Trempealeau County, Wisconsin - Biographical sketches, 1917 (part 15 of 20)

James L. Linderman, founder of the famous Linderman mills, located on the Beef River, one mile west of Osseo, was born at Ithaca, N. Y., April 4, 1827. In 1871 he came to Osseo from Rockford, lU., where he had been a traveling salesman for the F. H. Manny Company, manufacturers of farm machinery. The next year he and F. Scott Hotchkiss started the Linderman Mills. There he continued to work for the remainder of his life. He was a most estimable man, and was an important factor in the agricultural development of the county, furnishing a market for the constantly increasing grain crops. He took a prominent part in the political life of the county and state, was a delegate to many county, district and state conventions, and sat in the Republican National Convention of 1888. He served his district with distinction in the General Assembly of 1876-77. After a long and useful life he died Oct. 7, 1906. His wife, Abigail Williams, was born in Troy, N. Y., Dec. 12, 1822, and died Nov. 15, 1898.

August E. Goplin came to Trempealeau County as a boy, and has resided on his present farm located in sections 16 and 17, township 23, range 7 (Hale), since 1889. It now contains 440 acres of good, fertile land and is one of the best in the vicinity, his buildings being his especial pride. The pleasant home was built in 1897. It is a frame structure, two stories high, with 12 rooms and a full basement, suppHed with running water, hot water heat, acetylene lights and other conveniences. The barn was built in 1916. It is 48 by 80 by 14 feet, with a stone basement, and an addition 22 by 36 by 12, for horses. The floors are of cement, the stalls are equipped with steel stalls and stanchions, the interior is lighted with acetylene, and there are pens for the young calves, and a special hospital pen. Among the other buildings may be mentioned a barn for young stock, 26 by 66 by 20 feet. Mr. Goplin carries on general farming and makes a specialty of raising Durham cattle, at which he has been very successful. While busy with his farm duties, Mr. Goplin has found time to take an interest in public affairs, and has done excellent service on the school board for two years.

He was married Dec. 15, 1888, to Beatha Steig, who was born Dec. 24, 1868, in section 23, range 7, township 23 (Hale), daughter of Christian and Ingeborg (Anderson) Steig, and this union has been blessed with six children: Edward, Inga, Emma, Charles, Mildred and Ernest. Edward was born Jan. 6, 1890, and was married Sept. 2, 1916, to Ella Eid, daughter of Gilbert Eid, of Pigeon Township. He works with his father on the farm. Inga was born March 23, 1892, and is a stenographer. Emma was born June 21, 1895 ; Charles, Nov. 19, 1898 ; Mildred, Dec. 3, 1904, and Ernest, May 23, 1907. All living at home. Mr. Goplin is a native of Norway, where he was born Aug. 1, 1857, son of Eric 0. and EH (Roen) Goplin. The father, Eric 0., was born in Norway, Aug. 14, 1805, came to America in 1867, lived in Rock County a while, and in 1869 came to Trempealeau County and took a homestead in section 14, range 7, township 23 (Hale), where he labored until his death in 1883. The mother was born in Norway, Sept. 30, 1827, came to America with her husband, and died May 14, 1914. The family are members of the Norwegian Lutheran Church of America.

David C. Cilley, who was for many years one of the enterprising farmers of Burnside Township, of which he became a resident at an early day, was born in Franklin County, New York, May 22, 1833, a son of David and Abigail (Church) Cilley. He was reared in his native county and was there married, Jan. 17, 1853, to Anna E. Wright, whose home was on the shores of Lake Champlain, her birth taking place there Dec. 28, 1833. Her parents were Isaac and Rhoda (Barlow) Wright, her father being a sailor in the days when American merchant vessels visited all the ports of the world, many of them being everywhere admired for their beautiful build and fast saihng qualities. In 1855 Mr. and Mrs. Cilley came west to La Crosse, Wis., going from there to Houston, Minn., where they were engaged in farming for nine years. They then came to Trempealeau County, Wisconsin, settling in section 4, Burnside Township, and here Mr. Cilley resided, engaged in agricultural operations, until his death, April 11, 1911. His wife still resides on the old homestead, which is now operated by their son Darwin C. They had in all four children : William 0., a farmer tt Concrete, N. D. ; Charles L., who is a carpenter living at Herman, Minn.; John H., formerly an engineer in Chicago, who died May 5, 1913, and Darwin C.

Darwin C. Cilley, who is successfully engaged in operating the old Cilley farm of 200 acres in section 4, Burnside Township, was born in Houston, Minn., March 12, 1861, son of David C. and Anna E. (Wright) Cilley. He was reared partly in Houston and then on his parents' farm in Burnside Township, this county, and began to assist his father at an early age. He has always resided on the homestead since coming here in childhood, and since taking its management in hand has operated it with prolitable results. The property is well improved and is kept in good shape by Mr. Cilley, whose knowledge of practical farming is thorough and extensive. June 18, 1890, Mr. Cilley was united in marriage with Clara Boesden, who was born in Arcadia, this county, April 15, 1872. Her father, Stephen Boesden, who was born in Kent, England, in 1830, came to Arcadia, Wis., in 1860, and died April 2, 1910. His wife, whose maiden name was Eliza Leonard, died in 1912, at the age of 54 years. Mr. and Mrs. Cilley have been the parents of nine children: Josephine, boi-n Nov. 11, 1891, who married Fred Sieh, a farmer of Minong, Wis. ; James, born July 13, 1893 ; David L., born April 3, 1895 ; Susan, born Feb. 23, 1897 ; Clara, born March 13, 1899, now wife of Herbert Coardes ; Henry, born March 26, 1901 ; Margaret N., born July 23, 1906; Estella N., born Oct. 6, 1908, and Dorothy M., born June 25, 1904. David L. is in the United States service, having gone south with the Sixth Wisconsin. Susan is a graduate of the Eau Claire Training school and is now teaching. With the Cilley family lives the venerable and gracious mother, Mrs. David C. Cilley.

Martin H. Skjeie is one of the progressive farmers who are engaged in developing the agricultural resources of Ettrick Township, his fine farm of 197 acres being located in section 8 in the eastern part of the township. His present homestead was also the scene of his birth, which occurred Aug. 16, 1872. His parents, Halver N. and Martha (Lindebrekke) Skjeie, were born in Hardanger, Norway, the date of the father's birth being Sept. 28, 1836, and the mother's occurring in June, 1840. Married in their native land, they came to the United States in 1868 and located on Beaver Creek, Ettrick Township, this county, Halver N. Skjeie homesteading 40 acres of the farm now owned by his son Martin and acquiring the balance by purchase. He spent many years in clearing and improving the land, and is still residing on the farm, though now retired from active work. His wife is also living. Martin H. Skjeie was the fourth born in a family of five children. He attended school in Ettrick Township and after having acquired the elements of knowledge, spent six months in the Winona Business College. He has resided on the parental homestead nearly all of his life, becoming manager of the farm about 1897, and later becoming its owner by purchase. It contains 197 acres of valuable land, on which he carries on general farming, doing a successful business. He also owns a 40-acre tract of land at Minong, Washburn County, Wis. Mr. Skjeie is also a stockholder in the Farmers' Exchange of Blair and the Ettrick Telephone Company. Oct. 9, 1901, he was married to Julia Hauge, a native of Ettrick Township, and daughter of Adolph and Nellie (Rogness) Hauge. Like many other hardy settlers of this part of Trempealeau County, her parents were born in Norway, the father in Soler, April 13, 1847, and the mother in Bergenstift, Feb. 8, 1854. Adolph Hauge came to America when about 20 years old and became a farmer and land owner in Ettrick Township, this county. He still resides on the old farm, after a long life of activity in the cultivation of the soil and during which he became one of the prominent citizens of his township, serving on the school board for many years, a part of the time as clerk. He also assisted in the organization of the United Lutheran Church at Blair and took an active and sometimes leading part in various other local enterprises. His wife, who came to America at the age of 16, died Feb. 28, 1902. They had eight children, of whom their daughter Julia was the third born. Mr. and Mrs. Skjeie have an adopted daughter, Jeanette, who is attending school. Mr. Skjeie belongs to the order of Beavers and to the Modern Woodmen of America.

