Clark County, Wisconsin - Biographical sketches, 1918 (part 4 of 18)

Edward Kayhart, a well known pioneer settler of Sherman Township, of which for many years he has been one of the leading citizens, was born on a farm in Morris County, N. J., Dec. 29, 1846, son of Richard and Elizabeth (Demouth) Kayhart. The parents were also natives of New Jersey. The father, Richard, died when the subject of this sketch was a babe of two years, and the latter subsequently resided with his mother on the farm. He had few educational opportunities, but became acquainted with agricultural work in its different branches, of which knowledge he afterwards made practical use. In 1869 he came to Clark County, Wis., with Wesley Vanderhoof, and was employed in the construction of the old turnpike road that ran trom Neillsville north towards Greenwood. He also spent three winters in the timber woods. In 1875, Mr. Kayhart bought a tract of eighty acres in Section 15, Sherman Township, there being at that time no road in the township. He had then been a married man for five years, having been united in Dec. 29, 1870, to Mary Vanderhoof, daughter of Jacob and Jane (Miller) Vanderhoof, and in the following year, 1876, he and his wife moved onto the farm, taking up their residence on it in the month of May. It was covered with timber, but no buildings. They built a little log shanty, with a scoop roof, 16 by 24 feet in size, and containing one room, which stood a little west of the present seven-room residence. Later, he built a log house, 16 by 24 feet in size, with four rooms, two downstairs and two up; also a log barn. He has now good barns and other buildings. His first stock was an ox team and one cow, but he now has a herd of good cattle. Mr. Kayhart added to his farm until he owned five or six hundred acres, but now farms about 150 acres. He has cleared a large amount of land in his day, and has also performed other useful service as the incumbent of local offices, having served on the township board, of which he was chairman for seventeen years, and as township treasurer. He was especially instrumental in having appropriations made for the construction of good roads, which have been of great benefit to the township. Mr. Kayhart was a former shareholder in the Loyal Bank, and is vice president of the Colby Bank. He and his wife have four children: Libbie, now Mrs. Frank Durke, of Sherman Township, and Wilber, Albert and Mamie, residing at home. Mamie is the wife of Harry H. Emling of Osceolo, Wis. They have one boy, Norman Edward.

Noble Downer, a prosperous citizen of York Township, of which he is one of the oldest continuous residents, if not the oldest, was born in St. Lawrence County, N. Y., Aug. 7, 1852, son of Joel and Eliza Ann (Nichols) Downer. Joel was a native of Vermont and a farmer, and he and his wife were married in New York, which was her native state. They came to Clark County, Wis., in 1864, being accompanied by four children: Noble, Homer, Carrie L. and Cora L. The family drove in from Sparta by hired team, their journey terminating at Neillsville, where Mrs. Downer had a brother, Hill Nichols, who had located there a year or two previously, and was starting a farm near Granton, where the L. Lee farm is now. With him they took up their residence for a time, until more permanent arrangements could be made. That winter Mr. Downer went to the woods, his family living on Pleasant Ridge, while Noble attended the old log schoolhouse in the Reed district. The next spring they removed to York Township. Joel Downer getting a tract of forty acres of wild land in Section 36, there being a trail past the place. On this land he erected a log building of two rooms and attic, 16 by 24 feet in size, and began the work of improvement with nothing but his hands. He and his wife and son Noble often walked to and from Neillsville, carrying supplies. After residing on his land three years, Joel got an ox team, with which he made faster progress. In the winter he worked in the lumber camps. In time he got his farm into good condition, the land well cleared and a frame residence built. He died at the age of 70 years. Noble Downer grew to manhood in York Township, and for some thirty winters followed lumbering in the woods, beginning at the age of 14. As he became more experienced he was given the charge of crews. As soon as he had saved $100 he invested it in eighty acres of land in Section 36, York Township, it being a wild tract, and on this he built a log house, 16 by 20 feet in size. He was married Sept. 20, 1871, to Levina Johnson, who was born at Northampton, Pa., Jan. 19, 1854, daughter of Josiah and Susannah (Schulk) Johnson, the parents being of New England ancestry. He and his wife lived in the log house for about ten years, his wife remaining at home while he was away in the woods. They had one cow when they began domestic life, and later got an ox team. Mr. Downer, in time, cleared all the land, and has since owned several tracts. A frame house that he built in early days burned down some twenty years ago, but he subsequently - a few years later - replaced it by a brick house of nine rooms. He is now proprietor of a good farm, and is enjoying the reward of his early industry in a comfortable prosperity. Mr. Downer has held office on the township side board and as treasurer of the school district. He was a member of the first creamery association organized in the township, and is at present a stockholder in the State Bank of Granton, and in the Wausau packing plant. He is a charter member of the Modern Woodmen lodge of Granton. On his farm he raises Durham cattle with profitable results. He and his wife are the parents of seven children: Albion, Joel, Richard, Frank, Gertie, Niel and Bessie. Albion, who married Laura McKerche, resides in Granton, and has one child, Alva. Joel married Attie Osgood and has five children: Harold, Leona, Helen, Wilfred and Lelah. Richard, of Fremont, married Alice Chapel, and has twelve children: Clarence, Holley, Mernice, Mabel, Daniel, Daisy, Seth, Ralph, Josephine and the others are deceased. Frank married Flora Pierlie, and has three children: Eugene, Victor and Catherine. Gertie is the wife of James Baker and has one child, Donald. Niel, who married Anna McLove, has two children, Ross and Aletha. Bessie is the wife of Roy Wright, of Ladysmith. All Mr. Downer's children, except Albion, are located in York Township, not far from the old home, having had no desire to wander far from it, and are, therefore, united in bonds of intimate association enjoyable to all and their parents.

Theodore E. Emling. Among the many fine farms of Clark County, there is none, perhaps, that has finer soil, is better situated or is more carefully looked after, than Pleasant View Farm in Sections 10 and 15, of which Theodore E. Emling is the proprietor. Mr. Emling was born in the village of Saylesville, Dodge County, Wis., Oct. 3, 1862, son of George and Hannah (Milling) Emling. The father was a native of Germany who came to the United States when a young man, landing here after a voyage of fortyfour days in a sailing vessel. Locating in Mayville, Dodge County, Wis., he there learned the trade of wood turner. He was married in Milwaukee to Hannah Milling, who came from Germany at the age of 5 years with her parents, they settling near Milwaukee at an early day when that now fine city was an insignificant village. Later the Millings moved to Boyd, Chippewa County, making the journey with an ox team, and there they died. George Emling, father of the subject of this sketch, died in Clark County, spending the last three years of his life on the farm of his son Theodore.

His wife died during the winter of 1915-16 in Chicago. Their family numbered nine children. Theodore E. Emling, who was the second born child of his parents, in his boyhood attended school in Saylesville, Wis. As soon as he was old enough he began working out for farmers, and later bought a tract of improved land, containing forty acres, in Rubicon Township, Dodge County, in which township Saylesville is situated. The money for the purchase of this land he had earned by logging and cooking for six winwinters in the woods of Chippewa County. About the time he started on this farm he was married, in 1881, to Ida Gould, of Rubicon Township, Dodge County, whose father, Rensselaer D. Gould, was a farmer and a pioneer of Wisconsin in 1840, settling in the woods near Oconomowoc. Later, he removed to Dodge County, spent a number of years there, and finally came to Clark County, the last seventeen years of his life being spent at the home of his daughter and son-in-law, Mr. and Mrs. Emling. The latter came to Clark County after residing on their forty-acre farm in Dodge County for seventeen years. Six children were born to them there: Fred, Harry, Sadie, Addie, Ned and Laura; while in Clark County three others were born, Eva and Eda (twins) and Irene, In Dodge County Mr. Emling had followed dairying largely, and was also a leader in the cheese-making industry there. As a Republican, he took some part in local politics and served two years as township clerk. On arriving in Clark County, Mr. Emling bought 280 acres of land in Sections 15 and 10, Sherman Township. About fifty acres of this tract were cleared, but the buildings - an old house and barn - were in very poor condition. He at once began to make improvements, building a large frame house and a barn, 36 by 100 feet. He was also one of the first to erect a silo in this part of the county, putting up two - one 14 by 30 and the other 14 by 24 feet in size. From the first Mr. Emling intended to give his chief attention to dairying, and for that purpose he helped to organize the creamery. He now has 140 acres of his land cleared, which work was accomplished by his own hands. The soil is very good and produces the best corn in the county, Mr. Emling taking pains to keep it up to its hightest productive power. There are many people, indeed, who consider his farm to be the best in the county, all things considered, or, at least, to have no superior. He raises shorthorn cattle, having fourteen registered head, both of the dairy and beef type; and he also raises a good grade of horses and Ohio Improved Chester hogs, Mr. Emling's farm is finely equipped with implements and machinery, including a good threshing outfit, with which he goes out over the neighboring section. He farms about 200 acres, with general rotation of crops, and is also a stockholder in the Citizens State Bank of Loyal, and the Citizens State Bank of Spencer. Mr. Emling is a member of the Masonic order, belonging to Lodge No. 224 of Marshfield, and also to the Beavers lodge at Loyal. He has served on the district school board ever since coming to the township, has been treasurer of the township board several years, and is now chairman of the board, serving in his second year. Of his children, who have been already mentioned, Fred married Dora Rabbe and resides at Girard, Mont., where he is engaged in farming; Harry H. H., who is in the dray business at Osceola, Wis., married Mayme Kayhart, and has one child, Norman, and Addie is

