Achterhof

Matthue Achterhof is a native of Holland, born February 1, 1856, son of Jacob and Grace (Lait) Achterhof, of Holland, who came to America May 1, 1881, and lived with their son at Grand Rapids, Mich. The father died there in 1888. Matthue received his education in Holland and did military service two years, coming to America in 1881. He settled at Grand Rapids, Mich., and engaged in a furniture factory until 1888, when he started a general store, continuing for three years. He then came to Baldwin township in 1891 and purchased forty acres of land, half of which he broke, made general improvements, built a house and outbuildings. Mr. Achterhof was married in the month of September 1883, to Katie Borgman, also of Holland, daughter of Arand and Wilhelmina, who settled in Grand Rapids, Mich. Severn chldren have blessed this union: Jacob, Wilhelmina, Grace, John, Adraina, Johannas and Rena. Jacob married Dena Redimaker, of Baldwin, and Wilhelmina married Herman Gratenhause, of Erin Prairie, Wis. The other five are at home. Mr. Achterhof is a republican in politics and the family religion is that of the Reformed Christian church.  (taken from "History of the St. Croix Valley", published in 1909)

Percy Adams is a native of Ontario, Canada, born September 30, 1876, son of Joseph and Hannah (Johnston) Adams, both natives of Canada. They came to Stanton, St. Croix county, Wis., in 1882, and took up farming, which they followed until Josephs death, April 16, 1906. Percy F. received a good common school education and attended the New Richmond High School. After leaving his studies he took up farming with his father. Later he bought the old homestead. One of his big barns was destroyed by lightning, September 12, 1905, entailing considerable loss. Mr. Adams does a general farming, paying particular attention to dairying. December 29, 1897, Mr. Adams was married to Angie, daughter of Roland and Mira Hemenway, prominent farmers of Star Prairie, Wis. Three children have blessed this union: Harold, Ward and Laura. All are at home and at school. For seven years Mr. Adams was clerk of school district No. 4, of Stanton, and his services have always been efficient and faithfully performed. He is an independent voter and belongs to the Modern Woodsmen, Fremont Lodge, No. 2,993, of New Richmond, Wis. The family worships at the First Baptist church, New Richmond. Mr. Adams is prosperous and progressive and well liked by all who know him. He works hard, and it is his ambition to have one of the best kept farms in the township. He is still a young man, and has yet many years of prosperity and honors ahead of him. Mrs. Adams is also a woman of ability, and the three bright children are being given the advantages of an excellent school education as well as ideal home training. Reference: Taken from "History of the St. Croix Valley", published in 1909

Adgate

L. J. Adgate is a native of this county, born at Troy, Wis., December 12, 1863, son of L. A. and Sarah (Lapham) Adgate. The mother was born in England and the father in Ohio. When the Civil war broke out the father was drafted by the Confederates, but being of union tendencies, he escaped and joined the federal army, serving in Company A, Fourth Kansas Cavalry. After a short time in the service, during which time he showed marked courage and bravery, he was stricken with a fever and died in a hospital. The mother, after having been burned out by the Confederates, reached the Ohio river and escaped, coming north to her home in Troy, Wis. She lived successively in Troy, Hudson and Boardman until 1873, when she was married to the Rev. J. W. Chariton, a Methodist clergyman, riding on the Cylon circuit. He died in 1903, and the widow now makes her home in River Falls, Wis. L. J. Adgate received a good education in the public schools and then entered the normal school at River Falls, Wis. For five years he taught school and in 1884 came to Cylon and clerked for the firm of Beebe Brothers & Co., dealers in general merchandise. In 1886 he and F. M. Beebe bought out this firm and conducted the store under the name of F. M. Beebe & Co. In 1889 F. M. Beebe sold his interest to S S. Beebe and the firm became Beebe & Adgate. In 1891 the store burned, entailing a loss of $5,000, only half of which was insured. Later Mr. Adgate started business for himself and continued same until 1893, when he sold out to R. S. Beebe. He then went to New Richmond and bought the "New Richmond Voice," a weekly newspaper. Under his management the paper increased its circulation and doubled its influence. In 1894 he sold the paper to E. J. Scott and returned to Cylon, again purchasing his old stand of R. S. Beebe. Since that time he has continued to manage the business and has made of it a pronounced success, his goods having a reputation for their quality for many miles around. In 1900 Mr. Adgate received the appointment as postmaster of the village of Cylon, which position he still retains greatly to the pleasure of the patrons of the office who have been so well served during his regime. In November 1888, L. J. Adgate was united in matrimony with Nora McNamara, of Cylon, daughter of Michael and Katherine (Hagerty) McNamara, natives of Ireland, who came to this country and became prominent farmers of Cylon. Mr. and Mrs. Adgate have no children, but have made a home for Mrs. Adgates brothers children, Myrtle and Margaret McNamara, to whom they have given a parents love and care. Mr. Adgate is a staunch Republican and an active advocate of the platform of that party. He also fraternizes with the Modern Woodmen of America, belonging to Cylon Lodge, No. 6,569. He is a public-spirited gentleman and an ardent friend of the public school system. He is a clever businessman, but always tempers his business dealings with the milk of human kindness, and his liberal handedness has made many poor people happy. He is also a loyal friend, loving husband and a good citizena true gentleman in everything that the word implies. (taken from "History of the St. Croix Valley", published in 1909)

