Trempealeau County, Wisconsin - Biographical sketches, 1917 (part 16 of 20)

His parents were Andrew and Catherine (Stauni) Meier, the father born at Northstabl, Freiderichstadt, Germany, May 3, 1845, and the mother in Canton Schauffhausen, Switzerland, Oct. 14, 1851. Andrew Meier came to America in 1871, a single man, his future wife coming alone in 1873. Both of them settled in Montana, Buffalo County, Wis., where they were married Nov. 6, 1874. For many years Andrew Meier was engaged in farming, being thus occupied until his death, March 14, 1891, after which his wife came to reside in Arcadia Village, Trempealeau County. Their children, eight in number, were: Elizabeth, born Jan. 25, 1875, who is now the wife of Hiram Hensel of Arcadia; George, the subject of this sketch ; Maria, born Jan. 22, 1878, now Mrs. Matt Burnie of Fairchild, Wis. ; Katharine, born March 19, 1880, who is unmarried and has resided in New York City for the past 18 years ; Andrew, who was born June 12, 1882, and is now living at Wibaux, Mont. ; Anna Lena, who died in infancy ; Henry, born Nov. 13, 1885, who is living at Fresno, Cal., and John, born Nov. 9, 1890, who is a resident of Linton, N. D. George Meier in his youth attended the district school and the graded school at Arcadia. Relinquishing his studies at the age of 17, he worked out on farms until 1897, at which time he entered the Arcadia creamery as butter maker's helper, and was thus employed until 1900. During the winter of 1899-00 he attended the short term dairy course at Madison, Wis., and in the following spring became head butter maker at the Arcadia creamery. In this position he continued until 1907, when the company sold out. On the eighth of April, that year, Mr. Meier went to Ogden, Utah, where he entered the employ of the Blackman & Griffin Creamery Company as first butter maker. With this concern he remained only until February, 1908, going then to Salt Lake City, in the same state, where he worked as head butter maker with the Cache Valley Condensed Milk Company. In the spring of 1909 he returned to Arcadia, arriving home February 19, and on the following day took the position of head butter maker with the Farmers Co-operative Creamery Company of Arcadia, with which concern he has since remained. Mr. Meier is also a stockholder in the Western Wisconsin Telephone Company. Fraternally he is affiliated with the Masons, belonging to Lodge No. 201 and Chapter No. 76 ; has been a member of the Modern Woodmen of America since 1901, and also belongs to the Beavers. In politics he is a Republican, but is not active pohtically. Mr. Meier was married Oct. 6, 1914, to Louise, daughter of Thomas and Oleen Johnson of Osseo, Wis., the marriage ceremony taking place at Arcadia. He and his wife have three children: Wilmar, born Nov. 12, 1905; Nolda, born Jan. 15, 1914, and Oleen, born Jan. 13, 1916.

Jacob Hotz, a resident of Arcadia Village, is a man who has conquered fortune by industry and perseverance in spite of adverse circumstances. He was born in Hesse-Darmstadt, Germany, May 24, 1864, son of Adam and Margaret E. (Sior) Hotz. His parents were both born in Germany, the father May 8, 1834, and the mother March 26, 1837. In 1882 the family came to America, landing in New York, from which city they proceeded direct to Arcadia, Wis. They were very poor and the expenses of the voyage had almost depleted their scanty resources. During the first year in this country Adam Hotz worked at the trade of blacksmith, which he had followed in the old country, going from place to place to find employment. In 1883 he opened a shop in Arcadia, and did general blacksmith work, being handicapped, however, by the fact that he was unable to shoe horses, but his skill as a lock and gunsmith was of assistance to him. He continued in business in Arcadia until his death, which occuri'ed June 26, 1895. His wife died in 1915, aged 78 years. Jacob Hotz, who was an only child, was 18 years old when his parents settled in Arcadia. He soon found work on a farm and was thus occupied during the summers until he had reached the age of 21, attending Arcadia high school in the winters. He then went to work for Dr. George N. Hidershide, in whose employ he continued for five years without the loss of a day. In the spring of 1890 he went to Winona, Minn., where he was employed in a greenhouse, but stayed only a short time, as he found his pay was uncertain. Returning to Arcadia, he again went to work for Dr. Hidershide and was there one year. After the death of his father he was left with the care and support of his widowed mother. In the fall of 1896 he was offered and accepted the position of janitor in the Arcadia public schools, and although now 32 years of age, on small wages and with his mother to support, he determined to improve his education by taking the high school course, and accordingly did so, graduating in 1900 with honor at the age of 36, an example of what may be achieved by courage and determination. A year before he graduated he gave another proof of his courage by marrying, Aug. 17, 1899, Mary Jegi, daughter of Simon and Agnes (Dascher) Jagi of West Arcadia, bringing her to his home. However, he had gained confidence in himself by this time, and it is safe to say that he has never regretted what some people might have regarded as a premature marriage. He was the more confident, as one year after entering the high school he had laid the foundation for future success in a business way by purchasing the old fair ground in Arcadia, a plot of land of 17 acres, with buildings and surrounded by a fence. From the material in the fence and buildings he erected his present buildings - a two-story, brick veneer house of nine rooms, and a frame barn, 24 by 48 by 20 feet, for hay and stock. In 1915 Mr. Hotz added 14 adjoining acres to his property, having now 31 acres, all within the village limits. He does a dairy business, keeping 12 cows and selling the milk, also raises small fruits and keeps 50 swarms of bees, and in addition to all this is a stockholder in the Western Wisconsin Telephone Company. Some of the money for his investments was earned during his high school period by selling nursery stock and old line life insurance. Had not the care of his mother devolved upon him at that time he would have taken the complete agricultural course in the Wisconsin University, as he had taken as his motto, "It is never too late for one to learn." As it is, his present prosperity has been well earned, and is visible in the thrifty and flourishing appearance of his little farm. He and his wife are among the highly respected people of the village. They have no children of their own, but have three boys in their home whom they are taking care of and educating. Mr. Hotz was reared in the German Lutheran faith, but when a young man embraced the German Evangelical doctrines. His wife is also

James Hanson was brought to Trempealeau County as a baby, and has lived on his present farm in Arcadia Township since 1896. During his residence here he has taken his part in the progress of the community by developing a good place, and he is regarded as one of the thrifty men of the neighborhood. He was born not far from Christiania, Norway, April 25, 1870, the son of Hans and Maren (Sorlie) Hanson. The father having died in 1871, the mother brought her baby son to America, a few weeks later, and took up her home with her parents, Mr. and Mrs. Jacob Sorlie, who had previously brought the other members of the family to America and homesteaded 160 acres of land in Lake's Coulie, Arcadia Township, this county. After Kving with her parents for a while, the young widow married Hans Tolloken of French Creek, Newcomb's Valley, Arcadia Township. James Hanson was reared in the home of his stepfather and grandparents, helped about the farm and attended the district schools. At the age of sixteen years he started out for himself and was variously employed, working in the forests of Jackson and Clark Counties in the winters, running logs in the spring and working on farms in the summers. When he was twenty-six years old he married and soon thereafter acquired 160 acres in Newcomb's Valley, Arcadia Township. This land had been partly improved and a small frame house, together with a straw-covered shed for stock had been erected. To this home he brought his bride, and began to develop and improve the farm, which now consists of 280 acres, 120 acres having been added on the east side. Soon after moving on the place Mr. Hanson replaced the small house with a sightly twelve-roomed house, which is still the family home. It is connected with the neighbors' houses by the line of the Farmers' Telephone Company, in which Mr. Hanson is a stockholder. Other buildings have been erected as necessity has required, until the improvements now consist of good barns, a granary, tool house, stock sheds and the like, all in the best of condition. Running water from sparkling springs plentifully supplies the house and barns. On this excellent place Mr. Hanson carries on general farming and stockraising, having a good grade of Shorthorn cattle. In addition to this he has operated a threshing outfit for the past twenty-five years. Mr. Hanson was married May 21, 1896, to Anna Christianson, the daughter of Arndt and Caroline Christenson of Preston Township, and this union has been blessed with eight children : Alfred, born Jan. 3, 1897 ; William, Dec. 29, 1898 ; Corneha (deceased) ; Arthur, Feb. 6, 1904 ; Isabelle, June 6, 1906 ; Myrtle, Jan. 23, 1909 ; Hazel, Jan. 23, 1911 ; James, May 4, 1914. The family attends the Fagerness Lutheran church, only a few miles away.

August F. Hensel, one of the hardy pioneers of Arcadia Township, now passed away, was born in Prussia, Germany, Oct. 17, 1834. His father, John F. Hensel, was born in Prussia in 1803, his mother being born in that country in 1801. In 1839 they came to America with their family of five children, sailing from Hamburg in the spring and landing in New York after a tedious voyage of three months in a slow sailing vessel. From New York they went direct to Buffalo, where they remained two years, John F.

