Monroe County, Wisconsin - Chapter 55, 1912 (part 6 of 10)

George A. King is the second youngest of a family of three children ; of the others, John J. is deceased, and Oscar R. resides in Tomah, Mr. King was reared on the home farm and attended the public school. He early started in life for himself and as a result of his thrift and ambition he acquired a farm of eighty acres adjoining the old homestead at the age of twenty-five years. The original farm was wild land, fully one-half of which lias been improved by Mr. King, until now it contains 120 aer?s and is considered one of the finest homes in the county. The road passing the homestead farm was originally an Indian trail from Kickapoo to Gray Pines, and Indians could be seen flocking with baskets of blueberries to and from Tunnel City at nearly all times of the day. The view from this home is one of the most picturesque of any in Monroe county, and one can view the landscape for miles to the north and east from one of the highest altitudes of the township. Here Mr. King is successfully engaged in general farming and stock raising, and keeps a fine herd of Durham cattle in his dairy. In all public matters he takes a keen interest and any movement for the betterment of his community receives his loyal support. lie has been chairman of the town board for five years and for a period of fourteen years has been one of the jury commissioners. Fraternally he is a member of the Woodmen of the World.

In December, 1880, he was married to Miss Kate Seibold, daughter of George and Armenia (Kuapp) Seibold, natives of Germany and Canada, respectively. In 1850 the father came to Baraboo, AVis., and from there came to La Grange township in IMonroe county, and in 1869 moved to Ridgeville township, where they remained until 1887, when they moved to Tomah, where the father now resides, the mother having passed away in 1905 at the age of sixty-four years. Mrs. King is the eldest of a family of six children. The others are : Emma, wife of Truman R. Talbot, of Sparta ; Ira Seibold, Tunnel City ; Etta, wife of Bert Hoag, of Tomah ; Olive, wife of Henry Skinner, of Tomah ; Myrtle, wife of William Young, Spokane, Wash. Those deceased are George, Mary and Laura. The children born to ^Ir. and Mrs. King are Maude A., Vnn M.. and Vyrgil M.

Thomas H. King, of Sparta, Wis., is a native of Monroe county, and was born in Wells township October 26, 1871. Among the pioneers of Wells township were George E. and Helen E. (Nichols) King, parents of Thomas H., who came from Cattarau- gus coiuilx. Nt'W '^'(trk. 1() .Mdiiroc county aiul ciitcrfd a lioiuestead of government land. Tiny were thrifty and enterprising ])eopl<' and represented tlie l)est class of ])ioneer citizens, wlio devoted llu'lr lives to building \i\t tlir country ;iiid adding to its taxable "wealth. They reared a family of seven children, two sons and five daughters, viz.: ]\Iina. wife of Robert Allen, of AVells township; Ida. Avife of Thomas J. Taylor, of Spai-ta; Thomas II., the subject of this sketch; ]\li]li(! .M., wife of Charles Blake, of Sparta ; George AV. ; Blanche, wife of p]rnest Gerscheske, deceased, and "Winnie, Avife of Russell ( 'atley, of Sparta.

Thomas S. King, paternal grandfather of our sul),j('ii. was also among the early settlers of the same locality. Here he cleared up and brought to a high state of cultivation 120 acres and there spent his life. His death occurred in December, 1897. at the age of eighty-eight years.

Henry Nichols, the maternal grandfather of ]\[r. King, left the Empire state and came to "Wisconsin early in 1854, and also entered a government claim of IGO acres, and later added to this claim additional land by purchase, which he OAvned at the time of his death about twenty-five years ago. His wife, the maternal grandmother of our subject, Avas ]\Iary 0. Stearns, Avho is still living at the age of eighty-one years, and her superior qualities of mind and heart attract to her the admiration of her many friends.

Thomas attended the district schools of his native toAvnship until he Avas fourteen years of age, Avhen he entered the Sparta city schools, and upon completing his studies he entered the employ of E. E. Oliver, Avho Avas engaged in the general merchandise business at tJiat time and later in the timber business in northern AVisconsin. He afterAvard spent two years as traA^eling salesnum for a Avholesalo implement house in ^Mihvaukee. In 1002 he opened au office at Sparta and endjarked in the real estate business, in Avhich he has been ennnently successful, not only in his immediate locality, but in the sale of ]\Ionroe county iin])Toved farms and city property and soutlnvestern lands.

On July 4. 18!)4, he married ^Miss ]\Ielila V. Loddiigton, of CraAvford county, "Wisconsin, and they have three children, viz.: I\I. Alarie, Thomas R. and Helen I.

Albinus Kirst, avIio for nmre than half a century has been a resident of Monroe county and an active citizen in deA^eloping the material resources of the countA' and aiding in its transformation from a wilderness to its present place among the rich and fruitful counties of the state, is a native of Germany, and was born December 21, 1849. When he was six years old his parents, Gottlieb and Sophia (Weidmann) Kirst, came to this country from Germany, arriving in 1855, and after spending two years in the vicinity of Chicago they came to Wisconsin and first located in Greenfield township, this county, where they made their home until 1866, when they moved to Adrian township and settled on a farm of wild land in section twenty-three, cleared and cultivated it and made it their home, and here our subject now resides. The father, who attained the age of eighty-seven years and eight months, passed away in 1897. His wife, mother of our subject, died in 1871 at the early age of forty-nine years. They were hard-working, faithful and highly respected people, and the farm, which at the time of settlement contained but sixteen acres of cleared land, now consists of 120 acres of highly cultivated and productive soil.

Albinus Kirst is one of a family of six children. Of the others Louis is deceased; Ernestine is the wife of Bernard Drowatzky, of Tomah ; Ida, widow of the late John F. Schultz. of Toniah ; Emil is deceased, and Emma is now ]\lrs. James Ebert and lives in Tomah. Our subject coming to Monroe county with his parents, was reared on the home farm amid the struggles of pioneer life, and has always been a successful farmer. He is energetic, enterprising and progressive and a man of strict integrity. He takes pride in making his farm one of the best in tiie county. In 1891 he built a large and commodious barn and in 1908 a modern residence was erected on an elevation, backed by a beautiful oak grove, and is made picturesque to the observer, and in front of this is a sparkling spring of pure water, the pride of the owner of this ideal farm home. Mr. Kirst has always taken a keen interest in the affairs of his town, has been treasurer of the school district, and himself and wife are members of the German Lutheran church, of Tomah.

On March 31, 1874. ]\Ir. Kirst was married to Miss Fredrecka Matzka, also a native of Germany. The fruits of this union has been seven children. Those living are: Anna; Leonard, wJio is pastor of the German Lutheran church at Cambria. Wis. ; Lydia and Arthur. Louis. Otto and Rinold are deceased.

William C. Kirst, who condiTcts the farm of 165 acres in section twenty-two. Adrian township, the estate of his father, which has been his home all his life, is the son of Emil and Margratha (Wagner) Kirst, botli natives of Germany. The father came with his paiM'iits to America wlit-n he was two years of age, and they settled on this lioniestead when hnt few acres of it were cleared. Tlu'v immediately set to work to improve the land and soon hi-onjiht it to a fjood state of cultivation, built a residence and outhuildini»s. Aviiicli have since been remodeled and imitroved by our siil)je('t. and is now one oi' Ihe best fai'ui hdiiies in the county. p]mil. one snhjeel 's father, was the son of Gottlieb Kirst, and died in 1!!(I7 at the i\^e of fifty-two years. His Avidow. mother of William C, was born in IS.")?, the daughter of William and Sarah (Iluth) Wagner, also natives of (Jermany. who came first to Milwaukee and six years later to Ridgeville township. ^lonroe county, more than fifty years ago. Ibn- father was the founder of the St. John's (lerman Lutheran church of Kidgeville. of which ^Irs. Kirst is a devoted mend)er, and makes liei- home willi our subject.

William ('. is the ohb^st of a family of si.\ childi-eii: the others are: Rev. Ewald Kirst. \vlio. aftei- completing a ten yeai's' course of study, is now pastor of the (iennan Lutheran chiu'eli at Ellensburg, Wash.; Ernest is a student of the agricult nral dei)artment of the Wisconsin Thiiversity at Madison; Alfred, of Adi-ian township, has also completed a thorough course in agricultui'e at the same university; Fred 1j. ami liobert (\. who are at home.

On JuiK^ 27. 1012. ]\li'. Kirst was mai'iied to ]\Iiss Lillie Matzke, of Tomah. lie lived at home until he was twenty-one years of age, obtained a good education in the schools of his neighborhood. and tlien learned the carpenters' trade, at which he has worked in connection with his farming operations for several years; he built many tine barns and other buildings in his community, and, besides conducting his home farm, he works tlie W. L. Kehberg place in the same township, ami is considered one of the most prosi)erous and enterpi-ising young farmers in the count>'. lie is a nuiii of ability and push and has served his town in various offices, being treasurer for three years, and is now tilling the office of assessor, being elected in 1911.

Mathias Knorst, a native of Germany, is the son of Jacob and r^Iary (Ilotf) Knor.st and was boi-ii August 14. 1S4S. lie came to Ainei'ica with his parents and four l)rothers and two sisters. He tii'st located in IMercei- count.w Pennsylvania, where they i-esided until 1S7(). when the fatliei- jtun-hased a farm of 160 acres of laiul. known as the Thom])Son farm, in section lifteeii. -letferson township. Moiu'oe county. AVisconsin. and movcul thither and there made liis home until his death, which occun-ed in 18!);i. The mother died in IS!)."). He was an iiulustrious and hard working man, ami cleared, grubbed and transformed his farm from its wild condition to a state of cnltivation and productiveness. He was honorable and upright in all his dealings, and a man of influence in his town, and he and his wife worshijied at the Catholic church.

jNIatliias received his education in the parochial school, which he attended up to his thirteenth year, and remained at home with his parents until he reached the age of twenty-four. He came to Monroe county ten years after his father and located on a rented farm in Jefferson township, which he carried on for a time, and after the death of his father he acquired the old homestead, to which he has since made many and valuable improvements. Along the banks of the stream which runs through his jilace are found specimens of blue and white clay that resemble matrix stone taken out of the Rocky mountains in Colorado, and a rich red clay of metal appearance is found in large cpiantities and is believed by many to be valuable for manufacturing purposes. The farm also contains a good (piality of limestone, and it is believed that the farm contains valuable minerals. Mr. Knorst is a progressive farmer, using the latest up-to-date methods in his operations, and is one of the influential ])ul)lic-spirited men of his town. His son J. J., who is an accomplished watchmaker and jeweler, has received a liberal education, resides at home and devotes much time in assisting his father in the farming operations.

