Trempealeau County, Wisconsin - Biographical sketches, 1917 (part 5 of 20)

In 1856 Mr. Crosen came West to Wisconsin, traveling by rail by way of Chicago to Dubuque, Iowa, and from there by boat up the river to Trempealeau, then known as Montoville, arriving the 13th of November, 1856. Here he went to work as clerk for J. P. Israel, who had come West with him and established a grocery and dry goods business. Israel had bought goods in St. Louis, which were delivered to the Packet Company at Dubuque, Iowa, but as the river was frozen over so as to prevent navigation, they were not delivered at Trempealeau until the spring of 1857. After working for Mr. Israel a few months, Mr. Crosen bought him out. Not long after doing so he discovered that the goods bought in St. Louis had not been paid for, and as he was unable to pay for them, the St. Louis people closed him out. He then opened a boot and shoe shop, there being at this time only three business houses in Trempealeau, and resided at the hotel kept by D. W. Gilfillan. There was plenty of work to be had and he was kept busy in his shop, but business was done largely on credit and there was plenty of "wildcat" money in circulation, sound money being scarce. Mr. Crosen often had as much as $250 of this more than doubtful currency in his pocket, but couldn't pay a week's board with it. There were scores of banks organized and existing on an unsound financial condition and failures were frequent. These conditions lasted until the Civil War, by which time Mr. Crosen found himself in bad financial condition, and with prospects no better. There was one thing every able-bodied young man could do, howevei' - serve his country; so on June 20, 1861, he enlisted in Company H, Sixth Regiment Volunteer Infantry, better known as the "Iron Brigade." He was mustered in at Madison, Wis., July 17, 1861, with rank of sergeant. Three days later the command arrived in Washington, D. C, and was stationed at Kalorama Heights, D. C, near the capital. Early in the following March they took part in McClelland's advance on Bull Run, subsequently returning to Alexandria, Va., where they were held for the protection of Washington. They, however, cleared the State of the rebels as far down as Fredericksburg, the enemy burning all bridges and shipping. After the bridges had been rebuilt the command crossed the Rappahannock in the night, going to the vicinity of Orange County Courthouse. From there they marched to Spottsylvania Courthouse, and on to Waller's Tavern and Frederickhall Station on the Richmond Railroad. On this raid they destroyed "Stonewall" Jackson's commissary supplies and the station at Frederickhall, together with three miles of the railroad track. Making use of a "ground wire," they telegraphed General Jackson (the message purporting to come from Richmond) : "Send troops to protect railroad." Jackson's reply was : "Pope giving me enough to do here ; railroad must take care of itself." Having accomplished this work, the command returned to camp at Fredericksbiii-g. The next movement was a feint attack made to deceive the enemy, so that the troops at Fredericksburg could rejoin the main army. This movement was successful, but in making it a New York regiment lost their entire supply train, and sent back a courier with an order demanding horses - everyone that could be picked up. This order was delivered to Colonel Cutler, of the Wisconsin troops, and was very thoroughly obeyed, the command gathering in a large number of horses. This was one of the biggest infantry raids during the war, and was accomplished by Wisconsin troops. It lasted four days, and as the men had but three days' rations, the last 24 hours they were without food. On their return they were complimented by General Gibbons, who issued to Sergeant Crosen the following orders: "Find two rows of tents at right. Occupy these. Cook and eat to your heart's content. Pay no attention to taps, and I'll send up a present." The present was four buckets of whiskey, of which the last drop was drunk, though there was not an intoxicated man. They then turned in and were just asleep when an order came to Sergeant Crosen to notify the colonel to prepare three days' rations and make an immediate advance to Cedar Mountain, 50 miles distant, to the Rapidan River. Accordingly rest had to be postponed to a future occasion, the troops took up their march and in 48 hours were at Cedar Mountain ready for battle. On this occasion the subject of this sketch was a messmate with Major Charles Ford, they sharing half rations together, as he had none. The battle was a hard contest and the iield was so piled with the bodies of men and horses that it could not be passed over. It was suspended by a truce. Two days afterward outriders came in reporting that the Confederate army of different divisions of 40,000 each were "advancing from every direction." The troops were immediately drawn up in line of battle on the Rappahannock River to prevent the rebels from crossing, and they held this position from 4 o'clock p. m. on one day to 10 o'clock a. m. the next. As the enemy did not appear, they took up the line of march back through Culpepper to the Rappahannock railroad station, and then up the river. This four days' march was made from Aug. 20 to 23, 1862, inclusive. Aug. 26 the "Iron Brigade" went to White Sulphur Springs, where they defeated a flank movement of the enemy. They then took up their march for Bull Run, on a report that the Confederates had got around their right. Reaching Gainesville, Aug. 28, 1862, they marched through the town. About a mile beyond the enemy suddenly opened fire on them, the attack being quite unexpected. Quickly forming line, they fought for three hours, the brigade losing 800 killed and wounded. Among the latter was Mr. Crosen, who was shot in the left thigh. Left on the field, he lay there nine days and on the tenth day was taken to Gainesville and laid beside the road to be parolled with others. The second battle of Bull Run took place as he lay on the field between the opposing forces, unable to get away. By the terms of an armistice the wounded were released, the Union wounded being conveyed to Washington, 39 miles distant, in 700 ambulances, holding from two to twenty-five people each. Mr. Crosen remained in the hospital until the spring of 1863 and was then transferred to the Veteran Reserve Corps, as being disabled for active service, and he continued as a member of this corps until his discharge, July 13, 1864. He took part in the battle of Fort Stevens, July 8, 1864, and at this time was brevetted first lieutenant of the Second Battalion of Veteran Reserves.

In the fall of 1864 Mr. Crosen returned to Trempealeau and reopened his shop. He was in bad physical condition, but his health slowly improved and he continued in the shoe business until about 1881. He then engaged in raising small fruits on a five-acre tract adjoining the village, erecting on it a settler's shanty to avoid having to pay rent. Here he lived six years, at the end of which time he took up his abode in his present residence, which he had built, a six-room house, with upright and wing. Mr. Crosen was married, November 15, 1866, to Cornelia F. Melhorn, at Washington, D. C. She was born at Harpers Ferry, Va., April 26, 1836, her father being Francis Melhorn, an old-time Virginian, who was for years an inspector at the Harpers Ferry arsenal, his connection with the arsenal being severed when the war broke out, owing to his sympathy with the South. He then took up his residence in Washington, where he engaged in the meat business, never taking up arms. Immediately after his marriage Mr. Crosen brought his wife to Trempealeau, where she is still living, though in somewhat feeble health, as she is now in her eighty-first year. Six children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Crosen: Luella, who married James B. McManus, of Trempealeau, and died leaving two children ; Francis, who is married and engaged in the auto livery business in Trempealeau ; Cornelia, wife of Edward Carpenter, a farmer of Hope, N. D., who has six children - four sons and two daughters ; William, married, who is a barber in Trempealeau Village ; Warren, who was drowned several years ago in the Mississippi River, near Trempealeau, and Harry, who died when young. Mr. Crosen has never been active in politics or held any public ofiice. Religiously he is in accord with the doctrines of the Methodist Episcopal church, though not a member of any church. Still at one time he was a class leader of the Methodist church and has professed Christianity for 32 years, during which time he has been a Bible student. He has been a member of the Masonic order since 1866, being connected with Lodge No. 117, of Trempealeau, of which he was secretary for several years. Although in his eighty-fourth year, he is still strong and fairly vigorous, enjoying good health.

Elmer L. Immell, live stock dealer and automobile agent of Blair, has seen considerable public life. From 1889 to 1893, under President Benjamin H. Harrison, he was postmaster at Blair. From 1901 to 1903 he was sheriff of Trempealeau County. From 1903 to 1908 he was deputy State game warden. Since its organization he has served on the village council all except four years, and during a part of this period he was president of that body. He has also been village treasurer and township treasurer. In all of these positions he has done most excellent woi'k, and has demonstrated his efficiency and ability in whatever line of effort he has been called upon to undertake. He was born in Alma Township, Jackson County, Wis., May 10, 1863, son of Francis M. and Anna (Storley) Immell, and spent his boyhood on the farm, coming to Blair with his parents in 1876. For a number of years he was occupied in drilling wells and installing pumps and windmills. During this period he operated a number of steam threshers. Gradually he became interested in stock buying, in which line he has since continued. In 1910 he purchased the hardware store of A. B. Peterson. In 1913, having sold this establishment, he became treasurer and part owner of the Whitehall Auto Sales Company, of Whitehall, assuming the position of agent at Blair. He has built up a good business and is widely known for his honor- able dealing. Fraternally, Mr. Immell is connected with the Modern Woodmen and the Beavers. He was married Nov. 19, 1885, to Rose McKivergin, and this union has been blessed with four children: Hugh E., who is in the hardware business in Appleton, Wis. ; Russell H., who is at home ; Clinton B., who is a student at the La Crosse Normal School, and Ralph M., who is studying law in the University of Wisconsin.

