Barron County, Wisconsin - Chapter 13: Biographical and Geneological Review, 1922 (part 44 of 46)

Jerome C. Phillips, superintendent of the Chetek Light and Power Co., was born in Jefferson County, Wisconsin, Dec. 2, 1866, son of Hubbard and Lois (Bemis) Phillips, natives respectively of Vermont and New York, who came west in 1848, and settled in Jefferson County, Wis., where the father worked as a blacksmith at Milford, going from there in 1865 to Wabasha County, Minnesota, and in 1867 settling in Dunn County, this state, where they spent the remainder of their lives. Jerome C. remained with his parents as a youth, and attended the graded and high schools as opportunity afforded. His first employment was with the Knapp, Stout & Co., in their office and store at Menomonie, this state. In 1893 he came to Chetek to take charge of their store and other business here. The mills, waterpowers and flowage rights of the company were sold to the Wisconsin Power Co., in 1903, and Mr. Phillips continued with the new concern. In 1910 he became an accountant for the Chetek Lumber Supply Co. Three years later he took a year's vacation, spend¬ ing a part of the time in California. Upon his return to Chetek, he took up general accounting for several concerns including the Farmers & Merchants Bank. In August, 1918, with K. Rosholt and A. T. Galby, he took over the Che¬ tek Light and Power Co. from W. J. and I. R. Gavin, and became superintendent of the plant. He is not now a member of the company, but still retains his position as manager. He is a solid man of the community, is capable in his position, and is well liked in the community. Fraternally he is a member of the Blue Lodge of the Masons. The family faith is that of the Presbyterian Church. Mr. Phillips was married April 30, 1879, to Rosalie Cowing, who was born in Allegheny County, New York, Jan. 13, 1860, daughter of James R. and Margaret (Isted) Cowing. James R. Cowing brought his family west in the middle sixties, and was for many years employed by Knapp, Stout & Co. at Menomonie. He was a veteran of the Civil War. In the family there were ten children. Mr. and Mrs. Phillips have had two children. Ruth was born in Menomonie, Nov. 11, 1880, and is the wife of Dr. W. G. Malcolm of Chetek. Leslie James was born June 25, 1888, became a physician and surgeon, joined the national forces and died in France Oct. 13, 1918.

John Jabez Donaldson, veteran of the Civil War, and for many years an honored and respected citizen of Section 3, Chetek Township, was born in a log house in Dane County, this state, Nov. 18, 1848, the son of Benjamin and Mary Alice (Miller) Donaldson. The parents were born in Vermont, and were there married. They came west as young people in 1844, and located in Dane County, Wisconsin. Four children were born: Mary Alice, John J., Louisa and Ida May. Mary Alice died, followed to the great beyond by the mother. Later the father married Rosetta Barcume Macdonald, the widow of Joseph Macdonald, by whom she has three sons, William, Milton and Miles. To Mr. Donaldson she bore four children: Alice, Celia, Rosa and Flora. From Dane County in 1864, the family came to Chippewa County, and located on a tract of wild land. To the immediate north of them, the only neighbors were at the Fox settlement, so called, and their home was established in the midst of a wilderness. There they underwent many hardships and privations. But they were a large family, and had each other for company and help; they were es¬ tablishing for themselves a home, and while getting along the best they could, they were looking forward to the time when their hard work should result in prosperity and comfort. After a long and useful life, the father died in 1888. John J. was educated in Dane County, and was reared to farm work. In 1863 he enlisted for service in the Civil War, and was assigned to Co. I, 11th Massa¬ chusetts Volunteer Infantry. He took part in several skirmishes, was cap¬ tured in the battle of the Wilderness, and was confined in the Andersonville and Florence prisons for seven months and one day, being parolled on Dec. 6, 1864. He then joined his family in Chippewa County, from which county, in the same year, he made his first visit to Barron County to see his sister, Louise, who was working for F. Perkins, who had charge of a small water¬ power mill, located a few miles below the present city of Barron. Then he took a homestead in Chippewa County, and there farmed for many years. In 1886 he came to Barron County, and bought his present tract of 80 acres in Section 3, Chetek Township. Thirty acres had been broken, but no buildings had been erected. Here he started farming. His family lived in a board shanty, and his live stock consisted of a horse team and a cow. At first there were many difficulties to overcome, but in time they have achieved prosperity and success. He has a comfortable home, noted for its good cheer and hospitality, a commo¬ dious barn and other good buildings. Here he carries on general farming and dairying on a profitable scale. Mr. Donaldson has considerable influence on public affairs, but has never cared to serve in public office, though for fifteen years he did most excellent work as a member of the school board. He was married Nov. 30, 1872, to Laura Toycen, who was born in Winnebago County, this state, daughter of Sven and Catherine (Larson) Toycen, natives of Nor¬ way, who were married in that country, came to the United States in the spring of 1849, the trip aboard a sailing boat lasting six weeks, and located first in Fond du Lac County, Wisconsin, then in Winnebago County, and in 1866 in Dunn County, where they spent the remainder of their lives. Mr. Toy¬ cen was a veteran of the Civil War, having enlisted at the last call, in February, 1865, in Company A., 47th Wisconsin Volunteer Infantry, and served until the close of the war. He and his wife were the parents of ten children: Torger, Louis Edward, Julia, Charles 0., Laura A., John O., Josephine S., Oscar, Adina A. and Stephen, all of whom came to America. Mr. and Mrs. Donaldson are the parents of ten children: Charles D., Mary Alice and Flora Adelaide, born in Dunn County; Mabel Josephine, John Patrick and Sibyl Catherine (deceased), born in Chippewa County; and Minerva Beatrice, Laura Louise, Gertrude Viola and Grace Muriel, born in Barron County. Charles D. was born Dec. 15, 1873; Mary A., Feb. 15, 1876; Mabel J., Feb. 17, 1878; John P., March 2, 1880; Sibyl C., June 23, 1882 (died Oct. 5, 1917); Flora A., Dec. 7, 1885; Minerva B., April 16, 1889; Laura L., June 23, 1891; Gertrude V., March 15, 1894; and Grace M., Nov. 3, 1898.

Robert M. Post, D. D. Sn a rising young dental practitioner of Chetek opened his office here in 1918, and has been successful from the start. He is skilled and well trained, and keeps well abreast of the latest discoveries in his profession by deep reading and study. His office and laboratory are well equipped. Dr. Post was born in Alfred, Allegheny County, New York, Sept. 29, 1894, son of Charles M. and Dolly (Maxon) Post. The father was born in Chicago, and after due preliminary education took up medicine and duly re¬ ceived his degree. From Chicago he went to Wisconsin, and thence to New York state. He lost his wife in 1903, and later went to Washington state. He died in Barron in 1908 while visiting there. He left two children: Helen, wife of H. M. Place, of Monroe, Wis., and Robert M., dentist of Chetek. Robert M. was taken by his father from New York to Colfax, Wash., and there com¬ pleted his graded studies. His high school education was received flrst in Barron, this county, then in Newton, Mass., then in Menomonie, this state, and then again in Barron, where he was graduated in 1913. Then he entered the Stout Institute at Menomonie, and was graduated in 1915. With this prep¬ aration he matriculated in the dental department of the Northwestern Uni¬ versity at Chicago, where he received his degree. After a few months at Cam¬ eron, in this county, he came to Chetek, and opened his present office. Dr. Post was married March 2, 1918, at Chetek, to Charlotte Museus, daughter of C. F. and Alice (Johnson) Museus, the former of whom is a retired merchant of Chetek. Mrs. Post was born in 1894 and was educated in the Chetek schools and in the Stout Institute at Menomonie. Dr. Post is a member of the Masonic fraternity.

Andrew Olson, for many years a business man of Chetek, and at one time proprietor of Hotel Douglas, in that city, was a successful man, conservative and solid in business, and his death was sincerely mourned. He was jovial and genial, he was friendly and sympathetic, he loved children and animals, and was especially fond of good horses. He was ever ready to do a kindly deed, and his benefactions were many. He was born in Trondhjem, Norway, Oct. 16, 1844, the son of Ole and Irene Olson, and was there reared and edu¬ cated. As a young man he married. In the seventies he came to America and entered the employ of Knapp, Stout & Co., at Menomonie, Wis., alternating be¬ tween their yards, sawmill and store. His wife died in Norway soon after he came here. His daughter, Gusta, preferred to stay in that country, but a son, Olaf, and a daughter, Martha, joined their father here. Olaf later went back to Norway again, but Martha remained here and married* Jack Johnson, a farmer of Chetek Township. All three children are now dead. About 1882 Mr. Olson came to Chetek, and opened a place of refreshment which he con¬ ducted until 1910. He then conducted the Hotel Douglas, with the assistance of his wife, until his lamented death, Sept. 5, 1917. Mr. Olson was married in Chetek, June 12, 1883, to Bertha Kathrena Jensen, born in Denmark, June 28, 1863, daughter of Nels and Mary (Peterson) Jensen, pioneers, who came to this county from Denmark in the seventies, and took a homestead of 160 acres of wild land at Moosear, Chetek Township, where they farmed for many years, until 1900 when they moved to the city of Chetek. The mother died and the father married again. He died at Nina, Winnebago County, this state, in 1917, and she died in 1920. Nels and Mary Jensen were the parents of five children. Sophia is now Mrs. J. Jarvis of California. Hans is operating a sawmill near Bloomer, Wis., and has a farm in Chetek Township. Minnie is dead. She was the wife of Fred Hanson, music dealer of Chetek. James is a carpenter in Minneapolis. Bertha Kathrena is the widow of Andrew Olson. Mrs. Olson proved a loyal helpmate and loving and understanding mother. She shared her husband's genial and helpful temperament, and has delighted in making her home a center of hospitality for her friends and her husband's friends, and for the friends of her children from early childhood up. She is a most esti¬ mable woman, and is highly regarded by all who knew her, as well as adored by her family. Mr. and Mrs.. Olson had eight children : Elmer, Arden, Claude, Dewey Carlisle, Lucille, Violet and Rex. Elmer, a veteran of the World War, was born in 1890, and is now manager of an automobile and concrete supply house in Superior, Wis. He married Lottie Gisin and has one son, William Leroy. Arden was born in 1896 and lives at home. Claude Douglas, a vet¬ eran of the World War, was born in 1897, and is manager for the Barron County Canning and Pickling Co. of Chetek. He married Margaret Thompson of Rice Lake. Dewey Carlisle was born in 1900. He has been employed on the Great Lakes, and is now a local restaurant man. Lucille was born in 1903 and is also employed in a restaurant. Violet, the youngest daughter, born in 1904, and Rex, the youngest of the family, a bright boy, born Jan. 3, 1907, are both doing well with their studies in the high school. Elmer Olson was in¬ ducted into the United States service at Superior, Wis., in June, 1918, and was first trained at Camp Grant, Illinois. Then he was sent to Camp Mills, New York, where he trained with the 332nd Machine Gun Battalion. He sailed for France, Sept. 12, 1918, and upon his arrival was assigned to reserve duty back of the first line trenches at various points. At Chaumont he was several weeks at General Pershing's headquarters. Upon his return to the states he reached New York Dec. 24, 1918, and was discharged at Camp Grant in January, 1919. Claude D. Olson was inducted into the United States service at Chetek, April 28, 1918, and was sent to Camp Grant, Illinois. From there, June 4, he was sent to Camp Mills, L. I., N. Y. June 13 he set sail from New York, joined a convoy at Halifax, N. S., reached England June 30, and France three days later. He was attached to the radio corps of the 89th Division. From July 13 to July 24, he was in the reserves in the third line. He took part in the St. Mihiel drive, and was gassed Sept. 4, being in a hospital from then until Feb. 1, with the exception of four days when he was out to partici¬ pate in the Armistice Day celebration. He was then assigned to the Army of Occupation. May 16, 1919 he sailed from Brest, was detained for a while at Camp Upton, L. I., N. Y., and was discharged at Camp Grant, June 6, 1919.

