Barron County, Wisconsin - Chapter 13: Biographical and Geneological Review, 1922 (part 4 of 46)

Longmont, Colo., where he died Jan. 3, 1904. The mother was born in England, Oct. 11, 1836, came to America with her parents when she was three years of age, and died in North Dakota, Oct. 30, 1886. The children in the family were : Flora, now Mrs. Fremont Stevens, of Madera, Cal. ; George, of Buel, Idaho ; Ida, deceased; Adaline, wife of A. L. Ferry, of Pynallup, Wash.; Alzuma, now wife of Clarence Robie, of Danbury, Wis.; Minnie, now Mrs. James Emerson, of Jelly, California; and Mabel, now wife of Herbert Spencer, of Angeline, Wash¬ ington; and Joshua F., the seventh born. As a young man, Joshua F. took over the management of his father's farm at Oldham, S. D., for seven years, and then operated a farm a mile south of the home place for three years. In the fall of 1892 he purchased 320 acres in Stuttsman County, North Dakota, twenty miles from Jamestown. He sold out this place in the fall of 1906 and a few months later bought 80 acres in Arland Township, this county. In 1910 he sold that place and acquired 160 acres in section 31, Barron Township, this county. This was practically all covered with standing timber, only ten acres having been cut-over. To the improvement of this farm, Mr. Gould has since devoted his attention. He has built a good house with concrete double walls, two stories in height, his barn is 34 by 80 feet, with full basement, his silo is of good capacity, and the other buildings are all adequate for their needs. Mr. Gould successfully carries on general farming and stockraising, and has a good herd of high grade Holstein cattle and a large drove of Chester White swine, maintaining full-blooded sires in each line. The home is three miles southwest of Barron City, and is well known for its hospitality and good cheer. Mr. Gould was married Jan. 26, 1890, to Anna A. Bergmann, born in Germany, Oct. 29, 1871, daughter of Carl and Marie Bergmann, of Ashippun, Wis., the latter of whom died Aug. 3, 1915, and the former of whom is now living in Ashippun, Wis. Mr. and Mrs. Gould have ten children, three born in South Dakota, three in North Dakota, and four in Wisconsin. Hugo O. was born Dec. 15, 1893, and lives in Prairie Farm Township, this county. Lillian H. was born May 16, 1896, and is the wife*of Ezra Acher, of Harlowton, Mont.; Earl E. was born Feb. 2, 1901, and is on the home farm with his father. Effie J. was born Nov. 6, 1902; Guy H. was born Nov. 7, 1904; George A. was born July 30, 1906; Jewell F. was born Nov. 14, 1908; Helen M. was born Oct. 21, 1911; Florence B. was born April 17, 1914; and Carlos F. was born June 27, 1917. The family faith is that of the First Baptist Church of Barron.

Ben Thorsen, a business man of Barron City, was born in Norway, Oct. 17, 1850, son of Thor and Margaret Smestad, the former of whom later came to America and died in Cameron, this county, and the latter of whom died in Norway. Ben, the youngest of a family of four children, was bound out to strangers after his mother's death. In 1872 he came to America, and made his way directly to Cameron, in this county. He came here with no money, and for some time earned but $18 a month. For about fifteen years he spent his summers working in the hotel of John Quaderer, at Barron, and his win¬ ters in the lumber woods. In 1887 he came to Barron City, and since then has been employed in the hardware business, first with Dewitt Post, then with John Post, and now with Ed. Falkenberg. By hard work and frugal habits he has acquired a competency and is one of the respected men of the community. The family residence is a comfortable home at the corner of First and Divi¬ sion streets. Mr. Thorsen was married March 15, 1886, to Caroline H. Jacob¬ son, the daughter of June and Martha (Johnson) Jacobson, and they have one daughter, Tena, wife of Cornelius O. Tvedt, of Barron Township. Mrs. Thor¬ sen was born in Norway, Dec. 23, 1856, one of seven children, two of whom died in Norway. Her parents came to America when she was a girl, and set¬ tled on a farm in Waseca County, Minn.

Cornelius O. Tvedt, a well-to-do farmer of Barron Township, was born in Stavanger, Norway, Dec. 9, 1870, the son of Ole O. and Kari (Natland) Tvedt. He was reared in his native land and there received a limited education. When he was twenty-two he felt an ambition to follow his brothers, Ole O., Nels O.

and Gunder 0., to America. Borrowing the money from Nels 0., he started on his journey, and in due time landed at Stoughton, Dane County, Wis., with just ten cents in his pocket. It was in the spring of 1892, and he worked a few months in the tobacco fields for Carl Busta, in the fall being employed in grub¬ bing land. The winter was spent in sizing and stripping in a tobacco ware¬ house, and in the spring of 1893, with his brothers, Gunder 0. and Nels 0., he put in a crop of tobacco on shares for Ole Lunde, with whom he remained for six years. In the winter of 1898-99, while still working in Dane County, he purchased 80 acres of wild land in section 16, Barron Township, this county, in partnership with his brother, Gunder 0. The two brothers moved onto the farm in the spring of 1900. They cleared and broke the land, erected good buildings, and gradually developed a good farm. To the original purchase they added another forty, so that the property now consists of 120 acres, of which about 80 are under the plow. The brothers continued together until 1917, when Cornelius 0. bought out his brother, and became sole proprietor. Since that time he has continued the improvements, and to the other buildings has added a poultry house, tobacco sheds, garage, pump house, and other outbuild¬ ings, and has purchased new equipment. He has running water and electric light in his house and barn. He carries on general farming, and makes a specialty of dairying and tobacco raising, which last named industry he be¬ lieves has an especially bright future in this county. Mr. Tvedt was married June 6, 1917, to Tena Josephine, daughter of Ben and Caroline H. (Jacobson) Thorsen, of Barron City, and this union has been blessed with two children: Bertina C., born June 6, 1919, and Cora 0., born June 17, 1921. Mrs. Tvedt was born Nov. 3, 1886, graduated from the Barron High School in 1905, and taught rural school in this county for several years.

Mathias Hong, section 8, Barron Township, has a good eighty-acre farm, of which 35 acres are improved, and there he is laying the foundations of his future fortunes. He was born in Coon Township, Vernon County, this state, Jan. 24, 1881, son of Peter and Martha (Brobakken) Hong, who brought him to Barron County in 1897 when he was a youth of sixteen years. With the excep¬ tion of the years, 1907 to 1912, when he worked at the carpenters' trade, he has devoted his life to agricultural work. In 1912 he purchased his present place four miles northwest of Barron, cleaned off much of the brush, prepared the soil for cultivation, erected a house, barn and other buildings, and acquired tools and equipment. Mr. Hong was married Feb. 18, 1914, to Olga Norby, who was born Feb. 5, 1891, one of the five children of Christ and Marie Norby, prosperous residents of Barron Township. Mr. and Mrs. Hong have two chil¬ dren: Palma M., born March 23, 1915, and Marie Christine, born July 15, 1917. Marie had a twin brother, who died in infancy. The family faith is that of the Barron congregation of the Norwegian Lutheran Church.

Peter Hong, deceased, was born in Norway, and there married Martha Brobakken. They came to America in 1861, and farmed in Vernon County, this state, until 1897, when they came to Barron County, and settled on section 21, Barron Township, where they acquired eighty acres a mile north of Barron City. After Mr. Hong's death, his widow took up her home with her daughter, Mrs. George Gilbertson. In the family there were seven children: Gustav; Sesele, now Mrs. Nels Gyland, of Barron Township; Anna and Ida, who are dead, and Louis who is blind and lives with his sister, Mrs. George Gilbertson; Pauline, now Mrs. Martin Foss, of Barron Township; and Clara, now Mrs. Gilbertson, of Barron Township.

Henry Helgeland, proprietor of the Helgeland Stock Farm, Barron Town¬ ship, was born near Madison, Wis., on a Dane County farm, Dec. 17, 1876, son of John J. and Anna (Reindahl) Helgeland. The father was born in Stavanger, Norway, Jan. 5, 1843, came to Wisconsin as a young man, and was married at Madison in May, 1875, to Anna Reindahl, who was born in Telemaarken, Nor¬ way, in June, 1847. They began farming on a place near Madison, first came to Barron County in 1898, located here permanently in 1906, and here the father died, the mother still making her home with her son, Henry. In the family there were six children, Henry being the oldest; Charles lives at Rice Lake, this county; Martha is the wife of John Helsing, of Radisson, Sawyer County, Wis.j.Inger (first), Inger (second) and an unnamed infant are dead. Henry came to Barron County in 1898, when his father came here and purchased 160 acres of wild land in section 18, Barron Township. When the family went back to Dane County, he stayed here, and here with the exception of two brief intervals he has since remained. The place is well developed with 75 acres under the plow, and is located four miles northwest of Barron City. Here Mr. Helgeland makes a specialty of high grade Durham cattle and Duroc swine, and successfully carries on dairying and general farming. He has cleared and developed much of the land himself; he has erected a good house, barns, silos and sheds, and has acquired suitable equipment, until his place is as good as is to be found in the neighborhood. Mr. Helgeland has not cared to mingle ac¬ tively in public life, but as the father of children, has done some good service as a member of the board of School District No. 5. Mr. Helgeland was married June 25, 1907, to Bessie N. Stensaas, who was born in Prairie Farm Township, thjs county. May 7, 1878, daughter of Andrew J. and Beret (Ronningen) Sten¬ saas, pioneers of this county, the former of whom died Nov. 2, 1903, at their farm in Prairie Farm Township, and the latter, at the home of the subject of this sketch, Nov. 26, 1916. Mr. and Mrs. Helgeland have three bright chil¬ dren: Agnes E., born May 13, 1908; Adolph B., born Nov. 14, 1912; and Sylvia J., born July 17, 1916. The family faith is that of the Norwegian Lutheran Church. Andrew J. Stensaas, father of Mrs. Helgeland, was twice married. By the first wife he had two children, Anna and Nels, the former of whom lives in Minnesota, the latter being deceased. Of this second marriage, four children were born: Bessie M., now Mrs. Henry Helgeland; and Severt, July and another, who are dead. Mr. Stensaas, the father of Mrs. Helgeland, had many interesting stories to tell of pioneer days. When he came here most of the county was covered with wood, and there was little likelihood that it would ever become thickly populated. There were no townships organized, the voters all cast their ballots at Barron. There they would gather, sit about on blocks of wood, discuss public matters, and vote on county affairs. The present sys¬ tem of conducting public business is in decided contrast to those early days. Mrs. Helgeland was a school teacher for ten years before her marriage, and was well beloved by her pupils, who still delight to call her their friend.

