Biographies
of Taylor County, Wisconsin
W. F. ATWELL
Physician and surgeon, Medford; was born in Now York City, Feb. 27, 1849; when ten years of age he went to Boonton, N. J., where he remained a short time, and then went to Orange Co.; in 1869 he came to Stevens Point, where he began the study of medicine with Dr. Phillips ; he also studied at Weyauwega, but his health failing, he started on a survey with Capt. Pike. In 1872 he went to the Ohio Medical College then to the Cincinnati College of Medicine and Surgery, and graduated in 1873 ; commenced practice in Weyauwega. In October, 1877, came to Medford, and built a drug store together with his brother; he now has a practice of $1,000 a year. He married in 1873, but lost his wife, and married again in 1875 to Miss Relief Grover, a daughter of Peter Grover, one of the pioneers of Portage Co. They have two children— Willie G. and Fern C. Mr. Atwell belongs to the I. O. O. F. Encampment and Temple of Honor.
[source: History of Northern Wisconsin; The Westerns Historical Company A. T. Andreas,prop.; copyright 1881]
CHARLES A. ATWILL
Was born in New York State, and educated as a druggist. He came to Medford in 1878, and established himself as a druggist. He was a fine, honorable business man, although very retiring. He died in Stevens Point, April 16, 1880, aged 29 years. He was there under the treatment of his uncle. Dr. Phillips.
[source: History of Northern Wisconsin; The Westerns Historical Company A. T. Andreas,prop.; copyright 1881]
G. W. ADAMS
Attorney, Medford, was born in Oxford shire, England, March 4, 1846. His parents came to Wisconsin in 1851, and located at Beaver Dam, when that place was nothing but a trading post. He had no advantages for an education, and went to school when about fourteen years of age for the first time. He enlisted in the 16th Wis. V., Co. C. Four of his brothers were in the army, and one was killed at the battle of Atlanta, July 22, 1864 He was mustered out in 1865, and made a visit to "Minnesota, but came home to Dodge Co., Wis., where his parents are living yet. He next went to Waterloo, and entered Prof Hall's Academy, and then attended the Lake Mills High School, in Jefferson County. He worked during the Summer at farm work, to get; the means with which to go to the Beaver Dam University. In 1868-9, he went to the Madison University till he had advanced to the senior year, but on account of his health was obliged to discontinue his studies at that time. He returned, however, in 1873, and graduated from the law department, and that Winter taught school in the town of Loweil, where he commenced his career. He went from Stevens Point to Waupaca, where he entered the law office of Judge Ogden, when he and the Judge's son came to Medford and edited the Taylor County News. He opened a law office, and is now in the real estate and general law business. In 1877 he married Miss Augusta Stewart, of Danville, Dodge Co. They have had two children—Ellen Maud, who died when ten months old, and Florence Ethel, born in 1880. Mr. Adams was the first Chairman of the County and Town Boards here, and has been Court Commissioner for six years. He belongs to the Temple of Honor and the Colby Lodge of I. 0. O F. He has a fine farm on Sec. 35, of 120 acres; also owns town property.
[source: History of Northern Wisconsin; The Westerns Historical Company A. T. Andreas,prop.; copyright 1881]
GEORGE WILSON ADAMS. In the ranks of those who come to us from other lands are many whose industry and intelligence make them valuable citizens, but those from England seem as a rule to possess a keener understanding of our national spirit than others, and to appreciate more fully the essential purpose of our institutions. While this is but natural, it is none the less gratifying and each recurring proof of the fact is welcome. George Wilson Adams, one of the pioneers of Medford and a prominent lawyer, has displayed especially strong loyalty to his adopted country. Mr. Adams was born in Hazely, Oxfordshire, England, March 4, 1845, son of George and Anna (Walker) Adams, natives of the same locality.
George Adams came to the United States in 1854, and located at Beaver Dam, Wis., then an obscure trading post, where he took up wild land and improved it. Later he took up another farm near Lowell, Dodge county, a fine piece of property, and made his home there till his death in 1890, at the age of seventy-seven. Mr. Adams was a man of simple tastes and quiet life, not anxious to be in the eye of the public. His wife survived him only a year, dying in her seventy-third year. They were members of the Episcopal Church. The children born to this couple numbered twelve, of whom four served in the Civil war, namely: Edward, who was in the army four years, and died later in Minnesota, from the effects of his service; William, who was shot and instantly killed at Atlanta, while serving beside his brother, George W.; Benjamin, who fought four years, and is now a resident of Martin county, Minn.; and George Wilson. Four brothers of Mrs. Anna Adams also served in the Union ranks: William; George, who was in a Wisconsin regiment, and died in the service; Benjamin; and Henry.
George Wilson Adams spent most of his time on the farm until the war broke out. He enlisted in Company C, 16th Wis. V. l., in 1862, and served until his honorable discharge at the end of the war. He took part in Sherman's Atlanta campaign, and the subsequent marches, and was with the army at the Grand Review at Washington. He was constantly in the ranks for, three years, though he was slightly wounded July 21, 1864, at Atlanta, when he was struck in the knee and knocked down, but not really disabled.
After the war Mr. Adams commenced his education, and went to the schools of Beaver Dam, Waterloo and Lake Mills before entering Wisconsin University for a scientific course. During his Junior year he was taken ill, and upon recovering gave up his scientific work and began the law course, from which he was graduated in 1873. He taught for a year at Lowell and Reeseville, and then entered upon the practice of his profession in the office of Judge Ogden, at Waupaca. In the spring of 1875 he accompanied Judge Ogden and his son, to Medford, where they were in partnership for two years. Later he was a partner of E. H. Schweppe, for a couple of years, but since then has been practicing alone.
Upon going to Medford Mr. Adams and John Ogden published the Taylor County News, the first paper in the county, and they had to ship in their press and type from Waupaca, and their first issue was in February, 1875. ^ was afterwards sold to Dr. Hubbell and discontinued. Later Mr. Adams again started the News, published it during 1881-82, and then sold out. Another business interest he has had is a tract of 120 acres of wild land adjoining the city, which he has improved and converted into valuable property.
Mr. Adams has been married twice; first in 1876 to Augusta Stewart, daughter of C. K. and Susan Stewart, of Elbe, Wis. Mrs. Adams was born in Concord, N. H., and died in Medford in 1883, aged thirty six. She left a daughter, Florence, who died when four, years old. Mrs. Adams was a devout Congregationalist. For his second wife Mr. Adams married Ella S. Stewart, a sister of his first wife, to whom he was united in 1885.
Mr. Adams has always been an active Republican. He was the first chairman of the town of Medford, and of the county board, when the county was organized March 22, 1875. He has laid out many roads, and had charge of the building of the court house and other county buildings. He was district attorney for twelve years and court commissioner for six. Mr. Adams has spoken through the State in many campaigns, has been a delegate to many State and Congressional conventions, and for a long time was chairman of the county committee. He was a charter member of James Shields Post, No. 145, G. A. R., and was its first commander. The family attends the Methodist Church, where Mr. Adams is chairman of the board of stewards.
[source: Commemorative Biographical Record Of The Upper Lake Region By J.H. Beers & Co published 1905]
JOHN B. ANDERSEN
Merchant, Chelsea, was born in Livingston Co., N. Y., May 26, 1847 ; was engaged in teaching before leaving there. He enlisted in Co. G, 104th N. Y. V. I., and was wounded in the hip at the battle of Gettysburg. It was about two mouths before he was able to walk. In 1866 he went to Allegan, Mich., into a lumber yard as salesman. From there he went to Chicago, in 1869, and entered the hardwood lumber business. In 1872 he commenced clearing the right of way for the railroad, where Auburndale now is, and went to scaling logs in the woods ; has worked for Mike Walters, for J. K. Hayward and McCartney. In 1875 he came to Chelsea and assisted in organizing the town. In the fall of 1875 he was appointed Town Clerk on the occasion of the death of S. Berry ; held the office up to 1881 ; is now Justice of the Peace and Superintendent of Schools. In 1880 he built his store and dwelling; carries stock of $5,000, and does a business of $13,000 a year. In 1880 he was married to Miss A. Ripley, of Centralia, Wood Co. He is a member of the I. 0. 0. P.. the A. O. U. W. and the Temple of Honor; is a member of the Catholic Church.
[source: History of Northern Wisconsin; The Westerns Historical Company A. T. Andreas,prop.; copyright 1881]
ISAAC BISCORNET
Register of Deeds, Medford; was born in Canada, some twenty miles from Montreal, Feb. 18, 1845. When twenty years of age he went to Detroit, Mich., and at a place named New Baltimore engaged in lumbering till 1867, when he went to Green Bay. In 1873, he came upon his present farm, near Little Black, where he has 80 acres. In 1874, he served on the County Board, and at the same time on the Town Board as Supervisor, of which, in 1877, he was Chairman on both ; he is now Town Clerk for Little Black, and in 1880 was elected Register of Deeds. In 1880, he married Miss Maggie Sheff, of Fond du Lac ; they have one child—Harrie Paul. Mr. Biscornet attends the Catholic Church, and belongs to the I. 0. F. and the A. 0. U. W.
[source: History of Northern Wisconsin; The Westerns Historical Company A. T. Andreas,prop.; copyright 1881]
BLUMBERG & SHAPIRO
Medford; established Dec. 10, 1879 ; carry a stock of $4,500 in dry goods, furnishing goods and groceries, and do a business of between $10,000 and $12,000 a year. Jacob Shapiro was born in Poland, Dec. 25, 1851, and emigrating to America in 1871 ; while in New York engaged at carpenter work till 1875; then went to Milwaukee, Wis., to Chicago, and, finally, to Medford. In 1881, he married Miss Bertha Frank, of Paris. Mr Shapiro belongs to the Jewish Church.
[source: History of Northern Wisconsin; The Westerns Historical Company A. T. Andreas,prop.; copyright 1881]
ALPHONSE BONNEVILLE
Hotel, Westboro. was born at Brazier's Fails, N. Y., Jan. 12, 1842; while yet a boy he moved with his parents to the neighborhood of Montreal, upon a farm, where he remained till 1859, he then went into the woods and on the river; in 1868, he went to Green Bay and built a hotel and lumbered some; June, 17, 1881, he opened his present hotel. In 18.50, he married Lydia Bushoward, of Canada. They have six children—llda, Fredelevis, Almira, Leon, Sinda and baby Silia. They belong tn the Catholic Church.
[source: History of Northern Wisconsin; The Westerns Historical Company A. T. Andreas,prop.; copyright 1881]
GEORGE BRAUN,
Local land agent for the Wisconsin Central Railway Company, with headquarters at Rib Lake, Taylor county, a prominent business man and an expert on land values throughout Wisconsin, was born March 15, 1849, at Sheboygan, Wis., where his boyhood was spent and where he was educated, chiefly in a private school. He is a son of Jacob and Mary Anna (Haas) Braun, who were born in Bavaria, Germany, and came to Sheboygan county as pioneers in 1847. The father died in 1861 but the mother survived until 1880. They had twelve children, ten of whom still are living, as follows: Charles S., of Bigstone, S. D.; Louis, of Calumet, Mich.; Martin, of Buffalo, N. Y.; Philip, of Buffalo; George, of Calvary. Wis.; Joseph, of Hollandtown, Wis.; Susan and Margaret, of Wisconsin, both widows: Mrs. Magdalen Juckem, of Sheboygan; Mrs. Katherine Mast, of Buffalo; Mrs. Lizzie Doll, of Buffalo; and an infant named Peter, the last two being the members of the family who have passed away.
After attaining his majority, George Braun became an employee of the C. B. Henschel Co.. manufacturers of fanning mills, and later as traveling representative he visited all parts of the country, continuing this business association for ten years. Mr. Braun then became interested in handling horses, his dealings in this line being of an extensive character and his sales being principally made in the Lake Superior regions. During this period he settled at Calvary, Fond du Lac county, where he has retained his home ever since, has taken an active interest in village matters and is a representative citizen of the neighborhood. About the time he went to Calvary Mr. Braun became actively interested in lands and secured appointment as land agent of the Rib Lake district by the Wisconsin Central Railway. He has served in this capacity ever since, and probably is the best informed man in this part of the State concerning this rich mineral and agricultural section. During his six years of work in the locality, he has noted a great increase of desirable settlers, the majority being Germans, who successfully engage in grain farming. The locality is especially adapted to the grains, grass and fruits, particularly fine apples being produced. Some of the most desirable tracts of 160 acres have been sold for as much $6,000. The settlers who come are quiet, industrious people, who desire to found homes, and thus take an interest in building up and developing the section. They could have no better adviser than is found in Mr. Braun.
Mr. Braun married Maggie Beau, of Calvary, and they have eight children living: George F., village clerk at Rib Lake, and associated with his father in business; Joseph, Otto, Leo, William, Nora, Lottie and Alma. Frank and John are deceased. The family belongs to the Catholic church. Fraternally Mr. Braun is a member of the Catholic Knights of Wisconsin.
To attract to this part of the State, people who will become good citizens in every sense of the word, has been Mr. Braun's object, and, as noted, he has succeeded in a most satisfactory manner. The class which has undertaken the development of this part of the State, which nature has so kindly favored, are mainly thrifty, progressive, industrious men, who have come with a patrimony from their native land, and thus in no way resemble the great body w which in time inevitably become a care to a commonwealth. Much is due Mr. Braun's discretion and excellent management, as well as to his devotion to the interests of the great corporation he represents.
[source: Commemorative Biographical Record Of The Upper Lake Region By J.H. Beers & Co published 1905]
THOMAS BREHM,
One of the early settlers of Greenwood township, Taylor county, is among the best known men of the locality and has been chosen supervisor of assessments and postmaster.
Mr. Brehm was born in Germany in 1844 and remained in that country until he was twenty-seven years old. He was educated in the public schools of his native land and then apprenticed to a tailor to learn that trade. In 1871 he came to America, and, landing in New York, remained there five years working at tailoring. He then returned to Germany, married, and made his home there for a few years, but finally decided to try America again, as that seemed to offer a better field for him. He reached New York the second time in 1882, going 011 to Philadelphia, where he opened a tailor shop.
After about a year there Mr. Brehm's health failed, and as he was advised by his physician to go West and try an out-of-door life, he sold out his place in Philadelphia, and in 1883 went to Wisconsin, where he has ever since remained. He took up a claim of eighty acres, a part of his present homestead, in Greenwood township, which was then not even broken by roads, and putting up a cabin, moved in with his wife and three children. At that time Mr. Brehm had very little means, and was not at all well, but he began on the work before hirrl with the system, thoroughness and practical good sense which have always characterized him, and in due time had his place in good shape. He now has about twenty-five acres cultivated, and has added many improvements of various kinds. He has increased his property holdings until he now has about 400 acres in Greenwood township. In the spring of 1904 he built a flour and feed store in the village of Rib Lake, Wis., which he is now managing. His success has not been purely material, for the complete change in his mode of life soon restored his health.