Knut S. Knutson has been one of the leading citizens of the county for many years. As an agriculturist he developed a good farm in the Beaver Creek Valley, as a merchant he assisted in the progress of Blair by building up an important store, and as county, village and school official he has done most efficient service to the community at large. Mr. Knutson is a native of Ulvik, Hardanger, Norway, born Feb. 20, 1856, the son of Urians and Brita (Severson) Knutson. The parents, born, respectively, July 6, 1823, and Dec. 13, 1830, brought the family to America in 1869, and settled on a homestead in the Beaver Creek Valley, in Ettrick Township, where the father died Feb. 15, 1901, and where the mother now makes her home with her daughter, Mrs. 0. T. Johnson. As a young man Knut S. Knutson secured a farm in the Beaver Creek Valley, which he owned and operated for a number of years. Having attained success in this line, he determined to seek broader fields of opportunity, and- in 1903 moved to Blair, where, with his sons, Julius 0. and Edwin B., he purchased the hardware and implement store of Charles Johnson and estabhshed the firm of K. S. Knutson & Sons, which was succeeded in 1909 by the son, Julius 0. Knutson. The subject of this sketch now devotes his time to looking after his various interests and to public service. As a member of the county board he has the advantage of eight years' experience, and he is regarded as one of the influential men of that body. For twenty years in Ettrick and for three years in Blair he has been a member of the school board. For two years he was on the village council of Blair. His fi'aternal relations are with the Independent Order of Foresters. His business holdings include stock in the Home State Bank, of Blair, of which he is a director, and in the Minneapolis (Minn.) State Bank of Commerce. Mr. Knutson was married June 8, 1878, to Anna Skaar, who was born in Ettrick Township, Dec. 23, 1858, daughter of 0. N. and Engeborg Skaar, the former of whom was born June 27, 1822, and died Oct. 16, 1909, and the latter of whom was born Feb. 10, 1822, and died July 12, 1908. The union of Mr. and Mrs. Knutson has been blessed with four children: Julius 0., Edwin B., Irvin N. and Ida. Juhus 0. is the leading hardware and implement dealer in Blair. Edwin B. organized the State Bank of Commerce at Minneapolis and of this institution he is now cashier. On June 23, 1903, he married Adah Pooler, of Onalaska, Wis. Irvin N. is cashier of the Coon Valley (Wis.) State Bank. He married Minnie Neprud, of Coon Valley, and they have two children, Genevieve and Irvin N., Jr. Ida is the assistant cashier of the Coon Valley State Bank. In addition to his holdings in this county, and in Grant County, N. D., Mr. Knutson and his two sons, Julius 0. and Edwin B., own a 240-acre farm in Imperial County, Cal.

Nathan H. Carhart, who owns and operates an ideal farm of 156 acres section 36, township 19, range 10 west (Trempealeau Township), was boi'n at Broome, Schoharie County, N. Y., Nov. 20, 1848. His parents, Isaac D.

and Nancy A. (Bangs) Carhart, were married at Kortright, Delaware County, N. Y., Sept. 14, 1830, which place was their home for a number of years. In the fall of 1855 they came West to Milwaukee, by way of the Great Lakes. From that city they proceeded by train to Fox Lake, Dodge County, Wis., where they lived until 1861, Mr. Carhart renting and working land there. Leaving Dodge County in the year last mentioned, they set out for Fillmore County, Minn., but on reaching Trempealeau County, Wis., they camped one Sunday on the land now owned by Mr. Carhart. The location and surroundings proved so fascinating to him that he went to La Crosse, met the owner, and closed a bargain for 156 acres, all of it being wild land. On this, for a first residence he erected a board shanty, 12 by 12 feet in dimensions, and here he and his wife, and their family, then numbering eight children, lived for some years. His first barn was a shed with hay roof. He later enlarged the shanty, as it was too small a dwelling for so large a family, and it served as a residence until 1869, in which year he built the present house, a two-story with basement, built of lime and sand brick, with hollow walls.

Sept. 2, 1885, Isaac D. Carhart died on the homestead. His wife survived him until May 7, 1889, when she, too, passed away. They were quiet, industrious and worthy people who had worked hard to obtain what few comforts they possessed, and who were held in esteem by their neighbors for their sterling qualities. They are buried in Greenwood Cemetery, which Mr. Carhart had platted on the farm, and of which for many years he was treasurer. He and his wife were active members of the Methodist Episcopal church at Centerville, which he served for many years as treasurer. Their family, in addition to the subject of this sketch, consisted of four sons and five daughters, or five sons and five daughters in all, the other sons being Lewis Henry, John McKendree, Andrew R. and Isaac W., and the duaghters Mary L., Delia Elizabeth, Emma Frances, Charlotte Ophelia and Clara Josephine. All but Clara Josephine were born in New York, Clara being born in Dodge County, Wis.

Nathan H. Carhart was trained to farm work at an early age, attending school as he had opportunity, and he has been engaged in agricultural pursuits ever since. His farm is one of the best in this part of the county, 120 acres of the land being under the plow and 36 acres in timber and pasture. Through the farm flows Big Tamarack Creek, furnishing an abundant supply of running spring water all seasons of the year. He is a stockholder in the Western Wisconsin Telephone Company and the Citizens' State Bank, of Trempealeau, Wis., and for years has been president of the Farmers' Trempealeau County Mutual Insurance Company. In politics he is a Republican and for a long time has been more or less active in local government matters, having served many years as supervisor of Trempealeau Township, and for some years as a member of the school board, both as clerk and treasurer. Oct. 24, 1883, Mr. Carhart was married at the home of his bride to Mary Ellen, daughter of Thomas and Mary (Rhodes) Brownsell, of Fond du Lac, Wis., the Rev. John P. Hale officiating. She became the mother of three children: Thomas Brownsell, born Oct. 2, 1884, who is engaged in railroad business at San Antonio, Tex. ; Clarence Nathan, born

Mr. Carhart was married, secondly, April 12, 1893, to Emma Towner, daughter of John and Margaret Towner, of Caledonia Township, this county, their marriage taking place at his bride's home, and being presided over by the Rev. W. A. Allen, pastor of the Methodist Episcopal church. The children of this second marriage were : Mildred, born Jan. 26, 1894, who is a graduate of the high school and the Winona Normal School and is now a teacher, residing at home; Emma, born April 29, 1895, who died Aug. 2, the same year; Nathan Towner, born Dec. 6, 1897, and now residing at home; Lawrence Harvey, born Aug. 1, 1901, who is a high school student living at home, and Carroll Curtis, born Jan. 17, 1903. Mr. Carhart and his wife are members of Centerville Methodist Episcopal church, of which he is a trustee. His children, Mildred, Lawrence and Carroll, are also members of the church, and Mrs. Carhart is active in the Ladies' Aid Society connected with it, and is president of the Harmony Circle of King's Daughters, of West Prairie.

Julius 0. Knutson, a leading business man of Blair, was born on the homestead in Ettrick Township, this county, Sept. 2, 1878, son of Knut S. and Anna (Skaar) Knutson. In 1903 he became a member of the firm of K. S. Knutson & Sons, and on Jan. 1, 1909, he purchased the business and has since conducted it under his own name. He carries on a general hardware and implement business. The modern building which houses the establishment, is owned by his father, K. S. Knutson. It is a two-story structure with full basement, 60 by 60 feet, of brick veneer. It is equipped with an elevator and other conveniences. In the spring of 1917 Mr. Knutson erected a modern brick garage 33 by 70 feet adjoining the store building. This he conducts in connection with his other business. Handling a good line of automobiles and accessories, the garage is fully equipped, where auto repairing is done by expert mechanics. Mr. Knutson is a stockholder in the Home Bank of Blair, and in the Western Wisconsin Telephone Co. of Arcadia. With his brother, Edwin B., and his father, K. S., he owns a large farm in Imperial County, Cal. His public work has included service as village clerk for five years and school treasurer five years, being now president of the village council. His fraternal relations are with the Independent Order of Foresters. Mr. Knutson was married, May 23, 1906, to Alice B. Thompson, who was born in Jackson County, Wis., Feb. 20, 1875, daughter of Reier and Brunhild (Haugland) Thompson, of North Dakota. This union has been blessed with three children : Kenneth Ralph, born July 5, 1907, and died Sept. 2, 1907; Kermit Russell, born Aug. 22, 1911; and Blanche Annabel, born March 21, 1916. The family faith is that of the United Norwegian Lutheran church.

Edwin T. Mattison, the present postmaster of Blair, Wis., was born in Preston Township, Trempealeau County, Wis., Feb. 18, 1882. He is a son of Mattis Mattison, a native of Sweden. Edwin T. Mattison was reared on his parents' farm and remained at home until reaching the age of 24 years. He then married and began farming for himself in Preston Township, staying there till June, 1915. On July 1 of that year he assumed his present duties as postmaster of Blair. He is a stockholder in the First National Bank of Blair, a member of the United Norwegian Church, serving as secretary of the same, and belongs to the Modern Woodmen of America. Mr. Mattison was married, Aug. 4, 1906, to Ida Thompson of Preston Township, a daughter of Ole and Ingeborg (Brekke) Thompson, her father being a native of Sweden and a pioneer farmer of this county, who died June 25, 1916, at the age of 75 years. Her mother still lives on the old farm. Mr. and Mrs. Mattison have been the parents of six children: Magnus, Delbert, Victor, Alvin, Ralph and Esther. Alvin died in December, 1914 at the age of one year and eight months.

Ole Mork, M. D., who for the last eight years has been engaged in the practice of medicine and surgery in Blair, Wis., was born in Thelemarken, Norway, July 14, 1873, a son of John and Anna (Landsverk) Mork. His father and mother are both living in Norway, the former at the age of 70 and the latter at that of 65 years. Ole Mork attended school in his native land and was subsequently graduated from the University of Norway, at Christiania, with the degree of M. D. For six months he was assistant physician at the asylum at Throndlijem. From 1901 he practiced medicine in Ulvvik, Hardanger, and was thus occupied for seven years. In 1908 Dr. Mork came to the United States, and located in Portland, Ore., where he remained several months or until the fall, when he came to Blair. Here he has since been engaged in practice, many of his patients being his own countrymen. He is a member of the county, state and national medical societies, and also belongs to the Modern Woodmen of America and the Sons of Norway. Dr. Mork was married Feb. 2, 1900, to Karina Grotevik of Solum, Thelemarken, Norway. Her father, Halvor Grotevik, was a farmer, who died in his native land. Her mother, whose maiden name was Bertha Thorson, still resides in Norway. Dr. and Mrs. Mork have been the parents of nine children : Anna, Kaare, Madli, Hjordis, Bjarne, Martha, Olga, John, who died in 1914 at the age of one year, and Ella.

