USA > Wisconsin > Trempealeau County > History of Trempealeau County, Wisconsin > Part 89
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George W. Lamberson, proprietor of Four Pines Farm, in section 22, Lincoln Township, was born on the old Lamberson farm in this township, June 12, 1874, son of John C. and Lucena (Becker) Lamberson. He was trained to agriculture in early youth and resided at home until reaching the age of 21, at which time he bought his present farm of 160 acres, which Is a well-improved piece of property. His residence, built in 1908, is a frame structure of nine rooms, equipped with furnace and other modern con- veniences, except lights. The barn was erected in 1898 and is a frame building 28 by 54 by 16 feet, with 4-foot basement. In 1913 he built a solid concrete silo, 14 by 36 feet. The farm is surrounded with woven wire fencing. Mr. Lamberson keeps Holstein cattle of high grade, having 20 head, of which he milks 15; also Poland-China hogs, having a herd of 60 head and handling 100 per year, part of which are registered and all of which are pedigreed. Since 1910 he has served as president of the Whitehall Creamery Association. Mr. Lamberson was married May 21, 1893, to Claudia Williams, of Whitehall, who was born at Stevens Point, Wis., May 1, 1878, daughter of Edward J. and Rose (Mason) Williams. Her father, formerly a member of the crew of the U. S. S. Dolphin, is now living at Palm Beach, Cal .; her mother died in 1890 at the age of 32 years. Mr. and Mrs. Lamberson have had four children: Milo J., born Dec. 30, 1893; Percy G., born July 5, 1895; Bernice, born June 21, 1902, who died at the age of 5 months, and Crystal, born May 13, 1905. Mr. Lamberson is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church, of which he has been steward since 1900. He has served as township clerk since the spring of 1914 and is a citizen always ready to do his part in promoting the interests of the community in which he lives.
John C. Lamberson was born in Bradford County, Pa., June 13, 1840, and died June 20, 1917. He was a descendant of Garrit Lamberson, who served under General Washington at the memorable Delaware campaign. His great-grandmother was of the family of John Hart, one of the signers of the Declaration of Independence. His grandfather, Isaac Lamberson, a vet- eran of the War of 1812, was married to Rebecca Monroe, a first cousin of President James Monroe. His father and mother, Orson Lamberson and Sarah Haskins, moved to Wisconsin in 1850, his mother dying shortly after. A little red schoolhouse had been erected at Kerns Corners, near Baraboo, and his early school advantages consisted of only three years' attendance,
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studying such books as were then available. Being of a studious disposition and living to learn something of benefit each day, he later became, by obser- vation and study, as well versed in matters of literature, science and the business world as many men of better opportunities. At the early age of 13 years he ventured upon his own resources out into the then pioneer settle- ments of Wisconsin and Minnesota, working as a farm hand in various places until 1861. On Oct. 11 he went to Fort Snelling and enlisted in the Third Minnesota Volunteer Infantry, serving until discharged on account of dis- ability, on April 14, 1862, at Nashville, Tenn. For some time he carried mail from Wabasha to Rochester, stopping occasionally with his father and sisters at Greenwood Prairie, about 15 miles north of Rochester. At this time occurred a sad event which always was a shade in his memory. One August morning his sister, a child of 13 years, left with a family of friends who were emigrating overland to Mankato. The Indian Massacre of New Ulm is written in history. The family never reached their destination, nor was any trace ever found to clear any doubt as to their sad disappearance. The lure of battle called, presumably through his sturdy ancestors, and again having fully recovered from his injury he went South to Chattanooga, Tenn., and enlisted under Captain Godfrey, remaining until the close of the war. He soon started North, traveling by steamboat as far as Fountain City. On a bright June morning in 1865 he started on foot to reach his father's cabin, on what is now the James Wright farm in Fly Creek Valley. Stopping over night at the home of G. H. Markham, he reached his destina- tion the following day. He was employed by Henry Freeman the balance of the summer, and rented the farm now owned by Archie Wood in 1866. On Aug. 8, 1867, he was married to Mrs. Lucena Becker Woolsey, and Dec. 24, 1867, they moved to the home farm one mile west of Whitehall. Here he at once took a prominent part in the life of the community. Industrious and hardworking, a friend of every good cause, he endeared himself to all with whom he came in contact. By his industry and care he acquired and improved one of the best farms in the community. He served his town in various offices in a manner creditable alike to himself and to the taxpayers. His home life bordered on the ideal, and the many pleasant family gather- ings will pass on in vivid memories. When death visited the home of his neighbor, L. D. McNitt, leaving a number of orphaned children, little 8-year- old Gertrude was admitted into the family circle. On account of advanced age and failing health he retired from the strenuous work of the farm and removed with his wife to Winona, Minn., on March 18, 1902, where they resided in their pleasant home at 1066 West Seventh Street. He left a wife and step-daughter, Ella, wife of A. R. Warren ; three sons, Dr. A. J. Lamber- son, George W. Lamberson, L. H. Lamberson, and a daughter, Bernice, Mrs. Fred W. Lowe.
