Portage County, Wisconsin - The whole text, 1919 (part 13 of 15)

The parents of Oscar Waller were Ole and Kirstin (Loberg) Waller. Both were natives of Norway and were brought to this country when children. The grandmother Waller after the death of her husband in Norway came to America and acquired a tract of wild land near the lake at Oconomowoc, Wisconsin. She had a log house built for the accommodation of herself and her children and that old building is still preserved as a landmark, standing among the numerous luxurious country homes in that section of the state. She afterwards moved to Nelsonville. where she died. Mr. Oscar Waller's mother is a sister of Johan N. Loberg, a prominent resident of New Hope Township elsewhere referred to in this history. She and her brother Johan came together to America, locating in Dodge County, where she married Ole Waller. Ole Waller after coming to Portage County preempted a small tract and bought other land, cleared away the woods and brush, put up the first buildings, and was industriously engaged in farming there until his death in 1883. He was the father of six children : Hattie. Nina, Carl, Clara, Oscar and Emma. All are still living except Carl and Oscar.

Oscar Waller always lived at the home place, where he was l>orn in 187 r. was educated in the local schools, and made a success as a general farmer and also specialized to a considerable extent in the growing of potatoes. He assisted in organizing and after organization was a director of the New Hope Butter and Cheese Association, and took a prominent part in getting that business well started. His father was one of the charter members of the old New Hope Lutheran Church.

In March, 1900. Mr. Waller married Miss Inga Isaacson. She was born in Norway, daughter of Isaac Nelson. The three children of Mr. and Mrs. Waller are Alma Odelia. Annie Mary and Carl Obert. Oscar Waller died June 10, 1918.

John H. Howen has been a factor in the agricultural and industrial prosperity of Amherst Township for more than thirty years. A member of a pioneer family of Portage County, he grew up in the at- mospherc of the hard work and hardships of life in this comparatively new country, and his present prosperity can be attributed to the fact that he has never lacked the courage to undertake a hard or disagreeable task, and has created the comfortable circumstances he now enjoys by the labor of his own hands.

Mr. Howen was born in Dodge County, Wisconsin, in January, 1854. He is a son of Peter and Taran (Loberg) Howen. His father, a native of Norway, came to the United States in 1848, spent several years in Waukesha County, and then moved to Dodge County, where he married, his wife having come from Norway in 1849. John H. Howen was about a year old when his parents came to New Hope Township of Portage County, and here they remained the rest of their days. They cleared and improved a good farm in that township, and also were identified with the organization of the New Hope Lutheran Church.

John H. Howen is the oldest of his parents' seven children. He grew up in New Hope Township, was educated in some of the early schools of the county, and for many years had his home with his parents. In 1881 he went out to South Dakota and homesteaded 160 acres in Kingsbury County. He remained there developing this land for three years, and proved up his claim. Returning to Portage County, he bought the farm he now owns of 120 acres in Amherst Township. Mr. Howen, who has spent his life as a bachelor, lived with or called his home at his parents' homestead in New Hope Township. On his own farm he erected a fine home, and has cleared about twenty-five acres. For the past two or three years he has lived on this farm in Amherst Township. Mr. Howen is also interested in the creamery at Benson's Corners, in the Fanners Produce Company at Amherst, and is an active member of the old New Hope Lutheran Church.

Walter Cami-hell. With the farming and stockraising interests of Carson Township Walter Campbell has been identified for a number of years, and through his energy and well-directed management has worked out a very desirable success. His home is on section 5, and in his community he is well thought of as an agriculturist and a citizen, having been elected at various times to public office and now being chairman of the township board of supervisors. He is a native of Portage County, having been born in a house on Dixon Street, Stevens Point, December 23. 1863. a son of Charles and Catherine (Mersch) Campbell.

Charles Campbell was born in either Scotland or Nova Scotia, in \&2(), and when twelve years of age, desiring to see something of the world, ran away from home. About four years later he arrived at Shebovgan, Wisconsin, and two years later, or in 1847, settled at Stevens Point. There, being a sturdy and husky youth, willing to work and with boundless energy and ambition, he secured employment on the river, where he followed logging until 1873, his last trip that year being from Wausau to Saint Louis. Mr. Campbell then took up a homestead in Carson Township, where he continued to be successfully engaged in agricultural pursuits for ten years, and died December 9, 1883. He was a man of industrious character and stood high in public respect as possessed of honor and integrity. In his younger vears he acted with the republican party, but later became a democrat. He and his wife, who was born in 1839 in Germany and still survives him, living on the old homestead, had children as follows: Agnes, who was married and had three children, was a teacher of the Indians in New Mexico, and died there in May, 1915; Walter; William, who died in 1874; Mary, who died in 1873; Katie, the wife of F. H. Slusser, of Yakima, Washington; Johanna, the wife of Henry Meyer, of Eau Pleine, Portage County; Jessie, the wife of Peter Rhoda, of Carson Township; David, at home; Fred, at home with his mother; and James, a resident of Hope, Idaho.

Walter Campbell attended the public schools of Stevens Point and the old White School, and remained on the home place with his parents until 1887. During the following seven years he was superintendent of the county poor farm, then returning home for two years, at which time he started buildings and other improvements on the farm which he now occupies, located on section 5. He now has 120 acres, all cleared and under cultivation, and carries on general farming and stockraising, in both of which departments of agricultural work he has succeeded in achieving marked success. The well tilled fields yield abundantly, and the neat and thrifty appearance of the place indicates the supervision of a careful and painstaking owner. The democratic party finds in Mr. Campbell a stanch supporter of its principles and he has held a number of public positions of honor and trust, his official duties having always been performed in a satisfactory and able manner. He has been a member of the board of school directors for some years, and early became a member of the township board of supervisors. He was elected chairman of the latter board in 1893 and at various times since then has been elected to this honor, one which he holds at the present time. Fraternally Mr. Campbell is affiliated with the Modern Woodmen of America, and his religious connection and that of the members of his family is with the Catholic Church.

Mr. Campbell was married October ir, 1901, to Miss Dora Pelarski, who was born at Toma, Wisconsin, daughter of Michael and Mary (Jnicki) Pelarski, of Carson Township, and to this union there have been born ten children: Catherine, Margaret, Florence. Wanda, Charles, William, Mary. James, Agnes and Lloyd, of whom all are living except Florence and Mary.

Edwin Lysne. More than sixty years ago the land now owned and occupied as one of the substantial farms of Amherst Township by Edwin Lysne was taken up in its wild condition by his father. Thus from pioneer days to the present the name has been one of those chiefly identified with the growth and development of this peculiarly rich and prosperous section of Portage County.

The family came to Wisconsin from Norway, where Edwin Lysne was born August 10, 1853. His parents were Henry and Kisti (Wol) Lysne. Edwin was only an infant, too young to have any appreciation of the eventful journey across the Atlantic in 1854 to Wisconsin. The family first located near Columbus. Wisconsin, where the father was employed on the farm of a Yankee named Smith, from whom he learned the first words of the English language. Henry Lysne while living in Norway was for eighteen years connected with the Norwegian army, chiefly in secretarial duties, and had the command of about a hundred men. Henry's father, Ole Thompson Lysne, was also for many years an army officer, with the rank of lieutenant.

Grandfather Ole Lysne came to America about two years after his son Henry, first settling in Adams County, Wisconsin, but after the Civil war moving to the vicinity of Northfield in New Ulm Township, then to Goodhue County, Minnesota, where he and his wife, whose maiden name was Anne Seltu'n, spent their last years. The maternal grandparents of Edwin Lysne were Edwin and Susan Wol, both natives of Norway. After coming to America they also located in Goodhue County, Minnesota, where they died.

It was in 1855 that Henry Lysne brought his family to Portage County. They traveled in a wagon drawn by an ox team. Here Henry Lysne pre-empted eighty acres now owned by his son Edwin. After the war he homcsteaded another eighty acres adjoining the first tract. He proved his loyalty to his adopted land by enlisting from Amherst Township in 1864 in Company B of the Forty-sixth Wisconsin Infantry. He was in service until the close of hostilities. After that he continued to live on the old homestead until his death in 1901. His wife died January 22, 1890. Henry Lysne assisted by his son Edwin cleared and improved the land of the homestead, cut away the heavy woods which made agriculture impossible at first, and also erected the first buildings for improvements. The Lysne family encountered perhaps more than an average share of hardships and inconveniences connected with pioneer life. At one time the family carried their drinking water from a spring a mile and a half away from the house. Henry Lysne was a man of influence in this locality, served at one time as side supervisor of Amherst Township, and he also took an active part in organizing the old New Hope Lutheran Church and later the South New Hope Church. The parents had eleven children, four of whom died in infancy or early childhood. Those who grew up were: Ole, who was a member of Company F of the Fifth Wisconsin Infantry and was killed in the last battle of the Civil war; Randina ; Edwin ; Susan, who lived with her brother Edwin ; Anna ; and Thomas and Henry, both now deceased.

Mr. Edwin Lysne grew up on the old farm in Portage County, attended the district schools and later the Waupaca High School. He also spent two years in Carlton College at Northfield, Minnesota where some of his relatives lived. At the age of sixteen he was qualified and taught his first school in Portage County, living with his parents at the same time. After giving up the work of the schoolroom he turned his attention to farming, and has made that his business through a long period of years. He still owns the old home of 160 acres and lives there, but the land is now cultivated by tenants.

