History of Trempealeau County, Wisconsin, Part 63

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 63

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and though he gave his chief attention to his farm, he served as school treasurer for a number of years and took an active interest in the progress and development of the community in which he lived. The family are members of the Lutheran church.

Charles M. Scarseth, who is conducting a farm of 144 acres in section 27-34 E. Gale Township, was born on his present farm April 28, 1862, son of Martinus J. and Kari (Knudson) Scarseth. His parents were natives of Biri, Norway; the father came to the United States in 1857 and settled in Gale Township in 1860 at the time of his marriage. Charles M. attended the Glasgow school in this township. When about 16 or 17 years of age he began working for others at intervals, though residing on the home farm. Oct. 6, 1886, he was married to Clara Semb, daughter of Ole O. and Kari (Ekern) Semb, who were natives of Biri, Norway, and came to the United States in 1851, locating in La Crosse County, and later on Hardie's Creek, Trempealeau County, Wis. In the year after his marriage Mr. Scarseth bought his parents' homestead, containing 144 acres of improved land on Black River, on which he is now doing general farming, including stock raising and dairying. His farm is one of the the best equipped in this vicinity, the buildings being thoroughly modern, and his machinery and implements adequate to the demand of scientific farming. He is also a stockholder in the Arctic Springs Creamery and the Western Telephone Company, and for 16 years served as clerk of his school district. Since 1900 he has been secretary of the Ettrick Scandinavia Insurance Company. In politics he is a Republican and has served as supervisor one term. Mr. and Mrs. Scarseth are the parents of five children: Cora Constance, born Oct. 19, 1887, who died Dec. 28, the same year ; Octiv Melvin, born Oct. 31, 1888; Cora, May 24, 1890 ; Laura, March 27, 1892, and Hulda, July 11, 1895, all of whom are residing at home. The family are members of the Lutheran church, of which Mr. Scarseth has served as treasurer for the past 25 years.

Edward E. Quarne, proprietor of the B. J. Smalberg homestead of 193 acres in sections 31 and 32, Preston Township, belongs to that hardy Nor- wegian race that has done so much to develop the agricultural resources of Trempealeau County. He was born in Honefos, Norway, June 10, 1847, his father being Elling J. Quarne, a shoemaker, who was born in Norway in 1807 and died in 1892, and his mother, in maidenhood Karen Olena Aas, who was born in Norway in 1810 and died in 1880. Edward E. Quarne was reared in his native land and resided there until he had attained his majority. Realizing, however, that his chances for advancement were small if he remained at home, his thought turned to the United States, whither he knew many of his countrymen had already gone and where opportunities were abundant for men of courage and perseverance. His decision made, he sailed for America in 1869, and after landing proceeded to Eau Claire, Wis., where for three years he worked at the carpenter's trade. At the end of that time he resolved to try farming as the best means of gaining an independent livelihood and ultimate prosperity, and so came to the farm on which he now resides, which was then owned by his father-in-law, he having recently married. Here he devoted himself to agriculture for two years and then saw all his labors come to naught

C. M. SCARSETH AND FAMILY

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HISTORY OF TREMPEALEAU COUNTY

