Barron County, Wisconsin - Chapter 13: Biographical and Geneological Review, 1922 (part 8 of 46)

Joseph L. Demars, proprietor of a flourishing boat livery at Rice Lake, is one of the well known men of the city and is liked both by residents and by strangers who have dealings with him. He is of genial personality, affable and kindly in manner, just the type of man to deal with the public in his own particular line of business. He has some excellent boats, in the best of con¬ dition, and knows the lake thoroughly, so that those who come to his place seeking either recreation or pleasure, are well satisfied with the results they receive. He was born in the Province of Quebec, May 11, 1853,' the son of Louis and Ghuchite Demars, both of whom spent the span of their years in Canada. The subject of this sketch was educated in the common schools, and as a youth started lumbering along the St. Lawrence River, both as a grader and a loader. Aug. 8, 1884, he arrived in Rice Lake, and became identified with the lumbering interests here, driving teams and working in the woods, in saw¬ mills, and in a stave factory. In 1910 he took up his present line of business. Mr. Demars was married in Canada, Sept. 25, 1873, to Elmira Gagne, the daughter of Joseph and Theresa (Fournier) Gagne. This union has been blessed with seven children, the oldest five having been born in Canada, and the other two in the United States. Archie was born March 11, 1876; Alice was born June 12, 1879; Laura was born March 11, 1880; Arthur was born March 1, 1881; Anna was born March 1, 1883; Arson J. was born Oct. 16, 1885, and Viola was born Jan. 31, 1895 and died Jan. 26, 1918.

Ernst Achtenberg, for some years identified with the lumbering interests of this county, was born in Germany, came to America as a young man, and married Eva Goodall, a native of Wisconsin. In 1887 he came to Rice Lake, as foreman in a planing mill for the Knapp, Stout & Co. With this beginning, he has followed some phase of the lumber business all his life. In 1893 he purchased 105 acres of wild land from his employers, within the city limits, erected a small house, and there established his family. Aside from a little gardening, however, he did no farming, devoting all of his time to his other interests. In 1912 he moved to Minneapolis, where he is now employed with the G. H. Tennant Lumber Co. He and his wife have three children. Charles B. was born May 8, 1889, and is now with the Madison Blue Print Co., of Madison, Wis. Herbert owns the home farm. Henrietta was born Oct. 8, 1893, lives in Friendship, Wis., the wife of E. V. Ryall, county agricultural agent of Adams county.

Herbert Achtenberg, formerly identified with the theatrical business, now a prosperous farmer of Rice Lake City, is a native of this city, born April 6, 1891, on the place where he still resides, son of Ernst and Eva (Goodall) Achtenberg, now of Minneapolis. He attended the public schools of Rice Lake, and as a young man went to Madison, Wis., where he worked one year as a carpenter and three years as a plumber, and then became stage carpenter at the Fuller Theater, there, for a year. His work there attracted the atten¬ tion of capable managers, and he was offered a similar position with the "Peg O' My Heart" troupe, with which company he traveled for three seasons, visiting the principal cities of the eastern half of the United States. Dec. 4, 1915, he returned to Rice Lake, and bought his father's farm of 105 acres within the city limits. He has a well-kept farm, suitable equipment and machinery, and successfully carries on general farming and dairying, making a specialty of a good grade of stock. He is well liked in the community, is a Chapter and Blue Lodge Mason, and a member of the Loyal Legion. He was inducted into the United States service Aug. 2, 1918, and was sent to Camp Taylor in Kentucky. He trained twelve days with Co. C, 159th Depot Brigade, and was then transferred to Co. C, 3rd Batallion, F. A. R. D., in which he remained for a few weeks^ Sept. 6, 1918, he was assigned to the 19th Ammunition Train with headquarters at Fort Sill, Oklahoma. From there he was sent to Camp Grant, Rockford, Ill., where he was discharged Feb. 17, 1919.

Mrs. Euseba M. Winchester, who has lived in Barron County for more than four decades, is one of the highly respected residents of Rice Lake, where she has led a busy and useful life and has been an active worker in many public causes. She was born in the village of Underhill, Chittenden County, Vermont, April 5, 1841, daughter of Ahirah and Orvilla (Mead) Livingston. She acquired her early education in the public schools, and then took a finish¬ ing course in the Ladies' Seminary at Troy, New York. Then she came to Reedsburg, Juneau County, this state, and for fifteen years was a teacher in the public schools. Thoroughly grounded in the fundamentals herself, she had the faculty of imparting her knowledge to others, and she was a most suc¬ cessful teacher in a day when teachers of her stamp were greatly needed in the crude pioneer schools of her county. At the end of the fifteen years, the suc¬ cessful young teacher married George W. Barnes, now deceased. To this union was born one son, George S., now a prominent business man of Barnes, Bayfield County, this state. This son has been three times married. His first wife, Vivian Kelley, left one son, Horace S. Barnes, who was reared by his grand¬ mother, the subject of this sketch, is now a prominent farmer of Barnes, Wis., married Cyrilla O'Grady, and has three children, Ruth, Eleanor and Horace C. For his second wife, George S. Barnes married Martha Knutson, and to this union there were born five children: Euseba, Howard, Anita, Jennie May and Virginia. On Jan. 23, 1905, while living on their homestead in Bayfield County, Wis., their log cabin took fire, and Mrs. George S. Barnes, the two younger children, Jennie May and Virginia, and Elsie Meisnar, a teacher from Wash¬ burn, who was boarding with them, all perished. Later, Mr. Barnes married Mary Machom, by whom he had two children, Ruby and Stanley. After the death of George W. Barnes, his widow, the subject of this sketch, married Horace Sprague, of Reedsburg, Wis. They came to Rice Lake in 1880, and operated the Rice Lake Hotel for the Knapp, Stout & Co. This hotel was then the leading hostelry of the village, and was the headquarters for all the lead¬ ing lumbermen then operating in this part of the state. Mr. Sprague died in

1893. Undaunted, the widow, who had proved in the hotel business that she was a woman of commercial ability as well as of refinement and education, took up the millinery business, at which she was most successful. On July 11, 1897, she married Alfonso Winchester, a prominent farmer of Sumner Town¬ ship, this county, a former resident of Reedsburg, Wis., and born in Pennsyl¬ vania, Jan. 7, 1851. After their marriage they lived on the farm for a year, and then sold out and purchased their present property at 21 West Gates Street. For ten years thereafter they were successfully engaged in the mer¬ cantile business on the South Side. Then they sold out, and practically re¬ tired. Mr. Winchester still devotes a part of his time to working in the Rice Lake Excelsior Co. plant, and Mrs. Winchester continues the work she has done for so many years as a news writer for the Rice Lake Chronotype, the old¬ est newspaper in Barron County. She is a member of various organizations, and has served on various delegations and committees. She has been an active member of the Woman's Relief Corps since 1894. The family faith is that of the Presbyterian Church.

Dwight J. Chandler, now living retired at Rice Lake, and for many years interested in the sawmill business in this part of Wisconsin, was born in New York State, and came to Wisconsin in 1853, with the early pioneers. He farmed for many years and in 1875 engaged in the hotel business in Eau Claire, this state. With the capital thus acquired, he took up the sawmill business, and was engaged in this line for a quarter of a century in and near the Chippewa Valley. In 1910, after a busy career filled with hard work, he retired and took up his home in Rice Lake. His wife, Emma Leachman, is a native of this state.

Roy Cleveland Chandler, secretary and treasurer of the New Idea Potato Machinery Co., Rice Lake, is a well-known busines's man of the city, and his hard work and ability as well as his appreciation of manufacturing and farm¬ ing conditions are important factors in the success with which his company is meeting. He was born July 30, 1885, at Eau Claire, Wis., the son of Dwight J. and Emma (Leahman) Chandler. He passed through the graded schools of his home town and was graduated from the high school there in the class of 1904. For the two years following he was in the lumber business at Frederic, Wis., and then entered the employ of Stevens & Jarves, of Eau Claire, Wis., selling hardwood lumber. In 1909 he and his father-in-law, E. S. Hammond, organ¬ ized the Hammond & Chandler Lumber Co. for the manufacture of hemlock and hardwood lumber, and opened a retail yard at Rice Lake. In 1918, Mr. Chandler withdrew from the company and assisted in organizing the company with which he is now connected. The concern occupies a new brick building, 50 by 200 feet, and is manufacturing a modern potato grading machine for which there is a wide demand. Mr. Chandler was married May 8, 1907, to Ruth Adaline Hammond, daughter of Eleazer S. and Sarah Adaline (Hower) Ham¬ mond, the former of whom is a prominent logger and lumberman. Mr. and Mrs. Chandler have four bright children: Lee Hammond, born Feb. 4, 1909; Dorris Elizabeth, born Oct. 22, 1914; and Dwight Jefferson and Phyllis Adaline (twins), born Jan. 15, 1917.

Mrs. Loella V. Williams, chiropractic practitioner, with office and home at Rice Lake, and a branch office at Spooner, was the first person of her pro¬ fession to locate in this county, and is still its leading representative here. In addition to her work with her patients, she deals considerably in real estate, and at present owns no less than three good farms in the county, her favorite place being the Long Lake Road Farm, in Sections 10 and 15, Oak Grove Town¬ ship, which is stocked with a fine herd of over thirty Guernsey cattle, includ¬ ing a full-blooded sire. Loella Vunk. as she was then called, was born at Marathon, New York, Oct. 31, 1889, daughter of Jerome and Martha (Harring¬ ton) Vunk, natives of New York State, the former of whom died when the daughter was less than three years old, and the latter of whom lives with her daughter, the subject of this sketch. Miss Vunk received a high school edu- cation in her native town, and then took up nursing. She was married July 7, 1907, to Fred Williams, a carpenter and woodworker, at Frankfort, New York, who died June 20, 1910. After his death, Mrs. Williams resumed her nursing for a while. In 1911 she entered the Universal Chiropractic College, at Daven¬ port, Iowa, and was graduated in 1912. Later in that year she came to Rice Lake and opened an office here. In 1916 she established offices at Spooner, Wis., where she goes on Tuesdays and Fridays of each week. A few years ago, Mrs. Williams erected a pleasant, modern home of nine rooms on 20 East Douglas Street, Rice Lake. She is a member of the Rebekah Degree, I. 0. 0. F., and also of the Fortnightly Literary Club. Her religious affiliation is with the Presbyterian Church.

