History of Trempealeau County, Wisconsin, Part 75

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 75

Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).

558

HISTORY OF TREMPEALEAU COUNTY

Arthur married Mabel Johnstad and resides at Blair, where he is associated in business with his father in the firm of Thomas Hogan & Son. Mr. Hogan and family are affiliated religiously with the Lutheran church.

Hans Holtan was born in Vik, Sogn, Norway, Jan. 9, 1834, son of Anfin and Gjertrud Holtan. The mother died in the old country, and in 1846 the father, with his second wife Turi and his children, came to America, set- tling in Pleasant Springs Township, Dane County, where the father and stepmother spent the remainder of their days, the former dying Sept. 1, 1872, and the latter about 1865. Hans Holtan was reared to farm pur- suits, and with the exception of a few years from 1906 to 1910, when he lived at Stoughton, Wis., remained on the home farm until his death, Jan. 1, 1911. In 1858 Hans Holtan was married to Raandi Lunde, who was born in Laurdal, Telemarken, Norway, Sept. 30, 1833, and came to America with her parents, Austin and Jorond Lunde, in 1851. Austin Lunde died in 1884, and his wife in 1857. Mrs. Hans Holtan died Jan. 23, 1906, having been the mother of the following children: Anfin and Austin, who are farmers in Dane County, Wisconsin; John, a tobacco dealer in Stoughton, Wis., of which city he was formerly mayor for three terms; Gertrude, wife of Louis Severson, also a tobacco dealer of Stoughton; George, a farmer in Dane County ; Ole, a tobacco dealer in Stoughton; Andrew, who is farming in Dane County ; Josie, wife of Albert Asleson, a farmer of Dane County, and Richard H. of Whitehall, Wis.

Richard H. Holtan, dealer in leaf tobacco at Whitehall, Wis., was born in Dane County, this state, Aug. 11, 1876, son of Hans and Randi (Lunde) Holtan. He resided at home with his parents until his marriage, Oct. 28, 1897, when he engaged in farming for himself until 1902. He then moved to Stoughton, engaging in the tobacco business under the style of Richard Holtan & Co. After carrying on the business there until 1905 he moved to Whitehall, establishing himself here August 28. In 1914 the concern was incorporated with a capital stock of $45,000, taking the name of the Holtan Leaf Tobacco Comany, with John Holtan, president; R. H. Holtan, secretary, and O. H. Holtan, treasurer. The concern has two offices, one at Whitehall and the other at Stoughton, with warehouses at Stoughton. R. H. Holtan is also vice-president of the People's State Bank of White- hall. He has served four years as a member of the village council and was its president three years. Fraternally he is a member of the Beavers and Odd Fellows, in which latter order he has passed all the chairs. Mr. Holtan was married Oct. 28, 1897, to Betsey Johnson of Utica, Dane County, who was born Nov. 24, 1876, daughter of Jokum and Aasil (Smithback) John- son. This union has been blessed with two children: Herbert, born Oct. 7, 1898, and Rollin A., born Dec. 7, 1902. Jokum Johnson, farmer and mer- chant, now residing at Stoughton, Wis., was born in Nummedal, Norway, in 1853, and came to America in 1871, settling in Dane County, Wisconsin, where he engaged in farming. In 1894 he became a merchant at Utica, in the same county, and in 1910 retired and moved to his present home. He married Aasil Smithback, who died March 24, 1909, at the age of 59 years. They were the parents of six children: Oscar, residing in the township of Christiania, Dane County, Wis .; Betsey (Mrs. R. H. Holtan) ; Aline, who

MR. AND MRS. RICHARD H. HOLTAN AND SONS

559

HISTORY OF TREMPEALEAU COUNTY

died at the age of two years ; Emma (Mrs. Sorensen) ; Nellie of Utica, Dane County, who married E. Adolph Johnson, and Olga, now Mrs. B. Logan of Christiania, Dane County.