by a pest of chinch bugs, which totally destroyed his crops. Not knowing how long these unwelcome visitors might conclude to stay with him, he resolved to try a new location, and so removed to Grant County, Minnesota, where he bought a farm and operated it until 1891, a period of about 13 years. He then returned to Trempealeau County and bought his original farm here, on which he has since resided, carrying on general farming. Mr. Quarne raises Shorthorn cattle, having about 35 head, graded, of which he milks ten, and also keeps and raises black Minorca chickens. In 19' he built a good residence-a two-story frame structure with basement and containing eight rooms. His frame barn, 28 by 64 by 16 feet, was erected by him in 1898. As one of the prominent and substantial men of his town- ship, Mr. Quarne has been called on at times to take part in local govern- ment affairs, and thus served one year as supervisor and six years on the school board. He also rendered public service while in Grant County, being a member of his township board there for nine years. Aside from his immediate farming interests, he is a stockholder in the Home Bank of Blair and in Preston Creamery at Blair. Feb. 22, 1873, he was united in marriage with Anna B. Johnson of Eau Claire, who was born in Soler, Norway, June 11, 1853. Her parents were B. J. Smalberg and Anna Maria Ingebretsen, who came to America in 1866, Mr. Smalberg homesteading the farm on which his daughter and son-in-law, Mr. and Mrs. Quarne, now live, and which was their home until they died, Mr. Smalberg in 1911 at the age of 88 years, and his wife in 1908 at the age of 83. Mr. and Mrs. Quarne have had seven children, of whom the following is a brief record: Caroline Amelia is the wife of Eric Anderson, a farmer of Ettrick Town- ship, this county, and has four children : Ernest Arthur, Alma Orilla, Lloyd Wilfred and Norman Rudolph. Marie Elise married Alfred Andreson and has two children: Evelyn Veda and Lillian Hazel. They reside on the Quarne farm. Peter Julius, who married Anna Jones, is engaged in farm- ing near his parents' homestead. He and his wife have two children: LeRoy Wilfred and Beulah Lavina. Edwin Bernhard, now a farmer in Jackson County, married Effie Skorstad and has four children: Marle Irene Idanna, Lorin Donald, Arnold DeVere and Corine Ardell. The other three children of Mr. and Mrs. Quarne died in infancy. Religious, the family are affiliated with the Norwegian Lutheran Church.

John M. Sagen, proprietor of the Sagen farm of 162 acres in section 27 (range 7, township 23), Pigeon Township, was born in Biri, Norway, Sept. 19, 1853, son of Mathias and Karen (Olson) Sagen, the former of whom died in Norway in 1856, and the latter of whom came to America in 1877 and died in 1897. John M. Sagen came to America in 1872, and after reaching La Crosse County worked in the pine woods and as a river logsman for several years. In 1876 he homesteaded a farm in Sjuggerud Coulie, section 22, Pigeon Township. He improved and developed this place and built up a good farm. In 1903 he sold out and purchased his present place, where he successfully carries on general farming and stock raising, making a specialty of a fine herd of Holstein cattle. His present home was built in 1912. It consists of a brick veneer, two-story structure, with nine rooms and a basement, and equipped with furnace heat, running

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water and other conveniences. The barn was built in 1914. It is 36 by 80 by 111/2 feet in size, with an addition 12 by 32 feet. The floor is of cement and the equipment is of steel. The stave silo, 12 by 32 feet, was erected in 1915. Among the other buildings may be mentioned the tobacco shed, 26 by 96 by 14 feet. The tools and equipment about the place are well in keeping with these excellent buildings. Mr. Sagen was married in April, 1883, to Amelia Olafsdatter, who was born in Soler, Norway, Sept. 6, 1856, the daughter of Olaf and Ingeborg Olafson, and this union has been blessed with nine children: Inga, Magnus, Olaf, Clara, Millie, Joseph, Emma, Val- borg and Oliver. Inga married Joseph Nelson, a farmer of Pigeon Town- ship. Magnus farms in Hale Township. Clara is the wife of Gunder John- son, secretary of the Wilhelm Oil Company of Minneapolis; Millie married Albert Heapy, a farmer of Calvin, N. D .; Joseph operates a garage at Pigeon Falls; Oliver died at the age of nine years; the others are at home. The family faith is that of the Norwegian Lutheran Church. Mr. Sagen is a stockholder in the Whitehall Creamery Company and in the Whitehall Elevator Company. He has been a member of the school board for some six years past.

