Piper Farm Highway H

Piper Farm
Located on County Highway H between County Roads A and E on the north side of the road across from Thomas'.
It is believed it was taken before 1918 because the barn burned in 1918.
Agnes Pallesen Sorensen was born here in 1913
(Source:  Sandra Halmo, Agnes Sorensen's daughter)

Partial 1908 Map of Town of Somers, Section 7
Piper Bros. Farm

Piper

Thomas Piper Homestead
Somers Township
Location:  Southeast corner of Lathrop Avenue and Racine/Kenosha County Line Road
(Source:  Original Photo Courtesy of Annette Piper Hartung.  Copyright March 2012.  All Rights Reserved.)

William Piper and Eliza Hansche Piper

Wedding Portrait

(Source: Original photo courtesy of Carol Pattison, great-granddaughter of William Piper)

 

Augustus Piper
(Source: Original photo courtesy of Carol Pattison, great-granddaughter of William Piper)

J.I. Case tractor from William Piper's farm
(Source:  Original photo courtesy of Carol Pattison, great-granddaughter of William Piper)

William Piper's first car.  1908 Pierce made in Racine, Wisconsin
(Source: Original photo courtesy of Carol Pattison, great-granddaughter of William Piper)



William Piper dynamiting trees to clear more farm land at the Piper Bros. farms.
(Source: Original photo courtesy of Carol Pattison, great-granddaughter of William Piper)

Piper Threshing
(note cabbage field)
(Source: Photo courtesy of Warren and Lyla Kramer. Copyright February 2012. All Rights Reserved.)
 

Piper potato harvest
(Source: Photo courtesy of Warren and Lyla Kramer. Copyright February 2012. All Rights Reserved.)
 

Piper sugar beet harvest
(Source: Photo courtesy of Warren and Lyla Kramer. Copyright February 2012. All Rights Reserved.)
 

Piper planting
(Source: Photo courtesy of Warren and Lyla Kramer. Copyright February 2012. All Rights Reserved.)

Piper farm field looking west.  Home on left is Thomas Piper home.
(Source: Photo courtesy of Warren and Lyla Kramer. Copyright February 2012. All Rights Reserved.)

Thomas Piper farm, planter and horses
(Source: Photo courtesy of Warren and Lyla Kramer. Copyright February 2012. All Rights Reserved.)

Piper oat hay mound.  Notice man standing next to mound.
(Source: Photo courtesy of Warren and Lyla Kramer. Copyright February 2012. All Rights Reserved.)

Sylvester Piper
(Source: Photo courtesy of Warren and Lyla Kramer. Copyright February 2012. All Rights Reserved.)

Sylvester Piper, son of Thomas Piper, at age 22
(Source:  Original photo courtesy of Annette Piper Hartung.  Copyright March 2012.  All Rights Reserved.)

Country Club Road/Lathrop Avenue near the Kramer farm looking north toward Racine Kenosha County Line Road
(Source: Photo courtesy of Warren and Lyla Kramer. Copyright February 2012. All Rights Reserved.)

Thomas Piper
(Source:  Original photo courtesy of Annette Piper Hartung.  Copyright March 2012.  All Rights Reserved.)

Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Piper
(Source:  Photo courtesy of Warren and Lyla Kramer.  Copyright February 2012.  All Rights Reserved.)

Wedding Invitation
of Thomas Piper and Emma DeGaris
(Source:  Original invitation courtesy of Annette Piper Hartung.  Copyright March 2012.  All Rights Reserved.)

Thomas Piper homestead
Corner of Racine Kenosha County Line Road and Country Club Road/Lathrop Avenue
(Source: Photo courtesy of Warren and Lyla Kramer. Copyright February 2012. All Rights Reserved.)

Piper:  In the News
"The Berryville Aid Society will give a picnic at Piper's Park on Saturday, August 26.  Supper and other refreshments will be served at the the grove.  Everybody is invited to come and have a good time.  Games and other amusements will be in progress.  The Rawson Band will furnish the music."
(Source:  Racine Journal August 24, 1899)

"Miss Ruth Piper of Milwaukee Downer and Harold Piper of Lawrence College are spending their holiday vacation with their parents, Mr. and Mrs. A.J. Piper on Lake Shore Drive."
(Source:  Racine Journal December 23, 1916)

"Mrs. Thomas Piper of Berryville left this morning for Canada where she will visit her sister."
(Source:  Racine Journal News October 5, 1912)

"For Sale-41 acre farm known as the Jackson farm.  Thomas Piper, Berryville, Tel. black 22."
(Source:  Racine Weekly April 22, 1904)

"ENORMOUS ONION YIELD. Thomas Piper Gathered 1800 Bushels From One and Three-Quarters Acres.  Market prices for cabbage took another jump today, $4 and $4.50 being quoted.  The crop is larger than ever before is admitted.  The total amount will run about 1,500 rail cars, 12-1/2 tons to the car.  The onion crop in Racine and Kenosha counties is also very large this year.  Thomas Piper, living a few miles south of the city, has the distinction of having broken the record.  Off from one and three-quarters acres of land he raised 1,800 bushels, and they were bought and stored by the Hansche Bros.  It is estimated that in the two counties 90 car loads of onions have been grown this year.  The prevailing price is 50 cents a bushel."
(Source:  Racine Journal October 28, 1904)

"An attempt was made to steal the horse and buggy of August Piper of Berryville some time during last night.  The thief broke into the barn, harnessed the horse, hitched it to a buggy, and drove it away.  The animal being rather high spirited drove into a ditch, threw the thief out, and dragged him a short distance and then ran into the premises of John Hansche where it was found this morning with the buggy badly wrecked.  Nothing could be found of the thief."
(Racine Daily October 15, 1900)

"For Sale or Rent - Farm 70 acres 3 miles south of city limits, and one mile from Berryville, Address F.K. Piper."
(Source:  Racine Journal January 25, 1900)

"The season of picnics has arrived.  Racine and Kenosha people have been enjoying themselves in Mr. Piper's and Mr. Krueger's groves during the last two weeks.  There was a large picnic held in Mr. Krueger's grove one day last week.  Everybody seemed to have a good time."
(Source:  Racine Daily July 25, 1899)

"Mr. Gus J. Piper is having his house remodeled, making it the most handsome house on the road."
(Source:  Racine Journal May 18, 1899)

"Mrs. Gus J. Piper and children have gone to Chicago for two or three weeks."
(Source:  Racine Journal June 21, 1899)

"Piper Bros. who reside near Berryville, are the inventors of the new onion cultivator.  Three hundred acres of land is devoted to the growing of onions this season in what is known as the Chicory and Berryville district.  It is by far the largest acreage ever known for that industry in the history of the county.  Farmers are devoting their time to onions rather than cabbage.  Besides, they are growing many acres of sugar beets.

