Barron County, Wisconsin - Chapter 13: Biographical and Geneological Review, 1922 (part 6 of 46)

Wilhelm Wille, a solid and substantial farmer of Section 3, Stanfold Town¬ ship, held in the highest esteem by all who know him, is a hard working, in¬ dustrious citizen, who has built up a good farm by energy and application, and is regarded as one of the active and useful men of the community. He was born in Germany, July 11, 1854, the son of Carl and Johanna Wille. He at- tended the common schools and as a youth worked in the brick yards. He came to America in 1880, and located at Milwaukee, Wis. Two years later, in 1882, he came to Rice Lake, this county, and bought 160 acres in Section 3, Stanfold Township. This was then covered with hardwood timber. Here he built a log nouse and log barn, and started to clear up the land. As the years passed, his industry and hard work resulted in prosperity. In 1907, just twenty-five years after he came onto the place, he built a pleasant frame house. In 1916 he put up a barn with a full basement, granary, machine sheds, sheep house, swine house and other buildings. Here he still continued to successfully carry on general farming and dairying on a profitable scale. He has some good cat¬ tle, sheep and swine, and the farm is well equipped with tools, implements and machinery. Mr. Wille is a member of the Farmers' Equity Exchange and a stockholder in the Goodhope Cheese Co., owning the cheese factory in Bear Lake Township. Mr. Wille was married at Winneconne, Winnebago County, Minn., October, 1882, to Augusta Weisner, the daughter of Carl and Fredericka Weisner, who brought their family to America in 1881, and settled in Barron County, Wisconsin. Mr. and Mrs. Wille have had fourteen children: Minnie, Albert, Paul, Leo, Lena, Otto, Mary, Frederick, William, Arthur, August, Carl, Ella and Ida. Minnie was born Oct. 9, 1883, is married and lives in Montana. She has two children: Milyers and Orvel. Albert was born Jan. 6, 1886, and now lives on the home place. Paul was born March 19, 1886, and farms in Minnesota. Leo was born July 24, 1887. Lena, born Jan. 7, 1888, married Edgar Demars, of Rice Lake Township, and has one child, Lucille. Otto, who saw action in France during the World War, was born March 1, 1889, married Clara Bjerkin, has one child, Eveline, and lives in Minnesota. Mary was born July 19, 1891. Frederick married Josephine Bearkin, and lives in Minnesota. He is a veteran of the World War, having served with the United States forces in France and Germany. William was born Dec. 11, 1895, married Anna Schaud, lives in Stanfold Township, and has two children, Viola and Lena. Arthur was born Dec. 28, 1896, and lives on the home place. He trained in army camps for a while during the World War. August was born March 18, 1898. Carl was born August 22, 1899. Ella was born March 29, 1902. Ida was born June 23,

Anders G. Rahm, a respected resident of Section 26, Stanfold Township, was born in Sweden, July 3, 1852, and was there reared. He received a good education, and being a man of considerable mathematical ability, he became a government surveyor. This profession he followed for many years. In

1906, however, he decided to seek his fortune in America. Accordingly, he came to this country and in time found his way to Barron County, where he purchased 120 acres of land in Section 26, Stanfold Township. This farm was partly improved, and a small barn had been built. Mr. Rahm put up a good frame house, a barn, machinery sheds and other buildings, and started to develop the place. It is now as good a farm as can be found in the neigh¬ borhood, with well-kept buildings, well-tilled acres, suitable fences, good stock, and an adequate equipment of tools, implements and machinery. One of the features of the place is an excellent and productive orchard. Mr. Rahm suc¬ cessfully farmed until 1919, when he turned the management over to his sons, Gustave and Warren A. He and his wife still live on the home place. He is well thought of by all who know him, and is highly regarded for his worth, his character and his ability. Mr. Rahm was married in Sweden, to Anna Shieldburg, who was born July 29, 1852, and this union has been blessed with seven children: Warned A., Frieda, Hedwig, Jernon, Gustave, Andrea, and Signa. Warner A. was born July 17, 1893, came to this country with his par¬ ents, received his education in the common schools of Sweden and America, and learned farming from his father. He is interested with his brother, Gus¬ tave, in the management of the home farm, but is working as a motorman on the street railway system in Minneapolis. Frieda was born March 7, 1882. She is the wife of Ferdinand Ahlstrom, of Sweden, and has seven children. Hedwig was born Oct. 19, 1884. She is the wife of Charles Ingstrum, and lives in Vineland, N. J. Jernon was born in Sweden, Aug. 25, 1890, married Anna Steel, and lives in Minneapolis, Minn. Gustave was born Sept. 23, 1902, and is in partner¬ ship with his brother, Warner A., in the management of the home farm. Andrea was born Aug. 22, 1887, married Julmer Freeman, of Stanfold Township, and has one child, Rune. Signa was born July 16, 1880, married A. L. Ingstrom, of Minneapolis, Minn., and has one child, Wesley. The family faith is that of the Swedish Lutheran Church.

Frank J. Mlejnek, an energetic farmer of Section 1, Stanfold Township, where he owns a good farm of 280 acres, was born at Webster, S. D., Oct. 4, 1888, the son of John and Mary (Slavick) Mlejnek, natives of Bohemia, now living in Bear Lake Township. Frank J. was reared on the home farm, and educated in the South Dakota public schools. In 1911 he started out for him¬ self by renting farms in that state. He came to this county and bought his present place in 1918. The farm was then partly improved. He is building it up into a good place. He has a pleasant home, a barn with full basement, machine sheds, granary, and other buildihgs. He is successfully carrying on general farming and dairying, and has a good herd of cattle, headed by a fullblooded Durham sire. His machinery and equipment are good. He takes pride in the appearance of his place, he has a larger farm than most of his neighbors, and he is planning to get the most out of it in every way. Fraternally, he is a member of the Z. C. B. J. Mr. Mlejnek was married at Rice Lake, Dec. 10, 1913, to Christens Havel, the daughter of Joseph and Amelia Havel. She was born in Nebraska, July 18, 1893, came to this county in 1895, and located in Oak Grove. The father was killed by lightning in 1906. He was sitting in his home in Oak Grove Township, holding in his lap his son, George, then about three years old. The lightning killed the father, and stripped the clothing and shoes from the boy, leaving him still sitting in his father's lap, naked but un¬ harmed. The mother is still living on the home farm. Mr. and Mrs. Mlejnek have five bright children: Mary, born Oct. 26, 1914; Joseph, born Feb. 6, 1916; Hellen, born Aug. 6, 1917; Edward, born Feb. 27, 1919; and Frank, born Aug. 17, 1920.

Fred Weber, an energetic farmer of Section 1, Stanfold Township, was born at Tower City, N. D., April 22, 1896, the son of John and Katherine (Valerius) Weber, natives respectively of Germany and Minnesota. After farming for some years in North Dakota, they came to Barron County in 1904, and purchased 80 acres in Section 1, Stanfold Township, where they started farming once more. There the father died in 1905 and the mother in June, 1913. Fred was a small boy when he came to this county. He attended the district schools, and learned farming on the home place. He has gradually taken over its management. He thoroughly understands his business and is doing good work. He successfully carries on general farming and dairying, and has a good herd of cattle, headed by a full-blooded sire. He raises good crops and is already well along the road to success. Mr. Weber was married June 28, 1919, at Cameron, in this county, to Margaret Klossner, who was born in Le Roy, Minn., on Nov. 14, 1898, the daughter of John and Anna Barbara (Dick) Klossner, the father a native of Switzerland and the mother of Wis¬ consin, who came to this locality twelve years ago and now live at Rice Lake, in this county. Mr. and Mrs. Weber have one son, Leroy, born Feb. 1, 1920. Mr. and Mrs. Weber are both well liked in the neighborhood, they are active in social affairs, and their home is always open to their friends.

William T. Larson, a prosperous farmer of Section 23, Stanfold Town¬ ship, was born in Denmark, Jan. 15, 1875, the son of Christopher and Mar¬ garet (Rasmussen) Larson, natives of that country, who came to America in 1889 and located in Waukesha County, Wisconsin, where he died the next year, the mother now living with the son, William T., at the age of eighty-seven years. The subject of this sketch attended school in Denmark, and came to this country with his parents in 1889 as a boy of fourteen. He early started to earn his own living, working in the woods and on farms. He bought his pres¬ ent farm in 1899. It was then a wild tract of cut-over land, with the frame of a house standing on it. He has developed the tract into a good farm and has put up a good frame house, a barn with a full basement, a granary, sheds and other buildings. He has fenced and cultivated the land, and has purchased good equipment. Here he successfully carries on general farming and dairy¬ ing, and has a good herd of graded Shorthorn cattle. He is a man of good judgment and good sense, and is a most estimable citizen in every respect. He is a stockholder in the Pleasant View Cheese Co. in Rice Lake Township. Fraternally, he is a popular member of the Beavers. Mr. Larson was mar¬ ried April 5, 1899, in Stanfold Township, to Mrs. Emma Michaud, who was born in Rice Lake Township, Feb. 22, 1869, the daughter of Henry and Charlotta (ShoDce) Sawyer. She was the widow of D. Michaud. Mr. and Mrs. Larson have four children: Evelyn C. was born Aug. 4, 1901, married Roy Chapman, of Pewaukee, and has twin daughters, Marjory and Dorothy. Leona V. was born April 6, 1903, married John Hauck, of Oak Grove, and has one child, Dewane. Violet C. was born April 26, 1906. Wanda M. was born Aug. 19, 1909. By her previous marriage, Mrs. Larson has two children: Cisoree Michaud, born Aug. 20, 1890, and George Michaud, born July 25, 1893.