Sheldon P. McIntyre, formerly of the firm of Knight & McIntyre, black¬ smiths, wagon makers and iron workers of Chetek, was born near Randolph, Catteraugus County, New York, May 6, 1846, son of Henry A. and Mary Jane

(Miles) McIntyre. Henry A. McIntyre was born in Scotland, came to the United States at thirteen years of age, and became a farmer in New York state. His wife was a native of that state. There they spent the remainder of their days. They were the parents of seven children : Sheldon P. ; Melissa, who married Clinton Hicks and is now dead ; Charles H., who is an oil operator at Tidoute, Warren County, Pennsylvania; Priscilla, who is dead; W. F., a blacksmith in Tidoute; Douglas, who is now in California, and who married first Elizabeth Carson and then Emma White; and James Jackson, an oil operator at Tidoute, Pa. Sheldon P. was reared in his native state. In 1863 as a youth of eighteen, he enlisted at Elicottville, Catteraugus County, New York, in the Second New York Mounted Riflemen, and served until the end of the conflict. He was in the Burnside Corps under Grant, in the Army of the Potomac. He fought in the Wilderness, at Spottsyl vania Courthouse, Cold Harbor, North Anna River, and twice at Petersburg. July 30, 1864, he was present at the springing of the mine and the blowing up of the fort there, and took part in the vigorous assault which followed. In that same year his com¬ pany was dismounted and used as infantry, but on Aug. 20 was mounted again, and assigned to Sheridan's army. Toward the end of the war the company was assigned to scout duty. Later it was detailed to guard the government stores at City Point, Va. The company took part in the Grand Review at Wash¬ ington and was mustered out June 13, 1865. Then Mr. McIntyre returned to his parents' farm near Randolph, N. Y., and resumed farm work. Late that fall he went to Tidoute, Pa., and with headquarters there worked in Pennsyl¬ vania and West Virginia, drilling wells and blacksmithing. He came to Barron County in 1895, and located in Chetek. For the next twenty-five years he divided his time between lumbering and blacksmithing. In the fall of 1920 he formed a partnership with his nephew, D. W. Knight. He retired April 1, 1921. He is the commander of the Albert Weatherby Post, No. 128, G. A. R., of Chetek, having served for the past eight years. Mr. McIntyre was married at Tidoute, Pa., Dec. 13, 1869, to Eliza Jane Walker, who was born at Meadeville. Pa., July 10, 1847, daughter of Aaron and Abigail (Preston) Walker, of that place. This union has been blessed with two children. Alfred E. ("Allie") was born March 25, 1871, and died at the age of eighteen months. Harry lives in Dallas, this county, where he is engaged in the automobile and machinery business. He has three children. An adopted daughter, Della May, married Charles Paul, lives in Sheffield, Pa. and has five children, Harrison E., Earl, Jerome, May and an unnamed infant. Mrs. McIntyre is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church.

Chauncey Weeks was born in Baraboo, Wis., son of Erving James and Sarah (Wicks) Weeks, who were born in New York state, came to Wisconsin in pioneer days, and homesteaded land near Twin Lakes, Chippewa County, and there farmed for many years, until their death, the father living until Feb. 10, 1920, when he died at Bloomer, Wis., at the unusual age of ninety-seven. The family is an old one. In colonial times the great grandfather moved into the Wyoming valley in Pennsylvania. He was there killed in the great Indian massacre, but his wife and three children, two of them baby twins, escaped. Chauncey Weeks was married in Wisconsin to Elizabeth Gibson, a native of New Jersey. They moved to a farm near Aberdeen, S. D., then moved to Twin Lakes, Chippewa County, this state, where he died at the age of 45 years as the result of an accident received two years previous. His wife now lives in Chetek, in this county. In the family there were six children. May, Ida, Maude, Florence, Clara Belle and Mayme. May died in infancy. Ida married D. W. Mair, of Chetek, and died leaving a daughter, Gladys, also now deceased. Maude married James Mair, a brother of D. W. Mair, and has three children, Hugh, Vernice and Dorris. Florence married John Cox, a lumberman of Weyerhauser, Wis., and has four children: Harold, Merl, Elizabeth and Florence. Belle is the wife of Basil Bailey Banks of Chetek, and has three children, Burl, James Chauncey and Anna Belle. Mayme is the wife of Arthur Moe, who farms south of Chetek, and they have three children, Jean, Barnard and Frederick. It is interesting to note that the Weeks family has been represented in every important war in which the United States has engaged, from the Revolutionary War to the World War.

Edward James Banks, veteran of the Civil War, pioneer of Chetek, and one time owner of the property on which the part of Chetek City known as Bank's Addition is platted, was a native of this state and of pioneer blood, born near Richland Center, Richland County, of remote English ancestry. He was reared to farm life, and came to Barron County in 1870, where he took a homestead of 160 acres of wild land on the eastern outskirts of the present city of Chetek. Subsequently he added 80 acres more. With this beginning he developed a good farm, well equipped with buildings, tools, implements, machinery and stock. After a long and useful life he died Feb. 22, 1916. Mr. Banks was a veteran of the Civil War. He enlisted in 1861, in the 19th Wisconsin Volunteer Infantry and served until 1866. He was in the Army of the Potomac, and participated in a number of heroic conflicts, including the battle of Fredericksburg. For some months he was in the hospital as the result of an attack of typhoid fever. Mr. Banks was married as a young man to Alfretta Hortense Bailey of Richland County, Wisconsin, and of English- Scotch ancestry. She is now living in Chetek. Mr. and Mrs. Banks had five children: Josephine is the wife of E. E. Brown, formerly a steamboat man, now living retired in Chetek. Basil B. is a business man of Chetek. Three died in infancy.

Basil Bailey Banks, proprietor of Pokegema Inn, near Chetek, was born in Chetek Township, Nov. 12, 1886, the son of Edward James and Alfretta Hor¬ tense (Bailey) Banks. He was reared on the farm and attended the district schools, finishing with a course in the Chetek High School. For a while he operated his father's farm, and for a while he clerked in the Farmers' store in Chetek. In 1917 he learned the baker's trade, an then opened a bakery in connection with which he also conducted a restaurant. He built up a good trade, and won the confidence and respect of his fellowmen. In 1921, he dis¬ posed of the bakery and restaurant, and purchased the property known as the Pokegema Inn, near the confluence of Lake Chetek and Lake Pokegema. Here he likewise has met with popular favor, and is conducting a first class place. In addition to his business, he owns the home farm, a good residence, and a cottage on Lake Chetek. He is a stockholder in the Farmer's Co-Operative Store, the Chetek Co-Operative Creamery and the Chetek Auto Company. As a business man he is active in Chetek Community Club. Mr. Banks was mar¬ ried Jan. 81, 1906, to Clara Belle Weeks, who was born in Aberdeen, S. D., Aug. 8, 1887, daughter of Chauncey and Mary Elizabeth (Gibson) Weeks. This union has been blessed with three children, Burl, James Chauncey and Anna Belle. Burl was born Jan. 14, 1907; James Chauncey was born Jan. 15, 1910; and Anna Belle was born Oct. 14, 1916.

Joseph Hurst, the pioneer, was born in England, and after coming to this country settled near Augusta, Wis. He came to Chetek in 1884, when it was a small hamlet, and with his brother-in-law, Chas. Horel, established a hard¬ ware store, the first in the place. About 1890 he moved to Augusta, in this state. In 1910 he returned to the place he had helped establish, and has since been janitor in the public schools. He married Alice Howard.