On returning to Germany in 1876 Mr. Brehm was married to Miss Kunigunda Hoffman, and their union was blessed with six children of whom Joseph and Henry were born in Germany. The other four children, named respectively Frank, Thomas, Fritz and Otto, were all born in America.
A Democrat in politics Mr. Brehm has been very active in local affairs and has had many positions of trust urged upon him. In 1886 he was elected assessor for four years; in 1891 he was elected chairman of the town, and was reelected ten consecutive times. Before the expiration of the last term, in 1901, he was chosen by the county board the supervisor of assessments for a term of three years, an appointment which necessitated his resignation as chairman of the town board. With the exception of two years Mr. Brehm has served as justice of of the peace continuously since 1887, and for the past eight years he has been officially connected with the schools of the township. On July 19, 1900, a postoffice was opened in the township and as Mr. Brehm was appointed the first postmaster, the name of Brehm was given to the office by the department authorities. Mr. Brehm has also represented his party in county and State conventions.
Throughout his career Mr. Brehm has been an unusually independent official; fearless in the discharge of his duties, he has always dared to do the right thing, and has invariably condemned the wrong. In public affairs as in his own private concerns, he is thoroughly practical, systematic in every detail, painstaking and careful, and he has won the confidence of his fellow citizens. Fraternally Mr. Brehm belongs to the U. W. A. His home is one of culture and indicates plainly the literary and musical tastes of its inmates. The family belong to the Catholic church. [source: Commemorative Biographical Record Of The Upper Lake Region By J.H. Beers & Co published 1905]FRANK BRODOUSKY
Saloon, Medford; was born in Poland, Oct. 4, 1852; arrived in New York in 1871 ; went from there to Detroit, Mich., and after various changes finally reached Berlin, Green Lake Co., where he opened a saloon. In 1874, he went to Wolf River; and, in 1876, came to Medford ; and in the spring of 1880 started his present business. March, of 1881, he married Miss Minnie Dupke, of Germany.
[source: History of Northern Wisconsin; The Westerns Historical Company A. T. Andreas,prop.; copyright 1881]
LEWIS BROWN
Grocer and butcher, Medford; was born in Minchen, Germany, May 1, 1847; arrived in Baltimore in 1856 ; went to Chicago, where he was engaged as a freight agent on the C. & N. W. R. R. In 1861 enlisted in the 7th W. V. I., Co. I. In the battle of Antietam he was wounded in the arm, and was sent to the hospital in Jackson Square, Baltimore ; was discharged, and sent to Columbus and re-enlisted in the 38th Wis., Co. H, and was mustered out in 1865; he worked in Columbus, Ohio, and on a farm for two years ; then with wagon and family, emigrated to Oconto, where he suffered from that great fire that swept the pineries in 1871 ; he had little left, but stayed till 1874, when he came to Medford. The mill company sent him to Duluth, Minn., and established a yard there, they also sent him to Green Bay. When he came back, he went into his present business. In 1869, he married Miss Hart ; she died in 1876. In 1878, he married Miss Cleaiber; Frank and George are by the first marriage, and Lewis and Viola, by the second. Mr. Brown was Supervisor in 1877 and '78, School Clerk for two years, and Town Treasurer for 1880 and '81 ; he belongs to the Odd Fellows and the Workingmen ; his family attend the Episcopal Church.
[source: History of Northern Wisconsin; The Westerns Historical Company A. T. Andreas,prop.; copyright 1881]
C. D. BRUNS
Jeweler, Medford; was born in Sheboygan Co., Wis., Sept. 25, 1853; lived there till 1877. He went to Milwaukee in 1872 and worked at jeweler's trade. He came to Medford in 1877, where he opened in business and is building a fine store and residence. In 1879 he married Miss Clara Springer, of Sheboygan Co. Mr. Bruns lost his father in 1865 ; his mother still lives in Sheboygan. He belongs to the Lutheran Reform Church.
[source: History of Northern Wisconsin; The Westerns Historical Company A. T. Andreas,prop.; copyright 1881]
L. A. BURBEY
Hotel, Chelsea, was born in Lower Canada June 15, 1849. When a child he came with his parents to Manitowoc Co., where they lived on a farm. In 1870 he went to Medford, and from there went to Phillips, and soon after came to Chelsea. In 1877 he opened a hotel. He was appointed Deputy Town Clerk under Anderson, and was elected, in 1878, to the office. In 1879 he was elected Chairman of the Town Board, and of the County Board for 1880-81 ; has been Justice of the Peace. He is now dealing in bark. In 1879 he bought 160 acres of land. He raised a crop of potatoes there for his hotel use, and carried them on his back from the field to the hotel. His first wife died, leaving two children—Alfred A. and Lewis E. He was married again in 1875, to Miss Margaret Ellie, whose father was one of the first settlers of Manitowoc Co. They have had three children—-Andrew, Mary Elizabeth and Clara ( deceased ). He belongs to the I. O. 0. P., the A. 0. U. W. and V. Temple of Honor ; is a member of the Catholic Church.
[source: History of Northern Wisconsin; The Westerns Historical Company A. T. Andreas,prop.; copyright 1881]
Louis A. Burbey, a pioneer in Taylor county, and an influential citizen, was for a number of years a well known hotel keeper, but is now residing on a farm. He was born in the Province of Quebec, Canada, June 15, 1849, and comes of a hardy, long lived race. His grandfather, Andrew Burbey, lived to be 103 years old, and he and his wife, formerly a Miss Langlade, were wedded for over seventy-five years. Mrs. Burbey was a relative of the noted Langlade family, so closely identified with the early history of Green Bay, Wisconsin.
Andrew and Matilda (Lamere) Burbey, the parents of Louis A., were natives of Quebec, and lived in that Province until Louis was two years old. They then migrated to the United States, and settled on a farm in Manitowoc, remaining there many years. In 1879, they sold out and removed to Oconto county, Wis., where Andrew Burbey died in 1893. Although he was eighty five years old Mr. Burbey enjoyed good health until a week before his death, and might well have lived longer if he had not been injured by being thrown out of a buggy in a runaway. Mrs. Matilda Burbey reached the age of seventy-five years. A brother, Francis Lamere. was one of the pioneers of Stevens Point, where he located as early as 1847, and kept a hotel. He had previously been engaged in driving a stage between Green Bay and Stevens Point.
Louis A. Burbey was educated in the public schools of Manitowoc county, and remained at home assisting on the farm until he was twenty-one. His first employment otherwise was in driving a team in lumber camps. In 1876 he went to Taylor county, built the "Star Hotel'' at Chelsea, and for ten years was occupied in conducting it, which he did very successfully. By 1886Mr. Burbey was ready to resume agricultural life, so he bought 160 acres of wild land near the village of Chelsea, and has there made his home up to the present time. Over forty acres are now under cultivation, and he has a well kept farm with comfortable buildings. In the matter of buildings Mr. Burbey has been very unfortunate since coming to Taylor county, for in 1894 a forest tire destroyed not only everything on his farm, with all his personal property, but also his hotel property in Chelsea, in addition to his hotel and other interests he has also until recently done considerable logging.
Mr. Burbey was first married, in 1871, to Mary Elizabeth Bence, a native of Oconto, Wis., who died when only twenty-seven years old, after four years of married life. On Aug. 11, 1875, Mr. Burbey was united in marriage to Miss Margaret Alie, who was born in Cooperstown, Manitowoc Co., Wis., a granddaughter of Joseph Alie, a pioneer of Green Bay and a veteran of the Black Hawk war, who lived to an advanced age. Mr. and Mrs. Burbey have a family of seven children, namely: Mary Elizabeth, wife of R. R. Allamang, of Chelsea; Louis, a professional cook and also a lumber scaler; Katie and Annie, teachers in the public schools; and Ruth, Dolphus and Prosper, still attending school. The two eldest have also taught school. The family are connected with the Greenwood Catholic Church.
Mr. Burbey has always been a strong Democrat, and has been very prominent in the public life of the town and county. He was town clerk for three years; chairman of the town four years, two of which he also served as chairman of the county board; has long been a member of the school board; and for the past several years has been a justice of the peace. He has been sent as a delegate to almost every Democratic county convention. He is energetic and thoroughly capable, and has discharged all the duties of his various offices most satisfactorily.
[source: Commemorative Biographical Record Of The Upper Lake Region By J.H. Beers & Co published 1905]
S. BUSWELL
Proprietor of First National Hotel, Medford; was born in Penobscot Co., Maine, Nov. 22, 1836; was reared on a farm, and was engaged in trading and lumbering before coming West. He came to Medford Oct. 20, 1873, bought two lots and built a house, 18x26, "which, from the fact that it was the only house in the place, besides the station," became a hotel and was well filled by lumbermen and homesteaders. This was called the Black River House; afterward he built the "National." In 1863, Dec. 19, he married Miss Bell Carpenter, of Maine. They have one daughter—Clara Louisa. He has been Chairman of the County Board, 1880; Chairman Town Board; Justice; was the first Postmaster in Medford, and belongs to the I. 0. 0. F. and Temple of Honor. He attends the Episcopal Church, and is now Treasurer of the school funds for 1881.
[source: History of Northern Wisconsin; The Westerns Historical Company A. T. Andreas,prop.; copyright 1881]
PETER CAMPBELL
Hotel, Westboro, was born in South Hampton, Mass., April 5, 1834; moved to Nova Scotia, where he was employed in a ship yard, and then to Wisconsin in 1852; in 1868, he began lumbering for himself, and in 1874, came to Westboro and was occupied with various enterprises until 1877, when he opened the Campbell House, of which he is now proprietor. In 1875, he married Miss Gertrude E. Woodbridge, of Kenosha, Wis., then Mrs. Cone ; she has two children—Hattie and Oscar Cone ; he was Assessor in 1874, and belongs to the Masonic Lodge of Steven's Point.
[source: History of Northern Wisconsin; The Westerns Historical Company A. T. Andreas,prop.; copyright 1881]
JOHN CARSTEN
Butcher, Medford; was born in Schleswig Holstein, Germany, Nov. 24, 1840. In 1862 he landed in New York, and after a stay of nineteen months came to Fond du Lac, Wis., and went into his present business. He visited various parts of the country, and in 1872 went to New Holstein, in Calumet Co., Wis., where he remained till the spring of 1881. when he came to Medford. In June of that year he paid a visit to his fatherland. In 1864 he married Miss Swartz, of Fond du Lac; they have had seven children—Theodore, Rosa, Levi, Emma, Mean, Lillie, Tena and Henry, deceased. Mr. Carsten belongs to the I. 0. 0. F.
[source: History of Northern Wisconsin; The Westerns Historical Company A. T. Andreas,prop.; copyright 1881]
ELIAS CLEVELAND
Farmer, Sec. 26, P. 0. Medford ; born in New Brunswick, Canada, Dec. 12, 1815; he went to Oshkosh in 1857, and from there came to Medford in spring of 1874, and moved on a homestead which he had already taken. His family came in 1876; he is now engaged in farming. Married Miss Elizabeth Walters, of New Brunswick ; she is of English descent. They have five children—Anna, Belle, Alma, Nellie and Frank. The son was born in Oshkosh, April 15, 1860, and there attained his education ; he came to Medford with the family and lived on the farm till he went to work in the planing mill, and later in the printing office. In 1878 he began clerking in the same place he now occupies. He belongs to the Temple of Honor.
[source: History of Northern Wisconsin; The Westerns Historical Company A. T. Andreas,prop.; copyright 1881]
JUDSON A. CLEVELAND
With M. W. Ryan, Medford ; born in Oshkosh, Wis., July 27. 1860. When six years of age his parents, Samuel F. Cleveland and Anna Cleveland, moved to Dupere, where he lived till 1874, when he came to Medford, his father buying a house and lot here, and also a homestead of 120 acres on Sec. 26. Judson was a clerk for Dodge & Healy for six years, then went to assist his father on the farm ; has lately entered his present position. He belongs to the Temple of Honor, of which he is Financial Recorder.
[source: History of Northern Wisconsin; The Westerns Historical Company A. T. Andreas,prop.; copyright 1881]
STERLING D. CONE
Manufacturer of lumber, Westboro, was born in Dodge Co., Wis., Aug. 4, 1848; in 1874, was engaged in clerking. and then in a hotel with his father, after which he learned telegraphing and went into the employ of the Central Company, at Steven's Point ; in 1874, he took the station of Westboro. being one of the first settlers of the village ; August, 1878, he went into the mercantile business, and afterward built this mill, having a capacity of 30,000 feet of lumber and 35,000 of shingles, In 1870, he married Miss Mattie Morrison, of Ogdensburg, N. Y. They have had six children—Wm. D., deceased ; Harrie ; twin babes, deceased ; Winifred and the baby, not named. Mr. Cone has been Town Treasurer for two years, and Town Clerk since the town formed in 1876.
[source: History of Northern Wisconsin; The Westerns Historical Company A. T. Andreas,prop.; copyright 1881]
PETER DANIELSON,
Postmaster at Medford, Taylor county, was born in Waupaca county, Wis., Nov. 20, 1863, son of Christian and Albertina (Bronson) Danielson, natives of Christiania, Norway.
Christian Danielson and his wife came to the United States in 1863. locating on a farm in Waupaca county, Wis. In 1874 he removed to Medford. and opened a general store, which he carried on about five years, and also engage in logging to a considerable extent. Soon after coming to Medford he took up a homestead adjacent to that village, in which he spent the last years of his life, dying in 1897, at the age of seventy-two. He was a stanch Republican in politics, and in religion was a member of the Scandinavian Lutheran Church. His wife died in 1876. The mother of Christian Danielson came to Wisconsin to live with her son, and died in Waupaca county at an advanced age. One of her sons, Christopher, served in the Civil war, and is now living in Waupaca county. Christian Danielson and his wife had five sons and two daughters, namely: Carl G., a farmer in Assiniboia, Canada; Peter; Oscar, an engineer and machinist of Medford; Mrs. C. A. Woodward, of Medford; Joseph, of North Dakota; John, a well driller of Medford; and Elizabeth, of Medford.
Peter Danielson attended the public schools at Medford until 1879, when he began to learn the printer's trade, in the office of the Star News, then in charge of Edgar T. Wheelock. In January, 1895, Mr. Danielson bought out his employer, and published the paper until November, 1901, when he sold out to J. H. Waggoner. Previously he had, in the fall of 1884, taken charge of the Pioneer, of Glidden, the first paper in that place, and published it successfully for about a year, when he sold out. In September, 1898, Mr. Danielson bought out the Medford Sentinel, and consolidated it with the Star News. It was revived later as the Sentinel Republican and then again consolidated with the Star-News. Mr. Danielson was married, in 1894, to Nettie J. Hobbs, daughter of Mrs. E. A. Hobbs, of Medford. Mrs. Danielson was born in New York State. She is the mother of two children, Ina and Edgar.
