Histories:
Trempealeau County Historical Accounts:
"History of Trempealeau County Wisconsin, 1917":
Chapter 15:
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Elmer L. Immell, live stock dealer and automobile agent of Blair, has seen considerable public life. From 1889 to 1893, under President Benjamin H. Harrison, he was postmaster at Blair. From 1901 to 1903 he was sheriff of Trempealeau County. From 1903 to 1908 he was deputy State game warden. Since its organization he has served on the village council all except four years, and during a part of this period he was president of that body. He has also been village treasurer and township treasurer. In all of these positions he has done most excellent work, and has demonstrated his efficiency and ability in whatever line of effort he has been called upon to undertake. He was born in Alma Township, Jackson County, Wis., May 10, 1863, son of Francis M. and Anna (Storley) Immell, and spent his boyhood on the farm, coming to Blair with his parents in 1876. For a number of years he was occupied in drilling wells and installing pumps and windmills. During this period he operated a number of steam threshers. Gradually he became interested in stock buying, in which line he has since continued. In 1910 he purchased the hardware store of A. B. Peterson. In 1913, having sold this establishment, he became treasurer and part owner of the Whitehall Auto Sales Company, of Whitehall, assuming the position of agent at Blair. He has built up a good business and is widely known for his honorable dealing. Fraternally, Mr. Immell is connected with the Modern Woodmen and the Beavers. He was married Nov. 19, 1885, to Rose McKivergin, and this union has been blessed with four children: Hugh E., who is in the hardware business in Appleton, Wis.; Russell H., who is at home; Clinton B., who is a student at the La Crosse Normal School, and Ralph M., who is studying law in the University of Wisconsin.
-Transcribed from the "History of Trempealeau County Wisconsin, 1917," pages 392 - 393
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Omer F. Immell, hustling agent for the New York Life Insurance Company, was born on a farm three miles east of Blair, April 22, 1872, son of Francis M. and Anna (Storley) Immell. Francis M. Immell was born in Ohio, came to Wisconsin in 1851, lived at Black River Falls four years, came to Trempealeau County in 1856, located three miles east of Blair, and there lived until he moved to the village, where he died in 1913, his good wife having passed away the previous year. Omer F. Immell started out for himself while a boy in his early teens. As a youth he did farm work. For several years he was a clerk in the Farmers' Trading Association store at Blair. For one year he traveled for the Ramer Candy Company, of Winona, and for six years for the Winona Candy Company, of that city. Later he traveled seven years for the Kratchwil Candy Company, of La Crosse. In 1913, he established at Blair, the Immell Bait Company for the manufacture of the "Chippewa Bait." Jan. 25, 1915, he accepted his present agency. In this capacity he has several times led the State organization in number of applications obtained, and in February and March, 1915, he led the district comprising Wisconsin, Minnesota, North Dakota and a part of Canada. The enclosed extract, taken from a journalistic source, is a well-merited tribute to his ability in the line of industry he follows: "O. F. Immell, agent for the New York Life Insurance Company, has the honor of being one of seven to win a vice-presidency in what is termed by the company the $100,000 class. To be in this class an agent must sell over $100,000 worth of insurance. Mr. Immell came close to doubling this figure, selling a total of $183,000 worth of insurance for the year (1917). By so doing he automatically elected himself a delegate from this district to the convention of that company at Atlantic City, which is held Thursday and Friday of this week. Mr. Immell has worked hard for this honor and only a close attention to this business, coupled with the fact that he is well posted on insurance matters and represents one of the best companies, enabled him to win. The company has this to say of him: 'He has the honor of having a larger volume, $183,000, than any other official in the club. He is so close to the $200,000 club that we shall expect to see him there without fail one year from now.' " Mr. Immell was married Jan. 1, 1895, to Margaret McKivergin, a native of Trempealeau County, daughter of James McKivergin. This union has resulted in two children: Orrie and Florence.