Hensel finding employment on the Erie canal. In 1841, when the subject of this sketch was seven years old, they migrated to Milwaukee Township, Wisconsin, which place was their home until about 1847, in which year they came to Granville Township, where the father had secured a piece of land, and this, with the help of his sons, he improved. In 1861 the family returned to Milwaukee, where John F. Hensel engaged in the house moving business. That city remained his home for the rest of his Ufe and he died there May 29, 1886, at the advanced age of 83 years. His wife, whose maiden name is not now remembered, died in Milwaukee in February, 1881, at the age of 80. There were seven children in their family: Caroline, Edward, Julius, Matilda, August F., John A. and Charles A. John Alfred was born on the voyage to America and was named after the ship on which he was born. Charles Albert, the youngest son, was born in Milwaukee in 1847. August F. Hensel, while a youth hving in Milwaukee, began industrial life as clerk in a store, and was thus occupied until May 5, 1854, at which time he removed to Madison, Wis., and continued as a resident of that county until he came to this part of the state. While on a visit to his parents in Milwaukee he learned something about the natural resources of Buffalo County, and by the advice of his father decided to locate there. His father gave him $300 with which to purchase land, and with his brother Julius he at once set out for Buffalo County. The journey was made by way of Chicago, thence by rail to Dunleith (now East Dubuque) and from there by steamboat to La Crosse. At the latter place he secured the services of a surveyor and proceeded to Buffalo County, where he made locations. Subsequently he returned to the same county with a wagon and a pair of ponies, then, selling his outfit, went back to Milwaukee, but in the same fall returned to Buffalo County with an ox team and wagon. He was accompanied by his brother, John A., and by Thomas Simpson, William Johnson and two Piper brothers. The Piper brothers, however, left the party at Sparta. All the members of the Buffalo County company were unmarried, and all except John A. Hensel located on land in the county. This trip was made about 1856. The winter of 1856-57 was severe and the pioneers suffered many hardships. Their provisions became exhausted, and the situation became so serious that it was necessary to make a heroic effort to reach Fountain City. Accordingly August F. Hensel started with a sled and three yoke of oxen, accompanied by Henry Wertenberg and James Faulds. The snow was covered with a heavy crust, which was hard to break, this crust continuing for the entire distance of 16 miles. It was so hard that although Mr. Hensel wore three pairs of pants they were all cut through in places before the party reached Fountain City, which they only did after a terrible journey of six days, having left home on the Monday and reaching town on the following Saturday. Their experiences may be more easily imagined than described. Mr. Hensel had to borrow clothes to wear on the return trip. Even after all this trouble and hardship they only succeeded in procuring one barrel of flour, which cost them $16. Mr. Hensel nearly lost his life on the trip and all the party were much exhausted, succeeding only by force of will and power of endurance. It is well for the young people of the present generation, who are surrounded by all the conveniences of a high civilization - good roads, steam and electric railroads and automobiles, with convenient stores of all kinds within a mile or two of their homes - to read and ponder on such narratives as these, more especially when they are inclined to be discontented with their lot. They may then realize how much they have to be thankful for. In 1862 August F. Hensel sold out his holdings in Buffalo County and moved to Trempealeau County, settling on land which he had purchased in Arcadia Township. Here he lived until 1874, when, the village of Arcadia having been founded, he moved into it and erected a store, beginning mercantile business in 1876. At this time he had been married 16 years and had a family, and here he passed the rest of his life, dying in Arcadia, July 2, 1902. He was a Republican in politics and cast his first presidential vote for John C. Fremont in 1856, subsequently voting for every Republican President up to the time of his death. His wife died in Arcadia Dec. 17, 1908. Her maiden name was Amelia Hensel. She was a native of Prussia and daughter of Ludwig Hensel, and their marriage took place in August,

1861, now Mrs. C. Studt of Arcadia ; Emma, born March 30, 1863, who died in July, 1890 ; Alvah, born Aug. 10, 1865, who resides in Minneapolis ; Ayris, born June 30, 1867, now Mrs. George A. Schneller of Arcadia ; Eunice, born Dec. 19, 1869, wife of WiUiam Koenig of Waupaca, Wis. ; Almira, born in 1871, who died when six months old; Dexter, born in 1873, who died in 1874; Jesse, born Dec. 20, 1875, who is now hving at Green Bay, Wis.; Ivan I., born March 4, 1878, who is now practicing dentistry in Arcadia Village ; Myrtle, born March 25, 1886, who is unmarried and lives in Arcadia, and another child, who died in infancy.

Ivan I. Hensel, D. D. S., who is engaged in the practice of dentistry in Arcadia Village, was born in Arcadia, Wis., March 4, 1878, son of August F. and Amelia Hensel. He was educated in the village school and in Arcadia high school,, from which he was graduated in 1896. Having decided upon dentistry as his future profession, he entered Marquette Dental School, Milwaukee, and was graduated therefrom in 1900, beginning practice in Blair, Wis. Soon after, however, he removed to Arcadia, his home town, and established himself in practice here, where he is now the leading dentist. Aside from his profession he owns stock in the Western Wisconsin Telephone Company. Sept. 24, 1902, Dr. Hensel was married to Nora, daughter of Jacob and Sarah Kindschy of Arcadia, and they have two children: Marie, born Oct. 23, 1908, and Dwight, born Nov. 3, 1912. Dr. Hensel owns a comfortable home on the west side of the village, and is recognized as one of Arcadia's stable citizens, the Hensels being one of the principal families in the town. In politics the Doctor is independent and is not an incumbent of any public office. Since 1904 he has been a member of the Masonic Blue Lodge, No. 201, and for several years has also belonged to the lodges of Modern Woodmen of America and the Beavers, both of which he has served as secretary. His religious affiliations are with the Evangelical church, in the faith of which he was reared.

hoefer) Hensel. The father was born in 1809 and the mother in 1812. In 1856 the family came to the United States, locating in Milwaukee, Wis., where they remained until the spring of 1857. They then came to Arcadia Township, Trempealeau County, where Ludwig Hensel pre-empted 160 acres of land in section 23, range 10 west. The land, of course, was "wild," and their residence was a dugout. Mr. Hensel gradually improved the property and resided on it subsequently until his death in 1886. His wife survived him about nine years, dying on the homestead in 1894. There were five children in their family - two sons and three daughters. Augustus W. Hensel was the second born child of his parents. He was educated in the common and district schools up to the age of 14 years, and remained on his father's farm until 1864. He then became a soldier, serving in the Union army until the close of the war and taking part in the battle of Nashville. Being mustered out at Washington, D. C, he returned home unwounded and became a pioneer farmer, buying 160 acres of wild land in section 14, range 10, Arcadia Township. This land he developed and erected on it substantial buildings, residing there until 1906, in which year he retired and took up his residence in the village. The old home he sold in 1908 to his son Lewis, who lives on the farm. Nov. 28, 1867, Mr. Hensel married Mary, daughter of William and Sophia (Supka) Wagner of Arcadia, who is sharing with her husband the comfortable prosperity of their declining years. The following are the children who have been born to them: Lewis, born Aug. 7, 1868, who is now living on the old homestead, of which he is the owner ; William, born Dec. 12, 1869, who is a farmer at Black River Falls, Wis.; Erwin, born March 12, 1871, who is a merchant at Grand Meadow, Minn.; Lillian, born Jan. 11, 1873, and now Mrs. J. W. Kube of Winona, Minn. ; Frank, born Jan. 14, 1875, who is a farmer at Burlington, N. D. ; Edith, born Oct. 19, 1877, now the wife of A. L. Severence, a banker of Wausaukee, Wis. ; John, born Oct. 10, 1879, who is now a railway ticket agent at Eau Claire, Wis.; Helena, born Sept. 19, 1881, who is unmarried, resides at home and is employed as a bank clerk; Edward, born Aug. 17, 1883, who is a farmer at Strasburg, Colo. ; Benjamin, born Feb. 4, 1886, also a farmer at Strasburg, Colo. ; Emma, born March 15, 1888, who is now Mrs. Lester Kindsehy of Strasburg, Colo. Mr. Hensel is a Republican, but is not active in politics. He has, however, served as a member of the school board of district No. 2, Arcadia Township. He and his family are members of the German Evangelical Association, and all are widely respected in the communities in which they live.

Lars Hanson, who was the first Norwegian settler to locate in Newcomb Valley, Arcadia Township, was born in the northern part of Norway, July 15, 1840, son of Hans and Anna Nelson. In June, 1864, he was married in his native land to Sarah, daughter of Peter and Cassie Peterson, and in 1866 they came to America together. Landing in Quebec, Canada, they came from that city to Winona, Minn., in the vicinity of which place they spent the winter of 1866-67. In the following summer they removed to Trempealeau County, Wisconsin, and in 1868 homesteaded 160 acres of wild land in sections 28 and 29, Newcomb Valley. Their resources were very limited, as they had arrived in Winona with but 50 cents in money.

but during their stay there Mr. Hanson had worked at whatever he could find to do and managed to make a living and also earn enough to enable them to make a start on their Wisconsin farm. Still they had to be extremely economical. One of the first things Mr. Hanson did on taking possession of his homestead was to build a dugout, with sod roof, in the side of a hill, and he then began the grubbing of the farm. At the end of the first year he built a small log house with no floor, into which they moved, and here they lived for a number of years. When they came to the valley Arcadia had but one store and a small grist mill, and Mr. Hanson often carried flour and provisions home on his back - a distance of seven miles. Perhaps the greatest feat he accomplished in this line, however, was carrying their first cook stove across the country, on his back, for three and a half miles. Such energy and perseverance, which he displayed in all his operations, were bound to produce results, which became visible in the gradual improvement of his farm and an increasing prosperity. In 1885 he built the frame house that now stands on the farm, and from time to time he erected barns and other necessary buildings. After residing here until the spring of 1901, Mr. Hanson moved with his family to Blair, Wis., where he resided until the fall of 1902. He then returned to the farm and did not leave it again until 1907, in which year he sold the old home to his son Sam and bought a small house about a mile east, to which he moved and where he is now living. When he left the farm he had about 60 acres under plow. Mr. Hanson was a stockholder in the now defunct co-operative creamery at Blair, its failure causing him a pecuniary loss. On the whole, however, he has been successful and is a man highly respected in this part of the county. He believes in the principles of the Prohibition party, but has never held ofiice. He and his wife have had six children : Louis, who lives at East Grand Forks, Minn. ; Sine, now Mrs. Fred Payne of Arcadia Village ; Josephine, wife of Louis Gilbertson of Blair, Wis. ; Samuel, who resides on the old homestead, and two others, who died in infancy.

