Barron County, Wisconsin - Chapter 13: Biographical and Geneological Review, 1922 (part 23 of 46)

Leon Neau, for many years a substantial and successful farmer of Doyle Township, now a respected resident of Campia Village, where he has a pleas¬ ant home, was born in Canada, Oct. 8, 1863, and was there reared. He came to Rice Lake as a youth in 1880, and entered the employ of Knapp, Stout & Co. For several years thereafter he was identified with the lumbering indus¬ try in the winter time and worked on farms in the growing season. In 1891 he rented a farm on shares. He bought a place of 80 acres in Cedar Lake Township, in 1894, and there farmed four years. He bought his present place in 1898. He gradually developed it and in the meantime industriously carried on general farming operations. After long years of hard work, he rented the place to his son, Edward G., and moved to Campia Village, where he pur¬ chased a good modern home on Main Street. Mr. Neau was married Sept. 30, 1889, to Eulalia Gagner, who was born in Rice Lake Township, April 22, 1874, daughter of Louis and Melvina Gagner, early settlers of Rice Lake Township, and now residents of Stanley Township, this county. Mr. and Mrs. Neau have had thirteen children: Louis H., Edward G., Claire O., Theophiles H., Ray¬ mond A., Noel J., Leslie M., Clarence W., and Loraine E., living; ahd Neapolian, Luvina, Moses and Olivia. Louis H. was born May 7, 1892, and is farming in Birchwood, Washburn County, Wisconsin. Edward G. was born March 16, 1893, and is on the home farm in Doyle Township. Claire 0. was born Aug. 13, 1895, and is now the wife of Napoleon Aman, of Doyle Township. Theophiles H. was born Feb. 1, 1897; Raymond A. was born July 26, 1898; Noel J. was born Dec. 26, 1899; Leslie M. was born March 18, 1905; Clarence W. was born Jan. 31, 1911; and Loraine E. was born Dec. 5, 1913. The members of the family attend the Our Lady of Lourdes Church at Dobie, Wis.

Charles Hull, owner and proprietor of the Campia Garage, is one of the enterprising and enthusiastic young men who are bringing Campia to the front as a thriving rural village. He serves the people of the village and surrounding country to their satisfaction, and his genial personality, skill and fairness do much to give strangers a most favorable impression of this locality. He was born in Grant County, Wis., July 26, 1885, son of John and Anna (Rewey) Hull, now residents of Plattville, Wis. He was reared and educated in the public schools of Lima Township, Grant County, and learned farming from his father, gradually taking more and more responsibility, until 1907, when he became the manager of the home farm. In 1917 he came to Barron County, and purchased 120 acres in section 11, Doyle Township, on which he successfully conducted farming operations until the spring of 1920, when he rented his farm, came to Campia, purchased a pleasant home and built his present garage. It is an ade¬ quate structure of tile and cement, with a floor space of 60 by 40 feet, fully equipped with excellent machinery for all kinds of repairing, overhauling and rebuilding. His office and storage rooms are also admirably adapted to their purpose. He handles a line of new cars and tractors, and carries a good line of tires, parts and other accessories. He does a thriving business which is constantly growing, as he is a thorough business man, and keeps thoroughly abreast of the times in every respect. Mr. Hull was married Dec. 22, 1900, to Rose Cardey, born April 2, 1884, daughter of Joseph and Bertha Cardey of Grant County, Wis. This union has been blessed with seven children: Lenice, of Elmer Coleman of Cedar Lake Township; Irene, John, Donald, Mar-

Daniel Wirth, now deceased, was one of the worthy pioneers of Prairie Farm Township. He developed a good farm, took an active part in church and school affairs, reared a family, which is still prominent in the county, and in every way did his duty as a good man and a patriotic citizen. He was born in Germany, April 23, 1841, and was there reared and educated. As a young man, he set out for America, and made the voyage aboard a sailing vessel, a trip taking many a long and tiresome week. On the same hoat was Katherine Mil¬ ler, who was born in Germany, July 12, 1847. After landing, they came to Dane County, this state, and were there married. There for several years he was employed at general farm work. He came to Barron County in the late sixties, and settled on 160 acres of wild land in Section 26, Prairie Farm Town¬ ship. He put up a log house, 16 by 24 feet, with log stables, and started clear¬ ing up the land. At first he had little to work with but an ox team. For a while times were hard, and to obtain funds to support the family whije the farm could be made productive, he worked in the lumber woods in the winter time for several seasons. The family has many interesting stories to tell of his adven¬ tures in the early day. On one event, he walked to Menomonie to get a tooth pulled. When he arrived there the pain was gone and he decided to postpone the pulling. So he trudged the long journey home again, only to have the tooth start aching again just as he got within sight of his cabin. As time progressed he replaced his log buildings with a good set of modern farm structures, and he built up a good farm. He was instrumental in the starting of the German Evangelical Congregation at Prairie Farm and held a number of its offices. For a number of years he was treasurer of the school board. He died Oct. 22, 1905, and his wife died Nov. 19, 1918. They were the parents of eight children: Gottlieb, John, Anna, Fred, Ernest, Elizabeth, Margaret and Arnold. Anna married Sim. Dorn, of Barron, and was killed in an automobile accident at Rice Lake, Oct. 31, 1921. Frank is also dead. Elizabeth is the wife of Oscar Meyer, of Prairie Farm Township. Margaret is the wife of Henry Arnold, of Dallas Township.

Gottlieb Wirth is a native of this county and has spent his life of more than half a century in the same township where he was born. He first saw the light of day in Section 26, Prairie Farm, Sept. 19, 1870, the son of Daniel and Katherine (Miller) Wirth, the pioneers. He was reared on the home place and educated in the district schools. After his father's death he took 130 acres of the farm. This he operated successfully, continuing the improvements, until 1919, when he sold. He now lives in the same township with his sister, Mrs. Oscar Meyer. He is doing excellent work as road overseer and is also the care¬ taker at the German Evangelical Church in Section 35, Prairie Farm Township. He is well liked by all who know him, and is interested in everything that is for the good of the township.

Thomas E. Ross, of the firm of Ross & Prince, draymen, Rice Lake, was born Dec. 20, 1882, at Chippewa Falls, this state, son of Thomas and Lydia J. (Dickey) Ross. Thomas Ross was a well-known character in Rice Lake for nearly three decades. He came here from Chippewa Falls in 1891, built the Ross Hotel, and successfully conducted it until 1914, when he sold out to A. J. Hintz, and then retired. He died Dec. 28, 1918. He was a genial soul, who made friends with all, and his death was sincerely mourned. Thomas E. was brought to Rice Lake as an energetic youth of nine years. He attended public school until in his 'teens, and early became interested in teaming. For six¬ teen winters he drove "tote" teams and worked at sledding in the woods. In 1906 he established a bus and dray line in Rice Lake. This he sold in 1910. For the following years he was variously employed. In 1919 he formed his present partnership with William D. Prince. The company does a good busi¬ ness. Mr. Ross was married at Rice Lake, June 17, 1907, to Kate Heim, daugh¬ ter of Jacob and Gurtie (Mitchell) Heim, who were farmers of Rice Lake Town- ship. Mr. and Mrs. Ross have one son, Edwin, born Feb. 23, 1908, who is doing well with his studies in the public schools. Mr. Ross's mother makes her home with the family. For some three years, Mr. Ross was a member of the Rice Lake Fire Department. He is affiliated with the American Federation of Labor.

Thomas O. Rice, a substantial farmer of Maple Grove Township, has owned 160 acres in Section 21, east, Maple Grove Township for nearly twenty years. He was born in Norway, May 15, 1866, son of Ole and Ella (Hanson) Rice, who came to America in 1888, and settled in this county, living with their son, the subject of this sketch, the remainder of their lives, the father dying in 1902 and the mother in 1910. In the family there were five children, Hans, Anna, Lena, Mary and Thomas 0. Thomas O. was educated in Nor¬ way, and in 1884 came to this country and secured employment in and near Sand Creek, in Chippewa County, this state. He bought his present place in 1892. Twenty-five acres had been cleared. He cleared 35 acres more, erected buildings and fences, and has since continued to carry on general mixed farming and dairying. He and his family attend the Norwegian Lutheran Church. Mr. Rice was married May 18, 1893, to Nettie Otterholt, daughter of Ole and Sarah (Johnson) Otterholt, who in the eighties settled in Maple Grove Township, where they still reside. Mrs. Rice died March 28, 1902. She was a good woman, a kindly neighbor, a helpful wife, and a loving mother, and her loss is sincerely mourned. Mr. and Mrs. Rice had four children. Esther was born May 9, 1897, and is at home, keeping house for her father. Stella was born Nov. 9, 1898, and lives in Minneapolis. Oliver was born March 12, 1900, and is at home. Oscar was born Feb. 18, 1901 and died Sept. 5, 1918.

George C. Rudell, who has charge of the office and sales work for the Ford garage at Rice Lake, was born in Caudersport, Penn., Feb. 27, 1887, son of John A. and Anna (Johnson) Rudell, natives of Sweden, now residing in Douglass County, Minn. He received a public school education in the public schools, having been brought to Yellow Medicine County, Minn., as a boy. He later took the full commercial course at the Gustavus Adolphus Col¬ lege, St. Peter, Minn., and graduated with. the class of 1907. Then he became a hardware clerk working in various places including Minneapolis. He came to Rice Lake and assumed the duties of his present position in 1918. Mr. Rudell was married June 2, 1912, to Edna Bjoraa, of Boyd, Minn., and they have four children: Beulah A., born Aug. 3, 1913; Judith A., born Aug. 20, 1916; Gordon E., born July 12, 1918, and Milton N. born July 9, 1920. The family faith is that of the Swedish Lutheran Church. Mrs. Rudell was born Dec. 13, 1891, daughter of P. C. and Anna Bjoraa, now residing in New Rich¬ mond, Wis. She attended the public schools of Boyd, Wis., and was graduated from the High School at Madison, Wis., in 1910, after which she devoted several years to teaching.

