Monroe County, Wisconsin - Chapter 55, 1912 (part 5 of 10)

Albert E. Hollister*, a well-known and popular citizen of Tomah, where he has lived for more than forty years, was born in Lima, Livingston county, New York, May 26, 1845. His father, John Hollister, was a native of Osnabruck, Ontario, where he was born in 1819. He served as a soldier in the English army in the Patriot War. When eighteen years of age, he went to the town of Lima, N. Y., and while a resident of that place, married Miss Mercy S. Irish, a native of Livingston county, and daughter of David Irish, a soldier in the American army in the War of 1812, and died of w^ounds received while in that war. When our subject was three years of age, he removed with his parents to Cass county, IMichigan, where they settled on a farm and where the father died in 1887. His wife, mother of our subject, made her home on the homestead until her demise. They were of sterling character, influential in their community and universally esteemed and beloved.

Albert E. Hollister is the eldest of a family of eight children - five sons and three daughters. The second in order of birth is Mary E., who married G. M. Wilson ; Charles R., second son and third child in order of birth, was killed by an accident when seven years of age ; Bennett L. ; AVilber ^Y. ; Ellen M., married Perry Osborne and died in Barton county Missouri, in 1875 ; Gordon L., and Elvene M., married to J. H. Long and resides in Michigan. The subject of this sketch was reared on the farm and trained in that occupation. He received a common school education in the district schools of his neighborhood, and at the age of seventeen in August, 1862, he enlisted in company A., nineteenth regiment Michigan volunteer infantry, but being of under age, he was released on demand of his father, and hired out as a farm laborer, which he followed but a few days and again enlisted, but with the same results. After remaining at home one year, he again enlisted and this time "stuck." (A detailed account of Mr. Hollister 's military career will be found ill anotlicr chapter of this volume. j .\t the elose of the war ]\lr. Ilollister returned to his former home in ^Michigan, and on September 10, ] 865, married ^Miss Charlotte A. Powell, daughter of Jason and ]\Iary A. Powell. In 1866 he came to Wisconsin but remained only a short time and returned to Miehigan. In 1868 he eame again lo AViseonsin and was for two years engaged in lumbering in the woods, lie then came to ]\Ionroe county and settled on a farm in the townshiji of Tomah, but his health failing on account of wounds reeeived in the army, he was compelled to retire from active farm work and moved to the city of Tomah and engaged in the sale of musical instruments, and has since here made his home. ]Mi'. and .Mrs. Ilollister have two children - Mary Bell, born ]\Iay 9. 1870, married Walter S. Mason, head bookkeeper for G. F. Swift & Sons, of Omaha, Nebr., and John R., born September 2, 1873. ]\Ir. Ilollister is a Republican in political sentiments, and a strong supporter of Robert M. LaFollette. He is a man of fine personal qualities and social standing, courteous in manner, of generons impulses and a lover of good cheer.

Sylvaniis Holmes. The late Judge Holmes, of Sparta, was a native of the Empire state, ami was born in 1816. Sylvanus Holmes liad a marked and interesting personality, and had passed through many striking and romantic adventures in the course of his long life. His youth, np to the age of nineteen, was passed npou his father's farm at the suburban village of Aurora near Buflfalo, X. Y. He was kept hard at work for most of the year, picking up such education as he could in the Avinter months at the district school. In 1834, he took boat for Detroit, where he made a brief stay. He worked at Xiles, ^Michigan, that winter, and then went by foot to Racine, where he found a very small village, among a good many stumps. He spent the summer with a party of government surveyors, returned to Racine for the winter, and in the spring of 1836, went with a large party of Indians, l)y way of ("liicago. to Council Bluffs, having a position in the commissary de])artment. The country was almost wholly Avithout roads or inhabitants. The .iourney occupied six months. About the first of January, 1837, he and a friend bought a canoe, and with a small stock of provisions, started on the ^Missouri river, not knowing how far it was to the first settlement. After five days provisions gave out, but Holmes, who was a good shot, l)rought down a fine deer, and with the supply of venison the young men renewed their jonrney. Once they were followed and shot at bv Indians, but got awav under cover of night.

Judge Sylvanus Holmes Biography 729

After eleven days they came to a cahin oeeiipied by two white nieri, and thence they started on foot for St. Joseph, then a mere trading post, being forced to stop for one night on the cold prairie with the wolves howling around them. The winter they spent at Plattsbnrgh, Missouri, and thence Holmes went by boat and stage to Peoria, 111., where he was persuaded by a contractor to accompany another band of Indians to Council Bluffs, serving out provisions and keeping accounts. In the spring of 1837, he commenced trade for himself a few miles below Council Bluffs, and the fall of that year he built the first hewed log house on the site where Omaha now stands. Being prostrated by a severe, persistent fever and ague he was compelled to leave the country and returned to his early home. In 1840 he went to Hume, N. Y., Avhere he lived for several years, filling various public offices. In 1842 he was married to IMiss Mary Ann Stone, at Varysburg, N. Y. Mrs. Holmes died at the age of sixty-five years. In 1846 he removed to Bradford, Pa., where he lived for twenty years. AVhile there he served as justice of the peace, as county connnissioner for three years, and associate judge of the county for five years. In 1861 he enlisted for the war, raised a company of volunteers and received a commission as first sergeant. He was subsequently promoted to be adjutant in the fift^^-eighth regiment of Pennsylvania volunteers, but ^vas compelled to resign on account of ill health. From 1863 to the close of the war he was provost marshal of his congressional district.

In 1865 he came to Sparta and became a merchant here, as he had been at Bradford. In 1869 he removed to Wilmar, Minn., and was judge of probate of the county for five years. He then returned to Sparta, where he continued to reside until his death, Avhich occurred January 23, 1895.

Judge Holmes was emphatically a good man, who commanded the respect of all. He was an honored member of the Congregational church, having been one of the deacons from 1883 until his death. In politics he was a radical prohibitionist, expressing his opinion with positiveness and frequency but with courtesy. His height was over six feet and his size in proportion, and with his erect bearing and firm step he was, perhaps, the most military figure in Sparta, at least since Major Davidson passed away. He was a member of the Masonic order and the Grand Army post. His three children are: Mrs. E. M. Calhoun (deceased), Mrs. Robie Lee, of Sparta, and Eugene S. Holmes, of Billings, IMontana.

Mathias Hoveland, a native of Norway, was born in 1853 and died in Angelo township in 1909. It was in 1869 that he came to the United States, and in Vernon county, Wisconsin, the subject of this sketch began the active duties of his farm life and first located on a farm near AVestby. where he remained for two years. At the end of that time he removed to Viroqua, and twenty-one years later to eastern ^Monroe county, and there resided until 1901, when he located on the farm in section five, Angelo townslup, where his widow and famil}- now reside. This farm of 220 acres is among the best in the township and I\Ir. Iloveland did much to improve and bring the land to its present high state of cultivation. The residence, barns and outbuildings are large, commodious and well constructed, and the place is well supplied with up-to-date appliances used in modern farming methods.

Mr. Hoveland had one brother, Andrew, and three sisters, viz. : JNIatie, Christina and Bertha. He was a good citizen, a prominent and useful man in his comnuinity, and a member of the ]\Iodern Woodmen of America, and the Beavers.

On September 23, 1877, he was united in marriage with ^Mi-ss Emma Van Dyke, daugliter of Abraham Van Dyke, of Ohio. To this union was born five children, as follows: Ethel, wife of Eli Sutherland, of Tunnel City; Christina, wife of Ray "Webster, of Sparta ; Asa, who conducts the home farm ; Hazel, wife of Chester Green, of Sparta, and Harold, who. resides at home.

George A. Hoffman is a native of IMonroe county, and represents one of the pioneer German families who came to the county in the early fifties and located in Jefi:'erson township. Avhcre George A. was born August 25, 1857. His parents were John E., who met an untimely death by being thrown from a horse in 1867 - he was at that time forty-five years of age - and f]lizabeth (Seymour) Hoffman, who died in 1882 at the age of fifty-nine years. They followed the occupation of farming and until George A. was nineteen years old he lived with his parents on the homestead, attending school and assisting in the farm work.

T'^pon leaving home our subject's first employment was with 0. D. Stevens, and later with the firm of ]\Iyer & Youngman in the butcher business at Sparta, where he remained about three years altogether, and then engaged with his brother, William C, in the same business. This partnership continued until he purchased a half interest with William Potter in a meat nuirket on Oak street, and this lasted for several years. He next sold his interests to his brother AVilliam, and in 1905 opened his present market on Water street by purchasing Lyon Conger's half interest, and the firm name became Doxrud & Hoffman, continuing until 1911, when he purchased his partner's interest and thus assumed entire control, where he now reigns both successfully and independently. He was also, in the meantime, for a short while connected with his two brothers, William C. and J. H. Hoffman.

Mr. Hoffman is a man of extraordinary business ability and since his first venture on his own resources he has seldom undertaken a proposition that has not yielded to his benefit. "Fair Dealing" is his motto, and to this he attributes his success. He is a good conversationalist and interests his hearers with many incidents of early pioneer days, when the ox team was a fixture on the homestead farm, and the wearing apparel was made by hand for the family of eight, of which he was the sixth child. He also recalls vividly the responsibility of the mother in rearing the family after the death of the father and of his own part in helping to cultivate the 280-acre farm.

On November 9, 1883, Mr. Hoffman married Miss Julia T. Nolan, daughter of Andrew and Anna Nolan, of Eidgeville, Wis. Their children are Arch W., Myrtle Ann, Alica Elizabeth and Harvey W. Hoffman.

Julius H. Hoffman, brother of AA^illiam C. and George A. Hoffman, all of Sparta, who has been a lifelong resident of Monroe county, was born in Jefferson township November 12, 1861, to John and Elizabeth (Seymour) Hoffman, pioneer Germans of this township, having located here in the fifties.