Thor H. Johnson, veteran of the Civil War, pioneer of Barron County, and one of the real founders and builders of his community, came here in 1869, and bought 160 acres of railroad land in Section 19, east, Maple Grove Town¬ ship, cleared 100 acres and opened a farm. He built a good set of buildings, and for many years had what was considered the best and largest house in this part of the county. He was a progressive man, he believed in the future of the county, and he had a clear vision of the advantages to be gained by using modern methods and equipment. With this thought in view, he was the first man to own and operate a threshing machine in this county, thus inaugurating a new era in farm work. He was also a horse fancier, and raised and owned many fine animals. But it was not alone in material things that he took part. Being a thorough believer in education, as he was, he gave an acre of land for a school site to District No. 8, was a promoter of the project which resulted in the building of the schoolhouse there, and served as treas-. urer of the board for many years. He was also vitally interested in town affairs, helped to build some of the first roads, and served as supervisor for a long period. In many other ways, he took part in the progress of the com¬ munity, and had the respect and admiration of all who knew him, his reputa¬ tion extending far beyond the borders of the township in which he lived. After a busy life, filled with worthy endeavor, he died Nov. 2, 1914, and township and county united in mourning the loss of so good a citizen. .Thor H. John¬ son was born Sept. 16, 1845, in Norway, son of Oliver and Rena (Johnson) Johnson, who brought him to this country when he was a boy, and located on a farm in Illinois. Shortly after the outbreak of the Civil War he enlisted, and served until the close of that conflict. Upon his discharge he located in Chi¬ cago, where he engaged in the meat business. From there he came to Barron County. Mr. Johnson was married Oct. 26, 1867, to Anna Larson, who died April 28, 1878, leaving six children: John, Edward, Thomas, Henry, Daniel and Esther. Jan. 1, 1881, he. married Wilhelmina Storm, daughter of John and Sophia (Greenquist) Storm, natives of Sweden, who came to America in 1880, and settled in Maple Grove Township, this county, where they farmed the remainder of their lives, the father dying July, 1896, and the mother, March 12, 1899. By this marriage, Mr. Johnson had ten children: Alma, born Oct. 29, 1881, is now Mrs. Fred Richards, at Chetek, this county. Melvin was born April 4, 1883, and is a farmer in Maple Grove Township. Lena was born Dec. 25, 1885, and is the wife of John Wetzel, of Maple Grove Township. Emily was born Jan. 8, 1888, and is a trained nurse in Minneapolis. Myrtle was born Oct. 7, 1889, and is now Mrs. Adolph Olson, of Maple Grove Township. Ralph L. was born Aug. 6, 1892, and is now a farmer of Maple Grove Township. Fred was born Aug. 30, 1894, and is now a farmer near Chetek, this county. Viola, born March 8, 1897, is the wife of Raymond Hunt, of Maple Grove Township. Marion, born July 15, 1899, is now Mrs. Elmer Malum, living near Cameron, this county. Emmett was born Aug. 21, 1902, and now operates the farm for his mother.

Ralph L. Johnson, an energetic and prosperous farmer owning 120 acres in Section 17, east, Maple Grove Township, was born in the township where he still lives, Aug. 6, 1892, son of Thor H. and Wilhelmina (Storm) Johnson. He attended the district school, took a two-years' course at the Chetek High School, and in 1910 was graduated from the Chippewa Valley Business Col¬ lege at Chippewa Falls. Then for a time he was employed by the Jenney, Semple & Hill Wholesale House in Minneapolis. He purchased his present place in 1912. Before this, in addition to attending school and working in Minneapolis for a while, he had operated the home farm for a while and a rented farm for some three years. He now successfully carries on general farming and dairying, having a good herd of Holsteins, with a full-blooded sire at the head, and a good drove of Duroc-Jersey swine. Fraternally, Mr. Johnson is a member of the Mystic Workers. He and his family attend the Free Mission Church. Mr. Johnson was married April 10, 1917, to Garda Olson, daughter of William and Alice (Gullickson) Olson, natives respectively of Wisconsin and Norway, the former of whom is dead, and the latter of whom lives in Stan¬ ley Township, this county. Mr. and Mrs. Johnson have one child, Norma W., born July 1, 1918.

James Hansen, agriculturist and prominent man of affairs, prosperous farmer of Section 22, Stanfold Township, and leading public official, was born in Denmark, July 15, 1871, the son of Lars and Sophia (Peterson) Hansen, who came to the United States in 1892, and located at Rice Lake. James was the first of the family to come to America. He was reared and educated in his native land, and became thoroughly familiar with the stock raising and dairy¬ ing interests there. Upon coming to this country in 1890, at the age of nine¬ teen years, he located at Depere, in Brown County, this state, where he was variously employed on farms, in sawmills and on the railroads. In 1892 he came to Barron County, and bought a tract of 240 acres in Stanfold Township, one-half of which he sold, and one-half of which he still owns. When he took it, the tract was still wild. He put up a log house and a log barn, and started clearing up the land. At first he had only a yoke of cattle, a cow, and a few tools. Gradually he has built up a good place, and now has as good a farm as is to be found in the neighborhood. He has a modern, eight-room home, equipped with running water and other conveniences. The barn is commodious, and the other buildings suitable for their purpose. His equipment in tools, implements and machinery is excellent, and his land is well tilled and well fenced. He has a large herd of Holsteins, headed by a full-blooded sire. Aside from successfully conducting his farm, Mr. Hansen has served with distinc¬ tion in many public positions. He was first' elected assessor, and in this capac¬ ity showed fairness and good judgment. Next he was a member of the town board for some years. Subsequently, he was town clerk. His work in these responsible positions so commended itself to his constituents that in 1914 he was elected to his present position as chairman of the township. He makes a most admirable officer, arid is in favor of progress, especially in regard to good roads. His interest in highways has been the distinguishing feature of his excellent service on the county board. As a member of that body he is serv¬ ing on the road and bridge committee, and the work the county is doing in the way of better thoroughfares, is a matter of especial pride with him. For many years he has shown his interest in education by serving on the school board. His good judgment and sound sense have been a factor in the success of the Citizens' State Bank of Rice Lake, of which he is a director. He has done energetic and aggressive work as a director of the Barron County Fair Association. All in all, he is as useful a man as can be found in the commu- nity, and he stands high with all who know him as an estimable official, farmer, friend and neighbor. Mr. Hansen was married at Rice Lake, Oct. 27, 1896, to Olena Sorenson, who was born at Omaha, Neb., Sept. 9, 1876, the daughter of J. C. and Sophia Sorenson. Mr. and Mrs. Hansen have eleven children: Agnes, Flora, James, Lars, Alice, Irving, Leonard, Richard, Milas, Roger and Loretta.

John Gronlund is building up a good farm of 40 acres in Section 1, Stan¬ fold Township, Highway No. 12, where he has lived for a dozen years. He is one of the estimable men of the community, he is working hard to develop his place and conduct it successfully, and he is doing well at general farming and dairying. He is well liked throughout the community, and has many friends, both among his present neighbors and among those whom he knew in his lumbering days. He and his wife have a pleasant home, the doors are al¬ ways open to their friends, and they delight in extending hospitality to all. He has good equipment and good stock, and is making general improvements as time and means permit. He was born in Sweden, Nov. 4, 1871, the son of Anders and Anna (Marta) Gronlund, also natives of that county, the former being a carpenter and blacksmith by trade. The father died at the age of 84, Sept. 16, 1914. John received a good education in the common schools of his native land, and there grew to manhood. He came to America with his par¬ ents in 1894, and located at Grantsburg, Wis. For some years thereafter, he worked in the lumber woods and in saw mills. After some time the father bought a wild forty-acre 'tract in Emerald, Wis., but having but little money, and being old and sickly, John bought it from him and helped his parents to improve it. Then John sold it and after paying all his debts gave his parents most of the money. The mother died in Emerald, Wis., in August, 1905. In 1908, John Gronlund purchased his present place. It was then cut-over timber land. He built a frame house and a log barn and started clearing up the land. Later he erected a small log house for his father. He has broken, tilled and fenced the land, has put an addition on the barn, and has erected sheds and other outbuildings. Mr. Gronlund was married at Minneapolis, Minn., March 31, 1906, to Matilda Bergdahl, who was born in Sweden on May 4, 1875, the daughter of Frans Johan and Mathilda Cattrina Bergdahl. Mr. and Mrs. Gron¬ lund belonged to the Lutheran Church and now attend the Free Mission Church.

William Coleman, retired farmer living at Rice Lake, was born in Nebraska, and was there reared and educated. He came to Wisconsin in 1880, and with Eau Claire as his headquarters, worked for Knapp, Stout & Co. for fifteen years. In 1895 he took a homestead in Washburn County, not far from this county. He cleared the entire forty acres, put up a good set of buildings, and successfully carried on general farming until 1920, when he retired and moved to Rice Lake where he purchased a pleasant home. His wife died in 1885 and he married Gertie St. Clair. The three children in the family are: John, Ger¬ trude, now Mrs. Milo Curtis, and Harry.

Harry Coleman, well known and energetic garage man at Brill, is well versed in machinery, knows how to handle the public, and is doing a good local and tourist trade. He does general repairing of all kinds and handles a good line of accessories. The village is well located for such a business, and Mr. Coleman is making the most of his opportunities. He was born in Juneau County, this state, April 6, 1882, son of William and Effie (Wright) Coleman. He was brought to Washburn County, just over the line from Barron County, in 1885, and was there reared. He attended the district school at Brill, and helped at home with the farm work. In 1904 he became a stationary engineer. This line he successfully followed until 1919 when he opened his present establishment. Mr. Coleman married Angie Coleman, born at Mauston, Wis., daughter of Frank and Carrie (St. Clair) Coleman, the former of whom is dead and the latter of whom still lives at that place. Mr. and Mrs. Harry Coleman have five children : Nine, Grace, Effie, Arnold and Ester Lilly.

