Portage County, Wisconsin - The whole text, 1919 (part 7 of 15)

A constant stimulus and encouragement to the efforts of Mr. and Mrs. Glodowski in the thirty odd years since their marriage have been the rearing and training of their fine family of children, numbering twelve. The oldest, Veronia, born December 29, 1884, died March 8, 1906, the wife of Joseph Stultz, leaving one child, Emil. Victor, born September 1, 1886, is now representing the family as a soldier with the American armies in France. Felix, bom July 1, 1888, married Mary Melanoski, and they had three children, Edmond, deceased, Herbert and Esther. Annie,' born July 16, 1891, married William Zinda, and they have a family of three children, Raymond, Harry and Lydia. Julius, born March 25, 1892, married Clair Zaborowski, and their two children are Leonard and Phoebe. Nick, born September 13, 1894, is still at home with his parents. Dominic, born November 20, 1896, died September 13, 1898. Edward, born July 17. 1898, died January 24, 1899. Laura, born. July 24, 1900, is still at home. Alois was born July 20, 1902. Benedict was born April 10, 1905, while Regina, the youngest, was born September 26, 1907.

John Joseph Glth. Of the men whose ability, industry and forethought have added to the character, wealth and progress of Portage County, none deserves better mention that John J. Guth, of Buena Vista Township. Mr. Guth grew up in this county, learned farming by practice and training under his father, and has proved one of the most progressive of the county's agriculturists.

His birth occurred at Buffalo, New York, April 20, 1881. He is a son of Stanislaus and .Mary Guth. His parents were married in Poland in 1866, and in 1879 brought their family to Buffalo, New York, and from there in 1881. shortly after the birth of their son John J., the first of their children born in America, came west to Stevens Point and were residents of that city until 1890. They then moved to a farm in Stockton Township, but after two years returned to Stevens Point, living one year on the South Side and two years on the North Side of the county seat. Stanislaus Guth was a carpenter by trade. His last important work in Stevens Point was the erection in the spring of 1894 of the home of Anthony Prain. On July 15, 1894, the family came to Buena Vista Township and established their home on 120 acres of land. Stanislaus Guth afterward bought another eighty acres, and was successfully identified with farming it until his death on April u, 1905, at the age of sixty-six. His widow is still living, now sixty-nine years old. They had a very large family of children, named briefly as follows : Mary, deceased ; Vina, an adopted child; Anna; Alexander; George; Mary; John; Peter; Catherine; Antone, deceased ; Joseph ; Frances ; and Frank, who accidentally shot himself December 8, 1910.

John J. Guth has no memory of any other locality than Portage County for the scenes and experiences of his youth and manhood, lie attended the parochial schools at Stevens Point. He adopted farming as his regular vocation and in 1906 he bought the place where he now lives in Buena Vista Township. His first purchase was eighty acres. This was land that had not previously been in cultivation, and he broke up most of it and has been responsible for the group of substantial buildings which now furnish home comfort and shelter for his stock and crops. In the spring of 1918 he began the construction of the large barn, 30 by 52 feet, with full basement and with 14-foot posts. Besides his original holding he bought forty-six acres more, giving him 126 acres in his home farm, while altogether his agricultural activities extend to the operation of 206 acres.

Mr. Guth is a republican and a member of the Polish Catholic Church. February 22, 191 1, he married Miss Aggie Kristina Meronk, who was born in Stockton Township of this county August 6, 1894, daughter of Frank and Frances Meronk, of Buena Vista Township. Mr. and Mrs. Guth have five children, all living and being carefully trained at home and in school. Their names in order of birth are Frank, Anastasia, Bernice, Stanislaus and John.

Chester S. Webster. The following paragraphs tell the names and some of the important details of a family that has meant much to Portage County from pioneer days. The Websters. the Pattersons and the Upthagroves are all names that have a significance in the sturdy citizenship, faithfulness in times of peace as well as in war, and usefulness in every field of work and character.

The success Mr. Chester S. Webster has made as a practical farmer is a result which might be expected of such excellent family stock as he represents. Mr. Webster was bom in Almond Township of this county, not far from where he lives at present, on April 11, 1865. He is a son of Heman and Jane (Patterson) Webster.

His paternal grandfather. Linas Webster, was born in the Green Mountain State of Vermont in 1903. In early manhood he moved to Ohio, where he married Sophia Prince, who was born in that state in 1 81 3. It was in the year 1852 that Linas Webster, manifesting again the same spirit of the pioneer which had brought him from New England to Ohio, moved into the wilderness of Wisconsin and located in Portage County. He homcsteaded eighty acres now included in the farm of his grandson, Chester Webster. That was the scene of his busy years until his death in 1883. His widow survived him until 1902. Their children were named Almeda Ann, Heman, Julia, Almira and James. The only one now living is James, a resident of North Dakota.

Heman Webster was born in Ohio February 22, 1837. He was therefore fifteen years old when his parents came to Portage County. In the meantime he had attended public school in Ohio and for a brief period was a student in Ashtabula College. In Wisconsin he put his youthful strength to test as a worker in the lumber woods and became a rafter and log runner down the Wisconsin River. Later he bought eighty acres in Buena Vista Township adjoining his father's farm on the north, and eventually bought out the heirs and acquired the entire estate of 160 acres, lie was rated as one of the most progressive farmers in that community until March 30, 1898, when he moved from the country to Stevens Point and retired. He died in that city April 7, 1916. In every way he lived up to the full expression of duties as a local citizen and loyal American. In 1864 he enlisted in Company 1 of the First Wisconsin Cavalry, and saw active service until the close of the war.

Heman Webster married Jane Patterson, who was born in New York State November 23, 1845, and is still living in Stevens Point. Her parents were Alanson and Jane M. (Crouscup) Patterson, the former a native of Cattaraugus County and the latter of Chautauqua County, New York. Alanson Patterson was born May 30, 18 10, and his wife August 19, 1818. They married May 7, 1835, and in 1852 they also added their names and work to Portage County as pioneers. They made settlement on 160 acres of government land in Almond Township, and here Alanson Patterson improved a good farm and was a resident until his death on March 8, 1867. His widow died October 25, 1886. Alanson Patterson was a republican in politics, served as a member of the school board and he and his wife were active in the Methodist Episcopal Church. A record of the Patterson children is as follows: Marietta, born October 14, 1838, died January 1, 1844; Marion D., born May 14, 1840, died February 5, 1844; Wayne K., born March 19, 1843, gave his life as a sacrifice to the Union on the field of battle in the Civil war May 12, 1863; Jane A., who became the wife of Heman Webster; Medora, born September 18, 1848, died March 30, 1896; Sherman, born May 4, 1850, died March 27, 1865; William C, born March 24, 1854, died February 5, 191 2; and Frank H., born December 24, i860, is now living in Stevens Point.

Mr. and Mrs. Heman Webster were the parents of three children: Clara. Chester S. and Laura. The daughter Laura was bom July 26, 1867, and died August 8. 1884.

Clara Webster, born July 17, 1863, is the wife of Mr. Edgar King, now living at 1116 South Michigan Avenue in Stevens Point. They were married November 13, 1881. Mr. King was born at Loyal in Clark County, Wisconsin, in 1861. and came to Portage County with his parents, Samuel and Emma (Mcl-arney) King. His father was born in New York State January 15, 1836, and his mother on Prince Edward Island March 27, 1844. They married in La Crosse, Wisconsin, January 15, 1850, lived in La Crosse County, also at Ix>yal and in Clark County, and from that locality Samuel King enlisted in 1864 in the Tenth Wisconsin Regiment and was out as a soldier about twenty months. He then returned to Clark County and in 1871 moved to Portage County, settling on a farm in Almond Township. He also lived for a time at Lodi in Columbia County, and finally retired to Stevens Point, where he died in 1910. His widow is now living with her son Edgar King. In the King family were the following children: Edgar, Frank. Belmont, Lemon, Harlow and Jessie. The last named is now deceased. Edgar King for a number of years was in the railroad service, also worked for the city, and has been janitor of the schoolhouse in Stevens Point. He is a republican. He and his wife have four children: Emma King, who married Hilan Scribner and they have an adopted son, William; Laura, wife of Stephen Bushnell; Gertrude, wife of Clifford Parish and mother of one son, David; and Grace, who died in infancy.

Mr. Chester S. Webster grew up on the old farm in Portage County and most of his work and experiences have been identified with the place which he knew as a child and boy. He attended public schools and after his marriage moved to Stevens Point, where for seven years he was a locomotive fireman on the old Wisconsin Central Railway. In 1895 he returned to the farm, and in 191 2 he acquired that fine property, and has given it the benefit of his supervision and industry continuously for over twenty years. Under his management some high class modern improvements have been added to the farm. In the line of stock he specializes in grade Holstein cattle. Mr. Webster is a republican voter, has served as township treasurer and for nine years was school clerk. He is affiliated with Plover Lodge No. 76, Ancient Free and Accepted Masons, with the Modern Woodmen of America, and he and his wife are members of the Eastern Star Chapter.

July 4, 1884, Mr. Webster married Miss Ada Upthagrove. Mrs. Webster was born in New York State January 16, 1865, daughter of Charles and Eliza (Slack) Upthagrove. Her parents came to Portage County in 1878, when she was thirteen years old. They settled on a farm in Buena Vista Township, later moved to Plover and from there to Stevens Point, where her father died December 23, 1909. He was sixty-five years old at the time of his death, having been born January 30, 1844. Her mother, who was born June 1, 1838, died September 12, 1892. Their children were: Ada, Edwin, Fred, Myrtle, Pearl, Elmer and Frank. Mrs. Webster's mother first married Frank Richardson, by whom she had two daughters, Ella and Etta. Mrs. Webster's father was also a soldier of the Union during the Civil war, his enlistment having been with Company A of the One Hundred and Thirty-Seventh New York Infantry. He was also a responsible citizen, a voter of the republican faith, and a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church.

