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 80

Author:
Publication date: 1884
Publisher: Springfield, Union
Number of Pages: 814

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 80

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A. M. Nixon, son of R. S. and Jane (Rees) Nixon, was born in Morgan Co., Ohio, Nov. 3, 1850. He came with his parents to Wisconsin and has since been a resident of Vernon county.

lle learned the blacksmith trade and for some time had a shop at Viroqua. He settled on his present farm in 1875 and in March of the same year married Sarah Emma McKitrick. They have four children-Charles A., Roy, Clande and Howard W. In politics Mr. Nixon is re- publican.

L. G. P. Adams was born in Quincy, Mass., Oct. 24, 1815. He learned the shoemaker's trade and while pursuing the same made boots for Gen. B. F. Butler and Dr. Ayers. He was married Dec. 31, 1839, at Lowell, Mass., to Eliza S. Mallon. Ten years later, he removed to New Hampshire from whence, in 1857, he he came to Wisconsin and has since been a res- ident of Vernon county. Ile was engaged in farming at Viroqua until 1866, when he removed to Springville, engaging in hotel business. He was proprietor of the Springville House until 1877, when he sold to L. N. Shaw. Mr. Adams now leads a retired life. Mr. and Mrs. Adams have had two children, one now living-Anna E., wife of Samuel Older, Springville, Wis.

Philip Bouffleur is a native of Prussia, born Sept. 7, 1829. His father, Peter Bouffleur, emi- grated to the United States in 1853 and died at Cincinnati, Ohio, in 1854. His mother, Catha- rine Bouffleur, emigrated to the United States in 1860 and has since been a resident of Ver- non county. Philip learned the shoemaker's trade in his native country. From 1849 to 1851 he served in the 30th Infantry Division of the Prussian Army. In 1854 he came to America, first stopping at Butler, Butler Co., Penn. On Nov. 27, 1855, he was united in marriage with Mary Reinlinder. In 1857 he came to Wisconsin, settling in Springville and following his trade until 1864, when he suc- ceeded Mr. Bartolf in the general mercantile business and by his pleasing manners and hon- est dealings so gained the confidence of the people that his trade was on a continual increase until in 1882 his sales amounted to $30,000. Mr. Houffleur is a republican in politics. He served as postmaster at Springville from 1864 to

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1883. lle is a man of excellent business quali- fieations and highly esteemed by his fellow men. Mr. Bouffeur is a member of the I. O. O. F. and the A. O. U. W. His religious con- nections are with the Methodist Episcopal so- ciety. Mr. and Mrs. Bonffleur have had eight children, five of whom are now living-Wil- liam, Dora, wife of C. N. Harris, Harmon, Al- bert and Minnie.

William Lowrie was one of the best known and most respected citizens of Vernon county. He was born in Edinburgh, Scotland, in 1799. At the age of fourteen years he was appren- ticed to learn the carpenters trade, at which he was occupied as an apprentice and journeyman until he reached the age of twenty-one. Being of a studious turn of mind, he found time each day to spend a few hours in study or in reading instructive books, thus, with a mind richly stored with the beautiful thoughts and precepts of the grand old authors, with a perfect knowl- edge and mastery of his chosen trade ; being possessed of honest principles, industrious and persevering habits, he was well fitted to go out into the world among strangers, and win friends and fortune for himself. At the age of twenty- five years he sailed for America, which became the home of his adoption. He first settled in St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., where he invested a considerable sum of money in lands, and worked · at his trade as contractor and builder. Soon after his arrival in New York, he was married to Christiana Kerr, an amiable and beautiful young lady of Scotch parentage, whose father was one of the early settlers of that eonntry. They lived in that State for a number of years, when enterprise and love for adventure prompt- ed him to remove with his family to Vernon Co., Wis., where he became a resident of Jeffer- son town, in 1856. He settled on section 30, town 13 north, of range 5 west, where he was engaged in farming, and lived prosperons and happy until his death, which took place Jan. 20, 1879, at the ripe old age of eighty years. He was a noble man, a loving and kind