-Transcribed from the "History of Trempealeau County Wisconsin, 1917," pages 628 - 629
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Gustave M. Instenes, who is engaged in operating the old Instenes farm in section 26, Chimney Rock Township, was born on this farm April 24, 1888, son of Sven and Ragnil (Rosgaard) Instenes, who had settled in this township in 1874. Reared on the homestead, he became familiar with every branch of agricultural work, and was associated with his father until his death, since which time he has operated the farm alone, acquiring it by purchase in February, 1914. On Dec. 30, 1914, he was married to Elise Haakenson, who was born in Chimney Rock Township, April 21, 1882, daughter of John and Eli (Erickson) Haakenson. Her father, born in Soler, Norway, Aug. 26, 1846, died Dec. 4, 1891. Her mother, also a native of that place, born March 11, 1852, is still living on the old homestead. Mrs. Gustave M. Instenes, who received a good education, taught school for fourteen years and a half. The Instenes farm is a well improved and productive piece of property and is kept up to a high standard of value. Mr. Instenes has served as school clerk for three years. He and his wife are members of the Norwegian Lutheran church of America.
-Transcribed from the "History of Trempealeau County Wisconsin, 1917," page 633
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John S. Instenes, who is successfully operating the old Instenes farm of 200 acres in Ettrick Township, was born on this farm June 20, 1876, son of Sever and Anna (Instenes) Instenes. In his boyhood he attended the Beach school in Ettrick Township. Brought up on the home farm, he assisted his father in its operation, but at intervals was away from home, working elsewhere. On his father's death in 1906 he came into possession of the farm, on which he has made a number of valuable improvements, and now has very good buildings, including a nice modern residence. Besides carrying on general farming on a profitable basis, he is interested financially as a stockholder in the Ettrick Creamery, the Ettrick Telephone Company and the Farmers Exchange of Blair. On May 28, 1908, Mr. Instenes was united in marriage with Anna Herreid, daughter of Tosten G. and Ragnhild (Bue) Herreid, prosperous farming people of section 17, Ettrick Township. He and his wife are the parents of two children: Evelyn Jeanette, born Aug. 29, 1912, and Spencer Thomas, born Jan. 2, 1916. They have also an adopted daughter, Clara Olive, born May 11, 1906, who is attending school. The family are members of the Norwegian Lutheran Church. Mr. Instenes is independent in politics. He is a member of the order of Beavers, and is an enterprising agriculturist, widely known and respected.
-Transcribed from the "History of Trempealeau County Wisconsin, 1917," page 542
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Lewis O. Instenes, who is prosperously engaged in the jewelry business in Blair, Trempealeau County, is a native of this county, having been born in Ettrick Township, Nov. 25, 1880, son of Sever and Anna (Instenes) Instenes. He was educated in the district schools and spent his early life on his parents' farm. Graduating from the Minneapolis School of Watchmaking in 1905, he acquired experience by working in various shops until he came to Blair in 1907. Here he bought out the jewelry stock of Ed. Bersing and established his present business. He handles a general line of jewelry, does expert watch repairing, and also deals in clocks, silverware, Edison phonographs and similar goods. He has built up a good trade and won the confidence of his patrons by honest dealing and courteous attention to their wants. Thus established on a firm basis, his future prospects are as favorable as his present prosperity is gratifying. Mr. Instenes was married Oct. 5, 1910, to Nettie Dale, who was born in Ettrick Township, Jan. 12, 1885, daughter of Sam and Catherine (Herreid) Dale. Her father, a native of Norway, was a pioneer of Ettrick Township, and is now carrying on business, as a stock buyer in Galesville. Mr. and Mrs. Instenes have two children: Stanley LeRoy, born Sept. 2, 1911, and Ardyce Catherine, born March 22, 1916.
