Barron County, Wisconsin - Chapter 13: Biographical and Geneological Review, 1922 (part 18 of 46)

Charles Rich, proprietor of the Chetek Feed Mill, has a growing establish¬ ment of considerable importance. He established his business in 1919 when he erected his plant in Bank's addition, near the Omaha Railroad tracks. He in¬ stalled modern machinery and modern equipment, and does a good business in manufacturing flour and other cereal products and grinding feed. In the win¬ ter of 1920-21 he built an addition, 40 by 40 feet. A spur track will soon be laid to facilitate the shipping of corn, flour, bran, shorts and feed, and Mr. Rich is also contemplating the erection of an elevator to supplement his present warehouse. His business is a growing one, the business in 1920 was over double that of 1919, and Mr. Rich is regarded as one of the good business men of the place. He is thorough in his work, honorable in all his dealings, and familiar with all lines of the grain and flour trade. Charles Rich was born in Tunnell City, Monroe County, this state, April 5, 1881, son of Samuel S. and Saphronia (Smith) Rich, early settlers, who moved from there to near Prairie du Chien, and thence to this county, where both died. In the family there were twelve children, eight of whom live in Barron County, and two in Canada, and two of whom are dead. Charles Rich came to this county with his parents, and attended the "Stub Hollow" school in Dovre Township. As a young man he became interested in the gas engine business. Later he grad¬ uated from an electrical engineering course at Superior. Subsequntly, he fol¬ lowed that line for a few years. He was then interested in the flour mill busi¬ ness at Chetek until establishing his present place. Mr. Rich is a stockholder in the Wisconsin Stock Farm Co., of Chetek; the Chetek Auto Co., of Chetek; the Pan-Motor Co., of St. Cloud, Minn.; the Ko Klice Oil Co., of Oklahoma; and the U. S. Switch Co., at Eau Claire, Wis. Fraternally, he is a member of the I. O. O. F., the Modern Woodmen and the Good Templars. He and his fam¬ ily are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church at Chetek. Mr. Rich was married April 19, 1918, at Chetek, to Christina Hansen, born at Hildreth, Neb., daughter of H. J. and Dorothy Hansen, who came to this county some twenty years ago. Mr. and Mrs. Rich have one child, Dorothy, born Nov. 24, 1919.

Peter C. Pearson, a representative farmer of Section 4, Almena Township, was born in Sweden, June 2, 1864, the son of Peter Nelson and Johanna Pear¬ son, also natives of that country. The mother died there, and the father, in 1866, came to this country and located in Minneapolis, where he spent the re¬ mainder of his life. In the family there were four children : Nels is in Sweden. Matilda, Fritz and Peter C. are in the United States. Peter C. was reared in Sweden, went to school there, and as a young man did farm work. He came to America in 1888, and located in Minneapolis. In 1891 he went to Polk County, in this state, and farmed there. In 1900 he came to Barron County, and bought 80 acres of partly improved land in Section 4, Almena Township. To this place he has since devoted his attention, and has added to it until he now has 227 acres of good land, all in the same section, with some 50 acres under the plow. He has remodeled the house, has built a barn, 30 by 50 feet, with six¬ teen foot posts, a machine shed, tile chicken house, and other buildings. Here he successfully carries on general farming and dairying. He has graded Dur¬ ham cattle, Duroc-Jersey swine, and Rhode Island Red chickens. The farm is well equipped with tools, implements and machinery. Mr. Pearson takes his part in all the affairs of the community, and is a good citizen in every respect. For some years he has served as road overseer for his district. His financial holdings include stock in the Almena Telephone Co. Mr. Pearson was married in Turtle Lake, this county, July 4, 1893, to Elva Shaw, who was born in Ohio on Feb. 27, 1872, the daughter of Isaac and Lottie Shaw, natives respectively of Maine and Ohio, and descended from early New England stock. Wallace Mann, father of Mrs. Shaw, served in the Civil War. One day when in the service, while riding on horseback after water, singing the old hymn, "I'm going home to die no more,'' he was struck by lightning and killed. Mrs. Pearson is a woman of education and culture, and has proven herself a per¬ son of gracious influence in the community. For some years she was a suc¬ cessful school teacher. Mr. and Mrs. Pearson have had eight children. Gladys married Oscar Wold, of Prairie Farm Township, this county. Lottie is the wife of August Stoeckig, of Turtle Lake Village. Pearl is the wife of Archie Thompson, of Menomonie, Wis. Clyde is unmarried. Dean accidentally shot himself while hunting. Marion Earnet and one unnamed infant are also dead. The family faith is that of the Baptist Church.

Nels John Forsell, now deceased, an early farmer of Cumberland Town¬ ship, and for nearly forty years one of its most industrious and best known citizens, was born in Byske, Sweden, Sept. 4, 1851. He attended school there and early went into the woods, where he became an expert at hewing logs with a broad axe. He came to America in 1882, landed in New York, and found his way to Cumberland, and in company with John Lundstrom, purchased 40 acres of land in Section 21, Cumberland Township. In 1887 he purchased his part¬ ner's interest. Later he bought 120 more acres in Section 21, and 40 acres in Section 16, making a fine farm of 200 acres in all. When he and his wife started home-making, they were confronted for several years with the hard¬ ships and privations of pioneer life. There was hard work to do in the house, there was hard work to do in getting the place cleared up and farming opera¬ tions started. For a while to get money before the farm could be made profit¬ able, Mr. Forsell worked in sawmills for the Beaver Lake Lumber Co. His skill with the broad axe stood him in good stead, and he not only hewed the heavy timbers for the substantial house which he built, but also for many houses built in the neighborhood. By hard work and pluck, Mr. Forsell and his wife gradually won success. He erected a fine set of buildings, which were among the most attractive in this vicinity, well kept, well painted, surrounded hy a pleasant yard, and in every way bespeaking the thrift and good taste of its owner. A man of vigorous strength, he was able to toil early and late, and his efforts were crowned with prosperity, and with the respect of his neighbors.

After a long and useful life, he died, May 6, 1921. The tributes to his life and character were many. A newspaper item, after speaking of his beautiful home and well-kept farm, said: "His life has always been in accord with the sur¬ roundings he so loved, at peace with the world. He was a consistent Christian gentleman, a useful American citizen, kind and considerate of his family, genial and generous with his friends, and among the most highly respected men in his community.*' His faith was that of the Swedish Lutheran Church. Mr. Forsell was married in Cumberland, Wis., to Anna F. Lundstrom, who was born in Sweden, Feb. 22, 1859, the daughter of Carl and Christina (Johnson) Lundstrom, who spent the span of their years in that country. Mr. and Mrs. Forsell had six children: Nels A., Herbert A., J. Edwin, Anna V., Hattie C. and C. Leonard. Nels A. was born July 3, 1886, and died May 25, 1889. Herbert A. was born March 8, 1887. J. Edwin is a veteran of the American Expeditionary Force. He was born June 27, 1890. On May 25, 1918, he was inducted into the United States service. He trained at Camp Grant, Rockford, Ill., and was assigned to Co. L, 343rd Infantry, 86th Division. He sailed from Camp Mer¬ ritt, N. J., Sept. 14, 1918, and landed at Southampton, England, Sept. 21, 1918, and then went to France. Much of his time there was spent in hospitals. He returned to the United States, Feb. 23, 1919, and was discharged at Camp Grant, March 11, 1919. Anna V. was born Dec. 20, 1892; Hattie C., Sept. 13, 1895; and C. Leonard, March 13, 1898. The children are all at home, and all are highly regarded and popular throughout the community.

John Westin, substantial land owner, leading citizen, and for nearly forty years a Cumberland Township farmer, was born in Sweden, July 26, 1851, the son of Andrew and Ulrika (Anderson) Westin, both of whom spent the span of their years in that country. He received his education in his native country, did farm work for several years. As a young man he became a sailor, and by application and attention, qualified as a second mate. He crossed the North Sea no less than nineteen times, and touched at nearly all the important ports on that body of water. After he left the sea, he purchased a farm, which he operated for several years. In 1882 he came to America, landed at New York, and found his way directly to Cumberland Township where, with Nels John¬ son and John Hedlund, they purchased 80 acres of wild land in Section 22, of which his share was 26 acres. Thus he made his start. He put up a small house, and started clearing the land. He worked early and late, used indus¬ try and intelligence in his methods, and as time passed, achieved a full meas¬ ure of prosperity. He worked in the logging camps to get funds to keep things going. He was never too busy, however, to think of the welfare of the town. He had great faith in the future of this region even when he found it little more than a wilderness. He encouraged others to settle here; he gave them advice as to getting started, and he helped them in every way possible. He foresaw the need of good roads, and helped to build many of the highways in his vicinity. By shrewd purchases, self-denial, and intelligent management, he has increased his holdings until he now owns 272 acres, of which he himself has cleared and broken 150 acres. The tract is divided into three farms, on each of which he has erected a fine set of buildings. In association with his son, Arthur, he operates all his land except 80 acres, which he rents. The home place is one of the most sightly to be found in the neighborhood, with well-kept buildings, a good lawn, and a full equipment of implements, tools and machinery. Mr. Westin successfully carries on general farming and dairy¬ ing on an extensive scale, and has a good herd of Holstein and Durham grades. As the father of children, he is interested in education, and has done good service on the school board. He is in every way all that a good citizen should be, and his efforts have played a real part in the development of the town¬ ship. Mr. Westin was married in Sweden. Nov. 25, 1879, to Minnie Lundquist, who was born in that county, Dec. 15, 1851, the daughter of Daniel and Eva (Larson) Lundquist, who spent the span of their years in that country. This union has been blessed with four children : Elis V., L. Arthur, Marie A. and

James E. Elis V. was born Aug. 26, 1881, and for fifteen years has been a wellknown insurance man of Rockford, Ill. L. Arthur was born April 27, 1884, and is his father's partner on the farm. He is a good farmer, a good business man and a good citizen ; he takes his part in local affairs, and is highly regarded by all who know him. Marie A. was born March 19, 1887, and is the wife of Carl Erickson, of Cumberland Township. James E. was born March 6, 1890, and is now operating the branch office of the Free Sewings Machine Co. at Spokane, Washington. The family faith is that of the Swedish Lutheran Church.

