Olaus and Catarina c. 1900, and Olaus c. 1915.

In 1899, Olaus staked a Homestead Claim for 40 acres of land adjacent to his farm. Accession Number W13690_.176 Wisconsin Volume 3690, Page 176, Document Number 3768. Land Office was Wausau. Aliquot Part Reference NWSW, Meridian/Survey Area: Fourth Principal Meridian; Miscellaneous Document No. 6569. The Act/Treaty authorizing the sale: Homestead Entry. Date signed: April 22, 1899. Acreage: 40. The Bureau of Land Management contains a signature.

Olaus Larson Family c. 1890

Olaus Larson Family c. 1897

Olaus Larson Family c. 1901

The remaining family, circa 1918

The house where Olaus Larsson was born. Located in the village of Fröbbestorp, situated south of Torsås, Sweden (population about 7,000). The village consists of four farms. Please note the similar architecture to the house Olaus and his brother Gustav Larson Lewis built in Wisconsin.

Olaus Larson Farm in Wisconsin, about 1900

Olaus Larson outside his residence, 1907

Olaus Larson farm, about 1907

The Larson farm, about 1950

In 1868, Catarina left Grebo Parish and removed to the Kongsvikstorp area of Varna Parish.

In 1872, Catarina removed to Bersbo Grufna, also in Varna Parish.

In June, 1872, Olaus emigrated to the USA from Sweden and arrived at the Port of Chicago, IL.

While waiting for the oldest son of Petter Larsson (Lars Pehrsson), Sven and Gertrud (Petter's widow) owned the farm. But when Lars Pehrsson became an adult, he took over the farm and Sven and Gertrud moved away from Fröbbestorp. In 1832 Lars Pehrsson married Christina Olsdotter and the year later their daughter Ingrid was born. Lars and Christina had eight children. In 1856 Christina Olsdotter died, and Lars Pehrsson, now 50 years old, married Maria Månsdotter, age 35. Lars and Maria had four children. The last child, Ingrid Larsdotter, was Per Carlzon’s great-grandmother. When Lars and Maria in the 1870's became too old to work the farm, Lars' son Magnus Larsson (who had been away for some years) returned home to take over the farm. It was a turbulent time in the family. Many of the children moved away from home, as far as the USA. Ingrid, Peter and Andreas had already started their own families. Peter Larsson, who had studied, took the name Fröberg and worked in the Swedish Navy. Andreas Larsson owned a farm not far from Fröbbestorp. Abraham Larsson might have committed suicide in 1871. Gustaf Larsson seems to have immigrated to US in 1872 together with Olaus Larsson. But before immigrating Olaus Larsson worked as a sailor in the Swedish navy. The next year, late 1873, Erik Larsson came to USA, and in 1879 the youngest brother Sven Larsson traveled to California, USA. But he didn't stay for long. He returned home to Sweden in 1880 and got married, settled down and worked as a farmer. But for some reason he didn't stay long in Sweden, either. With wife and two children he went back to the USA around 1887, and finally settled down in Miles City, MT where he worked at the railway. This was probably one reason why Karl Svensson also settled down in Miles City, where he also worked at the railway.

On May 5, 1873, Catarina left Varna Parish for the USA. She was the 75th person to depart Varna Parish in 1873. Her Swedish designation was "piga", for being unmarried. She became governess for a Swedish family in Marquette, MI. She took the last name of Larson.

On February 23, 1874, Olaus Larson declared his intention to become a U. S. citizen.

The 1880 U. S. Census taken on June 10, 1880, shows Olaus Larsson (age 29) born in Sweden to Swedish-born parents is a Laborer living in South Putah Precinct, Putah Twp., Yolo Co., CA. Living with him is Catrina O. Larsson (age 31) born in Sweden to Swedish-born parents, who is a House Keeper. Also living there are his two children, both born in Californis to Swedish-born parents: Emily S. Larsson (age 4); and Oscar A. Larsson (age 1). Three laborers are also living in the household.

The 1880 U. S. Census taken on June 11, 1880, shows Mary Hunt (age 49) listed as the owner of land in Farmington Twp., Waupaca Co., WI. She was born in Germany and is living alone. This is the farm that Olaus Larson purchased that year or the next.

On June 16, 1890, Olaus Larson took his oath of citizenship and became a naturalized citizen.