Thomas H. Hauge, a well known and prosperous farmer of Hale Township, proprietor of a farm of 240 acres in sections 24 and 35, is, like many other successful men in his line of work, a native of Norway, having been born in Hitterdal, that country, July 20, 1859. His father, Harold Aslakson, came to America in 1869, locating in Arcadia Township, this county, where he homesteaded a farm. He thus followed close on the heels of the pioneers and had much the same experiences, the surroundings at that time being more or less primitive and the work of developing a homestead one of long toil and occasional privation. Harold Aslakson was, however, adapted by nature and disposition to succeed, and in time his industry and perseverance brought their due reward in a flourishing and profitable farm on which he resided until his death in the spring of 1892. His first wife, whose maiden name was Karen Tostenson Gunnem, died in Norway in 1861, and he married for his second wife, in Dane County, Wisconsin, in 1869, Asslan Johnson, who died in 1890. Thomas H. Hauge, who was initiated at an early age into agricultural methods, worked on his parents' homestead for some time in his youth. He then for seven years and a half operated a farm for F. C. Allen of Eau Claire, which was located in Arcadia Township. At the end of that period he bought a farm in Bruce Valley, Hale Township, on which he resided until 1909. It is now operated by his son-in-law, Oscar Hanke, and his son, Melvin Hauge. Upon leaving his farm in 1909 Mr. Hauge purchased his present farm. In the same year he built the house in which he now resides, a two-story and basement cement brick veneer structure of 12 rooms, heated by furnace and lighted by electricity, the same lighting system being used in all his buildings. The barn was rebuilt in 1912, and is a frame structure, 50 by 72 by 20 feet, with cement floors. In 1913 Mr. Hauge erected a stave silo, 14 by 32 feet in size. He has a herd of 31 graded Holstein cattle, of which he milks 20, and also raises Buff Orpington chickens. Aside from his farm interests he is a stockholder in the Pigeon Grain & Stock Company. For four years he has served as township treasurer. Mr. Hauge was married, July 23, 1882, to Anna Olson, who was born at Tamarack, Ettrick Township, Dec. 25, 1866, daughter of Andrew H. and Olive (Gilbertson) Olson. Her father, born in Norway in 1836, died March 7, 1908, in Arcadia, having come to America in 1852. Her mother was born in Norway in 1828 and died May 14, 1900. Mr. and Mrs. Hauge have had a large family, numbering 15 children, of whom all are living but one. They are as follows : Carrie, who is the wife of Sever Williamson, a farmer of Hale Township, and has one child, Walter ; Henry a farmer of Hale Township, who married Mary Johnson and has two children : Marion and William ; Mary, wife of Oscar Hanke, also a Hale Township farmer, and the mother of two children : Marion and Florence ; Melvin, who is farming in Hale Township; Clara, who was a teacher four years and is now the wife of Peter Enger, a farmer of this township ; Annie, wife of Otto Olson, proprietor of the Commercial Hotel, Arcadia; Cora, who resides at home ; Alma, who graduated from the La Crosse normal school and is now a teacher in Bruce Valley ; Hartwick, Uving at home ; Carl Alfred, who died at the age of one and a half years, and Agnes, Delia, Walter, Viola and Stella, all of whom are residing at home. Mr. Hauge and his familyare members of the Norwegian Lutheran Church of America, of which he is also a trustee. As the son of an early settler of the county and himself a substantial and reliable citizen, he is widely known and highly esteemed.

Peter Hanson, for many years a prominent resident of the county, was born on the estate known as Bjornstad, Vaage Gulbrandsdalen, in 1826, and became a farmer. As a young man he married Anna Risdal, who was born in 1829. The emigration of the family to America took place in 1869, Coral City, Trempealeau County, Wis., being selected as their place of settlement. There they remained, however, but six months, and then removed to section 33, Unity Township, where Mr. Hanson bought a tract of railroad land and started farming. In this occupation he continued on the same farm until his death in 1898, but which time he had improved his property to a large extent and was a prosperous citizen. His wife died in 1911. Their children were: Sven (deceased), Johannes P., Peter, Jr., of Strum, Torger (deceased), Hans (deceased) and Martinus (deceased).

Johannes P. Hanson, agriculturist, creamery secretary, man of affairs and former county clerk, is not only one of the leading residents of Albion Township, but also one of the best known men in the county. He is affable, genial and official, the friend of every worthy cause and a valuable and useful citizen in every respect. He was born in Vaage, Gulbrandsdalen, Norway, March 21, 1863, son of Peter and Anna (Risdal) Hanson), who brought him to Trempealeau County in 1869. He was reared to farm pursuits and in 1891, in partnership with his brother Sven, took over the home farm. His acquaintance and popularity increased from his early boyhood, his abilities became widely known, and in 1904 he was elected county clerk, taking office Jan. 1, 1905, and serving two terms. In this capacity he more than justified the faith of his friends, and conducted the affairs of the office with general satisfaction to the voters. Upon retiring from office he took up his home on his present farm in Albion Township. Mr. Hanson has also at various times rendered other public service. He was town clerk of Unity Township for nine years and clerk of Albion Township four years, being appointed jury commissioner in 1909 and still holding that office. He also served as school clerk in Unity Township three years. In addition to his direct farming interests Mr. Hanson has been secretary of Unity Co-operative Creamery in Strum since 1909. He is a director of the First State Bank of Strum, and a member of its examining board, and is financial secretary of Branch No. 30, I. S. W. A., at Strum. June 10, 1903, Mr. Hanson was married to Toline Veggum of Mt. Horeb, Wis., who was born at that place Aug. 21, 1870. Her parents were Hans and Gunhild (Ramlet) Veggum, the father now residing on the Hanson farm with his daughter and son-in-law, his wife having died Dec. 26, 1915. Mr. and Mrs. Hanson have one child, Alice Gertrude, who was born May 25, 1907. The family are members of the Norwegian Lutheran Church of America, Mr. Hanson being vice-president of the congregation at Strum.

every interest that has for its object the betterment and upbuilding of his village, county and state. Born in Blair, Nov. 22, 1889, he was reared in the home of his parents, Albert B. and Amelia (Torkelson) Peterson, and applied himself so well to his studies that he was graduated from the Blair high school at the age of 15 years. Then he studied a year at St. Olaf College at Northfield, Minn. Thus prepared he entered the College of Letters and Science at the University of Wisconsin in 1906 and was a senior at the age of eighteen, the youngest member of his class. He then entered the law offices of Jesse E. Higbee at La Crosse, where he served as a clerk for two years. In 1911 he went back to Madison and took a year's law course in his Alma Mater. A year later he entered the Northwestern University at Chicago and was there graduated in Law in 1914. Having acquired a liking for Chicago he decided to remain in that city for a while, and accepted a position as assistant credit manager for the Miehle Printing Press & Manufacturing Company of Chicago, with whom he secured valuable business experience. He was called home by the death of his brother, and on May 15, 1916, succeeded him as cashier of the First National Bank of Blair, a position in which he has given most efficient service, his personality, education and experience being important factors in its success. His fraternal associations are with the Masonic order at Whitehall.

Ernest A. Peterson, cut off in the prime of his young manhood with an unusually brilliant future ahead of him, and with a sterling record of worth and character ah-eady achieved, was one of the leading spirits in Blair from his boyhood up ; he was a man among men, a good son, a loyal friend, a keen student of people, of business and of books, and his memory will long be held dear in all the walks of hfe to which his duty called him. He was born Sept. 22, 1892, in Blair, son of Albert B. and Amelia Torkelson Peterson, completed his studies in the Blair graded and high schools at the age of sixteen, and then studied science and music a year at St. Olaf College, at Northfield, Minn. In 1910 he entered the University of Wisconsin, where he distinguished himself in scholarship, music and athletics, winning many honors. A popular man with his classmates, he was a leading member of the Beta Gamma Sigma, Honorary Fraternity, and also of the Chi Phi, Social Fraternity. Upon his graduation at the age of 20 in 1913 he returned to Blair and for a short period was employed in the Home Bank of Blair. Then he went to Bowman, N. D., where he was employed in the State Bank of Bowman. Late in 1914 he returned to Blair once more, and with his father organized the First National Bank, of which he was cashier until his untimely death, April 14, 1916. He was one of the foremost young business men of the county, and lived to see his bank established on a sound basis. From early boyhood Mr. Peterson was interested in music. At St. Olaf he studied the piano and was flute soloist in the college band, and belonged to several musical organizations in Madison while attending college there, and in Blair he found time for considerable orchestra work. His life and character were a joy and a solace to his parents, in whose hearts his place can never be filled.

Bent Pederson, a pioneer of Jackson County, this state, was born in Sweden, Dec. 1, 1829, and was still a boy when he was brought to America by his parents in 1851. Upon attaining man's estate he acquired a farm in Jackson County, upon which he still resides. He has been a hard-working successful farmer, and has occupied several public offices in his township. His wife, whom he married in November, 1861, was like him a native of Sweden and came to America as a girl. Her maiden name was Anna Norgaard. After 55 years of happy married life they gave a large celebration to mark the event in 1916, the affair being attended by neighbors, friends and relatives for miles around. Mrs. Pederson, after a long and useful life, passed away June, 1917. They were the parents of 14 children, of whom the following six are still living: Glaus, Sophia, Albert, Emelia, Bennie and Myrtle.

Iver Torkelson was for many years a prominent figure in the life of Jackson County, this state. He was born in Norway, came to America as a youth, and by native ability and hard work attained a position of influence and importance among his fellow men. At the outbreak of the Civil War he rushed to the colors and became sergeant of a Wisconsin regiment and was wounded in action. For twelve years he was registrar of deeds of Jackson County, and for a considerable period he served as postmaster. He also held local offices of varied nature. He died in January, 1901, at the age of 62 years. His wife, Martina Anderson, died in April, 1912, at the age of 70.

Albert B. Peterson, long connected with the financial, political and mercantile life of Blair, was born in Jackson County, this state, Nov. 16, 1863, a son of Bent and Anna (Norgaard) Pederson. He was reared to farm pursuits, but early acquired an ambition to engage in business. Accordingly he started his commercial career in 1885 by entering the employ of T. I. Gilbert & Co., the pioneer merchants of Blair, for two years. Then he bought a half interest in the hardware store of John E. Mayer in that village, changing the name of the concern to Mayer & Peterson. After two more years he bought out his partner's interest and successfully conducted the estabhshment until 1896, when he sold out to the Herried Brothers. In the meantime the store had been burned in the fire of 1891, but was almost immediately rebuilt. From 1896 until 1900 Mr. Peterson served efficiently as village postmaster. After the expiration of his term he engaged in the general mercantile business with Martin Peterson under the firm name of Martin Peterson & Co. From 1901 to 1912 he engaged in the hardware and implement business. Since then he has been extensively interested in the real estate business, handhng considerable local property, and engineering deals throughout the western states as far west as California. The First National Bank of Blair, which he organized in company with his son, Ernest A., and others, is a monument to his faith in the future progress of the village. His public services have included loyal duty as a member of the county board, as a member and president of the village council, and as a member of the school board. His religious affiliation is with the Norwegian Lutheran Church. Mr. Peterson was married Feb. 22, 1889, to Amelia Torkelson of Black River Falls, daughter of Iver and Martina (Anderson) Torkelson. Mr. and Mrs. Peterson have had four children: Basil I., Ernest A., Marie and Eugene. Basil I. was born

