Dane County, Wisconsin - The whole text, 1906 (part 22 of 29)

Lawrence Post is one of the leading and trustworthy citizens of the town of Perry, and after a varied career, the early part of which was filled with adversity sumcient to discourage the stoutest heart, he now lives in comparative comfort and ease, enjoying the fruits of his own labor and the perseverance which enabled him to triumph over difficulties. He was born in Somerset county, Perm., April 15, 1841, his parents being George and Elizabeth Post, but he was left motherless at the tender age of fourteen days and fatherless when but eight vears old. having one sister two years older than himself. After his fathers death his step-mother married John Mergler and. in 1850. they migrated to Dubuque, Iowa, coming to Wisconsin in the fall of the same year, and settling in the town of Perry, Dane county. His step-parents were very poor, and the country being new our subject experienced a winter of great hardship and exposure, in the absence of sufficient food and clothing. In the spring of 185 1 the family moved to the town of Springdale and there the ten-year-old boy was obliged to work among strangers, the compensation being his board or a shilling per day. The following season he was hired out to Edward Dale, in the town of Blue Mounds, for the summer months at five dollars per month or thirty dollars for the season. There young Post first learned to speak the English language and also to do all kinds of farm work, but at the end of his hire he returned and gave what little money he had earned to h:s step-parents and attended the district school during the winter on days when there was not anything else 46 - iii for him to do. In the spring of 1853 he again hired to his former employer, Mr. Dale, receiving ten dollars per month for the summer seasun, and he took a two-year-old steer as part payment to mate, with one that he had at home, the two later becoming a valuable yoke of oxen. For a few years immediately following this Mr. Post remained with his step-father and assisted in breaking new ground, the step-father having purchased sixty acres of land in the town of Perry and moved thoron in the spring of 1856. The following season, 1857, a fine crop of Wheat was raised, and as Madison had risen to the dignity of a railroad station it afforded a market for that cereal. Money was much needed by the family, but as they had no wagon and the nearest neighbor who owned a vehicle in which the grain could be trans ported lived several miles away in the town of Blue Mounds, it took five days for young Post to secure the loan of the wagon, make the trip to Madison and then return the wagon to its owner. Fortyeight cents per bushel was received for the wheat, which made the compensation very meager for the time spent. But such was pioneer* life. In the spring of 1859 young Post had a falling out with his step-parents and leaving his home he started out determined to inaugurate faiis independent career, with a limited school education but an abundance of practical experiencei and self reliance. The hardest part of the leave-taking was the parting with his only sister, who had become the wife of Simon Keller and lived in the immediate neighborhood, and whom he was destined never to see again, as she died but a short time afterward, in April, 1859. While searching for work he met a stranger who induced him to become a companion on a trip to the Wisconsin pineries. The trip began on March 14, and was made afoot by the way of Madison and Portage to Stevens Point, at which point his companion took passage in a stage coach and left young Post to complete the journey alone. He finally reached his destination, wallcing forty-five miles the last day of his journey, and arriving at nightfall, tired and hungry1, with but a three-cent piece representing his supply of cash. To add to his discomfiture the mills all had their full complement of men and the rafting crews had their necessary quotas. But with his threa-cent piece he purchased a loaf of bread, and this, together with a drink of cold water constituted his morning meal, after which he started out in search of employment. After working for his board several days he secured a position as cook on a raft, with St. Louis as the destination, and his compensation for the trip was to be sixty dollars. Reaching Fulton, 141., he accepted fifty dollars as payment in full for his services, and taking the first steam boat to Galena, thence walked to Mineral Point, Wis., and from there back to the town of Perry, reaching honiu in July. Soon thereafter he was taken sick with the prevailing fever and ague., and for two months he was unablu to do anything, his money all being spent for medical relief. After his recovery he hired cut as a farm hand and for about a year worked for Hall Chandler, leceiving ten dollars per month for his services. At the end of that time he was again attacked with a serious illness, and after recovering went to the city of Madison and secured lighter employment for a few months, after which he returned and worked for Air. Chandler until the spring of 1861. After repeated attempts to enter the United States military service, and being as often disappointed, he enlisted on April 26, 1861, as a private in Company K of the Third Regiment Wisconsin Volunteer Infantry and served with that command until July 14, 1864, when he was mustered out on account of his term of service having expired. He first enlisted for three months, but on receipt of the news that no further enlistments for three months would be received he promptly enrolled himself as a volunteer for three years. The regiment was mustered into the United States service at Fond du Lac on June 29, and each volunteer was then given a state uniform and two months pay at eleven dollars per month. Mr. Post received a twenty-dollar gold piece and two dollars in change, as his portion, and he sent the gold piece, together with a photograph of himself, to his half-brother, John, who was then in very poor health and who died the following year. The regiment left the state on July 12, 1861, for Hagerstown, Md., but unfortunatelv Mr. Post was taken very ill with an attack of measles, and he was the only member of the regiment that was left behind. After his recovery he went to Madison and reported to the adjutant-general, making application to be sent to his command, but while his transportation was being made out orders came from the government calling the Fifth Wisconsin regiment to the seat of war. and by the request of the governor Mr. Post joined that command and went with it to the city of Washington by the way of Harrisburg and Baltimore. He then rejoined his regiment at Hagerstown and remained with it during the summer and fall, doing guard duty along the Potomac river. He took an active part in helping to capture some of the legislators of Maryland and other Confederate sympathizers, and he was also employed as assistant baktr for the regiment part of the time. He was with his regiment in the Army of the Potomac during the Shenandoah campaign and participated in the pursuit of the enemy up the valley and in the battle of Cedar Mountain, where, out of the forty-four men in his company, eighteen were either killed, wounded or taken prisoners. Mr. Post was among the latter, and after about six weeks imprisonment at Libby and Belle Isle he was paroled and sent to Washington, where he was soon afterward exchanged. He then rejoined his regiment, in the latter part of October, 1862, and with it took part in the battles of Chancellorsville, Beverly Ford and Gettysburg. After the latter engagement be marched with his command to Warrenton Junction, Ya., and was then on account of illness sent to Lincoln hospital at Washington, D. .C He was never again fit for field service and the rest of his term of service was spent in hospitals, excepting time spent at home on furlough in the latter part of 1863, and he was mustered out as stated above on July 14. 1864. On being discharged he' returned to the town of Ferry and took charge of his step-father's farm, which he afterward purchased, and part of the same he still owns. In the fall of the same year he secured employment with the government and worked for a timie as a laborer on the levy at Duval's Bluff, Ark., then as a cook, and was afterwards detailed as the foreman of a government bakery. In March, 1865, he was discharged from this service and again came home and turned his attention to farming, which has been his vocation since. He is a stanch Republican in his political views and he soon became recognized as a leader of his party in the vicinity in which he lives.. He was elected and served several terms as overseer of highways and constable, nine years he served on the town board as supervisor, five years as chairman of the town board and member of the county board, over thirty-three years as justice of the peace, eight years as notary public, and during eighteen years he was a director of the Perry Fire Insurance Company, during five years of which he was the secretary and treasurer of the same. Besides these he has filled minor church and school offices. Mr. Post was married on July 16, 1866, to Miss Mary Heller, of the town of Perry, daughter of Mrs. Julianna Heller, a widow. This marriage was a happy one and was blessed with seven children, four sons and three daughters; Peter J. R. is mentioned more at length on another page of this volume: George L. was born March 4, 1869; Marv Helena. March 6, 1872; Frances Theresa, October 14, 1874; August, August 24, 1876: Julia Agnes, January 5, 1880; and Eugene Lawrence, January 5. 1883. Of these seven children four have been, public school teachers, Peter J. R. and Julia A. teaching both English and German. Peter J. R. and Eugene L. are graduates of the commercial department of the Northwestern Business College at Ivfadison. The children are all married excepting the youngest son. Eugene L.. who manages his father's farm of one hundred and eighty acres, which is well stocked for the dairy business. Mr. Post is also extensively en- gaged in the fruit business, having nearly four hundred bearing appla trees, and besides he is engaged in the apiary business on quite a large scale. As his record amply proves, our subject is a self-made man, and it is but just to say that few men possess the respect and confidence of their fellow men to a greater degree than does Mr. Post. His truth and veracity were never doubted; he has always been true to his trust and honest in his dealings, and his wise counsel and good judgement has been a safe-guard for many a one who came to him for advice. He has aways been noted for his liberality, kindness and hospitality, never turning a cold shoulder to the poor and needy, but alwavs trying to make the world better for his having lived in it.

Lewis Post, a thrifty and well-known market gardener of the town of Madison, was born in Greene county, New York, August 14, 1848. His parents, Samual and Katie (Miller) Post were both of German descent and were both born in New York state. In 1856 Samuel C. Post gave up his business of fishing in New York and came to Wisconsin, purchasing one hundred and forty-nine acres of land, with a small clearing and a log house on it, in the town of Madison. He and his son Lewis spent some years in improving the place. Besides Lewis there were seven children in the family, only two of whom, Charles, a carpenter, and William, 'both of Madison, are now living. The father and the mother died on the farm. Lewis Post received his education in the district school and attended the University of Wisconsin for two years. At the age of thirty he started in business for himself by renting a farm. At the end of three years he was able to buy his present farm. In 1893, he built his home. Only thirty-seven acres of the original one hundred and forty-nine remain, the rest having been sold, but these thirty-seven acres comprise one of the finest fruit and market gardens in the country. Mr. Post is also interested in bees and supplies not a few Madison people with honey. Politically Mr. Post is a Republican. For one term he served as town treasurer and has held 'school offices at different times. A devout member of the First Methodist Episcopal church of Madison, Mr. Post has served as steward of that institution for a good many years and is at present superintendent of one of its Sunday schools. On March 19, 1878, he married Miss Alice, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. George Gilbert, and to this marriage have been born the following children. Carrie at home ; George G. a graduate of the University of Wisconsin, and now an instructor in the electrical engineering course there; Edith, Kate and Francis, all graduates of the Madison high school; Robert and Jessie, now attending the same high school, Samuel at home and

Florence deceased. Mr. Post is a hard worker and has been unusually successful. He is a stockholder in the Wisconsin Brick company, which started operation near his home in 1005.

