Portage County, Wisconsin - The whole text, 1919 (part 10 of 15)

H. Jay Brawley. A former companion of the wilderness of Portage County, with the exception of the time when he wore the uniform of his country as a soldier during the Civil war H. Jay Brawley has passed his life within its boundaries and here has worked his way to a well-earned success in agriculture and to a high position in public esteem. He came here about the time of the beginning of paleface occupation, and much of his early life was passed in the midst of the Indians whose original home this was and who gradually moved westward before the constantly coming tides of civilization. More than three-quarters of a century, included in Mr. Brawley's age, have witnessed wonderful changes, and during this time Mr. Brawley's own history has been the same as that of the county. He is now living in comfortable retirement at his home at Stevens Point.

Mr. Brawley was born in the wilderness of Linwood Township, on Mill Creek, Portage County, Wisconsin, August 28, 1841, a son of Abe and Sarah (Bennett) Brawley. His grandfather was Hugh Brawley, who only came to Wisconsin as a visitor and died on a farm near Meadville in Crawford County, Pennsylvania. Abe Brawley was born in Pennsylvania in 181 2, and as a young man went to what is now West V irginia, where he was married to Sarah Bennett, who was born in Virginia in 181 1. Not long after their union, in 1835, they migrated to Portage County, Wisconsin, where Abe Brawley built one of the early business structures, a sawmill located on Mill Creek. This he operated with a measurable degree of success until 1844, when he located at Stevens Point and built a sawmill, of which he was proprietor in partnership with Moses M. Strong, who was a noted attorney of the pioneer days. Subsequently Mr. Brawley became registrar of the land office here, with General A. G. Ellis as receiver, and became widely known and very influential, as well as an extensive land holder. Brawley Street was named in his honor. He was also one of the forceful democrats of his day, wielding no small amount of power in his locality, and was justice of the peace for a number of years, a capacity in which he married the first couple to be united at Stevens Point. He was a Free Mason and an active Episcopalian, and furnished much of the lumber with which to build the first Episcopal Church. He and his wife were the parents of nine children of their own, and had also an adopted child who came into their home after the first four of their children were born. She was Melissa, a daughter of a Mrs. Morris, the first white woman to be buried at Plover, and is now deceased. The other children were as follows : Benton and Elizabeth, who are deceased: H. Jay, of this review; Lucy Ann; Abe and Janey, who are deceased; Virginia, who is now Mrs. Bailey, of South Bend, Indiana; and William and John, who both died young.

H. Jay B raw ley was but four years of age when brought to Stevens Point, and here he was reared amongst the Indians, with little redskins as his playmates, from whom he learned to speak the savage tongue fluently. After attending the early public schools he became a student at Lawrence College, Appleton, Wisconsin, under Professor Reed, but did not get along well there and accordingly ran away. Later he went to school at Delavan, Wisconsin, for about two years, then returning home. When the Civil war came on he was eager to go to the front with the other lads of his neighborhood, but there was strong paternal objection, and it was not until August 6, 1862, that he succeeded in entering the army. On that date he became a member of Company H. Third Regiment, Wisconsin Volunteer Cavalry, with which he served until the close of the war, being with his regiment throughout the struggle and securing his honorable discharge June 19. 1865. He had a splendid record while in the army for bravery and faithful performance of duty, and when he returned to his home he entered immediately upon the duties of the civilian, for some years being engaged in the woods, running the river and driving logs. Eventually he turned his attention to agriculture, and in that vocation found his success, retiring some years ago with a satisfying competence. During the past thirty years he has resided at No. 508 Wisconsin Street, where he has his own comfortable home. Mr. Brawley is a democrat, but not a politician, contenting himself with being a good citizen. He still holds his old companions of army days in fond remembrance, and is a popular member of the local post of the Grand Army of the Republic.

Mr. Brawley was married December 4, 1887, to Miss Clara Belle Butterfield, who was born at Racine, Wisconsin, March 29, 1852, a daughter of Jonas and Mary Ann (McGraw) Butterfield, who came at an early day to Racine, where Mrs. Butterfield, a famous herb doctor of the pioneer times and called upon by many families in time of sickness, passed away. Mr. Butterfield later went to Chemung, Illinois, where his death occurred. He was a son of one of the earliest settlers of Chicago. Mr. and Mrs. Brawley have no children.

William O'Keefe is a brother of Michael O'Keefe, elsewhere referred to, and the brothers live on farms on opposite sides of the road in Stockton Township, both their places being portions of the old homestead owned by their father, the late Patrick O'Keefe.

It was here that William O'Keefe was born April 15, 1863. As a boy he attended the public schools, and is now busily engaged in handling his well kept farm of 120 acres. Mr. O'Keefe is a democrat, is now serving as a member of the school board, and is affiliated with the Catholic Church.

in Portage County December 2, 1863. To their marriage were born six children. Walter Joseph, born August 10, 1891, died February 28, 1894 ; Raphael John, born in 1893, was educated in the public scnools of the country and at Stevens Point for two years, and is now a brakeman with the Soo line, living at Stevens Point; Mary Catherine Monica, born August 9, 1896, is in the Notre Dame convent at Milwaukee; William Alois Myron was born December II, 1899, and is still at home; Florence Anastasia, born November 8, 1901, died July 25, 1910; Edward Adrian Roy, born April 6, 1904, is a student in the public schools.

Mrs. O'Keefe is a daughter of John and Catherine (Doyle) O'Kcefe. Her parents were both natives of Canada, her father born in 1833 and her mother in 1837. They married in Canada in 1857 and in the same year came to Portage County, where her father worked in a sawmill in Hull Township, and later located on a farm in Stockton Township. He improved his land and lived there until his death on May 22, 1891, while his wife passed away October 22, 1904. He was a democrat and a Catholic. Mrs. O'Keefe was one of ten children: Margaret; Catherine, who died in 1916, aged fifty-eight; Mary; John, who died on the old homestead in 1906, at the age of forty -one ; Annie ; Anastasia; Jane, who died in infancy; Frances; Theresa; and Edward.

Samuel N. Brown. By reason of six years of residence Samuel X. Brown, now living retired in the V illage of Almond, is one of the best authorities on the older life and affairs of Portage County. Many of those events which are told as history were vividly impressed upon his memory at the time of their action, and he has not only been a witness but a participant in those changing scenes of the past.

Mr. Brown was born March 2, 1836, son of Fuller and Elizabeth (Smith) Brown. His parents had the following children: Mary Chapin, Fuller, Levi, Smith and Samuel.

Samuel N. Brown came to Wisconsin in the spring of 1857, spending a time in Portage County, but for three years was at Wausau, working in the lumber woods and in the lumber mills and also on a farm. He was head sawyer at the Red River Mill for a time. He then came to the vicinity of the Village of Almond in Portage County, buying a farm in section 20. He was a progressive and successful farmer for many years, but finally sold his property and now lives in a comfortable home in the village.

When the Civil war came on Mr. Brown was one of the volunteers, and as a member of the Thirty-Second Wisconsin Infantry saw much active service, in battle and marches and camp life. He was under Grant during the Vicksburg campaign, and took part in the Meridian campaign in Mississippi. His services were finally terminated as the result of a sunstroke.

Mr. Brown has many times been honored by his fellow citizens with offices of public trust and responsibility. He has served as town chairman, as assessor and treasurer, and finally refused to accept office any longer. For a long time he performed service as janitor for the Methodist Church and the high school. lie was school district clerk for" nine years.

October 4, 185Q, in the Town of Almond. Mr. Brown married Eliza Doolittle. Her father was the pioneer Methodist minister in this section of Wisconsin and established the church at Almond.

This pioneer church stood where the cemetery now is and was made by taking an old building that had been used on a farm, putting seats in it and using it first tor a school and also for religious services. Mr. Brown recalls that the first funeral service was held here in 1854, and the body was laid to rest on a knoll where the house of Mr. Brown now stands. The body was afterward interred in the regular cemetery. Mr. Brown is the only charter member still living of Eldad Post of the Grand Army of the Republic.

After the death of his first wife he was married January 3, 1870, to Hattie E. Bowen. She is also deceased. Mr. Brown's children arc: Sheldon A., born September 4, 1861 ; Mary L., born March 22, 1866; Ada L., born August 14, 1868, and now deceased; Oscar F., born September 17, 1870; Hettie H., born November 20, 1874; and Chester A., born January 26, 1886. The son Sheldon now lives at St. Paul. Mary is married and lives in Deronda. Oscar, Hettie and Chester are all married and live at Almond. Chester makes his home with his father and has been in the barber business for seventeen years. Oscar is a carpenter. Hettie is the wife of Mr. Banks and lives on a farm near Almond. Chester married Vern Kechum and has one child, Earl.

Paul Mioskowski is one of the younger business men of Stevens Point, and is identified with his father in one of the most important industries of the county seat. This is the Stevens Point Tannery. F. Mioskowski & Son, proprietors. The business has been developed by men who are thoroughly practical tanners, and the output is no small contribution to the aggregate volume of Portage County commerce. The firm makes a specialty of custom work. They have facilities for the manufacture of hand sewed gloves and mittens, hand made fur coats, and they do a large business in green hides of horses and cows and manufacture them into robes and coats. The headquarters of this business 's 211 Public Square.

