Piper, August J.



Partial 1887 Map of Somers Township
Section 6, Aug Piper (son of Augustus Piper)  parcel
Section 6, T. Piper  (son of Augustus Piper) parcel
Section 5, A. (August J.) Piper (lake shore parcel)

August J. Piper
August J. Piper, a well known farmer living on Section 5, Somers Township, has gained a gratifying measure of success through his well directed labor and is one of the substantial men of his locality.  His birth occurred in Racine County in 1864 and he is a son of Augustus and Margaret (Breaid) Piper.  His father, a native of Prussia, Germany, was born on the 19th of August, 1825, and lost his father when but six months old.  In 1840 his mother, with her children, took ship for the United States, but the vessel was wrecked off the Island of Haiti, and the family remained in San Domingo for several months.  The mother died there of yellow fever.  Augustus Piper at length came to the United States and settled at Cleveland, Ohio, where he made his home with an old friend, Mr. Hansche.  After remaining in the Buckeye state for three years he went to New Orleans, where he spent six months, at the end of which time he returned to Ohio.  In 1849 he drove from that state to Wisconsin and for two years thereafter worked in this state as a farm hand.  He carefully saved his earnings and as soon as possible bought a tract of land on time, making a payment with the capital which he had saved.  Gradually, as his resources increased, he added to his holdings until he owned in all three hundred and fifty acres of good land.  He was a man of unusual energy and business ability, and these qualities enabled him to gain financial independence although he began with nothing.  He was a Republican in political belief and served as Supervisor the for the Township of Somers.
He was married on the 8th of November, 1852, to Miss Margaret Braid, a daughter of Thomas Breaid, a native of Scotland.  Six children were born to this union, namely:  William, Ellen, Thomas, Frank, August J., and Jane.
August J. Piper received his education in the common schools of Kenosha and Racine Counties, which he attended until he was fifteen years of age.  He then assisted his father until he was twenty-two years of age, when he assumed the management of the farm, operating the place on shares.  He was so engaged until 1896, when his father passed away.  He has continued to reside upon the home place, which comprises one hundred and fifteen acres, and he devotes his time to the raising of garden truck, for which he finds a ready market in the surrounding cities.  He has given careful study to the various problems which confront the gardener, and his thorough understanding of his business, together with his industry, has made him very successful.
On the 1st day June, 1887, Mr. Piper was married to Miss Sophia Hansche, a daughter of William and Mary Hansche, both of whom are deceased and are buried in Racine.  Mr. and Mrs. Piper are the parents of four children, namely:  Olga, Harold, Ruth and Marjorie, all at home.
Mr. Piper is a Republican but on occasion votes independently, believing that the fitness of the candidate is of greater importance than his political allegiance.  He has served as Chairman of the Somers Town Board and his official record is highly creditable to his ability and public spirit.  In religious faith he is a Methodist, and his life has measured up to high standards of morality.  He belongs to Belle City Lodge, No. 92, A.F. & A.M. at Racine, has taken thirty-two degrees in the Scottish Rite and is also a member of the York Rite bodies.  Moreover he is identified with the Elks at Racine and with the Woodmen.  His salient characteristics are such that all who have been brought in contact with him hold him in high esteem, and he has many warm friends.
(Source:  City of County of Kenosha Record of Settlement by Frank H. Lyman, Vol II, Chicago, S.J. Clarke Publishing Co., 1916)

Ozanne Family

1877 partial map of Somer Township
Ozanne parcels, Section 9 and 10
Peter Ozanne, James Ozanne, Dr. James Ozanne, E.G. Ozanne, H.A. (Helena Ozanne) Hitler, A.C. Ozanne

James Ozanne
James and Rachel (Thoume) Ozanne were natives of Guernsey.  They were the parents of four children, three sons and one daughter, namely:  James, Peter, John and Rachel of whom John died at the age of fifteen years, and Rachel died in childhood.  James Ozanne and his family came to America, landing at Racine, Wisconsin June 18, 1842.  On July 4th following, he bought 326 acres on land, located in Somers Township, Kenosha County, later dividing a portion of this land between his sons, James and Peter, and passed the balance of his life here, dying age at 72 years.
He was twice married, his first wife being the mother of  Peter and James.  After her death, he went back to Guernsey where in 1847 he married Mary Carre, who lived in Somers Township  four children were born to this union:  Helena, widow of H.A. Hitler of Somers Township whom she had one children, Clinton; Alfred, who died in Tempe, Ariz in 1916, leaving three children; Miss Emma, of Somers Township, and Edward G., also of Somers Township.
(Source:  Biographical Record of Prominent and Representative Men of Racine and Kenosha Counties, Wisconsin, J.H. Beers & Co., 1906)

Dr. James Ozanne
Dr. James Ozanne (son of James and Rachel Thomne Ozanne) was born on the Isle of Guernsey May 21, 1825.  He was a physician.  He was a graduate of Hahnemann Medical College, Chicago, Illinois, 1862.  He married September 21, 1851 in Princeton, Wisconsin, Miss Marie Fidelia Kellogg, the daughter of Austin Kellogg, one of the first pioneer settlers in Somers, Township and Kenosha County, also Kellogg's Corners neighborhood in Somers Township.  Dr. James Ozanne died in Somers July 24, 1891.  His widow, Maria, moved to Oshkosh, Wisconsin with her son.  To this union six children were born: James Thoume Ozanne, Rachel Amelia, Walter Henry, Gail Austin, Irvine Eugene, and Herbert Giles.
(Source:  "The Kelloggs in the Old World and the News, Volume 2, by Timothy Hopkins, published in San Francisco, California 1903).