Hans T. Solum, for nearly twenty-five years a resident of Section 3, Cum¬ berland Township, was born in Norway, Jan. 24, 1858, and was there reared and attended school. As a youth he worked on farms and in the woods. He came to America in 1880, landed in New York, and found his way directly to Cumber¬ land. He first purchased 80 acres in Section 3, and later added 40 more. Still later he sold 40 acres to his brother, Iver. He put up a log cabin, and in time brought his bride there. He built up a good set of log buildings and cleared about 30 acres. In 1904 he took up his home in Crosby, N. D. Mr. Solum was married Dec. 5, 1885, to Olia Olson, who was born in Norway on Oct. 9, 1854, the daughter of Arnie and Inga (Severson) Olson, both now deceased. This union has been blessed with eight children. Theodore was born Jan. 1. 1887. Albert was born Sept. 26, 1888. Edwin was born July 12, 1890. Ida A. was born Sept. 11, 1891, and is now the wife of John Worsley, of Superior, Wis. Henry was born March 25, 1893. Helma O. was born Dec. 4, 1894, and is the wife of Lester M. Bonett. John was born Nov. 17, 18%. Sophia was born July 5, 1898. For many years Mrs. Solum successfully conducted the home farm with the assistance of her sons. They have cleared and broken 30 more acres. In 1906 they erected a comfortable and pleasant home. In 1912 they put up a chicken coop and hog house. In 1910 they built a good barn, furnished with modern barn equipment. They successfully carry on general farming and dairying, and have a good herd of Holsteins with a full-blooded sire. They have stock in the Cumberland Light & Power Co., and in the Star Cheese Co. The youngest son, John, has been the manager of the farm since 1915. Mrs. Solum is a most worthy woman, of good business mind, and an excellent mother and neighbor. The sons are energetic and capable, and the family enjoys a most excellent standing in the community. The home is one of hospitality and good cheer, and the doors are always open to the family friends.

Ole J. Sandve, an energetic farmer of Section 12, Cumberland Township, was born in Norway, Dec. 4, 1875, the son of Johannes and Ingeburg (Olson) Halverson, also natives of that country. The father followed the seas as a sailor for many years, and visited practically all the principal ports of the world. He is now dead, and the mother is still living in Norway. There are six children in the family: Sigward, Louisa, Hannah, Johannah, Laura and Ole J., all of whom except the last named are still in Norway. The subject of this sketch was reared and educated in Norway, and remained at home until he was seventeen years of age. He came to America in 1893, landed in New York, and went from there to Norway, Iowa, where he did farm work for three years. Then he worked in Marshalltown, Iowa, for a year. From there he went back to Norway, Iowa. In the meantime he heard of the possibilities of Barron County, and accordingly in 1900 he came here and bought 80 acres of wild land in Section 12, Cumberland Township. He cleared up 36 acres, and built a small house, and outbuildings, got things started, and farmed there ten years. In 1910 he went to Marshall County, South Dakota, and rented a farm there for five years. In 1915 he returned to his Barron County farm. His prosperity has increased by hard work and application, and in 1920 he erected a barn, 34 by 80 feet, furnished with full James equipment. Nearly all the lumber was sawed from logs cut on the place. Here Mr. Sandve successfully carries on general farming and dairying. He has a good herd of graded Holsteins, headed by a full blooded sire. In public life, Mr. Sandve has taken his share, and has been treasurer of his township a year and road overseer a year. He was married Dec. 7, 1896, to Gustena Gran, who was born Sept. 21, 1872, the daughter of Gustav and Olena (Olson) Gran, both of whom are now dead. Mr. and Mrs. Sandve have six children. Jennie J. was born Feb. 1, 1897, and is the wife of Martin Wickre, of Marshaltown, S. D. Gustav A. was born June 24, 1899, and is in Marshall County, S. D. Arthur was born April 3, 1902; Harry was born Nov. 18, 1903; Oscar was born May 26, 1909, and Reuben was born Dec. 28, 1913. The family faith is that of the Norwegian Lutheran Church.

William E. Shoemaker, a thoroughly modern farmer of Section 4, Clinton Township, was born in Avoca, Iowa County, Wis., Sept. 16, 1866, the son of Herman and Oleva Shoemaker, natives respectively of Germany and Canada. The father was for many years a blacksmith at Avoca, and there he died in 1871, his wife continuing to live there until her death, in 1896. Of their five children, there are now living two. George is in the telephone service in St. Paul, Minn. William E. was reared on the home farm and attended school there. As a young man he went to Redfield, Spink County, N. D., and re¬ mained two years. Upon his return he became a cheese maker, an occupa¬ tion which he followed in his native county for many years. Late in 1904 he came to Barron County, and purchased 80 acres of cut over land in Section 4, Clinton Township. A small frame house and a cow barn had been erected, and a small tract had been cleared. From this beginning, Mr. Shoemaker has built up as good a place as is to be found in the neighborhood. He has an eight-room residence, covered with stucco, and furnished with modern con¬ veniences: The barn is a commodious structure, 24 by 70 feet, with a lean to, 18 by 65 feet for stock. There are two silos, 10 by 24 and 12 by 24, a machine shed, 18 by 60 feet, granary, 16 by 32, and other buildings. The yard is ample and sightly. House, barns and grounds are illuminated with electricity. Modern machinery and labor saving devices add to the equipment of the place, and a Titon tractor lightens the labor. Mr. Shoemaker has a good herd of graded Guernseys, with one registered cow, and a registered sire. His swine are pure blooded Poland-China. He also has a fine flock of pure blooded brown Leghorn Chickens. As the father of children, Mr. Shoemaker is interested in education, and has served as a member of the school board of his district. Fraternally he is a popular member of the Modern Woodmen, his wife is a member of the Royal Neighbors. All in all he is a man of real usefulness, a fine type of the active aggressive modern farmer of the present day, and he is doing his share in every' way in the development of his community and of the county at large. Mr. Shoemaker was married at Highland, Iowa County, Wis., March 9, 1897, to Rocelia Anding, who was born at Highland, Jan. 6, 1878, the daughter of Fred W. and Louise (Schwingle) Anding, natives respectively of Germany and of Dansville, New York State. They were married March 11, 1873. The father came to the United States as a child, and was reared in Wisconsin. He still lives in Highland, Iowa County, where he has farmed for so many years, and his wife, born May 9, 1864, died in 1916. In the Anding family there were eleven children: Clara, Emma, Louise, Rocelia, Cora, Kate, lima, Fred, Oscar, Otto and George (deceased). Clara is the wife of Ed. Zemlicka, of Highland, Wis. Emma is the wife of Frank Klingele, also of Highland. Louisa is the wife of Frank Baker, of Hudson, Wis. Cora is the wife of John Bach, of Highland. Kate is the wife of John Zemlicka, of Cobb, Wis. lima is the wife of Frank Zemlicka, of Ida, S. D. Mr. and Mrs. Shoe¬ maker have two children. Ruth is a proficient teacher. She graduated from the Barron County Training School at Rice Lake in 1916. Howard did well with his studies in the Cumberland High School and is now attending the Ripon College.

George Speed, Wisconsin pioneer, came to Wisconsin with his wife and oldest child, from New York State. They lived a year in Racine, and then farmed a few years in Columbia County. Then they settled in Juneau County, where they farmed for a short period. In 1873 they came to Barron County and took a homestead in Section 6, Dallas Township. This was all wild land, covered with heavy timber. They cleared and cultivated some of it and erected suitable buildings. Here they carried on general farming for many years. Then they moved to Barron City. He died suddenly while attending the funeral of the wife of his son, Walter, at Chetek. His wife died at the home of their son, Frank, in Chetek Township. Three of their children, Silas, Walter and Frank, lived to adult years. Silas, now deceased, was at one time sheriff of Barron County. Walter was at one time editor of the Chetek "Alert." He owns the farm now operated by his brother, Frank, but spends much of his time in Oregon.