husband and father, and a true friend. Mrs. Lowrie still survives her husband. As a true, faithful, loving, patient wife and mother, none can excell her. She bore the inconvenience and hardships of pioneer life, with a courage which nothing but deep love for her husband and family, and a perfect trust in her Heavenly Father could have sustained. She is now living in her seventy-third year; for a lady of her age, she has retained remarkable eye-sight, still being able to read fine print, thread a needle and sew without spectacles. Her mind is unu- sually active and retentive, and she converses finently with friends 'upon the early scenes and incidents of their early life in Wisconsin.

J. P. Lowrie, son of William Lowrie, was born in St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., June 22, 1840. He came with his parents to Wisconsin and has since resided in Vernon county. He was mar- ried in 1871 to Rebecca Kaden. They have three children-Lurana V., Alexander and Lovary. In politics, Mr. Lowrie is a republi- can.

N. A. Sackett was born Nov. 9, 1829, in Duchess Co., N. Y. He removed with his par- ents to Chautauqua county, at the age of seven years. Here he grew to manhood. At the age of twenty-one years he married Mary E. Dewey. Mr. Sackett came to Dane Co., Wis., in July, 1857, with his wife and two of her sisters with their families; visiting there until spring. Then he came to Vernon county, ( then ealled Bad Ax ) where he has since resided on section 6, town 13, range 5, and has followed farming as an occupation. Mr. and Mrs. Sackett have had three children. The oldest, a son, died in infancy at their former home. Flora M. aged twenty-one, and Charles A. aged nine years, are still with their parents. Mr. Sackett, wife and daughter are members of the U. B. Church. In polities, he is a repub- lican.

James Creviston came to Vernon county in June, 1855, living in Kickapoo valley one sum- mer, then settling on section 15, Jefferson

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HISTORY OF VERNON COUNTY.

town, where he died, Feb. 9, 1883, of heart disease. Mr. Creviston was born in Pennsyl- vania March 5, 1811. He removed with his parents to Indiana, where, in 1850, he was married to Mary Jane Garver, born in Ohio Feb. 26, 1832. They had six children-Ema- line, wife of William V. Sheets, Franeis, Henry, Leonora, Ada and Lillie. Mr. Creviston was a kind father and good neighbor. Ilis wife still resides on the homestead.

John Sheets was born in Kentucky; subse- quently he removed to Ohio, where he was married to Evaline VanDorn. He then removed to Illinois, where he died, leaving four children, three of whom are living-William V., Eliza A. and Isaac. Mrs. Sheets afterward married Daniel Mossholder, and in 1858 came to Wis- consin, settling in Vernon county.

William V. Sheets was born in Iroquois Co, Ill., Nov. 29, 1844. Ile came with his family to Wisconsin, in 1858, and has since resided in Vernon county. He enlisted Sept. 15, 1863, in the 13th Wisconsin Light Artillery, serving un- til the close of the war. In 1868 he married Emaline Creviston, daughter of James Crevis- ton. They have two children-Mary Etta and Erminnie E.

Jonathan Wood and his son, L. J., came to Vernon county in 1854 and selected land on seetion 6, town 13, range 5, not locating thereon, however, until the spring of 1858. In the fall of 1857 Mr. Wood came from New York State to Dane Co., Wis., removing in the spring, as stated, to this county. That neighbor- hood has since been known as Woodville. While in New York Mr. Wood operated a saw- mill, but after coming to Wisconsin was engaged in farming. He died in 1869.

L. J. Wood was born Feb. 17, 1827, in Oneida Co., N. Y. In his younger days he assisted his father in the mill, and also served for two years as clerk in a store. He was married in Cattaraugus Co., N. Y. in 1848, to Sarah Dewey, also a native of New York State. They have had four children, two of whom

are living-Charles L. and Minnie, wife of Hiram Bender. Mr. Wood belongs to the United Brethren Church.