Harry H. Morgan, proprietor of a restaurant and bakery at Rice Lake, was born in Martinsville, Ill., May 19, 1875, son of Samuel and Laura (Crigler) Morgan, native farmers of Illinois, in which state the father still lives, and where the mother died Feb. 30, 1904. Harry H. received his early education in the district schools and worked with his father on the farm until 1893. Then he learned the bakery business at Martinsville, and then continued to follow his trade. He went in business for himself in 1901, when he located at Fulda, Minn., and opened a restaurant and bakery. In 1903 he came to Rice Lake, and secured employment with Max Finstewalder in his bakery and restaurant. In 1913 he bought out his employer, and has since conducted the establishment. He does all the baking himself, and takes personal charge of the restaurant. Both departments are popular and he does a good business. In addition to these interests, he owns two farms, one of 40 acres in Stanley Township, and one of 70 acres in Rice Lake Township. The latter is a good dairy farm, with a pleasant house, suitable barns and other outbuildings, and a fine herd of Holsteins. Mr. Morgan is a member of the Modern Woodmen and the Odd Fellows. Mr. Morgan was married Dec. 31, 1902, to Olive Davis, born in Fulda, Minn., April 19, 1886, daughter of William and Norma (Fish) Davis, who now live in Minneapolis. In the Davis family there were five children: Le Roy E., Wilber E., George W., Glen and Olive. Mr. and Mrs. Morgan have two bright sons, Glen born Aug. 5, 1908, and Gerald, born Aug. 5, 1909, both of whom are doing well with their studies in the public schools. The family faith is that of the Presbyterian Church.

Markus Hefty, now living retired in Campia village, where he has a pleasant home, is one of the leading men of his community. He has de¬ veloped several farms in this state, he has assisted in everything that he has believed to be for the best interests of the communities in which he has lived, and has taken his share as a good citizen in many public movements. He has won a full measure of success by hard work and good management, he well deserves all the prosperity that the years have brought him, and he is honored and respected by all who know him. He was born in Canton Clarus, Switzer¬ land, Dec. 15, 1864, the sorv of Fapin and Barbara (Hosley) Hefty, natives of that country. The father came to America in 1864, and settled in Green County, this state, where a few months later he enlisted in a Wisconsin regiment for service in the Civil War. Upon his return from the army he bought a farm near New Glarus, where he successfully farmed until 1890. Then he moved to the village, and there died in the same year. His wife died in 1901. In the family there were seven children: Marcus, Fabian, Wil¬ liam, Samuel, David, Henry and Barbara. Marcus attended school in Switzer¬ land and was brought to Green County Wis., as a boy. He there continued his schooling. In 1872 he started to learn the stone mason's trade, which oc¬ cupation he followed for six years. Then, in 1878, he purchased 160 acres in Green County, and there carried on farming and dairying. He built a good set of buildings, and cleared about 30 acres. In 1885 he again took up his trade at New Glarus. The next year he bought 320 acres in Lafayette County, also in this state, which he operated for seven years. In the meantime he put up a cheese factory which he managed for four years. From there he went to Dane County in 1893, and rented farms for three years. It was in 1900 that he came to Barron County, and bought 160 acres in Section 32, Cedar Lake Township. He built a good set of buildings, cleared forty acres, fenced most of it, and successfully carried on general farming and dairying. In the spring of 1921 he retired and moved to Campia, where he is reaping the rewards of a well-spent life. Mr. Hefty was married Nov. 25, 1875, to Catherine Durst, who was born in New Glarus, Feb. 4, 1859, the daughter of Thomas and Rachel Durst, natives of Switzerland. She died Oct. 15, 1906, leaving seven children all residents of this state, namely: Thomas, of Green County; Marcus, of Dane County; William, a cheesemaker of Barron County; Barbara, wife of John Helstab, of Rice Lake Township, this county; Jacob of Rice Lake Township, this county; Henry, of Green County, and John, who is at home. Mr. Hefty was again married Oct. 28, 1915, to Anna Kohley, widow of Charles Plain, and born in Aurora, Kane County, Ill., Sept. 4, 1872, the daughter of John and Eva (Wilber) Kohley, who were natives of Germany and settled in Kane County, Ill., as farmers. By her marriage with Charles Plain, a farmer, Anna Kohley had eight children: Anthony and Anna, who died; Edward, Henry, Rase, Esther, Carl and John. Edward served in France in the World War, a member of Company A, 78th Division, and "went over the top" six times. Henry was also in the army, being attached to an infantry organization stationed in Mississippi.

William Germain, leading citizen of Campia village, is postmaster, depot and express agent, proprietor of a dray line, landlord of the Campia Hotel, and assistant shipper of the Equity Exchange Produce Co. He was born at Somerset, Wis., Dec. 19, 1884, son of Hubert and Lena (Laverture) Germain, both of whom are now deceased. He was educated in his native town and early perfected himself in cheese making, working in a cheese factory and taking a two-term course in the dairy school of the agricultural department of the University of Minnesota. He came to Barron County in 1906 as head cheese maker for the Central Cheese Co. in Cedar Lake Township. Three years later he took a similar position with the Campia Cheese Co. at Campia. Failing health caused him to give up cheese making in 1909. He according¬ ly engaged in the restaurant business for a while, in Campia, and a little later took up farming on a near-by farm. In 1919 he purchased a building in the village, moved it to its present site, and remodeled it into the Campia Hotel which he and his wife now conduct. In connection with the hotel, he also operates a dray line. Sept. 26, 1912, he was made depot and express agent at Campia, and on Feb. 1, 1921, he was appointed postmaster. He is an energetic man and is doing much for the upbuilding of the village. Jan. 7, 1908, he was married to Delena Amans, who was born March 17, 1889, daughter of Anton and Philomena Amans. Born in Canada and afterwards residents of Connecticut, her parents came forty years ago to Barron County, Wis., among the early settlers. They are living in Doyle Township. Mr. and Mrs. Germain are the parents of seven living children: Lucille, born Sept. 21, 1910; Emily July 31, 1912; Marie, April 3, 1914; Anna, March 17, 1915; Melvin, May 25, 1916; Stella, in 1918, and Irvin, April 4, 1920. Andre, the oldest child, was born May 7, 1909, and died on the following day.

James Jerry Flynn, a representative farmer of section 34, east, Chetek Township, was born on the home farm in Section 27, east, Chetek Township, the son of Benjamin Franklin and Josie (Adair) Flynn, the pioneers. He was reared on the old homestead, and first attended the old log school house, which his father had helped to establish. When the frame schoolhouse was put up, he attended the first session of school therein. In 1919 he started in for himself on his present farm. In addition to this he owns 64 acres in Dovre township. He is known as a shrewd and prudent farmer, who works early and late, and whose deepest interests are in his home and his family. He carries on general farming along modern lines, and makes a specialty of Holstein cattle and Hampshire swine. Mr. Flynn, like his father before him, is well known throughout the community, and is well liked by all with whom he comes in contact. He has great faith in the future of Barron County, and is already well along the road to success. Mr. Flynn was married at Chetek on Dec. 23, 1919, to Florence Isabelle Henry, born in Walworth County this state, on Nov. 16, 1903, the daughter of Alexander and Ethel (Weeks) Henry, the former a native of that county, and the latter a native of Algoma, Kewaunee County, this state. Mr. Henry died in Walworth County, and his wife now makes her home with the subject of this sketch. Mr. and Mrs. Flynn have one child, Malcolm D.

Claude F. Kopp, a well-known farmer of Section 27, east, Chetek Town¬ ship, was born in Rock Creek Township, Dunn County, this state, Sept. 29, 1892, the son of Fred and Seetate (Norris) Kopp, both born in Wisconsin, the former on Feb. 25, 1867, and the latter Sept. 28, 1859. Fred Kopp, the father, is one of the real leaders of his community. He early turned his attention to public affairs, and for twelve years was chairman of Rock Creek Township, and a member of the school board of his district. For one term he did most excellent service as sheriff of Dunn County. In the early days of the American Society of Equity, he saw in it an opportunity for better organiza¬ tion among the farmers, and became one of its most active workers. He has also been prominent in the Maccabees and the Yeomen. He and his good wife are now living in Eau Claire, Wis., where they are highly respected and well beloved. They are members of the Baptist Church. They have had eight children: Elmer, Earl, Lloyd, Glee, Wilber, Claude F., Clayton (deceased) and Herbert (deceased). Claude F. was educated in the district schools of his neighborhood, and in the Dunn County Agricultural School. In 1913 he worked on the Lange Canning Farm in Chetek Township. In the fall of 1914 he bought a farm of 60 acres near Menomonie, in his native county, but sold it the next summer, and became foreman on the farm of the Lange Canning Co. in Chetek Township, which position he held two years. Then he occupied a similar position near Bloomer, Chippewa County, for the Bloomer Canning Co. In 1920 he bought his present place. He has a good farm with a neat set of buildings, including a house, barns and silo. On this place he conducts general farming, and raises Holstein cattle, and the usual horses, swine and poultry. In addition to his farm, he has various local interests, and is secre¬ tary of the Moose Ear Cheese Co. on the Moose Ear Creek. Fraternally he is a member of the Woodmen of the World and the Bankers' Life Co. Mr. Kopp was married at Chetek, Wis., May 7, 1914, to Evelyn G. Dahl, who was born in Eau Claire on Dec. 24, 1893, the daughter of Gustave H. and Emma F. (Bar¬ den) Dahl. They have a pleasant home and take their part in the social affairs of the community.

