Barron County, Wisconsin - Chapter 13: Biographical and Geneological Review, 1922 (part 45 of 46)

Oswald Kurechner, early storekeeper in. Prairie Farm hamlet, was born in Germany and there married Margaret Kallenbach. They came to America in the early eighties and settled at Prairie Farm, this county, where he opened a store which he conducted until his death in July, 1898. After his death, his wife conducted the store two years, and then sold out and went to Vanceburg, Wis., where she opened a store and was appointed postmistress. In 1900 she married William Roney and came to Barron, where she died. By her first marriage she had four children: Laura, Ida, Alma and Esther Kurschner; and

Andro Yurecko, expert shoemaker, repairer and dealer, of Barron city, was born in Hungary, Nov. 24, 1882, son of Johan and Anna (Krucsovski) Yurecko, natives of that country, both now deceased. He received his education in his native land and there learned the shoemaking trade. He came to America in 1906, and after landing in New York went directly to Minneapolis, where he joined his brother. In 1910 he came to Barron City, and for a while was employed as a shoemaker for the merchants. It was in 1912 that he started in business for himself. By hard work and fair dealing he has built up a good trade and has prospered, now owning a building, 26 by 40 feet, on Main street, equipped with modern machinery, where he makes and repairs shoes and sells a full line of overshoes and rubber goods. Mr. Yurecko was married Dec. 31, 1913, to Esther Kurschner, daughter of Oswald and Margaret (Kallenbach) Kurschner, and this union has been blessed with three children: Wayne, born Nov. 18, 1914; Phyllis, born Nov. 11, 1916; and Wilbur, born May 6, 1918.

Bernard Moe, now deceased, early settler of what is now Chetek Township, extensive land owner, one of the organizers and first cashier of the State Bank of Chetek, postmaster at Chetek Village, for a long period secretary of the Barron County Fire Insurance Co., and for some thirty-three years town treas¬ urer, was a man who exercised a real influence over the affairs of his com¬ munity, being one of the best known men in this region and well liked by all who knew him. He was born near Lillehammer, Norway, Dec. 8, 1849, and was there reared and educated. In 1873 he came to the United States and located at Chicago. He was married there in 1876 and a little later came to Barron County and settled on 160 acres in what is now Chetek Township. Here he erected a log cabin, 16 by 20, and started farming with a cow, a pig and a few chickens. In time he got a yoke of oxen, which he still later traded for a team of horses. The furniture was made from poles cut from the place. The floor was made from rough boards, through which the snakes often stuck their heads. For several years Mr. Moe worked in the woods during the winter sea¬ sons, as the farm was not then sufficiently developed to be operated on a profitable basis. Mrs. Moe had brought her spinning wheel with her, and she spun yarn from which she knitted socks, not only for her family, but to sell to neighbors, and thus help out the family funds. Thus they worked together, and in time won success. They erected a good set of buildings and added to their holdings until they owned 300 acres. Much of Mr. Moe's activity centered in the village, where clerked in a store, and, as noted, served as postmaster and as cashier of the State Bank of Chetek. After a long and useful life, he died April 10, 1917, in the faith of the Norwegian Lutheran Church, in the local congregation of which he had held a number of offices. Mr. Moe was married at Chicago, July 10, 1876, to Anna Martin, who was born in Norway, Oct. 14, 1850, the daughter of Martin Olson and his wife, Ingeborg Torgerson, and came to America when she was nineteen. This union was blessed with five children : Inga, who died at the age of 24 years; Jerome, who died at the age of thirty years; George and Arthur; and Bessie, now the wife of Leroy Lockwood of Glasgow, Mont. The son, George, now operates a half of the home farm, and he and his good mother live together. He is a hard-working, energetic man, who thoroughly understands farming, and is doing his duty as a good citizen in every respect.

Arthur Moe, an influential farmer of section 32, east, Chetek Township, was born in a log cabin in Chetek Township, the son of Bernard and Anna (Martin) Moe, early settlers. He was reared in this vicinity, attended the Che¬ tek High School, and had the advantages of courses at the Culver Military Academy, Culver, Ind. With this preparation, he spent several years in the southern states engaged in railroad surveying. Later he came back and pur¬ chased the home place in Chetek Township. This he sold in 1919 and purchased his present place of 96 acres on the line between Chetek and Dovre. He has a well improved place, and successfully carries on general farming. With the advantages of a good education, and somewhat wider experience that usually falls to a pioneer farmer boy, he is a man of broad views and wide information. He keeps well abreast of the times in the general topics of the day, and believes in scientific methods of farming. He takes part in everything that he believes to be for the good of the community, and he and his family rank well among the best people of the community. He married Mamie Weeks, who was born in South Dakota, the daughter of Chauncey and Mary (Gibson) Weeks. Mr. and Mrs. Moe have three children : Gene, Bernard and Frederick.

Chauncey Weeks was born in Adams County, Wis., Jan. 13, 1851, the son of Chauncey and Mary (Armstrong) Weeks, natives of New York State, who came to Wisconsin in 1840. He was married in 1875 to Mary Gibson, who died in South Dakota in 1900, leaving five children: Ida, Maude, Florence, William and Mamie. Mrs. Mary Gibson Weeks was born in Michigan, Aug. 25, 1858, the daughter of Benjamin and Almira Gibson. In 1905, after the death of her first husband, she married his brother, C. A. Weeks, and they now live in Chetek, this county.

Frank H. Gilbert, Chetek contractor, who erected many important buildings here, including several of the churches, was born in New York State, came west to Wisconsin as a young man and married Carol Tait, a native of this state. They came to Chetek in the fall of 1882, and at once took their place in Barron County life. He died July 5, 1919, and his wife is now living with their daughter, Mrs. Harry E. Beckwith, of Chetek.

Harry E. Beckwith, president and manager of the Chetek Lumber & Supply Co., was born on section 36, Barron Township, Barron County, April 22, 1877, son of John C. and Anna (Craig) Beckwith. He was reared in his native town¬ ship, attended the public schools, and worked on the home farm. As a young man he further perfected his education by attending the Minnesota School of Business at Minneapolis. Then he became a traveling salesman. In 1902 he became manager of his present company and in 1907 at the incorporation was made president. His personality and business ability hkve been real factors in the success with which the firm has met. In addition to his other holdings, he is a stockholder in the Farmers' Co-operative Store and in the Farmers' Co¬ operative Creamery, both of Chetek. He has been active in public affairs, and has been mayor two years and alderman two years. His fraternal relations are with the Masons and the Modern Woodmen, and he is also a member of the Community Club. Mr. Beckwith was married June 24, 1903, in Chetek, to Edith C. Gilbert, who was born in Oregon, Dane County, Wis., Aug. 29, 1877, daughter of Frank H. and Carol (Tait) Gilbert. This union has been blessed with two children: Pauline, who was born Aug. 25, 1905, and Kenneth, who was born Oct. 19, 1910, and di6d Jan. 25, 1911. The family faith is that of the Presby¬ terian Church. Mrs. Beckwith graduated from the Chetek High School and taught school here for ten years. She is an active member of the Eastern Star, the W. C. T. U. and the Women's Relief Corps.

The Chetek Lumber and Supply Company was organized in 1900 by Roy C. Burger and J. O. Gillette. In 1902 Harry E. Beckwith became manager. In 1907 the company was incorporated with Mr. Beckwith as president and man¬ ager. The company carries a full line of building material and fuel, including lumber, cement, plaster, inside finish work, wall boards and coal. For a dozen years the company also handled farm implements and machinery, but that department has been sold to the Farmers' Co-operative Store Co. Branches are maintained at Canton in this county and at Spring Brook, in Washburn County. The branch formerly maintained at Haugen has been incorporated as a separate company, Mr. Beckwith being the president and Albert Olson, the former owner, being the manager. The Chetek company is incorporated at $100,000. In addition to its yards, it has a planing mill at Chetek, and consid¬ erable real estate.

Capt. John C. Beckwith, now deceased, at one time one of the most noted men in Barron County, was born in New York State in 1841, descended from New England Colonial families. He was reared in his native state and as a young man learned the printing trade. Soon after the outbreak of the Civil War he enlisted in Company B, 66th New York Volunteer Infantry, and served two years, being promoted successively to corporal, sergeant, second lieutenant and first lieutenant. At this stage of his service, being incapacitated by illness, he was discharged and returned home. Upon his recovery he recruited Com¬ pany D, 187th New York Volunteer Infantry, was commissioned its captain and served in its command until July 16, 1865, when he was discharged. Then he once more engaged in farming in his native state. In the meantime he had married. About 1870 he brought his family to Wisconsin and settled in Colum¬ bia County. In April, 1874, he came to Barron County and homesteaded 160 acres of wild land in section 36, Barron Township, which he developed into a good farm, breaking the land and erecting suitable buildings. Here for many years he was engaged in general farming, stock raising and dairying, giving special attention to the breeding of Holstein cattle. At the height of his career he was frightened by an infuriated bull and died of heart failure, June 6, 1919. Mr. Beckwith was a man of strong personality, and was so recognized by his fellow citizens, by whom he was greatly respected.' From January, 1903, to January, 1909, he served as county clerk of court. For over twenty years he served as clerk of the school district to which his name has been given. He also took an active part in helping to make Barron the county seat. In many ways Capt. Beckwith showed himself to be a man of action, efficiency and reliability and possessed of a high degree of public spirit. As a neighbor and friend he was kind-hearted, loyal, generous and true; as an official he was genial and attentive; and a model, whether as a husband, father, official, cit¬ izen or friend. Captain Beckwith was married Oct. 3, 1863, at Buffalo, N. Y., to Anna Craig, whose father was born in Scotland and the mother in England. This union was blessed with nine children: Mary, Emma, George W., Sadie, William J., Harry E., J#ennie, Etta and Edward. Mary is the wife of Silas Cal¬ houn of Cashton, Wis., and they have three children: William, Alvin and Carrie. Emma married William M. Bartlett, a farmer of Barron Township, and they have three children: Maude (Mrs. Karl Klub), Ray and Lyle. George W. lives in Moline, Ill., married Carrie Bartlett, and has two children: Blanche (Mrs. Lester West) and Donald. Sadie lives on the home farm with her mother. William J. operates the home farm. Harry E. is a business man in Chetek. Jennie and Etta (Mrs. John Cushing) are on the home farm. Edward, who is also on the home farm, married Mabel Jones, and has two children, Barbara Ann and Charles Burgess.