Mr. And Mrs. Harry Coleman

Carl G. Frederickson, prominent citizen, town official and successful farmer of Section 27, Stanfold Township, was born in Sweden, April 27, 1872, the son of Fred Oleson and Anna Cedar, also natives of that country. The father was employed for many years in Sweden as a foreman in lumber yards. In 1904 he retired, and came to America, and located in Stanfold, where he spent the remainder of his life. He died in 1906. His wife died in 1918. Carl G. was reared in Sweden, there attended school, and was reared to manhood. For a while he worked for his father in the lumber yards. He came to America in 1891 and located at Rice Lake, Wis., where he was employed for some years in the hub and spoke factory. In 1902 he bought his present place of 80 acres. It was then partly cleared, and a log house and barn had been erected. To the improvement, development and operation of this place he has since devoted his attention, with the best of results. In 1910 he built a frame barn, in 1913 he put up a pleasant home, and in 1918 he added a silo, machine sheds and other buildings. He carries on general farming, stock raising and dairying, and has a well-equipped farm and a good herd of stock. He is a stockholder in the Barron Creamery Co. at Barron, and in the Consumers' Store at Rice Lake. Fraternally, he is a popular member of the Modern Wood¬ men of America. In public affairs, Mr. Frederickson has taken an active part for many years. In 1908 he was elected town clerk, and in this position he has since served with credit to himself and to the satisfaction of the voters. He is painstaking in keeping the records, he has the interest of the town at heart, and he makes a most efficient and conscientious official. He has likewise done good work as a member of the School Board for some twelve years past, and is now the treasurer. Mr. Frederickson was married at Minneapolis, Minn., to Christena L. Johnson, who was born in Sweden, on Oct. 8, 1875, the daughter of Isaac and Marie (Dahlberg) Johnson, both now deceased. Mr. and Mrs. Frederickson have eight children: Eline A., born Oct. 22, 1895, who married William Anderson, of Stanfold Township, and has two children, Vivian E. and Dorris V.; Carl F., born Aug. 14, 1897; Ernest V., born March 8, 1900; Oscar was born Dec. 31, 1904; Elsie M., born July 21, 1907; Frieda C., born Aug. 5, 1909; Esther E., born March 5, 1912; and Hilding A., born March 21, 1915. The family faith is that of the Swedish Lutheran Church.

James A. Smith, Chetek photographer, and formerly for many years in¬ terested in the shipbuilding industry, has a successful studio, is an artist in his profession, and is a man of wide experience, genial personality, and pleas¬ ing temperament. He was born in Greenbush, Maine, Jan. 25, 1867, the son of Charles W. and Nancy (Philbrook) Smith, the former of whom was a native of the neighboring town of Greenfield. James A. was reared in his native state and was there educated. As a youth, he entered the employ of A. L. Young, dealer in ship timbers, of Auburn, Maine, for whom he got out ship timber for many years; first in Maine, New Hampshire and Vermont; then, beginning with 1889, in Canada; later, beginning with 1893, at Cameron, Barron County, this state; and finally, beginning with 1899, in Glen Flora, in Rusk County, this state. In the meantime he had become an enthusiastic amateur photographer, and decided to take up that line as a profession. Consequently, in 1904, he opened a studio at New Auburn, in Chippewa County. In 1906 he opened a studio at Cameron, in this county; and in March, 1908, opened his present studio at Chetek. He does artistic photography, sells amateur supplies and looks after amateur finishing and enlarging, and also has a good framing department. Mr. Smith was married at Arundle, Quebec, Canada, to Mar¬ garet Dubeau, a native of that place. This union has been blessed with four children: Ozro John, Alfred ,W., Helen Gladys and Inez Evelyn. Ozro John was born in Canada, April 30, 1892, became a marine engineer, and is now in Mexico. Alfred W. was born in Cameron, this county, July 28, 1899, and is now a Chetek tailor. Helen Gladys was born at Glen Flora, this state, Oct. 29, 1905. Inez Evelyn was born in Cameron, this county, July 19, 1907.

leading business men of Chetek, and his establishment does much to give that city the metropolitan air and modern spirit so much admired by the summer visitors and the travelers. He is a native of this state, born in Polk County, July 16, 1876, the son of C. W. and Elizabeth (Coombs) Abbott, the former of whom was for many years a mill man, and is now farming in Lincoln Town¬ ship near Amery, in Polk County. Charles A. attended the district schools of Polk County, and then entered the Amery High School, from which he was graduated in 1906. He early became interested in the drug business, and even while at school spent his spare time in a local drug store. After graduation he continued to work in the drug store for a year. He then entered the Uni¬ versity of Minnesota at Minneapolis, and was graduated in pharmacy from that institution in 1908. Then he became prescription clerk for the Danielson Drug Co. at Amery. With this experience, he subsequently worked in drug stores at Minot, N. D., and Ladysmith, Ashland and Hayward, Wis. In 1912, he came to Chetek and purchased the drug business of W. R. Hath way. This business he has developed into one of the finest drug establishments in the county. A specialty is made of the compounding of drugs, at which Mr. Abbott is an expert. The other lines, however, are not neglected, and the store car¬ ries an unusually complete supply of confectionery, stationery, cigars, tobac¬ cos, smokers' supplies, school supplies, books, toilet articles and various novel¬ ties. A soda water fountain is also maintained. The fittings are modern and sightly, while the chemical department is most excellently equipped with scien¬ tific conveniences. Mr. Abbott has taken a deep interest in the affairs of the community, and has done most excellent work on the school board. He is a stockholder in the Farmers & Merchants Bank of Chetek, and in the Barron County Canning Co., of Chetek. In the Masonic Order he belongs to the Blue Lodge at Chetek, and the Chapter at Rice Lake. He is also a member of the Elks at Chippewa. Mr. Abbott was married March 26, 1909, to Minnie Marie Pergandie, and this union has been blessed with four children: Blanche and Beatrice, deceased; and Mildred and Lloyd. The family attends the Presby¬ terian Church.

Frank J. Smatlak, taxidermist, has a reputation that extends far beyond the borders of the state, and his establishment is making the name of Barron County synonymous with the artistic taxidermy among museums, scientists and sportsmen throughout a wide territory. He was born in Chicago, Ill., Dec. 3, 1889, son of Benjamin and Josephine (Srb) Smatlak, natives of Bohemia, who now live in Cicero, Ill. Educated in the public schools of his native city, he took up taxidermy as a youth, and subsequently received practical training in some of the best schools of taxidermy in Chicago and in some of the best establishments there. He combines with the technical skill thus acquired a sportsman's true love for animals, and takes an artistic delight in preserving nature's forms and colors. He located in Haugen and opened a studio in 1915. There the business grew rapidly until he had the most important industry in the place. Nov. 1, 1921, desiring larger quarters and better facilities, he moved to Rice Lake, where he has a studio at 421 North Main Street. The literature he issues is attractive and his establishment is constantly growing. A descrip¬ tion recently published reads substantially as follows: "Mr. Smatlak has the only studio in his line in Barron County, located in a two-story building at 421 North Main Street, Rice Lake. The upper floor is used as a residence, with the store and office on the first floor, and the workshop in the rear, which is thoroughly equipped for the purpose. He carries the largest stock of mounted birds, animals, game heads, fish, and fur rugs and other specialties of this kind in the state, and specializes in artistic, grouping and mounting for schools, colleges and private collections. Mr. Smatlak has had fifteen years' experience in scientific taxidermy, including museum work; also longer experience in com¬ mercial taxidermy, and is equipped for mounting in the best manner all kinds of birds, animals, fish, game heads, reptiles, and the like, samples of his work in all lines being on exhibition at his Art Taxidermist Studio. His trade now extends not only throughout Wisconsin, but to nearly every state in the Union, orders being received daily in season, both by mail and express, his business as a whole being about the largest in this line in the state." Mr. Smatlak has identified himself with the affairs of the community and holds stock in the Haugen State Bank, the Chippewa Falls Silver Fox Co. and the Wisconsin Skead Mines, Limited. He is well liked through the community. Ready to "do his bit" in the World War, he was inducted into the U. S. service April 2, 1918, in Puget Sound, 11th Co., and was sent to Fort Casey, Wash.; was transferred to Fort Warden, Wash., into the 7th Co., Heavy Coast Artillery, and trained there until the armistice was signed; was then shipped to Camp Grant, and was discharged Jan. 1, 1919. During his absence his place of business was closed, but he reopened it immediately on his return. Mr. Smatlak was married June 1, 1920, to Sylvia Borkovec, of Haugen, and they have one child, Lillian Marie, born April 4, 1921. The family faith is that of the Roman Catholic Church. Mr. Smatlak has a brother, Jerry, who assists in the work.