Frank Speed, residing on a farm near the western limits of Chetek City, was born in the town of Lowville, Columbia County, Wis., May 27, 1854, son of George and Annie L. (Bonsteel) Speed. He was reared in Juneau County, and came to Barron County with his parents in 1873. For many years he was variously employed as a railroad man and as a farmer. He was interested for a time in a sawmill at Barron, in company with his brothers, Silas and Walter. In 1900 he first came to Chetek and helped in the office of the Chetek "Alert", then owned and edited by his brother, Walter. Then he again entered railroad work. He was employed in construction work near Cumber¬ land, in this county, and then became section foreman with headquarters at Haywood, in Sawyer County. Then he came back to Barron County, and worked on the construction of the "Soo" through the county. Afterward he was section foreman on a section some seven miles west of Rhinelander, Wis. His next employment was in the sawmill and lumber business at Barron, -in this county. Subsequently he worked in a planing mill at Strick¬ land in Rush County. In 1900 he took up his residence on the present farm. His time is largely occupied with his duties as night watchman at the plant of the Barron County Canning and Pickling Co. at Chetek. Mr. Speed is held in good respect by the community. He is a substantial and well-liked member of the Modern Woodmen. His wife belongs to the Rebekahas, the Royal Neighbors and the Woman's Relief Corps. Mr. Speed was married on July 3, 1881, to Edith Wood, born in Erie County, Penn., Aug. 6, 1865, daughter of Josiah and Sarah Jane (Utton) Wood, who came from Pennsylvania to Wiscon¬ sin in the seventies and settled near Lisbon, in Juneau County, afterward mov¬ ing to Barron County where they had forty acres east of Barron City. In 1890 he moved to Barron City. There the father died, Sept. 24, 1891. The mother took up her home with her daughter, Mrs. Frank Speed, with whom she lived for thirteen years until her death May 10, 1914. Mr. and Mrs. Frank Speed have had seven children: J. Don, Blanchp, Earl R., Ross, Margie, Lyle and Verna. J. Don was born Aug. 20, 1883, and is foreman of the Chetek factory of the Barron County Canning & Pickling Co. He married Etna Pryce and they have two children, Doris lone and Walter Lewis. Blanche was born Dec. 6, 1885, and died at the age of 14 months. Earl R. was born June 11, 1891, and is now supervising teacher in the East End High School at Superior, Wis. Ross was born May 9, 1892, and now operates his Uncle Walter's farm for his father. He was inducted into the United States service Aug. 2, 1918, was sent to Camp Taylor, Ky., and from there to Camp Merritt, N. J. He sailed for France Oct. 28, landed at Brest in a replacement division, was trans¬ ferred to the 107th Ammunition Train, 32nd Division, and with that Train participated in the Army of Occupation, guarding the Coblenz bridge head. He left Germany, April 21, 1919, sailed from Brest, May 1, and was discharged at Camp Grant, Rockford, Ill., May 24, 1919. Margie was bom July 11, 1894, and is now wife of Irving Tubbs, a Chetek blacksmith. Lyle was born Oct. 20, 1896, married Nettie Johnson, of Albertsville, Wis., and works in the office of the Cheteck "Alert". Verna was born Dec. 15, 1898, and is the wife of Bennie Knutson, of Chetek.

David Shields, a prosperous farmer of Section 13, Clinton township, was born in Canada, in 1867, the son of James and Mary Shields, who spent all their lives on farms in Canada. Of the eight children in the family there are now living six, John, Hugh, Harry, Matt, David and Minnie, all of whom live in Canada, except Matt, who is in Cumberland, this county, and David. David lost his father when he was five years old, and was reared on the farm by his mother. In 1883 he came to the States, and located at the Sault Ste Marie, working in the woods and on drives and rafts. From there he went to Ash¬ land, Wis. He then went to Cumberland and joined his brother, Matt. Two summers he spent in North Dakota. For a time he was employed in mills at Prairie Farm and Barron, in this county. In 1893 he bought 80 acres in Section 13, Clinton Township. This was all wild timber land. He moved into the old house which stood on the place, and started developing a farm. In 1910 he erected a modern nine-room house, equipped with such conveniences as electric lights, furnace heat, running hot and cold water and bath room. In 1915 he erected a barn, 34 by 86 feet, with full basement, and with modern equipment. He has the best of tools, implements and machinery, and every¬ thing about the place bespeaks his thrift and good judgment. He has a good herd of graded Holsteins, and a number of horses, and successfully carries on general farming and dairying, selling the cream to the Barron Creamery Co. Mr. Shields was married at Barron in 1891, to Christina Blair, the daughter of William and Margaret Blair, natives of Canada, and old settlers of Barron County. Mr. and Mrs. Shields have eight children : Ray, Gordon, Harry, Edward, Harold, David W., Jr., Goldie and Verna. Ray lives on a farm. He saw active service in France with the American Expeditionary Force.

Thomas Thompson, Sr., teacher and farmer, for many years a resident of Section 24, Clinton Township, was born in Norway, June 30, 1856, and was there reared and educated. As a young man he became a teacher, and this he followed until 1885. In that year he brought his family to America, and found his way directly to Barron County, where he worked in the sawmills at Cumberland and at Sprague. He saved his earnings, got along as best he could, and in 1892 bought a farm of 80 acres in section 24, Clinton Township. The land was all wild and covered with heavy timber. He put up a log house, and started clearing the land, using a yoke of oxen to help him in getting the logs off and the stumps out. He built up a nice farm, and as soon as he had enough of the land ready, successfully carried on general farming and dairying for many years. As prosperity permitted he sided over the log cabin and made it into a comfortable house. He also built a barn, 36 by 62 feet, with a lean-to, 32 by 32 feet. Other buildings were put up as necessity required. On this place he still makes his home, but the major part of the work is done by his sons. His wife, Gunhild, died Feb. 22, 1913, at the age of fifty-seven. They were the parents of six children: Thomas, Jr., Martin, Ole, Gilbert and Arthur, living, and Albert, deceased. Thomas, Jr., Ole and Gilbert are on the home farm. They are good citizens and good farm¬ ers, and their well directed efforts are meeting with success. Martin is a clerk in Poskin, and Arthur is also in that village. Arthur served in the 32nd Division, with the American Expeditionary Force in France and with the American Army of Occupation in Germany. Ole trained a year for aviation service in Florida.

Thomas Thompson, Jr., an energetic farmer of section 24, Clinton Town¬ ship, was born in Norway, Dec. 7, 1885, the son of Thomas and Gunhild Thompson, who brought him to Barron County when he was an infant of six months. He was reared and educated in this county, and as a young man helped to clear and operate the farm, and worked on the railroad sections and in the woods. He and his brother, Ole, took over the home farm which they now operate assisted by their brother Gilbert. They have purchased an additional 80 acres, making a good place of 160 acres. Here they successfully carry on general farming and dairying and have a good herd. Mr. Thompson was married at Barron, on June 17, 1911, to Sophie Hoff, who was born in Minneapolis, Minn., May 9, 1888, the daughter of Andrew and Elsie Hoff, natives of Norway, who came to Barron county in 1893, from Minneapolis, Minn., and settled in Clinton Township, where they now live. The father is a carpenter by trade, and has followed that in connection with farming. In the family there are three children, one having died in infancy. Sophie is the wife of Thomas Thompson, Jr. Anna is the wife of Peter Peterson, of Poskin. Sarah is the wife of George Schmidt, of Poskin. Mr. and Mrs. Thompson have four children: Gertrude, Elsie, Viola and Thelma, all at home. The family attends the Norwegian Lutheran Church, which Mr. Thompson helped to build, and of which he is a liberal supporter.

John Troan, a worthy early settler of Section 7, Clinton Township, who came through many hardships to a comfortable prosperity, and died with the honor and respect of the community, was born in Norway, Mar. 5, 1857, and as a youth learned the tailoring and shoemaking trade. In 1887 he came to Bar¬ ron County, and located at Comstock, in Cumberland Township, where he worked in the mills. That fall, he moved to Almena Township, and built a log cabin in which he lived for the winter with his family. In 1888, he purchased 160 acres in Section 7, Clinton Township, which was covered with stumps, trees and brush. He cut down a few of the trees, and used the logs to build a cabin in the little clearing he made. Then he started farming with one cow and a few chickens. He had no money, times were hard, the task of getting a little land under cultivation was long and arduous, and he and his family en¬ dured many privations and hardships. But they were willing to make sacrifices for the future, and bore the hard life cheerfully. As time passed, their toil brought prosperity. Mr. Troan became one of the substantial men of this region, one who always stood for everything that was right, and one whose worth and character were esteemed. He served for some time as a valued mem¬ ber of the school board. He was one of the stockholders in the Almena Tele¬ phone Co. After a long and useful life, he died, July 5, 1918. Mr. Troan was married in Norway on July 10, 1884, to Marie (Eggen) Troan, who was born Aug. 29, 1860, and is still living on the home farm. She is a most worthy woman, esteemed as a wife, mother and neighbor. In the family there are four children: Mary, Bertha, John, Jr., and Arnold. Mary married Knute Hagen, of Superior, and has three children. Bertha married Knut Knutson, of Cumberland, and has a fine pair of twin sons. John, Jr., operates the home farm for the mother, and Arnold assists him. John, Jr., was born April 7, 1889, and Arnold, Aug. 12, 1902. Both were reared here, assisted their father, and have always remained at home. They are men who stand well in the com¬ munity, and are well regarded as energetic and progressive citizens. They are successfully carrying on general farming and dairying, and have a good herd of graded Shorthorns. Cream is sold to the Barron Creamery Co. The farm is well equipped and is in a high stage of cultivation. The family faith is that of the Norwegian Lutheran Church.

