Monroe County, Wisconsin - Chapter 55, 1912 (part 7 of 10)

Iu 191(1 the fii'st lai-ge maneu\-ei' caiiii) of 10.000 federal and state troops, under command of (leiieial Hodges. T. S. A., was stationed on tlie I'nited States military reservation in the town of La Fayette and in his honor was immed "Camj) Bruce E. ^IcCoy." In 1912 encamjunent was similarly so named, and both the Chicago. Milwaukee & St. Paul Railway ami the Chicago «&; Northwestern Railway have named the railway station in La Fayette "McCoy."

David G. McCray, wlio has lived in Monroe eonnty for more than a half a centnry, is one of that class of stnrdy, enterprising men Avho have not only witnessed, bnt have also had an important part in the work of transforming- the connty from a state of comparative wilderness to its present high place among the banner comities of the state. He was born in Warren connty, Pennsylvania, Angnst 27, 1833, the son of James and Clinda INIcCray. jMr. McCray came to Wisconsin in 1855 and first settled at Sandy Bay, Kewannee connty, and here remained nntil 1867, when he removed to Little Falls township, in Monroe connty, and purchased 120 acres of wild land, which he improved and brought to a high state of cultivation. Besides being engaged in general farming, he makes a specialty of fruit, and is the largest grower of apples and small fruits in the town of Little Falls. A Republican in political opinion, he takes an interest in the affairs of his party and while he has never sought political preferment, he has filled the office of school clerk for seventeen years.

Mr. IMcCray was u.nited in marriage in 1857 with ]\Lss Esther A. Lane, daughter of Daniel and Clara Lane, residents of Kewaunee. Of a family of eight children born to this union, four are now living: Edgar C, Reuben C, May M. and Martha E. IMcCray.

Eugene McGary, president of the village of Norwalk. and lifelong resident of IMonroe county, was born in Ridgeville township, October 17, 1854. and is one of a family of six children born to Seluim and Elvira (Fox) INIcGary. Of their other children, Frances married Norman Record, of Sparta, Wis. ; Isabelle is the wife of George Wood, of Baraboo, Wis. ; Nora is the wife of John Kier, also resides at Baraboo ; Josephine is the wife of W. B. Kendalls, and lives in Chicago. 111., and Jessie is Mrs. B. L. Bond, of Elroy. Wis. Seluim McGary was the son of Thomas McGary, a native of Ireland, who came to Ohio in an early day and spent the remainder of his life; his son, Seluim, was born here. Seluim. with his wife, were among the early pioneers of Wisconsin, having settled in Oil City, in Monroe county, in the early forties, where he secured employment by the month in the lumber mill of the late Esau Johnson. After one year thus spent, he took up a Government claim of 160 acres of land in section twenty-eight, Ridgeville township, near where the village of Norwalk is now located and where he continued to reside until his death, which occurred Jnlv 17, 1910. in his eightieth vear. The death of his wife, inotljiT ol:' our .subject, occ-urre'd FL-ljniary 4, 1908. at the age of seventy-five years. He was of tliat numerous class of sturdy men who were ins1ruiH<Mital in l)rin«iin.tz' jdxnit tlie wonderful ehanffes that have heen wioimlil in 1 ransl'oi-minii' that part of Monroe eouiily. Wisconsin, troin a state of eonipai-ative wilderness 1o ils present fruitful and fertile condition, as one of the garden spots of tlie state. Tlii-ouuli his industi'y the farm was bronght to a high state of cnltivjilion. and with the fine improvements he made, was one of the iiuxhd farms of the county. lie was an inHuential citizen in the comnuinit\'. a man of intelligence who was in sympathy witli. and ready to lentl a helping hand in every worthy enterprise intended for the betterment of the eomniuiiil\. Dui'ing liis active life he heUl several local otifices. and when the village of Norwalk was incorporated he became its first president. 'JMie business life of Mr. IMcGary furnished a notable exam]>le of what may be accomjilished by energy and resolution. when guided by honorable principles and aided by agreeable personal characteristics: he was in truth a successful business man. and his actions in ail his transactions were marked by scrupulously fair dealing, frankness and kindness and faith in the better side of human nature. Of his two brothers. Thomas was a soldieiin the Civil War. and was killed at the battle of Bull Run. and Henry died in 1898.

Eugene IMcGary was raised on his father's farm, and obtained his education in tlie public schools while assisting in the farm work. He has resided on the homestead all his life, and when his father became incai)acitated and inactive he assumed full management, and at the death of his father inherited the farm. Uo carries on general farming and does considera])lc dairying, in which he is generally successful, and with liis inodern residence, which he erected in 1910. overlooking the village of Xorwalk. commodious barns and outbuildings, his is one of the model, comfortable homes of the county. He takes a commendable interest in all public matters ami has served as president of the village of Norwalk in all ten years; his last term of service extending contiiniously over a period of seven years. Fraternally he is a member of the Knights of Pythias and the ]\lod(M'ii AVoodmcn of America.

As a man. ]\lr. Mc(iary is well thought of in the connuunity; has always shown himself capable and trustworthy in any jilace he has l)een called to till, and no man enjoys more public confidence and esteem.

Miss Lydia Sour, daughter of David Sour, one of the prominent and successful citizens of Cole's valley, Monroe county. They have an interesting family of five children, viz. : Mabel, Anna, Harold, Lester and Clayton McGary.

Lucien A. McWithey, son of Tilly Gilbert and Betsy Maria (Blyton) McAVithey, was born November 9, 1831. Through his father and mother, he inherited the strong and independent characteristics of a Scotch-English race, from which his parents both descended. The McWithey and Blyton families were natives of Kentucky and Vermont respectively; the father, Tilly G., a farmer by occupation, and a son of Isaac McWithey, who came from Scotland, the land of his nativity, to New York, and subsequently moved to Ohio, where he spent the remainder of his life. Tilly G. McWhithey was the fourth of a family of eight children. Ithimer, Stephen, Charles G., Tilly G., James, Jemimah, Sarah and Caroline. Betsey JMaria Blyton McWhithey was the youngest of a family of eight children, viz: Polly, Christopher, William, Elijah, Russell, John, Thomas and Betsey Maria Blyton. Thomas Blyton, maternal grandfather of our subject, was a native of England; he came to the state of New York early in the nineteenth century and was the father of John Blyton, the inventor. The wife of Thomas Blyton was Nellie Sharp, and the maiden name of the wife of Isaac McWithey was Katherine Sharp. Tilly G. McWithey was born March 19, 1800, and died October 27, 1878. He married Betsey Maria Blyton March 8, 1826. She was born September 17, 1812, and died November 1, 1894.

Mr. McWithey, the subject of this sketch, was the second child of a family of eight children born to his parents as follows : James D., born February 29, 1829, is deceased; Lucian A., born November 9, 1831 ; Thomas A., deceased, born January 10, 1834 ; Julia A., born February 11, 1836 ; Henry E., born August 6, 1838 ; Lucy A., born April 7, 1840; Elbert P., and Adelbert P., twins, born April 11, 1847. Mr. McWithey was united in marriage October 16, 1861, to Miss Ophelia Smith, of Sparta, daughter of John M. and Experience Forsythe Smith, natives of New Medford, Ct., and Owego, Tioga county, N. Y. Mrs. McWithey Avas born at Owego, and her mother was born on a farm near that' place. John M. Smith was employed for many years as foreman in a carding mill ; they later moved to Cattaraugus county, locating for a time at Farmersville. In 1855 they came to Wisconsin and were among the pioneers to take up land in Leon township, Monroe county, which they improved and brought to

;i liijrh state of eultivatinn, and liorc remained tin- Ijalauce of their lives. lie was oiic of tlu' succi'ssfiil and intlueutial citizens of Jiis township and passed a\\a.\ -lanuary 12. 1864, aged fifty-eight years. Ilis widow, mother ol' .Mrs. .McAVitliey, wiio was a wo)nan of many domestic virtnes, survived until Dec('nd)er (5, 1883, wlicn she died at the age of sevcuty-scvcn years. They luid a family of seven children, vi/ : William Henry, deceased; Freelove, deceased: Alva L. : .John J.: Charles E. : Ophelia and Frank W., deceased. .\lva L. and -lolui -). Smjih are residents of Farmer's valley, lliis countx'. and ( harles K.. resides at Bloomer, Chij)- pewa eouni\. Wis. The ancestors of the Smith family were of Welrli (nigin : John Smith, father of John jM. Smith and grandfather of Mrs. ]McAVithey. was horn April 5, 1773; His wife, grandmother of ]\lrs. ]\IeWithey. Avhose maiden name was Ophelia Smith, was liorn June 15, 1774. Their children were Anna. l)orn ]\Iay 10, 1775; Edward F.. born March 27, 1797; Athalia, born November 18, 1798; Electa, born June 15, 1800; Asemath, born January 18, 1802; Tliursa il., born December 26, 1803; John M.. father of :\Irs. McWithey, born December 28, 1805; Sylvia, born in Deceml)er, 1807; Esther, born June 22, 1809; H., born April 16, 1812. and Eliza, born July 24. 1815.

p]lisha Forsythe. matei'nal grandfather of Mrs. McWithey born September 10, 1773 ; his wife, whose maiden name was Freelove Parks, was born September 17, 1775. He was the son of Jonathan Forsythe. whose father was a full-blooded Scotchman aiul a native of Edinburgli. The children of Elisha and Freelove Park Forsythe were Katherine, born September 18, 1795; George, born July 2. 1798; Elisha. l)orn February 14. ISOl ; Azar, born October 17. 1803: Experience, mother of ]\Irs. ]\IcWithey, born Septembei- 17, 1806: Gilbert, born October 4. 1808, and Eldridge, born August 5, 1812. :\Ir. and ^Irs. :\rcAVithey had one daughter, a young lady of much ])romise. born August 14, 1867. and who died October 12. 1887.