In 1889 Mr. Lysne married Miss Martha Havey. She was born in Cambridge, Wisconsin, daughter of Ole Havey. Mr. and Mrs. Lysne have three stalwart sons, two of whom are now with the National Army. The oldest, Henry Oliver, is a graduate of the Lutheran College at Decorah, Iowa, and is a fine type of the educated young men who are now composing a large part of the men under arms. The second son, Carl Magnus, who is with Company I of the Eleventh United States Infantry, is a graduate of the Amherst High School. The third son, Walter Herman, finished his education in the State Normal School at Stevens Point and is now employed at Minneapolis. Mrs. Lysne, the mother of these sons, died June 17, 1907. Mr. Lysne and family are members of the South New Hope Lutheran Church.

John D. Curran, of Stevens Point, is one of the very oldest residents of Portage County, and is well known both as an old soldier and as one of the veteran landlords of the county seat.

He was born in Dane County, Wisconsin, December 7, 1846, and was only a few weeks old when his parents, John and Mary Ann (Code) Curran, established their pioneer home in Portage County.

His father, John Curran, was born in Ireland in 1812. Mary Ann Code was born in Missouri in 1820, just about the time that territory was admitted to the Union. John Curran, the grandfather, was born in Ireland in 1770 and died in Portage County in 1850. John and Mary Curran after their marriage lived for a time in St. Louts, then came to Dane County, Wisconsin, and from there moved to Plover, Portage County. John Curran was proprietor of one of the first general stores at the old county seat of Plover, and is remembered as one of the earliest business men of the county. He lived here only a few years and died in 1852. His wife died in 1858. They were members of the Catholic Church but at that time there was no regular church and occasional religious services were held by a missionary priest, Father Dale, who came from Fond du Lac. John and Mary Curran had four children: John; James, who died in 1872; Henry, who died in 1007; and Julia.

John D. Curran grew up and received his education in the local schools of Plover. In 1864, when eighteen years of age, he enlisted in Company E of the Fifth Wisconsin Infantry. He was with that command during the last year of the war and until Lee's surrender, and was at the Grand Review in Washington. His brother Henry enlisted in Company E of the Fifth Wisconsin Infantry in 1861, and after three years of service veteranized and re-enlisted in the same regiment. While a private he was wounded in the first day of the Battle of the Wilderness. He was finally promoted to captain and as such was mustered out.

After the war Henry and John D. Curran established the Curran House at Stevens Point, and were its proprietors and landlords for over forty years, from 1868 to 1909. Since the death of his brother, Captain Henry, John D. Curran has been chiefly busied with looking after his property and dealing in real estate. He and his brother bought and sold lands and were also interested in lumbering and in other business affairs. They have always been republicans. Mr. John D. Curran is a liberal in religious views. February 23, 1909, he married Miss Edith Jackson, of Stevens Point.

Edward Lawritz Loberg. The ancestors and family connections of Mr. Loberg identified themselves with Portage County in pioneer times, when this was a center of the lumbering district of Wisconsin, and when it required a tremendous outlay of labor and patience to get the land ready for crops and establish homes. In addition to giving some account of the activities and experiences of Edward Lawritz Loberg the following paragraphs are also devoted to various members of his family.

The paternal grandfather, Lars Loberg, whose wife died in Norway, came to America about 1854. For a few months he lived in Ashippen Township in Dodge County, Wisconsin, but from there moved to New Hope Township. Transportation facilities were very primitive at the time, and not owning a team of his own he hired a man with a wagon and yoke of oxen to bring him and his goods to New Hope Township. Lars Loberg then located on land where Edward L. Loberg, his grandson, was born more than twenty years later. Part of this land he secured by government title. He was a very energetic citizen, and in addition to getting much of his land under cultivation, he continued to accumulate, foreseeing a time when land would be valuable, and he owned between 500 and 600 acres. He was also active in church affairs and assisted in organizing the old New Hope Lutheran Church. He Anally retired to Nelsonville, and died there. Lars Loberg brought five children with him to America, and three of them died in Dodge County. The only ones to reach mature years was Nels L. and L. L. Loberg. - The maternal grandparents of Edward L. Loberg were Elling and Karen Ellingson. They came from Norway to America about 1856 and at once settled in New Hope Township of Portage County. They secured a tract of wild land, and made it their home for many years, until the death of Elling Ellingson. His widow subsequently lived with her son Ole Ellingson and died in New Hope Township. The Ellingsons had a number of children, including the following: John, who enlisted and served four years in the Twelfth Wisconsin Infantry in the Civil war; Matt and Christ, both deceased; Rhoda, deceased; Sena, deceased ; and Ole ; while several others died as children.

Nels L. Loberg received part of his education in Norway and part of it in New Hope Township. He began farming on his father's old place, and lived there steadily until his death in 1902. He is well remembered by the old timers of that section of Portage County, was industrious, hard working and an honorable citizen, and left a record in which his children may take great pride. His widow survived him until January 30, 1917. Nels Loberg built several substantial structures on his farm, and at the time of his death left a good estate. He and his wife had nine children: Clara Louise; Emma. Ida and Anna, triplets, all of whom died in infancy; Edward Lawritz; Nora Effie, deceased ; William Scverin, who occupies the old home farm ; Emma Amanda Isabel ; and Alma Regina. The father of these children was one of the organizers of the Nelsonville Creamery.

Edward Lawritz Loberg grew up in a rural environment and attended the public schools of Portage County and also the Scandinavia Academy. He lived at home with his father, took his place in the fields and as an assistant manager on the farm, and remained there for four years after his father's death. He then bought the farm where he still lives in New Hope Township, comprising 125; acres, and to this he has given his energetic attention ever since. He is a breeder of full-blooded Guernsey cattle, and is one of the men who are making Portage County contribute to the high standing of Wisconsin as an agricultural state.

L. L. Loberg farm. She is a daughter of Hans and Emma Inga ( Johnson) Helgeson, the former a native of New Hope Township and the latter of Iota Township, Waupaca County. Mrs. Loberg's paternal grandparents were Edward and Mary (Wolding) Helgeson, both natives of Norway. The latter came to America in 1854, at the age of sixteen, with her parents, Mr. and Mrs. Jens Wolding, the Wolding family locating in New Hope Township among the first pioneers there. Edward Helgeson came to this country alone during the '50s and also allied himself with the early life and affairs of New Hope Township. For a time he worked in the lumber woods of Michigan, also bought a place in New Hope Township which he cleared and improved, and he lived there until his death. His widow is still occupying the old homestead. The maternal grandfather of Mrs. Loberg was Halvor Johnson, who came from Norway to America and settled in lola Township, Waupaca County, where he died in 1905. His wife died in 1862. One of the nephews of Halvor Johnson was a Civil war soldier and died in Libby prison. The parents of Mrs. Loberg married in Portage County, New Hope Township, and have spent all their lives in this section of Wisconsin. For the past twentyeight years their home has been a farm in Wittenberg. Mrs. Loberg was one of six children, all of whom are living, namely : Clara Bertha, Laura Marie. Charles Henry, Edwin Harris, Cora Mabel and Tina Bert rand.

Felix A. Lukasavitz. There are many reasons why the people of Stockton Township have been willing to entrust their public interest to such a citizen as Mr. Lukasavitz. He is now serving as chairman of the township board. Mr. Lukasavitz is a business man of wide range of experience, but is also a practical farmer, and he and his family have been merchants at Custer for over a quarter of a century. In all the relationships of a busy life he has proved true and a man who deserves implicit confidence and trust.

His birth occurred in Stockton Township December 7, 1866. He is a son of Joseph and Susannah (Glinecki) Lukasavitz. His parents were both natives of Poland, the father born there on November 8, 1839, and the mother in 1846. Joseph Lukasavitz came to America with his parents, John and Josephine Lukasavitz, and settled at Stevens Point in Portage County in i860. This was one of the earliest Polish families in the county. John Lukasavitz died here about two months after his arrival, being then seventy-three years of age. His widow survived him until 1890 and was eighty-four when she died. Their own children were Paul. Frank and Joseph, and there were also three children of another marriage. Casimer, Peter and Justina.

The Glinecki family were also pioneers in Wisconsin. Mathias and Mary Glinecki came from Poland and first located at Berlin, Wisconsin, moving from there to Stevens Point, afterwards owning a farm in Sharon Township, but spending their last years in Stevens Point.

Joseph Lukasavitz grew up and received his education in his native country. He was twenty years old when he came to Portage County and here on February 14. 1866. he married and then settled on a farm of sixty acres in Stockton Township. He was a man of great industry, and his ability enabled him successively to clear and develop tracts of land one after another until he had a complete farm of 260 acres. That achievement alone was a big contribution on the part of one man to the present resources of the county. He gave his farm good buildings, and was also identified at times with merchandising and other affairs. His death occurred in Stockton Township May 22, 1897, and was survived by his wife until January 15, 1903. They had a large family of children, named Felix, Albert, Helen, Paul, now deceased, Walter, Mary, Aggie, deceased, Joseph, Michael and Antone, deceased. Joseph Lukasavitz was a democrat in politics and a member of the Polish Catholic Church.

