Clark County, Wisconsin - Biographical sketches, 1918 (part 14 of 18)

Amanda Viergutz, of Lynn Township, daughter of Albert and Albertina Viergutz. He and his wife have three children, Leona, Ella and Wilbur. M. C. Thomas, a farmer and dairyman of Washburn Township, who has also served as a township official, was born on a farm near the village of Columbus, in Columbia County, Wis., son of C. H. and Martha (Loveless) Thomas. The father, a son of Merritt Thomas, was a veterinary surgeon, as was also Merritt, and they came together from New York State, settling in Columbia County, Wis., where C. H. Thomas has resided for the last fifty years. In the Civil War he was attached to the army as a "mule whacker," his principal business being to pick up and remove the wounded from the field of battle. M. C. Thomas remained with his father until he was 22 years old. He followed various occupations in Columbia County, until the year 1900, when he went to Waterloo, Wis., where he bought a meat market, conducting it for a year. He then sold out and went to Deerfield, Wis., where he followed the same business for six months. After that he worked four months as a butcher in Madison, this state. Going from that city to Hermansville, Mich., he there went to work for the Wisconsin Land and Lumber Company, remaining eighteen months. He then returned to his home at Columbus, where he was married, Mar. 19, 1902, to Helen Hoton, who was born in that county, Jan. 11, 1861, her father, James Hoton, being a farmer. After remaining six months in Columbus, Mr. Thomas came with his wife to Washburn Township, Clark County, and being now tired of wandering, bought eight acres of land, constituting his present farm in Section 10. Here he is engaged in dairying and general farming, and has recently built a barn, 58 by 34 feet in dimensions and an eighty-ton silo. He is also president of the cheese factory at Shortville and has an interest in the elevator at Neillsville. Since coming to Washburn Township he has closely identified himself with its interests, He served as assessor for seven years and is thoroughly familiar with the growth and development of the township, of which he is one of the best known citizens. He has also served as auctioneer in Clark County for seven years. He and his wife are both members of the Mystic Workers of the World, he belonging to the Modern Woodmen of America. Joseph Herian, for nearly forty years a well known farmer of Pine Valley Township, who died Mar. 7, 1917, was born in Bohemia, Austria, Oct. 28, 1843. His father, whose name also was Joseph, was a dry goods merchant in the town of Stankau, where he died in 1888. Joseph Herian, Sr., married Margaret Schuh about 1830, her father being a farmer by occupation and a man who for twenty years held office in a position similar to that of the mayor of a city in this country. Joseph, Jr., acquired his education in the public school at Stankau, Bohemia. He remained in his native land until reaching the age of 25 years, and then, in 1868, came to the United States, locating at West Bend, Washington County, Wis., where he worked as a mason. August 15, 1871, he married Anna Scherf, at her home in Newberg, Wis. She was a native of Prussia, born Mar. 30, 1839, daughter of Nick Scherf, and came with her family to this country in 1852, the voyage, made on a sailing vessel, lasting three months. Her family settled in Washington County, where Mr. Herian and his wife resided for seven years after their marriage, and where three daughters and two sons were born to them. They then came to Clark County, Mr. Herian buying 140 acres of land in Section 22, Pine Valley Township, about sixty acres of which were cleared. There was also a small frame house and barn on the place. In 1884 the house caught fire and burned down, and Mr. Herian then erected a good nine-room brick residence, which is still standing. Mr. Herian kept on with his mason work after settling on his farm and during the early days did most of the work of that kind in this vicinity. Aside from that he was engaged in general farming, in which vocation he was successful, becoming one of the prosperous citizens of his township. Nearly nine years before his death he lost his wife, who passed away May 1, 1908. They were the parents of six children; Mary, Wilhelmina, Joseph, Anna, Henry and John, the last mentioned being born on the farm in Pine Valley Township. Mary is the wife of George Blakslee, a Jaundryman of Minneapolis, and has eight children: Oscar, Minnie, Thomas, Frances, Isabel, Lucille, Alice and Lawrence. Wilhelmina resides on the home farm. Joseph, who resides in Neillsville and travels in the interests of the Sharples cream separator, married Ella Phillips, and they have three children: Genevieve, Donald and Dale. Anna, wife of Elsworth Maxwell, of Elk Falls, Kans., has four children: Earl, Esther, Francis and Orville. Henry married Sadie Myers, and resides near the Herian homestead, which is now cared for by him and his sister, Wilhelmina. His children are Gwendolin (now deceased), Perry, Zerrelda and Louis. John, who is a drygoods merchant, at Glendive, Mont., married Elma Grasser and has two children, Lucille and John E.

Guy C. Youmans, a well known and prosperous business man of Neillsville, was born in this place Oct. 18, 1880, the scene of his birth being the home of his grandfather, B. F. French, that stood on the site of the present library. His parents were Clarion A, and Nettie (French) Youmans, a memoir of whom appears elsewhere in this volume. In his youth he attended the Neillsville high school and then took the agricultural course in the University of Wisconsin. The knowledge he thus acquired was put to practical use on his father's large farm in Grant Township, which he operated for some years, or until 1913, at which time he removed to Neillsville. Here he has since dealt in live stock and real estate, in the former branch of his business handling Guernsey cattle, Berkshire hogs and Clydesdale horses. Since moving to town he has become manager of the Warsau Shipping Association, a farmers' co-operative concern. He is also owner of a fine stock farm of eighty acres in Pine Valley Township. He was instrumental in the establishment of the Farmers' Co-operative Elevator at Neillsville. He was also president for two years of the Clark County Fair Association, of which his father was one of the original stock holders and president for a number of years. Mr. Youmans was elected in 1907 to the council of Neillsville; then in 1916 he was elected to fill a vacancy and served two years. Fraternally he belongs to Lodge No. 163, F, & A. M., of Neillsville, and the Neillsville Chapter, No. 166, R. A. M.; also to the Woodmen and Beavers. At one time he was a member of Company A, Third Regiment, Wisconsin National Guard. Mr. Youmans was married Oct. 2, 1912, to Hazel Flynn, who was born in Afton, Wis., daughter of James and Ruane (Allison) Flynn, both of whom are now deceased. Her father was a railroad engineer and ran one of the first trains through Neillsville. His record as a railroad man was one of the best in the country, and one of the longest in point of years. He was a native of Chicago and his wife of Beloit, Wis. Mrs. Youmans is a member of the Eastern Star Lodge, of Neillsville, and also of the Woman's Club. Mr. and Mrs. Youmans have one child, Rita Louise, born Jan. 28, 1916.

Clarion A. Youmans. Among the men who, in former days took a leading part in developing the agricultural and stock raising industries of. Clark County was Clarion A. Youmans, once a resident of Neillsville and later of Grant Township. He was the son of Jonas Hamilton and Adeline (Sill) Youmans, and was born in Kenosha, Wis., Oct. 14, 1847. The father, Jonas H., was born in Coeymans, Albany County, N. Y., June 17, 1817, and when about a year old was taken to Genessee County, that state, where he got his education. There, on June 8, 1842, he was married to Adeline Sill, and in the following year they moved to Buffalo, N. Y., where Jonas worked at the carpenter's trade. In 1845 he came with his family to Wisconsin, locating first in Kenosha, which was then known as Southport. There they resided until 1852, in which year they removed to Columbia County, this state, settling at Empire Prairie, that locality being now the town of Arlington. There Jonas followed his trade and also engaged in farming. In 1872 he and his family made another removal, this time to Brown County, where they remained ten years, coming to Neillsville, Clark County, in 1882. Here Jonas H. Youmans died, Oct. 15, 1899. He and his wife had four children: Harlow J., now of Platteville; Clarion, subject of this sketch; Ada, now Mrs. George Bosworth, of Rice Lake, Wis., and Mattie, now deceased, who was the wife of James A. Kimball. Clarion A. Youmans, who had but a limited education, resided in Kenosha until his school days were over, working on a farm during the summers. At the age of 17 years he went to Poynette, and worked in the store of an uncle, remaining there until 1870, when he came to Neillsville, being now 23 years old. Here he went to work for George Farnum, who kept a dry goods and grocery store, and in whose employ he remained as clerk until 1875. Mr. Youmans then began the study of law at Wisconsin University, where he remained one year, subsequently returning to Neillsville. Here he entered into partnership with M. C. Ring, and was thereafter engaged in law practice, at first with Mr. Ring and afterwards alone. While associated with Mr. Ring he became interested in the lumber business to which he finally gave more attention than he did to his law practice. He soon began to see the great agricultural possibilities of Clark County, and in 1884 he purchased a farm on Pleasant Ridge, consisting of 400 acres, of which about 200 were cleared. There was also a fourteen-room house on the place. He now gave his attention of general farming, improving his place and raising eattle and horses. His first cattle were short horns, he being one of the first to keep that breed. On this farm he later had one of the finest herds of registered Holstein cattle in the county, which, about 1889, he imported from New York State, and which were among the first in Clark County.

