USA > Wisconsin > Trempealeau County > History of Trempealeau County, Wisconsin > Part 97
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Morris Anderson is a native of Hale Township, this county, and was brought to his present farm by his parents in 1883. He now owns 170 acres in section 1, Chimney Rock Township, and carries on general farming, making a specialty of Durham cattle, Poland-China swine and Rhode Island Red chickens. Mr. Anderson was born July 16, 1877, and with the excep- tion of six years spent as a traveling salesman he has devoted his life to farming. He was married in Minneapolis, Dec. 31, 1913, to Cornelia Carl- son, of Chimney Rock Township, daughter of Carl and Anna (Hendrickson) Carlson, and they have one son, Eldridge Rudel, born July 25, 1914; they have also adopted a bright girl, Margaret Meachin, born July 2, 1905. The family faith is that of the United Norwegian Lutheran church. Mrs. Anderson's parents came to America from Varmland, Sweden, in 1887, settling in Chimney Rock Township. Her father died in 1897, and her mother is still living on the old homestead. Five children were born to them: Charles, Emma, Beda, Cornelia and Julia, all living.
Andrew Anderson came to Trempealeau County in 1873, and lived in Hale Township until 1883, when he moved to Chimney Rock Township and purchased 170 acres in section 1, which in 1911 was purchased by his son, Morris. Andrew Anderson was born in Varmland, Sweden, May 20, 1841, and upon coming to America in 1866 located in La Crosse until settling in this county. He died Feb. 3, 1911. His wife, Olivia Jacobson, whom he
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married in Chimney Rock Township, was born in Sweden, March 6, 1838, and died Dec. 3, 1911. In the family there were three children: Morris has been mentioned. Amanda is the wife of Ole Storberg, of Albion Town- ship, this county. One is dead.
F. Carl Zeller came to Trempealeau County in 1857, took his part in the pioneer endeavors of this region, and here lived until his death, Nov. 26, 1898, a period of over 40 years. He was born in Bavaria, Germany, Aug. 11, 1831, and at the age of 23, in 1854 came to America, landing in New York, and finding his way directly to Prairie du Sac, Wis., where he lived until coming to Trempealeau County. Here, with his brother, Frank J., he bought 240 acres at the head of Meyers Valley, in section 17, Arcadia Town- ship, the brothers having saved a little money during their residence in Sauk County. In 1861 the partnership was dissolved, F. Carl marrying and moving to what is now the George Haines farm in Meyers Valley, sec- tion 8, Arcadia Township. There he and his family lived until 1869, when he purchased the 240 acres of wild land adjoining on the west, which has since remained the homestead. He set at work with a will, grubbed and broke the land, erected a frame house and barn, and gradually achieved success and prosperity. A Democrat in politics, he did not seek public office, but consented to serve as school treasurer, a position he occupied for many years. He was a devout member of the German Catholic church, and was an important factor in the progress of that faith in this community. He was one of the first members in this vicinity, the early masses being said in a log residence on the Nick Myers farm in section 7, adjoining the Zeller place. Later he assisted in building the church at Hartman's Corners, three-quarters of a mile north of the old home. He did not live to see this pioneer structure replaced by the magnificent Church of Our Lady of Per- petual Help, in which the congregation now worships at Arcadia. Mr. Zeller was married in 1861 to Margaret Frederick, the daughter of Adam Frederick. She still lives on the home place with a daughter, Elizabeth, and four sons, Adam, John M., Charles W. and William. Barbara died at the age of 12, and another Elizabeth died in infancy. Anton farms near Bismarck, N. D.
Adam Zeller has spent his life on the farm where he now lives in section 7, Arcadia Township. He was born March 23, 1865, son of F. Carl and Margaret (Frederick) Zeller, attended the district school, and was reared to farm pursuits by his father. In 1896 he took charge of the home farm, which he now operates. He has made many improvements thereon, includ -. ing a sightly barn, 52 by 102 feet, with full basement, cement floors, James stanchions and other modern equipment. At the time of his father's death he succeeded him as treasurer of the school district, in which position he is doing most excellent service. In connection with the marketing of his dairy products and stock, he has acquired an interest in the Farmers' Co- Operative Creamery at Arcadia, and in the Farmers' Shipping Association of Arcadia. Like his father before him, he is a Democrat in politics, and his faith is that of the Catholic church.