John Onson, who is successfully farming 65 acres in Section 12, Chetek Township, was born in Lillehammer, Norway, March 23, 1867, son of John Johnson and his wife Martha Olson. He came to America in 1885, and took up his home with his sister, Annie, wife of Alaf Serley, who lived in Chetek township, this county. He secured employment with the Chippewa Logging Co., and worked for them for many winters thereafter, spending his summers working on farms in Wisconsin and the Dakotas. In 1892, in company with Olaf Serley, he purchased 145 acres, of which he secured 65 acres. He erected a frame house, barn, silo, garage, sheds and other buildings, and has gradually brought the place to a good stage of development. He carries on general farming, making a specialty of cattle, swine, poultry, oats and potatoes. His holdings include stock in the Farmers Co-operative Creamery at Chetek. The family faith is that of the Norwegian Lutheran Church. Mr. Onson was married Dec. 14, 1902 to Pauline Running, who was born in Norway, Dec. 11, 1876, and came to this country in 1900. By her first husband, Oliver Bakken, she has a daughter, Betsey, born in Christiania, Norway, Aug. 14, 1899. Mr. and Mrs. Onson have four children. Martha was born June 20, 1904; Jenny, Dec. 15, 1905; Olga Pauline, Oct. 7, 1910, and Lillian Marie, Nov. 20, 1917.

Alve O. Olsen, telegraph operator at Chetek, was born in Arcadia, Trem¬ pealeau County, Wis., April 26, 1892, son of Lewis and Matilda (Moe) Olsen. The father was born near La Crosse, Wis., and the mother in Norway. She came to America when a child and was married to Lewis Olsen in Arcadia. For many years he was in the mercantile business in Trempealeau County, but is now living retired at Cameron, Wis. Their children were Hilda, Elmer, Alve, Selmer and Helen. Elmer died in infancy. Alve O. Olsen was educated in the public schools of Arcadia and Eleva, Trempealeau County. Then for nine months he was a student at the Northwestern Telegraph School at Eau Claire, Wis. On beginning active industrial life, his first station was at Truax, Wis., where he worked a short time for the C. St. P. M. & O. Rail¬ way. He was next at Bloomer one year for the same company. He came to Chetek as operator June 30, 1915, for the Omaha railroad and has since remained here. He is a popular member of the community and has a pleasant home on Douglas street. He was married on April 8, 1914, to Lettie R. Kilmer, who was born at Hillsdale, Barron County, Wis., Oct. 22, 1893, daughter of George M. and Elizabeth (Strawderman) Kilmer, elsewhere mentioned in this volume. For several years prior to her marriage Mrs. Olson was a clerk in the store of Brown and Machlin at Hillsdale. Mr. and Mrs. Olson are the parents of two children: Elden Neal, born July 15, 1916, and Phyllis Alcy, born Feb. 20, 1917. The family attend the Methodist Episcopal Church.

George W. Babcock was born in Perry, Maine, of Scotch ancestry, and was brought to St. Croix County, this state in pioneer days by his parents. He was reared on the home farm amid the primitive conditions of the time, and as a young man married Mary Peabody. She was born in New York City, of

John Onson And Family

English and French descent, and like her husband was brought to St. Croix County as a child in pioneer days. After working at farm work and in the lumber woods for a while, Mr. Babock became a stationary engineer, and spent all the remainder of his days operating sawmills in the lumber woods of northwestern Wisconsin. He came to Barron County in 1886, and died here in 1904. His wife still makes her home here. In the family there were eight children. William and Pearl died in infancy. Eliza is the wife of Thomas Dovery, of Eugene, Ore. Lulu died as a young woman. Amos is a business man of Chetek. Susan lives in Barron City with her mother. William (second) died Sept. 20, 1920. Irene lives in Barron City with her mother.

The Barron County Canning & Pickle Co., Chetek, cans peas, corn and beets, and puts up dill pickles. Its stockholders are among the leading busi¬ ness men and farmers of the vicinity, and the company does a good business. It furnishes an output for farm produce, it proves profitable to its owners, and it helps to advertise the merits of Chetek as an agricultural and business center. The concern was started in 1906 by a promoter from Hastings, Minn., who saw here the opportunity for establishing such a concern. Later it passed into the control of the Lange interests of Eau Claire. A reorganiza¬ tion was effected in 1918, with local people in charge. The first directors were: G. J. Lange, president; Ernest Rohlf, vice president; C. A. Arden, secretary; Amos Babcock, treasurer, and Dr. W. G. Malcolm. The present directors are: B. M. Apker, president; Ernest Rohlf, vice president; M. I. Berg, secretary; Amos Babock, treasurer, and Dr. W. G. Malcolm.

Amos Babcock, manager of the Barron County Canning & Pickle Co., of which he is also treasurer, was born in St. Croix County, this state, Oct. 4, 1875, son of George W. and Mary (Peabody) Babcock. He attended the graded schools and the High School at Baldwin, Wis. At the age of sixteen he started to learn the printer's trade and was thereafter employed for sev¬ eral years, first as an assistant in country newspaper plants and later for him¬ self. He came to Barron County in 1886. He established the "Cameron Review", at Cameron in 1896. In 1898 he sold out and went to Turtle Lake, also in this county. There he started the Turtle Lake "Advance". He entered the canning industry in 1908 and was superintendent of the Turtle Lake factory until 1916, when he went to Minnesota, and that year won first prize on peas and corn in the state contest. In 1917 he assumed the duties of his present position as manager, and upon the re-organization of the company in 1918 was made treasurer as well. He is a most capable manager. He knows his business thoroughly, and he has the happy faculty of pleasing the stock¬ holders, the people from whom he buys products, the people who work for him, the people to whom he sells his product, and the ultimate consumer. Frater¬ nally he is a popular member of the Knights of Pythias and the Odd Fellows. He is also interested in the Community Club. In public affairs he has like¬ wise been active, and has served well as clerk of the school board and as member of the city council. Mr. Babcock was married Dec. 31, 1895, to Lola Whittemore, who was born in Princeton, Wis., daughter of L. F. and Minerva (Briggs) Whitemore, pioneers of Green Lake County, and natives respectively of New York and Wisconsin. Mr. and Mrs. Babcock have had two children: Bessie Fay was born Jan. 13, 1897. Paul was born Feb. 11, 1898, and died in infancy. The family faith is that of the Protestant Episcopal Church.

George Henry Rapley, early storekeeper at Cameron, at one time post¬ master there, for some years a farmer in Chetek township, and now living retired in Chetek village, was born in Fond du Lac, this state, May 12, 1857, the son of Charles and Mary (Freeman) Rapley. The father, an expert me¬ chanic, and a past master of the Masonic Lodge at Fond du Lac, died a week before George H. was born. There was another son, Charles H., in the family. The mother had earlier married Nathanial Parks, and to this union had been born three daughters, Emma, Martha and Mary. Mr. Parks was killed soon after the youngest child was born, and the mother took the children to live with the grandfather, Cyrus Freeman, at Fond du Lac. She was there married to Charles Rapley. After his death, she took the family of five children to Houston, Minn. In 1865 they came to Chippewa County, in this state, and after a few years took up their residence in Minneapolis, Minn. George Henry was reared in Minnesota and Wisconsin. While living with the family in Chippewa County, he first visited this county, in the employ of Knapp, Stout & Co. and later located here permanently. He was one of the far-sighted men who foresaw the possibilities of the county from a com¬ mercial standpoint, and being a man of mercantile ability, he determined to open a store at Cameron. In 1882, when the railroad was built to Cameron, he received the first load of goods that came in the first freight shipment, and opened a general store. This he conducted for fifteen years. For six years he was postmaster, being appointed by President William McKinley. Mr. Rapley was an ideal pioneer storekeeper. He was genial by nature, he was a natural trader, he knew the needs of the community, he was a sincere be¬ liever in progress, and the story of the early days in the village is inseparably linked with his name. He had the confidence of all the people, he was ever willing to do his share in every good work even at personal sacrifice, and his influence on the community was distinctly a good one. In 1905, after the village had grown, he disposed of his mercantile interests, and located on 190 acres in Section 15, west, Chetek township. He moved into the log cabin on the place, with his wife and fourteen children, and started building up a farm. They all worked together in concord, and soon the work was crowned with success. Mr. Rapley built a fine set of buildings, fenced and improved the land, purchased good equipment, and in time had one of the best places in the whole community, everything about the farm bespeaking the thrift, hard work and good judgment of the owner. On this place he made his home until November, 1920, when he retired and moved to Chetek village. Mr. Rapley was married at Cameron, on Nov. 25, 1884, to Luella J. Richardson, who was born in Richland County, Wis., Aug. 31, 1868, and died March 13, 1920. Mr. and Mrs. Rapley had fifteen children: Guy Raymond (deceased), George (who was the first rural mail carrier out of Cameron), Leroy, Ida May (deceased), Myrtle, Pearl, Lila May (deceased), Katherine, Ethel, Blanche, Charles Henry, Loretta, Clara Belle, Charlotte and Theodore Roosevelt.