Subsequently, however, he disposed of them and gave his chief attention to the breeding of horses, bringing into the county one of the first registered English stallions ever seen here. 'In this branch of industry Mr. Youmans was particularly successful and the results of his work in this direction are still evident in the county. He also had a large flock of Shropshire sheep, in which he took great pride. In association with George Austin he was the promoter and organizer of the first creamery in Clark County, and northern Wisconsin, which was located on the Austin farm east of Neillsville, and which was the beginning of an industry that has since grown to large proportions and has greatly added to the wealth of the county. Mr. Youmans was also interested in Florida pine lands, as well as in the logging industry of Clark County, and for some years was president of the Clark County Bank. He was also at different times elected to public office, serving as clerk of the school board for many years, as district attorney for two years, also as county judge, and as a member of the Wisconsin State Senate, to which he was elected in 1894, serving two terms. He was also a member of the Judiciary Committee of the State. In politics he was a staunch Republican. After a residence of eight years on the farm, he and his family returned to Neillsville, where they had formerly resided for seven years after his marriage, and here his death occurred, July 9, 1906. He was a member of the Masonic Lodge, No, 163, at Neillsville, and of the Commandery at Eau Claire. Clarion A. Youmans was married, at Neillsville, Jan. 10, 1877, to Nettie French, whose father, B. F. French, was a lawyer in Neillsville. Mr. French had removed from Saratoga County, N. Y., to Iowa, and from there came to Neillsville, when only 19 years old, and took a homestead of 160 acres in Levis Township. The tract consisted of wild land and he had built a log house and barn and begun pioneer farming with a yoke of oxen. He also engaged in logging on his own account. After living as a bachelor for two years he married Elizabeth R, Brown, who was born in Adrian, Mich. Three children, Nettie, Elva and one who died young, were born to them on the farm. Subsequently, after he had proceeded for some time with his improvements, Mr. French built a frame house of three rooms and a frame barn, and in time he cleared most of the land, staying on the farm until 1864. In the meanwhile he engaged in the study of law, borrowing books for that purpose from his brother at La Crosse, and when sufficiently qualified, he began law practice at Neillsville. He also continued farming and lumbering and, in addition, engaged in the practice of medicine. In 1854 he was elected county treasurer of Clark County, being the first incumbent of that office. Two years later he was elected district attorney and served as such until 1866. He died at Neillsville, Feb. 11, 1888. During his residence in that place four more children were born to him: Viola, Irene, Edwin and Dr. J. R. French, now of Los Angeles, Cal. The children of Mr. and Mrs. Youmans were: Guy C., a separate mention of whom appears in this yolume; Viola F., who is unmarried, and Beth, who married Capt. C. L. Sturdevant, of Pittsburgh, Pa. She has one child, named Elizabeth.

Albert William Hales, a leading citizen of York Township, in which he has resided nearly thirty-five years, engaged in agricultural pursuits, was born near Williamstown, N. Y., Oct. 27, 1852, son of Philip and Sarah (Moodey) Hales. The parents were natives of England, and, being married in 1849, set out immediately for the United States, taking passage in a sailing vessel. The voyage, which might be regarded as a honeymoon trip, lasted several weeks and they made port at New York. Philip Hales had come to this country to engage in farming, and after staying three months in New York, he and his wife came west to Oshkosh, Wis., and then rented a farm in Green Lake County, where they remained sixteen years. They then went to Iowa, where he took a homestead of eighty acres in Dickenson County, which proved his final place of residence, as he died there in 1901, when over 80 years old. In the earlier years he went through pioneer experiences, building a sod house and sod barn, and later a frame house; also using an ox team. His farm in lowa was sixty miles from Algona, to which place he hauled wheat with oxen. Albert did most of the teaming and on one of his trips he got caught in a blizzard and suffered severely, finding himself in debt when he got home. Philip Hales was a member of the school board in his township of Milford, and was a prominent member of the Methodist Church, His wife, who in early days, often spun wool for the family, died on the farm in 1914 at the age of 82 years. They had eight children: Jennie, Albert, Hiram, Nellie, Hattie, Mabel, Jessie and George, all of whom were born in Wisconsin, except Albert and Jennie. Albert W. Hales spent a large part of his boyhood in Green Lake County, but attained to maturer years in lowa, His education was acquired in the district schools. As his parents grew old he took over the management of the farm and maintained the homestead in good condition. At the age of 25 he started out for himself, settling on a farm in the same county, which, when he took it consisted of 160 acres of wild land. For awhile he lived in an old school house. On Jan, 8, 1880, he was married to Maggie Smithers, who was born in Fond du Lac County, Wis., May 29, 1857, daughter of William H. and Lois A. (Knight) Smithers. Her father was a native of Yorkshire, England, born April 14, 1822, his wife being born in Vermont. They were married in New York State and came thence to Fond du Lac County, Wis. He was a son of William and Sarah Smithers who came to the United States from England, in 1838, landing after a seven weeks' voyage in a sailing vessel, and who settled as farmers in St. Lawrence County, N. Y., where William H. was reared and trained to farm life. The latter on arriving in Fond du Lac County, located on a tract of land in Alto Township and built a frame house. Milwaukee, eighty miles away, was their nearest market, and supplies had to be brought from there on foot, being carried on the back, a labor that would appal most men of the present day, but which the pioneer settlers endured as they endured many other hardships, with resignation, if not cheerfully. In 1880 Mr. Smithers sold his farm and went to Clay County, lowa, where he engaged in farming. In 1885 he came to Clark County, Wis., locating in York Township, where he took a small place, consisting of five acres of land, which had been chopped over. This place he cleared, spending the rest of his life there, and dying in 1895, at the age of 83 years. His wife passed away in the following year at the age of 82. He had held the office of township clerk in Fond du Lac County for twenty years, and was a leader in the Methodist Church at Alto, which he helped to establish. He and his wife had a large family, numbering ten children: Emily, Edna, Anna, Ella, Maggie, Carrie, William, Dora, Lois, and an infant that died unnamed. Albert W. Hales resided in Iowa with his wife for three years after his marriage, and then in 1883, came to Clark County, arriving here between Christmas Day, that year, and New Year's Day, 1884. He came here, owing to a good report of the country received from his wife's sister, Edna, who was the wife of Horace Lawrence, of York Township. On looking around he selected a tract of 120 acres in Section 27, York Township, twenty acres being covered with stumps and the rest being in brush and timber. Here he built a frame house of one story, 24 by 26 feet in size, which has since been raised and enlarged; but the first year of his residence here he and his wife lived in a house across the road. He had arrived here with a span of horses and $200 in money, and soon afterwards he bought one or two cows. His subsequent experiences have been similar to those of other farmers who settled on wild land in this county. He has always remained here and has made steady progress in improving his place, adding to its acreage and erecting a number of substantial buildings, which include a barn, 48 by 68 feet, and two silos, one 16 by 29, the other 14 by 24 feet in size. He formerly raised a good grade of Holstein cattle, but now specializes in Shorthorn cattle, and coach horses; also raising pure-bred Poland- China hogs, haying been a pioneer in his township in that branch of stock raising, He has also made a specialty of raising seed corn - the kind known as Sterling White Dent corn, which, however, he had much trouble in acclimating here. As one of the prominent men of his township, Mr. Hales is widely respected, and has served efficiently as a member of the school board. He was also road overseer for eighteen years and helped to build the roads in his section of the county. When the Clark County Telephone Company was organized he was one of the organizers, and for three years was its president. Mr. and Mrs. Hales have eight children: Anna, Phillip, Lottie, George, Lauren, Guy, Harry and Ella, of whom the following is a brief record: Anna is the wife of William Campbell of York Township. Phillip, who married Catherine Tucker, resides in Lodi, Wis., and has one child, Myron. Lottie is the wife of Mose Page, of Stanley, Wis., and has two children, Madeline and Laverne. George, a resident of York Township, married Mary Krejci of that township, and has two children, Verona and Marion. Guy is a graduate of the agricultural college, and Lauren resides in York Township, and Harry at home, the latter being a student in Wisconsin University.

