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    WILLIAM S. SALISBURY is numbered among the prominent agriculturists of Richland county, which has been his home from the time of his nativity and he is the owner of a fine landed estate in Willow township, being a member of one of the honored pioneer families of that section of the county. He is a son of John Salisbury, who was one of the early settlers of Willow township and who was born in Summit county, O., May 11, 1828, being reared to the sturdy discipline of the farm and receiving a common-school education. Mar. 14, 1850, was solemnized the marriage of John Salisbury and Rosanna Willey, the latter having likewise been born in Summit county, May 10, 1828. They remained in that county until 1856, when they came to Wisconsin and located in Richland county. Mr. Salisbury purchased land in the southeast quarter of section 35, Willow township, and there erected his primitive log house in the forest, after which he set himself vigorously to the task of reclaiming a farm in the midst of the sylvan wilds. In 1864 he bought land on the southwest quarter of the same section, the same having been entered from the government by Henry Cushman. He removed to this farm, taking up his abode in the log house which had been erected by Mr. Cushman. In 1883 he erected the substantial frame residence which now adorns the homestead, and he attained to distinctive success as a farmer and stock-grower, being a man of energy, good judgment and progressive ideas. In 1865 he went forth in defense of the Union, having been a member of Company D, Eleventh Wisconsin infantry, in which he was enrolled in February of that year. He proceeded to Montgomery, Ala., and in the following June was taken ill and placed in a hospital. As soon as he had sufficiently recovered he was granted a furlough and returned home, receiving his honorable discharge, at Madison, Wis., Sept. 29, 1865, and thereafter passing some time in Ohio, recuperating his health. Mr. Salisbury now makes his home with his son, our subject, his wife having died Dec. 10, 1897. William S. Salisbury, whose name initiates this review, was born on the homestead farm, in Willow township, July 9, 1865, and he was reared to manhood in this township, where he has been continuously identified with agricultural pursuits from his youth to the present, his educational advantages having been those afforded in the public schools of his native county. He is the owner of eighty acres of well improved and most arable land and in addition to general farming and stock-growing he is also prominently identified with the cheese-manufacturing industry, in which connection Richland county has gained a high reputation. For about nine years past he was a member of a co-operative company organized for the prosecution of this line of enterprise, and in 1903 he established a cheese factory of his own, having since conducted and been sole owner of the same, and being recognized as one of the leading manufacturers of high-grade American cheese in this section of the state. He is a citizen loyal and liberal, is a reliable and enterprising business man and takes a deep interest in all that tends to conserve the advancement and material and civic prosperity of his native county. In politics he is aligned with the Republican party and he and his wife are members of the Congregational church. Nov. 17, 1897, Mr. Salisbury was united in marriage to Miss Ada L. Hatch, daughter of Lester M. Hatch, of whom individual mention is made in this publication. They have two children, Velma Ethel and Beulah Mabel.
    JOSEPH A. SAVAGE, one of the enterprising and representative farmers of Sylvan township, was born in Adams county, Ill., May 11, 1843, and is a son of the late Asahel and Mary Ann (Chandler) Savage, the former of whom was born in the state of New York, in 1810, and the latter of whom was native of the state of Ohio. They continued residents of Illinois until 1848, when they came to Wisconsin and became pioneers of Grant county. In 1854 they settled in Sylvan township, then called Forrest, Richland county, where the father purchased 160 acres of wild land, the greater portion of which he reclaimed to cultivation, making good improvements for the day. Here he and his wife passed the remainder of their lives, being known as persons of sterling character, ever ready to aid those in distress or need and having the unqualified esteem of all who knew them. Their first dwelling was a log house of the primitive type, and this was destroyed by fire, as was also the second one built on the homestead, and in the third they continued to maintain their home until they were summoned to the life eternal. The father was a Democrat up to the time of the Civil War, when he transferred his allegiance to the Republican party, of whose cause he ever afterward remained a stanch supporter. He was the first assessor of Sylvan township and served several terms as justice of the peace. Both he and his wife were consistent members of the Baptist church. They became the parents of nine children, all of whom are living except three. Joseph A. Savage, the immediate subject of this sketch, was four years of age at the time of the family removal to Wisconsin, and here he was reared to the sturdy and invigorating discipline of the pioneer farm, early beginning to assist in the work of the same and continuing to assist his father until he had attained to his legal majority. His educational advantages were such as were afforded in the pioneer schools, which he attended in a somewhat irregular way, when his services were not in demand on the home farm. When the Civil War threatened the integrity of the nation he was roused to responsive protest and he signified this by going forth in defense of the Union. Aug. 14, 1862, at the age of nineteen years, he enlisted as a private in Company I, Twelfth Wisconsin volunteer infantry, with which he proceeded to the front and continued in active service until the close of the war, having taken part in many battles and skirmishes, but having never been wounded. He was mustered out June 11, 1865, duly receiving his honorable discharge. He is a member of the Grand Army of the Republic and also receives a pension of eight dollars a month. After the war Mr. Savage returned to his home in Wisconsin, being then twenty-three years of age. He soon afterward purchased the homestead of eighty acres on which he now resides, and here he has developed one of the valuable farms of Sylvan township, making good improvements in the way of buildings and having been successful as a general agriculturist and stock-grower. To him is accorded the unqualified esteem of the community in which he has lived from his boyhood days. In his political faith he is a Prohibitionist, and he is a zealous member of the Baptist church, as was also his cherished and devoted wife. In 1872 Mr. Savage was united in marriage to Miss Laura E. Ward, who was born in Grant county, Wis., Feb. 27, 1854, being a daughter of Madison and Rosana (McCord) Ward, the former of whom was born in Pennsylvania and the latter in Vermont. The father died while serving as a Union soldier in the Civil War. Mrs. Savage died Mar. 12, 1897, and is survived by four children, concerning whom the following brief record is entered: Asel, who is a successful farmer in Arkansas, married Miss Lillie McCone, and they have three children; Anna is the wife of Clyde Ward, of Vernon county, Wis., and they have three children; Sylvia is the wife of Wilbur Johnson, of Sylvan township; and Alice, who remains at home as her fathers companion and housekeeper.
    ANTHONY SCHMITZ, a prominent and progressive citizen of the town of Buena Vista, was born in Fond du Lac county; Wis., Oct. 27, 1852, and is the son of Peter and Cecelia (Goeser) Schmitz, both of whom were natives of Germany. The parents were married in this country, the father having migrated to America in 1841, while a young man of twenty-eight years. Being one of the first settlers of that part of the country, he had many hardships and adventures. While working for a farmer named White, near Lake Winnebago, he had quite an adventure with a large timber wolf. In the fall of the year the wolf killed a hog, so Mr. White set a trap to capture the wolf, which he was successful in doing. Early the next morning the wolf was gone with the trap. The chain was tied together with a rope, which he gnawed in two. Mr. Schmitz and Mr. White's oldest son started in pursuit with two dogs. The dogs overtook the wolf about a mile from the place, and kept him from going any further. By that time the two young men were up to the wolf, which jumped at Mr. Schmitz, he being ahead. They had no weapons so they had to use clubs. Mr. Schmitz struck him with a club and knocked him senseless. By that time the dogs pitched on to him. The men took the bark of a young hickory-tree and tied his legs together, and put a pole between his legs and carried him home. While carrying him home he came to again. They carried him home and chained him up. He played many cunning tricks while being chained up. He was finally killed. Mr. Schmitz had many other adventures similar to this, one with a bear. His wife Cecelia (Goeser) Schmitz was the oldest of ten children. She came to America at the age of seventeen years. Her oldest brother went to California when gold was first discovered there, and never returned; three resided in Minnesota; two remained at Fond du Lac; one went to Alabama; two reside in Iowa.
    REV. J. M. SCHRAMM, the honored pastor of the church at Keyesville, is one of the able representatives of the clergy of the Catholic church in Richland county and has been installed over his present parish since 1901. Father Schramm is a native of the city of Chicago, Ill., where he was born May 28, 1876, being the fourth in order of birth in a family of five sons. Of the other sons it may be stated that Frederick, Nicholas and Peter still remain in Chicago, and that Michael is a resident of Norwalk, O. The subject of this review is a son of Nicholas and Barbara (Lauer) Schramm, both of whom were native of the province of Trier, Rhenish Prussia, where the former was born May 17, 1830, and the latter Jan. 20, 1838. The father came to America in 1864 and the mother in the following year. Nicholas Schramm established himself in the lumber business in Chicago, where he continued to be identified with this line of enterprise until his death, which occurred Jan. 28, 1903, his cherished and devoted wife having been summoned to the life eternal July 18, 1898. Father Schramm secured his fundamental educational training in the parish school of St. Paul's church, Chicago, and at the age of fourteen years he entered St. Francis' Seminary, in the city of Milwaukee, where he remained a student for two and one-half years. He then entered St. Francis Solanus College, at Quincy, Ill., where he completed his classical course, being graduated as a member of the class of 1895. Thereafter he prosecuted his philosophical and theological studies in the same institution, and he was ordained to the priesthood June 18, 1899, at the apostolic hands of Most Rev. Frederick Cotzer. On the 2d of the following month Father Schramm conducted his first mass, in St. Paul's church, Chicago, his home and childhood sanctuary. His health had become some- what impaired through close application to his college work and he thus felt constrained to take a vacation of a few months. Oct. 1, 1899, he was appointed assistant pastor of a church in Chicago, and retained this incumbency one and one-half years. Nov. 23, 1901, witnessed his installment as pastor of his present parish, where he has infused much of life into the spiritual and temporal affairs of the church. Under his administration the church edifice has been remodeled and otherwise improved, and in 1904 the parish secured a school, conducted by the Sisters of St. Dominic, from Racine, Wis., three sisters being engaged in their noble work here at the present time, and the well equipped school building having been completed in 1905. Father Schramm is indefatigable in his labors and has the affectionate regard of his parishioners and the high esteem of all who know him.
