Eau Claire County, Wisconsin - Biographical sketches (2 of 2 so headed), 1914 (part 4 of 8)

Stephen Hoover,* whose death at Eau Claire, Wis., on February 6. 1914. was deeply mourned by a large circle of friends and acquaintances, was one of the city's enterprising and publicspirited men. Mr. Hoover had been a resident of the city for nearly half a century, and during that time had been prominently identified with its business and civic life. He was born in Geneva, N. Y., and from the close of his school days followed various occupations. In 1866 he came to Eau Claire and engaged in the butcher business, which occupation he successfully followed for thirty or more years. He closed his business in 1898 and from that time on lived in retirement. In all his business dealings Mr. Hoover was the soul of honor, and his uniform courtesy and manly demeanor, combined with social qualities of pleasing character, won for him universal confidence and esteem and made him beloved by all, especially by those most intimately associated with him. He was a devoted member of the Congregational church and contributed liberally to its support.

He married Elizabeth Barland, who was formerlj^ from New York state, and to this union one daughter, Fannie, who is now tlie wife of B. A. Boffington, was born.

Emmet Horan, a prominent and progressive citizen of Eau Claire, has for many years been actively identified with the business, political and educational interests of the city. His paternal grandfather. John Horan. a farmer by occupation, was a prominent and influential man of his day in County Tipperary, Ireland. His son Thomas, father of our subject, was born in the same county December 21, 1806. He married in 1831 Catherine Finan, and emigrated to America in 1842, settling first in Canada, and in 1863 came to Eau Claire, Wis., and engaged in farming, and here made his home until his decease in 1876. He was a Democrat in politics; served as chairman of the town board and filled many other local offices. He was an honorable and respected man. His family consisted of seven children : John ; Bridget, wife of Dennis Hogan ; Timothy F. ; Maria married John Mc- Donough ; Thomas : Jane married Frank McDonough, and Emmet.

Enimet Horan Avas bom in Canada, Jlarch 11, 1852, and came to Eau Claire with his parents in 1863. He was reared on the farm, educated in the public schools and later entered the employ of the Eau Claire Lumber Company. His ability to handle men and the faculty he exhibited in attending to the details of the business secured for him the position of foreman of the logging camps of the company. In 1885 he was appointed by President Cleveland register of the United States Land Office in Eau Claire and held that position four and one-half years. In 1884 he was a candidate for member of the asscnilily. hut was defeated through the influence of an indepedent candidate. He has represented Eau Claire at various times as member of the city council, and was for four years a member of the county board of supervisors. In 1889 he became a member of the Mc- Donough Manufacturing Company, of Eau Claire ; was one of its incorporators, and was made secretary and treas\irer. He continued in that position until 1912, and is still a member of the company. He served as secretary of the Eau Claire board of trade for several years, and since 1891 has been a member of the Eau Claire school board and was the first president of the Eau Claire training school board.

appointed postmaster of Eau Claire and served in that capacity four and a half years. He was appointed a member of the state board of normal school regents in 1908, and has served in that capacitj- continuously since, and was a leading- factor in securing the location for the Normal School at Eau Claire, now (1914) in course of construction, the state having made an appropriation of $225,000 for this purpose, and he is now a member of the executive committee of the state board of normal school regents.

Mr. Horan was married November 4, 1874, to IMargaret, daughter of Joseph Lawler, of Eau Claire. They have three children, as follows: Claude, wife of Eichard F. Kaiser; Lenore, wife of Mark L. Williams, and Euunet, Jr., an attorney of Milwaukee. Mr. Horan and family are members of St. Patrick's church of Eau Claire. He is a member of the Ancient Order of Hibernians, and served as state president of the same for a period of four years. He is also a member of the Catholic Knights of Wisconsin, of which he was vice-president six years. Politically he is a Democrat of the progressive type.

Sydney E. Horel, superintendent of the Eau Claire County Insane Asylmn, was born in the town of Lincoln, Eau Claire county. Wis., July 6, 1873, the son of Heni-y and Ann (Roberts) Horel. His paternal grandparents were Samuel and Ann (Morgan) Horel, who came from Benwell, Somersetshire, England, with their family to the United States in 1837, and first settled near Auburn, N. Y. In 1845 the family moved to Waukesha county, Wisconsin, where the grandfather cleared and improved a farm and there remained until his decease. Henry Horel, father of Sydne.v E., left Waukesha county and in June, 1856. came to Eau Claire county and engaged in lumbering and contracting, a business he followed until 1864, when he purchased 160 acres of land in what is now Lincoln township, to which he subsequentl.v added 40 more acres. He cleared and improved the land and there made his home until he died, January 14, 1903, at the age of 67 years. His wife, mother of our subject, who survives, was a daughter of John and Mary Ann (Halbert) Rolierts, who were raised near Manchester, England. They came to the L^nited States and settled in Milwaukee county, Wisconsin, in 1842, after which they spent a short time in Waukesha county, thence in 1850 moved to Columbia county, where thej' remained until 1860. and then moved to and settled in what is now the town of Otter Creek, in Eau Claire county, where he cleared a farm of 100 acres and there established the family home and made their residence for a number of years. Later in life thev retired from active labors and moved iuto the city of Augusta, where they spent the balance of their lives. The father died in 1891 and tlie mother in 1881. The children of Henry and Ann (Roberts) Horel were: George C. ; Laura M., wife of C. E. Blair; Olive E., wife of A. C. Minto, and Sydney E.

Sydney E. Horel was reared on the homestead in Lincoln township, receiving his education in the district and high schools of Augusta. After attaining his majority he worked at the mason's trade for five years, and returned to the home farm two years prior to the death of his father, and until the spring of 1909 carried on the farm. He was at that time appointed superintendent of the Eau Claire County Insane Asylum, a position he still retains and which he has filled Avith ability and satisfaction to the community generally. Mr. Horel has been twice married ; first to Nellie Hackett, daughter of John and Charlotte (Stone) Hackett, of Augusta, by whom he had three children: Ira S., Thelma L. and Elsie L. His present wife was Mary Christenson, daughter of Nels Christenson. of Seymour township, this county.

Ml'. Horel is a member of the Modern Woodmen of America. the A. F. & A. M., the R. A. M. and the Knights of Pythias. He has always been enterprising to an eminent degree and takes a lively interest in all matters tending to the welfare and prosperity of his town, county and state. A Democrat in his political opinion, he has served as a member of the Eau Claire county board three terms, was treasurer of the school board of the town of Lincoln for six years, suceeding his father, who held the same office many years. In the fall of 1908 he was a candidate of his party for the office of .sheriff, running 1,1C0 votes ahead of liis ticket, but failed in the election by the small margin of 73 votes.

Morris M. Horn, president of the Horn & Blum Manufacturing Company, was born near Vienna, Austria, on November 27, 18S3. His father, Heiman N. Horn, was also born in Austria, and after his marriage to Anna Sender he came to America and located in Chicago, 111., where he is now largely engaged in the manufacture of ladies' clothing, under the firm name of H. N. Horn. They are the parents of four children, two sons and two daughters, as follows: Morris M., our subject; Peter is associated with his father in Chicago: Ray married David Solomon, of Chicago, and Rose, single.

Morris M. came to Chicago with his parents and there attended the public schools. At the age of fifteen he entered the employ of his father and became thoroughly efficient as a cutter and draftsman. In 1905 he went into the manufacturing business for himself, first locating at Neilsville, Wis., where he remained \intil 1911, successfully engaged in making overalls and jackets, then, associated with A. Blum, he came to Eau Claire and established the firm of Horn & Blum, manufacturing overalls, packets and shirts, which they have since continued to carry on successfully with Mr. Horn president and Mr. Blum vicepresident and secretary. Mr. Horn is an energetic, wideawake business man, and stands well in the commercial circles of Eau Claire. In 1903 he married Miss Freda Meyers, of Chicago. lie is an independent Republican and a member of Brai Birith.

Edgar L. Horton is another one of the prosperous and thrifty farmers of Bridge Creek township. A native son of Eau Claire county, he was born at Augusta, February 2, 1870. the son of Elipha Horton and grandson of Hezekiah Horton, natives of New York state. The Horton family came "West to Wisconsin in 1861, and in 1868 the father came to Bridge Creek township and settled on a farm in Diamond Valley. He reared a family of four children, three of whom are now (1914) living: Edgar L., the subject of this sketch; Eugene and Holland; Nellie, who married Alfred Lund, is now deceased.

Edgar L. was raised on the home farm, receiving his education in the district schools and the public schools of Augusta, and has spent nearly his whole life at farming. He owns 160 acres of land in sections 21 and 22, Bridge Creek township, where he resides, and 40 acres near the city of Augusta. His home farm is a beautiful piece of land, finely improved, and his buildings, which are modern and up-to-date, are handsomely located. In addition to general farming Mr. Horton makes a specialty of breeding and raising fine stock. His herds of registered Guernsey cattle and Poland-China hogs are among the best to be found in Eau Claire county. He also makes a specialty of raising fullblooded Barred Plymouth Rock chickens.

Mr. Horton married in 1901 Miss Agnes Hewitt, a very estimable lady and daughter of Joseph Hewett, of Augusta. Mr. Horton has always taken a commendable interest in public affairs both local and national, and is a lifelong member of the Republican party, although he has never sought political office. Both he and Mrs. Horton are members of the National Fraternal League and are active socially.