To harvest and grow onions at the very lowest figures is one of the problems of farmers.  The cultivating has been done by hand and was slow and not satisfactory for the reason that the strength of a man would not permit digging deep in the earth.    They have made a machine that will do the work of 15 men.  The idea was suggested from the best cultivator.  By adding and improving the elements of several farm machines they have the cultivator operated by gasoline and it is a wonder.  This machine will cultivate six rows at a time and turns up the earth to such an extent that it retains moisture for weeks.

Usually one man can cultivate an acre per day.  This machine cultivates 15 acres.  The cost of operation is less than 75 cents a day for gasoline and oil, and one man can operate it.  Thus the services of fourteen men are done away with.  These men are usually paid $2 per day and so the saving in labor alone is around $25 a day.

It is estimated that an acre of onions will yield from 400 to 500 bushels, and the price fluctuates from 30 to 50 cents a bushel.  Most of the onions grown are shipped to the west and the south."

(Source:  Racine Journal July 10, 1915)
 

"Grave fears are expressed among the farmers of Kenosha county, that an epidemic of tuberculosis is prevalent among the cattle of the county, and especially in this true with the farmers residing in the town of Somers.   The State Veterinarian was called to Somers to make an examination of a herd of cattle on the farm of Frank Piper of Berryville.  The examination proved that more than twenty of the herd were suffering from malignant tuberculosis and they were ordered killed at once.  The cattle were appraised this  morning and slaughtered this afternoon.  The action of the state officer has caused great excitement among the stock raisers in the vicinity and every effort is being made to prevent any spread of the disease.  Notwithstanding the care taken, it is reported that several other herds in the neighborhood have been affected and more cattle will be killed."

(Source:  Racine Journal March 9, 1899)
 

"Excitement of seeing a deputy sheriff’s squad car crash into two trees brought on a fatal heart attack for Sylvester Piper, 70, near his farm home on Lathrop Rd. and KR. The sheriff was chasing an arterial stop sign violator when the accident occurred. The sheriff suffered two broken ribs and bruises.
Piper ran down the driveway toward the scene of the crash when he collapsed. Another patrol car at the scene called for the coroner who pronounced Piper dead. The driver of the car being chased paid a $10 fine for failing to stop for the sign.
Piper was born Mary 25, 1884 on the family homestead, the son of pioneer farmers, the late Emma DeGaris and Thomas Piper. Piper attended the Berryville School and studied also in Racine. At the time of his death he still was active in the management of his extensive farms which are located both in Mt. Pleasant and Somers. He recently traveled in Europe. In addition to farming, Piper was interested in music. He studied under the late Annie Peat Fink and for 37 years was organist and choir director at the First Baptist Church in Racine. He began his music career when 11 as an organist at the M.E. Berryville Church. Piper took an active interest in community affairs and had served on the Taylor Children’s Home Board and the Beebe School District Board. Surviving are his wife, Edna Wadmond Piper, one son, Guilbert, and a brother, Russell."

(Source:  Racine Journal February 24, 1955)
 

" Thomas and A.J. Piper Meeting With Excellent Results in Southern Climate.  Own Farm of 823 Acres on Rio Grande.  Believe There is Fortune for Those on the Group Floor - Able to Save Considerable on Shipping Bills.

Two of Racine County's most successful cabbage growers, Thomas and A.J. Piper, who live south of the city of Racine on the Lake Shore road are on their big farm near Brownsville, Texas for the winter, raising cabbage for southern consumption and have thus far been very successful in the industry which they took up primarily as an experiment.

The Piper Bros. own a farm of 823 acres in the Lone Star state and went down there immediately after the close of the farming season here.  Their plantation is located near Brownsville, Texas, which is in the extreme southern point of the state, not far from the Gulf of Mexico, and just across the Rio Grande Del Norte from Matamoras, Mexico.  Until the Piper Bros. went into the state there was only a comparatively small amount of cabbage raised there and none whatever south of Corpus Christi.  A large percentage of the cabbage used in that part of the country had to be shipped in from the north and the demand exceeded the supply.  Consequently prices were high and cabbage was a luxury.

Realizing that cabbage could be grown there, there was a fortune in sight for the men who got in on the ground floor.  Thomas and A.J. Piper quietly made an investigation and saw no reason why cabbage could not be profitably grown there.  They then purchased an 823 acre plantation and as soon as they had harvested their crop in Racine went down there and set to work early in September.  Their success thus far has exceeded all expectations.  Besides cabbage they raise onions and other vegetables largely used in southern Texas and Mexico.

By growing the cabbage down there the Piper Bros. are enabled to sell their products at a much lower figure than the northern growers, who ship their produce into the country and yet realize a handsome profit.  They made a great saving on shipping bills.  Transportation facilities are good and considerable shipping is done via the waterways.

That there is big money in cabbage growing cannot be disputed.  Many farmers in Racine County have grown rich from this industry alone and the Piper Bros. are among them.  The past year has been an excellent one for the cabbage industry and growers have already made considerable money off the crop.  Much of the cabbage raised during the season, however, is being held for higher prices and the big cold storage houses that dot the country around Racine are well filled.  More acreage is being devoted to cabbage raising by Racine County farmers every year and this is admitted to be one of the greatest cabbage growing districts in the world.

The difference in the climatic conditions in Wisconsin and Texas enables the Piper Bros. to raise two crops during the year and make two profits.  They raise one crop here and when the season is over they go to Texas where the season is just beginning and raise another.