William Sattler & Sons, general merchants and hardware dealers of Campia, have an excellent store, carry a good line of goods, and have won the reputation throughout the neighborhood of fair dealing, high quality and reasonable prices. The three members of the firm are all men of long experi¬ ence in dealing with the public. William Sattler was for many years a promi¬ nent citizen of Stanley, Chippewa County, Wis. With his sons he conducted the Hotel Royal there for twenty years ; he was a member of the county board for a considerable period, and was a member of the city council for eighteen years. John C. and Frank G. Sattler were both associated with the father in the hotel business. During the World War John C. was a foreman in the high explosive department of the E. I. duPont de Nemours Co. at Newark, N. J. Frank G. was for some years city salesman at Chicago for James S. Kirk & Co. of that place. All three stand well in Campia, and are leading citizens of this part of the county.

Michael O. Olson, a highly-regarded farmer, now retired, who has lived in section 33, Arland Township, for over thirty-five years, was born in Norway, Aug. 25, 1861, the son of Ole and Alice E. (Norgard) Oase, who spent the span of their years in that country. He was reared in Norway, attended school them and did farm work with his parents. In 1883 he came to America, landed at Quebec, and found his way to Menomonie, Dunn County, this state, where he entered the employ of Knapp, Stout & Co. For them he thereafter worked for several years, in the mills, in their lumber camps, and on the spring drives. He first bought 40 acres of wild land ir. section 33, Arland Township, and to this he later added 40 acres more, making in all eighty acres. When he purchased the place it was covered with heavy standing timber, and the first tree he cut was the first ever cut on the place. He cleared up a small space and erected a log house and a log hay shed, the latter of which is still standing. Thus he start¬ ed. For some years, in order to get money to go further with his improvements, he continued to work in the woods, and for two seasons he worked in northern Minnesota, in harvest and threshing time. In the meantime he gradually built up his place. For a while it was hard to get along. He had to bring provisions on his back from Prairie Farm. When he started he had two cows and a few chickens. It was eight years before he managed to get a horse. While devel¬ oping his own place, he took his part in the general development of the com¬ munity, and was specially active in the building of good roads. He has been an important man in many ways, and in every respect is a good citizen. In 1915 he sold his farm to his son, Ole J. Oase, and retired. Mr. Olson was mar¬ ried at Prairie Farm, Nov. 18, 1883, to Olive Mitdal, who was born in Norway, Oct. 12, 1852, the daughter of Andrew and Sigrid (Crue) Olson, both now deceased. She came to America in 1881, stayed at Menomonie, then came to this county and lived with the Soland Hoegaard family until her marriage. Mr. and Mrs. Olson have five children: Bertha, Olena, Ole J., Sena and Ovila M. Bertha is the wife of Frank Anderson of Minneapolis. Olena lives in Everett, Wash. She is the widow of J. J. Cooper, who died in 1918 while serving with the United States forces. Ole J. operates the home farm. Sena is the wife of Otto Holman of Arland Township. Ovila M. is the wife of Elijah Fillmore of Arland Township.

Ole J. Oase, an active young farmer of section 33, Arland Township, was born on the place where he now resides, the son of Michael 0. and Olive (Mit¬ dal) Olson. He was reared on this place and attended the district school in the neighborhood. He early began to help his father with the farm work, and in 1915 bought the home farm. He has continued the improvements and has an excellent place. Among his modern equipment may be mentioned a Frost electric system and a Success milking machine. He successfully carries on general farming and dairying and has a good herd of Guernseys, several of which are full blooded, and headed by a full blooded sire. Mr. Oase believes in supporting everything that is for the best interests of the community. He is a stockholder in the Prairie Farm Co-operative Association, the Prairie Farm Co-operative Creamery, the Barron Creamery Co. and the Hillsdale and Western Telephone Co. He is active in local affairs and is well liked by all who know him.

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 (Utch) Berschneider. Her¬ man 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 n 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, the widow of - Walter. She was 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.

Alvah V. McKee, proprietor of a modern and prosperous barbering estab¬ lishment in Almena, was born May 20, 1881, and was brought to Barron County by his parents in 1888. He passed through the common schools and for a while attended the Barron High School. At the age of sixteen he started to learn the barber trade at Barron and subsequently worked at his trade there for a time. In 1908 he came to Almena and opened his present place. He does good work and stands high among the people of the village and the surrounding country. Fraternally, he is a member of the Modern Woodmen of America. Mr. McKee was married in June, 1902, at Dallas, Wis., to Alice Ewer, daughter of Daniel and Emma (Beleama) Ewer, retired farmers of Turtle Lake Township. Mr. and Mrs. McKee have four children: Mortimer was born Jan. 29, 1906, and is learning the barber trade from his father. Hope was born Dec. 25, 1909; Roy C., May 1, 1910; and Ruth B., July 15, 1914.

Oscar Lofquist, a well-known and popular resident of Almena, was born in Sweden, Dec. 12, 1884, the son of Jacob E. and Anna Lofquist, also natives of that country. He was reared and educated in his native land and in 1892 came to Canada. There he met a friend from St. Paul, and as the result of this meeting went to that city and spent several months. After a time he located on 40 acres of wild land in Clinton Township. He erected a log cabin and a small shed and then sent for his parents and brothers and sisters. They moved into the small cabin and started farming with a cow, two calves and a pig. They all worked together, and in time built up a good place. The father, who had been a shipbuilder in Sweden, was something of a genius at making things, and he put together a threshing machine, made entirely of wood. He attained a position in the community and died at the age of sixty-three years, firm in the faith of the Swedish Lutheran Church. For some years after his death, the son, Oscar, operated the farm, and then turned it over to his brother, Victor, who is now the manager. Oscar then moved to Almena Village, where he now lives and where he has various interests.

Thomas H. Johnson, an early settler, was born in Norway and was there reared as a fisherman and a farmer. As a young man he married and started housekeeping in his native land. But he gradually determined that he would seek the broader opportunities of the new land to which so many of his neigh¬ bors were moving. Accordingly they came to this country in the sixties, and after stopping a short time at Chicago, took up farming in Capron, Ill. In 1872 he came to Barron County and settled on a farm of 180 acres of wild land in section 19, Maple Grove Township. The township was then little more than a wilderness, with standing timber and desolate stumps, with here and there a lumber camp or a few isolated cabins. He cleared and developed a good farm, erected suitable buildings and became one of the representative and substantial men of the community. He died in 1916. His first wife, Anna Johnson, died in 1880. His second wife was Mina Storm. Mr. Johnson had sixteen children: John A. H. of Chetek; Edward of Maple Grove; Thomas of Eau Claire County; Henry and Daniel of Maple Grove; Esther, wife of John Simonson of Cameron; Alma, wife of Fred Richards of Chetek; Melvin of Maple Grove; Lena, wife of John Wetzel of Maple Grove; Emily, a nurse in Minneapolis; Myrtle, the wife of Adolph Olson of Maple Grove; Ralph, living in Maple Grove; Fred, living in Chetek; Viola of Chetek; Marion, wife of Oscar Malum of Maple Grove; and Emmett, who is on the home farm.

John A. H. Johnson, prosperous farmer, county surveyor and formerly county sheriff, is one of the well known men of the county. His work as public official and engineer has taken him into all parts of the county, and he knows its contour, its history, its people and its possibilities. He has been especially interested in the study of the early trading posts and the mounds, and has done much research on their location in this neighborhood. He has been successful in life, has a pleasant home and a well-equipped farm, and has built what is probably the largest barn in the county. He was born in Capron, Ill., May 29, 1868, son of Thomas H. and Anna (Johnson) Johnson. He came to Maple Grove Township, this county, with his parents in 1872, and here attended rural school. At the age of fourteen he went to live with his grandparents in Illinois, at¬ tended high school at Capron, and graduated from the high school at Belvidere. Then he took the engineering course at Dixon College in that state. With that preparation he became a civil engineer in Chicago for three years. Then he cam back to Barron County. He was elected sheriff in 1900 and served one term. Upon retiring from office he purchased his present farm of 274 acres in Chetek Township, two miles northwest of the city. He has named the farm "Pleasant Plain," and has a well developed place in every particular. He erected two sets of buildings and has a large barn, garage, silos, tool sheds, machine sheds, silos, granary and the like. He now has a pleasant home in the city and occupies one of the farm houses as a summer home, the other being used by the tenant. He is county surveyor and devotes much of his time to civil engineering. Mr. Johnson was married Dec. 25, 1899, at Madison, Wis., to Louise March, daughter of Mills and Ruth (Knapp) March, of English-Canadian ancestry, pioneers of Juneau County, this state, where Mrs. Johnson was born, Nov. 25, 1869. The father died in Decorah, Iowa, in 1898, and the mother at Neillsville, Wis., in March, 1920. In the March family there were ten children: Sam is in Wayburn, Western Canada. Mattie is the wife of Tom Conklin of Chester, Iowa; Louise is Mrs. John A. H. Johnson of Chetek; Mignon is the wife of Delma Hull of Bellview, Wis. Ralph lives in St. Louis, Mo. Edmond is dead. Myra is dead. Richie is the wife of William Waterman of Neillsville. She was one of triplets, the other two of whom died in infancy.

