Biographies from "The History of La Crosse County, Wisconsin," 1881

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From History of La Crosse County, Wisconsin, 1881, p. 820.

DANIEL BACON, farmer, Sec. 4; P. O. West Salem; born in Warren Co., N. Y., in 1818; he came to Wisconsin, June 1, 1850, and settled on his present farm July of that year, making him one of the very earliest settlers of La Crosse Co. He was married in New York, to Mary A. Stanton; she died January, 1852; his present wife was Miss June B. Flood; has four children by first marriage - Alice, now Mrs. Edward Elwell; Edgar D., William G. and Ledrue R.; lost two children; has had four children by present wife, three of whom are living - Julia, Florence and Lizzie. In the fall of 1852, Mr. Bacon went to the city of La Crosse, and engaged in the mercantile business; was burned out in 1857; he returned to his farm in the spring of 1859.

From History of La Crosse County, Wisconsin, 1881, p. 832.

ZACHARIAS BAEBLER, Jr., harness-maker, Bangor; son of Z. Baebler, Sr., who was born in Switzerland; came to the United States in 1870; came directly to La Crosse, thence to Bangor the same year. Mr. Baebler, Jr., was born in Switzerland, June, 1857; learned his trade in Bangor, and established his business here in 1874.

From History of La Crosse County, Wisconsin, 1881, p. 809 - 810.

RICHARD BAILEY, Postmaster, and member of the firm of Bailey & Co., dealers in general merchandize; was born in Androscoggin Co., Maine, Dec. 11, 1828. Came to Wisconsin in 1855; located in Burns, on a farm of 160 acres. He then returned to Maine, where, in 1861, he enlisted in Company K, 5th Me. V. I.; mustered out July 27, 1864. He was engaged in most of the battles on the Potomac, first Bull Run, seven days' battle, second Bull Run, Antietam, Fredericksburg, Gettysburg, Chancellorsville and the Wilderness. He then returned to Maine; then in the fall of 1864 to Faribault Co., Minn., and back to Wisconsin in 1865, and engaged in the lumber business on Black River until 1869, when he engaged in the mercantile business; continued seven years, then sold out and spent one year in California, when he returned and bought a one-half interest in with Mr. Thompson. Mr. B. was appointed Postmaster in the year 1869, and has held the office since with the exception of the year 1876. Has been Town Treasurer three years. His wife, Susan M. Garland, a native of Oxford Co., Maine; born Aug. 24, 1836; married Sept. 9, 1866; they have no children. Mrs. B.'s father came to town of Burns, Wis., in 1856, and now resides in Mitchell Co., Iowa.

From History of La Crosse County, Wisconsin, 1881, p. 854.

A. M. BAKER (deceased), was born in 1836, at Athens, Ohio. In 1857, he, with his parents, went to Vernon Co., Wis., and the following year he entered the Western College of Linn Co., Iowa, where he remained until 1861, when he enlisted in Co. F, 14th Iowa V. I., and served three years, during which time he was a prisoner for about eight months, and while in prison contracted disease, which led to his death in 1876. His wife, Mary E., daughter of David and Margaret Denton, is living near North La Crosse.

From History of La Crosse County, Wisconsin, 1881, p. 735.

REV. M. B. BALCH, Pastor of the First M. E. Church, is a native of Bennington Co., Vt.; born in 1836. In his infancy, his parents removed to Saratoga Springs, N. Y., where he spent his early life. His father, W. D. Balch, was proprietor of the Columbian Hotel, at Saratoga Springs, from 1841 to 1866, and still resides in that place. Mr. Balch was educated at the Troy Conference Academy and Troy University, N. Y., and studied law with Judge Willard and Judge Crane, of Saratoga, but was never admitted to the bar. He also carried on the drug business for some time at Saratoga. He entered the regular army the day after Ft. Sumter was first fired upon; enlisted for one year, and served as Hospital Steward, at Ft. Leavenworth, Kan., till he was discharged, at the end of the year. After he left the army, he came to Wisconsin, and was engaged in farming in Green Co., about three years. He was then employed by the Grand Lodge of Good Templars, as State Lecturer, till 1867; then went to Boston, and continued in the same work two years in Massachusetts; returned to Monroe, Wis., in 1869, and in 1870, entered the ministry of the M. E. Church. He was first stationed at Madison, Wis., for a few months, to fill an unexpired term, and came to La Crosse in the fall of 1870, where he remained three years; was then one year at Black River Falls, two years at the Lake Street Church, in Eau Claire, then back to Black River Falls two years, and in Mineral Point two years, coming to La Crosse, the second time, Oct. 1, 1880. He was married, in 1867, to Miss Hattie, daughter of Dr. William Monroe, of Monroe, Green Co., Wis., and has one son, Willie.

From History of La Crosse County, Wisconsin, 1881, p. 735 - 736.

JOHN A. BALLARD, M. D., was born in Fryeburg, Oxford Co., Me., Feb. 11, 1842, residing there and receiving an academic education previous to his entering the war in 1863. Enlisted in Co. E, of the 3d Maine, and served in all of the battles of the Army of the Potomac, from the battle of the Wilderness to the battles around Petersburg, and was at Appomattox at the surrender of Gen. Lee. After the war, he spent a winter in Massachusetts; then he came to River Falls, Wis., where he continued the study of medicine, which he had previously taken up with his brother, a practicing physician of that place. In September, 1866, he entered the Chicago Medical School, from which he graduated in March, 1868. Immediately following his graduation he was for six months house physican and surgeon in Mercy Hospital, Chicago, after which he spent two years in Chicago, following the practice of medicine, and also being the Superintendent of the Inebriate Asylum, after which he removed to La Crosse, since which date he has devoted his time and skill to the practice of medicine. Mr. Ballard was married in Chicago, Nov. 19, 1868, to Miss Henrietta E. Sutor, a sister of W. A. Sutor, a present resident of La Crosse.

From History of La Crosse County, Wisconsin, 1881, p. 838.

C. C. BALSTAD, farmer, Sec. 30; P. O. Holmen. Born in Norway, Feb. 18, 1840. Came to Wisconsin in 1861; worked by the day; now owns 160 acres of land, with a good orchard, barn and improvements. His wife, Ella Gilbert, a native of Norway, born in 1838. They married in 1863. They have seven children - Henry, Bennie, Betsy, Tena, Emma, Oscar and Clarence. Has been Clerk, Justice of the Peace, and Supervisor.

From History of La Crosse County, Wisconsin, 1881, p. 850.

GEORGE G. BARBER, farmer, Sec. 22; P. O. Mindoro. Mr. Barber was born in Cayuga Co., N. Y., in 1826. He removed with his parents to what is now Erie Co., Ohio, when a child. He was married in the spring of 1851, to Francis S. Cowels, of Rome, Oneida Co., N. Y. They came to La Crosse County from Erie Co., Ohio, in September of that year. He worked for a while at the business of carpentry; came to Lewis Valley in the spring of 1853. His wife died July 16, 1853, on the farm which he now owns. He, with his wife, was boarding at the time with Mr. Charles Jackson, owner of the farm at that time. Mr. Jackson came to La Crosse County in the spring of 1853. He was born in Delaware Co., N. Y.; married to the present Mrs. Barber, whose maiden name was Rachel Ward. She was born in Otsego Co., N. Y. Mr. Barber had one child by first wife, Mrs. Francis A., wife of Wellington Martin. She died Sept. 15, 1880, and left two children - Mary E. and George W. Has three children by present marriage - Charles, Willis E. and Mary A. Mrs. Barber had two children by former marriage, both deceased. Mr. B. has been Justice of the Peace and Notary Public since 1858, except one year.