W. H. Dunn, D. D. S., formerly successful practitioner at Rice Lake and New Richmond, and now the genial and efficient postmaster at Rice Lake, was born in Northfield, Minn., Aug. 24, 1867, son of Fred and Clara (Knowlton) Dunn, natives respectively of Canada and Vermont, who were married in Northfield, Minn., where the father, who has devoted his life to blacksmithing, still lives and where the mother died in the prime of life in 1869. W. H. Dunn pur¬ sued the usual graded studies as a boy, and in 1884 graduated from the Fergus Falls, (Minn.) High School, later entering the dental department of the Uni¬ versity of Minnesota, from which he was graduated in 1890. In that year he came to Rice Lake, and opened dental offices here and at New Richmond, spend¬ ing alternate half months in each city. The next year he gave up the New Richmond office, and from then until 1916 devoted his time entirely to his Rice Lake office. He practiced dental and oral surgery in all its branches, had a well-equipped office, and built up a large practice. During that period he actively identified himself with public affairs, and his appointment by Presi¬ dent Woodrow Wilson as postmaster in 1916, met with general approval. He was reappointed for another term of four years, in June, 1920. In this posi¬ tion he has given general satisfaction, and the office has flourished under his management. The office does a large business, and is the center of six rural routes with one daily delivery, and of four city routes, three of which have semi-daily deliveries and one three deliveries daily. Mr. Dunn owns a good farm of 80 acres in Sumner Township, this county, and a good tract of wild land in Sawyer County, this state. Fraternally, he associates with the Knights of Pythias and the Modern Woodmen. For three years he did efficient service as city clerk, and he is still serving as a member of the Library Board. In politics he is a Democrat, and in religion he adheres to the Presbyterian Church. He enjoys out-of-door life and takes especial delight in his autumnal deer hunts. Mr. Dunn was married June 3, 1896, to Grace Rogers, of Rice Lake, and this union was blessed with four children : Roger F., Marjorie K., William H., Jr., and Florence Elizabeth. Roger F. was born Feb. 20, 1902, graduated from the Rice Lake High School in the class of 1919, and is now a student in Carleton College, Northfield, Minn. Marjorie K. was born April 12, 1905; William H., Jr., was born May 24, 1910; and Florence Elizabeth was born July 9, 1913. Mrs. Dunn was born in Rock Island, Ill., June 3, 1873, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. James W. Rogers, who brought her to this county as a young girl and settled in Shell Lake Township, coming to the city in 1888. In 1892 she graduated from the Rice Lake High School, and became a proficient teacher, first in the Meadow Creek School and then in the South Side School. After her marriage she continued her activities in educational and social lines. She belonged to the Eastern Star, the W. C. T. U., and the Royal Neighbors. Dur¬ ing the war she was one of the leaders in Red Cross work. The Fortnightly Club found her a valued worker, and at one time she was its president. In the Presbyterian Church she was a devout and active member. She worked for years in the Ladies' Aid Society, and at one time was its president. In the Sunday School she taught a class of growing boys, who owe much to her kindly influence. She was an ideal mother, and a loving and faithful wife, and her death will long be sincerely mourned by her family, by her friends and by

N. Adolph Anderson, produce dealer of Rice Lake and Brill, specializing in potatoes and hay, was born in Sweden, Nov. 4, 1869, son of Peter and Alsie Anderson, who spent the span of their years as farmers in their native land. In the family there were three children: Anna is the wife of August Winneberg, of Stillwater, Minn. Caroline is the wife of Olaf Kulldorf, and still lives in Sweden. The subject of this sketch was reared in his native land, and there became a farmer. In 1890 he came to the United States, and located in Still¬ water, Minn., where he was a store clerk for a while. In 1902 he opened a gen¬ eral store at Shafer, in Chisago County, Minn. He sold out in 1911, and for the next three years was a traveling salesman with headquarters at St. Paul. He came to Rice Lake in 1913, and engaged in the potato business for a year. In 1914 he entered the employ of the Rice Lake Consumers' Store as a clerk. Two years later he established his present business. He is well liked throughout the county, and has the confidence of all with whom he has business dealings. Fraternally, he is a member of the Beavers. Mr. Anderson was married at Stillwater, Minn., Sept. 30, 1899, to Alvina Magner, daughter of John A. and Charlotte Magner, natives of Sweden, who came to America and settled on a farm in Chisago County, Minnesota, with the early pioneers. The mother died many years ago but the father is still living on the home farm. Mr. and Mrs. Anderson have one daughter, Adella Elsie Charlotte, who was born March 27, 1909, and is attending the Rice Lake High School.

August Benson, a retired farmer living in Rice Lake, for nearly two dec¬ ades the owner of a good place in Section 7, Stanley Township, was born on a farm in Sweden, Feb. 15, 1865, the son of Bengt and Anna Anderson, who are still living in their native land. Of their nine children, August was the sec¬ ond. He was reared on the home farm, grew to manhood, married and had one child. In 1891, leaving his family in Sweden, he came to this country. After landing at New York, he went to Batavia, in that state, and from there to Minneapolis, where he secured employment in the mills. The next year his family joined him, and they established their home in Minneapolis. But he and his wife had both come of a long line of sturdy farming people, and they believed that rural conditions were best for their children. So in April, 1900, they came to Barron County, and secured eighty acres of wild land in Section 7, Stanley Township. On this tract they erected a small frame house and a log barn. Their domestic animals consisted of a cow and a horse. The family treasury contained just $10. But they had health and courage and a determi¬ nation to succeed. For a while they had many hardships to endure. The near¬ est stores were at Cameron, and there they had to walk for their groceries and other supplies. The neighborhood was just developing and there was no schoolhouse, so school was held in their little house. As the years passed, their hard work met with success. They bought another 40 acres, they erected a modern home, a good barn, 36 by 80 feet, and other buildings, and cleared and cultivated the land. Mr. Benson took an active interest in everything that was for the good of the community. In public life he served as a director of the school board. In business life he was a director of the Farmers' Telephone Co. and a stockholder in the famous Barron Creamery Co. After a long and useful career, he sold the place in 1917 to his sons. Axel and Victor, and moved to Rice Lake, where he and his wife have a pleasant home, at 202 Phips Street, and where they now reside. Both are prominent in the Swedish Lutheran Church there. Mr. Benson has been a church official and superintendent of the Sunday School, while his wife has been interested in the women's activi¬ ties. Mr. Benson was married in Sweden, Dec. 27, 1889, to Hilma Bergeson, who was born there Jan. 1, 1868, youngest of the three children of Berger Carlson and Sophia (Hanson) Bergeson, worthy people who spent the span of their years in that country. Mr. and Mrs. Benson have had eight children. John S. was born in Sweden. Axel, Olga, Victor and Vanard were born in Minne- apolis. Gladys and Lillie (twins) and Clara were born on the farm in Stan¬ ley Township. Axel, who was born March 22, 1893, and Victor, who was born Sept. 10, 1897, now own and operate the home place. They are numbered among the active and progressive young men of the township. They carry on general farming and dairying and raise a good grade of Guernsey cattle. They have continued the improvements started by the father, and have put in an electric light plant and installed a milking machine.

Julius S. Johnson, senior member of the partnership of J. S. Johnson & Son, proprietors of Sunny Plat Farm of 75 acres of fertile and highly pro¬ ductive land within the city limits of Rice Lake, is one of the highly respected residents of the city and county. He is a progressive man as a farmer and as a citizen, he is an excellent type of the modern farmer, and he stands high with all who know him. He has been successful in general farming and dairying, and his results in raising potatoes for the fancy trade have been especially notable. His son, Raymond 0., who is associated with him, is a progressive, active young man, and a hard worker, one whose ideas have weight, and one who is well liked by his friends and acquaintances. Julius S. Johnson was born in Norway, Oct. 13, 1864, son of John and Hannah (Anderson) Johnson, who brought him to America in 1869 and located in Jackson County, this state. He attended the public schools of that county and was reared to farm pur¬ suits by his parents, with whom he remained well into the years of maturity. He first began on the home farm in Jackson County, Wis., a tract of 240 acres, where he carried on general farming. Then he sold that property and, coming to Rice Lake, opened a butcher shop there, which he conducted for five years. Then in 1913 he purchased his present place in Section 28. Mr. Johnson was married Oct. 20, 1898, to Emma Halvorson, who was born in Osseo, Trempealeau County, Wisconsin, June 1, 1878, daughter of Gilbert and Isabelle (Olson) Halvorson, who are still living in that place. Mr. and Mrs. Johnson have one son, Raymond 0., already mentioned as his father's partner. He was born Feb. 12, 1900, studied in the district school and attended high school two years. The family faith is that of the Norwegian Lutheran Church.