Arndt J. Dragseth, formerly contractor and builder, and now prosperous farmer of Barron Township, to whose credit stand many of the best brick buildings in Barron City and vicinity, was born in Trondjem, Norway, March 13, 1862, second of the five children of John C. and Marit (Segren) Dragseth. The other four children in the family were: John, who died in Minneapolis; Nels, who lives in Norway; Ole, who died in Rice Lake, Wis.; and Gertrude, who lives in Norway. Arndt J. came to America in 1881, and found his way directly to Minneapolis. The first summer he worked as a common laborer, and then entered the employ of Robert C. Todd, contractor. At first he was a mortar mixer and hod-carrier at fifty cents a day, out of which he had to board and clothe himself. After the first two months he received an increase in wages. Within three years he completed his apprenticeship, and became a full-fledged bricklayer. He then continued in the same employ for many years, working on some of the best known brick buildings in the Twin Cities and vicinity. In the spring of 1897, he purchased 120 acres in Barron Town¬ ship, this county. This land was all wild, but had a few lumber shacks stand¬ ing on it. Mr. Dragseth fitted up one of these shacks for a home, and after moving his family therein, cleared a little of the land. For several years he alternated his time between the farm and his employment in the Twin Cities. In 1898 his property was all destroyed by the great fire, his family saving their lives by taking refuge in the waters of the Yellow River. Mr. Dragseth was in St. Paul when he read of the disaster, and for some days was in doubt as to the fate of his loved ones. He hurried home and started life anew. He con¬ tinued to develop his farm, and started in the contracting and building busi¬ ness, erecting a number of brick buildings in Barron, and brick residences and schoolhouses in the surrounding farm districts. It was not until 1915 that Mr. Dragseth retired entirely from the contracting business. In the meantime he achieved success with his farm. To his original tract he added 80 acres, mak¬ ing a good farm of 200 acres, and on this farm, with the assistance of his sons, George A. and Arnold W., who work the place with him on shares, he carries on general farming along modern lines, making a specialty of high grade Hol¬ stein and Jersey cattle. Everything about the farm is in the best of condition, and the buildings include a substantial frame house, good barns, a granary, and other well-built structures. Mr. Dragseth is highly respected in the com¬ munity and has been honored by his fellow citizens in various ways. He is serving his third term as town supervisor, and for over a dozen years has been director of School District No. 5, the school of which was first organized in his original log home. In addition to his other financial holdings, he is a stockholder and director of the Barron Co-operative Creamery. Mr. Dragseth was married June 24, 1887, to Julia Olson, who was born in Trondjem, Norway, and at 21 years of age came to America to join a brother in Minneapolis, fol¬ lowed later by another brother. Mr. and Mrs. Dragseth are the parents of six children : Marie B., Armena J., John 0., George A., Arnold W. and Martin G. Marie B. is now the wife of Hans Tollefson, of Barron Township. Armena J. is the wife of Peter Tollefson, of Barron Township. John 0. lives in Minne¬ apolis, and is employed as a railway engineer by the Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul. George A. resides at home. Arnold W. also lives at home. He en¬ listed for the World War, May 14, 1918, as a mechanic, trained at Lansing, Mich., and at Augusta, Georgia, was equipped for overseas at Camp Merritt, N. J., sailed for France, Sept. 26, 1918, landed at Brest, France, was at Verdun six weeks, sailed for home Jan. 14, 1919, was discharged at Camp Grant, Ill., Feb. 14, 1919, and reached home two days later. He is a member of Ben Brown Post, 212, American Legion, Barron. Martin G. is a clerk in a hardware store in Minneapolis. The family faith is that of the Norwegian Lutheran Church.

John W. Williams was born in Indiana in 1844, and married Frances W. Rhodes, who was born in Ohio, the daughter of Jacob Rhodes, who died in 1918 at Barron, and his wife, Mrs. Jane Rhodes, who still makes her home in that place. Mr. Williams brought his family to Barron County in 1904, and lived three years on a farm in Maple Grove Township before moving to Bar¬ ron City, where he died in 1918, and where his wife still lives. They were the parents of eleven children: Freeman W., of the firm of Williams Brothers, auctioneers, real estate dealers and insurance agents, Barron; Sherman, de¬ ceased; Doyle, of Rice Lake, this county; John, associated in the firm of Wil¬ liams Brothers, with Freeman W.; Orvel, also of Barron; Ora, deceased; Jen¬ nie, wife of Edward Boyer, of Barron; Bertha, of Seattle, Wash.; and Lydia, Callie and Ivan, who are deceased.

Freeman W. Williams, of the firm of Williams Brothers, Barron City, auc¬ tioneers, real estate dealers and insurance agents, was born in Marshall County, Indiana, April 5, 1880, son of John W. and Frances W. (Rhodes) Wil¬ liams. He came to Barron County with the family in 1904, and to Barron City in 1907, and was variously employed until the fall of 1909, when he became an auctioneer and real estate man. The next year the present company was formed in partnership with his brother, John. The company does a good busi¬ ness, and the brothers are widely known for their ability, good judgment, fair dealing and integrity. Both brothers are stockholders in the Pavillion Sales Co. of Barron and both attend the Baptist Church. Freeman W. Williams was married Oct. 18, 1904, to Hattie M. Baker, of Maple Grove, this county, born in Mazomania, Wis., Oct. 18, 1885, daughter of William H. and Margaret Baker. Mr. and Mrs. Williams have four children: George W., born Nov. 20, 1905,' now a student in the Barron High School; Margaret, born July 17, 1908, who died

Mr. And Mrs. Willard O. Dibbles

Willard O. Dibbles has experienced pioneer life in three states, Illinois, Missouri and Wisconsin, and his early adventures in Barron County, if amply told, would form a most interesting chapter in any history of early life in the old Northwest. He was born at Lake Bono, Vermont, July 29, 1849, son of Orrin and Lucy (Alden) Dibbles, natives respectively of Connecticut and Ver¬ mont, and married in the latter state. The children in the family were: David, who was killed in the Civil War; Dwight, who died in infancy; Daniel, Laura L., Willard 0. and Wallace. Willard O. lost his mother when he was nine years of age, and a year later started to shift for himself by living and working here and there among the neighbors. At nineteen he came to Illi¬ nois, and secured employment with Rathbone Grout, whom he had met in Ver¬ mont, and who had promised him work at $18 a month and board. Two years later he went to Missouri. There he married Emily Grout, daughter of his former employer. In 1876 they returned to Illinois. It was from there in 1882, that they set out with their children for Wisconsin. They were almost penni¬ less, but they managed to secure a pair of horses and a wagon, and loading their meager belongings, they made the long way overland to the home of a cousin, Enos Oldin, who lived in Barron Township, Barron County. Then they found a temporary place to live until they could look about. As an added misfortune, one of their horses died soon after their arrival. Mr. Dibbles found a desirable forty in Clinton Township, a part of his present farm, that was open to preemption, but he lacked the means, so he set to work as a day laborer to repair his broken fortunes. In his first employment he received 75 cents a day, and had to walk three miles to his employment in the morning and back that distance at night. Next he secured work on the state road. For this he received $1.50 a day, but had to walk four miles each morning and back at night. By early winter he had enough to preempt the forty acres. On this he erected a log cabin with logs which he got out himself. Neighbors were few and far between, but with what help he could get, the logs were rolled up in two days, and the family moved in on March first. The roof was not on, nor the logs chinked, but the cabin was home, and the family residence in the wilderness was established. The winter was a hard one, and the years that immediately followed not much easier. But hope beat high in the breast of the family and gradually a fine farm was developed. The land was cleared, increas¬ ing crops were planted, equipment was purchased from time to time, and with the passage of the years, 80 more acres were added, 40 in Clinton Township and 40 in Barron Township. The log cabin proved inadequate, and a board extension, 12 by 16 feet, was made. In this enlarged home the family lived until 1904, when a good two-story, nine-room, brick house was built on the Barron Township portion of the farm. In 1912, a large frame barn was erected. Other buildings have been added from time to time as necessity has required and means permitted, until the place, which is located four miles northwest of Barron City, is now as good as can be found in the vicinity. Mr. Dib¬ bles is a hale, hearty, active man, a fine example of those sturdy pioneers who conquered the wilderness and helped make the county what it is today. Mrs. Dibbles, who was the faithful helpmate of her husband in all his undertak¬ ings, was born in New York state, Dec. 22, 1848, and died on the farm, Sept. 26, 1908. She was a devout member of the First Baptist Church at Barron. She and her husband were the parents of eight children. Two born in Mis¬ souri died in childhood. William Henry and Mary Elvira were born in Illinois. Laura Lucy was born in Illinois and died there. Charles Rathbone, Emma Melvina and Franklin Willard were born in Wisconsin. William Henry was born Sept. 14, 1876, and is assisting his father in operating the home farm. Mary Elvira was born Nov. 8, 1878, and is the wife of Horace Hall, of Barron City. Laura Lucy was born July 27, 1881, and died July 5, 1882. Charles Rath¬ bone was born April 26, 1883, married Adeline Freestone, and is now a farmer in Barron Township. Emma Melvina was born Nov. 25, 1886, and is the wife of Albert Gilette, of Ogema, Price County, Wis. Franklin Willard was born July 17, 1890, and was married June 15, 1920, to Hilda Ormson, of Barron Township. He works on the home farm and he and his wife keep house for his father and brother. He was inducted into the World War service, July 23, 1918, and trained at Camp Grant, Ill., with Co. L, 343rd Inf., 86th Division. He was equipped for overseas service at Camp Mills, L. I., and sailed Sept. 14, 1918. He reached Southhampton, England, on the 21st and was confined in a hospital at Peyton, England, until Oct. 6. Then he was sent to Winchester, England, and crossed the English Channel, Oct. 13, to La Havre, France, being sent from there to Camp La Maisse, France, and from there to the front. Oct. 21, he was again sent to the hospital. Upon his release he was designated as a casual with the Third Division. Jan. 8, 1919, he was placed in Co. I, 30th Inf., Third Division. He served in the Army of Occupation and was sta¬ tioned at Kehrig and Mayen, Germany until Aug. 7, 1919. He sailed for America, Aug. 13, reached Camp Merritt, N. J., Aug. 23, was discharged six days later at Camp Grant and returned home.

