Eau Claire County, Wisconsin - Chapter 41: Germanism, 1914

Chapter 41: Germanism

If we dig deep in the liistory of America we always find some Germans mentioned, and most of them have been more or less prominent in the different stadiums of this country.

At the time of the first discovery of this continent in the year "One thousand," the first known man who set his foot upon this land, Leif of Greenland, had among his followers a German whose name was Tyrker, and he came from the vicinity of the River Rhein, Germany. After the rediscovery of America by Columbus, in 1492, mainly Hollanders and Englanders have been mentioned, but a good number of Germans have been among them. In the year 1626 the first German name is mentioned again. It was Minuit, born in the city of Wesel on the River Rhein, and he held the office of governor of New Amsterdam, that is the island of Manhattan. It was he who bought the whole island, containing 22,000 acres of land, for sixty gulden, Holland money, equal to twenty-four dollars in gold. Another governor was the German Johannes Rising, born at Elbing, Germany, and still another, with the name Prince, came from Pommern, Germany, and was governor of New Sweden.

From now on we read in history of many Germans among the immigrants, and especially when the state of Pennsylvania and the city of Philadelphia were founded in the year 1682.

Though the Germans were mainly farmers, a good number of them engaged themselves in different industries and professions. Soon we found them also engaged in bigger enterprises. They erected the first paper mill at Gerraantown, Pa. In 1717 Ave read of the first printing plant at Ephrata. In 1739 we find reports of establishing other paper mills, flour- and sawmills, other printing plants, foundries, bookbinderies, manufacturing of printing ink, etc.

Then at the end of the eighteenth century came the war for the independence of the United States, and we learn again from history that the Germans took a very essential part in it. They formed whole regiments, and many officers of high rank were Germans, and the fact that General Washington had a special body guard composed exclusively of Germans, bears witness that he appreciated their faithfulness and reliability. At the time of the Civil War history tells iis of the same circumstances, only this time many more Germans took part in that Avar. Many more regiments of Germans were formed and a great many Germans of high rank and as leaders were named.

The Germans were not in the rear Avhen the wilderness was changed to cultivated land, and the entire country was investigated as to which places were best suited for agriculture settlers.

In this way it happened that the state of Wisconsin was preferred by the Germans for settlement. Very probably the fact had something to do with that, that the climate of Wisconsin is much like that of Germany.

It is estimated that at present fifteen millons of Germans live in the United States. That means men, women and children. Six millions have emigrated from Germany. In twenty-nine states the Germans outnumber all other nationalities. Of these twentynine states Wisconsin is in the lead. More than half of the whole population are Germans, and of its seventy-one counties Eau Claire has always been in the rank with the others. The last census for 1900 shows a population for Eau Claire county of 32,665. Of these there are 6,326 Germans, witli the Norwegian close to follow with the number of 5,924. All other nations falling far back. About two-thirds of these Germans live in the city of Eau Claire, the balance in the smaller cities and villages and on farms. Tliis proves the Germans are mostly farmers.

In tile liigh school of Eau Claire the studying of the German language is accepted as a branch of education. Of the 600 students of that school almost one-third study the German language. For some years those students have formed a German society (Deutsche Gesellschaft), which arranges several entertainments in the interest of the German language during a school year. Occasionally prominent German professors are engaged for lectures about German history, music, poetry and nationality, etc. By presenting of pictures the students are taught of the German art of building and culture of ancieutness up to the present time. Also German plays, oratory and singing is cultivated by those students to keep them in practice. The present teachers

It is reiuai'kably characteristic of the Germans wherever they settle that they very soon try to form a kind of a society, and the Germans of Eaii Claire county are no exception in that respect. The first of them were known in the sixties and seventies as "Schuetzen" and "Turnvereine." They kept practical exercises of shooting and gymnastics. It is to be much regretted few records have been kept about their existence. They also had a singing section, and wlien in the year 187-i the two societies dissolved they changed to the German singing society "Germania." This society has been regulai-ly oriianized and has her own constitution and by-laws. In I.SDH ihc twenty-fifth year of its existence was celebrated in grand style and it is resolved that during the present year 1914 tiie fortieth year of its existence will also be celebrated in the fall. For twenty years the society has been a member of the great German North American Singing Society. Every Tuesday evening is devoted to society work, either for rehearsals or business. During the year concerts, sociables, dances, picnics and other entertainments are arranged for the members and their guests. The society is in agreeable financial circumstances, owns a big hall with business rooms in the city of Eau Claire and a nice picnic ground in the Dells Park in the city limits, with a fine and substantial built pavilion, the latter being a present of one of the members of the society, John Walter. The present officers are : August Johannis, president; Anton Korger, vice-president; financial secretaries, Herman Gerke and August Stein ; treasurers, Fritz Stuewer and Carl Bergmann; protocol secretary and singing conductor. Reinhold Liebau. At present the society has over eighty members.

Another German society is the "German-American County Verband," a branch of the "National German-American Alliance of the United States of America." That national alliance was founded in the year 1900 and desires to enroll American men and women of German origin within its lines. The principles of that alliance are in a short and condensed way the following :

The "National German-American Alliance" aims to awaken and strengthen the sense of unity among the people of German origin in America, with a view to promote the useful and healthy development of the power inherent in them as a united body for the mutual energetic protection of such legitimate desires and interests not inconsistent with the common good of the country, and the rights and duties of good citizens, to check nativistic encroachments, to maintain and safeguard the friendly relations existing between Anierica and the old German fatherland. To read the history of German immigration is to be convinced how much it has contributed to the advancement of the spiritual and economic development of this country, and to realize what it is still destined to contribute, and how the German immigrant has at all times stood by his adopted country in weal or in woe.

Though this branch of the Alliance in Eau Claire county was regularly founded in October, 1913, it has already more than three hundred members, and that membership is constantly growing. Regular meetings are lield on the first Sunday of every month.

The present officers are : President, Fred Arnold ; first and second vice-presidents, J. J. Auer and Charles Hoehn; treasurer, Albert Hoehn ; secretary, Reinhold Liebau.

William Kom, born March 27, 1829, at Wisson on the Sieg, District Coblenz, Germany. Lost his parents in 1840 when eleven years old. Came to America in 1852 and to Eau Claire county in 1858, where he still lives in the city of Eau Claire. He was a tailor by trade. In 1860 he married Catherine Stumm, who was born at Trier, Germany. They had four sons, who live at Eau Claire.

Erich Leid'ger was born March 31, 1832, in Saxony, Germany. His wife was Anna Stallman, born October 3, 1833, in Hannover. Germany. Both came to Eau Claire county in 1860 and settled on a farm in the town of Lincoln, where they lived up to 1885, when they sold the farm to their son, William Ernst Leidiger, who lives there today. Both parents live at present at Fairchild and are still well and hearty.

Philip Treiber was born at Heidelberg, Germany. Came to America in 1871, and to Eau Claire county in 1872, where he still lives in the city of Augusta and conducts a lively business by dealing in sewing macliines and musical instruments.

Leonhart Ludwig Arnold, born September 25, 1844, at Michelstadt, Hessen Darmstadt, Germany. Came to America by steamer Atlanta from London, England in 1865, and to Eau Claire, in Eau Claire county, in 1868. He was a millwright and building contractor by trade. Several times he lost all his property by floods and fire. For many years was a member of the German singing society "Germania," and of the "Herman Soehne. " He was married in May, 1868, to Marie Sehulimaeher, who was born in 1842 at Offenbach, Germany. He married a second time in July, 1881, Bertha Ulrich, who was born in 1858 in Germany and came to Eau Claire county in 1884. They had eight daughters and one son. The latter, named Louis George, being born in 1887, was a graduate of the Eau Claire high school and of the University of Wisconsin. Served four years as city engineer of the city of Chippewa Falls and lives now at Eau Claire, a civil engineer.