Syver Everson. a pioneer of Jackson County, was born in Julberg, Solar, Norway, in 1832, and at the age of 20 he, with his brother Ole and one sister, Mrs. Andrew Olson, together with others from their neighborhood, left on June 22, 1852, for America. They stayed at Christiania about two weeks before saiHng. Leaving Christiania they went on board the sailing vessel Incognito and were on the Atlantic ten weeks and four days, landing in New York on Saturday morning, September 4. The following Tuesday they left New York, going to Wellsboro, Pa. They then went to Coudersport, that state, and from there traveled on foot 60 miles to Bergen, settling one mile from that place in what was known as Ole Bull's colony. The valley where they settled was called Oleann, and in time a town grew up. The students who had come over on the Incognito and joined the colony soon became dissatisfied with the land they found and composed that well known Norwegian song "Oleanna." That section of Pennsylvania was then only a wilderness, many of the trees being so large that it took three men to reach around a single tree. It took Syver, with his father and brother, a whole year to clear an acre of land. In 1853 Syver Everson was married to Helene Pederson Svenbykvernen, a young lady who had crossed the ocean on the same ship, and for five years they continued their residence in the colony. On May 13, 1858, they left for Wisconsin and came to Trempealeau, from there traveling on foot 34 miles to the home of Mr. Everson's cousin, John Koien, who then lived near the Trempealeau Valley church. After remaining there one year they moved, in April, 1859, to Ole Tappen's place in Porter Cooley, now known as Tappen Cooley. Here they bought 80 acres of government land, moving onto it that fall and making a home, and later adding more land to the farm, where Mr. Everson resided up to the time of his death, Aug. 29, 1911, at the age of 79 years and 14 days. He was survived by his wife, Helene, and four children: Mrs. Cassandra Anderson of Superior; Ebert S. of Preston, Peter of Blair, Wis., and Mrs. Ole Dahl of Preston ; also by a brother John, residing at White Earth, N. D., who is now dead.

Ebert S. Everson, one of the thriving agriculturists of Preston Township, is a native of Wisconsin, having been born in Springfield Township, Jackson County, Oct. 24, 1858, son of Syver and Helene (Pederson) Everson. He was reared to agricultural endeavor and to that line of work has since given his attention. For seventeen seasons he devoted his time to threshing, and for thirteen years he conducted two cream routes. In 1887 he purchased 40 acres of his father's farm, and to this he has since added until he now owns 186 acres of fertile and highly improved land in sections 26, 27 and 34, Preston Township. He has christened his place the "Fairview Farm," and here he now carries on general farming and dairying with good financial results. Mr. Everson is a director in the Preston Creamery Company and a stockholder in the First National Bank of Blair. For three years he did good service as town supervisor, and for twelve years as school clerk. He is a charter member of Camp No. 2576, Modern

Woodmen of America at Blair. Mr. Everson was married June 4, 1884, to Anna Kjelson, who was born in Pierce County, Wisconsin, Feb. 14, 1861, daughter of Arne and Karen (Pederson) Kjelson, natives of Norway, the latter of whom died in 1909. Mr. and Mrs. Everson have a family of five children: Sevilla, who died when 10 days old; Mabel Elvira, born July 1.3, 1888, who graduated from the Blair high school with the class of 1907 and has been a teacher for nine years ; Alice Selmine, born April 21, 1891, who graduated from the Blair high school with the class of 1910, and was a teacher for seven years; Elmer Alfred, born April 18, 1894, who is a student in the agricultural college at Onalaska, Wis., and resides at home, and Myrtle Constance, born Aug. 16, 1896, who graduated from Blair high school with the class of 1915 and resides at home. The family are members of the United Norwegian Church, of which Mr. Everson is a trustee. Frederick C. Steig, proprietor of Steig farm of 200 acres in sections 23 and 24, town 23 north, range 7 west. Hale Township, belongs to that class of hardy and industrious Norwegian farmers who have done so much to build up and develop the resources of Trempealeau County. His birth took place in Biri, Norway, April 1, 1866, his parents being Christian F. and Ingeborg (Anderson) Steig. The father, who was born at Biri, Norway, March 11, 1839, emigrated with his family to the United States in 1866, locating in Dane County, Wisconsin, where he remained about two years. In 1868 he came to Trempealeau County, settling on the farm now owned and operated by his son Frederick C. Here he resided for some 42 years, dying June 25, 1910, after a long career of agricultural activity, during which time he greatly improved his farm, becoming a prosperous citizen of his township. His wife Ingeborg, who was born in Norway, Dec. 8, 1842, is still living and resides with her son Frederick, subject of this sketch. The latter was reared on the home farm and for many years assisted his father in operating it. In 1887 he became its manager and so continued until 1896, in which year he bought the property and has since been engaged in its further development. In 1904 he built the house in which he and his family now reside, which is a two-story brick veneer structure, with basement, containing eight rooms and heated by furnace. In 1914 Mr. Steig built a frame barn, 36 by 90 by 12 feet, with an eightfoot stone basement, having cement floors and modern equipment. He keeps graded Durham cattle, having a herd of 35 head, of which he milks 22. Since 1908 he has been a member of the school board of his district. Mr. Steig was married Oct. 7, 1893, to Antonette Klundby, who was born in Biri, Norway, June 11, 1869. Her father, Hans Klundby, born in Norway in 1830, came to America in 1884 with his family, settling in Hale Township, this county. He died in 1892. His wife, whose maiden name was Agnethe Olson, was born in Norway in 1828 and died in 1900. Mr. and Mrs. Steig are the parents of eight children, born as follows : Hulda, June 21, 1894; Carl, July 31, 1895; Catherine, Oct. 6, 1897; Arthur, Nov. 26, 1899 ; Florence, June 2, 1902 ; Cora, Aug. 22, 1904 ; Hazel, Dec. 17, 1906, and Selma, Sept. 19, 1910. All the children are living at home except Hulda, who was married July 30, 1917, to Orlando Kaas of Pigeon Township. Mr. Steig and his family are members of the Norwegian Lutheran

Mattis Mattison, for many years a prominent citizen of Preston Township, and the father of a number of children actively identified with the affairs of the county, was born in Sweden in 1841, and in 1848 came to America with his parents, who settled in Pennsylvania, in the historic colony established by Ole Bull, the famous violin virtuoso. He was reared in Pennsylvania, was there married, and in 1864 came to Trempealeau County, bringing his family, and settling in sections 21 and 28, Preston Township. Here he spent many years in cultivating the soil and developing his farm. After a long and useful life he died Dec. 19, 1909. His wife, Anna Olson Strum, to whom he was married in Abbott Township, Potter County, Penn., Oct. 13, 1856, was born in 1837 and survived him four years or more. They were the parents of eight children : Martin (deceased) ; Eline, now Mrs. John Thompson ; Martin 0. of Omaha, Ark. ; Betina, now Mrs. John E. Pederson ; Albert (deceased) ; Ole M. of Canby, Ore. ; Maria, now Mrs. Erick Frederickson ; Paul (deceased) ; Thomas, who farms on the old homestead; Albert; Edwin F., postmaster of Blair, and Minnie, now Mrs. Ole A. Thompson.

Thomas Mattison, who is successfully engaged in carrying on agricultural operations in sections 28 and 21, Preston Township, was born in this township July 31, 1876, son of Mattis and Anna (Olson-Strum) Mattison. He was reared on the farm and worked for his father until he was in his 28th year, at which time he married. In 1903 he bought a farm situated near his father's and cultivated it until 1906, at which time he sold it and bought the parental homestead, on which he has since resided, and which contains 225 acres. Here he carries on general farming, keeping a good herd of Shorthorn cattle. He also breeds Rhode Island Red chickens, with which he has several times won prizes at poultry shows. Since 1911 he has been president of the Preston Creamery Company at Blair, and he is also a stockholder in, and was one of the organizers of the First National Bank of Blair. Mr. Mattison was married June 5, 1904, to Anna Peterson, of Preston Township, who was born in that township June 1, 1882, daughter of Sever and Olena (Andreson) Peterson. Her father, who was born in Norway in 1852, came to America with his parents in 1864, they settling in Salve Cooley, Preston Township, which was his home until his death in 1908. Mrs. Peterson, who was born in Norway in 1851, is now residing in Blair. She and her husband had a family of seven children, their daughter Anna being their fifth child. To Mr. and Mrs. Mattison have been born seven children: Orwin, Feb. 18, 1905; Rudolph, April 18, 1906 ; Wilfred, Dec. 10, 1907 ; Walter, Sept. 25, 1909 ; Lorenze, July 16, 1912 ; Viola, March 20, 1914, and Cora, Jan. 23, 1916. The family are members of the Norwegian Lutheran Church, while Mr. Mattison is also a member of the Masonic lodge at Whitehall and of the camp of the Modern Woodmen of America at Blair.

