Eau Claire County, Wisconsin - Biographical sketches (2 of 2 so headed), 1914 (part 1 of 8)

Biographical sketches

Ole 0. Aanstad, expert accountant and popular fire insurance man of Eau Claire, was born November 8, 1842, at Lorn Gud- In-ansdaleu, Norway, to Grinstad and Martha (Aanstad) Aanstad. He received his early education in his native country, where lie lived until 1862, when he emigrated to the United States and to Wisconsin. He spent one summer at La Crosse, "Wis., then came to Eau Claire, where he has since resided. After his arrival here, he spent one winter in attendance at the Wesleyan Seminary, M'hich then stood where the high school buildings are now located. He later took a thorough course at the Bryan & Stratton's Business College at St. Paul, from which he graduated in 1866. For twenty years thereafter he was employed as bookkeeper by the Daniel Shaw Lumber Company and for fifteen .years served in the same capacity for the Eau Claire National Bank. Prior, however, to his taking the position Avith the bank and after leaving the employ of the lumber company, he was for several years engaged in the grocery business on Water street. Since 1893 he has been engaged in the fire insurance business, and since its organization in 1908 has been bookkeeper for the Luther Hospital.

In 1866 he married Sarah M., daughter of Torget Olson, one of the pioneer settlers of Eau Claire, and by her had eleven children. Of the seven who grew to maturity Christopher. Caroline, wife of William Chrissinger, Maria, Sarah, Helge and Tovald are living, while Oscar is deceased.

Mr. Aanstad is a member of the Evangelican Lutheran Church and the Eau Claire county Old Settlers' Association, while in polities he affiliates with the Republican party.

Charles Willard Adams,* a well known and progressive farmer of Union townsliip, was born in Jefferson county. New York, August 21, 1849, the only son of Andrew and Olive (Demis) Adams, both natives of the state of New York. They came to Wisconsin in 1862 and first located in Chippewa county, where they lived for two years ; they then came to Eau Claire county and for five years were engaged in farming on a rented place. In 1869 the father purchased 80 acres of land in the town of

Union, which he cleared and improved and where he lived and farmed until his death at the age of 70 years, the death of the mother having occurred at the age of 72.

Charles Willard Adams has been a continuous resident of the town of Union since 1864 and has always followed farming as an occupation. He owns 80 acres of fine and well improved land, one 40 of which is a part of the old homestead and the other 40 which he acquired by purchase and with his own hands cleared and improved. He is well known in the county and is considered one of its substantial and public spirited citizens. He Avas married in 1875 to Sarah Deckei", daughter of Peter Decker, of Elroy, Wis., who is a lady of refinement and culture.

Henry Aebly,* one of the prosperous and well-known farmers of Brunswick townshij^, comes from Swiss lineage. He was born at New Glarus, Green county, Wis., June 7, 1850, to Henry and Mary (Becker) Aebly. The father emigrated from Switzerland, his native country, to America in 1845. Soon after landing in NeAV York City he secured an outfit and started overland for the state of Iowa via prairie schooner, arriving safely at his destination. He remained but a short time in Iowa, however, when he removed to Wisconsin and settled on a large farm near what is now known as New Glarus, in Green county. Here he was successfully engaged in farming until 1898. when he died at the age of seventy-five years, and his remains were laid to rest in the cemetery at New Glarus. He married ]\Iary Becker, daughter of Solomon Becker, of Switzerland, and they were the parents of six children, as follows: Solomon, deceased; Henry, the subject of this review ; Mary became the wife of Nicholas Duerst, a prosperous farmer of Green couuty; ]\Iagdelina married Thomas Kundert, a retired farmer of New Glarus; Elizabeth married J. Henry Duerst, of New Glarus, also retired, and Jacob a farmer of West Concord, Minn.

Henry Aebly, grandfather of our subject, Avho was a farmer in Switzerland, came to the United States with his son, Henry, in 1845. He also followed farming in Green county, this state, but lived only a few years after arriving at New Glarus.

Henry Aebly, III, the subject of this sketch, acquired his education in the common schools of New Glarus. He was reared on the farm and remained at home until he reached the age of 25, assisting his parents with the farm Avork. He then purchased a farm at Exeter, Green county, and successfully conducted the same for seven years. He then in 1883 returned to his home town and engaged in the hotel business, owning and operating the Wis- consiu House, aud as jjroprietor of this well-kuown hosteh-y catered to the best of public patronage. After successfully car- - rying on this business for eight years he retired from the hotel and rented the same for the next seven years. In 1908 he sold the hotel and other buildings at New Glarus and moved to Eau Claire county, where he i^urehased the Porter farm, containing 507 acres of highly cultivated and well-improved land in Brunswick township. In his general farming operations Mr. Aebly employs the most modern and up-to-date methods and gives particular attention to the breeding and raising of fine stock, and from his 100 head of cattle carries on an extensive dairy businei^, shipping his milk to the Eau Claire Creamery Company, and in this as well as in all his work has been eminently successful. He is a Democrat in political opinion, but has taken little part in mattei'S outside his regular business more than to perform his duties as a good citizen. He is affiliated with the Lutheran church and the German Lodge, G. U. G. G.

Mr. Aebly married Mary Duerst, daughter of Samuel and Barbara (Becker) Duerst. and to this union have been born four children, as follows: Marj' Anna married John M. Schmid, who is connected with the International Harvester Company at Mil- Avaukee; Henry Nicholas, who resides at home, assisting with the farm work; Emma Bai-bara married J. Herman; Elmer, a farmer of Green county. Wisconsin, and Magdeline Ida. who is the wife of J. M. Iloesly. a well-to-do farmer of Brunswick township.

My father was James Allen and my mother was Emily Gertrude (J'o'nd) Allen. The family moved from Two Rivers to Eau fcmd, ^'l'^"''' ^^ the faU of 1859.

During the years of 1863 and 1864 father built the house on the corner of Seventh avenue and Menomonie street, which was the Allen homestead until after his death in 1904, when it passed to m.y sister, Mrs. Cora Ellis, and was then sold by her.

As early as fourteen years of age I began working in the mills, on the logs, etc. Eau Claire was a lumbering town and all the boys who had to work gravitated to the mills, logs and woods as a matter of course.

My first venture was packing shingles in "Buff's (G. A. Buffington) first mill, under the supervision of Mr. Russell Wescott. who "edged" or "jointed" the shingles with a jack knife. I packed shingles and did many other jobs in and around other mills. I worked nights in the spring on the sorting works on the river just above the log race to Half Moon lake, keeping fires in iron jacks with dry wood and powdered rosin so that the men sorting logs could read the marks on the sides and ends of the logs as they floated rapidly past them. While doing this work I slept forenoons and went to school afternoons. I also cooked on the rafts one summer, running from Eau Claire to Reed's Landing.

Prom among the boys of those early days came the expert swimmers, log drivers, lumbermen and raftsmen for which Eau Claire is famous. "We grew up on and in the river. A boy who coiild not swim, climb out of the water up over the end of a log and roll it till it spun like a top wasn't thought much of by the rest of the fellows.

In August, 1875, I went to Florida witli my brother Fred, John Cook, Hale Palmer and John Ditson, all well known- in those days. Pred took up a homestead near where De Land was later located. I helped him cut and burn many acres of the finest kind of pine timber, to be replaced with orange trees.

In June, 1876, I returned home, filled with malaria and quite sated with the fun ( ?) of sleeping on the ground, eating my own cooking, fighting mosquitoes and drinking water seventy-five degrees warm. I worked in Shaw's mill till it froze up and went to school that winter.

The fall of 1877 I began teaching school in KoU's District, on Truax Prairie. In the spring I was given the principalship of the Ward School in the Bloody Sixth (now the Ninth Ward), with instructions from the School Board to get on top of the heap before I began teaching. The playful students had put my predecessor out the window. I taught there until 1880 and while teaching I kept up my work in the high school and graduated in June, 1879.

In the fall of 1880 I was transferred to the eighth grade in the high school building in the Seventh Ward. That grade liad become turbulent.

The next fall I entered the University of Wisconsin and after four years of hard work I graduated from the modern classical coiirse with a degree of B. L.

The summers of these college years were spent in selling rubber stamps, Blaine's "Twenty Years in Congress," accident insurance among tlie railroad men of IMinnesota, introducing school books iu county schools, etc., etc., to help out my slender fund saved from school teaching. I shall never forget the kindness shown me by Henry D. Davis in assisting me through the last year.

In the fall of 1889 I entered the College of Law at the university and in June, 1890, I graduated with the additional degree of L. L. B., having done the two years' work in one year.

Mr. Ellis and I then formed the law firm of Ellis & Allen, and I practiced law with him till December of 1892, when I left him, owing to our differing very radically in business methods.

Immediately my mother and I left for De Land, Fla., where my father, my brothers Fred and Will were engaged iu business. Since my father was hurt in a railroad wreck in December, 1890, he had been unable to stand the long severe winters of the North, so had gone into the furniture business with Fred in that city.

I had planned to go into law practice in Portland, Oregon, in the fall of 1893, but Mr. Ellis offered to sell me his interest in the Southwestern Land Company, which we had organized in 1887, and after carefully considering the project for some weeks we closed the bargain September 1, 1893, and I took over the management and practical ownership of that company, together with about !|'30,000 of debts contracted by Mr. Ellis individually and for the company and sixteen law suits pending against him and the company. I settled most of these suits at once and started in to learn how to farm scientifically with tenants, a proposition filled with manifold trials, disappointments, much labor, study and hard work.

The panic of 1893 was just beginning when 1 got under that load. I worked night and day and began to make good. Then followed suit after suit in quick succession by Mr. Ellis trying to regain the property. Mr. Alexander Meggett, who was nominal president of our company, advised me to fight. Litigation is often necessary and always expensive, even if one Avins, and win I did ahiiost invariably with Wickliam & Farr as my attorneys.