William A. Selle, of Turtle Lake Township, proprietor of one of the best farms in Barron County, which he has himself developed by hard work through a period of 24 years, was born in Chicago, Ill., Sept. 5, 1861, son of Christopher and Henrietta Selle. The parents were both natives of Germany, the father coming to this country when a young man and the mother when a girl with her parents. They were married in Chicago about 1860, and in that city Mrs. Henrietta Selle died in 1866. Christopher Selle later contracted a second mar¬ riage and removed with his family in 1871 to Stanton County, Nebraska, and settled on a farm, where he resided until his death in June, 1899. The chil¬ dren of his first marriage were, William A., Christ, Henry and August, of whom Christ and Henry are now deceased. Of the second union, four children were born. William A Selle acquired his education in the common schools of Chi¬ cago. Afterwards, he assisted his father, both in his trade and on the farm. It was while residing in Nebraska that he was married, Sept. 5, 1886, to Amanda, daughter of Carl and Wilhelmina (Loarke) Lenser, of Stanton County, that state. He had previously bought 160 acres of prairie land, on which he and his wife began housekeeping. In December, 1888. he sold out and came to Barron County, buying 80 acres of land in Section 25, Turtle Lake Township. He was now confronted with a difficult proposition. The land was wild and without buildings, and his funds were at low ebb. As a first residence he con¬ structed a small board shanty and then began the pioneer labor of developing a farm, the difficulties of which are familiar to every early settler. Though for years in embarrassed circumstances, scarcely able to provide the necessaries of life, he persevered through good and bad fortune until he attained the goal of his ambition. The results are patent in his present admirable farm of 240 acres, all in one body of land, with its valuable stock and neat and substantial buildings. He now has under cultivation 100 acres, the balance being in pas¬ ture, and is carrying on general farming and dairying, having 30 milch cows of the Red Poll variety. His residence is a fine one and a half story house of six rooms. His frame barn measures 36 by 96 by 14 feet, with a basement of 8 feet for cattle, and is equipped with the James outfit. There is a separate horse barn; and among the other buildings are tool sheds, a hog house, poultry house, well house and garage. All the buildings are lighted by electricity, and are provided with running water. In the villages of Turtle Lake, Almena and Clayton, he has three convenient markets, which he can reach quickly with his seven-passenger Studebaker auto. For the past six years Mr. Selle has been a member of the school board of District No. 3. While in Nebraska he served an equal length of time on his school board there, and was also for a while township assessor. He and his wife have reared a family of eleven children, who were born as follows: Wilhelmina, July 17, 1887; August, Aug. 27, 1888; William, April 12, 1890; Amanda, May 22, 1892; Christian, Oct. 2, 1894; Hen¬ rietta, Nov. 1, 1896; Martha, March 3, 1898; Carl, November 24, 1900; Henry, Oct. 30, 1902; Julius, March 5, 1905; and Louisa, Nov. 15, 1907. Wilhelmina is now Mrs. August Eggert of Turtle Lake Township, and has four children, Paul, Herman, Sophia and Dora. William, who gave his life for his country, was inducted into the United States service July 23, 1918, and trained at Camp Grant, Ill. He went overseas Oct. 7, 1918, and was in the battle of the Argonne, as a member of Company D, 318th Infantry, 86th Division. Falling sick, he was taken to the hospital, where he died of pneumonia. Feb. 11, 1919. His body was sent home, and was laid to its eternal rest here, Jan. 16, 1921. August is a farmer of Stanton County, Nebraska. He was inducted into the service Jan. 23, 1918, trained at Camp Wadsworth, South Carolina, sailed for overseas Sept. 30, 1918, served with an ammunition train, returned to the States July 30, 1919, and was discharged at Camp Dodge, Iowa, July 29, 1919. Amanda is the wife of Henry Graunke of Turtle Lake Township and has three children, Emil, Arthur and August. Christian, as yet unmarried, is a farmer at Marsh Lake, Polk County, Wis. Henrietta is now Mrs. Theodore Hohneke of Wayne County, Nebraska, and has one child, Theodore. Martha, who resides at home, is organ¬ ist for the Silver Creek Lutheran Church. The other children are all on the home farm. Mr. Selle and his family are members of the church above men¬ tioned, taking an active part in its work. In politics he is a Republican.

Joseph Statton, early settler, now living retired in Cumberland, was born in Cornwall, England, Aug. 14, 1845, the son of Thomas and Felicia (Stevens) Statton, who, as young people, came from England to Mitchell, Province of Ontaria, Canada, and spent the remainder of their days farming. The subject of this sketch was brought to Canada as a child, and was there reared and educated. For some years he worked on the farm with his parents, and then learned the mason trade. In 1879 he came to the United States, and purchased 80 acres from Knapp, Stout & Co. in section 33, Cumberland Township. He erected a fine set of buildings and cleared the whole eighty. In erecting the buildings he did all the mason and carpenter work himself. He has also at different times done considerable contracting and building throughout the county. On his well developed farm, he successfully conducted general farm¬ ing and dairying for many years. His herd was of Red Poll and Durham cat- tie. He followed modern methods and was one of the prosperous men of his community. He believed in progress, and helped to build a number of the roads in the township. For some eight years he did good service as a mem¬ ber of his school board. In 1918 he sold the farm and moved to Cumberland, where he has a pleasant residence. Mr. Statton is a shrewd and prudent citizen. He has done his duty in life as he has seen it, he has ever been mindful of the rights of others, and he has had the best interests of the com¬ munity at heart. He is held in high regard, honored and respected by all with whom he comes in contact, and his judgment is sound and safe. He was married April 2, 1879, to Louisa Avery, who was born in Ontario, Canada, Dec. 14, 1858, the daughter of John and Susan (Baab) Avery, both now deceased. Mr. and Mrs. Statton have three children. Ethel was born Jan. 1, 1880, and is the wife of Sterling D. Shellito, of Washington State. Agnes was born Jan. 22, 1882, and is the wife of F. E. Utman, of St. Thomas, Canada. William T. was born April 6, 1887, and is a farmer of Cumberland Township.

William T. Statton, an enterprising farmer of section 27, Cumberland Township, is a native of the township where he now lives, having been born on Section 33, April 6, 1887, the son of Joseph and Louisa (Avery) Statton, early settlers. He attended the district school, was reared on the home farm, and learned farming from his father. In 1908 he bought his present place of 80 acres. He improved and renovated the buildings, and in 1916 erected a barn, 36 by 64 feet, furnished with full James equipment. Here he successfully carries on general farming and dairying. He is one of the active men of the community and is already making good strides along the road to success. Mr. Statton was married March 12, 1913, to Mabel Mullikin, who was born March 31, 1888, in Wisconsin, the daughter of Mack and Anna (Hinze) Mullikin, of Barron Township, this county. This union has been blessed with six chil¬ dren. Leota M. was born Jan. 30, 1914; Joseph W. was born Feb. 20, 1917; Ralph R. was born March 26, 1918; Don and Dale (twins) were born Aug. 20, 1919; and Evelyn Joyce, born April 19, 1921.

Peter Wold, a hard working farmer of Section 8, Clinton Township, was born in Norway, April 11, 1882, the son of Elef and Johanna Wold. These good people were born and reared and married in Norway, where for some years, Elef was a miner. They came to the United States in 1882, and settled on 40 acres in Section 8, Clinton Township. This was all wild land, and there were only a few settlers in the vicinity. He put up a log cabin, started clear¬ ing up the land, and began farming with an ox team. As time passed he developed a good farm, put up a good barn, silo, granary and other buildings, got part of the land under cultivation, and successfully carried on general farming. After a useful life, filled with worthy work, he died Dec. 31, 1916, and his death was sincerely mourned. Of the nine children, five are living. Emma is the wife of Peter Rice, of Whitearth, N. D. Mary is the wife of Peter Lien of Whitearth, N. D. Petrena is the wife of Andrew Steenberg of Whitearth, N. D. Ingle lives in New York City. Peter was brought to this county as an infant. He was reared here, attended the district school, and learned farming from his father. Gradually he assumed the responsibility of the place, and upon his father's death in 1916 bought it. He has continued the improvements started by his father, has cleared up more of the land, and purchased additional equipment. He has also erected a modern seven-room house. Here he successfully carries on general farming and dairying and has a good herd. He is a stockholder in the Alemena Telephone Co. He and his mother live together. A nephew, Elling Rice, also lives with them and helps operate the farm. They have a hospitable home, always open to their friends, they are taking their share in the affairs of the community, and all three are highly regarded by all who know them. The family faith is that of the Norwegian Lutheran Church.

Fred C. Schmidt, a modern and progressive farmer of Section 35 and 36, Cumberland Township, was born in Hoboken, New Jersey, Oct. 4, 1872, the son of Christian and Margaret (Buchin) Schmidt, natives of Germany. These good people came to America in 1871, and lived in Hoboken, N. J., until 1882, when they settled on a farm in Afton Township, Howard County, Iowa. There the father farmed until his death, May 5, 1913, and the mother now lives at Elma, Iowa. In the family there are four children: Johannah, now Mrs. Charles Stork, of Riceville, Iowa; Kate, the wife of August Lauck, of Howard Township, Howard County, Iowa; William, of St. Paul, and Fred C. Fred C. attended school in Iowa, and thoroughly learned farming from his father. For a time he worked as a farm laborer, and then rented a farm near Riceville, Iowa. For three years he farmed at Lake Benton, Minn., and for four years at Princeton, Minn. In 1907 he took over his father's farm and operated it for two years. He came to Barron County in 1909 and purchased 80 acres in Maple Grove Township. There he built up a good place. He sold in 1912, and bought his present place of 200 acres. He has christened the place the Maple Leaf Stock Farm. He rebuilt and remodeled all the buildings, put in such improvements as running water in the house and barns, beautified the lawn, rnd now has as sightly a farm place as is to be found in the neighborhood. He has cleared an additional 60 acres. The farm is well tilled and productive, and is equipped with good tools, implements and machinery. He successfully carries on general farming and dairying, and is well along the road to suc¬ cess. His cattle are graded Durhams, his sheep are purebred Shropshires, and his chickens full blooded Plymouth Rocks. He is thoroughly convinced of the advantages of modern methods, and is doing his share toward the progress of the town. He has stock in the Co-operative Store at Poskin. Mr. Schmidt was married March 7, 1895, to Anna Miller, who was born in Racine, Wis., daughter of Peter and Liza Miller. She died at the age of 32. By this union there were five children. Charles was born May 17, 1898. Fred was born April 24, 1899. Edward was born July 6, 1900. Margaret was born May 5, 1902. Minnie was born Sept. 6, 1906 and died Sept. 23, 1906. On Nov. 16, 1906. Mr. Schmidt married Ida Jasch, who was born at Posen, Germany in 1881, the daughter of Henry and Huldah (Arndt) Jasch, both now deceased. This union has been blessed with two children: Henry, born Dec. 21, 1907; and Mary, born Dec. 6, 1908. The family faith is that of the German Lutheran Church.

