Monroe County, Wisconsin - Chapter 55, 1912 (part 10 of 10)

Lawrence E., the subject of this sketch, received his education in the district schools, and during his youth was employed as a farm hand. At the age of twenty-four years, in 1861:, he pur- chased a farm at La ( -I'L'sci'nt, ]\linii., wlicre lie resided and engaged iu farming on his OAvn account until 1880, at which time he removed to the city of La Crosse, AVis., and in 1882 came to LaGrange township, Monroe county, and purchased his present farm of forty acres known as the "Bostwiclv farm," where he has since resided, devoting himself to the culture of small fruits, and finding in the quiet and independence of his home and farm life congenial employment. He is known as one of the substantial citizens of LaGrange township. In fraternal matters ]Mr. van Loom has been a member of the Masonic order for 0A='er forty j^ears, and with his wife affiliates with the Methodist Episcopal church.

In I860 ]\Ir. van Loon was united in marriage with ]\Iiss Albertje Tuininga, daughter of John Tuininga, of La Crescent, Minn. The cliildren of this union are Edward, of Danville, 111. ; Trjaitje, deceased, was the wife of Albert Ran, and Reed, who resides in Montana. The mother of this family died in 1890 at the age of forty-two years, and JNIr. van Loom was married again, this time to Miss Emelie Damerow, daughter of Gottlieb and Louisa Damerow, of Jacksonville, "Wis. Of this marriage there has been four children, viz.: Mamie, Wesley, who died in 1910 at the age of sixteen years ; Ida L., and Neil, all of whom reside at home with their parents.

William H. Verken, one of the progressive farmers of Monroe county, Avhere he was born July 16, 1861, the son of Lawrence and Catherine Verken, the former a native of Prussia and the latter of Germany. The father came to America in 1856, and settled at St. Mary's in the town of Jefferson in ]Monroe county, where he worked as a farm laborer, receiving .$8 per month for the first year. In 1858 he was married to ]\lrs. Catherine Delp, who emigrated to America in an early day and located at Mansfield, Ohio, where she married Mr. P. Delp, who, during the gold excitement in 1849, went to California. After a sliort time he returned to the East, and died in 1851. They had three children, one of whom, Mrs. Catherine (Delp) Spricli, survives and lives in Milwaukee. Previous to his marriage ]\Ir. Delp had taken a homestead in the town of Sheldon, whither the family moved after his death, carrying all their (>f¥ects in a wagon drawn Ijy oxen. There were no roads at that time l)ut Indian trails, and the mother was compelled in pioneer fashiop to take up the ax and cut down tind)er in order to open a I'oad tor the wagon. j\Iany times did she have to resort to this Ix^fore she reached the land wliidi was to Ix' licr future home, whei'c slie reared her family. It was on this lioniestead where our subject was born and Avhere he now resides. After marriage Mr. Verken cleared up 110 acres of this wild land and converted it into one of the best farms in Sheldon township. In those early days deer and all kinds of wild game were abundant. Mr. Verken, father of "William H., acquired KiO acres of land in Sheldon township, Avhicli he afterwards sold. He stood high as a man. and was upright in all his dealings, a successful farmer and sheep raiser, having at times as high as 500 head. He also kept a good grade of horses and cattle, but he derived his best revenue from selling wheat and other grains. He was a Republican in politics and held the office of supervisor and director of the school board. He died in 1911, a member of the Evangelical church, as was his wife.

William II. attended the district scliools and remained at home. He was the only son and the mainstay of his father. He Avas married April 3, 1884, at Madison, Wis., to IMiss Carrie Detrich, and they had six children, of which three are living: Abner E., born January 21, 1892; IMelvin L., born February 27, 1894, and Miss Violet C, born June 16, 1897. Mrs. Verken was educated at ^Madison, Wis., where her father for many years was a leading merchant. She is the third child in a family of seven. The family went to California in IMay. 1884, where they now" reside. Besides her devotion to her liome and family she is a leader in social matters, and is deeply interested in church work. For many years she has been a teacher in the Sunday school, and the missionary society finds her one of the most zealous workers. Mrs. C. Verken has been corresponding secretary of the Home Mission Society for a number of years.

Mr. Verken is one of the public spirited men of his town and besides general farming, conducts an extensive dairy on his 160-acre farm in section thirty-one, and has made many improvements. Erected a modern residence in 1900, and barn in 3908. His farm is ecjuipped with up-to-date appliances, and his three large trout ponds are well stocked with plenty of speckled trout, while his two springs furnish an abundaiuM^ of Avater for his house and barn. In politics he is a Republican.

Leo Vieth, one of the successful and influential farmers of Ridgeville township, was born in ]\Ionroe county, AVisconsin, April 1, 1865, the son of Henry and Emstena (Noth) Vieth, both natives of Germany. The father emigrated to America in 1848, and first settled in Walworth county, this state. He later came to ]\Ionroe county, and acquired a farm of 200 acres in

Ridgevillr, and was uue oi' tliu early settlers of that tuwu, where he experienced the privations and hardships incident to pioneer life. lie was a progressive farmer, an honorable, npriglit and liigh iiiiiidrd cili/cii. and occupied a prominciil place in the section in which he lived. He died in 1897 and the mother passed away in 1882, honored and respected by all wdio knew them. Tliey reared a family of nine cliildren, three of whom are now living.

Leo received his education in the pul)li(; scIkiuIs, whicji lie attended up to his eighteenth year, and remained at home with his parents as long as they lived. After the death of his father, he acquired the old homestead in sections fourteen and twentythree, Ridgeville township, in Avhich lie had taken an active part to improve. He was his father's mainstay, and for years ])receding his father's death, had the active management of tlie farm. Since coming into possession of the homestead he has made many improvements by bringing the land to a higher state of. cultivation, erecting buildings, etc., amounting to over .1^8,000. He is one of Monroe county's successful and up-to-date farmers and a man who stands high in his community. He takes a prominent and active part in the aft'airs of the county, is strictly upright and honorable in his dealing with his fellow-men. and holds the confidence of the people, In 1901 he was elected to the office of sheriff of the county, a position he held for two years, discharging the duties of the ofHce fairly and imi)artially. He is now (1912) the nominee of the Repu])lican party for the same office, and as the nomination is considered as good as election, it is safe to say that j\Ir. Vieth will be the next sheriff of Monroe county. He was chairman of the town of Ridgeville for twelve years.

In fraternal matters, Mr. Yieth is a mend)er of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, and the Knights of Pythias. He w^as one of the promoters and organizers of the Monroe County Cyclone Insurance Company (incorporated), Avhich began business in 1911, and the company now has over 300 policies in foi-ce and their business is extending rapidly. He is also a diiv^ctor in the German IMutual Fire Insurance Company.

Henry G. Vincenz is one of the hustling young farmers of Ridgeville township, jMonroe county, where he was born February 12, 1876, and raised. He is the son of Frederick A. and Carrie W. (Mausch) Vincenz: his father was a native of Saxony, Germany, and his moHiei- was born in Jeffei'son county, Wisconsin. The father came to America sonu' time during the fifties and located iii Jefferson county, where he worked as a farm laborer for some time; in 1860 he moved to Leon township, in Monroe county, where he also worked at farming, until about the time the Civil War broke out, and he enlisted in Company K, Third Regiment Wisconsin, June, 1860. After serving three years, he returned to Monroe county and again engaged in farming. In 1867 he was married in Jefferson county, and they had a family of eight children, four of whom are living, Henry, our subject, being the sixth child. In 1887 Mr. Vincenz purchased a farm of 180 acres in sections four and nine in the township of Ridgeviile, which was soon converted by them into an ideal family homestead, where they lived the remainder of their lives. Mr. Vincenz died in 1900, and Mrs. Vincenz in 1883. They were highly respected by all who knew them, and considered among the leading farmers of the township. They were members of the Methodist church.

Upon the death of his father, Henry G. inherited the greater part of the homestead farm, to w^hich he afterward added a twenty-acre tract adjoining, so that his farm now contains about 140 acres and is a fine piece of ground. His residence is modern, and Mr. Vincenz lives here with his sister. Miss Paulina. Mr, Vincenz is a member of the Evangelical Lutheran church at Norwalk, Wis., and is surrounded by a large circle of friends and acquaintances.

Mr. Vincenz is at the present time a member of the Farmers' Equity, a stockholder of the Norwalk Independent Telephone Company; also a stockholder of the Farmers' Creamery Company at Norwalk, and a director of school district number four. He is a Republican in his politics, and is active in all matters Avhich point towards the development of his town and county.

