History of Trempealeau County, Wisconsin, Part 73

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 73

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John W. Nash, proprietor of a good farm in section 1, Trempealeau Township, was born in Du Page County, Illinois, Jan. 13, 1851, son of Isaac and Anna Nash. The parents were natives of New York state, the father born at New Lisbon, Otsego County, Feb. 18, 1810, and the mother in Hartford, May 21, 1811. They were married in Hanover, Chautauqua County, N. Y., Nov. 25, 1832.' In 1837 they came west and from that time until 1854 resided at different times in various sections of Illinois. In May, 1854, Isaac Nash came to Wisconsin and in September of that year brought his family from Illinois with an ox team, locating in section 1, Trempealeau County, where he bought 100 acres of timbered government land, on which there were no buildings. For a residence he erected a single-room log house, which the family of eight occupied, the subject of this sketch being then between three and four years of age. Mr. Nash began the work of clearing his farm at once, but at first made slow progress, as he was poor and had to work out for means to support his family. The log house was occupied for 12 years, and then, in 1866, Mr. Nash sold the farm and bought another of 120 acres just north of West Prairie schoolhouse. This land was partially improved, there being a small clearing, together with a frame house and stable. Here Isaac Nash resided until 1871, in which year, in the spring, he sold out and went to Nebraska, where he and his wife spent the rest of their lives. Mrs. Nash was the first to pass away, her death taking place Feb. 14, 1882, and his, Nov. 30, 1883. Joel W. Nash, who accompanied his parents to Nebraska, remained in that state till March, 1884, and then came back to Wisconsin. After his return he resided in La Crosse until July, 1885, and then rented a farm in Trempealeau Town- ship, which he operated until 1887. He then removed to the "Bell Farm" in section 3, this township. In the winter of 1888 he purchased 40 acres of improved land in section 1 E, which place is his present home. There was a frame house on the farm, in which he lived until 1915, when he erected a comfortable cottage in the same yard, his son Gustave and family mov- ing into the older building, and he taking up his residence in the cottage. In 1904 he built a good frame barn, 32 by 60 feet, and has also put up a

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granary, 14 by 20, a machine shed, 16 by 30, and a poultry house, 12 by 14 feet. Mr. Nash was married, June 23, 1884, at the home of his bride's parents, by the Rev. Mr. Ilert, Evangelical pastor, to Lydia, daughter of Jacob and Elizabeth Staublein of Buffalo County, Wis. He and his wife have one child, the son Gustave above mentioned, who was born at Center- ville, Wis., Jan. 30, 1886, and who is now operating the home farm. Gustave married Ida Myer of Winona, Minn., and they have one child, Myrtle. Mr. Nash and his son carry on general farming, having 60 acres under the plow and 60 in pasture land. They keep from 12 to 15 grade cows and as many graded hogs, and have an ample equipment of tools, machinery, teams and whatever is necessary to the successful operation of a modern farm. Mr. Nash is a Republican in politics, but has not served in public office. He and his wife are members of Centerville M. E. Church, Mrs. Nash belonging to the King's Daughters.

Walter D. Young, proprietor of Decorah Valley Stock Farm, located in section 33, town 19, range 8, just outside the city limits of Galesville, formerly known as the Sterns homestead, was born in the town of Melrose, Jackson County, Wis., Aug. 22, 1863. He lived at the old home until 1891, when he was married to Miss Belle Baird, and they moved to their present home. Mr. Young is of German parentage. His grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. Morris Young, came to this country from Saxony Meiningen, Germany, in 1847. There were six children besides the parents when they came to America. They settled at Bloomfield, Walworth County, Wis., and took up farming, which was their occupation in Germany. They crossed the ocean in a sailing vessel, which took 41 days. They did not purchase any land until they emigrated to Burr Oak, La Crosse County, Wis. At this time the six children-three sons and three daughters-were grown to manhood and womanhood, and all emigrated with their parents overland with oxen, driving their cattle with them, and loading all other belongings on the wagons drawn by four oxen each. It took them 14 days to make the trip. Yust D. Young, father of Walter D. Young, was born in Germany in 1837 and died at Melrose, Jackson County, Wis., March 14, 1897. He was the eldest son of Morris Young and a pioneer in this part of the country. After helping his parents hew out a home in the new country, he was mar- ried to Miss Elizabeth Williams, and in 1862 they started to build a home in the town of Melrose, Jackson County, Wis. Taking 80 acres of land as nature gave it, they transformed it into a successful and prosperous farm home of 240 acres by additional purchases. Mr. Yust D. Young was a progressive farmer in his day. He was one of the first to adopt diversified farming and rotation of crops, and also owned one of the first twine binders, which was considered extravagant in those days, as it cost $265. Game being plentiful, it was his custom to kill a couple of deer each fall for his winter meat. He very seldom had to go more than a mile to get them. There were from four to twenty in a drove. Bear meat was also indulged in. He was a respected citizen and served his county in local affairs. His wife Elizabeth was born in Saxe Meiningen, Germany, Nov. 13, 1836. She came to America at the age of twenty, was married to Yust D. Young in 1862; she died Nov. 17, 1910. She was the mother of three children living:

