Portage County, Wisconsin - The whole text, 1919 (part 8 of 15)

Edmond Frost had his education in the public schools of Fond du Lac. He was old enough to take a very spirited and active part in the development of the farm when his parents came to Portage County in 1879, and in 1883 he bought 160 acres of land of his own in section 18. Since then his possessions have been on the increase and today he is one of the large farmers of the county and has 360 acres under his control. His building improvements are of a superior character, and as a dairyman he has long made Linwood Township a contributing factor in the volume of milk products of Portage County. At present he has a dairy of twenty-five cows, but formerly had a herd of from thirty to forty. He makes it a point to keep the highest grade of animals, his stock being all Guernseys, and he has the reputation of producing the best milk in the township.

In politics Mr. Frost is a republican, and for three years has been chairman of the township board. For thirty years he was treasurer of his school district, and anything affecting the welfare of the community, especially in regard to education, never failed to receive response from him and his efforts. He is affiliated with the Modern Woodmen of America and is a member of the Church of Christ.

October 25, 1883, Mr. Frost married Miss Emma Athrop. She was born in Grand Rapids Township, Wisconsin, December 9, i860, daughter of Uriah and Harriet (Fredrick) Athrop, the former a native of Vermont and the latter of Massachusetts. The Athrops were early settlers of Grand Rapids Township in Wood County, Wisconsin, and her father followed fanning and lumbering. He died about 1895, at the age of seventy-five, and her mother passed away in 1903. aged seventy-four.

Mr. and Mrs. Frost have a family of six children, brief records concerning each of whom are as follows : Lizzie, born in December, 1885. married November 12, 1907, William Beecher and their two children are Merlin and Edmond. Myrtle, the second daughter, was born July 11. 1887, and is still at home with her parents. Claude, previously mentioned as a farmer on the homestead of his grandparents, was born November 20, 1888, married in June, 1912, Beatrice Hulze. and his two children are named Fern and Donald. Robert, born August 7, 1893, married May 20, 1917, Miss Margie Church. Bessie, born August 2. 1895. became the wife of Henry Neiman on November 25. 1914. The youngest of the children, Hattie, was born

John Carl Stoltenberg. During his many years of active manhood spent in Portage County John Carl Stoltenberg has rendered valuable services to the business affairs of the community in several different lines. He is a blacksmith by trade, had a shop a number of years, later became an expert in the management of creameries, and finally devoted his best energies to practical farming. He is now living retired, but still has his home on the old farm in New Hope Township.

Mr. Stoltenberg was born on his father's homestead, near Nelsonville, a son of Charles and Anna Stoltenberg. His father was a native of Germany, came to the United States a single man and in the early '50s settled in Portage County. At Stevens Point he was married, his wife being a native of Norway. He then acquired a tract of land now within the village limits of Nelsonvillc and began making a farm in the midst of the woods. After many years of hard toil he developed a valuable farm, and he and his wife enjoyed all the substantial comforts of material existence and also had a high esteem in their neighborhood because of their worthy lives and the influence for good which radiated from their home. In their family were five sons and two daughters, John C. ; Anna, Mrs. Charles Hankey; Carl M., who died at the age of twenty-six ; Andrew; Henry ; Louisa, who died at the age of twenty-six ; and Edward W.

John Carl Stoltenberg grew up on his father's farm and after an education in the common schools started out for himself, learning the trade of blacksmith at Nelsonville and in Amherst, being employed by the same man in both places. After mastering his art he opened a shop for himself at Nelsonville, and for about twenty years was the leading man in that business and had a patronage that extended all over the surrounding country. He finally sold his shop to his brother Henry, who learned the trade under him. From blacksmithing Mr. Stoltenberg turned to the creamery industry. He acquired a knowledge of the business at Nelsonville, and then took charge of a creamery at Plover for one year. Following this he had the supervision of the erection of the plant and the installation of the machinery in the Garfield Creamery, and managed the entire business for a period of seven years.

While he had reason to be well satisfied with his success as a business man Mr. Stoltenberg had ambitions to become a farmer and after leaving the Garfield Creamery he bought sixty acres of land in New Hope Township. Later he added forty acres more and he continued to work and improve the land until he retired and gave up the heavy routine of farm duties.

In 1882 he married Miss Sina Walden, a native of New Hope Township, and a daughter of Ole Walden. Mr. and Mrs. Stoltenberg have five children: Albert; Casper of New Hope Township; Joseph, a resident of Crookston, Minnesota; Arthur, who is now enrolled in the United States Army; and William, of New Hope Township. John C. Stoltenberg was one of the original members of the Nelsonville Lutheran Church.

enterprising young farmers and business men of the township. He attended the Nelsonville public schools and also took a commercial course in the Valparaiso University at Valparaiso, Indiana. After a practical experience as a farm worker and in the lumber woods he engaged in fanning for himself in 1912 on his father's old place, and is now proprietor of that well equipped hundred acre farm, which bears favorable comparison with any place in that community. He is something of a specialist in farming, and one of his reliable sources of profit has been the raising of certified seed potatoes. He also keeps a herd of graded Holstein cattle. While a hard worker and always busy with his own interests, Mr. Stoltenberg has served three years as township treasurer.

In September, 191 1, he married Jennie Kankrud, a member of the well known Kankrud family of Portage County, referred to on other pages. Mrs. Stoltenberg died in the fall of 19 16, the mother of three children: Marion Clifford, Julius Irving and Stella Beatrice.

Myron L. Barden has found his work and has profited from his business as a farmer in Plover Township. He is one of the highly respected residents of that locality, and in the estimation of his friends and acquaintances has already done much in his useful career to justify any reasonable expectations of his success in the future.

Mr. Barden was born in Buena Vista Township of Portage County July 20, 1887, son of Myron and Lillian (Hutchens) - Barden. His mother was a daughter of Henry and Diana Hutchens, who were pioneers of Portage County and both now deceased. Myron Barden, Sr., was born in New York State in 1846 and came to Wisconsin with his parents, Merritt and Lucy (Barden) Barden, who first settled in Dodge County and later came to Portage County, where they spent their last years. Myron Barden, Sr., has been a successful farmer in Linwood County for many years, and has a well cultivated place of eighty acres there. He is a democrat, but office holding has not been in his line. He and his wife had the following children: Harry, deceased; Diana; Myron; James; Lucile and Theodore.

Myron L. Barden grew up on his father's farm and his education came from the local schools. He has been a diligent worker since attaining the full strength of manhood and has a thorough practical knowledge of farming in all its branches.

October 14, 1914, Mr. Barden married Miss Anna Lutz, member of one of the old and prominent families of Portage County, daughter of Andrew Lutz, Jr., to whom more extended reference is made on other pages. Mr. and Mrs. Barden are now farming forty acres of the old Lutz homestead in Plover Township. In politics Mr. Barden is independent and is now serving as treasurer of his home school district.

Lancelot Arnold Gordon undoubtedly has the distinction of being one of the youngest if not the youngest county superintendent of education in Wisconsin. He took up the responsibilities of that office for Portage County on July 2, 1917, when only twenty-two years of age. Mr. Gordon has distinguished himself in educational affairs in Portage County and is noted not only for his work as an individual teacher but as an administrator and supervisor since his induction into his present office.

Mr. Gordon was born at Amherst Junction in this county February 2, 1895, son of Martin L. and Belle (Hclgeland) Gordon. His father was born in New Hope, Portage County, and his mother in Harmony, Minnesota. The paternal grandparents, Lars E. and Maren Gordon, were both natives of Norway, and soon after coming to this country established themselves in Portage County and homesteaded a farm in New Hope Township. The grandmother died on that farm, and the grandfather is still living, a resident of Nelsonville, and one of the honored old timers of the county. Superintendent Gordon's maternal grandfather was Andrew Helgeland, who on coming to the United States located in Minnesota, where he was among the pioneers of the northwest frontier. He married in Harmony, Minnesota, and his wife soon afterwards died there, and he has ever since lived on his farm at Harmony.

Martin L. Gordon was born in 1872 and his wife in 1873. He was well educated, attending Wittenberg Normal School and for one year taught in Minnesota. On returning to Portage County he was a merchant at Amherst Junction with M. P. Kjer, was then agent for the Milwaukee Harvester Company, and then conducted a saw mill and planing mill at Nelsonville. Since 1912 his home has been at Stevens Point and he has been rural mail carrier on route No. 4 out of that city. While living in Nelsonville he served as a member of the school board. He and his wife had seven children: Lancelot A.; Troy, who also has a mail route out of Plover; Royal, principal of the Amherst Junction Schools; Gladys, attending Normal School; and Laurin, Irving and Arvie, who are still at home.

Lancelot A. Gordon received his early education in Nelsonville, finished in the eighth grade there. In 1913 he graduated from the Stevens Point Normal, and the following year taught the seventh and eighth grades of the public schools of Friendship, Wisconsin. In 191 5 he became connected with the Merrimack Schools and was there two years, leaving that position to enter upon his duties as county superintendent. He is now in United States Army Officers Training School in Saumur, France.

William Glisczinski. Among the families that have helped forward the remarkable economic transformation by which the waste lands of Portage County were reclaimed and converted into productive fields and a smiling landscape of happy homes, a place of prosperous usefulness, belongs William Glisczinski, now a retired resident of Stevens Point. His record may be read with profit and inspiration by all who have when young people to face the world practically albne and with only their unaided efforts to bring them the things their ambitions desire.

