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

William Swift, son of Edward and Ann (Macgomery) Swift, was born at Albany, N. Y., May 25, 1835. He received his education in the public schools, took up farming for his occupation and lived with his parents until their death. When his father died he i^urchased a part of the old homestead, and subsequently added to it until he owned a fine fai-m of 320 acres. He carried on general farming, but was also well known as a successful stock raiser. For nearly 60 years he was a resident of the township of Brunswick and came to be regarded, not only as one of its most enterprising and successful farmers, but also as one of its leading men. In politics he was an Independent, yet such was the confidence reposed in him that he was honored with positions of public trust. He was chairman of the town board for five years and was also road commissioner, pathinaster. school treasurer and a member of the county board.

William Swift Biography 881

and more into the affections of the people who knew him. He lived a clean, honorable life and was one of the best of neighbors. He died August 16, 191-1, after a short illness, and, although in his 80th year, was active of body and vigorous of mind until a few weeks before his death.

Speaking of him the Eau Claire Leader said: "He was one of the eoiinty's earliest and best loved citizens. His life was so filled with kindly acts that he was endeared to all who knew him. Throughout the community "William Swift was admired and respected. A successful farmer, he was also an exemplary citizen and his memory will long be cherished."

His gentle disposition and his generous heart on the one hand and his long life and successful career on the other recall that beautiful statement in the Beatitudes: "Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth."

"Some one adopted this resolution for each day of life, 'I will this day try to live a simple, sincere, serene life.' Add a few great words and we have what must have been the life resolution of ]Mr. Swift. 'I will this day ti-y to live a simple, sincere. serene, kindly, earnest, useful life.'

"He was one of that fine type of men who came from the East into the West, whose purpose and wi.sdom and hard work changed Wisconsin from a M'ilderness into a garden, and made her a really great state.

"He was a temperate man. He knew that to live his life successfully, to do his work, to be useful to the w(n-ld. to be a comfort to those who loved him and whom he loved, lu' unist take care of himself, must not waste his powers.

"He was a likable man. So many have spoken tenderly of him during these days of his sickness and death ; so many loved and respected him, and the better they knew him, and the longer, the more they loved him.

"And he was a kind man. One close to him by the ties of blood, said with tears, 'He was a father to us.' We read, 'A righteous man regardeth the life of his beast,' This was preeminently true of him. Neighbors, acquaintances, those who met him in a business way, relatives, all imite in calling him a kindly

"He is not dead. He lives. He lives in the memory of many. 'The memory of the just is blessed.' He lives in other lives through his fine, uplifting influence. Out on the old farm everywhere there are marks of his purpose, thought, decision, work. He lives in the old farm. But we believe also that he still lives an individual consciousness. Shall a farm last longer than a man? That part of a human being which thinks, decides, is kind, loves, is lovable, is the real part, the mind, the soul. The soul does not die."

Robert Swift, who is engaged in general farming and stockraising in the town of Brunswick, was born in New Haven, Connecticut, March 22, 1839, a son of Edward Swift, who emigrated from Ireland to the United States and settled first in New York City, going from there to Albany, thence to New Haven, Conn. When Robert was quite a young boy, his parents came west to Wisconsin and settled on a farm in Eau Claire county. He received his education in the common schools, was reared on the farm and remained with his parents assisting with the farm work until he became of age. He then Avent to California, and located in Monterey county, where for six years he was employed as a sheep herder, during wliich time he became thoroughly familiar with sheep raising and then branched out for himself and was engaged in this business for six years, owning at one time many thousand head of fine sheep.

After twelve years spent in California, he returned to Eau Claire county. Wis., and purchased 80 acres of land in Brunswick township formerly owned by his father, where he has since carried on general farming and stock raising. In addition to this, he keeps a fine herd of Jersey cows and does an extensive business. He is one of the most enterprising farmers of his neighborhood, and has always taken an active interest in the welfare of his town and county. He has served as a member of the town board, and in national affairs sides with the Democratic party.

i\Ir. Swift was married in the town of Brunswick, to An}iie A. Hauxhurst, daughter of J. V. Hauxhurst, of Long Island, New York, and they are the parents of four children as follows : Mary married Pearl Sterns, of Eau Claire; Margaret is the wife of Albert Schultz, a farmer in Montana, and William and Maude, who reside at home with their parents. Mr. Swift has lived a long, honorable and successful life, and is greatly respected by

Biography 88J

John Tebo,* one of the oldest and niosl icspiMfcd citizens of Augusta, Eau Claire county, is a native of Siiiti'II, Canada, where he was born April 28, 1828, the son of Jlitch.ll ainl .^lary (Defo) Tebo. The father was a sawyer by trade, and lived to the age of 70 years, his death occurring from an attack of cholera.

In the Spring of 1864 Mr. Tebo came to the United States and located in Columbia county, Wisconsin, where on December 11, of that year, he entered the Union Army as a member of the 4'4th Wisconsin Regiment of Volunteer Infantry, having enlisted at Portage City, and served until April 29, 1865, when he was mustered out. He came to Augusta in the Spring of 1874, and established himself in the retail shoe business wliich he successfully carried on for many years.

On Jlareh 31, 1849, Mr. Tebo married Miss Lena Hutchinson, who was born in New York. By this union, he had a family of severi children, four of whom, Irving, William, Emma, wife of William Wood, and Jennie, wife of Frank Reed, are living, and all making their homes in Seattle, Washington. The mother of these children died February 9, 1903, and Mr. Tebo afterwards married Mrs. Margaret Smith, widow of J. C. Smith, of Augusta. Mr. Tebo has always taken a kem inti rest in the affairs of the county, has been energetic and ]iiiis|i('i mis and is now living in retirement and en.joys the confidence and respect of the people of his community.

Frederick W. Thomas, treasurer of the Drummond Packing Compan.y, of Eau Claire, was born in Monomonie, Wis., November 6, 1872, the son of Evan Q. and Lydia A. (Botsford) Thomas, the father a native of Pennsylvania and the mother a native of Wisconsin. His paternal grandfather, Evan Thomas, a native of Wales, came to the United States about 1830, locating near Wilkesbarre, Pa., and worked in the anthracite coal mines of that vicinity for a time and later engaged in farming near Dundaff, where his death occurred. The maternal grandparents were Anthony and Caroline (Bennett) Botsford, natives of New York and Vermont, respectively. They came to Wisconsin in an early day and were pioneers of this state, residing at the time of his death, at Humbird. Evan Q. Thomas was a soldier in the Civil AVar, being a member of Company K, 52d Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry and served four years in the Union Army, being wounded at the battle of Fair Oaks, Va. After the close of the war, .he returned home and in 1866 came to Wisconsin, locating at Bangor,

LaCrosse comity, ami tlierc learuecl telegraphy in the offiee of the Omaha Railway Company. He then became agent of stations along the line as fast as the road was constrneted. lie came to Ean Claire in 1873, where he held the position of station agent until 1882, when he was appointed traveling freight agent for the company, holding that position until his death in 1904, at the age of sixty-two years. His family consisted of four children as follows: Frederick W.. Edward B.. David E. and Edna, the wife of A. J. Airis.

Frederick W. was reared in Eau Claire, receiving his education in the public and high schools of. this city, graduating from the latter in 1890, after which he attended the University of Wisconsin, graduating from that institution in 1895. He afterwards taught school for several terms, and in 1904 became connected with the Drummond Packing Company, of Eau Claire, as bookkeeper, was admitted to the firm in 1906 and since 1908 has served as treasurer of this corporation.

On July 2, 1902, he married IMiss Elsie, daughter of Patrick and ]Mary (Drummond) Fitzgerald, of Eau Claire, and to them four children have been born, viz.: Mary, Robert, Eleanor _and Frederick L.

Mr. Thomas is jirominently identified with the ilasonic fraternity, being a member of the Eau Claire Blue Lodge. No. 112, of which he is past master, the Eau Claire Chapter. No. 36, R. A. M., and the Eau Claire Commandery, No. 8, Knights Templar. He is also a member of the Industrial School Board.

Gecrge Thorson* was born at Wheaton, Eau Claire county, on February 11. 1879, the son of Theo. and Dorothy (Johnson) Thorson. The father was born in Christiania, Norway, and eame to the United States when a young man. and followed the life of a sailor until he reached the age of 45 years. For the past twentyeight years he has been engaged in farming, and now at the age of 73, in 1914, resides with his wife in Wheaton. They raised a family of six children, as follows : Thomas is yardsman for the New Dells Lumber Company ; George ; Gus is a locomotive engineer: Marie married Henry Lysser and resides at Cameron, this state ; Eliza married John Holum of Eau Claire, and Lawrence is a moulder, employed by the Phoenix Manufacturing Company.

