Barron County, Wisconsin - Chapter 13: Biographical and Geneological Review, 1922 (part 16 of 46)

Torger J. Troan, a highly regarded farmer of Section 4, Almena Town¬ ship, was born in Norway, Feb. 17, 1862, the son of John and Marit Troan, who spent the span of their years in that country. In the family there were nine children: John, Ole, Torger J., Engrie and Ingeborg, living; and John, Gay and two un-named infants now deceased. Engrie married Eric Steen, of Norway. Ingeborg married Paul Florhaug, who farms in North Dakota. Torger J. was reared in Norway, went to school there, and worked on farms, in sawmills and in the logging camps. In 1883 he and his brother, John, came to this country, and bought 163 acres in section 7, Clinton Township. This was all wild land. The two men put up a small log house, 18 by 24 feet, and started clearing up the land. For twenty-two years they lived and labored together, and developed a good farm. In 1907 Torger J. sold his interest to John, and bought 116 acres in Section 4, Almena township, to which he has since devoted his attention. The place was improved, and a good house and barn had been erected. He added to the buildings by putting up a machine shed, milk house and other sheds. Here he successfully carries on general fanning and dairying, and has a good herd of graded Guernseys. His build¬ ings are all lighted with electricity from his own plant. Mr. Troan helped to organize the Comstock Co-operative Creamery, in which he is a director, and he also helped to organize the Almena Telephone Co. in which he is still a stockholder. While in Clinton Township he did good service on the school board and on the town board. He has been especially active in the Norwegian Lutheran Church at Comstock, of which he has been treasurer. In 1897 he helped to organize the Young People's Society of that church. Mr. Troan's hospitable home is kept by a niece, Anna Troan, the daughter of his sister, Engrie. He brought this young lady back to his home with him, after making a visit to Norway in 1908.

Carl A. Youngberg, who has built up a good farm on Section 17, Almena Township, was born in Sweden, June 24, 1860, the son of Peter and Gustava Youngberg, both of whom spent the span of their years in that country. The father was a tailor by trade, and served as an officer in the Swedish army. Of their three children, Carl is the only one now living. He was reared in his native land, attended school there, and learned his trade as a mason. In 1888 he came to the United States, and found his way directly to Barron County, where he settled at Perley. With headquarters there he worked in the mills, in the woods and at his trade as a mason. In 1890 he bought 80 acres in Section 17, Almena Township, and here he established his home, while still devoting a part of his time to work at his trade, and in the mills and woods. In 1918 he bought 80 acres more in Section 21. When he acquired his first tract, it was all wild, covered with standing hardwood, stumps and brush. He erected a log cabin, which is a part of his present home, and devoted what time he could to the development of the place. In 1919 his barn was blown away, but the next year he built the present structure, 34 by 90 feet, with a full basement, and furnished with the James equipment. The residence, which embraces the original log cabin, boarded over, and augmented, is a pleasant one. The other buildings are also good. Buildings and grounds are lighted with electricity, and the farm is well equipped with tools, implements and machinery. Here he successfully carries on general farming and dairying. He has a good herd, mostly of graded Guernseys, with one full blooded cow, and headed by a full blooded sire. Mr. Youngberg is a stockholder in the Farmers' Co-operative Creamery at Turtle Lake. He is an active and energetic man, and is respected by all who know him. Mr. Youngberg was married June 3, 1883, in Sweden, to Augusta Samuelson, daughter of Carl and Gustava Samuelson, early settlers of Barron County, both now deceased. Mr. and Mrs. Youngberg have had eight children: Mary, August, Arthur, Wesley, Edgar, Ernest and Elna. Their oldest child, Ida Amelia, died Aug. 28, 1903, at the age of seventeen years. Mary is the wife of Walter Ingham, of Turtle Lake. Wesley and Ernest run a dray line at Turle Lake. Arthur is a blacksmith at Turtle Lake. The family faith is that of the Methodist Episcopal Church.

Alfred Wistrom, who is building up a good place in Section 14, Almena Township, was born in Sweden, Jan. 24, 1880, the son of Andrew and Mary Wistrom, natives of that country. After the mother's death, the father brought the family to America in 1887, and located near Lindsey, Neb., where he farmed and did railroad work. From there he moved to Braham, Minn., and took up his home with his son, John, where he died. In the family there are six children, all living: August, John, Walfred, Alfred, Hilda and Mary. Hilda married Nels Johnson, and lives near Newman's Grove, Neb., on a farm. Mary, the widow of Charles Peterson, lives on a farm in Almena Township. Alfred was seven years old when brought to this country by his father. He was reared in Nebraska, and attended school there. Then he did farm work there until 1904, when he went to Red Oak, Iowa. The same year he came to Barron County, and took up his home with his brother, Charles Peterson, in Almena township. Here he worked on farms, in the meantime working in the woods winters. In 1908 he rented a farm. In 1916 he bought 80 acres in Section 14, Almena Township, to which he has since devoted his attention. When he purchased the place, a small log house had been erected, and about five acres cleared. He now has the entire place cleared, about twenty-five acres under the plow, and the remainder in pasture. He has a pleasant stucco house, a barn 32 by 36 feet, a granary, machine shed, milk house, chicken house, and the like. Here he successfully carries on general farming and dairying. He is much interested in the progress of the com¬ munity, and has served with credit as a member of the school board of his district Mr. Wistrom was married in Clinton Township, on April 8, 1908, to Anna Beecroft, the daughter of Thomas and Anna Beecroft, old settlers of Clinton. Mr. and Mrs. Wistrom have one bright son, Clarence, born Jan. 18, 1909, who is doing well with his studies in the district school.

William A. Gierhart, well known farmer of Section 16, Almena Town¬ ship, has been one of the leaders of this vicinity for many years. He is a native of this state, born in Lafayette County, Aug. 13, 1876, the son of Jay S. and Lacy Gierhart, natives respectively of Pennsylvania and Ohio. They settled in Lafayette County, Wis., in 1864, and there farmed for many years. The mother died there in 1898, and the father now makes his home with the subject of this sketch. In the family there were four children: John, of Argyle, Wis.; Kate, wife of Andrew Everson, of Pipestone, Minn.; William A., and Edna, the wife of William Hale, who lives on the old homestead in Lafayette County. William A. was reared in his native county, attended the common schools, and in 1896 was graduated from the High School at Argyle, Wis. Then he entered the Wisconsin State Normal School at Platteville, from which he was graduated in 1898. With this preparation, he taught rural schools for five years. After this he devoted his time to helping with the work on the home farm until 1906. In that year he came to Barron County, and bought 132 acres in Section 16, Almena Township. A small shack had been erected, but the land was nearly all wild, covered with brush and stumps. He moved into the shack, and to the development and operation of the farm has since devoted his attention. With the passing of the years, he has built up a good place. He has a pleasant six-room home, a barn, 32 by 64 feet, machine shed, granary, chicken House, swine house, and the like. He has about 60 acres under the plow. The farm is well fenced, and well equipped with tools, implements and machinery. Here Mr. Gierhart suc¬ cessfully carries on general farming, making a specialty of dairying. His herd is of graded Durhams, with a full blooded sire. Being a man of superior attainments and education, it is natural that Mr. Gierhart should be a leader in public affairs, and that his services should often be called into requisition by his fellow men. For six continuous years, and then again for two years, he has been chairman of the township. In this capacity he handled the town's business in a most efficient manner. He also did most excellent work on the county board and served on several important committees. He is now a member of the county school board, and chairman of the book committee of that body. For many years he has been a member of the school board of his district. Since he first came here, he has been active in promoting farmers' organizations. He helped to organize the Comstock Co-operative Creamery Association, of which he is the president, and the Almena Telephone Co. of which he is secretary and treasurer. He is a member of the Farmers' Pro¬ duce Co. of Almena, and of the shipping associations at Almena and Com¬ stock. Mr. Gierhart was married at Monroe, Wis., Dec. 19, 1900, to Jane Johnson, who was born in Lafayette County, Sept. 16, 1882, the daughter of John and Marie Johnson, natives of Norway, and early settlers of Lafayette County, both now being deceased. Mr. and Mrs. Gierhart have three daughters. Fay, Eva and Goldie. Fay is attending the Barron County Train¬ ing School at Rice Lake. Eva is attending the Cumberland High School.

Alexander Olson, a substantial farmer of Section 6, Almena Township, was born in Sweden, Sept. 7, 1858, the son of Olaf and Mary Olson, both of whom spent their lives as farmers in that country. In the family there were two children, Alexander and Hilda. Alexander was reared in his native land, and there attended school. As a young man he worked on farms. In 1881 he came to the United States, and located in Minnesota, where he did railroad work with Minneapolis and St. Paul as his headquarters. In 1892 he came to Barron County, and purchased 80 acres in Section 6, Almena Township. A small log house had been built, and about two acres cleared, the rest of the land being covered with timber, brush and stumps. To the development and operation of this place he has since devoted his attention. He has built a pleasant residence, of seven rooms, a barn, 30 by 70 feet; a silo, machine shed, granary, and the like. With the help of his sons, he has cleared up the land, got 60 acres under the plow, and fenced much of the property. Here he carries on general farming and dairying, and has a good herd of graded Holsteins, headed by a full blooded sire. The place is well equipped with modern machinery and labor saving devices. Mr. Olson is interested in co¬ operative effort, and is a stockholder in the Maple Ridge Cheese Co., the Com¬ stock Co-operative Creamery, the Turtle Lake Co-operative Creamery, and the Turtle Lake Shipping Association. He has done efficient work as a member of the school board for some twelve years. Mr. Olson was married at Cum¬ berland, in 1893, to Celia Poison. Mr. and Mrs. Olson have three children: Fred, Albert and William. Fred and Albert are at home. William, a most promising young man, gave his life in his country's cause. He trained for service in the World War at Camp Grant, Rockford, Ill., was stricken with the influenza, and died there Oct. 7, 1918. He is laid at rest in Lake View Cemetery.