(Source:  Racine Journal December 13, 1905)
 

"A SAD ACCIDENT.  A sad and heart wrenching accident happened about 6 o'clock yesterday afternoon on the farm of Mr. William Piper, located four and one half miles south of the city, in the township of Mt. Pleasant, resulting in the death of Wesley A., a four year old son. The little fellow, with his half sister, Ada, had attended a picnic of the Beebe School scholars during the afternoon, and enjoyed a happy time with their schoolmates.
They arrived home and were greeted by the mother. A short time after, John Knutsen Due, a hired man, who was on his way to the barn to milk the cows, noticed little Wesley fooling with an old corn shelling machine, standing on the east side of the corn shed. He warned the little boy to be careful and not to hurt his fingers and that he had better keep away from the machine and he then passed on to the barn and milked a cow and carried the pail to the house.
He strained the milk and Mrs. Piper started to dump the skimming's in a barrel located a few feet from where the corn sheller stood. She was horrified to see her little boy under the corn sheller, which had evidently fallen on top of him. In an instant she had removed the machine, which weighed nearly seventy-five pounds, and picked the boy up in her arms, believing that he was badly hurt or dead. The screams of the poor mother were heard by Mr. Piper and his men who were down in the fields at work and without delay Mr. Piper started on a run for the house, knowing that something terrible had happened.
In the meantime, Mrs. Piper almost crazed with grief, was carrying the lifeless body of her little son about the lawn and finally went to the house and laid him on the floor and sprinkled water on his face hoping that perhaps he was only stunned, but life had left the little body, and when the father arrived there was nothing for him to do but lift the body of his body to the bed.(More to story.  Stop here)

(Source:  Racine Weekly June 23, 1898)

Wesley Piper
(Source: Original photo courtesy of Carol Pattison, great-granddaughter of William Piper)

"A beautiful lawn wedding was solemnized at the country home of Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Piper, of this city, at 4:30 o'clock on Thursday afternoon, when Miss Bessie A. Piper, daughter of Mrs. Kate L. Piper of Madison, was united in marriage with Gustav A. Sell, son of Mr. and Mrs. Herman A. Sell, of New Ulm, Minn.  The Rev. E.W. Blakeman of Madison, performed the ceremony and the bride was given away by her uncle, Thomas Piper.
The gown of the bride was of white georgette crepe and she carried a shower bouquet of asters and ferns.  The maid of honor, Miss Rena K. Piper, a sister of the bride, wore a yellow crepe de chine gown and carried a bouquet of marigolds and ferns.  The groom was attended by M.S. Nichols, of Madison, and the bridesmaids were Miss Florence N. Farmer, of Madison, and Miss Meta Sell, sister of the groom.  The bridesmaids were attended by Gilbert Barr and Russell Piper, both of Racine.  The rest of the bridal party included the ring bearers, the Misses Julia and Naomi Sorenson, and the ribbon bearers, the Misses Frances Post, Helen Crosby and Bernice Crobsy, of Madison; Alice Foxwell, Lucille Hansche, and Ilga Piper, of Racine; Elizabeth Gault of Portgage, and Mrs. W.G. Hyde, of Milwaukee.  To carry out the color scheme of green and yellow, the bridal bower was a bank of asparagus ferns and golden glow.
Mrs. W.G. Hyde and Lowell Wadmond sang, accompanied by Sylvester Piper, and the wedding march was played by Mrs. Sylvester Piper, of Racine.
The guests were Mr. and Mrs. C. George Wadmond, Mr. and Mrs. Williamm Piper, and daugher, Esther and sons, Wallace, and Howard; Mrs. A. Williamson, Mr. and Mrs. A.J. Piper and daughters, Ruth and Marjorie, and son, Harold; Mr. and Mrs. Chris Sorenson, father and mother of the little ring bearers; Kenneth Sorenson, Mrs. Thomas Piper, Miss Louise Boardman, Mr. and Mrs. W.F. Hansche and Mr. and Mrs. Harvey Hansche, all of Racine; Archer Fulton, of Baltimore, Maryland; Morgan Williams, of Omro, Wisconsin; Miss Kate Post and Samuel Post of Madison, and Mrs. Herman Sell, of New Ulm, Minn.
The bride and groom are both graduates of the University of Wisconsin, and the groom is a member of the Acacia social fraternity.  He is county agent of Winnebago County, this state, having received his appointment under the Hoover food commission.  The bride is well known here and in Madison.  After a short camping trip, Mr. and Mrs. Sell will be at home to their friends in Oshkosh.
(Source:  Racine Journal August 25, 1917)
"Mrs. Margaret Piper died at the home of her daughter, Mrs. A. Williamson, 1116 Washington Avenue, aged 85 years.  She is one of the oldest settlers in Racine.  She was born in Scotland, July 22, 1834, coming to Racine when a small girl.  She has made her home in this county for 75 years.  She is survived by three sons, William, Thomas, and August of the Kenosha Road, and two daughters, Mrs. A. Williamson, and Mrs. W.F. Hansche of this city."
(Source:  Racine Journal December 1, 1919)


"William Piper, aged 68, one of the best known farmers in Racine County, died yesterday morning at the home of his daughter, Mrs. Chris Sorenson, at Tomah, Wisconsin here he was on a Christmas visit.
Mr. Piper left his home two weeks ago today for Tomah, a week ago he was stricken down with typhoid pneumonia, and although everything possible was done for him, death ended his suffering.
Mr. Piper was born in the Township of Somers.  His boyhood days were spent on the farm and he acquired his education in the rural schools.  By hard work and after enduring the hardships of early days, he cultivated and became the owner of a fine farm.
In the community where he resided so long he was prominent and highly honored by everybody who knew him.  His death will be learned with sorrow by his many friends.
Mr. Piper is survived by his widow, two daughters, Mrs. Adolph Sorenson of Tomah, Wis.; Mrs. Phil Hilker, Racine; two sons, Wallace and Howard, Racine; two brothers and two sisters, August and Herman Piper, Mt. Pleasant and Mrs. August Williamson and Mrs. William Hansche, Mt. Pleasant.
The body will be brought to his late home and the time of the funeral will be announced later."
(Source:  Racine Journal December 27, 1921)