Lucian A. ^McAVithey was reared on a farm, receiving his education in the district schools. After leaving home, his first employment was that of clerk in a hotid. On (October 7, 1861, he enlisted in company A, third Wisconsin Cavalry, and served as corporal for nearly three years. His regiment Avas detailed for frontier service and engaged in bushwhacking on the border line of ^Missouri, Kansas, Indian Territory and later Arkansas. Returning to Kansas, he was located at Fort Scott, Fort Leavenworth and Troy. During his service his eyesight became impaired from the effects of dust encountered on the frontier, from wliicli his sight has never fully recovered. After his discharge in 1864, he returned home, and for some time was totally blind. After receiving expert treatment at Milwaukee, which partially restored his vision, he returned to Sparta, and for some years was engaged in distributing wheat and Hour with his fine team of horses for the Angelo mill, until this mill was destroyed by fire, and after it was rebuilt, and until the second mill was burned; he then with the aid of his wife and daughter, opened a variety store in the city of Sparta. He first came to Wisconsin with his father and f amil}^ in 1849 and located in Dane county, but soon thereafter returned to his native state. In 1858 he again came to AVisconsin and settled at Sparta, which has since been his home. He states that in 1851 Sparta had but a single log house which stood where the public library now stands. He with his estimable wife, are members of the First Congregational church. He is a member of the John AY. Lynn Post, G. A. R., while she is a member of the AV. C. T. U., Congregational Missionary Society, and the Ladies Auxiliary G. A. R., and the Happy Ten.

On October 16, 1911, Air. and Airs. AIcAVithey celebrated their golden wedding, and entertained 100 guests during the day and evening. They were remarried by Rev. Harding R. Hogan at 2 :30 p. m., under practically the same weather conditions as those of fifty years before. Among the presents was a gold-headed cane to ^Mr. AIcAVithey from the John AA^ Linn Post, G. A. R.

B. W. Mee, who now owns 240 acres of choice valley land in section twenty-five, township seventeen, one west, has been for years one of the most extensive real estate owners in Alonroe county, where he was born November 7, 1864, the son of Benjamin and Alargret Alee, natives of England and Scotland. They came to America in 1845, and first located in Racine county, but during the year 1855 moved to Monroe county and homesteaded eighty acres of land in Tomah, now a part of our subject's present farm, and here passed their lives. The father died in 1882. He was a tailor by trade, and as a pioneer, experienced the ups and downs of those days, and after struggling the while through hard work and perseverance, he acquired suificient means to make their last days comfortable and enjoyed the highest esteem of their neighbors. Airs. Alee was born in St. Andrews, County Fife, Scotland, in Jime, 1826, and died at her home in Tomah on Alarch 15, 1910. Air. Alee was a Republican in politics and served as justice of the peace for many years in Tomah. They were devoted members of the Methodist church.

I). AV. attended the common schools of his neighborhood up to his fifteentli year, lived at home and worked on the farm. Ilis father died when he was seventeen years of age, and on Christmas day, in 1888, he Avas married to ]\Iiss Emma Roeder, daughter of August and Elizabeth Roeder, natives of Germany, Avho came to America in 1858 and settled in Tomah, where the father died in 1893 and the mother still lives at the age of sixty-eight. ]\Ir. and Mrs. Mee have had three children, two of whom are living: Archie, born April 9, 1890, and Luella, born January 17, 1902.

Their farm is equipped with the best grade of horses, cattle and hogs, and in connection with his general farming, Mr. j\Iee makes a specialty of dairying. He was formerly president of the Farmers' Co-operative Creamery Company for four years and was its secretary and treasurer for some time. He is a Republican in politics.

Oluf C. Melg'ard, manufacturer and dealer in marble and granite monuments at Cashton, Monroe county. Wis., was born in Coon valley, Vernon county, March 12, 1860, and is the second child in order of birth of a family of nine children, six of wliom are now (1912) living, born to Carl and Bertha (Knudson) Melgard. The father, Carl Melgard, emigrated from Norway to America in 1850, and located in Coon Prairie, Vernon county, when approaching middle age, and found employment as a farm laborer, which occupation he followed some five years. In 1855 he married and purchased a tract of forty acres in Vernon county. He was a carpenter and cabinet maker by trade and in a small way was engaged in making furniture at his home seven miles from Cashton, where he lived for forty years. At the age of seventy-eight years, he became an invalid, and in 1893 moved to the village of Cashton. He was born on May 18, 1822, and died at Cashton in 1907. He possessed a good education and excellent business judgment; a man of prominence and influence in his community and his advice on business matters being often sought by the early Norwegian settlers. His wife, mother of our subject, was also born in Norway, in 1831, and is still (1912) living at an advanced age. Both she and her husband were members of the Coon Valley Lutheran church, of which lie was trustee.

Oluf C. received his education in the common schools of Vernon county, and at the age of twenty years, came to Sparta and served an apprenticeship for two years at the marble ])usiness. He then moved to La Crosse, where he was employed for two years in the leading marble shop of the city. On December 5.

1885, he eame to the village of Cashton and embarked in the marble business on his own account, starting in a small way with only about one dozen small slab stones. His business has grown to large proportions. Mr. Melgard inherits his father's business acumen, and by close attention and good management, he has established and built up a monument business second to none in western AVisconsin. The best quality of Wausau and red granite obtained from the granite quarries in Minnesota, also Vermont granite, is used in his work, and the trade extends over a large area of Wisconsin and other states, all operations being carried on under the name of 0. C. Melgard. Besides the home business at Cashton, branch houses have been established in other places : the one at Sparta, opened under the management of Carl Melgard, employs three skilled workmen and three traveling salesmen, while the one at Galesville, established four years ago, is doing an extensive business under the management of Hans Twesme. Mr. Melgard is one of the solid men of Cashton, and is popular alike in business and social circles. In politics he adheres to the principles of the Republican party, and fraternally belongs to the IModern Woodmen of America, while religiously he and his estimable wife are members of the Lutheran church. In addition to his marble business, Mr. Melgard owns a choice forty acre tract two miles from Cashton, Avhile his home is one of the most modern and commodious in the village of Cashton. In January, 1884, ]Mr. Melgard was married at La Crosse to Miss Amelia Larson, daughter of Gilbert and Caroline Larson, w^ho also came from Norway and settled at Cashton. Nine children have been born to Mr. and ]\Irs. IMelgard, viz : Eilert. born December 5, 1885 ; Carl, l)orn March 11, 1888; Herbert, born June 3, 1890; Anna, born January 3, 1892; Oscar, born August 4. 1894; Ida, born December 24. 1895; Rosa, born May 30, 1899: Howard, born January 13. 1903. and Nina, born October 2, 1906.

Emil Mickelson, who resides on section tw^enty-six, Leon township, was born in the town of Leon, Monroe county, on May 5, 1874. His parents were Louis and Martha (Gilbertson) Mickelson, both natives of Norway. The father emigrated to America in the fifties and located in Cannon valley, Monroe county, where he homesteaded eighty acres of government land in section twenty-six, Leon township. After a residence of one year there, he married and continued to make that his home. He was energetic and thrifty, and as a result of overwork, he suffered a sunstroke in 1874, from which he never recovered, and passed away in 1884. They were the parents of four children, three of whom are now living. The mother now, in 1912, resides in IMinnosota at the age of fifty-four years. The father was a great liil)le student and a member of the Lutlieran church .

Emil received a rather limited education in the district schools, assisting with the work on the farm. lie was married December 17, 1806, in Leon to Miss Dora l^rooks, daughter of F. L. Brooks, who was born in 1850. lie Avas twice married, first to ]\liss Alice Waters, by whom he liad three children, two of whom, Dora, wife of our subject, and Clifford Brooks, are now living. The iiiothcT- died August 10. 1897, and he was married for the second time to ]Mis Ida Alga. To this union was born six children, five of whom arc now (1912) living, viz: Ilattie, l)orn August 10, 1886; Howard, born Octo])er 81, 1888; Jessie, born February 29, 1892; Myrtle, born August 18. 1895, and Eva, born July 26, 1898. The father now resides in South Dakota. Seth Brooks, grandfather of Mrs. Miekelson, came from New York state in an early day and settled in the Cannon valley, where he died in 1867. To JMr. and Mrs. Miekelson Imve been born three children, two of Avhom, Louisa, ])()rn January 31, 1904, and Leslie, born August 18, 1907, are living. In 1901 ]\Ir. IMickelson purchased his present farm of 166 acres in section tAventy-six, Leon toAvnship, Avhere he has since made his home engaged in general farming and dairying, and is counted among the thrifty and progressive farmers of Cannon valley.

Peter E. Mitby is another one of Cashton's representatiA^e business men, a natiA^e of Norway: he Avas born at Toten, ]\Iarch 20, 1858, and came to the United State, landing in Xcav York September 3, 1880. lie then sel out for the Avest aiul came direct to Cashton, Avhere he Avas employed in various lines of industry for five years. By hard Avork and strict economy, he saved his earnings ajid eml)arked in the saloon l)usiness in 1SS6, and sinudtaneously began the l)nying and selling of grain. In that year he erected the l)uilding in Avhich his saloon Avas located, and in 1888 built his grain elevator and in 1889 erected his modern residence, and still jjilcr constructed the l)uilding now occujiied as a i-estaui-ant, and in 1S97 erected a ncAV grain elevator Avhieh he has since oavikmI .-iikI operated. On December. 5, 1886, Mr. Mitby Avas united in marriage Avith ]\Iiss Petrina Fremstad. Avho Avas born in Venion county. They have an interesting family of four childi'eii. vi/, : Edna. Lillian, ^lyrtle and Chester.

In adilition to his business and proi)erty holdings in Caslitt»n, i\lr. ]\Iitby OAvns a farm of sixty acres just oA'er the line in Vernon cininty. and owns one-lialf interest in the Hotel LcAvis at Sparta, and is a stueklioldcr and director in the Caslitun bank. A Kei)ublican in politics, he is active in the eonncils of his party and all matters pertaining to the betterment of the connnunity receive his hearty support. He is a high minded, public spir-ited man, surrounded by a wide circle of friends who regard liim as one of the prosperous and influential business men of the county. In religious faith he is a member of the Lutheran church.