Ole Sylfest, a well known farmer who is engaged in operating 130 acres of land in section 11, Preston Township, was born in Vossie Cooley, this township. May 8, 1865. His father, whose name also was Ole, was a native of Voss, Norway, who came to the United States in 1854, locating in Dane County, Wisconsin, from which place he came in 1860 to Trempealeau County, settling in Vossie Cooley. Here he died in 1888 at the age of 66 years, after many years hard work spent in improving his farm, which he left in good condition. His wife, whose maiden name was Carrie Gjerstad, died in 1907, aged 88 years. They had been the parents of five children : Sever, now living on the old farm in Vossie Cooley ; Ingeborg, who married Lars Johnson, a farmer of Vossie Cooley; Susan, who resides with her brother Sever; Ole (first), who died at the age of one year, and Ole (second), subject of this sketch. Ole Sylfest resided at home with his parents until reaching the age of 25 years, or until the time of his marriage in 1891. He then farmed the old Sylfest homestead for seven years, subsequently going to Shepherd Cooley, where he operated a farm for 10 years, or until 1908, when he bought his present farm. This is a good piece of agricultural property, having a nice commodious residence, a good basement barn and all other necessary buildings, besides a full equipment of tools and implements. Mr. Sylfest is operating the place with profitable results and is recognized throughout the township as a thoroughly practical farmer and a reliable citizen, one who can be depended upon to support the interests of the community in which he lives. He has won his success in life entirely by his own efforts, and has succeeded by exercising hard work, frugality and good judgment. Since 1903 he has served as a member of the township board, having been its chairman, and consequently a member of the county board also, for eight years. He is doing good service as clerk of his school district. In connection with his farm work he has been interested in co-operative movements, assisted in organizing the Preston Creamery Company, of Blair, and has been one of its directors for 10 years. June 11, 1891, Mr. Sylfest was united in marriage with Paulina Olson, who was born in Tromp Cooley, Jan. 30, 1868, daughter of Christian and Anna (Peterson) Olson. Her father, who was a native of Norway, came to the United States in 1860, and on the breaking out of the Civil War enlisted in the Eleventh Wisconsin Volunteer Infantry, in which he served four years. After the war he settled in Tromp Cooley and engaged in farming there until his death in 1879. His wife Anna now resides in Tromp Cooley, having survived him 38 years. Mr. and Mrs. Sylfest have been the parents of five children: Otilia, born Jan. 6, 1894, who graduated from the Blair High School and La Crosse Normal School and has been a teacher four years ; Ameha, born Jan. 3, 1898, who graduated from the Blair High School and is clerk in a business house in Blair ; Myrtle, born April 3, 1900 ; Stella, born May 21, 1905, and one that died in infancy. The family are members of the Norwegian Lutheran church, of which Mr. Sylfest has been treasurer since 1902.

Bernhard Hulberg, a rising young garage man of Osseo, was born in Hale Township, this county, March 27, 1887, and was reared to farm pursuits, attaining a good rudimentary education in the district schools. He became interested in the automobile industry, and seeing an opening at Osseo, formed a partnership with his brother, Conrad, and engaged in the garage business in this village, occupying a building which was erected for them in 1915 by 0. C. GuUard. Mr. Hulberg is now connected with the Amundson Garage, in whose success he is a valued factor. He was married May 10, 1916, to Helga Brateng, who was born Dec. 22, 1891. The parents of Mr. Hulberg were Edward and Paulina (Raa) Hulberg, natives of Norway, who came to Hale Township some forty years ago, the father now living in Osseo, and the mother having died in 1896.

Conrad Hulberg, a popular young automobile man, was born in Hale Township, April 4, 1891. He went to the neighborhood schools, learned farming from his father, and early became an adept in mechanics. With his brother he engaged in the garage business at Osseo for a while, and is now employed in the Hohmann Garage at Arcadia, where he is doing excellent work. He is a good workman, a master of his trade, and a genial friend.

George W. Lamberson, proprietor of Four Pines Farm, in section 22, Lincoln Township, was born on the old Lamberson farm in this township, June 12, 1874, son of John C. and Lucena (Becker) Lamberson. He was trained to agriculture in early youth and resided at home until reaching the age of 21, at which time he bought his present farm of 160 acres, which Is a well-improved piece of property. His residence, built in 1908, is a frame structure of nine rooms, equipped with furnace and other modern conveniences, except hghts. The barn was erected in 1898 and is a frame building 28 by 54 by 16 feet, with 4-foot basement. In 1913 he built a solid concrete silo, 14 by 36 feet. The farm is surrounded with woven wire fencing. Mr. Lamberson keeps Holstein cattle of high grade, having 20 head, of which he milks 15 ; also Poland-China hogs, having a herd of 60 head and handhng 100 per year, part of which are registered and all of which are pedigreed. Since 1910 he has served as president of the Whitehall Creamery Association. Mr. Lamberson was married May 21, 1893, to Claudia Williams, of Whitehall, who was born at Stevens Point, Wis., May 1, 1878, daughter of Edward J. and Rose (Mason) Williams. Her father, formerly a member of the crew of the U. S. S. Dolphin, is now living at Palm Beach, Cal. ; her mother died in 1890 at the age of 32 years. Mr. and Mrs. Lamberson have had four children; Milo J., born Dec. 30, 1893; Percy G., born July 5, 1895; Bernice, born June 21, 1902, who died at the age of 5 months, and Crystal, born May 13, 1905. Mr. Lamberson is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church, of which he has been steward since 1900. He has served as township clerk since the spring of 1914 and is a citizen always ready to do his part in promoting the interests of the community in which he lives.

John C. Lamberson was born in Bradford County, Pa., June 13, 1840, and died June 20, 1917. He was a descendant of Garrit Lamberson, who served under General Washington at the memorable Delaware campaign. His great-grandmother was of the family of John Hart, one of the signers of the Declaration of Independence. His grandfather, Isaac Lamberson, a veteran of the War of 1812, was married to Rebecca Monroe, a first cousin of President James Monroe. His father and mother, Orson Lamberson and Sarah Haskins, moved to Wisconsin in 1850, his mother dying shortly after. A Httle red schoolhouse had been erected at Kerns Corners, near Baraboo, and his early school advantages consisted of only three years' attendance, studying such books as were then available. Being of a studious disposition and living to learn something of benefit each day, he later became, by observation and study, as well versed in matters of literature, science and the business world as many men of better opportunities. At the early age of 13 years he ventured upon his own resources out into the then pioneer settlements of Wisconsin and Minnesota, working as a farm hand in various places until 1861. On Oct. 11 he went to Fort Snelling and enlisted in the Third Minnesota Volunteer Infantry, serving until discharged on account of disability, on April 14, 1862, at Nashville, Tenn. For some time he carried mail from Wabasha to Rochester, stopping occasionally with his father and sisters at Greenwood Pi'airie, about 15 miles north of Rochester. At this time occurred a sad event which always was a shade in his memory. One August morning his sister, a child of 13 years, left with a family of friends who were emigrating overland to Mankato. The Indian Massacre of New Ulm is written in history. The family never reached their destination, nor was any trace ever found to clear any doubt as to their sad disappearance. The lure of battle called, presumably thi-ough his sturdy ancestors, and again having fully recovered from his injury he went South to Chattanooga, Tenn., and enlisted under Captain Godfrey, remaining until the close of the war. He soon started North, traveling by steamboat as far as Fountain City. On a bright June morning in 1865 he started on foot to reach his father's cabin, on what is now the James Wright farm in Fly Creek Valley. Stopping over night at the home of G. H. Markham, he reached his destination the following day. He was employed by Henry Freeman the balance of the summer, and rented the farm now owned by Archie Wood in 1866. On Aug. 8, 1867, he was married to Mrs. Lucena Becker Woolsey, and Dec. 24, 1867, they moved to the home farm one mile west of Whitehall. Here he at once took a prominent part in the life of the community. Industrious and hardworking, a friend of every good cause, he endeared himself to all with whom he came in contact. By his industry and care he acquired and improved one of the best farms in the community. He served his town in various offices in a manner creditable alike to himself and to the taxpayers. His home life bordered on the ideal, and the many pleasant family gatherings will pass on in vivid memories. When death visited the home of his neighbor, L. D. McNitt, leaving a number of orphaned children, little 8-yearold Gertrude was admitted into the family circle. On account of advanced age and failing health he retired from the strenuous work of the farm and removed with his wife to Winona, Minn., on March 18, 1902, where they resided in their pleasant home at 1066 West Seventh Street. He left a wife and step-daughter, Ella, wife of A. R. Warren ; three sons. Dr. A. J. Lamberson, George W. Lamberson, L. H. Lamberson, and a daughter, Bernice, Mrs. Fred W. Lowe.

Amund Garthus is one of the leading citizens of Independence, and has been intimately associated with its business, political and social life for nearly 40 years. In building up a successful business he has assisted in the general development of the village, but the work by which he will be longest remembered is his civic service. The municipal improvements of the village have been his especial hobby, and he has given much of his spare time and all of his influence, to bring some of these improvements about. For no less than 17 years he was president of the village council, and for 15 years he served on the school board, a long record of public work worthily and efficiently performed. He was born in Valders, Norway, Oct. 4, 1852, son of Harold and Karen (Rustebakke) Garthus. He was reared to manhood in the old country, and in 1880 set out for the United States. Sept. 14 of that year he reached Independence, where he obtained work as clerk in a store and was thus occupied for about nine months. He then entered into partnership with Henry Hanson and bought the store of 0. P. Larson, which they conducted for two years and a half under the style of Hanson & Garthus. Subsequently Mr. Garthus conducted the business alone until 1884, when the store was destroyed by fire. In the fall of 1885 he started another store with J. A. Johanssen and was associated with him until the spring of 1889, at which time he bought the entire business and has since operated it alone. He has built up a good patronage and is doing a successful business. In 1901 he rebuilt the store, now having a two-room brick building, two stories and basement, measuring 42 by 70 feet. He and his family are members of the Norwegian Lutheran church, he having been secretary of the Independence congregation for many years. Mr. Garthus was married Aug. 13, 1887, to Susanna Torgerson, of Vernon County, Wis., who was born in that county Dec. 9, 1864. Mr. and Mrs. Garthus have had six children : Harold 0., born May 23, 1888, who is manager of his father's store; Samuel C, who died in 1907 at the age of 17 years; Lilhan T., born February 18, 1892, who is a bookkeeper in her father's store ; Ira B., born Sept. 18, 1894, and Adam S., born Nov. 26, 1897, who are employed in the store, and Arthur W., who died in infancy. Harold Garthus, father of Amund Garthus, was born Feb. 6, 1802, and died Oct. 12, 1880. He was married Nov. 12, 1836, to Karen Rustebakke, who was born Sept. 2, 1819, and died Oct. 16, 1891. Ole Forgerson, father of Mrs. Garthus, was born and reared in Norway, came to America in 1850, settled in Dane County, this State, moved to Vernon County in 1852, and there devoted his life to farming, dying at Independence in the spring of 1901, at the age of 86 years, his good wife, Sigri Midtveit, dying in 1896 at the age of 77 years.

