History of Trempealeau County, Wisconsin, Part 88

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

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who died at the age of one and a half years, and Agnes, Delia, Walter, Viola and Stella, all of whom are residing at home. Mr. Hauge and his family are members of the Norwegian Lutheran Church of America, of which he is also a trustee. As the son of an early settler of the county and himself a substantial and reliable citizen, he is widely known and highly esteemed.

Peter Hanson, for many years a prominent resident of the county, was born on the estate known as Björnstad, Vaage Gulbrandsdalen, in 1826, and became a farmer. As a young man he married Anna Risdal, who was born in 1829. The emigration of the family to America took place in 1869, Coral City, Trempealeau County, Wis., being selected as their place of set- tlement. There they remained, however, but six months, and then removed to section 33, Unity Township, where Mr. Hanson bought a tract of rail- road land and started farming. In this occupation he continued on the same farm until his death in 1898, but which time he had improved his property to a large extent and was a prosperous citizen. His wife died in 1911. Their children were: Sven (deceased), Johannes P., Peter, Jr., of Strum, Torger (deceased), Hans (deceased) and Martinus (deceased).

Johannes P. Hanson, agriculturist, creamery secretary, man of affairs and former county clerk, is not only one of the leading residents of Albion Township, but also one of the best known men in the county. He is affable, genial and official, the friend of every worthy cause and a valuable and useful citizen in every respect. He was born in Vaage, Gulbrandsdalen, Norway, March 21, 1863, son of Peter and Anna (Risdal) Hanson), who brought him to Trempealeau County in 1869. He was reared to farm pur- suits and in 1891, in partnership with his brother Sven, took over the home farm. His acquaintance and popularity increased from his early boy- hood, his abilities became widely known, and in 1904 he was elected county clerk, taking office Jan. 1, 1905, and serving two terms. In this capacity he more than justified the faith of his friends, and conducted the affairs of the office with general satisfaction to the voters. Upon retiring from office he took up his home on his present farm in Albion Township. Mr. Hanson has also at various times rendered other public service. He was town clerk of Unity Township for nine years and clerk of Albion Township four years, being appointed jury commissioner in 1909 and still holding that office. He also served as school clerk in Unity Township three years. In addition to his direct farming interests Mr. Hanson has been secretary of Unity Co-operative Creamery in Strum since 1909. He is a director of the First State Bank of Strum, and a member of its examining board, and is financial secretary of Branch No. 30, I. S. W. A., at Strum. June 10, 1903, Mr. Hanson was married to Toline Veggum of Mt. Horeb, Wis., who was born at that place Aug. 21, 1870. Her parents were Hans and Gunhild (Ramlet) Veggum, the father now residing on the Hanson farm with his daughter and son-in-law, his wife having died Dec. 26, 1915. Mr. and Mrs. Hanson have one child, Alice Gertrude, who was born May 25, 1907. The family are members of the Norwegian Lutheran Church of America, Mr. Hanson being vice-president of the congregation at Strum.

Basil I. Peterson is one of the energetic business men of Blair, and is known throughout western Wisconsin for his active work in furthering

J. P. HANSON AND FAMILY

ERNEST A. PETERSON-BASIL I. PETERSON

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every interest that has for its object the betterment and upbuilding of his village, county and state. Born in Blair, Nov. 22, 1889, he was reared in the home of his parents, Albert B. and Amelia (Torkelson) Peterson, and applied himself so well to his studies that he was graduated from the Blair high school at the age of 15 years. Then he studied a year at St. Olaf College at Northfield, Minn. Thus prepared he entered the College of Let- ters and Science at the University of Wisconsin in 1906 and was a senior at the age of eighteen, the youngest member of his class. He then entered the law offices of Jesse E. Higbee at La Crosse, where he served as a clerk for two years. In 1911 he went back to Madison and took a year's law course in his Alma Mater. A year later he entered the Northwestern University at Chicago and was there graduated in Law in 1914. Having acquired a liking for Chicago he decided to remain in that city for a while, and accepted a position as assistant credit manager for the Miehle Print- ing Press & Manufacturing Company of Chicago, with whom he secured valuable business experience. He was called home by the death of his brother, and on May 15, 1916, succeeded him as cashier of the First National Bank of Blair, a position in which he has given most efficient service, his personality, education and experience being important factors in its suc- cess. His fraternal associations are with the Masonic order at Whitehall.

