Trempealeau County, Wisconsin - Biographical sketches, 1917 (part 19 of 20)

Christian Haines, a pioneer of Bill's Valley, Arcadia Township, was born in Hohenzollern, Germany, Oct. 11, 1835, and in 1856 came to America with his parents, who settled at Herkimer, N. Y. Two years later the father died, and in 1858 the family moved to Canastota, N. Y., where Christian Haines engaged in the mercantile business until the close of the Civil War. He was unfortunate in business, however, and lost all he had, so to retrieve his fortunes he came west, locating first at Fountain City, Buffalo County, this state. A little later he came to Arcadia Township, this county, setthng in Bill's Valley on a farm. He was a skilled apiarist, keeping numerous colonies of bees, and producing as much as 7,500 pounds of honey in one year, also taking first premiums at county and state fairs. A prominent citizen of the community in which he lived, he took part in local government, sei-ving a number of years on the Arcadia town board. His wife, Margaret Bill Haines, to whom he was married at Herkimer, N. Y., in 1856, was born in Wilsenrode, Germany, Aug. 22, 1840, and came to America as a child with her parents, who settled at Utica, N. Y. She shared all the hardships and privations of pioneer life with her husband and also shared in his successes, being a true and worthy helpmeet. She died May 3, 1916. Mr. Haines died Dec. 26, 1914. Both were members of the Church of Our Lady of Perpetual Help at Arcadia. Of their family of 14 children nine are now living.

Joseph W. Haines, proprietor of the Pleasant View Farm, in section 16, Arcadia Township, was born in Herkimer, N. Y., July 7, 1863, the son of Christian and Margaret (Bill) Haines, who brought him first to Buffalo County and then to Trempealeau County. He resided at home until he was 21 years old, during which time he had some schooling, though his educational opportunities were limited. On attaining his majority he went to Utica, N. Y., where he entered the employ of the New York Central &. Hudson River Railway, but finding the work too dangerous, he stayed but a few months, then returning to Wisconsin. In the winter of 1886 he entered the employ of the Goodyear Lumber Company, near Mather, Wis., and remained with this firm for three years, in 1889 returning to his parents' homestead. In the same year he purchased his present farm. Jan. 7, 1890, he was married to Anna K., daughter of Jacob and Mary George of Glencoe, Buffalo County. This homestead, where the young couple began housekeeping, was a tract of 200 acres, partially improved, there being a small frame house on the property. Here Mr. Haines has resided ever since, engaged in general farming, and also in honey production, being, like his father, a skilled apiarist and putting up for sale the best honey that can be obtained in the market. He has made many improvements on the farm, including the erection of new buildings. His present residence is a two-story frame house, consisting of upright and wing, and piped for both soft and hard running water, the house being heated by furnace. He has also a full basement, frame barn, measuring 34 by 72 by 14 above the basement; a granary, machine sheds, double corn crib, and a combined ice and milk house, all the buildings being in good condition. Aside from his own fai-ming interests Mr. Haines is a stockholder in the Arcadia Co-operative Creamery, the Arcadia Shipping Association and the Trout Run Farming Company. In politics he is a Democrat, and has been director on the Cortland school board for many years. He and his wife had a large family of 18 children, whose names are respectively: Herman, Elmer C, Leo J., Minnie E., Christian J., Henry E. (deceased), Joseph M., Elsie L., Margaret A., Henry E. (second), Norbert, Jerome J., Armilla E., Arthur F., Clarence A., Frank N., Alfred M. and Virginia A. Their record in brief is as follows: Herman, born Dec. 3, 1891, graduated from the Cortland grade schools, from the Alma (Buffalo County) Training School for Teachers, and from the Winona Business College. He has been in the employ of the Interstate Packing Company of Winona and the Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul Railroad at Owatonna, Minn., and is at present teller of a bank at Owatonna, Minn. He served as corporal and clerk with the Minnesota State Guard on the Texas border during the recent disturbances in Mexico. Elmer C, born March 1, 1892, graduated from the Cortland graded school, taught school for some time, and is now at Amidon, N. D., where he is foreman of the Farm Land & Coal Company. Leo J., born Aug. 17, 1893, graduated from the Cortland graded school and the Alma Training School, and has taught at Amidon, N. D., where he purchased a quarter section of land. He is now preparing at Ft. Dodge for service in the great war, with Battery E, Field Artillery, being kitchen and dining room orderly in charge of the food supplies in his barracks. Minnie E., born Aug. 20, 1894, graduated from the Cortland graded school, the Arcadia high school, and the Alma Training School, and has been a teacher for four years. Christian J., born Dec. 31, 1895, is living on the homestead with his parents. Henry E., the first of the name, was born April 25, 1896, and died July 25, 1899. Joseph M., born Sept. 24, 1898, resides on the parental homestead. Elsie L., born Feb. 4, 1900, is a student in the Arcadia high school. Margaret A., born July 26, 1901, and Henry E., second, born Oct. 7, 1902, are both students, residing at home. The other children living at home are: Norbert J., born Jan. 16, 1904 ; Jerome J., born Oct. 30, 1905 ; Armilla E., born Dec. 10, 1906; Arthur F., born April 14, 1908; Clarence A., born Jan. 31, 1910; Frank N., born Oct. 5, 1911; Alfred M., born Dec. 13, 1912, and Virginia, born Jan. 25, 1917. Mr. Haines and his family are Catholics in rehgion and attend the church of Our Lady of Perpetual Help at Arcadia. He and his wife have been fortunate in rearing their large family, as they have lost but one child. Their other children are all well trained in I'eligion and morality and give promise of growing to useful manhood and womanhood.

Albert Bautch, a pioneer miller and millwright, was born in Germany, was there educated and reared, and became an adept in various lines of mechanics and woodworking. In 1854 he and his wife Josephine set out for the United States aboard a sailing vessel, the long and tedious voyage taking nearly three months, and entailing many hardships. Landing at Quebec, strangers in a strange land, and with their trunk lost, containing not only a part of their baggage, but also a letter of directions from their cousin Joseph Bautch, who had preceded them, they made their way down the lakes to Milwaukee, and thence to Watertown, landing at New Lisbon, in Juneau County, this state, Dec. 24, 1854. There Mr. Bautch opened a farm, also working as a mechanic, as a broad-axe hewer and as a logger on the Wisconsin River. Later he located in Trempealeau County. Here in 1862 he helped to build the mill at New City, near what is now Independence. Later he moved to Arcadia. In 1869 he moved to a farm in section 26, Burnside Township, which has since been the family home. There he built a flour mill, which is still in existence, having been owned for some fifteen years by a son, Albert J., and now by another son, John L. Mr. Bautch was a pioneer in the true sense, a public spirited man, and a most estimable and useful citizen. He was a member of the Catholic church and one of the organizers of the North Creek Congregation. He and his wife both died in Trempealeau. They had a family of eight children: John L., Peter, Albert J., Anna, Mary, Julia, Kasper and Thomas, of whom the three last mentioned are now deceased.

Albert J. Bautch, municipal expert, promoter, contractor, geologist and linguist, is widely known in Wisconsin and Minnesota, and has extensive interests in Canada and Texas. As a well driller and waterworks expert he has bored wells along the right of way of the Green Bay & Western from Green Bay to Winona, he has installed the extensive waterworks systems of Winona, Minn., Independence, Wis., and Spring Valley, Wis., as well as in smaller places scattered throughout Western Wisconsin. As a telephone promoter he has installed telephones in Western Wisconsin and Eastern Minnesota, and founded several leading systems in these regions. As an auctioneer he has been successsf ul and popular, and has served more years than any other man in the county. As a business man he established the first Independence jewelry store. As a man of scholarly attainments he is well versed in mathematics, science, geology, general history and the classics, and is the master of three languages : English, German and Polish. As a lecturer he has addressed audiences in all three of these languages, one of his favorite topics being "Natural Experiences." As a musician he has a deep appreciation of harmony and has done considerable musical teaching. With all of these broad experiences he is genial and approachable, a pleasant, courteous, deep thinking man in every respect. At the present time, though he makes his home in Independence, much of his attenticm is given to his holdings in Canada. Albert J. Bautch was born in New Lisbon, Juneau County, Wis., Jan. 13, 1859, son of Albert and Josephine Bautch, and was brought to this county by his parents. He attended the public schools of this county and the Northwestern Business College at Winona, and remained for a number of years with his father. For a while he operated the mill on his father's place, but in 1895 disposed of it to his brother, John L., and bought the mill at Independence. Mr. Bautch was married in Winona, Minn., to Paulina Rozek, who is now deceased. They became the parents of seven children: Carl F., Thomas, Delia. Albert, Esther, Josephine and Sylvester, the last mentioned of whom was drowned. All the children were well educated by their father and are well qualified to make their own way in the world.