-Transcribed from the "History of Trempealeau County Wisconsin, 1917," pages 542 - 543
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Sever Instenes, who was for many years a well known and successful farmer of Ettrick Township, was born in Hardanger, Norway, Oct. 23, 1848, son of Johanes and Anna (Brovald) Instenes. Johanes and his family came from Norway in 1861, and first located in Dane County, Wisconsin, where he remained one year. As he was born March 20, 1824, he was then a man of about 37 years, and in the prime of life. Coming from Dane to Trempealeau County, he settled on a farm in Ettrick Township, where nearly 20 years later his wife Anna died, on Jan. 7, 1882. There he continued to reside for 28 years longer, or until his death, which occurred March 21, 1910. He was a sturdy pioneer farmer, who accepted conditions as he found them and did his share in developing the agricultural resources of his township. Sever Instenes was a youth of 14 years when he came to this country. He was reared on the home farm, acquiring a good knowledge of agriculture from practical experience, and following it when young under pioneer conditions. In time he succeeded to the possession of the farm which his father had homesteaded, and which he still further improved, operating it successfully until his death, Jan. 14, 1906. On Oct. 22, 1872, he was united in marriage at Roche a Cri, Adams County, Wis., to Anna Instenes, who was born in Hardanger, Norway, Nov. 26, 1854. She is still living on the old farm, making her home with her son John S., who is its present owner. Sever and Anna Instenes were the parents of three children: Anna, John S. and Lewis O. Anna, who was born Nov. 13, 1873, was married June 4, 1898, to Albert Saed, a resident of Ettrick Township, this county, and has two children: Althord Sulliven, born June 29, 1904, and Adella (Corinthia), born July 23, 1906. John S., born June 20, 1876, is now, as previously mentioned, operating the old homestead. Lewis 0., born Nov. 25, 1880, is a jeweler, residing in Blair.
-Transcribed from the "History of Trempealeau County Wisconsin, 1917," pages 541 - 542
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Sven Instenes, who for many years was a well known farmer and popular citizen of Chimney Rock Township, was born in Hardanger, Norway, Feb. 4, 1845, son of Lars and Anna Instenes. In 1861 he accompanied his parents to the United States, the family settling in Adams County, Wisconsin, where they remained until 1874. They then came to Trempealeau County, Lars Instenes homesteading the northwest corner of section 23, Chimney Rock Township, where he made his home until his death June 2, 1899. Sven Instenes was well trained in agricultural methods in his youth and was 29 years old when he started in for himself, homesteading the northwest quarter of section 26, Chimney Rock Township, in 1874. From that time until his death, Feb. 21, 1913, a period of 39 years, he resided on that farm, cultivating the soil, raising stock and performing other farm duties connected with the development of his place. He was industrious and successful and was well liked and respected by his neighbors as a man of good qualities and a reliable citizen. April 9, 1871, Sven Instenes was united in marriage with Ragnil Rosgaard, who was born in Numedahl, Norway, March 18, 1852. They had eight children, of whom one is now deceased, the family record being briefly as follows: Anna, who married Sam P. Solfast, a farmer of Chimney Rock Township; Lars, who died Aug. 9, 1911; Otis, who is farming in Velva, N. D.; Albert, Robert and Helmer, who are all three farming in McCabe, Mont. Gustave, residing on the old homestead in Chimney Rock Township, and Henry, who is also a farmer in this township. Mr. Instenes served as treasurer and director of the school board for nine years and was also nine years township supervisor. Mrs. Instenes resides on the old farm with her son Gustave.
-Transcribed from the "History of Trempealeau County Wisconsin, 1917," page 633
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James Irvine, for many years a prominent citizen of Trempealeau County, was born in Maryland, in 1853, and early determined to devote his life to farm pursuits. When a mere lad he accompanied his parents to this county, and here grew to manhood. As soon as he was able he acquired land and was soon numbered in the ranks of the successful agriculturists of the county. At different times he owned and operated various farms here until the spring of 1911, when he moved to the vicinity of Bowman, S. D., and engaged in farming and stock raising there. While living in Gale Township he served a number of years as township treasurer and as a member of the school board. His wife, Agnes Dick, was the first white child born at Decorah Prairie. Mr. and Mrs. Irvine were the parents of five children: John Quinton, Nellie (deceased), William Walter, Myrtle Beatrice and Rose Irene.
-Transcribed from the "History of Trempealeau County Wisconsin, 1917," page 358
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John Quinton Irvine. The name of Irvine is familiar to those acquainted with the agricultural development of Trempealeau County, as for many years members of the family have been engaged here in the tilling of the soil, in stock raising, or kindred occupations. The subject of this sketch was born at Decorah Prairie, in Gale Township, Sept. 7, 1877, oldest of the five children of James and Agnes (Dick) Irvine. In his boyhood he attended the district school at Decorah Prairie, there acquiring the elements of knowledge before settling down to the more serious business of life. His first 25 years were spent on the parental homestead as his father's assistant, and he then came to his present farm in section 23, which contains 160 acres, and on which he has made practically all the improvements. His buildings are modern and well constructed and he has an ample supply of tools and implements for both general and dairy farming, to which he devotes all his time.