Peter Ahern, Sr., one of the earliest pioneers of Rice Lake Township, was born in Canada, and there was reared. He married Sarah McDonald, who was bom in Scotland. In 1870 they brought their family to the United States, and located in Menomonie, Dunn County, Wis. From there, in 1871, they drove to Rice Lake, with a team of mules and took a homestead of 160 acres in section 28, in what is now Rice Lake Township. The Knapp, Stout & Co. lumber camps were then flourishing, there was a French settlement along the northern line of what is now Rice Lake Township, and an Irish settlement north of that, but within the present limits of the town almost no homesteads had then been taken. Mr. Ahem built a set of log buildings, cleared 80 acres of his land, and started a good farm. He was a man of sterling character, and stood well with all who knew him. After a useful life he died March 23, 1881. His wife died July 13, 1879. In the family there were eleven children: Donald, Mary, Florane, Sarah, Isabell, Joseph, Peter, Katherine, Margaret, Ellen and Mary J. All are dead except Ellen and Mary J. Ellen was born Sept. 25, 1855, and was married on Oct. 22, 1871, at Menomonie, Wis., to Duncan Monroe. Mary J. was bom Oct. 8, 1838, and married Andrew Martin. She resides with a daughter at Duluth.

Peter Ahem, for many years a solid and substantial citizen, now deceased, had a career which was inseparably interwoven in the history of the lumber industry in this region. He was born in Canada, Aug. 21, 1850, the son of Peter and Sarah (McDonald) Ahem. He was educated in his native country, and early took up lumbering. He came to Wisconsin in 1869, a year before his parents came, and found his way directly to Rice Lake. With head¬ quarters here, he was foreman for Knapp, Stout & Co. for eighteen years. For six winters he engaged in logging for himself as a contractor. From 1892 to 1908 he was again in the lumber business in the employ of Knapp, Stout & Co.

until his death, which occurred May 24, 1911, and was an event widely and sincerely mourned. He was married Aug. 17, 1874, to Bridget K. Lally, the daughter of Owen and Mary (Dooher) Lally.

Owen Lally, one of the earliest homesteaders in Oak Grove Township, now deceased, was born in County Sligo, Ireland, and was there reared. He came to Canada in the forties, and there married Mary Dooher, a native of County Mayo, Ireland. In Canada, he followed the lumber industry. From there, in 1865, he came to the United States. The railroad then ended at Sparta, and from there he drove to Chippewa Falls with a team of cows. Upon arriving there, Mr. Lally entered the employment of the Gilbert Brothers Lumber Co., with headquarters along the Yellow River. With this company and others he continued, during the winter seasons, for many years. In. 1868 he and his three sons, Mike, John and Anthony, each took a homestead of 160 acres in Oak Grove Township. In 1872 they were joined by the rest of the family, and after erecting a set of log buildings, they proceeded to cut off the timber and clear the land. Many thousand feet of the hardwood thus cut off was sold to the wood-working factories for staves, hubs and spokes. Mr. Lally farmed on this place summers and worked in the woods winters until 1898, when he retired and moved to Rice Lake, where he died Feb. 14, 1899. His good wife died March 22, 1901. In the family there were eleven children: Patrick, Michael, John, James, Edward, Mary, Anna, Anthony, Thomas P., Bridget Kathleen and Andrew. Of these children, Patrick, Michael, John, James, Ed¬ ward, Mary and Anna are now deceased. Anthony and Andrew live in Superior, and Thomas P. and Bridget Kathleen at Rice Lake.

Thomas P. Lally, for many years connected with the lumbering industry in Rice Lake, was born in the Province of Ontario, Canada, Nov. 22, 1856, the son of Owen and Mary (Dooher) Lally, natives of Ireland. He was nine years old when his parents came to Wisconsin, and twelve when they settled in Oak Grove Township. He attended school for a time in Oak Grove Township, and assisted his father and brothers in clearing land. In 1872 he went to Rice Lake. There for nearly fifty years he was employed by various lumber companies. When the Lampert Lumber Co. opened a yard here, he started work for them, and remained with them until 1920. Then he took up his home with his sister, Mrs. Peter Ahern of Rice Lake. He has been a hard working man all his life, he knows the lumber business in all its branches, he has always had the confidence of those by whom he has been employed. He is a genial, kindly soul, he enjoys a good joke, and has a fine sense of humor. He is respected by the older folk and beloved by the children, and enjoys an excellent standing in the community.

Janies C. Barbee, D. V. S., skilled and efficient veterinarian practitioner at Rice Lake, was born in Effingham, Ill., June 13, 1890, and received his early education in the primary, grammar and high schools of Chicago. In 1909 he entered the Chicago Veterinary College, and was graduated in 1912, after three years hard study. For a while he practiced successfully at Sidney, Ill., and from there went to Hinkley, Ill. While there he enrolled in the Veterinary Reserve Corps, and in March, 1918, was called to active duty with the United States forces. He trained at Camp Wheeler in Georgia, went to France with the 117th Field Artillery in October, 1918, was transferred to Section 7, Veterinary Evacuation Service, in January, 1919, and was returned to the States in June, 1919, and discharged. The following month he located in Rice Lake. Here he bought out I. L. James, and has since continued in practice. He has a growing practice, and gives his attention to all branches of his pro¬ fession, the valuable cattle of this rich dairy community making his services especially in demand. Dr. Barbee is a member of Edgar Eubanks Post, American Legion. In politics he is an independent voter, studying the men and issues of each campaign, rather than blindly following the dictates of party leaders.

Mr. And Mrs. Owen Lally

Bertrand I. Bliss, Rice Lake real estate dealer, insurance agent, lumber¬ man and public official, was born in Evansville, Ind., son of George I. and Jane C. (Taylor) Bliss, natives of Geneseo, New York, who returned to their native town when their son, Bertrand I. was five years old. He passed through the graded schools and took a one-year course in the High School. As a youth he farmed for a while, and then for several years worked in a grocery store at Geneseo. He came to Rice Lake in 1891, and for a while was employed in the lumber yard of the Rice Lake Lumber Co. Then he entered the Bank of Rice Lake, now the First National Bank, as clerk, was in time promoted to assistant cashier, and remained with the institution in all some ten years. In 1903 he took up the land business in which he has since continued, dealing in city and rural property. In his insurance department he specializes in automobile in¬ surance as agent for the Mutual Company of Monroe County, Wis. His loan business is largely confined to farm lands. During the winter season he is interested in logging, buying, stumping and selling logs. In public life he has been supervisor of the first ward, school commissioner, secretary of the board of education, member of the park board, member of the board of public works, and member of the county tax income board. Fraternally he is a member of the Blue Lodge and of the Eastern Star. The pleasant family home, all modern in convenience, is located at 625 North Main street. Mr. Bliss was married in 1894 to Amanda Brown, of Eau Claire county, this state, who died in Decem¬ ber, 1909, leaving two daughters, Dorothy L. a stenographer at Appleton, Wis., and Portia C., a stenographer at Clintonville, Wis. In 1911 Mr. Bliss married Barbara S. Kaiser, of Hudson, Wis., and they have one daughter, Florence I., born Feb. 21. 1915.

Albert Belland, connected with the Park Falls Lumber Co., Rice Lake, was born in Victoriaville, Dominion of Canada, Nov. 16, 1865, son of Charles and Mary (Cornwell) Belland, who brought him to the States when he was a child. He received his early education in Chippewa and Barron counties, sometimes having to walk three miles to a log school house in the forest. He left school at the age of fourteen and was thereafter employed in the woods during the winter, continuing to assist his parents on the home place during the farming season. In 1893 he bought eighty acres of the old homestead in Rice Lake Township and operated it for seven years, but in 1900 sold out, moved to Rice Lake, and entered his present employ. He understands lumber thoroughly and is in high favor with his company and with the patrons whom he serves. He is a union man and belongs to a local of the American Federation of Labor. Mr. Belland married Louise Burton, daughter of S. Burton and Ellen (Demers) Burton, the former of whom died May 12, 1916, and the latter of whom makes her home with her daughter. Mr. and Mrs. Belland are the parents of nine children. Lena, Bert J. (deceased), Andy G., who in March, 1911, enlisted in the regular United States Army, being now first sergeant in a company of the 14th U. S. Cavalry; Emily M., Roy G., a machinist in Minneapolis; Dorris J., a clerk in Rice Lake; Evilda D., Louis, who died in infancy; and Wallace J.

Charles Belland was born in Canada, and there married Mary Cornwell. He brought his family to the States in the early seventies, and settled at Chippewa Falls, Wis., where he was variously employed. A few years later he came to Barron county, and subsequently purchased 220 acres of land in Section 4, Rice Lake Township. Of this tract 35 acres had been broken. He continued the breaking and improving, and erected a log house and barn, which he thatched with bark. In 1885 he replaced the log barn with a frame structure, and in 1900 built a frame granary, sheep shed, hog house and other buildings. In that year he sold out, and moved to the city of Rice Lake, where he now lives with his daughter, Mrs. George Robarge. In the family there are six children: Albert, Paul (deceased), Emma, Adolph, Frieda and Clara. Mrs. Belland died on the farm. Sept. 5, 1883.

Ole Bredeson, deceased, formerly a hotel man of Rice Lake, was a well known citizen of the place, and did what he could for the welfare of the city.

He was born in Norway, July 4, 1843, was there educated, and as a young man was employed in the lumber woods. In 1873 he came to America, and settled at Beloit, Wis. The next year he came to this part of the state, and after living in Eau Claire for a short time, settled on a farm near Sand Creek, in Dunn county, where he purchased 80 acres. He cleared 40 acres, erected a set of buildings, made other improvements, and there farmed for fifteen years. He sold the farm in 1889, and started the hotel at Sand Creek, which he operated for three years. In 1893 he came to Rice Lake and opened the Bredeson Hotel, which he successfully conducted for five years, meeting with general approval from the traveling public. He retired in 1899, and purchased a home at 135 West Humbird street, where he lived until his lamented death, Nov. 15, 1905. Mr. Bredeson was married in Norway, Aug. 12, 1869, to Bertha Larson, who was born there Jan. 9, 1846. They have eleven children: Gilbert, Mary, George, Louise, Ole C., and Albert, who are living, and Carrie, Gunda, Bertha, James and Oscar, who are dead. The family faith is that of the Norwegian Lutheran Church.