MORRIS HANSON

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Walter D. Young, Milton M. Young and Libbie S. Petterson. She was a kind and good mother, always willing and ready to sacrifice herself for the good of others and did her work nobly in building of a new country. Belle E. Baird, wife of Walter D. Young, was born Jan. 16, 1861, She is of Scottish parentage. Her father, John Baird, was born in Glasgow, Scot- land, Sept. 27, 1830. He came to America in 1852, locating in Pennsylvania, where he worked in the mines. Later he moved to Big Sandy, Kentucky, where he was married to Miss Elizabeth Willson. In 1857 they moved to North Bend, Jackson County, Wis., and took up farming as their occupa- tion, which Mr. Baird followed until several years before his death on May 1, 1910. He knew much of the trials of the early pioneer. Having followed mining until he was 27 years old, he had many difficulties to contend with in his new chosen field-farming. As a pioneer he was equal to the occa- sion. He acquired a nice farm, which he sold to his youngest son, John Baird, at his death. He was an honored citizen, one of the charter mem- bers of the Presbyterian church at North Bend. He was noted for his musical talent and led the singing in church for years before either organ or choir were installed. Mrs. Elizabeth Baird was born in Scotland April 6, 1833, and came to America with her parents in 1841. She was the mother of six children and is still living at this writing, Sept. 1, 1917. She and her brother Willie Willson, six years her senior, have the distinction of being two of the old pioneers still living. She was a kind and loving mother and knows much of the early pioneer life. Walter D. Young and wife moved onto their present farm in the spring of 1891. The farm was badly run down. The soil had been depleted of its fertility by continuous cropping for over 30 years. The buildings were badly dilapidated, as it had been occupied by renters for most of that time. Mr. Young began at once to build up the soil by rotation of crops, including clover, feeding the same to stock, and also fattening sheep for the spring market, which practice he still continues. This farm is now considered one of the best in the town of Gale and the buildings are all modern, having been erected in recent years. Mr. Young has always taken a prominent part in church, school and local town matters, having held offices in the various organizations, but devoting his entire time in working hours to the management of his farm. He and his wife have five children: Roy D., Alvin W., Ralph E., Vilas D. and Hazel E. All have graduated from the Galesville high school but Hazel, who expects to graduate in 1920.

Morris Hanson, register of deeds of Trempealeau County, was born at Blair, this county, April 1, 1864, son of Martin and Olia (Stuterud) Han- son, natives of Norway. The father, born at Soler, Norway, came to America in 1862, settling in Blair, where he became a highly respected citizen, being a member and trustee of the United Norwegian Lutheran Church. He died Sept. 5, 1912, at the age of 77 years. His wife, to whom he was married in Norway, died in 1896 at the age of 53. They had a large family of 13 children, of whom nine are now living. Morris Hanson, who was the third born child in the family, remained at home until 1887, and then began to work out. He attended business college at La Crosse one year, and in 1890 found employment in a general store in Blair, remain-

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ing with the firm seven years. He then became a partner in the firm of Halvorson, Hanson & Co., general merchants of Blair, and was thus occupied until 1910. In the fall of 1912, having by this time become widely known and respected, he was elected to the office of registrar of deeds, and was re-elected in the fall of 1914. He has devoted a considerable part of his time to the public service, as he was a member of the village council of Blair for 10 years, being president one year, and was clerk of the Blair school board four years. Aside from his present occupation he is a stock- holder in the Home Bank of Blair. Mr. Hanson was married Sept. 9, 1891, to Lena Halvorson, who was born in Blair, Wis., May 9, 1866, daughter of Nels and Turi (Newland) Halvorson. The father, who was a farmer, was a native of Norway, came to America in 1855 and took a homestead about two miles east of Blair. He died in 1912 at the age of 78 years. His wife died in 1913 at the age of 72. Mr. and Mrs. Hanson have five children : Verna, a graduate of Stevens Point normal school, who is now a teacher in the sixth grade at Waterloo, Iowa; Edna, also a graduate of Stevens Point normal school, and a teacher in domestic science at Mukwanogo, Wis .; Mendez, assistant cashier in Trempealeau Valley State Bank at Taylor, Jackson County, Wis .; Dagna and Donald, residing at home. Mr. Hanson belongs to the Independent Order of Foresters, and he and his family are members of the United Lutheran Church.