Orington A. Crockett, a prosperous dairyman and general farmer of Section 6, Washburn Township, was born at Elmira, N. Y., May 9, 1867, son of Benjamin B. and Lucy R. (Wilbur) Crockett. The father, born Nov. 26, 1826, in Maine, was a carpenter by trade, but took up farming in Maine, In the Civil War he served three years and a half in the 16th Maine Regiment, afterwards returning to Elmira, N. Y., where his family were awaiting him, they regarding that place as their home. In 1870 he came west to Burroak Prairie, Washington County, Wis., where he rented a farm and stayed two years. In 1872, on the 20th of March, he homesteaded forty acres of wild land in Section 18, Washburn Township, Clark County, where he built a log house and barn and began the work of improvement with a team of oxen. There he stayed until 1894, when he moved to Section 6, Washburn Township, residing here six years. He then took up his residence in Merrill, Wis., where his death occurred Jan. 27, 1909. He was married to Lucy R. Wilbur, April 26, 1850, at Elizabeth, Maine. She was born Mar. 14, 1837. Their children - eleven in number - were: Augustine, Orington (first, who is deceased), Ella, Rosa, Ida, Lillian, Fidilla, Nellie (deceased), Orington A., Avice, and Eddie. Orington A. Crockett received his schooling in Clark County and remained with his parents until he was 21 years old. Having learned the carpenter's trade he then worked at it for about eleven years during the summers, being employed in the woods in winter. On Sept. 11, 1892, he was united in marriage with Maude Hanks, their wedding taking place in Neillsville. She was a daughter of Orin and Ruth (Clark) Hanks, her father being a farmer in Clark County. Beginning domestic life on the home farm, Mr. Crockett has since remained here, and from the forty acres of wild land, of which the farm consisted at that time, he has increased its size to 133 acres and developed it into a good piece of agricultural property. He is interested in the Wausau Creamery, which he helped to start, and has been prominent in local affairs, having served on the school board as clerk and treasurer for the last twenty-three years, and formerly, for six years, as treasurer of the township board. He and his wife are the parents of twelve children: Thor H., born Mar. 28, 1893, now deceased; Clifford C., born Dec. 28, 1895, who resides at home; Ruth A., born Oct. 14, 1897, now a school teacher residing at home; Ella, born July 29, 1899; Theron, Feb. 23, 1901; Avice, May 7, 1903; Irene, June 17, 1905; Verlin, May 14, 1907; Allen, June 9, 1909; Eunice, Feb. 13, 1911; Ray, Mar. 14, 1912, and Daniel, Oct. 26, 1913, all of whom reside at home.

Cyrus E. Forman, a thriving agriculturist of Section 13, Weston Township, who has resided in Clark County for the last forty years, was born in Monkton Township, Addison County, Vt., Mar. 2, 1840. He comes of Revolutionary stock and is a son of Jesse and Sally M. (Allen) Forman. The father, Jesse, was also a native of New England, his ancestors being colonial farmers, and there is a tradition in the family that during the Revolutionary war some English soldiers rode into the yard of one of the Formans, grandfather or great grandfather of the subject of this biography, and ripped open some feather beds that were hanging on a line and also rode their horses into the house. Jesse and his wife had four children: William H., Cyrus, Malinda and Matilda. Malinda married in Vermont, where she died, but Matilda, who came west, died in Calumet County, Wis., in 1861. William H. fought in the Mexican War, and also in the Civil War, and it was his account of the West that caused his father Jesse, to come to Neenah, Wis., to see the country and find out what opportunities there were for successful settlement. After arriving there he wrote for his wife and children to join him, but was taken suddenly sick and died about 1850. Im 1854 the mother and children came to Manitowoc,

Mr. And Mrs. Cyrus E. Forman

Wis. After coming west she lived with Cyrus until her death in 1888, he being then 14 years old. They rented a house for a few months and in the fall of 1855 Mrs. Forman located a tract of land in Brillion Township, Calumet County, where the family resided for twenty-two years, at first enduring many hardships. At the breaking out of the Civil War, Cyrus E. Forman enlisted, but was rejected on examination. He, however, joined the Union League and, in 1862, enrolled in the town of Brillion for the first draft, and in 1863 for the conscription act. He also joined the Good Templars, when they were first organized and at one time was a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. In August, 1862, he married Fannie Olivia West, who was born in Ohio, April 13, 1839. In 1877 he, with his wife and four children - Mary, Wheeler, Allen and Clarence - came to Clark County, locating on a tract of wild land in Section 18, Weston Township. Some chopping had been done on it, and there was a board shed, 12 by 16 feet in size, into which he moved with his family. There being no roads, they had crossed the creek on a log. Mr, Forman began improvements on this place with an ox team and two cows. The farm consisted of forty acres, which he cleared with the assistance of his wife, both working hard for years. Later he added 120 acres more, but has since sold all his land, but the forty-acre tract, on which he and his wife now live. He has served on the township side board and as township clerk for many years, and also on the school board as clerk and treasurer, During his long career in this county, dating from pioneer days, he suffered many discouragements, losing both time and money on account of sickness, but surmounted difficulties and in time attained prosperity. He and his wife are members of the Methodist Church and are people both well known and highly esteemed in this and neighboring townships. A brief record of their children is as follows: Mary, who married Truman Colvin, died, leaving a daughter, Ethel, who was brought up by her grandparents, and who married W. A. Holt. They live in York Township, and have three sons, Albert, Alfred and Merton, Wheeler is a rural mail carrier, connected with the Neillsville post office. He married Ettie Jones and has two children, Leland M. and Isadora. The latter married William Glassow, Jr., . and they reside in St. Paul. Allen Forman, who is farming in Worden Township, this county, married Eliza Kneijel and has two children, Berl and Verma May. Clarence Forman died in the spring of 1881. Frederick Henry Bruley, prominent business man and miller of Neillsville, was born in this city, Mar. 2, 1882, son of Joseph Bruley, a pioneer of this section. He began industrial life at an early age and was 16 years old when he entered the mill of A. B. Marsh, of Neillsville. Here he applied himself so closely to learning the business that in less than six years he was made head miller, and had charge of everything in connection with the mill, except the buying department, in which, however, he at times took part. After being thus occupied for four years, in 1913 he, with Mr. Marsh, built the present mill of the Farmers' Co-operative Company. December 1, 1914, he organized and incorporated the Farmers' Co-operative Elevator and Milling Company, also selling stock in the concern, and becoming its manager, which position he held until 1916. That he was the right man in the right place is evidenced by the fact that he built up such an extensive patronage that the amount of cash handled by the mill under his management, was second only to that handled by the bank. Upon retiring in 1916, he began business for himself, erecting a mill and doing a general grinding and feed business. Mr. Bruley has also conducted farming operations on twenty-seven acres of land within the city limits of Neillsyille, raising Holstein cattle. His success in his chosen career has been gained by close attention to business, backed by the thorough knowledge he gained during the years of his apprenticeship. Mr. Bruley married Margaret Gall, of Globe, Clark County, daughter of Joseph and Amelia Gall, her father being a pioneer of this county. He and his wife have four children: Beatrice, Velina, Violet and Casper. Eustache Bruley, familiarly known as Joe Bruley, and father of Frederick H. Bruley, was born at Notre Dame, Canada, Nov. 3, 1836, son of Alexis Bruley. He was married in Canada, April 27, 1861, to Philomine Loyer, who was born at St. Jerome, Montreal, Canada, Dec. 5, 1843. In 1869 Mr. and Mrs. Bruley came to Nei!lsville, Wis., with two children, Alex and Geneva, both of whom are now deceased. Here he worked at whatever he could find to do, including logging, driving cattle, and at the trades of blacksmith and mason, to which he afterwards confined himself. He and his wife are still residing in Neillsville, in which place eight children were born to them. They are members of the Catholic Church.