Ernest T. Fischer, business man of Almena, was born in Germany, Sept. 7, 1861, only child of August and Sophia (Kettner) Fischer. He was reared in his native land and as a youth learned the trade of miller, in which occupation the father was likewise engaged. He came to America with his elderly parents in 1883 and located in St. Paul, Minn., where he was employed for nine years as a truck driver. In 1892 he came to Barron County and located on a tract of 100 acres in Almena Township. There he erected a log cabin and started farm¬ ing with a horse, a cow and six chickens. He was just getting a good start when everything he owned was swept away in the great forest fire. Then he .went to Appleton, Wis., for a while, but again returned and built up a good place. Sub¬ sequently he owned 40 acres in Clinton Township, and still later 40 acres in Cumberland Township. Some time ago he came to Almena and engaged in the iheat business. He has built up a good trade and is well liked by all who know him. He was married at St. Paul, Minn., to Alvina Curt, who was born in Germany. She died in 1918, at the age of fifty-five, leaving three children: Otto, Metta and Ernest. Otto trained at Camp Grant, Rockford, Ill., from Sept. 4, 1918, to Jan. 15, 1919. He married Margaret Markmann. He is in partnership with his father, and is one of the popular young business men of the village. Ernest trained at Camp Grant from Sept. 4, 1918, to July 25, 1919.

Milton T. Spencer, public official, former county supervisor, alderman of Barron and town officer of Barron Township, was born in Columbia County, Wis., Sept. 7, 1858, son of Thomas H. and Nancy M. (Maynard) Spencer, both of whom are now deceased, the former having been born in Connecticut Oct. 13, 1918, and the latter in New York State in 1818. In the family there were eleven children: Charles of Baraboo; Julia, deceased; Marietta Aton of Sioux City, la.; Louise, deceased ; Jane Dahl of Chicago ; Laura, wife of Daniel Welch of Bara¬ boo, Wis.; Cynthia of Baraboo, Wis.; Martha, wife of John Castle, San Diego, Calif.; Milton P. of Barron, Wis.; John, twin of Milton, deceased; and Mary, wife of William DeBois of Fargo, N. D. It is an interesting fact that of these eleven, eight attended a reunion in June, 1920, their combined ages being at that time 540 years. Milton T. was reared to hard work. He worked in his native county and for a time at Baraboo. Later he came to Barron County and bought a farm of 80 acres in Barron Township. Little of the land had been cultivated and no buildings had been erected. Mr. Spencer set at work with a will and soon had as good a farm as could be found in the neighborhood, fully equipped with a good set of buildings. In 1913, after many years of hard work on the farm, Mr. Spencer sold and moved to Barron city, where he has a pleasant home on Division street. He was one of the founders of the Barron Co-operative Cream¬ ery and is still one of its stockholders. A Republican in politics he early became interested in public affairs, served the township of Baraboo as treasurer, the town of Barron as assessor, treasurer and member of the town board, the city of Barron as alderman and the county of Barron as a member of the board of supervisors. His fraternal relations are with the Masons, the Modern Wood¬ men and the Beavers, in the local lodge of the last named of which he has served as secretary and treasurer for the past three years. Mr. Spencer was married Dec. 1, 1882, to Carrie Moore, daughter of William and Eliza (Faucett) Moore of Baraboo, Wis. They have one daughter, Lulu B., who was born in Baraboo Oct. 16, 1887, was married in March, 1917, to Norman Roth, a farmer of Hillsdale, Wis., and has two children: Eva, born Dec. 23, 1918; and Dorothy, born July, 1920. The family faith is that of the Methodist Episcopal Church.

Alvin Clemmons, drayman and veterinary surgeon of Barron, was born in Canada and came to Barron County in 1878. Here he took up a homestead of 40 acres in Prairie Farm Township. He cleared 25 acres and erected a good set of buildings. These were burned but by hard work he soon replaced them and continued his operations. In 1887 he went to Dunn County. A year later he came to Barron and engaged in the dray business, later becoming a vet¬ erinary surgeon. He died Dec. 6, 1909. Mr. Clemmons was a well known man throughout this part of the county and was one of the charter members of the Modern Woodmen at Barron. He married Sarah Haynes, a native of Canada, who was killed in a railroad crossing accident in Barron, May 11, 1913. Mr. and Mrs. Clemmons are the parents of eight children : Daniel G., Amos, Chris¬ tina, Commodore, Alma, Emma, Ruby and Claude (deceased).

Daniel G. Clemmons, barber of Barron city, is one of the well known men of that place. He has been councilman and supervisor four years, under-sheriff five years and chief of the fire department two years, being one of the oldest volunteer firemen in point of servic in the state. He was born Nov. 3, 1868, in Portage City, Wis., son of Alvin and Sarah (Haynes) Clemmons. He received his education in the district schools and spent his youth in the sawmills and lumber woods of Chippewa County. In 1900 he learned the barber trade of D. D. Page in Barron and a year later he purchased his present shop. He has been successful in his business and is well liked in the community. Mr. Clem¬ mons was married Oct. 25, 1891, to Ida J. Sanders, who was born in Menomonie. Wis., April 1, 1873, daughter of George and Mary (Schaffer) Sanders, natives of Germany, who came to America in 1864. Mr. and Mrs. Clemmons are the parents of eight children: Claude C., who was born Aug. 21, 1893, and died Sept. 9, 1894 ; Alta, who was born Sept. 26, 1895, and is now Mrs. Sayles Dodge of Rice Lake, this county. Clarissa, who was born March 25, 1897, and is now Mrs. Alfred Stollar of North Dakota; Florence M., who was born Sept. 27, 1898, and is now teaching. Laura, who was born Jan. 7, 1901 ; Grant, who was bom March 13, 1903; Lloyd, born March 21, 1905, and Clark P., born Dec. 1, 1917. The family faith is that of the Methodist Episcopal Church.

Simeon F. Taylor, local agent at Barron for the Standard Oil Company, was born in Vernon County, Wis., March 31, 1866, son of Philo C. and Mary J. (Buckland) Taylor, natives of New York State. Simeon F. received his educa¬ tion in the district schools of his native county and worked with his parents on the farm until 1890. In that year he came to Barron and was variously em¬ ployed as a farmer and mill hand for several years. Then he rented a farm for three years but subsequently returned to his employment in the heading mills. In 1904 he entered upon his present employment. His territory includes Barron and the surrounding country. He is well liked throughout the com¬ munity and is giving satisfaction both to his employments and to the people whom he serves. Mr. Taylor was married Oct. 11, 1899, to Mary Thomas, born Nov. 16, 1876, in Richland County, Wis., daughter of Jesse and Hannah (Yanger) Thomas, natives of Ohio, who came to Wisconsin in 1870 and settled in Richland County until the time of their death, Mr. Thomas dying Dec. 28, 1908, and Mrs. Thomas, Sept. 19, 1891. Mr. Thomas was a veteran of the Civil War, serving throughout the entire conflict. He and his wife are the parents of six children: Louisa, Dora, William, Mary, Eflie and Debert. Mr. and Mrs. Taylor had two children: Edna M., born June 29, 1900, now attending normal school at Eau Claire, and Mary B., born Jan. 14, 1908, now attending school in Barron. The family faith is that of the Baptist Church.

Arnold Cleveland, the pioneer, was born in Michigan, in pioneer times, and was there reared and educated. He married Louisa Lampman, a native of Vermont. As young people they came to Wisconsin and settled in Dane County, where they developed a good farm. They came to this county in the early sev¬ enties and settled in Chetek Township, whre they broke the land, erected buildings, and underwent all the privations and experiences insident to pioneer life in a timbered country. They later went to Seattle, Wash., where he died. She still resides there. Their children were: Frances A., Gladys (deceased), Florence, Edith, Bertha, Edna, Ella and Edward.

