Trempealeau County, Wisconsin - Biographical sketches, 1917 (part 2 of 20)

Roy R. Beck, chicken fancier, and owner of the Marinuka Poulti'y Yards, the home of the Mammoth Light Brahmas, Galesville, was born in the village where he now resides, May 21, 1878, son of Andrew A. and Hannah B. (Ladd) Beck. He attended the schools of the village, and is now engaged with his father in the ice business, in addition to his poultry work. In this line he has won wide recognition, having been awarded prizes at Minneapolis, St. Paul, Omaha, Lincoln, St. Louis and Chicago, and receiving orders for his birds and eggs from all over the United States. The high repute in which his work is held is shown by the fact that he is now the first vice-president of the Wisconsin branch of the National Brahma Club. He keeps about 500 fowls annually, and issued an attractive booklet describing his stock. Mr. Beck is a member of Decorah Lodge, No. 177, A. F. & A. M., at Galesville, having served his lodge as Worshipful Master.

Oscar T. Sagen, secretary and treasurer of the Sagen-Schuster Mercantile Company, of Galesville, and one of the leading business men of the village, was born in Galesville, Wis., April 20, 1879, son of Ole N. and Ella T. (Tronson) Sagen. Oscar T. was educated in the public schools of Galesville. At the age of 18 years he began working for the Galesville Creamery and was thus occupied for about two years. He then spent one year as clerk in the drug store of F. H. Fiedler, after which he was employed for two years in the Galesville postofRce. Then he returned to the drug business and continued in it for seven years. Then becoming postmaster, he served five years in the office and, at the expiration of his term of office, engaged in the general mercantaile business, in which he still continues. He has other business interests in Galesville, but gives his entire time to the Sagen-Schuster Mercantile Company. In politics Mr. Sagen is a Republican. His five years' service in the postoffice followed his appointment under the Taft administration. He has also served one year as a member of the village board. He is a member of the Lutheran church. The Sagen family, of which the subject of this sketch is a typical representative, has long been prominent in the affairs of Galesville, and its various members have done much to advance the material interests of the village.

William Samuel Wadleigh, who is engaged in the general practice of law at Galesville, Wis., was born in Green Lake County, Wis., Oct. 29, 1869, son of Samuel and Lucy (Towne) Wadleigh. The parents were both born at Kingsey Falls, Province of Quebec, Canada, the father Oct. 28, 1824, and the mother Oct. 3, 1827. They were married in Canada, and came to Wisconsin in 1856, locating on a farm in Green Lake County, near Markesan. There Samuel Wadleigh engaged in farming, although by trade he was an expert blacksmith, and maintained a shop on the farm. He became a prominent man in the community, holding various oflflces, and died on the farm Feb. 11, 1887. The widow continued to reside on and operate the farm until 1906, when she removed to Brandon, Fond du Lac County, where she resided until her death, which occurred May 1, 1917. Seven children were born of this union, three of whom now survive, the subject of this sketch being the youngest of the family.

William S. Wadleigh laid the foundation of his education in the common schools of Green Lake County, and later the High School at Brandon. At the age of 15 years he left home, and after further attendance at school, taught for a year. He then attended the Oshkosh State Normal, from which institution he was graduated in 1891. After this followed a period of musical and theatrical work on the road, which was given up for the study of the law, and Mr. Wadleigh graduated from the Law Department of Wisconsin University in the class of 1894. After his graduation he entered the law office of M. P. Wing, at La Crosse, remaining until Mr. Wing's death in the spring of 1895. In June, 1895, he located at Galesville, forming a partnership with the late G. Y. Freeman, which continued for about two years, since which time Mr. Wadleigh has practiced alone. Mr. Wadleigh is a stockholder and director of the Bank of Galesville, and also interested in other business enterprises in Galesville. He also owns valuable farming properties in this State, and in North Dakota. He has proven himself a reliable lawyer, and enjoys a large practice, and while always a busy man, has at all times found time to interest himself in public work. Some six years ago, as a revival of his musical work, he organized and became director of the Galesville Concert Band, and under his directorship this organization has made great progress, and acquired more than a local reputation as a musical organization capable of interpreting the best class of music. Weekly concerts are given during the summer season, and have become an institution in Galesville. In politics Mr. Wadleigh belongs to the now increasing order of independent voters. As he expresses it, he is in politics "An American Citizen." While he has never sought public -office, he has served the people of Galesville as mayor for nine terms. Mr. Wadleigh is a Mason, having passed all the chairs in the local lodge ; also belongs to the Beavers, Mystic Workers, Yeomen and Foresters, in which last mentioned order he has been secretary since its organization in 1898. Mr. Wadleigh was first married Sept. 30, 1895, to Nellie May Atkins, who was born in Sauk County, Wis., daughter of Thornton L. and Caroline (Simmons) Atkins. Both of Mrs. Wadleigh's parents still survive, living at Reedsburg, Wis., where Mr. Atkins is in the employ of the Collins Monument Works. Nellie May Wadleigh died at Galesville, April 24, 1909, leaving five children, Gerald Eugene, Marjorie Rose, William St. Clair, Lucy May and Thornton Lee, all of whom reside at home with the exception of the eldest son, who is engaged in college work in Chicago, and the youngest, who resides with his grandparenuts at Reedsburg.

On June 30, 1911, Mr. Wadleigh married for his second wife Carrie May Collins, who was born at Reedsburg, Wis., daughter of Sanford A. and Allie (Thayer) Collins. Mr. Collins, the father, is a dealer in and importer of fine monumental work, having an extensive plant at Reedsburg known as the Collins Monument Works. One son, John Collins Wadleigh, born July 22, 1912, is the fruit of Mr. Wadleigh's second marriage.

Frederick Martin Symonds, rear admiral U. S. N., now retired and living in Galesville, Wis., was born in Watertown, N. Y., May 16, 1846, son of Charles F. and Louisa (Grannis) Symonds. His paternal grandfather was a captain in the United States Army in the War of 1812-15, and took part in the battle of Sackett's Harbor. Charles F. Symonds, father of the Admiral, was born in New Haven, Conn., and was a miller the greater part of his life. During the Civil War he was marshal of the northern district of New York. He and his wife - the latter a native of Long Island - never came west of Utica, N. Y.

Frederick Martin Symonds was the third born in a family of six children. He attended school in Watertown, N. Y., and at the age of 16 years entered the Naval Academy, which during the period of the Civil War was located at Newport, R. I. While a member of his class he took part in a cruise after the Confederate steamer Tacony and also in a search for the rebel ship Alabama. He was graduated with the class of 1867 and went to sea as midshipman aboard the U. S. S. Piscataqua, on which vessel, a flagship, he remained until November, 1868, when he was transferred to the

U. S. S. Ashuelot. June 9, 1870, he was returned to the Piscataqua, now named the Delaware, and which was still the flagship of the squadron. On this vessel he came home, being detached from her Nov. 28, 1870, and ordered to Washington for examination. He had already been advanced two grades, having been promoted June 13, 1869, to the rank of ensign, and on March 21, 1870, to that of master.

After examination he returned home to await orders. March 21, 1871, he was promoted to the rank of lieutenant, and on June 2 was ordered to Newport, R. I., on torpedo duty. May 4, 1872, he was ordered to the U. S. S. Tuscarora on duty and proceeded to the Pacific Ocean. April 24, 1875, he was detached from that vessel and ordered home. Sept. 15, 1875, Lieutenant Symonds was ordered to the flagship Minnesota and remained with it until he was detached Dec. 18, 1878. April 14, 1879, he was ordered to the U. S. S. Jamestown for duty in Alaska, being detached and ordered home Sept. 9, 1881. From 1882 to 1885 he served on the New Hampshire, and from 1885 to 1888 on the Mohican. From 1889 to 1892 he was on duty on the Great Lakes, during the latter part of that time serving with the rank of lieutenant-commander, to which he was promoted July 31, 1890. From May 5, 1893, to October, 1896, Lieutenant-Commander Symonds was inspector of ordnance at Mare Island, Cal. He then proceeded to Alaska to take charge of the Pinta and was commander of that vessel until 1897, being detached Aug. 4 and ordered to the U. S. S. Marietta, and while on this vessel, June 19, 1897, he was promoted to the rank of commander. In June, 1899, he left the Marietta to become inspector of the Ninth Lighthouse District, with headquarters at Chicago, until April, 1902. April 7 that year he was promoted to captain and detached from duty in connection with the lighthouse district April 15. May 23, 1902, he was ordered to the Naval War College and Dec. 1 that year was placed on the list of retired rear admirals. Later he was ordered to the inspection service Oct. 25, 1904, to investigate the manner of conducting the steamboat service on Lake Ontario, Ninth District, and afterward sent to Louisville, the Sixth District, on similar duty. June 2, 1905, he was discharged from duty and ordered home, this being his last active service. During the Spanish-American War, while in command of the Marietta, he traveled 44,000 miles in 22 months, his vessel being one of the two - the other being the Oregon - which hastened from the Pacific Ocean, making the voyage around Cape Horn, to the West Indies, to take part in the operations against the Spanish fleet under Admiral Cervera. After arriving he, with his vessel, took part in the blockade of Havana.

Admiral Symonds, while holding the rank of master, was married, Jan. 3, 1871, at Ogdensburg, N. Y., to Anna C. Parker, of that city, daughter of George and Fannie Eliza (Wilcox) Parker, both natives of Vermont. Her father in early life was a railroad man, but later engaged in the wholesale milling business. He was born Feb. 18, 1817, and his wife Nov. 20, 1819. Both died in Ogdensburg, N. Y., of which city George Parker was mayor for a number of years. Ogdensburg was also the home of Admiral Symonds after his marriage and until April, 1906, when he came to Galesville, wishing to get in closer touch with rural nature. He had seen 40 years of active service in his country's navy, 22 years of which had been spent at sea.