James Hopkins, for many years a leading citizen of Trempealeau County, came to this region as a youth with the earliest settlers, grew up
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with the country, and became an integral part of its life and progress. Born in Leeds, Yorkshire, England, Oct. 5, 1839, he was but 8 years of age when his parents, John and Mary Hopkins, came to America and took up their home in Troy, Walworth County, this State. In 1855 they came to Trem- pealeau County and located on the north bank of the Trempealeau River, in the western part of Preston Township. In this primitive spot they erected a sod home and later a log cabin, and started to develop the fertile tract which has since been known as the Hopkins farm. Comforts and con- veniences were lacking, farm and domestic equipment was of the crudest, marketing and trading facilities were of the poorest, the nearest point at which provisions could be secured being Galesville, far away and over the rugged bluffs. Often, while a mere boy, James Hopkins went to the mill at Galesville and brought back flour and other provisions on his back, or in the winter on a hand sled, trudging his way over the rough and sometimes dan- gerous trail. With the passing of the years and the growth of the county, conditions changed, and the farm became a beautiful estate in the midst of a thickly-settled community. Here the parents spent the remainder of their years, the father dying Jan. 9, 1888, and the mother Feb. 27, 1875. James Hopkins continued to live on the home farm improving and develop- ing it, and successfully carrying on general farming. He was an important factor both in public service and in the business life of the region in which he lived. As a farmer he was the staunch friend and the earnest advocate of the agricultural interests of the county. A thorough believer in co- operative effort among farmers, he was active in the Preston Creamery Company and the Farmers' Trading Association, both at Blair, and served for a time as president of each. At the annual meetings of the Trempealeau County Agricultural and Driving Association, held at Whitehall, in years past, he was always a prominent figure. He did good service as chairman of his township, and as treasurer and clerk of his school district, also doing excellent work several different terms as deputy sheriff. He was faithful to every public trust committed to his care. He held the conscientious discharge of every public duty above personal or private consideration. He was a firm believer in Prohibition and strove earnestly and persistently to bring it about. His was a positive nature, whatever he believed, he be- lieved with all his might, and he had the courage to avow his convictions, as well as the ability to assert them, yet he was a just man, able to see the other side of public questions as well as his own, and demanding of himself an even stricter standard than he expected of others. In a few words, he had common sense, an honest heart and tireless energy. About a year before his death Mr. Hopkins, accompanied by his wife, went to Seattle, Wash., intending to remain there with their sons. While there he was stricken with paralysis. Realizing that he had not long to live, and desiring to see his old friends again, he returned to Whitehall. Thus it was his good fortune when the end came, April 17, 1913, to be under his own roof, sur- rounded by family and friends so near and dear to him. Through his illness he was uniformly cheerful and bright, and bore his sufferings, which were at times intense, with remarkable patience. The faithful wife, son and daughter were with him to administer to every want, and to extend him
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that sympathy which one's own alone can give. He lies buried in Lincoln Cemetery, at Whitehall, in and near which village he had spent the greater part of his life. Mr. Hopkins was married to Angelina Van Sickle, and their union was blessed with five children.
Florison D. Hopkins, county treasurer, and president of the Auto Sales Co. of Whitehall, was born on the Hopkins homestead in Preston Town- ship, July 12, 1861, son of James and Angelina (Van Sickle) Hopkins. He attended the district schools, and was reared to farm pursuits. As a young man, he purchased a tract of 160 acres adjoining the homestead, and set about developing it, erecting a home, barns and other buildings, and build- ing up a splendid farm. For a time he also rented the homestead. Reared in the home of prominent and influential people, it was natural that his atten- tion should early turn to public affairs. In the old Convention days, he was delegate to many a convention that has helped to make political history in the county and state. For eight years he was chairman of the township, and for one term he was treasurer. His excellent service on the school board extended over a period of fifteen years. Upon the solicitation of his friends he ran for county treasurer in the fall of 1916, and was elected by a comfort- able majority. His work in this important office has met with general approval, his wide acquaintance, his knowledge of the county and its people, his genial disposition, and his clear-cut business methods all being factors in favor with which he is held. In 1913 Mr. Hopkins sold his farm and took up his residence in the village. In Whitehall he purchased an interest in the Auto Sales Co. and is now its president. Reared as he was on the farm, he has continued his interest in outdoor life. He is an enthusiastic motorist, and takes especial delight in fishing, seeking both health and recreation at this pastime. Mr. Hopkins was married Aug. 26, 1885, to Nellie Shephard, the daughter of Henry and Phelina Shephard, pioneers of Preston township. This union has been blessed with four children: Goldie, Deva, Margaret and Harley J. Goldie is the wife of E. A. Guyton, M. D., of Eau Claire, Wis .; Deva is the wife of Sidney Jacquist, of Blair, Wis .; Mar- garet is the wife of Oscar Dahle, of Whitehall, Wis .; and Harley J. is a corporal in the Marine Service, having previously been a student in the University of Wisconsin.