    JOSEPH SEBRANEK has attained to success as one of the farmers of his native county, having gained independence and prosperity through his individual efforts and being now the owner of one of the excellent farms of the town of Bloom, He was born in this township Jan. 1, 1871, and is a son of Frank and Barbara (Stanek) Sebranek, both of whom were born in Bohemia, Germany, whence the former immigrated to America when a young man, about 1860, his wife having come to the United State with her parents. After his marriage Frank Sebranek purchased eighty acres of wild land in the town of Bloom, where he has developed a good farm, both he and his wife still remaining on the old homestead and being highly esteemed in the township where they have so long resided. They have six children, of whom the subject of this sketch is the eldest. Joseph Sebranek was reared on the home farm and early began to aid its work, becoming familiar with all details of the agricultural history and thus fortifying himself for successful operations in an independent way. His educational advantages were those afforded in the district school and he remained at the parental home until he had attained to his legal majority, after which he was employed as a farm hand about four years. He was married in the spring of 1896 and shortly afterwards he located on his present farm, securing eighty acres, of which about twenty acres were cleared. The log house which had been built on the farm continued to be his abiding place until 1904, when he erected his present commodious frame residence, also having put up other good buildings. In 1898 he purchased an adjoining tract of forty acres, of which one-half had been cleared. He has personally reclaimed about thirty-five acres from the forest and his energy and good management are shown in the attractive and thrifty appearance of his farm, which is devoted to mixed agriculture and the raising of good grades of live stock. He give his support to the Republican party and takes a loyal interest in all that makes for the wellbeing of the community. In the spring of 1896 Mr. Sebranek was united in marriage to Miss Christina Rott, who was born in the town of Henrietta, Richland county, Wis., and they have four children, with respective dates of birth are as follows: Josie, Mar. 1, 1898; Otto, July 27, 1900; Frank, Jan. 29, 1903; and Anna, July 7, 1905.
    FRANCIS M. SHEAFOR, one of the representative farmers and business men of Akan township, is a son of that honored pioneer, Squire Sheafor, of whom specific mention is made in this publication. Mr. Sheafor was born on the old homestead farm, in Akan township, Nov. 16, 1856, and here he was reared to maturity under the invigorating and wholesome discipline which the life of the agriculturist ever implies. He was afforded the advantages of the public schools and his independent career was initiated in connection with farming. He was engaged in the general mercantile business at Kickapoo Center about one and one-half years, and for thirteen years he was a successful manufacturer of hard and soft lumber. He is now the owner of a finely improved landed estate of 240 acres and also has charge of his father's old homestead farm of 127 acres. In connection with diversified agriculture he makes a specialty of dairying and of the breeding of red polled cattle and Poland-China swine. He is one of the leading stockholders in the West Branch Cheese Company and has been treasurer of the same since 1902. In politics Mr. Sheafor exercises his franchise and exerts his influence in support of the cause of the Democratic party, and he served one term as chairman of the Akan town board, also having been incumbent of the office of justice of the peace and having been treasurer of the school board of his district for eighteen years. He is a citizen of progressive ideas and is held in unqualified esteem in the community which has represented his home from his childhood days. July 25, 1880, Mr. Sheafor was untied in marriage to Miss Sallie A. Cosgrove, who was born in Rock county, this state, Mr. 8, 1856, being a daughter of Thomas and Ann (Miles) Cosgrove, both native of Ireland. They were numbered among the pioneers of Rock county, whence they later came to Richland county, setline in Akan township, where they passed the remainder of their lives. Mr. and Mrs. Sheafor have an interesting family of five children, all of whom have been accorded the advantages of the public schools of Richland county: Jay G. is a farmer by vocation; Jean T. was graduated in the Richland Center high school as a member of the class of 1905, and is a teacher in the local schools; Pearl A., who is fifteen years of age at the time of this writing, is also a successful and popular teacher, having secured a third-grade teacher's certificate when but twelve years of age; Opal D. and Gerald M. are the younger members of the happy family circle.
    SQUIRE SHEAFOR is one of the venerable pioneers of Richland county and still resides on the farm, in Akan township, which he secured more than half a century ago, having reclaimed the same from the wilderness and having able done his part in bringing about the material and civic development and progress of this favored section of the Badger State. Mr. Sheafor was born in Butler county, O., Jan. 18, 1826, and is a son of Jacob and Sarah (Bedford) Sheafor, the former of whom was born in Pennsylvania, Nov. 4, 1792, and the latter of whom was born in New Jersey, Sept. 10, 1805. They were married in Butler county, O., whence they removed to Carroll county, Ind., where the father followed farming as a vocation until his death, which occurred in 1870, his wife dying in Clinton county, that state, in 1887. They were people of sterling character and were representatives of families early founded in America. Jacob Sheafor was a son of Peter and Catherine (Cowlpow) Sheafor, the former of whom was a soldier under Washington in the War of the Revolution, his death occurring, ion Ohio, in 1825, and his wife continuing a resident of that state until her demise, in 1834. Jacob and Sarah (Bedford) Sheafor became the parents of seven children, of whom three are living. The father was aligned as a supporter of the principles of the Democratic party and his wife was a member of the Baptist church. The subject of this sketch recalls distinctly the conditions under which he secured his early educational training, in Carroll county, Ind., where he conned his lessons in a little log schoolhouse, equipped with puncheon floors, slab benches, etc. His entire active career has been one of close identification with the great basic industry of agriculture, and he is now living essentially retired, his farm being under the management of his son Francis M. Mr. Sheafor came from Indiana to Richland county, Wis., in the spring of 1854, being accompanied by his wife and their three children and the journey being made with an ox team and a wagon, by means of which their small stock of household effects was transported. He bought eighty acres of government land in the town of Akan and the same constitutes an integral portion of his present well improved farm of 120 acres. Within the long intervening years he has brought about the transformation of the heavily timbered tract into a productive and beautiful farm, and he and his wife still live on the old homestead, which is endeared to them by the memories and associations of the past. Mr. Sheafor served the seven closing months of the Civil War as a member of Company D, Eleventh Wisconsin cavalry. In politics Mr. Sheafor is a stanch adherent of the Democratic party, and he has served as a member of the town board and also the school board of his district, ever commanding the confidence and high regard o the community in which he has so long lived and labored. For the past forty-five years Mrs. Sheafor has been a zealous member of the United Brethren church. Apr. 11, 1850, Mr. Sheafor was married to Miss Barbara Ann Neher, who was born in Augusta county, Va., July 13, 1831, being a daughter of Jacob P. and Mary A. (Sager) Neher, the former of whom was born in Rockingham county, that state, in 1809, and the latter in Shenandoah county, in 1807. They removed from the Old dominion State to Ohio in 1833, becoming pioneers of Clark county, where they maintained their home for many years. About 1877 they went to California, where Mrs. Neher died Mar. 3, 1879, and Mr. Neher then came to Richland county, Wis., where he died Apr. 3, 1888. They became the parents of fourteen children, of whom five are living. In conclusion is entered brief record concerning the children of Mr. and Mrs. Sheafor: Mary E. resides in Iowa county; Sarah Maria resides in South Dakota; Jacob J. died in California; Francis M. is the subject of an individual sketch in this work; Theodore O. is a resident of Illinois; James M. is deceased; Nora Ann resides in Minnesota; Emma Alida is deceased; and Minnie Rose remains at the parental home.
    HERBERT G. SHERMAN, the genial proprietor of the city market in Richland Center, was born in Burlington, Kane county, Ill., on Feb. 17, 1864, and he is the son of Merritt L. Sherman, who formerly was engaged in the harness business in Richland's county seat. M. L. Sherman was born in Sheldon, Wyoming county, N. Y., Jan: 6, 1831. His early life was spent on a farm, and in 1844 he removed with his parents to Kane county, Ill. At eighteen years of age he commenced work at the harness trade, and in 1852 went to the Pacific slope, journeying across the plains, and he remained in that region six years; after which he returned to Illinois. In 1861 he enlisted in Company K, Fifty-second Illinois volunteer infantry, as first sergeant, and served three years, participating in the engagements at Pittsburg Landing, Corinth, and through all of the campaigns that followed, in the west. After the expiration of his term of enlistment, in the summer of 1864, he came to Richland Center and engaged in the harness business, remaining a resident of the place until the fall of 1904, when he removed to Oregon and resided in the city of Portland until his death, which occurred Aug. 21, 1906. He retired from the harness business about 1896. He was a stanch Democrat in his political views, and during his residence in Richland county was considered one of her substantial citizens, being well posted in matters generally, an earnest temperance worker as a member of the Temple of Honor, and he was also a member of the Grand Army of the Republic. In 1858 Mr. Sherman was married to Miss Kate Susan Ellithorpe, a native of Montpelier, Vt., and the subject of this review is one of seven children who were born to this union: Estelle married Harvey Smith and resides in Portland, Ore.; Carrie married E. B. Van Alstine and resides at Mitchell, S. D.; Herbert G. is he to whom this memoir is particularly dedicated; Edith Married George Wulfing and resides in Richland Center; Eugene is a resident of Elgin, Ill.; Kathryn married A. J. Frankland and resides at Oakland, Cal.; and Bertha married Charles Cold and resides at Portland, Ore. Herbert G. Sherman was but an infant when his parents removed to Richland Center, and there he was reared, receiving his education in the excellent schools of the place, and graduating from the high school with the class of 1879, when he was but fifteen years old. In August of the same year he started in life for himself by securing employment in a meat-market in Richland Center, and he continued to work for different firms until 1884, when he purchased a small market on Center street. In the same year he formed a partnership with F. P. Bowen and consolidated three markets, this partnership continuing five years, during which, in 1886, the market was burned and immediately rebuilt. In 1891 Mr. Sherman purchased twenty-two feet of his present property on the principal business street of the city, and moved his market to the site where it is now located. In 1896 he added to his real estate holdings at that point and now has a fine brick structure, with a frontage of fifty-one feet. On Dec. 2, 1901, he was again visited by the fire fiend, and the market building was almost demolished, but his cash book shows that he was out of business only one day. In addition to his meats he carries a complete grocery line, both plain and fancy, and being splendidly equipped with cold storage he handles the most complete stock of groceries, meats and provisions to be found in Richland county. He also handles and prepares for shipping large quantities of apples, having picked and shipped as many as 4,090 barrels during a season. In the meat department of his establishment Mr. Sherman has all the hams, bacon and lard packed, and the sausage which he furnishes to his customers is all made under his supervision. The subject of this sketch was married, Jan. 14, 1886, to Miss Etta Lorena Wood, of Richland Center, a daughter of Henry H. Wood, an old and highly respected citizen. Mrs. Sherman died, Oct. 2, 1905, at the age of thirty-nine years, two sons having been born to her and her husband. The eldest, Myron Wood, was born July 10, 1887, and is now a student in the University of Wisconsin with the class of 1909; the name of the younger son is Herbert Gerald. In politics Mr. Sherman is a Republican, but he has never taken an active part in political affairs; fraternally he is a member of the Masonic order, the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks at Madison, the Knights of Pythias, and the Modern Woodmen of America. Locally Mr. Sherman has been president of the Business Men's Association since its organization, and served as chief of the fire department five years.
