Barron County, Wisconsin - Chapter 13: Biographical and Geneological Review, 1922 (part 34 of 46)

John Berger, proprietor of Pleasant View Pine Farm, a substantial farmer of Section 3, Stanley Township, was born in Germany, April 4, 1867, the son of John and Regina (Ludwig) Berger. The father died in Germany in 1868, leaving four children, Jacob, Barbara, Catherine and John. The mother later married George Hafele, who brought the family to America in 1882. At that time John was a youth of fifteen. He helped his family get a farm started in Stanley Township, and remained with them until he was twenty-one years of age. For several years thereafter he worked in the woods, in mills and on farms. In 1891 he secured a farm of 70 acres in Section 10, Stanley Town¬ ship, five acres of which had been cleared. He put up a frame house and a log barn, and started farming with two cows and a colt. After he had things well started, he married, and brought his bride to the place. Together they started to establish their fortunes. He built a modern home, a good frame barn and other structures, and successfully farmed there for several years. In 1916, he sold out and purchased his present place of 160 acres in Section 3, where he has continued the improvements. One of the features which he has built, is a good barn, 34 by 72 feet, with cement floor, and patent stanchions and equipment. He has also built a good silo, 12 by 24 feet. Here he success¬ fully carries on general farming and dairying, and has a good herd of Hol¬ stein cattle. He is favorably known throughout the neighborhood, and is an industrious and successful man. Mr. Berger was married at Stanley Town¬ ship on June 27, 1899, to Lena Timm, who was born in Augusta, Wis., June 27, 1877, the daughter of Michael and Carolina (Schliting) Timm. Mr. apd Mrs. Berger have four children: Helen, Arthur, Clarence and Ethel, all residing at home.

Theodore Heuer, a respected and honored farmer of Section 23, Stanley Township, was born in Germany, Sept. 12, 1856, the son of Frederick and Augusta Heuer. The father, in his native country, was a government game warden. In 1872 he came to this country with his wife and five children, Ida, Anna, Bertha, Gusta and Theodore. They lived in Buffalo, New York, for a while, and then came to Winnebago County, in this state. In 1875, Theodore 'came to this county. The family came in 1877. They secured a tract of land in Section 23, Stanley Township, erected a shack and started to develop a farm. After the shack was built, his means were exhausted. But he was willing to work hard and to put up with inconveniences, and in time developed a good place, where he and his good wife spent the remainder of their lives. Theo¬ dore lived with his parents and helped them improve their farm. As a young man he bought and sold several pieces of land in Stanley Township. His pres¬ ent place of 120 acres in Section 23 is the old family farm on which he has now lived nearly forty years. He has brought it to a high grade of cultiva¬ tion, and successfully carries on general farming and dairying. He has watched the county grow from a wilderness into one of the richest dairying regions of the state, and has done his share in its development. He has also watched a wonderful improvement in methods of farming and in equipment. When he first started raising grain he did his reaping with a cradle. Later he secured a reaper. Still later he acquired a binder, the first ever sold at Rice Lake. He hauled grain to Chippewa Falls, while Mrs. Heuer worked in the fields, shocking grain and pitching hay. With his long experience, Mr. Heuer has acquired much knowledge, both of farming methods, and of men and events, and his advice is often sought by the younger generation, and his judgment is much respected. In the Sumner German Lutheran Church he has been an active factor, and was treasurer of that institution for eighteen years, until he resigned. Mr. Heuer was married Jan. 14, 1886, to Augusta Bertina Downer, who was born in Bloomer, this state, Aug. 4, 1867, daughter of Wil¬ liam and Louisa Downer, natives of Germany, who are now successfully farm¬ ing near Bloomer, in Chippewa County, this state. Mr. and Mrs. Heuer have had fourteen children: Emma, Reinholt, Edward, Arthur, Fritz, Frank, Max, Theodore, Harry, Albert, Helen, Louisa, William (died in infancy) and Emil (died at nine years). Mr. and Mrs. Heuer have taken especial pride in their fine family, and all are a credit to themselves, their parents and the com¬ munity.

Theodore Heuer And Family

August Voelker, an industrious and hard working farmer, who owns a good place of 160 acres in Section 10, Stanley Township, was born in Germany, May 22, 1865, and was there educated and grew to adult years. He came to the United States in 1892, and landed at Baltimore, Maryland. - From there he came to Rice Lake. With headquarters here for about ten years, he worked for the Rice Lake Lumber Co., for the railroad, and on farms. In 1909 he bought 80 acres of land in Section 9, Stanley Township. Here he started to develop a good farm. When he bought the tract it was partly cleared and some old buildings were standing on it. Five years later he bought his pres¬ ent farm of 160 acres in Section 10. Here he has erected a new set of buildings and continued the improvements. He has ample land for successful crop rais¬ ing and for the pasturing of his good herd of Holstein cattle. He and his wife are loyal supporters of the German Lutheran Church, and he has been one of the officials of that body. Mr. Yoelker was married Jan. 7, 1896, to Otillie Heger, who was born in Germany, Aug. 31, 1870, and came to America in 1891. This union has been blessed with six children: Hattie, Emil, Ella and Walter at home, and August and Anna, deceased. Hattie married Robert Schultz, who lives with the family. Anna married John Quick, and died Feb. 24, 1920, leaving one son, Clarence, born Feb. 19, 1920, who is now the sun¬ shine of his grandparents' home.

Edward Solum, a well known farmer owning 80 acres in Section 9, Stan¬ ley Township, was born on a farm in Modum, Norway, Dec. 20, 1863, the son of Nels and Nicolena Solum. He was reared and educated in his native land, and in the spring of 1882, like so many of his countrymen, determined to try his fortunes in America. He was then a youth still in his 'teens. After land¬ ing he found his way to Eau Claire, in this state. That summer he worked on a farm at Sand Creek, in Dunn County, and then, with headquarters at Rice Lake, worked for the Knapp, Stout & Co. for many years. In 1898 he bought his present farm, then a tract of wild land. Here, by hard work, by toiling early and late, and by careful management and good judgment, he has built up a good place. He first built a frame house and a log barn. The house he has continued to keep in good repair and has improved it from time to time. The log barn has been replaced with a frame structure, 32 by 48 feet, with a full stone basement. A silo has also been erected, and sheds and other build¬ ings put up. Mr. Solum now has a good farm, and is one of the successful men of his community. He raises the usual crops, and makes a specialty of Holstein cattle and Red Duroc swine. His home is always open to his friends, and is one of the popular social centers of the town. His wife has been his able helpmeet in all his undertakings. As a father, he is interested in educa¬ tion, and has done good service as a member of the school board. Mr. Solum was married in Stanley Township on Oct. 8, 1891, to Catherine Berger, who was born in Germany, Dec. 4, 1865, the daughter of John and Regina Berger, and came to this country in 1882. Mr. and Mrs. Solum have eight children: Edna, Florence, George, Clara, Mildred, Alice, Nellie (deceased) and Nellie. Edna is the wife of John Rauchenstein, of Stanley Township. Florence is the wife of Erling Anderson, of Stanley Township. Clara is a teacher. Mr. and Mrs. Solum have taken especial pride in their fine family, and all are turning out to be a credit to their parents and to their home training.

Ferdinand Carl Frederick Rudolph, a respected, influential and well-re¬ garded citizen of Section 21, Stanley Township, was born in Pomerania, Ger¬ many, Jan. 8, 1871, the son of John and Albertina Rudolph, substantial people of that country. He was reared and educated in his native land, and came to America with other members of his family in 1894. He landed at Halifax, and then came to Rice Lake, where for a time he worked in woodworking mills and as a railroad section hand. In 1900 he purchased his present place of 80 acres. This tract was cut-over stump land, with only about twelve acres broken, and the buildings were not of the best. But Mr. Rudolph was used to hard work, he was skilled as a workman, and he was willing to work early and late that he and his family might have comfort in later years. His hopes have been realized, and he now has as good a place as can be found in the neighborhood. He has in all things done his duty as a good citizen and a good neighbor. The German Lutheran Church at Cameron has occupied his especial attention, and for two years he served as its secretary. Mr. Rudolph was married Nov. 10, 1897, to Anna Marie Kretlow, born in Germany, June 6, 1875, daughter of Carl and Augusta Kretlow, who came to the United States in 1884 and located in Stanley Township. Mr. and Mrs. Rudolph have four children: Agnes, born Feb. 6, 1900; Lida, born Jan. 8, 1905; Edgar, born March 21, 1908, and Gerda J., born March 23, 1921.

Nels Peterson, Section 31, Stanley Township, was born in Denmark, Oct. 1, 1881, the son of Lorentz and Margaret Peterson, the twelfth of sixteen chil¬ dren, ten of whom are now living. He was reared on the home farm, and at the age of fourteen was apprenticed to learn the meat business. When he was nineteen, he came to the United States, and located in Massachusetts. A year and ten mopths later he enlisted in the United States Navy, and served four years, most of the time aboard the cruiser "Raleigh." He was discharged at the Brooklyn Navy Yard from the battleship "Ohio." Then he joined his brothers, Otto and Peter, at Aurora, Ill., where he worked for some years as a brakeman on the C. B. & Q. Ry. In 1907 he went to Cheyenne, Wyoming, and was similarly employed on the Union Pacific. In 1920 he came to Barron County, and bought 82 acres in Stanley Township. This he sold and bought a tract in Barron Township. Then he sold that and came back to Stanley Township, where he purchased his present place in Section 31. He carries on general farming and dairying, and has a good herd of Guernsey cattle. He is a man of genial personality, and wide experience with the world, and has made many friends during his brief stay in the county. He has great faith in the future of this region, and is taking his part in its development. Mr. Peterson was married July 25, 1910, at Cheyenne, Wyoming, to Maude Timblin, born in Maple Grove Township, July 2, 1890, daughter of Mike Timblin. This union has been blessed with four children: Margaret, Claude and Ruba, born in Cheyenne, and Maxine, born in Barron County.