Smith Molstad. Among those engaged in developing the agricultural resources of Gale township, and whose efforts have met with success, must be taken into prominent consideration the subject of this sketch. Mr. Molstad is a native of Wisconsin, having been born in La Crosse County, July 17, 1867. His parents were Ole and Martha (Peterson) Molstad, both born in Ringsock, Norway, and who were married in that country. Desiring to better their condition and give their children a better prospect in life, they emigrated to the United States, the voyage being made on a sailing vessel, settled in Holland Township, La Crosse County, Wis. Here Ole Molstad acquired a homestead and set at work to till the soil. He was not, however, destined to long life, as he died in 1875, when his son Smith was a boy of eight years. His wife, who was constitutionally more hardy, or more fortunate, survived him about 37 years, passing away at an advanced age in 1912. Their family was large, numbering eleven children, their son Smith being the eighth born. Smith Molstad's schooling was obtained in a district school in Long Coolie, La Crosse County, and his agricultural training on his father's farm in that locality. After he was

21 years old he worked on other farms for two or three years, and then tried raih-oad work, at which he continued for about two years. He then married and about this time went to work in a lumber mill at Onalaska, and was thus occupied for four years. Then he took a farm near Onalaska and operated it for a year, after which he changed the scene of his activities to Pine Creek, Minn., being engaged in agriculture there for four years. At the end of that time he purchased a farm near Brownsville, Minn., where the next six years of his life were spent at his old occupation. He then tried farming in Winnishiek County, Iowa, and was there six years, after which he came to his present farm in Gale Township, Trempealeau County, in 1914, which is a good piece of agricultural property of 290 acres, equipped with good modern buildings and everything- essential in up-to-date farming. Here he raises the usual crops indigenous to this region and keeps a fair amount of stock. His farm is kept in excellent condition and he is doing a good business as an agriculturist.

Mr. Molstad entered into the bonds of matrimony in October, 1893, choosing as his wife Miss Dorthea Peterson, a native of Norway and daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Adam Peterson. Her parents remained in Norway. She came to the United States in 1890 and resided at Onalaska until her marriage. Mr. and Mrs. Molstad have had seven children : Oscar, Melvin, Selmar, Emma, Lula, Lillie and Paul. Lula and Paul are deceased, the latter dying in infancy. All the others are residing at home. In addition to his farming interests Mr. Molstad is a stockholder in the La Crosse Packing Company and also has some business interests in other enterprises. He and his family are members of the Lutheran Church. In politics he is a Republican. He has, however, served two terms on the school board of his township.

John A. Perkins, who owns and operates a fine farm of 272 acres in section 25, Trempealeau Township, was born at Prairie Du Chien, Wis., Feb. 13, 1850. His parents were Charles and Mary (Farnham) Perkins, the father born in Prairie du Chien, March 25, 1824, and the mother at Rock Island, 111., October, 1826. They were of French and English descent, Charles Perkins being a farmer by occupation. In the fall of 1850 the family came to Trempealeau County, the father buying 160 acres of wild land in section 35, North Ti-empealeau Township, but instead of moving onto it at once, they took up their residence in Trempealeau Village, where they remained two years. Then the whole family moved back to Prairie du Chien and spent one year there on a rented farm. In the fall of 1854 they returned to Trempealeau County and moved onto their farm here. As there were i^o building on the land, the father built a shanty and pole stable. He cleared and broke quite a number of acres and in time erected a good frame house, residing on the place until his death, Nov. 7, 1906. His wife died May 15, 1886, on the homestead, where she was living. The children of Mr. and Mrs. Charles Perkins were as follows: John A., subject of this sketch ; Charles, born in Trempealeau Village, May 28, 1851, who was killed while walking on the tracks of the Chicago, Burhngton & Quincy Railroad; Timothy, born June 30, 1853, at Prairie du Chien, who died in infancy: Mary Agnes, born at Prairie du Chien, Aug. 5, 1854, who is now Mrs. Edward House and lives in Trempealeau Village; Nicholas, born in Trempealeau Township, June 9, 1856, who was a farmer and is now living in Trempealeau Township and is an invalid; Joseph, born in Trempealeau Township, Oct. 10, 1858, who resides at the old home, in section 35; EUzabeth, born in Trempealeau Township April 22, 1861, now living at Cando, N. D. ; Victoria, born in Trempealeau Township, Jan. 24, 1864, became the wife of Nason Grover, she died in November, 1916 ; Solomon Robert, born July 15, 1867, in Trempealeau Township, who is now in Iowa; Ida E., born in Trempealeau Township, Oct. 3, 1869, who is unmarried and resides at Cando, N. D. John A. Perkins when a boy attended district school No. 3, Trempealeau Township, regularly until he was 14 years old, and afterwards during the winters until he was 18. He remained at home until he was 24, but pi-evious to this, in 1871, he purchased 40 acres of wild land in section 25, north, Trempealeau Township, this being the land on which his present residence stands. Oct. 28, 1874, he was married to Victoria, daughter of John and Victoria La Vigue of Cedar Creek, Minn., their marriage being solemnized at the Catholic church in Trempealeau Village by Rev. Fr. Gongal. The young couple at once took up their residence on the farm and began housekeeping. Being poor, they could at first make few improvements, and for some time the house remained in an unfinished state, but Mr. Perkins jinally built an upright to it, which gave them more commodious quarters. He had but one horse to begin farming with, but his father loaned him another to make a team, and it was more than two years before he was able to buy a second horse. He made gradual progress, however, and added to his original 40 acres of land from time to time until the farm now contains 272 acres, 100 of which is plowed land, the rest being in pasture and timber. The farm is in a favorable location, lying on the east side of the beautiful Little Tamarac Valley, and is 14 miles from Winona, five from Galesville and seven from Trempealeau. For 36 years Mr. Perkins has marketed butter, the product of his farm, at uniform prices for the year to regular customers. His son WiUiam now operates the farm. The present house is an upright, twostory and a half building, with two wings, nicely finished and well furnished. In addition there is a barn with stone basement, having dimensions of 36 by 86 by 20 feet above the basement, the latter having a cement floor. The basement has a capacity of 73 heads of cattle and 12 horses. On the farm there are also corn cribs and granary, with a garage attached, a machine shed, with an extension, a milk house and ice house and engine house, all the buildings being painted and in excellent shape. Mr. Perkins carries on general farming and dairying, and also has a good orchard of 15 acres, the trees all bearing, and the varieties being well selected. He keeps grade Shorthorn cows and Poland-China hogs. Aside from his personal farming interests he is a stockholder in the Farmers' Exchange Elevator of Galesville, and the Farmers' Co-operative Packing Company of La Crosse, Wis. His thorough knowledge of farming in all its branches was acquired from his father, who in 1847 and- 1848 was employed by the Government to assist James Reed in instructing the Sioux Indians in the vicinity of Winona in agriculture. Sept. 9, 1913, Mr. Perkins' wife died on the old homestead after a long illness and was buried in the Catholic cemetery in Trempealeau Village. She had borne her husband two children : Mary Louise and William J. Mary Louise, who was born Oct. 28, 1878,. is now Mrs. Stanford Bortz, a resident of Trempealeau Village. William J., born Oct. 24, 1882, is unmarried, and, as before stated, is working the farm for his father. Mr. Perkins is independent in politics and has held no public office. He is a member of the Mystic Circle at Trempealeau Village, having been connected with that organization for the past 16 years. He and his family are members of the Catholic church, attending St. Mary's at Galesville.

Everett MeWain. Among those who have helped to develop the soil and promote the agricultural interests of Caledonia Township is the subject of this sketch, who was born near the famed Green Mountains of Vermont, in the town of North Dorset, that state, Dec. 17, 1850, his parents being John W. and Helen (Parker) McWain. The family, including Everett, came to Wisconsin in 1854, locating on a farm in Outgamie County, near Stevensville, in which locality they spent about four years. They then moved onto David Parker's farm (grandfather of Everett McWain), near St. Anthony, now a part of Minneapolis. From there they returned for one winter to Outgamie County, coming to Trempealeau County in March, 1864, and settling on the land on which Everett now resides. The father after a long career as an agriculturist, spent his last years in retirement,, dying at the home of his son Bert, in Winona, Minn., at the venerable age of 91. His wife, who was born in Vermont, in April, 1833, died at her own home in Gale Township, near Galesville, Feb. 8, 1904, at the age of 71 years.

Everett McWain was a child of less than four years when he came to Wisconsin. His educational opportunities were not great, but he attended district school until he was 14 years old and learned to read, write and cipher. When 15 he began working for himself at threshing, being associated for 12 years in this branch of farming with Frank Bender, and dui'- ing the latter part of this period they owned their own machine. In this business Mr. McWain continued until he had reached the age of 45 years, owning his own outfit and using horse-power before the days of steam threshing. He bought his first land on section 6, Caledonia Township, it being a tract of 80 acres, to which he has since added by purchase until he and his two sons now own 240 acres - 200 acres in one body, and 40 acres one mile south of his home. On the original farm in section 6, some land was broken when he bought it. He now has 160 acres under the plow and 40 acres in pasture. On the original tract he has built a substantial onestory and a half frame house, consisting of upright and wing ; also a good barn, a milk house and a silo of 120 tons capacity, all the buildings being painted and in excellent condition. Mr. McWain is carrying on general farming very successfully and is numbered among the prosperous citizens of his township. He is also a stockholder in the Galesville Ci'eamery.

