Trempealeau County, Wisconsin - Biographical sketches, 1917 (part 13 of 20)

Paul H. Moltzau. Among the many successful agriculturists and business men of Trempealeau County no small number are of Norwegian birth or ancestry, that class of settlers possessing in a large degree the qualities, perseverance and thrift, without which little can be accomplished. Few of the Norwegians of Trempealeau County, however, have been more successful than the subject of this sketch, who is one of the best known, as he is also one of the most prospei'ous citizens residing in Unity Town^ ship, being proprietor of two good farms in section 18 - the Carter Valley Dairy Farm of 200 acres, and the Fairview Farm of 160 acres, besides owning other valuable property elsewhere. Paul H. Moltzau was born in Hurdalen, Norway, May 25, 1862, son of Hans Moltzau and his wife, Mathia Roserud. The father, Hans, who was born Sept. ^20, 1835, emigrated to the United States with his family, in 1867, locating in La Crosse County, Wis., and for three years residing in Bostwick Valley, that county. From there he came in 1870 to Unity Township, Trempealeau County, buying 160 acres of land in section 31, which became the family homestead, as he lived on that farm for 24 years, only leaving it to take up his residence with his son, Paul H., on the latter's Carter Valley Dairy Farm in 1894. This place was his subsequent home until his death, Jan. 14, 1909. His wife Mathia died in 1877, at the age of about 42 years. Of their family six children are now living: Mary, wife of Gilbert Halvorson, a farmer of Farmington, Minn. ; Martha, wife of Hans Hanson, a barber of Eau Claire; Paul H., of Unity Township; Annie, wife of Peter Frodahl, of Wilton, Minn.; Emma, who married Nels Nelson, her husband being a hotel keeper at Seattle, Wash., and Daniel, who resides at Fergus, Mont. Paul H. Moltzau in his youth acquired a good knowledge of agriculture and when old enough began working out on farms and in the pineries, in which manner he was occupied until he was 21 years old. He then started out on an independent career by purchasing the old homestead of his parents, which he operated for a number of years, or until 1894. He then bought the Carter Valley Dairy Farm and resided on it until July, 1915, on which date he moved to the Fairview Farm, a mile and a quarter northwest of Strum, where he is now living. This farm is situated on a high ridge, from which a fine view of the country may be had for ten miles around. In the year in which he moved here Mr. Moltzau built his present residence, a two-story brick veneer dwelling, with basement, and containing ten rooms and bathroom. A hotwater heating system is installed and there is hot and cold running water in the house, which is lighted by electricity from a plant on the premises. The floors are all maple, the first floor is finished in quarter-sawed oak and the second in pine, great pains being taken in the construction of the house and in its modern equipment. Besides operating these two farms, Mr. Moltzau is president of the Unity Co-Operative Creamery Company, of which he has been a director for ten years, and is a director in the First State Bank of Strum. He has also rendered service in township affairs, his official career covering eight years as township supervisor and 12 years as treasurer of the school board. A member of the Synod Norwegian Lutheran church, he has served that organization 15 years as treasurer. Mr. Moltzau was married May 30, 1885, to Severene Frodahl, of Albion Township, who was born in Toten, Norway, Sept. 3, 1863, a daughter of John and Helena (Christianson) Frodahl. The father was born in Norway in 1831, the mother in 1827. They were married in their native land and came to America in 1869, settling in La Crosse County, Wis., whence they came to Albion Township, Trempealeau County, in the spring of 1878. John

Frodahl died in January, 1898, and his wife in March the following year. Mr. and Mrs. Moltzau have had ten children : Alfred, who died at the age of 5 years ; Andor, who married Selma Tronson and is now farming at Shevlin, Minn. ; Marshall, a farmer at Shevlin, Minn., who married Tillie Martinson and has one child, Muriel ; Herman, assistant cashier of the Bank of Eleva, who married Goldie Knutson and has one child, Hewitt ; Doris, wife of Dr. J. J. Myhres, a veterinary surgeon of Eleva; Margaret, who married Alfred Borgen, of Eau Claire, Wis., chief of the Bell Telephone Company, of Chippewa Falls ; Valborg, who graduated from the Mondovi High School and is now a teacher, and Esther, Theodore and Paul LeRoy, who reside at home.

Albert J. Lamberson, V. S., proprietor of "The Lamberson Farm" of 200 acres in sections 22 and 27, Lincoln Township, was born on this farm May 2, 1870, a son of John C. Lamberson. John C. was a son of Orson S. and Jane (Hoskins) Lamberson, the former of whom died on this place Jan. 30, 1904, at the age of 82 years. Orson's wife Jane died in Sauk County, Wis., about 1848, when a young woman. John C. Lamberson was born in Bradford County, Pa., June 13, 1840, and came to Sauk County, Wis., with his parents in 1850. He then removed to Rochester, Minn. In October, 1861, he enlisted in Company K, Third Minnesota Infantry, with which regiment he served four years, taking part in the battles of Lookout Mountain, Missionary Ridge and Chickamauga. In 1867 he bought a part of the farm now owned by his son Alfred - that part of the farm in section 22, which place he made his home till 1892. Aug. 8, 1867 he married Lucena Woolsey (nee Becker), whose first husband, James Woolsey, died in the army, she being then a resident of Adams County. By him she had one child, Ella, who is now the wife of A. R. Warren, of Lincoln Township. John C. Lamberson and wife had four children: Alfred J., subject of this memoir ; Berenice, wife of Fred W. Lowe, a farmer of Lincoln Township ; George W., also a farmer of Lincoln Township, and Lloyd H., who is an acountant in the employ of the Studebaker Company at South Bend, Ind. Mr. J. C. Lamberson died June 20, 1917. Alfred J. Lamberson was reared on his parents' farm, and to more fully qualify himself for his intended vocation as a farmer, he attended for two years the State Agricultural College. He then spent two years at the Ontario Veterinary College at Toronto, Canada, being graduated from that institution in the spring of 1891. Going to Winona, Minn., he practiced as a veterinary there for 12 years, after which, in the spring of 1902, he bought the old home farm from his father and has since been engaged in its operation. He has made some important improvements on the place, in 1916 rebuilding the barn, which is a T-shaped structure, 116 feet long, the cross section being 82 feet long. In part the barn is 42 feet wide, and stands on 20-foot posts, with full basement. It is provided with concrete floors, swinging stanchions and litter carriers and has room for 50 cows, besides 75 young stock and 10 horses. There are two silos ; one 16 by 42 feet, of solid concrete, the other of cement blocks, 14 by 42. The house, which he rebuilt in 1904, is an 8-room building, two-story and basement, thoroughly modern in its fittings, and tasteful in design and appearance. Dr. Lamberson raises Holstein cattle, having a herd of 60 head, of which he milks 40, furnishing whipping cream to the Hardwick Dairy, of Winona. He also raises Poland-China hogs, selling one carload per year. Feb. 5, 1893, he was married to Birdie L. Johnson, of Pigeon Township, who was born March 20, 1873, daughter of Seneca B. and Lydia (Bangs) Johnson. Her father was a merchant at Coral City, of which place he was a pioneer. He died there in 1881, and his widow subsequently became the wife of David Flack, who is also now deceased. She is still living and resides in Whitehall. Dr. and Mrs. Lamberson have had three children: Raymond, who was graduated from the Department of Agriculture of the University of Wisconsin, in 1916, with the degree of Bachelor of Science of Agriculture, and who is now with his father ; Winnifred, residing at home, and Sidney, who died at the age of 1 year. Dr. Lamberson and family are members of the Baptist church, and he belongs to the Masonic order. His father, John C. Lamberson, was a stockholder in the Melby Bank, and for a number of years was chairman of the township board.

Jacob Pederson, an early settler in Hale Township, now deceased, but who will be long remembered, was born in Norway, Feb. 6, 1848, son of Peder and Mangnil (Pederson) Pederson. He was educated in his native land and came to America in 1867 with his parents, the family locating at La Crosse, Wis. In 1870 they came to Trempealeau County, taking a homestead of 80 acres in section 4, Hale Township. Jacob remained at home until 1875, and then began life's battle for himself, buying 120 acres of wild railroad land in section 9, in the same township. Moving onto it, he threw himself with all his energy, of which he had an abundance, into the hard pioneer work of delevoping a farm. Success finally crowned his efforts, in time he increased his holdings, and at last found himself in possession of a good farm of 240 acres, of which 80 acres lay in section 10, 80 in section 4, 40 in section 3, and 80 in section .9. He was engaged in diversified farming, and became a prosperous and highly-respected citizen of the township, also serving as school clerk for three years. His father and mother both died on the farm, after doing their part in helping to make the wilderness a fertile area of production. Jacob Pederson died June 14, 1903, his loss being much regretted by all his friends and acquaintances, which included practically the entire population of the township. Mr. Pederson was married, Jan. 5, 1876, to Anne Marie Granrud, who was born in Norway, Jan. 7, 1857, daughter of Ole and Karen (Anderson) Granrud. He and his wife were the parents of a large family, numbering 10 children, whose names, respectively, were: Peter, Olaf, Martha, Edward, Julia, Sigvart, Anna, Emil and Karen. Peter, who married Cora Saxrud, lives in Bowman County, N. D., and has two children, Signa and Viola. Olaf married Augusta Johnson and resides in Sumner Township, Trempealeau County. He has two children, Edward and Florence. Martha, now Mrs. Sim Lee, resides at Osseo, this county, and has two children, Adrienne and Abner. Edward died at the age of 18 months, and George at that of 26 years. Julia is the wife of WiUiam Wagner and lives in Bowman County, N. D. Sigvart, who married Lila Swaim, is living on the home farm and has one child, Arline Loretta. Anna, now Mrs. Louis Christianson, lives in Hale Town- ship. Emil is on the old homestead and Karen is a student in the Osseo High School. The family are members of the Norwegian church. Since Mr. Pederson's death Mrs. Pederson has still further enlarged the size of the farm, having purchased 120 acres more, of which 80 lie in section 9 and 40 in section 10. The farm contains 360 acres, over 40 of which lie in Sumner Township. The estate is a valuable one, highly improved and well taken care of, so as to reach the highest point of productiveness.