Ernest A. Peterson, cut off in the prime of his young manhood with an unusually brilliant future ahead of him, and with a sterling record of worth and character already achieved, was one of the leading spirits in Blair from his boyhood up; he was a man among men, a good son, a loyal friend, a keen student of people, of business and of books, and his memory will long be held dear in all the walks of life to which his duty called him. He was born Sept. 22, 1892, in Blair, son of Albert B. and Amelia Torkelson Peterson, completed his studies in the Blair graded and high schools at the age of sixteen, and then studied science and music a year at St. Olaf College, at Northfield, Minn. In 1910 he entered the University of Wis- consin, where he distinguished himself in scholarship, music and athletics, winning many honors. A popular man with his classmates, he was a lead- ing member of the Beta Gamma Sigma, Honorary Fraternity, and also of the Chi Phi, Social Fraternity. Upon his graduation at the age of 20 in 1913 he returned to Blair and for a short period was employed in the Home Bank of Blair. Then he went to Bowman, N. D., where he was employed in the State Bank of Bowman. Late in 1914 he returned to Blair once more, and with his father organized the First National Bank, of which he was cashier until his untimely death, April 14, 1916. He was one of the fore- most young business men of the county, and lived to see his bank estab- lished on a sound basis. From early boyhood Mr. Peterson was interested in music. At St. Olaf he studied the piano and was flute soloist in the col- lege band, and belonged to several musical organizations in Madison while attending college there, and in Blair he found time for considerable orches- tra work. His life and character were a joy and a solace to his parents, in whose hearts his place can never be filled.

Bent Pederson, a pioneer of Jackson County, this state, was born in Sweden, Dec. 1, 1829, and was still a boy when he was brought to America

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by his parents in 1851. Upon attaining man's estate he acquired a farm in Jackson County, upon which he still resides. He has been a hard-working successful farmer, and has occupied several public offices in his township. His wife, whom he married in November, 1861, was like him a native of Sweden and came to America as a girl. Her maiden name was Anna Nor- gaard. After 55 years of happy married life they gave a large celebration to mark the event in 1916, the affair being attended by neighbors, friends and relatives for miles around. Mrs. Pederson, after a long and useful life, passed away June, 1917. They were the parents of 14 children, of whom the following six are still living: Olaus, Sophia, Albert, Emelia, Bennie and Myrtle.

Iver Torkelson was for many years a prominent figure in the life of Jackson County, this state. He was born in Norway, came to America as a youth, and by native ability and hard work attained a position of influence and importance among his fellow men. At the outbreak of the Civil War he rushed to the colors and became sergeant of a Wisconsin regiment and was wounded in action. For twelve years he was registrar of deeds of Jackson County, and for a considerable period he served as postmaster. He also held local offices of varied nature. He died in January, 1901, at the age of 62 years. His wife, Martina Anderson, died in April, 1912, at the age of 70.

Albert B. Peterson, long connected with the financial, political and mer- cantile life of Blair, was born in Jackson County, this state, Nov. 16, 1863, a son of Bent and Anna (Norgaard) Pederson. He was reared to farm pursuits, but early acquired an ambition to engage in business. Accord- ingly he started his commercial career in 1885 by entering the employ of T. I. Gilbert & Co., the pioneer merchants of Blair, for two years. Then he bought a half interest in the hardware store of John E. Mayer in that village, changing the name of the concern to Mayer & Peterson. After two more years he bought out his partner's interest and successfully con- ducted the establishment until 1896, when he sold out to the Herried Brothers. In the meantime the store had been burned in the fire of 1891, but was almost immediately rebuilt. From 1896 until 1900 Mr. Peterson served efficiently as village postmaster. After the expiration of his term he engaged in the general mercantile business with Martin Peterson under the firm name of Martin Peterson & Co. From 1901 to 1912 he engaged in the hardware and implement business. Since then he has been exten- sively interested in the real estate business, handling considerable local property, and engineering deals throughout the western states as far west as California. The First National Bank of Blair, which he organized in company with his son, Ernest A., and others, is a monument to his faith in the future progress of the village. His public services have included loyal duty as a member of the county board, as a member and president of the village council, and as a member of the school board. His religious affiliation is with the Norwegian Lutheran Church. Mr. Peterson was mar- ried Feb. 22, 1889, to Amelia Torkelson of Black River Falls, daughter of Iver and Martina (Anderson) Torkelson. Mr. and Mrs. Peterson have had four children: Basil I., Ernest A., Marie and Eugene. Basil I. was born

MR. AND MRS. A. B. PETERSON

EBERT S. EVERSON AND FAMILY

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HISTORY OF TREMPEALEAU COUNTY

Nov. 22, 1889, and is now cashier of the First National Bank of Blair. Ernest A. was born Sept. 22, 1892, and died April 4, 1916. Marie, born Jan. 11, 1901, and Eugene, born Feb. 8, 1904, are at home.

