USA > Wisconsin > Vernon County > History of Vernon County, Wisconsin, together with sketches of its towns, villages and townships, educational, civil, military and political history; portraits of prominent persons, and biographies of representative citizens > Part 65
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).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28 | Part 29 | Part 30 | Part 31 | Part 32 | Part 33 | Part 34 | Part 35 | Part 36 | Part 37 | Part 38 | Part 39 | Part 40 | Part 41 | Part 42 | Part 43 | Part 44 | Part 45 | Part 46 | Part 47 | Part 48 | Part 49 | Part 50 | Part 51 | Part 52 | Part 53 | Part 54 | Part 55 | Part 56 | Part 57 | Part 58 | Part 59 | Part 60 | Part 61 | Part 62 | Part 63 | Part 64 | Part 65 | Part 66 | Part 67 | Part 68 | Part 69 | Part 70 | Part 71 | Part 72 | Part 73 | Part 74 | Part 75 | Part 76 | Part 77 | Part 78 | Part 79 | Part 80 | Part 81 | Part 82 | Part 83 | Part 84 | Part 85 | Part 86 | Part 87 | Part 88 | Part 89 | Part 90 | Part 91 | Part 92 | Part 93 | Part 94 | Part 95 | Part 96 | Part 97 | Part 98 | Part 99 | Part 100 | Part 101 | Part 102 | Part 103 | Part 104 | Part 105 | Part 106 | Part 107 | Part 108 | Part 109 | Part 110 | Part 111
Austria followed in the footsteps of Norway, and in 1856 gave to Vernon county a sturdy pio- neer. Frank Parsch, one of the most prosperous farmers in the town of Bergen, was born in Austria, in 1831. In 1856 he came to America, and the same year followed the tide of emigra- tion to Wisconsin. He came into Vernon county and bought a farm of eighty acres on section 11, which he has since increased to 100 acres. Mr. Parsch is an intelligent and enter- prising citizen, and for eight continuous years was selected by his neighbors and friends to serve them in the capacity of town treasurer.
He was married in 1861 to Frances Heikel. Six children have been sent to bless this union -Amelia, wife of Peter Graw ; Charles, Gus- tave, Henry, Anna and John.
Among the settlers of 1856 was A. Davis, who came from Columbia county and located on section 14, town 13, range 7, where he was still living in 1883.
In 1860 and 1861 several new comers made their appearance, and the following named set- tlers have made energetic farmers and highly respected citizens :
Joseph Lisso, who resides on section 14, was born in 1846, in Germany, and when ten years of age his parents came to the United States, and first settled at Cleveland, Ohio, where they remained but two years. In 1858 they re- moved to LaCrosse, Wis., where they remained two years, and then came to Vernon county and settled on section 14, of Bergen town, where the father entered 120 acres of land. The father died a few years later, and the farm was given to Joseph, which he has increased to 200 aeres. Mr. Lisso was married, in 1869, to Elizabeth Dengeline, by whom he has four children-Elizabeth, Mary, Anna and Emma. Mr. Lisso's mother and step-father, Mr. and Mrs. Dettove, are now residing with him. Mr. Lisso is one of the wide awake, enterprising and accommodating farmers of Bergen town.
John Zink, a prominent German farmer, of the town of Bergen, was born in Germany in 1843. He received a very fair education, and in 1861 emigrated to the United States, and to this town' in the same year. He entered forty acres of land on section 33, but left his farm in 1864 to join the 7th Wisconsin Volun- teer Infantry. He served till the close of the Rebellion, when he received an honorable dis- charge. He returned home and has since been engaged in agricultural pursuits. His farm has been increased to 160 acres and he has lately erected thereon a commodious and substantial dwelling house, at a cost of about $1,500. Mr. Zink was united in marriage, in 1863, to
479
HISTORY OF VERNON COUNTY.
Mary Kissell, of Vernon county. Nine children were born to them-John, Joe, Sarah, Mary, George, Rhoda, Frank, Charles and Anna. Mrs. Zink departed this life in 1882.