John Maurer, a pioneer of Buffalo County, and one of the founders of Arcadia, is an excellent and typical example of the sturdy Swiss, who though few in number, have had so important a part in the upbuilding of America. Energetic, capable, versatile and generous, he was for many years an active leader among his fellow men, and though modest and unostentatious, his influence has been tremendous. As agriculturist, as hotel keeper, as pioneer postmaster and as merchant, he was the same quiet, genial personality, a pleasant companion, a loyal friend and a good citizen. But his supreme joy has been in his home, he reared his children with the affection and care characteristic of his race, and now in the afternoon of life, as he looks back over a well-spent life, his greatest pride is in the substantial positions in life which each of his children has attained. Born in Oberstammheim, Canton of Zurich, Switzerland, July 27, 1832, he was there educated and reared. Upon attaining his majority, he determined to broaden his oppor-
F. D. HOPKINS
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HISTORY OF TREMPEALEAU COUNTY
tunities by transferring his scene of activities to the new world. Accord- ingly, having saved his slender earnings, he was enabled to realize his ambitions by setting sail for America in 1855, reaching Fountain City, in Buffalo County, this state, in June of that year. The next March he home- steaded a farm in Waumandee Township, in the same county. There he remained until 1864, when he sold out to Fred. Schoepp, and moved to Fountain City, where he became landlord of the Eagle Hotel, and for a time served as postmaster. Ten years later, in 1874, he sold out his interests in Buffalo County, and came to Arcadia, where he erected one of the first stores in the village, and whose destinies he had an important part in shaping. From the date of his arrival until 1900 he successfully conducted the general mercantile business, building up a good trade, and winning a high regard in the esteem of his fellow men for his honest deal- ing. Since 1900 he has led a retired life, still, however, looking after his various interests. Mr. Maurer was married at Milwaukee on July 5, 1855, to Katherine Moos, born in Wihlen, Canton Zurich, Switzerland, April 1, 1833. This union has been blessed with four children: Catherine, now Mrs. John Durisch, of Arcadia; Albert A., a physician, of La Crosse; Emil, banker, of Arcadia, and Edward R., professor of Applied Mechanics at the State University of Wisconsin.
Emil Maurer, president of the Bank of Arcadia, financier and man-of- affairs, has been a leading factor in the life of Arcadia for many years, and the civic movements in which he has not had an active part are few indeed. Coming here as a boy of twelve, he has grown up with the village and has had a share in its growth, having been one of the original supporters of several of the ventures which have contributed most largely to its develop- ment and progress. In spite of his substantial success in life, Mr. Maurer is democratic and approachable by nature, a sincere friend to every inhab- itant of the village and countryside, and ever willing to give his time, voice and support in behalf of every good and worthy progress. At the prime of his activities he finds himself in an enviable position of respect and honor, satisfied in his work, and happy in his wide circle of friendships. He was born in Waumandee, this state, July 7, 1862, son of John and Katherine (Moos) Maurer, the pioneers, spent his boyhood in Fountain City and Arcadia, and was educated in the schools of Buffalo and Trempealeau Counties. At the age of 17 he entered the employ of G. G. Oppliger at Fountain City where he remained for eighteen months. With this expe- rience, he returned to Arcadia in 1884, and purchased the drug business of James Pierson & Son. This concern he developed into one of the most important commercial ventures in the village, erecting for its occupancy in 1893, the handsome building which now houses the establishment of his successor, and in the upper story of which he still makes his home. While conducting the drug store he became interested in the Bank of Arcadia, and in 1901 he sold out his drug business to become president and active man- ager of the bank. His personality, integrity, standing, and wide friend- ships have been the important elements in the success of the institution. He is also one of the moving spirits in the Western Wisconsin Telephone Co., which he helped to organize and of which he has been the only secretary.