Wilhelm Arnold, born in 1841 at Michelstadt, Hessen Darmstadt, Germany. Came to Eau Claire county in 1864. Lived in the city of Eau Claire ever since, following his trade as a mason. Married to Susanne Schuhmacher, who was born in 1843 and died at Eau Claire, May, 1914. They had five children, of which three are living. A son, Fred Arnold, is a veteran -of the Spanish- American War of 1898. Is a lawyer and practicing his profession in the city of Eau Claire and has held the office of disti-ict attorney for ten years. He belongs to the F. R. A. and Free Masons and also is a member of the German singing society "Germania" in the city of Eau Claire. In 1905 he married Miss Louise Moessnor. In 1913 be was elected president of the Eau Claire county branch of the German-American National Alliance.

Albert Ulrich, born in 1856 in West Preussen, Germany. Came to this country in 1880 and to Eau Claire county in 1882. He has lived since in the city of Eau Claire following his trade as a a tailor. He married in 1883 Miss Auguste Schroeder, who was born in 1863 in Poramern, Germany. Member of the German singing society "Germania" in the city of Eau Claire.

August PritzlafiF, born in Pommern, Germany, 1850. Came to Eau Claire county in 1882 and lived since in the city of Eau Claire, Avhere he followed his trade as a tailor. He has for many years been treasurer of the German Lutheran St. John's congregation. Married in 1877 Anna Kuchenbaecker, who was born in 1876 in Ponnnern, Germany.

John Jacob Auer was born June 12, 1847, in Unterhallau, Switzerland. Started for America in 1865. Came to New York, April, 1866. Lived at Washington, District of Columbia, and Durand, Wisconsin. Was teacher of the German language and bandmaster and engaged in a number of enterprises, and since 1892 has been managing editor of the German paper "Der Herold" at Eau Claire. Served as city treasurer at Durand, Wisconsin, in 1887, and as assessor, park commissioner and member of police and fire commission. Has for many years been an active member of Odd Fellows and Maccabees, also of the German singing society "Germania." Married second time February 6, 188:^ Miss Louisa Kneer, of Eau Claire, Wisconsin. Two sons, Frank and Norman, both following the printing trade.

Charles Keiser was born in Saxony, Germany, January 22. 1862. Came to America in 1873 and settled in "Waukesha county, Wisconsin. Then came to Eau Claire coimty in 1885. His parents were born at same place in Germany and came to this country and county same time. His father was Frederick Keiser and his mother's name was Amalie Bertram. The latter is still living in Eau Claire county. He married Miss Julie L. Welke February 21, 1889. They have three children: Martha, Emma and Arthur. Mr. Keiser served as district clerk, agent and director of Fall Creek Farmers' Mutual Fire Insurance Company, and director of Pleasant Valley Creamery Company. He owns and works a nice farm in the town of Pleasant Valley.

William Bartig was born December 7, 1859, at Wolsko, Prussia, Germany. His parents were both born at the same place, and were Christoph Bartig and Louise (Wahrman) Bartig. He came to America and settled in Eau Claire county in 1882 and has followed farming ever since. Married April 22, 1888, Miss Augusta Lange, of Eau Claire city. They have six eliildren : William, Arthur, Walter, Ruth, Herman and Henry.

Carl Otto Fischer was born August 21, 1862, in Saxony, Germany. Ilis parents were Carl and Charlotte Fischer, who came to Eau Claire county in July, 1879. Carl Otto settled on a farm in the town of Washington and has lived there since. Was married to Rosine Prill in 1884, Avho died in 1911. Remarried to Elsie Marie Volkman in 1913. He served as town supervisor, road commissioner, town chairman and town clerk. Is secretary and manager of the Washington creamery and secretary and treasurer of the Farmers' Co-operative Produce Company at Ban Claire.

Friedrich Klawiter, born in 1827 in Posen. Germany. Came to Eau Claire in 1872. Two sons, Wilhclm and Herman, machinists, and Fritz, a mason. All of them except Ilei'inann still live in Eau Claire coiuity.

David Stuewer, born in 1828 in Stettin, Germany. Married Marie Zank, born in 1827. Came to Eau Claire county in 1882. Died in 1911. Ili.s son, Fritz Stnewer. born in IB.'i-t, came to Eavi Claire county in 1883, and has been eiiiploycil by 1lu' Omaha i-ailroad ever since.

Carl Heinrich Bergman was born in Sacliseu, Germany, December 9. ]8.3.">. Came to Eau Claire in 1880. His trade is miller and millwright. Owns a grain and feed elevator, a good number of real estate properties and has a thriving business. He was married in 1883 to Emilie Portig, who was born in 1868, also in Sachsen. Germany.

Albert August Hoehn was born May 4, 1862, in Neuwedle, Brandenburg, Gernmuy. Lived as farmer in the town of Washington. Served for four years as town supervisor, nine years as town eliairman and has for twelve years been town assessor, also president of the Bracket Co-operative Creamery Company for nine years. Came to Eau Claire county in 1880. Married to Emma Jlathwig in 1888. Have two children.

John Ernest Henning, born June 13, 18-lo, in Germany. Attenih'd tlie i)ul)lie school in Marquette county. Came to Eau Claire county in 1878, where he still is engaged in general farming and stock raising. Served seven years as town constable and belongs to the "Temperance Union." Was married to Minnie Krueger in 1870. Have five cliildreu : Wilhelm, Henry and Herman are farmers. Ernest is a railroad man and Louise hotel supei'intendent.

Gottfried W. Paul, born August 19, 1857, in Geisig, Prussia, Germany. Served as city treasurer of the city of Augusta for eleven years and as president of the school board for six years. Is a member of the Masonic lodge and lodge of Modern Woodmen. He married Jennie Howe at Black Earth, Dane county, Wisconsin, in 1879. Came to Aiigusta, Eau Claire county, in 1881. and has lived there ever since, and is engaged in real estate ami insurance business.

Joseph Spehle, born in 1810 in Wuertembei-g, Germany. Came to Eau Claire county in 1859 and settled on a farm in the town of Brunswick, where he lived until bis death in 1912. He attended only the common school in Germany. In 1865 he served as member of Company G, Forty-eighth Wisconsin Volunteer Infantry. In 1860 he married Walpurga Hepperle, who died in 1888. They had two children : Joseph and Delia. Both still live on the old farm. Our sub.iect was town supervisor, assessor and chairman, also scliool clerk for manv vcars. He was a member of the

Friedrich Wilhelm Mueller, born April 16, 1840, at Lipin, Bromberg, Germany. Came to Eau Claire county in 1869 and settled on a farm in town of Lincoln and lived there ever since. In 1909 he gave the farm to his son August Mueller. He married in 1863 Miss Priederike Ernestine Laube. Remarried in 1885 Henriette Sich. Had eleven children.

Louis Spehle, born in 1829 in Wuertemberg, Germany. Came to Eau Claire county in 1856 and settled in the town of Brunswick. Served in Company G, Forty-eighth Wisconsin Volunteer Infantry, from February 14 to December 13, 1865. He married in 1857 Selesia Hepperle, also born in Wuertemberg, Germany. He died in 1871 and his wife died in 1888. Their three children still live in Eau Claire county.

William Jakob and his wife, Henriette Jakob, were both born at Rumelsburg, Germany. Both came together to Eau Claire county in 1857 and settled on a farm in the town of Washington. Their son Julius Ludwig Jakob still lives on the old farm, where he was born February 20, 1864, and is a member of the district school board No. 7.