Ole G. Herreid, who is engaged in operating a valuable farm of 155 acres in section 16 E., Ettrick Township, was born in Dane County, Wis- consin, near Lodi, April 5, 1863, son of Gilbert Olson and Ingeborg (Torgers- dater) Herreid. A memoir of his parents may be found in the sketch of his brother, Gilbert M. Herreid. Mr. Herreid acquired his education in the local schools, his parents having settled in Trempealeau County in the year of his birth, and was brought up on the home farm. At the age of 18 years he began working in the woods in the winter time, but continued to make his home with his parents until he was 27, at which time he purchased his present farm from his father. Besides carrying on general agricultural operations on his own farm, he has operated a threshing outfit for the last 37 years. Since taking possession of his present homestead, he has made many improvements on it, his barn being a substantial structure, 32 by 70 feet, with 16-foot stockboards and cement floors, equipped in modern style. Mr. Herreid is a stockholder in the Ettrick Creamery Company and also operates a cream route, which takes two or three days of his time each week. Since he began farming on his own account he has made steady progress and is now one of the prosperous citizens of his township. He has served on the school board for nine years and in politics is independent. Oct. 9, 1891, Mr. Herreid was united in marriage with Mattie Paine, who was born at Medalia, Minn., daughter of William G. and Julia (Dale) Paine. Her father was born in Wrentham, Mass., of Scotch-Irish stock, and in early life was a sailor, going to sea on his uncle's whaling vessel at the age of 14 years. After five years spent in this adventurous employment, the Civil War having broken out, he enlisted in the Eighth Rhode Island Artillery and served three years. On the conclusion of his term of service he engaged in the hotel business at St. Cloud, Minn., having come west with a military company under the command of General Sibley, which company disbanded at St. Cloud. Later he engaged in business at Madelia, Minn., where after a residence of seven years, he died. His wife, who was born in Norway, is now residing with her daughter in Ettrick Township. By her marriage with Mr. Paine she had three children, and after his death she became the wife of Ed Johnson, who subsequently died in this township. Of this latter union two children were born. Mr. and Mrs. Herreid have 10 children: Emma, Willa, Gordon, Carl, Lea, Rachel, Blanche and Bernice (twins), Grace and Richard. Mr. Herreid belongs to the Modern Woodmen of America, and he and his family are members of the United Lutheran Church.

Theodore A. Breitenfield, proprietor of a blacksmith establishment and planing mill at Blair, was born in Portland Township, Monroe County, this state, May 2, 1890, youngest of the eight children of William and Annie (Oswald) Breitenfield, the former of whom still lives in that township, and the latter of whom died in 1906, at the age of 58 years. Theodore A. remained at home until nineteen years of age. It was then that he started in the blacksmith trade. After a year at Lyndon Station in Juneau County,

560

HISTORY OF TREMPEALEAU COUNTY

and eight months at Mauston, in the same county, he rented a shop near his old home for a year. Subsequently he rented a shop at Augusta, in Eau Claire County, for nine months. June 10, 1914, he rented his present place. Here he does all kinds of blacksmith work, horseshoeing and wagon work. The establishment is well equipped with drill press, trip-hammer and other conveniences, and turns out some excellent work. In connection with it is operated the planing mill, which does sawing, turning, planing and other woodwork. As already mentioned, Mr. Breitenfield comes of a large family. Albert, the oldest, and Barbara, the fifth, now Mrs. Even Everson, a widow, live in La Crosse. The others, all of whom live on farms in Monroe County, are: Clara, wife of Albert Erickson; Herman; Emma, wife of Thomas Jones ; Laura, wife of Carl Moody, and Otto.