Joseph Kuchenmeister, postmaster at Almena, furniture dealer and funeral director, was born on a farm in Wright County, near Delano, Minn., Feb. 7, 1874, the son of Frank and Margaret (Borrell) Kuchenmeister, natives of Bavaria, and pioneers of Minnesota. He was reared on the home farm, attended the district schools of the neighborhood, the parochial schools of Winsted and Delano, and the Delano High School. In 1899 he came to Barron County, and entered the store of George Panian as a clerk. After several years, in partnership with S. W. Sparlln and George Panian, Jr., he took over the store under the name of the Panian Mercantile Co. Later Mr. Panian withdrew, and Mr. Sparlin and Mr. Kuchenmeister re-organized the store as the Almena Mercantile Co. In 1908 he was made postmaster, which position he still retains. Since 1913 he has devoted his business attention to a good furniture store, in connection with which he has undertaking parlors. He is one of the popular men of the village and neighboring country, and is well liked by all who know him, both as a man and as a citizen. Mr. Kuchen¬ meister was married Oct. 24, 1899, to Theresa Panian, born in Westphalia, Iowa, Feb. 26, 1878, the daughter of George and Mary (Haberkon) Panian. Mr. and Mrs. Kuchenmeister have six children: Joseph, Laura, Norbert, Emil, Leo and Margaret.

Frank Kuchenmeister, a Minnesota pioneer now living on the outskirts of Almena Village, this county, was born in Bavaria, Germany, Nov. 26, 1844, the son of John and Magdalina (Schmidt) Kuchenmeister, who, in 1869, came to America with their five children, Frank, Jacob, Valentine, Barbara and Dorothy. They made the trip by sailing boat, and were on the water for 46 days, a long and tedious voyage indeed for the anxious parents with five small children. Sickness prevailed and a number of children died, but the Kuchen¬ meister family escaped unharmed. After many adventures, they reached St. Paul, Minn., and from there drove with ox teams to a farm in Wright County, near the present site of Delano. With them was the family of Andrus Orlin. The Kuchenmeister family erected a log cabin and underwent all the ex¬ periences of pioneer life. There the parents remained for the remainder of their lives. The nearest village in the early days was Greenwood, Watertown was the next. From these two places provisions were brought in afoot, while grist was taken there with the ox team. The subject of this sketch was reared amid pioneer conditions, and for many years farmed with his father. Later he secured 80 acres of his own. Here he first erected a log cabin, which he later replaced with a good set of frame buildings. He also broke the land and developed a good place. After a long and useful farm life he retired and moved to Delano in 1902. In 1907 he came to Barron County, and purchased 17 acres on the outskirts of Almena. He has built a good set of buildings, and farms on a small scale. By his first wife, Barbara Blatz, he has four children: Frank (deceased), Jacob, Ben and John. By his present wife, Margaret Borrell, he has four children: Joseph, Katherine, Louis and Edward. The family faith is that of the Roman Catholic Church.

George Panian, pioneer merchant and one of the founders of Almena, was a man who left his name indelibly impressed on the history of his vicinity. He was a man of strong character and opinions, tempered with a kindly heart and a genial disposition, he was a hard worker possessed of keen business ability, he built up a sound success for himself and was ever willing to lend a helping hand to others. His advice was often sought on important matters, his influence was far reaching, and his death left a vacancy in the community which will not soon be filled. Village and country side joined in mouring at his death, and the whole county felt that a good and useful man had been taken away. He was born in Austria, March 25, 1851, one of the three chil¬ dren of George and Mary (Mitchell) Panian. He lost his father when he was five years old, and was reared by his mother and his step-father, Michael Perse. As a youth he became a salesman. From Austria in 1866, he went to Germany, and in 1871 he came to the United States on the steamer "Ger¬ mania", the trip taking eighteen days. Even as a young man, he had that genial temperament and helpful disposition which continued to be a characteristic feature of his life, and he did all that he could to assist and cheer his fellow passengers. In this way he made acquaintances who proved useful after he had landed here, a stranger in a strange land. He was robbed of 100 Napoleons aboard ship, and landed in New York with no money but a gold piece which he had secreted in his shoe and which was worth about $5.50. In this plight, a friend loaned him some money for his railroad ticket. The agent handed out six cents in change, but he did not dare pick it up from the ticket ledge, as he was afraid that it was a trick to test his honesty. He rode all day without food, and landed at Buffalo without funds. A friend of one of the immigrants he had assisted on the way over, gave him $5.00 and invited him to lunch, but through diffidence he ate only some bread as he did not wish to impose. Then he started out looking for work, and found em¬ ployment splitting wood at $1.25 a day. After a few days, he received $15 by mail from a friend in Iowa, for the purpose of joining him there. After buying a ticket to Fulton, Iowa, he had 28 cents left, of which he paid 25 cents to a man for helping him with his trunk. He was laughed at when he attempted to buy bread with his three cents, but finally found a good-hearted stranger who sold him a part of a loaf. Upon reaching the Mississippi, he boarded a ferry boat without money, but a fellow passenger loaned him the necessary fare. At Fulton he went to a hotel, and there left his trunk for a pledge for his board and lodging. Then he continued on his trip, and reached Sugar Creek, Iowa, Aug. 15, at 3 o'clock in the afternoon. There he worked as a farm hand and as a threshing outfit helper for a few weeks. Soon he found financial backers, and bought a pack of goods weighing about 190 pounds, with which he set out on foot toward Dubuque, Sept. 14. When he reached that city he paid for his goods from his sales and had $100 left as profits. Subsequently he continued as a peddler until 1875. Then, with $2,800 which he had saved, he started a store at Westphalia, Iowa. He kept this store about six months, and then, having married, he sold out and moved onto a farm. He improved the farm, and in 1880 sold it for $4,000 and moved to Cherokee County, Iowa. There he bought a farm of 240 acres. at $13 an acre, and sold out the following spring for $19 an acre. In 1881 he went to Royalton, Minn., and clerked in a store for a year. Then he went to Zell,

South Dakota, built a store, and engaged in the general mercantile business. The postoffice was kept in his store, and he was made the postmaster. In 1896 he came to Barron county, and opened a general store at Almena. He was also made postmaster here. He built up a good business in his store, and made a most capable postmaster. After being in business about ten years he sold out and retired. He was a director in the Bank of Almena and had other financial interests in this part of the county. After a long and useful life he died Sept. 30, 1921. Mr. Panian was married April 12, 1876, to Mart Haberkorn, who was born in Dubuque, Iowa, Aug. 14, 1864, the daughter of George and Theresa (Lang) Haberkorn. This union was blessed with nine children: Theresa, George J., Rosa, Julia, Joseph, Anna, John, Mary (de¬ ceased) and Frank (deceased). Theresa is now Mrs. Joseph Kuchenmeister, of Almena and has six children as follows: Joseph, Laura, Norbert, Emil, Leo and Margaret. George J. lives in Spring Valley, Minn. His first wife, Frances Roskops, died in August, 1909, leaving a daughter, Leonora. His present wife was Emma Bell. Rosa is the wife of Alex Welsch, of St. Paul, and they have five children: Albert, Marie, Alex, George and Edward. Julia is the wife of Edward Pfeiffer, of Turtle Lake, and they have three children : George, Margaret and Edward. Joseph and Anna live at home. John married Marcia Mountain and lives in St. Paul. Mary married Charles Wiess and died Oct. 4, 1919, leaving six children: Edmund, Mary, Frances, Clemence, Sylvester and Raymond. It is interesting to note that one of the great desires of Mr. Panian's heart was to have a great grand child. On Oct. 4, 1921, the date that Mr. Panian was buried, Mrs. Mary (Wiess) Wizback, daughter of Mrs. Mary (Panian) Wiess, gave birth to a child. This together with the fact that Mrs. Mary (Panian) Wiess died on Oct. 4 of another year makes that date an important one in the family.

Matt Dold, for several years a popular business man of Almena, was' a kindly, jovial character, who was a good father and husband, a loyal neighbor and friend, and a progressive business man. The brick block, which bears his name, was erected in 1903, and will long remain as a monument to his com¬ mercial enterprise. He was born in Germany, Sept. 28, 1871, on a farm, the son of Matt Dold. He attended the government schools of Germany for a while, and came to this country as a boy of fourteen years. He located- at Duluth, Minn., and there learned the blacksmith trade. He came to Almena in 1896 and engaged in business here. He was well liked by all who knew him, and served as town treasurer nine years and constable three years. He died June 22, 1914, and his death was sincerely mourned by family and friends. He was married at Cumberland, Sept. 26, 1897, to Josephine Kernel, born in Aus¬ tria, March 19, 1871, daughter of Charles and Josephine Kernel, who brought the family to this country in 1892, and after living three years in St. Paul, located three and a half miles south of Almena, where they established their home. The land was wild, and they erected a log cabin and started making a home. Twice everything was swept away by forest fires, but they persevered, and are now prosperous and substantial people. In the Kernel family there were six children. Mr. and Mrs. Dold had six children: Joseph, Matt., Arthur, Helen, Clarence and Richard. Joseph is employed at the store of E. S. Jacob¬ son, Almena. Matt is in the Almena State Bank. Arthur is proprietor of a pool room at Almena. Helen is studying at St. Paul. Clarence and Richard are at home. .