C. L. Wood was born in Chantauqua Co., N. Y., Jan. 17, 1850. He came with his parents to Vernon county, and has since re- sided on the same section with them. In 1874 he married Anna Frazier, daughter of William Frazier. They had two children-Winnie, deceased, and Nellie. In religious views Mr. Wood is a United Brethren.

William Harris became a resident of Jeffer- son town October, 1859. lle was occupied in farming a few years, then engaged in the milling business, at Newton, until 1879, when he removed to Nebraska. Ile was born in Ohio and reared on a farm. lle was married to Prudence Williams, by whom he had eight children-Thomas, Elias, Clarissa, J. Enoch, Eunice, Lawson, Mary and Anna.

J. E. Harris, son of William and Prudence (Williams) Harris, was born Oct. 22, 1844, in Ohio. He came with his parents to Vernon county, and assisted his father on the farm. In December, 1866, he was united in marriage with Mary E. Thompson, daughter of E. P. Thompson In 1869 he went to Dickinson Co., Iowa, returning to Vernon county in 1873, since which time he has resided on section 31, town 13, range 5. His children are-Oliver E., Roy and Troy. In 1864 Mr. Harris entered the United States service, serving in company 1I, 12th Wisconsin Volunteers until the close of the war. He is a member of the G A. R.

Ellis Reed was born Nov. 2, 1835, in Mus- kingum Co., Ohio, where his father was a farmer. Ile was married Jan. 13, 1859, to Hannah MeLees, and soon started for Wiscon- sin, having previously, in 1858, purchased 278 acres of his present farm on section 14, town 18, range 5. He now owns 480 acres of land. His children are-Francis A., Harley Lincoln, Maggie, (deceased), Katie M., Nellie D. and an infant. In politics he is a republican, and has been chairman of the board of trustees of

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HISTORY OF VERNON COUNTY.

the town. Ile is a member of the A. O. U. W. Mr. Reed is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church.

Ellis P. Thompson was born in Mount Pleasant, Jefferson Co., Ohio, April 27, 1816, and shortly after his birth his parents removed to Harrison Co., Ohio, where he was principally raised. He was left fatherless when about the age of ten years; his mother being poor his educational advantages were limited. He was one of eight children, and was put out to live with a neighbor, and shifted from place to place till old enough to maintain himself. He then hired with the farmers by the day and month, at from thirty-seven and a half to sixty- two and a half cents per day, or from ten to fourteen dollars per month, till about the age of twenty-two years, then moved to Morgan Co., Ohio, where he contracted with John Bernhard to farm his place on shares for several years, getting one-third of the grain only, dur- ing which time he was married to Edith Men- denhall. She died in 1847, leaving two chil- dren, one of which is now living-Eliza J., wife of Richard Pidcock, of Sullivan Co., Mo. In 1848 Mr. Thompson was married to Martha Romanzoin, and subsequently rented a small farm for one year, then rented a larger farm for five years; then, having accumulated a small amount of capital, bought a farm for $2,500, paying 81,000 cash. Crops failing for the next three years, he was not able to meet his payments, and was obliged to make some turn. Finding an opportunity, he traded for land in Wisconsin, with about eighteen acres cleared and a small house erected thereon, but encum- bered with a mortgage of $500. It was located on section 32, town 13 north, of range 5 west, in Vernon county. He started with his family, in 1859, for Wisconsin, the journey being made with team, requiring thirty-one days. lle arrived in Vernon a poor man, his property consisting of one team, a small amount of household goods, and sixty dollars in money. He has given his principal attention to farming,

now owning 440 acres of land, his improve- ments being among the best, and is now in comfortable circumstances-the result of indus- try and economy. By his second marriage he had eight children, six of whom are living- Mary E., Jacob A., William P., Emaline H., Martin B. and Carrie A. In politics he is a National greenbacker; is also a member of the Christian Church.