Eben Douglas Pierce, M. D., physician, historian, poet and nature lover, is a native of this county, having been born at Williamsburg, Aug. 13, 1874, the son of Henry E. and Mary M. (Morrow) Pierce, the pioneers. He lived on the home farm until ten j^ears of age and was then taken to Arcadia, where he was reared on a small fruit farm owned by his father. As a child he attended the district school of Williamsburg, and then passed through the public schools of Arcadia, graduating from the Arcadia high school in June, 1895. With this preparation he took a two-year course in the University of Michigan, and completed his medical course in the University of Oregon in 1899. In the fall of the same year he started practice in Pickwick, Minn. In the summer of 1900 he toured Scotland, and returned to Winona, Minn., in the fall. In 1901 he moved back to his old home in Arcadia, and did journahstic and other literary work until 1904. The following two years he practiced his profession at Arcadia in partnership with Dr. George N. Hidershide. The years 1906-1907 found him practicing at Hillsdale, Wis. But for some time he had been impressed with the possibilities of the west, and in 1907 he went to Vancouver, Wash., where he continued his practice. There, in 1911, he married Hettie M., the daughter of G. A. and Samaria (Grant) Carsley, an artist and newspaper illusti'ator. Together the young couple settled in a beautiful spot at Trempealeau. Both lovers of Nature and of the out of doors, they have enhanced the natural charms of the place, and there they are now making their home, the Doctor devoting his time to his practice, to his research work, and to his literary and historical writings, while Mrs. Pierce, as time permits, follows her art career and takes charge of the village library. Dr. Pierce is the author of a number of historical papers, which are preserved in the published collections of the Wisconsin Historical Society and in the published collections of other societies, as well as in the unpublished collections of the Trempealeau County Historical Society. He is the author also of numerous poems, and has ready for early publication a book of verse called "Wild Flowers and Woodsy Ways." His newspaper and magazine contributions are widely known. Dr. Pierce has been honored with membership in a number of learned and historical societies and associations. He is a member and curator of the Wisconsin Historical Society, and a member of the Trempealeau County Historical Society, the Wisconsin Archaeological Society, the Mississippi Valley Historical Association and the American Historical Association. The people of Trempealeau are indebted to him in a measure for the beautiful Trempealeau Mountain Park, his enthusiasm having been the basis of the interest which has been taken by the donor, John A. Latsch. He has also been interested in a number of other projects for the progress of Trempealeau along all civic, commercial and patriotic lines, and he has been the moving spirit in several homecoming and historical celebrations there.

pealeau Commercial Club. The officers of this club are : President, George G. Gibbs ; vice-president, C. S. Ford ; secretary, Dr. E. D. Pierce ; chairman of the executive committee, L. M. Pittenger ; chairman of the finance committee, L. S. Sanders; chairman of the entertainment committee, A. A. Holmes. Through the Commercial Club the Farmers' Shipping Association was organized, a stock company was organized to take over the Lime Products Plant, the village has been supplied with electric service, the village library has been started, and a publicity campaign conducted.

Mrs. Pierce has mothered the public library, carrying the project on her own shoulders when there seemed little encouragement, and devoting her spare time to its care and growth at considerable personal sacrifice. A lady of literary and artistic tastes, and coming of a family that has been prominent in this region since the earliest pioneer days, she at once upon her taking up her residence here after her marriage, became imbued with the idea of establishing a library. Her constant endeavor was to interest her friends in the project, and her husband carried her enthusiasm to the meetings of the Commercial Club, until the members of that club were convinced of its desirability and possibility. The library came into existence in the fall of 1914, as a reading room in the little village hall, with a few books bought by the Commercial Club and a number of periodicals donated by interested residents. In a short time, for greater convenience, the books were moved to Dr. Pierce's office, and the Commercial Club had shelves made and partially furnished a room. Arrangements were made for the securing of boxes from the Traveling Libraries at Madison and Whitehall. A special effoi't was made to get good children's books. The library was well patronized from the first. Jan. 1, 1917, a library board was elected, and the village took charge instead of the Commercial Club, making a yearly appropriation to furnish new books and to pay the running expenses. There are now about 400 books permanently in the library, and about 200 additional from the traveling libraries. Mrs. Pierce is the librarian, as she has been from the first.

Henry E. Pier.ce, the pioneer, was born in Whitehall, N. Y., March 3, 1836, and when about six years of age was brought to the present site of Milwaukee, in the then territory of Wisconsin, by his parents, who kept the Buck Horn Tavern there. He was educated in the pioneer schools and as a young man crossed the plains on a gold seeking expedition to Pike's Peak. Then he filed a claim on the present site of Denver, and traveled over the old Santa Fe trail to New Mexico. While in the West he had many interesting adventures, and was accorded the pleasure of meeting Kit Carson. He retained in after life vivid memories of the West in the early days, and often described his adventures, telling with particular relish of the vast herds of buffalo that were then to be seen. At the outbreak of the Civil War he went to Cattaraugus County, New York, where his father was then living, and there he was married March 26, 1861, to Mary M. Morrow, who was born in that county, Aug. 15, 1840, daughter of John D. and Harriet (Simmons) Morrow. The young couple came to Wisconsin, and after living a time at Sparta, came to Trempealeau County and preempted a tract of land at Williamsburg, five miles up the Trempealeau

Valley ±rom the present site of Arcadia. Here he acquired in state and other lands 300 acres, and gained the I'eputation of being one of the most scientific farmers in Wisconsin. He later moved to a fruit farm at Arcadia. He died Feb. 27, 1894. Mr. and Mrs. Pierce had four children : Hattie E., now Mrs. Moseley, was born at Sparta, Feb. 25, 1862. Etta M. was born at Williamsburg, June 30, 1868, and died at the age of five years. Ira Frank was born at Williamsburg, June 27, 1872. Eben Douglas was born at Wilhamsburg, Aug. 13, 1874. Mrs. Pierce, Mrs. Moseley and Ira F. live in Vancouver, Wash., while Eben D. practices medicine at Trempealeau, Wis. George Asbury Carsley, veteran and pioneer, was born in Springfield, Maine, April 21, 1840, and subsequently was taken by his parents to Portland, and then to Westbrook, in the same state. He attended school in all three places. He also had the advantages of study in the Westbrook Seminary, for though he was not far enough advanced for this institution, the friendship of the principal of the institution with his family made possible his taking courses there. From Westbrook the family moved to New Gloucester, in the same state, where they remained for five years. Then they decided to seek their fortunes in the West. Making their way by steamboat to Boston they went to Dubuque, Iowa, by way of Chicago, and then took a boat up the Mississippi. The scenes along the trip are ones never to be forgotten. At Boston they noted the ships of the world's trade lying at anchor, and from the Boston Monument a vast expanse of land and sea spread before them. In New York state they saw the old Erie canal, with its picturesque tow boats. At Niagara they crossed the suspension bridge and viewed the falls. It was April when they reached the Mississippi, which was then full of floating ice. But the boats were running, and, in due time, the family reached Winona County, Minnesota, where the father took government land on the ridge three miles directly south of Pickwick. George A. helped construct the large log house, and assisted his family in meeting the new conditions of pioneer life. Of those far distant days he has many an interesting tale to tell. He attended a few winter terms of school near Pickwick, and received a teacher's certificate, but never cared to take up the teaching pi'of ession. In 1862 he enlisted in the Civil War, served through the conflict and was mustered out at the close of the war at Ft. Snelling. In 1870 he moved from Pickwick to the Big Tamarack Valley in Trempealeau County, Wisconsin, where he built a mill and remained eight years. Then he built a mill at Pine Creek, in the same county, but this was washed out by the high water two years later, For a while he was employed in the car shops at Winona, and in 1880 he moved to St. Paul, where he became a general contractor and builder, in which capacity he was assistant superintendent during the building of the old State Capitol. In 1887 he went to Helena, Mont., where he assisted in erecting many beautiful residences, and where he lived until about 1900, when he moved to Portland, Ore., where he and his wife are still living. Mr. Carsley was married Aug. 27, 1865, to Samaria M. Grant of Trempealeau, and this union was blessed with seven children: Ella A., now Mrs. C. W. Clark of Portland, Ore. ; Benjamin F., who died at the age of eighteen months ; G. Hollis of Helena, Mont. ; Hettie M., wife of Dr. F. D.

Pierce, of Trempealeau ; Glen W. of Zion City, 111. ; Myrtle A., wife of George Lewis of Hoquiam, Wash., and Ruth S., wife of W. A. Hicks of Portland, Ore. Mrs. Carsley was the daughter of G. W. T. Grant, the first settler in Pickwick, Minn., coming from Dubuque, Iowa, in 1853, chosing the site for the mill, then returning home, and the next year bringing his family and building the first house in the village, afterward building the mill with Webster Davis.

.John Brownlee, an enterprising and successful farmer, whose homestead is located in section 30, Arcadia Township, was born at Court Bridge, Scotland, May 28, 1841, son of William and Isabella (Cummings) Brownlee. He had to aid in supporting himself at the early age of nine years, as his parents were people of little means, but he was made of the right stuff and got along, so that when he was only 20 years old he found himself able to marry, taking as his wife Margaret, daughter of John and Sarah (Lindsay) Robertson. By this marriage he had seven children, the first four of whom were born in Scotland. These six children were: John, whose whereabouts is unknown ; William, residing in Mondovi, Buffalo County, Wis. ; Thomas, an attorney who died in Boulder, Colo., in 1907 ; James, a merchant living in East Arcadia, who is now clerk of Arcadia Township ; Isabella, who was born in Chicago, married Helmer Smart of Hillsdale, Wis., and died in 1913, and Robena, born in Arcadia, who was a teacher, but who died in 1906. In April, 1871, Mr. Brownlee. with his wife and four eldest children, left their native land for America. Landing at Philadelphia, they proceeded to Chicago, 111., where they had the misfortune to be burned out in the great fire of October, 1871, which destroyed the greater part of the city. In 1872, having found Chicago too hot a place for them, they came overland in a canvas-covered wagon to Trempealeau County, Wisconsin, locating on a homestead of 160 acres in Lewis Valley. It was all new land and on it Mr. Brownlee built a log house. The fire fiend still pursued him, howev^er, as this first residence burned down, but, not discouraged, he erected a frame house, together with a small barn and granary, and went on with his agricultural operations. Here on this farm his wife died in 1880, and three years later he sold the property and for the next two years rented a farm on the "bottoms." In 188-5 he purchased his present homestead, which then consisted of 308 acres. This property is situated at the head of Trout Run Valley and the land is fertile and well adapted to the plow. Since buying it Mr. Brownlee has increased its size by adding 40 more acres. When he bought it it was slightly improved, and he erected on it a comfortable log house, hewn inside and out, which is still standing, and in which he lived until 1900. He then built his present residence, a twostory, 11-room frame house, also erecting a frame barn, 36 by 60 by 16 feet above full basement, a granary 18 by 26 by 14 feet and a machine shed 18 by 24 feet. He is engaged in general farming and for years has been a breeder of fine grade horses and cattle. In 1885 he married for his second wife Sarah, daughter of Thomas and Margaret Harvey Broehead. She died' in 1907, having been the mother of six childi'en: Robert, now living at Sentinel Butte, N. D. ; Alexander, a resident of the same place; Minnie, now Mrs. Frank Hess of Livingston, Mont.; Florence, wife of

Edward Hess of American Valley, Arcadia Township ; Margarite, a graduate of Arcadia high school, who is unmarried and is keeping house for her father; and Raymond, hving at home with his father and working on the farm. Mr. Brownlee is independent in politics, voting for the man rather than for the party. He is a stockholder in the Western Wisconsin Telephone Company. Religiously he was reared in the faith of the Scottish Presbyterian church. His success in life has been well earned and he and his family are both widely known and respected.