Samuel Hanson, son of Lars and Sarah (Peterson) Hanson, was born in Newcomb Valley, Arcadia Township, Trempealeau County, Wis., Nov. 17, 1876. He was educated in the district school, which he attended regularly until the age of 12 years, and from 12 to 16 during the winters only. As soon as he was old enough he began to help his father on the farm, and continued as the latter's assistant until he rented the homestead in 1902, and started in for himself. In 1906 it became his by purchase. He has improved the buildings and built a new granary and a garage. To the 120 acres of the original farm he has added 80 more, thus enlarging the farm to 200 acres. It lies in a fertile region, the surface of the land being rolhng, and he carries on both general fai-ming and dairying. Aside from these immediate interests he is a stockholder in the La Crosse Packing Company, the Arcadia Farmers Co-operative Creamery, and the Farmers Telephone Company. Mr. Hanson was married, Sept. 7, 1907, to Minnie, daughter of Olaf and Carrie Moe of Newcomb Valley, and their children are : Celia, born July 17, 1909 ; Sadie, born Feb. 24, 1910 ; Milton, born April 23, 1912 ; and Ivan, born Oct. 30, 1914. In politics Mr. Hanson is a staunch Repubhcan. He has served as township assessor three years, was clerk of the district school board for a number of years, and took the United States census in 1900. He belongs to Arcadia camp, Modern Woodmen of America and he and his family are members of Fagerness Lutheran church, of which his father was one of the founders. Enterprising and energetic, he is getting along in the world and has won the esteem of his neighbors. Peter Ekern, merchant, town proprietor, assemblyman, extensive land owner, public spirited citizen, and man of affairs, to whose efforts was due the building up of a flourishing village, was one of the most distinguished citizens of the county, and for many years had an influential voice in controlling its destinies. As a business man he platted Pigeon Falls, erected a store and creamery, rebuilt a large mill and developed extensive tracts of land. As a public citizen he did such splendid work as chairman of the township and member of the county board for many years, that in 1881 he was called upon to serve in the General Assembly, in which position he looked after the interests of his state and district with dignity and distinction. Peter Ekern was born in Norway, Jan. 25, 1837, the son of Henrik Ekern, and oldest of a family of four sons and two daughters, the others being : Even, a merchant of Whitehall ; Randine, wife of Edward Klebo of Chicago; Anton, a farmer of Pigeon Township; Mark, a farmer in Moody County, South Dakota ; and Maria, wife of Edward Schultz of Des Moines, Iowa. Peter was reared to a life of agricultural endeavor. At the age of eighteen he started operating a farm on his own responsibility, under a guardianship, the law at that time being that a youth could not engage in business for himself under the age of 25, except with a guardianship. As the years passed the young man determined to seek for himself the broader opportunities and superior advantages of the New World. Accordingly he disposed of his holdings in 1867, and accompanied by his wife and children, came to America, and found his way to La Crosse, where two brothers and a sister had preceded him. From there he went to Vernon County, and there remained for several months. In March, 1868, he settled in Trempealeau County, in the affairs of which he was later to take so prominent a part. For a time he lived in section 36, township 23, range 7, in the northern part of Pigeon. With keen judgment he foresaw the favorable opportunity of establishing a village at Pigeon Falls, and when, in 1872, his plans were ripe, he moved to the hamlet with which his name was thereafter to be inseparably connected. At the time of his arrival the village contained the mill of Cyrus H. Hine and the store of Johnson & Olson, as well as several residences. Mr. Hine owned about 160 acres, a part of which he had purchased from George Gale in 1867, and a part of which he had obtained from the government under the homestead act. His residence is still standing, but has been moved to another site. His barn is on its original location, and has been used in connection with the village hotel. His mill has been replaced by the Pigeon Falls flour and feed mill on the same site. Upon his arrival here Mr. Ekern purchased the store of Johnson & Olson. In 1882 he erected another store building, and converted his original store building into a residence which he long occupied, and which was used as the village hotel until 1916. In the meantime, in 1875 and 1880, Mr. Ekern had bought Mr. Hine's land and holdings, as well as a tract from George

Mr. And Mrs. Peter Ekern

Gale, so that he owned 280 acres, all in section 34. The store, which he erected in 1882, 60 by 108 feet, two stories and full basement, is still used by his successors and is still in excellent condition. In 1885 he erected a creamery. This he operated until 1892, when he sold it to a farmers' association. The new ventui'e, however, was not successful, so Mr. Ekern took possession, rebuilt the plant, and put in new equipment. Now known as the Pigeon Falls Creamery, the institution is still operated by his successors. In 1894, Mr. Ekern platted the townsite on the southeast quarter of section 34. In 1880 he built a new flour and feed mill on the site of the original Hine mill. This building was shortly afterward destroyed by fire. He then erected the present mill. Since that date the equipment has kept march with the progress of time, the old stone burrs being replaced with a modern roller system, and new machinery and appliances being added as circumstances required. In 1898 the business was incorporated under the name of P. Ekern Company, for the purpose of operating the farms, the general store, the creamery, the flour and feed mill, the townsite property and other real estate. After a long and useful life, Mr. Ekern died in 1899. His widow died in 1911. The owners of the property are now: Dr. Andrew Ekern, who is president of the corporation, and Mr. and Mrs. Ben. M. Sletteland, the former of whom is secretary,, treasurer and manager, and the latter of whom is vice-president. Mr. Ekern was married in 1858 to Olive Hovde. This union was blessed with seven children: Ludwig P., Andrew, Minnie, Hannah, Josephine, Emma, Hulda and Hulda. Ludwig P. is a retired merchant of Superior, Wis. Andrew is a retired physician of San Diego, Cal. Minnie is the wife of B. M. Sletteland. Josephine is the wife of Peter Eimon, a wholesale grocer of Superior, Wis. Emma, the wife of H. A. Otto, a Chicago lumberman, died in 1914. Hulda is the wife of Ben. Eimon, who is also in the wholesale grocery business in Superior. Hannah died at the age of 14 years. Hulda (first) also died in childhood.

Ben M. Sletteland, the leading citizen of Pigeon Falls, village postmaster, and manager, secretary and treasurer of the P. Ekern Company, is well known throughout the county. He has been member and at one time treasurer of the Republican County Committee, and a member of the Republican District Congressional Committee; since 1892 he has been treasurer of the Norwegian Lutheran church; in 1917 he was elected one of the trustees of Gale College; and in addition to this he has served on many delegations and committees, both civic and religious. His business holdings include stock in the John 0. Melby & Co. bank at Whitehall, in which he is a director, and in the Western Wisconsin Telephone Company. Mr. Sletteland was born in Dale Parish, Sondf jord, Norway, Aug. 19, 1864, son of Ananias and Bergitte (Risting) Sletteland, the former of whom spent many years of his life as a teacher in the state schools of Norway. Ben M. Sletteland received a good education at home and at school, and came to America in 1884, since which time he has lived continuously in Pigeon Falls. For a time he clerked for Peter Ekern. When the P. Ekern Company was incoi-porated in 1898 he assumed the duties of his present position. A year later he was appointed to his present oflSce of postmaster. Mr. Sletteland was married Oct. 31, 1887, to Minnie Ekern, born in La Crosse

County, Feb. 29, 1868, daughter of Peter and Olive (Hovde) Ekern. Mr. and Mrs. Sletteland have three children: Perrey Arthur, Ernest A. and Oscar B. Perrey Arthur is a graduate of the Scandinavia Academy at Scandia, St. Olaf College, at Northfield, Minn. (B. A.), and the University of Wisconsin (LL. B.). He is now practicing law at La Crosse with Otto Schlabach, under the firm name of Schlabach & Sletteland. Ernest A. has attended St. Olaf College at Northfield, Minn., and Macalester College at St. Paul, Minn., and is assisting his father. Oscar B. has had two years at Macalester College, St. Paul, Minn., and is soon to graduate from the University of Wisconsin at Madison.

William C. Bohrnstedt, who is engaged in the hardware business in Arcadia, was born at Trempealeau Prairie, in Trempealeau Township, Oct. 2, 1870. A memoir of his parents, John and Mary (Frohmader) Bohrnstedt, may be found elsewhere in this volume. WilUam C. in his boyhood attended the district school and the graded school in Galesville. Completing his literary education at the age of 15, he then took a business course in the old Winona Business College under Professor Lambert. For two or three years after this he resided at home. In 1893 he came to Arcadia and entered the employ of N. Lehrbach, a hardware merchant, for whom he worked until 1896. In the latter year he entered the employ of R. D. Cone Hardware Company of Winona, Minn., and was traveling salesman for them until 1903. Then, leaving the employ of that company, he returned to Arcadia and in 1905, with William E. Muir, purchased the hardware business of N. Lehrbach, his former employer, Mr. Muir retaining an interest in the firm for about a year, when Mr. Bohrnstedt bought him out and has since been sole proprietor and manager of the concern. The latter is also a stockholder in Arcadia Bank and the Bank of GalesviUe. One of the progressive and enterprising young business men of the village, he is always willing to lend his aid and influence to any practical movement for advancing the public welfare. In politics he is independent. He has never had any strong desire to mingle in politics, but for the last seven years has been clerk of the board of education. Mr. Bohrnstedt .is a member of several fraternal orders. He has belonged to the Blue Lodge of Masons ir Arcadia (No. 201) for many years, and to the Chapter, No. 76, Arcadia, since 1895 ; also to the Knights of Pythias since 1892, and to the Independent Order of Foresters for many years. Although reared a Lutheran, he is not a member of any church. Aug. 12, 1898, Mr. Bohrnstedt was married to Elspeth Muir, daughter of John and Ann Muir of Arcadia.