The 1895 Wisconsin State Census taken on June 20, 1895, shows O. Larson is living in Farmington Twp., Waupaca Co., WI. There are 7 Males and 3 Females living in the household, with 8 having been born in the U. S. A., and 2 of Scandinavian birth.

The 1900 U. S. Census taken on June 13, 1900, shows Olias Larson (age 49) born April 1851 in Sweden to Swedish-born parents is a Farmer living in Farmington Twp., Waupaca Co., WI emigrating from Sweden in 1872. Living with him is his wife of 26 years, Olivia Larson (age 52) born January 1848 in Sweden to Swedish-born parents and emigrated from Sweden in 1873. Six of her seven children are still alive. Also living at home are four of their children, all born in Wisconsin: Arthur Larson (age 19) born January 1881, Elmer Larson (age 14) born June 1885, Walter Larson (age 11) born June 1888, and Freedia Larson (age 8) born September 1891.

The 1905 Wisconsin State Census taken on June 1, 1905, shows Olaus Larson (age 54) born in Sweden to Swedish-born parents is a Farmer owning his own farm free of a mortgage and living in Farmington Twp., Waupaca Co., WI. Living with him is his wife, Katharine O. Larson (age 57) born in Sweden to Swedish-born parents. Also living there are his four unmarried children, all born in Wisconsin to Swedish-born parents: Edith C. Larson (age 22), does Housekeeping; Elmer Larson (age 19) a Farm Laborer; Walter E. Larson (age 17) a Farm Laborer; and Freeda M. Larson (age 13). Also living there are his grandchildren, all born in Illinois to Illinois and Wisconsin-born parents: Myrtle Larson (age 3); Hazel Larson (age 2); and Paul E. Larson (age 4/12).

Catarina Olivia Wilhelmina (Larsdotter/Larson) Larson died August 6, 1906, in Farmington Twp., Waupaca Co., WI, at age 58.

The following is a reprint of Olivia Larson's obituary in The Republic, August 17, 1906

OBITUARY

Mrs. Olaus Larson died at her home in the Town of Farmington Tuesday, Aug. 7th from a paralytic attack. She was born in Sweden the 25th day of Jan. 1848 and came to this country in 1873. In 1874 she was married to Olaus Larson who still survives her. The same year they moved to California where they resided for six years. In 1880 they came to Waupaca and settled on a farm where they still reside. Their union was made happy by the birth of seven children, four boys and three girls, Mrs. G. A. Johnson who died in August 1905, Emil who died in 1893, Arthur who resides on a farm near Sheridan, Mrs. C. C. Nelson who lives in South Dakota, Almo a graduate of Waupaca High School in 1904 and Walter and Freeda members of the High School who are all staying at home. Beside her family she is survived by two brothers and two sisters.

She had always lives a true Christian life and taken an active part in church work. Her last and departing words were "Jesus is my Friend the best one", etc.

The remains were laid at rest in the cemetery at the Swedish Lutheran church in Farmington, Sunday Aug. 12, in the presence of friends and relatives, Rev. C. A. Rosander, pastor of the church officiating.

The 1910 U. S. Census taken on April 25, 1910, shows Olaus Larson (age 58) born in Sweden to Swedish-born parents and having emigrated from Sweden in 1872 and a Naturalized citizen is a widowed Farmer owning his own farm in Farmington Twp., Waupaca Co., WI . Living with him is his unmarried daughter, Freeda W. Larson (age 18) born in Wisconsin to Swedish-born parents.  

The 1920 U. S. Census taken on January 3, 1920, shows Almo Larson (age 34) born in Wisconsin to Swedish-born parents is a Farmer owning his own farm and living in Farmington Twp., Waupaca Co., WI. Living with him is his wife, Emma Larson (age 35) born in Wisconsin to Canadian and Pennsylvania-born parents. Also living there is his son, Wilbur Larsoon (age 6) born in Wisconsin to Wisconsin-born parents. Also living in the house is Almo's widowed father, Olaus Larson (age 69) born in Sweden to Swedish-born parents and having emigrated in 1871 and Naturalized in 1880, who is a Farmer.

Olaus, Almo and Wilbur Larson at the Larson farm, about 1920. This is one of the last known pictures of Olaus Larson, who died November 11, 1920.

Olaus Larsson died November 11, 1920, in Farmington Twp., Waupaca, WI, at age 69.