George J. Moen, son of one of the early and prosperous farmers of Portland township, was born here on June 19, 1874. His father was Bernt Johnson IMoen, a native of Norway, who came to America in 1869 and first located in Sparta ; he was born February 23, 1842, and passed away on March 12, 1909. Mrs. Moen, our subject's mother, was Miss Carrie Gustava Rognstad, born April 12, 1847, and they were married on July 16, 1872, the same j^ear she came to America. For several years Mr. Moen worked at various occupations, and by close application, economy and thrift, he saved enough to purchase a tract of forty acres of practically Avild land, which he cultivated and soon brought to a high state of cultivation, and purchasing additional land from time to time, until at his death he owned 100 acres of fine land near the village of Cashton. Their family was small, our subject and Jorgen A. being the only children. They were members of the Lutheran church, and Mr. Moen Vv'as always an active worker in the Republican ranks, ready at all times to give his aid towards the best interests of his fellowmen, and his death was mourned as a loss to his community.

George J. obtained his earh" education in the public schools of his township and later graduated from the high school at Viroqua with the class of 1896. He then followed the vocation of teaching for some eight years near Viroqua, after which he accepted a position with the Brown Music Company, of that place, remaining there until the death of his father; he then took up the management of the home farm, where he has since lived with his mother. Has been organist and choir leader of the Immanuel Lutheran church since 1890.

His brother, Jorgen, was born December 11, 1877, after receiving his preliminary education in the public schools, took a oneyear course at the St. Olaf College at Northfield, Minn., and from there he went to the Valparaiso University and spent two years in the law department. Spent one year at the law department of Northwestern University of Chicago. He was admitted to the bar in 1904 and is now located in Viroqua, conducting a successful law practice under the firm name of Smith & Moen.

John Mohring"'-', one of the substantial and progressive farmers of La Fayette toAvnsliip, was horn in Germany, May 24, 1862, the son of Fred and Sopliia Mohring, both of whom spent their lives in Germany. The mother died when John was six years of age. He is one of a family of tliree children, as follows: Mary is the wife of H. Leeler, and resides at Hammond Point, N. Y. ; John, the subject of this sketch, and Sophia. John attended the common schools of his native country, and at the age of sixteen began to make his own way in tlu^ \\()i'l(l. His first employment was at farming in the fatherland, his duties consisting of stock feeding and teaming. At the age of twenty-four he came to the United States, and \ipon his arrival in this country, he located at Berry Mills, La Crosse county. Wis., where he remained foi' twenty years. He then moved to Monroe county and purchased his present farm of 220 acres, in section seventeen. La Fayette township. He has improved his ])lace with substantial buildings, and has brought his land to a high state of cultivation. He is engaged in general farming, stock raising and dairying, and in addition to operating his own farm, he rents 237 acres, wdiieh he carries on in addition to his own ; and in his operations he employs modern and up-to-date methods, and his nicely located farm is well stocked with a good grade of horses, Durham cattle, sheep and Poland-China hogs.

In June, 1886, Mr. jMohring was married to Miss ]Mary Plate, daughter of Dedrick Plate, of Germany. To this union have been born the following children : Mary is the wife of AVilliam IMiller, of La Fayette ; Dora is the wife of Will Kenyon, of La Crosse ; William, Henry, Erne, John and Ora, all at home. In religious matters, Mr. and Mrs. Mohring. wnth their family, worship at tlie German Lutheran church at Sparta.

Fred J. Mooney, superintendent of the ]\Ionroe County Insane Asylum and Poor Farm, is a product of Wisconsin, liavin^' ])een born at Tomali June 10, 1867. His parents, Edward and Ami (Fuller) ]Moone\-, were natives of New York state, and early in 1865 they came to Wisconsin and settled at Tomah. He followed the occupation of millwritiht and head saAver in the mill, and in 1871 turned his attention to farming at a settlement called Limerick. He Avas a successful, hiuh minded, public spirited gentleman, and took an active interest in the affairs of the county. He served as chainn.-m of the Tomah township board for five years, and in ])olitics a\;is a Democrat. While a resident of Cole's valley he was ai)pointed sui^erintendent of \hc ])oor, a position he filh-d from 1881 to 1888. He later retired from ;ictive duties, and made his home at Tomah, where he died in 1896 at the age of sixty-four years. His widow and our subject alone survive. Fred Mooney had one brother, Frank, and a sister, Gertrude by name, both of whom were older than he, and are both deceased. Ambros Fuller, the maternal grandfather of our subject, was at one time keeper of the New York State Prison at Auburn. The Mooney family came originally from Ireland, while the Fullers were from New York state.

Mr. Fred Mooney was raised on his father's farm and received his education in the public schools of Tomah. He went to the city of Chicago, where he was engaged in the milk business from 1892 to 1897. At the end of that time he returned to Tomah and engaged in the grocery trade until 1903, when he retired from business, and was soon thereafter appointed overseer of the poor, under Superintendent C. B. Chamberlain, and held that position for a period of fourteen months, when he was appointed superintendent of the Monroe County Insane Asylum and Poor Farm in 1904, and has been reappointed each year since, and is now serving his ninth term, which is sufficient evidence of his fitness for the position. The farm originally contained but 160 acres, but in 1909 an additional 120 acres was purchased, making the county farm now 280 acres, with the finest water system of any institution in the state. Under Mr. Mooney 's careful management this institution has been made self-sustaining, and for the first time during its existence, the year 1911 showed a balance in the treasury from the proceeds of the farm amounting to $2,300. A complete chapter showing the progress of the institution under Mr. Mooney 's incumbency, will be found elsewhere in this work. It is but fitting to say, that Mr. Mooney, while occupying a position of prominence in the county, is possessed of a cheerful disposition, is broad minded and liberal in his views, and these traits have endeared him to those with whom he has come in contact. His splendid record as the head of the greatest institution in the county, aside from all other considerations, will cause him to long be remembered as one of the most useful citizens of Monroe county.

On November 3, 1889, Mr. Mooney was united in marriage with Miss Ella P. Hill, daughter of Oliver M. and Sophia (Sprague) Hill, of Tomah. Mr. Hill was for many years engaged in agricultural pursuits in Tomah township, and was one of the most prominent and representative citizens of the county. He held the office of trustee and chairman of the township board, was treasurer of this town and for several years was president of the

Mouroe CouDty Agricultural Society. lie was boru in Cortland county, New York, April 14, 1837, and died July 12, 1911, at the age of seventy-four years. Mrs. Hill, mother of jMrs. Mooney, whose maiden name was Sophia j\I. Sprague, lived to the age of seventy years and died October 18, 1909. ]Mr. and ]\Irs. Hill were both natives of New Y'ork state, and resided on the same farm in Tomah township for forty-three years. The paternal grandparents of J\lrs. ]\!ooney were Samuel and Rebecca (JNlason) Hill, natives of New York and Vermont, respectively. The ]Mason family were among the early pioneers of New England, while Grandfather Hill was a veteran of the War of 1812. They came early to Illinois and settled near Elgin, and in the sixties came to Wisconsin. He died iMarch 12, 1870, aged seventy-six years. His Avidow survived until 1883, when she passed away at the age of eighty-three years.

Samuel Sprague, maternal grandfather of Mrs. Mooney, was also a native of New England, and died in 1844. His wife, Rachael Sprague. died in 1893 at the age of ninety-one years.

Leonard C. Morse, who passed away January 12, 1909, was a leading and central figure in the business and social activities of the city of Sparta, and one of the representative and progressive men of IMonroe county. He was one of a family of six children and was born in Hanover, N. H., December 8, 1832. He came west first to Ohio, where he taught school in Bloomington for about two years, and later came to AVisconsin, arriving at Sparta in 1854. Of his early business ventures here, the one most conspicuously remembered, is his association with the Letson Brothers in the sash and door factory, now owned by J. AY. Evans. He was a young man then, strong, alert and vigorous, and early in the sixties he turned again to the west and pushed out into far Idaho, engaging in mining, then in stock raising along with a partner. In this business he achieved success, and though he and his associates sustained great losses by prodigious storms, in which most of their cattle perished, they eventually came out with considerable money. He was some thirteen years in this occupation, with headquarters at Salmon City, Idaho. In the spring of 1884 he sold out to his partner and returned to Sparta. Here he purchased the estate then called the Steere farm, just northwest of the city, and built up the Chalange Stock Farm, as he named it, making it the pioneer and leading dairy and stock farm of Monroe county. He chose the Holstein-Friesian breed of dairy cattle and developed a herd second to very few, if any. in Wisconsin. It was his pride and ambition to have the best, and he realized it to a marked degree. INlr. ]\Iorse was twice married, in 1861 to Alvira Crosby, who died two years later, they having no children ; on November 25, 1884, he was again married to Miss Mary Carmichael, daughter of Joseph and Margaret (Brower) Carmichael, natives of Brodalbin, N. Y. He was a farmer by oecnpation, and in 1856 came Avest to Sparta, where both father and mother died. ]\Irs. Morse had one brother, AVilliam H. Carmichael, who died near Chattanooga, Tenn., during the Civil War. He was postmaster for his regiment, and died from an accident received on the cars. The Carmichaels were of Scotch ancestry, while the Browers were of Holland descent. Mrs. Morse has resided on her present farm since the fall of 1884. During her early life she taught school near Cateract, in IMonroe county, and was engaged in this work at the time of the big Indian scare. She also taught at Tomah and Leon. She was employed in tho office of register of deeds in JNlonroe county, under M. A. Thayer, in the old courthouse, and held that position for thirteen years. She was afterward employed at clerical work in the office of Tyler & Dickinson for six years. She is a charater member of the Good Templars lodge at Sparta, and the Eastern Star. She was a devoted wife and a worthy companion and helpmeet of her noble husband, and is universally loved and honored for her noble womanly qualities of mind and heart.

Mr. Morse's kindly and genial temperment made him friends with all, and he had the public spirit and enterprise which gave him leadership in all circles and activities in which he engaged. He w^as a loyal jMason, a charter member of Valley Lodge and a prominent member of all four of the Masonic bodies of this city - Blue Lodge, Chapter. Commandery and Eastern Star. Though not a church member, he was identified with the Congregational church in work and spirit, and ever its loyal and generous supporter. He was an enthusiast in music, and a staunch member and at one time president of the Crescent Glee Club.