Oliver Busby, who is now living retired in Arcadia Village, after a life of activity in several different avocations, was born in section 21, range 9, Arcadia Township, this county, Jan. 29, 1866. His parents, Thomas and Mary (Knight) Busby, were natives of England, both born at Stowe, near Kimbolton, Huntingdonshire, England, the father Aug. 24, 1828, the mother Feb. 8, 1837. Thomas Busby and wife came to America in 1855, landing in New York and proceeding at once to Waukegan, 111., in the vicinity of which place Mr. Busby rented a farm. After remaining there about two years they came ovei'land by ox team to Arcadia Township, Trempealeau County, and settled on 160 acres of land he acquired while in Illinois, to which he later added 20 acres, built a log cabin and began to develop a farm. Here he lived until 1893, in which year he sold the farm to Louie Wojsczik, the latter subsequently selling it to John Wojsczik. In 1879 Thomas Busby had bought 160 acres of wild prairie land near Wakefield, Neb., to which he moved on selling his farm in Arcadia. On this land he built a house and other frame buildings, and remained there 19 years, engaged in developing a farm. He then retired and moved into Wakefield, where he and his wife are still living, in good health and prosperous circumstances. Their children were: Emma, born in Waukegan, 111., who married W. H. Smith, a farmer of Bakersfield, Cal., and died Aug. 4, 1904; John, also born in Waukegan, and now a farmer in Arcadia Township; Thomas, born in Arcadia, Wis., who is farming at Wakefield, Neb.; Florence, born in Arcadia, who is unmarried and keeps house for her parents in Wakefield, Neb. ; Charles, born in Arcadia, also residing in Wakefield, where he is engaged in buying grain and managing an elevator ; Andy, born in Arcadia, and now deceased; Mary, born in Arcadia, who is the wife of H. H. Child, proprietor of the electric lighting plant at Wakefield, Neb.; Lilly, born in Arcadia, who married Benjamin Davis, a farmer, and died at Wakefield, Neb. ; Mark, born in Arcadia, who is now deceased ; William, born in Arcadia, who is now living retired at -Wakefield, Neb. ; and Oliver, the subject of this sketch.

OUver Busby began his school life in Arcadia and was graduated from the high school in the class of 1886. In the meanwhile, however, he made a trip to Nebraska, going there in 1882 and returning in 1884. He now spent a number of years in teaching school, beginning this occupation in Arcadia, where he taught for three years, later teaching three years in the graded schools of Chimney Rock, Wis., where he also served one year as principal, one year in Strum and three years in Nebraska, to which state he returned when his parents moved there in 1893. In 1896 he returned again to Arcadia, and on September 1 bought an interest in the hardware business of Mr. Christ of Arcadia, the style of the firm becoming Christ & Busby. This partnership was continued until 1904. In 1902 Christ & Busby bought a farm of 509 acres, two and a half miles north of Arcadia, 225 acres of it being under the plow and the rest in timber and pasture land. Mr. Busby bought Mr. Christ's interest in this farm in 1904, and managed it subsequently while residing in the village until 1914, when he sold it and retired. The buildings on the farm were a two-story frame house, a frame barn, 36 by 80 feet ; a granary, 16 by 40 feet ; a sheep shed, 12 by 64 feet, all painted and in good condition. Here Mr. Busby did general farming and dairying, keeping from 25 to 30 graded cows. Sept. 8, 1896, Mr. Busby was married to Mary, daughter of John Philip and Barbara (Uhl) Hartman of Arcadia Township. He and his wife had six children: William 0., born Nov. 26, 1897, who is a student at Lawrence College, Appleton, Wis.; Fern E., born May 11, 1899, now attending the Arcadia high school; Lynn J., born July 29, 1902, who is also attending the high school; Hazel M., born May 12, 1904, who is residing at home, a student; Florence G., born March 26, 1906, who died Aug. 23, 1914; and one that died in infancy. Mr. Busby in political matters holds by the principles of the

Democratic party, but reserves the right to vote for the best man regardless of party lines, when he sees occasion. He has held no strictly political office, but has been a member of the village board for three years. He attends and supports the Methodist Episcopal church, though not a member of it. He belongs to Lodge No. 201, A. F. & A. M. of Arcadia, and to Camp No. 769, Modern Woodmen of America, which he joined in 1896.

August Evenson was for many years one of the successful and substantial men of the community. He developed a good farm, he reared a large and respected family, and upon his death left a record of hard work, staunch character and sterling worth. His wife, a most estimable woman, who was his helpmeet and inspiration in all his undertakings, still owns the family farm, but in 1915 moved to Pigeon Falls, where she erected a comfortable home, and where she now makes her residence. August Evenson was born in Vardal, Norway, Feb. 1, 1857, son of Mathias and Pernella Evenson, who brought him to America in 1858, and located near Holmen, in La Crosse County, this state, where they spent the remainder of their lives. Reared on the home farm and educated in the schools of that county, August Evenson started out for himself in 1881, and two years later, in 1883, came to Pigeon Township and secured land in section 11, which he proceeded to break and develop, erecting a suitable home and commodious outbuildings. There he successfully carried on general farming until his death Jan. 27, 1915. Taking his deepest joy in his family and his farm, Mr. Evenson did not care to mingle in political life, but was nevertheless deeply interested in public affairs, and kept himself well informed upon current topics. He was a good citizen, a loyal friend and a loving father, and his loss was sincerely and deeply mourned. Mr. Evenson was married April 21, 1881, to Mina Johnson Skogen, who was born in Holmen, La Crosse County, this state, Sept. 16, 1859, daughter of Andrew and Anna Marie (Anderson) Skogen, natives of Vardal, Norway, who came to America in 1850, located in La Crosse County, and there spent the remainder of their days. Mr. and Mrs. Evenson have had ten children: Albert Manley, May Pauline, Albert Manley (second), Selma Luella, Hulda Josephine, Cora Charlotte, Mabel Amanda, Lawrence Ernest, Edmund Melford and Mildred Ovida. Albert Manley, born June 5, 1882, died at the age of thirteen days ; May Paulina, born June 19, 1883, died at the age of two and a half years : Albert Manley (second) was born Dec. 25, 1885, and died at the age of one year; Selma Luella was born March 25, 1887, and is now the wife of John H. Johnson of Harshan, Wis. ; Hulda Josephine was born Dec. 25, 1888, and is now the wife of Otto Tomter, who farms the home place ; Cora Charlotte was born Feb. 6, 1891 ; Mabel Amanda was born Feb. 26, 1894 ; Lawrence Ernest was born Feb. 23, 1896 ; Edmund Melford was born Nov. 17, 1898, and died Sept. 13, 1908 ; and Mildred Ovida was born June 15, 1906. The family faith is that of the Norwegian Lutheran church, in the Ladies' Aid Society of which Mrs. Evenson is a prominent member.

Ole T. Stendahl, proprietor of the Fair View fai-m of 200 acres in sections 13, 14 and 23, Pigeon Township, was born in Trondjem, Norway, June 4, 1857. His father, Thortson Stendahl, was born in Norway Dec. 10, 1822, married Johanna Berg, who was born Oct. 5, 1827, brought his family to

America in 1861, lived in La Crosse, Wis., 16 years, and in 1877 settled in Pigeon Township, this county, where he spent the remainder of his life, dying Sept. 4, 1897. Mrs. Thortson Stendahl died in Pigeon Township Jan. 20, 1911. Ole T. Stendahl was brought here by his parents, attended the district schools, and was reared to farm pursuits. For eighteen winters he engaged in lumbering as woodsman and riverman. For the past twentyfour seasons he has engaged in threshing. His farming operations, since he assumed charge of the home place, have been most successful, his good herd of high grade Holstein cattle net him a satisfactory income, ancT his whole farm presents a neat and thrifty appearance. Mr. Stendahl was married April 4, 1884, to Nettie Amlee, born in Hammer, Norway, Sept. 26, 1859, daughter of Gilbert and Ehzabeth (Bokalrud) Amlee, the former of whom was born Dec. 1, 1818, and died in Hammer, Norway, Sept. 4, 1877, and latter of whom was born in Norway, April 14, 1837, and died Feb. 4, 1904, at the home of her daughter, Mrs. 0. Madson, in Menominie, Wis. Mrs. Gilbert Amlee and children came from Norway in 1880 to Black River Falls, Wis. Mr. and Mrs. Stendahl have had eight children : Theodore is a farmer of Pigeon Township; Oscar also farms in Pigeon Township; Jennie L. died at the age of nine years ; Archie is at home ; Abbie married Knelland Simons of Whitehall ; Lillie, Walter and Amy are at home.

Albert K. Axness came to his present farm in 1872 with his mother and step-father, and has thus been a resident of this county for forty-five years. He was born in Norway, near Christiania, July 29, 1861, son of Knute and Carrie (Tostenson) Axness. The father died in Norway in 1863, and subsequently four of the sons, Tosten, born in 1844; Juhus, born in 1847; Knute, born in 1851, and Ole, born in 1855, came to America in 1867, three locating near Winona, Minn., and one near Madison, Wis. In 1868 the mother, accompanied by the son, Albert K., and a daughter, Mary, born in 1858, came to this country and joined her sons near Winona. In 1870 the mother married Ole Larson. Mr. Larson soon came to Trempealeau County and bought the homestead rights of Hans Talaken to a tract of wild land in section 6, Arcadia Township, within the limits of Newcomb Valley. On this place he built a small shanty, to which in 1872 he brought his wife, and his step children, Albert K. and Mary. In the fall of that year they built a small frame house, which is now the east wing of the present home. Later they erected an upright addition, and since then other additions have been made until the home is now a comfortable elevenroom structure. Barns, sheds and the like have been erected as necessity has required. Albert K. was reared to farm pursuits and finished his education in the schoolhouse of the Penny district near his home. At the age of nineteen he started for himself by securing winter employment in the lumber woods of Clark and Jackson counties, still continuing to do farm work during the summer seasons. In 1898 he brought his bride to the home place and here has since continued to live. He carries on general farming and dairying, 90 acres of his 174 acres being under plow, and the rest being in woodland and pasture. His political affiliations are with the Republican party, and his fraternal relations are maintained with Arcadia Camp, No. 769, M. W. A., of which he has been a member for the past eighteen years. Mr. Axness was married Jan. 1, 1898, to Minnie Olson, daughter of John and Mary Olson of Homer Township, Winona County. She died Sept. 9, 1914, at the age of 37 years. Mr. and Mrs. Axness have had five children: Cora, who died in infancy; Carl, born in 1900; Ernest, born in 1902; Myrtle, born in 1907, and Orion, born in 1909, all of whom are at home. The mother of Mr. Axness died in 1907 at the age of 84 years, the stepfather died in 1905.