The following is a reprint of Olaus Larson's obituary, 1920.

OLAUS LARSON DIES AFTER SHORT ILLNESS AT FARMINGTON HOME

Olaus Larson of Town of Farmington passed away at his home last Thursday evening, November 11, 1920, after a brief illness of only three days.

Deceased was born on Smaland, Sweden April 23, 1851 and came to this country in 1872. He located at Marquette, MI where he was united in marriage to Katherine Olivia Larson, May 13, 1874. During the same year they moved to Marin Co., CA where they lived for nearly six years. In 1880 Mr. Larson with his family came to this city and purchased the farm in Farmington, 2 1/2 miles northwest of this city, on which he lived until his death.

To this union were born seven children, Emily, Mrs. G. Alfred Johnson who passed away in 1905; Emil, who died in 1892; Arthur, on Route 1, Sheridan; Almo, on the old homestead; Edith, Mrs. C. C. Nelson, living at Iona, SD; Walter, of Pittsburgh, PA; and Freeda (Mrs. Robert Lewis) now living at Birmingham, AL. The two oldest, Mrs. Johnson and Emil, were born in California and the other five were born in Farmington. Besides his five children he leaves to mourn his death five brothers, Gus Lewis of this city, Swen Freeberg of Miles City, MT, and three brothers in Sweden, fifteen grandchildren and a host of relatives and friends.

After the death of Mrs. Larson, the home was maintained by the youngest daughter, Miss Freeda, until six years ago when the homestead was sold to Almo Larson. From that time Mr. Larson made his home at the old homestead to which he was so strongly attached.

The funeral was held Tuesday afternoon at the home at one o'clock and at the Salem church in Farmington at two o'clock, Rev. F. G. Olson of Wisconsin Rapids, officiating.

The relatives attending the last rites were Mr. and Mrs. Walter Larson and daughter Ellen of Pittsburgh, PA; G. Alfred Johnson and daughter Cora of Boyceville, Swen Freeberg of Miles City, MT.

Deceased was a very true and active member of Salem Lutheran church of which he had been a member since 1880. For supervising the extensive improvements that have been made to the church during the past few weeks, Mr. Larson was appointed a committee of one and was on the job every day and was gratified to note that a day or two more would mark the completion of the work he was entrusted to supervise.

The habits of thrift and industry which characterize so many of the Scandinavian people were deeply impressed upon the subject of this sketch and were the basic reasons for the success he attained after the purchase of eighty acres of unimproved land which, with forty acres that he homesteaded, were later turned from an unbroken tract into a splendid farm with most convenient and up-to-date home buildings. 

Olaus and Olivia are buried in Salem (Swede) Cemetery, Farmington Twp., Waupaca CO., WI.

Grave markers in Salem (Swede) Cemetery, Farmington Twp., Waupaca Co., WI

The following is courtesy of the Waupaca County Gen Web site:

From: "Standard History of Waupaca County, Wisconsin" Edited by John M. Ware 1917.

OLAUS LARSON. One of the well-to-do families of Waupaca County is represented by Mr. Olaus Larson, who has lived in one locality of Farmington Township over thirty five years, and has long been enjoying the splendid fruits of his early toil and industry. Like the majority of Americans who were born in the Scandinavian countries, he started his career in the United States without special advantages or capital, and has relied entirely upon hard work and good judgment to put him ahead in the world.

Mr. Larson was born in Sweden April 23, 1851, a son of Lars Pehrsson and Christina Olsdotter. His mother died in 1856 and his father in 1886. The training afforded by the common schools of Sweden was the education Olaus acquired as a boy. He grew up with the habits of industry firmly fixed in his character, and was competent to make his own way when he reached America. In 1872 he located at Marquette, Michigan, but in 1875 went west to California, and remained in the Golden State for five years. In 1880 Mr. Larson came to Waupaca County and bought eighty acres of the farm which he now owns and occupies. At the same time he homesteaded forty acres nearby, and all of this land is now under improvement. The commodious buildings found on the farm are the product mainly of his own handiwork as a practical carpenter, and he has added some improvements or item of value to his farm almost every year since he located there.

He now has a complete lighting system installed for use in his home and outbuildings and has many of the comforts which are usually found only in city homes. Mr. Larson features the Holstein cattle as the principal revenue producers on his farm.

