Clark County, Wisconsin - Biographical sketches, 1918 (part 11 of 18)

George M. Albright, who is assisting to develop the agricultural resources of Loyal Township, having a good farm in section 25, was born at Dingman's Ferry, on the Delaware River, in Pike County, Pa., Aug. 15, 1862, son of John and Julia (Hover) Albright. The father was a native of Holland, in which country the family name was spelled "Albrecht," and when five years old he came with his parents, Joseph and Mary Ann Albrecht, to the United States. Joseph, who was a wheelwright and blacksmith by trade, homesteaded a farm in Pike County and spent the rest of his life there. They had come to this country at an early date, as he took part as a soldier in the War of 1812-15, with Great Britain. The children in the family were: Timothy, Andrew, Henry, John, Jeanette, Hannah and Rosa. John Albright, when he grew up, became a blacksmith and cabinetmaker, and remained in Pennsylvania. His wife, Julia, was born in that state and was a daughter of Gilbert and Maria Hover, also natives of Pennsylvania, the Hovers being of Dutch, or Holland, ancestry, the immigrant ancestors being Joseph and Sarah Maria Hover, who came directly from Holland, John Albright and wife had three children: George, Josephine and John. George M. Albright was the only member of the family to make his permanent home in the West. His educational opportunities were not large, but he attended district school about four months in the year and worked on his grandfather's farm until he was about 17 years of age. After that he was engaged in railroad construction work, on the Lehigh Valley Railroad, for about five years, finally becoming extra foreman. In 1885 he came to Wisconsin to work as head sawyer for Joe Marsh, of Clark County, and remained in his employ in that position for sixteen years. Afterwards he worked four seasons for H. A. Bright, at Bright, this county; two seasons for Peter Fritz at Unity; one season at Ogemah for the Ogemah Lumber Company and one season for the R. Connor Company. When 26 years old he had bought a tract of land of eighty acres, with seven acres cleared, located in section 25, Loyal Township, and he now moved onto it and began farming operations. There was a log house 14 by 18 feet, and an old log barn on the place, and with buildings he started in. His history since then has been one of progress and increasing prosperity. He has now about fifty-five acres under the plow, with seven acres of timber, the rest being pasture land. Good buildings have been erected and the farm presents a thrifty and well cared-for appearance. Mr. Albright raises full-blooded Holstein cattle and a good grade of Morgan horses. He has been clerk of school district No. 5 for twenty-five years and has served four years as township treasurer, His fraternal society affiliations are with the Masonic lodge at Greenwood and the Modern Woodmen of Loyal. On Feb, 3, 1884, Mr. Albright was united in marriage at Camptown, Pa., to Addie R. Allen, who was born in Bradford County, that state, May 11, 1859. She was a daughter of John and Esther (Taylor) Allen, her father being a farmer by occupation, He enlisted for service in the Civil War, was orderly sergeant of Company A, 141st Pennsylvania Volunteers, and was killed in the battle of the Wilderness, when 36 years old, leaving a wife and three children - Watson R., Addie R. and William H. His wife subsequently married his brother, Jerry, a farmer, who also served in the war, as a member of the same regiment. They located in Loyal Township, Clark County, in 1897 and resided at the home of the subject of this sketch, where he died at the age of 65 years, His widow, Mrs. Albright's mother, is still living on the homestead, being born April 6, 1835. Mr. and Mrs. Albright have four children: Bernard, who is now located at Bay Point, Cal.; Marion, who is the wife of Herbert White, of Loyal, and has one child, Areen; Leona, who resides at home, and Allen at home. Leona and Marion have both been teachers, and all the children have been well educated.

Benjamin F. Frasier, in former years a well-known agriculturist of Beaver Township, and for some years manager of the county farm, was born in Auburn Township, Fond du Lac County, Wis., Nov. 23, 1857, son of Ransome and Mary Ellen (Romaine) Frasier. The father, Ransome, was born and married in Wisconsin. In 1863 he set out to enlist for service in the Civil War, but at Madison he took the measles and died. The subject of this sketch was at that time only 6 years old and his parents' only child. He and his mother went to live with her parents, Ben and Charity Romaine. He was sent to school, but began working on farms in summer when in his fourteenth year, continuing his studies, however, during the winters until he was 18. On Feb. 12, 1879, he was united in marriage with Rosa Roscoe, a native of Washington County, Wis., whose father, James Roscoe, a farmer, had removed to Fond du Lac County. Mr. Frasier had by this time procured a farm of his own, and he and his wife resided on it for two years at the end of which time they removed to Clark County. Here they settled on a farm in Beaver Township. It contained 160 acres, of which fifteen acres had been cleared, and a log house stood on the place, into which they moved. A short time afterwards, however, a new schoolhouse was built and Mr, and Mrs, Frasier took the old schoolhouse for a residence. Mr. Frasier spent the summer time in improving his farm, working out during the winter. After a residence of twenty-seven years on the place he had cleared sixty acres of his land, built a brick house and two large barns. The latter burned down, however, and were replaced by a basement barn. In 1906 Mr. Frasier was chosen by the county board of supervisors to superintend the county farm. He held that position for four years, and died after resigning it, June 16,1910. By industry and perseverance, backed by intelligence, he had gained a prominent place in the community and was universally respected. In 1905 he helped to organize the Lynn Fire Insurance Company, and was a director of it for nine years and treasurer two years. He also served four years as chairman of the Beaver Township board, by virtue of which office he became a member of the county board. His wife now resides in the village of Loyal, the farm now being occupied by their son, John R. The latter, who was born in Auburn Township, Fond du Lac County, April 25, 1880, came to Clark County with his parents at the age of two years, and was here educated. He has always resided on the farm on which he now lives. He married Myrtle Miles, May 19, 1901, and they have five children: Benjamin, Mildred, Nora, Iva and Rosa.

George Jenks, a well known and respected farmer, operating 160 acres of land in sections 16 and 17, Loyal Township, one mile west of Loyal Village, was born on a farm in Lyden Township, Lewis County, N. Y., June 24, 1844. His father-was William Jenks, a native of that county and of English descent, who married Mary Ann Kent, their children being: Lester, who died young; Savillian, George and Sarah. George, who, like his father William, became a farmer, married Mariah Millard, a native of Pennsylvania and daughter of Francis and Betsy (Davis) Millard, and they settled in Jefferson County, Wis., on an improved farm on which they resided for some thirty-six years. There all their children were born, namely:

John K., now deceased; Romeyn M., now a prominent citizen of Loyal, Clark County; Arthur H. and Carrie. About 1899 Mr. Jenks removed to Lake Mills, Wis., where he made his home for thirteen years. Then, in 1912, he came to Loyal, Clark County, where, as already mentioned, he is engaged in farming, raising good Holstein cattle. With his son Arthur, he organized the Jenks Dairy Company, of which he is still a member. Formerly he took a prominent part in the Grange movement and served on the school board of his township, and later for several years was a member of the City Council of Lake Mills, Wis. He was also a member of the Good Templar organization, and belongs still to Lake Mills Lodge, No. 97, I. 0. O. F.

Romeyn M. Jenks, cashier of the Loyal State Bank, who has been actively connected with financial interests in Clark County for a number of years, was born on a farm in Aztalan Township, Jefferson County, Wis., June 4, 1877, son of George and Mariah (Millard) Jenks. His early education was acquired in the district school and was supplemented by a full course at the Lake Mills high school, from which he was graduated in the class of 1896. After teaching school for a year and a half in his home county, he became interested for a short period in creamery work. In 1898 he came to Loyal, Clark County, and purchased the Loyal Separator Association Creamery plant, which he conducted, himself, for one year, and later was in partnership for two years with his brothers, John K. and Arthur H. In 1901 the business was sold to the Dodge Creamery Co., and still later it was purchased by George Jenks and his son, Arthur H., who took control of it. In the following summer, 1901, Romeyn M. Jenks entered the Lawrence Bros.' private bank at Loyal. The next year he went to Montana, looking up mining interests and while there became interested in lumbering on the Pacific Coast, being for awhile connected with the St. Paul & Tacoma Lumber Company. After this he went to Cour d'Alene, Idaho, where he intended to associate himself with the Big-4 Lumber Company. While there, in 1903, he received an offer to become assistant cashier of the Loyal State Bank then being organized. Accepting the position, he at once returned to Loyal and took up his new duties. At the annual meeting in 1905 he was tended the position of cashier, which he accepted and has since retained, having performed its duties ably and conscientiously in every detail, and demonstrated his sound and thorough knowledge of financial affairs. Aside from his excellent record in connection with the bank, Mr. Jenks has taken a lively and beneficial interest in all movements for the moral or material betterment of the town and county, his action in such matters having been at times in the capacity of a public official. He has served on the village board two terms and on the county board one year, and has also been supervisor of the village of Loyal and a member of the board of education, serving thirteen years out of the twenty that he has resided here. It was during his service on the latter board that the school building was remodeled and improved, and while he was a member of the village board the electric light plant and water system was installed. He was a member of the Good Templar Lodge, at Lake Mills, Wis., for six years and at Loyal, Wis., for three years. He is a member of the Masonic Lodge at Greenwood, also belonging to the Woodmen, Maccabees and Beavers. All in all he is one of the busy and useful citizens of Loyal, where he is highly respected. Mr. Jenks was united in marriage, May 4, 1904, to Elva Graves, daughter of A. A. and Isabelle Graves, of Loyal. Mr. and Mrs. Jenks are the happy parents of five children; Isabel, Millard, Rachel, Alice and Gertrude.