June 4, 1902, Mr. Irvine was united in marriage with Tillie Olson, who was born in Pickwick, Minn., fifth of the eleven children of Thomas and Sarah Olson. The other children were Mattie (deceased), Rena, Oluf, Ida, Tommy, Hannah, Helmer, Eddie, Hilda and an unnamed infant. The parents, who were born in Norway, came to Minnesota at an early date and are still residing in the vicinity of Pickwick. Mr. and Mrs. Irvine have had two children. The first born died in infancy. The other, Thomas James, born Dec. 16, 1904, is attending school. Mr. and Mrs. Irvine are members of the Presbyterian church. In politics he is a Republican.
-Transcribed from the "History of Trempealeau County Wisconsin, 1917," page 358
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Alva E. Isom, a successful and well-known farmer living on 160 acres of well-improved land in section 17, Sumner Township, is a native of this state, having been born at Black Earth, Oct. 17, 1880, son of David and Emma (Elwood) Isom. He was educated in the schools of his neighborhood, was reared to farm pursuits by his father, and remained with his parents until 1903, when he purchased his present place. In public life he has been town supervisor for two years and school clerk for seven years. His financial holdings include stock in the Farmers' Elevator at Osseo and the Farmers Exchange Bank of Osseo. His fraternal relations are with the Modern Woodmen of America, in which he is an officer. Mr. Isom was married Sept. 23, 1903, to Jessie Ring, born in Sumner Township, May 24, 1880, daughter of John and Alberta (Dighton) Ring, and this union has been blessed with three children: Eugene W., born Nov. 16, 1905; Clifford R., born Sept. 9, 1909, and Howard K, born Sept. 13, 1911.
-Transcribed from the "History of Trempealeau County Wisconsin, 1917," page 609
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David Isom came to Trempealeau County in 1882 and purchased a farm in section 19, Sumner Township, which he operated until 1907, when he sold it to his son, George J., and moved to Osseo, where he now resides. He was born in Leicestershire, England, May 27, 1843, son of Francis and Elizabeth (Hoe) Isom, the former of whom, of German descent, was born in 1801 and died in 1878, and the latter of whom, of English descent, was born in 1814 and died in 1864. Coming to America in 1862, the subject of this sketch visited Quebec and Montreal, and lived in Door and Dane Counties, this state, before coming to Trempealeau County. Mr. Isom was married Dec. 1, 1868, to Emma Jane Elwood, who was born in England, April 13, 1851. This union has been blessed with seven children: Ada E., Frank W., George J., Alvah E., James, Clarence and Lura Maria Rosella. Ada E. died of diptheria at the age of eight years. Frank W. is in the land business in Los Angeles. George J. owns and operates the home farm. He was married April 25, 1900, to Jennie Nichols, born in Eau Claire County, this state, daughter of Caleb F. and Anna (Olson) Nichols, retired farmers of Osseo, and this union has been blessed with five children: Eunice Adele, born Nov. 30, 1901; Grace Elizabeth, born Nov. 21, 1902; Ernest Francis, born July 11, 1904; Vera Anna, born Sept. 21, 1906, and Harold William, born Aug. 27, 1910. James was drowned at the age of two years. Alvah E. farms in Sumner Township. He was married Sept. 23, 1903, to Jessie Ring, daughter of John Ring, of Osseo, and they have three children: Eugene Willard, born Nov. 16, 1905; Clifford Roy, born Sept. 9, 1909, and Howard Kent, born Sept. 13, 1911. Clarence died at the age of six months. Lura Maria Rosella was married April 13, 1902, to Sidney Carter, who operates a garage at Cadotte, Wis., and they have four children: Walter Isom, born July 17, 1906; Dorothy May, born Aug. 5, 1908; Frank Elroy, born Aug. 6, 1913, and Elwood David, born Sept. 1, 1915.