Having children growing up in his home, he has naturally been interested in the welfare of the local schools and served a number of years on the school board. For two terms he was supervisor of his township. He is a republican in politics and a member of the Swedish Lutheran Church.

In 1874 in Marquette, Michigan, he married Miss Olivia Larson. She was born in Sweden in 1848. Her father died in the old country and her mother subsequently came to America and lived at St. Paul, Minnesota, where she died at the home of a son in 1901. Mrs. Larson was a splendid companion and helpmate to her husband, and during the thirty years of their married life she reared a family to self-respecting manhood and womanhood. Her death occurred in August, 1906. There were seven children, a brief record of them being as follows: Emilia Sophia, who was born in California and died at Sheridan, in Waupaca County, in August, 1905; Emil, who died when fifteen years old; Arthur, who is a mail carrier and farmer at Sheridan; Edith Christine, wife of Clarence C. Nelson, living in South Dakota; Almo, who has bought his father's farm, married Emma Abbey, daughter of William Abbey, of Milladore, Wisconsin, and they have one child, Wilbur; Walter, who is a graduate of the University of Pennsylvania in the technical course, is now a successful young mechanical engineer at Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania; Freeda is a graduate nurse, having taken her training in the Cook County Hospital, of Chicago, and is now practicing her profession in that city.

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.

The 1870 U. S. Census taken on July 12, 1870 shows Moses Hunt (age 74) born in New Hampshire with real estate of $1,200 and personal estate of $300 is a Farmer living in Farmington Twp., Waupaca Co., WI. Living with him is Mary Hunt (age 38) born in Baden, who is Keeping House.

The 1874 map of Farmington Twp., Waupaca Co., WI shows M. Hunt owns 80 acres of land, located at the last "N" in FARMINGTON.

The 1875 Wisconsin State Census shows One White Male and one white female are living in the Moses Hunt residence in Farmington Twp., Waupaca Co., WI.

The 1880 U. S. Census taken on June 15, 1880 shows Mary Hunt (age 49) born in Germany to German-born parents is a widow living in Farmington Twp., Waupaca Co., WI. Leigh Larson note: This is on the 40 acre land located to the east of the original Moses Hunt land.

The 1880 U. S. Census taken on June 7, 1880 shows Jos. Freenor (age 24) born in Baden to Baden-born parents is a Farmer living in Carson Twp., Portage Co., WI. Living with him is his wife Elle Freenor (age 21) born in Canada to Canadian-born parents, who is Keeping House. Also living there is son Francis Freenor (age 1) born in Wisconsin to Baden and Canadian-born parents; and Uncle, Michael Freenor (age 40) born in Baden to Baden-born parents, who Works on Farm.

Moses Hunt was born November 9, 1795 in New Hampshire and died May 22, 1880 in Farmington Twp., Waupaca Co., WI at age 84. He is buried in St. Patrick Cemetery, Lebanon Twp., Waupaca Co., WI. Moses was the son of Nathan Hunt and Abigail Hale.

WAUPACA REPUBLICAN

September 22, 1992

That Street Controversy

 Our readers have been treated to more or less petitions of late in regard to a “street alleged to have been laid out in 1855 in the 1st ward” in fact that said street has been up and down before the Council ever since March 1885, but it has never materialized very far toward a street as yet.

The facts in the case, are that for the past quarter of a century or more there has been a road or several forks of them meandering from the Brainard Bridge around Mr. W. Scott’s land to the Mortensen (or old Blinn place) and to connect with the road near Mrs. Hunts’ place in Farmington.  By a petition of W. Scott and others in 1885 a road was finally established and fences built running westward from the Brainard Bridge taking two rods from Alice Brainard’s land and two rods from W. Scott’ land, to the town line of Farmington, to Henry Mortensen’s place.  Nothing was done about making the new road until 1887.  ‘88 the Council verbally let some party cut off the timber for the wood on the said street.  IN 1889 the town board of Farmington and the City Council jointly laid out a highway to intersect the west end of this alleged highway as above noted running northward on the town line between Waupaca and Farmington to intersect the highway near Mrs. Hunt’s land.