The head of the company is Mr. Frank Mioskowski, who was born in Poland February 29. i860. He came to America and located at Berlin, Wisconsin, at the age of eighteen, married there, and for a number of years worked in a local tannery. In 1895 he came to Stevens Point, and entered the tanning business in assoc : ation with Mr. Felix Lukasavietz. This partnership ran along for about seven years, at the end of which time Mr. Frank Mioskowski acquired the business and took in his son John as partner. This son d : ed October 12, 1013. and Paul Mioskowski, another son, succeeded him in the business and is now its active manager.

Mr. Frank Mioskowski bought a fine farm of 220 acres in Carson Township, and he now lives '"n the country and spends much of his time looking after his crops and fields. He is a member of St. Peter's Church. Frank Mioskowski married Mary Bernart, who was born in Berlin. Wisconsin, in 1870. Her father, Tohn Bernart, was a native of Poland, and an carlv settler at Berlin. Wisconsin. He is still living there aged about eighty-five. His first wife was the mother of Mary Mioskowski. and he has twice been married since then.

Frank Mioskowski and wife had a family of fourteen children. August and Laura died in infancy. The liv'ng are: Louis, of Marshfield, Wisconsin ; Thomas, a furrier of Merrill, Wisconsin ; John ; Paul ;

Paul Mioskowski was born at Berlin, Wisconsin, June 29, 1894, but from early infancy has lived in Stevens Point. He attended St. Peter parochial schools for three and a half years and after that was educated in the Fifth Ward grammar school and in the high school. He was only nineteen years old when in 191 3 he was made a partner in the Stevens Point tannery, and he had previously acquired much of the technical and business knowledge.

John Francis Sims. The educator of today must be more than a pedagogue; he must feel himself a part of the practical work-a-day world. He must be a statesman in his attitude toward government. He must be a benefactor in his sympathy with humanity's struggle for social and economic betterment. Ultimately he must be a high priest for his pupils in their intellectual and spiritual striving for fuller oevelopment. Portage County can boast such an educator in the person of President John Francis Sims of the Stevens Point State Normal School, a man fitted both by native ability and by education to be a trainer of teachers.

John Francis Sims, the son of Joseph and Mary Mangin Sims, was born in Buffalo, New York, April 21, 1862. His father was a sailor both on the high seas and the Great Lakes. It is evident to all that President Sims has brought the seaman's untiring energy and endurance to his work as an educator. At this point it would be omitting a vital factor in Mr. Sims' life to pass over the influence of his mother upon him. Her patience, her charity, her resourcefulness furnished ideals which have through the years found exemplification in the son.

President Sims laid the groundwork of his higher education in the public schools of Buffalo, New York, and Manitowoc. Wisconsin, graduating from the high school of the latter city in 1881. During the last two years of his high school course he taught in neighboring country schools, and continued in that work until 1883. He then accepted the principalship of the Colby, Wisconsin, High School, which he filled until 1891. In that year he was chosen superintendent of schools of Onalaska, and held the position for five years. From 1896 to 1906 he held the chair of Geography, History and School Management at the River Falls Normal School, and during the last four years of his incumbency was the Institute Conductor of the school. The success of his work in that capacity led to his call to the presidency of the State Normal School at Stevens Point in August, 1906. During the years of his sen-ice as its chief executive that institution has gathered headway as never before. As an indication of the scope and nature of his outside connections it may be stated that he has served as president of the Northwestern Wisconsin Teachers' Associations, and of the Wisconsin Teachers' Association. He is an active member of the National Council of Education and Wisconsin director of the National Educational Association. President Sims is now serving on a committee of the National Council which has been appointed to investigate and report on the status of the rural schools of the United States and other countries, with a view of improving conditions there found. The National Council of Education is an organization with a mem- bership limited to 120, and it is therefore an honor to be identified with it. Aside from his duties in connection with the Normal School and the educational organizations with which he is associated, President Sims has written as a chapter in a forthcoming volume to be published by the Wisconsin Teachers' Association " The History of the Wisconsin State Normal Schools," has largely and regularly contributed to the Wisconsin Journal of Education and similar publications, and has lectured widely on topics connected with school work as well as those of world interest.

Jo iix C. Bowers, whose home has been in Stevens Point for seven years, is a highly respected citizen of the community and widely known among railway men in Wisconsin. Railroading has been his active work for twenty years, and for more than twelve years he has been a conductor for the Soo lines.

Mr. Bowers was born in Ohio June 12, 1875, son of George and Eva (Poundstone) Bowers. His parents, both natives of Ohio, were born on the same day and same year, March 16. 1845, a °d are st 'H living on a farm east of Columbus. George Bowers for many years followed his trade as a cabinet maker. He has been quite active and influential in democratic politics in this part of Ohio and has filled several county offices. He is a Methodist, while his wife is a Lutheran. Their seven children were: Mary. Fred, John C, Ella, Harry Gilbert, Walter and Lizzie. All are living except Lizzie.

John C. Bowers spent his boyhood days on an Ohio farm. His education came from the public schools and not long after leaving home he came to Wisconsin in 1898 and located at Mellcn in Ashland County. In 1902 he began railroading as a brakeman with the Wisconsin Central and attained promotion to the post and responsibilities of conductor in 1906. In 191 1 he moved his home to Stevens Point, and he now resides at 707 Church Street. He is a member in good standing of the Order of Railway Conductors, affiliates with the Knights of the Maccabees, and votes an independent ballot. He is a Presbyterian. Mr. Bowers' father was a Union soldier, and participated in the capture of Morgan during his raid in Southern Ohio.

In 1896 Mr. Bowers married Marv Rankin, of Ohio. She died September 28. 1915. leaving three children. Eva. Irene and Louise. Eva is a graduate of the Stevens Point High School with the class of 1916 and is member of the class of 1918 in the State Normal School. Irene is a senior in the High School. November 21. 191 7, Mr. Bowers married Mrs. Hulda Kyle, of Colhy. Wisconsin. They have one child, Mildred Marie, born August 22, 1918. Mrs. Bowers was born at Colby August 1. 1888. daughter of Peter and Catherine (Brown) Hoppen. Her father, who is well known among Wisconsin railway people, was born at Cleveland, near Sheboygan, Wisconsin, September 3. 1855. I lis wife was born in the same locality March 3, 1858. For about forty years their home has been in Colby. Mr. Hoppen is a professional cook and for years served the Wisconsin Central Railway in that capacity. He is now living retired. He is independent in politics, is a great reader, and finds his chief pleasure in his library. He is a member of the Masonic Order and the Methodist Episcopal

Frank J. Meronk. Such capable citizens as Frank J. Meronk are the men who are now blaring the brunt of the agricultural activities of Portage County. He is a general farmer and stockman in Buena Vista Township and has one of the highly improved places in that community.

It is a matter of general comment wherever the Polish people have gone in Portage County they have made good as citizens, as business men and farmers, and the county has greatly benefited from this class of people. Mr. Meronk is of Polish parentage but is a native of Portage County. He was born at Sharon in this county May i, 1864. son of John and Barbara Meronk. His parents were both natives of German Poland, the father born in 1843 a °d ^ c mother in 1845. They settled in Portage County in 1863, their first home being in Sharon Township, where they developed a large farm of 280 acres. The father is a democrat and both are members of the Polish Catholic Church. They are still living, now retired, and they have transmitted their hardy virtues and vigor to their children, all of whom are still living, ten in number, named Frank, John, Rosana, August, Albert, Frances, Nick. Antone, Theodore and Stephen.

Frank J. Meronk grew up on the old homestead in Sharon Township and was educated in parochial schools. For thirty years or more he has been a practical farmer. The first farm he owned was in Stockton Township. He lived there nine years, and then sold out and bought land in Plover Township, where he had 300 acres under his control. Later he moved to Buena Vista Township, and for four years was on a rented farm, at the end of which time he bought his present place of 202 acres. This farm is now well improved with good buildings', and is ample evidence of the thrift and vigor with which Mr. Meronk prosecutes all his enterprises.

He is a public spirited citizen of the republican faith in politics, and while living in Stockton Township was a member of the local school board. lie and his family are Polish Catholics.

February 3. i8qi, Mr. Meronk married Miss Frances Cieseski. She was born in Stockton Township September 22, 1868, daughter of Paul and Mary Cieseski. Her parents arrived in Portage County in 1861. and for many years lived on their farm in Stockton Township, where her father died in 1906 and her mother in 1899. Her father married for his first wife Alsbeta Cieseski and the children of that marriage were Mary, John and Joseph. Mrs. Meronk is the only child of her father's second marriage.

Mr. and Mrs. Meronk have a large household of children, all living, twelve in number. Their names in order of birth are: Nick, Frank, Aggie, Verna, Frances. Henry, Alice. Thomas, Antone, David, Stalia and Estell.

George Stertz is one of the prominent men of Junction City and that community and is now chairman of the Junction City Board, and has been a prosperous farmer of this section for over forty years.

His father, George Stertz, came to America in 1825 and in 1868 settled at Stevens Point, and from there in 1875 moved to Junction City, taking up a homestead in section 6 of Carson Township. George Stertz, Sr., married Lottie Dempsey.

Fkank X. Kluck. Some men have the faculty of doing more than one thing well, and their enterprise usually counts as a substantial benefit and service in the community where they live. Thus Frank X. Kluck, one of the native sons of Portage County, is not only operating a good farm in Sharon Township, but is also supplying the community around Little Waupun with high grade merchandise, and besides his part as a merchant and farmer has also served in public office.

