Baldwin Township Biographies from "History of the St. Croix Valley Volume II" 1909

Baldwin Township Biographies

from the book "History of the St. Croix Valley Volume II" written in 1909 by Easton

Transcribed exclusively for Genealogy Trails by Barb Moksnes

Baldwin Township history: At a meeting of the county board held December 4, 1872, it was ordered that a certain district known as township 29, north of range 16 west, being a part of Springfield township, be set off from said town and be formed into a new township to be known as Baldwin, the first meeting to be held the first Tuesday in April 1873, in the school house in joint district No. 4. William Whewell was the first board of supervisors. The township is bordered by Emerald, Hammond, Springfield and Eau Galle and is crossed by the Omaha Railroad. It is a township of rich farm land and contains 2 villages, Baldwin and Woodville. The township contains 21,406 acres, having an average value of $26.05. There are in the township 580 horses, valued at $34,800; 3,050 neat cattle, valued at $42,700; 180 sheep and lambs, valued at $540; 280 swine, valued at $1,400. total value of real estate, $599,300; of personal property, $130,400 making a grand total of $729,700. Following is the acreage devoted to various crops in Baldwin township in 1908: Wheat, 65; corn, 5,408; oats, 1,697; barley, 461; rye, 209; flaxseed, 152; potatoes, 108; cultivated hay, 1,195. There are 700 acres of growing timber and 204 bearing apple trees.

Achterhof, Matthue is a native of Holland, born February 1, 1856, son of Jacob and Grace [Lait] Achterhof, of Holland, who came to America May 1, 1881, and lived with their son at Grand Rapids, Mich. The father died there in 1888. Matthue received his education in Holland and did military service 2 years, coming to America in 1881. He settled in Grand Rapids, Mich., and engaged in a furniture factory until 1888 when he started a general store, continuing for 3 years. He then came to Baldwin township in 1891 and purchased 40 acres of land, half of which he broke, made general improvements, built a house and outbuildings. Mr. Achterhof was married in the month of September, 1883, to Katie Borgman, also of Holland, daughter of Arand and Wilhelmina, who settled in Grand Rapids, Mich. 7 children have blessed this union: Jacob, Wilhelmina, Grace, John, Adraina, Johannas and Rena. Jacob married Dena Redimaker, of Baldwin, and Wilhelmina married Herman Gratenhause, of Erin Prairie, Wisc. The other 5 are at home. Mr. Achterhof is a Republican in politics and the family religion is that of the Reformed Christian church.

Benson, Edward was born in Norway, May 15, 1868. His parents, Aanen and Sevarine [Holverson] Benson, were natives of Norway. They came to America in 1871 and located in Baldwin township in 1876, purchasing 40 acres of land, which they broke and improved, carrying on diversified farming until several years ago, when they retired from active life,giving the management to their son, with whom they now live on the old homestead. Edward received a common school education, after which he did day labor for 12 years in various localities. He subsequently came home and took his fathers farm, which he has since conducted. He has greatly improved and altered the farm and houses and has brought the place to a first class condition in every respect, his aim being to have one of the best farms in the neighborhood. He raises general crops and livestock. Mr. Benson is still single. He has 4 sisters; Mary, who married P. C. Finbold, postmaster at Woodville, Wis.; Elevina, who married J. C. Johnson, banker and merchant at Woodville; Carried, who died in July 1905, and Annie, who is now at home. In politics, Mr. Benson tends toward the socialist party, but has never sought public office, choosing rather to devote his time to his farm work. Throughout life he has been a man who has read much and thought deeply. He is unassuming and a hard worker, enjoying the esteem of a wide circle of acquaintances.