George Green, an esteemed resident of the village of Loyal, who has passed fifty years of his life in this locality, was born in Hampshire, England, Jan. 20, 1844. His parents, James and Martha (Andrews) Green, were dairy farmers who died in their native land, and who had four children: Ellen, George, Anna and Elizabeth. George was the only member of the family to come to the United States. In 1862 he landed in Canada, where he worked on a farm and remained until 1865, when he came to Wisconsin, locating at Iron Ridge, Dodge County. There he found employment in a saw-mill, but came in the following spring to Clark County and settled in Loyal, which, however, at that time contained only one log house, owned by A. A. Graves. Mr. Green went to work at once chopping timber and clearing land and that fall got a tract of 160 acres of his own, all wild land, located in section 34, two and a half miles south of Loyal. On this he built a log house, 14 by 20 feet, containing one room, in which he lived a bachelor's existence. He had practically nothing but his hands with which to begin the work of improving his farm, and was obliged to walk to Neillsville and back for supplies, carrying flour home on his back, an experience common to many of the pioneer farmers in this region. It was not until 1870 that he got his first team, previous to that exchanging work with his neighbors, another early custom. On Mar. 19, 1871, his bachelor life came to an end, as on that date he was united in marriage with Mary E. Taylor, and they began housekeeping in the log dwelling. By that time he possessed a cow, which was another stepping-stone on the road to success. After clearing up part of his farm Mr. Green sold it and went farther west, remaining away for several summers. He then resumed his residence in Loyal, finding employment in Grave's sawmill and also clerking for awhile. He served as postmaster of the village during President Harrison's administration and in 1901 was appointed postmaster under President McKinley, retaining the office until December, 1913, after President Wilson's election. He then became assistant postmaster, which position he still holds. Mr. Green is in comfortable circumstances, the result of his former industry and thrift. In early days he served the township as assessor and was township clerk or village clerk for eighteen years. In politics he has always been identified with the Republican party. He and his wite have had four children: Daisy, now the wife of 8. H. Garvin, residing at Spokane, Wash., and who is the mother of four children: Mattie, wife of L. J. Randales of Marshfield, and who has four children: Lottie, now Mrs. Richard C. Diekow, of Beloit, Wis., who has one child, and James, who is deceased.

Baultes Christman, vice president of the Loyal State Bank, proprietor of the Christman Stave and Heading Factory, and a leading citizen of Loyal Village, was born in Hartford Township, Washington County, Wis., Mar.

Mr. And Mrs, B. Christman

10, 1849. His parents, Conrad and Barbara (Freummel) Christman, were natives of Germany, who came to America in 1847, and who, on locating in Hartford Township, Washington County, engaged in farming, first buying forty acres of school land, all of which was wild. Later Conrad Christman purchased other land until he owned 170 acres. He cleared it from the heavy timber, broke the land, erected a good residence and out-buildings, and there followed general farming until 1898, his death occurring in the following year, 1899. His wife did not long survive him, passing away in 1901. They had a family of seven sons and three daughters, namely: Joseph, Baultes, Phillip, Barbara, Peter, Anna, Anton, Nicholas, John and Kate. Baultes Christman acquired his education in the public schools of Washington County, and grew up on his parents' farm, where he made his home until 1870. His time during this period was not all spent in farm work, however, as, when not quite 17 years old he went to work in the stave and heading factory at Hartford village. In 1870 he took up his residence in Hartford, continuing to work in the factory until 1883, when he removed to Allenton, Washington County, and was for three years foreman in the J. B. Kern Stave & Heading Factory there. In 1886 Mr. Christman purchased the stave factory at Allenton, with its equipment, and moved the plant to Hewitt, where he continued the business under the firm name of Ruplinger Bros. & Co., he, himself, however, being the principal owner and manager. After conducting the business at Hewitt successfully until 1891, he came to Loyal and, together with John Ruplinger, M. Ruplinger and William Utmyer, started what is now the Christman factory and mill - a stave and heading factory and sawmill, In 1901 Mr. Christman purchased the interests of the other partners and since then has been the sole owner. For awhile formerly he also conducted a mercantile business in Loyal, and was successful in that, as he has been in his manufacturing enterprises. He also owns large farms in Clark County, one of 240 acres in Beaver Township, and one of 220 acres in Loyal Township, which are conducted under his own management, together with that of his three sons; and in addition he has some village property. These varied interests, and his high character for enterprise and business integrity, have made him one of the representative men of Loyal Village, in the public affairs of which he has long taken an active and beneficial part, having served on the village board most of the time since the village was organized, and having been one of the aldermen from the time of its organization up to 1910. He was then elected president of the village, in which office he has since served efficiently and to the satisfaction of his fellow citizens. Mr. Christman was also one of the organizers of the Loyal State Bank, and became a member of its first board of directors, serving as such until he was elected vice president in 1916, succeeding Dr. James Richmond, deceased. He is a member-of the C. K. W., and both he and his family of the Catholic Church. Mr. Christman was married Jan. 30, 1872, to Caroline Winterhalter, who was born in Addison County, Wis., Nov. 8, 1848, daughter of John and Elizabeth (Saukreiter) Winterhalter. Her parents were natives of Germany who came to America when young people and were married in Massachusetts, from which state they came to Washington County, Wis., in

1847, settling on a farm. There the father died in 1895 and the mother in 1878. They were the parents of twelve children: Elizabeth, Caroline, John, Mary, Mary (second), Catherine, Lewis, Charles, Charles (second), Anna, Herman and Joseph. The children born to Mr. and Mrs. Christman are as follows: Barbara, now Mrs. C. B. Esselmann of Loyal Township; Elizabeth, widow of Harry Kilbourn, and now a resident of Loyal village; Kate, wife of Lawrence Emerson of Beaver Township; John, who is residing at home; Anna, wife of Freeman Allen of Milwaukee; Caroline, now Mrs. Joseph Andraska, of Loyal Village; Anton, also of Loyal Village; Peter, who resides in the same place, and who married Elizabeth Raab, and Joseph, residing at home.

Hans Nielsen, proprietor of the Favorite Cheese Factory in Hixon Township, is a man who stands high in his line of industry, and is doing a prosperous business. He was born in Tiny, Denmark, Aug. 4, 1873, son of Ludwig and Marion (Jensen) Nielsen and came to the United States with his parents, who first settled at Green Bay, Wis. The father was a shoemaker by trade. In 1895 he and his family came to Clark County, buying a farm in section 28, Hixon Township, on which he made all the improvements. He died in 1909, at the age of 78 years, after a long life of useful activity. His wife passed away in 1911, at the age of 80. Their children were: Marian Christina, Catrina, Jens, Nels, Jorgen, Louise, Hans and Johannas. Of these the only survivors are Jorgen, who lives in Hixon township, Hans, subject of this sketch, and Johannas, who resides in Montana. Hans Nielsen, in 1906, bought a farm of forty acres in section 21, Hixon Township, which he subsequently cleared, as it consisted of wild land. He raised a mixed breed of cattle, milking about eight cows. He had learned the cheese-making business at Neenah, Wis., and later followed it in Sheboygan County, working for E. H. Maas. In the winter of 1913 he attended the dairy school at Madison and during the following summer worked in St. Croix County. Holding a diploma as a licensed cheese-maker, in 19 - , he started his present factory, in connection with which he has two acres of land, having disposed of his farm. On starting business here he took in 400 pounds of milk a day, but in 1916 was handling 6,000 pounds. Mr. Nielsen used the whey to make butter, something that all cheesemakers do not do. As this industry is growing throughout the county, his prospects look bright for the future, especially in view of the progress he has already made. Mr. Nielsen is a member of the Danish Lutheran Church at Withee, He was married Dec. 28, 1901, to Carrie Marie Miller, daughter of Jens and Vodel (Hagendom) Miller of Hixon Township. Mrs. Nielsen died Oct. 9, 1906, leaving one child, Jens Torwald, who was born Aug. 25, 1906.

William H. Mead, whose name is closely connected with the pioneer history of Clark County, as well as with its later development, was born in Pauldings, N. Y., Nov. 19, 1833, When 9 years old he removed with his parents to Watertown, Jefferson County, Wis., where he attended the public schools and grew to manhood, after which he followed various occupations there. On July 4, 1861, he was united in marriage in Jefferson County, with Julia Arvilla Smith, who was born in Fulton County, N. Y., May 26,

Mr. And Mrs. William H. Mead

1842. In 1865 Mr. Mead came with his wife and two children to Clark County, locating first at what is now Greenwood City, where the family resided until the following spring. He then took a homestead of 160 acres of wild and heavily timbered land in that part of the county now known as Warner Township, where he erected a modest dwelling and began the strenuous life of a pioneer farmer. The growing importance of the timber industry, however, soon attracted his attention and led him to change his occupation, as he saw that it was easier at that time to extract wealth from the forests than from the soil. Accordingly he invested in timber lands and for the next twenty years was known as one of the leading loggers and lumbermen of this part of the state, at one time, in partnership with others, owning as much as 10,000 acres of land. After that he resumed farming, clearing and improving about 200 acres, and remaining on his farm until about the year 1900. He was also employed as agent by the Gates Land Company and continued with them until 1902, when he again resumed farming, this time on a farm two and a half miles south of Withee. On this farm, which contained 224 acres and was the property of Mrs. Mead, he passed the rest of his life, a period of four and a half years, his death taking place Mar. 6, 1911. He had for a long time been one of the leading men of his township, serving as chairman of the town board for fifteen years, and by virtue of that office was a member also of the board of county commissioners, which he served as chairman for three years. Fraternally he belonged to the Masonic Lodge at Greenwood. His wife, who survived him, is now a resident of the city of Greenwood, where she is highly esteemed in the best society, and is a member of the Eastern Star Lodge. She attends the Methodist Episcopal Church. Mr. and Mrs, Mead were the parents of seven children, namely: Frank A., now of Mc- Minnville, Ore.; Clara A., who is living in Los Angeles, Cal.; Helen O., who died in 1902; Harry, now a soldier in the American army; Angus, a resident of Marshfield, Wis.; Philo, residing in Ashtabula, Ohio, and Hugh, who died in infancy.