John Erickson, one of the pioneers of Trempealeau County, was born in Norway, Aug. 24, 1834, and was there reared to manhood. He was married March 25, 1858, to EUina Hanson, who was born March 19, 1830. Even at the time of their marriage the young people were already contemplating seeking the broader opportunities of the new world. With this end in view they hoarded their frugal income until 1862, when they had sufficient funds to make the great venture. With their two children, Erick, born Sept. 3, 1859, and Hans, born Sept. 8, 1861, they set sail on April 27, 1862, aboard a slow sailing vessel, bound for their new home. Landing at Quebec, July 12, 1862, strangers in a strange land, where language and customs were unknown to them, they started cut by rail for Winona, which they reached July 30, 1862. That city was then a flourishing lumber town, ten years old, but just at the dawn of the era which was to make it for some years one of the principal lumber and grain points on the Mississippi. At Winona Mr. Erickson got in touch with several of his countrymen who had settled in Trempealeau County and secured employment in Cedar Valley. While living in that vicinity, Mr. and Mrs. Erickson had another child, Marte, born Dec. 27, 1863. In 1864 the family moved to French Creek, and there the wife died in 1865. In 1867 Mr. Erickson married Bertha Gilbertson, who was born in Norway and came to America in 1863. Soon afterward the family moved to Newcomb Valley, and there Mr. Erickson pre-empted 242 acres of wild land in section 6. Here he experienced real pioneer life. One of his first acts was to build a small log cabin, after which he started the difficult task of developing a farm. The principal trading center was at Trempealeau, twenty miles away. The trip there with an ox team was weary and sometimes dangerous. At some seasons even the oxen could not get through, and Mr. Erickson made the trip afoot, bringing back flour and other provisions on his back. Conveniences were almost entirely lacking, comforts were almost unknown. But the sturdy couple had faith, health and ambition, they desired to see their growing family well placed in the world, and they were willing to toil and sacrifice that success might be assured. Beginning with nothing in the way of worldly goods, they developed a fine farm, erecting commodious buildings, including a frame house, barn and granary, and gradually securing a good equipment of tools and machinery. Mr. Erickson conducted the farm until 1901, when failing health caused his retirement. He died May 30, 1903. In his many years of life here he had attained a recognized position in the community as a prosperous and conscientious farmer, and was highly esteemed as a good family man, a successful citizen, and an accommodating neighbor. A man of strong religious convictions he assisted in organizing the Eagerness Norwegian Lutheran Congregation, and remained an active member the remainder of his life. Of the five children born on the Newcomb Valley farm two died in infancy; Edward, born Oct. 19, 1873, has been a prosperous farmer and is now sheriff of Trempealeau County ; Gilbert, born April 7, 1868, is living on the family homestead, and Anna, born Dec. 26, 1870, is the wife of Olaf Hurberg of Arcadia Township.

Edward Erickson, the popular and efficient sheriff of Trempealeau County, is one of its leading citizens. Coming into office at a time when the war clouds were brewing, and serving at the time of the opening of the actual hostilities, he has given his time, ability and energy in patriotic service to his country at a great personal sacrifice, and his name will live in history as the "war sheriff" of the county. In addition to the many added duties which the raising of the National Army and the conservation of food have placed upon his official work, he has done conscientious work as chairman of the exemption board, his wide and intimate knowledge of the people of the county being of great assistance to the board in its various decisions. Mr. Erickson was born in Newcomb VaUey, this county, Oct. 19, 1873, son of John and Bertha Erickson. He was reared on the home farm, attended the district schools, and determined to devote his life to an agricultural career. Accordingly in 1901 he purchased 120 acres of partly improved land, adjoining his father's farm on the west, and in time made it into the well-developed place that it is today. In 1906 he erected a substantial, square, two-story brick house of eight rooms, a good modern farm house in every respect. He later put up a frame barn with a full basement, 28 by 58 by 16 feet above the foundation, a milk house, a milk and tank house, tool sheds, poultry house and cribs. He also put in a running water system for house and barns. The place, which is temporarily rented during his term of ofl[ice, supports a good grade of Holsteins, a number of horses and a herd of swine, all the work of the farm being conducted along the latest improved methods, with modern equipment, tools and machinery. Aside from his farming interests, Mr. Erickson has taken an interest in community growth and has become a stockholder and earnest supporter of the Bank of Arcadia, the Arcadia Co-operative Creamery, the Arcadia Shipping Association, and the Tamarack Valley Telephone Company. Of fraternal and sociable disposition he has been a member of the Modern Woodmen for twenty years, and for a number of years a member of the Masonic order. Interested in the best education of his children, he had done efficient work for some years as school director of School District 14. His present office dates from Jan. 1, 1917. Sheriff Erickson makes an ideal officer. Thorough and painstaking in his work, he deeply feels his responsibility as the preserver of the peace and dignity of the law, and in this direction he has been most untiring. Stern and unbendirg as an officer, nevertheless as a man his broad outlook on life and his understanding of human frailties, makes him ever favorable toward giving minor offenders every opportunity possible to repair their mistakes and to make the most of their future careers. As a man the sheriff is genial and popular, a pleasant companion and a loyal friend. Mr. Erickson was married Oct. 25, 1905, to Julia Arnson, who was born May 16, 1875, daughter of John and Olena Arnson of Preston Township. She died March 3, 1911, leaving three brigh't boys : Orlen, born May 30, 1907 ; Erwin, born Nov. 3, 1908 ; and Basil, born April 20, 1910. Feb. 7, 1913, Mr. Erickson married Minnie Mustad, daughter of Hans and Ingeborg Mustad of Ettrick Township. To this marriage has been born a daughter, Florence, April 30, 1915. Mr. Erickson was reared to the Lutheran faith, and with his family belongs to the Fagei"ness congregation, which his father helped to establish.

Albert F. Sauer of Arcadia Village was born in Buffalo County, Wisconsin, July 14, 1889, son of William and Frederica (Reglin) Sauer. He was educated in the Arcadia graded school, and in 1909 entered the Universal Chiropractic College at Davenport, Iowa, as a student. Having completed a two years' course in September, 1911, he opened an office in Merrill, Wis., where he practiced his profession until 1913. Then coming to Arcadia he practiced here for a year, returning in the fall of 1914 to Merrill. This time he remained there but five or six months, coming back to Arcadia in the spring of 1915 and opening an office, where he has since continued to practice chiropractic. He has a well equipped office and has built up a practice extending over a radius of 50 miles. Dr. Sauer is among the foremost members of his profession in this part of the state and undoubtedly has a bright future before him. His collegiate preparation was very thorough, the course of study embracing the subjects of symtomatology, chemistry, spinal palpation, clinic adjusting, histology, psychology, ethics, hygiene and public health. Many will undoubtedly ask, "What is chiropractic? It is a new woi'd to me. What does it mean?" Chiropractic (Ki-ro-prak-tic) is a coined word composed of two Greek words, Cheir, meaning "the hand" (in composition Chiro) and Praxis, "a doing." Hence literally Chiropractic means the doing of something by the hand. The chiropractic method applied affords an exact scientific method of determining the location of any vertebra, which on account of its misahgnment, is responsible for nerve compression, and also to provide an original, unique and correct means of adjusting or removing this cause more promptly, radically and permanently than by any other known method. Dr. Sauer is energetic and enterprising, with an agreeable personahty that inspires confidence in his patients. Like the other members of his father's family, he belongs to the German Lutheran church, and in politics he is a Republican.

William Sauer, now living retired in the village of Arcadia, was born near Kronigreich, Prussia, Germany, May 9, 1842, son of Christ Sauer. In the fall of 1869 he came to America and without lingering in the East proceeded directly to Alma, Wis., where he remained about two years. From there he removed in 1871 to Big Waumandee, Buffalo County, where he found employment in the flour mill of John Ochsner as head miller, continuing to work for Mr. Ochsner until 1875. In the latter year he returned to Alma and resided there until 1877, in which year he bought a custom flour mill at Glencoe, Wis. In this place he remained 29 years, engaged in the milling business, and then retired and took up his residence in Arcadia Village, selling the mill to his son WiUiam, who had learned the trade with him, and who now operates the mill. Mr. Sauer's success was the result of his own energy and ability. When he arrived in Alma he had nothing, but in four years had gained enough to enable him to purchase , his mill, and this energy characterized him throughout his business career. He was married Oct. 25, 1873, to Frederica, daughter of Carl and Dorothy Reglin of Big Waumandee, Wis., and he and his bride began housekeeping in a house which his employer, John Ochsner, had built for them near tha mill. The children of this marriage were: Otto, WiUiam, Jr., Edward, Albert F., Emil, Bertha, Annie and a son who died in infancy. Otto, who was born June 28, 1874, is married and resides at Milwaukee. William, Jr., born Oct. 18, 1879, is also married and is operating his father's old mill. Edward, born March 14, 1887, is married and resides in Arcadia Township on the mail route. Albert F., born July 14, 1889, is unmarried and resides in Arcadia Village, following the profession of a chiropractor. Emil, born July 2, 1894, is unmarried and lives with his parents. Bertha, born Aug. 10, 1881, is now Mrs. John Servais of Buffalo County, Wisconsin. Annie, born July 12, 1883, is the wife of John Wolfe of Arcadia Township, Trempealeau County. Mr. Sauer and his family belong to the German Lutheran church of Arcadia Township. In politics he is a Republican. In the companionship of his wife, and surrounded by his sons and daughters, he is passing the evening of Ufe in a comfortable retirement, the result of his former thrift and industry, and is highly respected in Arcadia and the vicinity.

