Yule

 

To learn more about the Yule family, click here to direct you to the Oakwood Cemetery website.

Jensen, James A.

Jens Andreas "James A." Jensen

Lived in Somers, Kenosha County, Wisconsin per US Census in years 1900, 1910, 1920, 1930, 1940

Born: July 1, 1858 in Borglum, Lokken-Vraa, North Jutland, Denmark
Died: July 11, 1940 in Town of Somers, Kenosha County, Wisconsin.  Buried Oakwood Cemetery in Somers, Wisconsin

James A. Jensen, Oakwood Cemetery, Somers. Wisconsin

Marie Jensen, Oakwood Cemetery, Somers. Wisconsin

Marriage

November 20, 1880 in Ingstrup, Hjorring, Nordjylland, Denmark
Name:  Jens Andreas Jensen and Marie Johanne Jeppesen (also spelled Jepsen)


More About
James A. and Marie on the Oakwood Cemetery website.  Click here.

Immigration

Depart June 6, 1888 from Hamburg
Arrival in New York

Seven Children

Eric Andrew born in Borglum, Denmark November 26, 1882
Jacob Andrew Jensen born in Denmark 1884. Died 1948
Christian A. Jensen born in Denmark August 5, 1885. Died May 18, 1963
Milton Anton "Anton Amel" Jensen born in Denmark March 18, 1887. Died 1926
Anna Jensen born in Wisconsin January 30, 1889. Died 1964
Andrew Jensen born August 15, 1890 in Racine, Wisconsin. Died 1966
Rosalie Jensen born October 15, 1893 in Wisconsin. Died 1903

(Source:  Pruneda-Tremmel Family Tree/Ancestry.com)

Jacob "Jake" Andrew Jensen. Born in Denmark. Son of James A. and Marie Jensen
Oakwood Cemetery, Somers, Wisconsin

(Photo courtesy of USGenWebArchivesProject Larry & Linda Kopet)

Chris A. (Christian Andrew) Jensen and Edith J. (also known as Jessie Edith Yule) Jensen
Edith is the daughter of Benjamin Franklin Yule and Margaret Jessie Robena Strang.
Oakwood Cemetery, Somers, Wisconsin

(Photo courtesy of USGenWebArchivesProject Larry & Linda Kopet)

Anton Amel (also known as Milton Anton Amel) Jensen
Oakwood Cemetery, Somers, Wisconsin

(Photo courtesy of USGenWebArchivesProject Larry & Linda Kopet)

Rosalia Jensen died in infancy
1893 - October 15, 1893
Daughter of James A. Jensen and Marie Jepson Jensen
Oakwood Cemetery, Somers, Wisconsin

(Photo courtesy of USGenWebArchivesProject Larry & Linda Kopet)

James A Jensen Genealogy of 2nd and 3rd Generations

(Source: Gail Jensen Lesjak)

Christian A. Jensen Family

Partial 1924 Plat Map of Town of Somers, Kenosha County, Wisconsin
Section 16 - C.A. Jensen 45 acres.  Highway EA just south of Highway E

Marriage

February 26, 1908 in Somers Congregational Church, Somers, Wisconsin

Christian A. Jensen and Jessie Edith Yule (daughter of Benjamin Franklin Yule and Margaret Jessie Robena Strang)

Five Children

Jessie Bernice Jensen born December 4, 1908 in Somers, Wisconsin. Died October 20, 1928.

James Raymond Jensen born January 6, 1911

Bernard Chris "Buzz" Jensen born November 19, 1914

Lillian Edith "Toot" Jensen born July 11, 1917

Robert Stanley "Bud" Jensen born April 14, 1919

Lorraine Marshall marries Robert Stanley Jensen at Somers Congregational Church in Somers, Wisconsin
1940

Robert "Bud" Stanley Jensen

(Source: Photos above provided by Gail Jensen Lesjak, daughter of Robert S. Jensen and granddaughter of Chris and Edith (Yule) Jensen)

Chris A. and Edith J. Jensen

Oakwood Cemetery, Somers, Wisconsin

(Photo courtesy of Gail Jensen Lesjak)

Jessie Bernice Jensen, daughter of Chris A. and Edith J. Jensen

Oakwood Cemetery, Somers, Wisconsin

(Photo courtesy of Gail Jensen Lesjak)

Obituaries

Robert S. Jensen, Lillian E. "Toot" Woltersdorf, Bernard C. "Buzz" Jensen

Children of Chris and Edith (Yule) Jensen

Kenosha High School

30th Kenosha High School Reunion. June 19141 at Maybelle Halbett Huntoon's house at 7404 7th Avenue
Margaret Kingsley Gerl__, Laura Baldwin Cummings, Evelyn Longmore Gardinier, Thora Mickelson Smith, Amy, Newman Robbins, ? La___ Yule Miller, S.W. Ward
Mr. and MNrs. George Tremper, Edna Heidersdorf Thom, Helen Hammond Seager, Genevieve Kelley Turner, Maybell Hallett Huntoon and Charles Thomas
(Photo courtesy of Jim Smith)

30th Anniversary Kenosha High School reunion - June 1941
Left to right: Laura Baldwin, LaMaude Yule, Edna Heidersdorf Thom
Evelyn Longmore Gardinier, Amy Neumann Cummings, Mrs. S.W. Ward, Thora Michelsen Smith, Maybelle
Men in foreground: Charles Thomas and Mr. Tremper
(Photo courtesy of Jim Smith)

Somers Civic Association

First Officers of Somers Civic Association
Circa July 1947
(Source:  Original photo and identification courtesy of C.C. Ruthe.)