Here in Galesville he has a small farm of six acres, which he calls "The sailor's snug harbor," and where he takes his ease when he does not wish to travel. Admiral Symonds is a member of the Loyal Legion of America, the First Order, affiliated with the Command of Wisconsin, a member of the Mihtary Order of Foreign Wars, at Philadelphia, and member of the Society of Naval Commanders of the United States. He has a Civil War medal and a Spanish- American War medal for efficient services, both issued by Congress. He also belongs to the Masonic order, in which he has advanced as far as the Commandery.

Admiral Frederick M. Symonds and wife have been the parents of four children: George Parker, born in March, 1872, who is a mechanical engineer in New York City and chief engineer of the Alberger Condenser Company ; Frederick W., born June 18, 1876, who is an engineer in Seattle, Wash.; Carl, born June 3, 1881, at Sitka, Alaska, who is a constructing engineer ; and Ralph W., born in August, 1889, who resides with his parents. Admiral Sjinonds in early Ufe was affiliated with the Episcopal church, but is now a Christian Scientist. In politics he is a Repubhcan.

Ole J. Eggum, attorney-at-law and man of affairs, now located at Whitehall, was born in Dane County, Wis., March 10, 1878, the fifth of nine children born to John L. and Martha (Eggum) Eggum. John L. Eggum was born in Sogn, Norway, came to America in 1857 and located in Dane County, Wis., living for a short time in Norway Grove, and then going to Mount Horeb, where he farmed until his death, March 13, 1904. His wife Martha, whom he married in 1865, was also born in Sogn, Norway, and was brought to Dane County by her parents in 1854, when only 9 years of age. She passed away Feb. 9, 1896. Ole J. Eggum passed through the common schools, and in 1897 was graduated from the Mount Horeb Academy, at Mount Horeb, Wis. After teaching for a while he entered the collegiate department of the University of Wisconsin, and graduated in 1904. He then worked in Chicago and Los Angeles. In 1906 he was employed by the Insurance Investigating Committee of the Wisconsin Legislature to compile insurance laws, statistics and other insurance information, at Madison and Milwaukee. Subsequently he entered the Law Department of the University of Wisconsin and was admitted to the bar in 1907. For the next two years he practiced at Abbotsford, Wis., and did law editorial work for a law book company of St. Paul. In May, 1909, he formed a partnership at Whitehall with Herman L. Ekern, who was State Insurance Commissioner from 1910 to 1915. The partnership was dissolved April 1, 1913, and Mr. Eggum has since continued the practice alone. He never sought public office, but has taken an active interest in pubUc aflfaii's and has been called to various positions of pubUc honor and trust. Mr. Eggum was married Feb. 16, 1909, to Alice M. Bushey, of Appleton, born at Plainfield, Wis., June 14, 1878. daughter of George P. and Elizabeth (Hutchinson) Bushey, the former of whom died in February, 1917, and the latter of whom died June 30, 1909. Before her marriage Mrs. Eggum taught in various public schools of the State, including the State School for Dependent Children at Sparta, and for two years was a district representative of the Wisconsin Home Finding Society.

Since coming to Whitehall she has taken an active interest in pubhc welfai'e work and is now president of the Trempealeau County Woman Suffrage Association. Mr. and Mrs. Eggum have an adopted son, Karl William, who was born Nov. 9, 1916.

Henry E. Getts, first postmaster of North La Crosse, first general storekeeper in Whitehall, and for many years owner of the Whitehall Mill, was born in Philadelphia, Pa. He came West during the Civil War, and for several years kept a grocery store at North La Crosse, where he was appointed first postmaster. In 1873 he came to Whitehall, and established the first general store in the village. This store he successfully conducted until 1892, in the meantime having acquired the Whitehall Mill. In 1892 he took his son, Edmond C. Getts, as a partner, and for six years, under the firm name of H. E. Getts & Son, engaged in the hay and grain business at Whitehall. At the end of this period he removed to La Crosse, where, for about six years, he was employed as manager of the shoe department of the Doerflinger Department Store. Then he retired and resided in La Crosse until his death, Sept. 2, 1910. His wife, whose maiden name was Emma Lambert, now makes her home in Whitehall.

Edmond C. Getts, produce buyer of Whitehall, was born in La Crosse, Feb. 9, 1867, son of Henry E. and Emma (Lambert) Getts, who brought him in 1873 to Whitehall, where he was reared and educated. In 1886 he and Frank W. Potter started a cheese factory in Whitehall, which they operated for two years. In 1888 he and C. E. Evenson started the first creamery in Whitehall, and operated it for some four years. In 1892 he and his father engaged in the hay and grain business under the firm name of H. E. Getts & Son. In 1896 with A. E. Wing became interested in the A. E. Wing Company, of which he was made the manager. The firm was changed to Wing & Getts in 1908, and since 1912 Mr. Getts has conducted the business alone as sole owner, under his own name. Mr. Getts buys eggs and poultry on an extensive scale. He also handles coal to some extent. He is a prominent man in public aflfairs, having been village president for two years and village clerk for four years. In fraternal circles he has taken an active part, belonging to the Blue Lodge of the Masons, in which he has passed through the chair, and also to the Commandery. Mr. Getts was married April 14, 1892, to Pearl Emma Sherwood, of Whitehall, who was born Oct. 23, 1872, and died June 30, 1913, the daughter of Charles A. and Mary (Barrington) Sherwood, who now live at Whitehall, the former being a Civil War veteran and a retired nurseryman. To Mr. and Mrs. Getts were born two children : Clark Hallum and Katherine Agnes. Clark Hallum was born Aug. 5, 1893, pased through the Whitehall graded and high schools, received his degree of A. B. from the University of Wisconsin in 1914, and his LL. B. from Columbia University in 1916, and is now associated with the firm of Counselman & Co. in Chicago. Katherine Agnes is at home.

Arthur A, Gibbs, manager of the electric plant of Trempealeau, is a man who has had wide experience in various branches of industrial activity. He is a native son of the village, as he was born here July 25, 1863, his parents being 0. E. and Louisa (Grant) Gibbs. As a young boy he attended the district school of Caledonia Township, and fi-om 12 to 16 continued his studies in the Trempealeau village school. Until 1883 he resided on his father's farm, near the village, during the winters, but his summers, beginning with 1880, he spent on a farm which his father owned in South Dakota, near Arlington. In the fall of 1883 Mr. Gibbs became assistant agent for the American Express Company at Tracy, Minn., and was thus occupied until the spring of 1885. He then returned to Trempealeau and bought an interest in the boot, shoe and grocery business with Charles B. Allen, also taking care of the express business for both the American and Adams Express Companies here. In the spring of 1887 Mr. Gibbs sold out his interest in the store to Mr. Allen and in the following summer went back to South Dakota and opened a meat market at Arlington. He conducted this market until the fall of 1889 and then again returned to Trempealeau. He now entered the employ of the "BurUngton" Railroad Company as bridge carpenter, and continued in that department until the summer of 1891, when he engaged in train service for the same road as freight brakeman. In 1893 he was promoted to the position of conductor and ran freight until 1898. That fall he went into the meat business at La Crosse, Wis., having a market on George street, and here he remained in business for about two years, selling out in the spring of 1900. He now entered the employ of the Duluth & Iron Range Railroad, as conductor, hauling iron ore and logs, and continued at this work until the close of navigation, in the winter of 1900. From that time until the fall of 1902 he was on the police force of Two Harbors, Minn., but then resigned and went to Arlington, S. D., to take charge of his father's farm there for a season.

In the fall of 1903 Mr. Gibbs went to Ohio and married Minnie McNaughton, a daughter of Harlow and Lucinda McNaughton, of Rutland, that State, and who was born there Dec. 12, 1875. After his marriage he returned to the South Dakota farm. Adjoining the farm was a tree claim of 160 acres, all improved, with good buildings, which Mr. Gibbs purchased in the spring of 1904, and which increased the size of the farm to 320 acres. In 1906 he bought 80 acres more of adjoining land, and on this farm of 400 acres he Uved until 1910, when he sold it to John Murphy, of Aurelia, Iowa. In the fall of 1910 Mr. Gibbs returned to Trempealeau Village, but did nothing until the spring of 1911. He then went to Alberta, Canada, whei'e he homesteaded 160 acres of land along the Athabaska River, which lay 65 miles from a railroad, Whitecourt being the postoffice. The first year he broke ten acres and built a log house, and for three successive years he broke ten acres each year in order to meet the requirements of the law, obtaining a land patent from the government in October, 1914. In the winter of 1912-13 he hauled over the country, a distance of 65 miles, a 100-horsepower sawmill outfit, which he set up at Whitecourt and is still operating. In October, 1914, Mr. Gibbs again returned to Trempealeau and has since remained here, having charge of the village electric light plant. He still ownes 160 acres of land near Highmore, Hughes County, S. D., also 124 acres on "Sam Noyes Island," Minnesota, opposite Trempealeau Village, and is president and manager of the Eagle Cliff Lime Product Company, of Trempealeau. His society affiliations are with the Order of Railway Con- ductors, Division No. 61, of La Crosse, to which he has belonged since 1894 ; and Hamilton Lodge, Knights of Pythias, of La Crosse. He and his wife have four children, all living at home: Grace Helen, born at Adington, S. D., Feb. 26, 1905 ; Alice Louisa, born at Adington, Sept. 26, 1907 ; Clara Eva, born at Arlington, Nov. 23, 1908, and Frank George, born at Trempealeau, Wis., Sept. 7, 1910. Mr. Gibbs was brought up to attend the Methodist Episcopal church, but has never affiliated himself with the church as a member. His wife is a member of the Christian church in Ohio. They are people well known and esteemed in Trempealeau Village and the vicinity.