John F. Gilbertson, who came to Trempealeau County in 1878 and hved on a farm in Arcadia Township from 1889 up to the time of his death, Aug. 27, 1917, was born near Christiania, Norway, Oct. 10, 1854. He was a son of Gulbrand and Ele Jacobson, who reared him to farm pursuits. In 1878, with his chum, Carl Larson, he came to America, landed at New York, and made the trip to Arcadia Village, this county, by rail. Upon reaching here he had but $1.50. This he at once loaned to a friend, who spent it for drink and never paid it back. Beginning in a strange country, without a penny in his pocket, and with no resources save his own strength and intelligence, he started in to carve his fortune, working as a farm hand in the summers and as a woodsman in the winter. In 1889 he located seven miles east of Arcadia Village, in Newcomb's Valley, where he purchased 80 acres of land in section 29, Arcadia Township, to which he subsequently added the adjoining 160 acres in section 26. When he acquired the original tract no buildings had been erected, and only about ten or Mteen acres had been grubbed and broken. Beginning on a small scale he gradually achieved prosperity, and from time to time erected necessary buildings. The improvements on the place consist of a two-story house, erected in 1891, a good barn, 28 by 58 by 16 feet, a granary, a machine shed, a poultry house and other structures, all in the best of condition. Mr. Gilbertson devoted his time to general farming, having 150 acres under the plow and doing considerable dairying and swine raising. The Republican party claimed his allegiance, and his fraternal affiliation was with the Modern Woodmen of America. With his family he attended the Fagerness Norwegian Lutheran church, three miles east of his home, in the cemetery of which his remains were laid to rest. Mr. Gilbertson was married Sept. 16, 1889, to Julia Braaten, daughter of John and Randi Braaten of Valders, Norway. She came to America at the age of eighteen, and at the time of her mar- riage was living with a sister near Arcadia. She and her husband were the parents of four children: Alvilda, Laura F., Anna E. and Allen R. Alvilda was born July 5, 1889, and is the wife of Albert Jager of Castlewood, S. D. Laura F. was born Jan. 4, 1891, and is»the wife of Melvin Wangan, who operates a farm in Newcomb Valley. Anna E. was born Sept. 19, 1892, graduated from the Arcadia high school, and is now a successful teacher. Allen R. was born July 4, 1894, and is now opei'ating his father's farm, on which Mrs. Gilbertson still resides.

John Sprecher, president of the State Bank of Independence, is one of the leading citizens of Trempealeau County. Arriving in Arcadia in its infancy, he became a part of the early story of that village, and then, coming to Independence in the first year of its establishment, he was given the opportunity to impress his sterling personality upon its future destinies. Prominently identified with the grain, implement, lumber and banking interests of the village, his work has been woven into the warp and woof of its life, and there is probably no citizen in this region whose name is more widely known or more closely identified with it. By hard work, native shrewdness and keen ability he has achieved more than the usual measure of success, but through these years of culminating prosperity he has remained the same genial, generous, democratic John Sprecher that he was when he first arrived here. Mr. Sprecher was born in Troy, Sauk County, Wisconsin, Nov. 29, 1850, oldest of the five children of John A. and Martha (Schiers) Sprecher. He was reared to farm pursuits, but at the age of twenty-four, having determined to seek his fortune in other endeavor, he turned his attention to the Trempealeau Valley, through which the railroad had just been opened. A favorable opportunity presented itself in Arcadia, and accordingly in 1875 he entered the employ of Krumdick & Muir, grain and implement dealers at that place. When Independence was started, the company opened a branch at the new village, and placed their trusted young employe in charge. In 1878 he purchased Mr. Krumdick's interests, in the Independence business, and the firm became Muir & Sprecher. In 1879 he acquired the Muir interests also, and established the firm of John Sprecher. In 1894, the business had grown to such proportions that Mr. Sprecher determined to dispose of the implement department. Accordingly, he sold a half interest in that department to William Steiner, Mr. Steiner becoming the sole owner in 1897. The grain business is still retained, and is conducted by Mr. Sprecher and his son, Walter E., under the name of John Sprecher & Son. In the meantime, in 1888, Mr. Sprecher, in company with Henry Schaef er, engaged in the lumber business under the firm name of Sprecher & Schaef er, a name which upon the incorporation of the firm in 1910 was changed to the Sprecher Lumber Co., with Mr. Sprecher as president. One of his greatest ventures, however, has been the banking institution of which he is the head. In 1897. seeing the need of a banking house in Independence, he formed a partnership with Anton Senty, and on April 1, 1897, opened a private bank, the first bank in Independence, under the name of Sprecher & Senty. The bank was incorporated under its present name on June 1, 1902. He has likewise been interested in the development of the Independence Creamery Co., in which he is a stockholder. Reared a farmer, and engaged in the lines of endeavor which most actively touch agricultural life, it is natural that Mr. Sprecher should have turned to farm life as a hobby. Three of the finest farms in the Elk Creek valley are his, and these he rents on a cash basis. In Golden Valley County, North Dakota, he owns 1,000 acres, which he rents on shares, 200 acres being in wheat and the rest in wild grass. In Oregon he is a stockholder in a company owning 9,000 acres of growing timber. His residence in Independence, erected about twenty years ago, is one of the sightliest in the village, and fully modern in equipment. Here also he has three other dweUings, and several vacant lots. Busy as he has been with his numerous interests, Mr. Sprecher has found time for considerable public service, having been chairman of the township of Burnside and president of the village board. His religious faith is that of the Evangehcal Association Church, of which he has been a trustee for several years. Mr. Sprecher was married, Feb. 5, 1876, to Carolina Schaefer, born Aug. 15, 1851, the daughter of Christian and Elizabeth (Amda) Schaefer, and this union has been blessed with five children, Lizzie, John H., George, Walter E. and Carrie. Lizzie died at the age of two years and George at the age of six. John H. is in the employ of the Aetna Life Insurance Co. at Milwaukee ; Walter E. is cashier of the State Bank of Independence, and a partner in the grain and seed firm of John Sprecher & Son. Carrie resides at home. John A. Sprecher, father of John Sprecher, was born near Kure, in Switzerland, came to America in 1845, and located on a farm in Troy township, Sauk County, this state, where he died in 1890, his wife passing away in 1879.

Walter E. Sprecher, financier, cashier of the State Bank of Independence, and prominent in banking circles throughout the state, is one of the active young men of Independence, and is earnestly taking his part in the development of the village which his father assisted in founding. He is vitally interested in every movement which has for its object the betterment of the village and county, and his voice and influence are ever at the disposal of those causes which he believes to be just and right. As cashier of one of the leading banks in the county he has been an important factor in its success, as a co-partner in his father's grain business he is in close touch with farm life and conditions, as an oflScial of several bankers' groups he has labored earnestly for the greatest stability in the financial integrity of the country, as an accountant he has originated methods which have met with wide favor, and as a church and Sunday school worker he has been faithful and efficient. Mr. Sprecher was born in the village where he still resides, April 10, 1884, son of John and Caroline (Schaefer) Sprecher. He passed through the public schools of Independence, and then entered the Winona High School, from which he was graduated in 1902. In 1906 he was graduated from the University of Wisconsin, having taken his major credits in the department of economics. During his college career he was much interested in all lines of athletics, but especially in football and track work. Upon his return to Independence, he entered the State Bank of Independence as assistant cashier. In 1913 he was promoted to his present position. In this connection he has been interested in the work of the various bankers' associations. In 1913 and 1914 he was secretary and treasurer of Group 7, of the Wisconsin Bankers' Association, in 1915 he was president, and in 1916 he was made a member of the executive council of the state association, and the representative of his group on the educational committee of that association. In 1917 at the state convention of the association he was elected first vice-president of the State Bank section of the American Bankers' Association, a section which was just organized in 1916 at the Kansas City convention, and whose policies he will have a hand in originating and shaping. In addition to his banking interests, Mr. Sprecher is vice-president of the Sprecher Lumber Co. and a co-partner in the grain and seed firm of John Sprecher & Son. In the cause of the Evangelical Association Church, Mr. Sprecher is especially active as a loyal and enthusiastic supporter, and his work as superintendent of the Sunday School has been productive of much good. Confined as he is to his desk the greater part of the year, Mr. Sprecher has made a hobby of out-of-door life. He is fond of hunting and fishing in all forms, and one of his greatest delights is his annual trip to the northwoods after deer. Mr. Sprecher was married, Sept. 16, 1908, to Florence L. V. Malloy, of Winona, who was born in LaCrosse, Jan. 10, 1887, daughter of Martin and Mary (Nagler) Malloy, the former of whom is a retired merchant of Winona. Mrs. Sprecher, who was a gracious lady of many accomplishments and graces, was killed in an automobile accident on the road between Independence and Whitehall, Dec. 28, 1915, leaving one son, Drexel Andreas, born March 25, 1913.