Albert C. Kiekhoefer, a well-known agriculturist of Arcadia Township, proprietor of a flourishing farm in section 24, is one of the estimable men of the county, who by diligently developing his farm is doing his full share toward the growth and progress of the community at large. Coming of a family widely known in agricultural, religious and educational circles, he has added substantially to the high regard in which the family name is held. His parents, William and Caroline (Tisch) Kiekhoefer, were born in Prussia, Germany, and were there married. In 1857 they bravely set out for the new world to establish their home among the broader opportunities of America. The voyage across the water aboard an old style sailing vessel occupied four months and entailed many hardships. But in time they set their feet on land, found their way to Milwaukee, and thence came to Trempealeau County, where they homesteaded 160 acres of wild land in Trout Run Valley. Here the son, Albert C, the subject of this sketch, was born Oct. 29, 1859. Beginning work with an ox team, after the fashion of the pioneers, William Kiekhoefer grubbed and cleared his land, which had a very rolling surface, and built a log house as his first dwelling, subsequently replacing it by a two-story frame residence. After continuing his work on the farm until 1879, he died, having previously willed it to his son Albert C. Albert C. Kiekhoefer, who had one brother and five sisters, remained at home with his mother, assisting the latter on the farm until it came into his own possession, at which time he was 30 years of age. He had in the meanwhile acquired some education in the common school of the district, although able to attend only occasionally. The frame house built by his father was a building 16 by 30 feet in dimensions, and he has since added a wing to it, making it into a good ten-room house. He has also erected a silo, 14 by 28 feet ; a granary, 18 by 30 ; a machine shed, 30 by 50 ; a hog house, 26 by 50, and a corn crib. The barn built by his father was 32 by 90 feet. Mr. Kiekhoefer does general farming and breeds high grade Holstein cattle, having a herd of 35 head, as well as a herd of Hampshire hogs. His farm is well equipped with machinery and teams, and presents a thriving appearance, the land being well cultivated and the buildings kept in good shape. Mr. Kiekhoefer usually votes the Prohibition ticket, though reserving the right of independent action as he sees occasion. Since 1904 he had belonged to the Order of Beavers, and since 1891 to the Arcadia Lodge of Modern Woodmen of America. He is a stockholder in the Glencoe Co-operative Creamery, of which he is vicepresident. March 11, 1890, Mr. Kiekhoefer married Augusta, daughter of Robert Lull and Henrietta Sitzman of Germany, her parents being natives of Germany. The children of this marriage, 13 in number, are:

Ralph, born Dec. 24, 1890, now a carpenter, residing at Arcadia ; Leafe, born in 1892, who is a professional nurse; Floyd, born in 1893, who lives at home, assisting his father on the farm ; Orpha, born in 1894, now a student in the Winona Normal School; Alta, born in 1896, who is residing at home; Beatrice, born in 1897, who is a public school teacher residing at home; Elsie, born in 1898, now a student in the Arcadia high school ; Lillian, born in 1900, also a student in the high school ; David, born in 1902, Frederick in 1903, Wilton in 1905, Doris in 1907 and Albert, Jr., in 1908, all living at home. Mr. Kiekhoefer was reared in the faith of the Evangelical church, to which he and all the members of his family belong. They are well known throughout this part of the county; the older children are successfully making their way in the world and the younger ones are showing that application to their studies that will enable them in time to uphold the credit of the family name. All have received a sound moral and Christian training. x

E. Scott Hotchkiss, pioneer, business man, agriculturist, former sheriff and former United States consul, is one of the most prominent men in the county. In commercial life he has assisted in the development of the mercantile, milling and lumber business since his first arrival in 1859, and he has been actively identified not only with rural progress, but also with the intimate life of two prosperous villages. In public service, within the county, he most efficiently occupied the office of sheriff for a term, he was a valued member of the county board for four years, he was a capable town clerk for twelve years, he was justice of the peace and court commissioner several terms, and in addition to this has held numerous local offices, and has been a member of various committees and delegations. As United States consul to two Canadian cities he assisted materially in exploiting and promoting American trade interests within the Dominion. As a Mason he has taken a deep interest in the Ancient Rites, and cherishes a number of important mementoes which have been handed down in his family from generation to generation. E. Scott Hotchkiss was born at Cairo, Green County, N. Y., March 27, 1837, son of Henry E. and Alice (Smith) Hotchkiss, and a grandson of Lemuel Hotchkiss, who served from Connecticut in the Revolutionary War, was a personal friend of DeWitt Clinton, governor of New York, and a prominent leader in Master and Royal Arch Masonry. The subject of this sketch was educated in the district schools, and has supplemented this training by wide reading and observation. He was designed to follow his father's occupation as a cabinet maker, but deciding to seek the broader opportunities of the west, he left his old home in 1856, and located in Richland County, this state. In 1859 he joined a colony, and set out for Osseo, where he homesteaded the southwest quarter of section 14, Sumner Township. He broke, improved and developed this land, until 1868, when he sold out, and engaged in the general mercantile business at Osseo with W. H. Thomas. In 1870 he and Mr. Thomas, together with William Fuller, built the Sumner Mill at Osseo, now owned by J. N. Lee. Soon after this he traded his interest in the store for Mr. Fuller's interest in the mill, and took over its active management. In 1872 he and J. L. Linderman built the Linderman Mills, one mile west of Osseo, on the Beef River. The mills were destroyed by fire in 1880, but were a once rebuilt, and are still operated by members of the Linderman family. In 1876 Mr. Hotchkiss was elected sheriff of Trempealeau County, and so excellent was his record in this capacity that he was retained as under sheriff under K. K. Hagestad, his successor. In 1880, upon the expiration of this service, a favorable business opening presented itself at Independence, so, coming here, he purchased a lumber yard in the village, and a farm on the village limits. He still owns the farm, and he and his son Frank A. operate it, though both live in the village. The lumber yard was sold to John Sprecher and is now operated by the Sprecher Lumber Company. It was in 1902 that Mr. Hotchkiss received his greatest opportunity for public service. In that year, through the influence of Senator John C. Spooner, he was appointed by President Theodore Roosevelt as American consul at Brockville, Ontario, Canada. When that consulate was abandoned in 1906 he was sent to establish the consulate at Calgary, Alberta, Canada. When he went there American business represented but 45 percent of that city's imports. The official records show that owing to the work of the consulate during his administration the American business was increased until it represented 90 percent of the imports. In the fall of 1913, Mr. Hotchkiss retired, owing to the change of administration. In the meantime he had been offered, but had refused, the consulate at Hobart, Tasmania. Since then Mr. Hotchkiss has led a retired life at Independence, looking after his numerous holdings and interests. Mr. Hotchkiss' career as a Mason dates from 1872, when he joined the Blue Lodge at Augusta, Wis., being raised in March, 1873. He is now a member of the Blue Lodge at Whitehall, has served as its senior warden, and has been presented with a beautiful token in acknowledgment of his long fidelity in the work. He belongs to the Chapter and Commandery at La Crosse, having originally joined the Chapter there and the Commandery at Brockville, Ontario. Mr. Hotchkiss was married Dec. 16, 1862, to Harriet A. Field, a daughter of Robert C. and Mary (Stoddard) Field, intimately associated with the early history of Osseo and Sumner. After a long and useful life, filled with good deeds and gracious kindliness, she died Nov. 6, 1915, leaving two children : Alice and Frank A. Alice lives in Milwaukee, and is the mother of two children, Claude and Albert Maurer. Frank A. is president of the Farmers & Merchants State Bank of Independence.

James Muir, a pioneer of Buffalo County, was for many years intimately connected with the life of this region. He was born in Franklin, Scotland, July 14, 1833, and was there reared and educated, coming to America in May, 1853. For a time he was employed as a miner in Pennsylvania, coming to Buffalo County in 1856, landing at Fountain City, April 1, and homesteading a farm, where he spent the remainder of his days. He first erected a shack, then improved and developed the land, and in time had as good a farm as was to be found in the county. He died Sept. 2, 1916. His wife, Martha Faulds, to whom he was married in Glencoe Township, Buffalo County, June 2, 1860, died Nov. 5, 1906.