Albin Nystrom, cashier of the Bank of Dallas, was born in Superior, Wisv June 10, 1892, son of Gust and Charlotte (Peterson) Nystrom. The parents: were natives of Sweden, who came to America in 1866 and settled in Superior, where Gust Nystrom worked for several years in the coal docks. Then he and his family removed to Two Harbors, Minn., where he was superintendent at the D. & J. R. ore docks, remaining there until 1900. Since then he has been engaged in farming in Mille Lacs County, Minn. His wife, Charlotte, died Sep¬ tember 19, 1896. They were the parents of four children. Axel, Alfred, Albin and Anna. Albin Nystrom acquired his elementary education in the* district school and later attended Minnesota College at Minneapolis, where he was graduated in 1908. He then worked a few months for the Climax Western Oil Co., and also for the D. M. Gilmore Co., both of Minneapolis. In 1909 he went to Burwick, N. D., where for a year he was employed in a bank. After that he was assistant cashier for two years in a bank at Drake, N. D. From there he went to Ryder, in the same state, and was assistant bank cashier there two years, and after that was cashier for four years in a bank at Van Kork, N. D. In 1919 Mr. Nystrom came to Dallas, Wis., and entered upon the duties of his present position as cashier of the Bank of Dallas. He is a stockholder in the bank. He was married Sept. 30, 1916, to Irene Officer, daughter of Elmer H. and Ella (Ring) Officer, now residents of Viroqua, Wis. The home circle of Mr. and Mrs. Nystrom has been enlarged by the birth of two children : Elea¬ nor J., born Feb. 2, 1918, and Harriet A., born July 4, 1919. The religious affiliations of the family are with the Lutheran Church. Fraternally, Mr. Ny¬ strom belongs to the Masonic Lodge at Chetek, Wis., the Elks' Lodge at Minot, N. D., and the I. 0. O. F. Lodge at Ryder, N. D.

Julius K. Johnson, warehouse manager for the Northern Supply Co. at Dallas, was born in Norway, Feb. 16, 1864, son. of Knut and Oleo (Olson) Johnson, both of whom spent the span of their years in Norway. He received his education in Norway, and came to America in 1881, landing in New York, and finding his way to Rock County, Minn., where he did farm labor for two years. In 1883 he went to Minneapolis and entered the Augsburg Seminary, where he studied for three years. Then for two years he was engaged as a carpenter and lumber scaler. He came to Dallas in 1888, and for seven years was employed by J. A. Anderson. In 1895 he opened a carpenter shop and became a contracting builder, erecting many of the modern farm houses in Dallas township and vicinity. He commenced work with Even Erickson in 1906, and for twelve years the two operated a planing mill. He assumed the duties of his present position in 1918. He is a good man for the position and has the confidence of his employers and of the community at large. Mr. Johnson was married March 21, 1890, to Matilda Ghristianson, who was born June 10, 1873, at Madison, Wis., daughter of Ole and Jennie (Peterson) Christianson, natives of Norway, who came to America in 1869, and settled in Madison, Wis., where Mr. Christianson worked as a shoemaker until 1884 when he came to Dallas, and here operated a shoe shop until his death, Dec. 7, 1904, his wife still making her home here. Mr. and Mrs. Johnson have had three children. Ole, John and Inga, all now deceased.

J. Casper Rassbach, a worthy citizen, now deceased, was born in Saxony, Germany, Oct. 23, 1836, the son of Matthew Rassbach, who brought his wife and four children, J. Casper, Conrad, Jerry and Anna, to the United States in the forties, and located near Blue Mound, Dane County, Wis., where he spent the remainder of his life. J. Casper grew to manhood in Dane County, and was there married. In 1867 he brought his wife and three children, John Matthew, William and Julius, to Barron County. The trip was made with an ox team, and he also brought a span of colts and a cow. Upon their arrival here they settled on 160 acres of wild land in Section 36, Prairie Farm, not far from the Dunn County line. For a while the family lived in a tent until he could erect a log house, 16 by 22 feet. Most of the furniture for the little home was made from wood cut in the yard. The bedstead consisted of tamarack posts, between which ropes were stretched. The marketing point for the family was at Menomonie. The county was but little developed, most of its inhabitants being people who were working in the lumber camps. Mr. Rassbach for some years "toted" supplies for the Knapp, Stout & Co., re¬ ceiving $36 a month for himself and a team of horses. In the meantime he gradually developed his own place and as the years passed built up a good farm. He was regarded with much respect by his fellow men and occupied a substantial place in the affairs of the community. He was in everything a loyal and patriotic citizen, who had the interests of the town and county deeply at heart. As one of the town supervisors he furthered the cause of good roads. He helped to get a school district organized in his neighborhood, and served on the school board. The Evangelical Church found in him a loyal supporter. He was a God-fearing, upright man, and served the church as class leader and exhorter. He was a good husband and father, a generous neighbor, a loyal friend. His death on Dec. 22, 1906, was sincerely mourned. His good wife died April 13, 1915. Mr. Rassbach was married at Blue Mound, Dane County, to Mary S. Harmon, who was born in November, 1841, at Schellburg, Penn., the daughter of Jesse and Julia Harmon, and descended from an early Pennsylvania family. This union has been blessed with eleven children. John Martin farms in Prairie Farm Township. William farms on Sheridan Prairie, Dunn County, this state. Julia is the wife of John Deringer, of Prairie Farm Township. Lena is the wife of George Hol¬ man of Cameron. Anna is the wife of John Neck, of Prairie Farm Township. Charles is in Maple Grove Township. Lizzie is the wife of William Henneman of Chippewa Falls. Henry, Walter, Helen and Matilda are dead.

John Matthew Rassbach, prominent man of Prairie Farm Village, mem¬ ber of the county board, three times county sheriff, four years chairman of the town board, vice president of the Prairie Farm Telephone Co., vice presi¬ dent of the Prairie Farm & Northwestern Railroad, and actively interested in many successful ventures, was born in Dane County, Wis., June 4, 1863, the son of J. Casper and Mary S. (Harmon) Rassbach, who brought him to this county in 1867. He attended school in the district his father helped to organize, and learned farming at home. For thirteen winters he worked in the woods and for three springs he was employed on the river drives. In the meantime, in 1889, he took over the management of the home place. Two years later he took his bride there. To the development and operation of this farm he devoted many years. He put up a fine modern home, a large barn, 36 by 120 feet, with full basement and modernly equipped; a silo, 16 by 35 feet, and other buildings. He carried on general farming and dairying on a successful scale, and reaped a deserved measure of prosperity. Sept. 15, 1919, he sold the farm, and retired. He now lives in Prairie Farm Village, where he has one of the finest residences to be found in this vicinity. It is modern throughout and well arranged. The lawn is well kept and beautified with flowers and shrubbery, and set in a magnificent grove of pine. As al¬ ready indicated, Mr. Rassbach has seen considerable public life. He early served on school and town boards, and has been an able town chairman. The confidence in which he was held grew with the years, and in 1898 he was honored by his fellow citizens with the election to the office of county sheriff. He was a most efficient and conscientious officer, and after his term had ex¬ pired, the people waited the legal two years and then elected him again in 1902. Upon the expiration of this term, he retired to private life, but in 1910 was again called to service for another term. He was therefore sheriff of Barron County in 1899-01, 1903-05 and 1911-13. He now represents the village of Prairie Farm on the county board, and his long experience in county affairs makes him a valuable member indeed. He has taken his share in everything that he has believed to be for the best interests of the community, and is identified with various local enterprises, including the telephone com¬ pany already mentioned. He has been untiring in his efforts to secure rail¬ road facilities for the village. He and his family are numbered among the real leaders in the community. They are active in social, civic and religious affairs, their hospitable home is always open to their friends, and they are liked by all who know them. Mr. Rassbach was married July 9, 1891. to Percey Johnson, who was born in Columbia county, this state, Feb. 19, 1869, the daughter of Martin and Lena Johnson. Mr. and Mrs. Rassbach are the parents of five children: Minnie Christine, Jennie Pauline, Nellie Marie, Grace Beatrice and Harry Casper. Jennie Pauline graduated from the Barron

High School, married Otto Anderson, of Prairie Farm Township, and died March 20, 1919. Minnie Christine, for some years a teacher, is the wife of William Bond, of Chicago. They have one son, William, Jr., popularly known as "Billy." Nellie Marie, a graduate of the Milwaukee Normal school and for some years a teacher is the wife of Herbert Jenson, of Barron. Grace Beatrice and Harry Casper are at home. The family faith is that of the Evangelical Church.

Clarence W. Mau, the efficient and popular cashier of the First State Bank, of Prairie Farm, was born at Fillmore, in Washington County, Wis., Aug. 20, 1896, oldest of the three children of August G. and Lena (Sebastian) Mau, both of whom were natives of this state, and the former of whom was a farmer and carpenter. He attended rural schools and the city schools of Milwaukee. He also took courses in the Eau Claire Business College at Eau Claire, Wis. He came to Prairie Farm at the age of twenty-one in 1917, and entered the employ of the First State Bank, and in January, 1919, he was made a member of the board of directors in which positions he still is serving. He is a capable financier, he has the faculty of making friends, he understands local con¬ ditions, and combines the soundness of judgment, uprightness of bearing, and pleasantness of temperament necessary to a successful rural banker. Under his management, the bank is increasing its business and maintaining a most excellent standing. Mr. Mau takes his share in the affairs of the community, and is vitally interested in its growth and progress. Mr. Mau was married at Rockffeld, Wis., on Dec. 20, 1917, to Amelia Hoelz, who was born at Rockfield, Wis., on Aug. 27, 1895, the daughter of Jacob and Julia (Meyer) Hoelz, natives of Wisconsin and now living at Rockfield, Wis. Mr. and Mrs. Mau have two fine boys, Kenneth H., bom Oct. 7, 1918, and Gerald W., born Jan. 27, 1921.