Peter Ozanne (son of James and Rachel Thoume Ozanne)
"Peter Ozanne was born on the Isle of Guernsey in the English Channel on March 27, 1827, and died March 6, 1905, lacking but twenty-one days of being seventy-eight years old.  He was one of the pioneers in this section of Kenosha County and for many years was a very prominent and influential man in Somers Township.
James and Rachel (Thoume) Ozanne, the parents of Peter Ozanne, were natives of Guernsey.  They were the parents of four children, three sons and one daughter, namely:  James, Peter, John and Rachel of whom John died at the age of fifteen years, and Rachel died in childhood.  James married and reared a family; he became a physician.  James Ozanne and his family came to America, landing at Racine, Wisconsin June 18, 1842.  One July 4th following he bought 326 acres of land, located in Somers Township, Kenosha County, later dividing a portion of this land between his sons, James and Peter, and passed the balance of his life here, dying aged seventy-two years.  He was twice married, his first wife being the mother of our subject.  After her death he went back to Guernsey where he married Mary Carre, who still lives in Somers Township; she has been blind for some years.  Four children were born to this union:  Alfred C. of Tempe, Ariz.; Helena, widow of H.A. Hitler of Somers Township; Miss Emma, of Somers Township; and Edward G., also of Somers Township.
On March 28, 1849, Peter Ozanne was married to Miss Mary Ann LeMessurier, who was born April 17, 1832 in Guernsey, and six children were born to them, as follows:  Mary Ann, Pierre T., Lawrence E., Clarence F., Rosa A. and Charles H.  Mary Ann died aged five months.  Pierre T. is single, and lives on the old homestead with his brother Lawrence E.  Clarence F. twin brother of Lawrence E. died in 1884, aged twenty years and three days.  Charles H. died in 1877 aged nine years, eleven months and twenty-four days.  Rosa A. married Fred L. Holmes, lives at South Haven, Michigan and has five living children: Bertrand M., Harry R., Fred B., Beatrice R. and Mary L.
For a period of nineteen years Peter Ozanne was Somers Town Clerk continuously; for a number of years he was Somers Town Treasurer; was Clerk of School District No. 7; and for a few years was Secretary of the Somers Mutual Fire Insurance Company.
The farm which Mr. Ozanne originally owned in Somers Township, a gift from his father, contained eighty-seven acres, two acres having since been sold.  To have lived in one locality for sixty-three years and to have, during that time, gained the respect and esteem of one's fellow citizens and preserved it to the end, is a pretty fair test of a man's quality, and such was the case with Peter Ozanne.  His remains rest in Oakwood Cemetery.  He was a member of the Methodist Church.
Mrs. Ozanne, who still survives, is much esteemed in Somers Township where she is well known for her many admirable qualities of mind and heart.  Her parents were Abraham and Mary (Le Prevost) Le Messurier, and her maternal grandparents were Daniel and Elizabeth (La Huray) Le Prevost, the family evidently being of French descent.  The three daughters of Abraham and May Le Messurier were:  Mary Ann, Mrs. Ozanne; Margarate, deceased, formerly the wife of Thomas Le Poidevin; and Matilda, widow of Fred Graham, now residing in Racine.
The father of Mrs. Ozanne died in Guernsey (where he was born) aged thirty-nine years.  He was by trade a boot and shoe manufacturer, but gave up much of his time to music, for which he had considerable talent, being a fine performer on the cornet and the clarinet; his services were frequently in demand in musical organizations.  After his death his widow came to America, in 1847, settling in Racine, Wisconsin., where she died in 1886, at the age of seventy-five years.  She married (second) William Graham, who had been a soldier in the Mexican War.  He was a ship carpenter by trade and lived at Racine for many years, dying aged about seventy-nine.  The two sons of Peter Ozanne carry on the farm, both being capable agriculturists and good citizens."
(Source: Biographical Record of Prominent and Representative Men of Racine and Kenosha Counties, Wisconsin, J.H. Beers & Co., 1906)

Peter Ozanne
He served 19 years as Somers Town Clerk and also several years as Somers Town Treasurer.  He was served a number of years as Secretary of the Somers Mutual Fire Insurance Company.

"Mrs. Holmes (nee Rosa Ozanne) and children of Chicago are visiting with her father and mother, Mr. and Mrs. Peter Ozanne."
(Source:  Racine Journal, July 11, 1900)

Edward G. Ozanne (son of James and Mary Carre Ozanne)
Edward G. Ozanne, who was engaged in farming in Section 10, Somers Township, was born August 30, 1854, in the township where he now resides, his parents being James and Mary (Carre) Ozanne, who were natives of the Isle of Guernsey, whence they came to the United States in 1842.  Edward went to local school until 16 years old.  he has since inherited a portion of his father's farm and has purchased the interest of the other heirs in the property.  Later he sold off part of his land but at present owns 80 acres. In 1881 Edward G. Ozanne married Miss Ida Clemens, who died in 1895, leaving two children, Edward C. and Mary E.  The former is married and has two children.  Mr. Ozanne was married again October 6, 1898, the lady of his choice being Miss Minnie A. Grimshaw, daughter of Joseph and Bessie (Lee) Grimshaw, the former a native of England.  The mother, who was born in Somers, is still living in that town.
(Source:  The City and County of Kenosha, Wisconsin, Volume II, S.J. Clarke Publishing Co., 1916)

"E.G. Ozanne has put up a windmill for the purpose of cutting feed.  It is one manufactured by the Winship Co., of Racine.
(Source:  Racine Journal December 3, 1896)

"E.G. Ozanne left on Tuesday fro Beatrice, Nebraska where Mrs. Ozanne is spending a few weeks for the benefit of her health."
( Source:  Racine Journal Aug. 18, 1905)




Isle of Guernsey - About
"Off the northern coast of France lies Guernsey, from which many early settlers came to Racine and Kenosha Counties.  The island is high-cliffed and topped with living green and lies amid the swirling tides of the English Channel.  It was called Sarnia by the Romans.  Guernsey has an area of about 25 square miles, much less than a standard township in the state of Wisconsin.  It is about 5-1/2 miles at its widest point and 9-1/2 miles in length.  Its inhabitants are dairy and garden farmers who have acres of greenhouses where the choicest garden crops are raised.  Famed are the White Pinks and other flowers raised for the English  markets.
The little isle is the home of "a beautiful streamlined creature, straight of back and clean of limb" - the famous Guernsey cow.  In 1831 Capt. Prince of Boston brought two heifers and a sire back with him from Guernsey and sent them to his brother on a tiny island in Lake Winnepesaukee.It was questioned whether these imported cattle could stand a more severe climate, but they proved to have endurance and adaptability.
Tragedy came to the isle in 1940 when the Germans invaded it.  Many of the natives were evacuated but others refused to abandon their cows-most of these gentle-eyed creatures disappeared into the conquerors' stew pots.  America is making plans to return this breed of cattle to native soil."
(Source:  Plight of Guernsey in Dark Days of War Revealed in a Letter to Lawrence Ozanne. Article written by Minnie Ozanne, Racine Journal Times, published September 28, 1945).

