History of Trempealeau County, Wisconsin, Part 68

Author: Curtiss-Wedge, Franklyn; Pierce, Eben Douglas
Publication date: 1917
Publisher: Chicago Winona : H.C. Cooper
Number of Pages: 1318

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Andres Knutson, an early settler, was born in Halingdahl, Norway, and was there reared. As a young man he married Astri Johnson, and the two decided to cast their future lot in America. Accordingly in 1860 they came to this county, and located in Ettrick Township, a mile from the present family home. He homesteaded a farm and successfully carried on general farming until his death June 7, 1891. His good wife survived him several years, passing away May 12, 1895. In the family there were seven children: Margit (deceased) ; Astri, the widow of K. K. Hagestad; Karine (deceased), Johanna (deceased), Knut of Ettrick Township, John A. of Ettrick, and Margit, now Mrs. S. S. Knutson of Ettrick Township.

John A. Knutson, town chairman and a prosperous farmer in section 17, Ettrick Township, was born in this township Oct. 19, 1872, sixth child of Andres and Astri (Johnson) Knutson. He acquired his education in the district school of Ettrick Township, and resided at home until he was 21 years of age, assisting his father and acquiring a knowledge of agriculture. At the time of his marriage, June 23, 1894, to Anna M. Hagestad, he bought his present farm, which contains 158 acres of excellent land. On this prop- erty he has made practically all the improvements, and his farm is now equipped with substantial modern buildings. Mr. Knutson has other finan- cial interests aside from his farm, being a stockholder in the Ettrick Cream- ery Company, the Ettrick Telephone Company, the Farmers Exchange at Blair and the Ettrick & Northern Railroad. His wife, Mrs. Anna M. (Hage- stad) Knutson, was born in Ettrick Township, this county, daughter of Ole and Martha (Gunderson) Hagestad, who were natives of Norway. Her father died when she was a babe one year old. Mr. and Mrs. Knutson have been the parents of eight children: Margaret Amanda, wife of Alfred Ekern; Omar, deceased; Alma Ovidia, deceased; Newman Sylvester and

FRED W. GRAVES

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HISTORY OF TREMPEALEAU COUNTY

Ernest William, residing at home; Grunild Irene, who is deceased; Orrin Alexander, residing at home, and Lillian Marie, deceased. Mr. Knutson is affiliated by membership with the Yeomen and the Modern Woodmen of America. In politics he is an independent Republican. He has served on the township board a number of years and is its present chairman, render- ing efficient service and supporting all practical measures for the betterment of the community in which he lives. He and his family are members of the United Lutheran Church.

Oscar Ystenes, who is engaged in general farming and stock raising in section 11 East, Ettrick Township, was born in Beaver Creek Valley, this township, July 31, 1886, son of Nels and Elizabeth (Instenes) Ystenes. The parents were natives of Hardanger, Norway, the father born Dec. 4, 1851, the mother, Aug. 16, 1861. The former came to the United States when a young man, settling on Beaver Creek, this county. He first found work driving a team for the Iver Pederson Company of Ettrick, but after- wards began farming where his son Oscar is now located, and which he made his home for many years, or until the fall of 1915, at which time he retired from active labor and took up his residence in the village of Hegg, where he is now living. His farm consisted of 120 acres of valuable land, which he had greatly improved and highly cultivated. He and his wife were the parents of six children: Emma, who resides on the farm with her brother; Clara, deceased; Oscar, the present proprietor of the farm; Selmar and Nicholia, both residents of this state, and Cornelius, who lives with his parents.

Oscar Ystenes in his boyhood acquired the elements of an English education in the school at Hegg. He was trained to agricultural work and for two summers worked away from home. In 1908 he began farming the homestead as its manager, and so continued until 1914, in which year he bought the property. The farm is well equipped with modern buildings and all necessary implements and machinery, and he is working it with profitable results. Mr. Ystenes is also a stockholder in the Ettrick Tele- phone Company. His religious affiliations are with the United Lutheran Church, while in politics he is independent.