    TIMOTHY C. SHIELDS is a native of Wisconsin, a member of one of the pioneer families of Richland county, one of the prominent farmers of the town of Henrietta and is at the present time a member of the board of supervisors of the county, being a popular and influential citizen of his township. He was born in Waukesha county; Wis., Nov. 17, 1849, and is a son of Charles and Catherine (Muldoon) Shields, both of whom were born and reared in County Roscommon, Ireland, where their marriage was solemnized in 1838. In the following year they immigrated from the Emerald Isle to America, locating in Rhode Island, where they remained four years, Mr. Shields having been associated with his brother Timothy in the teaming business. At the expiration of the time noted he came to Waukesha county, Wis., where he remained several years, finally disposing of his interests there and removing to Whitewater, where he worked at his trade, that of shoemaker, for the ensuing four years. He then came to Richland county, in 1856, and located in section 15, town of Henrietta, where he secured 120 acres of government land, the entire tract being heavily timbered. He reclaimed and improved the place, developing a valuable farm, and there his devoted wife died in 1882. Shortly afterwards he sold the property and removed to Rice county, Minn., where he lived retired until his death, which occurred Feb. 25, 1894. He was a Democrat in his political proclivities and both he and his wife were zealous communicants of the Catholic church. He contributed the five acres of ground on which are located the edifice and cemetery of St. Patrick's church, in the town of Henrietta, and both were active and influential in the work of the parish. To them were born eight children: Ann became the wife of Timothy Casey and both are deceased: Bridget is the wife of Michael Welsh, of Henrietta; Patrick is a farmer in Rice county, Minn.; Timothy C. is the immediate subject of this sketch; John is a farmer of Rice county, Minn.; Mary is engaged in the dressmaking and millinery business at Faribault, Minn.; Martin is editor and publisher of the Faribault Pilot; and Kate is associated with her sister in business at Faribault. Timothy Shields, brother of Charles, was one of the pioneers of Rice county, Minn., where he settled in _1856, and he became a prominent and influential farmer in that section. General Shields, who attained distinction in the Civil War, was of the same family line as were Charles and Timothy Shields. Timothy C. Shields, the immediate subject of this sketch, secured his rudimentary education at Whitewater and supplemented this by attending the district schools of Henrietta township, having been seven years of age at the time of the family removal to Richland county, where he has since maintained his home. He learned the carpenter's trade when a young man and has done much work in the line, having erected all of the buildings on his own farm and also numerous other buildings in this part of the county. He remained on the home farm until his marriage, in 1875, when he purchased his present homestead of 160 acres, in section 3, Henrietta township. The entire tract was covered with the native timber and he has reclaimed about seventy acres to cultivation and made good improvements of a permanent nature, having erected a good frame house and barn and other requisite buildings. He gives his attention to general farming and also keeps an excellent herd of dairy cattle. His son Charles owns eighty acres in sections 3 and 4, this township; and his son Patrick owns eighty acres in section 34, Greenwood township, Vernon county. He himself is also the owner of another farm, of 120 acres, in section 3, Henrietta township. Mr. Shields is a stanch adherent of the Republican party and is loyal and progressive as a citizen. He has served as school director and is at the present time representing his town on the board of supervisors of the county. He and his wife are communicants of St. Patrick's Catholic church. In May, 1875, was solemnized the marriage of Mr. Shields to Miss Mary Kennedy, who was born in the state of New York, a daughter of John and Bridget (Fleming) Kennedy, who were native of County Limerick, Ireland, whence they came to America when young. They were pioneers of the town of Henrietta, having settled in section 24; and here they passed the remainder of their lives Mr. and Mrs. Shields have eleven children, namely: Charles R., John L., Patrick, James, Edward, William, Timothy, Martin, Mary, Annie, and Joseph.
    CHRISTOPHER L. SHIRK, a leading farmer of the town of Buena Vista, was born at Mifflin, Juniata County, Pa., on Nov. 13, 1836, and he is the son of David and Mary (Love) Shirk, both of whom were natives of Lancaster county, Penn. The Shirk family is of Holland descent and of old Pennsylvania stock, and the parents of the subject of this review spent their lives in the Keystone State. The father was a framer by occupation and also officiated as a minister to a considerable extent. As a boy he was drafted and served for some time as a soldier in the War of 1812. He died in 1850, when fifty-four years of age, and the wife and mother died about twelve years later, in 1862. To the union of the above mentioned parents there were born then children, of whom the names and other facts are given in this biographical review. James, the eldest, spent his life and died in Pennsylvania, as did also David, John and Barbara; Joseph died in Illinois; Samuel is a resident of Plattsburg, Mo.; Michael resides at Goshen, Ind.; Henry died in Illinois; Christopher L. is he whose name appears at the beginning of this sketch; and Levi resides at Mount Morris, Christopher L. Shirk was reared and educated in Pennsylvania, and remained in that state until 1857, when he migrated to Illinois and located near Forreston, Ogle county, where he remained about seventeen years. He then removed to Carroll county, Ill., and remained until 1891, when he came to Wisconsin and located upon the farm upon which he now resides, in the town of Buena Vista, Richland county. In his early life he learned the trade of a carpenter and joiner, and followed that occupation and cabinet-making, also doing considerable work as a painter for a number of years, but later in life, and more particularly since he located in Richland county, he has given his undivided attention to farming. He was married on Nov. 29, 1860 to Miss Elizabeth Cheeseman, of Carroll County, Ill., whose parents, Alfred Cheeseman and wife, came from England and were pioneers in that section of Illinois. Mr. And Mrs. Shirk are the parents of eight children of whom Priscilla, the eldest, is deceased; Joseph Arthur resides at Mabton, in the state of Washington; Elliott is a resident of Oxford Junction, Ia.; Myrtle is deceased; Ida married Myron Stout and resides at Freeport, Ill.; Walter reside on his father's place in the town of Buena Vista; Sadie is a resident of Freeport, Ill.; and Michael resides at New Preston, Conn. Mr. Shirk is a devout member of the Methodist Episcopal church, being the class leader in the congregation at Gotham, and politically he gives his allegiance to the men and measures of the Republican party.
    JOHN A. SHONTZ, of Lone Rock, was one of the pioneers of the town of Ithaca, having come here in 1854, accompanied by his brother, Loren Shontz. Mr. Shontz was born seven miles west of Meadville, in Crawford county, Penn., Jan. 25, 1828, and there he was reared to agricultural pursuits, obtaining his education in the common schools. His parents were John and Mathia (Schoonmaker) Shontz, the former of whom was a native of Huntingdon county, Penn., and a son of Jacob Shontz, who was also a Pennsylvanian and of German descent, while the wife of the latter was a Miss Reed, of Irish extraction. The paternal grandfather of the subject of this review came from south-eastern Pennsylvania to Crawford county, that state, in 1800, when the father of our subject was but three years old, and remained in that county during all the remainder of his life and died in 1848, when about seventy years old, his wife surviving him but a few years. Jacob Shontz was a farmer and also a shoemaker by occupation, and he and his wife are buried in the cemetery in Salisbury township, Crawford county Penn., the father of our subject being one of eight children born to those honored parents. John Shontz, the father, spent his life in Crawford county and died in 1860, at the age of sixty-three years, and the mother died in 1883, aged about eighty-two years, both being also interred in the cemetery mentioned above. The Schoonmakers are of Holland descent, while the maternal grandmother of our subject was a Miss Smith, of French extraction, and a descendant of the French Huguenots. Nine children were born to John and Mathia (Schoonmaker) Shontz, and a mention is made of each of them in this review. Rebecca, the eldest, died at the early age of twenty-one years. Henry became a physician, practiced his profession several y(e)ars in the state of Iowa, and is now living retired at Beverly Hill, Chicago, the father of five children, viz.: Agnes, who married David Campbell and resides in Chicago; Theodore Perry, who is the president of the Panama canal commission; Emma and Clara, deceased; and Eva, who is a noted temperance worker of Chicago, and has achieved national fame, her work being similar to that performed by the late Frances Willard. Jacob died in Centerville, Ia., where he located in 1860; John A. is he whose name introduces this review; Susanna married Levi Runyan, of Richland county, and she and her husband are both deceased, leaving one child John Runyan, who is a resident of the town of Buena Vista; Loren died in Missouri in 1857; Hiram died in his youth; Eleazer still remains on the old homestead in Crawford county, Penn., where he is a very prominent and wealthy man, and Eliza died in 1858. John A. Shontz remained at home with his parents until he had reached the age of eighteen years, and he then engaged in the lumber business in company with his brother, Jacob, buying standing timber and having it manufactured into lumber and shingles. He also rafted lumber down the Allegheny river, and by boat to Newcastle where he sold white pine as low as seven dollars per thousand feet, and he followed the lumber business quite extensively until the date of his coming to Richland county. He made the trip hither in 1853. He returned home to again come to Richland county, and on Apr. 6, 1854, purchased land on sections 36, town 10, range 2 east, the farm being located on Bear creek in the town of Ithaca. He and his brother, Loren, erected a small frame house, and commenced improving the land, and as they were both unmarried at the time, a sister kept house for them. In 1856, John A. returned to his home in Pennsylvania and was there married on September 23d, of the same year, to Miss Rebecca McFadden, who was born in Crawford county, Penn., Nov. 2, 1832. He then came back to Wisconsin with his bride, and his brother Loren returned to his eastern home, made a short visit, and then went to Missouri, where he was taken sick and died, as stated above. Mrs. Shontz was unaccustomed to such life as was then being experienced in the pioneer fields of Richland county, and becoming homesick, in 1857 they rented the farm and returned to Pennsylvania, where Mr. Shontz engaged in the lumber business until 1862. In that year they came back to the Ithaca farm, upon which the family continued to reside until 1903, when Mr. Shontz sold it and has since lived at Lone Rock and Richland Center. Mrs. Shontz was a daughter of John and Lodiska (Rockwell) McFadden, of Cambridge Springs, Crawford county, Penn., where her parents were early settlers, and she died in March, 1904, at the residence of one of her daughters in Kimball, S. D., at the age of seventy-one years. Mr. Shontz now resides with his daughter, Mrs. Brainard, in Loan Rock. To the union of Mr. and Mrs. Shontz there were born four children of whom the following interesting facts are given: Kate married William Ochsner and resides at Chamberlain, S. D.; Clare married Edward Ochsner and resides at Kimball, in the same state; Flora H. Married Charles C. Brainard and resides at Lone Rock, Wis.; and George W. is assistant attorney for the Panama commission. The subject of this review has always remained loyal to the men and measures of the Republican party, and he has served as supervisor for the town of Ithaca.