Levi Wallace, a prominent and influential citizen of Sheldon township, is the son of John and Harriet (Otter) Wallace, and was born in Muskingum county, Ohio, October 20, 1839. His father was born in 1811, and lived for over forty years in Morgan county, Ohio. His mother was born in Pennsylvania, in 1813. They reared a family of twelve children, ten of whom, six sons and four daughters, are now living, our subject being the fourth child in order of birth. The parents came to Wisconsin in 1882, locating in the town of Sheldon, and were among the prominent settlers of that section. They followed the lives of farmers and were among the well-to-do and highly respected citizens of the town. There they spent the last days of their lives, and died honored and esteemed by the whole community. The death of

Ijcvi Wallai-c i'ccci\-c<l his I'ducation in llir pnhlic schools, and when yet a yoiui^- man came to AViseousiu in Fei)i'uary. iSli."). At the age of twenty-one^ years he started out in life for himself on a I'cided farm, which lie o|)<'rated for some fonr years. and llien spent a short linn' in the West. Keturning to Wisconsin, he li\('d in \'ernon county until 387!). then came ])ae]< 1o iMonroe coiinty. am! in the fall of that year |)nn-liased a farm of 200 acres in section t"\Venty-two, Sheldon towjishii), where he has siin-e resided, lie snhseqiiently added forty acres to his original purchase, and has matle many impi'ox-enicuts. In 1887 he erected a conmnxlious residein-e. and in 1S!)4 built a wellconstructed harn. Starting out in life pooi-. and with onl\' his hands, hi'ains and iionndless energy, he nu't with many luirdships and pi'ivation at liist. which he met with indonuiitahle courage and o\('rcann'. and in the end gaiiu-d success, and is to-day one of the inlhienlial and successful general farmers in ^lonroe county. Besides his farming operations he has l)ecn identified many pu])lic enterprises, hotli in a business and representative way. aiul by his honoralile dealings and upright manly character has attained to a position of ])roniinence. In all matters which he considers for the good of his town and county, he lends his co-operation and support. In ISSO. he wes elected ehaii'man of the town board, a position he held for ten yc^ars, and for a period of live years was assessor of the town, ami for eighteen years has been ti-ensurer of his school district. 1I(> also held many important offices while a resident of Veriu)n county. As a nuMuber of the legislature for four years, prior to 188"). he was t)i-ominently identified with nnn-h imimi'tant h^gislation. and tilled the position Avith honor to himself antl the satisfaction of his constituents. He was one of the organizers and pi-esident of the first creauH'ry operated in the town of Sheldon, and is now connected in an official wa\' with the Farnuu's' Creamery of the sanu' town. Mr. Wallace has been an e\tensi\'e dealci' in ami shipper of live stock, having begun his oiteratiuns in this li?ie in 1868. lie has l)een the general nuinager and luiyer for the Western Livestock Association for more than twenty-five years.

]\Ir. Wallace has been twice married. First, in 18r)f). to Miss TTattie Dalton, of Vernon county, by whom he had four children, two of Avhom are now living, viz.: ]\Iinnie, wife of C. AV. Harmon, of Mrgiiiia. ]Miiii].. and .Mai-ian ().. of I>cac!i. X. I). Tin- first ]Mrs. Wallace died in ISSO. and he married for his second wil'c Miss ( ivillia J. Applenian, who was the eiohtli child in a family of eleven children, six of whom ai-c now (]!)12) livinji'. viz.: Elizaheth, wife of Ilenrv ^mith. of I. a l'\)r»:,e, Wis.; P^va, wife of Jefferson Perkins; ]\latilda (".. wife of Jolm Edirar: Ueorge and Phillip, all of Vernon county. AVisconsin : ;ind Mrs. Wallace. Her father was horn in 182."), and died April Ki, ISDo. Her mother was horn in 1880, and died November 29, 1868. They were among the prominent and very early settlers of Vernon connty. To Mr. and Mrs. AVallace have been born six children, viz.: Lena C, born December 21, 1879; Albert A., born January 5, 1882; George R., born Febrnary 20, LS88; Susan 11.. born November 3, 1885; Harrison M., born February 5, 1889; and Millie Flo, born October 6, 1890.

In fraternal matters ]Mr. AVallace is a mend)cr of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, and has tilled all the chairs of the order. Politically. ]Mr. AVallace is a Progressive Republican and takes an active interest in the affairs ol' the party.

George H. Warren, whose death occurred at Tomah. Wis.. Octol)cr. 1911. was a leader in the commercial life of Tomah and an illustrious example of that type of enterprising intelligence and successful business men which has given that prosperous and growing city the advanced station it Indds among the cities of ]\Ionroe county. He was a native of Rutland county, A'ermont, born December 14, 1887. and was a son of John H. antl Lida (McGregor) AVarren. 3Ir. AVai-rcn was in the best sense a thorough and practical business man. whose clear-cut. honorable methods, skillful management of affairs and sterling manliness in all his varied relations made him a leader among his associates, and a force of good in the community in which he lived. His life was clear, his motives ]uire and uo (>ne could come within the I'ange and sphere of his iiifluence without recognizing the force of his strong jiersonality and integi-ity. elements of character which had nnich to do with securing to him the high jdace h(> held in business and commercial circles, as well as in his social and othei- relations. For forty years Mr. AVarren was continuously and closely identified with the financial interests of Tomah. and his mcmoi-y is cherished and kept in grateful remend)i-ance for the important part he played in the material development of both the institutions witli which he was so closely connected and the city in which he lived and loved. His father. John IT. Wari'eii. was a nati\e ol' Scotland, and by trade a carpenter and conti'actor. Tie came to

U12 History Of Monroe County

Wisconsin from western New York in the early fifties, with a family of three sons and one daughter, viz. : John F., George H., Charles II. and Laviene, and settled in the town of Stoiighton, where he followed his trade as carpenter and builder, and for ten years was engaged in the retail luml)er business. In 1868 he moved to Tomah, where he also engaged in tlie lumber trade, which he followed up to the time of joining his son, Charles II., at Shenandoah. la., a short time before his death, Avhen he returned to Tomah and made his home with George H. He was a great Bible student, popular and well known in business and social circles; of kind disposition and considerate of those near and dear to him. In his early years he took deep interest in music, took instructions at Boston and became a noted singer and taught vocal music in his native state, and also after coming to Wisconsin. Was a member of the Boston Glee Club. Ilis death occurred in 1892.

George II. AVarren received a limited education, attending the common schools until he became twelve years of age. He lived under the paternal roof until the age of nineteen and worked at the carpenter trade with his father until he was twenty-two. He began his long and prosperous career as night operator in the employ of the Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul Railroad, and for twenty-three years was employed as night operator and billing clerk, and was then employed as station agent at Tomah, Wis., hy the same company for some twelve years. In 1871 he associated with his younger brother, Charles H., secured a contract from the railroad company to furnish railroad ties. They furnished all the ties used by the company for the roadbed between Chicago and ]\Iilwaukee; they then became purchasing agents for the company, which position was held for fifteen years. When the Chicago, jNIilwaukee & St. Paul road purchased the Wisconsin Valley road, Charles H. was made superintendent, with offices at Tomah, Wis., and continued to fill that position until promoted to superintendency of Shenandoah (Iowa) branch. Retiring from the railroad business, Mr. Warren purchased the lumber interests of his father at Tomah, and for six years successfully conducted that business. In 1888 he organized the Warren Bank of Tomah, with John II. as president and George II. as vice president and Winfield W. as cashier. With a capital of .^10.000 the bank began business and has had deposits of over half a million dollars. Up to the present time the stock has been owned and controlled by the Warrens and has always been considered one of the soundest institutions in tilt' founly. He was prominent in Masonic circles antl

On February 26, 1860, he was united in marriage to Miss Helen M. Stoughton, who was a native of Vermont, and a daughter of George Stoughton, wlu^se bi-otlicr was the founder of Stoughton. To this union was born one son, AA'infiold W.. now prosidcnl of the AYarrens' bank.

Mr. "Warren passed away in tlie full strength oL" his mental vigor, and though his going was universally felt to be a public loss and by those near to him as a loss that nothing can fully repair. It is to them and to all a source of consolation to know that he left the enduring influence of a good life and the lasting lieritage of an honored name.

Franklin Webb, a highly respected farmer and resident of Wellington township, inirchased his farm of 160 acres in sections twenty-two and fifteen in 1876, Avhich has since been liis home. He was born on December 11, 1835, in New York state, the son of Napthali and Hannah (Hall) Webb. The Webb family descended from three brothers of that name who came to America from England in an early day, and the grandfather of Franklin, (Libeous) Webb, settled in Connecticut and was a soldier in the Revolutionary War. Napthali Webb was born in Connecticut and was one of a family of five children. They moved from there to Oswego county. New York, where they lived until some time during the fifties, when Napthali, with his family of four children, moved to Jefferson county, Wisconsii], and lived there until his death at the age of ninety-four. He was one of the early pioneers of Jefferson county, who passed through the trials and privations of the early days and did much toward the development of his tOAvn. He raised a family of fourteen children, seven of Avhom are living.

Franklin Webb is the tenth child ; his brother, William Webb, was a soldier in the Civil War, serving in the Twenty-ninth Wisconsin Infantry until the close. Franklin lived with his parents and worked on the farm until he was forty-one. He was married on August 16, 1857, in Jefferson county, Wisconsin, to Miss Elizabeth Crout, and moved to the town of Wellington, in Monroe county in 1876. He had purchased his farm there in 1873, and has since been a successful general farmer and a most valuable citizen to his neighborhood. His laud was unimproved when he bought it, and with the many years of hard work and economical perseverance, he brought it to its present high state of cultivation and made it one of the ideal country homes of the township.

