Monroe County, Wisconsin - Chapter 55, 1912 (part 2 of 10)

J. E. Brcadwell, secretai-y of tlie 11. \j. Stevens Company, architectui'al eii.uineers. with headcpiarters in Chicago, has in his career demonstrated the vahu- in the husiness world today of welldirected industry and eiu'i-,u\-. for althonoh still ?i youni; man. ,Mi'. Broadwell has W(M-k('d his way to a position of responsil)ility and trust. His ancestors were of En<iiish-Frencli desi-eiit. His parents, Horace and Ann Fdiza (Perry) Broadwell. were natives of Plattsburg, N. Y., but came to AVisconsin in 1858 and settled at ^Madison, where J. P]. was born on June 9, 1865. At the tender age of one year he came with his ])arents to Tomah. ^lonroe county, and there grew to manhood, receiving' his education in the graded and hicrh' schools of Tomah. After graduating fi'(un the last named institution he turned his attention to agricultural pursuits and for seven years successfully conducted his farm, located three miles from Tomah. IMr. Broadwell next engaged in the insurance business, starting at first as local agent and gradually worked his way to the position of field sujierintendent of Wisconsin and ^Miiuiesota for the Fidelity IMutual Life Association of Philadeljihia. having charge of their interests in the various de|)artments. He later became associated with the Equitable Life Insurance Company and was made field manager for the state of Wisconsin and northern ]Michigan. Among the life insurance men of the state h(> held an enviable position by reason equally of his high personal standing and business qualilicat i(»ns. He followed the insurance business for fifteen years piior to hecominu intei-i*sted as secretary of the H. L. .Stevens Com])any. with branch offices in vai-ious cities of the Thiited States. So extensive has the Inisiuess of tlu' company become in erect inti' reinforced concrete buildings in the United States and Canada that it re(|uires several bi-anch offices, and I\Ir. Broadwell has headtiuartei-s at Minneapolis. wt)rking the territory from ]\Iilwaukee. AVis.. to AViiHiijieg. Canada.

The father of Horace aiul grandfather of our subject was William Broadwell. Cyrus Pei'i-\-, inatei-nal grandfather of subject, was a relative of the faiiKuis Commodore I'erry.

Valley Lodge, No. 60, A. F. & A. :\r. : Sparta Chapter, No. 19, K. A. M.: Sparta Comiiiandery. No. 16. Knight Templars; a Modern Woodman of America. AVoodmen of the AYorld and the Eastern Star. lie is also a trnstee of the ]\Iethodist Episcopal church.

On November 11. 1886, ^Ir. Broadwell was united in marriagw with ]Miss Sarah E. Lovell. of Sparta, daughter of the late Carr and Eutli (Wyman) Lovell. Peter Wyman. maternal grandfather of ]\Irs. Broadwell, was a native of IMaine and built the first sawmill at Wilsonville.

Hans Bronscn is a prosperous farmer and worthy citizen of Leon township, ]\Ionroe county, Wisconsin, and settled there after his marriage. His birth occurred ^lay 16, 1867, in the toAvn of Portland, this county, and he is the eighth child of a family of ten children, six of whom are now living, born to H. and Anna (Stigen) Bronson. His parents were both natives of Norway and left their native land in 1853 for America with a family of four children, two of whom died on the ocean voyage and were buried at sea. Upon arriving in this country they came to Wisconsin and homesteaded 120 acres of land in Portland township. Monroe county, to Avhich he afterward added forty acres, and there made their home and reared their family. Te father was born January 15, 1818. and died March 16. 1910. ]Mrs. Bronson was born March 1. 1823, and passed away in 1909, loved and respected by all who knew her. In his long and active life he labored under the difficulty of being crippled ; still he overcame many obstacles and succeeded in the end. He was an honorable and highly respected citizen, a member of the Lutheran church and in politics a Republican.

Hans Bronson spent his boyhood on his father's farm, attending the district school and assisting in the farm work, remaining there until he reached the age of twenty-four, when on December 31, 1891, at Westby, AVis.. he was married to ]Miss Dora Swenson, daughter of jNIagnus Swenson. Unto this union has been born one daughter - Edna, born December 4, 1892. After his marriage ]\Ir. Bronson ])urchased 151 acres of land in section 26, Leon township, where he has since resided, engaged in general farming, stock raising and dairying. He has made numy needed improvements; in 19C0 he built a modern residence, in 1903 the barn and in 1908 the silo. His artesian well, 285 feet deep, furnishes an abundant supply of pure water, which under hydraulic pressure is carried by a system of pipes 150 feet to the house, 160 feet from the house to the creaint'i'x- lank and -")() feet to the street waterin"- trough. INIr. Bronson uses uiodern inetliods in all his farmino- operations, and his well-improved and eultivated farm is one of the ideal counti-y lutnu's of tlu' county, in jKililies he is known as a propressive Republiean, jind he and his wife are members of tlie Lutheran church.

George Brooks, a ])r()niinent citi/en and farmer of Wells towushi]). Avas born in JMorrow county. Ohio, September 27. 1851, son of James and ]\Iaria (Hull) Brooks, natives of the Keystone state. They moved to AVisconsin with their family of five children - three boys and two girls - in 1854 and settled in Monroe county. Although James' school advantages were limited and he was practically a self-educated man. the natural thrift ami enterprising energies with which he was endowed won for him success and the respect and confidence of his community, lie served as justice of the peace for some twenty years, Avas a strong t('ni])crancc advocate and was affiliated with the Prohibition party, and was identified the ]\Ieth()dist clergy. He was born in 1818 and jiassed away on ]Marcli 17, 18!)5. His Avife. mother of our subject, died in 1858. and he was married for a second time to ^Margaret Juliet ^lorgan, by Avhom he had seven children.

George attended the district scliools until he was sixteen and assisted with tlie farm work at Imnie. He remained on the liomestead until he was twenty-one aiul then for two years lived with his brother. After his ninrriage he lived on the old homestead for a time and then ]un*chased a farm of 185 acres in the town of "Wells. Avhere he has since made his home, and is considered one of the most successful and enterprising farmei's of that town. He has always taken an intei-est in the affairs of liis town and has held many minor offices; he has been treasurei- of the town for four years: was also a member of the school board for eighteen years, assessor and overseer of highways, and in politics is a Republican.

I\Ii-. Brooks was nuirried November 29. 1874, at Si)arta. to ]\liss ]\Iartlia Krotzman. daughter of John and Frederica Ki'Dtznian. To this union were born three sons, viz: I'liillip Iv. born March 0. 1876. died ]March 0. 1905, leaving a wif(» and two sons; James Ernest, born ^larch 21. 188:?. ])hysieian aiul surgeon of Chicago, and (;e()i-n(. Iv. honi .June 15, 1892. now manager of his father's farm.

Arthur F. Brownell, of section 8. Portlaiul townshij). ^Monroe county, was horn at Sheldon. .Miiui.. Xovenilter 21. 1888. son of Arthur S. and Phoebe (.McKee) Brownell. natives of Michigan and ^Minnesota, respectively. When Arllnic was fourteen years of age in 1897 his parents moved to Portland township and located on the farm where our subject now resides. The mother, who was a charming lady of many womanly virtues, passed away in 1899 at the early age of forty-one years. The father, who is still living, resides on a farm in IMontana. Besides Arthur there is one brother, Philip Brownell, living in Montana, and one sister, Miss Cora Brownell. who lives in Portland township. Arthur was raised on the farm and educated in the district schools of his neighborhood, and since moving to the present farm has resided there and since the death of his mother in 1899 has had full charge of the place. He belongs to the younger class of farmers of his towmship and is thoroughly practical and up-to-date with his farming operations.

On June 29, 1904, Mr. Brownell was married to Miss Elizabeth jM. Shultz, daughter of Gotlieb and INIinnie (Preng) Shultz, formerly of Portland township, but now residents in the town of Sparta. To j\Ir. and ^Nlrs. Brownell have been born five children; they are Arthur G., born ]May 9, 1905 ; Ernest W., born June 1, 1907 ; Mabel E., born April 27, 1909 ; David L., born October 10, 1910, and Harry T., born August 5, 1912.

John B. Brunner, of Ridge ville township, Monroe county, is one of the representative farmers and substantial citizens of this section. He was born in Hegenheim, France, April 9, 1837. His parents were John Brunner and Anna Rieder, natives of France. In 1852 Mr. Brunner with a cousin emigrated to America and first located in Washington county, Wisconsin, and for two years worked as a laobrer. He then went to live with an uncle at Black River Falls and for six years worked in a lumber camp in that locality. At the end of that time, in 1862, he came to Monroe county and f)nrchased 146 acres in section thirty, town of Ridgeville, where he has since made his home. His farm is well improved by cultivation and substantial buildings, both residence and barns. On his place are two living springs, one hard and the other soft water, which furnish an abundance of pure running water for stock and drinking purposes.

In August. 1864, Mr. Brunner was drafted into service and was assigned to Company H, Third Wisconsin Infantry, and served until June 9, 1865, when he was honorably discharged. He saw much active service ; was engaged in several severe skirmishes and took part in the battles of Nashville, Tenn., and Decatur, Ala., after which his regiment was transferred to North Carolina and placed under the command of General Slocum, and took part in the engagement of Goldury and Raleigh, N. C. After receiv- illy his (liscliai-yc .Mi'. Ri-uiiiier roturnod hoiiic and in 1870 lioiiiestcaded forty acres of land adjoininu- his rami. .Mr. liriinncr lias all his life hi't-ii an adixt', hard working luaii. and in atldition to liis general fai-iiiing he has carried on a profitable dairy bnsiness, keeping a tine lierd of milch cows, lie is now on the shady side oi' life and mkiUcs iiis lioiiic with one of his children on the old homestead, practically retired fi-om labor.

In 1861 Mr. P>nnnii'r was married to IMiss Elizabeth Wolf, dniightei- of -lacob Wolf, of Hlaek Hiver Falls. Of livi- childi-en born to them fonr are now liviiiL;'. viz: Lizzie, boi-ii August 8. lS(i7; John, boi'ii ()c1ober 21). 1870; Louisa, born Octol)er 15, 1872, and Fred, horn Octobi'r (i. 1874. ^Irs. P>runner. who was a kind and indnluent wife and mother, jiassed away in 1905, leaving besides liei' faniilx' a host of friends to mourn her loss.

