Dane County, Wisconsin - The whole text, 1906 (part 19 of 29)

this sketch was quite young. His mother, Mrs. Rosina (Schmidt) Metz, now resident at 442 N. Mifflin St., came to the United States in 1880, and lived in Camjbria county, Perm., for three years, coining to Madison .in 1883, which has since been the home of the family. She had a family of seven children, most of whom had received their education in Germany, and all of whom], with the exception of one son, Alex., who lives in Milwaukee, still remain in Madison; the three brothers in that city are Anton, Joseph and Paul, and the listers, Mrs. Nussman and Agnes, who lives with her mother. Mr. Metz learned the business of plumbing and gas fitting and located in 1897 at 8 S. Carroll St., where he remained three years ; in 1900 he moved to his present location 115 W. Mifflin St. Mr. Metz is a successful business man, owning both his store building 115 W. Mifflin St. and his residence on N. Fairchild. He belongs to- the German Catholic church, to the Knights of Columbus, the Catholic knights and the Michael's Benevolent Society. In politics he is independent. Mr. Metz was marrried September 3, 1895, to< Miss Frances Post, daughter of Lawrence and Mary (Hellen) Post. Mr. Post is a native of Pennsylvania, and his wife of Germany. Their daughter, Mrs. Metz, was born in Perry township, Dane county. Air. and Mrs. Metz have five children, three boys and two girls, Henry, Marie, Ethel, William Joseph and George.

Charles Meyer, of Middleton, owns and operates a large farm in section 23. IWilliam Meyer, his father, was born in Nothandorf, Hanover, Germany, and never left his native country. He married Miss Catharine Beneckan of the same place and after his death in 1891 his wife and children came to America. William Meyer was a wagon-maker and his oldest son, William, who lives at Reedsburg has foloweel in his footsteps. Charles is the second son. The third, George, is a carpenter and lives in Alabama. Mary kves at Logansville, Wis. and Martha, the youngest, at Reedsburg. Charles \va> born at Nothandorf, January 14, 1861, attendeel school in Germany and then worked out. When the family came to Wisconsin, they located at Reedsburg and there Charles lived with them for three vears. He then came to Middleton and was employed by -William Hofmann for two years. In February), 1888, he married Miss Lena Niebuhr of Middleton, daughter of John Niebuhr, and began to farm the Niebuhr property in section 23. Mr. Niebuhr came to America in 1864, at the age of thirty years, and located at Middleton. He obtained a nice farm near Middleton and also owned a farm near Verona. He die 1 in 1889 and Mrs. Niebuhr in 1891. Mrs. Niebuhr had two children by a former marriage and Mir. and Mrs. Niebuhr had nine children, of whom six are living. Mr. Meyer is an energetic and prosperous farmer and when the Niebuhr farm came under his control he very greatly improved it. A fine barn was built in 1889 and a substantial briclc dwelling in 1901. One hundred sixty acres are under cultivation and much fine stock is raised. Air. and Mrs. Mjeyer have three children, all of school age; the oldest}, John, attends the high school and Rosetta and Charles, Jr., the district school. Mr. Meyer is a Democrat politically and a member of the German Lutheran church. Andrew A. Mickelson, senior member of the firm of A. A. Mickelson & Co., dealers in lumber and building materials at Black Earth, was born at Vermont, Dane county, January 20, i860. His parents, Aine and Carrie (Grove) Mickelson, were both born in Norway, married in their native land, and in 1849 came to America. They first settled at Blooming Grove, Dane county, but after one season there removed to Vermont. Here the father secured a tract of government landl, which he improved and added to until he owned two hundred forty acres. From 1870 to 1875 the family lived at Mt. Horeb, where Mir. Mickelson's brother, Gabriel, is now engaged in the lumber business. They afterward removed to the farm where Mr. Mickelson's death occurred in 1889. His widow is still living, aged eighty-eight years, and makes her home with her son, Andrew A. Arne Mickelson was a consistent Republican in his political opinions}, and in religious matters affiliated with the Lutheran church. Of the children born to him and his wife, Michael and Jorand are deceased; Bertha and Andrew A. are still living, the latter being the subject of this sketch. He received a fair education in the home schools, always lived at home with his parents, taking care of them in their declining years. In March, 1895, he entered the employ of the Patron Mercantile Company, in the village of Black Earth, and remained with that concern until the following January, when he bought his present business. The firm handles all kinds of building material, and also deals in flour, etc. In 1902 Md-. Mickelson sold the old home farm, and since then has devoted all his time and energies to his business. He is regarded as one of the successful men of the village, is a director in the state bank of Black Earth, and a member of the school board. Politically he is a Republican!, and has held several local offices, the duties of which he has discharged to the entire satisfaction of the electors. In church matters he has followed the faith of his parents and belongs to the Lutheran denomination. On November 10, 1883, Mr. Mickelson was united in marriage to Miss Mattie Bergine, a native of Norway, whose parents were Andrew and Mattie Bergine. To this marriage have been bom the following children: Alfred, now with the Northern Electric Company, of Madison, in the capacity of bookkeeper; Carrie, deceased; Christina, at home; Carl, deceased; Carl and Bertha at home with their parents, ana Emm'a, deceased.

Layton B. Miles, a retired farmer living at 1117 West Dayton street, was born in the town of Kingsbury, Washington county, N. Y., Novemlber 30, 1831. His parents were Warren and Nancy (Bentley) Miles, both born in New York state. The father came with his family to Dane county, purchasing eighty acres of land in the town of Verona, about 1875. His death occurred on this farm some years later and the mother's end also came while she was a resident of the town of Verona. L. B. Miles secured what educational advantages the schools of his native county afforded and then came to Dane county to follow the vocation of farming. When the Civil War threatened to disrupt this country Mr. Miles enlisted on November 9, 1861. in Company B, Eleventh Wisconsin Volunteer Infantry, as a private. After two years in the service he received an honorable discharge because of physical disability. Upon his return from the war he again took up farming and remained at it until his retirement in 1900, when he removed to the residence in Madison which he now occupies. At one time he owned and operated two farms, one in the town of Verona and the other in the town of Madison, but now he has but the Verona place of about one hundred and thirty-nine and one-half acres, which he rents to his son-in-law, Charles Z. Pope. Mr. Miles has been three times married. His first wife was Mary Smith, by whom he had three children, Hattie, George, (deceased) and Ralph. His second wife was Lucinda Phillips whom he married in 1863. By this marriage he had six children: Grace, Warren, (deceased), Edward, Harry, Carrie and Cora, (deceased). His third wife is Fannie M. Miles, who was the widow of Colonel Calvin W. Pope. Mrs. Miles has nine children living out of eleven born to her union with Colonel Pope. Mr. Miles was formerly identified with the Methodist church of Verona, but of late years has not been connected with any religious organization. In political matters he marches under the banner of the Republican party. He is one of the members of Lucius Fairchild post, Grand Army of the Republic. For over fifty-five years Mr. Miles has been a resident of Dane county. He is today one of the mo^st esteemed and respected citizens.

his former toil and endeavor. Mr. Miles claims the old Empire state of the Union as the place of his nativity, having been born in the town of Peru, Clinton county, New York, April 3, 1833, and being a son of Moore and Mary Ann (Cummings) Miles, both of whom were likewise natives of that county, where the respective families located in the pioneer days. Mr. Miles was reared to maturity in his native county, where he remained until 1852, when, at the age of nineteen years, he came to Wisconsin, being employed in connection with the lumbering industry in the pineries of the northern part of the state until 1855, when he came to Dane county and purchased seventy-three acres of wild land, in Dunkirk township. He reclaimed and improved the land, and eventually he purchased two other farms, in the same township, one comprising one hundred and sixty acres and the other forty acres. He made all the improvements on these farms also and he continued actively identified with 'agricultural pursuits until 1896, since which year he has lived retired, in Stoughton. As a farmer he was energetic and enterprising, and his success was unreserved and was won by his own zealous efforts. In politics he maintains an independent attitude and while he is not a member of any religious body he affiliates with and gives his support to the Seventh-day Adventist church. Mr. Miles has been twice married. By his first wife he has four children : George W., Nettie, A. D. and Jennie. Nettie is now the wife of Florens Long. His second wife was Henrietta Van Buren Hall, of Dunkirk township, this county, and their marriage was solemnized November 6, 1887. She died in 1904. No children were born of the second marriage. J. H. Miller, president of the bank of Verona, was born near Evansville. YYis., January 14, 1854. His parents, Charles and Catherine (Butt's) Miller, were both natives of Pennsylvania, born near Stroudsburg. They came to Wisconsin in 1847, and settled near Milton, Rock county. He died at Evansville, in 1895, aged seventy years, and his widow now resides at that place. He was a farmer and one of the pioneers of that section and was a man of considerable prominence. He had twelve children, of whom J. H. Miller, the subject of this sketch was the oldest ; the others are Willis, of Evansville; Paulina, married J. E. Colfon. of Colton. S. D. ; Aurora, married W. E. Moore, a farmer and president of the bank of Rio, in Columbia county; Stanton, president of the Citizens bank of Belleville; Ulysses, of Milton; Chester, of Evansville ; Kate, married G. W. Wilder, of Chicago, 111. ; Charles, of Stoughton ; Ernest, of Evansville ; Fred, of Cooksville ; Retta, died from injuries received from a fall, at the age of thirteen years. J. H. Miller was reared in Evansville, educated in the public schools and in Evansville seminary, and later took a course at the Northwestern business college, of Madison. For a year after graduation he was employed as a clerk in Evansville and Brooklyn, and in 1881 came to Verona and settled on a farm in section 33, which he still owns, although he has changed his residence to section 28. He is a large land-owner, having at the present time six hundred and forty acres. He continued in the active superintendence of his farming property until 1905. since which time he has leased the entire farm. February 1, 190*. he organized the bank of Verona, and has been its president since that time; he was the founder and president of the Mt. Vernon telephone company, organized in 1900. and is also interested in the oil business. Air. Miller was married in 1878 to Miss Carrie Moore, of Albany; they had four children, of whom two, Mabel and Charles, have died. The oldest, John, and the youngest, Stanley, make their home with their father ; after the death of his wife. Air. Miller married Aliss Sophia Holverson. of Evansville. To them were also born four children, Carrie, Ernest, Willis and George. Air. Aliller is a member of F. & A. AL, Xo. 5, of Aladison.