Tom Knutson, early settler and substantial land owner of Cumberland Township, has had an important and active part in the upbuilding of his community. He was born in Tolgen, Norway, Dec. 1, 1853, the son of Knute and Anna (Ageren), who spent all their years in that country. He was educated in his native land and as a youth and young man did farming and railroad work there. In 1879 he came to America, landed in Philadelphia, Penn., found his way to St. Paul, Minn., and did railroad work there for eighteen months. In the fall of 1880, he came to Barron County, and worked a short time near Comstock, in the employ of the Greggs & Foster Lumber Co. Then he went back to Minnesota and did railroad work again. In 1882 he once more came to Barron County, and bought 80 acres in Section 31, Cumber¬ land Township. This was all covered with heavy timber. He built a log house and barn from trees standing on the place, and established his home. It is interesting to know that this log cabin is still standing. Gradually he cleared up the place and made improvements. In 1918 he erected a sightly modern home of ten rooms. He also has a good barn and suitable outbuildings. The yard has been beautified, and everything about the place bespeaks the thrift, good judgment, hard work, and sound taste of the owner, as well as of his prosperity and success. By frugal habits and wise purchases, he has in¬ creased his holdings from time to time until he owns 240 acres of good lafad in Cumberland and Crystal Lake Townships. He successfully carries on general farming and dairying, and has a good herd of mixed stock. From the time of his first arrival he has done every possible thing he could in up¬ building the neighborhood, not only in developing his own place but also in assisting others. He early saw that good roads were a necessity if farm products were to be marketed profitably, and he has assisted in building and repairing many miles of roads in the township. He is a most admirable citizen in every respect, he is widely and favorably known, he has been faith¬ ful to every duty that Life has sent him, and his career is a useful and active one. Being the father of a fine family of children, he has naturally taken an interest in the educational affairs of the community, and has served in all three capacities on the schoolboard of his district. Mr. Knutson was married Nov. 9, 1883, to Sigrud Dolplados, who was born in Norway, Dec. 29, 1860, the daughter of Peter and Margaret Dolplados, now deceased. This union has been blessed with four children: Anna, Knute, Peter and Martin. Anna was born Aug. 18, 1884, and is the wife of Robert Johnson, of Clinton Township. Knute was born Dec. 24, 1886, and is at home. Peter was born Dec. 4, 1893. He was inducted into the United States service, April 3, 1918. He trained at Camp Lewis, Wash., with the 28th Coast Artillery. Later he was sent to Camp Green leaf, Va. He arrived in France in October, 1918. He arrived in the States again, July 18, 1919, and was discharged at Camp Grant, Rockford, Ill., July 23, 1919. He is now employed by the Hines Mercantile Co., at Cum¬ berland, in which his father is a stockholder. Martin was born Aug. 20, 1889, and is at home. The family faith is that of the Norwegian Lutheran Church.

Albert Wetzel, early settler of Stanley Township, now deceased, was born in Germany, and was brought to the United States by his parents when he was about seven years old. The voyage was made aboard a sailing vessel, the trip taking seven long weeks. After landing, the family came to this state, and located near Watertown, Dodge County, where they took up a pioneer farm. There the subject of this sketch was reared and educated. It was there also that he married Ida Heuer, the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Fred Heuer. and there his oldest child, Albert, now deceased, was born. Then, like his father before him, the subject of this sketch, decided to become a pioneer. So he set out afoot, and after looking about, chose a tract of 120 acres of wild land, in Section 13, Stanley Township, this county. Here he brought his wife and child, and they moved into an old shack which already stood on the place. He was poor, without money, and with but few tools. But he was resource¬ ful and had undaunted courage. He traded a good watch for a cow, and thus had milk for the family and butter for the table. In one way, he was somewhat better off than his neighbors. He was a skilled millwright, and earned money by assisting in building mills throughout this part of the county. Most of the supplies for the household, especially fiour had to be brought from Chippewa Falls, the journey usually being made afoot, but sometimes with oxen. As the years passed his hard work resulted in success. He added to his farm until he owned 160 acres of good land. He was a prominent man in the com¬ munity, and held town and school office. Early services of the German Lutheran Church were held in his cabin, and when the congregation was organized he helped to build the church at Sumner, and served at times as one of its officers. After a useful and honored life, he died May 9, 1919. His widow now lives in Cameron. In the family there were eight children : Albert, George, John, Frank, Carl, Effie, Alfred and Harry.

George Wetzel, a well-to-do farmer living on a good farm of 160 acres in Section 23, Stanley Township, was born in an old shack on Section 13, this township, March 4, 1883, the son of Albert and Ida (Heuer) Wetzel, early settlers. He was educated in a little log school house in his neighborhood and learned farming from his father. He remained on the home place and as his father advanced in years, took over the management. He made many improve¬ ments including a new barn. Then he sold out the home place, and on Nov. 6, 1919, bought his present farm. It is well improved and well equipped in every way. Mr. Wetzel here carries on general farming, and has some Hol¬ stein cattle of good grade. He is a stockholder in the Farmers' Co-operative Store at Cameron. Mr. Wetzel was married, Oct. 16, 1909, to Julia Sather, the daughter of Cris. and Sophia (Larson) Sather, and granddaughter of Borra and Johanna Larson, the pioneers. She was born April 6, 1890, in the log cabin of her grandparents, on Section 24, Stanley Township. Mr. and Mrs. Wetzel have two bright boys, Raymond, born Oct. 29, 1910, and Rolland, born April 14, 1914.

Levi Perry Busch, an energetic young farmer of Section 14, Stanley Township, better known as Lee Busch, is a native of this county, born in Sumner Township, Feb. 6, 1892, the son of Fred and Ella (Landon) Busch. The father was a stationary engineer and was employed for some years in sawmills at Canton and elsewhere, as well as operating his own farm. He was born in 1862, came to Barron County about 1888, and died in 1907. He had seven children, of whom Levi Perry was the second. Levi Perry was reared on the home farm, attended school, and learned farming from his father. As a youth he worked in the woods winters and on farms summers. In 1917 he began renting farms. He now rents a good farm in Section 14, Stanley Town¬ ship, which he is successfully conducting. He was inducted into the United States service, July 15, 1918, trained with the 22nd Company, 161st Depot Brigade, at Camp Grant, Rockford, Ill., and was discharged Dec. 12, 1918, reaching home in time for the Christmas festivities. Mr. Busch married Dorothy Huiras, who was born in Odell, Ill., May 20, 1896, the daughter of Mathias and Catherine (Miller) Huiras. Mr. and Mrs. Busch have three chil¬ dren: Loretta, born May 3, 1918; Viola, born Jan. 7, 1920, and Teddy Levi, born July 27, 1921. The family faith is that of the Methodist Episcopal Church.

Edward A. Erickson, successful farmer of Stanley Township, and well known potato buyer of Cameron, was born in Dane County, this state; Aug. 7, 1872, son of John and Carrie (Branden) Erickson, who brought him to Maple Grove Township when he was an infant. He was reared on the home farm, and attended the rural schools and the Barron High School. As a youth he worked in the office of the Barron "Shield", at Barron, and in the office of the Nelson County "Observer", at Lakota, N. D. When he was 21, he pur¬ chased 85 acres in Section 31, Stanley Township, and started farming on his own responsibility. Later he bought 60 acres in Barron Township, and lived there until June, 1920, when he went back to the tract in Section 31, Stanley. He now owns 145 acres. By hard work and good judgment he has ac¬ quired success, and is profitably engaged in general farming, stock raising and dairying. Since 1907 he has devoted a part of each year to potato buying and is now one of the leading buyers in this part of the county. For two years he also engaged in business at Barron, this county, operating a flour and feed store and buying hay, grain and potatoes. He has extensive holdings here and elsewhere. He holds stock in the First National Bank of Barron; the Barron Co-operative Creamery ; the Consumers' Store at Barron ; the Bloomer Farmers' Store Co., which operates a chain of stores; the Mason Shoe Co., of Chippewa Falls, and the Chippewa Falls Silver Fox Farm of Chippewa Falls. In public life he has been treasurer of the town of Barron for three years. He has also been a member of the school board for a considerable period. Fraternally he is a charter member of the Beavers at Barron. Mr. Erickson was married Dec. 26, 1898, to Gusta Nerison, daughter of Osmund and Margaret Nerison, natives of Norway, who came to the United States and acquired land in Stan¬ ley Township, this county, the father being now dead and the mother making her home with the Erickson family. Mr. and Mrs. Erickson have two chil¬ dren, Harold and Alfred, two sturdy sons who are at home helping with the farm work.

Hans Emerson, an early settler of Section 36, Stanley Township, was born in Norway, the son of Amund and Caroline Marie Amundson. In 1866 the par¬ ents set out with three of the sons, Martin, Edward and Carl, and after a long voyage of seven weeks aboard a sailing vessel, landed safely in America, and found their way to Chippewa County, this state, where the parents spent the remainder of their lives. Two years later, in 1868, Hans and Amund, Jr., joined the family in Chippewa County. The other son, Johanas, stayed in Norway. Hans worked in the mills at Chippewa Falls for several years, and in 1870 came to Barron County, where he secured 200 acres of wild land, in Section 36, Stanley Township. Here he erected a log cabin, log barns, and log sheds, and started farming. For a while conditions were hard. There was little money, and comforts were scarce. Often he walked to Chippewa Falls to do his trad¬ ing, bringing home provisions on his back. As the years passed the family prospered and achieved success. Mr. Emerson died Jan. 18, 1908. His wife died in March, 1918. Both were devout members of the Norwegian Lutheran Church.