George Frantz, a notable pioneer of Clark County, who came here as early as 1848, and who has the distinction of being now the oldest resident in the county, was born at Sarbrucken, on the Rhine, Province of Prussia, Germany, July 8, 1829, a son of Conrad and Julia (Brur) Frantz. The parents, who were farmers, lived and died in their native land. The father was a soldier under Napoleon, and served ten years in the army. While quartered in Switzerland he learned the trade of distiller, which he followed in connection with farming after the war was over. He was a member of the Lutheran Church. He and his wife had five children - Conrad, Julia, Sophia, Laura, Henry and George. Of these children George _ was the only one to come to the United States, which he did at the age of 18 years, taking passage in a sailing vessel and landing in this country after a voyage of fifty-two days. In his native land he had learned the trade of butcher. From New York he made his way by canal boat to Buffalo, whence he came West to Milwaukee. In the latter place he stopped only two days, going on to Ft. Atkinson, where he stopped for a while, finding work on a farm. While there he visited Black River Falls. In 1848, about a year after his arrival in this country, Mr. Frantz came to Clark County and went to work making shingles by hand, afterwards working in various places. Then, securing 100 acres of land, he began farming in Pine Valley Township, Section 23, erecting a log building and leading a bachelor life for a while. His next move was to go to Jefferson County, where, on Nov. 15, 1855, he was united in marriage with Barbara Sontag. With a covered wagon he and his wife started for Clark County, to take up their residence on his land, but when they had nearly reached it he was told that his log house had burned down, so, as there were no accommoda- tions in the neighborhood, he and his wife sought and found employment in the timber woods, he driving a team and his wife cooking for the camp. The next spring Mr. Frantz returned to his land and built a one-room log house, with a fireplace, to replace the house that had burned, and he and his wife began pioneer life together under primitive conditions, having before them the task of carving a home from the wilderness. Their stock consisted of one cow, some pigs and chickens and two geese, which last mentioned fowls were the pioneers of their tribe, as they were the first geese in Clark County, though it is not recorded that they manifested any undue pride on that account. Mr. Frantz often drove to Black River Falls for provisions, taking a week for the trip by ox team. Had any one then told him that in a few years he would be able to go to San Francisco in less than the same amount of time, he would have thought they were joking. For transportation purposes he at first made use of the rude sort of sled which the early settlers called a "jumper," probably from the somewhat uncomfortable manner with which it made its way over rocks and stones, though when drawn by a pair of good oxen, its progress, if slow, was fairly sure, unless a tree got in the way. Though many tender recollections are associated with this now ancient means of locomotion, Mr. Frantz today prefers a ride in a smooth-running automobile. He did not altogether depend on the jumper, however, as being ambitious, he set to work to make a wagon, cutting solid wheels for it from the trunk of a tree - another device adopted by many of the pioneer settlers. When completed, though not up to the standard of the modern "Studebaker," or other good wagon of today, it answered its purpose, which was to transport the products of kis farm to the nearest market and bring home needed supplies. It is said that the approach of one of these home-made wagons was invariably announced long before its appearance by the teriffic creaking of the wheels, which could be heard over a mile or two of intervening territory. But, though, living under such primitive conditions, Mr. and Mrs. Frantz enjoyed life together and were happy, making progress slowly but surely with their farm and plodding along hopefully on the road to prosperity. New settlers came in from time to time, and they formed neighborly friendships, the people helping one another readily, as is natural in pinoeer communities. There were occasional entertainments, also, to which practically all were invited, and on Sundays men, women and children put on their best clothes and proceeded to the little church of their own faith to hear the preaching and take earnest part in their religious duties. Neither were holidays forgotten, and in this respect Mr. Frantz attained distinction, for it was he who promoted the first Fourth of July celebration in the then small hamlet of Neillsville, where at the time only seven or eight families lived. In this notable work he had willing and delighted coadjutors in the boys - those belonging to the Sturdivant, Ferguson and O'Neill families - for whom he devised an imposing uniform, consisting chiefly of paper caps, and organized a parade. The music consisted of a drum, which Mr. Frantz himself manufactured by nailing a piece of buckskin over a nail keg. Who was the happy drummer has not been narrated, but it is probable that each of the boys got a few whacks at the buckskin before the fun was over. That drum, had it been preserved and presented to the State Historical Society, would now be an object of more than ordinary interest to every true American, On his farm, which was not far from Neillsville, Mr. and Mrs. Frantz and their family resided for 35 years, Mr. Frantz, indeed, was one of the fathers of the village, as he not only helped to lay out its site, but also to give it its name. Some of his pioneer experiences have been mentioned, but it may be added that when he and his wife first began domestic life, or as soon as they were able, they procured a few sheep, which animals they always kept, and from the wool they thus obtained, Mrs. Frantz would make her husband's socks; and she is not only able to, but does actually knit and make socks to this day, probably having a record in this respect that is not equaled by any other woman in the country. Tin pans and crockery being scarce in early days, they used to make their bread on shingles. At one time they had no bread for several days, but Mr. Frantz traded some buckwheat for wheat, which Mrs. Frantz ground up in a coffee mill, and with that coarse flour made dodgers. As real coffee was also scarce they made use of a substitute of rye and wheat. Besides clearing up his farm and erecting buildings on it, including a nine-room house, to replace the old log structure, and a large and substantial barn, Mr. Frantz witnessed many improvements in the neighborhood. Twice he served as chairman of Pine Valley Township, being elected on the Democratic ticket, at a time when the board was constituted of only three members. About 1883, Mr. Frantz and wife removed to Washburn Township, taking eighty acres of wild land in Section 9. There was a frame house on the place, which he improved, also erecting a barn and, subsequently, clearing part of the land. This place, which his son, Rudolph, now owns, has since been developed into a good farm, and here Mr. Frantz and his wife resided until moving to Neillsville in October, 1917. In November, 1915, they celebrated the sixtieth anniversary of their marriage, having ten years before celebrated their golden wedding anniversary, both occasions being notable events. Mr. Frantz is an old member of the Odd Fellows Lodge at Neillsville, and also of the Order of the Sons of Herman and the Workmen's Lodge at Neillsville; Mrs. Frantz being a charter member of the Rebeckah Lodge. They have been the parents of nine children - Conrad, David, Julia, Sophia, George, Henry, Minnie, Rudolph and Frederick. Five of these children are now deceased. Julia died at the age of seven years, as also did Frederick. Minnie died at the age of 29, and David at that of 15 years and 9 months. The death of the last mentioned was a tragedy, as he was accidentally shot while out hunting. Sophia, also now deceased, was the wife of George Becker, of Ft. Atkinson, Wis. The living children are: Conrad, of Pine Valley Township; George, who resides in Neillsville; Henry, also of Neillsville; and Rudolph, who runs the home farm, but now resides in Nellisville.

Paul A. Paulson, postmaster of Withee, Clark County, is a native of Denmark, born Nov. 7, 1853, son of Jens and Mary (Peterson) Paulson, In September, 1862, he came to America with his parents, they settling at Neenah, Wis., where the father bought a farm. Eight years later Jens Paulson sold it and removed to Polk County, Wis., where he purchased another farm, on which he resided until his death in 1894, at the age of 65 years. His wife died at Neenah in 1872, at the age of 45. Paul. A. Paulson, at the age of 21 years, began agricultural work on a farm given to him by his father. He had three brothers and two sisters, all of whom are now living, except one brother, Peter C., who died in 1908. Paul made the farm his home for about two years, after which he went to St. Croix, where he was clerk in a store for a year. Then, returning home, he started a general store and sawmill, but a year later discontinued the store, continuing to operate the mill until June, 1915, when he was appointed postmaster of Withee by President Wilson. Mr. Paulson came to Withee, Clark County in 1895, and has since made this place his home. He has served as president of the Withee village board one year, and has also been a member of the county board, acting as supervisor. Mr. Paulson was married Aug. 28, 1880, to Anna Jensen, who was born in Denmark March 4, 1862, and came to America with her parents when young, they settling in Chicago in 1868. There they lived for eight years, Mr. Jensen following the carpenters' trade, and at the end of that time removed to Polk County, Wis., where he is still living on a'farm. His wife died in 1915. Mr. and Mrs. Paulson have had one child, Alma Elvira, who was born in Polk County July 31, 1881, and died at the age of 24 years, Oct. 22, 1905. She was a graduate of the State Normal School of Stevens Point, Wis., and had been a teacher in Polk County.

Horace Draper, a widely known and universally respected citizen of Loyal Township, of which he was a pioneer settler, was born on East Hill, in Granger Township, Alleghany County, N. Y., July 17, 1838. His parents were Amos and Sally Ann (Doane) Draper, and his paternal grandparents Bethuel and Polly Draper, of English descent, and early settlers in Massachusetts, who removed, however, to New York State, where their son, Amos, was born April 5, 1804. There, in course of time, he was united in marriage with Sally Ann Doane, who was born in New York State May 10, 1818, daughter of the pioneers, Joshua D. and Sarah Doane. She was a descendant in the seventh generation from Deacon John Doane, the founder of the American branch of the family, who was born in England about 1590, arrived in Plymouth, Mass., about 1630, and died in Massachusetts in 1665, The line of descent is through Ephraim, Hezekiah (born 1672), Ephraim (born April 1, 1696), Nehemiah (born Oct. 1718), and Joshua D. (born June 4, 1756). After his marriage, Amos Draper continued his residence in New York State until 1843, when he and his wife, with their two children, Horace and Emily, set out for Ohio in a one-horse vehicle, and on their arrival in that state, settled in Sandusky County, a part of the Western Reserve. There the family circle was enlarged by the birth of three more children - William, Miranda and Harriet. In the meanwhile, Amos, the father, was industriously engaged in farm pursuits. Some time after the birth of the child last mentioned he and his family migrated again, this time to Huron County, Ohio, which lies to the southeast of Sandusky, so that to some extent they were retracing their steps. The call of the West was too strong, however, to be slighted, and in 1874, though now advanced in years, they made their last pilgrimage in the direction of the setting sun, locating in Newville, De Kalb County, Ind., where they spent the remainder of their lives. The wife, Mrs. Sally Ann Draper, was the first to pass away, her death occurring Nov. 12, 1879. Her husband survived her over eleven years, dying at the venerable age of 87 years, April 29, 1891. Horace Draper, the direct subject of this sketch, grew to manhood in Huron County, Ohio, and was given a college education. In the fourth year of the Civil War he became a member of Company D, 166th Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and was assigned to service at Arlington Heights, opposite Washington. He was honorably discharged late in the same year, 1864. About two years later, Oct. 23, 1866, he was united in marriage to Lucia Clement, who was born in Caneadea Township, Alleghany County, N. Y., Dec. 9, 1831, daughter of Cyrus and Polly (Herrick) Clement. Her father, a native of New Hampshire, was of English descent, and followed at different times the occupations of school teacher, carpenter and farmer. He served as a soldier in the War of 1812-15, removing to New York State in 1818. His wife, Polly, was from Windsor, Vt. That they were people of some refinement may be inferred from the fact that their daughter, Lucia, had, like her husband, received a college education. After their marriage, Horace Draper and his wife located in Perrysburg, Ohio, where he taught school at intervals for thirty years. They first came to Wisconsin in 1867, settling in Fond du Lac County, where he engaged in farming and also, for a part of the time, followed his old occupation of school teacher. In the spring of 1872 he came to Clark County to look over the ground, and, being satisfied with what he saw, purchased eighty acres in Section 16, Loyal Township, the present site of Loyal village, and where he now lives. The land was covered with timber, except a space of about five acres, where the village standpipe is now located, and where Mr. Draper's son, Fred, now resides. There were six families then in the neighborhood. As there was no building on his land, Mr, Draper went to work and erected a frame house 14 by 20 feet, and after making some minor improvements, returned to Fond du Lac County. In the fall of the year, while his wife and son Fred were visiting in the East, he came back to Clark County, walking the whole distance and leading a cow. His wife and son later joined him, coming by way of Black River Falls and Humbird to Neillsville, and being driven from Hixton with a horse team. With his hands and the cow, and aided by his wife and son, Mr. Draper set out to build up his fortune in Loyal Township. He obtained an ox team by raising one calf and buying another from Eben Borden, and with this pioneer equipment he made gradual but steady progress. The good education he had received, and his ability as a school teacher, came in most opportunely, as it enabled him during the winter time to earn a little money. It may be said in this connection that he held the first first-grade school certificate held in Clark County, and taught the first school in Loyal village, helping to build the log schoolhouse, and also built the first frame school in the Shupe district, which he also taught. Many of the well-known men and women now flourishing in Clark County, besides many who have moved elsewhere, were his pupils in those early days. In time, Mr. Draper cleared his original eighty-acre tract and purchased another tract of fifty acres in