Peter J. R. Post is the very efficient and popular manager and treasurer of the People's Mercantile Association at Mt. Horeb, and it is to his superior business acquirements and close attention to affairs that the continued success of the enterprise is in a large measure clue. Mr. Post was born in the town of Perry, Dane county. Wis., November 15, 1867, and he is the eldest son of Lawrence Post, who is given an extensive review on another page of this volume. Our subject was reared in the town of his nativity, and as a youth assisted his father in the cultivation of the home farm. He received his education in the public schools and later fitted himself for a business career by taking a course in the Northwestern Business College at Madison, from which institution he was graduated with the class of 1886. At the early age of sixteen years he began teaching in the public schools of Dane county and followed that occupation continuously until 1899, working on the farm during the intervals between terms. In 1894 he removed to the town of Berry, and while there was elected to the position of chairman of the town board, serving as such for three years. This fact becomes a greater tribute to his worth as a citizen when it is stated that he was elected on the Republican ticket in a strongly Democratic town. He purchased two hundred and thirty-nine acres in Berry, which he still owns, but in 1900 he removed to Mt. Horeb and accepted his present position with the People's Mercantile Association, and has served continuously in that capacity, since. Mr. Post was married on September 9, 1894, to Miss Mary W. Karn, born in Paoli but at the time of her marriage resided at Mt. Vernon, Dane county. She is the daughter of C. W Karn, who now resides at Monroe, Wis., but who was one of the pioneer millers of this section of the state, operating a mill at Mt. Vernon ten years, and he now is in the same business in Monroe. To Mr and Mrs. Post there have been born two children : Juanita, born May 19, 1896, and Leona, born January 7, IS!)'.). Our subject is a member of the Modern Woodmen of America, and his religious faith is expressed by membership in the Catholic church, of which organization he is one of the local trustees. Tn politics, as has been indicated, he is a Republican, and has served as chairman of the town board in Berry and as president of the Republican committee of Mt. Horeb. The People's Mercantile Association is incorporated under the laws of Wisconsin and was organized for the purpose of carrying on a mercantile business. It is managed by seven directors, chosen from among the stockholders, and the directors in turn choose the other officials. At present the officers of the incorporation are: President, H. B. Fargo, of Springdale ; vice president. Frank Heuser, of Blue Mounds ; secretary. Bennett Barton, and Mr. Post is the treasurer and manager. The corporation is capitalized at $15,000, in shares of $5, $10, and $15 each. A model and modern general store is conducted, containing everything that the term would imply, and they also carry a line of agricultural implements, buggies, harness, etc. And they buy all kinds of farm products.

Horace H. Potter is a well-known citizen of Cambridge and has been a prominent member of the community for many years. The family resided in Rhode Island, where Nicholas Potter was born and grew to manhood. He married Zelphia Hopkins, a native of the same state, and their older children, Horace and Louisa, were born near Providence. About 1816 they moved to Cayuga county, N, Y., where they spent the residue of their lives. Seven children were born to them ; Horace, Louisa, Lucy, Emily, Orelin, Stephen H. and George. Nicholas Potter lived with a sea captain and owned a farm in Cayuga county. Horace H., the oldest son was born near Providence, R. I., May 7, 1812, attended the common schools in Cayuga county, learned the carpenters' trade and worked on the farm until he reached the age of twenty-one years, when he left home and began to work for himself. September 18, 1835, he married Miss Louisa M. Howell of Hector, N. Y., and with their young family they came to AYisconsin in 1856, locating on a farm of eighty-seven acres at Oakland, Jefferson county. This property they cleared and improved and Mr. Potter likewise worked at his trade. In New York Mr. Potter was active in organizing and drilling the local branch of state militia and became a major. He was a Whig and then a Republican. In the new home in the west, Mr Potter never flagged in his zeal for the improvement of local affairs and held many town offices. With his family he has been associated with the Presbyterian church of which he was also trustee. Since 1001 Mr. Potter has lived with his son in Cambridge. Mrs. Potter died in October, 1902. eighty-six years of age. Four children were born to them. Emily, the oldest daughter, died in October. 18-41. Edward N.. is a veteran of the twentyninth Wisconsin Volunteer Infantry, Company D. and resides in Oakdale, N. D. Franklin H.. was born July 31, 1843. and died in August. 18(5.>. He served in the First Wisconsin Heavy Artillery and the G. A. R. Post of Cambridge is named in his honor. Warren K., was born in New York in 1852, was educated in Jefferson county and lived with his parents on the farm until 1901 when they sold the old homestead and moved to Cambridge. Until recently AYarren Potter was employed by Sutter Bros, as manager and tobacco-buyer but he now owns with Daniel Scott the large grist and flour-mill of Cambridge which has been rebuilt by them and remodelled to make a modern plant. Warren Potter was married December 18, 1875, to Miss Minnie R. Sweet, daughter of Newland Sweet and Jennie (Slagg) Sweet, of Albion, Iowa. Two children blessed the marriage. Ray H., born April 8, 1880, is manager for the Armour house at St. Louis. Genevieve, born in 1889, attends the Cambridge high school. For a number of years Mr. Potter has employed his spare moments in making a notable and interesting collection of Indian treasures, which contains many specimens of remarkable historical value.

Carl Prehn is a prosperous and well-known farmer who operates a large stock and dairy farm near Middleton. A native of Mecklenburg-Schwerin, Germany, he came to America with his parents Frederick and Georgia (Schultz) Prehn when he was twenty-two years old. They were both born in Mecklenburg and lived there during their youth and early married life. Mr. Prehn was employed in ditching and laying drain tiles. In 1865, they embarked for America with six children, one daughter, Caroline, remaining in Germany. Mr. and Mrs. Prehn located in Middleton where they obtained a farm of forty acres which they improved and made their permanent home. Mrs. Prehn died in 1879 and her husband in 1895. Of their children, Frederika, the oldest married John Weisse of Madison, Wis. ; Mary and Johanna died ; Crestina is Mrs. John Luth and Sophia is the wife of William Schulenberg of Cross Plains. Carl was born in November, 1843, educated in Germany and assisted his parents in clearing and working their Middleton farm for four years. After working a rented farm for 'himself for nine years he purchased the farm which is now his home, one hundred and sixty acres in section 8. All of the many improvments are due to his industry and he has an attractive and comfortable home. He is very much interested in the prosperity of the German Lutheran church and is actively en gaged in its work. A Democrat in political affiliations he takes no active part in politics though he has held several offices. In 1875 he was married to Miss Doretta Timmerman, daughter of Mr. Frederick Timmerman of Mechlenburg-Schwerin and they have nine chil- dren. Mary, the oldest daughter, is Airs. William Krugler of Cottage Grove, Wis. ; Minnie married William Dickman of Madison and the others, Henry, Lena, Emma, Amelia. Clara, Elsie, and John remain at home, the youngest children being still in school.

John S. Prescott, a successful farmer of the town of Deerfield, was born in the town of Deerfield, December 5, 1859. His parents were Andrew and Anna (Honve) Prescott, both natives of Norway, the father was born in December, 1826, and the mother in January, 1830. Andrew Prescott came to this country in 1845, and his wife five years later. He resided in Chicago for a time, and from there went to Mississippi and other southern states. After a five year sojourn in the south he came to Deerfield, bought forty acres of land, which now constitutes a part of the farm where the son resides, married and settled down. The subject's paternal grandparents camq from Chicago and lived on a forty-acre tract adjoining their son's; later they went to Cambridge and passed the remainder of their days at the home of another son. Andrew Prescott kept adding to his original forty until at the time of his death he had two hundred and forty acres. Andrew and Anna Prescott were blessed with eleven children, six of whom are now living, Christene (Mrs. A. K. Hatteberg), resides in the, state of Oregon; Alfred (married Mary Lee), lives in North Dakota; John S., the subject of this sketch; William, (married Martha Gilbertson); Martha (Mrs. M. O. Braaten), Whitewater, Wis.; Norman, (married Mary Hattley), lives in Iowa. John S. Prescott remained at home until he was thirty-three years old, when he bought a portion of his father's farm and started life for himself. A brother and himself also conducted a clothing store in Deerfield village. After his father's death John bought out the other heirs and now owns the entire estate. Until 1902 he 'had always been a Prohibitionist, but in the election of that year he cast his vote with the Republicans and has since been a stanch believer in the principles of that party. His religious affiliations are with the Norwegian Lutheran church. On December 28, 1901 he married Martha, daughter of Anfin and Donaat Gjerstad) Rekve, of Rekve, Norway. Mrs. Prescott first saw the light of day in Norway on May 13, 1879; her father was born December 11, 1850; her mother, June 18, 1856. Her education was received in the public schools of Norway. With a sister and a brother, Mrs. Victor Haugan and Eric Rekve, she crossed the ocean in May, 1809. The rest of the eleven children still live in Norway. To John and Martha Prescott have been born two children, - Adeline Deota. October 3, 1902; Alwood Alexander, November 13. 1903. Mr. Prescott is a member of the American Society of Equity. For thirteen years the father of Air. Prescott was postmaster at Nava, the office being" at his house. That was before the time of Deerfield village.