Rasmus Johnson was born in Denmark and was there reared and educated. As a young man he married Christina Jergenson, also a native of that country. They came to America in the early seventies, and after a short time at Green Bay, in this state, went to Dickinson County, Kansas, where they settled near Enterprise. At that time Kansas was booming, the possibilities were be¬ lieved to be better than in Minnesota and Wisconsin, and settlers were flock¬ ing there. The Johnsons went on the recommendation of Mr. Johnson's brother, Nels, Who had caught the "western fever" and was a Kansas enthu¬ siast. The father died there about 1891. The mother and other members of the family then moved to Glenville, Minfl., about 1896, and in 1901 came to Barron County. The mother died in 1904. In the family there were eight children: Peter, Hannah, Martin, Jorena, Charles E., Cora, Amelia and Harry E. Peter married Jane Elliott, died in Florida in 1920, and left two sons, Adolphus and Ivo. Hannah married John Billings, died in Kansas, and left four children. Martin lives at Spooner, Wis., married Gusta Erickson, and has six children: Emmerd, Josephine, Zelma, Pearl, Nina, Maynard and Vernon. Jorena married Christ Mortenson, a farmer of Dovre Township, this county, and has Halvor, Carl, Arthur, Elmer, Bernard, Mildred, Ella and Harry, living, and four deceased. Charles E. is a business man of Chetek. Cora married Ed Stevens, and has a son, Raymond. Amelia married Hans Nelson, who farms three miles south of Chetek, and they have one son, Alvin. Harry E. is a business man of Chetek.

Johnson Brothers, machinists, Chetek, had its beginning in 1901 when Charles E. Johnson came from Glenville, Minn., and opened a small machine shop. Harry E. Johnson became a partner in 1908. In 1913 the welding de¬ partment, the first in the county, was added. The company does machine work and general repairing and welding, in charge of Charles E. Johnson. The heating and plumbing department is in charge of Harry E. Johnson. Charles E. Johnson owns the building, and also an adjoining building used as a garage. The brothers have built up a good business, they have a good field, the work is favorably known, and both stand well in the community.

Charles E. Johnson, of the firm of Johnson Brothers, machine shop, Chetek, was born near Enterprise, Dickinson County, Kansas, March 20, 1880, son of Rasmus and Christina (Jergenson) Johnson, the pioneers. He was reared on his native farm and educated in that vicinity. About 1896 he moved with other members of his family to Glenville, Minn., where about three years later he started a machine shop. He came with the family to Chetek in 1901, and started the industry that has developed into his present business. He is one of the enterprising young men of the city, genial and accommodating, and has been successful in his ventures. He is a member of the Chetek Community Club. He owns his home and the lot adjoining as well as other property in the city. Mr. Johnson was married Sept. 22, 1904, to Bertha Wudtke, who was born near Bloomer, Wis., daughter of Mr. and Mrs. John Wudtke, the former of whom died when she was two years old. Mr. and Mrs. Johnson have three children: Alfred, born Oct. 26, 1906; Mabel, born July 16, 1907; and Beulah born Dec. 20, 1916. The family faith is that of the Advent Christian Church.

Harry E. Johnson, of the firm of Johnson Brothers, machine shop, Chetek, was born near Enterprise, Dickinson County, Kansas, June 16, 1889, son of Rasmus and Christina (Jergenson) Johnson, the pioneers. He came to Glen¬ ville, Minn., with the family about 1896 and to Chetek in 1901. He attended school in Minnesota and Wisconsin. Then he entered his brother's shop, and became a partner in 1908, taking charge of the plumbing and heating depart¬ ment at which he is an expert. He is a popular young man and is well liked throughout the community. He is an officer of the Odd Fellows, and an active member of the Community club. He and his family attend the Advent Chris¬ tian Church. Mr. Johnson was married in 1911 to Lila Hurst, daughter of Joseph and Alice (Howard) Hurst. They have had three children, Alice, born Dec. 21, 1914, and Howard, born May 19, 1919, who died of pneumonia following the influenza, Feb. 20, 1920. All the family were stricken, but the others re¬ covered. Genevieve lone was born March 3, 1921.

Marcelan Watson Hatch, a pioneer of Barron County, now residing in Chetek, was born at Sherbum, Chenango County, New York, Feb. 13, 1860, son of Watson A. and Amanda Hatch. Coming to Richland County, Wisconsin, with his parents in 1867, he resided there until he was 24 years old, working on and later operating his father's farm. There he married Jan. 16, 1872, Laura Brooks, daughter of Warren S. and Mariam (Wood)* Brooks. Her father was killed in the Civil War at Dallas, Ga., May 30, 1864, the day after being wounded. He had come west from Maine, his wife coming from New York state. Of an adventurous disposition, he made the overland journey to California in 1867, and later made a trip to Pike's Peak, on both occasions seeking his fortune. Mr. Hatch, after his marriage, farmed for a while in Richland County, and from there came to Barron County, taking a homestead in Chetek Township, four miles north of the city. The land was wild, and the family underwent all the experiences of developing a home and a farm in a pioneer country thronging with Indians. After about seven years he moved to Chetek Village. He was in Barron County altogether for about 21 years. Then he went to River Falls in Pierce County, this state, from there to Door County, where he developed a fruit farm, and from there to Taylor County where he developed a dairy farm. Then he came back to Barron County and engaged in market gardening and poultry raising on his present farm. He is widely known and respected in town and county. For some time he was city assessor. He and his wife are of the Silent Unity faith and have been greatly benefitted by the practice of its teachings. Mr. and Mrs. Hatch have three children: Warren Gay, Clarence Edward and Bessie M. Warren Gay was born in 1873, and died in boyhood. Clarence Edward was born in 1878, and served in France during the World War, seeing some of its fiercest fighting. He married Nancy I. Sampson and has one child, Dorothy M. Bessie M. was born in 1886, and is a proficient school teacher.

Louis Hedenstrom, manager of the Chetek Co-Operative Mercantile Co.'s store, was born at Franconia, Minn., Nov. 26, 1876, son of Olaf and Martha Hedenstrom, natives of Sweden, who upon coming to America in the early seventies located in St. Croix Falls, Wis., where the father was a carpenter, later moving to Franconia, Minn., where he died about 1887, the mother later moving to Lindstrora, Minn., where she still lives. Louis Hedenstrom attended the rural schools of Franconia, and started in for himself when he lost his father at the age of twelve. He worked on farms and in mills for a few years, and at the age of sixteen became a clerk in a mercantile store. In 1886 he came to this county and entered the employ of L. F. Whittemore, jeweler at Barron. He again entered the mercantile business in 1891, when he became clerk at Barron for the Berg Brothers, with whom he remained a quarter of a century. In 1916 he engaged in business for himself there. He came to Chetek in the spring of 1920, and entered the employ of the company for whom he is now manager. Under his management the company is meeting with success. He is thoroughly conversant with the mercantile business, he knows how to buy and he knows the needs of his customers, and he is giving general satisfaction to the stockholders of the company. Fraternally he is a member of the Odd Fellows, the Knights of Pythias and the Modern Wood¬ men. His religious faith is that of the Protestant Episcopal Church, and he has served as senior warden of the parish at Barron. Mr. Hedenstrom was married June 14, 1899, at Barron, to Alma L. Whittemore, daughter of L. F. and Minerva (Briggs) Whittemore, who came here from Princeton, Wis. Mr. and Mrs. Hedenstrom have two daughters, Katherine Minerva, born July 11, 1906, and Harriett Louise, born Oct. 27, 1914.

William F. Greech, owner of a potato warehouse at Chetek, was born in Chicago, Ill., Feb. 4, 1867. His father died when he was two years old, and in 1871 he accompanied his mother to Adams County, this state. Shortly after their arrival there, the great fire of 1871 destroyed all his mother's Chicago property. He attended school in Friendship, in Adams County, and as a young man became a potato buyer, shipping out of Cloma, in Waushara County, to S. H. Hall of Chicago, then widely known as a "potato king." In 1886 Mr. Greech started his operations in this vicinity. He came to New Auburn, just over the line in Chippewa County, and bought a farm in Chetek Township, this county. He still, however, continued to devote his time largely to potato buying. In 1900 he came to Chetek and has since continued successfully as a buyer. He has a good warehouse, is a shrewd buyer and a good seller, and has the confidence of all with whom he has dealings. For the last fifteen years he has shipped mostly to J. R. Beggs & Co. of St. Paul. In the summer he operated a cement block factory. His holdings include stock in the Chetek Farmers Co-Operative Store. Mr. Greech was married May 26, 1902, at Cam¬ eron, Barron County, to Etta Adelion Whitney, born in Dovre Township, Bar¬ ron County, Oct. 13, 1882, daughter of Charles A. and Christina (Gilbertson) Whitney, the pioneers. Mr. and Mrs. Greech have had two children ; Franklin Charles and Durward John. Franklin Charles was born Feb. 14, 1903, and is doing well at his studies in the high school. Durward John was born Jan. 29, 1906, and died in infancy. Mrs. Greech is prominent in the affairs of the Presbyterian Church, and is a member of the Aid Society. She is also a mem¬ ber of the Woman's Relief Corps, the Rebekahs, the Royal Neighbors and the Mystic Workers. The home is one of the most hospitable in the community and the center of many social gatherings, and the family is most highly regarded.