The largely attended funeral services were held at his late residence Friday, January 15, 1909, Rev. Pugh conducting the service of the Congregational church, and the INIasonic burial service in charge of Valley Lodge, No. 60. Interment being made in Woodlawn cemetery.

James H. Morton, a progressive farmer of Wellington township, was born in the province of Ontario, Canada, son of James H. and Alice Morton, both natives of Canada. In 1869 our subject came to the United States, and for one winter worked in the lumber woods near Grand Rapids, AVis. He then went to Alerrill, this slate, and was employed eight years in the Avoods, and was considered an export at logging. He came to Monroe county in 1892, and on September 26 of that year was married at Wilton to Miss ilargaret Welch, daughter of Patrick Welch, an influential citizen of tliat town. Five children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. ^Morton, throe of whom are now living, viz. : William P., born April 15, 1896; Bernard E., born November 16, 1902, and Lizzie, born September 2, 1904.

In the year 1900 Mr. Morton purchased 120 acres of land in section eight, town of AVellington, and has since been successfully engaged in general farming and dairying. Since purchasing his farm he has added many improvements ; he built a large and commodious barn in 1907, and has improved his residence and brought the land to a higher state of cultivation. He keeps his place well equipped with modei'n la])or saving machinery and well stocked with a good grade of horses and cattle. In politics Mr. Morton is a progressive Republican and takes an active interest in the affairs of the party.

Arthur G. Moseley, one of the substantial and inllueutial farmers of New Lyme township, Monroe county, Avas born in Sparta on what is now known as the county poor farm or alms house, September 17. 1864. His parents. Alonzo and Eunice (Hunt) Moseley Avere natives of Franklinville. Cattaraugus county, N. Y. They were married March 26, 1850, and came to IMonroe county in 1852, locating in Sparta when it was a log hut village, where they lived for two years until they got a log house built and land cleared and broken, upon which to raise some crops, the father teaming and hauling merchandise in the meantime. The parents sold the farm to Peter Webster in April, 1867, and moved to Sparta. Avhere they lived until the fall of 1873, when they bought a farm in tlie Hill settlement in New Lyme township, where the father died on December 4. 1892. The mother. Mrs. Eunice (Hunt) Moseley is now. August 24, 1912, still living and enjoys excellent health at the age of eighty-one years, having lived in Monroe county over sixty years, longer than any other woman now living in this county.

Arthur (i. Avas educated in the district schools ;ind lias spent his entire life on the homestead farm of 560 acres, Avhich he noAV owns. He is one of the successful. i)ublic spirited men of his tOAvnsliip. every ready to lend a lu>li)ing hand to evei-y worthy cause for tlu' intei-est or beltei-meiit of his town and county. He Avas married on January 5. 1893, to Miss Myrtle Parmenter, daughter of Ethan and Eva (Phelps) Parmenter, of La Crosse

Winand MuUenberg, a successful German farmer of Jefferson township, Monroe county, was born in Stommel, Germany, on November 30, 1857, the son of Benedict and Anna Mary (Schmitz) MuUenberg, who came with him to America in 1861, when Winand was four years of age, and settled on a farm in Jefferson township. The father was born in 1829 and died in 1910 ; the mother was born in 1828 and died in 1890.

Benedict MuUenberg worked for a time as a farm laborer during and after his school days, and then purchased a forty-acre tract of wild land to Avhicli he added from time to time until at the time of his death he owned about 160 acres, which by hard work and perseverance, he subdued and converted into a highly productive and valuable farm. They were members of the St. Mary's Catholic church and well respected in their neighborhood. Winand attended the public and parochial schools until he was sixteen and obtained a good education. He worked on a farm and was steady and economical ; on June 26, 1883, he was married to Miss Mary Kreuser, daughter of Theodore and Margaret Kreuser, both now deceased. Mr. and Mrs. MuUenberg have had six children, viz : Benedict, Theodore, Anna, Katie, John and Lizzie. Mrs. MuUenberg died on February 12, 1898, and two years later, in May, Mr. MuUenberg was married in La Crosse county, W^isconsin, to Miss Susie Andres, and they have had three children, Matt, Margaret and Mary.

After his first marriage, Mr. MuUenberg bought 160 acres of land in Jefferson township, and later added to this until he now owns about 350 acres. He keeps it well stocked with a good grade of horses, cattle, hogs, etc., and uses the latest methods in conducting it. He is a public spirited man and always ready to assist in furthering the development of his town and county. He served eleven terms as assessor for Jefferson township and also as supervisor. He has been president of the Farmers' German Mutual Fire Insurance Company since 1898, with head offices in Norwalk, and is a Democrat in his politics.

Dennis M. Murphy'-', who resides in Lyons valley, Wells township. Monroe county, was born in the tow^n of Wells, April 24, 1880, and is the youngest of a family of nine children - eight of whom arc living, l)orn lo .Inlm and .lulia i Jiurke) Murphy, botli natives of Ireland. Tlic fiitlu'i- caiiic to America in ]854, and in 1855 located in Lyons valley, Monroe county, where he homesteaded 120 acres of land in section twenty-one, Wells townshij). Here 111' established the family home and successfully euiJ^aged in general farming, and at the time of his death, in 18J)(j, owned a farm of 200 acres. He Avas thrifty and enterprising and was well thought of in his comnnmilA-. In polities he was a Democrat, and in religious faith himself and ]\[rs. ]Murphy were members of the Catholic church. His wife, mother of our subject, was a lady of many domestic virtues and enjoyed the confidence and esteem of her friends and neighbors. Her dealli occinrcd in 1SS4.

Dennis ]\I. s})eut his boyhood on the home faiiu and i-eeeived his preliminary education in the district schools, which was supl)lemented with a three years' course at the Tomah high school. After completing his education, he taught two years in Sheldon and AVells towiishii)s, then purchased a Jialf interest in 200 acres of land in sections sixteen and twenty-one, AVells township, and still later purchased a farm of 182 acres, twenty-five acres of which are in Leon townshij) and the ])alance in "Wells. He is a prosperous general farmer and one of the progressive citizens of the town. He takes a keen interest in all public matters and any movement for the betterment of his town and county receives his support. In politics he believes in the jn-inciples of the Democratic party, and since ]911 has been clerk of his town. He being still unmarried, malces his home with a In-other in Lyons valley.

Anton Nelson i-esides in section twenty. Greenfield township, successfully engaged in farming. He was boni September 22. 1849, in Denmark, and is the son of Nels and Dorothy Nelson, both natives of Denmaik. His father Avas a farmer by occupation aiul a mason l)y trade in liis native country, where they spent their lives.

Anton is the second child of a family of two sons and two daught(M-s. He attended the connnon schools of his native land during his boyhood and served the usual period in the Danish army, but the opi>ortunities for advancement there seemed limited for one of his ambitious tciii|)ci-aiiu'nt and he decided to come to America, landing liei-e in the spring of 1881. He came direct to Tomah where he immediately secured employment Avith the Goodyear Company in a sawmill, which lasted f(n' four years, after Avhich he was likewise employed at Waterbury; he then retncned to T<imah and was employed foi- four yi^irs in the car sliops of t!it' Cliicago. ^iihvankcc & St. Paul Railway, and at the end of this time, in 1890, he purchased his present farm of 160 acres of wild land, for which he paid ;t'800. At that time no culti\'ating' had l)een done and very little of the land had Ix'cn cleared, and by constant hard woi'k and pei-sistent eit'orts, ho succeeded in transforming what was a wilderness into one of the most productive farms of that section ; he erected a comfortable residence, a line barn and made other improvements, and besides carrying on general farming, he makes a specialty of raising Holstein cattle. He is alive to the issues of the day and is deeply interested in the affairs of his town and county, and for seventeen years past has been a member of the school board.

In April, 1882, ]\Ir. Nelson was married to ]\Iiss Minnie Hastrup, a native of Germany. They have three children, viz : Anna, who lives in Arizona ; IMinuie is the Avife of Amil Pokrand, of Angelo, and Sarah, who lives at home.

of JNIonroe county, a native of Wisconsin, was born at Omro, on April 28. 1851, the son of John and Diena (Mendel) Nelson, natives of New York and Canada respectively. John Nelson, father of our subject, moved from the Empire state to Watertown, Wis., in 18 - . After remaining here for a time, he, in 1855 moved to Monroe county with his family and settled at Jacksonville, where he engaged in the milling business, operating a grist mill for some three years. He then turned his attention to farming on a piece of rented land, and soon afterward purchased a sixty-acre tract, where the family made their home for fifteen years. Disposing of this farm, he purchased forty acres in Adrian township and there lived until his death, which occurred in 1896. He was a thrifty, hard-working man and upright citizcji, and no one stood higher in his community than he. In political sentiment a Republican, he held numerous local offices. He served as town clerk for two years and was also treasurer of his township, and for many years was a member of the school board, and for three years justice of the peace. His wife, mother of our subject, was a woman of many domestic virtues and whose fine mental endowments made her a favorite among her large circle of friends. She died in 1875.

eighteen years of age and worked on a farm until his marriage, October 18, 1873, at Tomah, to Miss Alma Durhee, daughter of Andrew and Emeline Durhee. one of ^Monroe county's most respected pioneer families, they having come to AVisconsin as early as 1856. Two children, Lefa and Burr, have been born to -Mr. and ]\Irs. Nelson. Soon aftei- his marriage, Mr. Nelson I)nrchased eighty acres of land from his father-in-law, which he has since added to until now he owns 120 acres of choice land, Avell improved with a commodious dwelling and outbuildings. His barn, 30 by 67 feet, with a wing 16 by 60 feet, has a capacity of seventy tons of hay, seven horses and forty head of cattle, and is considered among the best in the county. He carries on general farming, dairying and stock raising and is a public spirited, successful and enterprising citizen, extremely popular with his large circle of friends in the county.

