Woodward, Betsy

Partial 1908 Map of Somers Township, Kenosha County, Wisconsin
Section 6, Betsy Woodworth (correct name is Woodward)

 

Woodward
Henry Woodward was born at Bedford, Leigh, Lancashire, England on March 12, 1853 to William and Betsey (Collier) Woodward.  His wife, Elizabeth (Betsy) Mathers was born at Bolton, England on April 30, 1854.  They came to America in 1883 and lived with Richard and Martha Collier on a farm in Section 6, Somers Township, Kenosha County.  Henry and Betsy had seven children, 6 boys and one girl.  Henry died May 20, 1903 and Betsy died Feb. 2, 1937.

Children of Henry and Betsy Woodward
James - born Dec. 22, 1873 at Bolton, Lancashire, England.  James and his 2 wives are buried at Sylvania Cemetery in Yorkville Township, Racine County.
William - born Dec. 8, 1875 at Bolton, Lancashire, England.  Died March 28, 1924. Never married.  Buried at Sylvania Cemetery.
John Woodward - born Oct. 29, 1878 at Bolton, Lancashire, England.  Married to Wilhelmina (Minnie) Heidersdorf, daughter of Christian and Margaret Heidersdorf (neighbors) Dec. 1, 1922.  Died May 23, 1950.  Buried at West Lawn Cemetery, Racine County.
Margaret Woodward - born May 14, 1884, married to Otto Melcher. No children.  Buried at Sylvania.
Thomas Woodward - born Feb. 29, 1888 at Sylvania (twin died in infancy). Married. Died on Feb. 21, 1973 and buried at West Lawn Cemetery.
Richard - born April 26, 1890 at Sylvania.
Fred - born Nov. 29, 1894 in Wisconsin.  Died 1979. Never married.  Buried at Sylvania.

Richard's son, Vernon Donald Woodward, born May 2, 1929 lived on the Woodward farm in Section 6, Somers Topwnship.

James' son, Earl Woodward, married Frances Glad Peterson who was born at  Uncle Knud Hansen's home in Somers Township.

(Source:  Mary Anne Falk, April 1991, Sylvania Cemetery Board of Trustees)

Hansen, Knud

Partial 1908 Map of Somers Township, Kenosha County
K. Hansen, Section 5 West

 

Knud Hansen
Knud Hansen was born on April 26, 1866 in Jutland, Denmark.  He married Inger H. Andersen, daughter of Rasmus and Inger (Johansen) Andersen in Denmark.  They came to America in 1891 with Inger's parents.  He farmed in Somers Township.  They had two daughters.  Inger died on November 21, 1904.  Knud died November 13, 1955.

Children of Knud Hansen and Inger H. Andersen Hansen
Ingrid Hansen - born October 6, 1890 in Denmark.  Married Joseph Valley.  The had 4 children.  Died March 16, 1970

Minnie Hansen - born Feb. 20, 1894 in Somers Township, Kenosha County, married to Fred Janecek on April 27, 1935 at Waukegan, Illinois.   Died Jan 6, 1983.

Buried at Sylvania Cemetery in Yorkville Township, Racine County, Wisconsin

(Source:  Mary Ann Culshaw Falk and the Sylvania Cemetery Board of Trustees, April 1991)

Lippert

Partial 1908 Map of Somers Township, Kenosha County
J. Lippert, 80 acres, Section 26
P. Lippert parcel, 80 acres, Section 28

Peter Lippert
Peter Lippert is now living retired in Kenosha, his home being at No. 121 Sheridan Road.  He was for a considerable period identified with agricultural interest in the County and afterward engaged in business along industrial lines, his well directed efforts bringing him the success that now enables him to put aside further business cares and responsibilities.  He was born in the Rhine Province of Germany, October 22, 1837, and is therefore nearing the eightieth milestone on life's journey.  His parents were Phillip and Efer (Kerper) Lippert, who spent their entire lives in the fatherland.

After acquiring his education in the schools of Germany, Peter Lippert learned the butcher's trade and also worked on the farm of his father, but when nineteen years of age he bade adieu to friends and native land and sailed for the United States, thinking to try his fortune in the new world.  Landing on the eastern coast, he made his was to Albany, New York, where he remained from April until the fall of that year and then came to Wisconsin.  For seven years he was a resident of Somers Township and afterward of Pleasant Prairie.  When he arrived in Wisconsin he had a cash capital of but fifty cents, so that he practically began life here empty-handed.

After working as a farm hand in the employ of others for four years he began renting land and cultivated a large farm of six hundred and forty acres.  After renting land for seven years he invested his savings in fifty acres and to this kept adding from time to time until he had two hundred and forty acres.

In 1890 he erected a fine brick residence and he has also built two other dwellings in Kenosha.  After leaving the farm he went to Chicago, where he purchased a bicycle shop which he conducted for three years, but at the end of that period he returned to Kenosha and purchased the machine shop that is now owned by Frank Wells, operating that plant until he retired from active business about five years ago.  His life has been a busy and useful one.  Few men remain active in business until they reach the age of seventy-four years, but Mr. Lippert did and enjoyed the goodwill, confidence, and his regard of all his business associates.

In 1861 occurred the marriage of Mr. Lippert and Miss Magdalena Thomy, who was born in Luxemburg, Germany, a daughter of William Thomy, who came to this county about 1856 and settled in the Town of Somers, there making his home until his death, which occurred about thirty-four years ago.  His wife, who bore the maiden name of Felicia Even and was also a native of Germany, survived him for some time and passed away about eighteen years ago.  Their daughter, Mrs. Lippert, attended school in Germany for six years and to some extent in America after the emigration of the family to the new world.  By her marriage she has become the mother of nine children:
William V. of Kenosha;
Elizabeth, who is bookkeeper for J.A. Pitts of Kenosha;
Catherine, the wife of Joseph Meyers, connected with the Milwaukee Railroad Company at Milwaukee;
Anna, the wife of F.R. Bartsch, a school teacher of Chicago;
Eugene, who is engaged in merchandising in Chicago;
Peter John, a graduate of St. Francis School of Milwaukee and was made Assistant Pastor of St. James Parish in Kenosha where he died sixteen years ago;
Lillian, who is now Sister Mary Bernardo and who after graduating from the High School of Kenosha and the Normal School of Chicago is now Sister Superior of a parochial school at Madison, Wisconsin;
Laura, who is a member of a Catholic Order and is now connected with Mercy Hospital in Chicago, being known as Sister Mary Victoria;
Lou C. a manufacturer of Kenosha who spent three years at the Jesuit Institute in Chicago and one year in St. Francis College at Milwaukee.