George H, Howe, deceased, who was esteemed alike for his sterling worth as a man and the public spirit, enterprise and tenacity of purpose, which made him an important factor in the business circles of Eau Claire, was born in Essex county, New York, in 1859, and there received his education and grew to manhood. In the early 80 's, being fully convinced he should find better opportunities for advancement, he came West and entered the employ of a large Chicago concern as traveling salesman, during which time he was thus employed making his home at Lancaster, Wis. In 1885 he moved to Charles City, la., and engaged in business for himself, remaining there for five years. He came to Eau Claire in 1890 and was for three years connected with the A. A. Cutter shoe establishment. In 1893 he entered the employ of A. P. Ellison, who conducted a shoe store in the building now occupied by the Lyric theater. After being thus employed for some time Mr. Howe purchased an interest and became a member of that concern. In 1904 Mr. Ellison withdreiv his interest and the Howe Shoe Company was formed, with the late I\Ir. Howe as president, under whose guiding hand and fair and honorable dealings the business was increased to such proportions as to be considered one of the best in its line in the state. A business man of the highest character, Mr. Howe was in all respects a most worth.v and estimable citizen, and his death, which occurred Feliruary (5, 1911. was a great loss to the city of Eau Claire.

On September 1, 1887, Mr. Howe married Miss Mae Tisdale, at Minneapolis, Minn. Their family consists of two daughters. Margaret and Annabel. Margaret is now teaching domestic science in Bonner, Mont., and Annabel married George 0. Blystone, of Eau Claire, and has one daughter, Kathryn.

Mr. Howe was a trustee of the Congregational church in Eau Claire and an ardent church worker. He took an active interest in the meetings of the Boys' Club, that looked toward tlie establishment of the Y. M. C. A., wliich was successfully carried through.

Hans M. Howe was born in Christiania, Norway, Deceuiber 8, 1866, receiving his education in the public schools. In 1882 he cauie to America and to Wisconsin, where he had an uncle living by the name of Martin Olson. He was first employed by a farmer at Elk Mound, this state, and was later in the employ of J. P. Pickham, as gardener for three and a half years and spent one winter at lumbering. He first engaged in the furniture business as teamster, then as clerk, and now has been in that line of business for twenty-nine years and with the one house under the firm names of Williams & Lange, Williams & Co., Williams & Son and

During the Spanish-American War he enlisted in Company B, 5th Wisconsin infantry, and served until the close of the war. After his discharge he re-enlisted in Company E, 3d regiment, Wisconsin National Guards, and served six years, during which time he was quartermaster sergeant. He is also a member of the I. S. W. A., the sons of Norway and the Lutheran Church.

In 1903 Mr. Howe married Miss Julia Olsen, daughter of Knute Olsen, of Red Wing, Minn. To Mr. and Mrs. Howe has been born one daugliter - Dorothy Pauline.

Eldred Hubbard,* one of the public spirited and representative farmers of Otter Creek township, Eau Claire county, is the son of Alfred and Mary A. (Dighton) Hubbard. He was born in the town of Elgin, Ontario, Canada, July 16, 1854, and is descended from English ancestry. His remote ancestors having emigrated from England to the United States and settled in an early day in Connecticut. ]Martin Hubbard, grandfather of Eldred, settled in Jeft'erson county. New York, and there his father was born. Grandfather Hubbard emigrated with his family to Canada, where he became a successful lumberman and manufacturer. He died in 1855 at the age of fifty-five years, when Eldred was eight years of age. The latter came to AViseonsin with his parents from Canada, who located on a farm in Bridge Creek township, Eau Claire county, in 1865. In later years his parents moved to the city of Eau Claire where the father died, ]\Iay 6, 1908. at the ripe age of 82. The mother of air. Hubbard passed away March 31. 1910. at the age of 84. They were the parents of four children, as follows: Martin B., (whose sketch appears alsewhere in this volume) ; Amanda, who married M. V.. Pride: Eldred, our subject, and Elva, now :Mrs. J. H. Tifft.

Eldred Hubbard was reared on the farm and his boyhood was spent in much the same manner as most farmers' boys, attending the district school and assisting in the farm work. He has followed farming during his whole life, and by hard work, thrift and economy, has succeeded in accumulating a substantial fortune. His farm, which is known as "The Fair Oaks Farm," contains 400 acres of well improved land. His modern and up- -to-date residence, which is so beautifully located, affords a commanding view of the surrounding country. Ilis barns and outbuildings are commodious and substantial, and his place is equipped with many of the latest labor-saving devices. He carries on general farming, stock-raising and dairj'ing, and has a fine herd of blooded Holstein cattle. A few years ago IMr. Hubbard met with an accident which incapaciated him from manual labor and he practically lives retired on the farm, the raauasement of which has fallen to his sou, Alfred.

In 1879 Mr. Hubbard married Eliza Edington. and tliey luive two sons. Earl, who married Emma Barka, and Alfred, who lives at home, assisting in the operation of the farm. Mr. Hubbard is of pleasing personality, w'hich has made him mauy friends in his community. Affiliated with the Republican party, of whose principles he is a staunch advocate, he thoroughly believes in discharging his duties as a private citizen in all matters of political importance, but has had no desire for public office. He is a member of the Modern Woodmen and one of the leading men of his town.

John Huebsch, Avidely known as the head of the Huebsch Laundry Company, of Eau Claire, with branches in Milwaukert and Winona, and one of the prominent, public spirited and enterprising men of this city, is a native son of Wisconsin. He was born at Buffalo City, Buffalo county, this state, to Frank and Eva Huebsch. He passed his boyhood at home, receiving his preliminary ('(hifiitioii in tile public schools and came to Eau Claire in 1892 and cslnblislicd the lliirlisch Laundry Company, which for many years has 1)cimi recognized as one of the leading laundries in this part of the state, as well as the foremost one in this city, and its founder as one of hei- substantial, reliable and most esteemed men. While the exacting duties of his business have engaged Mr. Huebsch 's chief attention, he has yet found time to devote to other affairs and was a member of the first city council elected under the commission form of government, having been elected in 1910 for a terra of two years. He made an excellent commissioner and could easily have been re-elected, but declined to be a candidate.

Mr. Huebsch is fond of outdoor pastime, his chief amusement being horseback riding, hunting and fishing. Socially he occupies a position of prominence. He is a member of the Eau Claire Club, the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, the Modern Woodmen, Maccabees and Eagles. In November, 1889, Mr. Huebsch was married to Miss Christina Sink and they have an interesting family of two children - Benjamin J. and Laura Huebsch.

markable meu, iu mauy respects the most noteworthy figures in the citizenship of the state during its history. One of these, who would be mentioned iu any group of the leading lumbermen of the last half century, is Orrin H. Ingram. Since the pioneer days he has been identified with the lumber interests of the Chippewa Valley, with Eau Claire his headquarters and residence during a l)eriod of fifty -five years. Engaged from youth up in one of the most picturesquely rugged of industries, he developed those fine qualities which we like to associate with the forest and the woodsmen, and at the same time the active forces of his career were permeated by a solid integrity and thorough going honesty that were as typical of himself as liis more supei'ticial characteristics. During his active career, Mr. Ingram was not only a vitalizing factor in the lumber industry as a business, but was also an origiuatur, an inventor, and some of his devices and mechanical improvements have done a great deal to make the business of lumbering easier and more profitable.

Orrin H. Ingram comes from New England, the original home of American lumber interests. He was born at Westfield, Jlassachusetts, ^lay 12, 1830. His parents were David A. and Fanny (Grauger) Ingram. When Orrin was a child his parents moved to Saratoga. New York. There the father died in 1841, leaving very limited means for the support of his widow and children. Left at the age of eleven years, Orrin Ingram had to confront the severe responsibilities which usually fall to the lot of grown manhood. Instead of attending school, he was bound out to work for his board and clothes. Thus his early years were spent until he was seventeen years of age, and he then joined his mother, who had married again, on Lake George, and while working on a farm attended school during the winter months for three years.

At the end of this time some of his early deficiencies in educational equipment were remedied, and he was better prepared to take up the future responsibilities of life. Retui-ning to his native state of ilassachusetts he there made ap)plication for position in the United States armory at Springfield. Three years later he received word that the place was open for him. One of the most interesting facts of biography comes from a study of those incidental causes which deflect a career from one channel to another. Had iMr. Ingram accepted the place in the armory his life and its accomplishments would have made an entirely different story. As it was iu the three-year interval he had changed his mind, and accordingly refused the offer of a position in the government armory. Thus in 1847. having returned to New York, he entered the employ of Harris & Brouson Lumber Company, whose enterprise was located in the vicinity of Lake Pharaoh, in Warren county. During the winter months he received wages of twelve dollars a montli, and in the summer while working in the mill got thirteen dollars a month. That was his practical introduction to the business which he closely followed upwards of half ;i century, and with which, both in its pioneer and its modern phases, there is probably no better informed man in Wisconsin today. Later he took entire charge of the company's mill, and assisted in building a mill for the firm of Fox & Englin, on the Rideau Canal in Canada. About the same time he built and operated mills on the JMorra river, near Bellville, in Canada. Returning to his former employers, Harris & Bronson, he built and operated a mill for them at Ottawa, Canada, and soon gained a reputation as a lumberman thoroughly qualified in all departments of the business, and possessed of unusual foresight and skill and thoroughly reliable. For this reason he was the recipient of many excellent offers, and among them came an offer from the firm of Gilmour & Company, of Ottawa, Canada, the largest lumber concern in the world at that time. This firm offered him four thousand dollars a year, with house rent, horses, and other incidentals furnished, and he accepted and for several years worked for that company. During this time he remodeled several of their large mills and had entire charge of the manufacturing end of the bxisiness, from the handling of the .saw logs direct from the river and booms to the perfection of the finished lumber.