But. it cost me thousands of dollars to establish my right to the property. I have repeatedly attended the farmers' courses at the Agricultural College, sent many of my tenants, read extensively and experimented a great deal along agricultural lines and appreciate that I have but approached the threshhold of the wonderful science of farming, I am farming over three thousand acres.

In the past twenty years I have seen agricultural land double, triple and quadruple in value. Professor William A. Henry said to me in 1894: "Allen, hang on to your lands.'' I am still hanging - to too many acres.

The old farmer-logger who .just lived on his farm in summer, waiting for a winter in the woods, don't know yet that his farm is fine agricultural land and worth much money. There are many of him but his sons know.

Just now a; number of gentlemen and myself are carrj'ing a very heavy load of southern Louisiana alluvial lands, trying to hang on till times are better. I have a lot of Dakota land also, and am fully realizing what it means to be land poor, because I must hang on perforce.

In the summer of 1900 it was my good fortune to meet Miss Frances Manning, of Leavenworth, Kan., who was visiting relatives here and later succeeded in inducing her to be my wife. We were mai'ried December 30, 1901, at Leavenworth, Kan.

She was born at Blue Wing, N. C, July 10, 1882, where her father, William J. Manning, was trying to develop copper mines, which, in later years, after he had been compelled to leave them, owing to lack of funds, became very valuable.

The family moved from there to Toledo, Ohio, and later to Muskegon, Mich., where he died in August, 1898. In both of these cities Mr. Manning was engaged in the real estate business. His wife died the following spring, leaving her daughter Frances, sixteen years old, and son Van Vliet, of nine .years, to be cared for by relatives.

Frances received her education at Muskegon and Lewis Institute of Chicago, from which she graduated in 1901 and went to Leavenworth, Kan., to live with her aunt.

Immediately after our marriage there, December 30, 1901, we left for St. Louis, New Orleans, Pensacola, Florida, Mobile, Tampa and De Land. From there we were suddenly called home by reason of the illness of my mother, who died September 2, 1902, at the age of seventy-seven years. She had been a devoted mother, sweet and lovable, a close follower of her Lord. She had willingly spent her life performing her daily duties tiiat come to a mother of a large family, sustained through the many years of arduous pioneer life by her eourage and the daily strength received from on high.

During the night of June 23, 1904, my father quietly passed away in his bed in De Land, Pla., without preliminary sickness, althoughdie had never fully recovered from the injuries received in the railroad wreck. He was brought home and laid by the side of my mother.

In April, 1904, we left the old home in which I had spent my boyhood days and had grown to manhood and mature years, and moved into our present home, 818 Third avenue. Here there has been born to us Phillip Scott, February 10, 1905 ; William Arthur, May 8, 1908, and Charles Francis, October 29, 1911.

At the university, under the teaching of that grand good man John Bascome, I became a prohibitionist, and have ever since fought the saloon seven days of the week, even on election day, by voting against it. The masses of the people are catching step with us and the manufacture and sale of liqiiors as a beverage is doomed, and with God's help this nation will soon be freed fi'om the devastation of the liquor ti'affic.

Edward Wellington Allen, eldest son of James and Emily Allen, was born at Baring, Maine, January 15, 1843. At the age of seven years the family moved from Baring to Sheboygan, Wis., and in 1858 from there to Two Rivers, Manitowoc county. In 1859 they moved to Eau Claire, Wis. From that date until he enlisted in the army, December, 1863, he attended school when he could and was a pupil of Rev. A. Kidder. He worked during that time in Mayhew's furnitiire factory, located near where the old Empire Lumber Company's office now stands, and at the time he enlisted he was clerking in the store of Williana H. Smith. At Sparta, Wis., December 31, 1863, he was formally mustered into the United States army with the rank of orderly sergeant of Company II, Sixteenth regiment, Wisconsin volunteers, with D. C. Whipple, captain ; J. T. Tinker, first lieutenant, and M. Grover, second lieutenant. They soon went to Camp Randall, Madison, where they were drilled and on February 26, the company being complete, they were ordered south.

"Prom the cold snows of the North to the balmy skies and peach blossoms of Vieksburg was a pleasant change. After doing picket duty at Black river bridge for a month, we were ordered back to Vieksburg, from thence north on transports up the river, passing Fort WilloM' a few hours after the massacre by Forrest. Company H and tM'O other companies were landed at Columbus to assist the colored troops in defending the fort against an attack momentarily expected from that chivalrous general, which, however, he failed to make.

''After two weeks of hard duty we joined the command at Cairo, then preparing to join Sherman's army in northern Georgia. From Cairo to Clifton, Tenn., on transports, and thence by forced marches, 300 miles across Alabama and Georgia, taking position on the left of the grand army before Kennesaw mountain, June 10, 1864. We suffered terribly during this march and many gave out on the way, among whom were Lieutenants Grover and Tinker, who went to the hospital.

"From this time to the lOtli of December, three months, we were constantly under arms, marching, skirmishing and lighting, our first exploits being in the battles about Kenesaw, where we lost several men; then hotly pursuing the rebels night and day until they took refuge in their trenches before Atlanta. "We lay on our arms on the night of the 20th of July, the enemy strongly fortified in front, and just at break of day we were ordered to the charge. Grave doubts and fears were expressed, as there were so many new recruits in the regiment, whether it Avould not be better to put an old and tried regiment in our place, but after a short consultation it was decided to keep us where we were, for if the charge was made the old soldiers who were supporting them would have no confidence in them, and they would lose all confidence in themselves. The result showed the wisdom of the conclusion. It was a trying moment when Colonel Fairchild shouted the order, 'Fixed bayonets! Forward!' Out of the timber, down a ravine, up and across the field, over their works, driving out Hardee's veterans and taking some prisoners, was but tlie work of a moment. Lieutenant Colonel Reynolds coming quickly up, said to the new men, 'You are all veterans now, boys.'

"The general commanding the brigade sent word to General Blair saying, 'The Wisconsin boys did nobly,' 'but it was praise dearly earned.' Lieutenant Fairchild, Lieutenant Colonel Reynolds. Captain John Wheeler and many other officers were woiuult'cl but, fortunately, none killed. Company II lost two killed, seven wounded. Captain Whipple particularly distinguished himself in this action and a somewhat laughable incident occurred during the charge. So great was the excitement but little attention was paid to his efforts to keep the men in line with the colors, but finally, becoming terribly in earnest and shouting above the roar and din of battle, he sang out, 'If you don't know what line on the colors means, keep your eyes on that flag.' We held the works all day under fire and strengthened them at night, but about noon the next day the enemy burst on our left and was crushing that part of our army like an egg shell, coming boldly on until they reached the works held by the 12th and 16th Wisconsin, who repulsed them in six successive terrible charges, first in front, then in rear, and changing sides of their works as many times. Captain Whipple showed himself the same hero here as the day before, but the strain was too much ; constant fatigue and anxiety and the suffering from his wound sent him to the ambulance and Orderly Sergeant Allen took command, there being no commissioned officer with the company. Being ordered to another part of the field by forced march, Captain Whipple again joined us and assisted in repulsing several charges, but was soon obliged to go to the field hospital and Lieutenant E. W. Allen, just commissioned, took command.

"The final battles of Jonesborough and Lovejoy's Station closed the campaign, and with light hearts we spread our tents in Atlanta September 10, 1864. Our company was reduced from 90 to 20 muskets, so severe had been the work. Here we received a quantity of good things, pickles, berries, condensed milk, etc., from kind friends in Eau Claire, for which if ever men felt grateful we did. But we did not rest long. Hood had gone north and was eating our crackers, so we were after him again and for five days and nights we chased him over mountains, rivers and valleys, and then were ordered back to Atlanta again, where, for the first time in eight months, we received our pay and voted for President, 34 for Lincoln and 2 for McClellan. That was the kind of men that composed Company H. Writing of this campaign. Captain Whipple says: 'Allow me to say a word for Lieutenant Allen, the youngest of the officers of the regiment. When commissioned he took his place beside the older officers, performing his duty faithfully and bravely and never missed a day until the close of the war.' On the 14th of November we started with Sherman on his grand march to the sea, and a month of constant marching brought us to the gates of Savannah, where, after a short resistance, we marched, flags flying, into the city. Starting again, we took Pootaligo, out on the Charleston railroad, which fell in consequence, and next our company was at the burning of Columbia, then Cheraw, Fayetteville, Bentonville and Goldsborough were taken, and after a few days' rest, waiting for our absent men to come up, a forced march brought us to Raleigh. When Captain Whipple, who had been sent home sick, rejoined us, how glad we were to see him. Here the war virtually closed. The fighting was over, but we were a long ways from home, but marching was easy now, for every day brought us nearer our loved ones there. On to Petersburg, Richmond and Washington, where, on the 23d day of May, 1865, we took part in that grandest pageant ever seen in America, the 'Grand Review,' Mrs. Sherman throwing bouquets at our tattered and worn colors. We were soon transferred to Louisville, Ky., where, on the 4th day of July, 1865, General Sherman took a final farewell and a few days after we were mustered out, sent to Madison, received our final pay and discharge on August 21, 1865, and with light hearts started for home never more, it is to be hoped, to be called to take up arms for our beloved country against internal foes.

"I have given the foregoing almost verbatim, partly because so few have taken pains to send me their war experience on paper, and because it is a concise narration of one of the most remarkal)le campaigns in the history of the world."