Harrison C. Maxon, a veterinary surgeon, residing at Humbird, Wis., was born at Adam Center, Jefferson County, N. Y., Dec. 18, 1839. His parents were Darwin E. and Hannah (Crouch) Maxon, the former of whom, Darwin, was born in Rhode Island in 1812, and died in California in 1891. The mother was a descendant of Count Bondicotte, who fled to America from France to escape persecution because of his religion, being a Protestant. In 1865, Darwin E. Maxon located in Jackson County, Wis., a few miles south of Humbird, but later, in 1873, moved to California, where, as above stated, his death occurred. He and his wife had ten children, six of whom are now living: Stella, Ada, Mattie, Kate, Fred and Harrison,

Harrison C. Maxon remained with his father until the outbreak of the Civil War. In the fall of 1861 he enlisted in the 14th Wisconsin Infantry, and, being sick and wounded at the battle of Pittsburgh Landing, or Shiloh, was discharged. In 1864 he enlisted again, this time in the 11th Illinois Cavalry, and served to the end of the war, during most of the time being a dispatch bearer for General Washburn (governor of Wisconsin from 1872 to 1874) to General Canby at New Orleans. Returning to Jackson County after the war, he resided there for a number of years, and married Aug. 30, 1873, to Ida E. Houghton, who was born in December, 1855, and died April 2,1882. Of this union there was one son born, Dec. 1, 1876. In August, 1883, Mr. Maxon married for his second wife, Mrs. Florence Holdbrook, by whom, however, he had no children. He contracted a third marriage Feb. 23, 1898, to Daisy M. Andrews, of which union there have been three children: Paul, born Dec. 9, 1898; Thelma, Dec. 25, 1901, and Lowell, June 17, 1906. In 1877, Mr. Maxon went to California, where he farmed for several years. He has lived also in North Dakota, and has returned to California on several occasions. In 1889, having returned to Clark County, he engaged in the grain business at Humbird, and was thus occupied for eleven years, but gave it up to engage in veterinary practice, having learned that profession from his father years before. He has been very successful and built up a good reputation, together with a profitable practice. As a citizen he is popular, taking an interest in the general progress and welfare of the community of which he is a member. Mr. Maxon lost heavy on the Dan Patch Electric Railroad.

Fred Warren Davis, a widely known and esteemed ctiizen of Grant Township, and a pioneer settler in Clark County, was born in Essex County, N. Y., March 13, 1837. His parents were West and Mary Ann (Pippen) Davis, the father a native of Vermont and the mother of St. Lawrence County, N. Y., in which county they were married. West Davis, who was a son of Calvin Davis, settled in New York state at an early age, and remained there to the end of his days, following the occupation of a farmer. He died at the comparatively early age of 44 years. His wife's span of life was nearly twice as long, as she died only five years ago, when in her 80th year. They had four children: Mary Ann, Samuel, Lucy and Fred WThe family were members of the Presbyterian Church. Fred W. Davis grew to manhood in Essex County, N. Y., and in his boyhood attended the common school. In December, 1864, he was united in marriage with Ruth P. Lee, a native of New York state, and daughter of Aaron Lee. That year he and his wife came west to Clark County, Wis., locating on land in what is now Grant Township, but which then was known as Weston. His tract consisted of sixty acres, and was nearly wild, though there was a half-roof shanty on the place. He had a pair of horses, but soon sold them, and got a cow. His mill was at Neillsville, and it took two days to make the trip. At times he made a little money hauling supplies to the lumber camps. Soon after coming into the township, Mr. Davis bought forty more acres of land, and for many years afterwards he bought and sold land as he saw good opportunity, in time acquiring many acres. He also built a frame barn on his place, and the next year put up a good house; also raising good stock, in which branch of his work he favored shorthorn cattle. While engaged in loading logs in the woods he met with an accident which cost him his right arm, which handicapped him considerably in his general farm work. For the last thirty years, therefore, he has been a stock dealer, though he still oversees the farm work. Mr. Davis has gained high standing as a citizen, and has served more or less in public office. He was for two years chairman of the township board, and has also been a member of the school board, and has had charge of road and bridge work for the county. His wife, Ruth, died fifteen years ago at the age of 52 years, and he subsequently married Amelia Gerlack, who was born in Calumet County, Wis. Mr. Davis has had seven children, those by his first wife, six in number: Ellen Jeanette, wife of John Pieterpol; Frank E., who resides on the home farm; W. Scott, cashier of Granton Bank; Truman, a farmer in York Township; Louis, a civil engineer, residing in Montana, and Hale, who is engaged in the hardware business at Granton. Of Mr. Davis' second marriage one daughter was born, Caroline, who resides at home. Herman A, Maurer, cashier of the Dorchester State Bank, was born in Medford, Wis., July 3, 1884, son of Henry and Anna (Weick) Maurer. The parents, who were married in Germany, came to America in 1881, spending their first winter in this country in Chicago. Henry Maurer, who was a baker by trade, removed to Medford, Taylor County, Wis., in 1882, and and followed his trade there till 1904, when he retired. He is still residing there with his wife. At one time he served as mayor of the village. He also served as supervisor of the first ward of Medford, was county treasurer of Taylor County in 1913 and 1914, and a candidate in 1915, and also served on school and county boards for many years. He is a member of the Masonic order, and of the Modern Woomen of America, and in politics is a Republican, He and his wife have had five children: Robert, now residing in Boston, Mass.; Eugene, a traveling salesman; Herman A., of Dorchester; Elsie, now Mrs. W. H. Koehler, and Erna, who is a proficient teacher. Herman A. Maurer finished his studies at the Medford high school in 1901, and afterward attended Gilbert's Business College at Milwaukee. He then took a position in the State Bank of Medford, where he was employed from 1902 to 1906. During the next six months he was assistant cashier in the Abbotsford State Bank, and then returned to Medford, where he accepted a position as bookkeeper for a local firm. In 1907 he went to Houghton,

Mr. And Mrs. Michael F. Moldenhauer

Mich., where he was employed two years by Horace Stevens, returning to Medford at the end of that time to become assistant cashier of the First National Bank. On June 21, 1911, Mr. Maurer became cashier of the Dorchester State Bank, in which position he is still serving efficiently. He has been a member of both the village and school board, and belongs to the local Masonic lodge and the camp of Modern Woodmen of America, in which latter he holds the office of clerk, As a capable business man he has won widespread recognition, and has proved a popular bank official. Mr, Maurer was united in marriage June 6, 1913, with Gwendolyn Williams, who was born at Elwood, Ind., April 6, 1890, daughter of Lee and Orpha (Beeson) Williams, her father being engaged in the implement business there. She and Mr. Maurer became acquainted while she was teaching school in Medford, Wis. The Williams family included the following children: Reta, wife of M. L. Maxwell, of Martins Ferry; Rudolph, of Elwood; Gwendolyn (Mrs. Maurer) ; Justin, of Elwood, Ind.; and Leota, wife of G. R. Loop, of Kokomo, Ind.

