USA > Wisconsin > Trempealeau County > History of Trempealeau County, Wisconsin > Part 70
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O., was born Oct. 27, 1909, and is now a bright girl of 7 years, and Anton J., born May 4, 1917.
Axel K. Olsen, M. D., of Ettrick, Wis., was born in Stavanger, Norway, Sept. 16, 1865, son of Peter and Bertha Elisabeth (Olsen) Olsen. The father, who was a ship carpenter, died of yellow fever in South America, in 1873, his wife dying in Norway a few years later. He came to the United States in 1886, at the age of 21 years. He attended the high school and college in Norway and in the year 1885 he passed the examen artium (B. A.) at the University of Christiania, Norway. He went to Vermilion, S. D., where he became a student at the State University, taking his degree of Master of Arts in the Class of 1890. He commenced his medical studies at Northwestern Medical College, in Chicago, 1892-93, attended the College of Physicians and Surgeons in 1893-94, passed the Illinois State Board examination in 1895. In the winter of 1895-96 Dr. Olsen was interne in the Lutheran Hospital at Chicago, and in the following summer began practice in Westby, taking charge of the practice of Dr. J. Schreiner. In the fall he returned to Chicago and entered Rush Medical College, where he took his degree in medicine in 1897. He now located in Baldwin, Wis., but after three months there came to Ettrick, where there was then no physician, and here he has since resided, having built up a good practice in the village and the surrounding territory. His neat and commodious resi- dence in Ettrick was erected by him in 1915. At the present time he holds the position of health officer. Dr. Olsen was first married in the fall of 1897 to Sarah Brager, who was born in Norway, in which country her father gained his living as a timber expert. He died there and his widow came to the United States, locating in Blanchardville, where she subsequently died. Mrs. Sarah Olson was killed in a runaway accident in 1899, leaving one child, Esther, who died at the age of 8 years. May 29, 1901, the Doctor married Miss Inger Brager, who was a sister of his first wife, and was also born in Norway, being about 10 years of age when she came to America. The children of this second marriage are three in number: Axel K., Jr., Erna · Brager and Borge Halyard. Dr. Olsen is a member of the County, State and American Medical Associations. He attends the Lutheran church. He is a well-known and popular citizen, and with his family moves in the best society in this part of the county.
Anton P. Brohelden, who is engaged in farming 160 acres of land in sections 24-25, Ettrick Township, with prosperous results, was born in Sunderland, Norway, Oct. 25, 1871, son of Andrew Peterson and Bertha Svenson, his wife, both natives of the same district, and neither of whom ever came to America. Anton P. emigrated to this country in 1892 and after arriving in Trempealeau County, found employment with Christ Brenengen, of Abraham's Cooley, for whom he worked two years, after- wards working two years for Chris Skunberg and later for others. About 1899 he bought his present farm, which is a good piece of agricultural property and where he is carrying on general farming successfully, being also a stockholder in the Ettrick Creamery. Mr. Brohelden was married at French Creek, in 1899, to Anna Brenengen, who was born in Norway, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Nils Brenengen, her family being one well known
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in this part of the county. He and his wife have four children : Sanford Amandus, Esther Alvena, Bernice Lenora and Stella Lillian. The family are members of the Lutheran church.
George Amoth, proprietor of a well-improved farm of 135 acres in Ettrick Township, near the village of Ettrick, was born in a log house in this locality, May 29, 1873, son of Gilbert and Helen (Haldvorsdatter) Amoth. The parents were natives of Norway, in which country they were married, and a few years later, about 1867, came with their two eldest children to the United States. After a long voyage across the Atlantic in a sailing vessel they landed at an eastern port, and came directly to Ettrick Township, Trempealeau County, Wis., which locality they had been informed was favorable for settlement. Having little knowledge, however, of what he would have to do, Gilbert Amoth was practically unprovided with necessaries for making a start in the wilderness, and at first had scarcely anything but his bare hands with which to begin work. In spite of this handicap, he managed to erect a log house and as soon as possible procured an ox team, with which he began the work of pioneer farming. A number of years later, after he had made good progress in developing his farm, he increased its size by the purchase of 40 additional acres, and here he resided until he retired and moved to Ettrick about six years before his death, which occurred March 17, 1916. He was a member of the Lutheran church and a respected member of the community in which he had cast his lot. His wife died on the farm about 1908. They had a family numbering 11 children. George Amoth worked on the home farm until he had reached the age of 18 years, at which time he began working out on other farms, and also for a while hauled cream to the creamery at Ettrick. At the age of 26 years he was married to Julia Johnson, daughter of Hans and Martha Johnson, of Ettrick. He then rented a farm in section 20, working it for three years, at the end of which time he bought his present farm near the village, where he raises various crops, and also more or less stock, including Shorthorn cattle, Poland-China hogs, a good grade of horses and full-blooded Black Monarch chickens. Since taking this place he has erected on it a good silo, machine shed and chicken coop. His barn is 100 by 28 feet in size. Mr. Amoth takes an interest in all local enterprises, giving active support to the creamery in particular. He has been successful as a farmer and he and his wife are prominent and esteemed residents of the community in which they live. They have two children: Hazel Marie and Guy Hubert.
