Arthur David Larson was born January 21, 1881 on the family farm in Farmington Twp., Waupaca Co., WI and died January 16, 1968 in Waupaca, WI at age 86. He was the son of Olaus Larsson of Fröbbestorp, Torsas, Kalmar lan, Småland, Sweden and Catarina Olivia Wilhelmina Larsdotter of Varna Parish, Ostergotland, Sweden.
Norma Victoria Nelson was born March 23, 1880 in Rockford, Winnebago Co., IL and died May 8, 1933 in the City of Waupaca, Waupaca Co., WI at age 53. She was the daughter of Emil Nilsson and Lena Rosander.
Arthur and Norma were married on April 6, 1904 in Rockford, Winnebago Co., IL. They appeared on the 1930 US Census on Page 12 of Farmington Twp., Waupaca Co., WI.
Arthur, Norma and their infant son are buried in Salem (Swede) Cemetery, Farmington Twp., Waupaca Co., WI.
Arthur and Norma had three children:
- Carl Larson: b. about 1909; d. 1973 (Age about 64). Carl was adopted.
- Esther Adele Anderson Larson: b. Living. Esther was adopted at age six weeks. Her one year older sister Edith Anderson remained with the father, Gus Anderson, who was recently widowed in Wisconsin Rapids, Portage Co., WI.
- Infant Son Larson: b. January 20, 1923 in Farmington Twp., Waupaca Co., WI; d. January 20, 1923 in Farmington Twp., Waupaca Co., WI (Age Infant)
Following Norma's death, Arthur married Caroline B. (Schnacky) (Wetherbee) Vedner on October 2, 1937 at the Arthur Larson residence near Sheridan, Farmington Twp., Waupaca Co., WI. Arthur and Caroline were divorced about three years later.
Caroline Schnacky was born February 16, 1891 in Barron Co., WI and died March 2, 1983 in Minneapolis, Hennepin Co., MN at age 92. She was the daughter of Lewis D. Schnacky of New York and Anna Ruetz of Canada.
Caroline's first marriage was to Stanley Wetherbee of North Dakota around 1911. This marriage ended in divorce. Her second husband was Vianney L. Vedner, with the marriage taking place on August 2, 1934. V. L. Vedner died on June 15, 1936. Following her divorce from Arthur D. Larson about 1940, Caroline married Unknown Berg after 1940.
Arthur David Larson died January 16, 1968 in the City of Waupaca, Waupaca Co., WI at age 86.
Caroline (Schnacky) (Wetherbee) (Vedner) (Larson) Berg died March 2, 1983 in Minneapolis, Hennepin Co., MN at age 92.
The 1910 U. S. Census taken on April 28, 1920 shows Arthur D. Larson (age 29) born in Wisconsin to Swedish-born parents is a Farmer owning his home and living in Farmington Twp., Waupaca Co., WI. Living with him is his wife Norma V. Larson (age 30) born in Illinois to Swedish-born parents. Also living there is Albert Durant (age 34) who is a Farm Laborer Servant.
The 1920 U. S. Census taken on 1920
shows Arthur Larson (age 38) born in Wisconsin to Swedish-born parents is a U.
S. Mail Carrier owning his home and living in Farmington Twp., Waupaca Co., WI.
Living with him is his wife Norma V. Larson (age 39) born in Illinois to
Swedish-born parents. Also living there are their children: Carl Larson (age 11)
born in Wisconsin to Wisconsin and Illinois-born parents; and Esther Larson (age
2) born in Wisconsin
The 1930 U. S. Census taken on 1920 shows Arthur D. Larson (age 49) born in Wisconsin to Swedish-born parents is a General Farmer owning his farm and living in Farmington Twp., Waupaca Co., WI. Living with him is his wife Norma Larson (age 50) born in Illinois to Swedish-born parents. Also living there are their children: Carl Larson (age 11) born in Wisconsin to Wisconsin and Illinois-born parents; and Esther Larson (age 12) born in Wisconsin to Wisconsin-born parents. Also living there are two Lodgers: Gordon Moore (age 15); and Lawrence Oliver (age 25) a Farm Laborer.