Michael F. Moldenhauer, an elderly resident of Neillsville, now retired, was born in Prussia, Germany, May 21, 1836, a son of Michael and Christine Moldenhauer. Michael and his family came to the United States in 1849, the party consisting of himself and wife, and seven children: Charles, August, Frederick, Gotfried, Minnie and Frederica. He had been a miller and farmer in his native land, and was headed for Milwaukee, near which place he had relations. The family were eleven weeks on the voyage from Hamburg to Quebec, and thence continued their tedious journey to Milwaukee. After reaching his destination Michael Moldenhauer soon located in the township of Cedarburg, Ozaukee County, three miles from the village of Cedarburg, and sixteen miles north of Milwaukee. From the cedar swamps in the vicinity he hewed out square timber with which to build a log house, in the meanwhile, occupying a rented farm house, which burned down before he had his own house finished. In the fire he lost all his personal possessions. Undaunted by this calamity, however, he persevered until he had erected a primitive residence. Soon another misfortune overtook him, as his wife died from cholera, which she caught while in the service of neighbors who had the disease and whom she was caring for. Subsequently Michael contracted a second marriage, and the rest of his life was spent in that vicinity. Michael F. Moldenhauer, the direct subject of this sketch, was 15 years old when he came with his father's family to the United States. After reaching Cedarsburg he secured a place in a store there, and also attended school there, acquiring what was then regarded as a good education for a youth in his position. Later, to earn more money, he went to the pine woods of Michigan in the employ of a logging company, and, wishing to save his money, allowed his wages to accumulate in the hands of the company. This proved an unfortunate move, however, as the company went bankrupt and he lost all his savings. His next strenuous experience was as a soldier in the Civil War, he enlisting at Milwaukee Aug. 22, 1862, in Company A, 26th Wisconsin Volunteers. He was led to take this step at a meeting held in Cedarburg calling for volunteers from that vicinity, when he with five others stepped forward and agreed to serve. With another young man he left Cedarburg at 5 p. m. that evening on foot, and arrived in Milwaukee the next morning. While in camp there the Indian outbreak in the Northwest occurred, and some fifty men of Company A, with ten or twelve guns and a few cartridges were sent towards Cedarburg to help put down the uprising. At the same time his future wife, who was then a girl living in his township, was speeding towards Cedarburg in fear of the Indians that never came. After getting into active service in the South, however, Mr. Moldenhauer saw plenty of hard fighting, taking part in such battles as Chancellorsville, Gettysburg, Missionary Ridge and a dozen other engagements, and marching with Sherman to the sea. At the battle of Auersborough he was wounded and was sent home to Madison, Wis., where he was discharged in May, 1865, being thus prevented from taking part in the Grand Review at Washington. As soon as he recovered from his wound he engaged in farming in Ozaukee County and was thus occupied in that vicinity until 1870. In that year, being now a married man, he came to Clark County and located on forty acres of land in Lynn Township, eight miles east of Neillsville, later increasing the size of his farm by adding eighty acres more. He had to build his first residence on the farm, a log structure, 16 by 22 feet, and he then started work with nothing but his hands and one ox, and his wife assisting him in the manual labor. They grubbed in their first crops, but later bought a pair of steers and a brake for oxen. Their first dwelling was their home for some thirty years, with the exception of five years spent in Missouri and short periods in Neillsville and Arcadia, where Mr. Moldenhauer followed the trade of cigar-maker which he had learned in Milwaukee. In 1902 he sold the farm and moved to Missouri, but returned in 1909 and took up his residence in Neillsville, which place he has since made his home. While residing in Lynn township he served as chairman of the township board, also as a member of the side board and as school clerk. In 1874 he joined the Odd Fellows' order in Neillsville and is still a member, also belonging to the Encampment. He belongs to the G. A. R. post in Neillsville, his wife being a member of the Woman's Relief Corps. Their five children are: Alma, Clara, Adelaide and Irwin (twins), and Walter.

John A. Mund engaged in agriculture and dairying in Weston Township, where he has made a success after long years of effort and early discouragements, was born in Rensselaer County, New York, Oct. 23, 1854, son of Bernhardt and Theresa (Carrus) Mund. The parents were born in Baden, Germany, and married in New York. Berhardt Mund came to the United States alone in 1849, landing in this country after a fifty-twodays' voyage in a sailing vessel. His wife came in 1851 with her mother, also in a sailing vessel, the voyage lasting fifty-four days. Bernhardt was at that time 22 years old and a shoemaker by trade. While still residing in New York State two children were born to him and his wife: John Ruy subject of this sketch, and Mary, who is now married and resides in Weston Township. About 1855 he and his family came west to Washington County, Wis., where two more children were born: Rosa, now the widow of Ferdinand Barr, of Pierce County, and Bertha, wife of Joseph Bodwin, of Weston Township, Clark County. The father followed his trade until 1878, after which he resided with his son, John A., until his death in March, 1914, at the age of 86 years. His wife, Mrs. Theresa Mund, died here, in 1906, at the age of 72, Bernhardt Mund had been a soldier in the Germany army, but after coming to this country became thoroughly imbued with American principles. John A. Mund, in his boyhood, attended district school in Washington County and when a little older acquired a knowledge of farming. When he left home he first took up railroad work but later went to farming. In 1878 he came to Clark County, securing eighty acres of land in section 18, of which twenty acres were chopped and the rest wild. There was no building on the place and no traveled road near it, so he built a log house, 16 by 26 feet, with one room, which was his first residence here. He also bought a yoke of oxen, a sow, and a wagon and plow the first year, and made a three-cornered drag. Of this tract he cleared all except twenty acres, which he left in timber, buying forty more acres of wild land in section 17, He also worked in the lumber camps sawing and driving team, at intervals coming home and doing a little chopping on his farm, or working in the harvest fields of neighboring farmers. In this way he made gradual progress, which was slow at first but faster in later years, as the farm improved sufficiently to support himself and family. He had come to Clark County with the idea that it was a farming country, but had found the principal occupation lumbering, and had to make the best of conditions. In time he built a log barn 60 by 25 feet in size, and has since made various other improvements, now having a well-developed and profitable farm of sixty acres, and keeping a good grade of stock. In early days his wife would make butter and walk to town with it, having to sell it for eight cents a pound or less, and rarely being able to get six cents a dozen for eggs. It was not until the creameries started that prosperity began to dawn upon them. Mr. Mund's marriage occurred in 1883, his bride being Jessie Lyman, of Oconomowoc, Jefferson County, Wis., where she was born, March 5, 1866, daughter of Albert and Jennie (Ritchie) Lyman. Her father was a gardener by occupation and had come to this country before the Civil War, in which he served four years as a soldier in the Federal army. He and his wife had another child, William Lyman, now of Portage, Wis. Mrs. Jessie Mund died Mar. 6, 1912, having been the mother of four children: Elmer, of Self Township, who married Josephine Poppie, and has three children, Lloyd, Vitus and Glen; Byron, who resides on the home farm; Mamie, who is the wife of Henry Keister, of Warner Township, and has two children, Dorothea and Edwin; and Lillian, who died at the age of four months. Mr. Mund is now serving in his ninth year as chairman of the township board, having been supervisor fourteen years, and having also served three years on the school board. He has shown efficiency both in his private business and in public office and is one of the leading citizens of Weston Township.

Thomas Muir, who is carrying on general farming and stock-raising on a farm of eighty acres in section 2, Lynn Township, and doing a prosperous business, was born in Prescott, Canada, Dec. 22, 1842, son of William and Elizabeth (Beard) Muir. The parents were natives of Scotland and were married in Edinburgh, the father being a carpenter and joiner by trade. He was employed for nine years in the royal palace, which is so extensive that in all that time he was never able to find out how many rooms there were in it. William Muir and wife had four children born in Scotland, Robert, William, Elizabeth and Isabella. About 1840 the family emigrated to Canada, where five more children were born: James, Mary, Jeanette, George and John. The father spent the rest of his life in Canada, following his trade as long as he was able to work. He died at the age of 80 years or more. His wife died much earlier - at the age of 56. They were members of the Presbyterian Church. Thomas Muir was educated in Canada, attending the district school. When a young man he engaged in lumbering, working in the Canadian woods. On Oct. 15, 1871, he was married to Eliza Cuture, whose family name is now generally spelled Couture. Mrs. Muir was born in Canada, June 10, 1851, daughter of Joseph and Louise (Viseneau) Cuture, the father being a native of France and the mother of Canada. Mr. Cuture was employed for a number of years at logging, he and his wife residing in Quebec; afterwards he became a farmer. They had six children: Joseph, George, Mary, Anna, Eliza and Leonora. The parents, who were of the Catholic faith, both lived to an advanced age. Thomas Muir and his wife resided for two years in Canada after their marriage. Then, in 1873, they came to Clark County, locating in section 2, Lynn Township, on a tract of eighty acres. There were no buildings and no roads, the tract being thickly covered with timber. Mr. Muir and wife took up their residence at a neighbor's, who lived across the road in Wood County. He then built a log house, 16 by 14 feet in size, which stood on a part of the site of the present residence, and also erected a small log stable. He started with practically nothing but his hand to depend on, as he had but four dollars left after paying the driver who brought him and his wife from Neillsville. That fall he went into the lumber woods and the next spring got a cow. He raised his own ox team but grubbed in his first crops by hand. Many times he had to walk to Neillsville for supplies. His wife helped him to clear the place, working in the fields with him when not busy with her household duties. Since then he has developed a good farm. His present barn is 32 by 42 feet in size, and instead of the original one-roomed log cabin he has a commodious and comfortable residence. He raises a good grade of stock. As a prominent citizen of his township, Mr. Muir has always taken an interest in its advancement and prosperity. He has served as road master and as a member of the district school board. In religion he is a Presbyterian and in early days church services were often held in his log house. He and his wife have had seven children, the first-born of whom, Mary Isabella, died in Canada. The others are as follows: Jesse Lena, now deceased, who was the wife of Chas. Pearson, and left three children: Elizabeth, Louisa, and Edna J., residing at home; John Calvin, a resident of Wood County; William Thomas, of Wood County; Henry Ben, at home, and Samuel Arthur, who resides in Chile Township.