On his return from the war he was employed on tlie steamer Phil Sheridan, running on the Chippewa river, and that winter was in the logging camp of Pond (William H.) & McVicar, scaling, keeping ¥ooks, etc. June 20, 1866, he married Miss Mary S. Davenport, at Middlebury, Vt. That fall and winter he clerked in the store of Wilson & Foster on the corner where now stands the Howard Culver Company's shoe store. During the spring of 1867 Mr. Allen and Captain M. W. Harris became partners under the name of Allen & Harris and founded the first furniture store of Eau Claire in a building on the present opera house site, which building was burned in 1870. The firm then occupied the building in the middle of the next block north, now owned by Mrs. M. W. Harris. The firm was dissolved in 1877 and Mr. Allen thereafter established the pioneer music store of the city, first on Barstow street and soon after put up the buildings on Grand avenue east, now occupied by the Allen-Johnson Company.

it over to his son, James E. Allen, and Hans Johnson. Five children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Allen, three of whom are living: Mrs. Edna, wife of James Long, of Mexico City, Mexico ; Fred H. Allen, druggist at Tacoma, Wash., and James E. Allen, Eaii Claire, Wis. In 1878 Mr. Allen was instrumental with others in organizing the first militia company in Eau Claire after the war. The Eau Claire city guards was organized with D. C. Whipple as captain, M. E. O'Connell first and E. W. Allen second lieutenants.

On the 18th day of February, 1908, while sitting in the opera house waiting for the lectui-e of W. J. Bryan, he suddenly and without warning passed away at the age of 64 years.

Emily G. Allen. Emily Gertrude Pondjwho became the wife of James Allen in 1842, was born at Calais, Maine, July 21, 182.5, and was the eldest of the four children of Charles Pond, who was drowned in the St. Croix river at Calais, Maine, in 1831, and Cynthia Scott Pond ; Cynthia Scott was a daughter of the eldest brother of General Winfield Scott, whose grandfather, James Scott, a Scotchman of Clan Buceleuch, escaping after the disastrous battel of Culloden, where he fought for the pretender of the English throne, fled to Virginia, where he settled.

Sir Walter Scott's ancestors were of the same Clan Buceleuch and family. The Duke of Buceleuch, now living in Scotland, still represents the clan and the blood of this Scott family.

Mrs. Allen used to tell her children of sitting on the knee of General Winfield Scott when she was a little girl and that the general was a relative of her mother's.

A history of the life of General Scott sliows that in 1839 lie was sent by the President of the United States to settle some trouble between the State of Maine and the English in New Brunswick over some disputed land lying along the border, and it was probably at that time he visited his relatives at Calais, Maine.

Cynthia Scott Pond went to Sheboygan, Wis., with her daughter, Mrs. Allen, when the family moved in 1850 and died there in Augu.st, 1851, at the age of fifty-five years.

After the drowning of her husband in Maine she made a brave struggle to care for her four sillall children and to educate them as best she could. Emily was the oldest and at the time of the death of her father was only six years old. She was of bright and retentive mind, a natural grammarian and speller, and obtained a fair common school education for those days. After her marriage she lived in Baring till 1850 and gave her life to the duties of her home and motlierhood. Her life in Maine, in Sheboygan, Two Rivers and the earlv vears of Eau Claire was that common to the early pioueers of new eoimtries, rigorous, primitive, filled witii hard work, little relaxation and few luxuries, but through it all her sweet nature, her loving kindness to her children, loyalty to lier wifely duties and faith in her Maker sustained her and gave her courage and strength to perform her daily tasks. The old Allen homestead where her children grew up, married and moved to homes of their own was always open to friends, children, grandchildren and her kindred generally. It was the Mecca for those wlio had gone away. She was a faithful and consistent member and worker of the Baptist Church, one of the first members after its organization in the early days of Eaii Claire. After her husband was compelled to live South, owing to his injuries, she and her sou Charles lived in the old home as she could not stand the summer heat of Florida. She was never very strong and at the age of seventy-seven she died in'Eau Claire, September 2, 1902, beloved and mourned by all who knew her.

James Allen was born in Halifax, Nova Scotia, February 14, 1821. His father was an Irishman, an officer in the English army stationed at Halifax. His mother was an English lady. His parents died when he was a small boy and at twelve years of age he began to make his own way in the world, and in 183.3 he drifted to Maine, where at Calais and Baring he grew up to manhood, working in the mills,' the woods and at farming and fishing. His schooling was limited. He was possessed of great vitality and strength and hardly had a sick day in his life and was always industrious and a hard worker.

In 1842, in Calais, Maine, he was inarried to/Emily Gertrude I'ond and settled at Baring, Maine, where they lived until 1850. There were born to them in that place Edward Wellington, January 15, 1843 ; Emily Maria, 1845, and James Frederick, February 15, 1847. During these years he accumulated considerable property and was running a hotel. One Sunday morning in 1849 his little son, Edward, built a fire in the manger of the barn to "warm the chickens," as he said, resulting in the loss of the barn and most of its contents as well as the hotel. He had made all arrangements to go to California as gold had been discovered there shortly before, but this disaster prevented.

In 1850 the Allen and Pond clans living in and near Baring emigrated to Wisconsin and settled in Sheboygan. Here Cora Ella Allen was born November 13, 1856. About 1858 the family )uoved to Two Rivers, Manitowoc county, and there, June 3, 1858, Charles Levi Allen was born. During these nine years from 1850 to 1859 James Allen was engaged most of the time in lumbering, as wcTf his ])iotlK'r.s-in-la\v Levi "VV. and William S. Pond. lu the fall of 1859, with his family and five children, moved to Bau Claire and lived in a rented house for several years at the corner of Seventh aveune and Menomonie street, just across the avenue from where he built his home during the early years of the war, which home remained in the family until after the death of his wife and himself. - v

In the fall of 1859 James Allen and Levi AV. Pond made a two \ years' contract with the owners of the West Eau Claire saw mills to control the logs in the ChippeAva river so that they would float into the sorting works just above the river end of the log race to Half Moon lake, where those belonging to Eau Claire wovild be sorted from the down river logs and saved for the home mills. Others had tried by different kinds of booms to control the logs, but had failed. A successful boom had to be opened easily and quickly, to allow the passage of rafts and steamboats and as quickly closed again to control the logs, and such a boom was not known that would work e((ually well in low water with few logs as in the swift current of high river filled with rapidly running logs. Out of these two yeai-s of struggle with a swift river bearing millions of dollars' worth of the finest white pine logs ever known came this wonderful sheer boom which was afterwards patented by ]\lr. Pond and which revolutionized the logging industry of America. (Tlie success of these two men with the boom is

Thomas E. Randall, and published in 1875, pages 90 to 94.) At the expiration of this contract ]\Ir. Allen contracted with Ingram & Kennedy to raft all the lumber of their mills and later for the mills of the Empire Lumber Company, and from 1861 to 1890 he had charge of that important phase of the lumbermg operations of those great concerns. In 1890 he was badly injured in a railroad wreck in Florida, from which he never fully recovered, and had to give up heavy labor and was unable to withstand the severe northern winters, so he made his home in De Land, Fla., and became a partner in the furniture business with his son, James Fred Allen, who had gone South in August, 1875. On the morning of June 24, 1904, he was found dead in his bed in De Land, having passed away in the night without preliminary sickness. His body was brought to Eau Claire and laid beside that of his wife in Lakeview eeraeter.y.

James Fred Allen enlisted for service in the Civil War February 29, 186-4, in Company K, 36th regiment, Wisconsin Volunteer infantry, before he was seventeen years old. lie was cap- tured at the battle of Cold Harbor, June 3, 1864, and lay in Andersonville prison, suffering with his comrades as few prisoners have ever suffered in civilized warfare until April 28, 1865. General Lee had surrendered his army April 9, and General Johnston April 26, and the Civil War was over. A prisoner who liad escaped from that horrible prison had reported to Edward W. Allen, an officer in Sherman's army, that he had seen his brotlier Fred carried out to be buried, and all at home believed that he had succumbed to the privations and sufferings of that hell on earth - Andersonville prison. His funeral sermon was preached by Rev. Mr. Hamilton, of Eau Claire, shortly after the news had been received of his death. It was with great rejoicing in the Allen home that a letter from Fred was received one May morning tliat he was alive and on his way home. Myron Briggs was the bearer of that momentous letter, bringing it from the postoffice on tlie east side to the Allen home on Meuomonie street and giving it to Mrs. Allen, lying sick on her couch. His homecoming was a veritable return from the grave. Fred never fully recovered from that eleven months of prison life. After the war he kept books for Noah Shaw in his foundry near Ingram & Kennedy's mills, for many years, until he went South in search of health in 187."). He is now (1914) living in De Land and engaged with his son Gus in the furniture business. While living in Eau Claire he married Miss Kitty Norton, niece of John P. Pinkum, October 8, 1872. Cora E., his sister, was married to J. F. Ellis in the fall of 1875 at Eau Claire. The eldest daughter of Mr. and Mrs. James Allen - Maria E. - died in 1861.

William A. Allen, after finishing his education at the State University in 1884, went to Florida and with his brother Fred opened the first drug store in that city. He is still (1914) living there in the same business and is the postmaster of the city of De Land.

James E. Allen, of the tirm of The Allen-Johnson Company, dealers in general musical merchandise, is the son of Edward W. and Mary F. (E'aveui)ort) Allen. His father and also his grandfather, James Allen (sketches of M'hom appear elsewhere in tiiis work), were both prominently identified with the business and industrial interests of Eau Claire.

James E. Allen was boi-n in Eau Claire, ilareh 6, 1881. He grew to manhood in the city, receiving his education in the public schools, and began his business career as clerk and bookkeeper in his father's music store, and in 1906, having mastered all the details of the business, he, associated with Mr. H. E. Johnson, pnr- chased his father's interest, and since that time the business which was established by his father in 1877 has been conducted under the fii'in name of The Allen-Johnson Company and is the leading establishment of its kind in Eau Claire. They deal in all kinds of musical instruments, including pianos, organs, phonographs, stringed instruments, etc.