Sept. 26, 1875, he was married to Johanna, daughter of Thomas and Ellen (Brophy) Roach of Gale Township, this county, and to him and his wife have been born the following children : Ethlyn, born June 17, 1878, who married Ernest Post, and has two living children - Verna and Gladys

May, another child, Delia May, being deceased; Roy, born Sept. 28, 1882, who married Beulah Cook, and hves on a farm in Caledonia Township, his children being Gerald, Vilas and Evelyn Lucille; Lloyd, born May 2, 1887, who is unmarried and resides on the home farm ; and William, born March 16, 1896, also unmarried and living on the farm. In politics Mr. McWain has always been a Democrat and has given some of his time to assisting in local government matters, having served many terms as a member of the township board, and having also been assessor. As a prosperous farmer and good reliable citizen he is well known in his township and with his family occupies a respected position among its inhabitants.

William Davidson, a prosperous farmer residing in section 36, Gale Township, was born on his father's farm at Decorah Prairie, Jan. 15, 1861, son of John and Mary (Young) Davidson. His parents were both natives of Scotland, the father born at Strathaven, Oct. 24, 1820. John Davidson came to the United States when a young man, locating first in Mai-yland, where he engaged in mining and other occupations. After awhile he went back to Scotland on a visit, then returned to Maryland with his wife, whom he had married in his native land, where she was born in 1824. In all he made three trips across the ocean. He and his family removed from Maryland to Kentucky, and after residing there awhile came in 1855, or thereabouts, to Trempealeau County, Wis., and took a farm on Decorah Prairie, Gale Township. The rest of his life was spent in the development of this property, which he improved considerable before his retirement from active work. He Uved to be over 80 years of age, his death taking place in 1901. His wife Mary passed away in middle life, in 1863. She was the mother of eight children, of whom William was the seventh born.

William Davidson acquired his education in the district school at Decorah Prairie. He leai'ned the science of agriculture from his father, whom he assisted on the home farm until he was 23 years old. In the spring of 1884 he went to Wyoming, and later, in 1885, to western Nebraska, where he homesteaded land and remained until he had fulfilled the requirements of the homestead law and obtained a full title to his property. He was engaged in the stock business there for several years, but finally gave it up and went to South Dakota, still, however, retaining possession of his land for the time. In South Dakota he purchased land in Deuel County, near Revillo, and resided there most of the time for a number of years, going back and forth between his various holdings as occasion required. In 1905 Mr. Davidson purchased his present farm and soon after sold his lands in Nebraska. In 1909 he sold also his Dakota lands and is now confining his attention to his farm of 160 acres in Gale Township, which is a highly improved piece of property, provided with substantial modern buildings and everything necessary for up to date farming. He is also a stockholder in the La Crosse Packing Company, the Independent Harvester Company of Piano, 111., and the Farmers Elevator Exchange at Galesville. Feb. 25, 1914, Mr. Davidson was united in marriage with Mi's. Anna Johnson, a native of Kansas and daughter of William and Alice (Bonum) Lehmann, who are now residents of Trempealeau County, Mr. Lehmann being a farmer in Trempealeau Township. By a former marriage to Frederick

William Davidson And Family

Johnson Mrs. Davidson is the mother of one child, Harry Johnson, who resides at home. Mr. and Mrs. Davidson have had two children: Wilma, who died at the age of 15 months, and Dorothy Helen, born Feb. 6, 1917. Mr. Davidson is a member of the order of Beavers and of the American Society of Equity. The family are members of the Presbyterian church and he is independent in politics.

William Bartle, an early settler of Trempealeau County, was born in Devonshire, England, Jan. 12, 1823, and came to America as a young man. He was married in Cleveland, Ohio, May 16, 1856, to Ellen Seary, who was born in Inniskillian, Ireland, in May, 1830, and came to America in 1849, locating in Cleveland, Ohio. In 1862 Mr. Bartle and wife, with three children, came to Trempealeau County and settled on a farm in Ettrick Township, where he followed farming until 1876. He then moved to Trempealeau and for the two years following worked at burning lime. In 1878 he received a stroke of paralysis, which rendered him unable to perform heavy labor during the balance of his life. He passed away May 29, 1888. Just seven years to the day his good wife followed him, dying May 29, 1895. They were the parents of nine children, as follows : Sarah, born May 19, 1857, who is now Mrs. George Tibbitts of Keddleston, Canada ; Emma, born in June, 1859, who died at the age of eleven years; Ellen, bon^ in November, 1860, who died in 1904; Mary, born in 1863, and now Mrs. Thomas S. Bramwell of La Crosse, Wis. ; William, born June 10, 1865, now a resident of Trempealeau ; Charlotte, born April 1, 1868, now Mrs. Ed Huttenhow of Trempealeau Village; Margaret, born April 12, 1870, now Mrs. John C. Towner of Trempealeau Township ; John, born Nov. 19, 1872, who is living at Keddleston, Canada, and Harriett, who was born Dec. 17, 1874, and died Sept. 1, 1913.

John C. Towner, a successful agriculturist of Trempealeau Township, is a native of this county, having been born in Caledonia Township, Aug. 1, 1869. His parents were John C, Sr., and Margaret (Carleton) Towner, who setlted in section 19, Caledonia Township, in 1859. John C. Towner in his boyhood attended district school No. 3, Caledonia Township, until he was 14 years of age, and one or two terms afterwards during the winters. At the age of 17 he began working away from home, but contributed to home expenses until he was 21. April 12, 1893, he was married to Margaret, daughter of William and Ellen (Seary) Bartle. The day after his wedding they moved to Pickwick, Minn., where he had rented a farm. After a year there he came back to Trempealeau Township and for five years thereafter operated a rented farm. In 1900 Mr. Towner bought 110 acres in sections 22 and 23, this township, the land being under plow but destitute of buildings, so to remedy this deficiency he erected that year a two-story frame dwelling, consisting of upright and wing. In October, 1902, his residence was destroyed by fire, but was replaced at once by a seven-room, frame house, of one and a half stories, with upright and wing. In 1910 he built a barn, with a lean-to on the east and south; also a corn crib, machine shed and cream house. A cyclone in 1913 demolished his barn, machine shed and windmill, but he has since replaced the barn and built a tool shed, a granary and a silo, all good substantial buildings. Mr. Towner has now 105 acres of plow land, with five acres of waste land, one mile out of Trempealeau, and does general farming, keeping a good grade of stock, both cows and hogs, also having sufficient horses for his farm work. He finds a ready market for his produce and is one of the thriving farmers of his township. For 19 years he has been identified with Camp No. 2813, M. W. A., at Trempealeau, and holds the office of camp advisor. He is also manager of the Trempealeau Farmers Shipping Association. He and his wife are the parents of four children: Lloyd E., born Feb. 3, 1894, who is a fireman on the C. & N. W. Railroad ; J. Carleton, born Aug. 6, 1896, now a student at the La Crosse. State Normal School; Elmer R., born Oct. 5, 1898, who was graduated from the Trempealeau high school in the class of 1917, and is assisting his father; and Hazel Margaret, born Oct. 24, 1901, who is student at the Trempealeau high school. Mr. and Mrs. Towner are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church of Trempealeau.

Ebert K. Stutlien. Among the choice farms of Preston Township is that known as "Springdale," in section 10, a 234-acre farm belonging to the subject of this sketch, who also owns 160 acres in Welch Coolie, this township. Mr. Stutlien was born in Houston County, Minn., Nov. 23, 1866, son of Arne Knudson Stutlien and wife Mary, whose maiden name was Hellekson. The father, born in Norway in 1832, came to this country in 1854 and resided first in Dane County, Wis., moving from there to Houston County in 1858. Ten years later he and his family settled in Welch Coolie, Preston Township, Trempealeau County, which was his home until his death. His wife still resides in Welch Coolie, being now 76 years old. Ebert K. Stutlien was reared to agricultural pursuits and has been thus engaged since he was old enough to begin industrial life. He has been proprietor of his present farm since 1915, and is conducting it with profitable results. Nov. 25, 1893, he was united in marriage with Ida M. Scow, who was born in Arcadia Township, Aug. 2, 1874. Her parents. Matt 0. Scow and Isabel Larson, were both born in Norway, the former in 1832 and the latter in 1834. Mr. Scow died in Arcadia Township, July 7, 1904, and his wife July 21, 1904. Mr. and Mrs. Stutlien are the parents of ten children : Ingwald, assistant bank cashier at Bowman, N. D. ; Alfred, Leona, Emil, Palmer, Alma, Lester, Eunice, Florence and Sidney, all but Ingwald living at home.