It was while with tlie firm of Gilmour & Company that ]\lr. Ingram first contributed an invention which did much to facilitate lumber manufacture. This was his invention of the gang edger, a device that has been of greater benefit to the lumber business than any other single invention. However, it was characteristic of the man that he did not patent his invention, merely putting it to practical use in various mills of which he was superintendent, and also in a number of Wisconsin mills. Some time later a man named Paul applied for a patent on the edger, and the patent was granted to his heirs. However, it was proved that the edger had been invented and had been introduced and was in regular use in a number of mills, and its real author was Mr. Ingram, whose invention had been practically stolen by the man Paul. Thus the Paul heirs were never able to collect any royalties on the invention.

his own, Mr. Ingram, iu 1856, determined to go into business on his own account. The old firm of Gilmour & Company offered him six thousand dollars a j'ear to remain, but he saw too much in the future as an independent operator and declined the liberal offer. In 1857 he established the tirm of Doyle, Ingram & Kennedy. This fii-m began lumbering in the Chippewa Valley of Wisconsin, and soon afterwards opened up a large tract of timber, rafted it down the river, and establi.shed a lumber yard at Wabasha, ]\Iinnesota, and also one at Dubuque, Iowa. At the latter place they built a saw mill. In 1861 their mill at Eau Claire was destroyed at a total loss of fifty thoi;sand dollars. In 1862 Mr. Doyle retired from the firm and two years later two of his employes were given a one-eighth interest to be paid out of the share of their profits. The firm then became Ingram, Kennedy & Company. In 1865 this firm built the steamer Silas Wright, and condncti'd the largest part of the trading between Reeds Landing to Eau Claire.

About this time Mr. Ingram devised the system of lighters which enabled the company's boats to ascend the river while other boats of less draft had to remain down stream. This invention he had patented in 1867. Later the boat with its appliance was taken south and operated on the Ai-kansas river, though still later purchased by H. T. Rumsey, of LaCrosse, Wisconsin, who put on a line of boats, planned and operated after the Ingram device.

In 1880 Mr. Ingram organized the Chai'lcs Horton Lumber Company, of Winona, Minnesota. The following year Mr. Kennedy sold his interests in all the enterprises to Messrs. Dulaney & McVeigh, and the Empire Lumber Company was then established with a capital of eight hundred thousand dollars, absorbing the interests of the former Ingram, Kennedy & Company. The Dubuque business was also incorporated about that time as the Standard Lumber Company, with five hundred thousand dollars capital. Mr. Ingram became president of the Standard Companj', and president of the Wabasha Lumber Companj'. In 1883 he organized the Rice Lake Lumber Company, with a capital of six hundred thousand dollars, and was its president. He was also vice president of the Chippewa Valley Lumber & Boom Company, a large concern with a capital of one million dollars. Among other impoi-tant business connections, he was president of the Eau Claire National Bank and the I^nion National Bank, was a director in the Hudson Saw JMill, president of the old Eau Claire Water Works Company, president of the Fort Scott Lumber Company, and treasurer of the Anthracite Coal Company, of

With such a record of remarkable business achievements, and with the generous accumulations which naturally have flowed from his great undertakings, Mr. Ingram has always shown a lively sense of his responsibilities in managing and caring for these large industrial resources and his personal wealth. He has been liberal in many ways, and charity and public wealth in many forms have benefited from his influence and generous assistance. He is a member of the board of trustees of the state committee of the Congregational church. He belongs to the Young Men's Christian Association at Eau Claire, and is a director in the Ripon College. A number of years ago he built the Ingram block in Eau Claire, one of the finest office buildings of Wisconsin. He was the prime mover and gave twenty thousand dollars as a fund towards the construction of the Y. M. C. A. building at Eau Claire. Though his own church is the Congregational, he has always been liberal in his donations to all religions, and benevolent and charitable works. He gives freely, and yet with such unostentation that no one has ever known the full extent of his philanthropy.

On December 11, 1851, ilr. Ingram married ]Miss Cornelia E. Pierce, of Lake George, avIio died in 1911. Of their children, Charles is deceased, Erskine is a member of the Ingram Company, and Miriam is the wife of Dr. E. S. Hayes. Mr. Ingram, in his earlier years, was equal to bearing burdens with any of his associates and competitors, and still retains much of the ruggedness which was characteristic of him when he was active in the woods and on the river,s. For many years he has been a leader among men. In his control has been vested the direction of millions of dollars in resources, and his dominant mind and forcefulness have never failed to preserve the principal intact and increase the investment many fold. Although now past eighty-four years of age, with a record of achievements and success such as could be ascribed to few Wisconsin men, Mr. Ingram is still an active man, and is still a vital force in Wisconsin's industrial affairs. He has that kindliness born of close contact with the hardships of nature and from long experience with mankind. His fortune was made at a time when the successful man was both strong in body and mind. He had to possess the practical ability covering all the varied life of the woods and the rivers. Mr. Ingram, in his earlier day, could skillfully ride a log down a foaming current, knew how to get the lumber out of the woods, how to get it sai'elj- to the mill, aud many days and nights were spent out in the open among the woods and about the lumber camps. He ate beans and bacon along with his men aud when it was necessary he could put his shoulder side by side and hold up his share the e([ual of any lumber jack in his crew. In addition to the many other concerns with which ilr. Ingram has been associated, as already mentioned, he has taken part in both business and public movements of only less importance, and deserves properly to stand among the builders and pioneers of Eau Claire and vicinity.

Carl G. Johnson, (-omincrcial photographer and engraver of Eau Claire, was born in Sweden, May 6, 1873, the son of Peter and Mary Johnson, who came to the United States with their family in 1883 and located in Wisconsin, where the father secured employment as teamster for the Eau Claire Lumber Company, a position he held until his death in 1890, at the age of forty -five years. Mr. and Mrs. Johnson were the parents of two children - Carl G. aud Selma, the wife of Frank Swan.

Carl G. Grew to manhood in Eau Claire and was educated in the public schools. His first einplo.yment was with the Eau Claire Book & Stationery Company, with whom he was connected for twelve years, and while there took up the art of wood engraving, later adding halftone and copper plate work. He was for years employed as engraver in the Leader office and in 1908 established his present business of photo engraving and cominercial photography, and is one of the best known mcu in his line in northwestern Wisconsin.

On June 16, 1898, ilr. Johnson married Miss Esther, daughter of John Mallgren, of St. Peter, Minn., and they have two children - Marion and Doris.

Hans E. Johnson,* a member of the firm of Allen-Johnson Company, general music dealers of Eau Claire, was born in Christiania, Norway, January 6, 1877, and is one of a family of nine children, five of whom grew to maturity, born to Ilalvor and Christiana (Thorestenson) Johnson. Besides our subject, the others are Elmer H., a machinist; Dora, wife of Harold Hanson; Frank P., a piano tuner, aud Joseph, wife of Albert Petrick. The parents came to the United States in 1883 aud settled in Eau Claire, where the father, who was a shoemaker by trade, has since been in the employ of the A. A. Cutter Shoe Manufacturing Company.

Coming to Eau Claire when six years of age, Hans E. grew up in the city, attending the public schools. He started out in life as a messenger boy for the Western LTnion Telegraph Company, serving iu that capacity for one year. He then became clerk for one year, and in 1892 entered the music store of E. W. Allen as clerk, remaining thus employed until 1899, then went to Chicago and for two years was employed as piano tuner for the Straube Piano Company. In 1901 he returned to Eau Claire and worked for Mr. Allen as piano tuner and clerk until 1906, when associated with Mr. James E. Allen he purchased the business of E. W. Allen, which has been successfully carried on since that time under the name of the Allen-Johnson Company.

Mr. Johnson married, May 25, 1905, Catherine Horan, daugh ter of Thomas and Theressa (Redmond) Iloran. Mr. Johnson is generally popular in the business and social circles of Eau Claire and is a member of tlie Fraternal Reserved Association of Oshkosli.

John W. Johnson, '' a well-to-do farmei- and resident of Brunswick township, Eau Claire county, was born in Miuneapolis, Minn., March 11, 1871, the son of Louis and Carolina Johnson. In 1866, while still a young man, the father emigrated from Sweden to America and settled at Minneapolis with his wife and one child, who were born in Sweden. He was a bridge builder by occupation and was in the employ of the Chicago & North Western and also the Milwaukee & St. Paul railroads, and whil' thus emxiloyed met an accidental death in 1872 and was buried at Minneapolis. He was married at Carlstead, Sweden, to Miss Carolina Johnson, and they became the parents of four children, as follows : Ingabaugh and Annie are residents of Minneapolis ; John W., our subject, and Christieann, who married Tey Telefson and resides at Mount Horel, Wis. After the death of her husband, the mother married G. P. Tingom and moved to Dane county, Wisconsin, where she died in 1908 at the age of 66 years. By this second marriage she became the mother of three children: Peter, a resident of Minneapolis; Andrew and Edward, who are deceased.

John W. moved to Dane county with his mother when a young boy and there received his education in the public schools and worked on a farm until 19 years of age, when he went to Madison and served a three years' apprenticeship in the machine shops located there. He then followed the machinists' trade for twenty-two years, during which time he acted as overseer and foreman, having under his direction at times large bodies of men. In the spring of 1913 he came to Eau Claire county, locating in the town of Brunswick, where he purchased the John

In 1899 Mr. Johnson married Rose Amble, who was born in Norway, the daughter of John Amble. To Mr. and Mrs. Johnsou have been born four children, of whom two are now living, viz. : Harold and Ragnheld, while Ruth and Edward are deceased.

Paul Johnson, a native son of Norway, was born December 21, 181)2. He attended the common schools of his country, and in 1882. came to the United States and located in Eau Claire, where for thirteen years he was engaged in lumbering. In 1893 he opened a saloon on AVater street and has since been engaged there in business, a period of twenty-one years. His father, whose name was Joseph Johnson, and his wife, mother of Paul, were both born in NorM^ay, where they reared their family and spent their entire lives, both being now deceased.

Ml-. Paul Johnson has two brothers in Norway : Hans and Ollie, and one brother. Sever, and one sister, Mrs. Louis Haugen, living in Eau Claire. He married Miss Anna Olson, of Eau Claire, and they had four children: Jean Orrin; Ida, born November 6, 1892, and died November 7, 1892; Ida Marie, and Agnes Pauline. Religiously, Mr. Johnson is a member of the Norwegian Lutheran Church and fraternally he is a member of the Knights of Pythias and the Sons of Norway.