Swen Anderson, well known as the owner of the prosperous Morning Star Dairy Farm over the line in Sheridan Township, Dunn County, and now living in the village of Prairie Farm, was bora in Norway, March 2, 1851, the son of Andrew Anderson Skgeftskogen, and his good wife, Anna (Sloten). Swen was reared in his native land, attended school there for a while, and grew to young manhood. May 17, 1873 he and his brother, Peter, sailed from their native land, and on June 25, landed at Castle Garden, New York. He found his way to La Crosse, where he had friends. From there he went to Vernon county and worked a short time. Nov. 18, 1873, he reached Menomonie, Dunn County, this state, and entered the employ of the Knapp, Stout & Co. In this employ he worked that winter in the woods of Barron County. For the next few years he did various work. He drove mules in the woods, worked in lumber camps, was employed in the mills at Menomonie, and for a time was on the famous Washburn Farm, in Sheridan Township, Dunn County. In 1878 he settled down on 120 acres in that township. He and his wife moved into a log house, and started farming with a yoke of steers, two cows and a few chickens. Only a half acre had then been cleared. With this beginning they built up the finest farm in the vicinity. Mr. Anderson put up a good set of buildings, which were a credit to himself and an ornament to the community. He increased his hold¬ ings to 520 acres. This was in tilled land, woodland and pasturage, with some wild land. It was well fenced, and well cared for, and excellently equipped with tools, implements and machinery. On this place, Mr. Anderson success¬ fully carried on general farming and dairying on an extensive scale. He had a good herd of Holstein cattle, a good drove of Poland-China swine, and a sufficient number of horses. He gave the farm the name of the Morning Star Dairy Farm, and under this name it became widely known. He has now sold the farm, but still owns 40 acres of it. In 1919 he purchased a tract of 46 acres in the village of Prairie Farm on the south side of the river, overlooking the valley. It is one of the most beautiful locations that could be imagined. The house has electric lights, running water and other conveniences. It is sur¬ rounded with a sightly lawn, set among a few noble trees. In addition to building up a splendid success for himself, Mr. Anderson has devoted a con- siderable time to public effort. In Sheridan Township he did most efficient service on the town board for a quarter of a century, and as a member of the school board for a year longer. He helped to organize the Prairie Farm Co¬ operative Creamery, and was its president for ten years. He has also been active in the Prairie Farm Co-operative Association, owning the village store, and is now its vice president. He has been a loyal supporter of the Norwegian Lutheran Church at Sheridan, helped to build its two successive churches, and has served on its board. All in all he is an active, prominent and useful citizen, and is held in the highest regard by all who know him. Mr. Anderson was married, April 13, 1878, to Julia Hanson Standal, and this union has been blessed with eight children. Alma is at home. Herman, a veteran of the World War and a garage man at Prairie Farm, married Josie Anderson, of Sheridan Township. Otto, also a veteran of the World War, and also a garage man at Prairie Farm, married Jennie Rassbach, now deceased. Hjelmar is likewise a garage man of Prairie Farm. He married Etta Richards, of Wenaberg, Dunn County. Mabel is the wife of Carl Christianson, of Clear Lake, Minn. Mrs. Sven Anderson was born in Norway, May 10, 1857, the daughter of Hans and Mary (Lillievald) Standal. The father died when the daughter was but two years old. In 1870 the mother brought the family to America. The other two children were John and Hans. They were ten weeks on the ocean, aboard an old sailing boat. After landing they found their way to La Crosse, and located in Coon Valley, Vernon County, this state. In 1874 the family came to Vance Creek, in Barron County. Here she married John Hanson, who home¬ steaded 160 acres, and here she lived until her death in 1919, at the age of eighty-three.

Robert Herrmann, prosperous business man and expert dairyman; pro¬ prietor of the flourishing Pleasant Creek Cheese Factory in Section 23, Prairie Farm Township, was born in Switzerland, July 7, 1880, a son of Jacob and Marie Herrmann, who came of a long line of Swiss farmers and cheese makers. He was reared in his native land, early became interested in dairying, and learned the cheese making business from some of the best men in that trade in his neighborhood. In 1911 he came to America, and located in Argyle, in La Fayette County, this state, where he continued to work at his trade. In 1917 he came to Barron County, and purchased his present establishment. He has purchased new equipment, and has a model factory. He turns out some 5,000 or 6,000 pounds of cheese monthly, and his product is in wide demand. He thoroughly understands his business, he knows local conditions, he studies the market, and he has the confidence of all with whom he has business dealings, his factory being one of the valued assets of the agricultural progress of the township. Mr. Herrmann returned to Switzerland for a short time in the spring of 1913, and was there married on March 6, to Eliza Burki, who was born in that country, Oct. 11, 1884, the daughter of Rudolph and Eliza Burki. This union has been blessed with four bright children: Ernest, Lillie, Fritz and Nellie.

Iver Lien, who by intelligent hard work and industrious application, has built up a good farm in Section 14, Prairie Farm Township, where he has lived for nearly forty years, was born in Norway, Aug. 11, 1860, the son of Ole and Carrie (Knutson) Tolferson, the former of whom died in Norway, and the latter of whom came to this country in the spring of 1883 and located in Prairie Farm township. The subject of this sketch was reared in his native land, and spent his youth as a farmer. In the fall of 1883 he came to this country, and located in Prairie Farm Township. Here in the summer time he did farm work. For six winters he worked for Knapp, Stout & Co. in the woods, and for five springs on the river drives. In 1889 he took a place of 80 acres on Section 14, Prairie Farm Township. It was all wild except five or six acres which had been cleared. Mr. Lien built a log house and moved his bride into it. He started farming with two cows and a wheelbarrow, and a few tools. By working early and late, and being untiring in labor and strength he has built up a good place.

Mr. And Mrs. Henry Rogers Dixon S. Rogers And Family

He has a fine set of buildings, and a well improved farm, well stocked, well equipped and well fenced. He successfully carries on general farming and dairying and has a good herd of Holsteins: He stands well in the community, and has the esteem and respect of all with whom he comps; in contact. His success in life is due to his hard work and his ability to apply himself. His holdings include shares in the Pleasant Creek Cheese Co. For one year he did satisfactory service as assessor of the township. He and his family are loyal in their support of the Norwegian Lutheran Church. Mr. Lien was married in Prairie Farm Township, June 7, 1889, to Garrie A. Larson, who was born in Norway, June 7, 1859, the daughter of Lars and Anna Larson. Mr. and Mrs. Lien have two children, Oscar and Anna.

Henry Frisle, a modern farmer, who has an unusually sightly place in Section 23, Prairie Farm Township, is a native of this township, born on the home farm, Oct. 15, 1878, the son of Leopold and Frances (Foster) Frisle. He attended the Pleasant Creek school, learned farming from his father, and assisted in the clearing and developing of the family place. While a young man he spent six seasons in the woods, as a cant-hook man and loader. In 1905 he bought his present place of 80 acres in Section 25. To the development and operation of this farm he has since devoted his attention. The farm house is a pretty bungalow, the barn is adequate, the other buildings are well kept, the garden is laid out in orderly manner, and the lawn is pretty and nicely cared for, all together making a place which is one of the beauty spots of the neighborhood. The farm is well tilled and cultivated, and adequately fenced, while the equipment is of the best. Here Mr. Frisle successfully carries on general farming and dairying, and has a good herd of graded Holsteins, and a satisfactory drove of Duroc-Jersey swine. His horses are of the Percheron breed. Mr. Frisle stands well in the community and his opinions are sound and sensible on all subjects. Mr. Frisle was married on June 7, 1906 to Mina Link, who was born at Spring Valley, Pierce County, this state, Oct. 14, 1886, the daughter of Herman L. and Kate (Young) Link, natives respectively of Germany and Wisconsin, and long-time residents of Dallas Township, this county. Mr. and Mrs. Frisle have five children: Frieda, Arnold, Vida, Norma and Everett.

Dixon S. Rogers, a representative farmer of Section 18, Dallas Township, was born in England, Aug. 25, 1869, the son of Henry and Caroline (Schotleff) Rogers, who came from England that year, and settled in Kenosha County, Wis., coming five years later to Barron County, where they took a homestead of 160 acres in Section 18, Dallas Township, where they erected a set of log buildings, cleared 45 acres, and carried on general farming. The father died Feb. 6, 1908, and the mother a few days previous on March 23. Of their thir¬ teen children, there are six living: William, Ransom, Hale, Harry, Calvin and Dixon S. Dixon S. was but five years old when the family came to Barron County. He attended the district school and learned farming from his father. In 1901 he bought a half of the homestead and in 1907 the other half. He has erected a good set of frame buildings, and developed an excellent farm. Here he successfully carries on general farming and dairying. His herd is of high grade Guernseys, headed by a full-blooded sire. He is interested in edu¬ cation and has served with credit on the school board. He is a useful and energetic citizen and is well esteemed by all who know him. Mr. Rogers was married in Dallas Township on April 14, 1909, to Julia Frisle, who was born at Prairie Farm on May 7, 1881, the daughter of Leopold and Frances (Foster) Frisle, who farmed for a number of years in Prairie Farm Township, and are both now dead. Mr. and Mrs. Rogers have four children: Henry H., born March 1, 1910; James M., born Jan. 31, 1911; Blanche M., born Sept. 26, 1913; and Evelyn F., born July 4, 1919. The family faith is that of the German Methodist Episcopal Church.