Stanley Clark French, one of the leading stock fai'mers of Ti'empealeau County, and a business man widely known throughout this section, his farm being located in section 29, Gale Township, was born on this farm Oct. 3, 1869. His parents were Henry and Parmelia E. (Clark) French, the father born at Kingsfield, Maine, in 1834. The mother was a native of the same place and was somewhat older than her husband. Henry French was trained to agi'iculture in his youth, but subsequently worked in a sawmill in Pennsylvania, to which state his parents had removed. He came to Wisconsin in 1856, driving a yoke of oxen from Monticello, Green County, Wis., to Trempealeau County, his father having arrived here in the previous year. The latter bought 400 acres of land from Judge Gale, of which land Henry purchased a part and started to break it up, using his team of oxen for that purpose. His tract consisted of 170 acres adjoining the village limits of Galesville, and here he resided until his death in April,

Mr. And Mrs. Henry French Stanley C. French And Family

1898. He became a prominent man in this locality, serving as assessor and chairman of the township board for a number of terms, and also assisted in founding the Bank of Galesville. He served two terms as county treasurer and was serving his third term at the time of his death. His wife survived him some years, dying Jan. 12, 1905. They were the parents of three children: Lunette, now Mrs. D. C. Burns; Clinton H. of Concord, Calif., and Stanley C. Stanley Clark French acquired a good practical education, after attending the Galesville high school, spending one year at Galesville University and one year at Winona Business College. Previous, however, to taking the commercial course, he taught school at Decorah Prairie one year, beginning at the age of 16 years. After leaving the business college he returned to the farm for the summer. Subsequently he was employed in the Bank of Galesville for about eight months and then went to Minneapolis, where he worked the next summer. He next removed to Grand Forks, N. D., where, however, he remained only a short time, returning to Minneapolis, where he passed the next winter. The summer following was spent on the farm, after which he spent a winter at Gale University. When the warm weather again came around, he joined a surveying expedition bound for the Missouri River, leaving Williston, N. D., and going to Bismark in the same state. On the completion of this work he was at home for 18 months. The summer following was that of 1893 and Mr. French obtained a position as guard at the World's Fair held in Chicago, serving until the fair closed. From Chicago he went to Philadelphia, where he spent six months. After this he was superintendent for a brush contractor in the state reformatory at Huntington, Pa., until the following year, when he returned to Galesville and took charge of the homestead. His father dying in the following April, he has since remained here as proprietor of the estate, which now contains 343 acres. In addition to general farming Mr. French makes a specialty of breeding Guernsey cattle and Shropshire sheep, besides hogs, and keeping a large stock of each on hand, making extensive shipments every year. Mr. French is also vice-president of the Bank of Galesville, secretary of the Galesville Farmers Exchange, treasurer of the Trempealeau County Farmers Mutual Insurance Company and a director of the Farmers Packing Company of La Crosse. He is also a stockholder in the Arctic Springs Creamery Company and was its president for ten years, besides having been connected with various other local enterprises, including the Trempealeau County Fair Association, and organizations of wide scope, among which may be mentioned the Wisconsin Fine Stock Breeders' Association, the Shropshire Register Association and the Western Wisconsin Guernsey Breeders' Association. Mr. French has made valuable improvements on his farm, among things having rebuilt the old family dwelling, which he has turned into a fine modern residence, installed with every convenience. The Farmers Exchange, mentioned above, of which Mr. French is secretary, is now doing a business of $75,000 a year, but his executive ability enables him to attend to his official duties in connection with it, in addition to managing his own large business, which has grown from year to year. His farm is recognized as one of the best stock farms in the county and he is continually adding to its equip- ment and facilities. Mr. French was married July 27, 1898, to Mollie D. Arnold, daughter of Capt. Alexander A. and Mary J. ((Douglas) Arnold, her father being for many years a prominent citizen of Galesville and Gale Township. Mr. and Mrs. French have been the parents of three children: Henry Clinton, born Jan. 1, 1901 ; Miriam Helene, born April 12, 1902, and Arnold Stanley, born April 1, 1905. In poUtics Mr. French is a Republican but has not held office, having preferred so far to devote his time solely to his various business interests.

William K. Towner, owner of a flourishing farm in section 30, Caledonia Township, was born on the farm on which he now lives, Oct. 15, 1874, son of John C. and Margaret (Carleton) Towner. The father was born in Steuben County, N. Y., Aug. 29, 1830, and his wife Jan. 17, 1833, at Big Flat. Mr. and Mrs. Towner came as young people with their parents from New York to Wayne County, Michigan, and in that county were married. In 1859 they came west, setthng in Trempealeau County, Wis., taking land in section 19, Caledonia Township. John C. Towner had come to the county a short time previously and selected his land and then returned to Michigan for his family in the winter of 1858-59, the early part of the latter year being the time of their settlement. The farm in section 19 was their residence until the fall of 1864, at which time John C. Towner bought 80 acres of wild land in section 30, Caledonia Township. On this he built a temporary shanty, in which he and his family lived during the winter of 1864-65. In the year last mentioned he erected the present residence, an upright, two-story dwelling of five rooms, to which a few years later a wing was added. After a long career of nearly 40 years as an agriculturist in this township, he died Feb. 2, 1905, at Eau Claire, Wis., his wife having preceded him, passing away Sept. 9, 1902, at West Prairie, Trempealeau County. They are both buried in Trempealeau Cemetery. Their family numbered eight children : Mary, Emma, Elmer, Clara, Milton, Lena, John and William K. With the exception of Mary all the children were born in Caledonia Township.

William K. Towner attended district school No. 3 until 12 years of age and subsequently spent one year in the graded school at Winona, Minn. From the age of 14 to that of 16 he attended winter school at Trempealeau Village, and then laid aside his school books to take up the active duties of life. He had ali-eady gained some knowledge of agriculture and remained on the farm with his father, from whom he leased it in 1896, continuing as a renter or lessee until 1900, in which year he bought the property. Feb. 23, 1898, he was united in marriage with Rennie S., daughter of Orlando M. and Laura F. Robinson, the ceremony being performed at the home of his mother and sister in Minneapolis, after which he brought his bride home to Caledonia Township. He is engaged in general farming and dairying, having a herd of grade Holstein cows, and selling his cream to the Galesville Creamery. His swine are of the Poland-China breed. The buildings on his farm are substantial and convenient and include a barn, corn crib, machine shed, hog house and a silo. Aside from his farm duties he is a stockholder in the Galesville Creamery. He has devoted some part of his time to public affairs, having served three years as treasurer of school district No. 3 and eight years as clerk. As a progressive citizen he is alive to the best interests of the community and is one of those who may be counted upon to support a worthy cause, whether of a moral or material character. Since Jan. 25, 1900, he has been a member of Lotus Court, No. 3346, L 0. 0. F., of Trempealeau. Mr. and Mrs. Towner have had three children born to them : Cary W., June 7, 1902, who is a student living at home ; Albert R., April 12, 1907, also a student, and Laura Margaret, born May 19, 1913, who died in infancy. The family are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church at Trempealeau, of which Mr. Towner is a trustee, his wife being a member of the Ladies' Aid Society of that denomination.

Horace N, Tobey, who is successfully engaged in farming and dairying in section 8, Trempealeau Township, was born in Tioga County, Pa., April 17, 1840. He resided in his native place until 1842, when his parents removed to Kalamazoo, Mich. The father, who was a carpenter by trade, worked at his trade there and in Galesburg, in that vicinity, until 1850, in which year he returned to Tioga, Pa., on account of his wife's health. Aug. 16, 1863, Horace N. Tobey, who was now of age, enlisted at Wilhamsport, Pa., for service in the Civil War. He had an adventurous career as a soldier, taking part in 14 engagements, including the battle of the Wilderness, Cold Harbor, Spottsylvania, and the North Anna, the capture of the Weldon Railroad, Hatches Run, both battles and charge on Petersburg, which were among the bloodiest of the war. He was fortunate, however, in that he was never wounded and never in a hospital, but was discharged from the service in good health at Elmira, N. Y., June 29, 1865, the war being then over. In 1868 he returned to the west with his parents, locating in Trempealeau Township, Trempealeau County, on what is now the Thomas Gibson farm. This property, which was improved, having good buildings, including a house and barn, he bought in company with his brother George, and subsequently they purchased together the A. Button farm in section 4, which was an unimproved tract of 80 acres. In 1884 Mr. Tobey and his brother dissolved partnership and Horace in 1885 bought his present homestead of 80 acres in section 8, Trempealeau Township. The place was partially improved, but in 1898 he erected the present residence, and in 1915 built a frame barn, 32 by 52 by 16 feet, and a silo, 12 by 38 feet. He has also improved the farm materially and brought it into a good state of cultivation, and besides general farming and dairying pays special attention to butter making, in all of which branches of farming he has been successful.

Mr. Tobey was married Oct. 28, 1866, to Harriet 0. Beach of Tioga County, Pa., and of this union were born three children: Minnie, Sept. 23, 1867, at Tioga, Pa., who died in April, 1868; Raymond, Sept. 15, 1873, at Trempealeau, who married Ada Spalding and resides in Trempealeau Township ; and Harriet, December 13, 1877, also at Trempealeau who married Frank Edwards and resides near Jacksonville, Fla. Mrs. Tobey died Dec. 13, 1877. Feb. 16, 1879, Mr. Tobey married for his second wife Lillie A. Merwin of Trempealeau, by whom he has had two children : Hazel, born Sept. 16, 1885, in Trempealeau, who is unmarried and living at home ; and

Glenn, born March 5, 1890, at Trempealeau, who is also unmarried, and is manager of his father's farm. Mr. Tobey was reared in the Baptist faith, but is not identified with any church ; his wife and daughter, however, are affiliated with the Methodist Episcopal Church. In pohtics Mr. Tobey is a Republican, but holds no public office. He is highly esteemed as a practical farmer and a good neighbor. For his services in the Civil War he receives a pension. He is a member of Ford Post, G. A. R.

Lars Quammen, a well known and respected citizen of Ettrick Township, was born in Hardanger, Norway, April 26, 1841, and came to America when a lad of 17 years, settling in Dane County, Wis. After working a while for others he became a land owner and farmer, and was there married to Anna Leland, who was born in Voss, Norway, Dec. 13, 1844. In 1875 they came to Trempealeau County, locating on the farm now owned by Eward L. Quemmen, where the father and mother are still living, though he has been retired since 1901. During his years of activity he was a prominent citizen of the township and served at various times in local office. On July 1, 1916, Mr. and Mrs. Lars Quammen celebrated their golden wedding. They have been the parents of seven children : James, now deceased ; Edward L., the present proprietor of the old homestead ; Andrew and Louis, residing in Montana; Caroline, now Mrs. Henry Legreid of Ettrick Township ; Albert, who is manager of the Farmers' Exchange at Blair, Wis., and Sena, who is a visiting nurse in Chicago, having formerly been nurse at the Cook County Hospital there.