Nels Solum, one of the prominent farmers of Doyle Township, and man¬ ager of the Campia Warehouse of the Albert Miller Potato Co., is one of the real leaders in this vicinity. He is a good farmer and a good business man, he understands the potato business in all its phases, he knows what is fair to the grower, to the dealer and to the consumer and he stands high as a citizen. He was born in Norway, April 16, 1866, son of Nels Nelson and Nickolena Hovde, natives of that country, who spent the span of their years there. He received his education and boyhood training in Norway, and came to America in 1883 as a youth of seventeen years. For many years he was in the employ of the Knapp, Stout & Co., part of the time in their lumber camps, and part of the time as a clerk in their hardware store at Rice Lake. During this period, his headquarters were at Rice Lake. In 1900 he took up farming as a renter in Doyle Township. He bought his present farm of 80 acres in Section 6, Doyle Township, to which he has since successfully devoted much of his attention. When he purchased the place the farm was but little developed. There was a log house and a few crude sheds, and a few acres of breaking. He has built a good frame house, a commodious barn, and other suitable buildings, and has developed the farm until it is as good as can be found in the neighborhood. He carries on general farming and pays particular attention to dairying with his herd of Holstein-Friesian cattle. Aside from the home farm, he owns a similar tract in the same section which is operated by his sons, Cyril and Harold. Mr. Solum is a member of the Modern Woodmen. Mr. Solum was married in December, 1891, to Julia Evanson, of Maple Grove Township, who was born in Norway, 1866, daughter of Ole Evanson and Agnette (Christian¬ son) Evanson. Mr. and Mrs. Solum have nine children: Nora, Helen, Cyril, Harold, Griffin, Gladys and Lester. Nora is the wife of Arnold Strand, of Doyle Township. Helen is the wife of Arthur Strand, of Rice Lake Township. The family faith is that of the Norwegian Lutheran Church.

Henry Wilz, public man and prominent citizen of Rice Lake, was born in Milwaukee County, this state, Dec. 10, 1856. He came to Rice Lake in 1886, from Kaukauna, Wis., where he had been engaged for some years in the manu¬ facture of hubs and spokes, and opened a similar plant here. Ten years later he transferred the scene of his operations to Dexter, Missouri, and still later to Clarksville, Mississippi. In 1900 he retired, and returned to Rice Lake, where he still resides. When the City of Rice Lake was incorporated in 1887, he was a member of the first board of aldermen. He served in the same posi¬ tion at intervals for nine years, and was a member of the last board, under the old charter. When the commissioner system was adopted, he was one of the first board of commissioners. In other ways, as well, he has been important in public life, and in his business he was uniformly successful. His financial in¬ terests include stock in the Citizens State Bank and city property. He is a popular member of the Catholic Knights, and he and his family attend the Catholic Church. Mr. Wilz was married Nov. 19, 1878, to Johanna Cortenhoof, who was born in Outagamie County, Wis., Aug. 5, 1855. This union haB been blessed with five children: Anna, John H., Minnie, William and Harry. Anna was born Oct. 8, 1879, and is the wife of Charles J. Beecher, of Leona, Wis. John H. was born June 29, 1883, and is a Rice Lake banker. Minnie was born April 23, 1886, and is the wife of Harry Whitney, of Rice Lake. William was born April 5, 1890, and died April 3, 1900. Harry was born March 9, 1895, and died Aug. 14, 1895.

John H. Wilz, cashier of the Citizens State Bank, of Rice Lake, is one of the prominent men of the town, and is one of that generation whose energy, will-power, ability and vision are bringing the county to the leading position it occupies among its sister counties in the state. Not only has his personality been an important factor in the success of the bank with which he is connected, but he has also assisted in the agricultural development of the county, being extensively interested in real estate in the city and country. He is especially proud of the Maple Hill Stock Farm, which is under his personal supervision, a farm of 120 acres in Stanfold Township, where he is making a specialty of graded Holstein cattle, headed by a full-blooded sire. He also gives much of his attention to a 40-acre grain farm, located within the city limits. Mr. Wilz was born in Kaukauna, Wis., June 29, 1883, son of Henry and Johanna (Cortenhoof) Wilz. He was brought to Rice Lake as a boy, and attended the parochial schools, later studying in the public schools of Dexter, Mo., and Clarksville, Miss. His business education was received in the Bushey Brothers' Business College, at Appleton, Wis. For some years he was in the spoke and hub business with his father. Then for a while he was with the Wilz & Tremper Lumber Co. at Rice Lake. In May, 1903, he became bookkeeper in the Citizens State Bank of Rice Lake. In 1907 he was made assistant cashier and in 1915 assumed the duties of his present position. He is a member of the local Com¬ mercial Club and of the Catholic Foresters and the Knights of Columbus. His political affiliation is with the Republican Party. Mr. Wilz was married May 6, 1905, to Laura Demers, who was born July 30, 1885, daughter of Frederick I. Demers, and this union has been blessed with four children: Rufus, born Sept. 25, 1906; Dorothy H., born May 11, 1913; Marjorie H., born April 23, 1915; and John H., Jr., born Jan. 21, 1920.

Oscar G. Jensen, city clerk of Rice Lake and secretary-treasurer of the Rice Lake Building & Loan Association, is one of the progressive, enterprising young men of the city, and is taking his share in everything which he believes to be for the best good of the community at large. He was born in Christiania, Norway, Sept. 8, 1881, son of E. and Martha (Peterson) Jensen, the former of whom died in 1903, and the latter of whom still makes her home in the old country. Oscar G. received an excellent education in Norway, passing through the graded schools and the high school, and then taking a two-years' course in a business college, and a one-year course in a university in Norway. He landed in America April 2, 1902, and came directly to Barron County, being employed for one year as bookkeeper for the Rice Lake Manufacturing Co. at Rice Lake, and then starting work for the abstract department of the Barron County Bank, of the same place. In the meantime he took a two-years' course in ac¬ counting and commerce, with the International Correspondence Schools of Scranton, Penn. May 1, 1912, he was elected to his present position, and has since served with distinction and ability. He thoroughly understands the city affairs, he has made a critical study of the city records, and he conducts the office in a manner which gives general satisfaction to the officials and to the taxpayers. Mr. Jensen is quiet and unassuming in manner, but of a genial temperament, and is well liked by all with whom he comes in contact. When the Rice Lake Building & Loan Association was formed in 1921 for the pur¬ pose of assisting in the upbuilding of homes in this part of the state, he was chosen as a most suitable man to fill the position of secretary and treasurer, and in the short time the company has been in existence he has shown the wisdom of his having been selected. In 1912, he purchased a business building at 301 Hatten Street. In 1920 he bought out the grocery store which occupied the building, and organized the Jensen Grocery Co., of which he is the sole owner, and which he operates through a manager. He is also interested in other business ventures. Mr. Jensen was married June 26, 1912, at Rice Lake, to Ettie Olivia Knudson, daughter of Knud and Emma (Olsen) Knudson, of Rice Lake. Mr. and Mrs. Jensen reside in a pleasant, modern home at 18 Phipps Avenue, which they erected in 1917. They are the parents of two chil¬ dren: Oscar Gerhard, born July 4, 1913; and Ruth Olivette, born Dec. 8, 1915. The family faith is that of the Lutheran Church.

Clarence A. Polland, now deceased, of the firm of Frank & Polland, real estate and insurance, Rice Lake, food administrator during the World War, and supervisor from the Fourth Ward at the time of his death, was born in the Township of Alton, Waseca County, Minn., Nov. 12, 1879. He spent all his early life in his native state, and came to Rice Lake in 1910 to take charge of a milk route. He soon sold out and took up the plumbing business. Then he took up real estate, insurance and farming, and formed a partnership with F. W. Frank. He was an upright, energetic young business man with many close friends, and his death, Feb. 8, 1920, was sincerely mourned. This untimely event took place in Ordway, Colo., while he was visiting his mother there. Fraternally, Mr. Polland was a member of the Masonic Order. He was mar¬ ried Oct. 16, 1912, to Emma M., the daughter of F. W. and Lena (Schweppe) Frank.

F. W. Frank, of the firm of Frank & Polland, real estate and insurance, Rice Lake, is one of the substantial, influential men of the community, and is doing his share in promoting the development of the county, especially in demonstrating to outsiders the desirability of Barron County life, and induc¬ ing outsiders to settle here and improve farms, this increasing the general pros¬ perity. He was born in Cook County, Ill., Dec. 17, 1858, son of Fritz and Mary (Lendt) Frank, natives of Germany. Fritz Frank was born July 12, 1827, and came to America as a young man, and was married in Illinois, in which state they lived until 1860, when they located in Seagle Township, Brown County, Minn. They were in the path of the Sioux Massacre of 1862, but managed to escape at the first alarm, and in due time returned and continued their agri¬ cultural operations. In 1887, the family moved to the Village of Sleepy Eye, where the father died May 25, 1890, the mother now making her home in Prince¬ ton, Minn., at the good old age of 88 years. The subject of this sketch was taken to Brown County, when he was two years old, and was but four when the terrible scenes of the Sioux Massacre were enacted. He received his early education in the district schools, learned farming from his father, and remained with his parents until 1884. Then he started farming for himself in Stark Township, Brown County. In 1892 he worked in a hardware and lumber estab¬ lishment and so continued for three years. Then, in 1895, together with Frank Goettsche, he engaged in the hardware business at Sleepy Eye, Minn. He sold out his interest in 1901, and for two years traveled in Washington and Okla¬ homa. He came to Rice Lake in 1903, and with Mr. Goettsche again as his part¬ ner, engaged in the hardware business once more. In 1904 they erected a build¬ ing at 128 North Main Street. The business was sold in 1911, and in that year Mr. Frank formed a partnership with C. A. Polland, who afterward became his son-in-law. Under the firm name of Frank & Polland they engaged in the real estate and insurance business at Rice Lake. Mr. Polland died suddenly Feb. 8, 1920, but the business retains the firm name, Mrs. Polland looking after her husband's interests. The insurance department is limited to fire insur¬ ance within the city. The real estate and loan business covers a territory that extends even beyond the boundaries of the county. The firm is constantly growing in all its branches. Mr. Frank was married June 17, 1884, to Lena Schweppe, who was born in Illinois, Jan. 26, 1863. Their daughter, Emma M., was born May 11, 1885, and was married Oct. 16, 1912, to Clarence A. Polland, now deceased.