Born and raised on a farm, Mr. Hoffman attended the district schools of his native township and the public school of Sparta. His early life was spent on the homestead farm and upon leaving that he was engaged in the butcher business at Sparta with his brothers for about eight years, and then engaged in the retail grocery business, but this was of short duration and he went into the harness and saddlery business in Sparta, and after making a success of this for about ten years he concluded to try the real estate business, and in the year 1908 he formed a partnership with William Pearson, of AVinnipeg, of the firm of AVilliam Pearson Company (Limited), with offices in Sparta, dealing largely in western lands and the Last Mountain valley. They also handle farm and city property in Monroe county and Sparta.

Mr. Hoffman is a- high-minded, public-spirited man, and is interested in whatever relates to the well being or betterment of his community. He is actively identified with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and the Modern AYoodmen of America.

William C. Hoffman is one of llic well-known and substantial citizens of Sparta. lie is of German lineage and a luitive of Chicago, 111., born ]\Iay 14, 1S.")4. the son of John and P^lizabeth (Seymour) Hoffman, both natives of Gernuiny, and were among the sturdy i)ioneers that came and settled in ]\Ionroe county in the early fifties. They located in Jefferson township on a farm and commenced to break up and subdue the wild land, and had but scarcely begun to improve his farm and nudvc his way when the Civil War broke out and he Avas drafted for service in a AVisconsiu regiment. Feeling it a necessity and duty to remain at home and care for his large family he hii'cd a sul)stitute for .^1,000 to take his place in the service, and had got nicely started on the reduction of his war debt Avhen he met an untimely deatli by an accident with a horse at the age of forty-five years. His death was a great loss to the family and left the future management and development of the lioiiie farm with the mother, which by energy and untiring efforts on her part, and the aid of her sons, Avas successfully can-led on. and 100 of the 250-acre farm was placed in a high state of cultivation.

AYilliam C. began early in life to make his own way and lay the foundation for the future successful business career he has since enjoyed, and at the age of fifteen he came to Sparta and found employment in the butcher business under James Bulser, receiving for his first services ^^k which was raised to .^1-3 a month, and at the expiration of the third year he returned to the farm for a short time, hut the desire for a more active life prevailed and he again retunied to Sparta and look up the Imtcher business, working for some time with various firms, and finally he Avith two others ])urchased the l)usiness of his first employer and the style of the firm was Potter, Audis «& Hoffman. At the end of three years j\Ir. Hoffman purchased the interest of Audis and the l)usiness was carried on for tlu» next five years under the nanu' of Potter & Hoffman. At this time .Mr. Potter sold his interest to ]\Ir. Hoffman and he then associated Avith his two ])rothers and the name became Hoffman Brothei-s. Avith a prosperous business until 1IM)4, Avlieii ^ir. AVilliam Hoffman sold a half interest to his lirother, J. E. Hoft'num, and a half interest to Jefferson Hollenbeck, and retired.

A resident of Monroe county for half a century, and starting in life without capital, Mr. Hofifman has by hard work, economy and good business judgment, worked his way to success and has gained a competency with whicli to enjoy the remaining years of his life. He is in the true sense a self-made man, one of good moral character, enterprising and public spirited. ]Mr. Hoffman is also a public benefactor in that he has made it possible for several young persons to receive a practical education, thus starting them on the road to success in life. He is an extensive property owner, and in 1890 built a shop costing some $6,000, and has since then erected several other substantial ])uildings. He is a director in the ]\Ionroe County Bank, is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, and is identified with every movement for the improvement and betterment of his city.

Edwin S. Hubbard, a successful farmer of Sheldon township, Monroe county, Wisconsin, where he was born February 6, 1862, is a son of William and Mary (Saxby) Hubbard, both natives of England. The father came to America in the early fifties before his marriage and located in Walworth county, where for a time he worked as a laborer, and later moved to Monroe county and settled in the town of Forest, and in 1857 went to Sheldon township, where he purchased 120 acres of land in sections fourteen and fifteen and resided there for thirty years, engaged in general farming. In 1887 he went to Tennessee and remained five years, returning to the homestead at the end of that time, sold the farm to Edwin S. and retired from active labor. Mr. and ]\lrs. Hubbard had a family of three children, all of whom are now living. During his farming operations Mv. Hubbard dealt extensively in stock raising, making a specialty of Oxford sheep, of which he was a successful breeder. He had the first wheat ground at the first grist mill established at Sparta, using an ox team to take it there. Mr. Hubbard was one of the early settlers of Sheldon township and experienced his share of the trials and hardships of the pioneer. He was one of the foremost citizens of the county, high minded and public spirited. Mr. and Mrs. Hubbard were both members of the Baptist church and contributed liberally to its support. After a long and well spent life Mr. Hubbard passed away in 1903, honored and respected by all who knew him. The death of Mrs. Hubbard occurred in 1883.

work, and was the mainstay of his father. He has always lived on the home farm, whicli he purchased in 1888, and has since carried it on on his own account. He is a successful preneral farmer aud his place is well improved by cultivation and substantial buildings. He employs the most up-to-date methods in his farming operations and keeps his place well supplied with modern equipments, and a good grade of horses, cattle, hogs and sheep, and makes a specialty of dairying. He is independent in politics and takes an active interest in the affairs of his town and county. He has served as clerk of the town one year, for tAvo years was treasurer of his town, and for several years school clerk. He is one of the organizers of the Xorwalk creamery and is now its president, and has been the past five years.

On February 22, 1888, IMr. Hubbard was married in Uie town of Sheldon to jNHss Josephine Falk, daughter of Fred and Fredrica Falk, natives of Germany. ]Mrs. Hubbard is one of a family of eleven children, reared and brought uj) at ^Medsker's Valley. Three children have been born to Mr. and i\Irs. Hubbard, viz. : Lillian, Verna and William Hubbard.

Walter W. Hughart, who has ])een a resident of ]\Ionroe county for some fifteen years, is one of the prosperous farmers and Inisiness men who are worthy of special mention in this woi-k. He was born July 2().. 1871, in Richland county. Wisconsin, and is the son of Daniel R. and Elsie ]\I. (Brown) Hughart. His father came from Ohio and his mother from New York. They were married in l(S(i!) in Wisconsin, and moved to Kichland county in 1848, where they lived until about 1!)02. and. after spending some time in Oregon, they located in Spokane, Wash. The father died in Si)()kane in 1911 at the age of sixty years. Tlie moflier still sui'vives and resides in Spokane, AVash.

AValter W. obtained a good education in the district schools and at the age of seventeen began to earn his own living. He was faithful, steady and economical in his habits, and after a few years he had accunudated sufficient money from his savings with which to purchase a farm of 120 acres in sections eleven and twelve in the iDwiiship of Oakdale. On .\ovenil)er 28, 1895, he was married, in Alt. Pleasant township, (ireen county, Wisconsin, to Aliss Phila A. Richards, (hinglitei- of James and Jaiu^ Richards, old settlers and early ])ioneers of that county. Her ]U'0{)le came originally fi-om England on the patei-nnl side, and the mother descended from one of the Lords of the House of Parliament, After his marriage, he disposed of the 120-acre farm and purchased another 120-acre tract in section foui-tecn of Oakdale town- ship, where they located and now reside, he being considered one of the most successful men in the business. His methods of conducting the farm are up to date and his land is in a high state of productiveness. In connection with his general farming, he makes a specialty of dairying and poultry raising, from which he derives a regular income. He was one of the organizers of the Oakdale Co-operative Butter Association, and is a man of good business ability. He is a Democrat in polities and for three years has been clerk of the to-\\ai of Oakdale. He is also a member of the Modern Brotherhood of America.

Evan Humphrey,* who ranks among the progressive farmers of Monroe county, was born at Bangor, LaCrosse county, "Wisconsin. April 15. 1879, to G. G. and Catherine (Meredith) Humphrey, both natives of Wales. Sometime during the fifties they decided to come to the United States, and soon after arriving in this country came West to Wisconsin, and settled on a farm near Bangor, in LaCrosse county. He Avas a mason by trade and followed this honest calling as demand warranted in connection with his farming. He was a man of high ideals, kind-hearted and generous, a devoted member of the Calvinistic IMethodist Episcopal church, and contributed liberally to its support. He took a lively interest in public affairs, and was a member of the school board for twenty-five years, and was a member of the town board at the time of his death, which occurred in 1894. at the age of sixty-seven years. His widow, mother of our subject, is a woman of fine mental attainments and still survives.

Evan was reared on the home farm, receiving his education in the district schools. He started life on his own account in 1898. when nineteen years of age; he took charge of and carried on his father's farm with marked success for some five years, and in 1903 came to Monroe county and purchased liis present farm of 160 acres from J. T. Hutson. and has since continued as one of the leading farmers of Sparta township, pursuing up-to-date methods which have brought him successful results. He follows general farming and dairying, and makes a specialty of raising Guernsey cattle.

]\lr. lliunplircy was iinitod in marriatro with !Miss Rose Hntson, dautrlitor of J. T. Ilulson, in V.H)'-i. ami to this union has been born three children - Tracy J.. Gladys Irene and Hugh ^Meredith - all of wlioni reside at home with their parents. ]\Ir. Humphrey takes an active interest in the affairs of his township, is a member of the town board, and all matters he considers for the welfare of his community he gives his active support. lie is a member of the Big Creek ]Methodist Episcopal church and contributes of his means to its su]iport.