Sitting Left to Right:  George McClure, M.M. Meldahl, C.C. Ruthe, Earl Yule
Standing Left to Right:  Frank Newman, Archie Neysmith, Hugh Cox, Vernon Waltersdorf

Chat n Chew Restaurant

Chat n Chew Restaurant, Somers, Wisconsin
Owners,  Earl and Lil Yule

Place Mat for Chat 'n Chew, Somers, Wisconsin
Circa Late 1940's
Location of the Chat 'n Chew was on the old Modern Woodmen Hall property.
(Source:  Original courtesy of Ernest "Bunkie" Tabbert)

Back of the Place Mat
(Source: Original courtesy of Ernest "Bunkie" Tabbert. All Rights Reserved. Copyright Ernest Tabbert July 2012.)

"The Gang" at the Chat N Chew Restaurant in Somers, Wisconsin
Click on photo for larger view.
(Source: Original photo and identification courtesy of Ernest "Bunkie" Tabbert.
All Rights Reserved. Copyright Ernest Tabbert July 2012.)

Left to Right Around the Table:  Len Tabbert, Chuck Schultz, Arlo Funk, Leo Thomas, Bill Abresch, Dick "Richie" Miller, Don Penza, Al Middlecamp, Wally Meier, July Yule Thomas, Sue Funk, Jean Bush, Marion Edquist, Janice Christensen, Arlene "Fitz" Fitpatrick, Evelyn Ruthe, Dee Ruthe Tabbert, Ernest "Bunkie" Tabbert, Jerry Sinnen.

Standing:  Owners of the Chat 'n Chew, Earl and Lil Yule.

"The Gang" at the Chat n Chew Restaurant in Somers, Wisconsin
(Source: Original photo and identification courtesy of Ernest "Bunkie" Tabbert.
All Rights Reserved. Copyright Ernest Tabbert July 2012.)

Left to Right:  Girl with black scarf Evelyn Ruthe, Bill Abresch, lady with print scarf unknown, Leo Thomas, man in front of sign, Chuck Schultz, man sitting, Wally Meier, Al Middlecamp is man with one eye showing, and Don Penza.  Waitress behind counter is unknown.

"The Gang" at the Chat 'n Chew, Somers, Wisconsin
Date of Photo February 1949
This is the back room of the Chat N Chew, where people would get together and play cards or shuffle board.
Click on photo for larger view.
(Source: Original photo and identification courtesy of Ernest "Bunkie" Tabbert.
All Rights Reserved. Copyright Ernest Tabbert July 2012.)

Left to Right Men Sitting in Front: Ernie Tabbert, Sam Burnett (also the barber in town), Frank Helding with glasses and Walt Middlecamp in the white shirt on the far right.

Standing Left to Right:  Ed Longmore, Ed Tabbert, Lura Brunet (Weighmaster on the scale at Cox), Helen Schlitz, Mabel Longmore, Ella Tabbert (diamond print dress), lady behind Ella is Lil Yule, Marcella "Toots" Ruthie (right of lady in diamond print dress), Laverne Helding, Alice Middlecamp, Alice Tabbert (with pearls), Gladys Bush, Archie Bush, Albert Schlitz, and Earl Yule.  The man standing in the back was Casimir "Cappy" Ruthe.

Music in Somers

Music in Somers
Somers, from its start and early development, has taken and held a prominent place in the music field.
Perhaps many of us residing in Our Town today have almost forgotten those native sons and daughters whose musical talents added much to the artistic world.
Somers' own prima donna, Miss Charille Runals, known as Lily Runals, was born March 14, 1855.  Her early life was lived on the Runals Homestead, known as the Willowbrook farm in Our Town, and attended school at District No. 2, now Hillcrest School.
In early life she developed a sweet soprano voice and following her graduation from the Kenosha High School, she studied voice in Ohio, later going to New York, where she rapidly rose in public favor as a singer and poetic reader, and soon joined the Metropolitan Opera.  She charmed vast audiences with her rendition of her own arrangement of "The Sky Pilot", "Black Rock", and other beautiful stories.  As she sang the beautiful sacred songs and those immortal hymns, she made a lasting impression on her hearers.  Many of the older people of Our Town may recall when this prima donna came home on a visit and gave a concert at the Methodist Church.  Her rendition of "The Holy City" on this occasion has never been forgotten by those who listened.  She sleeps in a cemetery in Washington, D.C.
Florence Spencer Owen, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Ambrose Spencer, who came from the East in the early days, was  a school teacher, a teacher of music and was talented with a sweet soprano voice that thrilled her hearers for years.
The Jordan family was a family of music.  Miss Ann Jordan, a singing school leader, started many young people on a musical career.
John G. Mitchell, a son of a sturdy Scotch family, who came early, was a baritone of renown.  One of his favorite solos was "Rocked In The Cradle of The Deeps."  For years he was leader in the male and mixed quartet's Somers was so proud of.  He was a singing school master and started many of our young people in the music world.
And so on down the decades, our people have added much to the field of music.  The descendants of those pioneers are carrying on in the field of music - Mrs. Mabel Yule Longmore, Jay W. Rhodes, Mrs. Mabelle Cook Rhodes, Mrs. Eunice Bradley Bullamore, Mrs. Elizabeth Flett Felton."
(Source:  Photo of Lily Runals and information above, My Memoirs by Minnie A.G. Ozanne.  Copyright 1948 - Minnie A.G. Ozanne.  All Rights Reserved.)