James A. Lyons, a well known farmer, residing in the village of Loyal, was born in Towanda Township, Erie County, state of New York, Oct. 11, 1851, his parents being John Dewitt and Lucy Ann (Portelow) Lyons. The father was a native of New England, where he was employed in lumber mills, but in 1869 he and his family left the East for Wisconsin. After stopping three weeks in Madison, they set out with a team of horses for Clark County, the party consisting of the father and mother, an uncle, named George Dutton, with his wife, Minerva, and daughter, Laura, later the wife of Al Brown, and a sister of Al Lyons, named Alida, After arriving at Neillsville John D. Lyons secured eighty acres in section 6, Grant Township, all of which was wild land. A log cabin was built in December, lumber for the floor and roofing being procured at Mason's mill, For two or three years Mr. Lyons had nothing but his hands with which to work, except a few srnall tools, but he finally bought a team of horses, and after that things progressed more rapidly. The sister became one of the early school teachers, following that vocation in the schoolhouse west of where the present brick schoolhouse now stands, the building being then made of logs. After being three years on this farm the father traded some timber for a cow, which was the first one they owned, and its acquisition was a source of joy and pride to the family. For some time Mr. Lyons had to carry supplies from Neillsville on his back. In time he built a frame house and otherwise improved his property, the circumstances of the family gradually becoming more comfortable. He was not, however, spared to enjoy his prosperity until old age, as death called him at the age of 62 years, about 1889. His wife, who survived him, lived to the age of 71. James A. Lyons acquired his early schooling in New York State. After coming to Clark County he spent the first winter lumbering in the woods, and hauled camp supplies through what are now the main thoroughfares of Loyal and Greenwood villages. In that work he was engaged for some eight or ten winters, after which he took over the old homestead in Grant Township. For some time he worked out, raking and mowing hay by hand, for the farmers, and continued improving the homestead when not thus engaged. At times also he was engaged in other occupations, thus for two years, he drove the stage between Neillsville and Humbird, often having Judge O'Neill as a passenger. He also carried the mail and express, sometimes having thousands of dollars in his care. Among his industrial activities he helped to turnpike many roads in Clark County, and to widen them, sometimes making use of oxen which he found running wild, and whose owners as they passed by failed to recognize them. In April, 1879, Mr. Lyons married Nellie Breed, and in the same spring he rented the county farm for one year, but while living on it was burned out and lost everything he had but a pair of overalls and coat. After this misfortune he worked one year for James Hewitt in order to earn money to make a new start, subsequently going back to the old homestead. Mr. Lyons' first wife, Mrs. Nellie Lyons, died on the old home place, leaving one child, Beulah. The latter is now the wife of L. F. Schnel, of Wyoming, and has four children - Beth, Corlie, Lester and Harland. For his second wife Mr. Lyons married Idella J. Shafer, of Sheboygan County, Wis., in 1895, but has no children by this marriage. He resided on the old homestead until about 1905, at which time he sold the property and moved to a location east of Loyal, where he bought a farm of thirty-seven acres. This he operated until two years ago, at which time he and his family came to Loyal, where they had a small farm of ten acres, For twenty-two years he has been a member of the order of Woodmen, and of the Methodist Church at Neillsville, formerly serving as a member of the board of trustees. For awhile he served as a member of the school board of York and Grant, joint district,

Matt A. Rued, who is engaged in agriculture on a farm of eighty acres in section 25, and forty acres in section 24, and he has eighty acres of woodland in section 27, Hoard Township, doing a profitable business, was born in Norway, Jan. 22, 1858, his father's name being Andres Kankarud and his mother's, before marriage, Martha Amanson, Both parents are now dead, the father, who was a farmer, dying in 1912, and his wife previously in 1904. They had spent their lives in their native land, never coming to America. Matt A. Rued came to this country in 1880, locating in Vernon County, Wis., where he worked out for others. In the fall of that year he came to Dorchester, Clark County, and in the spring of 1882 bought the land that constitutes his present farm from the railroad company. It was a wild tract and his first necessary work was to build a log cabin, in which he lived for some nine years. He then erected a frame dwelling, which he has since enlarged and improved. By 1905 Mr. Reud had made good progress, his farm being well developed and well supplied with buildings, when in that year a cyclone destroyed three thousand dollars' worth of his property, carrying away one-half the roof of his house and completely wrecking a large barn, another barn of smaller size, and a granary. He has since recovered from this loss, however, and has a good barn, 44 by 76 feet in size, erected in 1907, a concrete hog-house and other necessary buildings, also a concrete silo, 14 by 36 feet; capacity of 90 tons. He raises Chester-White hogs and graded Guernsey cattle, milking twelve cows. He also keeps a few Lincolnshire sheep. Fifty acres of his land is under the plow, his crops being mostly oats, hay and rye. Mr. Rued has served as supervisor of Hoard Township and was elected township treasurer in 1902, holding that office four years. He is a member of the Norwegian Lutheran Church of Hoard Township, which was organized in 1884. After living a bachelor's life on his farm for six years, Mr. Rued was married Mar. 25, 1889, to Rande Peterson, who was born in Norway, April 10, 1860, her father being a farmer. He went to Norway for his bride, the marriage taking place in that country, where later her parents died. Mr. and Mrs. Rued have four children: Axel, of Hoard Township; Mary, who resides in North Dakota; Paul, who is in the United States service, now stationed at Camp Grant, Company A, 341st Infantry, and Agnes, who lives at home with her parents. The family are well known and respected throughout this part of Clark County, Mr. Rued having conquered success by means of industry and perseverance, in spite of early discouragements. He and his wife have proved themselves good neighbors and have numerous friends.

Ignace Cesnik, the chief promoter of the village of Willard, Hendren Township, where he now resides, and who has had much to do with the development of this township, is a man with a remarkable history. He was born in Austria, July 31, 1878, a son of John and Helena Cesnik. When only 15 years old he was seized with the ambition to come to the United States, but had to run away in order to do so, and accordingly crossed over the frontier line into Italy, where he tried to buy a ticket to this country. The agent refused to sell him a ticket to the United States but advised him to go to South America. He therefore went to that part of the Western Hemisphere and stayed there nine years, meeting with various adventures and at one time being sold as a slave. He was married in Brazil to Zera Zedell, a native of Austria, and later came with two children to the United States. Locating at Joliet, Ill., he engaged in the real estate business and with remarkable energy built up a subdivision to that city and also the village of Rockdale, a few miles from there, now having a population of 1,250 people. . In 1908 Mr. Cesnik engaged with the Foster Lumber Company to come to Clark County and develop the section around what is now the village of Willard, though there was then no village there.