Syver Everson, a pioneer of Jackson County, was born in Julberg, Solar, Norway, in 1832, and at the age of 20 he, with his brother Ole and one sister, Mrs. Andrew Olson, together with others from their neighbor- hood, left on June 22, 1852, for America. They stayed at Christiania about two weeks before sailing. Leaving Christiania they went on board the sailing vessel Incognito and were on the Atlantic ten weeks and four days, landing in New York on Saturday morning, September 4. The fol- lowing Tuesday they left New York, going to Wellsboro, Pa. They then went to Coudersport, that state, and from there traveled on foot 60 miles to Bergen, settling one mile from that place in what was known as Ole Bull's colony. The valley where they settled was called Oleann, and in time a town grew up. The students who had come over on the Incognito and joined the colony soon became dissatisfied with the land they found and composed that well known Norwegian song "Oleanna." That section of Pennsylvania was then only a wilderness, many of the trees being so large that it took three men to reach around a single tree. It took Syver, with his father and brother, a whole year to clear an acre of land. In 1853 Syver Everson was married to Helene Pederson Svenbykvernen, a young lady who had crossed the ocean on the same ship, and for five years they continued their residence in the colony. On May 13, 1858, they left for Wisconsin and came to Trempealeau, from there traveling on foot 34 miles to the home of Mr. Everson's cousin, John Koien, who then lived near the Trempealeau Valley church. After remaining there one year they moved, in April, 1859, to Ole Tappen's place in Porter Cooley, now known as Tappen Cooley. Here they bought 80 acres of government land, moving onto it that fall and making a home, and later adding more land to the farm, where Mr. Everson resided up to the time of his death, Aug. 29, 1911, at the age of 79 years and 14 days. He was survived by his wife, Helene, and four children: Mrs. Cassandra Anderson of Superior; Ebert S. of Preston, Peter of Blair, Wis., and Mrs. Ole Dahl of Preston; also by a brother John, residing at White Earth, N. D., who is now dead.

Ebert S. Everson, one of the thriving agriculturists of Preston Town- ship, is a native of Wisconsin, having been born in Springfield Township, Jackson County, Oct. 24, 1858, son of Syver and Helene (Pederson) Ever- son. He was reared to agricultural endeavor and to that line of work has since given his attention. For seventeen seasons he devoted his time to threshing, and for thirteen years he conducted two cream routes. In 1887 he purchased 40 acres of his father's farm, and to this he has since added until he now owns 186 acres of fertile and highly improved land in sec- tions 26, 27 and 34, Preston Township. He has christened his place the "Fairview Farm," and here he now carries on general farming and dairy- ing with good financial results. Mr. Everson is a director in the Preston Creamery Company and a stockholder in the First National Bank of Blair. For three years he did good service as town supervisor, and for twelve years as school clerk. He is a charter member of Camp No. 2576, Modern

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Woodmen of America at Blair. Mr. Everson was married June 4, 1884, to Anna Kjelson, who was born in Pierce County, Wisconsin, Feb. 14, 1861, daughter of Arne and Karen (Pederson) Kjelson, natives of Norway, the latter of whom died in 1909. Mr. and Mrs. Everson have a family of five children : Sevilla, who died when 10 days old; Mabel Elvira, born July 13, 1888, who graduated from the Blair high school with the class of 1907 and has been a teacher for nine years; Alice Selmine, born April 21, 1891, who graduated from the Blair high school with the class of 1910, and was a teacher for seven years; Elmer Alfred, born April 18, 1894, who is a student in the agricultural college at Onalaska, Wis., and resides at home, and Myrtle Constance, born Aug. 16, 1896, who graduated from Blair high school with the class of 1915 and resides at home. The family are mem- bers of the United Norwegian Church, of which Mr. Everson is a trustee.