Albert B. Jones, agent of the Cliicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul Railway, Eau Claire, was born in Fayetteville, Onondaga county. New York, December 18, 1856, the son of Evan T. and Catherine (Williams) Jones, both natives of Wales. The father, who was a miller and millwright by trade, came to the United States in 1843 and located at Hartford, Oneida county. New York, where he engaged at milling, which he followed during the greater part of his life. lie came to Wisconsin in 1857, locating at Neenah, where, with John R. Davis, Sr., he operated the old Winnebago flouring mill until 1866. He then went to Fall River, in Columbia county, and with a younger brother, William, engaged in the same business inider the firm name of Jones Brothei's, which was continued until 1875. He was an expert stone dresser for grinding, and for the next fifteen years, until his retirement in 1890, followed his specialty or stone-dressing expert. He came to Eau Claire in the last named year and resided here until his death in 1912 at the age of 80 years. He reared a family of four children, all of whom are now (1914) living, viz.: Jennie, who is the wife of Thomas C. Lewis and resides at Federa. So. Dak.;

Albert B. Jones, when only one year old, in 1857, eaine to Wisconsin with his parents and grew to manhood in this state, receiving his education in the public schools. He later learned telegraphy and began his life as telegraph operator in the employ of the Chicago, Mihvaukee & St. Paul Railway Company in 1873. He followed this line of work until 1878, when he was assigned to office work, becoming cashier for the company at Wabasha, Minn., a position he held until 1882. He then came to Eau Claire, where he has since held the responsible position as agent for the same company for the period of thirty-two years, a record Avhieh in itself speaks volumes for his executive ability and the manly and upriglit manner in which he has handled the company's affairs.

Mr. Jones was married May 24, 1883, to Miss Ida, daughter of William 0. and Mary (Knowlton) Chesebro, of Lime Springs, Iowa. Five children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Jones, viz. : Mollie ; RosAvell C, a telegrapher at Missoula, Mont. ; Richard S., a pharmacist of Eau Claire; Roger E., who is agent for the Western Express Company in Ashland, Wis., and Albert B., Jr., a student. Mrs. Jones died in 1898 and Mr. Jones was later married to Mrs. Rose A. (Hendershott) Burgar, widow of Milo P. Burgar, of Eau Claire. Mr. Jones affiliates ^^ith tl)e Presbyterian Church and fraternally is a Royal Arch Mason.

Horace William Jones,* who has lived in Eau Claire, Wis., for nearly half a century, is oiu' of that class of enterprising men who have not only witnessed, but who have also had an important part in the work of transforming the country from a state of comparative wilderness to its present high place among the banner counties of the state. He was born in Chautauqua county, New York, January 19, 1849, the son of Harry Sherman and Elizabeth (Bain) Jones. His father was a native of New England, came to Wisconsin and was among the pioneers of Dunn county, locating in the town of Spring Brook, adjoining Eau Claire county, in 18.59. On April 1, 1865, he came to Eau Claire county with liis family and settled on the farm in Union township, which is now owned by our subject. He cleared and improved a part of it, and in later life moved to the city of Eau Claire, where he died at the age of 83 years. He and his wife lived to celebrate their golden wedding and reared a family of five children, viz. : Cynthia, Henry M., Louisa, Horace W. and Marv A. Cynthia married Charles Gose and Louisa married

James Minor. With the exeeptioii of oue year, Mr. Jones has resided on the old homestead since 1865, which comprises 150 acres. He has always carried on general farming and dairying and for many years has been considered one of the most prosperous farmers of the community and an influential and wideawake citizen. He has been lavish in his expenditures of time, labor and money in improving his farm, remodeling and erecting commodious and substantial buildings and supplying modern appliances and equipment, so that his is in reality one of tlie most desirable and attractive homesteads in the county.

Mr. Jones lias filled various offices of trust and for the past eight years has held the office of assessor for the town of Union, lie is a Republican in politics and fraternally is a member of Germania Lodge, No. 49, Knights of Pythias. In November, 1873, he married Rosedell Phillips, and they were the parents of four cliildriii, as follows: Bessie, who married Arthur Churchill, is dt'i-fiis.'d ; Maude, now Mrs. Knute Anderson: Florence, married William Scibi^rt, and Roy Jones.

Elbridge G. Jordan, for eight successive years justice of the ])('ace ill Eau Claire, was born in Freeport, Cumberland countj', IMaiiie. July 2fi, 1841, a son of William and Mary (Brown) Jordan, both natives of the state of Maine. He was reared to manhood and educated in the common schools of his home state and served three years" apprenticeship at the blacksmith trade at Saiigersville, Maine. At the breaking out of the Civil War he enlisted as a private in Company L, First Maine cavalry, and served as veterinary horseslioer, and after five months' service was taken from the army by his father. On July 22, 1862, he re-enlisted as a private in Company B, 1st Maine heavy artillery, was promoted to corporal in 1864, and on May 9 of the same year was transferred to the navy as ordinary seaman on the gunboat "Pontiae," and after a service of three years he was honorably discharged June 3, 1865. On April 16, 1866, he arrived at Eau Claire, Avhere he has since resided. He worked at his trade as a journeyman until 1868 and then embarked in business for himself, in which he continued until 1901, since which time he has worked off and on at the carpenter and painting business.

On September 9, 1866, he married Miss Kate, daughter of Thomas and Mary (CoUotou) Brennan, natives of Ireland, who came to the United States in 1854 and to Eau Claire county in 1861, settling on a farm in the town of Union. By this marriage there were nine children, viz. : William T. ; Hattie M., deceased wife of Harry Gilpatrick ; Maude, wife of William Thompson ; Ida, wife of Samuel Crowley; Charles E., Arthur C. ; Pearl C, wife of Levi Peterson; George and Elbridge C. Mrs. Jordan is a member of the Baptist Church and the Ladies of the G. A. K.. Circle No. 24, Colonel Bartlett Post. Mr. Jordan is a menibeiof Eagle Post, No. 52, G. A. R., of which he was commandci- in 1912. He has served as justice of the peace since 1905 and in the spring of 1913 was re-elected for a term of two years, lii politics he is a Democrat.

James T. Joyce, of Eau Claire, is vice-president of the Union National Bank and active in business circles in the Chippew.i valley. A native of Eau Claire, Mr. Joyce is bound to this section by ties of birth and he feels the tie a very close one. He was born on April 9, 1862, a son of Pierce and Mary T. (Galvin i Joyce, both of whom were born in Ireland. The father was born in the county of Carlow in 1826 and came to this country iii 1857. He made the journey by sailing ship, landing in the city of New Y'^ork. He drifted from the American metropolis up to Quebec, also traveling by sailing vessel, and from Quebec he wandered Avest and finally located in Portage county, Wisconsin. In 1859 he came to Eau Claire, Wisconsin, and here engaged in the lumbering business for a time. He then went into the butchering business and later was engaged in the hotel business for a number of years, until his retirement from active life, lie was prominent in the city and served as alderman for a number of years, being a Democrat in his political affiliations. Mr. Joyce died October 9, 1907, but his wife yet survives him and is a resident of Eau Claire. They were the parents of seven childi-en, of which number five are living today.

James T. Joyce grew up in Eau Claire, receiving his education in the grammar and high schools of that city. At the age of eighteen he entered the Bank of Eau Claire. He gradually worked his way ii]!, winning promotion through hard and conscientious Avork, until he had reached the post of cashier. He took this position in 1897 and held it until 1906, when he became vice-president of the Union National Bank of Eau Claire, an office which he is now holding. In 1906 he was one of the men who conceived and organized the Union National Bank of Eau Claire, and the Union Savings Bank of Eau Claire, lie is at present a director in both banks. He was also one of the organizers of the Union Mortgage Loan Company. Mr. Joyce is a man of many interests, much of his time being given to his

Among the organizations in which he is one of the executive officers may be mentioned the following: The Chippewa Valley Casualty Company, which was incorporated in 1902, and of which he is president ; The Davis Falls Land Company, incorporated in 1904, of which he is vice-president; The Eau Claire Dells Improvement Company, of Avhich he is vice-president and which was ineori)orated in 187!); the Eau Claire Savings Loan and Building Association, which was incorporated in 1877 and of which he is treasurer. This long list of responsible positions proves far better than could a long string of words the ability and executive force that Mr. Joyce possesses. Mr. Joyce, it may also be said, served in 1911 and 1912 as president of the Wisconsin Bankers' Association.

In politics Mr. Joyce is a meiiil)cr of the Democratic party, and has always taken an interest in political aflfairs, though his only active participation has ))een as the alderman from the Seventh Ward, which office he held for one term. He is a member of Eau Claire Lodge, Xo 402, of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, but this is his sole fraternal association.

Mr. Joyce was married in 1890 on the 7th day of November to ;\lai'y Cousins. Slie was born in Eau Claire, Wis., a daughter of Ilciii-y ;iii(l Louisa (Preston) Cousins. Her father settled in Eau Chiii'c in the hitc sixties and was well known as a lawyer.

He resided in Walworth comity. Wisconsin, before removing to Eau Claire. At the outbreak of the Civil War, under a provisional commission as captain, he recruited a company of infantry. The army surgeon passed every man in the company with the exception of Captain Cousins, whom they rejected on account of his delicate health. He then devoted his attention to assisting others in recruiting work. Several years after the close of the war he located in Eau Vlaire. He soon became a leader in the Republican party and served on the State Central Comnuttee, Congressional Committee and County Committee. He was elected to the Legislature, the City Council, the County Board and as State's Attorney.