Frank A. Hotchkiss, banker, public official, farmer, horse fancier and man-of-affairs, is well known throughout the county, and his advocacy of good roads, during his term of office as chairman of the county board, places him in the ranks of the county's most useful and constructive citizens. With keen business insight he combines a genial temperament, with a nature of unbounded enthusiasm in good work he combines a proper conservatism, and with a thorough belief in progress he combines the sincere conviction that all progress must be founded upon the firm ground of expediency and common sense. A native of this county, and connected with several of its most prominent pioneer families, he was born in Osseo, this county, Oct. 18, 1866, the son of E. Scott and Harriett A. (Field) Hotchkiss. He received a good education in the schools of Osseo, Arcadia and Independence, and early in life determined to devote his life to agricultural pursuits. As he grew to manhood he devoted his time and attention to the improving and developing of his father's farm at Independence, and as a hobby became more and more interested in the breeding of pure-blooded Percheron and Belgian horses, and developed a string of trotters and pacers that won many a prize at fairs and racing meets. Of late years, however, his attention has turned more and more to public and commercial life. In 1916 he with others organized the Farmers & Merchants State Bank, of which he became president. He is likewise president of the Independence Grain & Stock Company. Both of these institutions are important factors in the business and financial life of Independence, and under his fostering care are constantly growing in size and importance. In 1900 he became a member of the village council and served for several terms. It was in 1904 that he was elected to the county board, of which he was chairman in 1914, 1915 and 1916. He has served on numerous committees on the board, and his work is acknowledged as having always been for the best interests of the people of the county at large. Being of a fraternal disposition, he has affiliated himself with the Blue Lodge and Chapter of the Masonic order, and he is likewise a popular member of the Independent Order of Foresters. Mr. Hotchkiss was married Oct. 18, 1893, to Agnes Muir, born in Buffalo County, this state, June 25, 1870, daughter of James and Martha (Faulds) Muir. This union has been blessed with three children: Ina A., born May 28, 1896; Eldridge Scott, born April 13, 1906, and Robert Addison, born April 7, 1912.

Philo J. Linderman, in the United States mail service at Osseo, was born near Troy, Bradford County, Pa., moved to Rockford, 111., in 1859, and there lived until 1868, when he moved with his parents to Eau Claire, Wis., where he Hved until 1872, then removing to Osseo, where his father, James L. Linderman, built the Linderman Mills in 1872. James L. Linderman died in 1905, and since that time Philo J. Linderman has been employed as a mail carrier. He married Stella Tracy, who was born in Richland County, Wisconsin, in 1855, and they have three childi-en: Glenn 0., a prominent attorney of Eau Claire ; Phylancia, who married Dr. F. S. Maxson of Milwaukee, and has one child, Josephine; and Marion, who died at the age of

Glenn O. Linderman, prominent attorney of Eau Claire, is a native of Trempealeau County, and was for a number of years actively identified with the life and progress of this region. He was born in Osseo, Sept. 29,

1875, son of Philo J. and Stella (Tracy) Lindei-man. As a youth he attended the schools of Osseo. Later he entered the schools of Augusta, in Eau Claire County. In that city also he studied law for three years in the offices of Attorneys L B. and E. M. Bradford. The education thus obtained was rounded out with a summer course in the University of Michigan at Ann Arbor. Mr. Linderman was admitted to the bar in 1898, and at once opened an office in Osseo. Here he successfully practiced for many years. His worth was soon recognized and he was called upon to serve in a number of important public positions. For thirteen years he was a member of the county board, three years of which time he was its chairman. While serving on the Osseo school board he assisted in erecting the sightly building which is now the pride of the village. He helped to organize the Osseo Telephone Company, which is still successfully operating. He was president of the Citizens State Bank of Osseo during its entire existence. Mr. Linderman moved to Eau Claire in the spring of 1916. Deeply interested in Masonry, Mr. Linderman has passed through the thirty-two degrees of the Scottish rites, and he is also a member of the Commandery and of the Shrine. The Knights of Pythias also count him as a valued member. Mr. Linderman was married Aug. 6, 1897, to Bertha H. Bradford of Augusta, who died June 18, 1902, daughter of Rev. E. and Cynthia Bradford. Sept. 17, 1907, he married Hilda 0. Halverson, a trained nurse, who was the daughter of Gilbert and Ingeborg Halvorson of Sumner Township, and died Nov. 2, 1913, leaving two children: Marion Abigail, born June 20, 1910, and Glenn Otis, born Aug. 8, 1908. Mr. Linderman was married April 5, 1916, to Jessie M. Stillman, daughter of Charles Wesley and Bertha Stillman. John Bigham, for many years one of the stury farmers who helped to develop the agricultural resources of Trempealeau County, but who now resides in the village of Arcadia, was born in Putnam County, New York, Aug. 27, 1838, son of James and Catherine (McVoy) Bigham. Both his parents were born in Ireland, the father being of Scotch descent. He was reared in his native state, attending district school there until the age of 14 years, and subsequently learned the mason's trade. At the age of 19 he began working away from home, and in June, 1855, he came west alone, traveling by rail to Dunleith, 111., and from there by boat to Fountain City, Wis. His father was already located in Glencoe, Buffalo County, having arrived there in the preceding April. John Bigham remained with his father about a month and then went to La Crosse, Wis., where he worked in a mill until 1859. While thus employed, however, he was making plans for future independence and took the surest way of doing this by investing, in 1857, in a small tract of land in Buffalo County. In the following year he bought 80 acres in Arcadia Township, two and a half miles south of the village. The Buffalo County tract he held for some years. All this land was wild and there were plenty of Winnebago Indians in the vicinity. In the fall of 1859 Mr. Bigham began breaking his land, using ox teams. Two years later he purchased 80 acres more and from time to time added to the size of his farm, continually improving it, until it now contains 253 acres in a high state of cultivation, and well equipped with good buildings and all needed accessories. In 1902 Mr. Bigham quit the farm and moved into

Arcadia Village, where he and his wife are enjoying the fruits of their industry and thrift in days gone by. Mr. Bigham was married, Jan. 9, 1867, to Grace K., daughter of Henry and Miranda (Shelby) Gardner, who died Sept. 8, 1917. Their children, five in number, are: Bertha, born April 16, 1868, who is the widow of Clifford Baumbach, and is now engaged in teaching school at Whitehall ; Minnie, born Sept. 9, 1870, now the wife of John McKivergin, of Whitehall, Wis. ; Elmer, born March 6, 1873, Hving on the old farm ; Ellis G., manager and secretary of the Farmers' Co-Operative Creamery in Arcadia Village, and Byrd, born Nov. 27, 1879, who is a druggist in Chicago, 111. Mr. Bigham is a staunch Republican in politics and cast his first Presidential vote for Abraham Lincoln in 1860. Religiously he was brought up in the faith of the Scotch Presbyterian church.

Peter Myers, one of the elderly residents of Arcadia Village, who may justly lay claim to being one of the pioneer settlers of Trempealeau County, was born in France, Oct. 8, 1836. When a boy of 10 years he came to America with his parents, who settled on a farm eight miles from Syracuse, N. Y., and here young Myers was reared and resided until he was 25 years old. Then, in 1861, he was married to Lena Kraner, daughter of George Kraner, a neighbor. In 1864, with his wife and eldest child, George, he came West, journeying by train to La Crosse, Wis., from there by boat to Trempealeau, and then by ox team to Arcadia Township. Here he homesteaded 160 acres of land in one of the beautiful valleys three miles south of Arcadia Village, which took its name from him and his family and is now known as Myers Valley. The land on which he settled was wild and there were no buildings on it, so his first work was to erect a small log house and barn. There were plenty of Indians in the vicinity, but they gave him no trouble, and he grubbed and cleared his land without interference. After awhile he bought an additional tract of 80 acres, and still later on other land until the farm contained 330 acres. He also built a substantial frame house, a stone barn, 36 by 60, and a stone granary, 24 by 40 feet in dimensions. His farming operations were conducted with intelligence and industry and proved successful, so that in time he became prosperous. Mr. Myers resided on this farm until 1888, at which time he retired and moved to Arcadia Village, which place has since been his home. He has always been a Democrat in politics, but was never politically active and has held no public offices. Reared a Catholic, he has been true to his faith and is a member of the German Catholic church of Arcadia. Though grown somewhat feeble with advancing years, he is a man highly respected and his neighbors took a warm sympathetic interest in his celebration of his eightieth birthday, on Oct. 8, 1916. He is now a widower, his wife having passed away in December, 1899. They were the parents of eight children : George, Anna, Anton, Agnes, Clara, Rosa, Otto and Isadore. George, who was born in New York State, Feb. 14, 1862, remained on the home farm when his father moved to the village, and operated it for 15 years. He is now on one of the other farms of his father. Anna, now Mrs. John Whifller, is residing in Arcadia and keeps house for her father. Anton, born in 1867, died in 1915. Agnes, born Jan. 6, 1869, later Sister Wilfreda, of Notre Dame, died Jan. 3, 1917. Clara is the wife of Peter Dahm. of

Arcadia. Otto is living in Arcadia with his father. Isadora, born Sept. 13, 1881, is living on the old family homestead, where he has been since 1904. He married Elizabeth, 'daughter of Edward and Julia Haines, who reside on an adjoining farm. His marriage took place Sept. 26, 1905, and he and his wife now have six children: Hildegard, Irene, Wilfred, Ethelreda, Evangeline and Aurelia.