Ole Granrud, a pioneer of Trempealeau County in 1868, was a native of Norway, where he married Karen Anderson. In 1866 he came with his wife and family to the United States, locating first in Fillmore County, Minnesota, whence he soon came to Trempealeau County, taking a homestead of 120 acres in section 4, Hale Township, he being the first settler in the South Branch District. He and his family began life here in true pioneer style, living the first summer in a dug-out with lumber roof, the lumber for which was obtained at Hamburg. In the fall Mr. Granrud built a larger dug-out, with lumber, hay and sod roof, in which he and his family resided until 1874, when, his circumstances having improved, he built a fine house. In 1893 he sold the farm and for the next three years he and his wife resided with their daughter, Mrs. Jacob Pederson. At the end of that time he bought a farm in Sumner Township, onto which he moved, and which he operated for about seven years. He then returned to his daughter's home, where he died in 1900. His wife survived him but a short time, dying in 1902. Their children were: EUe, now deceased; Andrew, deceased; Anne, wife of Jacob Pederson, and Ole, now living in Tacoma, Wash.

Anton W. Liver, a member of the firm of Liver & Torgerson, hardware dealers in Independence, was born in the village of Sarn, Canton of Graubuenden, Switzerland, Feb. 3, 1857, son of Anton and Clara (Wazau) Liver. The father, who was a farmer by occupation, died in Switzerland in 1867, and two years later, or in 1869, his wife also passed away. Young Anton, thus left an orphan at the age of 12 years, was reared by his father's sister, Mrs. Ursula Masueger. In 1874, when only 17 years old, he came to the United States, locating first in Milwaukee, where he found employment and remained a year. He then removed to Buffalo County, Wis., and learned the tinner's trade at Alma, working at it there for some two years. Subsequently he followed it in Independence until 1881, in which year he opened a hardware store for himself in the village, conducting it until 1888. He then purchased the interest of Ferd Horst in the hardware firm of Danuser & Horst, the style of the firm being changed to Danuser & Liver. In 1894 Christ Torgerson bought the interest of Mr. Danuser, since which time the business has been carried on under the style of Liver & Torgerson. The firm has an up-to-date store, keeping a good and complete stock, and enjoys a large and profitable patronage. Mr. Liver is a stockholder in the State Bank of Independence, and for some time has taken a more or less active part in local government matters. His service in this connection includes nine years as clerk of the school board, two years as a member of the village council and the same length of time as its president, and six years as a member of the county board of supervisors. He is a member, trustee and steward of the Methodist Episcopal church, while fraternally he belongs to the Modern Woodmen of America. Mr. Liver was married, April 28, 1880, to Mary Russell, of Burnside Township, whose father, William, a farmer born in Scotland, settled in Trempealeau County in 1875 and resided there until his death in 1886. Her mother, whose maiden name was Elizabeth Muir, died in 1852. Mr. and Mrs. Liver have had five children : Clara, who married Alven Elstad, of Independence, and died at the age of 30 years ; William, who died at the age of 18 months ; Pearl, who died at the age of 15 months ; Iva and Bessie, who are residing at home with their parents.

William K. Levis, a pioneer, was born in Bucks County, Pa., in 1814, and there married Mary Blanchard, who was born in 1823. He came to Black River Falls, this State, in 1846, and operated a sawmill there until 1860. Then he moved to Alma Center, in Jackson County. From there in 1867 he came to Trempealeau, and settled on a farm some two miles north of the village of Osseo. After a long and useful life on the farm he moved to the village in 1890, and here died in 1898, his wife surviving until 1907.

Clark M. Levis, meat dealer at Osseo, was born in Black River Falls, Wis., June 8, 1859, son of William K. and Mary (Blanchard) Levis. He spent his early boyhood in his native town, and at Alma Center, Jackson County, this State. In 1867, while still a youth, he was brought to Osseo, and was reared on a farm some two miles away. He worked with his father for a while, purchased 80 acres of the farm in 1883, and the remainder in 1899, and there remained until 1904, when he came to Osseo and established his present business. A public-spirited man, he has served on the village council six years, and as county supervisor one year. His fraternal relations are with the Masonic order and the Modern Woodmen. Mr. Levis was married, June 1, 1884, to Delia Sawyer, daughter of John and Caroline (Chase) Sawyer, of Eau Claire County, and they have one daughter, Gladys C, born July 26, 1896.

Andrew C. Hagestad, proprietor of the Hagestad Stock Farm, which embraces the old Hagestad homestead in section 19, Ettrick Township, is one of the best-known agriculturists in this county. He has a wide reputation as a breeder of Holstein-Fresian cattle, he has been an important factor in many farmers' organizations, and he has been very active indeed in church, school and township affairs. Like his father before him, he is energetic and progressive, and is recognized as one of the most useful citizens in the community. A native of this county, he was born on the place where he now hves, Jan. 23, 1876, son of Knut K. and Astri (Knutson) Hagestad, the early settlers. He was reared to farm pursuits, attended the pubKc schools, and in the winters of 1896-97 he attended the College of Agriculture at the State University, receiving his diploma in the spring of 1897, thereafter became his father's partner in conducting the farm, acquiring a half interest in the place. In the winter of 1917, before his father's death, he secured the other half interest and is now the sole owner. On this place he successfully conducts agricultural operations along the latest approved hnes. In connection with his breeding of Holstein-Fresian cattle, he owns the noted sire, "Prince Korndyke," No. 177,392, whose dam,

Princess De Kol Echo, has a world-wide reputation for having in a stated tested period given 98 pounds of milk a day and produced over 28 pounds of butterfat in a week. The farm is also known for its Berkshire swine and Single-comb White Leghorn poultry. Aside from his farm holdings, Mr. Hagestad has extensive business interests, including stock in the Ettrick Creamery, of which he is vice-president ; in the Ettrick & Northern Railroad Company, of which he is a director, and in the Ettrick Lumber Company and the Farmers' Telephone Company at Ettrick. In church and public life he has been no less prominent, he is a member of the Lutheran church, and has held an office of trustee for eight years, has been director of the school district for the past nine years and township treasurer for the past five years. As a believer in agricultural progress he has affiliated himself with the Wisconsin Experiment Association, with headquarters at Madison. In advertising his farm, Mr. Hagestad makes use of an interesting device of his own invention. The device consists of two large wings, connected by a circle. The left wing bears the word "Quality," the right wing the word "Quantity," the top of the circle the word "Production," and the bottom of the circle the word "First," thus giving the slogan : "First in Production, First in Quality and First in Quantity." In the center of the circle is a picture of the famous Prince Korndyke. Mr. Hagestad was married Jan. 25, 1901, to Martha Christianson, of Ettrick, daughter of Hans Christianson, and this union has been blessed with five children : Victor R., born June 13, 1902 ; Evelyn C, born June 19, 1904, and died Dec. 27, 1904 ; Kenneth H., born Jan. 22, 1906; Elsie M., born June 4, 1910; and Ruth C, born April 3, 1914.

Tom Lomsdahl, of Osseo, dealer in hardware, farm implements, agricultural machinery and automobiles, was born in Sondre Land, Norway, Aug. 6, 1874, son of Peter and Maren (Andreasdotter) Lomsdahl. And in 1893 the mother and her son Tom came to America, where she later married E. C. Hagen, of Bruce Valley, Hale Township. The subject of this sketch was employed as a farm hand for several years. Then for nearly ten years he operated a farm near Osseo. In 1910 he moved to the village and purchased the business of Fields & Olson. In 1912 he bought out the interest of Gilbert Lewis, in the firm of Lewis & Hokland. With Frederick N. Hokland as a partner, under the firm name of Tom Lomsdahl & Co., he carried on the business for five years, when he purchased the interest of his partner, Mr. Hokland, Feb. 5, 1917, and now carries on a large and constantly increasing business alone. For three years he was secretary and manager of the Farmers' Telephone Company, in which he is still a director. He is a stockholder in the State Bank of Osseo. His services for four years as a member of the village council have been highly valued, and he did equally good work as a member of the town board of Sumner Township for two years. He is one of the directors of the Osseo Farmers' Produce Company. His religious faith is that of the Synod Norwegian Lutheran church, and his fraternal affiliation is with the Beavers. Mr. Lomsdahl was married Nov. 12, 1898, to Mary Gunnem, of Bruce Valley, daughter of Thorn and Carrie (Osldotter) Gunnem, natives of Norway, who came to America in the early '70s, and spent the remainder of their lives in Trempealeau County, the

Sim E. Lee, manager of the Osseo Feed Mill, from which mill the electric current of the village is supphed, was born in Burnside Township, this county, April 26, 1881, son of Joseph N. and Belle (Simonson) Lee. Joseph N. Lee was born in Norway, Aug. 5, 1849, and came to America as a young man. After the death of his first wife. Belle Simonson, he married Lena Olson. Sim E. Lee was reared on the home farm and educated in the common schools. In 1904 he became manager of the Osseo Feed Mill. On Jan. 28, 1914, he installed therein an electric light plant, which furnishes electricity for street, business and residential lighting. In this capacity the plant has won wide favor, and its manager is held in high esteem. Mr. Lee is a stockholder in the Farmers' Exchange Bank of Osseo, and also has other business holdings. Mr. Lee was married June 16, 1907, to Martha Pederson, who was born in Hale Township, July 1, 1882, daughter of Jacob and Annie (Grandrud) Pederson. This union has been blessed with two children : Adrine, born Dec. 6, 1908 ; and Abner, born June 19, 1911.