His method of farmintr and his business dealings witli liis neighbors won for him the confidence and esteem of all who know him. Both he and ]\Irs. AVel)b are members of the ]\Iethodist Episcopal cluirch. lie is now j-ctired from active life on account of poor eyesight, and his son. Iliram, a l)riglit and thi-ifty farmei-. manages the farm.

]Mr. and IMrs. AVebb liavc a family of five cliildi-en. all ol' whom were born in -fcfferson county, viz.: ('larcnce F.. born June 20, 1858: (leorge W.. boin September 10, 1850; Jcri-y W.. born January 4, 18(i] ; IliiMui L.. hoiii Januar.v :'. 1863, and KImer M.. born November 20. 18(j7. .Mi-s. ^V('bl) was one of a fainil\- of twelve children, of whom llii-cc boys and two girls are now living. She was born at Martin. Ohio. January 20. 1840. Her father. Nicholas Crout. who was born in France, emigrated from the state of Ohio to Walworth count.y, Wisconsin, in 1843. antl in 1848 moved to Jeflferson county, where he bought a farm of 120 acres. He afterwards moved to (.'alifornia. where he died in 1888. Ileimother. Catherine Talbot, was born in Germany and died in Jeffei'- soii ei)iuit\ ill 1865 at the age of forty-four years. They were memlters of the Freewill liaptist church.

Thomas Welch, a prosperous farmer of Wellington township, was born .May 6. 1857. to Patrick and Elizabeth (Quirk) Weicii. natives of Ireland. The father came to America in early life and first located in New York, where lie woi-ked as a laborer for some time, and Avhere he was married and raised a family of six ehildren. In the fall of 1864. the father, with his family, came to Monroe county, AVisconsin. and settled in 1lie Black valley, in Wellitiiilou Inwnshi]). where he homesteaded eighty acres of land in section eight, lo wliieli he subsequently added, until a1 the time of his death, which occurred October 5. 1908. he owned 120 acres. He was among the early settlers of Black valley, and the wild land which he acrpiired. M'as by hard work and ])ei-severance. converted into a valuable and productive farm, lie was honorable and upright in all his dealings antl gained many friends, which he retained. In religious affiliations he and his wife, who died in 1904, Avei'c devoted members of the Ciitliolie ehufcli.

Thomas received his education in the pul)lie schools, which he attended until his seventeenth year, .ind made his home with his parents, though at the early age of fifteen he started in life I'nr himself, receiving $10 per month as a farm laborer, whicii occupation he followed foi" several years l)efore buying a farm of his own. In 1S92 he was mari'ied to Aliss Catherine Egan. daughter of Peter Egan. of Wellington township, who came with his familv to Monroe coimty in 1859, where he i)iii'ehaseil liOU acres of wikl laud in the town of Wellinijton. To Mr. and Mrs. Wei eh have been born seven children, of whom six are now li\iii^-. viz.: Mary p]., born May 25, 1894; Catherine, hoi-ii Kehniary 2, 189G; Thomas, born October 10. 1898; Agnes, l)orn Jannary 25, 1900; Donald, born July 10, 1904, and James, born February 5, 1908.

Prior to his marriage IMr. Welch had acquired seventy-four acres of land in section eight, AVellington township, to which he has since added forty acres, and is now the owner of 114 acres of choice land. He is a successful farmer and keeps his place w^ell stocked with horses, cattle and hogs. He has made many valuable improvements ; built his residence in 1904, and erected a large and commodious barn, 32 x 54 feet, with other substantial outbuildings. Tw^o deep wells and a fine spring of running water, furnish his house and barn with an abundant suppl}^ at all seasons. Besides being successful in farming, Mr. Welch is a public spirited and influential citizen, and for eighteen years has been elerk of the school board.

Simon J. Wells, one of the prosperous and influential farmers of Wells township, is a native son of Monroe county. Wisconsin, and was born in the town of Wells January 11. 1858. His parents were James and ]\Iinerva (Cline) AYells. natives of Ohio and Pennsylvania, respectively. The father came to Wisconsin in 1853, and for five years followed the occupation of sheep and horse drover. He made his home in !l\Ionroe and La Crosse counties, until his marriage in La Crosse county, about 1857. He was a man of energy and thrift, and became the owner of 380 acres of land. He was a successful farmer and made a specialty of raising Oxford sheep, cattle and hogs. He took an active interest in town and county matters, and for tw^o years was chairman of the town board and a member of the board of supervisors, and in politics a Democrat. He lived a long and useful life, his death occurring in 1904. Wells township was named in his honor, and is a fittingcompliment to a worthy pioneer and citizen. His wife, mother of our subject, still (1912) survives, and is a resident of Sparta.

Simon J. was raised on his father's farm, and during his boyhood attended the district schools and assisted in the farm work. He remained on the homestead with his parents until he reached the age of tw^enty-eight years. He has follow^ed farming during his whole life; has been generally successful in his undertakings and is knowai as one of the prosperous, public spirited citizens of IMonroe count}', and all matters pertaining to the welfare of his

The marriage of ]\Ir. Wells occurred ou May 27, 1886, to ]\Iiss Clara Lee, daughter of Peter Lee. Six children have been born to them. viz. : Frances, Fern, Lee. Myrtle, James and ]\Iyra AVells.

Will N. Wells was born in the town of (Greenwood, Oceana county, ^licli., February 3, 1865. He is the son of Kufus Frank Wells and Fannie Fortune Wells, both descendants of Revolutionary families, which settled in Ncav York and Pennsylvania at an early day.

]\Ir. Wells came to Michigan Avith his parents when that state was a territory, being pioneers there and also in Wisconsin. Rufus Wells was a car])enter by trade and helped to build many of the earlier houses in Hlack River Falls during the fifties: failing health forced him to abandon the trade and he engaged in the mercantile business in 1870. which he followed until his death.

AVill N. came to Ilumbird with his parents, where his father opened a pioneer hardware store in 1870. AVas educated in the common schools of that place, going to Dakota with his father in 1878 and being pioneer settlers at Gary. His father died at Gary the following year, when subject of this sketch Avas attending school at Ilumbird ; he went tn Xeillsville in 1880 and luul one year in the high school. Financial circumstances compelled him to abandon school and he entered the printing office of the Clark County Courier, at Xeillsville. to learn the trade. The remainder of his education Avas acquired in the '"school of experience'' and he graduated from a country printing office. In 1884 he purchased a half interest in the Neillsville Times, selling out six months later; and until 1890 he followed the occupation of journeyman printer. Avorking in many of the large cities of the country.

Tn December. 1890. he returned to Black River Falls. AVis., and leased the Jackson County Journal. Avhich he conducted for two years. On September 11, 1891. he Avas married to ]Miss ^Margaret Kerrigan, daughter of ]\lr. and ^Ir.s. William Kerrigan, of Sparta, the latter being pioneer settlers of that phu-e.

In December, 1892, he gave up the lease of the Journal and in January. lSi>;5. Avas I'lected engrossing clerk in the state senate at Aladison.

In September. 1908. Avas appointed depnly collector of internal revemie for the La Crosse division, comprising ten counties of Avestern Wisconsin, and served in that capacity until June 1. 1900. Upon receiving the appointnienl to that position he moved Avitli his family to Spjirta in Februai-y. 1894. Avhere he has since resided. Since leaving the internal revenue service he has l)een engaued in the business of stationery dealer for sevi'ii ncji rs. jiiid foi- the past four years one of the proprietors and editor of the ]\lonroL' County Democrat.

Herman V/endorf, one of the pi'oniinent (jlernian farmers of Ridgeville township. .Monroe county, was born December 2."^ 1882. in Dodge eon)ity. Wisconsin, the son of August and ^lai-y (Springborn) Wendorf. both natives of Germany. His father came to America some time diii-ing the fifties and fii-st located in Milwaukee, where he was nmrried. and sliortly afterward moved to Dodge county. They were [)rominent and thrifty fanners, and lost no time in working their way to comfortable eii-eumstances. and are now living in i)ractical retirement as the I'esult of tlieiiearly years of toil and perseverance and are considered among the leading citizens of the township. The father is now (1912) sixty-five years of age and tlie mother is sixty-two. Both are mend)ers of the Lutheran church. They raised a family of eleven children, all of whom are living.

Herman was the fifth child of the family and lived at home until he was twenty-one: he attended the district scliool until he was fifteen years old and then took a thorough business course in the Iloifman College at Milwaukee. Wis., after which he embarked in the saloon business in Wilton. IMonroe county, and conducted this for about one year. This enterprise, however, proved too slow for his ambitious nature and he decided to make a trip through the West in search of his fortune, and he went to North Dakota, but after a short visit through that part of the country he returned to Wilton, and Avith his two brothers, purchased a 200-acre tract of land in section sixteen, Ridgeville township, which they conducted together successfully. Herman afterward purchased the interests of both the others, which he still owns and where he has since resided. He was married on March 25, IflOS. to Miss Freda Schultz, daughter of AYilliam and IMinnie Schultz, who came to ]Monroe county in an early day.