Peter Enders, retired fanner living in Rice Lake, was born in Washington County, Wis., July 9, 1860, son of John B. and Barbara (Meisner) Enders. John B. Enders was born in Germany, and there learned the shoemakers' trade. He came to America at the age of 28 years, and studied English in an evening school in New York City, where he followed his trade for a while. Then he came to Wisconsin, and took up his trade at Milwaukee, then a small place. At one time he owned twelve acres near what is now the business center of that city. He was married there to Barbara Meisner, who was born in Ger¬ many and came to America when twelve years of age. After his health failed, he moved to Washington County, where he farmed for 13 years. Then he sold the place and moved to Pierce County, also in this state, where two years later he died. His wife then moved to Loyal, in Clark County, this state, where she died. Peter grew to manhood in Pierce County. For many years he farmed, at home and in the neighborhood, with the exception of a few seasons he worked in the woods, until 1901, having purchased a farm of 120 acres in 1893. May 22, 1901, he came to Barron County, and bought a farm of 120 acres in Section 35, Oak Grove Township. This was partly improved. He set to work and cleared about 50 acres more, and built up a fine farm, erecting a good frame house, a large, modern barn, and numerous outbuildings. There he successfully fol¬ lowed general farming, dairying and stock raising. He had a good herd of Holstein cattle with a full-blooded sire at its head, and a good drove of horses. He was also a sheep fancier, having first a herd of Cotswold and Shropshire breeds, and later a herd of full-blooded Oxfords. He did things on a success¬ ful scale, and was one of the representative men of the community. In the spring of 1920, he sold the farm, and retired to Rice Lake, where he bought his present home, a fine, modern semi-bungalow, at 832 Lake Street, facing the lake shore, where he and his wife are enjoying the comforts of a well-earned rest. Fraternally, Mr. Enders is a member of the Catholic Knights. Mr. Enders was married May 7, 1895, to Thekla Rupp, the daughter of Joseph and Caroline (Ott) Rupp, now deceased, who was born in Wurtemburg, Germany, Sept. 26, 1862, came to America in 1890 and located at Reed's Landing, in Wa¬ basha County, Minn. Mr. and Mrs. Enders have had four children. Caroline Barbara was born Feb. 26, 1899. Joseph, and two unnamed children, died in in¬ fancy. The daughter, Miss Caroline, is a member of the Catholic Order of Foresters. The family worships at St. Joseph's Roman Catholic Church at Rice Lake.

Andrew O. Erstad, proprietor of a well-established tailor shop in Rice Lake, 17 North Main Street, was born in Norway, July 23, 1870, son of Ole and Olive (Martison) Erstad, the former of whom is still living in Norway and the latter of whom died in 1883. Andrew O. attended school in his native land and was apprenticed to a tailor at the age of fourteen. He came to America in 1888, and secured employment at his trade in Beloit, Wis. He came to Rice Lake in the winter of 1891 and entered the employ of Nels Haugen. In 1894 he went to Minneapolis, where he was employed six months by the Plymouth Clothing House. Then he went to Duluth, and for two years was employed at his trade with J. S. Lane. In 1896 he again came to Rice Lake and again en¬ tered the employ of Mr. Haugen. He started business for himself in 1904. He is an excellent tailor, and has a good trade, making suits and overcoats, and doing renovating, mending and pressing. He has been secretary of Val¬ halla Lodge No. 7, Scandinavian-American Fraternity, for six years past. Mr. Erstad was married Oct. 6, 1896, at Rice Lake, to Anna Ruud, daughter of Gilbert and Eliza Ruud. Mr. and Mrs. Erstad have four children:1 Lillian M., Linmore G. O., Arman M. and Wendell W. Lillian M. was born Nov. 13, 1897, and was graduated from the local high school in 1917 and for the past four years has been employed as a stenographer and bookkeeper. Linmore G. O. was born Jan. 3, 1901, and was graduated from the Rice Lake High School in 1921. Arman M., born May 18, 1903, and Wendell W., born Dec. 26, 1905, are both attending school.

Gust Floberg, retired farmer living at 113 Hatten Avenue, Rice Lake, was born in Sweden, Sept. 29, 1861, son of Andrew and Kate Johnson, who spent the span of their years in that country. He came to America in May, 1881, and located in Maridale, Kansas, where he farmed for several years. In 1891 he came to Rice Lake, and secured employment in a hub and spoke factory. Three years later he purchased forty acres within the limits of the city of Rice Lake. This was all covered with heavy timber. He cleared a part of the land, erected a log house and barn which he later replaced with frame buildings, and there farmed until 1920, when he sold out and moved to his present residence. He is well thought of in the community and has reared a good family. Mr. Floberg was married Jan. 19, 1886, in Kansas, to Mary Anderson, daughter of John and Johannah (Carlson) Anderson, who came to this country in 1862, and located first in New York State, then moved to Canada, and in 1866 went to Kansas, where they farmed until the father's death in 1879, after which the mother came to Wisconsin and died in 1900. Mr. and Mrs. Floberg have ten children: Lelia 0., Clara C., Mabel E., Minnie E., Ethel M., Clarence G., Lora V., Florence E., Amy O. and Lester W. Lelia 0. was born in Kansas, Jan. 30, 1887. married Osker Halverson, Oct. 16, 1912, at Rice Lake, lives in Superior, Wis., and has one child, Eleanor L.', born March 22, 1914. Clara C. was born in Kansas, April 26, 1888, was married at Rice Lake, April 26, 1917, to Victor Nehs, lives at Neilsville, and has one child, De Wayne Pershing, born Oct. 17, 1918. Mabel E. was born Oct. 12, 1890, in Kansas, and lives at home in Rice Lake. The rest of the children were born in Rice Lake. Minnie E. was born Feb. 12, 1892, and died May 18, 1904. Ethel M. was born Nov. 4, 1893, and is clerking in a store in Duluth. Clarence G. was born April 7, 1894, and is farm¬ ing in Rice Lake Township. Lora V. was born Sept. 6, 1896, and is teaching in Cumberland, this county. Florence E. was born May 24, 1897, married J. C. Derifield, Aug. 3, 1918, and lives at Appleton, Wis. Amy O. was born Jan. 3, 1898, and is teaching at Birchwood, Wis. Lester W. was born Oct. 12, 1900, and is an electrical worker at Oshkosh, Wis.

R A. Roes, D. D. S., a well-known citizen and active practitioner of Rice Lake, was born at Mount Pleasant, Iowa, Sept. 7, 1888, the son of Edwin A. and Hattie L. (Lee) Ross, natives of that state. The father, a farmer of substan¬ tial worth, died Jan. 16, 1896, 'and the mother now lives at Superior, Wis. The subject of this sketch received his early education in the public schools of his native place. Three years of his high school training was received at Crookston, Minn., and one year at Superior, Wis. He also took a thorough commercial course in the New Era Business College at Superior. In 1914, he entered the Chicago College of Dental Surgery, and graduated with his degree in May, 1917. He was active in college affairs, and was honored with membership in the Delta Sigma Delta, of which he served as Grand Master. In both his junior and senior year, he and a number of his classmates offered their services to the Canadian and English authorities for overseas work, but did not receive a call. After the entry of the United States into the World War, he offered his serv¬ ices to the United States Government, and in August, 1917, was commissioned First Lieutenant in the Dental Reserve Corps. While awaiting a call to duty, he came to Rice Lake with a friend, for an outing, seeking recreation in hunt¬ ing, fishing and travel. He was pleased with the aspect of the city, he met a number of business and professional men who urged him to cast his lot here, he found the farming people genial and prosperous, and he therefore decided to establish himself here permanently. In June, 1917, he entered into partner¬ ship with F. A. Tate, and this partnership continued until July, 1921, when Dr. Ross opened an office of his own in the new Citizens State Bank Building, at the corner of Maine and West Newton Streets. He has a pleasant suite of rooms most admirably suited to their purpose, with modern appliances and well equipped laboratory. Dr. Ross is a skilled practitioner and operator, he has the well-deserved confidence of the people, and his list of clients is constantly in¬ creasing. He keeps abreast of the times in his profession, and is a useful and active factor in the life of Rice Lake. It is interesting to note that Dr. Ross is a charter member of the Trowel Club, an organization of dentists who are also Masons. Fraternally, he is a member of Superior Lodge No. 236, A. F. & A. M. The Rice Lake Commercial Club numbers him among its active workers. Dr. Ross is a lover of the out-of-doors and takes his recreation in hunting, fishing and other sports which carry him into the open. He is regarded as one of the coming men of the community and is already well along the road to success. Dr. Ross was married Sept. 25, 1918, in Chicago, Ill., to Mabel Kathryn Weller, who was born in Chicago, May 6, 1892, daughter of Frank and Emma (Wagner) Weller. $he acquired her education in Chicago. Dr. and Mrs. Ross have one child, Betty Virginia, born Feb. 20, 1921.