It was on the old homestead farm that Felix Lukasavitz spent his boyhood days, and was educated both in the parochial and public schools. He spent one year at W. W. Dagget's Business College at Oshkosh and soon afterward located in Berlin, where he was in the saloon business for six years.

While at Berlin, on June 2, 1891, Mr. Lukasavitz married Mary Cyman. She was bom at Berlin August 15, 1872. In 1895 Mr. and Mrs. Lukasavitz left Berlin and returned to Stevens Point, where he engaged in the tannery business with Frank Mionskowski. These partners erected the tannery and developed a business which is still flourishing. At the end of four years he sold out to his partner and then came to Custer to take charge of the mercantile business started by Ins father and Joseph M. Kluck in 1891. Even before that date Joseph Lukasavitz had been an extensive potato buyer in that section, and had the distinction of selling the second load of potatoes out of Custer. After the death of Joseph Lukasavitz his partner, Mr. Kluck, sold his share of the business to Mrs. Joseph Lukasavitz, and since then this well known center of trade has been managed and conducted by Felix Lukasavitz. He is also one of the leading potato buyers and his individual operations as a farmer are conducted on a place of eighty acres three miles northeast of Custer. He owns his store property and residence in the town and in every sense is a man of substantial interests.

His public service began in the office of assessor, which he held for five successive years. For one year he was township clerk and is now in his fifth consecutive term as chairman of the board of supervisors and also postmaster. Mr. Lukasavitz is a loyal democrat and a member of the Polish Catholic Church.

He and his wife have had a family of eleven children: Helen, deceased; Felix loseph, who married Josephine Lipinski, of Custer, and has one child, Catherine ; Henry H., who died when four years old; Barney B., Florence, Bridget, Raymond T., Hilary J., Jerome C, Stanley C. and Harriet M.

William L Gavin. Stevens Point is the home of a number of railway men. and one of the veterans of the transportation service living there is Wlliam J. Gavin, who for thirty years or more piloted trains up and down the Wisconsin Central and the Soo line as conductor until he has grown gray in the service and is undoubtedly one of the most popular men in the operating department of the Toad.

Ireland and his mother in Brooklyn, New York. Martin Gavin came to America in 1847, landing at Boston, and not long afterwards came west to the new State of Wisconsin, where he located at Neenah in Winnebago County. He acquired a tract of land which he developed as a farm, but also engaged in the grocery and meat market business at Neenah. For many years he was a local butcher at Neenah. He died in 1887. when well advanced in years, and his widow passed away at Stevens Point. He was active in politics, serving as alderman and deputy sheriff at Neenah, and the family were all Catholics. Martin Gavin and wife married at Menasha, Wisconsin. Their children were : Joseph ; Annie ; Frank and Charles, deceased ; William J. ; Mary; and Edward, a physician at Fond du Lac, now major in the United States Army.

William J. Gavin received his early education in the public schools of Neenah, and in 1880, when only fifteen years of age, came to Stevens Point and went to work on the old Wisconsin Central Railway. In spite of his age he showed such capability that in 1883 he was promoted to conductor and continuously since the year 1887 has been a passenger conductor and is the oldest in point of continuous service on this division of the Soo line. He has been an active member of the Order of Railway Conductors since 1886.

Mr. Gavin is a member of the Catholic Church, the Catholic Knights, the Foresters and Elks, and is independent in politics. He and his family reside at 541 Main Street.

January 25. 1891, he married Jennie Marie Reton, who was born at Nelsonville in Portage County March 4, 1870, daughter of Ole and Gunild Reton, both natives of Norway. Her father was born in 1837 and her mother in 1852. They married in Norway, coming to America and from New York coming westward to a farm in New Hope Township of Portage County. In T871 they moved to Stevens Point, where they had their home until the death of Mrs. Reton in 1896. The father then took a trip to Norway, and later went back a second time and was absent about seven years. On returning to Wisconsin he wound up his affairs and moved to California and died at Martinez in that state in 1907- He and his wife were members of the Lutheran Church. Mrs. Gavin has two brothers: Nels and John, who are in the iewelry business under the name Reton Brothers at Stevens Point. Five children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Gavin: Ethel, who graduated from the Stevens Point Normal School and also from the East Hig;h School at Minneapolis and the Minneapolis Kindergarten Normal School, is now supervisor in the students teaching department of the Minneapolis Kindergarten Normal and is also doin? advanced university work during the summers at the University of Chicago. Anna, the second daughter, is a graduate of the East High School at Minneapolis and of the Stevens Point Normal, and is a teacher in the public schools. Grace, who graduated from the East High School at Minneapolis and the local normal school, was a popular teacher for two years and is now the wife of O. T Cook, cashier of the Bank of Osceola, Wisconsin. The two younger children are William Reton and Esther Agnes, the former a graduate of both the Stevens Point High School and of the State Normal, and is now serving in the United States Navy, while the latter is a freshman in high school.

Jeremiah Rellahan is a veteran railroader, began work in that line in early youth, and with various intervals of other occupations is still in the service, one of the hardworking and efficient conductors who reside at Stevens Point.

Mr. Rellahan was born at Berlin, Wisconsin, July 25, 1867, son of John and Mary (Howard) Rellahan. Both parents were natives of Ireland but came to the United States before their marriage and were married in Wisconsin. They then settled at Berlin, Wisconsin, where the father was employed a number of years as a section foreman on the St. Paul Railroad. He died in July, 1906, at the age of sixty-eight, and his wife passed away in August, 1884, at the age of thirty-seven. Their children, all living, are Jeremiah, Michael, Mary and John. The family were Catholics.

Jeremiah Rellahan was educated in Berlin at the public schools and at the age of seventeen found his first opportunity to get into the railroad service as a brakeman on the Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul Railway. He paid close attention to his duties, was willing and faithful, and in 1892 was promoted to the ranks of conductor. He was with that road for three years as conductor, until failing health obliged him to resign. Mr. Rellahan moved to Stevens Point in 1900, and for nine years was employed as a night watchman for the John Week's Lumber Company. In 1012 he resumed railroading, this time with the Green Bay & Western Railroad, beginning as brakeman and for the past three years has been a conductor. His home is at 637 \\ r ater Street at Stevens Point.

Mr. Rellahan is a democratic voter and is a member of St. Stephens Catholic Church. On November 17, 1897, he married Miss Mary Quinn, who was born in Stockton Township of Portage County in September, 1865, daughter of James and Ann (Leonard) Quinn. James Quinn was born in County Tyrone, Ireland, March 27, 1841, and his wife was a native of New York State. The grandfather, James Quinn, Sr., died in Ireland at the age of seventy-five. His son James in 1853 brought his widowed mother to the United States. Her maiden name was Rose Daley. Coming to Wisconsin, they joined his brothers Patrick and John at Princeton. James Quinn had a good education in Ireland and after coming to Wisconsin worked as bookkeeper and clerk and also drove stage between Berlin and Stevens Point. He and his brothers Patrick and John finally brought their mother to Stevens Point. Patrick Quinn and Thomas Gray are to be remembered as among the pioneer merchants of Stevens Point. James Quinn spent a number of years on the river, and later bought a farm in Stockton Township. That was during war time. He sold out to a man named Leonard Van Hecke. After that he worked for his brother Patrick in the store. About 1863 James Quinn married at Stevens Point and is still living. Since 191 1 his home has been at Neenah, Wisconsin, and he is now retired. He and all the family are members of the Catholic Church. The children of James Quinn and wife were as follows: Mary; James, deceased; Margaret; William and John, deceased ; James ; Joseph ; Edward ; Krancis ; Catherine ; George ; Charles and Fred. Mrs. Rellahan was educated in the public and parochial schools at Stevens Point and also attended the State Normal School there. Mr. and Mrs. Rellahan have five children: John Toseph, born March 10. 1899, at Berlin, Wisconsin, is a graduate of the Stevens Point High School with the class of 1918; Anna

Lucile, born in 1901, died in infancy; James Francis, born in 1903, died in infancy; Margaret Geneva, born July 12, 1904, now a student in the eighth grade of the St. Stephen's Parochial School ; and William Jeremiah, born August 15, 1906, in the sixth grade of St. Stephen's Parochial School.

Adam Mancheski. Steady application and persevering attention to the building up of an enterprise have brought success to Adam Mancheski, proprietor of one of the leading retail meat markets of Stevens Point. Mr. Mancheski is of Polish ancestry, has come to success through the avenue of hard labor and long continued work both for himself and others, and is a man of pleasant and genial manner and has hosts of friends in Portage County.

Mr. Mancheski was born at Dunkirk, New York, December 20, 1869. His parents, Frank and Mary Mancheski, were born in Poland, and many years ago immigrated to the new world and settled in New a farm, but finally moved back to Dunkirk, New York, where both of them are still living. Their children were: Margaret, deceased; Adam; Josie; George, who died at the age of twenty-two; Frank; Kate, who was killed by a train in Green Bay ; Nicholas ; and Joseph.

Adam Mancheski received his early education and rearing in Portage County, attending the public schools. He did his first regular labor as a wage earner as a section hand on the railroad. He was promoted to section boss and later for some years was a stationary firemen in paper and saw mills. About 1905 he invested his capital and experience in establishing a meat market and grocery at 418 North Second Street in Stevens Point, and has kept this business growing and flourishing with an ever wider circle of patrons to the present time. Mr. Mancheski also owns considerable business property and his home at 420 North Second Street.