Hans Lee, a substantial and well-known citizen of Section 20, Stanley Township, was born on a farm in Norway, Aug. 9, 1865, the son of Thorgrin Lee. Of the five children in the family, three came to the United States. Hans was reared on the home farm, and had just reached his majority when he came to the United States. He lived at Rio, Wis., for a short time, and then entered the employ of a lumber company, for whom he worked for some years, in the vicinity of Rice Lake and Long Lake, logging in the winter time and erecting buildings in the summer time. In 1900 he purchased 50 acres in the limits of Cameron Village. This was mostly wild land, and the only buildings were a few old sheds. He has cleared and developed the land, and has erected a suitable set of buildings. At one time he owned eighty acres in Maple Grove Township, which he has now sold. He is a member of the Norwegian Lutheran Congregation of Cameron, and helped build the present church. He is inter¬ ested in everything that is for the good of the town, and is well liked by all who know him. He carries on general farming.

Gotfried Wiese, now deceased, an early settler of Sumner Township, was born in Germany, Jan. 10, 1853, and there grew through boyhood to manhood, spending his time much as the other boys of his time and place. Feb. 14, 1882, he married, and five days later started for the United States with his bride. They reached New York, and from there came on to this state, where they located in Columbus, Columbia County. That summer they worked on farms, he earning fourteen dollars a month and she, five dollars. Then, for four years, while living at Columbus, he cut cordwood. In 1886 he came to Barron County with his wife and two children, Ellen and Charles. He bought 160 acres of wild land in Sumner Township, erected a log cabin, and moved in with his family. His live stock consisted of one cow and some chickens. Implements and tools were of the crudest. To harvest his grain, he had to cut it with a cradle, after which his wife bound it into bundles. Mrs. Wiese was a busy woman. She had her household duties and her children to look after, she spun the yarn for many of the clothes worn by herself and her family, and she even helped with the out-door work. Ready money was almost unknown. One fall, when a hard winter was ahead, and provisions were scarce, he picked blueber¬ ries, which he exchanged at a store for flour, which he brought home to his family on his back. As time passed, all these hardships, hard work and priva¬ tions had their reward, and the family achieved success. The original quar¬ ter section was improved and developed, a good house and suitable barns erected, and suitable equipment and tools purchased. First, another quarter section, and later 80 acres more, were added, until the farm consisted of 400 acres. After the arrival of the family here, another child, Ida, was born. Mr. Wiese became one of the leading men of the community, and was regarded as one of the most successful citizens of the township. He believed in educa¬ tion, and did good service as a member of his school board for some years. His religious faith was that of the German Lutheran Church. After a wellspent life, filled with hard work and worthy accomplishment, he died, Aug. 11, 1892, and his death was long and sincerely mourned. Mr. Wiese was married in Germany, as stated, on Feb. 14, 1882, to Augusta Pffercorn, the daughter of John and Augusta (Smith) Pffercorn. After the death of her husband, she married his brother, Christian. Christian was born in Germany, April, 1851, and came to America on the same ship with his brother. He devoted his life to farming, was a substantial and solid citizen, and died after a useful life, Nov. 11, 1906. He and his wife had one child, Clara, who married Jacob Avery, and has one child, Harland. In 1906, Mrs. Wiese moved to the present place of 110 acres in Section 35, Stanley Township. Mr. Avery, who is one of the energetic young men of the town, is conducting the farm, and is meeting with success in his operations.

Andrew Fossum, Section 14, Stanley Township, is one of the oldest pio¬ neers still left in Barron County. He came here in 1875, when the county was little more than a wilderness, and has lived to see the prosperity of the present day. In all of this progress, as a good citizen and a hard-working farmer, he has had his part. He was born in Norway, May 3, 1839, the son of Lars and Anna Frederickson, farmers of that country. He was reared and educated in Norway, there grew to adult years and married. In 1869 he came to America with his family, and located in Chicago. There for three years he worked at whatever he could get to do, part of the time unloading boats. In 1872 he came to Wausau, in Marathon County, this state, and there farmed for three years. Then he started out for Barron County. By hard work, self denial and frugal¬ ity he had saved $600. Then his son, Henry, was stricken with brain fever, and the devoted father and mother spent the whole $600 to aid in his recovery. But they had courage and determination, so they borrowed $10, hired a team, packed their family goods, and with their family started out for Barron County. Here they secured 160 acres in Section 29, Stanley Township, twenty of which has been sold off. Mr. Fossum had previously selected this farm while looking over the land for a location. When he made his first trip here, he walked from Eau Claire. After leaving the settlements in Dunn County, he saw not a single house along his way until he reached Section 29, Stanley, ex¬ cept the lumber camp at Chetek. He had nothing but his hands and a few crude tools with which to start. He put up a log house, 10 by 12 feet, which is still standing as a landmark of the olden days. Then he started clearing the land. But he was only able to devote a part of his time to this, as he had to work out some to secure provisions for his family. His wife was often left alone with the children. Indians were plentiful and often visited the little cabin. But Mrs. Fossum was of a kindly disposition, the bright children at¬ tracted the affection of the savages, and there was nothing to fear. Sometimes Mrs. Fossum would give tobacco to the Indians, and this still further increased their friendly relations. The first summer that the family was here they bought a cow. Later they were able to get a yoke of oxen, and oxen were what they used for many years. As time passed, the family achieved prosperity. The log building gave way to a good set of farm structures, and as means per¬ mitted, rfiodern implements and machinery were purchased. The farm is now as good as any that can be found in the neighborhood.

Mr. Fossum was married in May, 1856, in Norway, to Oleana Rents, who was born in that country. This union has been blessed with six children: Henry, Anna and George, born in Norway, and Carl, Olga and Christ, born in Barron County. Mrs. Fossum died in 1916. She was born Aug. 14, 1840. Christ, the youngest of the family was born in Stanley Township, Sept. 20, 1880, and was reared and educated here. He learned farming from his parents, and has always remained on the home place. He took over the management on Feb. 28, 1918. He is meeting with success in his operations, and has already estab¬ lished his position as one of the solid, substantial men of the community. He is doing his duty in every way as a public spirited citizen, and is especially active in the Norwegian Lutheran Church of Cameron, which he has served as trustee for several years.

John A. Clemons, Section 21, Stanley Township, is one of the solid, sub¬ stantial men of the vicinity, and is taking his share in everything which is giving to Barron County the excellent reputation which it enjoys as a prosper¬ ous section of the state. He was born in Henry County, Virginia, Oct. 20, 1857, the son of Thomas and Salina (Davis) Clemons, both descended from early American Colonists. The family was a large one, John A. was the fourth of eight children, and he early had to shift for himself. He started doing farm work for neighbors at the age of fifteen, and so continued for a number of years. In 1888 he came to Barron Coiinty, and settled in Stanley Township. For some years he was variously employed, in grist mills, on farms, and else¬ where. In 1896 he purchased his present place of 20 acres in Section 21. He erected buildings, and has now a nice little place where he is successfully rais¬ ing crops for the market. He is interested in all public affairs and has done good service as a member of the school board.

Mr. Clemons was married Jan. 10, 1887, to Mollie Bray, who was born in Henry County, Virginia, June 16, 1861, daughter of Ambrose and Ann (Par¬ sons) Bray. Her father, like his own, was a veteran of the Civil War. Mr. and Mrs. Clemons have six children: Mabel, Thomas, Mary, Paul, Harry and Della. Mabel is the widow of George Severson, and has one child, George Jr. Mary is the wife of Roy Smothers, of Rice Lake, and has three children: Archie, Beatrice and Mearl. Thomas was with the United States army for several months and trained in this country and in England. The other children are at home.

Kurt Bauch is a native of this county and has watched its growth from a lumbering region into one of the best dairy districts in the state. He is ac¬ quainted with most of the leading men of the county, and has held the esteem and liking of his fellow citizens from boyhood up. Born on the old homestead in Section 21, Stanley Township, April 15, 1881, he is the son of Bernard and Mary Bauch, early settlers. He was reared on the old farm, attended school in the neighborhood, and learned farming from his father. After his marriage he rented a modern farm of 240 acres in Stanley Township, of which 160 acres are under the plow. Here he carries on general farming, and makes a specialty of raising high grade Holstein cattle, Poland China swine, and fine draft horses. Recently he has purchased a well-improved farm in Section 14, Barron Township.

Mr. Bauch was married May 15, 1912, at Cameron, to Minnie Sweitcher, born Feb. 15, 1892, the daughter of Jacob and Lizzie Sweitcher. This union has been blessed with three children, Walter, bom March 15, 1913; Dorothy, born Aug. 14, 1915, and Gertrude, born Aug. 24, 1917.