Ole C. Bredeson, automobile salesman, Rice Lake, was born Oct. 6, 1883, at Sand Creek, Dunn County, Wis., son of Ole and Bertha (Larson) Bredeson. He was educated in his native town and in Rice Lake. In 1899 he started railroading for the "Soo" line, as a freight brakeman, in which occupation he had the misfortune to lose his left arm in 1900. In 1904 he worked in the north lumber woods. He engaged in business in Rice Lake in 1907, and in 1912 became an auto salesman. From 1914 to 1917, he owned and conducted a livery barn at Rice Lake, and since then has been an auto salesman. He is active in public life and is a member of the Rice Lake Commercial Club. He makes his home with his mother.

Albert Freier, truck gardener, Rice Lake, was born in Germany, Feb. 19, 1854, received his education in his native country, and spent several years at farm labor. He came to America in 1887, landed in New York city, and there remained for a year. Then he came to Richland County, Wis., bought 140 acres, cleared and broke 100 acres, erected a set of buildings, and successfully carried on general farming for some fifteen years. In 1904 he moved to Rice Lake, bought ten acres just inside the city limits, and erected a pleasant little home at the corner of Kern avenue and Schneider avenue. He is a member of the German Lutheran church. Mr. Freier was married June 6, 1877 to Wilhelmina Fleshamel, who was born Sept. 12, 1853, in Germany, and was early left an orphan. There are nine children in the family. Martha was born Jan. 23, 1878; Theodore was born June 6, 1880; Emma was born Sept. 8, 1882; Wilhelmina was born July 19, 1885; Herman was born Dec. 5, 1888; Ida was born July 18, 1892; Louisa was born July 18, 1895 and died in childhood; Albert was born Oct. 15, 1897 and died in childhood; George was born Jan. 23, 1899. Mr. Freier is a substantial hard working man, and is well liked as a good family man and good neighbor.

Andrew E. Folstad, Rice Lake, was born in the parish of Storen, five miles south of Trondhjem, Norway, Aug. 15, 1864, son of Elling and Ingeborg (Froseth) Folstad, who spent the span of their years in that parish, as had their ancestors before them, he dying in 1881 and she in 1882. In the family there were seven children: John (first), John, Andrew, Peter, Johan, Carrie and Berit. Andrew E. received his education in the schools of Norway, and as a youth was reared to farm pursuits. He came to America in 1883 and located at Rice Lake, where he secured employment with Knapp, Stout & Co., with whom he worked logging and lumbering for the long period of 36 years. In April, 1920, he became janitor for the Riverside Methodist Episcopal Hospital, at Rice Lake. The family home is at 31 West Newton Street. Mr. Folstad was mar¬ ried Oct. 24, 1886, to Mary Hugdahl, who was born in Norway, May 13, 1867, and came to America in 1880 with her parents, Iver and Berit (Stenbru) Hug¬ dahl, who came to America and located at Rice Lake, where Mr. Hugdahl se¬ cured employment with Knapp, Stout & Co. for several years, after which he purchased land just outside the city limits, and farmed there until his death, May 11, 1914, his wife now making her home with her son, Iver Hugdahl, at the age of 84 years. In the family there were seven children: Inga, Iver, Mary, Ole, Inga (second), Gena and Olaf. Mr. and Mrs. Folstad have had eight chil¬ dren. Edward (first) is deceased. Edward (second) was born Feb. 13, 1888, and is a building contractor, living in Rice Lake. He married Helga Hanson, and they have one child, Donald. Olaf was born July 22, 1890, and is a clerk with the Jacobson Mercantile Co. He married Wallie Kuger, they have one child, Bernice, and live at Rice Lake. Iver was born Feb. 10, 1893, lives in Rice Lake, and clerks for the Jacobson Mercantile Co. Ida was born Aug. 23, 1897, and died at the age of four and a half years. Arthur was born Feb. 8, 1900: Melvin was born Feb. 7, 1903; 'and Oscar was born April 19, 1906. The family faith is that of the Norwegian Lutheran Church. Iver, the son already mentioned, is a veteran of some of the heaviest fighting of the World War, having seen active service at Montdidier Noyore, in the Aisne- Marne region, at St. Mihiel, in the Meuse-Argonne region, and in various de¬ fensive sectors, absolutely without injury. He was a volunteer, enlisted July 6, 1917, in Co. F, 6th Wis. Inf., as sergeant, trained at Camp Douglas, in this state, and then at Camp McArthur, Waco, Texas; left America Feb. 18, 1918, arrived at Brest, March 5, 1918, was transferred to the First Division, March 26, 1918; was thrown into action at once, and followed the heroic fortunes of that historic division to the end of the conflict. He was sent back to the States in the fall of 1919, and was discharged at Camp Grant, Rockford, Ill., Sept. 28, 1919.

John Victor Olson is a retired farmer living in Rice Lake, who is highly respected for his worth as a man, his success as an agriculturist, and the share he has had in the upbuilding of the county. He was born in Sweden, May 17, the father dying in 1872 and the mother in 1874. After leaving school he farmed for a while, and was also employed in lumber yards and sawmills. He came to America in 1888, and with headquarters at Rice Lake, worked for two years in lumber yards and in the woods. In 1890 he bought a farm of 40 acres in Stanfold Township, Section 36, and to this he later added an adjoining 40 acres in Barron Township. The land was all wild, covered with heavy hard¬ wood timber. He cleared most of this timber, grubbed and broke the land, de¬ veloped a good farm, and carried on general farming operations until 1920, when he sold the farm, and moved to 32 Reuter Avenue, where he now resides. He had the confidence of his farm neighbors and at one time served on the town board. Mr. Olson was married Oct. 4, 1888, to Hulda Josephine Johnson, born in Sweden, Jan. 23, 1865, daughter of John and Johanna Johnson, natives of that country, the former of whom died there about 1872 and the latter about 1877. In the Olson family there have been nine children, of whom but two are now living. Mabel was born Dec. 4, 1892, and now lives in Minneapolis. Albert was born Sept. 9, 1902, and lives at home. Runo was born Nov. 15, 1889, and died in September, 1890. Nannie was born July 31, 1891, and

Spencer Driver, a representative citizen of Rice Lake, who has developed an excellent farm of 65y2 acres within the city limits, and also owns another good place of 102 acres just over the city line, was born in England, May 13,

1866, son of John and Emma (Bull) Driver, who spent the span of their years in the old countix the father being a trader and dealer. The subject of this sketch received his education in the public schools of England, and was for some years associated with his father as a trader. In 1888 he came to Canada. In 1893 he came to the States, and became identified with the lumber business in Rice Lake. He bought his present farm, then containing 60 acres of wild land, in 1899. He set to work with a will, brought the place under cultivation, and built a nine-room, modern house, with such conveniences as furnace, bath and running water. He has also built three barns, 23 by 30 feet, 16 by 73 feet, and 32 by 86 feet, and also a complete set of smaller buildings for the housing of the domestic fowls and swine, the keeping of corn and other farm produce, and the sheltering of his machinery and equipment. The place is well fenced, and well supplied with suitable tools, implements and machinery. Mr. Driver carries on general farming and makes a specialty of dairying, keeping a herd of good Jersey cattle, both full-blooded and grades, with a full-blooded registered sire at its head. In 1913 he purchased a 40-acre tract and in 1916 a 62-acre tract, making 102 acres, just across the city line in Rice Lake Town¬ ship, where he has completed a nine-room, modern house, and which is man¬ aged by his son, Lee. Fraternally, Mr. Driver is a member of the Knights of Pythias. He was married June 21, 1887, in England, to Lucy Barker, who was born in that country Aug. 9, 1867, and to them have been born eight chil¬ dren: Lee, Edith, Franklin, Alice, Spencer, Jr., Ruth, Roland and Viven Thomas. Lee was born July 11, 1888, is a prosperous farmer, married Min¬ nie Nothaft, and has two daughters, Minnie and Gladys. Edith was born April 27, 1891, and married A. B. Howie, a farmer. She lives in Rice Lake, and has one child, Maxine. Franklin was born Feb. 7, 1899, and assists his father on the home farm. He enlisted June 15, 1917, and was assigned to Troop A, 21st Regiment, U. S. Cavalry, which later was converted into Light Field Artillery. He trained at Camp Fort Riley, Kansas, Camp Logan in Texas, and Camp McClellan, Alabama. Aug. 29, 1918, he sailed for Europe. He was transferred to the Veterinary Corps for a while, and was later assigned to the Government School at Alleray, where he studied farming for three months. He reached the States again, July 13, 1919, and was discharged at Camp Grant, July 12, 1919. Alice was born Oct. 18, 1902; Spencer, Jr., Nov. 17, 1905; and Ruth, Nov. 25, 1911. The are all at home. Roland and Viven Thomas are dead. Mr. Driver and his family are members of the Protestant Episcopal Church, and Mr. Driver is a vestryman of the local parish.

T. -E. Oftedahl, Rice Lake, of the firm of Oftedahl & Nelson, real estate agents, was born in Vernon County, Wis., April 6, 1872, and was reared to farm work, receiving his early education in the public schools. For some years he specialized in tobacco raising, in Vernon and Dane counties. In 1907 he took up the real estate business with offices at Stoughton, Wis. He came to Rice Lake in 1916 and continued in the same line. N. A. Nelson became a partner in 1920. The firm has its offices in the Jacobson Block, and has met with success, dealing in general real estate, arranging exchanges and loans, and specializing in farm lands. The confidence in which the two partners are held within the county inspires confidence in the minds of outsiders with whom they have dealings. Mr. Oftedahl was married March 26, 1902, to Amelia Skaar, who was born Dec. 17, 1876, at Stoughton, Wis. The union was blessed with seven children: Earl I., Edna, Anita, Lulu, Theo. V., Irene and Florence, who were born as follows: Earl I., Jan. 1, 1905; Edna, Aug. 7, 1906; Anita, Oct. 15, 1908; Lulu, Jan. 18, 1910; Theo. V., July 9, 1912; Irene, Jan. 13, 1913; and Florence, June 3, 1915. They reside in a pleasant home at 19 West Stout Street. The family faith is that of the Methodist Episcopal Church.