G. F. Jackson was born in Chittenden Co., Vt., Feb. 18, 1810. His father operated a saw- mill, and G. F. divided his time between work- ing in the mill and farming. In 1834 he mar- ried Debora Cook, and subsequently emigrated to New York. In 1852 he went to California, leaving his family in New York. After remain- ing there three years he returned to the Empire State. In 1855 he went to Appleton, Wis., and in the spring of 1862, came to Ver- non county and settled at his present residence. His children are-Caroline, Harriet, Frank and Alice.

Andrew Hanson was born in Norway, Nov. 20, 1841. He resided in his native country until twenty-one years of age, when he emigrated to the United States. He stopped first in Vernon county, his brother having settled there three years previous. Mr. Hanson did not settle down at first, but worked for sometime in Minnesota and also in the pineries of Wisconsin. He was married Dec. 12, 1874, to Elisa Evenson, two years younger than himself. They have now four children-Hans Engebret, born Sept. 1, 1875; Charl Mathias, born June 12, 1877; Min- nie Helena, born Nov. 15, 1879, and Ellen Louise, born Jan. 26, 1882. He started a nursery and continued in the business a number of years, but not finding it profitable, sold out and put his whole attention to farming, and by hard work and good management. has now a farm of 160 acres of good land, good buildings, and all the implements to run the same success- fully. lle has seven brothers and two sisters residing in Wisconsin and Minnesota. In

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politics he is a republican, aud is a member of the Lutheran Church.

Alonzo F. May, son of Col. Reuben May, was born in Clay Co., Ky., March 12, 1853. He came with his family to Vernon Co., Wis., and assisted his father on the farm. May 28, 1883, he was married to Eva Eckhardt, daughter of Jacob Eckhardt. He has since resided on sec- tion 36, Jefferson town, where he has a neat home.

William J. May, a son of Col. Reuben May, was born in Kentucky, Jan. 15, 1842. Ile came with the family to Wisconsin in 1863, and has since been a resident of Vernon county, with the exception of one year, when he followed farming in Monroe county, this State. He has always tilled the soil, excepting two years, when he had charge of the grist mill at Newton. In the fall of 1882 he settled on section 86, Jeffer- son town, and now owns sixty acres of land. On Dec. 13, 1866, he married Rachel M. Hayes, daughter of John Hayes. They are the parents of one son-James F. Politically Mr. May is a greenbacker. The family are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church.

HI. Amunson is a native of Norway, born June 20, 1846. Hle resided in his native coun- try until 1864, at which time he emigrated to the United States, and has since been a resi- dent of Vernon county. In 1866 he began clerking for Philip Bouffleur, with whom he continued until Sept. 1, 1883, when he purchased a half interest in the business, the firm name being II. Amunson & Co. In the fall of 1868 he was married to Leanna Latta. They have had five children, two of whom are living- Philip and Carrie. Mr. Amunson is a stirring business man and is very successful. He is re- publican in politics. In religious views a Meth- odist Episcopal.

Col. Reuben May is a native of Pike Co., Ky., born June 23, 1815. His parents were na- tives of Virginia. They had twelve children, ten of whom . are still living. Reuben spent his early life on his father's farm. He was