Charles A. Whitney, the pioneer, was born at Phillips, Franklin County, Maine, in 1843, son of Josiah and Martha (Barber) Whitney, who in his in¬ fancy took him to Walworth County, this state, and lived first at Lafayette and next at Delavan, later moving to Tunnell City in Monroe County. As a young man he learned his trade as a carpenter and cabinet maker. At the outbreak of the Civil War, he enlisted in the 13th United States Infantry, and served in Missouri. He was injured in the chest, and was discharged for dis¬ ability in 1862. Later he enlisted in Company K, 30th Wisconsin Volunteer Infantry, and served for three years more, mostly in detached duty on the plains. He was not discharged until some time after the war was over. Then he located at Chippewa Falls in this state. In 1871 he took a homestead in what is now Dovre Township. The land was then wild, the Indians were still roaming the woods, and there were few settlers except the woodsmen. Pri¬ vations were many, comforts were few, provisions had to be brought from a distance and it was a long journey to mill to get grist ground. The present site of Chetek was a wilderness, where the long bridge is now located was only a swamp with a courderoy crossing. Mr. Whitney helped to build the first grist mill here for Knapp, Stout & Co. He developed and improved the farm, and there carried on general agricultural operations for many years. He and his wife now make their home in Chetek. Mr. Whitney was married, Feb. 22, 1871, to Christina Gilbertson, who was born Aug. 25, 1863, in Christiana, Nor¬ way, daughter of Gilbert and Caroline (Anderson) Gilbertson, the former of whom died in Norway in 1866, and the latter of whom came to this country and died in 1900. Mr. and Mrs. Whitney have had four children. William died at the age of 12 years. Antoine lives in Brill. Caroline is the wife of Mark Bates of Oronoco, Minn. Etta Adelion is the wife of William F. Greer.

Thomas E. Gotham, now deceased, one of the pioneers of Barron County, was a substantial, representative citizen, who took his part in the development of the agricultural interests of the community, and who was a real influence for good throughout the neighborhood. He was a man of pleasing personality, of genial temperament, and of upright character, and one who had the faculty of making and keeping friends. His memory will long be cherished by all with whom he came in contact. He was born at Clayton, N. Y., about 1847, son of John and Pamelia (Slate) Gotham. At the age of eighteen he came west, and after living in Michigan for a year, came to Wisconsin, and settled near Sextonville, in Richland County. He came to Chetek in 1872, and took a home¬ stead in Section 32, about half a mile south of the present city. The settlement was then represented by a few crude buildings, and Mr. Gotham watched it grow from that to a flourishing trading center. On his homestead he cleared 100 acres, erected a good frame house and other buildings, and fro(n time to time continued the improvements. When the "Omaha" line was put through, the right-of-way cut off some three or four acres of the farm, and Mr. Gotham sold the company enough more to make ten acres. For a time, Mr. Gotham was a valued member of the town board. He assisted in starting the Barron County Fair Association, and was one of its charter members and stock¬ holders. He also served on numerous delegations and committees, and in every way did his part in life as a Christian gentleman, a loving husband and father, and a good citizen and loyal friend. After his death, Feb. 9, 1888, his wife and sons have continued the improvement of the farm. About 120 acres of the farm are under the plow and about 30 in timberland and pasture land. The barn, which was struck by lightning in 1912, was replaced by the present ade¬ quate structure. A swine house and granary have also been added to the other buildings. Mr. Gotham was married Sept. 20, 1872, to Mary Alzada Banks, daughter of James and Comfort (Sexton) Banks. This union has been blessed with five children: John Edwin, Charles Robert, Frank Thomas, Mattie Adelaide and Terry Earl. John Edwin was born May 4, 1875, has a homestead in Montana, and lives in Chetek. He married Myrtle Gordon, and has three chilren, Kenneth George, Richard, who died in infancy, and John Edwin Jr. Charles Robert was born May 13, 1879, married Mabel Ziesenis, lives across the road from the old home, and helps operate the home farm. He has four children, Gerald George, Roger (deceased), Wallace and Frederick Arthur. Frank Thomas was born Nov. 20, 1881, and lives at home. Mattie Adelaide was born Dec. 22, 1882, lives in New Auburn, in Chippewa County, married Urban Gavin, and has six children: Thomas, Catherine Alzada, Mil¬ dred, Lulu Belle, and Olive May and Lilia Marie (twins). Terry Earl was born Aug. 24, 1888, lives at home and is a rural mail carrier. Mrs. Gotham is a capable woman, and she and her family are held in the highest regard and respect throughout the community. James Banks, the father of Mrs. Thomas E. Gotham, died at Sexton ville, Richland County, Wisconsin, which had been the family home, and Mrs. Banks then came to Barron County and took a home¬ stead in Chetek Township, on that part of Lake Chetek since known as Banks' Bay. She died Sept. 7, 1889. She and Mr. Banks had six children, Martha, Robert, Edward, Eleanor, Lydia and Mary Alzada. By a previous marriage to James Rodgers she had two sons, Thomas and John. Martha married the Rev. W. R. Irish, a Methodist clergyman, lived with him in his various charges, and died in Hammond, Wis. Robert served in the Sixth Wisconsin Battery during the Civil War, and gave his life in that conflict. Edward, for his first wife, married Alfretta Bailey, and for his second wife, Eva Knutson. He died in January, 1916. Eleanor married Bradford Lampman, and died in Chetek, in 1917. Lydia died in 1906. She married Dennie Rowan, who lives in Chetek. Mary Alzada is the widow of Thomas Gotham. Thomas Rodgers married first Ellen Holden and then Mrs. Catherine Pickett, and died in Chetek about 1908. John Rodgers served in the Sixth Wisconsin Battery, and died during the Civil War. Mrs. Gotham's uncle, Ebenezer M. Sexton, came to Barron County as a pioneer, and was very active in pursuading others to come here. He owned land near the present site of the Chetek Farmers Co- Operative Creamery, and sold the undivided half of a twenty-acre tract to Knapp, Stout & Co. on condition that they build thereon a sawmill, to make up lumber from logs cut near Lake Chetek, and thus develop the region. But before the agreement was carried out, he died, and a steam sawmill was built in another location. Mrs. Gotham is much interested in local history and is well informed in it. She remembers that the first school taught in Chetek Township was on the farm of W. B. Lampman, on the bank of the lake, about 1870, the first teacher being Mrs. Melissa Plato. Mrs. Gotham herself was a teacher. She taught for several years before her marriage, and two years afterward. She taught the first school in Sumner Village in 1872-73.

Charles F. Musette, veteran of the Civil War, retired business man of Chetek, was born in Christiania, Norway, March 25, 1847, son of H. B. and Katberina- (Strum) Museua, who brought their family to the United States in 1861, came into Wisconsin by way of Milwaukee, and settled about four miles from Oconomowoc, Jefferson County, Wis., where the father had a farm and also worked at his trade as a carpenter. In 1880 they came to Barron County, and settled on a farm of 40 acres in Turtle Lake Township, a son, Nels C., securing a similar tract adjoining. The father erected a pleasant home but did not cultivate the land, devoting his time to carpenter work in the neigh¬ borhood. The mother died at the age of seventy-five. Later the father took up his home with his granddaughter, Mrs. Christ Wold, near Haywood, Wis., where he died at the age of eighty-eight. Of the nine children in the family, six died young, one being drowned. Halvor F. and Nels grew to adult years, but both are now deceased. Charles F. had but little chance for an education, and started out for himself at an early age. Three members of the family enlisted in the Civil War. The father and Halvor F. fought at Island No. 10, on the Mississippi. Charles F. was in the 28th Wisconsin Volunteer Infantry. He served along the Tombigbee River, as well as at the attack on Fort Blakely and the Spanish Forts. Later he was sent under Sheridan to the Mexican border to protect Texas from becoming involved in the troubles incident to the overthrow of Emperor Maxmillian I, and the withdrawal of the French. After his discharge he returned to Jefferson County, this state. Later he took a farm of 80 acres in the timbers of Pierce County, this state. He cut over forty acres and cleared twenty acres of stumps, erected buildings and farmed there for twelve years. Then he came to Barron County, making his first trip to Chetek on foot. For a time, with headquarters here, he worked for the Knapp, Stout & Co., in the woods and on drives. In 1886 he engaged in the refreshment business in Chetek. In 1909 he retired. Since then he has been more or less active in looking after his property, and in doing a little specu¬ lating. He has a pleasant home, noted for its hospitality and good cheer, he has been successful in life, has many friends, and is highly regarded through¬ out the community. Among his holdings may be mentioned stock in the State Bank of Chetek. Fraternally he is a member of the G. A. R. Mr. Museus was married April 12, 1869, near Martell, Pierce County, Wis., to Alice Johnson, who was born at Alderly, Dodge County, Wis., Feb. 4, 1861, daughter of Kettle and Elsie Johnson, pioneers of that locality. Mr. and Mrs. Museus have five children, Charles Henry, Hans Benjamin, Edward Ferdinand, Ida M. and Charlotte. Charles Henry was born May 24, 1871, and lives in Cameron, this county. Hans Benjamin was born Sept. 8, 1872, and is now a physician of North Dakota. He married Iva Ziesenis, and they have one child, Alice Eliza¬ beth. Edward Ferdinand is a dentist at Fargo, N. D. He was born March 18, 1877, and married Ada Clark. Mrs. Ida M. Patchin was born April 29, 1880, and has a bright son, Frederick M., born Sept. 26, 1914. She is a teacher in the public schools. Charlotte was born March 28, 1894, and is the wife of R. M. Post, Chetek dentist. The family faith is that of the Norwegian Lutheran Church.