Aldridge

A.H. Aldridge is one of the leading businessmen of Roberts, the business of which he has charge being one of the principal industries of the village. His career has been one of active participation in the grain business since early youth. He was born in Milwaukee, Wis., October 9, 1861, a son of Stephen Adridge. His father and mother died in Milwaukee. He received a good education and then took up the grain business, thoroughly mastering every detail. In 1882 he came to Roberts and started buying grain, an occupation for which his wide knowledge of grain conditions and market makes him eminently fitted and suited.

At the present time he is secretary of the Wisconsin Elevator Company, which consists of three men, owning ten elevators and handling over 1,000,000 bushels of grain annually. Mr. Aldridge is one of the stockholders. He owns a handsome town residence and also 160 acres of land in the township. He is an up-to-date man, and his combined city and country training has made him a man whom it is well worth while meeting. Everything that he possesses he has made by his own hard labor and business sagacity. In 1887 he was married to Laura Lamson, daughter of David Lamson, of whom a sketch will be found in this history. Three children have blessed this union: Stephen is a graduate of the high school at Hudson, Wis., while Lucile and Alice are at home. Mr. Aldridge votes the Democratic ticket and for many years served as town treasurer. He is a good citizen, well liked by all.

Charles Andett is a native of Michigan, born in June 1853. He is the son of Charles and Florence Andett. Charles, Sr., was a clerk in Canada, where he was born, but upon coming to Wisconsin in 1853 he took up farming, which he followed until the time of his death. Charles, Jr., after completing his education in the common schools also adopted farming as an occupation. He owns 240 acres of land, 200 of which are under the plow. All the breaking up and clearing was done by Mr. Andett and he made all the improvements on the place. He carries on general farming and stock raising. For twenty years he has run a threshing machine, which he has used in all parts of this section of the country. Mr. Andett, who votes the Democratic ticket, has served on the sideboard for two years. He has also held all the school offices. He is a member of the Independent Order of Foresters. He was married in 1876 to Mary Adams, by whom he has a family of eight children: Christian, William, Freddie, Lena, Emma, Annie, Jennie and Lottie. Mr. Andett is known in the community as a hard working citizen, always ready to shoulder his share of any effort that he believes to be for the good of the community at large. Mr. Andett resides in St. Joseph Township. Reference: Taken from "History of the St. Croix Valley", published in 1909