Mr. George Thorson was educated in the public schools and in the Chippewa College, and was employed by the Clark & Taylor Grain Company, buying grain for a period of three years, then for two years was in business at Stanley, Wis., and for six years was associated with the C. W. Cheney Elevator Company, at Eau Claire, and afterward with the Wisconsin Central Railroad Company in their warehouse in Eau Claire until 1907. He is now. 1914, secretary and treasurer of the Northwestern Flour & Grain Company, to which he devotes his entire time and to his grain and milling interests. He is a stockholder in the l)ank of Allen, and owns a farm of 240 acres near Wheaton.

In fraternal matters Mr. Thorson is a member of the A. F. and A. M.. Blue Lodge and Chapter, a member of the Elks. KnigJits of Pythias and the L S. W. A.

Thomas E. Till,* deceased, who. for nearly foity years was a prominent logging contractor of Eau Claire, was born in Sunbury county. New Brunswick, November 3, 1850, and died in Eau Claire, October 3. 1913. His father, John Till, was a resident of Sunbury county, where he followed blacksmithing, and also engaged in farming. He came to Eau Claire county and for a number of years followed his trade of blacksmith in the employ of the Valley Lumber Company. He later returned to New Brunswick and carried on a blacksmith shop and farm. He married and raised a family of ten children, as follows: Alfred, who is a lumber dealer at Cloquet, Minn.; Le'vina married Emory Smith, of New Brunswick; Thomas, deceased, the subject of this sketch; < Jeorge, now engaged in farming in New Brunswick ; Jane married Oliver Craney, a lumberman of Eau Claire; John follows tlie trade of blacksmith in New Brunswick; William is engaged in teaming in Eau Claire; Ella is deceased; Rose married John Smith and resides in New Brunswick, and Edwin is deceased.

Thomas E. Till received his education in the common schools of New Brunswick, and was employed in the woods as lumberman until 1874, when lu^ moved with his family to Eau Claire. Soon after his arrival here, lie eiitcriMl the employ of the North- Mestern Lumber Company, and later the Valley Lumber Compan.y, and at one time had charge of the camp for both of these companies and later was engaged with William Anderson at logging. He then started in the same business on his own account, and for over thirty-eight years never missed a winter in the wooils. He owned twenty hor.ses, which he used during the sunnner mouths in railroad work, and also owned and operated a complete threshing machine outfit with others and did threshing in Eau Claire and adjoining counties, but his principal business was logging contracting. He was progressive, public spirited and charitable and had many warm friends, some of whom took advantage of his generosity to the disadvantage of himself. He was thrifty and progresisve, and had at the time of his death, accumulated sufficient means to enable his wife to live the remainder of her life in comfort and ease. Some thirty-three years prior to his death, he invested in property located on the Chippewa river, which has since increased in value about five times. He was a member of the Baptist church, and a man devoted to his home juid family.

In ISCS he married Louisa Smith, wlio was born November 3, 1852, the daughter of Jeremiah and Elizabeth (Poss) Smith, of New Brunswick. To this union were born three children : Harvey, who died at the age of 19 ; Thomas Austin resides with his mother in Eau Claire, married Ethel Thames, daughter of William and Adeline (Muck) Thames of Mondovi, Wis., and they have one child by adoption, Edith ilay, born March 21, 1914, and Leonard, who resides in Eau Claire, engaged in lumbering, married Miss Mary Meyers, of Mondovi.

Mrs. Louisa (Smith) Till, sister of Absalom and Orin Smith, residents of Union township. Eau Claire county, was boi-n in New Brunswick. She was married at the age of sixteen and became the mother of three children. She came to Eau Claire with her husband in 1874, and for eight winters following, went into the woods and did cooking in the lumber camps, and with the money thus earned, together with that provided by her husband, purchased in 1882. the property where she has since lived, for thirtythree years. Mrs. Till has been an extensive traveler and in company with her son has made prolonged trips through the western part of the United States, visiting Seattle. Wash.. Los Angeles. Calif., and many other places of interest.

Reverend Henry M. Toeller,* Pastor of St. ilary's Roman Catholic Congregation, at Altooua, was born in La Crosse, AVis., January 27, 1880, the son of Frank and Rose (Nieloa) Toeller, natives of the Province of the Rhine, Germany. His paternal grandfather. Frank Toeller, and maternal grandparents, Matthew and Marj' (Valieehek) Nieloa, were all pioneers of Wisconsin. Father Toeller was reared in La Crosse, where he remained until fourteen years of age; he received his education in the St. Joseph Parochial School, in La Crosse, after which he entered tlie Pontifical College, Josepimun, Columbus, Ohio, where after twelve years of classical and theological study, he was ordained to the priesthood by Rt. Rev. Bishop James Hartley, on June 9. 1906. His first assignment was as assistant pastor to Rev. Father

Charles Lyman Tolles, one of the well knoAvn citizens and representative business men of Eau Claire, was born in this city August 28, 1859, and is descended from a long line of prominent New England ancestry. His father, Robert Tolles, was born near Plymouth, Conn., August 2, 1827, and was the son of Lyman and Almira (Andrews) Tolles, farmers of Terryville, Conn. He was a nephew of Seth Thomas, the clockmaker, and when ten years of age, went into the clock factory at Thomaston, Conn. After acquiring a knowledge of clock making, he took up mechanical engineering and was employed in a machine .shop in that state, and AVindham, N. Y. During his residence in Windham, he married Mary Richards Graham, daughter of Charles Graham, a prominent shoe dealer on November 7, 1852. She was born June 21, 1825. They came to Eau Claire in 1857, and he installed the first steam plant of any account in this section, for the old Eau Claire Lumber Company at their steam mill, and was in their employ for about four years. He siibsequently engaged with his brother-in-law, Hiram P. Graham, in the business that was finally merged into the Phoenix Manufacturing Company of today. During his earlier days in Eau Claire, he did some steamboating on the Chippewa river, and was also connected with the Dells Lumber Company and for a time had full charge of an important grist mill at Sand Creek, Dunn county, which was owned by this firm.

He was a member of the first board of aldermen for the city of Eau Claire and until his death, which oecm-red July 7. 1879. held a prominent place in the business and social life of the city.

Mr. Charles L. Tolles grew to manhood in Eau Claire, attended the public schools, but being thrown upon his own resources early in life, he was compelled to go into business before his education was completed. His final schooling was received under the tutelage of T. P. Frawley, attending classes in the winter and working in the shop in summer. In 1876 he became associated with the Phoenix IManufacturing Company and has been connected with that concern continuously ever since, having worked his way to the presidency of the company. On May 25, 1879, he was sent to Sand Creek, in Dunn county, to take charge of the flouring mill there, which was owned by this company, and after spending four years there, he returned to Eau Claire and the office of tlie Phoenix company, remaining there three years, then went with the Eau Claire Mills Supply Compauy, a branch corporation. The mill supply company was subsequently sold, in about 1904, to W. H. Hobbs, and Mr. Tolles returned to the Phoenix eoiupany.

Mr. Tolles is one of the best examples of what the hustling American boy can make of himself, a clean-cut, wide-awake business man, ready to adopt new business methods whenever exigency of trade demands them, and ever ready to devote his time and talent to the use of the public in all matters pertaining to the improvement of his home city.

On June ."). 1882. he married jMiss Ida May Fox. To this union have been born two children, Romaine Graham and Helen Athalia. In social circles as well as in commercial life Mr. Tolles occupies a prominent place ; he is a member of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, the United Commercial Travelers, the Eau Claire Club and the Traveler's Protective Association.

Michael J. Toner, overseer of the Eau Claire county poor farm, is a jiroduet of Pennsylvania, born at St. Clair. Schuylkill county, that state, November 7, 1866, to Francis and Ann (Me- Gough) Toner. The father, who was a native of Ireland, came to the United States in the early fifties and located in Pennsylvania, where for thirteen years he was emploj'ed in the anthracite coal mines. In 1866 he came west to Wisconsin and settled in Eau Claire county, purchasing at that time a tract of land containing 100 acres in what is now the city of Eau Claire. From that time on until his death, which occurred xVpril 7. 1910, he resided in the city. The mother died at the age of 68 years, while the father was about 75 years old at the time of his death. They were the parents of eleven children, all of whom grew to manhood and womanhood. James, Michael J., Frank, Daniel and Annie, wife of Stephen Curry, are the only ones now living. Those deceased are Kate, who married Michael Carroll: John; Edward; Sarah; Mary, and Maggie.

Michael J., who was an infant when his parents came to Eau Claire, grew up with the village and received his education in the district schools of the county, and after reaching his maturity, he followed the occupations of lumbering and farming until April, 1906, since which time he has occupied his present position, which is sufficient evidence of his fitness as overseer of the poor farm.