Nelson Brothers Company, manufacturers of and dealers in monuments and building stone. Rice Lake, was founded as the Nelson Brothers in 1906 by C. D. and William O. Nelson. In 1916, De Wayne Nelson, son of C. D. Nelson, was admitted to the firm and the name changed to the Nelson Brothers Co. C. D. Nelson is the business head of the firm, William O. Nelson is the expert stone dresser, and De Wayne Nelson is the office man and sales man¬ ager. The concern handles monuments, ornamental stone, and building stone, and has a wide market, being one of the largest concerns of its kind in north¬ ern Wisconsin. Three expert cutters and two proficient setters are employed in the shop, and ten salesmen are on the road. Granite and marble are han¬ dled from Vermont, Indiana, Georgia, Minnesota and Wisconsin. The factory is equipped with all the latest machinery and tools for speed, efficiency and safety, and the firm does business far beyond the borders of the state. Its present enviable reputation is based upon its many years of fair dealing and honest prices.

William A. Nelson, a veteran of the Civil War, from whom the William A. Nelson Post, G. A. R., at Forestville, Door County, Wis., is named, was born in Nova Scotia, and as a young man came to Wisconsin, where for many years, in various places, he engaged in lumbering and stock shipping. In 1861, he enlisted in Co. E, 14th Wis. Vol. Inf., and after serving with valor with this company, was given command of a company of colored troops in the 6th Louisiana Infantry, with the rank of captain. He was married in Wisconsin to Elizabeth McDonald, a native of this state, and this union has been blessed with three children: Laura Mae, Charles D., and William 0. Laura Mae mar¬ ried Prof. F. B. Virden, a well-known commercial educator, now deceased, and was associated with him in his work. At one time, they had four colleges, with over 7,000 pupils enrolled. She is now president of the Chicago Business College, and gives much of her time to its actual supervision. She has two sons, Frederick and Harold. C. D. and William 0. are members of the firm of Nelson Brothers Company, dealers and workers in monumental, ornamental and building stone, at Rice Lake.

Charles D. Nelson, of the firm of Nelson Brothers Company, dealers and workers in monumental, ornamental and building stone, at Rice Lake, was born in Algoma, Wis., Sept. 23, 1872, son of William A. and Elizabeth (Mc¬ Donald) Nelson. He received his early education in the graded and high schools of his native place, and supplemented this with a course in the Chi¬ cago Business College. With this preparation he went to Madison, Wis., where he held subordinate positions until 1907, first as proofreader of senate docu¬ ments in 1896, and then in various clerical capacities in different departments until 1901, when he became deputy chief game warden. In 1906, while he was still in Madison, he and his brother, William 0., an expert stonecutter, estab¬ lished the firm of Nelson Brothers Co. and William 0. came here to open the business. The subject of this sketch located here permanently in 1908, since which time he has given his entire time to the business. In addition to his interests in this concern, he is vice-president and a director in the Citizens State Bank of Rice Lake, and secretary of the Dairy Land Realty Co. of Rice Lake. In public affairs he has done good service as a member of the county board since 1912, and is now a member of the road and bridge committee of that body. He is a member of the Blue Lodge, Chapter, Council and Eastern Star of the Masonic Order, and of the Odd Fellows and United Commercial Travelers. Mr. Nelson was married June 12, 1894, to Elsie Acker, of Algoma, Wis., who was born April 25, 1872, and died Feb. 1, 1908, leaving a son, De Wayne, born Oct. 31, 1895, who is associated with his father and uncle in busi¬ ness. Mr. Nelson was married on July 6, 1911, to Ida Thompson, and they have a child, Charles D., Jr., born Jan. 7, 1920. The family faith is that of the Episcopal Church.

William O. Nelson, of the firm of Nelson Brothers Co., manufacturers of and dealers in monumental, ornamental and building stone, at Rice Lake, was born in Algoma, Wis., June 21, 1871, son of William A. and Elizabeth (Mc¬ Donald) Nelson. He received his early education in his native town, and learned the stonecutters' trade, becoming most expert in this line, a trade which he has since followed for thirty years. For six years he was foreman for Wolf & Hagner, at Appleton, one of the largest establishments of its kind in the state. In 1906 he joined with his brother in the establishment of the pres¬ ent firm, and took up his home here. His knowledge of stone working, and his expertness as an artisan, have been vital factors in the great success which the company has met. Mr. Nelson is a Blue Lodge, Chapter and Council Mason, and active in the affairs of all three. Mr. Nelson was married Jan. 22, 1895. to Alvina Fenske, born Jan. 17, 1877. Mr. and Mrs. Nelson have five children: Harold C., Mae, Elsie, William and Earl J. Harold C. was one of the heroes who gave his life in the cause of freedom in the World War. He was born Aug. 16, 1897, passed through the public schools, and as a youth, became a stonecutter, determined to follow, in his father's footsteps. At the outbreak of the hostilities he was a member of the Wisconsin National Guard. He was inducted into service with that unit, and was assigned to the 121st Machine Gun Battalion of the Thirty-second Division. He made a most gallant record as a soldier both in the training camps and at the front, and was killed in action under circumstances of unusual valor at Juvigny, France. Mae was born April 28, 1900, and is the wife of Theo. Case, of Rice Lake, a stonecutter for Nelson Brothers Co. Elsie was born Oct. 14, 1902, and is wife of William Gardner, a bridge builder of Rice Lake. William, born April 30, 1908, and Earl J., born July 14, 1911, are living at home.

De Wayne Nelson, member of the firm of Nelson Brothers Co., dealers in and manufacturers of monumental, ornamental and building stone, was born in Algoma, Wis., Oct. 31, 1895, only son of C. D. and Elsie (Acker) Nelson. He received his preliminary education in the public schools of Madison and Rice Lake, and then entered the Chicago Business College, from which he was graduated with the class of 1914. He then became office manager and sales¬ man for his father and uncle, then constituting the firm of Nelson Brothers. In 1916 he, with his father and uncle, William O. Nelson, reorganized the con¬ cern as the Nelson Brothers Company, and he became the sales and office man¬ ager, a position he still retains, spending a part of his time in the office and a part on the road. Mr. Nelson is a prominent fraternity man, and belongs to numerous orders. He is a 32nd Degree Mason, and in that order is a member of Rice Lake Lodge, No. 234, A. F. and A. M.; Pokegama Chapter, No. 67. R. A. M.; recorder in Rice Lake Council, No. 27, R. and S. M.; member of Michi¬ gan Sovereign Consistory, at Detroit, Mich.; and member of Tripoli Temple, A. A. O. N. M. S., Milwaukee, Wis. He was the first Post Commander of the Edgar Eubanks Post, No. 87, American Legion, Rice Lake, acting in that capacity for 16 months, and is now Senior Councillor of Rice Lake Council, No. 322, U. C. T. Mr. Nelson is fond of out-door life, especially hunting. He has been deer hunting in the north woods for the past thirteen years, with the exception of the time he was in the Army, and 1920 is the only year in which he has failed to get one. Mr. Nelson has long been interested in military affairs. When he was but fifteen he enlisted in Co. A, 10th Separate Battalion, W. N. G. In May, 1917, he entered the First Officers' Training School at Ft. Sheridan, Ill., and was graduated therefrom with the rank of second lieutenant. He trained at Camp Custer with the 337th Inf. In July, 1918, he went over¬ seas with that unit, and was transferred to the 101st Infantry of the 26th Divi¬ sion. Later he was transferred to the 101st Ammunition Train, was pro¬ moted to first lieutenant, and placed in charge of a company. He was in due time returned to the States, and was discharged at Camp Devins, Mass., April 24, 1919. Shortly after his discharge he received a commission, which he still holds, as Captain of Infantry in the United States Reserves. Mr. Nelson was married Oct. 31, 1917, to Margaret Hazel Barbee, of Chicago, who was born Sept. 29, 1892. They have two children, De Wayne, Jr., born April 2, 1919; and Jane Barbee, born Sept. 21, 1920.

Edmund (Ted) Milligan Knudson, opera and concert singer, was born in Eau Claire, Wis., June 16, 1891. At an early age his family removed to Rice Lake, where he attended the public schools and was graduated from the High School, the class of 1910. In his early life he gave promise of a wonderful voice and his promising development prompted him to go to Minneapolis, after finishing school, to have his voice trained. In Minneapolis he secured a position as chorister in St. Paul's church. The rapid development of his voice was soon noted by critics and music lovers and under the coaching of Mme.