He is a democratic voter and a member of St. Peter's Catholic Church. In 1894 Mr. Mancheski married Miss Josephine Schultz, of Dewey Township, Portage County. She is a daughter of Martin and Kate Schultz. Her mother died in 1913 but her father still lives on the old farm in Dewey Township. Mr. and Mrs. Mancheski became the parents of twelve children: Edward, who is now serving in the American Army, fighting for the ideals of American democracy and the freedom of the land of his ancestors; Peter and Hattie, both deceased ; Ida ; Gertrude : Celia ; Benjamin ; Harry, deceased ; Frank, deceased; Genevieve; Dorothy and Dominic, deceased.

Carl Waller. Throughout his entire career Carl Walter has made his home in Amherst Township and here has been prominently identified with agricultural interests and with the upbuilding and advancement of its general welfare. He is a man of superior ability in his line and has won that prosperity which is the reward of honorable effort, being one of the substantial and reliable representatives of farming, a class to which the county of Portage must look for its future progress.

Carl Waller was bom on the farm which he now occupies in Amherst Township July 14, 1874, and is a son of Nels and Helene (Howen) Waller, natives of Norway. His paternal grandparents were Halvor and Bertha Waller, who on immigrating to the United

States located first in Waukesha County, Wisconsin, where the grandfather died in a log house which still stands as a historic memento of pioneer days. Mrs. Waller subsequently came to Portage County and spent her last days in the vicinity of Nelsonvillc. The maternal grandparents of Mr. Waller passed their entire lives in Norway. Nels Waller was bom in Norway, August i8, 1834, and was a youth when he accompanied his parents to the United States, the first settlement of the family being in the vicinity of Pine Lake, Waukesha County. There he worked with his father for several years, but in 1859 came to Portage County and purchased land in Amherst Township. His first years were difficult ones, but he was a persevering and persistent man and continued in his efforts until he had established himself upon a sound footing. He was married July 8, 1869, to Helene llowen, who was born in Norway, June 20, 1847, and who, following the death of her parents, made the trip to this country alone and came directly to the home of her uncle, Peter Howen, who lived on a farm in New Hope Township. After their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Waller settled down to the cultivation of their fields and the making of a good home for their children, and here the remainder of their useful and honorable lives were spent, the father dying November 2, 1895, and the mother April 17, 1899. They were devout and God-fearing people, members of the Lutheran faith, and Mr. Waller assisted in the organization of the old New Hope Lutheran Church. There were nine children in the family: Helen, John and Anton, who are deceased; Bemhard, who married Ada Hoffman; Lloyd, who married Elsie Rudiger; Tina, who married Fred Lutz; and Olaf and Hilda, who reside on the old home farm with their brother Carl.

Carl Waller was educated in the district schools and his entire life has been passed on the homestead place upon which he was bom. He has added many improvements to the property and has been successful in making it more productive. This ioo- acre property now presents an attractive appearance with its commodious buildings, wellkept fields, and general air of prosperity, and is adjudged one of the valuable farms of the township.

Mr. Waller has devoted his entire life to farming and lias few outside interests. He has not sought preference in public affairs, although he takes an intelligent interest therein and endeavors wherever possible to aid in the progress of his community. His chief concern, however, is that he make a success of his life work and that he sustain the honorable reputation established by his parents. Mr. Waller is unmarried.

Oscar H. Wrolstad. Two vocations, those of farming and merchandising, have occupied the attention and energies of Oscar H. Wrolstad since he entered upon his independent career. As the first merchant of the community of Peru, during a long period he supplied the wants of the residents of this locality in a mercantile way, but in 1912 disposed of his interests in this direction and turned his attention to agriculture, in which he has since been engaged in New Hope Township. lie is one of the progressive and public-spirited citizens of this part of the county and on several occasions has been the incumbent of offices of official trust.

O. and Mary (Roe) VVrolstad. His paternal grandparents were Ole O. and Osele (Snaoss) Wrolstad, who were married in their native Norway, from whence they journeyed to Havre, France, and there took a sailing vessel which landed them at New York City. They then made their way by the Hudson River, Erie Canal and Great Lakes to Muskegon, Michigan, but after a short stay pushed on to Rock River, Jefferson County, Wisconsin, and after spending several years of farming there came to New 1 lope Township, Portage County, Ole O. Wrolstad securing a tract of land in the heavy timber. Here he succeeded in clearing and developing a property of 280 acres, and was also owner of a sawmill which he built at Northland, Waupaca County, and another in Alban Township, Portage County. lie and his wife died full of years and with the respect and esteem of the entire community upon the farm of their son in New Hope Township. They were the parents of six children : Ole, deceased ; John, deceased, who fought four years as a soldier of the Union during the Civil war, being with the Fifteenth (Scandinavian) Wisconsin Infantry; George, who was also a soldier of the Union during the Civil war, through which he passed safely, but is now deceased; Halvor O. ; Hans, deceased ; and Martin O., a prosperous farmer and leading citizen of New Hope Township. Ole O. Wrolstad was one of the men who organized New Hope Township and held a number of local offices, being elected thereto by his fellow-citizens who had come to appreciate and admire his many sterling qualities of heart and mind and his absolute integrity in all matters of life.

The maternal grandparents of Oscar H. Wrolstad were Ingebright and Karen (Selerud) Roe, both of whom are now deceased. On first coming to this country they settled in Dodge County, Wisconsin, where they owned land, but subsequently sold this property and moved to Portage County, where Mr. Roe acquired 240 acres, purchased from the United States Government and from private parties in 1866. This was all wild land, but Mr. Roe, an industrious and enterprising man, succeeded in clearing and developing it, and it is now the home of his daughter-in-law, Mrs. Emma Roe, the widow of his son Peter. The children of Ingebright and Karen Roe were as follows: Peter, who was engaged in farming for many years prior to his death; Mary, a resident of New Hope Township; Simon and Jacob, who are deceased; Carl, a resident of Lake Preston, South Dakota; and Jonas J.

Halvor O. Wrolstad, father of Oscar H., was born at Rock River, Jefferson County, Wisconsin, and was still a child when he accompanied his parents to Portage County. He has continued to be a resident of New Hope Township and a farmer and during the greater part of the time has resided on his present farm, a tract of 120 acres, which was cleared by his own hands and the buildings on which were erected by \vm. He now has a comfortable home and a valuable property and is looked upon as one of the substantial men of his community, a citizen of public-spirited tendencies and a man of integrity in business matters. He was one of the organizers of the creamery at Peru and has other interests. With his family he belongs to the old New Hope Church. Mr and Mrs. Wrolstad have been the parents of ten children, namely: Oscar H., Ida, deceased, Clara, Hannah, Emfl. Josephine. Minnie, Henry. Bcnnie and Selma.

cessful farming by his father, with whom he worked until entering upon a career of his own. About the year 1898, with his uncle, Martin O. Wrolstad, he started the first store founded at Peru, a general merchandise establishment, and erected the building. After one year Martin O. Wrolstad sold out to his nephew, who continued to conduct the enterprise, building it up and developing the business to sizable proportions. He was energetic, progressive and up-to-date in his methods, considerate in looking after the needs and wishes of his customers, and fair in his transactions, and was thus able to secure a large share of the patronage of the people of the community. In addition he acted in the capacity of postmaster, an office which had formerly been held by his uncle, but when the rural free delivery came this was one of the offices affected. After fourteen years of merchandising Mr. Wrolstad answered the call of the farm, in 1912 buying a property a little east of Peru in New Hope Township. He now has forty-four acres of highly improved land, in addition to which he rents a considerable acreage, and has erected a good set of substantial buildings. About half of his land has been cleared by Mr. Wrolstad, and here, in addition to general farming, he is engaged in the breeding of graded Ayreshire cattle. He was for some years interested in the creamery at Peru, and held the office of treasurer thereof for several years. As a citizen he has been prompt in discharging his responsibilities, and was for four years treasurer of his township.

Mr. Wrolstad was married July 10, 1901, to Miss Ida Dobby, who was born in Alban Township, Portage County, daughter of John Dobby. To this union there have been born four children : Margaret, Julian, Philip and Vernon. With Mrs. Wrolstad and the children Mr. Wrolstad attends the Lutheran Church at Northland, Waupaca County.

Levi McGown is a practical farmer and has exemplified the progressive spirit which has put Portage County far ahead in the matter of agriculture and agricultural organization and system. He represents an old and well known family in this section of Wisconsin, and is now managing the old homestead in Plover Township where he was born December 22, 1888.