Andrew Hntson, a prosperous farmer and well known citizen of ^loiirof ctdintN-. is a lifelong resident of the county, having been born in Farmers Valley. Angelo township. Fel)ruary 21. 1859, son of Solomon and ]\Iaria (Winterburn) Hntson. They were natives of England and came to the United States, settling first in the State of New York. Soon thereafter they came to "Wisconsin, and in 1856 traveled overland by team from ^Milwaukee to Angelo township, where they were among the pioneer settlers of that section. They engaged in farming and there made their home until Andrew reached the age of two years, Avhen they moved to the Leon Valley in Leon township, and in 1868 came to Sparta town.ship and located on a farm of 145 acres in section seven, where our subject now resides. At the time of locating on this farm in the Big Creek Valley, it had an orchard of ten acres which was valued at $1,000. l)ut the balance of the farm was mostly covered with stumps. By energy, hard work and perseverance these were soon removed, and the land transformed into one of the most fertile spots in the valley. New buildings have been erected, consisting of an up-to-date residence equipped with modern conveniences, large and commodious barns and other outbuildings. Other improvements have been made from time to time, until it has become one of the most ideal farm homes to be found in IMonroe county, and, being located in one of the picturesque localities of Big Creek Valley, has a peculiar charm all its own. 'Mv. Hntson. father of Andrew, died January 1. 1878, aged fifty-two years, and his wife, mother of our subject, passed away in 1870 at the age of thirty-seven. ]Mr. Andrew Hntson is the second child of a family of three children, the others being Emma, who is the wife of Robert E. Hntson. of Sparta townshiji. and Ida. now the wife of J. A. Parker, of ^Minneapolis. ]\Iinn.

On June 17, 1886, jMr. Hutson was united in nuirriage witli !RIiss Lillian J. Doane, daughter of Timothy and Sarah M. (Rhodes) Doane, of Welsh Valley. Little Falls township. They were natives of New England, descended from old and prominent families. They came to Wisconsin and were among the early settlers of Bush Prairie, Lafayette township, this county. lie was a man of high ideals, prominent in his community and respected and esteemed by all who knew him. His death occurred in 1865, at the age of forty-three years. His widow, mother of Mrs. Hutson, who survives at the age of eighty-eight years, is a charming lady and still retains most excellent health and mental vigor.

Mr. and ]\Irs. Hutson have an interesting family of four children. They are: Clayton H., born October 23, 1888; Percival W., a student at Beloit College, born November 13, 1891 ; Margorie E., born December 19, 1898, and Lorene A., born July 6, 1907.

Mr. Hutson received his education in the district school and has devoted his entire life since boyhood to farming, and is known as one of the progressive and substantial farmers of JNIonroe county, being a man of intelligence and worth in the community in which he resides. He has been treasurer of his town, assessor for twelve years, and also a member of the school board. In rsligious matters he and his most estimable wife and family are identified with the IMethodist Episcopal church of Big Creek Valley.

Benjamin F. Hutson, who resides in section six. town of Sparta, was born at Council Bluffs, la., January 21, 1877, the son of William and Elizabeth (Fox) Hutson, natives of England and Vermont respectively. They were married in the Big Creek Valley, Sparta township, Monroe county, Wisconsin, where he engaged in farming for a short time and then removed to Kansas. After a short sojourn in that state, he went to Arkansas, thence removed to Nebraska, and later to Iowa, locating at Council Bluffs, where he was engaged for two years in railroad construction work. At the end of that time he went to South Dakota and homesteaded a quarter section of land, and remained there four years. He then returned to Monroe county and purchased a small farm of eighty acres near the Big Creek Methodist church in Sparta township, and there died eighteen months later, on March 24, 1886, aged fiftv-six vears. Mrs. Hutson, mother of our subject, survives and is a resident of Leon Valley in this county.

Benjamin F. is the third child of a family of six children. Those besides our subject living are Chauncey A., of Sparta; May, the wife of Reuben Holm, of Leon township. Those deceased are Carrie and two who died in infancy.

Fred G. Hutson, successful farmer of section thirty-four, Angelo townshii), is the son of Thomas ami Mai-y Ann (Wooley) Hutson, natives of England, whence they eame to America and first settled in AVestern New York, and in the early fifties came to AViseonsin and located in IMonroe county, where Fred G. was born December 7. 186!). .\fter a few years spent in Leon township, the father j)urchased a farm in Big Creek A^'alley, La Crosse county, and there remained until late in life, when he removed to the city of S{)arta, where he died at the age of seventy-eight years. Ilis wife, mother of our subject, passed aAvay at the age of seventy years. They raised a family of seven children, Fred G. being the youngest. Of the others, Thomas and Harriet are deceased ; Charles II. lives in Sparta; Robert AV. resides in AVells township: Thirza is the wife of D. F. Jones, of Sparta township; and John F., of Sparta.

Fred G. was reared on liis fatluM-'s farm, attending the common, schools and assisting Avith the farm work until he reached the age of twenty-four years, when he started out for himself. He first located in Angelo township, near S]>arta. where he remained one year, then went to ^linnesota. After a short time he returned to ]Monroe count\- and located in Leon township, remaining there two years, and then moved to the town of AVells and spent two more yeai-s. and again returned to Leon and spent two years; thence to the town of Angelo. locating on his i)resent farm, eighty acres of which lies in section thirty-four. Angelo, and loT acres in section three. AVells township, in 1!>0L In 1905 he erected a new barn and othei- outbuildings, and in 1907 built a new residence. Since ])urchasing this farm, ]\Ir. Hutson has. besides cai'rying on general farming, been actively engaged in making many imi)rovements. A Republican in politics, he is interested in all ])ublic matters, and is now (1912) serving his fourth

On January 'S, 1895, Mr. Ilutson was married to JNliss Elizabeth Jones, daughter of J. E. and Carrie (Calkins) Jones, of Leon township. ]Mrs. Hutson passed away in 1910, at the age of forty years, leaving, besides her husband, a family of eight children, viz : Phillip, Evelyn, George, Carl, Grace, Ruth, Gertrude and Dorothy.

Robert W. Hutson is a native of Monroe county and was born in the town of Angelo on August 9, 1860, the son of Thomas and ]\Iary Ann (Wooley) Ilutson. lie received his education in the district schools of the neighborhood, and early in life started out for himself, dependent upon his own resources. In 1881 he bought his father's farm and has actively managed it ever since; in 1901 took a position Avith the Piano Manufacturing Company as traveling salesman for some three years ; he then resumed work on the farm, which is located in section three of Wells township, at which he has been successful from the start, and is now considered one of the most progressive and hustling farmers of his township. Besides general farming, Mr. Ilutson does quite an extensive dairy business and takes pride in keeping his place well stocked with horses, cattle and hogs, and well supplied with modern equipments for carrying on the work.

]\Ir. Ilutson takes an active interest in the aft'airs of his town and county and works in the Republican ranks in any movement pertaining to the betterment of the community. Fraternally he is a member of the Knights of Pythias.

On February 13, 1882, Mr. Hutson was married at Leon, to ]\Iiss Georgia E. Rich, and they have had seven children, six of whom are now (1912) living, viz: Lola, born July 31, 1884; Floyd, born March 12. 1886; Bessie, born January 31, 1889; Jessie, born jMarch 4, 1891 : Robie, born December 7, 1893, and Georgia, born January 9. 1898. Lizzie is deceased.

Martin Jackson. No history of Monroe county would be complete without a biography of Mr. Martin Jackson, the pioneer grain, seed and stock dealer. He was born in West Toten, Nor- Avay, on December 13, 1846. His parents, Jacob and Christinina (Hangrud) Jackson, emigrated to the United States in 1870 and located at Cashton, where the father died at the age of ninetyfour years, and the mother passed away at Cashton at the age of eighty-four years.

years at various kinds of employment. He had received a thoroug:h education in Norway and in the meantime developed an unusual executive ability, which aided him greatly after coming to America. He was an ambitious and energetic young man and soon after coming to Sparta he secured a position in a grain elevator, w^hich he held for about ten years, six of which he operated the grain warehouse for the firm of Dorwin, King & Company, and gained a thorough knowledge of the business with a reputation for honorable and upright dealing. He was thrifty and saving and soon accunudated means with which he purchased a warehouse at Casliton. He enlarged and remodeled his buildings and soon established a good trade, and by his honesty and square dealing secured the patronage of that entire section, where he did an annual business running as high as $100,000, his shipments of grain and stock often reaching 100 cars or more. He soon again enlarged his facilities, and for a period of seventeen years he operated three warehouses. In 1897, disposing of his interests at Cashton, he returned to Sparta, where he owned and operated a grain elevator on the C, M. & St. P. R. R., and also took charge of the Northwestern, and at Sparta, in the live stock business, transactions amounted from $120,000 to $150,000 a year for some time, and subsequently leased it to McEchorn &, Company, of Wausau, Wis. This elevator was soon thereafter destroyed by fire. Since disposing of his elevator interests Mr. Jackson has been engaged in the seed, stock and wool business at Sparta, Avhich has grown to large proportions, he having the reputation of being the largest dealer in wool in jMonroe county and of being the most proficient in the grading of grain of any man in the county.

In 1873 Mr. Jackson married Miss Mary Langard, daugliter of Lars O. and Mary Langard, both natives of Norway, and Avho emigrated to "Wisconsin in 1868 and made their home in La Crosse county. Mrs. Jackson died in 1908 at the age of fifty-five years. Six children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Jackson, viz. : Olga, who is the wife of C. AY. Craig and lives at Hoquaim. Wash. ; Claudie is the wife of Robert Merrill, of Sparta; Clara married James A. Uttley and resides in Nortli Dakota; INlinnie is the Avife of Cleo Evans and lives in Sparta ; George and Elystar, who also live in Sparta.

Mr. Jackson is an ardent Republican and from the first has taken an active part in local and state politics. He has been a member of the county board, president of the village of Cashton, and a member of the Cashton school board for several years. lie is a man of fine personal qualities and social standing, courteous in manner, dignified in his bearing, of generous impulses and a lover of good cheer. He is a devoted member of the Norwegian Lutheran church of Sparta, and of the Order of the Knights of Pythias. He is one of Monroe country's most reliable and substantial citizens.

