La Crosse County, Wisconsin Bios

LA CROSSE COUNTY, WISCONSIN

BIOGRAPHIES

Source: History of La Crosse County, Wisconsin, Chicago: Western Historical Company, 1881

Transcribed by Peggy Luce Thompson

R. W. ABBEY, lumbering; born in Pennsylvania, Dec. 24, 1856; son of Edwin Abbey, who emigrated to Houston Co., Minn., about 1857; came to La Crosse about 1871, where he died, August, 1878; he left a widow, who is now the wife of Mr. Benjamin Sly. R. W. married Lucy Rora; they have two children-Edwin and Emma. Source: History of La Crosse County, Wisconsin, Chicago: Western Historical Company, 1881

CARL AHRENS, merchant on Third street, between Vine and Pine, has been in his present business in La Grosse since 1870. He was born in Brunswick, Germany, in 1842, son of Ludwig Ahrens; came to the United States in 1864, and has resided in La Crosse since that time. He is a wagon-maker by trade, and worked at that business in La Grosse till 1870. He was married in 1871, to Catharine Bey, sad has four children-Henry, Lizzie, Carl and Katrina. He has been President of the Concordia Society of La Crosse ever since its organization in 1870. Source: History of La Crosse County, Wisconsin, Chicago: Western Historical Company, 1881

L. W. ALGER, M.D., homoeopathist, office in Prey's Block on Main street, between Third and Fourth; was born in West Bridgewater, Mass., in 1837. His father, Ward Alger, was a farmer, and is now living on the old homestead in Plymouth Co., Mass. The Doctor spent his early life on his father's farm when not in school. He studied medicine at Harvard and graduated from Jefferson Medical College of Philadelphia in 1861; he immediately commenced practice in Canton, Mass., where he remained seven years; he came from there to La Crosse in 1868, and has been practicing in this city since that time. He is at present County Physician, and has held that office several years. Source: History of La Crosse County, Wisconsin, Chicago: Western Historical Company, 1881

MARCUS ANDERSON, dry goods merchant; was born near Christiania, Norway, April 11, 1840. Here he received a common-school education, and at the age of 18 came to America and located at La Crosse; he commenced business as a clerk for John Servis in a clothing store, and continued there two years; was afterward employed by Joseph Gutman as salesman in dry goods and clothing store, which position he held for eight years. At the expiration of this time, in 1868, Mr. Anderson, in company with B. O. Daley, opened a millinery and fancy-goods store at Decorah, Iowa; here he remained but one year, when he returned and resumed his position with Gutman Bros. In the fall of 1870, he opened a dry goods store in the Esperson Block, under the Arm name of Marcus Anderson & Co.; at that time, he employed but four clerks. In 1873 he rented his present location, corner of Main and Third streets, where lie has since carried on the retail dry goods business; he now employs eleven hands in the different departments. Mr. Anderson's strict integrity and business ability have established for himself an enviable reputation, and rendered his dry goods house one of the leading retail institutions in the Northwest. Mr. Anderson was married April 11, 1863, to Emelie Hoffstron, of La Crosse. The fruits of this union have been two children-Douglas, who died in infancy, and Oscar F. Mr. Anderson is a member of the Lutheran Church and Norden Society. Source: History of La Crosse County, Wisconsin, Chicago: Western Historical Company, 1881

