Clark County, Wisconsin - Biographical sketches, 1918 (part 10 of 18)

Robert Burnett, one of the best known citizens of Unity Township, who came to Clark County as early as 1871, and has resided here many years, though absent for awhile, was born in Catteraugus County, N. Y., June 26, 1849. His parents were Benjamin and Mary (Summerville) Burnett. The father, Benjamin, was born in the old seaport town of Yarmouth, England, April 6, 1819, and was there reared and attended school. Subsequently coming to the United States with his father, he worked in his brother's tailor shop in New York City for a short time and then set up in business for himself in the same line of industry. On Oct. 29, 1836, he was married in New York City to Mary Sommerville, who was born in Washington, D. C., Jan. 16, 1819, her father being a carpenter who had helped to build the first capitol of the United States. After their marriage Benjamin and his wife resided for some years in New York City, where they had two children born, Mary Anne and Mary Jane, The father's health failing, he gave up his trade and bought an improved farm of eighty acres in New York State, on which he and his family settled. There they resided until 1852, during which time the family circle was widened by the birth of five more children, Margaret, James, Katherine, William and Robert. In the year last mentioned a western migration was decided on, and the township of Auburn, Fond du Lac County, Wisconsin, welcomed the Burnett family as new acquisitions to its population, They had come by train to Milwaukee and thence by wagon and ox team to the township. There Benjamin entered upon the task of clearing forty acres of wild land, beginning without any stock but his ox team, though he bought a cow later. A log house and barn were the first requisites, and these he erected. From that time until 1862, a period of about ten years, he was engaged in clearing his land and developing a farm. His labors were interrupted by the Civil War, for on Jan. 1, 1862, he became a member of Company G, 14th Wisconsin Infantry, being mustered in at Fond du Lac. Going South, he took part in the sanguinary battle of Shiloh, in which his regiment was almost annihilated. He was then detailed to the regimental hospital, and was subsequently mustered out at Camp Randall, Ohio. He returned to his farm, but his health had suffered from the hardships through which he had passed, and he was never able to work again. In 1866 he sold the place and moved to Osceola Township, Fond du Lae County, where he died Mar. 23, 1894. His wife survived him ten years, dying April 6, 1904. Robert Burnett was educated in Fond du Lac County, where he worked on the farm until reaching the age of 22 years. He then came to Clark County, arriving in Neillsville, Nov. 20, 1871, as he says, "the poorest man that ever blew in," having but two cents in money, The most available occupation at that time of the year was logging, and he accordingly engaged with Kater & Hubbel to work on Poplar River during the winter. The next spring he entered the employ of the Wisconsin Central Railroad, helping to cut the first tree where the village of Colby now stands, the place being known as Station No. 51. After being thus employed for but six weeks, Mr. Burnett took up a homestead of fifty-four acres in Marathon County, Wis. On that place he built a log shack and cleared two acres of the land. He then went to Fond du Lac County for the harvest, returning to Clark County in time to take part in the winter logging. In this way he earned his living for two years, and on his second return to Fond du Lac County, was married, Sept. 30, 1873, to Mary Parrot, at Campbell's Port, that county. She was the daughter of John Parrot, a farmer there, but was' born in Massachusetts, coming to Fond du Lac County, Wis., when a child. After his marriage, Mr. Burnett brought his wite to the homestead in Marathon County, where they lived for two years. He bought a cow and a yoke of oxen, but often had to carry supplies on his back from Loyal, Wis., a distance of ten miles. For sixteen winters he worked in the woods. After residing five years on his Marathon County homestead, he sold it and bought his present place in section 26, Unity Township, Clark County, which he obtained from an old soldier. There was a small log house on the land, but no clearing. The tract consisted of eighty acres, of which he has since cleared about sixty acres. In 1887 he built a ten-room brick house. He has built two barns, one in 1879, measuring 36 by 49 feet, and the other measuring 28 by 54 feet, Aside from his farming interests he helped to start the Romeo Co-operative Cheese Factory in Unity Township, and to build the Baptist Church in Spencer, and the Seandinavian, Lutheran and Methodist churches in Unity; also the Methodist Church in section 32, Unity Township. Mr, and Mrs. Burnett have been the parents of six children: Adel, Mabel Mary, Viola, Esther, Robert Irwin and Werdon. Adel, who is the wife of William Sook, resides in Spencer and has four children, Madeline, Lola, Keith and Gordon. Mabel M., who married Burk Hamm, lives in Boston, Mass., and has one child, Beulah. Viola, who is now Mrs. Frank Page, and a resident of Menasha, Wis., has two children, Myrtle and Olive. Esther is the wife of John Mace and lives in Spencer, Wis. She has had five children, Lester, Morris, Mabel, Gerald, and Lucille (now deceased), Robert Irwin, who married Matilda Martin, resides in Marathon County, Wis., and has one child, Pearl. Werdon resides at home.

Mr, And Mrs. Jesse Lawrence Mr. And Mrs. George Lindsley

George Lindsley, in former years one of the leading citizens of York Township, was born in Jefferson County, New York, July 11, 1832, son of Elijah and Harriett (Webster) Lindsley. The father was a native of New York State and the mother of Connecticut, and they were farmers by occupation. George was one of the youngest in their family of thirteen children, and was sixteen years of age when he accompanied his father to Wisconsin, the latter having become a widower. Elijah Lindsley located in Fond du Lac County, where he engaged in farming. George soon struck out for himself, and on April 15, 1856, was united in marriage with Sarah Lawrence, who was born in Jefferson County, New York, in 1840, daughter of Jesse and Almeda (Benedict) Lawrence. Her parents were natives of the same state, the father of Lewis and the mother of Oswego County. Coming to Clark County about 1875, they settled in section 21, York Township, on a piece of wild land past which there was a trail or footpath. Here Mr. Lawrence built a log house, and having traded the horses with which he had driven into the township for oxen, he set to work to clear his land, of which he had a large tract. The rest of his life was spent in that employment until he finally died at the age of 66 years, his wife dying some ten years later at the age of 72. They were both members of the Methodist Church, and he served for some time as a member of the school board. In 1880 Mr. Lindsley and his wife located on the farm that had been opened up and improved by her father, driving across the state with a horse team and bringing stock with them. They reached York Township about Oct. 15, 1880, after a hard trip, and Mr. Lindsley at once began farming and continuing the work of clearing the unimproved land. The substantial brick house now standing on the place was erected by him. This farm was his home until his death at the age of 69 years, Aug. 8, 1901. He had become a well-known and popular resident of the township, and he served for a number of years as a member of the township board, of which he was chairman one term, also being a director on the school board, He was a veteran of the Civil War, having enlisted in 1862 in Company A, 32d Wisconsin Infantry, and served until the close of the war. He was with Sherman on his march to the sea, and after the surrender of Lee and Johnston, took part in the Grand Review at Washington. His wife still resides on the homestead in section 21, York Township. They were the parents of three children: Eugene, Ernest and Harriet. Eugene, who is now a resident of South Dakota, married Clara Breckenridg, and has two children, George and Harry. Ernest, who is a minister in the Weslyan Methodist Church, married Ella Livingston and has one son, Clare, now in Lansing, Mich. Harriet is the wife of Abel Turner, of the town of York, Clark County, and has had eleven children, of whom two, Price and Birdene, are now deceased. The living are Mabel (wife of Emil Schoenfeld), Grant, George, Clayton, Myron, Victor, Harriet, Orvill and Wilber. All except Mabel are living on the old homestead. Their oldest son works the place, while the father and second son work at carpenter work. The mother still lives in the old home.

of John W. and Elizabeth (Nice) De Lap. The father, born June 7, 1829, was a farmer in Green County, for many years, and for several years a merchant at Melville, in this state. A Republican in politics, he took an active part in local affairs, was prominent in his community, and a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. He is now residing at Boscobel, Wis. His wife, who was born Mar. 29, 1829, died May 6, 1883, leaving five children: Melissa Amelia, Myron Webster, William Elizabeth, John Fletcher and Charles Wesley. The present Mrs. De Lap was formerly Mary Bush. Myron W. De Lap left home in 1889, going to Marshfield, Wis., where he worked in a furniture factory until 1892, He then went to Abbotsford and was in the employ of the "Soo" Railroad for five years as night agent, afterwards five years as cashier, and later for two years in the despatcher's office. He left the railway company to become postmaster at Abbotsford in 1909, serving in that position until 1913. In March, 1913, he began business in Abbotsford as a shoe merchant, in which enterprise he was successful, his store having been the only one exclusively confined to that line of trade. As a resident of Abbotsford he has spent a number of years in public office, his service including fourteen years on the school board and three years as village clerk, in which latter office he is still serving. He is a member of the Presbyterian Church and for many years has been Sunday school superintendent. He is also a Mason, being a member of Blue Lodge, No. 298, of Abbotsford, in which he has passed through the chairs ; and of Camp No. 17, Modern Woodmen of America. Mr. De Lap assumed the responsibilities of domestic life on Jan. 16, 1872, when he was united in marriage with Laura E. Taylor, born in Grant County, Wis., June 6, 1853, daughter of James L. and Catherine (Cook) Taylor, and this union has been blessed with two children, Lottie May and Laura Elizabeth, the former of whom is the wife of C. E. Crockett, of Stevens Point, and has had one child, Mildred Esther, who died in September, 1910, at the age of 5 years, and the latter of whom lives at home. James L. Taylor was born in Kentucky, Mar. 9, 1825, was reared in Indiana, came to Wisconsin as a young man, and for many years followed his occupation as a cooper. He served in the Civil War with Company F, 7th Wisconsin Volunteer Infantry, lost his leg in the Battle of the Wilderness, and was confined for a time in Libby Prison. He died Nov. 24, 1887. His wife was born in Canada, June 8, 1827, and died April 8, 1886. Their children were: David Andrew, Laura Etta, Mary Amelia, James Leslie, Edgar B., William Albert, George Eli and John Frederick.