Reinhold Bay, who resides on section 23, was born in Prussia, in 1838. In 1861, when but twenty-three years of age, he came to America, and the westward tide bore him to the State of Wisconsin. He founded a new home in the town of Bergen, where he purchased 117 acres of land. This has been increased to 177 aeres, and Mr. Bay is known as one of the leading farmers of this town. In 1879 he was elected to the office of school clerk, and at present is clerk of Bergen town. In 1864 he married lluldah Will, and the result of this union has been the birth of ten children -- Emil, August, Reinhold, Matilda, Emma, Theodore, Gustave, Ida, Bertha, and Albert.
FIRST THINGS.
The first settlers were Halver Jorgenson and Andrew Emberson, who located in 1852.
The first school was taught on section 12, by Polly Sprague.
The first marriage was Peter Olson to Mar- tha Olson, in 1854, Rev. Sylbrant performing the ceremony.
The first person that died was Ellen, daughter of Christian and Caroline Olson.
The first school honse was built on section 12, in 1859.
The first religions services were held at Britt's landing in 1857, by Revs. Smith and Nuzum.
The first postoffice was at Bergen ; estab- lished in 1856.
ORGANIC.
In 1853 the board of county commissioners granted permission to organize a new town, to be known as the town of Bergen, nine miles long, from north to sonth, and six miles wide at its widest part, from east to west. The first election was held at the residence of John Warner, and the following officers were chosen
conduct the affairs of the new town for the
ensuing year : Chairman, Orin Calkins ; assist- ants, Philander Bartlett and Ransom Burnett; elerk, J. P. Harkness; superintendent of schools, John Raywalt ; assessor, Lafayette Everson. The present officers of the town are as fol- lows: Chairman of the board of supervisors, Wesley Pulver; assistants, Mathias Bryn and Peter Grow; elerk, Reinold Bay; treasurer, John Engh; assessor, Torger Olson.
POSTOFFICES.
There are located in the town of Bergen, three postoffices.
Bergen postoffice was located, in 1856, on sec- tion 4 and John Warner was the first postmaster. He was succeeded by the present postmaster, John Cummings.
The second office established was on seetion 21, and called Stoddard. Mr. Bochee was the first postmaster, and subsequently Peter Wan- denskie, the present incumbent.
Rest postoffice was first.opened in 1873, on section 11, and S. E. Stetson was made postmas- ter. At his death his daughter Huldah was appointed to fill the vacaney.
The settlers of the town of Bergen are a steady, industrions and unassuming class of citizens, consequently the history of the town is as yet of a rather limited character. It will in- crease, both in volume and interest in the years to come.
RELIGIOUS.
In 1883 there were two religious societies within the town of Bergen-the Methodist Episcopal and German Lutheran. The former was organized by a class of twelve members, in 1860, and have always held their services at the Dudley school house, on section 25.
The German Lutheran Church was organized in 1867 by Rev. Barts, who was succeeded by Rev. Rhine, and the latter by Rev. Ording, the present pastor. Some twenty members consti- tuted the organizing congregation, and since then the membership has been increased to thirty-five.
EDUCATIONAL.
There are six school houses in the town of Bergen, with an aggregate valuation of $1,325. About 356 children attend these schools.
CEMETERIES.
The oldest burying ground in the town is the one in the southwest part of the town, near the German church, on section 16. There are also several small private cemeteries throughout the the town.
480
HISTORY OF VERNON COUNTY.
.
CHAPTER XXXI.
THE TOWN OF CHRISTIANA.
This town takes its name from the capital of Norway, its first settler being of that nation- ality. It is situated on the north line of Ver- non county, and comprises congressional town- ship 14, range 4. Itis bounded on the north by LaCrosse county, on the east by the town of Clinton, on the south by the town of Viroqua, and on the west by the town of Coon.
The population of this town is largely Nor- wegian, and in 1883 it contained some of the choicest farms within the county. There is per- haps more fillable land in Christiana than al- most any other in the northern tier of towns in the county.