George Martin Betz, born March 29, 1838, in Wuertemberg, Germany. Came to America in 1853 and to Eau Claire county in 1857, where he still lives on his farm in the town of Brunswick. He served as sergeant in Company G, Forty-eighth Wisconsin Volunteer Infantry, from February 14 until December 13, 1865. Was for twenty-six years a member of school board in his district and is still a member of the German singing society "Germania" at Eau Claire. He married in 1860 Lomira Noyes, and after her death he remarried in 1873 Emma Saupe. Had fourteen children. His eldest son, Frank, owns the biggest factory of surgical instruments in the world at Hammond, Indiana.

August Messerschmidt, born January 18, 1850, at Posen, Germany. Came to Eau Claire county in 1870 and settled on a farm in the town of Lincoln, where he has since lived. He married Emilia Sell and they had seven children. Three of them - Rudolph, Otto and Emil - are evangelical pastors.

Michael Weire was born February 19, 1835, at Bathen, Germany. He came to America in 1852 and to Eau Claire county in 1856 and took a homestead near Augusta. Worked in the winter time in the lumber camps and in the summer time on the river up to 1862. Then worked his farm up to 1901, at which time he sold the fann and bought some property in the city of Augusta, where he resides. In August, 1863, he enlisted in the Thirtieth Wisconsin Infantry, Company I, in which he served three years and two mouths. After that he was discharged, September 20, 1865, at Madison, Wisconsin. He had six years common school education at Bathen, German}'. Served several terms as treasurer of his school district in the town of Bridge Creek. On February 19, 1866, he married Jliss Francis Caroline Schlegelmilch, of Sauk county. Of their ten children six are living.

John F. T. Waak was born in 1853 in Pommern, Germany. He came in 1873 to this country and settled in Fall Creek on a farm. lie has farmed ever since. Served his town for ten years as road commissioner. lie married Lizzie Waak and had five children.

Charles Betz was born in 1831 in Wuertemberg, Germany. He came to tliis country in 1849 and to Eau Claire county in 1858, where he has since lived on his farm in the town of Brunswick. He married in 1872 Emma Betz eCnd they had four children. For many years he was a member of the school board.

Fred Schiefelbein and his wife Emma (Schwenke) Schiefelhein, both born in Germany, came to Eau Claire county in 1884 and settled at Augusta. They started farming in 1888 on forty acres of land. They deeded the farm in 1900 to their son August Herman Schiefelbein, who was born August 16, 1873, in Germany, and came with his parents to Eau Claire county in 1884. He enlarged his property and now owns 315 acres of land. He served the town of Lincoln three years as assessor and since 1912 luis held the position of secretary of the Fall Creek Farmers' ^lutual Fire Insurance Company. He attended the common public school in the town of Lincoln. He married January 1, 1904, Enuna Strasburg.

Wilhelm Madinski was born October 22, 1856, Hirschberg, (iei-iiiaiiy ; came to Eau Claire county, 1883, and followed his trade as a painter, and now conducts a hardware store of his own in the city of Eau Claire. He attended a high school at Hirschberg, Germany. He married, 1882, Miss Alwine Rose, who was horn May 18th. at Colberg, Sehlesien, Germany.

Ferdinand Hoeppner was born June 14, 1848, in Sehlesien, Germany. Came to Eau Claire county, 1880, and settled in the city of Eau Claire, where he has since lived. For ten years he followed his trade as a blacksmith, then engaged himself in manufacturing trunks and traveling bags, and is at present vice-president of the Eau Claire Trunk Co. He is a member of the German singing society, "Germania, " and of the Maccabees.

Received his business education in the common schools of Germany. 1872 he married Miss Marie "Wolf, who was born August 3, 1849, in Germany. They had three children, of which Clara is the wife of Mr. William E. Wahl, president of the Eau Claire Trunk Co. Both sons, Willy and George, are members of the same company, also owners of the Eau Claire Sweat Pad Manufacturing Co.

William E. Wahl was born 1868, in Province Posen, Germany. He came to America in 1872 and to Eau Claire county in 1877. Visited the common public school and became engaged in the manufacturing of trunks and traveling bags. At present he is the president of the Eau Claire Trunk Co. He is a member of the "Woodmen," the "Maccabees," and the "Beavers." In 1892 he married Miss Clara Hoeppner, who was born in 1873, at Eau Claire.

Wilhelm Schnittke, liorn in Prussia, Germany, in 1840. Was soldier in German army and fought in the wars of 1866 and 1870-71. Came to America in 1873 and to Eau Claire county in 1891. Settled in the town of Pleasant Valley, on a farm, wliere he still lives. He married, in 1868, Friederike Schwolow, who also was born in Germany.

Ferdinand Zieman, born in West Prussia, Germany, and his wife, Wilhelmine (Bruesewitz) Zieman, who was born in Pommern, Germany, came to America in 1871, and to Eau Claire county in 1874, where Mr. Zieman died in 1901. Their sou. Otto Julius Zieman, was born in Fall Creek, April 24, 1875. learned the harnessmaker trade and worked at that trade i\p to 1900, when he added hardware and farm implements, and possesses now a flourishing business at Fall Creek. He was the first president of the village of Fall Creek, served three years in that capacity, served as school clerk and treasurer, also as county supervisor. Married, in 1905, Miss Minnie Zanke, who died in 1905. Remarried in 1907, to Emma Zanke. Three children.

Daniel Zempel and his wife, Caroline Zempel, were both born in Posen, Germany, and came to this country in 1857, settled at Princeton, Wis. Then moved to Fall Creek, Eau Claire county, in 1864, and settled on a homestead, which is now a part of the village of Fall Creek. Their son, Reinhard Henry Zempel, was born in Princeton, Wis., August 18, 1861 ; has also been a farmer and lives now on the old homestead. He married, in 1885, Miss Christina Friedericli. and they have nine children.

where he has followed his trade as a cabinetmaker ever since. He married, in 1883, Minna Bertha Heimstaedt, also born in Germany. Tliey own nice private property.

Carl Devner, a farmer, was born in west Prussia, Germany, March 20, 1854. Came to this country in 1881 and settled on a farm in the town of Ludingtou. Moved to the city of Eau Claire in 1909, where he has since lived as a very successful truck farmer. He married, in 1871, Miss Wilhelmine Krueger, also born in west Prussia, Germany, and who died in 1891. Remarried in 1893, to Miss Emilie Desmer. Mr. Devner served several terms as supervisor in the town of Ludington.

Herman Gerke Avas born in 1860, at Pommern, (Tcnnany. Came to America in 1872 and to Eau Claire county in 1878. He always followed his trade as a eigarmaker and is a member of tlie German Singing Society and the German-American Society in tlie <-ity of Eau Claire.

John Brunner was born in 1818. in Germany. Came to America and Eau Claire county in 1872, locating in the city of Eau Claire, where he has followed his trade, that of a tailor. He is a member of, the "Germania" Singing Society of Eau Claire, and also of the German-American Society of Eau Claire county.

William Miller and Ernestine (Laube) Miller were both born in Gernuiny, married in 1863 and came to America the same year. Came to Pall Creek, Eau Claire county, in 1868. Mrs. Miller died in 1881, and Mr. Miller remarried in 1885. Mr. Miller was born at Lippen, Germany. They had twelve children, of whom William still lives at Pall Creek. He was born at Chicago, in 1867, and came with his parents to this county in 1868. Was farmer until 1906, then engaged in a lumberyard at Pall Creek. Married, in 1895, to Miss Bertha Louise Henke. They have two children.