Jacob Enhelder, a well-known and highly esteemed resident of Weston Township, is a pioneer of Clark County and a veteran of the Civil War. He was born in Switzerland, Jan. 1, 1831, son of John and Mary Enhelder, the father being a miller by occupation. John and Mary Enhelder had three children: Jacob, John and Mary. Jacob Enhelder was educated in his native land and there learned the miller's trade. He was the first of the family to come to the United States, being 17 years old at the time, his emigration taking place in 1848. The voyage was made in a sailing vessel and lasted eighty-six days, terminating at the port of New Orleans. From there Mr. Enhelder proceeded up the Mississippi river to St. Louis, and from there went to Davenport, Iowa, where he stayed all summer. In 1849 he came to Clark County, Wis., following an Indian trail from the mouth of Black River. On arriving at North Bend he halted and spent the winter there, and in the following spring came to Black River Falls, where he worked in lumber camps and on the river until after the Civil War, except for the time that he spent in military service. It was in 1861 that he enlisted at Black River Falls in Company G, Tenth Wisconsin Volunteers, being mustered in at Milwaukee and sent to Louisville, Ky., where he stayed on Salt River until the spring. The regiment then marched against Beauregard and Mr. Enhelder took part in the battle of Murfreesboro and other engagements, serving three years and three months, and being mustered out at Atlanta, Ga, Returning home, he again took up his residence at Black River Falls. In 1864 he was married at Neillsville to Jessie Douglas, an adopted daughter of Robert Douglas, an old pioneer of Clark County, and after his marriage he and his wife resided at Neillsville. While residing there he engaged in teaming between Greenwood, Sparta and Neillsville, and was thus occupied until the construction of the railroad. When that event put an end to his teaming he resolved to take up farming and accordingly secured a piece of land in Pine Valley Township. It was a wild tract of eighty acres, but a road had been chopped through and there was a log building on the place. He and his wife lived there for three years, at the end of which time he traded the place for a tract of the same size in Weston Township, on the west side of the river. There was a frame barn already constructed and he built a frame house and with a team and two cows he began the work of clearing the land, a task that he finally accomplished. There he resided for thirty years, during which time he and his wife had six children born to them, who were named respectively Clarence, Mollie, Dean, Ernest, Willis and Robert, the last mentioned being now deceased. This place, which lay in section 31, he finally sold, buying a tract of 240 acres in section 4. Of this latter about forty acres were cleared, and there was a sort of building on the land which passed for a house, but which was neither ornamental nor commodious. There were also one or two other buildings, all of which needed improvement, These, together with the house, he rebuilt and erected other buildings, including a warehouse and silo, and in time he had the place well cleared and improved. In early days Mr. Enhelder took some long walks in the country, on one occasion walking from La Crosse to Black River Falls, a distance of fifty-one miles in one day, and on another occasion he repeated the same feat. Mr. Enhelder is now retired from active work and is enjoying his latter years in ease and comfort, the reward of his long career of industry and thrift. He is a member of the G. A. R.

Aliden U. Metcalf, a respected resident of Hewett Township, and a pioneer of Clark County, was born in Adrian, Ohio, Oct. 22, 1845, son of Nelson and Eliza Metcalf. His father was a native of Massachusetts, and the mother, whose family name was Kies, was born in Connecticut, where they were married. By the time they had three children - Andrew, Ephraim and Sarah - Nelson and Eliza Metcalf removed to Ohio, in which state six others were born - Eli, Aliden, May, Daniel, Giles and Nelson. From Ohio the family moved to Indiana, and then, in 1865, the parents, with their youngest son, Nelson, continuing their western pilgrimage, came to Clark County, Wis., locating in section 1, Hewett Township, on land that was covered with timber, the entire surrounding country, indeed being heavily wooded. Their first dwelling here was a board shanty, and their next a log house, in which they lived until Mr. Metcalf moved to Neillsville, where he died at the age of 70 years. His wife died four years before he did, at the age of 59. Aliden U. Metcalf attended school in Ohio and grew up on his parents' farm. At the age of 20 years he was married in Indiana to Alvira Robinson, who died, leaving one child, Parker, now of York township, Clark County. On Dee. 19, 1872, Mr. Metcalf married for his second wife, Susan Smith, who was born in Allen county, Ind., Feb, 20, 1852, daughter of Josiah and Jerusha Smith, natives or inhabitants of that state, who settled in Indiana and spent the rest of their lives there. They were the parents of ten children. Mr. Metcalf farmed for awhile in Indiana, or until 1873, when in June of that year he set out to drive overland to Clark County, Wis., with his family. The trip took them fifteen days with good weather. They were met at Black River Falls by Nelson, Mr. Metcalf's brother, who piloted them into Hewett Township through the pine woods, the timber being so dense that it shut out the sunlight. They bought a tract of land of eighty acres in section 12, it being covered with timber except two acres on which the trees had been cut down, but the stumps left. There was a log house on the land, in which they made their home, and where they lived until 1903, when the present frame house was built. There was no road, but the main Indian trail ran across their place, and they often saw Indians passing in single file, the line extending for half a mile. Beginning with an ox team and a jumper, Mr. Metcalf began the pioneer work of clearing the land - a task that occupied him for a number of years. He now has a well-improved farm, is raising good stock and doing a prosperous business as a farmer. He served four or five years on the township board, and was also a member of the school board, being treasurer. Of his second marriage three children were born: Eliza Jane, Aliden, Jr., and Jesse. Eliza Jane, who married Louis Haenel, of Merrilan, Wis., died, leaving four children, Susan Margaret, Sarah, William and Elsie. Aliden, who resides at Chippewa Falls, married Nettie Murray, of Portage, Wis., and has one child, Jesse. Jesse is a railroad man residing at Altoona, Wis. He married Lida Sherlock, and has seven children: Richard H., Jesse Marion, Howard Earl, Elma Susan (deceased), Myrtle Lucille and Bessie Idell. ,

Mr. And Mrs. Carl Schulke And Residence

Albert Degener, a well-known business man of Chili, Fremont Township, Clark County, where he is proprietor of a flourishing hardware business, was born in Hanover, Germany, Nov. 8, 1869, son of Frederick and Louisa (Plathner) Degener. The parents were natives of Germany, where they passed their lives and died, the father being a Lutheran minister. They had a large family of eleven children: Conrad, Johanna, Julius, Augusta, Dora, Frederick, Albert, Johannas, Mariechen, George and Ludwig. Of these children Albert was the first to come to the United States, which he did in September, 1892. He was followed the next year by his sister, Dora, then single, but now the wife of Emil Bosselmann, of Fremont Township. Albert had attended school in his native land, and had taken a grammar course of study under his father's instructions. He began industrial life as a clerk in dry goods and other stores and was thus occupied until he came to the United States. After landing in this country he set out for Marathon County, Wis., but on reaching Milwaukee he decided to remain there for awhile and stayed about two months, obtaining employment. He then proceeded to Marathon County, where he had an uncle living, and locating in Spencer, worked as clerk in a store there for two years. From there he went to Green Bay, Wis., where he worked at anything he could find to do, that period - 1894 to 1896 - being times of financial stringency. Sometimes he worked for as low as $6 a month and board. In 1896 Mr. Degener came to Neillsville, reaching here Nov. 9, and from that time until 1900 he was in the employ of Luethe Company, the business being then dissolved. In April, that year, he came to Chili, where he established a branch store for Walk Bros., of Neillsville, which he conducted for a year and a half. He then engaged in the same line of business for himself, being proprietor of the general store in Chili, until December, 1904, when he sold out to Mr. Reichardt. Then, in March, 1905, he opened a hardware store, which he has since conducted, dealing also in farm implements. In 1900 Walk Bros, erected the first warehouse in Chili, which was conducted until 1903 or 1904 by O. E. Counsell. In 1914 the Chili Co-operative Produce Company was formed, which tore down the old building and erected the present elevator on the same site. Mr. Degener became interested in the enterprise, served on the building committee and is now a stockholder in the concern. He is also manager of the potato warehouse built in Chili in 1911, by the Starks Company. Mr. Degener was married, 1901, to Hulda Walters, daughter of O. F. Walters, a retired farmer from Grant Township, now residing in Neillsville, and he and his wife have one child, Vivian Freda.