Benjamin Franklin Nutting, an elderly resident of the village of Loyal, where he and his wife are much esteemed, has been a resident of Loyal Township since 1867, and for many years lived an active and somewhat strenuous life, first as lumberman and afterwards as a pioneer farmer. He was born in the township of Madison, Somerset County, Maine, Jan. 1, 1840, son of Josiah and Abial (Ames) Nutting. Both parents were natives of Maine, in which state they were married, residing there subsequently for about twenty-four years, Josiah working at farming and shoemaking. Four children were born to them: Josiah Marshall, James Melvin, Chandler Baker and Benjamin Franklin (subject of this sketch). After the death of his wife, Abial, Josiah Nutting came to Clark County, Wis., and here contracted a second marriage. His son, Josiah M., died in Maine. James M., the second son, came west a few months after his father, and the third son, Chandler B,, joined a Maine volunteer cavalry regiment and served through the Civil War. In the fall of 1860 B. F. Nutting came west alone, locating in La Crosse, Wis., where he was hired as a lumberman to work in the woods. In this kind of work he was engaged for thirty winters, taking part in twenty-six spring drives. At the age of 27 he was married to Josephine Hayden, daughter of William D. and Naomi (Lawrence) Hayden, the marriage taking place July 30, 1867, in Skowhegan, Maine, he having made the trip East for that purpose. Returning to Wisconsin with his wife, Mr. Nutting bought 120 acres of wild land in Loyal Township, Clark County, also buying a small house, which he moved onto the place. This farm he developed during the summers, getting his supplies from La Crosse. During the twenty-two years that he spent on it he cleared about sixty acres, built' an addition onto the house and erected a barn, 40 by 60 feet. He raises cattle, sheep, hogs and horses. In 1901 he bought a residence in the village and moved to town, where he and his wife are now living in the enjoyment of a well-earned competency. On July 20, 1917, they will celebrate their golden wedding. While on the farm Mr. Nutting served for a number of years as a member of the township board, and as a good citizen, he has always taken an interest in all measures for the benefit of the community in which he resides. He and his wife have three children: Clifford H., William J. and Dumont H. Clifford H., born in Maine, married Lottie Demouth and lives on a farm in Clark County. He and his wife have four children - Erma, Robert, Reuben and Emma. William J., who was born in Beaver Township, Clark County, married May Smith and resides in that township. He has two children - Naomi and Rudel. Dumont H. married Flossie Greeley and resides in Butternut, Wis. His children are: Franklin, Mildred, Ronald and Josephine. While in the township Mr. Nutting served as a member of the town board. He is a member of the I. O. O. F., of Greenwood. Mrs. Nutting, at one time, was a member of the Rebekah Lodge. The family church is the Methodist.

Cortez O. Graham, now living retired in the village of Unity, after a long and successful career as an agriculturist, was born in Albion Township, Calhoun County, Mich., July 29, 1848, son of George W. and Lucinda (Wood) Graham. Both parents were born in New York State of Scotch ancestry, but from an early age resided in Michigan, where they spent the rest of their lives. They had nine children, of whom Cortez O. was the second in order of birth. He acquired his education in the common school of his district - a log structure 12 by 16 feet in size. At the age of 17 years, in September, 1865, he went to Minnesota, where he spent four years engaged in farm work. In 1870 he came to Clark County to procure a homestead and located on a tract of eighty acres, the south half of the northwest quarter of section 14, Unity Township. This land formed part of the wilderness, being covered with timber, and there was no road in the immediate vicinity. In the following year, 1871, he built a log house and began clearing his land with an axe as his sole implement. It was several years before he got an ox team, which he raised from calves. Before becoming their happy possessor he had provided himself with a wife, being married, Mar. 30, 1872, to Aselia Clarisy Brown, who was born in Freeport, Ill, May 4, 1857, daughter of Obadiah and Ellen (Cuber) Brown, who came to Clark County, in the same year as Mr. Graham, settling in the same township. On their farm in Unity Mr. and Mrs. Graham lived for forty-two years, during which time he worked hard erecting good buildings and improving the property, and becoming widely known as a successful farmer and stock raiser. For thirteen years he held office as town treasurer, after which he was assessor for a number of years, besides being a member of the school board of his district. At the end of the long period mentioned he and his wife retired and took up their residence in the village of Unity, where they have a comfortable home and enjoying the fruits of their former industry and thrift. They have been the parents of ten children: Aurilla E., who died at the age of 15 years; George A., Charles O. and Jess R., who are living in Canada; Jennie, a twin sister of Jess, who is now Mrs. Joseph Christman, of Tony, Wis.; Elnora D., wife of Harly Thayer ; an infant who died unnamed; Bessie B., now Mrs. Max Danberger, of Danalda, Can.; Lucy C., who died at the age of 12 years, and Cortez E,, who died an infant of three and a half months. Mr. and Mrs. Graham have also twelve grandchildren.

Charles Franklin Anderson, a well-to-do resident of Unity village, is a man who has achieved success through energy and perseverance, overcoming many obstacles on his road to fortune. He was born in Sheboygan County, Wis., Nov. 25, 1856, son of Thomas and Lucy (Ross) Anderson. The father and mother were natives of England and Pennsylvania respectively, and were married in Sheboygan County, this state, where they engaged in farming. Thomas Anderson was still a young man when he passed from this life in August, 1864. His wife remained on the farm for many years after his death, and then moved to Kenosha. She died at Milwaukee in 1901, Charles Franklin Anderson, in his boyhood, attended the public schools of Sheboygan County. Coming to Clark County at the age of 16 years, he here became connected with the milling business, being employed by D. J. Spaulding for seven years at Unity. He then removed to Dorchester in the northern part of the county, where he became head sawyer for O. D. Van Dusen in the latter's lumber mills, retaining this position for ten years. In 1884 Mr. Anderson, then 28 years old, purchased eighty acres of heavily timbered land in section 8, Unity Township, and went to work with a will to improve it. His method was deliberate and effective. He first cut over one acre, hauling the logs and wood back out of the way, and then, working late at night, he burned the brush. His next work was to dig a cellar and erect his first house, a small frame structure, in which he took up his abode. There, in time, he built up a good farm, clearing all his land except a ten-acre tract, which he left for wood. He also made additions to his house and constructed good out-buildings, including one of the best barns in the community, measuring 40 by 70 feet over full basement, the basement wall being nine feet high and two feet thick. On this farm he continued to reside and prosper, becoming recog- nized as one of the township's leading farmers. In 1912 Mr. Anderson sold his farm and purchased a twenty-acre tract of land within the village limits of Unity, and on this he is now erecting a fine bungalow of cement blocks, of the cobble-stone pattern outside, and with modern improvements throughout, including electric light, furnace heat, where he and Mrs, Anderson will spend the afternoon of life amid the comforts which they both so hard and earnestly worked for. For nine years Mr. Anderson rendered efficient service as clerk of School District No. 1, Colby and Unity. He was united in marriage, Sept. 22, 1878, at Unity village, to Lucy Jane Brown, who was born in the state of Michigan, Aug. 19, 1862, daughter of O. M. and Ellen (Cuber) Brown, her parents being early settlers in Clark County. Mr, and Mrs. Anderson have 'een the parents of five children, Leon B., Earl F., Nellie I., Edward M., and Florence I. Leon B., who was born Dec. 29, 1880, died Dec. 5, 1881, Earl F., born Noy. 28, 1883, died May 10, 1912. He was united in marriage to Nellie M. Morgan and had two children, Vera O., aged 12 years, and Charles E., aged 10 years. Nellie I., born Oct. 13, 1886, is now Mrs. William Morgan of Unity Township, and has one child, Lucille, now eight years old. Edward M., born Mar. 10, 1889, is manager of the grocery department of a large store at Phelps, Wis. He married Gertrude Neldberg and they have two children, Willis E. and Ralph E. Florence I., born Aug. 22, 1890, is the wife of Gustav Dallman of O'Bleine Township, Marathon County, Wis.