Louis Remlinger, proprietor of a good farm in Arcadia Township, about two and a half miles southeast of the village of that name, was born at Mauley Station, N. Y., Oct. 6, 1863. His parents were John and Mary (Seibert) Remlinger, who were married at Mauley Station about 1851, the mother having been born at that place in 1839. The father, John Remlinger, was a native of Germany, born in 1832. In 1865 he came West with his wife and family, making the journey by rail to Dunleith, 111 (now East Dubuque) , from which place they took boat to Trempealeau Village, where they remained about a week. Then they came by ox team to Arcadia Township, this last trip taking a day and a half. Here Mr. Remlinger settled on 160 acres of wild Government land in Meyers Valley, on which he built a log shanty, and began improving his land. In 1875, having by this time made fair progress on his farm, he put up a more pretentious and commodious log house, together with a barn. Later he sold this property and moved to Dodge Township, near Pine Creek, where he spent practically the rest of his life, dying at Arcadia in 1894. He was then, and had been for some time, a widower, his wife having passed away at Arcadia in 1886. They had a family of nine children : John, born in New York State, in 1853, who is a resident of Eau Claire, Wis.; Polly, born in New York State, in 1855, who is now Mrs. Fred Wenzell, of Arcadia Township ; George, born in New York State, in 1857, whose present whereabouts is unknown ; Jennie, born in 1859, in New York State, who is the wife of John Thompson, of Winona, Minn.; Louis, the subject of this sketch; Nicholas, born in 1867, in Arcadia Township, where he died in 1892 ; Frank, born in Arcadia Township, in 1869-, who is living at St. Mary, Idaho ; Mary, born in Arcadia Township, in 1871, who is now Mrs. George Sentz, of Red Wing, Minn.; and Joseph, born in Arcadia Township, in 1873, who is living in Winona, Minn. Louis Remlinger was educated in the common and parochial schools, but never reached advanced studies, as he had to assist his father on the farm at an early age. He resided at home until he was 21 years old and then worked out five years for others. He was married Sept. 9, 1887, to Eliza, daughter of Louie and Eva Fischer, of Arcadia Township. He subsequently rented and worked farms in Trempealeau County until 1895, in which year he bought 72 acres in section 1, township 20, range 10, situated about two and a half miles southeast of Arcadia Village, which place is his present home. Here he does general farming and dairying, keeping graded cows, and having an ample supply of teams and other equipment. He built his present residence, which is a very comfortable one-and-a-half-story brick house, consisting of upright and wing. He has also put up good barns, a granary, tool sheds and other necessary buildings. His wife, Eliza, died July 18, 1911, and on April 12, 1915, he married for his second wife, Barbara, daughter of John and Anna Maier, of Arcadia Township. His children, by his first marriage, are : Gertrude, born June 29, 1888, who is the wife of Henry W. Werner, a contracting electrician and^ prominent citizen of Winona, Minn. ; Frank, born Jan. 8, 1889, who is a farmer in Arcadia Township ; William, born March 23, 1891, who resides on the old Remhnger homestead ; Albert, born May 8, 1892, who served with the Wisconsin State militia on the Texas border ; Ehzabeth, born Oct. 4, 1895, who is residing at home ; Leo, born March 12, 1897, who lives at home and assists his father on the farm, and Raymond, born March 28, 1900, who resides at home. Mr. Remlinger is a Democrat in politics, and for one year was a member of the township board, but otherwise has not been active in public affairs. He and his family are members of the German Catholic church at Arcadia, and he belongs also to St. Joseph's Catholic Society at Winona, Minn.

Ole Gulbrandson Eid, one of the pioneers of Hegge Cooley, spent many years of his life in developing a farm in this county, and was numbered among the substantial and successful citizens. He was born in Blakjar, Norway, and was there reared on a farm. In 1871, hoping to better his condition and to seek the broader opportunities of the New World, he brought his family to America, and while looking about for a location, established himself in Minnesota for six months. Then he came to Ti'empealeau County and purchased 160 acres in Hegge Cooley, Pigeon Township, and began his career as an American farmer. He broke and developed a fine place, and became one of the representative men of the county. After many years of hard work and successful endeavor, he retired, but continued to live on the homestead with his son, Gilbert, 0. He died there Aug. 26, 1904, and his wife passed away Dec. 21, 1893. They were the parents of six children : Ole and Marius, who are dead ; Gilbert 0., on the old homestead ; Andrew, a merchant at Merrillan, Wis., and Hans and Ole, farmers in Northfield Township, Jackson County.

Gilbert O. Eid, of Hegge Cooley, Pigeon Township, has one of the best developed farms in this region, and is regarded as one of the most modern and progressive agriculturists in this part of the county. Since young boyhood, he has devoted his efforts to improving his present place, and the results, bearing testimony on every side to thrift, foresight and appreciation of.beauty, have fully justified his endeavor. Born in Blakjer, Norway, June 14, 1858, son of Ole Gulbrandson Eid and Marte A. (Thoreid) Eid he came with them to America in 1871, lived six months in Minnesota, and then with them came to Hegge Cooley. He assisted his parents with the farm duties, and in 1884 purchased the home place. Previously he had purchased two 40-acre tracts adjoining, and later he bought other adjacent property, until he now owns 420 acres of as good land as is to be found in the county, all being in section 2, except 40 acres in section 3. Upon acquiring ownership of the homestead, Mr. Eid continued its improvement. He remodeled and enlarged the dwelling, barns and other buildings, and in 1900 he erected his present sightly home. This is an ideal farmhouse in every way, beautiful, comfortable and convenient. It is heated with hot air system, equipped with modern plumbing, furnishing a continual supply of hot and cold water, and is provided with an electric light plant, illuminating both house and barns. The other farm buildings are fully in keeping with the residence.

The whole place is beautified with a well-kept lawn, dotted with flowers and shrubbery, and sloping in grassy sweeps from the building to the highway. The farm is a fertile one and produces the usual crops ; diversified farming and stock raising being conducted along the latest approved methods, and a specialty being made of a fine dairy herd of Holstein cattle headed by a full-blooded sire. In addition to his farm holdings, Mr. Eid is a stockholder in the Pigeon Grain & Stock Company, the People's State Bank, of Whitehall, and the Whitehall Community Hospital. Mr. Eid was married July 2, 1882, to Karen Koxlien, who was born in Faaber, Gulbrandsdahlen, Norway, on Nov. 25, 1859, and died Sept. 20, 1907. Throughout all her married life she proved a faithful wife, a loving mother and a kind and charitable woman, and her death was not only a great loss to the family, but a matter of sincere grief to the community wherein her worth was known. She left seven children : May, Olga Nora, Clara, Ella, Anna, George A. and Orvel. May was born May 28, 1883, and is the wife of Charles Borreson, a farmer of Rat Cooley. Olga Nora was born May 22, 1885, and is the wife of Albert Johnson, who helps operate the Eid farm. Clara was born Sept. 30, 1886, and lives at home. Ella was born Feb. 7, 1891, and is now the wife of Edward Goplin, of Hale Township. Anna, born Sept. 22, 1892 ; George A., born March 12, 1895; and Orvel, born Dec. 25, 1897, are at home. March 27, 1913, Mr. Eid married Mrs. Amelia (Christopherson) Foss, born Feb. 12, 1860, daughter of C. Christopherson and Christine (Peterson) Christopherson, and widow of Anders Foss, who died April 26, 1900, leaving four children : Anna, now Mrs. Richard Lieske ; Carolina, Mabel and Josephine.

Henry R. Trowbridge, a successful farmer of section 20, Trempealeau Township, was born on the homestead on which he now resides, Oct. 20, 1877, son of Hiram I. and Eliza (Brown) Trowbridge, a memoir of whom appears elsewhere in this volume. In his boyhood he attended the district school, also spending two seasons in the schools of Winona, Minn. He was trained to agriculture from his early years, and has always remained on the home farm. Sept. 29, 1902, he was married to Tillie, daughter of Gilbert and Auline Gooden, of Holland Township, La Crosse County, Wis., the marriage taking place at the home of the bride's parents and the ceremony being performed by the Rev. W. C. Hill, pastor of Galesville Presbyterian church. Mr. Trowbridge brought his wife to the farm just before Christmas, 1902. Their family circle has since been widened by the birth of two children: Grace, born Aug. 2, 1903, and Gerald, born April 2, 1909, both of whom are living. Mr. Trowbridge is engaged in general farming and dairying. His farm contains 250 acres, of which 140 are plowed land, the balance being in pasture and timber. The buildings are in good condition and the farm is well stocked. Mr. Trowbridge is also a stockholder in the Farmers' Cooperative Packing Company, of La Crosse. He is not active in politics, but votes the Republican ticket and has served as treasurer of the school district. Since 1898 he has been a member of Camp No. 2813, Modern Woodmen of America, Trempealeau Village, and he and his wife belong to Trempealeau M. E. church, of which he is a steward, Mrs. Trowbridge being active in the Ladies' Aid Society.

Hiram I. Trowbridge, in former years one of the leading citizens of Trempealeau Township, and known and respected throughout the county, was born in Meadville, Crawford County, Pa., May 15, 1837. Subsequently he accompanied his parents to Belvidere, in the northern part of Illinois, and just before the Civil War the family came to Trempealeau County, Wis., where the father bought a tract of prairie land. Hiram, with two of his brothers, Edward and Henry, purchased the farm in Trempealeau Township, which included a portion of the old mission grounds. On April 20, 1875, he was married to Eliza (Brown) Johnson, widow of Samuel A. Johnson, who had served as a soldier in Company C, Thirtieth Regiment, Wisconsin Volunteers. She was born in Brooklyn, N. Y., July 30, 1848. and at the age of 7 years came West with her parents, the journey being made by train to Dubuque, Iowa, and from there by boat to La Crosse, Wis. Her marriage to Mr. Trowbridge took place on the latter's farm in Trempealeau Township, where their son Henry now Hves, and there they began housekeeping, Mr. Trowbridge continuing to improve his farm. In this work he was successful and in time became not only one of the prominent men of his township, but a representative citizen of the county. He and his wife had children as follows: Robert D., born March 17, 1876, and now living in Trempealeau Township ; Henry R., born Oct. 20, 1877, residing on the home farm ; Guy E., born Aug. 14, 1880, who is a resident of Great Falls, Mont. ; Irenus, who died in infancy, and Myrtle A., born May 31, 1889, who resides with her mother in Winona, Minn. Hiram I. Trowbridge died Nov. 23, 1900, the news of his death being received with sorrow by a wide circle of friends and acquaintances, by whom he was esteemed for his many sterling traits of character.