Mr. Kluck was born on the old homestead in Sharon Township February 10, 1871, and is a son of August and Mary (Esker) Kluck. His parents, who are still living, came to Portage County in 1865, and a more particular account of their fortunes and their experiences in this county and in their native Poland will be found on other pages of this publication.

It was at the old fami of his parents in Sharon Township that Frank X. Kluck spent his earlv years. As a boy he helped his father clear the woods from part o{ the land. He attended the parochial schools in Polonia and also the public school of district No. 9. For three years he lived the strenuous life of a woodsman, another experience was working in mines for nine months, and for about seven months he was an employe of the Lake Shore Railroad. He set himself up independently by buying ninety acres in Sharon Township, and subsequently acquired the twenty acres where he now has his home. In July, 1904, Mr. Kluck engaged in general merchandising at Little > Waupun, and has been conducting a first class store in that community for fourteen years. He also served eleven years as assessor of his township. Mr. Kluck is a loyal democrat and is active in the Polish Catholic Church at Polonia.

On November 10, 1893, he married Miss Frances Koziczkowski. Mrs. Kluck was born in Sharon Township January 12. 1876. daughter of Charles and Mary Koziczkowski and a granddaughter of Michael and Frances Koziczkowski. This is the oldest Polish family to establish permanent homes in Portage County. They have been prominent people here for over sixty years, and extended reference to the family is made on other pages of this publication. Mrs. Kluck's father was born in German Poland in 1846 and her mother in the same country in 1858. He came to Portage County with his parents and was a successful fanner in Sharon Township until his death September t, 19T2. Her widowed mother is still living. Mrs. Kluck is one of five living children: Frances. Dominik, Frank, Rosa and Charles.

The stimulus and inspiration to the efforts and thrift of Mr. and Mrs. Kluck have been the presence of a large family of children requiring their care and provision for their useful training and education. Their home has been blessed with fourteen sons and daughters, whose names in order of birth are: Nick, Felix. Anastasia, David. Andrew, Ernest, William, Harry, Sadie, Leona, Bennie, Regina and

Stanley, twins, and Helena. All are still living except Nick. The son Felix was educated in the public schools of district Xo. 9, also attended business college at Stevens Point, and a couple of years ago joined the United States Army and went with it to the Mexican border. He was in the aviation corps and was injured while in service. After receiving his honorable discharge he returned home, and for a time was a street car conductor in Milwaukee. Then, with the opening of the present great war, he joined the United States Army at Camp Douglas with Troop I and is now a part of the Polish contingent of the Allied Armies.

E. N. Wold. One of the substantial business men of Amherst is E. N. Wold, general merchant, who has been a resident of this place since childhood, and as a good citizen has done his part in the upbuilding of the village as a commercial center of Portage County. Mr. Wold is a self made man in the sense that what he owns and what he is in the estimation of his fellow citizens have been brought about through his unassisted individual efforts.

E. N. Wold was born December 11, 1871, in Waupaca County, Wisconsin. His parents were Olc and Johanna (Barbo) Wold, who were born, reared and married in Xorway. In 1870 they came to the United States. The father was an honest, tndustrious man, but he had learned no trade and hence after coming to the new strange country, was dependent on his work as a general laborer. After a year passed in W'aupaca County he came to Amherst and here he and his wife both died in middle life. They were good. Christian people, faithful members of the Norwegian Lutheran Church. They were the parents of four children: E. X., Lena, Sevren and Amanda.

E. N. Wold obtained his education in the public schools at Amherst. He then learned the butcher's trade and conducted a meat business here until 1901, his honesty and accommodating manner in trading bringing him a generous amount of patronage and many personal friends who were ready to continue as customers when he bought the grocery business of F. E. Allen. He devoted his attention to his market and grocer)' for some time and then determined to expand in order to meet his constantly increasing trade. In 1914, in order to carry out his plans for a general store, for which he saw a fine opening, he built his present handsome brick building, with dimensions of 35 by 170 feet, very favorably located, and has occupied it ever since. He has been very successful in his business undertakings.

Mr. Wold has never been very active in politics although a good and interested citizen when the general welfare of the town is under consideration, being ever ready to do his part and co-operate with others, and his business sagacity has made him a very valuable adviser on many occasions.

Of social instincts and genial disposition, Mr. Wold is valued in the various organizations to which he belongs, these including such well known bodies as the Odd Fellows, the Woodmen of America, the order of Beavers, and the Equitable Fraternal Union. He is an active member and liberal contributor of the Lutheran Gnirch at Amherst.

and effective part than the German element. It was as a representative of the German Bavarians that the late Michael Heitzinger was known in Portage County, and of his work and standing as a home maker and citizen only the highest words of praise may be spoken.

He was born in Bavaria July 14, 1856, and was educated in his native land. In 1883 he immigrated to America, first locating in Pittsburg, Pennsylvania, and about 188$ coming to Portag- County, locating on a homestead near Junction City. This home farm was in Eau Pleine Township. He and his brother-in-law, John Mcindle, took the contract to cut a road through a portion of this township for a distance of three miles, and did all that tremendous labor, requiring many days, for $120. Michael Heitzinger finally relinquished his homestead to his father-in-law, Peter Meindle, and went to Wausau, where for several years he was employed in a brewery. Returning to Portage County, he bought forty acres where his widow now resides, later another forty acres, and Mrs. Heitzinger since his death has increased the home place to 120 acres of fruitful and valuable land. Michael Heitzinger cleared much of this tract and was one of the prosperous agriculturists of the county when death stayed his hand in 1903. He began voting as a democrat, but later affiliated with the republican party, and was an active member of the Catholic Church.

Mr. Heitzinger married in June, 1886, Miss Catherine Meindle. Mrs. Heitzinger was born in Bavaria March 16, 1866, daughter of Peter and Frances (Giseplc) Meindle. Her parents came to Eau Pleine Township of Portage County in 1886, and homesteaded here, where her father died in 1898 and her mother in 1904. Her father was sixty-one and her mother sixty-seven when they passed away. Mrs. Heitzinger was one and the oldest of four children. Her sister Mary married Martin Biebcrstcin and resides at Phillips. Wisconsin. Her brother John, who was born in Germany in 1874 and was twelve years of age when brought to America, at one time worked as a baker and later as a street car conductor in Milwaukee. Wisconsin, and finally came to Portage County and bought eighty acres of land in Eau Pleine Township, where he is now one of the progressive agriculturists. He married in 1899 Alma Boetcher. of Bimamwood, Wisconsin, and they have a family of six children, named F.ulalie, Juanita, Ormond, Eleanor, Louis and Edwin, all living. Mrs. Hcitzinger's younger brother is Joseph, who lives at Phillips, Wisconsin.

Mrs. Heitzinger since her husband's death has well managed her affairs and with the aid of her children is doing a capable part in handling the fine farm in Eau Pleine Township. She is the mother of nine children, named Michael, Mary, Anna, Joseph, Emma, Frances, Catharine. Martin and Louie. All are still living except Mary.

Mrs. Heitzingcr's oldest son, Michael, born September 6, 1887. managed the farm from the time of his father's death, when only fifteen vears old, until the age of twenty-three. He then married Miss Mabel Erickson, of Stevens Point, Wisconsin. On October 19. 1910, Michael rented a farm of 120 acres for three years after his marriage. Like his father, always a hard working man, he bought eightyacres of timber which he has turned into a fine farm. After five years of hard labor on this farm Michael sold his farm and in turn bought the F. T- Pitts farm of 140 acres, on which he will reside in the spring. Michael is the father of two children, Margaret, born April 24, 1912, and Michael, born September 30, 1915. His wife is a graduate of the voi. n-n

Joseph, born August 4, 1892, managed his mother's farm after the marriage of his brother Michael until September 6, 1918, when he answered the call of his country. He was in training in Camp Grant, Illinois, and from there he was transferred to Camp Hancock, Georgia. Joseph is field bugler and will remain in the army until he is not needed, when he will return home to take up the duties of a farmer on his mother's farm.

Emma, born November 12, 1893, married June 11, 1912, Joseph Fredrich, of Mosinee, where she resides. Her husband is employed in the paper mill. They are the parents of two children, Raymond, bom May 18, 1913, and Donald, born May 6, 1915.

Frances married Charles Ziveny, of Junction City, April 15, 1914. Her husband is an operator for the Soo line and they reside at Owen, Wisconsin.

Catharine, born April 16, 1898, graduated from the teachers' course at Phillips, Wisconsin, May 31, 191 7. She is now teaching in a consolidated district at Kennan, Wisconsin. She has been employed in this district her second year.

Martin, born December 2, 1899, and Ixmie, born February 4, 1902, are now taking care of the farm until their brother Joseph returns, when Martin intends to join the navy. Louie will remain on the farm.

Frank Urowski. An individual's possible control over early environment, youthful disadvantages and discouraging circumstances is strikingly demonstrated in the career of Frank Urowski, a well known business man and public official of Stevens Point. Mr. Urowski entered upon his career apparently illy fitted to compete successfully with his more fortunate fellows. In a land not his own, with but meager advantages in an educational way and forced to accept conditions that robbed him of many of the things which are considered the rightful possessions of youth, it was hardly expected that he would quickly rise to business success and public prominence, yet this is what has been accomplished by Mr. Urowski, who has been for the past ten years alderman of the Fourth Ward of Stevens Point.