Lewis Miller, a tanner in the town of Aliddleton, was born at Greenport, Columbia county. X. Y., October 21, 1828. He is a son of W'ilhelm and Afargaret (Ford) Aliller, both natives of Columbia county. W'ilhelm Aliller was a fisherman on the Hudson river until 1855, when he came with his family to Dane county, where he passed the remainder of his life. He and his wife were members of the Dutch Reformed church. They had four children, but Lewis and Kate were the only ones who came with their parents to Wisconsin- Kate married Samuel Post and she and her husband are both deceased. Lewis Aliller received a limited education in the home schools of his day and worked on the farm with his father after coming to Wisconsin until he bought forty acres of wild land of his own and began farming for himself. Later he sold this farm and bought a small tract of land in the town of Aliddleton, where he now lives. He i = extensively engaged in bee culture and sells large quantities of honey every year. He also does a large business as a truck farmer, in raising vegetables and small fruits. Politically Air. Aliller is a Republican, but he is by no means what could be called an active politician. On August 23, 1853, he was united in marriage to Aliss Esther, daughter of John Frazer, of Columbia county, X. A*., and to this union were born the following; children: William, who married Clara

Richardson and is now farming on the old homestead; Almeda May, deceased; Maria V., wife of Richard Rowe; Margaret, wife of Robert M. Hawes ; Lewis, a carpenter in the city of Madison; Henry and Ada May, both deceased, and one who died in early childhood. Mrs. Miller died in March, 1890, and Mrs. Rowe now lives with and keeps house for her father. Her husband, Richard Rowe, is a native of Dane county, where he lived until he was eighteen years of age, when he became interested in mining operations. For some time he was thus engaged in Colorado, his wife being with him part of the time. While in Colorado he worked at Alpina, Tin Cup, and various other places, and when gold was discovered in the Klondike he and his son, also named Richard, went to the new gold fields, and are now engaged in mining at Windham! Bay. Mr. and Mrs. Rowe have four children. Nina Esther is the wife of Forest L. Donkle, of Monmounth, la.; Richard is with his father, as above mentioned; Lillian Augusta, and Eugene Allen are attending the schools at Middleton. Hon. Simeon Mills, early Madison pioneer, was born in Norfolk, Litchfield county, Conn., February 14, 1810, son of Martin Mills. His paternal grandfather was Constantine Mills, a soldier of the Revolutionary War; his mother was the daughter of Clement Tuttle, also a Revolutionary soldier. In 181 1 his father moved to Ohio -and was one of the pioneer settlers in the northern part of that state. Here Simeon Mills was inured to< farm labor in a new country, and received a good comimon-school education. When twenty he taught school for a brief period and then engaged in mercantile pursuits. He was married in 1834 to' Maria Louisa Smith, daughter of Church Smith, a native of Berkshire county, Mass. After making his first journey west to Chicago, in 1835, he located the following year in Wisconsin, and when the territorial capital was finally located at Madison, in the Four Lakes Region, he decided to make that point his home. On the morning of June 10, 1837, the capitol building conimiss-ioner, A. A. Bird, with thirty-six workmen, among whom was Darwin Clark, arrived from Milwaukee. Says Mr. Thwaites in his "Story of Madison": "The late Simeon Mills, long prominently identified with the educational interests of Madison, arrived in the afternoon of the same day, having walked out of Chicago, via Janesville and Winncquah. Mills began serving as deputy postmaster on the Fourth of July, conducting the office in connection with a general store which he had opened on his arrival." He secured the contract for carrying the mail between Madison and Milwaukee until July 1, 1842, and is said to have performed the difficult service without the loss of a single trip during the term of his contract, employing a man to do the work, on horseback.

In August, 1837, he was appointed justice of the peace of Dane county, probably the only one at that time between Milwaukee and Dodgeville. When Dane county was organized in 1839, he was chosen one of the county commissioners and appointed clerk of the court, holding the latter office for about nine years. In 1846 he proposed to the new village trustees of Madison, to lease the water-power at the outlet of Fourth Lake for a period of sixty years; the proposition was accepted, but he soon abandoned the enterprise. He was one of the founders of the "Wisconsin Argus," his associates being at first, John Y. Smith and Benjamin Holt, and later, Horace A. Tenney, David T. Dickson, and S. D. Carpenter. He was territorial treasurer at the end of the territorial era, and was elected the first senator for Dane county, when the state government went into operation in 1848. He then introduced the bill, enacted into law, which became the charter of the University of Wisconsin, and was a member of the first board of regents of the institution, being instrumental in purchasing the site and superintending the erection of its first building. In i860 he became a member of the board of trustees of the State Hospital for the insane, and served in that capacity for seventeen years, being a very active and useful member. During his long life he was identified with many public improvements, and was a large factor in the prosperity of Madison. He invested his accumulations in lands and buildings, and their care and improvement constituted his chief private business. When the Civil War broke out, he was active in the enlistment of troops, and was appointed paymaster-general by Governor Randall, disbursing more than $1,000,000 the first year of the war. He was prominently identified with the growth and development of the State Historical Society, one of Wisconsin's most noted institutions. In 1893 he -published a neat little volume, entitled "Readings from the Book of Nature," which attracted much attention in the scientific world, by reason of the law advanced for determining matter from sensation. General and Mrs. Mills were the parents of five children, only one of whom is now living, - a daughter, Genevieve M. His death occurred June 1. 1895. The beautiful old homestead on Monona Avenue, now is occupied by his daughter-in-law, Mrs. Arthur C. Mills, and her daughter. Elizabeth B., is one of the stately homes of Madison.

Erik E. Moe is a well known farmer of Perry, Dane county. AYis.. who came from Norway in 1887. He was born in Lorn. Gudbransdalen, Norway. July 9, 1862, son of Erik and Thora Moe, both natives of Norway, neither of whom ever came to America. Mr. Moe died in Norway in 1900 and his widow still resides at the.

old home. Of their family of seven children, three came to the United States. Mary, who is Mrs. Nelson, resides at Lake Mills, Wis., and Tina, who married Mr. Bolstead, lives in Perry township. Dane county. Erik E. commenced to work out in Norway at the age of thirteen years but was able to earn very little and determined to try his fortunes in America. He embarked for the United States in 1886 and first worked in Klevensville, Dane county, as a farm hand. After five years spent at this employment he went to Madison and there was employed as a mason for two years. Realizing that his farming experience was his best capital he rented a farm in Perry and was soon able to buy it. His homestead is a fertile property of one hundred and twenty-four acres, where Mr. Moe has erected buildings that are comfortable and substantial and has added much other farm equipment. May 8, 1895, he married Miss Johanna Larson, a native of Norway, daughter of Lars Skimling and Dorothy (Hange) Skimling. and two children blessed the marriage ; Emma Tunita and John Leonard, both of whom arc at home with their parents. Mrs. Moe belonged to a family of six children, of whom three came to the United States. Christ and John went to Tacoma, Washington, where the former now lives and the latter died two years ago. Mr. Moe is a public-spirited man who always does his part to promote any public work, but he does not participate actively in politics. He votes the Republican ticket. Mr. Moe is a member of the Norwegian Lutheran church.

Thorn M. Moe, one of the progressive land owners of the town of Dunn, was born in Bergen, Norway, February 14, 185-4. His parents were Mars N. and Sevena Moe, the former a native of Bergen and the latter of Rumstal, Norway. Mars Moe brought his family to this country in 1869, his objective point being Dane county. For several months after the arrival here father and son worked at common labor and then jointly purchased the home where they now reside. The father, although more than ninety years of age, still keeps his interest in the affairs of his son and his neighbors. Thorn M. Moe was educated in the public schools of Ordahl, Norway. A few years ago he purchased his father's interest in the Dunn township farm, and its sixty acres have been a source of prosperity to him. On December 23, 1879, he married Carrie, daughter of Thomas Wilkinson and Seneva Halversdaughter (Espahem) Mittun, natives of Norway. Mrs. Moe first saw the light of day in the Fatherland on June 28, 1848, and received her education in the same excellent schools as did her husband.