David N. Wolf, veteran of the Civil War, was born in Pennsylvania, of sturdy Pennsylvania-Dutch stock, and was there educated and reared. As a young man he enlisted in the Civil War, served with valor in many of its conflicts, was severely wounded at the Battle of Chancellorsville, and was confined in an army hospital nearly a year. Upon his discharge he worked for a while as a carpenter and builder. Then he came west and settled near Mon¬ roe City, Green County, Wis. There he renewed his acquaintance with Catherine Bressler, whom he had known in Pennsylvania, and whose family had settled just over the line from Green County, in Stephenson County, Ill. They started housekeeping in Monroe City, where Mr. Wolf worked in a planing mill in the winter and devoted his time to his trade as a builder in the summer. Later they moved to a farm in the same county where they still reside. They are the parents of eight children: Perry U. is a prosperous farmer of Barron County; Oscar is a farmer and school teacher of Stephenson County, Ill.; Jennie is the wife of Charles Priewe, of Green County, Wis.; Arthur is school principal at Appleton, Wis.; John has a garage and machine shop in Lena, Ill.; George is a farmer in Geneseo, Ill.; Edwin is on the home farm in Green County, Wis.; and Frank, who lives in Monroe City, Wis., is with the Badger State Cheese Co.

Perry U. Wolf, a prosperous farmer of Barron Township, was born in Monroe City, Green County, Wis., Feb. 23, 1868, son of David N. and Catherine (Bressler) Wolf. He was reared on the home farm and after his marriage started homemaking on the farm of his grandfather, William Bressler, in Stephenson County, Ill. In the fall of 1908 he purchased the McKinney farm of 160 acres, section 16, Barron Township, this county, and moved into the place in February of the following year. The farm was already a good one, but Mr. Wolf set about to still further imphove it. Especially, did he devote his attention to the home, installing running hot and cold water, a furnace, electric lights and other conveniences. In 1915 he sold the north eighty, leav¬ ing him a good place of 80 acres of well improved land. He has good buildings and adequate equipment, and carries on general farming and dairying, making a specialty of a good grade of Holstein cattle and Chester White swine. The place is only two miles from Barron, with a good road all the way. Mr. Wolf has always been a strong temperance advocate and has lived to see his hopes realized in a dry country. He still retains his membership in the United Evangelical Church in Green County, Wis. Mr. Wolf was married Nov. 24, 1898, to Minnie Boeck, born Aug. 2, 1876, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Frank Boeck, of Green County, Wis. This union has resulted in three children. D. Irving was born Feb. 26, 1910; Evelyn O. was born Nov. 20, 1903; and Merlyn E. was born May 28, 1916. All live at home, Irving assisting on the farm, and Evelyn helping with the household duties.

Peter Sockness, a retired farmer of Barron Township, was born in Trondjem, Norway, Sept. 9, 1866, son of Ole and Mary (Oyen) Sockness, the latter of whom died in Norway, and the former of whom came to America, settled on a farm in South Dakota, and there spent the remainder of his life. There were eight children in the family, the seven besides Peter, being: Erick, of Wheeler, Wis.; Ole, who died in Menomonie, Wis.; Gertrude, wife of Sever Stein, of South Dakota; Mary, wife of Peter Ranbraut, of North Dakota; Sever, of Phillips, Wis.; and Sarah and Andrew, who live in Norway. Peter came to America in the spring of 1888, and found his first employment with Knapp, Stout & Co., at Menomonie, Wis. Next, with headquarters at Eau Claire, he worked in the lumber woods in the winter seasons and in sawmills in the sum¬ mer. In 1894 he went to Minneapolis. It was in 1898 that he located per¬ manently in Barron County, and bought 80 acres of wild land in Barron Town¬ ship, to the development of which he devoted his attention. He now has a good farm of 200 acres, five miles northwest of Barron City, with 75 acres under the plow. The house is a frame structure of two stories, the barn is commodious, the silo is adequate for its needs, and the other buildings are all in good con¬ dition. The place is well equipped with tools, implements and machinery, and well fenced. Mr. Sockness carried on general farming and made a specialty of dairying, with a good herd of Shorthorn cattle. He is now practically retired, having rented the farm to his sons, Olaf and Ingwald. He is well -liked in the community ; he served one term as town supervisor, but declined to qualify for the second; he did good work for three years as a director of his school district, and he has also in other ways demonstrated his worth as a public spirited citizen. His financial interests include stock in the Barron Co-operative Creamery. Mr. Sockness married Inga Olson who was born in Trondjem, Norway, April 21, 1865, daughter of Ole and Carrie Olson. Her parents died in Norway. She came to America in the fall of 1890 with her sister, Mary, now Mrs. Michael Nelson, of Minneapolis. Her brother, Ole 0., is living in Nor¬ way. Mr. and Mrs. Sockness have five children: Marie Christine, born June 3, 1897; Olaf Ole, born Aug. 28, 1898; Ingwald Palmer, born July 20, 1900; Martha Galena, born Jan. 4, 1902, a graduate of the Eau Claire Business College, and Anna Elina, born Aug. 7, 1904.

Erick Nelson was born near Bergen, Norway, Sept. 23, 1859, son of Nels and Johanna Nelson. The other children in the family were Johanas, of Norway; Ludwig, of Hawkins, Wis., and Johanna, of Norway, and Bertha (deceased), twins. Erick Nelson lost his mother when he was three years of age and was reared by relatives. He came to America in 1884 and found his way to New Lisbon, Juneau County, Wisconsin. The next few years were spent in general work in several parts of this state. In 1897 he purchased 80 acres of wild land in Barron Township and moved thereon. He cleared and developed 60 acres and erected suitable buildings. His house is comfortable, his barn is a good structure 34 by 80 feet, and his silo is 14 by 24 feet, with a 7-foot base. Here Mr. Nelson carries on general farming, his herd being of graded Guernsey stock. Mr. Nelson was married April 14, 1891, to Rebecca Elsing, who was born in Adams County, Wisconsin, Oct. 13, 1870, daughter of Magnus and Petronella Elsing, the former of whom was born in Sweden in 1835 and now lives in Clifton Township, Monroe County, this state, and the latter of whom was born in Norway in 1834 and died in 1899. There were three children in the family besides Mrs. Nelson - Anna, now Mrs. James Qualley, of Idaho; Mary, deceased, and John, who is living on the home farm with his father in Clifton Township, Monroe County, this state. Mr. and Mrs. Nelson are the parents of ten children, the three oldest of whom were born in Dexterville, in Wood County, this state, and the remainder of whom were born in Barron County. Nellie J. was born March 5, 1892, and was married March 5, 1915, to Andrew Engen,- of Hawkins, Wis. Martin N. was born Aug. 12, 1893, and lives at home. Lester O. was born Aug. 2, 1895, and lives at home. Emma M. was born Sept. 26, 1897, and lives at home. Mabel was born Sept. 9, 1899, and was married May 29, 1920, to Enoch Englien, of Chetek, this county. Gilbert was born March 7, 1903; Bertina, Feb. 23, 1905; Elmer,

March 26, 1907; Selma, Sept. 29, 1909, and Amanda, Jan. 31, 1911. Martin and Lester both saw active service during the World War. Martin was inducted into the service July 2, 1918, and trained at Camp Grant. He was in the 28th Division and crossed to France in September, 1918. He was dis¬ charged in May, 1919. Lester was inducted into the service May 5, 1918, was assigned to Company L, 54th Infantry, 6th Division, and trained at Spartansburg, S. C. He went to France in July, 1918, and returned in June, 1919, his active service having been in the Argonne.

John Riedmer, a representative farmer of Section 1, Barron County, was born in Dane County, this state, Nov. 3, 1868, the son of Michael and Margaret Holsman, natives of Germany, who came to the United States in 1870 as young people, she at the age of fifteen and he at the age of eighteen. After their marriage, they farmed for many years in Dunn County and there reared their fine family of eight children, four boys and four girls. They now make their home at Royalton, Minn., where they are honored as God-fearing and sub¬ stantial people. John was reared to farm pursuits, and remained with his parents until several years after attaining his majority. At the age of twentyfive, he struck out for himself and went to Faribault County, Minnesota, where he secured a tract of 293 acres of land. He improved this place and developed a good farm. From there he moved to Renville County, Minnesota, and farmed for a number of years. But during these years, although he was making friends and meeting with prosperity, he still longed to get back to Wisconsin and nearer to the home of his birth. So he came to Barron County in 1908 and purchased his present tract of 80 acres in Section 1, Barron Town¬ ship. He has improved this place and has a good farm of which he may well be proud. He carries on general farming and dairying and raises Holstein cattle and Chester White swine. He believes in everything that represents development in the community, and has been secretary of the Cloverdale cheese factory. As a father of a family and a good citizen, he has been interested in education and has served as treasurer of his school district for several years. He was married May 22, 1893, to Mary Rauenhorst, who was born in Faribault County, Minnesota, March 23, 1870, the daughter of Theodore and Lena Rauenhorst. Mr. and Mrs. Riedmer have five children : Alfred, Edward, Charles, Leo and Cecelia. The family faith is that of the Catholic Church.