Joseph Jankel,"' a prosperous farmer, whose 160-acre farm is located in section twenty-one, Lafayette township, is a son of Peter Jankel and was born in Germany, July 3, 1850. While yet a young boy his parents both died and he went to live with his aunt, ^Irs. Derbert, with whom he remained until he became sixteen years of age, when he started out in life for himself. He was first employed in a machine shop, where he remained for a time, and then was engaged in railroad work at Hamburg, Germany, Avhich occupation he followed for two years. When he became of age he entered the German army and served as a private until 1875, when he received his discharge and returned to his former home and resumed employment in the machine shop, Avhere he remained for one year. In the spring of 1877 he sailed from his native land for America, and on June 10 of that year he arrived in Sparta and went to live with his brother William in Ridgeville township. During the next five years he was variously employed, making his home for the time with his brother. He then rented a farm, which h(> conducted on his own account for seven years; thence he went to Coles valley and lived on a rented farm for four years, and at the expiration of that time he came to Sparta township and worked the King farm for one year, and in November, 1893, purchased his present farm. The land is under a good state of cultivation, is well stocked and improved with a good class of buildings, in the most part put there by Mr. Jankel since he has owned the place. Mr. Jankel began life on this farm with a cajntal of ^{^300, ])acked by a determined purpose to succeed, and the first year cleared ten acres, and has since continued to improve the land. He is engaged in general farming and raising of Durham cattle.

In 1880 he was married to Miss Amelia Dresner, daughter of Christ Dresner, of Leon township. To this union have been born three children. Clara A. and Martha E. are now engaged in teaching, and Adolph A. is conducting the John Swartzlow farm in Lafayette township.

Adolph A. Jankel was born in Ridgeville township, January 13, 1888, and is the son of Joseph and Amelia (Dresner) Jankel. He attended the district school and was reared on the home farm.

After leaving lioine he was employed at farm work for E. T. Doane and Charles L. Flume, and later was employed by David Ilemstock iu the draying business. lie was married Fel)ruary 1-4, 1912, to Miss Nina Dald, daughter of Jens and Celia (Madsen) Dahl, of Angelo township, and immediately thereafter took charge of the Jolui Swartzlow farm.

William T. Jefferson, president of the Jefferson Leaf Tobacco Company, another one of Sparta's representative business iiicn and liigldy respected citizens, is a native of Pittsylvania county, Vii'ginia, and was born April 29, 1862, and is the second of a family of ten cliihlron l)orn to William TazAvell and Amelia (Wilcher) Jefferson. Tlie otliers are James T., of Franklin county, Virginia; Mollie is the wife of F. P. Graves, of Franklin eount3% Virginia ; Charles F. and Vincent AV., of Danville, Va. ; Leslie AV. resides at AVorth, AV. A'^a.; Christianl). and Ossie A., of Roanoke, Va.; Cabell 1). resides on the homestead fai-m ne;ir Sandy Level, Va.. and Kelly B. lives at AVatertown. Wis. AVilliam T. Jefferson, father of our subject, has been a resident of Pittsylvania county for many years, where he has been successfully engaged in agricultural pursuits and attained to a position of prominence. Isaiah Jefferson, paternal grandfather of our subject, is also a native of A^irginia, as was also Coleman AVitcher, the maternal grandfather, who was a representative of one of the oldest and most respected families of A^'irginia.

AVilliam T. was educated in the public schools of his native toAvn and his life up to his twenty-fourth year was spent in farming, a portion of his time l)eing associated with bis ohlei- lirother, James T. In 1886 AVilliam went to Danville, A^'a., and established the firm of AV. T. Jefferson & Company, dealers in leaf tobacco. He later followed the same line of business in North and South Carolina, making his headquarters at Danville, A"a., and purchasing tobacco at Fair Bluff, N. C, and ]\lullen, S. C, for some five years, whence he came to AVisconsin, and in 1901 1o Sparta, as manager of the American Cigar Company's plant. He contiinied in that capacity until January. 190(), when lie was nuide state manager of the same company Avith head(|uarters at ^Madison. After a residence of four years at this place he resigned his position and returning to Sparta in November, 1908, organized the Jeft'erson Leaf To1)aceo Com]>any, Avhieh is incorporated for $50,000, with AV. T. Jefferson, ])resident ; D. AV. Cheney, vicepresident, and H. AV. Jeft'erson, secretary and treasurer. The extensive output of Uiis establislunent is distributed throughout 1lie middle Avest and eastern states. The purchase of this product is made iu Wisconsin and Minnesota, and is sold to large jobbers and manufacturers through William T., who represents the company in the various cities of the two states.

In Bedford county, Virginia, January 17, 1881, Mr. Jefferson was united in marriage with Miss Laura D. Rorer, daughter of J. Q. and Sallie (Hensley) Rorer. They have six children, viz. : Harley W., Mahlon H., attorney at law, Beach, N. D. ; Earl A., Rorer, Sallie A., and Thomas Jefferson.

Harley W. Jefferson, secretary and treasurer of the Jefferson Leaf Tobacco Company, was married in June, 1908, to Miss Lelia A. Shannon, daughter of W. 0. and Alice Shannon, of Henderson, N. C. They have one son, Harley W. Jefferson, Jr. Mr. Jefferson is a member of the Masonic fraternity, Knights of Pythias, the Modern AYoodmen of America, the U. C. T., and the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks.

Mrs, Anna Jenkins, the widow of the late David Jenkins, a resident of section eight, Leon township, a daughter of Evan S. and Ann Evans, one of the early settlers of Fish Creek valley, who emigrated to La Crosse county from North Wales in the spring of 1855, was married to Mr. Jenkins December 7, 1877. Mrs. Jenkins was born June 14, 1858, and is the oldest of a family of eight children, all of whom are living.

David Jenkins was one of the highly respected citizens of the Fish Creek valley in Monroe county, and was a native of South Wales. He was the third child in a family of five children born to Evan and Margaret (Williams) Jenkins, also natives of AVales. His birth occurred August 5, 1848, and he came to America with his mother, two brothers and a sister, and joined his father, who had preceded them to Leon township. Mr. Jenkins, the father, was a coal miner from South Wales, but wishing to better his condition sought out the new country in which to make a more desirable home. He homesteaded 160 acres of land where Mrs. Jenkins, the subject of, noAv resides, he being one of the very early settlers of the valley, where he continued to reside during his active life, making his home with his sons during his later years, and died in La Crosse county in 1898 at the age of eighty years. He was a good citizen and a devoted member of the Congregational church, and in politics a Republican. His wife, the mother of David, died in 1880. There were born to David and Anna Jenkins three children, viz. : Arthur, born April 15, 1878 ; Emlyn, born March 15, 1883, and Vida Claudia, born June 8, 1887. David Jenkins was one of the successful farmers of Leon township, a man devoted to his home and family, a strict temperance

}nan and a staunch Republican, and witli his estimable wife was a member of the Congregational church. He passed away on June 20, 1910, and was buried in Fairview cemetery at Bangor, Wisconsin.

Sketch Of The Jenkins Family

The Jenkins family are of Hritish origin. The name in AVelsh is "Cuncyn'' or ''Sheukiu." They originated in South AVales and dwelt there for many generations. Very few of this name are found in North Wales. They are quite numerous in Clamorgan county. They were freeholders of land until mining Avas developed about one hundred years ago ; then they followed mining, iron and tin workers, and tlu* clan have scattered to every part of the globe. They have taken part with other family clans in the advancement of freedom, education and religion. Wales has advanced more in comparison than any state in Europe. Education in different grades is of the best. It furnishes more preachers and divines than any part of the United Kingdom. The Bible and the hymn book is the encyclopedia and songster of the Welshman for a long period. The Welsh language is spoken by hundreds of thousands through the principality. It is a poetical and musical language ; it has variety of sound almost endless ; it has a stanza to the spider composed of vowels alone. No other language can boast of such a feat ; the people have clung to the language for thousands of years Avith wonderful tenacity, while cousins, the Scotch and Irish, have neglected their vernacular to an alarming extent. The Scotch clung to the nuisical bagpipe while the Welsh and Irish have taken to the harp. This three clans are holding a triennial festival they call the sitting, or "Eistedfod," w^here they have competition in essays, poetry, songs, music, instrumental, dancing, art, etc., in every branch of learning and literature. The foremost kelt of the clans today are leaders in every branch of learning and constitute noblemen in the advanced line in civilization of mankind in every ]iart of the globe.

Progress Of Fifty-Four Years

AYlien father and T came to America in 1858 we came to a comparatively wild and desolate country. The ^Milwaukee & St. Paul railroad was then built to Tomali. Farmers who lived there then had rude small log huts. Their only market was Ua (^rosse. Sparta Avas a small place then. There were only a few horses in the La Crosse valley: people used oxen. A buggy or cutter, and eveu a bobsled was a rare article. The long sleigh was in vogue and some used these in summer until they procured wagons. To cut grass and grain they used scythe and cradle and bound by hand. The virgin soil was very productive ; everything was very cheap, wheat 33 cents per bushel, pork 2 cents per pound, and good cows $25. Horses were very dear, a good team costing $400 or $500 ; hired men $1 per day ; people very contented and wonderfully accommodating. The first settlers were strong men and Avomen of all nationalities. If a man climbed on top of the bluffs he could see only timber, timber. Today field, houses, barns, cattle, horses, school houses and healthy and rugged looking children. Monroe county, thou hast changed wonderfully ; thou art big and almost square, so big I guess as Milwaukee, Kenosha and Eacine counties. Thou art a baby yet in numbers of population, but there is great progress within thy bounds. La Crosse valley, the great rail highway to the wonderful west, is romantic and beautiful with young forest trees on both sides of the valley. Sparta, the most American city of Wisconsin, is located in a fertile and picturesque spot within five miles of the greatest soldier drilling camp in the United States. There are as good farms in this valley, as you can see in any part of the United States, and a glorious and progressive future awaits the coming generations.