(Source: Photo of Lily Runals and information above, My Memoirs by Minnie A.G. Ozanne. Copyright 1948 - Minnie A.G. Ozanne. All Rights Reserved.)

Somers Band Stand - Mitchell Park
Our first park was in the Village of Somers, and for many years band concerts and social activities were enjoyed at "The Mitchell Park" where a fine band stand was built.  The Third Somers Brass Band, under the direction of John G. Mitchell, and these musicians, Fred W. Leet, Adam Lytle, Robert and Burdette Burgess, Elmer Cooper, Sherman Gibbon, Anton Nelson, William Munroe, Maurace Gould, Delbert Bishop, and Ray Mitchell, the drummer boy, offered many fine entertainments.
Ray Mitchell later became leader of an Illinois State Military Band.  A story of the first and second bands organized in Somers is not available.

(Source: My Memoirs by Minnie A.G. Ozanne. Copyright 1948 - Minnie A.G. Ozanne. All Rights Reserved.)

Baseball "Specials"

Somers "Specials" Baseball Team
Note on photo: Chris Birch was a manager of this team after he could not pitch anymore.  Some men are still from Somers Grey's team.  Year taken unknown. Strifling was assistant manager.
(Source:  Original photo courtesy of Jim and Sharon Bose Smith.)

Back Row - Standing

#1 - Otto Strifling (Assistant)

#2 - Joe Weyers

#3 - George Thomas

#4 - Yule

#5 - Bill Reider

#6 - Chris Birch (Manager)

Seated - Left to Right

#7 - Thomas

#8 - Middlecamp

? Unknown

Two Men in Front

#9 - Feest

#10 - Bill Birch - Catcher

Woodmen Hall

Photo of the Somers Greys Baseball team in front of the Somers Woodmen Hall
The Photo was taken in 1910.  Newspaper reports noted below are evidence the Hall was built in 1904.
(Source:  Original photograph courtesy of Jim and Sharon Bose Smith.  2012 Copyright.  All Rights Reserved.)

Map of the "village" of Somers
See Somers Woodmen Hall, Camp No. 828,  located west of the rail road tracks, north side of Highway E (Somers Road).

News article about Somers Modern Woodmen Hall
Kenosha News March 7, 1944
Original clipping courtesy of Ernest "Bunkie" Tabbert

About the Modern Woodmen of America
The Modern Woodmen of America was founded in 1883.  It was a national fraternal benefit society that protected families from financial disasters following the death of the breadwinner by offering life insurance through social, charitable and volunteer activities.  By 1901 Woodmen life insurance in force exceeded $1 billion.  As a fraternal organization the Woodmen Society was organized around a lodge system call "camps".  Somers was "Camp No. 828".  The "camps" were organized in communities offering fellowship and community service opportunities.

During the deadly tuberculosis epidemic of the early 1900's, the Modern Woodmen opened a Sanatorium near Colorado Springs, Colorado to provide aid to members stricken with the disease.  Costing $1.5 million to create, this Sanatorium was considered the best of its kind anywhere.  It employed 155 employees and had the capacity for 245 patients.  From 1909 to 1947 the Sanatorium provided free treatment to more than 12,000 Woodmen members.  The Sanatorium offered board, lodging, treatment, medicine, dental work and laundering, all at no expense to the patient.  The only required expense was transportation to the Sanatorium and most local camps paid for that.  The Sanatorium achieved a remarkable 70% recovery rate.  The Sanatorium is considered to be one of the Modern Woodmen's greatest achievements.
As you will see below, Somers participated in the fund raising and support of the Sanatorium.  Below is a sample showing the Somers "camp" was very active as early as the late 1800's.