    DAVID E. SIMPSON is one of the well known farmers and stock-growers of Eagle township and is a citizen of prominence and influence in the community, where he is held in unqualified esteem. He was born in Carroll county, Ind., Nov. 7, 1852, and is the only child of David and Elizabeth (Aken) Simpson, the former of whom was born in Delaware, in 1799, and the latter of whom was a native of Pennsylvania. They were numbered among the pioneers of Carroll county, Ind., where their marriage was solemnized and where they continued to reside until they came to Richland county, Wis., and settled in Richwood township, where they remained until 1865, when the father sold his farm and returned to Carroll county, Ind. One month later, however, he came again to Richland county, purchasing 130 acres of land in Eagle township, the tract being a portion of the farm now owned by his only son, the subject of this sketch. On this homestead both he and his wife passed the remainder of their lives, secure in the high regard of all who knew them. In politics David Simpson was a Republican, having united with the party at the time of its inception and having ever afterward continued a stanch supporter of its principles. His wife was a devout member of the Baptist church. David E. Simpson, to whom this article is dedicated, was reared to the sturdy discipline of the farm and received a good common-school education. He has continuously been concerned with agricultural pursuits, and now has a valuable farm of 160 acres, much of which he cleared from the wild state, and upon which he has placed the greater portion of the substantial improvements here to be noted, the buildings being modern and ample. In politics he pays allegiance to the Republican party, and he has served several terms as constable, was a member of the town board for four years, being chairman of the same for three years. He is essentially progressive and public-spirited and takes a loyal interest in all enterprises and undertakings which make for the well being of the community. He is affiliated with Eagle Lodge No. 313, Independent Order of Odd Fellows. In 1871 Mr. Simpson was united in marriage to Miss Barbara Elliott, who was born in Ohio, being a daughter of Isaiah and Rachel (Jones) Elliott, who came to Richland county in the pioneer days and located in Eagle township, where they passed the residue of their lives. Mr. and Mrs. Simpson have three children, all of whom were afforded good educational advantages. Rutch, who was graduated in the high school at Richland Center, became a popular and successful teacher. She is now the wife of Frank Ferebee and they have one child, Hazel. Ervin is a successful farmer near Lancaster, Grant county. He married Miss Esther Chetwood and they have four children, - Freda, Dollie, Clifford and Elizabeth. Cecil is also married, lives in Eagle township, and has two children, Theresa and Verl.
    JOHN SLANEY is a native of the town of Henrietta, this county, and is now one of its representative farmers and stock-growers, also being a member of one of the well known pioneer families of the county. He was born on the homestead farm, Dec.15, 1856, and is a son of John and Bridget (Mulcahy) Slaney, who were born and reared in County Cork, Ireland, where their marriage was solemnized, and where the father followed agricultural pursuits. In 1851 he immigrated with his family to America, making the voyage on a sailing vessel, which was seven weeks in completing the trip. They landed in New York city, and thence removed to Mercer county, Penn., where he entered the employ of the Pennsylvania Railroad Company. In 1855 he removed with his family to Richland county, Wis., where he secured forty acres of government land, in section 23, town of Henrietta, the tract being covered with heavy timber. He put up a log house and stable on the place and began the work of reclaiming his land, but he lived only five years after coming to the county, having been killed in February, 1860, while assisting in a chopping-bee at the farm of a neighbor. His wife long survived him and resided with her children until her death, which occurred Apr. 14, 1901. Both were devout communicants of the Catholic church and in politics he voted the Democratic ticket. They had seven children: Thomas was murdered, near Dallas, Tex., many years ago; Morris resides in Milwaukee and had been an engineer on the Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul Railroad for the past quarter of a century; the subject of this sketch was the next in order of birth; Catherine died in childhood, in Pennsylvania; Andrew J. is an engineer on the Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul Railroad and resides in the city of Milwaukee; Mary is a Sister of St. Shepherd, Milwaukee; and Patrick is a farmer of Henrietta township. John Slaney, to whom this review is dedicated, received limited educational advantages in his youth and he aided in reclaiming the home farm, where he was reared to maturity. As a young man he was employed for varying intervals in Minnesota, Iowa and Illinois, and he was fireman on the Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul Railroad for nearly three years. In 1891 he was married and shortly afterward he located on his present fine homestead farm, having purchased forty acres of the same - the McCarthy farm - five years previously and having since added to the same until he has a total of 249 acres, in sections 22 and 23. He has cleared and placed under cultivation about 100 acres. In 1889 he erected his substantial and commodious brick house and in 1899 he built his large and substantial barn, also having erected other requisite buildings for the care of stock and produce. He makes a specialty of the stock-growing department of his farm enterprise, raising a large number of Shropshire sheep, and Poland-China swine, besides cattle and horses. He served as clerk of his school district, No. 4, for eighteen years, was school supervisor two years, and was chairman of the town board four years. He gives his support to the Democratic party, and both he and his wife are prominent members and communicants of St. Patrick's Catholic church, being active in parish work; he served several years as treasurer of the church. Apr. 14, 1891, was solemnized the marriage of Mr. Slaney to Miss Elizabeth A. Mehan, who was born and reared in the town of Henrietta, being a daughter of George Mehan, of whom individual mention is made on another page of this work. To Mr. and Mrs. Slaney have been born eight children, whose names, with respective dates of birth, are as follows: Andrew, Aug. 9, 1892; Mary E. and unnamed infant, twins, Dec. 23, 1893, the latter dying soon after birth; Bridget, born in June, 1896, died in the same year; Elizabeth, Apr. 21, 1897; Catherine, June 16, 1898; John George, Mar. 23, 1901; and Clara Agnes, Nov. 3, 1903.
    CHARLES N. SMITH is a prominent citizen of Richland Center, where he has resided during the past three years, although his residence throughout his entire life has been within the confines of Richland county. He was born in the town of Buena Vista, on Sept. 12, 1858, and he is the only child born to the union of Isaac O. and Jane (Lawrence) Smith. Isaac O. Smith was an early settler in the town of Buena Vista, having come there in 1855. He purchased 215 acres of land on section 10, town 9, range 2 east, upon which he erected a small frame house and made other improvements. He resided there until 1867, when he purchased the "Lawrence" farm, located on the northwest quarter of section 2, town of Ithaca, and there he built a large frame barn and a frame house, and engaged in raising grain and stock, also keeping a large dairy. He was born in Brookhaven, Suffolk county, L. I., in November 1823, and there spent his childhood, assisting upon the farm and going to school. At the age of fourteen he went to sea and sailed before the mast until he was twenty-one years old. He then became master of a vessel and followed the sea until 1855, when, being tired of a seafaring life, he concluded to become a farmer, and came to Richland county, where he resided until his death on May 9, 1902, at the age of seventy-eight years. He was twice married, first in November, 1857 to Jane E. Lawrence, a native of New York, who was born in August, 1838, and died in Buena Vista in September, 1858, leaving one son - Charles N., whose name introduces this memoir. The father was again married on June 19, 1867, to Flora A., daughter of Lucius and Polly McDowl Tracy. As will have been observed the mother of the subject of this review died while the latter was an infant. She was a daughter of Isaac Lawrence, who came from the state of New York and settled in Bear Valley, about 1855, living there until he was bout seventy-eight years old, when he removed to Nebraska and spent the remainder of his life in the "tree planters" state. The subject of this review has no relatives bearing his family name anywhere in the West, but has a great many relatives in New York city and Long Island. Charles N. Smith was reared in the town of Buena Vista and received his education in her excellent public schools. He inaugurated his independent career by engaging in the basic industry of agriculture, and he followed that honorable vocation until 1903, when he removed to Richland Center, and has since been engaged in buying and shipping live stock. He was married, Feb. 7, 1883, to Miss Ada K. Brainard, daughter of Van Rensselaer and Ellen (Reynolds) Brainard, who came to Richland county in 1867 and settled in the town of Buena Vista, where the father died on Jan. 26, 1885, aged sixty-eight years, and the mother died in 1869, aged forty-eight. Mrs. Smith is one of a family of ten children who were born to the above named parents, seven of whom are living. To the union of Charles N. Smith and wife there have been born three children: Lolo, Erna, and Leland. Mr. Smith gives an allegiance to the principles of the Democratic party, and he is at present the alderman from the first ward in the city council of Richland Center. He served on the town board of Buena Vista three terms, and was also on the school board for a number of years. Fraternally he is a member of the Masonic order and of the Modern Woodmen of America.