From History of La Crosse County, Wisconsin, 1881, p. 850.

WILLIS E. BARBER, farmer, P. O. Mindoro; son of George G. Barber. He was born in the town of Farmington, on the homestead where he now lives, September, 1858; married Aurilla Gilfillan, daughter of William Gilfillan.

From History of La Crosse County, Wisconsin, 1881, p. 736.

J. M. BARCLAY, lumberman; has been a resident of La Crosse since November, 1856. He was born in Lyons, Wayne Co., N. Y., in 1822; in the fall of 1853, he removed to La Porte, Ind., and came from there to La Crosse. He is a blacksmith by trade, and, in 1857, he bought a shop in La Crosse, and carried on the business till 1859, then sold out, and, in the summer of 1860, in company with Bantam, built a plow-shop on Third street, opposite the court house, and carried on the business under the firm name of Barclay & Bantam for two years; then sold out his interest and worked one year for the Packet Company, making repairs. He then went to St. Paul and started a shop for the St. Paul & Pacific Railroad Company, and worked there two seasons. In the spring of 1865, he again went into the plow business in company with A. Hirshheimer, who also owned with him a one-half interest in a saw-mill at Lansing, Iowa. In January, 1880, they dissolved partnership, he taking the lumber business and Mr. H. the plow business. Has only one child - John Clayton, now in the lumber business in Lansing, Iowa. Mrs. Barclay was Rhoda S. Congor, of Cortland, N. Y.

From History of La Crosse County, Wisconsin, 1881, p. 820.

ROBERT BARKER, taxidermist, Sec. 23; P. O. West Salem. Mr. Barker was born in Yorkshire, England, Jan. 1, 1816. He was married in England, to Emily Ramsey, also born in Yorkshire. They came to the United States in 1852, and settled in Janesville, Wis., where Mr. Barker engaged in the business of cabinet-making; removed from Janesville to Monroe Co., where he was engaged in farming. Mr. Barker is a skillful taxidermist, which business he learned in England; this occupation he has followed, more or less, since he came to America; his son, Frederick A., has also learned the business; they have at their home a fine collection of rare and beautiful birds, prepared so skillfully that they closely resemble the life appearance of the birds. Mr. and Mrs. Barker have eight children - John R., Peter R., Robert, Louise; Emily, now Mrs. A. J. Sturdevant; Henry W., Fredericka and Francis C. The two oldest sons, John R. and Peter R., were in the Union Army during the rebellion; John R. enlisted in the 6th W. V. I., and served till the close of the war; Peter was in Co. A, 3d W. V. C.; he was wounded, but served till close of the war.

From History of La Crosse County, Wisconsin, 1881, p. 859.

ELIAKIL BARLOW, farmer, Sec. 16; P. O. La Crosse; was born in Clinton Co., N. Y., in 1813; came to La Crosse in 1851, where he engaged in teaming for one year, after which he settled on his present farm of 80 acres, he also owns 40 acres on Sec. 21. In 1836, Mr. Barlow was married to Mary Baker, born in Clinton Co., N. Y., in 1813; they have had eight children, only two of whom are living - Lydia A. and Milton E. Mr. Barlow is one of the old Henry Clay Whigs, and helped to organize the Republican party in Wisconsin, to which party he strictly adheres. In 1861, he enlisted in Co. B, 2d W. V. C., and served one year as wagon-master of the regiment, after which he was honorably discharged on account of sickness.

From History of La Crosse County, Wisconsin, 1881, p. 736.

W. H. BARRON, division freight agent of the Southern Minnesota Division of the Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul Railroad, has been in charge of the freight department of the Southern Minnesota Railroad since 1868, and a resident of La Crosse since March, 1857, and has been engaged on the river, and railroading most of the time since he came here. He is a native of Washington, Orange Co., Vt., and came from there to La Crosse.

From History of La Crosse County, Wisconsin, 1881, p. 736.

FRANK BARTL, foreman in the Empire Brewery; was born in Bohemia in 1838; came to the United States in 1868, and settled in Wisconsin; has been in La Crosse since 1874. He was married in Germany, in 1867, to Mary Rank, and has four children - Anna, Frank, Joseph and Mary. His father was George Bartl, and he has been working at the brewing business since he was 14 years old.

From History of La Crosse County, Wisconsin, 1881, p. 736.

F. A. BATES, fireman; has been in the employ of the Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul Railroad Company since 1859. He was born Aug. 26, 1837, in Portland, Me., where his father, Nathaniel Bates, died in July, 1854, at the age of 45. Mrs. Bates, whose maiden name was Cynthia Barstow, is still living in La Crosse with her son, in the 84th year of her age. Mr. Bates came from Portland to Wisconsin in 1859; lived in Milwaukee one year, coming to La Crosse in 1860. He has worked in the roundhouse a portion of the time, but has been firing on the road the last seven years. He was married, June 29, 1871, in La Crosse, to Martha Ann Grover, daughter of William Grover, of La Crosse. She was born in London, Eng., in 1842, and came to the United [States] with her parents in 1849. Have no children. H. K. Bates, brother of F. A., is now master mechanic on the Missouri River, Fort Scott & Gulf Railroad.

From History of La Crosse County, Wisconsin, 1881, p. 832.

B. F. BAXTER, teacher, Bangor; also, by trade, carpenter and joiner. Born in Vermont in 1839; he removed to the State of New York with his parents, when about 6 years of age, and to the State of Illinois, with his parents, in the fall of 1854; came to La Crosse Co. in 1859, and settled in Bangor. His father, Rev. B. S. Baxter, a Congregational clergyman, died at Manston in June, 1879; his mother is also deceased. Mr. Baxter enlisted, as a musician, Sept. 18, 1861, in the 10th W. V. I.; he served in this regiment about ten months, re-enlisted in 1864, in the 46th W. V. I., and served till the close of the war; he participated in several important campaigns and battles. He was married to Jennie Wood, daughter of S. C. Wood; they have two children - Susie and Effie; lost two boys - Willie and Floy. Mr. Baxter has taught seventeen terms in La Crosse Co.

From History of La Crosse County, Wisconsin, 1881, p. 736.

H. S. BEAN, foreman in the saw-mill of John Paul, has been in his present situation since 1876, and a resident of La Crosse since 1865; he was born in Franklin, Belknap Co., N. H., in 1845, son of Redmond Bean; came to Wisconsin in Janary, 1864. Was married, April 9, 1870, in Brownsville, Minn., to Miss Mary Ryan of that place, and has two children - Ai and Mary.

From History of La Crosse County, Wisconsin, 1881, p. 736.

SYLVANUS BEAN, millwright, has resided in La Crosse since February, 1861; he was first here in the fall of 1855, for a few weeks; then went to St. Anthony's Falls, Minn., and returned in 1861. He was born in Merrimack, N. H., in 1827, son of Redmond Bean. Learned his trade in New Hampshire and worked at it till he came to La Crosse; has two children - Nina Gertrude and Olive A. Mrs. Bean's maiden name was Susan L. Austin.

From History of La Crosse County, Wisconsin, 1881, p. 861.