Mr. Danielson has always been active in the local councils of the Republican party, and has served a number of years as chairman of the county committee. In July, 1902, he received the appointment of postmaster for Medford, and is now filling the duties of that office, for which he is well qualified. Fraternally he belongs to the M. W. A., the K. O. T. M., and the Equitable Fraternal Union. Mr. Danielson has been very successful as a journalist, and is well adapted for such work, as he has the ability to make his paper a good one. interesting and influential, while his energy and practical business methods insure him success on the financial side.
[source: Commemorative Biographical Record Of The Upper Lake Region By J.H. Beers & Co published 1905]
ALFRED DODGE
Of the firm of Dodge & Healy, general store, Medford, was born in Addison, Steuben Co. N. Y., Jan. 25, 1839. In 1856 he came to Dodge Co., Wis., and began farming near Hustisford. Shortly afterward he moved to Grand Rapids. Between these two places he continued to do a variety of business for a number of years. In the Fall of 1860 he went to Galena, but returning home, attended the Horicon High School. He taught school in the Winters of 1861 and 1862. then went to Milwaukee and entered the Commercial College, where he graduated. Soon after, he commenced keeping books for the Victory Mills. From this he worked at millwrighting, and then learned dentistry. In 1874 he came to Medford, where he worked first in the mill, then as book-keeper. He was appointed County Clerk, and in 1875 was re-elected. That same year he entered upon his present business. The firm carry a stock of 89.000, and do a business of about S30,000. He was married Jan. 16, 1874, to .Miss Emma Houston, of Dexterville, Wood Co.. daughter of L. A. Houston. Their children are Irving L. and Liston, They lost one child named Alfred. In addition to the County Clerk's office, he has held the position of School Clerk, and is now master of the A. O. U. W., belonging also to the Masonic lodge.
[source: History of Northern Wisconsin; The Westerns Historical Company A. T. Andreas,prop.; copyright 1881]
PETER DOYLE
Saloon and grocery, Medford, was born in Province of Ontario, Canada, Sept. 28, 1851. He learned the carpenter trade. In 1875 he came to Medford and built the house he now occupies. In 1876, with a partner, he kept the Forrest House; in 1877 was elected County Clerk on the Independent ticket; re-elected in 1879, and still holds that office. In 1878 he married Miss Stella H. Hanifin, of Grand Rapids. They have three children—Mary, Vincent E. and Leila E. Mr. Doyle belongs to the workingmen and is a member of the Catholic Church.
[source: History of Northern Wisconsin; The Westerns Historical Company A. T. Andreas,prop.; copyright 1881]
JOHN DUNCAN
Manufacturer, Westboro, was born in Glasgow, Scotland, June 9, 1826 ; came to Milwaukee in 1851, and worked as a machinist until 1867, when he went into the shops of the St. Paul, Chicago & Minneapolis R. R.; while there sent out sixteen locomotives ; in 1870, he bought a share in a machine shop in Fort Howard; in 1876 he established himself in Westboro. He erected his large mill in the year 1874; it has a capacity of 100,000 shingles and 50,000 feet of lumber a day. In 1849, April 13, he married Miss Margaret McEwing, ; of Greenock, Scotland. They have had a family of six—Thomas. with his father ; Archibald, in the shop in Ft. Howard ; his twin brother, John, not living; Wm., in the store, and Alexander, not living. Mr Duncan and wife are members of the Baptist Church.
[source: History of Northern Wisconsin; The Westerns Historical Company A. T. Andreas,prop.; copyright 1881]
EMERY FOUNTAIN
Among the respected citizens of Taylor county, representing pioneer families, is Emery Fountain, whose grandfather was an early settler in Fond du Lac. Emery Fountaine was born in Canada, at St. Johns, Chrysostom, near Montreal, July 28, 1854.
Jacques Fountaine, the pioneer, made his home for some time in Fond du Lac, but eventually returned to Canada, where he died at the age of eighty-four. He was a carpenter by trade. His name was properly not Fountaine, but Langlois, and many of his descendants bear that name, but as he was adopted when a little boy by a man named Fountaine, he himself used that rather than Langlois.
Isaias Fountain, father of Emery, was born in St. Pierre, Canada, and spent the earlier part of his life in that country. After coming to Wisconsin he resided at Fond du Lac and was engaged in saw and planing mills for some years. In 1878 he removed to Stetsonville, where he lived until his death in January, 1889, at the age of fifty-nine years. His original trade was that of a tanner, and while in Canada he had also been a farmer in a small way. His wife, Mrs. Louise (LaCroix) Fountaine, died in Canada in 1861, a comparatively young woman, though her mother lived to be nearly ninety. Besides Emery, their children were; Caesar, of LaCrosse, Wis.; Mrs. Julius Leclaire, of Dorchester, Wis.; and Mrs. Della Henneberry, of Boise, Idaho. Isaias Fountaine was a devoted Catholic, and as there was no church in Stetsonville, when he first went there, mass was read in his house for a while. When a church was finally erected, it was upon a site, covering one acre, which had been donated by Mr. Fountaine. For a long time, too, his house was used as a town hall.
Emery Fountain, for so he spells the name, began working in a sawmill when he was thirteen years old, receiving fifty cents a day for his work, and he has ever since been connected with the lumber industry. When he went with his father to Stesonville in 1878, he found ready employment there in a sawmill, and worked for nine years with one concern (E.K. Buttrick), being head sawyer for five years. Since 1891 he has been head sawyer in the mill of the Ellingson Lumber Company.
Mr. Fountain has various real estate interests. Almost immediate;y after his arrival in Taylor county, he located a homestead of eighty acres near Stetsonville, which he still owns, as well as a place of thirty acres in the village upon which he resides. His present house is one of two which he built.
For his wife Mr. Fountain chose a native of Canada, like himself, Miss Capitola Hibbard, born in St. Gabriel, Quebec. They were married Nov. 27, 1879. Mrs. Fountain was a daughter of Richardson and Dilima (Therrien) Hibbard, who took up their abode in Stetsonville in March, 1879. Mr. Hibbard was a farmer and died in May, 1896, aged seventy. his widow is still living and is in her seventy-fifth year. Two Children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Fountain, Adrien and Louise.
Mr. Fountain is a democrat in his political principles, but as a citizen who looks to the essential welfare of his community, he takes an independent position on local issues. he and his family are members of the Catholic church, and for three years he was treasurer of the church funds. Mr. Fountain is a skilled artisan in his line, and is a man held in the highest esteem in Stetsonville.
[source: Commemorative Biographical Record Of The Upper Lake Region By J.H. Beers & Co published 1905]
ANTOINE FOURINER
Saloon, Westboro, was born in Franklin Co., N. Y., Oct. 9, 1855. He went to Collingwood, Canada, where he was engaged in lumbering, and then to Marquette, Mich., where he worked about the mines. From there he went to Menominee, and thence to Oshkosh. He began his present business in May, 1881. He is a member of the Catholic Church.
[source: History of Northern Wisconsin; The Westerns Historical Company A. T. Andreas,prop.; copyright 1881]
AUGUST FRELS
A leading merchant of Taylor county, and for many years postmaster of Little Black, was born in Schleswig-Holstein, Germany, in 1850, son of August and Caroline (Johanson) Frels, of the province. The father was a State official of roads, and lived and died in the Fatherland.
August Frels was educated in his native land, and when he was fifteen years old began his mercantile training there. In 1878 he came to America, and landed in New York. He pushed on almost immediately to Schleisingerville, where he had an uncle living on a farm, and stayed there for a short time. For two years he clerked in a store in New Holstein, and then went to Little Black, and opened a general store in that place, then just being settled, and there, since 1881 he has carried on a general merchandise trade.
Mr. Frels has always been a Republican, but although belonging to that party, in 1888, during Cleveland's first term, he was appointed postmaster, an office he has held through all succeeding administrations up to the present time. He is active in local affairs, has been one of three jury commissioners for the county, serving two terms of three years each, and he in the township school treasurer. His interest in educational questions has always been keen, and he has worked to make the schools of his locality as well equipped as possible.
Mr. Frels was married in 1880 to Regina Lehmbeck, also native to Schleswig-Holstein and they have had two sons born to them. The eldest, August, born in 1881, is a finely educated young man, a graduate first of the Milwaukee Academy, and then of the Spencerian Business College of that city. With a naturally bright mind, well trained and conversant as he is with both German and English he should have a successful career before him. The other son, Henry, three years younger, has been given a good education in the public schools, and being naturally inclined towards business life, is now engaged with his father in Little Black.
Mr. Frels is a man of fine business attainments and of great executive ability, qualities that have assured him a high degree of success. in public and private relations alike he has won deserved respect, for he is a good citizen, of most irreproachable character, and devoted to his wife and children, in whose society he finds his most welcome recreation.
[source: Commemorative Biographical Record Of The Upper Lake Region By J.H. Beers & Co published 1905]
W. W. FRY
Shingle-mill and farmer, Medford, was born in Jefferson Co., N. Y., July 26, 1846. He came to Waupaca Co., Wis., with his mother, having lost his father in the Lake Erie ; he lived there till 1862, and then went to Fond du Lac, where he learned engineering, which he adopted for his business. July 5, 1874, he came to Medford and opened a saloon. He bought the Black River House, which he managed till 1876, when he built a house of his own. In 1880 he built a shingle-mill, with a capacity of 30,000 a day. He owns 200 acres of land. In 1875 he married Miss Katie Thompson, of Dorchester. They have three children—Laura B., Robert Moore and Frank W. He was first Town Treasurer before the precincts were formed ; was re-elected in 1879-80, and belongs to the Masonic Lodge.
[source: History of Northern Wisconsin; The Westerns Historical Company A. T. Andreas,prop.; copyright 1881]
J. D. FURDUN
Restaurant, Chelsea, was born in Sullivan Co., N. Y., Jan. 1, 1845. In 1862 he enlisted in Co. F, 143d N. Y. V. I., and was mustered out in 1865. His father had served in the same company and was discharged on account of his disability. They moved to Calumet, Wis., and then to Waushara Co. While here he was married, in 1868, to Miss Anna Furdun. In 1875 they came to Chelsea and took a homestead of 160 acres, which he traded for his town property. They have two children Charles and Ella May. Mr. Furdun has been on the Town Board of 1880, and is a member of the Temple of Honor.
[source: History of Northern Wisconsin; The Westerns Historical Company A. T. Andreas,prop.; copyright 1881]
JOHN GAMPER,
One of the progressive men of Taylor county, Wis., residing on a farm in the town of Browning, was born in Chur, Switzerland, Feb. 11, 1860, a son of William Gamper and his wife, Notina ( Dannuser) Gamper, the latter of whom is still living and makes her home in Switzerland. William Gamper was engaged in the mercantile business at Chur for a time and his wife conducted a hospital there for some years. John Dannuser, father of Mrs. Notina Gamper, was a farmer.
John Gamper received his education in the excellent school of his native village and in Zurich University, where he pursued a classical course. In 1883 he came to the United States, and after spending a short time in Chicago, went to Sauk county, Wis., and worked on a farm. Finding this occupation congenial to his taste, in the fall he went to Medford, Wis., and purchased a piece of land which he improved according to his ability. He has also given a great deal of time to a real estate business and to abstracting. His excellent education and his active interest in public affairs soon made him a potent factor in matters of general interest. He served as school clerk and also as town clerk. In 1892 he became clerk of the court and served two terms. He held a position under the sheriff for two years, and was then elected register of deeds, an office he held two terms. In the spring of 1904 Mr. Gamper was made chairman of the town of Browning. His political faith is that of the Democratic party, but he is not strictly partisan in local affairs.
On May 2, 1888, Mr. Gamper was married to Louise Lindow, who has borne him six children, Alma, Clara, Lena, Ida, Alvina and Minna. Mr. Gamper enjoys the respect and esteem of the best people of Taylor county, and his family are popular socially.
[source: Commemorative Biographical Record Of The Upper Lake Region By J.H. Beers & Co published 1905]
ALBERT A. GEARHART
The city of Medford, Taylor county, has been fortunate that among its earliest pioneers came this enterprising and public-spirited citizen, who has done much to further the improvement and development of the place. Energetic, industrious and far sighted, he is a man to command success, and his unswerving integrity has won for him the respect of all who know him. Going to the present city of Medford, when there was but one house there, his career has been largely identified with that of the town.
Charles Henry Gearhart, father of Albert A., was born in Livingston county, N. Y., of Pennsylvania Dutch lineage. He married Miss Louise Tabor, who was born in the same county, of New England parentage. Mrs. Gearhart is still living, in her eighty-second year, and can still read without the aid of glasses.
Charles Gearhart went to Wisconsin in 1855 and settled in Waukesha county, where he was engaged in lumbering and farming. When the Civil was broke out, he enlisted in the 6th Wis. Light Artillery, and served about two years. Three of his brothers were also in the Union ranks. Since the war Mr. Gearhart has been occupied as a hotel keeper and has managed establishments at Medford, Plainfield and Chelsea, remaining at the last place for some time. He and his wife are at present residents of Wausau, Wisconsin.
Albert A. Gearhart was born at Nunda, Livingston Co., N.Y., Aug. 30, 1855, but was reared and educated in Wisconsin. He was only nineteen when he first reached Medford, at the time there was one small frame house on what is now Main street, and a sawmill in the process of construction, to serve as an apology for a town. Mr. Gearhart was employed as a shingle sawyer in the mill and worked there for a number of years, under several successive owners. In 1883 Mr. Gearhart removed to Chelsea and dealt in general merchandise for a time, but finally returned to his former occupation and from 1889 to 1899 operated a sawmill there, in which he produced the first hemlock lumber on the line of the Wisconsin Central Railroad. He invested quite heavily in wild land in the vicinity of Chelsea, and still owns a considerable amount of it.
The Wisconsin Central in 1899 engaged Mr. Gearhart as its timber inspector and the first of May of that year he returned to Medford, and has since made his home. Always a Republican in his political principles, he has done his part in the city's service, even as he had previously done in Chelsea. In the latter place he served for eight or ten years as town treasurer and for nine years as school clerk, refusing to be again elected to the latter office. After his return to Medford, in the fall of 1900, Mr. Gearhart was elected county treasurer and was so efficient an officer that he was returned to the place in 1902. At present he is also a member of the city council, from the second ward, and is one of the committee on streets for that body, which is making such great improvements in the city's thoroughfares. it is only one of the many instances in which his time and powers have been used for Medford's betterment.
On May 9, 1878, Mr. Gearhart and Miss Catherine Coyne were united in marriage. Mrs. Gearhart was the daughter of John and Bridget Coyne, of Fond du Lac. Mr. and Mrs. Gearhart are Catholics and the family attend the church of that denomination. He was a member of the building committee which erected the present Catholic Church, a fine brick edifice which is a credit to the city. Mr. and Mrs. Gearhart have one child, a son, named Albert.