Racine Woman Visits Land of Midnight Sun
Mrs. S. Piper, Route 3, travels within 500 miles of N. Pole.
While Racine experienced some of its warmest summer days, Mrs. Sylvester Piper of Route 3 Lathrop Road, and her mother, Mrs. Celia Wadmond of New York City, were crusing in the land of the Midnight Sun, moving through lanes of ice packs in the northern seas in craft skillfully manipulated by expert Norwegian sailors, and eating quaint and appetizing fish dinners in the shadows of snowcovered mountains.
They were within 500 miles of the North pole and saw the spot from which Byrd Antarctic Expedition set out on his expedition.  they also visited the Amundsen hangar where the explorer launched the expedition the fate of which was never known.
Norway, Sweden and Denmark are prolific with tourists this year since many visitors do not care to visit countries over which war shadows hover.  Thus many Americans are getting their first real knowledge of the beauties of the Northland and are enjoying really "different" vacations.
The party vissited in Julling, Denmark, where the oldest church is located and where the first royal families were buried.  While there they encountered a funeral procession with the corpse on what resembled an open truck and the mourners and friends following in pairs, picking petals off flowers and scattering them along the way.
They visited Rebild National park where the memorial log cabin is built of logs sent from various parts of the United States.  There they saw the unusual display of horseshoes made by Christ Christensen of Racine and sent as a gift to Denmark.
They were four days in the Land of the Midnight Sun and fortunately, Mrs. Piper said, there was no fog.  One man had made 11 trips to see the midnight sun and had always experienced fog.  He was on his 12th and only successful trip at the time.  The trip from North Cape to Spitsbergen was one of the most fascinating features of the entire trip, Mrs. Piper said.  This is a coaling, whaling and fishing country but there is no vagetation and while men are employed under contract to work at these places, and are paid high wayges, they usually will not remain over a year.
At a stop at a little Russian colony, a Russian baker presented a cake to the Americans.  This was in appearance exactly like a book, with a flap turned back and bore an inscription greeting.
Mrs. Piper and her mother visited all the preserved old Norsk Folkmuseums where costumed characters are on hand to lend color.
Mrs. Wadmond visited in her old home and birthplace in Vejle.
(Source:  Racine Journal Times, publication date September 15, 1935)

Guilbert Piper Obituary

Died age 59, Somers, at St. Luke's Hospital in Milwaukee after heart surgery.

Mr. Piper was born February 15, 1918 in Kenosha County, son of Mr. and Mrs. Sylvester Piper.  He was a lifelong resident of the area.  He received his elementary education in county schools and later graduated from Beloit College.  He married Rosemarie Wolberg Mussat in 1946 in Evanston, Illinois.

Mr. Piper was a member of the First Baptist Church, Racine among other associations.  He was an active lecturer on firearms and travelogues and was on of the founders of the Racine Historical Museum.  Obituary published March 14, 1977.

Hansche, William F.

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

William F. Hansche

William F. Hansche, who is successfully engaged in farming in Somers Township, Kenosha County, Wisconsin was born in Racine County on the 23^rd of March, 1861, a son of William C. and Mary (Heck) Hansche, natives of Germany.  The father’s birth occurred in June, 1827, and after completing the public school course he learned the wagon maker’s trade in the fatherland.  In 1840 he accompanied his parents, William and Sophia Hansche. On their emigration to America the family took passage on a sailing vessel which was completely wrecked off the island of Haiti and all of the passengers were compelled to stay in San Domingo for twenty-one weeks.  In the fall the family succeeded in reaching New York and thence went to Cleveland, Ohio, where they spent five years.  While living there they met Huron Beebe, who had a farm near Racine, Wisconsin, and who induced them to settle in Racine County.  William Hansche successfully engaged in farming there until his demise, which occurred in 1873, when he was sixty-eight years old.  He was survived until 1874 by his wife.  They were the parents of three sons and one daughter.  William C. Hansche, the father of our subject, became the owner of land in Racine County and gained recognition as one of the most practical and efficient agriculturists of his locality.  His political allegiance was given to the Republican party.  He was well known and his demise, which occurred in 1893, was deeply regretted.  In 1860 he was united in marriage to Miss Mary Heck, a daughter of Philip Heck, and five children were born to them, namely; William F;  Fred;  Louis,  Katie, who married Ernest Scheckler; and Sophia, the wife of Augustus J. Piper.

William F. Hansche received a good education, attending school until was eighteen years of age, when he turned his entire attention to assisting his father with the farm work, being so engaged for eight years.  When twenty-six years old he purchased sixty-five acres of land on Section 5, Somers Township, and has since increased his holdings until his farm now comprises one hundred acres, all of which is under cultivation.  He has made all of the excellent improvements on the place and has taken great pride in making his farm one of the best developed in his Township.  He uses up-to-date methods in his work and gains a good income from his land.

In May, 1890, Mr. Hansche was united in marriage to Miss Jane Piper, and they have two children;  Harvey, who married Etna Halter, a daughter of Henry Halter, of Mount Pleasant; and Lucille, who is at home.

Mr. Hansche supports the Republican part at national elections but at other times votes independently.  He is a member of the Woodmen camp at Somers, and in religious faith is a Methodist.  He has thoroughly identified his interests with those of his community and can be depended upon to advance the public good in any possible.

(Source: Portrait and Biographical Album of Racine and Kenosha Counties.  Lake City Publishing Co.  Chicago.  1892.  Additional Source:  City and County of Kenosha, Wisconsin, A Record of Settlement, Vol. II)

Partial 1908 Map of Somers Township
Section 5, W.F. Hansche parcel

Lucille Hansche (daughter of William F. and Jane B.)