REV. TH. BEAN, Pastor of St. Joseph Church, St. Joseph; was born in Switzerland in 1840, and, in 1853, with his parents emigrated to the United States and settled at Sheboygan, Wis. In 1857, he entered the seminary of St. Francis at Milwaukee, and was ordained as priest on the 2d day of February, 1865, and soon went to Richland County, and resided at what is now Keysville, having charge of fifteen different missions, seven of which were in Richland County, five in Sauk County, one in Crawford, and one in Juneau, for six years, when the missions were divided so that he had charge of seven missions for about seven years, after, which, in 1878, he removed to Buffalo County, and resided at Waumandee, where he took charge of St. Bonifice for two years, when he came to La Crosse County and took charge of St. Joseph Church, and one mission in the town of Washington.

From History of La Crosse County, Wisconsin, 1881, p. 859.

JACOB BECKEL, proprietor of Greenfield House, Shelby; was born in Germany in 1819; emigrated to the United States in 1840, and stopped five years in Ohio, he then came to La Crosse and remained about six years, after which he returned to Ohio and stayed until 1856, when he came back to La Crosse and settled where he now lives; he has been engaged in the hotel business the entire time; he also owns 120 acres of land. In 1863, was appointed Postmaster at Shelby, and still retains the position, being one of the oldest Postmasters in the United States. He has also held various town and school offices, and is a Democrat in politics. In 1846, he was married to Elizabeth Frank; they have had twelve children, those living are Mary, Christena, Elizabeth, Louisa, Louis, Emma, Ana and Lena.

From History of La Crosse County, Wisconsin, 1881, p. 736.

S. BECKER, grain and produce dealer, Front street, between Main and State, has been in the city of La Crosse since 1877; he is a native of Bavaria, born in 1834, and came to the United States in 1855. He lived in Tiffin, Ohio, one year; then went to Milwaukee and remained there till 1860; he came from there to La Crosse and stayed one year; then went to Trempealeau, Wis. Was married there in 1863, to Miss Emma Salomon, of St. Paul, and came from there back to La Crosse in 1877; has four children - Jacob, Albert, Cora and Ida.

From History of La Crosse County, Wisconsin, 1881, p. 736.

E. M. BECKWITH, commission merchant and dealer in second-hand goods in Borna's Block, Third street, was born in Wayne Co., N. Y., in 1828; son of Miner York Beckwith, who moved to Michigan in 1836, and died there in 1855, at the age of 54. E. M. Beckwith learned the ship-carpenter's trade in Milwaukee, Wis., and worked at the business till 1873; was in business for himself in Racine, Wis., from 1850 to 1860, and in Grand Haven, Mich., from 1860 to 1872. In 1873, he was in Duluth, Minn., building dredges for the N. P. R. R. Co. He lived in different places in Minnesota till January, 1881, and since then has been in business in La Crosse. His first wife was Helen Bowman, of Racine, Wis.; she died in 1872, leaving eight children. His second wife was Julia E. Selby, of Blue Earth Co., Minn.

From History of La Crosse County, Wisconsin, 1881, p. 737.

BENSON BROTHERS, merchants and proprietors of the Variety Store, No. 20 Main street, have been in business in La Crosse since May, 1880. The firm is composed of two brothers, Ivar and Bernt Benson, both born in Norway, sons of Bernt Benson, who died in Norway in 1860. They came to America in 1875, and have lived in Wisconsin ever since, and are both unmarried. They have one brother, B. M. Benson, in the mercantile business in Dorchester, Clark Co., Wis., and another, Emanuel Benson, engaged in farming near San Francisco, Cal.

From History of La Crosse County, Wisconsin, 1881, p. 737.

JOHN BENSON, contractor and stone-mason; was born in 1826 in Norway, where he learned his trade, and came to the United States in 1861, since which time he has resided in La Crosse. He was married in 1866, to Sarah Ann Iverson, daughter of Iver Iverson; she also was born in Norway, and came to the United States in 1860; they have two children - Ida Benson and Jacob Bernhart Benson. John's father, B. Benson, came to the United States in 1871, and now lives in Douglas Co., Minn.

From History of La Crosse County, Wisconsin, 1881, p. 737.

NIELS ELIAS BENSSON, cooper and stockholder in the La Crosse Co-operative Barrel Manufacturing Co.; was born in Norway in 1844; son of Bendit Andreas Nelson, who is still living in Norway, Nortland Arnt; came to the United States in 1870; settled in Lansing, Iowa, and resided there till September, 1880, and came from there to La Crosse. He was married in 1870, in Norway, in his native town, to Eliane Olson, also a native of Norway. Learned his trade of his father, who was a carpenter and cooper.

From History of La Crosse County, Wisconsin, 1881, p. 737.

JUDGE C. S. BENTON, was born July 12, 1810, in Fryeburg, Oxford Co., Maine. In 1824, was moved by his mother and brother to Herkimer Co., N. Y., and commenced to learn the tanner's trade. In 1830, he abandoned the business and commenced to study law, and, in 1835, was admitted to practice in the Court of Common Pleas, and, in 1836, was admitted to the Supreme Court. In 1837, was appointed Surrogate by Gov. Marcy. In 1842, was elected to the Twenty-eight Congress from the Seventeenth Congressional District; was re-elected in 1844 to the Twenty-ninth Congress. In 1847, was Clerk of the court of Appeals, which place he held two terms. In 1855, he came to Milwaukee and bought a one-third interest in the News, and edited the paper one year. In 1856, was appointed Register of Land in La Crosse, by President Pierce, which office he held until Lincoln's administration. In 1865, he moved to Galesburg, Ill., where he remained four years, and then returned to La Crosse. In 1873, he was elected County Judge in La Crosse County, and was re-elected in 1874, but did not serve out his term on account of ill health, but resigned in February, 1880. Judge Benton commenced editorial work in 1832, in New York State, where he was editor of the Mohawk Courier and Little Falls Gazette for two years; was editor and correspondent for the Courier until he came West. Judge Benton was married in 1840 to Emeline Fuller, of Little Falls, by whom he had one son, who is now a member of the firm of Benton, Gove & Co., of Milwaukee. Judge Benton was married again in 1853, at Oswego, to Miss Elizabeth B. Reynolds, by whom he has had one son, who is a resident of La Crosse.

From History of La Crosse County, Wisconsin, 1881, p. 842 - 843.

ALEXANDER R. BENZIE, Sec. 21; P. O. Bangor; son of William and Sarah Benzie. His father was born in Aberdeen, Scotland, about 1804. His mother was born in London, March 17, 1808. His father went to London when 11 years of age, where he learned the trade of a baker, and where he was married. Parents returned to Scotland several years after their marriage, but afterward went back to London, where his father engaged in the bakery business, till 1845, when he emigrated to Wisconsin, landing in Milwaukee, January of that year; he settled in the town of Genesee, Waukesha Co., where he lived till 1866, when he came to La Crosse Co., and settled in the town of Burns. Parents of Mr. R. A. Benzie now live in Monroe Co. They had nine children, all of whom are living; six of whom were born in London. Alexander was born in London in 1839; he came to the United States with his parents; was married to Dottie Ellis, daughter of Pitts and Lucia Ellis, who was born in Waukesha Co., October, 1844. She was married in the house in which she was born, in 1866. Mr. Benzie went to New Mexico in 1858. He enlisted, Aug. 12, 1861, at Denver, in the 1st Colo. V. C.; served till November, 1864. He was in New Mexico during the most of his time of service. Returned to Wisconsin in the fall of 1864. Settled on present farm soon after he was married, in the fall of 1866. Mr. and Mrs. Benzie have four children - Minerva, George W., Ida May and Dottie L. Lost fourth child, Charles E.

From History of La Crosse County, Wisconsin, 1881, p. 737.