Frank Stoddard, a well known and prosperous farmer of Section 6, Barron Township, is one of the progressive and energetic men of the community, and is taking his share as a good citizen in everything that has for its object the general welfare of the county. He was born in Richland County, Wisconsin, Dec. 9, 1862, the son of Valentine and Arminda (Sippy) Stoddard, grandson of Joseph Sippy, M. D., and great-grandson of Joseph Sippy. Joseph Sippy, the founder of the family in America, came to this country from France with General LaFayette during the Revolutionary War and stayed to establish his fortunes in the independence he had assisted. Joseph Sippy, M. D., came to Richland County, Wisconsin, in 1862, bought 240 acres of land in Big Willow Valley at $2.40 an acre, founded the town of Neptune, and followed his profes¬ sion as a physician until his death in 1870. Valentine Stoddard was born in Litchfield, Conn., July 25, 1810, the son of Obediah Stoddard. When he was five years of age, the family moved to Ontario County, in Northern New York State, the tradition being that they made the distance of 300 miles in 31 days, traveling with four ox teams and a long sled in the dead of winter. There Valentine Stoddard was reared. In middle age he came West and located in Richland County, this state. He was twice married. By Johanna Davison he had eight children: Jane, George, John, Harlow, of Richland County; Jesse, of Monroe County, this state; Jennette, Emaline and Ann. By Arminda R. (Sippy) McLeod, widow of George McLeod, he had one son, Frank, now of Barron County. By her previous marriage, Arminda R. Sippy McLeod Stoddard had one daughter, Laura P. McLeod, wife of Munroe Slater, of Barron City. Frank Stoddard received his education in the common schools of Richland

County and remained with hia parents until long after attaining the years of manhood. For some years he was engaged in the business of wagon making and general repairing in Twin Bluffs, Wis. In 1909 he rented this business, and acquired a fruit farm in Willow Township, in the same county. He also opened a store on this farm. He owned this farm until 1918. In the meantime, how¬ ever, in 1915, he rented the farm and closed out the store and came to Barron County and bought 80 acres of wild land in Section 6, Barron Township, five miles northwest of Barron City. He cleared this land, erected suitable build¬ ings, purchased the proper equipment, and now carries on general farming and dairying. Mr. Stoddard was married Oct. 12, 1895, to Amy M. Hapgood, daughter of Frank and Harriett M. (Foster) Hapgood, of Twin Bluffs, Rich¬ land County, Wis., the former of whom died there July 1, 1903, and the latter of whom died at Richland Center, Richland County, Wis., Oct. 5, 1914. Mrs. Stoddard had one brother, Elmer, who was born Feb. 15, 1874, and died Dec. 1, 1916. Mr. and Mrs. Stoddard have a daughter, Maude Marie. She was born Oct. 16, 1897, at Twin Bluffs, Wis., graduated from Richland Center (Wis.) High School and from the Barron County Training School at Rice Lake, and is now a successful teacher, having had charge of schools in Ellis County, Okla¬ homa, Logan County, North Dakota, and Barron County, Wisconsin. The family faith is that of the Methodist Episcopal Church.

Hans Tollefson was born in Honefos, Ringerike, Norway, June 26, 1865, son of Tollef Hanson and Randina Peterson, who spent their lives in the old country, the father dying in 1904 and the mother in 1912. In the family there were eight children, Hans, Maren, Anna, Thorval, Johan, Peter, Petra and Ragna. Hans and Peter live in Barron Township, this county. Thorval and Johan are dead. The rest are still in Norway. Hans received a common school education in Norway, and early showed considerable ability as a musi¬ cian. As a boy he was a member of the same musical organization with one of the pupils of Ole Bull, the famous violinist. In 1883 he came to America, found his way directly to Eau Claire, Wis., and for many years was engaged in the lumber business, working both in the woods and in mills. It was in 1893 that he purchased 200 acres of wild land in Section 7, Barron Township. To the improvement and development of this tract he has since devoted his atten¬ tion. He has 140 acres under the plow, his home is comfortable and his barns and other outbuildings commodious and suitable, the farm equipment is good and includes a "Titan" tractor. The place is well stocked with grade dairy Durham cattle and full blooded Duroc swine. Mr. Tollefson believes that there is a future for fruit culture in this county. He has, therefore, interested himself considerably in horticulture and has been successful in raising apples, plums, berries and currants. He is a prominent man in the community, a thoroughbred Republican, and has served for several years as supervisor of the township and as clerk and treasurer of the school district. Fraternally, his associations are with the Odd Fellows. He is a stockholder in the Barron Co-operative Creamery, also a stockholder in the First National Bank of Barron and in the Stock Pavilion at Barron. Mr. Tollefson was married Feb. 26, 1908, to Marie B. Dragseth, who was born in Minneapolis April 9, 1886, daughter of Arndt J. and Julia (Olson) Dragseth, now of Barron Township. She was graduated in 1905 from the Barron High School and taught school for two and a half years before her marriage. Mr. and Mrs. Tollefson have seven children: Elsie M., born Jan. 22, 1909; Gladys G., July 29, 1910; Henry M., Sept. 7, 1912 (died in infancy); Theo R., Sept. 24, 1914; Helen M., April 27, 1916; Hans G., March 24, 1918, and Raymond T., June 14, 1920. The family faith is that of the Norwegian Lutheran Church.

Christian O. Nordby, who has been one of the leading temperance workers of Barron County for many years, was born in Gudbrandsdalen, Norway, Feb. 10, 1858. He was early thrown on his own resources. In 1883 he came to the United States and found his way to Black River Falls, Wis., where he landed with but five dollars in his pocket. For a while he lived with his cousin,

Martin Hanson, fifteen miles out in the country. His first work here was in a sawmill at Merrillan Junction. Then for several years he divided his time between working in the lumber woods in the winter for the Chippewa Lumber & Boom Co. and farming in the summer. After he had been here but a year he brought his mother and sister here, married, and started farming on a rented place in Chetek Township, this county. In 1887 he purchased 40 acres of wild land in Section 2, Barron Township, and built thereon a log house 14 by 18 feet. His first live stock consisted only of one yoke of oxen and a cow. Gradually the place was developed, a comfortable frame house built, and other buildings constructed as necessity required, including a modern silo. To the original 40 another 80 has been added adjoining on the west in Section 3, making a good farm of 120 acres, of which 60 is under the plow. Everything is in good condition and bespeaks the thrift of the owner. Mr. Nordby is a substantial man, has been town clerk for one term and has served in such school offices as clerk and treasurer for many years. He was one of the founders of the Hope of the Future Temperance Society, of Barron, and takes just pride in the fact that he was one of those workers who all over the United States, seeing a star of hope in the future, labored for righteous¬ ness against heavy odds, and saw their hopes at last realized in a dry country. Mr. Nordby was married July 11, 1884, to Marie Olson to whom he had been engaged in the old country and who came to the United States with him. This union was blessed with six children. Martin O. was born June 7, 1885, and is now a farmer in Saskatchewan, Canada. Olga A. was born April 2, 1887, and died Sept. 3, 1887. Alfred O. was born Nov. 19, 1888, and is a farmer in Saskatchewan, Canada. Olga A. (second) was born Feb. 5, 1891, and is the wife of Mathias Hong. Edward C. was born Oct. 24, 1894, and is a student in the Red Wing (Minn.) Seminary. Carl M. was born Nov. 5, 1895, and assists his father on the farm. He was inducted into the United States service July 23, 1918, was assigned to the 311th Engineer Corps, trained at Camp Grant, Ill., was equipped at Camp Mills for overseas duty and sailed for Liverpool Sept. 9, 1918. From there he was sent to Southhampton. Sept. 22 he crossed the English Channel and was thence sent to Bordeaux. He sailed for home from Marseilles, France, June 12, 1919, and received his discharge at Camp Grant, July 12, 1919. Mrs. Christian 0. Nordby died May 7, 1900. Mr. Nordby was married May 16, 1902, to Mary Bjorlie, who was born June 28, 1872, and died Nov. 4, 1916. Mr. Nordby worships with the Norwegian Lutheran Church of which he has been a member for 30 years and secretary 23 years. He was a member of the church building committee when the church was erected in Barron.

Henry Tvedt, one of the best known of the younger farmers of Barron Township, was born on the home farm in this township July 15, 1895, son of Nels O. and Rachael (Stensland) Tvedt. He attended the school of District 5, Barron Township, and has devoted his entire life to farming. He has 160 acres of improved land, with good buildings, on Section 16, two and a half miles northwest of Barron City, 85 acres being under cultivation and the balance in pasture and timber. The soil is first class, the equipment is good, and Mr. Tvedt is on the high road to success. He raises "bumper" crops and takes especial pride in his roan Durham cattle and his Poland-China swine. Modern in every way, he has learned much by travel. His Overland auto¬ mobile places him in close touch with the nearby places, and his reading keeps him informed as to the events of the day. Mr. Tvedt served in the World War. He was inducted into the service Nov. 2, 1918, trained for light artillery service at Louisville, Ky., was transferred to the quartermaster department at Jeffersonville, Ind., and there served until discharged Feb. 20, 1919, reaching home three days later. He was married Oct. 6, 1920, to Mary Payette, born at Stillwater, Minn., Aug. 28, 1898, daughter of Telesphore L. and Anna (Luke) Payette. Mrs. Tvedt is one of eight children, the others being: Elmer, deceased; Telesphore, Jr., deceased; George, of St. Croix Falls, Wis.; Joseph, of St. Croix Falls, Wis.; Clarice, wife of Roy Bailey, of Rhinelander, Wis.; Dorothy, wife of Percy Rutherford, of St. Croix Falls, Wis.; Mary Louise, wife of Peter Peloquin, of Chippewa Falls, Wis., and Mary, now Mrs. Henry Tvedt. Telesphore L. Payette now lives at St. Croix Falls; his wife died at Long Lake, Wis., March 14, 1905. Mr. and Mrs. Tvedt have one daughter, Vergine, born June 29, 1921.