On November 7, 1905, he married Miss Bertha, daughter of Nels and Olena (Fjerstad) Silverness, natives of Norway and pioneer settlers of ]Mondovi, Buffalo county. Wisconsin. The issue of this union is three sons, Edward, Robert and Francis. In religions faith Mr. and Mrs. Toner are Catholics and he is a member of the Catholic Order of Foresters.

Peter Truax. Standing prominent among the representative men of Eau Claire was Peter Truax. He was born in Steuben county. New York, February 24, 1828, and was the son of Jacob and Mary Truax, both native Americans of sturdy, progressive disposition. While yet a youth, he moved with his parents to Alleghany county. New York. He received his education in the public schools of that state, and on September 23, 1852, married Miss Cordelia Avery. The adventuresome spirit of the times made itself felt in j\Ir. Truax, who concluded to seek his fortune in the west, where the opportunities for advancement were so much greater than in the East. Accordingly in 1854, he started westward to Wisconsin, and after a residence of two years in Walworth county, he in 1855 came to Eau Claire and settled on a tract of land on ^^-hat is now known as Truax Prairie. Here he sucrcssriilly engaged in general farming for ten years aiid tlicii I'diMixcil to the then villauc n\' Haii Claire, in 1865, and estalilisht'd himself in the general iiicrcliandising business. Seeing greater opportunities in lumbering, in 1873 he disposed of his mercantile interests and engaged in logging and extensive farming. He acquired large interests in the sawmill property of the Clociuet Lumber C'ompany, and was also extensively interested in an electric railway in Idaho, as a stockholder. He became associated with Mr. Thorp, and together they built the first opera house erected in Eau Claire.

Mr. Truax erected a residence in the city of Eau Claire, but preferred his country home as a place of abode, which he had occupied some time prior to his decease, Jlarch 18, 1909, at the age of 81 years. The death of ]\lr. Truax closed the career of one whose long life was well spent in tloing good in the community in which he had lived. Mrs. Truax who resides in Eau Claire, is a lady of charming personality and noble Christian character, whose bequests and benefactions will pei-petuate her name in Eau Claire.

James M, Vance, highway and bridge contractor, with postotfice address Chippewa Falls, was born in ^lonroe county, Iowa, October 8, 1854, the son of Rev. John A. and Nancy J. (Snodgrass) Vance, natives of Pennsylvania and Ohio, respectively, and pioneers of Monroe county, Iowa, where the father improved a farm of eighty acres. He was also a clergyman of the United Presbvterian church. In 1876 he came to Wisconsin and was pastor of the Lisbon congregation, of Sussex, Waukesha county, eleven years. He was twice married; his first wife was Nancy J. Snodgrass, by whom he had three children, as follows: Mary Ann, wife of C. H. Dunlap, of Seattle, Wash. ; Martha J., wife of C. C. Palmer, of Eddyville, la., and James M., the subject of this sketch. His second wife was Liicinda Presley, and they were the parents of two children: John P., a civil engineer on the Canadian Pacific railroad and who lost his life in a blizzard in northwestern Canada, and Jennie, a trained nurse of Newcastle, Pa.

James M. grew to manhood in Iowa, was educated in the common schools and began life as a farmer in his native state. He came to Eau Claire county in 1887 and settled on a farm of 190 acres in the town of Seymour, to which he has subsequently added until now his farm contains 230 acres of well cultivated land, improved with substantial buildings. From 1887 to 1906 Mr. Vance carried on farming operations on this farm. In tlie last named year he turned the management over to his son, Martin Roy, and since that time has given his sole attention to highway bridge contracting in northwestern Wisconsin, his operations extending over nine counties. This business was started by Mr. Vance in 1902 and for four years he carried it on in connection with his farming operations, but the business grew to such large proportions he finally turned his farm business over to his son, as stated above. Mr. Vance has always taken an active interest in social as well as civic affairs and has been many times honored by his friends for office. He was elected and served as chairman and clerk of the town of Seymour for about sixteen years. He was elected treasurer of Eau Claire county and served in that capacity during the years of 1905, '06, '07 and '08. In politics he is a Republican, while fraternally he is a member of Eau Claire Lodge, No. 112, A. F. & A. M.

On October 24, 1878, he married Miss Jeannette Rogers, daughter of Archibald and Agnes Rogers, natives of Dundee, Scotland, and pioneers of Waukesha county, Wisconsin. They have a family of five children living, as follows : James T. ; John A., in business with father; Jesse George, Methodist Episcopal minister; Martin R., on farm, and Jennie 1).. at liome, and two deceased, Willard and Charles.

Henry Clay Van Hovenberg, deceased, one of the very early settlers of this part of Wisconsin, and closely identified with the primitive struggles of the city and county of Eau Claire, was born September 25, 1831, in Schenectady county. New York, and was the son of Dewitt and Katherine (Becker) Van Hovenberg, and grandson of Rndolph and Lydia (Van Dyek) Van Hovenberg. He was educated in the county schools and the city of Schenectady, and in 1842 came west to Wisconsin with his parents and settled in Green Lake county. There Henry (May V;ni Hovenberg followed the occupation of farming until about twenty years of age, when becoming allured by the current stories of Eau Claire, he came here in 1856, and for more than half a century made this his home. For five or six years after locating here, he followed the business of carpenter and joiner, also taking up the work of millwright. He became associated with Mr. Flavins Mills, and they started the publication of the Chippewa Valley News, which in 1869 became the Eau Claire News, the publication of which was continued by them until 1870, when Mr. Van Hovenberg sold his interest to W. F. Bailey.

ilr. Van Hovenberg took an active part in the organization of tlie town government of west Eau Claire and Avas for many years engaged in the implement business with the late Jacob Strum, which business had been closed out somewhat prior to the death of Mr. Van Hovenberg. He was for many years largely interested in real estate in Eau Claire and was prosperous and successful in all his business ventures. He was prominent in the Congregational church, and at times conducted services at school houses and missions, and was a member of the New York Society of Cincinnati. His grandfather, Rudolph Van Hovenberg, was one of the original members of the New York Society of Cincinnati, having signed the roll in 1783. A portion of his journal while with the Sullivan expedition is found in Cook's journals of the military expeditious of Major General John Sullivan.

In 1860 Mr. Van Hovenberg married M-Avy Eliza Pease, who died in 1873. To this union were born the following children : Dewitt Joseph, Avho died September 28, 1913, at the age of 52 years; Mary Elizabeth married Eli W. Keck, on December 29, 1908; Katherine was married June 15, 1899, to Harold Winthrop Brown and resides at Dover, New Hampshire ; Margaret, who was married July 8, 1891, to Frank Asa Morrill, resides in Norwood, Massachusetts, and Karl Henry, who is a practicing lawyer and a professor in the public schools of Chicago. In September, 1880, Mr. Van Hovenberg was again married, this time to Mrs. Sarah Stinehfield Teague, who still survives and makes lier

Albert Ventzke, a representative citizen and substantial farmer, ^\'llose fine farm of 200 acres adjoins the village of Fall Creek, is another of Wisconsin's native sons, having been born in Marathon county, this state, and is the eldest of a family of seven children born to Albert and Minnie (Wartleman) Ventzke. Of the others, Gustav is now in Montana; Minnie is the wife of Henry AVittmer; Emma is the wife of William Scheefelbin ; Laura is the wife of Julius Haas; Anna married Julius Kranz, and Ida, v.iio is tile wife of Reinhold Stobe. The parents were both boi-ii in the Province of Pommerian, Germany, and in an early day emigrated to the United States, settling in Wisconsin, where the father died at the age of 64 years. The mother still survives and is honored and respected by her many friends and acquaintances.

Albert received his education in the common schools and came to Eau Claii'e county in 1874. He has always been a hard working man, energetic, thrifty and economical, and has carved his way to the top round of the ladder. His 200 acre farm, which for the most part is under a good state of cultivation and improved with a substantial and commodious dwelling, barns and other out buildings, makes an ideal country home, of which he may well be proud. He is engaged in general farming and stock raising, and uses the most modern methods in his operations. In polities he is independent and takes a lively interest in all public matters in his town and county. He is a member of the Lutheran church and contributes liberally to its support.

Mr. Ventzke married Miss Julia Stabenow, of Fall ("reck, and they have an interesting family of three childi'en, two sons and one daughter, named respectively, Herman, .\nmnda and Walter Ventzke.