[source: Commemorative Biographical Record Of The Upper Lake Region By J.H. Beers & Co published 1905]
C. H. GEARHART
Hotel, Chelsea, was born in Livingston Co., N. Y., May 2, 1829. He remained on the farm until he came to Wisconsin to engage in milling. In February, 1855, he went to Portage Co., where he took a piece of Government land and farmed it in connection with milling. He remained here till 1863, when he enlisted in the 6th Wis. Battery Light Artillery; served till 1865, when he was granted a leave of absence on account of disability. He opened the Greenfield House in Plainfield. In 1874 he came to Chelsea and built the first hotel in the place, keeping his boarders in a shanty till it was completed. On Jan. 21, 1851, he married Miss Louisa Taber, of Livingston Co., N. Y. They have four children living, and have lost two Charles B. and John F. Those living are—Albert A., Alfred Vinton, George L. and 0. Nathaniel. Mr. Gearhart was the first Supervisor of the town ; was District Clerk when the schoolhouse was built, and Justice. He belongs to the Temple of Honor, being the first member from Chelsea.
[source: History of Northern Wisconsin; The Westerns Historical Company A. T. Andreas,prop.; copyright 1881]
W. H. HAIGHT
Farmer, Sec. 12, P. 0. Chelsea, was born in Toronto, Canada, April 10, 1846. In 1865 he came to Wisconsin ; located at Green Bay, engaged in lumbering, and in 1876 he went to Westboro. where he opened the Central House of that place. In 1881 he came to his farm to recruit his lost health. In 1868 he married Miss Haight, of Canada.
[source: History of Northern Wisconsin; The Westerns Historical Company A. T. Andreas,prop.; copyright 1881]
SAMUEL FRANKLIN HARRIS,
One of the first farmers to settle in Taylor county, is widely known as an authority on horticulture, and has rendered valuable assistance along that line to the State Board. Mr. Harris comes of a family of farmers, as his father and grandfather before him followed that occupation. His grandfather, Byron Harris, was the first male child born of English ancestry in Lewiston, Maine. Jairus Harris, son of Byron, married Olive Hurd, like him a native of that State, and they became the parents of four sons, Samuel F., James B., Daniel W. and George W., and one daughter, Mircey Olive, who died in 1884. Jairus Harris came to Wisconsin in 1868. settling in Winnebago county. In 1875 he took up a homestead of eighty acres in Taylor county and is still living there, aged eighty-six. His sons all came to Taylor county and all except George took homesteads. James B. came from Maine and took up a homestead in 1876, but died four years later. Daniel W. died at Oshkosh in April, 1897.
S. F. Harris was born in Parkman, Maine, April 28, 1843. He grew up in his native State and received his education in the public schools. In August, 1863, he enlisted as a private in Company E, 1st D. C. Cavalry, and for a year served under Col. L. E. Baker, the famous secret service chief. Mr. Harris did special service with that company and then, in the fall of 1864, was transferred to Company M, 1st Maine Cavalry, with which he remained until the war was over. In the battle at Hatchers Run, Va., he received a gunshot wound in the elbow and from that time, Oct. 27, 1864, until his discharge in 1865, he was in the hospital, first at City Point, Va., four weeks; next in Emory Hospital, Washington, several months; then in Cuyler Hospital, in Philadelphia; and at the time of his discharge, June 14, 1865, in that at Chestnut Hill. This was a long period of inactivity and was peculiarly trying to one who had such a record for active service as Mr. Harris.
After his discharge Mr. Harris returned to Maine, and after regaining his health fully, he settled down to farming there. Reports from the West promised so much better conditions in that section that in 1869 he went to Wisconsin, and bought a small farm in Omro, Winnebago county, where he lived until 1875. In that year he sold out and moved to Taylor county, which was then just being opened up and where he had entered a claim the previous year. Medford at that time consisted of only a few houses of the most primitive type. Mr. Harris built a log cabin on his claim, a little later brought his family, and lived thus until he proved up his homestead two years later.
From 1876 till 1882 Mr. Harris was a resident of Oshkosh, where he represented Georgre Moulson, a nursery man of Rochester, N. Y. At the expiration of six years he returned to Medford and bought property in the city. He continued to represent Mr. Moulson and is still engaged in that work. In 1896 he removed to another place, an eighty-acre tract two miles from town which he had purchased some years earlier and where he now lives. He now owns 140 acres.
Mr. Harris was married in 1870 in Winnebago county to Louisa O'Neill, and they have a family of seven children, Frederick L., Mary O., Lenora, Joseph B., Clara P., Ada and Irving. The first vote ever cast by Mr. Harris was for Abraham Lincoln, but of late years he has left the ranks of the Republican party and become a strong Prohibitionist. He belongs to no organizations save the G. A. R., in which he is a member of James Shields Post, No. 145.
Mr. Harris has been a student of horticulture for twenty-five years and has gained his wealth of information on the subject from practical observation and experiment, rather than by theoretical methods. He is one of the best informed men in that line in Northern Wisconsin, and has studied especially the trees and fruits of his own State, with reference to their adaptation to the climate and soil.
He has found that the varieties of apples best suited to his section of the country are the Duchess of Oldenburg. Tetofsky, Northwestern Greening, Snow, Talman Sweet, Wealthy and Yellow Transparent, all hardy trees and bearing excellent fruit. In crabs he finds the Transcendant. Whitney No. 20 and the Red and Yellow Hyslop the best;and in plums, the Wolf, Garden City and Desoto. In small fruits all do comparatively well.
The State Board of Horticulture places the greatest confidence in Mr. Harris' judgment and has shown him several special marks of honor. In 1901 they established an experimental station with Mr. Harris, placing 110 trees the first year, 110 more the second and a third 110 were placed in 1904, when Mr. Harris was made the appointee of the board as manager of the experiment station.In 1900 Mr. Harris
was one of the leading spirits in organizing the Medford Creamery
Association, of which he was the first president and is still a
stockholder and secretary. This organization has been very useful in
promoting the dairy interests of the county.
[source: Commemorative Biographical Record Of The Upper Lake Region
By
J.H. Beers & Co
published 1905]
F. A. HEALY
Of the firm of Dodge & Healy, Medford, was born in Markesan, Green Lake Co., Wis., Aug. 11, 1851. When four years of age his parents moved to Horicon, where he remained until his eighth year, when the family removed to Fond du Lac. There he went to the graded school, and in 1868 to Ripon University. In 1871 he was a clerk at Ft. Howard, and came to Medford with Mr. Wheelon, by whom he was employed until he began his present business in 1875. He was the first County Treasurer of Taylor, being appointed by Gov. Taylor, and re-elected in 1876. In 1874 he married Miss Sarah J. Williams, of Columbia County. They have three children—Edna (deceased), Maud E. and Ada M. He belongs to the I. 0. 0. F.. the Workingmen and the T. of H. Mr. Healy's father, Joseph Walter Healy, was one of the pioneers of Green Lake County, having come there in1845, and as a millwright built mills at Markesan, Fairwater, Horicon, Kekoskee and Fond du Lac. He was of English descent, and in 1879 died, leaving six boys, of whom F. A. is the oldest.
[source: History of Northern Wisconsin; The Westerns Historical Company A. T. Andreas,prop.; copyright 1881]
WILLIAM EDWIN HIBBARD,
One of the wide awake and energetic citizens of Medford, Taylor county, may truly be called a representative self-made man, for his success is the result of his own unaided efforts.
Hibbard is one of the many corruptions of the name De Hubert, borne by an officer under William the Conqueror, whose posterity includes the Hibbards, Hubbards, Hulberts, and others of similar names. The first to come to America was Robert Hibbard, a brick maker by trade, who landed on these shores in Colonial days. Descendants from him were among those who fought in the Revolution, and one of them attained the rank of captain.
John Hibbard, grandfather of William E., in early life went to Canada, where he engaged in lumbering and also operated a sawmill in Montreal. His son, Richardson by name, was also a woodsman. The latter was born in Ogdensburg, N. Y., in 1826, before the family went to Canada, but was brought up in that country and lived there for many years. In November, 1875, he went to Taylor county and located a homestead, in the present town of Little Black. From that time on his chief occupation was farming, though he still did some logging. His death occurred in 1896. Mrs. Richardson Hibbard, who is still living at Medford, was Miss Dilima Therrien, and was born in the County of Berthier, Quebec, in 1828. Her parents were Louis and Rosa Therrien, of French descent, the former a Canadian farmer who lived to be ninety-two years old. Mrs. Hibbard bore her husband eight children, as follows: Susan, Mrs. E. England, of Little Black; George, of Portland, Ore.; Sidney, of Westboro, Wis.; John, of Marquette county, Wis.; Capitola, Mrs. E. Fountain, of Little Black; Mary, Mrs. F. Williams, of Rhinelander, Wis.; William E.; and Edward, of Portland, Oregon.William E. Hibbard was born in the County of Berthier, Quebec, April 24, 1865. In 1879 he joined his father in Taylor county, Wis., where for the first time in his life he attended school. He was able to go only a few years then, but by steadily persevering in studying by himself, he has succeeded in acquiring a good practical education. He soon went to work in the woods and continued logging for some time, live years were spent in the employ of one lumber company in Ashland county, and he also filled some logging contracts and worked in sawmills for several summers. His next engagement was with the Westboro Lumber Company, as timber buyer, and he negotiated some extensive purchases during the four years he worked for the company.
In July, 1893, Mr. Hibbard was married to Miss Nora Manney, of Medford. who was born in Waupaca county, daughter of Barney W. and Mary Manney. Mr. Manney was a veteran of the Civil war, and a farmer, and went to Taylor county in 1879, dying at Med ford in 1892. Mr. and Mrs. Hibbard are the parents of three children, Vernon, Myrtle and Orvilla. Mr. Hibbard is a strong Republican, and in the fall of 1902 was elected clerk of the circuit court, a position which he fills with the utmost ability. He is an enthusiastic Mason, belongs to the Royal Arch Chapter, and is past master of the Medford Lodge. The family attend the Methodist church, and in church and social circles alike they are highly esteemed.
[source: Commemorative Biographical Record Of The Upper Lake Region By J.H. Beers & Co published 1905]
S. B. HUBBELL
Physician and surgeon, Medford, was born in Milwaukee, Wis., April 27, 1854. In 1870 he began the study of medicine. He commenced practice in Fond du Lac, and then went to New York City and entered the Medical College, taking full courses, and graduated from the Bellevue Hospital. In 1875 returned to Fond du Lac, and from there came to Medford. He is now railroad physician on the Wisconsin Central Railroad, examining physician for pensions, and has accepted the office of County Treasurer for Taylor County, term of 1881 ; is also the originator of the S. B. Hubbell & Co. Exchange, of Medford, which opened July 15, 1881. He belongs to the most of the lodges.
[source: History of Northern Wisconsin; The Westerns Historical Company A. T. Andreas,prop.; copyright 1881]
Singleton Beall Hubbell, of Medford, Taylor County, Wisconsin, son of Levi Hubbell and Mary Morris Beall, was born April 27th, 1855, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Educated at the Wisconsin State University. Commenced studying medicine in 1871. Graduated as a physician and surgeon, February 14th, 1874, at Bellevue Hospital Medical College, in New York City. Immediately entered upon the practice of his profession at Medford, Wisconsin.
On December 12th, 1877, he purchased the Taylor County Star and News, and is one of the proprietors at present.
On October 10th, 1879, he received the Republican nomination for the office of County Treasurer, and was elected to that office at the ensuing election in November, for the term of two years. Is a member of the Episcopal Church, a Republican and a bachelor.
On August 10th, 1881, he opened in Medford a real estate and banking office, under the firm-name of S.B. Hubbell & Co.
[source: History Of The Hubbell Family by Walter Hubbell, copyright 1881]
JOHN B. JACOBS, Jr.
Book-keeper with J. Duncan, Westboro, was born in Marinette, Wis., Jan. 17, 1849, where he lived with his parents until 1867. His grandmother settled there in 1830. He then went to Green Bay, where he acquired his education, graduating at a Spencerian College. He entered the employ of Mr. Duncan eleven years ago ; was in the foundry till 1877, and then in Westboro, where he is book-keeper. Mr. Jacobs has been Town Treasurer, Deputy Treasurer and Chairman of the Board of Supervisors. He is a Catholic.
[source: History of Northern Wisconsin; The Westerns Historical Company A. T. Andreas,prop.; copyright 1881]
T. G. JEFFERS
Real estate, Medford, was born in Oneida Co., N. Y., July 22, 1833. He, with his parents, removed to Jefferson Co., where he attained an education. He sailed on the lakes till 1857, when he came to Wisconsin to his father's farm in Waupaca Co. Here he taught school. He married Miss Adeline M. Severance, of Portage Co. After farming awhile, he came to Medford and opened an abstract office, in company with Samuel Miles. He served, under appointment in his brother's place, as Register of Deeds, in 1876 ; before the term expired he was elected Clerk of Court, and has filled town offices at different times ; was Superintendent of Schools in Waupaca Co. He belongs to the I. 0. 0. F.; is N. G. elect; he also belongs to the Masons in Medford.
[source: History of Northern Wisconsin; The Westerns Historical Company A. T. Andreas,prop.; copyright 1881]
Truman G. Jeffers, one of the most esteemed of Medford's early residents, who still makes his home there, was born in Waterville, Oneida Co., N. Y., July 22, 1833. son of George and Belinda (Cadwell) Jeffers.
On both sides Mr. Jeffers comes of distinguished New England ancestry. Members of the Jeffers family came from England about 1740, and settled in Litchfield county, Conn. Lieut. Thomas Jeffers, grandfather of our subject, was an officer in the war of 1812. A shoemaker by trade, he removed from Connecticut to Waterville, N. Y., before the war, and followed his calling there. He died at the age of seventy. The maternal ancestors, the Cadwells, were among the Puritans who went to Holland, and afterward came to Massachusetts with Gov. Winthrop. George Jeffers was born in Waterville in 1801. He removed from his birthplace to Jefferson county, N. Y., in 1835, and lived on a farm there for twenty years, when he went West, bought a farm in Waupaca county, Wis., improved and cultivated it, and made his home on it, till his death at the age of seventy. He always took part in local affairs, was supervisor of the town of Henderson, Jefferson county, and of Farmington, in Waupaca county. Mrs. Jeffers, who was born in 1806, survived her husband thirty years. She was a devout member of the Methodist church. Her father was Phineas Cadwell, a veteran of the Revolution, who removed from Connecticut to New York State, and later to Wisconsin, where he died in Union Grove, Racine county, when within ten days of his 100th birthday. For the last forty years of his life he was blind. In his extreme old age his hair turned black again and a new set of teeth grew. George and Belinda Jeffers had fourteen children, of whom the following four are living: Eliza, Mrs. William Penny, of Sheridan, Wis.; Julius M., of Logan, Iowa, who served three years in Company G, 21st Wis. V. I.; Albert, of Sheridan, Wis., who served four years and eight months in Company B, 14th Wis. V. I.; and Truman G.