Rev. J. E. Nord, retired, was born at Skareide, in Nordfjord, Norway, Dec. 14, 1852, and is the youngest of the four children born to Erick and Gunhild Nord, the former of whom died at the age of 88 and the latter at the age of 95 years. An ancestor, Erick Nord, was a member of the Constitutional As¬ sembly at Eidsvold, in 1814, when Norway was declared independent, and a signer of the constitution. The subject of this sketch attended school until he was fourteen years of age, and then became a teacher. He wished to come to America in early youth, but the American Civil War was then raging, and his parents objected to his venturing to a country torn with fraternal strife. Ac¬ cordingly he delayed until 1873, when he made the trip safely, and located at Torch Lake, Antrim County, Mich. In the fall of the following year he was admitted to the Augsburg Seminary, Minneapolis, Minn., where he studied six years, spending his vacations in teaching church schools. He was graduated in May, 1880, and was ordained at Palestine, in Storey County, Iowa, in June of that year. His first charge was at Liberty Pole, Vernon County, Wis., where he served three congregations. His work there attracted attention, and on Dec. 30, 1882, he was called to take charge of the extensive work centering at Rice Lake. He came here May 20, 1883, and has thus been a useful citizen for nearly forty years. His field extended from Ashland to Chetek, from Rhine¬ lander to Amery, a territory now served by fourteen different pastors of his denomination. For thirty-six and a half years he gave the best that was in him of service and devotion, spending his life, his health and his energy in the cause of truth. He served permanently twelve congregations and temporarily twenty-one congregations, making thirty-three in all, in addition to fourteen stations, the total communicants being 5,035. He organized sixteen congrega¬ tions, held 5,361 services, had 7,240 sessions with confirmation classes, visited 1,552 sick persons, baptized 2,030, confirmed 1,092, presided at 383 weddings, and buried 575 persons. For eighteen years he was president and visitor of the Rice Lake District, and for several years visitor for the Eau Claire District. His permanent congregations were at Rice Lake, Barron, Chetek, Freeman, Franklin, Fountain, Faaberg, Aker, Zion, Concordia, Stanfold and Hayward. His temporary congregations were at: Sparta, La Crosse, Bostwick Valley, Blair, French Creek, Houston, Luny Valley, Long Lake, Weyerhauser, Glen Flora, Ladysmith, Catawba, Hawkins, Knox Mills, Ashland, Chippewa Falls, Stanley, Elk Creek, North La Crosse, Rocky Ridge, Cedar Lake, Haugen and Spooner, all in Wisconsin except Luny Valley and Houston. His stations were at Bad Ax, Ridgway, Kickapoo, New Lisbon, Camp Douglas, Cameron, town of Clinton, town of Stanfold, Vance Creek, Jewett Mills, Amory, Shell Lake, Drummond, Seeley and Smith Lake. He was a pastor of untiring energy, a minister of his people, who lived their lives with them in happiness and sorrow, baptized, catechised and confirmed their children, wedded their young people, joined in church festivities, watched by beds of sorrow, consoled the doubtful and grieving, admonished the wayward, upheld the righteous and buried the dead. In his studio he was a profound student and thinker, weighing all problems with much care, and in his pulpit he was a straight¬ forward speaker who spoke the Word as it had revealed itself to him without fear or favor of man. With stern justice and an insistence on auster- ity of conduct, he mingled a kindly and affectionate understanding of human weaknesses, and he was, all in all, a real father of his people. In 1916 in¬ creasing years caused him to turn the pastoral work over to others, but he still supplies pulpits on special occasions, and he has never lost his interest in his people, and they still call him pastor, though other men are now nobly taking up the work that he has officially laid down. Pastor Nord has made two trips to the old country. The first was in 1879, just before he was ordained, when he still had a boyish longing to see the land of his birth and childhood. The sec¬ ond was in the height of his career, in 1890, when his health has been broken by the untiring effort and hard work incident to a pioneer pastor's life, com¬ bined with the long, slow drives that he found it necessary to take through the cold and snow of winter months in a new and sparsely settled country. Through all his years of toil and labor, he has been assisted by his noble wife, who has proved a sympathetic Christian helpmate, mother and friend, and who has shared all his work. She is truly one of those of whom it may be said, "And her children shall rise up and call her blessed." Pastor Nord was married June 21, 1880, to Caroline Larson, who was born in Norway, Dec. 28, 1857, daughter of Christian and Bertha (Kildahl) Larson, who came to America in 1868 and settled in Baker County, Minn., where she was reared and educated. Mr. and Mrs. Nord have ten children: Hulda, Enok Krysostomus, Gunnar Betuel, Johannes Kleofas, Ragna, Lieutenant Samuel Kornelius, Gudrun Lydia, Dagny Aagaate, Olaf Arnold and Harald. Hulda was born April 5, 1881, married Al¬ bert Jorstad, of Cameron, and has one child, Agnes. Enok Krysostomus was born Sept. 27, 1882, and is in the real estate and insurance business at Rice Lake. Gunnar Betuel was born Sept. 6, 1884, lives in Warren, Minn., married Bertha Larson, and has six children, Caroline, Erling, Arnold, Alzada, Harold and Oscar. Johannes Kleofas was born Jan. 11, 1887, graduated from the Uni¬ versity of Wisconsin, married Marie Spei, and is a high school teacher at Hast¬ ings, Minn. He has one child, Shirley. Ragna was born April 17, 1889, and is superintendent in charge of the Hydro-Therapeutic Department in the Dea¬ coness Lutheran Hospital in Chicago, Ill. Lieutenant Samuel Kornelius gave his life in the World War. Gudrun Lydia was born May 27, 1896, and is the wife of William Honebrink, of Sauk Rapids, Minn. Dagny Aagaate was born March 8, 1896, and is the wife of August Erdmann, of St. Paul. Olaf Arnold was born Dec. 8, 1897, and lives in Warren, Minn. Harald was born July 20, 1905, and is doing well in the public schools.

Lieut. Samuel Kornelius Nord was born at Rice Lake, Jan. 21, 1892, grad¬ uated from the Rice Lake High School, and attended the University of Wiscon¬ sin for three semesters. At the entry of the United States into the World War, he offered his services, and was sent to training camp at Fort Sheridan, Ill. He was commissioned as second lieutenant in August, 1917, and was assigned to duty at Camp Custer, from Sept. 1, 1917, to July 12, 1918. He sailed from Camp Mills, New York, July 21, 1918, with Co. E, 338th Infantry, and after his arrival in France was assigned to Co. K, 128th Infantry, 32nd Division. He was under continuous fire with that company on the Meuse- Argonne front for forty days, and on Nov. 3, 1918, was promoted to first lieutenant. On the morn¬ ing of Nov. 10, he was sent out in command of a force to locate and attack the Germans. He found the enemy and drove them back eight miles. Then the Germans started a counter attack, and met with fierce resistance. Expected support had failed to follow the attacking Americans, and overwhelmed by superior numbers, all the officers of the Third Battalion were wiped out. The last surviving officer, Lieutenant Nord, made a desperate rally of the battalion against the 192nd German Division, at the Dun sur Meuse bridgehead, north¬ east of the Village of Vilosnes. He fell, pierced by three bullets from a ma¬ chine gun, one through the stomach, one through the abdomen and one through the right leg. He was picked up by the stretcher bearers, but bereft of officers the battalion gradually yielded ground, and the bearers did not get their dying commander from the field. He said to them : "Boys ! Drop me and save your- selves !" These were his last words. They left him on the field of his glory and he thus passed from mortal ken. William Shultz, who conveyed the story of his end to his parents, says of him: "Lieutenant Nord was a good officer, and was liked by all the men."

Gottlieb Frion, veteran of the Civil War, a prisoner of Andersonville, and a pioneer of Stanfold Township, this county, was born in Mettenberg, Ger¬ many, and was there reared and educated. He came to the United States as a young man in 1860, finding work at Dunkirk, New York. At the outbreak of the Civil War he enlisted in Co. H, 72nd Regiment, New York Vol. Inf., and served two years and ten months, participating in a number of important en¬ gagements, including the Battle of Gettysburg. He was twice wounded and once taken prisoner, being confined in the famous Andersonville Prison. He was honorably discharged June 5. 1865. In 1876 he came to Rice Lake, this county, then a small hamlet. From here he went to Trempealeau County, Wis. In 1879 he came back to Barron County and, after living in Rice Lake Township for a while, took a homestead in Stanfold Township, Section 10. He developed a good farm, and there successfully carried on agricultural operations until 1890, when he retired and moved to Rice Lal^e. He died Dec. 14, 1912, at the . age of eighty years. His wife, who was Theresa Hager, a native of Austria, is still living in Rice Lake. They were the parents of six children. Joseph P. is a business man of Rice Lake. Frank M. resides in Cornell, Wis. Mary is the wife of L. C. Bosworth, of Beloit, Wis. John, Carl and an unnamed infant are dead.

Joseph P. Frion, business man of Rice Lake, and prominent in fraternal circles here, was born on a farm in Rice Lake Township, Oct. 7, 1880, son of Gottlieb and Theresa (Hager) Frion, the pioneers. He attended the city schools and as a youth secured employment in the planing mill of the Rice Lake Lum¬ ber Co. May 10, 1903, he went to Drummond, Wis., and was employed in a saw¬ mill for the Rusk Owen Lumber Co. His successive employments were then as follows: In 1905 in mills at Bibon, Wis.; in the fall of 1905 at Ashland, Wis., for the Schroeder Lumber Co. ; in 1906 in sawmills at Iron River, Wis., for the Iron River Lumber Co. ; in 1907 in sawmills at Rib Lake, Wis., for the Rib Lake Lumber Co.; in the fall of 1907 braking on freight trains for the Wisconsin Central Railroad Co., out of Abstford; in 1908 at Ackley, Minn., in sawmills for the Red River Lumber Co. and in sawmills at Forestville, Wis., for the Vilas Lumber Co.; in 1909 at Deer River, Minn., for the Deer River Lumber Co. ; from July 5, 1910, at Virginia, Minn., for the Virginia & Rainey Lake Lum¬ ber Co. He came back to Rice Lake in April, 1912, and took up section work for the "Soo" line. From 1914 to 1917 he worked again in the sawmill of the Rice Lake Lumber Co., but then again entered the employ of the "Soo" line. In 1919 he started work for William Stein in the fur and hide warehouse at Rice Lake. On March 31, 1919, he entered his present employ. He is employed by the ice cream manufacturing plant of B. Drook, and also helps in Mr. Drook's candy plant and store. He stands high among his fellowmen, and is well esteemed by all who know him. With all his busy life, he has found time for much activity in fraternal circles. In the Odd Fellows, he is a member of Rice Lake Lodge, No. 269; Phoenix Encampment, No. 25; Wisconsin Canton, No. 22, Patriarchs Militant; and Hiawatha Rebekah Lodge, No. 75. He has held high office in all, and having a taste for military things, he has been espe¬ cially prominent in the Canton, has held various commissions, and is now major of the second battalion of the second regiment. He is also a member of Rice Lake Lodge, No. 303, Mystic Workers of the World, and has been secre¬ tary of Federal Labor Union, No. 15284, of the A. F. of L. since its organization Sept. 27, 1916.