Harvey W. Hansche
Route 3 Box 128
Age 77.  Passed away unexpectedly May 17, 1967 in St. Luke's Hospital.  Mr. Hansche was born in Kenosha Count on Sept 8, 1889 and had been a lifelong resident.  he was a farmer all of his life.  Mr. Hansche attended the Bethany Methodist Church.  Surviving are two daughters, Mrs. Virginia Young of Milwaukee and Mrs. Wendell (Betty) Hall of St. Louis, Mo.; two grandchildren; one sister, Mrs. Lucille Barr, living on the South Lakeshore Road.  His wife, Esther, preceded him in death on Nov. 28, 1965 and a son was killed in service during World War II.  West Lawn Memorial Park, Racine. 
(Source:  Racine Journal May 18, 1967)




Berryville Hansche Relatives

John Scheckler (born 1836 in Germany and settled  in Mt. Pleasant, Racine County) married Elizabeth Hansche (daughter of Ernest and Kathrina Hansche) in 1859.  John and Elizabeth had seven children:  Ernest, Fred, Elizabeth, John, Minnie, William and George.  George married Grace Dearsley, daughter of William Dearsley of Berryville.

Frederick J. Hansche (born October 1837) arrived about 1865 and married Fredricka Tigges before leaving Germany.  They had 6 children

• George, Polk City, Wisconsin
• Minnie married A.J. Scheckler
• Alfred J. married Jennie Bose, daughter of William F. and Nellie Braid (Breaid) Bose
• Samuel H. married Emma Wensing
• Emma, deceased

Rudoph Hansche (born about 1814 in Germany) arrived in 1841 and married in 1859 Miss Anna Seorgel.  The had 9 children:

• Sophia married Norbert Grabher
• Eliza married William Piper
• George married Lucy Olle
• Fred William married Theresa Grobher
• Katherine married Anton Lund
• William J. married Etta Bradley
• Clara married Carl Scheckler
• Lottie
• Ernest married Marie Jorgensen

Almer William Hansche, son of William J. and Etta Bradley

(Source:  DorisMayesBennett shared originally to MyHartland @ ancestry.com)

Almer Hansche, age 63, passed away March 5 in St. Luke's Hospital in Racine.  Mr. Hansche was born in Racine on Sept 14, 1892.  Surviving are his wife, Grace; two daughters, Miss June Hansche and Mrs. Doris Hansche Rhodes; mother, Mrs. William Hansche, one sister, Mrs. Alice Mortensen, all of Racine.  Mound Cemetery.  Date of death March 5, 1956.
(Source:  Racine Journal, March 6, 1956)

Hansche and Harcus




News article:  Mrs. and Mrs. Samuel F. Harcus, Town of Somers
(Source:  DianesConnection originally shared on ancestry.com)
 

Grace and Sam ran this little gas station / grocery on Sheridan Road. In 2008 the little building is still there, but it is now part of a house that someone is living in, surrounded by many other homes. (Left to Right) Grace, unknown, Sam

(Source:  DianesConnection originally shared on ancestry.com)



Samuel and Grace Harcus with children
left to right:  Leslie Harcus, Mrs. Grace Harcus Hansche, Ellsworth Harcus
(Source:  DianesConnection originally shared on ancestry.com)

Mrs. Harcus and Grace Harcus Hansche, Somers Township, Kenosha County

(Source:  Original photo from the collection Jacqueline Klapproth Nelson who took piano lesson from Grace Hansche in the 1960's.  Grace Hansche and Jackie's grandmother, Vernetta Klapproth, were friends and neighbors.)

Jacob Rudolph Hansche
Jacob Rudolph Hansche was born October 13, 1841.  Immigration date from passport is June 1868. His wife's name was Rika.  NOTE:  The Naturalization application of Jacob Hansche shows two witnesses:  Peter J. Meyers and Fred Hansche.  Jacob and Rika's children: Kate, Fred, August, Edward Henry and Louise.

Edward Henry Hansche married Anna. They had one son, Henry Edward, born about 1913.





Anna Hansche and "Jr." who is Daniel Klapproth, Jr., neighbors of the Hansche's
(Source:  Original photo courtesy of Jacqueline Klapproth Nelson.  Copyright February 2012.  All Rights Reserved.)



Sherwood Klapproth, Daniel Klapproth, Jr. and Henry Hansche taken at the Hansche Farm looking east.
(Source: Original photo courtesy of Jacqueline Klapproth Nelson. Copyright February 2012. All Rights Reserved. Klapproth family were neighbors of the Ed Hansche family)

Edward and Anna Hansche wedding photo
(Source:  Original photo courtesy of Jacqueline Klapproth Nelson.  Copyright February 2012.  All Rights Reserved.  Klapproth family were neighbors of the Ed Hansche family)

Henry Hansche
Edward and Anna Hansche had one son, Henry Edward, born about 1913.

Partial 1927 Map of Somers Township

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)

Railroad-North Shore

North Shore Passenger Line Station Stops in Somers Township
Map Shows Kenosha Country Club, Hansche Road (Klapproth private drive), Piper Road-County Line
(Source:  Map courtesy of the Lake Forest College Library Special Collection and Archives, Railroads, Donnelley and Lee Library Archive Collection)



North Shore Passenger Line Station Stops in Somers Township
Stops in Somers Township, Birch Road, Bose Road and Berryville Road
(Source: Map courtesy of the Lake Forest College Library Special Collection and Archives, Railroads, Donnelley and Lee Library Archive Collection)

Kenosha Club Buys Golf Course Site
"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 at the intersection of the Berryville Road with the 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 Lingles (spell?), Lindstroth, and Benson farms make up the parcel of 175 acres, and the consideration, although not made public, should be in the neighborhood of $80,000.00.
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 united Racine and Kenosha golfers, this club is easily accessible to Racine and 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 February 28, 1920)

1877 Class of Berryville School

(Source:  Photo Courtesy of Kenosha News June 15, 1935 Centennial Edition)

Berryville Church



Berryville Methodist Episcopal Church
circa. about 1899 when new church building was dedicated
(Source:  Photo Courtesy of Warren and Lyla Kramer.  Copyright 2011 Jacqueline K. Nelson.  All Rights Reserved)


Dedication of New Church Building
"Sunday, December 17, 1899, will long be remembered by the Methodist Society of Berryville, Wisconsin.  It may be truly said that never before has there been such interest manifested in church circles as there was in the vicinity on that day, the occasion being the dedication of the new church.  It will be remembered that early in the spring, opinion inclined at first toward the renovation of the old church, but it soon became evident that such a work would require almost half the cost of a new building.  The board of trustees took the matter into consideration and finally decided to build a new church.  A vigorous canvas of the church and community assured a successful effort.  Under the most untiring and skillful work of the pastor, Rev. W.W. Gray, loyally reinforced by his people and by the hard work of a judicious and careful building committee, the Methodist Society of that thrifty community, after the interior of the building has been fully completed, will be in possession of one of finest rural churches that can be found in the conference.