Norma Victoria (Nelson) Larson died May 8, 1933 in the City of Waupaca, Waupaca Co., WI at age 53.
The Schnacky family farmed in Barron Co., WI. They had a very large family of fourteen children.
From: The History of Barron County, WI - 1922 - by H. C. Cooper, Jr. & Co.
Lewis D. Schnacky, now living retired in Rice Lake, is one of the estimable citizens of the county, highly regarded for his excellent qualities and for what his life has meant to the community. Before coming here, he had wide experience as a farmer, oil man, and hotel proprietor, and his career in this county for nearly forty years has been one that will long be remembered to his honor. He has been a hard working man, he has had the good judgment which has made his arduous toil count for something, he has never been content that his results should be less than the best, and he developed what, at the time of his retirement, was regarded as one of the best equipped farms in the county. In his family he has been an ideal husband and father. He has given the community fourteen children, all of whom are a credit to their parents, and to each of these children he has given a good training and education, and surrounded their youth with those safeguards of care and guidance which are better than great riches. It is a remarkable fact that so well has his family been guarded, and so blessed has he been by Providence, that the family circle has remained unbroken, and in the rearing of the entire fourteen, only once was it necessary to call a physician to administer to illness. Lewis D. Schnacky was born in Lewis County, New York, Dec. 20, 1856, son of Michael and Barbara Schnacky, natives of Germany, who came to the United States in early life, and were married in Lewis County, New York, where they engaged in farming. He received a good education in the public schools of his native county, and remained at home until eighteen years of age. He then cast his fortunes with those of his brother, Joseph, and they continued as partners for several years. First they farmed near Rochester, New York, and then engaged in the hotel business there, having a hotel at the corner of St. Paul and Court streets. From there they went to the oil regions of Pennsylvania where they found employment as well drillers at from $5 to $7 a day, a remarkable wage in a period when many good workmen were receiving but $1 a day. By hard work and frugality they saved $4,000 and started a hotel at Patolia, Penn. This was destroyed by fire, and they lost everything. Then they came to Le Pierre County, Michigan, where they separated, Lewis remaining there on a farm and Joseph going to Colorado. The subject of this sketch came to this county from Michigan in 1881, and with headquarters at Rice Lake, devoted his attention to getting out hardwood timber for barrel staves. In 1884, after his marriage, he bought 160 acres in Oak Grove Township, this county, borrowing $25 from a friend to make the first payment. He erected a log cabin, put up some crude outbuildings, and grubbed and cultivated the land. In the log cabin he lived for eighteen years. In time he sold 80 acres, but later bought 80 more, so he still had a quarter section. He erected two different sets of frame buildings, constructed fences, purchased machinery, tools and equipment, made improvements from time to time as his judgment dictated, and in time had what was considered as one of the best farms in the county. In 1917 he came to the city of Rice Lake, and after renting a home for two years, purchased his present comfortable place at 10 East Humbird street. He also owns two other residences in the city which he rents. While he was in the township he served on both the town and school boards, and in other ways showed his interest in public affairs. Mr. Schnacky was married June 15, 1884, to Anna Ruetz, who was born in Canada, March 11, 1863, daughter of Peter and Caroline (Stoeser) Ruetz, natives respectively of Germany and Canada. The fourteen children resulting from this union are: Lewis, Jr., Fred, Alex, Caroline, Clara, Susie, Marie, Andrew, Joseph, Henry, John, Michael, Florence and Abbline. Lewis Jr., was born May 19, 1885, and lives in Hopkins, Minn. He married May Chermak, and they have two children, Leonard and Herman. Fred was born Sept. 14, 1887, and lives in Rice Lake. He married Alvina Hillystad, and they have three children, Gerald, Dorris and Ruby. Alex was born May 9, 1889, and lives in Oak Grove Township, this county. He married Edith Hessing. Caroline was born Feb. 16, 1891, is the wife of Stanley Wetherbee, of Crystal, North Dakota, and has an adopted son, Vernon. Clara was born Feb. 17, 1893. She married Ellis Berg, and they live at Cornacopia, Wis., and have two sons, Robert and Donald. Susie was born Aug. 11, 1894, and is the wife of Elmer Hanson, of Rice Lake. Marie was born March 21, 1896, married Ostwin Helpap, and they have three children, Orvis, Roger and June. Andrew was born Nov. 8, 1897, and lives in Cleveland, Ohio. Joseph, born Nov. 26, 1898, and Henry, born Jan. 10, 1900, are both painters at Rice Lake. John was born Nov. 26, 1901 and is a barber in Ladysmith, this state. Michael was born Feb. 8, 1903, and is a baker in Rice Lake. Florence was born Aug. 12, 1904. Abbline was born April 22, 1906. The family faith is that of the Roman Catholic Church.