More About Woodmen Hall in Somers
"Saturday, June 12, 1899 a concert will be given at the Presbyterian Church under the auspices of the Modern Woodman Camp, No. 828.  Twenty-four pieces of the Jacoby Military Bank of Kenosha will be present and assist in the program.  Also Mrs. L. L. Owen, Miss Rhodes, Professors Mitchell and Toase, and others will take part.  This entertainment promises to be the musical event of the season.  Ice cream will be served on the lawn after the concert."
(Source:  Racine Weekly Journal June 15, 1899)

"Now that Main Street has been graveled, our village mayor has expressed his opinion to the effect that the little burg of Somers is on the verge of a great boom.  he suggested that the people fall in line and put up a hall large enough to accommodate the public when a concert or lecture is to be given.  The gentleman has voice the sentiment of a great many people in the community who witnessed the turning away of nearly 100 persons on Saturday evening for the reason that the church was packed to the doors, the occasion being the grand concert given by the Modern Woodmen.
A few weeks ago when Mr. F.G. Mitchell made a proposition to the Modern Woodmen to join hands with him in giving a concert for the benefit of the Order, it met with such favor that every one went to work with a will and no pains were spared to make it the great event of the season.,  Mr. Mitchell fulfilled his contract by preparing a program that was a treat to over 200 persons on Saturday evening while the Woodmen took charge of the refreshments.  This was the largest crowd that has ever assembled in our town and although everything was done to seat all who attended it was an impossibility and many late comers were disappointed in not gaining admission."
(Source:  Racine Daily Journal, June 28, 1899)

"Everyone will be pleased to learn that an effort is being made at present to raise money sufficient to build a hall in our village.  For years and years the need of such a building has been apparent to all.  The camp of Modern Woodmen, consisting of nearly one hundred members, has felt the need of a "home" which they could call their own and in view of this a committee has been circulating subscription papers and are meeting with good success.  Subscriptions, however, are not limited to Woodmen only, but those who desire to take stock in the building are permitted to do so.  Water works and electric lights may come some day, but let the hall come now for this is a necessity as all will admit.  We hope every Woodman will fall in line and call on the committee at their earliest convenience."
(Source:  Racine Journal, March 8, 1900)

"A meeting of the Modern Woodmen will be held of Saturday evening of this week.  It is very essential that all members be present as further arrangements for the new Woodmen Hall will be made."
(Source:  Racine Daily Journal, June 6, 1900)

"W. E. Bain, one of our leading merchants and who has conducted a store in the village for a great many years, will close out his stock as soon as possible, having sold his tore and other surrounding buildings, including the one-half acre of land to members of the Somers Camp of Modern Woodmen."
(Source:  January 17, 1902)

"A meeting of the stockholders of the Woodmen Hall Association held Saturday night, Henry Lytle, W.J. Rhodes, and N.E. Thoompson, were elected as a Board of Directors to manage the business. At the directors' meeting, Henry Lytle was elected president, W.J. Rhodes vice president and N.E. Thompson secretary and treasurer. The officials request all who have not paid for the stock subscribed to do so at once."
(Source: February 21, 1902)

"The following officers were elected for a one year term at the meeting of the Modern Woodmen Camp No 828, Somers, Saturday evening.
V.C. - Frank DeLine
W.A. - L. E. Ozanne
Ex. B. - E. Gardinier
Clerk - N.E. Thompson
Escort - M.A. Gould
Watchman - Wm. McFarland
Sentry - W.H. King
Manager - Wm. Lauer
Physician - Dr. Ripley
(Source:  Racine Daily Journal, December 5, 1903)

"B.F. Yule has been awarded the contract to build the new Woodmen Hall, the dimensions of which will be 30 x 70 feet and two stories high."
(Source:  Racine Journal, March 4, 1904)

"The Modern Woodmen of Somers will hold their annual "oyster supper" at their new Hall Tuesday evening, January 17.  Everybody is cordially invited to attend, and thus show their appreciation of the work the Modern Woodmen Society is doing in this place."
(Source: Racine Journal January 13, 1905)

"The Modern Woodmen Hall is much improved in appearance by a coat of paint.  Mt. Tabbert did the work."
(Source:  Racine Daily Journal August 13, 1907)

"Somers Athletic Club will give a mask ball at Woodmen Hall on Friday evening this week, January 17.  The Murray Orchestra will furnish the music.  Everybody is invited."
(Source:  January 14, 1908)

"The United Produce Growers and Shippers of Southern Wisconsin held a meeting at Woodmen Hall, Saturday March 14.  Although there was not a very large attendance everybody took great interest in the Association and nearly everyone present became a member and a great many more here have promised to join."
(Source: Racine Journal March 17, 1908)

"Somers Camp of the Modern Woodmen Association, No. 828, will give a dance at Woodmen Hall on New Year's Eve."
(Source:  Racine Daily Journal December 29, 1908)

"Arrangements are completed for the big county Woodmen picnic to be held at Leet's Petrifying Springs on Labor Day, Sept 6.  The famous Italian Bank of twenty-five pieces of Kenosha will be on the grounds at 10 o'clock a.m. to entertain all day.  Baseball at 11 o'clock between Herzog Corners and Corliss teams of Corliss.  During the afternoon, Woodmen of note will be on the platform and deliver interesting addresses.  Baseball, Racine vs. Somers; foot racing, fat man's race, girls' races, potato, egg and apple races will make up the sports.  Buses will meet both electric line trains all day.  The Chicago, Milwaukee Electric at the Birch Road and the Milwaukee Racine Kenosha Line at Pike River crossing, so people from Racine and Kenosha can get to and from the grounds conveniently.  Dinner will be served at noon.  A Grand Ball will begin at the Woodmen Hall in the evening."
(Source:  Racine Daily Journal August 31, 1909)

"On Friday evening of this week, February 18, Somers Camp Royal Neighbors of America No 4052 will give a basket social at Woodmen Hall.  The ladies will furnish baskets containing lunch for two and coffee will be served free.  The proceeds will be donated to the Modern Woodmen Sanitarium Fund.  Everybody is cordially invited and a social good time is promised all who attend.  it is to be hoped that Somers Camp Modern Woodmen of American No 828 will attend with their ladies and assist in aiding a most worthy cause.