Carl Barta And Family

Bernhard Bauch, a respected resident of Section 21, Stanley Township, was born in Saxony, Germany, Aug. 20, 1859, the son of Frederick and Hen¬ rietta Bauch, the former of whom was a weaver, and both of whom spent the span of their years in their native country. Bernhard was reared in his native land, attended the government schools, and as a youth learned the weaving trade from his father. He came to the United States in 1881, and located in Racine, Wis. Four years later, in 1885, he came to Cameron, in this county, and purchased a tract of wild land in Section 21, Stanley Township. After making the purchase he continued working elsewhere for a while. Then he located here, he erected a frame house and a log barn, and started to clear up the place. With the passage of the years he and his wife have prospered. They have delighted in keeping open house to their friends and the children's friends, and they have lived up to every requirement of good citizenship. They are among the most respected people in the community, and are highly regarded by all who know them. In 1919 Mr. Bauch sold his farm and now resides in the village of Cameron.

Mr. Bauch was married Aug. 21, 1884, at Racine, Wis., to Mary Bechler, who was born in Germany, Dec. 31, 1863, and came to America alone in 1883. Mr. and Mrs. Bauch have nine children : Anna, Fritz, Kurt, Hedwig, Carl, Han¬ nah, Oscar, Clara and Elsie.

Carl Barta, Section 8, Stanley Township, is one of the best-liked men in this part of the county, respected and esteemed by the adults, and honored and beloved by the young folk and children. In working hard, achieving success and raising a good family of children, he has won for himself a high place. In personality he is courteous and genial, he enjoys all the pleasant things of life, he likes a good joke, a good companion, a good meal, and everyone with whom he comes in contact leaves him cheered and encouraged. People come to him for advice, and his judgment and good sense are always sound. He has been an ideal father, and he and his good wife have taken delight in making their home a pleasant place for their children, where their children's friends are always welcome. The children, in turn, have appreciated the advantages they have received, and all are a credit to their parents and to their home training.

Carl Barta was born in Bohemia, Aug. 15, 1853, the oldest child of Carl and Anna Barta, who lived and died as farmers in Bohemia. The subject of this sketch came to the United States in 1878, and lived a year in Dane County, this state. Then he located at Bangor, in La Crosse County, this state. In 1902 he came to Barron County, and bought 80 acres in Section 8, Stanley Township. This land was partly improved, and a house and barn had been erected. Mr. Barta has continued the improvements, has added to his land, and now has a good farm in every respect.

Mr. Barta was married in La Crosse County, to Amelia Arntz, who died in 1885, leaving two children, Margaret and John. On May 23, 1886, he married Nettie Herman, a native of La Crosse County, who died in December, 1919. This union was blessed with four children: Edward, Elizabeth, Anna and Rudolph. Margaret was born Jan. 28, 1882. John was born Nov. 9, 1885. Ed¬ ward was born Aug. 13, 1889. Elizabeth was born June 11, 1892. Anna was born June 4, 1897. Rudolph was born March 11, 1902. All except Rudolph, a bright and energetic youth, still under age, were born at Bangor. Rudolph was born on the farm in Stanley Township, soon after the family's arrival here.

John W. Beylund, a respected farmer of Section 5, Stanley Township, was born in Sweden, Nov. 23, 1854, oldest of the six children of John and Margaret Beylund, who spent the span of their years in that country. He attended school in Sweden, and there grew to manhood. He was there married in 1878, to Wilhelmina Linstrom, who was born in that country, May 26, 1856, the daugh¬ ter of Alex and Margaretta Linstrom, who lived in the same neighborhood, and spent all their years there. In 1892 the subject of this sketch started out with his wife and his five children: Jennie, Mary, John, Alex and Anna, the last mentioned of whom is now deceased. He came directly to Rice Lake, and en- tered the employ of the Rice Lake Lumber Co., working in their yards and mills at Rice Lake, and also in the woods. In 1900 he bought a tract of 40 acres in Section 5, Stanley Township. This was stump land covered with brush. He erected a modern set of buildings, cleared up the land, and developed a good farm. When he started he had $25 in money, a cow, and a few tools. He is now a well-to-do and successful man, and is on the road to still greater pros¬ perity. He enjoys telling of the early days, when he was getting his start, when provisions were scarce, when the roads were little more than trails, and when he had to bring the supplies for his family on his back from far-away stores. He is an estimable gentleman in every respect and is highly regarded by all who know him. In addition to the children named, two, Oscar and Anna, were born in Barron County. The family faith is that of the Swedish Lutheran Church, in which Mr. Beylund has held office. The record of the children, in brief, is as follows: Jennie, born Sept. 5, 1882, is now Mrs. William Robarge of Chippewa Falls. Maria Adalia, born Nov. 20, 1884, is Mrs. Glenn Hartzel of Rice Lake. John V., born Feb. 10, 1887, resides in Duluth. Alex W., born Aug. 22, 1889, is at home. Anna (first), born Oct. 15, 1892, died April 27, 1896. Oscar, born April 17, 1895, and Anna (second), born Nov. 17, 1897, are at home.

Gunder Anderson, early settler of Stanley Township, was born in Norway, the son of Mr. and Mrs. John Anderson, who brought him to America when he was four years old and settled on a farm in Waupaca County, in this state. He was reared in that county and early took up farm pursuits, working on thresh¬ ing crews while he was still a boy. As a young man he secured a tract of land in Shawano County, this state. In the seventies he sold out, and came to Bar¬ ron County and took a homestead of 120 acres of wild land in Section 35, Stanley Township. At that time he was practically without means. But he had health and strength and perseverence, and by hard work he achieved suc¬ cess. First he built a log cabin and made a small clearing. Eau Claire was his market point, and the trip there with grain required three days' time. He could not then afford expensive machinery, and his grain was harvested with a cradle. In time he replaced his log cabin with a good set of buildings, and his wild land was developed into a fertile farm to which he added until he owned 200 acres. He was respected in the community and held various offices, including that of town supervisor. He was active in church affairs and gave the use Qf his log house for the first services of the Norwegian Lutheran faith held in this vicinity. He died in 1915, and his good wife is still living. In the family there were eight children: John, Oscar, Helga, George, Andrew, Alvin, Martin and Edna.

Oscar E. Anderson, public official and successful farmer of Stanley Town¬ ship, has the distinction of being a native of the township where he still re¬ sides, having been born in a pioneer log cabin here April 7, 1879, the son of Gunder and Antonette Anderson. As a boy he attended the old log schoolhouse of his district. This log cabin, sided up, plastered and remodeled, is still standing. He was reared to farm pursuits and as a young man purchased a farm in Maple Grove Township, this county. A year and a half later he sold out and purchased a farm in Barron Township, where he remained about two years. In 1908 he purchased 80 acres of wild land in Section 29, in his native township, and on this tract he still lives. When he purchased the place it was all wild. He has cleared and tilled the whole tract, and has erected a good set of buildings, so that he now has as good a home and farm as are to be found in the neighborhood. He carries on general farming and dairying, and has been successful in his operations. Outside of carrying on his farm work, he has done his duty as a good citizen in public life. He has been treasurer of his township, and in 1920 was elected chairman. For one year he was secretary of the Farmers Telephone Co. He has been trustee of the Norwegian Lutheran Church at Cameron for six years.

Mr. And Mrs. C. D. Hoyer And Farm Buildings

Mr. Anderson was married March 22, 1905 to Lottie Lee, who was born in Juneau County, this state, April 28, 1882, the daughter of Torger Lee. Mr. and Mrs. Anderson take especial pride in their fine family of four sturdy and straightforward boys, Alden, Orville, Lyle and Maynard. Their first-born son, Gordon, died in infancy.

Christian D. Hoyer, proprietor of the modern Meadow Creek Dairy Farm, Section 4, Stanley Township, is one of the well-to-do men of his vicinity. He believes in following the latest improved methods of farming, he believes in conveniences and comforts for his family, and he believes in taking advantage of the machinery and implements which place agricultural operations on a scientific basis. He comes of pioneer stock, and was born in a log house in Hamilton Township, La Crosse County, this state, Dec. 18, 1878, the son of Christian and Dora (Buteker) Hoyer, natives of Germany. These worthy peo¬ ple came to America when they were young people, and were married in Wis¬ consin. They started homemaking on 160 acres of wild land in Hamilton Town¬ ship, La Crosse County. For some years, while clearing up a part of the land, they lived in a log cabin. At first they had no oxen or horses and had to make arrangements with their neighbors for their heavier work, sometimes giving a week's work, for the use of a yoke of oxen for part of a day. The trading point was at West Salem, four miles away. The father brought all the provisions and supplies from that place on foot. They helped to organize the first Ger¬ man Lutheran Church in the vicinity, and early services were held in their cabin. As time passed they erected a good set of buildings and developed a fertile farm. The father died at the age of seventy-two. The mother had passed away many years before, at the age of forty-five. Christian D. was the fifth in a family of nine children. He was reared on the home farm, and attended school in the neighborhood. At the age of eighteen he started work¬ ing out by the month. At first he received $15 a month. After a while he became so proficient that he received $40 a month, which was regarded as a princely wage for a farmer in those days. On Nov. 9, 1904, he married Rachael Steloh, who, like himself, was born in Hamilton Township, the daughter of Fred and Marie (Miller) Steloh, early settlers of La Crosse County, and of German descent. After their marriage, Mr. and Mrs. Hoyer started home¬ making on a farm in Burns Township, La Crosse County. In 1915, he came to Barron County, and bought 160 acres in Section 4, Stanley Township. He started here with five cows and two horses. He has since then developed the place into one of the best in the township. He has a new, modern, eight-room house, and a new barn, 34 by 62 feet, with cement floor and full cement base¬ ment, equipped with modern appliances, including stanchions, and running water in front of every cow. He has also installed an electric plant which supplies light for the house, barn and yards. He carries on general farming in all its branches, and makes a specialty of dairying with a large herd of Hol¬ stein cattle. Mr. and Mrs. Hoyer have four children: Elsie, Margaret, Lorine and Maynard. The family faith is that of the German Lutheran Church.