Thomas Jenkins, one of the intelligent farmers of Leon township, Monroe county, Wisconsin, w^as born in Wales, February 16, 1840. He emigrated to America and settled in ^lonroe county in 1858, and is a loyal citizen of the country of his adoption. Evan Jenkins, his father, was born in Wales in 1813, a son of Thomas and Mary Morgan Jenkins, also natives of Wales. He was reared in his own country and during his youth was engaged in agricultural pursuits and mining. In 1858 he determined to try his fortune in the new world, and accordingly crossed the sea to America. He came directly to Wisconsin and settled in Monroe county, where he made his home until his death, which occurred in November, 1898. He was one of the pioneers of this section and bravely bore his part in developing the resources of the country. He was married in his native land at the age of twentyseven years to Margaret Williams, who w^as born in Wales. Of this union five children were born : Thomas, the subject of this sketch ; Elizabeth, the wife of W. W. AVilliams, of Scranton, Pa. ; David, who lived on part of the old homestead, died in June, 1910 ; Evan, who lives on a farm near Bangor, and Llewellyn, who lived on part of the old homestead, died in March, 1904. The mother of these children died April 21, 1879, at the age of sixtysix years. She was a consistent member of the Congregational church. ]\Ir. Jenkins is a member of the church ; politically affiliates Avith the Republican and Prohibition parties. lie is a man of integrity, and honorable in all his dealings, and enjoys the highest respect of the community.

Tliomas, the oldest of the family, remained with his father on the home farm until he purchased a farm of AV. S. Jones in 1874. He received his education in the common schools and was fairly trained in all tlie details of agriculture. He now owns 379 acres in two farms and good Iniildings in Pleasant valley. The writer has been married twice, first to Mary Lloyd, daughter of John and JMargaret Lloyd. Three children were born to them, INIilton, Annie and ]\Iargaret. The mother of these children died in 1881, :Milton died in 1898, and Annie and Margaret in 1906. ]\Iarried for the second time in 1888 to Laura Rathbun, daughter of Ilallet and Catherine (Cramer) Rathbun. at Cashton, AYis. The latter is now deceased. Six children are the result of this union : Hallet Rathbun, died in infancy ; Gathorn Meredith, Lyel Newton, Melita Lucinda, Tliomas Hallet, Glen Llewellyn. Deeming the temperance movement the greatest question of the day, the writer has given his hearty support and influence to temperance in every form ; has served twice as juror and twice on the town board. I am glad that I did not load myself with bad habits in my youth, such as drinking, using tobacco, swearing, playing cards, dancing and mastered superstition and unrelial)le legends. I am a lover of books and am standing on a broad platform in my views and thinking that there are good people in all parties in every country. I admire Wisconsin Avitli its equity and advancement, and its great university. Our free schools will drive darkness, middle age dogmas and superstition out of the land. I leave my blessings to my descendants and kindest wishes to the readers of the history of Monroe county. AYisconsin.

Zeno Kent Jewett, whose death occurred at Sparta. September 12, 1908. was a leader among the horticulturists of Wisconsin, and an illustrious example of that type of enterprising, intelligent and resourceful business men who have given to INIonroe county the advanced station i1 hdlds among the progressive counties of this state. He was a native of Aurora, Portage county. Ohio, born in Septeml)er. 1837. His father, Christopher Jewett, was a native nf New Hampshire and was descended from one of the

The paternal grandfather, James Jewett. emigrated to Ohio when his sou Christopher was a youth, and was among the early pioneers of Portage county. The mother of Zeno Kent Jewett, whose maiden name was Arabella Kent, was also a pioneer of that part of Ohio, having emigrated from Connecticut. Christopher Jewett. accompanied by his family, went to Illinois in 1841 and settled in Chicago, which was at that time a small village, remaining there but one year, when he removed to McHenry county. After a residence of a few years at this place, the family again moved, gomg at that time to Lake county, Illinois, where the father died in 1851. His wife, mother of our subject, survived him many years, spending the latter part of her life with her son, Zeno, at Sparta. Christopher and Arabella (Kent) Jewett were the parents of three children, Zeno K. being the eldest. The late Mrs. jMiriam Morehouse, a long time resident of Sana Andro, Cal., was the second in order of birth and lived to the age of sixty-six years, her death occurring in 1908; the youngest and only surviving member of the family, A. H. Jewett, is a resident of White Salmon, Wash.

Zeno K. Jewett was reared and spent his early youth in Illinois. In the fall of 1865 he came to INIonroe county and purchased a farm in LaFayette township. Returning to Lake county, Illinois, he married, in 1866, Miss A. Eliza Judd, daughter of Artemus and Hannah (Halliday) Judd, natives of New York state and Canada respectively. Artemus Judd accompanied his parents to Canada Avhen twelve years of age, and here resided until early manhood, whence he came to Wisconsin, where Mrs. Jewett was born. The family later removed to Iowa, where he died in 1870. His widow survived until 1882, when she too passed away. IMrs. JeAvett has four brothers living, viz. : Eli E. Judd, of Antioch, 111. ; Capt. Samuel H. Judd, of Tacoma. Wash. ; Artemus W. Judd resides in Illinois, and F. B. Judd lives in Iowa. Four children were born to JMr. and Mrs. Jewett, viz. : Miriam Irene, Art Judd. Maude lone, all of whom reside at Sparta, and Bella, who is deceased.

Art Judd Jewett was united in marriage with Miss Catherine McMillen, daughter of C. W. and INIary K. McMillen, of Sparta, August 11, 1890. They have one son, Zeno Kent Jewett, who married Minnie D. King, daughter of John A. King, of Tomah, September 17, 1909. and they have one son. John Artemus Jewett.

]\Ir. Zeno K. Jewett returned to ]\Ionroe county witli liis young wife in llic sprin*? of 1866, iind moNcd onto the farm that he had purchased llic tail j)revious, wliidi lie improved with a good residence and outbuiUlings, and carried on general farming until 1868, at wliicli time he Avas joined by his l)rother. A. II. -lewett, and togellici" they continued to operate the fai"m successfully initil 187;i. wlicn Mr. Zeno K. -lewett jmrchased tlu^ interest of his brother and .-ifterward conducted the farm alone, starting, in the meantime, a nursery and farm within the city limits of Sparta. Gradually disposing of all his holdings in LaFayette township, he devoted liimscir entirely to his Sparta interests and conducted a protitfd)le ;iiid growing business. For years he kept a very complete nursery, making a specialty of the finest evergreens. He was also successfully engaged in the i-aising of small fruits and was foi" many years known as one of llie most prosperous nursci-ynien and horticulturists. Jn 18!J8 he established the -lewett gi-eenhouses. which were also an accpiisition to his already' tine culture, and which are still most ably and successfully conducted under the management of his daughter, Miss ]\Iiriam Irene -Jewett. while the farm and nursery is being carried on by his son. A. J. -Jewett.

Mr. -Jewett had always taken an active interest in public affairs and was always i-eady to lend his moral intlnence and financial aid to any worthy enterprise tending to the betlermeni of his conniiunity. lie never sought ])olitical preferment nor desired public oftice. although he Avas alderman from the First AVard and chairman of the board at the time the waterworks system was inaugurated, lie was a Republican in politics and a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. A man of jovial disposition, he was recognized as one of Sparta's most influential citizens and highly esteemed by all.

Dni'ing his lifetime. 'Sir. -lewett and his estimable wife were extensive travelers and visited the I'acitic coast and other important points of the Republic, securing many mementoes from the interesting points visited. ]Mrs. -Jewett relates many of the vivid scenes and incidents connected with the early days when they first settled in J.a Fayette township, at which tinu' the Indians came and camped on their farm, the chief and others of their tribe often seeking a night's lodging at their home. She also tells of attending the war dances, which at times continued toi- three days and niLilils. it is such stin-ini; incidents as she is able to relate that heli)ed to make up llic history of jiionccr da\s in ]\Ionroe eountv.

George A. Johnson,* who resides on section twenty-two, Greenfield township, is a native of Monroe county, having been born on the homestead farm adjoining the one of 320 acres where he now resides, and Avhich is one of the well cultivated and productive farms of the county. He was born on June 14, 1884, to Albert and Sarah (Tarr) Johnson, who were natives of New England, and descended from an old and prominent family. The Tarr family were among the first settlers of Greenfield township, together with the Sawyers and others, sketches of whom appear elsewhere in this work.

Albert Johnson is a son of Calvin Johnson, who came to INIonroe county in an early day and settled in section twenty-two, Greenfield township, where he spent many years of his active life. He moved to Riverside. Cal., where he passed away at the age of eighty-four years. His wife, grandmother of our subject, also died there. The parents of our subject are still residents of Greenfield and classed among the well-to-do and highly respected citizens of that town. They have had a family of nine children, eight of whom are now (1912) living, viz.: Herbert, deceased; William resides in California; Ralph lives in Greenfield township ; Harr}' in Iowa ; Fred is a civil engineer and is located in the Philippine Islands; George A., our subject, Jesse and David are residents of Greenfield township, and Charles lives on the homestead farm.

George A. was reared on the farm, where he remained a greater part of the time until he reached the age of twenty-two ; he attended the district schools and assisted in the farm work. He started on his own resources on a rented farm, which he subsequently purchased in 1910, and where he now resides. He has his farm under a high state of cultivation and well improved with a good residence and outbuildings, and it ranks among the best farms of the township, while the owner occupies a prominent place among the citizens and is known as a thorough and up-todate farmer.

He was married, January 12, 1910, to INIiss Minnie Prescott, daughter of A. G. and Sarah (Hackett) Prescott, prominent citizens of Tuunell City.