Ole Tomter, proprietor of the Tomter Dairy Farm of 158 acres in sec- tions 27 and 28, town 23, range 7, Pigeon Township, was born on the farm where he still lives, Nov. 11, 1877, son of John L. and Martha (Olsdatter Rolieie) Tomter. John L. Tomter died Dec. 24, 1915, and Mrs. Tomter resides with her son Ole. He was reared on the home place, attended the district schools, and learned farming from his father. In July, 1903, he and his brother Anton rented the farm, and three years later they pur- chased it. In 1909 he acquired his brother Anton's interest, and has since continued as the sole owner. On this place he conducts general farming operations, making a specialty of grade Holstein cattle. His home is a
JOHN L. TOMTER AND FAMILY OLE TOMTER AND FAMILY
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pleasant frame structure of 12 rooms. Like the other buildings on the farm, it is lighted with acetylene gas. The barn, 50 by 62 by 31 feet, was erected in 1915. It has cement floors, steel stanchions and other modern features. The silo, constructed in 1916, is of glazed blocks. The other buildings are also in keeping with these sightly structures. Mr. Tomter is a prominent man in the community and has been on the town board since 1914 and on the school board since 1915. He is a stockholder in the Pigeon Grain & Stock Company and in the Whitehall Hospital. His fraternal relations are with the S. A. F. His religious faith is that of the Norwegian Lutheran church, of which he is efficiently serving as treasurer. Mr. Tomter was married Oct. 27, 1906, to Hilda Maria Skoyen, who was born in Hale Township, Jan. 15, 1886, daughter of Hans and Martha Skoyen, early settlers. Mr. and Mrs. Tomter have four children: Hensel Joseph, born Aug. 8, 1907; Lester, born March 28, 1910; Lawrence Raymond, born July 19, 1912 ; and Sylvia Amanda, born April 8, 1916.
James C. Beirne, a well-known agriculturist in section 31, east, Ettrick Township, where he has a farm of 120 acres, is a native of Wisconsin, having been born at St. Mary's Ridge, La Crosse County, March 25, 1855. His parents were Thomas and Catherine Beirne, both natives of Ireland. Thomas Beirne came to the United States when a mere lad, residing for some years in Albany, N. Y., where he began industrial life. In later years, after attaining maturity, he came to Wisconsin, locating at Watertown, in the vicinity of which place he bought land and became a farmer. From there he removed to La Crosse, and subsequently, about 1857, to Galesville, here continuing his farming operations. After residing in Galesville for two years he bought land in what is now the northern part of Ettrick Township, on which he built a small house and started to develop a homestead. He improved about 160 acres of land and resided there until 1898, when he moved to Ettrick, where he subsequently died. His wife is also deceased. They had a family of nine children. James C. Beirne was the fourth-born child of his parents. He acquired the elements of knowledge in a primitive log schoolhouse in Ettrick Township and remained at home assisting his parents until he was 30 years old, having the practical management of the farm at an early age. About 1886 he purchased his present farm, which he has since lived on and improved. Mr. Beirne was married May 10, 1897, to Ellen Cleary, daughter of John and Ellen Cleary. Mrs. Beirne, who was one of seven children, being the sixth-born, was educated in the schools of Crawford County. Mr. and Mrs. Beirne have two children: Vincent, born Oct. 21, 1898, and Mildred, born Aug. 28, 1902. The family are members of the Catholic church. Mr. Beirne is independent in politics. He is an industrious and substantial citizen.