It seems after the timber was cut off it revealed a good sized stone quarry on that highway for twenty rods or more so there has been no street Committee imbued with sand enough to go ahead and attempt to work a road through it.  The old road has served the only means for travel to the Mortensen farm.  This year Mr. Mortensen got tired of traveling to the city with the old highway obstructed with gates nailed up, so petitioned earnestly and often to the city to work the road laid in 1885 and give him an outlet.  Mr. McFall as Chairman of Farmington joined in the song and dance and threatened to bring action to compel the city to “open sesame” the byways and hedges in that direction.  But the present Council felt that there was not money enough in the treasury to open a stone quarry this year.  In the controversy the records were searched and it was found that the law had not been complied with nor the record of the action of the jury entered in laying out the said street, so the council decided that inasmuch as the law had not been complied with they had no legal rights in the premises; they voted that the Mayor get legal advice upon the matter, which he did of Henry D. Ryan city attorney of Appleton, who holds that the old road is the only legal highway and that the street supposed to have been (incomplete article)

The 1889 map of Farmington Twp., Waupaca Co., WI shows O. Larson owns the 80 acres of land that M. Hunt owned in 1874, and that Mrs. Hunt owns 40 acres of land, located east of the 80 acre plat, separated by another owner (Fox River?). Please note the ownership of 80 acres of land to the north of the Olaus Larson land is owned by U. S.

The 1895 Wisconsin State Census taken on June 20, 1895 shows Mrs. Hunt born in Germany is a white female living alone in the City of Waupaca, Waupaca Co., WI.

The 1900 U. S. Census taken on June 1, 1900 shows Mary Hunt (age 69) born April 1831 in Germany to German-born parents and having emigrated in 1861 with the only child born to her still living is a widowed Landlord owning her home without a mortgage on Grant Street, 1st Ward, City of Waupaca, Waupaca Twp., Waupaca Co., WI.

The 1901 map of Farmington Twp., Waupaca Co., WI shows O. Larson owns the 80 acres of land that M. Hunt owned in 1874, plus the 40 acres he purchased as a Land Patent. The 40 acres owned by Mrs. Hunt, located east of the 80 acre plat, separated by another owner, is now owned by E. Larson. Arthur Larson owns 80 acres of land south of Sheridan.

The 1905 Wisconsin State Census taken on June 1, 1905 shows Mary Hunt (age 74) born in Germany to German-born parents is a widowed Capitalist owning her own home free of a mortgage and living alone in the City of Waupaca, Waupaca Co., WI.

The 1912 map of Farmington Twp., Waupaca Co., WI shows O. Larson owns the 80 acres of land that M. Hunt owned in 1874, plus the 40 acres he purchased as a Land Patent. The 40 acres owned by Mrs. Hunt, located east of the 80 acre plat, separated by another owner, is now owned by E. Larson. Arthur Larson owns 80 acres of land south of Sheridan.

Mary (Unknown) (Freenor) Hunt died February 11, 1910 in the City of Waupaca, Waupaca Twp., Waupaca Co., WI at age 78. She is buried in St. Mary Magdalene Parish Cemetery, Waupaca, Waupaca Co., WI, Waupaca. Services at St. Mary's Catholic Church.

Stevens Point Daily Tribune, Stevens Point, WI, Monday, February 21, 1910

DEATH OF A RECLUSE

Mother of Conductor Joseph Freener Dies in Want Amid Riches.

Mrs. Mary Hunt, mother of Joseph Freener, a Soo line conductor well known in this city, died at her home in Waupaca on Feb. 11, aged 78 years. Many years ago, as the result of an estrangement between herself and son, she forbade him coming to the house and for over 20 years he had not even seen her. Since the death of her husband several years ago, no other person has ever been known to enter the house. She lived in a handsome home but never used any part of the house except the kitchen, which served as a sleeping room as well as all her other purposes. All the blinds were always kept closed and not a ray of sunlight had penetrated the house in years. She still retained her antiquated dresses and whenever she appeared on the street, which was seldom, she still wore the old hoop skirt and seemed utterly oblivious to the curiosity her appearance aroused. The day before her death the neighbors became alarmed because she had not been seen outside the house and there was no smoke from the chimney. They entered the house and found her ill in bed with no fire and no food in the house. Upwards of $3,000 in cash and bonds were found in an old pail in the sink and an $800 mortgage was picked up from the rubbish on the floor. Nearly $4,000 in cash, mortgages and bonds were found in the house. Her son and his wife, who now reside in Fond du Lac, responded at once to the message announcing his mother's illness and took charge of affairs. She was buried on Monday from St. Mary's Catholic church, Father Mortell officiating.