Joseph C. Bergeron

Geneva Bishop- Johnstone he soon rose to the highest ranks of singers in the Northwest. Recognizing the exceptional quality of his voice, a group of his friends made possible a course of European study- and he went abroad in the fall of 1913. Here he studied under Emmerich, a master of international fame, who recognized Knudson's voice as the greatest of all barytones. Knudson studied under Emmerich for two years and in that time had mastered all the foreign languages necessary in operatic singing, had understudied the fore¬ most of barytone opera singers in Germany, at a time when opera had attained its zenith in that country, and when the greatest singers of the world were attracted to Berlin. His voice was jealously guarded by Emmerich until the winter of 1915 and at that time he made his formal debut in opera at Halle. He sang with great success throughout that season and spent the summer at Geneva, Switzerland, teaching and coaching. In the fall of 1916 he sang lead¬ ing roles in Opera at Barman Westphalia, and his matured voice won such high recognition that he had signed a five-year contract to sing leading roles in the Royal Opera, when the break came between America and Germany. His charitable acts toward the Belgian refugees had aroused the enmity of the military authorities, and his great success antagonism among German bary¬ tones, and he was subjected to considerable indignities at the time of the declaration of war against Germany. During a bread riot one evening, when the people were protesting against the terrible food conditions, he became emmeshed in the mob and when the troops charged the crowd he was seized with several of the ring leaders and imprisoned. He was held without trial nor a chance to communicate with his friends, without proper food or covering and in quarters so unsanitary that he contracted pneumonia which developed into tuberculosis. After several weeks' incarceration he was re¬ leased and as he appeared to be dying was given permission to leave Germany. He went to Switzerland and gained enough strength to return to America. After several months' treatment at "The Pines" sanatorium at Stevens Point, Wis., he recuperated and gained some semblance of his former self. En¬ couraged by his physician's belief that he would live for many years, Knudson set about to regain his health and by fall had recovered his vigor to such extent that he was able to sing again. To the time of the close of the war he accomplished much good for the Red Cross by his efforts in benefit concerts. After the signing of the Armistice he sang with the old-time power and was teaching music with great success in Minneapolis. Then an attack of in¬ fluenza laid him low and destroyed practically all the gain he had made in more than a year. During the year and a half following he made a hard fight for life, but gradually lost and passed from earthly life on the 5th of July, 1920, mourned by a host of friends and music lovers who loved him not alone for his beautiful voice but for the wonderful personality and sympathetic nature he maintained to the end.

Joseph C. Bergeron, of the Wisconsin Casualty Association of Green Bay, superintendent of agencies in Wisconsin, Michigan, Indiana and Pennsylvania, is one of the well known and representative citizens of Rice Lake, where he has lived for the greater part of his life. He is a good insurance man, he knows how to deal with the public and he is well qualified to handle men. The fidelity with which he works, the esteem in which he is held by the public, and the confidence with which he is regarded by the directors and stockholders of his company, is shown by the fact that he has served in his present position as superintendent longer than any other man who has occupied the place. He was born in Sherbrook, province of Quebec, Canada, Sept. 19, 1878,. son of Francis and Mary (Paradis) Bergeron, who in 1884 came to Rice Lake, where the father has since continued to be one of the leading business men and merchants of the city, now conducting a good store at the flourishing part of the city known as Oak Park Comers. Joseph C. was reared in Rice Lake, and received an excellent education in the public schools. Then to secure practical experience in life he worked six years as a shingle weaver in the mill of the

Rice Lake Lumber Co. The next five years were spent as a clerk in his father's store. Then he learned the barber trade, which he followd from 1898 to 1907 being at one time the proprietor of the sanitary and prosperous shop under the First National Bank. In 1907 he sold out, and engaged in the general insurance business, representing various companies, and writing policies for life, accident, health, fire, hail, tornado and other risks. Already a popular man in the city when he took up this line of business, his success was assured from the start. He has a constantly increasing list of policy-holders, and is known for his fair dealing, his sound advice and his good judgment. His work and ability, his knowledge of the insurance business, and his thoroughness and reliability, attracted the attention of the officials of various companies, and in time this resulted in his present appointment. He maintains his office in Rice Lake, and still looks after his business here, but spends the greater part of his time traveling, and supervising and establishing agencies in four states. He has a pleasant home on 709 North Main street, on the shores of Rice Lake, with a gently sloping bank from the home to the water. Fraternally he has been a genial companion to his fellow men, and is an active member of Rice Lake Lodge, No. 234, A. F. & A. M., Rice Lake Camp, No. 1258, M. W. A., and Rice Lake Council, No. 322, U. C. T. For nine years he did good work as secretary of the M. W. A. until his enforced absences caused him to resign the position. He is fond of out-of-door life, and devotes his spare time to hunting and fishing. Mr. Bergeron was married Nov. 6, 1902, to Daisy Knudson, who was born at St. Louis, Mo., Dec. 25, 1879, daughter of the Rev. Knud and Jennie (Manson) Knudson, the former of whom, a staunch and beloved Presbyterian clergyman, died June 10, 1906, and the latter of whom now makes her home with the Bergeron family, where she is spending the afternoon of life amid the pleasant surroundings of love and contentment. Mr. and Mrs. Bergeron have two bright children: Francis Edmond, born March 17, 1907, and Dryden Joseph, born July 12, 1911, both of whom are doing well with their studies in the public school. Mrs. Bergeron is an influential factor in Rice Lake social and intellectual life. She was educated in the public schools of Eau Claire and Rice Lake, and in the famous Ferry Hall Seminary, at Lake Forest, Ill. Thus prepared she was a popular teacher for five years in Osseo, Oconto and Rice Lake. While at the Seminary she had specialized in vocal music, and her accomplishments in this line were highly valued in the communities whose youngsters she had in charge. She is now active in the Fortnightly Club in which she is vice president, in the Eastern Star and in the Royal Neighbors. The family faith is that of the Presbyterian church.

Mrs. Charles Miller, the efficient superintendent of the Day Oral School for the Deaf, Rice Lake, was born in Calumet County, Wis., as Lowena A. Dignin, daughter of William and Elizabeth (Weigand) Dignin, natives re¬ spectively of New York and Connecticut. The father came to Wisconsin in 1847, the mother in 1848, both locating in Calumet County. At the time the Civil War broke out Mr. Dignin volunteered his services and enlisted in Co. G, 19th Wisconsin Infantry, serving three years and nine months. He was wounded in the battle of Fair Oaks, receiving a gun shot wound in the arm, which disabled him to a certain extent for extensive manual labor. He married in 1864, living on a farm until about ten years before his death, when he retired, moving to Fond du Lac, where he died May 4, 1918, Mrs. Dignin's death occurring Feb. 25, 1918. The daughter received her preliminary educa¬ tion in the district schools of her native county, and in 1904 was graduated from the Oshkosh Normal School at Oshkosh, Wis. With this preparation she taught school in 1905 at Stockbridge, Wis., and in 1906-07 at Sheboygan, Wis. Her teaching experience caused her to determine to devote her life to the instruction of the afflicted. Accordingly in 1907 and 1908 she attended the Training School for Instructors of the Deaf at Milwaukee. In 1909 she taught in the Day Oral School for the Deaf at Ironwood, Mich., and in 1910 and 1911 in the School for the Deaf at Superior, Wis. She was married June 19, 1911, to

Charles Miller, and this union was blessed with one daughter, Maxine, born April 10, 1912, in Anthon, Iowa. Since 1914 Mrs. Miller has occupied her present position. She is beloved by her pupils and well liked in the town, and has an excellent standing in her chosen profession.

P. D. Jacobson, president of the Jacobson Mercantile Co., Rice Lake, has been one of the real commercial builders of the county, and has been an active leader in business affairs in Cumberland and Rice Lake. He was born in Norway, Jan. 13, 1850, son of Jacob and Petra (Peterson) Jacobson, who spent the span of their years in that country. The subject of this sketch received a good preliminary education in his native land, and came to America in 1879. From Red Wing, Minn., he went to Baldwin, St. Croix County, this state. It was on March 28, 1882, that he reached Barron county, and located in Cumber¬ land. For three years he was employed by the Beaver Lake Lumber Company, and then rented the Winsor Hotel, which he conducted two years. In 1886 he formed a partnership with C. F. Dahl, and engaged in the furniture business at Washburn, but after a year sold out to his partner and returned to Cumber¬ land, erected a store, and engaged in the furniture business and funeral directing. In 1913, with his son, John J., he purchased the Benson Brothers mercantile establishment at Rice Lake, and established the Jacobson Mercan¬ tile Company which is now one of the leading establishments in the place. In 1918 the concern was incorporated with P. D. Jacobson as president, Carl Jacobson as secretary and treasurer, John J. Jacobson as manager, and Hans Jacobson as one of the directors, the three young men having active charge of the business. In addition to the business at Cumberland already mentioned, Mr. Jacobson had a drug department at Cumberland for twelve years, having a licensed pharmacist in charge of that branch of his concern. While in that place he also took an active part in public affairs, serving as village trustee and treasurer, and as town supervisor. His financial holdings include stock in the Island City State Bank at Cumberland. He has large tracts of wild land in Washburn and Douglas counties, in this state, and until recently was the owner of a fine farm in Cumberland Township, this county, originally pre¬ empted by the pioneer, John Gunderson. Mr. Jacobson was married, March 18, 1881, to Marie Stene, who died Nov. 8, 1893, leaving four children: John J., born Feb. 1, 1884; Carl, born July 25, 1886; Hans, born Oct 14, 1890, and filling, who was born Jan. 8, 1883, and died Feb. 4, 1894. Mr. Jacobson was married in 1895 to Martha Walstrom, and this union has been blessed with seven children: Mary, born April 22, 1896, now wife of Laren Peterson; Elling, born May 17, 1901, now traveling with the Hoppe Concert Co.; Helen, born Aug. 14, 1903, now taking a commercial course in Minneapolis; Pearl, born Aug. 18, 1905; Eleanore, born June 29, 1906; Clarence, born Feb. 17, 1908, and Lloyd, born Dec. 27, 1910. The family residence is at 136 West Douglas street. Mr. Jacobson is a member of the Knights of Pythias and the Modern Woodman. He affiliates with the Norwegian Lutheran church.