Mr. Lippert is a communicant of St. George's Catholic Church and is a member of St. Joseph Council of the Knights of Columbus.  He served for fourteen years on the School Board and has long been actively interested in affairs relating to the welfare and progress of his community.  He has never had occasion to regret his determination to come to the new world, for here he has found the opportunities which he sought and in their improvement has won success.
(Source: The City and County of Kenosha, Biographical Sketch, Vol. II, S.J. Clarke Publishing Co., Chicago, 1916)




John Jacob Lippert and Catherine Pfisterer Lippert
June 26, 1895
(Source:  Photo from Linda_Treasure@ public posting of Ancestry.com)

John Lippert
A well improved farm property is that owned and occupied by John Lippert on Section 28, of Somers Township.  He was born near Trier, Germany, September 19, 1869, a son of Mathias and Katherine (Merentens) Lippert.  The father is still living in Germany, but the mother passed away in 1885.

John Lippert attended the public schools to the age of fourteen years and afterward worked with his father upon the home farm until he reached the age of eighteen.  He then came to the United States, for the reports which he had heard concerning the opportunities of the new world proved very alluring and  he resolved to try his fortune on this side of the Atlantic.  He arrived in Kenosha County empty-handed, dependent upon his own resources for all that he has since acquired and enjoyed.  For two years he was employed as a farm hand and later secured employement in Kenosha, spending some time in the Bain Wagon Works, while afterward he was employed in the Allen Tannery for ten years.

In 1893 he went to Iowa and was a farm hand in Dubuque County for one year.  In 1894 he returned to Kenosha and for two years was in the employ of John M. Blackman.  He next purchased eighty acres situated on Section 26, Somers Township, and has since been upon this farm.  All of the improvements are his work and the farm presents a most attractive appearance with its excellent buildings, its well kept fences, its modern machinery and highly cultivated crops.

On the 26th of June, 1895, Mr. Lippert was married to Miss Katrina Pfiesterer, a daughter of Jacob and Julie (Fellhauer) Pfiesterer, who were also natives of Germany and arrived in KKenosha County at an early period in it development.  Mr. and Mrs. Lippert became the parents of nine children, of whom Sophia is deceased.  Those still living are:  Julia; Mathew; Amelia; Marie; Phillip; Valentine; John; and Catherine.

The family are communicants of St. George Catholic Church, and Mr. Lippert is identified with the Catholic Order of Foresters.  He is now serving as Chairman of School District No. 2. 
(Source:  The City and County of Kenosha, Biographical Sketch, Vol. II, S.J. Clarke Publishing Co., Chicago, 1916)


Philip Lippert
Philip Lippert, one of the representative and enterprising agriculturists of Kenosha County, owns and operates a well improved farm comprising eighty acres on Section 28, Somers Township.  His birth occurred in Germany on the 8th of January, 1865, his parents being Mathias and Kathrina (Mertes) Lippert.  The former still resides in the fatherland but the latter passed away.

Philip Lippert attended the common schools of Germany until fourteen years of age and then became an apprentice at the cabinet maker's trade.  In 1882, when a youth of seventeen, he crossed the Atlantic to the United States,  hoping to benefit by the advantages which he had heard might be enjoyed in this country.  During the first year of his residence in the new world he worked as a farm hand for his uncle in Pleasant Prairie Township and for the next five or six years was similarly employed by others.  Subsequently he rented land on shares for three years and during the following three years worked in Kenosha shops.  He then began farming on his own account and at the end of a year located on the Stevenson place, which he cultivated for a year and a half.  In 1895, he purchased a farm of eighty acres on Section 28, Somers Township, and has since devoted his time and energies to its operation, annually gathering good harvests which find a ready sale on the market.

In 1893 Mr. Lippert was united in marriage to Miss Sophia Kopp, a daughter of August Kopp.  He is a Democrat in his political views but not bitterly partisan, considering the capability of a candidate as of more importance than his party affiliation.  He is a devout communicant of St. George's Catholic Church and also belongs to St. Michael's Society.  Mr. Lippert has never had occasion to regret his determination to establish  his home in the new world, for here he has found the opportunities which he sought and through their wise utilization has won a gratifying and well merited measure of success.
(Source: The City and County of Kenosha, Biographical Sketch, Vol. II, S.J. Clarke Publishing Co., Chicago, 1916)

Valentine Lippert
Valentine Lippert, who died on the 8th of May, 1916, and was buried in Kenosha, made his home on Section 28, Somers Township, and was a well known representative of farming interests in that locality. He was born February 14, 1840 in Germany, his parents being Philip and Eva Lippert.  He attended the common schools of his native country until eleven years of age, after which he was employed near his home for three years.  Later he took up carpenter work, spending a year and a half in learning the trade, which he later followed for three years.  He next went to France, where he worked for two years at carpentering, and then, thinking to have better opportunities in the new world, he crossed the Atlantic to the United States in 1867.

The following year Mr. Lippert arrived in Kenosha and for a time was employed at the carpenters' trade by Nicholas Pirsch.  He continued to engage in carpentering for several years and later was employed at farm labor for seven or eight years.  On the expiration of the period he removed to South Dakota, where he resided for three years, and then returned to Kenosha county, becoming identified with farming interests of Somers township.

Mr. Lipper always voted with the Republican party and for three years he served as Constable in Kenosha and was also a Member of the Town Board.  He belonged to the German Catholic Church and its teachings were a guiding force in his life.  He became comfortably situated and this was due to his earnest and well directed efforts, which brought to him a well deserved success, enabling him to enjoy all of the comforts and some of the luxuries of life.
(Source: The City and County of Kenosha, Biographical Sketch, Vol. II, S.J. Clarke Publishing Co., Chicago, 1916)

Methodist Episcopal Church of Somers

(Source:  "My Memoirs" by Minnie A.G. Ozanne. Copyright 1948)

First Methodist Church in Wisconsin Built in Somers
(Source:  Racine Journal Times, September 15, 1935)

"The first Methodist Episcopal Church building in the State of Wisconsin was erected in the year 1840 with a congregation made up of the families who had settled in the center of a wilderness that is now the Town of Somers, seven miles northwest of Kenosha.