Edward L. Quammen, proprietor of Elm Grove Farm of 123 acres in section 14, Ettrick Township, was born in Dane County, Wisconsin, Feb. 23, 1869, son of Lars and Anna (Leland) Quammen. He was the second born of his parents' children and was a child of six years when he came with the family to Trempealeau County in 1875. He was educated in the district school and eai'ly gained a knowledge of agriculture, helping his father as soon as he became old enough. When 18 years of age he began working in the north woods during the winter, continuing work on the home farm in the summer. In 1901, on his father's retirement, he bought the homestead, which consists of 123 acres of valuable land, and which he is operating as a general stock farm, making a specialty of Shorthorn cattle, of which he has about 40 head. He is also a stockholder in the Ettrick Creamery, the Farmers' Exchange at Blair, the Ettrick Telephone Company, the Bank of Ettrick, the Ettrick Lumber Company and the Ettrick & Northei-n Railroad Company.

June 12, 1901, Mr. Quammen was united in marriage with Emma Rogne, who was born in Jackson County, Wisconsin, daughter of Ole and Eli (Grae) Rogne, both natives of Voss, Norway, who came to Trempealeau County before the Quammens located in Shake Hollow, Jackson County. Mr. Rogne, who was a farmer in Frankhn Township, has been dead a number of years, but his wife is still living and resides on the old homestead. Mr. and Mrs. Quammen are the parents of three children : Lloyd Rogne, Alice Evelyn and Clifford Ernest, all of whom ai-e attending school. The family are members of the Lutheran Synod Church. In politics Mr. Quammen is a Republican, but has not been active in local affairs. As a

Joseph C. Stellpflug, a general farmer on 120 acres of land in section 25, Gale Township, was born in this township, Nov. 23, 1870. His parents were John and Sarah (Shonet) Stellpflug. The father, John Stellpflug, who was born in Germany, was a farmer by occupation. He came to the United States in 1853, resided in Milwaukee about seven years, and then, coming to Ti-empealeau County, located on Decorah Prairie, Gale Township, where he bought land and developed a farm. For a number of years he served as a member of the township board. His death, which took place about 1906, deprived the township of a worthy citizen and a good public official. His wife is still living and resides on the old home farm. Their family was a large one, numbering 14 children. Joseph C. was the third born in his parents' family. In his boyhood he attended the Grant school in Gale Township, where his future wife, Elizabeth Grant, was also a pupil. To her he was married Jan. 8, 1902, having spent the intervening years in working on his parents' farm and acquiring a good knowledge of agriculture. Miss Grant was a daughter of Robert and Jane (Dick) Grant, whose farm is located on Trempealeau Prairie, this county.

At the time of his marriage Joseph C. Stellpflug moved onto his present farm, on which he has since made numerous improvements, so that it is now a good piece of agricultural property, consisting of 120 acres of land, with substantial modern buildings and a full equipment of machinery and tools. Mr. Stellpflug carries on general farming and is also a stockholder in the La Crosse Packing Company, the Farmers' Exchange Elevator Company and the Farmers' Telephone Company. He and his wife have one child, Ehzabeth, who was born Nov. 15, 1914. The family are affiliated religiously with the Roman Catholic Church, and he and his wife with the order of Yeomen. He also belongs to the C. 0. F. In politics Mr. Stellpflug is independent and has not been active in local government matters, leaving that to others while he has devoted his entire attention to his farm. As the result of his industry he is prospering and he and his family are in comfortable circumstances.

Ole Sesvold, who is engaged in farming in section 30, Gale Township, was born in Sesvold, Norway, near the city of Christiania, March 6, 1865, son of Martin Evenson and Gurena Marthea Swanson, the father being a farmer. The parents, who never came to America, are both now deceased. Ole Sesvold was the second born in a family of eight children. He attended school in his native land and began to contribute to his own support when only 14 years of age as a worker on farms. When he was 22 he came to the United States, locating in Trempealeau County, where he found work on the farm of Ben Dale, and continued at that kind of work, and also as an employee in the brick kiln and lime kiln for 16 years. He then worked one year for the city of Galesville, after which he purchased his present farm of 60 acres on which he is engaged in general farming and stock raising. He has made some valuable improvements on the property. In 1903 he erected his present residence, which is a two-story brick building, constructed of brick, which he himself burned in the Dale brick yards, situated a mile from his home. He also did the carpenter work himself. The house is a good modern building installed with all necessary equipment and conveniences. Ole Sesvold was married Dec. 26, 1902, to Mary Tronson, a native of the same locality in Norway as himself, and daughter of Andreas Tronson. Her mother died when she was a child of four years. Mr. and Mrs. Sesvold have four children : Minnie, Josephine, Esther and Oscar, all residing at home. Since coming to this country Mr. Sesvold has prospered as the result of industry and thrift, and has visited his old home in Norway a number of times. The family church is the Norwegian Lutheran.

Joshua Rhodes, a pioneer, was born in Yorkshire, England, March 21, 1827, son of Abraham and Elizabeth (Hinkle) Rhodes, also natives of that shire. He was there reared and in the summer of 1840 set out with his parents for America. After a voyage of several weeks aboard a sailing vessel they landed in New York, and found their way to Wisconsin, where they settled in Brighton, Kenosha County, in which place the parents spent the remainder of their lives, the town of Brighton being named in honor of the several Rhodes families that settled there, they bringing the name "Brighton" from England, a town by that name being in Yorkshire, where they migrated from. Joshua Rhodes lived in Kenosha County in 1850, and then went to Marquette County, where he took up a farm with a land warrant presented to him by his father. In 1853 he came to Trempealeau County, and settled in section 12, Caledonia Township, founding the locality which was afterward known as Rhodes' Station. Aside from this tract of 200 acres he secured various other tracts in Caledonia and Trempealeau Townships. At once upon his arrival he started developing the farm in section 12. He first erected a log cabin, 10 by 12, and lived a pioneer's life for a time with Wilham Hanson as a companion. Then for a while, until his marriage in 1855, he lived alone. Bringing his bride to his cabin, he started life with new energy, and as time passed, he developed one of the best places in the community. He was prominent in community, township and county affairs, and he was highly honored by all who knew him. He was a man of broad sympathies, gentle toward the faults of others, but unswerving in the rules he made for his own conduct. Honest, upright, with a wide understanding of human nature, he left his impress on the life of the region in which he lived, and his family will never cease to cherish his memory. His death in Trempealeau Village Oct. 6, 1907, was sincerely mourned. As treasurer and chairman of the township, as clerk of his school district, as master of Burr Oak Grange during its entire existence, as treasurer of the Decorah Farmers' Alliance, and as president of the Trempealeau County Agricultural Society, his services were highly valued. Reared as an Episcopalean, he was a friend of all churches, and contributed liberally to their support. He was ever a faithful attendance upon church services, and required the same attention to duty on the part of

Mr. Rhodes was first married Feb. 1, 1855, to Susan E. Stevens, daughter of Samuel and Lydia Stevens, natives of Vermont, and pioneers of North Bend, Jackson County, Wis. Mrs. Rhodes taught in the Bigelow school, district 2, the first school in Caledonia Township. Mr. and Mrs. Rhodes were the parents of eight children: Mary A., Byron S., Ida J., Henry A., Albert J., William L., Charles W. and Cora N. Mary A. was born Nov. 14, 1857, married Charles Nelson, a native of Indiana. They have one son, Robert. They live on a part of the old home farm. Byron S. was born July 28, 1859, and died Feb. 27, 1879. Ida J. is the widow of John C. Polyblank, and hves in Caledonia Township. Her sketch appears elsewhere in this work. Henry A. was born April 14, 1863, and is now the proprietor of a department store in Tacoma, Wash. He married Birdella Booker of Ottawa, 111., and they have two children: Vera and Edward, both living. Albert J., born Dec. 31, 1865, is the proprietor of a department store in Seattle, Wash. He married Harriet Williams of that state. William L. was born Oct. 14, 1867, married Claudia Altenberg of Trempealeau, is the proprietor of a five and ten-cent store at Seattle, Wash., and has two children: Florence and William. Charles W. was born April 7, 1871, married Lizzie Van Ingen of Trempealeau Township and is associated with his brother Henry in the department store at Tacoma. He has three children : Glen, Catherine and Kenneth. Cora N. was born Nov. 22, 1873, and died at the age of three years. Mrs. Susan F. (Stevens) Rhodes died Jan. 14, 1890, and in 1893 Mr. Rhodes married JuHa Mabie, who survives and resides in Trempealeau Village.

John C. Polyblank, for many years a successful farmer of Caledonia Township, was born in Devonshire, England, July 16, 1855, son of J. C. and Mary (Lakeman) Polyblank. He was reared in England and came to America and Trempealeau County in 1871. About 1877 or 1878 he purchased 176 acres of land in section 36, Caledonia Township, from John NichoUs, who obtained it from the government. To this place he brought his bride in 1881, and here he lived until his lamented death, July 27, 1914. He was an active, vigorous man, and built up a good farm. To the original house he added until it is now a two-story structure with a large wing, and containing twelve comfortable and commodious rooms. The barn is 32 by 50 feet, the machine sheds 20 by 30, the two poultry houses 10 by 12, the milk house 8 by 10, and the ice house 12 by 14. The silo is 40 feet high and 121/2 feet in diameter. There is also a swine house, corn crib and other structures. The farm is well fenced and cross fenced. One hundred acres are under the plow, while 76 acres are in timber and hay land. A specialty is made of breeding graded Guernsey cows. Since the death of her husband, Mrs. Polyblank has rented the place, but still continues to reside on it.