H. BERGSETH, cooper and stockholder in the La Crosse Co-operative Barrel Manufacturing Co.; was born in Norway in 1845, son of H. Bergseth, Sr.; came to the United States in 1873; settled in Lanesboro, Minn., and resided there till February, 1881; bought into this company in December, 1880. He was married in Norway to Paulina Peterson; has two children - Albert and Sigurd.

From History of La Crosse County, Wisconsin, 1881, p. 810.

ANDREW BERG, farmer, Sec. 11; P. O. Half-Way Creek; was born in Sweden, 1822; came to Wisconsin in 1854; bought 160 acres of land, made the improvements, went to California in 1873, and returned in 1879. His wife, Anna Anderson, was born in Sweden, 1821. They were married in 1838, and have had eleven children, four living - Gustavus W., who enlisted in Co. G, 44th W. V. I., in 1865, and was discharged September, 1865; Ida, Carrie, Emma, in California. In politics, Republican, and in religion, a Lutheran.

From History of La Crosse County, Wisconsin, 1881, p. 737.

FRANK BERKENMEYER, saloon-keeper; is a native of Baden, Germany, born in 1834; came to the United States in 1857; lived one year in Cleveland, Ohio; then went to Long Island, N. Y., and came from there to La Crosse in 1859; he lived on a farm three and a half miles from town till 1868, and since that has resided in the city. Oct. 10, 1863, he married Mrs. Virginia Nagle, who came to La Crosse from France with her first husband, Louis Oliver, in June, 1847. Mr. Oliver died soon after, and she married Charles Nagle, who had been some time in La Crosse; he died in March, 1861, leaving three children. Mr. Berkenmeyer has two children - Frank and Virginia. He was Justice of the Peace in the town of Shelby in 1866-67.

From History of La Crosse County, Wisconsin, 1881, p. 737.

JOHN P. BIRD, Principal of the Third District School of La Crosse; has been in his present position since 1876; for one year previous to that, he was Principal of the Fifth District School. He was born in Northampton, Mass., in 1845; his father, William Bird, removed to Martin Co., Minn., in 1865, and died there in 1879. Prof. Bird is a graduate of the Minnesota State Normal School at Mankato, Class of 1871, and has been teaching since that time. In 1880, he graduated from the National School of Elocution and Oratory at Philadelphia. He was married in December, 1879, to Helen R. Hanscom, of La Crosse.

From History of La Crosse County, Wisconsin, 1881, p. 737 - 738.

R. R. BLACKMAN, proprietor of boarding-house on Windsor street, at the head of North Third street; is a native of Monroe Co., N. Y. His parents moved to Cattaraugus Co., N. Y., when he was 7 years of age. He came to Wisconsin in 1867, and was in La Crosse from August to December, then came again in the spring of 1868, and has resided here since, except five years, from 1870 to 1875, in Trempealeau Co. He was married in La Crosse, May 17, 1868, to Mrs. Jane Flynn, daughter of David Young, who removed from Pennsylvania to Iowa in 1840. She was born in Lawrence Co., Penn., in 1836. Her first husband, John Flynn, was a native of Vermont; son of Thomas Flynn, and came to La Crosse in 1857. In August, 1861, he enlisted in the 8th W. V. I. (Eagle Regiment), Co. I, re-enlisted in the Veteran Corps, and died Aug. 22, 1865, of chronic diarrhea, while home on furlough, at the age of 27. He left two children - William Edward, now living in La Crosse, and Cora E., now Mrs. Edward Montgomery, of La Crosse. Mr. Blackman has one child - Mary E., at home.

From History of La Crosse County, Wisconsin, 1881, p. 838.

GILBERT O. BLACK, farmer, Sec. 24; P. O. Holmen; was born in Dane Co., Wis., Feb. 10, 1851; now owns 205 acres of fine land, with a large barn and good house. His wife, Carrie Karn, born in Norway in the year 1850. They married in the year 1874, and have four children - Olaf, Alfred, Isaac and Ida Ann. In religion, Lutheran; in politics, Republican. Has been Pathmaster, Director of District No. 2.

From History of La Crosse County, Wisconsin, 1881, p. 838 - 839.

OLE O. BLACK, farmer, Sec. 27; P. O. Holmen; was born in Norway, Oct. 10, 1819. Came to America in 1850; settled in Dane Co., Wis., where he worked in a saw-mill for two years; this was at the village of Christiana. He then came to La Crosse, where he was in a mill. He then bought 40 acres, on which he built the old cabin and improved the place. He now owns 200 acres, with a fine house, 24x16, with wing 24x24, wind-mill, etc. His wife, Johanna Gilbrenson, was born in Norway, April 22, 1821. They were married in 1847. They have had twelve children - Ole, Gillen, Carl, Anna, Bertinia, Anton, Fredricka, Johanna, (now Mrs. Olseth), Martha, Mariah, Bertha and Martin. In politics, Republican; in religion, Lutheran. Treasurer of District No. 2 twelve years; on the Board of Supervisors; Assessor and Treasurer.

From History of La Crosse County, Wisconsin, 1881, p. 738.

L. D. BLANCHARD, engineer on Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul Railroad; has worked on this road since 1856, except five months in 1859; has been running an engine since 1863; born in St. Johnsburg Center, Caledonia Co., Vt., in 1838; came to Wisconsin in 1855 with his father, Alfred R. Blanchard, who settled in Beaver Dam, where he still resides. In June, 1858, Mr. Blanchard married Miss Almira, daughter of William M. Johnson, a native of Columbia Co., Penn., who came to Wisconsin in March, 1856, and settled in Beaver Dam; now resides in La Crosse. Mr. and Mrs. Blanchard have two children - Stella and Bell (twins), born in Beaver Dam, Wis., July 21, 1859. Both successful teachers in the public schools of La Crosse, and graduates of the La Crosse High School, Class of 1877, Prof. B. M. Reynolds, Principal.

From History of La Crosse County, Wisconsin, 1881, p. 738.

OLIVER P. BLANCHARD, engineer on the Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul Railroad; has been a resident of La Crosse since 1875, and has been working on this road since 1859. Commenced firing in 1862, and has been running an engine since 1867. He was born in St. Johnsburg, Vt., in 1844. His father, Alfred R. Blanchard, came to Wisconsin in 1855; lived in Watertown one winter, then removed to Beaver Dam, where he still resides. Mr. Blanchard married in Pardeeville, Wis., Miss Sarah Connor, of Berlin, Wis., and has two children - Morris and Fred.

From History of La Crosse County, Wisconsin, 1881, p. 738.

ROBERT BLASHEK, proprietor of the La Crosse Woolen Mills, on Eighth street, between Market and Winnebago; was born in Austria in April, 1853. His father, France Blashek, came to the United States in 1859, and settled in La Crosse April 25. He immediately commenced building the machinery for a woolen-mill, which he erected on the site of the present one, and where he carried on business till his death, June 19, 1875. Robert worked in the mill with his father from the time he was 8 years old, and has carried on the busines since his father's death. He is doing custom work, and also buying wool and manufacturing. He is unmarried, and lives with his mother, who owns an interest in the mill. His brother Ernest, who is living with them, is a composer and also a teacher of violin music.

From History of La Crosse County, Wisconsin, 1881, p. 820.