Mr. Glisczinski was born in German Poland May 28, 1840, a son of Joseph and Eleanor Glisczinski. I lis father died in Poland in 1855, when William was only fifteen years old. The widowed mother many years later, in 1877. came to America to join her son William in Stockton Township, and she died there in advanced years in 1886. Her children were seven in number, Barney, Antoinette, Magdalene, Constance. Cordelia. William and Prexeda.

vantages in the way of education as were permitted the youth of that land, and some years after reaching manhood, in 1868, came to America, first locating at Chicago. From there he moved to Stevens Point and used his sturdy energy as an efficient worker in saw mills and the lumber woods. He carefully safeguarded his earnings and about 187 1 was able to contract for the purchase of a farm of 120 acres in Stockton Township. The face of the land far from presented the attractive and highly cultivated appearance it does today, and there remained before him many years of hard work to make the land productive and build home and other buildings. Mr. Glisczinski still owns that farm and remained in active charge of its cultivation and management for over forty years. On April 14, 1914, he retired and removed to Stevens Point, where he and his family have a fine home at 1226 Main Street. He is a democratic voter and with his family is a member of St. Stanislaus Polish Catholic Church.

On May 22, 1872, Mr. Glisczinski married Miss Mary Prondznski. She was born in German Poland November 11, 1855, and was thirteen years old when in 1868 she came with her parents to America. Her parents located at Berlin, Wisconsin, where her mother, Catherine Prondznski, died in 1882, at the age of forty-seven. Her father then moved to Polonia in Portage County and lived there until his death ' November 8, 191 3, at the advanced age of eighty-nine. Her parents had the following children: Polena; John, who died in infancy; Joseph, who lived in Sharon Township of Portage County; Mar)', Mrs. Glisczinski ; Margaret ; Helen ; Henry ; Nicholas ; Paul ; and John.

Fourteen children were bom to the marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Glisczinski, namely: Josephine; Frank; Charles; Joseph, who died at the age of twenty-six; Ambrose; Dennis; William; Henry, who died at the age of twenty-five; Mary; Helen; Anna and Margaret, twins; Stanley, who is now with an artillery regiment and at last account was on his way to France ; and Bcrnhard, who died in infancy.

The financial success which Mr. and Mrs. Glisczinski have gained is all the more creditable for the large family they have reared and these sons and daughters constitute a splendid contribution to the citizenship of the nation. Of their fourteen children eleven are still living, and all of them were well educated. It is a family to be proud of. Mr. and Mrs. Glisczinski have now lived together as man and wife for forty-six years, and it is their hope and the hope of their many friends that they may celebrate their fiftieth wedding anniversary.

Mark Edwin Bruce. That enterprise which enables a man to make the best of his opportunities and push himself ahead as one of the useful workers of the world has been abundantly exemplified in the career of Mark Edwin Bruce, whose position as a citizen of Stevens Point hardly requires any description for the present generation, wtio recognize his abilities and leadership and appreciate the work he has done for himself and his community during more than forty years of residence here.

Mr. Bruce was born in New York State November 20, 1857. His parents were Nathaniel P. and Rhoda (Bourne) Bruce, the former a native of Vermont and the latter of New York State. The mother died in New York in 1859, when the son Mark E. was only two years old. Nathaniel Bruce was a Union soldier, a member of the First United States Cavalry, in the early months of the Civil war, but in the spring of 1863 he received a discharge on account of disabilities. In June, 1863, he came west to Dodge County, Wisconsin, and in November of the same year his other children, including Mark E., followed him to this state. There were six children, five still living. Nathaniel Bruce passed away July 27, 191 4.

Mark Edwin Bruce had to be satisfied with the opportunities of the rural schools of Wisconsin, and even those he could enjoy regularly only to the age of thirteen. After that he worked as a farmer boy and his rugged strength and agility soon made him useful in the lumber woods and he practically followed the occupation of lumberjack until he was forty years of age. Mr. Bruce has been a citizen and a resident of Portage County since December 18, 1875, and the only interruption to this continuous residence was three years spent at Merrill.

Since retiring from the lumber industry Mr. Bruce has handled various business enterprises. On December r, 1897, he established the Bruce Hotel, one of the leading hostelries and houses of public entertainment at Stevens Point, and has continued it for twenty years. In 1913 he built and established the Strand Theater in Stevens Point. He is also interested in farming and various other enterprises of the county.

On April 12, 1885, Mr. Bruce married Miss Margaret Le Mieux, who was born in Portage County, and is a daughter of one of the most interesting pioneer characters of this section of Wisconsin, Peter Le Mieux, who came to Stevens Point in 1847. History gives him credit as being the first man to plant potates north of Berlin, Wisconsin. He was also the first man to operate a rotary saw in Wisconsin. For thirty-eight years he conducted a saw mill on the Little Eau Claire River in Portage County, but spent his final years at Stevens Point. When Mr. Le Mieux came to Stevens Point on October 4, 1847, the village contained only three houses. Peter Le Mieux married Elizabeth Cook, whose father, John Cook, came to Stevens Point from New York State in 1856 and, a carpenter by trade, had the contract for building and constructing the First Methodist Church of Stevens Point. Mr. and Mrs. Bruce have three children: Howard A., Mrs. Catherine E. Gregory and Walter R.

Mr. Bruce is secretary of the Old Settlers Club of Portage County. He has been a member of the school board four years, is a member of the Civic and Commercial Club, and as chairman of the Red Cross Committee he organized and led the campaign through Portage County which stood out as one of the most successful campaigns in the entire state when the results were considered with relationship to the population and the wealth of the county. Mr. Bruce is affiliated with the Masonic Order, Independent Order of Odd Fellows, Order of Beavers and the Junior Order of United American Mechanics.

Oscar Oren Penney. When one's life has been passed among the familiar surroundings which constitute his home, it is but natural to take pride in such a heritage and find added pleasure in its care and improvement. In Portage County pioneer names are usually associated with such properties, and one of these in Amherst Township has been in the Penney name for over a half century, and since he was

Oscar Oren Penney was born in the Village of Weyauwega, Waupaca County, Wisconsin, November 26, 1858. His parents were George W. and Eliza (Chapman) Penney, both of whom were early settlers with their families in this section. George W. Penney came as early as 1852. He was twice married and one daughter of his first marriage survives, Henrietta, who is a resident of Michigan. After his marriage to Eliza Chapman they settled in Weyauwega and resided there until i860 and then moved to a farm of eighty acres which Mrs. Penney had bought from the government, and this farm remained the family home and both parents died here, the mother of Oscar O. Penney willing the farm to him at her death.

Many changes have taken place all over this and other states with the passage of almost sixty years, and very remarkable ones have come about within Mr. Penney 's memory in the village and the Township of Amherst. When he was a boy there were comparatively few people living in the village and school opportunities were very limited. A few stores had been started in order to supply the scattered settlers with necessities, and a mill had been built and was owned by A. H. Bancroft. This mill, remodeled and enlarged, is still doing business here and is one of the old landmarks. For a number of years modern machinery for farm purposes was almost unknown in this section, and the farm work was generally carried on with oxen. Mr. Penney's father used oxen exclusively and even after he became a farmer for himself Mr. Penney utilized these slow-moving but strong animals in the clearing of land and subsequent cultivation. Gradually, however, as pioneer farming was developed it became what it is today, a civilized science on which the prosperity and even life itself may depend. Wisconsin farmers with others accepted the prevalent new ideas, and it is safe to say that in no part of the country is agriculture making such rapid strides as it is among the wide awake, intelligent and progressive farmers of this state.

Mr. Penney is an example of this class. To his original eighty acres he has added and now owns over a hundred acres of valuable land, carrying on mixed farming and devoting much attention to high grade Holstein cattle. He has about fifty acres under the plow, the rest being in pasturage and timber. His farm equipments are first class and his buildings entirely adequate, lie is a member of the Modern Woodmen of America.

L. J. Carev. In the earlv fifties many new settlers came to Wisconsin,' following its admission to the Union in 1848, and attracted by the wealth of opportunities offered to homeseekers. Many men with growing families were willing to face the certain hardships of pioneer life in the new state in the hope of providing better chances for their children than could be secured at that time in the over populated eastern states. One of these pioneers was the late Peter B. Carey, father of L. J. Carey, one of Amherst's representative business men who for many years has been prominent in public life in the village.

L. J. Carey was bom in Jefferson County, New York, in 1852. His parents were Peter B. and Julia E. (Whitney) Carey, members of old and respected New York families and people of good influence throughout their lives. The beloved and honored mother of Mr. Carey is a cherished inmate of his home at Amherst, but his father died some years since on his farm in Amherst Township in Portage County. In 1853 the Careys came to Rock County, Wisconsin, from Jefferson County, New York. Mr. Carey desired a farm and before he found land to suit his purposes several removals were made, the family going to Manitowoc County from Rock, from there to Calumet County, then to Lanark Township in Portage County and finally to Amherst Township, Portage County, where Mr. Carey bought a farm located south of the village. To Peter B. Carey and wife the following children were born : Lyman, L. J., Charles, Jay, Isabel, Sarah, Elmer and Frank.