August Prien is a successful farmer of Morrisonville and is of Prussian birth. "When a young man of twenty-one years he came to the United States with the family and lived at Watertown, Jefferson county. Wis. Christian Prien. his father, was born in Prussia in 1806, was educated in Germany and there marrried Miss Dora Walter, born in Germany in 181(5. Seven children were born to the marriage ; Sophia, the oldest daughter, lives in Dakota ; Eliza and Alary resides in Minnesota ; Minnie makes her home in Climen township, Jefferson county, and Michael and Ernestina reside in Watertown, Wis. The family are reared in the Lutheran belief. Mr. Prien died in 1883 and his wife in 1897. Their son August, was born in Prussia. May 23, 1845, received his education in Germany and lived in Watertown, the first home of the family in Wisconsin, from 186G to 1869. At that time he moved to Columbia county, rented a farm of two hundred and forty acres, and purchased it after six years of residence upon it. This was his home until IS?."), when he came to Dane county and rented the farm which is his present home. In 1891, he bought eighty acres and in 1894. added one hundred and sixty acres to his purchase, so that his property now comprises two hundred and forty acres. Upon this he has built a large barn and other buildings and expended much money and care in general improvements. Mr. Prein is interested in stock-raising and has fine Galloway cattle and Chester White hogs. For two years he served the town as supervisor and is identified wtih the Democratic party. The marriage of Miss Fredericka Manka, to Mr. Prien, occurred October 14, 1873, and three children blessed the marriage ; Alfred, the oldest son, was born in 1875, attended the home schools and married Miss Emma Horn. He is a farmer of Vienna. Lena and Emil. the younger daughter and son, remain at the parental home. Mrs. Prien's parents, John and Mary (Maas) Manka, were natives of Germany and came to AYatertown. Wisconsin, in 1873, where they spent the residue of their lives. Of their family of five children, three reside in Watertown and one in Brazil. Their daughter, Fredericka, was born in Germany in 1843. Air. Manka died in 1871 and his wife in I ssi.

Henry F. Prien, a well-known business man of Aliddleton, was born in Aliddleton, April 26, I860, educated in the village school and taught the trade of his father, John Prien. lie worked at his father's forge until he reached the age of twenty years, when he spent a year in St. Paul and Minneapolis. Returning to Middleton, Mr. Prien was in partnership with his father until 1892 when he became under sheriff for two years. Always much interested in politics and a member of the Democratic party, he ran for sheriff in 1894 but was defeated. In 1897 the blacksmith shop was sold and a store building" erected which, unfortunately, was burned. Nothing- daunted, he immediately let the contracts for a new building and now owns the two-story brick building known as the Prien block. He also deals in lands, dwellings, etc. He is a member of the Masonic Blue Lodge, Xo. 180, of which for twelve years he was master, and of the German Lutheran church. On Nov. 23, 1883, Miss Rosetta Pierstorff became his wife. Her parents were Charles and Eliza (Fralim) Peirstorff, who came to Dane county from Germany in 1852 and settled on a farm. Two children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Prein, Augusta and Yenora, both graduates of the Middleton high school. Augusta was married September 20, 1905, to Mr. Frank Hottman, of Madison.

John Prien, for many years a blacksmith of Middleton, retired since 1891, is a native of Germany, as were his parents before him. Christian Prien and his wife (Julia Baackj lived in Mecklenburg Schwerin, Germany, where their son, John, was born May 19, 1827. They spent their lives in the Fatherland but their three sons and daughter immigrated to America. Of these the oldest, Henry, located at Pheasant Branch and, like his father and brothers, was a blacksmith. Frederick lived at Hartford and Marie (Mrs. Bishoff) resides at Madison, "Wis. John was the second son and left home at the age of twenty-five in a sailing vessel which was nine weeks en route. Its destination was New Orleans, whence Mr. Prien journeyed to Middleton, \\'is.. and went to work at his trade at which he was actively employed for fifty years. He has been always actively interested in the welfare of the Lutheran church of which he was one of the founders. In political sympathy he is a Democrat. In June, 1853, he was married to Miss Rosetta Behm, daughter of Christian and Marie Behm of Westphal, Germany. Their six children are as follows: Minna, who married John Schroeder. a farmer of Middleton ; Rosetta, Mrs. John Starck of Middleton; Mary, who married William Pierstorff, and resides at Middleton; Henry, who also lives at Middleton ; Bernhard, of Madison. Wis., connected with the Parkinson-Marling Co., and John C, the ticket agent for the C. M. & St. P. R. R. at Madison Wis.

John C. Prien, passenger and ticket agent of the Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul Railway Company at Madison, was born December 10, 1872, in Middleton, Dane county. He is a son of John and Rosetta (Behm) Prien. He received his education in the public and high schools of his native village, being graduated at the high school in 1 891. Upon the completion of his high school course he entered the employ of the Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul Railway Company, and learned telegraphy, and in 1892 served six months as relief operator. The same year he came to Madison, having been appointed clerk in the East Madison station of that road. This position he held until November I, 1904; when he was promoted to be passenger and ticket agent of the Madison stations. H':s promotion has been rapid, owing to the efficiency with which he fills positions of trust. Politically he is a Democrat, and as such has several times been elected alderman from the third ward. In 1905 and 1906 he served as president of the council, and is a member of all the important committee^. In religious matters both Mr. Prien and his wife sre members of the German Lutheran church. Mr. Prien is a member of the Masonic fraternity, the Knights Templar, of which order he is captain-general of the commandery; of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, and of the Modern Woodmen of America. On September 10, 1900, he married Francisco, daughter of George A. Speckner, of Madison. To this union has been born one child, Eliza, born April 27, 1902. During his fourteen years residence in Madison Mr. Prien has come to be recognized as one of the most upright citizens of the community, and as a public servant he commands the respect and admiration of all, irrespective of party.

Andrew Proudfit, one of the prominent citizens of Madison, Wis., during the early days, was born in Argyle, Washington county, N. Y., August 3, 1820, son of James and Maria J. Proudfit ; his grandmother, Mary Lytle, was the first white woman born in the town of Salem!, Washing ton county, N. Y. During the Revolutionary War, she displayed her courage and loyalty to the colonies by going forth with a team and a load of wheat six miles, to feed the patriot army. Until the age of fourteen Andrew attended the common school at Argyle. when he was thrown upon his resources for the means of livelihood. After clerking in a store at Argyle for a time, he came to Wisconsin in 1842, bringing with him his mother, sister and a younger brother, and settled on a farm in what is now Waukesha county. After clearing the heavy timber and working the land for two years, he engaged a man to work the farm, and took a position as book-keeper and salesman for Shepard & Bonnell of Milwaukee for two years; he then went to Delafield, Wis., where he built and ran a flouring-mill, in connection with a country store, for nine years. He came to Madison in 1854 and made his permanent residence at the capital city. While in Delafield he was chairman of the board of supervisors for two terms, and was then chosen one of the commissioners for the improvement of the Fox and Wisconsin rivers. After coming to Madison he represented Dane county in the state senate during the sessions 1858-59 ; was mayor of the city of Madison for two terms, 1869- 71, and was long prominently identified with many of the public improvements and prominent business enterprises of the capital. He built a portion of the present capitol building in 1864; two wings of the State Hospital for the insane in 1866 and 1867; was for many vears vice-president of the First National bank ; a director in the Madison Gas Company, and in the Park Hotel ; and one of the original forty-six members, and the vice-president, of the old "Madison Business Board." This last named organization was formed of prominent pioneer citizens of Madison in 1869 to promote the completion of the C. & X. W. Railroad from Footville ('about fifty-five miles south of Madison) to the capital. This object once accomplished, the club ceased to exist. Mr. Proudfit married Elizabeth Ford, a native of Cambridge. Washington county, X. Y., in September, 1840, and they were the parents of seven children, only three of whom now survive. Mrs. George B. Hopkins, of Xew York city, A. E. Proudfit. who resides at the old homestead on Washington Avenue. Madison, and conducts a lumber and real estate business, and Frank F. Proudfit, now in business in Xew York city. Mr. Proudfit was a faithful attendant of the Protestant Episcopal church, and was allied politically with the Democratic party. He was known as a practical, upright business man, of sound judgment and indomitable perseverence. His death took place Xovember 12. 1883.