Amund Garthus is one of the leading citizens of Independence, and has been intimately associated with its business, political and social life for nearly 40 years. In building up a successful business he has assisted in the general development of the village, but the work by which he will be longest remembered is his civic service. The municipal improvements of the vil- lage have been his especial hobby, and he has given much of his spare time
MR. AND MRS. AMUND GARTHUS
MR. AND MRS. FREDERICK SEILER C. F. W. SEILER AND FAMILY
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and all of his influence, to bring some of these improvements about. For no less than 17 years he was president of the village council, and for 15 years he served on the school board, a long record of public work worthily and efficiently performed. He was born in Valders, Norway, Oct. 4, 1852, son of Harold and Karen (Rustebakke) Garthus. He was reared to manhood in the old country, and in 1880 set out for the United States. Sept. 14 of that year he reached Independence, where he obtained work as clerk in a store and was thus occupied for about nine months. He then entered into partnership with Henry Hanson and bought the store of O. P. Larson, which they conducted for two years and a half under the style of Hanson & Garthus. Subsequently Mr. Garthus conducted the business alone until 1884, when the store was destroyed by fire. In the fall of 1885 he started another store with J. A. Johanssen and was associated with him until the spring of 1889, at which time he bought the entire business and has since operated it alone. He has built up a good patronage and is doing a suc- cessful business. In 1901 he rebuilt the store, now having a two-room brick building, two stories and basement, measuring 42 by 70 feet. He and his family are members of the Norwegian Lutheran church, he having been secretary of the Independence congregation for many years. Mr. Garthus was married Aug. 13, 1887, to Susanna Torgerson, of Vernon County, Wis., who was born in that county Dec. 9, 1864. Mr. and Mrs. Garthus have had six children : Harold O., born May 23, 1888, who is manager of his father's store; Samuel C., who died in 1907 at the age of 17 years; Lillian T., born February 18, 1892, who is a bookkeeper in her father's store; Ira B., born Sept. 18, 1894, and Adam S., born Nov. 26, 1897, who are employed in the store, and Arthur W., who died in infancy. Harold Garthus, father of Amund Garthus, was born Feb. 6, 1802, and died Oct. 12, 1880. He was married Nov. 12, 1836, to Karen Rustebakke, who was born Sept. 2, 1819, and died Oct. 16, 1891. Ole Forgerson, father of Mrs. Garthus, was born and reared in Norway, came to America in 1850, settled in Dane County, this State, moved to Vernon County in 1852, and there devoted his life to farm- ing, dying at Independence in the spring of 1901, at the age of 86 years, his good wife, Sigri Midtveit, dying in 1896 at the age of 77 years.