Carl Pehlke and his wife, Joliauna Pehlke, botli born in Germany, came to Eau Claire county in 1882, and settled on a farm, where Mr. Pehlke died in 1906. His wife stiU lives on that farm. Their son, Henry Albert Pehlke, born in 1858, lives on same farm. He married, in 1885, Marie Auguste Wilhelmine Wamke.

Friedrich Carl Bleichrodt, born at Ziegelroda, Germany, June 12, 1839. Came to Eau Claire county in 1879 and settled on a farm in the town of Washington. Since 1901 he has lived in the city of Altoona. He is a veteran of the German-Austria war of 1866, being in five battles. He married, in 1867, Mrs. Charlotte Fischer, and had three children. Richard, born in 1868, and at present a carpenter and contractor at Altoona. Ida, who mar-

August Bartig, born at Wolsko, Germany, August 5, 1838, came to America in 1864. He married, in 1868, Miss Louise .Scliroeder, who was born November 17, 1848, at Futzig, Germany, and came to America in 1863. They settled at Ripon, Wis., where Mr. Bartig followed his trade as a carpenter. They moved to Augusta in 1870. For several years Mr. Bartig had run a saloon, then engaged in the farm implement business. He died in 1905. His wife still lives at Augusta. They had nine children, of whom seven are living. A son, Henry Bartig, was born January 9, 1869, at Ripon, Wis.; came with his parents to Augusta in 1870; studied in the Augusta high school and has been since confidential clerk in a general department store at Augusta. He married Bertha Ernstine Menge in 1895. As a side line in business Mr. Jiartig has been a successful breeder of fancy ])oultry for the ])ast eight years.

Christopher Schroeder, a mason by trade, came with his wife from Putzig, Germany, and settled at Ripon, Wis., in 1863. From there they moved to Augusta, where Mr. Schroeder died in 1900. at the age of 84 years. His wife died in 1889, at the age of 78 years.

Carl Friedrich Eadke was born in 1847, in Germany; came to America in 1853 and to Eau Claire city in 1871, where he is still living. He married Augusta Schilling, of Fall Creek, Wis.

Andrew Prueher, born in 1846, in Bohemia-Germany. Came to Eau Claire in 1871 and has since worked in the city at his trade as a watchmaker. He is a member of the Catholic knights. In 1874 he married Mary Brunner, who was also born at Bohemia-Germany. Of ten children, Andrew is also watchmaker and jeweler, Frank is a blacksmith and Joe is a machinist.

Frank Xavier Ihle was born in Wuertemberg, Germany, in 1837, and came to tlie city of Eau Claire, where he has lived since, as a carpenter and musician. He served one term as a justice of the peace. In 1860 he married Christine Roessler, who was born in 1849, in Polk county. Of their thirteen children Frank is a druggist, John a traveling agent, Ed a dentist and Leo a farme?-.

Reinhard Ihle was born in Wuertemberg, Germany, in 1828. Came to Eau Claire in 1847 and lived in the town of Seymour as a farmer; served as soldier in the civil war in 1865. Died February, 1914.

as a plumber and gasfitter. He is a member of the Brotherhood of the Modern Woodmen and of the German-American Society. He married, in 1876, Bertha Knoebler, and has two children.

Geo. Michael Roessler, born in 1858, in Wuertemberg, 'Germany. Came to tliis uoimty in 1885 and worked since in that city as a plumber and gasfitter. He is a member of the Brotherhood of Modern Woodmen and of the German-American Society. In 1885 he married Miss Catherine Bauer.

Michael Marten, born in 1831, in Posen, Germany. Immigrated to this couiitiy in 1857 and settled on a farm in the to\vn of Lincoln. He died in 19G6, aged 75 years. His wife was Caroline Teal, also born in Posen, Germany, in 1836. She died in 1911, also aged 75 years. Their son, Wilhelm Marten, was born in 1866, in the town of Lincoln, on the old homestead, where he resides. ' He is the director of a local telephone company ; serves as school clerk and for several years has been town chairman and county supervisor. He married, in 1893, Miss Emilie Welke, who was born in the town of Lincoln, in 1872.

Leonard Seyberth was born in Bavaria, Germany, in 1854; came to America in 1871 and to Eau Claire county in 1880. For some time he followed his trade as brewer, but soon learned the butcher trade and became a very successful dealer in all kinds of live stock for the butcher trade. He is the president of the Schwahu & Seyberth Saddlery Co., and the president of the Schwahn & Seyberth Manufacturing Co. Mr. Seyberth served as alderman of his ward for thirteen years. He belongs to the Knights of Pythias, the Odd Fellows, the German singing society, "Germania," and to the German- American Society. In 1881 he married Miss Anna Schwahn, who was born in 1863, in Pommem, Germany. Their son, William Seyberth, who was born in 1883, in the county of Eau Claire, is secretary and treasurer of the SchAvahn & Seyberth Saddlery Co., and holds the same position in the Schwahn & Seyberth Manufactui-ing Co.

John Konz, born in 1844, in the Rheinprovinz, Germany, came to this country in 1861, and to this county in 1874. He has always been a farmer near Augusta, where he still resides. He held the ofifice as road commissioner and is a veteran of the civil war. He served from 1864 to 1865 in the 43rd Illinois Infantry, Company F. In 1868 he married Miss Franziska Krisch, who was born in 1852, in Bohemia, Germany. Two sons, of whom John is a blacksmith at Osseo and Walter a farmer on his father's place.

America in 1880, and to Eau Claire coimty, where he followed his trade as a butcher in the city of Eau Claire. lie served one term as a supervisor, is a member of the Knights of Maccabees, of the Odd Fellows, the German singing society, "Germania," and the German-American Society. In 1885 he was married to Miss Louise Soiumercorn, who was born in 1867 in Dodge County.

William Heinrich Stein, born in 1856, in Schleswig-IIolsteen, Germany, came to this county in 1882, and lived in the city of Eau Claire, where he followed his trade as butcher ; occasionally owned and worked farms in the vicinity of the city He is a member of the German singing society, " Germania,'" and the German-American Society of Eau Claire county. ]\If. Stein mari'ied in 1884. His wife was formerly Miss Augusta Kohlke. who was born in 1S()4, in Pommern, Germany.

Herman Schlegelmilch was born at Suhl, Germany, 'in 18:50. He learned the trade of gunmaker and followed that trade in many cities of Germany, and also in this country, to whieli he immigrated in 1853. Mr. Schlegelmilch came to Eau Claire county in 1860 and settled in the city of Eau Claire. He erected the first brick building iu that city and conducted a very successful hardware business. He was supervisor of tlie village of Eau Claire and alderman when the city was incorporated. Mr. Schlegelmilch died in 1903. His wife, formerly' Miss Augusta Krueger, was born at Mecklenburg-Schwerin, Germany. They were married at Beaver Dam, Wis., and had five children. Their sou. Ilennan F. Schlegelmilch, was born in 1867.

John Werner Becker, born in 1825, at Hildesheim, Germany ; came to America in 1855 and to Eau Claire county in 1857, where he worked at his trade as a cabinetmaker until his death in 1884. Mr. Becker married in 1859. His wife was formerly Miss Loretta Freyermuth, born in 1835, at Gross Rederohingen, Loraine, at that time a French province, but since the German-French war of 1870-71 belongs to Germany. She died iu 1906. Of their eight children three still live in Eau Claire county and in the city of Eau Claire. They are Mrs. A. P. Goethel, Mrs. Albert Schwahn and Miss Loretta Becker.

Albert P. Goethel, born in 1859, at Indianapolis, was the son of Mr. Chas. F. and Amelia Goethel, who were of German descent. In 1877 he came to the city of Eau Claire and worked in the saddlery trade for eight years. Then he started a meat market at Altooua, Eau Claire county. After five years he came back to Eau Claire and conducts a flourishing meat market there. Mr.