To this union have come five children, Minna Sophia, born September 26, 1880, now Mrs. John Melaas of the town of Dunn ; Tilda Cecelia, born November 6, 1881 ; Wilma, born June 21, 1883, now Mrs. Fred Brandt of the town of Blooming Grove ; Theodore, born March 21, 1887, died April 26, 1889; and Harry Halvor Bugge, born November 6. 1888. It is an interesting fact that Thorn M. Moe was born on the same day as the Hon. J. O. Davidson, governor of the state of Wisconsin, and in the same community. The subject of this sketch and the distinguished executive had many a childhood romp together, climbing the same trees to look for bird's eggs and receiving their education at the same school. Politically Mr. Moe is a Republican. Since the elevation of his former playmate to political office he has watched closely the moves of each party and done all in his power to help his friend. He is a member of the Lutheran church.

Gilbert G. Moen, of the township of Christiania, Dane county, Wis., is of Norwegian birth and came to the United States with his parents when he was but three years old. His father, Gulbrand Moen, was a native of Nummedahl, Norway, where he was a farmer. With his wife, Bertha (Oleson) Moen, and two little children, he made the long and dangerous journey on a sailing craft and landed in New York city in 1852. Their first home in Wisconsin was in Christiania but after one year they moved to Pleasant Springs where they purchased an improved farm of eighty acres. . This was their home until 1866, when they sold it and located near Rockdale, then Clinton. Mr. Moen died in 1893 and his wife in 1897. They were members of the Synode church of East Koshoknong. Two children made up their family, Ole G., the oldest son, lived at home until the Civil War, when he enlisted in Company D, Twenty-third Wisconsin Infantry and died at Milliken Bend, La. Gilbert G. was born in Nummedahl, Norway, January 27, 1849, attended the home schools and the Albion academy and lived with his parents until his marriage. September 5, 1871, he married Miss Julia Hendrickson, daughter of Ole and Guri (Olson) Hendrickson, who came from Norway and located at Oakland, Jefferson county, WTis. Mr. Hendrickson was a farmer and blacksmith and lived at Oakland until his death in April. 1901. Mrs. Hendrickson died in 1902. Eleven children were born to them, of whom five are now living; Henry lives in Chicago ; Lena resides at Oakland at the old home ; Julia is Mrs Moen ; Martin is a resident of Lincoln, S. D., and Mary lives in Oakland. To Mr. and Mrs. Moen were born eight children ;

Bertha, who has taught for some years at Toronto, S. D. ; George. Herman, Dora, Emma. William, Ellen and Orlow. All were educated in the schools of Albion and Cambridge and Bertha attended the Whitewater normal school. For a few years prior to his marriage Gilbert Moen taught school at Rockdale and then began farming about half a mile east of Rockdale. After seven years upon this farm he purchased another in section 26, township of Christiania which has since been the home of the family and upon which an extensive general farming business is carried on. Mr. Moen is a loyal adherent to the principles of the Republican party and has served as town clerk. The family attends the Synode church of East Koshkonong.

Ole Hermanson Moen is a native of Bergenstift, Norway, and has been a resident of Dane county since 1857. He owns a farm of eighty acres in section 31, town of Christiania, of which sixty-five acres are under cultivation. When Mr. Moen first obtained the property, in 1 871, it was covered with timber and the labor of clearing it, erecting farm buildings, etc. has all been accomplished by his energy. He carries on a general farming business, raises considerable tobacco*. grain and hay as well as some stock. His father, Herman Moen. was a native of Bergenstift and there owned a farm and spent his entire life. He married Elsie Vettie of the same place and four children were born to them, of whom three came to the United State. Materia lived at Buffalo', ,Wis., and died there ; Ole H. is the oldest livingson ; Hendrick is a farmer of St. Croix, Wis. Herman Moen and his wife both died in Norway. Ole Hermanson was born December 26, 1835, attended school in Norway and with his sister Malena took passage on a sailing vessel bound for America in 1857. After a six weeks voyage they landed in. Quebec and proceeded to Milwaukee by boat, and thence to Stoughton. For fourteen years Ole lived in Albion and in 1871 purchased his present home. In September, 1871, he married Betsy Kaase, who was born in Telemarken, Norway, and came to America with her parents in 1845 and located in Albion. Mrs. Moen died in July, 1881. Two children made up the family: Ella Ml. and Nettie M. Ella has always lived at home. Nettie married in April, 1897, Oscar Johnson of Utica and has four children; Obert, born July, 1898, Adolph, born November 13. i8q<j, Joachim born February. 1901, and Beatrice, born June 32, 1003. The family all live at the old home and since 1898 Mr. Johnson has managed the farm. They are prominent members of the west church oi Christiania. Mr. Moen has always been independent in political matters, voting for the candidate who in his judgment would give the bes":

Anders Moldstad was for twenty-six years one of the leading business men and most public-spirited citizen of the village of De Forest, Wis. He was born in Norway. August 24, 1843, was educated in Norway and came to the United States in 1869, residing for a time in Iowa. His parents, John and Corinne (Dyste) Molstad, never left Xorway. Mrs. Moldstad is still living, having attained the advanced age of eighty-five years and Mr. Moldstad died in Norway. Anders Moldstad left Iowa to come to Lodi, Wis., where he lived until 1873, when he moved to De Forest, which he ever after made his home. He carried on a prosperous mercantile business until his death in 1899 and was of sterling worth as a citizen. Always active in local affairs he was not a party man in politics but nevertheless held various offices of trust in the community. He was prominent in the First Lutheran church of the village and one of its leading supporters. In 1873, he married Miss Johanna Corinne Berg, who was born in Norway, daughter of Christian and Ingeborg (Presterud) Berg, both of whom spent their entire lives in Norway. Five children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Moldstad. John, the oldest son, was graduated from Luther College of Decorah, Iowa, and from the University of "Wisconsin and Concordia Theological Seminary at St. Louis, and has a call to a Chicago church. Ingeborg, the oldest daughter, is a graduate of the Lutheran Ladies' Seminary at Red Wing of the class of 1897. Edla graduated in the same class with her sister. Nellie attended the University of Wisconsin, was graduated in the class of 1902 and is teaching in Shullsburg, Wis. Christian, the youngest son, was graduated from the Luther College of Decorah, Iowa, and is now a student at the Luther Seminary of St. Paul Minn. Mrs. Moldstad and her family occupy the charming home in De Forest, which was built by Mr. Moldstad.

James N. Monson, a thrifty Norwegian farmer of the town of Dunn, was born in Adams county, Wis.. April 16. 1860. He was one of eight children of Nels Monson, four of whom beside the subject are living. Ole, Julia. James N., and Henry, residents of Columbia county, except the subject of this memoir, and Gertrude, now Mrs. Thomas Olson of Madison. Nels Monson came to Wisconsin in 1852. For some six months he worked at common labor in Stoughton and then purchased a farm in Adams county. Here Mrs. Monson died in giving birth to a son, and the father soon after sold the farm and purchased a place in Columbia county.

where he remained until his death in 1891. James N. Monson received a very limited education in the district schools of Columbia county. When a mere boy he started out on life's journey. His first labor as a farm hand brought him four dollars a month. For several years he "worked out" and by frugal habits managed to accumulate enough to purchase a splendidly equipped farm in the town of Dunn shortly after his marriage on September 25, 1884, to Anna, only child of Torbin and Batilda (Nelson) Nelson of the town of Dunn. Air. and Mrs. Nelson came to this country at an early date; Mr. Nelson died in 1884 and his wife in 1897. To Mr. and Mrs. Monson have been born six children, Martin Theodore, October 18, 1886 ; Betsy, June 8, 1888, died in infancy ; Beatta Nelena, July 26, 1889; Josie Marguerite, May 26, 1892; Nelgen Joseph, September 27, 1894; and Jean Adeline, August 29, 1898, died in infancy. Mr. Monson is distinctively a self-made man. Although his education has been extremely limited, he is a copious reader and is probably as well posted as any man in the vicinity. Though nominally a Republican his judgment dictates how he shall exercise his right of franchise. In religious matters he is associated with the Norwegian Lutheran church.

William B. Morehead is a highly respected farmer and dairyman of the town of Montrose, where he has resided all the years of his life. He is the son and only child of William M. Morehead, who was one of the pioneer settlers in that part of Dane county. The father was born in Cadiz, Harrison county, Ohio, November 16, 1819, and was a farmer during all of his long and active life. He resided a few years in both Coshocton and Licking counties, Ohio, and in 1845 came to Wisconsin. In November of the same year he purchased of "LTncle Sam" eighty acres of land, which became the family homestead, and he built thereon a log house, which stood a few feet north of the spot where the more elegant residence of later years stands. During the years succeeding his settlement in the town of Montrose Mr. Morehead did pioneer work among the openings on the Sugar river bottoms, and his success was such that he became the owner of* two hundred twenty-four acres in one body in section twenty-two, besides twenty acres in section twenty of the same township. In 1850 he was married to Miss Sarah Southard, a native of Addison county, Vermont, who had taken up her residence in the town of Montrose with relatives about a year previous to her marriage. She died on May 7, 1880, leaving but one child, William B., whose name introduces this memoir. The father, an old-line Whig-Republican, filled the position of justice of the peace in 1849-50 and, subsequently), was

assessor many years in succession and chairman of the town board in 1870. William B. Morehead, the immediate subject of this review, was born on the old homestead in the town of Montrose, De- 7, 1851. He received his education in the district and select schools of that vicinity, and upon reaching- manhood followed in the footsteps of his honored sire and selected the occupation of a farmer as his life's vocation. He still resides on the land that was preempted by his father from the national government, and under his careful and intelligent management the acres have increased until they now number three hundred, all under an excellent state of cultivation, or used for the purpose of grazing. His farming interests are very extensive, but he divides his attention between that and dairying, in each of which he has met with gratifying success. Mr. Morehead has been twice married first to Miss Mina Chrisler, a native of the state of New York, and to this union two sons were born : YVillard William, who resides in Belleville, and Orlo Chrisler, who resides at home. After the death of his first wife Mr. Morehead married Miss Jessie Boiling but to this union there have been no children. Our subjectis a Republican in politics, and is also a member of the ivj... W. of A.