HIRAM F. BOLLES, farmer, Sec. 25; P. O. West Salem. Mr. Bolles was born in Coos Co., N. H., January, 1838; he came to Wisconsin with his parents, Ira and Abigail Bolles, in 1856, who settled in Sauk Co.; parents returned to New Hampshire, where his father died. Mr. H. F. Bolles lived in Sauk Co. one year, when he went to Faribault Co., Minn., where he was engaged in farming two years; he then returned to Wisconsin, and located in Juneau Co.; he settled on his present farm, June, 1860, which he purchased of the heirs of William E. Bartholomew; Mr. Bartholomew was the original settler of this farm. Mr. Bolles was married to Mary Gilfillan, daughter of James and Maria Gilfillan; she was born in Vermont; her parents settled in Dodge Co., Wis., in 1848, and came to La Crosse Co. in 1855; they are now living in West Salem. Mr. and Mrs. Bolles have two sons- Frank I. and Fred R. Farm contains 247 acres. Mr. Bolles was in the employ of the Government for some time, as carpenter, during the rebellion; his location during this time was Nashville, Tenn. He and his wife are members of the Second Advent Church.

From History of La Crosse County, Wisconsin, 1881, p. 738.

X. BOMA, grocer and general merchant; was born in Baden, Germany, in 1844; son of Christian Boma; came to America in 1868, and settled on a farm in the town of Shelby, La Crosse Co., where he resided seven years, since which time he has been in the city and in his present business. He was married in La Crosse, in 1875, to Miss M. Koller, daughter of Michael Koller, and has two children - Dora and Emil.

From History of La Crosse County, Wisconsin, 1881, p. 738 & 741.

REV. EDWARD BORGEN, Assistant Pastor of the Norwegian Church of La Crosse, was born in 1852, in Spydeberg, Smaalenene, Norway, son of Erik Borgen, who died in Norway in 1875. Mr. Borgen received only a common-school education in Norway, and came to the United States in 1868. He lived one and a half years in Rock Co., Wis., and from there went to Decorah, Iowa; entered the Norwegian Lutheran College at that place in the fall of 1871, and graduated in 1876. He then entered Concordia Seminary, at St. Louis, Mo., and graduated from there in the spring of 1879. The same year he was ordained to the ministry and accepted a call from the Norwegian Lutheran Church of La Crosse, where he still continues. He was married, Sept. 8, 1880, in Decorah, Iowa, to Miss Ambjborg (Emma) Tobiason, daughter of Roland Tobiason, who came to the United States in 1850, and is still living near Decorah. He was from Slidre, Valders, Norway.

From History of La Crosse County, Wisconsin, 1881, p. 738.

P. A. BORRESEN, jeweler and watchmaker, No. 26 South Third street, has been in business in his present location since September, 1879. He was born in Norway in 1835, son of B. H. Borresen; learned his trade in the city of Christiania, and came to America in 1872, arriving in New York City on the 12th of July. He located at Red Wing, Minn., where he resided till he came to La Crosse in September, 1879. He was married in La Crosse in 1878, to Josephine Oslgaard, and has one son, Hans Borge Elias.

From History of La Crosse County, Wisconsin, 1881, p. 738.

EMIL N. BORRESON, was born in Lillehammer, Norway, emigrating in 1868. After following mercantile pursuits for two years, he entered the Batavian Bank as book-keeper, which place he filled with great acceptance, both to the bank and to the public for nine years, until the establishment of the present business of Holley & Borreson.

From History of La Crosse County, Wisconsin, 1881, p. 738.

SIMON BORRESON, shoemaker; is a native of Norway; born in 1853; came to the United States in June, 1873, and has resided in La Crosse since that time; has been in business since 1874; learned his trade in Norway of his father Barre Olson (Suthersven), who came to the United States in 1876, and now lives in La Crosse. Mr. Borreson was married in 1874, to Miss Johanna Johnson, also a native of Norway, who came to La Crosse in 1874. Owns his shop on North Third street.

From History of La Crosse County, Wisconsin, 1881, p. 861.

GREGORY BOSCHERT, farmer, Sec. 22; P. O. Sigel; was born in Baden, Germany, in 1827. In 1832, with his parents, emigrated to the United States, living at Tonawanda, N. Y., ten years, after which, in 1842, they came to Wisconsin, living in Racine County until 1855, when he came to La Crosse County, and immediately commenced farming on land he had previously purchased on which he lived until 1861, when he sold the same and purchased his present farm of 240 acres, about 125 of which he has improved, built a fine barn, and one of the best farm-houses in the county. In 1857, he was married to Ana Tausche, born in Austria in 1838. They have three children - Joseph, born Jan. 9, 1858; Helen, born Sept. 16, 1859; Andrew, born April 15, 1861. Mr. Boschert is a member of the Catholic Church, and a Democrat in politics.

From History of La Crosse County, Wisconsin, 1881, p. 832.

ADOLPH BOSSHARD; P. O. Bangor; son of John Bosshard (deceased). Born on the homestead where he now resides, and which he now owns, in 1853. Married to Tolina Tollefson, daughter of T. Tollefson; they have one daughter - Amelia. The homestead farm contains 290 acres, a quarter section of which his father entered as Government land in 1851.

From History of La Crosse County, Wisconsin, 1881, p. 832.

JOHN BOSSHARD, proprietor of Bangor Mills; son of John Bosshard (deceased), who was born in Zurich, Switzerland, December, 1820. He came to the United States when a young man, and settled in the town of Honey Creek, Sauk Co., Wis.; he came to La Crosse Co. in 1851, and settled on a farm in the town of Bangor, where he resided till his death, Sept. 20, 1877; he bought the Bangor Mills in 1875. John has owned the mill since the death of his father; his mother died in 1862. His father's present widow lives in the city of La Crosse. Parents had six children - John, born Dec. 26, 1851; was married to Martha S. Johns, born in Pennsylvania; they have one child - Robert. The other children are Adolph, Anna, Elizabeth, Lina and Otto, last two by second marriage.

From History of La Crosse County, Wisconsin, 1881, p. 843.

LE ROY BOWEN, farmer and miller, Sec. 10; P. O. Bangor; was born in the town of Marcellus, Onondaga Co., N. Y., in 1814, where he lived till 35 years of age. He was married to Miss Jane Wheadon, born in the same town, in 1820. They came to Whitewater, Walworth Co., Wis., in 1849, where they lived about three years. Mr. Bowen's father, Elijah B. Bowen, removed to Whitewater about 1844. Mr. Bowen came to La Crosse Valley in the spring of 1852, and purchased of the Government his present farm, where he has since lived. His parents died at his residence. His father died, January, 1861; his mother in 1863. His father was a soldier in the war of 1812. In 1858 Mr. Bowen built what is known as the Burnham Mills, which he has since owned and operated. Mr. and Mrs. Bowen have had thirteen children, seven of whom are living - Ruth Etta, now Mrs. H. E. Dunham; Sarah E., wife of E. P. Sweet; Oscar, married to Mary J. Hanton; Mrs. Mary E. Wright, Leonora, wife of Joseph E. Benjamin; Arthur and Celestia. Lost five boys in infancy; lost one daughter, Lora E., who died March, 1872, in her 19th year. Mr. Bowen was chairman of the Town Board for several years; has also been member of County Board for several years.

From History of La Crosse County, Wisconsin, 1881, p. 741.

JAMES BOYCOTT, proprietor of Boycott's job printing office, corner of Second and Main streets, has been a resident of La Crosse since Oct. 1, 1856. He was born in 1828, in Shropshire, Eng., parish of Condover, son of William Boycott; came to the United States in 1849; commenced the printing business in Boston, Mass., and remained there till the spring of 1856; then went to Chicago and worked in different job offices till the 1st of the next October, and has been in La Crosse since. He was married in Boston, October, 1857, to Mary Ann Lintott, a native of Lewes, Eng., near London; has two children, Walter J. and William E. He was in the photograph business from the time he came to La Crosse till 1877; was connected with Pomeroy's Democrat till March, 1880, and started his present business the June following.