Thomas Gregerson, a farmer who is prosperously engaged in general agri¬ cultural pursuits in section 18, Chetek Township, was born in Tellemarken, Norway, Dec. 29, 1840, son of Greger and Margretta (Oleson) Halverson. The father died in Norway, and the mother brought the three children to America and settled in Jefferson County, this state. From there Thomas went to Michigan, where he worked in the woods for some five years. Then he went back to Jefferson County, and with his mother went to Winnebago County, where they purchased 80 acres and farmed for three years. He came to Barron County in 1869, and located in section 12, Chetek Township. This was all wild land. There were no roads and no bridges, white settlement was repre¬ sented only by lumber camps and a few scattered cabins. Indians were still ranging the woods and streams. Trading points were far away, and there was little opportunity for obtaining the comforts or even the necessities of life. Mr. Gregerson erected a log house, broke about two acres of land, and lived the life of a typical pioneer. He sold the place in 1886, and acquired his present place of 40 acres in section 18. He also owns in his wife's name, 66 acres across the road. He has cleared the land and made general improve- ments. He has a comfortable home, a cement block barn 32 by 60 feet, a fine granary, and other suitable buildings. On this place he conducts general farming, stock raising and dairying. Being a pioneer, Mr. Gregerson is much interested in the early history of the county. He has seen it grow from a wilderness to its present prosperous condition, and has taken his share in this development. He was acquainted with all the pioneers of this region, and remembers all the details in the story of the early settlement. Mr. Greger¬ son was married March 27, 1877, to Caroline Erickson, who was born in Nor¬ way in 1869, and was brought to this country by her parents when she was eight years old. Mrs. Gregerson was reared by Hans and Georgena (Peterson) Erickson, the pioneers. Mr. and Mrs. Gregerson have had twelve children: George died in infancy. Mary is the wife of Sidney Dickerson, of Carey, Ohio. Matilda lives in Oklahoma. Julia died in infancy. Albert is on the home farm. Cora is the wife of William F. Hartman, of Minneapolis. Ella lives in Zimmerman, Minnesota, and is the wife of Winfield Heath. Ida is at Spooner, Wis. Lilly is the wife of John Muerman of Chetek Township. Gertrude Frances teaches school in Minnesota. Oliver Alexander is at home. Theodore Malcolm is also at home. Mr. and Mrs. Gregerson are members of the Lutheran Church, and Mrs. Gregerson is prominent in the Ladies' Aid Society.

Hans Erickson, an early pioneer, was born in Norway, and on June 24, 1844, was married to Georgena Peterson, who was born Oct. 16, 1816. They came to America in 1868, and located in Winnebago County, this state. Two years later, in 1870, they came to Barron County and homesteaded 140 acres in section 18, Chetek Township. Here he built up a good farm. He died April 13, 1913, at the good old age of 94 years. He was a good man of solid worth and highly regarded by all who knew him. Mrs. Erickson, lovingly known as "Grandma" Erickson, lived to be over 100 years old. In her latter days she spent her summers in the little log cabin, and the winters at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Gregarson, .who cared for her tenderly in all her declining years. The little log cabin where she and her husband had spent so many happy years was nearly in the center of the highway, but to avoid the distress to her sentiments which moving it would cause her, the officials and the public allowed the home to remain undisturbed. She died June 2, 1917. Her memory will long be cherished throughout the county by all who knew her.

Andrew Bacon, one of the well known early settlers of Barron County, and for nearly forty years a resident of Arland Township, where he has de¬ veloped a fine farm, was born in Norway Sept. 1, 1866, son of Andrew J. and Ingeborg (Johnson) Bacon, the former of whom, a sawmill foreman the greater part of his life, died in 1878 and the latter in 1873. After attending the com¬ mon school Andrew Bacon attended the Christianson Military School, from which he was graduated with credit as sergeant, in 1877. Subsequently he served one year in the Standing Army as a member of the Telemarken Bat¬ talion of Infantry. In 1878 he started work in the sawmill of which his father was foreman and there continued for three years. In 1881 he came .to America, landed at New York, and continued his journey to Merrill, Wis., where he re¬ mained about eight months. In the fall of 1882 he came to Barron County and for three years lived with his brother, Nels Anderson, working for him in the summer, and in the woods during the logging season. In 1883 Mr. Bacon bought 80 acres of land in section 11, Arland Township. This was a wild tract and before he could make any improvements on it his health failed and he was sick for a year. This temporarily disarranged his plans and obliged him to sell his land. In 1886 he made a new start, purchasing 80 acres of railroad land in section 13, Arland Township. This also was wild and Mr. Bacon began improvements by erecting a small shack 12 by 14 feet in size, which was his residence for the next 26 years. Subsequently he enlarged it and still later erected a fine modern house, in which he now makes his home. In 1898 Mr. Bacon bought his first horse. During pioneer days on the farm, when times were very hard, he worked for neighbors or on the high* ways, and also killed wild game to get meat for his large family. For seven years he had to carry his water for a distance of two miles. In time he cleared 60 acres of his land and fenced the entire 80, besides erecting a good barn and outbuildings, and now has a fine farm completely equipped and in a flourishing condition. For many years he has been one of the prominent citi¬ zens, not only of his township, but also of the county and has rendered val¬ uable aid in their development by building roads and in other ways, being always ready to support a progressive enterprise. He was road commissioner eight years and also served one term as clerk of his school district. Mr. Bacon was married in Norway Oct. 6, 1878, to Gina Olson, who was born Dec. 4, 1868, the daughter of Ole and Anna C. (Jergensen) Jenson. This union was blessed with three children: Isabelle, Ole (first) and Ole (second), all born in Norway. Isabelle was born Dec. 4, 1879, married George Gullickrode, a well known painter and paper hanger of Minneapolis, and has a fine family of five bright girls: Edna, Jennie, Esther, Helen and Louisa. Ole (first) was born June 22, 1881, and died July 10, of the same year. Ole (second) born June 21, 1882, is now in Norway. For some years after Mr. Bacon came to this country, Mrs. Bacon remained in Norway and looked after the little family, while Mr. Bacon was establishing his fortune here. She and the daughter joined him in 1899. She was a most worthy woman, a loving wife and mother, a good housewife, and a kindly neighbor. She died suddenly while about her housework Oct. 13, 1921. The family home is an unusually sightly one. Mr. Bacon has taken great pride in it, he has beautified the yard with ornamental bushes and shrubbery, and the place is pointed out as a model rural estate. A further attraction is an excellent orchard, now bearing, which Mr. Bacon set out himself.

Owen Hall, of the firm of Sharmota & Hall, blacksmiths, Barron, was born on a farm in Marshall County, Indiana*- Feb. 10, 1889, son of J. F. and Delia (Denmann) Hall, natives respectively of Indiana and Ohio. The family came to Barron County in 1894, settled on a farm in Maple Grove Township, im¬ proved what was mostly wild land, and remained here until 1916, two years after they sold out. They then returned to Indiana, where the mother died Feb. 20, 1915, and where the father is still living. In their family were four children. The oldest daughter is dead. The second, Maggie, was born Nov. 30, 1883, and is now the wife of Maurice Kuhnly, who farms at Brookton, New York. The other son, Edward, was born Nov. 11, 1893, and has a homestead in Montana. After working on the home farm, Owen Hall secured various employment until he learned the blacksmith's trade. In 1910 he went to eastern Montana, but two years later came back and again took up work on the home farm. In 1914 he started farming in Stanfold Township, this county, but four years afterward again resumed his trade. In 1918 he formed his present part¬ nership with Fred Sharmota, at Barron. The firm does a general blacksmithing business, wagon making and gas welding, and enjoys a good trade. Mr. Hall was married June 8, 1914, to Hattie Barton, who was born in Maple Grove Township, Jan. 17, 1894, daughter of William and Clara (Watson) Barton. This union has resulted in three children: Alice, born March 19, 1916; Marjorie, born July 27, 1916; and Herbert, born July 21, 1918. The family residence is in the City of Barron.

Samuel Zielke, who for a number of years has been engaged in mixed farming and dairying in Arland Township, and is making good progress, was born June 27, 1880, in Russia, son of Mikeil and Anna (Kunkel) Zielke. The father died in August, 1888, and the mother in April, 1893. Samuel attended school in his native land and subsequently engaged in farm labor. In 1904 he came to the United States, landing at Baltimore and thence going to Fayette County, West Virginia, where for five and a half years he was employed m the coal mines. In 1909 he went to Chicago, finding employment in the gas works, where he remained for a year. After that until 1911 he worked in a stone quarry as chisel grinder and moulder, subsequently returning to West Virginia, where he resided for 18 months. In 1913 Mr. Ziellce came to Barron County, Wis., and bought 40 acres in section 19, Arland Township. On that tract he made various improvements, including the erection of buildings, and then sold it in 1917. He then bought a small place in Almena Township, on which he lived for one year. In 1918 he bought 77 acres in section 7, Arland Township, of which land he has since cleared and broken a portion. He is carrying on mixed farming and dairying with profitable results, keeping mixed Holstein and Guernsey cattle and Chester White hogs. Mr. Zielke was married March 27, 1907, in West Virginia, to Amalia Frie, who was born Oct. 13, 1877, in Russia, daughter of Daniel and Christina (Feets) Frie. Both her parents are now deceased, the mother having died in 1882 and the father in 1915 during the war. Mr. and Mrs. Zielke have a promising family of children, who were born as follows: Alvena, Dec* 21, 1907; Wilhelmina, July 28, 1909; Christina, Oct. 11, 1912; Daniel, Jan. 4, 1916; Samuel, Oct. 5, 1917, and Alma, Sept. 12, 1919.

George H. Bunker, of the firm of Cornwall & Bunker, hardware dealers, plumbers, and funeral directors, Turtle Lake, is a native of the village where he now resides, born July 21, 1892, the son of John H. and Kate (Umland) Bunker. He was reared here and received his early education in the public schools. Then he entered the Menomonie High School and was graduated in 1911. Subsequently he took a course in, the Stout Institute at Menomonie, where he learned the plumbing trade. Then for two years he traveled for the Hart Manufacturing Co., of Grand Rapids (now Wisconsin Rapids), Wis. He then bought out the interests of E. W. Stone in the Stone, Cornwall Co., and with Mr. Cornwall has since continued the business under the firm name of Cornwall & Bunker. The company handles a general line of hardware, and does plumbing work both in the village and the country. It also has a funeral directing and embalming department. In 1916 Mr. Bunker further perfected himself with a course at the University of Minnesota. He is well known in the community and is a popular member of the Masonic order. Mr. Bunker was married at Turtle Lake, in 1915, to Mildred A. Blix, daughter of A. O. and Louise (Langum) Blix, the former being the oldest general merchant in Turtle Lake. Mr. and Mrs. Bunker have three children: Katherine, born in March, 1916; Albert, born in November, 1918; and Louise, born in January, 1919, all of whom are at home.