Frank Urowski was born in German Poland, January 9, 1873, a son of Anton Urowski. There were three children in the family, Katie, Mary and Frank, and when the last named was about three months old the mother died. In 1880 the father left Poland for America, where he had intended to make a home for his children, and the remainder of his life was passed in this country, at various occupations, principally in the City of Chicago, where many of his fellow countrymen reside and where his death occurred in 1916, when he was eighty-two years of age.

When Anton Urowski left Poland he did not have the means wherewith to take his children to the new country, and they were accordingly left at the home of an aunt, with whom they lived until the death of that good woman, when other relatives sent them to America to join their father. For a short time Frank Urowski attended the public schools of Chicago, quickly learning the language and customs of

America and proving an apt and eager scholar. His first visit to Portage County was when he lived at Polonia, a small community of about 200 population, where for a short time he attended school, but he and his sisters then returned to Chicago and that city continued to be his home until he was eighteen years of age. After his education was completed Mr. Urowski began learning the trade of barber, successfully passed through his apprenticeship, and for a time worked as a journeyman. In August, 1891, he came to Stevens Point, and not long thereafter opened a barber shop of his own, which has ever since enjoyed a constantly increasing trade. Mr. Urowski has a first class establishment, with the most modern equipment, and his place of business, at 216 Public Square, is patronized by representative business men and the best class of trade. He is an enterprising and progressive man of business, who makes many friends and keeps them indefinitely, and his reputation in business circles is of the best. A democrat in his political views, for a number of years he has been considered one of the leaders of his party here, and his council record, as alderman of the Fourth Ward for the past ten years, shows that his work has been constructive and of marked benefit to the city of his adoption. Mr. Urowski is a member of the Catholic Church.

Mr. Urowski was married November 7, 1892, to Miss Mary Balabasinski, of Stevens Point, and to this union there have been born five children: Agnes. Mamie, Wanda. Regina and Viola, all living. The pleasant family home, owned by Mr. Urowski, is located ai No. 515 Sixth Avenue.

HarIiy Raymond Grant is one of the younger men of Portage County who by experience, capabilities and circumstances are well fitted to meet the patriotic demands for increased production in the field of agriculture. Mr. Grant is a prominent farmer of Belmont Township, has a large amount of land at his disposal, and knows how to work it to the best advantage and for a maximum of returns to himself and for the country in general.

On this farm which he now cultivates Mr. Grant was born August 27, 1890. He represents the third generation of the family residence in this county. His parents were James William and Louisa (Fenton) Grant. His father was also born m Belmont Township. September 26. 1857. His mother was born in the same locality in October, 1868. Mr. Grant's paternal grandfather, William Grant, was a native of England, married there, and on coming to America lived in New York State for several years. From there he came to Wisconsin and settled in Lanark Township of Portage County, bought and owned a farm for two years, and then located in section 11 of Belmont Township. Several years later he sold that place and acquired another farm in section 14, and after five years bought a farm in section 11. This was his home about ten years, when he retired and acquired a small property of three acres adjoining the city of Waupaca, where he lived for fifteen years. He then moved into the city of Waupaca, and after three years his home was with his son James W. Grant. He is now living in Waupaca at the advanced age of nearly ninety-eight years. His wife died in 1914, at the age of seventv-two. They had four children, Emma, James W., L. Grant and Frank, both James and L. Grant being now deceased.

ship and also attended night school at Minneapolis for two years. About 1883 he bought the farm of 160 acres where his son Harry Raymond now lives, and his ability enabled him to increase his holdings until he had about 480 acres, much of it cleared by his own efforts and he placed upon it the notable group of buildings which now furnishes convenience and all the facilities of good country living, lie also established on a creek that runs through the land a feed mill, having machinery capable of developing about twenty-five horse power. James W. Grant was a republican, served as a member of the school board and on the jury, and he and his wife were active members of the Methodist Kpiscopal Church. He died January 16, 1917, having survived his wife just one month, her death having occurred December 16, 1916. His wife was a daughter of Henry and Helen (Roads) Fenton, who came from New York State to Portage County in early days and settled in Belmont Township. Henry Fenton was a Union soldier and he and his wife spent their last days in the Soldiers Home. Their children were: Alice; Herbert; Gussie; Louisa, deceased; Mark; Maria; and George, who died in childhood.

James W. Grant and wife had six children: Chloe, who died at the age of seven years. Harry Raymond, Nellie Jane, Arthur William, Glenn Paul and Everett.

Harry Raymond Grant grew up on the old farm, attended the public schools, and the property which he now so capably manages comprises 240 acres. He has nearly all of it in active production and is a general farmer and stock raiser, specializing in Shorthorn cattle. Mr. Grant is a republican but has been too busy to think of offices.

May 8, 1918, he married Miss Laura Johnson. She was 'born in Belmont Township September 26, 1891, daughter of Peter L. and Anna Johnson. Her father was a native of Denmark and came to this country when a young man and married in Portage County. They settled in Belmont Township about 1888 but now live at Dayton in Waupaca County.

William F. Parkkr has been a resident of Portage County fifty years. The history of this section has unrolled before his eyes, and he has been by no means an uninterested participant in many of the changing scenes of development. Mr. Parker knew Portage County when it was one of the important centers of the lumber industry of Wisconsin. He did logging and river work for a number of years, and he knew personally most of the noted lumbermen and woodsmen of pioneer days. Mr. Parker is a self made man. He began to make his own living when hardly in his teens, and has well earned the fine home and the comfortable leisure he now enjoys by years of hardship and toil he went through in youth and mature manhood.

Mr. Parker was born in New Brunswick, Canada, September 25, 1845, son of Ralph Parker. His father was twice married. By his first wife he had children named George, Lydia Ann. Charlotte and Martha, all now deceased. His second wife and the mother of William F. Parker came to Stevens Point in the fall of 1869, a year after her son, and she lived here until her death in 1880, at the age of sixty years. She was the mother of eight children: Asenath, deceased; John T., deceased; Ralph, who when last heard from was living in New Brunswick; Robert W.. deceased; William F. ; Edward T., deceased; Daniel, deceased; Theodore L., of Bcllingham. Washington;

William F. Parker was only eight years old when his father died. Thus early he was thrown upon his own resources and at the age of nine years was working at hard physical labor, threshing grain with an old fashioned flail and splitting shingles by hand. When only fourteen he was working about the lumber camps of Canada, and at the age of sixteen was one of the regular workmen at wages of four dollars a month. These arc only a few high lights of his early career that suggests an infinite amount of toil and hardship such as probably not even the men in the trenches in Europe today are called upon to endure. During all this time he had a very meager opportunity to attend school. In 1868, at the age of twenty-three, he came to Stevens Point and from that time forward for many years was in the woods during the winter and on the Wisconsin River logging in the summer seasons. He also learned the trade of painter, which he followed when not engaged in the lumber business, and that was the work which he followed actively for many years in Stevens Point before he retired.

Mr. Parker is a republican voter, but has never had any aspirations to hold office. He is a member of the Equitable Fraternal Lnion and he and his wife are Baptists.

In 1884 Mr. Parker married Mrs. Emma (Sitherwood) Whitrock. Her parents were James and Helen (Hansen) Sitherwood, her father a native of Canada and her mother of Norway. The Sitherwoods were a pioneer family of Portage County. Mrs. Parker's brother, Henry Sitherwood, passed away in July, 1918, while her other brother, William, is now deceased. Mr. Parker by her first marriage, to Charles Whitrock, had three daughters. Clara is the wife of Lewis Andrews, of Canada. Laura is Mrs. Corrigan, living at Cleveland, Ohio. Mabel is the wife of Dr. D. A. Taylor, a brother of W. W. Taylor, of Stevens Point. Doctor Taylor was for a number of years in the drug business at Stevens Point but is now living in California and he and his wife have one child, Duncan.

Mr. and Mrs. Parker have three children: Grace, the oldest, is Mrs. Edward Bassett and the mother of two children, Ronald and Ruth. The second daughter, Vera, is deceased. Veda Evelyn, the youngest, is living with her half sister, Mrs. Corrigan, in Cleveland, Ohio.

Mr. Parker resides at 731 Main Street, where he lives in one of the finest residences in Stevens Point. In this beautiful home he and has wife have all that makes life comfortable and enjoyable, and it is a home where much open hearted hospitality is dispensed every year.

John- A. Cater. Long years, health, prosperity and useful and honorable relations with the community have characterized the life of John A. Cater, a resident of Portage County for half a century, and now living retired at Stevens Point.

Mr. Cater was born in England September 15, 1838, and is now in the shadow of his eightieth birthday. He was reared and educated in his native land, and in 1858, at the age of twenty, came to America and located at Fond du Lac, Wisconsin. For several years he turned his hand to any honest employment that offered, and finally responded to the needs of his adopted country for soldiers in the Civil war. August 14, 1862, he enlisted in Company F of the Twenty-First Wisconsin Infantry, and was among the fresh troops sent down to halt the invasion of Kentucky under Bragg. Only a few weeks after his enlistment he participated in the bloody battle of Perryville, Kentucky, on October 8, 1862, and was there so severely wounded that after recovering he was given an honorable discharge. About five years later Mr. Cater came into Portage County and locating near Stevens Point took up work in the lumber woods. Later he bought land in Marathon County, Wisconsin, cleared it and made of it a model farm. A striking feature of this farm is a barn 1 20 feet long by 36 feet wide, costing $4,000 when it was built, and regarded as one of the best as well as the largest barn in either Marathon or Portage County. Mr. Cater has always been a man of great vigor, and though he was fortytwo years old when he went to the Marathon County land he cleared by his own efforts seventy-five acres. That farm is now owned by his son Ernest, who devotes it to farming and stock raising, having a herd of forty Holstein cattle and about twelve horses.