From History of La Crosse County, Wisconsin, 1881, p. 741.

JACOB BRABANDER, cooper, Second street, near King, has been a resident of La Crosse since 1857, and has been in the same business during the whole time. He was born in Luxemburg, Germany, in 1822, son of Peter Brabander, also a cooper. Jacob learned his trade of his father, and spent seven or eight years working at his trade in different parts of Europe; came to the United States in 1856, and lived one year in Port Washington, Wis., before coming to La Crosse. His first wife was Katie Bushard. She died in 1872, leaving three children - Bertha (now in Germany), Minnie (now the wife of John M. Childres, of La Crosse) and Mary. His second wife was Anna Berkhaus. She died June 7, 1879, leaving four children - Jacob, Annie, Louisa and Katie.

From History of La Crosse County, Wisconsin, 1881, p. 810.

J. M. BRADBURY, farmer, Secs. 23 and 24; P. O. Midway; was born in Somerset Co., Me., Nov. 27, 1847; came to Wisconsin in 1868; now owns 240 acres of land, on which he has made good improvements - barn, 32x42, twenty-four-foot corner posts; house, main part 16x24, wing 12x16; also a half interest in 240 acres in another section. His wife, Elizabeth La Fluer, was born in Holland; came to Wisconsin with her parents in 1856. They were married in 1874, and have two children - Emily Newell and Gertrude Mable; has been School Director and Side Supervisor, and is a member of the La Crosse Lodge, No. 45, A., F. & A. M.

From History of La Crosse County, Wisconsin, 1881, p. 741.

DAVID W. BRADLEY, painter, shop on Second street, between Main and State, was born in Kingston, Canada West, in 1848, son of William Bradley, who now lives in Greene Co., Iowa. Mr. Bradley came to La Crosse in the fall of 1869, and worked at his trade till the spring of 1876; then went to Whitewater, Wis., and followed the same business till 1879. He then went on a farm in Vernon County, which he still owns; started his present shop in La Crosse, March 1, 1881. He was married in June, 1871, in La Crosse, to Mary Ann Flynn, and has two children, Margaret and John Melville; has lost six. He was in Government employ in Montana and Colorado in 1863-65, and was employed in smelting-works there in 1866 and 1867.

From History of La Crosse County, Wisconsin, 1881, p. 832.

JOHN BRADLEY, present member of the Assembly, Bangor; was born in Litchfield, Conn., in 1819. In 1839, he removed to the State of New York; he came to Wisconsin, and settled in Dodge Co., in the spring of 1844, and engaged in farming; he removed to the Town of Burns, La Crosse Co., in 1855, and settled on Sec. 20, on a farm which he still owns; he came to the village of Bangor in May, 1875. He was elected to the Legislature in the fall of 1874; is now serving his fifth term in that capacity. He was married to Elizabeth Stevens, born in the State of New York; they have six children - John, who resides on the homestead in the town of Burns; Cora L., now Mrs. Wood; Dick W. and Frank, reside at Watertown, Dak.; William and Millie B., at home.

From History of La Crosse County, Wisconsin, 1881, p. 843.

MILO E. BRADLEY, farmer, Sec. 35; P. O. Bangor; born in Delaware Co., N. Y., June 22, 1833. His parents, Milo E. and Nancy Bradley, removed to Walworth Co., Wis., in 1837, and settled in the town of Elkhorn. Afterward removed to the town of Geneva. His parents had seven children, all of whom are living - Julia Ann, wife of Leander Osborne; Andrew, Milo E., Albert, Mary Etta, wife of Sylvester Doty, who lives in Minnesota; Daniel E. and Rose. Mr. Bradley was married to Mary N. Rogers, born in the State of New York. She came to Wisconsin with her parents when about ten years of age. Mr. and Mrs. Bradley have three children; Emma J., wife of Alva Casterline, son of A. H. Casterline; Irwin M. and Mary Edna. Entered his farm as Government land; he has 175 acres, about eighty acres of which are improved.

From History of La Crosse County, Wisconsin, 1881, p. 741.

A. BRAKKE, jeweler, was born in Norway in 1835; learned his trade in Norway and worked at it there till 1867; then came to America. He lived one year in Chicago; then came to La Crosse, where he has been in business ever since, except two years, in 1875 and 1876. He was married in La Crosse in 1869, to Mary Peterson, and has two children - Matilda and Ellen. His father's name was John Yohnson Brakke, the last name (Brakke) being the old Norwegian farm name.

From History of La Crosse County, Wisconsin, 1881, p. 810.

GEORGE W. BRICE, dealer in farm machinery, wind-mills, pumps, threshers, reapers, mowers, seeders, drills, plows, cultivators, Onalaska; was born at Berkshire, Franklin Co., Vt., Feb. 9, 1836; came to Wisconsin with his parents, in 1843; they settled on Sugar Creek, Walworth Co., Wis.; from there to La Crosse Co., in 1855, and entered the land that is now known as Brice Prairie; they had 240 acres of land; his father died Nov. 11, 1874, and his mother July 26, 1865. They had a family of ten children - two deceased, four daughters, remaining in Vermont, and four sons, who came West. G. W. is the youngest of the sons; he enlisted in Co. I, 36th W. V. I., in 1863, and was mustered out 1865; was at the engagements of Petersburg and Richmond. After the war, he returned to La Crosse, and engaged in business in 1874. His wife was Anna E. Courtright, a native of Rockford, Ill., born Aug. 25, 1836, and married in 1861; children are Harry C., born Oct. 16, 1862; Robert E., born Feb. 28, 1869; and Florence, born Nov. 10, 1874, and died Aug. 12, 1876. He is a member of A., F. & A. M. Lodge, of the I. O. O. F., I. O. G. T., T. of H and S. of T. He is now District Clerk, and Treasurer of District No. 5, now Clerk of District No. 1, and Chairman of the Board of Supervisors; he has been Assessor seven years; was Constable the first year he was a voter, and also Justice of the Peace.

From History of La Crosse County, Wisconsin, 1881, p. 839.

HON. SUEL BRIGGS, farmer and lawyer, P. O. New Amsterdam; was born in Concord, Erie Co., N. Y., April 7, 1821; received a common-school education. He came to Wisconsin in 1856, settled in Holland, La Crosse Co., Wis. Has served as Justice of the Peace, Town Clerk, Superintendent of Schools, and Chairman of the County Board of Supervisors. In the year 1840, he came to Janesville, Wis., when the town contained one blacksmith-shop and hotel. He remained one year, then he returned to New York and taught school. In the year 1846, he married, and moved onto the reservation near Buffalo; sold out, returned to Concord, engaged in business for three years. His wife was taken sick, when he gave up his business and devoted his entire time to her care. As she was better he attended school, in the year 1854. In 1856, he came to Wisconsin the second time, and engaged in business in Dodge Co.; then to La Crosse Co.; bought 80 acres and entered 40 acres of land, made the improvements. He owns 200 acres now nicely improved. He has taught school a good deal of the time since coming to this place. In the year 1859, he went to La Crosse and studied law with Cobb & Mesmore until the spring of 1860; he was admitted to the bar. He then returned to the farm. In the year 1857, elected Justice of the Peace, and has held the office since, with the exception of 1869. Elected to the Assembly in the fall of 1877, receiving 1,656 votes against 1,132 to I. W. Losey, Democrat, and 927 for R. A. Moore, Greenbacker. His wife, Phoebe Ballou, a descendant of Hosa Ballou, who was born in Spafford, Onondaga Co., N. Y.; when quite small removed to Erie Co. with her parents, where they died. She was born Jan. 11, 1826. They married in 1846.