Jason Monroe Pelton, pioneer of Barron County, one of the two first settlers of Dallas Township, and now living retired in Chetek, is one of the most hon¬ ored and substantial men in this part of the county. He has been active in public affairs, he has done his part in the development of the county, his advice is sought on many subjects, and he has seen the county grow from a heavily wooded wilderness to one of the most prosperous regions in the state. He was the friend and companion of the makers of the county, and his memories extend over nearly fifty years of Wisconsin history. His stories of the early days are most interesting and his reminiscences, when he can be persuaded to tell them, are of the greatest value to all who are interested in the story of the county's beginnings and growth. He was born in Athens, N. Y., Sept. 12, 1848, son of Calhoun and Sarah (Hinkley) Pelton, both of old New York families, the Peltons having come from England and the Hinkleys from Scotland. The parents came west about 1849 and settled in Winfield Township, Sauk County, Wis., where they were pioneers, and where they spent the remainder of their lives in agricultural pursuits, the father dying at the age of seventy years and the mother at the age of eighty-four. In the family there were seven chil¬ dren: Hiram, George, Sally Ann, Charles, Hannah, John E. and Jason Monroe. Hiram, who was one of the first settlers in Dallas Township, died in Dallas Village. George lives on a part of the home farm in Sauk County and is now 90 years old. Sally Ann, Charles and Hannah are dead. John E. lives in Win¬ field Township, Sauk County. Jason Monroe Pelton was educated in the rural schools of Sauk County and remained with his parents until 1869. Then he engaged in lumbering in Michigan. In February, 1871, he came to Barron County and secured 171 acres in section 18, Dallas Township. He started in with an ox team, a cow, a hog, a pair of bob sleds and a few tools and imple¬ ments. He and his family lived the lives of real pioneers. The settlers of the county were then few and far between, and the lumber camps were about the only centers of activity. Provisions were scarce and comforts few. But the family were of pioneer stock, and they set to work with a will. In time their efforts were awarded with success. One hundred acres of land were cleared, good buildings were erected and the farm suitably equipped. There he carried on general farming until 1902 when he moved to the village of Dallas. He came to Chetek in the spring of 1903. He now occupies a pleasant modern bungalow which he purchased March 15, 1920. An acre of land surrounds the bungalow, giving ample lawn and garden space. Fraternally, Mr. Pelton is a member of the Masonic order. He has been active in public affairs and has occupied a number of local offices. His holdings include an interest in various enterprises. He has rendered public service as a member of the county board and as chairman of the town board, and is now one of the aldermen of the city of Chetek. Mr. Pelton was married Jan. 5, 1879, in this county, to Frances A. Cleveland, who was born in Dane County, Wis., Nov. 16, 1868, daughter of Arnold and Louisa (Lampman) Cleveland. Mr. and Mrs. Pelton have three children: Edna M., Gladys L. and Rex M. Edna M. was born Nov. 27, 1880, developed into charming girlhood and died at about fourteen years of age. Gladys L., born Feb. 13, 1895, was graduated from the Chetek High School in the class of 1915. She then entered the State Normal School at Superior and was there graduated. Since then she has been engaged in teaching and has shown proficiency in her profusion. Rex M., born Nov. 10, 1897, was graduated from Chetek High School in 1915 and, in partnership with Ben Gansky, now manages a pavilion where the local dances and athletic events are held. The family is highly regarded throughout the community.

Charles E. Myers, a property owner and one of the leading stock buyers of Barron County, residing in Barron city, was born at Argos, Ind., Oct. 25, 1872. His parents were Jacob and Elizabeth Myers, the father a native of Pennsylvania and the mother of Argos, Ind. They were married at the latter place, May 23, 1870. In 1874 they bought an 80-acre farm in Dunn County, Wis., and operated it subsequently for ten years. Then in 1884 they removed to Menomonie, Wis., where they engaged in the restaurant business. Later they resumed farming. In 1900 they came to Barron, where for a year Jacob Myers conducted a meat market. The next two years he spent as a renter on a farm two miles from Barron. About 1904 he bought ten acres in the east part of the city, just within the limits, and until 1911 was engaged in truck farming there. He then went to Dawson County, Mont., where he homesteaded and proved up 320 acres of land, subsequently returning to Barron. The Montana farm he sold in the fall of 1919. He is now living retired in Barron, where he owns a good residence. His good wife, a gracious lady of many beautiful qualities, was killed in a railroad accident Oct. 31, 1921. Jacob and Elizabeth Myers had a family of eight children, all of whom are now living: Charles E., the subject of this sketch; Frank of Colfax, Dunn County, Wis.; Dora, the wife of James L. White of Butte, Mont.; George W., a farmer of Poskin, Barron County; Lettie M., now Mrs. Amos Taft of Fowen Station, this county; Hattie L., widow of John Webster, residing at Rice Lake; Clarence W., of Maple Grove Township, Barron County; and Bessie C., now Mrs. Warton Decker of Great Falls, Mont. Charles E. Myers acquired his education in the common schools of Dunn County, Wis. He remained at home with his parents until 22 years old and then, in 1894, engaged in business as a barber at Rice Lake. After remaining there two years he went to Cedar Falls, Wis., where he was occupied for two years both as barber and miller. For the next two years he was a bar¬ ber at Menomonie, Wis. Then he returned to the old home farm in Dunn County, which he operated for two years. At the end of that time he resumed tonsorial work, being thus occupied for two years at Rice Lake and'for the same length of time subsequently at Eau Claire. After that he became a farm hand on the Sherbourn farm in Dunn County, remaining there until the spring of 1901, when he came to Barron city. Here for four years he was employed in the heading mill, after which he operated a barber shop one year. He then turned his attention to carpenter work and lathing, lathing many of the best homes erected here at that time, and also in Cameron and Turtle Lake. Again resum¬ ing tonsorial work, he became a partner of Daniel G. Clemmons in a barber shop in Barron and they continued together until burned out by fire a year later. Mr. Myers then bought a lot on La Salle street, Barron, and erected a block, in which he conducted a barber shop for six years. During the latter three years of this period he also bought stock for S. M. Kauer of Duluth. Since disposing of his barber shop, he has continued in the stock buying business, from which he derives a good income. He is also the owner of two farms, one in Barron Township and the other in Clinton Township, this county, besides 40 acres of wild land in Barron Township. He operates both farms, besides buying stock, and conducts a stock sale stable in Barron. He is the owner of a good residence and two lots in the city and is in the full tide of a prosperous business career. On Dec. 23, 1902, Mr. Myers was united in marriage with Hattie E. Wygant, who was born at Rock Falls, Wis., Sept. 5, 1882, daughter of Charles A. and Ella G. (Woodward) Wygant. Her parents were natives of Illinois. The father, who was brought to Wisconsin when a babe, died June 5, 1915. The mother is still living, being now "h resident of Mora, Minn. Their children were: Harvey, Nellie, Hattie, George, Ralph and Jack, all now living. Mr. and Mrs. Charles E. Myers have two children : Donald James, born Oct. 3, 1903, who works for his father; and Evelyn L., born Dec. 7, 1913. The family are affiliated religiously with the' First Baptist Church of Barron, and Mr. Myers is also a member of Birch Camp, W. M. A. In politics he is a Democrat and served one year on the Barron County board of commissioners.

James A. Anderson, pioneer, prominent citizen, man-of-affairs and founder of the village of Dallas, was born in Norway, Feb. 2, 1849, son of Isaac and Caroline (Jenson) Anderson, natives of Norway, who came to America in 1858, and after living in Milwaukee a while, located at West Eau Claire, Eau Claire County, Wis., being the first Norwegians to locate there. Isaac Anderson was a boat builder and carpenter. He died in 1878. The first Norwegian Lutheran services in Eau Claire were held in his home, and as a carpenter he assisted in erecting the first Norwegian Lutheran Church building there. His good wife lived until 1918, dying at the age of eighty-nine years, after having lived in the same house in Eau Claire for fifty-seven years. In the family there were six children: James, Anna, Matt, Carl, Aurelia and Jule. James A. Anderson received his early education in Norway, Milwaukee and Eau Claire. As a youth he worked in sawmills. In 1878 he came to Barron County, purchased land on the present site of the village of Dallas, and constructed a home, dam and mill. The mill was at first a grist mill, but later rollers were installed. This mill is still in operation. In 1880 Mr. Anderson established a steam sawmill, to which he later added planing and shingle departments, and which he oper¬ ated for sixteen years. A hamlet grew up about his mill, and in time he platted the village. He early began the agitation for a railroad, spent time and money in its behalf, and when in 1900 his hopes were realized in the opening of the Rice Lake, Dallas & Menominee Railway, now a part of th "Soo" system, he had given the right of way and also a tract of land for the depot and the like. About this time in 1900 he erected the Anderson Hotel. Later in 1915 he established the municipal electric light system, and his mill still furnishes the power. He also established the local telephone system. In 1900 he put in a telephone exchange in his own home, and th next year constructed a long distance line from Dallas to Colfax. In 1902 he put in a local exchange at Colfax, and for some years was the owner and operator of the whole system. He sold out to the Farmers' Telephone Co. When he saw the need of a local financial institution, he established a private bank which was incorporated in 1903 as the Bank of Dallas, of which he was the first president. In addition to his mill and hotel, he owned two store blocks, several residences and other buildings. He did much for the schools, on the local board of which he served for some years as an efficient member, and he was also one of the active factors in the progress of the Norwegian Lutheran Church, donating a fine lot, a larger part of the timber of which the church edifice is built, a magnificent pipe organ and many other liberal contributions. He personally delivered the first load of lumber on the lot. Being a man of such varied activities, it is natural that he should have been deeply interested in public affairs. In spite of the earnest solicitations of his friends, however, he repeatedly refused to run for public office, and it was only with reluctance that he accepted the office of president of the village, in which office he served with much distinction and credit for five years. His business interests were not confined to Dallas. At Colfax, in Dunn County, this state, he built the dam, erected a three-story stone flouring mill and dam, put in the village lighting system and the public telephone sys¬ tem, and owned considerable real estate. At Superior, also in this state, he was interested in real estate promotion and owned a number ef dwellings and building lots. At Barron, in this county, he was one of the founders of the Normanna Savings Bank, of which he was president several years, and he also had other interests there which he disposed of a number of years ago. Thus briefly is told the life of a man whose life and work are inseparably woven into the warp and woof of the stof-y of the modern development of this part of Wisconsin. He was a man of energy and vision, a man who in building his own success, was also ever mindful of the welfare of others. In fact, he valued his success only in so far as it brought his family comfort, and himself additional spheres of usefulness. He loved progress, he believed that humanity should take every advantage of modern inventions, he believed that railroads and tele¬ phones, banking facilities, electric illumination, good schools, adequate churches, and the opportunity for a comfortable livelihood should be within the reach of all, and he labored to the end that these objects should be obtained in the regions where his influence extended. His was a busy, active, useful life, and the world is truly the better in that he lived and wrought. He died December 10, 1920. His memory will ever be cherished and his life story will ever be an inspiration. Mr. Anderson was married July 3, 1873, to Clara Bue, born in Lillehammer, Norway, Sept. 22, 1860, the daughter of Ole and Inga (Rau) Olson, natives of Norway, who came to America in the early sixties and farmed the remainder of their lives in Trempealeau County, this state. Mr. and Mrs. Anderson had four children who grew to adult years: Oscar Ingwald was born Aug. 16, 1878, and is now in Colfax, where he is manager of the Apple River Milling Co. hydro-electric power plant. Matthew A. was born March 29, 1886, and operates the mill and electric light plant at Dallas. Carl, twin brother of Matt, died Sept. 5, 1913. Julius C. was born May 16, 1889, and is an automobile salesman at Eau Claire. Mrs. Clara Bue Anderson, a most worthy woman, died June 29, 1913. On Aug. 16, 1920, he married Mrs. Inga (Amund¬ son) Nelson.