Peter E. Nelson, ex-mayor and successful business man of Cashton, and a highly esteemed citizen of ]\Ionroe county, was born in Norway September 23, 1856. He remained Avith his parents until his sixteenth year, obtaining his preliminary education in the schools of his native home, and being enthused with the glowing accounts of the possibilities for j'oiiug men in America, he turned towards the land of the setting sun and arrived in the United States June 16, 1873, and went direct to La Crosse, Wis. After remaining there for a short time, he moved to Chaseburg, in Vernon county, and for the next three years attended school during the winter months and worked during the summer in the store of J. AV. Hoyt. In 1876 he returned to La Crosse and entered the Wallace Business College, taking a commercial course of one year, upon the completion of which he went to Viroqua and entered the mercantile establishment of J. Henry Tate as clerk, where he received a thorough knowledge of the business. He was thrifty and economical in his habits, and with the money saved from his earnings, he, in 1879, went to Cashton and opened a general store on his own account, which he successfully managed until 1883, wdien a Mv. Campbell purchased an interest and the firm name became Nelson & Campbell. The l)usiness was carried on under this arrangement until 1904, when Mr. Nelson sold his renuiining interest to his partner and retired from the business. During the year 1899 to meet the demands of their constantly increasing trade, ]\Ir. Nelson and ]\Ir. Campbell built a modern two-story brick store building in which their business was carried on.

Politically Mr. Nelson is a Republican and takes an active interest in the affairs of liis party. Tn tlie fall of 1905 he was appointed ])y President Roosevelt postmaster of Cashton, succeeding AFi'. Barth, and at this time ('1912) is still holding that position.

Mr. Nelson was united in marriage Jauiuuy 1, 1881, with Miss Caroline Johnson, Avho was born in Wisconsin of Norwegian parents. Mr. and Mrs. Nelson reside in their modern home, which they built in 1884. They are both devoted members of the United Lutheran church and contribute liberally to its support. Mr. Nelson stands high with the citizens of Monroe county, and his excellent judgment has given him the well deserved position of confidence in the council of business men, while in the community in which he dwells no man commands higher esteem.

George M. Newton, member of the firm of O. I. Newton's Sons' Company, of Sparta, was born here on August 21, 1870, the son of Orin I. and Emma H. (Mather) Newton. His father, who was a native of Vermont state, came to Monroe county in 1859, when he was seventeen years of age, and early became identified with the paper manufacturing interests throughout the state, and he established the Sparta paper mills, which was a flourishing industry for many years. He also became largely interested in the lumber trade, and was considered one of- the most enterprising and prosperous citizens that Sparta ever had. His death, w^hich occurred in 1895, while yet a comparatively young man, his age being but fifty-three, was mourned by the people of his community as a public loss. His wife, the mother of our subject, was a woman of noble Christian character and domestic virtues, being a descendant in a direct line of the renowned Cotton Mather. Her death occurred at her home in Sparta in 1872.

George M. received his education in the schools of Sparta and at the "Wisconsin State University at Madison, graduating with the class in engineering of 1894. He early became associated with his father in the Sparta paper mills, and in 1893 the firm became known as the O. I. Newton's Son's Company. This industry continued until 1901, and during the latter years of its existence was under the personal management of Mr. Newton. The firm name of 0. I. Newton's Sons' Company is still continued in other lines of business, however, and since 1901 Mr. Newton has been manager of the Electric Light & Power Company, with two plants in Sparta and one at Angelo. Mr. NeAvton stands high in social circles of Sparta, and is a member of the IMasonic order, a Knight Templar, the Knights of Pythias and the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, and is a man who enjoys the confidence and esteem of a wide circle of friends, both in a business way and socially. He was married in October, 1895, to Miss May Sage, daughter of I\Ir. E. E. Sage, Sioux Falls, S. D.

Harry M. Newton, vice president of the Citizens' State ]^ank of Sparta, a native of this city, was l)orn ^lay 23, 1868. Ilis parents were Oriii 1. iiiid Phiima 11. (]\[ather) Newton, whose biographies appear elsewhere in this work. Raised in Sparta, he attended the public schools and high school. After this he entered the AVayland Academy, from wliich he graduated four years later with the class of 1890, and immediately thereafter entered the employ of his father in the clerical department of the 0. I. Newton i)aper mill, and after serving in this position for four years, he became a i)artner in the business and the firm name changed to 0. T. Newton's Sons' Company, al which time, in 1894, he was made president of the company and thus continued until the plant was destroyed by fire in 1901. The company had taken over and consolidated the paper industry, the elect rii- lighting plant, the flour and feed mill at Angelo and the Sparta lumber yard. ]Mr. Newton acted as president of the consolidated company until 1901, and upon disposing of his interest to his brother, George ^L Newton, he went to Enid, Okla., in 1902. and purchased the P^nid electric lighting i)lant of that place and immediately reorganized the compnay and changed its mime to the Enid Electric Light & Gas Company, Avhich was operated under his direction for about om> year. lie then returned to Sparta, where he has since resided. He has been a stockholder and director in the Citizens' Bank of Sparta since 1907, and the same year was chosen as vice president, in which capacity he is still acting with credit to himself and to tlie satisfaction of his associates.

On November 28, 1895, Mr. Newton was uinted in iiiari-iage to Miss Eleanor W. Gary, daughter of AV. H. Gary, a substantial and prosperous citizen of Croswell, Alich. They have had six children; those living are Orin I., George M., Janet C. -lohn Theodore, and P^leanor Emma Newton.

Air. Newton is a man of fine social qualities, generous, kind hearted and genial ; is domestic in his tastes, and delights in nothing better than what he finds in his home and family. Tie is a member of the Alasonic fraterniay.

Air. Newton was for the better part of his life a resident of Sparta and for twenty yeai-s or more was a leading and prominent figure in its business history. He was born in Georgia, A^t., in Aucust. 1842. his father dying when he was five years old, leaviim a widow and eitihl children. In 1860 the familv camo to

Sparta, Oriii being then about eighteen years old. His first business experience was in farming in company with his younger -brother, Fred, in the valley southeast of Sparta in the summer of 1861, and he also taught school for a while. Subsequently he entered the store of Mr. John L. Mather, who was in the drug business in Sparta at that time and he managed the store during one season while Mr. IMather was absent prospecting with a party of gold seekers in Utah. After the latter 's return Mr, Newton entered into partnership with him, their business connection continuing until Mr. jNlather sold his interest to 0. L. Irwin, and about six months after Mr. Newton bought out ]\Ir. Irwin and became the sole owner of the establishment.

Mr. Newton became the owner of the Sparta paper mill, so-called, in 1871. and in the course of years built it up into a strong and profitable business and the chief manufacturing interest in the cit3\ The mill was originally established by J. L. Mather, who subsequently^ transferred it to the firm of Farnaham, Slmter & Co., and its early history was one of considerable vicissitude. Mr. Newton bought it, in company with W. E. Briggs, but soon after acquired the latter 's interest, and by hard work got it on a paying basis. ]\Ir. Newton was chiefly identified by the paper mills which have so long borne his name, but this business by no means represents the extent of his business operations, which have been extensive and varied. He managed a large lumbering business, purchased and successfully carried on a flouring mill at Angelo, built and operated a paper pulp mill at Tomahawk; in connection with M. A. Thayer, established the electric lighting company and had interests in other enterprises.

Mr. Newton was a man of marked force, energy and business sagacity and possessed a resolute will and indomitable courage. These alone enabled him to combat so long the constantly aggressive physical ailment from Avhich he suffered, and in the face of which he kept up the management of his affairs till long past the period wdien ordinary men would have succumbed. Ill health began with a congestive attack as long ago as 1875, and with this began a pulmonary trouble, which, after long years of stubborn contest, finally gained the mastery.

Mr. Newton united with the First Baptist church in 1868 and was one of its most prominent members, active in its work and generous in giving to its support. He was a good and valuable citizen in all relations and one of whom the city OAves much of its material prosperity as well as moral welfare.

Joseph Nichols, the son of David and Eunice (Mayfield) Nichols, was horn .July 28. 1840. in New York. His jiarents. who were also natives of New York state, came to Wisconsin in 1834 with their family, and settled in P^armers' valley. [Monroe county. Here the eldest brotlier of our subject ])urchased eighty acres of Avild l.ind. which was improved and i)laced under a high state of cultivation. In that early day the hills and forests were abundant with wild i^anie and the creeks and rivers were well stocked with fish, of which the father toolc advantage - his chief recreation being hunting and fishing. The father died in 1877 and the mother passed away in 1874.

Joseph was the niiith of a family of eleven children, aiul started in early life to nuike his own waj' in the world; he was variously employed at faini work, receiving $7 per month for his labor. When the Civil War broke out in 1861 he enlisted in company A. third Wisconsin Cavalry, and served until the close of the war. He participated in many engagements, among them being the l)attles Big North Fork Creek. ^lo. ; Clarendon. Ark., Bull Ci-eek. White Oak Creek, Jacksonport : Osage ^Mission. Kan.; Clarkesville. Ark. : Lexington. ]Mo.. Little Blue Creek, Independence. Big Blue ^line Creek, Newton ia. Dry wood and Clear Lake, and received his hoiu)rable discharge Septendjcr 29, 1865, at Fort Leavenworth, Kan., and returned to his home, where he again engaged in farming on a i-entetl farm until his marriage in 1867; he went to Clark county, Wisconsin, in the fall of 1870 and lumiesteaded a (|UHitei" section of Government land, wliich he improved and whci'e he made his home luilil 1S77. when he purchased the farm in Wells township, where he now I'csides. The farm is well improved, witli a good resideiu'c. barn and outbuildings. Tlii.^ has been his home for the jiast thii-ty-five yt>ars and is one of the few surviving Civil War vetei'ans residing in the town of Wells. In politics he is a Rej)ublican and upholds the ]irinciples of his party.