Obadiah M. Brown, better known to his old time friends in Unity Township as O. M. Brown, was a well-known and respected resident of Clark County from 1870 until his death, on Jan, 17, 1898, He was born at Seneca Falls, N. Y., Oct. 22, 1828, and as a young man came west, residing for some time in Jackson County, Wis. At Albion, that county, he was united in marriage, Sept. 11, 1855, with Ellen Cuber, who was born in Bohemia, Mar. 4, 1832, and had come to America at the age of 18 years, locating at Black River Falls. On Noy. 29, 1862, Mr. Brown enlisted in Company M, First Michigan Cavalry, with which regiment he served until May, 1865, when he was discharged by reason of disability. In 1870 he came with his family to Clark County, locating in the town of Unity, where he engaged in farming, and was thus occupied until 1898. He then retired and with his wife took up his residence in the village of Unity, on the Marathon County side. A year later he was called to the great beyond, leaving behind him the memory of a man of high moral worth who had won the esteem of a wide acquaintance. He had served efficiently as justice of the peace and those who knew him best enjoyed his quiet humor and recognized his innate principles of rectitude and his natural kindliness of heart. After Mr. Brown's death his wife's health gradually failed and on Mar. 12, 1903, she passed away at Lacota, Mich., where she was spending the winter with her daughter, Mrs. C. H. Nelson. Mr, and Mrs. Brown had seven children, those now living, in addition to Mrs, Nelson, being Mrs. C. O. Graham and Mrs. C. F. Anderson, both of the town of Unity, and J. H. Brown of Brownsville, Tenn.

business interests of this part of Clark County, was born at Wautoma, Wis., May 14, 1857, son of John and Lytenia (Caldwell) Graves, The father was born in England, coming to the United States with his parents when six months old. They settled in New York State, where John was reared and educated and where he subsequently married Lytenia Caldwell. For three years after his marriage he remained a resident of that state and there two of his children were born - Hulda and Dwane. At the age of 35 years he set out for the West, coming with his family and driving a team all the way. On arriving at Iron Ridge, Wis., he halted and bought a piece of wild land, being the first settler in that place. There they resided for about eighteen years, during which time they had another child born to them, whom they named Rosella. By the end of the period mentioned he had made good progress in the development of his farm. He then removed to Wautoma, where he preached for a year, being a minister in the Methodist Episcopal Church, and it was while living there that the subject of this sketch was born. Subsequently John Graves returned to his farm, but in 1866 he sold it and came to Loyal, Clark County, buying 320 acres of land in sections 15 and 16. All the land in Loyal Township was then covered with woods, and the nearest neighbors of the Graveses were the families of W. J. Hallett and E. Borden. Seeing opportunities in the lumber industry, Mr. Graves erected a sawmill, which he conducted alone until about 1876, when he took his son, A. A. Graves, in as partner. They put in a big stock of lumber and were prepared to do a rushing business, when ten days later the mill burned. The subject of this sketch then put up another mill, which he operated for about twenty-eight years. For some years this was a saw band, excelsior and heading mill, and the heading mill is still in operation. As early as when he was 14 years of age, A. A. Graves hauled goods between Loyal and Black River Falls. As a young man he had conducted a general store in Loyal, now the store of B. W. Colby, which he later sold to John Wiric and William Mulligan. He built, and for six years operated, a grist mill, which he afterward sold to Ed Murphy. This mill burned down in 1913. Mr. Graves is also a stockholder in the State Bank of Withee and in the Mercantile State Bank of Minneapolis, and is president ofthe Loyal State Bank. He owns 640 acres of land in Loyal Township and in 1890 he built a fine residence in the village of Loyal, which village he is now serving as a member of its board of trustees. On Sept. 1, 1878, Mr. Graves was married to Isabelle Hallock, whose father, William, was then a blacksmith. The children born of that marriage were: Elva, now Mrs. R. M. Jenks, of Loyal; Maude, who married John Jones and resides in the South; and Blanche, who is the wife of Dr. M. Magonigal of Loyal. In 1882 Mrs. Isabelle Graves died and in 1886 Mr. Graves married for his second wife, Dolly Mulvey, whose father, John Mulvey, was a wagonmaker in Loyal. Though Mr. Graves has met with reverses in his business career, he has on the whole been successful and is numbered among the prosperous citizens of Loyal village and township. He has taken an active and useful part in the development of the county and has made many warm friends and acquaintances.

Mathias Meyers, proprietor of Clover Leaf Cheese Factory, in Worden Township, Clark County, is a man who has won high reputation in the cheese-making industry, and is doing a successful business where he is now located. He was born in Sheboygan County, Wis., Sept. 24, 1883, son of Peter and Catherine (Kleinhans) Meyers. Both the father and mother were born and reared in Germany and came to this country with their respective parents when young. Peter Meyers, who was one of the pioneer cheese makers of Sheboygan County, in 1884, moved to St. Anna, Wis., a village situated nor far from Fond du Lac, where he engaged in the cheese business, conducted a creamery and also a store and saloon. At one time he opened a cheese factory in Calumet County, this state, He retired from active business life in 1909 and is now living at Kiel, Wis. His wife died in 1907 at the age of 62 years. Their family consisted of seven children: Lena, now Mrs. Joe Turba, of Kiel; Maggie, who resides in Chicago; John, a jeweler at New Ulm, Minn.; Mary, wife of Nick Gregoire, of Sheboygan County, Wis.; Elizabeth, wife of Joseph Konz, and Annie, wife of John Stemper, both of Sheboygan County, and Mathias, subject of this sketch. Mathias Meyer learned the art of cheese-making from his brother John, in his father's factory, and acquired a thorough knowledge of it. Im 1910 he came to Clark County and in 1911 bought out the interests of Frank Pritzel, then proprietor of the Clover Leaf Factory, which he has since conducted himself with profitable results. That he is well qualified to succeed in this business is evidenced by the fact that he has in the past won various prizes for excellence in this branch of industry. These prizes include two gold medals, one of which was awarded to him Jan. 10, 1912, at Milwaukee, for the best cheese made, and the other received in 1916 at Stratford, Wis., from the Central Wisconsin Cheesemakers' and Buttermakers' and Dairying Association. In 1909 he also carried off the second prize, a silver cup, given by the Wisconsin Cheese Makers' Association at Milwaukee. The Butter, Cheese & Egg Journal, of Wisconsin, issue of Jan. 14, 1914, mentions the remarkable record of Mr. Meyers as being highly commendable, and speaks of his average of 93.9 covering a period of six years' exhibitions at Madison. In 1916 his score at the Chippewa Falls Fair was 94.25, and he has also scored highly in other places in Wisconsin, as well as in other states. In 1917 he won first premiums at the Wisconsin State Fair, the Indiana State Fair, and the Chippewa Falls Fair, and third prize at the Missouri State Fair. The Clover Leaf Cheese Factory was started in 1895, by Frank Pretzel, the building being erected that year, and since Mr. Meyers became proprietor he has made a number of improvements, In addition to the factory there is a two-story residence on the ground. In 1917 the factory received over two and a third million pounds of milk. Mr. Meyers was married Jan. 20, 1913, to Mamie Boll, who was born in Calumet County, Wis., Mar. 11, 1890, daughter of Gabriel and Magdaline (Peters) Boll, Her father, who was a farmer, died in June, 1916, at the age of 67 years, and her mother in 1913, at the age of 66. Their children were: John, Kate, Joseph, Antoin, Bertha, Rosa, Anna, Mamie and Tena. Mr. and Mrs. Meyers are the parents of two children: Dorothy, born Nov. 9, 1918,

George Castner, a progressive farmer of Loyal Township, was born in a log cabin on his father's farm in section 22, this township, April 28, 1864. A memoir of the father, John Castner, appears elsewhere in this volume. George remained on the parental farm until reaching the age of 14 years, when, being a strong and energetic boy, he went to work in the lumber camps. His strength and vigor increased with exercise; he developed into a strong and hardy man and today shows effect from the hard work he did in lumber camps, in railroad construction work, and on the farm, He was first married, Aug. 23, 1886, to Lillian Nutting, daughter of Charles and Cordelia (Gilman) Nutting, and who was born in Randolph County, Wis., Jan. 18, 1859. The Nutting family trace their ancestry back to John Nutting, who came from England in 1636. The Gilmans are of Welch ancestry and their genealogy has been traced back to the year 926. Immediately after his marriage Mr. Castner, with his wife, located on a wild tract of land in section 27, Loyal Township, beginning its improvement with a team of horses, aside from which they had nothing but their hands, There they resided nine years, Mr. Castner putting up good buildings and having fifty-five acres cleared when he left the place. During this time he was also engaged as a contractor in the logging industry, his camps being located in Loyal Township and on Black River and near Rhinelander. After that he engaged in railroad contract work in various places, including Illinois, Iowa, Minnesota, Wisconsin, Montana and British Columbia, from which last place he returned to Loyal Township and purchased the old homestead of his father, where he was born, which was then owned by Daniel Mack, his maternal grandfather. On this he now resides, and here he has built a good ten-room house, a barn, 36 by 100 feet, and a silo, 16 by 34 feet. He raises good stock, keeping high grade Guernsey and Holstein cattle, and using a milking machine, In addition to this farm he owns another in Loyal Township. His first wife, Mrs. Lillian Castner, died Dec, 31, 1895, leaving four children: John, Cora, Ethel and Frona. The three daughters have all been teachers. Mr, Castner married for his second wife, Nettie Wicker, the date of their union being Jan. 28, 1903. She was born in Neburg, Wis., Aug. 2, 1868, daughter of William and Emeline (Young) Wicker, who, at an early day, settled in Colby, Marathon County, where they were pioneer farmers. Her mother still resides there, but her father died at the age of 54 years. Of Mr. Castner's second marriage three children have been born: Jeanette, Edith and Valda.