Frank X. Pschorr, a thrifty and well known carpenter and contractor, whose home is at 533 West Johnson street, Madison, was born in Sauk count}-. Wis., May 2, 1863. His parents. George and Elizabeth CBrachtendorf ) Pschorr. were natives of Germany. The father had been a millwright in his native land and after coming to his new home followed the same vocation, together with farming. He died in 1865 when the subject of this sketch was but two years old. The mother immigrated to Dane county with her parents in 1848. Her father was a farmer owning fifty acres of land, whose nearest market for many years was Milwaukee, the trip being" made with oxen. Mrs. Pschorr died June 4, 1!H)4, at the age of seventyseven years. She and her husband were both communicants of the Catholic church. Of their seven children five are still living". Max is a Dane county farmer. Tracy is the wife of George Blumerick, a resident of Chicago. Adelaide is the wife of John Hoven. a Kossuth county, la., farmer. Tharsilla is Mrs. Leonard Vetter; her husband is a mason. The other two were Matilda, Mrs. John Knetchtges, who died in her thirty-first year ; and Louie, who died when forty-four years of age. Frank X. Pschorr received what education the common schools of the town of Roxbury afforded and then started in to learn the carpenter's &nd cabinet maker's trade with Joseph Gaukel. Up to 1899 he "hired out" and his labors carried him to many different parts of the continent. He was in Texas for seven months and in Kansas for two years. Eighteen years ago he returned to Madison and formed a partnership with John Hoffman under the firm name of Hoffman & Pschorr and the concern has been in the front rank of builders and carpenters ever since. The firm's specialty is the erection of dwellings and a goodly portion of the residences erected in Madison within the past few years are monuments to their handiwork. Their business extends all over the county. On September 12. 1893, Mr. Pschorr married Miss Mary Schadauer, a native of Madison, and a daughter of Edmund and Antonia Schadauer, the former now an employe of the Frederickson Brothers, and the latter deceased. Mrs. Pschorr is the eldest of the six Schadauer children. Ida, the second, is the wife of Thomas Devine, a locomotive engineer on the Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul railroad, whose home is in Madison. Julius F., who married Theresa Baltes, is a printer in the Democrat office. Henry is a clerk working in a Madison store. The other two are Teresa and Eleanor, the latter the wife of Charles Habermann, a cigar maker of Madison. Mr. and Mrs. Pschorr have two children, Adaline Marie and Edmund Joseph. They are communicants of the Holy Redeemer Catholic church. Mr. Pschorr is distinctively a self-made man. Left fatherless at a tender age, he has fought his life's battles unaided and has risen to a position of influence and prosperity of which he may well be proud.

Osmon Olson Qualey, a well known farmer of Deerfield, was born in Sanding. Norway, in February, 1835. He was a son of Ole Osmonson and Ingeborg (Buernson) Quaky, natives of Sanding. Norway. The paternal grandfather of the subject was killed in the Swedish War in the early part of the nineteenth century. Osmon O. Qualey received a somewhat limited education in the schools of Cottage Grove. After his arrival in America in September, 1846, he worked at common labor for five years ; then farmed with his father several seasons, and later bought the place of his father. Twenty years later he sold the place and moved onto the farm where he still resides. Despite the fact that Mr. Qualey has been badly handicapped in his struggle of life by a serious trouble with his eyes, he has managed to keep his place clear of debt and keep step with his neighbors in the matter of improvements. During the war Air. Qualey was drafted, but being unable to leave home he paid a substitute $700 to take his place. Politically he is a Democrat but has never held office. His religious affiliations are with the Norwegian Lutheran church. On June 11. I860, he married Ella X.. daughter of Xels and Rhoda (Starkson) Davidson of Deerfield. Airs. Qualey was born in Norway, December 11, 1831. and her education was all received there. To Air. and Airs. Qualey have been born seven children, Ole Johanas, Alarch 15, 1861 ; Ingeborg Sophia, August 20, 1862 ; Helen, deceased. February 11, 1861; Anna Alaria, August 25, 1866, now Airs. Henry Stephens of Chicago; Martha, August 28, 1869; Louisa, August 18. 1873; and N.els, January 1, 1875. Of Air. Qualey's five brothers and sisters three are living, Ingeborg. the wife of Hi Overson of Vernon county, Wis. ; Alary, widow of David Nelson of Deerfield ; and Gunneld, now Mrs. Halvor Nestester, of Glenwood, Minn.

Lars O. Quam, a substantial farmer of the town of Dunn, was born in Stoughton, Wis., November 26, i860. He is one of three sons of Ole and Gertrude (Larson) Quam, natives of Norway, the other sons being George, living in O'Brien county. Iowa, and Hans, an employe of the postal department at Madison. Ole Quam came to Wisconsin in 1856. For several years he worked as a farm hand, and in 1862 he bought eighty acres of land in the town of Dunn ; later he traded this for eighty acres in the town of Pleasant Springs, where he continued to reside until 1861 ; he then bought another farm in the town of Dunn on the shore of Lake Kegonsa, where he lived until his death in 18971. Lars O. Quam received his education in district school No. 2, town of Dunn. Until he was thirtyfour years old he lived with his father. In 1801 be rented the father's farm and operated it until after his father's death. Then he purchased the interest which the other heirs had in the place and has since worked it. The lake shore property he platted and sold the lots to cottagers. Some fifty odd lots are now occupied every summer by pleasure seekers. In politics Mr. Guam is a stalwart Republican, but has never aspired to office. His religious life is connected With that of the Norwegian Lutheran church. On August 1, 1894, he married Amelia, daughter of Anton and Mary (Olson) Nelson, natives of Norway. Airs. Ouam was born in Norway, June 8, 1874, and received her education in the public schools of that country. By her union with Lars Ouam she is the mother of three children, Gertrude Otely, born May 5, 1896; Alvira Miller, born March 18, 1902 ; and Lawrence Arnold, born November 14, 1904. The home of the Quams is one of the neatest and most tasteful in the community.

Nicholas Quinn, a successful contractor of Madison, was born in the city where he now makes his home, on May 19, 1855. He is a son of James and Margaret (Kiernan) Quinn, both natives of Ireland. The father was a laborer who came to the United States in 1840, settling in Madison half a dozen years later. At the time of his death, in the early nineties, he was foreman at Forest Hill cemetery, which position he held for thirty years. His wife died in 1887, in her fifty-seventh year. They were married July 4, 1852. in New York city by Father Hughes, later an archbishop of the Catholic church. Nicholas was the second of their five children. Of the others Margaret died when a year and a half old ; Charles is a traveling salesman with headquarters in Madison; James is a printer living in Janesville, Wis. ; William is the sexton of Calvary cemetery, Madison. Nicholas received his education in the Madison public and parochial schools, and upon the completion of his studies labored for some years. As a Democrat he was elected a member of the city council in 1886 from the fifth ward, and served one term. He was re-elected but resigned to become superintendent of streets, which position he held three years. In 1891 he went into the contracting business and has an extensive trade. He has built many miles of sewers, and paved many miles of streets. Since the concrete block has come into general use he has laid many foundations. On May 6, 1879, Mr. Quinn was united in marriage to Rose, a daughter of Patrick and Catherine (Kinney) Lynch, both deceased. Mrs. Quinn is the third of four children, three of whom are living. Mrs. Lynch was one of the early settlers of Dane county, coming in 1840 from Montreal, Canada. She and her sister, Mrs. Margaret Sheridan, were the only members of the family. Mr. Lynch died in 1864 and his widow married William Halpin. by whom she had one child, Catherine, and removed to North Dakota, dying February 2, 1900. in her seventy-third year.

The marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Quinn has been blessed with ten children. Mary S. is the wife of John D. Rnpp of Madison. James R., who married Josephine Amoth, is interested with his father. Margaret, born December 31, 1884, died January 18, 1893.. Thomas W. is attending school in Chicago. Charles, born August 6, 1889, died May 1, 1901. Catherine is a pupil in the Madison high school. The other children in the order of their ages are Lucile R., Robert N., Varonica R. and Raymond. The family are all members and devout attendants of St. Raphael's Catholic church. The father is a Knight of Columbus, a Catholic Forester and a Catholic Knight. Mr. and Mrs. Quinn are fully entitled to the esteem in which they are held by their neighbors and friends. A more beautiful home life that that of the Quinns it would be difficult to find.

William H. Raman, one of the leading business men of the village of Marshall, was born in Prussia, February 29, 1852, the son of Prussian parents, Charles and Sophia (Ludwickj Raman, born in 1821 and 1827 respectively. The parents came to Wisconsin and settled in Watertown in 1857. In 1885 they went to Nebraska but subsequently returned and now live in Marshall. They have eight children all of whom are living and all married. The family belongs to the Lutheran church. Mr. Raman served as chairman of the board of supervisors of the town of Watertown, duringhis residence there, and also as treasurer. William Raman was educated in the schools of Watertown, and as a young man began working for W. H. Porter with whom he remained for sixteen years. In 1891 he went into business for himself, in Marshall, in furniture and undertaking and as licensed embalmer, and has carried the enterprise on in a very successful manner. He has twice been elected treasurer of the town of Medina and is one of the trustees of the village of Marshall ; he belongs to the Democratic party. He was married December 29, 1871, to Mrs. Carrie (Miller) Rogers, a native of Ohio. Mr. Raman is a man of enterprise and energy, having, unaided, made his own way in the world. He owns' the building in which his business is carried on, as well as his fine residence. He was elected vice president of the Marshall bank and also one of the directors and is a member of the finance committee.