Carl Schuelke, until recently a well-known and prosperous farmer of Grant Township, and now living retired in Neillsville, where he located Oct. 1, 1917, was born in Germany, Mar. 3, 1854, son of Carl and Wilhelmina (Ness) Schuelke. Both parents were natives of Germany, the father being a carpenter by trade. The latter died in his native land when 75 years old; his wife died much earlier, at the age of 30, the subject of this sketch being then a boy of 11 years. There were five children in the family: Herman, Carl, Alvina, Ida and Minnie, now Mrs. George Martin, of Hewett Township, Clark County. Ida, who also came to the United

States, married Charles Lautenbach, but is now deceased. Carl Schuelke was the first of the family to come to this country, which he did in 1873, as a single man. He arrived in Chicago without resources but found employment in a lumber yard and resided in the city for one year. He then came to Clark County, arriving here with a total capital of $3.50, which he loaned to a friend and never got it back. Going to work for Mr. Boardman of Neillsville, he handled lumber that summer and later worked in the harvest fields. He also did carpenter work or anything else he could get todo, In the fall of 1877 he bought forty acres of land in section 23, Grant Township, on which there were some improvements, including an old log house and barn, and he now settled on this land and began improving it. His marriage followed shortly after, on Mar. 29, 1878, when he took to wife, Matilda Lautenbach, who was born in Germany, July 20, 1858, daughter of August and Johanna (Kath) Lautenbach. She had come to the United States with her parents in 1866, there being three other children in the family: William and Julius, now living in Grant Township, and Otto, who died at the age of 3 years. Afterwards two other children were born in the Lautenbach family: August, now of Granton,.and Otto (second), who lives in Grant Township. Mr. Lautenbach, who was a shepherd in Germany, located at Manitowoc, Wis., but after residing there four years, came to Clark County and settled in section 23, Grant Township, where he and his family led the hard life of pioneers for a number of years, but finally developed a good farm. He died at the age of 85 and his wife at that of 75 years. Mr. and Mrs. Schuelke began domestic life in the log house already mentioned and which contained but one room. He, himself, made the table from which they ate their daily meals. They had at first no team and but one cow and a few chickens. Mr. Schuelke grubbed in his first crop by hand and cradled his first grain. It was three years before he got a team of oxen, but he and his wife worked together in clearing the land und harvesting the crops. Often he walked to and from Neillsville, carrying home provisions. In the course of time he accumulated 440 acres of land and has become one of the substantial citizens of his township. In 1896 he began the erection of his present brick residence, which contains nine rooms and the halls. He is a stockholder in the Farmers' Co-operative Elevator and Lumber Company of Neillsville, and in the First National Bank of Neillsville. In 1902 he started a store in Granton and for a short time conducted a general mercantile business. He has held the office of township treasurer for a number of years, and has served as road commissioner and school director. He and his wife reared ten children: Amanda, who is unmarried; Henry, residing on the home farm; Anna, now Mrs. Fred Sansinger, of Waukesha; August, a railroad man; Laura, wife of Henry Paapa, of Milwaukee; Carl and William, who reside at Cobb, Wis.; Herman, of Waukesha; Alma, unmarried, and Alfred, residing at home. Two others, Almina and Bertha, are both deceased.

Arthur E. Darton, a resident of the village of Loyal, who was formerly identified with the agricultural interests of Beaver Township, was born near Hartford, Washington County, Wis., June 8, 1866. His parents were William and Sarah (Brasier) Darton, the father a native of London, Eng- land, and the mother of Canada, in which latter country they were married. About four years later they came to Wisconsin and settled on a farm in Washington County, where eight children, including the subject of this sketch, were born, two others having been previously born to them in Canada. Arthur E. Darton acquired the elements of knowledge in the district school of the neighborhood, His parents moving to Beaver Township, Clark County, he remained with them, assisting to operate the new farm, which in course of time became his property. His father had erected a barn on the property, 35 by 54 feet, and he, himself, built two, each with cement floor, one measuring 30 by 50 and the other 18 by 50 feet. He also improved the property in other ways and raised Holstein cattle and Percheron horses, being successful in his operations. As a citizen interested in the welfare of his community, he held office for a while as a member of the township side board. In November, 1915, Mr. Darton found himself in a position to retire, and, having done his share of hard work, he took up his residence in the village of Loyal, where he is a highly esteemed citizen. He is a member of the Woodmen's camp in this village. Mr. Darton was married Jan. 1, 1896, to Olga Rossman, daughter of Hall M. Rossman, a pioneer of Greenwood Township, he having died Jan. 24, 1917. Mr. Darton and his wife are the parents of two children, Claire and Hugh. The religious affiliations of the family are with the Methodist Church.

Ole Thompson, a successful farmer of Hoard Township, section 26, who was also one of the pioneer dairymen of this locality, was born in Norway, Sept. 8, 1850, son of Tory and Kjersta Thompson. The father, who never came to America, died in 1853, his wife dying in 1886. They had eight children: Ingeborg, who died in Norway ; Kari, residing in Strum, Wis.; Klemmet and Ole, who are deceased; Thea, of Sparta, Wis.; Ole, subject of this sketch; Olof, deceased; and Jens, who is living in Norway. Ole Thompson came to the United States, settling at Neillsville, Clark County, Wis., where he obtained work at logging with Hixon & Withee, and was thus employed for seven years. He then homesteaded eighty acres of his present place, but did not begin actual farming until 1878. His first work was to build a log house, in which he lived for several years, in the meanwhile breaking and clearing his farm with oxen in pure pioneer style. He was one of the first to start in the dairy business and is now raising Holstein cattle, some being full-blooded, and having his own bull. In 1896 Mr. Thompson built his present 14-room residence, having previously built two barns, one in 1890, measuring 80 by 44 feet, and the other in 1910, 92 by 76 feet. He is just completing a new modern house of ten rooms. Mr. Thompgon served on the school board of District No. 2 for twenty-five years, and was assessor of Hoard township seven years. He was one of the organizers of the State Bank of Curtis and is now its president, and is a stockholder of the Owen State Bank, having formerly been one of its directors. He is a member and has been one of the trustees of the Norwegian Lutheran Church. Since settling at his present location he has received his mail from Colby, Dorchester, Abbotsford, Green Grove and Curtis, the last mentioned place being his present post office. In June, 1878, Mr. Thompson was united in marriage with Annie Thompson, a native of Norway, who came to this country in 1878. He and his wife are the parents of nine children: Christina, Gunda, Theodore, Oscar, Thea, Ida, Carl, Anna and Arthur. Christina, who is now Mrs. Frank Matthias of Hoard Township, has four children, Harold, Norman, Franklin and Carl. Gunda, wife of Dr. J. E. Simpson, first lieutenant in the medical department of the U. 5. service, has three children, Gladys, John and Dorothy. Theodore, who is residing on the old home farm, has served as town chairman of Hoard Township. * Oscar is a national bank examiner in California. Thea is a school teacher at Eveleth, Minn. Ida, who was a teacher, is now Mrs. William Peterson of Hoard Township. Carl is now serving as second lieutenant with the U.S. forces in France. Anna keeps house for her father and was formerly a teacher, and Arthur is also residing on the home farm. Mrs. Ole Thompson died Oct. 29, 1917.

Daniel Gates. Among the pioneer settlers of Clark County, who have long since passed away there are few held in better remembrance than the subject of this sketch, who, in his day, was one of the most active workers in various lines of enterprise then living in the county. The record of his career is one well worth preserving in any history of Clark County, and will be here briefly but carefully narrated. Daniel Gates was born in Washington County, New York, July 11, 1818, a son of Jerry and Hannah (Balt) Gates. The father, who was of Scotch ancestry, was a farmer who came to Clark County, Wis. Daniel was educated in the schools of Essex County, N. Y., and after leaving school found employment in the iron works there, subsequently becoming a contractor. In his thirtieth year, April 23, 1848, he was married to Jane Hewett, who was born in New York, Dec. 4, 1828, daughter of Sheldon Hewett. He and his wife continued to reside in Essex County until the year 1856, by which time they had three children: Ada laide, James L. and Charles H. At this time there was a considerable migration going on from the Eastern States and from Europe to the great states of the Northwest, then opening up for settlement, and Mr. Gates, with his wife and children, joined the movement, coming to Wisconsin and locating at the mouth of Wedges' Creek, Clark County. Here he kept a tavern until 1861, he erecting the building, which was constructed partly of logs and partly frame. This tavern, which was in Levis Township, went by his name and during the years he conducted it, it was a well-known and popular resort and resting place. It has long since disappeared and even the site is now covered with water, owing to the erection of the dam. The horse team with which Mr. Gates hauled his freight from Sparta, Wis., were among the first horses seen in the county, he and his family traveling by stage. In 1861 he removed to Neillsville, or vicinity, buying twenty acres of land on a site adjoining the suburbs of the city. On this he erected a log house, sided over, 16 by 24 feet, and a frame barn, then considered large, and which is still standing. The land was all wild but he at once commenced to clear it, subsequently buying other land until he had fifty-six acres. He also engaged in logging to quite an extent. In 1868 he built on the home place a frame house which is still standing, and is now occupied by his son Edwin. While he was engaged in logging his wife cooked in the camps and helped materially to get the family established here on a firm basis. Mr. Gates soon formed a wide acquaintance in the county and his force of character made him a man of mark. He also took an active part in public affairs and served successively in numerous offices, being a member of the Pine Valley township board and school board and sheriff of the county two years. He aided in the construction of the railroad to Neillsville, contributing $6,000 for that purpose, though he only used the road personally a few times. His aid was thus generously given for the sole purpose of benefiting the people of the county, as he realized the value of such an important improvement and its use in developing the county. He also aided in the erection of the court house and continued to be active in school affairs for a number of years. He rendered good service also on the board of county commissioners and as justice of the peace in Neillsville. Aside from his farm interests Mr. Gates took part in other business activities. With Joseph Head he started a feed store and meat market on the corner now occupied by the Neillsville Commercial Bank, and which was the first meat market in Neillsville; later they added a grocery store to their business. At a somewhat later period, with his son, James L., he founded the Neillsville Bank, of which he was president, and was a director of the Clark County Bank. He was by this time recognized as one of the toremost business men in the county, as well as one of its most publicspirited citizens, and when his death took place, on June 28, 1885, his loss was regretted by practically every member of the community in which he lived and by many outside its borders. Of the children previously mentioned who accompanied him and his wife to this county, Adelaide is now the wife of the Hon. R. J. MacBride, of Neillsville; James L., died in 1910; Charles H., or "Charley," as he is popularly known, is a resident of Neillsville. The other children, born in Wisconsin, were Edwin H. (first), who died at the age of 5 years; Edwin H. (second), of whom special mention is made in this volume; and Nellie, now deceased, who never married, and was a teacher for some time in this section of the county. Mr. Gates was a member of the Presbyterian Church, to which he contributed largely. Though he has passed away the good that he did lives after him and has borne fruit in many ways. Mrs. Jane Hewett Gates died June 8, 1916, aged 87 years, 6 months and 4 days.