Positive identification of this little group of pioneers is established with the discovery of some of the early "minutes" of the little congregation of immigrants who decided to go beyond the settlement of Pike Creek, now Kenosha, and go further inland to a little patch in the woods that had been leveled by a forest fire a year before.  Many of the interesting facts concerning this discovery are told by Mrs. E.G. Ozanne, of Somers, who is preparing an interesting history of the early days in the settlement of Somers.

While the first building to house a Methodist Episcopal congregation was built in 1840 the formation of the church organization came three years before when a prayer meeting was called in one of the rude log cabin houses constructed in the section by the first family to arrive.

The establishment of the church came immediately after the arrival of the three Kellogg brothers, Chauncey, Seth, and Thaddeus, and their families who had come with ex team and covered wagon from New England in August 1837.  In New England the three brothers had been prominently identified with the church, and one of their promises was to form a congregation as soon as they should settle.  In six days the brothers had helped construct six log cabins and during that time their group had been joined by twelve more families.

Seth Kellogg, the oldest of the of three brothers, called a prayer meeting for the seventh day and ten persons met in one of the cabins that bright Sunday morning.  A Sun School was formed in which all ten enrolled, and Mrs. Seth Kellogg was named the first superintendent.

The result of this meeting bore its first fruit a month later when the sum of $200 was received as a gift by one of the Kellogg sisters who raised the funds in Sunday School in New York.  With this money to furnish such materials as were available by stage from Chicago and Milwaukee, the building was begun.  Chauncey Kellogg had been a carpenter in the east and he gave all his spare time to the erection of the church.  Austin Kellogg, another member of the original family, had been a blacksmith and he made the nails and braces for the building.

No one who worked on this building during the next two years accepted pay.  The timbers were hand hewn out of solid oak.  Benches and pews were planed from trees cut down at the edge of the clearing.  With all other work that required the attention of these pioneers church workers, the new building proceeded slowly.  when completed in the spring of 1840, the congregation had grown to 35 families.  At its large dedicatory service there were visitors from miles around.

The first regularly ordained minister who served the church, as available records show, was the Rev. Julius Field, who had married one of the Kellogg daughters.  He assisted in the building of the church and officiated at the consecration of the building.  Later he became Pastor of the First Methodist Church in Racine in 1845.  Ebenezer Washburn came to the village in 1843 to make his home with his daughter, Electa Washburn Kellogg, wife of Seth Kellogg.  He, known as "Father Washburn" was one of the early pastors.  He built a home for himself at the point that has since been known as Kellogg's Corners in the Town of Somers and lived there until 1850 when he moved to Racine.  He died in 1857.  Among the early ministers there were Rev. James Ozanne, Father Washburn, John Collett and Joshua Collier.

Among the ordained pastors were:  Delos Hale, George Parsons, A.J. Benjamin, E.L. Eaton, William Rollins, E.D. Kohlsted, M.L. Norris, and A.M. Sanford.  Rev. P.J. Lawson in 1910 was the last to occupy the pulpit.

Among the Sunday School superintendent were:  Mrs. Seth Kellogg, and Amon T. Gould, who operated a blacksmith shop at Kellogg's Corners for many years, and who held the superintendency of the Sunday School over a long period.

In 1860 a Sunday School festival was held with 300 present, most of them children of that original group of pioneers who founded the First Methodist Church in Wisconsin.

In 1916 the building was sold, taken down, and used in the building of a barn on a nearby farm.  The original lumber and timbers were found to be in an almost perfect state of preservation.

The day commemorating the 104th anniversary of that first prayer and Sunday School, following the arrival of these Kellogg brothers and their families, to that little patch in the woods that later became known as Kellogg's Corners, some sixty of their descendants met in reunion on the site of this first church.  A beautiful feature of this reunion was the dedicatory service of a large boulder that was one of the original corner-stones of the church foundation.  The unveiling was by two boys, Donald Mann, of Los Angeles, California, and James Beall, of Chicago, both descendants of the Kellogg's.  This boulder is beautifully engraved, and permanently set - a grand tribute to those early pioneers who came."

Cornerstone of the Methodist Church at Kellogg's Corners.
(Source: "My Memoirs" by Minnie A.G. Ozanne. Copyright 1948)

Austin Kellogg

Abresch

"William Abresch, aged 35 years, died at St. Mary's Hospital in Racine, on Wednesday afternoon after a lingering illness of consumption.  The deceased leaves a wife and two little children.  The funeral was held on Friday afternoon from the Holy Innocent's Church in Racine."
(Source:  Racine Journal Feb. 21, 1901)

Abresch family of Somers - more information here
I have some information on the Racine-Kenosha, Wisconsin, Abresch family I would like to contribute. First of all, my grandmother, Mary Maude McFarland (2/2/1870 – 8/15/1974) married William Abresch (12/3/1869 – 2/13/1901) in Racine, Wisconsin, on 8/20/1894. William had a brother John (1871 - ?) and a sister Mary. After William died in 1901, his widow, Mary Maude, married Peter Mueller who was my grandfather. So Mary Maude McFarland is the common link between the Abresch and the Mueller families.

William Abresch and Mary Maude McFarland had two sons that I am aware of -- John William Abresch (9/12/1895 – May 1977) and, your grandfather, Samuel Claude Abresch (8/21/1897 – 8/18/1983). John never married, and lived all his life in Racine as a tile setter for the Peterson Tile Co. and died of cancer in his 80’s. Sam enlisted in the US Navy during WWI, probably early in 1918.

During the1950’s and early 60’s when I was a youngster, Sam lived with my parents and his mother, Mary Maude, on our farm, the Mueller farm, (on the county line between Racine and Kenosha Counties) in the Town of Somers, Kenosha County, Wisconsin. I can recall him telling stories about his ship being torpedoed off the coast of Spain, and him being rescued and taken to Portugal by fishermen. Based on research I’ve done, I believe the ship that was sunk may well have been the USS Buenaventura, built in 1913 at Howden-on-Tyne, England. During the first year of World War I she was employed by the U.S. Army and, in July 1918, was transferred to the U.S. Navy and assigned to the Naval Overseas Transportation Service (NOTS). On 14 September, after unloading her cargo at Bordeaux, France, she sailed in a convoy bound for Philadelphia. Two days out of Bordeaux, the convoy was attacked by the German submarine U-46 off the northwest coast of Spain. The Buenaventura was hit by two torpedoes at 2045 hours, was abandoned and sank a few minutes later with the loss of 19 men. I think Sam got out of the Navy after the war but reenlisted sometime later. I recall him telling stories about serving aboard the battleship USS Oklahoma during the late 1920's and the 1930's when it was home-ported on the west coast. Sam married Della Simmons (4/16/1911 - ?) of Blanchard, Idaho, on 9/21/1928 in Everett, Washington. According to my father, they lived in either Garden Grove or Gardena, California, and had two children – Anna Mae Abresch (b. 3/13/1930) and William Bert Abresch (b. 8/13/1931) who I believe is your father. It appears that Della disappeared, leaving Sam alone in California with the children. In February 1938, Sam came back to the Racine area with his two children; his mother (Mary Maude McFarland Abresch Mueller) took care of them on the Mueller farm.