Stevens Point Gazette, Stevens Point, WI, Wednesday, February 23, 1910

DEMISE OF A RECLUSE

Mother of Well Known Engineer on the Soo Dies at Waupaca, Leaving Much Wealth.

Engineer Jos. Freenor, of Fond du Lac, is among the pioneer employes of the Central, now Soo, company. For several years when a young man Stevens Point was his home, and he was married here. The following, relative to the death of his mother, which is taken from the Waupaca Record, will therefore be of interest to a number of our readers: Mrs. Mary Hunt, one of Waupaca's most unique characters, passed away on Friday, at the age of seventy-eight years. She was found by her neighbors in an unconscious condition on Thursday morning and had evidently been ill several days. She lived alone in one room of a large house on Granite street and it is supposed to have been years since any human being entered the house but herself. The shutters on the house were all closed and not a ray of sunlight has penetrated the residence in years. About $3,600 in money and bonds were found lying about the house in different places, most of it in the kitchen sink in an old tin pail and stocking. The kitchen served her for sleeping-room, parlor, dining room and kitchen, and she retained the style of dress of the olden day even to the hoop skirt. Whenever she came down town the curious eyes of the public were turned upon her and she seemed very indifferent to the interest she created. Her husband died several years ago and she is survived by one son, Francis Joseph Freenor, who with his wife and family were present at the funeral. She became estranged from her son many years ago and forbade his coming home. He resides in Fond du Lac and is an engineer on the Soo line and his run has brought him through Waupaca daily, but he has not seen his mother in almost twenty years. The funeral was held from St. Mary's church on Monday morning at 9 o'clock, Father Mortell officiating, with interment in the Lakeside cemetery.

Leigh Larson comments: Strange that Mary Freenor emigrated in 1861, yet her son Francis Joseph Freenor did not emigrate until 1870. By 1870, Mary had already married a New York City policeman,, Moses Hunt, who was probably recently widowed, and they moved to a farm in rural Waupaca. By 1880 young Francis Joseph is married, and farming in rural Portage Co., WI. His uncle Michael Freenor also lives there, so it is likely that Francis emigrated with his uncle, not with his mother.

The 1910 U. S. Census taken on April 21, 1910 shows Joseph F. Freenor (age 54) born in Germany to German-born parents and having emigrated in 1870 and a naturalized citizen is a Locomotive Engineer Landlord owning his home without a mortgage at 82 West Division Street, 4th Ward, City of Fond du Lac, Fond du Lac Co., WI. Living with him is his wife of 33 years, Nellie Freenor (age 51) born in Massachusetts to Canadian (French) and Massachusetts-born parents, with 6 of the 10 children born to her still living. Living at home are: their unmarried daughter, Susie Freenor (age 16) born in Wisconsin to German and Massachusetts-born parents; and uncle Michael Freenor (age 72) born in Germany to German-born parents, who has his Own Income.

The Gazette, Stevens Point, WI, Wednesday, December 26, 1917

SOO ENGINEER DIES

Joseph F. Freenor, Former Stevens Point Resident, Dies at Fond du Lac

Joseph Francis Freenor, aged 61, a well known Soo line passenger engineer and for several years a resident of Stevens Point, died at his home in Fond du Lac last Thursday of cancer of the liver. He was taken ill last July and since then had been off duty. He was born in Baden, Germany, March 1, 1886, and came to this country when 15 years of age. He resided with his mother at Waupaca for many years. On April 7, 1877 he was married to Miss Nellie Fontaine of the town of Linwood, this county, and for several years thereafter this city was the family home. Mr. Freenor became identified with the old Wisconsin Central road in 1886 and since then made his headquarters successively at Chelsea, Waukesha and Fond du Lac, having lived in the last named city since 1901. He was well known in railroad circles. For many years he was engineer on passenger trains between Fond du Lac and Chicago. He was secretary of the Fond du Lac branch of the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers for 13 years and was also a member of the Knights of Columbus council there. Besides his widow, Mr. Freenor is survived by two sons and three daughters, F. J. Freenor, Dallas, Tex.; Mrs Eric Peisker, Mrs. Schleger and John Freenor, Fond du Lac, and Mrs. Authur Faucher, Chicago. The funeral was held Monday morning from St. Louis' Catholic church at Fond du Lac.

John Freenor Born November 30, 1889 in Waukesha Co., WI.