    JAMES SNOW, general merchant and postmaster at Rockbridge, was born at Henderson, in Jefferson county, N. Y., Jan. 15, 1836, and he is the son of Horatio N. and Sarah (Cole) Snow, both of whom were natives of the Empire State, where the father was born in 1806. The Snow family is of old New England and New York state stock. When the subject of this review was but eight years old, in the spring of 1844, his parents emigrated west and settled in Dodge county, Wis., where they were among the pioneers. They came by boat from Sackett's Harbor to Milwaukee and drove from the latter place to their new home, the family stopping at Waukesha until the father went to Dodge county and took up government land. He selected his location in what is now the town of Emmett, improved a farm and made that place his home until the time of his death, excepting the last few years, when he lived retired in Watertown. The mother later came to Richland county, where her death occurred. To the union of these parents there were born six children, the names and other facts concerning whom are appropriately given a place in this review: William died in the city of Madison, where he had spent the greater part of his life; Horatio became a resident of Michigan and died in that state; Daniel spent his life in Richland county, after 1857, and died at his home on section I, in the town of Rockbridge; James is he to whom this sketch is more particularly dedicated; Sarah married Joseph Bailey and resides at Green Bay; and Edward is a merchant at Hub City, Wis. James Snow grew to manhood in Dodge county, Wis., receiving his education in the public schools, and he remained with his parents until the fall of 1857, when in company with his brother, Daniel, he started with an ox team for Richland county. After eight days of travel they arrived at Rockbridge, and entered land on section I of that town. They were both single men at the time and kept "bachelor's hall" in a log house with a "shake" roof, which they erected on the southeast quarter of section I, until 1859, when the brother was married. James Snow followed farming continuously and successfully until, on account of an accident, he was compelled to give up that occupation in 1866, after which he traveled on the road several years. In 1891 he engaged in the general mercantile business in the village of Rockbridge, in which he still continues, and at about that time he was also appointed postmaster, in which position he is now serving his fourth term. He carries a complete line of what is usually found in a general mercantile establishment, and enjoys a flattering patronage. Mr. Snow was married on Sept. 23, 1861, to Miss Lucy A. Smith, a native of Vermont and daughter of Stephen Smith, who died in his Green Mountain home when the wife of our subject was a small child. Her mother was afterward married to Ira S. Haseltine, who is frequently mentioned in these pages, and who moved to Richland county at an early date. To the union of Mr. And Mrs. Snow there have been born five children, more particular mention of whom is as follows: Jennie married R. J. Washburn and resides in California; Lona married Fred Pratt and resided at Richland Center; Edward is a resident of North Dakota; Edna married J. F. Driscoll and resides at Richland Center; and Grace married Robert Schneck and resides at Waukesha, Wis. Our subject is a strictly temperate man, and his views upon the temperance question are somewhat pronounced, but in politics he maintains a neutral position.
    WILLIAM N. SNOW, of the firm of Snow Bros., manufacturers of cheese-boxes, butter-tubs, apple-barrels and honey-barrels, was born in the town of Rockbridge, Richland county, Aug. 4 1863, and he is the son of Daniel Snow, of whom mention is made in this connection. Daniel Snow, son of Horatio and Sarah (Cole) Snow, an early settler of Rockbridge, was born in Jefferson county, N.Y., July 18, 1834. When he was but ten years old his parents emigrated west and settled in Dodge county, Wis., where they were among the pioneers. His father purchased land in what is now the town of Emmet, improved a farm and made it his home until the time of his death. Daniel Snow there grew to manhood, receiving his education in the public schools, and in December, 1857, in company with his brother, James, he started with an ox team for Richland county. After eight days of travel they arrived at Rockbridge and entered land on section 1, of that town. They were both single men at the time and kept "bachelors' hall" until 1859, in a log house with a "shake" roof, which they erected on the southeast corner of section 1. That year, on September 4, Daniel was married to Annie, daughter of Henry and Elizabeth (Robinson) Simpson, early settlers of the town of Henrietta, but who had migrated to America from England, where their daughter was born. Mr. Snow spent the remainder of his life in Rockbridge, engaged in the occupation of farming, and died on his farm there, in February, 1905, at the age of seventy years. The subject of this review is one of a family of six children that were born to the parents mentioned above, the others being as follows: Victor resides in the town of Rockbridge and farms the old homestead; Paul died in 1904; Vira is a resident of Richland Center; Scott remains at the old home and assists in the management of the farm; and Frank is also a farmer. William N. Snow was reared on the old homestead and received his education in the public schools. When he was twenty-one years old he began his independent career as an engineer and followed that occupation in the town of Henrietta for seven years. He then removed to Richland Center and engaged in the laundry business, being the first person to successfully conduct a steam laundry in that thriving little city. He continued that business about seven years and then purchased his present place, going into partnership with a Mr. Nesbit, under the firm name of Nesbit & Snow, which association continued for about one year, when Mr. Snow's brothers, Scott and Frank, purchased Mr. Nesbit's one-half interest, and since that date, 1900, the business has been conducted under the firm name of Snow Bros. The brothers have enlarged and increased the capacity of their factory, and it is kept in operation during every month of the year. In 1905 they turned out about 15,000 tubs, 50,000 boxes, and although it was the first year in which they manufactured barrels they turned out over 2,000 of them. The factory is equipped in first ass order, with modern machinery, and it is one of the leading industrial establishments of Richland Center, giving constant employment to about ten men. It is located at the foot of Mill street, near the Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul railroad tracks. The subject of this review was married in 1891 to Esther Thompson, of the town of Marshall, the lady being the daughter of James Thompson, an old resident of Richland county. To this union there have been born three children: Beulah, Hazel, and Esther. Fraternally Mr. Snow is a member of the Modern Woodmen of the world and also of the Beavers, while in politics he is independent, with a decided preference for the principles of the Prohibition party.
    GEORGE L. SPANGLER was for many years actively identified with agricultural pursuits in Richland county and is the owner of a well improved farm in section 21, town of Bloom, where his family resides. He is, at the present time, serving as a railroad policeman for the Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul Railroad, with headquarters in the city of Chicago. Mr. Spangler was born near Monroeville, Allen county, Ind., in February, 1853, and is a son of Sylvester and Elizabeth (Long) Spangler, both likewise native of the Hoosier State, where his death occurred in 1855. She later became the wife of Edward Brown, and they have resided in the state of Iowa for many years past. Sylvester and Elizabeth Spangler became the parents of four children: Samuel is deceased; Mary is the wife of George Thrall and they reside in the state of Iowa; George L. is the immediate subject of this sketch; James resides in Iowa. Edward and Elizabeth Brown became the parents of six children, --Della, William, Edward, Leon, Eva and Charles. William and Eva are deceased and the other children reside in Iowa. George L. Spangler was but two years of age at the time of his father's death and he was reared in the home of his uncle, James Essex, with whom he came to Richland county when a boy, here receiving a common-school education. In 1872 he was married, and soon afterward he located in the town of Bloom, buying a tract of wild land, in section 17. Later he purchased a partly improved farm of eighty acres in section 21, where his family now resides, all of the permanent improvements in the way of buildings, etc., having been made since he secured the property and the place being now one of the fine farms of the county; about sixty acres of the same are under effective cultivation. A few years since Mr. Spangler had the misfortune to lose his right hand, as the result of an accident, and he has since devoted the greater portion of his time to work away from the farm. He has served as deputy sheriff of Richland county and for some time was city marshal of Edgerton, Rock county. As before stated, he is now a railroad policeman in the city of Chicago. He is a stanch Democrat in politics and is affiliated with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and the Knights of Pythias. He is well known in Richland county, where he has many warm friends. Oct. 10, 1872, Mr. Spangler was united in marriage to Miss Elizabeth Allbaugh, who was born in Carroll county, O., being a daughter of Elijah and Keziah (Wanbaugh) Allbaugh, the father having been a farmer and blacksmith. In 1855 he came with his family to Richland county, being one of the early settlers of Bloom City, where he followed his trade for a time. He then bought a quarter-section of land in section 29, town of Bloom, reclaiming the same from the virgin forest and living up to the full strenuousness of the pioneer days. He was a man of sterling integrity and commanded uniform confidence and esteem. His first wife died in 1866, eight children having been born of their union: William resides in Richland Center; Margaret is the wife of Frank Long, of Bloom City; John is a resident of Nebraska; Elizabeth is the wife of the subject of this sketch; Amanda is deceased; Adam is a resident of Clark county, Wis.; Silas is a farmer of Bloom township; and Elijah, Jr., is likewise a farmer of the same town. After the death of his first wife, Mr. Allbaugh married Eliza Essex, a native of Ohio, and she died in 1888, being survived by her three children, -- Dell, who is the wife of John Bigley, of Forest, this county; Ora, who is the wife of Charles Robinson, of Vernon county; and Jessie, who is the wife of Julius Hillshiem, of the town of Bloom. For his third wife, Mr. Allbaugh married the widow of John Clark, and she survives him, maintaining her home in Sabin, this county. No children were born of the third marriage. Mr. and Mrs. Spangler became the parents of thee children: Etta L. is the wife of Samuel Berry, a farmer of Page county, Ia., and they have one child, Velma; Ira L., who married Miss Villa Grover, is a successful farmer of Bloom; and George b., who has charge of the old homestead farm, where he remains with his mother, and is recognized as one of the progressive and energetic young business men of Bloom township, where he enjoys distinctive popularity.