Theodore O. Tvedt, an enterprising young farmer, is a native of this county, having been born on the home farm at Stoughton, Dane County, Wis., May 1, 3891, son of Nels 0. and Rachael (Stensland) Tvedt, who came to Barron County, Wisconsin, in 1895. He received a good education in the school of District 5, Barron Township, and has devoted his entire life to farming. He has a good place of 80 acres on Section 16, Barron Township, highly cultivated and provided with a set of modern buildings. He is but two and a half miles from Barron City on a good road, and his trading facilities are, therefore, excellent. He believes in the modern methods of farming, and, aside from general lines of agriculture, makes a specialty of roan Dur¬ ham cattle and Poland-China swine. By judicious purchases he has acquired a good line of tools, implements and machinery and the comfort of the daily life of him and his wife is increased by the possession of a baby Overland automobile. Mr. Tvedt was married Oct. 6, 1920, to Olga Foss, who was born Oct. 1, 1896, daughter of Ole G. and Tillie (Jorgensen) Foss, of Barron Township. Mr. and Mrs. Tvedt are members of the Barron congregation of the Norwegian Lutheran Church. They have one son, Jerome, born July 17, 1921.

Christ W. Wagenbach, now deceased, was a substantial hard working citizen who enjoyed an excellent standing in the community and whose death was a distinct loss to his associates. He was born in Germany Dec. 17, 1841, and was there married in February, 1864, to Ida E. Haes, born Feb. 18, 1842. That year, leaving his bride in Germany, to be sent for later, he came to America. He was in comfortable circumstances and decided to look about for a while before locating. After living a few months at Louisville, he came north in the spring of 1865, found his was to Lansing, Mich., and secured employment on a railroad, in which employment he remained for twenty years. In 1885 he came to Barron County and purchased 160 acres of wild land. He built a small log house, moved into it, and with the help of his family started clearing and developing the land. By hard work he succeeded in building up a good farm, with a good set of buildings and suitable equipment. He was honored by his fellow townsmen by being several times elected chair¬ man of the board of supervisors, and for some years he sat as a member of the school board. He was a life-long member of the German Lutheran Church, a charter member of the Barron congregation, and one of those who helped build the Barron church. After a long life filled with useful endeavor, he died in April, 1901. He and his good wife were the parents of seven children, six of whom are now living: Philip was born May 22, 1867, and is now a farmer in Barron Township, this county. Martin was born Oct. 28, 1869, and is now a farmer in Barron Township. Elizabeth was born April 6, 1872, and is now wife of Conrad Wagenbach, a farmer in Washington. Ida was born March 5, 1875, and is the wife of Stephen Foster, a farmer of Cataract, Wis. Charles was born April 1, 1877, and is farming in Barron Township. Frederick was born Oct. 10, 1879, and is farming in Barron township. Edward is deceased. All were born in Ypsilanti, Mich.

Frederick Wagenbach was born in Ypsilanti, Mich., Oct. 10, 1879, son of Christ and Ida E. (Haes) Wagenbach. He was brought to Barron County when he was six years of age and was here reared and educated. At the age of 18, in 1898, he went to North Dakota. From there he found his way to Mon¬ tana, and homestead 160 acres on the Fort Buford Military Reservation, in Yellowstone Valley. In the spring of 1905 he came back to the home farm and operated it for three years. Then he started West again, and while looking over the country, secured a homestead of 160 acres near Prince Albert, Sasy Google katchewan, Canada. In 1913 he again returned to Barron County, and after operating the home place for a while, purchased it in 1915. It is a rich farm of 160 acres, three and a half miles north of Barron, well improved with good buildings, with good tools, implements and machinery, including a modern tractor. Here he successfully carries on general farming and specializes in tobacco growing and dairying, having a good herd . of high grade Durham cattle. His financial interests include stock in the Barron Co-operative Creamery, the Consumers' Stores in Barron and Rice Lake and the Terminal Packing Co. at Newport, Minn. Fraternally, he is a member of the Beavers. Mr. Wagenbach was married Sept. 23, 1920, to Henrietta J. Kolb, daughter of Ernest and Lena A. Kolb, of Barron Township. Mrs. Wagenbach was bom Sept. 22, 1889. The family faith is that of the German Lutheran Church.

Charles Holtz, mill owner, builder and contractor of Barron, was bora in Green Bay, Wis., June 13, 1861, son of William and Caroline Holtz, who were born near Berlin, Prussia, Germany, were there married about 1855, came to America about 1860, homesteaded land near Green Bay, Wis., and there spent the remainder of their lives. A member of a poor family of eight children, young Charles began to work out among the neighbors when he was but nine years of age, and when he was of age he started to learn the carpenter trade with the Zimmerman Brothers at Wrightstown, Wis. In about three years more he became a contractor on his own responsibility. It was about 1886 when he came to Barron County. Here he continued at his trade, and as time permitted he cleaned up eighty acres which he purchased in Section 1, Barron Township, first selling the timber, and then disposing of the cleared land. In 1903 he purchased ground and built a planing mill on Fifth street, and this he operates in connection with his other business, turning out inside furnishings and general woodwork. Aside from being successful in business, Mr. Holtz is an active man in the community and belongs to the Modern Wood¬ men. His wife is a member of the Royal Neighbors. Mr. Holtz was married April 25, 1886, to Louise Zittlow, bora in Lawrence Township, Brown County, Wisconsin, Oct. 15, 1861, daughter of Gottlieb and Ernestine Zittlow, now of Wrightstown, Wis. Mr. and Mrs. Holtz have two children: Frederick W., born Aug. 7, 1887, who became his father's partner, and died March 26, 1920; and Eleanor, born July 23, 1894, now Mrs. Clayton Rodwell, living at Baraboo, Wis.

Frederick W. Holtz, now deceased, spent but comparatively few years on earth, but in that short span of time was a man of real usefulness in the community, and left a memory which will long be cherished. He was a loving and obedient son, a good husband, a kind father, an upright citizen, and a respectful friend. He was born in Barron Aug. 7, 1887, son of Charles and Louise (Zittlow) Holtz. He attended the public schools and graduated from the Barron High School at the age of 18. His father then offered him an opportunity to attend the university, and as he was an unusually bright student and fond of books, he would doubtless have made a brilliant record there, but he felt that his duty called him to relinquish a higher education and stay and work with his father. In fact as early as 1897, when he was but ten years old, he had begun assisting his father, and after his graduation he devoted his entire time to the business, developing an unusual aptitude in the use of tools and becoming a splendid workman. In 1910 he entered into partnership with his father under the firm name of C. Holtz & Son. He was on the high road to prosperity and success when he died of pneumonia March 26, 1920. One of the substantial monuments to his memory is the beautiful bungalow which he built near his place of business and in which he took particular pride. This bungalow is one of the show places of the village. It is hand¬ somely constructed, and equipped with such modern conveniences as electric lights, running hot and cold water, automatic heat and bathroom. He cut the trees from which the lumber was made, made the beds, tables and chairs, and with his own hands did the plumbing, wiring and interior finishing. Mr.

Frederick W. Holtz

Holtz was married Aug. 26, 1915, to Winnefred Hand, born April 22, 1893, daughter of Salem and Emma (Moore) Hand. To them were born two children : Bettie Belle, Dec. 6, 1918, and Frederick W., Feb. 4, 1920. The oldest child was taken ill the day of the father's death and died April 5, 1920.

Lars Lee is one of those men who, coming to America with no financial resources and compelled to work for some years at anything he could find, has, by industry and frugality, acquired a good farm and become one of the substantial men of the community. He has served on the town board of Barron Township and on the school board of District No. 7, Barron Township, and in other ways has done his duty as a good citizen and taxpayer. He was born in Bergen, Norway, Nov. 2, 1871, the son of Elling and Torbgor (Skaalheans) Lee, who spent the span of their years in Norway. He came to the United States in 1889 and found work at Montevidio, Minn. The next year he came to Rock County, this state, and the next went to Chicago, Ill., going from there to Dane County, this state. In the spring of 1904 he came to Barron County. Four years later he bought 40 acres of wild land in Section 16, Barron Town¬ ship, cleared 20 acres, erected tobacco sheds and engaged in tobacco raising. While thus employed he boarded for six years with the family of Thomas Osterhus, the neighbor on the east. In the spring of 1914 he sold his tobacco farm, and in the fall of 1915 purchased the Osterhus farm of 40 acres. This is a good place, with a farm house, barns and silo, and with 25 acres under the plow. Here Mr. Lee carries on general farming. He is well liked in the community and has passed through the chairs of Barron Colony, No. 38, of the Beavers. He attends the Norwegian Lutheran Church.

Anton Moselle was a worthy son of Italy who came into Barron County, built a log cabin, gradually developed a farm, and achieved the success that his hard work deserved. He was born in Italy and there married. For some years he was a mine foreman. He came to America about 1892 and settled at Hurley, Wis, where he was foreman in an iron mine. While still working in the mine he bought 100 acres of wild land in Section 7, Barron Township, and about 1897, when the depression in the iron business came, moved his family here and took up his home in a small log shanty. With the help of his family he cleared and developed the land, and from time to time erected buildings as necessity required and means permitted. He died Jan. 29, 1919. His first wife died young. His second wife died June 23, 1920. There were six children in the family, five by the first wife and one by the second. Anton G. occupies the home farm. Rosa is the wife of Christ Basso, of Ironwood, Mich. John lives in Chisholm, Minn. Barbara is Mrs. M. J. Johnson, of Duluth, Minn. Albert lives with his brother, Anton G. Mary is the wife of Charlie Gaedabino, of Hurley, Wis. Anton G., Rosa and John were born in Italy, Barbara in France, and Albert in Hurley, Wis.