"The Farmers' Institute will be held at Woodmen Hall on March 8 and 9.  A good program will be given each day.  Many subjects of interest and also instructive to the farmer will be treated.  A home talent program assisted by some able speaker is being arranged for the evening of March 8.  The ladies of the two churches of the village will serve dinner each day in the dining room.  Everybody will be interested in making this institute the best ever held in this community."
(Source:  Racine Daily Journal February 15, 1910)

"The property of the Woodmen Hall Association is being greatly improved by grading up to the level of the highway in front of the hall."
(Source:  October 11, 1910)

"The question was presented, "shall the Town of Somers purchase the building known as Modern Woodmen Hall?"  The vote FOR was 57 and AGAINST was 132.
(Source:  Racine Journal April 5, 1922)

Heddle



1924 Map of the Village of Somers
Fred Heddle parcel north side of Highway E or Somers Road.


Frederick W. Heddle
Frederick W. Heddle was born in 1863 in Illinois.  He was the son of David and Mary Yule Heddle.  David Heddle was born July 24, 1827 in Shapinshav, Orkney, Scotland.  He came to America June 2, 1855 and first settled for a short itme in Millburn, Illinois where he met upon the Yule family, some of which moved to Somers Township from Millburn, Illinois.  David Heddle married Mary Yule, July 1861 in Somers Township.  Mary was born Feb. 16, 1836 in Aberdeen, Scotland and is the daughter of Alexander Yule and Jane Watson Yule.
David and Mary lived in Somers until 1863 when they moved to Newport, Lake County, Illinois
Children of David and Mary:
Frederick W. born in Illinois about 1863.  Lived in Somers and worked as a carpenter.  Died October 26, 1925.
Cora Jane born in Illinois about 1866 (also seen Aug 4, 1965) and died June 3, 1891
Margaret Eleanor born in Illinois 1870.  Married John Connell.
David born about 1871 and died Aug. 14, 1872.
Marion/MaryAnn/Mollie (have seen all three names in census reports) born about 1877.
After the death of David Heddle on November 12, 1880,  Mary Yule Heddle moved back to Somers with her son Frederick W. and daughter Marion/MaryAnn/Mollie.  Fred Heddle lived in the village of Somers.
(Source:  Partial information from the Historic Millburn Community Assoc., Inc.)

More About Heddle
"Judge and Mrs. D.H. Flett of Racine and Dr. Charles Flett of Waterford spent Sunday with Mrs. Mary Heddle."
(Source:  Racine Daily Journal publication date Aug. 22, 1902)

"Mrs. Mary Heddle and Miss Annie Yule have been very ill at Millburn, Illinois but are reported better."
(Source:  Racine Journal publication date April 3, 1903)

There are seven vacncies in the public schools.  Normal school training is now required of all applicants for positions.  Mollie Heddle, Somers, Kenosha County, Graduate of rochester Academy and Whitewater Normal."
(Source:  Racine Daily Journal, publication date June 1, 1905)

"Mr. Fred Heddle has returned from a trip to Denver, Colorado.  Mr. Heddle has been selected as Director of the Stamp springs Mining Co., Denver, Colorado."
(Source:  Racine Journal News, publication date Sept. 28, 1909).



More About Mary Yule Heddle
"Mrs. Mary Heddle, age 76, widow of the late David Heddle and one of the best known of the pioneer residents of the Town of Somers, was found dead in bed at  her home just after 6 o'clock Wednesday morning.  Death came during the night but it came so peacefully that the other members of the household did not know that Mrs. Heddle had been ill until her son Fred went to her room to call her for breakfast and found her dead.  Mrs. Heddle had been in the best of health as of Tuesday and after the big rain of Tuesday afternoon had walked more than a half mile to the house of a neighbor where she had made a social visit.  When she returned she did not complain of any illness.  The deceased was a daughter of the late Alexander Yule, one of the first settlers of the Town of Somers.  She was born Feb. 16, 1836 and spent much of her time in Somers Township.  She is survived by one son, Fred of Somers, and two daughters Mrs. John Connell of Russell, Illinois and Mrs. Ira Burgess of Kellogg's Corners and also by six brothers.  Mrs. Heddle was a half sister of George H.Yule and John T. Yule of this city.
Mrs. Heddle was united in marriage to David Heddle in 1861.  Mr. Heddle died 31 years ago.
The remains of Mrs. Heddle were taken to Millburn, Illinois where a short service was conducted by Rev. Safford. A quartet from Milburn sang a number of favorite songs.  Interment beside her husband and daughter in the family plot in the Millburn, Illinois cemetery.
(Source:  Racine Journal News, publication date May 30, 1912)

Thom



Partial 1887 Map, Somers Township, Kenosha County
A. Thom parcels
Section 1:  22 acres, 30 acres, and another parcel 80 acres
Section 2: 5 acres

Also:  Mrs. J. Thom owned 75 acres in Section 11 but it is not clear if this person is related to A. Thom.