Memory Victory,* one of the early settlers and highly respected citizens of Augusta, where he is now engaged in the grain business, is the son of Thomas J. and Eliza (Dodge) Victory, and was born at Masena, St. Lawrence county, New York, April ;5, 1833, and is named after his grandfather. Memory Victory, who, as did his other ancestors, followed agricultural pursuits in New England. Thomas Victory, father of our subject, left the state of New York with his family for the west in 1859, and the same year settled on a farm in Wisconsin, where Ik^ followed the life of a farmer until his death.

Hiograi'Iiv 893

coiumou school edueatiou. He followed the vocation of farming until 1870, when he engaged in the mercantile business which he followed until 1905 and again engaged in farming, and is now associated with his son in the buying and shipping of hay and grain. In 1870 he married Miss Elisa Crowles, a native of St. Lawrence county. New York, and they have had four children, only one of wiioiu, Wallace O'Dell Victory, is living and in business with his father. Mr. Victory is a Democrat in politics and has held several local offices. He is a high minded, public spirited man and takes a lively interest in all matters of benefit to his town and county.

Amos Ward, for fort.x-eight years a resident and highly resfiected citizen of Eau Claire, is a native of Canada and was born September 20. 1830. When a young boy he left Canada and from that time until 1866 lived in the states of Maine and Pennsylvania. For several years during his residence in Maine he was engaged in fai-ming and shipbuilding. He lived nine years in Potter county, Pennsylvania, and from there he came to Wisconsin, arriving in Eau Claire August 15, 1866. Soon after his arrival here he entered the employ of the Daniel Shaw Lumber Company, with whom he remained until 1905. at which time the interests of this company were sold. During the civil war Mr. Ward enlisted in Ciuiipany C. One Hundred and Forty-eighth fJegiment. l^cniisyl\aiii<i Volunteer Infantry, and served t^vo years. He was iinisti^-i'd out and honorably discharged at the close of the war in 1865. He is a member of Eagle Post, No. 52, Grand Army of the Republic, of Eau Claire, and for a number of years has lived in retirement.

Mr. Ward was married in the state of Alaine to Miss Lydia ]\1. Trott, by whom he has six children: Charles R., who is a practicing physician in the city of Eau Claire and resides at home: Syntha; Eva Louis, who is also a physician and resides at iieuiidii. .Aliiiii.; Allen and Kate. His daughter Syntha married A. E. Henderson, a physician, and also resides at Bemid.ji, Minn. Samuel Weike,* of Lincoln township, is the only surviving member of a family of five children born to Gottleib and Mary (Steinke) Welke. in the Provnice of Posen. (iermauy. He was born on January 14. 1887; the other children were Theodore, (iustav, Robert and Julia, who married William Harding.

Mr. Welke attended the common schools of his native country, where he remained until sixteen years of age, and in 1853 the family emigrated to the United States. Soon after arriving they located in ]\Iarquette county, Wisconsin, and there the par- ents spent the balance of their lives, the father dying at the age of 91 and the mother at 98 years of age. Samuel AVelke remained with his parents in Marquette county seven years, and in 1861 moved to Eau Claire county and purchased 80 acres of State University lands, paying for same $2.50 per acre. The city of Eau Claire at that time was only a small village, with one stoi-e and one hotel, and this was Mr. Welke's nearest trading point. Loyal to his adopted country, Mr. Welke in 1864 enlisted as a private under Captain Stocking in Company G, Forty-eighth Wisconsin Volunteer Infantry, and served for ten months, principally in Missouri. After his honorable discharge he returned to Eau Claire and resumed his farming operations, which have since absorbed his time and attention. His farm, which is now being operated by his son, John, consists of 160 acres of highly cultivated and well improved land in sections 24 and 25, Lincoln township. The residence and outbuildings are substantial and commodious and the farming equipment is modern and up-todate.

Mr. Welke was married to AVilhemiua Wing, and they have four children, two sons and two daughters. John resides on the home farm, which he carries on with good success; Fred lives in Altoona, this county; Julia married Charles Kisler, and Emma is the wife of William Grant. A member of the Lutheran church, Mr. Welke contributes liberally to its support. He has been a resident of Eau Claire county for more than half a century and has not only seen but has taken an active part in the transformation that has taken place in the county from a wild and uncultivated state, inhabited by wild game and beasts, to one of fine farms and lovely homes. He has also taken an active interest in the public affairs of the county and has always been ready to co-operate in any movement which he has considered for the improvement of the county.

James P. Welsh, chief of the fire department of Eau Claire, was born in Eau Claire on March 22, 1865. His father, James Welsh, was born on Prince Edwards Island in the year 1838 and was a lumberman by trade. He came to Eau Claire in 1857, being one of the very early settlers, and was employed by various companies for a time, then became connected with the Eau Claire Lumber Company, with whom he remained for about forty years, during that time being in charge of sorting works on the Eau Claire river. His death occurred on June 14, 1897, at the age of fifty -nine years. Mrs. Welsh, mother of our subject, was Miss Mariah Beckwith. who was born in Dane county, Wisconsin,

February 22, 1841. They had a family of eleven childi'eu. viz: James P. (our subject), John, William, Edward, Kattie, Peter, Arthur, who are all deceased ; Frederick is connected with the Eau Claire fire department; Ella is married to Charles Halblieb, a conductor on the Omaha railroad; Albert is a gas fitter in Eau Claire, and Frank is a railroad conductor. Mr. Welsh \vas a staunch Democrat in polities and a member of the Catholic church. He was buried in St. Patrick's Cemetery, Eau Claire.

James P. obtained a good common school education and his first employment was with Charles Alber, of Eau Claire, where lie went to learn the trade of furrier, but remained at this work only about six months, then went to woi'k in the grocery store of Bouell & McGraw, and later in the store of N. J. Mclutyre, remaining in this latter position about two years. From 1882 to 1889 he worked at the lumbering business in its various branches, and on September 1, 1889, he became connected with the Eau Claire fire department in the capacity of pipeman ; on November 1, 1891, he was made superintendent of firm alarm; on May 4, 1899, he was appointed city electrician; May 4, 1901, was appointed fire warden; May 4, 1905, was appointed assistant chief, filling all four positions at one and the same time ; November 2, 1906, he was appointed cliief, at which time he resigned the above four offices and has since been at the head of the department, where he has proven himself a most worthy official. At this date he has given more than twent.v-five years of an unbroken service in the fire department.

]\Ir. Welsh is independent in his politics, is a member of the Catholic church and the Catholic Knights of Wisconsin. He was married on :\Iay 27, 1890, to ]\Iiss Evelyn Van Strattum, daughter of A. H. Van Strattum, of Appleton, Wis., and five children have been born to them, as follows: Vernona E., Evelyn, William W., Dorothy and Patricia, who died in infancy.

Albert J. Wenzel,* president and general manager of the WCuzel Ihooiii Company, of Eau Claire, was born at Augusta, this county, February 13, 1873. His father, Julius Wenzel, was liorn in Germany, and in 1872 he married Pauline Wagner, and I lie same year came to America. He settled at Augusta and engaged in farming, an occupation he has followed all his life. He IS now, 1914, residing on his home farm and has reached the age of seventy-eight years, and is a member of the German Lutheran Church, Six children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Wenzel, as follows: Albert J., the subject of this sketch; Emil F., treasurer of the Wenzel Broom Company; Anna; Bertha, who keeps house

Albert J. was raised on the farm and attended the common school. Starting out in life for himself, he found employment tirst in the planing mills of various companies, among them being the Rice Lake Lumber Company, N. C. Foster & Company and the Iron River Lumber Company. Later he went west and worked at the carpenter's trade in Oklahoma and Arkansas. He was a member of the firm of Red Rock Land & Lumber Company, and was also engaged in the manufacture of wagon spokes in Oklahoma. Returning to Eau Claire, he followed carpentering for several years during the summer months and assisted in erecting furnaces in the winters. In 1912, associated with his brother, Emil F., he started in a small way in the manufacture of brooms, and on June IS. 1918, the Wenzel Broom Company was incorporated under the laws of "Wisconsin with a capital of $30,000.00, he being president and manager of the company and his brother, Emil, treasurer.

Mr. Wenzel married Amelia Zank. daugiiter ol' Christ Zank. of Augusta, and one son, Henry, was born. Mrs. Wenzel died September 8, 1910, and was buried at Red Bank, Arkansas. On November 16, 1913, Mr. AVenzel again married, taking for his second wife. Emma Sehack, who died on March 16, 1914, and her remains laid to rest in Eau Claire cemetei-y. Mr. Wenzel is a member of the German Lutheran church, of which he is trustee, and politically is an independent Republican.