Middlecamp

Walter J. Middlecamp, Sr.
Obituary
(Source:  Kenosha News, April 14, 1971)

Middlecamp  Family
Left to Right:  Maggie (wife), Etta, Walter (in front) Albert, Frank
(Source:  Ancestry.com MiddlecampFamilyTreePublicSite)

Linstroth

1908 Partial Map of Somers Township
Section 6, H. Linstroth parcel
(Note:  Also is Section 6, parcel owned by H. Klapproth is relative and Section 6, parcel owned by C.F. Krueger is relative. See this web site for further information)



Frank and Matilda Krueger Linstroth October 20, 1892
(Photo: Courtesy of Ancestry.com public site of kaybriggs53)

Frank Linstroth
Frank Linstroth, who is operating a farm on Section 6 in Somers Township was born upon that place on the 22d of September 1866, a son of Henry and Mary (Rapp) Linstroth, both natives of Germany.  The father, whose birth occurred on the 19th of July 1828 began working as a farm hand in his native country after completing his public school course.  He remained there until 1855, when he crossed the Atlantic to the United States and made his way to St. Louis, where he remained for a year.  At the end of that time he came to Kenosha County, Wisconsin where he lived during the remainder of his life.  He worked at the shoemaker's trade and also operated the forty-seven acres on which he lived.  He supported the Republican party at the polls and served as a member of both town and school boards.  In religious faith he was a German Lutheran and belonged to the church of that denomination at Racine, being one of its oldest members at the time of his demise.
He was married on the 12th of May, 1858 to Miss Mary Rapp, who survives and resides with our subject.  Mr. and Mrs. Henry Linstroth became the parents of five children:  Fred and Henry, deceased; Chris, who married Helen Rode and has three children; Frank, a twin of Chris, and one who died in infancy.
Frank Linstroth received his education in the common schools of Somers Township, which he attended until he was fifteen years of age.  From that time until his father's death he assisted the latter with the operation of the home farm, and he still resides upon that place, which he is now farming on his own account.  He keeps everything about the place in excellent condition and as he is enterprising and practical is meeting with gratifying success as an agriculturist.
Mr. Linstroth was married on the 20th of October 1892, to Miss Mathilda Krueger, and they have four children:  Fred, Edward, Gladys, who is attending business college, and Wesley, at home.  In religious faith he is a Methodist.
(Source:  City and County of Kenosha A Record of Settlement by Frank H. Lyman, Vol. II, Chicago, S.J. Clark Publishing Co., 1916)

More about Mathilda "Tillie" and Frank Linstroth
Date of Marriage"  October 20, 1892 at First Evangelical Church in Racine
Children:
Friedrich Heinrich (Fred) born September 25, 1893 in Racine
Edward H. born about 1897
Gladice Louise (Gladys) born January 31, 1899 in Somers
Frank Wesley born october 4, 1900 in Somers
(Source:  Personal Family History of Jacqueline Klapproth Nelson







1877 Partial Map of Somers Township
Herman Linstroth parcel, Section 6, Berryville
Note: Kenosha County Land Records state Henry Linstroth purchased acres February 21, 1856 and February 20, 1867, March 17, 1873, January 17, 1882, and October 22, 1886.

Linstroth and Rapp
Note:  See additional information about the Rapp family, who were neighbors of the Linstroth's on this web site.

Linstroth and Krueger
Note:  See additional information about the Krueger family, who were neighbors of the Linstroth's on this web site.

More About Linstroth
"The apron sale at the home of Mrs. Frank Linstroth of Berryville should be well attended as the proceeds are to go toward the payment of a piano recently purchased by the PTA of Berryville School."
(Source:  Racine Journal March 29, 1922)

"Wanted:  Onion weeder.  Take North Shore Line south to Berryville Road.  Good wages.  Fred Linstroth, farmer."
(Source:  Racine Journal June 14, 1919)

"Man leaves rig at Berryville after departing at night.  Queer actions.  Residents of Berryville reported the queer actions of a young man who drove into that place yesterday afternoon and left his horse and buggy at the farmhouse of Frank Linstroth.  The fellow took the first car that came along for Kenosha , saying that he was going to Kenosha first, then to Racine, and would be back after the outfit at 6 o’clock.  He failed to return last night and the rig was still there at 10 o’clock this morning, and the farmers are now wondering what has become of the owner.  Some are of the opinion that the outfit was stolen and abandoned and others that the owner came to this city, became intoxicated and forgot all about his property."
(Source:  Racine Journal October 31, 1907)

"Yesterday was a notable day in the lives of Mr. and Mrs. Henry Linstroth of Berryville, it being the fiftieth anniversary of their wedding day.  While they had made arrangements to spend the day in quiet at their home near the new electric line at Berryville, their son and friends had arranged differently and the celebration which was held came as a great surprise to the aged and popular couple.

Mr. and Mrs. Linstroth were united in marriage May 12, 1857 in the German Lutheran Church on Villa Street, the ceremony being performed by Rev. Jacob Conrad who was the pastor at that time.  To them were born two sons, Frank, of Berryville, and Chris of this city.  For fifty years they made their home on the farm where they now reside and regularly attended divine service at the church in this city.  Yesterday they attended the service in the morning and remained for the special service immediately after.  At this service attention was called to the fact that it was their golden wedding anniversary and they were congratulated by their many friends and acquaintances.

In the afternoon fifty of their local friends called on them at their home where a regular service was held, being conducted by Rev. Emil Wauther, who is taking the place of Rev. Conrad Jaeger, the regular pastor.  At this time a letter from Rev. Jaeger was read in which was contained his congratulations.  The residence was beautifully decorated with yellow flowers.  They were presented with a number of fine gold gifts, tokens of the high esteem in which they are held by their many friends, both in the city and county."