On May 30, 1906, Mr. Cater moved to Stevens Point and has since lived retired with home at 1116 Ellis Street. In politics he is independent, and when in the country served on the township board two terms and for about twenty-five years was active on the school board. He has always advocated the temperance cause and has always supported the prohibition candidates when he thought it advisable. He and his wife are members of the Church of Christ. He is also one of the honored members of the Grand Army Post at Stevens Point.

Mr. Cater married his first wife in 1862, Miss Helen Bessie, of Fond du Lac County. She died in July, 1876, the mother of four children. The oldest of these, Isadore, married first Mr. John Walsh and had four children, Kate, Dora, Gertrude and Willie, the last now deceased. She married for her second husband Herbert Warren, by whom she had five children. Rohert, Herbert, Ethel, Russell and Clifford. James H., the second child of Mr. Cater by his first wife, married Mabel Warren, and their children arc Madge, Vena, Ona, Byron, Lloyd, Zella, Melvie and Warren. John Lester, the third child, who died December 29, 191 5, married Mary Scanlon, and their children are Mabel, John, Bertha, Edith, Alice and Lillian. Ambrose, the youngest of the children, married Lillie Dusell, and their three children, Gladys, Leona and Irene, are all married.

On November 18, 1879, Mr. Cater married for his present wife Miss Gertrude Sager. She was born at Stevens Point April 20, 1852. daughter of Archibald Douglas and Isabel (Gamble) Sager. Her father was born in Tioga County, New York, in 1824 and her mother in Pennsylvania in 1833. As young people they went out to Illinois, where they married, and in 1850 came to Portage County as pioneer settlers. Her father for a number of years was an expert steersman on the river during the heyday of the lumber industry. Afterwards he owned and operated a stone quarry on forty acres of land adjoining Stevens Po»nt, but now included within the city limits. Mrs. Cater's mother died at Stevens Point in 1882 and her father on March 10, 1907.

Mr. and Mrs. Cater have three sons, Ernest L., Percy Forest and Howard Everett. Ernest has already been mentioned as owner of the old homestead in Marathon County, where he is a successful stock farmer. He married Anna Simmons, and their seven children are named Allen, Lila, Florence, Neva, Lenn, Elva and Ernest John. The second son, Percy Forest, is unmarried, is a carpenter and pipe fitter by trade, and as a true journeyman workman has journeyed over many states. He is now employed in paper mills in British Columbia. Howard Everett, the third son, owns and occupies a farm in Madison County and in June, 1917, married Miss Nellie Colethurst. Mr. John A. Cater is a patriarch in years and- also in family position. Besides his children and grandchildren already enumerated, he has twenty great-grandchildren living.

Lewis Larson. For forty-four years Lewis Larson, one of Fortage County's leading farmers and breeders of high grade stock, has been a resident of Wisconsin. He was brought here from Norway by his parents when seven years old and has never had any inclination to leave this state or to seek a home outside the neighborhood in which his people settled permanently so long ago. He has become a representative citizen of Amherst Township, Portage County, and aside from his individual agricultural interests is identified with similar enterprises of larger scope.

Lewis Larson was born in Norway May 29, 1866, and is a son of Lars and Anna (Christianson) Larson, natives of Norway. Some of their kindred came to W isconsin at a very early day and settled near Iola in Waupaca County, and prospered there. Because of this, when Lars Larson decided to seek a new home and wider opportunities in America, Iola, Wisconsin, was the place of settlement decided upon and in 1873 the family came to Waupaca County. For one year they resided near Iola and then moved to a farm in New Hope Township, in Portage County, and three years later to the present Severin Loberg farm in Amherst Township. Mr. I^arson was well satisfied with farming conditions in Amherst Township and remained a renter of the above farm for five years, in the meanwhile, however, as a good business man. keeping himself informed concerning desirable land for sale, and finally bought forty acres situated a little south of the village of Amherst. The family remained on that farm for about four years and the mother of Lewis Larson died there. The father then moved into the village of Amherst and was there employed at different places for the next six years, keeping his son with him, in fact they have never been separated.

Lewis I -arson attended school in his boyhood days but very early became his father's helper on the farm. He bought forty acres of land situated between Amherst and Amherst Junction and immediately moved on the place, his father accompanying him, and that continued to be the family home until in the spring of 191 1 he purchased the old Judge Cate farm, near Amherst Junction, consisting of 204 acres. Mr. Larson immediately began to make improvements and has put up very substantial buildings. General fanning is carried on here under the expert management of Edward Vogsland. Mr. Larson's son-in-law. who now owns one-half of this farm. A very important and profitable industry carried on here is the breeding of high grade Guernsey cattle and thoroughbred Poland China hogs, a large business being done. Both Mr. Larson and Mr. Vogsland are practical farmers and intelligent men and in the present increased

Mr. Larson was married in 1889 to Miss Carrie Iverson, who was born in New Hope Township, Portage County, Wisconsin, and is a daughter of Simon Iverson. Mr. and Mrs. Larson have two children, Mabel and Lloyd. The former is the wife of Edward Vogsland, above mentioned. The latter is attending school at Amherst. Mr. Larson and family are active members of the Lutheran Church at Nelsonville. Mr. Larson's father is able to attend church services and also to take part in social intercourse, although he passed his ninety-fifth birthday on February 8, 1917. He enjoys exceptional good health despite his years and his mental faculties are also intact. He has many friends in Portage County.

Mr. Larson has always been credited with being a good citizen but be has never taken any very active part in politics and has never desired any political office. He has taken a great deal of interest in agricultural matters and in enterprises that further farm industries in this section, and is a member of the Guernsey Breeders' Association of Portage and Waupaca Counties, and has an interest in the Farmers' Potato Warehouse Company at Amherst.

Franz J. Kremrs, D. D. S., has all the enterprise and ability that has been characteristic of the Krembs family during its long residence in Portage County. He is a son of Alexander Krembs, Sr., elsewhere mentioned in this publication.

Doctor Krembs was born at Stevens Point October 18, 1886. He was well educated in parochial schools, the Stevens Point High School, and in 1908 graduated from the Northwestern Dental College at Chicago. He at once opened his office at Stevens Point, and has in later years found his time fully occupied with the heavy demands made upon his skill and recognized ability as a highly proficient dental surgeon.

Doctor Krembs is independent in casting his ballot and has never been an aspirant in any way for public favors. He has been well satisfied to perform his service to the community through his profession. Doctor Krembs married in 1910 Miss Irma Schulhof, of Superior. Wisconsin. He is a member of St. Stephen's Catholic Church, is affiliated with Stevens Point Lodge No. 641 of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks and is a member of the local council of the Knights of Columbus.

Joseph Worzf.i.t.a. When intelligently and energetically applied, practical industry rarely fails of success: it serves to carry a man onward and upward, to bring out his individual character, and to act as a powerful stimulus to the efforts of others. The greatest results in life are frequently acquired by simple means and the exercise of the ordinary qualities of common sense and perseverance. It is along such lines that Joseph Worzella has won himself a place of independence and standing among the agriculturists of Portage County. During a long and active career he has wisely and vigorously applied practical industry to his work, and the beneficial result of such a course is shown in the fact that he is the owner of 420 acres of fertile and valuable land in Carson Township, and the possessor of his fcl-

Joseph Worzella was bom March 19, 1863, in Poland, a son of Michael and Anna (Rozella) Worzella. The family immigrated to the United States in 1865, settling in Portage County, where the father took up land in Sharon Township. After a few years there, however, he disposed of his interests and moved to Carson Township, where he bought a tract of 240 acres, and here developed a splendid farm. After an industrious and successful career he moved to Plover Township and took up another tract, which is now owned by his son, Casimir, and there his death occurred in the sixty-first year of his age. lie was a member of Saint Bartomian Polish Catholic Church on Mill Creek, to which also belongs his widow, who survives him at about eighty years of age. There were eleven children in the family, of whom eight survive.

Joseph Worzella was reared to the pursuits of farming and as a youth was taught the lessons of thrift and industry, truth and honor. He attended the public and parochial schools, and early entered upon a career of his own when in 1883 he secured 160 acres of land in Carson Township from his father. When he had developed this to a state of high producing capacity he began adding to his land, and with each addition made improvements and increased his cultivation, so that the entire farm has kept pace with the advancement of agricultural methods, lie now has 420 acres of land, on which there are buildings of substantial construction and attractive appearance, including a splendid barn 40 by 90 feet. In addition to carrying on general farming Mr. Worzella keeps pure-bred and graded Holstein cattle, his herd now consisting of about thirty-eight head. He is a democrat in his political views, and after serving two years as side supervisor was elected chairman of the board, an office which he has held for the past six years. With his family he belongs to the Polish Catholic Church.

Mr. Worzella was married January 26, 1884, to Miss Tina Macurat. who was bom in Poland, and was a child when brought to Portage County by her parents, Albert and Agnes Macurat, farming people who are now both deceased. To Mr. and Mrs. Worzella the following children have been born: George, who married Miss Frances Sobczak and has two children, Raymond and Andy; Joseph. Jr.; Martha, who married Frank Sobczak and has three children, Helen, Albert and Anna; and Rozina, Leo, Helen, Sophia, Henry, Sammie and Peter, all at home.