Chas. F. Goethel, a brother of the former, was born at Chippewa Falls, in 1861. He learned the butcher trade and since 1884 has been in partnership with his brother, Albert P., at Eau Claire. He is a member of the Knights of Pythias and also of John Barr Glenn Division No. 10.

John Honadel, born in 1834, at Darmstadt, Germany; came to America in 1852; traveled in fourteen states, and 1862 settled on a farm in the town of Lincoln, where he has prospered and since lived. From 1862 he served in the Thirtieth Wisconsin Regiment, Company I, over three years. In 1861 he married Anna Roseman, who died in 1866. Then he married Miss Anna Geske and they had ten children.

George C. Huebner, born at Gardelegen, Germany; came from Europe in 1865 and was connected with different business enterprises. Up to 1884 he was partner in the leading hardware house o! the city of Eau Claire. Mr. Huebner is a member of the Knights of Pythias and the Odd Fellows. In 1878 he married Miss Adelina Weyer, also of German descent.

Samuel Kleiner was born in 1853, in Switzerland; came to Eau Claii-e and started a meat market. In 1885 he bought farm land in Eau Claire and Chippewa coimties, raised Norman horses. Cotswold sheep and Poland China swine. Mr. Kleiner was one of the largest farmers of Eau Claire county and when he died in 1889 he owned more than a thousand acres of land. In 1878 he married Miss Elizabeth Accola, from Sauk county, Wis., who also came from German ancestors.

Andrew Kopp, born in Westenberg, Germany, in 1S24; came to America in 1844, and to Eau Claire county in 1854, aud settled in the town of Brunswick on several hundred acres of land. He served one year, 1865, in the army, Company G, of the 48th Wisconsin Infantry. Mr. Kopp was married in 1842 to Augusta [jumke and they had ten children. Mr. Kopp died in 1887.

William H. Miller was born in 1828, m Northampton county. Pa., of Gernian descent, the son of Jacob and Lydia (Flyck) Miller. His father was born in 1791 and served during the war of 1812; died 1866. His mother was born in 1796 and died at the age of 90 years. Mr. Miller was the first white settler of this comity and has followed farming all his life and is a prominent grower of high-grade hoi'ses, cattle and sheep on his farm near

John C. Neher, druggist in the city of Eau Claire, was born at Sauk City, Sauk county, in 1857; of German descent. His parents came from Germany in 1852 and to Eau Claire in 1861, where they died. Mr. John C. Neher learned at first the trade of bookbinder, then studied photography and finally entered in the drug business. For many years he conducted a flourishing drug business in the city of Eau Claire, from which he retired in 1910. Since 1911 he has been state druggist inspector. In 1885 he was married to Miss Josephine Sturm, who also is a native of Wisconsin; from German descent.

Christof Schlosser was born in Rittersdorf, Germany, in 185(5. He came to this country in 1878 and to the city of Eau Claire in 1883, where for many years he ran a hardware business in partnership with his brothers, Matthew and Peter. In 1882 he married Miss Loritte Boleman, who was born in 1858, at Eaii Claire. Mr. Schlosser is a member of the Knights of Pythias and of the Odd Fellows.

Matthew Schlosser was born at Rittersdorf, Germany, in 1860. He came to America and to the city of Eau Claire in 1881. In 1889 he entered in partnership with his brothers, Christofer and Peter, and for many years they conducted a flourisliing hardware business in Eau Claire. In 1888 he married Miss Cerhardine Radenslebeu, born in 1865.

Peter Schlosser was born in 1864, at Rittersdorf, Germany. In 1883 he immigiated to Eau Claire, and from 1889 he was in the hardware business with his brotliers, Christofer and Matthew. Since 1896 he has lieen engaged in the insurance business.

Albert Friederich Schwahn was born in 1858, at Stettin, Germany. Came to this country in 1871 and worked at his trade as a butcher in the city of Eau Claire. Since 1888 he has conducted one of the most flourishing meat markets of the city. In 1885 Mr. Schwahn married Miss Nettie Becker, who was born in 1864, at Eau Claire, and also of German descent. He is a member of the Knights of Pythias, John Barr Glenn Division and the Odd Fellows.

Henry Christof Schwahn, born at Hohenholz, near Berlin, Germany, in 1846 ; came to this country in 1870, and settled in the city of Eau Claire. He is in partnership with his brother, Frederich and they have run a fine meat market in the city since 1873. In that same year he married Miss Sophia Rhodes, who

William Ernst Schwahn, born in 1852, near Stettin, Germanj', and came to this country with his father, William Ernst, who was born near Prenzlau, Germany, in 1810, and who was a butcher by trade ; immigrated to America in 1870 and settled in the city of Eau Claire, where he died. William learned the harness maker trade and has followed it ever since. He is at present a partner in the firm of Schwahn-Seyberth Saddlery Co., which in the year 1911 built a big factory biiilding and doing a very lively business. In the year 1875 Mr. Schwahn married Miss Jennie Johnson, Avho was born in Norway, in 1853. He is a member of the Knights of Pythias and the National Union.

Fritz Schwahn, born in Pommern, Germany, in 1848 ; came to America and to the city of Eau Claire in 1872, where he followed his trade as a butcher, until he died. He was an influential member of the German singing society, "Germania, " also a member of the Knights of the Maccabees and Odd Fellows. In the year 1875 he married Miss Helen Hoefer, who was born in 1852, at Wissen in the Rheinprovinz, Germany, and who came to this country in 1870.

Charles W. E. Sommermeyer was born in Gardelegen, Germany, in 1830. He came to Madison, Wis., in the year 1858, and 1862 to Eau Claire. He was for years engaged in general mei-- chandising. He moved in 1882 to Grant county, Dakota, and was on a cattle ranch. In 1887 he returned to Eau Claire and engaged in several kinds of business. He married Sophia Charlotte Huebner in 1862, who was born at Gardelegen, Germany. He died in 1912 and his wife died in 1913. Of their five children, Miss Cliarlotte is a noted musician, Helen is the wife of Mr. William E. Steinberg, also a noted musician, who conducts a very successful music store in the city of Eau Claire. The only son, Edward F., is a dentist of prominence, also residing in Eau Claire.

Albert Steinfeld was born in 1854, on the Island Rnegen, Germanj', and came to this country in 1867, and to the city of Eau Claire in 1872, and followed his trade as a barber. He was a charter member of the Knights of Pythias when they organized in 1884, and also a member since he was 21 years old. In 1877 he married Miss Frances Steubing, who was born in 1854, in New York, of German descent.

Holsteiu, Geimauy. He iiumigrated to this country in 1880 and settled in the city of Eaii Claire, where he followed his tradf as a harnessmaker. In 1889 he established his own harness shop and was very successful. In 188-t he married Miss Catherine Haas, who was born in 1859, in Germany. He was a member of tlie Kniglits of Pythias and died in the year 1901.

Charles F. W. West was born in 1862 in the town of Brunswick, Eau Claire county, of German descent. He learned the cigarmakers' trade and has, with a few short interruptions, always folloAved that trade. Since 1891 Mr. West has been in partnership with V. W. Waltersdorf, and they have a flourishing business. ilr. West married, in 1886, Miss Louisa Schreiner, who also is of German descent. He is a member of the Odd Fellows.

John Zimmerman was ))orn in 1854, in Germany ; came to Eau Claire in 1883 and followed his trade of a harnessmaker. Since 1884 he has owned his own shop and met with best success. He married, in 1887, ]\Ii.ss Annie Ackerman, also of German descent. ]\Ir. Ziinincnnaii is a member of the Catholic Knights.