Considerable interest was manifested in the coming dedication and although the committee had put forth their best efforts to have the chairs in place the latter failed to arrive in time for the occasion.  Their plans, however, would not be frustrated and the day's program was carried out as announced, a sufficient number of chairs having been secured for the day.  The interior of the building is finished off in Georgia pine, the windows are of beautiful colored glass and the rooms will be lighted by gasoline.  A furnace underneath the building will furnish the heat.

The weather on Sunday morning gave promise of a very fine day and the roads were in good condition, the people could be seen coming from all direction while the electric cars brought in their proportion:  Rev. C.P. Masden of the Grand Avenue Church, Milwaukee, our presiding elder, Dr. D.C. John, Rev. A.M. Sanford of the Milwaukee Rescue Mission and Rev. W.W. Gray of Abrams, Wisconsin and former pastor, were early arrivals and at 10:30 o'clock the services were opened.

Rev. E.D. Kohlstedt, pastor of the church, was unable to be present on account of sickness.  As the choir, consisting of Prof. William Toase, J.G. Mitchell, Mrs. E.D. Kohlstedt and Miss Lulu Rhodes with Miss Lewis as organist, sang its first selection we all felt that the committee were very fortunate in securing their services. The remarks made throughout the day regarding the singing by the choir were very complimentary indeed.  The morning sermon was preached by Rev. C.P. Masden to a most intensely interested congregation.  After the sermon, the presiding elder, Dr. D.C. John, made a statement of the financial condition of the church, the report showing that there was a debt of $700 to be raised before the dedication services could be carried out.  The whole amount was subscribed in a short time with the exception of $45, which was raised in the afternoon.  In justice to the ladies it must be said that they also came to the rescue and aided in freeing the church from debt.
 
The afternoon services were opened with prayer by Rev. A.M. Sanford, after which the sermon was preached by Rev. W.W. Gray, the former pastor, his many friends being pleased to have him present on this important occasion.  Dr. D.C. John took charge of the evening services and at the close he made a request that donations amounting to $300 be made so that the interior of the church might be finished at once.  Two-thirds of this amount was raised and we trust the balance will be forthcoming in a short time.

The trustees of the church, W.F. Hansche, Thomas Piper, W.J. Hansche, A.H. Bradley, and August Piper came forward and the president of the board, W.F. Hansche, presented the building for dedication.  Dr. John conducted the ceremonies, the doxology was sung, after which the benediction was pronounced.

The Somers people were very cordially entertained by the Berryville people for which they are very grateful.  The members of the choir desire to thanks Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Piper for the kind hospitality shown them while being entertained in their home.  They were heartily welcomed and their kindness will be remembered for a long time.

A merry Christmas and a happy New Year to the editor and the members of his staff, also the Journal's many readers is the wish of your correspondent."
(Source:  Racine Daily Journal, publication date December 19, 1899)


Berryville M.E. Church History
"The Berryville Methodist Episcopal Church (also known as Berryville M.E.) is an outgrowth of Sunday School classes held in the Lake Shore schoolhouse (Berryville School) about a mile south of the County Line Road in the days previous to the Civil War.
In 1863 under the leadership of Rev. J.C. Stover, a church building was erected at the County Line Road and Lake Shore Road.  A new church was erected in 1899.  This building served until six years ago, when the congregation disbanded, the members attending churches either at Racine or at Kenosha.  The building has been remodeled into an apartment.
(Source:  Kenosha News June 1935 Centennial Edition)

Lake Shore Presbyterian Mission
"The Lake Shore Presbyterian Mission was organized as the Lake Shore vacation Bible School by Rev. Carl Franz of West Allis.  It was conducted originally in the Old Time Dance Club on the Lake Shore Road in Berryville about four years ago.  For the past two years both church and Sunday school services have been held, with the T. Parker home on Fairview Avenue used for that purpose.  E. J. Nelson, student pastor from the Presbyterian seminary at Chicago, is in charge at present.
(Source: Kenosha News June 1935 Centennial Edition)

Congregational
In 1859-60-63, Congregational services under the direction of Rev. H.S. Durant were held in the old Berryville school house.
(Source: Kenosha News June 1935 Centennial Edition)

Berryville Church News
"The Christmas tree and entertainment at the Berryville Church on Monday, was a grand success, the edifice being crowded to the doors.  Rev. E. Kaneen, pastor.  Christmas service at 2:30p.m., special Christmas music by the choir and sermon by the pastor.  Junior League 1 p.m., Sunday School 1:30 p.m., Epworth League 7:30 p.m., midweek service Thursday 7:45 p.m."
(Racine Daily publication date December 26, 1906)

"The Rev. E. Kaneen, pastor of the North Side and Berryville churches, and secretary of the Ministers' union, has been invited to the pastorate of an important Methodist Church in Illinois, and will probably accept and take up his new work early in April."
(Racine Daily publication date March 28, 1907)

"Berryville M.E. Church, Rev. F.M. Pratt, Pastor."
(Racine Daily publication date February 22, 1908)

"The Young Ladies' Society of the Berryville M.E. Church gave a very fine entertainment at the home of Mrs. A. Bradley last evening to an audience of about one hundred people.  A number from Racine were present.  The program was varied, which made it most interesting, consisting of readings, dialogues, and music.  Refreshments were served at the close of the program.  The young ladies are to be highly commended fro this splendid effort."
(Source:  Racine Daily publication date June 23, 1908)

"The Ladies' Aid of the Berryville M.E. Church will be entertained at the home of Mrs. Klapproth, Wednesday afternoon."
(Source:  Racine Daily publication date May 11, 1911)

