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

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

REV. J. C. CALDWELL, Pastor of the Presbyterian Church, West Salem; born in Kentucky, July 10, 1822. Graduated at Hanover College, near Madison, Indiana, 1848. Took his theological course at Princeton, N. J. Began the ministry at Shelbyville, in 1850; located at Stillwater, Minn., in 1856, and at Black River Falls, Wis., in 1869; came to West Salem in December, 1870. His wife was Miss Eliza A. Green, daughter of Jonathan Green. They have three children - Lizzie G., Sarah Louise and John A.

From History of La Crosse County, Wisconsin, 1881, p. 744.

LIEUT. ALEXANDER CAMERON, of La Crosse, at the age of 32 years, died at the residence of his father, in Caledonia, N. Y., on Monday morning, April 11, 1864, at 11 o'clock A. M. The La Crosse Republican of the 13th said: "His death was this morning announced in the Citcuit Court by the Hon. William Hull, after which the court adjourned until to-morrow, in token of the respect entertained for the memory of the deceased. A meeting of the La Crosse bar, of which Mr. Cameron was a member, will be holden this evening at the office of Messrs. Lyndes & Burroughs. This completes the record of one who, in all the relations of life, sustained a good reputation, and performed well his part. As a son, brother, friend, citizen, counsellor and soldier, he has ever been faithful to his trust. As a Christian, he enjoyed, to the hour of his departure from earthly scenes, the sweetest consolation which a merciful Providence vouchsafes to his chosen sons. Lieut. Cameron's life was sacrificed to his zeal, in returning to army duties before he had recovered strength, after illness contracted while serving his country as Lieutenant in the La Crosse Battery. Thus has the community lost another valuable citizen in consequence of this terrible rebellion against a good government."

From History of La Crosse County, Wisconsin, 1881, p. 744.

ANGUS CAMERON, of La Crosse, was born at Caledonia, Livingston Co., N. Y., July 4, 1826; received an academic education, studied law at Buffalo, N. Y., and graduated at the National Law School, Ballston Spa; removed to La Crosse, Wis., in 1857; was a member of the State Senate of Wisconsin in 1863-64 and 1871-72; was a member of the Legislative Assembly of Wisconsin in 1866 and 1867, and was Speaker in 1867; was a member of the National Republican Convention at Baltimore in 1864; was one of the Regents of the University of Wisconsin in 1866 and 1875; was elected to the United States Senate as a Republican, took his seat March 4, 1875, and was re-elected in 1881, to succeed Matthew H. Carpenter, deceased. His term of service will expire March 4, 1885. Senator Cameron was married to Miss Mary Baker, of Urbana, Steuben Co., N. Y., on the 21st of February, 1856.

From History of La Crosse County, Wisconsin, 1881, p. 744 - 745.

HON. HUGH CAMERON. The subject of this sketch, a native of Livingston Co., N. Y., was born at Caledonia, June 29, 1815. His parents, Duncan A. Cameron and Sarah (McColl) Cameron, were from Scotland, the father coming to this country in 1802, and the mother a few years later. The Camerons are of the Lochiel branch, Lochiel, the chief, being, according to the custom, of the Queen's household. Hugh spent his youth on his father's farm; he prepared for college in the institutions at Middlebury and Lima, in his native State, and entered the University of Vermont in 1834, and graduated with honor four years later, excelling particularly in German metaphysics, then taught by Prof. James Marsh. Returning to Western New York, Mr. Cameron taught in the Avon Academy in 1838 and 1839, reading law at the same time with Amos Dann. He finished his law studies with Hastings & Husbands, of Rochester, and was admitted to the bar in October, 1841, at the first term of the Supreme Court ever held in that city. After practicing a few years in Livingston County, he removed to Buffalo in the spring of 1847, and there built up an excellent law business, as a member of the firm of Wadsworth & Cameron, but seeing openings of great promise farther West, in the spring of 1858, he removed to La Crosse, Wis., his present home, and has here become widely known as a skillful and successful attorney. During the first six years in Wisconsin, Mr. Cameron was in partnership with his brother, Alexander, who went into the army as First Lieutenant, 1st Wisconsin Battery in 1861, and died in 1864. He was District Attorney at the opening of the war, having been elected two years prior to that time, when only about 22 years old. Alexander Cameron was a young man of much promise. In 1856, Hugh Cameron was elected County Judge, and held that office four years, and declined a re-election. The law has been his life study, his life pursuit, and he has no higher ambition than that of excelling in his profession. A prominent journalist, and neighbor of his for the last twenty years, in a private note says of him: "Few men have such complete mastery of literature in all its departments as Judge Cameron. His mental grasp, acquisitions, acumen and discrimination invest his utterances in genial conversation or legal arguments with strength and richness of thought and language, which are best appreciated by those who have the greatest opportunity to test and verify his powers and counsel, in which capacity he is employed by many professional confreres in Western Wisconsin and Southern Minnesota, such persons considering their cases not only thoroughly prepared, but fairly tried, after having undergone his scrutiny and investigation, as the court seldom 'overrules his decisions.'" Judge Cameron has not only a very fine literary taste, but what is not generally known, has written many able critiques and other articles for the periodical press; but such intellectual labor he does simply for recreation after more severe studies connected with his profession. He is of Whig antecedents, and for the last twenty years he has usually voted the Republican ticket. So thoroughly has Judge Cameron been wedded to the law, that for many years it seemed doubtful if he would ever form a more tender alliance, but, on the 2d of December, 1875, he was joined in marriage with Miss Caroline D. Starr, daughter of W. H. Starr, an early settler and prominent citizen of Burlington, Iowa, and a graduate of Yale College. Mrs. Cameron is a well educated and highly accomplished lady.