Truman G. Jeffers was educated in New York State and remained there until he was twenty-four, as he did not follow his father to Wisconsin till two years after the latter's removal thither. The son also settled in Waupaca county for the first few years, but soon bought a farm in Portage county and lived on it until 1874, the year he went to Medford. In that city he began as a dealer in real estate, and although he has been much in public life, he still does considerable business in that line. Mr. Jeffers compiled the first set of abstracts of the county, which he afterward sold. His present residence he built in 1877. and planted the trees which now form a beautiful grove around it.
In 1858 Mr. Jeffers was married to Adaline Severance, born in New Hampshire, daughter of John G. Severance, of Lanark, Portage county, who settled in Wisconsin in 1852. Mrs. Jeffers is a communicant of the Episcopal church. Mr. Jeffers cast his first vote in 1856, for James Buchanan, though he is a Republican in principle, and from the formation of the party a stanch adherent in national matters. He has always been independent where local issues were concerned. He has served two terms as clerk of court, two terms as register of deeds, has been a justice of the peace for the past five years, deputy clerk of the court for the last ten years, and nine years in all as city clerk. On the early history of Taylor county Mr. Jeffers is probably the best informed man in the county. W hen the Medford Lodge of the Masonic fraternity was formed Mr. Jeffers was one of the charter members. He also belongs to the Chapter of Wausau.
[source: Commemorative Biographical Record Of The Upper Lake Region By J.H. Beers & Co published 1905]
S. H. KEELER
Postmaster and merchant, Medford, was born in Ogdensburg, St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., April 3, 1851. In 1868 he was employed in a store in Chicago, but after the great fire he left for Grand Haven, Mich., where he went into business with his brother. On the death of his brother, he went to Chilton, Wis., and later to Oshkosh, where he kept books. He then came to Medford, where he clerked in the Medford House. In 1876 he was appointed Under Sheriff, and before the expiration of his service he received the appointment of Postmaster, with which he combined the business of stationery. He now has a stock of $1,500 and a business of $15,000 a year. In 1874 he married Miss Emma J. Harsh, of Stockbridge, Wis. They have had two children—Gracie May, deceased, and Harry B. Mr. Keeler belongs to the A. 0. U. W. and the I. 0. 0. F. and the Temple of Honor. His father was a Representative in 1875.
[source: History of Northern Wisconsin; The Westerns Historical Company A. T. Andreas,prop.; copyright 1881]
HERMANN M. KOEHLER,
One of the enterprising real estate dealers of Medford, Taylor county, is one of the young business men of the city, and has worked his way to his present position by rapid strides. He is a native of Wisconsin, born in Hamburg. Marathon county, May 1, 1872, his parents being Gothilf and Emilie (Thews) Koehler.
Gothilf Koehler was born in Pomerania, Germany, and spent the first half of his life in that country. He was a shepherd and coachman there on a large estate. He also served in the German army and was drafted into the war of 1848. About 1856 he came to America, settled first in Waushara county, Wis., and two years later in Marathon county, where he took up a farm and improved it. Three times married, Mr. Koehler became the father of twenty-two children. Of those born to his first wife, Johanna Sager, only three are living: Frank, of Hamburg, Wis.; Gustav, of Merrill, Wis.; and August, of Ramona, S. D. The second wife, a sister of the present Mrs. Koehler, left no children. To the third union eleven children were born, of whom only the following outgrew childhood: Frederich, who died Jan. 9, 1896, at the age of fourteen; John, of Wausau, Wis.; Emilie, wife of Napoleon Derosia, of Merrill; Hulda, Mrs. William Thiede, of Hamburg; Hermann M.; Bertha, who married Otto Baumann, of Merrill; and Walter, of that same place. Gothilf Koehler died Aug. 5, 1900, just twenty days before his eighty-first birthday. He belonged to the Lutheran church. His widow, who still survives and resides in Merrill, was born near the village of Schneidemuhl, Posen, Germany, and came to Waushara county, Wis., with her parents.
Hermann M. Koehler was given a good .education in the public schools and remained at home assisting on the farm until he was twenty-five years of age. He then went to Phillips and began to deal in real estate there, but in 1899 transferred his location to Medford, where he has since been in business. He deals principally in farm and timber lands, is the agent for the Wisconsin Central Railroad Company lands, and has also bought and sold considerable property for himself, while he still retains a half interest in the homestead.The marriage of Mr. Koehler took place Sept. 2, 1903,
when he was united to Ella M. Kerble, daughter of Jacob and Bertha
(Zeidler) Kerble, now of Merrill, Wis., but residing in Dodge county at
the time Mrs. Koehler was born. Mr. Koehler is a Republican in his
political sympathies. Religiously he belongs to the Lutheran church. He
is an energetic, progressive business man and has commanded the respect
of all by his enterprising and clear-cut methods.
[source: Commemorative Biographical Record Of The Upper Lake Region By J.H. Beers & Co published 1905]
PETER LIBERTY,
a farmer residing near Stetsonville, Taylor county, is one of the original settlers of the county, and to him more ban to any other one man is due the influx «f French Canadians and Americans, which has transformed the wilderness into a region of well-cultivated and flourishing farms.
Mr. Liberty was born in Canada, in 1842, and was educated in the public schools. He came to the United States in 1857, and consequently was not yet a citizen when the war broke out. He had been in New England long enough, however, to become imbued with the patriotic feeling of that section, and alien though he was, he enlisted in April, 1861, in Company E, 1st Mass. Heavy Artillery, under Col. Green. By June he was in active service, beginning at Ball's Bluff. He was a brave and intrepid soldier, and fought in many of the bloodiest battles of the war, including the second Battle of Bull Run, Gettysburg, Fredericksburg, South Mountain, and the campaign about Petersburg and Richmond. On June 22, 1864, Mr. Liberty was taken prisoner at Petersburg, and was imprisoned at Andersonville for five months, and in Libby prison one week before he was exchanged. In December, 1864, he returned to his regiment, and in the following April received his first serious wound before Petersburg. That seemed a fatal spot to all of the family, as, in the preceding year, a brother, Joseph, had been killed there and a nephew and cousin were both wounded near that city. Mr. Liberty was discharged from the United States service July 15, 1865.
Mr. Liberty's connection with Taylor county began in the early part of 1873, when he took up a homestead of 160 acres, put up a cabin 12x12 feet, and in the fall of that year settled there with hi* family. He was prominent in local matters from the very beginning, for in that first year he took an active part in the movement which resulted in having Taylor county set off from Clark. The county constituted one township, Medford by name, and Mr. Liberty was elected the first assessor, a position which he filled, in all, ten years. In 1880 he was elected chairman and served four years. Under President Garfield he was appointed postmaster of Stetsonville and discharged the duties of that office two years.
Mr. Liberty was always a Republican, and still enjoys telling how his first vote was cast for Abraham Lincoln. At the time of the election he was imprisoned at Andersonville and the prisoners held an election among themselves, casting 15,000 votes for Lincoln and 3,000 for McCIellan. Mr. Liberty has been no less devoted to his party ever since, and has regularly been a delegate to county and congressional conventions. He took the government census of the township in 1900. With all his public duties Mr. Liberty has done well in his own business. He has developed the greater part of his farm and now has 100 acres under cultivation; the little cabin has been replaced by a good house; barns have been built, and various improvements added, until his is now one of the best farms in the county. Of late years he has paid some attention to breeding fine cattle.
In August, 1865, Mr. Liberty was married to his first wife, Miss Cleophe Roy, a native of Canada, who died in 1880, leaving seven children: Henry E., Joseph, Peter, Mary, Ulysses, Louis and Charles O. D., who died in 1882, aged four years. His present wife, to whom he was married in 1881, was a Miss Elodia Matt, who was born in Montreal, Quebec.
Mr. Liberty is a member of Bryan post, No. 290, G. A. R., and is prominent in its councils. His life has been an admirable object lesson to all around him, for he is upright and honorable in every relation of life, and has won the unstinted respect of all. With keen perceptions and good judgment his material success in life also has been an assured fact.
[source: Commemorative Biographical Record Of The Upper Lake Region By J.H. Beers & Co published 1905]
JOHN A. LOGAN,
County surveyor for Taylor county and a resident of Medford, is a man of wide experience, for not only has he engaged in a variety of occupations, which would of itself broaden one's knowledge of men, but he has also lived in different sections of the country and reaped the advantages of travel. He was born in Martintown, township of Charlottenburg, County of Glengarry, Province of Ontario, April 18, 1841. His father was John Logan, who married Miss Margaret Wiseman.
Dr. Alexander Logan, of Scotland, the grandfather, a surgeon in the army of the Duke of Wellington, was in the battle of Waterloo, assisted by his son, John, also a surgeon. John Logan was born near Edinburgh and studied medicine in that city. He went to Montreal when a young man and did further medical work there in McGill College. He also practiced there before going to Martintown, where he spent the rest of his life. He added later to his early glimpse of military life by acting as drill sergeant of Canadian troops at the time of the Papineau-Mackenzie rebellion. Dr. Logan owned a farm in Roxborough. where he made his home and where his death occurred in 1874. at the age of eighty-four.
Mrs. Margaret Logan survived her husband until January, 1901. when she passed away in the eighty-seventh year of her age in the township of Finch, County of Stormont, Ont., which was also her birthplace. She was a daughter of William and Lucy (McMillan) Wiseman, pioneer citizens of the county. Mr. Logan comes from a long lived race, for his maternal grandmother, a native of Inverness, Scotland, lived to be 106 years old, while her father, Hughie McMillan, reached the age of 112. He was a pioneer of Ontario, and died in Locheil, County of Glengarry.
John A. Logan received a common school education, and while still a youth worked to a certain extent at civil engineering. On reaching manhood he was employed in the lumber industry and cut square timber for the London and Liverpool markets. In the spring of 1876 he went to the Pacific coast and for over four years was engaged in mining in California, during that time traveling over most of the State.In the fall of 1880 Mr. Logan left the far West and going to Wisconsin settled the next year at Medford. For a while he kept a hotel, but spent most of his time in the woods, surveying lands and estimating and scaling timber. In one season he estimated 152,000 acres of timber lands and his estimates are noted among all lumbermen in Northern Wisconsin for their accuracy. He has also bought and sold considerable land. Since 1894 Mr. Logan has been county surveyor, and his report sent into the United States Geological Survey, published in the report of 1896. showing the magnetic declination in Taylor county, was pronounced by the compilers the most complete and satisfactory sent in from any county in the State.
On Jan. 1, 1870, Mr. Logan was married to Miss Catherine Ferguson, who was born in the township of Kenyon, Glengarry. Ont. She was the daughter of Peter Ferguson, a farmer in Ontario, but a native of Johnstown. N. Y. Mr. and Mrs. Logan are the parents of four children, but have lost one son. This son. Alexander, the eldest, was a conductor on the Chicago & Northwestern Railroad, and was killed. May 8. 1000. in an accident at Bessemer. Mich., when he was twenty-six years old. The other children are: John Peter; Victoria, a teacher in Medford ; and Nellie, a graduate of the Medford high school. The family are connected with the Methodist Church.
Mr. Logan takes
little interest in politics. Fraternally he belongs to Medford Lodge,
No. 292, I. O. O. F. He is much liked personally, and his known ability
and sound judgment have given him a position of influence among his
fellows. [source: Commemorative Biographical Record Of The Upper Lake Region By J.H. Beers & Co published 1905]
WILLIAM MARTIN.
Many of our most substantial citizens are of foreign birth, but the majority on coming to this country and finding a home within the friendly boundaries give to our government the honor and allegiance due a kindly foster parent. Among those who have thus become valued citizens, is William Martin, county clerk of Taylor county.
Mr. Martin's parents were Frederick and Fredericka (Sanders) Martin, natives of Saxony, who came to the United States in 1881, following their son thither, and made their home on a farm in Taylor county. Frederick Martin and his wife died some two years apart, he in 1894, aged seventy four, and she in 1896, when seventy one years old. They had ten children, three of whom came to this country and are living in Wisconsin.
William Martin was born in Gotha, Saxony, Germany, May 23, 1849. He was given a good education and after completing his studies, gave his services to his country during the Franco-Prussian war. He took part in twenty-five battles and skirmishes and received for his gallant service an iron cross, which he still cherishes as a valued memento of his army life. In spite of his active service he was never wounded, although bullets passed through his clothing on several occasions.
In 1873 Mr. Martin sought our western shores and, traveling on as far as Wisconsin, settled first in Sheboygan county. Later he moved to Calumet county and worked in a chair factory at Chilton. From there he went to Clark county in 1875, bought forty acres of wild land and spent the next seven or eight years improving his property. In 1881 his parents came to America and settled in Taylor county, so he too went there the year following their arrival, and took up a homestead near Chelsea in the present town of Greenwood, 160 acres in section 12, township 32. range 2 East.
Settling on the new homestead was a matter of toil and difficulty, for there were no roads to the farm from Chelsea, and Mr. Martin was obliged to carry all his household goods over the six miles lying between the two, while for his first house he carried 1,500 feet of lumber on his shoulders for a mile and a half. He still owns the place and now has forty acres under cultivation, with all necessary buildings.
Mr. Martin on becoming a citizen, affiliated himself with the Republican party, and took an active part in politics. After the town of Greenwood was organized, he was the second town clerk elected, and served for fourteen years, while for a similar period he was a school director. In 1900, and again two years after, he was elected county clerk, and has been a most faithful and efficient officer.
The year before leaving Germany, in 1872, Mr. Martin took to himself a wife, Miss Aurora Machlett, who died eleven years later, aged thirty-four years. She was a member of the Lutheran Church. Two sons survive her, Herman and William, both residents of Milwaukee. In 1883 Mr. Martin was married again, his present wife being also a native of Germany, born in Saxony. Her maiden name was Olga Grundig. Mrs. Martin is the mother of five children, Otto, Ella, Rosa, Frieda and Edwin. The family is connected with the German Lutheran Church.