Jacob Henry Etta, proprietor, with his two sons, Elmer and Oscar, of the flour and feed mill at Loyal, Clark County, was born on the farm of his parents, Andrew and Esther (Reynolds) Etta, in Arbun Township, Fond du Lac County, Wis., Mar. 11, 1858. The father came to the United States from Germany in 1848 with his parents, he being then a boy of 16 years. After spending forty days on the ocean in a sailing vessel, they landed in this country and proceeded to Fond du Lac County, where they settled, Andrew subsequently struck out for himself and engaged in steamboat work, visiting points in Ohio, in which state he was subsequently mar- ried to Esther Reynolds, who was a native of that state. Returning to Fond du Lae County with his wife he took an eighty-acre tract of land and began pioneer farming, later buying twenty acres more. His farm lay in the forest and he had to perform years of hard labor in clearing it, using the customary ox team in early days and erecting a log house for a residence. He often had to carry flour twelve miles through the woods on his back and he and his wife suffered many hardships until prosperity gradually smiled upon them. They were religious people and attended the Methodist Church, though she had been brought up in the Presbyterian faith. Their children were: Jacob H., Jane, Thomas, Elizabeth and George, all of whom are now living. Jacob H. Etta acquired his education in the common or district schools, In 1882 he came to Clark County, and at Spencer engaged to work for Joe Marsh at Blakesley camp and Mapleworks, and was in his employ for two winter months, or until the camp broke up, when he went to Fargo, N. D. Returning subsequently, he again entered Mr. Marsh's employ at Heathville, as cook, and worked for him, and for William Rose at Spokeville, for two years. He then came to Loyal and took up the carpenter's trade, which he had previously learned, and followed it here and in the vicinity, building many of the houses and the majority of the business blocks in Loyal. After being occupied in this manner for some years, Mr. Etta bought eighty acres of wild land in Sherman Township, built log buildings on it and began the work of clearing the land. After two years on this place, however, he returned to Loyal and in 1891, with his brother Thomas, started a shingle and planing-mill, which they operated together until 1911, when the partnership was dissolved, and Jacob H. started for himself in the flour and feed business. In 1913 he took his two sons, Elmer and Oscar, into the business and built his present three-story mill, 32 by 52 feet in ground dimensions, which he and his sons are successfully operating. In 1901 he erected a storehouse, 24 by 50, with full basement and store room, with living rooms uf stairs. Under the name of J. H. Etta & Sons, the company does a general milling business, and manufactures strictly pure buckwheat and wheat flours. Mr. Etta has served as a member of the village council, and has attained a position as one of the most substantial citizens of the village. His fraternal relations are with the Woodmen, the Beavers and the Equitable Fraternal Union. Mr. Etta was married July 4, 1888, to Anna Stange, a native of Germany, and daughter of Charles and Minnie (Arndt) Stange, of Clark County. He and his wife are the parents of six children: Elmer, Oscar, Esther, Mabel, Maud and Florence. Oscar is in the United States service with the band of the 127th Regiment National Guard; Elmer was elected treasurer of Loyal village in 1917; both are graduates of Wausaw College. Esther is the wife of Harold Stabnow, of Greenwood. Mabel is a student at the State Normal School at Oshkosh. Maud and Florence are at home.

Clemens B. Esseimann, proprietor of an excellent farm of 200 acres, in section 29, and eighty acres in section 20, Loyal Township, is a native of Germany, having been born in Munster, Westphalia, May 13, 1866, the son of H. Clemens and Anna (Bushman) Esselmann. The father was a farmer, who was born, reared and married in Germany, After his mar- riage he and his wife resided for four years in Munster, where two children were born to them - Sofia and Clemens B. In 1867 H. Clemens, with his family, came to the United States, locating at West Bend, Washington County, Wis., where they resided eleven years, and while there five more children were born - Anna, Herman, Dena, Josephine and Mary. The family then came to Clark County, and here H. Clemens Esselmann bought 160 acres of land in section 28, Loyal Township. Most of it was wild, but there was a small frame house on the place and a log barn and he at once began the work of improvement. This place was his home for thirty years, during which time he cleared all the land and built a thirteen-room brick house and a barn 40 by 76 feet. In 1908 he sold the place and moved to Marshfield, where he died only three weeks later, at the age of 74. His wife, born Sept. 25, 1844, is still living there. They had three more children, who were born in Loyal Township: Gusta, Amelia and Louis. Clemens B. Esselmann remained on the home farm until he was about 32 years old. After his marriage he settled on forty acres of land in section 29, Loyal Township. The tract was mostly timber land, but had some improvements on it. Building a brick house and a small barn, he began the hard work of clearing, which in time he accomplished. He then bought 160 acres more in section 29, where he built two barns, 96 by 32 feet, and 96 by 36 feet in size, respectively ; also two silos, one of 160 tons and the other of 100 tons capacity. He also enlarged his house to sixteen rooms, and haying cleared the 160-acre tract, he bought eighty acres more, of which he has since cleared fifty, so that his farm now contains 250 acres of cleared land and thirty acres uncleared. Here he does general farming, raising thoroughbred Holstein cattle. Mr. Esselmann also helped to organize the North Star Creamery. He served as township clerk about five years and has also been school treasurer. Aside from his farming interests he holds stock in the Citizens State Bank of Loyal, and has served as one of its directors since its organization. Mr. Esselmann is a member of the Knights of Columbus. Mr. Esselmann married Barbara Christman, born in Wisconsin, Mar, 3, 1874, daughter of Balthaser and Caroline (Winterhalten) Christman, and they have three children, Joseph, Roselind and Dorothy, all living at home. Balthasar Christman, the son of Conrad Christman, a native of Germany, was born, reared and married in Wisconsin. For a time he conducted a store and saw and stave mill in Hewett, Wood County, this state, and later came to Loyal in this county, where he engaged in merchandizing and milling and secured farm land. He and his good wife are still living in that place.

John Castner, one of the notable pioneer settlers in Clark County, now living retired in the village of Loyal, was born in Seneca County, Ohio, July 27, 1835, on the farm of his parents, John and Maria (Sabens) Castner. The father, whose native state was New Jersey, had lived for some time in the state of New York before coming to Ohio and was there married. He was an exceptionally strong and robust man and was a blacksmith by occupation. He had taken up land in Ohio when that state was but sparsely settled and with a team of oxen he had broken his Jand, built a log house and for years lived the life of a pioneer farmer, finally clearing his place and developing a good farm. He and his wife had five sons, two of whom - Jacob and William - were born in New York State and the other three - George, John and Stuart - in Ohio. John Castner, in his boyhood, attended school in his native state of Ohio. At the age of 18 he left home and worked out for three years on farms in that state. In 1855, having attained his majority, he came to Clark County, Wis., soon after locating in Onalaska, where he worked in a mill one year, receiving $20 a month, and subsequently going into the woods, for which work he got $26 a month. He was on the drive on the Mississippi River two springs, receiving $2.50 a day. September 17, 1859, he was married to Lydia Mack, whose father, Dan Mack, a farmer, had come to Wisconsin from Canada, where Lydia was born. After his marriage Mr. Castner bought eighty acres in section 27, Loyal Township, the land being all wild. On this tract he built a log house and barn and began pioneer farming, working at other jobs from time to time as he had need. Among other things he helped to cut the main road from Loyal to Greenwood. After remaining on his land for four years, he removed to Monroe County, where he bought eighty acres of open land, which he broke, staying there four years also. Then he returned to his original homestead in Clark County, which place was his home subsequently for forty-one years - from 1869 to 1910. During that time he cleared eighty acres, with the help of oxen and horses, working on the farm in the summer and in the woods in the winter. He had the first trading camp on Black River, at Eau Claire. He hauled his supplies from Black River Falls and West Salem, Wis., bringing in a year's provisions at one time. Transportation was difficult, as he had to ford all rivers and there were no roads worthy of the name. The easiest money he ever made was when he killed twenty-one deer in eight days, which he shipped to Chicago, receiving $126 in return. He used a double-barrel musket, for which he paid $46. This he ruined one day when he came unexpectedly upon four bears. He shot at the biggest one, aiming at the heart, and she charged him. Taking aim again, he pulled the trigger and the gun only snapped, so he was forced to use it as club, killing the bear, for which he got $7. In those days Mr. Castner was a great hunter when he had nothing else to do, and often furnished the neighborhood with venison, After he had made some progress on his farm he built a four-room frame house and a barn 36 by 46 feet; also a granary and numerous other buildings. He raised Holstein, Jersey and Red Poland cows, as well as sheep, and in course of time became one of the prosperous farmers of his township. In 1902, Mr, Castner bought a home in the village of Loyal, where he has since resided. His wife died Sept. 20, 1914. While residing on the farm, Mr. Castner served for many years as justice of the peace and at different times held the offices of school clerk, treasurer and director. Although now 82 years old, he is still hale and hearty and able to enjoy the comforts of life, which he has the means to do through his many years of industry and thrift. He had thirteen brothers and sisters - Jacob, William, Mary, Elizabeth, Phoebe, Paulina, Jane, John, Margaret, George, Nancy, Eliza, Caroline and Stewart. He and his wife had eight children - Mary, George, Frona, Albert, Alfred, Albina, Daniel and Frank - of whom the following is a brief record:

Mary is now Mrs. Willis, of Park Falls, Wis., and has four children - Pearl, Ruby, Eva and Lea. Of these children, Pearl married a blacksmith at Battle Creek, Mich, and Eva became the wife of a Mr. Robarg, of Park Falls, Wis. ; George, who first married Lillian Nutting, lives on the old home farm. He married, secondly, Nettie Vicker. He had four children by his first marriage - Cora, John, Ethel and Frona, and by his second marriage, three - Kdith, Jeanette and Valda. Frona (daughter of John and Lydia Castner) is now the wife of Dr. J. L. Bradford, of La Crosse, Wis. Albert married Maude Davis and resides in Clark County. He has six children - Jessie, Russel, Hazel, Forest, Harry and La Follette. Alfred married Martha Davis, of Loyal, where he and his wife reside. Albina is the wife of William Dutcher, and lives at Rapid River, Mich. They have five children - Royce, Elsie, Viola, Delbert and Ethel. Daniel married Dolly Milligan, and they have five children - Glen, Elva, Claude, Alice and Inez, Frank, the youngest child, died at the age of five days.