James B. Morehouse, a prominent farmer of the town of Sun Prairie, has resided in that township since he was a boy twelve years old. With his parents, William I. and Margaret (Mac- Comber) Morehouse, he came to Wisconsin from ' Xew York in 1854. William I. Morehouse was born in Essex county, X. Y.. in 1806, and educated in the home schools and came wrest in 1854, locating on a farm in the town of Sun Prairie. Here he lived until his death in 1876. Margaret MacComber was born in Clinton county, X. Y., in 1812, and came to Wisconsin after her marriage to Mr. Morehouse. Ten children wTere born to the marriage, of whom seven are now living. Michael Morehouse, father of William I., lived and died in Xew York. He served his country in the War of 1812 and married Diadema Stafford, also a native of Xew York. Mrs. William I. Morehouse had a Scotch father and German mother, who spent the later part of their lives in Xew York. Her son, James B., was born in Essex county, Xew York. March 20, 1812, attended school both in Essex county, X. Y., and in Dane county, and served three years in the Civil War. October 11, 1861. he enlisted as private in Company G, First Regiment AYisconsin Volunteer Infantry, was wounded at Chickamauga September 20, 186:3. and imprisoned for one hundred and twentyseven days in Libby prison. Rejoining his regiment June 20, 1861, he served with his comrades until the muster out of the regiment

October 14, 1864. Mr. Morehouse is a member of the G. A. R. His sympathy in political matters is with the Republican party but he is not an office-seeker. December 28, 1869, he married Miss Mary A. Negus, who was born in Onondaga county, N. Y., daughter of Abel C. and Eliza A. (Holenbeck) Negus, who were natives of New York and came to Lake Mills, Jefferson county, Wis., to reside. Later they moved to the township of Sun Prairie, Dane county, and there spent the remainder of their lives. Three children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Morehouse ; George A., who married Miss Lettie Hart and has two children, James Everett and Thomas Obert ; Clarence A., the second son, died in infancy and the youngest son is Frank E. Morehouse. The family is identified with the Methodist Episcopal church.

Silas Morey, (deceased) was one of the early settlers of Dane, coming with his wife in 1845, tnen a young man of twenty-five, and settling on the farm where he died in 1890, after over half a century of continuous residence, having seen the country develop from a forest wilderness to its present state of cultivation and affluence. He was a native of Pennsylvania, and was born June 16, 1820. His father Stephen Morey, was a native of Rhode Island, but his mother, Catherine (Miller) Morey, was born in Crawford county, Pennsylvania. They also came to Medina township in 1845, with a family of two sons and two daughters, and settled on a farm one and one-half miles east of Marshall, but changed to the farm now owned by the Morey estate. They have both passed away, Mr. Morey in 1881. The subject of this sketch received his educational training in the common schools of Pennsylvania; 'he and bis wife, Adeline (Skinner) Morey, were members of the Baptist church. They took up first a tract of eighty acres, but afterward added to it forty acres, which, with the exception of a small tract of three acres, still remains the possession of Mrs. Morey, who is eighty years of age. Their children were Harriet (deceased); Matilda (deceased); Henry, a carpenter of Sibley, Iowa; he was in the Civil War, in Company H, Forty-ninth Regiment Wisconsin Volunteer Infantry, one year ; Amelia, wife of M. S. Smith of Waterloo ; Anna, wife of Herman Kuether, who was born in Germany in 1855, came to Jefferson county in 1870, and to Dane in 1875, where they were married in 1878, and have five children, Jesse, Orin, Walter (deceased), Alta, Feme ; they have charge of the homestead and have lived there for eighteen years; in religious belief they are associated with the Christian Scientists; Mr. Kuether is 2 member of M. W. A. ; Nelson of Stanbaugh. Mich. ; Hiram, of Madison. Mrs. Adeline (Skinner) Morey was a native of Cattaraugus, N. Y., born in 1825; she is the daughter of David and Phoebe (Heurdcks) Skinner, both natives' of New York. Mrs. Skinner died in Pennsylvania in 1843; her husband came to Dane among- the early settlers, but he returned east to Erie county Pa. where he died.

Charles E. Morgan, deceased, for many years a dry goods merchant of the city of Madison, was born in New Haven, Conn., May 19, 1816, and died at Madison, Wisconsin, May 20, 190-1. His education was received chiefly in the public schools of New Haven. At the age of fourteen he started life for himself as a dry goods clerk and for some years following was in a wholesale store in New York city. He later engaged in the retail business in western New York. In 1852 he married Miss Naomi Seymour, who died in 1862 leaving one son, William E., now a practicing surgeon in Chicago. Mr. Morgan's arrival in Dane county was in 1854. For six years he remained on a farm for the benefit of his health. From 1860 to 1867 he was county bookkeeper, resuming the mercantile business in the summer of 1867. He continued in this successfully for several years. In 1861 he married Miss Sophia Hotchkiss of New Haven. Mr. Morgan was for several terms justice of the peace in the town of Madison.

Henry H. Morgan, a son of Charles E. and Sophia (Hotchkiss) Morgan, was born in Madison, September 28, 1870. His education was received in the public and high schools of Madison,. and in the University of Wisconsin, from the law department of which institution he received the degree of LL. B. From the time of his admittance to the bar in June, 1893, to 1905 he practiced his profession in Madison. In the latter year he was appointed assistant United States district attorney for the western district of Wisconsin. Mr. Morgan is a member of the Sigma Chi (college) and Phi Delta Phi (law) fraternities. He is also an Elk and a Mason.

Thomas Morgan is now living retired at No. Ill South Butler street, in the city of Madison, after a life of considerable activity in America, as well as during the years of residence in his native country before migrating here. He was born in Leamington, county of Warwickshire, England, on May 15, 1841, and is the son of William and Elizabeth (Haywood) Morgan, the parents spending their lives in the mother country, where the father followed the trade of shoe-making. Two brothers of our subject came to the United States prior to the Civil War. and during that conflict both served :s soldiers in the Federal army. Neither of them are living. Another brother and also' a sister has migrated to America within recent years, the former, Harry Morgan, being a resident of Milwaukee, and the latter, Mrs. Harriet Hoggins, resides in the same city. Thomas Morgan received his education in the common schools of his native land, and in February, 1873, sailed for the United States. Coming directly to Wisconsin he located in Madison, and after remaining in the employ of others for a few years, in 1878 he began business for himself. He conducted the restaurant at the corner of Main and Pinckney continuously until 1892, when he disposed of it and has since been practically retired, although he has given some attention to real-estate dealing. He owns the comfortable residence which he occupies on South Butler street and other property in the city ; also some small farms in the country. Mr. Morgan married his first wife in England, the lady of his choice being Miss Sarah Franklin, a native of that country., and the date of the marriage was May 24, 1861. She died in the city of Madison in 1883, and on April 5, 1884, Mr. Morgan was married in Milwaukee at the residence of the Episcopal minister to Miss Katie McGonegal, daughter of Alexander McGonegal, a former well-known citizen of Madison. Mrs. Morgan was born in Xew York city, but her parents afterward removed to Milwaukee, where her lather was engaged in the wholesale tobacco business. The 'father and mother are both deceased, and Airs. Morgan has no relatives living, other than the members of her immediate home circle. Mr. and Mrs. Morgan are the parents of three children, all born and educated in Madison, and their names are : Alexander William, Sarah Blanche, and Thomas, Jr. Mr. [Morgan gives his support to the men and measures of the Democratic party, but has never been an aspirant for political position.

Edward W. Morhoff, an enterprising tinsmith of 454 West Washington avenue, [Madison, was born in Middleton, Dane county, April 12, 1863. His parents, Christopher and Mary Morhoff, were both natives of Germany and were married in that country, coming to the United States about the middle of the nineteenth century. The father owned and operated a small farm near [Middleton from the time of his arrival until his death, at the age of sixty-eight, in 1898. His widow is still a resident of Middleton. Both were members of the Lutheran church. Of their seven children John, a farmer, died in 1892 at the age of thirty-one; Lizzie married Frank Lawrence, a carpenter and contractor; Edward W., the subject of this sketch, is a tinsmith; Julia is the wife of Charles Daggett, a mail carrier of [Madison; Henry is a tinsmith in Madison; Tillie married Charles Durkopp, a farmer residing near Middleton ; Willie works for his brother, Edward W. After the completion of his academic education in Middleton and Madison Edward W. Morhoff learned his trade with Tohn N.