Peter Justesen, a thrifty farmer of Eau Claire county, is the son of Just Petersen and Anna Kjerstina Johnson, and was born in Denmark on November 9, 1844. His father, who was a farmer and manufacturer of wooden shoes in Denmark, spent his whole life there and died at the age of 88 years. His mother was 46 years old at the time of her death. At the age of ten years Peter, who was thrown on his own resources, went to Avork on a farm and has ever since been self-supporting. He lived in his native country until he was 26 years of age, receiving a limited education. He came to the United States in 1870, his first employment being at railroading. Mr. Justesen married in 1878 Anna Marie Olson, daughter of Ole Thompson, and she was the mother of the following children: Anna is the wife of John Kelly; Mattie and Mary are milliners and live in Augusta; Gusta is the wife of Ralph Kirkham; Elsie is the wife of M. N. Knudson; Frank and Wallace. Since the death of Mrs. Justesen, which occurred on February 9, 1911, Mr. Justesen and his two sons, Frank and "Wallace, have attended to all the work on the farm, whicli consists of 80 acres well improved. In religious convictions ]\Ir. Justesen is affiliated with the Lutheran church.

John J. Kelley,* who ranks among the prominent and influential citizens of Eau Claire, was born in Ireland, June 6. 1848. He came to America when a small boy and in 1865 landed in Eau Claire. After coming to Wisconsin he was for several years connected with the flouring mills at Portage City, Columbia county, and for ten years had charge of a flouring mill for the Eau Claire Liimber Company. After severing his connection with this company Mr. Kelley purchased a flouring mill in Washington township, which he successfully conducted for nine years. In 1885 he erected an ice house on Fifth street, between Grand avenue West and Union street. This he subsequently moved to Half Moon lake, where it was enlarged and now has a capacity of about 25,000 tons. Mr. Kelley formed a stock company, which was incorporated under the laws of Wisconsin in 1912 under the name of the Eau Claire Ice Company, of which he is president. The company does an extensive business and keeps its sixteen wagons and thirty men employed the year round.

Mr. Kelley married in Eau Claire, Margaret S. Eagan, daughter of John Eagan. By this union there has been six children, as follows : John J., Jr., Bessie, Josephine, Ruth, Sumner and Paul, all of whom were born in the city of Eau Claire. ]\Ir. Kelley is prominently identified with St. Patrick's cliureh. is a member of the Catholic Knights and the Hibernians.

Will S. Kelley, the genial proprietor of " Kelley 's Smoke Shop," in Eau Claire, was born at Lake Crystal, Minn.. February 1882, the son of Michael W. and Ellen (Swift) Kelley. Michael Kelley was a native of Ireland, but his wife was born at Portage City. Wis. Her parents were Edward and Ann Swift, both of whom were natives of Ireland. They came into the Northwest among the early settlers and were pioneers of Portage City as well as of Eau Claire. In 1856, when this part of Wisconsin was a wilderness, they settled in Brunswick township, where they cleared and improved a farm of 320 acres, which is still in the possession of their descendants.

After coming to America and during his early manhood Michael W. Kelley held the position of fireman on the Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul railroad, running out of Portage City. Subsequently he became associated with his brother John, and they operated a grist mill on the Eau Claire river. Later he went to Minnesota and for twenty years conducted a general store at Lake Crystal. In 1896 he settled permanently in Eau Claire and was employed as a traveling salesman for an Eastern manufacturing company, a position he held until his death, which occurred March 16, 1904, when he was 62 years of age. The family now consists of his widow, one son, Will S., and two daughters, Mae E. and Mrs. Angle Kelley Carter, who has one son. Jack.

W^ill S. Kelley, the son of Michael W. and Ellen (Swift) Kelley, grew up at Lake Crystal and in Eau Claire, receiving his education in the common and high schools, but beginning to acquire business habits and training while yet a school boy, and laying the foundation for a successful career. After leaving school he secured a position as clerk and collector with Dunbar & Cathcart Company, which subsequently became the L. S. Dunbar Company, of Eau Claire, and remained with them for eight years. March 1, 1906, he accepted a position as traveling salesman for the Oscillating Sleigh Company, of Menomonie, Wis., and was with them until August 15 of that year, when he resigned with the view of going into business for himself. Accordingly on October 1, 1906, he embarked in the retail cigar and tobacco business, and " Kelley 's Smoke Shop" is today the best and most popular cigar and tobacco house in Eau Claire, and is not surpassed by any in the Northwest. Mr. Kelley started his business on a modest scale, and the cause of the large patronage and wide popularity of his establishment is - the man. He is a bright, keen, square and up-to-date business man, whose creed is straightforward and honorable dealing with all, and as such he is known, respected and trusted. As a consequence he has been so successful that at the early age of 32 he is already one of the substantial business men of Eau Claire, and has other valuable interests outside of his business stand. Naturally he is popular in the social life of Eau Claire, and is a member of the Elks, the U. C. T., Eau Claire Lodge, No. 97, and an adherent of tlie Episcopal church.

John Paul Kent, one of the substantial and prosperous farmers of Brunswick township, was boi-n in Eau Claire, June 11, 1871, and is one of a family of ten children born to Gottlieb and Otelga (Schultz) Kent. Both father and mother were born in Germany, where they resided about seven years after their marriage. They then came to the United States and located first in Waukesha, where the father worked at the boiler maker's trade, and after remaining in Waukesha one year they came to E;iu Claire and for twelve years were residents of that city, after which they purchased a farm twelve miles west of Eau Clnire and there made their home, engaged in general farming, until the death of the mother, when the farm was sold to the two younger sons, on which they still reside. Of their ten children six are now (1914) living. Mrs. Kent had two brothers, who also came to this country, one of whom is still living on a farm in Oneida county, Wisconsin.

John Paul was reared on the home farm, receiving his education in the common schools near Caryville, Dunn county, and remained at home, assisting in the farm work until he reached his majority in 1892, then worked as a farm laborer for sev^n years, and spent two years as a shingle clipper at Porter's Jlills. In 1896 he purchased a farm of 160 acres in the town of Brunswick, where he now resides and carries on general farming, employing in his operations the latest improved labor-saving devices and up-to-date methods, and through his economical habits and shrewd management has come to be known as one of tlie leading farmers and men of affairs of his town. He was for one year, until January 1, 1912, treasurer of the Rock Falls and Meridian Telephone Company, and is now a stockholder in the Rock Palls & Meridian Telephone Exchange. He is also a stockholder in the Parmers' Co-operative Products Company, of Eau Claire, and for fourteen years has been a member of the ^Modern Woodmen of America.

In 1902 Mr. Kent married Miss Kate Blanche Higbee, a lady of charming personality and refinement, and is a M'orthy helpmeet for her husband. Kate Blanche Higbee was born at Madison, Wis., April 11, 1886. Her father's name was Zack Higbee; the mother's maiden name was Sena Swan. She was educated in the common school near Rock Falls, Dunn county, making lier home with her grandparents until her marriage.

Seymour Kelley,* another prosperous farmer and stock raiser of Eau Claire cnunty, was born in Grand Isle county, Vermont, November IS, 1859. His parents were John and Florence (Pippin) Kelley, and he is descended from French and Irish ancestry. His ancestors on his father's side were natives of Belfast, Ireland, while on the mother's side they came from France. His father, John Kelley, came to the United States when he was thirty-five years old and settled in Vermont. He died at the age of 84 years, and the mother died at the age of 72. They reared a family of twelve children, as follows : Eliza, Lettie, William, George, Peter, Salinda, Henry, Florence. Joseph, Judson, Seymour and Edward, four of whom survive.

Seymour lived in New England until he was S years of age, then came to Durand, Wis., and there received his education in the common school. In 1884 he came to Eau Claire county and settled on a farm and has since been engaged in general farming, dairying and stock raising. He makes a specialty of the Jersey breed of cattle and has constantly on hand a fine herd of these, as well as other good blooded stock. He is considered one of the well-to-do men of his town, and his farm of 140 acres is under a good state of cultivation and well improved with substantial buildings.

In 1876 Mr. Kelley married Miss Agnes Eekler, and the following children were born : John William, Elsie Clare, Iva Anna, Hugh Randall, Flora Fay, Gladys Theo and Ralph Evart. Elsie is the wife of W. E. Kirkham, and Iva is the wife of John Walker. The first JMrs. Kelley died May 1, 1910. and on October 16, 1912, Mr. Kelley took for his second wife Harriett Huett, daughter of James Huett. Mr. Kelley adhei-es to the principles of the Republican party in politics and is a member of the Baptist church. John H. Kepler* is a substantial citizen and thrifty farmer of this county, where he has lived for thirty-three years. He is a native of Pennsylvania, and was born at Venango borough. Crawford county, that state, September 25, 1846. His parents. Jacob and Margaret (Pfeiffer) Kepler, were natives of Baltimore. IMd., and Pennsylvania, respectively.

John H. acquired his education in the schools of Pennsylvania, where he grew to manhood. He came to Eau Claire county in 1881 and purchased a farm in Union township, where he carried on general farming and stock raising for a number of years. In 1909 he sold his farm and purchased eleven acres in Shawtown, where he has since been successfully engaged in truck farming. He is a man of prominence in his community, is gen-

Mr. Kepler has been married twice. His first wife was Lliss Louise Zimmerman, of Pennsylvania, by whom he had two children, Ralph and Grace. The second Mrs. Kepler was Malissa E. Butler, a ladj^ of refinement and womanly graces, from New York state.

Mr. Kepler is well informed on all public matters and interested in the welfare of his many friends. He is a member of the Christian Science church.