Charles F. West has attained a position of prominence in public life as well as in the business circles of Eau Claire. He is a native son of Wisconsin and was born in the town of Brunswick, county of Eau Claire, January 24, 1863, of German parentage. His father, John West, was born in Germany and was one of the pioneer settlers of Eaix Claire county, having come here in 1854. He was a farmer by occiipation and owned 320 acres of choice land in Brunswick township. He married Charlotte Roeeh, and to them two children were born, Charles F., the subject of this sketch and Mary W., who is the wife of F. W. Woltersdorf, who is associated with Mr. AVest in the cigar business. They have one child. Hazel. The father died October 11, 18S3. and is survived by his widow and the two children.

Born and reared on a farm, Charles P. received his education in the public schools, and in 1879 started in the cigar business. He is a member of the popular and well knotvn firm of West & Woltersdorf, manufacturers of Havana and domestic cigars.

Their factory at 770 First avenue, Eau Claire, is an important center for the manufacture of high »rade cigars, some of the hest brands in the country coming from their factory. The popular brands made by them include the Mascot and Eau Claire Crooks and Rlildeza of the 10c grade, and the San Rexo, j\Iiss West, Little Mascot in 5c goods. Their business covers the whole Northwestern Wisconsin and theii- already large trade is constantly increasing.

Mr. West was united in luai-riage with Miss Louise Schriner, of Sand Lake, New York, and they are the parents of 5 children, viz. : Charles F. Jr., deceased ; Ruth M.. deceased ; Lulu, deceased ; Charlotte IM., and Frederick J. Among the fraternal and benevolent societies of Eau Claire with which Mr. West is connected, may be mentioned Freeden Lodge, No. 254, Independent Order of Odd Fellows, the Knights of Pythias. Equitable Fraternal Union and the American Yeomen.

In public atfairs he is no less active and intiuential than in business, and has for many .years been identified with the Democratic pai'ty. He is chairman of the 10th Congressional district, and also ehaii-man of the Eau Claire eonnty Democratic central committee, has been assessor for ten years, and is now, 1914, candidate for postmaster of Eau Claire.

Charles Westberg,* shipping clerk for the Dells Lumber Company of Eau Claire, who resides on his farm in Brunswick township, was born near Gothenburg, Sweden, March 29, 1857, the son of Eriek and Annie (Anderson) Westberg. The father was a well-known farmer near Gothenburg, where he and his wife spent their lives. They were the parents of seven children, who are all now deceased excepting Charles, our subject.

Charles received his education in the public schools and remained at home, assisting his parents in the farm work nntil 1881, when he came to America, landing first in Philadelphia. He came West to Wisconsin and located at Eau Claire, and for nineteen j^ears was employed by the Northwestern Lumber Company in and around their mills at Porter's Mills. In 1900 he moved to the city of Eau Claire and was engaged in gradin>i lumber for the same firm six years, being continuously in their employ for twenty-five years. In liBOG he became connected witli the Dells Lumber Company as shipping clerk and still holds that position. In 1909 he purchased the Campbell farm of 80 acres in Brunswick township, where he resides with his family, his son, Warner Westberg, having charge of the farming operations.

Tillie Borg, who is now deceased. She was the mother of tliree children : John A., an engineer on the Northwestern railroad, Nora and Tillie. For his second wife Mr. Westberg married Annie Johnson, daughter of John Johnson, of Eau Claire, and the following children have been born :- Leonard. Warner. Escall, Arthur, Ruth and Chestea.

Samuel S. Wethern,* of Union township, is one of the wideawake, prosperous and thrifty farmers of Eau Claire county. He was born at New Portland, Somerset county, Elaine, November 22, 1861. His parents, Samuel Gould and Asenath (Quint) Wethei'n, were both natives of Maine and of Welsh and Scotch- Irish descent, and at this writing (1913) the father is still living at the age of 81 years, making his home in Los Angeles, California,

Samuel S. spent his youth in Maine, receiving his education in the common schools. Becoming interested in the possible fortunes to be made in Wisconsin, when he reached the age of twenty, in 1881, he came to Eau Claire county where he soon found employment as driver for the Daniel Shaw Lumber Company, which position he held for five years, and for the next two years occupied a like position with John Jacobs and at the same time did some farming. He purchased a farm of 148 acres of raw timber land situated in the town of Union in 1886, and the following year by himself cleared and improved twenty acres, working a part of the time by moonlight to accomplish his purpose. He subsequently added to his original purchase until he now owns 257 acres of well improved and highly cultivated land, all of which has been reclaimed from its wild state and subdued by Mr. Wethern. His buildings are substantial and commodious and he keeps his place well stocked with good horses, cattle and hogs and uses in his farming operations the most modei-n and up-to-date methods, and by his shrewd and economical management since he purchased his farm he has made it one of the mos.t attractive country homes in the county.

On April 4, 1888, Mr. Wethern was married to Miss ^Margaret McMillan, a lady of charming personality and daughter of Alvin and Sophia (Hunter) McMillan, natives of Nova Scotia and prominent pioneer settlers of Eau Claire. To Mr. and ]\Irs. Wethern have been born three children, viz. : Floyd, Charles and Margaret Asenath.

Nelson C. Wilcox Biography 899

A man of promiuence and public spiritedness, Mr. Wethern takes a commendable interest in all public affairs and is always ready to assist in furthering any movement which tends to the development and advancement of his town and county. lie served as chairman of the Union town board for thirteen years and is now serving his second term as chairman of the Eau Claire county board and was a member of the committee appointed to select a site for the Eau Claire county training school for teachers. Politically Mr. Wethern is a Republican, while fraternally he is a member of the Modern Woodmen of America and the Knights of Pythias.

Nelson Chapman Wilcox, deceased, who for many years was l>rominent among the leading citizens of Eau Claire, Wis., was a native of New York state and was born in Oneida county on January 1, 1836. He was the only son of Reuben and Louisa (Chapman) Wilcox. Reuben Wilcox was born in Connecticut in 1796 and lived to the age of 85 years. Nelson Wilcox' mother died at the age of 28 years, when he was 10 months old. The early ancestors of Mr. Wilcox were of English descent and came to the United States early in colonial times.

Nelson C. was reared on his father's farm, attending the district school %nd assisting in the farm work. When he reached the age of 19 he entered the Oxford Academy, M'here he completed his education. At the age of 20, in 1856, he came west to Eau Claire and was employed by the firm of Chapman & Thorp, both of whom were his uncles. He remained with them until 1861 and tlien engaged in business with W. J. Bridges. At the end of two years he disposed of his interests and went to Massachusetts on account of the ill health of his wife. Returning to Eau Claire, he went into the logging business, which he followed until 1867, then disposed of his interests and again went East with his wife. At the end of one year he returned to Eau Claire, but did not again engage in business until 1880, when, associated with G. B. Chapman and B. J. Churchill, he opened a general store under the firm name of G. B. Chapman & Co.

Mr. Wilcox married in 1861 Miss Frances A. Blanchard, a native of Chautaucpia county. New York, and who died in 1868. On June 28, 1870, he was married again, this time to Mrs. Angle T. Bellinger, by whom he had three children, viz : Roy P., born June 30, 1873, a prominent attorney of Eau Claire; Nelson J., born January 27, 1875, an attorney-at-law in practice at Minneapolis, and Thorp J. Wilcox, half owner of the Linderman Box & Veneer Company, born ^lay 20, 1877.

In politics Jlr. Wilcox was a Republican. He served three terms as townsliip treasurer, served as a jueuilier of the city council, and was tendered but refused the nomination for mayor. For a number of years he served as justice of the peace, and at the time of his death, which occurred March 21, 1906, was I'nited States revenue gauger. No citizen of Eau Claire was held in higher esteem than was Nelson C. Wilcox. Upright, conscientious and broad-minded in his views of men and affairs, firm in his convictions and always true to them, he commanded the re.sjieet of all with whom he came in contact.

Thorp Joseph Wilcox is one of the prosperous maniifactureis of Eau Claire, Wis., whose achievements are the result of his own untiring efforts. He has a genius for hard work, and with unusual clear-sightedness, has been able to avail himself of ojiportunities when they occurred and to make them when they did not, with the result that he now ranks among the leading substantial citizeiis of this city. He was born in Eau Claire. IMay 20. 1877, the son of Nelson Chapman and Angeline (Tewkesbury) Wilcox. During his boyhood lie attended the public schools, then entered the Central High School, from which he graduated in 1896. Immediately after his graduation he entered the employ of the Linderman Box & Veneer Company. He worked in the lumber yards, sorting sheds and all the machines in the factory. Starting at the bottom, he advanced to a position in the olfice and from that into ownership and management, which last promotion came in 1902 when the Linderman Box & Veneer Company was reorganized, of which company he is now vice-president and general manager, and under his careful, conservative and skillful management the business has shown a constant growth from the start and is recognized as one of the prominent manufacturing industries of Eau Claire and second largest in the state of Wisconsin.