EARLY SETTLEMENT.
The first settlement in this town was made in September, 1848, by Hans Olson Libakken, who with his family located on the southwest quarter of section 35.
About the same time or a little later, an American named Carrier settled on sections 22 and 27, where he took up State lands. He lived there but a short time, but did a small amount of breaking and then sold out to a Norwegian and moved from the town.
In 1849 and 1850 a large number of settlers located in this town. Ole Syverson came in 1849, and the following spring settled on the northeast quarter of section 35. Soon after he sold out to John Michelet and purchased other land on section 34, where he lived for a time, and then bought the forty acres where the village of Westby is now situated, and remained there till his death.
Lars Christopherson was another settler of 1849; he located on section 35, which land he afterwards exchanged for 160 acres on section 34. He had been a soldier of the Mexican War; he was living in 1883 at Bloomingdale, Vernon county.
Evan Peterson came the same year and set- tled on section 36, where some years afterwards he died.
Ole Thorstenson also settled in 1849 on sec- tion 30. He was born in Norway in 1785, and died a few years after coming to this town. His wife was born in March, 1788; died Aug. 27, 1863. Their son, Henry O. Gulord, in 1883, was living on the land claimed by his father.
Hans K. Larson came in 1849 and claimed land on sections 22, 23, 26 and 27; his tract was made up of forty acres from each section. His final purchase, however, was confined to eighty acres, forty on section 22 and forty on section 26. In 1883 he was comfortably surrounded at his home on section 22.
John Michelet settled on section 35 in June, 1850. Another early settler was Hans K. Rams- rud, who located on section 28.
John Olson Bergum settled on section 33 in the spring of 1850, and was a resident of the same place in 1883.
Lars H. Galstad came the same year, locating on section 34. Among other settlers of 1850 were Iver P. Hegge, who settled on section 29 with his father, Peter Olson and Ingebreth Homsted, who located on section 11. . He was a prominent and well-known citizen, respected
481
HISTORY OF VERNON COUNTY.
by all his neighbors. He died about 1875, quite suddenly.
In 1851 Ingebreth Homstad settled on section 11. He was a native of Norway, but came to this vicinity from Dane Co., Wis. He remained on this section till his death. His sons were yet occupying it in 1884.
Clement Bergh located the same year on section 35, where he resided till his death.
Ole Running, another settler of 1851, settled on section 27, from there moved to Viroqua, and still later left the county and in a short time died.
Lars O. Olson settled on section 23 in 1857. He was born in Norway in 1830; came to America with his two brothers.
EARLY EVENTS.
The first school house in the town was built on section 35, in 1851. During this year the first term of school was also taught.
The first tavern for the accomodation of travelers was the residence of Engebreth Homs- tad, on section 11, who settled there in 1851. This was a popular stopping place for travelers for many years. Mr. Homstad died March 14, 1879.
The first death known in the town was that of a man named Ole Anderson, a non-resident who was on his way from Dane county to the Black River lumber region. He got as far as the house of a German settler near the present village of Westby, and was unable to proceed further. After a few days painful illness he died. This was about the middle of September, 1849. He was buried on the farm where he died. The deceased had a family living in Dane county.
The first white child born in the town was Brown Olson, a son of Hans and Caroline Olson, who were the first settlers of the town. This birth occurred March 30, 1850. In 1884 he was living on the same farm on which he was born.
The parties to the first marriage were Jolin Clemenson and Martha Ingebrethson. They were married in 1851.
The first religious services were held by the early Norwegian settlers, at private houses.