Mr. and Mrs. Lewis D. Schnacky, Caroline Schnacky's parents
Alexander Schnacky, one of the prominent young men of Oak Grove Township, has a good farm of 120 acres in section 2, which he is conducting and improving along the latest approved lines. He is a native of this county, born May 9, 1889, in the township where he now lives, the son of Lewis and Anna (Ruetz) Schnacky, early settlers. He attended the schools of his neighborhood, learned farming from his parents, and remained with them until 1906. Then for some years he worked on various farms in different parts of the county. In 1917 he rented his father's farm, and successfully conducted it for three years. He bought his present place in 1920. He remodelled the buildings, erected a machine shed, cleared sixteen more acres, and put everything in first class shape. Here he carries on general farming and dairying, and has a good herd of Holsteins headed by a full blooded sire. He also has a good drove of Poland-China swine. Mr. Schnacky was married Jan. 1, 1917, to Edith Hessing, who was born April 14, 1892, in Dane County, Wis., daughter of William and Christina (Heopker) Hessing, natives respectively of Indiana and Wisconsin, who now live at Windsor, Wis. In the Hessing family there are five children: Laura, wife of George Kenden, of Sun Prairie, Dane County, Wis.; Grace, who teaches school in Fort Atkinson, Wis.; Hazel, who also teaches school at Fort Atkinson; Ruby, who is attending the Stout Institute at Menomonie, Wis.; and Edith, the wife of Alexander Schnacky.
The Post-Crescent, Appleton, WI Monday, August 2, 1971
Stanley Wetherbee, 1127 Evans St., Waupaca
Age 80, passed away Friday at 11:50 p.m. at Theda Clark Hospital (Neenah, WI). He was born in Fairmount, N. D., August 10, 1890. He was married in Waukegan, Ill., September 17, 1934 to Lillian Eichsteadt. He was a member of Waupaca Lodge No. 123, F & AM, a former city alderman and was the Mayor of Waupaca from 1942 to 1946. He was Vice President of the former Cary Manufacturing Co. and later owned his own heating contracting business, prior to his retirement. He was also a member of the Waupaca Lions Club. Survivors are his wife; two sons, Clyde, Waupaca, Vernon, Arvada, Colorado; 2 grandchildren; three brothers, Max, Antioch, Ill., Donald and Lester, both of Fairmount, N.D. Funeral services will be held at 1:30 p.m. Tuesday at the Holly Funeral Home, Waupaca with Rev. John Westby officiating. Interment will be in the Lind Center Cemetery. Friends may call at the Holly Funeral Home Waupaca after 5 p.m. Monday until the hour of service on Tuesday.
Arthur Larson about 1955.
Arthur and Norma's Wedding April 6, 1904, Rockford, IL
Arthur D. Larson and second wife, Caroline (Schnacky) (Wetherbee) (Vedner) Larson
Following is the newspaper article about the Larson-Vedner wedding on October 2, 1937.