On September 9. 1873, Mr. Knorst was married, in Mercer county, Pennsylvania, to ^Nliss Barbara Franz, daughter of John and Catherine Franz, who were also natives of Germany. To ]Mr. and Mrs. Knorst have been born Ave 'children, four of whom are now living, viz. : Anna M., born March 5, 1875, married George Weiner and is the mother of six children: Catherine A., born July 32. 1877: Jacob J., born April 29. 1879, and Mary A., born May 13. 1881. In politics Mr. Knorst is a Democrat, and in religious affiliations he and his family are members of the Catholic church.

Nicolaus Koopman resides on section twenty-nine, LaGrange township and is one of the thrifty farmers of that section. He was born in the Province of Holstein, Germany, March 9, 1849 ; his father, Johan Koopman. never left the fatherland, preferring to spend his life in the country where he lived and died. lie was the father of seven children: of the others, Johan lives at Bramstadt, Germany; Margarete is deceased; Henri, deceased; Anna, of Germany; John, of Tomah. and Kathrina, who lives in Germany.

Nicolaus received a common school education in his native town and at the age of fifteen years his father gave him one dollar and told him that he would have to make his own living. At the age of twenty-one he entered the German army and served tliree years. In 1884 he came to America, and. upon his arrival in this conntry. came direct to Monroe connty. landing at Tomah July 5 of that 3'ear. He spent a few days at Jacksonville, Wis., and on -Inly L'L'. 1884, he entered the employ of the C. A. Goodyear Com- I)any. where he remained until April, 1912. During the period of from 1884 to 1897 he was a resident of the city of Tomah, but in the hitter year he came to his present farm, which he has since carried on in addition to his business with the Goodyear Company. The residence on this place having been destroyed by fire, ^Mr. Koopman erected a small structure, which was replaced in 1911 by his present modern and commodious home. In addition to his residence, he has a fine barn, granary and hog house. The place is well improved by cultivation, and modern conveniences and api)liances which go to make a model, up-to-date country home. In all his business ventures. 'Mv. K()oi)man has scored a grand success as a result of his thrift, ambition and fair dealing, and now abides at his ease in one of the best country homes in his township.

He was married. November 8. 1874. in his native country, to ]\Iiss Geeshen Sandkamj). daughter of Claus and Katherina Sandkamp. Of the children born to ]Mr. and Mrs. Koopman. ^larcus is deceased ; Eliza married Carl Wagner, of Tonuih ; Ennna is deceased, and Edward resides at home. In religious affiliations, ]\Ir. and ]\Irs. Koopman are members of the German Lutheran church.

Carl Kortbein, a wealthy farmer and one of the leading men of this section of ]Mimroe county, was born in the town of Ridgeville, this county, on June 30. 1865. His parents were David and Louisa (Kube) Kortbein, both natives of Germany. David came to America with his parents in 1856, and the family first located on a farm near Watertowu, Wis., where they lived among the Avilds for about five years, with the Indians for neighbors, and then moved to IMonroe county in 1861. Christian Kortbein, his father, and grandfather of Carl, was an ambitious and thrifty farmer and labored hard against the difficulties of those pioneer days; he died in 1873. and his wife passed aAvay two years previous. They were l)oth devoted members of the Lutheran church. David ac(|uired a good education in Germanv, and was a close student in all matters of general importance in his native country, and. after eoming to America, ajijilied liimself diligently to the task of obtaining a home for himself and family. lie was married in Watertown, Wis., in 1862, and had a family of three children, 1\vo of whom are now (1912) living, viz.: Carl and a twin brother.

Albert Kortbein. In 1895 they purchased the farm where our subject now resides, in sections twenty-four and thirteen in Ridgeville township. He was hard-working, energetic and persevering, and a man of excellent judgment in matters of public interest, as well as in his farming methods, and was considered a valuable citizen to his community. He was born in 1826 and died in 1912. His widow, mother of Carl, still lives at the homestead with her son, at the age of seventy years, and is held in the highest esteem by her many friends.

Carl has always lived on the home farm and until he was fifteen years old attended the district schools, where he acquired a good substantial education, considering the limited course, and after his school days were over he made a special effort to obtain the practical knowledge of matters in general which now ranks him among the foremost men of his township. He was married at the age of thirty-one, on June 23, 1896, to Miss Adelhaide Roscovius, daughter of Rudolph and Augusta Roscovius, in Adrian township, and they have had a family of five children, four of whom are now living, viz.: Edwin J., born July 4, 1897; Agnes, born April 10, 1899; Hilda, born December 15, 1901; Arnold, born October 4, 1902, and Ethel, born August 4, 1912.

Mrs. Kortbein is the second child of a family of ten children, nine of whom are now (1912) living. Her father was a railroad contraetor and bridge builder and came to America from Germany with his family in 1872, and settled in Tomah, Monroe county, where he worked at his trade until he retired - ^twenty-seven years ago.

Anton Kroeger,* who was born in Waukesha county, Wisconsin, September 6, 1859, is the youngest of a family of three children - two of whom are now (1912) living - born to Henry and Anna Kroeger, both natives of Germany. They emigrated to America in 1852 and located first in New Jersey, from whence they came to Waukesha county, where the father worked for a time as a laborer. In 1860 he moved with his family to Monroe county and purchased a farm of 160 acres in Ridgeville township and added later eighty acres more, and here established the family home, where he lived until his death in 1907. His wife, mother of our subject, died in 1884. The father was an energetic, hardworking man and was a successful farmer and was considered authority on many points of agriculture. His first vote for president was cast for Franklin Pierce. Both he and Mrs. Kroeger were members of the Catholic church.

ami assisted his fatlun- willi llic f'ai-m \V()fl<. liviim- at home during tlicir lifetime. In 1!)(12 lie ])iir('hased a farm of eighty acres in section eight. Kidgeville towiiship. and has since been successfully engaged in general fai'iiiiiig on his own ))lace. He takes pride in keei)ing his ])laee well imi)i-o\('(| and stocked, employing only the most up-to-date methods in his operations. In politics he is a Democrat and takes active inlci-est in the atfairs of his party. He has held minor local offices and is now (1012) assessor for the town of Ridgeville. lie was married June 8. 1892. at Sparta, to ]\Iiss Kat(^ Doll, daughter of .John Doll, a pioneer of ]\Ionroe county. To this union has been born eight children, four sons and four daughters, viz. : (xertie L.. Joseph A.. (Jrace K.. Walter ]^.. Helen II.. Alex. P.. Ruth and James J.

George P. Kronberg, one of the industrious tillci-s of the soil in ]\Ionroe connt.w and a man of sound judgment and good practical sense, is the owner and pro|)i-ietoi- of the Kronberg farm in section twenty-nine. Angelo township, consisting of eighty-four acres. He was l)orn in Denmarlv. January 18. 1866, the son of N. J. and Christiana Kronberg. The father came to the United States in 1885. and is now {lf)12) living at AVest Salem, La Crosse county. AVisconsin. The mother, who was born in Denmark, sjient hei' entire life in that country, Avhere she died, (ieorge P. Kronberg. the snl).)ec1 of this sketch, attended the common schools of his native country, and "vvas reared on the farm, where he remained until 1884. when he set sail for America. Upon his arrival in this connti'v he raine to Bangor. La Crosse county. Wisconsin, he found he had but 5 cents in his jjocket. He immediately found em])loyment with tln^ Chicago. ^Milwaukee and St. Paul Railroad, and later with the Northwestern Railroad, and still later he hired out as a farm laborer, and continued at this occupation until 1891. M'hen he came to Angelo township and ])urchased his present farm and immediately nu^ved hithei- with his family. Since I'cmoving to his ])resent place. Air. Kronberg has remodeled and improved his residence, built a large and commodious barn, silo and other outbuildings, and has brought the soil to a high state of cultivation. Sixty-five acres of this farm is so highly improved that each year it i)roduces a bountiful harvest. He is a practical, systematic and ])rogressive farmer and gives particular attention to the fertilization of the land, the rotation of crops and other means of deriving the best results from his farm operations. He takes an active interest in the aifairs of his town and county, and is now serving his fourth term as member of the town board. He has been interested in the construction of bridges

On Jul}' 1, 1888, Mr. Kronberg was united in marriage, at West Salem, La Crosse count}^ Wisconsin, to Miss Roberta Miller, daughter of Robert F. and Nancy D. (Washburn) Miller, natives of Ohio, and who came to La Crosse county in 1849, being among the early pioneers of that section, the towns of Burns and Bangor. He was a veteran of the Civil War and died soon after his return from the army, at the age of thirty-seven years. Mrs. Miller, mother of Mrs. Kronberg, is also deceased, her death having occurred in 1897. Abel AVashburu, grandfather of Mrs. Kronberg, came from Ohio to Wisconsin in 18-48, and was one of the most highly respected pioneers of Burns township, LaCrosse county, where he died at the age of eighty-six years.

To Mr. and IMrs. Kronberg have been born four children : Robert P., born in July, 1889; Ruddie R., born June 11, 1892; Tressie C, born December 30, 1899, and Levi M., born August 11, 1903.

Irvin A. Krotzman, of AA^ells township, IMonroe county, was born July 21, 1861; his parents were John E. and Fredarica (WoeWin) Krotzman, both natives of Germany. The father came to America before his marriage, and first located in Pennsylvania, where he worked at his trade of shoemaker for ten years. He then spent a short time in New York and in 1858 came to AVisconsin, locating at Sparta, but later moved to Walworth county, continuing at his trade luitil he purchased 160 acres of government land, to which he added until, at the time of his death, he owned 360 acres in ]Monroe county, where he lived for thirty-four years, then moved to Salem, La Crosse county, and resided with our subject. The father was born in 1824 and the mother in 1827. They toiled hard in the honest endeavor to build them a home, and suffered many privations at first, but in the end were successful, passing away at the close of a busy and well spent life, honored and respected by all who knew them. INIr. Krotzman died in 1895 and INIrs. Krotzman in 1901. They had a family of seven children, all of whom are living.