(Source:  Racine Journal May 13, 1907)

"Miss Gladys Linstroth, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Frank Linstroth of Berryville, and Harold Smith, of Kenosha, were married Saturday afternoon, September 25.  L.M. Hargett performed the ceremony."
(Source:  Racine Journal September 29, 1920)

"Mr. and Mrs. Frank Linstroth of Berryville celebrated their 20 year wedding anniversary.  The high school orchestra furnished the music for the occasion.  The home was decorated in autumn leaves, flowers and leaves."
(Source:  Racine Journal October 24, 1912)

"On the 21st day of April 1910, Mr. Henry Linstroth of Berryville passed away at the age of 82."
(Source:  Racine Journal April 21, 1910)

"Mrs. Mary Linstroth, widow of the late Henry Linstroth, died at her home in Berryville, at 10 o'clock Saturday night at the age of 84 years and 6 months.  She was born in Germany in 1833 and came to this country when a young woman.  She was married on May 12, 1857 to Henry Linstroth.  Two of the four children survive:  Frank who is living on the homestead and Chris of Racine.  Mrs. Linstroth was a charter member of the Evangelical Lutheran Church on Villa Street in Racine.  She was a kind and loving wife and mother and a woman of a quiet-disposition."
(Source:  Racine Journal June 24, 1918)



Frank Linstroth Obituary
(Source:  Racine Journal cut out from personal collection of Jacqueline Klapproth Nelson)

Fred Linstroth
(Photo Source: Personal Collection of Jacqueline Klapproth Nelson. Copyright 2012. All Rights Reserved.)

Gladys Linstroth, circa 1917
(Photo Source:  Personal Collection of Jacqueline Klapproth Nelson.  Copyright 2012.  All Rights Reserved.)

Dutch Linstroth
(Photo Source: Personal Collection of Jacqueline Klapproth Nelson. Copyright 2012. All Rights Reserved.)

Haigh

Enoch Haigh
Enoch Haigh, a well known and representative farmer of Somers Township, living on Section 8, represents one of the old and prominent pioneer families of Kenosha County.  He was born in Paris Township, on the 24 of February 1844.  Three years before this his parents, John and Sarah (Lawton) Haigh, natives of England, had taken up their abode in this county after crossing the Atlantic to the new world.  The father purchased forty acres of land, on which he engaged in farming until 1849, and then, attracted by the gold discoveries on the Pacific coast, he made the long and arduous trip across the plains to California, hoping to win a fortune in the mines.  He was lost, however, in the mountains and undoubtedly starved to death.  His widow retained her residence in Kenosha County throughout her remaining days, passing away in 1892.  In their family were four children:  Enoch; Mary Jane; John, deceased; and Elizabeth.
Enoch Haigh spent his youthful days amid pioneer conditions and surroundings.  He was but eight years of age at the time of his father's demise and from early youth he has known earnest toil.  He attended the common schools through the winter seasons to the age of fifteen years and in the summer months worked on the farm, and when his textbooks were put aside he devoted all of his attention to farm work on the old homestead until he attained his majority.  He then purchased one hundred and sixty acres of land in Somers Township and has resided thereon continuously since, his home being on Section 8.  At every point in his career he has been actuated by the spirit of laudable ambition that has resulted in steady progress along business lines.  From time to time he has invested his earnings in more land until today he has five hundred and seventy acres, constituting a very valuable and productive farm.
In 1871 Mr. Haigh was married to Miss Charlotte Bowers, and they have become the parents of three children; John; Charlotte, who married Thomas Birchell and has two children; and Sadie, the wife of Harry Dixon.
In his political views Mr. Haigh is a Republican.  He has served as Chairman of the Town Board for eight or ten years and has been a member of the School Board.  His religious belief is that of the Presbyterian Church. 
(Source:  City and County of Kenosha A Record of Settlement by Frank H. Lyman, Vol. II, Chicago, S.J. Clarke Publishing Co. 1916)

Partial 1887 map of Somers Township
Section 8
E. Haigh parcel

Marriage of Haigh and Birchell
"A very pretty home wedding was solemnized Thursday evening, December 29 at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Enoch Haigh when their eldest daughter, Charlotte Edna was united in marriage to Mr. Thomas Birchell of Yorkville.  Rev. McNary of the Presbyterian Church officiated in the presence of about one hundred invited friends and relatives.  After the usual congratulations and best wishes a bountiful wedding dinner was served.  The display of gifts was both useful and beautiful showing the high esteem in which the young couple is held.  After the wedding trip the happy couple will be at home  on the Birchell farm in Yorkville."
(Source:  Racine Journal publication date January 6, 1905)

Marriage of Haigh and Dixon
One of the prettiest home weddings that ever occurred in Somers was solemnized at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Enoch Haigh on Wednesday evening, December 2, 1903, when their youngest daughter, Sadie May, was united in marriage to Harry Raymond Dixon of Wilmington, Delaware, in the presence of over 80 invited guests.
The bridal party, moving to the sweet strains of the wedding march from Lohengren played by Miss Mabelle Laura Cook, entered the tastily decorated parlor and took their position under a beautiful arch and here exhanged the vows which made them one.  Rev. McNary of the Presbyterian Church performed the ceremony.
The bride was most becomingly attired in cream crepe de chine with ribbon trimmings and carried bride's roses.  The little ribbon girls wore white.  After the usual congratulations, the guests repaired to the dining room, where a most sumptuous dinner was served.  They were the recipients of many beautiful and costly presents.  The bride was reared in Somers and the groom is a young man whose prospects are of the brightest.  They will make their home in Joliet, Illinois where the groom has fitted up a beautiful home.
(Source:  Racine Journal publication date December 8, 1903)

Enoch Haigh Obituary:  November 19, 1917
Enoch Haigh for many years chairman of the Somers Town Board and one of the most prominent farmers in the community, died Monday (1917) at his home near Somers at the age of 73 years.  He had been in failing health for over a year and had been confined to his bed for many months.  Enoch Haigh was born near the Town of Paris and was the son of Mrs. Mrs. John Haigh, early pioneers of Kenosha County.  Early in his life he moved to his farm near the Town of Somers, where he has spent the greater part of his life.  He was one of the most prominent men in the history of the Somers community.  In addition to being Chairman of the Town Board for several terms he served as Commissioner and as School Officer of the Township.
He was a member of the Presbyterian Church.
He is survived by his wife, one son, John Haigh, and two daughters, Mrs. Thomas Birchell and Mrs. R.H. Dixon.  The funeral services will be held Thursday morning from the house near Somers, after which interment will be made at the Sylvania Cemetery.