John C. Polyblank was married March 21, 1881, to Ida J. Rhodes, born in section 12, Caledonia Township, June 30, 1861, daughter of Joshua and Susan (Stevens) Rhodes. The ceremony was performed in the old home by the Rev. Grafton T. Owen, then pastor of the Congregational church at Trempealeau. Mr. and Mrs. Polyblank have had five daughters : Cora M., Ruth M., Mabel L., Nina D. and Evelyn I. Cora M. was born Dec. 31, 1881, married Frank Bain, who holds a very responsible position in the A. J. Rhodes' department store in Seattle, and has one son, Albert. Ruth M. was born May 16, 1884, and has been a teacher for some twelve years past. She is now living with her mother and teaching in district 3. Mabel L., born March 13, 1886, was graduated from the high schools of Trempealeau and Winona, State Normal school, and has been a teacher for some six years. She now teaches at Elmore, Minn. Nina D. was born June 17, 1887, married Asa Gibbs, a farmer of Caledonia Township, and has two children : Ethel and Jack. Ethel I., born May 3, 1899, was graduated from the Treampealeau high school. She is now the wife of Lars Gjeide.

Mrs. Polybank is a lady of many accomplishments. After passing through the district schools, she attended the Trempealeau high school and the Gale College. She has been prominent in the affairs of the Congregational church, has reared her family to that faith, and has taught in the Sunday school for many years.

Mark R. Hewitt, who is engaged in farming and stock raising in section 2, Gale Township, is a man who has had an active and interesting career. He was born at Midway, La Crosse County, June 14, 1879, son of John Charles and Margaret (Stilts) Hewitt. Mark R. was educated in schools at Midway and La Crosse, Wis. At the age of 17 years he began working in a saw mill and lumbering in the woods. In 1898, when he was still under age, the Spanish- American war broke out, and he enlisted, though without his parents' consent, in Company C, Twelfth Minnesota Volunteer Infantry, at Winona, Minn., and was stationed at New Ulm and St. Paul about five weeks, going later to Georgia and Tennessee. His service lasted six months and he was then mustered out at New Ulm. During the following winter he worked on the farm, and was then engaged in rafting on the river for about three months, with headquarters at La Crosse. After this he spent some time in harvesting and threshing in North Dakota, the next winter working in the woods of northern Wisconsin. His next employment, during the summer, was log driving on the upper Chippewa River; then lumbering again in the winter at Mountain Iron, 100 miles north of Duluth. Mr. Hewitt then changed the scene of his activities to the Hood River, Oregon, where he spent some time lumbering in the woods at the foot of Mt. Hood. About July 4, 1903, he returned to Trempealeau County, but left soon for North Dakota, where he worked in the harvest fields. In the fall of 1903 he and his brother Charles purchased the old home farm, the winter, however, being spent by him in the lumber woods. The cold weather over, he returned to the farm in Gale Township, where he has since remained, engaged for the most part in agricultural work, with the exception spent in carpentering and three summers in hauling freight between Galesville and Ettrick. He has 160 acres of land highly improved, with modern buildings and every necessary or desirable convenience. The size of his bai-n is 36 by 80 feet, with 24-foot posts, it too being equipped with all necessary apparatus. Aside from his general farming operations, Mr. Hewitt is engaged in raising pure-bred Chester-White hogs and is a members of the Chester-White Association. He also carries on dairying successfully, and is a stockholder in the Ettrick Creamery and in the Ettrick & Northern Railway. In 1906 he homesteaded land in North Dakota, which he sold a year later. In that same year, in the month of March, he was married to Stella Casey, who was born in Ettrick, Trempealeau County, Wis., daughter of Morris and Helen (Daily) Casey. He and his wife have one child: Vivian E. They are both members of the Eastern Star lodge, Mr. Hewitt being also a member of the Blue Lodge of Masons at Galesville, the Modern Woodmen of America and the Spanish- War Veterans' Association. In politics he is an independent Republican, his rehgious affiliations being with the Presbyterian church. He has held some local offices, having served as constable two years and as road superintendent of Gale Township.

Charles F. Hewitt, proprietor of a good farm of 200 acres, 140 acres of which lie in Gale Township, and the balance in Ettrick, his residence being in section 2, Gale township, was born at Nelson, near Alma, Buffalo County, Wis., Feb. 4, 1875, son of John Charles and Margaret (Stilts) Hewitt. Charles F. Hewitt was the third eldest in a family of six children. In his youth he attended district school in La Crosse County, and afterward the Wisconsin Business University at La Crosse. He accompanied his parents to the farm in Gale and Ettrick Townships and has resided on it ever since. In 1901 he took charge of the property and has continued to operate it up to the present time, with the exception of three years, during which time he had it let out to a renter. The land is valuable and produces good crops, and Mr. Hewitt has added from time to time to the improvements, until it now has all necessary buildings. He is also a stockholder in the Ettrick Creamery Company and the Ettrick & Northern Railway Company. Mr. Hewitt was married, April 5, 1899, to Jerusha Casey, who was born in Ettrick Township, daughter of Maurice and Helen (Daily) Casey. His fraternal affiliations are with the Blue Lodge of Masons and the Modern Woodmen of America, Mrs. Hewitt belonging to the Royal Neighbors. He is now State oil inspector.

Charles Adolph Sesvold, who is engaged in farming in section 35, Gale Township, was born near Christiania, Norway, July 15, 1871, son of Martin Evenson and Gurena Marthea Swanson, the parents being farming people. He was educated in his native land and at the age of 18 years came to America, locating in Trempealeau County, where he and his brother Ole settled. Here he entered the employ of Ben Dale of Gale Township, for whom he worked for three and a half years. At the end of that time, having saved some money, he purchased a farm near the Dale homestead and engaged in agriculture for himself. This place was Mr. Sesvold's home until 1915, and on it he made extensive improvements. In August of the year last mentioned he purchased a residence property in Galesville, moving his family to it for the winter in order that his children might have good school advantages. In the spring of 1916 Mr. Sesvold bought his present farm, moving onto it in April and beginning improvements which in time will greatly increase its value. The farm contains 131 acres and Mr. Sesvold is engaged thereon in general farming, of which he has a thorough knowledge. It is his intention that his family shall reside in the village during the winters for the sake of the school and other advantages. Aside from his immediate farming interests he is a stockholder in a company operating a threshing outfit. June 27, 1896, Mr. Sesvold was united in marriage with Ragna Hougstad, a native of Norway, and daughter of Hans and Gunel (Bratsven) Hougstad. He and his wife have eight children: Herman and Melvin, who are in the employ of Ivan G. Dale; Gustave, Melva, Agnes, Marion, Alfred and Laura residing at home. Mr. Sesvold and family are members of the Norwegian Lutheran Church. In poUtics he is a Republican, but has not been active in public affairs, nor taken any part in politics beyond casting his vote.

Parley Stoner, an early resident of the town of Gale, and a veteran of the Civil War, whose death was a loss to the community in which he lived, was born in Hancock County, Illinois, Aug. 25, 1843, son of David and Ann (Dean) Stoner. His parents were both born in Bedford county, Pennsylvania, in 1817. The father was a practical farmer, and very successful at his chosen occupation. He with his wife and family came to Wisconsin in 1846, locating at Mineral Point, Iowa County, where he was subsequently engaged in farming until his death in 1895, his wife having died some years before. They had a family of nine children, of whom Parley was the second in order of birth. Parley Stoner in his boyhood attended school at Linden, Iowa County, Wis., and resided at home' until he was 19 years of age. Then, in 1861, he enlisted in Company E, Eleventh Wisconsin Volunteers, with which organization he served until the close of the war. He was never wounded, but was confined to the hospital for awhile as the result of a fall. His regiment formed a part of the Army of the West, and with it he participated in some fierce battles. His period of service ended with the close of the war and he then returned home. Sept. 2, 1866, he was married to Elizabeth Ayer, who was born at Mineral Point, Wis., June 26, 1847, daughter of Jonas and Leah (Nutting) Ayer. Her parents were natives of Maine, who came to Wisconsin about 1840, locating at Mineral Point, where Mr. Ayer engaged in farming, in which occupation he continued there until health failed, when he moved to La Crosse County and lived with his children. He died in April, 1879, and his wife in 1893. They had 12 children, of whom their daughter Elizabeth was one of the younger. After his marriage Parley Stoner settled with his wife in La Crosse County, which was his home for 16 years. He followed the river until 1884, being engaged in logging, in which work he became very expert, knowing all the ins and outs of the business, and being familiar with Black River from its sources to its mouth. In 1884 Mr. Stoner purchased the farm in the southern part of Gale Township, which has since been known as the Stoner, or Black River View Farm, and where his wife is now living, and here he settled down to agriculture. This farm, which contains 200 acres, he operated until his death. May 21, 1916. Severe campaigning in the army, followed by exposure on the river, had made him an early victim of rheumatism, and the trouble grew more aggravating with advancing years, until about ten years before his death he became incapacitated for active work. Occasionally he rode to town in his crippled condition and visited old friends, but in his last years he was confined to his home. His sufferings at the last were intensified by a diseased foot, resulting in gangrene. For this an operation was performed at the Lutheran hospital in La Crosse, but his case was hopeless. Mr. and Mrs. Stoner were the parents of nine children : Jessie, wife of John Smith, a railroad engineer residing at Ottumwa, Iowa; Esther, now deceased, who was the wife of Edward De Pooler of Minneapolis, also deceased; Clara, now living, who was the second wife of Edward De Pooler; Susannah, unmarried, residing in Trempealeau County; Polly, wife of Bert McQuain of Minneapolis; Charles, baggage master for the Northwestern Railway Company at Galesville; Harley, who is operating the home farm, his mother residing with him, and Clifford, residing in Galesville and in the employ of William Hegge, bridge contractor. Parley Stoner will long be remembered as a man of sterling qualities. In his younger days he was an athlete. He could hold his own with any of the strong men on the river. He was courageous to recklessness and in every way was a friend worth having. He was a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, also of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and of the Grand Army of the Republic. Mrs. Stoner joined the same church before she was 16 years of age and has always remained a faithful member of it.