L. J. Carey was an infant when his parents brought him to Wisconsin and this state has been his home ever since, a state he has served with good citizenship and one in which he takes just pride. He attended the public schools and gave his father assistance on the farm during his youth and was engaged variously until 1896, when, in partnership with Doctor Dusenbury, he bought the undertaking and furniture business conducted at Amherst by Fred Wesley. The above partnership continued for four years, when Mr. Carey bought Doctor Dusenbury 's interest and has since conducted the business alone, making many changes and introducing modern methods. When Mr. Carey went into business the firm occupied a building 60 by 20 feet, while now he has floor space given by a building 104 by 32 feet. He carries a large stock of dependable furniture, having the largest furniture store in the place. While Mr. Carey is a graduate of no undertaking school, he learned his business by practical experience and has an embalmer's license. He is well equipped as to funeral specialties and has appropriate hearses, carriages and cars, in every way giving assurance of suitable, quiet and dignified funeral ceremonials.

Mr. Carey was married in 1874 to Miss Mary Augusta Greenman, who was bom in Manitowoc County, Wisconsin, and is a daughter of William Greenman, a prominent farmer in that section. Mr. and Mrs. Carey have had three children, namely: Morris N.. Etta J., who died in infancy, and Tina G. The son in later years has taken an active interest in business with his father.

Few citizens of Amherst have been shown more public appreciation than Mr. Carev. Again and again he has been called to serve in offices of responsibility, where business acumen and a proper sense of justice arc requisites, and the duties of these offices have been performed faithfully and efficiently. Mr. Carey at present is village supervisor and he has been village president, village treasurer and treasurer of the village school board. When the solid, substantial men of Amherst take council together in any emergency Mr. Carey is certain to be one of those present. He is a valued member of the Odd Fellows at Amherst and belongs also to the Modern Woodmen of America. Hy devout parents he was reared in the faith of the Methodist Episcopal Giurch and to this organization both he and wife belong.

William \\\ Gregory. It has been indeed more than an ordinary service rendered to the people of Portage County by two generations of the Gregory family as physicians and surgeons. The older doctor, of revered memory, the late Dr. Levi M. Gregory, exerted his skill and exercised his benignant human personality and sympathy among some of the very first settlers of the county. He practiced for a long period of years, and before he was taken away by death his son, Dr. William W., had qualified and had begun to serve some of the children of his father's old patients.

The late Dr. Levi M. Gregory arrived in Portage County as early as 1850. He was at that time unmarried, and just fresh from his medical studies and with a medical diploma from Western Reserve University at Geveland. He practiced medicine at the Village of Plover until 1886, when he removed to Stevens Point, and there continued to answer the insistent calls of his older patients up to the very end of his life, which came in 1902. He married in Portage City Miss Olive Sophia Babcock, who had come to this county as a girl. She died at Stevens Point in 1895. They had two children, Mrs. Frances Darling, who died in 1910, and William W.

Dr. William W. Gregory was born at the Village of Plover in Portage County September 16, 1869. From boyhood he determined to emulate the splendid service rendered by his father in the medical profession, and all his energies were concentrated upon a thorough preparation that he might be a worthy successor to the older Gregory. He was educated in the public schools of Plover and Stevens Point, graduating from the high school of the latter city, and in 1897 had the well merited degree of Doctor of Medicine conferred upon him by Rush Medical College of Chicago. He at once returned to Stevens Point and for twenty years now has enjoyed a large and profitable general practice. He is a member in good standing of the County, State and District Medical Societies and the American Medical Association. He is also affiliated with the Masonic fraternity and the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks and is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church.

John N. Erert. One of the valuable country homes of Portage County in Amherst Township is that of John N. Ebert. This land has an interesting history. Sixty years ago it was just one part of the unbroken wilderness of Central Wisconsin. The trees were cut down, the stumps were removed, the brush cleared away, the plow was first sunk under the surface, the first houses and building improvements were made, and from first to last the land represents the toil and studied efforts of the Ebert family. John N. Ebert himself was born there, and he has largely followed in the footsteps of his father, though from time to time he has adapted himself to modern methods and has given a distinctive air of modern efficiency to the farm.

Mr. Ebert was born in Amherst November 25, 1861. He is a son of Adam and Man- (Hahn) Ebert, both natives of Germany. The father is now deceased and the mother is living in the village of Almond, with her daughter. Mrs. Fred Boelter. As one of the first settlers in Amherst Township Adam Ebert homesteaded his land from the government. His first holding was forty acres and there in the midst of a small clearing he built a log cabin and a small barn. Adam Ebert for several years used oxen to farm and transport his goods, but finally was able to afford horses. He was a man of great thrift and energy and with the co-operation of his good wife not only maintained a good home but was able to increase his holdings as a land owner and eventually had about 200 acres. He and his wife were the parents of ten children: Mrs. Maggie Damrau, of Amherst; Mrs. Louisa Boelter, of Almond; John N. ; Mrs. Lizzie Holtz, of Adams County; Adam, who lives in North Dakota; Herman, a resident of Oasis, Waushara* County, Wisconsin; Mrs. Clara Boushley, of Buena Vista; Mrs. Anna Heinrich, of Amherst; Mary, who died at the age of nineteen, and Dora, who died in childhood.

John N. Ebert grew up on the old home farm, was educated in the local schools and his hard work and earnest purpose finally enabled him to buy the homestead from his father. He now owns about 225 acres and with the exception of about thirty acres of native timber he has nearly all of it under the plow, producing crops. Recently Mr. Ebert has begun the formation of a herd of full blooded Holstein cattle. Since he bought the farm he has built a commodious brick home and he also has one of the best equipped barns in the township, which he also built, with a large s'lo nearby. While his father used oxen to drag the plow and carry his grain to market, Mr. Ebert is up to date and drives an automobile over the fine roads of the county. At one time as a side line to his farming enterprise he operated a threshing outfit. He is a member of the Farmers Co-operative Association, and owns a share in a Chicago property known as the Consumers Stores Company, and also owns shares in the American Cooperative Association.

In 1892 Mr. Ebert married Louisa Oatball, daughter of Fred and Mary (Jagcr) Oatball. Both her parents are now deceased, the mother having spent her last years with Mr. and Mrs. Ebert. Mr. and Mrs. Ebert have a happy family of young people about them, live in number, named Ernst, Gertrude, Henry, Carl and Walter. The oldest son, Ernst, and second son. Henry, are on the list of men drafted for service in the National Army, but at this writing have not been called to camp for training.

Mr. Ebert takes an active interest in everything affecting the welfare of his home locality, is a member of the school board, supervisor of the town board, and is active in the Lutheran Church at Amherst. He was formerly a member of a fraternity but has given up his lodge duties. Among other interests he has shares in a local creamery and the Telephone Company at Amherst.

Fred E. Webster, M. D. For more than a quarter of a century the people of Amherst, Wisconsin, have found in Dr. Fred E. Webster a skilled physician, an honorable citizen and a dependable authority on all matters pertaining to the public health. Devoted entirely to his profession, he has kept thoroughly abreast with the times and is well acquainted with the marvelous advances his science is making in modern days. In every walk of life, because of his knowledge, skill, courage and humanity, the physician stands a step higher than his fellow men, and at the present time it may be asserted that there is no more heroic figure on duty in embattled Europe than the doctor, and there can be no one with nobler aims. Both in peace and war these aims to ameliorate suffering, to lessen mortal agony, to make men whole once more, are cherished by all the great-hearted physicians of the land, but while the outlook may be encouraging in some directions there are yet many savage enemies to overcome before universal health can crown medical effort. In this great work in his section no man of medical science has shown more professional zeal than has Doctor Webster. Fred E. Webster is a native of Portage County, Wisconsin, and was born on his father's farm near Amherst August 24, 1862. His parents were Enoch and Lydia H. (Fletcher) Webster, both of whom were of New England ancestry and were born in Maine. They came to Racine County, Wisconsin, in 1845, moving later to Ripon in Fond du Lac County. The father engaged in farming there until 1857, when he took up government land in Amherst Township, Portage County. Enoch Webster, however, was too active and enterprising a man to feel entirely satisfied with the small opportunities afforded himself and family on a pioneer farm, and hence in 1865 he moved into the village of Amherst, where his vitalizing influence was soon felt in business and politics. In the course of time he became a dominating personality in Portage County.

When Mr. Webster came to Amherst" it was little more than a hamlet. He embarked in the mercantile business and as his establishment was the leading business house of the place he was appointed postmaster and served as such for the following eighteen years. In the meanwhile he was elected many times to local offices, serving as township clerk for an extended period, and for many years was a justice of the peace. He became a party leader and was elected to the State Legislature. Prior to the organization of the republican party he was a democrat but after that event he was a strong republican. He was a helpful factor in all the early enterprises of Amherst. He was the father of eight children, namely : Charles E., John N., Azuba, Augustine, Emilie, Dora, William A. and Fred E. His two eldest sons, Charles E. and John N., served as soldiers in the Civil war, the former being a member first in a Minnesota and later in a W isconsin regiment. Both these sons are deceased.

Fred E. Webster was but three years old when his parents came to Amherst and this has been the home of his choice ever since. His father was a patron of education and the schools therefore of the village were farther advanced than in some other communities. The youth secured a sound foundation in the home schools and then attended the normal school at Oshkosh, from which institution he was graduated in 1887. He had already made choice of career and entered Rush Medical College, Chicago, from which he was graduated with his degree of M. D. in 1891. Doctor Webster immediately ojxmed an office at Amherst and during the years that have followed has built up a professional reputation that is recognized far beyond this flourishing town. He is a member of the Portage County, the Wisconsin State and the National Medical Societies.