The following incident illustrative of pioneer hardship, is given in the language of the writer, Hans Nelson, of Westby, Christiana town:
"In 1849, there being no grist mill nearer than Prairie du Chien, the settlers had to go to that place for their milling and to purchase their flour. Upon one occasion, I remember T. Unseth went to Prairie du Chien to buy flour and other necessaries of life; but unfor- tunately the store keeper made a grand mistake and loaded up a barrel of white sugar instead of a barrel of flour. When Mr. Unseth got home his daughter at once climbed up into her fathers wagon to open the supposed flour barrel, the family being entirely out of any kind of bread stuff, at the time. But upon her taking ont the head of the barrel, what was the sur- prise at finding the contents to be white sugar, instead of flour. Imagine the situation! No flour in the house-white sugar, however good in its place, would not make bread. The woman then began to ery as she thought of their con dition-fifty miles away from a mill and not a morsel of bread to eat.
"What was to be done? The only way was to thresh some grain out of the stalk. And how was this to be done, unaided by machinery? Why they simply made a round ring twenty- five feet across on the ground and let oxen tread it out, in the good old fashioned way! After "threshing," came the grinding. This was not by the modern "roller process," but by turning an old country coffee mill.
"There were many of the settlers of that year who lived on salt and potatoes, literally speak- ing too."
ORGANIC.
In 1855, the territory now constituting the towns of Clinton and Christiana were set off from the town of Viroqua, by the county board of Bad Ax county. To this territory was given the name of Christiana. In 1856 this
482
HISTORY OF VERNON COUNTY.
territory was divided into the present towns of Christiana and Clinton.
The first election in the present town of Christiana was held at the house of Nels Han- son Napurd, on section 33, April 7, 1856. The following were the officers elected: J. R. Bjor- seth, (chairman), David Wilt and Hendrick Johnson, supervisors. Lars Christopherson was elected town clerk, but did not except the office and William McKnight was appointed in his stead. Hendrick Johnson was elected assessor; no other town officers are recorded as being elected at that date.
The town officers for 1883 were: Timothy Madden, chairman; Jacob Olson and Ole Bent- son, supervisors; A. J. Moen, clerk; E. C. Bratlie, assessor; Julius Johnson, treasurer. .
Andrew J. Moen, the present town clerk of Christiana, resides on section 33, where he settled in January, 1869. He was born in Nor- way in 1844; came to the United States in 1867. He lived in Minnesota two years, coming here from that State. His father, who came to Vernon county, several years later, now lives in the town of Coon.
Timothy Madden resides on section 15. He is the present chairman of the town board. He came to the town in 1855, was born in the city of New York, in 1818, of Irish parentage. Mr. Madden came to Wisconsin in 1852; spent some time in the pinery regions and came to this town in 1858.
POSTOFFICES.
In 1884 the town was accommodated by three postoffices, Westby and Newry, on section 14, and Lovass on section 8. The first postoffice in the town was established in 1857, and was called Coon Prairie. The first postmaster was George Smith, who had the office on section 5, town 13, range 4. It was then removed to the house of John Benson, on the same section, and subsequently removed to the house of Mr. Whittaker. It was then moved to across the town line into Christiana and kept at the house of Robert Lange. Later it vibrated across the
line from one town to another, until the estab- lishment of the postoffice at Westby, in 1879, when the Coon Prairie office was discontinued. The first postmaster at Westby was Andrew Johnson, who was shortly succeeded by Nicho- las Nelson, who still held the office in 1884.
Newry postoffice was established in 1868. This office was first kept by Peter Bredle, at his house on section 11. The second postmaster was Frank Delle, who kept the office at his store on section 14. In 1884 the office was kept by Christopher Christopherson, who received his appointment in the spring of 1872.
Lovass postoffice is so called from Jacob Lovass, the first settler of that part of the town. It was established, March 15, 1875, when Christian Olson was appointed post- master and was still in charge in 1884. Mr. Olson keeps a small general store at this point, which is located on section 8.
MILL.
The only mill in the town of Christiana is a saw mill built in 1862, on the south branch of Coon creek, on section 8. It was erected by Iver A. Amunson. The object in view, by the bnilder of this saw mill, was to cut lumber from the fine hard wood found in this section of the county. After running a few years it was taken down and replaced by one of a greater capacity, which was propelled by steam power. In 1883 this was removed to the northeast corner of section 7.