He arrived on a hand-car on the Fairchild & North Eastern Railroad and at once set to work to start immigration to this locality. The result of his efforts is a now prosperous community, with stores, a cheese factory and other profitable industries, giving employment to a growing population, His work has been truly beneficial to this part of the county and he is a man held in high respect. He has represented his township three terms on county board, as town chairman. He was also the first director of the school district, serving six years. Mr. Cesnik and wife are the parents of four children: Mary and John, who were born in Brazil, and Anna and Ignes, born in Joliet, Il. John is now department agent at Willard. Thomas A. Bobb, who is successfully engaged in agriculture in Reseberg Township, was born in Richland County, Wis., Nov. 9, 1856. His parents were Peter F. and Margaret Bobb, the father a native of Baltimore, Md., and the mother of Pennsylvania. The former was a shoemaker by trade, but after settling in Richland County, this state, homesteaded a tract of land and developed a farm. He died at the advanced age of 94 years. His wife died at the age of 79. Their family numbered twelve children, all living. Peter, the youngest, is 57 years old. Thomas A. Bobb came to Clark County in August, 1892, accompanied by his brother Peter, and bought a quarter section in Reseberg Township, it consisting of wild land, that is now cleared to the extent of 120 acres. He has developed an excellent farm, having well cultivated fields and good buildings and is doing a paying business. In 1901 he built his present residence, and in 1910 erected a barn 36 by 72 feet, with basement and concrete flooring, having room for fifty head of stock. In 1915 he built a horse barn, 22 by 48 feet, having previously, in 1912, built an eighty-ton silo. He has also put up other buildings and sheds as needed and his farm is well equipped for all the purposes of modern agriculture. He raises Durham cattle, milking fifteen cows. Mr. Bobb was formerly engaged in the sawmill business for eighteen years - three years in Richland County and fifteen years in Clark - dealing mostly with Nye, Lusk & Hudson of Thorp. His mill was destroyed three times by fire and he has not operated it since 1907. His usual farm crops are hay, corn, oats and millet. Mr. Bobb was treasurer of the school board for twenty-one years, in District No. 1, and justice of the peace in 1906 and 1907. He is a member of the Congregational Church, which he is serving in the position of treasurer, having been first elected to it in 1913. He is also a trustee of the church, his wife holding the office of deaconess. Mr. Bobb was married Dec. 4, 1884, to Almeda Cudney, who was born in Richland County, Wis., April 17, 1867, daughter of E. and Anna (Jones) Cudney, both parents being natives of Canada and the father a farmer by occupation. Mr. Cudney came to the United States in 1861, settling first in Richmond County, this state, whence he later removed to Grant County, where he died in 1898 at the age of 77 years. Mrs. Cudney died in 1912 at the age of 79. They had ten children, of whom eight are now living. Mr. and Mrs. Bobb are the parents of six children: Thomas N., born in Richland County, Dec. 11, 1885; Arthur A., born in Richland County, April 24, 1887; Helena M., born in Richland County, July 20, 1889; Annie L., born in Clark County, May 16, 1895; Almeda, born in Clark County, Sept. 26, 1898, and Virgil E., born in Clark County, July 27, 1902. Thomas N. is professor of biology at Northland College, Ashland, Wis. He married Martha Dexter, daughter of Rev. F. N. Dexter, of Ashland, and has one son, Norman, who was born in June, 1915. Arthur, who is a cheese manufacturer in Reseberg Township, Clark County, married Nettie Burington, of Reseberg, and has two children: Ruby, born in 1910, and Kenneth, born in July, 1914. Helena, the wife of Perry Marshall, of Reseberg Township, has two children: Donald, born Dec. 28, 1912, and Grace E., born in May, 1915. Annie is the wife of Edward Asseline, of Reseburg, and has one son, Gerald, born Aug. 11, 1917.

Louis F. Frome, who is carrying on farming and dairying on a farm of 200 acres in section 23, Colby Township, was born in Sheboygan County, Wis., Dec. 30, 1878, son of Theodore and Mary (Beckfield) Frome. Theodore Frome was born in Germany Sept. 4, 1835, and his wife, Mar. 22, 1846, and both came to the United States when young, Theodore locating in northern Michigan, where he worked at the blacksmith's trade for three or four years. Later he followed his trade in Sheboygan County, Wis., until 1883, when he came to Clark County, buying 160 acres of land, now forming the greater part of the farm of his son, Louis. It was then raw land and he began its development by erecting a log cabin, the present house being built in 1893. He and his wife are still residing here. They have reared a family of six children: Henry A., of Colby; Charles, residing in Colby ; Mata, now Mrs. A. M. Steinwand of Colby; Louis F., of Colby; Hugo, who lives in Marathon County; and Ida, who is the wife of John F, Tesmer, of Colby Township. Louis F. Frome has always resided with his parents and in 1912 he bought the farm from his father. He is milking twenty to twenty-five cows and is breeding into Holstein cattle, having a registered bull. He also raises Duroc-Jersey hogs, while his usual crops are hay, oats, barley and corn. He has a good silo of 110 tons capacity, Mr, Frome is a stockholder in the Wausau Packing Company, and is president of the Colby and Southwestern Telephone Company, and also of the Clark County American Society of Equity; now manager of shipping association. He was elected to the township board in 1904 as clerk, and in the same year became a member of the school board, in both of which offices he is still serving. In politics he is a Republican. On Nov. 27, 1902, Mr. Frome was married to Hattie Radtke, who was born in Colby Township, Oct. 28, 1882, daughter of August and Otellia (Clickman) Radtke. Her parents are still living at Abbotsford, Wis. They had three children: Annie, Hattie and Edna. Mr. and Mrs. Frome have four children, who were born as follows: Verna, Sept. 6, 1903; Frederick, Oct. 17, 1907; Norma, Dec. 11, 1910; Willard, Feb, 27, 1914, and Wesley, July 20, 1917.

J.S. Andrews, proprietor of an eighty-acre farm in Section 35, Warner Township, was born in Ontario, Canada, May 14, 1863. His father, George C. Andrews, was a blacksmith, born and reared in Canada, came to the United States with his parent when only 8 years old, and received his education in the public school of Greenwood. J. S. Andrews began working out on farms and in the woods at the age of 18 years. When he was 24 he went to Ottertail County, Minn., where, to invest his savings, he bought a piece of wild land, and also took up a homestead of 160 acres. Building a shack, he cleared some of his land and did some farming, remaining there three years. He then went te Idaho, where he stayed about a year, living for the most part in the vicinity of Cordlane. Then returning to Wisconsin, Mr, Andrews operated his father's farm of forty acres in Section 35 for a number of years. In 1896, in the month of October, he was married to Essylath Cook, whose father, Dan Cook, was a farmer who had come to Wisconsin from Canada. Her mother's maiden name was Phoebe Anne Hubbel. After their marriage, Mr. and Mrs. Andrews settled on his farm, where they stayed four years. He then bought eighty acres in Section 35, Warner Township. The tract was covered with timber, and there was no road to the land, there being only a turnpike from Neillsville to two miles north of Greenwood, all other so-called roads being merely trails. On this land he built an eight-room house and a frame barn, which latter he has since replaced with a new and modern round barn. He has chopped off sixty acres of his land, and now has thirty-seven under the plow. He also raises Holstein cattle and is conducting a successful business as a farmer.

Josiah Ernest Counsell, until recently engaged in agricultural pursuits on a farm in Section 17, Grant Township, but now being retired in Neillsville, was born on his parents' farm in this township, May 25, 1863. His parents were Henry and Susan Counsell, natives of England. His boyhood was spent amid pioneer surroundings. The house in which he was born was built of logs. and the Wilding District School, in which he obtained his education, was also a log structure. In his youth he also had practical experience in pioneer farming, as he had to assist his father in clearing the land. Remaining at home until the age of 22, he then struck out for himself, going to Dakota, where he was engaged for a while in harvesting and other farm work. On his return he invested in land on his own account, buying eighty acres of timber land in Section 29, Grant Township, which he cleared and sold, with the proceeds buying an eighty-acre farm in Section 17. There was a log house and barn on the place at the time he bought it, the previous owner having been James Foot, who had got the claim from James Wildish. Subsequently, Mr. Counsell received forty acres of his father's estate, thereby enlarging his farm to 120 acres. He made many improvements on it, greatly increasing its value. His water supply was formerly three-quarters of a mile away from the house, but he later dug a well nearby. He also enlarged the house - a brick structure - to seven rooms, and built a barn 36 by 60 feet, and a silo of cement blocks, 14 by 34 feet. Here he carried on general farming successfully, raising Holstein cattle, Percheron horses and Berkshire hogs. In 1917, Mr. Counsell retired and took his residence in Neillsville on property formerly owned by his father. He is a stockholder in the Farmers Co-operative Elevator and Lumber Company of Neillsville, and in the Pleasant Ridge Creamery, which he helped to start, having also been one of its directors. On the district school board he has served as director and treasurer. His fraternal society affiliations are with the Beavers, Woodmen and F. R. A. lodges at Neillsville. On Dec. 13, 1888, Mr. Counsell was married in Grant Township, to Bertha Dettman, who was born in Washington County, Wis., Feb. 9, 1860, daughter of

Charles and Johanna (Turrow) Dettman. Her parents were both natives of Germany, and were married in that country, which they left with two children for the United States, landing in this country after a four-weeks' voyage on the ocean, in a sailing vessel. Mr. Dettman, who was a farmer, settled in Washington County, Wis., where for a while he worked for other farmers, afterwards buying a farm of his own in Washington County. This was a tract of sixty-five acres, on which was a small clearing and a log building, the market being sixteen miles away. Here he lived for a number of years, breaking his land with an ox team and developing a farm, until he moved to Batavia, where he lived two years, and where his wife died at the age of 42. He had bought a farm in Sheboygan County, and after his wife's death, went to live with his son in that county, where his last days were spent. He lived to the advanced age of 88 years. A devout member of the Evangelical Church, he aided in establishing the church of that denomination in Batavia. To him and his wife four children were born - Christine, William, Jacob and Henry. Mr. and Mrs. Counsell have had five children - Herbert Henry, now a farmer in Section 20, Grant Township; Ida, who died at the age of 17 years; Clarion, Nina and Irene, who reside at home. Clarion, the son, who is now on the home farm, was married April 28, 1917, to Henrietta Clements.