Mr. Allen was married August 17, 1907, to jMiss JIaude Elizabeth Cernagham, daughter of James A. and Elizabeth (Jloore) Cernagham, of the town of Union, Eau Claire county. Jlrs. Allen died April 1-t, 1913, leaving besides her husband two children named Mary Elizabeth and Grace Allen.

Anton M. Anderson, Register of Deeds for Eau Claire county, is the son of Brede and Marie (Erickson) Anderson. The father was a merchant in Norway, where he spent his life and there died.

Anton M. Avas born at Kongsvinger, Norway, May 25, 1863, and is the eldest of a family of seven children, as follows : Emil resides in Eau Claire, Hannah is the wife of Jens Munthe Dahl and lives in Christiania, Norway, Bemhard lives in Minneapolis, Minn., and Jacob at Eau Claire, Wis. Those deceased are Harry and Carl. Mr. Anderson received his education in the high schools at Kongsvinger, Norway. After leaving school he clerked in his father's store for one and one-half years, and in 1880 came to America. He located at Porter's Mills, in Eau Claire county, and spent one season at saw mill work, and for the following five years was engaged in mercantile pursuits. He then became associated with the Northwestern Lumber Company, and for twelve years was manager and bookkeeper for that concern in its various departments. In 1900 he was elected to the office of Register of Deeds, and has been re-elected to the office everj^ two years since. Fraternally he is a Mason, a member of the Chapter and Commandery ; he is a member of the Kjiights of Pythias, the Elks, the I. S. W. A. and the Sons of Nor-way.

On November 9, 1885, Mr. Anderson was married to Miss Shauette Berg, daughter of Christian Berg, of Eau Claire, Wis., and they have six children, as follows : Bertha M., wife of William Dungan : Harry M., Dana M., Walter M., Robert M., and Anton M. Anderson. Jr.

Ralph E. Arnold, the popular druggist and postmaster of Pairchild, Eau Claire county. Wis., was born at Corning, N. Y., December 1, 1844, the son of William J. and Harriet N. (Kress) Arnold. His paternal grandfather, Asa Arnold, was born in

Smithfield, R. I., February 3, 1770, aud his wife, Patience, graodmotlier of our subject, was born in the same town September 14, 1788. They were the parents of ten children, one of whom, William J., father of our subject, was born August 14, 1810, at Smithfield, R. I. He was educated in his native town aud at Providence, finishing with an academic course. He married October 26, 1841, Harriet N., daughter of John K. and Catherine (Light) Kress, of Pennsylvania, and by her had three sons, all of whom were born at Coming, N. Y., viz : John K., Ralph E., and William F. The father came Avest and in 1857 settled at Wabasha, Minn., where he superintended the lumber and logging business of H. S. Allen & Co., of Chippewa Falls, Wis., of which company he was a member and its treasurer. He served as a member of the first legislature of that state and assisted in framing the charter of the State of Minnesota. In 1861 he was appointed postmaster of Wabasha, Minn., and served in that capacity eight years. In 1886 he moved to Wilson, Wi.s., where he died March 2, 1889.

Ralph E. attended the public schools at Corning. N. Y., and came to Minnesota -with his parents and there finished his education, taking an academic and business course, and also studied pharmacy. In 1864 he located at Wilson, Wis., and in 1876 became connected with the West Wisconsin IManufacturing Company as treasurer of the concern. In 1888 he moved to Fairehild, Wis., and purchased tlie drug business of the late B. 0. Palmer, in which he has since been sueces.sfully engaged. In 1897 he married Mary S., daughter of John Levy, of Oshkosh, and has one son - Ralph Levy. In religious belief Mr. Arnold is an Episcopalian, while his wife is a Roman Catholic. He is a member of the Knights of Pythias and the Modern Woodmen of America. A Republican in politics, Mr. Arnold has been many times honored by the citizens of his community. He has held the office of town clerk aud supervisor of the town of Fairehild. He has also served as president, treasurer and clerk of the Village of Fairehild, and has continuously lield the office of postmaster since 1898.

Rev. August F. Augustin, pastor of St. John's Evangelical German Lutheran church, of Eau Claire, was born in Penzlin, Mecklenburg, Germany, December 19, 1863, a son of August and Dorothea (Jordan) Augustin. His elementary and classical education was obtained in the elementary and high schools of his native place, and his theological studies were pursued at Brecklum, Province of Schleswig. In 1884 he came to the United

States and finished his theological course at Dubuqne, la., and the same year was ordained to the ministi-y. His first charge was at Russell, Kan., where he remained until 1890, when he was assigned to his present pastorate at Eau Claire.

Rev. Augustin mari-ied September 19, 1887, Bertha, daughter of John Renter, of Germany, and they are the parents of four children, viz : Sigmund, Curt, Waldemar and Margaret. Rev. Augustin is president of the Wisconsin district of the German synod of Iowa. He is a member of the board of trustees of the Iowa synod, and is also a tnastee of the Wartbury Theological Seminary, of Dubuque, la.

August J. Ausman,* wlio was born in Eau Claire. July 2(i, 1874, is by trade a miller. His father, August Ausman, was born near Berlin, Germany, in 1830, and came to America in 1870. He served in the German army and followed farming in Germany. He came to Wisconsin and first settled at Augusta, but later moved to Eau Claire and for fifteen years was employed by Ingram & Kennedy in a saw mill. He was next employed by George W. Jlason in the Lakeside Elevator for eighteen years, after Avhich he was engaged in farming near W^heaton, in Chippewa county, until 1911, when he returned to Eau Claire, and died December 25, 1913. He married Caroline Quelle, who died in 1910, and was buried in the Catholic cemetery. They were the piarents of seven children, as follows: Mary married Joseph Price, a farmer of Wheaton; John is also a farmer; August J., the Subject of this sketch; Agnes married a farmer of Wheaton; Frank is a member of the Eau Claire police force; Laura married August Bleske, a farmer, and Joe, who died in 1907.

August J. was educated in the public and German parochial schools, and first worked for Alexander Watson in an elevator for a few years. He was next employed by George W. JMason for sis years in the floui-iug mill, of which his father was superintendent, and here learned the trade of miller. He was associated with J. E. Galligan for four years, during which time he had charge of the elevator and bought grain, and then became interested in anotlier mill company, selling his interest at the end of one year. He was associated with Joseph Chapman, of Minneapolis, for six months, and then for seven years was with the W. J. Davis Elevator Company. In 1904 he associated himself with the Milwaukee Elevator Company, for which he is now foreman. He married Miss Anna Bouk, daughter of John Bouk.

of Eau Claire, and they have an interesting family of five children, named, respectively, Abigail, Elvira, August, Francis and Anthonj'- Ausman.

Thomas W. Avery, one of the early settlers of Eau Claire county, is a native of Allegany county. New York, where he was born May 19, 1840. Wlien 17 years of age, in 1857, he came to Eau Claire with an elder brother, and shortly after his arrival here commenced farming opei'ations with his brother-in-law, Peter Truax, who had preceded him to this county some two years. After about 25 years of successful general farming j\Ir. Avery moved into the city of Eau Claire and engaged in the selling of farm implements, a business he conducted for seven years, when he sold out and opened a music store, in which he handled all kinds of musical instruments. For fifteen years he continued in this profitable business, then disposing of his stock, he retired. Mr. Avery is one of Eau Claire's progressive and public spirited men, and any public enterprise which is for the betterment of the community generally receives his hearty support.

His father, Benjamin Avery, was also a resident of Eau Claire county, having come here from the state of New York in 1858. Mr. Avery has four sisters living: Mre. Peter Truax, Mrs. J. B. Champion and Mrs. Sara A. McLean, and Mai'y Avery, who makes her home A\-ith Mrs. Peter Truax. On July 17, 1873, Mr. Averj' married Susan E. Grigsby, a most estimable lady of Eau Claire.

Charles H. Ayers,''' who is descended from prominent New England ancestors, among whom were physicians, mechanics and prosperous manufacturers, is a native of Albany, N. Y., where he was born September 11, 1855, the son of William and Elizabeth (Stone) Ayers. The father was a mechanic by profession, while Grandfather Ayers was a practicing physician of prominence in New York state, and for many years members of the Ayers family were engaged in tlu» manufaetiire of umbrellas in Albany.

In 1857 William Ayers came West to Wisconsin and settled in Milwaukee, where for about ten years he was engaged in contracting and building, and during this time he built the Racine College. He later moved to Oshkosh, Wis., and lived to the age of 74 years, the mother having passed away at the age of 26.

and while a young mau Mr. Ayers spent five years in logging and lumbering, mostly in the neighborhood of Merrill. He subsequently spent two years in the village of Fairehild, and then for a period of eighteen years was employed by Henry Brown, one of the early settlers of Thompson Valley. He afterward purchased a farm of eighty acres in Otter Creek township, which he improved and where he now resides, engaged in general farming. He is a wideawake, public-spirited citizen, is active in the affairs of the Democratic party and is an attendant and supporter of the Jlethodist church.

On October 20, 1902, :Xlr. Ayers married IMiss Lydia Hewlett, daughter of Lafayette Hewlett, who originally lived in Pennsylvania but later moved to Trempealeau county, Wisconsin. Mr. and Mrs. Ayers have a family of two children, viz: Brown and Margaret Rosalind Ayers. John Ayers, who resides in Scott's Valley, is a brother of Charles H.

Harvey Axford, deceased, who attained to a position of local prominence as a professional bookkeeper and accountant, was a native of Oxford, Mich. He came to Eau Claire in 1809 and there spent the balance of his life. He was an lionorable member of tlie Masonic fraternity and attained to the degree of Knight Templar. He was careful, conscientious and thoroughly up-to-date in his methods, with a wide scope of practical as well as theoretical knowledge. He was a man of pleasing personality, and wherever known was esteemed for his thorough, manly qualities of mind and heart.