John Konz, Jr., blacksmith, garage owner and opera house manager, of Osseo, was born in Dane County, Wis., April 3, 1870, son of John and Frances (Krisch) Konz. The second of a large family of 10 children, he remained at home until he was 24 years of age. Then he farmed near Osseo for a number of years. In 1907 he came to Osseo, and purchased the blacksmith shop of J. M. Anderson, which he now conducts. He also engaged in the sale of farm implements. In 1909 he enlarged and remodeled his building, and established an opera house on the upper floor. As a stockholder in the Farmers' Exchange Bank and as a director and stockholder in the Osseo Telephone Company he has taken his part in the financial and business development of the village and community. His fraternal affiliations are with the Modern Woodmen and the Beavers. The family faith is that of the Catholic church. Mr. Konz was married Feb. 1, 1898, to Elizabeth Andrus, of Sumner Township, daughter of Alvah and Angelia (Lane) Andrus, and descended from an old New York family. The father makes his home with Mr. and Mrs. Konz, while the mother died in 1880. Mr. and Mrs. Konz have four children: Ardys, Raymond, Mai'garet and Maurice. William died at the age of 6 weeks. John Konz, Sr.,. father of John Konz, Jr., was born in Germany, came to America in 1860, located on a farm seven miles south of Augusta, in Eau Claire County, Wis., in 1873, farmed there until 1911, and then moved to Augusta, where he is now the proprietor of the Augusta Hotel, one of the leading hostelries of that place.

J. Reese Jones, attorney at Osseo, was born in Dodge County, this State, July 15, 1882, son of Jonah and Margaret (Williams) Jones. Jonah Jones was born in Wales, and came to America in 1843 with his parents, living in New York for a while, and subsequently locating in Wisconsin, where he farmed for the remainder of his life. He died in 1913 at the age of 76, and his wife is now living in Columbus, Wis. In the family there are six children: Mamye, wife of W. J. Roberts, of Columbus; Hannah, of Columbus; Kathryn, now Mrs. Richard Griffith, of Columbus; Marjorie, now Mrs. Griff. Jones, of Vallejo, Cal., where her husband is employed in the navy yards as a machinist; William 0., a farmer of Columbus, and J. Reese. Evelyn died at the age of 2 years. The subject of this sketch was reared to farm pursuits and received his early education in the schools of his neighborhood. In 1907 he graduated from the Stevens Point Normal School, and then, after teaching school for a year, entered the College of Law of the University of Wisconsin, from which he was graduated in 1911. Immediately upon graduation, he opened an office in Friendship, in this State. In the fall of 1915 he came to Trempealeau County, bought out the practice of G. O. Linderman, at Osseo, and has since maintained his office here. He is one of the successful young lawyers of the county, and his friends predict for him a brilliant future. Mr. Jones is a stockholder in the Farmers' Exchange Bank, of Osseo. His fraternal affiliation is with the Masonic order.

Knut A. Knudtson, a retired farmer of Whitehall, and owner of the Overland Farm of 160 acres in section 28, and the Ada Stock Farm of 240 acres in sections 4 and 9, all in Pigeon Township, was born in Telemaarken, Norway, June 24, 1852, son of Andrew and Margaret (Halvorson) Knudtson, born in Norway in 1827 and 1832, respectively, who came to America in 1869, and located in Preston Township, this County, where they died, the father in 1909 and the mother in 1886. After coming to this country, Knut A. worked about among the farmers of the neighborhood until 1874, when he bought the Overland Farm on Fly Creek. This farm he operated about 30 years. In 1903 he took up his residence in Whitehall. But he still longed for farm hfe, so in the fall of 1909 he purchased the Ada Stock Farm, on which he lived until 1912, when he again took up his home in Whitehall. For three years he served on the town board and for 15 years on the school board. He is a stockholder in the Whitehall Creamery, the Pigeon Grain & Stock Company, the People's State Bank and the Whitehall Hospital. Mr. Knudtson was married Nov. 6, 1874, to Julia Knudtson, daughter of Aslak and Hannah (Hendrickson) Knudtson, of Pigeon Township. This union has been blessed with 10 children : Amanda, Ida, Hannah, Ella, Tina, Clara and Grace, living, and Ada, Adolph and Clara deceased. Amanda is the wife of Ira Thompson, a farmer of Preston Township. Ida married Patrick Murphy, a stonecutter of Waterbury, Vt. Hannah married E. E. Deppe, a real estate man of Duluth, Minn. Ella married Theo. Stendahl, a farmer of Pigeon Township. Tina married Luther Quackenbush, of Whitehall. Clara and Grace are at home. Ada died at the age of 2 years, Adolph at the age of 18 years, and Clara at the age of 11 years. The family faith is that of the Norwegian Lutheran Church of America.

Gust G. Johnson, a farmer operating 120 acres of land in section 25, Sumner Township, was born at Black Earth, Dane County, Wis., Dec. 15, 1861. He is a son of Gunerus C. Johnson, who was born at Soler, Norway, Oct. 5, 1833, and who, after coming to the United States, participated in the Civil War as a member of the Forty-ninth Wisconsin Volunteer Infantry. He married Syverine Christianson, who was born in Hedemarken, Norway, m 1836, and who died May 12, 1893. His death occurred Nov. 6, 1898. Gunerus C. Johnson came to the United States in 1854, locating in Detroit, Mich. From there he subsequently removed to Iowa County, Wis., where he was married in 1855. In 1870 he and his family came to Trempealeau County, homesteading land in section 36, Sumner Township, where he and his wife spent the rest of their lives. They had a large family of 12 children, of whom the subject of this sketch was the third in order of birth. Gust G. Johnson resided on the home farm until his marriage, which united him. May 14, 1883, to Martha Erickson, who was born in Iowa County, Wis., July 2, 1867. Her parents were Peter and Christina (Olson) Erickson, the former being now a retired farmer residing in Osseo, whose eighty-second birthday occurred Jan. 31, 1917. Mrs. Johnson's mother, who was born in Norway, Sept. 22, 1839, died March 3, 1901. After his marriage Mr. Johnson rented a farm in section 25, Sumner Township, and cultivated it 12 years, removing to his present farm in the same section in 1895, having bought it in 1891. He has served as township treasurer since 1912, was township supervisor two years, and has been treasurer of the school district since it was organized in 1890. He is also a director of the Golden Valley Cheese Factory, the valley in which the factory is located having been named by him. He and his wife have been the parents of seven children: Swerin, who died at the age of 16 years in 1901; Adelia, residing at home ; Philip, who is engaged in farming in Sumner Township, and Chfford, Dewey, Lawrence, Viola and Orlando. In addition to the business interests named above, with which Mr. Johnson is connected, he is also a stockholder in the State Bank of Osseo. Both as farmer and business man he has been successful, and is recognized as one of the reliable and substantial citizens of his township.

David Isom came to Trempealeau County in 1882 and purchased a farm in section 19, Sumner Township, which he operated until 1907, when he sold it to his son, George J., and moved to Osseo, where he now resides. He was born in Leicestershire, England, May 27, 1843, son of Francis and Elizabeth (Hoe) Isom, the former of whom, of German descent, was born in 1801 and died in 1878, and the latter of whom, of English descent, was born in 1814 and died in 1864. Coming to America in 1862, the subject of this sketch visited Quebec and Montreal, and lived in Door and Dane Counties, this state, before coming to Trempealeau County. Mr. Isom was married Dec. 1, 1868, to Emma Jane Elwood, who was born in England, April 13, 1851. This union has been blessed with seven children: Ada E., Frank W., George J., Alvah E., James, Clarence and Lura Maria Rosella. Ada E. died of diptheria at the age of eight years. Frank W. is in the land business in Los Angeles. George J. owns and operates the home farm. He was married April 25, 1900, to Jennie Nichols, born in Eau Claire County, this state, daughter of Caleb F. and Anna (Olson) Nichols, retired farmers of Osseo, and this union has been blessed with five children : Eunice Adele, born Nov. 30, 1901 ; Grace Elizabeth, born Nov. 21, 1902 ; Ernest Francis, born July 11, 1904; Vera Anna, born Sept. 21, 1906, and Harold William, born Aug. 27, 1910. James was drowned at the age of two years. Alvah E. farms in Sumner Township. He was married Sept. 23, 1903, to Jessie Ring, daughter of John Ring, of Ossoe, and they have three children: Eugene Willard, born Nov. 16, 1905 ; Clifford Roy, born Sept. 9, 1909, and Howard Kent, born Sept. 13, 1911. Clarence died at the age of six months. Lura

Maria Rosella was married April 13, 1902, to Sidney Carter, who operates a garage at Cadotte, Wis., and tliey have four children: Walter Isom, born July 17, 1906 ; Dorothy May, born Aug. 5, 1908 ; Frank Elroy, born Aug. 6, 1913, and Elwood David, born Sept. 1, 1915.

Alva E. Isom, a successful and well-known farmer living on 160 acres of well-improved land in section 17, Sumner Township, is a native of this state, having been born at Black Earth, Oct. 17, 1880, son of David and Emma (Elwood) Isom. He was educated in the schools of his neighborhood, was reared to farm pursuits by his father, and remained with his parents until 1903, when he purchased his present place. In public life he has been town supervisor for two years and school clerk for seven years. His financial holdings include stock in the Farmers' Elevator at Osseo and the Farmers Exchange Bank of Osseo. His fraternal relations are with the Modern Woodmen of America, in which he is an officer. Mr. Isom was married Sept. 23, 1903, to Jessie Ring, born in Sumner Township, May 24, 1880, daughter of John and Alberta (Dighton) Ring, and this union has been blessed with three children: Eugene W., born Nov. 16, 1905; Clifford R., born Sept. 9, 1909, and Howard K, born Sept. 13, 1911.