Henry Counsell, one of the earliest settlers of Clark County, now passed away, was a man well-known and respected in his day, and one who did his share in the arduous work of agricultural development under pioneer conditions in this county, He was born in Somersetshire, England, March 15, 1835, and attended school for a while in his native land, though his school days were not prolonged. At the age of 13 years he accompanied his parents, John and Sophia Counsell, to the United States, they settling in Waukesha County, Wis., where he learned farming. At the age of 21 years, in 1856, he joined a party of settlers who came with an ox team through the woods to Clark County, and on his arrival here purchased a tract of 160 acres in Section 20, Grant Township. Here also he was married Oct. 28, 1858, to Susan Mary Pope, who was born in Cambridgeshire, England, July 12, 1858, and had come to Neillsville, Clark County, in 1857, with her parents, George and Mary Pope, they locating in Section 16, where Mr. Pope built a log house. Mrs. Mary Pope later died there and her husband then went to Iowa, where his death subsequently occurred. The land on which Mr. and Mrs. Counsell settled was, of course, all wild, and there was a deal of hard work to do before it was transformed into a cultivated farm. He split rails by hand himself to make rail fences for his farm, and did much other hard work, the complete improvements taking many years to accomplish, but he succeeded in the task, and in the end he and his wife finally had their reward in a comfortable prosperity, which they enjoyed the more, as it had been well earned. Among the buildings he erected were a barn 36 by 66 feet and one 30 by 42, besides a good frame house of eight rooms. The early trading place of the family was at Black River Falls, to which the settlers in the vicinity would drive an ox team by turns, executing commissions for one another. Mr. Counsell was a strong and rugged man, who never knew a sick day until near the end of his life, and was always ready to help a neighbor. He was quiet and unassuming, however, and never cared to have his good deeds mentioned. He was also a man of sagacity and at an early date became active in promoting the creamery industry, foreseeing that it would some day grow to large dimensions. As a Republican he held township office for many years, but was never excited over politics. After he and his wife had made their home on the farm until 1906, they moved to Neillsville, where his death occurred Noy. 20, 1910. His wife died in Grant Township, Sept. 23, 1917. She was a worthy helpmate to her husband, in early days on the farm working in the fields like a laborer and thus helping to advance their mutual fortunes, Their children were as follows: Ida Venetta, born July 14, 1857, who married Jess Lowe and died Aug. 9, 1891; William Henry, born Aug. 5, 1861; Josiah Ernest, born May 25, 1863; Oscar Eugene, born March 17, 1869; Jennie May, born July 7, 1873, who died July 15, the same year, and Nettie Belle, born May 2, 1878, wife of James E. Hughes.

Fred Harmon Conrad Buker, a progressive and successful farmer of Section 19, Warren Township, of which township he is one of the leading citizens, was born in Germany Sept. 13, 1840, son of Harmon and Carolina (Renking) Buker. When he was 7 years old his parents came to the United States, accompanied by their children, one of whom, Catherine, died on the voyage and was buried at sea. They settled on 160 acres of wooded land in Harman Township, Sheboygan County, Wis., sixteen other families settling there at the same time. A large log house was built by Mr. Renking, one of the party, and in that abode five families, including that of Harmon Buker, lived the first winter. In the spring Mr. Buker built a log house, 28 by 30 feet, in which he and his family took up their residence. They had to cut their own road to the place, and at first had nothing to work with but their hands, Here, Harmon Buker and his wife spent the rest of their lives, and in course of time developed a good homestead. Fred H. C. Buker was 21 years old when the Civil War broke out. In the following year, 1862, he enlisted in Company C, 27th Wisconsin Volunteers, with which organization he served three years, being mustered out Aug, 28, 1865. Being a good shot, he was often called upon to do scout duty, the colonel of the regiment attaching him to his person in confidential capacity for special service. His marksmanship was afterwards often demonstrated in Clark County at turkey and goose "shoots," and gave him fame throughout the county. He served in every battle in which his regiment took part, and came out of the war without a scratch; indeed, it was a favorite joke in his company that he could not be killed. After the war he farmed on his father's place until 1873, in which year he came to Clark County, making the journey overland by wagon to Neillsville and hauling 2,700 pounds in freight. December, 1865, he had married Charlotte Schaper, a native of Germany, and she and their two children, Fred and Edwin, came by train. George, another son, was born in Clark County, and now resides on the homestead in Warren Township. It was in this latter township that Fred Buker located, taking a tract of land of 160 acres in Section 24. The tract was covered with woods and Mr. Buker had to cut his own road to the place. On the land stood an old log building, but Mr. Buker soon erected a new one 26 by 28 feet in size, and in the second year he built a barn of logs, 32 by 72 feet. There he and his family resided for two years. At the end of that time he secured a 200-acre tract in Section 19, it being all covered with woods and reached only by a trail. There was a log house and barn on the place and part of one of the forty-acre tracts of which it was composed had been cleared. To this land Mr. Buker has since added forty acres more, making it into a 280-acre farm. With his own hands Mr. Buker cleared 130 acres of the farm in eight years, and during those winters worked in the lumber woods. He has since built a fine, large house and barn, 44 by 120 feet, which latter, however, burned down, with the loss of a bull and quantity of grain. To make good the loss of the barn he has erected another, measuring 44 by 100 feet, and also a silo, since built by his son, George, and is conducting a good business as a general farmer. For many years Mr. Buker had been one of the prominent citizens of Warren Township, serving as chairman of its board for seven or eight years, and for nine years as assessor. It was also he who instituted the movement that resulted in the building of an iron bridge across Black River. His religious affiliations are with the Reformed Church, which he helped to build, and of which he has been deacon and one of the most active workers. He has also served efficiently as a member of the school board. Mr. Buker's wife died in 1909, at the age of 86 years. In addition to the children already mentioned, they had two daughters born in Warren Township - Emelia, now Mrs. H. Decker, of Warren Township; and Bertha, now Mrs. John Stlieger.

Gotlieb Riedel, a retired farmer and pioneer residing in Grant Township, was born in Germany, Nov. 16, 1845, son of David and Eliza Riedel, He was 18 years old when he accompanied his parents to the United States in 1864, there being four other children in the family who came at the same time, He had acquired his education in Germany, and after arriving in this country he worked for farmers in the vicinity of Milwaukee until the year 1872, at which time he came to Clark County and bought eighty acres of land in Section 13, Grant Township. As it was all wild land he had plenty of pioneer work to do and started by building a log house, 18 by 26 feet, which was somewhat larger than the houses of many of the pioneer settlers. On Nov. 16, 1871, he married Helen Gluch, who was born in Germany, April 17, 1849, daughter of Henry and Rosina Gluch, and had come to America when 21 years old, her parents following later and settling in Grant Township also. She proved a worthy helpmate to him, working in the fields and assisting him to clear the land, Through hard work and perseverance they prospered, although at times they suffered misfortunes. They had at starting one cow and a calf, which formed their entire stock, and for the rest they had to depend on their hands. In 1872 a tornado destroyed their buildings and left them without anything, and later they lost their stock from disease, but in spite of these setbacks they persevered, building a second log cabin, and at a later period a brick house of eleven rooms and a barn with basement, 40 by 64 feet, their son, Herman, who now operates the farm having recently added a silo 12 by 30 feet. As there were no roads in the vicinity in early days, they often had to walk to Neillsville, carrying home their supplies. After about three years of toil under these disadvantageous conditions, they succeeded in procuring an ox team, with which they rode to church on Sunday. Food at times was scarce, but they ground corn and wheat in their coffee mill, when they had it to grind, and sometimes were obliged to pick wild berries to satisfy their hunger. To cut their grain they used an old fashioned cradle and used to flail it out. Such experiences were common to the pioneer settlers in this and neighboring counties, but it is gratifying to note that Mr. and Mrs. Riedel outlived them and in their later years have enjoyed the reward of their former labors. They still reside on the homestead, with their son, Herman, and are both strong and well. They have been the parents of eight children - Augusta, John, Herman, Martin, Amelia, Augusta (second), Herman (second), and Emil. The two first named respectively Augusta and Herman died young, and John and Martin are also dead, the others are now living.

Herman Riedel, proprietor of the old Riedel homestead in Section 13, Grant township, is a good representative of the modern American farmer. He was born in the log cabin built by his father in Section 13, Grant township, Feb. 19, 1864, his parents being Gotlieb and Helen (Gluch) Riedel, of whom a memoir appears on another page of this volume. Brought up on a pioneer farm, he had no chance of pursuing advanced educational studies, but aequired the elements of knowledge in the district school, which he attended as he was able, and from an early age he had to make himself useful on the homestead. This training, however, fitted him well for the . duties of life in the position he has since occupied and he now finds himself among the prosperous and respected citizens of his township, In 1908 he took over the home farm, on which he raises Holstein cattle and a good grade of other stock, also planting the usual crops with satisfactory financial results. On June 26, 1912, he was married to Anna Neimetz, and he and his wife have three children: Gertrude, Francis, and Louella.

August H. Riedel, representative of a well known and respected family of Grant Township, was born on a farm in Schlassinn, Germany, Aug. 1, 1841, son of Christian and Anna (Stinizecki) Riedel. The father was a farmer and wagon-maker, born in the same part of Germany in 1806, They were married in their native land, where they resided for twenty-seven years afterwards. In 1863 they emigrated to the United States landing in this country after a voyage of six weeks in a sailing vessel. Their further history may be found in the biography of Fred D, Riedel. August H. Riedel was 20 years old when he came to this country. Reaching Neillsville in 1865, he worked for twenty years as a miller in the flour mill. The year after his arrival, however, he had purchased a farm of eighty acres in Section - , Grant Township, which he rented out while he worked in the mill. For awhile also after coming here he attended night school, though he had acquired the elements of a fair education in his native land. In October, 1876, he was united in marriage with Susan Riedel, daughter of John and Helen Riedel, and they resided in Neillsville subsequently for about two years. He then moved onto his own farm, on which was a frame residence and log barn, and, starting with two cows and two horses, he applied himself to general farming, which has been his occupation ever since - a period of thirty-five years. He increased the size of his farm by buying forty acres more and now ranks among the prosperous citizens of Grant Township. For thirty years Mr. Riedel has served as school director, being warmly interested in the cause of education and in seeing that the younger generation have proper facilities for acquiring useful knowledge. He and his wife have had three children, Otto, Rudolph and Emma, of whom the two first mentioned died in infancy. Emma resides with her parents. Biographical mention of Mr. Riedel's brothers may be found elsewhere in this work.