Mr. Martin is a member of the A. O. U. W., and holds the office of recorder in the local lodge. He is a most intelligent and progressive citizen, and well posted on general affairs. While well educated in German, his knowledge of English is self-taught, save for some private lessons from a teacher who boarded in his home, a fact which makes his grasp of English and American current events the more remarkable. [source: Commemorative Biographical Record Of The Upper Lake Region By J.H. Beers & Co published 1905]
DAVID McCARTNEYLumberman, Medford, was born in County Down, Ireland, Sept. 14, 1815 ; emigrated, in 1821, to Ohio, with his parents ; located in Belmont Co., and began business. He afterward engaged in the mercantile and milling interests and in railroad business. In 1856 he went to Oshkosh, and in 1864 he moved to Fort Howard, which is still his home. In 1874 he bought into the firm of Roberts & Wheelan, sawmill. He has also a store of general merchandise and the Forrest House Hotel in Medford, as well as the branch office in Fort Howard. The mills in Medford are producing daily 50,000 feet of lumber, 100,000 shingles, 6,000 laths and 800 pickets. The planing-mill has a full set of new machinery, and is now running a full capacity. The store has a stock of some $8,000. The entire establishment does a business of $140,000 a year. In 1834 he married his first wife. She died, leaving three children—William, Ellen and Thomas. He married again in 1845, to Miss Harris, of Belmont. They have three children—Lizzie, Emma and Viola. Mr. McCartney has never aspired to public office, but always refused to serve. During the war, while in Belmont Co., he was Provost Marshal. He is a member of the Presbyterian Church.
[source: History of Northern Wisconsin; The Westerns Historical Company A. T. Andreas,prop.; copyright 1881]
F. W. McINTYRE
General merchandise, Medford, was born in Fond du Lac, Wis., June 4, 1853; his first business venture was keeping a restaurant ; he came to Medford and opened a meat market with firm of King & Mclntyre; in fall of 1880, put up his own building and opened his present business, and does a business of about $15,000 a year. In 1872 he married Miss Sadie Simmonds, of Winnebago Co. They have four children — Edith, Geneva, Freddie and Viola.
[source: History of Northern Wisconsin; The Westerns Historical Company A. T. Andreas,prop.; copyright 1881]
T. B. McCOURT
Hardware, Medford. was born in Buffalo, Erie Co., N. Y., Feb. 21, 1848 At six years of age he came with his parents to Oshkosh, Wis., where he received his education. In the Spring of 1876 he came to Medford and opened his hardware store. At first was the only one interested in the business, but the firm now is T. B. McCourt & Bros. They carry a stock of $3,500, and do a business of $15,000 per annum. In 1869 he married Miss Frances J. Tarbell, of Weyauwega. They have three children—John, Genevieve and Paul R. Mr. McCourt held the office of Chairman of Town and County Board in 1877 and 1878; was Deputy Clerk of the Court from 1878 to the next January of 1882, and is the County Judge for Taylor County in 1882 and. 1883. He opened the first business house on the west side of town. He is master of the A. 0. U. W. and treasurer of the Temple of Honor ; also a member of the Catholic Church.
[source: History of Northern Wisconsin; The Westerns Historical Company A. T. Andreas,prop.; copyright 1881]
THOMAS MENZIES MILLER. M. D.,
Is one of the successful and prominent practitioners of Medford, and the senior physician in length of service in Taylor county. With unusual professional advantages during his sojourn abroad, he is an able physician and it would be difficult to find one whose devotion to his chosen calling is more enthusiastic or one who more thoroughly keeps up with the wonderful advances that have lately been made in his profession.Dr. Miller is of Scotch lineage on both sides, and his father, James Miller, belonged to a Highland family. His mother, whose maiden name was Isabel Brownlie, was born in Perthshire. James Miller came to America when he was only twelve years of age, accompanying several older brothers. In due time he acquired a farm in the town of Otonabee, Canada, in which locality the brothers had settled, and passed his lite there. A Liberal in politics, he served some years as chairman of County Peterborough. He lived to the age of fifty-five and his wife died when she was only forty seven years old. One of Mrs. Miller's brothers, Claude Brownlie,. also came to this country and lived to an advanced age in Vermont.
Thomas M. Miller was born in Peterborough, Canada, Sept. 18, 1850. After he had completed his preparatory studies, he entered Trinity Medical College in Toronto and was graduated in 1877. He went at once to Europe for further study and worked in the Edinburgh Royal College of Physicians, from which he received a diploma. He also studied in London and Dublin, and was given another diploma from the Rotunda Hospital in the latter city.
Dr. Miller returned to Canada in 1879 and began practicing at Keene, Ont., but after three years there decided to cross the line into the United States, and in 1882 located in Taylor county. For three years he was at Chelsea and then removed to Medford, where he has since resided and where he has worked up a large clientèle. His office is in his residence, which is most pleasantly and conveniently situated.
Dr. Miller has various interests outside of his practice. He was one of the incorporators of the Medford Pea Canning Company, and is still a stockholder and director. He also gives some attention to agriculture and stock breeding, and has a farm of forty five acres adjacent to the city which is all under cultivation. A part of this place the Doctor has fitted up as a fair ground and trotting course, and the annual Taylor County Fair is held there.
In 1882 Dr. Miller was married to Elizabeth Fulton, daughter of Archie Fulton, of Peterborough, Ont., who has made an admirable help meet to her husband.
[source: Commemorative Biographical Record Of The Upper Lake Region By J.H. Beers & Co published 1905]
BERNARD MOLITOR,
One of the pioneers of Taylor county, who for many years carried on an extensive trading business with the Indians, is a native of Luxemburg, but has lived in America since he was thirteen years old, playing a prominent part in the development of the region in which the greater part of his life has been passed. He was born in State of Luxemburg, Aug. 10, 1839, son of Mathias and Margaret (Brandenburg) Molitor.
The paternal grandfather, Mathias Molitor, was a farmer and shoemaker who never left his native land, but died there at the advanced age of 104 years. The maternal grandfather, Bernard Brandenburg, came to this country in 1852, and settled in Sheboygan county, Wis. In his own country he had been a soldier, and served five years in Napoleon Bonaparte's cavalry. At the battle of Menel he was attacked by six Russian Cossacks and received twenty-four saber cuts in the right arm before his life was saved by the timely arrival of a Russian officer. A brother, John Brandenburg, who was also in Napoleon's army, was captured at Waterloo and was forced to enter the British naval service, and he was brought to America.
Mathias Molitor and his wife came to the New World at the same time as Bernard Brandenburg. He bought a farm in the woods of Sheboygan county, Wis., cleared it, and passed the rest of his life on this homestead. He lived to be seventy-two years old, and his wife passed away at the age of seventy-nine. Both were natives of Mensdorf, Luxemburg. They were the parents of four sons and four daughters, namely: Peter, who died at Winslow, Arizona; Bernard; William, who was the first settler of the town of Molitor, Taylor county, in 1878, and is at present a resident of Chicago; Mary, wife of Nicholas Scherf, of Washington county. Wis.; Elizabeth, of Platteville, Wis.; Mary Jane, who married Mike Schmith, of Kansas; Mary, Mrs. William Reynold, of Port Washington, Wis.; and Mathias, of Dunn county, Wisconsin.Bernard Molitor was thirteen years old when he came to this country with his parents and settled in Wisconsin. In that frontier country there were no schools for him to attend, but he acquired a good command of English by studying alone. He stayed with the family for some time and helped clear the farm, but in a few years went to Michigan and worked in the lumber region there. He spent several years in that work, until he had saved $1,000, with which he bought a farm in Fayette county, III. He lived on the place from 1867 to 1878, but as the climate proved uncongenial to both himself and family, he sold out in the latter year and returned to Sheboygan county, Wis. Five years later Mr. Molitor removed to Taylor county, and has since then been identified with the development of that section. He took up a homestead claim of 160 acres, in what is now the town of Hammel. A previous settler, who had abandoned the claim, had built a small log cabin, and Mr. Molitor determined to make it into a suitable home for his family, at least for the time being. At Medford he bought lumber for $10, but getting it drawn to his claim proved to be the most expensive part of the business, as that cost him $12. The family rode out on the same load, and before night fell Mr. Molitor had a floor and roof added to the frame of the cabin, affording a good shelter at the very beginning. By the next year a larger log house was built, and it was the family home until 1895, when a commodious frame house was erected. So simple was the life on the homestead in those early days, that Mrs. Molitor lived there three years before going as far even as Medford, the nearest town.
In addition to his farming Mr. Molitor carried on a trading post for some years; most of his customers, of course, were Indians, who became at times quite threatening, but on the whole treated the family in a friendly way. For many years the Molitor homestead was the stopping place for all of the lumbermen and traders, and many of these early customers still visit the locality occasionally. Mr. Molitor, by his hospitable and friendly treatment, made friends of all his customers, and he was never cheated of a dollar by any of those who traded with him. Both in his farming and trading he prospered by reason of his industry and ability, and gradually acquired considerable property. At one time Mr. Molitor owned 320 acres of land, but a part of it has since been given to his son.
In 1868 Mr. Molitor was married to Catherine Winkel, born in Sheboygan county, the daughter of John and Catherine Winkel. The father was born in Wurmelding, Luxemburg, and the mother in Mensdorf, Luxemburg. They came to Wisconsin in 1846, and after living many years in Sheboygan, Wis., removed to Kansas, where they still reside. Mr. and Mrs. Molitor have six children still living, namely: John B., a farmer in the town of Hammel: Annie C., Mrs. Mike Yost, of Medford; William D., of Hammel; Margaret, who married Peter Zenner, of Hammel; Eva; and Mary Theresa. All the children have been well educated. There are seventeen grandchildren.
Mr. Molitor is a man given to thinking for himself, and as such is necessarily interested in public affairs. Being one of the earliest settlers he has naturally had considerable influence in the locality, and has been chosen to till a number of the local offices, among which may be mentioned that of chairman of the town of Grover, which included the present township of Hammel, and that of treasurer. The former office he held two years, and served as treasurer four years, fulfilling the duties of both positions with the utmost satisfaction, while as a man and neighbor he commands the respect and esteem of all.
[source: Commemorative Biographical Record Of The Upper Lake Region By J.H. Beers & Co published 1905]
DAVID MONTOUR
Saloon, Chelsea, was born in Upper Canada, Feb. 15, 1853. His parents came to Wisconsin in 1855, and located in DePere, Brown Co., where he attended school. His first employment was in lumbering. In 1874 he moved to Little Black, Taylor Co., and moved to Chelsea in 1876. He began his present business in 1880, and has just erected a house in the village, 24x40 and two stories high, for business and residence. In 1878 he married Miss Julia Sheff, of Medford. They have one child, Francis. He owns a farm of 75 acres.
[source: History of Northern Wisconsin; The Westerns Historical Company A. T. Andreas,prop.; copyright 1881]
C. H. PALMER
Lumberman, Westboro, was born in Susquehanna Co., Penn ; was engaged in lumbering and farming, and came to Waukesha Co., Wis., in 1858. where he also engaged in farming. In 1872 he moved to Roxbury and kept a boardinghouse, and in 1874 settled in Westboro, being the first settler in the village. He built a hotel and kept it till 1878, when he went into a sawmill with S. D. Cone. In 1880 he sold his interest. He married Miss James, of Susquehanna Co., Penn. They have one .son, Clarence, who was born in Waukesha Co., Wis., in 1859, where he attended school and finished at the Madison University in 1877. He now has control of the grocery store.
[source: History of Northern Wisconsin; The Westerns Historical Company A. T. Andreas,prop.; copyright 1881]
A. J. PERKINS
Real estate dealer, Medford, was born in Windsor Co., Vermont, Dec. 27, 1830; he came to Wisconsin in 1853, stopping in Jefferson Co., where he taught school; later he worked as carpenter and joiner ; he was at one time foreman of the Wisconsin Manufacturing Company ; in 1874. he was elected County Clerk ; was re-elected in 1876 ; moved to Medford in 1878 ; he owns a farm of eighty acres, having cleared forty ; he has a grocery which is managed by his only son, Frank M. In 1859 he was married to Miss Charlotte M Winterling, of Germany ; he belongs to the I. 0. 0. F. and the Masons.
[source: History of Northern Wisconsin; The Westerns Historical Company A. T. Andreas,prop.; copyright 1881]
GEORGE S. PHELPS
Druggist. Medford, was born at Alburg Springs, Vt., Nov. 19, 1839; he came with his father to Wisconsin in 1855, and settled on a farm in Fond du Lac, Co., on about 800 acres; in 1862, enlisted in the 2d Wis. Cavalry.; was mustered out of the service in 1865. as 2d Lieutenant; he then returned home to the farm, where he found his father raising fine stock ; in November, 1874, he came to Taylor Co., and located at Westboro ; in the spring of 1875, was elected Justice of the Peace ; moved to Medford, and opened his office ; became interested in the drug business with Dr. Hubble, until 1877 ; the firm was G. S. Phelps & Co.; in 1 879, he bought the entire business, which is worth $2,000 a year; in 1878, he was made Judge. In 1879, he married Miss "Eleanor Miller, of Greenbush, Wis., at the residence of W. P. Bartlett, in Eau Claire, Rev. E. E. Clough, performing the ceremony; she was at that time a teacher in the High School of that place; he and his wife belong to the M. E. Church, which they have helped to build up ; he has a land agency for some 25,000 acres, on which to locate the emigrants coming into and building up the State.
[source: History of Northern Wisconsin; The Westerns Historical Company A. T. Andreas,prop.; copyright 1881]
JUDGE E. R. PRINK
Farmer, Sec. 22, P. 0. Medford, was born in New York, March 12, 1824 ; he was reared near the Hudson River, where he had only common school education, and where he learned the carpenter trade, which he has followed together with farming and lumbering all his life. In 1845, he was married Miss Eleanor Brado, of Columbia Co.; he engaged in the lumbering business at Albany, and in farming in Columbia Co.; in 1868, he went to Oshkosh, Wis., and worked at carpenter work till 1874, when he came to Medford and took 120 acres of Government land, which he now owns and farms; in 1876, he bought the Taylor County Star, but afterward, sold it ; he was appointed County Judge of Taylor Co. in 1874, and again in 1876, by Gov. Ludington; he was in the mercantile business in 1878, but is now living on his farm ; he has three children—Jane, deceased ; Uretta A. and Edwin P. While Judge Prink was District Treasurer, he was the one that aided in putting up the fine school of Medford, securing the loan necessary to build. Mr. Prink was not in the army, but four of his brothers were.
[source: History of Northern Wisconsin; The Westerns Historical Company A. T. Andreas,prop.; copyright 1881]
LEON ROY
Lumberman, Chelsea ; was born in Quebec, Canada, June 4, 1853. In 1870 he went to Detroit, Mich., then to Minnesota and finally to Portage Co. He belonged to a surveying party and located in Chelsea, opening a grocery store, and after awhile began lumbering. He has been Assessor for four years past, and belongs to the A. 0. U. W.
[source: History of Northern Wisconsin; The Westerns Historical Company A. T. Andreas,prop.; copyright 1881]
AUGUST SUMNER RUSSEL
An influential citizen of Medford, Taylor county, and an expert timber estimator, was born in Franklin county, Maine, Feb. 5, 1838, the son of Sumner and Abigail (Coombs) Russell.