Doctor Webster was married in 1898 to Miss Gertrude Lewis, who was born at Custer, Portage County, Wisconsin, and died at Amherst in 1902. Doctor Webster was married second, in 1909. to Miss Etta Berger, who is a native of Michigan, a lady of many social accomplishments and of engaging personality. Fraternally Doctor Webster is identified with two of the leading organizations of the country, the Odd Fellows and the Modern Woodmen of America. A busy physician has little time for recreation, but Doctor Webster approves of out-door sports, although, perhaps, his patients take more enjoyment out of them than the good Doctor allows himself.

A. M. Young is doing a successful business and making himself valuable to the community of Stevens Point as a shoe merchant and conducts one of the best stores handling that class of merchandise in Portage County.

Mr. Young was born in 1883, at Jonesburg, Montgomery County, Missouri. His father, W. H. Young, was born in St. Charles County, Missouri, and for many years did a large business as a stock buyer and feeder. He is still living, now retired from business, and a resident of New Florence, Missouri. W. H. Young married Ida Kenner, who was born at St. Louis. Missouri, in 1865. The parents are members of the Presbyterian Church.

A. M. Young was reared and educated in Montgomery County, Missouri, graduated from a collegiate institution at Warrenton in that state, and as a young man went to the northwest and for two years traveled in and out of Portland, Oregon. On returning east he was a traveling salesman for three years over Illinois and Wisconsin, and for four years he was one of the energetic business getters for the Selz Shoe Company. In 19 10 he located at Stevens Point and assumed the proprietorship of the Selz Shoe Store in this city, and has since operated that store and developed a high class business.

In 1903, at Portland. Oregon, Mr. Young married Miss Minnie Chandler. They have one child, Carl Burford, born in 1909 and now attending the public schools of Stevens Point.

Henry G. Lutz is doing a successful business as a country merchant and farmer at Meehan Station in Plover Township, and his long residence there combined with his activities and influence make him a man of mark in the locality.

He represents a family that has been identified with this section of Wisconsin for more than half a century. His grandparents were Andrew and Elizabeth (Gaber) Lutz, who in 1855 brought their family from Baden. Germany, to America. Arriving in New York City, Andrew Lutz found a brief employment in that city, but soon came westward to Milwaukee and not long afterwards settled in Almond Township of Portage County. He bought a farm there and was occupied in its tillage until about 1868, when he removed to Stevens Point and acquired the local brewery. He finally sold that business and then lived retired until his death in 1900, at the age of seventyeight. His wife died in 1912. aged eighty-nine. Thev were one of the most venerable couples of Portage County, and in 1894. six years before their marriage bonds were broken by death, they celebrated their golden wedding anniversary. Their children were: Andrew, Jr.; Elizabeth, Mrs. Jacob Messing, of Princeton. Wisconsin; John, deceased; Gustav, of Stevens Point; George, of Stevens Point; Mary, widow of John Ernst ; and Jacob, of Stevens Point.

Andrew Lutz. Jr.. was born in Baden, Germany, April 4. 1845, and was ten years old when brought to America. He grew to manhood on the old farm in Almond Township, and from that locality when twenty years of age enlisted in the Union Army in Company K of the Forty-Sixth Wisconsin Infantry on February 6. 1865. He was in the closing months of the war, and was mustered out at Nashville, Tennessee. September 27. 1865. Following the war he settled on the farm in Almond Township, but later came to Stevens Point, and was in business in that city for about ten years as a livery- man, conducting a good establishment on Strong Avenue. He finally sold his stables and returning to the country bought a farm in Plover Township. He had a very large place there of 320 acres and was always noted for his good management whether of farming or of other business matters. He died at the home of his daughter Mrs. Anna Barden May 20, 1917. Andrew Lutz, Jr., married Minnie Krohn, who was also born in Germany. She died April 23, 1913. They were active members of the Lutheran Church. Their children were four in number. Charles, of Stevens Point, who married Emma Huckie, and they are the parents of two children, Gertrude and Gregory, and also have one grandchild by the marriage of Gertrude to Stanley Winarski. Frank, the second child, lives at Stevens Point and has a daughter, Fern, by his marriage to Elizabeth Brown. The third child is Henry G. Anna is the wife of Myron Barden, of Plover Township.

Mr." Henry G. Lutz was born on his father's farm in Almond Township of this county April 1, 1878. He grew up as a farmer boy, had the advantages of the public schools, and his early substantial successes were gained as an agriculturist. Mr. Lutz owns one farm of 120 acres in Plover Township near Mechan Station and also another place of eighty acres. In 1914 he bought a store at Mcehan and now sells general merchandise to the people of that section as well as handling his general farm and stock with a high degree of efficiency. Mr. Lutz is an independent voter and has never sought any of the official honors of his community. He was reared a Lutheran.

In 1905 he married Miss Cora Fowler, who was born in Plover Township in 1880, daughter of Henry and Mary Fowler, early and well known settlers of that township. Her mother is still living. Mr. and Mrs. Lutz have four children : Hilda, Mildred, Erma and Verna.

Edward S. Thorpe has been a substantial citizen for many years, a farmer by occupation, and is chairman of the board of supervisors, now in his second term.

He was born in the village of Glenbeulah in Sheboygan County, Wisconsin, August 16. 1859, son of Elihu and Martha (Hile) Thorpe. His father was born in Connecticut in 1835 and his mother in the same state in 1837. His father came to Glenbeulah, Wisconsin, when a young man and from that community he enlisted in 1861 in Company B of the famous Eighth Wisconsin Infantry. He was in service almost throughout the war, three years and three months, and made an honorable record with one of the finest regiments sent from Wisconsin to the war. After the war he located at Glenbeulah, afterwards was proprietor of a sawmill at St. Cloud, Wisconsin, for ten years, and in 1880 moved to Eau Pleine Township of Portage County, where he bought eighty acres of land. His son Edward still owns part of that farm. The father finally retired from the farm and spent his last years at Milladore. Wisconsin, where he died in December, 1913. His wife passed away two weeks later aged seventy-six. They were married at Glenbeulah. Their children were : Edward S., Nora, Lydia, deceased, Sarah. Moses, John and William, deceased.

Edward S. Thorjje grew up and received his early education in Glenbeulah. When he was fifteen years old he went out to B^nsas and after five years returned to Wisconsin and joined his father in Eau Pleine Township. He took up farming there and during every season for a period of fifteen years was identified with the lumber business, either as a log driver on the river or in the woods. Mr. Thorpe owns 120 acres of land in sections 28, 29 and 33 and manages it as a general farming proposition.

He is a republican in politics. For about eighteen years he has served as school clerk and is now in his second year as chairman of the board of supervisors. He was first appointed to this office, was successor to D. L. Hunter, and the following year was elected. Mr. Thorpe's father was a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. Mr. Thorpe's parents are Methodists while he is a man of liberal religious views. In 1903 at Eau Pleine he married Miss Lillie Martin of Racine, Wisconsin.

Jacob Dorsha. If there is any substantial citizen of Portage County who has earned all he possesses by virtue of hard work it is Jacob Dorsha of Buena Vista Township. Mr. Dorsha is a carpenter by trade. As a result of several years of employment in this line he was able to buy in 1880 eighty acres in sections 27 and 34 of Buena Vista Township. It was necessary to cut a road in order to reach the land. It was unbroken stretch of woods and brush, and every acre had to be cleared before it could be put into cultivation. This required a number of years, since he had to depend upon his trade to give him a living, and he followed it during the day and often worked far into the night in developing his farm. Mr. Dorsha now has one of the best farms in that township, comprising 120 acres, and his buildings are high class and substantial in every particular, his own skill having entered into their construction. He devotes his land to general farming and stock raising.

Mr. Dorsha was born in Krie County, New York, about sixteen miles from Buffalo, on January 31, 1865. He is a son of John and Catherine (Esse) Dorsha, the former born in Germany February 4, 1830, and the latter in France January 21, 1833. They came to America as children, and married at Strykersville in Erie County, New York State. For nineteen years John Dorsha worked in a tannery there, rolling leather. John Dorsha enlisted and served three years in Company F of the Forty-Third Wisconsin Infantry. He was long an honored member of Plainfield Post of the Grand Army of the Republic. He and his wife established their home in Portage County in 1866, and in the following year located on eighty acers of land, where he lived until his death, April 2, 1912. His widow died November 11, 1917. They had been married for fifty-seven years. They were the parents of eleven children.

Jacob Dorsha was brought to Portage County when a child, and grew up here, attending the old Kcene School in Buena Vista Township. At the age of twenty-two he started to work at his trade, and followed it until he could do independent farming. Mr. Dorsha is an independent in politics, and his only office has been as a director of the school board.

In January, 1889, he married Miss Sarah Turrish, who was born at Wilmington, Delaware, in 1863, and came to Portage County with her parents. James and Catherine Turrish, in 1867. Her father and mother settled in Buena Vista Township, where they spent their last days. Mr. and Mrs. Dorsha have one son, Charles Henry, born on the old homestead in 1897. He was educated in the public schools and is still on the home farm. Mrs. Dorsha died February 20, 191 7.