Gilbert S. Rice, manager of the Auto Sales Co. of Whitehall, has devel- oped that institution into one of the most important industries in the village. Efficient in his chosen line, affable of manner, and keenly interested in pub- lic affairs, he has taken his place as one of the public spirited citizens of the county, and his influence has ever been used in behalf of progress and betterment. He is a native of this county, born on Trempealeau Prairie, Jan. 11, 1872. His father, Tracy E. Rice, was born in New York state, came to Trempealeau County in the early days, and here married Ellen G. Hanson; he died many years ago, and his widow, who married Christian Everson, now lives in Lincoln Township. The subject of this sketch was · educated in the schools of Whitehall, and devoted his early life to farm pursuits. Since boyhood, however, he has been interested in machinery, and in 1895 the opportunity came to enter his chosen line by embarking in the implement business at Whitehall. With the development of the auto- mobile industry he saw a still wider opportunity, and late in 1910 organ- ized the Auto Sales Co. For a time he was president and manager, but as the business grew he retired from the presidency to devote all his time to the active management. Busy as he has been with his life work, he has found time for public service, and has given general satisfaction at different times as village president, village clerk and village treasurer. His business holdings include stock in the Farmers and Merchants Bank of Independence. Mr. Rice was married May 30, 1895, to Ida O. Wold, born in this county, a daughter of Ole O. and Kari (Bang) Wold, both now deceased. Their happy home has been blessed with six children: Tracy O., born May 18. 1896 ; Kathryn I., born April 14, 1898; Elsie V., born July 10, 1900; Evelyn M., born Jan. 13, 1904; Donald O., born April 14, 1906, and Marion, born March 12, 1914.

GILBERT S. RICE AND FAMILY

A. W. ANDERSON

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The Auto Sales Co. is one of the most important business concerns in Whitehall. The company occupies its own sightly building, located in a commanding position, and has an extensive trade not only in Whitehall and Blair, but also throughout a wide territory in the rural districts. The building is two stories in height, with a full basement, equipped with an elevator, and all the latest appliances for auto repairing. In the basement are stored the oils, gasoline, tires and heavy equipment. The first floor is devoted to the salesrooms and offices. The top floor is used for repairing and for carrying the stock. The concern employs an expert staff of mechanics, headed by the manager, Gilbert S. Rice. A full line of acces- sories is carried. The company does a large business in Ford automobiles, and is constantly demonstrating and selling these machines. The Auto Sales Co. was organized Dec. 15, 1910, by Gilbert S. Rice, with a capital of $6,000, Mr. Rice being the president and manager and Charles B. Melby the secretary and treasurer. The present officers are: President, F. D. Hopkins; secretary, F. A. George; treasurer, E. L. Immell; manager, Gilbert S. Rice.

Andrew W. Anderson resides on section 26, town of Lincoln, where he settled in 1870, when but little improvement had been made there. Mr. Anderson was born in 1836. In 1848 his father, Gilbert Anderson, emigrated to the United States with his family, except the subject of this sketch, who came six years later. The family settled in the town of Blue Mound in Dane County, Wis. The family made their home there until the year 1870, when they came to Trempealeau County. Here the parents lived till death. In 1854 Mr. Andrew W. Anderson, who was the only one of the family who had remained in Norway, came to this country. He went to Dane County, where the family was living. There he remained until 1859. At this time the gold excitement at Pike's Peak was at its height, and Mr. Anderson with many others decided to go to that place. He numbered one of a party of five young men who started from Dane County, and all reached Denver in safety. He continued in Denver engaged in work till the spring of 1863, when in company of five, though not the company who had gone with him to Denver, started with team and wagon for Virginia City, Nevada, but on reaching that place decided to continue to San Francisco, which they reached in safety after a long and eventful journey. He stayed there until spring of 1864, and then he went to Boise City, Idaho, where he stayed a short time, when the excitement occurred regarding the Alder Creek Mines in Montana, when he left there and went to what is now Helena, Mont. There he remained until 1870, when he returned. Going from Helena to Fort Benton, he descended the Missouri River on a steamer to Sioux City, when he crossed the state of Iowa, and thus returned home. Soon after his return to Dane County he came here and brought his father's family with him. The subject of this sketch is the oldest son, and the oldest but one of his father's family. Mr. Ander- son bought his farm of Elder Aldrich. He has 160 acres. He was married in 1870 to Julia Evenson, native of Norway. They have an adopted daughter, Clara Solberg. She is now Mrs. Gustav Thompson of Donaldson, Minn. She has two children: George T. and Marie A. One daughter,