Fred Warren Graves, secretary and manager of the Cooper & Graves Lumber Company, Trempealeau, dealers in lumber, building material, posts, wire fencing, feed, grain, flour and other supplies, is one of the progressive business men of the village, and has developed an important industry. He was born near Granite Falls, Chippewa County, Minn., Sept. 13, 1873, son of Warren A. and Sarah (Metcalf) Graves, now living in Trempealeau. He passed through the country schools and spent three years in the Granite Falls high school. As a young man he was variously employed. In 1893 he went to Salt Lake City, Utah, and was employed there for about two years by Nolton & Graves, paper hangers and decorators. Since 1895 he has lived continuously in Trempealeau Village. In the fall of that year he entered the employ of his father in a general store, and two years later was received into partnership, the firm name becoming W. A. Graves & Son. Selling his interest in this establishment in the fall of 1906 to E. L. Atwood, he purchased a warehouse in Trempealeau, and became a grain dealer,

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buying, storing and shipping on a large scale. While thus engaged he was impressed with the opportunities for a good lumber yard, in combination with the grain business, so he organized the Cooper & Graves Lumber Company. This company was incorporated Feb. 18, 1907, with a capital of $25,000, and with W. E. Cooper as president, F. W. Graves as secretary and manager, Linnie U. Cooper as vice-president, and E. W. Graves as treas- urer. This company absorbed the business of F. W. Graves at the time of organization, and that of William Merwin in May of the same year, and has since been without competition. Mr. Graves, in addition to his holdings in this concern, has a pleasant home on West Second street, which he bought in the spring of 1900, and renovated and remodeled it so that he was enabled to move in that fall. He is a stockholder in the Citizens State Bank. An enthusiastic booster, he is a thorough believer in the future of the village, and is always ready to do his share for every worthy project. His fraternal relations are with Modern Woodmen. He has been a member of the Con- gregational church since he was a youth of fifteen years. His wife and two children are also members of that church, his son having joined at the age of 14 years. Mr. Graves was married Sept. 1, 1898, to Edna May Utter, daughter of Charles and Elizabeth Utter of Trempealeau Village. Mr. and Mrs. Graves have two children: Clyde Warren, born Sept. 7, 1899, and Elizabeth May, Jan. 28, 1904.

Tobias Olson, a resident of Galesville until his death, July 7, 1913, was engaged for a number of years in agricultural pursuits in Trempealeau County, and was a citizen well known and respected. He was born in Söndreland, Norway, March 7, 1836, son of Tosten and Marit Olson, who were natives of the same place. Coming to Coon Valley, Vernon County, Wis., with his family, Tosten Olson worked as a farm hand for a short time. He then moved to French Creek, Trempealeau County, and was engaged in farming there until his death. His wife also died on that farm. Their family numbered five children, of whom Tobias was the youngest. Tobias Olson attended school in Söndreland, Norway, until he was nine years old. He was then sent successively to Denmark and Germany to learn the lan- guages and also the tailor's trade, at which he worked in Denmark about seven years. In 1861 he came to the United States with his parents. Remaining with them for a year subsequently, he then went to La Crosse, where he worked at tailoring, and also opened a general store, being engaged in business there for a number of years. Then selling out his business he moved to Frenchville, Gale Township, and engaged in the mercantile busi- ness for many years. He then rented his store and moved to La Crosse, where he remained one year, then returned to Gale Township, where he devoted the next 12 years of his life to agriculture. The rest of his life was spent retired in Galesville, his death, however, occurring at the Lutheran Hospital in La Crosse, following an operation. He was a member of the Synod Lutheran Church. A Republican in politics, at various times he held local office and was postmaster for a number of terms in Frenchville. July 21, 1894, Tobias Olson was married to Nettie Linnerud, who was born at French Creek, Wis., daughter of Andrew and Gunnild (Nilson) Linnerud. Her parents were born in Söndreland, Norway, the mother Sept. 3, 1825.

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Andrew Linnerud, who was a farmer, came to Coon Valley, Wis., with Mr. Olson's father in 1861, and worked for others on farms for about a year. He then purchased land on French Creek and was there engaged in agricul- ture till three years before his death, when his health became impaired. He died at Frenchville Oct. 30, 1903. His wife, who survived him, died at the home of her son, John, Dec. 8, 1915. Their daughter Nettie, who was born July 20, 1864, was the fourth born of six children. Mr. and Mrs. Tobias Olson had one child, Oscar Albert, who was born in Frenchville, Wis., Jan. 21, 1896. He graduated from the Frenchville grammar school, and from the Galesville high school in the class of 1915 and is now attending the University of Wisconsin. Mrs. Olson has recently sold the home farm and has a comfortable modern home in Galesville.