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

JOHN N. CAMPBELL, Rockland; was born in Chenango Co., N. Y., in 1813. His parents removed to Courtland Co., when he was 3 years of age, where he lived till he reached manhood, where he was married to Sophrona Marcy. Went to Mineral Point, Wis., in 1845, but returned to the State of New York in the fall of that year; then lived in Cattaraugus Co. two years, and then removed to the town of Fayette, La Fayette Co., Wis., where he lived till the fall of 1864. He then removed to the town of Sparta, Monroe Co., and settled at Rockland, where he now lives, in the spring of 1870. He is present Postmaster at the village of Rockland. Has held that position since the office was first established there. His parents, John and Lucina Campbell, removed to Fayette, La Fayette Co. from the State of New York, in 1853. Father was born in 1774, and died in the town of Fayette in 1862. Mother was born in 1784, and died at the house of her son in 1872. Mr. and Mrs. Campbell have had two children - Le Roy W., died in his 21st year, and Fred, died in Fayette in his 4th year.

From History of La Crosse County, Wisconsin, 1881, p. 745.

J. B. CANTERBURY, was born in County Wicklow, Ireland, in 1837; came to America in 1859; came to Beaver Dam the same fall. Enlisted in the 5th W. V. I. in 1861; served three and a half years; came to La Crosse after the war, in 1865, and commenced the grain business. Mr. Canterbury was married to Miss Katherine May Livingston in 1865; has no children. He is at present grain buyer on the Madison Division of the Chicago & North-Western Railway.

From History of La Crosse County, Wisconsin, 1881, p. 745.

P. H. CAPELLEN, merchant tailor; has been in his present business in La Crosse since 1868. He was born in 1827, in Evinghoven, Grefenbroich, Duseldorf, Rhenish, Prussia. Learned his trade while young, and has worked at it ever since, except ten years in the grocery trade, from 1856 to 1866. He was married in Prussia, in 1853, to Ceceilia Herbst, and came to America in 1868. Has five children - John (in business with his father), Eva (at home), Andrew and Peter (at St. John's College in Stearns Co., Minn.), and Catharine (at home).

From History of La Crosse County, Wisconsin, 1881, p. 745.

W. W. CARGILL, dealer in wheat; was born at Long Island, N. Y., Dec. 15, 1844. In 1856, he removed with his parents to Janesville, Wis., where they were engaged in farming, remaining there until 1863, when he went to Austin, and subsequently Albert Lea, Minn., where he was engaged in the wheat trade. In 1875, he removed to La Crosse, and continued the same business. He deals throughout all parts of Wisconsin, Minnesota, Iowa and Dakota Territory. The name of the firm of which he is now a member is Cargill & Van.

From History of La Crosse County, Wisconsin, 1881, p. 745.