More About Enoch Haigh
Enoch Haigh was born in Paris Township on February 24, 1844.  His parents, John and Sarah (Lawton) Haigh had come to America in September of 1841.  In 1849, Enoch's father went to California during the Gold Rush.  He never returned.  This left his wife Sarah with four children to raise; Enoch, Mary Jane (married John Henderson-Block 1, Lot 4, SD), John, and Elizabeth.  Sarah married again to James Buckley and he was awarded guardianship of the children.  Enoch worked on the family farm until he became of age.  Then he purchased land in Section 8 of Somers Township where remained for the rest of his life.  He married Charlotte Bowers, daughter of Isaac and Sarah (Lee) Bowers, in 1871 and they had four children.  Enoch died November 19, 1917.  Charlotte died on January 12, 1936.

Children of Enoch Haigh and Charlotte Bowers
John Haigh.  Born September 1, 1874 at Sylvania.  Married Katharine Lytle, daughter of Henry Lytle on April 5, 1900.  They had four children.   Farmed his father's farm.  Died April 12, 1944 and is buried in Sunset Ridge Cemetery in Kenosha.
Charlotte Edna Haigh.  Born March 24, 1882 in Somers Township.  Married Thomas R. Birchell, son of James Birchell on December 29, 1904 at Somers.  They had two children.  Died December 22, 1943 and is buried in Oakwood Cemetery, Somers.
Sadie M. Haigh.  Born July 31, 1883 in Somers Township.  Married to Harry R. Dixon on December 2, 1903.  They had 3 children. Sadie died April 28, 1951 buried at Oakwood Cemetery, Somers.
Jesse Harold Haigh.  Born November 30, 1890.  Died November 10, 1910.  Buried at Sylvania Cemetery,.
(Source:  Mary Ann Culshaw Falk and the Sylvania Cemetery Board of Trustees)

Breaid

John Breaid (name later changed to Braid)

John Breaid, who is engaged in general farming on Section 6, Somers Township, Kenosha County, has for forty-one years made his home in this locality. He was born near Edinburg, Scotland, November 20th, 1820. His father, Thomas Breaid, was also a native of that land and a man of superior intelligence, well educated.  By occupation he was a contractor.  He married Ellen Greig, also a native of Scotland and they crossed the Atlantic to America in 1853, joining our subject in Kenosha County, where they spent the remainder of their lives.

John Breaid was also well educated for the times and when a youth learned the flax dresser’s trade, which he followed for several years. He was married in Scotland in 1843, to Jane Whitelaw, daughter of John and Anna (Drummond) Whitelaw, who was born in Scotland. The young couple began their domestic life in that land but after several years Mr. Breaid came to America leaving his family behind. He arrived in New York in May, 1850, and by way of the Hudson River to Albany, Erie Canal to Buffalo, and the Great Lakes to Racine, he reached the state which has since been his home, in June of that year. Nearly all of his means had been exhausted in paying the expenses of his journey and he was willing to engage in any honest labor. He stopped for a short time with a Scotch family on the lake shore near Racine and worked by the day at anything he could do. By industry and economy he had saved enough to send for his family at the end of a year and Mrs. Breaid crossed the Atlantic with her three children, the oldest a lad of six and the youngest a child of eighteen months, joining her husband in the fall of 1851.
Mr. Breaid had built an humble dwelling for his wife and family in the shape of a log cabin, located in the town of Mt. Pleasant, Racine County, and they began life in the New World in true pioneer style. The husband and father engaged in cutting cord wood and also raised a few vegetables for the market. He there made his home for two years, during which time his financial condition was somewhat improved, after which he located on a farm on the county line, where was a comfortable home. He cleared and fenced about forty aces of land and upon that farm made his home for about three years; during which time he saved about $800. In Kenosha County we next find him after his purchased of 20 acres of land on Section 6, Somers Township. This was a timbered tract but with characteristic energy he began to clear and improve it and where once stood the monarchs of the forest were soon seen fields of waiving grain. From time to time he made additional purchases until he now has a valuable farm of one hundred acres, the greater part of which is under a high state of cultivation. It is improved with a commodious brick residence, an orchard, good barns, and all the other accessories of a model farm.
Unto Mr. and Mrs. Breaid have been born seven sons and three daughters; Thomas, a railroad engineer, is married and resides in Savanna, Illinois; John is married and engages in merchandising in Waukesha, Wisconsin; Andrew was married and went to North Carolina, where he did an extensive business, shipping lumber to the North. He is now deceased. The three children just mentioned were born in Scotland and the remaining members of the family were born in Wisconsin. Katie is the wife of Charles Windsor, of Racine; Nellie is the wife of William Bose, a farmer of Kenosha County, James who is married and lives in Savanna, is also a railroad engineer; William died in infancy; George is a telegraph operator and real estate dealer of Chehalis, Washington; William, the second of that name is married and resides on the home farm; and Maggie (Margaret) is the wife of Chester Barrows, an agriculturist of Mt. Pleasant Township, Racine, Wisconsin.
Mr. and Mrs. Breaid are prominent members of the Methodist Church and in politics he is a stanch Republican. He has supported each Presidential candidate since casting his first vote for John C. Fremont, but has never sought or desired public office for himself. However, he served for two years as Assessor and has been an efficient member of the School Board for a number of years. In the earlier days, he and his family endured many hardships and privations but industry, perseverance and good management on the part of Mr. Breaid have secured him a comfortable competence and he is numbered among the well-do-do farmers in the community.
(Source: Portrait and Biographical Album of Racine and Kenosha Counties. Lake City Publishing Co. Chicago. 1892. Text and Photo)

John Braid Bio

Lived in Section 6 (Berryville).  Born in Scotland in 1821.  Came to America in 1850 and located in Mt. Pleasant.  He remained there until 1855 when he removed to Kenosha County purchasing a farm, then very heavily timbered, which he cleared, having at present 75 acres under cultivation.  He was Assessor for the Town of Somers in 1869.  March 18, 1854, he married Miss Jane Whitley, a native of Scotland.  They have had ten children, nine still living.

(Source:  History of Racine and Kenosha Counties 1879)

More about the Breaid's

"Mrs. John Breaid, who has been very sick, was a little better this last week."

(Source:  Racine Journal publication date July 27, 1899)

"Mrs. Jane Breaid, wife of John Breaid, died at her home in Berryville at 11:30 last night.  Besides a husband she leaves three sons and five daughters, and a large number of relatives and friends to  mourn her loss.  The funeral will take place Friday afternoon at one o'clock from the house and the remains will be interred in Mound Cemetery, Racine."