Charles Henry Growt, president and general manager of the Trempealeau Mercantile Company, of Trempealeau Village, was born at St. Charles, Minn., May 10, 1867, son of Bateman and Susanna (Hartley) Growt. The father was for many years a farmer in Wisconsin and Minnesota, and is now living retired in Trempealeau Village. Charles H. Growt attended country school in his boyhood, and also spent three years in Trempealeau village school, and one term in the State Normal School at Winona, finishing his studies June 24, 1888. He then immediately entered the employ of E. J. Hankey, general merchant of Trempealeau Village, with whom he continued as clerk and assistant for 26 years, or until January, 1914, when Mr. Hankey sold the business to the Trempealeau Mercantile Company, Mr. Growt becoming president and manager. In January the same year the company was incorporated by R. H. Parker, Charles H. Growt, Mrs. Minnie Parker and Mrs. Nellie Growt. Mr. Parker is secretary and treasurer. The concern deals in general merchandise, dry goods, clothing, shoes, groceries, carpets, rugs, linoleum, etc., and the business is prosperous and steadily growing. Mr. Growt is also a stockholder in the Citizens' Bank of Trempealeau and the Western Wisconsin Telephone Company, in which latter concern his wife also holds stock. He was married, April 14, 1897, at the home of his bride, to Nellie, daughter of William, Sr., and Charlotte (Dunham) Nichols, of Caledonia Township, Trempealeau County, Wis., the ceremony being performed by the Rev. Mr. Griffith, pastor of the Trempealeau Congregational church, of which he and his wife are both members. Immediately after their marriage they began housekeeping in the Bloom residence, on West Second street, where they lived for a year and a half. They then moved to a home on East Fourth street and resided there until 1909. In the spring of 1910 Mr. Growt bought his present residence on East Third street - a comfortable and commodious house. He and his wife have one child. Glen Nicholls, who is now a student in his third year at the Trempealeau High School. Mr. Growt has served six years on the village school board, being secretary at the present time. He is not active in politics, but votes the Republican ticket. Fraternally he is affiliated with the Masonic order, belonging to Lodge No. 117 at Trempealeau, of which he is now Master, having passed all the chairs from Senior Deacon. With his wife he belongs to the Eastern Star, and is a member of Camp No. 2813, M. W. A., of Trempealeau.

George Grant Gibbs, of the firm of Ford & Gibbs, implement dealers, of Trempealeau Village, is a man who has had a thorough training in the line of work in which he is now engaged, although he has been established here but for about three years. He is, however, a native of the county, having been born in Caledonia Township, Nov. 13, 1865, the youngest son of 0. E. and Louisa (Grant) Gibbs. His father being a farmer, he was early initiated into agricultural methods, gradually becoming acquainted with the various kinds of machinery used on a farm and the respective value of the different types of machines. He attended school up to 19 years of age, working on the parental homestead during his vacations, and after putting away his class books, continued to do so all the time until he was 23, except for the summer of 1887, when he was employed as clei'k on a Mississippi River steamboat. March 8, 1890, he was married to Jennie Hudson, daughter of Henry and Kate (Stark) Hudson, of Trempealeau County, and Immediately after went to South Dakota, and until the spring of 1892 was engaged in managing his father's farms in the vicinity of Arlington, that State. It was just after this that he became connected with the implement business, taking a position as local salesman with S. C. Cornell, of Ai-lington, for whom he worked one year. In the spring of 1893 he entered the employ of the Altman Miller Company, of Akron, Ohio, in the same capacity, traveling in South Dakota, but remained with them only one season. His next employers were Sherman Bros. & Bratager, wholesale implement dealers, of Sioux Falls, S. D., for whom he traveled eight years, at the end of which time they went out of business. In 1900 he went with the Janesville Machinery Company, of Janesville, Wis., and until July, 1911, was engaged in selling goods for them in South Dakota. In the year 1900, when he went with the Janesville company, he was living in Brookings, S. D., but in the spring of the following year he moved to Watertown, that State, his next removal being a return to Sioux Falls in the spring of 1903. During his last two years in Sioux Falls, 1909 and 1910, he was associated with P. F. Sherman, of that city, as proprietor and manager of a wholesale and transfer implement house, the business being the jobbing, storing and reshipping of agricultural implements. Mr. Gibbs now returned to his native county, taking up his residence in the village of Trempealeau, but until Jan. 1, 1914, he continued to travel for the Janesville Machinery Company. Having saved some money, he now resolved to sell goods for himself, and accordingly, taking as partner his brother-in-law, C. S. Ford, he opened his present place of business in Trempealeau Village, and his success up to date has fully justified this action. He has taken an active part in promoting the general business interests of the village and has been president of the village commercial club since settling here. For the past three years he has also been president of the La Crosse and Trempealeau County Implement Club - a similar position to that which he held while living in Sioux Falls, where he served as president of the Sioux Fall's Implement and Vehicle Club. In short, Mr. Gibbs has always endeavored to rise above mere routine work, and has proved himself a "\iv6 wire" whenever there was opportunity for advancing his personal interests, those of his employers, or of the community in which he lived. For the last three years he has rendered good service on the county board. In politics he is a staunch Republican. Brought up in his youth to attend the Methodist Episcopal church, he aids in its support, but is not identified with it as a member. His wife also takes a similar interest in the church. They have a neat and substantial residence in the village, provided with modern conveniences. Mr. Gibbs has membership in several fraternal orders, including Lodge No. 117, A. F. & A. M., of Trempealeau; Lodge No. 838, B. P. 0. E., of Watertown, S. D., to which he has belonged since 1902 ; the A. 0. U. W. Lodge at Arlington, S. D., which he joined in 1890, and the U. C. T. Lodge, No. 100, of Sioux Falls, S. D., which he joined in 1897.

Oliver E. Gibbs, pioneer, public official and prominent citizen, was born at Cherry Creek, Chautauqua County, N. Y., April 15, 1837, son of Israel and Charlotte (Wright) Gibbs, the former of German descent and the latter of Colonial English stock. The father, who was a building contractor, specializing in bridges, piers and warehouses, came West, bringing the family, in 1844, and settled at Racine, Wis., where he spent the remainder of his days. In the family there were eleven children: Sidney, Melvin, Augustus, Gilbert, Oliver E., Lewis and Hoel, Ruth, Mary and Grace. All are now deceased except Oliver E. Of these children, Gilbert was the one who first contemplated settling in Trempealeau County. He started out in the fall of 1854, with an ox team, provisions, household goods, and a herd of young stock. Oliver E., in his brother's employ, drove the stock. After a journey of over two weeks they reached their destination, four miles east of Trempealeau Village. There Oliver E. worked on Gilbert's farm for four years. In the meantime, in 1856, he bought 200 acres of wild land in Section 25, Caledonia Township, and 40 acres in Section 26, Trempealeau Township. In 1858 he built a house on Section 25, and there established his home. The succeeding years were busy ones. Land had to be broken, buildings erected, equipment secured, fences constructed, and the farm developed. Together with general farming on an extensive scale, Mr. Gibbs bought and sold cattle, swine and horses, and even shipped horses to South Dakota. The opportunity presented itself to acquire more land, so he purchased 30 acres of heavy timberland in Caledonia Township, which he is still preserving, and 50 acres of meadow and pasture land in Trempealeau Township. For a while he also owned a quarter section of good land in Ridgeville Township, Monroe County, Wis., which he sold in 1860. For several years he was interested in South Dakota real estate, though, aside from staying long enough to prove upon a claim, he never actually lived there. In 1880 he homesteaded 160 acres near what is now Arlington, in Brookings County, S. D. The same year he took a tree claim of 160 acres, adjoining the other claim, but across the fine in Kingsbury County. On the homestead he built a good two-story house, a large barn, a swine house, a granary, and other buildings, and set out a fruit orchard. On the tree claim he built a good house, a large barn, two granaries, a swine house, a chicken house and a large tool shed. The buildings on both places were painted, well furnished and well equipped. In 1904 Mr. Gibbs disposed of all his South Dakota holdings. In the meantime, in 1882, he had moved his family to Trempealeau Village in order to secure better educational advantages for his children. He bought a house and two lots, improved the house, and has there made his home since that time. With all his busy life, Mr. Gibbs has found time for active public service. For a considerable period he was chairman of the board of supervisors of Trempealeau Township, and chairman of the board of supervisors of Trempealeau County. At one time he was master of the poor in Trempealeau Village and Township. His distinguished work in relation to the establishment of the County Insane Asylum at Whitehall is recorded elsewhere in this history. On many different occasions he has done jury service in the district court. He has also served on various committees and delegations.

Mr. Gibbs was married at Trempealeau, Sept. 21, 1861, to Louisa Grant, who was born in Pomeroy, Meigs County, Ohio, April 7, 1841, and came West with her parents. She was an able helpmate to her husband in all his undertakings, a faithful wife and a loving and considerate mother. Her services in the Methodist church, especially her work in the Sunday school department, will never be forgotten. In 1910 her health began to fail, and on Dec. 16, 1914, she died. The union of Mr. and Mrs. Gibbs was blessed with five children: Arthur A., George G., Jessie, Grace B. and Blanche. Arthur A. is superintendent of the village electric light plant at Trempealeau. He was married in 1903 to Mary McNaughton, of Ohio, and they have four children, Grace, Alice, Clara and Frank. George G. is a member of the firm of Ford & Gibbs, of Trempealeau, dealers in farm implements. He married Jane Hudson, of Bloomington, Wis. Jessie was married April 5, 1901, to Chfford Ford, of the firm of Ford & Gibbs, and they have four children, Neil, Harold, Edith and Jessie. Grace B. and Blanche are at home.