HISTORY OF TREMPEALEAU COUNTY
The Trempealeau County Bankers' Development Association has likewise found in him a valued member and an efficient secretary. In public life he has been president and member of the village council, and member of the board of education and of the library board. When he was president of the council, some of the village's best improvements were undertaken, and the present library was built when he was a member of its board. In the Masonic order he has served in all the chairs of the Blue Lodge and Chapter. His Elk affiliation is with the lodge at La Crosse. He is also a member of the Independent Foresters at Arcadia. Mr. Maurer was married June 13, 1885, to Magdelina Danuser, born in Buffalo County, this state, May 22, 1861, daughter of Jacob Danuser, the pioneer. This union has been blessed with four children: Erna E., Nettie E., Mae Alice and Merrill E. Erna E. graduated from the University of Wisconsin, and is now a teacher. Nettie E. graduated from the Winona State Normal School, taught school for a while, married Oscar A. Erickson, a merchant of Kasson, Minn., and has one son, William. Mae Alice is a graduate of the Stout Institute at Menom- onie, Wis., and is now teaching domestic science at Evansville, Wis. Mer- rill E. has been a student at the Lawrence University. Appleton, Wis., and is now a student of the State Normal School at La Crosse.
Knudt Leofson Strand, the first settler in Norway Cooley, Arcadia Township, where he is still an honored and respected citizen, is one of the very few men in this county who are still living on homesteads which they selected before the close of the Civil War. He has been an industrious, hard- working man and a good citizen and has had his share in the progress which has changed this region from an unsettled wilderness into one of the best farming countries in western Wisconsin. The second of the six children of Leof Sorenson and Anna Knutsen Aaakre, substantial and God-fearing farming people, he was born in Strand, Telemarken, Norway, Feb. 8, 1834, and was there reared, receiving his education by studying two months each year under a traveling schoolmaster, and spending his youth in assist- ing his father at farming and lumbering. At the age of seventeen he left home and for several years continued to be employed as a farmer and lumberman. During the latter part of this period he devoted most of his time to hauling timber from great forests, sometimes as a day laborer and sometimes by contract. July 13, 1859, he married Anna, the daughter of Hoover and Margaret Hooverson, and began farming in a modest way in his native parish. Here was born the oldest son, Leof K .. now a pros- perous Arcadia farmer. But the ambitions of the young man were stirred to seek wider opportunities in the New World, so on April 4, 1861, with his wife and child, he set sail for America. After a tedious trip of ten weeks aboard a sailing vessel, they landed at Quebec, and from there found their way to Detroit, Chicago, and La Crosse, then the terminal of the railroad. Locating in Vernon County he secured such employment as he could at from fifty cents to $1.00 a day, and the following year pre-empted 40 acres of farm land. Trempealeau County was at that time attracting numerous settlers, and with a friend, John Gunderson, Mr. Strand determined to look over the land with a view to settling here. Selecting a pleasant location in Holcomb Cooley, the two men started cutting hay in the summer of 1863,
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with a view of making their permanent home there, but hearing of land to the northward, he and Ole Guttormson started out one day on a further trip of exploration. After a weary march, they reached the mouth of one of the most beautiful cooleys they had ever seen. Here, on the gentle slope, lay rich land, ready to be broken for crops, while water was pure and abundant. No settlers had yet erected cabins in its virgin expanse, and here Mr. Strand determined his future home was to be located. Hasten- ing back to La Crosse he found that the land was still open and imme- diately filed on 160 acres in Sections 23 and 14. His preparations for mov- ing were made during the winter, and as soon as travel was opened in the spring he came up and built a pole hut in which he took up his residence. The hut had the trodden earth for a floor and was thatched with hay. A small window with one pane of glass admitted the light, while a crude door on leather hinges furnished the entrance. Another pole and hay structure furnished a shelter for the yoke of oxen, two yearling steers, and two sheep which he had brought with him from Vernon County. Thus, with but a dollar in his pocket, began the first settler in Norway Cooley. In June he brought his family, and his happiness was complete. Few people of modern times can realize the difficulties with which the early settlers contended. The nearest neighbor on the east was the George Vernon family five miles away. The nearest on the west was Tolef Bergeson, four miles west. Indians thronged the cooley, and though friendly and harm- less, kept Mrs. Strand in a constant state of apprehension by their savage ways. The nearest road was five and one-half miles