C. F. W. Seiler, better known locally as Will Seiler, is one of the thriving farmers of Hale Township, being proprietor of Plainview Stock Farm of 320 acres, comprising the north half of section 13, town 23 north, range 8 west. He is a native of Wisconsin, having been born at Cream, Buffalo County, Dec. 9, 1871. His parents were Frederick and Frederika (Bade) Seiler, the father born in Mecklenburg, Germany, in 1844, and the mother in Germany in 1847. Frederick Seiler emigrated to the United States in the year 1869, locating at Fountain City, Wis., where he worked out and rented farms until 1880. He then bought the north half and northeast quarter of section 13, Hale Township, residing on and cultivating that farm until 1904, when he took up his residence in Whitehall. Here he died in 1909. His wife survived him some years, passing away in the spring of 1915. They were the parents of three children: C. F. W. Albert, who died in infancy, and Paulina. "Will" Seiler was reared on the parental homestead and worked for his father until 1900, which was the year in which he purchased
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his present farm. Since then he has made some valuable improvements on it, in 1907 building his present residence, a 10-room, two-story, frame house, with basement, furnished with acetylene lights and running water. The barn was put up in 1905, and is 36 by 74 by 18 feet, with a cement floor basement. and has similar lighting and water facilities to the house. Mr. Seiler raises Shorthorn cattle, having 80 head of high graded animals, and milking 25; also graded Shropshire sheep, of which he has 50 head; and White Plymouth Rock chickens. His farm is well fenced with woven wire, its general appearance showing thrift and prosperity. Mr. Seiler is also a stockholder in the Farmers' Exchange Bank, of Osseo; the Pigeon Grain and Stock Company and the Whitehall Hospital. Mr. Seiler was married May 20, 1899, to Lena Sielaff, who was born in Lincoln Township, Trempealeau County, Wis., April 2, 1878, her parents being Reinhold and Wilhelmina (Schwolon) Sielaff. Four children have been born to them: Louise, May 4, 1900; Clarence, Feb. 15, 1901; Ida, July 2, 1902, and Esther, Sept. 13, 1905. Mr. Seiler and his family are members of the German Lutheran church, of which he is also a trustee. He has served as township treasurer for two years and since 1908 has been a director and treasurer of the school board of District No. 1.
Samuel Gunderson, proprietor of the Pleasant Hill Farm, section 22, Sumner Township, is a native of this county, has spent his life on his present farm, and has served his township as clerk since 1910 and his school district as clerk and director. He was born Sept. 12, 1875, was reared to agricultural pursuits, attended the district school, and in 1900 rented the home farm, which he bought in 1906. In carrying on general agricultural operations he has been very successful. By his wife, Hannah Amundson, whom he married May 2, 1906, he has five children: Helen, born March 27, 1907, died Aug. 12, 1917 ; Thomas, born Dec. 3, 1908; Ruth, born May 30, 1912; Sigvald, born Nov. 29, 1915, and Helen Almira, born July 15, 1917. Mrs. Gunderson was born in Sumner Township Aug. 31, 1875, daughter of Halvor and Ragnild (Hougen) Amundson, who came to America in 1869, located in Dane County, Wis., and three years later settled in Sumner Township, this county, the father, who was born in 1830, dying in 1907, and the mother, who was born in 1835, dying in 1913.
Torger Gunderson came to Trempealeau County in 1874, and located on a farm of 160 acres in section 22, Sumner Township, which he operated until 1900, when he rented it to his son Samuel, the fourth of his 12 children (who purchased it in 1906), and retired to a farm of 120 acres in section 28, in the same township, where he now lives. He was born in Norway, Feb. 20, 1846, came to America in 1869, and lived in Vernon County, this State, five years before coming to this county. His wife, Randi Simenson, was born in Norway, Dec. 12, 1846.