Frank Wood, agent in Galesville, Wis., for the Standard Oil Company, was born in Bangor, Wis., Jan. 14, 1874, son of David and Mary (Morgan) Wood. The father, who was born in Wales, Feb. 14, 1840, was a farmer for many years and now lives retired in Bangor. His wife Mary, mother of the subject of this sketch, was born near Waukesha, Wis., in 1846, and died July 1, 1911. Frank Wood was the elder of two children. His early educa- tion was acquired in the country schools and was supplemented to some extent by a three months' attendance at high school. He resided at home until he was 25 years old and then engaged in farming in LaCrosse County, following that occupation for six years. He then sold out and went into the transfer business in Galesville. In 1912 he entered the employ of the Standard Oil Company, but still continued in the transfer business until 1916, when he gave it up and has since devoted his whole attention to the Standard Oil Company's business. Mr. Wood was married Oct. 25, 1899, to Grace Phillips, who was born in West Salem, Wis., daughter of Hollister and Marian (Gage) Phillips. Her parents, who are now living retired in Galesville, were born in eastern states. The father, Hollister Phillips, was a farmer in early life at West Salem, Wis. He served in the Civil War with a Wisconsin regiment and was promoted to the rank of captain of his company. Later he served a term as sheriff of LaCrosse County. He and his wife had seven children, of whom their daughter Grace was the third in order of birth. Mr. and Mrs. Wood are the parents of one child, Dorothy Marian. He is chief forester of the Modern Woodmen of America, and belongs also to the Yeomen and Red Men, being clerk in the lodge of the last mentioned order. He is a member of the Presbyterian church and in politics is independent.

Ferdinand Witt, who is engaged in farming 160 acres of land in section 8, Lincoln Township, was born in Pomerania, Germany, Sept. 14, 1855. His parents were Gottfreid and Maria (Betcher) Witt, both of whom died in Germany, where the father followed the occupation of farmer. Ferdi- nand was the only member of the family to come to America, making the journey in 1878. Locating in Whitehall, this county, he worked there two years and then bought the farm on which he now lives from Lars L. Skjonsby's widow, making the purchase in 1881. Here he has since resided, engaged in improving his property. In 1916 he built a barn, 36 by 84 by 12 feet above basement, with concrete walls and cement floors, and his seven-

FERDINAND WITT AND FAMILY

561

HISTORY OF TREMPEALEAU COUNTY

room frame house was rebuilt by him in 1913. In 1917 he built a silo 12 by 30 feet of cement blocks. He keeps 35 cattle and 10 horses, milking 14 cows, and also has a number of White Leghorn chickens and mammoth bronze turkeys, the appearance of his farm presenting evidences of industry and prosperity. Mr. Witt was married in March, 1881, to Olive Larson Skjonsby, whose father, Lars L., died in November, 1879. Her mother, Ingebor Larson, died Feb. 29, 1905. Mr. and Mrs. Witt have been the parents of 11 children: Gottfreid, who died at the age of three months; Clara, residing at home; Louis, a farmer in Lincoln Township, who married Agnes Kurth and has two children-Arthur and Florence; Fred, Josephine, William, James and Emma, who reside at home; Minnie, who died at the age of a year and a half ; Millie and Alice, at home. Mrs. Witt was born in Norway, Nov. 6, 1860, and came to America with her parents in 1866, they spending two years in LaCrosse County. Afterwards her father home- steaded the land on which she and her husband now reside.

Gilbert F. Steig, a retired farmer residing in Whitehall, Wis., was born in Biri, Norway, Sept. 25, 1849, a son of Frederick and Bertha (Jenson) Steig. The parents came to the United States in 1867, settling in Mindora, LaCrosse County, Wis., where they remained one year, afterwards moving to Trempealeau County. They died on the farm of their son, the subject of this sketch, the father March 28, 1888, and the mother, in March, 1897. Gilbert F. Steig bought his farm in section 23, Hale Township, this county, in 1870, when he was 21 years old, and resided there, operating the farm until the fall of 1898, when he was elected county sheriff, at which time he moved to Whitehall, which has since been his place of residence. After filling the office of sheriff two years he went into the hay and grain busi- ness, also conducting an elevator with Christ Torgerson (of Independence) at Whitehall, and this was his occupation until 1914, when he retired. He was treasurer of the Pigeon Mutual Fire Insurance Company for five years and has been president of the company since 1901. A considerable part of his time has been devoted to the public service. He was township superin- tendent four years, township treasurer five years, school clerk two years, school treasurer 18 years, and president of the village board of Whitehall four years, in all these offices rendering good and faithful service. Mr. Steig was married May 30, 1874, to Gelina M. Lewis, who was born in Norway May 22, 1854, daughter of Gilbert and Marie (Thomervolden) Lewis. Her parents came to the United States with their family in 1865, locating in Dane County, Wisconsin, where they spent three years. They then removed to a farm in section 14, Hale Township, Trempealeau County, on which place the mother died in 1894, and the father ten years later, in 1904. Mr. and Mrs. Steig have eight children: Frederick, now a farmer in Bowman, N. D .; Gustav M., who graduated from the Whitehall high school and the W. B. University of LaCrosse, and is now a merchant at Church's Ferry, N. D .; Benonie I., a merchant at Edmond, N. D .; Minnie, who graduated from Steven's Point normal school, was a teacher two years, and is now the wife of Martin Swenson, a merchant of Esmond, N. D .; Louise, also a graduate of Stevens Point normal school, who was a teacher six years, and is now the wife of C. P. Larson, a banker of Eleva, Wis .;