"There will be a joint picnic of four Methodist Churches for a Labor Day outing next Monday at the Piper Grove at Berryville.  Committees have been appointed by the brotherhood of the various curches to take charge of the program for the occasion and they now have their plans practically completed.
The brotherhood of the First M.E. church has made most of the preliminary arrangements and has planned to have a general good time all through the day.  At noon, tables will be spread for the mebers of the brotherhoods and their families and in the afternoon games will be played by the pleasure seekers.  A baseball game will be staged between the joint teams of the churches.  A special electric car for the occasion will leave here at 10 o'clock Monday morning and other cars during the day will carry over 200 persons to the picnic.  In addition to the ball games, running and jumping contests will be held as well as sack races and potato races."
(Source:  Racine Daily publication date September 4, 1914)

"The annual picnic of the Methodist Churches of Racine and Berryville was held at Piper's Grove and it was a big success.  At noon well laden baskets were opened and added to these was hot coffee furnished by the committee which filled the bill against the chilly northeast blast.  After lunch the day was spent with an enjoyable program.  The first game between the older men of the First M.E. Church and the First church was a hummer and would have to be seen to be appreciated!  It is the general opinion the Cy Hay and W.E. Loomis can make the most noise as the first mentioned is charged with two errors because he was talking and did not hear the ball coming. The game see-sawed from one side to other until it went into extra innings.
Several of the more prominent members of the church received passes to the picnic on account of their ability in a specified line.  For instance: Thomas Hay of Grange Avenue for his rooting ability; Mr. Gerhard of the First church for selling ice cream tickets; Mr. Christian of Grange Avenue, for his inside knowledge of baseball; Mr. Mortensen of the First church for the way he swings his hat to keep the flies off; W.E. Hansche of Grange Avenue, for his general good looks, and a good many more that might be mentioned.
The corn roast in the evening was well attended despite the inclement weather and was enjoyed by all who participated.  A special electric train was in waiting at 5:30 to bring all who wished to return at that time."
(Source: Racine Daily publication September 4, 1914)


"E.D. Kohlstedt, a former pastor of the Berryville M.E. Church has been elected president of the Wesleyan College at Mitchell, South Dakota."
(Source:  Racine Journal publication date March 29, 1922)

"About 200 attended the New England supper and entertainment at the Hansche school house last evening.  It was given by the Ladies' Aid Society of the Berryville M.E. church.  Supper was served from 6 to 8:30 o'clock and was followed by an interesting program, composed of talent which proved to be royal entertainers.  The Metropolitan orchestra gave several selections and Miss Esther Piper rendered a piano solo which was enthusiastically received.  A vocal duet by Miss Jeanette Hayman and Miss Susan McCullough was another feature.  An orchestra from the Second M.E. Church of Racine gave two selections which added greatly to the program."
(Source:  Racine Journal publication date November 27, 1917)

The Lake Shore Church
"It appears that the Lake Shore church property at Berryville was at one time in the charge of possession of our church, for at a meeting of the trustees held August 20, 1873, a report to the quarterly conference was agreed on, from which the following extract is taken"
"The trustees of said church respectfully report:  that the property held by us in trust for the church as as follows:
Lot 11, Block 2, Section 16, on Main Street, with church edifice and furniture of the value of $40,000.00.
Church lot and building on the road to Kenosha, in the Town of Somers, Berryville $500.00
Parsonage in Racine $2,500.00
(Source:  History of the First Methodist Episcopal Church, Racine, Wisconsin by Eugene Walter Leach, Copyright 1912 by E.W. Leach)

Berryville Church Statistics
Church Year Ending:  October 9, 1901
Pastor:  E.D. Kohlstedt
Members of Probation:  5
Full Members: 110
Value of Church Property:  $6,500.00
Value of Parsonage:  N/A
Sunday School Teachers: 24
Sunday School Members:  192
(Source: History of the First Methodist Episcopal Church, Racine, Wisconsin by Eugene Walter Leach, Copyright 1912 by E.W. Leach)

Cabbage by Raymond F. Piper

Introduction by Jackie

It is common to see fields of cabbage crops in Somers Township.  It was a crop that made many farmers very wealthy.  Most of us have knowledge of cabbage that is limited to sauerkraut and cole slaw.  By the time you have finished reading this article, you will have an entirely different view and respect of the cabbage growers of Somers Township.

CABBAGE

by Raymond F. Piper

(Source:  Racine Journal Times, publication date December 16, 1905)

The cabbage in some of its forms has been cultivated from prehistoric times.  The common cabbage is said to have been introduced into England by the Romans, but was little known in Scotland until brought into that country by Cromwell’s soldiers.  The wild cabbage is a native of Britain, but is much more common on the shores of the Mediterranean.  It is a comparatively insignificant plant, growing from one to two feet high.

The cabbage varies in its several varieties from the kohl rabi to the common cabbage and the cauliflower.  The cauliflower has the highest vegetative character and development of the cabbage family.  Other varieties are:  broccoli, Savoy, turnip. Kale or borecole, collards, Brussels sprouts, Jersey, or tree cabbage, and Portugal cabbage.

The tree or cow cabbage, which is grown in the Channel Islands and Northern France, attains gigantic proportions for a vegetable. The stalks frequently grow to heights of 12 or 16 feet.  These stalks are used as rails for fences and as rafters for the thatched roofs of farm buildings.  Short ones are made into umbrella handles and walking sticks, which are much in demand as curiosities among tourists.  The cow-herd of the gentlemen who introduced this sort of cabbage asserted it to be so prolific that five plants or it per day are, with proper management, sufficient for ten oxen or one hundred sheep.  The Portugal cabbage is a variety remarkable for its delicacy.

The ordinary varieties of cabbage are often called White Cabbage as a general term to distinguish them from the Red Cabbage; which is chiefly used for pickling, for which purpose it is much esteemed.  The common cabbage are again grouped according to the shape of the head, as spherical, oblong, conical and flat.  About one hundred varieties of the common white cabbage are known and cultivated in the United States.

The first cabbage grown in this section of the state for market were raised by an old German who had a few acres of land within the present city limits of Kenosha.  He grew cabbage for some years, shipping his crop south, where he received enormous prices for it, and made a small fortune.