William Harding, a pioneer, was born in St. Johns, N. B., Jan. 25, 1821, the son of Abel G, and Ann (Nace) Harding, the former of whom was born April 11, 1799, and died April 3, 1881, and the latter, of whom was born Feb. 23, 1799, and died Nov. 20, 1888, Abel G. Harding, hotelkeeper in New Brunswick, removed with his family to Wisconsin, locating at Racine, and it was there that his son, William, grew to manhood and received his schooling. The latter subsequently engaged in the lumber business, which in those days was a highly flourishing industry, and it was that occupation that brought him to Clark County, where he employed sometimes as many as 150 men, For a number of years he made his home at Necedah, Juneau County. In 1873 he located on a forty-acre tract of land in Section 10, Fremont. Township, then a wilderness, and with the assistance of his sons, George and Roswald, erected on it a log shanty of one room, into which he moved with his wife and family. He and his wife then had nine children - Ida, George, Roswald, Edith, William, Homer, Edward, Abel and Henry, Two others, Dana B. and Agatha L., were afterwards born on the place. William had brought two cows with him from Necedah, but had no team nor any farm machinery. The journey from their old home in Necedah, a distance of over 100 miles, was made in the winter, through the woods, and they had arrived in a wagon, or other conveyance on December 27. The Rollins family lived a little to the north, and the home of Thomas Taxbox, where they ate their first supper after arriving, was just across the river. The next summer he began the work of clearing the land. Supplies had to be carried from the logging camps down the river. The first crops were grubbed in, but Mr. Harding soon got an ox team, using a jumper instead of a wagon. The woods were then infested by wolves, who would sometimes disturb the family by howling around the cabin at night, occasionally climbing onto the roof, and often .trying to rob the family of its food. Soon after coming here William Harding began logging again, operating on contract throughout Clark and Wood counties, his sons in the meanwhile clearing the farm. In 1877 they built a two-story house of hewn logs, which was regarded as the finest in the county at that time, ana which is still standing, William Harding and wife were members of the Presby- terian Church, Mrs. Harding being also a Sunday school teacher, and religious services were often held in both of their log cabins. Mrs. Harding also spun and carded wool, and made stockings, caps and mittens for the family. During one entire year they had so little wheat that they could only make eleven loaves of white bread, and had to use corn meal. With the assistance of the sons progress was made on the farm, and in time a barn 40 by 50 feet was erected. William Harding became a prominent citizen of the township, serving as a member of the side board, as assessor and treasurer, and for many years as a member of the school board, helping to organize the school at Heathville, two and a half miles northwest, the first building being constructed of logs and having board seats. He had served one year in the Civil War as a member of Company I, Third Wisconsin Heavy Artillery, and belonged to the Grand Army Post at Marshfield. He was also more or less active in politics and several times was sent as a delegate to political conventions. After a long, active and useful career, he died at the age of 82 years, April 4, 1903. His wite, Sarah Tarbox Harding, the date of whose birth was April 25, 1836, passed from this life about four years before her husband, on Jan. 27, 1899. They had lived in happy wedlock for over forty-seven years, having been married Dec. 4, 1852. She was a daughter of Byron Tarbox, a lumberman who, in early days, coming West from Maine, located at Quincy, Wis. Though she and her husband have both passed away, they played well their part in life's drama, and their memory will remain green for many years to come.

Abel Nace Harding, a thriving farmer of Fremont Township, of which he is also a prominent citizen, was born in Adams County, Wis., Aug. 20, 1869, son of William and Sarah (Tarbox) Harding. Abel was a child of about 4 years when the family came to this locality from Necedah, Wis. When a little older he attended the log schoolhouse and grew to manhood on his parents' farm, of which eventually he became the owner, but subsequently sold, He bought a tract of forty acres across the road, erected some good buildings, and then sold. Then he bought his present place of forty acres. It was then covered with timber and destitute of buildings, but out of the wild tract he has made a good farm, having cleared the land and built a barn 24 by 72 feet in size, a silo 12 by 26 feet, and a good frame house. He raises a good grade of stock, and is doing a successful business, Both as the son of an old pioneer, and as a man who has himself shown forceful and reliable traits of character, he is widely known and respected, and has served in public office, as a member of the township side board and also of the school board. His religious affiliations are with the Presbyterian Church. Mr. Harding married Edith Peck, a native of New York State, and daughter of Archelaus and Abbie (Drake) Peck, who came from that state to Nasonville, Wis., where they engaged in farming. Mr. Drake is now making his home with his son-in-law, Mr. Harding. Mr. and Mrs. Harding have five children - Chester, Abel, Joy, Harold and Gertie.

Levi M. LeRoy, who has been connected with the agricultural interests of Loyal Township since 1866, and is now one of the most elderly residents of the township, as he is one of the best known and respected, was born in Ulster County, N. Y., June 7, 1828. His parents were Josiah and

Julia (Mackey) LeRoy, the mother being of Scotch ancestry, and the father, as it is supposed, English. When he was 6 years old his parents moved to Dutchess County, N. Y., where he resided until he was 22 or 23 years of age. He then went to Columbia County, that state, and was employed for some years there in an agricultural machine shop. In 1862 he enlisted in Company 8, New York Sharpshooters, and was in the service three years, but spending only a year and a half as a soldier, the rest of the time being employed in the railroad shops at Nashville, Tenn. On being mustered out he returned to his native state, where he remained until the spring of 1866. He then came to Clark County, Wis., locating on his present place in Section 23, Loyal Township. In 1859 he had been married in New York State to Maggie Simpson, who accompanied him, and who was his faithful helpmate for many years, dying in 1910, at the age of 74. They drove to Clark County from Iron Ridge with an ox team, and on their arrival took up their residence on their land, the tract consisting of eighty acres, covered with timber. John Graves was one of their nearest neighbors, and Rastus Mack lived about half a mile south of them. In addition to their ox team they had brought with them a cow. They often walked to Neillsville for supplies, or drove their ox team there hitched to a "jumper." Mr. LeRoy built a log house, 18 by 20 feet in size, and containing two rooms, it being located a little south of his present residence. The frame house he erected years later. His first barn was also a small log structure. In time he got his land well cleared and improved, well supplied with all necessary buildings, his present barn being 112 by 40 feet in dimensions. He has also two silos, which were built by Fred Garvin. He and his wife had no children of their own, but adopted a girl, Edith, who is now the wife of Fred Garvin. Mrs. Garvin died in 1917, leaving an adopted son, Levi. In early days Mr. LeRoy served as chairman of the township board, being the second to hold that office, and he was connected with the school board for many years. He also assisted in organizing the Methodist Church, of which he was one of the first members. He has had a long, active and useful career, and is now in his declining years, enjoying a comfortable prosperity.

Fred Rahn, a farmer of Section 2, Hoard Township, who has attained prosperity after many years of hard toil, having developed a good farm from the wilderness, was born in Germany, Oct. 28, 1855, son of Ferdinand and Augusta (Klug) Rahn. The parents came to America with their family in 1873, locating in Milwaukee, where they resided three years. Then they removed to Clark County, settling on the northwest quarter of Section 2, in what is now Hoard Township, but which was then a part of Mayville Township. The land was covered with timber and their first dwelling was a log house, which Ferdinand Rahn erected. He died in 1880 at the age of 68 years, after having cleared fifteen acres of his land. His wife died in 1896, when 69 years old. They had four children - William and Emily, who are now deceased; Fred, subject of this sketch, and Albert, who resides in Hoard Township. Fred Rahn homesteaded his present farm of eighty acres in 1877, it then consisting of a tract of wild land. For some time he had no team to work with, but made the best progress he could, his farm improving from year to year. His first dwelling was a log cabin, in which he resided for a number of years. In 1909 he built his present frame house of eight rooms, and now has a barn 40 by 64 feet in size, and a granary 16 by 24, all built of lumber from the farm. The latter is now well developed, and for a number of years has been conducted on a profitable basis, Mr. Rahn raising hay, oats, barley and corn. He also breeds mixed cattle, milking twelve cows, and raises some sheep and Berkshire hogs. Through his own labors he has carved a comfortable and attractive home out of what was formerly a wilderness, and takes rank among the progressive and successful farmers of his township. He has done good service for several years as a supervisor of his township, and also for several years as director of School District No. 1, in this township. Mr. Rahn was first married in May, 1885, to Dora Ackerman, who was born in Germany and came to America with her parents in 1881, they settling in Taylor County, Wis. She died Feb. 2, 1886, leaving one child, Elizabeth, who married George Olson, and now lives in Montana. On June 15, 1888, Mr. Rahn married for his second wife Carrie Kinow, who was born in Germany, and with her sister settled in Pleasant Valley Township, Eau Claire County, Wis. Her parents, Christ and Frederika Kinow, died in Germany. Three children have been born of this second marriage: Emma, now Mrs. Clinton Young, of Stanley, Wis.; Elsie and Fred, who reside at home. Emma has two children, Bernice and Donald.