Anna Mae Abresch married Glenn Heide on 8/4/1951 and they had three children – Bruce (b. 3/6/1953), Patrick (b. 4/25/57) and Scott (b. 12/13/1958). Anna Mae later married David Borger on 4/29/1978; they had no children. William Bert Abresch married Lena (last name ?) and they had two children – William Abresch, your brother, and you, John Abresch. That’s all the information I have on the Abresch side of the family.

As for the Mueller side, William Abresch’s widow, Mary Maude McFarland, married Peter Mueller (8/1/1869 – 5/20/1946) on 9/6/1905 in Racine, Wisconsin. Together they had seven children:
Ethel Mueller (1906 – 1986) m. James Wayne
Francis Mueller (1908 – 1965) m. Germaine Raguth
Frank Mueller (1910 – 1993) m. Luella Everette
Frederick Mueller ( 1913 - ) m. Beatrice Hall
Henry Mueller (1915 – 2002) m. (1) Josephine Carlson, (2) Erica Dumas
Edwin Mueller (1918 - ) m. Marcella Thomas
Josephine Mueller (1920 - ) m. Francis Karls

My father is Edwin Mueller who is still living (as of 12/24/2005) on the same farm in Kenosha County where he was born, and which his father, Peter Mueller, owned before him.

Your tale of old family lore differs from the story I was told. In the version I am familiar with, it was Harriet McFarland, born on the Island of Guernsey in the English Channel, who worked as a stewardess on Great Lakes sailing vessels and drowned in a storm on Lake Erie in 1848. That event orphaned her son, Edwin P. McFarland (4/14/1846 – 8/220/1922) who was taken in by the Andersons who lived at the corner of Petrifying Springs Park on the Green Bay Trail near Kenosha, Wisconsin. Edwin P. married Josephine Seeley (3/27/1856 – 12/25/1932) on 3/30/1874 in Fort Atkinson, Wisconsin, and in 1890, after separating from his wife Josephine, he bought the Anderson house and brought his daughter, Mary Maude McFarland, there to live, where she grew up in the care of “Grandma” Anderson. Edwin McFarland took off for points south and eventually ended up in a Veterans Home in Johnson City, Tennessee, where he died. My father has his original Union Army discharge papers dated July 18, 1865. No farms that I know of were given to any of these people as wedding presents by wealthy landowners. Had that been the case with Mary Maude McFarland, she would not have had to scratch to eke out a living on her own between the time she was widowed with two young children, after William Abresch died in 1901, and when she married Peter Mueller in 1905.

I hope this helps. It gets confusing when there are many different individuals named John Abresch and William Abresch. I would appreciate any additional information about the Abresch family from the Racine/Kenosha area so I can fill in the blanks.
Mary (Mueller) Reinhart, De Pere, Wisconsin

Bowers

Partial 1908 Map of Somers Township, Kenosha County
Section 17, H. Bowers 100 acres.

Hiram Bowers
Hiram Bowers was born on September 28, 1860 at Sylvania, Racine County, and is the son of Isaac Bowers and Sarah Ann Lee, born in Lancashire, England.
He married Sarah Jennie Naylor, daughter of Joseph and Sarah (Henderson) Naylor, on April 8, 1885 and farmed in Somers Township, Kenosha County.
Hiram and Sarah had three children.  Sarah died in childbirth with the third child on August 15, 1907.  A son, Hiram Kenneth died September 1907.  Two girls, Erma (Mrs. George Leet) and Marcy (Mrs. Frank Lichter).  Hiram died July 1, 1943 and is buried in Mound Cemetery with his wife Sarah.
(Source:  Sylvania Cemetery, Yorkville, Racine County, Mary Ann Culshaw Falk and the Sylvania Cemetery Board of Trustees, copyright 1991)


Sarah Naylor Bowers Obituary (wife of Hiram Bowers, son of Isaac Bowers)
"Mrs. Bowers was born in the Town of Paris, Kenosha County, forty-three years ago, and came to Somers when a child, where she has resided most of her life, esteemed and beloved by all who knew her.  She was kindhearted, generous, ever and always ready and willing to render assistance where it was needed.
She was a woman of joyous and sunshiny nature, diffusing her own happy spirit over those with whom she came in contact and few people had more sincere and devoted friends than she.  A sincere Christian, a loving daughter and friend, a devoted wife, a good mother.
She was united in marriage to Hiram Bowers, twenty-three years ago, who with two daughters, Misses Erma and Marcia Bowers, and an infant baby son, a mother, three brothers, William Naylor, Bloomington, Ill., George Naylor, St. Paul, Minn., Joseph Naylor, San Francisco, California; and two sisters, Miss Emma Naylor of Racine and Mrs. R. Neff, Gray's Lake, Ill. survive her.
The funeral services were held from her late home Saturday afternoon, conducted by Rev. Williams, assisted by Rev. Gosling.  The  musical services were rendered by a trio, consisting of Mr. J.G. Mitchell of Evanston, Ill.; Mrs. L.L. Owen, Burlington and Mrs. Buchan, Union Grove.
The casket was embowered in flowers the testimonials of loving friends, among them a handsome floral design from the Somers Camp Modern Woodmen of America, attesting the regard with which the deceased was held by that society.  A large procession of sympathizing friends followed the remains to their last resting place in Mound Cemetery, Racine.
(Source:  Racine Journal August 21, 1907)

Leet and Bowers Marriage
On Thursday, April 4, 1912, Miss Erma L. Bowers, oldest daughter of Mr. Hiram Bowers, was quietly united in marriage to Mr. George P. Leet, son of Mr. and Mrs. George F. Leet.
Rev. Bigler of the First Presbyterian Church of Racine officiated. After the ceremony, Mr. and Mrs. Leet departed for a brief wedding trip south. The bride is one of our most popular and accomplished young ladies. The groom is one of Somers' most enterprising young men, a young man of force and sterling worth. Few young people launch into the world under more favorable currents and a host of friends are please to extend congratulations upon their happy union.
(Source: Racine Journal, April 16, 1912)