Julius Hensel, a pioneer, was born in Prussia, Jan. 7, 1833, and was brought to this country by his parents at the age of 5 years. His wife, Sarah E. Simpson, whom he married at Cross Plains, Dane County, Wis., was born in England, Dec. 25, 1835, and came to America at the age of 5 years. In 1856 he came to Buffalo County, in this State, and two years later brought his wife here, overland by ox-team. Together they started to carve their fortunes in the wilderness. So well and faithfully did they labor that their original tract of 160 acres had in 1861 been increased to a whole section of land. Loyal to his adopted country, he listened to the call of duty in 1862 and enlisted in Company F, Twenty-fifth Wisconsin Volunteer Infantry. After doing valiant service for about a year he was wounded at the battle of Atlanta and as a result was confined in the Alfred Harvey Hospital, where, after his partial recovery, he was retained as an assistant for a while before his honorable discharge. Upon his release he returned to his farm, where he successfully carried on farming operations until the summer of 1876, when he retired and moved to Arcadia, where he and his wife spent the remainder of their lives. They were the parents of 11 children : Phalana, of Whitehall ; Frederic W., of Hay Creek, Ore. ; Frank (deceased); Alfred Harvey (deceased); Hiram E., of Ai-cadia; Leroy (deceased) ; Ruth E., the wife of Robert Pedder, of Arcadia: Charles, of Sheyenne, N. D. ; Earl F., of Whitehall ; Herman T. (deceased) , and Fannie J. (deceased) .

Rev. Thomas Grafton Owen, clergyman, poet and philosopher, was born in Champaign County, Ohio, July 30, 1830, and at the age of 7 years was taken to McDonough County, 111., where he received a common school education. At the age of 28 he entered the service of the Methodist Episcopal church, being ordained deacon at Hannibal, Mo., in 1858, and elder at Hudson, Mo., in 1860. Mr. Owen took charge of his first cJiurch in Illinois. The principal part of his work was in Missouri until the outbreak of the Civil War. In that conflict he did volunteer service as a chaplain. As a member of the Christian Commission he came North, and spent the remainder of his life here. In 1870 he left the Methodist church and entered the Congregational church. As pastor of that denomination he came to Trempealeau. Later he moved to Arcadia, where he resided for many years. During his latter years he was a clergyman of the Unitarian faith, serving numerous congregations throughout the Trempealeau Valley and elsewhere. Much of his time was devoted to philosophical and poetic writings, many of which are embodied in his "Drippings from the Eaves," a book worthy of a high place in American literature. After a long and useful life, he died April 26, 1912. He was married in Bushnell, 111., in 1858, to Isabell Provine, who died in October, 1873. In 1874 he married Margaret Craig, who was born in England in 1839.

Earl F. Hensel, attorney, journalist and public speaker, former county judge and former county attorney, has been prominent in political and public affairs in Trempealeau County for many years, and being still a young man, his friends predict for him a still more brilliant future. He is a native of this State, having first seen the fight of day in Glencoe Township, Bufl'alo County, Feb. 2, 1875, son of Julius and Sarah E. (Simpson) Hensel, who brought him to Arcadia, in this county, as an infant. As a youth he passed through the public schools of Arcadia, and was graduated from the high school there with the class of 1892. With this preparation, he became a teacher for seven terms, three in Buffalo County, one in Trempealeau County, and three in Lamoure County, N. D. In 1897 he entered the law department of the University of Wisconsin at Madison, and was graduated therefrom. with the class of 1900, receiving the degree of LL. B. At Blair he hung out his shingle, and there began his professional career. While at Blair he was for a while one of the editors of the Blair Press. His practice soon assumed proportions of importance, his legal ability commanded attention, and when the death of Robert Christianson in July, 1904, left a vacancy in the office of district attorney, he was appointed to the position and moved his family to the county seat. So faithfully and ably did he serve that he was elected to the office that fall and re-elected in the fafi of 1906, serving until the close of 1908. In 1912 he was again elected, serving until the close of 1914. In the meantime, July 3, 1909, he had been appointed county judge to serve out the term of Robert S. Cowie, giving universal satisfaction to the attorneys and to the people. Since retiring from county office, Judge Hensel has devoted himself to the practice of his profession, as well as to journalism as local editor of the Whitehall Times-Banner. In addition to the offices mentioned. Judge Hensel has been village attorney of Blair for four years, village attorney of Whitehafi eight years, township attorney of several towns at various times, president of the village of Whitehall one term, and member of the county board one term. His fi-aternal relations are with the A. F. & A. M. and the B. R. F. F. Of commanding physique, compelling voice, brilhant oratory and broad kindliness. Judge Hensel is a man of marked personality, and it is natural that he should be a leader in local and county affairs. His abilities as an orator are widely known, and in the dark days of the entrance of the United States into the Great War he has been of valuable service on the side of loyalty and patriotism. Judge Hensel was married March 19, 1902, to Eunice G. Owen, daughter of Rev. T. Grafton Owen. This union has been blessed with two children: Alfred Harvey and Margaret C. Alfred Harvey was boi-n Dec. 31, 1902, endeared himself to all of those with whom he came in contact during his brief life, and died Dec. 24, 1916. Margaret C. was born Dec. 20, 1909. Mrs. Hensel is one of the leading women of the community. She is prominent in all society and charitable work, was one of the founders of the Ladies Chautauqua Circle, has been very active in Red Cross work, and has been an important factor in the daily life of Whitehall for many years.

August Reck, now living retired in Arcadia Village, after a busy life devoted to agricultural pursuits, was born in Poland, Aug. 26, 1844, son of Matt and Chrestena Reck. In 1870 he came to the United States with his parents and other members of the family. Journeying by train to La Crosse, Wis., they took boat from that place to Trempealeau, and from there the party, consisting of father and mother, August, with three sisters and a brother, walked to American Valley, where another brother of our subject. Veto Reck, had already settled. On their arrival, August, then 26 years old, found that he had but 35 cents left of his pecuniary resources. However, the family got together money enough to purchase 80 acres of land in American Valley, which they obtained from Dan Dewey. There seems to have been no improvements on the place, for Mr. Reck at once built a diigout in the side of the hill, with sod roof, for a residence, in which primitive dwelling the family lived for two years. The work of grubbing and clearing followed immediately after and furnished him and his sons with sti-enuous work for some time to come. Until they were able to raise a crop, August had to carry provisions from Trempealeau, a distance of 17 miles, on his back. In 1872 August erected a small log house. By 1874 things were in more promising shape and he began a separate domestic life by marrying Mary Ressel, daughter of Martin and Katherine Ressel, of Arcadia Township. He purchased the farm in his own name and continued to develop it, gradually increasing its value by cultivation and the addition of needed improvements, including the building of a stone house to replace the old log structure, this more substantial dwelling being inhabited up to 1913. In 1905 August Reck sold the farm to his son George, who now owns it, and who in 1913 replaced the stone house by a modern two-story, square, frame house of nine rooms. At the same time, or in the same year, he bought 160 acres in Korpal Valley, to which farm he moved, and where he resided until 1915, when he sold it to his son Joseph and took up his residence in Arcadia Village, where he is now living retired, with his wife and two daughters, being 72 years old, and his wife 68. During his active career Mr. Reck was widely recognized as one of the most thrifty and prosperous settlers of Polish origin in the county. In company with Charles Hess, who came to the valley about the same time that he did, he owned and operated one of the very first threshing outfits owned in the township. He is a member of St. Stanislaus Congregation of Arcadia ; also of St. Stanislaus Society. In politics it has been his custom to vote the Democratic ticket, which was the limit of his activities in the political field, as he never sought a place in local government, being too busy in developing his farm. He and his wife have had eight children : George, born in 1879, who is now proprietor of the old family homestead; Paulina, born in 1881, now Mrs. J. F. Kokot, of Korpal Valley ; Victoria, born in 1883, wife of Peter Gondara, of North Creek, Trempealeau County ; Haittey, born in 1885, who resides with her parents in Arcadia Village ; Frances, born in 1887, now the wife of Valanty Misch, of Arcadia Village; Estella, born in 1889, who is the wife of Valentine Stetmach, of North Creek; Joseph, born in 1891, now a farmer in Korpal Valley, and Rosa, born in 1893, who resides with her parents in the village. Mr. Reck is a man of good record, whose life and labors not only resulted in his own advancement, but added to the sum total of the wealth of the community in which he lived, and while he is now indulging in well-earned repose, his sons are continuing the good work which he began.

George Reck, a farmer residing in section 1, Arcadia, Township 20, range 9, was born in American Valley, this township, Nov. 16, 1879, son of Augustus Reck. In the old log house, which was his birthplace, he resided until it was replaced by a stone house, helping his father on the farm and attending school at intervals until reaching the age of 12 years, when his services being needed all the time, he had to lay aside his school books, and never resumed them. The farm consisted of 160 acres, and he assisted his father in its cultivation until 1905, at which time he purchased it from his father. The next year he married Mary Pampuch, daughter of Thomas and Mary Pampuch, of Independence, Trempealeau County. In 1913 he tore down the old stone house, which was inadequate to his needs, and erected a modern, square, two-story, 9-room residence. He has also provided himself with a good barn and other out-buildings. He carries on general farming and dairying, keeping 35 head of cattle, 20 hogs and six horses, besides having a good supply of tools and farm machinery and keeping an automobile for rapid transit purposes. He is a charter member of St. Stanislaus Society, having been one of the founders in 1910. For nine years also he has been treasurer of St. Stanislaus Congregation, of which he and his family are members. In politics Mr. Reck is a Democrat and has been clerk of the school district for two years. He is recognized as one of the thrifty and prosperous young farmers of the county. He and his wife have five children : Ignatz, born in 1907 ; Tracy, in 1909 ; Mary, in 1911 ; Stanley, in 1913, and Elanora, in 1917.