Jones. For fifteen years he was employed by Sumner & Morris and then in 1899 started his own 'business. That he has been successful is evidenced by the amount of work he has to do and the number of men he employs. His furnace and sheet metal work is second to none. His establishment is fully equipped and is up-to-date. In 1892, Mr. Morhoff married Mrs. Jessie (Parrott) Ennis, a daughter of Alfred and Eliza Parrott, now residents of Greenbush, a suburb of Madison. Mrs. Morhoff by her first marriage was the mother of three daughters, - Lizzie, the wife of Bernard Erickson, Nellie and May, the latter two at home. Mrs. Morhoff died May 20, 1903. She was a member of the Methodist Episcopal church and an estimable woman. Mr. Morhoff is a member of the Modern Woodmen of America. He is a splendid workman, honest, intelligent and enterprising.

James Morrison, a native of Scotland, is one of the prominent farmers of Morrisonville. His parents, James and Elizabeth (Hill) Morrison came from Scotland to New York city in 1842, and shortly after came to Milwaukee, where they resided for two years. The farm Which they purchased in Dane county is the site of the present village of Morrisonville. Mr. Morrison's farm consisted of three hundredacres and he also< owned property in Columbia county. Mr. Morrison, Sr., took a prominent part in the organization of the village, which was named in his honor and he presented the right 01 way and forty acres of land to promote it. A Republican in his sympathies, Mr. Morrison held various offices in the community, among them being justice of the peace and treasurer of Windsor township. He was a member of the Masonic fraternity. With his wife and family he attended the Congregational church. Of the five children who were born to Mr. and Mrs. Morrison, four are living. Their father died in 1875 and his wife in 1892. James Morrison, their son, was born in Scotland, August 23, 1836, came to the United States with his parents when he was a boy of six years and attended school in Windsor and at the academy of Evansville, Rock county. He has always been a farmer and has a fine farm property of two hundred and sixty acres, being especially interested in the breeding of Durham cattle and Poland China hogs. Mr. Morrison is allied with the Republican party, as was his father, but is independent in his vote upon local matters. January 13, 1862, he married Miss Jane McKinnon, who was born in Scotland in 1837, daughter of Collin and Jane (Ross) McKinnon, who -were natives of Scotland and came to Wisconsin about 1855. Seven children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Morrison; Alexander C, the oldest, is a successful farmer; Tames Hill and Collin M. are hardware merchants of Morrisonville; George B. is a mechanic in Morrisonville and Rowland H. is a mechanical engineer in the employ of the C. M. & St. P. Both the daughters are married; Elizabeth is Airs. John R. Caldwell of Vienna and Jesse E. is Airs. T. A. Caldwell.

Rev. Albert John Mueller, the popular pastor of St. Ignatius church at Alt. Horeb, is a native of the state of Wisconsin, and was born in Barton, Washington county, on October 11, 1873. He is the son of Nicholas Peter and Katharine (Games) Mueller, both of whom were natives of Germany. The father was a wagonmaker and skilled blacksmith, serving a rigid apprenticeship at the trade in the Fatherland, and at the age of eighteen years he migrated to America, the land of better opportunities. He first located in Milwaukee, but in 1848, in the very beginning of the excitement over the discovery of gold in California, he made the trip across the plains to the Pacific coast. He remained but a short time in the Golden state and then returned east, but later he made the journey to California again, going by boat "around the Horn," as it was commonly spoken in those days. Mr. Mueller traveled a great deal during the early years of his life, but finally settled permanently in the city of Milwaukee, where he followed the business of contracting and building. He was a very fine workman and mechanic, met with a fair share of prosperity and by good management achieved a competence. During the Civil War he was drafted into the service, but owing to his business affairs demanding his attention he secured a substitute. Later he was drafted a second time, and, responding to that call he entered the army and served throughout the remainder of the war, after which he returned to Milwaukee. Some time later he removed to Washington county and established his residence at Barton, where he continued to live during the remainder of his life, and where the mother still makes her home. Mr. Mueller was a Democrat in his political affiliations, but never entered public life in the role of an office seeker. Rev. A. J. Mueller is one of eight children who were born to the parents above mentioned, and the family circle is unbroken, excepting Dy the death of the father. Margaret, the eldest, married Matthew Thull and resides in Washington county ; Frank is a resident of Barton ; Joseph resides in Minneapolis, and has the position of chief expert with the Buffalo Pitts machinery company; Susan married Joseph Thull; Elizabeth married Theo. Thull and resides in Chippewa county; Matthew is a resident of Washington county; Albert John is the subject of this review; Rosina married Andrew Kapfer and resides at Barton. Rev. A. J. Mueller received his preliminary education in the parochial school at Barton, and supplemented the knowledge thus gained by taking a classical and theological course in the St. Francis seminary at Milwaukee. He was ordained on June 20, 1897, by Archbishop Katzer, and he celebrated his first mass on the fourth day of the following month, at St. Michael's church in Milwaukee. His first charge was as as> sistant pastor to Rev. William Piel at St. Bonaface's church in Manitowoc, where he remained four years, and then for one year he was first assistant to Rev. Ruckengruber at St. Michael's church in Milwaukee, since which time he has been located at his present charge. The St. Ignatius church at Mt. Horeb was established in 1894, but Father Mueller has made many improvements, putting in stained glass windows, three new altars, statuary, and he has also furnished the residence and made several improvements thereon. He has organized the Ladies' Altar society, and he gives a great deal of attention to music, playing all kinds of instruments. While he was at Manitowoc he was active in organizing and had charge of the Holy Family hospital, organized an Abysius boys' society, and also a Nicolette club, which was a social organization for ladies and gentlemen. He also organized a boys' and young men's athletic club there.

John G. Mueller, of the brewing firm of Brunkow & Mueller, of Pheasant Branch, Dane county, Wis., is of German origin. His father is John C. Mueller of Racine, Wis., who was born in Herzogthum, Germany, and his mother was, before her marriage, Miss Paulina Bauer, of Weimar, Saxony. J. C. Mueller, who was a blacksmith by trade, came to' America in 1856 and lived for two years in New York. He then decided to try his fortune in the west and located in Rac'ne, where he was employed by the J I. Case Machine Co., with whom he remained for the rest of his working days. He is now retired and has reached the age of eighty-four years. Mrs. Mueller is seventy-six years of age. Four children made up their family. John G., the oldest; Louisa, the wife of A. F. Brunkow of Pheasant Branch ; William, also employed by the J. I. Case Co. in running one of their largest steam hammers ; and Charles, a clerk in Racine. John G. Mueller was born in Racine,, July 4, i860, educated in the public schools and lived at home until he reached the age of nineteen years. At this time he went to Weyauwega and learned the cabinet-maker's trade, at which he worked but a short time. In 1884 he bought the Pheasant Branch brewery, at that date in very unprofitable condition. With the aid of a partner, Mr. Brunkow, the brewery was put in good condition and a large and profitable business 41 - iii established. Madison, Middleton, Cross Plains, Mazomanie, Spring Green and many more of the surrounding towns are supplied with the product of the Pheasant Branch Brewing Co. Mr. Mueller is a Democrat but not active in poliitcs. He is always interested in the welfare of the schools of his community and directs much attention to their concerns. He is clerk of the Middleton high school, district No. 6; treasurer of joint district No. 7, town of Middleton. He is also a merniber of the I. O. of O. F. and past grand master of the Middleton lodge. He is a member of the German Lutheran church of -Middleton. May 25, 1886, he married Miss Johanna Wuestenburg, daughter of John and Louisa Wuestenburg, natives of Mecklenburg Schwerin, Germany. One son has been born to them ; George J., seventeen years of age, who has been graduated from the high school. Iver Munson is a successful farmer of De Forest and a veteran of the Civil War. He came to Dane county. Wis., when he was one year old, with his parents, M. Simonson and Inga (Rewsdalj Simonson, who were natives of Norway. They were followed in 1846 by the grandparents, Simon Simonson and his wife, who spent the remainder of their lives in Dane county. Mr. Munson's parents purchased a farm in Pleasant Springs and made that their permanent home. They improved it and built upon it and resided there until their death. Eight children made up their family and four are yet living. They were associated with the Lutheran church. Iver Munson was born in Norway. August 28, 1843, came to the United States in 1844. attended school in Pleasant Springs and, in 1862, enlisted in the Fifteenth Wisconsin Volunteer Infantry as a private in Company B. In 1864, at the expiration of his term of service he was mustered out and re-enlisted in the United States Veteran Corps, with which he served until 1866. He was with the Army of the Cumberland at Lookout Mountain and Missionary Ridge, participated in the engagements during the siege of Knoxville and followed General Sherman in his campaign to Atlanta which included the "Hundred Days Battles." After the war was over Mr. Munson engaged in farming in Pleasant Springs and lived there unril 1885, when he moved to the town of Windsor and purchased a large farm which is now his home. It consists of four hundred and twenty-five acres and upon it Mr. Munson carries on a general farming business, having equipped it with modern farm machinery and improved it in other ways. Mr. Munson is active in local affairs, is a Democrat and has for two years been chairman of the town board. December 21. L874, he married Miss Caran Hanson, who was born in Norwav and came to Pleas- ant Springs with her mother, sister and brother after the father's death. Five children were born to the marriage ; Martin H., the oldest son, is deceased ; a daughter, Olive, died and Cora, Ida and Henrietta are the living children. The family is identified with the Norway Grove Lutheran church.