    CHARLES SPEIDEL, jeweler, of Richland Center, was born in the city of Erie, Pa., Dec. 5, 1852, and is the son of Sebastian and Anna Barbara (Rilling) Speidel, both of whom were natives of Wurtemburg, Germany. The mother came to America with her parents, and they located in Erie county, Pa., while she was yet a child. Sebastian Speidel learned the trade of watch-making in Germany, and when he came to America he first worked at his trade in New York City for a time after which he removed to Erie, Pa., and started in business for himself. He was twenty-two years of age when he came to America, and he met and married his wife soon after locating at Erie. He removed his family to Richland county in 1856, making the journey by way of the great lakes as far as Milwaukee, and thence by rail as far as the cars were then running, then drove the remainder of the distance to Richland City. He followed the jewelry business at that place for a time and then removed to Richland Center, but in 1860 he opened an establishment at Lone Rock, and still later at Boscobel, where he was residing at the time of the beginning of the Civil War. On Aug. 12, 1862, he enlisted as a private in Company C of the Twentieth Regiment, Wisconsin volunteer infantry, and he served until the close of the war, being mustered out on July 14, 1865, and reaching home the following August. The first engagement in which he participated was the bloody battle of Prairie Grove, Ark., in which the conduct of the regiment elicited the commendation of all by the gallant manner in which it charged a battery. The regiment subsequently moved to Missouri, and from thence was ordered down the Mississippi river and took position in the line of investment during the siege of Vicksburg. After that it participate in the operations of General Banks in Texas; then operated in Louisiana and it was one of the regiments that forced the surrender of Spanish Fort and the capitulation of Mobile, Ala. After being mustered out of the military service, Mr. Speidel returned to Richland City, where he remained for a time, and then removed to Gonzales, Tex., and conducted a jewelry business there two years. He then returned to Richland county, and in 1867 engaged in the jewelry business in Richland Center, which he continued until the early eighties, and then lived in retirement the remainder of his life, dying in August, 1897, at the advanced age of seventy-three years. He was the first jeweler and watch-maker to establish himself in Richland county, and he was a first-class workman, as in those days a watch-maker was able to construct a watch in its entirety. The mother of our subject died on July 6, 1902, at the age of seventy-five years. Sebastian Speidel and wife were the parents of five children, the names and other facts concerning whom are given as follows: Mary married John McCain and resides in West Salem, Wis.; Frederica C. married Forest C. Pennel and resides in Richland Center; Charles is the immediate subject of this review; Kate married H. W. Eastland and is the proprietor of a millinery establishment in Richland Center; and Stephen resides at Ladysmith, Wis. Charles Speidel was reared in Richland county, being but three years old when his parents established their resident at Richland City, and he received his education in the public schools. He learned the trade of watch-making with his father, commencing when fifteen years old, and he remained in his father's establishment four years. In 1873 he engaged in the jewelry business in Richland Center, and now he is the oldest watch-maker and jeweler in Richland county, having been in business continuously since the above mentioned year. He carries a full line of watches, clocks, etc. Mr. Speidel was married on June 29, 1876, to Miss Minnie Cook, a native of Newark, Wayne county, N. Y., and a daughter of William and Margaret (West) Cook. William Cook came to Wisconsin with his family in 1865 and settled in Richland county, in the town of Rockbridge, he and his wife both being natives of the state of New York. He died in February, 1903, at the age of seventy-five years, and his wife died on Dec. 20, 1902. They were the parents of nine children, concerning whom the following data is given: Walter resides in Riverview in Richland county; Wesley is a resident of the town of Rockbridge; Minnie is the wife of him whose name introduces this memoir; John resides in Minnesota; Bell married Ernest Richards and resides in Butler, S. D.; Frank died at the age of thirty, his home having been at Mound's Creek; Florence married Charles Brewer, who has since died, and she resides in Richland Center; and Etta married C. W. Davis and is a resident of Richland county. To Mr. and Mrs. Speidel there have been born five children: Clarence died at the age of eight years; Edna is a clerk in her father's jewelry store; Edith is the wife of f. w. Swingle, a merchant in Richland Center; Lester is a jeweler by trade; and Clyde resides at home with his parents. Mr. Speidel has been a member of the volunteer fire department of Richland Center since 1870, he being but eighteen years of age when he joined the organization. Fraternally, he is a member of the Modern Woodmen of America.
    JOHN STAFFORD is not only numbered among the successful farmers of Akan township but is also a popular and able member of the pedagogic profession in the county, devoting his time to teaching in the public schools during the winter terms. He claims the old Buckeye State as the place of his nativity, having been born in Monroe county, O., Oct. 10, 1866, and being a son of James and Rebecca J. (McMenimim) Stafford, the former of whom was born in County Wexford, Ireland, Apr. 4, 1834, and the latter in Monroe county, O., Sept. 17, 1845. James Stafford was a son of John and Margaret (Furlong) Stafford; both of whom passed their entire lives in the Emerald Isle, the former attaining an advanced age. The maternal grandparents of the subject of this review were Hugh and Susan (Harn) McMenimim, the former of whom was born in County Donegal, Ireland, and the latter in the state of West Virginia. Their marriage was solemnized in Monroe county, O., where his death occurred in 1852, his devoted wife having been summoned to the life eternal in 1846. John Harn, the great-grandfather of our subject, was a fifer in the Irish rebellion of 1798 being at the time twelve years of age. To escape the British, he was concealed by his father in an unused well until a friendly sailing vessel gave him passage to America. Here he married Rebecca Lyon, daughter of Colonel Lyon, of Revolutionary fame. James Stafford was reared and educated in his native county, where he remained until 1853, when he immigrated to America, remaining about one year in Pennsylvania and then taking up his residence in Monroe county, O., where he engaged in farming. Soon after the outbreak of the Civil War he tendered his services in defense of the integrity of his adopted country, enlisting, in 1861, as a private in Company K, Sixty-second Ohio volunteer infantry, with which he served four years, one month and sixteen days, making a gallant record and taking part in many important engagements, including those of Deep Bottom Run, Winchester, Chapin's Farm, Fort Wagner, and the conflicts in the vicinity of Richmond, being wounded in one of these conflicts. After receiving his honorable discharge he returned to Monroe county, O., where he was engaged in agricultural pursuits until 1884, when he came to Richland county, Wis., and purchased a well improved farm of eighty acres, in Akan township, where he passed the residue of his life, his death occurring Sept. 24, 1905. He was a man of alert mentality and sterling character, ever commanding the respect of those with whom he came in contact in the various relations of life. He was a Democrat in his political allegiance, and in Monroe county, O., he served as trustee of Perry township. He was a communicant of the Catholic church, as is also his widow, who still remains on the homestead farm, in Akan township. They became the parents of ten children, of whom nine are living, the names in order of birth, being as follows: John, Margaret, Mary, Ella, Anna, Louisa (deceased), William, Catherine and Thomas. William remains with his mother on the old homestead farm, of which he has the supervision. He was educated in the public schools and was engaged as a clerk in mercantile establishments for two years, at the expiration of which he returned to the farm. The subject of this review was afforded the advantages of the excellent public schools of his native state, and at the age of seventeen years he accompanied his parents on their removal to Wisconsin. He has been engaged in teaching school almost every year since 1885 and has gained marked prestige and popularity in the educational field here. His farm comprises 120 acres, is well improved and is devoted to diversified agriculture and stock-growing, all departments of the enterprise receiving his personal supervision. He clings to the faith of his father in political matters and is a stalwart advocate of the principles and policies of the Democratic party. He served as clerk of Akan township seven years and was chairman of the town board three years, having taken up his residence on his present farm, in Akan township, in 1901. he is a bachelor. Mr. Stafford is a communicant of the Catholic church and is affiliated with the Catholic Order of Foresters. He enjoys marked popularity in the county, his circle of friends being limited only by that of his acquaintances.
    JOHN C. STETLER is another of the able and representative farmers of Richland county who well merits consideration in his historical compilation. He has owned a large amount of farming land in the county and still retains a fine homestead of eighty acres, in Eagle township, where he is now living practically retired. Mr. Stetler comes of stanch German lineage and is a native of the Hoosier State, having been born in historic Tippecanoe county, Ind., Apr. 14, 1845, and being a son of Isaac and Mary Ann (Wolf) Stetler, the former of whom was born in Indiana and the latter in Ohio. The paternal grandparents were Michael and Sarah Stetler, native respectively of Germany and Pennsylvania. They were numbered among the early pioneers of Indiana, and both died on their homestead, near Hamilton, Steuben county, that state. In 1851 Isaac Stetler removed with his family from Indiana to Richland county, Wis., settling in the town of Orion, where he followed his trade of blacksmith for the following four years. He then traded his property in that township for a farm of 160 acres in Eagle township, where he lived until 1871, when he returned to Orion and resumed the work of his trade, with which he continued to be identified until his death, in 1873. His widow long survived him, her death occurring Oct. 21, 1894, at Eagle Corners. They had six sons and three daughters and eight of the number are still living. The father was a Democrat in his political adherency for many years and then transferred his allegiance to the Republican party; eh and his wife were consistent members of the Methodist Episcopal church, exemplifying their faith in the daily walks of life. John C. Stetler, to whom this sketch is dedicated, was six years of age at the time of his parents' removal to Richland county, and his educational discipline was secured in the common schools of Orion township and in a graded school at Bethel, this county. His entire active career has been one of close and practical identification with the agricultural industry, through the medium of which he has attained to distinctive success and found as great satisfaction as is vouchsafed to the average man in any useful province of endeavor. He accumulated a landed estate of 431 acres in Eagle township, developing the same into one of the valuable farming properties of the county. A few years ago he sold to his three sons all but eighty acres, which he retains as his homestead and which is provided with attractive modern buildings. He has reclaimed much land from the native forest and his material prosperity represents the results of his own well directed efforts. He is a stalwart supporter of the cause of the Republican party, and both he and his wife, hold membership in the Methodist Episcopal church. The pleasant home has ever been notable for its gracious hospitality and the family stands high in the regard of the community. Nov. 1, 1869, was solemnized the marriage of Mr. Stetler to Miss Clara Hessler, who was born in the town of Eagle, this county, July 3, 1850, being a daughter of Thomas E. and Delilah (Allen) Hessler, both native of Pennsylvania, where the former was born in 1822 and the latter in 1828. They were numbered among the early settlers of Rock county, Wis., where they took up their abode about 1845, but they soon removed to Eagle township, Richland county, where the father reclaimed a farm in the midst of the forest. He died at Cameron, Barron county, this state, in 1903, his wife having passed the closing years of her life on the homestead in Eagle township, where she died in 1900, both having been devoted members of the Methodist Episcopal church. Of their eleven children, eight are living. To Mr. and Mrs. Stetler have been born nine children, whose names, with respective dates of birth, are as follows: Charles T., Sept. 9, 1871; Elmer I., Apr. 14, 1872; Ida L., Sept. 10, 1873; Burton, July 1 1877; Maud B., Sept. 18, 1879; Leonard E., Mar. 6, 1882; Grover D., Aug. 14, 1887; and Bessie May, May 4, 1896.