Mr. and Mrs. Webster became the parents of four children. Charles, the oldest died in infancy. Laura is the wife of Clair Eckels and has one son, Webster. Carrie is the wife of Henry Steinke, and they live on the Webster farm and they have one son, Almo. The youngest of the family, Clarence, died in infancy.

Thomas Riley. It frequently occurs that men after many years of successful agricultural effort turn to the city and its manifold business activities for the rounding out of their careers. Thomas Riley was for a long time engaged in productive agricultural work in Portage County, but for over ten years has been a resident of Stevens Point and has built up a large insurance agency at that point. He has been interested in local and mutual insurance companies for a number of years. He still owns some of the productive and valuable farm lands in the territory around Stevens Point.

Mr. Riley was born at Stevens Point October 18, 1857, son of Thomas and Mary (Timlin) Riley. Both parents were natives of Ireland, and came to New York when they were still single. They married in Illinois in 1857, and soon afterward journeyed to the new country around Stevens Point and as pioneers located on a farm in Plover Township, near McDill. That place they later sold and moved to Lanark Township, where a tract of raw land came under cultivation by the strenuous efforts of Thomas Riley, Sr., and was improved with excellent buildings and furnished the home surroundings in which he spent his last years. He died in October, 1885, when about seventysix years of age, and his widow passed away February 8, 1893, on the old homestead, at the age of about seventy-five. He was a democrat in politics and the family were Catholics. Their children were : Mary, deceased; Thomas; Anthony; John, deceased; Catherine; and Anna, deceased.

Thomas Riley, Jr., grew up on a Portage County farm, had only the advantages of the public schools, and in early life learned the trade of carpenter. He followed it for about eight years, and then in addition to farming conducted a country store on his farm in l-anark Township. He was in business there for about ten years and then devoted his exclusive attention to farming. . He remained on the farm until 1907, since which year he has been at Stevens Point. His home is at 1302 Clark Street. Mr. Riley still owns a fine farm of 214 acres in Lanark and Buena V ista townships, and also has a place of 200 acres in Limvood Township. For twenty years Mr. Riley was connected with the Stockton Fire Insurance Company as treasurer and director, and with home and office at Stevens Point has continued his work in the insurance field and every year has contributed a large volume of business to the organizations he represents. He is a democrat in politics and formerly served as township assessor and for about twenty-five years was a member of the school board. He is affiliated with the Modern Woodmen of America and is a member of the Catholic Church.

July 3, 1883. Mr. Riley married Miss Ella Heaney, who was bom at Pine River. Waushara County, Wisconsin. June 29. 1858. Her parents were John and Sarah (Carroll) Heaney. the former a native of Ireland and brought to New York when a child, and the latter a native of New York State. John Heaney came to Wisconsin and located at Saxville after he reached his majority, and was a Wisconsin farmer for many years. He died December 29, 191 2, at the age of seventy-nine, and his widow is still living, aged seventy-seven. Both were Catholics and he was a democrat. In the Heaney family were nine children.

While Mr. Riley has many reasons to be satisfied with his years of accomplishment and experience, he especially rejoices in the children who have grown up in his home and are already proving their usefulness in the world. Sadie, the oldest, born in Lanark Township, was educated in public schools, the Stevens Point Normal, and is now a successful teacher at Almond. Wisconsin. Ella, who had the same educational advantages as her sister, was also a teacher, but is now the wife of Charles Brady, of Bancroft. Wisconsin, and has three children, William. Riley and Charles. The son John, who was educated in the same schools as his older sisters, taught for two years and not long ago left a position with the electric light plant at Racine to enter the National Army. May taught school and is now in the senior class of the Normal School. Catherine has also taught and is a senior of the State Normal at Stevens Point. Bernice is a junior in

John William Glennon. A newspaper worker of wide experience and marked ability, John W. Glennon, editor of the Stevens Point Gazette, has won professional success through meritorious work, and achieved a noteworthy position in the field of journalism. He is a native born citizen, his birth having occurred at Stevens Point, Wisconsin, May 2, 1867.

James Glennon, his father, was born in County Roscommon. Ireland, in 1826, and soon after his marriage came with his bride to Wisconsin, locating at Stevens Point in 1858. A riverman and a pioneer lumberman, he kept busily employed during his active life, doing his full share in advancing the industrial interests of Portajc County. He lived to a ripe old age, dying at his home in Stevens Point in 1907. His wife, whose maiden name was Julia Fleming, was born in County Tipperary, Ireland, in 1836, and died in Stevens Point, Portage County, December 5, 1885. Their four children all live in Stevens Point, as follows : John W., Frank M., Mrs. Catherine Gething and Mrs. James Duggan.

As a boy John W. Glennon attended the lower grades of the public schools and the parochial schools, his training therein, however, playing a relatively small part in fitting him for his career. When but thirteen years of age he began an apprenticeship at the printer's trade, and having thoroughly mastered its mechanical details familiarized himself with all the particulars that help make a newspaper attractive and easily read. Since assuming editorship of the Stevens Point Gazette Mr. Glennon has met with well deserved success, the paper being bright, newsy, reliable and, above all, a clean, trustworthy journal, giving to its readers as far as possible the advantage of obtaining the latest domestic and foreign news.

Mr. Glennon married September 2. 1890, at Stevens Point, Elizabeth A. Nugent, who was born at Markesan, Wisconsin, October 29, 1865. Her parents. George P. and Margaret (Houlehan) Nugent, are both dead, her father having died in 1898 and her mother in 1903. Mr. and Mrs. Glennon have two children, namely : George Nugent, born June 18. 1892, is auditor of the Milwaukee Normal School; and Bertha, born January 11. 1900, is attending the Stevens Point Normal School, being a member of the class of 1920.

Mr. Glennon is a stanch democrat, but has never been an aspirant for political honors, although he served on the local board of education from July. 19 14. until July. 191 6. Religiously he is a member of Saint Stephen's Catholic Church. Fraternally he belongs to the Catholic Order of Foresters, of which he was chief ranger for seven years, and of which he is now deputy high chief ranger ; he is also a member of the Knights of Columbus and of the Catholic Knights of Wisconsin, which he has served for four years as recording secretary. Mr. Glennon is likewise a member and president of the Central Wisconsin Press Association.

Robert C. B rot ex is one of the most competent engineers on the Soo Line, and has been handling the throttle of a locomotive for a number of years. He came to Wisconsin a little more than a child in

Mr. Broten was born in Norway January 6, 1874, a son of Gustav and Karen (Casperson) Broten. Both parents were natives of Norway. The father died in the old country about 1878, when his son Robert was four years old. The mother was born in 1850, and is still living. She was twice married, and had three children by her first husband and three by the second. Robert C. Broten's younger brother is Anton. The other three children are Andrea, Martin and Frederick, who died when about six years of age. Martin is now located at Fort Stanton, New Mexico, and was a soldier for several years but is now employed by the United States Government. The father of these latter children was Julius Arnesen, who is still living in Norway.

Robert C. Broten was educated in the public schools of his native country for about six years. He was confirmed in the Lutheran Church in 1887, and in August of the same year, though only fourteen years old, he set out for America and came to Stevens Point, Wisconsin. He went into the woods and for four winters worked for the lumber company of John Week. He also spent nine months with the McCrosslin & Stewart Lumber Company. During the season of 1892 he was in the harvesting and threshing fields of Minnesota. After that he was again in the lumber woods for a year, and for five years and nine months was employed in the Kurran Hotel.

Mr. Broten began his railroad career in 1900 as a fireman with the Wisconsin Central, and in 1904 was promoted to engineer. Thus for fourteen years he has been one of the careful and efficient men on that road and is very popular among railway circles as well as in the citizenship of Stevens Point. He owns his home at 318 Madison Street in Stevens Point. He was formerly active in the Brotherhood of Locomotive Firemen and is now a member of the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers. He also belongs to Lodge No. 93, Ancient Free and Accepted Masons, and the Royal Arch Chapter, in politics is a republican, and with his family is a member of the Episcopal Church. All his children were baptized in the Episcopal faith.

May 21, 1896, Mr. Broten married Miss Sophia Johnson. She was bom at Konigsberg, Norway, March 5, 1875, daughter of John H. and Martina (Moen) Johnson. Her parents came from Norway in 1882, locating at Marshfield, Wisconsin, where her father died in August, 1916, when about sixty-four years of age. The mother is still living. The Johnson children were: Jennie, Sophia, Carrie, Lyda. Hattie, Eddie and Emma, all still living except Emma. Mrs. Broten's father for a number of years kept a boarding house at Marshfield and also owned considerable property. Mrs. Broten's mother, Martina Moen, was born in Norway, daughter of Peter and Stena (Ludorgsen) Moen, natives of Norway. These parents with their son Ludvig P. Moen. came to Stoughton, Dane County, Wisconsin, and a year later were joined by other members of the family, including H. C. Moen, Hans J. and Sophia. Martina Moen, mother of Mrs. Broten, remained in Norway. In 1872 the Moen family located at Stevens Point, where another child, Fred Moen. was born. Peter Moen worked at different occupations at Stevens Point, and in Norway was a miner. He and his wife were members of the Lutheran Church. He died in 1894. at the age of fifty-eight, and his wife in 1912, aged eighty-two.

who died at the age of thirteen years ; Robert D., who is now a soldier, with Battery E of the One Hundred and Twentieth Field Artillery, and is now in France and was one of the ten men specially selected from that regiment for wire service; William Russell, who enlisted in the United States Army, Battery A, Railroad Artillery ; Lanora, who is in the senior class of high school ; Warren, in the seventh grade of the grammar school ; and George, who died in infancy, January 18, 1909.