Carl J. Emerson, a representative farmer of Section 36, Stanley Township, is a native of this state, born near Bloomer, Chippewa County, Sept. 1, 1869, the son of Hans and Sophia Amundson, the pioneers. He was brought to his present farm as a baby, and was here reared, attending the neighboring school, and learning farming from his father. He now owns 50 acres of the old farm, to which he has added 60 acres, so that he has a good place of 110 acres. He had put up a comfortable house and suitable barns and other buildings, and has excellent equipment. He carries on general farming and dairying and raises good stock. He is well regarded throughout the community. Mr. Emerson was married Jan. 27, 1904, to Emma Nelson, who was born in Poskin, Barron County, Jan. 9, 1882, the daughter of August and Johanna Nelson, na¬ tives of Sweden, who came to America as young people, were married at Flint, Mich., located at Cedar Falls, Dunn County, this state, and then came to Clin¬ ton Township, this county, and took a homestead, both being now dead. Mr. and Mrs. Emerson have three children, Arthur, Alda and Orville, all living at home.

Ole Erickson, a leading citizen owning 320 acres in Section 36, Stanley Township, is a splendid type of the men of his nationality who have brought here the sturdy virtues of their ancestors, and is pointed out as an example of everything that a good farmer should be. He is of pleasant and genial personality, a pleasant companion to those of his own generation, and deeply beloved by those of the younger generations. He has been a hard working man all his life, he has been just with all, and generous to the needy, and the prosperity which he has met in life is well merited. He was born in Norway, Aug. 2, 1862, the son of Erick Hanson. He was reared in his native land, and was educated there. At the age of eighteen, in 1880, he came to America, and located in Waupaca County, this state, where he found employment working on farms in the summers and in the woods in the winters. In the late eighties he came to Barron County, and located on 80 acres of partly broken land in Sec¬ tion 36, Stanley Township. He built a log cabin, and started improving the place. At first progress was slow, as he had no money, and but little to start with. But he soon got a couple of cows, to which he added from time to time, and developed a good herd. For some years he farmed with a yoke of oxen, later he secured horses, and still later he purchased mechanical power. His log cabin was replaced with a comfortable home, where he has delighted in entertaining his relatives and friends. The log sheds gave way to a fine set of modern barns and other buildings. Purchases of additional land were made, so that the farm is now a well-developed place of 320 acres, well equipped in every way, and a just source of pride to its owner. A natural leader among his fellows, Mr. Erickson has been honored with various offices in the town and school district. He has also been an official in the Norwegian Lutheran con¬ gregation at Pokegema. Mr. Erickson was married Oct. 25, 1888, in Portage County, Wisconsin, to Betsie Bromstad, who was born in that county. May 11, 1870, daughter of Hans Bromstad. This union has been blessed with eight children: Mabel, Helmer, Milo, Lawrence, Effie, Viola, Lila and Gladys. Mabel was born April 11, 1891 ; Helmer, Feb. 9, 1893 ; Milo, Dec. 26, 1898 ; Lawrence,'

Christian Doehle, a prosperous farmer who is successfully carrying on agricultural operations on the outskirts of Cameron, was born near Houston, Houston County, Minn., Dec. 25, 1860, the son of Diedrich and Augusta Doehle, the former a native of Bremen, Germany, and the latter a native of Hanover, Germany. The parents came to America as young people, and were married in New Orleans. Shortly after their marriage they located in Houston County, built a log cabin and started pioneer farming. There they spent the remainder of their lives. At the time of the Indian Massacre in western Minnesota in 1862, they participated in the measure taken for the defense of southeastern Minnesota, but the Indians did not come near. Christian was born and reared in a log cabin, and obtained such education as the schools of the neighborhood afforded. As a young man he worked on various farms in his native county. In 1903, being then a married man with six sturdy children, he came to Barron County, with his brother, Fred, and bought 160 acres in Section 29, Stanley Township, now within the village limits of Cameron. This land was practically all wild, only three acres having been cleared and no buildings having been erected. Later he added 80 acres more. He has cleared most of the land, and has erected a good set of buildings. Here he carries on general farming and dairying. He is fortunate in being near a good market and shipping point, and in having the advantages of village life while still living on the farm. Mr. Doehle was married Jan. 29, 1890, to Ann Elizabeth Wilson, who was born in Houston County, Minn., March 26, 1870. They have a fine family of eight children: Elsie, Leslie, Helen, Anna, Alice, Dorothy, Morton and Pearl. Elsie is the wife of Julius Voight, of Rice Lake. Leslie is at York, N. D. Helen mar¬ ried William Jorjensen, and they live in Whitewater, Wis. Anna is a teacher. Alice married Howard Jump and is at home. Dorothy is employed in the postoffice at New Auburn. The family worships at the Methodist Episcopal Church at Cameron.

Henry J. Byhre, a modern young farmer of Section 17, Sumner Township, and a veteran of the World War, was born on the place where he now resides, Dec. 19, 1895, son of Martin and Anna (Severson) Byhre, now residents of Rice Lake. He learned farming from his father, passed through the rural schools, and took a two-years' course in the Rice Lake High School. As a youth he learned the carpenter trade, and in order to see something of the country, traveled in North and South Dakota, Montana, Iowa and Missouri. For a few months he conducted a garage at Prelate, Saskatchewan, Canada. He was inducted into the United States service in 1918. He trained the first month with the 311th Engineers of the 86th Division, and served for nine months in France with Co. O, 22nd Engineers, attached to the Sixth Army Corps. After his honorable discharge, May 17, 1919, he took up farming on the home place of 160 acres, and here he has since remained. He successfully carries on gen¬ eral farming, and makes a specialty of Holstein cattle and Duroc-Jersey swine. He is interested in all modern progression in agricultural and community en¬ deavor. Mr. Byhre was married May 25, 1918, to Rena Pettis, who was born in Sumner Township, this county, April 12, 1899, the daughter of George and Hattie (Wilcox) Pettis, and they have two daughters, Lois and Joice.

David Joelson, one of the early settlers of Chetek Township, was born in Norway, Feb. 28, 1833, the son of Joel and Carrie, farmers of that country, the former of whom died when David, the oldest of the children, was eight years old. The others in the family were John, Christian, Louise and Johanna. David took to the sea as a fisherman about as soon as he was old enough to handle an oar. This occupation he followed for many years. In 1867 he came to America, and located at Neenah, in Winnebago County, this state, where he worked at grubbing and ditching. In 1870 he drove to Barron County with a yoke of oxen, one of which was owned by himself and the other by Christian Olson, the trip taking about three weeks. After looking about for a few days, he located on 160 acres of wild land in what is now West Chetek Township. Here he built a log cabin, 12 by 16 feet, still standing, and started to clear up the land. For a while times were hard, and it was difficult to get along. There were no roads, neighbors were few and scattered, the marketing places and trading points were a considerable distance. It was some years before the farm could be made profitable. Mrs. Joelson had brought her spinning wheel, and spun yarn, and knit mittens, socks and jackets for the family. They were hospitable people, and opened their homes to meetings of the Norwegian Lu¬ theran denomination, and to neighborhood social gatherings. After the church was built, he was made cantor of the congregation, and served for many years. Mr. Joelson has many interesting stories to tell of pioneer experiences in the early days. His friends especially enjoy hearing of one day when two Indian squaws visited him, and urgently demanded a half of his meager supply of flour. He could notspare the flour, but could not rid himself of the importunate squaws. Tired of the argument he walked out of the house. Then he picked up a tin bucket and began drumming on it. His oxen, who had been trained to come at that call for their feed, came crashing through the brush and around the cor¬ ner of the cabin. The two great animals presented such a terrific aspect in their rush, that the squaws gave a frightened shriek, and with their dog beat a re¬ treat. To really appreciate this story in full, one must hear Mr. Joelson tell it, and he has many more equally amusing and interesting. Mr. Joelson was mar¬ ried in Norway to Stefena Christoferson, who was born in Norway, Aug. 7, 1834, and died April 10, 1917, at the age of eighty-two. She joined her husband in this county shortly after he came here and shared all his experiences with courage and fortitude. After long and useful years of activity, Mr. Joelson retired, and turned the farm over to his son, Alfred. It is interesting to note that Mr. Joelson long ago predicted woman's suffrage, and lived to see his prediction come true. The oldest child of Mr. and Mrs. Joelson died in Norway. Four were born on the farm in Barron County, Charles, Lena, Alfred and John (who died in infancy).

Alfred Joelson, a prosperous farmer of Chetek Township, was born in a log house on his present place, Aug. 19, 1872, the son of David and Stefena (Christoferson) Joelson. He was educated in the district schools and learned farming from his father. As a young man he was employed for a while in lum¬ ber yards. In 1900 he took over the home place and still successfully conducts it. He has put up a good set of modern buildings, fenced the farm, and con¬ tinued its improvement and cultivation. In public affairs he has taken his part as a good citizen, and has served on both the town and the school boards. Mr. Joelson was married in Chetek Township on Nov. 26, 1900, to Anna Hanson, who was born in Chetek on May 26, 1882, the daughter of Ole H. and Amelia Hanson, now living in Chetek Township. Mr. and Mrs. Joelson have four children, Emil, Levi, Thomas and Arden. There is also a little adopted girl, Grace, in the home.