Frederick C. Steig, proprietor of Steig farm of 200 acres in sections 23 and 24, town 23 north, range 7 west, Hale Township, belongs to that class of hardy and industrious Norwegian farmers who have done so much to build up and develop the resources of Trempealeau County. His birth took place in Biri, Norway, April 1, 1866, his parents being Christian F. and Ingeborg (Anderson) Steig. The father, who was born at Biri, Nor- way, March 11, 1839, emigrated with his family to the United States in 1866, locating in Dane County, Wisconsin, where he remained about two years. In 1868 he came to Trempealeau County, settling on the farm now owned and operated by his son Frederick C. Here he resided for some 42 years, dying June 25, 1910, after a long career of agricultural activity, during which time he greatly improved his farm, becoming a prosperous citizen of his township. His wife Ingeborg, who was born in Norway, Dec. 8, 1842, is still living and resides with her son Frederick, subject of this sketch. The latter was reared on the home farm and for many years assisted his father in operating it. In 1887 he became its manager and so continued until 1896, in which year he bought the property and has since been engaged in its further development. In 1904 he built the house in which he and his family now reside, which is a two-story brick veneer structure, with basement, containing eight rooms and heated by furnace. In 1914 Mr. Steig built a frame barn, 36 by 90 by 12 feet, with an eight- foot stone basement, having cement floors and modern equipment. He keeps graded Durham cattle, having a herd of 35 head, of which he milks 22. Since 1908 he has been a member of the school board of his district. Mr. Steig was married Oct. 7, 1893, to Antonette Klundby, who was born in Biri, Norway, June 11, 1869. Her father, Hans Klundby, born in Nor- way in 1830, came to America in 1884 with his family, settling in Hale Township, this county. He died in 1892. His wife, whose maiden name was Agnethe Olson, was born in Norway in 1828 and died in 1900. Mr. and Mrs. Steig are the parents of eight children, born as follows: Hulda, June 21, 1894; Carl, July 31, 1895; Catherine, Oct. 6, 1897; Arthur, Nov. 26, 1899 ; Florence, June 2, 1902; Cora, Aug. 22, 1904; Hazel, Dec. 17, 1906, and Selma, Sept. 19, 1910. All the children are living at home except Hulda, who was married July 30, 1917, to Orlando Kaas of Pigeon Town- ship. Mr. Steig and his family are members of the Norwegian Lutheran

FREDERICK C. STEIG AND FAMILY

OLE SYLFEST AND FAMILY

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IIISTORY OF TREMPEALEAU COUNTY

Church of America. They have a wide acquaintance and are among the substantial and prosperous families of Hale Township.

Mattis Mattison, for many years a prominent citizen of Preston Town- ship, and the father of a number of children actively identified with the affairs of the county, was born in Sweden in 1841, and in 1848 came to America with his parents, who settled in Pennsylvania, in the historic colony established by Ole Bull, the famous violin virtuoso. He was reared in Pennsylvania, was there married, and in 1864 came to Trempealeau County, bringing his family, and settling in sections 21 and 28, Preston Township. Here he spent many years in cultivating the soil and develop- ing his farm. After a long and useful life he died Dec. 19, 1909. His wife, Anna Olson Strum, to whom he was married in Abbott Township, Potter County, Penn., Oct. 13, 1856, was born in 1837 and survived him four years or more. They were the parents of eight children: Martin (deceased) ; Eline, now Mrs. John Thompson; Martin O. of Omaha, Ark .; Betina, now Mrs. John E. Pederson; Albert (deceased) ; Ole M. of Canby, Ore .; Maria, now Mrs. Erick Frederickson; Paul (deceased) ; Thomas, who farms on the old homestead; Albert; Edwin F., postmaster of Blair, and Minnie, now Mrs. Ole A. Thompson.

Thomas Mattison, who is successfully engaged in carrying on agri- cultural operations in sections 28 and 21, Preston Township, was born in this township July 31, 1876, son of Mattis and Anna (Olson-Strum) Mat- tison. He was reared on the farm and worked for his father until he was in his 28th year, at which time he married. In 1903 he bought a farm situated near his father's and cultivated it until 1906, at which time he sold it and bought the parental homestead, on which he has since resided, and which contains 225 acres. Here he carries on general farming, keeping a good herd of Shorthorn cattle. He also breeds Rhode Island Red chickens, with which he has several times won prizes at poultry shows. Since 1911 he has been president of the Preston Creamery Company at Blair, and he is also a stockholder in, and was one of the organizers of the First National Bank of Blair. Mr. Mattison was married June 5, 1904, to Anna Peterson, of Preston Township, who was born in that township June 1, 1882, daughter of Sever and Olena (Andreson) Peterson. Her father, who was born in Norway in 1852, came to America with his parents in 1864, they settling in Salve Cooley, Preston Township, which was his home until his death in 1908. Mrs. Peterson, who was born in Norway in 1851, is now residing in Blair. She and her husband had a family of seven children, their daughter Anna being their fifth child. To Mr. and Mrs. Mattison have been born seven children: Orwin, Feb. 18, 1905; Rudolph, April 18, 1906; Wilfred, Dec. 10, 1907 ; Walter, Sept. 25, 1909 ; Lorenze, July 16, 1912; Viola, March 20, 1914, and Cora, Jan. 23, 1916. The family are members of the Norwegian Lutheran Church, while Mr. Mattison is also a member of the Masonic lodge at Whitehall and of the camp of the Modern Wood- men of America at Blair.