Tolef Bergeson, a well-known resident of Arcadia Township, where he settled at an early date, was born in Telemarken, Norway, Nov. 24, 1847, son of Bjorgub and his wife Anna Sigerson. When he was 21/4 years old his parents decided upon emigrating to the United States, Bjorgub having a brother residing in Dane County, Wis. The father came first, being followed soon after by his wife and their five children,. Tolef, Sigor, Jack, Charles and Jennie. After a ten weeks' voyage on the ocean in a sailing vessel the party landed and came on to Dane County. Here, a few weeks later the children were bereaved by the death of their mother, who had been taken sick on the vessel and never recovered. She died without having seen her husband in America, as before she and the children arrived he had gone on further west seeking a good place in which to locate. He found a temporary place in Vernon County, not far from La Crosse. There he was rejoined by his children, who, in the meanwhile, had been taken care of by friends, some of whom, coming West, brought them to him. While residing in Vernon County Bjorgub heard favorable reports of Whitehall, Trempealeau County, and set out to investigate the prospect. With Ole Gottornson he left home with an ox team and on arriving in Trempealeau County halted for a short time at Francis Creek. There a Norwegian blacksmith advised them to leave the ox team there and proceed on foot in search of land, which they did, the blacksmith accompanying them eastward and taking them up on a bluft" where they were able to obtain a good view of the surrounding country. Looking down Tamarac Valley, they saw good opportunities for raising hay, with plenty of timber, and decided on that locality as their future home, giving up the idea of Whitehall. Then returning to La Crosse they made arrangements for settlement. Mr.

Tolef Bergeson

Bergeson liked a quarter of Section 28 better than any other claim he had seen, but this had previously been selected by Sigor Chastelson. The latter, however, gave up his right to Mr. Bergeson and this place accordingly became the home of the family and has remained -so to this day. Mr. Bergeson cut hay there during the summer of 1863 and built a pole shanty, to which he brought his children in the fall. He never remarried, his daughter Jennie keeping house for him. Later he built a hewn log house of one and a half stories, 14 by 16 feet in dimensions, a hewn log barn, 20 by 32 feet, and other necessary buildings. With the help of his sons he developed about 85 acres, the balance of the quarter section remaining in timber. When he settled on the place there were no roads and easy access to his farm was barred by Big Tamarac Swamp. There were settlements at Trempealeau and Galesville, but his nearest neighbor was K. L. Strand, who was also a native of Norway, coming from the same locality as himself. Bjorgub Bergeson died in 1888, being cared for in his latter years by his son Tolef and daughter Jennie, into whose possession the homestead came. There was a heavy indebtedness on the place at the time of the father's death, but this in time they cleared away, Tolef continuing to improve the place and to engage in general farming and dairying, to which latter branch of agriculture he has in recent years given special attention with profitable results. By the purchase of 40 acres more land he increased the size of the farm to 200 acres. He also built a comfortable frame house consisting of upright and wing, one and a half stories in height. The farm is watered by fine springs. In his early years he had little opportunity for obtaining an education, as there was no school here until he had reached working age. He acquired as much book knowledge as he needed, however, and when a boy and young man learned much about nature from the Indians, who were then numerous in this vicinity. His sister Jennie, who always remained with him, died in June, 1916, and he and his brother Charles, who is living near Leonard, are now the only surviving members of the family. Mr. Bergeson is a Republican in politics, but has taken no active part in public afl'airs. He is a member of the Norwegian Lutheran church at Norway Coulie, and is a well-to-do and prosperous citizen, having a wide acquaintance. The memory of his father is well preserved in the neighborhood as that of a kind, helpful and honest man, universally respected.

Hans C. Erickson, a well-known and successful farmer of Ettrick Township, is a good example attained by those foreign-born citizens of Trempealeau County who came to this region endowed with the necessary qualities of industry and perseverance. He was born in Stange, Hedemarken, Norway, May 9, 1863, a son of Christopher and Bertha Erickson. His parents were natives of the same district in Norway, where the father worked for a number of years for wages, but seeking greater opportunities for success, in 1869 he emigrated with his family to the United States, locating in La Crosse, Wis., where he resided until 1877, working in a sawmill during the summers and in the pineries in winter. In the year last mentioned he came to Trempealeau County and bought the farm now owned by his son, Hans C. Here he remained for about 18 years engaged in its improvement, in which task he made considerable progress. In 1895 he bought another farm, located on Beaver Creek, to which he moved in the following year, and which was his home until his death, Dec. 10, 1916. He had before that become an extensive land owner and was recognized as one of the successful men of his township. In his selection of stock he favored Shorthorn cattle, always kept good horses, and his farm presented an air of thrift and prosperity that made a favorable impression upon every passer-by. He was an upholder of rehgion, morality and good government, and every Sunday, unless he was prevented by sickness or other strong reasons, found him in his place, with his family, in the French Creek Lutheran church. For many years before his death he was a widower, his wife Bertha having died in 1871. They were the parents of seven children, of whom the subject of this sketch was the second in order of birth.

Hans C. Erickson's education was begun in the Fifth Ward School at La Crosse, and he continued his studies later in District School No. 1, at French Creek. When 12 years old he began working in a sawmill at North La Crosse and was thus occupied for two summers. His connection with the lumber business was continued for many years after he came to Trempealeau County, as he spent 17 winters in the north woods cutting timber. At the end of that period, or about 1894, he bought his father's farm and has since given his whole time to agriculture and stock raising. The farm is known as Crystal Springs Stock Farm, and is now a highly-improved piece of property, the most valuable improvements having been made by himself. It takes its name from one of the finest springs in the State, which is located on it, and contains 217 acres of good, fertile land. Mr. Erickson is a stockholder in the Ettrick Creamery and the Ettrick Farmers' Telephone Co., and, like his father, is affiliated with the Lutheran church.

In June, 1900, Mr. Erickson was united in marriage with Dorthea Folkedal, who was born in Hardanger, Norway, daughter of Amund and Anna (Meckletuen) Folkedal, the parents being natives of the same district. The father, Amund Folkedal, who was for 18 years a surgeon in the Norwegian army, in 1885 came to the United States, his family joining him two years later and setthng in Osseo, this county. After another two years' interval they removed to Ettrick, wher both the father and mother died, the former March 12, 1913, and the latter April 30, 1915. Their daughter Dorthea (Mrs. Erickson) was the second born of eight children. Mr. and Mrs. Hans C. Erickson are the parents of seven children, who were born as follows: Christopher, June 10, 1901; Eddie Francis, Feb. 2, 1903; Anna Birdella, Feb. 17, 1905 ; Haakon Goodwin, Oct. 27, 1908 ; Albert Einar, April 15, 1910; Gulena Elizabeth, April 29, 1912, and Donald Ludvik Bernard, Dec. 26, 1916.

John Jacob Blue, a representative of the manufacturing interests of Trempealeau County as proprietor of the woolen mill at Ettrick, was born at Mechanicsburg, Champaign County, Ohio, Feb. 4, 1844. His parents were John and Sarah (Baldwin) Blue, the father being a native of Pennsylvania, fi'om which State he emigi'ated to Ohio, where he died in 1847. Mrs. Sarah Blue was born in Scotland and was granddaughter of Richard Baldwin, who served as a soldier in the War of 1812-15 between Great Britain and the United States. She died about 1881. John Jacob Blue was one of the younger members of a family of ten children. He began industrial hfe in Ohio at the age of 16 years, at intervals working as clerk or as an employe in the woolen mills. After a service of four months in the ai-my during the latter part of the Civil War, he moved in 1864 to Lincoln, 111., where he was clerk in a hotel for about six months, and also dealt in stock. His residence in Lincoln lasted three years and he then went to La Crescent, Minn., having been hired to set up the machinery of a woolen mill there. After this job was accomplished he became an employee of the mill and continued to be so for three years. The end of this period found him on the road as a traveling salesman, in which occupation he was engaged continuously for 14 years, or until 1884. That year witnessed the establishment of the present woolen mill in Ettrick, a work accomplished by Mr. Blue, who came here, put in the machinery and began the operation of the mill, which is a one-set mill with three looms. He has since been engaged continuously in its operation, disposing of his product in Wisconsin, Minnesota, lUinois, Indiana, Ohio and other States. The concern has been a success and is an important factor in the industrial life of Trempealeau County. Mr. Blue is also a stockholder in the Bank of Ettrick and the Ettrick & Northern Railroad now being constructed, and is the owner of business and residence property in the village. He belongs to the Masonic lodge in Galesville and to Camp No. 2940, Modern Woodmen of America. Since taking up his residence in Ettrick he has taken a good citizen's interest in the general advancement and prosperity of the community, and has not hesitated, when called upon, to serve in local office. Thus he was township clerk for eight years, township treasurer two years and clerk of the school board 12 years, justice of the peace four years, notary public for 12 years. In politics he is a Republican.

September 26, 1870, Mr. Blue was united in marriage with Dora B. Ketchum, who was boi-n in the State of New York, daughter of Ambrose and Harriet (Burr) Ketchum, both her parents being natives of that State. The father, who was a farmer, emigrated about 1853 or 1854 to Houston, Minn., during the latter part of his journey having to follow a blazed trail. Arriving in Houston County, he took a tract of government land and engaged in farming there, which was his occupation until his death in 1881. His wife is still living and now resides at Lisbon, N. D., having attained the advanced age of 88 years. They had five children, of whom Dora B. was the second born. The children of Mr. and Mrs. Blue have been eight in number, their record in brief being as follows : Effie, now deceased ; Harry, who married Minnie Coocher, and resides in Ettrick, being in business with his father; Herby, deceased; Inez, residing at home and engaged in the millinery business in Galesville; Guy B., engaged in the drug business in Roanoke, 111. ; Frank, engaged in the drug business at Tremont, 111. ; Anetta, wife of Frank Hewett, who reside in Ettrick Village, and Amy, who lives in Tremont, 111., where she is employed in her brother Frank's drug store. Mr. Blue is a member of the Presbyterian church and he and the members of his family residing here are prominent in the social circles of Ettrick and the vicinity.