Henry Maug, a modern farmer of Section 19, Stanley Township, was born in Trempealeau County, Wis., April 26, 1876, son of Hans and Caroline (Peter¬ son) Maug. Hans Maug was born in Norway, the son of Ole and Johanna Halvorson, and descended from a long line of sturdy Norwegian fishermen and farmers. He and his wife came to America as young people, and settled on a tract of wild land in Hale Township, Trempealeau County, this state. He built a sod house, and started farming with crude tools and implements. His only stock for some time was a yoHe of oxen. His cultivating was done with a 22- inch plow. Provisions were scarce, the hardships and privations were many, and all the neighbors were poor people, striving for a living in a new country. But they had faith and courage and in time prospered. Ole helped put up the first Norwegian Church in his neighborhood, and also helped to establish the school. In time he became a prosperous and substantial citizen. Henry, the subject of this sketch, was reared in his native county and learned farming from his father. As a young man he operated various farms as a renter. In 1910 he came to Barron County, and bought 80 acres of land in Barron Town¬ ship, near Barron. Subsequently, he owned and improved several places in this county. In 1918 he settled on his present farm. He has a well-improved and well-equipped place, and his house and barn are of modern construction, with electric lights, running water, and other conveniences. He successfully car¬ ries on general farming and dairying and raises some excellent stock. Mr. Maug was married April 12, 1902, to Nellie Jacobson, who was born in Trem- ' pealeau County, Dec. 30, 1885, daughter of Hans and Oline Jacobson, early set¬ tlers of that county. Mr. and Mrs. Maug have six children: Cora, Clara, Hazel, Gilbert, Hans and Alec. Another child, Hilda, died in infancy.

Sever Mickelson, a highly regarded farmer of Section 6, Stanley Town¬ ship, was born in Norway, Dec. 7, 1848, the son of Henry and Carrie Mickelson. The parents came to this country and settled first in Michigan and then in Wisconsin. In the family there were six children, of whom four are now liv¬ ing, Maret, Ole, Sever and Berit. Sever was reared on a farm and attended the government schools. He came to America and for some years worked in the lumber mills at Menomonie, Wis. In 1881 he secured a farm of 80 acres in Prairie Farm Township, this county. This was all wild. He built a log cabin, began to clear up the farm, and put in a small acreage of crops. He had no money, and few tools. His domestic stock consisted of one cow. But he per¬ severed in spite of handicaps and built up a good place. His wife, Gena, died there, leaving a little daughter, Gena. Then he moved to Rice Lake, and entered the employ of the Rice Lake Lumber Co. While in that city he married Mrs. Nellie Anderson, who was born in Norway, Jan. 21, 1861, and came to the United States in 1888. This union has been blessed with one son, Norman, who was born Nov. 3, 1897. In 1901, Mr. Mickelson bought 40 acres in Section 6, Stanley Township. A log house stood on the place and a few acres had been broken. Here, as before, he started to develop a farm. He has cleared and cultivated and fenced the fertile acres, he has erected a good set of modern buildings, and he has purchased a good supply of tools, implements and machin¬ ery. He now carries on general farming and dairying, and raises good stock. He and his family are supporters of the Norwegian Lutheran Church. Mrs. Mickelson, whose maiden name was Anderson, was first married in Rice Lake to Hans Anderson, who died Sept. 23, 1891. By him she had one son, Elmer, born Jan. 2, 1891, who now conducts the home farm.

John Ferdinand Rudolph, a solid, substantial and hard-working citizen of Section 20, Stanley Township, was born in Pomerania, Germany, Dec. 3, 1865, the son of John and Albertina Rudolph, honorable and God-fearing people of that country. In the family there were ten children. Seven came to this coun¬ try, and three, Carl, Herman and Wilhelmina, remained in Germany. Four, John F., Ferdinand, Julius and Robert - came to Wisconsin together. John F. was reared in his native land, and there married Ernestina Voelker, by whom he had one daughter, Anna. He came to America in the nineties, and located at Rice Lake, where he worked for the Rice Lake Lumber Co. for several years. Then he bought his present farm of 118 acres. The track was mostly timber land, and the buildings standing thereon were in poor condition. He set to work, toiled early and late, and cleared the land and developed a good place. He fixed over the house and built a substantial barn, 34 by 60 feet, and other buildings. Mr. Rudolph is well liked by his neighbors and has served with credit in town and school offices. He has been a faithful adherent of the Ger¬ man Lutheran faith, and helped to build the church of that denomination at Cameron. After the death of his first wife, he married her sister, Bertha. There are now six children in the family: Anna, as already mentioned, born in Germany, daughter by Mr. Rudolph's first wife; and Otto, Herman, Walter, Elizabeth, and Esther, born in the United States, the children of Mr. Rudolph's second marriage to Bertha Voelker. Another child of the second marriage, Ella, is now deceased.

Rudolph H. Rauchenstejn And Family

Rudolph H. Rauchenstein, Section 4, Stanley Township, is one of the real pioneers of the county, having lived here for nearly half a century. He was born in Switzerland, July 31, 1846, and there grew to adult years. He came to America as a single man in 1869, and located at Eau Claire, Wis., where he worked in the mills and on farms. In 1872 he came to Barron County and took a homestead of 160 acres of wild land in Section 4, Stanley Township. He erected a log house and started in with little more than his hands. To this place, in 1876, he brought his bride. For some years they endured many of the discomforts of pioneer life. It was some months before they even had a cow. Cash was scarce and the family had to get along as best they could with such things as they could get. The wife spun yarn on her spinning wheel and thus made socks and mittens and even jackets. Gradually their hard work resulted in success. He built a good frame house, a modern barn 36 by 80 feet, and other buildings such as a granary, chicken house and sheds. By faithful toil he developed a good farm and became one of the substantial men of his com¬ munity. In 1913 his wife died, and at that time he practically retired from the more strenuous duties of farm life, though he still lives on the place, helps in the busy seasons, and gives his son the advantage of his long years of experi¬ ence. He has served on the school board and has taken his part in public affairs as a good citizen. He was married Aug. 14, 1875, to Barbara Markle, who was born in Switzerland July 17, 1846, and came to this country the year of her marriage. Mr. and Mrs. Rauchenstein had five children : Adolph, Fred, John, Emil and Bertha.

John Rauchenstein, a successful agriculturist and dairyman of Stanley Township, was born on the farm where he still lives in Section 4, on Jan. 16, 1886, the son of Rudolph H. and Barbara (Markle) Rauchenstein, the pioneers. He grew to manhood on the home place, attended school in the neighborhood, and learned farming from his father. In 1913, when his mother died, he took over the management of the old homestead and has since continued to operate it. He has continued the improvements and has installed modern machinery, including a milking machine. As the father of children he has been interested in education, and like his father before him, has served on the school board of his district. He has been especially active in the Methodist Episcopal Church of Rice Lake, and is now a member of its official board. In all things he is a good citizen and a good farmer, and stands well with all who know him. He was married on June 11, 1913 to Edna Solum, the daughter of Edward and Katherine Solum of this township, and they have four children : Alice, Edward, Elma and Evelyn.

John Bachleda, a respected farmer of Section 17, Stanley Township, was born in Poland of good old Polish stock. He was reared there and learned the blacksmith's trade which he followed for many years while living on a farm. He married Anna Holly, the daughter of a neighbor, and they had a good family of six children: John, Joseph (born Feb. 18, 1883), Ed., Frank, Emil (born Feb. 22, 1897), and Antonia. The first of the family to come to America was the oldest son, John, who settled in Pennsylvania. He was joined about 1903 by Joseph. Later Ed joined the other two. In 1908 the subject of this sketch, his wife and two sons, Frank and Emil, came to this country, leaving the daughter, Antonia, in Poland. They settled on a tract of 80 acres in Section 17, Stanley Township, this county. The land had been cut over, about 14 acres had been cleared and cultivated, and a shack, 14 by 16 feet had been erected. Here they started farming. A little later Frank started out for himself. In 1911 Joseph came from Pennsylvania and took up his home with his parents. The two young men, Joseph and Emil, now operate the place and live with their mother. They have cleared, cultivated and fenced the land, they have erected good buildings, and are successfully carrying on general farming and stock raising. Both young men stand well in the community, they have many friends and are well liked, and they believe in taking their share in everything that has for its object the best interests of the township and county. They are good farmers, energetic and hard working, and have great faith in the future of this part of the state. The family faith is that of the Roman Catholic Church.