GEORGE T. CARLETON, merchant; is one of the pioneers of Wisconsin. He was born in Newcastle, Lincoln Co., Me., Jan. 2, 1805; son of Thomas and Hannah (Hall) Carleton; when about a year old his father removed to Kennebec Co., and he grew up to manhood on his father's farm in that county. At the age of 23, he engaged in the mercantile business, which he has continued up to the present time. While in Maine he was in business in Vassalboro and Waterville. In 1833, he married Eliza Drummond, who died in 1840, leaving two children (since deceased). In 1841, he married Miss Mary Dane, of Skowhegan, Me., and came to Wisconsin in 1843; was three days making the trip from Sheboygan to Fond du Lac with an ox team, with no road but an Indian trail. In the spring of 1844 he built the first sail-boat on Lake Winnebago, for the Indians on the lake and up Wolf River. He carried on business in Fond du Lac till 1851. About the 1st of July in that year he came to La Crosse, remained a few days, then returned to Fond du Lac, and came again in August. At that time he put up a building on Third street, where Giles's pork house now stands, for a store and dwelling. There was no lumber to be had in La Crosse at the time, and he purchased his at Robinson's Mill, and run it down the creek into Black River, thence into the Mississippi and to La Crosse. He burned his lime on a pile of logs for the plastering, and thinks this was the first plastered house in the county. After completing this building he returned to Fond du Lac, and, in November, 1851, removed with his family and a stock of goods to La Crosse; came with horse teams, and was eleven days on the road. He continued in business on Third street till 1869, then removed to Sauk Rapids, Minn., and came to North La Crosse in the spring of 1877. He was three years Alderman of the First Ward of La Crosse; has two sons - George T., born in Waterville, Me., and Fred D., born in Fond du Lac, Wis.; both married and engaged in mercantile business in North La Crosse.

From History of La Crosse County, Wisconsin, 1881, p. 745.

GUSTAV CARL, manufacturer of mineral and seltzer water, ginger and lemon beer, 77 and 79 Third street; has been in his present business since 1868, and has the only establishment of the kind in the city. He was born in Saxony, Germany, Dec. 23, 1836. He learned the bookbinder's trade of his father, Adam Carl, who came to America with his family in 1854, landing in New York City on the 5th of June. He located there, and Gustav worked at his trade in the city till 1856, then came West and worked in St. Louis, and Washington, Mo., Chicago and Milwaukee, returning to New York City in the fall of 1857. In the spring of 1858, the whole family came West, the senior Carl going to Chicago and Gustav to Milwaukee, where he remained till 1860, then came to La Crosse in March. In 1862, he went to Winona, Minn., and started business, but burned out a month after starting, and returned to La Crosse, and went into partnership with John Fox in the saloon business, which he continued till 1868, when he went into his present business. He was married in La Crosse to Miss Bertha, daughter of Ernst Herzberg, who came to La Crosse in 1856, and died there in 1879. Mr. Carl has four children - Gustavus, Bertha, Oscar and Albert. He was Alderman of the Third Ward in 1868. His father came to La Crosse from Chicago, and from there to Milwaukee, and died there in 1872.

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

E. C. CASBERG, dealer in general stock, Holmen; was born in Norway, April 18, 1853. Came to America, 1862; began business Feb. 24, 1880; owns town property in Onalaska. His wife, Carrie C. Michelson, was born in Norway, Dec. 29, 1851. They married in 1873; they have one child, Ina, born Feb. 22, 1879. In politics, Republican; in religion, Lutheran.

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

JOHN A. CASSEL, farmer, Sec. 26; P. O. La Crosse; was born in France, in 1821; emigrated to the United States in 1839, and landed at Savanna, Ga., where he stopped about nine months, when he went to Florida and worked for the Government for about fifteen months. He then returned to Savanna, and soon after sailed for New York, where he stopped about three months. Then he went to Pottsville, Penn., and engaged in mining until 1844; he then went to Maryland, and followed the same business near Cumberland. In 1845, he was married to Mary Stark, born in Germany, in 1827, and in 1851 he removed with his family to Shelby Co., Ohio, where he purchased 80 acres of land and commenced farming, and followed the same for three years, when he tired of farming and again returned to Maryland, where he worked in the mines for about two years; but as his health would not permit him to follow mining, he concluded to go West. And so, in the fall of 1856, he came to Wisconsin and settled in La Crosse County. In 1863, he purchased part of his present farm, which contains 340 acres, much of which is well improved and has good buildings. Mr. Cassel has held various town and school offices, and is a Democrat in politics. The children are Jacob, Mary, John A., William H., Gustave H., and Walter G.

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

ALVAH H. CASTERLINE, farmer, Section 6; P. O. Bangor; born in New Jersey in 1822, where he lived till about 12 years of age, when he removed with his parents to Steuben Co., N. Y.; he then went to McHenry Co., Ill., in the fall of 1849, and to La Crosse Co. in the fall of 1856; he settled whre he now lives in January, 1860. He was married in the State of New York to Julia A. Stone; she was born in Steuben Co.; her parents lived and died on the farm where they settled immediately after their marriage. From the time they settled there to the time of the death of both parents, was a period of sixty-one years. Mr. and Mrs. Casterline have six children - Charles, Eliza, Martha, Betsey, Alvah and William.