Nicodemus Michael Urbanowski. There are a number of fine people living at Stevens Point, Wisconsin, who are prosperous in business because of their industry and honorable dealings with others, kind neighbors, good church members and worthy citizens. Such people help build up a community and are welcome wherever they may settle. A well known merchant at Stevens Point is Nicodemus Michael Urbanowski, who belongs to the above class. He was born in this city September 4, 1879, and is a son of Michael and Anna (Orlowska) Urbanowski.

The father of Mr. Urbanowski was born in Poland and the mother in Germany. When he was nineteen years old Michael Urbanowski came to the United States, landing in the port of New York. He was in that city but a short time, going then to Pennsylvania, where he worked until he had earned the means to get to Portage County, Wisconsin, where he found almost a wilderness, and on the present site of Stevens Point Indians were living. He found work in the lumber regions and on the river and for some years was a sawyer in the woods. He became known as a reliable, industrious man and was made foreman of the old Riley & Bosworth sawmill in Stevens Point and continued in that position until the mill shut down. For some time afterward he was employed in scaling lumber for the old Wisconsin Central Railroad, which line of work he still follows, being employed as a scaler for the box factory at Stevens Point. He was one of the original members of St. Peter's Roman Catholic Church and also one of the original members of St. Peter's Society, and both he and wife have always been very active in church and society work. They reside at No. 722 Union Street, Stevens Point and are respected by all who know them.

Michael Urbanowski was married at Polonia, Wisconsin, to Anna Orlowska, who came to America with her father and her step-mother, her own mother having died in Germany. Her father lived to be a very aged man and died in 1910 in Wisconsin. A family of twelve children was born to Michael Urbanowski and his wife and the following survived infancy: Max, Nicodemus M., Mary, John, Antone, Peter and Katie.

Nicodemus M. Urbanowski attended the parochial school at first, later the public schools at Stevens Point and still later took a course in a business college. With the example of his industrious father before him, he grew to useful manhood, finding employment in the box factory, also in a sawmill and in the lumber camps, where he worked for the old Wisconsin Central. Afterward, for six years, he was a clerk for H. D. McCulloch and was promoted to be head clerk and as such remained with that employer for five more years. In 1909 he embarked in business for himself and now has a fine store at No. 106 Public Square, where he carries a big stock of groceries and deals also in flour, feed and seeds.

Mr. Urbanowski was married to Miss Johanna Kujawa, who was born at Stevens Point. Wisconsin, March 24, 1880. Her parents were Frank and Julia (Reszczynski) Kujawa, natives of Poland, where the father was born September 1, 1833, and the mother, May 7, 1841. The father of Mrs. Urbanowski came to Portage County in 1857 and the mother in 1856 and they were married at Polonia, Wisconsin, September 13, 1867, and had the satisfaction and pleasure of celebrating their golden wedding anniversary on September 13, 1917.

Not only did their family enjoy the occasion with them but also a wide circle of friends in the neighborhood where they are well known and highly esteemed. They reside with Mr. and Mrs. Urbanowski in their old homestead at No. 719 North Second Street. Of their children but two are living, Alexander and Johanna. Alexander married Mary Spalanka of Stevens Point, who is a sister of Frank Spalanka, mentioned favorably in this work. They have the following children: Mary, Alban, John, Helen, Clara, Anna, Emily, Alexander, Edmund and Genevieve.

In politics Mr. Urbanowski, like his honored father, is a democrat and he takes much interest in public affairs, particularly in relation to the well-being of Stevens Point, and for the past two years he has been alderman representing the Fourth Ward, for a still longer time has been a member of the school board, and also member of the Police and Fire Commissioners. As children Mr. Urbanowski and wife attended school together and today she is his cheerful helper in conducting their large business, their store usually being a busy place. They both are active members of St. Peter's Catholic Church and the church society, and in this connection, as elsewhere, are valued for their sterling qualities.

William Austin Ona.v, a practical farmer and stock raiser in Buena Vista Township, represents two of the pioneer families of Portage County.

He is the only son of the late Warren Albert and Zoa (Boursier) Onan. His father was born in New York State in 1847 and his mother was born in Stockton Township of Portage County in 185 1, daughter of John and Mary Boursier, who were among the first settlers in that locality. The paternal grandfather, Charles Onan, brought his family to Wisconsin in 1854, and about 1861 settled in Portage County, where he and his wife both died. Warren A. Onan grew up in that state, and in 1870 bought the land where his son now- lives in Buena Vista Township. It was then wild and uncleared, and from year to year he increased the area of cultivation, built and remodeled house and barn, and at the time of his death in 191 1 had surrounded himself with many comforts and a very valuable property. His wife died in 1901. Warren A. Onan was a republican and surved on the school board. He was a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. He and his wife had five children, four daughters and one son, Mary, I^nolia, Iva, Agnes and William Austin.

William Austin Onan was born on the farm where he now resides December 2. 1885. He has spent all his life here, and after getting his education in the public schools went to work looking after the fields and crops. He now owns the old homestead of 230 acres, and is giving a good account of his stewardship as a general farmer and stock raiser and dairyman. lie has a herd of excellent cattle and is helping raise the aggregate of agricultural standards in the county.

John Petkrsen. A quarter of a century of residence in Portage County has brought John Petersen far along the road of success and substantial prosperity and also the high esteem of his community in Belmont Township. His home is in section 2 of that township, where he has a farm that will bear favorable comparison with the best of the township or county. For about fifteen years Mr. Petersen has specialized in high grade Red Polled cattle and other livestock. His farm is improved with most modern buildings, and the Petersen family lack practically none of the advantages city people enjoy. They have their own automobile, a garage, ice house, a gas light plant, and comfort and convenience are in evidence on every hand.

Mr. Petersen came to this country a poor boy dependent entirely upon his own resources. He was born January 4, i860, in Denmark, being one of eight children. His father, Peter Jacobson, was a farmer and weaver in Denmark. John Petersen had a public school education in his native land, and lived there the first twenty years of his life. With the idea and determination of bettering his fortunes he started for the New World, taking ship at Copenhagen April 9, 1880. He went to England and a short time later started across the ocean and landed at New York May 8th. He had to borrow the money to pay his passage. His destination was Waupaca, Wisconsin, and from there he came to Belmont Township of Portage County and for two years worked on the farm of J. P. Rasmussen, whose daughter he subsequently married. From Portage County he went west to Iowa and bought a farm in Webster County, and he and his brother Hans conducted it together for a number of years.

In 1893 Mr. Petersen returned to Portage County and on the 24th of March of that year, at Waupaca, married Miss Anna Rasmussen. She was born in Belmont Township of Portage County, daughter of James P. and Johanna M. (Nelson) Rasmussen. Since his marriage Mr. Petersen has been chiefly identified with farming in Belmont Township and his good management and constant industry have brought him all that he now enjoys. He owns 240 acres of valuable land and has every year added to its improvements and value. In politics he is a republican and has always been a loyal member of the Lutheran Church and liberal in supporting church and other worthy causes.

Mr. Petersen lost his first wife in October. 1905. They had six children: Carl W.. Emil J.. Harold F., Henry F.. Gilbert F. and Clarence. The three younger sons are still at home. Mr. Petersen has the proud distinction of having two of his sons fighting the cause of liberty in the present great war. Carl W., who was born February 19. 1894, and his younger brother, Emil J., are both with the American armies at Camp Grant. The son Harold, who completed his education in Busheys' Business College at Appleton, is now a bookkeeper for Segal Company at Appleton.

April 6, 1910, Mr. Petersen married for his present wife Mrs. Sylvia M. (Olin) Eastman. Her first husband. William Eastman, died October 14, 1904, leaving one son. Gerald. Mr. and Mrs. Petersen have two children, Arnold Howard and Marvel Alice.

iNCiitRcT Thorske. This section of Wisconsin has received from no foreign country a greater number of good citizens than those that came from Norway - sturdy, industrious, reliable people who because of their sterling character are welcomed in every section where they have chosen to locate. Among the many fine citizens in Portage County of Norwegian birth or parentage one is Ingbrgt Thorske, who has been a resident of Stevens Point for over thirty-five years.

Ingbrgt Thorske, the youngest in a family of seven children, has given practically all his life to one vocation and industry. When fourteen years old, in 1870, he began learning the painter's trade. He worked at his trade in Norway and when he arrived at Stevens Point in 1 881 he almost immediately made a connection as painter with the Wisconsin Central Railway. For twenty years he wias on the staff of painters employed by that railway system, until the headquarters of this department were moved to Fond du Lac. Since then Mr. Thorske has continued to follow the trade privately, and through that work has rendered his best service to the business world.

Since 1903 Mr. Thorske has lived in his comfortable home at 1011 Normal Avenue. In politics he is independent and has never sought the excitement or the honors of public affairs. He is a member of the Lutheran Church. In 1885 he married Miss Emma Petersen, who was born in Norway and was brought to Stevens Point when a young girl. She died August 20, 1892. at the age of forty-three. Mr. and Mrs. Thorske had three children: Gertrude, the oldest, is a graduate of the Stevens Point High School and is now the wife of Mr. Sebo and lives in Spokane, Washington. They have one child, Winifred. Ella, who was educated in the Stevens Point High School and the State Normal School, was a successful teacher, connected with the schools of Stanley for three years, and then located at Spokane, Washington. She married Lieut. S. Paulson, stationed at Camp Grant. Emmons, the youngest child, was educated in the Stevens Point High School and is a painter by trade and working with his father. Mr. Thorske is affiliated with the Knights of the Maccabees.