Irvin A. was the fifth child in the family and received a good education, and, after spending two years in the Sparta high school, he spent ten winters in teaching and working at the stone masons' trade during the summer months. He then embarked in the mercantile business, cari\ving on a general store at Clifton, Wis., for five years. Disposing of this business, he moved to Salem, La Crosse county, and engaged in the hotel business from 1893 to 1895, and then purchased the old homestead in section fourteen,

AVells towiisliii). where he has since resided and lias been constantly adding to the improvements of the place. His house and barns are well built and of modern construction, and, in addition to his general farming, he carries on a paying dairy business, and his elegant fish i)(,tnd near his residence is bountifully supplied with the finny tribe.

]Mr. Krotzman is a man of thrift and ability and has made a grand success of the farming business since he began, as well as gaining the good will of his fellowmen. He is a Republican in politics and has served as chairman of the town board and also as clerk of the board. He was married, February 3, 1889, at Tomah, Wis., to Miss Carrie Frohmader. Four children have been born to them, three of whom are living, viz. : Celia, born April 1, 1891 ; John, born January 19, 1893, and Alma, born July 7, 190-1. In religious affiliations, Mr. and Mrs. Krotzman are members of the Methodist Episcopal church of Sparta.

George F. Kuckuck owais one of the best 150-acre farms in Mimroe county; it is located in sections seventeen and twenty, in Oakdale township. Avhere he has lived since 1910. He is a carpenter by trade, but has followed the occupation of farming most of his life. He w'as born on January 30, 1888, in Oakdale township, the son of George and Rose (Gabower) Kuckuck, who were both natives of Germany. He lived at home and attended school until he was eighteen years of age and then learned the carpenters' trade and worked at that for about four years, after which he purchased his father's farm. On June 24, 1909, he was wedded, in Monroe county, to Miss Charlotte Avery, whose parents are early settlers here and highly respected people.

Mr. Kuckuck is one of the hustling young farmers of this locality, and is thoroughly up-to-date on all issues of public interest. At the present time he is secretary of the Oakdale Co-operative Butter Association and is a man of good business judgment. He is a Democrat in politics, and takes great interest in the movements of that party. Fraternally he is a member of the ]\Iodern Woodmen of America.

"Lawrence A. Lane, of Cashton. Monroe county, Wisconsin, is a native of New York State, and was born yt Plattsburg, August 10, 1851. His father. Dyer Lane, was born in Ottawa, Canada. October 21. 1828, and his mother, whose maiden name was ]\Iary Fitzpatrick, was born in England in 1830. They were nuirried at St. Andrews, Canada, in 1846, where they resided luitil 1848, and removed in that year to Plattsburg, N. Y., wiiere they made their home for nine years, thence in 1857 came w^est to Wisconsin and first settled at Horicon. They remained here one year, and in 1858 went to Maiiston, Juneau county, where they made their permanent home. The father followed the occupation of farming and lumbering, and, being thrifty and progressive, met with much success. He is still living (1912) at Mauston at the age of eightyfour years. The mother died in 1902. They were the parents of eleven children, eight of. whom are now living, viz.: Mrs. Emery Root, who resides at Mauston ; Lawrence A., our subject ; Mrs. Thomas Dowd, of Omaha, Neb. ; Alex. Lane, Rapid City, S. D. ; Albert resides in western Nebraska; Mrs. Peter Comer, of Mauston ; J. D. Lane lives at IMansfield, S. T>. Those deceased are Mrs. Emery Newkirk, and Phoebe, who died at the age of twenty-seven years, and two children died in infancy.

Lawrence A. Lane was seven years old when his parents located at Mauston, attended the common schools at this place, after which he attended the Cashel & Rogers Business College at La Crosse, which is now known as the Wisconsin Business University, Here he received a thorough business training, and after completing the course was engaged as a school teacher, which vocation he followed for about twelve years. In 1882 he entered the employ of the Chicago, IMilwaukee & St. Paul Railroad as warehouse man at New Lisbon. He remained thus employed for eight years, and so well did he perform the duties assigned him he was transferred in 1890 to Cashton and given entire charge of the company's business at that place, in which capacity he is still engaged.

On October 20, 1878. he was united in marriage with Miss Jennie JMeredith, who was born at Racine, Wis., October 10, 1853, daughter of Thomas and Ann Meredith, both natives of Wales. There were nine children born to them. viz. : Thomas, who enlisted and served in the W^isconsin Regiment in the Civil War, died while in the service ; Mrs. Ernest Jewett, of Wheaton, 111. ; IMrs. Rachel Demeroe, of Grand Rapids, Wis. ; George is deceased; Mrs. Lawrence A. Lane, deceased; Mrs. Sarah Louie and Mrs. Robert Marshall, deceased; Edwin lives at New Lisbon, and Mrs. Maggie Rourke resides at Grand Rapids, Wis. One daughter was born to Mr. and Mrs. Lane on December 21, 1881, and is now" Mrs. Carl C. Coe.

On November 9, 1903, Mrs. Lane died. She was most highly esteemed by all who knew her, was a good wife and mother, and a lady of many womanly virtues.

taining tt» tlic welfare of his community. He has served eleven years as clerk of the village of Cashton. Fraternally he is a member of the Cashton Camp, No. 2671. ^Modern "Woodmen of America, and in religious matters is a member of the St. Peter and Paul's Catholic ehurcli. ]Mr. Lane was a member of Company D, Third Regiment Wisconsin National (Juaixls, and spent five years in that service.

Joseph J. Lee, a prominent farmer of Portland township, is a native of lesvold, Norway, where he was born June 29, 1847. lie remained in the land of his nativity until he became twenty-two years of age and then came to the United States, landing at Sparta, AVis., ]\Iay 17, 1869. The first three years after his arrival he made his home with his uncle, Lars Peterson. In 1S72 he purchased a farm of 120 acres in section tw^enty-one, Portland townshij). The land was in a raw' state and he immediately set to work to subdue, cultivate and improve it, and. by hard work and perseverance he succeeded and now has one of the best cultivated and most joroductive farms of the township. His first house and also his barns were built out of logs, and so wild was the land that he found it necessary to grub the stumps in order to build the foundation for his house. To replace the old log house he has recently completed a modern twelve-room residence, finished in quartered oak, with a steam plant in the basement for heating and other up-to-date appliances, and his is now one of the finest homes in jMonroe county. His barn, whicli is 34x86 feet, is one of the most modern barns in that section. It has 9-foot ceilings below, with a basement under the whole, with cement fioor, and contains stable room for fifty head of cattle and six horses; also a modern silo, built in 1912.

On ]\Iarch 7, 1876, Mr. Lee was married to ]\Iiss Olive P. Benrud. Mho is also a native of Norway, and was born in the same town as Mr. Lee on April 12, 1856. They have a family of nine children, viz. : Leonard J., ]\Irs. Peter Peterson, Ole R., ]\Irs. Henry Peterson, Lenora, John A.. Louis Y., Albert and Fstella.

]\Ir. Lee's whole life has been spent in farming and dairying. He was one of the original incorporators of the Farmers' dairy of Portland, and one of its directors, and for some time its secretary. He is a Republican in politics and has served several terms on the township board, and is a member of the Norwegian church. He came to America with limited means to start with, but as a result of his ambition and thrift, hard work and economy, he has added to his original purchase from lime to time until he now owns 280 acres of fertile and liigblv cultivated land, and with his fine country home, is surrounded by a wide circle of friends, wlio regard him as one of the prosperous and influential citizens of the county.

J. B. Leis is a native of Cole's valley, Jefferson township, Monroe county, where he was born February 7, 1869. His parents, Bernard and Catherine Leis, Avho were both natives of Germany, came to America in the early fifties, and in 1857 located on the ridge in the town of Jefferson. They had a family of five children, our subject being the fourth. When the family first settled in Jefferson the father purchased a small tract of land and there lived until 1863, when he enlisted for service in the Civil War and with his regiment served in the Army of Tennessee until the close of the war, and after receiving his honorable discharge he returned to the old homestead and purchased 200 acres of wild land, and with his own hands cleared and grubbed 100 acres and converted it from a wild state to a highly productive farm. In those early days settlers were few and wild game, bear and deer, were plentiful, with Indians roaming over the country. Mr. Leis was a hard working man and always sociable and good natured, and held the confidence and esteem of his acquaintances. His word was considered as good as his bond. He and his wife were both members of the Catholic church and Mr. Leis assisted in building a little church at the cemetery where they worshiped, but which has since been destroyed by cyclone. He was an advocate of pure democracy and was a loyal supporter of this party all his life. He died in 1904. The mother passed away in 1907.

J. B. Leis, our subject, lived on the home farm until he was twenty-five years old, attending the district schools until his fifteenth year. After his marriage he moved on to his father-inlaw's farm, which he rented for two years, and then engaged in the saloon business in Pine Hollow and operated that together with his farm. He purchased eighty acres of land in sections twenty-eight and twenty-nine and erected thereon a modern residence of ten rooms and a good, substantial barn. His farm is well stocked with good horses, cattle and hogs and the cream from his dairy is sold to the Farmers' Enterprise Creamery, at Cashton, of which he became president in 1909, a position he still holds. He is independent in politics and has held several minor offices. He has been supervisor for three years, and for a long time overseer of highways, and takes a deep interest in all matters of general importance, and is one of the public spirited men of his town.

Capt. M. E. Leonard, Civil AVar veteran and an industrious citizen of Sparta, was l)()rn at Fort Ann., "Washinorton county, New York. September 27, 1832, his parents l)ein^ Jarvis and Eliza Leonard, both natives of New York state. Jarvis Leonard was the son of Elisha and Clara Leonard, natives of ^Lissachusetts and Connecticut, respectively . The early Leonard faniily were strong believers in the P>ai)tist faith.