Frank M. Smith, stock dealer and agriculturist, of Osseo, is one of the prominent men in the community. He helped organize the State Bank of Osseo, has been one of its directors for many years, was its first depositor, and has been its president since 1912. He assisted in the organization of the Osseo Telephone Company, and is now a director and assistant manager of it. He has been a trustee of the Trempealeau County Asylum since its
TORGER GUNDERSON
-MR. AND MRS. SAM. GUNDERSON
MRS. TORGER GUNDERSON
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establishment in 1900, and for a number of years served as secretary of the State Association of County Asylum Trustees and Superintendents. For several years he has been clerk of the school board of Osseo, and was one of the active promoters of the building of the new modern Lincoln Hill High School, which now adorns the village. In religious work he is also active, and has been trustee of the Congregational church for some time. His fraternal relations are with the Masonic order and the Modern Wood- men. Mr. Smith was born at Ithaca, Wis., Nov. 1, 1864, son of Mathias M. and Elizabeth M. (Thomas) Smith. His education was received in the district school of Neptune, and the high schools of Sextonville and Richland Center. With this preparation he taught for three years at Ithaca and Cazenovia, Wis. In June, 1889, he came to Osseo, and for some years operated a livery stable and meat market. Selling the livery business, he purchased a farm near Osseo, and another meat market in Fairchild, Wis., operating the two markets and doing an extensive business in live stock shipping for many years. He was married Jan. 1, 1892, to Florence Newell, daughter of George F. and Harriet R. (Sylvester) Newell, the former of whom, a miller, came to Osseo in 1880, and died in 1895, 14 years after the decease of his wife. Mr. and Mrs. Smith have three children: Cecile Harriet, married to Earl Johnson, of Augusta; Margaret E. and Newell M., who are at home with their parents. Miss Margaret is a graduate of the Austin High School, of Chicago, and Master Newell is a boy of 14 in the Osseo High School. Mrs. Smith has been and is active in church and social work, and has shared her husband's enthusiasm for better schools and better homes for Osseo. Their home is a hospitable one of culture and refinement, from which emanates a splendid influence for good. Mathias M. Smith was born in Herkimer County, N. Y., came to Wisconsin and located in Richland County in 1854, farmed there until 1900, then came to Osseo, and died here in 1906, his wife dying in 1910.
Robert C. Field, a sturdy pioneer of this county, was born in Cairo, Greene County, N. Y., May 6, 1804, son of Robert B. and Sally (Austin) Field. He grew to manhood in his native State, became a leading man in his community, and did distinguished service in the New York Assembly in 1844. In 1849 he came to Wisconsin, and located in Richland County. Here his former reputation preceded him, and 10 years after his arrival he was sent to the Wisconsin Assembly. After completing his duties at the State capital, he came to Trempealeau County, and located on section 16, in Sumner Township. As before, he speedily became a leader among his fellows, and in 1874 he was sent to the State Senate. While conducting his farm, he bought and sold cattle and also dealt in real estate. He died June 16, 1876, sincerely honored and mourned. Mr. Field was married Jan. 1, 1837, to Harriet M. Graham, who died a few months after their marriage. April 1, 1838, he married May Stoddard, who was born Nov. 3, 1815, and died Jan. 2, 1901, a daughter of Neri and Triphena (Beebe) Stoddard. Mr. and Mrs. Field had seven children: Harriet, who married E. S. Hotchkiss; Stoddard, a prominent man of Osseo; Robert D., Francis E., Horace A., Hiram H. and Mary E., who married C. D. Van Hoesen. All are dead except Stoddard.