Mr. And Mrs. F. W. Draper And Daughter

Loyal Township, becoming the proprietor of a good modern farm on which he still makes his home. In the spring of 1882 he was elected town clerk and served in that office until 1885. In 1900 he became assessor of the village of Loyal. He was one of the founders of the Methodist Episcopal Church of Loyal, served it as trustee and superintendent of the Sunday school. He also belongs to Chas. R. Gill Post, No. 236, G. A. R. For over fifty years he and his wife have traveled life's highway together, sometimes passing over rough and stony places, but ever as their feet got weary the road became smoother, and though now well advanced on their journey, it is with no fear of the future that they still press onward, knowing that their Father's hand will guide them into green pastures and by the side of still waters.

Fred W. Draper, whose record as educator, business man, agriculturist and public official, is well and favorably known, not only to the inhabitants of Loyal Township, where he resides, but in general throughout Clark County, was born in Dundee, Fond du Lac County, Wis., July 22, 1868, son of Horace and Lucia (Clement) Draper. He was but a child of 4 years when he accompanied his parents to this township and county. His elementary education was acquired in Loyal, and was supplemented by a course of mental training at Oshkosh Normal School, which he attended in 1887 and 1888. Previous to this, however, in 1885, he had begun to teach, and he continued to do so after leaving the normal school in various townships of Clark County, the Withee village school and the Granton school, of which he was principal for two years. His career as a teacher covered in all some twelve years. In the meanwhile, in 1893, he married Amy Kayhart, daughter of Charles Kayhart, of the town of Weston, and then took up farming. It was while residing on his farm in Loyal Township that he first entered public life, being elected as town clerk, in which office he served from 1898 to 1900, finally resigning in order to take the position of clerk of court for Clark County. As such he served acceptably for ten years. In 1910 he was elected to the State Assembly, in which he served one term, declining re-election. He then gave his attention to farming on his father's old homestead, which he is now operating, together with a forty-acre tract adjoining. He has a fine herd of Guernsey cattle, in which he takes justifiable pride, and the farm is being conducted on a profitable basis. While a resident of Neillsville, Mr. Draper was a director of the Commercial State Bank, and since coming to Loyal has served in the same capacity in the Citizens State Bank of this village. Here he has also identified himself with the affairs of local government, having served four years as supervisor, and the last six years as a member of the school board. He is now serving on the exemption board of his district. His fraternal society affiliations are with the Blue Lodge and Chapter of Royal Arch Masons at Neillsville, and the Modern Woodmen of America, also of that place. Religiously, he belongs to the Methodist Episcopal Church, and during his residence in Neillsville was superintendent of the Sunday school there. Of the Loyal church he has been trustee since coming here, and has also taught the men's Bible class. He and his wife have one child, Bernice E., who is a senior in the Appleton (Wis.) University.

James Albian Phillips, leading real estate man and prominent citizen of Neillsville, came to Clark County in 1894, and in the nearly quarter of a century which has passed since then, he has not only prospered in his own line and built up a large business, but has also actively identified himself with the growth and the progress of this region by bringing in many new and desirable residents. As a real estate man, as insurance agent, and as abstractor, not only in this county, but to some extent in other sections of the state, he has proven his energy, his worth and his ability. Busy though he is with his many duties he has found time for the development of the social and fraternal side of his nature, and is the present Master of Neillsville Lodge, No. 163, A. F. & A. M., and a member of Neillsville Chapter, No. 66, R. A. M., Neillsville Commandery, No. 36, K. T., as well as an initiate in all the Consistory rites available in this state. He is also a member of Neillsville Court, 3094, I. O. F. Born near Bangor, La Crosse County, this state, the youngest of eight children, Mr. Phillips, after acquiring a good common school education, began his career as a railroad man, and was thus engaged until he became interested in real estate. He was married at Leon, Oct. 4, 1878, to Ella A. Mott, who was born in Kane County, Ill., youngest daughter of John and Adaline (Soules) Mott, and this union has been blessed with one daughter, Lulu May, who resires at home. Mrs. Phillips is a member of the Christian Science Church. She is prominent in church and social affairs, their home is noted for its cheer and hospitality, and the family is one of the most highly respected and esteemed in the entire community. John and Charlotte (James) Phillips, the parents of James A. Phillips, were born in Wales, where their respective parents were tenant farmers. They were married in Canada, and there resided several years, during which they developed two farms. Upon coming to the United States they located in La Crosse and later Monroe County, this state. They took up wild land and developed a good farm, becoming substantial and prosperous residents.

Joseph Tennes, who is successfully farming 179 acres of land in Section 5, Unity Township, was born in the city of Grand Rapids, Mich., Sept. 12, 1866, son of Michael and Catherine (Shaffer) Tennes. The parents, who were natives of Germany, were married in Grand Rapids, where, or in which vicinity, Michael spent the rest of his life, his occupation being for the most part that of a well digger. He and his wife have six children, of whom Joseph is the fourth in order of birth. Joseph was reared in the country, in Alpine Township, Kent County, Mich., where he attended district school, and also acquired a good practical knowledge of farming. At the age of 19 he went to Isabella County, in the same state, where he was engaged in farming with his uncle, Joseph Schaffer. Then, at the age of 23, he returned to Grand Rapids, where he learned the trade of machinist in Peck's Machine Shop, working at that trade subsequently for three years. His next move was to Glencoe, Ill., where he drove a team for two years and seven months. There he was married in 1897, to Rose Harry, a native of Two Rivers, Wis., and daughter of Peter Harry. For three years thereafter he continued to reside in Glencoe, where his family circle was enlarged by the birth of a son, Sylvester. Then, in 1900, he and his family came to Unity Township, Clark County, locating on his present farm of 179 acres, which he rented for three years. At the end of that time he gave it up temporarily and entered into the flour and feed business at Unity, continuing in it for three years. Then he returned to the farm, working by the month for his father-in-law, Mr. Harry, who was its owner. About four years ago, in 1912, he bought the place, on which he has made a number of improvements, having repaired the house, erected a barn 40 by 84 feet, with cement floor and steel fixtures, and built a silo of 120-ton capacity, which is of the variety known as a Natco clay tile silo. Mr. Tennes is a member of the Equity Society of Osborn, Unity Township, also of Beaver Lodge, No. 160, of Unity. His house, since the improvements, is now a fine residence of eight rooms, He is enterprising and progressive, an advocate of good roads and of everything calculated to advance the interests of the community in which he lives. In addition to the son, Sylvester, already mentioned, he and his wife have been the parents of four other children - Irene, Melvin, Bernard and a twin sister of Bernard, who died in infancy