to the United States and settled in Perry township, then in its infancy. For some time he worked out as a laborer and after a year or more bought forty acres of land in the southern part of Perry. which was his home for a little over a year. This farm was sold and eighty acres in Iowa county purchased, which was the home of Mr. Ranum for ten years. He added to it forty acres and cleared and improved the farm. He then moved to Grant county, where he purchased one hundred and twenty acres and resided there a quarter of a century. Fondness for his original home in Perry caused him to sell his home in Grant county 2nd return to Perry, where he bought a small farm and managed it until 1903 when he sold it to his son Gilbert and now lives retired with his son. In 1850 Mr. Ranum married Miss Betsey Olson, who was born in Norway, daughter of Ole and Susanna Halstenson. Five children blessed the marriage; Julia is Mrs. T. O. Smesrud of Joyce. Iowa; Sena married Sever Munson of Livingston, Wis. ; Knudt was accidentally killed at eighteen years of age ; Ole married Mary Brazee and resides in Dodgeville ; Andrew married Julia Paulson and lives in Primrose. Mrs. Ranum died in 1865 and in 1866 Mr. Ranum was again married, his wife being Miss Marit Gilberson, born in Norway, November 9, 1841. daughter of Gilbert aftd Anna Olson of Iowa county. Wis. Eight children were born to the second marriage. Mary Ann married Knudt Knudtson of Livingston, Wis. ; Edward O. married Mary Beck and resides in Iowa ; Gilbert M. married Miss Alice Lunn and lives in Perry ; Peter married Miss Myrtle McKay ancl 'resides in Eldon, Mo.; Cari AW, married Emma Eidsmore and makes his home in N. Dak. Fie served three years in the United States army. Seventh Cavalry, Company G, having previous to his enlistment been a member of the state militia. He served two years in Cuba after the close of the Spanish-American War. Benjamin married Anna Hanna and lives in Primrose; Sherman A. married Josie Mellum and lives in Iowa county : Martha, the wife of Peter Hilden, resides in Monticello, Wis. Andrew, brother of Nils K.. served in the army during the Civil AArar and died while in service at Memphis. Tenn. Gilbert, a brother of Mrs. N. K. Ranum, also served in the Civil AYar. Mr. Ranum and his wife are members of the Norwegian Lutheran church and Mr Ranum is allied with the Republican party.

Byron Rapp, of Lodi, was born in Dane township, on the old homestead. His paternal grandfather was Peter Rapp, born in Northhampton, Pa., in 1801. and who married Miss Susan Marsh. born L802. His maternal grandfather was lames Steele, men- tioned in this work. His father, William Rapp, was born in Pennsylvania. January 9. 1822, and came to Wisconsin in 1844, where he took up eighty acres of land in the town of Dane. He married Miss Eliza Steele who was born in Delaware county, N. Y., November 23, 1830. Both of them were members of the Methodist Episcopal church. ' Mr. Rapp increased his original claim until it amounted to five hundred and sixty acres. At the present time he is living, although his wife passed away on December 27, 1899. Both he and his son, Byron, are Democrats and have both served as supervisors. Of the five children in the family four are living; Eliza Jane, (deceased), was wife of Peter Doane ; Isabella, is the wife of William Fellows of Dane county ; Howard resides in Dane township; Byron is the subject of this sketch; Eva is the wife of Charles Chrislaw, of Lodi. Byron Rapp spent the years of his boyhood in the common schools of Dane, and in assisting his father in the work of the farm to whose management he succeeded when he later assumed the work of a man. The two hundred and twenty acres which he now owns is farmed for general purposes and for the breeding of shorthorn cattle and Poland China hogs. In addition to the office of supervisor, already noted, Mr. Rapp has been chairman of the board for six years, and has also served on the school board.

John R. Redman, a retired farmer, living in the village of Deerfield, was born in Lincolnshire, England, April 13, 1855, his parents, John and Eliza (Spencely) Redman, both being natives of that county. They had three children, but the other two died in infancy. In 1872 the family came to America and located in the town of Deerfield, where for several years they rented land on the shares. They then bought one hundred and seventeen acres, which they still own. The mother of Mr. Redman died in 1890 and in the year 1903 the father suffered a stroke of paralysis, from which he never recovered sufficiently to help himself. In the spring of 1905 the son rented out the farm and took up his residence in the village of Deerfield, where he has a modern home, well equipped with the comforts and conveniences necessary to make a home enjoyable. On October 20, 1889, Mr. Redman was married to Miss Lizzie Nellins, born August 1, 185G. Her parents reside in Ireland. To this union were born three daughters, viz: Eliza J., born September 1 1. 1890; Minnie, born August 16, 1893; and Martha, born May 22, 1898. The mother of these children died in April, 1905. Few men have been as devoted to their domestic interests as John R. Redman.. He has always lived with his parents, and from the time he was thirty years of age was their sole support. Since the death of his mother and his wife he has been constantly in attendance upon his father's wants, as well as providing for his own children, who all show the influence of the kind and loving father's training. Although not a member of any church he rather inclines to the Presbyterian faith, and he has certainly obeyed the Scriptural injunction to "Honor thy father and mother." In political matters he is independent, and with that self-reliant spirit so characteristic of the English people he forms his own opinions and backs his judgment by his vote. In the community he has many friends, who appreciate his sturdy honesty, as well as his other sterling qualities which go to make the model man and trustworthy citizen. Frederick Reed, deceased, for many years the "village blacksmith" of McFarland, was born in the state of Pennsylvania on March 7, 1833. His father was John Reed, a native of Vermont. Frederick Reed received a limited education in the common schools of Ohio. In 1853 he came to Wisconsin and after three years' labor as a farm hand, he went into the blacksmithing trade with John Shetter. On March 1, 1855, he married Susan, daughter of John and Mary (Stewart) Shetter of Pennsylvania. John Shetter had come to Wisconsin in 1845 and pre-empted a piece of government land ; two years later he opened a blacksmith shop in Cottage Grove township at what was then known as the Buckeye postoffice (near the present postoffice of Nora), working land on shares at the same time. After four years of this labor he closed out his business and purchased a farm of one hundred and sixty acres in the town of Pleasant Springs ; but the call of the forge was too strong and the following year found him established in a blacksmith shop in the village of McFarland. After eighteen years he retired, and lived in comfort until his death, which occurred September 12, 1901. His wife passed away April 2. 1902. Mr. Reed contined in business with his father-in-law until 1869, when he went to Iowa. For ten years he plied his trade in the Hawkeye state and then returned to McFarland, where he and his father-inlaw again entered business together. For nearly a quarter of a century he seldom missed a day from his labors. In November, 1903, he was stricken with apoplexy and from the following March to the time of his death, November 22, 1905, he was completely paralyzed. The devoted ministrations of his wife were a great comfort in the last days. In politics Mr. Reed was a member of the Republican party and in the early days he was elected justice of the peace of McFarland. He was not a member of any church, but his Scotch ancestry made him incline to the Presbyterian faith. Mrs. Reed is a member of the Christian church. Mr. and Mrs. Reed had ten children. Sarah Ellen (Mrs. John Manson of Madison), born November 28. 1855; Mary Elizabeth, born December 25. 1856, died June 6, 1880; John Wesley, born November 9, 1858; lives at home; he served in Company L, Forty-sixth Regiment, during the Spanish-American War. He was in Florida and later went to the Philippines with his regiment and remained there over two years. He was discharged in 1901 on account of disability after having served nearly three years. Rosa Belle. (Mrs. John Bearbower of McFarland) . born November 23. 1860 ; Eliza Jane (widow of John Sanderson, now Mrs. James Buchanan of Okee. Wis. ). born December 11, 1862; Fred Ellsworth, born July 21. 1861. married Cora Hines of Mt. Auburn, la., where he now lives; William H.. born November 8, 1867, married Amelia Shafer of Iowa, and now lives in McFarland ; and James E. born February 19, 1870, married Elinda Yinje, and now lives in McFarland; Delia Aletha. married Martin Yinje, of McFarland ; Alvan Ira, married Helen Gensky, and they reside in Madison.

Nels K. Reindahl is numbered among the representative farmers of Dunkirk township, where he owns a well improved farm, which stands in evidence of his thrift and energy, since he came to America without financial means and has won success through his own efforts. Mr. Reindahl is a native of Norway, where he was born April 25, 1819, a son of Kittel and Inger Reindahl. He was reared to maturity in his native land, in whose schools he received his educational training. In 1868, at the age of nineteen years, he immigrated to the United States, being accompanied by his widowed mother. He came at once to Dane county, and established a modest home for his mother. He worked by the day during the first summer, on the farm now owned by Senator La Follette, and in the following winter chopped two hundred and eighty cords of wood for a farmer in the same vicinity. For several years thereafter he gave his attention to tobacco-growing, on shares, in Pleasant Springs township, being the first person to cultivate the Spanish tobacco in that township. He carefully husbanded his earnings and in 1875 he purchased eighty acres of his present farm, in Dunkirk, subseqeuntly adding an adjacent tract of twenty-eight acres, so that he now has a farm of one hundred and eighty acres. He has made all the improvements in matter of buildings and has developed one of the productive and valuable farms of the county. He has lived continuously on this homestead for thirty years and is one of the substantial and popular citizens of the community. He is a man of intelligence and progressive ideas, and his ambition as a youth may be understood when it is noted that two years after his arrival in America he determined to broaden his knowledge of the English language. He accordingly worked for his board for three successive winters, in order that he might attend the common schools in the meanwhile. It is needless to say that he made the most of his opportunities and profited largely from the instruction thus received. Mr. Reindahl is influential in public affairs of a local nature and has served in various positions of trust and responsibility. He has been clerk of the Dunkirk school board for twenty years, served as township assessor two years, as sidesupervisor ten years, and at the present time is serving his fifth year as chairman of the township board, thus being ex-officio member of the county board of superivsors. In politics he gives an unwavering support to the Republican party and both he and his wife are zealous members of the First United Norwegian Lutheran church of Stoughton, of whose board of trustees he is a valued member. Mr. Reindahl has been twice married, the maiden name of his first wife having been Gunil Felland, after whose death he married his present wife, whose maiden name was Elsa Ondahl and who is a daughter of Ole Ondahl, who came to Wisconsin from Norway. Mr. Reindahl has four children, Kittel, Ole, Nora and Enoch.