away. Bishop's settlement, now Arcadia, was six miles away. Trempealeau was fourteen miles away, the trail leading through Dodge Township and over Whistler's Pass. The Big Tamarack Swamp was at that time impas- sable. Grain had to be hauled over hills and through swamps, the unshod oxen picking their way as best they could. In the winter grain was some- times taken as far as the mill at Pickwick, in Minnesota. Such a trip was long and cold and filled with dangers. At times the ice on the river and marshes was so smooth and glaring that a trail of hay had to be made to prevent the oxen from falling and breaking their legs. There were no physicians nearer than Trempealeau and Galesville. Life on the Strand homestead was filled with work. By Christmas, 1864, the pole hut had been replaced with a substantial log structure, 14 by 16 feet, one and a half stories high, and well protected against the winter storms. It is interesting to note that the present home was built of hewn logs in the middle seventies. It is 16 by 30 feet, two stories high, with a full base- ment. In recent years the house has been veneered with lumber, thus making a thick-walled, comfortable home of solid proportions, fully plas- tered. The original farm has been increased to 280 acres, well divided into cultivated land, timber and pasture. Here, hale and hearty in his old age, Mr. Strand, with his good wife, is spending the afternoon of life, well con- tent with what the years have brought him. Mr. Strand is a man of intense patriotism, a devout church member, and a believer in education and good roads. When the need of men to fight the Civil War was the greatest he was drafted, and walked to La Crosse to enter his command,
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but upon reaching that city he found that he was physically disqualified owing to the after-effects of an attack of pneumonia which he had expe- rienced some years previous. He assisted in organizing the first school district in Tamarack, a district which has since been divided into several more districts. He laid out the first road over the hill to Arcadia, and gave liberally of his time and money to further the cause of good roads through- out this region. He was one of the founders of the Norway Cooley Lutheran Congregation, of which he and all his family are members. He was on the building committee when the present edifice was erected, he was a trustee for many years, and has been one of its liberal contributors since its organi- zation. All in all, he has been one of the county's most useful citizens, and justly deserves the high esteem in which he is held. Mr. and Mrs. Strand have been the parents of the following children: Leof K., born in Strand, Norway, March 10, 1860, now a well-known farmer of Arcadia Township; Hoover, born in Vernon County, Wisconsin, December 23, 1861, who resides at Thief River Falls, Minn .; Anna, born in Holcomb Coulie, who died Jan. 18, 1867; Margaret, born in Norway Cooley, Jan. 6, 1866, who is the wife of Ludwig Johnson, of Ossian, Iowa; Sam, born in Norway Cooley, Nov. 8, 1867, who is a farmer there at the present time; Anna (2d), born in Norway Cooley, June 22, 1869, who is now Mrs. John Kasse, of Dane County, Wisconsin ; Ellen, born in Norway Cooley, April 23, 1871, who is the wife of A. Emmerson, of Ettrick; Knudt L., Jr., born in Norway Cooley, Jan. 5, 1873, who died May 8, 1911, and Birgit, born in Norway Cooley April 19, 1877, now Mrs. Sam M. Swenson, of Tamarack.
Leof K. Strand, a successful farmer and business man residing in Section 22, Arcadia Township, was born in Strand, Norway, March 10, 1860, son of Knudt and Anna (Hooverson) Strand. He was one year old, when, in 1861, he came to America with his parents, pioneers of Norway Cooley, Trempealeau County, Wisconsin. There he attended the district school organized by his father, which was the first school in that section, and grew to manhood, assisting his father on the latter's farm. On Dec. 19, 1885, he was united in marriage with Amelia Amundsen, daughter of Andrew and Agnes (Olsen) Amundsen, of Norway Cooley, and who had been a schoolmate of his. For ten years after his marriage he remained on his parents' farm and then removed to a separate location, buying from his father 40 acres in Section 22, which tract lay in the vicinity of the old home. Here he erected his present residence, a two-story house consist- ing of upright and two wings, into which he and his wife moved the year he took the farm. He also built a frame barn, 28 by 46 by 16 feet, on full stone basement. Here he has since followed general farming and dairying with good success. His farm is well watered by springs and is provided with a full equipment of teams, tools and machinery. Mr. Strand in 1885 became interested in the first farmers' co-operative creamery in Trempea- leau County, known as the Ettrick Farmers' Creamery Association, of which he became a stockholder. In this enterprise he took a very active part, working up the cream routes and hauling two routes himself for ten years, daily in summers and four days a week in winters. In 1896 he with- drew from the association, selling his stock. In company with Peter Larson,
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