Ole Sylfest, a well known farmer who is engaged in operating 130 acres of land in section 11, Preston Township, was born in Vossie Cooley, this township, May 8, 1865. His father, whose name also was Ole, was

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a native of Voss, Norway, who came to the United States in 1854, locating in Dane County, Wisconsin, from which place he came in 1860 to Trem- pealeau County, settling in Vossie Cooley. Here he died in 1888 at the age of 66 years, after many years hard work spent in improving his farm, which he left in good condition. His wife, whose maiden name was Carrie Gjerstad, died in 1907, aged 88 years. They had been the parents of five children : Sever, now living on the old farm in Vossie Cooley ; Ingeborg, who married Lars Johnson, a farmer of Vossie Cooley; Susan, who resides with her brother Sever; Ole (first), who died at the age of one year, and Ole (second), subject of this sketch. Ole Sylfest resided at home with his parents until reaching the age of 25 years, or until the time of his mar- riage in 1891. He then farmed the old Sylfest homestead for seven years, subsequently going to Shepherd Cooley, where he operated a farm for 10 years, or until 1908, when he bought his present farm. This is a good piece of agricultural property, having a nice commodious residence, a good basement barn and all other necessary buildings, besides a full equipment of tools and implements. Mr. Sylfest is operating the place with profitable results and is recognized throughout the township as a thoroughly practical farmer and a reliable citizen, one who can be depended upon to support the interests of the community in which he lives. He has won his success in life entirely by his own efforts, and has succeeded by exercising hard work, frugality and good judgment. Since 1903 he has served as a member of the township board, having been its chairman, and consequently a member of the county board also, for eight years. He is doing good service as clerk of his school district. In connection with his farm work he has been interested in co-operative movements, assisted in organizing the Preston Creamery Company, of Blair, and has been one of its directors for 10 years. June 11, 1891, Mr. Sylfest was united in marriage with Paulina Olson, who was born in Tromp Cooley, Jan. 30, 1868, daughter of Christian and Anna (Peterson) Olson. Her father, who was a native of Norway, came to the United States in 1860, and on the breaking out of the Civil War enlisted in the Eleventh Wisconsin Volunteer Infantry, in which he served four years. After the war he settled in Tromp Cooley and engaged in farming there until his death in 1879. His wife Anna now resides in Tromp Cooley, having survived him 38 years. Mr. and Mrs. Sylfest have been the parents of five children: Otilia, born Jan. 6, 1894, who graduated from the Blair High School and La Crosse Normal School and has been a teacher four years ; Amelia, born Jan. 3, 1898, who graduated from the Blair High School and is clerk in a business house in Blair ; Myrtle, born April 3, 1900; Stella, born May 21, 1905, and one that died in infancy. The family are members of the Norwegian Lutheran church, of which Mr. Sylfest has been treasurer since 1902.

Bernhard Hulberg, a rising young garage man of Osseo, was born in Hale Township, this county, March 27, 1887, and was reared to farm pur- suits, attaining a good rudimentary education in the district schools. He became interested in the automobile industry, and seeing an opening at Osseo, formed a partnership with his brother, Conrad, and engaged in the garage business in this village, occupying a building which was erected

ORSON S. LAMBERSON-MR. AND MRS. JOHN C. LAMBERSON

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for them in 1915 by O. C. Gullard. Mr. Hulberg is now connected with the Amundson Garage, in whose success he is a valued factor. He was married May 10, 1916, to Helga Brateng, who was born Dec. 22, 1891. The parents of Mr. Hulberg were Edward and Paulina (Raa) Hulberg, natives of Nor- way, who came to Hale Township some forty years ago, the father now living in Osseo, and the mother having died in 1896.

Conrad Hulberg, a popular young automobile man, was born in Hale Township, April 4, 1891. He went to the neighborhood schools, learned farming from his father, and early became an adept in mechanics. With his brother he engaged in the garage business at Osseo for a while, and is now employed in the Hohmann Garage at Arcadia, where he is doing excel- lent work. He is a good workman, a master of his trade, and a genial friend.

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History of Trempealeau County, Wisconsin, Part 88

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