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

KLAAS CHELMERS, farmer, Sec. 2; P. O. New Amsterdam, was born in the Netherlands, Holland, Oct. 17, 1843; came to Wisconsin in the year 1853. His wife was Miss Von der Pano; she was born in the Netherlands, Holland; they married in 1872, and have four children - Seward C., Mahala, Susan C. and John Miller. He is a Republican and a Presbyterian.

From History of La Crosse County, Wisconsin, 1881, p. 745 - 746.

SAMUEL CHILDERS, shoemaker on Third street; has resided in La Crosse since April, 1857, and been engaged in his present business during the whole time. He was born in Greenbrier Co., Va., April 22, 1824, and raised in Harrison Co., same State. Learned his trade in Virginia, and, in 1846, went to Letart Falls, Meigs Co., Ohio, having previously been married in Monroe Co., Ohio, to Miss Edith Bradfield. After residing at that place a few years, he removed to Mason Co., Va., and from there to La Crosse. Has six children - William, Martha, John M., Samuel, Alice and Charles. William is married to Olive Sterns, and has one child - Maude, and Martha is the wife of Simon T. Stain. John M. was married June 11, 1880, to Miss Minnie Brabander, and all reside in La Crosse. John M. is a stone-cutter by trade, and has worked at it since 18 years old.

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

CHRISTIAN CHRISTENNONSON, proprietor of Holmen Mills; was born in Norway, July 27, 1839; came to Wisconsin in 1860, settled in La Crosse Co.; bought 100 acres of land, made the improvements, and sold out and bought 120 acres; in 1876 bought the mill, which was built in 1875, now valued at $12,000. His wife, Mattie Knall, was born in Norway, Oct. 14, 1836; was married in 1862; they have seven children - Christian M., born Jan. 31, 1865; Augusta, born Aug. 4, 1866; Cora L., born Oct. 15, 1868; Alden, born April 13, 1871; Colvin, born Dec. 13, 1872, died Aug. 30, 1873; Morris, born April 3, 1874, and Alexander, born Jan. 22, 1876. He is a Lutheran in religion; in politics, Republican; Director of District No. 3; has been Treasurer and Pathmaster.

From History of La Crosse County, Wisconsin, 1881, p. 746.

JOSEPH CLARKE, of the firm of Lloyd & Clarke, was born in the city of Philadelphia Jan. 16, 1841. He began his career at La Crosse, in the house of Lloyd & Supplee, in the spring of 1862. In 1868, he married Miss Anna M. Custer, sister of Mrs. W. J. Lloyd. The house of Lloyd & Clarke has always been active in public matters, and especially enterprising in commercial affairs. The Board of Trade has received much valuable aid from the individuals of this firm, Mr. Clarke, having served two years as Vice President and two years as President of the Board. While none of the gentlemen connected with the firm have been active politicians, yet twice has the house been called on to fill the office of Mayor, Mr. W. J. Lloyd, one of the original members, being elected to the office (over Col. Theodore Rodolf) in the spring of 1865; Mr. Lloyd, at that time, was only in the 30th year of his age. Mr. Clarke, after twice refusing a party nomination for Mayor, was, in the spring of 1880, induced to accept a non-partisan call to be a candidate for the office, and was duly elected thereto. The principal events of Mr. Clarke's administration were the erection and equipping of the City Pumping Works, which he strongly favored, and the attempt to secure legislation authorizing a special water-pipe tax against all lots abutting on streets where water-pipes had been laid, or might be laid in the future. This project was favored by Mr. Clarke and a majority of the Common Council, but, being left to a vote of the people, was defeated. (See sketch of W. J. Supplee.)

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

REV. ANSON CLARK, Pastor of the Congregational Church, West Salem; born in West Hampton, Hampshire, Co., Mass., in 1822. He was educated at Williams College, where he graduated in 1845. He took a theological course at Andover Theological Seminary, where he graduated in 1848. He came to Wisconsin in the fall of that year, and preached in the vicinity of Milwaukee, Wis., for seven years. For the next eleven and a half years, in Washington Co. He came to West Salem in 1867; he was married in 1852, in Connecticut, to Mary L. Hooker, born in Fairfield Co., daughter of Edward W. Hooker. Her father died at Fort Atkinson, in 1878. Mr. and Mrs. Clark have four children. The eldest, Edward H., graduated at Williams College, in 1878, now engaged in teaching; their second son, Cornelius E., graduated at the same college, in 1879; Calvin M. is now a student at that institution; Anson H., their youngest son, is at home. They have lost three children.