Mr. and Mrs. Wendorf have tAVO children, viz.: Gilmore. born December 18, 1910. and Barbara, born March 31. 1912. Their home is ideal in every respect, and is well equipped with stock and tilt' lU'ct'ssary machinery for tlie .successful operation of the farin, making it one of the finest country homes in the county. Mr. Wendorf has a splendid dairy business in connection, with twenty-nine head of fine milch cows, from which he realizes a substantial revenue in the sale of milk to the creamery; he also has a large herd of the best breed of hogs, some of which are always ready for the market. AVliile Mr. AVendorf is classed among the younger farmers, he is nevertheless a hustling leader in those ranks, and casts his vote regularly for the Republican candidates; has always been active in the interests of that party. Both ho and IMrs. Wendorf are members of the Lutheran church.

Herman A. Westphal, owner and proprietor of a fine 160-acre farm in section twenty-seven, Adrian township, is a native son of Monroe county, born August 3, 1869, and is one of a family of ten children born to Gotlieb and Amelia (Marquardt) AVestphal, both natives of Germany. The others are Augusta, wife of Adolph Sommerfield, of Tomah township; Adeline, wife of Fred Damrow, of Adrian township ; Albertena, wife of AYilliam Bakhouse, of the town of Adrian; William, of Adrian; Amelia, wife of "William Matthews, of Tomah township; August, of Adrian; Emma, married William Rieke, and resides in Adrian; Albert lives on the homestead farm, and Alvina, now Mrs. John Rehberg, lives in Adrian township.

The parents of our subject came to America nearlj^ fifty years ago, and first located at Tomah, where they remained a short time, and finallj' settled on a farm in section thirty, Adrian township, and there made their home until 1897, when they moved to the city of Tomah, where they have since lived.

Herman A. received his education in the district schools and remained on the home farm until he was seventeen years old, and then began to depend upon his own resources for a livelihood. In 1891 he purchased his present farm, which he has since improved and brought to a high state of cultivation. He has cleared some twelve acres, built a large barn in 1903, and a modern house in 1904, together with granary and other outbuildings, besides making A-arious other improvements. In April, 1891. he was married to Miss Ida Schroeder, of Richland Center, AVis., and one daughter, Iluldah. born February 14, 1892, was the only child of this union. Mrs. Westphal passed away in 1896, and IMr. Westphal married for the second time in 1897, Miss Emma Keller, of Wilton township, and to this union have been born two children, viz.: Elna B., born August 18, 1899. and Hffrry, born December 16, 1906.

Mrs. Sarah A. Whiting='=, who resides on section five, Leon township, is a native of Wisconsin, and was born at Kenosha, June 26, 1844. She is a daughter of Daniel C. and Lucy (Lease) Whiting, both natives of England. They came with their parents in an early day to America and located for a time in New York state, and afterwards the family moved to Libertyville, 111., where Mr. Whiting kept the Temperance House, which he afterwards sold and engaged in blacksmithing, later removing to Kenosha county, Wisconsin, where Mrs. Whiting, our subject, was born. She is of a family of five children, three sons and two d'aughters, she being the only surviving member. The brothers were all teachers.

Mrs. Whiting has been twice married, and both husbands served three years in the Civil War, and by the first marriage she had two children, Charles W. and Ida. By her second marriage she also has two children, Albert M. and Lulu May. Mrs. AVhiting is a lady of intelligence and refinement, and has always been devoted to her home and family. She has resided on her present farm in Leon since 1897.

Henry J. Willgrubs, son of Heye and Frederica (Wildhagn) Willgrubs, was born September 9, 1859, in Madison, Wis. His parents came from Germany, the father in 1855, first located in Madison, where he worked as a teamster for some time; he was born on January 9, 1819, married in 1858, and died in 1894. The mother was born September 1, 1830. They had a family of four children, two of whom are now living, Henry J. and George M., who is a carpenter by trade and resides in Madison. In 1861 the father moved to Brush Creek valley in Monroe county, and w^ith his brothers, Jibbe and Menke Willgrubs, bought 160 acres of wild land in section thirty-six, Jefferson township, and here experienced the ups and downs of pioneer life, with few neighbors and far apart; but, as the years passed, they became successful farmers. Heye Willgrubs subsequently bought the share of his two brothers in the farm, and two years before his death left the homestead in charge of our subject, who is now one of the leading farmers of this section.

One of the hardships of the early settlers in this section of the country was the marketing of grain and other farm products. They had to be hauled or driven over the then poorly constructed roads, across the hills forming the divide between the headwaters of the La Crosse and the Kickapoo rivers, twenty-two miles, to

Besides general laindng, ^\v. Willgrnbs conducts one of the best dairies in the country: he has held the office of town clerk for eleven terms and is a Democrat in polities.

Jib T. WillgTubs'', who ranks among the substantial farmers of Hig Creek valley, Avas born in Brush Creek valley near Cashton. I\lonroe county, AVis.. INlarch IG. 1862. His father, George L. AVillgrubs, was born at TIanover, Germany, and came early in the fifties to the United States and located at Lotli, Dane county, AVis., where for three years he followed the trade of blacksmith, and then removed to AlOnroe county. The mother of .Mi-. Willgi'ubs. whose maiden name was Minnie Snyder, was born at ]\Iecklenlmrg, Germany, and after coming to this country settled in Alonroe county, Avliei-e she married George L. Willgrubs. Upon arriving in this county, Mr. AVillgrubs purchased a farm of 172 acres in Bush Creek valley, which he cleared and improved Avith a good class of buildincs, and brought the soil to a high state of cultivation.

Jib T. AVillgrubs was i-eared on the lioiiic farn: and attended the district schools, and assisted Avith ihe farm work unlil he reached his majority, Avhen he purchased 132 acres of the homestead farm from his fathei- and started farming on his OAvn account. TIm' oilier forty acres the father i-eserved, upon Avhich he erected ncAV buildings, and Avhere he made his home until his death on September 30. 1!)()7. at the age of seventy-on(> years. Aftei- Ihe death of her husband, .Mrs. Willgrubs disj)Osed of the farm and removed to the city of Sparta. Avhere she noAV resides. They had a fannly of nine childi-en: John, lives at Cashton; Jib T.. subject of this sketch; Ellen. Avife of Walter Parks; .\nna, Avife of Christ Ganunerdinger, of Hustle, Juneau county; Nettie, AvidoAV of Thomas AFui-pliy. of Sparta, and Bertha is the wife of Allen Schutt. and resides in Alihvaukee. Those deceased j\Jr. ^Villgi'uhs was nuii-ricd on September 27. IS!),'). ;it Home, Wis., to ]\liss Kose Frohmader, daughter of .lohn niid Mary (Boruhimer) Froliniader. Ilei- parents moved Irdiii Rome. -Jefferson eonnty. to ("lifton townsiiip, .Monroe eounty, in 1872, where the father died in 1907 at the age of seventy-one years. His widow, mother of Mi's. Willgrubs, survives, and lives in tlie city of Sparta. To Mr. and ]Mrs. Jib T. AVillgrubs have been horn three children : Leonard G., Everett J., and Enniee M. In 1908. Mr. Willgrubs removed to Sparta townshi}) and purcliased eighty acres of land in section eighteen in the Big Creek \alley, to which he added by purchase until he now has one himdrcd jiiid thirty acres of higldy cultivated land. Mr. \Viligrul)s is one of the public spirited and influential farmers of jMonroe county, and takes a lively interest in the affairs of his town and county. For four years he was chairman of the Jeft'erson town l)t)ai'd, treasurer of the school district for seventeen years, and for several years overseer of highways. He is a member of the Sparta toAvn board, a member of the Sparta Fruit Growers' Association, director and treasurer of the ]\Inlnal Fire Insurance Company, and in polities a Republican.

William U. Willgrubs is another one of the prosperous and influential farmers of the Big Creek valley. He is the son of Menke and Anna (Baker) AA^illgrubs, and was born in Algona. low^a, June 26, 1869. His father came to the Ignited States from Germany, and first located in AVisconsin in the early fifties, where he made a start in life and returned to Germany for his parents, with whom he later returned to Amcu'ica. ]\Irs. AVillgrubs, mother of our subject. Avas a native of "Wisconsin, having been born in Waukesha count.y. After returning to America Avitli liis parents, the father of ]Mr. AVillgruI)s went to Towa, and remained there until 1872, whence they removed to ^lonroe county. AA^isconsin, and settled on a farm in Sparta township, where they remained for se\-en years, when the father purchased the farm in section eighteen, this towaashi]i. which is now owned by AVilliam. and Avhich he successfully cari-ied on for eiyhteen years. He then removed to the city of Sparta, where he lives in practical retirement, enjoying the fruits of his long years of toil. i\Irs. AA'illgrubs. mother of our subject, died when William was nine years old. ^Ir. AA^illgrubs is the second child of a family of four children. The others are George, who lives in Spnrta : Ida. formerlv the Avife of D. L. Powell, is deeeascnl : and .Xettie. who

(Hod at the age of four years. ^Villialn, our subject, obtained his education in the district school and assisted in the "work on tlie farm until the fall of 1890, when he purchased the same from his father. He has since made many improvements on the place, among these being his modern residence, "which "was erected in 1903, and has many up-to-date appliances, such as hot and cold water, etc. In 1911 a new and commodious barn, 36 by 48 feet, with twenty-foot post, was erected, besides which there is a fine silo and other improvements. ]\Ir. "Willgi'ubs uses modern methods in his farming, and his is one of the model country homes in Monroe county.