Albert Anderson was born in Polk County, on a farm in Eureka Township, this state, son of Carl and Anna Marie Anderson. His parents were born in Sweden and immigrated to the United States, locating at St. Croix Falls, Polk County, in 1869. In 1871 his father took up a homestead, which he improved and which he now owns and occupies. The mother died in 1904 at the age of sixty-nine years. Of her ten children six are now living. The early life of Albert Anderson was spent on a farm. In the summer he helped in the fields and in the winter attended the district schools. By close application to his work he so far surpassed the other scholars that he was chosen as teacher in the public school. At the age of twenty, seeing the need of a better education, he entered the Macalister college, where he stayed for two years, after which he went to Washington, D. C., and accepted a position with the government, arranging his work so that he could still pursue a course of study. During the two years spent at this point he attended the Columbia university, after which he went to Madison, Wis., where he was employed in the office of the secretary of state. While at Madison he decided to turn his attention to the law, and after a three years course at the law school at the State University he graduated in 1905. In the spring of that same year Mr. Anderson came to Hudson and formed a partnership with John L. Gleason. In December 1906, he bought out the business and now has one of the best-appointed law offices in the city. In September 1907, Mr. Anderson formed a partnership with N. O Varnum, and is now practicing under the firm name of Varnum and Anderson. Mr. Anderson is a genial and whole-hearted man and always inspires that feeling of confidence in the hearts of all who deal with him, which is so necessary to success in the law business. He is a young man, and is self-made, having that push and energy that si bound to bring him even more abundant success in the future. (taken from "History of the St. Croix Valley", published in 1909)

Frank Anderson is a native of Waukesha, Waukesha county, this state, born August 29, 1856, son of Frank and Sarah (Sayers) Anderson, natives of England, who came to America in 1855 and located at Waukesha, where they remained six years. In 1861 they came to Hammond township and purchased eighty acres of land, adding from time to time until they owned 440 acres, nearly all of which was broken by the male members of the family, wheat being the principal crop raised. The father died in June 1878, and the mother passed away in June, 1905. Frank received a good education in the public schools of Hammond, after which he took up farming with his father. At the time of the latters death he took charge of the estate, which he has developed and improved, erecting modern farm buildings and a beautiful house. Mr. Anderson is unmarried, and has four sisters and one brother. Alice married T. J. Wilford, rural carrier of Hammond; Sarah married M. N. Obsien, a barber of New Richmond, this state; Emma died at five years; Hannah M. is at home, and E. C. is serving his second term as treasurer of St. Croix County. Mr. Anderson is a staunch Republican, and has served terms as clerk and treasurer of School District, No. 6. He affiliates with the Congregational church. His chief aim in life has been to be honest and upright. There is no one who lives who can say a word against him, and he is one of those men whom to know is to like. His farm is well kept, and he is well to do, his hard work having been crowned with success. (taken from "History of the St. Croix Valley", published in 1909)

Henry Anderson, lawyer, is a native of Norway, born in the month of January, 1855, a son of Andrew and Bertha (Nelson) Anderson, who were respected residents of the old country, where they lived and died. Henry received an excellent education in his native land, and in 1874 located at Madison, Wis., afterward coming to Baldwin, in 1875. He started work on a farm. Subsequently he attended the schools of Madison for two years, supplementing the excellent education, which he had already received, with training in English. He studied law in the office of H. F. Woodward, Senator Clapp and Armstrong Taylor until 1883, when he was admitted to the Wisconsin bar. He started the practice of his profession in 1884 in Cumberland, Wis., and after nine months came to Baldwin, where he continued to follow his profession until 1905, when he was elected cashier of the Bank of Baldwin, in which capacity he has since remained. During his years of labor as an attorney he was actively engaged in politics, being a staunch adherent of the Republican party. He has been chairman of the county board and of the county Republican committee. He has also held several town offices, and was elected to the state legislature, 1901, where his services attracted favorable attention. He is a member of the Masonic order, being a Knight Templar. His name also appears on the membership roll of tyh Independent Order of Odd Fellows and the Modern Woodmen of America.

He was married in 1886 to Lizzie O. Falck, by whom he has three children: Axel is a bookkeeper in the bank; Bert S. graduated from the Baldwin High school and now works for a Duluth wholesale hardware house, and Elmer is at home.

Alfred G. Armstrong, cashier of the People's National bank, is the son of Thomas S. and Rebecca (Boys) Armstrong. He was born in Guelph, Ontario, November 12, 1860. His father was born May 18, 1817, in Michigan, and the mother May 25, 1832, in Canada. They were married in Guelph Township, Ontario,. Alfred G. is the third of a family of sixteen children, all of whom still survive. John R., of Spring Valley, is the only other one in the United States.