From History of La Crosse County, Wisconsin, 1881, p. 820 - 821.

JOHN G. CLARK, merchant, dealer in dry goods, notions and fancy goods, West Salem; born in the town of Rupert, Bennington Co., Vermont, in 1831. He came to the City of La Crosse, in 1855, thence to Mantorville, Dodge Co., Minn., where he was engaged in the mercantile trade about two years. He then returned to La Crosse, where he engaged as clerk for B. W. Kimball, afterward for W. B. Hanscome. Came to West Salem in 1861, and engaged in the mercantile business. His wife was Lamyra Leet, daughter of George Leet. They have one daughter, Mary J.

From History of La Crosse County, Wisconsin, 1881, p. 746.

SYLVESTER CLARK, foreman in the La Crosse Elevator of the Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul Railroad Co.; has been in his present position since 1872, and a resident of La Crosse since the fall of 1865. He is a native of Caledonia, Livingston Co., N. Y., where his father, Charles Clark, is still living at 80 years of age. Mr. Clark enlisted in 1862, in the 4th New York Heavy Artillery, and was in the service three years. He was taken prisoner Aug. 24, 1864, near Petersburg, Va.; was at Belle Isle, Pemberton, Libby, and Salisbury, N. C.; was released from the last-named place on the 22d of February, 1865. After he left the army, he returned to Caledonia, N. Y., and came from there to La Crosse in the fall of 1865. He married in March, 1875, in St. Louis, Mo., to Miss Anna Simon, of that place, and has one child - Edna.

From History of La Crosse County, Wisconsin, 1881, p. 746.

PROF. J. J. CLEVELAND, Principal of the First Ward School of La Crosse; has been in his present position since the spring of 1877. He was born in Boston, Mass., in 1847; son of Henry C. Cleveland, who removed to New York City in 1854, and died there in 1860. Oct. 1, 1861, Mr. Cleveland enlisted in the 10th Conn. V. I., Co. K, and was in the service three years and four months. He was twice wounded during his term of service. The first was only a flesh wound received at the battle of Roanoke Island, Feb. 8, 1863. This was the first battle in which he was engaged. The second was a gun-shot wound in the right shoulder, received Aug. 1, 1864, on the James River in Virginia, which permanently disabled him, and in consequence of which he was discharged in January, 1865. In the fall of 1867, he came West and entered the State Normal School at Mankato, Minn., from which he graduated in June, 1873. He taught three years in Blue Earth City, Minn., and came from there to La Crosse in 1877. He was married in March, 1871, in Blue Earth Co., Minn., to Miss Maggie, daughter of John Shields, of that county. Mr. and Mrs. Cleveland have four children - Lizzie, May, Bertha and Grace.

From History of La Crosse County, Wisconsin, 1881, p. 746.

JAMES CLIFFORD, shoemaker; has resided in La Crosse since Aug. 27, 1853, and has been in his present business during the whole time, having been the longest here of any shoemaker in the city. He was born in County Tipperary, Ireland, in 1822; son of Thomas Clifford; lost his father when 14 years old, and his mother one year afterward; came to America in the spring of 1843; lived in Montreal, Canada, one year, which time he served at the shoemaker's trade, and came to the United States in the spring of 1844. He worked in Whitehall and Troy, N. Y., three years; then a short time in Upper Canada, and afterward worked in Lexington, Cincinnati and Springfield, Ohio; Galena, Ill.; St. Louis, Mo.; Memphis, Tenn.; Natchez, Miss.; Louisville, Ky.; La Fayette, Ind., and Dubuque, Iowa, and came to La Crosse in 1853 on the 27th day of August. He was married in September, 1860, to Catharine McHugh, and has five children - Thomas, Henry, William, Rosa and James.

From History of La Crosse County, Wisconsin, 1881, p. 821.

JOHN M. COBURN, farmer, Sec. 8; P. O. West Salem; born in the town of Stockbridge, Madison Co., N. Y., Feb. 16, 1831. His father was a native of Connecticut. Mr. Coburn came to Wisconsin, April, 1854. He left New York with the intention of locating near Cedar Rapids, Iowa. He went to Rock Island, from thence to Davenport, traveled some through the State of Iowa, but not being as well pleased with the country as he anticipated, he decided to go north into Minnesota. On reaching the city of La Crosse, he was induced to visit the La Crosse Valley, before settling elsewhere. Being pleased with the country, he decided to locate and settle where he now lives. His brother-in-law, Mr. Ranney, accompanied him on this trip. He was married, in the State of New York, to Nancy Quackenbush. She died April 22, 1880; has five children, four sons and one daughter - Charles M., Frank P., Fred M., Horace G. and Hattie E. He first purchased, with Mr. Ranney, 100 acres; has now about 400 acres with good improvements; has a fine brick residence built in 1876. Is engaged in general farming.