On June 10, 1891, ]\Ir. AVillgrubs Avas united in marriage witli ]\Iiss Ida B. Hutson, daughter of John Ilutson, of Sparta township. To Mr. and Mrs. AVillgrubs have been born five children : Ralph v., AVilbert J., Harold, who died in infancy ; Francis D., and Dorothy Mary Ann. Mr. AVillgrubs is one of the enterprising public spirited citizens of the county, and takes an active interest in public affairs. He has been treasurer of his town one term, highway commissioner one term and for thirteen years a member of the school board. In religious faith and fellowship Mr. AYillgrubs and his family affiliate with the Big Creek Methodist Episcopal church.

George Williams, who is one of the successful farmers of Wells township, was born at Kilbourn City, Wis., April 14, 1864, son of Casper and Elizabeth (Craig) Williams, natives of Germany. Some time in the fifties the parents, with one child, emigrated to America and located at Grand Rapids, Wis. After a residence there of two years, they moved to Kilbourn City and there remained ten years, whence they went to Bangor, La Crosse county, making the trip from Kilbourn with an ox team, one cow and two pigs, which followed the wagon all the way to La Crosse countj'. For fourteen years the father was engaged in rafting on the Wisconsin and Mississippi rivers. He homesteaded eighty acres of land in La Crosse county at a time when there were no railroads, and he would often carry a sack of flour on his back, weighing 150 pounds, from I^a Crosse to his claim. They experienced all the trials and hardships of pioneer life in a new country, and later purchased a farm in Burns township. La Crosse county, and there lived until the father's death at the age of eighty-two years. The mother died in 1902. They were the parents of six children. In religious belief they were Lutherans, and the father was a Democrat in politics.

attended the district schools and remained on the home farm assisting- with the farm work nntil he was twenty-one. He then went to Sonth Dakota and spent one year. Returning to Wisconsin, he purchased the George King farm of 167 acres, in section eleven, Wells township, where he has since resided, and has made valuable and lasting improvements to the house, barns and other buildings, and is known as one of the most progressive and influential general farmers and dairymen of his town. In politics he is a Democrat and has served as treasurer of the school district for three years.

He was married at Cataract, Wis., to Miss Helen Stetzer, daughter of August Stetzer, one of the early settlers of La Crosse county. Mr. and Mrs. Williams are the parents of seven children, viz. : Gertrude, Robert W., Lloyd, Harold, Vera, Ralph and George Williams.

Robert Williams, one of the model farmers of ]\Ionroe county, who resides on section nine, Little Falls township, was born at Grand Rapids, Wis., August 12, 1855, to Casper and Elizabeth (Craig) Williams, natives of Germany, and who after marriage came to the United States in 1853 and located in Wood county, AVisconsin, where the father worked in the lumber woods, and rafted logs down the Mississippi river to Dubuque, Galena and other points. He followed this occupation nntil 1864, during which time he changed his place of residence to near Kilbourne City, and there remained nntil 1865, when he removed to La Crosse county and located in Farmington township, and there cleared up and improved two farms, which he brought from a wild state to one of cultivation and productiveness, and there made his home until his death, which occurred at the age of seventy-eight years. His wife, mother of our subject, passed away in 1900. Robert is the second child of a family of six children. The others are, Ahart, who resides on the homestead farm in La Crosse county; Lizzie, wife of Henry Storandt, of Little Falls township ; Mary, now the wife of James Troy, resides at Groton, S. D. ; George, of Farmers valley, Monroe county, and Anna, wife of John Dahl, of Burr Oak, La Crosse county.

Mr. Robert Williams received his education in the common schools and remained on the home farm until twenty-seven years of age. At the age of eighteen he commenced operating a threshing machine, which he ran for twenty-five years, covering in his operations La Crosse, Monroe and Jackson counties. His first venture at farming on his own account was on a rented farm, where he continued for three years. In 1885 he purchased his present t'rii'iii. consist illy of four forties in sections eitilit and nine, to wliicli lie h;is since added eiyhtx' acres in section seventeen. 172 acres in section seven, and anotlier forty in seel ion nine, wliich with UiO acres in La Crosse eounty. makes liis landed holdinus (il2 acres. Tlic Ikhiic l';ii-ni is iitidci- a uood stale of cull i\at ion. is well stocked and iiii|iid\c(l with a u(mmI class of buil(lin«rs. lie carries on general lai'iniiiL; and dairyiiii;-. and is cxieiisixclx' eiiL;aL;i'(l in breedinji' and raising reuistered J\'relieroii horses. .Mr. Williams is a man of hiiih standing' in tlie conuiiiiiiity. and has the respect and esteem of all who know him. and he lak'es a coninieiidahle interest in the all'airs of his town and coiinly. and f(U' two terms has serx'ed a.s a nieinhei' of the side ixiard. ( )ii .Jul\- 22. ISSl. ^Ir. Williams anms uni1e(l in marriaiic with .Miss .\melia Sidileiyer, daughter of Georo-e and .Maruarel ( Younji) Schlei«i'er. also natives of Germany. ]\Irs. AVillianis was horn in La ( rosse county. AVis., in LS."),'). and is the third child in a family of seven children. Mv. and Mrs. Williams have two datighters, Edna Amelia, horn .March 27. 1SS2. and .Mary (Jrace. hoi-ii .\iiunst Iti. L'^S."). hi addition to these two daimhters. .Mr. and .Mi's. Williams have eiveii a home to a younL!' man hy the name of liichard until he becomes of av.('-

George Schleijier. ileceased. one of the best known early Gei-iiian settlers of La Crosse county, father of Mrs. Iioix rt AYillianis, was a resi(h'nt of that coiintx' from .\pril 17. IS.").!, to the time of his death, which occurred .January 2. 1!H)(). at the aj^e of ei,ulity-two years. His wife, the moiher of .Mrs. Williams, died November 18. 1898, at the age of sixty-eiizht years. Mr. Sehlei.trer was born at Saxony, Germany. Se])tember !). LS22. and was a son of Henry and Eve (Storandt) Schleiger. lie was the youngest of a famil.\' of tliree sons and f<uir dauuhters. and was but tliree years of a.uc when his nmthcr died. He attended school until he was f(mrteen years old. and I hen was an cveniim- Mipil for a time: took iiji the trade of a mason and served an ap|iren1 ieeship i'nv several years. His lallier was a master mason, and had charge of a lar</e immher of men. He died in his nati\c land at the aiic of seventy-three years. When .Mr. Schleiger was lweiit\-1wd years of a'.ic lie saile(| t'l'oiii iJreiiieii I'or the port ol' New ^'ork. believiuL;' that the opjioi t unit ies affordeil in tiie Inited States excelled those ol' the old worhl. .\fter a \"oyau(' i>f tifty-eiuht days lie reached America, continued his joiiriie\ to ^lilwaukee. Wis.. b_\ the way of the .ii'reat lakes, thence iie went to Walworth county. Wiscousin. and settled at Lake Geneva, where he secured employment as a hostler in a hotel. lie was one of the tirst settlers in this plaee.

there were no roads except Indian trails, and game could be had in abundance. Fortune did not first smile on Mr. Schleiger, but being M-ell endowed with that ])luek and perseverance which so strongly characterize his nationality, he overcame many obstach^s and became the owner of one of the fine farms and homes in La Crosse county.

Mr. Schleiger Avas united in marriage Fchi-ujiiy 2f). 1848, at Lake Geneva, to Miss Margaret Young, also a native of Saxony, and a daughter of John Adam Young, who settled in Wisconsin in 1847. To Mr. and J\Irs. Schleiger were born seven daughters: Mary, deceased; Amelia, wife of Kobert Williams; Orpha, deceased; Anna Elizabeth, wife of 0. D. Robinson, of AVest Salem, Wis. ; Lydia, wife of Dell Quiggle, of Burr Oak, AVis., and Sarah, wife of Ed Radcliflfe, of Farmington township. La Crosse county.