-Transcribed from the "History of Trempealeau County Wisconsin, 1917," pages 608 - 609
"History of Trempealeau County Wisconsin, 1917":
Chapter 15:
BIOGRAPHY - I SURNAMES
| IMMELL, Elmer L IMMELL, Omer F INSTENES, Gustave M INSTENES, John S |
INSTENES, Lewis O INSTENES, Sever INSTENES, Sven IRVINE, James |
IRVINE, John Quinton ISOM, Alva E ISOM, David . |
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Elmer L. Immell, live stock dealer and automobile agent of Blair, has seen considerable public life. From 1889 to 1893, under President Benjamin H. Harrison, he was postmaster at Blair. From 1901 to 1903 he was sheriff of Trempealeau County. From 1903 to 1908 he was deputy State game warden. Since its organization he has served on the village council all except four years, and during a part of this period he was president of that body. He has also been village treasurer and township treasurer. In all of these positions he has done most excellent work, and has demonstrated his efficiency and ability in whatever line of effort he has been called upon to undertake. He was born in Alma Township, Jackson County, Wis., May 10, 1863, son of Francis M. and Anna (Storley) Immell, and spent his boyhood on the farm, coming to Blair with his parents in 1876. For a number of years he was occupied in drilling wells and installing pumps and windmills. During this period he operated a number of steam threshers. Gradually he became interested in stock buying, in which line he has since continued. In 1910 he purchased the hardware store of A. B. Peterson. In 1913, having sold this establishment, he became treasurer and part owner of the Whitehall Auto Sales Company, of Whitehall, assuming the position of agent at Blair. He has built up a good business and is widely known for his honorable dealing. Fraternally, Mr. Immell is connected with the Modern Woodmen and the Beavers. He was married Nov. 19, 1885, to Rose McKivergin, and this union has been blessed with four children: Hugh E., who is in the hardware business in Appleton, Wis.; Russell H., who is at home; Clinton B., who is a student at the La Crosse Normal School, and Ralph M., who is studying law in the University of Wisconsin.
-Transcribed from the "History of Trempealeau County Wisconsin, 1917," pages 392 - 393
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Omer F. Immell, hustling agent for the New York Life Insurance Company, was born on a farm three miles east of Blair, April 22, 1872, son of Francis M. and Anna (Storley) Immell. Francis M. Immell was born in Ohio, came to Wisconsin in 1851, lived at Black River Falls four years, came to Trempealeau County in 1856, located three miles east of Blair, and there lived until he moved to the village, where he died in 1913, his good wife having passed away the previous year. Omer F. Immell started out for himself while a boy in his early teens. As a youth he did farm work. For several years he was a clerk in the Farmers' Trading Association store at Blair. For one year he traveled for the Ramer Candy Company, of Winona, and for six years for the Winona Candy Company, of that city. Later he traveled seven years for the Kratchwil Candy Company, of La Crosse. In 1913, he established at Blair, the Immell Bait Company for the manufacture of the "Chippewa Bait." Jan. 25, 1915, he accepted his present agency. In this capacity he has several times led the State organization in number of applications obtained, and in February and March, 1915, he led the district comprising Wisconsin, Minnesota, North Dakota and a part of Canada. The enclosed extract, taken from a journalistic source, is a well-merited tribute to his ability in the line of industry he follows: "O. F. Immell, agent for the New York Life Insurance Company, has the honor of being one of seven to win a vice-presidency in what is termed by the company the $100,000 class. To be in this class an agent must sell over $100,000 worth of insurance. Mr. Immell came close to doubling this figure, selling a total of $183,000 worth of insurance for the year (1917). By so doing he automatically elected himself a delegate from this district to the convention of that company at Atlantic City, which is held Thursday and Friday of this week. Mr. Immell has worked hard for this honor and only a close attention to this business, coupled with the fact that he is well posted on insurance matters and represents one of the best companies, enabled him to win. The company has this to say of him: 'He has the honor of having a larger volume, $183,000, than any other official in the club. He is so close to the $200,000 club that we shall expect to see him there without fail one year from now.' " Mr. Immell was married Jan. 1, 1895, to Margaret McKivergin, a native of Trempealeau County, daughter of James McKivergin. This union has resulted in two children: Orrie and Florence.