C. F. W. Seiler, better known locally as Will Seller, is one of the thriving farmers of Hale Township, being proprietor of Plainview Stock Farm of 320 acres, comprising the north half of section 13, town 23 north, range 8 west. He is a native of Wisconsin, having been born at Cream, Buffalo County, Dec. 9, 1871. His parents were Frederick and Frederika (Bade) Seiler, the father born in Mecklenburg, Germany, in 1844, and the mother in Germany in 1847. Frederick Seiler emigrated to the United States in the year 1869, locating at Fountain City, Wis., where he worked out and rented farms until 1880. He then bought the north half and northeast quarter of section 13, Hale Township, residing on and cultivating that farm until 1904, when he took up his residence in Whitehall. Here he died in 1909. His wife survived him some years, passing away in the spring of 1915. They were the parents of three children : C. F. W. Albert, who died in infancy, and Paulina. "Will" Seiler was reared on the parental homestead and worked for his father until 1900, which was the year in which he purchased his present farm. Since then he has made some valuable improvements on it, in 1907 building his present residence, a 10-room, two-story, frame house, with basement, furnished with acetylene lights and running water. The barn was put up in 1905, and is 36 by 74 by 18 feet, with a cement floor basement, and has similar lighting and water facilities to the house. Mr. Seller raises Shorthorn cattle, having 80 head of high graded animals, and milking 25 ; also graded Shropshire sheep, of which he has 50 head ; and White Plymouth Rock chickens. His farm is well fenced with woven wire, its general appearance showing thrift and prosperity. Mr. Seller is also a stockholder in the Farmers' Exchange Bank, of Osseo ; the Pigeon Grain and Stock Company and the Whitehall Hospital. Mr. Seller was married May 20, 1899, to Lena Sielaff, who was born in Lincoln Township, Trempealeau County, Wis., April 2, 1878, her parents being Reinhold and Wilhelmina (Schwolon) Sielaff. Four children have been born to them : Louise, May 4, 1900 ; Clarence, Feb. 15, 1901 ; Ida, July 2, 1902, and Esther, Sept. 13, 1905. Mr. Seller and his family are members of the German Lutheran church, of which he is also a trustee. He has served as township treasurer for two years and since 1908 has been a director and treasurer of the school board of District No. 1.

Samuel Gunderson, proprietor of the Pleasant Hill Farm, section 22, Sumner ToVnship, is a native of this county, has spent his life on his present farm, and has served his township as clerk since 1910 and his school district as clerk and director. He was born Sept. 12, 1875, was reared to agricultural pursuits, attended the district school, and in 1900 rented the home farm, which he bought in 1906. In carrying on general agricultural operations he has been very successful. By his wife, Hannah Amundson, whom he married May 2, 1906, he has five children: Helen, born March 27, 1907, died Aug. 12, 1917 ; Thomas, born Dec. 3, 1908; Ruth, born May 30, 1912 ; Sigvald, born Nov. 29, 1915, and Helen Almira, born July 15, 1917. Mrs. Gunderson was born in Sumner Township Aug. 31, 1875, daughter of Halvor and Ragnild (Hougen) Amundson, who came to America in 1869, located in Dane County, Wis., and three years later settled in Sumner Township, this county, the father, who was born in 1830, dying in 1907, and the mother, who was born in 1835, dying in 1913.

Torger Gunderson came to Trempealeau County in 1874, and located on a farm of 160 acres in section 22, Sumner Township, which he operated until 1900, when he rented it to his son Samuel, the fourth of his 12 children (who purchased it in 1906) , and retired to a farm of 120 acres in section 28, in the same township, where he now lives. He was born in Norway, Feb. 20, 1846, came to America in 1869, and lived in Vernon County, this State, five years before coming to this county. His wife, Randi Simenson, was born in Norway, Dec. 12, 1846.

Frank M. Smith, stock dealer and agi'iculturist, of Osseo, is one of the prominent men in the community. He helped organize the State Bank of Osseo, has been one of its directors for many years, was its first depositor, and has been its president since 1912. He assisted in the organization of the Osseo Telephone Company, and is now a director and assistant manager of it. He has been a trustee of the Trempealeau County Asylum since its establishment in 1900, and for a number of years served as secretary of the State Association of County Asylum Trustees and Superintendents. For several years he has been clerk of the school board of Osseo, and was one of the active promoters of the building of the new modern Lincoln Hill High School, which now adorns the village. In rehgious work he is also active, and has been trustee of the Congregational church for some time. His fraternal relations are with the Masonic order and the Modern Woodmen. Mr. Smith was born at Ithaca, Wis., Nov. 1, 1864, son of Mathias M. and Elizabeth M. (Thomas) Smith. His education was received in the district school of Neptune, and the high schools of Sextonville and Richland Center. With this preparation he taught for three years at Ithaca and Cazenovia, Wis. In June, 1889, he came to Osseo, and for some years operated a livery stable and meat market. Selling the hvery business, he purchased a farm near Osseo, and another meat market in Fairchild, Wis., operating the two markets and doing an extensive business in live stock shipping for many years. He was married Jan. 1, 1892, to Florence Newell, daughter of George F. and Harriet R. (Sylvester) Newell, the former of whom, a miller, came to Osseo in 1880, and died in 1895, 14 years after the decease of his wife. Mr. and Mrs. Smith have three children: Cecile Harriet, married to Earl Johnson, of Augusta ; Margaret E. and Newell M., who are at home with their parents. Miss Margaret is a graduate of the Austin High School, of Chicago, and Master Newell is a boy of 14 in the Osseo High School. Mrs. Smith has been and is active in church and social work, and has shared her husband's enthusiasm for better schools and better homes for Osseo. Their home is a hospitable one of culture and refinement, from which emanates a splendid influence for good. Mathias M. Smith was born in Herkimer County, N. Y., came to Wisconsin and located in Richland County in 1854, farmed there until 1900, then came to Osseo, and died here in 1906, his wife dying in 1910.

Robert C. Field, a sturdy pioneer of this county, was born in Cairo, Greene County, N. Y., May 6, 1804, son of Robert B. and Sally (Austin) Field. He grew to manhood in his native State, became a leading man in his community, and did distinguished service in the New York Assembly in 1844. In 1849 he came to Wisconsin, and located in Richland County. Here his former reputation preceded him, and 10 years after his arrival he was sent to the Wisconsin Assembly. After completing his duties at the State capital, he came to Trempealeau County, and located on section 16, in Sumner Township. As before, he speedily became a leader among his fellows, and in 1874 he was sent to the State Senate. While conducting his farm, he bought and sold cattle and also dealt in real estate. He died June 16, 1876, sincerely honored and mourned. Mr. Field was married Jan. 1, 1837, to Harriet M. Graham, who died a few months after their marriage. April 1, 1838, he married May Stoddard, who was born Nov. 3, 1815, and died Jan. 2, 1901, a daughter of Neri and Triphena (Beebe) Stoddard. Mr. and Mrs. Field had seven children : Harriet, who married E. S. Hotchkiss ; Stoddard, a prominent man of Osseo; Robert D., Francis E., Horace A., Hiram H. and Mary E., who married C. D. Van Hoesen. All are dead except Stoddard.

Stoddard Field, one of the leading men of Osseo, has been an important factor in the upbuilding of the community. He has taken a deep intei*est in all the big enterprises of his day, has led an active life, and has been a useful and worthy citizen. He was born at Cairo, Greene County, N. Y., Aug. 19, 1842, son of Robert C. and Mary (Stoddard) Field, the pioneers. For many years he lived on the home farm near Osseo, carrying on agricultural operations while engaged extensively in stock dealing, and also handling considerable real estate. For a time he was a merchant at Osseo. In connection with his stock buying, he held for a considerable period the contract for furnishing meat for woodsmen in Northern Wisconsin. Sometimes he bought, killed and dressed as high as 100 head of cattle a day, to be shipped to Ashland, Wis., from which point it was distributed. Mr. Field is now living a retired life in his pleasant home in Osseo, where he is deeply beloved by all who know him. Mr. Field was married Jan. 1, 1871, to Martha E. Robbins, a teacher in Eau Claire, born in Marquette County, Wis., Feb. 25, 1850, daughter of E. W. and Laura (Pond) Robbins. E. W. Robbins was born in Lennox, N. Y., Feb. 24, 1821, and was married in 1846 to Laura Pond, who was born in Camden, N. Y. They came to Marquette County, Wis., in 1843, and to Eau Claire County in 1854, farming three miles east of Eau Claire until his death, Feb. 20, 1904. Mr. and Mrs. Field have two children: Leslie H., born Nov. 19, 1871, farms near Osseo. Clarence W., born Feb. 8, 1874, is a lumber dealer in Osseo.