John J. Jacobson, manager of the Jacobson Mercantile Co., Rice Lake, was born in Cumberland, this county, Feb. 1, 1884, the son of P. D. and Marie (Stene) Jacobson, whose sketch appears elsewhere in this work. He passed through the graded schools of his native place and completed his studies at the High School. Then he clerked there for a while. For five years he was traveling salesman for Finch, Van Slyck & McConville, wholesale dry goods of St. Paul, and for five years was employed in a similar capacity with Tibbs & Hutchins, wholesale dry goods of St. Paul. Then in 1913 he came to Rice Lake, and with his father purchased the Benson Brothers' mercantile establishment, and founded the firm of the Jacobson Mercantile Co. The concern was in¬ corporated in 1908, with P. D. Jacobson as president, Carl Jacobson as secre¬ tary and treasurer, John J. Jacobson as manager, and Hans Jacobson as one of the directors. The three young men are actively engaged in the business. The company occupies a modern, two story brick building, 56 by 110 feet, with full basement, at the corner of West Newton and North Main streets. The place is well equipped and uses the Air Line Cash System. The concern carries a full line of the goods usually found in such a store, with special attention paid to general dry goods, women's ready-to-wear goods, men's furnishings, crockery, notions, toys and holiday goods. John J. Jacobson is doing good work as a member of the board of education and he is also a director in the Lakeside Methodist Episcopal Hospital. He is Worshipful Master of Rice Lake Lodge, No. 234, A. F. & A. M., and an active member of the Commercial Club. He is a good business man, he is well liked throughout the community, and his personality, experience, and ability are important factors in the success with which the company has met. Mr. Jacobson was married Sept. 1, 1914, to Helma Dahl of Rice Lake, born Aug. 19, 1882, and they have two children: John Porter, born July 30, 1915, and Neil Charles, born June 15, 1919. The family faith is that of the Norwegian Lutheran Church.

Edward K. Brayton, first captain of Co. A, 3rd Regiment, W. N. G., was for many years actively identified with the business and social life of Rice Lake. A descendant of Revolutionary and Colonial stock, and connected with many families still prominent in the eastern states, he was a man courteous and refined in manner, genial yet dignified in bearing, and of unusual staunch character and high ideals. He was above all a family man, and took the greatest delight in his home. He was also fond of the out of doors, and often declared that he found much of his best inspiration while hunting and fishing amid wild surroundings of river and forest. He was born in Dansville, New York, Jan. 20, 1850, and was taken by his parents to Hudson, this state, when he was but eight years of age. As a youth he followed the Mississippi as a pilot, and in this capacity had the opportunity of seeing much of the Mississippi Valley from the head of navigation to its mouth. Later he learned the harness-making trade at Eau Claire, and with this preparation engaged in business at Rusk, Wis. In 1881 he went to Menomonie, Wis., where he engaged in a similar business. It was there that he first became interested in the National Guard, as a member of Co. H, 3rd Wisconsin. He there became a prominent citizen, took a part in public affairs, and served on the city council. Late in 1888 he moved his family to Rice Lake, opened a harness shop, and here spent the remainder of his life. Here he likewise took an active part in public affairs. For a time he was president of the council. At the organization of Co. A, July 27, 1898, he became its captain, and so served until Dec. 21, 1900. He superintended the platting of Orchard Beach Cemetery. In many other ways he also showed his spirit as a good citizen. He was a member of the Modern Woodmen and of the Knights of Pythias. He died Jan. 26, 1907. Mr. Brayton was married Dec. 25, 1877, to Kate M. Schaaf, daughter of Peter and Elizabeth (Miller) Schaaf. This union was blessed with three children: Elizabeth, Edna and Catherine. Elizabeth was born Dec. 19, 1881, and is now Mrs. Theo C. Surdson of Rice Lake. Edna was born Aug. 29, 1884, and is the widow of James Gass. She lives with her mother. Catherine was born Nov. 16, 1887, and is the wife of Lynn Prentice of Park Falls, Wis. In 1906, Mrs. Brayton opened a boarding house which she is still conducting.

Ole Johnson, retired farmer, living in a pleasant home at 26 Reuter avenue, Rice Lake, was born in Norway, Dec. 10, 1846, son of John Erickson and his wife, Marie Arnson, natives of that country. The father died there, and the mother married Peter Erickson Rogstad. Mr. and Mrs. Rogstad came to this country in 1882, and spent their declining years with the subject of this sketch on a farm in Rice Lake Township, this county, Mr. Rogstad dying in 1893 and she in 1892. Ole Johnson was educated in Norway, and worked on a railroad for a while. He came to America in 1874, and located at Menomonie, in this state, where he worked in a mill. In the fall of 1875 he came to Rice Lake, and then worked in the woods for some years. In 1882 he bought a farm of 100 acres in section 32, township 35, range 11, Rice Lake Township, built a home and other structures, developed the farm, and there carried on general agricultural operations until 1916, when he sold out and purchased 40 acres in the same township which he rents. At the same time he retired and moved to Rice Lake, where he erected a sightly home. While in the township he was supervisor for a long period, and a director of his school district for nearly twenty years. He was married June 4, 1883, to Marion Gihle, born in Norway, Oct. 24, 1867, daughter of Hans Gihle, a blacksmith, and his wife, Antoinette Olson, who came to America from their native home in Norway in 1869, and located in Dane county, this state, later moving to Vernon county, where both died. Mr. and Mrs. Johnson are the parents of nine children. Mary is now Mrs. John Borgen, of Rice Lake Township. Anna is the wife of Ole Moe, of Rice Lake, and they have three children, Orville, Raymond and Merlan. Olaf of Rice Lake, married Winnie Johnson and has two children. Marvel and Orvis. Clara, who lives in Rice Lake, married Jo Olson, and has one child, Joyce. Hans married Bessie Dahl, and lives in Stanley township. Julia married John Barta, who farms the old home place, and they have a son, Wesley. Helmer lives in Rice Lake. Harry died Dec. 26, 1919. Alma graduated from the High School and Teachers Training School at Rice Lake and is now a teacher. The family faith is that of the Norwegian Lutheran church.

John T. Cornwall, D. D. S., popular dental practitioner at Rice Lake and a captain in the United States Expeditionary Forces during some of the fiercest fighting of the World War, is a native of this country, born at Turtle Lake, July 10, 1887, son of John A. and Lillie E. Cornwall. He was graduated from the Cumberland high school in the class of 1907, and then for two years was time keeper for the D. M. & R. Ry. at Virginia, Minn. In 1908 he matriculated in the classical course of the University of Minnesota, and in 1909 in the Dental College of the Northwestern University at Chicago, receiving his dental degree with the class of 1912. For one year he practiced in Chicago, and the following two years at Stevens Point, Wis. Nov. 13, 1915, he opened an office at Rice Lake. His success was assured from the start, and he soon became well known as a thorough, skilled and efficient craftsman. His pleasant offices are located at 22 Main street, and his equipment in the way of modern appliances is the best. His standing among his professional brethren is shown by his membership in the Eau Claire-Dunn County Dental Society, the Wisconsin State Dental Society, and the National Dental Association. Fraternally he is a popular member of the Masonic and Odd Fellow orders. While at college he was a member of the Xi Psi Phi Fraternity. During his college days he also belonged to various athletic organizations, and took his part as a red-blooded youth in football and baseball. He is still an enthusiastic lover of out-door life, takes his exercise in boxing and playing tennis, and greatly enjoys hunting and fishing. He is a veteran of the World War, having served two years in Europe and four months in the United States. He offered his services to the government. May 13, 1917, and was sent to the Infantry Officers' Training School at Fort Sheriden, Ill. On Sept. 2, 1917, he was commissioned a first lieutenant in the dental corps and assigned to duty with the 166th Infantry, Forty-second (Rainbow) Division, then being mobilized for overseas duty at Camp Mills, Long Island, N. J. He landed in France Oct. 1, 1917. Feb. 20, 1918, his Division took over a defense sector, where they remained on the line for 110 days, Lieutenant Cornwall being in charge of a battalion aid station. On July 1, the Division was placed under the command of the French, and took part in the Champaigne-Mame defensive. During a temporary retirement of the regiment, Lieutenant Cornwall and seventeen men were left with about five-hundred wounded in what was then No Man's Land for about six hours, until the Germans were driven back. The eighteen were recommended for the Croix de Guerre by the French. After this, the Division participated in the Aisne-Marne offensive, taking over a sector near Chateau Thierry. Then it was in the St. Mihiel drive. Next it was in the Meuse-Argonne offensive for nearly two months, making a remarkable advance of forty kilometers in the last nine days of the war, and being within sight of Sedan when the Armistice was called. Shortly afterward. Lieutenant Cornwall was made a captain and assigned to duty as attending dental surgeon in charge of the Dental Infirmary of the Third Army Headquarters, Coblenz, Germany, where he remained six months. He was ordered home, July 1, 1919, sailed on the "Imperator", July 4, and was discharged Sept. 4, 1919, at Camp Grant, Rockford, Ill.

John M. George, former business man of La Crosse, this state, now de¬ ceased, was born in that city, June 24, 1873, the son of John and Ida (Platenus) George, the former of whom has been a La Crosse merchant for over a half a century and is still dealing in leather goods and tires there. John M. George was educated in his native city, and learned the harness business from his father. Then he became a traveling salesman with headquarters at La Crosse, and afterward had a harness shop in North Dakota for a while. Upon his re¬ turn to La Crosse, he was traveling salesman for the La Cross Leather Co. for a while, and then engaged in the tire business, which he followed until his lamented death, Oct. 3, 1919. He was a good business man, a charter member of the Chamber of Commerce of La Cross, thoroughly versed in his own line, and was one of the enterprising, active men of his city. He was well liked by all who knew him, and was especially popular in the Elks, the Eagles, the Catholic Knights of Wisconsin and the Kiwanis Club. His family relations were ideal, and his loss is sincerely mourned. Mr. George was married Sept. 22, 1899, to Clara Roster, born Dec. 10, 1876, in Brownsville, Houston County, Minn., daughter of Mathias and Nancy (Schaller) Roster. This union has been blessed with five children: Inez was born Oct. 27, 1904; Florence was born Aug. 28, 1908; Walter was born May 17, 1911 and died May 15, 1912; Robert J. was born March 8, 1913; and Donald E. was born July 6, 1916. After the death of her husband, Mrs. George came to Rice Lake, in February, 1920, and purchased the millinery shop formerly operated by Mrs. "Dan" McCrank. She carries a full line of ladies' hats, and is doing a good business. The family faith- is that of the Roman Catholic Church.