Dr. William J. Frank, one of the leading dentists of Clark County, located at Thorp, was born at Pepin, Pepin County, Wis., March 15, 1879, son of William and Johannah B. (Elk) Frank. He attended the public schools of his neighborhood and the High School at St. Paul, and was graduated from the dental department of the Northwestern University at Chicago with the class of 1901. Thus prepared he directly opened an office in Thorp, and has since been successfully engaged in the practice of his profession, having a constantly increasing patronage. He also has a branch office where he goes once a week. He is the only dentist in this immediate vicinity, and has built up a considerable clientele in village and country, having won a reputation for skilful and conscientious work. His professional standing is shown by his membership in the dental societies of Eau Claire and Chippewa counties, and in the Wisconsin State Dental Association, His fraternal relations are with the local Masonic lodge, of which he was Master three times, and is now secretary. When he filled the chair of Master he was the youngest to hold that office in the State of Wisconsin. In 1907 he was elected as director of the Thorp board of education, and is still serving. Dr. Frank was united in marriage June 24, 1903, to Grace Boardman, of Thorp, Wis., daughter of Ephraim A. and Savilla (Fults) Boardman, and they have four children - Maxine, Kathro, Jane and William J., Jr. William Frank was born in Germany, and came to America at the age of 27 years, shortly afterward marrying Johannah B. Elk, who had come to America before her future husband, at the age of 25 years. For seven years after their marriage they lived in New York City, where he was connected with the gas business. Then they came to Pepin County, this state, and purchased a farm. They soon became numbered among the sub- stantial and leading people of their neighborhood. After a long and useful life they passed away, he in 1907 and she in 1916. They were the parents of five children - Emma, who is now Mrs. Jacob Franck, of Pepin, Wis.; Herman, who resides on the old homestead in Pepin County; William J., a dentist of Thorp; Leona, now Mrs. Frank Sherman, of Grand Rapids, Wis.; and Jennie, a trained nurse, residing in Minneapolis, Minn, Ephraim A, and James S. Boardman are appropriately mentioned elsewhere in this work, as pioneers and leading citizens of Thorp, which they founded. Ephraim A. and Savilla (Fults) Boardman had eight children, of whom there are living Anson, Grace and Melvin.

Edward W. Romaine, one of the earliest settlers in Beaver Township, but now deceased, was a man well known throughout Clark County, and held in high estimation. He was born in Paterson, N. J., Sept. 6, 1840, and when only 10 years old accompanied his parents to Fond du Lac County, Wis., where he attended country school and grew to manhood on the farm. There also he was united in marriage Dec. 25, 1862, to Celia Roscoe, who was born in Milwaukee, Jan. 5, 1844. She had received a good education and before her marriage was a school teacher. In 1864, Mr. Romaine enlisted as a private in Company C, 14th Wisconsin Volunteer Infantry, serving until the close of the war. It was in 1868 that he became a pioneer of Clark County, he and his brother Frank, with their families driving overland with an ox team from Fond du Lac County. Each took a homestead of 160 acres in Beaver Township, they being among the first settlers there. Edward W. Romaine's land was heavily timbered, which meant years of hard work for many hours a day, but he was not a man to be daunted by difficulties. Immediately he set to work on his task, which he kept up with a firm will and determination. The erection of a log cabin and stables first occupied his attention, after which the clearing of the land was begun. His persistent energy in time brought due reward, and he found himself the owner of a well cultivated farm, with a fine frame house and a complete set of barns and outbuildings. There he carried on general farming for a quarter of a century, and became prosperous. In 1893, owing to the poor health of Mrs. Romaine, he moved with her to the village of Loyal, where he made his home until his death twelve years later, which came unexpectedly. Accompanied by his wife and daughter, Jessie, he was on his way to the Portland Fair, anticipating a pleasant trip, and stopped off at Coeur d'Alene, Idaho, to visit his daughter, Mrs. C. M. Ransimer. Shortly after his arrival there he was taken ill and fourteen days later expired, July 29, 1905. His remains were taken in charge by the Odd Fellows' lodges of Coeur d'Alene and Spokane, and returned to Loyal, where the funeral was held at the residence of his son-in-law, Charles H. Brown. They were afterwards taken to Neillsville, where he now rests beside his son Robert. Mr, Romaine was an honored member of Hercules Lodge, No, 181, I. O. O. F., of Greenwood; also of the G. A. R. Post. During his active career he had been closely identified with the affairs of Clark County, serving in many offices of public trust, including that of Deputy Sheriff, and his public career was marked by energy, efficiency and fidelity to duty, while his amiable characteristics made him personally popular. To him and his wife five children were born: Edith D., who is now Mrs. C. M. Ransimer, of Lewiston, Mont.; Mary E., wife of Charles H. Brown, of Loyal, Wis.; Leah E., now Mrs. John Graves, of Spencer, Wis.; Jessie I, who is the wife of Robert Eunson, of Lewistown, Mont., and Robert E., the only son, who died in 1881, Mrs. Celia Romaine, beloved by her children, is now spending the afternoon of life in quiet and comfort, and though some memories of the past are sad, they are not unhappy, for her duties as wife and mother were faithfully performed and have brought their own reward.

Charles H. Brown, president of the Citizens State Bank of Loyal, Wis., and also connected in an official capacity with other important enterprises, is widely known as a public spirited citizen, and as one of the leading business men of Clark County. He was born in the village of Fort Ann, on the Hudson River, in Washington County, N. Y., Oct. 30, 1855. His parents were Charles D. and Lucy (North) Brown, the father, a native of New York, and the mother of Vermont. Charles D. Brown was a driver on the old Erie Canal, following that occupation until about 1858, when he came West to Wisconsin, locating on a tract of land in Hartford Township, Washington County, where the early home of the family was a log house. Their supplies had to be obtained at Milwaukee, thirty-five miles distant, to which they drove with an ox team. There the father spent the rest of his life engaged in clearing and developing his farm. During the latter part of the Civil War he served in the 52d Wisconsin Volunteers. Charles H. Brown, who was only 3 years old when his parents settled on their farm in Washington County, Wis., was there reared to manhood, attending the district school, and later the high schoolin town. At the age of 18 he began teaching, and in 1873 came to Clark County and taught school in Unity Township. Subsequently, he went to other parts of the state, and became connected with the sewing machine business, in which he got his first experience as a salesman. From that line of industry he passed to the lumber business, and for some time was engaged in selling lumber on the road. Afterwards he became a real estate dealer, and in that capacity handled some extensive transactions. During all this time he was gaining experience and developing into an able business man. In 1901, foreseeing a good future for Clark County, he located in Loyal, where for about ten years he conducted the Daisy Meat Market. His eyes were open to other opportunities, however, and from time to time he handled considerable land, some of it becoming his own property. Thus, among his present interests are lands in Dakota and Montana, which have proved a profitable investment, and which include a cattle ranch of 1,100 acres at the foot of Snowy Mountains, in Fergus County, Mont., on which he is raising Pole Angus beef cattle. He has also two fine farms in Loyal Township, Clark County, which he is developing with the aid of his sons, Halbert and Harry. On Dec. 20, 1909, Mr. Brown took advantage of another good opportunity when he inaugurated the Citizens State Bank of Loyal, becoming its first vice president. Later, upon the death of Michael Doyle, he sueceeded to the presidency. The present vice president is B. W. Colby, and the cashier, Harry Haeslett. The bank is a successful institution, and has a capital stock of $25,000, with a surplus of $6,000, and on Dec. 31, 1917, showed un- divided profits of $410.05, and deposits of $297,514.93. The value of its building and fixtures is over 55,000. Mr. Brown is also president of the Clark County Telephone Company and agent for the Northwestern National Insurance Company of Milwaukee. He served as president of the village board for five or six years, during which time the electric light and water power plant was installed. Mr, Brown was first married to Jane Ferguson, by whom he had two sons, Halbert and Harry, who are now engaged in breeding Berkshire swine and Percheron horses on their father's farms in Loyal Township. Halbert, who operates a farm of eighty acres, married Elsie Fauss. Harry, who operates a farm of 160 acres, married Lottie Swarthout, and has four children - Edith Jane, Mary Louise, Charles Halbert and Harry Edward, the two last mentioned being twins. Mr, Brown's second marriage was to Mary E. Romaine, daughter of Edward Romaine, a pioneer of Clark County, who settled in Section 35, Beaver Township. Mr. Brown belongs to the Masonic Blue Lodge at Greenwood, and to the Chapter at Neillsville. His career has been one of steady progress and achievement, and he is widely recognized throughout this region as a man of sound business judgment, incorruptible integrity, and loyalty as a citizen.