Lichter and Bowers Marriage
On Tuesday morning at 7 o'clock the marriage of Miss Marcia Bowers to Frank Lichter was celebrated at St. George's Church in Kenosha. Rev. Father Nickel, pastor of the church, officiated in the presence of a few close friends of the contracting parties. Miss Madeline Lichter was bridesmaid and Nicholas Lichter served as best man. The bride is the younger daughter of Hiram Bowers and is an accomplished young woman. The groom is the eldest son of Mr. and Mrs. George Lichter, one of Somers most popular young men. After a short wedding trip to Chicago, the young couple went to housekeeping on the farm west of the village. Congratulations and best of wishes are extended by a host of friends.
(Source: Racine Journal, Jan. 18, 1915)

Kenosha Country Club

Kenosha Club Buys Golf Source Site
Purchased by Southport Organization
One of the finest sites for a golf course in the state of Wisconsin has been purchased by the Kenosha County club through the A.F. Stahl Agency of Kenosha, situated near the intersection of the Berryville Road with Sheridan Road between Racine and Kenosha.
The purchase of the Kenosha County Club includes 175 acres of land and it is the intention of the club to erect on this land a magnificent clubhouse. The Lingies, Linstroth, and Benson farms make up the parcel of 175 acres, and the consideration, although not made public, should be in the neighborhood of $30,000.00.
The situation of this land is nearly ideal for a country club. All roads approaching the place are improved, and the main road is a cement highway. The interurban railway passes right at hand. Should there ever be a movement to unit Racine and Kenosha golfers, this club is as easily accessible to Racine as to Kenosha.
The Kenosha County club will continue in its present quarters for some time, but an effort will be made to get the new clubhouse and golf links ready for use in 1921.
(Source:  Racine Journal Times, Feb. 27, 1920)

New Golf Course Planned in Kenosha
Contracts for the construction of the new golf course of the Kenosha Country Club have been let and the work of the construction is to start on March 15. The contract provides for the completion of the course by October 15. It is expected that close to $60,000. will be expended in the construction of the course and it is planned as one of the finest golf courses to be found in the middle west, members, say.
The actual work of building the bunkers and the sand pits and laying out the greens is to be started on April 1. The seeding down of the new course will be done in August and it is expected that the course will be ready for play in May or June of 1922.
Plans are now being made for the erection of a clubhouse, to cost $50,000, it is estimated. The plans in clued provision for dining rooms, a large dance hall, and locker rooms.
(Source:  Racine Journal Times, March 2, 1921)
 

Harvest Party at Kenosha Country Club on Saturday

First Annual County Fair to be Inaugurated As Theme of Season’s Last Party
The days back when the County Fair was the one big event of the year which was looked forward to and planned for during the four seasons, will be revived at the Kenosha Country Club next Saturday evening.
The Club members are to have a real fair, their first annual, for the entertainment committee in the zest of planning for the event feels that even as the old-timers, the Club will clamor for a similar fete each year.
The County Fair will be a feature of the annual Harvest Home dinner dance, which each year caps activities at the Club, and the entire Clubhouse will be utilized for the exhibits of bumper crops, prize “preserves” and the other excellent entries of the Fair.
Suitable exhibits have been arranged for all the members, and they will be grouped about the tables, and in other conspicuous places with the name of the exhibitors in plain view.  And like all County Fairs, there is to be a “Midway” where ballyhooers will announce special entertainment for the farmers and farmerettes “coming to town.”
To carry out the spirit of the party still father, the entertainment committee has requested all members come in rural costumes.  The matter of costumes will also revive an old custom in vogue at Harvest Home parties a number of years ago, but which fell into the discard the past few seasons.
More than two hundred and fifty reservations have already been made for the vent, and only a few more can be accepted.  None will be taken after Friday morning.
(Source:  Kenosha Evening News, September 11, 1929)

 William Still
William Still, 72, for many years the professional golf instructor in the early history of the Kenosha County Club and known as “The Father of Kenosha Golfing” died at his home near Jacksonville, Florida.
(Source:  Racine Journal Times, October 7, 1939)

Directors Elected 1910 (Club in Kenosha)
"The annual meeting of the Kenosha Country Club was held at the clubhouse on Monday evening and the annual reports of the officers showed that the season now drawing to a close had been one of the most successful in the history of the club.  Many new members have been added to the lists during the year and the greatest interest has been taken in the club events.  The report of the treasurer of the club showed that there was a deficit of about $800 for the season but this total deficit was made up by popular subscription before the close of the meeting.  The deficit was largely due to losses incurred through the operation of the dining room at the club and it is not an unexpected deficit.  members of the club realize that it is impossible to serve meals such as are served at the club with a profit.
Considerable work has been done in adding to the club's property this year and all of these improvements are paid for.
At the annual election of directors, Charles W. Allen, Charles Chester Allen, and Chester D. Barnes were elected to succeed themselves as members of the Board of Directors.
While there are not more big tournaments scheduled for the season the links will be kept open until late in October.  The recent rains have placed the greens and fair green in excellent condition and it is certain that the enthusiastic Kenosha golfers will keep the ball rolling until driven off the field by the early snows of winter.  The election of officers for the new year will not take place until the regular winter meeting of the Board of Directions to be held next February."
(Source:  The Telegraph Courier September 8, 1910)

Maxwell, Hon. Walter S.

W.S. Maxwell
(Source:  Portrait and Biographical Album, Racine and Kenosha  Counties, Lake City Publishing Co., 1892, Chicago)

Hon. Walter S. Maxwell, who resides on Section 34, Somers Township, is  not only one of the well-known citizens of Kenosha County, but has also a wide acquaintance throughout the State, his official career having brought him in contact with many of the most prominent men of Wisconsin.  He now devotes his time and attention to agricultural pursuits and to business connected with the operation of a stone quarry in Superior, Wisconsin, owned by the Arcadian Brown Stone Company, of which he is manager and treasurer.  Mr. Maxwell was born in Washington County, New York, September 12, 1836, and his father, Alexander Maxwell, also claimed that county as his birthplace.  He was born January 24, 1809.  In his native county he married Jane Alexander, a native of Glasgow, Scotland, who when a maiden of ten summers came to this country with her father, Robert Alexander, who was one of the early settlers and substantial farmers of Washington County, New York.