Fred D. Riedel, a prominent agriculturist of Grant Township, who has also for many years served as one of the officials of his township, was born in Germany, Aug. 14, 1754, son of Christian and Anna Riedel. The father, like his son, the subject of this sketch, was born in Schlasing, Germany, and was a farmer and wagon-wheel repairer, and he and his wife were married in their native land, her father being a tailor in the town of Dumnovitz, Schlasing. Christian Riedel and his family - his children consisting of four sons - came to the United States in 1863 and located on a tract of land in the vicinity of Chicago, this tract being now included within the city limits. It consisted of eighty acres and was offered free for five years to anyone who would fence it. Mr. Riedel's intention was to come to Wisconsin, after a short visit there, but owing to the persuasions of a friend he remained there until 1873, when he moved to Clark County, where he subsequently died. Of his children, one son, Robert, settled, in 18738, on a farm in Section 2, Grant Township, this county, and operated it for thirty-three years, dying in 1906. Another son, August, came to Neillsville in 1871 and worked twenty years in the grist mill. He bought a farm in Section 8, Grant Township, where he is now living. Dan, another of the four sons, conducted a carpenter's shop in Neillsville and worked on the construction of the court house, school house and other important buildings. He died of typhoid fever in 1882. Fred D. Riedel was 9 years old when he came to this country, and was 19 when he settled in Neillsville, Clark County. He worked four years in the grist mill and then engaged in the carpenter's trade. In 1878 he purchased the home farm, the land of which was cut, but not stumped, and there was a log house and barn on the place. To the original forty acres he added eighty more five years later. He had bought a horse team, but had to hire an ox team for the heavy work. In five years he had the land all cleared and was engaged in raising cattle and sheep, with oats as his principal crop, his market being then in Marshfield. As the roads were not open in summer, however, he had to haul most of his supplies in the winter with a sledge. On May 9, 1882, he was married to Maggie Klopf, who was born in Sheboygan County, Wis., April 1, 1861, daughter of John and Louise (Freverth) Klopf. He had at this time a small frame house on his farm in which he and his wife began housekeeping. His career since then has been one of industry and perseverance, followed by success and he and his family are among the well-to-do and respected residents of Grant Town- ship. He served as assessor for seventeen years, was chairman of the township board several years, and for forty years has served as school officer, having a good record for faithful public service. He and his wife are the parents of two children: Laura, born May 15, 1883, who married Albert Sautman, and resides in Oshkosh, Wis.; and Lena, born Nov. 19, 1888, who lives at home.

S. E. Morse, a well known and highly esteemed resident of Weston Township, having a good farm in Sections 11 and 15, was born in New York State, Sept. 5, 1851. His father, George W. Morse, was a farmer in that state, having been born and reared there, and who, at the age of 24 years, married Hannah Gates. She also was born in New York State, the daughter of a farmer. After his marriage George W. Morse went with his wife to Essex County, New York, where they settled on a farm on sixty acres. There he built a log house and barn and with the aid of a team of oxen cleared the land. Two sons were born to them there: 8. E. Morse, subject of this sketch, and Lyman, who died in Salem, Ore, in 1905. S. E. Morse was educated in his native state and brought up on his parents' farm, where he acquired a good knowledge of agriculture. When he was about 17 years old the family came to Clark County, the father buying eighty acres of wild land in town of Weston (Township 15). As the land was covered with trees and brush, it was first necessary to make a clearing on which to build a log house, this early dwelling being 20 by 30 feet in size. A log barn was also constructed, 24 by 60 feet. George W. Morse worked in the woods one winter and then returned east to Indiana, where he stayed a year and a half, coming back to Clark County in 1880. Here he died a few years later, having previously married for his second wife, Sarah Anne Markham, S. E. Morse worked in the woods four years after coming to Clark County, driving a span of mules during the first season. On Feb. 29, 1874, at the age of 23, he married Julia Jones, daughter of a New York State farmer. Her parents had died when she was very young and she had been adopted by Loren Gates, who brought her to Clark County. After their marriage S. E. Morse and his wife settled on the home farm, where he raised oxen which he used in logging. He also built a log barn and frame house on the back forty acres of his father's farm, and then bought out his stepmother and moved into the old home, where six children were born to him - Alonzo, Orson, May, Grace, Maud, and Olive, of whom Maud is now deceased. He later built a barn, 38 by 72 feet in size, a ninetyton silo, a granary, 25 by 42 feet, and a ten-room frame house, veneered with brick. At various times he has served in public office, including seven years' service as treasurer of the school board, four years as township treasurer, one year on the side board, one year as town clerk and one year as assessor. He is treasurer of the Christie Creamery, local agent of the Lynn Insurance Company, and treasurer of Christie Court, Knights of Liberty. Mr. Morse is now in his sixty-seventh year, but strong and hearty, enjoying excellent health. A man of sterling character, hospitable and kindly, he has made many friends, and is one of the representative citizens of Weston Township. His son Alonzo now operates the farm, on which Mr. Morse has resided for forty-nine years,

Mr. And Mrs. Anthony Lezotte, Sr

Anthony Lezotte, Sr., a well-known and prosperous farmer of Section 31, Grant Township, the son of a pioneer, was born in Ontario, Canada, Aug. 28, 1858. He was a son of Mathew Lezotte, also a native of Canada, whose parents, Anthony and Angeline (Jilbeau) Lezotte, were farming people there. Mathew Lezotte came to Neillsville, Clark County, alone in 1865, and in the fall of that year bought eighty acres of wild land. In the following spring he returned to Canada for his wife and children, of whom he had five, and on arriving with them here, settled on his farm, or rather tract of land, in Section 32, Grant Township. There was a logging shanty on the land, into which they moved, occupying it until a log house could be built. They had to endure hardships for awhile, one of the most serious being the absence of roads and lack of adequate means of transportation, which affected all the pioneer settlers. On one occasion during the first year on their farm, Mathew Lezotte carried fifty pounds of flour on his back from Black River Falls to his home and he often had to carry supplies from Neillsville. He and his wife spent the rest of their lives there, their hardships gradually diminishing and their comforts increasing with the improvement in general conditions. Their children were; Anthony, Mathew, Catherine, John, Charles, William, Henry, Mary, Murry, Joseph, and one who died young. Anthony Lezotte, Sr., remained on the home farm assisting his father until he was 21 years of age. The father then gave him eighty acres of wild land in section 31, Grant Township, which he farmed in summer, working in the woods in the winter, and this place has since been his home. Here he carries on general farming successfully and is also financially interested in the district creamery. On Sept. 27, 1887, he was married to Lydia Shoop, daughter of Andrew and Susan (Lintkner) Shoop, whose father was a farmer in Clark County, but who was born in Jefferson County, Wis., May 7, 1866. Her brothers and sisters were: Frank, now in the state of Washington; Samuel, also in that state; Kate, wife of Efner Nelson, of Ladysmith, Wis.; Effie, who married Frank Christmas, and is now deceased; Ella, who married Leonard Cole, and lives in Oregon; Annie, wife of William Stevens, of Washburn, Wis.; Emma, wife of John Steel, and residing in the state of Washington; Edith, wife of Gustof Wesenburg, and Grace, wife of John Sueppee, both of whom reside in the state of Washington. The children of Mr. and Mrs. Anthony Lezotte, Sr., have been as follows: Anthony, born Jan. 12, 1891; Grace, born Aug. 3, 1889; Nellie, born Jan. 19, 1897; Thomas, born in 1901, who died at the age of 3 years; Glenn, born Oct. 20, 1903, and Edward, born April 13, 1905. All the living children reside at home, except Anthony, who is on the old original homestead, in Section 32, Anthony Lezotte, Sr., died July 24, 1917. He was of the Catholic faith.

William C. Tufts, banker and business man, and one of the leading citizens of the village of Withee, was born in Green Bay, Wis., Dec. 25, 1873, son of William S. and Anna (McLeod) Tufts, the father being a native of Wisconsin and the mother of Indiana. William S. Tufts, who was formerly identified with the lumber interests, came to what is now Withee in 1878 and entered into mercantile business there in 1882, and remained a resident of this county for the rest of his life. He also became interested in farming and was the owner of a sawmill seven miles north of Withee. In addition to these activities, he was one of the organizers of the State Bank of Withee, and one of its first directors. He served a term as sheriff of Clark county and was also chairman of the town board and a member of the school board, in politics being a Republican. His fraternal society affiliations were with the Odd Fellows' Lodge, at Colby, and the Masonic Lodge at Greenwood. He died at the age of 51 years, and his wife at that of 42. They had four children: William C,, Daniel J., John A., and Esther A. William C. Tufts, who was the eldest child of his parents, was educated at Stevens Point, the Lawrence University at Appleton, Wis., and the State University of Wisconsin. For a few months he worked in the bank at Thorp and then became postmaster of Withee under President McKinley, being also interested in the store with his father. In 1902 he entered the State Bank of Withee as cashier, and in 1907 became cashier of the State Bank of Owen, both of which positions he fills at the present time, there being an assistant cashier in each bank, Mr. Tufts is also vice-president of the Owen Canning Factory, and president of the Dairy Belt Land Company of Owen. He was town clerk of Hixon before the village of Withee was incorporated, and was afterwards supervisor of the village and its president for ten consecutive years. He is a member of the Masonic Lodge at Owen and of the Chapter and Commandery at Neillsville. Mr. Tufts was married Dec, 20, 1895, to Viola E. Covey, who was born in Spokeville, Clark County, Wis., daughter of Martin and Mary Covey, her father haying come to the county in early days with an ox team, as a pioneer settler. Mr. and Mrs, Tufts have three children: Ruth, who is a graduate of the State University, Kathrin and William C., Jr.