Mrs. Broten is very active and popular socially in Stevens Point, is a member of the G. I. A., an auxiliary of the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers, and a member of the Eastern Star and the Woman's Club of Stevens Point, and a member of the Arbutus Chapter of the Eastern Star.

John H. O'Brien, general yardmaster for the Soo lines at Stevens Point, is a veteran in railroad work, though he is by no mdans an old man, and in fact has hardly attained the middle line of age. He began railroading when a boy and has kept his energies largely directed in one line ever since.

Mr. OBrien was born at Ishpeming, Michigan, September 3, 1877, son of W. H. and Catherine (O'Brien) O'Brien. His father was bom in Ireland and his mother in Canada. The father came to the United States when a young man, married and took up work as a miner, which he followed in Michigan for many years. He died at Ironwood, Michigan, October 14, 1917, at the age of seventy-four. His widow is now living at Evelth, Minnesota. They were active members of the Catholic Church and the father for many years was identified with the Ancient Order of Hibernians. In their family were the following children: John H., James W., William, first of the name, who died in infancy, William H., Michael J., Cornelius, deceased, Thomas, Catherine, deceased, Edward and Robert.

John H. O'Brien was educated in the public and parochial schools of Ishpeming and Ironwood, Michigan. He became self-supporting when about fifteen years old. His first work was as messenger boy with the Western Union Telegraph Company at Ironwood. He also acted as call boy and clerk with the old Milwaukee, I-ake Shore & Western Railroad. For a time he was an employe of the Steel Trust but soon returned to railroading and has been through many phases of the operating service, from clerk to railway conductor and yardmaster. He came to Stevens Point in 1899, but the following year was stationed at Abbottsford and on December 18, 1910, returned to Stevens Point as general yardmaster for the Soo lines.

Mr. O'Brien is a member of the Order of Railway Conductors, is affiliated with the Knights of Columbus and the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks at Stevens Point and is active in the Catholic Church. In politics he is an independent voter. In 1905 he married Miss Mary Finn, of La Crosse, Wisconsin. Six children were bom to their marriage : John, deceased ; Mary Belle : Francis ; James, George and Catherine, the last three being deceased.

Alkx Y. Wallace was born in Dewey Township, Portage County, Wisconsin, August 29, 1874, and is a son of Robert G. and Anna E. (Whitney) Wallace. His father, born in County Armagh, Ireland, in 1838, came to the United States in young manhood and for several years was a resident of Dubuque, Iowa, from which city he came to Portage County about 1867 to look after the interests of a Dubuque business man. He shortly afterwards bought this business and continued to operate until about 1895. In 1882 he came to Stevens Point, this city being his home until his death in 1899. He was a republican in politics, and took an active interest in civic affairs, serving for some time as alderman of the Fourth Ward. Robert G. Wallace married Anna E. Whitney, who was bom in New Brunswick, Canada, in 1847, and came to Portage County about 1867 with her parents, George and Jane (Rogers) Whitney. Mr. Whitney was a lumberman and on first coming to the United States settled in Knowlton Township, Marathon County, and went into the lumber and logging business, which he followed until within a few years of his death. He also took an active interest in public affairs and held a number of offices, among them supervisor of his township, to which he was elected on the republican ticket. He and his wife both passed away at Stevens Point, he in the faith of the Baptist Church and she as an Adventist. They were the parents of the following children : Anna E. ; George A.; Daniel Roger; Minna, the wife of George L. Rogers, of Stevens Point; Henrietta, the wife of Emerson E. Wells, of Stevens Point; Alice, deceased; Charlotte, the wife of Dr. Nellis Kennedy, a physician of California; Grace, the wife of William West, of Stevens Point ; and Robert, deceased. Robert G. Wallace was a member of the Church of England, while Mrs. Wallace, who survives him and resides at Stevens Point, belongs to the Baptist faith. They had children as follows: Robert G., deceased; Sarah J.; Alexander Y. ; George W., deceased; Grace; John H. and Robert G.. deceased; Bessie B. and Robert G., who are living.

Alexander Y. Wallace was educated in the graded and high schools of Stevens Point, where he also took a commercial course in the business college, and at the age of eighteen years began to learn the trade of cigar making. To this business he has devoted the major part of his energies ever since, and in 1908 began the manufacture of cigars as his regular business. His factory is located at Xo. 619 Briggs Street, and he is the owner of his own house, a pleasant home in the residential district. Mr. Wallace is a socialist in his political views, and was alderman of the First Ward for about three years, establishing a good record, as he did also while serving for ten months during the Spanish- American war as a member of Company I. Fourth Regiment, Wisconsin Volunteer Infantry, in which he enlisted in 1898. Aside from his business interests he finds his chief interest in good literature, and is a well read man, an observing student, and a man of broad information along many lines of thought.

Mr. Wallace was married in 1902 to Miss Jennie Petersen, of Outagamie, Wisconsin. Mrs. Wallace is a member of the Adventist Church. She and her husband have a wide circle of friends and acquaintances at Stevens Point.

Ira Barker, Jr., is of the pioneer element of Portage County. He came to this region more than sixty years ago. He began the battle of existence as a river man and woodsman, later was a farmer, and what he and his family endured and what they achieved, and the riches of esteem that were paid them by their neighbors is worthy of something more than passing record. More than fifty years ago Mr.

Barker did his part as a soldier of the Union, and now that this country is again engaged in a great war one of his sons is also found in the ranks doing his part.

Mr. Barker was born in Lisle Township of Broome County, New York, June 14, 1838, and has attained the dignity of four score years. He is a son of Ira and Margaret (Uptegrove) Barker, both natives of New York State. His father was born in 1792 and the mother about 1812. They married in Tioga County, New York. Grandfather Barker was one of the pioneer York State lumbermen. The Barker ancestry goes back to the days of the Mayflower emigration. Ira Barker, Sr., was a farmer, and about 1865 he and his wife came to Portage County and settled in Buena Vista Township. He bought a farm there and lived in that locality honored and respected for his industry the rest of his days. He died July 26, 1892, and is one of the few residents of Portage County to become centenarians. His wife died in 1896, at the age of eighty-four. Politically he voted the whig ticket until the formation of the republican party, when he espoused that cause. Ten of their children reached manhood and womanhood: Charles; Ira, Jr.; Elizabeth; Delaphine; Mary; Theodore; Sarah; Edward ; Helen, and Flora.

Ira Barker, Jr., was reared in his native state and had a common school education. Member of a large household, at the age of eight years he left home, relieving his parents of the necessity of supporting him, and since that age his labor has provided his support and all the prosperity he has enjoyed. For four years after leaving home he lived with a man named Miller, then for a short time was with an uncle in Tioga County, and also lived with a Mr. Schoonover.

In 1856, at the age of eighteen, Mr. Barker came to Portage County, Wisconsin, invading the wilderness which at that time covered all Central Wisconsin. He lived in Buena Vista Township, but for eleven years spent the summers on the river and for twenty-five winters was in the lumber woods. He finally bought a farm in Almond Township, later sold that and lived at Plover for two years, and then bought land on which Amott Station now stands. He cleared that property, developed a good place of eighty acres, kept it in a high state of cultivation and erected good buildings. He was a general farmer, handling good stock, but about 1888 retired from the farm and removed to Stevens Point, which city has been his home for thirty years. For about seven years he was a merchant at Stevens Point, but since then has lived retired. He sold his farm about ten years after moving to Stevens Point. Mr. Barker has one of the good homes of the city at 121 1 Clark Street.

His military record began with his enlistment at Grand Rapids, Wisconsin, December 2, 1861, in Company G of the Eighteenth Wisconsin Infantry. He was with the army a total of three years, three months and fourteen days. He was in the big fight at Shiloh, where he received a number of close calls. Afterwards he was in the fighting in Eastern Tennessee and Northern Georgia, including the battles of Missionary Ridge. Altoona Pass, in which every third man of his command was killed, was with Sherman from Atlanta to the sea, and was one of the veteran troopers who saw the final scenes of the great struggle. Mr. Barker has for many years been actively identified with the Grand Army of the Republic, and is adjutant of his Post.

He has done his part as a good citizen, has steadfastly voted the republican ticket, and when on the farm near Arnott was a member of the school board. He has always advocated temperance and was a leader in that movement when it was by no means so popular as it is today. He and his family are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church.

On August 19, i860, Mr. Barker married Miss Triphena Topping, who was born in New York State May 29, 1843. Mrs. Barker died at Stevens Point in 1909. Six children were born to their marriage. Katie, deceased, married Frank Richmond and had one child, Bertha Helen. Edith is the wife of Harry Wilcox, and their family consists of Flossie, Archie and Gertrude. Jennie is the wife of Harlow Bennett and has six children, Hardin, Robert, Vcva, Edith, Katie and Brownie. Jesse Ulysses is the soldier representative of the family, has the rank of major and is paymaster for about five thousand men, his headquarters being at Atlanta, Georgia. He and his wife, Millie, have one child, Ira James. The fifth of the family, the initials of whose name were A. I., died in infancy. Ethel married Charles Wherritt and has two children, Fritz and George. Mr. Barker married for his second wife, March 13, 191 5, Mrs. Elizabeth Helen Buchan, of Stevens Point.