Conner, Ernest E. Chairman of the township of Baldwin, was born in Elgin, Kane County, Illinois, January 5, 1870, son of Edward and Lucy [Freeborn] Conner, natives of Steuben County, New York, who located in Kane County, Ill. in 1864. In that county they engaged in dairying until 1871, when they came to this locality and purchased 120 acres in Eau Galle township, which they broke and improved, erecting a house and outbuildings and carrying on a general farming business until 1891, making a specialty of keeping bees and sheep. Selling out to their son, they moved to Woodville, this township, where the father worked on the railroad one year for D. M. Sabin. He then moved to Hammond, this state, and engaged in the lumber business very successfully for some years. He died in July 1899, his wife passed away at Woodville, November 1, 1895. Ernest E. received his education in the public schools of Eau Galle and Baldwin and at the River Falls normal school. He then farmed with his father until 1891, when he bought the homestead at Eau Galle and continued until 1898, when he purchased the F. L. Wilford farm at Baldwin. The farm consists of 110 acres, and under Mr. Conner's ownership has been beautified and improved. Among other additions, he has erected a new barn. Upon this farm he has successfully carried on a general farming industry, raising good crops and breeding blooded stock, hogs, fowls, and horses. Mr. Conner was married December 21, 1891, to Jessie, the daughter of E. H. and Minnie [Keltz] Wilford, of Baldwin, Wis. He parents went to Kansas many years ago, and in 1881 came to Baldwin, where the father engaged in the meat business until 1906, when he sold out to his brother. He is now supervisor of assessment of St. Croix County, still making his headquarters in Baldwin. Mr. and Mrs. Conner have 3 children: Cora, born February 1, 1893; Clifford, born December 20, 1894, and Forrest, born April 12, 1901. The subject of this sketch was for 4 years side supervisor of the town board of Eau Galle during his residence in that township. He has been on the side board of Baldwin, and is now chairman of the town board, having ably served for 2 years. He is also clerk of school district No. 4, having served for a number of years. He is a Republican in politics, attends the Methodist Episcopal church and affiliates with the Baldwin camp, No. 3039, Modern Woodmen of America. He is a man of sincere convictions and untiring energy, and whether working for the township or for himself he uses the best business ability and judgement, and has been successful in township affairs as he has been in running his own farm. He is a thorough reader and keeps well informed on all the current topics.

Dennis, Peter, for 27 years road fcommisioner of the township of Hammond, is a native of County Armagh, Ireland, a son of Dennis and Bridget McGeger, born March 20, 1842. the mother died in 1844 and the father passed away in 1896. Peter received a good and common school education in the schools in Ireland and then engaged for some years as a practical miller in his native country. In 1864 he came to America and located on one of the rich tobacco farms near Hartford, Conn., for 1 year. He then went to Waupaca County, Wis., and followed his trade of miller, also working in the woods and on the river. In 1869 he came to Hammond township and bought 80 acres of land. To this he added from time to time until he now owns 320 acres, nearly all of which have been improved. He is considered as having one of the finest farms in the township. He raises large crops of grains, some vegetables, and breeds Shorthorn and Jersey cattle, Poland-China and I.O.C. hogs and Plymouth Rock fowls. November 3, 1873, Mr. Dennis married Maria Hawkins of Warren township, Wis., daughter of Thomas and Catherine Hawkins, natives of County Gallaway, Ireland, but now popular farmers from Warren. Mr. and Mrs. Dennis have 7 children: Fred is at home; Agnes married William Hyde of Hammond; Elizabeth married Mike Collins, a machinist at Hudson, Wis., Lottie graduated from the River Falls normal school and teaches school; John is at home; Cora is a music teacher; and William is also at home. Mr. Dennis is a Democrat in politics and has served on the school board as treasurer for 6 years. He is a member of the Catholic Knights of Wisconsin and a communicant of the Catholic church. He is a man that believes in up to date methods in all his farming operations. He has on his farm 4 wells, one is 80 feet, and 3 are 130 feet each, 2 of them being provided with modern windmills. A fine barn, which burned as a result of a lightning stoke in 1898, was replaced in 1899 by one which Mr. Dennis erected at a cost exceeding $2,000. Mr. Dennis is an able farmer, and a good citizen and a true friend, one who in his entire life has never knowingly wronged a man by word or deed.