Edwin H. Gates, who resides on the old Gates homestead adjoining the suburbs of Neillsville, was born on this place Dec. 8, 1864, son of Daniel and Jane (Hewett) Gates. He was educated both in the district and high schools and under his father's direction early acquired a knowledge of farming in its various branches. He has always resided on the place and since the death of his father in June, 1885, he has been proprietor of the homestead, his mother residing with him until her death, June 8, 1916. He has been very successful in his operations and has paid special attention to dairying, keeping Holstein cattle and being a member of the Pine Valley Creamery Company. He also raises a good grade of hogs and graded Percheron and Clvdesdale horses and is ranked amone the prosperous and reliable citizens of Neillsville and the vicinity. Mr. Gates was first married to Mary Nichalls, who was born in Norway and came to the United States with an uncle, the marriage taking place on her twenty-fourth birth- day, Oct. 25, 1889. After a few years of happy married life she died at Taylor, Jackson County, in 1896, at the early age of 31 years, leaving one child, Blanche Edna. Mr. Gates subsequently married for his second wife Anna Witz, a native of Adams County, Wis., and of German and Irish ancestry. Of this union five children have been born: Daniel, Edwin H., Jr., Nellie, Genevieve and James Leslie. The eldest daughter is a school teacher in Clark County.

Alfred L. Devos, a prominent lawyer of Clark County, now city attorney of Neillsville, was born in Milwaukee, Wis., Nov. 27, 1886, son of John L. and Elizabeth (Soulen) Devos. He is a grandson on the paternal side of John W. Devos (or Devoss, as he spelled the family name), who came to the United States from Holland late in the fourth decade of the last century and settled in Milwaukee. John W. Devos was at that time a single man, but he was subsequently married in Milwaukee to Sarah Liebert, who, like him, had come from Holland. He became one of the successful and prominent citizens of the important community in which he settled, engaging in the milling business, in which he was a proficient, and in time becoming owner of the Northwestern Mills, the first built in that city and the largest there for a number of years. He and his wife had four children, of whom one died young, the others growing to maturity. John L. Devos learned the milling trade under his father's direction, but subsequently abandoned it to turn his attention to real estate, in which business he is still engaged in Milwaukee. He was formerly a member of the old Legion of Honor of America. His wife, Elizabeth, was born in Milwaukee, a daughter of John and Nellie (Dunck) Soulen, natives of Holland, who came to this country in the thirties with their parents. John Soulen was a carpenter by trade, but devoted considerable time to local politics. He was foreman of his ward some ten or twelve years, served seventeen years on the police force and was deputy sheriff and keeper of the jail. Both the Devos and Soulen families of Milwaukee were affiliated religiously with the Presbyterian Church. Mr. and Mrs. John L. Devos had three children: Alfred L., of Neillsville; John J., now engaged in law practice in Milwaukee, and Reuben, who is employed in the city engineer's office in that city. Alfred L. Devos acquired a good education, graduating from the graded and high schools of Milwaukee, and subsequently, in 1911, after a sixyears' course, from the law school of Michigan University at Ann Arbor. In September of that year he came to Neillsville and from that time until January, 1914, was associated in practice with S. M. Marsh. He then opened an office in the post office building and has since practiced his profession alone, having up to the present time met with good success. He has served four years as justice of the peace and was elected city attorney in 1916. Aside from these activities, he has further identified himself with local interests by serving as secretary of Clark County Fair Association. Mr. Devos was married at Neillsville, June 23, 1913, to Alta Rand, a native of Clark County, and daughter of Martha Rand. He and his wife are active members of the Methodist Church, which he is serving as treasurer and as superintendent of the Sunday school. His fraternal society affiliations are with the Blue Lodge, Chapter and Commandery of the A. F. and

Andres G. Anderson, a prosperous dairy farmer of Sherwood Township, now serving as chairman of the township board, was born in Sweden, May 1, 1861, his parents, Andres and Anna Anderson, being farmers. He acquired a good education in his native land and grew up on the farm. At the age of 14 he became connected with a civil engineer's corps, which he accompanied to the northern part of Sweden, where he was engaged on railroad work for two years and saw the midnight sun. The party returned home after winter had set in and there was six feet of snow on the ground. They had 112 miles to go to reach civilization and young Andres gave out and had to finish the journey on a sled hauled by his companions. He then spent two years as a track-walker, and at the end of that time, being 18 years old, he went into the rolling mills. In 1882, at the age of 21, he came alone to the United States, locating in Illinois, where he worked on farms for two years. He then rented a farm in Grundy County, that state, and sent for his parents, who left Sweden and joined him. In Illinois Mr, Anderson remained for twenty-two years and then, in 1905, came to Clark County, Wis., buying 160 acres of land in section 27, Sherwood Township, it being all covered with stumps and timber. There was a large pine tree on the place which he planned to cut down to get lumber for a house, but when he moved onto the land, which he was not able to do immediately, he found that some one else had got ahead of him, as the tree had been cut down and carted away. Since then he has remained on this place, which he has improved into a good farm. He commenced stock raising operations with full blooded Galloway cattle, but has since changed to dairy cattle and is doing a good dairy business. For two years he held office as township assessor before being elected chairman of the board. Mr. Anderson was married October, 1907, to Emma R. Messing, daughter of a Clark County pioneer, and they have four children: Cleo, Thelma, Hope and Carl. Mr. Anderson is a member of the Masonic Order, having joined Shannohan Lodge, No. 266, of Shannohan, IIl.; also of Lodge No. 62, I. O. O. F., of Morris, Ill. In politics he is a staunch Republican.

Halbert A. Bright, one of the notable pioneers of Clark County in former days a prominent representative of the lumber industry, and later a large dairy producer, was born in Nova Scotia, Oct. 12, 1835, his father, John, being a native of Scotland. In 1840 the family removed to Washington County, Wis., where the parents resided until their death. There were seven children, none of whom, however, are not alive. In July, 1856, at the age of nearly 21 years, Halbert A. Bright went to Jackson County, Wis., whence in the fall of the same year he came to Clark County to look over a piece of land. Here he became connected with the lumber business as foreman for Andrew Shepard for five years and then formed a partnership with Olson and Brockway, the firm sawing lumber and floating it to points on the lower Mississippi River. In 1868 Mr. Bright formed a partnership with Levi Withee, under the firm name of Bright and Withee, which association lasted for nearly a quarter of a century, or until about 1892. During this period, or the greater part of it, and for a number of years afterwards, he resided at Black River Falls, of which place he was mayor for twelve years. A member of the Republican party, he took an active part in politics and was a presidential elector in 1904, casting his vote for Theodore Roosevelt. It was not until 1905 that he moved to Green Grove Township, Clark County, taking up his residence on the farm in section 20, on which his wife now resides. He had owned the place for many years, however, opening it up in 1866 and cultivating it for the purpose of supplying his lumber camps with vegetables, his men working on it after the spring drives. This system was profitable to him and was popular with the men, as it kept them employed all the year around, except those who wished to go home to develop farms of their own. After settling on his farm Mr. Bright devoted his attention chiefly to dairying, raising Holstein cattle, of which he kept a large number, milking as many as ninetythree cows at the time. He also owned large tracts of land, including a number of farms. Here he resided until his death, which occurred Jan. 2, 1913, when he was 77 years of age. In Clark County, as in Jackson, he took an active part in local affairs, having the general interests of the community at heart, and ever ready to support a worthy cause. With his death there passed away a man whose career had been intimately bound up with the history of the county, especially the development of the lumber industry, although for many years he had resided outside its limits. He was a member of the Masonic Order and of the Odd Fellows, in the former having advanced to the eighth degree. Mr. Bright was first married in 1866 to Miss Nichols, a native of Norway, who came to America with her parents when young, they settling at Blair, Wis. She died Dec. 9, 1890, having been the mother of nine children: Lottie, Benjamin H., Harriet, Edna, Berdine and Julia. Three died in infancy. On Mar. 11, 1899, Mr. Bright married for his second wife, Miss Anna Welsh, of Neillsville, Wis. She was a native of Sheboygan, Wis., and a daughter of Henry and Emma (Seidel) Welsh, her father being a farmer, and later a merchant at Colby, Wis. Mr. Welsh was a veteran of the Civil War, having served in the 26th Wisconsin Volunteer Infantry, and at one time he was captured and confined in Andersonville prison. He was discharged in 1863 on account of a wound in the head which affected his hearing. He died at Colby, Wis., Feb. 21, 1912. His wife died Sept. 11, 1886, a quarter of a century before him. They had a family of ten children, their names respectively being: Daniel, Anna, Minnie, Henry, William, Lula, Emma, Pauline, Lewis. Richard died in infancy, the others all living. No children were born of the second marriage of Mr. Bright.