From History of La Crosse County, Wisconsin, 1881, p. 741.

REV. L. W. BRIGHAM, Pastor of St. Paul's (Universalist) Church, is a native of Elmore, Lamoilee Co., Vt., was born May 25, 1841, son of Elisha W. Brigham, who died Oct. 13, 1848, aged 34 years. His mother, who maiden name was Elizabeth L. Faunce, is still living at Northfield, Vt., at the age of 66. Mr. Brigham was educated at West Randolph, Royalton and West Brattleboro, Vt., and received his theological education under Rev. C. W. Emerson and Rev. O. B. Allis, Congregational clergymen of that State. He commenced his ministry in May, 1864, under a license from the Royalton Association of Congregational ministers, and later received a license from the Orleans Association (also Congregational), and preached in North Troy and Dover, Vt. till 1868. He then entered the ministry of the Universalist Church, and was ordained July 1, 1868, by an ecclesiastical council composed of Unitarian and Universalist ministers, acording to the usages of the Congregational Churches of Massachusetts. After that, he was located at West Cummington, Mass., Rutland, Vt., and Whately, Mass., coming to La Crosse Aug. 1, 1874. He has been actively engaged in temperance work for several years; was at the head of the Encampment department of the order of Odd Fellows in Vermont and an elective officer in the Grand Lodge of Wisconsin. He is also President of the Wisconsin Universalist State Convention, and Chairman of the Committeee on Missions. Mrs. Brigham was Miss Etta M. Hubbard, of Vermont. They have two children - L. Ward and Bret H.; lost one in October, 1874 - Guy died, aged 4 months.

From History of La Crosse County, Wisconsin, 1881, p. 741.

JOHN BRINDLEY, attorney and counselor at law, and member of the law firm of Fruit & Brindley, was born near Boscobel, Grant Co., Wis., April 18, 1850; graduated from the State University in 1874; was Principal of Lone Rock Graded School in 1870, Lancaster High School in 1874 - 76, Boscobel High School in 1877 and 1878; elected to the Assembly from Grant County for 1879 and re-elected for 1880. He studied law with Hon. George C. Hazleton, of Boscobel, Wis., and commenced practice there in 1878, where he continued till June 1, 1880, when the present business connection was formed.

From History of La Crosse County, Wisconsin, 1881, p. 742.

JOHN H. BRISTOW, blacksmith, Rose street, North La Crosse, has worked at his trade in the city since May, 1859, and has been in North La Crosse since 1872. He was born in Upper Canada in 1833; son of Edward Bristow who is still living in Canada. Mr. Bristow went to Michigan in 1851, learned his trade there, went to St. Paul, Minn., in the fall of 1856, and came from there to La Crosse in 1859. He was married in 1866, in La Crosse, to Eliza Brackett and has seven children - Alice A., Jessie L. Hattie B., Fannie M., William H., John, and an infant not named.

From History of La Crosse County, Wisconsin, 1881, p. 742.

W. H. BROCKLISS, saloon-keeper, No. 10 Pearl street, came to La Crosse in the summer of 1855, started a saloon and restaurant the same year, and has been in the saloon business ever since. He first bought a frame building on his present location, which burned in 1861. He rebuilt the same year a two-story brick, 20x52, which he still occupies. He was born in London, Eng., in 1814, son of William H. Brockliss, who came to America in 1845, and settled in Lee Co., Iowa. He died in Burlington, Iowa, in 1850. W. H. Brockliss came to the United States in 1848, landing in New Orleans on the 2d day of July; went direct to Iowa and resided there till the summer of 1852, then went to California across the plains and remained till the spring of 1855, when he returned to the States, arriving in La Crosse in May, his family having removed here from Iowa in the summer of 1854. He has two children - Sarah Jane, now Mrs. Oscar Wissinger, of Urbana, Ohio, and Letitia, now Mrs. V. A. Bigelow, of La Crosse. Mr. Brockliss was married in St. George's Church, Hanover square, London, Aug. 22, 1835, to Maria Windwood, a native of Stowe Market, Suffolk, Eng.

From History of La Crosse County, Wisconsin, 1881, p. 820.

JOHN BROOKS, of the firm of Brooks & Weingarten, proprietors of meat market, West Salem. Mr. Brooks is the son of William Henry Brooks, who came to La Crosse Co. from the State of New York, at an early day. In 1867, he came to West Salem, where he now lives. John was born in town of Campbell, July, 1854. Parents had six children - two sons and four daughters, all born in La Crosse Co., except the oldest, Nellie. Mr. John Brooks engaged in his present business, September, 1880.

From History of La Crosse County, Wisconsin, 1881, p. 742.

J. J. BROWN, cooper and stockholder in the "La Crosse Co-operative Barrel Manufacturing Co.," was born in the city of Chur, Switzerland, son of Christian Brown, who died in Switzerland in 1854. Mr. Brown came to the United States in 1873, lived three years in Mazomanie, Dane Co., Wis., then three years in Rushford, Minn., and came to La Crosse in 1879. He was married in 1878, in Mazomanie, to Miss Ada Coon, daughter of Myron Coon, of that place. Has one child - Seaman.

From History of La Crosse County, Wisconsin, 1881, p. 810.

JAMES BROXHOLM, farmer, Sec. 25; P. O. Midway; was born in Lincolnshire, England, Nov. 3, 1832; came to America, 1851; to La Crosse County, Wis., 1854; owns, in company with Mr. Tilden Moore, 160 acres of land; during the summer he is on the river; has been School Clerk and Director, also Constable and Pathmaster. Tilden Moore was born in Ohio, March 6, 1835; came to Wisconsin, 1855; owns one-half interest of 160 acres of land. His wife was Mary Ann Stiltz. They were married in 1856. They have five children - Ellen, Alice, George, Sarah J. and Burt.

From History of La Crosse County, Wisconsin, 1881, p. 742.

BENJAMIN FRENCH BRYANT, District Attorney of La Crosse County, was born at Rockland, Me., Sept. 3, 1837. He received his education at the common schools and at the Maine Wesleyan Seminary at Kents Hill, and Bowdoin College, at Brunswick, Maine. In June, 1861, he went to Huron Co., Ohio, where his parents had moved a few years previous. He enlisted in Co. A, 101st Ohio V. I., August, 1862, and served in the army of the Cumberland until the close of the war, being mustered out the latter part of June, 1865. He was Sergeant, First Lieutenant and Captain. After going to Ohio before the war, and upon returning after the war, he studied law and was admitted to the bar, at the session of the Huron Co. District Court, in the spring of 1866. He moved to La Crosse in May, 1868, and has practiced law here since that time. He held the office of County Judge for four years, receiving his appointment by the Governor in 1870, to fill vacancy caused by a resignation. Was elected District Attorney in 1873. In April, 1875, he resigned this office and was appointed Pension Agent at this place. Held this position until July, 1877, when the office ceased to exist here by the consolidation of a number of pension agencies. In 1877, he was re-elected as District Attorney, which office he has since held. In 1872, he was appointed Aid-de-camp on the Governor's Staff, with the rank of Colonel, by Gov. C. C. Washburn, and in 1878 he was appointed to the same position by Gov. W. E. Smith.