Ai.phonzo Ckofoot, a resident of Portage County over sixty years, a veteran of the Civil war, and long identified with farming and civic affairs, was born at Burr Oak, Michigan, October 3, 1845.

His parents were Erastus. and Lophelia (Moss) Crofoot, both natives of New York State. They were pioneers of Burr Oak, Michigan, and lived in the southern part of that state until 1855, when they came to Portage County. The first winter here they lived with her parents. Elisha and Harriet Moss, who were among the earliest settlers of Buena Vista Township, where they spent their last years. In 1862 Erastus Crofoot and wife moved to Almond Township, but in 1864 returned to Buena Vista, where they spent their last years. Erastus died May 1. 1893, aged seventy-five, and his wife in 1896, aged seventy-six. The oldest of their children is Fannie M.. who was born in 1841. and is the wife of S. P. Thorn, a Civil war veteran. The second child, Alphonzo A., died in infancy. The next children were Alphonzo and Alphonsa. twins, the latter dying at the age of eight years. Sarah, who was born March 17, 1849, married Joseph Puariea. and among their children is Mrs. Charles Newby of this county. Modestus M. lives at Wagner, Montana, and was born February' 9. 1859.

Alphonzo Crofoot grew up in Buena Vista Township and at the age of eighteen, on August 25. 1864. enlisted in Company A of the 42nd Wisconsin Infantry. He was mustered into the United States service September 1st of the same year and was on duty until the close of hostilities. Returning to his home township he bought forty acres.

and was identified with its management and cultivation until 1883, when he moved to the farm where he now lives near Liberty Corners. This land formerly belonged to his wife's father, Joseph Ward. Mr. Crofoot has forty acres in his home place and owns forty acres in another part of the county. In politics he has steadily supported the republican party, and served as supervisor one year and assessor one year, lie is affiliated with the Grand Army Post and with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows.

December 11, 1870, Mr. Crofoot married Miss Emma J. Ward. She was born in Nauvoo Township, Hancock County, Illinois, December io, 1851, daughter of Joseph and Mary Ann (Brown) Ward- Her parents arrived in Plover Township of this county in 18^6, and subsequently located on the farm where Mrs. Crofoot now lives in Buena Vista Township. Both the Crofoot and Ward families had as their early homes here log houses typical of the time. Joseph Ward died August 17, 1883, and his wife February 12, 1891. Mrs. Crofoot was the only child of her parents.

Frank A. Lasecki has been a resident of Portage County over thirty-five years, for nearly a quarter of a century has been a merchant at Stevens Point, and has found his life crowded with opportunities and has used them with discretion and ability. The success that has come to him as a merchant has been used in a public-spirited manner to enable him to do his part in community affairs, and he is recognized as one of the leaders in civic life in his home city. His name is one that well deserves mention in any history of Portage County.

Mr. Lasecki was born in German Poland September 7, 1862, son of Michael and Mary Lasecki. About 1867, when he was five years old, the family immigrated to America, living in New York a few years, later going to Detroit. Michigan, and in 1880 coming to Stevens Point. Michael I-asccki lived here until his death in 1898, when about eighty years of age. His wife, who died in 1893, also attained the age of about fourscore. They were members of St. Peter's Catholic Church.

Frank A. Lasecki, only son and child of his parents, received his education in parochial schools of New York State and DcKalb, Michigan. He was eighteen when the family came to Stevens Point, and was thus capable of doing a man's work from that time forward. I lis first enterprise was as a farmer. He bought forty acres of land in Hull Township, and two years later acquired another forty acres, giving him eighty acres for his management and cultivation. He remained a farmer there about three years, and then returning to Stevens Point took up a business career, having his chief experience as clerk in the clothing store of Mr. Cohen, now a prominent business man of Milwaukee. He did clerical work for several years and on July 22, 1894, engaged in business for himself as a grocery merchant. He has steadily built up a trade, has satisfied all the demands of good merchandising, and in 1909 he built a fine business block at 601 North Second Street, this being the best business structure on that thoroughfare. It is a two-story building, 50 by 75 feet, the lower floor being devoted to his grocery, meat market and general merchandise, while the second floor furnishes excellent facilities for a public hall and other meetings.

He is now and for several years has served as chairman of the election board. He is a charter member and trustee of the Special Military Guards of Stevens Point and has taken a very active interest in arousing the community to the need of adequate military preparation. He and his family are members of St. Peter's Catholic Church.

April 26, 1891, Mr. Lasecki married Miss Catherine Zagrzebski. Mrs. Lasecki was born in Pennsylvania, daughter of Alexander and Amelia (Maslowski) Zagrzebski. Her parents were born in German Poland, came to America and settled in Pennsylvania, and from there moved to a farm in Hull Township of Portage County, where they now reside.

To the marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Lasecki were born seven children: John, the oldest, was educated in parochial schools and in business college, and by his marriage to Frances Krymkowski has one child, Kazmir. Regina, who was educated in the parochial schools, is the wife of Edward Lewandowski of Fairfield, California. Agnes attended both the parochial and public schools and is the wife of who has finished her education in the parochial and public schools; Florian, now a student in the Stevens Point High School ; Frank G. and Edmund, who are still in the parochial schools.

Rev. Em Croft Gear has been a greatly esteemed resident of Stevens Point since he came here as rector of the Church of the Intercession, Protestant Episcopal.

He was born in Waterford, near London. Ontario. Canada, July 22. 1 88 1, a son of Edmund and Susan (Harris) Gear, both natives of Canada. His maternal grandfather, John Harris, was a soldier in the Crimean War, and afterwards came to Canada and died in Chicago about 1898, when eighty years of age. His children were named John, Jesse, Emma, Isabelle and Susan. Rev. Mr. Gear's paternal grandfather, Eli Gear, came from England and located on a farm in Canada, where both he and his wife died. Their children were : Loftus, Albert, Henry, Ada, Annie and Edmund. Edmund Gear moved with his father to Chicago in 1897, hut is now living at Green Bay, Wisconsin. He was a merchant tailor in Canada, and is now retired. He and his wife had two children. Rev. Eli C. and Ethel. Ethel is the wife of George H. Sheffers. of Green Bay, Wisconsin, a merchant tailor. She is the mother of three children, George Henry, Jr., Robert Gear and Kenneth Lawrence.

Eli C. Gear was educated in the public schools of Canada, including the high school at Norwood, Ontario, and was sixteen years old when his parents moved to Chicago in 1897. He went to work for the People's Gas Light and Coke Company, and at the same time pursued preparatory studies in the Ancient Languages at Lewis Institute. In 1905 he graduated from the Western Theological Seminary and was ordained a deacon in the same year and was ordained priest in November. 1905, in the Cathedral at Chicago under Bishop Charles Palmerton Anderson. During a part of his student days and while a deacon he had charge of the church at Morrison. Illinois. Later he was assistant rector of Trinity Church at Chicago, where he remained about fifteen months, and his first independent charge was as rector of the Church of the Holy Communion at Maywood, Illinois. He was there a little more than four years. For the next two years he was rector of St. Andrew's Church of Chicago, the church of which he had been a member while a student. On December 6, 191 2, Rev. Mr. Clear came to Stevens Point as rector of the Church of the Intercession. He has done much to signalize his progressive labors in this community. In 191 5 he built a parish house. Fraternally he is affiliated with Evergreen Lodge No. 93, Ancient Free and Accepted Masons, and with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and the Rotary Club. In February, 1901, he married Miss Annie Davie, a native of Canada. They have four children, Ethel Christina, Edna Victoria, Alice Helen and Eli Croft, Jr.

Martin Heffron is a Portage County farmer who has not contented himself entirely with the routine handling of lands and crops and livestock. If there is a business farmer in Portage County it is Mr. Heffron. Everything he undertakes is done in a businesslike way, with an efficiency above the average. He is one of the principal dairymen of Stockton Township, and during his lifetime has played many parts and every one effectively. Some of the positions of public responsibility in his locality have been given him successively for so many years that his friends have almost lost track of a time "when he was not thus honored.

Mr. Heffron was born in Stockton Township on the old Heffron homestead October 22, 1855. He is a son of Matthew Heffron, and is a brother of John J. Heffron of Stevens Point, one of the leading real estate men of that city. Concerning the establishment of the family here in pioneer times, and many other interesting particulars, the reader is referred to other items on other pages of this publication.

Martin Heffron grew up on the home farm, had a public school education, and since reaching his majority has been busied with many private and public interests. For about fifteen years he was associated with his brother John in the real estate business. Probably no other man is better informed on conditions in Portage County as a potato production center than Mr. Heffron. When a very young man he was associated with Charles Brady of Buena Vista in potato dealing and together they erected the first potato warehouse at Bancroft.

Besides owning the old Heffron homestead Mr. Heffron some years ago bought the old John Linn farm of 220 acres just across the road from the Heffron farm. The Linn farm contains 200 acres of dry land and twenty acres of marsh and 175 acres are under the plow. Mr. Heffron has done much to improve this land in various ways, has erected one of the fine modem country residences, also a tenant house, and the old Linn home was constructed many years ago. He believes thoroughly in the practical value of the silo as an adjunct of cattle feeding, and owns two of those preservers. He also has substantial barns and everything is arranged and equipped for the utmost efficiency in handling stock. Mr. Heffron has milked as many as thirty head of cows, and is the largest patron of the Stockton creamery. His cows are high-grade Holsteins, some of which have met the highest standards of the milk test and general productiveness and all around quality.