Henry Sell, a substantial farmer of section 22, east, Chetek Township, was born in Charleston, Lee County, Iowa, July 7, 1878, the son of George Casper and Kate (Gramer) Sell. The parents were born in Germany, were there reared and educated, and there married. They came to America in the early sixties, bringing their three children, Kate, Andrew and Hannah, and settled in Iowa, where they spent the remainder of their lives. Here eight more children were born, Barbara, Sophia, August, Belle, Liza, John, Lena and Henry. The father served six months in the Civil War. Both parents were solid people of probity and worth, and the family enjoys an excellent standing. Henry, the youngest of the children, was reared on the farm in Iowa, received good educational advantages in the public schools, and remained with his parents for many years. In 1913 he came to Barron County and bought 320 acres in Chetek Township. He made many improvements and carried on gen¬ eral farming on an extensive scale. In 1920 he sold that place and bought his present farm of 160 acres. He has one of the best places in the neighborhood, and is keeping it in the highest stage of improvement. He carries on general farming and dairying along the latest improved lines, and makes a specialty of raising Shorthorn cattle, Poland China swine, and Percheron horses. His interest in the affairs of the community is shown by the fact that he is a shareholder in the Farmers' Co-operative store at Chetek. Mr. Sell was married at Donnellson, Iowa, on Feb. 13, 1902, to Liza Ott, born in Vile, Iowa,

William Seharbillig, a retired citizen of Rice Lake, of many estimable and excellent qualities, is a solid respected member of the community, and enjoys a most excellent reputation among all who know him. He has lived in this county forty years and has seen it develop from a lumbering region into a well ordered dairy country. He was born in Germany Oct. 27, 1850, son of Nickolas and Eva (Kline) Seharbillig, both of whom died in that country, the father in 1883, and the mother some years later. In the family there were nine children: Joseph (first), Kate, William, Margaret, Joseph (second), Catherine, John, Susan and Peter. William received his education in the pub¬ lic schools of Germany and as a young man spent the three years in the army then required of all German youths. He came to America in 1881 and located at Rice Lake, where he worked out for others until 1886. In that year he bought five acres within the city limits, to which he added until he had his present 22 acres. For several years while developing this place he farmed for others and worked in the lumber woods. All the land when he purchased it was wild. He broke and improved it, erected at first a small house, and later his present sightly residence and suitable outbuildings, and continued farming for many years. He is now practically retired, and rents his land. Mr. Seharbillig was married April 1, 1886, to Barbara Beyrar, who was born in Wittenburg, Germany, May 21, 1864. Mr. and Mrs. Seharbillig have had four children: Martha, who was born Jan. 8, 1892, died in January, 1912; Mary, who was born March 18, 1893, died in September of the same year. William, who was born Oct 8, 1896, is engaged in railroad bridge work in Washington State. Annie, who was born June 18, 1898, resides at home. Mr. Seharbillig is a member of St. Joseph's Roman Catholic Church and she of the German Lutheran Church. Mrs. Seharbillig is the daughter of Gotfried and Barbara (Greter) Beyrar, natives of Germany, who came to America in 1882.

Thomas Nelson, early settler of Chetek Township, now living in respected retirement in Chetek Village, was born in Norway Nov. 14, 1840, of a long line of seafaring folk, and early became a sailor. Finally he gave up the sea and located at Grand Rapids (now Wisconsin Rapids), Wis. There in 1875 he married Sarah Martinson, who was born in Norway Feb. 9, 1840, came to America as a young woman, and died in Chetek Township, this county, Feb. 21, 1917. Mr. Nelson brought his wife to Barron County in 1877 and located in Chetek Township, thre? miles west of the present village. The land was all wild, and he had little to work with but his hands. He erected a log cabin, started to clear up the land, and the first few years managed to get along as best he could. As the country developed he built a good set of buildings and cultivated a good farm. After his wife's death he retired and moved to the village.

William Ferdinand Liesner, an industrious farmer of section 26, west, Chetek Township, was born in Germany Aug. 24, 1878, the only son of Herman and Louisa (Albright) Liesner. The father died when Herman was but four years old, and he was brought to the United States in the spring of 1885 by his mother and grandparents. They remained at Elmira, New York, until that fall, and then came to Barron County, where Mr. Albright secured a home¬ stead of eighty acres of wild land, a mile and a half south of Cameron. Here he built a log cabin and started farming with an ox team. He there continued farming until his death at the age of seventy-nine. Mrs. Albright is now eighty-three. Mrs. Liesner, who was born Oct. 18, 1869, remarried, and she and her husband, Herman Theler, now live in Chetek. The subject of this sketch was reared in this county and started out for himself at the age of sixteen. For some years he was a railroad section man with headquarters at Weyerhauser, in Rusk County. Then for two years he farmed in Sumner Town¬ ship, this county, where he developed and improved a good farm. Next he became a railroad section man once more, this time with headquarters at

Turtle Lake. In 1912 he secured his present farm. Here, while successfully carrying on general farming, he has made some notable improvements, until he now has one of the best developed places in the neighborhood. He re¬ modeled the house, put up a barn, 32 by 46 feet, a swine house, a silo, a ma¬ chine shed, a car shed and other buildings, fenced some of the land, and pur¬ chased a good supply of tools, implements and machinery. Mr. Liesner was married to Marie Nelson, who was born in Chetek Township July 1, 1882, the daughter of Thomas and Sarah (Martinson) Nelson. This union has been blessed with five children: Esther, Gertrude, Ruth, Frederick and Arthur.

Edward Berschneider, living in Haugen, and owning 40 acres in section 17, Oak Grove Township, which he purchased in 1917, was born in Dodge County, Wis., Jan. 30, 1888, son of Herman and Ida Berschneider. Herman Berschneider was born in Germany, came to America as a young man, settled in Dodge County, Wis., worked there as a farmer and cheesemaker, and in 1911 came to Barron County, and with his son, Edward, purchased 120 acres in section 19, Oak Grove Township, where he lived until his death March 21, 1912, since which time his wife, a native of Wisconsin, has lived in Rice Lake. Edward was educated in Dodge County and did general farm work as a young man. Upon purchasing the half interest in the 120 acre farm in Oak Grove Township, with his father, he started its development. He repaired the build¬ ings, cleared 40 acres, and there carried on general farming and dairying until 1917, when failing health caused him to sell out. Since then he has been variously employed at carpenter work and as a section man on the railroad. Mr. Berschneider was married June 10, 1914, to Mrs. Anna Heinze Walter, born in Vernon County, this state, June 6, 1882, the daughter of Frank and Anna (Puhl) Heinze. Mr. and Mrs. Walter had two children: Hermina, born Oct. 10, 1901; and Louisa, born March 26, 1903. Mr. and Mrs. Berschneider have three children: Wallace and Walter (twins), born Aug. 4, 1917; and Roy, born Feb. 19, 1920. The family faith is that of the English Lutheran Church.

James Lester Carey, the prosperous owner of the flourishing Oak Grove Farm, section 6, east, Dovre Township, was born on the place where he now lives, April 19, 1888. He attended the district school and was reared to farm pursuits by his father. In 1914 he purchased 63 acres of the home place, and in 1920 he added 100 acres more, making a fine place of a little more than a quarter of a section. As a native of the township, and a substantial property owner, he is vitally interested in its growth and progress, and from boyhood up, has taken a firm stand for everything that he has believed to be for the best interests of the community. He is a believer in education, and has done good service on the school board. He is a deep student of scientific farming, carries on general agricultural operations and dairying, and makes a specialty of good horses, Jersey cattle and Poland China swine. Mr. Carey married Bessie May Scofield, a native of Augusta, Wis., and they have two daughters.

William Richert, substantial farmer of section 18, Stanley Township, was born in Germany Oct. 2, 1872, the son of August and Augusta (Paul) Richert. In the family there were four sons, Charles, August, Gustave and William, all of whom came to the United States. William received his early education in the public schools in Germany. He came to the United States at the age of seventeen and took up farming near Watertown, Wis. After his marriage in 1898 he went to Lake Mills, in Jefferson County, this state, and became a clerk in a hardware store there. Then he went to Washington County and farmed for three years. He came to Barron County in 1912 and rented a farm of 240 acres in Oak Grove Township. This farm was improved but the build¬ ings were not in the best of condition. Mr. Richert farmed there five years and in 1920 bought his present place of 80 acres in section 18, Stanley Town¬ ship. This is a well improved farm in every respect and has one of the most complete barns in Barron County, built in 1920. It measures 38 by 70 feet, with full cement floor, is equipped with the latest modern steel stanchions, and with running water for each cow, and also in the bull and calf pens. .The silo is built in the barn, where it is safe from heavy winds and is convenient at feeding time. Mr. Richert's milk room is thoroughly sanitary, and equipped with separator, gas engine and running water. His water tank or reservoir is upstairs, and is filled by means of a pump worked by an engine. When the tank is full the overflow pipe takes the water to a cement tank in the milk room below, and when that becomes full another overflow pipe takes it from there to the large tank outside. Over the stock his barn is ceiled with fine ceiling lumber, thus preventing dirt and dust from collecting on the stock, and at the same time giving warmth and comfort in winter time. The ventilating system is one of the most important features of the barn. Mr. Richert is a public spirited man interested in public affairs, and while renting the farm in Oak Grove Township, served on the town board. He was married Oct. 11, 1898, to Johanna Meyer, who was born in Germany May 11, 1879, the daughter of Julius and Wilhelmina (Babst) Meyer. In the Meyer family there were seven children: Gusta, Anna, Charles, Fred, Herman (deceased), Ida and Johanna. Gusta was the first to come to the United States. Then came the parents and Johanna, Fred, Ida and Herman. Carl came the next year and then Anna, thus completing the family circle. Mr. and Mrs. Richert have nine children: Arnold, Elsie, Ella, William, Lester, Hilda, Hazel and Norma. Elsie, who married Richard Kearney, lives in Oak Grove Township. Ella is the wife of Victor Benson, a farmer in Stanley Township. The others are re¬ siding at home.