Alfred N. Sagen, vice-president of the Davis Mill Company of Gales- ville, was born in this village, March 5, 1877. His parents, Ole N. and Ella T. (Tronson) Sagen, were natives of Norway. Ole N. Sagen was born May 7, 1848, and in 1866, came with his parents to the United States. The family located in the town of Gale, Trempealeau County, and Ole N., who had begun to learn the trade of miller in his native land, in 1869 entered the flouring mill of Wilson Davis at Galesville. In 1878 he became head miller and has held that position until the present date. He is a member of the Norwegian Workmen's Society of Galesville. He is religiously affiliated with the Baptist Church. The children of Ole T. and Ella T. Sagen were Emma J., Alfred N. and Oscar T. In his boyhood Alfred N. Sagen attended the schools of Galesville and subsequently spent one year at Gale College. At the age of 15 he began to work in the Davis mill, but con- tinued to attend school during the winters until he was 18, after which time he worked in the mill regularly all through the year, and has since continued to do so, having never been absent from duty. In 1910 he was elected vice-president of the Davis Mill Company and now holds that posi- tion. He is also vice-president of the Sagen-Schuster Mercantile Company of Galesville. Mr. Sagen was married Oct. 30, 1900, to Mabel A. Thomp- son, who was born in Galesville, Wis., daughter of William and Allie T. (Atwood) Thompson. Her parents were natives of Wisconsin, the father, who was a farmer and stock dealer, being reared in Trempealeau County. Mr. Thompson, who at one time served as president of the village of Gales- ville, died about 1894, and his wife July 19, 1913. Mr. and Mrs. Sagen have one child, Layton Thompson, who was born Sept. 1, 1901. Mr. Sagen is a member of the United Lutheran Church.

Idius B. Scarseth, of section 31 E, Gale Township, is one of the enter- prising and successful farmers of this township, where he was born Aug. 24, 1868. His parents were Martinus J. and Kari (Knudson) Scarseth, both natives of Biri, Norway. Martinus J. Scarseth was born March 30, 1836,

IDIUS B. SCARSETH AND FAMILY

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HISTORY OF TREMPEALEAU COUNTY

and came to the United States in 1857, when 21 years old, being at that time unmarried. He located in Stevens Township, La Crosse County, where he found employment on farms, and also attended school one winter to improve his knowledge of English. There he remained until his marriage in 1860, at which time he came to Gale Township, taking up his residence on the farm where his son, C. M. Scarseth, now resides. In 1888 he moved to the farm now owned by his son Idius and resided here until his death July 4, 1910. His wife, who was born Jan. 3, 1831, died little more than a month after him, on August 8. At different times Mr. Scarseth held local office, serving, among other things, as census enumerator. He was the first secre- tary of the Hardie's Creek Lutheran Church, holding that position until his death, and he was also one of the organizers of the church. He also took an active part in educational work, serving on the school board, and was at one time town commissioner. His wife was an expert dressmaker and when she first came to this country located in Chicago, where she worked at her trade. She was a popular member of society in Gale Township. Idius B. Scarseth was one of four children, being the last born. In his boy- hood he attended the Glasgow school, and from the age of 17 to that of 24 worked out for others. A year later he bought his parents' farm, on which he now resides, and which consists of 120 acres of highly improved land. Here he is engaged in general farming and in breeding Holstein cattle and full-blooded Poland-China hogs. His farm is well improved, having sub- stantial buildings and a full equipment of all necessary tools and imple- ments. Mr. Scarseth is a stockholder in the Farmers' Co-operative Packing Company of La Crosse. For 20 years he has been a member of the school board, while his religious affiliations are with the Lutheran church. Sept. 6, 1893, Mr. Scarseth was married to Sena Semb, who was born in Gale Township, this county, daughter of Ole O. and Kari (Ekern) Semb. Her father was born in Biri, Norway, Sept. 17, 1835, and his wife in the same locality, Oct. 12, 1841. They came to the United States in 1851, locating in Stevenstown, La Crosse County, where Mr. Semb found employment on farms. One of his brothers was killed in the Civil War, and his father and another brother went to Minnesota, where ill fortune pursued them also, as both were killed by the Indians. Ole O. Semb also went to Minnesota and lived there for awhile, but later returned to Wisconsin, locating on Hardie's Creek about a year before his father did. Buying land there, he devoted himself to farming, spending the rest of his life on the homestead, his death occurred July 6, 1898. At various times he served the township in local office, being regarded by his neighbors as an intelligent public spir- ited citizen. His wife survived him a number of years, passing away Jan. 11, 1911. They were the parents of eight children, of whom their daughter Sena (Mrs. Scarseth) was the seventh in order of birth. She was educated in the Glasgow school, where her future husband was fellow pupil. Mr. and Mrs. Scarseth are the parents of seven children: Julia, wife of Alfred Ravnum, a farmer residing at Glasgow, Gale Township; Nora, at home; George Dewey, who attended the La Crosse County School of Agriculture, and is also at home; Edwin Julius, Lester Bernhard, Lloyd Helmer and Clinton Theodore, who were educated in the common schools. Mr. Scarseth