John Ferguson, druggist of Rice Lake, was born in New York City, June 24, 1867, son of Herman and Margaret (Ino) Ferguson, the former a native of that city, and the latter of Canada. They came to Saginaw, Mich., in 1867, where the father was employed in the mills and in the lumber woods. He died in 1881 and his wife in 1900. John came west with his parents as a child and was reared in Saginaw. As a youth he worked in shingle mills and in the lum¬ ber woods of the upper Michigan peninsula. From 1892 to 1898, he was city marshal and deputy sheriff at Ewen, Ontonagon County, Michigan. In 1901 he engaged in business at Eveleth, Minn. In 1908 he moved to Mt. Iron, Minn., in 1910 to Coleraine, Minn., and in 1914 to Superior, Wis., in all of which places he was engaged in business. He came to Rice Lake in 1920 and opened his present drug store, where he carries a good line of goods, and is enjoying an increasing patronage. Mr. Ferguson was married Feb. 4, 1895, to Martha Arm¬ strong, a native of Saginaw, Mich. This union has been blessed with two children:. John Roger, born May 22, 1896, now living at Superior, Wis., and Clara Lorette, born Feb. 26, 1899, who is at Superior, assisting General Clemans in writing a World War history.

Joseph H. Wallis, M. D., physician and surgeon of Rice Lake, and a mem¬ ber of the surgical staff of St. Joseph's Hospital, in that city, was born in Neosho, Dodge County, Wis., this state, the son of Charles W. and Sarah (Ram¬ say) Wallis. The father was born in England, and the mother in New York State, in which state they were married. They came west in 1840, located near Neosho, and there farmed successfully until 1890, when they retired and moved to the city of Hartford, Wis., where the father died in October, 1912, and where the mother still lives. Joseph H. Wallis received his preliminary education in the public schools of his native county and then studied under private tutors in Milwaukee. With this preparation he entered the Milwaukee Medical College, and graduated with the degree of M. D. in the class of 1898. He took a fur¬ ther course of one year at the West Side Post-Graduate School, Chicago, and then entered Trinity Hospital at Milwaukee, for one year as an interne. Sub¬ sequently, he was connected with the same hospital for eight more years as a surgical assistant, and was the founder and for some time director of the X-Ray laboratory connected with that institution, having charge of the deli¬ cate and exacting task of installing all the extensive apparatus. For five years he was directing clinician and lecturer on the principles of surgery at the Mil¬ waukee Medical College, and for a considerable period lectured on the surgical diseases of the mouth, at the Milwaukee Dental College. He also served as health commissioner of Wauwatosa for three years. Dr. Wallis came to Bar¬ ron County in 1918, and for about two years was associated with Dr. Harry M. Coleman and Dr. C. C. Post, at Barron. June 1, 1920, he came to Rice Lake and established his present office. He has built up a constantly increasing practice, and the standing he has attained in his short residence here is shown by the fact that he has already served the county a term as coroner and has entered upon his second term. He is president of the Barron County Medical Society and member of the State Medical Society and the American Medical Association. In the county and state organization he has been very active, and in the latter organization is a member of the House of Delegates. Fraternally, he belongs to Barron Lodge, No. 226, A. F. and A. M.; Wisconsin Lodge, No. 1, Knights of Pythias, of which he is Past Chancellor; and to Wakodis Temple, No. 166, Knights of Khorassan, being C. C. of Rice Lake Lodge, No. 60. He is also a member of the Commercial Club of Rice Lake and the Business Men's Club of Barron. His favorite recreation is out-of-door life ; he delights in wan¬ dering into the open in pursuit of out-of-door sports when tired with the grind of daily duties. In the business world he holds stock in the Twentieth Century Silo Co., in which he owns the manufacturing rights for the state of Wiscon¬ sin. Politically, he adheres to the beliefs of the Republican Party. Dr. Wallis was married Oct. 9, 1919, to Jane Reed, of Montello, this state. They attend the Episcopal Church.

N. W. Heintz, druggist, Rice Lake, one of the oldest business men in point of service in the city, has been identified with the commercial life of Rice Lake for over thirty years, the career here dating from 1889. He was born in Appleton, Wis., Oct. 10, 1864, son of Lambert and Anna (Benarde) Heintz, natives of Belgium, who came to America when young, were married in New York State, and in the late fifties came west to Wisconsin and located in Appleton, where Lambert Heintz followed his trade as carpenter and millwright, he dying in 1905 and his wife in 1895. The subject of this sketch passed through the graded schools of his native city, and was graduated from the high school there with the class of 1885. He then entered the employ of a pharmist there, and under competent instruction thoroughly learned the science of compounding drugs and medicines. He was licensed by the State Board of Pharmacy in 1885. He came to Rice Lake in 1889, and formed a partnership with his fatherin-law, in the drug business, under the firm name of Flack & Heintz. Two years later, Mr. Heintz bought out his partner and has since conducted the establishment alone. For the first three years he occupied the store now used by the Jewett Drug Co. Then needing more space, he moved to his present loca¬ tion, at 207 North Main Street, where he has a floor space of 22 by 60 feet, well arranged for the preparation, display and sale of his goods. As a licensed pharmacist, Mr. Heintz specializes in compounding prescriptions with the greatest care from the best standard material. As is the custom with modern establishments of its kind, he also carries proprietary medicines, toilet articles, rubber goods, stationery, and miscellaneous small articles. His place reflects the progressive spirit of the owner and is well in keeping with the high stand¬ ards maintained throughout the business houses of the city. While devoting most of his personal attention to the drug line, he has also been interested in various other lines. He has owned and developed farms at different times, and now has one of 120 acres in Oak Grove Township. For three years, in partner¬ ship with H. C. Reed and Henry Ball, under the firm name of Heintz, Reed & Ball, he operated a lath, shingle and sawmill, which was very successful. At this mill, Mr. Heintz personally took charge of getting out all the lumber with which was constructed his present sightly residence at 15 West Evans Street. The home is beautifully finished, contains ten rooms, and is modern in every respect, the heating system being a combination hot water and hot air plant. Mr. Heintz is known throughout the county. For three years he has done good service as president of the Barron County Fair Association, which has thrived under his leadership. In this and in other ways he has shown his in¬ terest in everything that has for its object the welfare of the county. He has succeeded in life through his own efforts, through hard work and close appli¬ cation to business, and in achieving his own success, he has not been unmind¬ ful of the duty every man owes of helpfulness to others. His business holdings include stock in the First National Bank of Rice Lake. Fraternally, he is a member of the Modern Woodmen and the Knights of Columbus, and is a cordial supporter of the Commercial Club. His recreation is found in hunting and fishing and other out-of-door sports. Mr. Heintz was married Nov. 3, 1887, to Lucy Flack, who was born at Spring Prairie on March 9, 1865. This union has been blessed with five children. Hallie was born June 23, 1895, is a graduate of the Potter Business College at Rice Lake and resides at home. William Douglas was born Aug. 21, 1899, graduated from the Rice Lake High School in the class of 1919, and is now attending the University of Wisconsin at Madison. Three are dead.

Carl Haaland, proprietor of an exterior and interior decorating establish¬ ment, at 125 North Main Street, Rice Lake, was born in Norway, March 26, 1877, son of Knute and Caroline (Stenberg) Haaland, who are still living in that country. Carl received his early education in Norway, and there learned his 'trade as a painter, paper hanger and maker of picture frames. He came to America in 1899, and engaged in business at Brandon, in Douglas County, this state. Two years later he sold out, and for some time worked at his trade in New York City. In 1902, he came to Rice Lake, and entered the employ of O. S. Johnson, the furniture man. Then he engaged in business for himself as a painter and paper hanger, and occupied various offices until purchasing the building he now occupies in 1916. He carries a good line of paints, oils, wall paper and picture frames and moulding, and has a modern, up-to-date establish¬ ment in every particular. Fraternally, he is a member of the A. S. F., the Sons of Norway, and the Beavers. He also belongs to the Commercial Club. Mr. Haaland was married July 5, 1907, to Tina Merk, who died July 2, 1909, leav¬ ing one son, Kenneth, born April 23, 1908. June 29, 1916, he married Inga Thorkildson, born June 5, 1879, in Norway, daughter of John and Gurine (Brandt) Thorkildson, natives of Norway, both now deceased. This union has been blessed with two children: Gail K., born June 5, 1918; and Clifford E., born July 8, 1920. The family faith is that of the Norwegian Lutheran Church.

Henry C. Heiland, local agent at Rice Lake for the Schmidt Brewing Co., was born at Heidelberg, Scott County, Minn., Jan. 1, 1874, son of Fred and Catharine (Grassmen) Heiland, who took a homestead in Scott County, Minn., in 1860, developed a farm, erected buildings, and carried on agricultural opera¬ tions the remainder of their lives, the father dying in 1881 and the mother in 1918. Henry C. was educated in the public schools of Jordan, and there remained for many years, first working in a hardware store three years, then ' conducting a livery for himself for eight years, and then engaging in the re¬ freshment business for six years. He came to Rice Lake in his present capacity in 1912. Mr. Heiland was married at Jordan, Minn., Dec. 23, 1896, to Catherine Schmitz, daughter of Matt and Lucinda (Rendler) Schmitz, of that place. Mr. and Mrs. Heiland have five children, all of whom were born in Jordan: Carl Henry, June 26, 1898; Henry J., March 20, 1900; Ethel Surzan, April 22, 1902; Odelia Margaret, Sept. 19, 1907; and Lucile Margaret, Nov. 2, 1910.