Sever* O. Mauseth, pioneer business man of Cameron, and still a leading merchant, was born in Norway May 8, 1859, the son of Ole and Gertrude Mau¬ seth, and the youngest of seven children. He was educated on a farm in his native land and early determined to devote his life to mercantile pursuits. With this object in view he went to Christiansund, the city nearest his home, and became a clerk in a store. In 1880 he started for America to join his brother. Nils, who had a homestead in North Dakota. He reached Breckinridge in that state, safely, and with several others walked twenty miles through mud and water across the prairie to the neighborhood where his brother lived. For a while he worked on farms there and then worked for the railroad. That fall he came to Wisconsin and found his way to Cumberland, in this county. From there he started to Eau Claire. In Baldwin, in St. Croix County, he found a place where he could work for his board and attend school, thus improving his knowledge of English. The next summer he worked as clerk in a store in Baldwin. From there he went to Minneapolis and became clerk in a carpet establishment. In the meantime he kept up a correspondence with Lars Roe, who had been a friend of his in Norway, and who, upon coming to America, had located at Porters Mills in Eau Claire County, Wisconsin. At Mr. Roe's sug¬ gestion, Mr. Mauseth joined him at Porters Mills and entered the employ of the Northwestern Lumber Co. in their store there. Soon he was made the general manager. After some nine years in this employ his health failed and he took an extended trip to Seattle, Wash. Upon his return he entered the employ of the Northwestern Lumber Co. once more, this time in their office. In 1891 he and his old friend, Lars Roe, formed a partnership under the firm name of Mau¬ seth & Roe, and opened a general store in Cameron. Both partners were men of stability and character, they were thorough business men, they knew how to serve the public, and their success was assured from the start. They took Ole Roe, a brother of Lars Roe, as a third partner, and reorganized the concern as Mauseth, Roe & Co. Their success continued on a still larger scale. In 1898 Mr. Mauseth and Ole Roe bought out Lars' interests and the firm again became Mauseth & Roe. They continued together until March 1, 1913 when Mr. Mau¬ seth bought out his partner and has continued as sole proprietor since. The store is one of the leading mercantile establishments in this part of the county and handles a fine line of everything that is usually found in such places. The customers come from miles around, and all are assured of the fairest treatment in every way. On March 30, 1916, his store building was entirely destroyed by fire. Immediately afterward he began the erection of his present building, 40 by 90 feet with full basement. Mr. Mauseth is one of the real leaders in the community. When the village of Cameron was organized he was a member of its first board of trustees, and he continued to serve as trustee until 1920, when he was elected president. Before the village was. incorporated he was clerk of Stanley Township for a long period of years. He was also clerk of the school board for several terms. When the Bank of Cameron was organized he was made vice president, which he held for about three years. He helped to organ¬ ize the Norwegian Lutheran Church at Cameron and has served as its secretary and also as one of its trustees. All in all he is a useful man whose story is written as a part of the history of the county. He has done his share as a good citizen in every respect, and his influence has ever been for the things that are best. As a citizen, as a business man, and as a public official, he has been faithful to every duty of life. Mr. Mauseth was married Sept. 20, 1884, at Eau Claire, Wis., to Marie Simenson, who was born in Norway on Sept. 4, 1860, the daughter of Simon and (Marit) Simenson. In the family there are seven children: Geneva, Mabel, Walter, Oliver, Mildred (deceased), Viola and Valborg. All have been given higher educations and all are a credit to their par¬ ents and their home training. Geneva lives in Minneapolis. She has been a teacher and school principal. Mabel is the wife of J. E. Hendrickson, of

Minneapolis, cashier in the office of the American Railway Express Co., there. Walter is also employed by that company at Minneapolis. Oliver is a school superintendent. Viola is attending the college of St. Olaf. Valborg is a high school student at Cameron.

Frank Draak, retired farmer of Sections 33 and 34, Stanley Township, now living in Cameron, was born in Germany, April 14, 1865, one of the four chil¬ dren of Carl Draak. The mother died in 1869. Frank was reared on a farm in Germany and there lived to adult years. He came to America in 1888 and found his way to Barron County, where he worked in the woods, in mills, and on the railroads. In 1898 he bought 80 acres of wild land in Sections 33 and 34, but little developed and with but an old shack on the place. He moved into this shack with his bride and they started homemaking. They were in debt, they had but little in the way of furniture and farm equipment, and for a while they had to practice many denials. But as the years passed they won prosperity. Their shack was replaced first by a log cabin and later by a frame house. The farm was gradually improved until about half was cleared and under cultiva¬ tion. In 1918, after long years of hard work, they retired and moved to Cam¬ eron, where they are reaping the well-deserved rewards of a useful life. Mr. Draak was married at Sumner on Aug. 29, 1896, to Elizabeth Pieper, who was born in Germany, April 26, 1872, the daughter of August and Henrietta (Bortz) Pieper of this county. Mr. and Mrs. Draak have had three children: Edith, now Mrs. Carl Wetzel of Maple Grove Township; Esther of Eau Claire, and Maynard, a bright boy and the pride of his parents' hearts, who died at the age of thirteen years. The family faith is that of the German Lutheran Church.

John E. McKain, a veteran of the Spanish-American war, and now proprie¬ tor of a barber shop in Barron, was born in Tomah, Monroe County, Wis., Feb. 7, 1872, son of Moses and Margaret (Brown) McKain. The parents were natives of Ireland who came to America in the early fifties and settled in Ver¬ mont where Moses McKain worked as a herdsman until 1866. He then came to Monroe County, Wisconsin, where he secured a homestead of 40 acres on which he farmed until he moved to Tomah, where he died in 1910, and where his wife still resides. In the family there were six children: Bessie (deceased), James (deceased), Elizabeth, John E., Euphemia and Margaret. John E. re¬ ceived his early education in his native city and then learned the barber's trade. In 1891 he went to Superior, Wis., but after a year returned to Tomah, and from there went to Neilsville. From the days of his youth he was inter¬ ested in military affairs and in all served for ten years in Company K, 3rd Regiment, W. N. G. As a member of this company in 1898 he was inducted into the United States' service in the Spanish-American war as a sergeant. He trained at Chickamauga and Charlestown and saw active service in Porto Rico. In 1900 he opened a barber shop at West Salen, Wis., which he continued for fifteen years. Then he came to Barron and bought a half interest in the shop of D. D. Page. He opened a shop in the First National Bank building in 1917. In December, 1921, he moved into his present place in the Hulbert building. Here he has one of the finest and best equipped barber shops in Barron County, fully equipped with all new and sanitary furnishings. Three chairs are main¬ tained, and two licensed barbers, besides Mr. McKain, are in attendance, every attention being given to the patrons. John E. McKain was married May 31, 1911, to Ida Anderson, who was born June 17, 1883, daughter of John and Clara (Berg) Anderson. This union has been blessed with three children: Beatrice M., born May 6, 1912; Edward J., born Oct. 25, 1913, and La Verne S., born May 10, 1917.

Ole O. Jorstad, early settler of Rice Lake and Stanley Townships, now liv¬ ing retired in Cameron, was born in Norway April 8, 1851, oldest of the ten chil¬ dren of Ole and Martha Jorstad, who were natives of Norway, and spent their latter years in St. Croix County, this state. He was reared and educated in his native land, and there grew to adult years. In 1868 he came to the United

States, found his way to Menomonie, in Dunn County, this state, and there identified himself with the lumbering industry. At first he worked in the mills there. Then for eighteen winters he was cook in lumber camps throughout this part of the state. He married in 1873, and he and his wife took a home¬ stead of 160 acres in Rice Lake Township, this county. He built a log cabin and started farming with a team of oxen and two cows. But this region proved too lonely for his wife who was left alone winters. There were almost no neighbors, travel in the cold season was almost entirely suspended, and the Indians still swarmed about in large numbers. So they moved to Stanley Township where they secured 160 acres in Section 17. There they developed a good farm. Mr. Jorstad took a deep interest in the affairs of the township and served three years as town supervisor and six years as town treasurer, in addition to many terms on the school board. He also held office in the Norwegian Lutheran Church at Cameron. In 1916, after a long and useful career on the farm, he and his wife retired and moved to Cameron where they now live. They are well regarded, they have reared a good family, and they delight in keeping their hospitable home always open to their friends and neighbors. Mr. Jorstad was married March 9, 1873, to Frederica Frederickson, who was born Dec. 22, 1863, the daughter of Lars and Gunhild (Olson) Frederickson, who came to America in the late sixties and secured 160 acres of wild land in Section 28, Stanley Township, being the first white settlers in that vicinity. Mr. and Mrs. Jorstad have had nine children: Marie, Albert, William Arthur, Thomas Edgar, Hannah Amelia, Hulda Walborg and Floyd Oswald, living; and George Lien and Florence Louise who died in infancy. Marie is the wife of Eugene Nehls, of Phillips, Wis. Albert lives in Rice Lake, Wis. William Arthur is operating the home farm. Thomas Edgar farms in Stanley Township. Hannah Amelia is the wife of C. H. Museus of Cameron. Hulda Walborg is at home. Floyd Oswald is an electrical engineer in New York.