His parents are John and Maria (Taylor) McGown. His father was born in Wayne County, New York, February 3, 183s. son of William and Jane (Huff) McGown and grandson of Stephen McGown, who came from Scotland in colonial times and settled at Cherry Valley, New York. He was living in that locality during the War of 1812. John McGown came to Plover Township in 1858 and rented a farm for a time, but after a year returned to New York. On his second coming to Wisconsin he established a home in Stevens Point and went to work for O. C. Wheelock. On October 12, 1861, he volunteered his services for the defense of the Union in Company B of the Fourteenth Wisconsin Infantry, and was in service for more than three years, until his honorable discharge at Madison on January 30, 1865. He was in some of the hard and determined fighting in some of the campaigns which wrested the control of the Mississippi River from the Confederates. He was at Pittsburg Landing, Corinth, Iuka, the second battle of Corinth, was with Grant in one of the early attempts against Pittsburg, and afterwards in the long siege of Pittsburg. After the war he returned to Plover Township and worked on a farm one

On November 15, 1865, John McGown married Maria Taylor, who was born in New York State in 1847, daughter of George Edwin Taylor, of a family whose connections with Portage County are well known and are described more at length on other pages. Mrs. Maria McGown died in 1899. They had a family of eight children, Levi being the youngest. Ella is the wife of Elmer J. Youman, of Westboro, Taylor County, Wisconsin ; Frank is a farmer in Plover Township and also a rural mail carrier ; Otis is a farmer in Plover ; Addie married John Langton, of Plover village; Maria is the wife of Walter Smith, a Plover Township farmer; John Austin lives at Vernonia, Oregon; and Amy is the wife of Harvey James Smith, of Plover Township.

Levi McGown was reared on the old farm, obtained a public school education, and for several years has been industriously engaged in managing a farm of eighty acres. He is doing well and his success so far is an ample promise of increased usefulness and prosperity in the years to come. Politically he votes an independent ticket.

February 15, 191 1. Mr. McGown married Miss Nellie Langton, who was born in Plover Township January 22. 1889, daughter of Alvin Langton, of that township. Mr. and Mrs. McGown have three children, Hazel Bernice, Beulah Catherine and Bernard Lee.

William J. Hermann is one of the competent railway men who make their home at Stevens Point, and for a number of years has been in the service of the Soo lines as an inspector.

He is especially loyal to Portage County as the place where he was born and spent practically all his years. His birth occurred in Plover Township April 26, 1885. His parents, William and Margaret (Trageiser) Hermann, were both natives of Germany, where thev married, and where four of their children were born, named Matilda, Lina, Emil and Arnold. In 1879 the little family came to America, settling in Portage County, and after one year in Plover village moved to a farm in that township. The father cleared up the- land and made a home of excellent improvements and in those surroundings he spent his last years. He died honored and respected in 1908, at the age of sixty-six. His widow is still living on the farm. The family are members of the German Catholic Church. The children born after the parents came to this country were: Fannie, who died in 1906, Eva. William J . Frederick and Emma.

William J. Hermann spent his boyhood days on the old homestead. He thus has a practical knowledge of farming. He attended both the public and parochial schools, and at the age of sixteen started to earn his own living as a workman in a paper mill. On July 6, 1912, he entered the railway service as an inspector and has been closely attentive to his work ever since. He is a member of the Brotherhood of Railway Engineers. Mr. Hermann owns a good home at 228 Dixon Street in Stevens Point. He is independent in politics and is a member of the Evangelical Church of Stevens Point.

August 14. 1912, he married Elizabeth Hoerter. who was born in Germany March 25, 1884, daughter of Michael and Christina fBeiner) Hoerter, who came to Portage County and settled on a farm near Amherst Junction, where they lived ten years and then moved to Stevens Point. Her father died in that city April 4, 1896, at the age of forty-five. The widowed mother is now living with Mr. and Mrs. Hermann. Mr. and Mrs. Hoerter were members of the Evangelical Church. Their six children were: Michael, Christina, John, Elizabeth, Carl, who died in March, 1917, at the age of thirtyone, and Frederick William.

Earl Newby. Prominent among the younger generation of men that are making themselves useful in the administration of public affairs is Earl Newby, an esteemed and popular citizen of Stevens Point, who as treasurer of Portage County is rendering faithful and efficient service, fulfilling the duties of his responsible position to the very letter. A son of Thomas J. Newby, he was born June 3!, 1886, in Plover, Portage County, Wisconsin. His paternal grandfather, Patrick William Newby, was born and brought up in England. Soon after his marriage he came with his wife to Wisconsin, locating in Portage County. Taking up land in Plover Township, he labored with true pioneer courage to improve the farm on which he and his wife spent their remaining days.

Born on the parental homestead in Plover Township, Thomas J. Newby was educated in the district schools, and on the home farm acquired a thorough knowledge of the different branches of agriculture. Choosing the occupation to which he was reared, he bought land in Plover Township, and in its management has met with well deserved success. He married Mary Norton, a native of Minnesota, and of their union three children have been born, namely: Estella, wife of Anton Green, of Stevens Point; Earl, the special subject of this brief sketch; and Elsie, wife of Frank Halladay, Jr., of Green Bay, Wisconsin.

Having acquired his elementary education in the schools of Plover Township and Village, Earl Newby assisted his father in the care of the home farm until taking unto himself a wife. For five years after that important event he was engaged in farming on his own account. Making a complete change of occupation, Mr. Newby then accepted a position as brakeman on the Soo line, and continued thus employed until he had the misfortune to lose one hand. Nothing daunted, however, he fitted himself for a business career, completing the commercial course at the Stevens Point Business College. Subsequently, from 1912 until 1915, he operated an auto livery, being the first onehanded man in the county to run an automobile. On January 1,1915, Mr. Newby assumed charge of the office to which he had previously been elected, and as county treasurer is administering the affairs of his position with credit to himself and to the great satisfaction of the people.

Mr. Newby married in tgo6 Elizabeth Chase, who was born in Almond, Portage County, Wisconsin, a daughter of Perley Chase. Religiously Mrs. Newby is a member of the Catholic Church. Fraternally Mr. Newby is a member of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks.

progressed steadily toward the goal of success until he is now recognized as one of the substantial farmers of his vicinity, and also as a loyal and public spirited citizen.

Mr. Zblewski was born in Sharon Township of this county July 25, 1877, son of Jacob and Victoria Zblewski. His parents married in Poland, and on coining to America settled in Chicago in 187 1, the year of the great fire. After five years they came to Portage County, and bought eighty acres in Stockton Township, land now owned by their son Frank. Jacob Zblewski now lives in Sharon Township. His first wife died in 1885, the mother of six children, Joseph, Frank, Roman, Henry, Helen and Mary, all living except Mary. For his second wife Jacob Zblewski married Mary Golinski, and their children were John, Lucian, Jacob and Faustine. For his third wife the father married Mary Modrzejewski. To this union were born Nicholas, Lucy, Felix, Anna, Johanna, Charles, Frances, Veronia, Henry and Mary.

Mr. Frank Zblewski grew up in Stockton Township, was educated in the parochial schools and for a very limited time in the public schools. He has employed the years of his manhood usefully and well as a farmer. He bought the eighty acre farm of his father in Stockton Township, and Mrs. Zblewski owns the farm in Stockton where they live, and he has a place of twenty acres in New Hope Township. His land has been most substantially improved. His barn is 30 by 86 feet with 16-foot posts. He is doing much with good cattle, keeping grade Guernseys. Politically Mr. Zblewski is a democrat and he and his family are members of the Polish Catholic Church at Polonia.

In 1903 he married Miss Sallie Herek. She died September 18, 1912, the mother of five children, named Laura, Anastasia, I^wis, Edwin and Sallie. On January 14, 1913, Mr. Zblewski married Mrs. Julia Kruzitski, widow of Bernard Kruzitski. By her first marriage she had two children, Irene and Eugenia. Mr. and Mrs. Zblewski have a daughter, Loretta.

The maiden name of Mrs. Zblewski was Julia Pliszke. She was born in Poland November 1, 1876, daughter of Peter and Anna (Glinecki) Pliszke. Her parents came to Portage County in June, 1881, and in March, 1882, located on the farm where their son Frank now lives in Stockton Township. Here the father died August 8, 1910, at the age of seventy-five, and his widow is living with her son Frank, aged eighty-one. Their children were- four in number: Stanley. Frank, Catherine and Julia. Mrs. Zblewski's father was a carpenter by trade and followed that occupation for a number of years. He was employed to put up part of the building on the place where Mr. Zblewski now lives. Mr. Pliszke was a democrat and a member of the Catholic Church at Polonia.

BrRTON Harvey is one of the leading dairymen of Amherst, and for practically twenty years has supplied a large part of the milk consumed among the people of that village. Mr. Harvey represents pioneers in this section of Wisconsin, and the family record as well as h : s own have been most creditable.

He was born at Cnmpton, Province of Quebec, Canada, January 2<). i8S5, a son of Gardner and Lydia (Boynton) Harvey. His paternal great-grandfather was a soldier in the Revolutionary war. The paternal grandparents were Lemuel and Charlotte (Fletcher) Harvey, the latter of whom died in Canada. Lemuel Harvey was the leader of the family into the wilds of Wisconsin, and when Portage County was still a wilderness he located about a mile and a half above Stevens Point. About three years later he gathered together and started down the river a large raft of logs, but conveyed them only as far as Burlington, Iowa, where he was taken ill and died. Gardner Harvey, who was born in Compton, Canada, came west with his family in 1859 to Jordan, Wisconsin, and after his father's death continued for a time to operate north of Stevens Point. He then bought a part of what is now the County Farm in Amherst Township, and lived there until 1876, when he retired to the village of Amherst. At one time he owned 360 acres in the county, but at the time of his retirement his farm consisted of about 200 acres, a large part of which had been cleared and developed by his own hands. He spent fifteen years of his retired life in Florida, but died in Amherst in 1898. His wife, who died there in 1901, was born in Island Pond, Vermont, and when she was a child her parents moved from New England to Compton, Canada, and her mother died there. His father owned several flour mills and farms in Canada. Gardner Harvey and wife were the parents of four children: L. P., Hazen Hazettine, Herbert H. and Burton.