Matthew A. Anderson, one of the energetic citizens of Dallas, manager of the mill and electric light plant, was born in the village where he still lives, March 29, 1886, the son of James A. and Clara (Olson) Anderson. He was reared and educated in Dallas and Milwaukee, Wis., and early became inter¬ ested in his father's enterprises, in time taking over the mill which he now operates.

The Wenzel Brothers Manufacturing Co., wood workers, manufacturing sash and doors, and doing general cabinet making and mill work, consists of Herman L. and Charles Wenzel, young men who were born in Marathon County, this state, and who have both taken special courses to fit them for their work. They came to Barron city in the spring of 1921, formed their present partner¬ ship, and bought out Charles Holtz & Son. They fixed up the factory and are now building an addition and installing some extra machinery of the most modern type. They are already building up a good trade and are winning the confidence of the people. Their success is assured, and their industry is fast becoming one of Barron's commercial assets.

Charles Wenzel, one of the partners in the Wenzel Bros. Mnfg. Co., Barron city, was born in Marathon County, this state, Dec. 30, 1881, the son of Charles and Albertine (Luther) Wenzel, natives of Germany, both now deceased. He attended the schools of his native town, took a general course at Wittenberg Academy, Wittenberg, Wis., and studied the manual arts in school at Wausau, Wis. With this preparation, he became a lumber scaler and worked in the Wisconsin woods until 1914. Then he located at White Lake, this state, in the employ of the Yawley-Bissell Lumber Co. In March, 1921, he came to Barron, and with his brother established the present concern. His long experience in the lumber business has made him thoroughly familiar with the material in which he works, and he is admirably suited for success along the lines he has chosen. Mr. Wenzel was married April 2, 1910, to Mrs. Jennie Kaufman, the widow of James Kaufman and the daughter of George and Jane (Lilly) Ham¬ line, both of whom are now deceased.

Herman L. Wenzel of the firm of Wenzel Brothers Manufacturing Co., woodworkers of Barron city, was born in Marathon County, this state, June 6, 1877, the son of Charles and Albertine (Luther) Wenzel, natives of Germany, both now deceased. He attended the school of his native county and took a thorough course in drafting by correspondence. In the state of Washington he did general contracting for eighteen months. Then he came back to Wis¬ consin and located at Wausau. There he had charge of a sawmill, and also engaged to some extent in general contracting. In 1915 he became general superintendent for the Owen Canning Co. at Owen, Clark County, this state. From there, in March, 1921, he came to Barron and formed the present partner¬ ship. His business experience, his contracting work and his sawmill employ¬ ment have all fitted him for success in this line of endeavor, and his friends predict for him a pleasant future. Mr. Wenzel was married June 30, 1911, to Anna E. Johnson, the daughter of Fredrick and Dora (Laqua) Johnson, the former of whom is dead and the latter of whom lives at Egger, Wis. Mr. and Mrs. Wenzel have three children: Fredrick, born April 13, 1912; Gladys, born Sept. 11, 1913; and Rupert, born Oct. 16, 1915.

August Charles Kurschner, a prosperous farmer of section 34, Prairie Farm Township, was born in the old homestead in this township, Dec. 4, 1876, the son of Martin and Anna (Kellenbach) Kurschner, the pioneers. He was reared to farm pursuits by his father and attended the district school. As a youth he first went into the lumber woods, and thereafter spent ten winters there. Later he took over 80 acres of the home farm. He has built up a good place and successfully carries on general farming and dairying along approved lines. He is a man of sound sense and good judgment and is highly regarded throughout the community. He married Fannie James, a native of Michigan. She was a gracious woman and of sterling qualities, and her death, Dec. 25, 1903, was sincerely mourned. She left six children, Raymond, Leonard, Mildred, Lloyd, Dorothy and Alice. All are at home. All the members of the family are well liked by all who know them.

John M. Kurschner, a substantial citizen of section 34, Prairie Farm Town¬ ship, is a native of this township, born in a log cabin in 1886, the son of Martin and Anna (Kallenbach) Kurschner, early settlers. He was reared on the home farm, attended district school and learned farming from his father. As a young man he took over 40 acres of the homestead, and this he has since conducted. He has a good set of buildings and successfully carries on general farming. He has taken an active part in the affairs of the community and has done good service on the school board. His home is a hospitable one and he and his wife delight in extending a pleasant welcome to their friends. Mr. Kurschner mar¬ ried Tena Hellendrung, who was born in Prairie Farm Township, this county, the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Henry Hellendrung. This union has been blessed with two children : Harry and Archie.

Fred Wirth, a successful farmer of section 35, Prairie Farm Township, was born on the old homestead in section 26, Oct. 14, 1876, the son of Daniel and Katherine (Miller) Wirth, the pioneers. He attended the district schools and learned farming from his father, while helping his parents and brothers clear up the home place. As a young man he rented the farm of John Rassbach. When he bought his present place of 80 acres in section 35 it was then nearly all wild land, only an acre or so had been cleared, and no buildings had been erected. By hard work and intelligent effort he has developed this tract into as good a place as is to be found in the neighborhood. His dwelling is an elevenroom house, his barn is commodious and the other buildings adequate, and lighted and supplied with running water. The equipment is excellent and well cared for, and everything about the place bespeaks the thrift and good judg¬ ment of the owner. Mr. Wirth carries on general farming and dairying along modern lines, and has a good herd of Jersey cattle and a good drove of swine. He and his family stand well in the community and their house is one of the hospitable homes of the neighborhood. Mr. Wirth was married June 6, 1901, to Tillie Sander, who was born in this county, Nov. 6, 1882, the daughter of Louis and Louisa (Wagner) Sander, and granddaughter of Mr. and Mrs. George Sander and Mr. and Mrs. Christ Wagner, pioneers of this county. Mr. and Mrs. Wirth have a fine family of nine children: Romie, Berthel, Esther, Lyle, Archie, Meirl, Mildred, Ethelyn and Richard.

Maurice D. Manson, a business man of Rice Lake, was born on a farm near Bellville, Dane County, Wis., Nov. 23, 1875, the son of Alexander and Sarah (Ulrich) Monson. He received a good graded and high school education and as a boy worked on the home farm and in his father's s£ore. As a youth he learned the stone mason's trade and followed it several years. In 1899 he engaged in the clothing business in his native village. After twelve years he sold out, in 1911, and came to Rice Lake, where he was associated with Harry Whitney in the clothing business. Since June, 1919, Mr. Monson has repre¬ sented the Rice Lake Grocery Co. as traveling salesman, covering northern Wisconsin. He is well known and well liked in Rice Lake. In fraternal circles he is a Blue Lodge, Chapter and Council Mason, and has been through the chairs of the Blue Lodge. He and his family adhere to the faith of the Presby¬ terian Church.

Alexander Monson, now living retired at Rice Lake, was born in New York State, his parents being natives of Ireland, who came to America as young people, and in 1853 brought their family to Wisconsin and devoted the remain¬ der of their life to farming. Alexander was reared on the farm and as a young man spent three years in Texas. He opened a store at Bellview, Dane County, which he operated for thirty-five years, also having a farm near by. Then he retired and took up his home with his son, Maurice, at Rice Lake, Wis. His wife, Sarah Ulrich, was a native of Pennsylvania, of German descent. She died in 1917. They .were the parents of four children: Lillian is the wife of Melvin Oslundson of Madison, Wis. Alice is the wife of Dr. Clark Devine of Marshall, Wis. Merle died at the age of six years. Maurice D. is a traveling man of Rice Lake, Wis. Mr. Monson was married in 1901 at Exter, Green County, Wis., to Mabel Longhead, daughter of John and Mary (Compton) Longhead, the family being of old American lineage and of original Irish origin. Mr. and Mrs. Long¬ head have devoted most of their lives to farming. They have five children: Bert, Mabel, Elizabeth, Esther and Jessie. Mr. and Mrs. Monson have given parental love and care to a little girl, Jean, now eight years of age.