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Lena Maria, born in 1871, died at age of ten months. Mr. Anderson is one of the representative men of his town. He has a pleasant home, etc. He has had much experience with the world. His trip to the Pacific coast in the early days, before the railroad had crossed the continent, was fraught with events and incidents of much interest. In his political affiliations Mr. Anderson, as is the entire family, is a Republican, and is a warm advocate of the principles of that party. Mr. Anderson is numbered among the progressive and public-spirited citizens of Trempealeau County.

Ever B. Anderson, who is operating a good farmi of 160 acres in Lin- coln Township, was born in Dane County, Wisconsin, Oct. 30, 1863, son of Bennett and Ellen (Everson) Anderson, and grandson of Gilbert and Inge- borg (Fladegaard) Anderson. Like all boys of the early days he grew up on the parental farm and acquired his education at the district school- house. Remaining at home until 24 years of age, he then engaged in farm- ing for himself in Lincoln Township, near Independence, and there followed agricultural operations until 1904. Selling his farm that year he moved to his present one, which he still operates. This farm was owned and operated for many years by A. W. Anderson (an uncle of Ever B.), or until his death, Sept. 10, 1902. Mr. Anderson's farm is well improved and bespeaks thrift and good judgment of its owner. His stock is of the Dur- ham grade breed, numbering about 35 head. Mr. Anderson is a man of good judgment and ability and the family are highly respected in the county. Mr. Anderson was married Dec. 15, 1890, to Carrie Evenson, then of Arcadia Township. She was born in Dane County, Wisconsin, July 5, 1866, daughter of Peter and Maria Evenson, early settlers of Trempealeau County. Mr. and Mrs. Anderson have seven children: Ellen M., born Oct. 22, 1891, is now Mrs. George A. Anderson. She and her husband reside on a farm in Long Lake Township, Washburn County, Wis. They have one child, Hans A. Palma B., born Dec. 2, 1893 ; Gerald A., born Oct. 2, 1896; Ina E., born Oct. 28, 1898; Clark E., born May 6, 1901; Robert W., born March 13, 1903, and Ruth L., born May 2, 1908, are all residing at home. The family are members of the Norwegian Lutheran Church of America.

Bennett Anderson, deceased, one of the early settlers of Trempealeau County, was born in Valders, Norway, In 1868 he brought his family to Trempealeau County from Dane County and established himself as a farmer in Arcadia Township, being one of the earliest settlers in that neighbor- hood. He labored early and late and under these conditions prospered. He became one of the representative farmers of Trempealeau County, remain- ing on his farm until his death, Feb. 15, 1902. He was married to Ellen Everson, who still survives and resides on the old homestead in Arcadia Township. They had a family of nine children, as follows: Inger Maria, who became Mrs. H. O. Wold and the mother of one child, Oscar B. Wold (she passed away in 1893) ; Gabriel, who died at the age of seven years ; Ever B. and C. H., farmers in Lincoln Township; Sarah A., who died at the age of ten years ; Gabriel, second, residing on the old homestead in Arcadia Township, who married Julia Nelson and has four children: Bennett O., Irene E., Carrie M. and Goodwin J .; Carrie, who died in 1914; Edward, a resident of the state of Washington, and Polly A., wife of Henry Amundson,

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who resides in Ostrander, Minn., and has three children : Sidney B., Cyril W. and Madeline M.

Gilbert Anderson and his good wife, Ingeborg Fladegaard, natives of Norway, were among the early people of that hardy race who have done so much to better the agricultural conditions of America, coming to the American land at a very early date. On reaching this country they found their means exhausted when they had got as far west as Milwaukee, but undaunted they set out with an ox team, proceeding to Dane County, where they settled. The elder members of the family, including Gilbert's aged mother, about 80 years, had walked the entire distance. They were ambi- tious God-fearing people, being representative and prosperous. Both are now deceased. They were the parents of Ever B. and Charles H. Anderson, who are representative farmers of Lincoln Township, this county.