John L. Johnson, a prominent resident of LaGrange township, was born in Sauk county, Wisconsin, July 2, 1855, the son of Rev. A. J. and Clarissa Almeda (Rouse) Johnson, natives of Pennsylvania, where they married and came to Sauk count}', thence to Monroe county ; the father was a traveling preacher, in the faith of the Methodist Episcopal church, and in 1862, when our subject

John L. a11ciid(^d the common schools and has been on the farm since he was seven years of age. Early in life he was eml)loyed for three years as overseer of a cranberry marsh at Raymour, wdiere he continued for some time after the exjiiration of his three-year contract. In 1909 he purchased the Alvin Day farm in LaGrange township, where he now resides, engaged in general farming. In 1879 he was married to Miss Phoebe Getman, daughter of Nicholas and Jane Getman, of Monroe county. One son, Ernest H., Avas born to this union. Mrs. Johnson died in 1896 at the age of forty-two years and lie nmrried for his second wife Airs. Fidc^lia Featherly, of Monroe county, in 1899.

Julius P. Johnson,* ])rosperous farmer in Sparta township, is a native of Denmark and was born January 10. 1870. lie is a son of Hans Henry and Marie Johnson, also natives of Denmark. Hans II., the father of our subject, was the son of Jens and Kate Johnson, who spent their early life in Denmark, where lie died at the age of fifty-six years. His wife, Kate, was left with a family of five children and later came to the United States and located at Tomah. Alonroe county, AA^isconsin, where she died in 1890. The children - three of whom are now living - are: Peter, of Tomah: X(ds. of A^alley Junction; Sina. the Avife of Christ Hansen, of X'alley -Innction; Kate and Alina. \\lio are now deceased.

Our siihjecl was raised on llic home farm in Denmark, consisting of eight acres, every spot (>f wliicli was like a garden. -luliiis attended tlif i)iil)lic schools unlil the age of fourteen. Beside the farm his father was engaged in shoe making, and. upon the compldioii of liis schooling. .Inlius was engaged in the shoe business and farming until his seventeenth year, then for one year he ti-aveled through Denmark, and in llie .spring of 1889 lie came to America. Coming direct to AVist-onsin, he first settled at Bangor. La Crosse county, where he Avas employed as a farm hand for three years. lie then rented a farm near that place and engaged in farming on his own account, coni inning to reside here for eight years, and in 1901 came to Sparta township, Monroe county, where he purchased a farm of 120 acres from L. R. Chamberlain in section two. to which he has since added fifteen acres. Under ]Mr. Johnson's management the phice has been greatly improved, the residence has been remodeled and made into a modern and up-to-date home, with fine outbuildings consisting of barns, to which he added a large new silo. He is engaged extensively in stock raising and dairying, and has a fine herd of full-blooded Holstein cattle.

On November 22. 1899, he was iniited in marriage with Miss Clara Rhyme, daughter of Henry aiul AVilholmina Rhyme, of Farmington township, La Crosse county. ]\lr. and Mrs. Johnson have an interesting family of three children, as follows : Ethel Elizabeth, born November 19. 1901: Fay ^Margaret, born January 22, 1904, and Julius EdAvard, born February 21, 1908. ]\Ir. Johnson is one of the enterprising men of his town, and now serving as chairman to the town board.

Mr. Johnson is the third child in order of birth of a family of nine children, eight of whom are now living: Jens, of Denmark; Charles AV.. of North Dakota: our subject: Christ, of Bangor, Wis. ; Otto, of South Dakota : Augusta, wife of John Evans, of Bangor; Henry and Julia, who live in Denmark, and Hansen, wiio is deceased.

Lewis C. Johnson. In perpetuating in words more enduring than monuments of stone, the memory of men of prominence whose active and valuable lives were spent in ]Monroe county, the pages of this volume would be incomplete Avere mention not made of the honored pioneer whose name is here recorded.

Esau Johnson, father of our subject, was a native of South Carolina; he came west to AVisconsin, and was the first white man to settle in Monroe county. In 1846, according to government reports, he Avas a squatter on the northwest quarter of section twenty-four, township fifteen, range tAvo Avest, Avhich, after the establishment of ^Monroe county. Avas in Sheldon toAvnship. He was energetic and thrifty, a man of good judgment, kind-hearted and generous. His death occurred in 1888, honored and respected by all Avho kncAv him. Tlie death of the mother occurred in 1876. Lewis C. Johnson Avas born in the toAvn of Sheldon. IMonroe county, on June 2. 1846, Avhose portrait adorns the Avails of the county clerk's office in the court house at Sparta, has the honor of being the first Avhite child born in this county. He lived at home Avith his parents until he Avas sixteen years of age, and, being so early throAvn upon his oAvn resources, commenced his

L-areer as a common laborer, working for the meagre salary of 75 cents per day; yet, in the face of these difficulties, by his hard work and economy, he finally acquired a farm in his own 'right, which he afterward developed into one of the model homes of the county, while for many years he has witnessed the growth ;nn] taken an active ])ar1 in the development of his community and the transforming of Monroe county into its present condition among the banner counties of the state. lie is a man of recognized ability and influence, and has been generally successful in whatever branch of business he has undertaken, showing himself cai)able and trustworthy. He now resides witii his family in a comfortable residence at Oil City, and is one of the oldest settlers now living in the county. On February 21, 1865, he enlisted in Company K, Forty-sixth Wisconsin Volunteer Infantry, and served seven months and six days, receiving his discharge September 27, 1865. He is a Republican in politics and takes an active part in all matters of public interest.

He was married in the town of Sheldon in 1867, to Miss Olive Floyd, and they have had six children, four of whom are now living, viz.: Luella. Eva E.. Adelbcrt ]\1. and Henry AV. Johnson. Those deceased are Jane and Huldah.

David r. Jones, a progressive farmer of Sparta township, is a native of the Keystone state, born at Danville, ]\Iay 3. 1865, the son of John F. and ]\Iary (Williams) Jones, both of whom were born in Wales. In 1851 the father emigrated to America and located in Pennsylvania, wlicie he was em])loyed in the coal mines nntil 1866. He then removed with his family to Wisconsin and settled on a farm which he purchased, consisting of sixty-five acres near Watertown. in Jefferson county. After a residence there of four years, they removed to La Crosse county, where their lives were spent; the father died in 1891 and the death of the mother occurred in 1884. They were the parents of seven children, six (»f whom ai-c now living, viz.: John. Sarah. William. David F., Mary, now tlic wife of George Welsh, and p]lizabeth.

David F. Jones received his education in the common schools of La Crosse county, and remained at home with his parents until he was twentv-three vears old. In 1895 he came to ^Monroe countv and for sixteen years resided in the city of Sparta, where he conducted a lucrative dray and coal business. He moved onto his present farm in section twenty-two. Sparta township, where he is successfully engaged in general farming. ]\Ir. Jones is one of the influential and juiblic-spirited men of his township and enjoys the respect of all wiio know him. He is a Republican in political

Mr. Jones has been twice married ; his first matrimonial venture was on January 15, 1890, with Miss Sadie Hemstock, daughter of William and Elizabeth Hemstock, of Sparta. By this union three children were born, viz. : Earl F., born February 16, 1891, is now attending the agricultural department of the State University at Madison ; Mildred S., born January 13, 1893, and Ethel E., born April 17, 1896. Mrs. Jones passed away in 1903, and he married for his second wife Miss Theiza Hutson, daughter of Thomas and INIary Hutson.

John L. Jones is one of the sterling men and successful farmers of Leon townslii]). He was born near Rockland, in La Crosse county, Wisconsin, on January 4, 1856. His parents were John W. and Mary (Jones) Jones. The father, who was born in England, emigrated to Canada in the early fifties, where he remained three years, then moved to Wisconsin and located in the Fish Creek Valley, La Crosse county, on a farm, which was his home for about eighteen years ; then moved to the town of Portland and purchased 680 acres of land. Earlier in his life he had learned the trade of carpenter and joiner, and, after locating in the Fish Creek A^alley in 1854, he built the first saw mill on Robinson's creek. He also assisted in building the railroad depot at Bangor, and built the first grist mill at this place ; he followed the carpenter's trade until 1858, after which he made farming his chief occupation. During the Civil AVar he engaged in buying substitutes for drafted men, which business often necessitated his walking to La Crosse and back the same day, a distance of twenty-five miles. He was prominent in the affairs of his community and held several local offices in the towns of Bangor and Portland, and during the fifteen years he was justice of the peace he was always an advocate of arbitration in disputes of all causes that came before him. He was an ardent prohibitionist and a firm believer in the cause of temperance. From a poor man and a small beginning, he became a man of means and influence in his town and county. Three years prior to his death, which occurred in 1900, he moved to the city of Sparta. Mrs. Jones, mother of our subject, survives at the age of eighty years, and is the only person living of the early pioneers in the Big Fish Creek Valley. Mr. and Mrs. Jones were the parents of six sons and two daughters, seven of whom are now (1912) living, viz.: AV. A. Jones, a prominent banker of Sparta ; Mary ; Evan M., a druggist at Clark, S. D. ; David S., druggist at AVatertown, S. D. ; Thomas R., a farmer of I'oi-lland towiisliip ; lieiijaiuiii; Edwin resides in Bismarck. X. D.. enf;a^ed in the real estate and insurance business, and John L.. our subject. Sarah is deceased.

John L. Jones acquired his education in the common schools of liis home town and at the Cleveland. Ohio, hij;h school. After completing his education, he tau<.dit school four years in ]\Ionroe county and for two years in La Crosse county. On .Inly 5. 1882, he moved with his sister to ]*leasant Valley and purchased 220 acres of land three miles southeast of Leon, where he has since resided, engatred in iieneral farmin<:: and stock raisin«r. He deals extensively in blooded shortJiorned cattle and Poland-China hogs. His place is under a good state of cultivation and well imjjroved with a substantial residence, barns, tool shed and granary, all of which have been erected since ,"\lr. Jones purchased the fai-iii. He is a progressive and high-minded gentleman and takes an active interest in the affairs of his town. For five years he held the position as manager of the Leon Valley Creamery Association, and in politics he is a progressive Republican.