Warren J. Burnham, furniture dealer and funeral director, was born in Concord, New Hampshire, Dec. 7, 1865, son of Joseph and Martha (Worth) Burnham, who in 1868 settled in Richland Center, Richland County, Wis., where they lived the remainder of their lives, the father dying in 1911, and the mother in 1912. In the family there were six children. Marzetta married William Simpson, and they live in Richland Center, this state. Albert J. lives in Lloyd, Richland County, Wis. Warren J. is a business man of Chetek. Ida is also in Lloyd. Edwin and another died in infancy. Warren J. was reared in Richland County, and as a young man did farm work, carpenter work and clerical work. He came to Barron County in 1886, and located at Canton, where he engaged in the mercantile business for a while with his father-inlaw, Antoine Rollette. Then he occupied his time in construction work on the "Soo" railroad. He came to Chetek in 1890 and for a year worked as a car¬ penter. Feb. 16, 1891, he bought out T. C. Chase, and established his present business. The present sightly building, erected in 1909, adjoins the site of the former store. He owns both buildings. He is a progressive citizen, and is well liked, both as a business man and as a citizen. He carries a satisfactory line of furniture, hardware, paints, and school supplies, and does a good business. He is the only undertaker in Chetek, and his equipment in these lines is adequate in every respect. When the city of Chetek was incorporated in 1891, Mr. Burnham was the first city marshal appointed, and he has served in one capacity or another with the city nearly ever since, having been aiderman two terms, and treasurer for the past ten years. From 1891 to 1893 he was deputy sheriff under Sheriff J. A. H. Johnson. Fraternally, he is a mem- ber of the Masonic order, the Modern Woodmen and the Odd Fellows. Mr. Burnham was married Dec. 27, 1885, to Eliza Rollette, born in Lloyd, Rich¬ land County, this state, daughter of Antoine and Marion (Wood) Rollette, who came to Canton, in Barron County, in 1886, later moving to Chetek where they died. Mrs. Burnham died on Christmas Day, 1915, and was buried on her wedding anniversary. Mr. and Mrs. Burnham have two sons, William W. and Bertram. William W. was born Nov. 28, 1889, and is associated with his father in business. He married Elizabeth Slawson, Dec. 27, 1911, and they have four children: Thayer, Natalie, Elizabeth and William L. Bertram was born March 13, 1893, married Jennie Calkins, and has two children, Bernice and Laddie. An adopted daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Burnham, Eva Hendrick¬ son, born April 20, 1901, is now attending the Chetek High School.

William G. Malcolm, M. D., practicing physician and surgeon, mayor of Chetek, farm owner and operator, capitalist and business man, is one of the influential men of the city, and an outstanding figure in the life of the city, township and county. He was born at Chesley, Ontario, Canada, April 3, 1866, son of John and Ellen (Madole) Malcom, natives of Ontario, Canada, the paternal grandparents being natives of Scotland, and the maternal grand¬ parents of Ireland. The father, a farmer, died in Canada in 1910, and the mother in 1891. In the family there were eleven children, three sons and eight daughters. Margaret Ann married Joseph Simpson, and died in Canada, leaving eight children. Mary Ellen, single, lives with relatives at Nestleton, Province of Ontario, Canada. Matilda Jane is the wife of F. B. Stade, a merchant of Harrison, Ontario, Canada. William G. is a prominent citizen of Chetek, Barron County. Sarah is the wife of Henry Gilcrist, and lives near Lake Simcoe, Ontario, Canada. Elizabeth is the wife of T. J. Hughes, a school principal in Ontario, Canada. Stewart is a hardware merchant at Chesley, Ontario, Canada. He married Sadie Kirkwood. James J., a graduate of Trinity School of Toronto, Canada, is a physician of Chetek, Barron County. Jennie is the wife of James Kirkwood, of Chesley, Ontario, Canada. Ida is the wife of Gavin Kirkwood, who farms near Chesley. Mabel is the wife of Allen Kirkwood, of Chesley, Province of Ontario, Canada. The Kirkwoods come of an old and gentle English family, and those who are inter¬ married with the Malcolms are brothers and sisters. William G. Malcolm passed through the public school of his native place and received his medical education in Queen's University, Kingston, Canada. He was graduated in 1893, and on June 23, of that year, came to Chetek, and opened an office, winning the confidence of the people from the very start. He early attracted attention in public life, he served one term as alderman, several terms as health officer, and has been mayor at intervals some six terms. He is much interested in farming, and owns 520 acres in Dovre Township, this county, which he personally supervises, and manages through a foreman. About 200 acres are under cultivation, and the buildings include three 'good houses, a barn 36 by 102 feet, 32 feet high, with full basement and equipped with the modern "Humane" stanchions, a horse barn joined to the main barn, a swine house, a large granary, milk house and two silos. The machinery includes a tractor and a "Stover" grinder. At Chetek, Dr. Malcolm is stockholder in the Chetek Auto Co., of which he and B. M. Apker own about two-thirds; a stock¬ holder and director of the Barron Canning and Pickle Co., of Chetek; a stockholder in the Chetek Co-operative Mercantile Co., and a stockholder in the Chetek State Bank. He is president of the Farmers' State Bank of Canton, this county. Fraternally he is a member of the Odd Fellows. The pleasant and sightly family residence has been occupied nearly a quarter of a century. Ur. Malcolm was married Aug. 12, 1903, to Ruth Philips, born in Menomonie, Wis., Nov. 11, 1880, daughter of Jerome C. and Rosalie (Cowing) Phillips, who brought her to Chetek when she was twelve years old. Dr. and Mrs. Malcolm are the parents of eight children: John Phillip, born June 18, 1904, was drowned in Lake Chetek, June 7, 1908. George Andrew, born April 28,

B. C. Leonard, capable cashier of the Brill State Bank of Brill, is one of the energetic young men of the place, has a strong faith in the future of the hamlet, and is doing his share toward its growth and progress. He has a good knowledge of farm conditions, he is a pleasing personality, and he com¬ bines the necessary conservatism of a successful banker, with the liberal point of view which makes for prosperity. Born at Spring Valley, Minn., Oct. 19, 1895, the son of Fred and Nellie (Harris) Leonard, he was reared in that pleasant village, passed through the graded schools, and in 1913 was graduated from the Spring Valley High School. Then he entered the Uni¬ versity of Minnesota, and was graduated therefrom with the degree of B. A. in the class of 1917. He took part in various college activities and was a mem¬ ber of the Delta Theta Phi. Thus equipped with a thorough college training, he became accountant in the Bank of Boyceville, at Boyceville, Wis. From there, in February, 1918, he enlisted in the navy, was assigned to the radio service, and trained at Cambridge, Mass. He was discharged March, 1919, and for a short time was employed in the First National Bank of Spring Valley. When the Brill State Bank opened its doors May 6, 1919, he was placed in charge as cashier and in this position he has since remained. Under his capable management the bank has increased, and in December, 1921, com¬ pleted a new banking house, built of brick and tile, and furnished with mod¬ ern equipment. Mr. Leonard was married Sept. 29, 1921, to Olive Olson, daughter of O. E. and Susannah Olson, of Rice Lake. He attends the Presby¬ terian Church. Fred Leonard died in December, 1902, and his wife now makes her home with the son, B. C., at Brill. The children in the family were Minnie, Grace, B. C. and Harris. Minnie is the wife of W. J. Tobin, of Evelyth, Minn. Grace is the wife of W. R. Zable, of Boyceville, Wis. Harris is a business man of Minneapolis.

Carl Amundson, a retired farmer living in Cameron, for many years a leading citizen of Section 27, Stanley Township, was born in Forberg, Nor¬ way, Nov. 15, 1862, the son of Amund and Marie Christensen. He was the youngest of five children, the others being Christian, Mathias, Andrew and Christiana. The father died in Norway. Mathias was the first to come to the United States. He was followed by Andrew, and the latter at intervals by the other members of the family. Carl, who came last, arrived in 1882, and lived for a few months at Canby, Minn. Then he came to Barron County. For some winters thereafter he spent his winters in the lumber woods. When he had been here a few years he bought 40 acres of wild land in Section 27, Stanley Township. In the meantime he had married, and here he started homemaking. He was fortunate in having three cows and ten sheep, but at first he had no oxen or horses. He and his wife set to work with a will. They worked early and late and in time achieved success, and built up a good place. They put up a good set of buildings, cleared and developed the land, and bought suitable stock and equipment. In time they added 80 acres to the original tract. They took pride in the neat appearance of their place, and enjoyed keeping open house to their neighbors and friends, and in extending a warm welcome to their childrens' friends. For some years he did good work on the school board. In 1915, after a long and useful career on the farm, they retired, and moved to Cameron, where they now reside. Mr. Amundson was married Aug. 13, 1884, to Mathia Smested, who was born in Norway, Aug. 13, 1853, the daughter of Ole and Bergete (Ericksen) Smestad, with whom she came from Eau Claire County to Barron County. Mr. and Mrs. Amundson have had five children: Bertha, now Mrs. Henry Smees of the state of Wash¬ ington; Martha, wife of Fred Elmlinger of Cameron; Christiana, wife of Hel-