Albert M. Harriman, an esteemed resident of Neillsville, where he is living retired after a long career of prosperous industry, was born at Clinton, Me., Feb. 9, 1838, son of James and Mary (Brown) Harriman. His paternal grandfather, also named James Harriman, was one of three brothers who came to this country from England and participated in the Revolutionary War. The second, James Harriman, father of Albert M., became a resident of Windsor, Me., where in early days he followed the occupation of a lumberman, also becoming a land owner and farmer. In 1858 he sold out and came West as far as Illinois, locating about eighty-five miles southwest of Chicago, but, not liking the prairie country, he removed to Green Bay, Wis., where he engaged in shipbuilding, a trade he had learned in his native state. Later, he went to Dodge, Wis., and was there a short time ona farm. After that he became connected with the lumbering industry, going up the Nesida, or Yellow River, where he kept a boarding house for the McDonald Company, who had a logging camp on that river. This work he gave up to come to Neillsville, starting a lumber yard on the corner where Mr. Condit now lives, though then there were no fine residences on Hewett Avenue. Although so variously oceupied from time to time, James Harriman longed to get back to the farm, and finally located on a farm at Melrose, Wis., Jackson County, where the latter part of his life was spent. He died, however, in Neillsville, at the age of 83 years. He was a Methodist in religion, and while living in Maine belonged to the Order of Sons of Temperance. His wife died in Neillsville at the age of 87. Their children, eight in number, were: James W., Elizabeth, Albert M., Mary, Martha, Julia, Sarah and Nellie. Albert M. Harriman, in his boyhood, attended school at Clinton, Me., and Le Center, Ul. Subsequently, he was associated with his father in shipbuilding at Green Bay, and also on the farm in Dodge County, Wis. Returning to Maine on a visit to relations, he was there when the Civil War broke out, and fired with that patriotic feeling that swept through the North when the news came of the attack on Fort Sumter, he enlisted in April, 1861, in Company G, Third Maine

Infantry, his regiment being assigned to Heintzelman's Corps. Mr. Harriman took part in five battles, including Bull Run, Yorkton and Williamsburg. After serving one year and eight months, he was discharged for disability, and returned home to Wisconsin. He was already a married man, having been united in 1860 to Seville D. Barott, who was born Oct. 11, 1843, in Oswego, N. Y., daughter of Morison Barott. He and his wife located in Dodge County, where they resided on his father's farm for three years, moving from there to Lake Crystal, which latter place was their home for seven years. Then, about 1873, Mr. Harriman came with his family to Neillsville and accepted a position lumbering at Cristy for the Al. Brown Company. Subsequently, he bought a farm at Melrose for himself and father, which they operated together until the latter's death. Mr. Harriman then bought out his mother's interests and conducted the farm two years longer, when he sold out. He then rented a hotel at Warren, which he conducted for a while until he finally came to Neillsville, which place has since been his home. Here for a while he did some farming, but is now retired, living comfortably in a neat residence, tastefully set out with evergreens. While residing at Lake Crystal, on Crystal Lake, Mr. Harriman held the office of township clerk, and was later chairman of the township board and postmaster at Christy. At Warren he was justice of the peace, For many years he has been interested in the temperance cause and has been a hard worker for it. He is also a member and secretary of the Methodist Church. Five children have been born to him and his wife - Albert C., who is a hardware merchant at Glenwood City, Minn.; Alice Maud, who is the widow of William Weller, and resides at Glenwood City; Grace M., wife of Louis H. Callender, a farmer of North Dakota; Harry W., who is an attorney at Milwaukee, and William O., who is in the forest service in the © State of Oregon. All Mr. Harriman's children have been given a good education, and are fitted to occupy honorable positions in the world. Mrs. Harriman is a member of the Relief Corp of the Grand Army of the Republic,

Fred Wehling, a respected citizen of Section 24, Loyal Township, who had attained prosperity as an agriculturist, was born in New Straily, Goem Province, Germany, Jan. 27, 1849, son of Carland Anna (Krueger) Wehling. The father was a native of Lendow, Germany, and he and his wife, Anna, had six children born in their native land, namely: Carl, Fredericka, Fred, Caroline, John and Wilhelmina. In 1876, Carl Wehling, accompanied by his wife and one daughter, Wilhelmina, came to the United States, locating in Dodge County, Wis., where he died not long afterwards. Fred Wehling attended school in Germany until he was 14 years old, and then began working on farms, in which occupation he continued until he was 25. He then came to America, settling in Mayville, Dodge County, Wis., where he worked on a farm for one year, for $100. Subsequently, he worked seven months for another farmer, spending the winter on his fathers' place, and in this way he was occupied for seven years. On Feb. 17, 1881, he was married in Dodge County to Wilhelmina Layman, daughter of John Layman, a farmer who died in his native land of Germany. After his marriage, Mr. Wehling and his wife took up their residence at Beaver Dam, Dodge

County, and rented a house, he working on farms for one year. He then came to Clark County and bought thirty-seven acres of land in Section 24, Loyal Township. The land was wild and there were no roads and Mr. Wehling, who had driven a part of the way with oxen, had to clear a place on which to build a log house and barn. Two other families had accompanied him and his wife. To earn money on which to live he went to work in Joe Marsh's lumber mill, being employed in the mill during the winter and loading cars in the summer for four years, and in the meanwhile, in his spare moments, he made such progress as he could at clearing his farm. He cradled the grain and mowed hay by hand, and in time got all his land cleared. In time, also, he built a six-room cement block house and two barns, each 28 by 20 feet in size. Since then his life has been that of a prosperous farmer. Ilis hardest work has been done and he can now enjoy the fruits of his former industry, though he still has plenty of work with which to occupy himself. The record of his children, in brief, is as follows: Otto, who married Martha Schmidt, lives at Hartford, Wis., and has one daughter, Violetta; Robert and William died young; Gustav married Martha Raabe and resides on the home farm; he and his wife have three children - Verna, Adaline and Nila; Agnes, who is the wife of Edward Rohde, lives in Loyal Township, and has one son, Gilbert; Anna resides in South Dakota and Ernest died young. The family are members of the German Lutheran Church.

Julius Sidney Benedict, a well-known and respected resident of Neillsville, is one who has done much to promote the dairying interests of Clark County, having been a pioneer here in that branch of agriculture. He was born at Marshall, Ill., Nov. 26, 1852, son of Sidney D. and Emeline Helen (McPherson) Benedict. The father was born at Saratoga, N. Y., Nov. 6, 1827, and was a son of Stephen and Elsie Benédict, the former of whom died in his 24th year, his wife surviving him until April, 1852. Sidney D. Benedict and his wife were married June 12, 1842. He was a farmer by occupation, and was thus engaged in his native state until 1855, in which year he joined the westward movement, locating with his family in La Crosse County, Wis. There he remained until 1870, when he removed to Clark County, settling on eighty acres of wild land in Section 6, Sherwood Township. He had brought with him two yoke of cattle and two cows, and on taking possession of his property he built a log house 18 by 24 feet in size. After clearing up most of this homestead, he moved to Grant Township, where he cleared and developed another tract of land. This last place proved to be his last earthly home, as it was the scene of his death. His wife died in the State of Michigan. Their family included five children - Mary, now Mrs. Dan Covey, residing in Nebraska; Julius S., of Neillsville; Thomas, a resident of Michigan; Perry, who lives in York, Clark County, and Fred, who is now deceased. Julius S. Benedict attended school in La Crosse County and grew to manhood on his father's farms, in the operation of which he assisted. At the age of 21 he struck out for himself, working for others and saving his money with the intention of buying a farm. As soon as he was able he purchased forty acres of wild land in Section 23, Grant Township, which he subsequently sold, buying eighty acres in Section 19, the same township, on which land he erected a frame house. At this time he used an ox team in his farming operations, and it was not until some years afterwards that he substituted horses. For many years he devoted his time to the development of this farm, from time to time putting up good buildings as they were needed, draining the land and making many other improvements. Here, also, he entered into the dairy business, with which he was conspicuously connected for a number of years, becoming a member of no less than nine creamery companies, and among other things helping to start the first creamery in Grant Township, known as Pleasant Ridge Creamery. He also bred Holstein cattle, in which he took great pride, and graded Clyde horses. About three years ago Mr, Benedict retired from the farm and took up his residence in Neillsville. He is a member of the Farmers Co-operative Elevator Company of this city, and is one of the well-to-do residents here, having a large circle of friends and acquaintances by whom his record is known and who honor him for the things he has accomplished. Though not active in official life, he served one year as school clerk. Mr. Benedict was married June 20, 1879, to Celia Reed, who was born near Arbutus Lake, in Jackson County, Wis., Oct. 21, 1859. Her parents were Thomas and Lucretia (Marsh) Reed, born, respectively, in the States of Maine and Michigan. Thomas Reed, the date of whose nativity was July 11, 1830, was an adopted child of a Mr. Reed, his father being Thomas Sears. His marriage to Lucretia Marsh, who was born June 15, 1836, took place at Black River Falls, Wis., in 1858. After working for some time in the timber woods he settled on a tract of wild land in Section 30, Grant Township, Clark County, homesteading eighty acres and securing another eighty acres by purchase. This was in June, 1863, and the rest of his life, which came to an end Jan. 25, 1885, was spent in the development of his farm. He began with very small resources, having only a single ox, but later securing an ox team. There were no roads in the vicinity and to reach his place with a wagon he had to cut a track through the woods, His first house was a small frame building which he himself erected. In subsequent years he built a finer residence and other substantial buildings. During his early career in this county he worked in the woods for a number of winters, being foreman of a lumber gang and later took jobs in this line of business himself, For some time he served as chairman of the township board, and was also prominent in school affairs. He was a member of the Masonic Lodge at Neillsville. He and his wife reared two children - Celia and Fannie. Mr. and Mrs. Benedict have been the parents of seven children, six sons, and one daughter, namely: Russell and Arthur, who are engaged in railroad work and reside in Fond du Lac, Wis.; Norene, now deceased; Harry, Murray, Marion and Laurel.