From History of La Crosse County, Wisconsin, 1881, p. 746 - 747.

GEORGE H. COGSWELL, blacksmith at the threshing machine works of Smith & Merrill; was born in 1822 in Londonderry, N. H.; son of Joseph Cogswell; learned his trade in Chester, N. H., commencing in 1840; came to Wisconsin in 1846; lived in Geneva, Walworth Co., two years; Oshkosh, two years, and afterward lived in Portage City and Marcellon, Columbia Co., and in Rushford and Hokah, Minn., and came to La Crosse in 1865. He was in the Quartermaster's Department at Nashville, Tenn., six months, during the war of the rebellion. He lived in Nashua, N. H., from 1872 till 1877, and since that in La Crosse. Has six children - Emaline M., John C., Joseph E., George H. H., Carrie and Lillie May. His wife, to whom he was married in 1845, was Sarah Jane Wells, of Greenfield, Huron Co., Ohio.

From History of La Crosse County, Wisconsin, 1881, p. 747.

C. A. COLBY, is a native of Norway, born in 1846; son of Anders Colby. He was married in Norway in 1870, to Lise Tostensen, and has two children - Lottie and Carrie. Came to the United States in 1872, and has resided in La Crosse ever since. He was in the employ of C. B. Solberg till July, 1877, since which time he has been in the saloon business for himself, now located on Pearl street.

From History of La Crosse County, Wisconsin, 1881, p. 747.

JOHN J. COLE, attorney and counselor at law; was born in Albany, N. Y., Aug. 29, 1824; received a classical and scientific education at the Albany Collegiate Academy; graduated in 1840, and entered a law office as student at the age of 17; pursued the legal and classical course, which was then required for the bar, for four years, and at the age of 21 was admitted to the bar before Chief Justice Bronson, and to the Court of Chancery before Chancellor Walworth; practiced in Albany till his removal to Wisconsin in 1856, and in 1859 became law partner of William A. Tucker, at La Crosse, where he has resided ever since; has been candidate for the offices of City Attorney, District Attorney and member of Legislature, but, being always in the minority in politics, was not elected to those offices. He has been in no other business than that of the practice of the law, and incidentally dealing in real estate and loans; has been a Court Commissioner under the successive Circuit Judges during nearly all his twenty-five years' residence in Wisconsin. Mr. Cole is widely known throughout this and adjoining counties as a lawyer of great prudence, sagacity and perseverance. Well and correctly posted in legal matters, his opinions as to the merits of a case are generally sustained by the Judges, both of the lower and higher courts. As a collector, he has always been very successful. Of strict integrity and correct business habits, he merits the success that has attended his efforts.

From History of La Crosse County, Wisconsin, 1881, p. 747.

CHARLES L. COLMAN was born in 1826, in the State of New York. In 1840 he removed to Green Bay, Wis., with his parents, remaining there five years, when he removed to Fond du Lac, Wis. In 1854, he removed to La Crosse, Wis., and engaged in the lumber business, in which he has since been actively engaged.

From History of La Crosse County, Wisconsin, 1881, p. 747.

FRANKLIN D. COLVER, millwright and sawyer; born in Vermont in 1830; removed with his parents to Pennsylvania when about 1 year old; thence to Indiana when 3 years old, his parents being among the early settlers of that State. They afterward removed to Illinois, thence to the city of Oswego, N. Y. Mr. Colver went to Chicago in 1851, where he ran a planing-mill; also followed the lakes more or less for five years. He went to Iowa in 1856, where he was married to Matilda Collins. They came to La Crosse Co. in 1857. Mr. Colver enlisted in 1861, in the 8th W. V. I.; served about thirteen months, and was discharged for disability. He has seven children - Arletta, Alfred, Alma, Alvin, Abbie, Austin and Arthur.

From History of La Crosse County, Wisconsin, 1881, p. 747.

MARSHALL CONANT, Land Commissionery of the S. M. R. R. Co., has been engaged in selling lands for this Company since December, 1866. He was born in Malone, Franklin Co., N. Y., and educated to the legal profession, but practiced only a short time. He entered the general office of the O. & L. C. R. R. Co. in 1851, and was Chief Clerk in that office previous to his engagement with the S. M. Co.

From History of La Crosse County, Wisconsin, 1881, p. 747.