RONS ANDERSON was born in Valders, Norway, June 8,1830. Was married in La Crosse July 23, 1853, to Miss Jane Halverson; the fruits of this union were four children-Mary (now Mrs, Bunn), Alfred H.Y Samuel W. and Emma. During his boyhood, Mr. Anderson was educated at the common schools of his native town, and at the early age of 16 came to America and located at Milwaukee. He soon found employment with Daniel Wells, Jr., then proprietor of the City Hotel; remained with Mr. Wells three years, two of which were spent at Prof. Bach's private school, and one year in the grocery house of Herbert Reed, where be served in the capacity of salesman to the entire satisfaction and confidence of his employer. Observing the necessity of capital to achieve success in the older cities of the East, he determined to make his future experiments farther West. Fascinated with the commercial advantages of La Crosse, then in its infancy, he located here in the summer of 1851; first engaged to 8. T. Smith as clerk in his store then located on Front street, between Main and Pearl; was subsequently taken in as partner, and, in 1852, became sole proprietor. Shortly after, he formed a partnership with Deacon W. W. Eustek, which lasted one year, since which time Mr. Anderson has conducted the business alone. In 1856, he built a one story brick building, the second in town, on his present location, to which he removed his stock of merchandise from Front street; in 1858, he built another one-story brick building adjoining, and increased his stock and business. In 1861, his increased trade demanded more commodious quarters, and one-third of his present elegant block was then erected. In this building, now the clothing department, he continued his extensive retail dry goods business ; having goods of the best quality, selected with refined mid educated taste; with system and good order in the establishment, and never allowing the quality of his wares to be misrepresented, his patronage very soon exceeded his expectations. The city grew and rival business rose, but he maintained his supremacy, in 1870, he built the main building and connected it with the structure erected in 1861, thus tripling the business area. Mr. Anderson is a man who does his own thinking, is original, a man of positive convictions, and shows his character and ability more by what he does than by what he professes. In his pursuit of wealth, he had not been unmindful of the comfort and happiness of his employees, nor has he been wanting in public spirit. He contributes liberally to whatever measures are calculated to promote the public welfare, whether physical, moral or intellectual. System and good judgment characterize all his work, and his sterling integrity renders his credit "gilt-edged," not only at home but abroad; his life illustrates the success an ambitious man of high moral aims may achieve in a good field with self-reliance, sound judgment, persevering industry and strict integrity. He has accumulated a handsome competency, is highly respected by his fellow-citizens, and if the moral and business sentiment of La Crosse is marked by a higher and purer practice than the average of cities, it is due as much to the example and influence of Mons Anderson as to any other man in their midst. Source: History of La Crosse County, Wisconsin, Chicago: Western Historical Company, 1881

WENDELL A. ANDERSON, M. D., son of Dr. A. W. Anderson, formerly of Cumberland Co., Me.; was born in Gray, Me., Sept. 9, 1840. He prepared for college at Gorham Academy, Gorham, Me., from 1853 to 1857, entering the Freshmen Class, of Bowdoin College, in August, 1857, where he remained one year. In the summer of 1859, he commenced the study of medicine with his father, and attended lectures at the College of Physicians and Surgeons in New York City in the winter of 1860 and 1861; continued his studies at the Portland School for Medical Instruction until September, 1861, when he entered the regular army of the United States, as a medical cadet, and was assigned to duty at Annapolis, Md. In the fall of 1862, he again attended lectures at the College of Physicians and Surgeons, where he graduated in March, 1863. In April of the same year, he was appointed Assistant Surgeon of the 3d Md. V. I., with which regiment he served in the field at Chancellorsville, Gettysburg and in all its subsequent engagements with the Army of the Potomac, from the Wilderness to Lee's surrender, having been commissioned as Surgeon in March, 1864. After the war, he again pursued his studies in New York, and in February, 1866, settled at La Crosse. From 1869 to 1873, he was Examining Surgeon for Pensions and City Physician of La Crosse from 1870 to 1875, and from 1877 to 1881; was elected a member of the Wisconsin State Medical Society in 1871; was President of the Board of Education from 1873 to 1877, and Chairman of the Democratic State Central Committee in 1875 and 1876. In March, 1864, he was married to Susie M., daughter of John G. Small, Esq., of Boston, Mass. Source: History of La Crosse County, Wisconsin, Chicago: Western Historical Company, 1881