In politics Mr. Heffron is a democrat. When he was twenty-one years old he was elected township clerk, and held that office successively for twelve years. The office which has known him longest is that of school treasurer of district No. 7 in Stockton Township. He was elected treasurer of the district when he was twenty-one and has now held it for an aggregate period of forty-two years, a record which is probably unequalled in any other county of the state. Mr. Heffron is a member of the Catholic Church and is affiliated with the Knights of Columbus.

In 1899 he married Miss Ellen Dawson, who was bom in Stockton Township in 1865, daughter of Michael and Catherine Dawson, early settlers of that township, now deceased. Mrs. Heffron was well educated in the public schools, also in the State Normal, and was one of the county's popular teachers for a number of years.

Mr. Heffron served three years as a member of the County School Board of Education, until the law affecting that office was changed. For four years he was a member and director of the Amhurst Telephone Company. It is only stating the truth to say that Mr. Heffron has one of the best farms in Stockton Township, some of the best buildings, and his own work as a farmer is completely consistent with the equipment he possesses and uses.

Wii.ua m Wallace Taylor. Primarily the business of the druggist is the compounding of drugs, and he marches hand in hand with the physician in public service, but in modern days a drug store, in order to keep pace with the times, must not only offer the skill and chemical knowledge of the registered pharmacist and the purest of drugs in all their marvels of combination, but his stock is not considered complete without many commodities far removed from the actual field of drugs. Modern druggists also are called upon for many services to the public for which they receive no remuneration in a financial way, and that they make so few protests, comparatively, speaks well for their accommodating spirit and general amiability. A registered druggist occupies an important position in a community in the matter of public health, and his community standing is equal to that of the physician who entrusts prescriptions to him that often mean life or death.

One of the representative business men of Stevens Point is William Wallace Taylor, who is owner and proprietor of two drug stores in this city, one of these being located at No. 11 1 Strong Avenue, and the other at No. 752 Church Street.

William Wallace Taylor entered the public schools at Sparta and subsequently was graduated from the high school, and when his choice of career had been made he became a student of pharmacy in the University of Wisconsin, where he remained for one year, continuing his studies in this line in the University of Illinois, where he was graduated from the department of pharmacy in 1891. These few words cover a very important part of his lite, one in which he not only acquired a very comprehensive knowledge of a difficult profession, but made acquaintances and formed friendships that continue to this day. After completing his education he was employed for several years as a druggist for different firms, but in 1897 embarked in business for himself , locating at Stevens Point, Wisconsin, where he has become the leading druggist and one of the most progressive citizens, ever ready to co-operate in public movements when they commend themselves to the sol>cr judgment of sound business men.

Politically Mr. Taylor is a republican and had political advancement been his ambition, through the confidence that h ; s fellow-citizens feel in his trustworthiness, he might have frequently been the recipient of public honors. He has contented himself, however, with being diligent in business, upright in character and generous in the cause of charity and thereby finds contentment and happiness. He is identified with the leading fraternal organizations, being a member of Evergreen Lodge No. 93, Free and Accepted Masons, the Knights of Pythias, the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, all at Stevens Point.

Gilbert Peterson. One of the substantial farmers and well-known citizens of New Hope Township, Portage County, VVisconsin, is Gilbert Peterson, who was born in this township April u, 1871. His parents were Peter Gunderson and Gwen (Olson ) Peterman, who came from Norway many years ago and were early settlers in Portage County, where the father yet lives.

When the father and grandfather of Gilbert Peterson came to this section they found a wild country and few settlers. They were hardy men prepared to battle with the wilderness, courageous and independent and asked favors of no man. They desired land on which to build permanent homes and in turn were ready to assist in the general improvement that would, in time, change the waste places into fertile farms, and to uphold the laws that insured their peace and gave them opportunity. Norway sent many such sound, stable early settlers to Wisconsin and they and their children make up a large body of this great state's best citizenship. Peter Gunderson and his father secured large tracts of land, cleared the same through persevering industry, and both improved their properties with substantial buildings. They were hard workers, careful in their methods, frugal in their manner of living, were kind and neighborly and brought up their children to prize and value education and to follow the religious teachings of the Norwegian Lutheran Church. Such were the ancestors of Gilbert Peterson, who deserved the great respect always accorded them.

Gilbert Peterson attended the public schools in New Hope Township through boyhood and then became his father's main hel|)er on the farm. The home place was land that the grandfather had once owned and had been bought by Mr. Peterson's father, and this land has always remained in the family, Gilbert Peterson subsequently purchasing it from his father. There are 160 acres here and the place is well improved. The soil is so well adapted to the growing of potatoes that Mr. Peterson devotes his main attention to these tubers, for which there is always a great demand. When, for any reason, the potato supply fails, the whole country becomes clamorous for what has become in most households a daily article of food. Mr. Peterson has made a study of potato growing and with the thoroughness that marks all his farming operations makes the business satisfactorily profitable.

Mr. Peterson was married in December, 1891, to Miss Anna Guthro. who is a daughter of Peter and Bertha (Anderson) Guthro, formerly farming people in Alban Township, where the father of Mrs. Peterson died. Mrs. Guthro survives. Mr. and Mrs. Peterson have four children* namely: Belma. who is Mrs. Christianson ; Mrs. Clova Anderson : and Agnes and Gilman, who are twins. The family belongs to the New Hope Lutheran Church. Mr. Peterson has some other interests than his farm, and is one of the stockholders in the creamery and is a member of the school board. He is a good citizen but has never been very active in a political sense.

Thomas Howen. The occupation of farming has always claimed the attention of Thomas Howen, who is an extensive and successful general agriculturist of Amherst Township, where he is the owner of 1 20 acres. A large part of this land was cleared by Mr. Howen himself, and its buildings, which add to the property's attractiveness and value, were erected by him. Not only has Mr. Howen been prominent as a fanner, but as a factor in the civic life of the community, and on a number of occasions his fellow-citizens have evidenced their faith in his integrity and ability by naming him as a candidate for public offices.

Thomas Howen is a native son of Portage County, having been born on a farm in New Hope Township December 10, 1862, his parents being Peter and Taran (Loberg) Howen. His father was born in Norway and was a young single man when he came to the United States in 1848, his first location being in Waukesha County, where he remained several years. He then moved on to Dodge County, Wisconsin, where he met and married Taran Loberg, who had come to this country in 1849 from her native Norway, and in 1853 they moved to Portage County, by boat and train, and took up land from the United States Government in New Hope Township. This they cleared and improved, made a comfortable home for themselves and their children, and rounded out lives of honor and usefulness in the pursuits of agriculture. They assisted in the organization of the New Hope Norwegian Lutheran Church, which they attended before a church edifice had been erected and when services were held in the schoolhousc. This worthy couple were the parents of the following children: John; Bertine, deceased; Nickolina, deceased; Julius, deceased; Ida; Petra; Thomas; and Hannah, deceased.

Thomas Howen was educated in the district schools of New Hope Township, and was brought up to habits of honor and integrity, early learning the value of industry and being taught the Various lessons necessary for the successful pursuit of agriculture. He remained under the parental roof, assisting his father, until his marriage in 1886, at which time he left home and started farming on his own account, on the property which he still owns in Amherst Township. When he located on this land about half of it had been cleared, and he has since completed the clearing and cultivation and has developed one of the best and most productive farms of its size in the locality. This is located just north of the village of Amherst and is conveniently situated, with good transportation facilities, and as Mr. Howen is a good business man he is able to take advantage of the opportunities furnished by good market facilities. His buildings are a model of their kind. The 120 acres are devoted to the raising of the staple products of this part of the state, and his stock is of a good strain, while his machinery and implements are of the best and latest manufacture.

Mr. Howen was married to Miss Helen Skowen. who was born in Waukesha County, Wisconsin, daughter of I^rs Skowen, for many years an agriculturist, but living in retirement at the home of his sonin-law. Mr. and Mrs. Howen have been the parents of seven children : Palmer, Myrtle, Relma, Nora, Edna, Florence and Thomas. Jr.. all of whom are iiving except Belma, who died at the ape of nineteen years. The family belongs to the Lutheran Church. Mr. Howen has' long been one of the active democratic leaders in his locality and has fre- quently been called to local offices which he has filled ably and conscientiously. He has also been a candidate for county offices and for the Wisconsin Legislature but has failed of election to these posts because his party has always been in the minority in Portage County on the occasions when he has been on the ticket.

Miss Carrie J. Frost. What is at once one of the most successful and one of the most interesting business establishments at Stevens Point is that which bears the name of the founder and developer, Miss Carrie J. Frost. Were it not so well known, and were the proprietor not so modest and unassuming a business woman, there would be a long story connected with this business.

It is proper to state, however, that twenty years or more ago Miss Frost began indulging the tastes and fancy of her honored father, a real Izaak Walton, in perfecting certain types of fishing tackle which he believed requisite to the best success in the art of angling. Miss Frost also saw that she had to make a living in the world and being able to please the exacting tastes of her father she started making fishing tackle for others, and thus laid the basis of a business which has since grown and prospered until she is now giving all her time to the executive direction and management of a plant whose products are known and used by fishing folk, whether the humblest or the most exacting connoisseurs in the art, all over the Middle West, not to say all over America.