The subject of this sketch was the second of a family of three children, the first being Eliza Jane, wife of Rev. Robert A. Adams. She is now deceased, lier death occurring in Boston, ]\Iass., and Philetus A., who died at Odell, 111., in February, 1912. Jarvis Leonard, father of our subject, was twice married. His second marriage was with Elizabeth Pierce, by whom he had one son, ]\Iason Leonard, who lives at Chicora, Pa.

Captain Leonard Avas married December 10, 1869, to I\Iiss Olive A. Damon, daughter of Seth and ]\Iary Damon. She lived to the age of sixty-eight years and died in ^lay, 1909. There were five children born to Captain and ]\Irs. Leonard, viz. : Kliza, married George Hasty and lived at Aberdeen, S. D., where she died; Frederick J. married ]Miss Lettie Burnham, of Cambridge, ]\lass. They have one child named Leoua, and reside at La Crosse. Wis. ; AVilliam T. lives at Watertown, S. D. ; Arthur M., of Chicago, and ]\Iinnie B. Leonard, who resides at Sparta. ]\Ir. Leonard was reared on the home fai-m, going with his family to Cattaraugus county, New York, Avliither they moved from AVashingtou county in 1837. At the age of twenty-one Mr. Leonard began farming on his own account, which he followed until 1856. In early life he had made the acquaintance of the late Judge ^Morrow, of Sparta, and they became fast friends. In the year 185() they decided to accept Horace Greeley's advice, "Go west, young man," and came to AVisconsin together in the fall of that year. It was with great difficulty, however, owing to Judge IMorrow's ill health that they were able to reach Sparta. The first occupation accepted by Mr. Leonard after reaching this, the then new country, was that of clerk in the Hotel ]\Ionroe, where he remained until this hotel Avas destroyed by fire two. years later. He then became clerk of the Denny House, which stood where the AVarncr House now stands. There were no railroads in those early days and the only means of travel was by stage coach, which was slow and tedious. The line of coaches between Portage and St. Paul were run in relays and the duty of caring for the men in Sparta fell to Mr. Leonard. His experience as hotel clerk was varied and his duties strenuous in that he had to manage many a rough gang of men. This work was followed by varied experiences in other lines of business, and later he ventured into hop raising for two years. He then took up the trade of carpenter and joiner and built several of the early buildings of Sparta and many of the large barns in and about Sparta township, as well as the first silos and bridge were constructed by him. He continued at this trade until 1909, when he retired.

In July, 1862, he enlisted in Company D, Twenty-fifth Regiment, Wisconsin Volunteers, and the first service he performed was as a recruiting officer, a position he held for several months. The governor, appreciating his fitness to command, commissioned him captain of his regiment. Captain Leonard is one of the stalwart figures of Sparta and a man of strong physique. His experiences during the Civil AVar will be found among the reminiscences of this work. All through his service as captain of the Twentj^-fifth Regiment his motto w^as, "Simply do your duty and fear nothing."

Gothern Liddle, who resides in section ten, Sparta township, was born at Herseyville, Monroe county, Wisconsin, August 24, 1874, and is the youngest of a family of seven children born to William and Mary (Aherne) Liddle, natives of England and Ireland, respectively. Of the others, Kate is now Airs. John AlcVay, of Hardin, Mont. ; William is deceased ; Alary, wife of Charles Jarvis and resides at Culbertson, Alont. ; Sarah, wife of Richard Barrett, Alerrill, AA^is. ; Isabelle, Airs. Charles Hubner, of Culbertson, Mont., and Alantille, wife of Jefferson Butterfield, who resides at Beacli, N. D. In 1846 Mary Aherne, with money furnished by her mother, came to Canada and for two years made her home with William Tate, who at that time was engaged in surveying the Grand Trunk railway. In 1850 William Liddle came from England to Canada and while there met and married Alary Aherne. With money saved while a girl Airs. Liddle bought a home of James Aherne near Saginaw, Alich., which she later traded with Stephen Wilbur for an eighty-acre farm at Herseyville, Alonroe county, whither they went in 1861. Some nine years later disposing of the farm at Herseyville, they purchased what is known as the Putnam farm in Sparta township, where they removed in 1872, and afterwards bought the present home farm. Here Air. Liddle died on February 3, 1909, at the age of seventy- three years. He had been actively engaged in farming and railroading during his lifetime, was a man of genial temperament, kind-hearted and generous, and esteemed ])y all who knew him.

William Alexander Liddle, i)at('rnal grandfatluT of our suhjeet, a native of Scotland, moved to Newcastle, England, in an early day, where he died when his son "William was a boy. His wife, grandmother of our subject, was Isabelle (Donohue) Liddle, wlio died j)rior to lier liu.sband. ]\Iichael and Kate (Harden) Aherne, maternal grandparents, were born in Shandon and Limerick, Ireland. He died in Ireland and she at Saginaw. ]\iich.. wliere she-came after the death of her husband. He was a sailor on the deep seas and during the Crimean war sailed from England under the American flag. They had a family of three children, ]\Irs. Liddle being the only surviving mein])er. Those deceased are Sarah, wife of iloses Kahoe, who was at one time foreman on the Evening Post, at Brooklyn, N. Y., and Katherine, who was the wife of Lewis Anger. On April 10, 1912, ]\Irs. Liddle celebrated her seventy-ninth birthday by entertaining a large number of her friends and neighl)ors.

Gothern Liddle received his preliminary education at the district schools of his home town, which Avas supplemented by a thorough course in the Sparta high school. "With the exception of one year spent on the road as salesman for a farm machinery concern, ^Ir. Liddle 's whole life has been spent on the farm, which, since reaching the age of twenty-two years, he lias managed and conducted. The original farm, which consisted of eighty acres, has been added to from time to time until it now contains 200 acres of highly cultivated land. He has been lavish in his expenditures of time, energy and money in improving the farm, erecting a commodious and substantial residence, barns and silo, and supplying modern appliances and ecjuipments, so that this is in reality one of the most desirable homes in Sparta township. Mr. Liddle has always carried on general farming and dairying and for many years has been counted one of the thrifty and prosperous farmers of his section, and an influential and wide-awake citizen. He has taken an active interest in township affairs and in 1012 was elected assessor. In religious belief he and his family are mend)ers of St. I'atrick's church, of Sparta.

On October 26. 1910. ]\Ir. Liddle was married to ^liss Julia Madden, daughter of Jolin and .lulia (Crowley) ^Madden, natives of Limerick, Ireland. The father emigrated to America when sixteen years of age. and settled on a farm in Lemonweir town- ship, Juneau couuty, near Mauston, where Jic was engaged in farming and railroading for forty years. He died February 15, 1904, at the age of eighty-two years, beloved and esteemed by all wdio knew him. His wife, mother of Mrs. Liddle, who was a woman of many domestic virtues, held the contid(>ne(> and respect of her wdde circle of friends, survived until September 25, 1905, when she passed away. They raised a family of nine children, as follows : Anna, wafe of James MeCarty, of Iron River, Wis. ; John, resides at Minneapolis and is conductor on the Great Westtern railroad ; P. II. is roadmaster on the Chicago, ]\Iilwaukee & St. Paul road from Portage to La Crosse ; Maggie married John Hurey, of Mauston; James lives on the old homestead; David is deceased; Julia, wife of our subject; Dennis, of Chisholm, IMinn., and Beatrice, wife of John Maloney, a farmer in Juneau county.

George F, Lillie comes of Scotch ancestors. Ills parents, William and Isabella (Young) Lillie, left Scotland in 1858 and upon their arrival in this country settled at Lake Champlain, N. Y., where they remained but a short time. They again moved westward, settling in Jefferson county, Wisconsin, where our subject, George F., was born on October 6, 1860. In the spring of the following year they came to Monroe county and settled on a farm in Wellington township. They followed agricultural pursuits for several years in this township, then moved to the village of Kendall, in IMonroe county, where he followed the trade of carpenter and builder. He held the office of township treasurer for several terms, was a member of the school board and filled other minor offices. Mr. and Mrs. Lillie were among the early and most respected pioneers of their section, and after a long and busy life Mr. Lillie died in October, 1908, at the age of seventy-eight, and ]\Irs. Lillie passed away in 1871 at the age of forty-one years, respected and esteemed by all who knew them.

William Lillie was the son of David Lillie, a blacksmith by trade, wJio spent his entire life at Orwell, Vt. The father of Mrs. Lillie, and grandfather of our subject, was William Young. James, a brother of William Lillie, w-as a farmer at Orwell, Vt., where he died. He was in the service for his country in the Civil War. Walter Lillie, another brother of the late William Lillie, is still living at Orwell, Vt., and is engaged in making and sharpening marble cutters' tools.

George F. Lillie is the seventh of a family of eight children. The others are Betsy H., wife of James M. Gordon, of Nebraska; Frances, wife of Nelson Crouch, and resides at Kendall, in this county; Loran E. Lillie lives at Boone, la., and David, James,

William aiul Walter arc dei-eused. ]\Ir. Lillie was reared on his father's farm in Wellington township, attended the common schools, and at the age of nineteen years was employed in a country store conducted by Samuel Cholvin. At the age of twenty years he entered the employ of Messrs. Burrington & TiOckwood, merchants at Kendall, with whom he remained for three years. After spending one year in Nebraska he returned to Kendall and embarked in the grocery business on his own account, lie later added other lines and for thirteen years successfully conducted a general store. In 1898 he was elected clerk of the circuit court for Monroe county, and disposing of his merchandise interests, assumed charge of that office. He was re-elected for a second term, at the close of which he entered the employ of the Wisconsin Telephone Company. After two years spent in the telephone service he, in September, 1807. removed to Sibley, la., and there conducted a bakery and restaurant for one and a half years. Returning to Sparta in 1909 he decided to again engage in business in his home town, and on April 24, of that year, opened a A^ariety store, which he made a success, and in 1911 enlarged his facilities and changed the name to the Variety Emporium, and is now conducting a thriving and j^rosperous business. He is a man of sterling worth and industrious habits, generous in his dealings and well liked by his customers. He is a member of the Knights of Pythias order and the ]\Iodern Woodmen of America.