562

HISTORY OF TREMPEALEAU COUNTY

Josephine, a graduate in the class of 1907 of the University of Wisconsin, and who is now teacher of mathematics in the Kenosha (Wis.) schools ; Olga, a graduate of the University of Wisconsin, class of 1914, who is a teacher of German in the Kenosha (Wis.) schools, and George C., a graduate of Whitehall high school and the W. B. University of LaCrosse, Wis., who is assistant cashier of the First National Bank of Lakota, N. D. It will be seen that Mr. Steig has given his children a good education and that they are making a good use of it to their own advantage and the credit of their parents.

David M. Sorenson, a well known resident of Ettrick Village, who is connected with the government mail service, was born near Jutland, Den- mark, June 19, 1863, son of Christian C. and Gettie Sorenson, who were natives of the same locality. When he was less than a year old his mother died and his father thereupon emigrated to the United States with his family, consisting of six children, of whom David M. was the youngest. Settling in Davenport, Iowa, Christian C. Sorenson there found work at his trade, which was that of a wheelwright. He remained in that city about 18 months and then removed to LaCrosse, Wis., where he took up carpenter work, which occupation he followed until his retirement many years later. His death took place in LaCrosse in 1912. When a young man he had served in the regular army of Denmark in the War of 1848. David M. Sorenson when a boy attended school in LaCrosse, and at the age of 16 years began working as a farm hand in La Crosse County. When 19 he took up the blacksmith's trade with E. R. Savage, with whom he continued for three year, going from his employ to that of Sullivan & Buchanan of LaCrosse. Later he worked two years for McDonnell Bros. & Burchard of the same city. At the end of that time he came to Ettrick, where he started a general blacksmith and horseshoeing shop, which he conducted for 18 years. It was at the end of this latter period that he took the mail route, and since then he has remained in government employ as carrier, being not otherwise occupied. In 1912 he built his present residence in Ettrick, one of the best in the village, to which is attached three acres and a half of land. Interested in the growth and development of the community in which he lives, he aids in supporting local or other enterprises calculated to benefit the town or county, and is a stockholder in the Ettrick & Northern Railroad Company. Mr. Sorenson gave up bachelor life Oct. 10, 1886, when he was united in marriage with Lena Nelson Brenengen. Mr. and Mrs. Sorenson are the parents of four sons: Arthur Guy, Norman C., Joel L. and Oscar M., all residing at home. Mr. Sorenson is a member of the Masonic order, belong- ing to the Blue Lodge at Galesville, and also to the Beavers, being worthy councillor of his lodge.

Frank W. Young is operating the farm in the northwest quarter of sec- tion 22, Sumner Township, where he was born April 12, 1887, the second of the seven children of Walter and Minnie (Chamberlain) Young. He carries on general farming, and has a good grade of Holstein cattle and Duroc Jersey swine. His public work consists of service as justice of the peace since 1913, and his fraternal relations are with the M. W. A. Mr. Young was married Dec. 23, 1912, to Louise Anderson, who was born in

563

HISTORY OF TREMPEALEAU COUNTY

Unity Township, this county, Aug. 23, 1887, daughter of Daniel Anderson, and they have two children: Marjorie and Sarah Alice. Walter Young came to Wisconsin from Pennsylvania and his wife from New York state. They had seven children: Lester married Grace Kennedy and lives in Duluth; Lee is married and lives in Minot, N. D .; Owen lives with his mother at Augusta, Wis .; Grace married Joe Anderson and lives in Eau Claire County on a farm; Stella married Frank Justenson and lives on a farm in Eau Claire County ; Frank and Neva live with the mother at Augusta.