Burton Harvey was about four years of age when his parents came to Portage County, grew up here and received an education in the public schools, and had just passed his majority when his parents removed to the village of Amherst from the farm. Soon afterwards he bought a place of forty acres about half a mile west of Amherst, and farmed it for a number of years while still living in town. In 1004 he bought the Mrs. Phoebe Grover place of 114 acres, where he has since lived. The house is in the village of Amherst and the farm is just outside the corporate boundaries. This farm was acquired direct from the government by Peter Grover. who also owned eightytwo acres now owned and occupied by Mr. Harvey's son. Mr. Harvey and his son operate a high class dairy known as the Elm Dale Farm, and have it stocked with a herd of high grade Guernsey cattle.

In 1884 Mr. Harvey married Miss Sophia Smith. She was born at Lake Mills. Wisconsin, daughter of Casper Smith. Her father was a pioneer of Amherst, and a veteran of the Civil war. He served in Companv D of the Twenty-Ninth Wisconsin Infantry, and was in the campaigns and battles for three years, until the close of hostilities. He was a native of Germany, born in Bavaria, and married his first wife in the old country and came to America in 1853. locating first in Madison. Wisconsin. He spent about three years there, and his wife died in that city and also two of his children. He then moved to Watertown, Wisconsin, where he married Miss Emilia Faymer. She was also a native of Germany and had come to America about the same time as Casper Smith. They then settled at Lake Mills in Jefferson County, but on December 23, 1865. the family established a home on a farm two miles west of Amherst in Portage County. Casper Smith afterwards sold this nlace and retired to the village of Amherst, but finally went back to the farm and he and his wife died there. By his first marriage only one child grew to maturity, George W. Smith, of Amherst. Bv his second marriage there were four children: Mrs. Harvev: Tohn; Casper. Jr.. now on the old farm in Amherst Township; and Mary, wife of Marion Fleming, of Amherst Township.

Mr. and Mrs. Harvey have two children. The older, the business partner and associate of his father, is Verne Manley. The younger is Winifred Rosamond. Mr. and Mrs. Harvey are active members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. For several years he has been honored with a position in the village council and is a man of public spirit in all his relationships with the community.

James M. Manlev. The contribution of James M. Manley to the commercial interests of the prosperous village of Bancroft consists of a well-conducted and up-to-date hardware establishment, which attracts patronage from all over this section. Mr. Manley has been a permanent resident of Bancroft during the past nine years and in this time has become one of the leading citizens of the community. In addition to his hardware business he has interests in several other enterprises, is a property owner, and one of the live, energetic and public-spirited citizens.

Mr. Manley was born at Almond, Portage County, Wisconsin, May 15, 1863, and is a son of Samuel M. and Irene (Markham) Manley. His father came to Wisconsin as a young man and was here married in 1861, shortly after which he donned the uniform of his country as a member of the Fifth Wisconsin Volunteer Infantry, Company F. He went with his regiment to Madison from the enlistment point at Stevens Point, and subsequently saw some of the hard fighting of the war, being in the battle of Five Forks with Sheridan's troops, and subsequently going to Petersburg with the forces of General Grant. On numerous occasions he had narrow escapes, and once, while building a fire, the rifle which he was using as a prop exploded and nearly killed him. About one week before the surrender of General l-ee Mr. Manley was wounded and was removed to the hospital at Washington, D. C. Following his recovery, the war having closed, he returned to his home in Almond Township. Portage County, and again engaged in farming, in which he continued to be occupied during the remainder of his life. Mrs. Manley survives her husband and is a resident of Bancroft.

James M. Manley received his education in the public schools of Portage County and was reared to the pursuits of agriculture. However, fanning did not appeal to him, and when he was still a youth his adventurous spirit led him to leave the parental roof and go west seeking his fortune. He first went to the Black Hills, and during the following twenty years visited many places in the western states, the greater part of his time, however! being spent in Montana, where he became the owner of a ranch and engaged extensively in the cattle business. He returned to Almond after twenty years, and was married in 1902 to Miss Anna Young, who had been born, educated and reared at Almond, and whom he had known as a youth. The next seven years were passed in Montana, but in 1909 Mr. and Mrs. Manley came back to Portage County, this time to settle permanently at Bancroft. Here Mr. Manley established himself in the hardware business, which he has since built up to appreciable and profitable proportions. He also has various other interests, as before indicated, owning three houses and places of business, being one of the proprietors of a garage and having the agency for the Grand and Chevrolet automobiles at Bancroft, and having also an interest in the cheese factory which has just commenced operations. He has been a constant and generous contributor toward public-spirited movements, and showed his friendship for the cause of education when he assisted materially in the building of the high school here. Mr. and Mrs. Manley are the parents of four bright and interesting children: Fred, Helena, James M., Jr., and Glenn, all of whom are attending school. The oldest son, Fred Manley, is now serving his country in the United States Navy.

Martin N. Mani.ey, brother of James Manley, and also one of the live and progressive business men of Bancroft, was born in the town of Almond, Wisconsin, and there received a public school education. When he left the home farm he started railroading at Kaukauna, but after one year returned to the homestead, where he followed farming for a like period. Going next to Fond du Lac, he secured a position as brakeman on the Wisconsin Central Railroad, and engaged in that line of work for about four years, but in 1908 came to Bancroft and engaged in the general store business, which he still follows as proprietor of the leading establishment of its kind at this point. His store, which is rented from the Woodmen, is well stocked with popularly-priced and up-to-date goods, and through straightforward and honest business methods and a superior quality of stock he has built up an excellent trade among the people of Bancroft and the surrounding territory. Formerly Mr. Manley was interested in a meat market, but disposed of his interests therein and now gives his entire attention to his general store business. He is the owner of a comfortable home and the property upon which it stands, as well as five other residential lots. He has always been active in the cause of education, and at present is serving as school clerk, and it has been largely through his efforts that Bancroft now has a consolidated school instead of the little rural school that was here at the time of his arrival. For ten years Mr. Manley has served as a notary public. With his wife and son he attends the Baptist Church and has generously supported its movements.

Mr. Manley was married August 4. 1901, to Miss Elizabeth Young, of Buena Vista Township, Portage County, and to this union there has been one son, Monroe, aged fifteen years, who is attending school.

James Leonard Moiierc.. Of the men who direct the destinies of the press of Portage County, one of the most prominent is James Leonard Moherg, editor and proprietor for the past twelve years of the Amherst Advocate. Mr. Moberg has been a printer and practical newspaper man almost as far back as his recollections extend.

He was born at Amherst October 17, 1881, and most of his career has been spent in the village of his birth. He is a son of Andrew and Emilie ("Buck) Moberg. His paternal grandparents were natives of Sweden, and his grandfather died in that country. Andrew Moberg came to America as a child with his mother in 1846. She died in New York City and in 1865 he came to Stevens Point and in the fall of the same vear located in the village of Amherst. When he located in Portage County he had just completed a period of service as a Union soldier with Company E of the Seventy-First Illinois Infantry. By trade he was a harness maker, and followed that work and also kept a general store at Amherst for many years. He also filled the office of postmaster for fifteen years, and though now retired from active responsibilities is one of the most esteemed of the older residents of the town. His wife was born in New York State, a daughter of Charles E. and Harriett E. (Darling) Buck. They came west in 1845, settling in Washington County, Wisconsin, and in 1855 near the village oft Amherst, where they spent the rest of their days as farmers. Mr. and Mrs. Andrew Moberg are active in the Methodist Episcopal Church. They had nine children: Chester E., deceased; Harriet B. ; Lorenzo P.; Lucy A.; Charles H., deceased; James L. ; Adelbert ; Theresa G. ; and George S.

James L. Moberg is one of the boys of Amherst who grew up here, attended the local schools and high school, and he gained his first knowledge of the printing art in his home town. As a journeyman he worked in various places, but in 1905 bought the Amherst Advocate and has done much to build up the influence and prestige of that valuable local journal, and has not only made it a medium of news but valuable as an asset to the business community.

Layton T. Fox. Fox is a family name in Portage County around which have gathered many associations due to long residence, success In business affairs and honorable participation in those movements and activities which are most vitally connected with the general welfare of the community.

A prominent member of this family is Layton T. Fox of Plover Township, who has spent practically all his life in this locality. He was born in the village of Plover February 25. i860. When he was nine years old his parents moved from the village to a farm in the same township, and he was educated partly in the village schools and partly in those of the country. He had plenty of practice in those occupations requiring strength, agility and endurance in the great lumber industry of Wisconsin. He worked in the woods, around sawmills and as a log driver on the river until he was about twentytwo years old. Mr. Fox then acquired forty acres of the old homestead, and has since added another forty acres, making a very complete and model farm. When he took up his residence at his present place about fifteen years ago he lived in a log house, but has gradually increased his comforts, has erected good buildings, and has made his farm very productive of crops and good livestock. Mr. Fox is a republican and has served as a member of the local school board. He is affiliated .with the Junior Order of United American Mechanics and attends the United Brethren Church.