On October 81, 1883, ]Mr. Lillie married ]\Iiss Annie Josephine McFee, daughter of Washington and Eliza (Hart) McFee. of Ontario, Vernon county, Wisconsin. Their children are Earl B., who resides in Portage, Wis. ; Mamie J, and Paul W. reside at Sparta. Dean H., George W. and Gladys are deceased.

Joseph A. Lincoln" is a native of Wilton, ]\Ionroe county, Wisconsin, where he was born May 11, 1873. He is a son of George and Hannah (Falkner) Lincoln. George Lincoln, the father of our subject, was a native of Dorset, Vt., and his father, James Lincoln, emigrated Math his family from Vermont to Illinois, and after a short time came to Wisconsin, locating in the town of Wilton in the early fifties, where he homesteaded eighty acres of land in section ten of that town, where George, his son, bought eighty acres of land in the same section, and his father, James, had acquired 440 acres at the time of his death. He experienced the ups and downs of pioneer life, with the land wild and uncultivated. The homestead is now occupied by our subject and the house built on this farm is one of the oldest land-marks in the valley. James, the grandfather of our subject, reared a family of five children, of whom George, father of our subject, is the only surviving member. George Lincoln attended the district school and at the age of eighteen began to learn the carpenter's trade, to which he gave his undivided attention for several years. His marriage occurred in 1870 and to this union were born eleven children, the subject of this sketch being the second child. In 1891 he removed with his family to Hebron. N. D., where he has been successful, and is now the owner of 320 acres of land in that northwest country.

Joseph attended the public school up to his sixteenth year and made his home with his uncle, Joseph Lincoln, and was ahvays a laborer until 1906, when he became the ow^ner of sixty acres of choice land in Wilton township.

October 25, 1895, he was united in marriage with Miss Isabell Allingham, daughter of Hugh 0. and Elizabeth Allingham. They have one son, Hugh 0., born November 1, 1899. Mrs. Lincoln has one brother, Hugh 0. Allingham, Jr. The father of Mrs. Lincoln is a resident of Tomah township, and is the owner of 143 acres of laud. In polities Mr. Lincoln is a Republican and active in the interest of his party. In 1912 he was elected chairman of the town of "Wilton.

William Wallace Link. Among the early settlers in western Wisconsin, away back early in the Nineteenth century, was Henry A. Link, father of the subject of this sketch. A native of Kinderhook. N. Y., he left that state at about the time mentioned, and became located in what is now the Leon Valley, in Monroe county. He was a son of Nicholas Link and grandson of William Link, who was a soldier in the Revolutionary War. His ancestors were natives of Holland, and settled at an early day on the North river in Columbia county, New York. Here Henry A. was reared and educated. His wife w^as Laura Hutchins, daughter of M. and Sybil (Simpson) Hutchins, of Scotch and Irish ancestry. They raised a family of eleven children, five of whom are now living. He was born in the town of Kinderhook, state of New York, in 1809, and died in January, 1880, aged seventy years. He was a successful farmer in his native state, where he grew to manhood, and received a good education. He was a student of economic principles and a man of good sound judgment; in every walk of life his career was above criticism or reproach ; a man of unbending honor, incorruptible honesty, broad but practical charity, noble and generous in his dealings, dignified in his manhood, worthv as a citizen, true and faithful as a friend, he merited and received lli<' lioiioi- miuI respect of all who knew liiin. TTc ;it one time ran for mciiilxT of the yeneral assembly of New York state, heiiiij' (lefealcd l)y oin' vote; was a Jacksonian Deniocrjit and a l)eliever in in-incipjes of J)emocraey. and after coming to Wisconsin attained to a position of prominence in every movement of ])uhli(' interest. He held iiuiiiy town offices, was justice of the peace for a iiundx'r of years, and his advice was soug:ht on many occasions by the ])eop]e of liis town.

With a view to l)ettering his condition, Henry A. Link came to Wiscdiisin iiti ;i tour of inspection and ii|)oii Ids arrival in the Jjcon \'alle.\ lie was so impressed with the country that he pur- (diased lliO acres of land which he cultivated and seeded, then returned to his native state for his family. Taking passage at Jiuft'alo, they came by the way of the Great Lakes to ^Milwaukee, from which point they came to Portage City. Avhere they purchased a team of horses and wagon Avitli which they traveled overlaiul to the Leon Valley in ^Monroe county, ai'riving here in September, 1853. He added to his original purchase from time to time until he had acquired 1.000 acres of the choice land in the valley, besides purchasing other tracts in Iowa and ^Missouri. lie was one of ]\Ionroe county's foremost citizens, kind and considerate of the poor, to whom lu' always extended a helping hand, in many instances cancelling the debts owed him without any remuneration. He was a man of decided views and disliked the aristocrat and looked with disfavor on the rich who took advantage of their i)Oor debtors to increase their omu fortunes. To charitable subjects he gave thousands of dollars, and will always be remembered as one of the mo.st liberal, open-hearted men in the county. When ho ari'ived in this section but few settlers lived near him. His was the first frame residence erected in the Leon Valley, aiul at this time trips to Delton. AVis.. a distance of 100 miles, were necessary to secni-e flour and other provisions. He always bought as much as he could haul and sold the surplus to his neighbors. His wife, nuither of William "\V., was born in New York state in 1815, and died in August, 1S78, at the age of sixty-three years. She A\as a wonuni of I'are Avomanly graces, a devout Christian, and, while in New York, was with her husband a consistent member of the Lutheran church, but after coming to AVisconsin became a Congregationalist.

William Wallace Liid< av;is l)orn in Colum])ia county. New York, October 21. 1887. and came to Wisconsin in 1858 with his l)arents and family, consisting at that time of nine children. He attended the common schools of New York state, receiving a limited education, but he was a constant reader aiul close observer of events and became thoroughly posted on almost any subject. He delved into historical science, mental and moral philosophy, and is also a great Bible student, lie has beconu' a theologian and from deep thinking and study has accepted the belief which he now enjoys, when the Almighty manifests himself in diflferent and mysterious ways to his children he has created in this world. William remained at home assisting on the farm until he was twenty-six years of age, when he went AVest to Montana, where he remained two years. At the end of that time he returned home and rented his father's farm, which he carried on for two years, when he purchased a farm of 120 acres and has since made additions until now he has a farm of 270 acres of choice valley land, located near the village of Leon. ]Mr. Link is the oldest living settler in the Leon Valley, and is one of the most prosperous and influential citizens of the county. He takes an active interest in the affairs of his town and county, and in all matters pertaining to the welfare of his community he gives his hearty support. In politics he is a Prohibitionist, but previous to becoming allied with the Prohibition jiarty he had been active in the interest of Democracy. AVhile he has never sought official position, he has held many minor town offices and for several years was justice of the peace ; being a member of the county board for three years. He is now clerk of the school district in which he lives and has tilled that position for more than twentyfive years, having always taken a deep interest in educational matters.

Mr. Link has been twice married ; his first marriage w^as Avith ]\Iiss Carrie Olson, on June 7, 1868. Seven children were born to this union, three of whom are now living, viz. : Dorothy, who is now in the office of the secretary of the Board of Trade at Chicago; George Martin is instructor in the high school of Minneapolis, Minn., and 0. R. is in the United States mail service and resides at Leon. Mrs. Link died June 1, 1879, and on February 28, 1881, he was married for the second time to Miss Irene Underwood, who was born in Lorain county, Ohio, she was reared in Vernon county, AVisconsin. where she Avas educated. Her father, Avho died in Vernon county, Wisconsin, in 1882, Avas a native of Xcav York state, and Avas a soldier in the Civil War, as were his tAvo sons, Oliver and Horace. The mother, AA'hose maiden name Avas Eliza Hunter, was a native of Ohio. To Air. and Airs. Link have been born tAvo children ; Ethel J., uoav Airs. HoAvard G.

Charles E. Loomer is one of tliose unassuming men who has proven his worth botli as a soldier and a citizen. He was one of the first to take up anus in defense of his country at the beginning of the Civil War, and when no longer needed in the ranks of the firing line, he dropped the tools of strife and put his hand to the plow in an honest endeavor to redeem the wilderness and make two blades of grass grow where only one grew before.

He is a native of Massachusetts and was born at Boston October 1, 1841, the son of Charles and Mary Ann (Rivers) Loonier, natives of Nova Scotia, from where they moved to ^lassachusetts. and in the early sixties to .Monroe county. Wisconsin, and settled on the farm now owned l)y our subject. He was a slii{) carpenter by trade and after coming to the then new country, worked at liis trade building houses for settlers. He was prominent in his community and held man\' local otifiees. Both he and our subject's mother were born in 1809 and both died the same year - in 1877. j\Ir. Loomer. our subject is the only surviving member of a family of eight children. ^lary. Avho married Henry Van Antwerp, died at Sparta November 4. 1911: Ilattie, who married Gideon Bigelow. and died at San Jose, Calif., May 10, 1912; Maria died at the age of eighteen, and the others died when young.

Charles E. Loomer received his education in the common schools of his home town, and when ten years of age. his parents moved to Kansas, where they pre-empted Government land; after ten years spent in the Sunflower state the family came to Wisconsin and .settled at Sugar Creek, in Walworth county, on a farm purchased by the father. Charles remained here until 1865. when he njarried and came to ^Monroe county, settling first in Glendale township, moving to his present farm the following year, which was then a forest in the wilderness of the northern part of LaGrange township, which, at that time formed a part of the town of Lincoln. He purchased his land of James B. Avery, who had bought the land witli script, and here ^Ir. Loomer assumed the task of clearing and subduing the land and establishing a permanent home. He proceeded to build a home, 16x24. and in 1869 built his present residence, which has since undergone repairs and atlditions made. A house erected by his father now forms a part of this residence. Out of these primitive surroundings, with the Indians foi- neighbors, he carved out a home, and by persistent effort has subdued and brought the land to a high state of cultivation, and now enjoys the fruits of his many years of toil. Out of the original wilderness he still retains a ten-acre tract of woodland of the forest, which has yet not seen the woodman's axe, and is a marvel of beauty. Besides cultivating and improving the land by substantial buildings, as opportunity afforded, j\Ir. Loonier has this year (1912) erected a substantial modern residence in the city of Tomah. He occupies a prominent place in his community, has been a member of the board of supervisors, and takes a commendable interest in church work.