(Source:  Racine Daily Journal publication date November 29, 1899)

"The funeral of Mrs. Breaid was held on Friday last at the residence.  The services were conducted by Rev. Coldstead after which the friends tenderly laid the aged form to rest in Mound Cemetery at Racine.  Mr. and Mrs. Breaid were among the first to settle at Berryville and have spent a long and useful life among us.  She leaves a host of friends, her husband, eight children, twenty-four grandchildren and one great-grandchild."

(Source:  Racine Journal publication date December 7, 1899)

About William Braid (spelling of named changed from Breaid)

Among the successful farmers of Somers Township is William Braid, who is operating the family homestead on Section 6.  He was born upon that farm on the 5th of October 1862, a son of John Braid, who birth occurred in King Horn, Scotland, on the 8th of November, 1820, and who received his education in his native country.  In 1850 he emigrated to the United States and located in Kenosha County where he worked at ditching and as a farm hand for two or three years.  He then rented land, which he cultivated for a similar period of time, and next bought seven acres of land in Somers Township, to which he added as he was able from time to time.  At his death, in 1904, his farm comprised one hundred acres.  He was united in marriage to Miss Jean Whitelaw and they became the parents of eight children.  Thomas, who married Mary Joerey and has four children, is a resident of Savannah, Illinois.  John, deceased, married Agnes Casey, who, with her four children, is living in Waukesha, Wisconsin.  Andrew married Olive Commander and both are deceased.  Their daughter married Lewis Markeson of Somers Township and has two children.  Katherine, who married Charles Wensing (Wensing family of Somers), deceased, has six children and resides in Racine.  Nellie married William F. Bose of Somers and they have five children.  James married and his wife passed away, leaving two children.  he resides in Milwaukee.  George, who is married and has one child, is a resident of Portland, Oregon.  William, of this review, is the youngest of the family.  The father, who is a stalwart Republican, served as a member of the School Board, was a member of the Town Board and also held the office of Road commissioner and proved very efficient in these capacities.  He was a member of the Presbyterian Church.  His wife preceded him in death two years, her demise occurring in 1902, and his in 1904.

William Braid attended the common schools until he was eighteen years of age, when he gave his entire attention to assisting in the operation of the farm.  He worked for his father at a wage of two hundred dollars a year until he attained his majority, when he purchased the homestead, which he has since operated on his own account.  The place comprises one hundred acres and is one of the well improved and valuable farms of Somers Township.  He is progressive in his methods and receives a good financial return from his land.

On the 13th of June, 1889, Mr. Braid was united in marriage to Miss Mary Sorensen, a daughter of Nels Sorensen.  Mr. and Mrs. Braid hava a son, Roy W., who is connected with an automobile tire manufacturing concern in Racine.  Mr. Braid is a stalwart Republican in politics and for ten or twelve years has been a member of the School Board.

(Source: City and County of Kenosha Record of Settlement by Frank H. Lyman, Vol II, Chicago, S.J. Clarke Publishing Co. 1916)

Anderson

Peter M. Anderson

Peter M. Anderson was engaged in the buying and selling of produce in the Village of Somers as a member of the Somers Produce Company, of which he was the organizer, was born in Denmark, September 22, 1868, a son of Hans Peter and Anna Marie Anderson.  Peter Anderson did not believe the business advantages and opportunities there offered were equal to those that he might secure in the new world and at the age of 18 years he came to the U.S. and penetrated into the interior of the country, reaching Racine county.

For 3 years he was employed as a farm hand, (census reports show he worked for local farmers, Braid and Hansche who owned parcels in the Berryville neighborhood of Somers) after which he rented 80 acres, continuing its cultivation for 2 years.  He afterward rented more land, upon which he lived for 3 years.  All during these periods he had the desire of owning a farm and he carefully saved his earnings until his industry and frugality had brought him sufficient capital to enable him to purchase 80 acres.  He invested in a tract east of Corliss (Sturtevant) where he lived and then sold out.  He then bought 80 acres near Somers and engaged in farming for 8 years.  Subsequently he built a fine home in Somers where he lived for 7 years.  During this period he engaged in buying cabbage and other produce and organized the Somers Produce Company with M.A. Rasmussen and J.J. Barrows.

On January 13, 1891 he married Miss Henrietta Felske.  They had 3 children: Lawrence who was station agent at Franksville, Wisconsin, Lillian who married L.J. Gould of Somers, and Myrtle.

Mr. Anderson’s name is on the membership of the Woodmen camp at Somers, in which he held most of the offices.  He was also involved with the Royal Neighbors Lodge at Somers the Masonic fraternity in Kenosha.  He advanced to the Knights Templar degree.  He served for one term as Somers Town Treasurer in addition to the local school board.

He landed in Racine with only fifty cents in his pocket and paid that to a liveryman to take him into the country.  Thus he literally began life here empty-handed, but energy and determination stood him in good stead and served as the capital on which he built his later success.

(Source: Kenosha City and County Record of Settlement by Frank h. Lyman, Vol II, Chicago, S.J. Clark Publishing Co. 1916)

More about Peter M. Anderson
1.  See posting of "Houses of Somers" and "Barns of Somers" in this blog.
2.  The house of Peter M. Anderson was built by B.F. Yule.  See Yule posting in this blog.
3.  The house of Peter M. Anderson is currently owned and beautifully restored by Mr. Yule's family.
4.  The 1930 U.S. Census shows the Peter M. Anderson family lived in California.  Peter M. Anderson died November 27, 1944 in Burbank, California and is buried at Grandview Cemetery in Glendale, California.
5.  See posting of "Village" on this blog to locate Anderson house.  Take note that Gould's were neighbors.
6.  P.M. Anderson sold his business at Corliss to Bauman & Murphy of Racine.  (Source:  Racine Journal January 25, 1910).

Stanbridge



1887 Partial Map of Somers Township, Kenosha County
Section 13 shows Stanbridge parcel
Section 24 shows Wm. Lambe Est parcel
Click on the map for larger view.