Nathan Harris Bartlett, for many years prominently identified with the lumber industry in this region, one of the first pioneers of Cameron who has seen the village grow from a stump covered waste, and now highway patrol¬ man under the state patrol system on Highways 11 and 14, was bom in Patten, Maine, Sept. 15, 1848, son of Jeremiah W. and Lydia (Dolbier) Bartlett, both natives of Maine, and descended from Puritan stock. Jeremiah W. was bora in the same log house in which his father was born in New Portland, Maine, and like him was a blacksmith. He came to Galesville, Trempealeau County, Wis., in 1862, opened a shop and continued to work at his trade until his death in 1918. By his first wife, Lydia Dolbier, he had six children : Hiram C. (deceased), Henry D., Albert B. (deceased), Nathan H., Lucinda (deceased), and George P. By his second wife, Josephine Dolbier, sister of his first wife, he had nine children: Allie, William (deceased), Nettie (deceased), Charles, Frank and Carrie, twins (deceased), Ed. and Wyman. Nathan H. was a youngster of fourteen when his parents came to Galesville, and here he was reared to young manhood. At the age of nineteen, with headquarters at Chip¬ pewa Falls, he became identified with the lumber business. His first experi¬ ence was driving a team for eight months in a camp above Belills Falls, on the Chippewa River. The camp was the only evidence of civilization in the entire region. Indians were ranging on every side, and for months he saw no white faces except those of his fellow workers. For thirty-two long winters thereafter he spent his winters in logging camps along the Chippewa, near a quarter of a century of which time he was a contractor for the Weyerhauser interests. In the summers he worked on log drives and in other departments of the lumbering industry. As the pine diminished he gradually took up farming in Stanley Township. April 19, 1882, he took up his residence on the site of old Cameron, making his home for a while with Lou. Barton until he got a log house ready for occupancy. Then he put up a large tent and there accommodated the men working on the construction of the C., St. P. & M. Railway. Thereafter he continued to farm until 1908 when he moved to Cam¬ eron, where he now lives. He took his present position as highway patrolman in 1917. He has been too busy to mingle actively in public affairs, but while living in Bloomer Township, Chippewa County, Wis., he did good service as a member of the town board for five years, also school clerk ten years. Mr. Bartlett was married Aug. 11, 1870, at Chippewa Falls to Lucinda Crystal, daughter of John and Jane Crystal, natives of Canada, who brought her from that Dominion when she was four years old and settled in Illinois, later moving to Chippewa Falls, in this state, where he died in 1899 and she in 1906. Of the seven children in the family there are now living four: Thomas (second), Wil¬ liam, Elizabeth and Lucinda, while Jennie, John and Thomas (first) are dead. Mr. and Mrs. Bartlett have seven children : Charles E. ; Carrie, wife of Alex S. Reid, of California; Ida, wife of George Beckwith, of Moline, Ill.; Lottie, wife of Raymond Burton, of Cameron; J. W., at Moline, Ill.; Arthur W. (deceased), and Amy (deceased), who was married to Andrew Nelson. Aug. 11, 1920, Mr. and Mrs. Bartlett celebrated their golden wedding anniversary. Their old friends and many of the younger people thronged their home and wished them felicitations, while they talked over the long half century and reviewed its joys and sorrows. Mr. and Mrs. Bartlett are highly regarded in the community, and their children have all done well in life.

Arnold Cleveland, the pioneer, was bora in Michigan, in pioneer times, and was there reared and educated. He married Louisa Lampman, a native of Vermont. As young people they came to Wisconsin and settled in Dane County, where they developed a good farm. They came to this county in the early seventies and settled in Chetek Township, where they broke the land, erected buildings and underwent all the privations and experiences incident to pioneer life in a timbered country. They later went to Seattle, Wash., where

James Monroe Pelton, pioneer of Barron County, one of the two first settlers of Dallas Township, and now living retired in Chetek, is one of the most honored and substantial men in this part of the county. He has been active in public affairs, he has done his part in the development of the county, his advice is sought on many subjects, and he has seen the county grow from a heavily wooded wilderness to one of the most prosperous regions in the state. He was the friend and companion of the makers of the county, and his memories extend over more than fifty years of county history. His stories of the early days are most interesting and his reminiscences, when he can be persuaded to tell them, are of the greatest value to all who are interested in the story of the county's beginnings and growth. He was born in Athens, N. Y., Sept. 12, 1848, son of Calhoun and Sarah (Hinkley) Pelton, both of old New York families, the Peltons having come from England and the Hinkleys from Scotland. The parents came west about 1849, and settled in Winfield Township, Sauk County, Wis., where they were pioneers, and where they spent the remainder of their lives in agricultural pursuits, the father dying at the age of seventy years and the mother at the age of eighty-four. In the family there were seven children: Hiram, George, Sally Ann, Charles, Hannah, John E. and Jason Monroe. Hiram, who was one of the first settlers in Dallas Town¬ ship, died in Dallas Village. George lives on a part of the home farm in Sauk County and is now 90 years old. Sally Ann, Charles and Hannah are dead. John E. lives in Winfield Township, Sauk County. Jason Monroe Pelton was educated in the rural schools of Sauk County and remained with his parents until 1869. Then he engaged in lumbering in Michigan. In February, 1871, he came to Barron County and secured 171 acres in section 18, Dallas Town¬ ship. He started in with an ox team, a cow, a hog, a pair of bob Bleds and a few tools and implements. He and his family lived the lives of real pioneers. The settlers of the county were then few and far between, and the lumber camps were about the only centers of activity. Provisions were scarce and comforts few. But the family were of pioneer stock, and they set to work with a will. In time their efforts were awarded with success. One hundred acres of the land were cleared, good buildings were erected and the farm suitably equipped. There he carried on general farming until 1902 when he moved to the village of Dallas. He came to Chetek in the spring of 1903. He now occu¬ pies a pleasant modern bungalow which he purchased March 15, 1920. An acre of land surrounds the bungalow, giving ample lawn and garden space. Frater¬ nally, Mr. Pelton is a member of the Masonic order. He has been active in public affairs and has occupied a number of local offices. His holdings include an interest in various enterprises. He has rendered public service as a member of the county board and as chairman of the town board, and is now one of the aldermen of the city of Chetek. Mr. Pelton was married Jan. 5, 1879, in this county, to Frances A. Cleveland, who was born in Dane County, Wis., Nov. 16, 1858, daughter of Arnold and Louisa (Lampman) Cleveland. Mr. and Mrs. Pelton have three children: Edna M., Gladys L. and Rex M. Edna M. was born Nov. 27, 1880, developed into charming girlhood and died at about four¬ teen years of age. Gladys L., born Feb. 13, 1895, was graduated from the Chetek High School in the class of 1915. She then entered the State Normal School at Superior and was there graduated. Since then she has been engaged in teaching and has shown proficiency in her profession. Rex M., born Nov. 10, 1897, was graduated from Chetek High School in 1915 and, in partnership with Ben Ganskey, now manages a pavilion where the local dances and athletic events are held. The family is highly regarded throughout the community.

Helmer O. Amundson, a popular and prosperous garage man of the firm of Amundson & Elmlinger, proprietors of the Cameron Garage, at Cameron, was born in Clinton Township, this county, June 7, 1892, the son of Adolph and Matilda (Nelson) Amundson and the grandson of Hans and Sophia

Amundson and August and Johanna Nelson. Both families settled in Barron County in an early day, the Amundsons, who came from Norway, settling in Stanley Township, and the Nelsons, who came from Sweden, settling in Clin¬ ton Township, on the farm where the subject of this sketch was born. Helmer O. attended the public schools of Barron and as a youth became interested in mechanical lines and in time took up the automobile business. In 1920 he started in the garage business in Cameron, and that fall took Fred Elmlinger as a partner. They have built a sightly garage, 32 by 70 feet, of brick, facing Main Street, and there they do a good business, dealing in cars, doing general storage and having a fine repair department, in addition to carrying a general line of accessories of various kinds. The young men understand their business thoroughly, they are affable and genial, and they have the confidence of their customers and of the public at large. Mr. Amundson was married Jan. 22, 1917, to Christine Amundson, who was born in Stanley Township, Barron County, on Jan. 7, 1890, the daughter of Carl and Mattie Amundson, of this county. Mr. and Mrs. Amundson have two children: Olive, born Sept. 30, 1918, and Maurice, born Aug. 18, 1920.

August Wandri, retired farmer of Cameron, was born in Prussian Poland, March 27, 1856, son of John and Christina (Kloenke) Wandri, both natives of Poland, where both died. August lost his father when he was five years old and he was reared by his mother. At the age of eleven he was brought to America by a cousin, Louis Ract, who settled on a farm near Eau Claire in this state. He was but fourteen when he started out for himself. For some years he spent his winters in the woods for Knapp, Stout & Co., working on farms in the summer seasons. In 1882 he purchased 178 acres in Chetek Township from his employers. This was all wild land. He cleared a small tract and erected a small log cabin and sheds. A little later he erected a larger log cabin. The county was still wild. Much of the county was in heavy timber or stump land. Lumber camps flourished here and there and the "tote" roads were still the best highways. Indians ranged the country at will. Mr. Wandri was fortunate in making friends with the Indians. He worked with them in the woods, learned their language and exchanged many small favors with them. He gradually improved his land and built up a good farm. In 1918 he erected a new frame house. A few months later he sold the place and retired. He now makes his home in Cameron Village. Mr. Wandri was mar¬ ried at Cameron in 1868 to Louisa Spickerman, who lost her parents in Ger¬ many and came to America alone as a young girl. Mr. and Mrs. Wandri have had six children : Anna, Ida, Elsie, Louise, William and August. Anna is the wife of Hayden Nevins, of Minneapolis. Ida is the wife of Joseph Fried, of St. Paul. Elsie is the wife of Rudolph Poland, of St. Paul. Louise is at home. William and August are dead. August was inducted into the United States service early in 1918 and died of the influenza at Fort Benjamin Harrison, Ind., Oct. 14, 1918. Mrs. Wandri died Oct. 18, 1918, at the age of 69 years.

Joseph Richards, the pioneer, was born in New York state and was there reared, educated and taught farming. He married Margaret Penny, also a native of that state. Both were descended from early New York families. They came west in the early seventies and established themselves in Maple Grove Township, this county. There were then but few settlers, and such as were here were living in isolated log cabins in small clearings in the forests. Here and there were lumber camps and the only routes of travel were the tote roads used by the lumbermen for hauling provisions and machinery. The family settled in the woods, built a log cabin and log barns and there experi¬ enced all the privations and hardships of pioneer life. Provisions were scarce and had to be brought in from faraway points. Comforts were few and con¬ veniences none. But they prospered, gradually developed a good farm and became respected citizens of the community which gathered about them, and beld in the highest honor and esteem. Mr. Richards died Nov. 12, 1901, at the age of 69 years. Mrs. Richards died Feb. 2, 1917, at the age of 81 years.

In the family there were six children. Walter and Ervin are farmers in Aitkin County, Minn. Ellen, the widow of Albert Skinner, lives in Minnesota. Her husband was killed in a railroad accident. Georgianna died at the age of 25. Florence died in infancy. Fred A. is a business man of Chetek, Barron County.