Clvdk Adams. Real pioneers of Portage Countv were the families that made permanent settlement here during the decade of the '50s. To a large degree it was upon them that devolved the task of clearing the wilderness and preparing the way for the substantial civilization which is now found in this section of Wisconsin. One of such families was that of Adams, three generations of which have been represented here and counting the younger children there have been practically five generations to live in the county.

Of the second generation was Jerome B. Adams, who was born in Alden Township, Erie County, New York, February 25, 1840. His parents were John and Lucy (Newberry) Adams, both natives ot New York State. They were pioneer settlers in Kenosha County, Wisconsin, locating there about the time Wisconsin came into the Union. In 1853 as a family they moved to the wilderness of Buena Vista Township of Portage County, where John Adams died in 1K64. at the age of seventy-five, and his wife passed away about 1888, aged seventy-three. They had seven children : Julia, Evelyn, Mary, Jonathan, Jerome B.. George and James. The last died at the age of six years. John Adams was a republican and a member of the Baptist Church.

Jerome B. Adams received his first schooling in his native state, attended school in Kenosha County, and was thirteen years old when brought to Buena Vista Township in 1853. He went to school here for a time, but soon found an opportunity to pay his own way in the world. One winter he worked for Mr. Copps at old Buena Vista Village, now Keene. For four years he was in the employ of Collcyton & Wiggington. He also did some farming but these peaceable vocations were interrupted in 1861 with the outbreak of the war. when he volunteered in Company A of the Sixteenth Wisconsin Infantry. His service was practically continuous until the close of hostilities and the record he made as a soldier is greatly prized by his descendants. He participated in the great theater of the war in the Middle West, fought at Shiloh and Corinth, was stationed at Louisiana during the siege of Vicksburg. participated in the siege of Atlanta, and afterwards marched with Sherman to the sea. When the war was over he resumed farming and in 1874 bought a place of 120 acres in Buena Vista Township and also had sixty acres in Almond Township.

April 13, 1866, soon after returning from the war, Jerome Adams married Miss Emma Humphreys. She was born in England September 27, 1837, and came alone to the United States, her parents having died in England. Jerome B. Adams and wife had five children.

Minnie, the oldest, lives at Stevens Point, widow of Ernest Bennett. She has four children, Raymond, Opal, Stella and Viva. Raymond married Ethel Berry, and has two children, Mildred and Maurita. Opal is the wife of Ray O'Keefe, and their children are Neil R., Murna and Edward.

Hugo, the second of the family, is a farmer in Almond Township. He first married Blanche Thomas, who died in October, 1906, leaving five children: Aletha, Edyth, Harry Jerome, deceased, Jerome and Lowell. The younger child, Lowell, is now the adopted son of Mr. and Mrs. Clyde Adams and was born October 25, 1906. Hugo Adams married for his present wife Mattie Scott. He is a farmer in Almond Township.

Byron C. Adams, third of the children of Jerome Adams and wife, lives on the old homestead farm and married Annette Bennett, who was born in Winnebago County, Wisconsin, July 7, 1867. They have seven children: Emma Fay, who married Lewis Seavy and has one child, Margaret Annette; Hazel, wife of Patrick Riley; Neva Merl. Caroline Olivia, Minnie Victoria, Eva Ellen and Victor Harold.

Mr. Clyde Adams, whose work and citizenship have commended him to the confidence and esteem of the people of Belmont Township, was born on the farm in Buena Vista Township February 3, 1878. He grew up with his parents, attended public school and has been a Belmont Township farmer for over fifteen years. In 1902 he bought 120 acres in section 10 of that township and has done much to improve and broaden the scope of his farm activities. He erected some buildings, has put in much fencing and besides his home place he also rents and cultivates the 160 acres known as the William Ward Farm. He devotes his land to general farming and stockraising.

In politics he is a republican. He is now serving as a director of the school board, is manager of the Blaine Hall Stock Company of Belmont Township; is affiliated with the Knights of the Maccabees and is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church at Blaine.

In 1899 he married Miss Elizabeth Ward. She was born in Belmont Township April 14, 1879, daughter of William and Maggie (Smith) Ward. Her mother was a daughter of James and Nancy Jane Smith, now deceased, well known pioneers of Belmont Township. William Ward died about 191 2. and his widow is now living with Mr. and Mrs. Adams. Mr. and Mrs. Adams besides their adopted son above mentioned have one daughter of their own. Coral, who was bom December 14, 1900. She has attended the district schools and is now

Richard G. Breitenstein like other members of his family has distinguished himself by ability to accumulate large landed possessions and by the skill fulness with which he manages his farm and other » interests. Mr. Breitenstein, like his brother, I. W. Breitenstein, mentioned elsewhere in this publication, has been a merchant, but is now concentrating his energies upon a large farm in Stockton Township.

A son of Anton and Mary (Beck) Breitenstein, whose part as pioneers has been described on other pages, Richard G. Breitenstein was born on the home farm in Stockton Township October n, 1867. He spent part of his boyhood in the old log house which the family first inhabited after coming to Portage County. With an education acquired from the district schools he got his first opportunities in life in business. From 1896 to 1904 he was a merchant at Knowlton. He then sold his store and bought his present farm in Stockton Township, comprising 200 acres. Mr. Breitenstein also has 120 acres in Lanark Township, besides 400 acres in Marathon County. He is a general fanner and stock raiser, and has erected some of the very modern buildings found in that section of the rural community. His big and well arranged barn was erected in 1905.

Mr. Breitenstein is a democrat, but has been too busy to concern himself with the affairs of politics. He is a member of the Catholic Church and the Catholic Order of Foresters.

October 28, 1896, he married Miss Lena Bauman. Mrs. Breitenstein was born in Marathon County, Wisconsin, December 13, 1878, daughter of Barney and Caroline (Zerbell) Bauman. Her father was born in Baden, Germany, in 1840, and her mother in 1843. They married at Knowlton, Wisconsin, and her father for many years was engaged in the lumber business and farming. He died at Wausau in 1903, while Mrs. Breitenstein's mother died at Knowlton in 1883. Her children were Anna, Henry, Rose, Crissie and Rena. Her father married for his second wife Amelia Zermon, but there were no children by that union.

Mr. and Mrs. Breitenstein had had five children: Myron J., who is now established in a home of his own, his wife having been Viva Phelps; Alma, Coral, Edward and the fifth, George, died in infancy.

James Burt.oyne. Of the men who have actively participated in the agricultural transformation in Portage County during the last thirty or forty years none are better or more favorably known than James Burgoyne of Belmont Township. Mr. Burgoyne has had a long and active career and his present success and position are due entirely to the exercise of his native energies and abilities, an exercise which has brought him practically financial independence.

He was bom in England in March, 1855, a son of James and Mary CMoyse) Burgoyne. His parents spent all their lives in the old country. Their children were : William, of Seymour, Wisconsin ; James; Stephen, of Davton Township. Waupaca County; Enos, who still lives in England ; Charles, of Lynn Township, Waupaca County ; and Mary, who died in 1912, wife of Arthur DeYore, who died in the Old Soldiers Home in Waupaca County.

there, and in 1885 brought his family to America and settled on a farm in Dayton Township of Waupaca County. After two years there he lived for a similar time in Green Lake County, and then came to Belmont Township of Portage County. Lacking the money with which to buy a farm of his own, he was a renter on the George Robinson farm for eleven years. He then moved to his present place, where he owns 160 acres, and also has eighty acres known as the L. Jones Farm. He has done much to improve his land and is a general farmer and stock raiser. His specialty in stock is good horses. He has five fine animals, weighing each about 1,600 pounds. Mr. Burgoyne is a republican voter.

In 1876, in England, he married Lovedy Greenwood. She was born in 1854. Mr. and Mrs. Burgoyne became the parents of eight children, named Albert Ernest, Mary Margaret, Enos Arthur, who died in England, John Walter, Kate, William Charles, Ethel Elizabeth and Thomas Edward. A star in the service flag at the family home represents the son William Charles, who is now in training at Camp Grant. The son Albert married Carrie Olson, of Waupaca County, and they have three children, Oweda, Fola and Elmer. Mary Margaret is the wife of Austin Taylor, of Waupaca County, and also has three children. Floyd, Evalyn and Clair. Ethel Elizabeth married Axel Nelson, of Waupaca County.

Gustaf Adolph Swanson has spent nearly all the years of his life in Portage County and that part of the state, and increased years have brought him increased influence and usefulness and esteem. He was a farmer by training, followed the woods and the river for some years, and latterly has become established as a leading dealer at Stevens Point in coal and wood.

Mr. Swanson was born in Sweden November 7. 1877. The name in Swedish is spelled Svanson. His parents, John Peter and Carolina (Anderson) Swanson, were natives of the old country, the father born in 1845 and the mother in 1843. They married in Sweden and in 1868 the family came to America. The father preceded them about six months and coming to Wisconsin found employment in the Webster saw mill. His wife and children joined him, after having spent seventeen days at Castle Garden, New York. John P. Swanson was in the saw mill and also did cordwood cutting, but after about three years bought a farm three miles east of Junction City. He lived on this place five years and then bought a farm of eighty acres in Eau Pleine Township. About six years ago he acquired another eighty acres and now has a well rounded farm of 160 acres, highly cultivated and a prosperous home for his declining years. His wife died here November 24, 1916. He is a republican in politics and with his family is a member of the Swedish Methodist Church. There were eight sons : Carl, deceased; Frank Oscar; John Axel, deceased; Gustaf Adolph; Claus Alfred; John Emil ; Elmer Hjalmer; and Albert Ottenaus, who died in infancy.