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is a great lover of fishing and hunting and has made some of the finest catches ever made in Black River. His wife is a member of the Ladies' Aid Society at Hardie's Creek, being past secretary of the society.

Jens J. Staff, Jr., proprietor of Staff farm of 160 acres in sections 1 and 12, Pigeon Township, was born in Sundfjord, Norway, March 14, 1870, son of Jens J. and Louisa (Berge) Staff, the parents being also Norwegians. Jens J. Staff, who was born Feb. 5, 1838, came to the United States with his family in 1872, locating at Black River Falls, Jackson County, Wis., where he remained until 1882. Then selling out his property there he came to Trem- pealeau County, and bought the farm on which his son Jens J., Jr., now lives, and where he still resides. His wife, who was born Feb. 13, 1841, died April 30, 1913. Jens J. Staff, Jr., resided with his parents until he was 21 years old, and then, in 1891, began working for the P. Ekern Com- pany of Pigeon Falls. After being in this manner for about six years and four months, he returned to his father's farm and resumed agricultural operations. In 1900 he purchased the property and has since resided on it, being engaged in carrying on general farming, dairying and stock-raising. In 1908 Mr. Staff erected his present residence, a brick veneer structure two stories and basement, eight rooms, equipped with hot water heat and an individual electric light plant. In 1907 he rebuilt the barn, which measures 28 by 72 by 16 feet, with stone basement and cement floors, steel stanchions and individual water cups. The hog house is a frame building with cement floors, 20 by 20 feet in dimensions. Mr. Staff keeps graded Holstein cattle, having a herd of 40 head, of which he milks 20, feeding half a carload for the market each year. He has been successful in his farming operations and the value of his property has continued to increase with the improvements he had made on it. As a substantial and reliable citizen, with a good knowledge of local conditions, he has been called on at times to serve in public office, having been supervisor four years and town- ship assessor since 1912. In 1904 he assumed the duties of school clerk of his district and is still serving in that office. Aside from his immediate farming interests, he owns stock in the Pigeon Grain & Stock Company and the Whitehall Hospital and is a director of the Elevator Company of Whitehall. Mr. Staff was married May 25, 1898, to Lena Kogslein, who was born in Curran Township, Jackson County, Wis., March 16, 1872. Her parents were Nils and Ingeborg (Holen) Kogslein, the father born at Gulbransdalen, Norway, Feb. 29, 1829, and the mother born Sept. 15, 1834. They came to America, settling in Jackson County, Wisconsin, in 1866, but are both now deceased, Mr. Kogslein dying July 7, 1909, and his wife March 4, 1914. Mr. and Mrs. Staff have been the parents of seven children: Laura, born Feb. 4, 1899; Joseph, April 10, 1901; Ida, Jan. 3, 1903; Norma, May 29, 1905 ; Carl, Sept. 12, 1907; Olga, Sept. 29, 1908, and Earl, Oct. 27, 1911 .. The family are members of the United Norwegian Lutheran Church, of which Mr. Staff is auditor.