Adelbert H. Burdick, who lives <ui his farm of 120 acres, located in one of the charming spots in La (grange township, in section 28. is a native of Hartf(n'd. Wis., and was born August 11. 1862. son of Shadrach .\. and .Mary Elizabeth (Hart) Burdick, natives of New York state. When a small boy the father came to Wisconsin Avitli his ])arents. Avho located on a farm near Hai'tford. and when our subject was five years of age they removed to Jacksonville, ]\Ionroe county, and in the si)ring of 1868 to the farm whei-e Adell)ert now resides, and which at that tiim^ contained but sixty-li\-e aei-es. only ten of which were cleared, and a small house 12xl(), whieli still stands on the place. He afterward built a moclern residence to Avhich additions have since been made, and a large and Avell-coustructed barn, outbuildings and other imjjrovements make this one of the ideal homes in La Orange townshii>. The father died February 19. 19(]9, aged seventy-two years. l']zra Burdick. grandfather of our subject, came to Wisconsin with an ox team and was one of the early residents of Hartford and among the first settlers of that section.

Adelbert II. is the eldest son of a family of four children; of the others RosAvell U. resides at Tomah. Alpha is deceased, and X'oiniie is the \\ife of AV. 0. JStotera. of Montana. Mr. l^urdick received his education in the district schools and in the Tomah High School, and when a youiiL;' man went to South Dakota, where hi' preempted a <piarter secti()n of laiul ami iluring the six years he was there, in addition to looking after his farm, he assisted in the survey of the country around Devil's Lake and across the river I'rom Sitting i^ull. lie returned to the home farm in 1889, which he rented fm- live years, then moved to the vity (if 'I'oniah <iiid for eiulit years wms eng'ao'cd in llic mercantile business. At the end of that time he returned to farm life on what is known as the Folly farm, and hero built the first silo Xortli of Toniah. and the third in ]Monroe county, lie moved to his present farm in IDIO and has since built an addition to the barn and a silo, King- system of ventilation, and a system of water works which furnishes his house with hot and cold water, lie built a creamery room and made many other improvements. Mr. Burdiek is engaoed in general farming and dairying and keeps a tin(^ herd of Guernsey cattle, of which breed he owned and raised the first in ^lonroe county and has a hei'd of fourteen full-bloods.

lie was married ]\larch 3. 1886, to ^liss Nina B. Baldwin, daughter of Alfred F. and ]\Iaria N. (Tracy) Baldwin, natives of Ohio. They came to Wisconsin and settled near Sparta in the sixties, and were later residents of La Grange township. The father died jMarcli 4. 1912, at the age of seventy-seven years. Mrs. Baldwin, mother of Mrs. Burdiek, survives. ]\Irs. Burdiek has one sister, Lucelle, who is the wife of J. C. Dunlapp, of Tomah. In religious faith Mr. and Mrs. Burdiek are members of the Bap>tist church, and !Mr. Burdiek is a member of the Modern AVoodmen of America.

Dennis Burke''', of Wells townshi}), who is engaged in farming and lireeding blooded stock, was born in the state of Ohio, February 26, 1855. son of Demiis and Bridget (Ileely) Burke, both natives of Ireland. The father came to America in 1840 and after a time went to New Hampshire, where he spent one year, then moved to Ohio and was employed as a laborer for five years. In 1857. when our subject was less than two years of age, the family came to ]Monroe county. Wisconsin, and located on a tract of wild land in AVells township, which the father purchased from a ]\Ir. Faucett. Here he established the family home and by hard work and perseverance cleared the land and brought it to a high state of cultivati(m. By working on the farm and in the mills he accunndated sufficient means to ])urchase more land, and at the time of his death oAvned 2()() acres in Wells township. He was boi'u in 1817 and lived for eighty years, his death having occurred in 1897. The mother, who was born in 1816, lived to the ripe age of ninety-three yeai's and died in 1909. The father was twice married; by his first marriage he had two children. He married for his second wife Bridget Heely, by whom he had two children. They experienced the hardships of pioneer days and lived to enjoy the fruits of their many years of toil.

He Avas an lioiinrable. ii]»ii.i;hl man and held the confidence and respect of all who knew hini. He and his devoted wife were niembers of the Catholic chnrcli.

Our snbject attended llic cnininon schools and remained on the homestead farm with his ]>arents. He purchased forty acres from his fathei". whicli lie carried on on his own account, and at the death of his pai-ents he acquired the balance of the homestead and is now the owner of 200 acres of highly cultivated land, improved with a good class of buildings. He is successfully engaged in general farming and dairying and breeds and deals in Percherpn horses, Holstein cattle and Poland China hogs. He is a stockholder and director in the .Mcl\iiia Creamery Company and a stockholder in the Sparta Fair Association. He has been a member of the board of supervisors for three years and is now school clerk for the town of Wells.

Lee Canfield, president of the Sparta Iron Works. There are men of sncli hroad minds, wide information and wonderful tact that hy husbanding their forces and planning their various enterprises with somethinu' like military precision they are enabled to accomplish sph'udid rc^sults in ditferent walks of life. Gifted Avith natural al)iHly. j\Ir. Canfield lias devoted his talent to the iron business, in which lie has gained a prominent place. He is a product of Sparta, Wis., born June 15. 1873, and the son of Edward and Abigail (Goodwin) Canfield, natives of Connecticut. In the late forties they came to jMonroe county and first located at Anuelo. where the father farmed and latei- run a grist mill, and still hilcr coiulucted a store. He became one of the most prominent .nid influential men of the county and did much for its advancement, and was at one lime a direct(n- in the Bank of Sparta. He was hoi-n in 1822 aiul died at Sparta in 1903. Mrs. Canfield \\;is born in 1S31 and died in 1!)09. aged seventy-eight years.

Lee Canfield, who was also a native of Connecticut and a prominent iron manufacturer in New England, and it was he who built the first ear wheels for the Housatonic railway. Mr. Canfield received his education in the public schools of Sparta and early became interested in the iron business. In 1872 the Sparta Iron Works was originated by L. M. Newbury and conducted by him for a number of years, when in 1894 a stock company was formed and the business incorporated. The ownership and management was taken over by the Canfield brothers and others in 1897 ; the corporation now has a cash capital of $-40,000. They manufacture well-drilling machinery, which is sold throughout the United States and Canada and points in South America. This is the largest manufacturing institution in Sparta, and the present officers are : Lee Canfield, president ; George D. Dunn, vicepresident ; Robert Canfield, secretary and treasurer.

In September, 1894, Mr. Canfield was married to Miss Sadie, daughter of John L. ]\Iather, of Sparta. They have two children - Josephine and John Canfield.

Robert Canfield was born at Sparta, May 22, 1875, and was educated in the public schools and Beloit College. He became a member of the Sparta Iron Works in 1896, and is its present secretary and treasurer. He is a member of the Knights of Pythias order and the Modern Woodmen of America. In June, 1899, he married jNIiss IMary Elizabeth Lee, daughter of W. F. Lee, of Sparta. Their children are Lee Goodwin, Robert Raymond and William Frederick Canfield.

Andrew J. Carnahan, retired, is descended from Scotch-Irish ancestry and was born in IMereer county, Pennsylvania, January 7, 1842, the sixth child in order of birth in a family of twelve children ; those besides our subject who are now living are : Elizabeth, wife of Charles Madison, of Newell. S. D. ; Nancy, widow of DeLos Henry, of Fingle, N. D. ; James M., who makes his'%ome in California: Joseph H., of Black River Falls, Wis., and William, who lives at Wittenberg, Wis. Those deceased are : Archibald, Adam IL, Maggie, formerly the wife of Charles Trumley; Jane, former wife of Adam Ringer, and two who died in infaucj^ James and Rosanah (McCormick) Carnahan, parents of our subject, who were natives of Pennsylvania, came to Wisconsin in 1856 and were among the pioneer settlers of Little Falls township, ]\Ionroe county, where he spent the balance of his life. He was one of the sturdy and well to do citizens of the county and a kind and obliging neighbor. In politics he was known as a war Democrat. He was the son of Andrew Carnahau, also a native of the Keystone state. He lived to the age of sixty-nine years and died in 1876. His widow, mother of our subject, survived until 1881. when she passed away at the age of seventy-one years. Our subject's maternal grandfather was Archibald MeCormick, a native of Pennsylvania and an influential citizen of Sandy Lake.

Andrew J. Carnahan was reared on the family homestead, receiving a common school education. After leaving home his first undertaking on his own account was at luml)ering in the woods of AVisconsin. where he remained two years i)rior to his enlistment on August 2(j, 1862, as private in Company (J. Tentli Regiment, AVisconsin Volunteer Infantr}'. He was mustered into the service August 28 and served with his regiment until 1864, when he was transferred to Company C. Twenty-first Regiment, Wisconsin Volunteers, and served thuslv until the close of the war in 1865. He saAv much service and was in many of the sanguine engagements of the Avar, among them being the battles of Stone River. Chickamauga, ^Missionary Ridge, and was Avith Sherman in his campaign from Chattanooga to Atlanta and nortli through the Carolinas. After being mustered out of the service he returned to AVisconsin and again became engaged in lumbering on the Black river. Morrison creek, and for four years on the Embarrass river. He had three brothers who also took an active part in the Civil War. Adam served in Company C. Thirty-sixth Wisconsin Volunteers, and Avas Avounded at Cold Harbor; Archibald served in Company G. Tenth Regiment, and Avas Avounded at Perryville, Ky.. and James served in the Third AVisconsin Cavalry. In 1876 ]Mr. Carnahan located in section 29, Little Falls tOAvnship. and engaged in farming. Avhieh he successfully followed until 18!)2. Avhen he moved into Sparta. Avhere he has since made his home. He is an active A\'orker in the Republican ])arty and has been called upon to fill many otlficial positions. He was assessor of Little Falls toAvnshij) two years, served as member of the lioard of supervisors for many years, ami for six years Avas chairman of the board. As deputy sheriff he served for tAvo years under D. AI. Fuliner and tAvo years luuler Henry Coomes. In the fall of 189!) he Avas elected sheriff o\' the county and filled the offiee during the years 1900 and 1901 and lias served as alderman from the second Avard for six years.