On February 27. 1885. he was married to ]\Iiss ]\Iarv Harr, daughter of John Harr, an old and prominent pioneer of Big Creek Valley. Seven children have been born to ]Mr. and Mrs. Jones, viz. : Sidney D., a student in the medical department of the Valparaiso University: Vivian, (jladys and ]\Iyrtle. Vivian and Myrtle are teachers; Hazel and Isabelle are attending the Sparta high school, and Florence resides at home.

John R. Jones, member of the General Assembly of Wisconsin from the county of Monroe, was born at Pittsburg, Pa., in 1850, the only son of John R. and Anna (Davis) Jones, both natives of Wales. The father came to the United States in 1840 and located at Pittsburg, where he was employed in the iron and steel mills for sixteen years. In 1856 the familv came to AVisconsin, taking passage by boat from Pittsburg. They went down the Ohio river to Cairo, thence up the Mississippi to La Crosse, then overland to the Fish Creek valley in ]\ronroe county. Avhere the father purchased 120 acres of land. Previous to this, however, the father, with a friend, had visited this section on a prospecting tour, at that time making the journey from ]\Iihvaukee on foot. On the arrival of th(> family, ]\Iay 6, 185(5, they set to work to improve, subdue and cultivate the wild land. Their first residence was a board structure 12x16 feet. The lumber was hauled from Ontario by ox teams, a distance of twenty odd iniles, over hills and creeks which had no bridges. At this time the streams were abundant with fish and tlie Avild game roamed over the hills and valleys, wliieh contributed largely to the sturdy pioneers' menu. From a meager l)eginning and without tlie advantages of wealth conferred upon him, having lost $5,(,)()0 of hard earned money by the collapse of a bank in a financial panic of the late forties and early fifties, ]\Ir. Jones, Sr., fought manfully the battles of pioneer life and by hard work, thrift and economy, converted his wild land in the valley to a good farm and pleasant home. He was one of Monroe county's most exemplary citizens, and by careful, judicious management made life a success and owned at the time of his death, which occurred April 21, 1903, 320 acres of land in the Fish Creek valley. His early education was limited, but he was a constant reader and a close observer of events, and in his mature years was known as a well-read and thoroughly posted man, and he was withal a man of generous impulses, given to acts of charity and kindness to those in need. Having but a small family of his own his heart went out to many orphan children who had no home or funds, and to this class he gave liberal succor. During his lifetime he gave a home to some four or five boys, raised and educated them until they arrived at the age of manhood. All of them turned out to be honorable and respected citizens. Mr. Jones was one of the founders of the "Welsh Presbyterian church, whose first meetings were held in the little log school house one-half mile from his residence. In 1876 a new frame church edifice was erected, and still a little later a large building was constructed on the same site, to all of which ]\lr. Jones contributed liberally of his means. This latter buildhig was destroyed by fire in 1910, and during the year 1911 another building was erected, whore our subject and his family now w^orship.

In all matters of public interest, whether of count3% state or national, Mr. Jones took a commendable interest, and his home was at all times open for the gathering of his friends, who discussed all the live issues of the day. In early life he was a AVhig, but upon the formation of the Republican party he became one of its most ardent supporters. He was born at Cardigan Shire, in South Wales, in the year 1816, and died at the age of eightyseven. His wife, mother of our subject, was highly respected and beloved for her many womanly virtues and noble Christian character. She was born at Cardigan Shire, South AYales, in 1806, and died at her home on January 13, 1897, at the age of ninetyone.

and tlien took a course of instruction at "West Salem Academv, euniiiiercial colleye and at the Si)arta liigh school. lie afterwards taught school for four years in La Crosse and ]\Ionroe counties. Later he spent two years and a half as a student in the law office of Bleeknian & Blooniingdale, at Sparta, but overexertion so impaired his ej'esight that lie was compelled to abandon law and he then returned to the farm. In politics he is a staunch supporter of the principles of tiie Republican party and is active in its councils. He has been called upon to fill many positions of trust. He has served as treasurer of his town, has been supervisor for six years, and for eleven terms a member of the county board, two terms of which he has been chairman. In 1906 he was elected to the general assembly, and was re-elected in 1908, and again in 1910. He has served on the committees of agriculture, state department, engrossed bills, and as chairman of charitable and penal institutions, also as chairman of highways. He was chairman of the joint committee of the assembly and senate to investigate the highways of the state, and is known as the father of the present efficient highway system of the state. He is a progressive Republican and ardent advocate of reform, and believes in a pure and unsullied government.

On ]May 25, 1882, Mr. Jones was married to ]\liss ^Margaret James, daughter of ]\Ir. D. J. James and ]\Iary (Jenkins) James, of La Crosse county, one of the most prosperous and highly esteemed citizens thereof. To this union have been born four children: David S., Stephen R.. John R. and Wilford :\1. IMrs. Jones possesses all the amiable traits common to the AVelsh people. She is kind, generous and hospital)le. Her parents came from Wales in an early day and also settled in the Fish Creek valley in 1852. They had a family of twelve children, only two of whom are now living, ]\Irs. Jones being the youngest. ]\Irs. Jones was born at Fish Creek. November 15. 1856. Her father was born in 1813 and died on June 1. 1895. Her mother was born ]Marcli 9. 1812. and died February 15, 1879. They were both born in Glamorgan Shire, AVales.

]\Ir. Jones owns 406 acres of land in the Fish Creek valley, which is highly improved with a substantial and modern residence and outbuildings, located on the side of the great ridge, which is a beautiful spot and presents to the eye a landscape scene admired and not to be forgotten l)y all who see it.

Marvin E. Jones, deceased, was boiii in Liverpool, England, February 22, 1841, and died in La Grange township. ^Monroe county. Wisconsin. April 3. 1897. AVhen ten years of age he came with his pareuts to Dodge county, Wisconsin, where he lived nntil 1864, when lie moved to Monroe county. In 18f)6 he was united in marriage to ]\Iiss Alice S. Waterman, daughter of Othaniel and Mary (Gambia) Waterman, natives of Oneida county, New York. Mrs. Jones was born near Utica, N. Y., December 17, 1842. Her parents, after leaving New York, went first to Indiana, thence to Fox Lake, Dodge county, Wisconsin, and in 1864 they moved to La Grange township, Monroe county, where with the exception of a few years spent in Minnesota they resided during the remaining years of their life. He w-as a progressive, puldic spirited citizen, and at the time of his death at the age of sixty-three years, had many Avarm friends. His widow survived until February 4, 1899, when she passed away at the age of eighty-two, beloved and esteemed by all who knew her. They had six children, Mrs. Jones being the eldest daughter. Of the others Frederick C. lives at Waterloo, Ind. ; Charles and Mary Ellen are deceased, and two w^ho died in infancy.

The parents of Mervin E. Jones were Robert and JMary Ann Jones. He was born in Whales and she in England. They came to Dodge county, Wisconsin, and there died. Mervin E. had one sister, ]\Iary, deceased, and four brothers, viz.^ Andrew, Thomas and ]\Iande]-ville, residents of ]Minnesota ; Aniron, who is also deceased. The children born to Mervin E. Jones and Alice S. AVaterman Jones are ]\Iary Elizabeth, wdfe of John McCurdy, of Tomah township; Alice S. ; Genevieve, formerly the wife of Harvey Cook, of California, died in June, 1911 ; Maud is deceased ; Charles ^lervin, of Puyallup, AYash.; Frederick E., La Grange township ; Robert 0., of Valley Junction ; Happy L., married Louis Curabo and resides in Pennsylvania ; Edward resides at Tomah ; Nellie E. is the wife of Ray McGuinniss, Valley Junction; Gladstone of Ontario ; Sydney P.. Valley Junction, and Margaret R. married Charles Houck, who lives at Valley Junction.

Mr. Jones was a man well thought of in his town and popular alike with the citizens of the surrounding towns. He was for nine years continuously employed by Gleason & Squier, the Goodyear company, as head sawyer at the water mill and other places, and finally met with an accident wdiich terminated in his death. He was a kind neighbor, loyal citizen and esteemed by all who knew him. On July 3, 1903, the home of Mrs. Jones was visited by a cyclone, which demolished her residence, tore up trees and destroyed other buildings. Neighbors who chanced to drop in as the storm approached fled to the cellar and saved their lives from the cyclone.

Thomas R. Jones, another thrifty farmer of Portland township, was born at Rockland, La Crosse county, "Wisconsin, January 20, 1870, son of John AV. and Mary (Jones) Jones, both natives of South Wales. The father was born in 1828 and the mother in 1832. John Jones followed farming in La Crosse county until 1871, when he came to ^Monroe county and bought land in section sixteen, Portland township, which he improved and added to until at the time of his death he owned 720 acres. There were seven children in his family, as follows: John L., of Leon township; AVilliam A. and IMary, of Sparta; p]van M. lives at Clark, S. D. ; David F. resides at AVatertoAvn, S. D. ; Thomas R.. the subject of this sketch, and Edwin, of Bismarck, N. D. John Jones, father of Thomas R., was one of ]\Ionroe county's most h.ighly respected and progressive citizens, and took great interest in public matters, and any enterprise which he thought was for the interest and betterment of his community received his endorsement and hearty support. "While living in La Crosse county he served as assessor, and after moving to Portland township he served as town clerk for a number of terms, and for many years was justice of the peace. His death occurred in December, 1900. His widow, mothet of our subject, is still living and resides in Sparta.