Gustaf A. Swanson grew up in the country districts, attended public schools, and when a youth found ample employment for his energies on the home farm. He remained at home until about twentysix years of age, after which for three years he was in the logging business with his brother Axel. He worked at Big Eau Pleine and for part of the time camped out and then built a small shanty. For eighteen months at a stretch he was away from home. About 1900 Mr. Swanson came to Stevens Point and established a wood yard near Clifford's Mill. Four years ago he added coal, and then located his yard at 1102 Center Avenue. More recently he has developed still another line of enterprise, having developed some gravel pits and now handles gravel on a large scale. Mr. Swanson also owns his home at 327 Oak Street.

He is a republican in politics and is a member of the Stevens Point Episcopal Church. June 16, 1902, he married Miss Sarah Etta Howe, who was born in Milwaukee, daughter of David H. and Sarah Howe, who now live on Center Avenue in Stevens Point. Her father was a soldier in the Civil war, and reference to him is made on other pages. Mrs. Swanson was educated in Stevens Point, attending high school and graduating from the State Normal School and for several years before her marriage was a successful teacher. Mr. and Mrs. Swanson have five children: Cleo, Joyce, Caroline, Sadie and Carl Gustavc. Sadie died in infancy.

Laurits Edward Gordon. The well-directed labor of Laurits Edward Gordon, one of the progressive and energetic agricultural representatives of the agricultural community in the vicinity of Nelsonville, is represented in the ownership of a property of more than 200 acres, a part of which is located within the limits of the village mentioned. Mr. Gordon, who is known to his fellow-citizens as L. E. Gordon, Jr., has passed his entire life in an agricultural atmosphere, and at the present time, in addition to general farming, is devoting himself to dairy farming and the raising of full-blooded Guernsey cattle, and in all three departments has achieved an enviable success.

L. E. Gordon was born on a farm in New Hope Township. Portage County. Wisconsin. December 9, 1865, a son of Lars E. and Marin (Kjer) Gordon, and a grandson of Iner and Gren (Larson) Gordon, natives of Norway who passed their lives in that country. Lars E. Gordon, better known as L. E. Gordon, Sr., was born in Norway. February 20, 183 1, and came to the United States in young manhood, gradually making his way to Portage County. Here in 1863 he purchased eighty acres of land in New Hope Township, cleared and cultivated it and for many years was engaged in farming. He made numerous improvements, although he left twenty acres in timber, and this property he still owns, although it is now rented out, Mr. Gordon being retired and a resident of Nelsonville, where he owns a home. He married Marin Kjer, also a native of Norway, who is now deceased, and they became the parents of the following children: Ole. bora in Norway, and now a merchant of Nelsonville ; Lars E.. born in Norway, who died on the Atlantic Ocean just before the vessel reached the shores of America; Gusta, who also died on the Atlantic, just before her elder brother; Gusta (2), who is now married and resides at Merrill, Wisconsin ; L. E. ; and Marie, who is unmarried and resides with her father at Nelsonville.

L. E. Gordon received his education in the public schools and was reared on the home farm, remaining with his father until the spring of 1892. when he went to Adams County. Wisconsin, and embarked upon an agricultural venture on his own account. He remained in that county for eight years, and in addition to making a success of his fanning operations became one of the substantial and prominent men in civic life in his community, serving as township supervisor of Strongs Prairie Township and as postmaster at Arkdale. In 1900 he returned to Portage County and located on his present farm, a tract of 212 acres situated right on the city limits of Nelsonville, with part of the farm, including his home, inside of the village line. His general farming operations proved prosperous, but he also has specialized in the breeding of full-blooded Guernsey cattle and has an excellent business as a dairy farmer as well. Mr. Gordon is thoroughly informed in all departments of his calling, and his property reflects the presence of capable and progressive management and the use of modern methods. The buildings are modern and commodious and the equipment up-to-date in every particular. Mr. Gordon is known among his associates as a mati of consummate ability and absolute integrity, and the high esteem in which he is held is shown in the fact that he is president of the Portage and W aupaca Counties Guernsey Breeders Association, of which he was one of the organizers. Since locating at Xelsonville he has taken an interest in all that pertains to the welfare of the village, and has served as a member of the village council.

Mr. Gordon was married March 22, 1892, to Miss Clara Marie Peterson, who was born in Amherst Township, daughter of Adam Peterson, and to this union there have been born four children: Alice M., LcRoy W., Arthur E. and Clarence. The members of the Gordon family belong to the Lutheran Church.

William A. Gething. One of the worthy citizens furnished to Portage County by Ireland was the late William A. Gething, in whose life were exemplified the sterling traits of character of the people of the Emerald Isle. During the greater part of an active and vigorous career he was engaged in the difficult work of breeding road horses, and in his day and locality it is conceded that he had no superior in his special field. He was a citizen of worth and substance, reliable and trustworthy, who at his death left a clean record and a wide circle of sincere friends.

William A. Gething was born in Ireland, October 4, 1865, and received a common school education in his native land. He was a lad of fifteen years when he left Erin for the land of promise across the Atlantic, and after a short stay in New York City continued westward to Chicago, where his home was located for some years. He next went to Minneapolis, and then came to Stevens Point and became identified with the race horse business. For several years prior to his death Mr. Gething was also engaged in the breeding of Airedale terriers, in which he was also very successful. Perhaps much of his success was to be found in the fact that he had a natural love for dumb animals and that they were attracted to him. His specialized work had been thoroughly mastered by him, and he was known to animallovers all over this part of the country. His death occurred April 21, 191 7, at his home at 728 Ellis Street, where he and Mrs. Gething had lived for a number of years, but since his death his widow has moved to 544 Normal Avenue. Mr. Gething was a democrat in politics, but never sought public office. While naturally a sociable man, who appreciated the companionship of his fellows, he cared more for his home, and was never so happy as when in his own residence in the midst of his wife and children.

Mr. Gething was married October 8, 1895, to Miss Kathryn Mary Glennon, who was born at Stevens Point, Wisconsin, May 12, 1872, a daughter of James and Julia (Fleming) Glennon, a sketch of whose lives will be found on another page of this work. Mrs. Gething was educated at the Stevens Point parochial schools and has resided in this city all her life, having lived with her parents until her union with Mr. Gething. They were the parents of five children: Florence, born October 7, 1896, a graduate of the high school and of the Stevens Point Normal School, class of 191 7, and at this time a teacher at Thorpe, Wisconsin; Edward, born February 24, 1899, who attended the graded and high schools of Stevens Point and is now a student at the Stevens Point Business College; Leona, born July 15, 1901, who is a high school student; Kathleen, born August 21, 1904, who is attending the Catholic Parochial School ; and Lorain, born September 3, 1914. Mrs. Gething is widely acquainted at Stevens Point, especially in the Catholic Church, where she has been a worker in many worthy movements.

Charles Bion Baker is a veteran railroad man. He has been a passenger conductor with the old Wisconsin Central and the present Soo Line for thirty-five years. Children who rode with him free or at half fare when he was new to the business and the role have many times in recent years been on his trains with their own children and in a few cases with grandchildren. Mr. Baker is not only a trusted and honored servant of the railroad and the general public, but is one of Portage County's leading citizens and has been a resident of Stevens Point and surrounding country most of his life.

He was born in Portage County July 27, 1858, a date which indicates the pioneer residence of the Baker family in this section of Wisconsin. He is a son of Asahel Henderson and Calista (Winslow) Baker. His father was born at Rochester, New York, June 18, 1835. The mother was born at Rutland, New York, August 25, 1834, and was a descendant of Richard Warren and Eliza (Juatt), his wife, of the Mayflower. Asahel Henderson Baker moved to Michigan when a young man, and at Fairfield in that state, on December 30, 1855, was married. In 1857 he moved to Portage County, but soon after the birth of his son Charles B. returned to Michigan. In 1868 the family resumed residence in this county, settling on a farm in Stockton Township. Asahel Henderson Baker made a record of service as a Union soldier. He was a resident of Michigan during the period of the Civil war and enlisted and served in Company B of the Sixth Michigan Volunteer Cavalry. In addition to farming in Portage County he frequently took contracts for railway and other construction. He had some contracts for the Wisconsin Central when it was built through Portage County, with the Green Bay Railway Company, and got out some large contracts for timber and ties. Later he went to Minnesota and took up land at Ada in Norman County and was also engaged in the agricultural implement business. In 1891 he left Minnesota for a visit back to his old home in Michigan, and died in March of that year. He was a republican in politics, a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and of the Masonic order. He was a man of wonderful experience and had come to know nearlv all phases of western life and people. After the war he went to the far West and was at Salt Lake City at the time the Utes went on the warpath in that section. His wife died at Knowlton, Wisconsin, January 30, 1873. Their children were : Ella, Charles B., Frances A., Minnie, Ozite and Jessie. Ella, Minnie and Ozite are now deceased, all of them passing away in Portage County, victims of a smallpox epidemic.

Charles B. Baker was educated in district and village schools while living in Michigan and Wisconsin. He was about fifteen years old when his mother died, and he then went back to Michigan and worked on a farm until 1879. In that year he returned to Stevens Point, and soon afterward went to Minnesota and took up a pre-emption and homestead of 320 acres in Norman County. He acquired title to this land, and hired a man to improve it. He had acquired and developed considerable property, looking after it while following his regular vocation as a railroad man.