-Transcribed from the "History of Trempealeau County Wisconsin, 1917," pages 628 - 629
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Gustave M. Instenes, who is engaged in operating the old Instenes farm in section 26, Chimney Rock Township, was born on this farm April 24, 1888, son of Sven and Ragnil (Rosgaard) Instenes, who had settled in this township in 1874. Reared on the homestead, he became familiar with every branch of agricultural work, and was associated with his father until his death, since which time he has operated the farm alone, acquiring it by purchase in February, 1914. On Dec. 30, 1914, he was married to Elise Haakenson, who was born in Chimney Rock Township, April 21, 1882, daughter of John and Eli (Erickson) Haakenson. Her father, born in Soler, Norway, Aug. 26, 1846, died Dec. 4, 1891. Her mother, also a native of that place, born March 11, 1852, is still living on the old homestead. Mrs. Gustave M. Instenes, who received a good education, taught school for fourteen years and a half. The Instenes farm is a well improved and productive piece of property and is kept up to a high standard of value. Mr. Instenes has served as school clerk for three years. He and his wife are members of the Norwegian Lutheran church of America.
-Transcribed from the "History of Trempealeau County Wisconsin, 1917," page 633
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John S. Instenes, who is successfully operating the old Instenes farm of 200 acres in Ettrick Township, was born on this farm June 20, 1876, son of Sever and Anna (Instenes) Instenes. In his boyhood he attended the Beach school in Ettrick Township. Brought up on the home farm, he assisted his father in its operation, but at intervals was away from home, working elsewhere. On his father's death in 1906 he came into possession of the farm, on which he has made a number of valuable improvements, and now has very good buildings, including a nice modern residence. Besides carrying on general farming on a profitable basis, he is interested financially as a stockholder in the Ettrick Creamery, the Ettrick Telephone Company and the Farmers Exchange of Blair. On May 28, 1908, Mr. Instenes was united in marriage with Anna Herreid, daughter of Tosten G. and Ragnhild (Bue) Herreid, prosperous farming people of section 17, Ettrick Township. He and his wife are the parents of two children: Evelyn Jeanette, born Aug. 29, 1912, and Spencer Thomas, born Jan. 2, 1916. They have also an adopted daughter, Clara Olive, born May 11, 1906, who is attending school. The family are members of the Norwegian Lutheran Church. Mr. Instenes is independent in politics. He is a member of the order of Beavers, and is an enterprising agriculturist, widely known and respected.
-Transcribed from the "History of Trempealeau County Wisconsin, 1917," page 542
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Lewis O. Instenes, who is prosperously engaged in the jewelry business in Blair, Trempealeau County, is a native of this county, having been born in Ettrick Township, Nov. 25, 1880, son of Sever and Anna (Instenes) Instenes. He was educated in the district schools and spent his early life on his parents' farm. Graduating from the Minneapolis School of Watchmaking in 1905, he acquired experience by working in various shops until he came to Blair in 1907. Here he bought out the jewelry stock of Ed. Bersing and established his present business. He handles a general line of jewelry, does expert watch repairing, and also deals in clocks, silverware, Edison phonographs and similar goods. He has built up a good trade and won the confidence of his patrons by honest dealing and courteous attention to their wants. Thus established on a firm basis, his future prospects are as favorable as his present prosperity is gratifying. Mr. Instenes was married Oct. 5, 1910, to Nettie Dale, who was born in Ettrick Township, Jan. 12, 1885, daughter of Sam and Catherine (Herreid) Dale. Her father, a native of Norway, was a pioneer of Ettrick Township, and is now carrying on business, as a stock buyer in Galesville. Mr. and Mrs. Instenes have two children: Stanley LeRoy, born Sept. 2, 1911, and Ardyce Catherine, born March 22, 1916.