Henry August Steltzner, one of the real pioneers of Stanley Township, was born in Switzerland July 24. 1830, and was there reared and educated and grew to adult years. He learned the carpenter's trade as a youth and followed this in his native land for some years. In 1868 he came to the United States and followed his trade in La Crosse, La Crosse County, this state. For a few months he worked in Minnesota and then again returned to La Crosse. From there he went to Buffalo, Buffalo County, this state, then to Eau Claire, in Eau Claire County, and then to Menomonie, in Dunn County. In 1870 he secured a homestead of 160 acres in Section 4, Stanley Township. This was then all wild land. He built a log cabin and started clearing up the place. At first he had little to work with except his hands and a few tools. His first cows were raised from calves for him by a neighbor. A little while after he arrived he secured an ox team. He prospered with the years and in time developed a good farm. To his original tract he added 80 acres more, making a good place of 240 acres, one of the largest in the neighborhood. He erected good frame buildings, some of which were the work of his own hands. For many years he successfully carried on general farming and dairying. He became one of the leading men of his community. He was honest and upright in every respect and was held in high esteem and regard. For some years he was assessor of his township, and he also served on the school board for many terms. His death, June 18, 1893, was sincerely mourned by all who knew him. He was a good citizen, a loving husband and a kind father, and exerted a goqd influence over all with whom he came in contact. Mr. Steltzner was married Aug. 14, 1875, to Mary Becker, who was born in Dodge County, Wisconsin, Oct. 14, 1856, the daughter of Peter and Magdalena (Weiser) Becker, natives of Ger¬ many and early settlers of that county. Mrs. Steltzner still lives on the home place. Mr. and Mrs. Steltzner had nine children: Peter, August, Magdalena, Christian, Andrew, Louis W., living; and Henry, Lucy and Elizabeth, deceased.

ship, is a native of this county, born on the place where he still resides, Aug. 22, 1889, the son of Henry and Mary (Becker) Steltzner, the pioneers. He was reared here, attended school in the neighborhood and was graduated from the Rice Lake High School. He lost his father when he was a small boy, and ac¬ cordingly he early took over the responsibilities of the home farm and now conducts it and makes a home for his mother. He carries on general farming and stock raising and makes a specialty of Jersey cows and Duroc swine. Like his father before him he stands well in the community and is well liked by all who know him.

Simon B. Severson, retired farmer now living in Cameron, was born in Norway March 1, 1872, the son of Bjorn and Ronghild Severson, the name originally being spelled Syverson. Of the eight children in the family, Simon B. was the sixth. He received his early education in his native country, grew up on the farm, and was a youth of seventeen when in 1889, with his father and mother, two brothers, John and Thomas, and one sister, Bertha, he came to Maple Grove Township where the family joined an older brother, Sever, who had come over some five years previous. After the family got located, Simon B. went to work in Barron. In 1891 he bought a farm in Section 24, Maple Grove Township which he cleared to some extent. He bought another place of 88 acres in Section 18 in the same township in 1900. An old building stood on the place and some of the land had been cleared. To this place he brought his bride and here they started homemaking. As time passed he erected a good set of buildings and developed a good farm. There he successfully farmed for over seventeen years. In this long period he became one of the best-known men in the community and was a man of considerable influence and importance among his friends. In 1918 he retired and moved to Cameron. At one time he was a trustee of the Norwegian Lutheran Church at Maple Grove, now the New Scandinavian Church. Mr. Severson was married May 10, 1902 to Ingeborg Ingebretson, who was born in Norway Sept. 29, 1874, the daughter of Ingebret and Juran Arneson. The mother died in Norway, and the father, with his daughter Ingeborg, came to the United States in 1890, and died in Minne¬ sota. Mr. and Mrs. Severson have five children, all born on the farm in Maple Grove Township: Rena, March 12, 1904; Elmer, August 20, 1905; Jennie, Aug. 30, 1908; Olger, Feb. 27, 1910, and Stena, Jan. 26, 1916.

Charles E. Bartlett, implement and machinery dealer, former postmaster of Cameron and former village, town and school official, has been a leader in business, public and fraternal affairs for many years, and is one of the most useful citizens of this region. In official life in the village he has been presi¬ dent, trustee and clerk. In the township he has been clerk. In the school dis¬ trict he served in a similar capacity nearly twenty years. In fraternal circles he has been clerk of the local Woodmen for nearly twenty years, and of the local Yeomen for eight years, and he is also a popular member of the Masons, Odd Fellows and Beavers. He was born Dec. 11, 1871, in Bloomer, Chippewa County, Wisconsin, son of Nathan H. and Lucinda (Chrystal) Bartlett, who brought him to Cameron when he was ten years of age. He attended the schools of Chippewa and Barron Counties and supplemented this with a thor¬ ough course in Chippewa Falls Business College. His early years, in addition to pursuing his education, were spent on the farm. In 1892 he purchased 100 acres in Stanley Township, this county, where he farmed for two years. He took up his permanent home in Cameron in 1894. He worked three years in the implement business for M. C. Howard, three years scaling logs in the lumber camps, and was twp years in the employ of the Plano Harvester Co., after which he engaged in the flour, feed and farm produce business for several years. He was appointed postmaster in 1903 and served efficiently for ten years. Upon his retirement in 1913 he purchased the hardware and implement business of Ed. Post. He has disposed of the hardware department and still carries on the sale of farm implements and machinery on an increasing scale. He has an excellent stock of goods and has the confidence of the entire com- munity, as it is known throughout this region that his dealings are always marked by the utmost fairness. Mr. Bartlett was married at Cameron, Sept. 5, 1895, to Annie C. Christiansen, who was born in Christiana, Norway, daugh¬ ter of Emil and Ann Christiansen, who brought her to America in 1879 and located in Polk County, this state, coming later to Cameron where the father died in 1911, after which the mother moved to Hudson where she died in 1915. Mr. and Mrs. Bartlett have four children: Arthur W., born April 3, 1897; Orpha, Feb. 26, 1899; Harold C., March 6, 1900, and Roy M., born May 1, 1903. Arthur served in the intelligence department with the 86th Division in France. Harold C. was enrolled in the S. A. T. C. at the University of Wisconsin in 1918-19. Roy M. has been serving in the U. S. Navy since November, 1920.

Ludwig Tonn, retired farmer, is one of the estimable citizens 'of Cameron, has made his way from early boyhood by his own efforts and stands well among all who know him. He was born in Germany Jan. 24, 1850, and lost both his parents when he was a child only six years old. He was taken by strangers and reared to young boyhood. In his early teens, however, he began to shift for himself. In 1881, having in the meanwhile married, he decided to better his fortunes in the new world. Accordingly, he set out with his wife and children. He found his way to Chippewa Falls, this state, and leaving his family there walked to Sumner Township, Barron County, where he took a claim. As soon as he had a cabin erected his family joined him. Later he found employment with Knapp, Stout & Co., laboring in the woods in the winter and working on their farms in the summer. Still later he moved to Cameron and found em¬ ployment at railroad work. As means permitted he bought seventy acres of partly improved land adjoining the village. He remodeled the house, ren¬ ovated the barn, erected other buildings, made general improvements and there carried on farming along successful lines for many years. In 1918 he turned the management of the place over to his two oldest sons, Albert and William, who are conducting it along modern lines and winning for themselves a good place in the community as hard-working, competent, intelligent and progressive young men. Mr. Tonn is a man whose opinions are valued and for two years he did good work on the town board. He and his family attend the German Lutheran Church. Mr. Tonn was married in Germany to Caroline Pieper, and they have four children: Albert, William, Lillie and August. Albert and Wil¬ liam, as noted, live with their parents and carry on the home farm. Lillie lives at Minot, N. D., the wife of W. F. Cox, a railroad conductor. August married Florence Garrett, daughter of Frank and Sarah Garrett of Barron, and has two children, Harold and Ariel.

Christian Eng, now deceased, for many years a substantial citizen of Sec¬ tion 27, Stanley Township, was born in Norway Nov. 7, 1850, and was there reared and educated. He learned the foundry trade in his youth and was mar¬ ried in his native country and there had three children. For the sake of this family he decided to seek his fortunes in the new world. Accordingly he came to America in 1880, leaving his wife and children in Norway. The first summer he spent in Minnesota. Then he came to Wisconsin and spent a winter in the woods. In the spring of 1881 he bought a piece of land in Section 27 and brought his family here. The land was then all wild. The family moved into a small log cabin and for a while he continued working outside. Then he de¬ cided to devote most of his attention to the farm. He began clearing the land and continued until he had about 80 acres under cultivation. In the meantime he worked for some years at his trade as a foundry man. He was highly re¬ spected and held in the deepest esteem both among the farmers and among the business men of Cameron. He erected a good house and a large barn, and was faithful to every duty of life. After a long and useful career he died March 7, 1911, and his death was sincerely mourned. Mr. Eng was married in Norway June 11, 1874, to Mary Christianson, a native of that country. The three chil¬ dren born there were Anton, Carl and Casper. The children born on the home place are Anna Marie, Hannah Olina, Olga Christina, Gilbert Mathias, Mabel,

Christian Eng And Family

Caspira and Arthur Henry. Olga Christina married Sheldon Swaney and they live on the home place and assist in its operation. Since the death of her hus¬ band, Mrs. Eng has carried on the work of the farm and shouldered the family burdens. She is a capable woman, she has good business instincts, and her management of the place has met with success. She has taken pride in her children, she is the best of neighbors, and she has delighted in keeping open house to her friends and her children's friends. She has considered it a matter of duty to continue her husband's work and is carrying out all his plans for the development and improvement of the place.