I\Ir. Wilcox is a man of fine social qualities, and by the force of a pleasing personality attracts many warm friends. He is a member of the Knights of Columbus, the Benevolent Order of Elks, the Eau Claire Country Club, the Civic and Commerce Association and the Eau Claire Business Men's Club. On June 12, 1902, Mr. Wilcox was nuirried to Miss Minnie McDonough, only daughter of Dennis JIcDonough. To Mr. and Mrs. Wilcox two daughters have been born. Petronilla and JIargaret Wilcox.

county, Vt.. in 1797, and was an expert imttern maker in the machine shops and a skilled mechanic. lie followed the art of pattern maker all his life; was engaged in business for himself for many years, during which time he built many models for machinery. He died in 1882 and was buried at Jamestown, N. Y. Mr. Willard's mother, whose maiden name was Alvina Kidder, was born in Wardsboro, Windham count}', Vt., in 1799, and died in 1885. Of their eight children Wales A. died in infancy; Darwin was a captain during the civil war in the Seventy-.second New York Regiment, Third Brigade, luider command of General .Sickles, and was killed in battle May 5, lS(i2; Lucius N., who died in HKJO, was a machinist at Jamestown; Corliin K. is a retired farmer at Jamestown, N. Y. ; Herbert died in infancy; Caroline, who resides at Fredonia, N. Y., married Robert Jones, a captain of a whaling ship, who lost his life in the Arctic Ocean ; Henry Kirk, deceased, was a musician in General Sickles' brigade during the civil war, and Wales H., the subject of this sketch.

Oliver Willard, grandfather of Wales H., was born in Massachusetts and was a member of the old Willard family of Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Connecticut, ]\Iaine, Veiunont and New Hampshire.

Wales H. attended the |)ublic schools until he was fourteen years old, and then went to work in a machine shop at Jamestown, N. Y. After serving an apprenticeship of three years he enlisted in the New York National Guards, was mustered into the army at Harrisliuru-. but oidy served seven weeks, when he returned home. He later went to Detroit, Mich., and there followed the trade of machinist in a locomotive works for three months, then went to Galesburg, 111., and for a short time followed his trade there. In 1867 he came to Eau Claire and was employed in the .Shaw machine shops for one year, then clerked one year in a store and was also clerk on a steamboat on the Chippewa river. He next followed the machinist's trade until 1870. when he became bookkeeper in a grocery store, after which he was employed by the city of Eau Claire as engineer of the steam fire engine "W. F. Bailey" for fourteen years. In 1885 he was made inspector of construction of the water woi-ks, with which he has since been connected, being now (191-4) superintendent. ]Many changes have taken place during his administration, and practically all the water mains in the city have been laid under his .supervision. In all city affairs he takes an active interest, and has served as alderman from the fifth ward for two vears. He is a member of the Rod and Gun Club and of the First

Congregational chnrch. In 1872 Mr. Willard married Julia Deyarmau, daughter of Alexander and Nancy (Greeuley) Deyarman, and has one daughter, Jessie D.

Albert L. Williams, the son of Lucius L. and Elvira A. (Searl) Williams, was born August 18, 1877, at Augusta, Eau Claire county, Wis. He received his education in the schools of Eau Claire and Curtis College at Minneapolis. After completing his education he entered the furniture store of his father as bookkeeper in 1898, later becoming salesman, a position he held for four years until 1802, when the firm was changed to the Williams Furniture Company and he became secretary, holding that position until 1908, when he was elected president of the company and is still acting in that capacity, he being one of the largest stockholders. He is enterprising and progressive and takes a commendable interest in all matters pertaining to the betterment of his city. He married in 1898 Francis Giruau, a daughter of Peter Giruau, of Eau Claire, and has two children, Clarence and Elvira. Mr. Williams is a member of the Episcopal churcli, the Modern Woodmen of America and Loyal Order of ]\Ioose, and is independent in politics.

Lucius L. Williams, father of Albert Ij., was born in Kirtland, Lake County. O., ]\Iareh 14, 1843, and remained there until he came to Augusta in May, 1869. In the spring of 1870 he engaged in the book and stationery business with his brother. 0. A. Williams, and in 1875 erected a brick store building. Tliis business arrangement continued until 1879, when L. L. Williams purchased his brother's interest, and early in 1881 added a stock of dry goods and groceries to his former business and was at one time quite an extensive dealer in fruits. In 1883 he came to Eau Claire and engaged in the furniture business and followed this the remainder of his life.

In August, 1876, he became agent at Augusta for the American Express Company, and in 1877 was elected a member of the county board and served four years as treasurer of his town. He was married at Chardon, Geauga county, 0., in 1865. to Elvira A. Searl, who was born in LeRoy. Lake county, that state. They were the parents of three children, viz: Dorliska N., Albert L. and Sadie IM.. who died in August, 1877, at the age of three years.

Heman Benjamin Wilson, an enterprising farmer of Brunswick township, is a native of County Renfrew, Ontario, Canada, where he was born February 9, 1866. His parents were Benjamin and alary (Visina) Wilson; the former, who was born in the

Province of Quebec, Canada, moved to West Meath, Renfrew county, Ontario, where he made his home all his life, following the lumber industry during winters and in the summer months carried on his large farm. He was successful in his business and died in 1892 at the age of 65, honored and respected by all who knew him. He married Mary Visina, daughter of Eli Visina, of West Meath, Ontario, who is now residing at Sturgeon Falls. Ontario, in his 73d year. They were the parents of nine children, six of whom are now (1914) living: Joel, a prosperous farmer in Canada ; Heinan B., the subject this sketch ; Waltei", a Canadian farmer; Samuel conducts a livery stable at Warren, Ontario ; Robert, a blacksmith and wheelwright at Warren, and Allen, a lumber dealer, also of Warren, Ontario. Those deceased are : Cecelia, Emma, and one child who died in infancy.

Joel Wilson, grandfather of Heman B., was born in Scot land. He came to the western continent and located in the Province of Quebec, where he followed farming and lumbering all his life.

Heinan B. was reared in his native country, attended tbicommon schools and during the summer months worked for his parents at farming, and during the winters he followed himbering, being employed by various companies. He came to Eau Claire in 1888 and was employed for more than ten years by the Northwestern Lumber Company, a short time as a laborer and for many years as foreman over a large number of men. He followed lumbering until 1886, when he p.urehased the Melrose farm of 200 acres in Brunswick township and commenced farming on a large scale, of which he has made a grand success. In addition to his general farming operations he is a large dealer and raiser of stock and carries on an extensive dairy business, shipping his milk and cream to the Rock Falls Creamery Company. He is a man of shrewd management and is considered one of the most prosperous, progressive and substantial men of his neighborhood. He is active in local public affairs and has served twelve years as school clerk and twelve years as road commissioner. He is a Republican in political sentiment, and in religious faith he is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church.

On July 4, 1892, Mr. Wilson married Miss Mary Melrose, daughter of Thomas and Isabella (Briggs) ilelrose. of Eau Claire county. Their children are Robert Ben.jamin, born January 24, 1897; William, born June 19, 1898, and Carrie, born June 30, 1902.

George C. Witlierby, president of the Eau Claire Book & Stationery Company, whose activities in all lines leading toward the progress of Eau Claire have made him worthy of mention in this history, was born in Watertown, N. Y., August 2, 1856. His father, Clark Witherby, was born in Jefferson county, New York, where he was raised and educated. He was a man of influence and honored for his manly character and his straightforward) and honorable business methods. His wife was Caroline Melotte. and thej' became the parents of four children, of whom two are now living, viz : George C, the subject of this sketch, and Chai'les, an architect. Those deceased are Alice, who died in youth, and Edgar, who died at the age of fifteen.

George C. passed his early life in Watertown, N. Y., receiving his education in the common and high schools, removing to Ann Arbor, Mich., in 1883, where he engaged in the book business with a Mr. Andrews under the firm name of Andrews & Witherby, which business was successfully carried on for four and one-half years, at which time Mr. Witherby sold his interest to Mr. Andrews, and in 1887 came to Eau Claire. After arriving here he purchased the Putnam interests in the Eau Claire Book & Stationery Company, of which concern he became president, and now owns the controlling interest. Mr. Witherby 's whole life has been practically devoted to the book and stationery business. His company not only does a retail business but carries on a manufacturing plant, where they manufacture legal blanks and conduct the largest business in books in the United States for a city the size of Eau Claire.