On Januarj' 27, 1869, at Portage City, Wis., he married Miss Nettie A. Stockbridge. Mrs. Axford was for fourteen years matron of the Eau Claire Children's Home, resigning the position in 1912. She is possessed of rare mental attainments and prominent in social circles, and is a member of the Old Settlers' Association of Eau Claire. Her father, Henry L. Stockbridge, was born in Syracuse, N. Y., and was by occupation a contractor and builder. He married Delia Slorgan, of Binghamton, N. Y., and to them two children were born, viz : Nettie J. and John H. Both Mr. and Mrs. Stockbridge are now deceased. His death occurred in November, 1873 ; his widow surviving until February 11, 1900. John H. Stockbridge died October 22, 1904, leaving a widow and two children, viz : Ida B. and Clarence L., Avho are still residents of Eau Claire.

George F. Banister,* retired, was born in Genesee county, N. Y., July 27, 1836. His parents, Joseph and Polly (Stearns) Banister, were natives of Massachusetts and New York, re- spectively, of Scotch-Irish and English descent. Mr. Banister was reared in Jefferson coimty, New York, until he was ten years of age, then spent two years in Pennsylvania. He came to Wisconsin in 1849 with his parents, who settled on Indian land in what is now Portage City, but then called Moundville. In 1866 they came to Eau Claire county and settled in the town of Washington anl there engaged in farming. They had a family of thirteen children, nine of whom grew to maturity. Those now living are: George F. ; Lucy, wife of George M. Dempsey; Mary J. married Ira Burton; Daniston C. and Lyman S. Of those deceased John died in Kentucky while serving as a soldier in the United Sates army; Daniel S. was killed in the civil war; Frederick C, and La Salle.

Mr. Banister received a limited education in the coiinnon schools and after coming to Wisconsin in 1849 he learnetl the trade of carpenter and joiner and in 1856 came to Eau Claire county, and the following year purchased a farm of 85 acres in what is now Section 6, Washington township, to which he subsequently added 80 acres. He cleared and improved 100 acres and there made his home until 1879, when he sold out and moved to the city of Eau Claire and resumed the carpenter business, which he followed off and on until 1908 and then retired. In February, 1865, he married Harriett West, daughter of Derrick and Mary (Upham) West, of Columbia county. Three children were born to them, as follows: IMary, who followed the occupation of teacher, is deceased ; Lucy, deceased, and Phoebe M., wife of Charles Peat, of Portland, Ore. Mr. Banister was a soldier in the civil war, enlisting December 15, 1861, as a private in Company L, Second Regiment, Wisconsin Volunteer Cavalry. He participated in the siege of Vicksburg and in many other battles and skirmishes, and was honorably discharged January 23, 1865, by reason of the expiration of his terin of service. He is now a member of Eagle Post, No. 52, G. A. R., of Eau Claire, and the Old Settlers' Association, and is one of its oldest members. While living on the farm Mr. Banister was honored by the people of his town by being elected to various offices, served one term as supervisor and held other minor offices.

Charles C Barber,* who ranks among the younger class of energetic and advancing farmers of Eau Claire county. Wisconsin, is the son of Solon and Elmira (Richards) Barber, who were both born in St. Lawrence county. New York, and were descended from old and prominent families. They made their home in New York state until they came to AVisc(uisin and settled on the farm near Augusta. Here they lived, the father devoting himself to general farming and stock raising and passed the rest of his life. He was a good man, knoAvn for his uprightness and probity of character, and all who knew him honored and respected him. He took an active interest in public affairs and at one time was a member of the board of county commissionei's. His widow, who still survives, is a charming lady and is loved for her goodness of heart and many womanly virtues by her large circle of friends. She is the mother of six children, four of whom are now (1914) living, viz: Ella is the wife of Charles Stinson ; Emma married Rev. John Johns and resides at Reedsburg, Wis.; George lives in Harvard. 111., and Charles C. Tho.se deceased are Belle, who died when quite young, and Ida.

Charles C. Barber is a native son of Eau Claire county and was born in Bridge Creek township, July 7, 1S7S. He was raised on a farm, receiving his education in the common school, and is now actively engaged in general farming. He owns and operates a well improved farm of 140 acres within one mile of the city of Augusta, and is rated among the foremost citizens of his town. He takes a commendable interest in all matters public and sanctions any movement which is for the best interest of his community. He Avas married February 8, 1905, to Clara Jane Shepard, of Augusta, by whom he has two sons, Bernard Owen and Francis Wyman. Mr. Barber stands well socially as well as fraternally, and is a member of the Modern Woodmen of America, the Woodmen of the World and the Knights of Tythias.

Jajnes T. Barber, president of the Northwestern Lumber Company, is the son of William Henry and Caroline (Hayward'l Barber. The original ancestor of the Barber family in America was John Barber, great grandfather of James T., who came from England to the United States in 1793, locating first in Rhode Island, where he married a ]\Iiss Jenks, and in 1795 moved to Franklin county, Massachusetts, and resided there until his death. The paternal grand fatlier. John Barber, was born and spent his entire life in Franklin county, !JIassachusetts. William Henry Barber, father of our subject, was born in Franklin county, where he spent his entire life. He was a genius in the line of inventions and a good machinist; he devised many excellent contrivances, among them a brace which is still known as the Barber bit brace. He married Caroline Hay ward, a daughter of Stephen Hayward, of Plainfield, Hampshire county, whose family were numbered among the pioneers of that section, and they were the parents of the following children: Henry, who was a soldier in the civil war and served two years in the Fiftysecond ^Massachusetts Infantry; Ernest; Fidelia J. was drowned at the age of twenty-four, and James T., the subject of this sketch.

The maternal great grandfather, Hope Brown, was one of the heroes of the revolutionary war. He resided near Concord, and was one of the minute men called to arms by Paul Revere in his famous ride. He participated in the battle of Lexington, and after disposing of a red coat captux-ed his old flint-lock musket, which is still retained by members of the family as a trophy, it now being in possession of Stephen IlayAvard, who resides in Missouri.

James T. Barber was born January 25, 1847, in Ashfield. Franklin county, Mass., and received his primary education in the common schools, which was supplemented by a course at the Windsor, Vt., high school, where his father was manufacturing muskets for the Union army dimng the civil war. At an early age he secured employment on the Springfield "Republican." then edited b.y Samuel Bowles and Dr. J. G. Holland. He lield various positions on this paper and for several years had charge of the mailing department. In 1871 he went to Hannibal. Mo., and for a short time kept books for his uncle. He afterwards kept books for Davis, Baekee & Garth for two years. On July 1, 1875, he accepted a like position with the Northwestern Lumber Company at Hannibal, and so well did he perform the duties assigned to him he was soon taken into the company and later became assistant secretary and treasurer, and it was largely through his efficient management and rare business ability that the company's business at Hannibal assumed the large pi'oportions that it did.

On December 1. 1886, he came to Eau Claire in the interests of the company and in 1887 became its vice-president, and since 19C4 has been president of the corporation. He is recognized as a man of affairs and is one of the city's most enterprising and public spirited men. Soon after his arrival in Eau Claire lie became interested in the Gas "Works, become a director of the National Electric Manufacturing Company, secretary of the Montreal River Company and president of the Sterling Lumbei- Company, the last two being adjuncts of the Northwestern Lumber Company. He is now treasurer of the Stanley, ]\Ierrill & Phillips Railway Company, which is also owned by the Northwestern Lumber Company.

daughter of Peter and Angie (Tewkesberry) Bellinger, pioneers of Eau Claire. Mr. Barber has always been identified with the Republican party, and while in Missouri was a member of the delegation which nominated James G. Blaine for president in 1884. He was also a delegate from Wisconsin to the National convention which nominated Wm. McKinley for President in 1900. Eeligiously he is a member of the vestry of Christ Episcopal church.

Henry Barney,* public spirited citizen and manufacturers' agent, of Fairchild, is the son of Godfrey W. and Lorinda (Wilder) Bai-ney, and was born in Belleville, Jefferson county, N. Y., May 9, 1852. His father was also born in Jefferson county, and his mother was a native of Vermont. In 1858 the parents came to Wisconsin with their family and settled on 320 acres of land in Juneau county; the land Avas in three parcels, one of which consisted of 80 acres, to which was subsequently added by purchase 20 acres. The original 320 acres was given to the father by his brother, Hiram Barney, collector of the Port of New York, who was a warm personal friend of Abraham Lincoln, and who resigned his position as collector of the i)ort in favor of Chester A. Arthur, who afterward became President of the United States. The father of Henry Barney was a clergyman in the Methodist Episcopal chux'ch and belonged to the Black River conference. New York. Before coming to Wisconsin, he was superannuated and his sons made all the improvements on the farm in Juneau county where the father died in 1863 at the age of 67 years. He served as drummer boy in the war of 1812 and after his death, his widow drew a pension from the government. Before entering the ministry he studied medicine and practiced that profession more or less during his lifetime, and for many years wasthe manufacturer of Dr. G. W. Barney's Anti-Billious Cathartic Pills, and for a number of years was land warrant agent for the state of New York, for the benefit of United States soldiers. His children who grew to maturity were Hiram W., a prominent lawyer of Mauston, Wiseosin, who died December 25, 1906; Sarah, deceased ; Chai'les, retired hardware merchant of Mauston : Mary Augusta, a practicing physician, and Henry.

Mr. Barney grew to manhood in Juneau county, receiving his education in the district schools and the Mauston high school. He began his business career as a clerk in a general store at Mauston, serving in that capacity for two years. He later engaged in farming on the old homestead for two years, and still later engaged in lumbering in Juneau and Vernon counties in which he continued for some six years, and then entered the agricultui-al implement business at Hillsboro, AVisconsin, which he followed for eight years. In 1893 he settled on a farm of 80 acres in the town of Bridge Creek, Eau Claire county, near Augusta, where he followed farming until April, 1902. In the last named year, he moved to the village of Fairchild and embarked in tlie livery business which he followed until 1913, when on account of ill health he turned the business over to his sons, by whom it is continued under the name of Barney Brothers.