Air. Cai-nahan Avas first married in 1869 to Aliss Frances Dunham, of AVest Salem. AVis.. Avho died in 1873. He Avas mai-ried for the second time on April 1. 1S7(). to Aliss Axa AVilson. daughter of Charles and Adeline (Bartlett) Wilson, natives of New Hampshire, of French and German origin. They came to Monroe county in 1856 and located in Little Falls township, where they were considered among the best class of pioneer settlers. Mrs. Wilson died in 1886 at the age of fifty-four years, and he is still living and active at the age of eighty-three. Mr. and Mrs. Carnahan have one son, Charles C, who is cashier of the First National Bank of Fingle. N. D. Those deceased are Irving, who died in 1893 at the age of seven years, and Estella May, who was the wife of George Hewitt, of Sparta. Her age was twenty-six. She died April 7, 1903. She left one daughter, Estella Berneice Hewitt. Mr. Carnahan is a member of John W. Lynn Post, G. A. R., a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and the Knights of Pythias.

Anton Chapiewsky, lives on his farm of 217 acres in section 17. Portland township, where he was born October 9, 1875. is one of the prosperous and wideawake farmers of Monroe county. He is the son of Albert and Mary (Mashak) Chapiewsky. natives of Poland, who came to the LTnited States over fifty years ago and settled in Portland township, jMonroe county, on the farm now occupied by our subject, which at that time was all wild, timbered land. This he cleared, erected buildings and engaged in general farming and raising of standard-bred stock.

Bartle Mashak, maternal grandfather of Anton, came to the United States many years ago and was one of the pioneer settlers of La Crosse county, where he spent his life. Joseph Chapiewsky, paternal grandfather of our subject, also came to La Crosse county in an early day and spent the remainder of his life there.

Our subject is the fourth child of a family of nine children; the others are John. Josephine, wife of Louis Peplinsky. both residents of Portland township ; Frank, of Cashton ; Katherine, wife of August ^Michel, of Portland township ; ]Mary, wife of Joseph AVunsch; Albert; Louis and Clara, wife of Otto Kumm. all reside in La Crosse county.

Anton Chapiewsky attended the common schools of his native town, was reared on the farm, where he assisted his father until he was thirty-one years old, when he leased the farm in 1906 and commenced operations on his own account. He was successful and in 1910 purchased the homestead where he is now engaged in up-to-date farming and stock raising. His residence, barns and other outbuildings are well constructed and commodious, and with his other improvements he has a model farm home.

G28 History Of Monroe County

David D. Cheney. While not one of the earliest residents of the city of Sparta, David D. Cheney came here early enough to be unseparably connected with the growth and development in all lines of industry which marked the period from the Civil AYar on. ]\Ir. Cheney was born in Scioto valley, Ohio, .January 19. 1822; his father was a native of New Hampshire and the family one of the oldest in the state, his mother being a native of Yermont. The family moved to Scioto valley. Ohio, and from there returned to western New York, from which they later moved to Girard. Erie county. Pa., in 1835; subsequently the father and David D. started west in a one-horse wagon, arriving in Franklin, ]\Iilwaukee county. AVis., April 1, 1837, Avhich was the earliest of the pioneer days in Wisconsin. At this time David D. was fifteen j'ears of age. and as no schools had as yet been established in this state his father determined to send him back to New York to get an education. lie supplied David with $10 and the latter started his return tri]); upon arriving in Chicago, from wliich place he intended to take a steamer to Buffalo, he found that, owing to the lateness of the season, no boats were running; he had but two alternatives, to continue on foot or to return to his father in AYisconsin ; he chose the former and went to Adrian. ]\Iich., Avhere he had an uncle: his entire capital when he left home being only $10, it was necessary for him to work his way, which he did, as it was the season of husking corn and he found })len1y to do on the route and in that way paid his expenses. xVrriving at Adrian he went by i-ail to Toledo, where he engaged to work his passage on the steamer George Washington, but owing to an unfavorable wind they could not make, the landing until they reached Dunkirk; from the latter place he continued to Girard. Pa., on foot. lie attended school the following winter. The entire Cheney family eventually located in Waukesha county, where the father made a homestead and where he lived until his death, which occurred in August. 1869. at an age of nearly ninety years.

The fatiuM- was a ''Free WilT" Paptist and one of the pioneer ministers foi* over seventy years, yet received no salary for his services. There were ten children in the family, of whom six sons jind two dauirhters ai'i-ived to mature years.

Avaukee, February 22, 1842. In 1847 he went to Milwaukee and from there to the town of Chester, Dodge county, from which phice he removed to St. Marie, Marquette county, thence to Stevens Point and hiter on to Fox Lake, in Dodge county in 1853. The foHowing year he removed to Black River Falls, returning three years later to Fox Lake; later in 1850 he traced his way back to Black River Falls and three years afterward located at Sparta : his wife died on March 16, 1869, and two years afterward, January 1, 1871, lie was married to Mrs. George Darringer. He had four children by his first marriage - Emily, who died in infancy; Marvin H., who died at the age of ten years; Lydia Ann, wife of N. J. Kemp, now of ^Minneapolis, Minu., and David W., of Sparta.

]Mr. Cheney was one of the most successful business men in the City of Sparta, at various times engaging in different enterprises, at one time being employed in the mercantile business and also as a grain dealer and lumber merchant. Later he became interested in banking. He built two large warehouses and a number of dwellings and was one of the most enterprising citizens in the city. In earlier days ]Mr. Cheney voted with the Abolitionists and subsequently liecame a Republican, but as issues changed he voted for the party whose principals seemed to him right. He was opposed to the saloon in all its forms. He held various official positions in the gift of the people and in 1870 was elected to the legislature of the state of Wisconsin on the Republican ticket. He served as chairman of the county board for several terms and also as president of the village and village treasurer before Sparta became a city, besides serving on the school board.

David D. Cheney was one of the best known and highly respected citizens of Sparta, and socially was one of the most genial and companionable of men, firm in his convictions and positive in his character, yet he was a man of broad and tender sympathies, ever extending aid to the needy and encouraging deserving enterprises, he was generous yet unostentatious. A man of sterling character, right principles, clear headed and progressive, he was a man among that great body of men who have done so much to make the state of Wisconsin what it is.

Milliam Christopherson, for many years a resident of Monroe county, was born in Norway, October 1, 1845, a son of Gilbert and Carolina Christopherson, natives of Norway. They emi- g:rated to Amerioa Avith a family of four cliildren and settled in the Cannon valle\'. .Monroe county. Wisconsin, where the father worked as a farm laborer for some time and in 1872 homesteaded 120 acres of land in Pleasant valley, where he esta])lished the family home and si ill resides. The mother. ;i devoted wife and an indiiliiciit mother, died in 1911. honored and respected by her wide circle of iViends.

^Milliam Christopherson is the second child in a family of eleven children ])orn 1o his i)arents; he attended the district school up to his fourteenth year and assisted in the farm work. He remained with his parents until he was twenty-three, wlien he and his brother ]*eter purchased 240 acres. Three years later they divided this farm, subject taking eighty acres for his portion in l^leasant valley, where he antl his family reside. In 1910 he purchased forty-six acres additional. He carries on general farming, stock raising and dairying, and keeps his farm well stocked with a good grade of horses, cattle and hogs. He is an enterprising, energetic and progressive man, and takes pride in keeping his farm up-to-date and well supplied with modern laborsaving devices.

He Avas married jNIay 6. 1890. to ]\liss Sophia Oleson. by whom he has had six children, viz: Inga, a student in Sparta High School, Glenn, liable. Arthur, Clarence and Everett. ]\Ir. Christopherson with his estimable wife are members of the Lutheran church and he affiliates with the Repul)lican party.

John Clements*, a progressive farmer of Portland township, is a son of -John P. and Rosenia (Hise) Clements. Avho Avere natives of France and Holland, respectively. His father came to America Avith his parents Avhen he Avas nine years old and settled at that time near Mihvaukee, AVis. The mother came to the United States Avith her parents Avhen she Avas thirteen years of age, and they also settled near Mihvaukee. When a boy the father. John P., Avas employed at farm worlv and later came to La Crosse county, Avhere his brother Nicholas Avas located. He afterAvard Avent to Rock county. Wisconsin, making the trij) on foot: there he secured em])loyment and saved sufficient means for a start in life, and returning to La Crosse county, purchased a farm, Avhich he afterAvard sold, and purchased another, Avhich he ]iartly cleared, and again sold out and moved for a time to ChijipcAva Falls, Wis.. Avhere he was engaged in toting on the Thornapple river for several Avinters. Some time in the sixties he moved to Portland tOAvnship and purchased a farm of 160 acres in section 8, noAv OAvned and occupied by our subject. At the time he pur- chased this tract there was but fifteen acres under cultivation. He erected nearly all the buildings now standing, including a solid stone house ; only two others of a similar kind were built in this township. He cleared ninety acres, and here with his wife, whom he married near INIilwaukee, made their home and reared their family and followed the busy life of farming until the death of the father, which occurred December 26, 1910, in his seventythird year. The death of the mother occurred in 1903 at the age of sixty-fonr years. He was a member of the town board and the school board for several years, was a successful farmer, a liberal and broad-minded citizen. Eight children were born to them, viz : Henry, who lives in the town of Leon ; Mary is the widow^ of John Gother, of Jefferson township ; Kate, formerly the wife of John Algray, of Leon, is deceased; Rosa, wife of eTohn Taylor, of Ladysmith, Wis.; our subject; Peter, of Cashton; Louisa, and Anna, w^ho is a teacher, are residents of Portland township.

John Clements attended the district schools of the neighborhood and was reared on the home farm. He began farming on his own account with his brother, Peter, and together they ran a threshing machine and lumber-saw for ten years. Disposing of his interests to his brother, John took up the management of the home farm in 1907 and has since cleared ten more acres and is conducting successful farming operations.

In November, 1905, Mr. Clements was united in marriage with Miss Kate Smenk, daughter of Albert Smenk. of Monroe county. They have a family of four children, viz: Sylvester A., Rosenia M., Clarence P. and Clement F. With their family Mr. and Mrs. Clements attend St. Peter's Catholic church of Middle Ridge.