Charles L. Brenengan, who is profitably operating a farm of 120 acres in sections 8 and 6, Gale Township, was born on this farm, Jan. 29, 1869, son of Christian and Mary (Jorde) Brenengan. Both parents were natives of Norway, the mother born in Berie. Christian Brenengan came to this country in 1862, locating near Stoddard, in Vernon County. He was em- ployed by others at threshing and other labor until he came to the farm now owned by his son Charles, which he developed and improved. This was
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not his only property, as he owned altogether 370 acres. Besides carrying on general farming, he dealt in stock for a number of years. About 1905 he retired from the farm and went to Galesville, where he is now living. For a number of years during his active period he was a member of the school board. Their family consisted of three children, of whom Charles L. was the first-born. The others were: Alfred J., who resides on the old home farm, and Elma Stella, wife of Alex Toppen, residing on an adjoining farm. In September, 1896, Mr. Brenengan was married to Julia Skundberg, who was born on French Creek, Trempealeau County, daughter of Andrew and Bertha Skundberg. He and his wife have one child, Katheryn Margaret, who is now attending school. Mr. Brenen- gan is a member of the Order of Scandinavian Workmen, a beneficial insur- ance society of Oshkosh, Wis. He has always resided on the parental homestead, which he purchased in 1900 from his father, and is engaged in general farming, including dairying and stock raising, being also a stock- holder in the Galesville Creamery. His education, besides the usual district school course, included two years in the La Crosse High School, and he has since increased his general knowledge by reading and acquaintance with the practical things of life. In politics he is independent, as a rule voting for the man rather than for the party, and though interested in good government, he has not been politically active, either in town or county affairs. As a reliable citizen and good neighbor he commands gen- eral respect.
Stark Butman, one of the oldest living citizens of Trempealeau County, having resided continuously for 60 years in Gale Township, was born in Huron County (now Erie County), Ohio, March 28, 1832. He was educated and grew to manhood in his native State. In 1852 he came West to La Crosse County, Wis., where he located 160 acres of land, returning to Ohio that same year. In 1853 he and his brother Hiram came to La Crosse County and settled on this land, which was situated near Stevenstown. In 1857 he exchanged 80 acres of his land for 40 acres of land on this side of Black River, in Gale Township, Trempealeau County, and there he laid the foundations for his future prosperity, building a house, with the proper accompaniment of outbuildings, and breaking and developing his land. Later he acquired other land by purchase and by homesteading until he owned at one time several hundred acres, becoming one of the leading and representative men of Trempealeau County. He has followed diversi- fied farming all his life, and has given away and sold land to his children, at the present time having only 160 acres in his own name. For about 28 years Mr. Butman served as postmaster at Decorah Prairie, the office being in his own home, and for his services he received the large recompense of 1 per cent of the cancellations. He has also rendered efficient service in various town offices. In 1855 Mr. Butman was married at La Crosse, Wis., to Mary Jane Lynn, who was born in New York State, July 22, 1836. After 56 years of wedded life, she passed away, March 19, 1911, sincerely mourned. Mr. and Mrs. Butman were the parents of 10 children, whose record in brief is as follows: Eugene S., born Oct. 4, 1856, was married Jan. 22, 1882, to Lizzie Stellpflug, and they reside at Pipestone, Minn. Emma J., born Nov.
1
MR. AND MRS. STARK BUTMAN
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3, 1858, was married, July, 1885, to David Lonie, and they now reside at Pullman, Wash. Eva I., born Aug. 11, 1861, was married Feb. 17, 1884, to Ally Bartlett, and they reside at Alexandria, Minn. Erie H., born May 28, 1863, married, May 15, 1904, Charles E. Potter. Nancy M., born May 8, 1865, was married Oct. 20, 1883, to Clinton V. Lovell. Nettie L., born March 17, 1867, on May 4, 1888, became the wife of W. E. Mckown. She died May 25, 1897. Ernest H., born Aug. 31, 1873, was married March 15, 1899, to Lizzie M. Burt, and they reside in Gale Township. An infant daughter, born May 9, 1876, died May 14, 1876. Frank M., born Feb. 25, 1880, was married Nov. 12, 1906, to Janet M. Smith. They reside in Gale Township. Since her mother's death Mary Edna Mckown has always lived with her grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. Butman, and since her grand- mother's death in 1911 has been the sole housekeeper for her grandfather. Mr. Butman, althought over 85 years old, is still hale and hearty and in full possession of all his faculties, enjoying an opportunity to relate the many hardships and trials incident to pioneer life, and above all, proud to boast that he has 27 grandchildren and 25 great-grandchildren.
George Christiansen, M. D., a popular physician of Galesville, was born in La Crosse, Wis., May 14, 1886, son of Peter and Anna (Iverson) Chris- tiansen. The father was born in Norway, Aug. 7, 1844, and came to the United States when about 18 or 20 years of age, locating in La Crosse, Wis., where he worked for some time in a store. Subsequently he engaged in rafting on the river between St. Louis and New Orleans and continued in this occupation until the Southern Minnesota Railroad was built, when he found work on it at building telegraph lines. Later he became inspector of a telegraph line, holding this position for a number of years. His next employment was in the Kline dry goods store in La Crosse, and he remained there until he was appointed substitute mail carrier in that city, later becoming a member of the regular force. In 1911 he ceased industrial activity and is now living retired in La Crosse. His father died October 22, 1916. His wife Anna, who was born in Milwaukee, Wis., in 1860, died Feb. 6, 1900. Their family numbered four children, of whom George is the third in order of birth.