Mr. Ben Bones perhaps began growing a few cabbages in the beginning of the 70’s.  He sold some in Racine, but shipped the bulk of his crop.  In about 1875, Ed Hansche grew about a third of an acre on his farm on the Lake Shore Road midway between Racine and Kenosha.  He peddled as many of the cabbage as he could in Racine, but he had so large a piece that he was unable to dispose of them all, and had to let some rot in the field.

A year after this, Augustus Piper, another pioneer farmer, began raising a small piece each year, enlarging it to supply his potato customers with cabbage.  One year he had a ton more than his customers could use,  and this he sold to F.W. Gunther, who made sauerkraut of it in a building situated on the southwest corner of Villa and Sixth Street.  Mr. Gunther’s business grew rapidly, and he was soon crowded for room in his building on Sixth Street. The odors also soon became noticeable.  He removed to his present location near the Junction.

Since these small beginnings, there has been a slow but sure development of the cabbage industry to its present magnitude.  Now the farmers of two counties are engaged in growing this crop.  Surrounding Berryville practically all the farmers of six townships devote their farms to a greater or less extent to cabbage farming.  Two of these townships, alone, report an aggregate yield of 23,448 tons of cabbage.  This crop, valued at $160,533.00 was raised on 2,324 acres.  This valuation perhaps seems low, but far exceeds the returns realized from any other crop.

The success of cabbage farming in southeastern Wisconsin is partly due to the soil and the ideal climate.  The soil for the most part is a mixture of loam and sand.  Artificial drainage is often necessary to get the best results.  Lake Michigan moderates the cold and winter and the heat of summer.

Rapid and direct freight movement has also been an important factor in the success of the cabbage growers of this section.  There will be still better and increased freighting facilities when the electric railway, now being constructed between Milwaukee and Chicago, and passing just west of Racine, is completed.

We will now try to learn something of how the cabbages are grown.  The fertilizing and plowing of the land, as everyone knows, is the first step.  To get the best results, one car, that is about 15 ton, of manure should be used per acre.  Most successful growers do use this amount.  The manure is shipped from Chicago.  The short distance from that city to this section makes it possible to get the manure at a low figure.

If the ground is plowed in the fall, as it often is, it must be loosened up, which is done with a disc harrow, before planting in the spring.  Up to date farmers, having large fields, use the sulky plow.  If planting is delayed for any cause, the soil must be gone over with a harrow several times, to keep it in the proper shape.

The cabbage seed is sown from the 15^th of April to the first of May.  The best soil possible is selected for growing the plants.  A hand-drill is used for sowing the seed.  The rows are about eight inches apart.  In the seed bed the cabbages are, on an average, cultivated three times.  This is also done by hand.  Some seasons it is necessary to cultivate them after each rain, in order to keep the soil from becoming hard.

The plants are transplanted to the field in the last half of June, there being at this time three or four leaves.  The first week in July is not too late if the season is favorable.

When transplanting time arrives, the plants can be pulled from the seed bed if the ground is moist.  At dry times, it is necessary to loosen them with a spade, or water them before pulling; otherwise the roots are stripped off.  As soon as pulled, the plants are put in the boxes to be transported to the field.  They are kept covered and thoroughly watered until they are removed from these boxes.

A team and three men, two droppers and a driver are required to operate the cabbage planter.  Considerable skill is necessary on the part of the driver in order to make straight rows, especially if the rows are half a mile in length.  One man is also engaged in pulling plants, and another man and team in hauling water and drawing the plants to the field.

Eight thousand plants are required to plant an acre.  The rows are thirty inches apart, and the plants are twenty-four inches apart in the row.  With the planter, three to four acres can be planted per day.

About a cupful of water is ran upon each plant.  The amount of water used however, ranges from six to twenty barrels per acre, according to the moisture in the ground.

In the field the cabbages are cultivated on an average of three times.  But, as in the seed bed, a dry season may make more times necessary.  Sulky cultivators are used with satisfaction by some.  Little hoeing in the cabbage patch is done.

The harvest of the crop begins the first of September and lasts until the first of November, or a few days later.  The average yield of cabbage per acre is fifteen to twenty tons.  Higher tonnage than this per acre is not at all uncommon, but in years when the rot is bad, the yield may be as low as six tons or less.

The prices vary from $3.00 to $55.00 per ton.  The cabbage crop has brought more cash into the hands of the farmers of southeastern Wisconsin than any other crop that has ever been raised.

The weight of the cabbage in a wagon load averages from two and one-half to three tons.  One of the largest loads in this part of the country contained 7,400 pounds.  There are five hundred average cabbage in a ton.  If small, 700 or 800 are required and if large, perhaps 300.

For the first month and a half of the harvest, cabbage is shipped.  The number of cars sent out from Berryville and Racine at the height of the shipping season ranges from five to twenty cars per day, although the number has been as high as twenty-five cars.  One grower alone reports that he has sent out as many as eleven cars in one day, but this did not occur every day, and was unusual.  The minimum car contains twelve tons.  The cabbage are shipped chiefly to states in the central part of the country, among them Missouri, Kansas, Nebraska, Texas and Tennessee.

The storing of cabbage begins the middle of October, but shipment never ceases.  As soon as all cabbage are out of the field, removal from the storehouses begins.  For a month after storing there is little waste, but after this there is considerable.  It is sometimes the last of March before cabbage are removed from all storehouses.  There has also, like the cabbage industry itself, been a long, steady growth in the manner of storing cabbage, from the pit to the present storehouses, but space will not permit details.

Neither is there room to go into details pertaining to the diseases that the cabbage grower has to contend with, and also the insects, but  more mention might be made.  The little cabbage maggot or flea early attacks the seed bed and destroys thousands of young plants annually.  The damage of the caterpillar, of the cabbage moth, which feeds upon the leaves, is slight.  The greatest foe of the crop is the rot.  One of the most destructive rots is the early or yellow rot which makes it appearance immediately after planting, and is especially active if there is rainy weather and high temperature.  Thousands of plants are taken down in a short time by this rot.  Another form of rot also appears later when the head is nearly developed.

In cabbage growing there are some jobs that are not the most pleasant.  For instance, it is very hard to toss cabbage from a wagon to the upper part of a large store house.  Nor is it a very pleasant job to trim rotten cabbage in the winter time back in a dark, cold stall with a light.