Ben Cole, the genial and popular proprietor of the Park hotel, of Sparta, is a native son of Wisconsin. He was born in Vernon county on June 3, 1861, to Benjamin and Elsie (Wyman) Cole, both natives of New York state, where they were married in 1858, and the same year came to Wisconsin and located on a farm near Baraboo. At the breaking out of the Civil War he was among the first to offer his services in defense of his country and in 1861 enlisted as a private in Company F, Sixteenth Regiment, Wisconsin Volunteer Infantry, and after serving with distinction the term of his enlistment he re-enlisted and participated in many important engagements, receiving wounds at Pittsburg Landing and in other battles, from the effects of which he died on his way home. He was a brave soldier, a loyal citizen and enjoyed the irii'iulsliip jiiid esteem of liis coinmunity. The maternal grandfathci- of oiir siil).ject, Ezra Wynuui, "was a native (iT the empire state niid came to AVisconsiii in ;iii early day, locatinu ill Sauk eonnty, where lie follDMcd Ihe trade of a shoemaker, lie was a ])rominent citi/.eii. and willi his wife, whose maiden name was Emily Seymour. dan<jli1er ol' a prominent New York family, was highly esteemed hy ;i wide circle of friends.

Ben ("ole is the second chihl jiikI only surviving member of a family of three children. (»f llic others Rosa and Edgar AV. are both deceased, the latter meeting his death in a railroad accident October 1. 1888. in liis 1 wenty-seeond year. Oui- subject received his edui-alion in Ihe eoinmon schools and at the age of nineteen l)egan. railroading, which occupatitni he follow(»d for ten years, lie then engaged in the pump business, selling his wares throughout the counties of Adams. Washara and Portage, meeting with nnivei'sal success. His next venture was at farming in Lincoln township. .Monroe county, and remained thus engaged for two years and then became i)i'0])rietor of the Hotel Warren at AVarren. Continuing there for three years, he sold his interests and moved to Black River Falls. Avhei-e lie tool< diarge of the IMercha Ills' hotel and remained for the next three years. He then returned to Spaila and in the fall of lillO became the iiroprietor of the ITolel Sparta, comhu'ting the last named hotel until December, 1!)11. when he o])ened the boxball alley on North AVater street. Disposing of this enterprise in 1912. he again embarked in the hotel business, this time as proprietor of the Park hotel at Sparta. jNIarch 20, 1912. Mr. Cole is a thorough hotel man and popular with the traveling public.

On April 22, 1885. INIr. Cole was iiniled in mai-riage with Miss Emma J. Townsend. daughter of Louis and Helen (Benton) ToAvnsend, of I'nion Ceiilei-. AVis. They have six children, viz: Archie ]-5.. Ruby I.. Eh\iii H.. Lulu, (ileun and Lester.

]\Ir. Cole has taken a lively interest in fraternal nmtters - was ])resident of the local lodge of C. AI. H. A. at A'alley Junction, leading ot^ieer in tlu> local lodge Al. \V. of A. and A\Mierable Council. AVhile a resident of T^nion Center and while at AVarren he was local ])resident of tlu^ AI. B. A. and also a leading officer in the Ik^avers. He was local lu-esideiil of the Eternal Reserve Association at Ashland while he was a resident of Black River Falls.

Edward C. Cole'"', who resides on his farm in sections 28 and 83, Adrian township, is the son of Charles Cooper and Celista (Sawyer) Cole natives of Ohio, and New llamiishire, respectively.

('liarles Cooper Cole was born July 9, 1829, and died September 20, 1876. He was the son of David Cole, a native of the Mohawk valley in New York state, who came to AViseonsin and was one of the first settlers in Adrian township, Aloiiroe county, for whom ( 'Ole's valley was named. He was one of the most prominent and well-to-do citizens of Adrian township, and took an active interest in. the local affairs of the town. lie built what was known as the Yankee tavern, Avhich he ran for several years, and was an experienced and well-known eye specialist. lie was an extensive laud owner, and sold five forties of land to the county for the ]\Ionroe county poor farm, wliich was located in Adrian township prior to its removal to the town of Sparta. lie was honorable and npright in all his dealings and held an enviable position in his community, and was highly respected by all who knew him. After a residence in this county for many years, he in later life removed to Eau Claire county, where he died. Charles Cole, father of our subject, came to Wisconsin in 1866, locating in Adrian township on the farm where our subject now resides, and was married in 18(i7 to ]\Iiss Olistia Sawyer. They were among the prominent settlers of the town, and died honored and respected by the whole community.

Edward C. Cole was born on the farm where he now resides, September 18, 1869. He had one brother, Elmer, who is now deceased. His education was received in the district school of the neighborhood, and after the death of his father he removed with his mother to the city of Tomah, and when a young man was employed in the Central hardware store for a period of ten years, and afterward became a member of the drug lirm of Banks & Cole. In 1893 he went to San Antonio, Texas, and remained there until 1898, when he went to Chicago, 111., and spent two years. In 1903 he returned to IMonroe county and the homestead farm, consisting of six forties in Adrian township, where he has since resided, engaged in general farming. He is considered one of the progressive, up-to-date farmers of the town, and besides his farming operations he takes an active interest in the affairs of the town and has been a member of the township board.

On June 15, 1901, INIr. Cole was married at Chicago to Miss Sarah McGavin, daughter of James and ]\Iary (Farley) McGavin, natives of Scotland and Ireland, respectively. jMrs. Cole has one brother. ex-Congressman McGavin, who is noAV a resident of Los Angeles, Cal.

John J. Collins, (JlcntlaK', .Monroe county. Wis., was boni in t!ic city of lioslon. ^lass.. Oct. 10. ISoo. His parents. ]Michael and Catherine (Dwyer) Collins, were; Ixdli natives of Ireland and came to the I'liited States in 184") witli their family of two childi'cn. He was first cinplox cd as a teamster and after a few years spent in the East came to Wisconsin and was in the employ of the ^Milwaukee and St. I'anl i-ailroad as traveling frei^rht agent until 1860. Tn that Near he came to ^Monroe county and purchased 1*20 acres of land in seclidn 1. (Jlendale township, and there spent the balance of his life, his death occurring in 1880. He was one of the early .settlers of Glendale and experienced the hardships of the pioneer days. He cleared and subdued his wild land and l)routiht it to a i^ood state of cultivation, lie was a hard working man and was highly respected in his community. He Avas a devoted member of the Catholic church and contributed liberally to its support, and in his lifetime helped to organize and build up two or three churches. The mother of our subject is still (1912) living at the advanced age of 100 years. They had a family of seven children, only two of whom are living - John J. and William. One son, James, served three years in the Civil War in the Tenth Wisconsin Regiment.

John J. attended the district school until he Avas eighteen and after the death of his father lived on the farm Avith his mother and sister, AA^hich he acquired by inheritance and has never left the home place. Since acquiring the farm ]Mr. Collins has added many A'aluable improA'ements. He built a large brick residence in 1902 and a barn in 1896. He keeps his place Avell stocked Avitli horses and cattle and carries on general farming. For many years he gave his special attention to the raising of sheep, but of late years has turned his attention to dairying and raising Holstein cattle. Mr. Collins has for fourteen years in connection Avith his fanning interest been engaged in the buying and sellinir of cattle. He is a good judge of stock, has been successful in that line of business, and is one of the public spirited and influential men of his toAvn. and takes a keen interest in all public matters. He organized and Avas president of the first creamery in Clendnle toAvnship. run as the Coopei'ative Creamery Company. Avhiclj Avound up its aft'airs in 1910. lie has since helped to organize the Olendale Cooperative Coini>any and is its president. In politics he is a Democrat and an admirer of Senator LaFollette.

of Gleiidalo, wlio were also natives of Ireland. To ]Mr. and ^Mrs. Collins have been born five children - ]\Iichael, Edward, John, Mary Pearl and Charles.

Henry Coome*, ex-sheriff of ^Monroe eonnty. is a native of New York state : he was born in Cayuga eonnty on February 8, 1842. His parents Avere Robert and ]\Iariali (Harris) Coome, who came from England to America in an early day and located in the above named eonnty. He had learned the carpenter and builder's trade from his father in England, and after coming to the Ignited States followed that occupation in New York for about fiftepn years. In 1856 they came West to AVisconsin and settled in Sauk county, where he continued his operation as a carpenter until he secured a farm of wild land, which he subdued and brought to a high state of cultivation; here he made his home engaged in general farming nntil 1867. Purchasing a farm of eighty acres in Monroe county, he moved hither and for the next twenty-live years this was tlie family home. Disposing of this farm, the father moved to St. Paul, Minn., where he died in 1903; his widow, mother of our subject, survived him five years and passed away in 1908. Both were Christian people and devoted members of the INIethodist church, and were among its most generous and faithful supporters. Mr. Coome was a man of genial nature, loyal to his friends, liberal with his money, companionable, a lover of good comradeship and generous to a fault. In politics he was a "Whig and strong anti-slavery man.

Mr. Henry Coome received his early education in the district schools of Sauk county, which he supplemented witli a course at the Baraboo high school. He remained at home assisting with the farm work until he was twenty-two years of age. when on April 1, 1864, he was married to ]\Iiss Eliza Watson at Baraboo, and they had on^ daughter. Lotta, who is now deceased. In 1867 ]\lr. Coome came to ]Monroe county and engaged in general farming and stock raising ; he later made a specialty of buying stock for the market, and was at one time one of the largest shippers from this county to the Chicago markets. He continued in this line of business nntil 1886. and then turned his exclusive attention to farming, which he followed until 1897. He is indeed a man of ambition and energy, and worthy of mention in the history of Monroe county ; he is interested in all public improvements, ever ready to do all in his power for the good of the community, and while not a politician, he has taken an active interest in the affairs of the Republican party, and in 1897 was its candidate for sheriff', being elected over his opponent l)y ;i haiidsomo majority. Assuming' the (.luties of that office lie moved witli his family to Spai'ta where they remained during his service in office, and u])on the expiration of this tei-m he returned to Tomah and retiretl from active business.

JMr. Coome is a man of thoronuli business qualifications, genei'ons, kind-hearted and ])0|)ular in llie circles in which he moves; he is an active member in the Knights of Pythias lodge, has filled all the chairs of the oi-dei- and is now nuister of the exchequer; is also promiiuMit in the uniform rank of the order and has attended its convocations at various ])oints of the United States. Shortly after assuming the duties of sheriff of the county, he experienced the sad misfortune in the death of Mrs. Coonie which occurred in 1898. He was married for the second time to ]\Irs. Ada Hall, daughter of James Sweet.