Andrew P. Ofsdahl, who is now living practically retired in the village of Ettrick, after a successful career as an agriculturist, was born in French Creek Valley, Ettrick Township, Trempealeau County, Wis., Aug. 2, 1870. His parents, Peter O. and Martha (Nelsestuen) Ofsdahl, were both natives of Norway. In 1858 Peter O. Ofsdahl came to the United States, a single man, and located at Westby, Vernon County, Wis., where he found employ- ment. Being an ambitious man, he was not satisfied to work long for others, but after awhile made his way to Trempealeau County, where he bought land and became a farmer. The Civil War coming on, he enlisted as a private in Company B, in 1861, and went to the front to fight in defense of the American Union. Receiving a gunshot wound at the battle of Stone River, Dec. 31, 1862, he was confined for some time to the Nashville hospital and was subsequently discharged on account of physical disability at Louis- ville, Ky., April 4, 1863. He thereupon returned to Trempealeau County and resumed residence on his farm in Ettrick Township, which he set to work to cultivate and improve, and where, after a long and successful career as a farmer, he died Oct. 10, 1906. His marriage to Martha Nelsestuen took place in Trempealeau County, but after living a few years together she died when her son Andrew P. was but eight weeks old. Their family numbered in all seven children. Andrew P. Ofsdahl, after attending school in Ettrick Township, became a student at Galesville University, now known as Gale College, and still later attended the La Crosse Business College. At the age of 19 he began farming independently on French Creek, buying a farm there which he still owns, consisting of 100 acres, which was purchased from his uncle. Later he increased its size by buying 60 additional acres. At a subsequent period he began specializing in Holstein cattle, in which industry he is still engaged and in which he has been very successful, having bred many fine animals. His arduous labors terminated in 1913, when he gave up the hard work of the farm and took up his residence in the village. He is treasurer of the Ettrick Scandinavian Fire Insurance Company, a stock- holder in the Ettrick Creamery, to which he devotes much of his time, also in the Ettrick & Northern Railroad and in the Ettrick Lumber Company, besides being a director in the Bank of Ettrick. He is also secretary of the creamery company, having held that position nearly ten years, and is serving in his third year as trustee of the County Asylum at Whitehall, besides having served five years as chairman of the township board. In

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politics he is a Republican, his religious affiliations being with the Lutheran church. Mr. Ofsdahl was married in 1889 to Laura Larson, who was born in French Creek Valley, daughter of Lars Dafinsrud and Bertha (Johnson) Dafinsrud. Mrs. Ofsdahl's father died before she was born and her mother four years later, so that she has no recollection even of her mother. She was educated in the district schools of Trempealeau County. Mr. and Mrs. Ofsdahl have five children: Loraine, who resides at Fessenden, N. D., where he holds the position of cashier in a business house ; Blanche Mabel, employed by the Pederson Mercantile Company of Ettrick; Arthur L., Agnes L. and Esther Magdalena.

John Oppengaard, proprietor of a blacksmith and repair shop, and also a dealer in plows in Ettrick Village, is, like so many of the enterprising citizens of this part of Trempealeau County, a native of Norway, his birth having taken place in Fauberg, in the northern part of that country, May 14, 1877. His parents were Christ Johnson and Carrie Amundson Johnson, who were born in Biri, Norway, the father being a farmer and blacksmith. They died in their native land, Christ Johnson in 1910 and his wife in 1886. John Oppengaard was the younger of two children born to his parents. He attended school in Norway and afterwards served an apprenticeship to the blacksmith's trade at Lillehammer, being thus occupied for four years. Subsequently until 1901 he worked as a journeyman in Christiania, and then, desirous of advancing his fortunes, took passage for the United States, coming direct to Galesville. Here he found employment in the blacksmith shop of Sever Johnson, for whom he worked until the fall of the same year. The next three winters were spent in Ettrick, where he followed his trade. Having now saved some money, he went back to Norway, where he was married, Aug. 7, 1904, to Anneta Christenson, who was born in Lier, Nor- way, daughter of Christ Gulickson and Gunild Anderson, both natives of Lier, now deceased. Her father was a sailor many years and also for some time a watchman on a railroad bridge. He died in 1893 and his wife in 1905. In the latter year Mr. Oppengaard returned to America with his wife. On arriving here he engaged in business in Ettrick for one year as blacksmith, after which he established himself at his present location. His shop is 24 by 50 feet in ground dimensions and is well equipped with a stock of gas engines, trip hammers and various kinds of machinery, being adapted to repair work of all kinds. He also engages in horseshoeing and sells the Gale plow, having built up a good trade in the various departments of his business. In 1906 he purchased a lot in Ettrick, on which in the following year he erected his present residence, a good, substantial building, and in addition to this he owns other property in the village. The Ettrick & Northern Railroad also numbers him among its stockholders. He is a member of the board of directors of the Norwegian school at Ettrick, and in politics is a Republican. He and his wife are the parents of two children: Kalbyärn and Garta Amelia Josephina. The family are mem- bers of the Lutheran church, while Mr. Oppengaard's lodge affiliations are with the Order of Beavers.