Flak, Marcus, now deceased, bore an honorable record for uprightness and honesty of character, and is ably succeeded by his daughter, Miss Minnie, regarded as one of the ablest and most sagacious women in the township. He was a native of Norway, born September 5, 1830, son of Michael and Ellen Mackelson Flak, who lived and died in the old country. Marcus came to America in 1868 and settled in Baldwin township, where he purchased 80 acres of land, soon after adding another 40 acres, all of which he broke and improved, erecting a beautiful house and spacious outbuildings. He raised large crops very successfully, and was a breeder of stock, his horses having been particularly fine animals. Mr. Flak was married December 25, 1858 to Laura, daughter of Lawrence and Mary [Lawrence] Lauman, natives of Germany, later of Norway, the mother still residing there at over 90 years of age. Mr. and Mrs. Flak were blessed with 2 children. the first born, Michael Ludveck, was born August 5, 1866, and passed away January 19, 1869. Minnie was born March 5, 1871. Since her fathers' death she has managed the home farm and cared for her mother, who is over 70 years of age. She has been more successful than the majority of men, and her ability in looking after all the details of farm work is greatly envied by all who know her. She is still a young woman and has a promising career ahead of her. Mr. Flak was a devout adherent of the Lutheran Church, in which denomination he was an elder at the time of his death. He took a quiet interest in public affairs, and was well informed upon all the topics of the day, few men being able to get the better of him in an argument. He never, however sought public office, although he was never absent from the polls on election day. He always voted the republican ticket. A hard working and progressive gengleman, his death caused sorrow in the hearts of a wide circle of friends.

Freile, Jens Nelson was a native of Laaland, Denmark, born November 15, 1846. He came to America in 1866 and stayed in Pleasant Valley half a year, afterwards following lumbering at Menomonie, Wis., for several years. In the spring of 1875, he moved to Happy Valley, St. Croix county, and October 20, 1875, married Elsie Rasmusson, daughter of Rasmuss Nielson and Sidsel Brand, natives of Denmark, where they lived and died. In that same years Jens Nelson Freile purchased 120 acres of land, 80 in Hammond township and 40 in the town of Baldwin, broke the land and made general improvements, erecting a house and outbuildings. For the remainder of his life he devoted his attention to farming, of which he made a great success. He was a republican in politics, but never tried to obtain public office. He was a member of the Lutheran Norwegian church. On the 23rd day of February, 1889, he passed away and was followed to his grave by a sorrowing concourse of mourning friends, in whose heart and esteem he had held a high place. The widow still survives. He was the father of 7 chuildren. Mary married Lewis Ausland, of Chetek, Wis., Nels runs the farm with his mother. Lars W. died at home in 1905. He enlisted in Co. H, 3rd Infantry at St. Paul, Minn., and served one year in the Spanish-American war. He came home January 1, 1899, and March of that year re-enlisted for 3 years. He went to the Plilippines and served 1 year, being then transferred to Pekin, China. At the end of his 3 year service he was discharged. Returning home he served as wall guard at the Waupun State Prison for 21 months, then entering the Stevens Point normal school. >From this institution he came home ill and remianed with his mother until the time of his death. Bolettie Amelia graduated from the Hammond High school in 1903 and has taught ever since. She has just entered the normal school at Stevens Point, Wis. Frederick died in infancy. Jens F. died at 2 years. Jens E. graduated from the Baldwin high school and is now a teacher. The home farm, which is now run by Nels, is in a high state of cultivation. Upon it's acres are raised general crops as well as Poland-China hogs and Plymouth Rock fowls. Nels is supervisor of the township of Hammond and has been treasurer of school district No. 9 for 3 years. He is a hard working and industrious man, and worthily following in his father's footsteps.

Geurkink, F. J. was born in Sheboygan County, Wis., September 2, 1866, son of G. J. and Jane [Nonhof] Geurkink, natives of Holland, of whom a sketch will be found in this history connection with that of Henry Geurkink. F. J. went to the common schools and worked on the farm with his father until 1887, when he bought 40 acres from his father and carried on a general farming until 1891, when he sold out and purchased 80 acres, which he broke and improved , now carrying on a general farming with much success. Mr. Geurkink was married December 7, 1893, to Dena Bauwmester, daughter of John and Cena Bauwmester, natives of Holland, but now living in Baldwin. 7 children have blessed this union: Roy was born September 21, 1894; Fred was born February 20 1896, and Walter, born October 2, 1897; Howard was born October 19, 1900; Alvin, born September 3, 1903; Earl and Irma, twins, born September 5, 1907. Mr. Geurkink is a republican in politics and attends the Dutch Reformed church. He has served as both assessor and school clerk of Baldwin. He is an industrious laborer and his ability is acknowledged by a wide circle of acquaintances. Upon his 90 acre farm he carries on up to date farming operations, owning a 192 foot drilled well, over which he has erected a 48 foot tower.