Mathias Roster, veteran of the Civil and Indian Wars, pioneer postman, hotel man and merchant, and for many years mayor of Brownsville, Minn., was born in Luxembourg, in 1842, and at the age of nine years was brought to America by his parents, who settled in Freeberg, Houston County, Minn., where he was educated and grew to young manhood. In 1861, at the age of nineteen years, he enlisted in a Minnesota regiment, and saw service both in the South, against the Confederates, and in the Northwest, against the hostile Sioux. After completing his term of service, he returned to Houston County, and located at Brownsville, to which place his parents had moved. Brownsville was then one of the most flourishing places on the Upper Mississippi. No rail¬ roads had been built, Brownsville had an excellent landing, and there the pioneers left the steamboats when on their way to take homesteads in the rich regions of southeastern Minnesota and northeastern Iowa. Mr. Roster became the post driver, delivering mail from the Brownsville landing to various ham¬ lets in southeastern Minnesota. Later, for many years, he conducted the Minnesota House, an historic hostelry known throughout a wide area in Min¬ nesota, Wisconsin and Iowa. Mr. Roster was a man of strong personality and genial disposition, and was known to all the pioneer leaders, by whom he was greatly esteemed and respected. He was a real force among his fellowmen, and held various positions of trust and honor. Fraternally, he was a member of the Odd Fellows and of the German Aid Society. In 1895, after the river traffic had declined, he opened a general store at Brownsville, which he con¬ ducted until his death, May 19, 1900. He was married in Houston County to Nancy Schaller, who was born in Germany, and was brought to America by her parents, passing the first anniversary of her birth on shipboard. She still makes her home in Brownsville. Mr. and Mrs. Roster had six children: John, Mathias (deceased), Anna, Mary, Loula and Clara. Clara is the widow of John M. George, of La Crosse, and is a business woman of Rice Lake, Wis.

Cyrus S. Koonce, of the firm of Koonce & Koonce, Rice Lake, better known as the K. & K. dry cleaners, was born at Fairview, Butler County, Penn., Feb. 23, 1873, and there received a good education. As a youth, he clerked three years in a grocery store, in his native town. Then for four and a half years he was identified with the livery business at Duke Center, Penn. The next three years were spent in sawmill work at Coudersport. In 1903 he came West to Osage, Iowa, where he learned the printing trade, remaining with the Woolverton Printing & Publishing Co. for eleven years. In 1914 he started to learn the dry cleaning trade from Eldridge, the Cleaner, by whom he was em¬ ployed for three years. In 1917 he came to Rice Lake, and with his wife, estab¬ lished their present business. He is well liked among his fellows, and is a popular member of the Modern Woodmen, the Yeomen and the Maccabees, as well as of the Business Men's Association and the Commercial Club. Mr. Koonce was married Feb. 5, 1906, to Lola Hain, who was born in Stillman Val¬ ley. Ogle County, Ill., Dec. 23, 1886, received a good education in the public schools, taught for a while, then took a course in business and stenography at the Cedar Valley Seminary at Osage, Iowa, and with this preparation became a stenographer and bookkeeper until her marriage. After her marriage she took a course in ladies' tailoring and dressmaking at the American College at Kansas City, Mo., and the Queen City Dressmaking and Tailoring School at Waterloo, Iowa. In both of these schools she still holds diplomas. For eight years she devoted her time to making women's wear, but now confines her work to the K. & K. establishment. Mr. and Mrs. Koonce have a pleasant home at 214 West Marshall Street, blessed with the presence of two fine children: Eva H., born March 26, 1907, and Virgil E., born March 9, 1908. Mr. and Mrs. Koonce are both members of the Security Benefit Association. The K. &. K. Cleaning Works, established in 1917, is already demonstrating its im¬ portance as one of the stable business places of the city. The business has grown from the very beginning, and now covers not only the city of Rice Lake, but also for quite a large territory in the vicinity. The concern does dry clean¬ ing, pressing of all kinds, repairing, remodeling and overhauling, and handles an agency for men's and women's ready-to-wear garments. All the dry clean¬ ing for the whole city is done in this establishment, as the tailors of the city all send their dry cleaning work here. Both Mr. and Mrs. Koonce are actively employed in all branches of the business, and their hard work, efficiency and honest dealing, have won for them a deserved success.

Isaac J. Kvam was born at Sjolstad, Namdalen, Norway, Jan. 28, 1864, son of Jacob and Susanna Kvam, and died in Madison, Wis., Wednesday, Feb. 14, 1917. He came to America when 19 years of age, shortly after having gradu¬ ated from a military school in Trondhjem, Norway. He attended Luther Col¬ lege, Decorah, Iowa, and Luther Seminary, Robbinsdale, Minn., and was or¬ dained to the ministry in June, 1893. Aug. 5, the same year, he was married to Christine Crogen, of Baldwin, Wis., the daughter of James and Anna (Simon¬ son) Crogen. Mrs. Kvam was born and reared in St. Croix County, Wis., received her early education in the graded schools of St. Croix and Pierce counties, and took her higher training at the River Falls (Wis.) High School, and the Wisconsin State Normal School at River Falls. With this prepara¬ tion, she was a popular teacher in St. Croix County for several years. Mr. Kvam served as pastor at Seattle, Wash., from 1893 to 1895, and there the son, Julien A. S., was born. In October, 1895, the family came to Rice Lake, and here Mr. Kvam was pastor of the Norwegian Synode Church, his charge includ¬ ing congregations at Bloomer, Spooner, Long Lake, and Cedar Lake. He re¬ signed on account of ill health in 1911. In 1912, in company with his wife and son, he visited his old home in Norway, including in the trip a visit to the prin¬ cipal seaports of northern Europe and the Mediterranean Sea. At the election in the fall of 1916, Mr. Kvam was elected to the Assembly on the Republican ticket, representing Barron County. When the session opened, Mr. and Mrs. Kvam took apartments in Madison, and Mr. Kvam entered upon his duties. On the day of his death, he underwent an operation on diseased teeth at the Madi¬ son General Hospital, and death was due to embolus following the operation. His short service in the Assembly was very active, much of his legislative ef¬ forts being directed toward the abolition of the liquor traffic in Wisconsin. A committee of six assemblymen was detailed as an escort for the body, and to remain for the funeral on Saturday, Feb. 17, 1917, at Rice Lake. The commit¬ tee was accompanied by T. L. Cretney, sergeant-at-arms. A remarkable tribute was paid to Mr. Kvam when the Assembly met at midnight and marched to the station as escort to his remains, the casket being covered with floral tributes from members of the Assembly and friends. The young men who acted as pallbearers were all confirmed during Rev. Kvam's pastorate at Rice Lake: Martin Kolstad and Ed. Foss, of Long Lake; Louis and Henry Olson, of Cedar Lake; and Severin Oien and Arthur Overby, of Rice Lake. The funeral serv¬ ices were conducted by Rev. P. F. Kjorlaug, pastor of the Synode Church at Rice Lake, and C. T. Clausen, pastor of the Synode Church at Bloomer. A long procession accompanied the remains to Nora Cemetery where interment took place. It is interesting to note that the four parents of Mr. and Mrs. Kvam all spent their declining years with them, Mr. and Mrs. Kvam, both feel¬ ing it their Christian duty, as well as their pleasure and privilege, to make the afternoon of their life comfortable. Jacob Kvam died at the age of 82 and his wife at the age of 79 years and six months. James Crogen died at the age of 81 years and his wife at the age of 79 years and six months.

Julien A. S. Kvam, president and treasurer of the Wisconsin Iron Store, wholesale hardware establishment of Rice Lake, was born in Seattle, Wash., Aug. 11, 1894, son of Isaac J. and Christine (Crogen) Kvam. He received his early education in the graded and high schools of Rice Lake, later studied in the preparatory department of Luther College at Decorah, Iowa, and the Min¬ nesota State Normal School at Winona, Minn., and was graduated from the University of Minnesota, at Minneapolis, in the class of 1917. In December of that year, he passed the pilots' aviation examination at Minneapolis, Minn., but was later transferred to the United States Naval Auxiliary Corps, and studied at Chicago, Ill., Cleveland, Ohio and Pelham Bay, New York, in which latter place he received his commission as ensign. With this rank he continued to serve until Jan. 22, 1919, when he was released. He then became a traveling salesman for the Certainteed Products Corporation, of St. Louis. A short time later he returried to Rice Lake, and became interested in the Perfect Products Corporation, of this place. Next he was with the Consumers' Store, at Rice Lake. In November, 1919, he assisted in organizing the concern with which he is still connected. Mr. Kvam is one of the popular and well-liked young business men of the place, and is a real leader in the affairs of the city. He and his wife are both prominent in local society. Fraternally, he is a member of the Ark Lodge, No. 176, A. F. and A. M., of Minneapolis; Ark Chapter, No. 53, R. A. M., Minneapolis; the Acacia National Masonic Fraternity of the University of Minnesota; the Thulanian Club, of the University of Minnesota; Rice Lake Council, U. C. T., Rice Lake; and the Edgar Eubanks Post, No. 87, American Legion, in which last named organization he is a past vice com¬ mander. He is also a member of the Commercial Club. Mr. Kvam was married Jan. 27, 1920, to Helen Carlson, of Frederick, Wis., who was born Aug. 8, 1897, was educated in the graded and high schools of Frederick, and in the Wiscon¬ sin State Normal School at Superior, Wis., and taught efficiently for several years before her marriage. They reside in a sightly, modern home of white stucco, just completed, at 27 West Stout Street, one of the many pretty and hospitable homes of the city.