He was niairii-d .hnuuii-v 1. lS(i7. at Sjjarta. to ^liss Mtdissa French, dauirhter <>f William French, also a native of New ^'oi-k state, and who in an early day located in Clark county. Wisconsin. Both parents of Mi-s. Nichols are deceased. To Mi-. and ^Irs. Nichols have been born nine children, eight of whom are living. viz.: Edward H.. born February 7. 1870-. (Jertie (i.. liorn ^larch 7, 1872: Louis 11.. horn Mai-(di 10, 1874; Clara A., boi-n November

Robert G. Nicke, dealer in agricultural implements at Toniah, was horn in Germany October 5. 1875, and came to America with his father. Gotlieb Xicke. and his family of five children in 1892. They first located in Chicago, 111., where for two and oneJialf years the father worked as a day laborer. In the fall of 1895 they removed to ]\Ionroe county. AVisconsin, and purchased forty acres of land and here made their home for ten years. For two and oneJialf years Robert and his father operated a sawmill with marked success near Tomah. In 190-4 Robert G. moved into the city of Tomah and engaged in the grocery business, which he conducted for three years. Disposing of his grocery, he purchased the implement business from Dan Crowley, and has since successfully continued in that line. He carries a large stock of all kinds of farm machinery, including gasoline engines, binders, twine, pumps, windmills, spring and farm wagons and carriages from the leading manufacturers of the country. He is one of Toniah 's prosperous, safe and reliable business men and prominent alike in business and social circles. In politics he is independent in thought and action, supporting the man for office whom he thinks best qualified for the position regardless of party affiliations.

Abel Benjamin Naset, manager of the Sparta Sash and Door Company, one of Sj)arta's younger class of successful business men, is a native son of Wisconsin, being born in Dane county, March 20, 1880, to J. J. and Anna B. (Johnson) Naset, natives of Norway and Illinois, respectively. In 1844 Mr. Naset came to Wisconsin and located in Dane county, where he successfully carried on farming foi- a number of years. He is the youngest and only surviving member of a family of six children - two sons and four daughters, and is now a resident of Bloomer, of this state. His wife, mother of Abel, died September 19, 1903, at the age of sixty-four years.

Mr. Naset, the subject of this sketch, is the youngest of a famof eight, five sons and three daughters. He, with his brother, W. 0. Naset, are associated with the Sparta Sash and Door

C'uiii])aii\-. Jiai.sL'd uii a i'anii, la- received his educatiou in the public schools of his home town, in the Albion Academy, and the Northern Indiana Normal School. He early gave up the idea of farming, and after finishing his school days, set out to learn the woodworkers' trade, beginning first as a carpenter. During the years 1901-2, he was in "Winnebago county, Iowa, and the year 1903 he spent at Bloomer, Wis., working a portion of the time at the carpenter's trade. From 1903 to 1907 he was successfully engaged in the woodworker's trade and contracting at Edgerton. The year 1907 and part of 1908 was spent at Eauclaire, AYis., where he conducted an architectural office. On jNIarch 30 in the year 1908 he came to Sparta, and purchasing an interest in the Sparta Sash and Door Manufacturing Company, assumed the management of the concern. This is one of Sparta's largest institutions, and turns out a high grade of interior and exterior finishings, as demand requires from a wide radius of territory.

Mr. Naset was married April 30, 1907, at Cambridge, AVis., to INIiss Ilattie ]May, daughter of William and Kate (^Nlechersmith) Koiislei". IMr. Kensler died in October, 1910.

August H. Noth, one of the influential and successful farmers of Wilton township, is a native son of Monroe county, and was born in the town of Wilton. August 10, 1869, the son of Fred and Louisa (Reke) Noth. The father Avas born in the state of Lippe, Germany, March 6, 1839, and when twenty years of age came to America and first located at New Orleans in the fall of 1859. After his arrival there he found the war clouds so heavy that he moved on to St. Louis, not being in sympathy with the Southern cause, and not feeling inclined to take up arms against the Union. He enlisted at St. Louis, INIo.. on July 21, 1861, in company E, second Missouri Volunteer Infantry, and was made sergeant and color bearer of his regiment, and served until honorably discharged September 29, 1864. In 1866 he came to Monroe county, and with his father, purchased 240 acres of land in sections seven and eight, Wilton township, which at that time was wild land. He endured many hardships and privations as a pioneer, but by hard work and perseverance succeeded in subduing the land and bringing it to a good state of cultivation and jiroductiveness. He was one of the successful farmers of the county, and owned at the time of his death, which occurred in 1890, one of the best farms in the township. He was honorable in all his dealings, public spirited and genial, and any worthy cause always received his support. He stood high in his community, and was considered one of the well-to-do men in the town. Mrs. Noth, mother of our

August H. received his education in the district school, which he attended up to his twentieth year, helping with the general farm work and assisting in clearing the land and making the improvements. Since the death of his father he has had charge of the farm, which he has continued to improve and bring to a higher state of cultivation. The residence, which was erected about thirty years ago, is comfortable and well constructed, and his barns, one of which is 30 x 56 feet, and other outbuildings are commodious and conveniently arranged. His supply of pure water, which is secured from a deep driven well, operated by a large windmill, furnishes plenty of water for his house and stock. In his farming operations, Mr. Noth uses the latest up-to-date methods and his place is well supplied with modern labor saving machinery, and he takes pride in keeping it well stocked with a good grade of horses, cattle, sheep and hogs.

On October 26, 1898, he was married in the town of Ridgeville, to Miss Amelia Kevit, daughter of August and Arnstena Kevit, pioneers, and highly respected settlers of Ridgeville township. Mrs. Noth is the second child in a family of six children, five of Avhom are now living. Five children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Noth, viz. : Neta, born January 27, 1900 ; Raymond "W., born February 22, 1902 ; Corliss August, born July 11, 1905 ; Adalia A., born October 25, 1907, and Mildred L., born March 11, 1911.

Mr. Noth is one of the substantial farmers of his town, and takes an interest in all public matters. He has been chairman of the town board, treasurer of the Farmers' IMutual Fire Insurance Company and a director of the school board for fifteen years. He is a stockholder in the Elgin Creamery Company, of Wilton, and in politics a progressive Republican.

Fred W. Noth, chairman of the board of Ridgeville township, Monroe county, was born March 29, 1874, in the town of Wilton, Wis., the son of Fred and Louisa (Reke) Noth, both natives of Germany. The father came to America in 1860 and settled in St. Louis, Mo., where he lived until he enlisted in the second Missouri Volunteer Infantry. After the close of the war, he came with his father, mother, two sisters and one brother to Ridgeville, AVilton township, and settled on the farm, where he married and where he lived until his death. His first wife died and he remarried. After the death of his father, our subject went with his stepinotlier to Ikt farm in Kid.ireville, which he leased from her and took t-are of her, A. II. Xoth gettin«r the home farm. !Mr. and Mi's. Xoth raised a family of six children, five of whom are now (15)12) livinu:. P^'red W. l)ein<j: the fourth child, lie attended the district schools until his seventeenth year, and at the a^tfe of t went \ -two. on .luiie 2, lSf>7. he was married to !Miss Bertha Kewit. whose parents were early settlers of Ridgeville township. They have two children, viz.: ?]ldon, born July 20, 1899. and Leona. Ix.rn February 27. 1902.

Fred W. Xotii accpiired the homestead of 120 acres in sections ten and eleven. Kidgeville township, by purchase, where he has since resided: the mother also lived here until 1909. when she died. He is a nuiu of more than usual thrift and ambition, and the wave of prosperity which he has enjoyed for the past few years is evidence of his good management and economical methods, lie ii;is increased his aci'eage to 260 in sections ten, eleven rUid twenty-three, enlarged his residence, barns and other outbuildings, until he noAv has one of the most spacious and commodious homes in ^Monroe county, and besides carrying on general farming, he makes a specialty of the dairy business. He is a Republican in ])olitics and active in all movements i)ertaniing to the welfare of his community. In 1912 he was elected chairman of the board of Ridgeville township, and for some time served as supervisor. lie is also a director of the Farmers' State Bank.

George Novotny is one of the prominent Bohemian citizens of Ridgeville township. ^lonroe county. He was l)orn in Racine county. Wisconsin, on ]\larch 11. 1859. the fifth of a family of six children, only three of whom are now (1912) living, born to Francis and Therisa (IToudek) Novotny, both natives of Bohemia. They came to America in 1852 and located in Racine county, where they j)urchased forty acres of wild timber land and immediately set to work to clear and cultivate the land, and after about .seventeen years of pioneer experience, they disposed of this farm aiul moved to ]Moni-oe county in 1869 and purchased a farm of 120 aci-es in section twelve in the township of Ridgeville. which they made their homestead and where they continued to exi)erience the trials and liardshi|)s of pioneer life. Ten years later the father diet!, and his wiiloAV survived until 1898. ^Ir. Xovotny was married twice: his first marriage was with ]\liss Lydia Tonuis. and they had a family of four sons. .Mrs. Xovotny died in 1841. and he married again in December. 1842, the second Mrs. Novotny being the mother of our subject.

death of his tathci- he eoiitiiiucd to live on the homestead with his inothcr diirinu' lier lifctiiiie. and eventually ;i('(iuii"ed the farm ill his own riiilit. Ilis education was liinifed, however, to the district schools of his iieighboi'hood up to his fourteenth year, owing to his farm duties, but being an apt pupil and wide awake to the affairs of the day, his practical knowledge soon placed him in the front ranks in the township as a farmer and citizen. He has always been a good Republican and a faithful worker for the principles of tliat party. He is greatly interested in and favors every enterprise for the development of his town and county.

Mr. George Novotny was married on November 19, 1885, in the city of Racine. AVis., to Miss Mary Haman, daughter of AntoJi and Marianna Haman. who were also natives of Bohemia, and came to America in 1865 and settled in Racine county, where her father was employed in a sash and door factory for some twentyfive years. He died in 1891; the mother is still living at the age of seventy-six years. They were both devoted inembers of the Catholic church. They had a family of three children, Mrs. Novotny being the second child.

]\Ir. and INIrs. Novotny have two children: Esther M., born Octol)er 25. 1886. married August 28, 1912, to Mr. Adolph Noth, moved to ITnity, Clark county, Wis., and Gordon G., born January 16. 1891.

Nehemiah Oakley, who has been a resident of ]\Ionroo county, Wisconsin, foi- forty-three years, is an active and useful citizen and has done his full share in developing the material resources of the county and transforming it from a wilderness to its present high i)lace among the rich and fruitful counties of the state. A native of Montgomery county. New York, he was born August 19, 1884. AYhen he was three years old, his parents, Edward and Polly (Wire) Oakley, who Avere also, natives of New York state, moved to Ontario, Canada, and there spent the balance of their days. Mr. Oakley, our subject, is the second child and mdy surviving member of his family of brothers and sisters; the others were Charity, C^harles, Alary Elizabeth and Phoebie Jane.