Wheat Brom. In 1868 a farmer of the dorf or village of Todne, near the city of Budweis, in the county of Swegnie. Bohemia, Wheat Brom, the father of Mathias and "Big Wenzel"

Brom, sold his lands of nearly 100 acres there and with his wife and family, married son Frank, unmarried son John and unmarried daughter Mary, immigi-ated to America, leaving Bohemia July 21, 1868, and arriving at Bremen Haven took passage to New York, where they arrived Aug. 7 and immediately left for Winona, Minn., where they arrived Aug. 15, 1868. Wheat Brom settled in Pine Creek, in Trempealeau County, purchasing of John Pehler the farm later owned by Joe Eichman, on which farm Wheat Brom died, and is buried in the cemetery at Pine Creek. Mrs. Brom survived her husband and for many years made her home with her son, Frank Brom, and where she died. At the end of the first year in the cooley Mr. Brom had about five acres of lands under cultivation, but continued to make improvements from year to year, as did his neighbors, until many excellent farms are in the cooley. John Brom, the youngest son of Wheat Brom, married in Winona, and later than 1868 homesteaded lands in the cooley, which he sold in 1881 and went to Kansas, where he still resides. Big Wenzel sold his farm in the cooley and moved to Kansas in 1885, where he died a few years ago. Frank Brom purchased the farm of Little Wenzel in 1904, Wenzel removing to Winona, Minn., where he died in 1908.

Mathias Brom, for many years a resident of Pine Creek, in Dodge Township, was born in September, 1828, in the village of Todne, near the city of Budweis, in Swegnie, Bohemia, his father, Wheat Brom, being a farmer in that locality. Mat Brom was the oldest child of his father's family, and was married in his native village to Elizabeth Marisech prior to his immigrating to America in 1861. His brother, Wenzel Brom, known as "Big Wenzel," and a cousin, Wenzel Brom, known as "Little Wenzel," immigrated with him. They landed in New York and immediately journeyed to Winona, Minn., where they had Bohemian acquaintances. Mat Brom settled in Winona and for nearly two years worked in a grain warehouse. In the latter part of 1862 he purchased 80 acres of land from the United States Government at $1.25 an acre, and moved onto these lands in 1863, improving and cultivating them. In 1869 he deeded these lands to his son, Frank Brom, and purchased 120 acres in section 11, town 19, range 10 west, from John Shonat, who had for several years resided upon them and who upon a sale of them removed to Decorah Prairie, where he long was a prominent and prosperous citizen. This 120 acres, with additions, constituted the Mat Brom farm at Pine Creek. Mr. and Mrs. Brom retired from farming and for years lived quietly in a small home on a tract of land near the Pine Creek church. They reared a family of two daughters - Eva and Mary - both of whom married, Eva dying some years ago and three sons - Frank, Martin and John.

Frank Brom came to America with other members of his family, reaching Winona, Minn., Aug. 15, 1868. The following day Frank Brom and his wife, whom he had married in the old Bohemian home early in July, started on foot to Pine Creek under the guidance of Mathias Brom, Jr., a son of Mathias Brom, to the home of his father, where they arrived and partook of dinner, and then on foot crossed the hills into the Tamarack Valley, which they crossed and journed to the home of the brother, "Big Wenzel," where they made their home during the remainder of the summer, thus their set- tlement in Holcomb Cooley dates from the 16th day of August, 1868. Frank Brom was born Oct. 27, 1841, at No. 14, Todne, Bohemia, grew to manhood there and married EHza Tasick, who immigrated with him as a member of the family of Wheat Brom. Frank Brom and his wife lived with Wenzel, who in the course of a month aided him in making a homestead claim on 160 acres of lands on section 26, township 20 north, range 9 west, upon which he made final proof and cultivated. Mr. Brom purchased other lands from time to time until he owned a few years ago 784 acres in the cooley. When Frank Brom and his wife reached Holcomb Cooley they had $3 in money, no team and a scant amount of clothing. They were not daunted, nor often weary and discouraged, but worked and saved and reared a family of five daughters and four sons, so that at the time his wife died, Oct. 30, 1903, they had a comfortable home, a valuable farm with barns and outbuildings. Their first house was a rough unbarked log house with a single room, made from the forest about them. For many years Frank Brom has enjoyed good health and prosperity, and has always been respected by his neighbors and acquaintances as a man of great industry and thrift, of integrity and fine neighborly qualities, and he is in good health at 76 years, weighing 220 pounds and standing 6 feet 2 inches in his stocking feet. Mr. Brom has been and is a man of good habits, a kind father and was a good husband, thoroughly American in his notions. He and his wife had a family of 10 children: Katherine, now Mrs. John Kruger, residing in Winona County, Minn.; Thomas, who resides in Arcadia Village; John, who also lives in Arcadia; Martin, the subject of this sketch; Elizabeth; Estella, who is now Mrs. August Tonditzke, of Holcomb Cooley; Rose, the wife of Michael Herrick, of Arcadia ; Mary ; and Frank, now deceased.

Martin Brom, one of the prosperous agriculturists of Trempealeau County, whose well-cultivated farm lies in section 26, Arcadia Township, was born in Holcomb Valley, this township, Nov. 12, 1884, son of Frank and Eliza (Tasick) Brom. In his boyhood he attended the district school up to the age of 12 years. He then assisted his father on the farm and remained with him subsequently until the latter's retirement, with the exception of a short period of four months in 1909, which he passed in Jamestown, N. D. In 1913 he purchased the home farm of 260 acres from his father, and in the following year, Feb. 17, 1914, he married Mary, daughter of Paul and Elizabeth Ressel, of Lewis Valley, Arcadia Township. Beginning housekeeping in the old log house on the farm, he and his wife lived there until 1916, in which year he built a modern, cement block residence, also erecting a frame barn, 30 by 60 by 12 feet in dimensions, with full basement. The homestead lies 13 miles southeast of Arcadia Village, and the noticeable improvements attract attention and give evidence of industry and thrift. Mr. Brom is a Democrat in politics, but has held no public office. He and his wife are members of the German Catholic church of Arcadia, and have many friends throughout this vicinity.

Charles J. Gibson, one of the leading citizens of Blair, is widely known for his progressive spirit, and the part he is having in every move which has for its object the upbuilding of the village and county. He was born in Cleveland, Ohio, June 24, 1872, the son of James and Catherine (Kutcher)

Gibson, who brought him to Trempealeau County at the age of 9, arriving here Jan. 3, 1881. He was reared to farm pursuits and attended the district schools, supplementing this later with special courses in embalming. In 1895 he moved to Blair, where he has a large and successful furniture store, and where he is pi'acticing his profession as a licensed embalmer and funeral director. He has been president, trustee and treasurer of the village, he has been prominent in educational affairs, and has been one of the moving spirits of the annual Chautauqua course. Mr. Gibson was married March 30, 1896, to Mary Elizabeth Ellison, and they have had four children: Merle, James (who was drowned at the age of 13), Evelyn and Lertha.

Rev. A. J. Orke, a clergyman of the Norwegian Lutheran faith, and pastor of four congregations with headquarters at Pigeon Falls, is a splendid representative of that faithful body of clergy who have made his faith so highly honored throughout the civilized world. Fulfilling the old ideal as a father of his people, he combines a deep and sympathetic understanding of human nature with much scholai'ly ability, and his work has resulted in a most decided uplift to the community. Modest as to his personal achievements, he places his church and the welfare of his congregations as above everything else in his life, and the results he has achieved, with the assistance of his Divine Master, have been far reaching and permanent. At Northfield and at Whitehall churches have been built under his leadership, and the spiritual life of all his congregations has been greatly quickened. Rev. Orke was born in Skjold, Stavanger, Norway, Sept. 26, 1857, of a long line of God-fearing people who had lived on the same place for several generations. The father, John Orke, and the mother, Anna Roaldsvik, are both dead, the former having died in 1897 and the mother in 1899. They were the parents of 11 children. The subject of this sketch, as a youth, attended the common schools, and in 1881 was graduated with honors from the Koppervik Normal School. In 1882 he came to America and secured employment as teacher in a parochial school at Kenyon, Minn., while perfecting himself in the English language. In 1883 he entered the Breckenridge Institute at Decorah, Iowa. Then in 1884, having decided to devote his hfe to the service of the church, he took up his studies at the Augsburg College, and in 1886 entered the Theological Seminary. Graduating in 1889, he was ordained to the ministry by the Rev. G. Hoyme. His first charge was at Chetek, in Barron County, this State, where he had charge of five congregations. In 1895 he came to Pigeon Falls, taking charge of the congregations at Pigeon Falls and Smithfield, organizing the one at Whitehall in 1899 and taking charge of the one at Independence in 1913. Of these, the one at Pigeon Falls is the largest, having about 800 members. Rev. Orke was married May 6, 1891, to Olga Peterson, born in Colfax, Wis., daughter of Peter and Olava Peterson. This union has been blessed with seven children : Agnes 0., Mildred P., Selma, Hazel R., Hjelmar A.. Beatrice S. and Gerhard.

The Pigeon Falls Norwegian Lutheran Congregation was organized in 1878 by Rev. C. J. Helsem, of Strum, with about 60 members, a number which has since increased to about 830. Early services were held in the schoolhouse for several years. In 1888 a church edifice was started and in 1 893 completed. Rev. Helsem served until 1892, then Rev. M. Gulbrandson took charge and moved to Pigeon Falls. He was an energetic and successful worker, and the congregation prospered. About this time Our Saviour's Congregation was united with it, and it became a strong organization. Rev. A. J. Orke took charge in 1895. The congregation has considerable valuable property. The church and cemetery are valued at $10,000. The parsonage, built in 1892 and rebuilt and enlarged in 1907, has a value of about $6,000. A Young People's Hall, built in 1896 and rebuilt and enlarged in 1914, has a value of about $4,000. There is no indebtedness on the property, and the congregation has contributed liberally to missions, schools and different charitable institutions. There are two Ladies' Aid Societies, a Young Ladies' Aid Society and a large and active Young People's Society, Sunday school and choir.