In the spring of 1880 Mr. Baker went to work as fireman on the old Wisconsin Central, running out of Stevens Point. A year and a half later he took a position as brakeman, and in 1883 was promoted to conductor and has been handling trains on the Wisconsin Central and Soo Line now for thirty-five consecutive years, being one of the oldest conductors in the service of that company. Mr. Baker owns one of the fine homes in Stevens Point, at 621 Strongs Avenue, and he also owns a residence at 620 Elk Street. He is a member of the Order of Railway Conductors, is affiliated with Evergreen Lodge No. 93, Free and Accepted Masons, Forest Chapter, Royal Arch Masons, is a republican in politics and he and his wife are active members of the Episcopal Church.

On December 5, 1883, the same year that he was promoted to the responsibilities of railway conductor, Mr. Baker formed a most happy and congenial alliance with Miss Edith June Lawrence. Mrs. Baker is one of the prominent women of Stevens Point. She was born at Mayville in Dodge County. Wisconsin, June 29, i860, a daughter of Ncwcomb Cushman and Helen M. (Rogers) Lawrence. Her father was born at Henderson in Jefferson County, New York, March 9. 1828. Her mother was born March 25. 1832, in the same county, a daughter of Saul and Eliza (Adams) Wilbur. When Helen M. Wilbur was about a year old her father accidentally lost his life, and a year later her mother married James M. Rogers. After that she was always known as Helen Rogers. Her stepfather, James M. Rogers, was born November H, 1808, and died in Dodge County, Wisconsin, November 22, 1890. Her mother, Eliza Adams Wilbur Rogers was born June 25, 1809, and died at Stevens Point. Wisconsin, March 3, 1890. Both are buried in Stevens Point. The Rogers family, including the mother of Mrs. Baker, came to Dodge County, Wisconsin, in 1848, and about 1866 they removed to Stevens Point. Newcomb C. Lawrence also arrived in Dodge County, Wisconsin, June. 1848. and on April 4, 1854, he and his wife were m:>rricd at Mayville. Mrs. Baker's parents moved to Stevens Point in 1892. and her father died here April 18, 1909, and her mother on March 12, 1902. Her father was a carpenter and machinist and bridge builder, and did a great deal of work as a contractor for bridges and constructed them in many states of the Union. He was an honored member of the Masonic fraternity for forty-nine years, held all the offices in the lodge, and was affiliated with Vesper Lodge. Free and Accepted Masons, at Mayville and Horicon Chapter. Royal Arch

Masons, at Horicon, Wisconsin. His wife was an active member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Mrs. Baker was one of four children: Elson and Ida May, both of whom died in infancy; Eva Isabel, now Mrs. C. A. Lamoreux, of Ashland, Wisconsin, and Edith June.

Mrs. Baker was educated in the Union School at Mayville, and prior to her marriage was a successful teacher for five years. Outside of her home duties at Stevens Point she has taken the lead in many movements and organizations that express the interest and public spirit of the community. For the past ten years she has been president of the Portage County Humane Society. She is also a former president of the Woman's Club and was secretary of the Hospital Association at the time St. Michael's Hospital was built. Through virtue of her old American ancestry she is a member of the Daughters of the American Revolution, served four years as worthy matron of the Eastern Star Chapter, and was secretary of the Parish House Association when the Episcopal parish hall was built. Both she and Mr. Baker have done much to forward the Red Cross work in the city and county and she is a member of the board of directors of the local Red Cross. Among other offices held in the interests of the public she is a member of the Stevens Point Board of Public Health and has the distinction of being the first and so far the only woman appointed to that board.

For many years Mr. and Mrs. Baker's thought and plans and cherished interests have centered in their only child and daughter, Frances Helen, who was born July 12, 1890. She graduated in June, 1909, after the full course at the Stevens Point Normal, and with two years at Carroll College received the degree of Bachelor of Arts in 191 1. She won a scholarship in that institution and used it at the University of Wisconsin, from which in June, 191 2, she received the high scholastic honor, the Master of Arts degree. During the following year this cultured young woman was a member of the faculty of Bethel College at Hopkinsville, Kentucky, but at the end of that time in Tune, 1913, one of the leading business men of Hopkinsville, Robert M. Fairleigh, claimed her as his bride. Mr. and Mrs. Fairleigh have three children. These three grandchildren of Mr. and Mrs. Baker are: June, born in March, 1914; Ann, born in October, 1915; and Thomas, born March 13, 1917.

Referring again to the father of Mrs. Baker, Mr. N. C. Lawrence, he too made a record as a Union soldier, having enlisted in September, 1864, in Company E of the Fifth Wisconsin Infantry. He was with Sheridan in the Shenandoah Valley campaign, was in front of Petersburg while the Confederacy was making its last stand, and after the evacuation of that stronghold and of Richmond he was with the troops that pursued General Lee up to Appomattox. He was also present at the Grand Review in Washington, and received his honorable discharge in July, 1865. He was an honored member of the Grand Army of the Republic and was affiliated with both the Subordinate Lodge and Encampment of Independent Order of Odd Fellows. Politically he was a republican and for several terms served as supervisor. He was the builder of the first schoolhouse at Mayville, Wisconsin. His father, Amos Lawrence, served in the War of 1812. His grandfather. Amos Lawrence, Jr., was a soldier in the Revolution, as were also his two great-grandfathers, viz.. Amos Lawrence, Sr., and Jonathan Egglcston. Amos Lawrence, Sr., married Sarah Webster of Hartford

County, Connecticut. June 2, 1757. Jonathan Eggleston also fought in the French and Indian wars, 1757-58-59 in companies from Hertford, Windsor and Farmington.

Dkxnis U, Parks. There is a prevailing opinion in some circles that a farmer is necessarily a man of restricted interests and talents. In such an estimate the fact is of course overlooked that successful farming requires a knowledge of and fair skill covering more varied branches than is required of a good architect or a manufacturer. Even with all these things taken for granted Mr. Dennis H. Parks, of Plover Township, is an unusual citizen in his abilities and talents and tastes regardless of the varied capacity required for his work as a farmer. Mr. Parks is an enthusiast and student along several lines, and particularly as a community and civic leader. The work he has accomplished as chairman of the Board of Plover Township would be sufficient to give him an honorable place in the county's history apart from any other considerations.

Mr. Parks was born in Plover Township May 17, 1885, and is a son of Mr. R. \V. Parks, referred to elsewhere in this publication. Dennis Parks grew up on the old homestead, had a public school education, and has been farming on his own account for about fifteen years. For eleven years he contented himself with the position of a renter, but in 1914 bought his present farm of 151 acres in section 26. He has his farm name registered as the Good Luck Ranch. It is a good farm, well managed, showing efficiency in every comer, and is devoted to general crops and stock raising. Mr. Parks in addition to the good residence upon the land erected a large barn in 1916.

One feature of his farm that attracts more than usual attention is the deer park. Mr. Parks is a naturalist, largely through self training and observation, and is an amateur taxidermist of considerable skill. Of his work in this field he has a number of fine specimens of mounted animals and birds, one of them being a mounted possum which was caught in Portage County. Mr. Parks is an exemplar of the life of the out of doors and nothing delights him more than a hunting trip, not so much with the gun, as with his keen and well trained eyes and his camera, many of his most interesting trophies of the hunt being photographs of wild life in its native haunts. Mr. Parks talks with a great deal of zest concerning his interesting observations gained during two winters spent in some of the scenic portions of California.

In politics he has always been a republican, and his name stands for distinctive leadership and clean and high ideals in local politics. For three years he served as school treasurer and was supervisor of his township one year and in 191 6 was elected chairman of the board and has been re-elected in 1917 and 1918. During 1916-17-18 he was also chairman of the Township Board of Health and in the latter year was appointed health officer. In these capacities he has rallied about him the best people of the township, and during his official term was responsible for driving the saloons out of Plover Township and has become the central figure around whom the forces of decency naturally revolve. In the summer of 1918 Mr. Parks became interested in a rural telephone line and set out to connect the farmers of his district. He was successful and incorporated what is known as the Meehan Telephone Company, with fifteen rural subscribers connected with the Wisconsin Telephone Company at Stevens Point. He was elected

Mr. Parks married December 15, 1906, Miss Isabel Netzley, who was born in Linwood Township of this county in 1887, daughter of Linous Netzley, of a family referred to more in detail on other pages. Mr. and Mrs. Parks have six children: Carroll, deceased; Vivia, Ranslaer, Chelmer, Hazel, and Dennis, Jr. Mrs. Parks was educated in the public schools of Portage County, also in the State Normal School at Stevens Point, and was a teacher for several years before her marriage.

Frank Pliszka. One of the hard working farmers and respected citizens of Portage County is Frank Pliszka, who owns valuable land in Stockton Township, and is a general farmer and cattle man he has spent most of his life in this county and has justly earned a high place in the esteem and confidence of his fellow citizens.

Mr. Pliszka was born in Poland March 23, 1868, son of Peter and Anna (Zlinzko) Pliszka. His parents came to Portage County in June, 1881, and in March of the following year settled on the farm where their son Frank now lives in Stockton Township. Peter Pliszka was a carpenter by trade, and worked at that occupation for a livelihood while clearing up and developing his farm. He was an honored resident of this county until his death on August 8, 1910, at the age of seventy-five. His widow is still living with her son Frank, aged eighty-one. They were the parents of four children, Stanley, Frank, Catherine and Julia.