Evrard D. Freenor Born October 5, 1891 in Waukesha Co., WI.

Joseph F. Freenor Born June 29, 1893 in Waukesha Co., WI.

1890-91 Waukesha County Gazetteer

Waukesha Village Directory.

Freenor

Oshkosh, May 10, 1911

Miss Pearl Freenor of Fond du Lac is soon to marry Phillip Schleiger, a Milwaukee druggist, the ceremony to be performed at Fond du Lac.

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.

Plat of Farmington Twp., Waupaca Co., WI

Larson Family History Research

Prepared by Julia L. Renken

This information was garnered from records found at the Swedish Emigrant's Haus in Vaxjo, Sweden during a visit there in August, 1995.

Eva Helena Molsson was the mother of Gustava Ekman who was the mother of Catarina Olivia Wilhelmina Larsdotter.

Gustava Ekman (maiden name) was born in Asby Parish in the Linköping district of Östergotland on 11 March 1825. Asby Parish is along route 131, 20 kilometers southeast of Tranas.

Lars Fredrick Nilsson, the husband of Gustava Ekman and father of Catarina, was born in Grebo Parish in the Linköping district of Östergotland on 29 April 1820 and died on 24 June 1870 in Värna Parish. Grebo and Värna Parishes are along route 35, about 20 kilometers southeast of Linköping.

Lars and Gustava were married on 24 March 1844, at a place as yet unknown. They moved about 5 kilometers from Grebo Parish to Värna Parish in 1844.

Nils Johan Alfred Larsson, eldest son of Lars and Gustava, was born 21 February 1845 and died 14 January 1849.

Lars, Gustava, Nils, and Catarina were listed in the Värna Parish records as living on the Nergarden farm in the Kongsvik area of the Parish, which is southeast of the Parish church. Household census records indicate their presence in 1845, 1846, 1847, 1848, and 1849. (Attachment 1 and 2 are copies of page 117 of the Värna Parish household records for 1845-1849.)

In 1866 the family moved from Värna Parish to Grebo Parish and lived in the Tollstorp/Skalstorp area of the Parish. The family listing on page 227 of the household records of Grebo Parish shows that Lars was a farmer of less than 15 acres. All of the family were listed on the records (copy not made of the page). Children’s full name and birth date were listed as follows (all born in Värna Parish):

    Catarina Olivia Wilhelmina - 25 January 1848

    Fredrika Mathilda Gustava - 17 September 1851

    Anders Fredrik Leonhard - 30 November 1853

    Carl Johan Alfred - 16 August 1856

    Sofia Louisa - 31 March 1862

    Amanda Albertina - 31 March 1862

The Grebo Parish records show the death of Lars Nilsson on 24 June 1870. A line was drawn through his name.

The Grebo Parish records show that Catarina left Grebo Parish in 1868 when she was 20 years old. Date of departure was not noted. A line was drawn through her name as well.

Catarina moved to the Kongsvikstorp area of Värna Parish in 1868, apparently by herself. I did not write down in which household/farm she was listed.

In 1872 Catarina moved from Kongsvikstorp to the Bersbo Grufna area, all within Värna Parish (page 154 of Värna records).

On May 5, 1873 Catarina left Värna Parish for North America. Her name was deleted from the Parish records (page 178 of the records shows her name crossed out; she was the 75th person to depart Värna Parish in 1873). The designation pig. before her name on the records means that she was an unmarried maiden (piga).

The Swedish emigration records list Gustava Ekman Larsdotter as emigrating to North America in 1883 from the Torpa Parish. Torpa is just north of Asby Parish (where she was born). The records also list her status as "widow of a farmer."

Bersbo Grufna

This copper mine was in its peak years in the 1850s. During the years 1852-1860 seventeen houses were built to house the workers and their families. Each house contained six rooms; four on the first floor and two on the second floor. Each room had an open hearth in one corner and was to house one family. Each room measured approximately 20' by 20'. Behind each house was a long shed with six doors, providing a place for each family to stack its firewood and supplies. The mine's production began to decrease in the 1870s. In 1871 alone there were 200+ people who left the village and emigrated to North America, primarily to Michigan, to work in the mines.