He was married on October 6, 1865, to Miss Phoebe C. Parkyn. daughter of Rev. Joseph and Rebecca (Lake) Parkyn, natives of England and New Jersey, respectively. The father was of the Free Will Baptist persuasion, and a man of influence in his denomination. He was born in 1812 and died in Nebraska in his eighty-eighth year; Mrs. Loomer's mother survived until 1909, when she passed away at the age of ninety-three. Mrs. Loomer was born in LeRo}', Genesee county, N. Y., September 29, 1840, one of a family of five children, viz. : John L.. of Mountain Grove, Mo. ; Mrs. Loomer. Mary H., wife of Byron Jenkins, of Holbrook. Neb. ; Joseph 0., of Hillsdale, Mich., and Alice, who married Elisha Hulce, of Walworth county, Wisconsin, is deceased. Mv. and Mrs. Loomer are members of the LaGrange Methodist Episcopal church.

On September 2, 1861, Mr. Loomer enlisted in company I, thirteenth Wisconsin Infantr}^ which was detailed for duty at Fort Leavenworth, Kan., and thence to Fort Scott. The regiment was ordered to Alabama, thence to Chattanooga, Tenn. Upon reaching Knightsville, Mr. Looiuer was taken ill and sent to a hospital, where he was given a furlough; he served until the close of the war and was finally discharged in July, 1865, having attained to the rank of sergeant.

John J. Lucas, dealer in ice, of Sparta, comes from English ancestry. He Avas born February 8, 1851:, the son of James and Berthia (Lewis) Lucas, who came to Ncav York state from England, their native country, in the early forties, locating first at East Galway. He being a glove cutter by trade, here found employment in the glove business, and after a short sojourn, moved to Gloversville, and thence to Funda's Bush, where he continued to work at his trade for some two years. In 1856 he left the Empire state and came west to Sparta, where he was employed by Hageman & Roberts for two years, and then moved to Hartford, Wis., and remained there for the next two years.

He then moved to Chicago, HI., and there lost his life in the great fire of 1871. hciiiu' then sixty-eiglit years of aye. His widow, mother of our sut)ji'ct. died about 1872.

John .). is the youngest of a family of four children, three of whom arc now living. After ohlaiuiiii: an (Mlucatioii in the |)ul)lic schools, he secured employ iiuMit on a farm in Dane county for a time, and latci- went to KoihI du Lac Wis., where he learned the paper maker's ti-ade. and foi- a period of Iwo \'ears was in the employ of (Jeorge Hunter. At Ihe end of that time he went to Kaukauna, Wis., and after spending one year in the paper mills at this place, came to Sparta, and in the year 1879 (Migaged in the paper making business with the late O. 1. NiMvton. whose i)lant was on the site of the present electric light and power company plant. He remained with Mr. Newton for six years.

Fraternally ]\Ii'. Lucas is a mend)er of the Knights of Pythias and ^Modern Woodmen of America. He was married in 187") to ]\Hss Maggie Gartman. daughter of Alexandei- and Chi-istina (Many) Gartman. iNIrs. Lucas died Jammry 4. 18!)8, leaving, besides her husband, four children, viz. : Earl Spencer, Nina, ]\raude. who married Walter Lake and resides in California, and Alexander Lucas, of Sparta.

Herman Ludeking is a prosperous German farmer of section four, in the town of Wilton. Alonroe county, where he first bought ninety-six acres in 1889. and later added another twenty acres, making his pi'esent farm contain about 110 acres. He was born in Germany on Ai)ril 7. 1859. and came to America with his parents and three other children in 1872 and located in Wilton townshi]). There the father worked for about oiu* year as a fai'm laborer, tluui bought eighty acres in section four, wiiere they made theii- home foi- twenty-two years, and he died in 1894 and the motiiei- in IS!)!). They had seven children, four of whom ai'c now (1912) ]i\inii-. They were among the best people of their township; Republican in politics and members of tlu^ (Jerman Reformed church.

Herman b(>gan his career as a farm laborer, receiving ^W for his first year's work. He continued, however, in this business for about nine years and tlien ]iui'chascd a farm of his own. He was married on December ;U. 188."). to Miss Emma Hehnke. who died in 1894, leaving three children, two of whom are now living: Myi-tle. born October 26. 1886. and IVarl. born August 17. 1888. Mr. Ludcking was married for the second time on December 1.

1895, in the town of Adrian, to Miss Emma Wenclland; her parents settled in Adrian, whei-e the father died in 1904, and the mother still lives at the age of sixty-five years. They had a farm of 120 acres and a family of nine children, all members of the Lutheran church. ]Mr. and Mrs. Ludeking have had a family of five children, three of whom are livinp:: INIartha. born September 14. 1897; Alvira. born August 16. 1905, and Lorenz, born September 10. 1911.

]Mr. Ludeking is a thrifty general farmer and employs the latest methods in his farming operations ; his stock is of the best grade, and at present (1912) he is erecting a new modern residence, which makes his home ideal in every respect.

Albert William Luebchow, one of the enterprising and progressive farmers of ^Monroe county, was born in Germany, August 6, 1866, to August and Louise (Rehbein) Luebchow. When four years of age, he ^\ith three other children accompanied his parents to America, arriving in this country in 1870. The family located in Iroquois county, Illinois, where they made their home and spent their lives, the d(^ath of the father occurring in 1908, ancl that of the mother in 1904. They had a family of seven children, of whom three are now living, viz: Albert AVilliam, Frank and Jacob. He was a member of the Lutheran church and a devoted Christian, and at the time of his death owned a farm of 160 acres in Iroquois county, Illinois.

Albert William was reared on his father's farm, attending the district schools and assisting in the farm work. When twenty-eight years old. on April 28, 1894, he was married at Tomah to ^liss ]\Iinnie Rasch. Four children have been born to them, viz : Hilda, Emma, George and Alice. For six years after his marriage ^Ir. Luebchow and his wife resided with his parents. In 1902 he moved to the city of Tomah and purchased and ran a feed barn, and after remaining here a short time, he purchased a farm of 190 acres in section eighteen, Tomah township, where he moved and has since resided, engaged in general farming, and carries on quite an extensive dairy business, sup- ]ilying the Tomah creamery with a large amount of milk and cream. He is considered one of the most thrifty and prosperous farmers of his section ; a man of sterling character, faithful in all he undertakes, and is highly esteemed in his neighborhood. He is a Republican in political opinion, and although he has never aspired to political office, he has served three years as school director and has been commissioner of public highways. He takes a counnendable interest in all public affairs, and all

Fred E. Luethe, oin- uT the progrcssiN c- Janiiurs oi^ Kidgeville townshi]), was l)()rn in Switzerland, November 2, 1848. and is the first child born to Jacob and Anna Barbara (Hertig) Luethe. Mr. Luethe received a good iinriiial scliool education and after spending several years teaching high school in Switzerland, he came In Wisconsin, and after working nine months on a farm in Sheldon township, inirchascd eighty acres of land in that town. He Avas married to .Mrs. !\Iiiniie Heitmann (nee Farner) in 1S84. To this union six children were born, namely: Emma P., Walter J., Werner ('., Dorothy S. B., Otto F. and Ernst A. W. In 1886 they moved to Norwalk, where ]\Ir. Luethe was engaged in the sawmill husiness for some time.

In Septendjer. 1898, he purchased a farm of 160 acres in section tAvenly-one of the town of Kidgeville, to which he subsequently added eighty acres, owning at the present time, 220 acres Avhere he now resides.

lie is one of the successful farmers and prominent citizens of Kidgeville township, and has made many valualde improvements on his farm. He built a large and conunodious barn, 34 by 64 feet, in 1898, and his modern twelve-room residence was erected in 1899. and later man>' other outbuildings.

Mr. lAiethe takes a prominent part in the affairs of his town, aiul has Ix-en called upon to fill several im])ortant offices. He has been rlei']\ of llie town f(M' 1wciity-one years, school treasurer for twelve years, and in 191):^ helped to organize the Norwalk Creamery Company of which he lias since been secretary. He is one of the Avell-to-do men of his town, public spirited and infiueutial. In politics he adheres to tlie jirinciples of the Republican party, while in religious matters he and his wife and children are mendiers of the German Evangelical chun-h.

Appleton N. Maltby, post master at Oakdale. Wis., was born October 16, 1840. in Dekalb county, Indiana. His parents. Noah and .Jane (Coleman) Maltl)y. wiM-e natives of New York state, liaving been born in Oneida county. They came west to Indiana in 1838, and after a residence there of ten years, moved to Illinois in 1S4S. and in isr)2 went to Iowa, and in 1860, they came to Tomah. Wis. He was a carpenter and joiner by trade, and for many years was express agent at Tomah. The father later went to Greeley, Colo., where he died in 1S99. at the age of eighty-eight years. The molhei- |)asse(l away in 1S92. They reared a fajiiily of seven children, five of whom are now li\ing.

Appletoii N. reccixcd his ('(lucatioii in the coiniiion schools of "^luliaiia and Iowa, and in 1859 came to Tomah and Tor thirty vears was employed in the saw mills. ?Ie was married on "^^eeember 27. 18H2, to J\Iiss Clemy I. Baker, daughter of Enoch Baker, an old and highly respected citizen, who came from Washington county. New York, and settled in Oakdalc lownsliip, in 1855. ^Irs. ]\Ialtby is the oidy surviving mend)ei" of a family of three children, and at the death of her father inherited 200 acres of land near the village of Oakdale. IMr. and Mrs. Maltby have one daughter, Leah, born August 25, 18H(>, who is now the wife of J. N. AYeloby.

Mr. Maltby was ai)pointed postmaster of Oakdale in 1897, and is still the incundient. lie lias held the office of town clerk for six years, and for eight years has been treasurei- of his school district. He is now rc^tired from a<'tive business, except the duties of postmaster.