Chester Beswick, Jr., a retired farmer residing in section 17, Preston Township, was born at Bolton, Warren County, N. Y., Dec. 24, 1834, son of Chester Beswick, Sr., and Polly Ann (Rice) Beswick. The father was born in Warren County, New York, Sept. 22, 1810, and in 1849 migrated west to Beaver Dam, Wis., residing there six years. He then came to Trempealeau County and pre-empted 120 acres of land in section 17, Preston Township. The rest of his life was spent in the cultivation and improvement of his farm, his death occurring Feb. 13, 1895. His wife, Polly Ann Rice, was born in Warren County, New York, June 3, 1815, and died Nov. 29, 1905. Her parents, with their family, removed from New York state to Kenosha, Wis., whei'e the father died at the age of 95 years. Mrs. Rice, with her son Simon, came to Trempealeau County so as to be near her daughter, Mrs. Chester Beswick, Sr., and with whom she made her home until her death, March 31, 1888. She was born in New York state Feb. 25, 1796. Her son Simon was afterwards a well known farmer of Preston Township. Chester Beswick, Jr., came to Wisconsin with his parents, but in the spring of 1859 he went to Texas and engaged in sheep herding in the valley of the Brazos River. At the outbreak of the Civil war he and four companions started home on horseback. While on the way they were arrested by Confederate troops as spies and were thrown into prison, where they remained for a month. Then, in order to gain their freedom, they enlisted in the Confederate army, but soon afterwards deserted. They were retaken, however, by a band of Osage Indians, who were in the Confederate service, and were again imprisoned and sentenced to be shot. The day before the date set for their execution they again escaped, but were once more recaptured. In an effort to learn the truth from them their captors put ropes around their necks and made ready to hang them, but were finally dissuaded from doing so by some members of their own band. At another time the Indians had them lined up to be shot, and on still another occasion had prepared a fire to burn them, but this time they were saved by their interpreter. It was in December, 1862, when Mr. Beswick finally made his way in safety to his Wisconsin home, and resumed industrial life in a safer locality. He was married July 4, 1877, to Anjenette Thurston, of Blair, whose father, Ebenezer Thurston, was the first postmaster of that village, which was then called South Bend. He kept the post office in his old home in section 16, on the farm now owned by Paul Thompson. Mr. Thurston was born Dec. 30, 1805, and died May 13, 1880. He married Mary Eveline Haywood, who was born June 10, 1811, and died Dec. 15, 1881. Chester Beswick, Jr., lived most of his life on the old farm taken by his father in 1855, except for a period of 20 years, when he was engaged in farming four miles north of Independence. He is now healthy and active at 82 years of age, being able to read without glasses. He resides with his son-in-law, Henry M. Hanson. His wife, Anjenette Thurston Beswick, who was born April 28, 1844, died Sept. 10, 1901. Their children were : Alice, born May 17, 1870, who married Palmer Back, a farmer of Preston Township ; Harriet, born Nov. 23, 1872, who died Oct. 10, 1873 ; Charles, born April 3, 1874, who died Aug. 20, 1877, and Susan E., born Jan. 9, 1876, and now wife of Henry M. Hanson, the owner of Mr. Beswick's old farm. Alice (Mrs. Palmer Back) has had seven children, whose names, with dates of birth and death, are as follows: Hazel Charlotte, born Aug. 4, 1892; Willis Irvin, May 18, 1894, died Sept. 26, 1909 ; Charles Chester, Aug. 10, 1901 ; Myrtle Adine, July 1, 1903; Dorris Evelyn, April 23, 1906; Florence Irene, Feb. 25, 1911, and WyUis Margarite, Aug. 30, 1912.

Frederick N. Hokland, formerly of the firm of Tom Lomsdahl & Co., Osseo, dealers in hardware, farm implements, agricultural machinery and automobiles, was born in Nordland, Norway, Sept. 22, 1853, son of Nels 0. and Mary (Frederickson) Hokland. Nels 0. Hokland came to America from Norway, with his family, in 1867, and farmed in Vernon County, Wisconsin, until 1872, when he came to Trempealeau County, and located in Pigeon Township, moving a year later to a farm in the east side of Hale Township, where he remained until 1903, when he moved to Osseo, where he now lives at the good old age of 83, making his home with his son, Frederick N., his wife having died in 1884. Frederick N. Hokland was reared on his father's farm. From 1897 to 1901 he was manager of the Whitehall & Pigeon Trading Association at Whitehall. In 1904, with Gilbert Lewis, he opened a hardware and implement store in Osseo, under the firm name of Lewis & Hokland. Tom Lomsdahl, in 1912, purchased the Lewis interest, and the firm was consolidated in Tom Lomsdahl & Co. Aside from building up a large trade, Mr. Hokland has found time for service as a member of the village council for four years. He was clerk of the school board of his district in Hale Township for eleven years.

Bert L. Hume, blacksmith and general machinist, now conducting a plant at Osseo, was born in Otter Creek Township, Eau Claire County, Wis., Feb. 26, 1883, son of Alexander and Amanda (Root) Hume. Alexander Hume was born in Canada, came to Wisconsin with his parents in 1863, and lived in Eau Claire County until his death in 1902, his wife still living in Osseo. Bert L. was reared to farm pursuits by his father and remained on the home place until 1901, when he went to Augusta, and learned the black- smith trade. In 1909 he came to Osseo, and purchased the shop of E. Nelson & Son, which he has since conducted. The shop was destroyed by fire on Aug. 30, 1911, and Mr. Hume then built his present plant. The building is of concrete, 40 by 40 feet, well equipped for all kinds of blacksmith and machinery work and automobile repairing. A feature of the plant is a large oxygen-acetylene welding apparatus, and the trip hammer, drill press and two lathes add to the efficiency of the work done. The shop occupied the corner of Thomas and Main streets, the site of the first house built in the village of Osseo. Mr. Hume is well liked in the community, and is a member of the Modern Woodmen and of the Woodmen of the World. He was married Sept. 24, 1903, to Emma M. Krienke, of Otter Creek Township, Eau Claire County, daughter of Fred and Bertha (Bethe) Krienke. Fred Krienke was a native of Germany, served in the German army, and was a pioneer in Eau Claire County. Mr. and Mrs. Hume have five children: Edna, Selma, Margaret, Edwin and Alice.

William Henry came to Trempealeau County in 1858 and homesteaded a farm of 160 acres in sections 21 and 22, Sumner Township, where he lived until his death, May 28, 1913. He was born in County Down, near Belfast, Ireland, Jan. 27, 1828, the son of David Henry, who was born in Scotland, and for many years was an inn keeper in Ireland. William Henry came to America in 1852, and located in Chenango County, New York, where he lived until coming to Trempealeau County. In 1859 he went back to New York for a short trip and was there married to Elizabeth Skillin, a native of Chenango County. They had two sons, Elmer H., who farms in Eau Claire County, four miles north of Osseo, and Edward J., who bought the home farm about 1898.

Edward J. Henry, proprietor of the Oakgrove Stock Farm, sections 21 and 22, Sumner Township, was born on the place where he still lives Nov. 29, 1863, son of William and Elizabeth (Skillin) Henry. He has made many improvements on the farm, has fenced it with woven wire, and maintains his substantial home, barns and silo in the best of condition. He completed in 1917 a barn 36 by 60 feet, with cement floor and steel stanchions, for stock. Carrying on general farming in all its branches, he has made a specialty of Duroc-Jersey swine, of which he has a good drove. In public life he has served as supervisor for two years, and as clerk of the school board of his district since 1900. Mr. Henry was married June 1, 1886, to Ettie L. Johnson, born in Black Earth, Wis., Aug. 18, 1865, daughter of Almond S. and Jane (Oswald) Johnson, and this union has been blessed with six children: Vina, William D., Jane E., Nina L., Frank S. and Laura L. Vina was born June 1, 1888,. and married Ludwig Johnson, who farms in Eau Claire County. William D., born March 21, 1892, farms in Forsythe Mont. Jane E., born Dec. 12, 1893, graduated from the Augusta high school, and has successfully taught school in the same district for four years. Nina L. was born April 23, 1897, and is a graduate of the Augusta high school. Frank S. was born Sept. 23, 1902. Laura L. was bom Oct. 10, 1905, both living at home.

(Iverson) Boleng. As a youth his attention had been drawn to America as a land of opportunity and he resolved, as soon as he was able, to seek his fortune in the New World. This resolve he made good at an early age, for he was only 18 years old when, in 1870, he sailed from his native shores, landing in New York June 6, that year. In the same year he came to Wisconsin, locating first at La Crosse, where he lived for six years, in the summers working in the sawmills and at the log booms of Black River, and in the winters in the pine woods of Clark County, Wisconsin. During all this time he was looking forward to being his own master, and as a first step to this, in 1874 he bought 80 acres of wild land in Trempealeau County, four miles west of Independence. This land was situated in Traverse Valley, its previous owner being Abe Bugee, who had built a log house or shanty on it. During the winter of 1875-76 Mr. Boleng again worked in the Clai'k County pineries, living economically and saving as much as he could. In the summer of 1876 he sent to Norway for his parents, and on their arrival settled them on the Traverse Valley land, where they hved until 1882. During the years from 1876 to 1882 he went to the woods every fall and worked there until the next haying season, when he would return to the farm for the balance of the summer. Mr. Boleng's father died in Unity Township, this county, Dec. 24, 1915. His wife, surviving him, is still living in that township and is now 87 years old. June 6, 1879, the subject of this sketch was married to Ehzabeth, daughter of Halvor and Melinda (Lee) Kettleson, of La Crosse County. Her brother Nels Lee was the first settler near Lee, III. She was born on the site of Midway, between Trempealeau and La Crosse Counties, Wisconsin. After their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Boleng took up their residence on the Traverse Valley farm, where they lived until 1892. They then rented the farm and moved into Independence Village, making their home there until the summer of 1898. At that time they moved to Tamarac, half way between Centerville and Arcadia, where Mr. Boleng purchased the stock of a country grocery store, also the store building a year later, and where he has since carried on business. For eight years he was postmaster at Tamarack until the rural delivery came into operation. The first mail he received was on Oct. 10, 1898, and the last mail arrived at 12 :24 Tuesday, July 31, 1906, and departed at 12:40 the same day. On Sept. 7, 1916, Mr. Boleng was assaulted and robbed in his store and left for dead, but fortunately recovered. He is a stockholder in the State Bank of Trempealeau, in Savage's factories at Minneapolis and in Savage's Electric Railway. In politics he is a staunch Republican. He and his wife have had five children : Lee H., Lilly (first) , Lilly (second), Milton and Milton G., of whom the first named Lilly is deceased, and the first Milton died in infancy. Lee H., who was a graduate of Wisconsin University, went to China as an instructor in English, and was drowned in that country while on a vacation July 3, 1910. Lilly (second) is keeping house for her father, and Milton G., who graduated from Gale College in the class of 1917, is now with the John Latsch wholesale house, Winona, Minn. Mr. Boleng and his surviving family are members of Norway Coulie Lutheran Congregation. He is a popular citizen in this part of the county and the brutal attack upon him last September caused great

William Hunter, an early settler, was born in Clackmannanshire, Scotland, and as a young man became a miner. He married Jane Neish, and in 1852, after three children had been born, set out for America. His wife died shortly after his arrival in the new country. Locating near Pittsburg, Penn., he followed his former occupation as a miner for eighteen years. He was determined, however, to see other environment for his family, so, in 1870, he came west and secured a homestead of 160 acres in section 5, Burnside Township, this county. Here he successfully farmed until his death, in 1897. He was the father of six children: William, who lives with his brother James N. on the home farm; Janet, wife of D. A. Hunt, of Burnside Township ; James N., who owns and operates the old homestead ; Annie, now Mrs. Cole, of South Dakota; Kate, the wife of Charles Hoyt, of Spokane, Wash., and Mary, wife of Fred Martin, of Trempealeau.