Philip H. Werle, a farmer of Loyal Township, who came to this locality in 1879, and has since taken active and useful part among the agricultural workers of the township, was born in Washington County, Wis., Oct. 6, 1855. His parents were William and Julia (Schilling) Werle. The father, William, was born and reared in Prussia, Germany. Learning the shoemaker's trade, he remained in his native land until he was 26 years old, and then came to the United States, locating in Milwaukee, Wis., which was then a hamlet containing but a few houses. There he worked at his trade for about a year, and then went to Washington County, where he opened a shoe shop. <A year later he married Julia Schilling, whose father, John, a farmer in Manitowoc County, had come from Prussia, Germany, with his wife and five children, the daughter, Julia, being then 18 years old. William Werle remained in Washington County two years after his marriage, and two children were born to him there - Christina and Philip H. The family then moved to Kiel, Manitowoc County, where William conducted a shoe shop for about a year, subsequently, buying forty acres of wild land there. He also purchased some cows and a team of oxen, built a log house and barn and later added forty more acres to his farm. During the fourteen years that he stayed on that place he cleared in all sixty acres of land, and he and his wife had eight more children - Minnie, Henry, Barbara, Louise, Willaim, Anna, John and Helen. He then sold his farm:and moved with his family to Milwaukee, where he found employment in a shoe factory, and where he died nineteen years later. Philip H. Werle remained at home until he was 20 years old. He was educated in the schools of Manitowoc County, and when old enough began working out. April 20, 1875, he married Augusta Schultz, who was born Sept. 29, 1858, daughter of August and Hannah Schultz, both natives of Prussia, a farmer of Manitowoc County, and he and his wife resided in Milwaukee for three years, subsequently, he working at the carpenter's trade. In 1879 he came to Clark County and bought eighty acres of wild land in Section 25, Loyal Township, on which there was a small log hut, which became the family residence. In order to support his family he had to work out in the woods and mills and at the carpenter's trade, in the meanwhile clearing his farm as he found time and opportunity. He had two cows to begin with, and after two years he secured a team of oxen. Later, he built a frame house, the occupation of which marked a big step in advance on his road to prosperity. Supplies were obtained from Spencer, eleven miles away, and Mr. Werle for some years had to carry them home on his back, there being no other means of transportation available, For some time they were able to trade but little, having nothing but butter and eggs. Though he made sure progress, it was very gradual, and he had to continue working out for twenty years before he was able to settle on his farm. Since those early days he has cleared forty acres and built a nine-room house and a barn 36 by 74 feet. He keeps graded Holstein cattle and Berkshire hogs, his buildings and farm equipment are in good condition, and for him the old days of privation and industrial slavery are things of the past. Mr. Werle has served four years as pathmaster of his district. He and his wife fave had children as follows: Adolph, who left home when 23 years old and has not since been heard of ; Lena, now Mrs. George Dolof, and a resident of Milwaukee, having four children - Gilbert, Vander, Lloyd and Ethel; Robert, who is in Idaho; Clara, residing in Loyal; John, who now is at a training camp of the war; Emma, residing in Loyal; Edward, now a resident of North Dakota, and Ella, who lives at home. The family are members of the Evangelical Church.

George A. Austin, now living retired in the city of Neillsville, is one of Clark County's best known citizens, and one who in former days took a prominent part in advancing the farming and dairying interests of the county, in the latter branch of agriculture being a pioneer. He was born in Otsego County, N. Y., March 12, 1829, son of David and Olga (Downing) Austin. The father, David, was a native of Rhode Island, who removed from that state to the State of New York, and was employed as a pilot and lumberman on the Susquehanna River. Later, he took up farming in Otsego County, and was thus engaged until 1844, in which year he removed to McHenry County, Ill. Five years later he met his death in a great tragedy, being one of the passengers lost on the steamer Phoenix, which was burned in Lake Michigan. He was then between 50 and 60 years of age, having been born between the years 1790 and 1800, the exact date not now being known. He left twelve children, his family being equally divided between sons and daughters. The sons were: Caleb, Pursell, George A., William, Cornelius and Andrew. The daughters: Mary Ann, Caroline Marie, Angelia, Addie, Malinda and Harriet. Angelia, who married a Mr. Canfield, is now mayoress of Warren, Ill. David Austin was a man of broad understanding and liberal ideas, one who did his own thinking, but was not intolerant of the opinions of others. After his death his wife made the difficult overland journey to Portland, Ore., where she subsequently resided for many years, dying at the home of her son, Cornelius. She was born in Cork, Ireland, daughter of Asel and Polly (Lyons) Downing, her mother's father, Mr. Lyons, being a Revolutionary soldier, who was killed on the field of battle. George A. Austin was educated in the district school and, subsequently, studied law, beginning the practice of that profession at Woodstock, Ill. He was not quite 82 years old when the Civil War broke out, and participating in that patriotic sentiment which animated most young of the North, he enlisted May 24, 1861, in Company A, Fifteenth Illinois Infantry, being assigned the rank of corporal. His military service covered four and a half years, and after rising to the rank of lieutenant of his company he was captured at Etawa and sent to the Confederate prison at Columbia, S. C. His rank saved him from being sent to Andersonville, the authorities of which prison were afraid of Northern officers who were prisoners organizing the men to effect escape. After three years' service he re-enlisted in a battalion, composed of the Fourteenth and Fifteenth Illinois Regiments, being made quartermaster in the latter regiment, with which rank he was subsequently mustered out. During his military career he saw much hard and dangerous service, taking part in the Missouri campaign, then going up the Tennessee River to participate in the Battle of Shiloh, called by the Confederates, Pittsburg Landing, and subsequently taking part in the siege of Vicksburg and other noted battles or military operations. Though he was never wounded he had many very narrow escapes, as is evidenced by the fact that the overcoat he wore at the second battle of Champion Hill had twenty-two bullet holes through it. At the close of the war he was sent on the expedition organized to drive the French out of Mexico, but the death of Maximillian and the subsequent departure of the French army from that country caused the expedition to be halted before it reached Mexico. Mr. Austin was mustered out Oct. 4, 1865, and returned home to Woodstock, and for five years was engaged in stock buying. Having decided to go into the milling business, he came to Neillsville, Wis., in 1870, and, taking over the mill that stood on the site of the mill that is now converted into a condensory, he began business as head of the firm of G. Austin & Co. He soon controlled the price of grain in this section of the state, it being hauled to him from as far away as the Mississippi River. He paid a good price to the farmers and his business flourished so that it was no uncommon thing to see sixty or seventy teams standing in line at his mill. His flour was known as the Neillsville Mills brand, and commanded a good sale on the market, being of a high quality. The mill was a wooden building, and connected with it by the same power was a shingle and planing mill. Across the creek also, where the electric plant now stands, Mr. Austin had a sawmill which cut about one million feet of lumber each year. About 1877, Mr. Austin sold his mill property and located on a farm on East Ridge, in Pine Valley Township. The farm contained eighty acres, and he devoted it to dairying, being the pioneer in that branch of industry in this county. On this farm he also built the first creamery in the county, and in addition to this he started a cheese factory on the farm, which was the second cheese factory erected in the county, but which he subsequently converted into a creamery. He kept some eighty or ninety cows, and continued farming and dairying until he sold out and retired in 1901 or 1902, at which time he took up his residence in Neillsville. Though Mr. Austin never cared for public office, he served as chairman of the township board. While residing on his farm Mr, Austin traveled for four or five years as a lecturer for the Farmers Institute, this being during the winter seasons, and while thus engaged he advocated the extension of dairying on the part of the farmers, and also the use of silos, he, himself, building the first silo in the state. He was the first to advocate the use of native corn for stocking the silo, and also wrote excellent articles on silage in those days for the agricultural papers and journals. His reputation as an authority on dairying and silage spread all over the state, and his farm was often visited by Professor Babcock, the inventor of the butter test, besides other persons interested in these subjects. Mr. Austin, though long since retired from personal participation in the industries of which he was at one time at the head in Clark County, can look back over his career with a feeling of satisfaction in the part he played in laying the foundations for much of the prosperity the farmers of the county now enjoy. In 1853, Mr. Austin was united in marriage with Marinda N. Kimball, who was born in New Hampshire, Nov, 20, 1835, daughter of Jonathan and Nancy J. (Gay) Kimball. On the maternal side she wag the granddaughter of General Gay, who served in the Revclutionary War. Her father, Jonathan, removed to Illinois when she was twelve years old, and engaged in farming near Woodstock, at which place he subsequently died. He also had a military record, having served as sergeant of a company in the War of 1812-15. Mr. and Mrs. Austin have had three children - Charles E., who resides in Neillsville; Mary E., a resident of Minneapolis, and widow of John Thayer, and Ida M., who is the widow of M, C. Ring. Mr. Austin is a member of the Christian Science Church, which he helped to organize in Neillsville. He also belongs to the local G. A. R. Post, to the Sons of Temperance and Temple of Honor, being active in the temperance movement, and to the Masonic order, which he joined at Woodstock, afterwards transferring his membership to the lodge in Neillsville, In this latter order he has advanced to the K. T. degree. His wife is now living at Neillsville in her 83d year. Mr. Austin passed away Feb. 23, 1917, nearly 88 years of age.