Hanson, Andrew, of the firm of Hanson and Johnson, leading merchants in Woodville, was born at Frederickstad, Norway, February 4, 1861, son of Hans Hanson and Bertha Marie [Olsen] Hanson, Natives of that country, who followed farming and ended their lives there, being the parents of 9 children, 4 of whom are now alive, as follows: Helen, married to C. P. Granat, a farmer in Norway; Boletta, married to John Helstrom, also a Norwegian farmer; Louise, married to Gilbert Folsom, of Tacoma, Wash., and Andrew, the subject of this sketch. Andrew was educated in the schools of Norway, coming to America at the age of 19 years. His first work was as a clerk in the village of Woodville, in 1881. In 1885 he engaged in business for himself, which he continued with considerable success for 6 years. Subsequently he formed the firm of Hanson and Johnson, of which mention will be found in the sketch of J. C. Johnson, which appears in this history. The business, already large, is constantly growing, and the 2 members of the firm are deserving of all the prosperity that has been accorded to them. Aside from his interest in the store, Mr. Hanson owns bank holdings, 40 acres of land in his own name, and also half interest in a rich farm of 440 acres, which brings in a considerable income. He is a member of the Democratic party, but votes independently upon local affairs. He is a communicant of the Lutheran church. Mr. Hanson was married September 5, 1884, to Randine Nelson, daughter of Nels Riarson, of Modum, Norway. The issue from this union is as follows: Hilda Nettie, born February 18, 1885, ; Dora Maria, born February 8, 1887; Arthur Reynold, born December 1, 1888; Oscar Bernhart, born March 2, 1891; Clara Emelie, born December 28, 1892; Eda Louisa, born November 26, 1894; Walter Ferdinand, born August 4, 1896; Georgia Sigvart, born July 22, 1898; Petra Theresa, born November 6, 1900; Johan Kermit, born May 19, 1904, and Victor Urben, born March 21, 1906. Mr. Hanson is a progressive citizen and his financial standing is of the best.

Holtman, Garrett was born in Linden, Sheboygan county, Wisconsin, June 7, 1856, son of John and Alice [Top] Holtman, natives of Holland, who came to America in 1853 and bought 40 acres of land in that place. The father was a carpenter by trade, byt also followed farming, breaking and improving all his land. He sold this property in 1872 and purchased a 10 acres lot, upon which he built a house and lived until 1882, when he sold out and bought a house and lot and lived in the village of Gibbville, same township, where lived until his death, April 20, 1903. His wife passed away January 2, 1891. John and Alice Holtman were the parents of 7 children: Katherine married Jacob Top; Hattie married G. Abbink; Albert married Gertrude Riemer; Maggie married John Klein; Garrett was the 5th child; John married Rena Kruizenga, and Martha married Garrett Tenhaken. Albert and John are farmers of Baldwin, Wis.; The Messrs. Top, Abbink and Klein are farmers at Lincoln, Neb., and Mr. Tenhaken farms at Linden, Wis. John has 3 children as follows: Priscilla Elen, Alma Laura and Roda Magdelena. Garrett received a good common school education at Linden, afterward learning the carpenter's trade, which he has made largely his life work. He came to Baldwin township in 1878 and lives with his brother John, now being engaged in the bee and honey business, of which he has made a careful study for the past 23 years. He keeps Italian queens mixed blacks and is regarded as an authority on the subject of apiary culture. Mr. Holtman owns 30 acres of land in the township of Emerald, Wisconsin and 80 acres of land in the town of Baldwin. He is an independent voter, and although he has never sought office, he has been clerk of school district No. 3 for 6 years. He is a hard worker, a good citizen, a popular gentleman and a strong believer in education.

Metlie, James is a native of Norway, born November 25, 1847, son of J. and Mary Metlie, prominent Norwegian farmers. James received a good education in his native country, and in 1871 came to America, locating 1st in Minneapolis, Minn., opening a general store, which he conducted until 1876, when he sold out and went to the gold fields of the Black Hills. While there he met with many interesting adventures and acquired a considerable fortune, remaining until 1882. Taking a well deserved vacation after years of hard work, he decided in 1882 to visit his old home in Norway. He reamined abroad until the srping of 1883, when he returned to Minnesota and engaged in the lumbering business until 1903, when he came to Baldwin township and purchased 80 acres of land, all of which is now under cultivation. He has improved the land and repaired the buildings, making the place up to date in every respect. Among the special features of his farm life is a flock of Mountain goats, which he secured in South Dakota. Mr. Metlie is a Democrat in politics and attends the Lutheran church.