A. M. CONGDON, carpenter and millwright, was born in Marietta, Ohio, in 1852; learned his trade of G. W. Sherwood, of St. Paul, commencing in 1871. He has since worked in Chicago, Ill., Muskegon, Mich., Kansas City, Mo., Mason City, Iowa, and came to La Crosse in 1874. He has been in the employ of P. S. Davidson since January, 1880. He was married in September, 1880, to Miss Edna Brown, of Dakota, Minn.

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

B. R. CONGDON, carpenter and farmer; P. O. Midway; born in Vermont in 1811, where he lived until 16 years of age, when he removed with his parents to Northern New York. When 21 years of age, he went to Pennsylvania, where he lived ten years, thence to Steuben Co., N. Y. He removed to Illinois in 1845; came to La Crosse Co. in 1850, and settled in Lewis Valley, making him one of the earliest settlers of the town of Farmington. He built the first school house and established the first Sunday school in the town of Farmington. He resided in Lewis Valley but three years, when he removed to Jackson Co., thence to Eau Claire, thence to North Pepin, thence to Wabasha Co., Minn., thence to Dodge Co., in that State. In February, 1863, Mr. Congdon met with a sad misfortune, while attempting to cross a stream in Bear Valley, Wabasha Co., with a team and sleigh, the latter was capsized by the force of the water, and he and his wife were thrown into the stream, and were caught between the sleigh and a fence crossing the stream, in such a manner that they were unable to extricate themselves, and before they could be rescued, his wife had perished, and he had become entirely exhausted, but finally revived. He married his second wife in Dodge Co., also his third wife. The latter is still living. He has eight children - five sons and three daughters. Mr. Congdon returned to La Crosse Co., and settled in the town of Onalaska, October, 1878.

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

GILBERT CONGDON, farmer, Sec. 13; P. O. Stevenstown; born in Vermont, April, 1822; removed to the State of New York when he was a child; thence, with his parents, to Canada West; thence to the State of Illinois; came with his father's family to La Crosse Co. about 1850; was married to Jane Alexander; have three children - Maggie M., Maud and Grace. His farm contains 115 acres. Mr. Congdon enlisted in the 2d W. V. C. in September, 1864, and served till the close of the war.

From History of La Crosse County, Wisconsin, 1881, p. 810 & 813.

CHARLES H. CONROW, farmer, Sec. 32 and 33; P. O. Onalaska; was born in Burlington, N. Y., June 15, 1815. Came to Wisconsin, July, 1866, now owns 80 acres of land and has made all the improvements. His wife, Mary Salisbury, was born in Cattaraugus Co., N. Y., Feb. 12, 1831; removed to Wyoming Co. at the age of 1 year; married Aug. 24, 1854. They have had six children - Lillia, born Nov. 22, 1856; Mary, born Aug. 24, 1859; Lucy, born Dec. 10, 1862; Charles, born Feb. 11, 1865; Clarence, born Sept. 30, 1870; George, born June 11, 1874.

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

A. S. W. COOK, farmer, Sec. 21; P. O. Mindoro; born in Cambridge, Mass., January, 1824. He was brought up in that State; came to Wisconsin in 1856, and settled in La Crosse Co., where he has since lived, except two years which he spent in the State of Illinois. Married Eliza S. Stevens, born in Needham, Mass. They have four children - Frank W., Clara W., J. W. and Arthur S.

From History of La Crosse County, Wisconsin, 1881, p. 747.

L. COREN, merchant, No. 83 Rose Street, has been a resident of La Crosse since 1868. He was born in Christiana, Norway, in 1845, son of O. O. Coren, who is still living in Christiana. Mr. Coren was educated in his native city, and came to the United States in 1866. He lived in St. Louis, Mo., one year, then came to Wisconsin, and lived in Edgerton one year, coming from there to La Crosse, where he was engaged in clerking in the dry goods trade till the spring of 1881, then started business for himself in present location. He was married, in 1872, to Miss Theresa Kjos, and has two children, Laura E. and Alfred T.

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

AUGUSTUS CRAIG, farmer, Section 11; P. O. Burr Oak; born in Germany on Jan. 13, 1835; he came to the United States in 1850, and lived two years in Geneva, Walworth Co., Wis., where he worked at his trade - that of a miller - for R. W. Warren; he went to La Crosse in the fall of 1854, thence to Black River Falls, where he worked for Mr. A. Shepard, in a mill for three years; thence again to La Crosse Co., where he worked for Mr. J. Vanness, in Union Mills; thence to Melrose, where he worked at his trade for two and a half years; and settled on his present farm in 1865. He married Louisa Young, daughter of Sebastian Young; they have nine children - four sons and five daughters. Mr. Craig learned his trade of his father, in Germany, who was also a miller.