Warren A. Graves, a highly respected citizen of Trempealeau, now living retired, was born at Walpole, N. H., Oct. 16, 1841, son of Aaron M. and

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Abigail (Sanderson) Graves. The parents, who were natives and farmers of New Hampshire, are both now deceased. Warren A. acquired his educa- tion in the "little red schoolhouse" in the State of his birth, and there grew to manhood, remaining on the farm until 20 years of age. On starting out in life for himself he accepted a position as attendant at the Concord, N. H., Insane Asylum, and was thus occupied for two years. He then went to Boston, Mass., and was there employed in the New England Glass Factory. He also delivered express in Brookline, a suburb of Boston, driving from Boston. In 1864 he returned to New Hampshire and accepted a position as superintendent of the West Mooreland Poor Farm, at West Mooreland, N. H. In 1866 he migrated west to Trempealeau County, Wis., and for one year was engaged in farming in Dodge Township. He then removed to Winona County, Minn., and purchased a farm in Wiscoy Township. Four years later he sold that farm and removed to Chippewa County, Minn., taking a government homestead of 160 acres, which he cultivated and developed, erecting buildings, and becoming one of the leading farmers of the county. He served as county commissioner of Chippewa County for three years and for a long time did the assessing of the unorganized town- ships of the county, being appointed to do this work by the county commis- sioners. After his township (Stoneham) was organized, he became chair- man of the town board and also held other offices. From 1882 until 1894 he lived in Granite Falls and was salesman for agricultural implements. In 1894 he moved with his family to Trempealeau Village and purchased a store building, putting in a line of general merchandise, with J. C. Utter as an equal partner, the firm name being Utter & Graves. In 1895 Mr. Graves purchased the Utter interest and conducted the business alone for one year. His next partner was his son, Fred W., who purchased a half interest, and the firm became W. A. Graves & Son. This partnership continued for seven years, when Fred W. sold out his interests to E. L. Atwood and the firm became Graves & Atwood, which it remained until 1913. The Atwood interest was then purchased by C. H. Growt and for one year the firm was Graves & Growt. In January, 1914, Mr. Graves sold out and the stock was removed to the Trempealeau Mercantile's building, of which Mr. Growt is manager. Mr. Graves then retired and later disposed of his building. On coming to Trempealeau he purchased his present home, where he has since continued to live.

Mr. Graves served as a member of the board of education in Granite Falls and is now a member of the Trempealeau Village Council. Mr. Graves was married at East Cambridge, Mass., Feb. 20, 1864, to Sarah Metcalf, who was born Sept. 9, 1843, who in all their married life has proved a faithful wife and loving mother. To them have been born five children: Lester H., Idella, Fred W., Mabel and Cora. Lester H., born Jan. 3, 1868, and died at Salt Lake City, Utah, Oct. 21, 1895. Idella, born Dec. 19, 1870, who for eight years taught in the high school at Trempealeau, subsequently graduated from the Chicago Dental College, and is now a dentist at Cleve- land, Ohio, where she has been located for the past seven years, and in her work stands in high repute. Fred W. was born Sept. 13, 1873. Mabel, born Dec. 11, 1874, is now Mrs. Fred C. Ford, of Trempealeau, was before

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her marriage for eight years a proficient teacher. She has six children: Lester, a student at the State University at Madison ; Ruth, Lyle and Lynn (twins), Fred C., Jr., and Charles. Cora, born Nov. 23, 1883, was gradu- ated from the Trempealeau High School and the Winona State Normal School, subsequently entered the State School for Deaf and Dumb at Mil- waukee, from which she was graduated, and was retained there to teach for three years. She married Wallace Hannaman, then principal of the Durkee School at Kenosha. He later accepted a position at the State University at Madison, and there Cora died in June, 1914, leaving no children. Mr. Graves is deacon in the Congregational church at Trempealeau and chairman of its board of trustees. He is a stockholder in the Citizens' State Bank, also president of the Trempealeau Cemetery Association, and a member of Trempealeau Lodge, No. 117, A. F. & A. M. Both Mr. and Mrs. Graves are members of the Congregational church, of which Mrs. Graves is a member of the Ways and Means Society. Both Mr. and Mrs. Graves are interested in church work and are liberal supporters to that benevolent cause.