Conrad G. Frantz, a prosperous farmer and respected citizen of Pine Valley Township, was born in a log house on his parents' homestead in section 23, this township, Dec. 11, 1856, the parents being George and Barbara Frantz, the pioneer. His early years were spent in pioneer farming, as he helped his father to clear the farm, driving an ox team, At the age of 20 years he struck out for himself, and, having had some experience in lumber camps, in which he had been employed when only 14 years old, he took up that occupation, working in the woods and on the river driving logs, and being foreman both in camp and on the drive, For six years he was in the employ of the Lloys & Gullon Lumber Company, and for two winters worked for Anson Green. He also drove logs for Mr. Coleman of La Crosse, and, when only a boy, for Chauncey Blakeslee, on Cunningham Creek. In the meanwhile he had located his present farm in section 26, consisting of 120 acres, covered with timber and without buildings. On this he erected a log house, which is still standing, and a log barn. On Aug. 17, 1880, he was married to Christine Weisner, who was born in Wisconsin, Oct. 24, 1861, daughter of Fred Weisner, a farmer of Wood County, His wife assisted him to build the log house and he began the work of improvement with an ox team. Since then the farm has been increased to the size of 200 acres and is well improved, Mr, Frantz building a twelve-room house of stone and lumber, in 1905. Among his other buildings are a barn, 40 by 70 feet in size, built in 1903, and a silo, 14 by 32 feet. He raises a good grade of stock and has been successful in his operations. Aside from his farming interests he is a shareholder in the Farmers' Co-operative Elevator and Lumber Company of Neillsville, and a director in the Pine Valley Butter Company. In township affairs Mr. Frantz was side supervisor for several years, and in 1910 was elected chairman,

Ebenezer Borden Family And Residence

Neillsville, and the Encampment at Merrillan, and of the Equitable Fraternity Union. He and his wife are the parents of five children: Bessie, who graduated from Neillsville high school, was a teacher, and is now the wife of E. J. Roethe, of Fennimore; Robert, who resides at home; Ben, a graduate of the Neillsville high school and of business college, and now associated with County Judge O. W. Schoengarth; George, who, after graduating from the Neillsville high school, graduated from the University of Wisconsin in the class of 1917, and Gladys, who, after graduating from the Neillsville high school, is now a teacher.

Wyatt Borden, who resides on a farm on 160 acres in section 21, Loyal Township, and is engaged largely in the production of maple sugar, also keeping stock, was born in Jackson County, Wis., July 21, 1858, son of Eben and Catherine (Hallock) Borden. The father, Eben, was born, reared and educated in the Green Mountain section of Vermont, in the locality made famous by the exploits of General Stark and Ethan Allen during the Reyolutionary War. When 25 years old he caught the Western fever and, leaving his native state, settled in Dodge County, Wis., where he stayed for about a year. He then removed to Jackson County, this state, and there married Catherine Hallock, a native of Canada, and daughter of a blacksmith, who had come from Canada to that county. Eben then bought eighty acres of wild land on a bluff in Jackson County, and for about two years engaged in logging on Black River. During this time he, with some other men, had set up a boiling pot in a grove of about 800 maples in sec-~ tion 21, Loyal Township, Clark County, and there he settled, moving his family onto the land. They sold their sugar so low as six cents a pound that time. The homestead act made it necessary for him to take up 160 acres to make good his title, which he did, putting up an eight-room house and log barn and also breaking a little land, but his principal occupation was the operation of the sugar camp. At that time he used to go to La Crosse for supplies, carrying them home on his back. He had oxen and later traded in Neillsville. He and his wife had eleven children: William, Herbert, Norma, Watson, Ruth, Myra, Marian, Edna, Florence, Lillian and Wyatt. Wyatt Borden remained at home until he was 21 years of age and then took up a homestead in Jim River Valley, Brown County, 5. D., where he resided seven years, Much of his time, however, was spent around Fort Siston in carrying despatches and watching the Indians to see that they did not leave their reservation. At the end of that period he returned to his father's homestead where he has since remained, except for two winters which he spent on the farm of a brother at New Port, Ore. He still carries on the sugar-making industry, established by his father, producing about 2,000 pounds a year. He also raises Guernsey cattle and formerly raised Shropshire sheep, carrying on that industry for thirty years. He has built a barn 42 by 50 feet on his place and made other improvements, his operations all proving successful. Mr. Borden has never married. Eben Borden died in 1913, at the age of 84 years. Catherine Borden, his wife, died 1912, at the age of 76 years. 'They had lived to celebrate their golden wedding.

John D. Lyons was born in Pennsylvania, and there became a milk worker. As a young man he was married in New York State to Luey A. Partloe, of Rochester, New York. In 1869, with their two children, Alida and Albert, they came west by train to Madison, Wis. Driving with a horse team and covered wagon, they came from Black River Falls to Neillsville and thence to York Township, where they put up at the house of a relative, James Corzett, who had located in section 32 the previous year, Mr. Lyons soon took an eighty-acre tract of land, devoid of buildings on the Steven's Point road, in section 5, Grant Township. He now had no team, neither any cow, but the latter he soon procured. Like practically all the pioneer settlers he had to work in the woods for a number of winters, but he finally succeeded in clearing up his farm, erecting good substantial buildings on it, and became quite a prominent man in his township. He was postmaster of the Wells post office, which was located in his own house, and was also a leader in the Methodist Church, known as Visgar Church, which was located on the southeast quarter of section 32, and which he served as trustee. He died in 1889 at the age of about 62 years, having been born May 19, 1827; his wife, born Oct. 8, 1830, died March 27, 1902, at the age of 71. Their son, Albert, is now a resident of Loyal, Clark County. The daughter, Alida, is the wife of M. C. Redmond.

John Redmond, the pioneer, and his wife, Livonnia (Boynton) Redmond, came to Clark County from Maine, in 1867, accompanied by eight children: Mary, Marcellus C., Greenleaf, Charles, Ellen, Elmer, Emma and Anna, There were two other children not of the party: George K., who was married and lived in Hudson, Wis., and Celestia, who had married in Maine, in which state she always resided, Ellen died in 1869, on the farm. Striking the Mississippi River at La Crosse, they took a boat from that place to Hudson, Wis., remaining there one year, then returning by boat to La Crosse, taking the train there to Sparta, thence coming overland from Sparta to Clark County. For two years they resided at Weston Rapids and then, in April, 1869, came to York Township, where Marcellus secured forty acres of land on which the family made their home. Two years later he got forty acres more in section 32, All of it was wild land, there being not a tree cut. Neither were there any roads when they came, and they had to cut their way in. For their first residence they built a shanty of three rooms, that they covered with scoops. The second year they got a cow and a yoke of oxen, but their supplies had to be carried from Neillsville, the trip both ways being made on foot. Deer were plentiful, however, and furnished them with venison. Gradually the land was developed, new buildings were erected and the family became favorably known throughout the community. John Redmond died in February, 1902, at the age of 80 years, and his wife in 1904, at the age of 78. They were worthy people, who had performed a useful part in life, and gained the esteem of all who knew them.

Marcellus C. Redmond, for several years manager of the Clark County Farm in York Township, is a man of extended experience in various branches of agriculture. He was born in Somerset County, Maine, July 24, 1851, son of John and Livonnia (Boynton) Redmond, and came to Clark County with the other members of the family in 1867, subsequently assisting his parents in developing the farm. As a young man he found employment in the camps and on the spring drives, conducting a camp for several winters in the woods, and taking part in drives on O'Neills Creek, Rock Creek and the East Fork of Black River. Thus things went on until Sept. 4, 1879, when he assumed the responsibilities of domestic life, being united in marriage with Alida Lyons, born in Erie County, N. Y., daughter of John D. and Lucy A. (Partloe) Lyons. The wedding ceremony was performed on the farm of her brother Albert, who then rented the land now forming the county farm. The young man and his bride then took up their home in a log cabin which he had built on his father's homestead. After the death of his parents, he bought their forty acres and added forty acres more to it, farming the entire eighty acres. He erected some good buildings, and developed the place until the whole eighty acres were cleared. On this place he made a specialty of Shorthorn cattle, Poland-China hogs, and Shropshire sheep, and was breeding into a Hackney strain of horses. He was a stockholder and member of the board in a cheese factory which later burned, Several years ago, Mr. Redmond sold the place and went to Neillsville, where he lived a year and a half, it being his intention to retire. He was, however, pursuaded to accept the management of the county farm. Under his charge a fine herd of Holstein cattle, a good drove of thoroughbred Berkshire swine, and a good number of full blooded Percheron horses were developed. He built several buildings, including an ice house and silo, and cemented the barn, house and chicken house. Mr. Redmond is a stockholder in the Co-operative Elevator Company at Neillsville, of which he was one of the organizers, and also has shares in the First National Bank of Neillsville. Fraternally he is a member of the M. W. A. at Neillsville. Mr. and Mrs. Redmond have been the parents of two children, Lyle and Harold, both of whom are now deceased. Lyle, who was born Sept. 29, 1884, was killed by the kick of a horse, Sept. 19, 1894. Harold, born Mar. 7, 1896, died from a gunshot wound, July 23, 1911. The family faith is that of the Methodist Episcopal Church.