Victor Wolf," who had the longest military record of any man in the Chippewa Valley, and who for fifty-two years was a resident of Eau Claire, was born in Obendorf, Baden Baden, Germany, December 28, 1824, the son of George and Margaret (Haas) Wolf, both natives of Germany. In 1847 Captain Wolf came to the United States and upon landing in New York he learned of the Mexican war, and his ancestors having been warriors, the soldier element asserted itself in him and on February 23, 1847, he enlisted in the United States Army in New York City, expecting to go at once to the field of action, but in.stead he was ordered to Governor's Island, where he did duty until 1850. During the Seminole war he was sent to Florida as second in command of 400 recruits. He was assigned to Company H, Fourth Artillery, and fought there in the swamps and at Key West. At the expiration of his term of service he re-enlisted for another term of five years. In 1852 he returned to New York and was sent to Fort Niagara, and in 1854 was transferred to Oswego and remained there until 1856, and was discharged with a pension ou aeeonut of injuries sustained in mounting guns at Fort Ontario. During his ten years of service he served as sergeant four years.

In 1848 he married iliss Ann ]\IcLaughlin and to tiiem were born .seven children, as follows: Elizabeth, wife of E. M. Harrigan ; John C. ; Cecelia, wife of Edward Larson ; Ada, deceased wife of Louis Schmidt; George: William J., and Lilly, wife of Joseph Piglmiller. After leaving the regular army Mr. Wolf became general manager of Ex-Governor Tallmadge's large farms at Fond du Lac, Wis., and in 1858 he came to Eau Claire, built him a home and engaged in teaming. He opened a stone quarry and in the winter did freighting between Eau Claire and Sparta.

When the civil war broke out he drilled a company of i-ecruits and on July 17, 1861. enlisted in Company C, Eighth Regiment, Wisconsin Volunteer Infantry, and in August following was elected first lieutenant of this, the famous Eagle compauy of the Eagle regiment. They left Eau Claire for the front in September, 1861, and in May, 1862, he was promoted to captain of the company. This company was selected as the color company of the regiment, and they carried "Old Abe," the American war eagle, through the war, which soared over the regiment in many a bloody fray and was with the command in nearly every action in which they participated, about twenty -two battles and sixty skirmishes. On September 26, 1864, "Old Abe" was presented to the state of Wisconsin, being given to Governor Lewis in person by Captain Wolf at Madison. Among the important engagements in which he took part were Frederickstown, Farmington, siege of Corinth. Burnsville, Corinth, Tallahatchee, Pourteen-mile Creek, Mississippi Springs, Jackson, Vicksburg, Brownsville, Fort Scurey, Fort de Russy, Henderson Hill, Grand Ecore, Pleasant Hill. Machitoches, Cane River, Clontierville, Bayou Rapids, Bayou Roberts, Simsport and others. He was honorably discharged from the service at Madison April 1. 1865, by special order from the war department.

On his return to Eau Claire he resumed his teaming business, which he continued until 1872. when he was elected first chief of police of the city, serving in that capacity until 1877. In 18S0 he engaged in the livery business, which he conducted for several years. He served as town treasurer of North Eau Claire for two years, Avas chairman of the town board of supervisors, road master, served for nine years as district clerk and was alderman of the city for two years. His certainly was an eventful life, and at the time of his death, January 21. 1910, at the age of S3 years, he was a member of the Catholic church and Eagle Post, No. 52, G. A. R., and held the honor of having named the war eagle "Old Abe" after Abraham Lincoln.

and is a son of the late Capt. Victor Wolf and Ann (McLaughlin) Wolf. He came with his parents to Eau Claire in 1858 and here grew to manhood, receiving his education in the public schools. At the age of 22, in 1874, he became engaged in tne bus business and has for fort.v years followed that occupation, becoming proprietor of the line in 1901.

Mr. Wolf was married November 22. 1880, to Julia Brekke, daughter of Ole and Gertrude (Pouf) Brekke, of Norway. To this union have been born five children, viz : Lula, wife of H. S. Straudness ; Harry J. ; Mabel G., wife of William Kaiser ; Maude E., and Lincoln J. In religious affiliations Mr. Wolf and family are members of St. Patrick's church. He is a member of Branch 26, Catholic Knights, of which he is president; is a Democrat in political sentiment, and has served as supervisor of the eightn ward.

Obediah Works,* who has lived in Eau Claire county for more ihan half a century, is one of that class of robust, energetic men who have not only witnessed, but who have had an important part in the work of transforming the county from its wild state inhabited by wild game and beasts, to one of fruitful farms and elegant homes. He is of Welsh descent and the son of George W. and Julia (Coolidge) Works, and was born in Essex county. New York, July 3, 1836. Flis father died at the age of 35 and his mother at the age of 65. Raised in Essex county, Mr. Works acquired his education in the piiblic schools, and. when 21 years of age, in 1857. came West to Wisconsin and located in Eau Claire county, where he purchased a farm in Lincoln township. Mr. Works has always carried on general farming and dairying, and for many years has been counted one of the prosperous and thrifty farmers of the community and an influential man. Tie has been lavish in his expenditure of time and money in improving his farm of 220 acres, erecting commodious and substantial buildings and supplying modern appliances and equipment, so that his is in reality one of the most desirable and attractive homes in the county. He is (juite extensively engaged in stock raising, making a specialty of blooded Guernsey cattle, good horses and hogs.

In 1856 Mr. Works married Miss Lucy Ann Risley. a resident of Baraboo, Wis., who died in 1875, leaving three children: Freeman, Julia and Carrie. ]\Ir. Works was married for the second time, taking for his wife Miss Clara E. Perry, and to this union have been born the following children : George, Mabel, Arthur, Pearl, Robert, Clara, Obediah, Jr., Mildred, Lueile, Lawrence and Donald.

During the civil war ilr. Works enlisted in the Forty-eighth Wisconsin Regiment, Volunteer Infantry, and served ten months in the Southwest during tlie Indian troubles. In politics Mr. Works adheres to the principles of the Democratic party, while in religious belief he is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church.

Asigal D. Wyman.-'' Standing prominent among the representative men of Eau Claire was Asigal D. Wyman. He was born in Meredith, N. Y., and came to Eau Claire before the civil war. During the exciting times of 1861, when men were enlisting in the army, Mr. Wyman was one of those who went out with Captain Sherman's cavalry company, which became attached to the Second Wisconsin Cavalry. He participated in several of the most sanguinary engagements of the war and became con.spicuous for his gallant and heroic conduct during his four years' service. Mr. Wyman was a successful business man, held in the highest esteem by his fellow citizens. For some time he successfully eonducted a bee and celery farm near Putnam Park in addition to his other business interests. He was thoroughly domestic in his tastes, and closely applied hiinself to all his business interests. The active life of Mr. Wyman furnished a notable example of what may be accomplished by energy and resolution when guided by honorable principles and aided by agreeable personal characteristics. He was in truth a prosperous man, and his actions in all his transactions were mai-ked by scrupulously fair dealing, frankness and kindness and faith in the better side of human nature. Personally a tireless worker, he admired that quality in others and cheerfully helped the man possessed with that vim_^ and energy he so much respected. He was modest and retiring by nature ; there was no vanity in his composition, unless it was to do his work well, and to that end he concentrated all his powers. A man of irreproachable habits and pure character, as well as honorable and ambitious, he en.joyed the friendship of all with

Milo B. Wyman, who for many years was one of the leading and most influeutial citizens of Eau Claire, was a native of Xew York state, and M^as born at JMeredith, June 8, 1842. When 12 years of age he came to Eau Claire with his parents from New England and grew up with the city, where he lived for over half a century, and was always active in promoting the business growth of the city. In his earlier years he was engaged in the mereantile business with Mr. Carrol, and later was associated with the firm of Graham, White & Co., on the North Side. He was with the Empire Lumber Company for several years. He entered into a co-partnership with Erskine Ingram and formed the Half Moon Lake Shingle Company, of which Mr. Wyman was president for thirteen years.

As a business man his reputation was unblemislied, and his success in all his undertakings was the direct result of his industry, integrity and perseverance, while his quiet, unassuming manner and sterling business qualities gained for him the iirm friendship of a large circle of acquaintances. No one feared to trust him, no matter in what position they desired him to fill, and his employees always spoke foi- him their kindliest regards. He was called from earth on December 2, 1906, but it can tnithfully be said that his was a well spent life, that he was energetic, firm, reliable in all his dealings, helpful in all work tending to the benefit of those around him, loved and revered by his family, respected and trusted by all who knew him. His character and his work were a blessing to the community in which he lived, and he left to his successor the best of all heritages - an honest name.