The Larson-Vedner Wedding Saturday
A beautiful marriage occurred Saturday at high noon when Caroline Vedner became the bride of Arthur D. Larson at the Larson farm home near Sheridan.
The bride was attired in a lovely gown of white panne satin and carried a bouquet of American Beauty roses and baby's breath. Vernon Wetherbee gave the bride in marriage.
Mrs. Paul Bammel sang "The End of a Perfect Day", accompanied by Mrs. Leonard Peterson, just before the bride's entrance.
Yellow and salmon-tinted gladioli and ferns formed the background in the parlor where the couple said their vows before Rev. F.A. Reier. Autumn leaves and pompons also decked the rooms.
A green and gold color scheme was carried out in the dining room where covers were laid for 30 relatives and friends at an elaborate wedding dinner. Rev. Reier acted as toastmaster, as the guests toasted the bride and groom, while telegrams of congratulations were relayed over the telephone to Mr. and Mrs. Larson from relatives too distant to attend.
The following were among the invited guests: Rev. and Mrs. F.A. Reier and daughter Delores; Mr. and Mrs. Almo J. Larson, Waupaca; Wilbur Larson, Green Bay; Miss Esther Larson, Chicago; Vernon Wetherbee, Waupaca; Mr. and Mrs. Vernon Peterson, Sheridan; Mr. and Mrs. P.B. Bammel, Mr. and Mrs. D.F. Burnham, Waupaca; Mr. and Mrs. L.A. Olsen, Racine; Mr. and Mrs. Hy. (Henry) Schnacky, Cudahy; Mrs. O. Helpap, Orviz Helpap and Miss V. Dahlberg, Rice Lake.
Mrs. L. Syms and Miss M. Lindstrom catered. Mrs. M. May, Henrietta Burnham, Gladys Bammel and Corintha Reier served as waitresses.
Mr. and Mrs. Larson left in the afternoon for a trip through Wisconsin, Minnesota and the Dakotas, to visit relatives and are returning this week Friday.
The Appleton Post-Crescent, Monday, October 4, 1937
Vednor-Larson
Saturday noon occurred the marriage of Mrs. Caroline Vednor and Arthur D. Larson, both of Waupaca, the ceremony taking place in the home of Mr. Larson with the Rev. F. A. Reier, pastor of Immanuel Evangelical Lutheran church, officiating. The couple was attended by Miss Esther Larson, Chicago, daughter of the bridegroom, and Vernon Weatherbee, son of the bride. The Lohengrin wedding march was played by Mrs. Peterson and during the ceremony Mrs. Paul Bammel sang (The End of a Perfect Day", accompanied by Mrs. Peterson. Twenty-five guests were served a wedding dinner immediately following the ceremony by the Misses Sylvia Bammel, Henrietta Burnham and Corintha Reier. The couple left for a trip to Unity, Wis., and will return within a few days to the farm home of Mr. Larson.
The Appleton Post-Crescent, Wednesday, April 17, 1940
Issues of Fact before the Circuit Court for the April Term - Waupaca. Includes: Arthur D. Larson versus Caroline B. Larson.
Following is the newspaper obituary for Arthur Larson.
Arthur D. Larson, 86, Bethany Home, who was prominent in various civic activities, died at 12:45 Tuesday morning, January 16, at Riverside Community Memorial hospital, where he had been a patient for about one week.
He was born January 21, 1881 in the Town of Farmington, where he lived all of his life with the exception of the years since 1963 when he became a resident at Bethany Home. At the Home he served on the resident council and took pride in raising the Home Flag each day.
On April 6, 1904 he was married in Rockford, IL to Norma Nelson, who preceded him in death in 1933. When he was engaged in farming he won the bid, in 1923, to supply the Grand Army Home for Veterans, King, with all the milk he could deliver. For 23 years he produced and delivered all the milk used there. In 1935 he was given the recognition of Master Farmer by the Department of Agriculture.