Peter A. Johnson, a retired farmer living in Section 2, Cumberland Town¬ ship, has for many years been one of the active and useful factors in the life of his neighborhood, and there are few ventures in the community in which he has not had his share. Likewise in public life he has done his full duty as a patriotic and loyal citizen. He was born in Norway, Oct. 26, 1866, the son of Joseph and Caroline (Larson) Johnson, who were born, lived and died in that country. He attended school in his native land, and as soon as he was of suit¬ able age, worked on farms in the summer season and in the woods in the win¬ ter. In 1884 he came to America, landed in New York, and came directly to Cumberland, in this county. For a while he was employed by the "Soo" line near Poskin Lake, this county, and for a while did farm work near Hudson, in St. Croix County, Wis. In 1886 he purchased 40 acres in Section 2, Cum¬ berland Township, from Knapp, Stout & Co. To this he later added 40 acres more, making a good farm of 80 acres. He put up a shack, and a log barn, 24 feet square, and there established his home. The first year, in order to get a little money to live while developing his place, he worked in sawmills for the Beaver Lake Lumber Co. For a while he did contract work for Knapp, Stout & Co., logging. Little by little he built up his place and developed a good farm. For a time it was hard to get along, but he persevered, and in his efforts met with success. As means permitted he put up a good set of modern buildings to replace the log structures. Mr. Johnson not only labored hard to get his own place started, but he also did everything he could to assist in the develop¬ ment of the neighborhood. He encouraged people to come here, especially his friends in the old country, and after they got here he gave them advice as to good locations and as to how to get started. As a further movement toward development, he helped to make and to keep repaired many of the important roads in the township. As an output for the products of the herds, he helped to organize the Star Cheese Factory. When the McKinley Telephone Co. was started, he took shares in it. A man of devout faith with a feeling that no community should be without a church, he donated lumber for the building of the Norwegian Lutheran Church in Section 10. In public life, his talents were called into requisition, and he did good service as town treasurer and town supervisor. In 1920 he retired and turned the place over to his son-in-law. Ole Rolla, with whom he now makes his home. Mr. Johnson was married Dec. 27, 1882, in Norway, to Anna Nelson, who was born in Norway, Sept. 26, 1856, the daughter of Nels and Anna (Benidson) Nelson, who spent all their lives in Norway. Mrs. Johnson died June 7, 1918. She was a most worthy woman, a sympathetic wife, an understanding mother, and a good friend and neighbor. Of the children, Jennie is dead. Christina was born Oct. 4, 1883, and is the wife of Ole Jacobson, of Minneapolis. Amelia was born July 18, 1884, and is the wife of Harry Hanson, of Minneapolis. Julia was born Nov. 2, 1885, and is the wife of Ole Rolla, who is carrying on the home farm in an energetic and intel¬ ligent manner. Anna was born Feb. 19, 1889, and is the wife of Jens Engen, of Minneapolis. Clara was born Dec. 24, 1891, and is the wife of John Dahl, of Cumberland. Josephine was born July 24, 1894, and is the wife of Louis Anderson, of Stillwater. Minn. Jennie was born April 26, 1896, and is the wife of Lars Putwin, of Minneapolis. Helma was born Dec. 27, 1901, and lives in Stillwater.

Gust Jacobson, substantial citizen of Section 22, Cumberland Township, was born in Iowa County, Wis., the son of a pioneer family. He was reared there and married Clara Larson, who was also born in that county. They farmed there until 1910, and then came to Barron County and purchased 75 acres in Section 22, Cumberland Township. He improved the place, cleared an additional twenty acres, and there carried on general farming and dairying until 1919. Then he sold the farm to his son, Grover, and retired. But after living in the city of Cumberland for eighteen months, he again longed for farm work, so he purchased 40 acres in Section 22, Cumberland Township. He has 20 acres under cultivation, and busies himself by raising enough vegetables for his own use. Mr. and Mrs. Jacobson have eight children: Grover, Helen (deceased), Clarence of Cumberland; Grace, of Minneapolis; Lilly, at home; Ida, at home; David (deceased); and Fred, of Indianapolis. The family faith is that of the Norwegian Lutheran Church.

Grover Jacobson, public official and enterprising farmer, who has a good place in Section 22, Cumberland Township, was born in Eden Township, Iowa County, Wisconsin, June 8, 1887, the son of Gust and Clara (Larson) Jacob¬ son. He received his education in his native county, and worked for his father until 1907. Then he worked for the Stoughton Wagon Co. at Stoughton, Wis., for a year, and in the carriage department of the Moline Plow Co. for nearly three years. In 1911, he came to Barron County, and bought 40 acres in Section 34, Cumberland Township. He erected a set of buildings and cleared 20 acres. In 1919 he sold out and bought from his father his present place of 75 acres. Here he carries on general farming and dairying, and has a good herd of Holsteins, headed by a full-blooded sire. Aside from successfully con- ducting his farm, Mr. Jacobson has been unusually active in public affairs, and he thoroughly believes in concerted effort among the farmers to improve local conditions. He helped to organize the Cumberland Farmers Light & Power Co. and is serving efficiently as its secretary. He helped to start the Vermillion Dairy Co. and is now one of its directors. He was also active in the organization of the Barron County Farm Bureau Association and is secre¬ tary of the Cumberland Township unit. So highly is his ability esteemed that he was elected town clerk in 1917, and is still serving, with credit to himself, and to the satisfaction of his constituents. For several years he presided with fairness and dignity as justice of the peace. All in all, he is a useful and active citizen, who is doing his share in every good enterprise. He was mar¬ ried Jan. 2, 1907, to Clara Wasley, who was born in Iowa County, Wis., Dec. 7, 1889, the daughter of David and Hannah (Buckett) Wasley, farmers of that county. This union has been blessed with three children: Erwin M., born June 26, 1908; Boyd K., born Oct. 2, 1912; Bernice L., born Oct. 16, 1915.

Andrew Jerde, a retired farmer, living pleasantly and quietly in South Cumberland, aftir a busy life filled with hard work, was born in Norway, June 21, 1855, the son of Engbrigt and Ingeborg (Smemo) Peterson, who were born, lived and died in that country. He was reared in Norway, and as a young man farmed and did railroad work. In 1883 he came to America, and after landing at Baltimore, Maryland, came directly to Deerfield Township, Dane County, Wis., where, after doing general farm labor for a while, he rented a farm and successfully raised tobacco. In 1891 he returned to Norway for ten months. Then he came back w'ith his brother, John Nesvold, and located for a few days at Cumberland. In 1892, he bought 160 acres, of which 120 acres was in Section 34, Crystal Lake Township, and 40 acres in Section 4, Almena Township. He put up a good set of farm buildings, and cleared and broke about 50 acres. Here he carried on general farming and dairying. He was a good farmer who followed sensible methods, and his operations were crowned with prosperity. He was one of the influential and prominent men in his community, and for one term his abilities were called into service by his fellow townsmen as town treasurer. In August, 1920, he rented his farm to his son, Ingel L., and purchased a pleasant home in South Cumberland, where he now lives. Mr. Jerde was married Oct. 11, 1892, to Carrie Roston, born in Norway on April 1, 1863, the daughter of Rasmus and Catherine Roston. As a young woman she married Andrew Swamby, now deceased, to whom she bore four children. Ralph was born March 1, 1886, and is now in Cambie, Oregon. Clara B. was born March 27, 1888, and is the wife of Ed. Houchen, of Mon¬ tana. Mabel E. was born Aug. 24, 1890, and is the wife of Gilbert Larson, of Montana. Andy was born Aug. 29, 1892. Mr. and Mrs. Jerde have seven chil¬ dren. Ingle L. was born June 16, 1896, and as stated, operates the home farm. He is an active and energetic young man, a good citizen and a good farmer. Claude was born May 11, 1898, and is in Minneapolis. Agnes was born March 21, 1900, and is the wife of George Stahl, of Everett, Wash. Edna was born April 12, 1902; John B. was born Feb. 10, 1904; Eleanor M. was born June 12, 1906; and Anna E. was born Dec. 1, 1910. All are well regarded in the com¬ munities in which they live.

Frederick H. Hembrook, auctioneer, real estate dealer and stock breeder, of Chetek, was born in Racine County, Wis., July 30, 1881, son of Fred and Minnie (Talman) Hembrook. The father was born in Germany, came to Amer¬ ica at the age of seven years, with his parents, was there reared, there con¬ tinued farming in his adult years, and there died in June, 1915. By his first wife he had four children. Alfred died in infancy. Frederick H. is a business man of Chetek. Edward C. lives in West Allis, Wis. Arthur lives in Burlington, Wis. By his second wife, Kate Riley. Fred Hembrook had four children, James and Hugh, of Waterford, Wis.; Viola, wife of Morris Nelson, of Burlington, Wis.; and one deceased. Frederick H. was educated in the rural schools of Waterford, Racine County, this state, and later took a short course in agriculby Google ture at the University of Wisconsin. Until he was twenty-one, with a short interval spent in South Dakota, he worked on his father's farm and on other farms in the neighborhood. Then he became a rural mail carrier out of Water¬ ford for some two years. His next location was at Antioch, Ill., where he con¬ ducted a store for a while, and operated a truck farm for a while. In Septem¬ ber, 1907, he came to Barron County, and secured a partly-improved farm of 200 acres, east of Chetek. He cleared 25 acres more, finished the house, erected a barn, constructed two silos, made many other improvements, and carried on general farming, making a specialty of all domestic animals and fowls, cattle, swine, sheep, horses,' chickens and ducks. In 1913 he moved to the northern part of Chetek City, where he secured a good house and two acres of land, on which he did market gardening. While there he bought and shipped live stock and farm produce on an extensive scale. In 1915 he went to Chicago, and took the full course in Jones School of Auctioneering. With that experience he took up the profession of auctioneering, and has been a great success in that line. He knows how to handle auctions of household goods, farm equipment, stock, and rural and city property, and sometimes has nearly a hundred sales a year. Upon his return from school, Nov. 1, 1915, he came to his present location where he has a farm of eighteen acres. He finished the house and equipped it with modern improvements, he erected a garage, and he thoroughly renovated and repaired the barns, silo and outbuildings. Here he makes a specialty of stock and poultry raising. He has pure bred Holstein cattle, pure bred Duroc-Jersey swine, pure bred Percheron horses, and pure blooded poultry. In addition to this, he buys and sells farms, and usually is interested in from six to eight farms at a time. In addition to his other holdings, he is a stockholder in the Chetek Canning & Pickling Co., the Farmers Co-operative Store and the Farm¬ ers Co-operative Creamery. He is one of the most active men in the community, and is doing much to further the interests of city, township and county. Mr. Hembrook was married Nov. 30, 1905, in Antioch, Ill., to Ethel Blanche Thayer, born in Hendee Station, Lake County, Ill., June 21, 1883, daughter of Gideon and Emma (Hendee) Thayer, and granddaughter of Gideon Thayer and Cordelia Hendee. Hendee Station is named from the grandfather, Homer Hendee. Eli and George Thayer, brothers of Gideon Thayer, were veterans of the Civil War. One of them, Eli, was confined at Libby Prison, escaped, stopped to help a friend, was recaptured, and was starved to death in the prison. The Thayers were also pioneers of Hendee Station. Gideon Thayer was born March 13, 1851, and his wife, Jan. 28, 1852, and both are still living. The other child, aside from Mrs. Hembrook, was Lulu Belle, who married Alvin Vickers, of Chetek, and has three children, Lucille Cecil and Russell Merritt, living, and an unnamed infant deceased. Mrs. Hembrook graduated from the high school at Antioch, Ill., and later from the Wisconsin State Normal School at Milwaukee. With this preparation she taught graded school at Caledonia, and high school at Waterford, both in Racine County, this state. She is a leader in Chetek society, is president of the Parent-Teachers' Association, and belongs to the Rebekah Lodge and the Relief Corps. Mr. and Mrs. Hembrook have five chil¬ dren, Marjorie Fern, Della Arlene, Virgil Maurice, Rollo Lynn and Beulah Mar¬ guerite. Marjorie Fern was born Dec. 23, 1906; Della Arlene was born July 26, 1908; Virgil Maurice was born March 4, 1910; Rollo Lynn was born June 16, 1913; Beulah Marguerite was born Aug. 10, 1915.