Fred A. Richards, proprietor of the Richards Auto Co., Chetek, was born in Maple Grove Township, this county, May 27, 1875, son of Joseph and Mar¬ garet (Penny) Richards, the pioneers. He was reared on the farm and there attended the district schools. Later he studied in the high school at Grand Rapids, Mich. With this preparation he took up the study of veterinary surgery, which he subsequently practiced for a while in this county. In 1901 he purchased a farm near Hillsdale, in Maple Grove Township. This place he still owns. It consists of 160 acres, of which 100 acres are under the plow, and is well developed and improved, with good buildings and equipment. He established his present business in 1905 when he bought the livery barn of Charles Peterson and converted it into a garage. It was totally destroyed by lire on Aug. 13, 1921. Mr. Richards handles the Ford cars and general acces¬ sories, deals in various makes of trucks, tractors, threshing machines and implements, and has the agency for the Meyerlite Farm Lighting Plant, an electrical equipment for farm houses. His garage does general repairing and contains a battery service station. In addition to his holdings in Chetek he is interested in various oil wells and tire factories. Fraternally, he is a member of the Odd Fellows and he is active in the Commercial Club. Mr. Richards is one of the popular men of the city, and is well liked by all who know him. In his business he is known for his fair dealings and ability, and as a citizen he is in favor of everything that is for the best of the community. He is genial and affable, and his business is growing in importance. Mr. Richards was married Dec. 25, 1901, at Barron, to Alma Johnson, born in Maple Grove Township, this county, the daughter of Tom H. and Wilhelmina (Johnson) Johnson, pioneer farmers. Mr. and Mrs. Richards have two chil¬ dren, Raymond Randolph and Faith Margaret. Raymond Randolph was born May 4, 1903, and is a high school graduate. Faith Margaret was born Dec. 4, 1905.

Le Roy Colbert, capitalist, potato magnate, land developer, civic promoter and one of the active business leaders of Chetek, was born near Whitewater, Wis., Aug. 6, 1877, son of Orlando and Clarinda (Castle) Colbert. The other children in the family were Cora and Mary. Cora married Halmer Johnson, a prominent merchant of Warrensburg, Mo., and they have three daughters, all attending the Missouri State Normal School there. Mary married* Arthur Rich, who is associated with his brother-in-law in the potato warehouse at Chetek. Orlando Colbert, the father, was born in Wisconsin of English parent¬ age. He was married at Whitewater, Wis., and there farmed for a number of years. He brought the family to Barron County in 1886, and homesteaded a tract of land in Prairie Farm Township, about nine miles from Barron. In 1889 he moved to a farm on the east line of Maple Grove Township, just across the line from Chetek Township. This move was made in order that the chil¬ dren might attend the Ross School, taught by that sutrdy pioneer instructor, W. H. Ross, who now makes his home near Chetek. Le Roy attended this school and then entered the Chetek High School, but in 1895 when his mother died, he returned to the farm to assist his father with the farm work. In 1898 he left the farm and went to Superior, Wis., where he was a conductor on the street car system there. In 1900 he came back to Chetek and purchased a potato warehouse from S. H. Hall, of Minneapolis, now deceased. Since that time he has been engaged in buying potatoes and shipping them in carload lots. For the past few years he has worked with Starks & Co. of Chicago, shipping the potatoes to various points where the markets were favorable. The business is constantly growing, and has necessitated the building of a new warehouse completed in the spring of 1921. For some years he was a heavy buyer of hay and grain and developed good stations at Poskin Lake and

The Farmers And Merchants Bank, Chetek

Colfax, doing most of the business at these points by mail and wire. The trade at both of those places, however, has now passed into, the hands of others. For many years he has been interested in the development of real estate. He buys land, improves it, erects houses and other buildings, and then sells the property on easy terms or by monthly payments. In all he has con¬ structed some 30 or 40 houses and cottages. In the winter of 1920-21 he erected the building now occupied by the Averill Mau Lumber Co., for the housing of its coal, and its cement, lumber and other building material. This structure, 56 by 120 feet, in modern style, is located near the Omaha freight station and cost about $5,000, being erected on a "cost plus" plan. Believing as he does in the present and future of the city, Mr. Colbert joined the Com¬ mercial Club when it was first organized some ten years ago, and remained with it through its reorganization to the present time. Among his business holdings may be mentioned stock in the Chetek State Bank, the Chetek Can¬ ning Co., the Chetek Automobile Co., the Chetek Cooperative Mercantile Co. and other local enterprises. As one of his friends has said of him, "He is one of the biggest hustlers in Chetek, a real 'live wire,' he works early and late and 'does things.' " He has done his city service as a member of the city council and of the school board. Religiously he is a member of the Reor¬ ganized Church of the Latter Day Saints, and is prominent in church and Sunday school work. Since early manhood he has been a strong advocate of the total abolition of the liquor traffic, and has been a prime mover and active worker here in everything that has appertained to the prohibition of the sale of alcoholics. Mrs. Colbert is president of the local society of the W. C. T. U. and the Colbert home has been open at all times to all visiting temperance workers. Mr. Colbert was married July 31, 1909, at Chetek, Wis., to Leda Muermann, daughter of Fred and Loretta (Hancock) Muermann, who own a large farm of over 200 acres near Chetek. The grandfather, Muermann, was a high official under the defunct German Imperial Government, having charge of large military stores in that country. Mr. and Mrs. Colbert had one daugh¬ ter, Dorothy, born Oct. 13, 1910, who passed away Jan. 4, 1921. They also have an adopted son, Ralph, born in April, 1902. He is making a good record at Graceland College, Lamona, Iowa, where he is taking courses in business and music, and where he is a leader among his fellows and a member of the college football team.

The Farmers and Merchants Bank, of Chetek, was established as a private bank in July, 1900, by K. Rosholt of Eau Claire, Wis., and was continued as such until Feb. 8, 1908, when it was incorporated as a state bank with a capital of $10,000, the first officers being: President, K. Rosholt; vice president, Mrs. Gusta Rosholt; cashier, Anton T. Galby. On Mr. Rosholt's death, in January,

1920, Mr. Galby succeeded him as president and is still serving in that office. At the same time, R. R. Rosholt became vice president and William R. Strong cashier, with M. Lesniewski and R.- B. Andrews as assistant cashiers. In 1910, the capital was increased to $15,000. The bank has had a steady and satisfactory growth. The present deposits are about $500,000. On Jan. 1,

1921, the bank moved into its present building on the corner of Knapp and Second Streets. In this building, in addition to the bank, are located the Abbott Drug Store and the postoffice.

William R. Strong, cashier of the Farmers & Merchants State Bank, Chetek, is one of the rising young men of the city and county. Born and reared here, he has identified himself with the daily life of the place, he is active in public affairs, is popular with all who know him. He is well fitted by temperament and training for the banking business, and his pleasing personality and sound methods are a factor in the standing which the bank enjoys in the community. He was born June 20, 1892, the oldest son of De Witt C. and Emma M. (Robbins) Strong. He was educated in the public schools and graduated from the Chetek High School in the class of 1910. As a youth he was variously employed. On Aug. 20, 1913, he became assistant cashier of the Farmers & Merchants Bank, and on Feb. 10, 1920, assumed the duties of his present position. Fraternally, he is a Blue L#dge Mason. He was married Dec. 25, 1920, at Rice Lake Wis , to Helen Olsen of Cameron, who was bom Aug. 6, 1896.

Charles Nelson Strong, an early settler of Chetek, is one of the men who have been instrumental in the building of this part of the county. Through his connection with lumber work he was familiar with local conditions before he acquired his farm, and he had faith in the development here of an agricul¬ tural region, although it seemed to many that farming could not be made profitable among the stumps and brush. He himself demonstrated that a good farm could be developed, he encouraged others to locate here, and he helped some to get a start. He realized that roads and schools are necessary for the development of any region, and he assisted in the starting of both in his neigh¬ borhood. Now, after an industrious life, filled with worthy endeavor, success¬ fully accomplished, he is spending his years in retirement in Chetek, where he has the esteem and respect of all who know him. He was born in Collins, Erie County, New York, July 20, 1847, the son of Nelson and Diana (Moon) Strong. The father, who was a farmer and cheesemaker, was born in New York City, Nov. 10, 1808, lived for a number of years in Cattaraugus County, New York, and died in Erie County, New York. The mother was born in Cattaraugus County, New York, February, 1810, and died there, August, 1847. In the family there were seven children: Lamira (deceased), Orville C. (deceased). Electa F. (deceased), Perry DeWitt (deceased), Esther Ann (deceased), Myron H. and Charles N. The mother died when Charles N. was an infant of six weeks, and he was reared in the home of Eli Taber, who brought him to a farm in Dane County, Wis., in the spring of 1860, when he was twelve years old. In the spring of 1866 he worked on a farm in Cook's Valley, in Chippewa County, Wis. The next year he bought hay and oats in the employ of Senator William M. Price. Then he came to Barron County and worked in the pineries for two seasons. In 1868 he borrowed one dollar with which to purchase a plat of the town of Chetek, and after looking the map over he located 160 acres in the west half of the northwest quarter of section 23, and the south half of the southwest quarter of section 14. Later he bought 40 acres in the southwest quarter of the northwest quarter of section 23, making 200 acres in all. This land consisted of hardwood openings. Here he built a log cabin and started to clear and break the land. For a while he increased the family income by driving teams carrying supplies to the lumber camps. As time passed, he erected a comfortable frame house and a good set of buildings and by hard work developed a good farm. March 1, 1910, he rented the place and purchased a house and three acres of land in Chetek city on the shores of Lake Chetek. He repaired and remodeled the house and beautified the grounds. While Mr. Strong has never cared to seek public office, he is interested in public affairs and exerts considerable influence. He was one of those instrumental in the building of the first school in the township in 1870, Mrs. J. N. Plato being the first teacher therein. In that year he also helped to build a road one mile south of Rice Lake to Pokegema Creek. This road, 16 feet wide, is believed to have been the first improved public highway in the township. Mr. Strong is a believer in everything that tends toward agricultural progress, he helped to build the first creamery in the township, called Moose Ear Creamery, and located in section 22, and he is a stockholder in the Farmers store at Chetek. Fraternally, he is past master of Chetek Lodge, No. 277, A. F. & A. M., in which organization he has taken a deep interest. He is also active in the Maccabees. Mr. Strong was married Dec. 8, 1871, to Martha M. Sexton, who was born at Jefferson, Wis., Sept. 27, 1841, the daughter of E. M. Sexton. Mr. Sexton was the first district attorney of Barron County, and died June 10, 1920. Mr. and Mrs. Strong had two children: Carrie A. and Charles Claude. Carrie A. was born Sept. 3, 1873, and married Frank Hambly, who is connected with a monu¬ ment establishment at Strathroy, Province of Ontario, Canada, and has one child, Margaret Grace, born Jan. 8, 1909. Charles Claude was born Feb. 6, 1875, and died Sept. 6, 1876. The family faith is that of the Presbyterian Church.