James N. Hunter, farmer, township chairman, member of the county board, bank director, and man of many interests, was born in Clackmannanshire, Scotland, June 21, 1852, son of William and Jane (Neish) Hunter, with whom he came to America in 1852. He grew to young manhood near Pittsburg, Penn., and in 1870, with his father, brother and sisters, came to Trempealeau County, and located in section 5, Burnside Township, where he has since resided. Coming here as a youth, he has led his life day by day, uprightly and honorably, and has won the respect and esteem of the entire county. Since 1898 he has been chairman of the township board and a member of the county board, having served as president of the latter body for four years. He has served as justice of the peace for many years, and as health officer of the township he has looked after the physical welfare of the community. His financial holdings include stock in the Farmers & Merchants Bank of Independence, in which he is a director. His broad interest in the county and its affairs is shown by his work as president of the Trempealeau County Historical Society. Fraternally his associations are with the Masonic lodge at Arcadia. He is unmarried.

Alfred Hagen, buttermaker for the Unity Co-operative Creamery at Strum, is one of the popular young men of the village, and is thoroughly proficient in his chosen line of work. He was born in Eau Claire, Wis., Oct. 10, 1882, son of Segvart A. and Karen (Olson) Hagen. Segvart A. Hagen was born in Norway, came to Trempealeau County in the nineties, settled on a farm in section 12, Albion Township, and there lived until his death in 1906, since which time the widow has continued to make her home there. Alfred Hagen remained with his parents until 15 years old. Then he was employed as a farm hand for several years. In 1911 he entered the Unity Creamery as a helper, and gradually perfecetd himself as a buttermaker until he was promoted to his present position in the spring of 1916. Mr. Hagen was married April 7, 1915, to Clara Engen, of Eleva, daughter of Ole and Mathia Engen, for many years residents of section 22, Albion Township, where the father died in 1908 and where the mother stiU lives. Mr. and Mrs. Hagen have a daughter, Myrtle Kathrine, born March 12, 1916.

four miles south of the village Sept. 4, 1881, son of Christ and PauUna Gullord. Christ Gullord, a mason by trade, was born in Norway, came to America in June, 1880, bought a farm in Sumner Township, this county, farmed here until 1911, and then went to BiUings, Mont., where he died in 1914, his wife dying in 1905. Olaf C. Gullord started to learn the trade of mason from his father at the age of 14 years, and after following this trade for a number of years, gradually worked into his present business. He has been successful in his undertakings, and is regarded as a substantial and well-to-do man. He is a holder of business property in the village, having in 1915 erected a garage, 50 by 60 feet, of soKd concrete, with two stories and a basement, fully equipped in every way. This garage he now operates in connection with the sale of Overland automobiles. Mr. Gullord was married April 14, 1905, to Emma Stensby, daughter of Berndt Stensby, who was born in Norway, and has farmed in Hale Township since 1886. Mr. and Mrs. Gullord have two children, Franzel and Lester.

George Gjuul has lived in this county as manager of the Midland Lumber & Coal Company at Osseo since Jan. 4, 1912. In advocating better farm buildings he has assisted in the development of the surrounding rural region, while his work for the progress of Osseo has included his efforts toward the organization of the Farmers Exchange Bank, of which he is now one of the directors. His fraternal affiliations are with the A. F. & A. M. Mr. Gjuul was born in Mankato, Minn., May 13, 1874, the youngest in a family of three children. As a youth he worked with his father. At the age of twenty-four he secured employment in a hardware store at Erskine, Minn. A year and a half later he took up his present line of work as manager for the Stenerson Brothers Lumber Yard at Menton, Minn. Six years later he became manager for the Lamper Lumber Company at Ruthton, Minn. Subsequently he occupied a similar position for the H. W. Ross Lumber Company at Hancock, Minn., for the Glattley Lumber Company at Hot Springs, S. D., and for the John J. Queal Lumber Company at Leeds, Sioux City, Iowa. With this experience he came to Osseo. Mr. Gjuul was married April 25, 1906, to Elva Williams, of Amboy, Minn., daughter of Cyrus and Mary Nixon, the former of whom died in 1914 at the age of 72 and the latter of whom died in 1916 at the age of 70. Torris F. Gjuul, father of the subject of this sketch, was born at Trondjem, Norway, came to America, and after living at Stevens Point, Wis., a year, located in Mankato, where he became a successful contractor and builder. In later years carried on farming at Mankato, Minn., and died Feb. 26, 1906. He married Randi Dahl, who lives in Texarkana, Tex., with her son Frank.

Bert Thompson, for several years proprietor of Maple Lawn Farm of 176 acres, in section 31, Preston Township, but now living in Whitehall, was born in section 6, this township, July 4, 1877, son of William and Laura E. (Hine) Thompson. He resided at home, assisting his father and brothers until the spring of 1914, at which time he bought the above mentioned farm from his father. There he was engaged in raising the usual crops and in breeding Shorthorn graded cattle, Duroc-Jersey hogs and Partridge Wyandotte chickens, doing a successful and increasing business. He had a good eight-room house, with a substantial barn, 40 by 60 feet in dimensions, and a glazed-tile silo of ample capacity. In the spring of 1917 he disposed of the tai-m and moved to the village of Whitehall, where he erected a comfortable residence, which is now the home of himseK' and wife. Mr. Thompson was first married Jan. 1, 1900, to Jennie B. Ecker, who was born Aug. 17, 1881, daughter of Charles A. and Margaret (McKimm) Ecker. Her father, who was a pioneer railroad agent for the G. B. & W. R. R. at Whitehall, Wis., died in 1915, aged 65 years, and is survived by his wife, who is now living in Whitehall at the age of 67. Mrs. Jennie B. Thompson died Nov. 18, 1902, and after remaining a widow nearly 12 years Mr. Thompson married for his second wife Cecil M. Weeks, Sept. 30, 1914. She was born Dec. 6, 1882, daughter of Edward and Minnie (Hodgdon) Weeks. Mr. Thompson is secretary and treasurer of the Whitehall Presbyterian Church. He is recognized as one of the enterprising and successful agriculturists and stock breeders of his township and has a wide circle of friends. He and his family are members of the Presbyterian church and he is also a member of the Sons of Veterans and for several years was commander of the camp.

Edward D. Weeks, a retired farmer now residing at Coral City, Pigeon Township, Trempealeau County, was born at Cooperstown, Otsego County, N. Y., Dec. 24, 1840, son of Stephen and Sehna (Lyon) Weeks. The father was a native of Massachusetts, born in 1812. When a young man he went to New York City, where he was engaged in the butcher's trade until 1855. In 1833 he married Selina Lyon, and they had a family of seven children: Elmira, who married Floyd Washburn, and died at Black River Falls, Wis., in 1864 ; George, who died at Watertown, S. D. ; Luzerne, who died at Whitehall, Wis., in June, 1916 ; Edward D., subject of this sketch ; Marcus L., now living at Beaver Dam, Wis., and two who died in infancy. The mother died at Beaver Dam in 1894, and her husband at Neillsville about 1886. The latter was a Civil war veteran, having served three years in Company I, Seventeenth Wisconsin Infantry, his son Marcus serving four years in the same regiment, and Luzerne three years in the Tenth Wisconsin Infantry. The aggregate service of the family in the army amounted to 13 years, the other three years being served by the subject of this sketch, Edward D., who enhsted at La Crosse in Company B, Second Wisconsin Infantry. Edward was shot in the shoulder at the battle of Gettysburg and taken prisoner, and was in a parole camp at West Chester, Pa. He took part in 11 important battles, including, besides Gettysburg, the second battle of Bull Run, and the battles of Antietam, South Mountain and the Wilderness. At the last mentioned battle he was shot through the leg and was subsequently confined to the hospital for four months. After his discharge from the army he came to Trempealeau County and in 1865 took a homestead in Chimney Rock Coolie, Hale Township, where he lived for 15 years, engaged in agriculture. In 1880 he removed to Coral City, where he worked as a laborer for some years, but is now retired. June 29, 1870, Mr. Weeks was married to Minnie Hodgdon, who was born at Epping, N. H., Oct. 13, 1851, daughter of Charles and Lamira (Cummings) Hodgdon. Her father also a native of New Hampshire, served four years in the Civil war. He died in his native state. The wife, with her children, came to Wisconsin, locating at Lake Geneva in 1852. There in 1862 she was married to George Follett, and they afterwards came to Trempealeau County, Mr. FoUett conductinga store at old Whitehall for a year. They then removed to Coral City, where he conducted a store and hotel until 1880. He died at Wadena, Minn., about 1901, which was the year of his wife's death, she being aged 73 years. Mr. and Mrs. Edward D. Weeks have been the parents of four children : Ruby, wife of Alfred Taintor, a retired farmer of Meadow, S. D., and the mother of four children : Myrtle, Edward, Lyle and Perry (Mrs. Taintor died Aug. 8, 1916) ; Lewis E., employed in the Crosby Lumber Yard at Crosby, N. D., who married Kate Martin and has had six children: Norma, Edward W. (died 1906), WilUam H., Howard, Ervin and Robert; Jennie, who died at the age of one year, and Cecile, wife of Bert Thompson, of Whitehall Village. Mr. Weeks is a member of Winfield Scott Post, No. 104, of Whitehall, Wis., and is well known and respected in Coral City and vicinity.