On the paternal side, our subject is also of Scotch descent.  His grandfather, Walter Maxwell, was born in Scotland, and on crossing the Atlantic took up his residence in Washington County, New York, which was then an almost unbroken wilderness.  His son Daniel served as a soldier in the War of 1812.  The father, Alexander Maxwell, resided upon the old family homestead after his marriage and purchasing the interest of the other heirs, succeeded to the ownership of that estate.

For long he made it his home and upon it reared his family, but in 1890, he sold out and, laying aside all business cares,  removed to Coila, a little village six miles from the old farm, where he and his estimable wife are now living retired.  They are highly respected people and the esteem of the entire community is accorded them.  In their family were six sons and four daughters who grew to manhood and womanhood and with one exception all are living - Mary is the wife of Hon. Robert Graham, ex-State Superintendent of schools, residing in Oshkosh, Wis.; Elizabeth is the wife of William Eldridge of Cambridge, New York; Walter S. is the next younger; Hon. Robert A. of Batavia, New York, is a prominent politician and the only member of the family who advocates Democracy.  He was one of the State Commissioners of New York and also served as State Treasurer being the only one elected on the Democratic ticket; Catherine C., wife of J.H. Alexander, who is a resident of Huron, South Dak.  He is a merchant by occupation; William J. is a real-estate dealer of Omaha, Neb; Jennie is the wife of Horton Barber of Greenwich, New York; George H. is living in Ames, Iowa; Alexander grew to manhood and came to Kenosha County, where his death occurred; Martin B., a resident of Washington County, has been a most successful teacher.

We now take up the personal history of our subject who in his native county spent the days of his boyhood and youth upon his father's farm.  In the common schools and the State Normal he acquired his education, and after completing his studies engaged in teaching for a few years.  Believing the West furnished better opportunities for young men, he came to Wisconsin in 1860, locating in Kenosha County.  He bought a half section of fine prairie land, which has since been his home, and although then unimproved, he has made it one of the most valuable and desirable farms in the county.  It is situated three miles west of Kenosha and with all its improvements, accessories and conveniences it is a model farm.

Mr. Maxwell has been three times married.  In Easton, New York, he wedded Miss Anna A. Robinson, a native of the Empire State, who died in Kenosha county, leaving one son, Elmer A., who is now operating the home farm.  He wedded Anna A. Greenbaum, who was born in Connecticut, and survived her marriage only two years.  The present Mrs. Maxwell was in her maidenhood Miss Cornelia McLean.  She was born in Washington County, New York, is a daughter of John C. McLean of Greenwich, New York, and their marriage was celebrated in 1880.

In 1860, Mr. Maxwell proudly cast his first vote for Abraham Lincoln and at each Presidential election since that time has supported the candidates of the Republican Party.  He takes great interest in the triumph of its principles and has been frequently honored with positions of public trust.  For ten consecutive years he served as Supervisor of the Town Board, was elected its Chairman and for one year was Chairman of the County Board of Supervisors.  In 1877, he was elected to the State Legislature as the representative from his district and so well did he fill the office that he was re-elected in 1881, and again in 1883.    He served as Chairman of the Educational Committee, and upon a number of other important committees.  When his term as Representative had expired he was elected State Senator in 1884, serving four years with credit to himself and to the satisfaction of his constituents.  He was again on several important committees and was Chairman of the Agricultural Committee.  Mr. Maxwell has ever endeavored to use his influence and power for the advancement of those interests which will bring the best good to the greatest number.  His public life is above reproach and he proved himself to be an honorable and trusted official.

Purchasing an interest in the Arcadian Brown Stone company of Superior, Wis., he was made its manager and Treasurer serving as such for the past four years.  The quarry turns out a very superior quality of brown sand stone for building purposes and the company is now doing a good business, working about thirty men.  Mr. Maxwell gives that interest his attention during the summer months and with the snows of winter returns to his home in Kenosha County.  He and his estimable wife are members of the Congregational Church of Kenosha and in social circles rank high.

(Source: Portrait and Biographical Album, Racine and Kenosha Counties, Lake City Publishing Co., 1892, Chicago)

 



Partial 1861 Map of Somers Township, Kenosha County
Section 34, W.S. Maxwell parcels - two at 160 acres (also extends south into Illinois)
Click on image for larger view.

 

Runals, Frank A.



Eli G. Runals
(Photo Courtesy:  Kenosha County Historical Society, Inc.)

Runals House
(Photo Courtesy: Kenosha County Historical Society, Inc.)

Runals House (hotel located on corner of Main Street and Wisconsin Street)
(Photo Courtesy: Kenosha County Historical Society, Inc.)



(Source:  Minnie Ozanne "My Memories"



Mrs. Eli G. Runals
(Photo Courtesy: Kenosha County Historical Society, Inc.)