Carl H. Beilfuss, a rising young business man of Withee, Clark County, assistant cashier of the State Bank of Withee, was born in Abbotsford, this county, Mar, 28, 1883, son of Albert J. and Adelgunde (Stoever) Beilfuss. The father was born in Germany, Aug. 16, 1857, and in 1871 accompanied his parents to America, they settling at Reed City, Mich. At the age of 17 he began working in the lumber camps, which he continued to do for a number of years, moving to Thorp, Clark County, in 1883. There, for eighteen years, he was in the employ of Nye, Lusk & Hudson, giving up that line of work in 1914 to buy a farm in Hixon Township, on which he and his wife now reside, They had three children: Arthur, Walter and Carl, all residing in Withee, Walter being a merchant. Carl H. Beilfuss resided at Thorp until he was 21 years old and then, in 1904, took a position as telegraph operator for the Sioux Line Railway Company, being thus employed until 1915, when, in the month of June, he assumed the duties of his present position as assistant cashier of the State Bank of Withee. In 1908 he had formed a partnership with his brother Walter, in a general store at Withee, but sold his interest in it to his brother in 1916. In the latter year he was elected a member of the village board, and in 1915 as a member of the school board, on which he is still serving. He is a member of the camp of Modern Woodmen of America, now holding the chair of Camp counsel; also of the Fraternal Reserve Association of Withee, in which he has held the office of secretary, and of the Odd Fellows' Lodge, of which he was warden. Mr. Beilfuss was married Nov. 10, 1909, to Louise Roth, who was born at Thorp, Wis., Oct. 8, 1886, daughter of John and Elizabeth (Burke) Roth, the family residing at that place for a number of years. Mr. Roth was formerly employed on the "Soo" Line Railway, but is now retired from active work, being financially interested, however, in the cooperage plants at Thorp and Gilman, and in the soda pop factory at Thorp. He and his wife have five children: Louise, wife of Mr. Beilfuss; Mayo, now Mrs. Louis Walsdorf, of Thorp; John, who is station agent at Abbotsford; Pearl, who is a teacher at Withee, and Bernard, residing at home. Mr. and Mrs. Beilfuss have one child, Albert Frank, who was born Aug. 12, 1910.

Karl W. Baker, M. D., postmaster of Greenwood, Wis., and a medical practitioner of ability, was born at Grand Rapids, Wis., Feb, 2, 1878, son of Charles O. and Stella A. (Crawford) Baker. His education was begun in the public schools of Grand Rapids, after which he attended St. John's Military Academy at Delafield, Wis., where he was graduated. Subsequently taking up the study of medicine, he was graduated from the Physicians & Surgeons Medical College of Milwaukee, in 1900, and coming to Greenwood, began the practice of his profession here, where he has since resided. As a physician he has demonstrated his ability on numerous occasions, and in addition to his medical practice he is a partner in the Baker Land Company, composed of himself, his brother Julian, and his father, Charles O. Baker, On Oct. 22, 1914, Dr, Baker was appointed postmaster of Greenwood, in which position he is still serving to the public satisfaction. He is a member of the Masonic Lodge at Greenwood, also of the camp of Modern Woodmen of the World, and has served as health officer of the village. Dr. Baker was united in marriage, Nov. 7, 1908, with Ella, daughter of Christian and Albertine (Wendt) Wollenberg, and they are the parents of four children: Susan, Lucy, Francis and Christian.

Charles 0. Baker, one of the leading citizens of Greenwood, is engaged in the real estate business, was born in a log house on the site of the present city of Grand Rapids, Wood County, Wis., Feb. 11, 1847, son of David and Elizabeth (Kline) Baker. The father, David Baker, was a native of Orleans County, New York, and son of Solomon Baker, a tradesman of that section and a veteran of the War of 1812-15, who was of English descent. Solomon had five sons and two daughters, of whom one of the latter, Mary, married a Mr. Otis and resided in Lansing, Mich. David Baker, who married Elizabeth Kline, a native of Strassburg, Germany, and daughter of George Kline, left his native place in 1837, soon after his marriage, taking - the boat at Olean Point and proceeding down the Allegheny and Ohio rivers to the Mississippi and then up that river to New Boston, Ill., where he landed and remained subsequently for two years. At the end of that time he came to Wisconsin, driving with ox team, by way of Galena, Mineral Point and Portage to the site of the present city of Grand Rapids. He was accompanied by his wife and two children, Lavinia and Jennie; also by his wife's mother, Elizabeth Kline, and by other members of the Kline family, William, Susan, Karl and Leah. The journey seems to have been performed in a leisurely manner, or the roads were bad, or not in evidence, as the trip occupied three months. George Kline, Mrs. David Baker's brother, had preceded them and erected the first mill on the site of Grand Rapids, it being located on the west bank of the river. Some years afterwards, in 1849, he joined the rush of gold seekers to California, from which expedition he never returned, probably meeting the fate of so many who made that dangerous journey. David Baker, on arriving at Grand Rapids, secured fifty-seven acres of land, situated on what is now the west side of that city, and there he built a log cabin. The Klines got land on the east side, where the city hall and court house are now located, the latter buildings being erected on land that was owned by George Kline. David spent the rest of his life at Grand Rapids and saw the city build up and expand. He was engaged to some extent in the lumber and shingle business, which he carried on in connection with farming, and becoming a prominent citizen of the place, at times held local office. He and his wife had a family of twelve children: Lavinia, Jane, Rachel, Susan, Esther, Fannie, John, Henry, George W., Charles O., David and Karl. Of these children, George and Charles served in the Civil War. David, the father, who was born in 1812, died at the age of 68 years, about 1880. His wife, born in 1816, lived to the age of 74. The latter was a member of the Methodist Church. Charles O. Baker acquired the elements of knowledge in a little frame school house, about 12 by 16 feet in size, which was the first, or one of the first school buildings in Grand Rapids. At the age of 17 he enlisted in Company C, 52d Wisconsin Infantry, being mustered in at Camp Randall, Madison. He was made sergeant in his company and served ten months in southwestern Missouri, being finally discharged at Ft. Leavenworth, Kans., the war being then over. Returning home he took up the work of teaching, which he followed for two terms in Wood County, Wis. He then took up the study of law with Judge L. P. Powers and in 1868 was admitted to practice. Elected district attorney in November of that year, he served in that office for two years. He was then elected county clerk, on the Democratic ticket, and served two years in that office. From 1867 to 1874 he was city clerk of Grand Rapids, taking office with the organization of the city. Until 1883 he was engaged in the practice of law. In that year he was elected secretary of the Wisconsin, Pittsville & Northern Railway Company, a branch of the Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul road, and served in that position until 1890. In the year last mentioned he entered into the real estate business in Grand Rapids and was thus engaged until 1896, afterwards becoming secretary of the Central Trading Company, a Milwaukee corporation. This caused his removal to Milwaukee, of which city he was a resident until 1891. In that year Mr. Baker became secretary of the Skidmore Land Company, of Marinette, where he stayed for one year. During the two following years he was engaged in the real estate buS8iness in Chicago. In 1905 he came to Greenwood, Clark County, Wis.. 'and formed a law partnership with P. J. Tscharner, which association lasted until Mr. Tscharner's removal to North Dakota in 1907. While still a partner of the latter, and soon after coming to Greenwood, Mr. Baker, with his two sons, Julian C. and Karl W., established the Baker Land Company, a concern that is still flourishing. He is a member of the Masonic

Order, which he joined at Grand Rapids in 1869; also belonging to the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, with which he united at Grand Rapids in 1871; and to the Knights of Pythias, and to Post No. 22, G. A. R., of Wood County. Charles O. Baker was married, July 17, 1873, at Juneau, Dodge County, Wis., to Stella A. Crawford, who was born at Waupun, Wis., in 1850, and who is now living in Florida, They have had two children: Karl W. and Julian C., who were educated in the public schools of Wisconsin and at St. Johns Military Academy, where they graduated, subsequently qualifying for the medical profession. Since coming to Greenwood Mr. Baker has taken a high place in the community, both as a business man and as a loyal and public-spirited citizen, and is universally respected.