Richard J. Kepler, who is the dean of all the business men of Eau Claire at this time (1914) and one of Eau Clare's most prominent citizens, was born in Venango borough, Crawford county. Pa., June 24, 1845, to Jacob and Margaret (Pfeiffer) Kepler, natives of Baltimore, Md., and Pennsylvania, respectively. Mr. Kepler was reared in his native county until 18 years of age. acquiring his education in the common schools of his home town and the State Normal School at Edinboro. He came West in 1863 and settled first at Wabasha, Minn., where he was employed as clerk in a general store iintil 1870, then moving to Eau Claire, Wis., he engaged in general merchandising on his own account as a member of the firm of Kepler & Co., his partners being W. L. and S. S. Kepler. The business prospered and was continued under that name until 1895, when Mr. Kepler purchased his partner's interest and continued the business alone until 1907. In that year a stock company was organized and incorporated under the name of "The Kepler Company," capitalized at $100,000, with R. J. Kepler president; A. J. Geske, vice-president; C. J. Kepler, treasurer, and A. E. Kepler, secretary. The business was enlarged at that time and an exclusive dry goods business, including ladies' wearing apparel, has since been conducted, and this company now ranks among the leading establishments not only of Eau Claire but of northwestern Wisconsin.

Besides his merchandising Mr. Kepler is connected with other business interests of the city; he is president of the Phoenix Furniture Company and also the Citizens' Building & Loan Association. He is a man of great energy and activity and has at tained his gratifying success through patient and persevering industry and upright business dealings, and merits the confidence and esteem in which he is held by all who know him. He is a member of the Congregational church and the Eau Claire County Old Settlers' Association, of which he was elected president in 1913.

ill-. Kepler has been longer in business continuously than any other man in Eau Claire and is now gradually turning over his rtourishiug business to his sons.

On September 6, 1870, Mr. Kepler married Ella, daughter of William and Amanda (Wetherby) McDougall, of Wabasha, Minn., and has three sons, Charles J., Arthur E. and Richard J., Jr. Besides his residence in Eau Claire, Mr. Kepler maintains a winter residence at DeLand, Fla., where he has spent six months of the year, from November until May, since 1893.

William J. Kessler, who is now sales manager of the New Dells Lumber Company, was born September 26, 1877. in the Province of Coblentz, ^Yissen, Germany, to August and ilagdalina (Ebach) Kessler, both natives of Germany. The father was a baker by trade and followed that occupation in Germany until October, 1884, when with his family he came to the United States. From New York City he went to Erie. Pa., and from there via boat to Bayfield, Wis., thence to Eau Claire, where for a time he was variously employed, and finally securing a position with the Eau Claire Water Works, where he remained for many years. He is now living in retirement, at the age of 06 years. Mr. and Mrs. Kessler were the parents of two children, William J., and August, who is employed as auditor for a lumber company at Odessa, Wash.

William J. came to America with his parents when 7 years of age and received his education in the public and high schools of Eau Claire and the Shaffer Business College. His first employment after finishing school was witli the Northwestern Lumber Company, entering the office as clerk in 1892. He remained in the various departments of this company, including the auditing department, for fourteen years, and for the next four years he was in the yards as shipping clerk, later becoming foreman and still later had charge of the retail sales department. On December 1, 1909, he became connected with the New Dells Lumber Company as sales manager of their Eau Claire plant, which position he still retains.

Mr. Kessler married in 1901 Miss Bertha Lullem, daughter of Albert and Frances (Ausman) Lullem, and they have one daughter, Dorothy. They are members of the Roman Catholic church, and for six years Mr. Kessler has been a member of Company E, Third Regiment, Wisconsin National Guard, being at this time (1914) retired with rank of first lieutenant. He has also held the offices of corporal and sergeant.

John Kildahl, the popular and well-known insurance man of Eau Claire, was born in Norway, April 5, 1845, and there grew to manhood, attending the schools of his home county. He followed the occupation of bookkeeper until 1868, when he came to America. He is a man of intellectual attainments and speaks several languages. Owing, however, to a lack of knowledge of the English language when he first came to this country, he was obliged to do manual labor, and his first employment after liis arrival in Eau Claire in the fall of 1868 was at lumbering. For a time he was employed in the woods at a salary of !|>20 i)er month, and by his energy, thrift and economical habits he managed to save from his salary $300. His desire to obtain a betteiknowledge of the English language prompted him to accept work on a farm with an English family, with whom he remained one year. His next move was to jMcGregor, la. Remaining there for a short time, he went South, and after some months of travel over the Southern states he returned to Iowa and was employed in a saw mill for four years, during which time he married ]\Iiss Mary Nelson, of Decorah, la., and the same year returned to Eau Calire. In 1880 he moved to IMenomonie, Wis., and there conducted a foundry for Knapp. Stout & Co. until 1889, when lie again returned to Eau Claire and for the next three years was employed as a moulder by the Phoenix Manufacturing Company.

In 1892 he opened a meat market, which he conducted until 1897, when he engaged in the real estate business, and this has since been his chief occupation. In 1874 at Decorah, la., he mai-- ried Miss Mary Nelson, and to them have been born the following children, viz: Arthur D., Juliet, Emma. Waldemar, John ^F.. Josephine, Conrad and Victor. J\Ir. Kildahl has always been a loyal, public-spirited man, and holds membership in the Scandinavian Workman's Association, of which organization he was grand master for two years. He is also a member of the Norwegian Synod and is a high-minded man of affairs.

William A. Kinnear, whose death occurred on February 16, 1900. was one of Eau Claire's enterprising and substantial business men, and enjoyed the confidence and esteem of all who knew him. He was born in Franklin, Venango county, Pa., October 4, 1832. His father was James Kinnear. a shoemaker by trade.

William A. spent his boyhood days in Meadville. obtaining his education in the common and high schools, and as a young man learned the trade of architect and builder under the tutelage of his uncle in Warren, Pa., and in 1857 came AVest to Will county. 111., where he was engaged in contracting and building.

He later moved to Dupage eouuty, and there built several residences and a church, and in 1862 went to Cairo, 111., and while there was emplo.yed in the nav.y of the United States government.

In 1866 he came up tlie Mississippi and Chippewa rivers by boat to Eau Claii-e and landed within 300 feet of where the Kinnear drug store now stands. After his arrival here he started a small, variety store and later erected the present large brick building occupied by the Kinnear drug store, which was established in 1890. For thirty-four years Mr. Kinnear was considered one of the city's most influential and successful business men. He was of a quiet and unassuming manner, public spirited and generous, and was popular both in business and social circles.

Mr. Kinnear married Miss Jaunett 8. Phillips, of Richburg, N. Y., daughter of Wilson and Eliza (Cady) Phillips, of Vermont, a lady of refinement and culture, who now successfully carries on the drug business established by her husband.

Carlton M. Kirkham is another one of the flourishing and prepossessing farmers of Eau Claire, and was born in 1853 in St. Lawrence count}', New York, the son of Hiram and Polly (Bissell) Kirkham, and is descended from prominent Scottish ancestry. His grandfather and also his grandmother met tragic deaths by being drowned in Lake Champlain. His father died at the age of 53, and his mother lived to the age of 63 years. In this branch of the Kirkham family were seven sons and one daughter: James, who enlisted in the First Wisconsin Cavalry, died while in the service ; Andrew ; Charles A. : Hiram H. and Eugene also served as soldiers under the Stars and Stripes during the Civil War; Carlton M.; Rufus, and Sophia, who is the wife of W. D. Goodi'ieh, of Valley Center, Kan.

In 1854 C. M. Kirkham came to Wisconsin and first located in Dodge county, where he lived until 1868, whence he came to Eau Claire count}^ He first worked in the woods at chopping and logging, and with the money thus earned he afterward purchased 120 acres of land, which he cleared, subdued and brought to a good state of cultivation, and there established a home for himself and family. He has since been actively engaged in general farming, and his place is improved with a substantial residence and outbuildings.

In 1878 Mr. Kirkham married Miss Mary Smith, of Trempealeau county, a daughter of Stephen Smith, and they have had four children, as follows: Stephen A., Earl B., Frank V. and

Berniee B. A man of thrift and progress, Mr. Kirkham is alive to all the issues of the day, and any movement which he considers for the benefit and advancement of his community receives his liberal support. lie has been prominent in county affairs, has held several local offices, and is now (1914) supervisor of his township, having served twelve successive years as supervisor; he also served as school district clerk for twenty-nine years at the expiration of this school year.

Sumner B. Kirkholf,* of Eau Claire, has been one of the leading- men of this eounty for years, was born here on June 19, 1866, the son of Frank and Ada (Hughes) Kirkhoff. His father was a native of Pennsylvania and during the civil war enlisted in Company E, 13th Pennsylvania regiment, volunteer infantry, and was a brave and efficient soldier. At the expiration of his army service he came to Eau Claire with his wife in 1865, and besides our sub.jeet, Sumner B., one daughter, Hannah, was the only other child born to them. Hannah has been twice married, her first husband was Mr. Hathaway, a veteran of the civil war, by whom she had four children: Percy S., Grace R., Maud and George E. Percy S. married Delia Fety and they have two children, Loy and Verne. Grace R, married Charles Deans, and they have two children, Dorothy and Warren. Maud is now Mrs. George Seliek. George E. is a teacher at West Salem, Wis. He married Miss Burgle Worthington, and they have one son, Parker.

Benjamin F. Kirkhoff, grandfather of Sumner B., was born in New Jersey, and when a small boy his parents moved to Bucks county, Pennsylvania, and thence to Crawford county, Ohio, where he followed the occupation of machinist and blacksmith, and was married to Miss Rebecca George, daughter of Michael George, an old and respected resident of that county. They had a family of six children, viz: Caroline J., Sarah E.. Minnie E., Frank L., Sumner B., aiul Martha L. These were all born in Mineral, Penn.

Sumner B. Kirkhoff was for twenty-three years successfully engaged in farming, and during ten years of that time he conducted a blacksmith shop in the town of Pleasant Valley, and for the past nine years he has been Deputy State Game AVarden. He was County Superintendent of the Poor for two years, and

In October, 1889, Mr. Kirkhoff married Miss Clara Smith, of Pleasant Valley, and they have four children, viz: Warren 0., Helen R,, Sumner B., Jr., and Harris S., all born in Eau Claire.