Frank A. Runals

"Frank A. Runals well deserves representation in this volume as he is one of the leading citizens of Somers Township, Kenosha  County, and a representative of a family which has been prominently connected with the history of Southeastern Wisconsin since an early day.
He now resides on Section 25, where he owns a desirable property.  He was born in the City of Kenosha, March 7, 1853, and is the son of Eli G. Runals, who was born in New York in 1814.  When a small lad his father was left an orphan and thus thrown upon his own resources.  He learned the hatter's trade and with an uncle carried on a successful business in that line in the Empire State for a few years.
The year 1840 witnessed his arrival in Southport, Wisconsin here he soon engaged in business.  He was a wide-awake business man, public spirited and progressive and did much for the city.  He erected a number of business houses, including a hotel known as the Runals House, which was located where the Grant House now stands, and there engaged in the hotel business for a few years.  With other public enterprises he was connected.  He was one of the original members and was elected President of the Kenosha County Bank, one of the leading moneyed institutions of the county.
In 1857 he purchased the farm on which our subject now resides and greatly improved the place.  He set out an extensive orchard, containing excellent varieties of all kinds of fruit, and for four years successfully engaged in agriculture, when in 1864 he returned to the City.  About seven years later he again removed to his farm and spent his remaining days.
In 1864 Mr. Runals became engaged in the oil business at Pitt Hole City, Pa., which he carried on successfully for four years and then became a member of a wholesale hardware store in New York City, with which he was connected for three years.  He also owned and dealt largely in lands in Wisconsin, Illinois, Nebraska and other Western States.  He met with some reverses but was generally successful, and whether he made or lost in his ventures, went ahead just the same.  Reverses never discouraged him but rather stimulated him to renewed and greater effort.  In early life Mr. Runals was a Democrat but on the breaking out of the late war became a Republican.  A strong advocate of temperance principles, he afterwards identified himself with the Prohibition party but was never a politician in the sense of office-seeking.  Fair and honest in all his dealings, he won the confidence and respect of those with whom he came in contact and his death, which occurred November 7, 1890, was deeply mourned by many friends.
Mrs. Runals still survives her husband and is now living in Chicago.  In her maidenhood she was Miss Helen Charill Murray, a daughter of Eli Murray, and in her native State, New York, she was educated and grew to womanhood.  Frank A. Runals is their only son and the second of three children.  Ida Belle, the older sister, after acquiring a liberal education became the wife of Charles Weyl, of Chicago, and died in 1871.  The younger sister, Lily, was educated in Kenosha and Cleveland, Ohio, and possesses musical talent of a high order obtained at New York and Chicago.  The takes an active interest in the work of temperance.
Our subject, after attending the schools of Kenosha pursued his studies in Racine College and in the Ypsilanti Normal School.  Returning to his father's farm he devoted his time and attention to stock raising and agricultural pursuits, making this occupation his life work.
As a companion of life's journal he chose Miss Carrie Warburton Stryker, their union being celebrated in Kenosha, October 27, 1881.  A native of that city, the lady was there reared and educated.  She is the daughter of the late James M. Stryker, one of the most enterprising and prominent business men of Kenosha in its early days.  For many years he was connected with its leading interests; in later years being engaged in business in Chicago, where he died in 1887.  His wife still survives him and resides in Chicago.  Her maiden name was Ellen M. Brooks, daughter of Hon. John A. Brooks, of Michigan.
Mr. and Mrs. Runals began their domestic life upon the old homestead where they have since resided and their union has been blessed with four children - Frank A., Ida Belle, Ellen Eugenie Stryker and Helen Charill.
In politics Mr. Runals is a Republican on questions of national importance, but in local elections supports the men whom he thinks will best fill the office.  He has ever been an advocate of temperance principles.  Educational, moral and social interests find in him a friend, and among the best citizens of Kenosha County should be numbered Frank A. Runals, whose sterling worth well entitled him to representation in this volume."
(Source:  Portrait and Biographical Album of Racine and Kenosha Counties, Lake City Publishing Co., 1892, Chicago)

Partial 1861  Map of Somers Township
Section 25
160 E.G. Runals parcel

Burgess, Alonzo

Alonzo Burgess
(Photo Source: Portrait and Biographical Album of Racine and Kenosha Counties Citizens
Lake City Publishing Co. 1892)

Alonzo Burgess, a pioneer of Kenosha County of 1836, and an early settler of Racine County, now a resident of the City of Racine, was born in East Bennington, Bennington County, Vt., August 27, 1820.  His parents were Benjamin and Rebecca (Chase) Burgess, who were also natives of Bennington County.  His father was a farmer by occupation and was married in his native county.  In 1825 he moved with his family to Oswego County, New York, and settled in the Town of Hannibal where he resided until the spring of 1836 when he emigrated from New York to Wisconsin Territory.  He located on a tract of Government land adjacent to the Village of Southport, now Kenosha, March 5, of that year.  At that time the Territory in which Southport was situated was in Milwaukee County.  In 1836 it was set off as Racine County, and the later division left Kenosha County as it now exists.

Benjamin Burgess was twice married.  His first wife was Rebecca Chase, as given above, and by their union were born four sons and three daughters:  Sylvia died when a young lady; Nehemiah married Sophia Hulbut and both are now deceased; Benjamin wedded Sophia Gardner and is a farmer of Brighton Township; Julia, widow of Nicholas LePoidvine, resides in Beatrice, Nebraska.  After the death of the first wife the father married Amanda Foster by whom he had four children, as follows:  William E., a successful farmer of Somers Township, Kenosha County; Martha, deceased, was the wife of Charles Ticknor; Belinda, widow of Thomas Dow, resides in Racine; Cyrus was drowned at the age of eighteen.  Mr. Burgess was engaged in the saw-mill business until his death, which occurred in March 1838, only two years after locating in Southport.

Alonzo Burgess removed to Oswego County, New York, with his parents when five years of age and came to Wisconsin with them in March, 1836, being then a lad of fifteen years.  Soon afterward he went to work with his uncle, William Foster, with whom he remained five and a half years.  He then engaged in the manufacture of brick near Kenosha and bought a farm of eighty acres in the Town of Somers.  On the 6th July, 1844, he was married in that town to miss Artemesia Kellogg, daughter of Arthur and Armena (Howe) Kellogg.  She was born near Oswego Falls, New York, and was an earnest Methodist in religious faith.  Five children were born of their union:  Adelia A., wife of Richard Warner, of Beatrice, Nebraska; Emeretta who wedded L. Cook of Somers, Kenosha County' Frederick A., who married Cordelia Foster and is a farmer of Mt. Pleasant; Carrie A., wife of E.L. Cook, of Somers, and Martha, who died at the age of eighteen years.   Mrs. Burgess died on the 8th of May, 1863, in the prime of womanhood.

On the 1st of July, 1867, Mr. Burgess was married in Kenosha County, to Miss Mary A. Buswell, who was born in Hopkinton, New Hampshire, February 16, 1829, and is a daughter of Ezra and Judith A. (Judkins) Buswell.  She became a teacher in girlhood, teaching in a High School in Ohio and also in the Kenosha and Racine High Schools.  Her career as a teacher included an experience of many years and was distinguished by superior ability and a conscientious discharge of duty.  She came to Kenosha County with her parents in 1842 when thirteen years of age.  Her father was a highly respected pioneer of that county, was born in Grantham, New Hampshire, April 27, 1793, and died in Paris Township, Kenosha County, November 14 1863.  Her mother was born in Concord, New Hampshire, December 19, 1800, and died in Mt. Pleasant Township, Racine County, February 14, 1876.