Thrond K. Reindahl, of Madison, was born in Norway, November 31. 1844. His father. Kittil Reindahl, was a Norwegian farmer, and died in his native country, in 1867. Two years later, his widow, Ingerid (Nilson) Reindahl, came to America and made her home in the town of Burke. Dane county, until her death. There were seven children in the family, all of whom are living. Thrond was educated in Norway and came to Burke in 1866, a young man of twenty-two, with his own way to make in the world. He located on a farm where he remained thirteen years, and later moved to the farm of one hundred and twenty-six acres, located three and one-half miles from Madison, where he now lives and of which he is the owner. He has a large acreage of tobacco, and is also an extensive producer of hay, having been one of the large local supplies for the city of Madison ; he is also a breeder oi horses. He married, in 1866, Miss, Ingebor Mosle, a native of Norway, daughter of Amtmd and Ture (Halverson) Mosle, both deceased. They have eight children living. Armund, Ingerid, Thea, Sadie. Ingebor, Thilda, Caroline and Charles; two more died in infancy. Mr. Reindahl and his family are all members of the Lutheran church; he is a Republican, and has been treasurer of the school board for eighteen years. Amund, the oldest son, has been for two terms register of deeds for Dane county, and is serving in that office as deputy at the present time. Mr. Reindahl owns, in the town of Burke, two hundred and thirty acres of land, and is a wellto-do farmer, having attained his prosperity through his own thrift and economy.

John Reis, (deceased), was a native of Germany. His parents, Matthias and Gertrude ( Mauerer) Reis, came to Dane county in 1854, settling in Springfield township, their son, born April 15, 1847, being at the time seven years of age. His educational advantages were somewhat limited, being restricted to the district school of Springfield, and some instruction in the German Catholic school at Cross Plains, the family being affiliated with that church. He began his independent life as a farmer, first in Springfield township with his father, and later, shortly before his marriage, he moved to the town of Westport, where he owned a farm of two hundred and forty acres. About ten years ago, he moved to the city of Madison, sold his farm and invested in city property. His widow owns, not only her residence at 30 N. Basset St., but six other houses in the city. She was Miss Margaretha Marx, daughter of John and Margaret (Endres) Marx, now residing at 324 Doty St. They were old settlers of the town of Berry, and the postoffice of Marxville, was named after him. He is somewhat of an exception to the usual type of home-keeping farmers, for he has crossed the ocean five times. About sixteen years ago he moved into Madison. His daughter, Mrs. Reis, was born in the town of Berry. Mr. Reis was, in politics, a Democrat, and had served for several years as treasurer of the town of Westport, and also upon the board of supervisors. He belonged to the German Catholic church and to the Catholic Knights of Wisconsin. He died very suddenly February 14, 1906; he is survived by his wife and three children. John M. Reis, a merchant of Madison, corner of Bassett and Mifflin streets ; Nicholas, and a young daughter, Mary T. ; also by a brother, Henry and three sisters, Mrs. Eva La Cross, of Waunakee, Mrs. Mary Brausen, of Westport, and Mrs. Margaret Sitzman, of Minnesota.

Lars Davidson Rekve, a retired farmer of the town of Deerfield, was born at Rekve, Norway, June 4, 1818. His parents were David Ericson and Carrie Larstheter, natives of Norway. Lars Davidson Rekve had such educational advantages as the schools of Norway afforded. When twenty-one years old he determined to seek his fortune in the new world. On his arrival in New York he had rather a queer experience. It so happened that he was put ashore on July 4, 1839, and the city was celebrating the national "holiday in the usual style. Lars was very much alarmed at first, "but as no bullets struck him or near him he concluded that his new countrymen were very poor marksmen. From Xew York he went to Chicago where he got work on the canal. After a few weeks he was taken ill and was obliged to remain in a hospital for nearly a year. When he recovered he found that his treatment had taken all his savings and he was cast out into the world without a penny. With an admirable determination he worked at any thing that offered, for a time, including sailing on the lakes, and then went to the Wisconsin lead mines. In 1844 be quit mining and started farming on an eighty acre farm which he purchased from the government. This farm was his home for forty-one years, leaving it in 1885 to build a home in the village of Deerfield. His farm, to which he had added until it contained three hundred acres, he has deeded to his children and expects to pass the remainder of Tiis days in his Deerfield home. Mr. Rekve is a Republican and as such has served three years as town treasurer, six years as assessor and several terms as supervisor. He is a member of the Norwegian Lutheran church. In 1844 he married Engiborg Olstather, daughter of Ole Barago and Anna Essoxdaughter, natives of Norway. Mrs. Rekve was born May 19, 1826, and passed away April 4, 1877. She bore Mr. Rekve four children, - Carrie (Mrs. Andrew Anderson of Stoughton), born February 18, 1846; Anna (Mrs. Nels Bau of Iowa), born April 27, 1849, died in May, 1887; Johanna (Mrs. Hans Mathison of Watertown, S. D.). born March 3. 1853; and Engiborg (Mrs. J. O. Brictson of Deerfield), born July 28, 1854. After the death of his first wife he married Sijmmara. daughter of Helga and Breta (Olson) Understather. natives of Norway. Mr. Rekve has two sisters living in Chicago, Julia, the widow of Stephen Brown, and Mrs. Goodna Nelso'n, a widow. A sister and a brother in Norway, Mrs. Armond Tiegend and Eric Rekve, passed away a few years ago. Although he has lived more than the allotted number of years, he is hale and hearty and possesses a most remarkable memory.

Henry J. Renk, of Sun Prairie, is a native of Bristol, Dane county, and is the elder son of Nicholas Renk, mentioned in this work in connection with Wm. F. Renk. He attended the common schools and was graduated from the agricultural college of the Uni- versity of Wisconsin, with the class of 1002. He is a farmer and a member of the firm of Renk Bros., stock raisers. He was for four years secretary of the creamery association and treasurer of the experimental association of Madison. He was married, June 8, 1803, to Miss Laura Conrad, daughter of Lawrence and Barbara (Trapp) Conrad, both of whom were born in Columbia county. Mr. Conrad died in Bristol, but his widow is still living. Mr. and Mrs. Renk have one daughter. Irene B.

William F. Renk, of the firm of Renk Bros., of Sun Prairie, was born in Bristol, Dane count}*, of German ancestry. His paternal grandfather, Joseph Renk, born November 1, 1806. was a native of Eusenheim, Germany, and his wife, Catherine (Emmert) Renk was also German. They came to the United States in 1846, and settled on a farm in Bristol township, although he was a wagon-maker by trade. They remained on this farm until their death, his occuring March 23. 1873, and hers; July 6, 1888. Their son, Nicholas, the father of the subject of this sketch, came with them to this country. He was born in Bavaria, in 1837, so that he was a lad of nine years at the time and had received the rudiments of his education in his native land ; this was supplemented by attendance at the district schools of the town of Bristol. He became a farmer and owned three hundred and forty acres of land, and upon this homestead, assisted by his sons he erected the buildings, the barn in 1872 and the house in 1880. He served as town treasurer and assessor and as treasurer of the Bristol Fire Insurance Co. He was liberal and and independent in both his political and religious views, but usually supported the Republican party. He married Miss Margaret Schroud. who was born in Hampden township, Columbia county, in 1847 ; she is a member of the Catholic church. They had three children Henry J., William F., the subject of this sketch; and M. Catherine, of Sun Prairie. Nicholas Renk died July 13, 1888. W. F. Renk was born October 12, 1875. He received his early education in the common and high schools of Sun Prairie, and was graduated from the agricultural college of the University of Wisconsin, in 1898. where he was awarded the medal as the best judge of sheep. In company with his brother he owns three hundred and eighty acres of land, which is run as a stock farm, their specialties being Shropshire sheep, shorthorn cattle and Poland China hogs. Their stock have taken many premiums at county -fairs, and they were first winners at the state fair in the Wisconsin class. The firm imported fifty head of sheep from England at a cost of $3,500 ; one ram owned by the firm ranked first at the Wis- consin state fair, both when entered as a yearling and as a twoyear-old. Renk Bros, also deal largely in seed corn and oats. Mr. Renk is, in politics, a Republican, and has held the elective offices of assessor and side supervisor. He has also been secretary of the Wisconsin sheep breeders' association. He married Miss Caroline M. Derr, daughter of Joseph and Rosina (Thein) Derr, natives of Germany, now residents of York township, Dane county. They came to Columbia county in 1846 and to Dane in 1900. Both families are connected with the Catholic church. Mrs. Renk is one of a family of twelve children, nine of whom are living; she was born in Columbia county, April 11, 1882, and married Mr. Renk, May 28, 1891. They have one child, Walter Frank.