The Russell family comes of English stock, and has been represented in this country since colonial days, when three brothers came to the United States, one of whom settled in Maine and became the progenitor of Augustus S. His descendent's included a number of military men. The paternal grandfather of our subject was a farmer in Maine and lived to a good old age.
Sumner Russell was always engaged in the lumber business in Maine, and built and operated two sawmills in the town of Avon. He was a Democrat of prominence in the State, and served two terms in the Legislature. In religious belief he was a Methodist. Mr. Russell was thrice married, first to a Miss Pierce, by whom he had three children. of these only one survives, Herman, of Fullerton, Cal. By his second wife, Abigail Coombs, he had ten children, of whom the following are living: Augustus S.; Franklin P., of Fond du Lac; Leroy, of Los Angeles, Cal.; Ella, Mrs. Wellman, of Augusta, Maine; Louisa, Mrs. Smith, of Sumnerville, Mass. Mrs Abigail Russell died at the age of forty-five. She was the daughter of Capt. Joseph Coombs, Commander of a vessel engaged in trade with the West Indies and other ports. For his third wife Mr. Russell married Mrs. Mary Gilman, by whom he had two children.
Augustus S. Russell remained at home until he reached his majority, then went West and was located for six years in Green Lake county, Wis. Thence he went to Oshkosh, and became interested in lumbering, which in one form or another has absorbed most of his attention ever since. He has done considerable cruising, has estimated timber and engaged in logging. Three years were spent in Portage county, and then Mr. Russell went in the fall of 1876 to Westboro, Taylor county. There he was elected assessor and fulfilled the duties of that office summers, while in winter ha scaled logs.
After three years thus occupied Mr. Russell was in the fall of 1879 elected county surveyor, and held the office five years. He has ever since done more or less in that line, when it did not interfere with his work as cruiser and estimator. in the latter capacities he has spent two seasons in Missouri, one in Arkansas, one season in Louisiana, and one in Texas. His home since 1880 has been in Medford, where he resides in a commodious modern house.
Mr. Russell was married July 4, 1859, to Nancy T. Davis, daughter of Steven and Sally Davis, of Franklin county, Maine. Their only child is a son, Lyman D., who is employed in the First National Bank of Medford as assistant cashier.
of the vital questions of the day. in his political views Mr. Russell is wholly independent, looking at each question from the standpoint of the public welfare. While in Westboro he served as justice of the peace, but has not aspired for political honors. His religious belief is that of the Methodist Episcopal Church, of which he is a trustee, and Mr. Russell has been active in the regular church work and in general temperance work, which he regards as one. Fraternally he has been a member of the F.&A.M., since 1868, and is a charter member of the local lodge of the I.O.O.F He is a man of the utmost integrity, and of a most estimable character, and is highly esteemed by all who have been brought into any relation with him.
[source: Commemorative Biographical Record Of The Upper Lake Region By J.H. Beers & Co published 1905]
M. W. RYAN
Restaurant and boarding-house, was born in Burlington, Vt., Dec. 10, 1847; moving to Bristol, Conn., went to school there, and came to Milwaukee. He received his early schooling in Waukesha, Wis., where his mother now lives. In 1860, he went on to the Lakes, and in 1861 attempted to go with the 28th Reg. W. V. I., as drummer boy. In 1863, in spite of his youth, he enlisted in Co. D. 3d W. V. C. He served till 1865, and was mustered out. In 1866. went to Oshkosh, then to Ft. Howard, and, in 1874, came to Medford; in 1877, he was elected Town Treasurer, which office he held for three years, and in 1878 and 1879 was Deputy Sheriff. In 1880, he opened his restaurant. He is now building a house on Front street, 60x26, at a cost of 82,000, to accommodate his increased business. In 1842, he married Miss Mary Wagner, of Waukesha. They have three children—Maggie, Mary E. and Nellie. He was the first Treasurer of both the I. 0. O. F. and the A. 0. U. W., and belongs to the Temple of Honor.
[source: History of Northern Wisconsin; The Westerns Historical Company A. T. Andreas,prop.; copyright 1881]
Hon. Michael W. Ryan. Public officials who use their positions as vantage ground for securing the greatest possible good to their constituents are rare, and the citizens of Medford and Taylor county have shown their appreciation of the fact in the hearty endorsement that they have given this able and public-spirited gentleman. A prominent pioneer of the county, he was born in the far East, in Burlington, Vt., Dec. 10, 1847.
The parents of Mr. Ryan were Stephen and Elizabeth (Gallick) Ryan, both born in Ireland, in county Tipperary and County Meath, respectively, though they met and married in America. Mrs. Ryan's parents died in Ireland, and she came to this country when only fourteen years old, with a brother and sister. Stephen Ryan came to the United States when a young man, and lived for a time in Burlington, Vt., but in 1850 started with his wife and family overland for California. On reaching St. Louis, he was taken sick and died there. His widow afterward married Michael Garrity, and is now living in Oshkosh, Wis., at the age of seventy-five.
Michael W. Ryan was taken to Wisconsin by his mother when two years old and lived in Milwaukee until 1857. Thence the family moved to Waukesha, and there Michael entered public schools and began his education, in due time completing the course. Too young to enlist when war broke out, he did so later, and Jan. 1, 1864, was enrolled in Company I, 3d Wis. Cavalry. He served under Gen. Curtis in Gen. James Blunt's brigade, and took part in a number of battles and skirmishes, in all of which he acquitted himself with credit. The greater part of the time he was stationed on the frontier in the Southwest, and was there discharged, Sept. 29, 1865.
Mr. Ryan was one of the pioneers of Medford, as he settled there in 1874. He was employed several years as foreman in a sawmill, and then took up the hotel business, which he followed for a long time. He built the "Exchange Hotel" and as long as he conducted it, it was the leading hostelry in the place. Much of his time has been spent in public service, and for the past thirteen years he has been connected with the post office. One of his business investments has been the erection of a two-story steel and brick building, to be used for store and residence.
Mr. Ryan has always taken an active part in politics, and is one of the leading Democrats in the northern part of the State, as well as in the local ranks. In 1890, 1894 and 1896, he was sent as delegate to the State conventions. He has given thirteen continuous years in service of the post office department, eight years as postmaster and the rest as assistant, an office he still holds. During the session of 1893 he was appointed postmaster of the Wisconsin Senate. Medford has honored him by election to the offices of alderman and mayor, and during his two year term in the latter place, Mr. Ryan was largely instrumental in securing the location in Medford of several manufacturing enterprises. In 1898 Mr. Ryan was elected to the Assembly as representative from Taylor and Lincoln counties; he served on the committees on town and county organization, and health and sanitation, and earned a reputation as a hard working member.
On April 8, 1872, Mr. Ryan was married to Mary Magner, daughter of James and Mary Magner, of Waukesha, Wis. There are three children in the family, all daughters, namely: Margaret M., who was born in Waukesha, and has been a teacher in the Medford schools for the past eleven years; Mary E., who married Louis A. Maier, cashier in the First National Bank, of Medford, Wis.; and Helen F., a bookkeeper in Mellen, Wisconsin.
Mr. Ryan in prominent in the G.A.R. and was a charter member of the Post at Medford, of which he is a Past Commander. In 1896 he was sent as a delegate to the National Encampment at St. Paul. He enters with zeal onto whatever he is connected with and is everywhere found a valuable aid.
[source: Commemorative Biographical Record Of The Upper Lake Region By J.H. Beers & Co published 1905]
NELSON SALVO
Saloon, Westboro, was born in East Canada Aug. 9, 1848. There he remained till April 13, 1865, when he went to Green Bay and engaged in lumbering. In 1874 he came to Westboro, cleared trees and stumps from his lot and built and opened a saloon. He now has a boardinghouse and farms, owning 160 acres in the town of Westboro and a farm in the adjoining town. Mr. Salvo was on the Town Board for three years ; was Town Treasurer for 1880, and held other offices. In 1877 he married Maria Thorson, of Steven's Point. They have two children—Laura L. and Edna M. He is a member of the I. O. O. F.
[source: History of Northern Wisconsin; The Westerns Historical Company A. T. Andreas,prop.; copyright 1881]
WILLIAM SEEGER
Livery stable. Medford, was born in Tonawanda, Erie Co., N. Y., March 7, 1842. He went with his parents to Sheboygan County in 1855, where they settled on a farm, in the town of Lina ; in 1857, he went to Manitowoc, and learned the butcher's trade. He enlisted, in 1861, in the 4th Wisconsin Cavalry, Co. C, and served till 18(!H, when he re-enlisted, and was wounded at the battle of Morgana; was on the gunboat. Albatross, for six weeks, and returning to his regiment, on the 17th of November,1864,was taken prisoner, but was paroled; went to Vicksburg and then home, on sick furlough ; was mustered out, at Madison, Wis.; returned to Sheboygan, and resumed his trade. In 1867, he married Miss Amelia Knoublack, of Sheboygan. On Nov. 15, 1874, he came to Medford and opened a butcher-shop, then kept the Central House, and finally began his present business. He has a branch at Spencer, Marathon Co. He was the first German settler in Taylor Co. They have three children—Artie, Lewis and William. He belongs to the United Workmen and the Odd Fellows; has been Supervisor and Deputy Sheriff.
[source: History of Northern Wisconsin; The Westerns Historical Company A. T. Andreas,prop.; copyright 1881]
H. C. SHEARER
Farmer, Sec. 2, P. 0. Chelsea ; was born in Chautauqua Co., N. Y.. July 29, 1849. In 1866 he went to Kent Co., Mich., and engaged in lumbering. In 1 871 he went to San Francisco but returned to Wisconsin and began lumbering in the northern part of the State. He then came to Chelsea and worked awhile in the mill and since has been lumbering and farming. He bought his farm of 101 acres in 1877, and another of 70 acres. He has about 20 acres cleared and improved. He was Chairman of the Town Board in 1876 and '77 ; Town Treasurer from 1 878 to '81, and belongs to the Temple of Honor. In 1879, April 26, he married Miss Evalina Eastling, of Sauk Co. They have three children—Belle, Marden and an infant.
[source: History of Northern Wisconsin; The Westerns Historical Company A. T. Andreas,prop.; copyright 1881]
W. D. SMITH
Furniture, Medford; was born in Tioga Co., Penn., August 27, 1830. The family moved to Tompkins Co, N. Y., in 1841, where he learned cabinet maker's trade. In 1862 he came to Dane Co., Wis., and went into the employ of Government, manufacturing officers' desks, etc. In 1864 he located in Columbia Co. and opened hotel in Cambria. A fire destroyed all he had, when he came to Medford and opened furniture store ; his wife having started a milliner shop. In 1855 he married Miss II N. .Murdock. They have two children—Josephine, now Mrs. Price, and Solomon. Mr. Smith has been School Treasurer for I four years ; belongs to A. 0. U. W. and owns a farm of 40 acres.
[source: History of Northern Wisconsin; The Westerns Historical Company A. T. Andreas,prop.; copyright 1881]
JAMES SEMPLE
Mr. Semple built the first mill in this county, in March, 1874. He got the mill in operation, and ran it until July 20, when Messrs. Whelen & Robinson were admitted as partners. Mr. Semple was born in Lower Canada, near Montreal, and went to Granby to school. The family afterward moved to Massachusetts, and finally to Oshkosh, where the brothers and mother still reside. He was a man very much liked by his men, and, had he lived, would have been a leading citizen. He died in September, 1874.
[source: History of Northern Wisconsin; The Westerns Historical Company A. T. Andreas,prop.; copyright 1881]
ABRAM TAYLOR
Lumberer and mill owner, Chelsea ; was born in Grafton Co., New Hampshire, August 29, 1822. His early life was passed on a farm; in 1855 he came to Wisconsin and has followed mercantile business since; he first settled in Ft. Howard, Brown Co. In 1874 he came to Chelsea and built his mill, living meanwhile in a car standing on the track, as there was no train through for weeks. The mill has a capacity of 40,000 of lumber and 80,000 of shingles a day. L. M. Marshall now has a share in the business. Mr. Taylor has a store in connection with the mill. In 1861 he enlisted in the 12th Wis. Vol., Co. H, and in l862 was discharged on account of his disability, and returned to Fort Howard ; he helped in organizing the town of Chelsea; he has a homestead of 160 acres on Sec. 6, in the town of Chelsea, 42 acres clear and 31 under cultivation ; he is locating the emigrants as fast as they arrive, furnishing them with houses and work, and thus peopling this section of the State. In 1847 he married Miss Martha Young, of New Hampshire. They have one son—Carl I. Mr. Taylor is a member of the Masonic fraternity and also of the Baptist Church.
[source: History of Northern Wisconsin; The Westerns Historical Company A. T. Andreas,prop.; copyright 1881]
L. L. TAYLOR. M. D.,
Who has been a resident of Rib Lake, Wis., since 1900, and has made considerable progress in the ranks of his profession in Taylor county, was born in 1866 in Waupun, Wis., where he was reared and received his preliminary education in the public schools.
Dr. Taylor is a son of Cyrus and Mary G. (Graves) Taylor, the former of whom was a son of Hiram Taylor, a pioneer of Wolverton, who later moved to Columbia county and there died, leaving a family of nine sons and one daughter. Cyrus Taylor, father of Dr. Taylor, settled in the vicinity of Waupun, where he married and engaged in farming for a number of years; he is now a resident of Waupun, living retired. In his early days he did considerable rail-splitting, the pay at that time being fifty cents per hundred. The mother of Dr. Taylor is a daughter of Logan and Eunice Graves, natives of New York State, who came to Wisconsin in 1843 and settled down to farming in Dodge county. Cyrus Taylor and his wife had three children, Eunice, Mary and the subject of this sketch. Cyrus Taylor went to California in 1849, where he remained three years, spending about two years in mining and more than a year in packing, between Sacramento and Shasta City, using his own outfit. These years were filled with adventure and Mr. Taylor can recall many exciting incidents.
Although Dr. Taylor was reared on a farm, he was given good educational advantages, and after completing the public school course went to Hillsdale College, where he remained until his health failed. He then went to Appleton, Wis., where he entered the university and there completed his interrupted education. Dr. Taylor then accepted a position as bookkeeper with a large lumber company in Louisiana and remained there three years. He had in the meantime cherished the hope of a medical education and by 1897 was financially prepared for the expense. He matriculated in that year at the Illinois Medical College at Chicago, and was graduated with credit in 1900. He came immediately to Rib Lake, where he opened an office and ever since has been in active practice of his profession. In addition to managing a large practice, which continually grows more important, he carries a line of pure drugs, this wise provision enabling him to be sure of his prescriptions. His offices are well appointed and his surgical equipment is sufficient for almost any demand.In 1893 he married Lenea Lundberg, of Barburg, Sweden. He has taken a prominent part in local affairs ever since becoming a resident of Rib Lake, and was one of the moving spirits in the incorporation of the village, which was consummated in 1902. and he was elected the first president, which office he held one term. He is interested in various enterprises and is one of the directors of the Rib Lake State Bank.