married March 5, 1835, to Miss E. V. Honaker, also a native of Kentucky. In 1849 he removed to Clay county, being engaged in making and shipping salt, also working a farm of 400 acres. In 1861, when State after State was seceding from the Union, Mr. May was found loyal to his country, and on the 27th of September, en- listed in the United States service, and was commissioned lieutenant-colonel of the 8th Kentucky Volunteer Infantry. In May, 1863, he was appointed colonel of the 7th Kentucky Volunteer Infantry, and served as such with credit to himself and country until Oct. 5, 1864, when the regiment was mustered out of ser- vice. Mr. May participated in many hard fought battles, and a number of skirmishes. He commanded the 8th Kentucky in the battles of Perryville, Laurel Hill, Stone River, Mur- freesboro; and the 7th Kentucky in the siege of Vicksburg, battle of Jackson, Miss., Comut River, La., Semmes Port, Yellow Bayou, etc. He was wounded at Murfreesboro, and disabled for four months. At the close of the war Mr. May came to Wisconsin, locating in Jefferson town, Vernon county, where his family had previously located in 1863. He has given his principal at- tention to farming. In politics Col. May was first a democrat, but in 1860 voted for John Bell for the Presidency. And in 1864 he cast his ballot for Abraham Lincoln. In 1870 and 1872 he represented his district in the General As- sembly. In 1875 he was a candidate for State senator, and it was only after a contested elec- tion that his opponent, J. Henry Tate, was de- clared elected by a majority of six votes. When the National greenback party sprang into exis- tence, Col. May became one of its advocates, and in 1879 was their candidate for governor. His wife died Jan. 28, 1881, leaving ien ehil- flren-Louisa J., Mary D., William J., Thomas II., Zuingliens S., Robert D., Alonzo F., Albert B., Richard A., (deceased), and Ilugh L. Feb. 28, 1883, he married Mrs. Phebe A. Aiken, nee Dolliver. Col. May is a member of the A. F. & A. M., the I. O. O. F., the G. A. R. and the

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State Grange. He is a member of the Metho- dist Episcopal Church.

Michael Rentz was born June 25, 1846, in Norway. He learned the tanning business, which he followed in his native country, until 1868, at which time he emigrated to the United States. Ile first stopped in Decorah, Iowa, but soon removed to Chicago. Here he worked at his trade until 1870, when he came to Vernon county, settling at Esofea, where he erected a tannery, and soon after went in partnership with his brother, Christian, which they still continue. They also own 140 acres of land. In 1870 Michael Rentz married Agnethe Olson. They have five children-Mathilde, Agnes, Henry Norman, Olga and Amalie. Mr. Rentz is an independent greenbacker in politics He has held the position of postmaster, at Esofea, has also been a member of the town board, and for the present holds the office of town treasurer.

W. H. Jackson, blacksmith at Springville, Vernon county, became a resident of the county in 1872, being engaged for two years in farm- ing, since which time, he has been proprietor of a general blacksmith and repair shop, also man- ufacturing a few wagons. Mr. Jackson was born Aug. 25, 1846, in Grant Co., Wis. Ifis parents, James A., and Emily (Stiles) Jackson, are still residents of Grant county. Mr. Jack- on's early life was spent at work in the mines, but when sixteen years of age, he commenced to work at his trade, which he continued to do until com- ing to Vernon county, Sept. 22, 1870. He was married to Sarah Jackson, daughter of A. Jack- son, of Viroqua. They have an adopted son- Samuel Lee Wilson. Mr. Jackson is a well in-

formed citizen and has many friends. He is a democrat in politics. His religions connections are with the Methodist Episcopal Church.

L. N. Shaw was born in Quincy, Mass., Aug 25, 1827. Being the son of Capt. John W. Shaw, he became imbued with the life of a sailor when a small boy, and thus at the age of fifteen years, took to the sea, and followed a sailor's life until nearly forty years of age, when he was obliged to give up a sea-faring life on account of ill health. During these years Mr. Shaw had vis- ited nearly all of the navigable globe, sailing on the Atlantic, Pacific and Indian oceans, expe- riencing the various changes incident to a sail- or's life, and was shipwrecked three times, and during these years had been instrumental in saving twelve lives from shipwreck. Mr. Shaw had passed through all the grades of a sailor, from the forecastle to the quarter deck, and at the age of twenty-one, became master of a ves- sel, sailing on the coast and inland waters of California, for eight years. In 1863 Capt. Shaw with impaired health, left California for his native State, where, in the city of Boston, he embarked in the general provision business. In 1877 he came to Wisconsin, succeeding L. G. P. Adams as proprietor of the Springville House, of which he is still landlord, having also added to his hotel, a grocery business, which he is conducting in connection with the house. Capt. Shaw has been twice married. His first wife was Betsy C. Phillips, to whom he was married in 1853. She died in 1870, leaving three chil- dren-Catherine W., Emma L., and Walter L. In 1872 he married Mrs. Emily A. Newcomb, nee Adams. She had two children by her former marriage, one now living-Albert C.