Lewis Gthbs established his home in Portage County half a century ago and during his effective lifetime achieved one of the most remarkable business successes on record in the county. He gained large holdings of land, developed several large farms, and accumulated a fortune not only in material wealth but in the riches of community esteem. For all that he did and was he remained a plain and unassuming citizen to the end, and no family is better remembered for the kindliness and hospitality which radiated from the home.

Lewis Gibbs was bom at Villanova, Chautauqua County, New York, July 5, 1834. and died January 5. 1912. His parents. Israel and Charlotte (Wright) Gibbs. were farming people in Western New York, possessed very modest circumstances, and had a family

His education was acquired in the meager district schools of his day. He remained at home for several years after reaching his majority, his father having died and his services being needed by his mother and sisters. He first came to Wisconsin in 1855 and visited an older brother, William, in Racine. In 1858 he joined a party of twenty men and with wagons and teams crossed the western prairies and mountains to California. He was in the far West three years and returned to the States by way of Cape Horn, being sixty days on the voyage.

At Racine, Wisconsin, August 14, 1862, Lewis Gibbs married Miss Harriet Barrows. She was bom in Macomb County, Michigan, August 7, 1844, daughter of Charles and Polly (Hatch) Barrows, natives of New York State. She was one of three sons and three daughters. In 1851 Charles Barrows took his family from M : chigan to Racine County, Wisconsin, and he died there August 27, 1890, at the age of seventy-seven years, seven months, seven days, and was buried at Stevens Point. His wife was born February 24, 1812, and lived to be more than eighty years of age.

Mr. and Mrs. Gibbs began housekeeping on a farm he bought in Caledonia Township of Racine County, but eighteen months later moved to a farm in Leeds Township of Columbia County. In 1865 he came to the neighborhood of Portage County, with which his interests were so long usefully identified. His first land was acquired in section 31 of Stockton Township. The land was covered with a heavy growth of timber, and it required several years of hard labor to convert it into a farm. In 1886 he moved to a farm of 120 acres at Stockton Station. In the meantime and afterwards his possessions continued to increase and at one time he owned upwards of 1,000 acres. This estate was proof of his earnest industry and good management and the singular ability with which he directed every enterprise. He was one of the pioneer dealers and shippers of potatoes and other farm produce from Portage County.

In politics he was a republican, but cast his vote without seeking otherwise to influence local or national affairs. Mr. Gibbs for his splendid success always gave much credit to his family and their harmonious co-operation. When their children were young he and his wife faithfully and dutifully held up their burdens, but as their children grew older they took their share of responsibilities and lightened the burdens to the older people. It was the character of the home life as much as anything else that made the Gibbs family so noteworthy in Portage County.

Ray C. Gibbs, of Stockton Township, has made a gratifying success as a farmer and dairyman. But more than local interest attaches to his name because of what he has done and is doing as an experimenter and commercial grower of an exceptionally fine strain of seed potatoes. That is now perhaps the chief feature of his business on his farm of 160 acres.

of perfection on his land and as a result of careful experimentation, sorting and development, until it now represents one of the practically pure strains of northern grown potatoes. He has shipped these potatoes to many states both in small and carload lots. The Peerless has been on exhibition at local and state fairs, and even at the Land Show in Chicago. Mr. Gibbs for three years conducted experimental work with potatoes under the direction of the United States Department of Agriculture and the personal supervision of Professor William Stuart.

Mr. Gibbs was born in Stockton Township, half a mile from where he now resides, on June 25. 1879. He is a son of Lewis and Harriet (Barrows) Gibbs. When he was eight years old his parents left the old homestead and moved to the farm where Kay now lives. From this farm he attended the public schools of the locality and after his father's death acquired the estate, which he has subsequently improved in many ways, building his present residence in 1912. As a dairyman he keeps a good herd of native cattle. Mr. Gibbs is a republican but has been too busy to look after the cares of office. He is affiliated with the Modern Woodmen of America and he and his wife are members of St. Mary's Catholic Church.

November 6, 1906, he married Miss Agnes Ambrose, who was born in Buena Vista Township of this county September 6, 1883. Her parents were John and Barbara (Walter) Ambrose, the former born in Belgium in 185 1 and the latter in Germany in 1854. Her father was brought to Stevens Point in 1853 by his parents. Bartholomew and Anna Ambrose. Her mother came with her parents to Stevens Point in 1868. Mrs. Gibbs is one of seven children, named John, Henry, Anna, Marie, Agnes, Barbara, who died in infancy, and Fred. Mrs. Gibbs' parents were members of the Catholic Church, and she was reared in the same faith. She was educated in the public schools and after graduating from the State Normal at Stevens Point in 1901 she was a successful teacher for five years prior to her marriage.

Frank Zolandek, head of the F. Zolandek Company, shoe merchants at Stevens Point, has spent nearly all his life in Portage County, and has reached a place of independent success entirely through his own exertions and as a result of tried and efficient experience.

Mr. Zolandek was born in German Poland October 6. 1883, son of Nicholas and Catherine (Landowski) Zolandek. His father was born in 1857 and his mother in 1861. In 1885. when Frank was not yet two years old, the little family started for America to taste of its opportunities and experiences. Arriving at Stevens Point, the father went to work for the Wisconsin Central Railroad. He was with this railroad for about twenty years, and later was employed by the Coye Furniture Manufacturing Company. He passed away May 6, 1918, at Stevens Point. The family are Catholics. There arc four sons, all living, named Frank, Theodore, Julian and John.

Frank Zolandek had a good education as preparation for the serious responsibilities of life. He attended the parochial schools and finished with two years in the State Normal School at Stevens Point. When onlv sixteen years old he began getting acquainted with business in a clerical capacity and during the next ten years he made use of every opportunity that came to him and carefully husbanded his modest savings with a view to setting up in business for himself. In February, 1910, he opened a stock of shoes and footwear and saw the business grow so rapidly that four years later it was incorporated as the F. Zolandek Company. This fine store is at 113 North Second Street.

Mr. Zolandek is independent in politics. In 1903 he married Miss Frances Czaplewski, of Stevens Point. Their four daughters are Helen, Irene, Clara and Agnes.

P. N. Peterson. One of the prominent and representative men of Portage County is P. N. Peterson, who came to Amherst in its village days and has been particularly interested in the development of its worthy enterprises ever since. Mr. Peterson is well known in the state, having served in the State Legislature, and largely through his public spirit and his business acumen, Portage County has been developed in many directions.

P. N. Peterson was born in Norway, May 1, 1850. His parents were Captain T. and Anna Maria (Mortcnson ) Peterson. Captain Peterson was a sea-going man and before coming to America commanded his own vessel on the high seas. In 1858, with his wife and two sons, he came to the United States, settling by preference in the Great Lakes region, and for a number of years afterward sailed from Milwaukee. Wisconsin, as commander of a lake vessel. After the death of his wife he retired from the water and in 1870 moved to Waupaca County and purchased a farm in Iola Township and occupied the same until his death. Both of his sons survive: P. N. and I^awrence, the latter still residing on the old home farm in Iola Township. Waupaca County.

P. X. Peterson was eight years old when Milwaukee became the family home. He attended the public schools there and also the German-English Academy, which was a fine school in its day, and afterward was a sailor on his father's vessel on the lakes and under other captains during many summer seasons, in the winter time adding to his accumulating knowledge of business by serving as a clerk in general stores.

In the fall of 1873 Mr. Peterson came to Amherst. For two years he was in the employ of A. M. Nelson, the leading merchant of Amherst at that v time, and then embarked in the mercantile business for himself and for the next ten years conducted a successful business along general lines. In the meanwhile Mr. Peterson had become a political force here, and even before the village was incorporated he was elected town treasurer and served fifteen years. His fellow citizens early recognizing his trustworthy character, their continued appreciation was shown through election and subsequent re-elections of Mr. Peterson to the State Legislature.

Mr. Peterson, having previously sold his mercantile enterprise, engaged once more in business as a dealer in coal and farm products, making a specialty of potatoes. Although he is entirely alone in this business, he has wide trade interests and is manager and secretary of the Wisconsin Potato Shippers' Association, an exceedingly important organization at the present time when there is such national need of farm products.

Mr. Peterson was married in 1874 to Miss Annis Mover, who was bom at Amherst and is a daughter of Monroe and Zelphia Moyer. The father of Mrs. Peterson was a soldier in the Civil war, who gave his life for his country, falling at Petersburg, Virginia, and filling an unmarked grave. Mr. and Mrs. Peterson have three children, one daughter and two sons: Esther Annabel, who is the wife of J. C. Webster, of Amherst; and John P. and Raymond L., both residents of Amherst. Mr. Peterson and his family are members of the Episcopal Church.

In politics Mr. Peterson has always been a republican, loyal to his party but liberal in his views on public questions. During his period in the Legislature he was ever a champion of movements of progress and reform, and in local affairs has shown his interest and wisdom in many ways. He has always been a friend of public education, has favored legislation in this direction, and at present is serving as treasurer of the Amherst school district. He is one of the older members of the Odd Fellows Lodge at Amherst and belongs also to the Modern Woodmen of America.

William E. Atwell. A young Portage County attorney* with a growing sphere of activity and success in the law, William E. Atwell represents one of the oldest and most honored family names of the county and his career has been closely followed by many interested friends and relatives from early boyhood up.