Frank A. Kellman, who is conducting at Galesville one of the most com- plete hardware stores in Trempealeau County, and also carrying on a good business in plumbing, gas fitting and the installation of heating apparatus, was born at Barras, Sweden, April 24, 1869, son of John and Anna C. Kell- man. His parents came to the United States with their family in the year of his birth, settling in Galesville, Wis., where they are still living, the father having been engaged in the jewelry business for many years. Frank A. attended school in Galesville when a boy. At the age of 17 he entered the hardware store of Aaron Oribbs, in this village, where he learned the tinner's trade and the hardware business in general, and continued with this employer for about eight years. He then engaged in the hardware business for himself, opening a store in the building now occupied by the Galesville postoffice. After remaining at that location for seven years, he moved to the corner on which the Farmers' and Merchants' Bank now stands. There he carried on business for ten years, by the end of which time his trade had so increased that he had to find more commodious quarters, and so moved into his present building. Here he occupies two floors, 40 by 60 feet, but owing to the continued growth of his business is so crowded that he has hardly any room for display. He carries a large stock of shelf and heavy hardware, occupying the space from floor to ceiling, and also has a number of outside warehouses. In his plumbing, gas fitting and heating department he employs several highly skilled workmen. Mr. Kellman has also been secretary of the Davis Mill Company since its organization, and is a director in the Bank of Galesville and in the Western Wisconsin Tele- phone Company. Mr. Kellman was married in October, 1892, to Lizzie Belle Thompson, who was born in Trempealeau County, Wis., daughter of William B. and Allie (Atwood) Thompson, who are both now deceased. Her father, who was born in the State of New York and was engaged in farming and stock raising most of his life, was also a stockholder in the Bank of Galesville. For many years he was a large land owner in the county and also had extensive property interests in Galesville, being one of the most

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prominent citizens of the village. Mr. and Mrs. Kellman have three chil- dren: Vilas A., who is associated with his father in business; Forest T. and Norris J .. residing at home.

J. Alfred Kellman, who for many years has been established in the jewelry business in Galesville, and is one of the leading citizens of the village, was born in Sweden, Oct. 16, 1865, son of John and Anna C. Kellman. The father was born in Sweden, April 24, 1831, and learned the jeweler's trade. Coming to th "Jnited States in 1869, he settled in Trempealeau County the same year, . a. ting a jewelry store in Trempealeau, where he remained for four year". He then established himself in the same business in Gales- ville, of which place he has since been a resident. Although now advanced in years, he is still hale and hearty, as, also, is Mrs. Kellman, who has reached the advanced age of 83 years. They were the parents of four children : Charles A., John A., Frank A. and Solomon L. (deceased).

J. Alfred Kellman was educated in the Galesville graded school and at Gale College. He learned the jewelry business from his father, with whom he has been associated since he was 15 years old, and who, it may be said, was the fir + jeweler in Galesville. For a place of the size of Galesville he has a remarkably well-stocked store and does a good business in watch cleaning and repairing. He has also been manager and treasurer of the Galesville Improvement Company since its organization in 1892. A Repub- lican in politics, he has served on the village board for a number of years, has been town and village treasurer and is at present serving as assessor of Galesville. He owns both business and residence property in Galesville. Fraternally he is connected with the Knights of Pythias and the Modern Woodmen of America. Mr. Kellman was married in June, 1897, to Julia Ziegler, daughter of John and Barbara (Raichel) Ziegler, both she and her parents being natives of Germany. The Ziegler family came to the United States many years ago, locating immediately in Galesville, Wis., where Mr. Ziegler followed his trade of blacksmith and machinist. Some time after coming here he went to Pittsburgh, Pa., where he remained for a year, after which he returned to Galesville. About 1896 he retired and moved to La Crosse, where he and his wife subsequently died. Mr. and Mrs. J. Alfred Kellman are the parents of two children: Arleen Thelma and John Morton, who reside with their parents.

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History of Trempealeau County, Wisconsin, Part 68

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