Ferdinand Boernke was born in 1830, in Pommern, Germany; came to America in 1855 and to Eau Claire county in 1881, and settled near Fall Creek on a farm where he has lived since. He married Miss Albertine Profahl, who was born in Germany in 1826. They had six children, three of them still live in Eau Claire county; Julius, Herman and Mathilde, the latter being now Mrs. Rohrer. Mr. Fei'dinand Boernke died - and Mrs. Boernke died in

Herman Boernke was a son of Mr. and Mrs. Ferdinand Boernke. horn in Pommern, Germany, in 1850; came to Eau Claire county in 1881 ; engaged in hardware business and later became a photograi^her. He works still in that trade. In 1873 he married Albertine Breitenfeld, who also was of German descent.

Julius Boernke was born in 1852; came to America in 1855 with his parents, i\Ir. and Mrs. Ferdinand Boernke, and in 1881 settled on a farm near Fall Creek. Since 1908 he has retired and lives in the village of Fall Creek. He was married in 1874 to Miss Albertine Mathwich, who was born in Westpreussen, Germany, in 1853. Of their eight children five live in Eau Claire county: Julius, Henry and Rudolph are farmers; Edward is a harnessmaker in Fall Creek, and Liddy lives with her parents. Mr. Julius Boernke was school treasurer for twelve years and town treasurer for two years.

to Eau Claire county in 1856 and settled ou a farm near Fall Creek, where he still lives though retired. He was a soldier of the United States array during the eivil war and was honorably mustered out. He married Miss Heuriette Zamsow, who was born in 1829 in Westpreussen, Germany. They had two children,

Brehmel, a farmer in the town of Lincoln, and Herman Kaatz, who farms on the old homestead. The latter was born in 1870 in Lincoln county and in 1899 married Miss Helen Boernke, who is a daughter of Julius and Albertine (Mathwich) Boernke, and was born in 1880 in Wausau, Wis.

Frank Carl Lanua was born March 26, 1859, at Koenigsberg, Germany; came to America in 1872. Visited in a number of the southern states, where he mostly was connected in the lumber trade. Came to Eau Claire in 1883, worked for several lumber companies as grader, checker and salesman. In 1901 he moved to Fall Creek, where he is running a lumber yard of his own under the firm name of The Fall Creek Lumber Co. He married, June. 1884, Miss Augusta Arnsdorf. Two children, Ida Lanua and Mrs. Minnie Carlson.

Christoph Heuer and his wife, Henrietta, came from Pommern, Gormaiiy, in 1887, and settled on a farm near Fall Creek, where JMr. Hcut'i- still lives. He was born in 1832. His wife died in 1891. Their two sons, Wilhelm, born in 1860, at Bromberg Pommeiii. and Frank, born in 1868, at Bromberg, Pommern, who came with their parents to this country in 1887, have ahvays worked on the railroad as section laborers and both are now section foremen and live at Fall Creek.

Charles Ernst Semisch was born in 1797 in the province Sachsen-Altenburg, Gci-mauy, where he followed the trade of carpenter and .ioiner, and farmer. In 1835 he married Miss Caroline Christine Herzinger, who was born in 1803 at Crimmitzschau in the kingdom of Saxony, Germany. They immigrated to this country in 1854, lived in Milwaukee until 1866, when they moved to Eau Claire county and lived on a fai-m in the town of Washington, where Mr. Semisch died in 1877 and his wife in 1881. They had two sons, Julius and Friedei-ich. Julius, the elder, was born in 1837, in the province Saxon-Altenburg, Germany. With his parents in 1854 he came to this country and lived with them at Milwaukee. He enlisted in 1861 and served in the civil war until 1864, when he was severely wounded and honorably discharged. In 1866 he moved with his parents to Eau Claire countv and settled with them on the farm in the town of Wash- ington. In 1873 he married Miss Auguste Martin, who was born at Zsehernikow, Russia, of German descent. They settled on a farm at a place what is now the city of Altoona, where Mr. Julius Semiseh died December 27, 1913. Friederich Semisch. the second son, was born in 1848, also in the province Sachsen- Altenburg. With his parents he came to this country in 1854 and to Eau Claire county in 1866. He has since lived in this county and followed the trade of shoemaker and carpciiti'i' in the city of Altoona.

Reinhold Liebau was boi-n August 16, 1848, on his fatlicr's farm at Koerlitz, a small village in the kingdom of Saxony, Germany. He received his only education in the common school of that little village, lost his parents when 18 years old, served three years in the German army and fought in the war between France and Germany in 1870-71. For a number of years Inlived in several German cities as a musician and working at several other trades, when he decided to go back on the farm. In 1887 he came to this country and lived for twenty years on a farm of his own. He has retired and lives in the city of Eau Claire. He is at present the secretary of the Eau Claire county branch of the ' ' National German-American Alliance of the United States of America." He also is a member of the German singing society, "Germania," and at present the secretary and musical leader of that society. In public he served as school commissioner, road commissioner, town supervisor, town clerk and county supervisor. For six years he served as secretary of the farmers' American Society of Equity. In 1873 he married Miss Marie Anna Uhliscli, who was born October 14, 1850, at Dresden, Germany. They had six children, of whom four are living. Mrs. Liebau died October 8, 1908. Their son, Paul, lives in the city of Eau Claire, where he follows the profession of a musician and piano tuner and music teacher. He was born January :W, 1884, at Bautzen, Germany; came with his parents to this co\intry and lived with them on the farm. In 1901 he joined a band in the city of Eau Claire and is at present the leader of the Wisconsin State Band of that city.

August Prill was born October 7, 1848, at Poseu, Germany. He came to Eau Claire county in 1871 and settled in the city of Augusta, where he has since been engaged in the hotel business. He was married October 31, 1871, to Emilie Luedke, who was born at Bromberg, Germany.

rarochial and high school of Augusta. He took a four-year preparatory course in Concordia College at Springfield, 111., and aequirred his medical education at the University of Minnesota, and the Milwaukee Medical College, and attended the Polyclinic in Chicago. He is now actively engaged in the practice of his profession at Augusta. He served one term as alderman in his home city. He is a member of the American Medical Association, the "Wisconsin State Medical Society and the Eau Claire County Medical Society. He was married in October, 1903.

Waldemar Ager

According to census, we have aliDut lliice thousaud persons born in Norway residing in Eau Claiic county. Comparatively few of these live in the country, the laud in Eau Claire county not being to their liking. There is a strong settlement in the south-west corner of the county, in the towns of Pleasant Valley and Drammen, and all along the southern boundary; there are, however, quite a few farmers scattered through the county and especially near the city limits of Eau Claire. The oldest settlements are in Pl< asant Valley, Drammen and Otter Creek townships.

To the three tliousaud born in Norway may safely be added two thousand of second and third generations who speak the Norwegian language and associate with their own kin in churches and societies, and as a rule read and speak both languages. It may be stated that the Norwegians in a larger proportion than any other race, own their own homes. The newcomer's first savings are laid aside with a view of building a house of his own, and when he does build, he generally puts up a strong fence around it - not so much to keep other people out, as to keep himself within. It gives him his own little world where he is master without intruding upon other people's property; he wants the boundary established without dispute. He does not think that his house is the best in the street, but he does think, probably, that he, as a man, is as good as any one else, and keeps his house in shape and his back yard clean. Norwegians are never found in slum districts; they may not be any better in the eyes of the Lord, probably, than those who do live in the slums, but they do certainly look better in the eyes of the city assessor, and they have a healthy respect for appearance. They are very sensitive about good neighbors, and are the first on the petition wlien any improvements on the street are asked for.

tion was orgauized, it is still in existence and is one of the largest in the eity, numbering about two thousand souls. It is the first Evangelical Lutheran congregation of the Norwegian United church.