Anton Senty, vice-president of the State Bank of Independence, was born in Buffalo County, Wis., Oct. 4, 1865. He is a son of John George and Margaret (Gasner) Senty. The father was born in Switzerland and came to the United States in 1849, settling in Sauk County, Wis., where he was engaged in farming. In 1857 he removed to Buffalo County, where the rest of his life was spent, as he died in Montana Township, that county, in 1879, at the age of 53 years. His wife Margaret died in 1913 at the age of 75. Anton Senty resided on the home farm until the age of 25 years. He acquired a good education, attending Gale College, at Galesville, after graduating from the Arcadia High School, and subsequently taking the regular course at the Winona Normal School. He then taught five winters in the public schools. While living on the farm he served as town clerk of Montana Township. In 1892 he became bookkeeper for John Sprecher, in whose employ he continued until 1897. In that year he and Mr. Sprecher organized the Sprecher & Senty Bank, a private institution, which later became the State Bank of Independence. Of this he became cashier and was also the practical manager, Mr. Sprecher being president. In 1913 Mr. Senty was elected vice-president, in which position he is still serving. He is also a stockholder in three other banking institutions and in the Sprecher Lumber Company. Since 1905 he has served as treasurer of the board of education of Independence. As a business man he is progressive, with a conservatism that avoids taking doubtful risks. The institution of which he is one of the leading officers is prospering and gradually increasing in strength and importance owing to the wise management of himself and his associates. Mr. Senty was united in marriage, Jan. 25, 1900, to Nellie Lockway, of Independence, a daughter of Michael and Sena (Severson) Lockway. Her father, who was engaged in the grain business, died in 1908 at the age of 62 years. He is survived by his wife, who is now 62 years old and resides in Independence. Mr. and Mrs. Senty have had six children, two of whom died in infancy. Those living are : Lester A., who was born May 19, 1903; Margaret S., born April 15, 1909; Dorothy N., born Nov. 29, 1913, and Imogene, born Feb. 13, 1917. The family faith is that of the Methodist Episcopal church.

Peter Nelton. Few names are better known in Trempealeau County than that of the subject of this sketch, who, besides operating a small but well-improved farm in section 33, Chimney Rock Township, has for many years been intimately connected with public affairs and is a leading member of the Democratic party in this section. He was born in Schleswig-Holstein, Germany, Oct. 13, 1853, son of Mads and Mary Nelton. His mother died in 1860, in her native land, and the father, coming to America in 1869, died at Dubuque, Iowa, the same year at the age of 57 years. Peter Nelton did not come to this country until 1872, and then he settled at Topeka, Kan., where he obtained employment on the railroad and was thus occupied for two years. At the end of that time he came to Trempealeau County, Wis., and located in Arcadia, where he worked as lumberman and clerk until 1876. From that time until 1879 he resided in Borst Valley, being employed on a farm and then purchased his present place in section 33, Chimney Rock Township. The farm contains 40 acres, the land being fertile and the buildings neat and substantial. Mr. Nelton is president of the creamery company at Independence. Aside from the duties connected therewith, and the management of his farm, he has for a long period devoted a large part of his time to the public service, for 20 years having been chairman of the township board and a member of the county board by virtue of that office. He was also clerk of the school board 18 years ; chairman of the county Democratic committee three years, and in the office of the Railway Commission at Madison from 1891 to 1895. In 1911 and 1912 he served as a member of the Wisconsin Assembly. In all these various positions Mr. Nelton has shown himself an efficient and conscientious public servant, familiar with local conditions, loyal to his constituents and progressive in spirit and action when changes were needed in the laws or in their application. That he has gained the confidence of his fellow citizens is attested by the fact that he has been so continuously in public life, having advanced usually from lower to higher positions. He is a member of the Masonic lodge in Arcadia and also of the Modern Woodmen of America. Mr. Nelton has enjoyed the comforts and shared the responsibilities of domestic life for over 40 years, having been married Nov. 1, 1876, to Mary Olson, who was born in Denmark, May 28, 1844. He and his wife are the parents of three children : Mamie is now a teacher, having been a student in the University of Wisconsin. Nora is a teacher in Chimney Rock Township. Earl was an attorney at Grand Rapids, Wis., for two years. He is now in the United States service, having been made a lieutenant in the officers' reserve camp at Camp Custer, near Battle Creek, Mich.

Ontario, Canada, June 9, 1868, son of Gideon A. and Jane (Wilson) Palmer. The father, who was born in Nova Scotia in 1832, was a farmer by occupation ; he died at Bothwell, Ontario, Oct. 4, 1908 ; his wife, who was born in Bothwell in 1838, died there Feb. 7, 1912; they had a family of eight children, aU bom in Bothwell : Emily, born in 1864, and now Mrs. Joseph McAuslin of Bothwell ; Hiram W., born in 1866, who is engaged in farming near Bothwell ; Judson A., subject of this sketch ; Spurgeon, born in 1870, who is a traveling salesman residing at La Crosse, Wis. ; Alexander, born in 1878, who is a farmer living near Bothwell; Fannie, born in 1884, who is residing at the old home in Bothwell; Eliza, born in 1886, who resides in Ontario, and George, born in 1891, who is an expert machinist, making his home in Bothwell. Both Eliza and Fannie are unmarried. Judson A. Palmer came to the United States in 1887 and entered the University of Michigan at Ann Arbor, from the medical department of which he was graduated in 1890. In the same year he began medical practice at Foston, Minn., but after remaining there one month he removed to Red Wing, Minn. In July, 1891, he came to Arcadia, where he built up a good reputation throughout this part of the county as physician and surgeon. Dr. Palmer was appointed local medical examiner for all the old line insurance companies represented in this section, and also for a number of fraternal lodges and orders, to which he himself belongs. He has been a Chapter Mason since 1896, a Knight Templar since 1911, a member of the Consistory and the Shrine since 1914. The other lodges or orders of which he is a member are: The Eastern Star, Independent Order of Foresters, Yeomen, Woodmen of the World, Modern Woodmen of America, Knights of the Maccabees, Beavers, Knights of Pythias and Elks. For several years he has been a member of the county board and has served in several local offices. Aug. 6, 1907, he enlisted in the United States service, received a commission as first Ueutenant and was sent to Ft. Riley, Kansas.

March 27, 1895, Dr. Palmer was united in marriage with Alice M., daughter of Daniel and Florence (Caldwell) Bigham of Arcadia Township, who were among the earliest settlers of Trempealeau County. Dr. and Mrs. Palmer have one son, Donald, born on Aug. 22, 1911. Mrs. Palmer is active and prominent in various society circles, being a member of the Eastern Star and a past member of the Grand Chapter, Eastern Star. She is also interested in educational matters and is now serving as secretary of the county committee on common schools, having been appointed by the county board.

Halvor K. Moen, a retired farmer residing at Arcadia "Old Town," a mile east of the present village of Arcadia, was born in the province of Christiansand-Telemarken, Norway, April 4, 1849, son of Kittle and Turi Moen. In 1866, at the age of 17 years, he came to America, landing at Quebec, Canada, from which city he journeyed by train to Windsor, crossing into the United States at Detroit, and proceeding by train to Chicago. Here an attempt was made to forward him, with others of the party to Milwaukee by boat, but as their tickets called for rail transportation they stood on their rights and came by train to Dane County, Wisconsin, locating near Madison. Young Moen, who had neither money nor ticket, passed as a member of another family. After staying in Dane County until November, he left for Prairie du Chien, taking boat from the latter place to La Crosse and proceeding on foot the rest of the way to Trempealeau County, on his arrival here locating in Holcomb Coulie. He worked at whatever he could find to do for a number of years thereafter, boating on the Mississippi River, helping in the Minnesota harvest fields and lumbering in the woods during the winters, for many seasons running logs on Black River. In 1870 he sent to Norway for his parents, buying for them a homesteader's right to 120 acres in Holcomb Coulie, where they settled on their arrival. In 1875 he bought 200 acres of partly improved land in Thompson's Valley, three miles from Arcadia in Arcadia township, on which land stood a small log house. This property he rented till 1883 and then began working it for himself. On March 12, 1885, Mr. Moen married Carrie Hanson, daughter of Sever and Torbjor Hanson of Thompson's Valley, who was born in Norway and when a child of two years came to America with her parents, they settling in Trempealeau County, Wisconsin. Until 1899 he and his wife resided in the log cabin on the farm and then Mr. Moen built a good residence - a two-story, brick-veneer house of nine rooms. In 1890 he built his first barn, six years later erecting a modern frame barn, 24 by 44 feet, with full basement. He has also put up a granary and machine shed combined, a hog house, poultry house, springhouse and other necessary or useful buildings. He continued to improve and cultivate the farm until 1916, in which year he retired to his present residence, where he is passing the time in ease and comfort, the reward of many years of strenuous exertion. He is a stockholder in the Western Wisconsin Telephone Company, the Arcadia Shipping Association, the Independent Cattle Company of North Dakota, and the Independent Harvester Company of Piano, 111. His financial interests in North Dakota and Montana are quite extensive. He and his wife have reared a family of ten children: Thomas, residing in Montana, unmarried; Rena, living in Montana and the owner of a claim there ; Thea, who resides at Devils Lake, N. D. ; Clara, residing at home, unmarried ; Helma, unmarried, who graduated from the Arcadia high school and the normal school at Mayville, N. D., and has taught school for the past five years ; Sarah, a graduate of the Arcadia high school and of the La Crosse normal school, who is unmarried, and is teaching in Montana, where she owns a claim; Gelena, who married Gustav Timboe and resides at Devils Lake, N. D. ; Otto, who is a student at the Wisconsin Business University, La Crosse, Wis.; Carrie, a student in the Arcadia high school, and Carl, attending the Arcadia school, both residing at home. Mr. Moen and his family are members of the Tamarack Lutheran Congregation. He is a charter member and was one of the founders of the church located in Norway Coolie, south of his old homestead. In politics he is a Democrat. He served as township assessor two years, was tax collector a number of years, treasurer of the school district No. 7 for several years, and clerk of the board one year, rendering eflScient service in these various offices.

(Hawley) English, who brought him to this country that same year. He spent his early boyhood in various places in Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Connecticut and Wisconsin, and was brought to Arcadia Township, this county, as a boy of fourteen. He was reared to farm pursuits, taught school four years, was undersheriff six years, and has been in his present line of endeavor since 1874. For two years he was town treasui-er. Mr. English was married Jan. 25, 1876, to Anna Glennon, who was born Nov. 13, 1857, daughter of Redmond and Margaret Glennon. This union has been blessed with five children : Edward G., Ralph, Margaret, Redmond F. and Mark. Edward G. graduated from the Arcadia high school, and from the medical college of the University of Wisconsin, and is now a physician in Pachuca, Mexico, in which country he has lived for the past nine years. Ralph died at the age of nine years. Margaret is the wife of George H. Barry, implement dealer of Arcadia. Redmond F. graduated from the Arcadia high school and the University of Washington and is now in partnership with his father. Mark has also studied engineering in the University of Washington.