After he gave up being a full-time farmer he worked as a real estate agent and auctioneer and at one time was a rural mail carrier. He was a member of the school board in his district and for 42 years he was a member of the board of directors of the Waupaca Northwestern Co-op. For 45 years he was a member of the board of the Salem Lutheran Church, Town of Farmington, and after the amalgamation of the Salem and Peace Lutheran churches, forming the Immanuel Lutheran church. He was on the board until a few years ago, when he resigned.
Active in 4-H club work he organized a 4-H club in Farmington and was its active leader for 12 years. He was recently presented with a Friend of 4-H award for his leadership in club activities from 1946 to 1958.
Since 1917 he was active in all phases of Red Cross work, affiliated with the Waupaca chapter. He served as chapter chairman from 1960 10 1964 and disaster chairman from 1948 to 1966. He served on the Red Cross Board of Directors for many years and was always active in the functions of the chapter. Most recently he worked as a Gray Man. He was also a member of the Waupaca Historical Society.
He is survived by one son, Carl, St. Paul, MN; one daughter, Mrs. Al (Esther) Pletenik, West Covina, CA; two sisters, Mrs. Clarence Nelson, Hot Springs, SD, and Mrs. Robert Lewis, Silver Springs, MD; four grandchildren; and five great grandchildren.
Funeral services will be conducted at 1:30 this afternoon, Jan. 18, at Immanuel Evangelical Lutheran church with the Rev. A.J. Engel, pastor, in charge. Burial will be in Salem cemetery, Town of Farmington.
Friends may call at the Bammel Funeral Home until 11 o'clock this morning and at 12 o'clock at the church.
Pallbearers including Harvey Eichsteadt, Martin Heubner, Leo Niemuth, Leo Neubauer, Harold Pohl and Harvey Sellin.
Following is the newspaper obituary for Norma (Nelson) Larson.
Mrs. A. D. Larson
Mrs. Arthur D. Larson, nee Norma V. Nelson, was born in Rockford, IL on March 23, 1880. There she grew up to womanhood, graduating from Rockford high school, thence preparing herself for the teaching profession. She taught in the Kish-Waukee schools of Rockford for six years.
On April the 6, 1904, she was united in marriage to Arthur D. Larson of the Town of Farmington. In 1920 Mr. and Mrs. Larson purchased the F. C. Fisher farm then owned by Mr. D. F. Burnham of this city. There she lived until she was taken to the Waupaca Community Hospital April 20, 1933, where she underwent a serious operation. An embolus became lodged on the brain causing a condition which all medical skill was helpless to remove. She passed away Monday afternoon, May 8,1933 at 12:25.
Mrs. Larson leaves to mourn, her husband and two children, Carl, 24, stationed at Ft. Snelling, MN, and Esther, 15, a student at Waupaca high school. Another son, born Jan. 20, 1923, died at birth. Also surviving are her parents and five brothers, Mr. and Mrs. E. G. Nelson, Clarence and Theodore, Iona, SD, Morris, Rockford, IL, Theron, Ludington, MI, and Loyal of Green Bay, and a large number of relatives and a host of friends. A most sincere Christian spirit was ever manifested in her daily life. It was always a pleasure for her to take into her home children who were in need of a Mother's care. More than a score of children have been cared for at different times in the Larson home.
In the church, Sunday School, and Ladies Aid Society she was a most devoted member, always taking part in the activities of Christian service. Her membership was in the Immanuel Lutheran church, of Waupaca. In the community she was an inspiration for others, always ready and willing to give of herself to make others happier.
The funeral is being held this Thursday afternoon, May 11, 1933 at one o'clock from the home, followed by service in the Immanuel Lutheran church conducted by Rev. F.A. Reier.
Interment will be in the Salem cemetery.