Fred H. Crossette, one of the enterprising, wide-awake and progressive ])nsiness men of Tomah. is a native son of Wisconsin. He was born at Ridgeville, ]Monroe county, December 11. 1859, the son of Z. H. and Jane (Davis) Crossette. The ancestors on the maternal side were natives of Vermont. The father of Fred H. came west to Wisconsin in 1855 and settled in Walworth county, remaining there three years. In 1858 he moved to Monroe county with his family and purchased 150 acres of wild land and immediately set to work clearing and improving his farm. AVhen the Civil War commenced, he M'as drafted and served in the twenty fifth regiment Wisconsin Volunteer Infantry until the close of the war, when he was honorably discharged and returned home. He Avas a successful farmer, a good citizen and brave soldier, and enjoyed the contidence and esteem of all Avho knew him. lie was a devoted member of the JNIethodist Episcopal church, and for many years a stew^Trd in that church. His death occurred in 187!). The mother of our subject raised a family of seven chihlrcn. foui' of whom ;ire now living. She Avas a model housewife, and hei- womaidy graces aiul domestic virtues made her a worthy helpmeet to her husband. She was a charming lady, a good wife and mother and was highly esteemed by a large circle of friends. She died in 1898.

Fred II. Crossette was raised on his father's farm and attended the district schools until he was sixteen years of age, and finished his education in the high school at Tomah. At the age of twenty, he entered the general store of R. B. Dunlap, at Kendall, where he was employed as clerk for nine months. He was next employed at eai-jienler work which he followed

some degree of success for a time and then went to Barron county and embarked in the furniture and undertaking business. He later returned to Tomah. and with three brothers, put $300 into a portable saw mill, which furnished them with employment during the winter months. From this small beginning, the business grew, and other kinds of woodworking machinery were added and they soon had established a fine plant for saAvins:. planing and manufacturing sash, doors, blinds and store fixtures. This model plant equipped with modern, up-to-date machinery, was destroyed by fire in 1901 with a loss of $12,000.

After prospecting through the county for a location better suited for their business, they finally decided to rebuild on the same spot formerly occupied by them. ]Mr. Crossette organized a stock company with a capital of $25,000, which was incorporated in 1901; new buildings were erected and equipped and ])usiness resumed, which has since met with increased prosperity. To the line of sash, doors, blinds and fixtures, they have recently added the manufacture of silos, also dealers in building material. This is one of the largest and most complete manufacturing plants in the county.

Mr. Crossette is widely known for his sterling qualities, both as a business man and in a social way. and is respected by his friends and asociates as a true example of American manhood, energetic, thrifty and upright. He is a member of the Knights of Pythias, and in political faith, is a Republican. In all matters pertaining to the betterment of his cit}" and county, he gives his hearty support.

William L. Daly* is one of the live wires of Greenfield township, where he resides on section sixteen, engaged in farming. He was _ born at Tomah, AVis.. on November 14, 1862, the son of John and Catherine (Haley) Daly, both natives of Ireland, who, after their marriage, came to America, and in 1856 to Tomah; they removed after a time to Tunnel City, where the father was employed on the original tunnel of the Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul Railway. In 1867, he settled on eighty acres of school land, called at that time on account of its condition, "Grub Land," and there he continued to reside until his death in 1893 at the age of eighty-six years. His wife, mother of our subject, passed away the same year at the age of seventy-tw^o.

William L. is one of a family of six children, of the others, Timothy is deceased; Martin; Mary, deceased, was the wife of James Barney ; John, deceased ; AYilliam L. and Jerry, who is in the employ of the Chicago & Northwestern Railroad.

AVilliam attended the district seliool and was raised on the home farm Avhere he has always lived with the exception of about seven years he was employed on tlic railroad and minino- eontract work in northern AVisconsin. lie returned in 1894 and permanently located <>n tlie homestead farm as owner and proprietor, and in 1901. he built a modern residence and barn. Besides general farminj":, Air. Daly deals extensively in urade Durham and Ilolstein cattle, and is a recognized authority in those lines, having been generally successful in every branch he has undertaken. lie is thoroughly up Avith the times, jiublic spirited and generous and is considered one of the most prosperous and progressive citi/.ens of his community. He Avas married on April 14, 1895, to Aliss Alargaret O'Brien, daughter of AVilliam and Catherine (Sullivan) O'Brien, of Toniah township. Five children have been born to Air. and Airs. Daly, vi/: Alarcus J., John AA"., Bernadine K.. Florence Al. and Helen F.

Elijah Davenpcrt, who has l)een conspicuous for numy years in the farming community of Greenfield township, is among the few pioneers now living in Alonroe county. His birthplace was Dorchester, AIa.ss., four miles from the state house at Boston, the date being November 3rd, 1830. His parents. Elijah L.. and Alarta 0. (Sweat) Davenport, were natives of Alassachusetts and Alaine respectively. He was a currier by occupation, and they spent their married life at Dorchester, where he died at the age of eighty-, and she at the age of eighty-five years. They reared a family of four children, of whom our subject is the eldest. Of the others. Abbie Al.. deceased; Augusta is the Avife of Edward Crocker, of AVinthrop, Alass., and Clarence, Avho resides at the old home in Boston.

Elijah received his education in th(> common schools, and early assisted his fathei- as a curiMci-: he later leai'iied the trade of cabinet maker and also followetl tlie trade of carpentei- and joiner, and for twenty years Avas engaged in the construction of raihvay bridges foi- tlic Omaha raihvay. Avhich is noAv a part of the .XortliAvesfern systt^n. Air. Davciipoi-i ]>r;u-tically built the village of Humbird. AVis., after he became idciititied with Alonroe county, and embarked in the cabinet and fui-niliirc luisiness in Sparta, Alonroe county, in IS;")?; the folloAving year he moved to (ireenfi(^l(l toAvnship. wheiv he endui-ed the priA'ations and hardships of lhos(» pioneer days, cleared tlu^ land and engaged in hop-raising, and afterAvard took up the Avork for the railroad as above mentioned. In 1892. he returned to his fai'm of 240 acres in Ihc town ol' ( ii-cciilicld. which has since Ix'cn his home. An interesting volume could be made of liis experiences and escapades with the Indians in the early days, when there was less than half a dozen white families in his locality, the Indians at that time being bent upon plundering their property, and it was with difficulty that ]Mr. Davenport could induce them to stay away.

Mr. Davenport comes of a family remarkable for its longevity, and thus inherited his share of mental and physical vigor necessary to the successful farmer. He carries on general farming and enjoys one of the most beautiful farm homes in the county. He has been a JMason since 1878; and is a member of Tomali Lodge, No. 132. He was married on June 19, 1862, to Miss Emiline Sawyer, daughter of David M. and Julia (Adams) Sawyer, both natives of Maine and the first settlers in Tarr valley - she being the first white woman to realize the hardships of the pioneer in this town. The father came to Greenfield with Mr. J. M. Tarr and they entered the first land in the town together - Mr. Sawyer being the first to make the entry and his name was given to the valley which was afterwards, however, changed to Tarr valley, which name it still retains. Mr. Sawyer, father of ]Mrs. Davenport, was born P>bruary 20, 1807, and died April 24, 1864; his wife, mother of Mrs. Davenport, was born September 2. 1816, and died December 12, 1911. ]Mrs. Davenport was born in 1842 and is the eldest of a family of three children; the others are ]Martha, wife of AV. S. Wyman, a carpenter by occupation, who resides in South Dakota, and Agnes, now INIrs. J. M. Ferguson, of Hastings, Neb. Mrs. Davenport came to Wisconsin at the age of thirteen years and recalls distinctly many incidents of privations during the pioneer days and especially of the Indian trouble in Minnesota when it Avas necessary for the family to take protective measures each night against molestation. ]\Irs. Davenport taught the first school in Greenfield tow^nship in a log schoolhouse which was raised July 4, 1857, and built by David Sawyer, J. ]\I. Tarr, John Rich, Joseph Conch and others. She also taught the first school in Tunnel City. The children of Mr. and Mrs. Davenport are Clarence E., of Encino, N. M. ; Marta A., deceased, and Agnes J., now Mrs. G. W. Bond. Mr. Bond is a prominent and influential citizen of Boise City, Idaho. ]\Ir. and Mrs. Davenport have traveled extensively throughout the United States, having visited nearly all the points of interest, and recently celebrated their golden wedding. Both Mr. and ]\Irs. Davenport bear the weight of their years most

Hal J. Davis, one of the i)runiinent luert'luints of Sparta, is pre-eminently a self-made man. Beginning life with no capital other than his native abilities, he has by perseverence, industrj' and the force of a strong personality, attained to a place among the intiuential and substantial ciliznis of his community. A native son of AVisconsin, he Avas born at Beaver Dam in 1868, his parents being Chester P. and Caroline Davis. lie received his education in the schools of his home town and came to Sparta in 1882 when he was fourteen years of age and first entered the employ of Rufus Dodge, as salesman in the then leading mercantile establishment in Sparta. lie early displayed such exceptional business ability, he was told l)y his emploj^er that if he Avonld save his earnings, he might some day become a partner in the business. Young Davis accepted the opportunity, and in 1898 became junior member of the firm. ]\Ir. Dodge, senior member of the firm, was born in jNIonroe county, New York, in 1840. lie carried the musket throngh the Civil AVar with tlie Sixteenth New York Volunteers during the regiment's term of service. After the close of the war, ]\Ir. Dodge came to "Wisconsin, settling at Columbns, wliere he engaged in the mercantile business. In 1872, Gilbert T., Harvey K., and Rufus S. Dodge established the Sparta store, which Avas conducted nnder the name of Dodge Brothers and the pei'sonal management of Harvey K., until 1877, when Rufus Dodge came to Sparta and took personal charge of the business. In 1879. Gilbert T. Dodge retired, and the same year his l)rother. Harvey K., died, and from that time until 1898, Rufus S. was the sole proprietor, and J\Ir. Davis purchased an interest. In 1908, ]\Ir. Dodge died, leaving Mr. Davis in full charge, which he has since continued, occupying the most spacious block in the city with a handsome department store. In the spring of 1900 the old Jackson building was removed and in its stead the present structure was erected on what is known as the old Jackson corner, purchased by the Dodges in 1872. and here the business has since flourished witli ])eriodical additions. In 1893 the Tyler store on AVatei- street was i)urc'hased. and in 1897 a large addition to botli stoi'cs was erected in tlu> rear.