Albert Borgen, an energetic and hard-working farmer of Section 22, Dallas Township, was born in Eau Claire, Wis., Oct. 30, 1879, the son of Hans and

Magdalena (Stevenson) Borgen, early settlers. He attended school there for a while, and continued his education in the district schools of Dallas Township, where he was brought as a boy in 1887. He learned farming from his father and was still in his early 'teens when he started out for himself by working for farmers. From 1897 to 1900 he worked in Montana on the cattle ranges and the sheep ranches. In 1901 he rented eighty acres of the home place, in¬ cluding the home buildings. In 1908 he bought the place. In 1919 he bought 80 acres more in Section 16, making a total of 160 acres. He remodeled the buildings and installed modern improvements, including the Delco lighting system. He successfully carries on general farming and dairying, and has a good herd of Holsteins, headed by a full-blooded sire and a drove of Duroc- Jersey swine. He uses good judgment in all his operations, he takes pride in seeing his place improve under his careful management year by year, and he is developing as good a farm as can be found in the neighborhood. He is re¬ spected by all with whom he has come in contact, and is well liked by all who know him. In 1910 and 1911 he did good service on the town board. Frater¬ nally, he is a popular member of Chetek Lodge, No. 277, A. F. and A. M. Mr. Borgen was married Nov. 21, 1906, to Ida Berger, who was born Feb. 6, 1888, the daughter of Ole and Mary (Granum) Berger, the former of whom is dead and the latter of whom lives in Dallas. Mr. and Mrs. Borgen had four bright and well-behaved children. Harley O. was born Dec. 8, 1908; Raymond C. was born Aug. 21, 1910; Viola M. was born June 6, 1913; Manley H. was born Aug. 4, 1916. The older ones are attending the public schools and are making good progress with their books. Mrs. Ida Borgen died Dec. 1, 1917. On March 16, 1921, Mr. Borgen married Margaret Larson, born at Trondhjem, Norway, on May 6, 1884, the daughter of Ole and Ingeborg (Lane) Larson, natives of Nor¬ way, who came to America in 1886, and settled in Prairie Farm Township, where they are still farming. Mr. and Mrs. Borgen and the children attend the Norwegian Lutheran Church.

Andrew Stoll, who has a fine farm of 200 acres in Sections 33 and 34, Dal¬ las Township, is one of the best known men in this part of the county. He was born in Norway, Mar. 31, 1860, the son of Halvor and Gertrude (Anderson) Stoll, natives of that country, both now deceased. He received his education in his native land, and at the age of fourteen became a sailor, a calling which his ancestors had followed for centuries before him. While following the sea, he stopped at nearly all the important ports of northern Europe, and crossed the Atlantic many times. In 1879 he disembarked at Wilmington, N. C., and shipped aboard a revenue cutter in the United States service, plying the Atlantic coast. In 1881 he abandoned the sea, and came to Barron County, and purchased 80 acres in Section 22, Maple Plain Township. This was all wild land. He set to work with a will, put up a fine set of buildings, and by hard work cleared up sixty acres of the land. There he lived for more than a quarter of a cen¬ tury. Being a man of wide experience, it is natural that he should have taken a prominent part in the township from the beginning. He foresaw the possi¬ bilities of the town and realized that if it was ever to become a settled region it was necessary that roads be built. So he assisted in the opening of many of the highways. He also encouraged settlers to locate here, and did everything he could to help them get started. In 1894 he was elected to the town board, and so efficiently did he serve, that in 1897 he was made chairman. He served as such for seven years and at the same time sat on the county board. He thus became known throughout the county, and his service was of real merit. During his term of office the present courthouse was erected at Barron. As the father of children, he is interested in education, and served twenty-one years as a member of the school board of the Camp Dixon district. For ten years he was mail carrier out of Cumberland. In 1909 he sold his farm and moved to that place. In 1920 he went to Stillwater, Minn., and bought a small tract of eleven acres. A short time later he came back and rented his present place. He is successfully carrying on general farming and dairying and has a good herd of Holsteins. Fraternally, he is a member of Cumberland Camp, No. 1218, W. M. A., and has held several offices. Mr. Stoll was married June 20, 1886, to Susan Howard, who was born Oct. 29, 1866, the daughter of George and Olena (Olson) Howard, the former of whom is dead and the latter of whom now lives in Cumberland. Mrs. Susan Stoll died Oct. 29, 1910. This union was blessed with ten children: Henry J. was born April 29, 1887, and is now at Radisson, Wis. Lena G. was born Nov. 6, 1888, and is the wife of G. G. Aus¬ tin, of Glenwood, Minn. Edward S. was born April 11, 1890, and is now at Stillwater, Minn. Bennie I. was born Oct. 21, 1892, and died in the fall of 1912. Harry N. was born Jan. 9, 1893, and was drowned Dec. 24, 1912. Ellen S. was born Sept. 16, 1896, and is the wife of C. H. Talbot, of St. Paul, Minn. Jessie was born July 26, 1896, and is now at Hutchinson, Minn. Albert H. was born Oct. 29, 1900, and is in Forest City, Iowa. Ernest was born May 22, 1906. Emma J. was born Nov. 13, 1909. Mr. Stoll was married on March 8, 1912, to Mrs. Christina Cardell, who was born in Sweden, Sept. 22, 1871, the daughter of Andrew and Margaret (Normerck) Peterson, the former of whom is dead and the latter of whom lives in Sweden. By her marriage to Carl Cardell, Mrs. Stoll has one son, Ernest M., who was born June 20, 1898, and is now attending the Chiropractic College, at Davenport, Iowa.

Carl A. Severson, a well-known farmer of Section 10, west, Dallas Town¬ ship, is a native of this county, born in Dallas Village, May 16, 1885, the son of Sever A. and Ida (Christison) Severson. Sever A. Severson was born in Norway. They brought their son to America, and located in Buffalo County, this state, when he was nine years old. As a youth he went to Eau Claire, and learned the blacksmith trade. In 1880 he came to Barron County, and established a blacksmith shop at Dallas Village. This he operated the remainder of his life, with the exception of four years when he had a shop at Prairie Farm. He died April 4, 1907. He was a good and useful citizen, and his death was sincerely mourned. His wife died May 8, 1901. In the family there were two sons, Henry, who farms in Dallas Township, and Carl A. Carl A. received his educa¬ tion in his native village. As a young man he became a stationary engineer, and worked in North Dakota and Washington. In 1911 he returned to Dallas, and took up the well-drilling business. In 1917 he bought 100 acres in Maple Grove Township, which he operated for two years. Then he sold and bought his present place of forty acres. He has some good buildings, and a well-de¬ veloped place. Here he carries on general farming and dairying, and has a good herd of Holsteins. He is well regarded by all who know him, and has already got a good start in life. Mr. Severson married Cordelia Hulbert, who was born in Maple Grove Township Oct. 16, 1893, the daughter of David and Alice (Skinner) Hulbert. Mr. and Mrs. Severson have three children: Lyle C., born July 21, 1916; Donald B., born June 16, 1918; and Stanley A., born Dec. 1, 1920. The family attends the Christian Church at Hillsdale.

Charles Salsbury, a pioneer, was born at McComb, St. Lawrence County, New York State, May 27, 1846, the son of William H. and Mary (Salsbury) Salsbury, both descended from early New York families. They moved to Loraine County, Ohio, in 1845, and came to Juneau County, Wis., in the sixties. Both are now dead. Charles received his education in Ohio and learned farm¬ ing from his father. In 1871 he came to Barron County and homesteaded 80 acres in Section 18. In 1889 he bought 80 acres in Section 19 and making a good tract of 160 acres, all in Dallas Township. Here he built a log cabin and straw shed and started clearing the land. There were then but few settlers in the county, and such as they were, nearly all connected with the lumbering interests. Transportation of supplies, produce and provisions was difficult. There was little in the way of comforts, and often even the necessities were lacking. Mr. Salsbury was a man of strength of will and purpose, he was a natural leader, he was determined to succeed, and he realized the great possi¬ bilities of the region. Therefore, he not only worked hard on his own place, but also helped the newcomers to get started. He helped many get a favorable loca- tion, assisted them in hauling logs for their buildings, and even aided them in getting seed and provisions. For nine years he spent the spring and autumn Reasons as a salesman for the Barron Woolen Mills. For many' years Mr. Salsbury took an active part in public affairs. When Dallas Township was organ¬ ized, he was elected its first clerk.' He resigned, however, before serving the term out. In 1872 he became clerk of the Pitts School District, so called, and after serving two years was made clerk of a joint district which embraced parts of Prairie Farm and Dallas Township. He has also done public services in other ways. By hard work and application he built up a good farm and won success. In 1906 he retired from active farm life. He has sold 80 acres of his farm to his son, Willis H., and still owns the other half. Mr. Salsbury was married June 14, 1865, to Theresa Cleaver, who was born in New York State Nov. 24, 1845, the daughter of Ludwig and Maria Cleaver. She died March 2, 1905, leaving eight children: Mary Eva (deceased), Charles' L., Alta L., Wil¬ lis H., Anna L., Ernest R., Rosella and Frank. The family faith is that of the Methodist Episcopal Church.