John Wuethrich, proprietor of the Farmers Progressive Creamery of Eaton Township, who is also the owner of a good farm, known as Grass Land Dairy Farm, is a native of Switzerland, born June 10, 1883, son of Samuel and Catherine (Ramseir) Wuethrich. The parents were both natives of that country, the father being a cheesmaker by trade, following it in the Alpine districts of Switzerland, where it was made in the summer time. John Wuethrich learned the art of cheese making from his father, and came with the rest of the family to the United States in 1892. There were six children all told - Karl, Fred, John, Alfred, Catherine and Rose, the youngest being 2 years old, and the eldest 14. John was then a boy of 11. They located at Woodland, Dodge County, Wis., where Samuel Wuethrich engaged in cheese making, A cousin, Chris Gassner, who had come to this country some ten years before, was one of their neighbors. The father continued working there, and also for a time at Mayville, until he had saved some money, when he bought a farm in the vicinity. He died there at the age of 71 years, and was survived by his wife, who is now living at Iron Ridge, Wis., being 64 years old. Samuel Wuethrich was a Lutheran in religious faith, and was a man well liked in his community. John Wuethrich first attended school in Switzerland and afterwards a church school in Wisconsin; also the district school of his neighborhood in Dodge County, the Dairy school at Madison and Northwestern University at Watertown, acquiring a good education. In adidtion to cheese making, he had learned the art of making butter, and for about two years he worked for Karl Grashorn, of Mayville. Mr. Grashorn then sent him to Greenwood, Clark County, to take charge of the Greenwood Creamery, now known as the Eau Claire Creamery. After being thus occupied for a year, he went to Doylestown, Columbia County, where he remained for a year. Then returning to Clark County he helped to organize the Farmers Progressive Creamery Company, and to build the plant and install the machinery. He was a stockholder in the concern and was made general manager, which position he held until 1914, when he purchased the entire plant, and has since been the sole owner. Starting with twenty-one patrons, the number increased until at one time he had as many as 225. At the present time there are about 125. Since he came here, Mr. Wuethrich has paid over one million dollars to the farmers. He makes both butter and cheese in this factory, and is also the owner of a cheese factory in the Township of Weston, the former proprietor of which was Mr. Blodgett. At the time he bought it, two years ago, it was lying idle. Mr. Wuethrich handles at his factory in Weston Township about 5,000 pounds of milk a day on an average, in addition to cream. He also owns a farm in Sections 11 and 14,

John Wuethricte And Family

Eaton Township, having forty acres in each section, and keeping a fine herd of full-blooded Holstein cattle. It was a partly improved place when he bought it, in 1909, and is now one of the finest farms in the township. The most important improvements have been made by himself, and include a basement barn 36 by 80 feet in size, ventilated, and with patent stanchions, a silo 12 by 26 feet, and another 14 by 28 feet. He has also built a cement block house. Mr. Wuethrich was married, 1909, to Vera Drummond, daughter of John and Ida (Williams) Drummond. He and his wife have two sons - John Drummond and Lee Allen.

Solomon Fordyce Jaseph, proprietor of a small but fine estate just south of Neillsville, where he is engaged in raising chickens, garden vegetables, fruit and other products, was an early settler in Clark County, coming to Neillsville about forty-six years ago. He was born in Cattaraugus County, N. Y., July 23, 1848, His father's name was Fordyce Jaseph, and his mother's, before marriage, Rachel Elizabeth Loomis. Both parents were natives of Vermont. From the early age of 8 years, however, the subject of this sketch has practically made his own way in the world, so far as aid from his parents is concerned, as at that age he went to live with his grandfather Loomis in Wyacena, Columbia County, Wis., remaining with him until he was 19. He then made a trip westward to Lake Benton, Minn., this being at about the time of the Indian massacres in that section. Returning to Poynett, Columbia County, Wis., Mr. Jaseph learned the trade of harness maker, and in 1872 came to Neillsville, going to work for P. 8. Dudley the first year. He then engaged in the harness business for himself in the block now owned by Dr. Bachman, remaining there until 1877. Then, selling out the harness business, he put in a stock of groceries and crockery, which line of mercantile enterprise he carried on for two years. Selling out that business, Mr. Jaseph became assistant postmaster under J. W. Ferguson, and was thus occupied for a year or more. His next venture was to engage in the commission business in the basement of a building that occupied the location of the present Neillsville bank, and that also he followed for two years, subsequently building a store on the north side, where Dr. Leason now lives, and conducting a general mercantile business for a similar length of time. He then started where Victor Wolfer's drug store is now located, in what was then known as the Regulator Building, but after two years closed out that business and opened a confectionary and restaurant, which he conducted for a while. Having for some time taken a more or less active part in politics, Mr. Jaseph now ran for sheriff and was elected on the Republican ticket, being the incumbent of that office in 1907 to 1910, and subsequently being undersheriff under Robert Unson for two years, At the end of that time Mr, Jaseph purchased fifteen acres of land just south of Neillsville, in a picturesque location, overlooking Black River, the property being then a jungle of brush and in a dilapidated condition, and here he has constructed a fine residence known as Riverside Home, remodeling the old house that stood on the premises. He has also built a cement chicken house and a hog house of the same material. His yard, set out with shrubbery and flowers, is a model of beauty and art in landscape gardening, and is visited by people from miles around. One acre of his land is devoted to fine fruit trees, and he also raises fine vegetables and experiments in sudan grass, alfalfa, vetch, etc. Mr. Jaseph belongs to the Masonic order, the Odd Fellows, of whose lodge he is one of the oldest members in Neillsville, the Royal Arcanum and the Woodmen. He was married Jan. 15, 1873, to Nellie E. Dole, daughter of A. O. Dole, assemblyman from Poynett, Columbia County, and he and his wife have had four children - Florence E., Lynn Dole, Hazel and Hollis W., all of whom graduated from the Neillsville high school. Florence, who married H. B. Robbins, died at the age of 24 years. Lynn D. is a prominent attorney of Green Bay, Wis., a graduate of the State University, who ran for attorney-general and county judge on the nonpartisan ticket, carrying his residential city. Hazel is the wife of Ed B. Erickson, a printer, of Elroy, Wis. Hollis W. resides in Minneapolis, Minn.

Eugene R. Moffatt, a well-known farmer of Section 1, Hewett Township, Clark County, Wis., who has also served as an official of the township, was born in Pine Valley Township, this county, son of Alden and Ellen (Anderson) Moffatt. The father was a native of Canada, coming to Washington County, Wis., as a boy, and was there reared to manhod. He and Ellen Anderson were married in Hartford, Wis., where he resided for three years after his marriage, and then bought eighty acres of wild land in Pine Valley Township, Clark County, On this he built a log house, worked out a little in the woods and on the drive in spring, and cleared his farm during the summers. After six years he had cleared about sixty acres, and then, in 1875, moved to Neillsville, at that time a small hamlet, where he started in the butcher's business. After being thus occupied for three years, he sold out to Mr. Lowe, and for the next four years operated a dray line. This he sold to Mr. Crumery and went into the business of buying land to get the timber for making staves, and in this manner he was engaged until he died on his farm in Hewett Township, Feb. 24, 1888. Eugene R. Moffatt, who was 18 years old at the time of his father's death, continued on the farm which the father had bought a year and a half before. When 21 he was married, Feb. 22, 1888, to Lizzie Fahbush, whose father, George Fahbush, was a farmer in Adams County, Wis., where she was born and reared. The marriage took place in Neillsville and he then settled on his own farm, which he later sold to his brother, buying eighty acres of wild land in Section 1, Hewett Township. On this tract he built a seven-room frame house, and a barn 40 by 40 feet in size, which was provided with a basement, besides several other buildings. He has now cleared forty acres of the land and is successfully raising graded Holstein and Ayrshire cattle and Poland-China hogs. He has served on the side board of Hewett Township and as clerk and director on the school board. Mr. and Mrs. Moffatt are the parents of seven children - Maude, Harvey, Hollie, Eugene, Willard, Percy and Vilas. All are residing at home, except Maude, who married a Mr. Cox, of Mineral Point, Wis., and has two children, Harvey and Victor.

Thomas Merrill Winters, a leading citizen of Washburn Township, and many years chairman of the township board, and a farmer by occupation, was born in Waupaca County, Wis., Sept. 14, 1867, son of John M. and Sarah