Miss Frost is a native of Wisconsin, born in the city of LaCrossc, and a daughter of the late John C. and Caroline (McMeekins) Frost. Her father was born at Auburn, New York, August 24, 1835, and her mother at Philadelphia April 5, 1840. Her parents married in the East and on coming west settled in LaCrosse soon after the war. Later they moved to Minnesota, locating at Wells, in that state. John C. Frost was a veteran in the railroad service, hut for the last ten years of his life was semi-retired and helped his daughter, Miss Carrie, to develop her business. The family came to Stevens Point in 1885. John C. Frost died in 1914 and his wife in 1916. They were the parents of ten children: John, Charles, Edward, Joseph, Austin, Carrie J., Florence, George, Edith and Walter. All are still living except Edward, Florence and Walter. The late John C. Frost was an active republican. His wife was a member of the Presbyterian Church.

Miss Carrie J. Frost was educated in the public schools of Minnesota, and graduated from Stevens Point High School. As already stated she had her first experience in making fishing tackle for her father, and gradually used the skill of her hands and her critical judgment to make tackle for commercial purposes. In 1895 she had the business well started and erected a good brick building on Ellis Street to accommodate her working force. In 19 17 a handsome new two-story brick building was erected near the original quarters, and she now has two large buildings, with offices thoroughly modern in every respect. About 150 people are employed, and this is a business which has grown up and developed and is Miss Frost's contribution to the business enterprise of Stevens Point. Her chosen work has made her modestly wealthy, and she has every reason to be proud of her success.

Joseph Kamrowski. A business of long and honorable standing at Stevens Point, one that has furnished a splendid service and has been a source of value both to the community and the men behind it, is located at 301 Normal Avenue and 123 North Second Street, and is tersely described under the following business title: Felix Kamrowski, Joseph and Frank Kamrowski, managers, embalmers and undertakers, manufacturers of church furniture, store and office fixtures, mirrors, plate and window glass.

It was established by the late Felix Kamrowski, who came to Wisconsin more than forty years ago. He was born in German Poland June 17, 1837, and immigrated to America and located on the northwest frontier at Winona, Minnesota, in 1863. He came to America in consequence of a revolutionary outbreak in Poland in which he was involved. He was a cabinet maker by trade and in 1875 removed to Trempeleau County, Wisconsin, and established a business as a general merchant at Pine Creek. He was there until about 1884. His wife died at Pine Creek January 23. 1883. Her maiden name was Mary Kolasinski, who was born in German Poland in 1857. They were married at St. Cloud, Minnesota, and their children were Joseph, Felix, Johanna, Frank, Rose and John. Later Felix Kamrowski married Veronica Richert, who was born in German Poland, and became the mother of the following children: Mary, Stanislawa, Bernard, Angeline, Michaelina, Clara and Anna. Anna is now deceased.

In 1885 Felix Kamrowski came to Stevens Point. Here he was engaged in the jewelry, wall paper and art store business until his stock was destroyed by a fire in 1893. He then resumed his work as a cabinetmaker and set up a shop for the manufacture of church and office furniture and also engaged in the undertaking business. He remained the active head of the business until his death on July 23, 191 3. In politics he was an independent democrat and worshiped in the Catholic faith.

After the death of the father the active managers of the business became his sons Joseph and Frank. Joseph Kamrowski was bom at Winona, Minnesota, May 28, 1875. He was educated in the public schools, including the high school at Stevens Point. He worked for his father and learned the business, and had excellent qualifications to become one of its managers. He is independent in politics, a member of the Catholic Church and unmarried.

His brother Frank Kamrowski was born at Pine Creek, Wisconsin. June 12, 1880. He was educated in the Stevens Point public schools, and for some time was employed at Minneapolis and was in the furniture business. He is independent in politics, a member of the Catholic Church and is also unmarried.

Almf.r Jamks Loherg. The name of Lobcrg is a very familiar one to residents of Portage County, for it has been honorably borne here for several generations, both in peace and war, and has been identified very prominently with the affairs of Nelsonville.

Aimer James Ix>berg, merchant and postmaster of Nelsonville. and at present being still further distinguished as a gallant soldier in the United States Army, was born at Nelsonville, Wisconsin, April

29, 1890. His parents were Lars Larson and Oline (Rustad) Loberg, and his grandparents, Lars and Ingeborg Loberg and Simon and Sidsel (Land) Rustad, all of whom were born in Norway. The maternal grandmother died in her native land but the others came to Nelsonville and the aged ones died at the home of Lars Larson Loberg. They were among the early settlers in this section of the state, quiet, industrious, useful people.

Lars Larson Loberg was born in Norway in 1842 and was thirteen years of age when his parents came to Wisconsin and located on Pike Lake. They remained there only a few months and then, by team, came to Portage County and settled in New Hope Township, where they secured Government land, which they cleared and developed. When President Lincoln issued his call for soldiers to fight to preserve the Union, one of the first to respond in his section was Lars Larson Loberg, who enlisted in Company B, Forty-sixth Wisconsin Volunteer Infantry, in which he bravely served until the close of the struggle. He returned home practically unharmed and on September 27, 1867, was married to Oline Rustad, who was born in Norway in 1847 and accompanied her parents to Wisconsin when seven years old and they located at once in New Hope Township of Portage County. .VI rs. Loberg survives and is one of Nelsonville's most highly respected residents and a faithful member of the Lutheran Church.

After their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Loberg located on a farm in New Hope Township, where he owned 280 acres. He was a good business man and acquired a large amount of property, having a second farm, containing 150 acres, situated nearer Nelsonville, together with much village property. lie built his store building and bought a meat market building and put up a number of other business structures in Nelsonville. He passed the last thirty-five years of his life in this village, for twenty-one years being its leading merchant. He was recognized as a man of sterling character and of superior judicial mind, and for many years he was on the board of jury commissioners. In the founding of the early business and other worthy enterprises at Nelsonville he was very helpful and was one of the organizers of the first church here. His death occurred April 14, 191 7. His children, nine in number, all survive except two. as follows : Clara, who is deceased, was the wife of Carl Doxrude; Emma, who is the wife of George Larson, of Amherst Junction; Ida, who is the wife of Olaf Swenson, of Nelsonville ; Anna ; Lewis Oscar, who died at the age of three years; Effie, who is the wife of Charles Sorbye, of Nelsonville ; and Oscar, Irving and Aimer, all residents of Nelsonville. Irving is now in France with the Three Hundred and Eleventh Field Signal Battalion.

Aimer James Loberg was educated in the public schools of Nelsonville and afterward gave his father assistance in the mercantile business and succeeding to his father's interests and continuing the business at the same location, had very favorably impressed his fellow citizens and received the appointment as postmaster. In the exigency of the times he was called for a time to a wider field and those who know him well predict further honor and promotion as his due and many there arc who will take a deep interest in his future.

Leonard Netzley has been a resident of Portage County since 1883. He has made a success as a farmer and he and his very capable family have one of the good homes of Linwood Township. In earlier years Mr. Netzley had a varied experience both in the city of Stevens Point and in outside occupations.

Mr. Netzley is a native of Chicago, Illinois, where he was born September 5, 1878, a son of Linous and Agnes (Kern) Netzley. His father was born March 24, 1852, in Cook County, Illinois, when its principal city, Chicago, was by no means so extensive and expansive as it is today when it covers nearly the entire area of that county. His wife, Agnes Kern, was also born in Chicago, August 1, 1858. In 1883 the family moved to Portage County and settled in Linwood Township on the old Knox farm, where the old Knox mill once stood. Here Linous Netzley bought 500 acres of land and was successfully engaged in farming until November, 1905, when he removed to California and has since busied himself with the responsibilities of an orange and lemon ranch in that state. He is a member of the Dunkard Church and in politics his record might be described as that of an independent republican voter. His wife's father, Julius Kern, maternal grandfather of Leonard Netzley, is also remembered as one of the older residents of Linwood Township. He lived there about ten years and then moved to Frankfort, Indiana, where he joined a brother in the carriage manufacturing business. He also served as county sheriff several times. He finally went out to California and died in that state in 1909, when about seventy years of age. His wife died at Chicago in 1870. She was a native of Ireland. Linous Netzley and wife have ten children, named Leonard, Mabel, Adelaid, Isabel, Raymond, Bertrand, Arthur, Joseph, one that died in infancy and Viva. Arthur died at the age of six years and Joseph when aged twelve months.

Leonard Netzley grew up on the farm in Linwood Township from the time he was five years of age and acquired his education in the public schools. Some of his early experience was acquired as a worker in the paper mills, and another employer was Fred Ball, the liveryman of Stevens Point. For a number of winters he followed the arduous occupation of the lumber woods.

Mr. Netzley bought his present farm in 1909. This farm consists of 144 well cultivated and improved acres lying in sections 15 and 16 and six miles from the county seat. Here Mr. Netzley is busily engaged in raising crops and good stock, and has an important share in the industrial activities of his community. Politically he is a republican, and in 1917 was honored with the office of township supervisor. Mrs. Netzley is a member of St. Stephen's Catholic Church of Stevens Point.