Thomas R. Jones was reared on his father's farm and attended the district schools and lived with his parents until they moved to Sparta in 1899, when he purchased from his father the home farm, where he still lives. On March 1, 1899, he was married to Miss Emma Breitenfield, who was born in Portland township, August 28, 1877, the daughter of "William and Anna (Oswald) Breitenfield, natives of Germany and Switzerland, respectively. The father was born near Bremen, Germany, September 23, 1848, and the mother was born in Switzerland on January 8, 18-t9. They were married in Leon township, Monroe county, December 3, 1872, and raised a family of nine children, eight of whom are now (1912) living. They are: Albert, who lives at La Crosse; ]\Irs. Albert Erickson, of Portland township; ]\Irs. Thomas R. Jones, wife of our subject; Mrs. Adolph Everson lives in La Crosse; Herman resides in Portland township ; ]Mrs. Carl ^Moede, of Cashton, Monroe county; Otto and Theodore, of Portland township. The mother of this family, a lady of fine mental attainments, a good wife and mother, passed away on December 3, 1906. ^Ir. and Mrs. Jones have one daughter, ^Nlabel A., born February 7, 1900.

ship, is highly improved by cultivation and a fine residence, barns and other outbuildings, besides being equipped with many laborsaving devices, and in addition to general farming he is interested in the Citizens' State Bank of Sparta. He is serving his fourth term as chairman of the town board, and for a number of years has been a justice of the peace. In politics he is affiliated with the Republican party, and in religious matters both he and his wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal church of Portland township.

George W. Kelk, present chairman of the Oakdale town board and a prominent farmer of this township, was born here on June 7, 1883. He is the third child of a family of fourteen children, ten of whom are now (1912) living, born to Charles and Matilda (Halvorson) Kelk, natives of New York and AA^isconsin, respectively.

Charles Kelk moved with his parents from New York state to New Lisbon, Monroe county, AVisconsin, some time during the seventies, where they lived for about ten years, and then moved to Oakdale township and made their permanent home. The father died in 1906. The mother is still living at the age of eighty-three years. Mr. and Mrs. Charles Kelk also live in Oakdale and are considered among the leading farmers and citizens of that township.

George lived at home until his twentieth year, attending the district schools of his neighborhood until he was sixteen. He was a thrifty and energetic young man and decided that upon reaching his majority he was both able and capable of making his own way in the world, and accordingly started out with a portable saAv mill, which he operated with success and followed that business for about five years. On October 20, 1909, he wedded Miss Elizabeth Giesler, daughter of Robert and Matilda Giesler, in Monroe county. Mrs. Kelk's ancestors on her father's side came from Germany to AViseonsin state in an early day, where her father was born. Her mother was a native of New York. They had a family of six children, all of whom are living.

Mr. Kelk is a young man of fine personality, strictly up-to-date with his methods of farming, and has one of the best dairies in his section, which yields a regular income. He keeps posted on all public matters and takes a keen interest in the affairs of the Republican party.

Ransom Kenyon,* of Sparta township, is one of the well-known early settlers of Monroe county. He dates his birth in the town of Frabius, Onondago county, New York, January 30, 1832. His father, Enoch -J. Kenyon, was also born in central New York, as was liis mother, whose maiden name was ]\Iiss Lucy Reed, and their married life was spent in the p]mpire state. The subject of this sketch was the eldi'st in a family of six children, and is the only surviving member. Farm duties early claimed his attention to such an extent that his school advantages were limited. At the age of twenty-four he left his native heath and came to ]\Ionroe county, AVisconsin, where he pre-empted a forty-acre tract in Leon township, and proceeded to clear the timber and establish a home in the new country. It was here that he first built a log house and stal)le. mikI where he enjoyed the varied experiences of the i)ioneer in the then dense wilderness, surrounded by deer, wolves and other wild sjame, and Avhere the Indian Avas not an unfrequent visitor. In 1855, three years after he had established himself in the Cooley, he bought his present farm of James Richardson and removed to this place, which has since been his home, carrying on both the farm in Leon and the one where he lives.

In 1858 Mr. Kenyon was united in nuirriage with Miss Anna Caroline Palmer, daughter of Kernetus and Harriet Palmer, of Fabius, Onondago county. New York. !Mrs. Kenyon was born in Cortland county. New York, in 1839, and was a faitiiful helpmeet to her husl)an(l in the struggles of pioneer life. A few years after her marriage her father came to La Crosse county, where he was employed for a time. Her mother continued to reside in New York state until 1888, when she came to AVisconsin. making lur home with her daughter until her death in 18!)8, at the age of eighty-two years. ]\[rs. Kenyon is the third child in a family of five children, as follows : Harriet, of Syracuse, N. Y. ; Amelia C, wife of Homer D. Call. Those deceased are AYilliam O. and Harriet, who died while young. Mrs. Kenyon 's paternal grandfather Avas Titus Palmer, avIio came from Conn(M-ticut to Cattaraugus county, New York, thence to Onondago county, where he engaged in farming, and there died. Her maternal grandmother was Arvilla AVheat, who came from Connecticut to New York state on horseback at the age of sixteen years to join her parents, who had preceded her to Courtland county, being among the pioneers of that locality. ]\Iiss Wheat nmrried -lol) AVhitmarsh Avhen seA'enteen years old and they raised a family of fifteen children, and he Avas an extensive farmer and cattle droA'er of that day and frequently took large herds of cattle overland on foot to Ncav York city. ]Mr. and Mrs. Kenyon have Iavo children, AVillis 0., on the home farm, aiul Alice A., Avife of C. E. ]\Iiller, of Yiroqua. Wis. In politics ^Ir. Kenyon has been a life long Democrat.

Webster Kenyon/'' who was one of the ijublic spirited and substantial eitizens of Tomali. Wis., attained to success by patient and persistent efforts in tlic line of an honest calling and held the confidence and esteem of all who knew him by reason of the honorable, upright and manly character of his dealings. He was born November 18, 1830, at Hartland, Niagara county. New York, a son of Daniel and Elma Kenyon, both natives of that state, of J]nglish-Scotch ancestry on the father's side, and Holland ancestry on the mother's side. They came to Wisconsin with a family of six children in 1848, and settled in the town of Honey Creek, Walworth county, remaining there for three years, w^henee they removed to Hartford, Washington county, and here passed the remainder of their lives. The death of the father occurred in 1855 and that of the mother in 1856. They were farmers by occupation, thrifty and enterprising, and enjoyed the friendship of all with whom they came in contact. He w'as brought up in the Quaker faith and w^as a man of excellent habits and devoted much of his time to the buying and selling of stock. AVhen engaged in farming he paid much attention to the raising of thoroughbred cattle, which he took pride in exhibiting at fairs, and often received the highest premium. Upon coming to AVisconsin he sold his farm in Niagara county containing 182 acres. He had a good common school education, and in later years was an active member of the Universalist church. He was an old-lime Whig and a strong anti-slavery man. and often gave assistance to slaves in escaping from their masters.

Mr. Webster Kenyon attended the common schools of Niagara county and the select school taught by the Aldrich children, Quaker instructors. After coming to Wisconsin he attended the high school in AVal worth county, which was supplemented by a special university course in engineering and surveying, and thereby acquired a thorough knowledge of civil engineering.

AVhen he first came to AVisconsin Mr. Kenyon worked as a farm hand during the summer months w'hile attending the common schools in winter, and for the first tw^o years thus employed he received the munificent salary of $8.00 per month, and for the next three years he received $11.00 per month. After receiving so small a salary on the farm he was induced by a friend to go into the lumber regions of Michigan, and there obtained employment at $18.00 per month, but after a short time he joined a party of surveyors as chainman at a salary of $20.00 per month, and so apt w^as he and so faithful did he perform his duties his salary was soon raised to $60.00 per month. He afterward spent one year in the employ of the Chicago, ^Milwaukee & St. Paul railroad on their line between ]\Iihvaukee and Fox Lake, Wis. In the fall of 1854 he decided to go to Kansas, but on his way visited Monroe county and becoming so impressed with the advantages that this county offered he located in the town of Adrian and at once engaged in surveying, a business he followed part of the time in connection witli his lumber interests near Tomah. During the civil war 31 r. Kciiyon was drafted for service and assigned to the Twenty-second Regiment, AVisconsin Volunteer Infantry, and served with that regiment until the close of the war, when he was honorably discharged.

Mr. Kenyon was three times married, the last time in 1886 to Miss Mary Gott, by whom there was no issue, but by his former marriages there were born four children, all of Avhom are now (1912) living, viz.: Alma Eloise, Schuyler Colfax. Henry Wilson and Kathleena. A Republican in political faith, he took an active interest in the affairs of his party, and any public movement toAvards the betterment of the commiuiity always received his sanction and support. He served the county as surveyor for fifteen years. He was an active member in the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and in the Grand Army of the Republic. He moved to the city of Tomah in 1911, where he resided until his death, enjoying the fruits of his hard work which the years of conscientious endeavor brought.

George A. King", who resides in section thirty-five, Adrian township, is a descendant of one of the early settlers of Wisconsin. In the forties his parents, Robert and Harriet (Tobner^i King, natives of Cambridgeshire, England, came to the United States and settled at Whitewater, AVis., where our subject. George A., was born April 9. 1856. In June of the following yeai' the family moved from AVhitewater to Alonroe county, and located on the farm now owned and occupied by our subject. A short time after locating on this farm the parents went to Jacksonville, Adrian township, but soon returned to the homestead permanently, where they lived and experienced the hardships and trials of the pioneer. He was a veteran of the Civil AVar, having served as a member of the Twenty-fifth Regiment. AVisconsin A'olunteers, and was with Sherman on his march to the sea. He was one of Ihe representative citizens of Alonroe eoimty, a man of high ideas, a kind and generous neighbor, and one of the useful citizens of the county. His death occurred July 5, 1895, at the age of sixty-seven years. His wife, mother of our subject, who was a woman of many domestic virtues, a good wife and kind and