Capt. Martin Warner Davis, rrtircd. one of the i)ublic spirited and su])stantial citizens of Sparta, is descended from old and jiromincnt New Knglaiul families. He was born at Newark. Caledonia coniitx. \'t.. -laniiarv 24. 1836. the son of

Eleazer and Diana (Stoddard) Davis, natives of Chesterfield, N. H., and who when young, removed to Vermont, where, like his father before him, engaged in farming. During the gold excitement in 1849, he went to California via the Isthmus of Panama, and there spent three successful j^ears. His Vermont farming interests were carried on on a large scale, he having at one time as many as 100 acres devoted to the raising of timothy, from which he on one occasion, obtained 600 bushels of seed. In political faith he was a Whig, and was elected to the Vermont legislature and served with distinction through the sessions of 1815-6. He was generous, kind-hearted and a man of unblemished character. He lived to the age of ninety-one years, his death occurring in 1898. Eleazer and his brother, Jonathan Davis, were the sous of Osborn Davis, who spent his active life in northern Vermont, and was known as a stalwart figure among men, and in those early days would often shoulder three bushels of wheat and by the aid of snow shoes, carry it for a mile. He died sometime during the 40 's. This particular branch of the Davis family has been definitely traced as far back at 1702.

The maternal grandfather of our subject was Alpheus Stoddard, also from Chesterfield, and extensively engaged in farming in northern Vermont, and owned in his own right 500 acres of land. His wife, the maternal grandmother of Captain Davis, was Charlotte Farnsworth. Avho also was a native of Vermont. The early ancestors of this branch of the Stoddard family were David, born October 23, 1754, and who was the great grandfather of Mr. Davis; Sarah, the great grandmother, was born February 20, 1757. Thej' were the parents of ten children, viz: Lucy, born October 26, 1775 ; David, born June 24, 1777 ; Jesse, born June 30, 1779 ; Lydia, born March 24, 1782 ; Arad, born February 15. 1784; Charles, born March 16, 1786; Alpheus, grandfather of our subject, born January 11, 1788; Luther, born February 6. 1790; Sally, bom March 19, 1792; Eleazer, born May 18.' 1794, and Abel, born September 28, 1796.

Captain Davis was reared on a farm in Vermont, and received his elementary education in a log schoolhouse, after which he attended a select school for a short time, and this was supplemented by a course at the Orleans Liberal Institute, which he attended during the year 1852-3. He taught school during the winters of 1855-6-8-9, and worked on the farm during the summer months. He continued farm work until the breaking out of the Civil AVar, and being imbued with patriotism and love for the I'liiun. he enlisted Jis a ])i'ivatt' in coiupauy D, sixth Vermont Volnntccr Infantry. OctolxT '2. ISHl. and was mustered int<» llic service at .Mon* pelief. \'1.. ()('1()l)ei' 15. of that year, as second sergeant, was proindted tn onlei-iy ser<reant in January, 18()2. and to second lieutenant .Ma\' 1. ISlii'. and to tii'st lieutenant December 1, 18(i2. On Februai-y 'A. ]S();}. foi- meritorious conduct, he was commissioned captain, eoiitinninu' as such until the exi)iration of Ids term of sei'vice. <'aptain Davis participated in more than two score of the most sanguinary engagements of the war, and became conspicuous for his gallant and heroic conduct. ])ui'iii.u llie bat lie of Lee's Mills, near Yorktown, April 16. 1862. Avhile his conn-ades wei-e falliiiL;' right and left around him. lie was wounded and carried from the tield. being fortunate to escape Avitli his life. He still cari'ies the bullet in his left side. At the end of sixty days he was able to return to his regiment, and almost immediately l)ecame engaged in the seven days' battle before Riclimond. change of base being to Harrison's Landing on the James river; lu' was honorably discharged and mustered out October 28. 1864. A more complete record along these lines has been eonti'ibiittHl by .Mr. Davis, and will ])e found among the reminiscences of this volume. After his discharge from the service, he returned to his home in Vei-niont. and in 1867. came to Wisconsin, first settling at AVest Salem. La Crosse county, where he engaged in farming. In 1879. he removed to Sparta, locating on West ]\Iontgom(M-y street, where he was engaged in the milk busint'ss until 1888. For the next two years he turned his attention to the ci-eamery business and in 1890, removed to Harvey. 111., and took an active part in the upbuilding of that town. He next removed to .Morenci. Lenewee county, ]\Iich.. and engaged in farming until 1895; he then went to Chicago. 111., and i-esided for two years, and returned to ]\Iichigan, settling this time at Lamoid. where for eight years he was interested in hoi-t iculture. J\eturning again to Harvey. 111., he i-emained two years and in the fall of 1908, came back to Sparta, wliei-e he still resides. At the time of locating the state school for dependeid childrt'n at Sparta, ^Ir. Davis owned the farm nj^on which the buildings are now located and which he sold to the state.

]\Ir. Davis has been twice married, his first mai'i'iage occurred on Api'il 10, 1858, to INIiss Persis Aim Stewart, a daughter of Thomas Carlisle and Emily Hrigham, of Brownington, \\.\ she died in Spai-ta. .luiu' ^'^. 1880, at the age of forty-three years, ]ea\ing besides hei' Inisband. the folbnviug eliildren : Edward W..

of Brookings, S. D. ; Fred E., of Chicago ; Laura B., wife of Rev. S. B. Andriis. AVaterville, ]Minn.; Jennie S., wife of Harry B. Parker. Detroit, Mich. ; Mabel P.. wife of Charles Williams, of West Derby, Vt.; Carl E.. Fargo. X. D. ; Persis S.. the wife of Dr. HoAvard Rogers, of Framiugham, Mass., and Jolm T. Davis, of Chicago.

]Mr. Davis has seventeen grandchildren and two great grandchildren. His second marriage, which occurred on June 22, 1884. was with I\Iiss ]Maria S. Houghton, who was born in 1845, daughter of Solomon and Catherine (Albee) Houghton, the former of St. Johnsbury. Yt.. born ]\Iay 28. 1813, and the latter. Catherine Albee. born April 30. 1814. They lived after their marriage at Augusta. ]\Ie., until July 4, 1855, when they came to AYisconsin and settled near Reedsburg. Sauk county, on a farm in AVinfield township, where they lived until their decease, his death occurring April 3, 1896, and hers December 13, 1892. They were married at AVindsor, ]\Iaine. October 2, 1837. From 1834 to 1837 he was a pattern maker for the Fairbanks Scale Company from whom he won honors for his superior workmanship. His health becoming impaired, he went to California in 1850, and remained there for about eighteen months, returning at the end of that time much benefited. The Houghton family trace their ancestry down the line to the historic Garfield family. ]Mrs. Davis is the third child of a family of four children, those besides her being. Cornelia, who married Vandan B. Clark, of Kearney.. Xeb.. both of whom are now deceased, his death occurred in 1892 and hers in 1902. Jolm died Xovember 1, 1877, and Frank T. lives on the old homestead near Reedsburg, Wis.. Avhere he has resided for the past fifty-eight years.

Captain Davis is a man who stands high in his community, having the confidence and respect of all who know him. He is a member of Lynn Post, Xo. 30. Grand Army of the Republic, and both he and his estimable wife are members of the Congregational church, of which ]\Ir. Davis became a member over fifty years ago in Yermont. During the past three years, he has been patriotic instructor in the schools of Sparta.

It is a pleasure to give this tribute to a man whose life has been filled with action. He is too energetic a man to be satisfied with inactivity, so there has been more or less doing 'round about him in various lines during his whole lifetime.

William E. Davis, a representative and influential citizen and land owner of Sparta, is a native of the Granite state, and was born December 8, 1864. and is the only surviving son of a family of three children born to Hiram and Amelia (Chandler) Davis, natives of Hanover, Grafton county, N. H. The names of the other children are Helen M., who also lives in the town of Sparta, and Harriet Anna, who is deceased. Late in the sixties, Hiram S. Davis, with his family, came to Wisconsin, and purchased eijfrhty acres of land near the now city of Sparta, to which he soon added two other eighty's which he cultivated and improved, making one of the finest farms in ]\Ionroe county, where he resided until his death. ]\Ir. Davis subseciuently sold the north eighty, making changes by purchases and re-purchases until the farm now contains 164 acres.

He was born June 9, 1824. and died in Ai)ril, 1910. The mother passed away in 1870 at the age of forty-three. David L. Davis, paternal grandfather, and Jeremiah Chandler, maternal grandfather, were both natives of the Granite state, where they spent their lives. The paternal great grandfather of our subject was Bezaliel Davis, a soldier in the War of the Revolution, the powderhorn carried by his distinguished ancestor is still in the possession of the family. The great great grandfather. Benjamin Davis, married Phoebe Doan, a native of Cape Cod. Bezaliel Davis married Mary Wright, their marriage occurring September 12, 1776. David L. Davis married Anna Smith, a native of Grafton county, New Hampshire, and a daughter of John Smith. He was a farmer by occupation, a Democrat in his politics and a Universalist in his religious faith. He was a member of the Masonic order. He lived out the alloted three score and ten years, but his wife survived until her eighty-seventh year; they both died in Grafton county. New Hampshire. They reared seven children, five sons and two daughters, six of whom grew to maturity. Their names were Anna H., who married Joseph Tenny, a native of Grafton county, and a son of a Revolutionary soldier. ]\Ir. Tenny died April 24. 1892, aged eighty-eight years: Mrs. Tenny survived nntil 1896. Harriet Newell was the wife of Moses Morse, and died in ]\Iouroe county about 1874; John S. was a resident of Angelo, Monroe county, when his death occurred. Rodolphus B.. who died at the age of eleven years; James C, who moved to Ohio, where he died in 1846 ; David L.. who lived and died in his native state, and Hiram S., who was the youngest of the family.

Hiram S. Davis, our subject's father, was a man of strong convictions on questions of right and wrong, and never lacked in courage to express his sentiments, and was a Democrat in politics.