John F. Brasier, formerly identified with the agricultural interests of Loyal Township, but now passed away, was born in Toronto, Canada, June 1, 1834, the son of John and Elizabeth (Pegg) Brasier. The father was a native of Nova Scotia and a farmer by occupation; his wife was born in Pennsylvania. They were married in Canada and five children were born to them there: Charles, Sarah, Elizabeth, William and John. In 1856 they settled in Hartford, Washington County, Wis., taking a farm on which the father subsequently died. John F., the subject of this sketch, was educated in Canada and accompanied his parents to Wisconsin. He was 15 years old at the death of his father and subsequently remained on the home farm until he was 25. He then went to Sheboygan County, where he bought 160 acres of wild land. He had a team of oxen and a cow and he built a log house and barn. After living on the place a year, his mother joined him. December 25, 1862, he was married to Mary A. (Shaver), daughter of James and Charlotte (Gordon) Shaver, the father being a farmer born and reared in New York State, who had come to Sheboygan, Wis., from

Buffalo, N. Y. After Mr. Brasier's marriage he and his wife settled on the farm in Sheboygan County, and resided there subsequently for twentythree years. During that time he cleared about seventy acres of his land. About 1880 he sold the place and came to Clark County, stopping in Loyal Village, where he bought 160 acres of land in section 21, Loyal Township. Of this tract fifty acres were cleared and a house stood on the place. Mr Brasier immediately started to clear the rest of the land, which in time he accomplished, also building an eight-room house. He raised Jersey and Guernsey cattle, of a good grade, and became recognized as one of the successful farmers of his township. As a citizen he also stood high in public esteem and in response to a general desire, he served as pathmaster of the township and also as a member of the school board. After residing on his farm until 1898 he moved to town, dying there Feb. 2, 1911. During his years of retirement he kept a few bees in order to have some light occupation. Mr. Brasier was a Civil War veteran, having enlisted in 1863, in Company I, First Wisconsin Infantry, his service being mostly in Georgia. His wife is still a resident of the village of Loyal. They had a family numbering ten children, of whom the following is a brief record: Jennie, the wife of Thomas Philpott, lives in Neillsville, and has three children, Ralph, Lacey and Alpha. Robert resides at Chippewa Falls. Phoebe and Charlotte are dead. Harriett is now Mrs. Fred Fisher of Battle Creek, Mich., and has four children, Maude, Ernestine, Gertrude and Richard. Emily is the wife of William Huffman, of College View, Neb., and has one child, Kathleen. Albon married Pear! Allen, resides in Loyal Township, and has three children, Gerald, Thelma and Burle. Lloyd is deceased. Olive is now Mrs. John Irvine of Neillsville, and has three children, Eula W., Donald and Evelyn. Ray, who is principal of schools at Crandon, Wis., married Catherine Potts, and has three children, Mary, Margaret and Francis G. William Pottinger Budge, a well known and progressive farmer of York Township, familiar by former experience with pioneer conditions in this section, was born about fourteen miles from Kirkwall, in the Orkney Islands, off the coast of Scotland, Aug. 12, 1840. His parents, William and Jane (Pottinger) Budge, were natives of Scotland and lived and died in that country. The father was twice married, the subject of this sketch being the only child of the first marriage, while by William Budge's second wife, whose maiden name was Jessie Laird, three children were born, Andrew, James and Maggie. Only two members of the family came to America, William P., and his brother Andrew, who died in Dickenson, N. D., in the spring of 1888. William P. Budge preceded his brother, landing in Canada in 1858, after a voyage of thirty-two days. He had received some schooling in his native land and had been industrially active both in farm work and on the water. After arriving in Canada he found work on a farm and was thus occupied for two years, after which he spent five winters in the timber woods. In the fall of 1865 he went to Michigan, where he engaged in lumbering, remaining in that state until 1867, when he came farther west to Wisconsin, the first summer being employed on the farm of Robert Ross, below Neillsville. In the same year he bought eighty acres in the eastern half of section 35, York Township, and in the following year pur- chased another eighty acres in the western half of the same section, all of it being wild land, and there was no road past his place. On this place he did some chopping but did not carry his improvements much farther, or take up his residence until 1875. In the meanwhile he continued to work in the woods during the winter, going down on the drive to the Mississippi River and working on the booms during the summer. The first building he erected on his farm was a log barn, and in 1875 he put up a log house, 18 by 28 feet, with three rooms, His early work of improvement was done with the help of the usual ox team. The clearing of the farm was a long process and took a number of years to accomplish; but he finally developed a good farm, raising the usual crops and keeping Shorthorn cattle, of as good grade as possible. Among his other improvements he built two good barns, with basements, 40 by 60 feet, and 20-foot posts, and a barn, 28 by 38 feet with 18-foot posts; also two silos, Of a progressive nature, he always sought to have the best facilities for his work and adopted new methods whenever he saw any merit in them, and as a result he advanced in prosperity. In 1913 he sold his farm and retired to Granton to enjoy the fruits of his long career of industry. Mr. Budge has never married. He professes no religious creed, but adheres to the Golden Rule, and few men in his township are more respected and esteemed.

Charles Rahm, proprietor of the ''Pioneer Stock Farm," in Sherman Township, and also, as a member of the firm of Rahm Bros., engaged in the warehouse business at Loyal, is well known throughout Clark County, both as a successful agriculturist and stock raiser and an enterprising business man. He was born in Germany, July 1, 1879, son of Peter Rahm, but his education was acquired in a district school in Sherman Township, this county, where his parents had settled on coming from Germany. About 1910 he took over the old homestead of his father and has since increased its size by buying eighty more acres, the whole constituting what is now known as "Pioneer Stock Farm." The buildings and equipment of this farm are thoroughly up to date, the former including two barns, one 40 by 80 feet and the other 36 by 80 feet; also two silos which he has erected, one 14 by 82, and the other 12 by 28 feet. He has as part of his equipment a milking machine, and an electric light plant, the latter having been installed at a cost of $1,000. His stock consists of Holstein cattle, graded horses, Poland-China swine and Shropshire sheep. Mr. Rahm, in addition to his farming interests, owns the elevator at Loyal and erected the new elevator at Granton, this county. With his brother August, the firm being known as Rahm Bros., he has a warehouse and three acres of land in Loyal. Under good management all these various enterprises are flourishing, and he is also doing a large business in the purchase and sale of wood, which he began buying in lots of one car load some twelve years ago. As an earnest member of the German Lutheran Church, he donated the land for the church and cemetery of that religious organization in Sherman Township. and served on the building committee which had in charge the erection of the church edifice. In many other ways he has manifested his public spirit and shown that he takes a warm interest in the welfare and development of the community in which he resides. On Sept. 19, 1917, Mr. Rahm was united in marriage with Mary Muller, who was born in Sherman Township, Clark County, daughter of Carl Muller, a pioneer settler here. Mrs. Rahm formerly taught school in Sherman, York and Loyal townships, and was a teacher in the Sunday school of the German Lutheran Church in the same township. She also was one of the leaders founding the Young People's Association of Veefkind, of which society she held the position of president for many years.

Peter Rahm, who died on his farm in Sherman Township, July 22, 1912, was an early settler here, and a man who had done good pioneer work in developing a farm from the wilderness. He was born in South Germany, near the French boundary line, June 24, 1836. In June, 1863, he was married in Germany to Elizabeth Lutz. For a number of years after their marriage he and his wife continued to reside in their native land, and there four sons and three daughters were born to them, namely: Edward, Phillip, Charles, August, Bertha, Lena and Anna. In 1880 the family emigrated to the United States, landing at New York and traveling west to Sheboygan, Wis., where they resided for one year. They then came to Sherman Township, Clark County, Mr. Rahm buying eighty acres of land of William Haas, which had been the old Taylor homestead. As an improved tract it was provided with a log house and barn. As a part of the bargain Mr. Rahm also got an old ox, which, together with a cow constituted his original stock. The road was then only turnpiked for eighty rods, the rest being corduroy, When not engaged in improving his farm Mr. Rahm did various other kinds of work to earn money for the current expenses of his family. Among other things, he hauled lumber for Joe Marsh before the railroad was built, and then made a trip with logs to the old Upham switch. He also hauled staves and later shingles to Mapleworks, now Granton. His wife often walked to Spencer with butter and eggs, bringing back domestic supplies, and at times he, himself, would make the trip with his team of oxen for which he had to carry feed to give them on the journey while they rested at frequent intervals. His first reaper was bought from Charles Cornelius of Neillsville, who was then in the implement business. Mr, Rahm in time acquired 120 acres of land and built a barn 36 by 80 feet in size. He always kept good stock, raised the usual grains, and became prosperous. He never cared for public office, but was an active member of the German Lutheran Church in his neighborhood. A strong, rugged man, he plowed all the land broken on his farm, continuing that hard work even at the age of 74 years. His wife died Aug, 5, 1917.