Alfred attended the public schools in his native town and worked on his fathers farm until he attained his majority. In 1887 he settled at River Falls, Wis., engaging in the milling and elevator business. In 1893 he entered the bank at Ellsworth, Wis., as bookkeeper, and in 1894 purchased an interest and was elected as one of the directors. Four years later he was one of the inocrporators of the Foss-Armstrong Hardware company, of Ellsworth, Wis., and has served as vice president ever since. In 1903 they opened a branch store in Hudson, Wis. In 1901 he moved to the pacific coast, where he engaged in the mercantile business for two years. He returned to Hudson in 1903 and continued in the hardware business as manager until 1905, when he with others incorporated the People's State bank, of Hudson, of which institution he was elected cashier. He still retains his interest in the Ellsworth bank and in the hardware company. Mr. Armstrong was united in marriage, October 14, 1896, with Caroline E. Foss, a daughter of Samuel and Mary E. (Johnson) Foss, of South Dakota. They have two children, Aloa C. and Audrey F. Mr. Armstrong is one of the leading citizens of Hudson, energetic and enterprising, honest and upright in all his dealings. (taken from "History of the St. Croix Valley", published in 1909)

Arnquist

Otto W. Arnquist was born in Wermland, Sweden, April 1, 1858, and came to America with his parents in 1868, settling in the town of Star Prairie, Wis. He was educated in the public schools of Star Prairie and New Richmond, and at the normal schools at River Falls. His law education was received with the Hon. H. L. Humphrey, at Hudson, with whom he later formed a partnership for the practice of law under the firm name of Humphrey and Arnquist. In May, 1884, he was admitted to the bar, and in November of the same year he was elected clerk of the circuit court. To this office he was re-elected in 1886 and 1888. For one year he served as city attorney of Hudson and was on the board of education seven years, a larger part of the time as president of the board. He was elected county judge of St. Croix county in 1897 and returned to that office without opposition in 1901 and 1905, discharging well the duties of this office. He is recognized as a man of more than ordinary strength of intellect. A prominent attorney who has known Judge Arnquist for many years says: "He is a well educated lawyer and one in whom an appreciation of justice and equity is unusually developed He is a great reader and has always taken an appreciative interest in all public questions. It is seldom that one finds these characteristics more fully developed or more harmoniously blended than they are in the case of Judge Arnquist." In addition to his legal achievements he has served for many years on the board of directors of the First National bank, of Hudson, and is now vice president of that institution. March 9, 1886, he married Caroline Jacobson, who passed away January 29, 1889. July 11, 1893, he married Hannah T. Michalson, by whom he had eight children, four of whom are living, viz.: Otto W., Anna T.,Katherine H. and Ruth E. Mr. Arnquist is a republican in politics. Fraternally he is a Mason, a member of St. Croix lodge, No. 56; St. Croix chapter, No. 44, and St. Croix commandery, No.14. (taken from "History of the St. Croix Valley", published in 1909)

William H. Ash is a native of Fond du Lac, Wis., born in April, 1852, son of W. D. Ash, a stock buyer, grain dealer and merchant, who settled in that county in the early days.

William H. received a common school education and then took a course in the high school. He worked at farming and clerked in his fathers store until 1902, when he came to St. Croix county and bought the farm of 180 acres in Warren township, which his son Leland now manages. Shortly afterward he bought an interest in the State bank, of Roberts, and became its cashier, in which position he has since remained. Mr. Ash was married in 1872 to Martha Hales, of his own native county. This union has resulted in four children: Leland, on the farm; Frank, assistant cashier of the bank; Bert, bookkeeper in the bank, and William E. Ash. Mr. Ash votes the Democratic ticket and affiliates with the I. O. O. F. He is a public spirited and successful citizen and is regarded as an authority on financial matters. The bank of Roberts is an excellent institution. Its report, May 14, 1908, was as follows: ResourcesLoans and discounts, $40,418.46; overdrafts, $242,62; banking house, $1,064.17; furniture and fixtures, $1,561.52; due from banks, $2,374.45; checks on other banks and cash items, $606.85; cash on hand, $1,323.73; total, $47,691.79. LiabilitiesCapital stock paid in, $5,000; undivided profits, $606.11; individual deposits, subject to check, $17,572.70; time certificates on deposit, $24512.02; savings deposits, .96; total, $47,691.79.