\Villi;iiii Iv Davis rcct'ivcMl his education in tlie district and hi^li schools of Sparta, and has always lived on the family homestead, which is still conducted as the Davis estate. In December, 1903. Mr. Davis was married to Miss Margaretta Lewis, daughter of Charles and Eliza 3.1aria (Bush) Lewis. Charles G. Lewis, a native of Vermont, a descendant from an old and prominent New England family, came to Wisconsin many years ago and settled in Dane connty, where he remained until 1879, thence removed to monroe county. Mrs. Lewis was a daughter of Henry L. and Margaretta Bradley, natives of Maryland. Mr. and Mrs. Bradley later settled in New Jersey, and in the forties came to AVisconsin and thence to the state of Washington, where they died. To Mr. and Mrs. Davis have been born four children, viz: Edgerton L.. Phillip C, Karen F. and Ruth Davis.

C'harles G. Lewis was born December 18, 1823, at Cornwall, Vermont. His father, Martin Lewis, was also born in the same l)la('(\ hut his mother was born in Tolland, Conn. ]Martin Lewis came to Wisconsin with his family in the spring of 1846, traveling by way of the lake to Milwaukee, and from there to ]Madison by team, near which city he lived on a farm until the fall of 1880, when he moved to Sparta with his son. Charles (his wife having died at the home near Madison.) Mr. Lewis lived with his son on a farm between Angelo and Sparta, where he died at the age of ninety-six years. Martin Lewis had three children, Charles G. ; Harriet T. died some years ago, and Henry M.. an attorney at IMadison, and at the present time referee in bankruptcy. The family of Charles G. Lewis consisted of ]Margaretta B., Harriet, Carl H., and Silas M., all born at Sun Prairie, near Madison. Charles G. taught school for a time at Sun Prairie, was elected a member of the board of education for Dane county, until the territory became a state, Avas chairinan of the town board for five terms, and in 1878 was elected to the general assembly for one term.

Alvin Day*, of Tomah, JMonroe county. Wis., Avas born in this county. February 25, 1866, a son of Calvin and Alary (Davis) Day. Alvin attended the district school up to his sixteenth year, and at an early age started out in life to earn a livelihood. He was at hrst employed on a farm, following which he spent three years in Nebraska, where he worked on a ranch. Returning to Alonroe county, he worked for six years on a cranberry marsh owned by the Appleton. Trayberry Companj^ and at end of which time he beuan in a small way to develop a eranberrv nmrsh on a small fortv acre tract Avhich he had acquired in section twenty-six, LaGrange township. Within a short time he added another thirty acre tract in the same section, again adding by purchase 365 acres in sections twenty-six, twenty-seven and twenty-eight, all located in LaGrange township. He, in the meantinu'. disi)osed of part of the land not suitable for development, retaining 240 acres, a large part of Avhicli has been put under cultivation, and a crop of 1000 barrels of cranberries being the output of 1911. which was sold in the eastern market. ]\Ir. Day devotes his entire attention to cranberry culture, which together with a large force, is employed at tlie industry, tlie largest of its l\ind in ^Monroe county.

]\lr. Day has been a resident of Tomah since liJlO. Prior to that time he had resided in LaGrange township. He is a public spirited citizen and is interested in the welfare of Monroe county; besides he is experienced in his i)articular line of business. He has been clerk of the school board in the town of LaGrange for twenty years and is a member of the AVoodmen of the AVorld.

j\L". Day was first married to ]Miss Bertha Balding, who died in 1803. In 1898, he married ]\Iiss Catherine Desburg. who died in 1911. To this union were born a family of six sons, viz: Arthur C. born December 21, 1899; Harold E.. born February 27, 1903: Alva L.. born November 2. 1904: Paul H.. born February 27. 1906; Ray A., born Jaiuiary 25, 1908, and Harry C, born November 9. 1909. INIr. Day was again married June 6. 1912. in the city of ^lilwaukee. to ]\Iiss Alice Uischuer. daughter of William IHschuer. of LaGrange township. ]Mrs. Day is the second child of a family of six and received her education in the pul)lic schools of ]\Ionroe county.

Calvin Day. a representative and highly respected citizen of Wellington townshij). was l)orn in Pennsylvania. August 14, 1829, a son of Elias and Charity (Eator) Day. When our subject was two years of age. his parents moved to Athens county, Ohio; after a residence there of twenty-one years, the family moved to Wapello county. Iowa, where the father engaged in farming and made his hom(> ntitil his death in 1887. The mother ]iassed away when Cahin was twelve years old. They reared a family of nine children. After the death of his wife. Elias Day was married for the second time to Jane Dudley in Athens county, Ohio, and by this union two children were born. Tlu^ early ancestors on the iiateriuil side of Calvin Day came from Wales, while his mother was Peinisylvania Dutch. Ilis grandfather on the maternal side was a soldiei- in the War of 1812. and his great grandfather was a soldier in the Revolution.

"When a mere lad. Calviu received liis early education in the cooper shop of his father from a private instructor, and when he reached the age of seventeen years, he bought his time from his father with his share of his mother's estate, so that he was free to carve out an independent livelihood for himself. He began his career as a laborer, which occupation he followed until he bought from his father fifty acres of land in Athens county, Ohio, for which he paid his father $200. A man of thrift, steady and economical habits, Mr. Day from the beginning prospered, and is noAv the owner of 139 acres of land in Wellington township and 123 in Forest township, on which he has made valuable and lasting improvements. He has built a fine residence, barn and outbuildings, and keeps his place well stocked with good horses and cattle, and in his farming operations, employs the most up-to-date methods. Mr. Day is a man of liberal education, self acquired, and is well posted on all current subjects. In political sentiment he is independent, but a strong believer in Socialism.

IMr. Day has been four times married ; first at the age of twenty, and by his first wife had one child, Elenor. He married again in 1856 and by that marriage had one son, John. In 1857, he married for the third time and seven children were born, viz : Helen, Jane, Frank, Sarah, Calvin, Alvin and Samuel. On September 30, 1883, in the town of Wellington, he was married for the fourth time, this wife being Mrs. Adda L. LaRouge, and by this union four children were born, viz: INIary, born March 3, 1885; Lewis, born February 8, 1887; Archie and Arthur, twins, born June 20, 1891. Mrs. Day is one of a family of ten children. Her parents were among the early settlers of Monroe county and the father at the time of his death, w^hich occurred INIay 20, 1885, was the owner of 160 acres of land. His wife, mother of Mrs. Day. passed away September 25, 1885.

Erie DeWitt is the son of Richard and Sally Ann (Thompson) DeAVitt, who came to Wisconsin in 1856 with a family of five children, and located in Wells township, Monroe county, where the father purchased 360 acres of land in section nineteen and twenty-nine, and it was here our subject was born on August 25, 1858, and is the youngest of a family of six children, all of whom are now - 1912 - living. The others are, Ora Richard, of Sparta, Eugenia, Wells township. Sally Ann, wife of Eugene Austin, of Leon, Jaiie, wife of Alortimer Arnold, of Sparta. Laura, widow of George V. Riggs. of Wells township. The father was born in Vermont in 1812, and the mother in New York state in 1823.

lie was an honored and profrressive citizen of Wells township, where he spent his life, his death havincr occurred in 1901. His wife, mother of our subject, was a charmins: lad}' of many domestie virtues, devoted to her home and family, and held in high esteem by all who knew her; she passed away in lf)()8. mourned by lici- devoted family and a larsre circle of friends. In religious faith, botii ^li'. and Mrs. DeWitt wd-e Spiritualists.

Erie DeWitt was reared on Ihc lidnic farm and received his education in the district schools, assisting in carrying on the farm work until 1889. when he was married to ]\Iiss ]Mary Glass in ]\IcIIcnry county, Illinois. He then purchased 195 acres of choice land in Wells township Avhich is under a good state of cultivation and well improved Avith a modern house and barn and other outbuildings, all of wliicli are supplied witli pure water from a flownng well 275 feet deep. He carries on general farming and stock raising and is one of the well-to-do farmers of this township. He is a Repul)lican in politics and active in the councils of his party, and has been called upon to serve in various minor town offices.

]Mr. and ]\Irs. DeAVitt have an interesting family of four (laughters and two sons, viz: ]\Iay. born April 25, 1890; Ernest, born March 18, 1894: Richard, born May 7, 1895; Grace, born December 2, 1896; Eliza, born August 28, 1900, and Laura, born November 7. 1901.

Gecrge E. Dinger is a ])rominent farmer of Leon township. Monroe county, where he Avas born January 24, 1867. son of George and Radical Dinger, natives of Germany, who came first to La Crosse county. Wisconsin: to Leon township in 1866, and Avere among the representative citizens of that town. He AA'as a farmer by occupation and lived on his farm of .S()5 acres until 1892, Avhen he retired from active labor and moved to Sparta, Avhere he died in 1907.

George E., our subject. Avas reared on the farm and his exl)erience Avas the same as most farmer boys. He attended tb.e district school in Avintei- and assi.sted Avith the farm Avork during the summer. When his father moved to the city of Sparta, he purchased the old homestead of 305 acres and has since made many A-aluable aiul lasting improvements. During the year of 1912. he l)uilt a new residence of si.xteen rooms, containing all modern conveniences, hot and cold Avater, etc. Mr. Dinger is engaged in general farming and for some time has made a specialty of dairying. He built a large separator aiul milk house Avhich is supplied \\ itli pure miming Avater from an artesian aa'cH

On Jnne 9, 1892, he was married to Aliss p]mina Croft, daughter of William and Elizabeth Croft. The father was born in England and came to America with his parents when a boy, who were among the early settlers of Leon valley. The father died in 1910, leaving besides his widow, who now lives in Oregon, at the age of seventy years, one daughter, now Mrs. Dinger, and one son. who resides in California. To Mr. and ]Mrs. Dinger have been born six children - five of whom are now - 1912 - living, viz : Russell, born March 30, 1893 ; Floyd, born February 2, 1896 ; Georgia, born January 17, 1898; Florence, born April 10, 1900, and AVilliam, born June 5. 1908. ]Mrs. Dinger is a graduate of the Sparta high school, and taught several years in Cannon valley and Pleasant valley, in Leon township, and afterwards at Summit.