Frank Samson, prominent and successful produce dealer of Cameron, manager of the two elevators in the village, and manager of a potato warehouse for the J. R. Beggs Co., has been identified with the business life of this region for many years. He was born in Quebec, Canada, March 3, 1859, son of Martin and Mary (Quintigne) Samson, who spent the span of their years in Canada, the father dying in 1917 and the mother in 1888. In the family there were eight children: John, Joseph, Daniel, Frank, Margaret, Mary, Ellen and Christina. Margaret, Ellen, Daniel, John and Joseph are dead. All the family except Frank have confined their activities to Canada. By a previous marriage, how¬ ever, the mother had two sons, one of whom, Malcolm McNaughton, lives in New Auburn, this state, the other, Naughton McNaughton, being in British Columbia. Frank was reared in his native province and was there educated. For some years he worked in the lumber woods there. He came to the States in 1881, and with headquarters at Eau Claire, this state, was identified with the lumber industry, first as a chopper and then as a cook in lumber camps. In 1890 he came to Cameron and established a general store. This he successfully conducted for eighteen years, winning a reputation for fair dealing and honest methods. The store was organized as the Farmers Store with Mr. Samson as manager. About this time Mr. Samson erected the sightly business block which now bears his name. In 1914 he sold out to the Bloomer Farms Store Co., who own a chain of Farmers' Stores in this part of Wisconsin. He then devoted his time exclusively to the produce business handling principally hay, grains and potatoes. In his many years' residence here Mr. Samson has taken a deep interest in the progress of the village. When Cameron was first incorporated he served as a member of the village board for several years. He has also served on various committees and delegations. Fraternally he is a member of the Masonic Order and the Modern Woodmen of America. Mr. Samson was married at Minneapolis March 13, 1889, to Susan Forrest, daughter of James and Bridget (Kennedy) Forrest, natives, respectively, of Canada and Ireland. They came to Wisconsin from Canada and settled in Eau Claire where they spent the remainder of their lives. He was killed in 1887 as the result of being caught under a falling tree while driving a team of horses in the lumber woods. She died in 1918. They had a good family of five girls and three boys. Dane, Helen and Susan are alive; John, Hugh, Catherine, Sarah and Maryann are dead. Mr. and Mrs. Samson have six children : John F., Homer J., Dewey J., Emmett R., Pearl and Eugenie. John F. is cashier of the State Bank of Hillsdale, in this county. He served during the war as a sergeant major in the Officers' Training Camp at Fortress Monroe, Virginia. Homer J. is post¬ master at Cameron. He served in France from April, 1918 to June, 1919 with the 314th Ammunition Train, 89th Division. Dewey J. and Emmett R. are in the University of Minnesota. Dewey served in France as a member of the 108th Field Signal Corps. Emmett served in the Navy with the rank of ensign. Pearl and Eugenie are both at home.

Ole Simenson, proprietor of the New East Hotel at Cameron and licensed fisherman and guide, is one of the best known men in this part of the state. As a host he is a genial landlord and jovial companion, and as a guide he is expert in all the things which go to make up the comfort and success of a fishing, hunting or camping party. He was born on a farm in Norway May 28, 1868, son of Simen and Mariet Hanson. In the family there were seven children:

Marie, Hannah, Margaret, Ole, John, Ida and Lena. Marie and Margaret were the first to come to this country. Then John and Lena came. Next were the father and mother and Ole. Then Ida came, thus completing the family. It was in 1890 when Ole and his parents came. They settled first at Eau Claire, this state, and then moved to Porters Mills, in the same county. There the father died. The subject of this sketch found employment for a number of years in various sawmills in this part of the state. In May, 1900, he came to Cameron and clerked in the Mauseth, Roe & Co. store. He then rented the old Wisconsin Hotel in 1904, and operated it about two years. Then in 1906 he bought the old Johnson & Swenson store, remodeled the building and opened the New East Hotel, which he is still successfully conducting. For the last three years he has also been a licensed guide, taking parties out on the lakes of this part of the state for fishing, hunting and recreation. Mr. Simenson was married Aug. 11, 1894, to Christina Jacobson, who was born at Porter's Mills, Eau Claire County, this state, Aug. 20, 1874, the daughter of Ingebret and Elizabeth Jacobson, natives of Norway. The father came to this country alone and made a home for the family at Porter's Mills, after which he sent for his wife and children. He was employed for many years by the North¬ western Lumber Co. He died at Porter's Mills. His wife died at Cameron. In the family there were eight children: Jacob, Isaac, Fred, Ingvald, Inga, Laura, Christina and Rebecca. Mr. and Mrs. Simenson have had seven chil¬ dren: Selmer, Melvin, Norman, Edna, Thelma, Marie and Ingebret. Selmer is a mechanic. He served with the United States forces during the World War. Ingebret died in infancy. Melvin also served in the World War. Edna is a musician with a voice of unusual possibilities, and her friends predict for her a brilliant future in the musical world. She is well known and admired throughout this part of the state, and has appeared in various con¬ certs. Papers throughout this and neighboring counties have spoken of her voice and personality in the most laudatory terms. She has sung for people who have traveled widely and are judges of vocal music and they have declared that she has one of the best natural child voices that they have ever heard. Her voice is of unusual purity, clearness, sweetness and range, and her stage presence is most charming. She is now fourteen years of age and in spite of the praise and attention she has received she is still an unaffected and un¬ spoiled child who helps her mother about the house, plays with her friends and is always willing to entertain when requested. It is believed that in the future the fact that she was born here will reflect much credit on the county.

Elmer Kreier, one of the active and energetic young men of Sumner Town¬ ship, was born in Columbia County on July 3, 1896, the son of August W. and Dora Kreier. He came to this county with his parents when he was fifteen years of age and helped his father to develop the place from a wilderness. He is one of the popular young men of the community and is active in everything which he believes to be for the best interests of the community. He was in¬ ducted into the United States service on July 23, 1918, and trained at Camp Grant. He was equipped for overseas at Camp Mills, L. I., and sailed Sept. 7, 1918, arriving on the other side Sept. 21, where he served with Company G, 4th U. S. Infantry, Third Division. He accompanied the Army of Occupation into Germany and for five weeks was ill in a hospital at Coblenz. He was in Europe altogether for eleven months and three days. He reached the United States on Aug. 27, 1919, and was discharged at Camp Grant on Sept. 2, 1919 after which he returned home. He was married April 17, 1920, to Maude Freberg of Chetek Township. They have one child, Wilna. Mr. Kreier now conducts the Freberg farm in Section 10, Chetek Township.

August W. Kreier, a hard-working farmer of Section 28, Sumner Town¬ ship, was born in Germany Nov. 17, 1861, the son of William and Henrietta (Wanslip) Kreier. The parents came to the United States in 1873 bringing their four children, August W., Hermina, Charles and Anna. Another child, Lillie, was born in the United States. The family settled on a farm in Co- lumbia County, this state, and there both died. August W. was next to the oldest child. As a boy he attended the government schools in Germany and after coming to this country, also attended school in Columbia County. He remained on the home farm until after attaining his majority. For a number of years he worked in North Dakota and Colorado. In 1910 he came to Barron County and located on 160 acres of wild land in Section 28, Sumner Township. No buildings had been erected and the land was all wild. By hard work he has developed a good farm, has erected a fine set of buildings and cleared much of the land. The house is comfortable and well arranged, and the barn is 32 by 60 feet, and equipped with modern accessories. Mr. Kreier successfully carries on general farming and makes a specialty of raising a good dairy herd of Short¬ horn cattle. He and his family are prominent in the affairs of the Greenwood Social club. Mr. Kreier was married in Columbia County on July 7, 1894 to Mrs. Dora Brabender, who, in maidenhood, was Dora Kreier, and this union has been blessed with one son, Elmer, born July 3, 1895. Mrs. Kreier is the daugh¬ ter of August and Minnie Kreier. By her marriage to William Brabender, now deceased, she had seven children: Oscar, Nettie, Alma, Albert, Herbert, Elsie and Helen, all of whom are living.

William Kamrath Sr., proprietor of the Twin Lake Stock Farm in Section 10, Stanley Township, is a believer in good farm buildings. He has erected two full sets on his farm and takes just pride in the fact that he has done more building than any other farmer in the neighborhood. He delights in having his farm present a picture of thrift, neatness and prosperity, and the place every¬ where shows the taste and industry of its owner, and wins high praise from all who pass or visit it. He was born in Germany Aug. 4, 1856, the youngest of the six children of Frederick Kamrath. He was reared in his native land and as a young man learned the trade of tailor. In 1883 he came to America and located in Chicago. There he married Paulina Reese, who was born in Ger¬ many and died in Barron County in 1901. In 1893 he came to Barron County and bought 80 acres in Section 10, Stanley Township. This tract was partly cleared and a log cabin had been erected. He moved into the log cabin and started farming with a team of horses and two cows. He gradually improved the land. Having a liking for building, he at once started to replace the log building with a good set of modern structures. In time he had as good a collec¬ tion of house, barn and outbuildings as could be found in the neighborhood. Then he bought 80 acres adjoining. On this he likewise erected a fine set of buildings. These two sets of buildings will remain as his monument for many generations to come. Busy as he has been with his own work, Mr. Kamrath has found time for public duties, and has served for three years as a member of the town board and nine years as clerk of his school district. He has been active in the German Lutheran Church at Rice Lake, of which he was one of theearly members. Mr. and Mrs. Kamrath had five children: William, Lena, Albert, Mary and Otto, all living at home.