Rev. Father Francis Bourg, pastor of the parish of the Sacred Heart, Almena; the parish of St. Charles, in Turtle Lake Township; and the parish of St. John, Vance Creek Township, was born in Luxembourg, Europe, Sept. 25, 1868, the son of Peter Bourg, a worthy and substantial farmer. After the usual classical, theological and philosophical studies, he was ordained to the priesthood at the historic cathedral at Rheims, France, on June 8, 1895, and for nine years was stationed there as an assistant. In January, 1904, he came to the United States and took charge of the parish of St. Ann, at Saxon, Iron County, this state. In 1906 he came to Barron County and took charge of his present work. His rectory is at Almena, where his principal congregation is located. The other parishes have about twenty families each. In addition to this work, Father Bourg was in charge of St. Joseph's parish at Barron for five years. Father Bourg admirably fulfills the ideal of a village priest, the true father of his people, and respected by all for his learning and piety. Under his guidance, through the blessing of God, spiritual work in his parishes has flourished, and prospered excellently. In 1910 under his direction the

Rev. Francis Bourg Church Of The Sacred Heart. Almena

H. Walter Melbye, an energetic and popular young farmer of section 9, Stanley Township, and a second lieutenant in the United States forces during the World War, was born in St. Paul, Minn., May 28, 1894, son of Lauritz 0. and Lizzie (Halverson) Melbye, and grandson of Olaus and Ellen (Jorgenson) Halverson, the pioneers. He attended the graded schools, and in 1912 was graduated from the Humboldt High School at St. Paul. Then he entered the agricultural department of the University of Minnesota and was graduated in 1914. With this preparation he was employed three years on farms in Mower County, in southern Minnesota, and then for a year did cow-testing association work at Lakefield, Minn. He was inducted into the United States service, Sept. 19, 1917, and trained at Camp Dodge, Iowa, with Company I, 361st Infantry, Eighty-seventh Division. On Oct. 14, 1917, he was made corporal. Nov. 25,

1917, he was transferred to Camp Pike, Ark., where he trained with Company I, 346th Infantry, Eighty-seventh Division. Jan. 10, 1918, he entered the Third Officers' Training Camp at Camp Pike, and after completing the course, March 19, 1918, was granted a furlough. Upon his return, May 5, 1918, he was assigned as sergeant to Company K, 345th Infantry, Eighty-seventh Division. May 25,

1918, he was assigned to the Infantry Replacement Camp at Camp Lee, Va. June 1, 1918, he was commissioned second lieutenant and went on special duty with Company L, 146th Infantry, Thirty-seventh Division. June 19, 1918, he was transferred to the 154th Depot Brigade at Camp Meade, Md. June 29 he was assigned to special duty in the small arms firing school at Camp Perry, Ohio, where he took up rifle and pistol practice and sniping. August 15 he returned to his command with the 154th Depot Brigade at Camp Meade. Dec. 27, 1918, he was transferred to the Overseas Convalescent Detachment, dis¬ charging wounded soldiers. Jan. 11, 1919, he was discharged at Camp Meade. He then located on his present farm of eighty acres in section 9, Stanley Town¬ ship, which he had purchased in 1917. Here he successfully carries on general farming along scientific and modern lines and makes a specialty of Guernsey cattle, Duroc-Jersey swine and good horses. He is a member of the Cameron Live Stock Shipping Association. Mr. Melbye was married Oct. 19, 1921, at Cameron, to Agnes Berger, born at Rice Lake, Aug. 23, 1894, the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Jacob Berger, whose sketch appears elsewhere in this work.

George Elmer Swanson, an energetic farmer of section 6, Stanley Township, is a native of this county, born in Cameron, March 14, 1894, the son of John and Amelia (Amundson) Swanson. John Swanson was born in Sweden, of a good old family. He came to America as a youth of sixteen, and as a young man became a bricklayer. He came to Cameron in the early days of that vil¬ lage, followed his trade, and operated one of the pioneer stores. Later he moved to a farm in Stanley Township, and there spent his declining years. He died in 1920. He married Amelia Amundson. She was born on section 5, Stanley Township, reputed to be the first white child born in the township. She died Nov. 1, 1920. Mr. and Mrs. John Swanson had three children: Raymond, Clar¬ ence (deceased) and George Elmer. As a young man, George Elmer started in as a farm renter, and later purchased his present place of 40 acres in section 6, Stanley Township. This was all covered with brush. He has cleared the land and has erected a fine set of buildings, so that he now has as good a place as is to be found in the neighborhood. He carries on general farming and makes a specialty of Guernsey cattle. Mr. Swanson was married Nov. 7, 1914, to Clara Victoria Hansen, the daughter of Amund and Margaret (Adams) Hansen, the former a native of Norway and the latter of Minnesota. Mr. and Mrs. Swanson have two children. The family faith is that of the Norwegian Lutheran Church.

Andrew J. Peterson, a progressive farmer of section 6, Stanley Township, was born in Sweden, Aug. 22, 1868, oldest of the six children of John and Bertha Peterson, the others in the family being Peter, Swan, Carl and Magnus

(deceased). Peter came to the United States first, followed by Andrew J. and Swan. Andrew J. was reared in his native land, and there grew to adult years. He married Gustina Westlund, who was born Aug. 28, 1872, the daughter of Elias and Carrie Westlund. She was the youngest of four children, the others being Emil, Edward and Axel. The subject of this sketch came to this country in 1893 and located for a few weeks at St. Paul, Minn. Then he came to Rice Lake and entered the employ of the Rice Lake Lumber Co., with whom he remained for many years. He bought a tract of 40 acres of wild land in section 5, Stanley Township, and built a log cabin thereon. In 1897 he sent for his wife and daughter and they started home making on their farm. For some years he continued his employment at Rice Lake, walking to and from the farm and working early and late in his spare time to develop it. At first he had no animals at all. The second year he got a cow and a horse. As time progressed he developed a good place. He has built a good set of buildings, has cleared the land, purchased suitable equipment and machinery and acquired good stock. The hard work of himself and his wife has resulted in success, and they and their family are respected throughout the community. Mr. Peterson believes in conservative progress and supports the things that he believes to be for the best intersts of the community. He reads the farm papers and the daily papers and keeps well abreast of the times both in farming and in the topics of the day. Mr. and Mrs. Peterson have five children: Helma, born in Sweden; and John, Ellen, Bertha and Andrew, born in Stanley Township. The family is loyal in its support of the Swedish Lutheran Church.

Edward Oscar Hagna, a prosperous and energetic young farmer who is operating 120 acres in section 28, Stanley Township, was born on a farm not far away, Oct. 8, 1889, the son of Thurgen E. (Tom) and Lizzie (Johnson) Hagna. He attended the district school and was reared to farm work by his father. In 1914 he came to his present farm, which is one of his father's places. He is a good citizen, he understands his business thoroughly and is one of the rising men of the community. He carries on general farming and dairying, and makes a specialty of a good herd of Guernsey cattle. He is a stockholder in the Farmers' Shipping Association at Cameron. Mr. Hagna was married May 16, 1916, to Florence Moffett, born at Hutchinson, McLeod County, Minn., the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. James Moffatt, who now live on a farm near Weyerhauser, this state.

Oscar Burgeson, a busy and modern farmer of section 18, Stanley Town¬ ship, was born in Sweden, Jan. 29, 1872, the son of Ole and Enga Burgeson, who spent the span of their years in that country. He was reared and educated there, and in 1892 came to this country and located in Minneapolis, where he was variously employed for some years. For a time he worked on a dairy farm. Then he bought a team and worked at teaming. About seventeen years ago he settled on his present place, which he had purchased some ten years previous. He had a team of horses and two cows and started with a small frame house and log barn. At first hardships were many and comforts were few. But he worked hard, cleared up the land and developed a good place. The comfortable home is furnished with electric lights and other conveniences, the barn is well suited to its purpose, about 65 acres of the land has been cleared, and the place is well stocked with tools and equipment. The cattle are of Jersey breed. Mr. Burgeson is well regarded in the community and has done good service on the school board. He is a deacon of the Swedish Lutheran Church at Rice Lake and has been loyal in his support. Mr. Burgeson married Louisa Reed, a native of Sweden. This union has been blessed with two children: Francis Oscar and Alice Louisa.

Herman F. Hinze, a progressive farmer of section 31, Stanfold Township, was born in Wisconsin, Aug. 17, 1876, the son of William and Minnie (Ohm) Hinze, natives of Germany, who came to America in the fifties and successfully engaged in business as a contractor and builder. Herman F. received a good education in the common schools and for a time did various labor in town and on farms. For a time he was a stationary engineer. In 1900 he bought 120 acres in section 31, Stanfold Township, which was then cutover hardwood land. There he built a log house and barn, and started clearing up the land. As his prosperity increased he built a good frame barn, granary, machine sheds and other buildings. In 1917 he built a fine stucco house. House and barn are illuminated with electricity and furnished with running water. A pleasant lawn adds to tne sightliness of the place. The farm is well tilled and well fenced, the equipment in tools and machinery is excellent, and everything about the place bespeaks the hard work and thrift of the owner. He carries on general farming and dairying and has a good herd of cattle with a full blooded Guernsey sire. He has been quite successful in raising tobacco and believes that there are great possibilities for that crop in this region. In public affairs Mr. Hinze has served for a few years as a member of the school board. His financial holdings include stock in the Terminal Packing Co. of St. Paul, the Sales Pavilion at Barron and the Consumers' Store at Rice Lake. Mr. Hinze was married in Stanfold Township, March 26, 1913, to Amanda Ristow, daugh¬ ter of August and Anna (Hummel) Ristow. Mr. and Mrs. Hinze have four children: Alva M. was born June 20, 1916; Vernon W. was born Oct. 26, 1917; Luvern was born July 1, 1919; Russell L. was born April 5, 1921.