William D. Williams Avas born in LaFayette townshij), where he still resides, on March 31, 1877. the son of Richai'd Williams, who was born in Wales, and INIartha W'illiams, also Ixii'u in Wales, where thej' married fifty years ago and came to America, locating in LaFayette township, IMonroe county, W^isconsin, on a tract of wild land. The father followed the occupation of farming the remainder of his life experiencing the usual difficulties of the pioneer, and died in 1879 at the early age of forty j^ears. His wife, mother of our subject, passed away in 1883. They raised a family of children, viz.: ]\Iaggie, wife of E. A'anorman, Sparta; Mary, wife of Oscar Damman, of Sparta ; Roger, deceased ; John lives in Little Falls township ; Katherine is Mrs. Al Gibbard, and resides in Milwaukee, and William D., the subject of this sketch. Being but six years old when his mother died, Mr. Williams made his home Avith Thomas Richards, of Little Falls toAvnship, until he was old enough to work out. He was given a conmion school education by Mr. Richards, and started life on his own resources by Avorking at farming for various people until 1900, Avhen he had accumulated sufficient means Avith which he purchased his present farm of 120 acres from Mrs. C. A. Cross, and has since l)uilt a comfortable and commodious residence, made additions to the barn, erected a berry house, machine shed, silo and granary and has otherwise improved his place until he noAV has an ideal farm home. He is engaged in general farming and dairying, and makes a specialty of raising berries and small fruit at Avhich he has been one of the most successful in his toAvnship. He has ahvays been interested in the affairs of his community and has served as supervisor of his town and is a member of the school board. Fraternally he is a member of the Modern Woodmen of America.

ill 1!)()() .Mr. Williams was united in marriage wilh .Miss ^laud A. AVilcox, daugliter of Wellington AVileox. now a resident of Sparta. They have one eliild. -lesse Roger Williams.

William G. Williams, a pioininent Ijanker and business man of Sparta, was Ixirn (ni l^'i'liniary 1(5, 1848, in the town of Kingston, Green Lake eonnt\ , Wis. His parents were Robert and ]Margaret (GritTfith) AVillianis, avIio came to this state from AVales in 1845, and settled in Green Lake county, where they engaged in farming, and the father was a local clergyman. They were among the first settlers of that section of the country. ]\Ir. AVilliams died at the age of tifty-three years, and Mrs. AVilliams is now living in Milwaukee in her eighty-third year. Five children survive them, two sons and three daughters, our subject being the eldest of the family. Mr. and i\lrs. Williams were residents of both Milwaukee and Monroe county, "Wis., for many years.

William G. AVilliams acquired his early education in the public schools of Dodge county and in IMilwaukee, and in 1859 removed with his parents to Angelo tow^nship in Monroe county, and has since been one of the leading citizens of the connnunity, his energy, enterprise and persevering industry having gained for him a degree of success of which he may justly be proud, lie served the position of register of deeds of ]\Ionroe county for many years, and also held the position of clerk in the land office, resigning the latter position on account of ill health. He was afterward appointed assignee for Al. A. Thayer & Company, both from Sparta and Tomah, and a year later he assisted in the establishment of the Monroe County Bank, of which he was made vice ])resid('nt at the opening in 1894, and as such has since continued. Although he is a thorough business man, ]\Ir. Williams stands well in social circles of Sparta, and is a member of the Knights of Pythias Lodge.

On November 2, 1875. he nuirried Aliss Anna Jones, daughter of Stephen Jones, of Adrian, ]Monroe county. Their children are Everett L., Ethel, Ralph S.. and Eunice. Margaret T. (Ii(>d Api-il 17. 1897.

William J. Williams, a well known farmer of Leon township, was l)()ni ill Wank'csha coiinly. Wisconsin, Alarch 12. 18()1. son of William 1'. and :\Iartha T. AVilliams, both natives of AVales. The father came to America in 1852 and located in AVaukesha county where he married. He later, with his wife and three I'hildren, went to Bangor, La Crosse county, making the trip ovei-land by ox team. lie acquired 100 acros of land and there made his home niilil 1873. when tlun- moved to the Leon \all('\- in AFonroe county and purchased 324 acres three miles south of the village of Leon, and there lived for thirty years, when he went to reside with his son, who had purchased a farm close to Leon. Here they passed the balance of their long and useful lives; the father died November 21, 1907, in his seventy-fourth year; his Avidow survived until January 23, 1910, Avhen she passed aiWRx at the age of seventy-five years and eight months. They were married in 1857 and raised a family of five children, all of whom are now living, viz. : Richard Thomas, born June 15, 1859 ; William J., subject of this sketch, born March 12, 1861 ; Martha Jane, born July 30, 1864; Lizzie Ann, born November 5, 1867, and Sarah Ellen, born February 19, 1873. At the time of their marriage their finances were limited, but by hard work, industry and economy, they succeeded in accumulating a substantial fortune in due time and Mr. Williams was recognized as one of Leon's most successful farmers, a man of quiet, unassuming manner, public-spirited, charitable, and a devoted Christian. He and his most estimable wife were members of the Congregational church, and contributed liberally to its support. He was a close student, and practically knew the Bible by heart. He was a Republican in polities, but never sought political preferment, and being a man of good judgment, he served for twenty-five years as school clerk and for fifteen years as supervisor. During his active lifetime he was a successful breeder and raiser of good cattle, horses and hogs, with which his farm was plentifully stocked. Mrs. AYilliams, mother of our subject, was one of a family of fourteen children, all of whom are deceased. Her father emigrated from Wales and also located in AVaukesha county, where he spent liis life a successful and influential farmer.

William J. received his education in the district schools and assisted his father on the farm. In 1899 he purchased a farm of 140 acres, where he no^v resides, paying for the same $45 per acre. Since making his substantial improvements he has refused $100 per acre. From a small beginning in raising a few colts, our subject has developed into a successful horse breeder and trader. Some years ago he formed a copartnership with John L. Jones, and under the firm name of AYilliams and Jones, did an extensive business in buying and selling cattle, shipping some years as high as 100 carloads of cattle to Eastern markets. Air. AYilliams, with his brother Richard, owns 600 acres of land in Alinnesota, where the brother conducts a large logging camp, lie having

John J. F. Winters, who is one of tlie Avide-awake and progressive farmers of Sparta township, was born at Burlington, Racine county, Wis., April 28, 1859, son of John and ]\linnie (Benson) "Winters, of Baden, Germany, and Berlin. Prussia, respectively. The father was born in 18:}0, and when a young boy came to the United States, stopping first at ^Milwaukee. When fourteen years of age he moved to Burlington, where in 1857 he was married, and in 1860 moved to ]\[onroe county, Wisconsin, and settled on a farm of eighty acres, which he purchased in section twenty-four, Sparta township, wliich was at that time but a wilderness inhabited by Indians and wild game. To his original purchase he continued to make additions until he acquired 360 acres. He carried on general farming, and for fifty years made this his liome, until 1910, when he removed to the city of Sparta, Avhere he now resides, enjoying the wellearned fruits of his years of toil. ^frs. Winters, mother of J. J. F., was born in 1840 and died May 4. 1910. She was a woman of strong personality, brilliant and intellectual, well versed in matters of ancient history, on Avliich she was considered an authority, was often consulted on the subject, and made herself felt in the community in which she resided. She was prominent and active in religious circles and assisted in the building of the Advent church at Sparta. The paternal grandfather, George Winters, a native of Germany, came to America in the early fifties and located at Burlington. Racine county. The maternal grandfather, Frederick Benson, who was a native of Berlin, Prussia, came to America in 1852 and also setth'd in Burlington, and engaged in farming, and there died in 1859.

John J. F. Winters was raised on his father's farm and attended the district schools. He helped to clear the home farm with his own hands, and has l)eeu a hard worker since boyhood. In 1912 he purchased the old homestead, Avhich, added to iiis - land and pasture. The comniodious residence, large barns and outbuildings, including the silo, have all been erected by Mr. J. J. V. Winters, and for twelve yeai-s last past he has been engaged in raising Guernsey cattle, both registered and grades, being the first breeder of this stock in the town of Sparta. He also makes a speialty of Poland-China hogs and Brown Leghorn chickens. !Mr. Winters is the eldest of a familv of three children.

The others are: Eliza, widow of Daniel Evans, of Oswego, Ore., and George, of Sparta. Mr. Winters has ahvays taken an active interest in the atfairs of his town and county. He lias been a member of the board of supervisors, chairman of the town board and treasurer of his town, and in politics he is a Republican. For twenty years he has been prominent in Masonic circles, is a member of the Blue Lodge, Chapter and the Knights Templar. He is also a member of the Knights of Pythias. There are few men living in Monroe county whose early experience were equal to those of Mr. Winters. Coming to this county when but one year old, he grew up in that part of the county, which was then in a wild state, and relates that some of his early playmates were Indian boys and girls, and how he joined with tlictn in their sports. The Indian children were trained to the use of the "bow and arrow," Mr. Winters joining them in target practice, and soon became efficient in their use.