William S. Gilpin, editor and proprietor of the Osseo News, was born in Alexandria, Minn., Nov. 19, 1872, son of Joseph and Sarah (Walker) Gilpin, the former of whom is a retired newspaper man. Of the four children in the family there are now living three: William S., the subject of this sketch ; Mary T., an accomplished musician, a graduate of Carleton College at Northfield, Minn., and principal of the public schools of Hopkins, Minn., and NeUie, wife of Walter B. von Fredenburg, a traveling salesman living in Minneapolis. William S. Gilpin attended the public schools of Alexandria, and learned the printing and newspaper business in the office of the Douglas County News, then owned by his father. In 1891 he bought the Eagle Bend (Minn.) Pilot, and later the Browerville (Minn.) Citizen. In 1893 he moved the Citizen to Alexandria, and there published it until 1896. For two years he conducted Gilpin's X Rays at Hamilton, N. D. It was in 1898 that he came to Osseo, and purchased the Osseo Weekly Recorder. In 1911 he sold out. The next year he established the Osseo News, which on Jan. 1, 1915, absorbed the Recorder. From 1903 to 1915 he was postmaster at Osseo. For one term he served on the village council. He has also done good service on the library board. By helping to organize the Osseo Telephone Company he assisted in making possible a valuable modern improvement. Mr. Gilpin was married Oct. 3, 1893, to Evelyn M. Abbott, of Eagle Bend, Minn., the daughter of Benjamin and Mary (Crichton) Abbott, both now deceased. Mr. and Mrs. Gilpin have three children: Myle de Vere, born March 3, 1897 ; Selby A., born June 4, 1898, now in United States navy, and Beatrice, born Aug. 7, 1901.

Ole Gilbertson, proprietor of a 240-acre farm in section 22, Unity Township, and also of 188 acres in section 28, the same township, was born in Telemarken, Norway, Oct. 9, 1860, his father being Gilbert Olson, and his mother, before marriage, Thorild Nilson. Gilbert Olson was born in Norway in 1825 and passed the greater part of his life in his native land, coming to this country in 1898, when he was about 73 years old. He and his wife resided in Bruce Valley for six years and then removed to Hale Township, where Mr. Olson died in the spring of 1914. His wife now lives with her daughter, Mrs. John Lee, of Hale Township. Ole Gilbertson was a young man 20 years old when he came to the United States in 1880. He located in Arcadia, this county, and for about a year worked in the pineries and on farms. Then for six years he was engaged in farming in Bruce Valley, afterwards farming a place near Pleasanton one year. The next 20 years were spent by him on a farm in section 28, United Township, and at the ent; of that time he bought his present farm in section 22, moving onto it in the spring of 1914. This farm has good buildings, the house being a twostory frame structure with basement, and containing 12 rooms, lighted with gasoline and furnished with hot water heat and running water. The barn measures 48 by 105 by 16 feet above stone basement, and there are two solid cement silos, each 16 by 36 feet. Mr. Gilbertson is conducting a successful farming business and has akeady attained a considerable degree of prosperity. His present farm was purchased from Samuel R. Anderson and is a fine property. He is also a stockholder in the First State Bank of Strum. In June, 1890, Mr. Gilbertson was married to Tina Christopherson, who was born on the farm he owns in section 28, Unity Township, July 8, 1870, daughter of Paul and Anna (Olson) Christopherson, a memoir of whom may be found elsewhere in this volume. Mr. and Mrs. Gilbertson have seven children: Paul, Oscar, Theodore, Amanda, Melvin, Joseph and Ida, all residing at home.

Ernest E. French, D. D. S., has practiced his profession in Osseo since 1909, and has established an admirable reputation. His office is equipped with the most modern appliances, and his standing is shown by his membership in the Eau Claire, Chippewa and Dunn County Dental Society, the Wisconsin State Dental Society and the National Association, as well as in the dental college fraternity, the Gamma Epsilon. Dr. French was born in Eau Claire, Wis., March 18, 1876, son of Dr. Edmund C. and Esther (Edward) French. After passing through the pubhc schools of his native city he entered the Dickinson Seminary at Williamsport, Penn., with which preparation he studied three years in Hamline University in St. Paul, and Macalester College in Minneapolis. His dental training was received in the offices of his father in Eau Claire of Dr. Frank Brooks, in Charleston, 111., and of Dr. Jason Lyons in New York City. For four years he had charge of the Chicago Dental Laboratories at Chicago, and in 1905 established the Reliable Dental Laboratories in the same city, which he conducted for some two years. Then he practiced in Eau Claire for a while before coming to Osseo. Dr. French was married Aug. 8, 1906, to Lillian K. Spencer, who was born in Genesee County, New York, June 10, 1871, daughter of Alanson and Mary (Thorp) Spencer. Dr. French has one daughter, Mignon.

Edmund C. French, D. D. S., now of Eau Claire, this state, has practiced in that city since 1874. He has attained prominence in his profession, and was a member of the Wisconsin State Dental Board of Examiners, as well as president of the Wisconsin State Dental Society. His fraternal relations are with the Masonic order, and his politics are those of the Republican party. Dr. French was married Jan. 27, 1867, to Esther Edwards, who was born in Salem, Penn., and this union has been blessed with four children, Myrta, Ernest E., Dwight Day and one who died in infancy. Myrta, known as Madam Kursteiner, the Wisconsin Nightingale, is a famous grand opera singer. She lives in New York, and is the wife of Jean Paul Kursteiner, a composer of some note, and the director of music at Bryn Mawr and

Ogontoz Colleges. She has been soloist for the Strackash Grand Opera Company, of London, Berlin, Paris and Vienna with Madam Nellie Melba and Madam Phoebe Strackash, and leading soprano with the International Grand Opera Company, Andrews Grand Opera Company, Sousa's Band, the Walter Damrosch Orchestra and the Siedel Orchestra in this country. Ernest E. is a dentist in Osseo, Wis. Dwight Day is an interior decorator at Minneapohs.

Chester L Field, garage man and automobile dealer of Osseo, was born in the village where he now resides, Aug. 18, 1891, son of Horace A. and Zoe (Shephard) Field. Horace A. Field was born in Richland County, Wisconsin, came to Sumner Township, this county, in 1861, with his parents, was reared on the farm, and devoted his life to that occupation and to keeping a hardware store in Osseo. He died in 1913 at the age of 62, while his wife died in 1896 at the age of 36 years. In the family there were six children. Roy died in infancy. Genevieve is secretary to Superintendent L. D. Harvey, of the Stout Institute, at Menominee, Wis. Her twin, Elinor, is the wife of Bartlett Cole, an attorney of Portland, Ore. Martha is a teacher in the primary grade of the Osseo schools. Marshall F. is an insurance agent at Osseo. Chester I., the youngest of the family, received his early education in the schools of Osseo and Menominee. For a time he helped his father operate the farm. In the spring of 1911 he established his present business. He handles the Chevrolet cars, does general repairing, and carries a full line of accessories and supplies. His financial holdings include stock in the State Bank, of Osseo; the Farmers Exchange Bank, of Osseo, and the Osseo Telephone Company, in the latter of which he is the vice-president. His fraternal affiliations are with the Masonic order and the Modern Woodmen. Mr. Field was married Oct. 29, 1915, to Mrs. Ella (Stearns) Bradley, born in Fairchild, Wis., May 14, 1881, daughter of Charles and Barbara Stearns, who conduct a hotel at Fairchild. By her previous marriage to Charles Bradley, a traveling salesman of St. Paul, Mrs. Field has a daughter, Louise.

John Thompson, one of the most prominent citizens of Preston Township, who is both a farmer and business man, was born in the northern part of Sweden, March 16, 1848. His father, who was Thomas Olson, was born in 1810, and in 1857 emigrated to the United States with his family, locating first in Racine County, Wisconsin. After residing there until 1864 he decided to remove farther west, and accordingly, hitching an ox team to a wagon, he started with his family for Trempealeau County. On arriving here he located in Preston Township, taking up land which forms the present farm of his son John - a fine piece of agricultural property containing 218 acres, in sections 21, 22 and 27, and known as "The Oaks." When he took it, however, it was unimproved and he spent many years in its cultivation and development until it began to assume somewhat the appearance it has today. On this farm he died in 1890. His wife, whose maiden name was Brita Johnson, and who was born in Sweden in 1820, passed away before him in 1882. John Thompson, who was reared on his parents' farm, remained at home until the year of his mother's death. Some years before that event, or in 1878, he had purchased his present farm, and he now moved onto it and has since made it his home. Aside from his interests represented therein he is president of the First National Bank of Blair, Wis., and for two years has been a stockholder in the creamery there. His success has been marked, both as farmer and business man and there are few citizens of Preston Township who stand higher in public confidence and esteem. For ten years he served as township assessor, and he has also held the office of township treasurer, in both positions making a creditable record. June 26, 1880, Mr. Thompson was united in marriage with Ellina Mattison, who was born in La Crosse County, Wisconsin, daughter of Mattes and Anna (Olson) Mattison. Her father, bom in Sweden in 1827, came to America in 1852, residing in Pennsylvania until 1866, in which year he came to Trempealeau County, Wisconsin, making his home here until his death in 1905. Mrs. Thompson's mother, who was born in 1828, died in 1914. Mr. and Mrs. Thompson are the parents of eight children : Anna, who married Gilbert G. Anderson, a farmer of Ettrick Township, and Melvin, Oscar, Emma, Edmund, Victor, Arthur and Gilford. The seven last mentioned are residing at home, except Edmund, who is traveling in the interests of the Agricultural Department of the United States at Washington. The family are members of the United Norwegian Lutheran Church.