A. D. APPLEBY, son of Dr. J. S. Appleby (deceased). Dr. Appleby was born in Onondaga Co., N. Y., July 4, 1822. He studied medicine with Dr. Morrill, of that county, and attended the Medical College at Buffalo. He removed to Buchanan Co., Mich., where he engaged in the practice of medicine; he went to California in 1849, where he engaged in mining; also for a time practiced medicine; he returned to Michigan in 1853; afterward removed to Hampton, Ill., where he engaged in merchandising; he came to La Crosse Co. in 1854, and settled in Lewis Valley, where he practiced medicine ten yens. In 1864, with his wife and two children, one of the latter being A. D., he started for Bannock, Idaho Territory; he went as far as Kearney, when, on account of hostility of the Indians, he turned back, and went with his family to St. George, Kan., where he practiced medicine until 1867, when, with others, he Went to the south part of the State, to what was known as the Neutral Lands, and made a claim in Labette Co.; while waiting for his family to join him here, he was murdered by a band of Indians belonging to Little Bears band of Osages, while he was making an effort to recover a horse stolen from him by this band of savages. The family remained at St. George till May, 1874, when they went to Belvidere, Ill., where they remained till October of the following year, when they returned to Lewis Valley. The family came to La Crosse in 1877. The parents had three children-one son and two daughters. A. D. was born in Berrien Co., Mich., March. 1847. His principal occupation for some time has been teaching; he began teaching in the fall of 1803; he attended school for some time at Salem, La Crosse Co.; afterward at the State Agricultural College at Manhattan, Riley Co., Kan.; has taught about fifteen terms. Was married to Libbie M. Stoddard; they have two girls-Milda and Ada May. Mrs. Appleby was also a teacher before her marriage; was educated at the University at Galesville. Her father, J. Stoddard, was one of the early settlers of La Crosse Co. Mr. Appleby kept the Central Hotel several years. Source: History of La Crosse County, Wisconsin, Chicago: Western Historical Company, 1881

DR. ISAAC ATWOOD, proprietor of the Turkish bath-rooms, was born in Berkshire Co., Mass., town of Eyremont, Sept. 24, 1813. He resided there until 1836, attending the public schools, when he emigrated to Wisconsin Territory, and located in Milwaukee, May 23. He erected several buildings there during the years 1836 and 1837, and removed to the town of Lake Mills, Jefferson Co., in October, 1838. He erected the first frame dwelling house in Jefferson Co. In 1840, he moved to the city of Madison, Dane Co., where he worked on the old Capitol building until completed, and was a resident of Madison during the first session of the Legislature, at that place. In 1842, he returned to Lake Mills, and was engaged in the general nursery business, and set out the first vineyard in the State of Wisconsin, demonstrating the practicability of the successful culture of grapes, and making, from this vineyard, over 10,000 gallons of grape wine; and constructed a wine-vault, costing $6,000. This vineyard and vault is at present in good condition. He followed the nursery business, cultivating about 30 acres, until 1875, when he moved to Winona, Minn., and there devoted his whole attention to the hydropathy method of treating disease, and conducting a Turkish bath and health institute, both at Winona and Galesville, Wis. He located his institute in La Crosse, in 1880, and has it in successful operation at present. Source: History of La Crosse County, Wisconsin, Chicago: Western Historical Company, 1881

DAVID AUSTIN, of the logging and lumber firm of Sawyer & Austin, has been in business in La Crosse since the spring of 1872; came to La Crosse at that time from Cleveland, Ohio, where he had been in the same business for about four years. His early life was spent in the lumber business on the Allegany River, in Western New York, residing in Cattaraugus Co. He now resides in Sparta, Wis., and has his office in the Lumberman's Exchange, in La Crosse. His partner, Mr. Sawyer, resides at Black River Falls. Source: History of La Crosse County, Wisconsin, Chicago: Western Historical Company, 1881

REV. M. B. BALCH, Pastor of the First M. E. Church, is a native of Bennington Co., Vt.; born in 1836. In his infancy, his parents removed to Saratoga Springs, N. Y., where he spent his early life. His father, W. S. Balch, was proprietor of the Columbian Hotel, at Saratoga Springs, from 1841 to 1866, and still resides in that place. Mr. Balch was educated at the Troy Conference Academy and Troy University, N. T., and studied law with Judge Willard and Judge Crane, of Saratoga, but was never admitted to the bar. He also carried on the drug business for some time at Saratoga. He entered the regular army the day after Ft. Sumter was first fired upon; enlisted for one year, and served as Hospital Steward, at Ft. Leavenworth, Kan., till he was discharged, at the end of the year. After he left the army, he came to Wisconsin, and was engaged in farming in Green Co., about three years. He was then employed by the Grand Lodge of Good Templars, as State Lecturer, till 1867; then went to Boston, and continued in the same work two years in Massachusetts; returned to Monroe, Wis., in 1869, and in 1870, entered the ministry of the M. E. Church. He was first stationed at Madison, Wis., for a few months, to fill an un-expired term, and came to La Crosse in the fall of 1870, where he remained three years; was then one year at Black River Falls, two years at the Lake Street Church, in Eau Claire, then hack to Black River Falls two years, and in Mineral Point two years, coming to La Crosse, the second time, Oct. 1,1880. He was married, in 1867, to Miss Hattie, daughter of Dr. William Monroe, of Monroe, Green Co., Wis., and has one son, Willie. Source: History of La Crosse County, Wisconsin, Chicago: Western Historical Company, 1881