Albert W. Withers, the son of William and Martha Withers, was born in New York, on January 16, 1847. His parents were both natives of England, where the father Avas born in 1795. He emigrated to America in 1844, and located in Ncav York, and remained there until 1854, when he came west to AVisconsin and located in Monroe county, and was one of the early pioneers of Ridgeville township, and settled on an eighty-acre tract which he purchased for $100, which was all the money he had at that time, and immediately set to work to clear and improve it, and finally, by hard work and perseverance, established the family home, and cultivated the land to a point where they were able to realize quite a comfortable livelihood. During those pioneer days in Monroe county. La Crosse was the nearest trading point, and Mr. Withers often walked there to purchase provisions and clothing for the family. He was the father of sixteen children, five of whom are now living (1912). Besides general farming, Mr. Withers made somewhat of a specialty of stock raising. After years of labor, his farm was made one of the most productive in the county. He w^as a broad-minded, energetic man, and highly esteemed as one of the best class of pioneers. He was a devoted member of the Methodist church, and contributed liberally to its support. The little church which he built on his farm in those early days still stands, in a fair state of preservation. His death occurred December 10, 1876. His widow, mother of our subject, is still (September 30, 1912) living, at the advanced age of eighty-nine years, much esteemed by the citizens of the locality in which she lives.

Albci-I \V. was raised on liis father's farm until liis scxcuteenth year, receiving a thorough training in farm work, and attending the district schools. He then came to Tomah and apprenticed himself for three years to h-arn the wagon-making trade. At the end of that time he went to Sparta and worked at his trade one year, then moved back to Ridgeville and established a wagon shop of his own. He later purchased a farm near Oakdale, which he successfully carried on. engaged in general farming until 1901, when he returned to Tomah and entered the employ of the Crossette ^Manufacturing Company, Avhere he has since been engaged.

On October 9, 1872, he was united in marriage to Miss Dora M. Kolster, of the town of Tomah. They have had four chihlren, three of whom are living, viz.: Ida, ]\Iyrtle and Cora.

In politics Mr. AVithers affiliates with the Repul)lican party, and takes an active interest in its councils. He is a member of the Modern Woodmen of America, and in religious matters belongs to the Congregational church.

Herbert Wood,* one of the energetic, enterprising and wideawake farmers of Monroe county, came from a prominent New England family, his ancestry on the paternal side coming to this country shortly after the landing of the Mayflower and settling were natives of Massachusetts, where they resided until 1856. In that year they came west to "Wisconsin, and settled at Tomah, where our subject was born, November 23, 18 - -. The father purchased from the government 640 acres of land, three and one-half miles south of the city of Tomah. The farm was unbroken and practically a dense wilderness, and largely populated by Indians and wild beasts. There were no roads in the county and traveling was difficult, and he immediatel.v set to work to clear aiul subdue the land and establisli tlie family home. By hard work, thrift and economy, the land was improved witli a good residence and outbuildings, and soon brought to a high state of cultivation, and besides successfully carrying on general farming, he made a specialty of high-grade cattle and hogs. There were five boys in the family, three of whom are now living, viz.: Herbert, Milton C. and Leonard A. 'Mr. AVood was a strong anti-slavery man, was a AVhig until the formation of the Republican part.v, and forever after was a member of that i^olitical party. He was a high-minded, public-spirited man. a devoted Christian, and for over tAventy years a deacon in the Baptist church, and occupied a prominent place among the citizens of the eommiuiity. lie died DeceiiibiT 5, I89}!, and his wire, mot her of 0111- siil).)ect, February 15, 1907. The maternal gr eat- <>- rain Ifathin-. KuHcr, was a soldier in the Eevolutionar\' War.

and served nnch'r Washington, and was Avilh his coniiiiaud at Valley Forge. The paternal grandfather of our subject was captured liy the British at Saekett's Harbor iu th(> AVar of 1812, and held a prisoner by them for twenty-two months. He held the rank of orderly sergeant, and at the time of his death owned HiO acres of land iu IMonroe county.

Herbert was raised on his father's farm, and alleiided thi; district schools u\) to liis twentieth year, and then taught school one winter. He remained on the farm with his parents until their death, succeedjng his father on the homestead, which he; acquired l)y purchase. He is a Democrat in political sentiment, and takes au active part in the councils of his party; he has held the office of clerk and treasurer of the township, and on August 1, 1911, Avas chosen secretary of the Tonuih Creamery Association. He is a member of the T'ongregational church, and of the E. F. U.

Mr. AYood was married November 28, 1891, at Tomah, to ]\Iiss Ida A. Glaede. Four children have been born to them, three of whom are now (1912) living, viz.: Gladys, born November 23, 1903; Edwin, born ]March 22, 1906. and Rogers, born January 29, 1910.

Nelson M. Woodworth, who has lived in ]\Ionroe county, Wisconsin, for more than half a century, was born Decendier 28, 1848, in the town of New Lyme, Ashtabula county, Ohio. His father, Story Woodworth, was born in Pennsylvania, August 14, 1809, and in 1838 married IMiss Candace Jyne, in Ohio, who was born in New York state, December 14, 1816. They had a family of six children, viz. : Luther J., Sarah M., Mary L., Nelson M., Phila E. and Abel AYoodworth. In 1855, when our subject was a boy of six years, the family moved to Jefferson county, where they remained for a time, then came on to Sauk county, where they remained four years, thence to Monroe county, locating at Cataract, where the father was engaged in farming, and experienced the hard.ships of pioneer life for a great many years; they came here when the country was practically a wilderness, and thus struggled the while against the difficulties they encountered until as a result of their hard work and perseverance they passed their last days in a comfortable and happy home.

Avhere he has since carried on general farming and dairying, and is considered one of the most thrifty and prosperous farmers of the county and an influential and wide-awake citizen. He has been lavish in his expenditure of time, energy and money in improving his farm, erecting commodious and substantial buildings, with the most modern appliances and equipments, making it one of the most attractive homes in the country.

^Ir. Woodworth was married in 1878 to Miss Ida Moseley, daughter of Alonzo and Eunice (Hunt) Moseley, She was born January 16, 1861, and has spent her entire life in Monroe county. Mr. and Mrs. AVoodAvortli have an interesting family of eight children, viz. : lilanche. Wade H., Bertha E., Spencer W., Bessie I., IMildred E., AVallace M. and Rachel M.

Samuel Wruck," who was born June 28, 1865, is a native of Sheldon township, and the son of Andrew and Euphraseno (Krugor) Wruck, both natives of Germany. They came to America in Ihc early fifties, witli a family of five children, and first located in Sauk county. Remaining there but a short time, they moved to INIonroe county and settled in Sheldon in 1854, and homesteadcd a quarter-section of wild land in section five, Avhere the father established a home for himself and family. He cleared the land and brought it to a good state of cultivation. In those early days there were plenty of Indians, and even after the massacre in Minnesota the Indians often camped on their farm, but always treated, them kindly, never subjecting them to any kind of cruelty. Wild game Avas plentiful, and venison Avas the principal means of subsistence; the father had learned the trade of carpenter, and Avhile living on the home- : agriculture. When the CiA'il War broke out. he enlisted in the Eighteen Wisconsin InfantrA', and Avas killed in service Avhile in line of duty. He Avas a AVhig in politics until the formation of the Republican party, and ever after Avas a staunch sup]>orter of the principles of that party. He Avas tAviee married, having no practically dependent npon his own resources at the age of fifteen. He was first employed at farm work and received the sum of fifty cents per week ; he later went to Madison, Wis., for a time and afterwards to Montana, where he herded cattle on a ranch for one year. From there he went to North Dakota, and for nine years, off and on, was engaged in running a threshing machine. His next employment was in a grain elevator at Castleton, N. D., but subsecjuently he returned to Monroe county and purchased 220 acres of wild land in sections twenty-six and twenty-seven, in the town of Sheldon, where he has since resided. In 1898 he built a large and commodious barn, and in 1900 erected a modern residence; he has a flowing spring which furnishes an abundant supply of pure water for his house and stock ; his place is always w^ell stocked and in addition to his general farming, he carries on quite an extensive dairy business. He is a Republican in politics, and takes an active part in promoting the interests of his party. In 1900 he was elected treasurer of his town, an office he has held for twelve years, and for several years has been a school director. He is one of the public-spirited and influential citizens of his town and en.joys the confidence of all who know him.

On October 5, 1892, he was married in the town of Wells, to Miss Anna Herzberg, and they have had four children, viz. : Ruth A., Grace L., Earl S. and Taft Claud.

Lucian D. Wyatt, who has resided in section seven, Tomah township, since 1874, is a native of Streetsboro, Medina county, Ohio, Avhere he was born March 6, 1813. He is a son of Ezra and Mary (Whipple) Wyatt. Ezra Wyatt was a native of New York, and moved in an early day to Ohio, in which state he died. Our subject is one of a family of eleven children, five of whom are living. At the age of eleven years he came with a sister and her husband, David Olds, to Oconomowoc, Wis., where he resided for a time, later making his home with another sister, ]\Irs. H. Campbell, in the town of Wellington, in Monroe county, attending the district school until the age of fourteen, when he returned to Oconomowoc, where he was employed at farm work. At the age of eighteen, August 26, 1861, he enlisted in Company A, First Wisconsin Cavalry, and served three years in the army, and was discharged in 1864. His regiment operated largely in ]Missouri and Arkansas, and was afterwards sent to Tennessee, where it participated in several sharp skirmishes and engagements, at Chickamauga, Knoxville and other points. At the expiration of his term of service, Mr. Wyatt returned to Monroe county, and bouglit an t'igiit y-ac-rc farm du whal is known as the Ridge. It was in 1874 that In- bought 100 acres of land in section seven, Mln're lie now lives, and later bought a forty-acre tract in the town of Wellington. To llic lioiuc farm he has added many valuable and lasting improvements, including a fine residence, connuodious barns, two silos, granary, and other outbuildings, lie is an extensive raiser of thoroughbred stock, Jersey cattle and Perclieroii horses. Cattle raising has ix'cn his specialty, and he is now chiefly engaged in llic dairy business, lie is a stockholder in the Farmers' Co-operative Creamery Company; and the Farmers' Insurance Company.