Archie H. Calhoun, of the firm of Calhoun Brothers, meat dealers, Chetek, was born in section 21, Chetek Township, June 1, 1889, son of Samuel and Minnie (Miller) Calhoun, the early settlers. He was reared on the farm and received his early schooling in the rural schools. As a young man he worked for about a year in an abattoir, but most of his life has been spent on the home farm. In April, 1919, he became a partner with James Malloy, who had just severed connection with another partner, in the meat business at Chetek, under the firm name of Malloy & Calhoun. In April, 1921, the firm became Calhoun Brothers. The company does a good and increasing business, being the only establishment in Chetek that is devoted exclusively to the meat busi¬ ness. The partners own their building, all their meats come from their own abattoir, and they are in high favor with the public as business men and as public citizens. Mr. Calhoun was married in Chetek, June 26, 1919, to Lilly Hansen, who was born in Nebraska, Aug. 31, 1890, daughter of Hans J. and Dorothy Hansen, who were born in Denmark, came to America, settled in Iowa, then moved to northern Michigan, later came to Barron County, then went to Nebraska, where they homesteaded a farm, subsequently retiring and coming to Chetek where they now live. Mr. and Mrs. Calhoun attend the Methodist Episcopal Church.

Charles H. Sibbet, chief of the Chetek fire department and proprietor of a confectionery store here, is one of the prominent men of the place. He has built up a good business and has taken an interest in public affairs and is interested in various local enterprises. He was born in Eau Claire, Wis., Jan. 5, 1876, son of George and Mary (Farrigan) Sibbet. The paternal grandfather came from Scotland and settled in New Jersey. From there the father came west in the early days and settled in Eau Claire, when that city was a strag¬ gling lumber village. There he married, his wife having been born on ship¬ board while her parents were coming over from Ireland. They located in Wau¬ kesha County, this state, and from there moved to Eau Claire. Mrs. Mary Sibbet is still living in Eau Claire. In the family there were five children: Charles H., a business man of Chetek; George, who married Ella Meyers and lives in Minneapolis; Bert, who married Ada Grannum and lives in Eau Claire; Avis, who married Oliver Flickoy and died January, 1909; and Ralph, who lives in Minneapolis. Charles H. started work for himself at the age of 14 years. For five years he worked in the lumbering industry along the Chippewa and Flambeau rivers. Then he became foreman of the wood department of the Dells Pulp & Paper Co. for seven years. His next employment was as foreman of the logging operations of the Dells Lumber & Shipping Co. Then he came to Chetek and opened a confectionery store, in which he has been successful. He is a stockholder in the Grand Opera House Co. of Chetek, in the Wisconsin Stock Farms Co. of Chetek, and in the Barron County Canning Co. of Chetek. He is treasurer of the Community Club. Fraternally, he is a Mason and a Modern Woodman. Mr. Sibbet was married Aug. 18, 1897, at Eau Claire, Wis., to Harriett Blashfield, daughter of Orsamus Marion and Anna Belle (Beebe) Blashfield, natives respectively of New York and Vermont. The Beebes came to Eau Claire in 1866 with the earliest pioneers. Orsamus Blashfield was twice married. By his first marriage the children were: Dean, .Edward and Emma. By his second wife the children were: Belle, Charles, Gertrude, Ida, Harriett and Josephine.

Mathew W. Rearden, veteran of the Civil War and early settler of section 23, west, Chetek Township, is one of the best known men in this part of the county. He has been a man of unusual strength and vigor and is now a hale and hearty old gentleman, a lover of good cheer and genial company, who has a fine sense of humor and enjoys a good joke, and through all the hardships he has undergone has kept a courageous spirit and has stood for everything he has believed to be just and right and now occupies a position of honor and respect among all who know him. He is liked by his associates, looked up » by the younger folk and beloved by the children and his personality is int rwoven into the story of the growth of this part of the township. He was b< n in County Tipperary, Ireland, July 4, 1844, the son of Mathew and Mary (Lahi 0 Rearden, being one of their family of four boys and four girls. The father i id a son, Patrick, came first to the United States and located at Marcellon, in Columbia County, ten miles from Portage, Wis. There they were joined by i le mother and Mathew W., Mary and Ellen. While still under age, Mathew V. enlisted in the 23rd Wisconsin Infantry for service in the Civil War, but is mother refused to give her permission and took him home. Determined, he so¬ ever, he ran away and enlisted in Company F, Second Ohio Cavalry, and sen 3d a year, being attached most of that time to the headquarters of General P til Sheridan. He was mustered out in Jefferson Barracks, St. Louis, was discharj 3d at Columbus, 0., and returned to Columbia County, where for some years ae was employed on various farms. In 1879 he came to Barron County and tool a homestead in Chetek Township. Here he and his family started in with alm< st nothing. He put up a log cabin and having no stove, improvised a cooking pit ce by building up a stone fireplace capped with a barrel. He soon traded his ox »n for a team of horses, and was thus able to speed up his farm work a little. Oft en he walked to Eau Claire for supplies. But with all the inconveniences of pioneer life, he persevered and won success. He has built up a good farm, which it a credit to himself and his family. He has taken great pride in the upbringing of his family and has given them good school and collegiate training, so that all are doing well in their respective walks in life. The family faith is that of the Roman Catholic Church. Mr. Rearden was married in 1867 to Margai-et Ellen Carey, who upon her death left two children : Mary May, now living, and Kate, deceased. On Sept. 27, 1878, at Portage City, Wis., Mr. Rearden married Katherine Mallon, who was born in Marcellon, Columbia County, Wis., June 11, 1868. This union has been blessed by six children: Agnes, Daniel, Mary, Eva, Irene and Mathew. The last mentioned died in infancy.

Theodore Amundson was born in Norway, and was there reared and educated. He came to America at the age of sixteen. At Westby, Wis., he married Mary Evanson, who was born in Norway and came to this country at the age of nineteen. They came to this county in 1873 and located in Maple Grove Township, where they were among the early settlers. The country was then wild, with only a few scattered settlers. They developed a farm in the wilderness and lived to see the town change into a flourishing and prosperous community. They were the parents of eight children: Ada, Amelia, Matilda, Bergina, Ottilia, Fred, Melvin, Carl Bjalmer and Hilda Helmina. Ada is the wife of Peter Adolph, of Maple Grove Township. Amelia Matilda married first Ole Larson, and then Mark Nelson, now of Superior. Bergina is the wife of Martin E. Weldon. Ottilia is the wife of Gust Winthrone, of Dallas Township, this county. Fred married Lena Olson, of Maple Grove Township. Melvin mar¬ ried Agnes Gunderson, and lives in Cedar Lake Township, this county. Carl Bjalmer married Hilda Lien, of South Dakota, and lives on the home farm in Maple Grove Township. Hilda Helmina married Herman Boortz of Maple Grove Township.

Jackson Weldon was born in Indiana, his father being a native of England. He was married in that state to Amanda Nichols and there lived until coming to Barron County in 1882. He settled in Maple Grove Township, developed a good farm, and there successfully carried on general agricultural operations until 1907. He and his wife and family stood well in the community and their home was a center of hospitality and good cheer. When they retired they moved to Chetek, where he died in May, 1916. She now makes her home in Chetek, where she has a pleasant home, her son, David, making his home with her. In the family there were five children : Martin Elmer, Mary, David, Alva and Alma May. Martin Elmer farms in Chetek Township. Mary died at the age of about fourteen years. David lives with his mother, as noted. He married Ethel Carey.

Lena Erickson

Martin Elmer Weldon, a well-to-do and substantial farmer of section 24, Chetek Township, was born Feb. 5, 1871, in Fulton County, Ind., on the farm of his parents, Jackson and Amanda (Nichols) Weldon, who brought him to Maple Grove Township in 1882. He assisted his parents with the farm work and as a young man was given eighty acres by his father. This was all wild. He broke and developed it and erected suitable buildings. Later he bought 80 more from his father and 40 from his father-in-law, Theodore Amundson, making 200 acres. He sold the eighty he purchased from his father, and now has a good farm of 120 acres. He carried on general farming and made a spe¬ cialty of stock raising and dairying, keeping a herd of Guernsey grade cattle headed by a pure blooded sire. In 1920 he rented this farm and purchased his present place from Jason Pelton. Here he has made general improvements, including the construction of a basement to the house. He carries on general farming, raising Guernsey cattle, Poland China swine and good poultry. He is a stockholder in the Farmers Cooperative Mercantile Co. and the Farmers Garage, both of Chetek. Mr. Weldon was married Oct. 26, 1898, to Bergina, widow of Edwin Wood and daughter of Theodore and Mary (Evanson) Amund¬ son. This union has been blessed with three children. Lester was born Nov. 18, 1899, and died Nov. 5, 1901. Iva Viola was born Oct. 5, 1902, and is now taking domestic science in the Stout Institute at Menomonie, Wis. Leslie was born Dec. 2, 1904, and attends the Chetek High School.