The first Norwegian in these parts was an Indian trader by the name of Swenson, but we do not know much about him; a civil engineer from Norway was here about the same time, but made his liome at Chippewa Falls. The regular immigration started with Mr. Nels Hanson; he came here in 1852; his wife (now Mrs. Israel Israelson) is still living and a resident of our citj'. Nels Hanson's brother, Lars, came in 1854, and a third brother, Abel, came in 1856. In that year several came and among others, Sigvald Lund; he died three years ago (1911). The two brothers Lars and Jens Andei'son came also this year. These first Norwegians came by the way of Waupun. Abel Hanson had arranged with one Hans Ludvigson, to take him from Waupun to Eau Claire, but got only as far as New Lisbon from whence he reached Eau Claire b.y the ox team route.

In 1860 the following Norwegians voted at the presidential election: Sigvald Limd, Pleasant Valley; Andrew Olson, town of Brunswick ; Ole Olson Bakkorn, John Emerson, James H. Johnson, Amuud Knudtson, Bridge Creek ; Albert Johnson, Abel Hanson, Andrew Bugebretson, R. Tillotson, Nels Hanson, Ole Halvarson, North Eau Claire ; Ole 0. Bruden, Benjamin Hanson, John Johnson, Oscar Jackson (?), Qaer Allison, EUef Hanson, Ole Holberg, Christian Israelson, John Olesan, L. G. Tillesou, Israel Israelson, toAvn of Eau Claire. Of these there are but two, Israel Israelson and Ole Bruden, who are at the present time living in our city. Some of the Norwegians enlisted at Eau Claire for service in the Civil War ; many enlisted in the Fifteenth Wisconsin Volunteer Infantry, which was organized as a Norwegian i-egiment in the southern part of the state. Iver Olson and Ole Larson served in Company I, Hoval Swenson and Peter O. Olson in Company C and Thomas Thorstensen in Company A of our famous Eagle regiment. Mr. Thorstensen was killed in the battle of Corinth. Others were Jolm Hanson, Osten Ruthlaud, Peter Anderson, Andrew Anderson, Albert C. Halstad, George W. Halstad, Ole Peter Olson, H. Swenson, Jens Anderson ana Bersvend Nelson. Claus Torgerson went with Captain Sherman's cavalry troop. Others enlisted under American names .iust to show how patriotic they were : the number of enlistments were in proportion large, as there wei-e only a liandful of Norwegians here at that time.

Thousands of Norwegians have passed through our city, staying here only for a short time to make enough money to get a start in the country. The first immigration came from the iron works at Borum in Norway, and formed large settlements between Colfax and Elk Mound. Another stream came from the Gudbrandsdalen Valley and made their homes near Meridean ; still another about the same time from the Trondelagen; they settled on the Chippewa bottom around Caryville. Later came an immigration from the Nordland of Norway, the land of the midnight sun. They formed a big settlement near Colfax ; later currents went to Barron county, the head of the lakes and North Dakota. The last outpour was to the state of Washington. At Everett, Washington, there is a large colony who are neither Americans nor Norwegians, but style themselves as Eau Claireites. They have even some sort of an organization, and will gather once in a wliile to a banquet and cherish their memories from the sawdust city on the banks of the lordly Chippewa.

Twenty years ago we had a large Norwegian colony at Porterville, where the Northwestern Lumber Company had a big sawmill. The mill was moved to Stanley and a greater part of the people followed. Porterville was a suburb of Eau Claire. From Stanley many went to the coast, where they are conducting themselves as Eau Claireites and are making good.

Interesting is the history of our first Norwegian immigrants to Eau Claire. The Canadian Irish predominated at the sawmills and in the logging camps. The Norwegians came and it was a question of who were the best men. It was days at hard work, small pay, fights and heavy drinking, and they were all good men. The Norwegian supremacy was to all appearances decided at Ole Bruden's basement saloon and boarding house on Galloway street early in the seventies. It was principally our big Norwegian policeman, Paul Branstad, and a very clever fisticus by the name of Chris Johnson that made the scales tip to tlie side of the vikings. The Canadian Irish were, as far as I can ascertain, driven out of the camps and sawmills and into politics. They satisfied themselves by running our politics, while the Norwegians reigned almost supreme in the mills and the camps. The first organization formed was, as stated before, a Lutheran congregation; the second was a singing society - a male chorus - started in 1868. It was presumably the first one of its kind in our city. Our Saviour's Lutheran congregation of the Norwegian synod was organized in that year.

along social lines, arranged theatrical performances and had almost regularly a dance every Sunday night. It was characteristic at that time to sell beer in connection with the Sunday dances. In 1875 the society celebrated the Norwegian day of independence, the 17th of May, in a grand style at Olinger's garden. This society also organized the first military company called the Eau Claire Sharp Shooters. Mr. J. L. Johnson, an officer from the Civil War, was captain. It numbered about one hundred rifles and later became a part of the State National Guard. None but Norwegians could belong. The society built their own hall.

As stated before, the early days were da.ys of heavy drinking ; the Norwegians made no exception to the rule, but they have, however, changed in this respect. In 1886 a total abstinence society was formed and also a mighty I. 0. G. T. lodge, and from that time one the Norwegians have almost without any interruption kept three total abstinence organizations in constant work. At present they have one total abstinence society that meets every Tuesday night. A Norwegian I. 0. G. T. lodge meets every Saturday night and a women's temperance society meets privately in the homes of its members. With the exception of the W. C. T. U. these are the only and have for twenty years been the only organized total abstinence societies in our city. In "No License" campaigns the strongest Norwegian wards - the Fourth and the Seventh - are almost sure to follow the strongest Anglo-Saxon or "American" ward - the Third - with a majority for no license.

In the year 1888 a society "Norden" (not the one mentioned before) was organized as a branch of the Scandinavian Workmen's Association of Chicago. Dissatisfaction with the management of the head lodge made the local lodge secede from the organization and constitute the Independent Scandinavian Workmen's Association. It speaks well for their executive and constructive ability that they thus were able to lay the foundation for a strong and successful organization with about one hundred subordinate lodges scattered throughout our state, Minnesota and North Dakota. This organization has now four thousand five hundred members in good standing. Five hundred thousand dollars are paid out as death benefits and about twenty thousand in sick benefits. Of this amount about thirty thousand dollars have been paid claimants in our city. The first president was Mr. Gunder Thompson, and the first secretary our late county clerk, Mr. Andrew Steensaas. The present president is

Assistant Postmaster Peter J. Smith, and the secretary is Jlr. Andrew Mellsness. Eau Claire has always been the headquarters for this splendid organization and also the place for the publication of its monthly paper - the I. S. W. A. Journal. The local lodge "Norden" is probably the largest Norwegian fraternal society in the United States, mimbering about six hundred rhembers. From our city also sprang the movement which resulted in the forming of the society of the "Scandinavian Sisters of America." It was originally organized as an auxiliary to the "Independent Scandinavian Workingmen's Association." The "Daughters of Norden," which is the name of the local lodge, did not for some reason or other join in the concerted movement and do not belong to the "Scandinavian Sisters." This "Independent Scandinavian Workingmen's Association" has done much to make the name of our city known among Norwegians throughout the states of Wisconsin and Minnesota. At present it has a reserve fund of one hundred and nine thousand dollars and is in excellent shape and well managed by able and sacrificing officers. Besides "Norden" and "Daughters of Norden" we have a strong local lodge of the popular and rapidly growing fraternal organization, the ' ' Sons of Norway ' ' ; also a local lodge "Dovre" of the "Daughters of Norway." The last named is a very agile lodge and captures with great regularity the head prizes set up by the grand lodge every year for the lodge which secures the greater number of new members.