The education of Frank Pliszka was begun in his native country, and he was about thirteen years old when his parents came to Wisconsin. After that he grew up on the home farm and after acquiring it from his father has continued to expand and develop his enterprise until his ownership now extends to 230 fertile and highly productive acres, all devoted to the uses of general farming and stock raising. One of the conspicuous improvements he has made on the farm is a barn Cx> by 40 feet with a basement under all.

Mr. Pliszka was for two years assessor and for eleven years treasurer of Stockton Township. He has always affiliated with the democratic party, and is an active member of the Polish Catholic Church at Polonia.

On June 10, 1895, he married Miss Kate Platta. Mrs. Pliszka was born in Sharon Township of Portage County November 23, 1875, daughter of John and Josephine Platta. Her parents were pioneers in Portage County, settling here about 1859. Her father not long afterward enlisted for service in the Union army and was a soldier three years. This honored old veteran and his wife arc still living in Sharon Township. They had a family of twelve children: Frances, Theodore, deceased, John, Kate, Helen, deceased, Mary, Emma, Joseph, Victor, Kdward, Rose and Nick.

Mr. and Mrs. Pliszka have had nine children, named as follows: Stanley, Joseph, Nick, Delia. Raymond, who is deceased, Esther, Evelyn. Romie and Rufen. Their son Nick is now representing the family as a soldier, and is a member of Company A of the Seventeenth Machine Gun Battalion at Camp Forest, Georgia.

Halbert Jllils Kankrud. Not only is one of the old pioneer families of Portage County recalled in the name of Kankrud, but it belongs to a prominent and representative citizen of today, Halbert Julius Kankrud, who is serving for the second time, most efficiently and acceptably, as superintendent of the county farm of Portage County. The family's history from the time it embarked on a vessel commanded by Captain Jacobson, in a port of Norway, sixty-eight years ago, to the present offers much to interest the general reader and in Portage County must stir memories of one now passed away whose public usefulness and personal character made him a man of mark here, the late Johannes I. Kankrud.

Halbert Julius Kankrud was born in New Hope Township, Portage County, Wisconsin, January 3, 1873. His parents were Johannes I. and Bertha ( Peterson) Kankrud, both natives of Norway. The paternal grandfather was Iver Kankrud and he and his wife and four children came to the United States on a sailing vessel that consumed thirteen weeks in making the passage from Norway across the Atlantic Ocean and down the lakes until Milwaukee, Wisconsin, was reached. It had a difficult voyage, running on a dangerous sand bar at one time, and on another occasion, in a fog, collided with another vessel. The passengers were so worn out from exposure and lack of rest that they spent their first night in Wisconsin asleep on a Milwaukee wharf. On the following day Iver Kankrud and his family (this being in 1849), went on their way until they reached Jefferson County, where they proposed to settle permanently, but before their plans came to anything Mr. Kankrud and his wife both died. There were four children to be considered and it was very fortunate for them that their father's sister, a good woman, Mrs. Ingeborg Kankrud, wife of Hans Kankrud, took them to her heart and home and they were well cared for. Hans Kankrud was no known relative of his wife's people, the name being not an unusual one in Norway, but he was a fine man and later became one well known in Portage County.

In 1856 Hans Kankrud and wife and their three nieces and one nephew, came to Portage County, traveling by team from Jefferson County, and settled in New Hope Township. There he bought wild land which he cleared and improved and he and wife occupied it until they died. The names of the children to whom they gave a good home and kind treatment were as follows: Bertha, who married a Mr. Hole, still lives in New Hope Township ; Mrs. Pauline Rustad, who also lives in New Hope Township ; Mrs. J. O. Moen, who lives at Rhinelander, in Oneida County, Wisconsin; and Johannes I., who died on his farm in Portage County in 1914.

Johannes I. Kankrud was young when his aunt and uncle settled in New Hope Township and he remained on the farm on which he was reared all his life. In Portage County he was married to Bertha Peterson, who was born in Norway, where' her father, Peter Peterson, died. She came to Wisconsin when young and later her widowed mother came also and located with some of her children in Cameron, Barron County, and died there.

Johannes I. Kankrud was a very successful farmer for many years, a man of great industry and energy. In 191 2 he built a comfortable, modern residence on a part of his farm, but lived but two years afterward to enjoy it. His widow still occupies the old homestead and is a lady well known in this neighborhood and very highly cs- teemed. Of their nine children seven reached maturity, namely: Halbert Julius, the only son; Lena, who became the wife of Oscar Abrahmson; Hannah, who died unmarried in 1901 ; Ida, who became the wife of M. O. Dobl ; Kmma, who married N. Abrahmson; Jennie, who died in 1916, was Mrs. A. O. Stolterberg; and Lillic, who is Mrs. George Lee.

For many years Mr. Kankrud was a leader in public affairs in New Hope Township and through his business capacity and his public spirit became known all over the country. He not only encouraged many worthy enterprises but assisted in their organization, and where his advice was taken or his active management came into play they

Proved successful. He was one of the organizers of the New Hope ire Insurance Company, of which he was an official for fifteen years. He was also one of the organizers of the creamery at Garfield, and from the time of the organization of the company until his death he served as treasurer. For years he was a justice of the peace and the reliance placed in his judgment was many times evidenced. All township offices were open to him and he served as assessor for some years, for twelve years was township treasurer and at the time of his death was school treasurer. His talents were natural, for he had had comparatively little opportunity to develop them by education, and his virtues were those of a conscientious, kind, generous and Christian man. In early days, when no particular effort had yet been made to organize a Lutheran Church, Mr. Kankrud offered his home and on stated occasions a pastor would come from Scandinavia and hold services. Later he heljied to organize the New Hope Lutheran Church and donated the first cemetery from his farm, in which thirty of the early settlers were laid to rest.

Halbert Julius Kankrud obtained his education in the public schools in Xew Hope Township. His early manhood was spent in helping his father on the farm and also he engaged in the business of installing pumps and windmills. Later he bought eighty acres that adjoined his father's farm and afterward operated both properties until the close of 1906. Proving a careful and successful farmer and in the meanwhile building up a reputation for integrity as a business man. his fellow citizens decided that he was admirably fitted for the office of superintendent of the county farm and elected him to, this office, the duties of which he assumed on January 1, 1907. Mr. Kankrud continued on the county farm until 1912, introducing many improvements that benefited the inmates without materially adding to the county's taxes. In that year he bought his father's farm and retired from office and operated the farm that year, but was again elected superintendent of the county farm and on January 1, 1913, once more took charge for the county of its dependents, but still owns his own farm of ifo acres. In every way Mr. Kankrud is well placed. He is an intelligent, practical, experienced farmer and understands the methods by which the county farm may be made to yield abundant crops. At the same time he is a wise and just executive, and it is doubtful if the inmates of the Portage County Farm were ever more comfortable or better nourished than under its present administration. Mr. Kankrud is popular with his charges, as he is with people generally. He is liberal in his support of the Lutheran Church.

Of their family, Clarence is now a corporal in the 127th Infantry, Company O, in France, and has hecn twice wounded in service; and Carla is a nurse in General Hospital at Amery, Wisconsin. These two are named Waller and are Mrs. Kankrud's children by a former marriage. Jessie Benora married Corporal Herbert Weinman of Company C, 107th Field Signal Bureau, and she is now a teacher in the grade school at Amherst Junction. Florence Evelyn is now attending the State Normal at Stevens Point, Wisconsin. Hanna Louella is a student at the Amherst High School. Mrs. Kankrud is active in the operation of the county farm and in other benevolent work.

George S. Diver, A number of the business men of Portage County who are now engaged in successful business enterprises as merchants began their careers as agriculturists, and upon the farm gained the first experience and training that subsequently was developed into the kind of ability that enabled them to participate prosperously in mercantile affairs. In this class is found George S. Diver, of Nelsonville, member of the hardware firm of Witnme & Diver. Before becoming a merchant Mr. Diver had spent a number of years on the farm, and while he won a fair amount of success as a tiller of the soil, it has been as a business man that he has prospered in greater degree.

George S. Diver was born on the family homestead in New Hope Township, Portage Countv, Wisconsin, in October, 1861, and is a son of Joseph and Harriet (Smith) Diver. His parents, natives of England, were married in that country and lived there for several years following their union. However, the father found that he was not making satisfactory progress and accordingly decided to try his fortunes in America, whither he came with his wife in 1855. Kor one year he resided in New York State, but conditions were too crowded, and in 1856 he pushed into the "new country" of Portage County, where, in New Hope Township, he took up forty acres of land from the United States Government, subsequently pre-empting another forty acres. His capital by this time had been entirely consumed, and in order that he make running expenses for his famdy he was forced to go to Plover to work at whatever honorable employment he could find, while Mrs. Diver was left on the new farm with the children. She was able to do much toward the clearing of the land, being a dependable and energetic woman, and was of great assistance to her husband during the hard early years. Later Mr. Diver worked on the W. V. Fleming farm near Amherst, but eventually he was able to get together enough money for current expenses, so that he could devote all his time to his own land. After this he made rapid progress, and eventually became the owner of a good property which represented the worthy and untiring labor of himself and his wife. This worthy couple passed away on the original home secured from the government after rounding out careers of signal usefulness, with the respect and esteem of the entire community. They were faithful members of the Methodist Episcopal Church and lived their faith. Their six children were: Harriet, who is deceased; Eliza; Josiah J.; William S.. deceased ; Mary F... deceased ; and George S.