Anton G. Moselle, an active young farmer of Section 7, Barron Township, is one of the veterans of the World War in which he was wounded and gassed. He was inducted into the service at Ashland, Wis., May 4, 1917, and trained with the 23d Infantry, of the Second Division, at Jefferson Barracks, Mo. Later he trained with Troop A, 13th Cavalry, at Ft. Riley, Kan. Upon being trans¬ ferred to the Ambulance Corps, he was sent to San Antonio, Texas, for further training and from there to Camp Mills, Long Island, for overseas equipment. He sailed June 2, 1918, and after 21 days on the ocean was landed at Liver¬ pool, thence going to Southhampton, England, and La Havre, France. In France he was transferred to the Engineer Corps. He was in action July 18, 1918, at Belleau Woods; in the first American drive at St. Mihiel Sept. 12, 1918, and then tfent to New Largon. He went through the grilling in the Argonne, was wounded in the hip by a machine gun and on the last day there was gassed. After the armistice he was sent to Coblenz with the army of occupa¬ tion, in which he served from December, 1918, to April 23, 1919. He reached the States July 9, 1919, was discharged at Camp Mills July 12, and was greeted at Hurley, Wis., six days later. Then he resumed his work as a farmer. He has an excellent place which he purchased from his father's heirs, 70 acres being under the plow. The buildings are all good, the equipment is suitable in every way, and in addition to carrying on general farming Mr. Moselle is making a specialty of high grade Holstein cattle and Poland-China swine. He believes in the latest methods of modern farming, and his war experiences have fitted him to take a place as a leader among his fellow men. Anton G. Moselle was born in Hurley, Wis., Oct. 23, 1892, son of Anton and Mary Moselle. He came to his present farm with his father and stepmother about 1897 and was here educated. After he attained a suitable age he assisted with the farm work in the summer and worked in the lumber woods in the winter. He is a shareholder in the Barron Co-operative Creamery and a member of the Knights of Columbus at Hurley and the Knights of Pythias at Barron. He is a communicant of the Roman Catholic Church.

Otto Maack, a prosperous farmer who owns a modern place on the outskirts of the city of Barron, was born in Mecklenberg, Germany, May 13, 1882, son of Carl and Caroline (Rubow) Maack, who came to America in 1883, located near Green Bay, Wis., where the father found railroad employment for seven years, and in 1890 came to Barron County, bought 80 acres of wild land in Stanfold Township, erected buildings, cleared the land, and there lived until 1913, when they retired to Rice Lake, this county, where the father died Jan. 17, 1916, and the mother Dec. 11, 1919. In the family there were three children, besides Otto: Lena, now Mrs. John Smittke, of Rice Lake; Augusta, now Mrs. William Brandenburg, of Hudson, Wis., and Melvina, deceased. Otto Maack was reared in Brown County and Barron County. As a young man he purchased 80 acres adjoining the home farm in Stanfold Township. In 1913 he pur¬ chased the home farm and continued to operate both places for some years, making many improvements on the home place. - Later he sold the home farm, and in 1917 he purchased 120 acres on the outskirts of Barron City, turning in his 80 acres in Stanfold Township as part payment. The Barron farm was already well improved with a good home and other buildings, but Mr. Maack has further modernized it by erecting two good tool sheds, a poultry house and a milk house. One hundred acres are under cultivation, the equipment which is of the best includes a Fordson tractor, and the herd is of a good grade of Guernsey cattle. Mr. Maack keeps thoroughly up-to-date and is conducting his operations along the latest approved lines. He was married Nov. 20, 1909, to Evelyn L. Rowland, daughter of John and Rene Rowland, of Barron Township, born in Cattaraugus County, New York, Sept. 12, 1889, and brought to Barron County by her parents in the early nineties. Mrs. Maack has one brother, Carl, of Stanfold Township, this county. Mr. and Mrs. Maack have three children: Lineus, born March 29, 1912; Merlyn, born Feb. 3, 1914, and Florence, born Jan. 17, 1916.

George B. Mack Mullikin was born in Littletown Township, Grafton County, New Hampshire, March 13, 1864, son of George and Elizabeth (Fitzgerald) Mullikin. The father, who was a millwright by trade, operated a flouring mill in New Hampshire. He brought the family to Johnstown, Crawford County, Wis., about 1871, and opened a turning shop, where he worked in wood and metals. The subject of this sketch remained with his parents until attain¬ ing young manhood. In the summer of 1881 he made his first trip to Kansas. Late that year he began operating two farms in Crawford County, Wisconsin, owned by his father and his father-in-law. In the fall of 1888 he moved to Banner County, Nebraska, which he had previously visited, and homesteaded 120 acres of prairie land there. He built a sod house, broke part of the land, and seemed on the high road to prosperity. But the drouth, the hot "winds and the grasshoppers ruined all agricultural prospects, and in the fall of 1896 he returned to Wisconsin. Coming to Barron County, he bought 120 acres of land in Section 6, Barron Township, built a house and began operations by clearing the land. With this beginning he has built up a good place and is regarded as one of the prosperous men of the community. He was married Nov. 25,

1885, to Anna Hinze, born in Brandenberg, Germany, Feb. 7, 1866, daughter of William and Minnie (Witty) Hinze, who came to America about 1870 and settled at Watertown, Wis., where the father worked as a mason, later going to Crawford County, Wisconsin, and settling on a farm. Mr. Hinze died there May 20, 1886, and Mrs. Hinze died in Stanfold Township, this county, Feb. 8, 1908. Mr. and Mrs. Mack Mullikin are the parents of eleven children, the two oldest born in Crawford County, Wisconsin, the next three in Banner County, Nebraska, and the others in this county. Mabel E. was born March 30, 1887, and is the wife of William Statton, of Cumberland Township, this county. Melvin W. was born Oct. 5, 1889, and now lives at Doran, Minn. Frank

H. was born March 29, 1891, and now lives at Marshfield, Wis. George M. was born June 2, 1892, and now lives in Barron Township. Amil G. was born Dec. 24, 1894, and now lives in Barron Township. Minnie E. was born Sept. 25, 1897, and is the wife of Adolph Hanson, of Barron Township. Her¬ man D., born Oct. 14, 1901 ; Anna M., born Oct. 9, 1904 ; Fred E., born Aug. 29, 1907; Manford H., born April 6, 1909, and Alice I. born June 3, 1911, are all at home. The family worships at the "Hope" Church of the Evangelical Asso¬ ciation. Amil was inducted into the service in October, 1917, trained at Camp Grant with the 341st Infantry, Company F, and was discharged six months later on account of disability. Mr. Mack Mullikin is one of eleven children: Jane, wife of Oliver Peck, of Crawford County, Wisconsin; Abbie, wife of William McBumey, of Wood County, Wisconsin; Mark, of Crawford County, Wisconsin; Nellie, deceased; Minnie, wife of James Tansey, of Chicago; George B.; John; Alice, now Mrs. George Gordon, of Michigan; Thomas, of Crawford County, Wisconsin; Dade, of Crawford County, Wisconsin, and Mittie, deceased. Mrs. Mack Mullikin is one of five children: Frank and Gustaf, of Mt. Holly, N. J.; Anna, Herman, of Stanfold Township, this county, and Henry, of Doran, Minn. The name of "Mack Mullikin" is derived from Gen. George B. McClellan, in Civil War days, familiarly called "Little Mac," after whom he was named, his father's name being Mullikin.

Peter Matthys, who, after his retirement from farming in 1918, resided on his farm in Section 25, Barron Township, until his death on Dec. 21, 1920, was born in Holland Nov. 7, 1845, and was there reared. He came to America in 1864 and settled at North Freedom, Wis., wher6 he secured a farm of 80 acres. He cleared a part of the land, erected buildings, and there farmed until 1899. In that year he sold and came to Barron County where he bought 80 acres in Section 25, Barron Township. He broke some of the land and stumped 10 acres. The house on the farm is one of the best built in the county, contain¬ ing 2,200 pounds of nails. Mr. Matthys also erected outbuildings in keeping with the house and the whole place wears a look of thrift, industry and good taste. In 1918 Mr. Matthys retired and sold his farm to his son, Albert, who made a home for him till his death. The family faith is that of the Roman Catholic Church. Peter Matthys was married July 4, 1882, to Rena Paul, who died in 1891, leaving seven children: Edward, who was born April 16, 1883, and is now at Leith, N. D.; Emma, who was born June 16, 1884, and is now the wife of Edward Wood, of Raymond, Wash.; Walter, who was born May 3, 1887, and is now living in Maple Grove Township; August, who was born Sept. 23, 1888, and is now in Hillsdale; Mattie, who was born Nov. 29, 1890, and is now on a farm in Clinton Township ; Albert, who was born April 22, 1892, and now operates the home farm, and Alvina, who was born Nov. 3, 1893, and is now the wife of E. Cole, of Pennsylvania. Mr. Matthys was married secondly, Jan.

I, 1895, to Emma Kaufman, daughter of Charles and Henrietta (Eckert) Kaufman, who came to America in the early sixties and settled in Sauk County, where they spent the remainder of their lives. Albert Matthys, who is suc¬ cessfully engaged in general agriculture, taking pride in his fine herd of registered Guernsey cattle, is one of the popular young men of his township. He was married March 2, 1921, to Laura Anderson, daughter of Martin and Matilda Anderson of Turtle Lake Township.

Otto G. Manstad, a capable and respected citizen of Section 12, Barron Township, was born in Norway Feb. 2, 1858, the son of Gilbert and Helena Manstad, who were born, lived and died in Norway, he being a veterinary sur¬ geon by profession. Otto G. was the oldest of eight children. He was educated in his native land, and as a youth became a sailor, following the sea for ten years. In 1884 he came to America and located in Sumner Township, this county. For several years he farmed and did carpenter work. In 1891 he purchased 80 acres of wild land in Section 12, Barron Township. He erected a log house, started clearing the land, and for a time lived alone. Then he brought his wife to the place and they started to establish their fortunes. In the years that have passed since then, he has cleared up the land and developed a good place. At first he had but little to do with. Grain was harvested with a cradle. It was two years before he got his first cow. The wife spent her spare time in spinning and weaving, making knitted socks, mittens and jackets from the yarn she spun, and fine dresses and table cloths from the linen she wove. In 1907 Mr. Manstad built an eleven-room frame house, two stories high, and in 1913 he built a barn, 36 by 82 feet in dimensions, with a full basement, and with a silo in the barn. The place is now as good as any *that can be found in the neighborhood. Mr. Manstad carries on general farming and raises good Durham and Guernsey cattle. He is a stockholder in the Farmers' Store at Rice Lake. He served three years as town treasurer and four years as town clerk and for eleven years was school clerk. Mr. Manstad was married May 3, 1897, in the log house on his farm, to Julia Banden, who was born in Norway Sept. 17, 1866, and came to America with her brother, Martin, about 1880. Mr. and Mrs. Manstad have one son, in whom they take just pride. This son, Helmer 0. by name, was born on the home place March 6, 1899. He attended the schools of the neighborhood, went through the Rice Lake High School, and took a year's course in the Hunt Business College at Eau Claire, Wis. He is now chief clerk in the office of the "Omaha" line at Altoona, in Eau Claire County, this state.