Otto J. Manstad, a capable and respected citizen of Section 12, Barron Township, was born in Norway, Feb. 2, 1868, the son of Gilbert and Helena Manstad, who were born, lived and died in Norway, he being a veterinary sur¬ geon by profession. Otto J. was the oldest of eight children. He was edu¬ cated 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 jack¬ ets from the yarn she spun, and fine dresses and table clothes 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 base¬ ment, 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 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 Nor¬ way, 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 O., by name, was born on the home place, March 6, 1899. He attended the schools of his 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.

N. S. Gordon, newspaper man and agriculturist, editor of the Barron County News-Shield for the past eighteen years, and engaged in newspaper work in Minnesota and Wisconsin for forty-eight years, was born at Richland Center, Wis., March 3, 1869, the oldest son of William and Mary Malvina (Fran¬ cis) Gordon. At the age of six years he moved with his parents to Janesville, Mii\n., where he lived on a farm, and attended school during the winter months until fifteen years old. He then became a clerk in the postoffice at Janesville, serving as clerk and assistant for six years. The postmaster, C. E. Graham, was also publisher of the local paper, the Janesville Argus, and this is where as a young man he began his journalistic career. He went with Mr. Graham to Waseca and served for five years as foreman and printer on the Waseca Radi¬ cal. In March, 1886, in company with S. S. Washburn, he went to Austin, Minn., and bought the Mower County Transcript. In the fall of 1889 he bought the interest of his partner. From 1895 to 1898 the Rev. C. D. Belden was associated with him in the publication of the Transcript. In November, 1898, Mr. Gordon went to Crookston, Minn., and bought the Polk County Journal and in 1900 established the Crookston Daily Journal and published a daily and weekly paper until December, 1903. In July, 1904, he came to Barron and bought the Barron County News and he is still the editor and publisher of that paper, having consolidated it with Barron County Shield under the present name of the Barron County News-Shield. With the exception of seven months, he has been engaged in newspaper work for forty-eight years. Reared as a farm boy, Mr. Gordon has maintained a life-long interest in agriculture, especially, in dairy¬ ing. When he was in Austin, Minn., he had a few acres of land, and kept a few cows for the purpose of studying dairying. In this work he became associated with such men as Prof. Thomas Haecker, 0. C. Gregg, Dr. Curryer and others, and with the State Dairyman's Association, of Minnesota. He was one of the very first to weigh milk and use the Babcock test for production. For six year he was a member of the Board of Control of the Minnesota State Agricul¬ tural Sooiety which has charge of the annual State Fair. He was actively iden¬ tified with the beginnings of several of the modern movements in agriculture in Barron County, notably in the Guernsey Breeders' Associations and in the Cow Testing work. He helped to organize and acted as secretary-treasurer of the first cow testing association in the county. His intimate knowledge of agriculture has enabled him to do the editorial work which has been such an important factor in the agricultural development of the county. August 26, 1889, Mr. Gordon was married to Fannie K. Ricketson at Peru, N. Y. To them have been born six children: John Everett, June 18, 1890; Eva Lucretia, June 24, 1891; Morris E., Nov. 3, 1893; Anne Elizabeth, March 16, 1899; Ruth Mary, Nov. 18, 1902; Grace Elizabeth, Feb. 8, 1905. The first four are graduates of the Barron High School. Later, Everett graduated from the University of Chicago, receiving the degree of Ph. D. in June, 1921. He is now professor of Bacteriology at the Western University Medical School, London, Canada. Eva graduated from the Milwaukee Normal School in 1912, has taught school for ten years, and is now teaching in Minneapolis. Anne graduated from the Uni¬ versity of Minnesota with the degree of B. A. in June, 1921, and is now teach¬ ing at Tougaloo College in Mississippi. Morris and Ruth began their Senior year at the University of Minnesota this year and Grace will graduate from the Central Park High School in Minneapolis.

Clark C. Post, M.D., for nearly three decades one of the best known medical and surgical practitioners of Barron County, and one of the founders and active heads of the Barron County Hospital, at Barron, is one of the substantial, solid citizens of this vicinity, and has the added distinction of having served his country with the rank of captain during the World War. He was born in Chi¬ cago, Ill., March 1, 1867, the son of Dr. George W. and Mary (Crandall) Post, both descended from old New York families. The parents came west in the sixties, and the father practiced for many years in Appleton, Wis., and Chi¬ cago, Ill. Reared in an atmosphere of refinement, Clark C. passed through the schools of Chicago, and then returned to his parents' state, and in 1890 was graduated from the Alfred University, in New York, with the bachelor's de¬ gree in science. Then determined to follow in his honored father's footsteps, he entered the Chicago College of Physicians and Surgeons, now one of the colleges of the Illinois State University, and was graduated in 1893. That year he came to Barron, and opened an office. In 1901, he took his brother-in-law,

Harry M. Coleman, M. D., as a partner, and together they established the Bar¬ ron County Hospital. In 1920 they purchased the Jerome Coe property on La Salle street, and fitted it up as a modern hospital, with 20 beds, equipped for all medical and surgical work. The partners also have a large city and coun¬ try practice, and are alive to every good interest of the city and county. In ad¬ dition to his regular and hospital practice, Dr. Post is surgeon for the "Soo" line, a position he has occupied since 1895. His financial interests include stock in the First National Bank of Barron, the State Bank of Hillsdale, and other leading enterprises of the county. Dr. Post takes a deep 'interest likewise in the agricultural development of the county, he has taken his share in the prog¬ ress of the dairy interests here, and takes his recreation on a fine dairy farm of which he is the owner and where he is putting into practice many of his excellent theories of stock breeding. When the World War broke out, he of¬ fered his services to his country in April, 1917, and in July of that year was commissioned captain. He served on the Camp Hospital Staff at Camp A. A. Humphrey, Washington, D. C., and was honorably discharged in January, 1919. To keep alive his war interests he has joined the Ben Brown Post, of the Amer¬ ican Legion. Dr. Post was married July 12, 1899, to Jessie Post, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Dewitt Post, of Barron. She was born June 9, 1877, at Avica, Wis. Dr. Post was one of three children, the two older being George W., a Chicago physician, and Charles M., formerly a physician, now deceased.

Clinton D. Coe, Barron pioneer and banker, who, with his brother, J. F. Coe, were the first to incorporate the C. D. and J. F. Coe Bank in 1886, remained its most efficient cashier until his death, February 8, 1894, nine years later. In 1887, the bank was reorganized as Bank of Barron, as such it has remained until the present time, its stockholders and officers, with one exception, all being Barron men of honesty and strong integrity. C. D. Coe was a friend to every¬ one, and greatly beloved by all who knew him. He was a man of strong char¬ acter, possessing a rich fund of humor, generous to a fault, to anger un¬ known, but he was intolerant of an oppressor of the weak. He was a Pres¬ byterian but later this church was merged into the Methodist, which he at¬ tended, giving his loyal support in both time and money. He was very publicspirited and helped in all enterprises to promote the welfare of Barron. He was elected the city's second mayor in 1889. He obtained a business educa¬ tion in Chicago, and the early years of his life were spent in northern Illinois in the vicinity of Palmyra, the Coe family coming from Rush, New York, in 1831, and settled in Whiteside County where they spent their lives in agricul¬ tural pursuits. Coming from old English stock, they date their ancestry back to 1342. The Coe forefathers, who came to this country, were all patriots and during the Revolutionary War, they pledged their allegiance to the cause of liberty. In Dec. 24, 1872, Clinton Coe married Alice Hagerman of Woosung, 111. Mrs. Coe was a woman of charming personality, and a wonderful mother to her three children, who still survive. She did a great deal of good in the com¬ munity and her home was a mecca to rich and poor alike, especially to the ministers who were real missionaries in those pioneer days. She died at the early age of forty. Mr. and Mrs. Coe reared two daughters and a son. Aurora M. is the wife of C. J. Borum, president of the Bank of Barron. Mabel E. is the wife of D. F. Jones, pharmacist and chemist in Watertown, S. D. Clinton H. Coe is a business man in Great Falls, Mont., having served his country as a sergeant in the World War.

William Bell, an early settler, was born in England and was there reared and educated. He there married Ann Smith, the daughter of a neighbor. As a young man he determined to sometime make his home in America. Accord¬ ingly, he came here in 1852. In 1855, however, he went back to England. In 1872 he had his affairs in such shape that he could make his home here per¬ manently. Accordingly, with his family, he set out again, and after living in Kenosha for six months, came to Barron County and homesteaded 160 acres of wild land in Sections 14 and 23, 33 Township. He erected log buildings and started to clear the land. In time he developed as good a farm as was to be found in the neighborhood. After many years of hard work, he retired and moved to Chetek City, where he still lives, having reached the good old age of 92 years. His wife died in 1904. In the family there were eight children. Mary is the wife of Thomas Dixon, of Kenosha County, this state. Fannie mar¬ ried John Findley, of Chetek, and is now dead. John W. is a promfnent man in Chetek. Elizabeth is the wife of Frank Pleas, of Berkley, California. Alice is the wife of C. A. Taylor, of Olean, New York. Thomas lives at Sand Point, Idaho. E. S. lives in Green Bay, Wis. The family is a highly respected one, and the members all stand well in the communities in which they reside.