George S. I>iver was educated in the public schools of Portage County and was reared as a farmer's boy, being trained in all the labors' necessary to the proper handling of a country property. He remained on the old homestead after the death of his parents, but in 191 1 disposed of this land and located at Nclsonville, where in partnership with Henry Wimme he bought the hardware business formerly conducted by Ole Gorden. Since that time the business has been conducted under the style of Wimme & Diver. Mr. Diver, with the assistance of Mr. Wimme, who is his son-in-law, has succeeded in attracting to his establishment a large share of the business in shelf and heavy hardware and kindred articles in this part of the county, and has an up-to-date stock of goods, chosen for its utility and use to the people of the community and fairly priced. As a business man he has never taken advantage of a customer or a competitor, and for this reason his name is an honored one in commercial circles.

Mr. Diver was married May 27, 1887, to Miss Rena L. Irving, who was born in Wisconsin, a daughter of William Irving, and to this union there have been born seven children, as follows : Eva Pearl, Thomas S.. Guy I., Ella E., Maude R., deceased, Addie B. and Lois E. Mr. and Mrs. Diver and their children belonged to the Methodist Episcopal Church and have been generous in their support of its movements. He has been active in civic affairs and at various times has been called to offices of responsibility. While still residing in the country he acted as a member of the school board, and at present he is a school director of the village, in addition to which he has served in the office of trustee and supervisor of Nelsonville. His official record is an excellent one. and in various ways he has shown himself to be a reliable, useful and public-spirited citizen.

Christian E. Urbahns, division superintendent of the Soo lines, with headquarters at Stevens Point, began his railway career through the familiar gateway of telegraphy. He learned to handle a telegraph key when little more than a boy, was for a number of years connected with the Nickel Plate Railway in Indiana, and from there came to Wisconsin as one of the operating officials of the Soo Line.

Mr. Urbahns was born in Valparaiso, Indiana, November 3, 1870, a son of John H. and Elizabeth (Louch ) Urbahns. His parents were natives of Schleswig-Holstein, the old Danish province now a part of the German Empire. They came to Indiana when young, married at Valparaiso, and spent the rest of their days there. The father died in 1876, at the age of forty-five, and the mother in 1900, aged sixtythree. John II. Urbahns was a very enterprising business man in Valparaiso, had a grocery store, was a livestock dealer and also operated a grain elevator. He was especially liberal in his benefactions to the Lutheran Church, of which he was a devout member. He built a church edifice and gave it to the local organization in Valparaiso and his old home in that city is the parsonage. Inpolitics he was a republican and was honored with various local offices. He and his wife had five sons, all living, named John H., August Edward, Fred William, Christian E. and D. Ferdinand.

Christian E. Urbahns attended public and high schools at Valparaiso until he was fifteen years old, when he thought it devolved upon him to earn his own living. Attracted as so many boys are to the science of telegraphy, he learned that art, and before reaching voting age was employed as a telegraph operator. For several years he lived at Fort Wayne. Indiana, and was train dispatcher for the Nickel Plate Railway. In 1904 he came to Wisconsin, locating at Fond du

Lac, and since that date has been identified with the old Wisconsin Central. In January, 1906, he moved his headquarters to Abbottsford, as trainmaster, went to Chicago in 1907 as assistant superintendent, and in April, 191 1, came to Stevens Point as division superintendent. Mr. Urbahns and family reside at 1108 Shaurette Street. He is interested in various financial institutions at Stevens Point and in politics was formerly a republican but is now an independent voter. He is affiliated in Masonry with Lodge No. 93, Ancient Free and Accepted Masons, Forest Chapter, Royal Arch Masons, Crusade Commandery, Knights Templar, and the Oriental Consistory of the Scottish Rite at Chicago. He is very active in the Presbyterian Church at Stevens Point.

March 2, 1893, Mr. Urbahns married Mary Louise Durfee, of Fort Wayne, Indiana. They have only one son, Robert Durfee, born July 17, 1899. He is a graduate of the Stevens Point High School and is now a student in the medical department of the University of Minnesota.

Mr. Urbahns, though a comparative newcomer to Stevens Point, is one of its enterprising and public spirited citizens, and enjoys a distinctive place of leadership in the community. The keynote of his career has been hard, faithful and intelligent work, and it has taken him from a position in the ranks to one of the responsible offices in the railway transportation system of Wisconsin.

Chari.es I. Eckels, representing one of the oldest families of Portage County, was born on a farm a part of which he still owns in Buena Vista Township, October 30, 1862. The first generation of his family were represented by his grandparents, William and Isabel (Welch) Eckels, who came as pioneers to Portage County and located first at Plover and soon afterwards bought 160 acres of land in Buena Vista Township. The grandfather also acquired eighty acres more and some swamp land and a considerable part of this underwent clearing and cultivation during his lifetime. He died at the home of his daughter, Mrs. William Albertie, on an adjoining farm, October 22, 1868, when eighty-five years old. His wife passed away on the old homestead, April 9, 1867, aged seventy-six. Their family of children, with dates of birth, is briefly noted as follows: Susanna, born May 18, 1809; Charles, November 21, 1810; Dorcas, February 4, 1813; John, April 16, 181 5; Christian, April 13, 1817; Joseph. July 19, 1819; James, May 27, 1822; William, Jr., December 12, 1824; Irvin and Elizabeth, March 29, 1827. Grandfather Eckels and wife were active members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. He voted for many years with the whigs and afterwards was a republican.

William Eckels, Jr.. father of Charles I., was born in Ohio December 12, 1824, and came to Portage County with his parents. He was a farmer here on the old homestead, and after the death of his father acquired that place and made it the scene of his industrious career until his death on March 2, 1877. He married Harriet A. Bennett, who was born in New York State September 18, 1835. She has survived him many years and is now living with her children. William Eckels, Jr., was a republican in politics and for several terms was supervisor of Buena Vista Township. He and his wife were members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. They had only two children, Charles I. and Minerva I., the latter born May 5, 1873. She

Charles I. Eckels grew up on the home farm in Buena Vista Township, and acquired his education in the public schools. He was only fourteen when his father died and after that he practically assumed the management and operation of the home farm. Later he became owner of the property, consisting of 240 acres. He still owns 120 acres of the old place and has also acquired 120 acres additional, giving him 240 acres situated in sections 17, 18, 19 and 20. Much of the improvement and building have been done under his management. In 1913, when his barn was destroyed by fire, he immediately replaced it with a substantial building. As a general farmer and stock man he specializes in grade and thoroughbred dairy cattle. Mr. Eckels is a republican and has served as a member of the school board of his district. He is affiliated with the Order of Beavers. He and his wife are active in the Methodist Episcopal Church.

September 3, 1891, he married Miss Sarah O. Warner. Mrs. Eckels was born at McDill in this county September 13, 1865, daughter of Amasa O. and Nancy V. (Gilmore) Warner. Her father was born at Cabot, Vermont, December 31, 1825, and her mother was bom at Bedford, New Hampshire, September 8, 1828. Her father for a number of years was a foreman in carpet mills at Lowell, Massachusetts. He and his wife were married at Manchester, New Hampshire, October 16, 1851, and on April 4, 1857, arrived in Portage County, locating at Plover. 1-ater he acquired a farm near McDill in Plover Township and was busily engaged with his work as a farmer and as a good citizen of the county for nearly fifty years. He died in October, 1905, and his wife on February 21, 1896. Their children were: Oliver, who died in infancy: Elizabeth died in infancy; Lester Fremont, of Stevens Point; Myra A., wife of William Stanley (Young) of Stevens Point; Fred B. and Frank M.. twins, the former - of Grand Rapids, Wisconsin, and the latter of Milton Junction, Wisconsin ; and Sarah, Mrs. Eckels.

Mr. and Mrs. Eckels have two children: William Clair, born August 24, 1892, and Myra, born September 9, 1894. The son was educated in public schools and Marathon County Agricultural School and is now handling most of the responsibilities of the home farm. On January 27, 191 5. William C. Eckels married Laura M. Webster, daughter of Chester S. Webster, a prominent Portage County citizen elsewhere referred to. They have one child, Webster Gilmore. born November 4, 19 15. The daughter Myra was well educated in public schools, is a graduate of the Wausau High School and attended the Stevens Point Normal. On February 17, 1917, she became the wife of Robert Perry Petersen, of Amherst Township.

Edmond Frost. Of the families of Portage County whose industry and activities have contributed materially to the prosperity of the community one of the most highly respected is that which bears the name Frost, and which has figured in the agricultural uplift and improvement of Linwood Township for almost forty years.

Edmond Frost was a youth of eighteen when he came with his parents to Portage County from Fond du Lac County, where he was born September 14, 1861. He is a son of James and Betsey (Bigford) Frost. His father was born in England in 1830 and his mother in New

York State in 1832. In 1844, when Wisconsin was a territory and when Fond du Lac was a community comprising four rough houses, these people came to Wisconsin and identified themselves with that little hamlet, living there continuously until 1879, when they made their entry into Portage County. Here they located on eighty acres of land in Linwood Township, and that land, which has since undergone many improvements, is now occupied by Claude Frost, their grandson and a son of Edmond Frost. James Frost did much to improve his land in Portage County, put up some good buildings, and in 1892 the barns were destroyed during a severe forest fire. Fortunately the house was spared. James Frost died at Black River Falls, Wisconsin, in 1905. and his wife passed away in 1900. He was a republican and they were members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. They had only two sons, Edmond and Robert, the latter a resident of Minneapolis, Minnesota.