From History of La Crosse County, Wisconsin, 1881, p. 742.

A. BUCKLE, furniture dealer and undertaker, was born in 1827 in Baden, Germany; came to America in 1848, and spent about a year and a half in different States, then settled down in Cincinnati, Ohio, where he remained till 1855, when he came to La Crosse and has resided in this city ever since. He worked for other parties at the furniture business three years, and since 1858, has carried on the business himself. He was married in Cincinnati, April 25, 1850, to Theresa Rendler, and has no children.

From History of La Crosse County, Wisconsin, 1881, p. 742.

WILLIAM BUEL, carpenter and joiner, has been Constable and City Wood Measurer for the last ten years. He was born in Switzerland in 1828, and came to America in 1849. He lived one year at St. Louis, Mo., one year at Highland, Ill., three years at Marine Hill, Minn., and two years at Stillwater, Minn. He was then on the N. P. R. R. till 1859, since which time he has resided in La Crosse, except one year in Bangor and three years in La Crescent, Minn.; learned the carpenter's trade in the old country and has always followed that business. He was married in St. Louis in 1849, to Judith Stutz, and has had thirteen children, four living - George, Mary, Albert and Lizzie.

From History of La Crosse County, Wisconsin, 1881, p. 743.

JOSEPH BURGERMEISTER, contractor and builder, has been a resident of La Crosse since the fall of 1863. He was born in Austria in 1843; came to the United States in July, 1863; spent a few months in Baltimore and Chicago and came to La Crosse in the fall. In February, 1864, he enlisted in the 14th W. V. I., Co. K, and was in the service till Oct. 9, 1865. He learned the mason's trade in Germany, commencing at the age of 14, and has worked at the business ever since. He was married, May 29, 1866, to Theresa Islet; has one child, Louis. He has been contracting since 1867.

From History of La Crosse County, Wisconsin, 1881, p. 743.

PROF. J. BURNHAM Principal of the Second Ward School of La Crosse, is now on the third year in his present position. He was born March 7, 1839, in Caledonia Co., Vt. His father, D. B. Burnham, came to Wisconsin in 1841, and was among the first settlers in Kenosha County. He is now living at Waupaca, Wis., at the age of 77, having lost his wife in 1875. Mr. Burnham was educated at Waukegan Academy, Ill., and Antioch College, and commenced teaching in Lake Co., Ill., in 1855. He was Principal of the Richmond Public School, in McHenry Co., Ill., from the fall of 1858 till the spring of 1859. He then went to the Pacific coast, and was in Nevada and California till 1864; he then returned to Wisconsin, and in December of that year, was married in Jefferson Co., Wis., to Miss Marilla Tousley and settled in Waupaca, Wis. He was Principal of the Weyanwega Public School in 1866 and 1867, and was then elected Superintendent of Schools for Waupaca County, which office he resigned in 1869 to accept the position of Principal of the Waupaca High School, which he retained till 1872. He then resigned and spent one year in the life insurance business. In October, 1874, he lost his wife, and the same fall was again elected County Superintendent of Schools and served two years. In July, 1877, he again accepted the position of Principal of the Waupaca High School, where he remained two years and came from there to La Crosse. His second wife, to whom he was married in 1876, was Miss Jennie E. Snell, of New London, Wis. He has three children, all by his first wife - Allison, Ralston and Myrtle.

From History of La Crosse County, Wisconsin, 1881, p. 742 - 743.

WILLIAM S. BURROUGHS, attorney and counselor at law, was born in Shalerville, Portage Co., Ohio, July 7, 1837. His father, Ira Burroughs, was by occupation a farmer. In 1855, he, together with his parents, removed to Illinois, where farming was still pursued. In 1857, Mr. Burroughs came to La Crosse and entered the law firm of Denison & Lyndes, as a student. He studied law with this firm until the spring of 1859, when he was admitted to the bar, after which he returned to his parents in Illinois, and after remaining there a short time, he went to St. Louis, where he spent part of the years 1860 and 1861, returning again to La Crosse in the summer of 1861. In November of that year, he entered into partnership with Mr. Lyndes, of the old firm of Denison & Lyndes, Mr. Denison having been killed through the arising of a dispute, while fishing at Mormon Coolley, in the summer of 1859. This partnership existed until the first of May, 1876, when it was dissolved, since which time he has continued practice alone.

From History of La Crosse County, Wisconsin, 1881, p. 743.

MARK M. BUTTLES, Sheriff of La Crosse County, is a native of Chautauqua Co., N. Y., where he was born on the last day of April, 1844. The following year, his parents, flowing with the tide of emigration to the West, came to Wisconsin and settled in Walworth County, the present Sheriff being included in their list of household valuables. After a temporary sojourn at this point, they continued their pilgrimage to Rock County, and halting at Janesville, remained in that present flourishing city until 1854, when they come to La Crosse County and became permanent settlers of Burnham Valley, in the present Township of Burns. Here Mr. Buttles passed the earlier years of his life, attending school and availing himself of such advantages as the limited educational resources of the place afforded, until the breaking-out of the war. In 1861, he enlisted in Company A, First Wisconsin Cavalry, in which he served two years, when he was disabled and discharged, and returned home. In 1864, he concluded to try his fortunes further west, and crossing the plains, became a miner in Montana. A year's experience persuaded Mr. Buttles to return to the homes of civilization, and he descended the Missouri River to Omaha in a Mackinac boat, and entered the service of the Union Pacific Railroad Company. In 1867, he visited Fort Sully, thence to La Crosse on a visit. During the spring of 1868, he re-visited Omaha, and proceeded to California, where he became a ranchero, and followed that exciting and varied pursuit until 1873, with no inconsiderable success, when he disposed of his interests and once more journeyed to La Crosse County. He settled in West Salem, where he engaged in trading and speculating, and where he was married to Miss Anna Pierce. In 1879, he was elected to his present position and remove to the city of La Crosse. As a public officer he has given the fullest satisfaction to an admiring constituency. Socially, he is a courteous gentleman, and is a man, one whom misfortune can never dishearten or disaster appall.

From History of La Crosse County, Wisconsin, 1881, p. 743.

EDWARD J. BUTT, engineer in the mill of A. A. Freeman & Co., is a native of Essex, Eng., born in April, 1829; son of Edward Butt; learned his trade at Kent, Gravesend, Eng., twenty-two miles from London, and spent twenty-seven years on salt water, as an engineer, before coming to America, which he did in February, 1875, and has resided in La Crosse since that time; has been in his present position since the spring of 1876. He was married in October, 1853, at Gravesend, Eng., to Miss Harriet, daughter of Samuel Choat, Esq., of that place. They have two children - Edith H. E., now the wife of John Everard, of La Crosse, and Edward William, 22 years of age, and manager of the book and stationery house, at 255 Nicolet avenue, Minneapolis.

From History of La Crosse County, Wisconsin, 1881, p. 839.

ANDREW OLSON BYE, farmer, Sec. 31; P. O. Holmen; born in Norway, Dec. 3, 1827; came to Wisconsin in 1854; now owns 160 acres of fine land, on which he has made all of the improvements. His wife was Sarah Hanson, born in Norway, Dec. 26, 1822; they married in 1856; now have five children - Ole, Helen, Julia, Minna and Mathias (deceased). In religion, Lutheran. Has been Town Treasurer, one of the Board of Supervisors, also Assessor.

These biographies submitted by Roxanne Munns.