Frank Murray, a retired farmer residing just outside of the corporate limits of Madison, is of Scotch parentage but was born in Parish Baslick, Ireland, September 29, 1820. On August 10, 1847, he arrived in the United States, landing in Maine, in which state he made his home for ten years, following his vocation of ship carpenter. In 1857 he removed to Dane county, purchasing a small farm in the town of Burke from Mr. D. J. Powers. Here he remained with his family until 1903, when he sold out and removed to the home he now occupies. On June 28, 1842, Mr. Murray married Miss Beatrice Feenaghty, of Spanish and Scotch descent, although born in Parish Yulley, Ireland, on October 25, 1815. The wedding occurred in Parish Yulley, county of Roscommon, Ireland. This union was blessed with five children, four of whom died in infancy. Mrs. Murray died January 10, 1901. The only surviving child, Maria J., was born in Bowdonham, Sagadahoc county, Me., eight miles from Bath, and came to Dane county with her parents when but three years of age. Her education was received in the county schools. Of late years Miss Murray has devoted her entire time to the care of her aged and decrepit father. The tenderness and devotion with which she is ministering to him are worthy the admiration and respect of everybody.

John Murray, deceased, for many years a plastering" contractor of Madison, was born in Moffat, Dumfriesshire, Scotland, May 4. 1833. The date of his arrival in the United States and Madison was 1857 and besides a brother, William Murray, a farmer of Richland county, he was the only member of the family to leave the native heath. His father, Nathaniel Murray, died in his Scotland home a few years ago. The subject of this sketch served his apprenticeship in Scotland and after coining here was associated with the late Eri Oakley and just before his retirement was a partner of William Sharp. The plastering work in the state capitol, the Park hotel and of many private and public buildings of Madison, was done under his direction. By industry and thrift he won a competency sufficient to allow him to retire from active life in 1890. He was an active and influential member of the Free and Accepted Masons and the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and like so many of his countrymen was a communicant of the Presbyterian church. His political affiliations were with the Republican party and die was twice elected to the board of supervisors as a representative of that party. In 1861 Mr. Murray was united in marriage to Miss Mary Henry, also a native of Moffat, who crossed the ocean to' become 'his bride. ( )n January 17, 1899, after an illness of eight or nine months, Mr. Murray died leaving besides the widow two sons and two daughters. - Anna, the wife of Colin R. Davidson of Chicago; William H., who married Margaret W. Long of Virginia City, New, and is now chief operator of the Western Union Telegraph company in Madison ; Mar}', who married James McCurrach of Chicago and John D. of Los Angeles, Cal. All the children were born and educated in the capital city. Mrs. Murray still occupies the home at 713 State street. She has seen many changes in Madison since her arrival after' a stormy passage across the sea more than forty years ago. She was but eighteen when she made the trip, which threatened to end in shipwreck, and although she is the only member of her immediate family who immigrated, she is as loyal to Madison and interests as are her children.

T. Gibbs Murray, junior member of the firm of Burdick & Murray Co., is a native of Minnesota, where he first saw the light of day in Wright county, on December 29, 1868. His father was Robert Murray, a native of Prince Edward's Island. He had been educated for the ministry, but in 1864 left college and enlisted in the Union army. He saw some service in the south and then was sent west and was engaged in the Indian service. After his discharge from the army he completed his college course, but his health had been so impaired by the exposures and hardships of army life that it was impossible for him to enter the active work of the ministry, so he removed to Minnesota and followed agricultural pursuits until his death, which occurred in 1872, when he was but twenty-nine years old. Robert Murray's wife was Martha A., a daughter of Seth and Mary (Brown) Gibbs. She was born September 14, 1847, and is still living, making her home with her only other child, Fred, a merchant of Clearwater, Minn. Seth Gibbs was one of the early settlers of the Gopher state, arriving there in 1848. He had been a merchant in the east, but went into the lumber business in his new home. T. Gibbs Murray, the subject of this sketch, received his education in the graded schools of Clearwater, Minn. His first employment was as a clerk in the store of G. R. Shirley in Clearwater and in this position he passed four years. At the end of that time he came to Madison, arriving here on February 16, 1887, and went to work for an uncle, S. B. W. Brown, in a wholesale notion store. After four years there he accepted a position as bookkeeper for R. B. Ogilvie, and at the end of three and a half years formed a partnership with H. N. Antisdel, the firm name being H. X. Antisdel & Company. Eighteen months later A. L. Burdick purchased Mr. AntisdeFs interest and the firm became Murray & Burdick. The firm became established in its present place of business about two and a half years after its organization. On October 10, 1891, Mr. Murray married Hannah, daughter of Theodore and Marie (Siggelko) Herfurth, of Madison. Mr. Herfurth was engaged in the fire insurance business at the time of his death, which occurred October 28-, 1903, and had served as city assessor. Mr. Murray is a Royal Archmason, of which order he has served as steward, and is at present a member and regent of the Royal Arcanum.

I. J. Naset, son of Johann Jensen, the first representative of the pioneer Xaset family, in Christiania, Dane county, came with his family from Bargenstadt. Norway,- in 1845. He obtained one hundred sixty acres of farm land in the township, to which more was added from time to time. On a part of this property Ingebrigt Naset now resides. Johann married Ella Fios in Norway and six children were born to them ; George. Gunila, who married H. L. Lien of Christiania, and Marv are deceased ; Jens J. resides in Stoughton ; I. J., the subject of this sketch lives upon the old homestead and Johann is a retired farmer of Bloomer, Wis. Ingebright J. was born in Norway, December 31, 1833, was twelve years of age when he came with his parents to Wisconsin and found little opportunity for schooling in the new home, as the combined efforts of father and sons were necessary to clear the new farm and build a home. For a number of years he was engaged in threshing and for many years has carried on a general farming business on his share of the old homestead. He has a farm of one hundred sixty acres on which he lias made all the improvements and has also done carpentering and mason work in the neighborhood. He is a member of the Norwegian Lutheran church and has been instrumental in building three different churches in the vicinity. Mr. Naset is a stanch adherent of the Democratic party and has held a number of local offices. In 1855. he married Miss Sarah Ann Larson, a native of Norway and, after her death. Miss Mary Johnson of Yardahl, Norway, became his wife. Eight children blessed the first marriage and seven the second^ but four of whom are living. Lars resides at Robindale, Minn.: Gustave lives in Janesville, Wis. : Otto is a farmer in the town of Christiania ; Josephine is the widow of Ole Peterson of Christiania.

Rev. John M. Naughtin, pastor of St. Raphael's Roman Catholic church of Madison, was born in Zanesville, Ohjo, June 24. 1854, and came to Wisconsin with his parents the following year. They settled in Madison, and he thus became for a time a member of St. Raphael's parish, of which he afterward became the efficient spiritual head. In 1857 the family removed to Juneau county, and there his boyhood was passed and the first thought of his young manhood turned toward commercial work. When he later decided to enter the religious vocation he found the necessary education and intellectual and spiritual equipment for his work at St. Bonaventure's Seminary of Allegany, New York. He was ordained in June, 1882, and after two years spent as a teacher in Pio Nono college, near Milwaukee, he was sent to St. John's Cathedral, Milwaukee, as assistant. He remained there until the autumn of 1892, at which time Archbishop Katzer appointed him to establish a new parish in the southwestern part of Milwaukee. He entered upon this work with characteristic method and zeal and successfully established it during his three years residence. November 14, 1895, he was appointed rector of St. Raphael's church of Madison and entered upon his duties there on December 1st, of the same year, a position which he has faithfully filled up to the present time. These eleven years of marked success have demonstrated the wisdom of the appointment, as the church has prospered greatly under his administration. St. Raphael's church was organized in 1848 and the present building was begun in 1854 and has been in use since 1862. It has a membership of two thousand three hundred, and has in connection with its organization the following societies : the Young Ladies' Sodality, the Knights of Columbus, the Catholic Knights of Wisconsin, the Catholic Order of Foresters, the Woman's Catholic Order of Foresters, the League of the Sacred Heart and the St. Raphael's choir. Of these Father Naughtin is the spiritual head and his connection is not merely nominal ; he takes the most active interest in all matters concerning his charge, whether near or remote. A man having in charge the spiritual direction of so large a congregation might easily find himself excused from participation in the larger affairs that pertain to the well-being of the whole community, but Father Naughtin has never shielded himself from municipal and secular duties and responsibilities on account of his pastoral work. On the contrary there are few enterprises which concern the betterment of general conditions in which he is not interested and to which he has not lent aid and sympathy. He is a member of the board of the public library, of the city hospital board, of the Madison Park and Pleasure-drive association and of many other of the city enterprises and associations, and is one of the men frequently called upon on occasions of public demonstration, as at the citizens' meeting held on the day of President McKinley's funeral. While his kindly spirit and personal interest have endeared him to the members of his own church and congregation, his scholarly attainments have won him a place in the intellectual life of the city and his liberality and public spirit gives him a position in the public regard that is not bounded by church or personal limitations.