Pallbearers are John Erickson, Oscar Modeen, Leonard Peterson, Edwin Anderson, D. F. Burnham, and George Madson.
Another article followed a few days later.
The funeral rites for Mrs. Arthur D. Larson of Farmington were held Thursday, May 11, 2 p.m., from Immanuel Lutheran church, Rev. F.A. Reier officiating. Interment was in Salem Lutheran cemetery.
A large number of relatives and friends from out of town came to attend the funeral, among them: Mr. and Mrs. Morris Nelson and son Morris, Jr., Mr. and Mrs. John Wanfalt, Mr. and Mrs. Sven Noren and Mrs. Reynold Winquist, Rockford, IL; Theron Nelson, Ludington, MI; Mr. and Mrs. Loyal Nelson, Green Bay; Mrs. Amanda Hoffman, Mrs. C. Oscar Larson and children, Robert, Charles and Rosanne, Rev. and Mrs. A. C. Rylander, Rev. H. H. Sanstedt, and Mrs. J. Dahlquist, Chicago; Rev. C. A. Rosander, Crystal Falls, MI; Rev. and Mrs. J. A. Olson, Unity, WI; Miss Cora Johnson, Gerhard Johnson, Boyceville, WI; Axel J. Anderson and daughter Marion, Gust. E. Anderson and daughter Edith, Erick Anderson and two children, Wisconsin Rapids, and Mrs. Christine Norlin and son Clarence of Saxeville.
Following below are reprints of two letters written by Arthur Larson:
Enclosed herewith is a
letter from Cousin Oscar and Olga in Chicago. I wrote Oscar asking him for
information on mother’s side of the family so here it is. Some facts about
mother’s family I was not familiar with.
Mother lived to the age
of 58 years , However, the last few years of her life she suffered (patiently)
Rheumatism which compelled her to be confined to bed much of the time. Always
cheerful enduring pain with patience. A living SAINT.
I, Arthur D. Larson, am
feeling good. Last evening the Waupaca Red Cross Chapter held their annual
meeting and I resigned as Chapter Chairman. I had selected a very capable man to
be my successor and he was voted in unanimously by the Chapter. I had held the
office 4 years, and am still a board member and Disaster Chairman.
Almo and Emma drove to
Dodgeville yesterday. Her sister Maude has been at Almo's a few days but the
care was too much for Emma so now one of the sons at Dodgeville is going to try
his mercy luck. For her sake I hope it will last.
Say Bob, when you have
completed your GENEALOGY you may jot me down as a customer. It will be fun to
read about the people we descended from.
All for now, be good to
yourselves and sleep tight every night. My typewriter runs ahead of my finger
touch.
Lots of love to the
whole family; even the pooch.
Your brother,
A. D.
This
is the Genealogy of the family on father’s sides.
Grandfather's
family:
Grandfather, Lars Person Died in Sweden 1886.
Grandmother, Christina
Olsdotter
Died in Sweden
1856 (Lars Person’s first wife).
First family: 7 boys,
viz. Aaron died as an infant, Peter (Froberg); Anders; Magnus ; Gustav; Olaus;
Erick. Second wife’s name Maria, no date of her death. The following are the
children with this marriage: Sven; Ingrid; Christina. Peter, Anders, Magnus,
Ingrid and Christina died in Sweden; Erick in Oakland Cal.; Sven in Miles City,
Montana. Olaus and Gustav in Waupaca Wis.
Peter (Froberg) family;
3 girls (names not available) and 2 boys (Joseph and Gustav); all lived in Karlskrona, Sweden.
Anders: wife’s name:
Anna Karen; Children: Helena, age 96, lives in Stockholm Sweden. Christina, age
92, lives in Neshkoro, Wis. Amanda, age 82 and Matilda, age 86, live in Sweden.
Magnus: wife’s name
unknown; Children: Karl; Emma; August and Erick. Karl and Emma live in Sweden,
Erick in Mpls. Minn. August, single, died in Boyceville, Wis. where he owned a
farm.