Harry H. Lichtenwalner, now deceased, was a farmer in Section 23, Barron Township, for some five years. He was a good citizen, an excellent neighbor, and a kind and loving husband and father. Born in Northhampton County, Pennsylvania, Jan. 6, 1869; son of James, and Leanna (Hober) Lichtenwalner, he was educated in Schonerville, in his native state, and remained with his parents until about seventeen years of age, when he came to Wisconsin. He then continued in farm work, first as a helper, and then as a renter, for many years, both in Monroe and Green Counties. In 1904 he went to Richmond County, North Dakota, where he purchased 160 acres on which he erected buildings and made improvements. In the fall of 1909 he came to Barron County and purchased 60 acres in Section 23, Barron Township. In addition to the land already cleared, he cleared 10 acres more, built an addition to the barn, and erected a silo and garage. Here he conducted general farming until his death Oct. 3, 1914. After his death the son, Erwin, became manager of the place for the mother, and they have further improved the place. Electric lights have been installed in the house and barns and the James system of equipment in the latter, and they are now building a dairy house to be supplied with running water. Erwin Lichtenwalner carries on general farming and makes a specialty of a fine herd of Holstein cattle with full blooded sires at its head. He is well liked throughout the community, is a stockholder in the Barron Co-operative Creamery, and is taking his share in the general affairs of the township. Harry H. Lichtenwalner was married Jan. 1, 1891, to Addie Dinges, who was born Feb. 3, 1870, one of the thirteen children of Andrew and Elizabeth (Detwiller) Dinges, who were born in Pennsylvania, came to Green County, this state, and here farmed until their deaths, Mr. Dinges dying July 10, 1891 and Mrs. Dinges April 1, 1902. Mr. and Mrs. Lichtenwalner were the parents of two children: Leanna, born Nov. 14, 1891, wife of Lester Carpenter, of Barron Township, and Erwin, born Dec. 11, 1898.

William Cuthbert, for some years a resident and public official of Barron Township, now deceased, was born in Scotland and came to the United States in 1871, locating first in Chicago where he worked at his trade as stone cutter and mason. Then he went to Marquette, Mich., was there married to Isabelle Hemstock, a native of Canada, and there remained for several years. His next location was at La Crosse. Later in that vicinity he purchased 240 acres of land, cleared 140 acres, erected a set of buildings and carried on farming. In 1890 he sold out and again took up his trade with headquarters at West Salem. He came to Barron County in 1897 and purchased 160 acres in Section 10, Barron Township. He cleared 30 acres, erected a house, built an addition to the barn, and made other improvements. This farm in 1901 he rented to his son. In the meantime, in 1900, he purchased 160 acres in Section 23, in the same township. He cleared 25 acres of this, made general improvements, and farmed there until 1903 when he moved to Barron City. Five years later he moved to Canon City, Colo., where he lived until his death Feb. 23, 1918, and where his wife still lives. While in Barron Township, Mr. Cuthbert was clerk of the township two years and a member of the schoolboard for several terms. He and his wife were the parents of eight children: Anna (deceased), Charles (deceased), James C., William R., Mary A. E., Fred B., Mabel O. and Glen H.

William R. Cuthbert, Section 23, Barron Township, is said to have one of the best equipped farms in Barron County. It consists of 80 acres of well tilled land, on which he has erected a fine set of buildings, the house being modern in every particular, with electric lights, running hot and cold water and other conveniences, while the barn has electric lights, and James and Drew equipment. His fine herd of registered and high grade Holsteins is headed with blooded sires, and his Poland-China swine are of registered breed. He is a stockholder in the Barron Co-operative Creamery and is interested in other public ventures. He has done good work as a member of the schoolboard and also did capable service in filling out an unexpired term as town super¬ visor. Mr. Cuthbert was born in La Crosse County, this state, son of William and Isabelle (Hemstock) Cuthbert. He received his education in his native county and came to Barron County with his parents in 1897. In 1901 he rented the home farm and in 1903 bought it, and the next year rented it out, returning to it in 1905. He cleared 25 acres of the place and made various improvements. In 1908 he sold out and purchased his present place. Mr. Cuthbert was married Nov. 28, 1901 to Millie Gilbertson, who died Nov. 13, 1904, leaving a daughter, Lillian I., born Jan. 21, 1903, who now lives with the grandmother in Colorado. Mr. Cuthbert was married Oct. 18, 1905, to Anna L. Voll, who was born Aug. 30, 1879, daughter of Louis and Emma (Mogler) Voll, natives respectively of Germany and Wisconsin.

Charles E. Moltz, now deceased, was a prominent farmer and stockman of Barron County, he was an enthusiastic believer in the future of the county as the leading dairy region of the Northwest, and he labored earnestly to improve the breeds of stock, and to import cattle of pure blood best suited to the condi¬ tions here. He was an active man, a good citizen, a faithful husband and under¬ standing father, and his death, at a comparatively early age, was a distinct loss to the community. He was a native of this state, born in Fond du Lac County, Wisconsin, March 16, 1876, son of Carl and Matilda (Korte) Moltz, the former of whom, a carpenter by trade, was a native of Germany, and the latter of the United States. The family lived in Wisconsin until 1892 when they removed to Emmet County, Iowa. From there in 1910 they went to Broadland, S. D., where the father died and where the mother, having remarried, is still living. There were eight children in the family: Silas, deceased; Charles E., Fred¬ erick, Minnie, John, Cora, Benjamin and I^aura, deceased. Charles E. acquired a common school education and remained with his parents until attaining his majority. For some years he rented farms in Iowa. In 1904 he purchased his wife's parents' farm of 160 acres in Emmet County, Iowa. Dec. 9, 1910, he came to Barron County and bought 80 acres in Section 24, Barron Town¬ ship. Forty acres had been cleared but no buildings erected. He erected suitable buildings, cleared more land, and in addition to the usual crops special¬ ized in stock breeding and dairying. He had just finished the buildings when he was taken ill, and four months later, Jan. 22, 1916, he died. He is laid to rest in the old home cemetery at Graetlinger, Iowa. Mr. Moltz was married March 14, 1900, to Anna M. Dahlke, who was born in Germany Jan. 8, 1881, daughter of Carl and Albertina (Bervoldt) Dahlke, she being the fifth of six children: Bertha, wife of Ernest Peyton, of Graetlinger, Iowa; Charles, of Mountain Home, Idaho; Frank, of Austin, Minn.; Paul, of Austin, Minn., and Martha, wife of Frederick Moltz, of Broadland, S. D. The family came to America in 1884, lived two years in Chicago, moved to Emmetsburg, Emmet County, Iowa, were there a considerable time, and then moved to Broadland, S. D., where the parents still live. Mr. and Mrs. Moltz were the parents of four children : Walter E., born Jan. 29, 1901, and Otto A., born Dec. 31, 1904, are assisting the mother with the work on the farm in Barron Township. Two died in infancy. After the death of her husband, Mrs. Moltz remained on the home farm until 1918. Then she sold and purchased 20 acres within the city limits of Barron City. This she sold that fall and acquired her present place of 80 acres in Section 22, Barron Township, just on the city limits. This was a well improved place with a good house standing thereon. In 1920 she built a commodious and modern barn, 36 by 84 by 16 feet, equipped with all modern improvements. The farm is all under the plow, it is fenced with woven wire, the operating equipment is of the best, and, all in all, it is an ideal country place. A specialty is made of registered Holstein cattle, and it is worthy of note that the famous Holstein full blooded sire which heads the herd was delivered to the farm by aeroplane June 12, 1920. The home is known for its hospitality and good cheer. Mrs. Moltz is nobly carrying on the work begun by her husband, and the two sons, both of whom are highly regarded in the community, are worthily walking in their parents' footsteps.

William C. Hagemeister, real estate man of Barron City, deals extensively in city, village and farm lands in Barron County and vicinity and is meeting with much success. He is a thorough believer in the future of the county and is convinced that land values here will continue to increase rapidly for many years to come. Born in Westphalia, Germany, Jan. 6, 1864, he is the son of Frederick and Wilhelmina (Lehr) Hagemeister, who spent the span of their years in the old country. In 1882 he came to America and took up his home with an uncle, Charles Lehr, at Minneapolis. For five years he was employed as a delivery boy. Then, in 1887, he went to Wood Lake, Minn., as clerk in a store and subsequently found similar employment at Marshall, Minn. Returning to Minneapolis in 1891 he became salesman for the Minneapolis Stock Yards & Packing Co., traveling for this concern throughout northern Wisconsin and the upper peninsula of Michigan. Subsequently he covered the same territory for the Cudahy Packing Co. While thus engaged he became convinced of the future possibilities of Barron County. Consequently, in 1896, he came to Barron City and on July 29 opened a market on Third street. Late in 1900 he sold out and moved to a farm of 102 acres which he had purchased in Maple Grove Township, a mile south of Barron. This was originally wild land. Mr. Hagemeister erected a small house and a barn, cleared and developed the land, and created an excellent place. In 1914 he sold out, and moved to Barron City where he has a comfortable home on La Salle street, equipped with hot water heat, running water, electric lights and other modern conveniences. Mr. Hagemeister was married April 22, 1896, to Emma R. Frank, born Sept. 5, 1872, daughter of Randolph and Augusta (Stuebner) Frank, of Yellow Medicine County, Minnesota. This union has been blessed with three children: Alfred R., born Jan. 16, 1897, passed through the grade schools, took a two years' course in the Barron High School, and is now a traveling salesman. Harold H. was born Sept. 3, 1899, was graduated from the Barron High School, and is now a traveling salesman. Raymond W. was born Nov. 30, 1901, was graduated from the Barron High School, and assists his father. The family worships at the German Lutheran Church. Mr. Hagemeister was the oldest of four chil¬ dren. The others were : Frederick, a farmer in Sumner Township, this county ; Wilhelmina, who lives in Germany, and Elizabeth, who is dead. Mr. and Mrs. Frank, the parents of Mrs. Hagemeister, were natives of Germany and were brought to this country as children. They now live in Cottonwood, Minn. Mrs. Hagemeister was the oldest of six children, the others being Anna and Reuben, deceased; Amelia, a trained nurse in Minneapolis; Herman, who farms the home place in Yellow Medicine County, Minnesota, and William, who is a banker at Wood Lake, Minn.