Frank Nagel, who is engaged in the real estate and insurance business, in Dorchester, Wis., where he has taken rank among the leading business men, was born in Germany, Mar. 14, 1864, son of Fred and Johanna (Kuchenbecker) Nagel. His parents came to the United States in the fall of 1879. Frank came in the spring of 1880, locating in Claumet County, Wis., where he worked two years for others. His brothers, August and Charles, having secured a farm of eighty acres in Holton Township, Marathon County, in April, 1882, the family moved there and began farming with two oxen and two cows, and there Charles Nagel still resides. The father,

Fred Nagel, died in the year 1900, at the age of 69, and his wife in 1908 at the age of 78. Frank Nagel in early manhood, learned the barber's trade, which he followed at intervals for a number of years, also working in lumber camps and in mines in Michigan. On one occasion, while on a "skift,'' he dropped 180 feet down an inclined shaft and was so badly injured that he spent a long time in the hospital. In 1890 he came to Dorchester, where he followed the barber's trade for twenty-one years, during which time he made a large number of acquaintances. He was one of the village organizers in 1901 and was the first president of the council, serving in 1901 and 1902, and later, being elected six times. He was village assessor in 1914 and clerk in 1915 and 1916, was school trustee one year and has been justice of the peace since 1901. In 1911 he sold his barber shop and engaged in the real estate and insurance business, in which he is making good progress. He was one of the organizers of the Dorchester State Bank and in various Ways has proved himself a useful citizen and capable business man. Mr, Nagel was married Sept. 13, 1905, to Lena Fink, who was born in Milwaukee, Aug. 11, 1875, and who died Sept. 10, 1913. She left three children: Henry, born July 6, 1906; Elsie, born June 9, 1909, and Vilas, born Aug. 30, 1910, who reside at home with their father.

Carl Stange, assistant cashier of the First National Bank at Neillsville, Wis., was born at Schackstedt, Amholt, Germany, Sept. 24, 1859, son of Gotlieb and Frederica (Faatz) Stange. His parents came to the United States in 1875, bringing with them their six children, of whom the subject of this sketch was the eldest. They located in section 18, Sherwood township on forty acres of wild land, the place being thickly wooded and no roads in the vicinity. There was, however, an old log building on the land, into which they moved. They began the work of improvement with nothing but their hands and were carrying supplies on their backs from Neillsville. In time Gotlieb Stange cleared up most of this farm, but neither he nor his wife reached old age, he dying when 54 years old, and she at the age of 48. Carl Stange began his education in the common schools of Germany and later attended the district school in Washburn Township, this county, and the school in Neillsville. He grew to manhood on the farm, and became a regular farm and sawmill hand, being thus occupied for some years. For two years he was Deputy Register of Deeds, under Herman Schuster. Later he entered the Neillsville Bank as bookkeeper and assistant cashier, which position he held for twenty-seven and one-half years, the last two years being cashier. In 1914 he came to the First National Bank to take his present position as teller. He has shown good ability in financial matters and his courteous manners have made him popular with the patrons of the bank. Mr. Stange was married Mar. 28, 1889, to Jennie EB, French, who was born in Monroe County, Wis., daughter of Henry B. and Abbie French. He is a member of the Masonic Order, belonging to the Blue Lodge, Champter and Eastern Star, of Neillsville, and to the Knights of Pythias Lodge of Augusta, Wis. Mrs. Stange is also a member of the Eastern Star.

born in Massachusetts, April 10, 1832. His boyhood days were spent in his native state until he moved with his parents to Ohio, where he grew to manhood on their farm and later learned the carpenter's trade. On Sept. 20, 1860, he was married in Ohio to Rozilla Wight, who was born in Allegheny County, New York, Jan. 5, 1835, and moved with her parents to Ohio, they also settling on a farm. She was at that time very young and never knew her father, her mother, according to her earliest recollections, being a widow with twelve children. Myr, and Mrs. King made their honeymoon trip to Clark County, where they remained as permanent residents. In Ohio Mrs. King had had some experience as a teacher, and she now resumed that vocation in Lynn Township, Mr. King finding work as a carpenter. In the following year, 1861, she taught in the old Neillsville schoolhouse, which stood near the site of the present Crother's residence. In the fall the eldest child, Ernest, was born, and Mrs. King gave up teaching. Then another child, Herschell, was born. The Civil War was now raging and there was an urgent demand for able bodied men to defend the Union. Mr. King enlisted in Company J, 14th Wisconsin Infantry, and served two years. Before going to the war, however, he had bought a farm near the present fair grounds, where his wife and children took up their residence. To this farm he returned after his military service was ended and set to work to improve the place. There were eighty acres of land and in addition to the work of clearing and cultivating, he erected on it the present fine brick residence. Successful as a farmer, he also became prominent in more public affairs, serving as justice of the peace and a member of the school board, and also as town treasurer, which position he held at the time of his death. The latter event occurred Dec. 10, 1884, when he had reached the age of 52 years and 8 months, and caused sorrow throughout the community. He belonged to the Grand Army of the Republic and was one of the first members of the Odd Fellows' Lodge at Neillsville. His wife subsequently disposed of the farm and in 1900 moved to Neillsville, where she now resides, being active in Red Cross work. Mr. and Mrs. King were the parents of six children, all of whom are now living, namely: Ernest, a miner in Nevada; Herschell, who is a fruit farmer in southern Oregon; Florence, now Mrs. Charles Fletcher, of Montana; Elsie, who is teaching school in Neillsville; Myra, wife of Joseph Oldham and a resident of Idaho; and Elizabeth, now Mrs. Herman Mauer of New Orleans, La. Their religious belief was Unitarian.

Joseph Schmidt, who is prosperously engaged in agriculture and stock raising in section 7, York Township, was born in Bion, Germany, June 19, 1866, son of John and Anna (Heraly) Schmidt. The father was a farmer and blacksmith, who died in Germany, about 1869, at the age of 52 years, or thereabouts. He left eight children: John, Anna, Elizabeth, Martin, Johann, Kate, Joseph and Anna. The mother dying at the age of 64, the sons and one daughter, Anna, now Mrs. Geo. Scheckelman, of York township, came to the United States, the other daughters remaining in Germany. Joseph left Germany in 1886. He had received some schooling there and had been brought up to farming. Arriving in Jefferson County, Wis., $13 in debt, he at once sought work and was employed six months on afarm. Then he came to Clark County and for two months worked in the woods, afterwards for two years in a sawmill in York Township. At the end of that time he went to Montana, where he worked on the railroad a few months. Returning to this state, he found work in a logging camp at Butternut, Ashland County, later coming from that place to Clark County. Here he worked on different farms and in Heine's sawmill. Then he went to the vicinity of Longwood, where he spent one winter in the woods and one summer in haying. In 1892 Mr. Schmidt made a more important move, from which dates his present prosperity. This was his purchase of forty acres of land in section 7, York Township. True, at first the prospects did not look very favorable, for the land was covered with timber and there were no buildings on it, though fifteen acres were chopped; so pioneer work had to be done, and plenty of it. Mr. Schmidt, however, was not the man to stand still and suck his thumb when there was work to be done. He got busy at once and made such progress that by the end of the first year he had four acres cleared and had built a log stable for a pair of oxen which he had. In the meanwhile he boarded with neighbors, paying for his board with work. At the time of his marriage in 1893, he had a small frame house built, and owned a cow and heifer, a horse team and a few young stock. He has since increased the size of his farm to 220 acres, the last sixty acres he bought being cleared. He himself has cleared the rest. Five years ago he erected a brick house of seven rooms. In 1906 he built a basement barn 36 by 70 feet, and an addition 32 by 30 feet. He has also put up a tool shed, 70 by 22 feet, and a chicken house, 16 by 28 feet in size. He keeps a good grade of stock, including Holstein cattle. His horses are also good, and as a farmer he is doing a successful business. Mr. Schmidt was united in marriage, Oct. 10, 1893, with Mary Pompo, who was born in Germany, Mar. 19, 1872, daughter of Paul and Anna Pompo, who were also born in Germany and settled in Independence, Trempealeau County, Wis., in 1872, having reached America after a sixweeks' voyage across the ocean. Mr. Pompo became a farmer in Trempealeau County, and he and his wife remained there. They had six children: Lizzie, Julia, Mary, John, Rose and Kate. Mr. and Mrs. Schmidt are the parents of eight children: John, Rosa, Alice, Andrew, Elsie, Edward, George and Margaret. The family are members of the Catholic Church at Loyal.

