr. and Mrs. Raichle have three children: Fritz C., who is living on the home farm, and John and Lena, also at home, all being unmarried. Mr. Raichle is a member of the Lutheran church and is an independent Republican in politics. He has never aspired to public office, but served one term as a member of the school board of his district.
John Bohrnstedt, formerly a well-known and esteemed citizen of Gales- ville, Wis., was born near Stateen, Germany, April 24, 1833. When a youth he accompanied his parents to the United States, the family first settling in Milwaukee. About 1859 they settled on a farm near Trempealeau, this county, and John Bohrnstedt worked for some time on the Ben Healey farm for Mr. Healey, and in that locality, until he was able to purchase land and engage in farming for himself. It was after he had thus made an independent start in life that, in August, 1862, he enlisted in Company C, Thirtieth Wisconsin Volunteer Infantry, with which regiment he served until he was mustered out in December, 1865. While in the army, he was married. Sept. 10, 1863, to Mary Frohmader, who was born in Syracuse, N. Y., March 9, 1843, daughter of Lawrence and Margaret Frohmader. Her parents were natives of Biron, Germany, in which country they were mar- ried, coming to America in the third decade of the Nineteenth Century. After their arrival here they lived for three years in New York, migrating thence to Jefferson, Wis., and from that place to New Lisbon, Juneau County, Wis., where they both died. Mr. Frohmader was a farmer by occupation.
MR. AND MRS. JOHN BOHRNSTEDT
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HISTORY OF TREMPEALEAU COUNTY
When Mr. Bohrnstedt concluded his military service, his health was somewhat impaired. On returning to Wisconsin he located at New Lisbon, but a short time later with his wife joined the Bohrnstedt family at the old two-mile house on the Trempealeau road. Later they settled on the farm in the town of Trempealeau, which was their home for so many years. Mr. Bohrnstedt continued on this farm until 1902, when he retired and moved to Galesville. In 1908 he bought several lots on Clark street in Galesville and erected a comfortable home, which was one of the best residences in town. Mr. Bohrnstedt was a man of thrift, and whatever he did, he did thoroughly, and his farm, after he had spent a few years on it, was one of the best pieces of agricultural property in the county. He was a stock- holder in the Bank of Galesville and at one time was a land owner in North Dakota; this land, however, he disposed of. That he was highly esteemed by a wide acquaintance was evidenced by the multitude that gathered on the occasion of his funeral, to pay tribute to his memory. He died June 4, 1909, and his funeral services were in charge of the Masonic fraternity. He was ex-senior warden and tyler in his lodge and was also a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, and of the Grand Army of the Republic, in which he had held minor offices. He and his wife were the parents of four children: George Frederick, Henry Lawrence, William Charles and Albert C. George Frederick, who is proprietor of the Arcadia Wagon Shop, married Naomi Rathburn, and has four children: Russell, Gale, Catherine and Lucia. Henry Lawrence married Naomi Langley, and resides on the old homestead. He and his wife have one child, Leo. Will- iam Charles, who is a hardware dealer in Arcadia, married Elsie Muir. Albert C., who is a real estate dealer and insurance man in Oregon, married Elizabeth Trestel. He has an adopted daughter, Alberta.
Olof Rindahl. Though most of the original pioneers of Trempealeau County have passed away, their work in the development of the county is being carried under more favorable conditions and with still more pros- perous results by the sons and grandsons they have left behind them. One of the prominent members of the second generation in Gale 'Township is Olof Rindahl, a farmer in section 22 east, who was born in a log house erected by his father in this township, Dec. 8, 1863. The father was Otto' Rindahl, who was born in Lillehammer, Norway, in 1818, and who came to the United States in the fifth decade of the last century, locating first in Lewis Valley, La Crosse County, Wis. His wife, born April 28, 1828, was a native of the same district in Norway. After farming a few years in La Crosse County, Otto Rindahl removed to Gale Township, buying the farm on which one of his sons, Mat O. Rindahl, now lives. On this he built a log house and began the work of improvement, continued by him for many years, and that original farm was his home until his death, which occurred in 1902. Though his experiences in early days were hard, like all the pioneers, he in time prospered and was able at a later period to donate land for the site of the Lutheran church at Hardie's Creek, and he also assisted in building the church. To official position in his township or county he never aspired, devoting his time and energies to the care of his homestead and to providing for his family. His wife, whose maiden name
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was Oleia, died on June 13, 1909. They had seven children, of whom Olof was the fifth born.
Olof Rindahl acquired the elements in the Glasgow schoolhouse, where many other now prosperous farmers in this township got their education. He was obliged to begin industrial life at an early age, however, for, when only 15 years old he began work in the woods, being attached to a logging camp, and was thus employed for three winters, working on the farm in the summer. At a subsequent period, when old enough to work for himself, he rented a farm, which he operated for three years, at the end of that time buying his present farm, on which he has since resided. It contains 160 acres of valuable land, and the buildings, erected by himself, are neat in appearance and of substantial construction, being also equipped with modern conveniences. Mr. Rindahl is successfully engaged in general farming and is also a stockholder in the Farmers' Exchange at Galesville, the Ettrick Telephone Company, and the Farmers' Equity. He was married in October, 1892, to Mattie Huckstadt, who was born on an adjoining farm, daughter of Andrew C. and Helen (Toppan) Huckstadt. Her parents, who were natives of Norway, came at an early date to this region, resided on Black River for a while and then moved to the farm above mentioned, on which both subsequently died, the father in 1894 and the mother some time pre- viously. Their daughter Mattie, who was the eldest of seven children, was educated in the schools of Gale Township. Mr. and Mrs. Rindahl have five children : Alfred, Herman Oscar, Melva Octava, Edwin and Julia, all of whom reside at home. Mr. Rindahl, like his father before him, is a member of the Lutheran church. In politics he is a Republican, but is not active in public affairs, though always taking an interest in whatever concerns the good of the community in which he lives.