Fraternally Dr. Taylor is a Mason, connected with the Blue Lodge at Waupun, and the Chapter at Medford. [source: Commemorative Biographical Record Of The Upper Lake Region
By
J.H. Beers & Co
published 1905]
General store, Medford; was born in Cattaraugus Co., N. Y., Oct 2, 1847. His father, in 1856, moved the family to Racine, Wis., where he remained till 1861 , when they went to Milwaukee ; here he learned the shoe maker's trade. In 1865 he went to Waupaca Co. and opened a wagon factory with his father. Later he went to Nebraska, Kansas, Colorado and Missouri, returning to Milwaukee. In 1870 became to Medford, opening business as Van Ornum & Thompson. In 18S1 assumed the business himself; his stock amounts to about S2,500 and his business $10.000 a year. In 1870 he married Miss Betsy Ann Rowen, of Northport, Waupaca Co. They have three children— Ida May, Chester Levi, and Luna Ann. Mr. Thompson belongs to the Temple of Honor.
[source: History of Northern Wisconsin; The Westerns Historical Company A. T. Andreas,prop.; copyright 1881]
WM. R. TUTTLE
Farmer, Chelsea ; was born in Oswego Co., N. Y., Nov. 23, 1848. In 1869 he went to Sheboygan Co., and soon after to the mines in Michigan, where he worked at the trade of carpenter ; he then went to Green Bay, Wis., and began lumbering. In 1874 he came to Taylor Co., first to Chelsea, then to Westboro, and finally to Medford. In 1876 he married Mrs. Honeywell; in 1877 returned to Chelsea and took a homestead of 40 acres and bought 40 in the town of Westboro, and also house and lot in Chelsea. He works at the carpenter's trade and lumbering in connection with farming ; he belongs to the Temple of Honor.
[source: History of Northern Wisconsin; The Westerns Historical Company A. T. Andreas,prop.; copyright 1881]
E. L. URQUHART
Sheriff of Taylor Co., Medford; was born in Canada, Jan. 15, 1846. He went to McGill College, and in 1865 removed to Franklin Co., N. Y., and engaged in farming for awhile; he next went to Michigan and lumbered in Muskegan. In 1876 he came to Westboro, Taylor Co., where he was engaged in the same business till 1880. 1878 and '79 he was chairman of Town and County Board and resigned when elected Sheriff in 1879. In 1874 he married Miss Catherine Devereux, of Canada. They have three boys—Kenneth J.. Lionel L. and Norman A. Mr. Urquhart is a Master of the Masonic Lodge and P. G. of the I. 0. 0. F.; also a member of the A. O. U. W.
[source: History of Northern Wisconsin; The Westerns Historical Company A. T. Andreas,prop.; copyright 1881]
Elias L. Urquhart. Few business men have displayed greater versatility then has this enterprising resident of Medford, Taylor county, who after some years of successful work as an estimator and lumber dealer, is now engaged in the real estate and insurance business. While his work has always demanded and received close attention, he has also found time to take a prominent part in public affairs, and his well known ability and energy have been almost continually called into service by his fellow citizens. Mr. Urquhart is a Canadian, born in Glengarry, Ontario, January 15, 1846.
William Urquhart, his great-grandfather, came from Iverness, Scotland, about 1770, and settled in Glengarry, then an almost unbroken wilderness. He made his home on a farm, and died there in his ninetieth year. His son Alexander, lived and died in the same locality, as did also James of the next generation. James Urquhart married Margaret Leonard, born in County Down, Ireland. Her father was Capt. Elias Leonard, for many years in the British army. She lived to be ninety-two years old, while her husband reached only the appointed three score years and ten.
Elias Urquhart attended the public schools of his vicinity until he was sixteen, and at nineteen went to the United States, where he engaged in lumbering in Michigan for five years. In 1870 he removed to Wausau, Wis., and the next year to Oconto, where he was employed in logging, estimating and surveying, until 1876, after which he was similarly employed in Westboro, Taylor Co. Since 1880 he has resided in Medford. For a few years he operated a sawmill there, and until 1890 was connected in some way with the lumber industry, but since then has done a real estate and insurance business. He has platted three additions to the city, handles both city and farm property, and has himself improved several farms.
Mr. Urquhart is Republican in his views, and is quite prominent in the party ranks locally. For two years he made a very competent sheriff and for fifteen served on the county board of supervisors, eleven years of that time being chairman of the board. During President Harrison's administration he was appointed postmaster and acted as such the full four years. For the past eleven years he has been on the city board of education.
On June 23, 1874, Mr. Urquhart was married to Miss Catherine Devereux, born in County Mavo, Ireland, the daughter of Bridget and Anthony Devereux. To this union have come nine children, as follows: Kenneth J., an attorney in Medford; Lionel L., bookkeeper in the State Bank of Medford; Norman A., a stenographer; Roy S., a student at Gilbert Business College at Milwaukee; Marion E., in the Wisconsin University; Catherine M., Helen D., Anna E., and Elias A.
Mr. Urquhart has long been connected with the Masonic body. He was first master of the local lodge, and first High Priest of the chapter. He is also identified with the Commandery, K.T., at Stevens Point, and the Wisconsin Consistory at Milwaukee. He is also a charter member and Past Grand of Medford Lodge, I.O.O.F., and belongs to the local organizations of the K.O.T.M., the M.W.A. and the Equitable Fraternal Union. At present (1904) he is mayor of the city of Medford and chairman of the county board.
[source: Commemorative Biographical Record Of The Upper Lake Region By J.H. Beers & Co published 1905]
TRUMAN VAN ORNUM.
The life of this prominent citizen of Medford, Taylor county, who passed from this world Feb. 23, 1900. was one whose value to others was not limited to his days of activity, but was an object lesson of even greater worth after he was compelled to drop out from the ranks of the workers. Often in pain, and disabled from an active life for a number of years before his final release, the wonderful patience and fortitude which Mr. Van Ornum displayed under suffering, was only equaled by the faithfulness and untiring devotion with which his wife ministered to his needs.
Truman Van Ornum was born in Lacolle. Canada. July 11, 1825, son of Jacob and Sarah (Lewis) Van Ornum. natives of that same place. The father was a carpenter by trade, and passed most of his life in Canada, but spent his later years on a farm near Detroit, Mich. The son was educated in the public schools, and after completing the course of study learned his father's trade, which he followed at intervals the greater part of his life. For many years he operated a sawmill at Lacolle. He left Canada in 1880, and settled in Medford, where he gave up his former occupation, and began to deal in general merchandise.
He continued in this several years, but gradually gave more and more of his attention to contracting and dealing in railroad ties, while he also returned to his earlier employment, and erected a number of buildings. To a considerable extent he speculated in real estate and other property, meeting with almost uniform success.
In 1892 Mr. Van Ornum fell from a building which he was putting up, and he was so injured that he was never after able to do any active business, but for the remaining eight years of his life was a great sufferer. Then, even more than in the preceding years of their long married life, his wife. Cynthia C. Bartlett. whom he had married Dec. 17, 1840, showed herself a help meet indeed, and did everything possible to make his last days comfortable. Mrs. Van Ornum was a daughter of Dr. George C. and Martha (Lewis') Bartlett. natives of Vermont and Odelltown, Quebec, respectively. Dr. Bartlett was educated at Fairfield, Vt., and practiced for many years at Lacolle. Mrs. Van Ornum continued to reside in Medford. where a widowed daughter lives, and there she died in July, 1905. Of the six children born to her and her husband, five are living, but the family is scattered. Emma Amelia, the oldest, is now Mrs. Joseph Lanphear. and lives in Tower, Minn.; Willard Oscar is in Chicago: Ida I., Mrs. T. B. Cowles. lives in Madison, Wis.; Florence Evaline is the widow of S. C. Smith, of Medford; and Cora Winifred married l- S. McGeorge. and resides in Hayward, Wis. Mrs. Van Ornum had six living grandchildren.
Mr. Van Ornum during his active life was a regular attendant of the Methodist Church, of which his wife was a member. For many years he had been a member of the Masonic fraternity. Politically he was always a Republican, and was elected to several local offices, which he filled with the same careful attention and ability, which he manifested in all his own private operations, thereby winning the confidence and respect of his associates.
[source: Commemorative Biographical Record Of The Upper Lake Region By J.H. Beers & Co published 1905]
JOHN J. VOEMASTEK.
Rib Lake, Taylor Co., Wis., with its intelligent population of 12,000, and located in a rich mineral and agricultural section, has become well known over the State through the columns of its leading newspaper, the Rib Lake Hera1d, which is ably managed and edited by John J. Voemastek, a prominent newspaper man and influential citizen. Mr. Voemastek was born March 25, 1877. at Vienna, Austria, a son of Joseph and Anna (Eremias) Voemastek, whom he accompanied to America in 1886. He had enjoyed three years of schooling in the public schools of that country, and then became a student at Shawano, Wis., where his father located for a short time. Later, when the family removed to Bessemer, Mich., he concluded his education there, at the age of eighteen years, leaving the high school two months before graduation. He then entered the office of the Bessemer Herald, where he continued for two years, mastering the details of the printing business sufficiently to enter into a partnership with F. B. Hani in establishing a newspaper at Rib Lake.
From the very beginning the business has prospered and Mr. Voemastek has entire charge of the editorial department. The first issue of the Herald was on Dec. 10, 1897, a quarto in size, of six columns. The prospectus promised that the journal should be devoted to the interests of Rib Lake first and that its political complexion should be Republican in national affairs, but independent in local matters. This promise has been so well fulfilled that the paper has grown yearly in strength and influence and has been the means of bringing many industries and much capital to the city. Probably no office in this part of the State is better equipped with modern machinery.
Since locating at Rib Lake Mr. Voemastek has been very prominent in all movements for the development of this section and he has been called upon to serve in a number of public capacities. For two years he was a justice of the peace, and in 1902 was chosen to fill a vacancy as town clerk. When the village was incorporated he was made one of the trustees, serving for a period of two years. As a stanch member of the Republican party he exerts a wide influence with his able and convincing pen, and in 1902 he was elected a delegate to the State gubernatorial convention.On Jan. 6, 1900, Mr. Voemastek was. married to Miss Emma Marsh, a resident of Colby, Wis. Fraternally he is associated with Lake View Lodge, No. 227, I. O. 0. F.; Peerless Tent, No. 36, K. O. T. M.; and Rib Lake Camp, No. 890, Modern Woodmen of America.
Mr. Voemastek belongs to that enterprising class of men who never cease to be students, their manifold acquirements but making stronger their zest for still greater knowledge. Had he not devoted his life to journalism, it is possible that he would have succeeded admirably as an electrical engineer. To satisfy a natural leaning in this direction he took a special course in electrical engineering with the Scranton School of Correspondence. He was an apt pupil, and as opportunities offer he pursues his experiments on lines of his own invention. Brilliant, persevering, intellectual, he has a bright future ahead in his chosen profession, while his pleasing personality and affable manner bring to him a wide circle of warm friends to make happy his private life.
[source: Commemorative Biographical Record Of The Upper Lake Region By J.H. Beers & Co published 1905]
J. H. WHEELOCK
Clerk, Medford ; was born in Milwaukee, Wis., August 26, 1852. When ten years of age his parents moved to Washington Co. In 1858 they went to Waukesha Co., where he attended the school known as St. John's Hall. Going to Mineral Point he entered Dr. R. D. Pulford's drug store ; his health failing in 1865 he went South, and was employed on the railroads. He remained there ten years and then came to Green Bay, and from there to Medford in June, 1876. He was Town Clerk and Justice in 1877 and '78, and was connected with the newspaper till Jan. 1. 1830, when he to,)k the office of Deputy Treasurer for Taylor Co. He was married in 1871, but lost his wife and was married again in 1880, to Miss Fannie Wheeler, of Wisconsin. Mr. Wheelock is an Odd Fellow, belongs to the Temple of Honor and is a member of the Episcopal Church.
[source: History of Northern Wisconsin; The Westerns Historical Company A. T. Andreas,prop.; copyright 1881]
T. C. WHELEN
Born in New York State; when a young man came to Oshkosh and afterward to Fort Howard, and from there to Medford in the spring of 1874. and went into the firm that was building the mill and was interested in it until his death, which was Sept. 27, 1876, at the age of thirty-one years. He had, six years before, married Lizzie, a daughter of David McCartney, whom he left with a daughter. Mr. Whelen was an enterprising man and did everything in his power to build up the place, and had valuable plans for its improvement at the time of bis death. He was a great loss to Medford.
[source: History of Northern Wisconsin; The Westerns Historical Company A. T. Andreas,prop.; copyright 1881]
WESLEY SCOTT WITHERS,
Editor of the Taylor County Star-News, and one of the practical journalists of northern Wisconsin, has passed his whole life in the State where he was born, in Belleville, Dane county, Jan. 30, 1876, son of Bramwell and Mary (Oliver) Withers.
The first of the Withers family to land in America was John Withers, grandfather of Wesley Scott, who came from England to Canada when only a lad of ten. He was a gunsmith and molder by trade, and, after following that occupation for a while in Canada, came to the United States with his wife and children and lived for the rest of his eighty years at various points in Wisconsin. He married Elizabeth Scott. Their son Bramwell was a boy when his parents brought him to Wisconsin, and he was reared and educated at Moscow, Hillsboro, and other places where the family lived. He became a blacksmith and machinist and carried on shops at Argyle, Monticello and Belleville, Wis., and is now residing in Evansville, Wis. Mrs. Mary O. Withers was born at Belleville, Wis., daughter of William Oliver, a pioneer farmer of Dane county, who was a native of Scotland and came to America in boyhood. Mrs. Withers death occurred in Monroe, Wis., in the spring of 1887.Wesley S. Withers attended school first in Green county, and afterward completed his high school course at Monticello, graduating when nineteen years old. From the time he was fourteen he had worked more or less in a printing office, and had become familiar with much of the work of such concerns. After graduating he was employed in the office of the Madison Democrat Company, State printers, for a period of two years, and in 1899 went to Superior. There he was engaged as foreman in the office of the Daily Telegram, and acquired the practical experience in the management of a newspaper that has made his present work successful. He bought his interest in the Star-News in the fall of 1902, and since then the paper has been under his personal management. His ability and experience promise a prosperous future of ever increasing usefulness and influence.Mr. Withers was married Jan. 30, 1901, to Harriet Nicholas, the daughter of Rev. R. W. Nicholas, of Brodhead, Wis. Mr. Withers is a member of the M. W. A., and being of a genial, social disposition is popular with his friends there, as well as with his business associates.
[source: Commemorative Biographical Record Of The Upper Lake Region By J.H. Beers & Co published 1905]
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