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HISTORY OF VERNON COUNTY.

CHAPTER XLII.

THE TOWN OF KICKAPOO.

Kickapoo is among the southern tier of towns of Vernon county, and comprises a portion o four congressional townships-townships 11 and 12, range 3 west, and towrships 11 and 12, range 4 west of the fourth principal meridian. The surface is very much broken having within its boundary a number of large hills. At an early day there was a large amount of heavy timber of which there is still standing a large quan- tity, consisting of white oak, rock maple, bass- wood and other varieties. Thousands of rail- road ties have been annually obtained from the timber in this town. The large game, such as deer, elk and bear, existed in great numbers during the first decade of the settlement of the country, but they are now unknown. Small game yet abounds.

The Kickapoo river runs through the town. Its two branches-the east and west forks-make confluence on section 4. The river is fed by many small streams which enter into and help swells the volume of water. The smaller streams are made up from the many clear and sparkling springs that exist in various parts of the county.

The soil is generally rich and productive where tillable, and is well suited to indigenous as well as native grass, which makes the town an excellent one for stock. Those that have, in the past, engaged in stock raising, have been uniformly successful. Some maple sugar, of an excellent quality, is annually made by the enter- prising citizens. Bees thrive here, and many of the farmers have been quite successful in the past few years, in bee culture.

EARLY SETTLEMENT.

The first settler in the town of Kickapoo was Daniel Read, who came here in 1849. Ile was

a native of Tioga Co., N. Y., but had lived sev- eral years in St. Joseph Co., Mich. He came to Vernon county in 1846 or 1847, settled near Liberty Pole, in the town of Franklin, and opened up a farm. On his arrival in Kickapoo he built a saw mill on Read's creek, as it is now ealled. He was a bachelor, and well advanced in years at the time of his settlement here. He was an enterprising man, as will be seen by reference to the village history. He was a jovial man, good hearted, and much esteemed by all. HIe died here in 1862. At the time of his death he made his home with Gilbert Herrick.

Orrin Wisel came with Mr. Read, or about the same time. He was a blacksmith by trade, and opened the first shop in the town.

The first farm in this town was opened by Philip Schneider, who located here in 1849. lle was a native of Bavaria and had lived near Viroqua the previous two years. He settled in the Kickapoo valley on section 5, town 11, range 3 west, and still resides on the old home- stead.

Archibald and Daniel Day, natives of Ken- tueky, came in 1851. The former settled on the southeast quarter of the northeast quarter of section 9, town 11, range 3 west. Ile died there in 1876. His daughter, now the wife of Thomas Gosling, occupies the homestead. Daniel entered land on sections 17 and 18, of the same town and range. He sold in 1855, to Seth Edson, who now occupies the place. Dan- iel died about 1857.

Henry B. Hopkins, a native of Connecticut, came here from Grant Co., Wis., in 1853, and

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HISTORY OF VERNON COUNTY.

entered land on section 14, town 11, range 3 west, where he still lives.

Abel C. Cushman, from Vermont, came here in 1853, and erected a saw mill on the east fork of the Kickapoo. He was a pioneer in Jeffer- son Co., Wis., having lived there for several years prior to his removal to this county. The inill is now operated by his son James.

David Barril, a native of Scotland, came dur- ing the winter of 1553-4, and entered land on section 35, town 12. range 3 west, where he still lives.

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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 80

Author: Publication date: 1884 Publisher: Springfield, Union Number of Pages: 814

Author:
Publication date: 1884
Publisher: Springfield, Union
Number of Pages: 814