EDUCATIONAL.
The advantages for schooling in this town have always been fair, though perhaps below the average town of the county.
The first school was taught in 1851 in a building erected that year on section 35. It was 22x26 feet and at the time it was built was among the best in the county. A few years later this building was burned.
In 1884 there were seven school houses in the town, located in seven sub-districts.
483
HISTORY OF VERNON COUNTY.
In district No. 1 the population are nearly all Norwegians who send their children to school more in the winter season than in the summer. This district affords a fair school building, though quite small.
In district No. 2 about the same interest is manifested and also nearly the same advantages given in way of school property.
In district No. 3 the school population is made up largely of Germans, Irish and Nor- wegians; the latter nationality being in the majority, however. Much interest has been manifested in school matters.
Timothy Madden, clerk of the school district, has held the office for many years, during which time he has ever looked after the well being of the schools. The school house in this district is a large, well-planned frame structure, pro- vided with the best improved seats, maps, charts, etc.
District No. 4 is situated near Lovass post- office. Jacob Olson is the leading man in school matters here. The school building is not first- class, but is rather an index of by-gone days, when the common school was slighted more than it is now-a-days. Notwithstanding this dif- ficulty the patrons, who are nearly all Norwe- gians, evince a deep interest in their schools.
In district No. 5 the Norwegian clement pre- dominates largely. The school house is a log building which is fairly comfortable. School is usually held five months in the year.
District No. 6 is situated on the north line of the town and county and embraces a portion of Portland town in La Crosse county. This district is also provided with a log house. The Americans have the majority in this locality and great interest is manifested in the schools, which are generally taught by first-class teachers.
In 1884 district. No. 7 was comparatively a new district, which embraced the village of Westby. Here a large comfortable school house
stands, furnished after the latest plans and methods.
RELIGIOUS.
The Norwegians were the first to maintain religious services in this town. They held meetings at a very early date, sometime prior to 1850.
In 1884 there were three religions denomina- tions having organizations within the town.
A Norwegian Lutheran church was located on section 2 and one of the same sect situated on the northeast corner of section 28.
The Methodist Episcopal denomination has for many years been represented by the Nor- wegians of that faith, who have held their meetings of late years in their church building on section 26; but, in 1884, had discontinued services and were preparing to build a new church in the village of Westby.
The Norwegian Lutheran church on section 2 was erected about the same time that the Coon Prairie church was erected in the town of Viroqua. These two Churches were formerly one, but owing to the large membership and the great distance apart it was deemed neces- sary to build a second church in the northern part of the town. This structure is a frame one, costing about $2,500. These two Churches are supplied by the same minister.
Rev. O. Jacobson, of Viroqna, pastor of Coon Prairie M. E. Church, was born at Taunsburg, Norway, Feb. 12, 1849. Came to the United States in 1871, lived in New York city some time, where he began preparation for the min- istry. He began preaching in 1875 ; was or- dained deacon at Faribault, Rice Co., Minn., in 1877 by Bishop Andrew ; was ordained elder at Winona in 1879 by Bishop Peck. Was as- signed to the Deer Park circuit where he re- mained two years ; came here in 1881. Before his ordination, Mr. Jacobson had charge of the Churches of his denomination at St. Paul and Minneapolis, and afterward at Faribault. His
484
HISTORY OF VERNON COUNTY.
wife is a native of Sweden. They have three children.
CEMETERIES.
In 1884 there were three burying grounds within the town of Christiana. The one first located and used was on section 33. This was finally removed to the village of Westby. One known as the Methodist cemetery is situated on section 26, and one used especially by the Re- formed Lutherans, is situated on section 28.
VILLAGE OF WESTBY.