On August 7, 1862, at Tomah, he enlisted in company D, twenty-fifth regiment Wisconsin Volunteer Infantry, and served until the close of the war. His regiment Avas sent to jMinnesota during the Indian Massacre, afterwards returning to La Crosse, and in February. 1868. was ordered to Columbus, Ky., and from there to Yicksburg, and took part in the siege of that <'ity, and the capture of Helena, Ark. He was Avith Sherman on his march to the sea and lat(M' his regiment Avas transferred to tlie army of Tennessee. At the battle of Atlanta, his company Av<^nt into the engagement A\'ith thirty-four guns and came out Avith seA^enteen. He Avas honorably discharged at Washington, D. C, in 1865. In fraternal matters. INIr. ]\Ialtby is a member of the i\Iasonic order, and Henry W. Cressy Post, G. A. R., of Tomah.

F. E. Markgraf^''. The parents of F. E. Markgraf, Frederick and Anna (ITmbright) ^larkgraf, came to America from Germany in the early fifties Avith a family of tAvo children. After tAvo years spent at ]\Iadison, Wis., they moA^ed to the tOAvn of Sheldon in Monroe county, Avhere the father purchased a small farm, Avhicli he afterAvards sold and purchased 820 acres of AAdld land in sections ten, three and elcA^en of the same toAvn, and there established a family home and commenced the life of a farmer in the then ucav country. With no capital but his native ability, in a Avilderness without settlement, and markets and trading posts a long Avay off, and the only means of transportation an ox team, here he built a small log house, and as there Avere no shingles or roofing to be had. bed sheets Avere substituted for the roofing Avhich sufficed until a better one could be procured. There the family lived for six years, w hen a larger and better log house was eonstrueted, wliidi they afterward occupied for twenty years. Mr. Markgraf set diligently to work clearing and cultivating his land, and from a sickly calf iiresciilcd lo him. he commenced the raising of stock which resulted in the successful breeding and the building up of a large herd of Durham cattle, with which he in later years kept the farm Avell supplied. In those early days wild game was plentiful and the family relied on the deer for their meat sui)ply. ^Mr. ]\Iarkgraf, Sr., was in every way a successful farmer, a model citizen, and well informed on almost any subject. In ])olitics he w^as a Republican, and in religious matters affiliated with the German Evangelical chun h. Tu this family there were twelve children, of whom two sons and four daughters are now living. Prior to the death of the father he sold his farm to his son, the subject of this slvetdi. Ills wife, mothei- of our subject, is also deceased.

F. E. Markgraf Avas born in the town of Sheldon. July 20. 1862, and had the advantages of the district schools until his fifteenth year. He assisted in the management of his father's farm until he purchased it. He cleared 100 acres, and following in the footsteps of his father, has brought it from a wild to a highly cultivated state, and with the substantial residence, barns and other outbuildings, makes it one of the best farms in Sheldon township. Besides general farming, ]\Ir. ]\larkgraf is a breeder of Durham cattle, high grade hogs and sheep, and his farm is well sui)plied with modern equipments.

He was married at AVatertown, AVis., to Aliss Tillie Osbreich. daughter of "William and E. O. Osbreich. They have three children, viz: Elma. born February 26, 1890; Louis, born INIarch 4. 1895, and Ada, born April 24, 1897.

David C. Marten", whose parents, David F. and Caroline (Link) Marten, were early pioneers of Wilton, ]\Ionroe county, owns a nice farm of 160 acres in sections four and nine of AVilton township. He was born here on Fe])ruary 22, 1868, and attended school until he was fifteen years old and for several years afterward, worked as a farm hand in his neighborhood. On November 23, 1898, he was married in the town of Oakdale. to Aliss Anu^lia Rogge, daughter of Henry and Johanna Rogge. She was the sixth child of a family of nine children and was educated in the district schools. I\[r. and JMrs. ]\Iarten have two children, l-j-nia Caroline, born Septem])er 19, 1899. and Elba Heui-y. boi-n ."\I;ircli 18, 1903.

brother came, and settled in Monroe county. David worked as a farm laborer for a while, then bought eighty acres in section three, in the town of AVilton, and lived there until he died on August 22, 1905. Tliey had a family of nine children, eight of whom are living. He was a hard working man and good citizen, and in acquiring his beautiful liome, he passed through the trials and hardships of the pioneer, and at his death, left his widow and family in comfortable circumstances. Mrs. jMarten is still living at the age of sixty-six years.

Our subject is a successful farmer and makes a specialty of the dairy business; he keeps the best grade of stock and uses the latest methods in his management of the farm. In 1901 he built a nice barn and in 1898 built his residence, with which his other buildings correspond. He is independent in his political views and they are devoted members of the Lutheran church.

Frank Mashak* is another one of the wide-awake and progressive men of Portland township, and is the son of Frank J. and Razy (Sleider) jMashak, natives of Poland and Bohemia respectively. The father came to the United States with his parents when he was nine years of age and early in the seventies he located on a farm of 182 acres in section seventeen, Portland township, Monroe county, where our subject, Frank, was born October 9. 1877. When the father settled on his farm, it was all wild land covered with a heavy growth of timber, which he cleared and brought to a good state of cultivation, improving the farm with a substantial residence, barns and other outbuildings, and here made his home until 1904, when he moved to the village of Cashton, where he now resides. Mr. and Mrs. Mashak raised a family of seven children, of which our subject is the third in order of birth. The others are: John, of Cashton; Lena, the wife of Jake Konen, resides in Washington township, La Crosse county; Razy is the Avife of Albert Marx and lives at Cashton; Vincent lives at Melvina, where he is engaged in the hardware business; Louis and Edward, who reside in Portland township.

The subject of this sketch attended the district schools and lived on the home farm, assisting in the farm w^ork until 1904, when he purchased the place, which he has since carried on with marked success. He is engaged in general farming and dairying and uses all the improved methods in his operation.

On June 7, 1904, Mr. Mashak was united in marriage with Miss Amelia Dagenhardt, daughter of Henry and Katherine Dagenhardt, of St. Mary's Ridge, Jefferson township. To this union lias been Ixuii live ehildreii. \i/.: Ktliel. ( larenee, Raymond, Sylvester iind Li>rine. ]Mi'. .MasliMk is a ijuhlic spirited, enterprising eiti/eii. ;iiid takes an active interest in the affairs of his town and county, and for tlircie years lias been a member of the town boai'd. Helijjionsly he and liis wife ai'e niendjers of the [Middle l^idiic Catholic ehurcli.

John W. Mashak'-', son of Franl; .1. and Ka/.y (Sleider) ^lashak, early settlers and prosperons citizens of iNIonroe eounty, was born January 2r), 1812, in the to\\ii of Portland. Tie attended the distriet seliool and I'cniaincd at home with his parents until he was twenty-three, when on May 2:^. ISi)."). he niari'ied in La Crosse county, ^liss ]\Iary Coi-n. one of a family of ei«iht (diildren. Mr. and i\lrs. IMashak have two children, Joseph and Levi. After his marriage, ilr. Mashak purchased a farm of 215 acres, where he lived for five years, then moved into the village of Melvina in Jefferson township, and for a short time was engaged in the saloon business. lie erected a large brick business building, which is now owned by Tony Pelzer. After disposing of his interests in Melvina, ]\Ir. Mashak, in 1905, moved to the village of Cashton and again endiarked in the saloon business, but soon moved from his first location to one near the dejiot. and after one year, re-purchased his first saloou and has since operated that.

Besides the 215-acre farm Avhich he owns, he purchased in 1906 another farm adjacent to the village of Cashton, which he disposed of in 1!)(I7. He also owns considerable property in Cashton. In 1911 lu^ went into the automobile business and now i-oiiducts a large garage whcic he does all kinds of automobile repairing and handles the sale of the Jackson autonu^bile. and is doing a si)lendid business in this line.

Mr. Mashak is one of the most enterprising business nuni of Cashton. public spirited and progressive, and takes a comnuMidable interest in all public matters, especially in those of his town and county. He is a Democrat in politics, and both he and his es1inial)le wife ari' mend)ers of the Pine Hollow Catholic church.

Vincent Mashak''' leading hardware nuM-chaid at [Melvina. ^lonroe count.w ^Visconsin. was born .\pril 14. 1S8:}. and is ojie of a family of eight children, seven of whom ai'c now living, born to Frank and Kazy (Sleider) [Mashak. natives of Poland and Bohemia respectively; both are now living, the fornu>r at the age of sixty-two and the latter at the age of sixty years. Emigrating to America, the father started life as a poor nmn, locating near [Melvina in "Monroe county, fortv years ago. He endured the

.struggles aiul luii'dsliips oi' pioneer life in ;i new eounlry, and by hard work and perse\eranee beeanie the owner of six hundred aeres of huid, niucli of whicli was in its wild state. He was energetic and thrifty, and hrouglil the land to a good stale of cultivation and inii)roveinent and it is now wortli -i^lOO pel' acre. He recently removed to the village of ("ashton, where he now lives in retirement, enjoying the fruits of his many years of activity and toil.

Vincent, though comparatively a young man. possesses gooti business judgment and is i)rosperous in his hardware business. He received his education in the common school, which he attended nntil sixteen years of age, then for three years was employed as clerk in a Cashton store. In 1905, he ])urchased a stock of hardware and located at Melvina, where he has dealt extensively in general hard-ware, agricultural impl(Miients. gas engines and sanitary dairy nuichinery. Besides his business interests, ]\Ir. ]\Iashak is ((uite an extensive owner of real estate in ^lelvina.

On ]\Iay 8, 1907. ]\Ir. Mashak w\as married to Miss Lizzie Seitz, daughter of Anton Seitz, and to them have been born two children, viz : Earl and Alta iNIashak. In politics, Mr. Mashak is independent in thought and action, and in religious nuitters he and his Avife are nuMubers of St. Mary's Catholic church,

Ellis E. Matteson, a native of Monroe county, ^\"isconsin, is the son of ]\iark P. and Eliza (Lock) Matteson, and was l)orn in Little Falls township, December 9, 1867. The father was a native of Michigan and the mother was born in Canada in 1852. They came to Wisconsin with their family and settled at Hartford, Wis., moving from there to the town of Little Falls near Cataract, Avhere the father purchased a farm of 120 acres, established the family home and rinirinl his family and lived until his death in 1889. He was a successful farmer, and as a man, Avas held in high esteem and respected as a citizen and neighbor. He took a keen interest in the affairs of his town and county and served on the town board, and for several years was a school director. He was a Republican in politics, and he and his wife were members of the Fpisco})al clnirch. Th(\v had a family of nine children, of whom six are now living, viz: ^Mrs. Christenia Hyslop. I\Irs. Amy Morgan, D. T., V. M., A. L.. and Ellis E.