Township, was an early settler in this county and township, coming here immediately or soon after the close of the Civil War, in which he carried arms as a soldier of the Union. He was born in Biri, Norway, Dec. 26, 1835, son of Ole and Marie Onsrud, the father being a well-to-do farmer. Neither of Mr. Onsrud's parents came to this country, both dying in their native land. Ole 0. Onsrud was educated in Norway and was there confirmed in the Lutheran church. From the time he was 18 until he was 22 years old he worked on a farm. In 1857 he took passage on a sailing vessel for the United States, among the members of the party being the family of Amon Amundson, whose daughter Andrine subsequently became his wife. The voyage was long and tedious, lasting seven weeks and three days, and all were glad when they set foot on the Land of Promise. Mr. Onsrud at once proceeded to the home of his brother Lars, at Westby, Vernon County, Wis., which place he made his home until he came to Trempealeau County in 1866. During the last year of the war, while in Monroe County, he was drafted and served nine months in Company B of the Sixth Wisconsin Infantry as a private. Though not wounded, he had many narrow escapes and participated in some heavy fighting, including seven pitched battles, which ended with Appomattox, after which he took part in the Grand Review at Washington and was honorably discharged. He then returned to Westby, but soon came from that town to Trempealeau County, purchasing a farm in Section 28, Ettrick Township, on which he settled and began the work of improvement. It could hardly be called a farm at that time, however, as it was all wild land and he had all a pioneer's work to do in clearing it. This work took him many years, but was finally accomplished, and not only was the land well cultivated, but good buildings erected and enlarged or rebuilt from time to time. The size of the farm was increased from 160 to 240 acres and the crops indigenous to this region were raised and an excellent grade of stock kept. Mr. Onsrud was also a stockholder in the Ettrick Creamery, which he assisted in organizing. He also aided in the organization of the Lutheran Church, of which he was for many years a prominent member and trustee. He also served on the school board a number of years. Mr. Onsrud's marriage to Andrine Amundson took place Feb. 4, 1862. She was born in Biri, Norway, Dec. 22, 1839, daughter of Amon and Agnetta Amundson, who were natives of the same district or province of Norway. As already narrated, they and their family came to America in 1857 on the same ship with the subject of this sketch. On reaching Wisconsin they located at Halfway Creek. La Crosse County, where they made their home for a number of years. They then came to Ettrick Township, this county, settling on French Creek, where they developed a farm, on which Mr. Amundson died in 1890. After his death his wife took up her residence with her daughter, Mrs. Onsrud, at whose home she died in 1897. The latter was the second born of five children, of whom three are now living, and was educated both in Norway and in Trempealeau County. Five children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Onsrud : Alfred Oscar, Amos Marion, Henry, Frank A., and Orrin Melvin. Alfred Oscar, who is now residing in Spokane, Wash., is a retired railroad contractor, and is interested as a stockholder in range properties. He married Etta Harris, of Trempealeau

County. Amos Marion died in 1907. Henry, who resides in Arcadia Township, this county, with his wife Elizabeth, a native of Norway. Frank A., who is a farmer in Arcadia Township, married Josephina Lund, of Trempealeau County. Orrin Melvin died in California while on the way home from Alaska. Mrs. Onsrud, who survives her husband, still resides on the old homestead, the farm being rented and operated by E. Anderson. She is a lady highly respected throughout this part of the county, having made many friends since she arrived in the township over half a century ago.

Odell S. Bue, a farmer and land owner of Ettrick Township, well known and respected, who resides in Section 1.5, east, was born on his parents' farm in this section, the same place on which he now resides, July 11, 1877, son of Sever and Catherina (Rice) Bue. The parents were natives of Hardanger, Norway, but were married In Trempealeau County, Sever Bue coming to the United States in 1866 and settling here immediately on his arrival. After working for others a short time, he homesteaded this farm, which was his home practically for the rest of his life, though it had become the property of his son, Odell, five years before he, the father, died. The date of his death was June 11, 1913, and that of his wife June 3, 1910. Sever Bue was a prominent citizen of his locality, serving on the school board for a number of years and also as one of the board of directors of his church. He and his wife had five children. Odell S. Bue, was the fourth born child of his parents. His education was acquired in the district school at Hegg and he early received practical instruction in agriculture on his father's farm, of which he became the manager about 1900, when twenty-three years old. In 1905 he bought the farm, consisting of 120 acres, and in addition to this property, has 160 acres one-half mile distant, and 20 acres more situated near Hegg Schoolhouse, making 300 acres in all. On this land he is engaged in general farming and dairying, keeping a number of good cattle, and is doing a prosperous business. He also owns stock in the Ettrick Creamery, the Farmers' Exchange at Blair and the Ettrick Telephone Company. Mr. Bue was married March 31, 1902, to Sarah Underheim, who was born in Norway, daughter of Knut L. and Margaretha (Sunde) Underheim, the family coming to the United States in 1882 and settling in Jackson County. Mr. and Mrs. Bue's family circle has been enlarged by the birth of three children : Sigvart Kenneth, born July 20, 1903; Orrin Sanford, Oct. 1, 1905, and Melvin Clarence, Nov. 3, 1907. Mr. Bue, with his wife and children, are members of the United Lutheran Church. Though not active in town affairs, he is recognized as a good citizen, always willing to support any practical movement for the good of the community.

Frank Melton Butman, an enterprising and successful stock farmer of Section 35, Gale Township, was born in Buckeye County, Ohio, Feb. 25, 1880, son of Stark and Jane (Lynn) Butman. Frank Melton Butman hved at home until 1908, two years after his marriage. When only a lad of fourteen years he commenced buying, selling and trading in stock. Later he took charge of his father's farm and is now the owner of 80 acres, having also a half interest in 170 acres adjacent. He carries on general farming, as well as raising horses and cattle, and is now numbered among the sub- stantial citizens of his township. Nov. 12, 1906, Mr. Buiman was united in marriage with Janet M. Smith, born Jan. 10, 1882, a native of Melrose, Wis., and daughter of Adam and Jean (Love) Smith. Her parents were born in Glasgow, Scotland, the father Oct. 16, 1843, and the mother July 29, 1846. Adam Smith was a boy of ten years when he accompanied his parents' family to the United States. They first settled in the State of Maryland, a few years later coming to Melrose, Wis., where Adam Smith became a land owner. He is now retii'ed and is living with his wife in Galesville. Their daughter, Janet M., was one of eight children, and was educated in Melrose, Wis., and in Trempealeau County. Mr. and Mrs. Butman have had four children born: Dora Vesta, Nov. 22, 1907; Stark Douglas, Oct. 25, 1909 ; Gerald Henry, Nov. 5, 1912, and Arra Agnes, June 7, 1915. Mr. Butman is a member of the Order of Beavers, and the Modern Woodmen of America, while Mrs. Butman is a member of the Beavers and the Yeomen and the Presbyterian Church.

Anton M. Lee, a prominent representative of the farming and stock raising industry in Gale Township, comes of that hardy Norwegian race that has assisted so largely in the development of the agricultural resources of the county. He was born in Trondhjem, in the northern part of Norway, Aug. 31, .1860, son of Michael and Anna (Anderson) Lee, both parents being natives of the same province. He had the misfortune to lose both father and mother when a mere infant, being only three months old when his mother died. Not long afterwards his father, who was a fisherman, perished at sea. He was reared by relatives and when eight years old came to America with his grandmother and uncle, who located at Stevenstown, La Crosse County, Wis. With this uncle he resided for two years and then, coming to Trempealeau County, worked on farms for different persons, being in the employ of the Poss family in Gale Township for seven years. Later he worked in sawmills and at cutting timber in the woods and was thus generally occupied until he was twenty-four years old. He then purchased his present farm, on which he has made various improvements, erecting modern buildings. He has 280 acres of valuable land and operates the farm as a general stock farm. In 1916 he started breeding Shorthorn cattle, to which line of work he is giving special attention. Among the buildings he has erected is a commodious barn, 136 by 40 feet, with a wing 26 by 40, an 8-foot foundation and 16-feet stockboards, and about 50 feet to the ridge. Mr. Lee is also a stockholder in the Arctic Springs Creamery, in the Farmers' Exchange and in the La Crosse Packing Company and the Independent Harvester Company of Piano, 111. April 16, 1884, Mr. Lee was married to Agnes Cook, who was born at Decorah Prairie, Gale Township, daughter of David and Anna (Henderson) Cook. Her parents, who were born in Scotland, came to Wisconsin and settled on Decorah Prairie in 1853, where Mr. Cook, who had been both a farmer and miner, followed agriculture for many years, and became a prominent citizen of the township, holding various local offices. He died Feb. 4, 1906, his wife having passed away Dec. 20, 1888. Mr. and Mrs. Lee have been the parents of four children: Roy D., born Oct. 29, 1886, and died Dec. 19, 1886; Hollis I., born Sept. 4, 1889, a graduate of the Galesville High School, and is residing at home; Hessa G., born Sept. 17, 1894, also a graduate of the Galesville High School, who resides at home and is a teacher in Grant School, and Howard A., born Sept. 26, 1898, who graduated from the Agricultural School at Onalaska, class of 1917. Mr. Lee is a member of the Brotherhood of American Yeomen, having served as head officer of his lodge since 1908, and also of the American Society of Equity. He served as clerk of the school board for sixteen years and at present is a director ; for a number of years also, he has been treasurer of the Decorah Prairie Creamery Association. He and his family are affiliated religiously with the Presbyterian Church.