Math'a;S Kneer, deceased, a German pioneer of Eau Claire, -yvas born in Wurtenburg, Germany, March 4, 1831, a son of Joseph and Anna (Kneisle) Kneer, and his ancestors for many generations were millers by trade. Joseph Kneer vs^as a baker, which occupation he followed for manj' years in Germany, and eventually came to Eau Claire, where he died at the home of his son, JMathias. The family consisted of three sons, Mathias, Andrew and Jolni N. Mathias Kneer, following in the footsteps of his father, learned the baker's trade in Germany, and after coming to the United States, continued that business at Mt. Holly, New Jersey and Philadelphia, Penn., and for several years was in the liotel business at Jacksonville, New Jersey. In 1855 he located at Watertown, Wis., remaining there luitil 18.57, when lie came to Eau Claire and for one year was engaged in farming. Ho later re-embarked in the hotel business, built the present Kneer House in 1865, and succi'ssl'iilly <'iinductiMl it uj) to a few months prior to his death, -which orcurrcd in Xdvciiilicr, ISD"). By strict frugality, public spirit, honesty and tidclity. he became a prosperous and highly esteemed citizen, and always took an active interest in public affairs. He was twice trustee of the Village board, served one term on the county board and also served as alderman of the second ward, being elected on tlie Independent ticket.

On April 29, 1855, he married Miss Barbara (Betz), who died in Eau Claire, in 1864, leaving four children, viz : Louise, wife of J. J. Auer; Jidia, wife of Teto Buebeler; Anna, wife of J. Derge, and Prank, deceased. Mr. Kneer later married Louise Iloeffner, and three children were born, viz: Emma, wife of Fred Raddatz; Dora, wife of Emil Rick, and Herman. Mr. Kneer was a member of the German Prieden Lodge, Independent Order of Odd Fellows, and filled all its offices, having been its first Noble Grand. He was also president of the German Schuetzenverein.

Henry M. Knudtson,* the popular and well known real estate dealer of Eau Claire, was born in this city April 19, 1872. His parents, Hantz and Marie (Eide) Knudtson, were both natives of Norway. At the age of twenty-two years, the father, who was a machinist by trade, came to the United States and located in

Eaii Claire, where he was employed by the Northwestern Lumber Company, at Porter's Mills, for many years, as a saw filer and machinist. He married in Eaii Claire and was a resident here for forty-six years. He died in 1910 at the age of sixty-six, and his wife, mother of our subject, passed away in 1909. Thej' were the parents of four children, as follows: Ole is deceased; Henry M., the subject of this sketch ; John is engaged in the fire insurance business in Jlinneapolis, and Edward is deceased.

Henry M. was educated in the common and high schools of Eau Claire, and after graduating from the latter, he took a thorough business course in Minneapolis. In 1893 he retui*ned to Eau Claire and engaged in the real estate business, first as a clerk, and in 1897 as a partner. He is now president of the Wisconsin River Land Compan}', which was incorporated under the laws of Wisconsin in 1885, with a capital of $50,000. He is secretary and treasurer of the Ideal Land & Loan Company, which was incorporated in 1890 with a capital of $100,000. Mr. Knudtson is one of the successful business men of Eau Claire, progressive and influential, and has taken a great interest in the growth and development of the city and county of Eau Claire, in which he has large land interests. In addition to his business interests, he finds time to devote to other matters, and for the past four years has been secretary of the Lntlier Hospital. He is a member of the Eau Claire Club, the Knights of Pythias, the Young Glen's Christian Association and the Lutheran church.

Mr. Knudtson married in Eau Claire. Miss Elise Selmer, daughter of Emar and Anna (Qvale) Selmer, and they have two children, Larl S. and Emar Kimdtson.

Herman Kopplin,* whose whole life with the exception of four .years, has been spent in Wisconsin, is a native son of the Badger state, having been born in Green Lake county, IMay 15, 1854, and is one of a family of seven children, born to August and Henrietta (Fracke) Kopplin, natives of West Prussia, who emigrated to the United States in 18-19, and settled in Wisconsin. The father purchased a farm of 160 acres of wild land six miles from Wausau, in Marathon county, which he cleared and improved and engaged in farming. In addition to his home farm he owned 20 acres, which is now situated in the city of Wausau. His parents came to Eau Claire county in 1874 and settled on a farm of 160 acres in Lincoln township, which the father also cleared, and to which he subsequently added another quarter section, which he also improved, and there made his home until his deatli, which occurred in 1895 at the age of 82 years. He liad a family of seven children - three sons and four daughters, as follows: Minnie became the wife of Charles Monte, is deceased; Paulina, wife of Christ Dinke; Charles F. is deceased; Mary is the wife of Crayton Reams; Bertha, the deceased wife of Herman Mittlestadt ; Julius, who is the proprietor of the Commercial Hotel in Eau Claire, and Herman.

Herman Kopplin was raised in Green Lake and ilarathon counties, this state, and after four years spent in the state of Iowa, came to Eau Claire county in 1877, where he has sineresided, engaged in. general farming. His farm of 400 acres in Lincoln township, within half a mile of Fall Creek, is highly cultivated and exceptionally well improved, with a modern residence, large and commodious barns and out buildings, equipped with modern appliances and up-to-date labor-saving devices. Mr. Kopplin is lavish in expenditure of time and money in improvements, and takes great pride in making his one of the most attractive and model country homes in Eau Claire county.

In 1878 he married Miss Charlotte Dehuke, b.y whom he has Ihe following children: Edward; Laura, wife of II. E. Steinbriug, the present post master of Fall Creek ; Ida, wife of August Greis; Carl, Henrietta, Walter, Julius and one son, Herman, who was accidentally killed at the age of nine years. Mr. Kopplin is considered one of the most energetic and influential citizens of Lincoln townshi|i. He is iiublic spirited, kind hearted and generous and takes a keen intei'cst in all ]>ublic matters and is always ready to support any movement for the advancement of his town

Julius Kopplin," resident and well known business man of Eau Claii-e, was born in Marathon county, Wisconsin, June 2, 1857, the son of August and Henrietta (Fracke) Kopplin, natives of West Prussia, Avho came to the United States in 1849 and located in IMarathon county and engaged in farming, the father clearing a farm of 160 acres six miles from Wausau. and also twenty acres which is now in the limits of that city. In 1874 the family moved to Eau Claire county, settling in the town of Lincoln where the fathei' purchased 160 acres of land on which he made all the improvements, subse(iuently purchasing 160 acres more which he also cleared and improved and continued to reside in the town of Lincoln until his death in 1895, at the advanced age of 82 years. His children were Minnie, deceased wife of Charles Montie; Pauline married Christ Dinke; Charles F. is deceased; Mary married John Reams; Bertha, deceased wife of Herman Mittelstadt, also deceased; Herman and Julius.

Julius was reared in Marathon county, Wisconsin, Iowa, and the town of Lincoln, Eau Claire county. His education was obtained in the common schools, and be began life as a farmer in Lincoln township, following that vocation until 1882. He then engaged in the retail liquor business for six years in the town of Lincoln, and then went to xVshland, this state, and went into the same business there until 1890. In the last named year he came to Eau Claire and continued in the same business there for eighteen years. In 1906 with others, he purchased the Commercial Hotel property in Eau Claire, remodeled the building and now has one of the best hotel properties in the state, which is conducted on up-to-date principles.

Mr. Kopplin has been twice married ; his first wife was Otile Bartz, of the town of Lincoln, by whom he had one daughter, Amanda, now Mrs. Anton AVeizzenicker. His second wife was Julia, daughter of Andrew "VVelke, also of Lincoln, by whom he had two children, both of whom are deceased. Mr. Kopplin is a supporter of St. John's Lutheran Church, of Eau Claire, of Avhicli both himself and Mrs. Kopplin are members. He is a member of the Knights of Pythias and in politics is Independent.

John Morris Krogstad, chairman of the Brunswick town board and a well known fanner and stock raiser, was born in the town of Brunswick, Eau Claire county, April 21, 1879, of Norwegian parents. His father, Hans Krogstad, was born in Norway. February 14, 1846. Emigrating to America in 1869, he came to Wisconsin and first settled at Tomah, where he remained one year and in 1870 came to Eau Claire and for eight years thereafter worked on the river as a driver. In 1878 he moved to the town of Brunswick and purchased a farm of 80 acres, 65 acres of which were covered with timber. He set diligentl.v to woi'k, and in ten years had the farm all cleared and improved, and had purchased an additional 40 acres. In 1889 he sold the farm and moved to Porter's IMills, Eau Claire coi;nty, and again worked on the river lumbering until 1899 when he purchased another farm of 120 acres in Brunswick township to which he subsequently added 40 more acres. He successfully carried on general farming until 1906 when he retired and the management of the farm fell to his two sons Alfred and John M. He married Caroline Gilstad, daughter of John Gilstad, of Norwa.y, and they are the parents of the following children: Alfred; John M. ; Carl Edward, who resides in Eau Claire ; Henry Cornelius, a resident of North Bend, Oregon; Julius Oscar resides at Cameron, Wisconsin, and Amelia M., who was born in 1889. died in 1896.

John M. Ki-ogstad has spent his whole life in Eau Claire county. He received his education in the common and high schools and for five or six winter seasons, was variously employed in the lumber camps in and around Porter's JMills, working at farming during the summer months. In 1906 he took charge of the homestead containing- 160 acres of land which he and his brother Alfred are now successfully carrying on, engaged in general farming and stock raising and looking after their parents in their declining years.

In public affairs Mr. Krogstad takes an active interest and has filled several offices among them being town clerk for one year, treasurer of the town of Brunswick three years; supervisor two years and is now chairman of the town board. He is a man of genial social temperament and a lover of good cheer and is identified with various social, benevolent and fraternal organizations, being a member of the Blue Lodge, Chapter and Commandery of the Masonic Order, the Knights of Pythias and the Modern Woodmen of America.