Mathias Olson, who gave his life in the cause of duty as sheriff of Barron County, was born in Norway, Oct. 26, 1870, the son of Ole Tollefson. He was reared in his native land and attended school there. As a young man he came to America, and located at Prairie Farm Village. Here he learned the black¬ smith trade from his uncle, Ingebird Tollefson. Later he operated a shop of his own in the village. In the meantime he took up a tract of 160 acres in the township. This he cleared up and developed into a good farm. As the village blacksmith it was natural that he should become widely acquainted in the vil¬ lage and surrounding townships, and his genial personality and admirable qualities made him a natural leader. He believed in everything that meant progress. He was an enthusiastic advocate of establishing electric light and telephone service, and when the local companies were formed, became one of their stockholders. He also worked early and late in behalf of a railroad proj¬ ect. In public life he served as villhge trustee and as village marshal. His excellence as the village peace officer caused his friends to propose him for county sheriff, his qualities commended themselves to the voters of the county, and in the fall of 1915 he was elected sheriff by a good majority. He made a most excellent officer, conscientious and efficient, and his friends predicted for him many high honors. He was shot in pursuance of duty while serving some legal papers, on Jan. 26, 1916. Mr. Olson was married July 18, 1903, at Prairie Farm, to Karen Klomstad, who was born in Norway, Dec. 13, 1883, the daughter of Hjostel and Ingeborg Klomstad. This union was blessed with three children. Inga Marie and Olaf are at home. Triygue died in childhood.

James J. Golden, proprietor of 80 acres of good farming land in Turtle Lake Township, besides a more extensive farm just across the line in Polk County, and who is carrying on a considerable farming and dairying business, was born in Pierce County, Wis., near Spring Valley, April 12, 1874, son of Michael and Mary (Frinor) Golden. The parents, natives of Canada, came to the United States in 1862, settling in Pierce County, Wisconsin, where they bought 120 acres of land on which Michael Golden for many years carried on general farming, and where he is still living, though now at an advanced age. His wife died Dec. 12, 1920, at the age of sixty-nine. They had twelve chil¬ dren, of whom eleven still survive, namely: James J.; Mary, who married M. E. O'Connell and lives on a farm near Spring Valley; Martin; Margaret, wife of John O'Connell; Dennis; Anna, wife of James O'Connell; Edward; Nellie; Celia, wife of Pat J. Mulhollan; Walter and William. All reside near Spring Valley, Wis. James J. Golden, who was reared in Pierce County, attended school at Olivett. He helped on the home farm until 22 years old, and then, starting in for himself, worked at the carpenters' trade for a few years. In 1902 he started in the implement business, which for some years he combined withdairying. After that for three years he conducted a creamery at Lake City, Minn., and one at Plum City, Wis., for two years. He also helped organize co¬ operative creameries. Then he moved to Thorpe, Clark County, Wis., and en¬ gaged in the well drilling business, in which he continued five years. At the end of that time he came to Barron County, but instead of buying within the limits of the county immediately, he purchased 80 acres of land in Polk County, to which later, by an additional purchase, he added 120 acres. Subsequently, he sold that land and bought 226 acres, and on Jan. 27, 1921, bought 80 acres in Turtle Lake Township, Barron County, just across the line from Almena. This was all improved land except 20 acres of steep upland. The buildings, however, being old, Mr. Golden tore them down and built new ones, including a house containing nine rooms downstairs and one room forty feet square upstairs. The barn measures 32 by 64 feet and had a full basement and Louden equip¬ ment. The other buildings are a silo, granary, machine shed and garage. Mr. Golden carried on general farming and dairying, keeping a herd of 32 pure¬ bred, high-grade, Guernsey cows, with a pure-bred sire in the herd. He also keeps Duroc-Jersey hogs. A part of his milk and cream is sold to general cus¬ tomers in Turtle Lake, the balance going to the Turtle Lake Creamery. Mr. Golden was married at Spring Valley, Wis., Feb. 12, 1901, to Katherine Kiefer, daughter of John and Anna (Schlitz) Kiefer. Her parents were natives of Luxembourg, where the father died and the mother is still living. Mr. and Mrs. Golden have had eight children, of whom seven are now living and residing at home, namely: John Ralph, Florence Gertrude, Irene, Francis, Martin, Bernard and Loretta. Mr. Golden is a man now in the prime of life, with an abundant fund of energy and ambition. He is well to do, his prospects having been self-acquired, and is well known and respected through¬ out Turtle Lake Township and adjoining territory.

Nathan M. Nelson, an energetic and progressive farmer of Section 30, Vance Creek Township, was born in Waushara County, Wis., Aug. 26, 1888, the son of Nels and Mary (Jeorgeson) Nelson, of Denmark, who settled in Wau¬ shara County in the early eighties, and are now prosperous and respected resi¬ dents of that vicinity. He received a gbod education in the public schools, learned farming from his father, and as a young man, rented farms. Later he purchased his present place of 80 acres. He has fixed over the comfortable farm house, erected a barn, 30 by 38 feet, a silo, 12 by 31 feet, and other build¬ ings, and has also repaired the fences, purchased new equipment, and made other improvements. He successfully carries on general farming and dairy¬ ing and has a good herd of Holstein cattle. He is especially interested in the Seventh Day Adventist Church in the township, and is now its treasurer. Mr. Nelson married Pearl Samples, the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Henry Clay Sam¬ ples, well known citizens. This union has been blessed with three bright chil¬ dren: Henry Lewis, Ina and Arden.

Otis Herman Neville, mason and farmer, Section 29, Vance Creek Town¬ ship, well known throughout this region, was born in Steele County, Minn., June 10, 1864, the son of John and Marie Neville, the former a native of New York, and the latter of Beloit, Wis. They were early settlers of Steele County, going there in 1861, and there spending the remainder of their days on a farm. The subject of this sketch attended the common schools and learned farming from his father. He was but fourteen years of age when he started working with railroad construction crews. In this employment he learned the stone mason trade. He came to his present place from St. Croix County, this state, in 1910. It was then all wild. He has developed it into an excellent farm. He has a comfortable home, a barn, 36 by 60 feet, and other buildings, and the soil is well tilled and the land well fenced. He successfully carries on general farm¬ ing and stock raising, making a specialty of a good herd of Guernsey cattle. In connection with his farming, he still continues to work at his trade. Many of the foundations to the farm buildings throughout the region testify to the fidelity and skill with which he labors and the regard in which his work is held. Since 1913, he has owned and operated a 30-horse power tractor engine with a full threshing outfit. He is a busy, active man, who has the interests of the , community at heart, and is doing what he can to promote its welfare. His work has brought him into contact with many people, and all who know him, hold him in respect and liking. Being of a fraternal disposition, he, many years ago, joined the Modern Woodmen of America, of which he is still a member. As the father of children, he is interested in education, and has done excellent work as a member of the school board of his district. Mr. Neville married Sarah Dennis, and they have three children: James, Cassius and Thea.

John Weiss, successful cheese manufacturer, proprietor of the Advance Cheese Factory in Vance Creek Township, was born in Baron, Switzerland, April 22, 1881, son of John and Anna Weiss. The father came to America in 1888 and located in Monroe, this state, where he was joined by the mother and the four children in 1893. He still lives there and the mother died there in August, 1912. John was twelve years of age when he came to this country, and for a while he attended school in Greene County. Soon, however, he began working among farmers on his own responsibility. At eighteen he determined to enter the manufacturing end of the dairy business. Accordingly, he learned cheese making. In 1916, after looking over the field with care, he fixed upon Barron County as the scene of his future activities, attracted here by the won¬ derful dairy prospects. He purchased the Advance Factory in Vance Creek Township, with the two acres of land adjoining, and started operations. His success was assured from the start, and in a short time he had added new ma¬ chinery and equipment. The factory specializes in an excellent grade of brick cheese which has a daily capacity of 12,500 pounds. The product is in high favor, and is shipped to Omaha, Nebraska. Mr. Weiss is thoroughly versed in his line, he has the confidence of all with whom he does business, and is an estimable citizen in every respect. He is a popular member of the M. W. A. at Reeve, and of the I. 0. 0. F. at Turtle Lake. Mr. Weiss was married March 3, 1903, to Bertha Stiner, and they have one son, Emil, a bright boy, born Aug. 20, 1906. The family faith is that of the Lutheran Church.

Alexander Amans, Section 5, west, Maple Grove Township, is a native of this county, born in this county April 3, 1891, son of Anton and Feleman (Perry) Amans, natives of Canada, who came to the States in 1880, and secured 40 acres of wild land in Doyle Township, this county, which they cleared and improved, and where they continued to carry on mixed farming and dairying. In the family there were eight children: Max, deceased; Raymond, Alexander, Louisa, Obilne, Delena and Leo. Alexander attended the district schools of his neighborhood, learned farming from his father, and remained at home un¬ til 1910. Then for several years he rented farms. In 1919 he purchased his present place of 120 acres. He has named it the Clear Lake Farm ; he has good buildings and equipment, and has been successful in his operations. He was married Feb. 18, 1911, to Helen Oliver, daughter of George and Stella (Hender¬ son) Oliver, formerly of Dunn County, this state, but now of Rice Lake, Bar¬ ron County. Mrs. Amans was one of eight children: Irene, deceased; Esther, Crystal, Celon, Dewey, Lloyd, George and Helen. Mr. and Mrs. Amans have three children, Vernon, Gerald, and Lyle. The family faith is that of the Roman Catholic Church.

Isaac A. Anderson, an active and efficient farmer of Maple Grove Town¬ ship, has a good place of 80 acres in Section 8, east, which he is cultivating and improving, and where he carries on general farming and dairying. He is well liked in the community and takes pride in the growth and progress of the county which gave him birth, and in which his parents were early settlers. He was born in the township where he still lives, Oct. 14, 1886, and received his education in the district school of his neighborhood. He thoroughly learned farming from his parents, Andrew and Augusta (Storm) Anderson, and re¬ mained with them until 1918, when he started in for himself on a place which he rented. He bought his present place in 1919. Mr. Anderson was married Jan. 1, 1918, to Signe Nelson, daughter of Andrew and Anna (Sanderson) Nel- > son, natives of Sweden, who came to America in the early eighties, and now re¬ side in Maple Grove Township. Mr. and Mrs. Anderson have one child, Or¬ ville A., born Aug. 14, 1918. The family faith is that of the Norwegian Luther¬ an Church.