He was born in Sharon Township of Portage County November 12, 1883, son of Vernon P. Atwell, concerning whom more is said in following paragraphs. William E. Atwell attended district schools in Price County and afterwards the State Normal School at Stevens Point. For his law he entered the University of Wisconsin and was graduated LL. B. in 1909. A day or so after being granted his diploma he was back in Stevens Point and making arrangements to open up his office and secure his first clients as an attorney. He ha? always practiced alone, and much important business has been entrusted to his capable handling. Besides his law practice he is interested in the N. Boyington Company, real estate, and is a member of the firm The Portage County Loan & Abstract Company.

June 30. 1909. William E. Atwell married Miss Ida Wells, of Stevens Point, daughter of E. E. Wells. They have three children : William E., Jr., Georgiana and Charlotte May. Mr. and Mrs. Atwell are members of the Episcopal Church. He is affiliated with the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, the Rotary Club and the Civic and Commercial Club. During the present war he has also served as a member of the Local Exemption Board for Portage County.

Vernon Philipps Atwell, father of the Stevens Point attorney, was born in New York State September 1, 1858. His father, William Atwell. had come out to Portage County, Wisconsin, in the year 1846, accompanying Dr. John Philipps, one of the most distinguished pioneers of this section of the state. However, William Atwell remained here only about two years, and then returned to New York State, where he was a farmer during his long and successful life. He was a single man when he came to Wisconsin. Vernon P. Atwell was one of a family of eight sons and one daughter. He was well educated in New York State, finishing at Rutgers College, and in 1876 came to Stevens Point, Wisconsin, where for two years he taught school. After that he was a factor in the lumber business until 1905. under the name Boyington & Atwell. He was general manager of the company's extensive interests in this line. In 1905 he bought the abstract business of R. H. Butterfield & Company and has since been primarily responsible for the successful conduct of this business, now known as The Portage County Loan & Abstract Company.

July 7, 1880, Vernon P. Atwell married Miss Mae Boyington, who was born in Waushara County, Wisconsin, daughter of Nathaniel and Annis Boyington. The Boyingtons were settlers in Portage County in 1861, but had become identified with Wisconsin when it was still a territory, in the early '40s. Nathaniel Boyington was a prominent lumberman for many years and had a mill in Portage County.

Vernon P. Atwell and wife had two children: George B. and William E. Mrs. Atwell is a member of the Episcopal Church. He is affiliated with the Masonic fraternity and the Modern Woodmen of America, and for fifteen years served as an alderman of Stevens Point.

Chester L. Taylor, a prosperous farmer of Belmont Township, is member of a family that has been identified with this section of Portage County for over sixty years. The Taylors were a rather numerous family, and Mr. Taylor's father and some four or five of his brothers and sisters identified themselves with Portage County about 1856. The name is well spoken of and various members of the family have achieved all those things associated with good and honorable citizenship in this locality.

It was in Belmont Township that Chester L. Taylor was born June 22, 1875. He is a son of Luman and Lydia (Wolf) Taylor. His father was born in New York in 1828, a son of Riley Taylor, and he married in the East and brought his first wife to Belmont Township in 1856. By his first marriage he had two children: William, now living in New York State; and Cora, wife of Solon Ingersol, of New York State. Luman Taylor married Lydia Wolf, a native of Waushara County, Wisconsin, but they spent most of their years in Belmont Township. Luman Taylor died in 1909, and his widow is now living with her daughter, Mrs. Gertrude Phillips, at Green Bay, Wisconsin. Luman Taylor and his second wife had three children: Chester L., Gertrude, born in 1876, and Ix>ssie, born in 1882. Mr. Taylor began voting as a republican but later was an ardent prohibitionist. For a number of years he held the office of township clerk in Belmont Township. His wife is a devout worshiper in the Methodist faith.

Chester L. Taylor grew up on the farm in Belmont Township, had a public school education, and is proprietor of a model farm of 100 acres and also owns forty acres of timber land in another section of Belmont Township. He does general farming and has good stock, including Holstein cattle.

Mr. Taylor is a republ'can voter and is now serving his ninth consecutive year as clerk of the school district. He is affiliated with Almond Lodge of Masons, with the Knights of Maccabees at Blaine, and he and his wife are identified with all the social activities of their community.

March 12, 1900, he married Miss Lena Hess. She was born at Little Wolf in Waupaca County May 9, 1879, daughter of Christian F. and Mary (Wahl) Hess. Her parents settled in Waupaca County in 1875, and her father died there March 15, 191 2, at the age of seventy-two. Mrs. Hess is now living with her daughter, Mrs. Taylor, aged sixty-one. In the Hess family were six children: Clara Louisa, deceased, Anna, Lena, Minnie, Henry and Iva. Mr. and Mrs. Taylor have one child, Ferna Marie, born January 18, 1902, now in the senior class of the Almond High School.

T. Olsen. As a coal and wood merchant T. Olsen has been in business at Stevens Point for a long period of years, and is a business man whose standing is an unimpeachable record of honest and straightforward dealing and whose career has meant much to the welfare of the community.

Mr. Olsen was born in Christiana, Norway, March 17, i860, a son of Ole and Helena Olsen. His father died in Norway in 1874, when his son was fourteen years old. The mother, who came to Portage County in 1892, died here a few years later, in 1902. T. Olsen, only child of his parents, was educated in his native land and was confirmed after finishing the common schools. Coming to America he located in Wisconsin, at Madison, in 1880 and in the fall of that year came to Stevens Point. However, he did not permanently locate here until the fall of 188 1. He worked in the coal and wood business for the Western Lumber Company and later for the North Side Lumber Company, and for many years has been handling as a merchant all the wood produced by the John Week Lumber Company. Mr. Olsen bought a tract of land of 320 acres, selling eighty acres of it, but still has 240 acres in the Township of Eau Pleine. About fifteen years ago he began handling coal, and was one of the. first men to haul coal for the Copps Coal Company. Mr. Olsen owns a good home at 401 Water Street in Stevens Point.

October 15, 1858, and on coming to Stevens Point went to live in the Haakinson homestead at 502 Franklin Street. Mr. Olsen happened to be boarding in the same home and thus they met and began the romance of their lives. Later Mr. Olsen bought that old place where he and his wife had formed their acquaintance at 502 Franklin Street and it is now the home of their son Clarence Roy. The family lived there for many years and all the children were born there, and about 1910 Mr. Olsen moved to his present home on Water Street.

The children are: Mabel Helena, Clarence Roy and Ralph Christian, twins, Henry Olaf, Norman Alvin. The daughter Mabel was well educated, a graduate of the Stevens Point High School and the State Normal School, spent two summers in the University of Chicago and was a popular teacher for several years. In 1914 she mar-- ried Thomas Robie Sewall, of St. Paul, Minnesota. His father, Joseph Sewall, had the distinction of building the second house at St. Anthony Park in St. Paul, Minnesota. This St. Paul pioneer died December 25, 1917, at the venerable age of ninety- four. Thomas R. Sewall and wife came to Stevens Point from Crookston. Minnesota, August 15, 1917, and has since lived in Stevens Point, where Mr. Sewall is now assisting Mr. Olsen in business. While in Minnesota he was director of agriculture and engineering in the Northwest School of Agriculture at the University of Minnesota. Mr. Olsen's son Clarence R. is married and has two children, Edmund and Evelyn. The son Ralph married Martha Steuck. Henry Olaf,

Theo II. Johnson. In his development from a worker in a logging camp to the owner of large financial interests, Theo H. Johnson has practically relied upon his own resources for the attainment of his goal. His opportunities have been no greater than those of other men, and his advantages have been of an ordinary nature, but it has been his happy fortune to have been possessed with keen foresight and inherent ability, and to have been able to recognize his chances and to make the most of them. Today this representative citizen of Nelsonville is the repository for trusted interests as president of the Bank of Nelsonville, is interested in several other financial institutions, and occupies a leading position in the business world of his community as the owner of a garage and the district agent for a popular automobile.

Theo H. Johnson was born on his father's old home farm in New Hope Township, Portage County, Wisconsin, in 1865, being a son of Hans and Matilda (Stianson) Johnson. His father was an early settler of Portage County, whence he came a number of years before the outbreak of the Civil war, and commenced his career in this locality as a pilot on the river when the lumber was floated down the streams of Wisconsin. He possessed sound ability in a business way and was able to discern the benefits to be secured from the ownership of land and timber, of both of which he secured a share by wisely investing his earnings, this being followed by the erection of several sawmills where his timber was sawed into lumber for the market. As his holdings grew he became interested in the banking business, to which he gave more and more of his attention until he was the owner of three institutions, one being at Fremont, one at Ogdensburg and one at Nelsonville. After the death of his wife he settled permanently at Nelsonville, where he made his home with his daughter and where his death occurred. Mr. Johnson was a man of sturdy qualities, sound, reliable and the soul of integrity, who had the full confidence of his associates and of all with whom he had transactions. He and his wife were the parents of the following children: Julius, a resident of lola. Waupaca County, Wisconsin; Nels, who is cashier of the Bank of Fremont; Theo II., of this notice; Ludwig H.. who is cashier of the Bank of Nelsonville ; Hans, cashier of the Bank of Ogdensburg; Mrs. Hannah Olson, whose husband is engaged in agricultural operations in Portage County; and Minnie, who is a widow living in Nelsonville.