Arthur A. Gibson, a successful farmer of Section 34, Trempealeau Township, was born in Section 4, near Centerville, this township, son of William H. and Mai-y N. (Porter) Gibson. The father was born in Canada, July 21, 1850, the mother in Holland Township, La Crosse County, December 23, 1856. She was a daughter of Langdon Porter, of Trempealeau. They were married June 6, 1875, and went to live on an improved farm of 160 acres, in Section 4, which Mr. Gibson had bought. The place is now known as the L. Cook Farm. Here they lived until 1893, when Mr. Gibson bought 160 acres in Section 3, this also being improved land. Later he added 80 acres adjoining, making 240 acres in the farm, though a house was practically the only building, there being no barns. For years he followed general farming, also making a specialty of breeding English Shire horses until 1909, in the spring of which year he and his wife went to Oregon, where they are now residing. They had three children : Kate M., born March 4, 1875, who mai'ried A. R. Curtis, of Portland, and died April 29, 1916 ; Arthur A., of Trempealeau Township, and Winnie, born in this township April 8, 1883, who is the wife of A. H. Lea, of Salem, Oregon. Arthur A. Gibson was educated in the common schools up to the age of fourteen, after which, until he was seventeen he attended the Trempealeau High School. He subsequently remained on the farm with his father until his marriage, December 2, 1908, to Clara L., daughter of Herman and Johanna (Sheehan) Gary, of Trempealeau Township, whose father was a native of this township, her mother being born in Ireland. He then rented the parental homestead, known as Oakwood Farm, and has since resided here, engaged in general farming and in the breeding of Shorthoi'n cattle and English Shire horses, keeping about 60 head of the former and 10 or 12 of the latter. His dwelling is a two-story frame residence of 14 rooms, his other buildings comprise three barns, a corn crib, machine shed, milkhouse, and tank, granary and with poultry house attached. Mr. Gibson is also a stockholder in the Farmers' Exchange Elevator of Galesville, and the Trempealeau Shippers' Association. About 200 acres of his land is under the plow, with 40 in pasture and timber. In politics he is independent. He served four years as township clerk and five years as clerk of school district No. 3. He and his wife have had four children, all of whom are living: Elizabeth E., born February 13, 1911; Ruth Evelyn, born October 26, 1913 ; WiUiam H., born April 28, 1915, and Ethel May, born June 5, 1917.

E. Jennie Gallaway, was born at Penfield, Ohio, Dec. 16, 1855, son of Isaac and Fanny (Jacobs) Gallaway. Isaac Gallaway was born in Methwold, Norfolk County, England, Aug. 6, 1828, and grew to manhood in his native land. In the spring of 1853, with a party of relations and friends, he came to the United States. One of the members of the party was Miss Fanny Jacobs, also a native of England, to whom he was married in August, that year. He and his wife first located in Ohio, where they lived ten years, removing to Wisconsin in 1863, and taking up their residence on the Andrews farm near Galesville. About seven years later they settled on the farm now owned by their son William, and daughter, E. Jennie Gallaway. On this farm Isaac Gallaway died, Sept. 22, 1908, his wife having previously passed away June 13, 1889. He was a farmer practically all his life and was one of the men who assisted in converting this part of Trempealeau County into a fertile farming community. A man of sterling worth, warm in his friendships and strictly honest in his deaUngs with all men, he was honored and respected by all. For a number of years he served as chairman of the township board and also as a member of the school board. He and his wife had three children: Elizabeth, William and E. Jennie. William Gallaway was educated in the district school of his township and at Galesville high school, which he attended two years. He was early trained to agricultural pursuits under the mentorship of his father. About 1900 he engaged in the stock business and has since been occupied in raising pure-bred Galloway cattle, in which line of industry he has been very successful. The farm is well equipped with good modern buildings and all necessary implements, a recent addition to the machinery being a large Avery tractor. The farm consists of 200 acres of fertile land. Mr. Gallaway is a member of the Galloway Breeders' Association and keeps well up with scientific progress in his line of work. In politics he is independent, and, while he has never been politically active, he has rendered good service to his township as treasurer of the school board.

William F. Kopp, proprietor of a small but excellent farm of 43 acres in section 5, Trempealeau Township, was born in Germany, Nov. 25, 1850, son of John and Mary Kopp. Both parents were born in Germany, the father May 18, 1819. Mrs. Mary Kopp died when the subject of this sketch was a mere infant, and her husband subsequently contracted a second marriage. In April, 1857, he. came to America with his familj-, locating in Milwaukee, Wis., where he resided until the spring of 1858. The family then I'emoved to Richmond, Minn., just opposite Trempealeau Village, which was their place of residence until 1861. They then crossed over the river into Wisconsin, locating at Big Tamarac, in Trempealeau Township, five miles north of Centerville. John Kopp bought 80 acres of wild government land, on which he built a three-room log house, 16 by 24 feet, in which he and his family lived until 1865. He also purchased in the vicinity 320 acres more, which land was partially improved, there standing on it a fairly good farm house. Mr. Kopp continued the improvements by putting up log barns and sheds, and resided on this farm until his death, Sept. 20, 1892. His second wife had previously died, March 12, 1888. They are both buried in Evergreen Cemetery, near Centerville. William F. Kopp when a boy attended school in Richmond, Minn. He and his brother Charles were the only children by his father's first marriage, but he had three halfbrothers, Henry, George and Frank, who are now living in Trempealeau County, and a half-sister, Josephine, who died in 1881. He was trained to agricultural pursuits and in time became the owner of a large farm, which he later disposed of. He now confines his attention to his farm of 43 acres in section 5, which is a very fine piece of agricultural property, under full cultivation. Here, besides raising the ordinary crops, he grows apples, plums and other small fruits. His residence, barn, granary and other buildings are all in excellent conditions, and for rapid transit purposes, and the general convenience of himself and wife, he has a fine automobile. He married Annie, daughter of Peter and Elizabeth Harris, their wedding taking place at the home of the bride's parents in Trempealeau Township, Feb. 17, 1880. Mr. Kopp is a Democrat in politics, but has taken no active part in local government, except that for some years he served as a member of the school board. He was reared in the Lutheran faith and attends the church of that denomination at Galesville.

John N. Brenengen is a member of a family of Norwegian origin that has had much to do with developing the agricultural resources of Gale and Ettrick Townships. He was born near Christiania, Norway, Dec. 8, 1873, son of Nels and Net.tie (Johnson) Brenengen. The father was born in the same locality Dec. 27, 1833, and the mother Jan. 10, 1834. They arrived in Trempealeau County from Norway, June 10, 1880, locating in Gale Township. Nels Brenengen, who was a carpenter, soon found work at his trade, which he followed for awhile in Gale and Ettrick Townships, resolving, however, to obtain land as soon as possible and seek prosperity through the cultivation of the soil. Being industrious and economical, it was not long before he found himself in a position to achieve his ambition, and accordingly bought a farm in section 8, Ettrick Township, which place became the home of the family, and here he resided until his death, Oct. 30, 1904. Ten days later his faithful and loving wife followed him to the grave. Their family numbered in all seven children, of whom the sixth born was the subject of this sketch. John N. Brenengen was less than seven years old when he arrived with the Brenengen family in Trempealeau County, and his schooling, therefore, was only just begun. He became a pupil at the Smith school in Gale Township, and there and from his playmates picked up a knowledge of the English language. He had no opportunity for pursuing advanced studies, for his services were early needed on the farm, where he soon acquired a good knowledge of agriculture, stock raising, dairying and everything that goes to make up the life of the modern farmer. Before he was 20 years old he had saved enough money to begin farming on his own account, and with his brother Johannas, he purchased the old home farm, which they conducted together for seven years. He then sold his share to his brother and bought his present farm, containing now 196 acres of valuable land, he having recently sold 40 acres to his neighbor, John Erickson. Mr. Brenengen has added materially to the improvements on his property, having erected a good barn, a hog-house, put up fencing, and did other useful or necessary work. Besides raising the usual crops, he is engaged in dairying, having good animals for milking purposes ; and he is also a member of and stockholder in the La Crosse Packing Company and the Farmers Telephone Company. Success has attended his operations and he is numbered among the enterprising and prosperous agriculturists of Gale Township. For 14 years Mr. Brenengen has been a married man, having been united, Jan. 24, 1903, to Laura Thompson, who was born in Ettrick Township, daughter of Lars and Mary (Peterson) Thompson. Her parents, who came from near Christiania, Norway, settled near Trempealeau, this county, where Mr. Thompson took a farm. He was born April 13, 1842, and died in July, 1909. His wife, born in 1848, died in 1888. They had six children, of whom Laura was one of the youngest. The family of Mr. and Mrs. Brenengen also numbers six children : Minnie Amanda, Neil Ludwick, Lillian Josephine, Gerald Millard, John Leonard and Bernice Vernell, all residing at home. Mr. Brenengen and family are members of the Lutheran church.

E. Jennie Gallaway, part owner with her brother William of Evergreen Lodge stock farm, located in section 16, Gale Township, where she now resides, was born in Penfield, Ohio, Feb. 1, 1859, a daughter of Isaac and Fanny (Jacobs) Gallaway. Coming to Trempealeau County with her parents in 1863, she grew to womanhood on the parental homestead, where she has always remained. Having strong artistic tastes, she took lessons from Sara Birdsall, the well known artist, and has herself achieved no little fame, occupying a recognized place in the art world. Her home is adorned with some beautiful paintings from her own brush, including one of Niagara Falls and one of the Dells of Wisconsin, both instinct with fidelity to nature and showing masterly treatment. Like most true artists, Miss Gallaway is fond of outdoor recreations and a great admirer of flowers. Her rose beds and rose bushes, in the development of which she takes a great and active interest, are famous throughout this part of the county, and attract many people to the farm, the visitors always receiving a cordial welcome. Miss Gallaway is a lady of refinement, tact and good business ability and she and her brother are popular members of society in Gale Township.