Willis H. Salsbury, a prosperous farmer of Section 18, Dallas Township, is a native of this township, born on the homestead, a part of which he now owns, Sept. 8, 1872, the son of Charles and Theresa (Cleaver) Salsbury. He attended the common schools and had the advantage of courses in the Wis¬ consin State Normal School at River Falls. In the meantime he learned farm¬ ing from his father. In 1893, at the age of 21, he started teaching school in the rural districts, still devoting his summers to farming. He is still remembered aS a most excellent teacher. He is a man of broad information, he has a sym¬ pathetic and understanding nature, he won the love of the pupils and the re¬ spect of the parents, and had the faculty of inspiring his scholars to do their best work. Although it is fifteen years since he has wielded the rod and the crayon, many young men and women throughout the county still testify as to the excellence and worth of his instructions. In 1905, after school was out, he clerked for the summer in Barron. Then in the fall he moved with his bride onto a farm of 40 acres in Section 13, Prairie Farm Township, which he had previously purchased. There he farmed with good results for eleven years. He cleared 26 acres, and got them well under cultivation. In 1914 he bought an adjoining 80 acres in Section 18, Dallas Township, constituting a part of the old homestead. This makes him a good farm of 120 acres. He has a welldeveloped place, and successfully carries on general farming and dairying. He has a good herd of graded cattle, headed by a full-blooded Holstein sire. He also has a good drove of Poland-China swine. It is natural that a man of his ability should be called to considerable public service. For thirteen years he has done most efficient work as clerk of his school district, which is Joint District No. 1, of Prairie Farm and Dallas Township. He is also at present serving with credit to himself and to the satisfaction of his constituents as clerk of Dallas Township. Mr. Salsbury was married in the town of Sheridan in Dunn County, Wis., April 29, 1905, to Louisa Sievert, who was born in Dunn County, Oct. 9, 1881, the daughter of Edward and Annrf (Smith) Sievert, na¬ tives of Germany, who came to America in 1871, and settled in Dunn County. The father died there May 7, 1914, and the mother is still living on the farm. In the Sievert family there were six children: Mary (deceased), August, Amelia, Ernest, Charles and Louisa. Mr. and Mrs. Salsbury have had three children: Malvin, born July 29, 1909, and died Jan. 25, 1911; Lila E. was born July 6, 1912; and Lloyd C. was born May 20, 1919. The family faith is that of the Methodist Episcopal Church.

Andrew Wintrone is one of the real leaders among the farmers of Dallas Township. He was born in La Fayette County, this state, June 20, 1869, the son of Trone and Gunhild (Hazelhaugen) Wintrone. These good people were born in Norway, and were there married. In 1869 they came to America and settled in La Fayette County, Wis. From there they moved to Eau Claire, and in 1871 came to Barron County, and took a homestead in Section 12, west, Dallas Townzed by Google ship. /He erected a good set of buildings and succeeded in clearing up about 70 acres. Here he carried on general farming and dairying, until 1910, when he retired and moved to the Village of Dallas, where he continued to live until his death, Oct. 16, 1915, and where his wife still resides. In the family there were five children: Andrew, Gust, Theodore, Anna, wife of John Amundson, of Dallas Township, and Gina, wife of Charles Johnson, of Ashland, Wis. An¬ drew came to Barron county with his parents, and attended the district schools. As a young man he spent nine seasons in the woods and on the river drives. In 1892 he purchased 80 acres of his father's farm. In 1911 he purchased an¬ other eighty. Later he sold 40 acres, making him a good place of. 120 acres. He has erected a good set of buildings, and has continued the improvements and developments. On this place he successfully- carries on general farming and dairying, and has a good herd of cattle which he is breeding from Short¬ horns into Guernseys. A man of influence in his community, Mr. Wintrone has done considerable public service. For six years he was supervisor on the town board. In this capacity he looked well to the administration of town affairs, and was specially favorable to a more efficient road repairing system.; For five years he was a valued member of the school board. He is an excellent type of the modern Wisconsin farmer. Enterprising in spirit, a real friend of every progressive movement, and ever willingly considering new ideas and improved methods, he is hard working and industrious, and represents everything that is best in farm life. He has taken stock in various local enterprises, including the New Richmond Packing Plant. Mr. Wintrone was married May 25, 1895, to Olia Brooten, the daughter of Andrew and Christie Brooten, the former of whom is dead, and the latter of whom is living on the home farm in Dallas Township, with her son, Ole. Mr. and Mrs. Wintrone have hstd ten children: Olga was born April 16, 1896, and is the wife of the late Oscar Hanson, of Maple Grove Township. Frank was born Dec. 29, 1897, and died March 20, 1917. Gina was born March 21, 1900. Bennie was born June 17, 1902. Hilda was born Aug. 28, 1904. Clara was born May 11, 1906. John was bom April 4, 1908. Paul was bora' Feb. 21, 1910. Alma was born Oct. 17, 1912. Carl was born May 28, 1916. The family faith is that of the Norwegian Lutheran Church.

Dewilton F. Blyton, early settler and prominent citizen of Dallas Town¬ ship, was born in Sparta, Wis., Oct. 1, 1855, the son of Thomas W. and Eliza¬ beth (McClure) Blyton, natives of New York State. These good people came westward in 1850, and settled at Sparta, where he followed his trade as a carpenter, erecting many of the earliest buildings in that city and in the sur¬ rounding country. In 1869 they came to Barron County, then almost entirely a wilderness, and homesteaded 160 acres in Section 4, west, Dallas Township. There by hard work they developed a good farm. In 1890, after twenty-one years of strenuous work on a pioneer farm, they retired, rented the place, and moved back to Sparta, where he died in 1896 and she in 1918. At the time of her death she was more than ninety-eight years old. The subject of this sketch attended school in Sparta, but did not have much opportunity for schooling after the family came here, when he was fourteen. He worked hard at home and assisted his parents in building up their farm. In 1874, when but nineteen years old, he bought 160 acres of railroad land in Section 29, west, Dallas Township. This was all wild land. He put up a log cabin, moved his bride into it, and started to clear up the land. After he had his farm on a productive basis, he put up a set of frame buildings. The house, with most of its con¬ tents, was swept away by fire in 1907. Then he built a still better one. He is a man of considerable mechanical ability. He operated the first threshing machine ever brought to Dallas Township, and continued in this line for 21 consecutive seasons. In 1917 he decided to retire. So he rented his farm, and moved to Ridgeland. But he still longed for the old familiar scenes surround¬ ing his farm, so on June 10, 1921, he came back. Mr. Blyton was married Dec. 20, 1873, to Florabelle Grover, born in Maine Jan. 31, 1857, the daughter of Wood- bury S. and Angeline (Potter) Grover. This union has been blessed with nine children: Otis M., a farmer of Dallas Township; Dewilton W., a farmer of Dallas Township ; Oscar D., of Wibaux, Mont. ; Adalbert, of Ridgeland ; Ray¬ mond, of Wibaux, Mont.; Thomas E., a farmer of Dallas Township; Angie Etta (deceased); Dewitt (deceased), and Mildred, the wife of Eugene Duietch, of Ridgeland.

Otis M. Blyton, an estimable farmer of section 30, Dallas township, was born on a pioneer farm in the township where he still resides, Oct. 17, 1873, the son of Dewilton and Flora (Grover) Blyton. He attended the district school, learned farming from his father, and stayed at home until after attaining his majority. In 1895 he bought 80 acres in section 30, Dallas Town¬ ship, and later 40 acres more in the same section, making a total of 120 acres. This was all wild land. He has fenced the entire tract and has put 60 acres under cultivation. He has also put up a fine set of buildings. A round barn, 60 feet in diameter, of cement block and concrete structure, has just been completed. It is probably the best barn in the Township, of its kind, and is a land mark for miles around. The buildings are surrounded with a pleasant lawn, the farm equipment is good, and everything about the place bespeaks the thrift and good judgment of the owner. Mr. Blyton successfully carries on general farming and dairying, and has a good herd of Holstein cattle headed by a full blooded sire, and a good herd of Duroc- Jersey swine. As the father of a family, he is interested in education, and is now serving with credit as clerk of his school district. Mr. Blyton was married Oct. 4, 1897, to Olive Keyes, who was born at Holgate, Ohio, the daughter of Lucius and Hattie (Fauver) Keyes. Mr. and Mrs. Blyton have twelve children. Ailsie M. was born June 24, 1899, and is the wife of Joseph LaFreniere, of Minneapolis. Wil¬ bert F. was born Aug. 3, 1900 and is a barber at Ridgeland. Verna B. was born July 1, 1902, and is the wife of Amos Jacobson, of Dallas Township. Hattie C. was born Feb. 7, 1904; Nina P. was born April 20, 1905; Thomas W. was born March 18, 1908; Irvin O. was born Nov. 26, 1909; Eva R. was born Dec. 27, 1911; Clifford K. was born Dec. 15, 1913; Otto M. was born Feb. 3, 1915; Alta F. was born June 5, 1916, and Joyce E. was born Jan. 3, 1918.

Lucius Keyes, for some twenty years a substantial resident of Dallas Township, was born in New York State and was there reared and educated. As a young man he came westward to Ohio, and there married Hattie Fauver, a native of that state. In 1892 they came to Wisconsin, and settled on 160 acres in Section 22, Dallas Township. Here he put up a set of buildings, cleared and broke some of the land, and became one of the successful and prosperous men of the community. In 1913 he sold the place and moved to Excellsior, Minn., where he still lives. His wife died Sept. 15, 1914. They were the parents of nine children: Wesley, Eleanor, Bessie, Edna, Walter, Addie, Mil¬ dred, Dorothy and Olive.