Tennes Tenneson, proprietor of Lavold farm of 150 acres in sections 13 and 14, Preston Township, was born near Viroquo, Vernon County, Wis., May 22, 1855. He is a son of Jacob Tenneson Lavold and his wife Johanna, whose maiden name was Nuland. Jacob T. Lavold was born near Flekkef-

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jord, Norway, Feb. 28, 1828, and came to the United States in 1852. Com- ing west by rail as far as Chicago, he drove from that city with an ox team to Vernon County, Wisconsin, where he remained until the fall of 1855. Then, in the fall of that year, he continued his westward journey until he reached Trempealeau County, settling on a farm in section 14, Preston Town- ship, which he had bought in the spring of the same year. Here he devoted himself to agricultural pursuits, spending many years in clearing and improving his farm and finally becoming one of the prosperous citizens of the township. In 1892 he sold the farm and removed to the village of Blair, where he made his home until his death in 1896, at the age of 70 years. His first wife, Johanna, dying in 1876, he afterwards married Grethe Thompson of Blair, who is also now deceased. Tennes Tenneson was given a some- what better education than the ordinary farmer's boy of his day, as, after attending the public or district school, he became a student in the business college at La Crosse. His industrial education was not neglected, however, for he was well trained by his father in all the different branches of farm- ing, learning how to cultivate the soil, take care of stock and perform other necessary duties. This knowledge he has since put to good use on his own account, beginning when a young man by renting a farm on French Creek, which he cultivated for two years. Not perfectly satisfied with that loca- tion, however, in 1880 he bought his present farm, and has since continued on it, having found it a profitable investment. He raises high grade Hol- stein cattle, having about 30 head, of which he milks 12; also keeping Poland-China hogs, and registered White Leghorn and Rhode Island Red chickens. He is a stockholder in the Preston Creamery at Blair. His farm is well improved, having good buildings, and he is careful to keep it in good condition, its value having greatly increased since he took it in hand. As a substantial citizen, having a landed interest in his township, Mr. Tenneson has consented at various times to aid in local government. Thus he was township treasurer for two years, and for 30 years has served on the school board as clerk or treasurer. He and his family are members of the United Norwegian Lutheran Church. He was married Feb. 29, 1876, to Martha Lindrud of French Creek, this county, who was born in Norway, Oct. 30, 1854. Her father, Andrew I. Lindrud, born in Norway in 1828, emigrated to this country in 1861, settling first in Vernon County, Wisconsin, from which locality he removed in 1864 to French Creek, Ettrick Township, Trem- pealeau County. This latter place was his home until his death Oct. 30, 1904. His wife, whose maiden name was Gunhild Smedhaugen, died in December, 1915, at the age of 89 years. Mr. and Mrs. Tenneson's family circle has been enlarged by the birth of seven children, namely: Ida, who married Henry Thompson, a farmer of Beach, N. D .; Albert, a farmer resid- ing two miles east of Blair; John, who is farming in Preston Township; Melvin, who conducts a fancy grocery and delicatessen store at St. Paul; Thomas, who lives on the home farm; Tillie, who graduated from Blair high school in 1911, and has been a teacher for three years, and Nora, who lives with her parents.

Frederick John Stellpflug, proprietor of Walnut Grove Stock farm, who for a number of years has been engaged in farming and stock raising