Edward J. Leichtnam, a well-known and prosperous citizen of Mayville Township, engaged in dairying farming in section 35, was born on the homestead on which he now lives, June 24, 1885, son of Martin and Carrie (Strausberg) Leichtnam. The father, Martin, was born in Canada in 1840 and came to Clark County in 1872. He had been for several years a copper miner in the district around Superior, Wis. On arriving in this county he homesteaded forty acres of land in Colby Township, which he proved up and sold, moving onto the farm now owned by his son Edward J., which later place he had bought some time before, paying $1.25 an acre for it. Its present value is $100 an acre. This tract he cleared up, using oxen, and building a log house for his first residence. This latter task he was well fitted to perform, being a carpenter by trade, as well as a logger by occasional occupation, The country around was wild when he came and he often killed deer on the site of the present village of Abbotsford. In early days he bought several pieces of land, some for as low as $1.00 an acre. For many years he served on the Mayville township board and also on the school board of Abbotsford, in politics being a Democrat. He was one of the organizers of the Abbotsford creamery and cheese factory. On his farm he bred full-blooded Holstein cattle, milking as many as twentyeight cows and giving special attention to his dairying interests. He also raised many hogs, horses and sheep. He is still living and resides on an adjoining farm. Martin Leichtnam was twice married, Carrie Strausberg being his first wife. By her he had nine children. Of his second marriage, with Gusta Bushman, no children were born. Martin Leichtnam, with his brother Joseph, carried the first corpse for burial in Colby Cemetery, making the coffin himself. It was carried by hand through the woods. Edward J. Leichtnam finished his schooling in Abbotsford and resided during his youth on his father's farm, where he gained a good knowledge of agriculture and dairying. In 1908 he bought the farm on which his father now lives, and which adjoins the one he is operating himself, the latter being purchased from his father in 1911. Like the latter he has made dairying a specialty. He owns a full-blooded Holstein bull, and is grading up his cattle, milking from ten to twelve cows, He was a former stockholder in the Abbotsford creamery and the Farmers' Co-operative Mercantile Company of that place. In 1913 he organized the Farmers' Cattle Shipping Association of Mayville, and while he had to work hard at first to arouse interest, eventually the farmers supported the movement and the organization is now strong and vigorous. He also organized the Deer Creek branch of the Shipping Association at the first called meeting of which thirty farmers were present, twenty-six of whom joined the association. For five years - from 1908 to 19183 - Mr. Leichtnam owned a grade-blooded Belgian stallion. His activities along agricultural lines have been marked by foresight and enterprise and have not only advanced his own prosperity but also been of benefit to the general community. Mr. Leichtnam was united in marriage, Oct. 11, 1911, to Rose Tischendorf, who was born in Clark County, Wis., Aug. 13, 1889, daughter of Gustav and Ida (Hahen) Tischendorf. Her parents, who came to this country from Germany twenty-seven years ago, are now living on a farm one mile north of Dorchester. Mr. and Mrs. Leichtnam have two children: Arthur, born Aug. 30, 1912; and Elmer, born Aug. 15, 1914.

John Selves, a pioneer of Clark County, now passed away, but who in early days, and up to the time of his death, was a well known and widely esteemed citizen of Grant Township, was born at Staple, County of Kent, England, May 16, 1840. He was about 4 years old when he accompanied his parents, John and Elizabeth Selves, to the United States, they settled in Buffalo, N. Y. There he grew to manhood and did what work his hands could find to do, finally learning the trade of brickmaker. In Buffalo, also, he was married, Aug. 5, 1852, to Sarah Buss, who was born Nov. 1, 1836, daughter of Richard and Catherine Buss. Her father, who was a native of County Kent, England, born April 6, 1800, came to this country when a young man, locating in Buffalo, N. Y., where he followed his trade of brickmaker. In 1866 he came to Clark County, Wis., accompanied by his wife and family. His death occurred in this county in 1882, when he was 82 years old. Mr. Buss was a broad-minded man, in religious faith favoring the Presbyterian Church. He and his wife had eight children: Joseph, Sarah, Elizabeth, Charlotte, Mary, Martha, Phebe and Catherine. It was in 1860 that John Selves and wife came west with their family, their children being at that time William, Joseph, Elmer, Kate and Edward. The journey was made by steamboat on the lakes to Milwaukee, from which place they continued with wagon and team to Grant Township, Clark County. He and his family were accompanied by George Shumell, with his wife and four children. On arriving in Grant Township Mr. Selves bought eighty acres in Section 16. A little chopping had been done on the place to provide for a front yard, and a small piece of land plowed, but all the rest of it was covered with timber, and there were no buildings, For a while the family resided with Mr. Tom Huckstead until a log house, 18 by 20 feet, had been constructed, and which stood on the site of the present fine brick residence. Here they began pioneer farming with one cow and with everything to do and little to get. They often had to walk to and from Neillsville and hauled freight from Sparta. They had not been on the place Jong when one of their horses was killed by lightning, which was a severe loss to them in those days, but they got an ox team, and in time began to prosper, gradually clearing his farm from the woods. At first they got. but little for their produce, selling their butter for 10 cents a pound and eggs for 6 cents a dozen, at which prices not much profit was to be made, but these conditions also improved, and he and his wife at last found themselves in comfortable circumstances. Mr. Selves died in 1895, at the age of 65 years, but his wife is still living and makes her home with her son, Richard, the present owner of the farm. Their eldest son, William, when 27 years old, was buried by the caving in of a well he was digging, the accident occurring Friday noon, and he was not extricated before the following Sunday morning, and in a few days was about as usual, Richard Selves, since taking over the homestead, has operated it successfully, and has increased the size of the farm by the purchase of forty more acres adjoining. In 1913 he built the brick house already mentioned, and has also erected a silo of 110 tons capacity. He keeps a good grade of stock, for which he finds a ready market, as well as for his crops. For eleven years he has served as township clerk, his father formerly served as treasurer and a member of the school board.

Carl W. Plockelman, an enterprising farmer of Mayville Township, who has made good strides on the road to prosperity since he took his present farm seven years ago, was born in Manitowoc County, Oct. 10, 1882. His parents, Fred and Bertha (Wilsing) Plockelman, were both natives of that county. They came to Clark County in 1883, the father buying eighty acres of land constituting the southwest corner of Section 4, Mayville Township, where they started in a log cabin. They have since cleared that place, starting with oxen and working hard until they developed a good farm, on which they are now residing and doing a good business, keeping Guernsey stock.

They have a good residence, built in 1896. Their family numbered thirteen children, of whom eleven are now living. The record is as follows: Henry, Emma (dead), Carl W., John, Ella, Frank, Otto, Louisa, Ervin, Lydia, Benjamin, Edith and George (dead). Carl W. Plockelman attended school at intervals until reaching the age of 17 years, and resided at home until he was 23, He then went to Upton, Wis., where he was employed as engineer in the sawmill for two years. Later, he worked two years in the same capacity at Dorchester, Clark County. In the fall of 1910, Mr. Plockelman bought his present place of eighty acres, constituting the northwest quarter of Section 16, Mayville Township, of which thirty-five acres were cleared. He has since cleared more and has a good, profitable farm, raising Guernsey cattle and milking fourteen cows. His crops are chiefly barley, oats and hay, in addition to which he is preparing to plant two acres of alfalfa. For eight years he has operated a threshing machine. Among the improvements he has made on the place he has lately completed a new barn, 36 by 98 feet in size. He is a stockholder in the Farmers' Co-operative store at Dorchester. His religious affiliations are with the German Lutheran Church.

Mr. Plockelman was married June 6, 1908, to Laura Firerke, who was born in Marquette County, Wis., daughter of Fred and Amelia (Carnots) Firerke, her parents being natives of Germany, who came to America when young people, settling in Marquette County, Wis., where Mr. Firerke engaged in farming. He and his wife are now living near Columbus, Wis. Mr. and Mrs. Plockelman have two children: Irene, born Jan. 23, 1912, and Marvin, born March 3, 1914. Mr. Plockelman is a Republican in politics. He was elected school clerk in 1911 and 1916, and road superintendent in 1913. He is also a justice of the peace, being elected as such in 1914.