Henry I. Everson, manager of the Pigeon Grain and Stock Company, of Whitehall, was born in Arcadia Township, Trempealeau County, May 7, 1886. His parents were Knudt and Matilda (Tande) Everson. The father, a native of Norway, came to the United States with his parents in 1856, the family settling in Dane County, Wisconsin, where they remained until 1861. They then came to Trempealeau County, where Knudt Everson engaged in farming, and where he died in 1893 at the age of 56 years. His wife, Matilda, who was born in 1842, is now residing with her daughter, Mary, the wife of A. E. Brandon, a farmer of Pigeon Township. They had a family of nine children: Ever K., who is engaged in the implement and automobile business at Neche, N. D. ; Matthes, a resident of Whitehall; Maria, above mentioned ; Pauline, who married W. H. Clark, of Seattle, and died in 1912 ; Alfred T., who is cashier of the First State Bank of Bowesmont, N. D. ; Clara, wife of Albert Mattson, a monument dealer of Detroit, Minn. ; Ida, wife of William Young, a merchant and postmaster of Lostwood, N. D. ; Clarence, a barber, living in Winger, Minn., and Henry I., of Whitehall. About six years after his father's death, Henry I. Everson and his brother, Clarence, rented the home farm, which they operated together under the name of Everson Bros, until the spring of 1906. He also went to school during the winters in Whitehall, and for two years during the period mentioned he was interested with his brother, Alfred, in mercantile business at Stephen and Donaldson, Minn. From 1906 to 1914, Henry I. Everson operated the home farm for himself, buying it in 1911. He still maintains his interest in it, making a specialty of breeding pure Shrop- shire sheep, and now having a herd of over 200. Feb. 1, 1916, he became manager of Pigeon Grain and Stock Company, of Whitehall, in which position he is now serving. He is a stockholder in this company, also in the State Bank of Independence, the Peoples' State Bank of Whitehall, in the Farmers & Merchants Bank of Independence, and in the Independence Telephone Company, of which in 1914 he was treasurer, secretary and general manager; secretary and treasurer of the same in 1910, 1911 and 1912, and treasurer in 1916. His first connection with the telephone company was in 1909, when he became its secretary. His fraternal affiliations are with the Independent Order of Foresters, Masons, and Modern Woodmen of America.

Warner Brothers, Raymond K. and Rufus C, who are engaged in the implement business at Independence, Wis., are sons of Robert and grandsons of William and Hester (Wolf) Warner. Robert was born at Bantry, County Cork, Ireland, Oct. 20, 1830, and died at his home in Hale, Wis., Feb. 10, 1908, aged 77 years, two months and 20 days. He came to the United States in the spring of 1850. On August 27 of that year he enlisted in the United States Army and went with his regiment to California to protect the frontier from Indians. After serving five years in the army, he returned to Massachusetts, where he was united in marriage to Margaret Sullivan, and together they came in 1857 to Adams County, Wisconsin. In 1864 he removed with his family to Trempeleau County, where his wife died in 1868. In 1870 he married Mary Ann Kershaw, who now, at the age of 75 years, lives with her daughter, Mrs. Albert Wingad, at Strum, Wis. The two brothers, Ra^^mond K. and Rufus C. Warner, were both born in Hale, Wis., Raymond, Jan. 19, 1880, and Rufus, Aug. Aug. 31, 1882, being the youngest of their father's ten children. Together they bought the old home farm in 1905, having managed it for some seven years previously, and farmed there until the fall of 1913. They still own 80 acres of the original homestead of Grandmother Warner. In December, 1913, they bought the implement business of Tubbs Brothers in Independence and have since carried it on successfully. They are agents for the new spreader, called the "Independence Special," which has been designed by the Litchfield Manufacturing Company, of Waterloo, Iowa, to meet the conditions existing in this territory, and a number of which have already been sold in Trempeleau County. They are stockholders of the State Bank of Independence, and also dealers in live stock with Tubbs Brothers, under the style of Tubbs & Warner. As practical farmers themselves they are well qualified to succeed in their present business.

Henry Ruseling, owner of the Eleva Roller Mills, with which he has been connected for 37 years, was born in Sheboygan County, Wisconsin, June 4, 1856, son of Herman J. and Elizabeth (Jansen) Ruseling. Herman J. Ruseling was born in Holland in 1815, came to America in the fall of 1847, located on a tract of 120 acres in Lima Township, Sheboygan County, this state, and there lived until his death in 1896, his wife having died in 1865. Elizabeth Jansen was born in Holland in 1832. Henry Ruseling was reared on the home farm, and as a young man learned the millers' trade. In 1877 he was employed in a miU at Granite Falls, Minn. Coming to this county in the fall of 1877, he secured work from Jacob R. Bear, as manager of Bear's Mills, four miles from Whitehall, on Pigeon Creek. In 1880 he came to Eleva, and bought an interest in the Eleva Roller Mills, of which he is now the sole owner, and which, with the exception of three years when he and his brother, William B., operated a stock ranch at Velva, N. D., he has since continued to conduct. He is a useful and respected citizen, has had an important part in the upbuilding of the village and the surrounding regions. As president of the village, and as clerk and treasurer of the school board, he has given good service. His religious affiliation is with the Methodist Episcopal Church, of which he is chairman of the board of trustees. Mr. Ruseling was married in 1879 to Flora C. Follett, whose father, G. W. Follett, was a hotel keeper and merchant at Coral City. Mrs. Ruseling died in 1898, leaving two children, Fred F. and Grace C. Fred F. is associated with his father in the miUing business. Grace C. married G. A. Perry, a lumber and grain dealer of St. Vincent, Minn., and has two children. Flora and Brooks. July 11, 1905, Mr. Ruseling married Mabel Hibbard, of Milwaukee. One daughter, Henrietta Hibbard, was born March 10, 1912, at La Crosse. The Eleva Roller Mills, of which Henry Ruseling is proprietor and Fred F. Rusehng is manager, were built in 1877 by E. J. Carpenter. The same year he sold the mill to Crocker & Redfield. In 1880, the Crocker interests were sold to Henry Ruseling, and the firm became Ruseling & Redfield. The Redfield interests were sold to G. H. Snoyenbos, in March, 1881, and the firm became Ruseling & Snoyenbos. In 1889 Henry Rusehng became the sole owner, and in 1915 Fred F. Ruseling was made manager. The present mill was erected in 1890. It is 30 by 60 feet, with a porch with projecting roof, 58 by 16 feet, and with an engine room 28 by 44 feet built in 1894. The coal sheds, dynamo room and waterwheel house have been built since then. The mill is operated by water and steam power with a capacity of fifty barrels of flour. The equipment includes three double stands of rolls, six round reels, one purifier, one scalper, one dust collector, one double stand feed roll, one 22-inch Attrition feed mill, a corn sheller and cleaner. Since 1914 Henry Ruseling has operated the village electric light plant and furnished the power therefor.

William Gibson, an early settler of Trempeleau County, was born in the Province of Quebec, Canada, March 7, 1824. From Canada he came to Outagamie County, this state, about 1845, and there remained until 1864, when he came to Trempeleau County and secured a tract of land in Trempealeau Township. Here he remained until his lamented death, Dec. 22, 1907. His wife, Jane McGregor, was born in Scotland in 1830, was brought to this country by her parents in 1833, lived in Outagamie County, Wisconsin, until her marriage, came to Trempealeau County with her husband, and died here in 1895, at the age of 65 years. Mr. and Mrs. Gibson had six children: Thomas, a farmer of Trempealeau Township; Eliza, wife of Andrew Johnson, a farmer of Hale Township ; Ann, wife of David Wright, a farmer of Little Falls, Minn. ; Jeanette, who died in 1893 at the age of 35, the wife of Frank Johnson, a farmer of Trempealeau Township ; Dan. P., superintendent of schools of Trempealeau County, and Robert, a construction engineer now working in California.

Dan P. Gibson, county superintendent of schools, is leaving the impress of his personality and enthusiasm upon the educational life of this region. Since assuming the duties of his present position he has begun the use of the telephone and rural free delivery in the rural schools, has introduced the warm lunch movement, has installed domestic science and manual training departments throughout the county, and has emphasized the importance of the teaching of scientific agriculture. That his standing is recognized outside of the country is shown by the fact that he had charge of the "School Management" section at the 1914 Summer School at the La Crosse Normal School, and by the further fact that he has been a vicepresident and a director of the Western Wisconsin Teachers' Association. Dan P. Gibson was born in Hortonville, Wis., Feb. 25, 1863, son of William and Jane (McGregor) Gibson. After passing through the rural schools he obtained his higher education by farming summers, teaching winters, and attending school whenever his funds permitted him to do so. Thus by dint of hard work, perseverance and much home study, he was enabled to graduate from Gale College in 1883, and from the Winona State Normal School in 1893. Since the latter date he has devoted his time exclusively to educational work. After taking charge successively of the schools of Utica, Minn., Elba, Minn., Montgomery, Minn., and Melrose, Wis., he returned to Trempealeau County in the fall of 1908 as the head of the Ettrick Schools. In the spring of 1909 he was elected to his present position and has been successively re-elected every two years since that time. Fraternally, Mr. Gibson is associated with the Odd Fellows and the Modern Woodmen, in the latter of which he has filled all the chairs. He was married Aug. 15, 1885, to Emma Bowerman, who was born in Gale Township, June 3, 1864, daughter of Jacob and Sarah (Betts) Bowerman, the pioneers. This union has been blessed with three children, Maida, McGregor and Marguerite. Maida, a graduate of the Winona High School, is a teacher of reading and spelling in the Junior High School of New Richmond, Wis. McGregor is a farmer of Pigeon Township, this county. He married Emma Hall, of La Crosse, and they have three children, Maida Harriet, Dorothy June and Ethel Marie. Marguerite graduated from the Galesville High School and is a teacher in the primary grade at Whitehall.