Andrew Jergenson, the enterprising proprietor of the well-known and fertile Clover Lawn Stock Farm, Section 8, Clinton Township, was born in Sweden, July 26, 1863, the son of George and Hannah Anderson, who spent the span of their years in the old country. In the family there were five children. Ida, Andrew, Nels, Matilda and Gertrude, of whom the three last mentioned are dead. Andrew was reared in Sweden, went to school there, and as a young man worked on farms and on' the railroads. He came to the United States in 1889, and located at St. Paul, Minn. For some years he was variously employed, at his trade as a mason, on farms, in the woods, and then for three years in building bridges, round houses, and the like. In 1895 he came to Barron County and bought 80 acres in Section 8, Clinton Township. In 1910 he added 80 more in the same section. The first tract he bought was all wild, covered with standing timber. He built a log cabin, moved his family into it, and started clearing up the land. With this beginning he has built up the farm which is now regarded as a model. He replaced the log cabin with a frame building, which he has remodeled with a pleasant 7-room residence, with a number of conveniences, including furnace heat. His barn is 72 by 22 feet, with a lbahto, 16 by 60 feet, for a cow barn. The set of buildings also includes a silo, machine shed, two granaries, and the like, and there is a good well and wind¬ mill. The farm is equipped with modern machinery and many labor saving devices. Here Mr. Jergenson successfully carries on general farming and dairying, and has a good herd of graded Airshires. Cream is sold to the Barron Creamery Co. Mr. Jergenson is interested in all the affairs of the community, and has served as a member of the school board of his district. Fraternally he is a member of the Modern Woodmen. He was married at Cumberland, May 9, 1902, to Sarah Beecroft, a native of England, and daughter of Thomas and Anna Beecroft, who were early settlers of Clinton Township. Of the fourteen children in the Beecroft family those now living are: Herbert, Frank, Anna, wife of Al. Wistrom, of Almena; Thomas, Harry, James, Jane, wife of Matthew Matice, on the home farm; Alice, widow of George Baker; Mary and Sarah. Mr. and Mrs. Jergenson have had nine children: George, William, Mildred, Ethel, Norma and Benjamin, at home; and Gertrude, Thomas and Daniel, deceased. They have also an adopted boy Henning, who served eight months in France with a medical unit and is now farming near Frederick, Wis.

Lebold Frisle, early settler, was an excellent example of the men who came to this country with nothing but their strength and ambition, and by hard work and self sacrifice obtained a competence for themselves and an honor¬ able heritage for their family. He was born and reared in Austria, and there married Frances Foster, likewise a native of that country. In 1871 he started for America with his wife and four children : Cornelia, Mary, Ferdinand (who died soon afterward) and John. They arrived in due time at Durand, Pepin County this state, and for a while Mr. Frisle worked at such employment as he could obtain, all the time looking forward to some day settling on a farm. In 1877 he walked into Barron County, and selected a location on 80 acres of school land in Section 24, Prairie Farm Township. Soon afterward he drove his family in with an ox team, taking five days to make the trip. He put up a log house, 16 by 26 feet, and a log stable, 16 by 20 feet, and thus made his start. He had the oxen, he had a few cows he had brought in from Durand, and he was thus a little better off than some of his neighbors. As time passed he built up a good place and added to his possessions until he owned 240 acres. After a long and useful life, he died April 26, 1918, at the age of 84 years. His wife died July 28, 1911 at the age of 70 years. In addition to the children born in Austria, two, Agnes and Elizabeth were born in Durand, and four, Fred, Henry, Julia and Christ, were born in Barron County. The family faith is that of the Roman Catholic Church.

John Frisle, the progressive proprietor of the "Twinkling Star Ranch," Section 13, Prairie Farm Township, was born in Austria, the son of Lebold and Frances (Foster) Frisle, who brought him to Pepin County, this state, in 1871, and to Prairie Farm Township in 1877. He attended the Pleasant Creek school, and was reared to farm pursuits on the home farm. As a young man he worked thirteen winters in the lumber woods, and one season on the river drives. In 1886 he purchased, from his father, 80 acres of heavily wooded land in Sec¬ tion 24, Prairie Farm Township. He put up a frame house, 14 by 22 by 8 feet, and a hay shed, and started to clear a farm among the trees. As success came to him, he erected an eight-room modern home, and a barn 22 by 30 feet, as well as other buildings. There he farmed for sixteen years. Then, in 1902, he bought his present place of 80 acres. The location of this place is especially advantageous and sightly, and Mr. Frisle has taken much pride in its appear¬ ance. He has remodeled and enlarged the house, he has put up a barn, 30 by 50 feet, and made other improvements, including the installation of electric lights and running water. He here carries on general farming and dairying along profitable lines. He believes in everything that has for its object the progress of the community, and has taken shares in the Ridgeland Co-opera¬ tive Creamery, the Prairie Farm Co-operative Store and the State Bank of

Ridgeland. Mr. Frisle was married on Dec. 31, 1913 to Mary Frasl, who was born at Ridgeland, on Dec. 27, 1894, the daughter of Michael and Emma (Cole) Frasl. Mr. and Mrs. Frisle have three children: Markie, Angie and Paul.

Henry Anderson, a representative farmer of Section 17, Prairie Farm Township, was born in Norway, Sept. 24, 1866, the son of Henry and Segret (Severson) Anderson, and the fourth of their eight children. He was reared on a farm in his native land and attended the parish schools. In 1879 he came to America, and found his way to Menomonie, Dunn county, this state, where he found employment and was sent to Cedar Falls in the same county. In 1888 he went to Polk County, this state, and was there employed in the lumber woods and in sawmills for seven years. In 1896 he located on 80 acres of wild land in Section 17, Prairie Farm, which he had purchased a few years previous. A log cabin had been erected into which he moved his wife and child. Then he started to clear the land and establish a farm. For a while it was hard to get along. But as the years passed he prospered, and his hard work has resulted in well deserved success. He has enlarged the log house into a frame dwelling, he has built a barn, 70 by 34 feet, and he has put up other buildings. He has cleared a good part of the land, he has put up fences, and he has purchased suitable tools, implements and machinery. He carries on general farming on a prosperous scale, and has a good dairy herd. The cream from his herd is sold to the Prairie Farm Co-operative Creamery, in which he is a stockholder. Mr. Anderson is highly esteemed and respected, and is held in the highest regard for his real worth, industry, and unswerving integrity. He is interested in good roads and has served for a while as pathmaster. He has been active in the Norwegian Lutheran Church at Prairie Farm, and has served as one of its trustees. Mr. Anderson was married at Prairie Farm in 1886, to Sophia Nelson, who was born in Norway, March 1, 1866, the daughter of Nils and Dedjica Nelson. This union has been blessed with eight children : Alfred, Diedrich, Anna (wife of Otto Holby of Vance Creek), Harry, Anna, Inga, Amanda and Julia.

Carl Ludwic Borson, a representative and industrious citizen of Prairie Farm village, planing mill operator, threshing outfit owner, and expert ma¬ chinist and engineer, was born in Jackson County, this state, Feb. 9, 1866, the son of Anton and Sarah (Larson) Borson. He was brought to Sheridan town¬ ship, Dunn County, as a child, attended the log school house, and grew up to farm work. In 1887 he located on a farm in Sheridan Township, Dunn County, and there successfully farmed for several years. In 1900 he came to Prairie Farm Village, and has since had charge of the planning mill here. For twelve winters as a young man, Mr. Borson worked in the lumber woods and for thirteen springs he worked on the river drives. Being of a mechanical turn of mind he has been interested in engines and machinery since boyhood. Since 1893 he has owned a complete threshing outfit, and for 26 falls has operated it in the harvest fields of North Dakota. He is thoroughly familiar with his chosen line, is a man of genial temperament and upright dealing, and is highly esteemed by all who know him, being regarded as a valuable and useful citizen. Mr. Borson was married at Groutsburg on July 12, 1891, to Sophie Turner, who was born in Dunn County, this state in 1873, the daughter of David and Soloma Turner, of English descent. She died in Prairie Farm Village, Jan. 11, 1904/ leaving four children. Cleo is the wife of Louis Moe, of Prairie Farm Township. Lou is a telephone operator at Sand Creek, in Dunn County. Bernice is a telephone operator at Cumberland, in this county. Gus is in the United States navy. On Dec. 23, 1904, Mr. Borson was married at Prairie Farm to Bertha Clumpner, who was born at Necedah, Wis., in 1866, the daughter of William and Evelyn Clumpner. She died at Prairie Farm Vil¬ lage in October, 1914. Aug. 27, 1916, Mr. Borson married Ella, the widow of John E. Quam, and the daughter of Isaac Sprague, the pioneer of Prairie Farm, where she was born in the Sprague Hotel, on Feb. 21, 1880. She was married in 1904 to John E. Quam, who was born at La Crosse, Wis., Dec. 24, 1872, spent most of his early life in Barron and Dunn counties, and then moved to Spirit Lake, Idaho, where he died on Jan. 30, 1912. He left besides his wife, a daughter, Gladys, who is now a telephone operator at Prairie Farm Village. Anton Borson, father of Carl Ludwic Borson, and a veteran of the Civil War, was born in Norway and was there reared and attended school. He was a deep reader from early boyhood, and became a thorough believer in a Re¬ publican form of government. Therefore when he learned of the danger to the American Republic in the Rebellion, he came to this country and enlisted in the Northern army, serving with distinction in Co. I, 16th Wis. Vol. Inf. He married Sarah Larson, also a native of Norway, and came to Sheridan Township, Dunn County, to work on the Washburn farm. He was well known in both Dunn and Barron counties.