Anton N. Freng came to Trempealeau County in 1875, and has lived on his present place of 160 acres in sections 27 and 28, Sumner Township, since 1883. As chairman of the town board of supervisors he has served on the county board eleven years, he has been assessor seven years, and clerk on the school board for twelve years. His financial relations are with the State Bank of Osseo, his business holdings include a half interest in his son's furniture store in Osseo, and his church connections are with the Hauge Norwegian Lutheran congregation, of which he has been secretary nearly a quarter of a century. As a modern farmer he keeps well abreast of the times and takes great pride in the development and improvement of his estate. Mr. Freng was born in Ringsacker, Norway, July 31, 1852, and was brought to America by his parents, Nels and Bertha (Johnson) Haakenson Freng, living with them in La Crosse, Wis., two years, before coming to this county. He was married July 10, 1880, to Louise Huskelhus, born in Biri, Norway, Feb. 20, 1862, daughter of Peter Arneson Huskelhus and Sedsel Jorgenson, who came to America in 1877. Mr. and Mrs. Freng have four children : Bernt A., Peter N., Sena E. and Albert L. Bernt A. is a furniture dealer and undertaker at Osseo. He has two children, Mildred and Nels. Peter N. is employed in a garage at Osseo. He has two children, Blanche and Sena. Sena E. died at the age of twenty-five years. Albert L. farms with his father. He has two children, Anton and Elmer. Nels Haakenson Freng settled in Golden Valley, Sumner Township, in 1875, and five years later moved to Hale Township, remaining there until he took up his home with his son, Anton N. Freng, where he lived until his death in 1905 at the age of 79 years. His wife, Bertha Johnson, died in Sumner Township in 1878 at the age of 67. Before locating in this county they had hved in La Crosse, Wis., to which city they came from their native land of Norway in 1873.

David L. Davidson, proprietor of a good farm of 169 acres in sections 22 and 27, Lincoln Township, was born near Bergen, Norway, March 5, 1861. He is a son of Lars Davidson, also a native of Norway, who came to America in 1866, locating in Ettrick Township, Trempealeau County, Wis. Later he removed to Preston Township, where he subsequently resided until his death in 1909 at the age of 79 years. Lars married Julia Johnson, who did not long survive him, passing away in 1910, at the age of 81 years. David L. Davidson was reared on his parents' farm, which he purchased in 1887. He conducted it thereafter until 1911, at which time he sold it and bought his present place. In 1914 he rebuilt the barn, which is a substantial frame structure, 30 by 50 feet, with an L-shaped addition 34 by 46 feet, and having a capacity of 50 head of cattle. In 1915 he built a cement block silo, 16 by 40 feet. He keeps graded Holstein cattle, milking 25. Mr. Davidson is a member of the Synod Norwegian Lutheran Church. He has served three years on the Preston Township school board, and is a man who takes a personal interest in the welfare and development of the community in which he lives. He was married July 3, 1887, to Bertha Everson, of Arcadia Township, whose father, Ever, died in Dane County, Wis. Mr. and Mrs. Davidson are the parents of six children: Louis, John, Elmer, Clarence, Ernest and Mildred. The last mentioned was the third in order of birth, and is now the wife of Jacob Wilitzky, a farmer of Arcadia Township. All the others reside at home. Mr. Davidson and his family are well known and prosperous people, he and his wife reaping the reward of industry and thrift. Their children have been brought up to be a credit to the family name.

John Carson, of Osseo, was born in Winneshiek County, Iowa, Dec. 24, 1867, oldest of the thirteen children of Ole and Jennie Carson. Ole Carson was born in Norway, came to America in 1865, and farmed near Decorah, Iowa, until his death in 1898, since which time his second wife, Julia Green, has made her home in Osseo. John Carson was reared in his native county, and started out on his own responsibility at the age of 13 years. When he was about 15 he came to Osseo. After working on various farms for a number of years he opened a general store in Osseo in 1900. For a time he had J. N. Lee as a partner, but for some 15 years he conducted the business alone, selling out to M. I. Gilbert in 1916. In 1908 he erected a cement block building, with two full stories and a basement, thus giving him ample room for his rapidly growing trade. As justice of the peace for six years Mr. Carson won the respect of the community. He is especially interested in church work in the Hauge Norwegian Lutheran congregation, and has been superintendent of the Sunday school for nearly twenty years. Mr. Carson was married June 5, 1899, to Anna Nelson, daughter of Eric and Betsy (Robertson) Nelson. Eric Nelson was born in Norway, came to America as a boy of nine years, has lived in Osseo 35 years, and now makes his home with the Carson family, his wife having died in 1914. With the family also lives Lottie Nelson, an Osseo miliner, who was reared by Mr. and Mrs. Carson.

William Thompson, Sr., a retired farmer residing in section 31, Preston Township, was born in Broome County, New York, Feb. 17, 1840, son of

Mr. And Mrs. William Thompson

Robert and Elizabeth A. (Scott) Thompson. The father, also a native of New York State, came to Wisconsin in 1847, locating in Milwaukee, where he resided two years. The next six years of his hfe were spent in Columbia County, Wisconsin, after which, coming to Trempealeau County, he bought 360 acres of land a mile and a half east of Blair, and farmed there until 1865. He then bought a farm in Little Tamarack Valley and resided there two years. Selling that place, he bought a farm near Mankato, Minn., where he lived three years. The next two years of his life were spent at the home of his son William. He then retired to Blue Earth County and there died at the age of 74 years. His wife died at the home of her son William, Jan. 8, 1892. They had a family of seven children, of whom the subject of this sketch was the second in order of birth. William Thompson Sr., was brought up on his parents' farm and early acquired a practical knowledge of agriculture. He was in his twenty-first year when the Civil war broke out and in the following year, Aug. 15, 1862, he enlisted in Company C, Thirtieth Wisconsin Volunteer Infantry, at Reynolds' Coolie school house, Preston Township. After a military service of three years he returned home and for the first year worked in the woods. Then in partnership with Cyrus H. Hines he built Pigeon Falls mill. In 1867 he traded his interest in the mill for Mr. Hines' farm in section 6, Preston Township, where he resided for some years engaged in farming. Again he traded, this time for a one-half interest in Coral City mill, residing at Coral City for several years, or until 1885, at which time he bought the farm on which he now lives, which is a good piece of agricultural property, with very fine improvements. During his active career as a farmer Mr. Thompson was an extensive cattle raiser, specializing in Durham cattle and doing a considerabl'^ dairy business. At an early date he hauled for Ole Knutson the first load of lumber ever carried to old Whitehall. Since 1914 he has been practically retired from active work, the farm being operated by his son, Ira Thompson. Mr. Thompson was first married Dec. 14, 1866, to Laure Hine, daughter of Cyrus H. and Catherine (Barber) Hine, of Pigeon Falls. Of this union there were six children born: Dewey, who died in infancy; William C. and Ira, who are both farmers in Preston Township ; Catherine E., who was born after WilHam and before Ira, Nov. 15, 1871, and who died Oct. 15, 1877, and Bert and Selon, both of whom are farmers in Preston Township. On Friday, June 18, 1882, Mrs. Laure Thompson met an instant and tragic death. The family were at that time occupying J. W. Snow's house, on his farm half way between Blair and Whitehall. It was 11 o'clock at night, and she and her husband and youngest child were asleep in bed, three elder children being asleep upstairs. A terrible storm was passing over the neighborhood, when suddenly a bolt of lightning passing down to the bed room, killed Mrs. Thompson instantly and shocked Mr. Thompson and his child and threw them both out of bed. For several minutes he was unconscious, but neither he nor the child was seriously injured. Two of the other children upstairs were thrown out of bed onto the floor, but not seriously injured. The house was splintered more or less all through and several trees and posts standing near were split open. Mrs. Thompson was born at Lenox, 111., July 4, 1849. She was a very popular lady in this vicinity, and her funeral was attended by a large number of friends and neighbors. Mr. Thompson subsequently married Mrs. Emma Ellison, by whom he had two children: Grace E., now the wife of Alvah Van Sickle, a farmer of Pigeon Township, and Alice M., wife of Oscar Cummings, a carpenter living in Whitehall, Wis. Dec. 28, 1898, Mr. Thompson contracted a third marriage, with Agnes Wright, who was born at Staff ordsville, Ontario, Oct. 4, 1864. Her father, Joseph Wright, a native of Canada, came to Trempealeau County, Wisconsin, by team, accompanied by his wife and family, and was subsequently a resident of Pigeon Township until his death in 1901 at the age of 71 years. His wife, Mrs. Thompson's mother, whose maiden name was Georgiana Douglas, is now residing at the age of 84 years on the old farm in Pigeon Township, operated by her son James Wright. The family attended the Presbyterian church. Mr. Thompson is a Republican in politics. He is a man who takes an intelligent interest in all measures calculated to advance the interests of the community in which he lives, but has never sought public office.

Samuel Cardinal dates his residence in Trempealeau County from 1897, when he came to Sumner Township and purchased 140 acres in sections 18 and 19, then owned by John Lovesey. To the development of this place he has since devoted his attention. In 1909 he built a barn, 38 by 6 feet, with cement floors; in 1910 he rebuilt his house, making a pleasant home of eleven rooms, and in 1911 he erected a stave silo, 14 by 35 feet. He keeps a good herd of Durham cattle, four of which are registered, and a drove of Duroc-Jersey swine, eight of which are registered. His public work has included service as township supervisor for three years and as clerk of the school board of his district for five years. His financial holdings include stock in the Farmers Exchange Bank and the Farmers Products Company, both at Osseo. Mr. Cardinal was born in Montreal, Canada, April 18, 1868, the son of Gideon and Rose Ann (Roberts) Cardinal, natives of Canada, the former of whom was born in 1836 and died in 1904, and the latter of whom was born in 1832 and died in 1908. The family came to the United States in 1872, to a homestead in Chippewa County, Wisconsin, and there lived until 1892, when they moved to Tomahawk, in Lincoln County. There Samuel Cardinal was employed at home and on various farms until coming to this country. He was married Aug. 26, 1891, to Emma Olsen, who was born in La Crosse, July 20, 1870, and was reared at Strum, in this county, where her mother, Mary Anderson Olsen, now lives, the father, Christ Olsen, who was born in Christiania, Norway, in 1844, having died in 1896. Mr. and Mrs. Cardinal have had nine children, of whom there are living seven : Nora, a nurse at Eau Claire, Wis. ; Goldie, the wife of M. P. Skogstad, the cashier of the Farmers Exchange Bank at Osseo, and Leo, who married Pearl Ring, daughter of John Ring, postmaster at Osseo, March 28, 1917 ; Marshall, Lillie, Mabel and Juanita, who are at home. Ethel died at the age of six years and Marian died in infancy. The family faith is that of the Norwegian Lutheran Church.