William Partridge, ranking well in the foremost among the substantial and respected men of Chetek Township, was born in Plymouth, England, May 10, 1850, the youngest of the six children of Henry and Betsey (Goddard) Par¬ tridge, who spent the span of their years in that country. William had but little opportunity for schooling, and as a youth worked at such occupations as he could find. In 1872 he decided to try his fortunes in America. Accordingly, he set out, and in due time reached St. Johns, Newfoundland, where he was em¬ ployed in the copper mines. From there he went to Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada, where he worked in the gold and coal diggings. Subsequently for two years he was identified with the Royal Engineers, Sappers and Miners, working in the construction of Fort Hamilton, in the Bermudas. Next he worked on the Canadian Pacific Railroad. Then after being employed at general work at Buxton, Maine, for a while, he helped in the construction of the Bangor & Rustic Railroad. Next he worked on the Allegany Railroad, and finally entered the employ of the Sault Ste. Marie. In this employ he came to Duluth, Minn., and then to Cameron, in this county. In September, 1901, he started farming in Chetek Township. He has a good farm of his own which he successfully operates, and he also manages the neighboring farm owned by Lena Erickson. Mr. Partridge is interested in public affairs, and is a great reader, and although he has not cared to serve in public office he has taken his share in everything that he has believed to be for the best interests of the community at large.

Lars Erickson, an early settler of section 15, east, Chetek Township, now deceased, was a hard working, industrious man, who did his duty as he saw it, in every walk of life, built up a good farm, and in dying left to his family and friends the memory of a worthy and well spent life. He was bora in Norway, and was there reared and educated. As a young man he married Grace Halgerson, the daughter of a neighbor. She died in 1871, leaving four children : Anton, Eliza, Ama Helen, better known as Lena, and Grace. Later the father married Catherine Halgerson, and by this union had one child, Gustave. He brought the family to America in 1879, and soon afterward located on a tract of land in section 15, east, Chetek Township, this county. He erected a log cabin, moved his family into it, and with no resources except his health and courage, started to establish a home and a farm. There were many privations to endure, but he persevered, and became one of the solid and substantial men of the township. A few years after his arrival, he was severely injured, and the care of the place then fell on the wife and children. He died in 1888. The place is now owned by the daughter, Lena, and is operated by William Par¬ tridge. Miss Erickson is one of the well known women of the community. She takes her part in church and social affairs, she contributes liberally to public causes, and is always willing to lend a hand to those less fortunate than her¬ self. She is of gracious, kindly temperament, bubbling over with good cheer and practical sense, and is beloved by all who know her. She has given a mother's love and care to a boy, Lawrence Alvin Amundson, born June 22, 1894, the son of Gilbert and Eliza (Erickson) Amundson. Mr. Amundson is one of the energetic young men of the township, grew up on this place, attended the district school, and still lives at home and assists with the work on the farm.

Stephen Wasko, who owns a good farm in section 13, west, Chetek Town¬ ship, was born in Austria-Hungary, May 25, 1878, the son of Paul and Helen Wasko. He lost his father when he was an infant and was reared by his good mother. From his boyhood up, he was fond of fine horses, and as a youth he became a coachman. Like the other young men of his country, he served three years in the standing army. In 1903 he came to the United States, and after landing in New York, came west to Chicago, where he remained for six years, taking care of horses and working as a night watchman. While there he was married July, 1910, to Mary Jozephik, who was born in Austria, March 19, 1880, and as a young lady came to the United States alone. Three children, Stephen, Joseph and Mary, were born in Chicago. In 1909 he brought his family to Rusk County, in this state, and secured forty acres of wild land, on which he put up a log cabin. He had no money, and nothing to start with, so for a while he had to seek what employment he could get. Later he devoted his time exclu¬ sively to the farm. In 1914 he sold out and bought another eighty acres in the same county. A set of old buildings was then standing on the place. He erected a new set, improved the land, and purchased good equipment. In 1918 he came to Barron County and purchased his present improved place of 115 acres. He here carries on general farming and raises good stock. He has taken his part in the life of the community, and is a shareholder in the Farmers Cooperative Creamery, the Cooperative Mercantile Co. and the Potato Warehouse Associa¬ tion, all of Chetek. He and his family attend the Catholic Church. The children born to him and his wife in Rusk County are: Anna, Charles, Frank, Rose, Josephine and Edward.

Dayton Cyrus Latshaw, manager of a large potato warehouse at Chetek, was born in Venango County, Pa., Nov. 28, 1874, son of Joseph and Catherine (Tinsman) Latshaw, natives of Pennsylvania, who lived at Barkeyville, in that state, for many years, and about 1877 settled on a homestead in Gage County, Nebr., where both died. In the family there were seven children: Alpheus, Amelia, Samuel, Margaret, Jessie, Dayton Cyrus and Earl. Alpheus lives in Missouri. Amelia married Bryant Wilson of Salt Lake City, Utah. Samuel is living in Nebraska. Margaret is the wife of Charles Pitman of Chetek. Jessie is the wife of William Moots of Nebraska. Earl married Bertha Stanley and lives in Nebraska. Dayton Cyrus was taken to Gage County, Neb., as a child, and was there reared and educated and taught farm pursuits. In 1894 he rented a farm of 160 acres in the neighborhood of the home farm and operated it for some seven years. He came to Wisconsin in 1901 and located at Bruce, where he purchased a small farm. Two years later he went back to Nebraska and operated a farm for his brother-in-law, Frank Albert. In 1904 he came to Chetek and secured a farm in Chetek Township, west of the city. He moved to the city in 1908 and bought the Central House. Six months later he sold out, and then engaged in the sale of farm machinery. After this he was employed for six years in the employ of the Chetek Lumber & Supply Co. For three years he worked in a restaurant and in the summer of 1919 purchased the establishment. He was appointed to his present position as manager of the warehouse of the Farmers Cooperative Potato Co. in 1920. He thoroughly knows his business, he is a good buyer and seller, he keeps informed as to the market and his dealings are characterized by fairness and good judgment. He is a man of pleasing address and enjoys an excellent standing in the com¬ munity. He and his wife are communicants of the Presbyterian Church. Mr. Latshaw was married Nov. 6, 1901, at Clatonia, Neb., to Minnie Josephine Albert, daughter of Henry and Emma Albert. Mr. and Mrs. Latshaw have four children: Devereaux, born April 7, 1903; Alberta, born Nov. 2, 1905; Grace, born May 30, 1910; and Henry, born May 25, 1914. Henry Albert came from Germany in the early days and was a pioneer of Gage County, Nebr., settling on a farm on which the town of Clatonia is now located. At that time the country was wild and the buffalo were still numerous. His wife was a native of Ohio. In the Albert family there were thirteen children: Anna, John, Amelia and David are dead. Ella is the wife of Frank Jones of Clatonia, Nebr. Frank is on the old homestead there. Minnie Josephine is the wife of David C. Latshaw. Augusta, wife of George Lydick, Effie wife of Frank Chittenden, and Benjamin, all live in Clatonia. Alma, wife of Roy Barkey, is dead. Daniel and Clara, wife of Ed. Chittenden, are in Clatonia.

Severt Solum, a rugged pioneer of Chetek Township, was born in Norway, May 16, 1845, and was there reared and educated. He came to the United States as a young man and for a while lived in various places. He came to Chetek Township in 1873 with his wife and two children, Severt and Julia, and located on 160 acres of wild land. He erected a log cabin, 16 feet square, and moved into it with his family, doing considerable of his work in connec¬ tion with Erick Gilseth, a brother-in-law. Each had an ox, so by pooling their interests they managed to get quite a little clearing done. Mr. Solum had a cow or two, which proved valuable for the children. All the furniture such as the bed, table, chairs and the like, were manufactured by himself. He was a large man, of unusual vigor and vitality, strong and powerful of physique and able to do much more than an average man's daily work. To bring home supplies, weighing a hundred pounds or so, from points twenty or more miles away, was to him a comparatively easy task. Thus he labored on through the years, and in time built up a good place. He added to his land until he owned 280 acres, and he erected a good set of buildings. For a time he was one of the officials of the Norwegian Lutheran Church. About 1916 he retired and moved to Chetek. His first wife, Lena Bohrdal, died many years ago. His present wife was Mary Knudtson. Mr. Solum had nine children, three of whom are living, Severt, Betsey and Edward, and by his second wife had one child, which died in infancy.

Edward Solum, the industrious and progressive proprietor of the Oakland Homestead Farm, section 11, east, Chetek Township, was born in a log cabin on the place where he now lives, March 4, 1877, the son of Severt and Lena (Bohrdal) Solum, the pioneers. He was reared on the home farm, attended the district school and learned farming from his father. He has always remained at home, and took over the place about fifteen years ago. He has continued the improvements started by his father, and has a well developed estate in every way. It contains 280 acres, has a pleasant home and good set of buildings and is in excellent condition. He carries on general farming and makes a specialty of Holstein cattle, Poland China swine and Belgian horses. In public life he has taken the interest to be expected of a native born son of the township, and he is now one of the town supervisors and has served for some years as school clerk. His holdings include stock in the Cooperative Creamery at Chetek. Mr. Solum is one of the real leaders of his community. He stands well with all who know him, and is regarded as one of the foremost men in the township. Like his father before him, he has been a trustee in the Norwegian Lutheran Church at Chetek. Mr. Solum was married Dec. 17, 1905, at Chetek, to Betty Carlson, who was born in Ishpeming, Mich., on March 26, 1884, the daughter of Charles and Clara S. (Swanson) Carlson, now of New Auburn, this state. Mr. and Mrs. Solum have four children: Clarice