February 22, 1882. he married Miss Nettie Durfee. of Plover Township. Mrs. Fox died in 1883. and her only child, Archie, died in infancy. On March (\ 1887, Mr. Fox married Miss Hattie Maria Slack. Mrs. Fox was born in New York State August 13, 1868, daughter of George Henry and Catherine (Doney) Slack, who came from New York State to Buena Vista Township of Portage County about 1877 ann " ' atcr located in Plover Township. Her parents finally removed to Wyoming, where her father died in 1907 and where her mother is still living. Mr. and Mrs. Fox are the parents of seven children, named in order of birth Flossie Edna, Lottie, Berton G., Layton T., Tr.. George A.. Katie B. and Victor F. Flossie Edna is the wife of Victor Ward of Amhurst Junction and she is the mother of four children, named Herbert, Hattie, Layton and Blanche. Lottie married Bert Ward, of Arnott, Wisconsin. Bert Ward is a butter maker. They have two sons, Charles and Walter. Berton G. Fox married Nellie J. Gustin, and their only child is Gerald Gustin. Mr. Fox's son Layton T., Jr., who became a member of the Fifth Company of the Depot Brigade at Camp Grant, Illinois, has seen much active service overseas. George A. Fox is also in the United States Army, at Fort Pershing, Fort Bliss, Texas.

Louis Peter Schuweiler was born in Stevens Point March 5, 1887, son of Charles and Margaret (Sossang) Schuweiler. His father was a native of Belgium and his mother a native of Germany. Charles Schuweiler was an early settler at Stevens Point, locating there prior to the Civil war. For a number of years he rafted food supplies on the river for the Indian reservation and also worked in the saw mills. He married at Stevens Point, and he and his wife had three sons, Nicholas, John and Louis Peter. In politics he was a democrat and a member of the Catholic Church. He died November 1, 1917, from heart trouble.

Louis P. Schuweiler grew up at Stevens Point, attended the public and parochial schools, and when little more than a boy found work in a paper mill. Later he was retail clerk in a store for eight years, and' for two years sold insurance. In November, 1915, Mr. Schuweiler entered business in partnership with A. J. Sprague, under the firm name of Badger Sales Company, operating a general store. On June 1, 1916. Mr. Schuweiler bought out his partner and afterward changed it to the Schuweiler Novelty Company, handling a number of specialties in merchandise, and intended gradually to convert it into a musical instrument and musical goods store. His business headquarters were at 1019 South Division Street. He discontinued this business June 11, 1918, and is now employed in the mechanical department of the Soo line in Stevens Point.

Mr. Schuweiler was elected an alderman from the Fifth Ward in 1915, and at that time was the youngest alderman ever elected to the city council at Stevens Point. He was re-elected in 191 7. and is justifying the confidence of his supporters by the able work he is doing in handling city affairs. He is independent in politics. Mr. Schuweiler resides at 813 Church Street and has lived there and owned the property for a number of years.

Tune 1, 1909. he married Miss Susan Danclski. She was born in Hull Township of Portage County in 1894, daughter of a prosperous fanner of that community, Frank Danelski. Mr. and Mrs. Schuweiler have two children: Eleanor Gladys, born November ir, 1910; and Irene Susan, born July 1, 1914.

Jacou Simonis. After many years passed in energetic farming operations the average Portage County farmer is generally loath to give up his activities entirely. When he does turn them over to younger shoulders, however, and retire to some nearby town or village to pass the evening of life in peace and quietude, it is generally found that he proves a valuable addition to the community and that the experience which he has had amid his fields and pastures has well fitted him for participation in the affairs of life, giving him a broad outlook, an easy tolerance and a desire to advance and help his locality. Among the men who have gone into retirement after having spent a long period of years in farming is found Jacob Simonis, whose pleasant home is situated in the attractive little community of Rosholt.

Mr. Simonis was born in 1849, in the State of Pennsylvania, and is a son of Matt and Mary Ann (Krause) Simonis. His parents were born in Bavaria, Germany, where thev were married, and about the year 1827 immigrated to the United States and first settled in New Jersey. Next they went to Pennsylvania, where they found a large colony of their countrymen, and continued to make their home in the Keystone State until 1854. when they came to Wisconsin. Their first location here was at Stevens Point, but shortly thereafter Mr. Simonis bought a farm about one mile north of that place, in what is now known as Hull Township. W hile residing there the father spent a part of his time in shaving shingles, and was also widely known throughout that part of the country as a famous hunter and sure shot. Subsequently he went to Sharon Township and located about three miles north of Polin Corners, where he had two farms and spent about seventeen years, and then went to Oregon. After three years spent in that state he came back to Portage County and settled in Amherst Township, where he owned a farm of 160 acres. There he passed the remainder of his life in industrious agricultural operations, and died on that farm, which is now owned by his son Nick. Mrs. Simonis survived her husband several years and passed away at Stevens Point. They were the parents of the following children : Lena, Fred, John and Mary, who are all deceased ; Mary Ann, deceased ; Jacob, Minnie, Matt, Louis, Anna and Nick. Mr. and Mrs. Simonis were members of the Catholic Church and lived their faith. The father assisted in the founding of one of the early churches of that denomination in Sharon Township.

Few advantages were found in the youth of Jacob Simonis. From boyhood he was asked to work hard to assist in the support of his parents' large family, and for this reason there was practically no opportunity for him to secure an education. He was a bright and industrious youth, however, picked up information readily and was a keen observer, and as he has passed through life has done more or less studying of one or another nature, so that today he possesses a broad fund of useful knowledge. When he began life on his own account it was as a fanner in Sharon Township, and there he remained until he accompanied his parents to Oregon. After six months he became dissatisfied with the country in which he found himself and accordingly, with his family, retraced his steps to Portage County and located in the woods in Alban Township. His first purchase there consisted of forty acres, and when this was cleared and under cultivation he added a like amount to it. In this way he succeeded in the accumulation of 280 acres, nearly all of which is now cleared, work which was done by Mr. Simonis and the members of his family. He also erected the first buildings which were ever put on this land, and which have since been replaced with modern structures, fitted with the latest modern improvements, comforts and conveniences. Mr. Simonis resided on that property for more than thirty years, having located there in 1877 and continuing to make it his home until 1008. In the latter vear he retired to the village of Rosholt. where he built his present home. The farm is now being conducted by Mr. Simonis' son vol. n-»

Mr. Simonis was married in 1872 to Miss Elizabeth Nice, who was born in the State of New York, daughter of Nicholas and Elizabeth Nice, natives of Germany, who on their arrival in America came directly to Stevens Point, when there were but two or three shacks to mark that village. From Stevens Point after a short time they went to Sharon Township and rented land, and it was while living on the rented farm that the Civil war came on. Mr. Nice was drafted in the Union army and fought under Captain Sherman until the close of the war, when he returned to his family in Sharon Township. He then purchased land there and cleared and improved a farm, and there the remainder of his life was passed, as well as that of his wife. They were the parents of the following children : Nick, Peter, Fred, Mary, Elena, Elizabeth, Maggie. Emma and Teigla.

Eight children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Simonis. and of these all are living, namely: Maggie, Lena, Henry, Fred, Leander, Ella, August and Raymond. The family belongs to the Catholic Church. Mr. Simonis is not an office seeker, but has always been willing to fulfill the duties of citizenship and while engaged in farming in Alban Township served for a number of years in the capacity of treasurer of his school district.

Johan N*. Loberg. This is the name of one of the oldest settlers of Amherst Township, and it has relationship by marriage and otherwise with probably half of the substantial families of that section of Portage County.

Mr. Ix)berg was born in Norway August 2, 1837, a son of Nels T. and Bertha Loberg. When he was twelve years of age in 1849 ms family came to America, and the parents settled in Ashippun Township of Dodge County. They spent the rest of their years in that section of Wisconsin. The father bought land, cleared and improved it, and had a good farm before his death. In the family were about a dozen children, and four sons and three daughters came to America. Their names were: Thomas, who spent h<*s life in Dodge County; Simon ; John ; Johan N. ; Taran ; Anna Maria and Kirsten Maria. The onTv ones now living are Johan and Kirsten. All but Thomas moved to Portage County, settling in Amherst and New Hope townships.

The Norwegian schools supplied Johan N. loberg with most of his early training, and he also attended a few terms after coming to Wisconsin. He remained with his parents in Dodge County for about ten years, but about the time he reached his majority he came to Portage County and bought 120 acres where he still lives. In 1858 he cleared a few acres, erected a small house, and in 1859 came to the land to take possession, and his home has been in that one community now for nearly sixty years. Mr. Loberg's business as a farmer was steadily prospered, and later he acquired considerable more land but has sold all of that. He began with a very humble equipment of buildings but subsequently built a very substantial home and barns and has introduced from time to time much modern and up to date equipment. Formerly he specialized in Holstein cattle, but is now handling graded and full blood Guernseys.

children were born to their union : Nels ; Anna Bertha, now deceased ; Carl; Anton; Anna Bertha; Emma; Ida; Julius and Johannes, both deceased ; and Julius.

Besides his business as a farmer Mr. Loberg has identified himself with most of the community activities. He assisted in organizing the old New Hope Lutheran Church and was one of the men who built the first church edifice. For many years he was a supervisor in Amherst Township, and he helped organize and was on the first board of directors of the Nelsonvillc Creamery. He is now financially interested in the New Hope Butter and Cheese Association. Mr. Loberg also has an honorable military record, having enlisted in Company B of the Forty-sixth Wisconsin Infantry from Amherst Township, and was with his command in several campaigns and in many engagements of the Civil war.