JOHN A. BALLARD, M. D., was born in Fryeburg, Oxford Co., Me., Feb. 11, 1842, residing there and receiving an academic education previous to his entering the war in 1863. Enlisted in Co. E, of the 3d Maine, and served in all the battles of the Army of the Potomac, from the battle of the Wilderness to the battles around Petersburg, and was at Appomattox at the surrender of Gen. Lee. After the war, he spent a winter in Massachusetts; then he came to River Falls, Wis., where he continued the study of medicine, which he had previously taken up with his brother, a practicing physician of that place. In September, 1866, he entered the Chicago Medical School, from which he graduated in March, 1868. Immediately following his graduation, he was for six months house physician and surgeon in Mercy Hospital, Chicago, after which he spent two years in Chicago, following the practice of medicine, and also being the Superintendent of the Inebriate Asylum, after which he removed to La Crosse, since which date he has devoted his time and skill to the practice of medicine. Mr. Ballard was married in Chicago, Nov. 19, 1868, to Miss Henrietta E. Sutor, a sister of W. A. Sutor, a present resident of La Crosse. Source: History of La Crosse County, Wisconsin, Chicago: Western Historical Company, 1881

J. M. BARCLAY, lumberman has been a resident of La Crosse since November, 1856. He was born in Lyons, Wayne Co., N. Y., in 1822; in the fall of 1853, he removed to La Porte, Ind, and came from there to La Crosse. He is a blacksmith by trade, and, in 1857, he bought a shop in La Crosse, and carried on the business till 1859, then sold out, and, in the summer of 1860, in company with Baatarn, built a plow-shop on Third street, opposite the court house, and carried on the business under the firm name of Barclay & Bantam for two years; then sold out his interest and worked one year for the Packet Company, making repairs. He then went to St. Paul and started a shop for the St. Paul & Pacific Railroad Company, and worked there two seasons. In the spring of 1865, he again went into the plow business in company with A. Hirshheimer, who also owned with him a one-half interest in a saw-mill at Lansing, Iowa. In January, 1880, they dissolved partnership, he taking the lumber business and Mr. H. the plow business. Has only one child-John Clayton, now in the lumber business in Lansing, Iowa. Mrs. Barclay was Rhoda S. Congor, of Cortland, N. Y. Source: History of La Crosse County, Wisconsin, Chicago: Western Historical Company, 1881

W. H. BARRON, division freight agent of the Southern Minnesota Division of the Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul Railroad, has been in charge of the freight department of the Southern Minnesota Railroad since 1868, and a resident of La Crosse since March, 1857, and has been engaged on the river, and railroading most of the time since he came here. He is a native of Washington, Orange Co., Vt, and came from there to La Crosse. Source: History of La Crosse County, Wisconsin, Chicago: Western Historical Company, 1881

FRANK BARTL, foreman in the Empire Brewery; was born in Bohemia in 1838 ; came to the United States in 1868, anD settled in Wisconsin; has been in La Crosse since 1874. He was married in Germany, in 1867, to Mary Rank, and has four children-Anna, Frank, Joseph and Mary. His father was George Bard, and he has been working at the brewing business since he was 14 years old. Source: History of La Crosse County, Wisconsin, Chicago: Western Historical Company, 1881

F. A. BATES, fireman; has been in the employ of the Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul Bail-road Company since 1859. He was born Aug. 26, 1837, in Portland, Me., where his father, Nathaniel Bates, died in July, 1854, at the age of 45. Mrs. Bates, whose maiden name was Cynthia Barstow, is still living in La Crosse with her son, in the 84th year of her age. Mr. Bates came from Portland to Wisconsin in 1859; lived in Milwaukee one year, coming to La Crosse in 1860. He has worked in the roundhouse a portion of the time, but has been firing on the road the last seven years. He was married, June 29, 1871, in La Crosse, to Martha Ann Grover, daughter of William Grover, of La Crosse. She was born in London, Eng., in 1842, and came to the United with her parents in 1849. Have no children. H. K. Bates, brother of F. A., is now master mechanic on the Missouri River, Fort Scott & Gulf Railroad. Source: History of La Crosse County, Wisconsin, Chicago: Western Historical Company, 1881