Reared on the honu' farm, Kllis E. attended tlu^ district school until he was sixteen years of age, assisted with the farm work and remained at home until he attained his twenty-third year. On April 80, 1891, he was married to Miss Bertha A. Richardson, daughter of Joel F. and ^lartha ^F. Richardson. Thev are tlie l)areiits of three eliiklrcii: .Mabel ('lairc, horn April 2H. 1892; Hazel Bell, horn January 2G, 3894, and Forrest Clyde, horn June 20, 1897. After his marriage. ]\Ir. Matteson lived on the home farm until 1898, when he moved to Black River Falls, AVis., and engaged in the livery husiness, whieli he followed for four years. Disposing of his interests here, he returned to ]\Ionroe county in 1902 and pui-diased a farm of 110 acres in tlie Leon valley, and has since made this his home. He is successfully engaged in general farming and stockraising and keeps his farm well stocked with a good grade of horses, cattle and hogs; he operates an extensive dairy, tlie income from which amounts to ahout $1,200 per year. Since purchasing his present farm, he has made many improvements, erected a silo, separator house, etc. He is known as one of the progressive and i)ul)li(' spirited citizens of his town, employs modern methods in his farming operations, and is president of the Leon Valley Creamery Association.

E. M. McCann, an extensive farmiM- and stock raiser of Monroe county, owns a farm in Wilton townshiji. wher*' he resides. He was born April 12. 18G7. in the town of AVilton, the son of Patrick and ]\Iary ]McCann, both natives of Ireland. Patrick came to America some time during the forties, and after stopping for a short time in New York, he moved to Walworth county, Wisconsin, where lie was married ;iii<l lived for several years, then moved to ]\Ionroe county and bought 120 acres of wild land and set to work to establish a new home, and after passing through the usual hardships and privations of the early settler, he acquired a comfurtal)le home, whei'e he spent the renminder of his life and died in 1893. I lis widow is still (1912') living. They had a family of seven children, six of Avhom are living. They were members of the Catholic church, ami .Mr. McCann 's political views wei'e with the Democratic party.

Edward ^1.. our sub.jecl. was the second youngest of the famil\' and attended school luitil he was eighteen, living at home until he was married. Octobei- 12. 1892. in the town of Wilton, to ]\Iiss ]\Iary Kerrigan, daughter of -James ami ]\Iargaret Kerrigan, and one of a family of tive children, three of whom are living. They were also natives of Ireland aiul came to America some time in the fifties and settled in Walworth county, and later, in 1807. moved to Monroe county, where the father bought 120 acres of land in Ridgeville township and made their home for sixteen years; he then bought 160 acres in section tweiily. township of Wilton, and was at the time ol' his death in 190.') an extensive

Mr. McCann is a successful general farmer and his home is ideal in every respect. He keeps the best grade of stock and makes a specialty of dairying with a herd of twenty-five Holstein cows. He is constantly improving his farm and remodeling his buildings ; he built a new residence in 1906 and his outbuildings correspond. He is a public spirited man ; was manager of the Farmers' Creamery Company, of Wilton, for ten years and was one of the organizers of the Farmers' Livestock Association, and is a member of the Catholic church and of the Catholic Order of Foresters.

John McCann* is one of the extensive land owners of Wilton township, and carries on the dairy business on a large scale. He owns seven forty-acre tracts in sections twenty, three and seventeen, and another twenty acres in section twenty. He was born November 17, 1858, in Walworth county, Wisconsin, the son of Patrick and i\Iary (Kerrigan) McCann, both natives of Ireland. He lived at home on the farm until he reached his majority, and attended school up to his twentieth year. After his school days were over, he worked as a farm hand on his own account for about two years, and then bought an eighty-acre tract in section tv/enty, W^ilton township. He was married in Tomah, Monroe county, on April 9, 1891, to Miss Bridget Cummings, whose people also came from Ireland in an early day. She was the second of a family of four ; her parents were prosperous farmers and highly respected ; the father died in 1874 and the mother in 1900, both members of the Catholic church.

Mr. McCann is a successful general farmer and well liked by his neighbors. He is a Democrat in his politics, a member of the Catholic Order of Foresters, and both himself and wife are members of the Catholic church.

Thomas H. McConnelP, who is one of the prosperous farmers in LaGrange township, was born in Green county, Wisconsin, January 31, 1856. His parents were James and Mary (Dellears) McConnell, both natives of Wisconsin. When Thomas was nine years of age, his parents moved to Walworth county, where they made their home and spent their lives. The father died in 1909

He was married in 1881 to ]\liss ("lara K. Si)ensley. daughter of Robert and Eliza Spensley, of AVal worth county. Wisconsin. They have three children, viz.: Robert Y... at home: Charles H.. a student in the rniversity of Wisconsin, and Clitford R. ]\Ie('onnell.

Eruce E. McCoy is of Scotch ancestry and is i)roud of belon^ring to a race of piomn'i-s. He was born in western New York in 1829. when the stage coach and canal were the only means of travel. His father. Jesse ]\Ic('oy. in 1844. came with his family to Racine county. \Yisconsin. via the Great Lakes from ^Monroe county. New York, and settled on the naked prairie, when the country was devoid of roads and bridsres, farm l)uildinjrs, school houses and the i-onveiiiences of civilization. It took four years of work in the woods in wintei-, prairie breaking in summer, house and barn building in the new home l)ef(n-e the town of Mount Pleasant ])oasted of a schoolhoiise. which was built mostly by private subsci'ipl ion. This school was built and conducted on the okl plan of seats artuind the outside, teacher boarding aroun*; and parents furnishing wood and jiaying the teacher ])ro rata for their children. He becanu' the first teacher at a salary of -I^IO ]ier month, and foi- seven yeai-s continued to teach in winter and woi-k on the farm in the summer. He was elected and served as town superintendent of scluxd for three years. He helped in organizing the Racine County Agricultural Society and became its first sec- retary. In 1864 lie was elected chairman ul his town upon war issues and immediately organized and was elected captain of company G, forty-third regiment Wisconsin Volunteers, infantry, being mustered at IMilwaukee. He participated in the battles of Johnsonville and Nashville and later was detailed as judge advocate of a military commission, with headquarters at Murpheysborough, Tenn., and so continued until his regiment was mustered out at the close of the war.

On his return from the war he was married to Miss S. Allouva Bowker. daughter of Abram Bowker, also a pioneer settler, and due to ill health sold his farm and went into the milling business at Kenosha, Wis. In 1868, he, with W. L. Hughes, purchased the La Fayette mill at La Fayette, Monroe county, and continued its operation until it was washed away completely in the great flood of ]\Iarch 1876. During this time the pine forests in towns of La Faj^ette and Greenfield were being cut and the mill furnished the flour and feed for the Parmlee, Wilsonville, Tester and Bacon sawmills. He also furnished about 10,000 railroad ties and 5,000 cords of wood annually for the Chicago. IMilwaukee & St. Paul Railway at La Fayette Station (since discontinued).

About 500 Winnebago Indians made their summer camping ground at La Fayette, and his l)usiness relations with them were always pleasant and no difficulties ever arose, nor did he ever loose any money by trusting them.

He was chairman of the towni of La Fayette during five years of his eight years' residence there. He opposed the bonding of the to'\\n for 4-4,000 to secure the building of the Chicago & Northwestern Railway from Elroy to Sparta, and wnth others succeeded in cutting the bond issue to $2,000. He was the lone member of the county board of supervisors to oppose the selling of $31,000 of tax certificates to George Runkle for 10 cents on the dollar, and taking the brunt of the bitter grafting opposition, filed his written protest on l)ehalf of tlie town of La Fayette, and eventually recovered from the county, foi- the town, the face value, dollar for dollar, of all hn Fayette tax certificates so sold.

On the complete loss of his La Fayette mill in 1876 he bought The depot mill in Sparta, wdiich was burned in January, 1878. He immediately rebuilt the present standing mill, which three years later he sold to Peter jMiller. and later, with Lyman Newberry and others, joined in developing a silver mine in Colorado, in a new camp, to which, at that time, both the Rock Island and the Union Pacific railroads were extending their lines. Simultaneously both roads sto]iped their work and the camp was a failure.

Just boforo iroino; "dead bi-oko" lie and Henry Foster and others took a hand in townsite l)nildin.ii-. went into North Dakota, took up lioiaesteads on the l)anks of a fine lake, in what is now ]M('Intosh eounty, then nnsnrveyed except into townships, and on a line of what they believed a railroad snrvey northwest from Aberdeen would take. They surveyed a village plat for a county seat, jj:ave away lots to all who would l)uild on thcni. had a nice country town, but when the looked-for railroad came the railway station was e.stablished four miles away, and the villajjers moved their houses antl the county seat over to it. About this time he bought the Sparta l)('iiiocrat of 1-5. W. Perry, and the Sparta Advertiser off F. A. Brown, and consolidated tliem into one plant. lie was the editor and pul)lisher of the ^Monroe County Democrat for ten years, advoeatin.ii- honesty in politics, as well as in personal matters, ludividual. i-ather than class development in our schools, integrity rathei* than policy for success in everyday life, state riiihts as aiiain.st a stronger central o:overnment, a l)r()a(ler patriotism as against the selfishness of ])artisanship and of secret societies.

After selling fne ^lonroe County Democrat in 180."), he gave much of his time to the development of outlot 125. on which the Gillman mill stands, and other real estate transactions in Texas and Old ]\Iexico.

He cast his first vote at the time the old Democratic party was selling our ])ublic domain at $1.25 per acre and was plotting to make slavery national instead of sectional. His vote was against both these, and he continued a loyal Republican up to the time it resumed specie payment, and later demonitized silver and began its crusade for a greater centralization of ])olitical jiowei- iu the general government.

In 1881 he bought his present home, corner F.ast Oak and Fast avenue, where his sons. Robert and Clark, grew to manhood, and from where he buried his wife in 1893, and his son, Clark. in 1907.