William Stanbridge
William Stanbridge, whose death occurred in Kenosha, January 17, 1906, was descended from English ancestry who lived and died near Worthing, in Sussex.  His grandfather, Thomas Stanbridge, was a surveyor, whose wife, Jane, was born in 1760 and died April 27. 1846.  Their son Walter was born in 1780 and married Miss Sarah Sole, who was born in 1785 and died Feb. 24, 1855.  He died in 1853, leaving nine children, one of whom, William, was born at Shoreham, Sussex, England, January 21, 1830.
William Stanbridge grew up in England and was educated in the schools of Little Hampton.  His first work was as a clerk in his brother John's grocery store, where he was employed till 1854.  In that year he came to America with his brothers Frederick and Walter and all three proceeded directly to Wisconsin.  Black Earth was chosen as their destination, and as the railroad then ran no further than Madison they walked the last twenty miles.  Their mother, a widow, died the followinig year, and Frederick went back to England to settle up the estate, marrying and remaining there permanently.  Walater eventually moved to Denver, Colo. where he died.  William Stanbridge continued in Black Earth for nearly eight years.
In 1861 began William Stanbridge's connection with Kenosha, and he ever after had his home in that county.  He acquired altogether some 295 acres of land in Somers Township and for some years was engaged in farming, but later rented his farm and for more than twenty years gave his attention mainly to looking after the property, both here and in Minnesota, of his father-in-law, John Lamb (one of the early settlers of Kenosha County).  This charge lasted until after the latter's death, in 1886.  From 1892 up to the time of his death, while still owning his farm, Mr. Stanbridge led a retired life in Kenosha.  He was always a prominent man in his locality and a public-spirited citizen, and his earlier life, while living in the country, held various township offices, including those of Supervisor and School Director.  His party affiliations were always with the Republicans.
William Stanbridge was united in marriage in May, 1861 to Miss Mary Anna Lamb, daughter of John and Anne Mary (Wilcox) Lamb.  Their married happiness was brief, as Mrs. Stanbridge passed away from this world in February 1864, aged twenty-six years.  She was a member of the Congregational Church.  One daughter was the issue of this union, Mary Elizabeth Lamb who is now the wife of Louis M. Thiers, a photographer, in Kenosha. On October 8, 1891, Mr. Stanbridge was married a second time, to Miss Mary Bell McClennan, daughter of Dr. Samuel R. and Catherine (Garner) McClellan, pioneers in Kenosha County.  Mr. Stanbridge was a prominent member of the Congregational Church in which he was senior deacon for many years.
(Source: Biographical Record of Prominent and Representative Men of Racine and Kenosha Counties Wisconsin, J.H. Beers & Co., Chicago 1906)


Thomas

Nicholas and Susanna Anne Zirbes Thomas
(Source:  Photo courtesy of Edwin "Red" and Marcella Thomas Mueller)

The Nicholas Thomas Barn
The road in front of the barn is an unpaved Wood Road.  The view is looking toward the west.  The barn was built without a nail and when the decision was made to take the barn down, it was so structurally sound that the barn could not be demolished; it had to be burned.
The small addition to the left of the barn was a milk house that had a well in it that provided water in the barn for the cattle.  When the barn was taken down, lots were created for three homes.  The well inside the old milk house served all three homes when they were built.  Today, the well cap is inside the wishing well on the front front lawn and can be seem today.
(Source:  Original photo courtesy of the Robert Thomas Family.  Copyright 2012.  All Rights Reserved.)

Nicholas Thomas

Nicholas Thomas is a self-made man whose business record is most creditable, being characterized by marked devotion to duty, by indefatigable industry and unfaltering perseverance.  Whatever success he has achieved is attributable entirely to his own efforts.  He now lives on Section 1, Somers Township, where he has a well developed farm property from which he is deriving a substantial annual income.

He was born in Kenosha County, March 9, 1855, a son of Peter Thomas, who was one of the early settlers in Paris, Grant, Wisconsin.  At the usual age he entered the common schools and therein pursued his studies until he reached the age of fifteen years, after which he concentrated his efforts upon agricultural pursuits on his father’s old homestead until the death of the father.  He has since purchased two hundred and forty acres of land which is rich and productive and upon this farm, which is situated on Section 1, Somers, Township, he still makes his home.  His labors have wrought a marked transformation in the appearance of the place, for he has added many improvements and has brought his fields under a high state of cultivation.

In 1878 Mr. Thomas was united in marriage to Miss Susanna Anne Zirbes, who passed away August 17, 1900 in Somers, Wisconsin.  They became the parents of six children, as follows:  Frank, who wedded Miss Sadie Blondy, by whom he has three children; George, who married Magdalene (Lena) Feest and has four children: Joseph, who wedded Miss Bertha Schuster; Will, who married Theresa Weyers; Bert, who married Miss Gretchen Seftig and has one child; and Paul, at home.  There are also eleven grandchildren.  For his second wife Nicholas Thomas chose Bertha Blondy, who he wedded in 1902.  The family are communicants of St. George’s Catholic Church.

While in his political views Mr. Thomas is a Democrat, he does not hold strictly to party lines at local elections where no issue is involved.  He has filled the office of Town of Somers Supervisor and for eleven years was School Treasurer.  He neglects no duty of a public character and at the same time finds ample opportunity for his private business interests.  In addition to his agricultural pursuits he has for fifteen years been a Director of the Town Insurance Company.  He certainly deserves great credit for what he has accomplished.  When twenty-one years of age he was working for his mother at a salary of two hundred dollars per year.  Since then his steady progress has brought him to a position among the prosperous and representative agriculturists of Somers Township.

(Source:  City and County of Kenosha, Wisconsin, A Record of Settlement, Vol. II, pages 544-545, Frank H. Lyman, Chicago, The S.J. Clark Publishing Co, 1916)





Roy, Burt, Frank, Bob, and Saddie Thomas
(Source:  Photo courtesy of the Robert Thomas Family)

Copy of Original Land Cert #18534 where Nicholas Thomas purchased 120 acres from the U.S. Government on 4/24/1820
(Source:  U.S. Bueau of Land Management)
Click on document for larger view.



Copy of Original Land Cert #19048  where Nicholas Thomas purchased 40 acres from the U.S. Government on 4/24/1820
(Source: U.S. Bueau of Land Management)
Click on document for larger view.

Partial 1877 Somers Township map
See two of the Nicholas Thomas parcels.