Click on the map for a larger view.




Alexander Thom

Alexander Thom
ALEX THOM DIES SUDDENLY WITH HEART ATTACK
NORTH BEND, September 12, 1928
"This community was shocked Wednesday morning to hear that one of her foremost citizens, Alex Thom, has passed away at 1:45 following a sudden heart attack.
Mr. Thom was in his usual good health on Tuesday and had accompanied Mrs. Thom in the car to the post office for the evening mail.  His attack came on in the middle of the night and he passed away despite medical attention.
For many years Alex Thom has been prominent in business and politics of North Bend and had been elected Mayor for four terms.  He came to North Bend in 1882 when he associated himself with Smith & Mallon, a firm engaged in handling imported horses.   His specialty was of raising blooded Clydesdale horses and Chester White swine.  Four years later he purchased a farm and turned his attention vigorously to general farming and stock raising until 1892, when he retired and again became a citizen of North Bend.  He was a staunch churchman having been a lifelong member of the United Presbyterian Church and was one of the country's leading prohibitionists and elected Mayor on a dry ticket.
He was one of the organizers and the president of the First State Bank of North Bend but had retired and severed his connections with it several years ago.
Alexander Thom was born in Aberdeenshire, Scotland, September 25, 1847 and would have been 81 years old this month.  He was afforded the advantages of the schools of his native land and was associated with farm enterprises.  In 1877 he came to this country and settled in Wisconsin, where for five years, he was the foreman of an estate owned by Henry B. Sherman in Dodge County, Wisconsin.
The deceased has been married three times.  His first wife was Margaret Agen of Illinois who died in 1892.  For his second wife he married Anna Colllins, who died a few years later.  On April 15, 1913 he married Laura Miller of North Bend, who survives him with one daughter, Mrs. Andrew Harvey of Fremont.  Mr. Thom was the last member of his family.
Mr. Thom was held in high esteem by everyone who knew him and he had a large acquaintance over Dodge County.  He was recognized as a radical prohibitionist and was zealous in the furtherance of the national observance.
Funeral arrangements have not yet been completed but it will probably be held from the family home Saturday afternoon at 2:30 with burial in Woodlawn Cemetery.

More About Alexander Thom
Alexander Thom  was born in Aberdeenshire, Scotland, September 25, 1847, and is the son of William and Christina (Chalmers) Thom.  William Thom was a farmer by vocation and both he and his wife were zealous members of the Free Church of Scotland.  Of the six children of William and Christina, three came to the United States:  William became a resident of Nebraska and whose death occurred in a hospital at Omaha, December 13, 1919; Isabelle who was the wife of James Thain of Illinois, and Alexander.  Of the other three children, James and George died in Scotland and Andrew was pastor of a church in Stirlingshire as a representative clergyman of the Free Church of Scotland.

More About Alexander Thom and B.F. Yule
CENTENNIAL OF THE ALEXANDER THOM BARN
Thom Barn Centennial Celebration - July 9, 1988
By Donald Harvey
Dodge County Historical Society

"For one hundred years, the candy striped barn north of North Bend, Nebraska has been a landmark for local residents and is listed as one of the historic sites and points of interest in Dodge county.
The barn was constructed during 1888 for Alexander Thom, my grandfather, by Benjamin Franklin (B.F.) Yule, a friend and master barn builder from Somers, Wisconsin.
My favorite stories during my boyhood involved this barn.  My mother, Mabel Thom Harvey, who was Alexander Thom's only child, was born in what is now the dining room of the farm house on October 8, 1888, the same year Frank Yule built the barn.  How I loved the stories of her childhood, the animals and the barn.
Alexander Thom emigrated to America in 1877, spending five years in Wisconsin.  In 1882, he came to North bend to manage the horse importing business of the firm of Smith and Mallon.  In 1886, he bought 160 acres of land, lying on the hill overlooking the Platte valley.
In March 1888, Alex Thom wrote a letter to B. Frank Yule, in Wisconsin, asking him to design a barn for the hillside, with dimensions to accommodate his Clydesdale stock and an upstairs drive-in loft.  he also requested him to figure a bill for lumber.
The original structure was built without nails and, if you look at the beams inside, you will see they are held in place by the oak "pins" which Frank Yule spent the winter of 1888 making.  Through the years I have been intrigued by the beams, supports, pegs and the angles made by them.
Following the standard practice of the time, the wall skeleton was assembled on the ground and teams of horses were used to raise the sides, or "bents" as they were called.  One newspaper account said "it took 50 teams of horses and a lot of men to pull the sides up and pin them together with pegs."
Mr. Yule's wages for the job included $191.75 cash and his fare from Millburn and Wisconsin to North Bend and his return home.  B. Frank Yule was the father of Blanche Thom, wife of Dr. James Thom of North Bend, Dr. James Thom was a nephew of Alex Thom.
The walnut mallet and broad ax used by Yule during the construction are on display at the barn.  These are a gift of his granddaughter, Mrs. Katherine Thom Knox of Lincoln.  They were given to her by her uncle, Earl Yule of Wisconsin.  Earl Yule told Katherine that his father always stood on his head stop the framework of the barn after it was all in place and that Benjamin Franklin Yule was of slight build, 5'9" in height.
Since I was only three years old when my grandfather died in 1928, I don't have many tales to tell.  There are no surviving records of the building of the barn or records of the Clydesdale importing and breeding business.
We do have two silver medals granted in 1882 and 1883 by the Nebraska Board of Agriculture.  The legend engraved on them states they were awarded for the best mare and best stallion of any age shown at the state fair during those years.
In 1893 or 1894, Alex Thom moved to North Bend and was one of the organizers and president of the First State Bank (1907).  he was also Mayor of North Bend for four different terms.  Most of the family stories seem to be centered around his North Bend life rather than the farm.
In 1935, major repairs were begun on the barn.  It needed a new foundation, shingles and was painted in 1937, but the painters left the barn red with no white stripes.  It was not until 1964 that the barn was again painted and the white stripes were added once more.  The barn was painted again in 1976 and this past year Joe Woita has restored and painted the barn for its centennial.
In 1979 Dr. Andre Harvey, my father and son-in-law of Alex Thom, gave use of the barn to the Dodge County Historical Society for the display of agricultural items.  He wished future generations to see the horse drawn equipment he knew in his youth.