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HISTORY OF TREMPEALEAU COUNTY
Stoddard Field, one of the leading men of Osseo, has been an important factor in the upbuilding of the community. He has taken a deep interest in all the big enterprises of his day, has led an active life, and has been a useful and worthy citizen. He was born at Cairo, Greene County, N. Y., Aug. 19, 1842, son of Robert C. and Mary (Stoddard) Field, the pioneers. For many years he lived on the home farm near Osseo, carrying on agricul- tural operations while engaged extensively in stock dealing, and also handling considerable real estate. For a time he was a merchant at Osseo. In connection with his stock buying, he held for a considerable period the contract for furnishing meat for woodsmen in Northern Wisconsin. Some- times he bought, killed and dressed as high as 100 head of cattle a day, to be shipped to Ashland, Wis., from which point it was distributed. Mr. Field is now living a retired life in his pleasant home in Osseo, where he is deeply beloved by all who know him. Mr. Field was married Jan. 1, 1871, to Martha E. Robbins, a teacher in Eau Claire, born in Marquette County, Wis., Feb. 25, 1850, daughter of E. W. and Laura (Pond) Robbins. E. W. Robbins was born in Lennox, N. Y., Feb. 24, 1821, and was married in 1846 to Laura Pond, who was born in Camden, N. Y. They came to Marquette County, Wis., in 1843, and to Eau Claire County in 1854, farming three miles east of Eau Claire until his death, Feb. 20, 1904. Mr. and Mrs. Field have two children: Leslie H., born Nov. 19, 1871, farms near Osseo. Clarence W., born Feb. 8, 1874, is a lumber dealer in Osseo.
Anton Senty, vice-president of the State Bank of Independence, was born in Buffalo County, Wis., Oct. 4, 1865. He is a son of John George and Margaret (Gasner) Senty. The father was born in Switzerland and came to the United States in 1849, settling in Sauk County, Wis., where he was engaged in farming. In 1857 he removed to Buffalo County, where the rest of his life was spent, as he died in Montana Township, that county, in 1879, at the age of 53 years. His wife Margaret died in 1913 at the age of 75. Anton Senty resided on the home farm until the age of 25 years. He acquired a good education, attending Gale College, at Galesville, after gradu- ating from the Arcadia High School, and subsequently taking the regular course at the Winona Normal School. He then taught five winters in the public schools. While living on the farm he served as town clerk of Montana Township. In 1892 he became bookkeeper for John Sprecher, in whose employ he continued until 1897. In that year he and Mr. Sprecher organ- ized the Sprecher & Senty Bank, a private institution, which later became the State Bank of Independence. Of this he became cashier and was also the practical manager, Mr. Sprecher being president. In 1913 Mr. Senty was elected vice-president, in which position he is still serving. He is also a stockholder in three other banking institutions and in the Sprecher Lum- ber Company. Since 1905 he has served as treasurer of the board of educa- tion of Independence. As a business man he is progressive, with a con- servatism that avoids taking doubtful risks. The institution of which he is one of the leading officers is prospering and gradually increasing in strength and importance owing to the wise management of himself and his associates. Mr. Senty was united in marriage, Jan. 25, 1900, to Nellie Lockway, of Inde- pendence, a daughter of Michael and Sena (Severson) Lockway. Her-
R. C. FIELD
STODDARD FIELD
V
ANTON SENTY AND FAMILY
L
PETER NELTON AND FAMILY
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father, who was engaged in the grain business, died in 1908 at the age of 62 years. He is survived by his wife, who is now 62 years old and resides in Independence. Mr. and Mrs. Senty have had six children, two of whom died in infancy. Those living are: Lester A., who was born May 19, 1903; Margaret S., born April 15, 1909; Dorothy N., born Nov. 29, 1913, and Imogene, born Feb. 13, 1917. The family faith is that of the Methodist Episcopal church.