Daniel English, for many years a well-known citizen of Trempealeau County, was born in County Tipperary, Ireland, May 19, 1819, and there spent his youth. As a young man he married Margaret Hawley. They came to America in 1850, and to secure funds for their trip to the Mississippi Valley worked in Massachusetts, Connecticut and Rhode Island. Reaching Wisconsin they worked for a while in Milwaukee and La Crosse. In 1864 they came to Trempealeau County and settled on a farm in the southern part of Arcadia Township. Through thrift, economy and hard labor he soon developed a fine farm, and became one of the substantial men of the community. In 1889 he moved his family to Arcadia Village, and there resided until his death, in 1898. He had been a true husband, a kind father, and loyal friend and a good citizen, and his loss was sincerely mourned. Daniel Enghsh and Margaret Hawley were married April 5, 1848. Mrs. Hawley was born May 28, 1824, and proved an able helpmate of her husband through all the changing fortunes of life. Mr. and Mrs. English were the parents of seven children : Michael, John, May, Ellen, Edward G., Daniel and William T. Michael and John live in Arcadia. May and Edward G. live in Mt. Vernon, Wash. Daniel lives in British Columbia. Ellen, who became Mrs. Egan, and Dr. W. T., foi-merly of Winona, are dead.

Noah D. Comstock, a pioneer settler of Arcadia, long passed away, but whose memory will remain green for many years to come, was born in Lowville, Lewis County, N. Y., Nov. 22, 1832. In his native town he received a common school and partially academic education. When 18 years of age he moved to Calhoun County, Mich., and one year later to Indiana, where he taught school until 1853. In that year he crossed overland the great plains and mountains to the gold mines of Califoi-nia. After working in the gold mines for two years, he returned east as far as Wisconsin and in 1855 became one of the first settlers of Arcadia. He was town assessor in 1858, county treasurer in 1860, and re-elected in 1862 and 1864, was a member of the county board in 1868, and a member of the assembly from Trempealeau County in 1872, 1874, 1875 and 1876 ; he also held other local offices and was elected state senator in 1882. In 1868 Mr. Comstock was united in marriage to Ellen Comstock, a union of the happiest and brightest order, lasting lor moi-e than 20 years. But in time came the inevitable end, and after a long, patient and resolute struggle against the messenger of death, Noah Durham Comstock passed away on the morning of the 6th of June, 1890. His death was regretted by all who knew him, for he possessed all the characteristics of a true and noble gentleman. A man of great independence of character and stern integrity, united with rare ability, he had a warm heart and a remarkably unselfish and self-sacrificing disposition, being ever ready to lend his counsel and assistance to those in need. In manner he was modest and retiring. Void of all superstitious fear of death, his main study was to learn how to live - how to utilize his narrow span of time here in the faithful performance of Ufe's daily and hourly duties, indulging in no vain speculations as to the shadowy future. Like the Hebrew sage, of whom Longfellow speaks in one of his shorter poems, he sought to be remembered "as one who loved his fellow men." During his last sickness he was gentle and patient, and greatly appreciated all that was done for him. He suif ered much, but never complained, though he was conscious to the last, and when death came it was as a peaceful sleep. At his own request, his funeral services were conducted by Judge A. W. Newman, of Trempealeau, and his remains were followed from his residence to the village cemetery by a large concourse of friends and neighbors who had come from nearly every part of the county to pay a last sad tribute of respect to one whom in life they had learned to honor and esteem. To his wife and children he left the fragrance of an exemplary life and the honor of a stainless name.

James Gaveney was one of the founders and pioneers of Trempealeau County, his personality was woven into much of the warp and woof of the county's early history, and his name was inseparably connected with its destinies for many years. He not only developed one of the best farms in the county, but he likewise became interested in a number of important business ventures, and his varied activities included the milling, lumbering and cheese-making industries. James Gaveney was born at Bally Bay, County Monaghan, Ireland, April 5, 1825. Left an orphan at an early age, he was reared to farm pursuits, and upon attaining his majority, went to Dublin, where for some years he was employed as a member of the police force. While thus engaged he constantly heard stories of the wonderful possibilities offered to men of industry and intelligence in the United States, and he accordingly determined to try his fortunes in the new world. The opportunity came in 1848, when, with Httle more than sufficient funds to pay his passage, he set out for America. After landing, he found his way to Mineral Point, this State, where for a while he was engaged in lead mining. In 1852, when the excitement attending the gold discovery in California was at its height, he joined Captain Sublette's company and crossed the plains to the Pacific coast. His first location in that State was at French Corral, where he remained one year, and was afterward at Forest City about four years. At French Corral he formed the acquaintance of Noah Comstock, another pioneer and prominent citizen of Trempealeau County, who preceded Mr. Gaveney here by a year, and became one of the first settlers in the now historic "Bishop Colony," of which he was a member. The circumstances of the meeting of these two sturdy frontiersmen was most peculiar, and furnished them with much amusement in after years. According to the story which, with many a chuckle, they often told, they met as strangers, and there arose between them a most serious dispute as to the title of a certain claim which grew so violent in its character that revolvers were drawn, and the quarrel seemed likely to terminate seriously to one or both of the parties. But better counsels prevailed, and they agi-eed to work the claim in partnership. As these gentlemen came to know each other better, and to appreciate each other's better qualities, a friendship was formed which only ceased with death. Their attachment was ever a subject of remark.

Mr. Gaveney returned from California via the Isthmus of Panama, and came to Trempealeau County from Mineral Point in 1856 ; he first purchased 40 acres of land, which forms a part of the present homestead of the family ; and he afterward increased his possessions until he owned many hundred acres. His Uf e was devoted mainly to agricultural pursuits, and he was ever a well-known and influential citizen. In 1879, in company with Mr. Comstock, he bought the Independence Mill at Independence, where they did quite an extensive business ; their output averaged about $60,000 per annum. They were also engaged in the lumber business at the same place. Personally, Mr. Gaveney was a man of more than average physical strength, and possessed great will power. He was prominent in whatever tended to promote the best interests of the community in which he lived, and possessed the respect and esteem of his fellow citizens. In his political affiliations he was a Republican. His tastes were opposed to the seeking of political preferment, but he was prevailed upon to accept a number of public oifices, including the chairmanship of his township, and other positions, and from June, 1876, until July, 1885, he was postmaster, resigning his position by reason of advancing years. He was a successful man, and deservedly so, and at his death, which occurred June 21, 1889, the community was bereft of one of its most worthy citizens. He left behind him a record worthy of preservation in the annals of his county. Mr. Gaveney was married in Arcadia, in 1860, to Maria Martha Briggs, who was born in Vermont, June 30, 1830. This union was blessed with three children : Charles, John C. and Mamie. Charles was born May 27, 1861, and died Dec. 5, 1889. John C. was born Oct. 30, 1863, and is one of the leading citizens of Arcadia. Mamie died at the age of 11 years, in 1879. After the death of Mr. Gaveney his good wife continued to live on the pleasant homestead near the village of Arcadia until her lamented death, Feb. 19, 1908.

John C. Gaveney, leading attorney, former senator, member of the Wisconsin Exemption Board, president of the Western Wisconsin Telephone Company, president of the Ettrick & Northern Railroad Company, vicepresident of the Bank of Arcadia, owner of a modern stock farm, and prominently identified with the political, economical and social life of Trempealeau County for the past 30 years, is one of the leading citizens of Western Wisconsin, and his name is inseparably connected with its history, as was that of his father before him. The career which has led to these many honors and distinctions has been a most notable one. Born on the pioneer homestead in this county, June 30, 1863, he was reared to sturdy boyhood, and attended first the school at Old Arcadia, and then the school in the new village, graduating from the Arcadia public schools with the class of 1879. Thus prepared, he increased his educational experience by teaching for several seasons, and then, in 1881, entered the University of Wisconsin, graduating in the class of 1885 with the degree of B. A. Then he again taught for a while, and subsequently entered the law department of his alma mater, receiving his degree of LL. B. with the class of 1888. He began the practice of his profession at Milwaukee, but a short time afterward formed a partnership with J. 0. Raymond at Stevens Point. He was there on the highway to success, when he was called home by the death of his father, June 21, 1890, and the death of his brother, Dec. 5, 1889, and the burdens of the various interests of the estate feU upon his shoulders. He at once opened an office here, but for the first three years he was largely engaged in operating the mill and lumber yard at Independence, and the farms at Independence and Arcadia. He is now dean of the lawyers of the county, he has been engaged in most of its important htigation for nearly 30 years, and he has been one of the most eloquent and able attorneys that has ever practiced before its courts. His interest in farming has never abated. His large tract of 500 acres near the village is one of the show places of the county. Here he carries on general agricultural operations along the most modern improved hnes, making a specialty of dairying and stock raising and maintaining a fine herd of Holstein-Friesian cattle. A tractor engine furnishes much of the motive power, and a feature of the work on the place is the new B. L. K. milking machines, the farm being the first in this region where such equipment was installed. The story of the starting of the telephone line which has now become the important Western Wisconsin Telephone Company by Mr. Gaveney and a few of his friends, as well as the story of the Ettrick & Northern Railroad, and his shaping of its destinies since the people of Ettrick first conceived the project is told elsewhere in this work, as is also the story of the municipal improvements of Arcadia, many of the most important of which were installed during his terms of oflSce as village president, and all of which have been given the benefit of his influence and enthusiasm. Since early manhood he has been interested in politics, he has been the center of many a political fight as a delegate to county, district and State conventions, and while he has preferred to be a power behind the office rather than to actually occupy office himself, he has served in several important pubhc positions. His service as state senator in 1901-1905 added materially to his influence throughout the State. Being of a fraternal nature. Senator Gaveney has allied himself with Arcadia Lodge, No. 201, A. F. & A. M., and with Chapter No. 76, R. A.M. He is a lover of the out-of-doors, and aside from farming, his greatest hobby is fishing, some of his greatest legal problems having been worked out while he was "casting" for trout along the beautiful streams of Trempealeau County. In personality. Senator Gaveney is of genial temperament and tremendous energy, a polished gentleman of the old school, and much of his influence is reflected in the progressive spirit of the village. He is democratic and approachable, an untiring worker for every good cause or worthy project. His beautiful home, erected on a bluff overlooking the business section of the village, is one of the social centers of the county, and he and Mrs. Gaveney dehght in dispensing hospitality to young and old alike. Mr. Gaveney was married, April 9, 1890, to Isadore D. Webster, stepdaughter of Judge E. W. Keyes, of Madison. This union has been blessed with two children : Marguerite and Stanleigh. Marguerite was born Oct. 2, 1891, graduated from the Arcadia High School, attended the University of Wisconsin, became a proficient musician, and is now proprietor of a millinery establishment in Arcadia. Stanleigh was born July 6, 1896, graduated from the Arcadia High School, where he attained considerable distinction as an athlete, and is now attending the University of Wisconsin, with a view to later adopting his father's profession.