John Wagstad, secretary and treasurer of the Whitehall Mill & Power Co., of which he is also the miller, was born in Sonfjord, Norway, Nov. 13, 1876, son of Simon and Marie (Hanson) Wagstad. His mother died in 1879 at the age of 36 years and Simon Wagstad subsequently married for his second wife Anna Flekke. Simon and his wife Anna are both living in Norway, the former at the age of 87 and the latter at that of 55 years. During his active career he was engaged in farming. John Wagstad came to America in 1894 with his brother Samuel, locating in Whitehall, Wis., where his first work was unloading a car of brick for John O. Melby & Co.'s new bank. After working for this company two years he began in 1896 to learn the miller's trade with the concern of which he is now an officer, and with which he has remained ever since, except for one year, when he was in the employ of the Arcadia Milling Company. In 1904 he became miller and has since retained that position. His fraternal affiliations are with the Independent Order of Foresters, while religiously he is connected by mem- bership with the United Norwegian Lutheran Church. John Wagstad was married July 19, 1910, to Martha Peterson of Unity Township, Wisconsin, whose father, Gilbert Peterson, formerly a farmer, is now living retired in Whitehall. Her mother's maiden name was Olive Osgaard. Mr. and Mrs. Wagstad have one son, Gerald S. Wagstad, born Aug. 27, 1916.

Delbert G. Williams, who with his brother Hezekiah P., owns and operates 280 acres of land in sections 10 and 15, Unity Township, was born on his present farm, Feb. 13, 1868. His parents were Prince Barnard and Mary (Atkins) Williams. The father, who was born in Maine in 1832, subsequently migrated to Kane County, Illinois, with his parents, who died there. Prince B. Williams then went to Michigan, where he resided for some years. In 1859 he came to Trempealeau County, Wisconsin, and pur- chased the land now constituting the Williams farm from the railroad com- pany. Here he resided until his death, devoting his time and labor to the development and improvement of the farm. His residence was the first house built in Unity Township, and it was he who named the township, in honor of his old home in Maine. After a strenuous life, spent mostly in hard work, he passed away May 4, 1895. His wife, Mary Atkins Williams, who was born in Maine, Jan. 14, 1830, died on the home farm May 4, 1906, having survived her husband just 11 years. Delbert G. Williams at an early age became practically acquainted with the various branches of farm work, being well taught by his father. From the latter he and his brother, Hezekiah, in 1890 purchased the old homestead and have since continued to own and operate it, with profitable results. In 1906 Hezekiah P. Williams moved to Osseo and the two brothers are now engaged in contracting, in addition

564

HISTORY OF TREMPEALEAU COUNTY

to farming, building state roads in Trempealeau County. Delbert G. Wil- liams was married June 1, 1890, to Mary Boetzer, who was born in Ger- many, March 10, 1867, daughter of William and Wilhelmina Boetzer. Her father, who also was born in Germany, Jan. 13, 1824, came to America in 1874 and resided in Eau Claire County for several years. Mr. and Mrs. Williams are the parents of six children: Grace May, who was married Oct. 19, 1913, to Melvin Holmen of Strum; Charles, residing at home; Guy, also at home; Lottie, who was married Aug. 2, 1916, to Jesse Hogue of Strum, and Leona and Fred, both of whom reside at home. Mr. Williams served as township supervisor for two years, and has been a school director since 1898. In politics he is a staunch Democrat. Fraternally he is con- nected with the Modern Woodmen of America and the Beavers.