Mrs. Johan N. Loberg is a daughter of Knut Larson and Anne Isaacsdatter (Loberg) Skowen, both natives of Norway. The Skowcn family came to America in 1858, lived in Waukesha County five years, and then with wagon and ox team invaded the partly cleared wilderness of Portage County. They located on a farm where their son Isaac now lives in Amherst Township. This land had been bought by Mr. Skowen in the fall of 1862, but was not occupied as a home until the spring of the following year. The only improvements were a clearing of about ten acres, about half of which had been put under the plow. Here Mr. and Mrs. Skowen lived until death, and many improvements marked the passing years. The first home was a log house and the frame structures of that building now constitute the frame of the main part of the present Skowen residence. Mr. Skowen in the old country had learned the trade of carpenter and wagonmaker, and for many years he kept a shop on his farm and his services were frequently employed in the building work of the community. Among other structures he helped erect the home schoolhouse. While in Waukesha County he lived on a rented farm and worked at his trade.

There were four children in the Skowen family: Lars, a resident of Amherst Township; Anna Marie, Mrs. Loberg; Marin, Mrs. Isaac Olson, of Nelsonville; and Isaac, who occupies the old farm in Amherst Township. The children Lars and Anna came to America together about 1855, and for a time lived in Dodge County before joining their parents in Portage County. Knut L. Skowen was also one of the early settlers who organized the old New Hope Lutheran Church.

Martin E. Mok has been satisfied to concentrate his activities along the lines of farming and slock raising and on the land where he was born and where he was reared and where practically all the years of his life so far have been spent. He is one of the substantial factors in the agricultural and dairying prosperity of Amherst Township and owns one of the largest individual farms in that part of the countv.

His birth occurred there October 4. 1873- He is a son of Ole A. and Gunild (Usler) Moe. Both parents were natives of Norway and came to America when still single. Ole A. Moe was ten years of age when brought to this country by his father, Aslak Moe. who had lost his wife in Norway. The first settlement made by the Moes in Wisconsin was in Ashippen Township of Dodge County. Aslak Moe spent his last years with his son Ole in Portage County. Ole A. Moe after reaching manhood came to Portage County and acquired a tract of land in Amherst Township, prol>ably direct from the Government. He cleared and improved this, and made a good farm before his death. He and his wife had four children, all still living, named Clara, Erne, Martin and Lizzie. Ole Moe helped organize the old Xew Hope Lutheran Church.

Martin E. Moe, only son of his parents, acquired such advantages as were furnished by the local public schools. With the exception of one year spent in Oregon he has always had his home on the land which his father cleared. He now owns a large farm of 300 acres in one body, forty acres of it being in Xew Hope Township and the rest in Amherst Township. He is making this land produce some of the crops which give Portage County its standing among the agricultural sections of Wisconsin. In the line of stock he gives his chief attention to grade Guernsey cattle. I le is also financially interested in the Nclsonvillc Creamery, which his father helped organize.

In 1904 Mr. Moe married Josephine Ekeland. She was born in Scandinavia Township of Waupaca County, daughter of Nels Ekeland. Mr. and Mrs. Moe have three children: Gertrude, Myron and Charles, all of whom are at home and are receiving good training in the local schools. The family are members of the Nelsonville Lutheran Church.

James M. Fogarty. In James M. Fogarty there is found a sample of the kind of material which is maintaining the prestige established by the elder generation, and to which Portage County must look for its future agricultural and business development. Still a member of the younger farming element, with his best years before him. he is already the owner of 240 acres of some of the best land in Carson Township, and has business connections that in former years were only assumed by those who were far more advanced in years.

Mr. Fogarty belongs to the class of farmers of the county who have passed their entire lives within its limits and who still carry on operations on the land on which they were born. His birthplace was the family homestead on section 26. Carson Township, and his natal date May 27. 1885, his parents being James Fogarty and his wife. Johanna (Sweeney) Fogarty. James Fogarty. the elder, was born in Tipperary. Ireland, in 1845, and was a youth of fourteen years when he immigrated to America, his first home being in Canada. From our northern neighbor he came to the Linked States after several years and for a short time lived in New York, but found the East too confining and accordingly pushed on to Wausau, Wisconsin, where he arrived when still a young man. Next he came to Stevens Point, and in 1884 became the owner of the family homestead in Carson Township, the family taking up their residence thereon on Thanksgiving Day. Mr. Fogartv worked his land industriously and intelligently and succeeded in developing a good property, which he improved with excellent buildings and farming appurtenances, and where he still makes his home, although he now lives in retirement and has for the past seven years. He is a democrat in politics and is religiously connected with the Catholic Church, of which Mrs. Fogartv was also a member. She was born at Hartford, Wisconsin, in 1851, married Mr. Fogarty at Stevens Point, and died on the homestead place March 4, 1910. They were the parents of the following children: Mary; Thomas, who is deceased; Margaret, who resides with her father; Catherine; William; and James M.

James M. Fogarty was reared on the home farm and was brought up to be industrious, straightforward and trustworthy, to never despise honest labor and to practice thrift without being penurious. I lis education came from the district schools of Carson Township, and when he reached man's estate he was well trained in both body and mind to accept the responsibilities of an agricultural career. In 191 1, when his father desired to retire from active life, Mr. Fogarty bought the homestead of 120 acres, and five years later he added the 120 acres which lie to the south of the original purchase. In addition to carrying on general farming in a progressive and intensive way he has met with much success in breeding graded Holstein cattle, this department of his work having proved remarkably prosperous in the past several years. He is a believer in up-to-date methods and ideas in farm work, but new innovations must be practical before they can attract his interest. Mr. Fogarty is also well known in business circles of this locality. His 240-acre farm entitles him to some attention among men who appreciate what the accumulation of valuable land of this nature means, and he also has a recognized place as president of the Mill Creek Cheese and Butter Factory, the conduct of which he is managing in an able manner. In politics he is a democrat, but he has had no time to seek preference at the hands of his fellow-citizens in the way of looking for a place in the public limelight. He was reared in the faith of the Catholic Church and still continues to hold true to that creed. In the civic affairs of this locality he takes the interest of every good citizen who has the welfare of his community at heart and matters pertaining to progress, particularly along the lines of education and good roads, have his attention and support.

Mr. Fogarty was married June 5, 1906, to Miss Anna Gross, who was born at Eau Pleine. Wisconsin. July 26, 1885, a daughter of Victor and Anna ( Simmons ) Gross, of Stevens Point. Mrs. Fogarty was educated in the public schools of Stevens Point, where she was graduated from the high school with the class of 1903, and prior to her marriage was for three years engaged in teaching, becoming a popular educator here. To Mr. and Mrs. Fogarty there have been bom four children, all living: Thomas, Agnes, Anna and John.

Jacob T. Waller, of New Hope Township, is a man whose experience makes him acquainted with both the old and the new in Portage County agricultural practice and methods. When he was a boy he frequently drove the ox teams which his father used to break and plow the ground and in those days he never even dreamed of half the efficient and marvelous instruments and implements with which he carries on his present day farm operations. While Mr. Waller has not yet introduced a tractor among his agricultural machinery, he does use an automobile as a means of quick transportation for himself and family.

He was born in New Hope Township of this county in June, 1868, a son of Abram and Ingeborg (Balstad) Waller. His father, now one of the aged citizens of Portage County, came here in 1861 and acquired a tract of eighty acres, which was developed by his hard physical exertions. The old farm is now owned and operated by his son Jacob, who has added to some of the building improvements which his father made here. Abram Waller's wife died about twenty years ago. Their children were: Hannah, Mrs. A. A. Peterson; Anna, deceased; Henry, deceased; Jacob; Hans, who died in infancy; Emilie, deceased; Clara, Mrs. Westring; Adolph, deceased; and Ida, Mrs. Leppen.

Mr. Jacob T. Waller owns a farm of ioi}4 acres of land. About fifteen acres are in woodland and swamp, but all the rest is under the plow and in a fine state of cultivation. Besides general farming he has a dairy, and for a number of years he has been numbered among the real producers of agricultural wealth in Portage County.

November 10, 1898, Mr. Waller married Maren Ordahl. She is a native of Norway, where her parents spent all their lives. She and her sister were the orfly members of her family to come to America. Mr. and Mrs. Waller became the parents of six children : Marvel, deceased; Arnold, Henry, Joseph, Orin and Edna, all at home. Among other interests Mr. "Waller is a shareholder in the Farmers Potato Company.

Rev. Henry J. Ehr was born in Central Wisconsin, and in his work as a pastor of the Catholic Church in various localities has had the advantage of knowing his people from the point of view of a native of the state, familiar with all the conditions and environment in which he grew up. Father Ehr is looked upon as a fixture in the citizenship of Stevens Point, where for many years he has been at the head of the large and prosperous congregation of St. Joseph's Catholic Church.

He was born in Columbia County, Wisconsin, Lewiston Township, near the Citv of Portage, April 1, 1873. His grandparents, Peter and Catherine (Weber) Ehr, were born in the Rhine Valley of Germany. Peter in 1704 and his wife in 1797.