1 heo H. Johnson received his education in the district schools, and as a youth worked with his father at fanning and as a logger. He remained with the elder man as an associate in a number of his enterprises until one year after his marriage, but in 1891 went to Marshfield, Wisconsin, where he remained for two years as an employee in a sawmill. In 1893 he came to Nelsonville, where he purchased an * interest in a general merchandise business, which took the name of Lobcrg & Johnson, and with which he continued to be identified for twenty years, finally disposing of his interests therein in 1913. This concern is still in existence, but now bears the style of N. J. Loberg & Company. In 1Q13, realizing the trend of the times and the opportunities offered for success in the automobile field, Mr. Johnson began selling Ford cars, a line in which he was almost immediately successful. He secured the district agency for this region, and during the four years that he has been engaged in this line has sold to many farmers and business men in this locality, bankers and professional men, and has established an excellent record for salesmanship. In 1917 he invested still more capital in this business, when he built a modern garage, 32 by 100 feet, the first structure of its kind so far at Nelsonville and the only one at this point. He is enjoying an excellent and constantly growing business.

At the time of his father's death Mr. Johnson became president of the Bank of Nclsonville and continues to hold that position. Me has been president of the Fremont State Bank since 1910, in which year he and his brother, Xels H. Johnson, who is cashier of the institution, organized it. Likewise Mr.Johnson is interested in the Ogdensburg State Bank. He is a man of marked and acknowledged financial ability and his management of the institutions' affairs has been wise, conservative and beneficial to the interests of the depositors. While not a man to seek preferment of a public nature, he is nevertheless interested in civic affairs, and assumes a good citizen's responsibilities in matters of importance to the community and the advancement of the general welfare. With his family he belongs to the Lutheran Church.

Mr. Johnson was married August 21, 1890. to Miss Anna Lobcrg, who was born in Amherst Township. Portage County. Wisconsin, daughter of Johan X. Loberg. a sketch of whose career will be found on another page of this work. Mr. and Mrs. Johnson have had no children of their own, but have an adopted daughter, Alma.

Gkorce J. Fm'uai'r. The value of a useful vocation, of making one's energy count toward one thing, of forging steadily ahead regardless of obstacles, has found emphatic expression in the career of George J. Flugaur, of Stevens Point. For more than ten years he has been in the service of the Wisconsin Central Railroad, with an engineer's run since 1912, and there is no more popular, efficient or trusted man in the employ of the line. Mr. Flugaur is a Stevens Point man by nativity, having been born at this place April 9. 1887, a son of Anton and Mary (Grudl) Flugaur, natives of Saint Peter, Austria.

Anton Flugaur was born in i860 and was a young man of twenty years when he immigrated to the United States, coming direct to Stevens Point, where he secured employment at his trade of millwright and where he has resided ever since, being at this time in the employ of the Yetter Manufacturing Company. He was married here to Mar)' Grudl. who was born in 1869 and came to America as a child, and who died June 16. 1895, in the faith of the German Catholic Church, of which her husband is a member. They were the parents of four children: George J., of this notice; Mary, who is deceased: Anton E. ; and John Henry.

George J. Flugaur was reared at Stevens Point, where he secured his education in the parochial schools of the German Catholic Church When his schooling was completed he became an employe of the Yetter Manufacturing Company, where he remained several years, but the work did not prove congenial and he gave up his position to go to Superior, Wisconsin, where for one year he was in the employ of the Great Northern Railroad, being for three months in the roundv<*. n - it house and for nine months a fireman. In 1907 he returned to Stevens Point and applied for a position in the service of the Wisconsin Central Railroad, being duly accepted as a fireman. More than five years of work in this capacity followed, and December 10, 191 2, he was promoted to the position of engineer, which he still occupies. Mr. Flugaur is one of the most careful men pulling a throttle on this road, and one who has deservedly won the confidence of his superiors. He has made a careful study of his vocation, understands his steel steeds in their every particular and can be depended upon to do the right thing in any emergency. He is a popular and loyal member of the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers. In political affairs he takes an independent stand, and the very nature of his vocation precludes the idea of his taking any active part in politics as an aspirant for public position. Reared in the faith of the German Catholic Church, he is still a member of that denomination, and belongs to the Catholic Knights and Saint Joseph's Benevolent Society. With his wife and family he resides at the old Theiler homestead, No. 325 Fremont Street.

Mr. Flugaur was married January 21, 1913, to Miss Elizabeth Theiler, who was born at Stevens Point, Wisconsin, July 19, 1889, a daughter of John and Mary Magdaline (Dulner) Theiler, natives of Saint Peter, Austria. Mrs. Flugaur's parents were married in their native land in 187 1 and in the following year immigrated to the United States, settling in October of that year at Stevens Point, where Mr. Theiler was a boilermaker for the Wisconsin Central Railroad. He died in this city May 18, 1903, aged fifty-seven years, while Mrs. Theiler still survives at the age of seventy-two years. Mr. Theiler was a faithful member of the German Catholic Church and one of the founders of Saint Joseph's Church of that denomination, to which his widow belongs. Mr. and Mrs. Theiler had four children: John and Magdaline, who were twins and are deceased; John, also deceased; and Elizabeth, the wife of Mr. Flugaur. Mr. and Mrs. Flugaur have had four children : William and Robert, who are deceased ; and Richard John and Mary Magdaline, who reside with their parents.

Carl Henke is a Portage County citizen who has been prospered as a farmer, has been a good business man. and has shown an active public spirit in all his relations with the community. Mr. Henke owns one of the well developed and valuable farms of New Hope Township.

He was born in Germany October 6, 1855, and came to America about the time he reached his majority. His parents. William and Fredericka (Kroning) Henke. brought their family to America in 1874. They first located in Siegel Township of Wood County, Wisconsin, where the father died about 1878. Some years later the widowed mother joined her son Carl in Portage County and spent her last years here. There were three sons in the family, Fred. John and Carl. Fred is now a resident of Siegel Township, Wood County. John, deceased, saw active sen-ice in the Franco-Prussian war.

Carl Henke acquired all his educational advantages in his native land, and was fully prepared to earn his own way after coming to America with his parents. For about three years he worked for others in Wood County, and then moved to Stevens Point, where he spent another three years, chiefly as an employe of the local brewery. After his marriage Mr. Henke moved to his present farm in New

Hope Township. Here his industry and good management have enabled him to accumulate 213 acres, much of which has been cleared under his own direction, and all the substantial group of buildings stand as evidence of his prosperity. One important source of his success has been cattle raising, and for a number of years he has handled the full blooded Holsteins. Mr. Henke helped organize and was a member of the first board of directors of the Nelsonville Creamery. He has now sold out his farming interests to his sons, but still keeps his residence on the old farm.

In 1880 Mr. Henke married Miss Anna Stoltenberg. She was born at Nelsonville, and is a member of the well known Stoltenberg family elsewhere referred to in this publication. Mr. and Mrs. Henke have a sturdy family of seven children, all living, named in order of birth Anna, William, Emma, Albert, Fred, Clara and Lewis. The youngest son, Lewis, is now a soldier in the National Army. The family are all Lutherans.

Frank 13. Dext is looked upon as one of the chief citizens of Belmont Township, where for many years he has been carrying forward a prosperous business as a farmer and stock raiser, and where he has been honored with the responsibilities of the office of township chairman, a position he still holds.

Mr. Dent has spent nearly all his life in Wisconsin but was born in Wasioja in Dodge County, Minnesota, April 29, 1867. His parents were John B. and Ellen (Hyatt) Dent. His father was born in New York State April 19, 1841, and his mother in Walworth County, Wisconsin, June 12, 1843. The Hyatts were in Wisconsin in territorial times. The maternal grandfather, William H. Hyatt, and his wife, Ferville (Black) Hyatt, came out of Western New York and settled in Walworth County when it was on the frontier. They acquired government land there, later moved to Waukau, which was their home for many years, still later went to Winneconne in Winnebago County, and William Hyatt spent his last years at Medford, Wisconsin, where he died in 1882. His widow passed away in Tama County, Iowa, in 1908, when about about eighty-seven years of age.

John B. Dent was reared and educated in New York State and when about sixteen came west to Waukau, Wisconsin. He was a student in Ripon College and when the war broke out he enlisted in the Fifty-Ninth Illinois Infantry and saw three years and three months of active service. He made a splendid record as a soldier and came out with the rank of first lieutenant. After the war he took up farming, and after his marriage at Waukau moved to Dodge County, Minnesota. After three years in what was then the extreme Northwest he returned to Wisconsin and lived for eight years at Winneconne and then moved to Marshfield. He was accidentally killed while hunting on November 24. 1883. His widow afterwards married M. L. Cross and is .now living at St. Charles, Minnesota. John B. Dent was a very ardent democrat and took part in many strenuous compaigns in the state. He and his wife had four children, Frank B., William H., Ethel M., now deceased, Archie B.

Frank B. Dent was only twelve years old when his parents moved to Marshfield. Wisconsin, and four years later his father died. As the oldest of the children the care and support of the family devolved upon him. and he left school to take up regular work. For about twelve years he was chiefly active in logging districts, developed as a logging contractor, and had his part in clearing away some of the important lumber districts in the state. In 1896 Mr. Dent came to Portage County and bought 120 acres of land in Belmont Township. His present farm comprises 160 acres. He did the pioneer work of clearing up his land, and has had the satisfaction of seeing a portion of the wilderness develop into broad and productive fields. He has likewise invested much effort and money in buildings, and has also