    MAHLON STEWART is one of the venerable pioneer citizens of the town of Bloom and is one of those sturdy men who have won independence and success in connection with the development of the agricultural industry in Richland county. He is a veteran of the Civil War, is a man of sterling integrity and to him are accorded the esteem and confidence of the community in which he has so long lived and labored. Mr. Stewart was born in Belmont county, O., Oct. 16, 1827, and is a son of Jesse and Jane (Jefferson) Stewart the former of whom was born in Pennsylvania, of German ancestry, and the latter of whom was born in Ireland, whence she came with her parents to America when twelve years of age, the family becoming pioneers of Belmont county, O., where she was reared to maturity and where her marriage was solemnized. Jesse Stewart followed farming as a vocation and resided for varying intervals at different places in Ohio and Pennsylvania, both he and his wife being residents of Gallia county, O., at the time of their death. They were members of the Methodist Episcopal church, and in politics he was first a Whig and later a Republican. They became the parents of eleven children, namely: Mary, William, John, Jesse, Robert, Nancy, Eli, Frank, Mahlon, Hamilton, and David, and the subject of this sketch is now the only survivor. Mahlon Stewart was reared on a farm and early became inured to hard work, learning the habits of industry which have characterized his entire career and enable him to achieve a worthy success. His educational advantages were limited in the extreme, but he has not failed to learn the lessons to be gained in the broad and effective school of experience. As a boy he worked at breaking flax, which he later spun and wove, and he also found his services in demand in cutting wood and clearing land, as his strength grew apace. He remained at the parental home until he was twenty-four years of age, when he married. He thereafter continued to follow farming in Gallia county, O., until 1856, when he came to Wisconsin and located in Jackson county, where he was employed in a sawmill until the following year. He then came to Richland county and located in the town of Bloom, where he entered claim to forty acres of government land, instituting the reclamation of the same and there continuing to reside until 1862, when he sold the property and removed to Blue Earth county, Minnesota, where he lived until 1863, when he returned to Richland county and located in the town of Marshall. In February, 1865, he enlisted as a private in Company H, Forty-sixth Regiment of Wisconsin in volunteer infantry, and proceeded to Athens, Ala., where he continued in service until the close of the war, when he received his honorable discharge. Upon his return to Richland county he purchased eighty acres of wild land in the town of Bloom, erecting on the place a log house, which is still standing and in good preservation. He made this his domicile for a period of twenty years and the old house still has a warm place in his heart, for round it cluster many gracious memories and associations. He then erected his present commodious frame residence, also having made other good improvements on the place, of which about seventy acres are now under effective cultivation. When the land came into his possession it was covered with a heavy growth of oak, maple and elm. In the early days Mr. Stewart took a job of clearing three acres of land for Daniel Householder, receiving six and one-half dollars for the work and he forthwith paid the same gentleman six dollars and seventy-five cents for one hundred pounds of flour. Mr. Stewart is a Republican in his political proclivities and is a member of the Grand Army of the Republic. He assisted in the erection of the first log church of the Untied Brethren denomination in the town of Marshall and in later years he and his wife have been members of the Methodist Episcopal church. He aided both financially and in a manual way in the building of the brick edifice of the Methodist church at Bloom City, where he and his wife hold membership. In 1851, Mr. Stewart was united in marriage to Miss Ruth Clark, of Jefferson county, O., and to them have been nine children; Rachel Jane is deceased; William is the owner of a farm of 240 acres, in the town of Bloom; Mary Ellen is the wife of Joseph Hubbard, of Newton, Kan.; James is a street-car conductor in the city of Milwaukee; Edward is engaged in the restaurant business in the state of Kansas; Martha is the wife of Calvin Davis, a farmer in northwestern Kansas; John is a successful farmer of Bloom township; Emmett, who married Miss Grace Kidd, remains with his parents and has charge of the home farm, as well as of his own farm of sixty acres; Rebecca Ellen died in childhood.
    HARLOW STODDARD, whose attractive farmstead is located in Willow township, on rural free-delivery route No. 3, from Richland Center, is a member of one of the well known pioneer families of this township, is a veteran of the Civil War and is a citizen who commands the high regard of the community. He was born in the state of New York, May 6, 1845, and is a son of Valentine and Johanna (Davison) Stoddard, the former of whom was born in Connecticut and latter in New York state, both families having early been founded in America. The parents came to Wisconsin in 1855, settling in Willow township, this county, where the mother died in 1857, and where the father also passed the remainder of his long and useful life, his death occurring in 1900. In the midst of the forest he literally hewed out a productive farm and he was known as a man of sterling character, loyal to all the duties of citizenship and one who won prosperity by his own efforts. In 1860 he contracted a second marriage, Mrs. Rebecca McCloud becoming his wife. She was the widow of George McCloud, and she still lives on the old homestead farm of her second husband. Following is a brief record concerning the children of the first marriage of Valentine Stoddard: Jane became the wife of George McGrossen, she died in Michigan; Emeline became the wife of Josiah Edwards and both died in Macomb county, Mich.; George R. died in the state of Kansas; Ann became the wife of David Thompson and both died in Richland township, this county; John w. died in Willow township; the subject of this sketch was the next in order of birth; Jesse is a farmer of Richland township; and Jeannette is the widow of Seth Forest, and resides at Monroe county, this state. Frank, the only living child of the second marriage, resides with his mother on the old homestead. Harlow Stoddard was ten years of age at the time when his parents took up their residence in this county, and he was reared to manhood in Willow township, assisting in the development and cultivation of the home farm and attending the district schools as opportunity afforded. In 1864, at the age of nineteen years, he tendered his services in defense of the Union, enlisting as a private in Company I, Thirty-eighth Regiment of Wisconsin volunteer infantry, with which he proceeded to the front and with which he served until the close of the war, when he received his honorable discharge. He is a member of the Grand Army of the Republic and receives a well merited pension of eight dollars a month. After the war, Mr. Stoddard returned to the home farm, in whose work and management he continued to be associated until he had attained to the age of twenty-eight years, when he initiated his independent career as a farmer. In 1875 he purchased his present homestead, having a well improved farm of 100 acres, the greater portion of which he reclaimed from its wild state, also erecting the excellent buildings on the place. He has marked facility as a carpenter and has done much work at the trade in this section of the country. He gives his attention to diversified agriculture and stock-growing, having at the present time eight head of Holstein cattle and also raising a high grade of swine. His political views coincide with those advanced by the Prohibition party and though he has never sought public office he has shown a deep interest in public affairs of a local order and has done his part in developing and upbuilding this favored section of the Badger State. His wife held membership in the Congregational church. She died June 19, 1890. Feb. 22, 1875, recorded the marriage of Mr. Stoddard to Miss Anna Reagles, who was born in Indiana, being a daughter of Abel and Priscilla (Sippy) Reagles, who came to Richland county from the Hoosier state, settling in Ithaca township, where the father still resides, his wife having died here, on the old homestead. To Mr. and Mrs. Stoddard were born four children: Leonard, born in 1875, is a successful farmer of Ithaca township; Emma, born in 1876, and Loren, born in 1878, remain at the parental home; and Georgia, born in 1880, is the wife of Harley Martin, of Buena Vista township.