Twice married, Mr. Barney took for his first wife. Miss Anna, daughter of Ruben and Elizabeth (Daniels) Sweet, of Hillsboro, Wisconsin, whose father was a soldier in the civil war. By this union nine children were born, six of whom grew to maturity: Ernest W. ; Wert W. ; Charles H. ; Francis N.; Hiram R. and Hattie, deceased. He married for his second wife IMrs. Louisa (Jenson) Johnson, widow of James Johnson, who, by her former marriage is the mother of three children: Anna is now IMrs. Walter Olson, of Sparta; Jessie and Carl. Mr. and Mrs. Barney are the owners of valuable property in Fairchild consisting of residences and 40 acres, and they also own two farms of 40 and 80 acres each.

David P. Barnes, one of the early settlers of Eau Claire, and for many years a public officer, was born September 6, 1837, in Plattsburg, New York, and there remained until 1857, when he came to Wisconsin, and located at Eau Claire, where for a time he was engaged in the lumber business and for twenty years thereafter he was interested in selling farm implements. For a number of years he was acting deputy sheriff of Eau Claire county, served as county clerk for some time, and for twelve years acted as deputy county treasurer and for twenty-six years prior to his retirement, he acted as janitor of the eoui-t house, a record seldom equaled. He married Mary Grinsel, a native of the Province of Quebec, Canada, and to this union seven children have been born, six of whom are now living, viz. : Phoebe, wife of W. H. Brown, of Eau Claire: Bessie. Margaret, James H., William H. and Grace. Horace Barnes, father of our subject, died in Plattsburg, New York, at the age of fifty-six years, and the mother died there aged 57 years. They raised a family of six children, three sons and three daughters, as follows: Horace J., William R., David P. and three sisters. Mrs. David P. Barnes died in Ban Claire January 30, 1902.

William H. Barnes, Councilmau of the new commission form of government of Eau Claire, Wis., is the son of David P. and Mary (Grinsell) Barnes, and was born in Eau Claire June 16, 1875. His father was a native of Plattsburg, N. Y., and his mother of the Province of Quebec, Canada. The father came to Wisconsin in 1858, locating in Eau Claire, where he engaged in various lines of business, conducted a livery stable for a few years, engaged in the sale of agricultural implements for 20 years, and for 27 years was janitor of the courthouse. While in that position he acted as deputy of nearly all the offices of the county. He is now (1914), at the age of 77, living retired in this city. Of his seven children, six are now living, viz. : Phoebe, wife of W. J. Brown ; Margaret, Bessie, Horace, William H. and Grace.

William H. was reared in his native city, receiving his education in the public schools and local business college. He learned the machinists' trade, which he followed for fifteen years. Politically he is a Socialist and is the first one of that party to hold office in Eau Claire county, having been elected councilman for a term of six years in April, 1912. He is a member of the Machinists' Union and a staunch supporter of the principles of unionism and an active union worker. His wife, wliose maiden name was Mary Fitzpatrick, daughter of John and Nellie (Mc- Graw) Fitzpatrick, of Eau Claire, to whom he was married in 1912, is also a supporter of unionism, being a member of the Typographical Union. Mr. and Mrs. Barnes are the parents of two cliildren - Mary and Elizabeth Barnes.

John E. Barron,* who. while still a young man. had attained to a position of prominence in the financial circles of Eau Claire, was born in this city April 11, 1872, tlie son of Martin Van Buren and Caroline A. (Wightman) Barron, pioneers of Eau Claire. After finishing his education in the common and high schools of the city, he entered the employ of his father in the lumber business, with whom he remained until the latter 's death. He was then employed by the Madison Street Manufacturing Company, and for a time worked for the Standard Oil Company in Eau Claire. In 1897 he went into the Bank of Eau Claire, which later became the Union Savings Bank, and has worked his way from messenger boy to the responsible position of cashier of the Union Savings Bank. He is a thorough banker and a man whose business judgment is often sought on important business matters. He is deeply interested in tlie welfare of the city, and while he takes a keen interest in all public matters, he has never sought nor held public office. Though he has many times been tendered town iiud city offices, he has always declined, preferring to give his whole attention to Jiis many business enterprises. Besides his banking interests in this city, he is a stockholder in the Union Mortgage & Loan Company, of Eau Claire, a director of the Farmers' State Bank, of Allen, Wisconsin, and a stockholder and director of the Northwestern Flour & Feed Company.

Mr. Barron 's busy life is marked by many changes, but amidst its many vicissitudes lie has held the even tenor of his way, advancing gradually step by step until he has attained a standing and position worth}' of the man, and withal gained by a course of business methods that commend him to the respect of all who know him. On September 19, 1904, IMr. Barron married -Josephine M. Kleiusehintz, daughter of George J. and ]\Iary ]\lagdom (Uhl) Kleinschintz. They ha^c a liappy family of two children, viz: Magdom and John Henry.

Mr. Barron is a man of jileasing personality, generous and public spirited, and occupies a prominent place in fraternal, social and benevolent societies. He is a Mason and a member of Blue Lodge. Chapter and Comniandery, No. 8. He is Exalted Ruler in the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks and a member of Germania Lodge, No. 49, Knights of Pythias, the Grand Lodge and the X^niform Rank. He is also a member of the Knights of Khorassan of Racine, the Eau Claire Club, Brotherhood of American Yeomen, Independent Order of Foresters and the Spanish-American War Veterans, and represents the Second Ward on the Board of Education, lie enlisted in Company E, Third Regiment, Wisconsin National Guard, as a private and served five years; he held all the non-commissioned offices and rose to the rank of Second Lieutenant, and as such served through the Porto Rican campaign under ^lajor ^Marshall Cousins during the Spanish- American war.

^Martin Van Buren Barron, father of our .subject, was a relative of the late -Judge Barron, tlie third judge to hold court in this city. Coming to Eau Claire in 1865. Mr. Barron became associated with his brother. John, in the flour and feed business on Bai-stow street, which was continued for about one year, when, with another brother, under the firm name of Barron Brothers, lie built a saw mill on the Chippewa river just above the old Eddy mill. At the end of one year he became connected with the Eau Claire Lumber Company as salesman in the lower Mississippi city, continuing with this concern for about three years. He then began logging for himself and i^dtli that and running a lumber A'ard at Blue Earth, Minnesota, for the Eau Claire Lumber Com- pany. his tinu' was well occupied for the uext six years. He was associated with the late Peter Truax for two years in buying and cutting hard wood lumber in Northern Wisconsin, and from that time until his death, wliieh occurred Julj^ 28, 1891, he was associated with -John S. Ow'en, of the Rust-Owen Lumber Company in buying lumber and logs at Boyd, Cadott, Bloomer, Chetek, ]5arron and other points along the line of the Omaha and Wisconsin Central (now the Soo) Raihvays.

Mr. Barron was horn in Jjisbon, New Hampshire, April 10, 1834, a son of Fletcher .i. and ^lary (Ilorton) Barron, natives of Haverhill, New Hampshire, and Providence, Rhode Island, respectively, who wei'e married January 13, 1819. Eight children were born to them as follows: Jane, Horton, Fletcher, John, Mary, Martin Van Buren, Closes Durand and Josephine. The early life of Mr. Barron was spent in Livingston eount.y. New York, whither the family moved when he was young. At the age of seventeen he moved to Scio, New York, and there engaged in the lumber business. On January 22, 1859, he married Caroline A. Wightman, a native of Richburg, Allegany county. New York, and they became the parents of nine children, of whom two are now living, viz : John E. and Cora, who married DeSota H. Grant, a merchant at River Bank, California. Carrie, a twin sister of Cora, is now deceased, and her remains lay at rest in Forest Hill cemeterj'. Although ilr. Barron was not a member of any church, he lived an honorable and upright life. He was a member of the A. 0. U. W. and always affiliated with the Democratic party, and probably no man connected with the lumber industry was better known through the snrroiniding country, or more highly respected than was he.

The parents of Fletcher J. Bai-ron, grandfather of John E., were of French descent. ]\loses Barron was a soldier in the P^reneh \var, and also in the War of the Revolution. Mary Bari-on, th(! grandmother, was a daughter of Ebenezer and Chloe (Daly) Ilorton. natives of Rhode Island.

Corydon L. Beardsley.* In perpetuating in words more enduring than monuments of stone the memory of men of prominence whose active and valuable lives have been spent in Eau Claire county, the pages of this volume would be incomplete were mention not made of the honored pioneer whose name is here recorded.

Mr. Beai-dsley was born in the state of New York, May 21, 1839, and on both sides is descended from sterling New England families, good loyal citizens and most exemplary characters.

Corydon L. received his primary education in the common schools of his neighborhood, and early in life, imbued with the spirit of the late Horace Greeley, he turned his face to the setting sun. Landing in Wisconsin, he followed the occupation for a time of well digging, and during the civil war he enlisted in Company F. Thirtieth Wisconsin Volunteer Infantry, and proved a brave and efficient soldier.