Charles Neath, who is one of the prosperous farmers of the town of Rutland, is a fine example of the self-made man, and his life is an illustration of the opportunities that America affords for the industrious and persevering youth. Mr. Xeath was bom in Somersetshire, England, and was one of a family of ten children, born to Reuben and Caroline (Criddle) Xeath, the parents having spent their lives and died in their native country. Charles Xeath made the journey alone from England to America, in 1880, and Dane county, (Wis., was the terminus of his iong journey. He secured work as a farm hand and continued so employed for about eight years, by which time he was able, as the result of the strictest economy and industrious habits, to purchase a small larm comprising thirty-two acres in the town of Rutland. When he arrived in Dane county, in 1880, his financial standing was represented by a fifty-cent piece, which had been given to him by a gentleman in Milwaukee. Mr. Xeath carried this coin in his pocket as a mascot for three years, and it still remains as one of his most highly prized possessions. On March 20, 1892, he was married to Miss Hattie Osborne, daughter of Andrew B. and Delene Osborne, worthy citizens oi the town of Rutland, and Mrs. Xeath is one of seven children born to these parents. Six of the children are living, of whom one resides in Iowa, one in Dayton, Wis., and the other four are residents of Dane county. Mr. and Mts. Xeath resided on the small farm spoken of above until 1905, when th-:\ sold it and bought eighty acres of the Osborne homestead, which had been the home of Mrs. Xeath's parents, and have since resided thereon. Many improvements have been made on the farm, in the way of residence. barn, etc., and Mr. Neath is as completely equipped for the business of general farming as could be desired. He is certainly a self-made man in the truest sense of the term, and his present prosperous condition represents a remarkable triumph over discouraging obstacles. He never attended school a day and his success has been due entirely to his natural ability and his personal efforts, aided in no small measure by the encouraging" words and wise counsel of a dutiful wife. Although handicapped by the lack of an education, Mr. Neath is conceded to be well-posted and in possession of a high order of intelligence. Besides himself, two of his brothers also* sought homes in America - Albert and Robert - and the}- both reside in the town of Rutland. Air. and Mrs. Neath have one child, 3 daughter named Myrtle Delene, who was born January i, 1901. Mr. Neath is a Republican in his political affiliations, and he and his wife are members of the Baptist church.

John C. Neill, one of the leading business men of Waunakee, has interests outside of that village, as he is one of the members of the Caldwell & Neill Co., of Lodi, Dane and Waunakee. He was born in Caledonia, Columbia county, April 19, 1873, DUt is of Scotch ancestry. .His father, John Neill, was born at Perthshire Down, Scotland, and the mother, Martha (Caldowj Neill, at Kilmarnock, Ayrshire. They were married in Caledonia, Columbia county, Wis., June 1, 1870, but- received their education in their native land. J. Niell, Sr., came to New York in 1855 and after a residence there of about two years removed to Cadedonia township, Columbia county; in 1875 he located in Arlington township, and in 1893 retired from business and settled in Lodi where he lives at present. He owned a large farm of three hundred and twenty acres and is considered one of the wealthy men of the county, having accumulated his fortune by his own industry and business ability. In politics he is a Republican and both he and his wife are members of the united Presbyterian church. Their four children are John C; William K.; Henry H.; Margaret E. The paternal grandfather of John C. Neill was John Neill, a native of Scotland who came to New York in the early fifties and to Caledonia in 1856, where he died in 1880. He was a blacksmith by trade, and also a farmer ; he owned about six hundred acres of land. His wife, Margeret ( Moreland) Neill was born in Scotland; she died in Dekorra, Coumbia county, October 17, 1900, about ninety years of age. The maternal grandfather, William Caldow. was a Scotch-man, and came to Dane and located in Vienna township; later he went to Caledonia, but died in Arlington. He bought his first land of Jas. McClay, of Madison. The subject of this sketch was educated first in the common school of the village and the district school of Arlington. He prepared himself for active participation in commercial affairs by a supplementary training at the Northwestern Business college of Madison. His first occupation was that of a farmer and stock-raiser, but in 1807 he turned his attention to mercantile pursuits and engaged in a wholesale and retail business covering flour, feed, seeds, hay, straw, grain, coal, and live-stock. He is a Republican but does not enter largely into the field of practical politics as regards office-holding. He and his family are connected with the Presbyterian church. He was married October 19, 1900, to Miss Anna Hyslop, born in Dane. May 7, 1874, daughter of Robert and Martha (Anderson) Hyslop, who were both born in Scotland, he in 1829 and she in 1837, . and married there. About 1855 they came to Dane where he died in February, 1901. His widow now lives at Lavalle. Sauk county. They had a family of ten children and nine are living.

William Kenneth Neill, of Dane, was born at Arlington, Columbia county, June 1, 1879. He is the son of John Neill, mentioned in this work. He attended first the common school in the town of Arlington, then the high school of Poynette, and was graduated from the Xorthwestern Business college of Madison. After leaving school he worked in the grain business at Lodi. for Caldwell & Neill, for two years, and then became a partner in the business, known as Caldwell & Neill Co.. located at Lodi, Dane and Waunakee. Mr. Neill has charge of the business at Dane, where he resides, and is an active participant in the life of the village, having been a member of the board of trustees for two years. He and his wife are interested in the religious affairs of the community as members of the Methodist Episcopal church. He is a Republican in his politics. He was married, October 29. 1903 to Miss Nellie May Folsom. born in Dane, October 29, 1882, daughter of William H. and Ella (Worthing) Folsom. Mr. Folsom is a native of Gilford, N. H., and his wife of Roxbury. Wis. Mrs. Neill's grandfather, Samuel F. Worthing, was born in Bristol, N. H., in 1822, and his wife. Belinda (Sleeper) Worthing, in the same town, in 1824. They now make their home in West Point, Columbia county of this state. Although Mr. Xeill is a young man, he is very successful in his business enterprises and beside other property, owns a fine home in the village of Dane, in which there are two children, both sons ; William Folsom Neill, born December 23, 1904 and John Henry, born May 3, 190(3.

Alexander Nelson, a retired farmer of the village of Deerfield, was born at Voss, Norway, March 14. 1830. Fie was a son of Nels and Chiste (Fladequal) Nelson, natives of the same locality. Alexander had a limited education in the public schools of Norway. At the age of twenty he came to America, locating in Chicago first. There he worked for the city a couple of years. In 1853 he secured a job as carpenter on the Panama railroad and went to the Isthmus. Upon arriving there those in authority claimed there was no timber on hand for the carpenter work, and the carpenters were told to go to work shoveling gravel at $1.50 per day, whereas they were hired as carpenters for $2.50 per day. He refused to do this and determined to make his way across the Isthmus on foot notwithstanding the many dangers. After a walk of over fifty miles he reached old Panama city, on the Pacific, hungry and tired, without a cent of money in his pockets. He applied for work on that end of the railroad and had to work a day to show that he was a carpenter. After three weeks he was taken with the fever, and upon his discharge from the hospital he again found himiself without money or food. A ship about to sad for San Francisco was short of hands and Alexander was given a passage for which he had to work aboard vessel. For eight years after his arrival in Californ'.a he worked in the gold mines, and then concluding that the old country was better than the new he started for Norway. While in California he worked in the: gold fields for himself, and he met with fair success. He made enough in inning to buy his present farm. He suffered all the privations incidental to the gold fields of California of that time, but kept his health', and now looks back on those days with interest and pleasure. In 1858 he went to British Columbia to the Frazer River where he spent about four months - but that venture was a failure on account of the high prices thev had to pay for everything, flour, for instance, selling at $25 a sack, and everything in proportion. About Chrstmas time the cold drove them back to California. On the voyage down the river their sailing vessel sprang a leak. They made shore, but almost froze to death. When he got across the continent as far as what is now Deerfield he became infatuated with the lady later to become his wife and decided to settle down. He accordingly bought one hundred and sixty acres of land, on part of which the village of Deerfield now stands. After farming for twenty-two years he retired, and has since :ented It's farm on shares. Mr. Nelson, about 1882, erected four frame stores and a bank building in Deerfield, which was destroyed by fire in 1896. He then built two brick store buildings and the bank building. He was one of the organizers of the bank of Deerfield, of which he was a part owner. This bank was succeeded by Fargo & Co. private bankers. He erected his present handsome residence in 1900. His political affiliations are with the Republican party, and although he has been urged many times to become a candidate, he has always refused to run for office. In 1862 he married Anna, daughter of Nels and Rhode (Setrel) Nelson, and to th's marriage twelve children have been born - Christene, Edd'e. Rhode, married Peter Fjeld, Nels, Willie, Emma, Martha, Andrew, Albert and Bennie. Mr. Nelson is a member of the Pioneers of Wisconsin. He is the type of man who will overcomls almost any obstacle to bring- about his Betterment and that of the community. He is much respected in the community where he resides.