Arthur Glassford, proprietor of a good farm in section 27, Gale Township, was born on this farm, March 10, 1876, son of Walter and Jane (Oliver) Glassford. The father was a native of Glasgow, Scotland, and when quite a young man learned the moulder's trade. When about 18 or 19 years old he came to America, locating in Illinois and was for some time in the employ of the McCormick Company, manufacturers of agricultural implements. This was before the Civil War, and when that great struggle

Volunteers, being at that time a resident of Gale Township. During the war, his term of service having expired, he enlisted a second time and served until its close. He was never wounded, but was in the hospital for awhile as the result of an accidental injury. Returning to Wisconsin at the close of his military career, he located on the farm now owned by his son in section 27, Gale Township, and lying about a mile and a half east of Galesville. Here he devoted his time to agriculture and the improvement of his property, the farm containing 120 acres, and was thus engaged until 1892, when on account of his health he had to give up active work. His death took place March 14, 1895. His wife Jane, who was born at Augusta, Maine, and whom he married in Gale Township, died many years before him, about 1876. Walter Glassford was a man highly respected. Though he never aspired to public office, he served on the board of education for about 20 years, acting as treasurer. He and his wife had three children, of whom Arthur was the youngest.

Arthur Glassford was educated in the district school in Gale Township. He was 16 years old when his father's health failed, and from that time on he took practical charge of the farm, becoming its proprietor on the father's death three years later. He has since operated it continuously, with the exception of a period of two years, during which he rented it out to a tenant. Some important improvements have also been made by him, including the erection of the present fine dwelling, with modern equipment, in 1906, and a substantial barn built in 1913. Mr. Glassford is engaged largely as a dairy farmer, though raising the usual crops, and he has met with good success. He is independent in politics, and is school director in his district, but has not otherwise been officially active. He takes, however, a keen interest in the welfare and progress of the community, and is always willing to do his part as a good citizen.

Mr. Glassford was married Nov. 26, 1902, to Dora De Young, who was born in Holland, May 22, 1883, daughter of Garman and Catherine (Post) De Young. Her parents came to the United States with their family in 1884, settling at Amsterdam, La Crosse County, Wis., where Mr. De Young engaged in farming. He is now retired and he and his wife reside at La Crosse. Mr. and Mrs. Gflassford have one child: Beatrice Gertrude, born March 6, 1904.

Henry Kopp, owner and operator of one of the best farms in Trempealeau County, a 450-acre tract lying in sections 21 and 22, Trempealeau Township, was born at Richmond, Winona County, Minn., -July 15, 1858, son of John and Mary Kopp. The parents, who were natives of Germany, came to America in 1857. Henry acquired his education in the district school, and was brought up to farm work in his youth. Coming to Trempealeau County, he followed his accustomed vocation. Oct. 26, 1886, he was married in Trempealeau Village, by "Elder" Owen, Congregational pastor, to Avaline, daughter of Nathan and Mary (Bortle) Wilber. For one year after his marriage he worked the Wilber farm, and then, in the spring of 1887, bought 125 acres of improved land in sections 21 and 22, "Big Tamarac" Valley, Trempealeau Township. To this land he has since added by purchase 225 acres more, the new property adjoining the old, and now has a fine farm of 450 acres, beautifully situated, 150 acres of which are plowed land and the rest in timber and pasture. On this farm Mr. Kopp has made numerous improvements, including the erection of a two-story, seven-room house; a barn (No. 1), 32 by 84 feet, with lean-to 14 by 84, for hay and horses; a barn (No. 2), 32 by 64, with basement for cattle, laid with cement floors, and equipped with James cow stanchions, and all modern fittings ; a granary, a scale house, a machine shed, an engine room.

Mr. Kopp carries on general farming, and is a breeder of registered Shorthorn cattle, keeping about 100 head. He also keeps graded Poland-China hogs, and has a flock of 300 high grade Shropshire sheep. His farm has a roUing surface, the soil being a black loam, with good sub -soil, and is well watered. Up to date in his methods, Mr. Kopp has been very successful and is recognized as one of the most prosperous farmers in Trempealeau County. He is a stockholder in the Farmers' Exchange Elevator at Galesville. In politics a Republican, he has been active in the cause of good government, has served several terms as chairman of the town board and has for many years taken a keen interest in whatever was for the good of the township or county, whether along moral or material lines. He and his wife have had seven children, all born on the home farm, whose record in brief is as follows: Ernest, born Nov. 22, 1882, is a farmer in Trempealeau Township. He married Emma Van Vleet, and has three children: Helen, Ralph and Merle. Amy, born March 23, 1885, is the wife of George Wilson, a carpenter, and resides at Red Wing, Minn. She has two children : Doris and Wendel. Grace, born Oct. 4, 1887, is the wife of Herman Kline, a farmer of Trempealeau Township, and has three children: Norman, Gladys and Ethel. William, born Jan. 12, 1880, married Josie Severson, and is operating a rented farm in Trempealeau Township. John, born May 20, 1894, is unmarried and resides at home with his father, whom he assists on the farm. Byron P., born Sept. 18, 1898, is unmarried and living at home. Donald, born Aug. 17, 1901, is also residing at home, a boy of 15 years. Mr. Kopp was reared in the faith of the Lutheran Church, but is not a member of it, attending and supporting the Methodist Episcopal Church in Trempealeau. He and his family are widely known and highly esteemed.

John O. Gilbertson, who is successfully engaged in farming in section 33, Gale Township, was born in Lewis Valley, La Crosse County, Jan. 17, 1859, son of Ole and Olena (Larson) Gilbertson. His parents were born in Biried, Norway, the father Dec. 22, 1818, the mother in 1825. They were married in their native land and came to the United States in 1856, locating in Lewis Valley, La Crosse County, Wis. Ole Gilbertson, who was a farmer by occupation, soon afterwards bought land, but in 1860 he moved with his family to French Creek, in Ettrick Township, Trempealeau County. Here he was engaged in farming until his death, which occuri-ed in 1898. His wife died Aug. 9, 1888. He was a prominent man and held office at various times, being school clerk for many years.

John 0. Gilbertson was the youngest in a family of four children. He attended school in his boyhood at French Creek and afterwards the Galesville High School. Residing on the parental homestead until 22 years of age, he then became a land owner, buying a farm in Ettrick Township, which he operated for five years. He then engaged in mercantile business at Hale and later in Whitehall, being thus occupied for six years. At the end of that time he concluded to go back to farming, and accordingly purchased his present property at Frenchville, Gale Township, which consists of 80 acres of improved land, the improvements having been chiefly made by himself. These include his neat and comfortable residence, erected in

1910, and barns and other necessary buildings in 1905, the house being thoroughly modern in its appointments. Mr. Gilbertson devotes his whole time to his farm and is doing a prosperous business in his line. He is an independent Republican in politics and a member of the Lutheran Synod Church.

Oct. 22, 1879, John 0. Gilbertson was united in marriage with Mina Helen Nelson, who was born in Biried, Norway, daughter of Borre and Bertha (Haslie) Nelson, natives of the same place. The parents were married in Norway, where the father was born July 29, 1821. They came to America in 1867, locating in Abrahams Valley, Gale Township, where he engaged in farming, his occupation in the old country. He died April 28, 1898. His wife survived him nearly ten years, passing away in February, 1908. Their daughter, Mina Helen, was the third born in a family of six children, and was educated in Trempealeau County. Mr. and Mrs. Gilbertson have three children : Odell, a mail clerk in the emploj^ of the Northwestern Railway, residing in Winona, who married Ida Thompson of that city; Ella Josephine, who is a teacher residing at home, and Celia Berenice, also residing at home, who has been a teacher for eight years, being now in her third year in the Frenchville school.

Alfred E. Gilbertson, an enterprising and successful farmer of Ettrick Township, comes of one of the pioneer families of this township, of which he is a native, having been born here May 11, 1873. His parents were Even and Antoinette Marie (Ofsdahl) Gilbertson, natives of Norway, who were married in Wisconsin, the father being a son of Ole and Oline Gilbertson. Even was born in 1843 and when a boy of 13 or 14 years his parents emigrated with their family to the United States. The voyage, made in a slow sailing vessel, was long and tedious, but the shores of America were sighted at last and a landing effected. Making no stay in any eastern city or state, Ole Gilbertson and his family pushed on for the Northwest, which he had heard was now the land of opportunity for newcomers. He came to a halt at Stevenstown, La Ci'osse County, Wis., but seems not to have stayed there long, as soon after we find him homesteading 160 acres of land on French Creek, Ettrick Township, this county, and beginning its cultivation with an ox team. There were at that time but few settlers in the county, he being one of the original pioneers. As such he and his family had many hardships to endure and much hard work to perform, but in time his energy bore frujts, and with the assistance of sons he developed a good farm, and became one of the prominent and respected citizens of his township, aiding in the building of a church and taking a leading part in other public affairs. He and his good wife have long since passed to their final reward.