Susan Thomas
"Susan Thomas, the beloved wife of Nicholas Thomas, died yesterday at her home in the Town of Somers, Kenosha County, of tuberculosis, aged 45 years.  Six sons and one daughter survive her, besides three brothers, Michael, William and Joseph Zirbes, and two daughters, Mrs. M. Wagner and Miss Lizzie Zirbes, all residents of Racine.  The funeral will be held from the St. Mary's Church, Racine, Monday morning at 10 o'clock."
(Source:  Racine Daily August 18, 1900)

In The News
"More than 100 friends and relatives gathered at the home of Mrs. George P. Thomas on the Wood Road, Sunday to meet two of her sons home on furlough.  They are Pfc. Joseph Thomas, hospitalized at the New Brooke hospital, Ft. Sam Houston, Texas, and Pvt. Jerome Thomas, from Camp Hood, Texas.  Pvt. Jerome Thomas left Thursday night to report to Camp O' Dare, Oregon.
(Source:  Racine Journal Sept. 27, 1945)

Burgess, William E.

William E. Burgess
William E. Burgess (father) was born in Oswego County, New York in 1830.  His father, Benagh Burgess, who was a native of Vermont, came to what is now Kenosha County in 1836.  He engaged in business in a saw-mill located on Pike River, in what is now the Town of Somers.  He was engaged in this business until his death, in the spring of 1838.
As a young boy, William (son) entered the milling business with his father, which he followed up to 1850, when he went to farming.  Mr. William Burgess has been Assessor the Town of Somers for the past two years, and has held the office of Somers Town Treasurer.
He married, in the Town of Somers, in 1850, Miss Jane Leet, a native of the State of New York.  She was the daughter of one of Kenosha County's earliest settlers, Mr. Charles Leet, who died in Somers Feb. 11, 1874.
William and Jane (Leet) Burgess has ten children.  Mr. Burgess' mother, Amanda Burgess, formerly Miss Foster, is still living.  She was born in the State of New York in 1799.  Her father, Mr. Alfred Foster, was one of Kenosha's first settlers, having been one of the exploring party who came to Wisconsin in 1835.  He built the first saw mill, called Foster's Mill, located near Berryville on the Pike River.  Mr. Burgess is the owner of 247 acres of land.
(Source:  The History of Racine and Kenosha Counties, Wisconsin, Chicago, Western Historical Company, 1879)


Obituary
Again the Death Angel has entered and taken from our midst one of our pioneer citizens.  William E. Burgess, aged 73 years, departed this life Saturday afternoon, April 9, after a long illness from lung trouble.  The deceased was a man who was honored and respected by all who know him.  In 1836, he with his parents came to Wisconsin.  October 17, 1850 he was united in marriage to Miss Jane Leet.  Eleven children were born to them, of which number ten survive: Mrs. Frank Cogswell and Charles of Salem; Mrs. Charles Buswell of Winona, Minnesota; Edward, William E. and Burdette of Chicago; Mrs. Clayton Rease of Portersville, California; Jennie, George and Robert of Somers.  Mrs. Burgess died June 3, 1901.  The family have the sympathy of the entire community in this their hour of sadness.  The funeral services were held from the Methodist Church Saturday afternoon, conducted by the Rev. Stockham.  Interment at Oakwood Cemetery.
(Source: Racine Journal April 17, 1903)

Partial 1887 Map of Somers Township, Kenosha County
Section 8 showing the W.E. Burgess parcel

More About the Burgess Family
See the "DeLong and Reas" posting in this blog.

Piper, Augustus

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

Augustus Piper

Augustus Piper was an enterprising farmer and self-made man who was born on the 19^th of August, 1825 in Prussia and a son of Conrad Piper, a native of Germany.  Conrad Piper was a carpenter by trade and died when Augustus was a babe of six months old.  When Augustus was 14 years of age in 1840, he accompanied his widowed mother and friends to America.  The vessel on which they sailed was wrecked off the Island of Haiti and the passengers and crew were saved by being taken to the shore in small boats.  They were then sent to San Domingo where they remained for 5 months, while during the winter of 1840-41, his mother was stricken with yellow fever and died.

Mr. Piper left San Domino and went to New York, from whence he made his way to Cleveland, Ohio, where he worked as a farm hand, making his home with Mr. Hansche, an old friend.   He remained in Ohio for three years, went to new Orleans for six months with an older brother, where he had an attack of yellow fever.  He returned to Ohio, engaged in farming.  In 1846 married and soon after started with a team for Wisconsin but stopped in Indiana and for a year in Michigan City where he engaged in farming.  His wife died during that time and Augustus suffered much with fever and ague that he resolved to seek a home elsewhere and drove across country to Racine.  When he arrived in November 1847 he worked as a farmhand to improve his economy.  Again he had to contend with sickness and the many hardships and trials of pioneer life fell to his lot.  He lived with his old friend, Mr. Hansche until his health was restored.  He exhausted his entire earnings for the following year, paying off his indebtedness. He worked by the month for two years and in course of time his financial resources improved.  When by his industry and economy, he had accumulated a sufficient sum of money, he purchased a small farm on the County Line in Kenosha County, paying for it on time.  He worked hard until every dollar was paid, nor did he cease his activity then, but continuing his untiring labors he was enabled to add to his farm by subsequent purchases and is now the owner of 350 acres of fine land, which he has purchased from time to time and all of which is situated near his home.  Great credit is certainly due him, for his success in life has all been achieved through his own efforts.

On November 8, 1852 Augustus married Miss Margaret Braid, a native of Scotland and daughter of Thomas Braid, who was from an early Somers pioneer family.  Unto Mr. and Mrs. Piper, six children were born of this union, namely: William, a farmer in Racine County; Ellen, the wife of August Williamson a farmer in Racine County; Thomas, who lives on the corner of Country Club Road and County Line operates the home farm; Frank, engaged in farming in the same County; August J. or "Gus"engaged in farming; and Jane who is the wife of W.F. Hansche and resides in Kenosha County.

Mr. Piper cast his first Presidential vote for John C. Fremont and has since been a supporter of Republican nominees and the party principles.  He has been called upon to fill several local offices, served as Supervisor for the Town of Somers, and was a Member of the School Board.
(Source: Album of Racine and Kenosha Counties. Lake City Publishing Co. Chicago, 1892)



1861 Partial Map of Somers Township
A. Piper parcel in Section 6 (Berryville neighborhood)
Location today:  Lathrop Avenue/Country Club Road and Racine Kenosha County Line Road



1908 Partial Map of Somers Township
Sections 5 and 6, Piper parcels