-Transcribed from the "History of Trempealeau County Wisconsin, 1917," pages 542 - 543
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Sever Instenes, who was for many years a well known and successful farmer of Ettrick Township, was born in Hardanger, Norway, Oct. 23, 1848, son of Johanes and Anna (Brovald) Instenes. Johanes and his family came from Norway in 1861, and first located in Dane County, Wisconsin, where he remained one year. As he was born March 20, 1824, he was then a man of about 37 years, and in the prime of life. Coming from Dane to Trempealeau County, he settled on a farm in Ettrick Township, where nearly 20 years later his wife Anna died, on Jan. 7, 1882. There he continued to reside for 28 years longer, or until his death, which occurred March 21, 1910. He was a sturdy pioneer farmer, who accepted conditions as he found them and did his share in developing the agricultural resources of his township. Sever Instenes was a youth of 14 years when he came to this country. He was reared on the home farm, acquiring a good knowledge of agriculture from practical experience, and following it when young under pioneer conditions. In time he succeeded to the possession of the farm which his father had homesteaded, and which he still further improved, operating it successfully until his death, Jan. 14, 1906. On Oct. 22, 1872, he was united in marriage at Roche a Cri, Adams County, Wis., to Anna Instenes, who was born in Hardanger, Norway, Nov. 26, 1854. She is still living on the old farm, making her home with her son John S., who is its present owner. Sever and Anna Instenes were the parents of three children: Anna, John S. and Lewis O. Anna, who was born Nov. 13, 1873, was married June 4, 1898, to Albert Saed, a resident of Ettrick Township, this county, and has two children: Althord Sulliven, born June 29, 1904, and Adella (Corinthia), born July 23, 1906. John S., born June 20, 1876, is now, as previously mentioned, operating the old homestead. Lewis 0., born Nov. 25, 1880, is a jeweler, residing in Blair.
-Transcribed from the "History of Trempealeau County Wisconsin, 1917," pages 541 - 542
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Sven Instenes, who for many years was a well known farmer and popular citizen of Chimney Rock Township, was born in Hardanger, Norway, Feb. 4, 1845, son of Lars and Anna Instenes. In 1861 he accompanied his parents to the United States, the family settling in Adams County, Wisconsin, where they remained until 1874. They then came to Trempealeau County, Lars Instenes homesteading the northwest corner of section 23, Chimney Rock Township, where he made his home until his death June 2, 1899. Sven Instenes was well trained in agricultural methods in his youth and was 29 years old when he started in for himself, homesteading the northwest quarter of section 26, Chimney Rock Township, in 1874. From that time until his death, Feb. 21, 1913, a period of 39 years, he resided on that farm, cultivating the soil, raising stock and performing other farm duties connected with the development of his place. He was industrious and successful and was well liked and respected by his neighbors as a man of good qualities and a reliable citizen. April 9, 1871, Sven Instenes was united in marriage with Ragnil Rosgaard, who was born in Numedahl, Norway, March 18, 1852. They had eight children, of whom one is now deceased, the family record being briefly as follows: Anna, who married Sam P. Solfast, a farmer of Chimney Rock Township; Lars, who died Aug. 9, 1911; Otis, who is farming in Velva, N. D.; Albert, Robert and Helmer, who are all three farming in McCabe, Mont. Gustave, residing on the old homestead in Chimney Rock Township, and Henry, who is also a farmer in this township. Mr. Instenes served as treasurer and director of the school board for nine years and was also nine years township supervisor. Mrs. Instenes resides on the old farm with her son Gustave.
-Transcribed from the "History of Trempealeau County Wisconsin, 1917," page 633
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James Irvine, for many years a prominent citizen of Trempealeau County, was born in Maryland, in 1853, and early determined to devote his life to farm pursuits. When a mere lad he accompanied his parents to this county, and here grew to manhood. As soon as he was able he acquired land and was soon numbered in the ranks of the successful agriculturists of the county. At different times he owned and operated various farms here until the spring of 1911, when he moved to the vicinity of Bowman, S. D., and engaged in farming and stock raising there. While living in Gale Township he served a number of years as township treasurer and as a member of the school board. His wife, Agnes Dick, was the first white child born at Decorah Prairie. Mr. and Mrs. Irvine were the parents of five children: John Quinton, Nellie (deceased), William Walter, Myrtle Beatrice and Rose Irene.
-Transcribed from the "History of Trempealeau County Wisconsin, 1917," page 358
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John Quinton Irvine. The name of Irvine is familiar to those acquainted with the agricultural development of Trempealeau County, as for many years members of the family have been engaged here in the tilling of the soil, in stock raising, or kindred occupations. The subject of this sketch was born at Decorah Prairie, in Gale Township, Sept. 7, 1877, oldest of the five children of James and Agnes (Dick) Irvine. In his boyhood he attended the district school at Decorah Prairie, there acquiring the elements of knowledge before settling down to the more serious business of life. His first 25 years were spent on the parental homestead as his father's assistant, and he then came to his present farm in section 23, which contains 160 acres, and on which he has made practically all the improvements. His buildings are modern and well constructed and he has an ample supply of tools and implements for both general and dairy farming, to which he devotes all his time.