Nehemiah attended the common schools of Ontario, Imt the death of his father having occun-ed when he Avas twelve years of age, he was practically thrown upon his own resources, and his chances for advances v/ere limited. At the age of eighteen, he purchased the home farm from his stepfather, and in that year married and began a farmer's life in earnest; he afterwards sold this farm, however, and rented a farm in the same locality, where he remained for six years. Jii 1869 he came to AVisconsin and homesteaded an eighty-acre tract in Monroe county near Tunnel City, to which he subsequently added another eighty acres in section two, (Jreenfield township, where he now resides. lie was not long in eleai'ing the first eiti'hty and fifteen acres of the other, which he subdued and brought to a good state of cultivation, erected a good class of buildings and added all the needed a])i)liances and conveniences of an iii)-to-date, model farm. p]nergetic, enterprising and progressive, he takes pride in his farm, town and county. Mr. Oakley is one of the representative and intelligent citizens of Greenfield township and is a man of general worth in the community; he has been chairman of his town for nine terms and a member of the side board ; clerk of the school district, and for nineteen consecutive years school treasurer.

On May 23, 1852, Mr. Oakley was married to Miss Fannie II. Woodard, daughter of Daniel and Harriet (Sisco) Woodard, who also were natives of the Empire state, but who moved to Ontario, Canada, and later to ]\Iichigan, where both died. Mrs. Oakley is one of a family of eleven children, six of whom survive, viz. : Elvira is the wife of William Sisco, and resides in Michigan ; EdAvin, also of Michigan: Clifford lives in Lincoln township, this county; Sophia married Alfred Quick, of ]\Iichigan : Flavilla is the wife of Andrew Ililliker. late of Tomah, and Sarah is the wife of AVellington Schnell, of Michigan. Those deceased are Wilson, Anna, Marietta, Daniel and one wlio died in infancy.

The children of Mr. and Mrs. Oakley are Elveretta, who married Stowell Brown, of Trout Falls, LaFayette township; Mary E. is the wife of John Purdy, of Greenfield township ; Wellington lives in Oregon; Oscar resides in the state of Washington ; Armina is the wife of Hamlin Griffin, of the town of Grant, this county, and Arcenith, wife of Edwin Purdy of Greenfield. Those deceased are Sarah Jane, who married Frank Purdy: Alice; Emma and three who died in infancy. The celebration of the golden wedding of Mr. and ]\Irs. Oakley was an event long 1o be remembered by their wide circle of friends,

Mrs. Jens Oleson, wife of Jens Oleson, deceased, was boi'ii in Norway December 7, 1860. the daugliter of Ilalvor Bergerson. She came to America with her parents from Norway in 1872. who, after their arrival in this country, came to Monroe county. Wisconsin, and located on a (juarter section of land in section sixteen, Leon township, where they spent their lives. The father was born in 1810, and died in 1!)02. The mother, born in 1810.

passed away in 1896. They were the parents of six children, and the father was a successful farmer and stock raiser, keeping his farm well stocked with a good grade of horses, cattle and hogs. He was a man of noble Christian character, and he and his wife were honored members of the Lutheran church and had great influence in the community.

Mrs. Oleson was married March 12, 1878, in the town of Leon, to Mr, Jens Oleson, who was born in Norway October 26, 1853. When five years of age, in 1858, his parents came to America and w^ere among the early settlers of the Leon valley. The father was a hard working, thrifty farmer and owned at the time of his death 320 acres of land. Mr. Oleson, husband of our subject, w^as successful in his operations as a farmer, and his farm w^as highly improved by cultivation and buildings, and the modern residence erected in 1904, with the commodious outbuildings, make theirs one of the up-to-date country homes of the valley. He w^as kind-hearted and generous and a devoted member of the Lutheran church, having the confidence and esteem of all ^vho knew him. He died May 7, 1904, leaving besides his estimable wife, a family of twelve children, as follows : Johanna, born August 11, 1878; Dora, born February 11, 1880; Oscar, born September 2, 1882; Harold, born December 20, 1884; Ida, born February 18, 1887; Augusta, born April 21, 1889; Nora, born January 6, 1892; Olga, born June 17, 1894; Joseph, born September 2, 1896; Leonard, born October 6, 1898, and Walter and William, twins, born February 23, 1902.

Godfrey Oswald, of Pleasant valley, was born in Switzerland, May 11, 1854. His parents were Jacob and Anna (Frey) Oswald, both natives of Switzerland. They came to America with a family of eight children and located at Bangor, La Crosse county, Wisconsin ; after a residence there of two years they moved to Salem, and afterwards, in 1860, came to Monroe county and began the life of farmers on 160 acres of land, which the father homesteaded in the Pleasant valley, and where they spent the balance of their lives. They toiled hard in the honest endeavor to build them a home and suffered many privations at first, but were successful in the end, passing away at the close of a busy and well spent life, honored and respected by all who knew them. Mr. Oswald Avas born in 1811 and died in 1883. Mrs. Oswald, born in 1816, passed away in 1885. In Switzerland the father secured a liberal education and belonged to the Lutheran church, but after coming to America was never identified with any religious denomination. Although not being able to converse fluently in the English

Godfrey Oswald i-eceived a limited (Mincalion, hut is well posted on all euri-ent topics. lie has made fannintr his life work, and aftei- the d(»ath of his father was made administi-ator of his estate and sul)sequentl>' ])urchascd the old homestead. .Mr. Oswald is a man of thrift and aliility, and has made a jrraiul success of farming;, as well as jjaining and retaining; the good will of his fellow men.

He was married July 4. TSDO. 1o ]\riss Agnes Flog, whose parents came from Germany. Three diildren liax'e been born to this union, vi/.. : Kmma Maggie. Dorotha K.. a graduate of the Sparta High School in the class of 1911, is a teacher, and George, who is living at home Avith his parents.

Nicholas F. Palen, one of the leading iiumi of Spai'ta in his line of business, that of a plumber, is a native of Caledonia. l\liiiii.. where ho was boi'ii l)eceml)er IST^^ His parents. Leopold and Mary (Hupert) Palen were born in Luxemburg, Germany, and emigrated to the United States in the (^arly sixties. Their first stopping place after reaching this country was at Oubnqne. Iowa, whei'e they remained foi* only a short time and nu)ved on to ^linnesota. Avliere "Sir. Palen entered land and engaged in farming, which he followed nntil about four >ears previous to his death, which occurred in the fall of 1909. at the age of sixty-nine years. He was a thrifty, pi-ogressive and successful fai'iiier an considei-ed amonu the l)est class of pioneers of his comnninity. ^Irs. Palen. his widow, si ill survives and makes her liome at (^alech>nia. Leo|)ol(| Palen was one of a famil\- of nine children, all of whom came IVom (lermany. the only sui-viving member of that familx- being Mrs. Frances Hurkhart. wife of Jnlins Purkhai't. of L;i ( 'i-osse. Wis. Prank- llniiert. the matei-nal graiulfather of oiii- subject, emigrated 1o this country at alxuit the same time of the Taiens. atul settled at Duiuujue. Iowa, where he also engaged in farming. Nicholas is the fifth child of a family of fourteen childi-en. (deven of whom ai'e now (1912') living. They are Frank -!.. of l)ubu<pie. Iowa: .\uua. the wife of Mat Molitor. of Adrian. Minn.: .Mai-y. the wife of H. A. Ilengel. of Winona. Minn.: Frances, widow of P. M. Fous. of Caladonia. Mirni.: Nicholas v.. the subiect of this sketch: Jennie, wife of -!. P.

Gaspai'tl, (if Caladonia : lleiir\-, who resides on the lionie farm; Josephine, wife of I\li-. Ascott. of 8t. Paul, iMinn.; Eiiiil. who resides at La Crosse, Wis.: Luey, wife of Nicholas Koel, of Caladonia : Joseph, of the same place, and three who died in infancy.

Nicholas Palen was raised on his father's farm, attcndins.;- tlie district schools in winter and working on the farm in summer, until 1892, when he began work at the plumbers' trade at Winona, ]\Iinii., with the firm of II. A. Hengel & Co. Having thoronghly mastered the trade, in 1898 he came to Sparta and formed a co-partnershij) with J. II. Hengel, the style of the firm being Hengel & Palen. This business arrangement was successfully carried on for five years, when Mr. Palen purchased his partner's interest and has since continued under his own name the plumbing and heating business, in which he has been eminently successful. He has been at his present location for nine years; is the leader in his line, and has j^laced the i)lumbing and heating apparatus in all the best residences in the city, as well as in several public buildings, and also the buildings at the state farm.

Mr. Palen was married September 2, 1901. to INIiss Gertrude Walser, of Winona, Minn., and they have one child, Vernon Walser Palen. He is a member of the Knights of Columbus, the ]\Iodern Woodmen of America and the Maccabees, and takes an active interest in all matters that pertain to the betterment of the locality in which he resides.

Irvin Nelson Palmer, who has been identified with the business life of Tomah shu-v 1876, is a native of Fond du Lac county, Wisconsin, born December 22, 1848, son of Nelson H. and Almira (Taylor) Palmer. The father was born in Connecticut and raised a family of eleven children, two of whom are now living. He came to Wisconsin in 1840 and settled on a farm in Fond du Lac county, but afterwards moved to Adams county, later going to ]\Iichigan, where he died in 1868. his wife, mother of Nelson, having passed away in 1849.

Our subject spent his early manhood on a farm, receiving his education in the schools of Michigan. He taught school during the winter months and followed farming until he was twentyeight years of age, when in 1876 he came to Tomah, and purchasing the store of J. H. Stewart, he entered upon the career of a merchant, which he has followed with marked success up to the present time. His stock now consists of books, stationery, toys, and everything found in a first class up-to-date variety, store. In connection he has a large news stand, and has exclusive sale of all the Chicago. INIilwaukee and La Crosse daily papers.