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in sections 29 and 32, Gale Township, though recently retired, was born on the same farm Dec. 6, 1866, son of John Alois and Sarah Frances (Shonat) Stellpflug. The father was born in Westphalia, Germany, Sept. 28, 1838, and came to the United States in 1847, locating at Milwaukee, where he resided for about seven years. While there he assisted in build- ing the first railroad to enter that city and also aided in filling the marsh. Later he engaged in farming at West Bend, Washington County. In 1860 he came to Trempealeau County and settled on land in sections 29 and 32, which now constitutes the farm of his son Frederick J., and which land he purchased from the Government. Here he remained until his death June 30, 1907, developing the farm, on which he made most of the improvements. He was a stockholder in the Arctic Springs Creamery, which he helped to organize, and of which he was vice-president and director for many years. In early days he was also a member of the township board. His wife, Sarah Frances, who was born in Oswego County, New York, Sept. 4, 1850, is still living on the home farm. Frederick J. Stellpflug was the eldest of 14 chil- dren. He acquired the elements of knowledge in the Grant schoolhouse and has always resided on the family homestead, the management of which came into his hands .when he was 25 years old. The estate contains 200 acres of land and is well supplied with good buildings and all necessary equipment. Here Mr. Stellpflug carried on general farming for a number of years, also breeding Holstein cattle. He has lately, however, retired from active farm work and rented the farm, though still residing upon it. Aside from his interests in this connection, he is a stockholder in the Arctic Springs Creamery, of which he is vice-president, a director and stockholder in the Farmers and Merchants Bank, director in the Farmers Elevator Company, and a stockholder in the Independent Harvester Company of Plano, Ill., the La Crosse Packing and the Ettrick Telephone Companies. He is now serving in his twentieth year as clerk of the school board and was township treasurer three years. In politics he is independent. June 19, 1912, Mr. Stellpflug was married to Elizabeth Williamson, who was born in Gale township, near Galesville, Oct. 11, 1891, daughter of Richard Ellis and Christina (Schmidt) Williamson. Her father, who was born in Little Tamarack, this township, in 1864, has always been a farmer and is still in active life, now residing about two and a half miles from Galesville. His wife was born in this township, Nov. 16, 1866. They had five children, of whom their daughter Elizabeth was the eldest. Mr. and Mrs. Stellpflug are the parents of two children: Frederick Joseph, who was born July 2, 1913, and Cecelia Elizabeth, born Sept. 2, 1915. The family are members of the Catholic church. Mr. Stellpflug also belongs to the Foresters, being record- ing secretary of his lodge, and to the Woodmen's Accident Assurance Com- pany. It is his present intention to continue his residence on the farm.

Andrew Evenson came to Trempealeau County in 1888, located in sec- tion 4, Gale Township, and here lived until his death, May 9, 1915. He was born near Christiania, Norway, Aug. 25, 1857, oldest of the four chil- dren of Ole and Mary Evenson. The parents came to America about 1857 and located in La Crosse County, this state. After the father's death, the mother moved to another farm in the same county, located on the south side

FRED SCHUMAN AND FAMILY

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of the La Crosse River, and there lived until she took up her home with her son, Andrew, until the time of her death. Andrew Evenson attended the schools of his native land and of La Crosse County, and as a youth assisted his mother with the duties of her small farm, remaining under the maternal roof until about a year after his marriage, when he located in Trempealeau County. Here he devoted his life to his farm, his home, his children and his church, taking in his family his deepest joy, and in his church his greatest satisfaction. As a successful farmer he acquired stock in the Arctic Springs Creamery, and was a substantial friend thereof, but aside from · this, his outside interests were few. His church support was given to the Synod Lutheran Congregation, in the activities of which he was an efficient and valued worker. Mr. Evenson was married Dec. 3, 1887, to Bertha Johnson, who was born in La Crosse County, Holland Township, daughter of Louis and Mary Johnson, and this union was blessed with eight children: Melva, Ornie Melvin, Elmer Theodore, Lester, Lester Marvin, Edna Marie, Ansel Bernard and Arline Bernice. Melva is the wife of Herbert Hardie, who farms two miles west of Galesville. Ornie Melvin operates the home farm of 200 acres bordering on the Black River. He married Minnie Engen, May 24, 1917. Elmer Theodore married Ella Scarseth, and lives on the Scarseth farm in Gale Township. Lester died in infancy. The other chil- dren are at home.

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History of Trempealeau County, Wisconsin, Part 63

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