H. S. BEAN, foreman in the saw-mill of John Paul, has been in his present situation since 1876, and a resident of La Crosse since 1865; he was born in Franklin, Belknap Co., N. H., in 1846, son of Redmond Bean; came to Wisconsin in January, 1864. Was married, April 9, 1870, in Brownsville, Minn., to Miss Marv Ryan of that place, and has two children-Ai and Mary. Source: History of La Crosse County, Wisconsin, Chicago: Western Historical Company, 1881

SYLVANUS BEAN, millwright, has resided in La Crosse since February, 1861; he was first here in the fall of 1855, for a few weeks; then went to St. Anthony's Falls, Minn., and returned in 1861. He was born in Merrimack, N. H., in 1827, son of Redmond Bean. Learned his trade in New Hampshire and worked at it till he came to La Crosse; has two children-Nina Gertrude and Olive A. Miss Bean's maiden name was Susan L. Austin. Source: History of La Crosse County, Wisconsin, Chicago: Western Historical Company, 1881

S. BECKER, grain and produce dealer, Front street, between Main and State, has been in the city of La Crosse since 1877; he is a native of Bavaria, born in 1834, and came to the United States in 1855. He lived in Tiffin, Ohio, one year; then went to Milwaukee and remained there till 1860 ; he came from there to La Crosse and stayed one year; then went to Trempealeau, Wis. Was married there in 1863, to Miss Emma Salomon, of St. Paul, and came from there back to La Crosse in 1877; has four children-Jacob, Albert, Cora and Ida. Source: History of La Crosse County, Wisconsin, Chicago: Western Historical Company, 1881

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

BENSON BROTHERS, merchants and proprietors of the Variety Store, No. 20 Main street, have been in business in La Crosse since May, 1880. The firm is composed of two brothers, Ivar and Berat Benson, both born in Norway, sons of Bernt Benson, who died in Norway in 1860. They came to America in 1875, and have lived in Wisconsin ever since, and are both unmarried. They have one brother, B. M. Benson, in the mercantile business in Dorchester, Clark Co., Wis., and another, Emannel Benson, engaged in funning near San Francisco, Cal. Source: History of La Crosse County, Wisconsin, Chicago: Western Historical Company, 1881

JOHN BENSON, contractor and stone-mason; was born in 1826 in Norway, where he learned his trade, and came to the United States in 1861, since which time he has resided in La Crosse. He was married in 1866, to Sarah Ann I verso n, daughter of Iver Iverson; she also was born in Norway, and came to the United States in 1860 ; they have two children-Ida Benson and Jacob Bernhart Benson. John's father, B. Benson, came to the United States in 1871, and now lives in Douglas Co., Minn. Source: History of La Crosse County, Wisconsin, Chicago: Western Historical Company, 1881

NIELS ELIAS BENSSON, cooper and stockholder in the La Crosse Co-operative Barrel Manufacturing Co.; was born in Norway in 1844; son of Bendit Andreas Nelson, who is still living in Norway, Nortland Arnt; came to the United States in 1870; settled in Lansing, Iowa, and resided there till September, 1880, and came from there to La Crosse. He was married in 1870, in Norway, in his native town, to Bliane Olson, also a native of Norway. Learned his trade of his father, who was a carpenter and cooper. Source: History of La Crosse County, Wisconsin, Chicago: Western Historical Company, 1881