Mr. Buswell was a man of more than ordinary ability and of fair scholastic training.  After coming to Wisconsin he took an active part in local affairs, serving several years as Township Supervisor.  His marriage to Miss Judkins occurred in Warner, New Hampshire.  Until his removal Westward he was engaged in conducting a tannery and shoe establishment.  His object in coming to Wisconsin was to locate his sons on farms.  He therefore left New Hampshire in 1842 for Southport, now Kenosha, but the lake was so rough the vessel could not land and hence went on to Chicago.  By team, Mr. Buswell came to Paris Township, where he entered three hundred and twenty acres of land from the government, to which he added by purchase.  He gave the eldest three sons farms, and lived to see all his children become respected members of society.  He had five children, as follows, Moses C., a farmer of Somers Township; Edmund D., a farmer died in 1885; Mary A.; John S., a veteran of the late war, who lost his health in the service, resides in Union Grove, Wisconsin.  In politics Mr. Buswell was a Democrat until the rise of the Republican party, to which he afterward adhered.  Both were members of the Baptist Church, to which society their daughter also belongs.  Two children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Burgess in the town of Mt. Pleasant, Racine County; M. May, born May 17, 1869, and E. Roy, born September 13, 1872.

Mr. Burgess made his home in the part of Racine County since made into Kenosha County until 1842, when he removed to the present Racine County and purchased a farm of one hundred and sixty acres, which he increased by subsequent purchase to four hundred and twenty acres.  He became one of the leading farmers of Racine County and was an extensive grower of sheep and Durham cattle,  He continued to conduct his farm until April, 1880, when he removed to Racine City, partly on account of securing better educational advantages for his young children.  He still owns his farm of two hundred and fifty acres which is situated near the southwest corner of the Town of Mt. Pleasant and which is one of the most valuable farms in the county.  He began for himself in life a poor boy and has become one of the substantial men of his township.  His start in life was made by molding brick, at which he worked most industriously.

Mr. Burgess is a Republican in politics and has served two years as Supervisor of Mt. Pleasant Township.  He is a thoroughly practical farmer and has by industry and judicious management accumulated a fine property.  It is now fifty-six years since he became a resident of Wisconsin and his course in life has been distinguished by integrity, honor and fairness in all his relations with his follow- citizens.
(Source: Portrait and Biographical Album of Racine and Kenosha Counties Citizens
Lake City Publishing Co. 1892)


Burgess - In The News

"A short time ago Wm. Burgess received a case of honey from his son in law, Clayton Reas of California."
(Racine Weekly June 1, 1899)

"Burdett and Robert Burgess of Chicago are spending a few days at their father's home in the village.
(Racine Daily July 18, 1900)

Mrs. L. Cool and her brother, Fred Burgess, departed for Mt. Clemons, Michigan on Monday, where Mr. Burgess will take treatment for rheumatism.
(Racine Weekly Sept 1, 1895)

Mrs. W.E. Burgess of Chicago had a tumor removed from her left side on Tuesday last.  Her many friends here will be pleased to learn that she is getting alone as well as expected.
(Racine Weekly Jan. 27, 1898)

"A very pleasant reunion was held at the home of William E. Burgess on Christmas Day.  His six sons were home - Charles of Bristol, Edward and his family, Will, Burdette and Robert of Chicago and George and his family of Somers.  The family presented their father with a beautiful upholstered rocker."
(Racine Daily Jan. 1, 1900)

"Robert Burgess went to Chicago Tuesday where he accepted a position with an ice company."
(Racine Weekly May 25, 1899)

"George and Robert Burgess hauled two loads of flax straw to Franksville Thursday morning."
(Racine Daily Feb. 8, 1899)

"Miss Maggie Sinclair and George Burgess were united in marriage at the Presbyterian Church on Thursday afternoon, Rev. Henry Brown officiating."
Racine Weekly Oct. 28, 1897)

"No clue has yet been obtained to the party who placed a baby boy on the steps of Alonzo Burgess."
(Racine Daily Oct. 23, 1900)

"Mr. Fred Burgess is very sick with typhoid fever."
(Racine Daily Oct. 21, 1896)

"George Burgess is moving to the Flett farm which he will work the coming year."
(Racine Journal Jan. 9, 1903)

"Charles Burgess, a resident of the Town of Somers, was very badly injured in this city about 1 o'clock this afternoon.  While attempting to drive his team of horses attached to load of hay on the market back of the chemical engine house, he drove them too near the building,resulting in the wagon capsizing.  Burgess was precipitated on the stone pavement, falling a distance of several feet.  He was picked up unconscious.  Dr. Nott was summoned and after making a temporary examination ordered that the man be taken to the St. Luke's hospital in the patrol wagon.  At the hospital the physician made a complete diagnosis of the case and found him suffering from the effects of a severe concussion.  It is also thought that the man's skull is fractured.  he had not regained consciousness up to three o'clock this afternoon."
(Racine Journal Aug. 13, 1901)

"A brilliant wedding took place at 2 o'clock Wednesday afternoon April 15, at the home of Mr. Wm. Burgess when his daughter Hattie was united in marriage to Clayton B. Reas in the presence of nearly one hundred friends of the contracting parties.  Miss Edith Lewis acted as bridesmaid and Burdette Burgess, brother of the bride was best man.  As the wedding march was being played by Miss Mae Burgess the bridal party came into the parlor preceded by Rev. George J. Rea and took their places on the white fur ring underneath a handsome arch decorated with evergreens and Easter lilies.  The ceremony was short but impressive, at the close of which the young couple received the party congratulations of their many friends.  The bride was attired in a white India linen gown trimmed in lace and satin ribbons, wore white slippers and carried a bouquet of white Roman hyacinths.  The groom was wearing the same flower.  A rose bowl with daybreak carnations was a beautiful center piece.  The refreshments were delicious and nicely served by young ladies and gentlemen, superintended by Miss Mary Rhodes, in her usual capable manner.
After the supper, music and sociability were participated in, a solo "The Oak Oaken Bucket" was exquisitely rendered by Mrs. Owen (nee Florence Spencer) the audience joining in the chorus.  It was a great pleasure to listen to Somers' former sweet singer again.  Then came the announcement that the young ladies should gather in the front yard as the bride was about to throw her bouquet into the crowd and the young lady fortunate enough to catch it would be the first to be married.  One of our popular young ladies carried off the prize.  The presents were numerous and elaborate, betokening the high esteem in which the young couple are held by their friends.  Mr. and Mrs. Reas left on Friday afternoon April 17 by way of Northern Pacific to Portland, Oregon from which place they will go by ocean steamer to San Francisco; then by rail to Porterville, near which place Mr. Reas owns a fine fruit farm.  The best wishes for their future prosperity and happiness will follow the young people through life's journey."
(Racine Weekly April 23, 1896)