Jesse F. Lake, an enterprising farmer owning 40 acres in Section 4, west. Maple Grove Township, was born in the township where he still lives, Oct. 8, 1887, the son of William and Emma (McDonald) Lake, of this township. He received his early education in the public schools, and learned farming from his father. For eleven seasons he spent his winters in the woods, part of the time in the employ of the Ellingson Lumber Co. For two years he spent a part of his time operating a well driller, in which he owned a half interest. He also worked in a brick yard at Barron, this county, for a year. In July, 1914, he acquired eighty acres, including his present farm. Later he sold a half of it. He has erected buildings and fences, and carries on general farm¬ ing and dairying. He is hard working and energetic and is regarded as one of the rising young men of the township. Mr. Lake was married March 15, 1909, to Maude Hanson, daughter of Hans and Tena (Olson) Hanson, who now re¬ side in Barron Township, this county. Mr. and Mrs. Lake have five children: Dorothy, born Sept. 19, 1910; Eleanor, born March 7, 1912; Leo, born April 3, 1914; Irene, born May 8, 1917; and Hazel, born Dec. 6, 1919.

Ralph J. Curtis, a prosperous farmer of Maple Grove Township, has a good farm of 97 acres in Section 21, west, Maple Grove Township, and is gradu¬ ally making improvements which are adding greatly to its value. He has cleared a part of the land, has renovated the house, has built a barn, machine shed and garage, has repaired the fences, and is increasing its productiveness and fertility. His place is equipped with Delco lights and other modern con¬ veniences. The good herd of Holsteins is headed by a full-blooded sire. Fra¬ ternally, Mr. Curtis is a member of the Odd Fellows and the Modern Woodmen. His religious faith is that of the Methodist Episcopal Church. He was born in Sauk County, Wis., Nov. 30, 1885, the son of James G. and Leona (Odell) Cur¬ tis, natives respectively of Dane and Sauk counties, who now reside in Maple Grove Township. He received his education in the district schools, and worked for his father until 1906. Then he drilled wells for a while and later had charge of a cream route for the Barron Co-operative Creamery Co. Still later he rented a farm. He bought his present place in 1913. Mr. Curtis was married Jan. 1, 1907, to Belle Dawson, daughter of George and Eflfte (Pomroy) Dawson, who came to Wisconsin in 1893 and farmed until 1919, when they retired and moved to Barron, where they now live. In the family there were six children: Jess, Bell, John, Mabel, Fred and Florence. Mr. and Mrs. Curtis are the parents of four children. Earl A. was born June 21, 1908. Lloyd J. was born July 22, 1910. Harry R. was born Nov. 16, 1912. Eleanor E. was born March 18, 1917.

Charles L. Brekken, clerk of Chetek Township, and early settler of Bar¬ ron County, was born in Norway, July 26, 1858, son of Lars and Marit (Kaagen) Brekken, both natives of that country. The family came to America in 1868, and located in Rock County, Wis., for a year, then moving over the line to Boone County, Ill., where one of the children died. In 1876, they came to Barron County, and located in Section 22, Chetek Township. This tract was wild stump land. The father at this time was getting old, but with the help of the chil¬ dren, he grubbed and broke the land, erected buildings, and developed a farm, upon which he and his family were enabled to earn a good living. The father died in 1905, and the mother in 1912. The seven children in the family were: Ole and Hans, who grew to adult years, married and are now dead; Charles L., town clerk of Chetek Township ; Mary, wife of Tosten Hanson, of Chetek Town¬ ship; John, of Turtle Lake, North Dakota; Lena, wife of L. J. Bjorlie, of Section 16, Maple Grove Township ; and another, Lena, who died in infancy. Charles L. was a boy in his early 'teens when the family came to America, and was Seven- teen when they located in Barron County. His father was then growing old, and much of the hard work of the farm fell on Charles L. He helped grub and develop the farm, and in time became the owner, remaining on it until 1020 with the exception of two years when he tried his fortunes in Nebraska. He added to the original acreage until he had 200 acres. Here for many years he carried on general farming, making a specialty of graded Holstein cattle, Poland-China swine and Shropshire sheep. In the summer of 1920 he sold the place to his three sons, Leander, Olin and Harold, who are now successfully operating it. In addition to his other holdings, Mr. Brekken is interested in a number of Chetek enterprises. He was one of the organizers of the Oak Grove Farmers' Mutual Insurance Co. in 1891, and is still interested therein. He en¬ tered the political arena shortly after he was of age. He and his wife have both been clerk of their school district. He was elected town clerk in 1891, and is proving a most capable, conscientious, and accommodating officer, in high favor with all the people. For fifteen years he has done excellent service as secretary of the Norwegian Lutheran Church at Chetek. Mr. Brekken was married Nov. 10, 1892, on a farm in Chetek Township, to Emma Larson, born near Milwaukee, at Muskeego, Waukesha County, Wis., the daughter of Jorgen and Mari (Daehlen) Larson, who were pioneers of Waukesha County, Wis., and later moved to Waushara County, Wis., where they died. Mr. and Mrs. Brekken have six children: Maude, Leander, Olive, Harold (first), Harold and Conrad. Maude was born Sept. 7, 1893, married John C. Sullivan, and lives in Sauk Center, Minnesota. Leander was born Oct. 18, 1895, and was there reared. He enlisted in the regular army three days before the United States entered the World War. He was assigned to Co. G, 18th Infantry, First Divi¬ sion, trained at Jefferson Barracks, Missouri, and at Douglas, Arizona, and served for a period on the Mexican border. In June, 1917, he embarked and arrived in France, June 28. He served with the First Division, in some of the fiercest fighting at Cantigny Ridge, St. Mihiel and the Meuse-Argonne. At Cantigny Ridge he was badly gassed, but recovered sufficiently to again engage in the conflict. He arrived in the United States in 1919 with General Persh¬ ing, but did not participate in the Triumphal Parade in New York because he was company supply sergeant. He was discharged at Camp Grant, that fall, and returned to the farm. Olin was born Nov. 18, 1897. Harold (first) was born Sept. 3, 1902, and died in infancy. Harold was born April 4, 1904. Conrad was born Aug. 8, 1910, and is doing well in school.

Sever L. Sherwin, an enterprising farmer of Section 4, Oak Grove Town¬ ship, came to this county in 1912, and purchased 80 acres in Section 15. He there farmed for four years, during which time he continued the clearing and breaking. In 1916 he purchased 120 acres in Section 4, which he has since con¬ tinued to develop and operate. He has renovated the house and barn, and put up a silo and granary. He has cleared 20 additional acres, and broken some of it. On this place he industriously conducts general farming, and pays particular attention to dairying. His cattle are of the Holstein breed. Born in Norway, July 20, 1873, he was the son of of Lars Sgurson and Martha Larson, the for¬ mer of whom died in Norway, and the latter of whom still lives there. In the family there were four children: Ben, Lars, Sever L. and Susan. Sever L. was educated in Norway, and was reared to farm work by his parents. He came to America in 1893, and settled on a farm in Dane County, this state, not far from Madison. In 1897 he took employment with the Fuller & Johnson Plow Co., and in 1904 with the American Plow Co. He bought a farm near Madison in 1910, and operated it two years before coming to Barron County. Mr. Sherwin was married Dec. 3, 1899, to Anna Hedlave, who was born in Norway, the daughter of Herman and Syvina Hedlave, the former of whom is dead, and the latter of whom lives in that country. Mr. and Mrs. Sherwin are the parents of four ftae children : Leroy, bora -May 12, 1902; Margaret 13., born Aug. 16, 1904; Agnes A., born Nov. 5, 1906; and Alfred S., born Aug. 20, 1908. Lars was born July 20, 1911, and died Oct. 14, of the same year.

George Gagner, farmer of Oak Grove Township, contractor, carpenter and woodworker, was born in Sweden, Sept. 24, 1881, son of John and Christina >. (Erickson) Gagner, natives of Sweden, who came to America in 1893, and set¬ tled in Rice Lake, this county, where the father was employed by the Rice Lake Lumber Co. until 1915, when he retired and they moved to Oak Grove Township. George was reared in his native land and there learned the cabinet¬ making trade. He came to America in 1899, landed in New York and, after looking about there for a while, came to Rice Lake and entered the employ of the Rice Lake Lumber Co. In 1906 he went to Duluth, Minn., and was em¬ ployed as a cabinet maker and stair builder in a sash and door factory there. While there he attended evening school, and also took a four-years' course by correspondence in architectural drawing and estimating. In 1914 he came back to Rice Lake. A few months later he bought forty acres of land in Section 24, Oak Grove Township, where he still farms. He has cleared almost the total tract, and has himself erected a good set of buildings. In the summer he still does carpenter work and general contracting. For four years he worked for F. D. Stout on his fancy stock farm in Cedar Lake Township, and helped to erect many of the buildings there. Mr. Gagner was married Aug. 12, 1907, to Inga Peterson, who was born in Norway, Jan. 8, 1884, daughter of Peter and Mar¬ tha (Olson) Peterson, both natives of Norway, and both now deceased. Mr. and Mrs. Gagner have three children: Esther, born Sept. 25, 1908; Evelyn, born Aug. 3, 1910; and Roy, born July 31, 1920. The family faith is that of the Swedish Lutheran Church.