Daniel Reynolds, Sr., a retired farmer of the town of Cottage Grove, first saw the light of day in the county of Antrim, Ireland, in 1811. His parents were Samuel and Mary (Kerns) Reynolds, both natives of Ireland. All the education Mr. Reynolds ever received was a three months' term in the common schools of Ireland. On June 18, 1827, he landed in America. For several years he was employed as steward of a large contracting firm of New York and for six years was in the employ of the Vanderbilt family. Then he came to Wisconsin and entered under the homestead law the farm which he has since occupied. His first home was a log hut built by himself. Soon after his arrival he purchased a yoke of oxen and two cows, using the cows as well as the oxen for breaking purposes. For several years he did breaking for the neighboring settlers, clearing his own land in his spare time. In politics he is a Democrat, but has never aspired to office. His religious affiliations are with the Catholic church of Cottage Grove. In July, 1839, Mr. Reynolds married Mary Ellen Melarkey and to this union have been born nine children, Martha Jane, born 1840, deceased ; William James, born 1842, deceased ; Mary Ellen, born 1844. wife of John Connors of Cottage Grove ; Susan Ann, widow of William Coffey ; Daniel W. ; Katie, born 1850, lives at home, and with her father manages the farm, the daughter attending to all business transactions; Matilda, born 1852 deceased; John, born 1854, died in infancy ; and Eddie, born 1856, died in infancy. Although Mr. Reynolds is ninety-five years of age he is remarkably well preserved in mind and body. Few men who live to reach his age are as active. A number of years ago he moved to the village of Cottage Grove, but the inactivity of village life was distasteful to him and he soon returned to the farm. He is ever eager to aid in the public benefactions, and a worthy cause is always helped.

Daniel W. Reynolds is one of the representative farmers of Cottage Grove township, his place being located in section seventeen and comprising forty-three acres. He was born in this township, October 26, 1851. and is a son of Daniel and Mary (Melarky) Reynolds, both of whom were born in Ireland, while they were numbered among the early settlers of Dane county, Wisconsin. Daniel W. Reynolds was reared on the farm and after availing himsel of the advantages of the district schools he was for two years a student in the high school at Marshall. His initial venture in an independent business was made when he was a young man. He rented a farm in Cottage Grove township, residing upon the same two years, after which he located in the village of Cottage Grove, where he was successfully established in the hotel business for twelve years. He ihen traded his hotel property for a farm in Sun Prairie township, but moved to his present homestead farm which he had purchased above five years previously. He later disposed of the farm in Sun Prairie township. Mr. Reynolds has made the best of improvements on his farm, which is one of the valuable places of this section of the county. In 1895 his residence w'as destroyed by fire, being replaced by the present modern structure. He has ever shown a public-spirited interest in local affairs and has been called to offices of trust. He has served as constable, township supervisor and school clerk, having been for several years a member of the board of supervisors of Cottage Grove township. He is independent in his political attitude and both he and his wife are communicants of the Catholic church. January 29, 1879, was solemnized the marriage of Mr. Reynolds to Miss Catherine Flynn, who was born in Cottage Grove township, October 1, 1859, being a daughter of John and Ellen (Clarey) Flynn, and following is a record of the names and dates of birth of their eight children, all of whom are living: Martha Jane, November 30, 1879 ; Mary Ellen, October 19, 1881 ; William James, August 15, 1883 ; Catherine. May 7, 1886; Daniel Edward. July 8, 1888; Josephine, February 4, 1890; John Francis, September 3. 1893; ,and Mildred, February 24, 1895. Martha J., is a successful teacher in the public schools, and William J., a carpenter by trade, is now a resident of Fort Worth, Texas.

A. A. Rhodes, (deceased), was born in Madison, Dane county. April 23, 1862. died August 17, 1898. He was the son of James Rhodes, a butcher by trade, and one of the early settlers of Mado- son. He was educated in the public schools of Madison and at the University of Wisconsin. After completing" his education he went to Dakota, and was engaged for some time as a clerk in a bank ; then he returned to Wisconsin. Later he went to Kansas and followed the occupation of farming. In 1894. he returned to his native state, and bought the farm which Mrs. Rhodes still owns. He was married December 19, 1889, to Miss Katie Evarts, - daughter of Leeman and Mary (Cole) Evarts, - who was born in Capron, Boone county. 111. Mrs. Rhodes' father was a native of Massachusetts and one of the early settlers of Illinois. In his later life he went to Syracuse, Nebraska, where he died. December 20, 1893. Mrs. Evarts now resides in Ingham, Lincoln county. Neb. She is a native of Ohio. To Mr. and Mrs. Rhodes were born two children, Florence, born December 30. 1890, and Alva, born August 27, 1894. both natives of Meredith, Kansas. Mr. Rhodes was a Democrat in politics and a member of the K. of P. lodge. He was interested in matters of public welfare and served in a number of local offices; his wife was reared and educated in Kansas, where her parents moved when she was four years of age.

Fred M. Richards, general superintendent of the Madison Gas and Electric Company, was born in Columbia county. Wisconsin, December 12, 1870. He comes of good stock, the father, Robert Richards, being a native of Dane county, and his mother, nee Esthma Isadora Dean, of New York. The father's vocation is that of flour miller, and he is at the present time operating a mill at Chatfield. Minn. When the sombre cloud of war dimmed the horizon of national unity, he laid aside his citizen's garb and joined the ranks of the Union army, enlisting in Milwaukee, December 31, 1861, in Company E, Eighteenth Wisconsin Volunteer Infantry. The regiment came under McPhersons' command and participated in the battles of Champion's Hill, the siege of Vicksburg, the Missionary Ridge fights and at Allatoona withstood with great gallantry a furious assault of the Confederate army. At the latter place Mr. Richards was wounded and captured. He was taken to one of the enemy's hospitals and later exchanged. On July 12, 1865, he was honorably discharged. After the cessation of hostilities he returned to the milling business. Of his family of seven children, six are boys. The children are all living. The father is sixty-three years old and the mother fifty-three. Fred M. Richards finished his academic work in the Kilbourn high school and then entered the E. P. Allis & Company shops in Milwaukee to learn the machinists' trade. After four years there he put in the same length of time firing- a Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul Railway Company's engine. From that position he worked into the electric lighting business in Portage, Wis., and after another four years accepted employment as assistant engineer for the Madison company. This was in November, 1900. Within eight months after his arrival he was made chief engineer, serving as such two years. In 1903 he was appointed superintendent of the Madison Gas & Electric Company plant, and July i, 1906, was appointed to his present position. Mr. Richards has been twice married. On December 21, 1889, he led. to the altar Miss Lottie A., daughter of I. B. and Cornelia (Cone) Pickard of Kilbourn, the former deceased, the latter an honored resident of the city of the Dells. Mrs. Richards died April 25, 1891, at the age of twenty-one. On her father's side she was of English descent, on her mother's of Scotch and Dutch. Mr. Richards' second marriage, which occurred April 1, 1893, was to Miss Amelia Rhein, of Green Lake, Wis., and a daughter of John and Louisa (Weilde) Rhein, both natives of Germany. By his second marriage he is the father of four children - Aden Robert, Florence Vera, Lorna May and Cecil lone. The parents are members of the Baptist church, and the father belongs to the Free and Accepted Masons. He is a man highly spoken of, intelligent,- energetic and resourceful.

Geo. W. Richardson, of Dane, belongs to a New York family. His paternal grandfather was Benj. Richardson who lived and died in that state. His parents were Geo. W. and Maria (Hazlett) Richardson, the former born in New York in 1824, and the latter in Llmira, N. Y., in 1828. They were married in Illinois and made their home in Genoa, Dekalb county, until their death, his occurring in 1886 and hers in 1903. He was a farmer by occupation, a Republican in party affiliations and, with his wife, belonged to the Methodist Episcopal church. Of their two sons and three daughters all except one daughter are living. Mr. Richardson received his educational equipment in the high school of Genoa. He began life as an Illinois farmer, but in 1890 began working for the railroad, and since 1893, has been station agent for the C. & N. W. R'y, at Dane. He owns property in Dane and also in Dakota. He and his wife attend and support the Methodist Episcopal church, and he votes with the Republican party. His marriage occurred April 10, 1888, and his wife was Miss Sarah E. Westover, born in Clintonville, 111., March 12, 1868. Her parents were Benj. and Bertha (Barns). He was born in Sheffield, Berkshire county. Mass., and she in Alexander, Jefferson county. N. Y., March 28,

1816, and October 4. 1827, respectively. They were among the early settlers of Illinois and were married January 1, 1852. He is a carpenter by trade and a Republican in politics, and is still living; his wife died December 17, 1894. The paternal grandparents of Mrs. Richardson were Abijah, born March 20, 1773, and Lois (Carrier) Westover, born February 17. 1782. He died December 20, 1821, and his wife survived him nearly forty years, passing away in 1861 or 1862. Her maternal grandparents were Ira Barns, born September 21, 1800, and Eliza (Carnegie) Barns, born June 19, 1806, and died August 3, 1887. Ira Barns was the son of Jabez and Mary (Crowell) Barns. He died at Alexandria, Jefferson county, N. Y.j in the twenties and she in July. 1859, at Pawpaw. Lee county. 111., aged eighty-four years. Eliza Carnegie was the daughter of James and Abigail (Holsey) Carnegie, both born in Vermont, where she died in 1812 ; her husband lived to marry five times, and died in Alexandria, Jefferson county. N. Y., sged seventy-seven years. His parents were Andrew and Lydia (Robins) Carnegie. Bradford B. Richmond is a prominent farmer of the town of York, where he carries on the business established by his father. Ezra W. Richmond. The founder of the Wisconsin branch of the 'Richmond family was Peres Bradford Richmond, who came from New York at an early day and obtained a farm of four hundred acres from the government lands in York township. Here he lived until his death in 1888. He was a prominent member of the community, a Whig and a Republican. Mrs. Peres B. Richmond, nee Harriet Warner, was a native of New York, where she lived until after her marriage. Of their six childen, four are living. Their son, Ezra W. Richmond was born in New York, September 11, 1837, attended the district schools in his native county and became a student at Oberlin University, Ohio. For some years he followed the profession of teaching, in Missouri, and then in Dane county, and left it to engage in farming in Columbia county, where he purchased a farm and lived two years. For fourteen years he owned a farm in Sun Prairie, which he managed successfully until his return to the old homestead in York. This he occupied until 1900, when he moved to the city of Columbus to spend the residue of his life free from business cares. He married Miss Fliza Bowen, who was horn in New York in August. 1841, and five children were born to them; Mabel, I fattie. Bradford B., Elizabeth and Caroline. All were well-educated and the daughters taught school. Hattie married William L. Fritz, a farmer of Columbia county. Wis. Caroline is Mrs. Frank S. Roberts and her husband is connected with the Columbus Canning Factory. Bradford B. was born at Sun Prairie, Wis., February 23, 1875. attended the home schools and the Story Business College at Portage and has always been interested in farming. He operates his father's farm of two hundred and seventy-three acres and devotes particular attention to the breeding of pure registered Galloway cattle, of which he usually has a herd of about forty-five head ; also registered French coach horses and Duroc Jersey hogs and Shropshire sheep. Like his father, Bradford B. Richmond is a Republican in political affiliations and all the family are identified with the Congregational church.