In the eighties a Norwegian band, "The Normanna Band," was organized and existed for a number of years. A new band was organized some years ago by the "Norden," but it was much handicapped by not having a suitable leader among our talents at that time. A male chorus was organized by the same society. It is under the leadership of Mr. Osmund Musum and is doing well. Other male choi'uses were the "Heimdal," led by Mr. Andrew Anderson, and a male chorus organized by the members of the Norwegian synod church. At present only the first named is in the field. The Norwegians have, however, their great share in the success of our celebrated Philharmonic Society. The chief promoter was a Norwegian woman (Mrs. Dr. Midelfart). The first president and secretary Avere Norwegians and some of the best talent both in the orchestra and choir are Norwegian- Americans ; in fact they form the bulk of the big choir.

The first Norwegian newspaper was started about 1879; only a few issues were printed. In 1883 the "Eau Claire Tidende" was launched with Jlr. Emil Hirscli as editor. This paper was later on changed to " Arbeideren " (The Workman), edited by Mr. Alfr. George Engelstad. In 1887 LIr. Engelstad joined the prohibitionists and the paper was merged with another Norwegian prohibition journal published at Chicago. In 1888 the tM'o editors commenced to publish the weekly "Reform," which is still published in the city and has probably the largest list of bona fide subscribers of any paper in the Chippewa Valley. Mr. Engelstad returned to Norw-ay in 1890 and Mr. Ole Br. Olson died in 1903. The paper has since Mr. Olson's death been edited by Mr. Waldemar Ager, who since 1892 had been connected with the paper as bookkeeper and business manager. The publishers are "The Fremad Publishing Company," which is a stock company. It also publishes a monthly temperance paper, the "Lyngblomsten, " edited by Rev. Olav Refsdal, of Chetek. Besides these two the I. S. W. A. Journal and the "Kvartalskrift," organ for the Norwegian Society of America, is published here; making in all four different Norwegian publications sent out through our postoffiee.

The greatest undertaking that the Norwegians of Eau Claire have attempted is the building of Luther hospital. It represents an expenditure of about seventy thousand dollars, of which about one-half was donated by Mrs. Anna Qvale.

Our Great Men

Among tile Norwegians of Eau Claire have been four who may be said to have obtained a nation-wide reputation wherever Norwegians have settled.

Marcus Thrane. People Avho some twenty-five years ago saw Marcus Tlirane on the streets of our city - a feeble old man, generally followed by two big dogs - or those who had learned to know him as a lover of children, flowers and music, would hardly believe that this kind old man had once been the unwilling cause of the mobilizing of an army in a European kingdom. Mr. Thrane came from one of the best Norwegian families; his uncle was the famous Norwegian composer, Waldemar Thrane. As a young man Marcus Thrane came in contact with the ideas that later on through the "Internationale" laid the foundation for the modern socialist movement. Marcus Thrane became the leader of the workingmen in Norway. His platform, which was considered dangerous at the time, was very moderate indeed, and nearly all his reforms were later on carried through by the regular political agencies of Norway. He was, however, looked upon as a dangerous individual, and arrested and kept for years in confinement. "When he was arrested Norway was on the \-erge of a revolutionary uprising. The whole of Europe was fermented with it at the time, and it was probably this that made the authorities of Norway nervous. Marcus Tlirane had been at rest in his grave at the Lake View cemetery many years before the people of Norway understood what an able, farseeing and in fact moderate reformer he had been, and to recognize all he had done for the uplifting of the laboring classes of Norway. His name is an honored one now, and several monuments have been erected with his likeness cast in bronze. He was born October 14, 1817, and died in 1891. His sou. Dr. A. Thrane, is a well-known practicing physician in our city.

Rev. Gjermund Hoyme, born October 8, 1857, and died in 1902, has a place in Norwegian-American church history second to none. A born leader of men, splendid orator and gifted writer, he was elected time and time again as president or "bishop" for the Norwegian United church, the largest Norwegian Lutheran denomination in the state. The Norwegians do not approve of the title of bishop, but they did recognize in him a man who was every inch an ecclesiastical chieftain. He led the organization successfully through one of its worst crisis, and was greatly admired for his splendid leader.ship. At St. Olaf College, Northfield, Minnesota, a splendid chapel bears his name. It was erected to his memory by popular subscription. He was interred at Rose Hill cemetery. Rev. Hoyme came of good Norwegian peasant stock. His parents emigrated from Valdres, Norway, when he was only a baby.

Ole Br. Olson, born May 19, 1857, at Christiauia, Norway, was destined to become the leader of the Norwegian Prohibition party in this country. He was a splendid orator, probably the most talented one among his own people. He was also an efficient writer, and the change in sentiment with reference to intoxicating drinks which is marked among Norwegians in Eau Claire, as well as other places in the Norwegian-America, is in a high degree due to this splendid man's self-sacrificing and indefatigable work for total abstinence and prohibition. It is noteworthy that the largest city in our state under "no license," Stoughton, is also the most Norwegian town, and the driest counties are those where the Norwegians are the strongest. In Minnesota, the largest "no license" city is Willmar, and this rivals Fergus Falls in being the strongest Norwegian city in Minnesota. Fergus Falls is the largest city that ever carried for "no license" in

Minnesota. The driest county in Minnesota, "Norman," is also the most Norwegian county. Of live members elected to the Minnesota legislature in the year 1910 on a straight prohibition ticket four were Norwegians. The strongest Norwegian state, North Dakota, is a prohibition state. The prohibition tickets in Minnesota, Iowa, North Dakota and South Dakota had at one time all a Norwegian at the top, while Wisconsin had one the next to the highest. The prohibition movement is an ultra- American movement in which few foreigners are taking part ; so much more credit to the Norwegians that they found their ways into those ranks and into such numbers, but this is principally due to the labor of Mr. Ole Br. Oleson, who was laid to rest at the Rose Hill cemetery in the early spring of 1903.

Sigvald Qvale. While the three men tirst mentioned died pool-, and the last one so poor that his friends had to subscribe to lielp his family to subsist in the most modest way, Mr. Sigvald Qvale 's history is one of a poor boy that solely by his own elforts and ability could build up a fortune in comparatively a few years. He -^-as still a man in his best years when he was laid at rest in 1890, with nearly three-quarters of a million dollars to his credit. Norwegians are not as a rule builders of large fortunes, and Mr. Qvale "s achievements attracted wide attention. To this was also added his unassuming ways and his readiness to help people who were in need, and he understood probably because he had been poor himself the ar-t of helping without hurting.

The Norwegians have taken a prominent part in our public life. In the county the following offices are held by Norwegian- Americans: County clerk, John Nygaard; clerk of the court, Hans S. Lund; register of deeds, A. M. Anderson; poor commissioner, Harry Anderson, and supervisors, Joseph G. Moe and E. Elbertson. In the city are the following: Councilman, John Sorlie ; members of the police commission, Louis Running ; vicepresident Board of Health, Dr. Chr. Midelfart; health officer, Paul Branstad; members of school commission, Albert Nelson; Adolph Mellsness; truant officer, J. Ganstad. Public library: Librarian, Miss Laura 01so)i ; members of library board, John M. Sorlie and Waldemar Ager. Clerks, Emil Volkman, Altoona; II. H. Erickson, Dramraeu. Treasurers, N. Larson, Drammen; George Erickson, Pleasant Valley. Assessors, E. M. Mickelson, Brunswick ; 0. M. Olson, Clear Creek ; Martin Bergh, Drammen ; O. G. Jolmson, Pleasant Valle}^