John W. Bell, real estate dealer and insurance man of Chetek, is one of the prominent citizens of this part of the county. He was born in Wold Nek¬ ton, in the northern part of England, Sept. 10, 1863, the son of William and Ann (Smith) Bell. He was brought to this country in 1872, and after six months at Kenosha, in this state, came to Barron County, where he has since lived. His youth and young manhood were spent on the farm and in the woods. In 1883, he became a clerk in the general store of Moore & Regan in Chetek. He was commissioned postmaster in 1897 and served eighteen years until 1915. He was a most efficient official, the office grew under his direction, and gave gen¬ eral satisfaction to all the patrons. In 1904 he became interested in the Chetek "Alert", and this interest he still retains. About 1915 he became interested in real estate and insurance and in this he has since continued with increasing success. He is interested in a number of public affairs. When the city was first incorporated, in 1891, he served as the first treasurer and retained that office for several years. For one term he was mayor. As a friend of educa¬ tion he has served for some time as clerk of the school board. He has likewise been a member of various committees and delegations. During the war he was one of the most active workers in the various activities incident to the home work which assisted in winning the conflict. He has been one of the moving factors in the Community Club. His fraternal relations are with the Masons and the Woodmen. Mr. Bell was married in Chetek, Oct. 5, 1886, to Fannie Sykes, daughter of Samuel and Jane Sykes, who were born in England, came to Canada as young people, from there moved to Pepin County, this state, and about 1883 came to Barron County, where both died. Mr. and Mrs. Bell have had three children: Bessie, George Samuel and Margaret. Bessie is a pro¬ ficient kindergarten teacher. George Samuel received his degree of D. D. S. at the Chicago College of Dental Surgery in 1912. During the World War he served in the dental corps of the 311th Sanitary Train, 86th (Black Hawk) Division, training at Camp Grant, Ill., landing in France in October, 1918, and receiving his discharge in July, 1919. He married Irene Manning, and they have one daughter, Dorothy Jean. Margaret graduated from the Chetek High School, and is the wife of Raymond Tiffany, of Chetek.

William E. Hunt, of the Badger Electrical Co., Barron, was born in Decorah Township, Columbia County, Wis., March 12, 1891, the son of William C. and Anna Augusta (Cross) Hunt. He was brought to Barron County by his par¬ ents and was graduated from the Barron High School in 1911, after which he taught rural schools in this county for several years. He was inducted into the World War service May 29, 1918, was assigned to Co. A, 333rd Machine Gun Batt., and trained at Camp Grant, Rockford, Ill. He left Camp Grant Aug. 25, 1918, bound for overseas. He served for some time in the reserve lines and saw active service at St. Mihiel. In the winter of 1918-19 he was with the Army of Occupation in Luxemburg. He sailed for home April 29, 1919, and was discharged at Camp Grant, June 8, 1919, reaching Barron a few days later. Oct. 1, 1920, with David W. Lake, he bought the Badger Electrical Co. The company does general electrical work, handles fixtures and supplies, and makes a specialty of the Delco Light products for this territory, installing plants, wiring houses, soliciting business. The show rooms and home plant are on La Salle street, Barron.

William C. Hunt was born in West Meriden, Conn., July 24, 1853, the son of Isaac and Julia (Cleveland) Hunt. The father was born in Plattsburg, N. Y., and the mother, who was a second cousin to President Grover Cleveland, was born in Bechertown, Mass. They were married in Cleveland. In 1853 they came to Chicago, and there the father became chief of police. The mother died in 1855 and the father returned with his infant son to New England. He remarried in 1862. That year he enlisted at Chicopee Falls, Mass., and served three years under General Burnside, being wounded at Roanoke Island. He died in the fall of 1865. William C. was thrown on his own resources at the age of thirteen. At seventeen he entered the Roxbury (Mass.) Business College, but after two years had to abandon his studies by reason of ill health. As a young man he learned the trade of wool sorter, and followed this trade at Law¬ rence, Mass. He was also interested in railroading, and for some seven years was construction foreman for the Springfield, Athol & New England Railroad. He came west to Portage, Wis., in 1876, and for some years was variously employed as bricklayer, plasterer, painter and paperhanger. Mr. Hunt was married Sept. 15, 1877, to Anna Augusta Cross of Decorah Township, Columbia County, this state, born June 19, 1857, daughter of Henry and Angeline (Peckham) Cross. This union has been blessed with two children: Ida Leona, born Dec. 8, 1878, now wife of Robert Gerry of Madison, Wis., and William Edgar, born March 12, 1891, now of Barron.

Arvid Erickson, Cumberland, of the firm of Erickson Brothers, contractors and builders, was born in Sweden, March 15, 1898, son of Gust and Sophia (Oakerland) Erickson, both of whom still live in Sweden, where the father is a general contractor and builder. Arvid attended the schools of his neighbor¬ hood and was reared to the building trade, learning carpenter work from his father. He came to America in 1916 and located in Cumberland, where he entered the employ of his brothr, John G. In 1918 they formed their present partnership, and have since successfully continued together. Mr. Erickson was married Feb. 21, 1920, to Clara Swanson, who was born in Barron County, May 15, 1897, daughter of Charles and Hannah (Carlson) Swanson, natives of Norway, the former of whom lives near Cumberland, and the latter of whom is dead. Mr. and Mrs. Erickson have one son, Lewis, born Feb. 19, 1921.

John G. Erickson, Cumberland, of the firm of Erickson Brothers, contrac¬ tors and builders, was born in Sweden, Aug. 20, 1885, son of Gust and Sophia (Oakerland) Erickson, both of whom still live in Sweden, where the father is a general contractor and builder. John G. attended the schools of his neigh¬ borhood and was reared to the building trades, learning carpenter work from his father. He came to America in 1909 and settled first at Solon Springs. Douglass County, Wis., where he worked at his trade and was otherwise em¬ ployed. In 1911 he located in Cumberland, and here worked at his trade. His good work commended itself, and many people expressed the desire that he embark in business. Accordingly, in 1915 he became a contracting builder. Since then he has enjoyed a steady business and has erected many pleasant homes. In order to add to the advantages of his work, he has erected a work shop on Grove street, 40 by 70 feet, where he turns out the cabinet and moulding work needed in his buildings. His work is known for its stability and its hon¬ esty, and his business is increasing. In 1918 he took his brother as a partner. Mr. Erickson enjoys an excellent reputation as a contractor and as a citizen. Fraternally, he is a member of the Knights of Pythias and the Scandinavian American Union. Mr. Erickson was married Dec. 18, 1913, to Minnie Nelson, who was born Feb. 10, 1893, in Barron County, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Nels Nelson, natives of Norway, who now live retired at Fergus Falls, Minn. Mr. and Mrs. Erickson have two children, Kenneth, born May 20, 1916, and Virginia, born in July, 1920.

Joachim Gartmann, early settler of Barron County and now an estimable farmer of section 1, Stanley Township, was born in Switzerland, Sept. 20, 1845, the son of Alexander and Fida (Hunger) Gartmann, farming people of that country. In the family there were six children: Albert, Marie, Elizabeth, Joachim, Theda and Anna, all of whom, except Elizabeth, came to the United States. Joachim started for this country in 1867, and after seventeen days aboard a steamer, landed in New York State. He lived for a while at Wabasha, Minn., and for a while at Chippewa Falls, Wis. In 1869 he came to Barron County and homesteaded a tract of land in Doyle Township, where he erected a log cabin and started developing a farm. He made the trip here from Buffalo County, Wis., with Mike Bandli, driving a yoke of oxen, and bringing his goods and supplies in the ox wagon. The two men encountered many interesting adventures on the trip. At one place they found the bridge out, and the water was over the oxen's backs. Accordingly they emptied the wagon, swam the oxen and floated the wagon, and then carried all the contents of the wagon across on their backs, a hazardous and strenuous proceeding. In due time they reached their destination. Soon after Mr. Gartmann established his home, one of the oxen died. There were also many other discouragements. But in spite of all drawbacks, Mr. Gartmann persevered, and with the aid of his brother, Albert, developed a good farm. He also helped his brother, Albert, develop a good farm in section 1, Stanley Township, where he now lives. Mr. Gartmann is one of the estimable men of the township, and is held in the highest esteem. He has proven an active worker in the Reformed Church and has held several offices in that body. All in all, he is a believer in every movement which he believes to be for the best of the community in which he lives.

Albert Gartmann, a pioneer of this county, and for many years a farmer in section 1, Stanley Township, was born in Switzerland, April 21, 1839, the son of Alexander and Fida Gartmann, who lived on a farm there. He came to America in the spring of 1869 and- in the fall of that year came to Barron County and located in Stanley Township, where he helped his brother, Joachim, develop a farm. In 1870 he homesteaded a tract of land in section 1, Stanley Township, where his brother, Joachim, helped him in making the improvements. In time the place became one of the best in the neighborhood and brought in good returns. Mr. Gartmann took part in everything that he believed to be for the good of the community. He did not, however, care to mingle actively in official or public life, but gave all his attention to his farm and to his family. He was a member of the Reformed Church. After a long and useful life, he died June 7, 1901, and his death was sincerely mourned. Mr. Gartmann was married on the farm, May 11, 1884, to Christina Jehli, who was born in Switzer¬ land, Oct. 29, 1862, and came to this country in 1881. She is still living on the old homestead. Mr. and Mrs. Gartmann had two children: Christian, who operates the home place; and Lena, who is the wife of Lee Moore of Stanley Township.

Christian Gartmann, an energetic young farmer of section 1, Stanley Township, was born on the place where he still lives, April 15, 1887, the son of Albert and Christina (Jehli) Gartmann, early settlers. He was reared on this farm and attended the district schools. He has continued the improve¬ ments made by his father and uncle, Joachim, and now has what is regarded as one of the best farms in this part of the county. He here successfully car¬ ries on general farming and stock raising and makes a specialty of raising Guernsey cattle. He believes in modern methods, he takes his share in the affairs of the community, and is well liked by all who know him. Like the other members of his family, he attends the Reformed Church.