Charles Reed Riebsam, deceased, was prominently identified with various enterprises in the city of Madison during many years of a very active life and he was recognized as one of the leaders in the industrial affairs of the capital city. He was born at Muncy, Lycoming county, Penn., on September 3. 1826, and was one of four children born to Philip and Sarah (Erwin) Riebsam. The father was also a native of the Keystone state and the mother was of English descent, her ancestors being of the religious sect known as Friends or Quakers. Of the four children born to this parentage only one now survives. William Erwin, and he is a resident of the state of California. The subject of this review received his early education in the public schools of the city of Philadelphia and then took up the study of medicine, graduating from the medical department of the University of Pennsylania, with the class of 1849, receiving the degree of M. D. It seems, however, that his tastes were not in accord with the demands of that profession and he never entered upon the practice of the same, but soon after his graduation he entered a telegraph office and remained so employed until 1857. when he migrated to Wisconsin and located in the city of Madison. Soon after his arrival he. entered the employ of the state bank and filled a responsible position with that institution for a number of years. For a considerable time, eighteen years, he was connected with Fuller & Johnson, general agents for the Walter A. Wood (harvesting machine) Company, and later he became connected with the Madison Gas & Electric Company, acting as secretary of the same until the time of his death, which occured on November 12, 1!><)2. Mr. Riebsam was -t Republican in his political affiliations, but he never assumed the role of an officeseeker. However, at the time of the Civil War he served under N. B. Van Slyke in the adjutant-general's office at Madison, and he also had a position in the comptroller's office during the incum- bency of Jeremiah Rusk. Mr. Riebsam was married on December 3, 1878, to Miss Sarah J. Wilson, daughter of Luther and Harriet (Hutchings) Wilson, of the state of New York, the place where they resided being now a part of the city of Syracuse. The parents of Mrs. Riebsam were both natives of the Empire state, but in 1846 they immigrated to Wisconsin and located in the city of Madison, where they spent the remainder of their lives, the father dying in 1848 and the mother in 1877. Two daughters were born to them, only one of whom, Mrs. Riebsam, is now living. The subject of this review was reared in the Presbyterian faith, but after his marriage he became an attendant at the Congregational church, of which Mrs. Riebsam is a member. He also had membership in the Old Settlers' club of Madison, an organization that was formed the same year of and a short time previous to his death. He was an honorary member of the Madison Hook and Ladder Company.

George C. Riley, a dealer in real estate in Madison, was born in Dane county, January 27, 1874. He is a son of Edward F. and Eliza LaBore Riley. George C. Riley is' one of three brothers, the others being Charles G.. a practicing attorney of Madison, and Frank M., an architect in Boston, Mass. George C. received his education in the public schools of his native city and studied for a time in the University of Wisconsin. Immediately after complete ing his studies he entered the real estate business and has continued in it ever since.

Martin Riley, of Marshall, was born in Carey, Ireland, October 25, 1849, of Irish parentage ; Jeremiah Riley was born in 1810, and his wife. Elsie, in 1813. They came to Ohio in 1851 and to Wisconsin and settled in Marshall, Dane county, in 1856. Mr. Riley worked on the railroad for some time and finally purchased a small piece of land in section 8 ; fifteen years later he bought eighty acres in section 18, and here made his home until his death in 1879; his wife survived him twelve years, hers occurring in 1891. Out of their family of six, - five sons and one daughter, - only two sons are living, the subject of this sketch and a brother Patrick of the town of York. The family attended the Catholic church ; and Mr. Riley's political creeds were expressed by the Democratic party ; at one time his vote saved the town from being bonded for a railroad. Martin Riley received his education in the common school of district No. 1 of Medina township, and began his independent work at the rate of four dollars per month. In 1SS1 lie became the owner of forty acres of land and this has increased with the vears until it has become a farm of two hundred acres. It is worthy of note as showing what can be accomplished by the patient accumulations of years that the property now owned by Mr. Riley is the same as that upon which he worked for four dollars per month ; he now ranks as one of the well-to-do farmers of Medina. He was united in marriage to Miss Sarah Tolan. June 14, 1876. She is the daughter of William and Mary (Braden) Tolan. and was born in Kenosha in 1859. Mr. Tolan was born in Belfast and his wife in County Sligo, Ireland. They came to the United States when they were young, were married in Boston, and came to Wisconsin in its early days. He died in York, in 1892, and his widow is still living. They had two children, Mrs. Riley and Mamie, wife of Patrick Riley of the town of York. Mr. Martin Riley is a Free Mason and a member of the Waterloo lodge. He and his wife have had three children, the oldest, Mary, is dead ; the others are William J., and George W.

William Riley, of Springdale township, was born in Washington county, Xew York, July 16, 1838. He is the son of Richard and Mary (Nichols) Riley, both natives of Xew York. Mr. Riley's American ancestry dates back to the Revolutionary War. his maternal grandfather, John Stockwell. having served as a soldier in that struggle for independence. He was also a native of Xew York. Richard Riley was born in 1782 and took part in the War of 1812; he died in 1875 having attained the great age of ninetythree years. His wife died ten years later (1885) aged ninety-four. These hardy pioneers came to Wisconsin in 1855 and located in Dane county on section 2, in Springdale township, on the farm where the subject of this sketch now resides. They were the parents of three children, Robert, of the town of Springdale. William, and Lucinda (deceased). William was educated in the public schools of Xew York state and came west with his parents with whom he remained until the death of his father. He has now a fine farm of two hundred acres. He was married in 1859. to Miss Margaret Dride. a native of Philadelphia, but a resident of Springdale. They have six children, Robert, of Riley ; Mary, married to Charles Oranger of the village of Riley ; James, of Winnebago City. Minnesota ; John R.. of Riley : Jenny, married William Carden. of Madison; Margaret, married Jesse Sutton, of Xebraska. Mrs. Riley died in February, 1890. aged fifty-three years. Mr. Riley carries on the family traditions in his political affiliations, as his father before him was a Republican, and in the stirring years pre- 48 - iii ceding the Civil War, was a strong abolitionist. He has retired from the management of his large farm, his son John R. having purchased the entire estate. John R.. who was born December 12, 1873, was educated in the public schools, and chose farming as his vocation. He was married April 12, 1904, to Miss Margaret Marks of Riley, daughter of Patrick Marks of Madison ; to this union one child, Wesley Malcolm, was born. May 18, 190(5.

Harry E. Roberts, who makes his home in Stoughton since he has retired from farming, is a native of Dunkirk, where his family have lived since 1844. His paternal grandfather, William Roberts, was born in Fairfield county. Conn., April 25, 1782, and married Salome Elwell, born in Dutchess county, X. Y., in 1789. Soon jafter their marriage they settled in Virgil, Cortland county, N. Y., and lived there until 183G, when the spirit of the times sent them west to Illinois and after eight years to Dunkirk, where Mr. Roberts died in 1847, and his wife in 1872. Their son Ezra, father of Harry E., was born near Danbury, Conn., December 26, 1810, spent his youth in Cortland county. X. Y., and in 1835 engaged in farming in Warren county. 111. Here he spent five years, returned to Xew York for four years and came to Dunkirk with his parents in 1S44. Again he engaged in farming and obtained land from time to time until his farm comprised three hundred and seventy-four acres. For several terms he served on the town board and was always a public-spirited citizen. September 3. 1848, he married Betsey E. Cannon, daughter of Joseph and Rachel (Huyck) Cannon, who settled in Dunkirk in 1843. Joseph Cannon was a veteran of the War of 1812. Ezra Roberts and his wife had nine children, of whom but three are living; Harry E., Florence E., the wife of George X. Campbell, and James A. Harry E. was born on the Dunkirk farm. February 7, 1854, has always been occupied in farming at the old homestead, a part of which he still owns, and lived there until 1904, during which year he moved to Stoughton, his present home. He was first married March 14, 1878, to Sarah Elian Bingham, daughter of Rufus and Esther (A'nsley) Bingham, of Sumner, Jefferson county. Wis. Three children were born to the marriage: Rufus E., Earl A. and Florence E. Airs. Roberts died April 9, 1903, and December 29. 1904, Mr. Roberts married Harriet S. Gilbert, daughter of Robert and Harriet (Bristol) Gilbert, the former a native of England and the latter of X'ew York. Mr. Roberts is a member of the Universalist church and his wife of the Methodist Episcopal church. Mr. Roberts is allied with the Prohibition party and is a strong temperance advocate.