Gustav: wife's name: Juliana; Children, Albert, deceased in Waupaca; Edith; Ed; Elmer; Henry; Clara - living; Ruben; Phillip. Ed died in Bismark N.D. Elmer and Henry died in Tacoma, Wash.
Sven "Freeberg" died in Miles City, Mont.,
wife's name not available. Children viz. Alma deceased in Seattle Wash. Oscar
deceased same city. Albert lives in Missoula, Mont. Gladys in Seattle and three
others believed to be deceased.
Ingred and Christine
(half sisters of my father Olaus Larson); one of these sisters is the mother of
the Hawkinsons who came to Minneapolis from Sweden. If I recall correctly Freeda
visited at the Hawkinsons in Minneapolis. Two years ago I called on Carl in a Rest Home
in Oakland, California. He died shortly after from Cancer. Elof died in Mpls. Alfred
still lives there. Others: unknown.
Erick Larson: Wife and 2
children names unknown. Lived in Oakland, California.
Olaus Larson: born April
23, 1851, Kalmar Lan, Smoland, Sweden. Deceased Nov 11, 1920. Wife: Catherina
Olivia Wilhelmina, born Jan. 25, 1848, in Östergotland, Sweden; died Aug. 6,
1906. Married in Marquette Mich., 1874. Following are the children: Emily born
Dec. 21 1875, in Sacramento, Cal.; Emil born Aug. 15, 1878 (same place as
Emily). Emily (Mrs. Johnson) died Aug 5, 1905 in Town of Farmington. Emil died
in same Township July, 1892. Arthur born
Jan. 21, 1881; Edith born Feb. 8, 1883. Almo born June 29, 1885; Walter born
June 6,1888; Freeda born Sept 30, 1891. Walter passed away in Washington, D.C.
July 5th, 1961.
Father came to this
country in 1872 and landed in Marquette, Michigan where he found employment with
a Railroad Co. I do not know the exact year mother came to this country.
However, it evidently was about the same year father arrived, although they
never met until after arriving in Marquette, Mich. In 1875 there was a money
shortage in Michigan. Father said the laborers were paid off with a purchase
order on the Company's store. This system he did not like, so he corresponded
with his brother Erick who was working in California and said the times were good out
there. In 1875 Father left mother in Marquette and went to California to find a home
for his wife and expected child. He hired out to a company of woodsmen operating
in the foothills out some distance from Sacramento. Here they were when Emily
was born. I recall mother telling about the many, many hours of labor pains she
had to endure until father scouted around until he found a woman who was a
mother with some experience in childbirth. She came to mother’s assistance and
in a short time the baby was born and all were happy.
I can't recall that my parents ever told how long it took each one of them to travel from Michigan to California. However, coming from there to Waupaca with 2 lively youngsters and mother 7 months pregnant was not all pleasure; still they made it and shortly after arrival they bought an 80 acre farm with 15 acres under cultivation, a small frame house 12x14x20 and a shack 12x12 (not occupied) where my parents had to occupy because the people who had purchased this farm from Mrs. Hunt had the privilege to live in the larger house until April 1st. So yours, Arthur D., was born in that 12x12 Mansion. Father used this building for a granary a few years.
From then on Freeda is familiar with the family record. Our parents are entitled to a lot of praise for raising a family of seven children on a small rocky farm, and erecting a full line of commodious farm buildings. The fruit of good planning and hard labor. Their desire was for the children to receive a good education, which they acquired at our different institutions of learning.
Arthur's Mail Rigs circa 1905 - 1911
Arthur was a rural mail carrier around Sheridan, WI from 1906 to 1920, Starting with a horse and buggy, advancing to an Excelsior motorcycle, and graduating to a Model T Ford.
Grave markers in Salem (Swede) Cemetery, Farmington Twp., Waupaca Co., WI