The Immanuel Norwegian Lutheran Congregation at Whitehall was organized in 1899 by Rev. A. J. Orke, with a membership of 50, which has since been increased to 200. The church, having a value of about $5,000, was built in 1901. The congregation has one Ladies' Aid Society, a Sunday school and choir.

The Independence Norwegian Lutheran Congregation was organized in 1879, with a membership of 80, now increased to 150. The church, valued at $5,000, was built in 1883. There is also a fine cemetery. The congregation has supported missions and schools. The pastors have been : Rev. H. A. Meyer, 1879-1884 ; Rev. A. Hauge, 1884-1898 ; Rev. Halbert Rasmussen, 1899-1913 ; Rev. A. J. Orke, 1913.

The Northfield Norwegian Lutheran Congregation at Northfield, in Jackson County, was organized in 1889 by Rev. C. J. Helsem, of Strum, with a membership of 50, which has since been increased to 370. The original officials were : Knut Olson, L. Johnson, Sam. Thompson, trustees ; L. E. Larson, secretary; C. A. Severeide, treasurer. The first pastor. Rev. Helsem, served until 1892, followed by Rev. M. Gulbrandson, who in 1895 was succeeded by Rev. A. J. Orke. In 1896, with a membership of only about 70, a church was built, having a value of $5,000. In 1914 the church was struck by lightning and destroyed. In 1915 a larger and modern church was built, having a value of $12,000, absolutely without indebtedness. There is a Ladies' Aid Society and a Young People's Society, very active. The congregation has contributed to missions, schools and different charitable institutions.

John Manning, one of the pioneer farmers of Trempealeau Valley, who passed away some 21 years ago, was born at Fedamore, County Limerick, Ireland, in 1838. In 1855, when only 17 years of age, he came to the United States, landing at New York. The next few years of his life were spent in the Eastern States, as in 1859 he removed to Philadelphia and was there until 1862, in which year he located in Cleveland, Ohio. It may have been here that he heard of the opportunities for self-advancement in the Northwestern State of Wisconsin, but however that may be, just three days before Christmas, 1864, he made his appearance in La Crosse, Wis., where he spent the next six months. June 27, 1865, he arrived in Arcadia, riding in the ox-team wagon of J. H. Gleason, who had preceded him to this county by two years, and who furnished him transportation from La Crosse. He had been married in Philadelphia Nov. 1, 1859, to Mary McGrath, daughter of Michael and Ellen McGrath, and she accompanied him to this new country. After looking over the ground, Mr. Manning decided that Trempealeau Valley possessed advantages of beauty, together with fertility of soil, that made it a desirable place for settlement, and he accordingly took up 160 acres of wild Government land in section 12, township 20, range 9, and set to work to develop a farm. Building a small log house and barn, he began the arduous work of clearing the land. For years, while primitive conditions lasted, he made use of ox teams, oxen being hardier than horses and able to survive under conditions impossible for the more noble animal ; but in time he had plenty both of horses and cattle, together with a good basement barn, and a substantial frame house to replace his primitive log dwelling, besides a granary, tool shed and other necessary buildings, all of which he erected. When he died, March 19, 1895, he had cleared and bi'oken 120 acres of his land. He was survived by his wife, who is still living, being cared for by her daughters, Mrs. Michael Crawford and Mrs. Manning. She is, however, in feeble health, having suffered a stroke of paralysis in 1912 and a second stroke subsequently. Their family consisted of six children: Cornehus, born in Philadelphia, Pa., Aug. 9, 1858, who was a railway employee and was killed at New London, Wis., Dec. 9, 1890 ; Michael J., born at Philadelphia, Pa., July 6, 1861, who died at the old home in Arcadia, June 10, 1898 ; James, born in October, 1862, at Philadelphia, who died in that city, July 15, 1864 ; Joseph, born at Arcadia, Wis., Sept. 15, 1865, who died Aug. 25, 1871 ; Ellen, born in Arcadia, Wis., Sept. 27, 1867, who is now the wife of Michael Crawford, and resides on the old Manning farm ; and Agnes, born in Arcadia, Aug. 25, 1869, who died Aug. 15, 1871. In 1893 the daughter Ellen, with her husband, Michael Crawford, came from their home in Superior, Wis., so that she might care for her mother, her husband taking care of the farm, of which he is now the manager. In politics John Manning was a Democrat, but contented himself with casting his vote, never seeking or holding public office. He was a member of the Catholic church in Arcadia, to which all the family belong. As one of the hardy pioneers of this county his memory deserves perpetuating.

Walentine Pietrek, proprietor of a large and flourishing farm of 560 acres in section 15, Arcadia Township, was born in Posen, Germany, Feb. 9, 1863, son of Andrew and Frances (Susa) Pietrek. In 1870 the parents came to the United States with their family, locating in section 15, Ai'cadia Township, this county, their farm lying about four miles north of the village. This property, which was known as the O'Rourke farm, consisted of 200 acres and was partially improved. Here Walentine Pietrek was brought up and trained to farm work, and here he has resided ever since, having added 360 acres to the farm. June 6, 1890, Mr. Pietrek was married to Barbara Sluga of Independence Township, and he and his bride set up housekeeping on the Pietrek homestead, Andrew Pietrek and wife moving across the railroad to a location east of the old home. The father died in 1899 and was buried at North Creek ; his wife survived him and is still living, being now 84 years of age. In 1902 the subject of this sketch built a modern, two-story, brick-veneer house of 10 rooms; also a frame barn, 38 by 78 feet in dimensions. The latter burned down in 1898, but was rebuilt the same summer. Mr. Pietrek has also built a third barn, together with woodsheds, hog house, granary and garage, all the buildings being substantially constructed and in good shape. He has now 350 acres of his farm under cultivation, the balance consisting of post and timber. The property is located on Independence road, midway between Independence and Arcadia, just at the foot of Lewis Valley. Aside from general farming, he is engaged in dairying, having a fine herd of 18 graded Holsteins, with 45 to 50 head of young cattle. His equipment is all modern and in first class condition, and his horses and wagons the best of their kind. Mr. Pietrek is a stockholder in the Glencoe Co-operative Creamery Company of Arcadia. Politically he is a Democrat, but has held no public office. He and his wife are the parents of ten children : Sophia, now Mrs. John Gondora of North Creek, this county; Roman, unmarried, who is employed on the Chicago & Northwestern Railway; Theresa, unmarried, residing at home, and Paul, Andrew, Joseph, Martha, Mary, Benjamin and Anna, all of whom reside with their parents. The family belong to St. Michael's (Polish) Catholic church.

Louis Leterski, for many years a highly esteemed citizen of Trempealeau Township, but now living retired in Winona, Minn., was born in Butuf, Germany, Aug. 19, 1852, son of Joseph and Josephine Leterski. When he was six years old his parents emigrated to America, accompanied by their four children, the other three being a son, John, and two daughters, Alice and Lena. The family landed at Ottawa, Canada, but six months later arrived in Milwaukee, Wis., where they remained for one year. In 1859 they settled in Winona, Minn., where Joseph Leterski found employment with R. A. Foster, an egg dealer. Moving to Dodge Township, Trempealeau County, in 1864, they settled on a partially improved farm in section 18 (then Trempealeau Township) , which Mr. Leterski had previously purchased. The buildings consisted of a log cabin and a log shed for a barn. Twenty acres of the land were already plowed. Here the family remained until the fall of 1889 - a period of 25 years - during which time Mr. Leterski made many improvements on the place and increased the acreage of tilled land. On this farm were born four more children: Mary, Josephine, August and Joseph, who lives on the old homestead. In the meanwhile Louis had grown to manhood. He had little chance to obtain an advanced education, but acquired a good knowledge of agriculture in its various branches. About 1882, when 30 years of age, he began business for himself, buying a farm and in 1889 a store at Dodge. After conducting the store for about eight years he sold it and bought a farm in Clay County, Iowa. In the spring of 1902 he sold that farm and returned to Wisconsin, buying the Herman Carey farm of 244 acres of improved land in sections 29 and 30, Trempealeau Township, this county. The farm included an orchard of seven acres and the ten-room residence now standing, and 170 acres of the land were under plow. He also repurchased his former store at Dodge, which he sail owns. During the following summer

Mr. Leterski built a frame barn, 32 by 60 feet in size, and in 1911 he erected a silo of cement blocks, 12 by 38 feet inside. He continued to develop and improve the property and it was in fine condition when, on June 22, 1914, a cyclone passed over this region, devastating this farm and two others, Mr. Leterski having a granary, corn crib, machine shed, three barns and a windmill swept away. The only buildings left standing were the house and silo. By the next day Mr. Leterski had a force of 30 men at work repairing the damage, and by July 4 new barns had been built on the old foundations, the other buildings being speedily restored. In the spring of 1914, having decided to retire from active work, he turned over the management of his farm and store to his son, Leo H., and took up his residence. May 16, at No. 626 East Sanborn street, Winona. He received the rent of his farm from his son and is also a shareholder in the telephone company. During his active career Mr. Leterski took a more or less active part in public affairs. While in Dodge Township he served six terms as assessor and five years as township treasurer. He was also chairman of the county board two years and constable for one year. A member of the Catholic church, he served as secretary of the church for 15 or 16 years. Louis Leterski was married Jan. 13, 1880, to Louisa Maraszwski, who was born in Winona, Minn., Dec. 9, 1852, daughter of Anton and Veronica Maraszwski, her parents being natives of Germany, who came to the United States in the fifties and were married in Winona. The father, who was a farmer of Trempealeau County, is still living, being now 87 years of age. To Mr. and Mrs. Leterski were born eight children, seven sons and one daughter: Frank, Leo H., Louis, Jr., Millie, Daniel and Jerome, living, and John and Edward, deceased.