Lester Carpenter, Section 26, Barron Township, was born in Sauk County, Wisconsin, Oct. 17, 1892, son of Walter and Anna (Jacobs) Carpenter, natives of Wisconsin, who now . reside in Barron City, this county. He received his early education in his native county, came to Barron County with his parents in 1905, and farmed with them until 1915 when he rented a farm five miles south¬ west of Barron. In 1919 he purchased 72 acres from his father in Section 26, Barron Township. He remodeled the barn, built a chicken house, and con¬ structed fences. Here he now carries on general farming and dairying, having a good grade of Holstein cattle with a full blooded sire at the head of his herd. His swine are of the Poland-China breed. His financial interests include stock in the Barron Co-operative Creamery. In public life he has served on the school board of District No. 8, Barron Township. His fraternal relations are with the Beavers. Mr. Carpenter was married Sept. 8, 1915, to Leanna Lichtenwalner, born Nov. 14, 1891, daughter of Harry H. and Addie (Dinges) Lichtenwalner, of this county. Mr. and Mrs. Carpenter have two daughters, Leanna E. Vesta, born Aug. 20, 1917, and Mary Ann, born March 10, 1921.

Ernest R. Koepp, a prosperous citizen of Barron, distributor for this region of the Swanlite farm lighting and power plant system and agent for the De La Val separator and milking machine, was born in Sauk County, this state, on a farm near North Freedom, Jan. 13, 1897. His parents, Albert F. and Reka (Nehrlich) Koepp, were natives of Germany. The father, who came to this country at the age of 19, is now living on his farm near Barron. Ernest R., who came to this county with his parents in 1900, was reared on their farm and attended the common schools. After remaining at home until 1917, he came to Barron City and entered the employ of the Thompson Auto Co. as salesman. He remained with them until the fall of 1918 and then entered into partnership with his father in the business in which he is now engaged. On May 12, 1920, he bought his father's interest and became the sole proprietor. For a while he had an automobile business. Now he devotes his time exclusively to the Swanlite and De La Val agencies. He is well established, he has built up a large business, and is highly regarded for his fair dealing by all with whom he comes in contact. On Jan. 6, 1919, Mr. Koepp was united in marriage to Anna Augusta, daughter of Angus H. and Hulda A. Kramer, of Barron, Wis., where she was born July 31, 1897. Mrs. Koepp has a sister, Mildred, the only other child of her parents' family, who is residing at home with the parents. Mr. Koepp owns a good residence on South La Salle street, Barron, supplied with hot water heat, bath, electric light, and other modern improvements. He and his wife are members of the German Lutheran Church. Politically, he is a Republican.

Benjamin A. Pieser, Turtle Lake garage man, former merchant and an active and prominent man in public and fraternal affairs, was born in New York City Aug. 25, 1878, son of Gabriel and Pauline (Feldman) Pieser, who brought him to Wausau, Wis., in 1883. He was educated in Wausau and gradu¬ ated from the excellent high school there in 1896. Then he started his mer¬ cantile career as a clerk in his father's store. Subsequently he was similarly engaged in other Wausau stores. Thus becoming thoroughly experienced, he decided to start for himself, so in 1903 he went to Monocqua, Wis., and opened a general store there. He came to Turtle Lake in 1917 and purchased a general store. With this village his life has since been identified. Aug. 1, 1919, he sold out the store and purchased a garage and automobile business from E. W. Scheel. This business he still conducts. He has a good trade and has won the confidence of all with whom he has business dealings. He has the local agency for the Ford cars and tractors, carries a full line of general accessories and supplies, and does repairing in all its branches. In public life he is active in various ways; did good service as chairman of the school board for four years and was one of the village trustees for four years. Fraternally, he has passed through the chairs of the Blue Lodge and is a member of the Chapter, Commandery and Shrine. He is also affiliated with the Odd Fellows. Mr. Pieser was married May 19, 1908, to Anna Baum, daughter of Samuel and Sarah Baum, early settlers of Pittsville, Wis., where Mr. Baum was an early merchant. In the Baum family there were five children: John, Albert, Tillie, Anna and Sarah (deceased). Mr. and Mrs. Pieser have three children, Marian, Jay and Richard, all at home. Gabriel Pieser was born in Germany and there learned the painter's trade. He came to New York in 1865, and there followed his trade for a while, and there married Pauline Feldman, who came from Germany in 1870. In 1883 they came to Wausau, in this state, and there he was engaged in the mercantile business for many years. He lived to the good age of eighty-three years. His wife is still living at the age of seventyeight years. They were the parents of two children, Benjamin A. and Rebecca. She married Adolph Roth and lives in Milwaukee.

Charles W. Pahlow, one of the self-made men of Turtle Lake Township where he owns a farm of 320 acres, though now retired, was born in Germany Dec. 6, 1861. His parents were farmers and the mother is still living, but the father died some years ago. About 1881 Charles W. Pahlow set out for America to seek his fortune, equipped with youth and health. Halting at St. Paul, Minn., he worked in that vicinity a few years as a farm hand and then entered the employ of a wholesale house in the city. For seven years he also worked in Oakland Cemetery, St. Paul. In the meanwhile he married, in July, 1887, Hannah Ott, a resident of St. Paul but a native of Germany, in which country he had previously made her acquaintance. After a domestic life of several years in that city, Mr. Pahlow came with his family, which now numbered three children, to Barron County and located on 80 acres of wild land in Section 29, Turtle Lake Township, six miles south of the village of that name. Then commenced a long career of hard labor, including the grubbing and breaking of the land, the erection of buildings and fences and other arduous tasks familiar to the pioneer farmer and long remembered by him in the years of his subsequent prosperity. Mr. Pahlow also added to the size of his farm by additional purchases of land until he brought its area up to 320 acres. Ninety acres are now under the plow. Among the buildings he erected are a substantial frame house, two large frame barns, one 32 by 100 by 16 feet, the other 33 by 126 by 12 feet, with an eight-foot cement basement for horses and cattle; a concrete hog house, 38 by 30 feet; poultry house, 20 by 30 feet, with a tool shed of the same size, and a garage for two large cars, besides others. Though he saw some hard times during the early years, he never lost his courage or perseverence and is now reaping their fruits in a comfortable prosperity. Having retired, the farm is now operated by his sons, Ernest and Herman, the former being manager, and with the daughter, Rose, as housekeeper. They milk 40 cows, having at present about 28 head of young stock, all high grade cattle. On the farm, in addition to the other buildings mentioned, are two silos, and the general equipment includes a large tractor. Mr. and Mrs. Pahlow had four children: Ernest W., born Oct. 8, 1888; Henry G., born Nov. 28, 1890, who died in childhood; Herman J., born May 25, 1892, and Rose E. A., born Jan. 10, 1899. Ernest W. Pahlow, besides operating his father's farm, is the proprietor of the Sunnyside cheese factory, Frank Pittson being the cheese maker. This factory was built in 1917 with a capacity of

Christian Bigler

12,000 pounds of milk per day. After being operated three years it was burned down, but was rebuilt in the spring of 1921. The cream product is now handled by the Tilden Produce Co. of St. Paul and the cheese product by Armour & Co. The Pahlow family are affiliated religiously with the German Lutheran Church. In politics Mr. Pahlow is independent.

Christian Bigler, proprietor of Maple Leaf cheese factory, an important and flourishing enterprise, was born near Berne, Switzerland, May 18, 1871, son of John and Rosanna (Kunzi) Bigler, who were farming people of that locality. He attended the common school up to the age of seventeen years and subsequently for two years worked as a farm hand. He then learned the butcher's trade, which he followed for three years. Two years more were then spent on the farm, after which young Bigler was employed as a driver for a brewery at Boudry, Switzerland, in which position he remained for six years. His next occupation was that of teamster for a contractor at Bienne where he remained for a year. So far his industrial activities had yielded him but little more than a livelihood, and, as he saw no prospect of anything better in his native land, he resolved to seek his fortune in America. Landing at New York in 1902, he made his way to Monroe, Wis., a locality in which he remained for four years, working in cheese factories. In the spring of 1906 Mr. Bigler came to Turtle Lake Township and entered the employ of the Turtle Lake Co-operative Creamery as cheesemaker. In this position he remained until May, 1908, when he purchased the plant and has since been its sole proprietor. The capacity of the factory is 30,000 pounds a month which it has attained as its maximum output, its average output being about 10,000 pounds. Under Mr. Bigler's management and ownership it is in a flourishing condition and is one of the most important industries of the township. Mr. Bigler is a Republican in politics, his fraternal relations being with the Odd Fellows' lodge at Turtle Lake. When a young man he served, as required by law, in the Swiss army. He was married March 14, 1908, to Elza, daughter of August and Matilda Gantz, of Turtle Lake Township. She was born in Min¬ neapolis May 20, 1891, and came to Turtle Lake with her parents in 1894. Mr. and Mrs. Bigler are the parents of five children, who were born as follows: Frederick, March 10, 1909; Ruth, July 3, 1911; Esther, Feb. 26, 1913; Arnold, June 26, 1915, and Ellis, Dec. 12, 1917. The family are mem¬ bers of the German Lutheran Church.