    MRS. PAMELIA STOUT, who owns and occupies the well improved farm, in Willow township, which was reclaimed and improved by her honored husband, is the widow of Merit Stout and is a member of one of the sterling pioneer families of Richland county. Mrs. Stout was born in Wyoming county, N. Y., Mar. 10, 1843, and is a daughter of Edward C. and Polina (Birmingham) Walker, both likewise native of the old Empire State of the Union, where the father was born July 20, 1815, and the mother, Mar. 20, 1817. They passed the closing years of their lives in Willow township, this county, where the former died Dec. 19, 1885, and the latter Mar. 19, 1895. They immigrated to Wisconsin in 1850, first locating in Green county, whence they removed to Richland county in 1855, settling in Willow township, where Mr. Walker secured a tract of government land, heavily timbered, here developing a good farm and becoming one of the honored and influential citizens of this section of the county. Mr. and Mrs. Walker became the parents of six children, concerning whom the following record is given: Levi went forth as a soldier in the Civil War and met his death in the battle of Gettysburg, July 1, 1863, having been twenty-six years, three months and eighteen days of age at the time; William maintains his home at Twin Bluffs, this county; Willard is a resident of the republic of Mexico; Dennis W. resides in California; Mrs. Stout was the next in order of birth; Fernando lives at Lime Ridge, Sauk county, Wis. Mrs. Stout was about seven years of age at the time of hr parents' removal from New York to Wisconsin, and her memory forms a chain linking the early pioneer days with the present period of opulence and advanced development. She completed her education in the common schools of Richland county, where she has lived from her girlhood, and her circle of friends is wide and representative. Mar. 2, 1865, was solemnized her marriage to Merit Stout, and their married life was one of mutual helpfulness and confidence, the bonds being severed by the death of Mr. Stout, Apr. 13, 1906. He was born in Luzerne county, Pa., on Jan. 27, 1838, and was a son of Joseph and Sarah (Nafus) Stout, whom he accompanied on their removal to Janesville, Wis., in the spring of 1855. In the following October he came with team and wagon to Richland county and settled on the farm now owned by his widow, having reclaimed the same from the forest and having here continued actively engaged in general farming until he was summoned from the scene of life's activities. He was also a good workman at the carpenter's trade, to which he gave more or less attention for a number of years. At the time of the Civil War he enlisted once and was twice drafted, but was rejected on each occasion by reason of having a broken rib and being otherwise physically unqualified. He was one of the six children, of whom four are living: Elizabeth is the wife of M. H. Curtis, of Janesville; Mary became the wife of Edward M. Elwood and is now deceased; Merit was the next in order of birth; Cornelius resides in Janesville, this state; Margaret is the widow of Dr. W. w. Stewart and resides in Janesville; and Jonathan is a successful farmer of Willow township. Since the death of her husband, Mrs. Stout has remained on the old homestead, which is endeared to her by the memories and associations of the past, and with her now resides her brother-in-law, Edward M. Elwood, and his son, Harry who have charge of the farm, Mrs. Elwood having died in 1890.
    ALBERT STRICKERT is numbered among the representative agriculturists and stock-growers of Willow township, where he has a fine farm of 260 acres, the greater portion of which he individually reclaimed and improved, having been a resident of the township nearly forty years and thus being entitled to consideration as one of the sterling pioneer citizens of Richland county. Mr. Strickert is one of the sturdy sons which the great German fatherland has given to Wisconsin. He was born in German, Dec. 25, 1837, and in that country his parents, John and Fredericka (Kiso) Strickhert, passed their entire lives. The subject of this sketch was reared and educated in his native land, where he remained until he had attained to the age of thirty-one years, when, in 1868, he immigrated to America, where he felt assured that superior opportunities were afforded for gaining independence and prosperity through individual effort. He made Wisconsin his destination, locating near Janesville, Rock county, where he followed farming for five years, at the expiration of which he removed to Richland county, purchasing a portion of his present fine homestead, and adding to the original tract as circumstances justified, until he now has one of the best farms in Willow township, the same standing in evidence of his energy, perseverance and good management. He is the only representative of the immediate family in the United States, having been the youngest in a family of six children, of whom only one other is now living, Mrs. Lena Bellow. In connection with his general farming operations, Mr. Strickert has given special attention to dairying, and he has at the present time a fine herd of twenty-two dairy cattle. He is a stanch adherent of the Republican party, and both he and his wife are members of the Evangelical church. He has been twice married. In 1863, prior to his immigration to America, he was untied in wedlock to Miss Fredericka Kruger, and she proved a true helpmate until her death, which occurred in 1880. She is survived by six sons and one daughter, namely: Charles, William, Albert, Jr., Anton, August, Bertha and Henry. In 1882 Mr. Strickert married Minnie Brown, and they have one daughter, Clara.
    HENRY SWENINK is one of the few citizens of Richland county who claim Holland as the land of their nativity. He is one of the representative farmers o the town of Westford, where he has lived for more than thirty years, and he also has the distinction of being a veteran of the Civil War. Mr. Swenink was born in the province of Gelderland, Holland, Jan. 11, 1835, and is a son of Alexander and Gertrude (Epping) Swenink, both of whom were born in that same province. The father was a tailor by trade and he continued to follow the same in his native town until 1852, when he immigrated with his family to America, making the voyage on the sailing vessel "Boynton" of Baltimore, Md., and landing in New York City forty-two days after embarkation. The family arrived in the national metropolis Aug. 14, 1852, and shortly afterward came to Wisconsin and located in Portage, Columbia county, where the father began the work of his trade. He passed the closing years of his life in Altoona, Wis., where he died in 1863, his wife having died shortly after the immigration to America, in 1852. Both were devout members of the Presbyterian church. They had four children: Anthony, who came from Columbia county to Richland county in 1874, was a farmer by vocation and continued a resident of the latter county until his death; John resides in Salem, Ore., operating a farm and nursery; Henry is the subject of this sketch; and Olive, who was the eldest of the children, passed her entire life in Holland, where she died in 1875. Henry Swenink attended the common schools of his native land and was seventeen years of age at the time of coming to the United States with his father. He later continued his studies for a time in Portage, Wis., in order to familiarize himself with the vernacular of the county, and in the autumn of 1852 he there entered upon an apprenticeship at the carpenter's trade, serving four years, after which he followed his trade I that locality for a period of six years. At the outbreak of the Civil War he was a resident of New Amsterdam, La Crosse county, and Aug. 1, 1861, he showed his loyalty to the land of his adoption by enlisting as a private in Company I, Eighth Regiment of Wisconsin volunteer infantry, enlisting at La Crosse and thence proceeding to Madison, where the formal organization took place. He went with his command to St. Louis, Mo., thence to DeSoto, taking part in a skirmish at Frederickstown, that state. The regiment was thereafter at Iron Mountain for a time, guarding the Iron Mountain railroad during the winter of 1861, and then moving to New Madrid and Island No. 10, being present at the surrender of the latter and later taking part in the sieges of Farmington and Cornith. The command then marched through Alabama and arrived in time to take part in the battle of Iuka, Miss., this being the last engagement in which Mr. Swenink participated. He was thereafter sent with his regiment into the west, and he received his honorable discharge Mar. 3, 1863, at Keokuk, Ia., his health having become seriously impaired. He returned to Portage, Wis., and remained in ill health about one year, passing the time on the farm of his brother, in that county. He then removed to his own farm, of 100 acres, in the same county, the same having been partially reclaimed. He made many improvement on the place and also worked at his trade in that locality until 1872, when he sold his farm and came to Richland county, where he purchased his present attractive homestead in section 31, town of Westford, where he has since resided. The entire tract was covered with a heavy growth of timber and the development and improvement of the place represent the results of his own energy and good management. He follows diversified farming and stock growing and has a fine apple orchard of eleven acres, all of the trees having been planted by him and being now productive. Mr. Swenink has been essentially loyal as a citizen and has not been denied the most ample measure of popular confidence and regard. He cast his first presidential vote for General John C. Fremont and has ever since been a stanch supporter of the Republican party. He served thirteen years as an officer of his school district but has never sought political preferment. He and his wife are members of the Presbyterian church, and he is affiliated with the post of the Grand Army of the Republic at Loyd, having passed various official chairs in the same, including that of chaplain. Dec. 4, 1866, Mr. Swenink was united in marriage to Miss Dora Hollendyke, who was born in Holland, a daughter of Tunis and Johanna (Lumis) Hollendyke, who came to America in 1854. They landed in New York City and thence coming to Columbian county, Wis., where the father engaged in farming, his death occurring in 1874. His widow long survived him, her demise taking place in Aug. 1, 1900. They had six children: William, deceased; Dora, wife of the subject of this sketch; Barney, a resident of Columbia county; Alida, likewise residing in that county; and Margaret and Adelia, both deceased. In conclusion is entered brief record concerning the children of Mr. and Mrs. Swenink: Charles J. has been associated in the work of the home farm from his boyhood days to the present; Otto H., who also resides on the old homestead, married Miss Aurilla Richardson; Cora J. is the wife of Andrew Harper, of Elmore, Peoria county, Ill,; Margaret is the wife of Thomas L. Borton, a teacher and farmer of Henrietta township; Eva A. resides in the city of Janesville; Frederick W. and Edwin C. remain at the parental home; Kate is deceased; and Nellie G. and Olive Susan are still at home.
    FRANK W. SWINGLE is one of the leading young business men of Richland Center and is the senior member of the popular firm of Swingle & Meyer, dealers in general merchandise. He was born at Muscoda, Grant county, Wis., on Mch. 16, 1879, and is the son of John N. and Mary (Blabaum) Swingle, the former of whom is a native of Germany, and the latter was born in Iowa county, Wis., where her father, Christian Blabaum, was one of the pioneer settlers. The parents of the subject of this review are both living in Muscoda, where the father has been engaged in buying and shipping hoop-poles for a number of years. Frank W. Swingle is one of a family of nine children, born to the parents mentioned above, and it is fitting that their names and other information concerning them should be given in this connection. Laura married H. L. Elston and resides in Muscoda; Tillie married J. F. Meyer, the junior member of the firm of Swingle & Meyer, and resides in Richland Center; Frank W. is he whose name introduces this biographical sketch; Alice and Arthur reside at home with their parents; Gertrude is a student at Dixon, Ill.; and Faye and Ruth are at home. Frank w. Swingle was reared in the place of his birth and was educated in the public schools, graduating at the high school of Muscoda in the class of 1896, after which he took a three years' course in the Platteville Normal school at Platteville, Wis. He then worked t the carpenter trade one year, and in 1900 came to Richland Center, where he entered the mercantile business as a partner in the firm of Creet, Constantine & Swingle, that association continuing until Mar. 15, 1901, when the present partnership was formed. The firm of Swingle & Meyer carries a full line of everything usually found in a general merchandise establishment, including dry-goods, clothing, boots and shoes, groceries, etc., and in the division of patronage, common to such centers of trade as Richland Center, the genial proprietors receive their full share. Mr. Swingle was married, Dec. 17, 1905, to Miss Edith Speidel, a daughter of Charles E. Speidel, of Richland Center, who is given a more extended mention on another page of this volume. Fraternally the subject of this review is a member of the Masonic order, the Knights of Pythias, and Mystic workers. Politically he adheres to the men and measures of the Republican party.
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