Barns of Somers

The Nicholas Thomas Barn
Wood Road, unpaved, in front of barn.
(Source:  Original photo courtesy of the Robert Thomas Family)

Introduction
One way we can document the settlement of Somers Township is knowing when our pioneers built houses and barns.  We know by the biographical sketches I have provided in this blog, settlers in the early 1830's built log cabins and lean shelters as their first homes and shelters.  These structures provided temporary shelter while our first settlers cleared the land so planting could begin.  Once the pioneer became settled and earned money, a more modern and permanent house and barn were constructed.
When were the barns in Somers Township built? 
To answer that question I researched the "Neighborhood News" columns, published by the Racine Journal News or Racine Daily Journal.  The "Neighborhood News" column was written by Minnie Ozanne, the news reporter that represented Somers. This list represents information I could find - not a complete list.  The date in parenthesis represents the date the post was published in the newspaper.

Who built the barns?
Most of the barns in this area were built by Mr. Lauer or Mr. Yule. They also were Somers pioneers and you may find their biographical sketches in this blog of interest.

What makes old barns so appealing?
Could it be that it represents a hardworking, gritty way of life.  A visit inside an old barn immediately draws you in and captures a way of life that no longer exists.  The hand hewn timbers, the smell, the odds and ends that have been hanging on a old nail for the past eighty years all peak the interest of those who visit a barn.  Somers Township, still today, has some fine examples of old barns.

I would welcome an invitation to take photographs of some of our old pioneer barns still standing, inside and out. This is the perfect place to preserve and share history.

Somers Barns

Anderson (05-05-1908) "M.A. Anderson received a car load of lumber for a new barn. William Lauer will do the carpenter work."

Anderson (04-18-1911) "M.A. Anderson had a large barn raising Monday morning.  This barn, when completed, will be one of the largest in this section of the county.  Mr. and Mrs. Rasmussen served dinner to about 40 men."

Barrows (01-06-1905) "Jacob Barrows has received a car load of brick for a basement under his barn."

Biehn (03-15-1907) "Jacob Biehn is unloading brick at Somers for the foundation of his new barn."

Biehn (05-23-1917) "Henry Biehn had a barn raising Friday.  50 neighbor assisting.  William Lauer has the contract."

Boelter (03-02-1906) "Mr. Herman Boelter has received his lumber for a new barn he will build in the spring."

Bohm (03-29-1904) "August Bohm is drawing sand from Kenosha for the foundation of his new barn."

Bush (03-21-1901) "Emory Bush received two car loads of  lumber last week for his new barn."

Bush (05-30-1901) "Emory Bush's barn was raised Thursday afternoon."

Chaffee (06-13-1900) "William Miller is drawing stone from Mr. Chaffe's farm for the foundation of his new barn."

Christensen (05-23-1917) "A barn dance will be held at Theodore Christensen's new barn on Saturday evening."

Corbett (09-15-1914) "James Due of Racine is building the foundation of Thomas Corbett's new barn."

Drew (09-21-1909) "Eric Jensen met with a distressing accident Monday afternoon while at work on William Drew's new barn. It seems while he, with other carpenters, were moving a barrel of oil which slipped and his hand was caught between the building and barrel. Two fingers were badly crushed. Dr. Belting put four stitches in one finger and three in another."

Fink (02-24-1921) "Edward Fink expects to build another new barn."

Fink (10-31-1911) "Edward Fink is building a new barn.  William Lauer and his force of carpenters are doing the work on the County Line Road."

Gitzlaff (03-27-1907) "Mr. August Gitzlaff received a car load of lumber last week for his new barn.  The barn will be 30 x 70.  B.F. Yule has the contract for the building."