JUDGE C. S. BENTON, was born July 12, 1810, in Fryeburg, Oxford Co., Maine. In 1824, was moved by his mother and brother to Herkimer Co., N. Y., and commenced to learn the tanner's trade. In 1830, he abandoned the business and commenced to study law, and, in 1835, was admitted to practice in the Court of Common Pleas, and, in 1836, was admitted to the Supreme Court. In 1837, was appointed Surrogate by Gov. Marcy. In 1842, was elected to the Twenty-eighth Congress from the Seventeenth Congressional District; was re-elected in 1844 to the Twenty-ninth Congress. In 1847, was Clerk of the Court of Appeals, which place he held two terms. In 1855, he came to Milwaukee and bought a one-third interest in the News, and edited the paper one year. In 1856, was appointed Register of Land in La Crosse, by President Pierce, which office he held until Lincoln's administration. In 1865, he moved to Qalesburg, Ill., where he remained four years, and then returned to La Crosse. In 1873, he was elected County Judge in La Crosse County, and was re-elected in 1874, but did not serve out his term on account of ill health, but resigned in February, 1880. Judge Benton commenced editorial work in 1832, in New York State, where he was editor of the Mohawk Courier and Little Falls Gazette for two years; was editor and correspondent for the Courier until he came West. Judge Benton was married in 1840 to Emeline Fuller, of Little Falls, by whom he had one son, who is now a member of the firm of Benton, Gove & Co., of Milwaukee. Judge Benton was married again in 1853, at Oswego, to Miss Elizabeth B. Reynolds, by whom he has had one son, who is a resident of La Crosse. Source: History of La Crosse County, Wisconsin, Chicago: Western Historical Company, 1881

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

FRANK BERKENMEYER, saloon-keeper; is a native of Baden, Germany, born in 1834; came to the United States in 1857; lived one year in Cleveland, Ohio; then went to Long Island, N. Y., And came from there to La Crosse in 1859; he lived on a farm three and a half miles from town till 1868, and since that has resided in the city. Oct. 10, 1863, he married Mrs. Virginia Nagle, who came to La Crosse from France with her first husband, Louis Oliver, in June, 1847. Mr. Oliver died soon after, and she married Charles Nagle, who had been some time in La Crosse; he died in March, 1861, leaving three children. Mr. Berkenmeyer has two children-Frank and Virginia. He was Justice of the Peace in the town of Shelby in 1866-67. Source: History of La Crosse County, Wisconsin, Chicago: Western Historical Company, 1881

JOHN P. BIRD, Principal of the Third District School of La Crosse; has been in his present position since 1876; for one year previous to that, he was Principal of the Fifth District School. He was born in Northampton, Mass., in 1845; his father, William Bird, removed to Martin Co., Minn., in 1865, and died there in 1879. Prof. Bird is a graduate of the Minnesota State Normal School at Mankato, Class of 1871, and has been teaching since that time. In 1880, he graduated from the National School of Elocution and Oratory at Philadelphia. He was married in December, 1879, to Helen R. Hanscom, of La Crosse. Source: History of La Crosse County, Wisconsin, Chicago: Western Historical Company, 1881

R. R. BLACKMAN, proprietor of boarding-house on Windsor street, at the head of North Third street; is a native of Monroe Co., N. Y. His parents moved to Cattaraugus Co., N. Y., when he was 7 years of age. He came to Wisconsin in 1867, and was in La Crosse from August to December then came again in the spring of 1868, and has resided here since, except five years, from 1870 to 1875, in Trempealeau Co. He was married in La Crosse, May 17, 1868, to Mrs. Jane Flynn, daughter of David Young, who removed from Pennsylvania to Iowa in 1840. She was born in Lawrence Co., Penn., in 1836. Her first husband, John Flynn, was a native of Vermont; son of Thomas Flynn, and came to La Crosse in 1857. In August, 1861, he enlisted in the 8th W. V. I. (Eagle Regiment), Co. I; re-enlisted in the Veteran Corps, and died Aug. 22, 1865, of chronic diarrhea, while home on furlough, at the age of 27. He left two children-William Edward, now living in La Crosse, and Cora E., now Mrs. Edward Montgomery, of La Crosse. Mr. Blackman has one child-Mary E., at home. Source: History of La Crosse County, Wisconsin, Chicago: Western Historical Company, 1881

OLIVER P. BLANCHARD, engineer on the Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul Railroad; has been a resident of La Crosse since 1875, and has been working on this road since 1859. Commenced firing in 1862, and has been running an engine since 1867. He was born in St. Johnsburg, Vt., in 1844. His father, Alfred R. Blanchard, came to Wisconsin in 1855; lived in Watertown one winter, then removed to Beaver Dam, where he still resides. Mr. Blanchard married in Pardeeville, Wis., Mise Sarah Connor, of Berlin, Wis., and has two children-Morris and Fred. Source: History of La Crosse County, Wisconsin, Chicago: Western Historical Company, 1881