:\Ir. Wyman held many positions of public trust, and from i1s organization was secretary of the Eau Claire Building & Loan Association and Home Building Loan Association. As a member of the Old Settlers' Association he stood among the first in years of service and honorable reputation. He was a member of the Baptist church, regular in attendance and a dependable helper in religious and charitable enterprises. He was a member of the Masonic fraternity and an honored member of the Grand Army Post. He enlisted in Company L, Second Cavalry, and held the rank of first sergeant, second lieutenant and first lieutenant successively. On September 19, 1869, Mr. Wyman married ]\Iiss Martha E. Kershner, a lady of culture and refinement, and two children were born, a son, who died in infancy, and a daughter, Anna, who became the wife of the late Rev. Arthur C. Kerapton. She is now tlic wife of Rev. Edward Babeoek. of Utica, N.'w York.

William H. Yule,''' another one of the prominent resicknits and progressive farmers of Thompson Valley, is descended from New England ancestry, all of whom were farmers at one time in New York state. A son of the late George ]M. and Adeline (O'Brien) Yule, he was born near Owego, N. Y., February 23, 1845. and is a grandson of John Yule, a prominent citizen of that state. The parents of Mr. Yule came to Wisconsin with their family in 1856 and for four years lived in Dodge and Cohimbia counties. At the end of that period, in 1860, they moved to Eau Claire county, where they spent their lives, the father living to the age of 85 and the mother to the age of Si years. They were thrifty, progressive and kind hearted, and were counted among the most successful and better class of pioneers. Their family consisted of nine children, five sons and four daughters, as follow.s: Addie died in childhood in New York state ; George H. is now a resident of Post Falls, Ida.; Helen, deceased wife of Frank Whittaker; Willis T. lives in Augusta : Stella married C. H. Elkerton and is deceased; John is a resident of Scott's Valley; Charles, of Washington township ; Frank is .single, and Pearl is deceased.

Mr. Yule, who is the eldest of the family now living, received his education in the common schools of the county and at the Eau Claire Seminary, and grew to manhood in the county where he has since lived, and from a small beginning has worked himself up to a position of independence and influence. His farm of 120 acres of well improved land in Thompson Valley, Otter Creek township, is well equipped with many labor-saving devices which go to make up a model country home. In addition to general farming he does ((uite a little dairying and raises good blooded stock. In polities he is a Republican, and outside of liolding the office of town clerk continuously since 1880 and some other minor offices he has never sought political preferment. Fraternally he is a member of the Modern Woodmen of America, and religiously he is devoted to the Baptist church.

In 1869 Mr. Yule was married to Margaret A. Bennett, daughter of Lorenzo Bennett, one of the pioneer and highly respected citizens of Eau Claire county. To Mr. and Mrs. Yule have been born six children: Addie is the wife of Hallis Rowland; Alice; Earl; Curtis; Fannie, and Victor, who is now deceased.

Gustav Zank,* chait-man of the town board of Bridge Creek township, and one of the prosperous and influential German farmers of this place, was born in the Province of Posen, Germany, April 14, 1856, and is one of a family of seven children born to Christ Zank. The others are August, Christ, Fred, Julius, "William, who died in the old country, and Minnie, who died when young. In 1867 Christ Zank, father of our subject, emigrated with his family to the United States from Germany. He first located at Ripon, Wis., where he resided one year, thence in 1868 came to Eau Claire county and settled on a farm.

Gustav was reared on his father's farm, attending school in winter and assisting in the farm work during the summer months, and has continuously been engaged in that vocation. He owns 320 acres of good land in section 26, Bridge Creek township, where he is successfully engaged in farming and stock raising. His farm is in a good state of cultivation and well improved with substantial buildings, and he is numbered among the prominent and well-to-do men of his town.

In 1883 Mr. Zank married Bertha Wiegand, a native of Germany, and to them the following children have been born : Adelina, wife of Charles Gruen, of Eu Claire; Emil lives in Augusta ; Rudolph ; Ernest ; Suzane, and Mamie. Religiously !Mr. Zank is a member of St. John's Lutheran church, and politically he is an active member of the Democratic party.

Julius E. Zank.* Among the successful German farmers of Bridge Creek township, Eau Clare county, must be reckoned Mr. Zank. He was born in Prussia, Province of Posen, near the village of Grabowa. His parents, Christopher and Wilhelmina (Cheutschner) Zank, were also natives of Germany, where the father worked as a day laborer. In 1866 the family emigrated to the United States, and after reaching this country came to Wisconsin, locating first at Ripon, where they remained a year or two, then in 1868 tliey moved to Eau Claire county and spent one year in Augusta. The following year they moved to a farm in Bridge Creek township, where our subject now resides.

Mr. Zank was raised on the farm, attended the common schools and assisted in the farm work. He had five brothers and one sister, of whom four of the brothers are now living: Gustav is chairman of the Bridge Creek town board; August, Christ and Fred.

Julius E. married in 1879 Miss Amelia Wigand, who was also born in Germany, and nine children have been born to them, as follows: Albert; ^Minnie, wife of William Sieg: Emma, wife of

Henry Ludt; Martha, married Gus Gerth; Herman; Otto; Ferdinand; Hans, and pjrwin. Mr. Zank carries on general farming, stock raising and dairying; is a thrifty, progressive and enterprising citizen, and has carved his way by hard work and persevering efforts, to a land owner of 200 acres, which is well improved with substantial buildings and farming equipment, a most attractive country home where he enjoj's the confidence and esteem of his many friends and acquaintances. He is a staunch supporter of the Democratic party and a member of the Liitheran church.

Reinhard H. Zempel, who is one of the progressive and influential farmers of Lincoln townshij), was born in Marquette county, Wisconsin, August 18, 1861, the son of Daniel Zempel, a native of the Province of Posen. Germany, who in an early day emigrated to the United States and settled in the state of Wisconsin. When our subject was 4 years old, in 1865, the family moved to Eau Claire county, where the father engaged in farming and where he lived the balance of his life and died at the age of 67 years. His wife, mother of our subject, lived to be 76 years old. The.v were thrifty and enterprising people and represented the best class of pioneer citizens, who devoted their lives to building up the country and adding to its taxable wealth.

Eeinhard 11. Zempel, who is the oldest son of the f;nuily. was raised on the homestead farm, assisting in the farm work and attending the district schools. He married in 1832 Miss Katrina Faber, who is now deceased. He was married for the second time, taking as his wife Mi.ss Christina Frederick, and they have had a family of ten children, as follows: Elfrida is the wife of August Koepke; Ervin and Edwin (twins): Margaret: Mollie; Martha, who is deceased; lima; Christina; Amanda, and Lydia. On the death of his mother Mr. Zempel purchased his father's farm of 160 acres in 1887 of valuable, highly cultivated and finely improved land in section 5, Lincoln township, close to the village of Fall Creek, and in addition to his home farm he owns another 80 acres of timber land.

His modern residence, commodious and substantial barns, which are equipped with the latest labor-saving devices, makes his one of the ideal country homes of the county. In his general farming operations he uses the most modern and up-to-date methods and keeps his place well stocked with Guernsey cattle, good horses and hogs.

Julius E. Zetzman, enterprising and successful business man of Fall Creek, Eau Claire county, was born in Saxony, Germany, December 15, 1858. His father, Stephen Zetzman, a native of Germany, emigrated with his family to the United States in 1860 and settled at Zumbrotta, Minn. He followed the occupation of farming and made his home during his lifetime in tliis county and Minnesota, where he died at the age of 82 years.

Mr. Zetzman lived on the home farm, attending the common schools until he was thirteen years of age, then went to Watertown, Wis., where he entered college, supplementing his schooling with an academic course at the Northwestern University. Completing his education, he taught school for a few years, then went to St. Paul, Minn., where he was employed as clerk for several years in various retail stores. In 1880 he came to Fall Creek, Wis., and for a time continued clerking in a store in that village, thus obtaining valuable knowledge of the retail merchandise business, which has since been a great source of help to him in carrying on his extensive retail business. A short time afler severing his connection as clerk in the stores of Fall Creek be started in biisiness for himself, opening a general store under the firm name of J. E. Zetzman & Co. His business was successful from the start and grew in volume until it became necessary for him to enlarge. Accordingly in 1907 he organized a stock company, which was incorporated as the Fall Creek Mercantile Company, with Mv. Zetzman as secretary and geperal manager, and the following gentlemen as stockholders: J. E. Bartz. P. C. Lanua, R. P. Rainey, H. C. Hinterburg and F. A. Persa. Besides a general store the company are operating under the same management The Fall Creek Variety Store, and in both branches are doing a thriving business.

In 1882 Mr. Zetzman was married to Amelia Roesler, daughter of William Roesler, and they became the parents of five children. Mrs. Zetzman died in 1910, and Mr. Zetzman married a second time. His present wife was Miss Emma Quast. daughteiof Lndwig Quast. Mr. Zetzman is a member of and coiatributes liberally to the support of the Evangelical church; he is prominent in business and social circles of Fall Creek and in polities attiliiUes with tlie Democratic part.v.