Charles H. Elkinton, M. D., physician and surgeon of Eleva, is a native of this state, born in Dodge County, Wisconsin, April 8, 1862, son of Mark and Nancy (Bush) Elkinton. Mark Elkinton was born in Lincolnshire, England, July 18, 1816, and after his marriage, Sept. 27, 1851, came to America and located in Rochester, N. Y., for two years, locating later at Schleisingerville, Wis., before coming to Lomira Township, Dodge County, this state, where he farmed until his death, Nov. 6, 1899, his wife, who was born Nov. 16, 1826, having died Nov. 24, 1881. They were the parents of nine children, seven of whom are now living as follows: Mark at Winneconne. Wis. ; Thomas at Jennings, La. ; Evelyn at Glascow, Mont. ; Frank and William at Eleva, Wis., and Lucinda at Brownville, Wisconsin. Charles H. Elkinton was reared on the home farm, attended the district schools and started teaching in 1880 at the age of 18 years. By working as a teacher for eight years he secured the funds necessary for further pur- suing his studies, and in 1886 he graduated from the Oshkosh Normal School. Thus prepared, he entered the Rush Medical College in 1891, and received his diploma from that institution in 1894. After practicing a few months in Neillsville, Wis., he came to Eleva in the spring of 1895 and has since been in active practice here. His standing in his profession is shown by his membership in the American Medical Association, the State Medical Society, and the Eau Claire County Medical Society. He is health officer of Albion Township in Trempealeau County, and Clear Creek Township in Eau Claire County, and has done considerable work in sanitation in addition to his regular practice. For ten years he has been clerk of the Eleva School Board. His fraternal relations are with the Masonic order. Dr. Elkinton is widely known as a fancier of fine stock. He has a large farm in Clear Creek Township and makes a specialty of raising Guernsey cattle, Hampshire sheep and Berkshire swine. On Feb. 24, 1897, Dr. Elkinton was married to Alice Brown, of Neillsville, daughter of David and Anna (Graham) Brown. Mrs. Elkinton graduated from the Neillsville High School after which she attended Oshkosh Normal School and was a successful teacher for three years. To Dr. and Mrs. Elkinton have been born four children: Carlos, born Jan. 24, 1898; Doras, born Aug. 14, 1900; Graham, born April 6, 1904, and Charles, born Aug. 13, 1909. Carlos is in the United States service, having enlisted June 18, 1917, in Comjpany E, Third Wisconsin Infantry.

Giles Cripps was one of the earliest pioneers of Burnside Township, being preceded only by the members of the John Markham household. He opened a pioneer farm, kept the pioneer postoffice, was an early justice of the peace, and served his township as chairman for several years. Giles Cripps was born in Oxfordshire, England, Nov. 5, 1833, and was but three years of age when he was brought to New York State by his parents. From there, in 1843, the family came to Waukesha County, this state, where, though a youth of but nine years, Giles Cripps assisted his father with his herd of 1,500 sheep. The next move of the family was to Dane County where they acquired a farm of 200 acres. There on June 9, 1853, he married Harriet Wood. For four years they continued to farm in Dane County. In 1857 they came to Trempealeau County and selected a homestead a few miles up Elk Creek, being the first settlers in the Elk Creek valley. At their home the Elk Creek postoffice was established, and the place became a pioneer center. They developed a good farm and took a part in every cause which had for its object the betterment of the community. Mr. Cripps continued to devote his life largely to agricultural interests and for some years he and Noah D. Comstock were interested in the grain and elevator business in Independence. A man of broad sympathies and genial temperament, he early became interested in the leading fraternal societies, and in time joined the Masonic, Pythian and United Workmen orders. After a busy and useful life, he died March 21, 1885, and the entire community joined in its regret, the funeral being conducted under Masonic auspices by Rev. T. Grafton Owen and attended by the members of the orders of which he was a member as well as by hundreds of other friends. An obituary notice in the Republican-Leader said : "Mr. Cripps was a man of unimpeachable integrity, honesty and uprightness in every phase of his daily hfe. In society he was a truly valuable citizen, and in his family a kind and loving husband and father. His agreeable disposition, pleasing manner, and clearly defined principles gave him a wide circle of friends as well as many personal admirers. The death of no man in the community could be more genuinely or profoundly mourned, his premature decease was the cause of universal regret." He was survived by his widow, his five children, and his aged father. The children are: E. A., of Medford, Ore.; Charles A., of Iroquois, S. D. ; G. E. and Frederick E., of Independence, and Mrs. Emma Nicols. Harriet Wood, whom Mr. Cripps married June 9, 1853, was born in Cattaraugus County, New York, June 15, 1836, and was the inspiration and help of her husband in all his undertakings. After the death of Mr. Cripps, she remained on the home farm until Oct. 28, 1898, when she married J. W. Summers, and subsequently moved to Whitehall, where she died July 21, 1915. She was universally beloved and respected, and her gracious hospitality was an important feature of pioneer life in Burnside.

Frederick C. Cripps, a well-known and respected citizen of Burnside Township, operating a farm of 240 acres in Section 1, was the first white child born in this township, the date of his nativity being Nov. 23, 1858, and his parents being Giles and Harriet (Wood) Cripps, the pioneers. He was reared to agricultural pursuits. After his marriage in 1883 he moved into his farm in Section 11, Burnside. It was on Oct. 25, 1891, that he sold out and moved to his present place. It is a well-developed piece of property and is being constantly improved. Its fertile acres are devoted to general farming, a specialty being made of a fine herd of graded Holstein cattle. The residence is a two-story frame house with a full basement. It has been substantially rebuilt, and a furnace and other modern conveniences installed. In 1897 the barn was erected. It is a commodious structure of frame, 40 by 64 by 20 feet above the basement, the basement being of stone, with cement floors. In 1917 a large silo was built of Natco imperishable hollow glazed black tile, the dimensions being 12 by 40 feet, and the capacity 96 tons. Mr. Cripps was married Feb. 25, 1883, to Lillian Dale, of Galesville, who was born in Caledonia Township, this county. May 9, 1863, daughter of Joseph and Albina (Fowler) Dale. This union has been blessed with two children: Arthur L., born June 19, 1888, who is residing at home, and Josephine A., born July 24, 1890, now the wife of Paul Van Horn, the merchant at Elk Creek, Hale Township, this county.

Joseph Dale was one of the earliest pioneers of Caledonia Township, and of Trempealeau County. He was born at Utica, N. Y., June 22, 1825, and was there reared and educated. As a young man he came west and settled in Walworth County, this state. After his marriage in 1850, he came to La Crosse County, and in 1854 settled in what is now Caledonia Township, this county. He acquired a tract of wild land, broke and developed a good farm, and took his full share in the pioneer activities of the community. In 1868 he moved to Galesville, where he died Aug. 28, 1889. He was married at Hart Prairie. Walworth County, Wisconsin, Dec. 8, 1850, to Albina Fowler, who died Oct. 3, 1884.

Nels L. Fredrickson, agriculturist, public official and man of affairs, is one of the leading citizens of the county. He did most efficient service as county sheriff in 1893-94, as under-sheriff in 1895-96, and as county treasurer in 1907-11, and since the spring of 1914 has been a prominent member of the county board, sitting as the member from Whitehall, which village he has served for two years as president. The cai'eer that has involved this unusual amount of public work has been a most interesting one. The son of Fredrick Nelson and Isabella Larson, he was born in Christiania, Norway, Jan. 26, 1856, and after the death of his father, at the age of 10 he was brought to this country with the rest of the family, by his mother and step-father, George Reitzel. After a year in Ettrick, he came with the family to Preston Township, and was here reared to agricultural pursuits. In 1877 he started out for himself by securing employment in the lumber and machinery business with C. N. Paine & Co. at Whitehall, remaining two and a half years. For a number of years he was in the hardware business. He had a part in the building of the block on the site of what is now the Model Block, later destroyed by fire. Upon his election as sheriff he moved to the official residence and at the expiration of his term purchased his present farm, where he has since continued to reside. The place consists of nearly a quarter of a section in the southeast corner of the village of Whitehall, and is a modern farm in every particular. He has a fine herd of high-grade Holstein cattle, a good drove of Poland-China hogs, and makes a specialty of breeding Brown Leghorn chickens. His interest in his herd led to his connection with the Whitehall Creamery Association, which he served for a time as president, and of which he has been secretary and manager since 1914. The success of this institution is a strong tribute to Mr. Fredrickson's management. With all his busy work, he has found time for the development of his social qualities, and has taken a deep interest, passing through the chairs of the local order, serving as district deputy, and sitting as a member of the Grand Lodge of the State. Mr. Fredrickson has been excellently described as a useful citizen. Combining a genial disposition with sterling worth and an ability to make friends, he has won his way in the world and has achieved a most satisfactory degree of success. Mr. Fredrickson was married Nov. 6, 1896, to Mary Allen, who died Nov. 3, 1902. Her parents were Martin and Ehzabeth (Ackerman) Allen, the former of whom is dead and the latter of whom is proprietor of the Allen Hotel at Whitehall. On Jan. 1, 1910, Mr. Fredrickson married Sigrid Kildahl, who was born in Norway, daughter of Ole and Martha Kildahl. Mr. and Mrs. Fredrickson have four children: Isadora M., born Oct. 6, 1910; Sigrid L., May 27, 1912; Nels L., Jr., May 11, 1914, and Junice Waunita, June 14, 1917.

Fredrick Nelson, father of Nels L. Fredrickson, a leading citizen of Whitehall, was born in Norway, and was there reared and educated. Coming of a long line of seafaring ancestry, he early took up work as a boatman on the sea and lakes, and after several years lost his life in this occupation, being drowned in Lake Mjosen, Norway, in 1861. In early life he married Isabella Larson, and to this union were born two children : Nels L. and Elisa.

George Reitzel, one of the early settlers of Preston Township, was born in Norway, and there grew to manhood. In 1862 he married Isabella Larson, the widow of Fredrick Nelson. Four years later they brought their family to America, and took up their residence in Ettrick Township, this county. After residing there about a year they moved to Pi-eston Township, and homesteaded a farm where they lived two years, from there going to Buffalo County, where they took land on which they remained for about the same length of time. They next spent a year in Ettrick and after that removed to Minnesota. In 1876 they came to Whitehall, where Mr. Reitzel died in 1879. In 1884 Mrs. Reitzel married Ole Larson. Since his death on March 7, 1908, she has lived in Whitehall. Mr. and Mrs. Reitzel had six children: Rosa, Anton F., George and Emil (twins), Frank and Rosa. The two oldest were born in Norway, and with Nels L. and Elisa Fredrickson were brought to this country by their parents.