June 4, 1902, Mr. Irvine was united in marriage with Tillie Olson, who was born in Pickwick, Minn., fifth of the eleven children of Thomas and Sarah Olson. The other children were Mattie (deceased), Rena, Oluf, Ida, Tommy, Hannah, Helmer, Eddie, Hilda and an unnamed infant. The parents, who were born in Norway, came to Minnesota at an early date and are still residing in the vicinity of Pickwick. Mr. and Mrs. Irvine have had two children. The first born died in infancy. The other, Thomas James, born Dec. 16, 1904, is attending school. Mr. and Mrs. Irvine are members of the Presbyterian church. In politics he is a Republican.
-Transcribed from the "History of Trempealeau County Wisconsin, 1917," page 358
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Alva E. Isom, a successful and well-known farmer living on 160 acres of well-improved land in section 17, Sumner Township, is a native of this state, having been born at Black Earth, Oct. 17, 1880, son of David and Emma (Elwood) Isom. He was educated in the schools of his neighborhood, was reared to farm pursuits by his father, and remained with his parents until 1903, when he purchased his present place. In public life he has been town supervisor for two years and school clerk for seven years. His financial holdings include stock in the Farmers' Elevator at Osseo and the Farmers Exchange Bank of Osseo. His fraternal relations are with the Modern Woodmen of America, in which he is an officer. Mr. Isom was married Sept. 23, 1903, to Jessie Ring, born in Sumner Township, May 24, 1880, daughter of John and Alberta (Dighton) Ring, and this union has been blessed with three children: Eugene W., born Nov. 16, 1905; Clifford R., born Sept. 9, 1909, and Howard K, born Sept. 13, 1911.
-Transcribed from the "History of Trempealeau County Wisconsin, 1917," page 609
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David Isom came to Trempealeau County in 1882 and purchased a farm in section 19, Sumner Township, which he operated until 1907, when he sold it to his son, George J., and moved to Osseo, where he now resides. He was born in Leicestershire, England, May 27, 1843, son of Francis and Elizabeth (Hoe) Isom, the former of whom, of German descent, was born in 1801 and died in 1878, and the latter of whom, of English descent, was born in 1814 and died in 1864. Coming to America in 1862, the subject of this sketch visited Quebec and Montreal, and lived in Door and Dane Counties, this state, before coming to Trempealeau County. Mr. Isom was married Dec. 1, 1868, to Emma Jane Elwood, who was born in England, April 13, 1851. This union has been blessed with seven children: Ada E., Frank W., George J., Alvah E., James, Clarence and Lura Maria Rosella. Ada E. died of diptheria at the age of eight years. Frank W. is in the land business in Los Angeles. George J. owns and operates the home farm. He was married April 25, 1900, to Jennie Nichols, born in Eau Claire County, this state, daughter of Caleb F. and Anna (Olson) Nichols, retired farmers of Osseo, and this union has been blessed with five children: Eunice Adele, born Nov. 30, 1901; Grace Elizabeth, born Nov. 21, 1902; Ernest Francis, born July 11, 1904; Vera Anna, born Sept. 21, 1906, and Harold William, born Aug. 27, 1910. James was drowned at the age of two years. Alvah E. farms in Sumner Township. He was married Sept. 23, 1903, to Jessie Ring, daughter of John Ring, of Osseo, and they have three children: Eugene Willard, born Nov. 16, 1905; Clifford Roy, born Sept. 9, 1909, and Howard Kent, born Sept. 13, 1911. Clarence died at the age of six months. Lura Maria Rosella was married April 13, 1902, to Sidney Carter, who operates a garage at Cadotte, Wis., and they have four children: Walter Isom, born July 17, 1906; Dorothy May, born Aug. 5, 1908; Frank Elroy, born Aug. 6, 1913, and Elwood David, born Sept. 1, 1915.
-Transcribed from the "History of Trempealeau County Wisconsin, 1917," pages 608 - 609