Even Gilbertson spent most of his boyhood days in assisting his father, when he was not attending school. In early manhood he started in for himself, buying a tract of 160 acres, and another of 80 acres, this land being situated in section 20-24-13, Ettrick Township. It was all wild land and there was not even a road in the vicinity, so that his task was to carve a farm out of the primitive wilderness. His first house was a shanty, 16 by 24 feet, and 12 feet high, and with this beginning he set to work, his labors being hard and strenuous and lasting many years. He was made of the right stuff to succeed, however, and gradually the wild appearance of this land changed its aspect for one of cultivation, the old primitive shanty giving place to a dwelling more suggestive of domestic comfort. Barns and outbuildings, too, appeared, and increased in size with successive enlargements, or the erection of new buildings, while similar changes went on in the neighborhood with the advent of new settlers, until the community presented a civilized and flourishing appearance. On this farm Even resided to the end of his life, dying at the age of 72 years in 1912. He held a leading place among his fellow townsmen, was chairman of the township board for many years and served as assessor eight years, being well informed as to the value of all real property in the township. In politics he was a staunch Republican. A Lutheran in religious faith, he and his family helped to start the church of that denomination on French Creek, he being one of its officials, acting as trustee, foreman and collector of funds. He also aided in the building of the school and served as its clerk and treasurer. Among other enterprises which he took an active part in starting were the creamery and mill at Frenchville and the insurance company. In short, for a number of years there were few important enterprises started in the vicinity in which he was not interested in one way or another. The insurance company he served as clerk for 20 years, and he also became a stockholder in the telephone company. During his active career he developed two farms, starting with straw sheds, which he later replaced with wooden buildings, hauling the lumber from the old mill at Alma, Buffalo County. He kept good stock, favoring Durham cattle and Shropshire sheep, and his horses were also of excellent quality. His wife Antoinette was a worthy helpmate to him, and to her he owed much of his success, which he always readily acknowledged. She was about 12 years younger than himself and is still living, being now 65 years old. Their eight children also are living, namely: Lena, Bertie, Ida, Laura, Sophie, Stella, Emma and Alfred E.

Alfred E. Gilbertson was reared to manhood on the old homestead and acquired his education in the district school. In course of time, as his father became advanced in years, he took over the management of the farm, which he has since operated successfully. For the past three years he has been a trustee of the Lutheran Church, but has held no town office. Mr. Gilbertson married Oriana Hegge, of La Crosse. Nov. 8, 1902, daughter of J. O. and Carrie (Olson) Hegge. He and his wife are the parents of one child, Mildred. On his farm are some fine pine trees, which were set out by his grandfather, Ole, at a very early date, while others were planted by his father. Even, 50 years ago. The development of this place from the original wilderness to its present flourishing conditions, with its highly cultivated land, neat and substantial buildings and modern equipment, is typical of the great changes that have taken place in the county since the pioneer settlers first appeared upon the scene with their ox carts and homemade appliances some 50 or 60 years ago.

Edwin R. Wilber, a pioneer settler of Trempealeau County, now passed away, was of New England birth, born in the southern part of Connecticut,

Sept. 5, 1822. He was married in the state of New York, May 28, 1853, to Elizabeth A. King, who was born in Holland, Europe, Jan. 30, 1836. After farming for a few years in New York State, they came west in June, 1857, making the journey overland by team to Cleveland, and from there by boat by way of the Great Lakes to Sheboygan. They had brought teams with them, and from Sheboygan drove over country to Trempealeau County, crossing Black River at Gordon's Ferry and spending their first night in the county at the home of two bachelors, who lived at the ferry. In the party were the grandparents of the subject of this sketch, Samuel and Amanda Wilber, who had accompanied them from New York. The grandfather died in 1866 and the grandmother passed away in 1876. The families first located at a point just east of Centerville, but stayed there only two or three weeks until they had located homesteads. The homestead of Edwin R. Wilber consisted of 120 acres of wild land in Big Tamarac Valley, sections 17 and 20, there being no improvements on it. Here Mr. Wilber put up a log house of one and a half stories and three rooms, which is still standing. He soon realized that the horse teams he had brought with him were not adapted to rough work amid pioneer surroundings, and accordingly traded them for oxen, which he used to clear and develop his land. In a few years he had added 160 acres to the original tract of 120, buying 80 acres of this new land from the government and the other 80 from speculators. His four brothers - Samuel D., William M., Acil H. and Nathan P. - had come west with him, and Nathan P. settled with him in Big Tamarack Valley, while Samuel, William and Acil located in Pine Creek Valley, then in Trempealeau but now in Dodge Township, the distance from the two farms being about two miles. Nathan took a wild tract of 40 acres adjoining that of Edwin R., and cleared and improved it. The latter, with his wife, hved in the log house first built but one year, when he erected a second log house, larger and more convenient, into which they moved. This latter dwelling was 16 by 24 feet, with an upper story, and was erected on an "alternate" section, on which Edwin R. Wilber "squatted." It was about 60 or 80 rods north of the first location. He also built three frame barns, which are still standing. In the second log house they lived about 18 years, at the end of which time the residence now occupied by the subject of this sketch was erected. This is a two-story frame dwelling, with upright and wing, containing eight rooms in all.

Elmer Elsworth Wilber, who is engaged in operating the fine piece of agricultural property known as the "Wilber homestead," in sections 17 and 20, Trempealeau Township, was born in the old Wilber residence in section 17, Nov. 27, 1860, son of Edwin R. and Elizabeth A. (King) Wilber. He acquired his education in the district school of Trempealeau Township, which he attended regularly until 15 years old, after which he continued attendance during the winters only until 18. In the meanwhile he assisted his father on the home farm, of which he finally became the owner. To the buildings which his father erected he has added a frame barn. There he resided until his death July 5, 1893, being survived by his wife and several children, of whom he had seven: James M., Mary Jane, Francis M., Elmer E., Mary A., Samuel and Henrietta E. James M., born in February,

1855, in New York State, is now living at Rochester, Minn., being a retired blacksmith. Mary Jane, born Sept. 19, 1856, also in New York State, died Nov. 22, 1861, in Trempealeau Township and is buried in Evergreen Cemetery. Francis M., born Oct. 24, 1858, in Trempealeau Township, is now a prosperous farmer of this township, living near the old homestead. Elmer E., born Nov. 27, 1860, is now owner of the homestead and is engaged in farming. Mary A., born Nov. 8, 1862, is the widow of Frank Bunnell and lives in Minneapolis. Samuel, born Dec. 4, 1870, died Feb. 27, 1871. Henrietta E., born Nov. 2, 1872, is the wife of Clarence Bunnell, a real estate dealer of Orlando, Florida. Mrs. Edwin R. Wilber died in MinneapoHs, Minn., April 21, 1909.

Elmer E. Wilber acquired his education in the district school of Trempealeau Township, which he attended regularly until 15 years old, after which he continued attendance during the winters only until 18. In the meanwhile he assisted his father on the home farm, of which he finally became the owner. To the buildings which his father erected he has added a frame barn, with concrete basement, fitted for cattle and horses, the distance from floor to ridge being 40 feet. He carries on general farming and dairying, keeping Shorthorn grade cattle, of which he has a good herd, also Poland-China swine and a large flock of graded Shropshire sheep. He is also interested as a stockholder in the Galesville Creamery and the Farmers' Co-operative Packing Company of La Crosse.

March 28, 1886, Mr. Wilber was united in marriage with Cora A., daughter of James and Amanda (Towner) Adams of Caledonia Township, their marriage taking place at the home of the bride's parents, and the Rev. J. R. Chamberlain of the Trempealeau Congregational Church officiating. Mr. and Mrs. Wilber have four children : Hazel E., born Oct. 22, 1887, who was graduated from the Trempealeau High School, the La Crosse Normal School and the State University at Madison, and is now a teacher in Madison, Wis. ; Raud E., born March 18, 1890, who lives at home and is assisting in the management of the farm, and who married Grace E. Dolbier, Jan. 4, 1917; Cora Madge, born April 16, 1893, who was married March 8, 1917, to Edwin Severson and resides in Trempealeau Township, and Mabel A., born Sept. 21, 1894, who is unmarried and hves at home. Mr. Wilber belongs to Camp No. 2977, M. W. A., of Galesville, Wis. He is a Republican in politics but not an ofliceholder.

Francis M. Wilber, one of the enterprising farmers of Trempealeau Township, section 20, was born Oct. 24, 1858, at Big Tamarack Valley, this township, son of Edwin R. and Elizabeth A. (King) Wilber. His educational opportunities were limited to attendance at the district school, and he had to become self-supporting at the time when many boys nowadays are thinking of high school and college. The habits of industry he then learned have remained with him all his life and have been the main factor in his present prosperity. Brought up to farming, he has followed that occupation since boyhood, buying and moving onto his present farm of 207 acres in sections 20 and 21, Trempealeau Township, soon after his marriage in 1885 to Emma Bell Bunnell, daughter of George W. and Louise (Atwood) Bunnell. Since taking possession of this property Mr. Wilber has made a number of valuable improvements on it. Among them is a two-story frame house, erected in 1908, also a fine large barn with modern equipments; and in addition he has a good granary, hog house, poultry house, machine sheds and other necessary buildings. The farm itself is located in one of the richest valleys in Trempealeau County, and has good fertile soil, yielding bountiful crops. The family of Mr. and Mrs. Wilber includes five children: Grace, who is the wife of Webster J. Calkins, a farmer of Trempealeau Township; Myrtle, wife of Benjamin Rhodes, a farmer at Little Tamarack Valley ; Lizzie, now Mrs. William Lakey, whose husband is a farmer in Caledonia Township ; Cliffie, who is unmarried and resides at home, and Dewey, also unmarried, who is engaged in assisting his father on the farm. Mr. Wilber is a Republican in politics, but takes no active part in township affairs, being always ready, however, to support any practical enterprise for the welfare of the general community. He belongs to the Modern Woodmen of America, and his wife to the Royal Neighbors, both of Galesvhle.