Charles D. Nelson, chief deputy in the fish and game department of the state, was born in Algoma. Wis., September 23, 1873. He is the youngest of three children of William (). and Lizzie (Mc- Donald) Nelson, both natives of the Badger state The other two children are Mae, the wife of F. E. Verden of Chicago, the owner and manager of one of the largest business colleges in the United States, having an enrollment of seventeen hundred ; and William O., who conducts a marble and granite concern at Rice Lake, Wis. The father was a pier foreman at Algoma. At the breaking out of the Civil War he enlisted in Company I, Fourteenth Wisconsin Infantry, and his service continued throughout the wrar, although toward the close of it he was made captain of a company in the Forty-seventh Louisiana colored regiment. At the cessation of hostilities he returned to his position as dock foreman and held it until his death in 1878. His wife passed away the same month and year. Upon the death of his parents Charles D. Nelson was adopted by the Hon. De W'ayne Stebbins. for some years state senator, and William O. Nelson's former employer. Senator Stebbins died in 1901 at the age of sixty-six. He was a candidate for the Republican nomination for governor when Hon. R. M. La Follette was named. He was a graduate of the United States naval academy in the same class as Admiral Dewey. His widow is still a resident of Algoma. Mr. Nelson received his preparatory education in the Algoma common and high schoois and then took a course in a Chicago business college, graduating in 1892. Since that time he has been continuously employed by the state or national government. His first work was on the harbor improvements remaining in this position for five year^. In 1897 he was appointed deputy game warden, since which time he has made Madison his home. That his work in the department has been eminently satisfactory is evidenced by his continuance in office through the successive changes of administration. On June 12, 1894 Mr. Nelson was united in marriage to Miss Elsie Acker, a native of Algoma, and a daughter of John and Sarah Acker, both present residents of Algoma, where the father is a lumberman. Mr. and Mrs. Nelson have one child, De Wayne. They are both communicants of the Protestant Episcopal church. The father is

Cornelius Nelson is a successful farmer of Christiania and son of one of its pioneers. In 18-14 his parents, Nels C. and Ann Christina Nelson, came from Conksburg, Norway, to Wisconsin. Nels Nelson was a carpenter in Norway but when he arrived in Christiania he purchased an eighty-acre farm which he proceeded to clear and improve. He lived until 1876 and his wife until 1896. They were loyal members of the First Lutheran church. Twelve children were born to them, of whom nine are living. Andrew is a farmer in Barker county, Minn. ; Sophia is Mrs. Allen Allenson of Edgerton ; Mongnous resides at Beloit, Wis. ; Christian is a blacksmith at Spring Grove, Minn. ; Cornelius is the subject of this sketch; Caroline is Mrs. Guilder Rareson of Otter Tail county. Minn. ; Catharine married Even Onscord ; Josephine is Mrs. Samuel Peterson, of Edgerton ; O. M. is a farmer in Albion. Cornelius was born at the old home in section 34, Christiania, October 1. 1851, attended the home schools and purchased the old homestead in 1886, where he has ever since carried on a general farming business. The farm consists of one hundred and twenty acres and upon it Mr. Nelson raises considerable fine stock as well as grain, hay, etc. October 26, 1887, he married Miss Carrie Anderson, a native of Hademarken, Norway, daughter of Andrew and Anna Olson. Four children blessed the marriage ; Alfred Nordahl. Clara Amanda, Clarence Otto and Henry Cornelius. All the children attended the home schools, and Clara the Edgerton school. The family attend the east Norwegian Lutheran church. Mr. Nelson is a Republican in his political sympathies but does not take an active part in political matters.

George Nelson, the well known and prosperous cement contractor of Madison, was born near Odense, Denmark, September 29, 1867. He is a son of Peter and Bertha Catherine Nelson. His education was received in the common schools of his native land and in 1886 he came to America. Chicago was his first home and for thirteen years he labored there as a cement workman. In 1899 he came to Madison and entered the employment of Nicholas Quinn, his first work being the laying of the curb and gutter between the capitol grounds and the lake on Wisconsin avenue. After a year he started in business for himself. The cement curbing on West Washington avenue between Carroll street and the West Madison depot was one of his first contracts. Since that time his business has grown so extensively that he does work in sixteen other towns and cities in the state, mostly to the west of Madison. He employs between one hundred and one hundred and seventy-five men. His biggest contract, a real test of the efficiency of his work, was the building of the bridge across the Eau Claire river at Eau Claire. It has been pronounced one of the finest pieces of work east of the Rocky Mountains. The bridge, two hundred and forty feet long, each span being eighty feet, is the continuation of the main street of the city and the car line passes over it. Another piece of Mr. Nelson's handiwork is the Williamson street bridge over the Yahara river in Madison. On January 14, 1903 Mr. Nelson was united in marriage to Miss Anna Hansen, also a native of Denmark. They have one child, Russell Arthur. Mr. Nelson is highly regarded by the whole community.

Jacob Nelson is another of the worthy citizens of the town of Oregon, whose successful career is an illustration of what industry and determination can do in the way of overcoming obstacles. He was born on the island of Langeland, which is a part of Denmark, September 22, 1845. and is the only son of Nels Peterson and Cam Christianson, both of whom were also born in Denmark and spent their lives there. The father was a soldier in the Danish army during the war with Germany in 1848 to 1850. Jacob Nelson was reared to manhood in his native country and received his education in the public schools. At the age of twenty years he turned his face toward the land of opportunities, and coming directly to Dane county worked as a farm hand during the first six years of his residence in America. Upon his arrival he was not able to speak a word of the English language, and this handicap with others made his progress slow for a time. But in 1871 he married and purchased forty acres of land in the town of Dunkirk, where he commenced his independent career as a farmer, and success has attended his every effort since. He resided on the Dunkirk farm about four years and then sold it and moved to Rutland, where he lived on a rented place for three years, and then moved to Green county, Wis. Four years later he returned to Dane county and purchased the sixty acres of land in the town of Oregon, where he has since resided, and where he has met with a flattering degree of success as a farmer. He has made all the improvements thereon, which are now so noticeable to the passer-by, and the old log house in which he first resided has long since been superseded by a commodious and modern structure. When Mr. Nelson first began farming in Dane county he cut all of his grain with the old-fashioned cradle and thrashed it with a one-horse machine ; but this has all been changed by the wonderful progress of the last quartercentury, due in no small measure to the enterprise and industry of such men as the subject of this review. Being remarkably well preserved, despite the many years of strenuous toil, it is hoped and reasonably expected that he will live long to enjoy the fruits of his labors. One sister, Christina, is his only living relative other than the members of his immediate family, and she resides in Denmark. Air. Nelson was married in February, 1871, to Miss Carolina Sarenson, born February 10, 1853, whose parents, Saren Christian Peterson and wife, Christina, are both deceased, the mother dying when the daughter was an infant, and the father died in America. To Air. and Airs. Nelson there have been born five children, two of whom died in infancy. Of the others, Carl married Carolina Peterson, a native of Denmark, and resides near his parents ; Emery married Sena Peterson, sister of his brother's wife ; and Louis, who is not married, remains at the parental home. Air. Nelson is a Republican in his political affiliations, was supervisor of the town ot Oregon one term, and has been school director for several years. In his religious faith he adheres to the Danish Lutheran church, and was baptised and confirmed in Denmark before his migration to America.

John Mandt Nelson. - In the affairs of state, as taken aside from the extraordinary conditions of warfare, there are demanded men whose mental ken is as wide and whose generalship is as effective as those which insure successful manoeuvering of armed forces by the skilled commander on the field of battle. The nation's welfare and prosperity may be said to hinge as heavily upon individual discrimination and executive ability in the one case as the other. It requires a master mind to marshal and organize the forces for political purposes and produce the best results by concerted effort. Among the leaders of the Republican cohorts in Wisconsin is numbered Air. Nelson, who is one of the able and successful members of the bar of Dane county, engaged in the practice of his profession in Madison. The following review of his career, save for slight paraphrase, appeared in a recent issue of the Milwaukee Free Press, in connection with special reference to his candidacy for nomination for congress in the autumn of 1906: "Air. Nelson is well known throughout the district and has been an active supporter of Governor La Follette's policies and the movement for good government in Wisconsin. He is a man of strong convictions and undouted courage. He was born in the township of Burke, Dane county, this state. October 10, 1870, being a representative of one of the sterling pioneer families of the county. He attended the common schools and the Northwestern Business College, entering the University of Wisconsin in 1888. He was graduated in the modern classical course with the class of 1892, receiving the degree of Bachelor of Arts. In the fall of the same year he was elected county superintendent of schools for Dane county, and was re-elected in 1893. He entered the college of law of the state university the following year and finished the course in 1896, being duly admitted to the bar. He soon afterward became part owner of the newspaper known as the Old Dane and later as the State, of Madison, and was for two years its editor. In 1901 Mr. Nelson entered the University as a post-graduate and there he specialized for three years, mainly in political science and the government of cities, making a total of ten years of college training. He was chosen a member of the University alumni executive committee in 1903, and was elected corresponding secretary of the committee the following year. His political training began as secretary of the University of Wisconsin Republican Club, in 1888, and as president of the club a year later. He has for fifteen _years been Governor La Follette's chief lieutenant in Dane count}', and in his management of campaigns in which every inch of ground was contested he has shown great executive ability and capacity for organization. His political activity was not enlisted to further the ambitions of one man nor for his own benefit, but to promote the cause of good government. He has been a delegate to nearly all state and con- .gressional conventions for the past twelve years. He was chairman of Congressman Dahle's campaign committee, was a member of the Republican state central committee with Chairman Bryant and is now a member of the executive committee, with Chairman Connor. For three years he was bookkeeper in the department of state, and for four years he was correspondent in the treasury department, acquainting himself fully with the business of the state. He was urged by Governor La Follette to accept the office of executive clerk, but he declined. He was importuned to become a candidate for state senator, but he would not accept the overtures. Governor Davidson offered him the position of private secretary, but Mr. Nelson declined. Mr. Nelson has been a member of the state bar for ten years and for the past three years has been actively engaged in practice. He is a stockholder in the Wisconsin Securitv Land Company, a large Wisconsin and North Dakota corporation, and is also vice-president of the Stondall Land & Investment Company, operating successfully in "Wisconsin. North

Dakota and Canada. In 1891 Mr. Nelson married Miss Johanna Stondall, a sister of Senator A. M. Stondall. Six children have been born of this union. He owns an attractive new home near the Universty."