From History of La Crosse County, Wisconsin, 1881, p. 433.

From History of La Crosse County, Wisconsin, 1881, p. 747 - 748.

HOWARD CRAMER, insurance agent, was born in Dutchess Co., N. Y., June 23, 1820; is of German parentage. He remained in Dutchess Co. until 20 years of age, in the meantime attending the public schools. In 1840 he removed to Ohio, prepared for and entered Oberlin College, graduating from this institution in 1848. He then spent two years in traveling throughout the United States, and located in Milwaukee, Wis., in 1850, where he studied law in the office of Finch & Lynde. Was admitted to the bar to practice in Milwaukee Co., and subsequently admitted to practice in the Supreme Court. Removed to La Crosse July 17, 1851, where he practiced law about two years, and then located in Black River Falls, where he also practiced for two years. In the fall of 1854 he returned to La Crosse, and continued the practice of law. In 1855 he, together with A. T. Clinton, opened a banking house, carrying on this business under the firm name of Cramer, Clinton & Co., until 1858, when the partnership was dissolved, Mr. Cramer then forming a partnership in the banking business with the late Wilson Colwell, Captain of the Light Guards. In 1861, Mr. Colwell enlisted in the war, and the banking house was discontinued. In 1863, Mr. Cramer visited the Territory of Nevada, where he spent two years, residing there, and helping to gain the admission of that Territory as a State. He returned to La Crosse in 1865, and in 1866, was elected as City Assessor, and since that time has held various municipal and governmental positions, holding the positions of City Assessor, City Clerk, Internal Revenue Inspector and Deputy United States Marshal for this part of the Western District. In the meantime he has been engaged in the insurance business, which he is conducting at present.

From History of La Crosse County, Wisconsin, 1881, p. 748.

EDWARD CRONON, of the Collection and Loan Agency of Scott & Cronon, is a native of Rensselaer Co., N. Y.; born in 1836; came to La Crosse in May, 1855. He was in Arkansas when the war broke out, but succeeded in making his way back to La Crosse, and in September, 1861, enlisted in Co. I, 8th W. V. I., and received a gunshot wound in the wrist, Oct. 3, 1862, at Corinth, Miss., which made it necessary to amputate the left arm near the elbow, in consequence of which he was discharged Nov. 24, 1862. He then returned to La Crosse, taught school twelve years, and has been in his present business since 1878. He was married in La Crosse, in 1877, to Miss Anna A. Mellor, and has two children - Alice H. and Grace. Mr. Cronon's brother, Daniel, enlisted at the same time as he did, in the same acompany and regiment, and served till the close of the war. He died in July, 1868, in La Crosse, leaving a widow and one son - James Edward.

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

JAMES C. CROOK, farmer, Sec. 13; P. O. Mindoro; son of Orlando Crook, who came to La Crosse Co. in 1852, and settled where his son now lives. James C. was born in Vermont in 1833. He came to Wisconsin with his parents.

From History of La Crosse County, Wisconsin, 1881, p. 748.

JOHN A. CULLMANN, contractor and builder, has been in La Crossse since 1865, and in business most of the time, except two years on a farm. He was born in Rhine Province, Germany, in 1828; son of Charles Christian Cullmann; learned the cabinet-maker's and joiner's trade in the old country, and came to the United States in 1850. He resided in Rensselaer Co., N. Y., till 1854; then went to Louisville, Ky., and came from there to Wisconsin in 1856, lived in Dunn Co. till 1859, then in St. Clair Co., Ill., till 1861, then back to Dunn Co., Wis., and came for there to La Crosse in 1865. He was married, in 1866, to Sophia Sander, of La Crosse, and has four children - Willie, John, Albert and Adolph.

From History of La Crosse County, Wisconsin, 1881, p. 748.

GEORGE W. CUTLER, Assistant Yardmaster of the C. M. & St. P. R. R. at North La Crosse, has been in his present position since June, 1880. He is a native of Cortland Co., N. Y., born in 1843. His father, Stephen Cutler, came to Wisconsin in 1845; lived nine years in Waukesha Co., and went from there to Fond du Lac, where he still resides. Mr. Cutler enlisted in 1861, in the 18th W. V. I., and was in the service three years and eleven months. He was wounded three times during his term of service, at Shiloh, Corinth and Kingston. He was married December, 1865, in Milwaukee, to Miss Libbie F. Darley, and has three children - Hattie, Willie and George.

These biographies submitted by Roxanne Munns.