George Christiansen acquired the main part of his literary education in the grammar school at La Crosse. Then, after two years of preparatory medical work in Milwaukee, he entered Northwestern University Medical School, at Chicago, where he was graduated M. D. in 1911, after a four years' course. Returning to La Crosse, he became resident physician to the Lutheran Hospital there, which position he held for three years. He then went to Holman, Wis., where he practiced for about 18 months, at the end of which time he came to Galesville as successor to Dr. G. H. Laurence in general medical practice. Though here but a short time, Dr. Christiansen has already made a favorable impression on the community, and, being thoroughly well qualified in his profession, has the best prospects of a suc- cessful career as long as he chooses to remain here. He is a member of the County, State and American Medical Associations. His other society affiliations are with the Masonic Lodge, No. 177, of Galesville, the Elks' Lodge, No. 300, and the Phi Chi Medical Fraternity. In politics he is a
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Republican. The Doctor was married, May 25, 1917, to Miss Dena Edna Myhre, of Galesville.
N. E. Dale, buttermaker for the Preston Creamery Company, of Blair. was born in Pigeon Township, Trempealeau County, July 12, 1878, son of Benedict Olson and Guina Halvorslein. The father and mother came to America as young people, and after the father's death, the mother married Louis A. Larson, of Pigeon Falls, now residing at Onalaska, Wis. The sub- ject of this sketch was reared by his grandparents, Nels and Christina (Gunderson) Halvorslein, in Curran Township, Jackson County. As a youth he was employed at farm work, and for some three years, while attending school in Minneapolis, he was engaged as a coachman. In 1901 he began his career as a buttermaker by working in the York Creamery, in Jackson County. But desiring to further perfect himself in the art, he entered the Dairy School of the University of Wisconsin, in 1902, and was duly graduated. Then, after two years' experience at Flint, Mich., he returned to Jackson County, and worked at the creamery in Irving Township for seven years. He has occupied his present position since July 1, 1911. He is thoroughly competent and efficient, and his work is highly valued by the stockholders of the company. Mr. Dale was married at Hixton, Wis., June 20, 1904, to Edith May Dimond, of Flint, Mich., who was born in Otisville, Mich., May 10, 1886, daughter of Eugene and Eva Dimond. Mr. and Mrs. Dale have seven children: Gladys, Evelyn, Glenn, Maurice, Mer- lin, Marjorie and Byron.
Theodore M. Hanson, who is aiding in developing the agricultural resources of Preston Township, as proprietor of Clear Mound Farm, con- sisting of 100 acres in section 20, was born on this farm, April 5, 1881. His parents were Martin Hanson Skyrud and Olea Stutterud, a memoir of whom appears elsewhere in this work. Theodore M. Hanson resided at home with his parents and worked on the home farm until 1908. Then at the age of 27 years he became a general merchant, opening a store at Waldorf, Minn., which he conducted until 1912. He then sold out and returned to the Hanson homestead. Here he is successfully engaged in agricultural pursuits, dairying and stock raising, his farm being well im- proved, having fertile soil, capable of producing all the crops indigenous to this region, and his buildings substantial, convenient and supplied with all necessary equipment. Besides operating this farm, Mr. Hanson is secretary of the Blair Elevator Company and a stockholder in the Home Bank of Blair. Though not politically active, he is alive to the general interests of the community in which he lives and ever ready to support any good, practical measure for its advancement. Mr. Hanson was married Sept. 7, 1904, to Helen Grinde, of Beaver Creek Valley, Trempealeau County, where she was born Jan. 15, 1883, daughter of Lars L. and Helga (Hilleboe) Grinde. Her father was born in Norway in 1847 and came to the United States with his parents in 1856, they settling in Preston Township. Mr. Grinde became a very prominent citizen in the county, serving as county treasurer four years and as a member of the State legislature two years. He was also at different times a member of the township and county boards. His wife Helga was born in 1850 and died in 1885.
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Mr. and Mrs. Hanson have had six children born to them: Lucile Theo- dora, born June 23, 1907, who died April 16, 1908; Martin Grinde, born Oct. 10, 1909; Sylvia Helen, born Aug. 16, 1911; Dorothy Lucile, born Feb. 23, 1914; Mildred Louise, born Sept. 30, 1915, and George Anthony, born July 12, 1917.