Dedrick Wold, building contractor and prosperous farmer of Section 8, Prairie Township, was born in Tgotha Kellegbland, Norway, July 17, 1874, the son of Andreas and Inger Wold, who spent the span of their years in the old country. Dedrick was the fourth of five children. He received his education in his native land and as a youth was apprenticed to a blacksmith, from whom he learned the trade. As a young man he married. He brought his family to America in 1891, and came directly to Barron County, where he secured his present tract of 80 acres in section 8, Prairie Farm Township. The expenses of making the move were much greater than he had planned, and when he reached here he had but $60 left. But he started in and got along the best he could. The second year he was able to get a cow. The third year he got a horse. In the thirty years that he has occupied the farm, he has built up a most excellent place. The house, which has been enlarged and improved from time to time, is a comfortable home; the barn is commodious, and the sheds and out-buildings are substantial and in the best of repair. The land is well improved and well fenced. The equipment in tools, implements and machinery is adequate in every way. Here Mr. Wold successfully carries on general farming and dairying, and has a good herd of stock - Shorthorns and Holsteins. He sells his cream to the Prairie Farm Co-operative Creamery in which he is a shareholder. Since 1905, Mr. Wold, in connection with his farming, has been a building contractor. Many of the farm buildings throughout the township testify to the fidelity with which he has labored and to his skill as an artisan. Mr. Wold is a good citizen and a good business man, he has the absolute confidence of all with whom he has dealings, and his standing is without blemish. He is a loyal and patriotic citizen, and does his duty in life as he sees it. Mr. Wold was married in Norway to Sela Peterson, who was born in 1872, and died July 22, 1911. This union was blessed with nine children: Arne Parelius, Julius Invald, Aage, Selmer Dedrick, Calmar, Agnes Marie, Astrid Amanda, and Emil and Hilda (twins). Aage died June 1, 1921. He was born Sept. 21, 1900. Mr. Wold was married, Nov. 26, 1915, to lngeborg Takle, who was born in Norway, July 31, 1872, the daughter of Fortcil and Orlaug Takle. The family faith is that of the Norwegian Luth¬ eran Church.

Christian Woxen, a worthy pioneer, now deceased, was born in Norway, and was there reared and educated. As a young man he married Randy Sorenson. In 1864 they determined to try their fortunes amid the better opportunities of the New World. Accordingly they came to this country, making the trip on an old fashioned sailing boat. They reached Elk Mound, in Chippewa County, this state, just twelve weeks from the time they had bidden farewell to their old home. They lived in Elk Mound a year, then moved to Menomonie, in Dunn County, this state, where they also lived a year. In 1868 he came to Barron County, driving in with a hired team, and bringing his wife and two children, Anna and Bess. He settled on a tract of wild land in Section^ 80, Prairie Farm Township, erected a log cabin, cleared a garden spot, and started farming with a cow and two pigs. For some years he spent his winters in the lumber woods to get a little money for the support of his family, while he was starting his farm. For a while life was rather hard for the little family. The farm was away from roads and trails, there were but few settlers, provisions had to be brought in from far away points. But soon the township began to grow, and neighbors became more plentiful. Mr. Woxen and his wife were kindly, hospitable people, and opened their little cabin to many of the new comers who had not yet erected their homes. As time passed, Mr. Woxen replaced his log cabin with a good set of farm buildings, and built up a good farm. After a useful life he died Dec. 6, 1897, at the age of 69. His good wife died at the same age in 1912. Both were Christian peo¬ ple of many excellent traits, goodly church goers and generous friends, and their deaths were sincerely mourned. Their family and their friends will long cherish their memory. Of the two children brought here, Bess died. Those born on this place were: Julia, Conrad, Mary, Louis, Inga, Rekka (now deceased) and Bess (second). The family faith is that of the Norwegian Lutheran Church.

Conrad Woxen, a progressive farmer of Section 30, Prairie Farm Town¬ ship, is a native of the farm which he still owns and operates, born June 10, 1876, the son of Christian and Randy (Sorenson) Woxen, the pioneers. He was reared on the home place, helped to clear it up, attended school in the neighborhood and learned farming from his father. He gradually took over the responsibilities of the place, and in 1912 became its owner. He has put up a good set of buildings, and has continued the clearing and improvement of the land. He believes in scientific methods, he farms along the latest approved lines, and his operations have been successful. He takes his share in everything that has for its object the betterment of the community and he is regarded as a useful and valuable citizen of the community. For one term he did good work as assessor of the township. He has also given excellent service as a member of the board of his school district. Like his parents be¬ fore him, he is a loyal supporter of the Norwegian Lutheran Church. His sister, Inga, keeps house for him.

Albert N. Wilson, a prosperous farmer of Section 31, Sumner Township, was born in Brookfield, Waukesha County, this state, July 11, 1861, the son of Orrin M. and Ladorna (Grover) Wilson. Orrin Wilson was born in New York State, and came to Wisconsin as a young man. At the outbreak of the Civil War, he enlisted in Co. A, 28th Wis. Vol. Inf., and served with valor, died in service, and is buried at Pine Bluff, Ark. He married Ladorna Grover, who was born in Birdsell, Algoma County, New York, April 13, 1836, and died in Barron County, Wis., Dec. 24, 1920, the daughter of Morgan L. and Harriet (Barber) Grover. Morgan L. Grover was born Dec. 10, 1816, and was married in 1833 to Harriet Barber. He was the son of Solomon and Betsey (Stowe) Grover, the former of whom was born May 17, 1776, and the latter Dec. 22, 1777. Orrin Wilson and his wife had six children: Harriet, Morgan, Lamira, Byron, Albert N. and Arthur O. The subject of this sketch was reared in Sauk County, this state. At the age of sixteen he struck out for himself, and worked on farms and in the lumber woods. As a young man he home¬ steaded 120 acres in what was then Bloomer Township, but which is now Strickland Township, Rusk County, this state, where he erected a long cabin and started clearing the land. By hard work he developed a good farm and erected a suitable set of buildings. He attained prominence in his locality, and for three years was town treasurer. His first visit to Barron County was made in 1877, when he first started out for himself. In 1900, after selling his homestead, he bought an improved farm of 100 acres in Dallas Town¬ ship. A year later he sold out. At that time he bought two tracts of land in Chetek Township, 160 acres two miles west of the village, and 80 acres two miles east of it. In 1902 he bought his present place in Section 31, Sumner Township. To make the trip with his goods from Sumner Village to his home¬ stead, cutting the trail through the woods as he went, he took nine and a half days. The land upon which he settled was entirely wild, a dismal tract, covered with stumps and brush. But he was accustomed to pioneering, he knew the possibilities of the fertile soil, and he set to work with a will to develop a farm. He now has a good place, with good buildings, and is one of the substantial and successful men of the community. He carries on general farming, and makes a specialty of a special strain of full blooded registered Holstein cattle. Mr. Wilson is a supporter of everything that is for the betterment and progress of the community, was one of the prime movers in putting the rural telephone line in his neighborhood, and holds stock in the telephone company, the creamery and the store. As the father of children, he is a thorough believer in education, and has done good service on the school board. Mr. Wilson was married at Chetek, on Aug. 12, 1894, to Philinea C.' Howard, who was born May 28, 1872, oldest of the six children of Thomas J. and Ellen (Ward) Howard, natives respectively of Indiana and Maine, who came to Barron County in 1868, and located on a homestead of 160 acres in Dallas Township, where he spent the remainder of his life. He died at the age of eighty-one and she is still living on the homestead. Mr. and Mrs. Wilson have five children: Madge Ladorna, a teacher; Myrtle Elenora and Iva Pauline, who are training as nurses at the Englewood Hos¬ pital, Chicago ; Grace Alberta, who is a student at the Barron County Training School, Rice Lake; and Lillian Lucille, at home. The family faith is that of the Free Methodist Church.

John Wirth, the prosperous and progressive owner of the Boxelder Grove Dairy Farm, Section 26, Prairie Farm, is a native of this township, born in a log cabin on the home farm in Section 26, the son of Daniel and Katherine (Miller) Wirth, the pioneers. He was reared on the home farm and attended the district school. As a young man he was employed for several seasons as a driver by John Quaderer, a famous character of the lumbering days. After his death, Mr. Wirth was similarly employed by Knapp, Stout & Co. As a driver he usually handled a four-ox team. In 1896 he purchased his present place of 200 acres. It was then practically wild, no buildings having been erected, and but six or seven acres having been broken. It is interesting to contrast conditions on the farm then with what they are now. His first home was a small, house of one room. Additions have been made until it is now a pleasant and comfortable farm home. The first barn was a small structure of logs, with a roof made of slabs. The present barn, which was built in 1916, is a fine structure, 36 by 80 feet, with full basement. Both house and barn are illuminated with a carbide light system. Water was obtained from an open well, being drawn to the surface with buckets and ropes. In the winter time the ropes often had to be thawed out in the kitchen, before they could be used to draw up the water. Now water is pumped from a deep well by power, and forced through pipes to the house and barn. His motive power for the farm work was furnished by a pair of colts, and he had one cow to supply milk for household use. Now he has a good number of horses, a fine herd of Holsteins, a large drove of swine, and other animals, and he has tools, implements and machinery adequate for all his work. The taxes the year he bought the farm were $21.23; in 1920 they were nearly $360. In the early days, when he hauled hay and oats to Barron, he received $4 a ton for the hay and eleven cents a bushel for the oats, a decided contrast to the prices received for farm produce during the World War. Busy as he has been in building up his farm, Mr. Wirth has found time to take an interest in the things that have counted in the upbuilding of the community at large. When the Ridgeland Creamery was proposed, he was the second man that signed, and he is now its manager. He is a shareholder in the Farmers State Bank of Ridgeland, the Farmers Store Company, and the Prairie Farm Telephone Co. In town affairs he has been constable and he has served on the school board of his district. He is a member of the German Lutheran Church, and was a member of the building committee when the present church was built in 1916 in Prairie Farm Township. Mr. Wirth was married July 21, 1898, to Lena Kurschner, who was born in Prairie Farm Township, March 7, 1879, the daughter of Valentine and Wilhelmena Kurchner, the pioneers. This union has been blessed with a fine family of ten children: Mabel, Edwin, Eva, Alma, Emil, Otto, May, Alice, Paul and Laura, all of whom are at home.