Ferdinand Block was one of the true pioneers of Sumner Township. In 1869 he and his family and William Bortz and his family drove into the town¬ ship with an ox team and here he homesteaded 160 acres in Section 19. He started in with $60 in cash and one cow. His first home was a sod house, and the furniture consisted of crude make-shifts which he was able to put together. At first he could not afford to devote all his time to the farm, so he worked for Knapp, Stout & Co. at $18 a month, while his wife and children tried to clear up the farm. The wife had brought her spinning wheel with her so the family did not have to go without proper clothing, for she spun yarn and wove cloth and this kept the family well clothed. The second summer he built a log cabin. Later he built the first frame house in the neighborhood. As time passed he was able to devote more of his time to the farm. For many years conditions were hard. At first there were no neighbors and no roads. Even after the people began to settle around him grain had to be hauled to Chippewa Falls or to Bloomer over rough ways beset with many dangers. Sometimes the trip took five or six days. But these conditions gradually improved, and in time Mr. Block developed a good farm. To his original holdings he added 25 acres of timber land. He attained a position of leadership among his fellows, and served on the town board and on the school board. He and his wife were faithful adherents of the German Lutheran Church, and early services of that denomination were held in their home. After a long and useful life he died in February, 1913. She died in February, 1886. Both will long be remembered in the history of the township. They were hard working, God-fearing people, good neighbors and good people, and their influence was always for the good.

Fred Block, one of the leading citizens of Sumner Township, has seen this region develop from a wilderness, and in its growth and prosperity has had his share and part. He was born in Pomerania, Germany, Nov. 30, 1861, son of Ferdinand and Wilhelmina (Bortz) Block, who brought their two children, Fred and Tena, to Waupaca County, this state, in 1867, and to Sumner Town¬ ship, this county, in 1869. Fred was reared amid pioneer conditions and was still a young boy when he began to help with the farm work while his father was away earning a little money for the family provisions. He attended the first log schoolhouse erected in the neighborhood and has always spent his life on the present farm with the exception of two years when he worked as a car¬ penter in Milwaukee. As his father grew to advancing years, he gradually assumed the management of the home place. He erected the fine set of build¬ ings which now adorn the place. He carries on general farming and dairying making a specialty of Holstein cattle and Jersey swine. He has named the place the Twin Brook Farm, and takes pride in its neat appearance and its modern upkeep. Busy as he has been building up his own fortunes, he has not been unmindful of his duties as a public citizen, and his judgment on town¬ ship affairs is often sought. He has served in various township and school offices, and has taken his part in everything that he has believed to be for the best interests of the community. Like his parents before him he is a faithful adherent of the German Lutheran Church and has served in various offices of St. John's congregation. Mr. Block was married Dec. 27, 1885 to Helen Krenke, who was born in Waupaca County, this state, July 12, 1864, daughter of Fred and Henrietta Krenke, natives of Germany, who came to Waupaca County as young people. Mr. and Mrs. Block have three children: Arnold, Salwerta and Lorenzo. Arnold is a successful dentist of Milwaukee. Salwerta is the wife of Rev. E. L. Moerke, a clergyman of the English Lutheran faith. Lorenzo is at home.

Lorenzo Block, one of the enterprising young farmers of Sumner Township, was born on the Twin Brook Farm in Section 29, where he now resides, March 9, 1896, the son of Fred and Helen (Krenke) Block, the pioneers. He attended, the schools of this county and took courses in farming and business at the Agricultural School at Wauwatosa, in Waukesha County, not far from Mil¬ waukee. He has devoted his life to assisting on the home farm, and is an energetic and popular young man. He is now the town clerk of Sumner Town¬ ship, thus representing the third generation of Blocks that have held town office here. Mr. Block was married Aug. 24, 1918 to Lillian Hensel, who was born in this county Sept. 13, 1895, the daughter of Fritz and Henriette Hensel. Mr. and Mrs. Block have one daughter, Elaine, born Jan. 23, 1920.

William Reese, for some thirty years a farmer in Section 20, Sumner Town¬ ship, was born in Germany, and there grew to adult years and married Mary Godka, also a native of that country. The first of the children to come to the United States was Robert. He came in 1878, and located first in Manitowoc County, this state, and then in Sauk County, this state. The next to come was the son, Julius. In 1883, William and his wife, and two children, Paulina and William, Jr., came and joined the other two sons, in Sauk County. They came to Barron County in 1885, and located on Section 20, Sumner Township, where they developed a farm. The wife died on the place at the age of sixtythree, and the subject of this sketch moved to Stanley Township, where he

Robert Reese, a well-known farmer of Section 29, was born in Germany, March 3, 1862, the son of William and Mary Godka, and was confirmd as Carl August Robert, names which had been in the family for generations. He was reared and educated in his native land, and set out for America as a boy of sixteen, in 1878. He first lived a while in Manitowoc County, this state, and then came to Sauk County, where he was joined by his father and mother and his two brothers and sister. In 1885 they came to Barron County, and located on a tract of land in Section 20, Sumner Township. Here they started in with a team of horses and a cow, as true pioneers. They in time built up a good set of buildings, and developed a fertile and well-improved land. The sub¬ ject of this sketch owned the land, and had charge of its operation. When he married he brought his bride to the place. In 1915 he sold out and moved to his present farm in Section 30. Here he has a good place and takes pride in its appearance. For many years he has been one of the leaders in his com¬ munity. For fifteen years he has been chairman of the town board, and has not only been a factor in the excellent town government which has been main¬ tained, but has also been a valuable member of the county board. He has also served in other town offices. His interest in education and in the welfare of the future is shown by his service as a member of his school board both as director and as clerk. On his farm he has advocated and practiced advanced methods, and has been successful in his operations, making a specialty of Guernsey cattle, Jersey Red swine and good horses. He and his wife are faith¬ ful adherents of the German Lutheran Church. Mr. Reese was married Aug. 29, 1889, to Wilhelmina Kuther, who was born in Germany, Aug. 28, 1856, and came to the United States in 1887. Mr. and Mrs. Reese have had no children of their own, but have reared two, Paul Draat and Emilia Reese.

Simon Johnson Brein, a pioneer of Stanley Township, now deceased, was born in Norway, Feb. 22, 1836, and was married there in 1858, to Paulina Chris Linsdatter, who was born Jan. 6, 1831. In 1869, with their five children, Anna, Christian, John, Agnette and Johanna, they set out for the United States. They were fourteen weeks aboard a sailing boat, a long and tiresome voyage indeed, for the parents and their young children. They reached Chicago by way of the St. Lawrence and the Great Lakes, and came on to Portage County, this state, where they settled. In 1874 they came to Barron County, and located in Stanley Township. Their funds were low, and the trip from Eau Claire was made afoot. They built a good log cabin, and there started home making. Mr. Brein was a skilled workman, and helped to put up many of the log houses and log schools in the neighborhood. He also dug wells throughout the town¬ ship. He and his family underwent all the hardships of pioneer life, and in time achieved success. He retired in 1910 and took up his home with his daughter, Mrs. Carl Olsen, in Sumner Township, where he still resides. His wife died in 1912 at the age of eighty-one. They were both devout members of the Norwegian Lutheran Church, and early services were held in their cabin. In addition to the children already mentioned, two, Simon Peder and Clara, were born in this state.

Peder Olsen, one of the early pioneers, was born in Norway, July 14, 1835, the son of Olaf and Sissel Michaelson, farmers of that country. He was reared in his native land, was there educated. There also he married Elie Gudaker. In 1857 he started out with his wife and child, for the new world. The trip took seven long weeks aboard a sailing ship, and during the fateful voyage, the child, Olava, sickened and died and was buried at sea. They reached Chi¬ cago by way of the St. Lawrence and the Great Lakes, and from there came to La Crosse, in this state, where was located his brother, Mathias. From there he went to Coon Prairie, in Vernon County, this state. There he got out wood for wagons, and repaired farm implements and household furniture, first for others, and then in a shop of his own. In 1870 he drove into Barron County with an ox team, bringing his wife and five children: Carl, Ida, Olaf, Chris¬ tina and Elias, and located on a claim of 160 acres in Section 6, Sumner Town¬ ship, which he had selected the previous year. They took up their home for a few days in the little log cabin which Christ Hilstad had erected about a mile away. Then they put up a log cabin, 16 by 26 feet, on their claim, and started farming there with the yoke of oxen and one cow. Here for some years they underwent many privations and hardships. There were no roads except the tote roads of the lumber companies. The Knapp, Stout & Co.'s log¬ ging camp stores were the only source of supplies. Grain had to be taken to Colfax or Chippewa Falls for grinding. Farming had to be carried on with the crudest of tools, and the women had but little in the house in the way of furniture and utensils. Mr. Olsen was a little better off than some of the others, because he was able to make furniture for the house, and implements for the farm. He and his good wife, with the help of the children, toiled early and late, they made their home a place of good cheer, and they kept on with unfailing courage until they had won success. They were devout church peo¬ ple, and early services were held in their cabin. Mr. Olsen took an interest in the township and served for many years as supervisor. His good wife, who was an able helpmeet in all his undertakings, died in 1888. In addition to the children named, two more, Emma and Peter, were born in Barron County.