George Hammond, proprietor of an excellent dairy farm of 176 acres in sections 19 and 20, Gale Township, was born at Barnbydun, Yorkshire, England, Feb. 25, 1856. His parents, George and Mary Ann (Wittels) Hammond, were natives of the same place, the father being a farmer. They came to America in 1858 and after residing in Canada for 18 months came on to Trempealeau County in 1860, locating in Big Tamarac Valley. Here George Hammond, Sr., bought land and in course of time developed a farm, which he later sold, moving to Jackson County. Three years later he returned to Trempealeau County and took a farm in Gale Township, on which, however, he lived only 18 months. He then returned to Little Tamarac Valley, settling on another farm, which was his home until a short time before his death, as the last three months of his life were spent at the home of his son George. He died in October, 1907, and his wife about two years later. His life was devoted to farming and he took no part in public affairs, but was esteemed as a good neighbor and reliable citizen. George Hammond, second, the direct subject of this sketch, was the third born in a family of nine children. His schooling was somewhat limited and was obtained in Galesville and in Melrose, Jackson County. He began to work out on farms at the early age of ten years, living at home a part of the time, and continued to do so for a number of years. At the age of 22, having saved money, he bought land. When 25 he married and later purchased a farm near Ettrick, which he operated for about four years. He then sold it and bought his present place of 176 acres, less than two miles from the city limits of Galesville. On this he has made a number of valuable improvements, having erected modern buildings, including a fine barn, which is one of the best in this locality. He is carrying on a good dairying business and is also engaged in breeding Guernsey cattle successfully, having selected this as his favorite stock.

Nov. 8, 1883, Mr. Hammond was united in marriage with Mary Speier, who was born at Spring Prairie, Wolworth County, Wis., daughter of Jacob and Josephine (Langenohl) Speier. Her parents were natives of Germany, who came to Trempealeau County from Walworth County, having previously resided at Green Bay. On coming here they settled in Gale Township, about four miles from Galesville, and farmed for a number of years before their death. Mr. and Mrs. Hammond are the parents of seven children : Mary Josephine, wife of George Kells, a contractor and builder residing in Gale Township; Christine G., wife of Ben Deeren, proprietor of a bicycle and motorcycle repair shop in Winona, Minn. ; Lois Jeanette, unmarried, and a teacher in Trempealeau County; Lawrence Jacob, who married Nellie Eng and resides on the Hammond farm, assisting his father ; Warren Lewis, unmarried, and living at home; and John and Vilas, who died in infancy. Mr. Hammond and his family are affiliated with the Methodist Episcopal Church. In politics he is an independent Republican, but, like his father, has never taken an active part in public affairs, being content with casting his vote.

John Sutcliffe, a well known resident of section 33, Trempealeau Township, was born in the old log house on his father's farm, Feb. 19, 1858, son of Thomas and Elizabeth (Rhodes) Sutcliffe. His parents were both born in England, the father in Halifax, Yorkshire, Aug. 9, 1821. They came to this country single and were married in Marquette County, Wisconsin. Between 1852 and 1854 they came to Trempealeau County, Thomas Sutcliffe buying 160 acres of unimproved land in section 33, Trempealeau Township. As there were no buildings on it, he put up a log house and barn, later building a second log house, hewn inside and out and sheeted inside and out with lumber. It was one and a half stories in height and is still standing, being now used as an ice house. It was in this building that the subject of this sketch was born. In 1866 Thomas Sutcliffe built a square brick house, two stories high and with 10 rooms, which is still standing and isnow occupied. He also purchased an additional 80 acres of land adjoining the home farm, making 280 acres in all. He cleared, fenced and developed this farm until he had transformed it into a good piece of agricultural property, and here he died Feb. 19, 1903. He had been a widower for some years previous to his death, his wife having passed away on the home farm. They are both buried in Evergreen Cemetery. Their family was not large, consisting only of five children, one of whom died in infancy. The others, who are living, are: Phoebe Ann and Sarah Jane, both unmarried, and John. Franklin died at the age of 33 years. Phoebe Ann, who is John's senior by four years, resides in Galesville, Wis. Sarah Jane, who is two years younger than John, lived in Winona, Minn., several years, but is now a resident of Plainview, Minn.

John Sutcliffe acquired his education in district school No. 9, Trempealeau Township, which he attended from the age of seven to that of 14, regularly, and afterwards during the winters until he was 20 years old. With the exception of about one year, six months of which he spent in North Dakota and the other six months in Chicago, he has resided all his life on the home farm, of which he became the owner at his father's death, purchasing the interests of the other heirs. When he took possession of it there were 250 acres of the farm under the plow, the balance of 30 acres being in pasture and timber land. After carrying on this farm until February, 1911, the subject of this sketch sold it, except a small tract of four acres, on which stands a comfortable house, which is his present residence. In March, 1917, he bought back IO5V2 acres of the old farm, which he now operates. This makes him 109 1/2 acres. Here he lieves alone, having never married. He is practically retired and is a great lover of the woods and their inhabitants, taking pleasure and recreation in the study of Nature and her works. In politics he is a Republican, but has not held office.

George B. Shonat, a well known farmer residing in section 1, Gale township, was born in Oswego County, New York, Dec. 31, 1844, son of George and Abigail (Like) Shonat. The father was born in Germany Feb. 3, 1810, and came to America when a young man. In his native land he had learned the shoemaker's and carpenter's trades, so was well equipped to succeed in a country where skilled labor was in demand. In New York, however, where he stayed for a while, he at first found the labor market somewhat crowded, and not being able to find remunerative work immediately at either of his trades, he took the first employment he could find, which was in New York City, that of gathering bones for a sugar refinery with a wheelbarrow. Later he worked on a farm for $7 a month and his board. After some experience in this kind of work he went to Madison County, New York, where also he worked for farmers and continued to do so until he was able to purchase a small farm in the town of Monroe, Oswego County, having previously, however, worked for awhile in Columbia County. After awhile he gave up farming temporarily to become engineer in a sawmill. In 1852 he joined the westward tide of emigration, arriving in Milwaukee July 1 of that year. There he hired two teams to take him and his goods to Waupun, Wis., where on arriving, he rented land and worked for others for two years. Then, in the fall of 1853, he came to Trempealeau County and entered land that now forms a part of Mr. Shonat's present farm, moving onto it in the fall of 1855, November 24. During the intervening years he was engaged in farming in Dodge County, Wisconsin. After beginning farming on his own place he spent his winters in hauling logs and such other work as he could do during the cold season, so kept busy all the year round. This farm was his home for the rest of his life, his death taking place here in 1887. He served as assessor in his township for a number of years and in early days was a member of the school board. His wife survived him about eleven years, dying in 1898. They had two children: George B., subject of this sketch, and Sarah F., who is now the widow of John Stellpflug.

George B. Shonat first attended school in his native state of New York, afterwards the district school of Decorah Prairie, this county, and subsequently Gale University, now Gale College. He resided on the home farm until his marriage, which event, occurring Nov. 11, 1868, united him with Nettie Dewar, who was born in Scotland, Jan. 21, 1844, daughter of James and Anna Gordon (Harriss) Dewar. Her parents, who were also natives of Scotland, came to America in 1853, settling first in lower Canada, near Montreal, from which place in a short time thy came to the United States and located in Waukesha County, Wisconsin, where Mr. Dewar engaged in agriculture. In 1861 he and his family came to Trempealeau County, locating in Big Tamarac Valley, where the mother died in the spring of that year. James Dewar subsequently left the county and died finally in St. Louis. His daughter Nettie was engaged in teaching previous to her marriage. A year after that event Mr. Shonat built a house on a recently purchased farm in Gale Township, and he, with his wife and family, resided there for 24 years. He then purchased his present farm, adjoining his old home, and located in section 1. Here he has resided since 1894, having at present 145 acres of land. His farm was formerly much larger, as he has sold 185 acres to his son, W. R. Shonat. He is a stockholder in the La Crosse Packing Company and was one of the first stockholders in the Galesville Creamery at Arctic Springs. In 1889 Mr. Shonat engaged in buying stock and in June, 1892 shipped the first carload of stock bred by himself. Since that time he has been engaged practically all the time in buying for himself or others and dealing in and shipping stock, and has been very successful in these various enterprises. In politics he is a Democrat and is now serving in his ninth year as assessor of Gale Township, having also served on the township board for a number of years and as school clerk for 10 years. He and his wife are the parents of eight children: Warner R., who resides in Galesville; Anna May, wife of Robert S. Cook, residing in La Crosse county ; Abbie E., wife of A. D. Burnett, a hardware merchant at Spooner, Wis.; Catherine A., residing at home; N. Blanche, also residing at home, who was also a teacher; Mary Esther, a teacher residing in Spooner, Wis. ; Archie, who is a civil engineer in the employ of the Northwestern Railroad Company, and who is a graduate of the University of Wisconsin; and George Martin, who died at the age of 14 months in 1883.