Rushmore Merton Whitaker, now deceased, pioneer teacher of Barron County, and founder of the Barron County Abstract Office, was a familiar figure in Barron County life for many years, and his professions brought him into contact with a larger number of citizens than almost any other man in the community. Every person who met with him held for him the deepest respect; honesty and courtesy were his watchwords, service to his fellowmen was his motto, and all who had dealings with him realized that the fairest and most straightforward treatment would be accorded them. He took the deepest pride in his work, accuracy and correctness in the minutest detail were his constant aim, and the abstract books he prepared will remain as his monument so long as land titles in the county endure. Next to the abstract books, he found his greatest interest in geneological research, and was very proud of his family record. On his father's side he was descended from Gov. William Bradford, Plymouth Colony, and on his mother's side from John and Priscilla Alden, also of that Colony. A relative on his mother's side was one Robert Ransom, one of the radicals of that day and age, who was far from satisfied with the existing order of things, in the Colony, and was most outspoken in his criticism, so much so that he was arrested and compelled to appear in court "to answer his presentment for speaking wicked and reproachful words against the gov¬ ernor and his magistrates." Upon being arraigned he "did put his presentment on traverse." The jury cleared him "legally free," there being but one wit¬ ness appearing against him in the matter, although they expressed thenjselves as "persuaded that the accusation spake like unto the said Ransom's language." Several of Mr. Whitaker's ancestors fought with General Israel Putnam in the Revolutionary War, and performed other patriotic services during that struggle. The subject of this sketch was born at Sharon Center, Penn., in June, 1855, the son of Edward and Betsy Maria (Signor) Whitaker, and re¬ ceived a public school and Seminary education in his native state. He came to Barron County in 1876, and taught school in the rural districts until 1884. In that year he started his career as an abstractor in the Barron County Bank at Rice Lake. When the change was made in the officers of that bank he formed a partnership with D. F. Clark, and established the Barron County Abstract office at Rice Lake, with which he remained until his lamented death, October 28, 1920. Fraternally, Mr. Whitaker was associated with the Masonic and Pythian orders, and took much interest in their affairs. Mr. Whitaker's first wife was Emma Engel, of Cedar Lake, Wis., Mr. Whitaker had four children: Merton E., now of Lethbridge, Canada; Ethel, now Mrs. T. F. Milligan, of Spokane, Wash.; Roy, who died in infancy, and Leon N., of Proctor, Minn. Nov. 11, 1913, Mr. Whitaker married Mrs. Augusta Priscilla Nichols, widow of Amos C. Nichols. She was born in Havana, Illinois, acquired a thorough education, and was a professional teacher for several years. She has taken her part in the religious and social life of Rice Lake, is an active member of the Presbyterian church, and is one of the organizers and a charter member of the Fortnightly Club, of which she has been president for two years.

Edward Whitaker, veteran of the Civil War, and early settler of Barron County, was born in Clarance, N. Y., April 26, 1829, the son of William Henry Whitaker, born at Providence, R. I., in 1806, and of Thankful (Champlin) Whitaker, and grandson of Jacob Bradford Whitaker, the line running back to the earliest English families in New England. He married Betsy Maria Signor, whose New England line ran as far back as his own. At the outbreak of the Civil War he enlisted and served in that conflict from the Battle of Bull . Run to the Battle of the Wilderness, receiving wounds which left him more or less crippled for the remainder of his life. He came to Wisconsin from Pennsylvania in the early days, found his way to Barron County, and estab¬ lished himself in Stanfold Township. After many years of farming there he moved to Rice Lake, where he and his good wife both died. He served for several terms as treasurer of the town of Stanfold, and in other ways as well had his share in the public weal.

Amos C. Nichols, now deceased, was for many years a highly respected farmer and lumberman of Barron County. He took an active part in the affairs of the community, and was a factor in the progress and general de¬ velopment of this part of the state. Mr. Nichols was born in Potter County, Penn., May 4, 1848. He came to Barron County in the early days, and for some years dealt extensively in real estate in connection with the lumber interests of the region, buying and selling large tracts of timber lands, and also dealing in cut-over and improved land. He held the regard of all with whom he has business and personal dealings, and at his death in November, 1906, occupied a most enviable position among his fellow men. He was inter¬ ested in everything that had for its object the betterment of the community, and at various times was called to serve in various public offices. He was also a substantial factor in the Presbyterian church, and for ten years previous to his death served the local church as its ruling elder. Mr. Nichols was married in 1875 to Augusta Priscilla Ginder, and to this union three children have been born, Wilson H., Casson A., and John Freeman. Wilson H. is a wholesale dealer in groceries and supplies with headquarters at Eveleth, Minn. Casson A., a most promising young man, died in his twentieth year while a student at the Superior State Normal School. John Freeman, a graduate of the law department of the University of Minnesota, in the class of 1904, is now a prominent attorney and real estate man of Minneapolis.

George William Hickey, millwright for the Rice Lake factory of the Rice Lake Excelsior Co., was born in the township of Stanley Feb. 22, 1876, son of Isaac and Esther D. (Demars) Hickey. The parents were natives of Canada, who came to the States in 1870 and took a homestead in Stanley Township, this county, where they cleared 100 acres of land, erected log buildings, and suc¬ cessfully farmed until 1891, when they sold out and moved to the village of Rice Lake, where the mother died Dec. 27, 1902, and where the father now makes his home with his son. George William attended school until he was thirteen years of age. For some years he worked on the farm with his father, and then became interested in the lumber business, working in the woods and in sawmills. In 1899 he entered his present employ, first as assistant to the millwright, and in 1912 was promoted to the position of general millwright for the entire plant. Mr. Hickey was married April 28, 1902, to Ernestine

Axel Hedstrom, who is living a retired life at Rice Lake after busy years filled with hard work, is one of the substantial citizens of the community and stands well with all who know him. He was born in Sweden, March 4, 1858, son of Anders and Anna Christina (Eliason) Olson, who spent the span of their years in Sweden. He received his education there and devoted his early life to farming. He came to America in 1892, and located at Prentice, Wis., where he was employed on the railroad and in sawmills for four years. In 1896 he came to Barron County and took 40 acres of wild land in Rice Lake Township. He cleared the wild land, put up a set of buildings, and developed a good farm. In 1898 he added twenty acres, and in 1910 forty acres more, making a tract of 100 acres, all in section 11. For many years he industriously carried on general farming. In the spring of 1919 he rented the farm to his sons. Gust and Ed, and moved to Rice Lake Village, where he purchased a home at 212 Noble Avenue. Mr. Hedstrom was married Oct. 26, 1880, to Anna Christina Johnson, who was born in Sweden, March 15, 1859, and died Nov. 28, 1919, leaving six children, Hilda, Ida, Gust, Ed, Elsie and Anna. Hilda is the wife of John Westman, of Ashland, Wis., and they have six children. Ida is the wife of John Nelson, of Minneapolis, a street car conductor, and they have three children. Gust is on the home farm. Ed is also on the home farm. He is married and has one child. Elsie is the wife of Oscar Amblad, of Chetek Township, and they have two children. Anna is employed in Min¬ neapolis. The family faith is that of the Baptist church.

Frederick L Demers, farmer, merchant and public official for many years in Rice Lake, now deceased, exerted a real influence on the life of the county, and left behind the memory of an honest, upright and useful life. He did his duty as he saw it in business, in public affairs and in his family, and was held in high esteem. He was a native of Canada, born in Quebec, Nov. 17, 1845, the son of McGuire and Margaret (Dauplaise) Demers, both of Canadian birth, but of ancient French lineage. The father, who was a mason by trade, died in 1881, after which the mother came to Rice Lake, took up her home with her son, Frederick I., and died March 31, 1914, at the age of ninetyseven years. The subject of this sketch as a boy attended the Canadian public schools. He began his mercantile career at the age of fourteen, when he started clerking in a store at Sorel, Province of Quebec, Canada. After some years of this, he engaged in the mercantile and cordwood business for him¬ self in the same place. In 1870 he came to the States, bringing his family, and locating at Menomonie, Dunn County, Wis. It was in 1871 that he came to Barron County, and took a homestead of 160 acres in section 24, Rice Lake Township. He developed a good place, worked hard to acquire success, and there established the foundation of his future fortunes. In 1881 he moved to the city of Rice Lake, established himself in the mercantile business, and soon became one of the leading business men of the county. He sold the estab¬ lishment in 1906, and retired. Busy as he was with his personal and business affairs, he found time for public work, and was a member of the town board five years and a member of the city council for two years. He also served on various committees and delegations at various times. He died Feb. 8, 1908, and in his passing the county lost a valued citizen. Mr. Demers was married in Canada, Feb. 27, 1865, to Mary Derosier, and this union has been blessed with five children: Wilfred A. is cashier of the First National Bank at Rice Lake. Samuel is in Seattle, Wash. Joseph J. is a practicing physician of Pompey's Pillar, Montana. Clara is the widow of J. P. Morneau, and lives in Appleton, Wis. Laura is the wife of J. H. Wilz, cashier of the Citizens Bank of Rice Lake.

Wilfred A. Demers, financier, agriculturist, former county and city official, former member of the selective draft board, and present cashier of the First National Bank of Rice Lake, was born in the Province of Quebec, Canada, Nov.