Of the 17 houses built, 10 are still standing and some are in the process of being renovated. The company which owns the mine began to sell the houses in 1993. We spoke to a gentleman who has purchased and renovated one of the houses. He told us most of the above information and allowed us to go inside his house. Apparently there are no records available which list the occupants of each house. I hope my further research next spring will reveal at least which household Catarina lived in and possibly suggest why she was living in the village. (Remembering that the occupants of the village were not wealthy people, perhaps she was hired to be a surrogate mother to the children of a miner whose wife had died.)

AUTOBIOGRAPHY of Catarina Olivia Wilhelmina Larsdotter

Translated from the Swedish Family Bible in possession of Nancy Lewis deJong

I have many times thought of writing a biography but as I am not an important person what use would it be, but still the thought has not left my mind.

I was born in 1848 in Värna Parish in the province of Östergotland, grew up like other children and was used to going to church, learned to read morning and evening prayers, and had great ability to learn everything that was required at that time. I had a good memory and great interest in reading. When I turned eight I knew the catechism by heart. I read my bible lesson to my father every evening until I knew the catechism. I did not go to school until I was nine years old. Farmers did not get much schooling in those days. I went to school five semesters, only one or two days a week.

Even the pastor felt that as long as you know how to read, school was not so necessary for you. But what I have missed of education in my life I have taught myself. At the age of 15 I was Confirmed but I was not ready for God's word. I was spiritually dead. But then Count Stackelberg took over Dahla Estate and he hired a bookkeeper, set aside a room for prayer in the main building, and there accountant Johnson gave a sermon every Sunday afternoon. Then the words got meaning. I regretted my sins and I began to seek Salvation. And I remember it as if it were yesterday when our Heavenly Father first let me be aware of a longing for Salvation.

I began to pray and work to get peace and I wandered in distress and darkness for a long time until one day Our Father talked to me through a hymn.

Only the one who has experienced it himself knows the kind of peace that filled my soul. Now I could no longer be sad. Music filled our hearts. There was in those days the Holy Spirits Pentecostal wind going through the land. But there have been other days when I could not live on feelings when I had to cross many dark valleys. But God has not abandoned me, but He has only hidden His face from me. I know that I did not always listen to God, and I also know that if I had not gone my own way, I would have avoided many difficulties in my life.

In 1873 I went to America and then there was so much that caught my interest. Being a Christian became more of a habit than a daily part of my life. One year after arriving in America I married and the following year we went to California. We stayed there five years, but then poverty came.

Oh, yes, God’s love is wonderful. Only He knows how to mend a harrowed soul.

Almo, Arthur, about 1915

 Almo, Arthur, Olaus, about 1916

Arthur, Caroline (Mrs. Arthur #2), Emma (Mrs. Almo), Walter, Helen (Mrs. Walter), Almo about 1938. 

Transcribed and submitted to the Waupaca County Website by Paula Vaughan, October 2002
The original held by the Wisconsin State Historical Society in Madison, WI

ANNUAL REPORT OF THE
COUNTY SUPERINTENDENT AND DIRECTORY OF SCHOOLS
   WAUPACA COUNTY, WISCONSIN
1899-1900

DISTRICT CLERKS

Town of Bear Creek

No. Dist. Name of Clerk Post Office
1 Steve McGinty Welcome
2 John Hofman Clintonville
3 P.H. Kasper Nicholson
4 Henry Borchardt Welcome
5 Gustav Schoepke Nicholson
Joint 2 Charles Zielkie Clintonville
Joint 5 Charles Delo Symco

Town of Caledonia
1 Robert Kiesow Readfield
Joint 2 August Shimke New London
3 Wm. Strelow Readfield
Joint 5 August Tews Readfield

Town of Dayton
1 A. E. Wilkins Waupaca
2 John A. Lewis Rural
3 Mrs. E. C. Poland Crystal Lake
4 Mrs. C. S. Ashmun Rural
5 Mrs. M. E. Barton Rural
6 G. M. Suydam Crystal Lake
7 Robert Pinkerton Crystal Lake
8 Amos Rice Waupaca

Town of Dupont
1 Mrs. F. A. Piehl Marion
2 Ed Elsner Marion
3 W. P. Nichols Marion
4 Emil Polzin Marion

Town of Farmington
1 C. Johnson Sheridan
4 J. Bucknell Waupaca
5 Olas Larson Waupaca
6 E. Emmons Waupaca
7 Lars Peterson Waupaca
Joint 1 Gilbert Gilson Scandinavia
Join 2 D. Morgan Scandinavia