The forty acres upon which this village was laid out was purchased of the State by the Lutheran Church, with the intention of build- ing a church thereon. A portion of the land was used by this sect as a cemetery for a num- ber of years. The Church, however, decided to build on Coon prairie, and they then ex changed the property with Nels Hanson, for that of their present location on Coon prairie. Subsequently Mr. Hanson sold the land to Jens Johnson who in turn disposed of the property to Ole Syverson, and before the village was laid out, the property passed into the hands of a son of the latter-Anton Syverson. The plat was surveyed by the railroad company in August, 1879, and a little later the survey was confirmed by the county surveyor, with a slight change. The village is the outgrowth of the railroad, which reached this point at about the same time the plat was being surveyed. The place derived its name from O. T. Westby, who was then running a small store at this point.
The first act toward business development in the place was the erection of a store by Hans Nelson, soon after the village was platted ; this was still used as a store by Mr. Nelson and his son, in 1884. The postoffice was also in this building at that date.
The first regular train of cars reached this point Aug. 13, 1879. The station was opened for the transaction of business the day follow- ing. Andrew Johnson was appointed agent, which place he was still filling in 1884. The same season the warehouse of W. E. Coats &
Co., was erected. Andrew Johnson purchased the first load of grain shipped from the village. John Michelet erected a second grain ware- house, the same fall.
The first lumber dealer was Peter E. Peterson, who later engaged in trade with O. T. Westby. Cargill & King, of Sparta, were the first stock dealers of the place ; John Humphrey was their buyer. John Steig had a blacksmith shop at this point when the railroad was built through and continued in the business for some time thereafter. The first hotel was built in the autumn of 1879, by Berut Gilbertson, who con- tinued to operate it for about three years. It was owned by E. C. Bergh in 1884.
The business directory of the village in July, 1883, was as follows : Hanson & Son, general merchants ; C. H. Ballsrud, E. C. Bergh and Thoreson & Co., lumber dealers; John Michelet and W. E. Coats & Co., grain dealers; E. C. Bergh, hotel ; Jens Skugstad, harness maker ; M. J. Lindahl, tin shop; Miss Ballsrud and Josephine Michelet, milliners ; Theodore Thorson and Anton Syverson, furniture dealers; B. Hanson and A. Peterson shoemakers; Charles Thorson, foundry and machine shop.
CASE OF MURDER.
A brutal case of murder of one of the citi- zens of the town of Christiana occurred on New Years night, 1864. Robert Lange resided on section 33, where he kept a store. Jack Clear was a soldier in the Union army, whose father lived in the town of Viroqua. At the time of the murder Clear was at home on a furlough, which had about expired. He and Lange were well acquainted and personal friends.
Lange, having business at La Crosse, an ar- rangement was made with Clear, by which the latter was to ride to La Crosse with Lange, on his way to join his regiment. Lange was not again seen alive by any of his friends. At about midnight, his team, with the wagon, ap- peared in front of the City Hotel, where Lange was accustomed to call.
485
HISTORY OF VERNON COUNTY.
The team was without a driver. An examin- ation revealed blood stains in the wagon; a search was instituted and the body of Lange was found about three miles south of La Crosse. He had been killed and his head terribly man- gled with an ax. It seems that the parties had stopped at a place where beer was sold, and Clear had improved the opportunity of secret- ing an ax in the wagon. The day was very cold and after they had resumed their ride, Clear pretending to be cold, jumped out of the wagon and ran along behind it for some dis- tanee, and then quietly getting in behind, picked up the ax, and struck his unsuspecting compan- ion, mangling him in a terrible manner and doubtless killing him instantly. He then drove into the timber, threw the body from the wagon, drove the team into town, and as it appears, left it to take care of itself. The object of the murder was to secure several hundred dollars that Lange had upon his person at the time. Clear succeeded in reaching Chicago where he was arrested by Elias Solberg, sheriff of La Crosse county. The murder produced intense excitement and when Clear returned to La Crosse, with the sheriff, a desperate effort was made to lynch him, which was finally prevented by strategy. Clear was tried for the murder and sent to Waupun for life, where he remained till recently, when he was pardoned by Gov. Smith, at about the elose of his administration.
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.