Frederick W. Kromrey,* the popular real estate operator of Fall Creek, Eau Claire county, was born near Samaezin, Province of Bromberg, Prussia, May 12, 1854, the son of Martin and Ottelie (Berthke) Kromrey, who came to the United States in 1862. first locating in Blarquette, Wisconsin, where the father was employed by the day until he had acquired sufficient funds to purchase 80 acres of land, 40 acres of which was improved and where the family lived for about five years. In 1876 he sold out and came to Eau Claire county and purchased 80 acres of wild land in the town of Seymoiu*. He cleared and improved 70 acres of it and died in 1895 at the age of 65 years. He had a family of thirteen children of whom nine grew to maturity, viz. : Frederick W. ; Louis ; Louisa married John Gorman ; Herman ; Charles ; Edward; Matilda, wife of Albert Davis; Gustav and Emil.

Frederick W. was reared in his native county until he was fourteen years of age, receiving his education there. In 1868 he came to the United States and in 1875 to this county, locating at Fall Creek, where he purchased 80 acres of railroad land, cleared and improved it, and sold it in 1885. From that date until 1900 he was engaged in the agricultural implement business at Fall Creek, and during this period and for 25 years, sold threshing machines for the Minneapolis Threshing Machine Company. Since 1909 he has been engaged in the real estate business and not only locally but has been and is an extensive dealer in North Dakota and Montana lands.

Mr. Kromrey married, March 7, 1878, Amelia Zelmer, of j\Iarquette county, this state, and a native of Germany. By this union he has had twelve children, viz. : Albert ; Fred ; John ; Frank ; Alta married Gustav Peuse ; Edward is deceased ; Clara ; George ; Freda ; Ewald, and two who died in infancy, ilr. Kromrey is a member of the Lutheran church and fraternally is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and the iModeru "Woodmen of America. As a resident of the village of Fall Creek, he at one time served an unexpired term as president of the village.

Leonard L. Lancaster,* pioneer and retired lumbeniuui of Eau Claire, was born in Maxfield, Piscatauquis county, Maine, October 26. 1829, and is a son of Levi and Olive (Tourtelette) Lancaster, and comes from colonial stock. He received a common school and academic education in his native state and on attaining his majority, went to Michigan and there engaged in the lumber business for five years. In 1856 he settled in Eau Claire and here continued in the lumber business until 1861. On December 9, of that year, he enlisted in Company L, 2d Wisconsin Cavalry, was sent to Benton Barracks, Missouri, and later to Jefferson City, Missouri, where he remained until 1862, when he crossed the Ozark Mountains to Springfield. On July i, 1862, he was at Helena, Arkansas, and later at Canton, White River, Arkansas post. Cold Water, Tallahasse, under C. C. Washburn. He returned to Helena and was at Memphis, Tennessee, under the command of General Grearson, and from there he marched with his regiment to Vicksburg, Mississippi, a distance of 800 miles, making the trip in fifty-five days. He was then transferred to General W. T. Sherman's command and took part in the capture of Jackson and Canton, Mississippi. Pearl river, Tondiigbee river, and then returned to Vicksburg and ]\Iemphis, arriving there in 1865. He then went to Granada. Mississippi, and with 250 men captured General Forrest and 1,500 men, thence went to Natchez and up the Red river to Alexandria where he became a leader of a so-called meeting to displace his lieutenant colonel for which he was coiirt-martialed and sentenced to be shot by General Custer. At the last moment he was reprieved and his sentence changed to three years' banishment to Dry Tortugas, which, through the efforts of friends among whom was C. C. Washburn, was changed so that his release at the end of three months was brought about by order of General Sheridan. On his return Mr. Lancaster received transportation to ^Madison. AVisconsin, where upon his arrival he I'eceived a dishonorable discharge without pjiy. From there he had to walk honu- and so wasted was he by his liardships, only his dog recognized him. Later through the of C. C. Washburn, and Congressman Ilumphrej', of Hudson. Wisconsin, his dishonorable discharge was changed to one of honorable and he received back pay amounting to $1,000.00.

Mr. Lancaster married on April 12, 1851, Miss Sarah Holland, a native of Bangor, JIaine, and daughter of Fredrick and Lydia (Crocket) Holland, whose mother was a descendant of the famous David Crocket. The issue of this union was four children, viz. : Ella L., deceased wife of John Miller; Tirzah A; Carrie B., and Elmer E., who is deceased. ]Mr. Lancaster is one among the few surviving pioneers of Eau Claire. He is a Republican in politics, a member of the Odd Fellows and Eagle Post. No. 52, G. A. R., of Eau Claire. After the war, Mr. Lancaster engaged in the lumber business which he followed until 1900 when he retired and has since lived in retirement.

Frank C. Lanua, proprietor of the Fall Creek Luinlier Company, was born in Kingsburg. East Prussia, Germany, March 26, 1859, the son of Charles Louis and Miunie (Janert) Lanua. who came to the ITnited States in 1872. locating at Pine Grove Furnace, Ohio, where the father died in November, 1873, at the age of 48 years, leaving a widow and four children. Alvina married Peter Fraiiie; Theresa married John Sperry; Ida married Louis Lust, and Frank C, our subject, who was raised in Ohio from thirteen years of age, and who began life as a laborer. He came to Eau Claire county in 1883, where he was employed in the lumber yard uutil November, 1901, when he located at Fall Creek and associated with J. E. Zetzmau, he embarked in the lumber business under the name of The Lanua Lumber Company. This partnership was dissolved later and Mr. Lanua remained as manager for the Wilson and Weber Lumber Company for three years, and acted in the same capacity for the North Star Lumber Company two years. Since 1912 he has been in the lumber business alone, under the name of The Fall Creek Lumber Company, carrying one of the most complete stocks in the county, and is considered one of the most progressive men of Fall Creek, and supporter of every enterprise pertaining to the village and county.

Mr. Lanua was three times married ; his first wife was Augusta, tlaughter of Martin Arnsdorf, of Eau Claire, by whom he had two daughters. Ida and Jlinnie, who is the wife of Albert Carlson. His second wife was Minnie Schwartz, and his present wife, Marie, daughter of Daniel Zempel, a pioneer of Lincoln township. Mr. Lanua is a member of the Gernuiu Lutheran church. He

Albert Larson,* dealer in furniture and house furnishing goods, Eau Claire, is a native of Norway, and was born July 11, 1864, the son of Albert and Thora (Hanson) Larson. He remained in Norway, attending the common schools until he ^\as fifteen years old, and in 1879 came to the United States, first locating in Trempealeau county, "Wisconsin, where he had two uncles, Peter Nelson and A. M. Amuslund, who came to America in 1858 and were among the pioneer farmers of Trempealeau and Eau Claire counties. Peter Nelson enlisted in a Wisconsin regiment and served as a soldier in the Civil War.

Mr. Larson worked three years on a farm in Trempealeau county, then came to Eau Claire and secured employment with the Daniel Shaw Lumber Companj', with whom he remained eight years. He was next employed as a clerk for two years, and was then engaged in the restaurant business for four years, after which he was for twelve year.s manager and collector for the American Wringer Company, of New York. He then purchased their business in Eau Claire in which he is still engaged, but makes a specialty of household and house furnishings, having at this time, 1914, two stores on Grand avenue west, and Galloway street on the north side.

On April 11. 1894, Mr. Larson married Otelia, daughter of Abraham Olson, a native of Norway and pioneer of Trempealeau county, who met his death in the fire at the Holiart House in Eau Claire, at the age of 63 years.

Mr. and Mrs. Larson are the parents of four children, viz. : Lloyd, Thomas, Raymond and Gladys. Mr. Larson is up-to-date in his business methods, and enjoys the confidence of the community for his honorable and upright dealing. He is a member of Grace Lutheran church, the I. S. W. A. and the Sons of Norway.

Andrew Larson,* a prominent business man of Eau Claire and popular as a contractor and manufacturer of all kinds of concrete building material, was born in Sweden, June 29, 1881, where he lived, obtained a good common school education and was variously employed until he reached the age of twenty, and in 1882 he came to America, and for two years made his home in the state of Michigan. He came to Eau Claire in 1884 and for several years was engaged in lumbering. In 1897 he started in the concrete business, and by his energy, thrift and straightforward business methods, has built up a large and profitable busiuess. He manufactures all kinds of cement and concrete building material, which besides being extensively used in Eau Claire, is shipped to many outside points. The business is conducted under his personal supervision, and employs about twenty men the year 'round.

Lewis Larson, father of our subject, reared a family of eight children, viz.: Andrew, Charles, John, Edward, Carrie, Annie, Hilda and Eriek. all of whom except the latter who is employed by his brother, Andrew, reside in Sweden.

Mr. Larson married Miss Alma Johnson, also a native of Sweden, and they have four children, all born in the city of Eau Claire, viz. : Esta, Victor, William and Edith.

Henry Laycock,* retired contractor and builder of Eau Claii-e, was born in Yorkshire, England, jMarch 14, 1842. Son of Ralph and Ann (Granger) Laycock. He was reared to manhood in his native country, attended the common schools, and served an apprenticeship at the general masons trade. After mastering his trade which his father and grandfather before had followed, he, in 1861, set sail for the LTnited States. Landing in New York City, he remained but a short time, but in August of that year went to Toronto, Canada, and was employed at his trade for two years. In 1863 he returned to the States and located at Sterling, Illinois, resumiug his labors as a mason until the Spring of 1864, when he eulisted as a soldier in the Civil War, as a member of Company C, Eight Illinois Cavalry. He participated in several skirmishes, and was later on detailed duty in Virginia, chasing General Mosby and protecting the commissary department. After eighteen months of service he was honorably discharged at Benton Barrack, Missouri, paid off iu Chicago, and returned to Sterling, 111.