Peter Evenson, deceased, was born in Norway and was there educated and grew to manhood. He was married in Norway to Maria Dahl. In 1854 they sailed for America, settling that same year in Dane County, Wisconsin, near Blue Mounds, where they resided until 1870. They then came to Trempealeau County, where they became representative and influen- tial farmers. The wife Maria passed away on the farm, July 12, 1893. Mr. Evenson then made his home with his daughter, Mrs. E. B. Anderson, until his lamented death, Aug. 2, 1901. They were the parents of nine children, of whom but two, Julia and Carrie, are now living. Julia is the widow of A. W. Anderson and resides with the E. B. Anderson family on the old farm now owned by E. B. Anderson, and of which her lamented husband was for many years owner and operator. Carrie is now Mrs. E. B. Anderson. The other children: Even, Erik, Mathias, Edward, Edward (2d), Mary and Carrie, all of whom died in infancy.

Eugene J. Kidder., who for a number of years has served as clerk of the Circuit Court for Trempealeau County, was born in Sauk County, Wis- consin, Feb. 13, 1859, son of Pomeroy and Lucy (Scott) Kidder. About 1862, when the subject of this sketch was a small boy, his father died, as the result of an accident while engaged in rafting lumber down the Trem- pealeau River, their home at that time was Sechlerville, Jackson County, Wis. In the spring of 1863 they moved to Trempealeau County, where they have since resided. The mother subsequently married Oscar F. Har- low, a wagon maker of Whitehall. By the first marriage there were three children: Ada A. Kidder (deceased), Eugene J. Kidder and W. S. Kidder (deceased), of whom the subject of this sketch was the second in order of birth. The only child of the second marriage was William E. Harlow, who is now engaged in the automobile business in Whitehall, Wis. Eugene J. Kidder while a young man learned the barber's trade, and subsequently went into business for himself in Whitehall, where he has owned and operated a shop for many years. In the fall of 1904 he was elected clerk of the Circuit Court for Trempealeau County, and has since served in that position by successive re-elections. He was formerly township treasurer for the Town of Lincoln one year, and served on the village council of Whitehall for a number of years. His knowledge of local affairs is exten- sive and he has always been found arrayed on the side of progress and

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efficiency. He is a charter member of Whitehall Lodge No. 271, F. & A. M., and served as master of the lodge for two years, and is also a mem- ber of Whitehall Lodge No. 2549, M. W. of A. Mr. Kidder was married Feb. 4, 1884, to Christina Harris of Pigeon Township, a native of Perthshire, Scotland, and daughter of David and Mary Harris, who came to the United States from that country in 1877. Both her parents died in 1912 at Groton, S. D. Mr. and Mrs. Kidder have three children: John L. Kidder, who now resides at Timber Valley, Wash., and who is now engaged in the lumber business, and Gladys and Mary, residing at home.

Peter C. Peterson has a well improved place called "Lozenge Farm," located in Fly Creek Valley, and consisting of 158 acres in the northeast quarter of section 29, Pigeon Township, where he has lived since its pur- chase Nov. 15, 1901. He has a comfortable home and suitable barns, and successfully carries on general farming, making a specialty of raising high grade Holstein cattle. His public service has included membership on the school board since 1913. His church affiliation is with the Norwegian Lutheran Church, of which he is a trustee. Mr. Peterson was born in Madison, Wis., April 29, 1867, and remained at home until locating on his present farm. He was married April 29, 1894, to Christina Eidsvoog, who was born in Norway, May 9, 1868, and came to America in 1890, her father, Peter Eidsvoog, dying in Norway in 1893, and her mother, Cecelia Nelson, in the same year. The children in the Peterson family are four: Nettie, born Jan. 9, 1895, who was graduated from Gale College and the Winona Business College, and is now a bookkeeper for Jones-Kroeger & Co. of Winona, Minn .; Cora, born Jan. 27, 1899, who was graduated from the Whitehall high school in the class of 1917, and is now teaching at Lidger- wood, N. D .; Tilmer, born April 25, 1904, and Palmer, born March 23, 1911. The two youngest are living at home. The parents of Peter C. Peterson were Christian Peterson and Toro Olson Nordness. The father was born in Norway, May 10, 1837, came to America in 1857, and worked as a clerk in Madison, Wis., until August, 1868, when he came to Trempealeau County, and settled in section 16, Lincoln Township, where he died June 29, 1917. He was a veteran of the Civil War, having served a year in Company F, 45th Wisconsin Volunteer Infantry. The mother was born in Norway, Jan. 23, 1844, and died Jan. 22, 1916.

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History of Trempealeau County, Wisconsin, Part 73

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