Gross (04-06-1909) "William Lauer and his carpenters are building a barn for William Gross."

Hamilton (08-16-1909)  "William Lauer and George Hamilton visited Chicago recently where Mr. Hamilton will purchase lumber for his new house."

Hansche (05-16-1899) "Carpenters are at work at the Hansche Bros. storehouse."

Hughes (02-08-1911) "Marvin Hughes had a large barn raising Tuesday afternoon.  William Lauer and his carpenters are doing the work.  Mr. Hughes will build an addition to his house this spring."

Jensen (05-07-1914) "Chris A. Jensen had a barn raising on Saturday afternoon.  About 35 of his neighbors and friends were there to assist.  A bountiful dinner was served after the raising.  Erick Jensen is doing the carpenter work."

Knudsen (03-27-1903) "Hans Knudsen has completed his barn and as soon as the weather permits he will begin building his new house."

Leet Bros. (09-07-1910) "The Leet Bros. are hauling lumber from Racine for anew barn they expect to build this spring.  B.F. Yule and Fred Heddle have the contract for carpenter work."

Lichter (10-9-1912) "George Lichter is going to build a new barn on the farm he recently purchased, known as the Soens farm.  William Lauer has the contract on the carpenter work."

Mutchie (05-10-1910) "John Mutchie had a big barn raising Thursday forenoon.  About 75 men was present and assisted in the raising.  At noon a bounteous repast was served.  Mr. Mutchie will have one of the largest and most convenient barns in this vicinity when it is finished."

Newman (06-30-1898) "A large company of men aided at the barn raising at Mrs. Marcia Newman's on Monday afternoon.  Tables were set and a bountiful supper was served."

Pedley (02-21-1902) "John Pedley is hauling lumber from Racine for a new cattle barn."

Porter (11-06-1898)  "The barn on the Porter farm is undergoing repairs.  B.F. Yule is doing the work."

Rhodes (01-05-1909) "Mr. Jay Rhodes had a barn raising Wednesday."

Lavin (04-13-1906) "Mr. Lavin is drawing lumber from Racine for a new barn."

Lee (12-21-1906) "Rollie Lee expects a barn raising Friday afternoon."

Leet (06-07-1901 "Mrs. Jessie Leet had her barn raising Saturday."

Leet (04-06-1909) "The Leet Bros. are hauling lumber from Racine for a new barn they expect to build in the spring. B.F. Yule and Fred Headie have the contract for the carpenter work."

Lichter (04-10-1914) "Mr. Frank Lichter built a new barn.  Will Lauer and his men did the carpenter work."

Miller (05-31-1900) "Wm. Miller received two car loads of lumber for his new barn last week."

Miller (06-27-1900) "Dan Pedley began work on Wm. Miller's new barn Tuesday. B.F. Yule and F. Heddle are building a large barn at Milburn, Illinois."

Miller (07-17-1900) "Wm. Miller barn raising will happen today."

Mutchie (05-10-1910) "John Mutchie had a big barn raising Thursday afternoon.  About 75 men were present and assisted in the raising.  At noon, a bouteous repast was served.  Mr. Mutchie will have one of the largest and most convenient barns in this vicinity when it is finished."

Ozanne (06-16-1905) "Pierre and L.E. Ozanne received a car load of lumber for their new barn last week.  B.F. Yule will do the carpenter work."

Ozanne (07-04-1895) "Perhaps it would be a little interesting to the readers of this journal, especially to those of the eastern part of Kenosha County to know that the first barn ever built in the Town of Somers was until recently, still in existence.  The barn was built about the year 1838, and now owned by E.G. Ozanne, who has taken it down, using some of the hard wood timbers for a new building.  On June 18, 1842, James Ozanne and family arrived at Racine from the Isle of Guernsey and on July 4th following, purchased the farm of 335 acres, on which the barn stood.  The farm was afterward's divided up into three."

Rasmussen (02-25-1907) "Matt Rasmussen received a carload of lumber on Monday morning for a new barn to be erected on farm No. 2.  The building is to be 54 x 40.  William Lauer will do the work."

Rasmussen (07-29-1920) "William Lauer and his force of carptenters are building a barn on the M.A. Rasmussen north farm."

Rasmussen (12-08-1905) "Mr. Martin Rasmussen is building an addition to his barn.  William Lauer is doing the carpenter work."

Smith (05-02-1911) "Samuel Smith is building a new barn iin which a large dance will be held next month."

Spencer (09-15-1910) "James E. Spencer received a car load of crushed stone last week for the concrete work in the new barn he recently built."

Spencer (10-27-1910) "James E. Spencer is having concrete floors built in his barn."

Swartz (07-18-1911) "William Lauer and his carpenters will soon begin work on a barn for Jacob Swartz."

Thompson (06-23-1916) "Thompson Bros. are building a large barn.  William Lauer and his force of carpenters are doing the work."

Woodward (06-10-1914) "Woodward Bros. are hauling gravel for their new barn."

Yonk (02-24-1921) "John Yonk is installing a water system in his dairy barn."