Albert Hess, postmaster, and editor of the Arcadia Leader, is a native of this State, having been born in Buffalo County, Montana Township, Sept. 24, 1871, son of George and Fredericka (Beutner) Hess. George Hess was born in Germany, came to America in 1850, lived at Cleveland, Ohio, five years, employed as a carpenter, came to Winona, Minn., in 1855, and located in Buffalo County in 1860, there remaining until his death in 1895 at the age of 70 years. He married in 1852 Fredericka Beutner, who was born in Germany in 1830, came to America in 1851, and now lives in Buffalo County at the age of 87 years. Three of the children in the family are living. Albert Hess attended the public schools of his neighborhood, supplemented with courses in the high schools at Arcadia and Alma. He was reared to farm pursuits, and remained on the home farm until 1896. Then he was employed in the machine business at Arcadia, six years. In 1902 he entered the postal service as mail carrier on Route No. 1, out of Arcadia. The Leader being for sale in 1904, he purchased it, and has since been its editor and proprietor. Sept. 1, 1913, he was appointed postmaster by President Woodrow Wilson. Previous to this for three years he had been secretary of the Democratic County Committee. Mr. Hess was married Jan. 1, 1896, to Clara Nickel, daughter of Fred and Ehzabeth (Fenstermacher) Nickel, the former of whom is pastor of the Evangelical Association church at Port Washington, Wis. Mr. and Mrs. Hess have one daughter, Ethel, born May 11, 1899, who assisted her father in the postofflce, but now is a student at the State University at Madison, Wis.

Caspar Wohlgenant, a prosperous business man of Arcadia Village, was born in the Tyrol, Austria, Aug. 22, 1849, son of Joseph and Catherine (Coeb) Wohlgenant. When he was 12 years old his parents died and he had to go to work to earn his own living. At 15 years he began to learn the cabinetmaker's trade, finishing his apprenticeship at the age of 19. For the next two years he traveled through Switzerland, working at his trade. On attaining his majority he was turned over to the Austrian government, according to the law enforcing military service, but instead of serving he decided to come to America. Landing in New York in 1871, he proceeded by rail to Dubuque, Iowa, where he worked two years as a carpenter and millwright. In 1873 he went to Wabasha, Minn., finding employment in a furniture factory there and remaining two years. Coming to Arcadia in the fall of 1875, he entered into partnership with E. J. Tracy in the furniture business, and this partnership was continued until the fall of 1877, when it was dissolved, Mr. Wohlgenant buying Mr. Tracy's interest. A few months later Mr. Wohlgenant associated himself as partner with Peter Ley, and they continued together for two years, at the end of which time the subject of this sketch bought out Mr. Ley and again became sole owner of the business. During the partnership above mentioned a frame store was built by the firm, which is now occupied by Mr. Wohlgenant's successor. In connection with the furniture business Mr. Wohlgenant built and operated a planing mill, and in 1896 he added a lumber business, establishing a yard in Arcadia, which he still operates. June 1, 1914, he sold his furniture business, together with the store building, to John J. Schneider, a son-in-law, who now operates the leading furniture business in Arcadia, carrying a large stock. Since purchasing the business Mr. Schneider has erected a two-story brick block, 35 by 80 feet. Mr. Wohlgenant was married, July 22, 1878, to Mary, daughter of Peter and Catherine Ley, of Arcadia. He and his wife have had four children : Rosy, born in 1879, who died in 1893 ; Mary, born Feb. 2, 1884, who is now Mrs. Harry Engeldinger, of Durand, Wis. ; Katherine, born May 30, 1886, now Mrs. Perry Comersford, of Chicago, 111., and Anna, born March 8, 1889, who is the wife of John J. Schneider, of Arcadia. All these children were born in Arcadia. Mr. Wohlgenant is a Democrat pohtically. He has served two terms as a member of the county board, has been president of Arcadia village two terms, and a member of the village board for many years. Aside from his lumber business, he is a stockholder in Bank of Arcadia and also in the Western Wisconsin Telephone Company and the Arcadia Brewery. He and his entire family are members of the Cathohc church, and since 1914 he has belonged to the Knights of Columbus. The family is one of the most respected in this part of Trempealeau County.

John J. Schneider, the leading furniture dealer of Arcadia, Wis., was born in Montana Township, Buffalo County, Wis., Jan. 17, 1886. He was educated in the district schools of his native township, which he attended until he was 12 years old, and from 12 to 15 continued his studies in the German Catholic parochial school in Arcadia, and later in the Arcadia High School. Until he was 20 years old he worked on his father's farm, subsequently entering the employ of Fugina Bros. & Fertig as clerk in their department store, and remaining with them until 1907. In 1898 his parents moved to Arcadia from their farm in Buffalo County. It was in the winter of 1907-08 that the subject of this sketch entered the Winona Business College, at Winona, Minn., and he remained there until he had completed the full business course. Then returning to Arcadia, he purchased the bakery business of Joseph Bast, which he carried on for one year, and then sold out. In 1909 he went to Chicago and took a course in embalming at the Barnes School, and on his return entered the employ of Caspar Wohlgenant, furniture dealer. Dec. 7, 1910, he bought the furniture stock of Mr. Wohlgenant and has since been the proprietor of the business. June 1, 1914, he bought the building occupied by Mr. Wohlgenant and in the same year added a one-story brick block, 35 by 80 feet, thus expanding his furniture and undertaking business, which has now reached large proportions. He was now a man of family, having married, Sept. 4, 1912, Anna, daughter of Caspar and Mary Wohlgenant, of Arcadia. They have one child, Bernice, who was born Feb. 26, 1914. Mr. Schneider and his family are members of the Catholic church. Since 1910 he has belonged to the Order of Red Men, and since 1911 to the Knights of Columbus.

Matt. Scow came to Trempealeau County in 1868 and located in Newcomb's Valley, seven miles east of Arcadia Village, where he homesteaded 160 acres in section 33. The land was wild and had to be grubbed and cleared before crops could be planted. The first home was a small structure, 14 by 16 feet, which is now the south wing of the present house. Additions were made from time to time until the home is a pleasant two-story building of eleven comfortable rooms. Beginning under the most primitive circumstances, with a yoke of oxen, and but few tools, he gradually achieved prosperity. To his original claim he added 40 acres, thus making a farm of 200 acres, of which 150 was tilled. After a long life, filled with busy work, he died in 1904 at the age of 72 years. Two weeks later his wife died. They were buried in the cemetery of the Fagerness Lutheran church, of which they were numbered among the founders and liberal supporters. Mr. Scow was born in Norway in 1832, there married Isabella Olson, and with her came to America in 1866, landing at New York, and living near Madison, in Dane County, Wisconsin, before coming to Trempealeau. In the family there were seven children: Tillie, now of Minneapolis ; Minnie, now wife of C. W. Cann of Jersey City, N. J.; Josie, now wife of M. J. Skogstad, a farmer of Blair, this county; Ohve, now Mrs. C. J. Skogstad of Whitehall, Wis.; Ida, now Mrs. E. K. Stutlien of Blair, Wis. ; Albert Mark, who owns the home place, and Emil, an attorney of Bowman, N. D.

Albert Mark Scow is a native of Trempealeau County, boi'n on the homestead in section 33, Arcadia Township, in Newcomb's Valley, Dec. 3, 1875, son' of Matt and Isabella (Olson) Scow. He was educated in the district schools, learned farming from his father, rented the home farm in 1901, and purchased it from his co-heirs in 1909. On this place he now carries on general farming and dairying, owning a good herd of Holstein and Redpoll cattle. He has improved the house and has erected a frame barn, 36 by 80 by 14, with full basement and equipped with the James system, stanchions and other conveniences. He has also constructed a granary, cattle stalls, machine sheds and similar buildings. A Republican in poUtics, he is a public-spirited citizen. His fraternal associations are with the Beavers at Arcadia. Mr. Scow was married Dec. 26, 1910, to Lena Erickson, daughter of Paul and Matilda Erickson of Newcomb's Valley, and this union has been blessed with four children: Palmer, born Nov. 4, 1904; Raymond, born June 30, 1906; Evelyn, born Oct. 16, 1910, and Maurice Leonard, born April 11, 1917.

George Meier, head butter maker for the Farmers Co-operative Creamery Company of Arcadia, and a. man who has had a wide experience in his line of work, was born Feb. 12, 1878, at Waumandee, Buffalo County, Wis.