John A. Call, an influential and prosperous business man of Strum, was born in Crawford County, Wisconsin, March 1, 1864, son of Andrew and Brita (Johanasdotter) Call. Andrew Call was born in Sogon, Norway, in 1826, came to America in 1850, farmed in Crawford County, Wisconsin, until 1872, and then came to Unity Township, Trempealeau County, where he remained until his death in 1896, his widow now making her home in Strum. John A. Call was reared in Crawford County and came to Unity Township when eight years old. He attended district school and devoted his life to agricultural pursuits until 1896. In that year he came to Strum and engaged in the hotel and livery business. Subsequently he became a salesman of farm machinery. In 1904 he engaged in the hardware and implement business. In addition to this he handles harnesses and pianos and deals extensively in live stock. He has been a director of the school board since 1915. Mr. Call was married March 6, 1896, to Christine Johnson, of Unity Township, born in Gulbrandsdalen, Norway, in 1872, the daughter of Lars Johnson. Mr. and Mrs. Call have had nine children: Birdella, William, Clarence, Lillian, Ruth, Esther, John and two who died in infancy.

Charles H. Anderson, whose well cultivated farm of 230 acres is located in sections 26 and 35, Lincoln Township, was born in Dane County, Wisconsin, Dec. 15, 1865. He is a son of Bennett and Ellen (Everson) Anderson and is of Norwegian ancestry. His grandfather, Gilbert, married Inger Flategar. Gilbert had considerable property in Norway and during a famine gave it all away to feed the starving. His mother, aged 80 years, had a life interest in the old home, and this she sold to provide her son Gilbert and his family with funds to come to America. They reached Milwaukee with no money and this aged lady walked from Milwaukee to Dane County; Wisconsin, with the family and the ox team. Bennett Anderson, father of Charles H., was reared in Dane County and there married Ellen Everson. After living in Dane County until 1868 he homesteaded land in Arcadia Township, which was his home until his death. He and his wife had nine children, of whom the subject of this sketch was the third in order of birth. Charles H. Anderson lived on the old home in Arcadia Township till 1887. He then went to Yellowstone Valley in Montana, where he worked at railroad construction work for eight years. Then in the summer of 1896 he bought his present farm, which is a well improved piece of agricultural property. He raises Shorthorn cattle, keeping 50 head, which are all high grade. He feeds one carload a year and milks 20 cows, and keeps 40 acres of his laud in clover and timothy. Mr. Anderson has served six years on the township board, during three years of which he has been chairman. He was married April 14, 1897, to Mrs. Marian Skaug (nee Wald) , widow of Christopher Skaug, of Unity, Wis. They have had 11 children, of whom three - Charles, Omer and Rudolph R. - died in infancy. The living are: Blanche, Laura, Jane, Julia, Eleanor, Myrtle. Casper and Doris. Mr. Anderson is a member of the Synod Norwegian Lutheran Church.

Charles J. Amundsen is proprietor of the Amundson Auto Company, of Osseo. This company has the Osseo agency for the Ford cars. The garage is a frame building, 30 by 50 feet, supplied with all kinds of Ford supplies and accessories. The place is excellently equipped for general repairing, an electric motor and a lathe being among the special features. Mr. Amundson was born in Jackson County, this state, Sept. 9, 1878, son of

Thore and Mary (Johnson) Amundson, the former of whom died in Jackson County in 1888, and the latter of whom is now the wife of John Larson, of that county. Charles J. Amundson was the fourth of five children, the others being: Anna, now wife of John Olson, an undertaker of Marietta, Minn. ; Theodore, who farms in Jackson County ; Helen, who died at the age of 17 years, and Josephine, now of Eau Claire. The subject of this sketch was reared to farm pursuits in his native county. At the age of 15 he started work at the carpenter trade, and was employed in this line until 1912, when he established his present business. His fraternal relations are with the Modern Woodmen. Mr. Amundson was married, June 1, 1906, to Anna Christiansen, of Hale Township, daughter of Charles and Helen (Johnson) Christianson. This union has been blessed with one child: Hilman Charles, born Dec. 6, 1911.

Giles E. Cripps, an enterprising and successful agriculturist, who is engaged in operating a farm of 280 acres in sections 13 and 14, Burnside Township, was born in section 11, this township, Oct. 19, 1861, son of Giles and Harriet (Wood) Cripps. A memoir of his parents may be found in the biography of Fred C. Cripps, elsewhere published in this volume. He was reared on his parents' farm and resided on it until reaching the age of 22 years, during this period being engaged in assisting his father. Dec. 30, 1883, Mr. Cripps married Eliza Zimmer, who was born at New Lisbon, Wis., Dec. 16, 1863, her parents being John J. and Margaret (Wunderlich) Zimmer. The father, usually known as Jacob Zimmer, was born in Erie County, N. Y., Jan. 7, 1836, and came West with his parents to Racine, Wis., in 1845, residing there one year. He then removed to Jefferson County, where he lived until 1865. His marriage to Margaret Wunderlich took place March 12, 1856. She was a native of Germany, born March 12, 1834, and died Nov. 15, 1912. John J. Zimmer in 1862 enhsted in the Twelfth Wisconsin Battery and was wounded in the right leg at the battle of Corinth. In the spring of 1865 he came to Trempealeau County and rented a farm in Hale Township, but after a two years' residence there, he moved to Traverse Valley, section 17, Burnside Township, where he bought a farm on which he lived until 1892. The remainder of his life was spent in the village of Independence, where his death finally occurred, Feb. 6, 1909, about three years and nine months before that of his wife. On beginning agricultural work for himself Giles E. Cripps purchased the farm on which he has since resided, and which is now well improved, the land being well tilled, the buildings ample and of good, substantial construction, and the equipment of tools and machinery being fully adequate to all the needs of modern farming. An all-woven wire fence surrounds the entire farm. Mr. Cripps and wife have been the parents of three children, the first of whom died at birth. The others are: Ralph, born Nov. 6, 1890, and Mildred, born Sept. 12, 1894. Ralph Cripps, who is engaged in operating the farm for his wife's mother, was married Oct. 3, 1916, to Jennie Cooke, of Independence, who was born Aug. 9, 1897, daughter of Samuel and Martha (Arnold) Cooke. They have one child, Willis Ralph, born Sept. 10, 1917. Mildred resides at home.

born in Guldbrandsdalen, Norway, Feb. 14, 1864. His father, Ole 0. Hovre, also a native of Norway, came to the United States on 1874, settling in Ettrick Township, where he homesteaded land in section 2 in 1876. He died on his farm in 1900 at the age of 70 years. Ole O. Hovre married Sonnov Husmoen, who survives him and still resides on the homestead, being now 78 years old. They had six children, of whom the subject of this sketch was the first-born. Ole O. Hovre, Jr., was graduated from Gale College in 1886. He then went to Spink County, S. D., where he remained until 1890, working on farms during the summers and teaching school in the winters. At the end of that period he bought a general store in Hale, Trempealeau County, Wis., and conducted it for 26 years, or until the spring of 1916, when he sold out. He was elected county treasurer in the faU of 1914 and served two yeai's. He has lately purchased a farm in Taintor Township, Dunn County, to which he intends to remove after Jan. 1, 1917. Mr. Hovre served as clerk of Hale township for 12 years. He was also clerk of School District No. 3 for eight years. For 24 years he served as deacon of the Norwegian Lutheran Synod church, acting as secretary for six years. He was also justice of the peace for 24 years. Mr. Hovre was married May 13, 1891, to Mathia Bole, of Ettrick, Wis., who was born there Feb. 7, 1871, daughter of Juuhl and Ingri Bole. Her father, who was born in Norway, came to America in 1875, locating in Vernon County, Wis., from which place after a year he came to Ettrick. He died in 1914 at the age of 89 years. His wife still lives on the old farm, having now attained the age of 90 years. Mr. and Mrs. Hovre have had a family of 10 children : Selma, residing at home ; Olga, who lives in Culbertson, Mont., where she is employed as a bookkeeper ; May, who is the wife of the Rev. Folkestad, of Strum, Wis.; and Helmer, Hazel, Myrtle, Lilhan M., Orvel, Allice and Catherine, all of whom are residing at home except LiHiam M., who died at the age of 2 years.

Henry Anderson was born in Trondhjem, Norway, and as a young man came to America. He married Cassandra Everson, a native of Harrisburg, Pa., and together they came to Trempealeau County. For a time they lived on a farm near Independence. In the late '80s they moved to Superior, Wis., where Henry Anderson was employed as a structural iron worker. While engaged in this occupation in November, 1891, he was severely injured, from the effects of which he died on the 27th of the following month. His wife still lives in Superior. In the family there were six children: Ida, Alice, Sebert J., Clarence, Oscar and Cornell H. Ida married Carl Sorem, an electrical engineer of Minneapolis. Alice is a teacher in the eighth grade of the Superior public schools. Sebert J. is a violin player, and makes his home in Chicago. Clarence is the chief clerk of the Minneapohs Board of Education. Cornell H., twin of Clarence, is State insurance inspector and adjuster for the Home Fire Insurance Company of New York, and is located at Milwaukee. Oscar was killed while deer hunting near Superior, Nov. 27, 1904.

Cornell H. Anderson, a prominent insurance man of the State of Wisconsin, now living in Milwaukee, claims Trempealeau County as his place of nativity, his birth having taken place in Independence, Aug. 8, 1885. His parents, Henry and Cassandra (Everson) Anderson, took him to Superior, Wis., as a child, and there he passed through the graded and high schools. Entering the insurance business at the age of 17, he became clerk in the office of an agency at Superior, and there thoroughly learned the business. In 1910 he assumed the duties of his present position as special State agent, inspector and adjuster for the Home Fire Insurance Company of New York. With an office at Milwaukee, he covers the entire State. He is a "hustler," and is widely known for his business ability and his good fellowship.