Mr. Palmer is a man avIki stands high in the business and social life of Tomah ; he is an active member in the IMasonic order and has filled .ill the chairs of the Blue Lodge and Chapter. He is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and the Rebeccas. lie is a member of the Woodmen of the World, and the IModern Woodmen of America ; has been clerk of the latter for twenty-four years and of the former for twenty years. In politics he takes a lively interest in all matters pertaining to the Republican party.

Mr. Palmer has been twice married; his first marriage was in 187-4 with ]\Iiss Sallie Talbot, and to this union was born one daughter, Lulu M., who is now the wife of Paul Austin. After the death of ]Mrs. Palmer, in 1887, Mr. Palmer was again married, tills time to Miss Elizabeth i\lieumber, of Augusta, Wis. She is also now deceased.

William Potter Palmer, a retired business man of Sparta, ha.s been identified with the business life of Sparta for half a century. He was born in Johnstown, N. Y., on August 13, 1842. and Avhen fourteen years of age, in 1856, he came to Si)arta with his parents, who were Hagerman and Mary (Potter) Palmer, natives of New York and P^ngland respectively. Hagerman Palmer, father of AVilliam, was born in the town of Watervliet, Albany county. New York. November 14, 1815. and his father, David Palmer, was a native of Dutche.ss county. On November 28, 1839, Hagerman Palmer married ]\Iiss ]\lary Potter, who died August 27. 1894, mother of William. The earliest American ancestors of Mr. Palmer came from England to America in the Sixteenth century. Three brothers emigrated from that country and settled in the colony of Connecticut. Numerous descendants of these brothers are now scattered throughout the Union, many of whom have become men of iiote. among them tlic late and avcU known Potter Palmer, of Chicago, who was the third cousin of our subject. The maiden name of Hagerman Palmer's mother was Catherine Hagerman, a native of Saratoga county. New Y'ork. The parents of Hagerman Palmer continued to reside in Albany county. New York, until their death. He was tiie last surviving member of a family of thirteen children, six sons and seven daughters. In early life Mr. Palmer was engaged in farming, and after his marriage secured employment as an agent for James Roy & Company, of AVest Troy, N. Y., manufacturers of broadcloth and shawls, and later he engaged in merchandising. In 1855 he came to Sparta and with a comi)any of capitalists entered on land warrants about 6,000 acres of Imul. the greater part of which was in Monroe county. In this enterprise Mr. Palmer liad one-fourth interest. In April of the following year (1856) Mrs. Palmer, with the rest of the family, joined her husband in their new home. For fourteen years Mr. Palmer was engaged in the drug business in Sparta, and also made a business of buying and selling hops for some years, with headquarters for this in St. Louis; his principal line in Sparta, however, has been real estate.

On Thanksgiving Day, 1889, Mr. and Mrs. Palmer celebrated their golden wedding at their beautiful home, entertaining on the occasion about 360 guests.

As a progressive and enterprising business man, Mr. Palmer was a success; he was a man of marked individuality, independent in thought and action; a man among men, whose presence was missed by his wide circle of friends and associates. His death occurred on September 12, 1905.

William Potter Palmer, the subject of this sketch, is the second child of a family of eleven children ; the others are : Carrie P. Lee, of Oregon; David H., of Oregon; George H., of Sparta; Emma W. Dodge, of Sparta; Henry W., of La Crosse; Mary, wife of E. H. Canfield, resides in Sparta ; John V., who died July 11, 1911, and Charles E., Ellen J. and Minnie E., deceased.

AA^illiam received his education in the public schools of his native place, and at the age of sixteen years he entered as clerk the drug store of his father, which business finally became his chief occupation in life. At that time the firm name was Condit & Palmer, later Palmer & Rogers, and afterward changed to Palmer & Gage, with whom he was employed until 1875, when he embarked in the drug business on his own account, which he successfully conducted until ]896; at this time Mr. Fred Gross purchased a half interest, who afterwards, associated with Mr. Shaller, purchased the other half interest. Mr. Palmer later purchased a bankrupt stock of drugs and, as a member of the Taylor Drug Company, continued in this line of business until February 19, 1907, when he retired from all active business.

During his long and busy career, Mr. Palmer has- filled many positions of trust and honor. From 1891 to 1898 he Avas vicepresident of the Bank of Sparta ; he early served as village treasurer and assessor and was for two years county clerk. He is recognized as one of the foremost citizens of Sparta, highly esteemed by a host of friends whom he has gathered around him by his thorough business habits and social qualities. He is free from all ostentatious pride, is genial and affable in his manner, always ready to bestow a favor, to speak a kind word or do a kiml art. and, liciiii; enterprising tu an eminent degree, he takes a lively interest in ail measures tending to the welfare and prosperity of his city and cnnnty.

On May 10, 186H. Mr. i'almcr was nnited in marriage at Sparta with ]\Iiss Esther I\I.. daughter of Guy and family (Richmond) Shaw, natives of Genesee count\-. Xew Yoi-]<. who came to Sparta when jNIrs. ]*almer was but twelve years of age. The parents of Mrs. Palmer enjoyed over sixty years of happy married life. :\lrs. Shaw was born February iL'. 1812. and died April 28. 1896. Mr. Shaw Avas born May ;;!, 1812, and died ]\Iarch 9, 1896. Of four children, Mrs. Palmer is the youngest ; the others are : Catherine R., wife of W. E. Graves, of Sparta; Horace, died ]\lay 12, 1876. and Daniel, who died January 27, 1876. The children of i\Ir. and Mrs. Palmer are Lelia Roselle, born January' 28, 1870, married W. AV. Taylor, of Stevens Point. AVis.. and has two children. Palmer AV. Taylor, born September 17, 1900. and Gage ]\Ic- Pherson Taylor, boi-n January 10. 190-1. The other child, Guy H. Palmer, was born Alay 1. 1883. is superintendent and an electrical engineer of ]\Iammoth Springs, Ark. He was married, January 25. 1912. to Florence Burnell, of IMedford. Ore.

William F. Parsons, a progressive and prosperous farmer, residing in the Big Creek A^'alley, on section seven, Sparta township, is a native son of IMonroe county and was born at Tomah. the son of William Barlow and Lucy (Lockwood) Parsons.

AVilliam Barlow Parsons was born at Randolph. A"t.. Alay 3, 1824, the seventh descendant from Deacon C. Bengem Parsons of the ]\Iaytiower. one of the three brothers who came over at that time (1620). He attended school in IMassachusetts. taught in the East, came to Baraboo. AVis.. about 1854, where he met his wife and was married in 1855. INIr. Parson having already pre-empted land in LaGrange township, near Tomah, being the first to preempt land in that i)art of the county, and moved to tlic farm in the spring of 1855. Mrs. Parson's parents, Mr. and Airs. Charles David LoclvAvood. came from Kingston. Canada, in 1854, settled in Baraboo, where Air. Lockwood bought a townsite. but the town not materializing, they located in Tunnel City, where they ran the Lockwood House foi- several years, afterwards .settling on a little farm in Ilopeville. which was a portion of the Parsons land. Air. Parsons Avas school township superintendent until the county of IMonroe was organized and county officers elected. He was for many years town clerk and justice of the peace, and united in marriage several of the now old jx'ople of the connnunity. He was always interested in all improvements for the good of the county, a faithful home friend to man}'. During the war he did his duty for the country at home, aiding those in need by h)aning money. The Parson's home was always a hospitable center, where many people on their westward journey in the early days were given assistance and good cheer; he also aided in the upbuilding of the county by locating man}- in that section. He taught school for several terms, many of those who came under his instruction remembering him as one who inspired them to greater effort and ambition for a place of usefulness in life. He was one of the few in the neighborhood who took active part in Sunday school and church work, and was a leader in literary societies, spellingschools, etc.

Mr. and Mrs. Parsons lived in a log house, the first one built in the locality, until 1866, where six of their children were born. Lucinda Parsons, the eldest, being the first white child born in that locality. They moved to Clear Lake, S. D., in 1883-1884, and were pioneers of that section. They settled on a homestead near town, where they lived until a short time before their demise. They were alwaj's, honored and respected, and lived without reproach, his motto being "to owe no man aught but love and charity." Of Mrs. Parsons could truly be said: "Her children grew up calling her blessed." Mr. Parsons survived his wife one j^ear.

William F. Spent his early life on the homestead farm of 160 acres which his father took up in LaOrange township when he came to Monroe county in 1854. He attended the public school and at the age of twenty-one went to the pineries of northern Michigan and was foreman of a lumber camp for some time, when he went to western Minnesota and purchased 160 acres of land, thence to Dakota, where he homesteaded 160 acres. After proving up on this, he returned to the Michigan pineries and five years later disposed of his Minnesota land and returned to Monroe county and to his present location in Sparta township, where, in 1902, he bought his farm of 175 acres from John Hutson, which he has since improved by the addition of a barn 40x90 feet, silo 14x35 feet, milk house 14x14 feet, and a sorghum mill. His dairy grades are the Jerseys, Holsteins and Duroc Jersey Red, and, besides his stock raising and dairying, he is engaged in diversified farming and has one of the finest farms in Big Creek Valley.

In 1901 he was united in marriage with Miss Jennie Hutson, daughter of John Hutson, one of the early settlers of Sparta township. To this union has been born three children, viz. : William Lloyd, Wallace Earl and Cecil Paul. Mr. Parsons is a member of the Sparta Fruit Growers' Association. Sparta Fair Association,

Erick Peterson, one of Ihc very first settlers of Portland township, a Mian of i)rogressive ideas and a snbstantial citizen, was born in Xdi-way. February IS, 1829, the son of Peter and ]\Iartha Erickson. botli natives of Norway. Onr subject remained in his native country until 1851, when, with his wife and one child, he came to America, and for a time was located at Rochester, Racine county, Wisconsin, where he was employed in a fanning mill factory. His fathci'. wlu» alwM\s lived in Norway, was a milhvright, and worked a1 this trade as well as that of carpenter. lie was a man of excellent judgment and the father of eight children, our subject l)eing the second cliild; seven of this family are still (1912) living. The parents were mendiers of the Lutheran church and prominent in their community.