Oliver Waller, a prosperous merchant of Osseo, member of the firm of Hagen & Waller, was born in Norway, Jan. 10, 1851, son of Ole Jacob Johnson and Martha Olsdotter, both of whom spent the span of their years in the land of their birth. Oliver Waller was reared in Norway, and as a youth was apprenticed to a tailor, from whom he learned the trade. In 1877 he came to this country, and found his way directly to Trempealeau County, where he worked several years at his trade, first at Independence and then at Whitehall. In 1882 he opened a store at Stephen, Minn., under the firm name of O. P. Larson & Co. Six years later he returned to Inde- pendence. It was in 1895 that he came to Osseo, and with Eric Hagen, under the firm name of Hagen & Waller, established his present business. The firm enjoys a good trade, and carries a suitable line of general mer- chandise. Mr. Waller is a stockholder in the Osseo State Bank. His religious affiliation is with the Norwegian Lutheran Church at Osseo, of which he has been treasurer for some years. Mr. Waller was married Nov. 15, 1905, to Christina Haugen, daughter of M. K. and Guliana (Preste- gaarten) Haugen. Mr. and Mrs. Waller have had five children: Oliver Maynard, Thelma Gilma, Maynard Oliver, Julian Donald and Theola Ophelia. Oliver Maynard and Maynard Oliver died in infancy.

Allen B. Thompson, who is engaged in dairying and horse breeding on a fine farm of 70 acres, 25 acres of which are located within the city limits of Galesville and the rest of the property in Gale Township, section 53, was born in Galesville, this county, Aug. 30, 1880. His parents were William and Allie (Atwood) Thompson, the father a native of the state of New York and the mother of Waupon, Wis. William Thompson, who early in life engaged in the stock business, settled in Wisconsin and was engaged in farming in Trempealeau County for many years, residing on his farm and personally conducting it for some 12 years, at the end of which time he took up his residence in Galesville, where he died in 1894. He had come to the county when a lad of 17 years and had closely identified himself with its development. He was widely recognized as a man of character and ability and was elected mayor of Galesville and subsequently re-elected, but on account of impaired health did not serve out his second term. In this city he was also an extensive property owner, and was also one of the founders of and a stockholder in the Bank of Galesville, besides being prominently connected with other important enterprises. His wife sur-

ERIC HAGEN-OLIVER WALLER

565

HISTORY OF TREMPEALEAU COUNTY

vived him nearly 20 years, passing away in 1913. They reared a family of seven children, Allen B. being the fifth in order of birth. Allen B. Thompson acquired the elements of knowledge in the schools of Galesville and subse- quently continued his literary education at Gale University. He then took a course in the State Agricultural College at Madison, having already acquired a fair practical knowledge of farming on the parental homestead and by working for others, which he began to do when he was 15 years old. When he was 21 he began to operate the homestead farm independently, and continued to do so for 12 years, at the end of which time he purchased his present farm, known generally as the old Waite Johnson farm, but registered as Top Notch Farm. Here, besides carrying on dairying suc- cessfully, he is engaged in breeding Percheron horses. His residence is situated on one of the finest building sites in the county, and his buildings and equipment are thoroughly up to date and kept in fine condition. Mr. Thompson was married Jan. 1, 1904, to Helen Maud Kilmer, who was born in Galesville, daughter of John and Drena (Baldwin) Kilmer. Her father was born in Cohoes, N. Y., Jan. 22, 1850, and was a carpenter and builder by occupation. He came to Trempealeau County when a lad of ten years and for a number of years resided in Stevenstown. Afterwards he became a prominent citizen of Galesville, served as postmaster one term and was city marshal for a number of years, and is still in active life. His wife was born in Waupun, Wis., Nov. 14, 1848. Of their children three are now living, their daughter Helen Maud being the second born and one of twins. She was educated in Galesville, graduating from the high school class in 1901. Mr. and Mrs. Thompson have one child, Bernice. In the spring of 1916 Mrs. Thompson engaged in the breeding of black and tan terriers, using pedigreed registered sires, and has a number now on hand, besides a number bred from pedigreed sires and dames. These dogs are noted for their cleanliness and their desirability as pets and also as rat dogs, and there is a growing demand for them both in this and other states, as well as Canada. Mrs. Thompson expects to engage extensively in this line of business. She has erected quarters for the dogs, known as Top Notch Kennels, and her business is rapidly increasing. Mr. Thompson is inde- pendent Republican in politics, but has taken no active part in govern- mental affairs. He is known as one of the prosperous and substantial citizens of this locality, ready to do his part in advancing the best interests of the community.

Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.

History of Trempealeau County, Wisconsin, Part 75

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