On -Tidy ->, 1S7"). in the town of La (Jrange, ^Ir. Wyatt Avas mari'ied to ^liss Vicjhi liurdicl:. a da\ighter of Ezra and .Mary Burdick. The children of tliis union are Ernst E., Vera ^M., Ray L. and Ethel. ]\lr. AVyatt is a man well posted on the events of the day, and in politics he is a Republican. He and liis estimable Avife affiliate Avitli the Baptist church.

John J. Youngman, one of the leading business men of Sparta, is the son of John and Barbara Youngman, born at ^Milwaukee, AYis., April 15, 1854. His ])arents emigrated to America from Germany, settling in Alilwaukee in the early fifties, where they Avere married and raised their family. He Avas a butcher by trade, and after I'ollowing this occupation for some time in Alil- Avaukee. the family moved to NeAv Lisbon, Avhere the father met an untiiic'ly death l)y accident with a I'unaway fejuii of jiorses in 1865, at the ;ige of thirty-nine years.

John J. Avas educated in the public schools of Alihvankee, and brought up in the butcher business Avith his father. After the death of the lattei'. he Avas employed for a time by Samuel Ilolzer, at NeAv liisbon. then Avent to Mauston, in Juneau county, Avhere he Avas emi)loyed by Thomas Jennings. afterAvards to Tomah. and Avas employed l)y I'ldward AVaggonei'. and it Avas in 1S70 that he first came to S|>;ii'ta aiul entered the chiijIox' of Benjamin Stevruis & Son. ^\-llo then conducted a meat market on Oak street. His next emi)loyment Avas Avith l*ottei'. Audis & Palmer, Avhich position he hebl for two years. Avhen he purchased the interest of Potter and associated Avith Tlii'ani DaA-enport by disposing of a half interest to him. with the lirm name DaviMijiort & Youngman. This continued for about three y(>ars, Avhen Air. Davenport sold his interest to ]\Ir. Youngman, Avho later sold to N. P. Lee. the style of the firm then changing to Lee & Youngman, and at the eud of two years William i'. iMcycrs pureliasctl an Jntiu'cst, and a year later Mr. Yoiingman acquired entire control and associated with his brother, Louis -J. Youngnian, under the name of Youngman Brothers, and under this name tlie business was carried on from 1892 to 1901, when John J. sold out to his brother and retired from the business after a long and successful career. AVe next find Mr. Youngnian engaged in the real estate business, handling principally farm lands, and this, together with looking after his own extensive property interests, has since given him ample employment to occupy his time. In 1907 he rebuilt his old home, where he has lived for the past twenty-seven years, with a beautiful modern residence, No. 316 Pine street, where he enjoys, with his family, the fruits of his past labors.

On October 8, 1874, Mr. Youngnian was united in marriage with Miss Margaret Fitzgerald, daughter of Patrick and Margaret (Lynch) Fitzgerald, of Herseyville, Wis. Mrs. Youngnian is the fifth child of a family of seven children, viz. : Patrick, deceased ; Mary, now^ the wife of AA^illiam C. Hoffman, of Sparta ; Nellie is the wife of Irvin Childs, of Sparta ; John resides in Chicago; Catherine, wife of Eobert McGrath. of Great Falls, Mont., and Thomas Fitzgerald, who resides in Canada. The parents of Mrs. Youngnian were natives of Ireland, and came to Canada, where their family was born. They moved to Herseyville, Wis., during the Civil War, wdiere both parents died at the age of eighty-five and seventy years, respectively. The children of Mr. and Mrs. Youngnian are IMary, wife of James ]\IcCabe. of Sun Prairie, Wis., and Jessie, wife of Joseph Milligan, of Proctor, Minn.

Mr. Youngnian is the oldest of a family of four children, the others being Louis, of Sparta; May, wdfe of James Zimmeler, of Washington, and Flora, deceased, wdio was the wife of Henry Barrett. The family was reared in the Catholic faith, Mr. Youngman being a member of St. Patrick's church, of Sparta.

Joseph Zastoupil,* an Austrian by birth, is one of the substantial and successful farmers of La Grange township, where he resides on his farm of 100 acres in section thirty-one. Ilis parents, Frank and Agnes (Plobulick) Zastoupil, w^ere natives of Austria, and came to Wisconsin in 1867, and first located in Watertown, Dodge county, where they remained for two years, and came to Monroe county and located in Oakdale township, wdiere the father was successfully engaged in farming sixteen years, and where he lived until his death in 1885, at the age of sixty-five years. His widow, mother of our subject. surviv(Hl until 1903, -when slie died in La Grange township, at the age of seventy-two years. They reared a family of six children; of the others besides our subject. Trena married John AValrath, of La Crosse county ; Agnes is the wife of A. Rehberg, of Toniah ; Anna is deceased; Barbara is the wife of Theodore Rehberg and lives in Oregon, and ]\Iary married John i'rohasky, of La Grange townshiji.

Josei)h Zastoupil was l)oi-n in Austria. ]\Iarch 18, 1856; his educational opportunities were limited, the farm duties i-equiring his attention from ])oyhood : lie remained on the home farm in the town of Oakdale until he was lliirty-three years DJd. then went to Wilton township and ])ur('liase(l a farm of 120 acres, and remained there for eleven years; lie then moved to his i)resent farm, which he has continued to improve and bring to a high state of cultivation. His l)uildings are commodious and well constructed, and in his farming operations he uses the most modern methods.

In 1882 he was married to Miss Kathryn Brouch, daughter of George Brouck, a native of JeflFerson county, and wlio when but two years of age moved Avith his parents to ^Monroe county. To 3Ir. and ]\[rs. Zastoupil have been born eleven children, viz. : ]\Iary, wife of John Gasper, of Adrian townshiji; Anu^lia married Barnett Ilerricks, and lives in Barron county, AVisconsin ; Knniui ; Joseph; Clara; Henry; John; Irene and Agnes reside at home; and three died in infancy.

Charles Ziegler, \vli()S(^ ])arents were both natives of ^Viscousin, was born November 1."). 1882, and is the fourth cliihl of a family of eleven cbildi-en boi-n to John and Belle f Fairbanks ~) Ziegler. The father was born in Dane county and the mother in Burlington county. He attended the connnon schools until his sixteenth year, and lived at home with his parents until he Avas twenty-one. He commenced the life of a farmer on a rented place, and although a young man. he has been successful, and is now managing and conducting the large farm of Fi-ank Taloc, which is considered one of the licst improved farms in the town of AVells. This place is well stocked Avith horses, cattle etc.. the greater part of which is owned by Mr. Ziegler. He also carries on a ])rofitable dairy business in addition to his general farming.

Tn politics he is a Democrat and takes an active interest in ])ai-ty aft'airs. He has been treasurer of the town for two years and is now serving his third term as overseer of pulilic highways.

Arno William Zimmerman," who belongs to the younger class of energetic, enterprising and wide-awake l)usiness men of Xoi-- walk, Wis., was born on a farm in Ridgeville townsliiji, .Moin'oc county, October 19, 1879, the son of AVilliam and Adelia (Hoffman) Zimmerman, of American and German descent. The fatlier of our subject came to Wisconsin in the early fifties, stopping first at Watertown. After remaining there for a short time, he came to Monroe county and settled on a farm of 100 acres in Ridgeville township, which, by economy, hard work and thrift, he improved and brought to a high state of cultivation, and has since been engaged here in general farming. He is one of the substantial men of his locality and prominently identified with the affairs of his community. He has served as township treasurer and member of the school board. He has one brother, who also came to this county and located on a farm near Norwalk. His father was Carl Zimmerman, who early came from Germany, his native land, and bought a farm in ]\Ionroe county and established the family homestead, where he lived until his deatl), at the age of

Arno AV. is the eldest son of a family of eight children ; the others are: Benjamin, a resident of Norwalk; Edward A. lives in Ridgeville township ; and Esther AY., Raymond, Grace, Reuben and "Werner live at home with their parents. Our subject w^as reared on the home farm, attending the district schools, and helped with the farm work. During the years 1901-02 he attended the commercial department of the Northwestern College at Naperville, 111., receiving a thorough business training. Returning to AYisconsin, he was employed for a time in the Cashton creamery, then went to Cross Plains, AYis., and was engaged at the same occupation. Returning to Norwalk in 1908, he took charge of the Norwalk creamery as buttermaker and operating manager, which position he still holds. He has taken an active part in village affairs, and is now serving his Ihird term as clerk of Norwalk.