Archie Lee Doane. Among the progressive farmers of Lafayette township is Archie Lee Doane, who was born September 6, 1859, son of Timothy A. and Sarah Maria (Rhodes) Doane, natives of New York state and Connecticut, respectively. AVhcn Archie was two years of age. in 1861, his parents moved to IMonroe county and settled in Bush prairie on the farm where Peter Allendorf lived during his lifetime. The father died in 1866 and the mother is still living (1912) at the age of eight-eight years. They raised a family of five children, viz : Orceins, deceased; Charles A.; Archie L. ; Lillian J., wife of Andrew Ilutson, of Big Creek, and Ernest T.

Archie L. received a common school education in the local district schools and helped in the farm work during his boyhood. When twelve years of age, he left the home farm and came with his mother who. after the death of the father, married in 1872 for her second husband, William P. Williams, and moved to the farm in section seven, Lafayette township, where our subject has since resided. After the death of 'Sir. Williams in 1878, Archie in connection with his two brothers, managed the farm for twenty years, and in 190-4 our subject purchased the whole place and has since carried it on alone. The farm containing 2-40 acre^. is well improved, with a comfortable residence and outbuildings, besides a commodious barn erected by Mr. Doane in 1908. He has cleared sixty acres since he purchased the farm and one fall he grubbed some 600 stumps and has made many other improvements on this magnificent farm which was noted in the early days for the wheat raising quality of the soil. ^Ir. Doaiie is engaged in general farming and stockraising, Durham and Ked Pole cattle being his favorites. In addition to this, he, during the threshing seasons from 1905 to 1908, ran a thresher through the Welsh and Beaver Creek valleys. Prominent in the affairs of his township, he has been supervisor two terms and overseer of the highways.

On ^lay 12, 1890, ^Ir. Doane married ]\Iiss Emma Herring, daughter of Peter and ]\Iary (Smith) Herring, natives of Germany. To this union have been born five children, viz : Fern, Ralph. Fay. Joy and Irene Doane.

Charles A. Doane, a well known citizen of ]\Ionroe county, and one of her large class of prosperous and substantial farmers, was born in Genesee county, Xew^ York, October 27. 1855, the second child of a family of four sons and one daughter born to Timothy A. and Sarah (Rhodes) Doane. natives of New York state and Connecticut, respectively. Of the other children, Orceins is deceased; Archie resides on section seven. Lafa.yette township; Lillian is the Avife of Andrew Hutson. of Big Creek valley, and Ernest is a prosperous farmer of Lafayette township. The parents with their family came to jNIonroe county. AYisconsin, in 1861, and located on a farm in section twenty, Lafayette township, where the father died in 1865. aged forty-five years. The mother, a charming lady, still survives (1912) at the age of eighty-eight years, and makes her home with the snli.ier-t of this sketch.

Charles A. was reared ou the farm, having the common experience of the ordinary farmer boy, receiving his education in the district schools. lie lived on the home farm until he reached the age of twenty-four, in 1879, then purchased his present farm in section thirty-two, tow^n of Lafayette, where he has since resided. He has made many improvements, added new buildings and the land is in a high state of cultivation, which produces each year an abundant harvest.

On June 6, 1888, Mr. Doane was united in marriage to Miss Anna Wilson, daughter of Charles Wilson, of Little Falls township. Three children have been born to this union, viz: Clarence L., resides in Montana; Lucile J., and Sadie M. reside at home. Mr. Doane takes an active interest in the affairs of his town and county and his integrity has been recognized by his fellow citizens in many ways, by placing him in the office of town treasurer, treasurer of the school di.stricl and cliaii-inan of the town lioard.

Ernest T. Doane, who has passed his whole life as a farmer in Lafaj'ette township, Monroe county, where he was born November 7, 1864, is the son of Timothy A. and Sarah (Rhodes) Doane. natives of New York state and Connecticut, respectively, and is the youngest son of a family of five children. (See sketch of Charles A. Doane of this volume.) The parents came to ]Monroe county in 1851 and settled on a farm in Lafayette tow^nship, where the father died in 1865 at the age of forty-five years. The mother is still (1912) living at the age of eighty-eight, and makes her home with her son, Charles A. Doane. Ernest was raised on the farm and attended the district schools and later the high school of Sparta. Afterward he became associated Avith his brothers. Archie L. and Charles A., in farming operations, wdiich arrangement continued until 1896, wdien our subject purchased his present farm of 120 acres in section twenty-eight, Lafayette township, from AV. H. White. The same year he erected a new residence and otherwise improved the place. During the years 1897. 1898 and 1900 he added outbuildings and in 1892 built a large and commodious barn 28 x 72 feet, and in 1911 erected a modern silo. A flowing well supplies the barn and stock with running water. He engages in general farming and dairying and his farm is well stocked with a good grade of horses, cattle and hogs. Mv. Doane has been recognized in his town and county as a man of marked ability and worth; he has been township clerk for six years; chairman of the town board three years and clerk of the school district. He is president of the Sparta Creamery Association, and a director in the Farmer's Mutual Insurance Association.

On September 9, 1896. ]Mr. Doane w^as united in marriage with Miss Mary Belle Remington, daughter of John and Martha. (Harris) Remington, now residents of Sparta. Mrs. Doane is one of a family of three children. The others are Ida, now Mrs. Frank Gantka, of Little Falls township, and IMinnie, deceased. Mr. and IMrs. Ernest Doane have a family of two children : Gertrude Leah, born November 10, 1900, and Wilmer Ernest, born October 8. 1905.

Theodore Donskey,* one of the leading farmers of Ridgeville township, was born in Germany on October 29. 1869, and came to America with his parents, John and Josephine (Grathenerk) Donskey, the following year. The family first located in Chicago, 111., and shortly afterward moved to the town of Wells, in Monroe county, where, in 1872, they purchased a farm of 160 acres and lived there until thev retired from active farm life. Thev raised a family of six boys and five uirls. all of whom are now - 1912 - living, Theodore being the eldest of the family. The parents were thrifty and persevering, and it was not long after they purchased the fai'm. before their faithful efforts were justly crowned with success. They brought the land to a high state of cultivation and made it one of the ideal country homes. They were both devoted members of the Catholic church, and were highly respected in their community. The mother passed away in 1900, the father still survives at the age of seventy-two and holds the confidence and esteem of his many friends and acquaintances.

Theodore Donskey was married in Chicago, 111., in 18S7, to ]Miss Frances 0. I^arker. They have had two children, viz: :\Iartha, born January 12, 1896. and Rosa, born July 28, 1898. After their marriage, ]\Ir. and ]\Irs. Donskey lived in Summit Ridge, in Ridgeville township, where they worked a rented farm for about twelve years, then bought a farm of 330 acres in the town of Ridgeville. which they afterward sold, and purchased another tract of 209 acres in sections nine and four, which has since been their homestead and is one of the ideal farm homes of Monroe county. Mr. Donskey is a man of excellent judgment and thoroughly up to date witli liis farming methods as Avell as in matters involving public interest, and consequently he has made his chosen occupation a grand success. He is a Democrat in his political views, and has held the office of town treasurer for two years, and takes a keen interest in the general progress and Avelfare of his town and county. He is public spirited and enterprising and is a valuable citizen in his community.

Orville J. Dorwin, a former ni(Mnl)er of the Sparta Sash & Door Company, Avho has arisen from a poor but ambitious farmer boy to the position of one of the leading manufacturers and substantial business men of Sparta, was born in Angelo township. ]Monroe county, AVisconsiu, July 28. 1866, the son of Samuel N. and Lucy (Rollins) Dorwin, both natives of Vermont, who were among the early settlers of Monroe county. Raised on the home farm with the success of the business largely dependent upon liiiii. -Ml'. Dorwin 's educational advajitages were somcAvhat limited; he attended llie district schools ;iiid his aptitude for practical knowledge, overcame (he obstacles which confronted him in tlu^ way of education, and placed him on the plane with others whose advantages were far greater. At the age of twenty-four, he left the farm ami spent two years at the carpenter trade with E. T. TTanehelt. and in the spring of 1892, he located in Sparta and commenced contracting and building, which he followed for a period of six years, during which time he erected some of the most substantial dwellings and other buildings in the city. In 1898 he engaged in the sash and door business with Frank Freeman, the style of the firm being Dorwin & Freeman. JMr. Freeman later sold his interest to Mr. Dorwin, and later he sold a half interest to W. H. Stelting and the firm name changed to Dorwin & Stelting, which continued for two years, Mr. Stelting selling his interest to M. R. Ebert, when Mr. Dorwin became sole owner of the business, and carried it on successfully until 1908 ; at this time he associated with the Naset Brothers, inider which arrangement the business has since continued as the Sparta Sash & Door Company, one of the chief industries of the city, its output being distributed throughout the entire state. The finishings for two buildings for the state school, two ward schools, and several store houses for the government range, as well as numerous other buildings have come from this factory, the business having increased from a small beginning to over $40,000 in 1910. Mr. Dorwin severed his connection with the above firm on November, 1911, and now has lumber interests at Ft. Meyer. Fla.

Mr. Dorwin is a man who enjoys the confidence and esteem of all with whom he comes in contact, both in a business way and socially. Unassuming in manner, he has a cpiiet consciousness of his own, strength of character and latent force thus has carried him past all difficulties which he has encountered during his lifetime. He is an active member of the jMasonic fraternity at Sparta.

Sidney N. Dorwin, for fifteen years local manager of the Brittingham & Hixon Lumber Company, of Sparta, came from Fairfax, Franklin county, Vermont, where he was born on Augsut 22, 1859, to Samuel N. and Lucy (Rollins) Dorwin, natives of that state, where they lived until 1860, then moved to Wisconsin and located at Angelo, in Monroe county, where the father conducted a shoe store until the breaking out of the Civil War. He enlisted in company D twenty-fifth regiment Wisconsin Volunteer Infantry for three years' service in which he experienced many hardships. In one of the battles in which he was engaged, he received a severe wound from the effects of which he lost one of his legs ; as soon as his condition would permit, he received his discharge from the service and returned to his home in Angelo and I'osumcd his shoe business, lie was one of ^Monroe county's most hiyhly i-es])eet»'(l eiti/ens. ;iii(l altliongh being at the disadvantaiie of having but one limb, lie was active and progressive and took a deep interest in all pnbJic matters. He died in 1907 at the age of sevenly-Hve years.