In 1865 he came to Eau Claire county and settled on a farm in Pleasant Valley township, which he improved and where he lived, engaged in general farming until 1907, when he retired from active labor, moved into the city of Eau Claire, where he now resides in the enjoyment of his family and the fruits of his many years of toil. Mr. Beardsley was united in marriage to Miss Hannah Hathaway, a very estimable lady of Pierce county, Wisconsin, by whom he had nine children, viz: Elmer E., born May 5, 1862; Ella A., born October 29, 1864; Viola E., born October 17, 1866; Effie H., born October 2, 1868; Clifford J., born September 16, 1870 ; Henry L.. born July 2, 1873 ; Lettie S.. born June 16, 1876; Lillian F., born December 30, 1879, and Bertha 0.. born December 25, 1883. The mother of these children, who was a lady of rare womanly graces and domestic virtues, died January 21, 1896, loved and respected by all who knew her. Mr. Beardsley has been a resident of Eau Claire county for nearly fiftj' years and is one of the energetic, thrifty and highly respected men. He is a member of Eagle Post, No. 52, Grand Army of the Republic, of Eau Claire.

Hjalmar E. Berg, tlie well known and popular tailor of Eau Claire, was born in Venenborg. Sweden, of Norwegian parents, on January 5. 1870. His - father. Christian Berg, was born in Holmestrand, Norway. He learned the trade of tailor in his native country, followed the same there until 1888, when he emigrated to the United States, coming direct to Ban Claire, where he was employed as a journeyman by John Horgan, a merchant tailor, in whose employ he remained until his death on February 19, 1905. He married Sophia Thorp, of Fredrikstad. Norway, who is now seventy years of age. To this union the following children were born: Shanette, married Anton M. Anderson, register of deeds of Eau Claire ; Karl Johan ; Hjalmar E. : Kristine, married William Cheetham; Hulda, married Martin Hanson; Waldemar Mark; Axel, a lumberman residing in the state of Washington, married Vesta Hanson ; Elvine. married Jack Brewer, and Ella, who died in infancy.

the tradt' of tailor of liis father. He eaiiie to Eau Claire with his parents in 1888 and in the spring of 1910 he started in business for himself at 436 Water street, and has since carried on a successful merchant tailoring business, manufacturing a high-grade class of clothing.

He is a successful business man, progressive and enterprising, and commands a large patronage from the best class of people in Eau Claire. He is a member of the Lutheran Church and the Sons of Norway and is an independent Kepublican.

Jonas Bergh, the popular and enterprising real estate man of Eau Chiii-e, is a native son of Norway, where he was born October 6, 1859, to Andrew P. and Lise (Johnson) Bergh, who came to the United States in 1866, locating at Red Wing, Minn., where they remained until 1869, and then removed to St. Paul, where the mother died in 1871. After the death of his wife, ]\Ir. Bergh came to Eau Claire with his family of five children, four of whom are now (1914) living, viz.: Jonas, Louie, Martin and Chris.

In 1873 Jonas Bergh came to Eau Claire, attended the public schools and later learned the trade of machinist and moulder in the establishment of the Phoenix Manufacturing Company, by whom he was employed for twenty-five years. In 1910 he embarked in the real estate business on his own account, in which line he has succeeded in building up a large and thriving business. He not only handles local property, but also deals extensively in northern Wisconsin and North Dakota lands.

On October 9, 1887, Mr. Bergh was united in marriage with Randi, daughter of John Larson, a native of Norway. To this union there are five children now (1914) living, as follows: Amanda L., who is the wife of John L. Johnson ; James R., Andrew W., Mamie E. and Elmer R. In religious matters Mr. Bergh is an attendant and a supporter of Grace Lutheran Church, while fraternally he is a member of the Free and Accepted Masons, and in politics a Republican.

Charles H. Bergman, dealer in flour, feed, grain, hay and coal, Eau Claiic, was born in the State of Saxon, Germany, December 9, 1855. His father, Gotlieb, who was a miller by trade, followed that vocation all his life. He was twice married and was the father of nine children, six by his second marriage and three by the first, as follows : William and Herman reside in Germany, and Charles II., the subject of this sketch, whose mother died when he was two years of age.

Charles II. attended the public schools until fourteen years of age, when he went to work with his father at the milling trade, remaining there for three years, after which he was employed in other mills in various parts of Germany until he became twenty years old, and then spent three years in the German army. After his term of service expired he worked two years in a flour mill and in 1880 emigrated to the United States. After spending a short time at Portage City, this state, he came to Eau Claire, where he arrived the same year. He was fii-st employed here in the Marston sash and door factory and planing mill and then worked at carpentering, spent a winter in the woods at lumbering, returning to the mill in the spring. He spent one year as bridge carpenter for the Omaha railroad and then went to the Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul road in the same capacity. For eight y^ars lie was employed in the Shaw flouring mill of Eau Claire as a miller and for five years was manager of the Lakeside Elevator Company, and then engaged in business for himself with Jolni ^l. Craemer, under the firm name of Bergman & Craemer. They erected a mill and remained together for three years, when Mr. Bergman purchased his partner's interest and is now (1914) sole proprietor of the business, and is one of the progressive men of Eau Claire.

In 1883 Mr. Bergman married in Eau Claire Emelia Portig. who was also born in Germany. Mr. and Mrs. Bergman are the parents of four children as follows: "William C, who married Amanda King and is a mail carrier in Eau Claire ; Anna Bertha is secretary for her father ; Otto Robert, elevator foreman for his father, and Alfred Edward, a student. Mr. Bergman is a member of the Lutheran Church and the German Singing Society of Eau Claire.

Mr. Bergman's business was established in 1902 at his present location, where he buys grain from the farmers and ships in carload lots. He handles flour, feed, grain and coal, has a yard 250 by 300 feet, with elevator and necessary buildings. His power is obtained from a 20-horsepower gasoline engine, which does chopping, etc., but handling of grain is his principal business.

Peter J. Bolin,* an enterprising and up to date farmer of the town of Union, was born at Westport, county of Bedford, Province of Ontario, Canada, July 16, 1851, and is a son of the late Frank and Ann (Carey) Bolin, both natives of county Mayo, Ireland. They came to Canada in an early day and were among the pioneers of the Province of Ontario where they lived and died.

of Michigan and located in the county of Saginaw wliere for eight years he was employed in the lumber camps. He came to Eau Claire in 1877 and entered the employ of the Eau Claire Lumber Compan.v on their ]\Ieridian branch, remaining thus employed for four years: he then embai-ked in the hotel business at Eau Claire and for two years conducted the Saginaw House. He then purchased 200 acres of land in the towTi of Lincoln which he owned until 1908, and where he made his home for fourteen years during which time he was engaged as contractor for logging and driving for various lumber companies. In 1899 he purchased a residence in Eau Claire where he resided until 1904 when he moved to his farm of 120 acres in Union township, and there he has since lived, still owning, however, his city residence. His farm is one of the baimer farms in Union township, is under a high state of cultivation and improved with good, substantial buildings. He uses modern methods in his farming operations and his place is well ecpiipped with manj- up-to-date labor saving devices.

Mr. Bolin has been married three times. His first wife was Catherine B. Harrington, while the second Mrs. Bolin was IMary Johnson, and he married for his third wife Miss Ellen, daughter of J. W. McCann. one of the prosperous farmers of Union townshij). A man of strong personality, he is an energetic, wide-awake and highly respected citizen, classed as a good neighbor and is a man among men. He is prominently identified with St. Patrick's Roman Catholic church of Eau Claire, while in his political affiliations he is a Republican.

Alfred P. Bonnet, secretary antl treasurer of the Williams Furnitui-e Company, of Eau Claire, was born at Black River Falls, AVisconsin. July 16, 1850, the son of Peter and Felicia (Rofinot) Bonnot. and is of French descent. His father who Avas born in France, came to America with his parents when a young man, and located at Syracuse, New York, where he learned the wagon makers' trade, and later conducted the business. He came west to Black River Falls, and for many years was engaged in business there. After his retirement, he moved to McCook, Nebraska, where he died in 1900 at the age of seventy-eight years. His wife, who was Felicia Rofinot, daughter of Peter Rofinot, of Chicago, Illinois, died iu 1890. They were the parents of two children : Alfred P., and Clara who resides in the state of "Washington.

Alfred P. grew to manhood in this state, receiving his education in the public schools of Augusta, where he remained until 1879. In the last named year he went to Iowa, and for two and one- half years was employed as brakeman by the Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul Railroad. He then went to Nebraska and was in the employ of the Chicago, Burlington & Quincy Railroad for twentyfour years, three years as brakeman and twenty-one years as passenger conductor, continuing in their employ until 1907, and during this time he ran from McCook east to Hastings, Nebraska, and west to Denver, Colorado. He was one of the faithful, trustworthy and honorable employes, and at the time of his resignation, was one of the oldest conductors in jjoint of service on the Burlington road.

In 1907 Mr. Bonnot became connected with the Williams Furniture Company as secretary and treasurer, and is one of the largest stockholders in the concern. He devotes his entire time to the success of the business, and is one of Eau Claire's enterprising, progressive and up-to-date business men. He is a member of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, the Order of Railroad Conductors at McCook, Neb., and the Catholic church. He married Dora N. Williams, daughter of Lucius L. and Elvira A. (Seai-le) Williams. To Mr. and Mrs. Bonnot have been born three children: Antoinette aged twelve and one son and one daughter who died in infancy.

Arthur Satterlee Bostwick, 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 December 5, 1825, in Jericho county, Vermont, son of Martin C. and Lucy (Hathaway) Bostwick. The records of this family say that three brothers who were born in the North of Ireland, came to America and settled on and named Bostwick Bay, Connecticut, and have many descendants in America. Captain Arthur Bostwick, paternal grandfather of Arthur S., was born at Manchester, Vermont, attained to a place of prominence in his section aud served as a member of Congress from his district. He followed the occupation of merchant in early life and served as Quarter Master in the war of 1812 in which he was wounded. For fifty years he ran a hotel at Jericho, Vermont, where he died at the age of 90 years. He married Sally Clark, daughter of Colonel Clark of Revolutionary fame. She died and left three children, viz. : Martin Chittenden ; Julius Hoyt and Isaac Clark. Captain Bostwick married for his second wife Polly, daughter of Captain Shadrah, and Gail (Smith) Hathaway, the latter being a daughter of Governor Israel Smith of Vermont. To this union three children were born, Samuel B., a clergyman in the Episcopal church ; Sarah C. and Israel S.