Chris Madsen, president and manager of the Withee Construction Co., one of the most important business enterprises in Clark County, was born in Kolding, Denmark, Feb. 22, 1868, son of Mathias and Anna M. (Hansen) Madsen. The father was a laboring man who died in 1895. In April, 1901, his widow came to America, residing for a short time in Minneapolis, and later coming to Withee, Clark County, where she died in 1914. Chris Madsen came to this country in 1891, locating first in Minneapolis. He was a cabinet-maker by trade and was employed in Minneapolis as car builder for the Twin City Rapid Transit Co., remaining with them for two years. He then went to Pullman, IIL, and was with the Pullman Palace Car Company, constructing Pullman sleeping cars there until 1894, when he went to Sheboygan, Wis., for a short time working for the Winter Lumber Co., making office fixtures. Then he returned to Minneapolis, where he went into the building trade, working as carpenter for several of the largest contractors such as Leighton Brothers and others. While working ten hours a day at this work, Mr. Madsen took the architectural course of the International Correspondence School, of Scranton, Pa., to better qualify himself in construction of buildings, completing this course in 1901. Mr. Madsen came to Withee the sixth day of May, 1901, and started in business for himself as contractor and builder. In this enterprise he achieved a pronounced success, leading up to the establishment of the Withee Construction Company, which was organized Mar. 13, 1913, for building and construction purposes. The first officers were: Chris Madsen, president ; Lewis C. Meyer, vice president, and Henry Bartholomay, secretary. The same officers are still serving ,and there has been no change in stockholders. Mr, Madsen, either when alone, or as head of the above mentioned company, has executed contracts for some of the largest churches, schools, depots, libraries, and residences, in Clark and adjoining counties, such as German Lutheran Church, Pittsvyille, Wood County, 1908, costing $9,000; Soo Line Depot Medford, Tyler County, 1913, costing $6,000; Carnegie Library, Neillsville, Clark County, costing $10,000; Sniteman Rec., 1914 and 1915, costing $10,000; Methodist Church at Colby, Clark County, 1915, costing $6,000; Soo Line Depot and Annex, Stevens Point, Wis., 1917 and 1918, costing $53,000. The Withee Construction Company are dealers in hollow building tile, Mr. Madsen having been the introducer of that tile in Clark County. He is also a stockholder in Withee Lumber and Fuel Company and secretary of this company. In 1907 he was elected assessor of the village of Withee, serving for seven years, and then in 1914 became a member of the county board, on which he served one term. His fraternal affiliations are with the Equitable Fraternal Union, Fraternal Reserve Association, the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and the Danish Brotherhood of America, of which last mentioned order he is secretary. On Mar. 6, 1904, Mr. Madsen was united in marriage with Caroline Jessen, who was born in Schleswig, Denmark, Mar, 12, 1883, daughter of Ludwig and Caroline Jessen, who came to America with her parents in 1888. The family settled at Pullman, Ill., where Mr. Jessen was employed by the Pullman Palace Car Company; moved on a farm with the family in 1894, near Longwood, where he died in 1909. His wife, who survives him, is making her home with Mr. and Mrs. Madsen. The latter have five children: Adaline Vivian, born Nov. 3, 1905; Leonora Elvira, born Sept. 5, 1907; Ethel Theresa, born April 7, 1909; Clarence Ludwig, born Feb. 5, 1911; and Agnes Irene, born Sept. 18, 1913. Mr. Madsen's career up to the present time is a good example of what may be accomplished by industry and intelligence, united with a laudable ambition to rise in the world. Possessing these qualities he has not only advanced his own fortunes in a notable degree, but has benefited the community in which he has made his home, by the establishment of a useful and flourishing industry, which gives employment to a number of men.

Amos Braman, a prosperous stock farmer and dairyman of Section 17, Levis Township, was born in the state of New York, Oct. 11, 1840, son of Seth and Doreas (Green) Braman. The father, who was a farmer by occupation, was reared and married in that state. He and his wife reared eight children: Hannah, Assel, Mary, Ann, Jim, Olive, Sabrey and Amos. Amos Braman remained at home until the death of his mother, which occurred when he was 2 years and 6 months old. He then went ta live with his married sister, and they moved to Kalamazoo, Mich., when he was about 5 years old and there he attended school. At the age of 18 he began work at the carpenter's trade, at which he worked subsequently as a journeyman. Three years after he entered upon this occupation he married Nancy Fish, whose father, Lyman Fish, was a farmer in Michigan. He then went to live on a farm near town, but continued to work at his trade for seven years in that locality. He then moved to Crawford County, where he and his family resided from 1868 to 1892, a period of twenty-four years, At the end of that time Mr. Braman came to Clark County and bought eighty acres of land in Section 17, Levis Township. There was a small log shack on the place and he had a team of horses and two cows. Thus equipped he began the work of improvement, two years later building an eight-room frame house, and in 1910 a barn, 34 by 48 feet in size. He has now fifty acres cleared and has an orchard of 130 trees, seventy of which - apple, pear, cherry and plum - are bearing. Mr. Braman also raises graded Jersey cattle and Jersey Red hogs. He aided in starting the creamery at Dell's Dam and has taken a prominent part in various local affairs. He was school director nine years and justice of the peace twelve years, and for fifty years he has been an elder of the Presbyterian Church and superintendent of Sunday schools, of which he has organized twelve. The following children have been born to him and his wife: Loretta, now Mrs. Steven Marten, of Crawford County, Wis., who has four children, Herbert, Dollie, William and Frederick; Mary, wife of Joseph Bacan, of Crawford County, Wis., and the mother of six children, Amos, Harry, Gladys, Marie, Pearl and Floyd; George, a resident of Idaho, who married Jennie Johnson, and has one child, Elva; Carl, who is now deceased; Perle, residing at home, and who married Esther Larson; and Addie, now Mrs. Victor Horton, who lives in Levis Township, and has two children, Vivian and Clyde. Mrs. Braman died Oct. 26, 1913.

Oscar Thomas, a prosperous farmer of Washburn Township, son of Ernest and Caroline (Senevalt) Thomas, was born in Newton County, Ind., Oct. 3, 1892. He was educated in the district school and remained with his parents, coming with them to Clark County. Here, with his father's assistance, he secured 120 acres of land in Sections 14 and 15, mostly covered with stumps. On this he built a barn, 42 by 42 feet, and a silo, 12 by 26 feet in size, but both were blown down by a tornado, which also blew down his windmill. All have been replaced, however, and the farm is now in excellent condition, Mr. Thomas raising graded cattle and good stock of other kinds. He is a member of the Farmers' Elevator and Lumber Company of Neillsville, and occupies an assured place in the community as a substantial and reliable citizen.

Ernest Thomas, a well-known farmer of Washburn Township, was born at Gros Forgulor, Erfurd, Germany, Oct. 29, 1845, son of Phillip and Christine (Breheim) Thomas, The parents were farming people who lived and died in their native land. They had four children: Henrietta, Ernest, Wilhelm and Henrich. Of these Ernest was the only one to come to America, which he did in 1888. He had been married in Germany to Carolina Senevalt and they had at this time five children: Louis, Minnie, Annie, Paulina and Benjamin. Landing at New York, they remained there only two days, when Mr. Thomas found work in Jersey, which lasted two months, at the end of which time they came west as far as Indiana, Mr. Thomas going to work on a farm in Colfax Township, Newton County. Later he bought 160 acres of land there and farmed it for awhile. Then he sold out and bought a place of refreshment, but was unfortunate, and, losing his possessions, had to start all over again. After saving up a little money, he came to Clark County, where he secured forty acres of land in Section 28, Washburn Township. It was covered with woods and there were no roads. Moreover he had not a cent of money left after arriving here, but succeeded in securing a cow the first summer. Two years later he got an old horse - the first draught animal he had been able to obtain. His first dwelling was a log house, which he rented, but as soon as possible he built one on his own place. His pioneer experiences, though hard, were not absolutely new to him, as he had often carried flour on his back seven miles in Indiana, and in time he overcame initial disadvantages and finished clearing his farm. He now has twelve cows and is doing a profitable busniess. In addition to the children above mentioned, who were born in Germany, Mr. and Mrs, Thomas had a son, Oscar, born in Indiana, also a daughter, named Ida. Mr. Thomas has held the position of road boss in

Kuhn Brothers, Paul C. and Emil, who are successfully carrying on general farming in section 16, Washburn Township, were born in Saxony, Germany; Emil, Feb. 27, 1876, and Paul C., Sept. 12, 1878. They were brought to America by their parents in 1881, locating near Milwaukee, where they received a good education and grew to manhood. They worked at various occupations, saving their money, and in 1903 they purchased eighty acres of land in Section 16, Washburn Township, Clark County, the tract being all wild and timbered, They worked early and late and in due time built up a fine farm, with a good dwelling and substantial outbuildings thereon, and today they and their families are numbered among the representative people of the county. While developing their farm during the early years they used to work out summers to earn money to live on, while they cleared the farm in the winter. They followed general dairy farming, their cattle being of the Holstein breed and of good grade, They are sober, industrious citizens, and take a lively interest in whatever seems to be for the betterment of their county. Both brothers are interested in the Shortville Dairy Company and Farmers Elevator at Neillsville. Paul C. was secretary of the Dairy Company for eight years, and is now its treasurer. He was married in June, 1913, to Ethel Carter, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. James A. Carter, of Washburn Township. He and his wife have one child, Ernest Paul, who was born May 29, 1914. Emil Kuhn is unmarried. Ernest Kuhn and Emily Hamenn, parents of Kuhn brothers, were both natives otf Germany, where they were married in 1874. In his native land Ernest was a carpenter. They came to America in 1881, their family locating near Milwaukee, where he followed his trade until 1906, when they came to Clark County and bought forty acres. They now reside in Washburn Township.