Sanford J. Johnson, who holds the responsible position of buttermaker with the Ettrick Creamery, was born three miles northeast of Ettrick Vil- lage, Aug. 27, 1881, son of John T. and Julia (Johnson) Johnson. His parents were natives of Norway, the father born in Ulwig and the mother in Hollingdahl, but their marriage took place in Trempealeau County. John T. Johnson came to the United States when 20 years old, at that time being unable to speak English. Settling in Trempealeau County, he bought land and engaged in farming, in which occupation he continued until his death in 1906, his farm being located in section 20, range 7. He served as town- ship assessor for a number of terms and was agent for the Ettrick Scandi- navian Mutual Fire Insurance Company from the time of its organization until his death, and also served on the school board, in these various positions proving himself a man of keen intelligence and sound business judgment. His wife survived him only about nine months. They had a large family numbering 12 children, of whom Sanford J. was the sixth in order of birth.
Sanford J. Johnson was educated in the district school in Ettrick Town- ship and afterwards took a course in the dairy department of the State Agricultural College at Madison. He resided at home until he was 20 years of age and then worked eight months in a creamery at Hegge, this township. At the end of that time he entered the employ of the Ettrick Creamery as buttermaker, and has since remained with the company in that capacity, having established a good and satisfactory record. In addition to this em- ployment, he also operates an 80-acre farm near Ettrick and is a dealer in wagons, buggies, carriages and other vehicles. He is a stockholder in the Ettrick & Northern Railroad Company and in the Ettrick Lumber Company, organized in January, 1917. Dec. 19, 1906, Mr. Johnson was united in marriage with Clara M. Brorold, who was born in Ettrick Village, daughter · of Erick and Anna (Olson) Brorold. Her parents were natives of Ulwick, Norway, Erick Brorold coming to the United States with his parents when a young man. They located about two miles northeast of Ettrick on a farm, where he resided until his marriage. He then entered the employ of the Iver Pederson Mercantile Company as clerk and continued with them for 22 years. Appointed postmaster, he served in that position 17 years until his death, which took place May 7, 1914. His reliable character and good citizenship was recognized by his election to several positions of responsi- bility and trust, and his record includes service as township treasurer, clerk and chairman of the township board, also a fifteen years' membership on the school board. He also held office in the United Norwegian Lutheran church as treasurer, trustee or otherwise for a number of years. His wife is still living and resides in Ettrick. They were the parents of three children, Clara M. being the second-born. Mr. and Mrs. Johnson have one child, Lillian Genevieve, who is attending school. Mr. Johnson belongs to the Modern Woodmen of America and to the Beavers, of which latter order his
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wife is also a member. She is now postmistress of Ettrick, having been appointed under civil service rules. The family faith is that of the United Lutheran church, and in politics Mr. Johnson is a Republican.
Madts M. Skyrud, proprietor of Hillcrest Farm of 100 acres in section 20, Preston Township, was born in this section of Preston Township June 26, 1871. Madts M. resided at home until reaching the age of 21 years. He then worked out for two years and at the end of that time bought his present farm-in January, 1901-from his father. After operating it until 1908,
he rented it out to a tenant and went to Colorado, near Limon, where he farmed until the fall of 1913, subsequently returning to his farm in Preston Township. Here he has since remained, cultivating the land and improving the property generally. Among other improvements, in 1903 he built a good, three-story frame house of nine rooms and basement, equipped with furnace heat and other conveniences, and in the following year, 1904, he erected a frame barn 34 by 68 by 16 feet, with basement and concrete floors. He keeps a herd of graded Shorthorn cattle, of which he milks 18. As one of the responsible citizens of his township, he has been called upon to serve in public office, having been township treasurer and a member of the town- ship board. Jan. 1, 1903, Mr. Skyrud was married to Louisa Johnson, of Blair, who was born in Jackson County, Wis., April 13, 1877. Her parents were Johannes (Johnson Tytegraff) and Caroline Johnson, the former being a native of Norway, who came to America when a boy and resided most of his life in Jackson County, dying in 1883 at the age of 50 years. His wife Caroline died in 1892 at the age of 46. Five children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Skyrud: Alden Clement, Oct. 24, 1903; Milton LeRoy, Feb. 21, 1904 ; Kenneth Johannes, June 12, 1907; Elsie Irene, Oct. 24, 1909, and Orene Margaret, March 28, 1914. The family are members of the United Norwegian Lutheran church, Mr. Skyrud also belonging to the Independent Order of Foresters.
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