Peter Nelton. Few names are better known in Trempealeau County than that of the subject of this sketch, who, besides operating a small but well-improved farm in section 33, Chimney Rock Township, has for many years been intimately connected with public affairs and is a leading member of the Democratic party in this section. He was born in Schleswig-Holstein, Germany, Oct. 13, 1853, son of Mads and Mary Nelton. His mother died in 1860, in her native land, and the father, coming to America in 1869, died at Dubuque, Iowa, the same year at the age of 57 years. Peter Nelton did not come to this country until 1872, and then he settled at Topeka, Kan., where he obtained employment on the railroad and was thus occupied for two years. At the end of that time he came to Trempealeau County, Wis., and located in Arcadia, where he worked as lumberman and clerk until 1876. From that time until 1879 he resided in Borst Valley, being employed on a farm and then purchased his present place in section 33, Chimney Rock Township. The farm contains 40 acres, the land being fertile and the buildings neat and substantial. Mr. Nelton is president of the creamery company at Independence. Aside from the duties connected therewith, and the management of his farm, he has for a long period devoted a large part of his time to the public service, for 20 years having been chairman of the township board and a member of the county board by virtue of that office. He was also clerk of the school board 18 years ; chairman of the county Dem- ocratic committee three years, and in the office of the Railway Commission at Madison from 1891 to 1895. In 1911 and 1912 he served as a member of the Wisconsin Assembly. In all these various positions Mr. Nelton has shown himself an efficient and conscientious public servant, familiar with local conditions, loyal to his constituents and progressive in spirit and action when changes were needed in the laws or in their application. That he has gained the confidence of his fellow citizens is attested by the fact that he has been so continuously in public life, having advanced usually from lower to higher positions. He is a member of the Masonic lodge in Arcadia and also of the Modern Woodmen of America. Mr. Nelton has enjoyed the comforts and shared the responsibilities of domestic life for over 40 years, having been married Nov. 1, 1876, to Mary Olson, who was born in Denmark, May 28, 1844. He and his wife are the parents of three children: Mamie is now a teacher, having been a student in the University of Wisconsin. Nora is a teacher in Chimney Rock Township. Earl was an attorney at Grand Rapids, Wis., for two years. He is now in the United States service, having been made a lieutenant in the officers' reserve camp at Camp Custer, near Battle Creek, Mich.
Judson A. Palmer, M. D., one of the leading physicians and most influential citizens of Trempealeau County, was born near Bothwell,
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HISTORY OF TREMPEALEAU COUNTY
Ontario, Canada, June 9, 1868, son of Gideon A. and Jane (Wilson) Palmer. The father, who was born in Nova Scotia in 1832, was a farmer by occupa- tion ; he died at Bothwell, Ontario, Oct. 4, 1908; his wife, who was born in Bothwell in 1838, died there Feb. 7, 1912; they had a family of eight children, all born in Bothwell: Emily, born in 1864, and now Mrs. Joseph McAuslin of Bothwell; Hiram W., born in 1866, who is engaged in farming near Bothwell; Judson A., subject of this sketch; Spurgeon, born in 1870, who is a traveling salesman residing at La Crosse, Wis .; Alexander, born in 1878, who is a farmer living near Bothwell; Fannie, born in 1884, who is residing at the old home in Bothwell; Eliza, born in 1886, who resides in Ontario, and George, born in 1891, who is an expert machinist, making his home in Bothwell. Both Eliza and Fannie are unmarried. Judson A. Palmer came to the United States in 1887 and entered the University of Michigan at Ann Arbor, from the medical department of which he was graduated in 1890. In the same year he began medical practice at Foston, Minn., but after remaining there one month he removed to Red Wing, Minn. In July, 1891, he came to Arcadia, where he built up a good repu- tation throughout this part of the county as physician and surgeon. Dr. Palmer was appointed local medical examiner for all the old line insurance companies represented in this section, and also for a number of fraternal lodges and orders, to which he himself belongs. He has been a Chapter Mason since 1896, a Knight Templar since 1911, a member of the Con- sistory and the Shrine since 1914. The other lodges or orders of which he is a member are: The Eastern Star, Independent Order of Foresters, Yeomen, Woodmen of the World, Modern Woodmen of America, Knights of the Maccabees, Beavers, Knights of Pythias and Elks. For several years he has been a member of the county board and has served in several local offices. Aug. 6, 1907, he enlisted in the United States service, received a commission as first lieutenant and was sent to Ft. Riley, Kansas.
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