Peter V. Becker, who is successfully operating a farm of 173 acres in the vicinity of Galesville, was born at Glasgow, Trempealeau County, Wis., Dec. 29, 1873, son of Philip and Sophia (Bey) Becker. His parents were born near the River Rhine, in Germany, but were married in Wisconsin, Philip Becker coming to the United States in 1846 and locating first in Washington County, Wis., where he settled on a farm with his parents and remained there until he married. He then moved to La Crosse, Wis., and worked as a carpenter in the shipyards, which at that time were one of the industrial enterprises of the place. His first wife died in La Crosse and he subsequently contracted a second marriage. After this he moved to Glasgow and settled on a farm, which was his home until 1902. At that time he went back to La Crosse. A few years later he retired and removed to Trempealeau, this county, residing there a number of years. His last home was at the residence of his daughter at Crystal Valley, where he lived for about two years, when his death occurred. He was a respected citizen and at different times held local office. His wife Sophia survives him and is now living at the home of her daughter in Galesville.
Peter V. Becker was the fourth born child of his father's second mar- riage, there having been five children by the first. He attended school at Glasgow in his boyhood and afterwards was a student at Gale University one term. His literary education was supplemented by two terms at the State
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Agricultural College, at Madison. When he was 24 years old he became manager of the parental farm and continued to live at home until he was 27. Jan. 29, 1901, he was married to Meta Arpke, who was born in Sheboygan County, Wis., daughter of Simon and Fredericka (Martin) Arpke, both parents being natives of Lippe, Germany, who came to America in 1847, locating near Franklin, Wis., where Mr. Arpke was engaged in agriculture until his death. His wife is also now deceased. After his marriage Mr. Becker moved to Sheboygan, near which place he operated a farm for nine years. Then selling the farm, he became associated with the Fruit Box Company, of Sheboygan City, and was engaged in that business for 18 months. At the end of that time he came to Galesville and purchased his present farm of 173 acres, seven acres of which are within the corporation limits. His farm is fully equipped with all necessary buildings and imple- ments, and he has brought the land into a high state of cultivation. He makes a specialty of the dairy business, breeds pure Guernsey cattle, and produces fine seed grains, for which he finds a ready sale. Aside from this, he is a stockholder in the Farmers' Packing Company, of La Crosse, a mem- ber of the Wisconsin Live Stock Breeders' Association, of the Wisconsin Experimental Association and the American Society of Equity, and the Alfalfa Order. Mr. and Mrs. Becker have a family of six children: Harvey Lawrence, Leslie Valentine, Alice Lorena, Ezra Philip, Eleanore Meta and Ella Arpke, all residing at home. Mr. Becker is independent in politics, and is a member of the Presbyterian church, with which his family are also affiliated.
John Elland. Among the successful farmers of Preston Township is the subject of this sketch, who as proprietor of Sunnyslope Farm is con- tributing to the agricultural development of the township while enjoying yearly an increased prosperity. He was born in Gulbransdalen, Fron, Nor- way, Sept. 27, 1845. His father was Elland Everson, a native of Norway, who came with his wife and family to the United States in 1857, settling first in Vernon County, Wis., where he remained four years. At the end of that time he came to Trempealeau County, and after living two years in Trempealeau Coolie, bought the farm on which his son John now resides, and on which he began agricultural operations. A few years later he was unfortunate enough to lose his life by one of those accidents incident to pioneer life, dying in the woods in 1866 while engaged in cutting timber. His wife, whose maiden name was Marit Alme, survived him nearly half a century, dying in 1913 at the age of 91 years. They had six children: John, the subject of this sketch; Thomas, who resides at Black River Falls, and has been engaged in railroad work for the last 20 years; Martha, who married Ole Benrud, of Blair, Wis., and died in 1904; Even, a farmer in Preston Township; Karen, who met an accidental death from burning at the age of 8 years, and Martinus, who died on the voyage to America. Of this family the eldest was John, upon whom, therefore, the chief responsi- bility fell at the time of his father's death. He was at this time about 21 years old and able to assume charge of the farm, which he managed for his mother until his marriage in June, 1872, to Paulina Paulson, of Chimney Rock Township, a daughter of Paul Berger. He then purchased the farm
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and has ever since been its proprietor. Sunnyslope Farm is a good piece of agricultural property, containing 246 acres and lying in sections 22 and 23, Preston Township. The first residence of the family on this land was a log house 10 by 12 feet, which is still standing, having been replaced as a dwelling, however, by a good 10-room frame house of two stories and base- ment, erected by Mr. Elland in 1895. Among other improvements he has made are a frame barn, 42 by 84 by 18 feet, with basement, and a concrete block silo, 14 by 35 feet. Both house and barn are provided with running water and various modern improvements suitable to each. He and his wife are the parents of seven children: Edward, who is conducting a butcher's shop in Blair ; Milan, engaged in farming near Blair; Peter, resid- ing in Blair ; Minnie, at home; Nettie, who died July 18, 1917; Hannah, who married Edward Odegaard, of Minneapolis, and Clarence, living on the home farm. The family are members of the Norwegian Lutheran church. Aside from his original farm, he had 18 acres of slough land which he could not use for years, but now he has it all tiled, and on this land has one of the heaviest crops on the farm.
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