Nels Johnson, an early settler, now partly retired from extensive farm work, and devoting his time to a small tract in Section 21, Cumberland Town¬ ship, on which he settled in 1882, was born in Sweden, Jan. 26, 1848, and was reared there. He was still a young boy when he first started farm work, and in that occupation he grew to manhood. In 1882 he came to America, found his way at once to Cumberland Township, and in company with John Westin and John Hedlund, bought 80 acres in Section 21. Of this, Mr. Johnson had 26 acres. Each built a cabin on his place, in order that they might be near together for mutual sociability, protection and help. Later in the same year,

Mr. Johnson bought 60 acres more in Section 21, and still later he bought 80 acres in Section 28, making a total of 166 acres. Beginning with this log cabin and a small clearing, Mr. Johnson gradually developed a good farm. He erected a good set of frame buildings on Section 21, and cleared in all 136 acres. Here he successfully carried on general farming and dairying. In 1918 he sold all his land except the original 26 acres, and there he is now making his home, having lived here nearly forty years. He was one of the original stockholders of the Cumberland Farmers Light & Power Co. and when the line was put through, installed lights on his farm. He is a man of solid worth, who has always been an industrious and hardworking citizen, and he is much honored and respected throughout the community, both by those who knew him in the days when he was struggling to get a start, and by the young people of the present generation. Mr. Johnson was married in Sweden, Dec. 9, 1872, to Clare E. Lovedahl, who was born in that country, Oct. 20, 1846. Mr. and Mrs. Johnson have eight children. Frank, an energetic farmer, was born March 24, 1874, and is with his parents at home. Nels was born Nov. 24, 1876, and died Nov. 25, 1915. He was a young man of unusual promise, well liked by all who knew him. Gust was born Jan. 31, 1878, and died June 3, 1881. Johan was born May 22, 1880, and died Sept. 2, 1882. John was born Feb. 8, 1883, and is employed in Cumberland. Edla M. was born Jan. 31, 1885, and is the wife of Joseph Linberg, of Two Harbors, Minn. Emily T. was born April 26, 1887, and is at home. Sidney J. was born April 26, 1890, and died June 10, 1892. The family faith is that of the Swedish Lutheran Church.

Anton Erickson, for nearly forty years one of the well-known and influ¬ ential men of the northwestern part of the county, and now the owner of a good farm in Sections 30 and 31, Cumberland Township, was born in Sweden, May 5, 1859, the son of Erick and Anna (Wickstrom) Erickson, who spent the span of their years in that country. He attended school in his native land, and as a youth and young man was employed there. In 1882 he came to Amer¬ ica, landed at Quebec, Canada, and came directly to Barron County, where he found employment in the mill owned by the Sprague Sawmill Co., in Crystal Lake Township, not far from Comstock. In 1887 he bought 80 acres of wild land in Section 31, Cumberland Township. He put up a set of buildings, estab¬ lished his home here, and started clearing the land. His first set of buildings were burned down. He at once replaced them, but that set, in turn, was also burned. Then he built the present set, sightly in appearance and adequate for all his needs. He has stumped and cleared about 70 acres, and has a wellkept place in every particular. In 1913 he bought an additional 40 acres in Section 30, making him a total of 120 acres. Here he carries on general farm¬ ing and dairying in a modern manner. He has a good herd of Holsteins, headed by a pure-blooded sire. Mr. Erickson's talents have a number of times been called into requisition by the public for public service. In 1905 he was ap¬ pointed road commissioner and served for fourteen years. In 1919 he was elected town supervisor and did most admirable work. For nearly twentyfive years he has been the efficient director of his school district, and the school has prospered under his sensible care. His holdings include stock in the Cum¬ berland Creamery. All in all, Mr. Erickson is a useful, active citizen, whose work and worth has been important in the story of the growth and progress of the township, and who has always been willing to do his share in every worthy project. Mr. Erickson was married at Cumberland to Louise Larson, who was born on Aug. 25, 1860, in Sweden. She died Aug. 4, 1896. This union was blessed with three children: Jessie, who was born Feb. 29, 1888, and is now the wife of Gust H. Olson, of Cumberland Township. Arthur V. was born Aug. 17, 1889, and is in Cumberland City. James was born July 2, 1891, and is at home. Mr. Erickson was married to Johana Drumdahl, who was born in Norway, Nov. 27, 1866, the daughter of Hans and Ellen (Engebretson) Drumdahl, both of whom are now deceased. This union has been blessed with seven children. Walter was born March 16, 1898; Mildred E. was born Oct. 21, 1899; Enoch W.

Fred J. Yousten, an energetic and progressive farmer of Section 31, Clin¬ ton Township, was born in St. Paul, Minn., Aug. 6, 1890, the son of Hubert and Elizabeth Yousten, natives of Germany. These good people came to the United States about 1885, and located at St. Paul, where they did small farm¬ ing and market gardening. From there, in 1892, they came to Barron County, and bought 80 acres in Section 31, Clinton Township. This was all wild land. He cleared a small space for a garden and home lot, and put up a log cabin, a part of which was used by the family for a home, and a part for a barn. Later he built another cabin for a home, and used the first building for a barn. In all he cleared about 20 acres. This he farmed until his death, April, 1907. The mother is still living. In the family there were eight children, of whom there are now living, seven: Fred J., Lizzie, wife of John Pimple; Nick, Hubert, Anna, Margaret and Albert. After her husband's death, Mrs. Yous¬ ten married John Zeuttle, of Turtle Lake, this county. Fred J. was brought to Barron County as an infant. He was reared on the home farm, and attended school over the line in Almena Township. He learned farming from his father, and after his father's death, rented the place for a while. In 1919 he bought it. To the development and operation of this place he has since devoted his attention. They have a pleasant residence, where he and his wife delight in dispensing hospitality to their friends. In 1920 he built a barn, 34 by 82 feet, with a 50-foot basement for stock. He has also put up a granary, machine shed, pump house, and other buildings. He successfully carries on general farming and dairying, and has a good herd of Holstein cattle, headed by a full blooded sire. The cream is sold to the Barron Cream¬ ery Co. Mr. Yousten makes a specialty of potatoes and cabbages. He has made a special study of these crops, and is regarded as an authority. Mr. Yousten was married at Almena, Oct. 27, 1915, to Minnie Naser, the daughter of John and Louisa Naser, natives of Germany, both now living in the town of Almena. Mr. and Mrs. Yousten have a daughter, Leona, born Aug. 10, 1919. The family faith is that of the Roman Catholic Church.

John Kleve, proprietor of a well-established blacksmith shop in Chetek. is a pioneer of Barron County, a man well known and respected, who has arisen from poverty, struggled bravely against misfortune, and is now well-to-do. He has educated his children and given them a good financial start in life, and his record as a man, a citizen and a father is above reproach. He was born in Germany, Oct. 12, 1850, son of Carl and Mary (Fidler) Kleve. When he was seven years old his father died, and he passed from his mother's care into that of different neighbors, passing from family to family. The mother after the father's death married Michael Bruzak, who after her death, came to America and died in Canton, in this county. At the age of sixteen, John Kleve began to learn the blacksmith trade, which he had to do at his own ex¬ pense, even boarding himself. After being thus occupied for nine months, he was called to military service for three years in the regular army, after which he worked in a government shop as a blacksmith. But this work, with its confining hours and strict discipline savored too much of slavery, and young John determined to seek the freer customs of America. Accordingly he set out with his brother, Robert, now a resident of Canton, this county, and after landing at New York, June 6, 1875, found his way to Princeton, Green Lake County, Wis., where he met friends who directed him to Marquette County, also in this state, where he engaged in mill work. Strong and in¬ dustrious, he was an expert workman, made many staunch friends, and gradually acquired a good knowledge of the English language. He came to Barron County with an uncle in 1877, worked for him for a while, then worked in the harvest fields in Minnesota, and then did a little at his trade as a black¬ smith. In the fall of that year he took a homestead of 160 acres in Chetek