Arthur S. Bostwick Biography 655

In ISii Martin C. Bostwick came to Wisconsin and settled at Marshall, Dane county. At one time he located in La Crosse county and was the first white person to settle in Bostwick valley. He subsequently returned to Dane county where he died in 1866. He married Lucy Hathaway, who died in 1846 leaving four children : Arthur S., the subject of this sketch, Romeo, who was a soldier in the Civil War, died in front of Vicksburg ; Anna E., who later became Mrs. Nichols and John Y.

In the Fall of 1843, Arthur S. came to Illinois and engaged in blacksmithiug. He came to Wisconsin and Eau Claire November 19, 1856, and soon thereafter was appointed under-sheriff, and as such took a prominent part in the organization of Eau Claire county. He summoned the first .jury and held the first term of Circuit court in the county. He was the seond sheriff of the county, having been elected in 1858 and served two years, following which he served two years more as under-sheriff.

In 1847 previous to coming to Eau Claire, he enlisted as a soldier in the Mexican war under the assumed name of A. Satterlee, so that his father would know nothing of it. At the National bridge, near the battle ground of Cerro Gordo, he received a wound which necessitated his being sent home. After his recovery, he followed the blacksmith ti'adc ;it various places, among them Ft. Atkinson, Wisconsin. He stiiitiMl ovci-land for California in 1849, stopping at Salt Lake Cit.>- \vlicrc lie helped forge the hammer for the Mormon mint. This being done, he resumed his joui-ney to the coast and engaged for a time in the minijig of gold. He then traveled North and South, visited the Sandwich Islands, returning home the following year via Panama. In 1851 he crossed the plains again, returning this time via Nicaragua, and while in Virgin Bay, witnessed the fight of William Walker, the filibuster and his taking the Fort at that place. Upon his return to Eau Claire, he was employed by the Eau Claire Liunber Company as superintendent of the blacksmith and manufacturing department, a position he held for twentytwo years. He served as commissioner of the poor from April, 1888, to April, 1891. He was elected register of deeds for Eau Claire county in the Fall of 1890, an office lie filled to the satisfaction of his constituents.

From April 1880 to 1882, lie represented the 8th Ward in the city council; he was president of the Eau Claire county Soldiers' Relief Commission, and Senior A¥arden of Christ Epis- copal church. In polities he was a Democrat, havino; joinetl their ranks in 1855 in opposition to "Know-nothingism, " wliili' all his ancestors were "Whigs.

On May 8, 1858, Mr. Bostwiek married Bridget Gunn, and they had a family of thirteen children, twelve of whom are residents of this county, and one daughter who resides in California. Mrs. Bostwiek died December 14, 1898, and after a long, useful and bus.y life, Mr. Bostwiek died November 21, 1907.

Arthur J. Bostwiek, son of Arthur Satterlee and Bridget (Gunn) Bostwiek, was born at Eau Claire, Wisconsin, February 9, 1859. He received his education in the common and hip:li schools of this city and at the age of sixteen, was apprenticed to learn the blacksmith trade under instruction of his father in the shops of the Eau Claire Lumber Company. Here he remained until he reached the age of twenty-four, when he formed a partnership with Ole Hanson. He sold his interest to his partner one year later, and returned to the Eau Claire Lumber Company, remaining in their employ for two years. At the end of this time, he re-purchased a half interest in the business Avith his former partner, and for two years the business was conducted under the firm name of Hanson and Bostwiek. Mr. Bostwiek then purchased his partner's interest and continued to operate alone until 1893, when he sold out and joined the Eau Claire Mill Supply Company, as superintendent of its logging tool factory, and is now a director and superintendent of the Phoenix Manufacturing Company.

He was married to Miss ]\Iary Stephens, October 4, 1885, who was born July 15, 1866, a daughter of Thomas and Sarah Stephens, both natives of Ireland where they were married and soon thereafter came to the United States and to Wisconsin, locating in St. Croix county, w-here they followed farming for a number of years, then engaged in the grocery business at New Kiehmoud. Disposing of the grocery store, they moved to Eau Claire Mdiere they established their residence. To Mr. and Mrs. Bostwiek have been born four children, viz. : Mildred A., born September 22. 1886 ; Richard Satterlee, born July 22, 1888 ; Mary Cicily, born December 26, 1892, and Arthur Stephens, bom April 21. 1902. From 1877 to 1883 Mr. Bostwiek was a member of the Wisconsin National Guards. He is now a member of St. Patrick's church. Eau Claire, a member of the Kuights of Columbus and the Catholic Knights of Wisconsin, while politically lie adheres to tlie lu-inciples of the Democratic party.

Henry Brown,* of Otter Creek, Eau Claire county. To the young men of our land the life of the subject of this sketch is an enduring example of the cardinal virtues of industry, uprightness and frugality and unwearied perseverance.

Sir. Brown was born in Elmira, N. Y., February 24, 1835, the son of John and Mary (Golden) Brown. His parents died when he was a young boy, leaving him alone in the world. He was adopted by an uncle who lived in Rodden, Canada, and there went to live, but did not fare very well in his new home, and after a time left it and traveled from place to place, living and making his own way as best he could through great difficulties, and at fifteen years of age he found himself in Michigan, where he worked at various employments until he reached his majority. He came to Wisconsin and during the winter of 1866-67, famous as the winter of deep snow, which some old settlers declare was ten feet deep on the level, he worked in the woods, and for a number of years afterward he followed logging and finally purchased 160 acres of land and became one of the earliest settlers of Thompson Valley, a very fertile district in Otter Creek township. He succeeded at farming from the start, and subsequently added to his original purchase from time to time until he now owns one of the finest farms of 600 acres in Eau Claire county, which he keeps well stocked with a good grade of cattle, horses and hogs, while his residence and outbuildings are substantial and up-to-date. Being imbued with a spirit of patriotism, Mr. Brown offered his services during the civil war but was rejected.

Mr. Brown married December 25, 1864, Miss Rosalind Strader, daughter of Joseph and Maria (Hamilton) Strader, also pioneer settlers of Thompson Valley. Joseph Strader, father of Mrs. Brown, was born July 18, 1818, in Sharon, Scoharie county. N. Y. He came West to Wisconsin in 1855, settling in Thompson Valley, Eau Claire county, where he lived to the age of 81 years and died April 9, 1899. He was thoroughly domestic in his tastes and closely applied himself to his business interests. He was in truth a successful man, and all his transactions were marked by scrupulously fair dealing, frankness and kindness and faith in the better side of human nature. He married Maria Hamilton, who was born August 9, 1822, and died April 29, 1890, at the age of 68 years. She was a woman of many domestic virtues, a kind and loving mother and a worth.y helpmate of her husband. Pour children came to Mr. and Mrs. Strader, as follows: Albert, born August 3, 1841; Rosalind, who was born November 12, 1844, mar- ried Henry Brown, our subject; Roxana, born October 22, 1846, married Walter Green, and Lyman Strader, born March 12, 1850, died February 2, 1864.

Mr. Brown has devoted him.self to general farming, stock raising and dairying, has prospered and has become known as one of the most substantial public spirited and representative farmers in Eau Claire county. He now lives in retirement in the ease and comfort merited by his long years of active labor.

Louis Bruckner,* who is an Austrian by birth, Avas born in the village of Seyfieds, Austria, the sou of JMatthew Bruckner, also a native of Austria and by trade a shoemaker.

Louis was reared in his home town, receiving a limited education. His parents being poor, he was early thrown upon his ovm resources and compelled to make his own way. As a youth, he served an apprenticeship as a blacksmith, and when he had reached the age of eighteen, accompanied by a brother, he came to the United States. In 1892, they located at Durand, Wisconsin, where the brother still resides. A short time after arriving in Wisconsin, our subject came to the city of Eau Claire and for three years was variously employed as a day laborer. He finally found a position in a blacksmith shop where he worked at his trade vintil 1897, when he located at Brackett, in Washington township, and established a blacksmith and wagon shop of his own. He is recognized as a first class workman, and by close application, upright and fair dealing, has succeeded in building up a substantial business. Mr. Bruckner carried on his business by himself until recently, when he took his brother-in-law into partnership, the firm now being known as Bruckner & Guerraann. In 1900 Mr. Bruckner married ]Miss Louise Guermann, and they have two children, Alois and Lloyd Bruckner. The family are all members of the Catholic church.

Emma M. Buehler, D. C, Chiropractor of Eau Claire, is a native of Wisconsin, having been born in IMonroe, Green county, of Swiss parentage. She received her education in her native town, and took some special training at Valparaiso, Ind.. fitting herself for public school work.

She taught very successfully in the public schools for a number of years, and later entered the Universal Chiropractic College, at Davenport, Iowa, (a long course school), etc.

She was graduated with the class of December, 1913. She came to Eau Claire and began the practice of her chosen profession on March 11, 1914, and while she has only been here a short time (now 1914) and her arts of healing new to the citizens.

she is succeeding in building up a good clientage in the new science of chiropractic spinal adjustments without the aid of drugs, medicine or surgery of any kind.

George A. Bufiington. It is a well attested maxim that the greatness of a county or state lies not in its machinery of government, not even in its institutions, but in the sterling quality of its individual citizens, in their capacity for high and vinselfish effort and their devotion to the public good. Among those who are justly entitled to be enrolled among the makers of the great county of Eau Claire, is George Augustus Buffington, deceased. He was born at Little Valley, Cataraugus county, New York, on June 29, 1825, the son of Isaaih and Sophia (Winchester) Buffington, the former a native of [Maine, of English descent, and the latter of Cataraugus count}', New York, of Scotch ancestry.