Warner Township

Clark County, Wisconsin

Warner Township Pioneers

By Sharon Short & the Clark Co., WI History Buffs

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SMITH families, Warner township

SMITH, Robert & Elizabeth family, Warner township

1875 census: Smith, Robt.; 3 male, 5 female (husband of Eliz Herse Smith)

1895 census, head of family: Sam Smith (son of Robert and Eliz Smith) 1 male, 1 female

1895 census, head of family: Wm Smith (son of Robert and Eliz Smith) 2 male, 4 female

1895 census, head of family: Mrs. Robert Smith (Elizabeth) 2 male, 2 female

1893 sec 12 residence R. Smith; 1906 Sec 12 residence R. Smith

1893 sec 11 residence S. J. Smith

1906 Sec 10 no residence Sam Smith; sec 11 residence Sam Smith

1905 #2 Smith, Elizabeth Head W F 67 Widow  Canada Ireland Farmer 0 O F  Robert Son W M 30 S Wisconsin Ire/Canada Farm Laborer 11 Mark Son W M 27 S Wisconsin Ire/Canada Farmer 11

SMITH, Robert, Sr. (1824 1 Mar 1894)

Robert Smith was born in 1824. He married to Elizabeth Herse, the last day of January, 1859. When Robert died, March 1, 1894, she continued living in with her son, Robert G. Smith, on the home place in Warner Township until she died, February 14, 1922. She and her husband are both buried in the Greenwood City Cemetery.  

SMITH, Elizabeth H. nee Herse (5 Aug 1837 14 Feb 1922)

On Feb. 14 1922, one of Greenwood's pioneer residents was called to the other world. Elizabeth Herse Smith was born in Toronto, Canada, Aug 5, 1837, where she resided until she was united in marriage to Robert Smith, Jan. 31, 1859. In 1871 the family moved to Black River Falls, where they resided until 1874, when they moved to Greenwood, Clark Co, Wis., where they have since lived. Her husband preceded her in death March 1, 1894, since which time she has lived with her son Mark on the home place. The deceased was the mother of a large and respected family.

 Ten children were born to her, nine of who survive her: Wm of Milwaukee; Mrs. Geo. (Mary 1861-1934) Huntley and Mrs. Solon (Sarah, born c 1865) Davis of Granton; Mrs. Ed (Lydia 1879-1942) Shupe of Loyal; Mrs. Ira (unknown first name, born c1880) Davis of Oakland, Ore.; Mrs. Gus (Elizabeth 1871-1966) Vine of Greenwood; Sam (1867-1952), Rob (1875-1934) and Mark (1877-1955), all of Greenwood. One son, Hugh died Nov. 27, 1893 (no cemetery record). She also leaves to mourn her loss, one brother, Frank Herse of Algoma. Funeral services were held at the home. Burial was made in the Greenwood Cemetery.

Huntley, Mary nee SMITH (29 Aug 1861 - 25 Nov 1934)

Mary Smith, daughter of Robert and Elizabeth nee Herse Smith, married George Huntley on 12 Sept 1875. The family lived in Granton. Mary Smith Huntley buried in Windfall cemetery. Huntley, George (12 May 1854 8 May 1940) Mr. Huntley was born May 12, 1854, near Pottsdam, New York, the son of Mr. and Mrs. Harmon Huntley. When he was 12 years of age, he came to Wisconsin along, making the trip by boat and stage. He spent several years at the home of his sister, Mrs. Thode Davis, near Granton, and then worked in logging camps around Neillsville and Greenwood. On September 12, 1875, he was united in marriage to Miss Mary Smith at the home of her parents near Greenwood. They spent several years there before moving to the Granton community where they lived until the death of Mrs. Huntley November 25, 1934. He disposed of his farm and went to the town of York, to make his home with his daughter, Mrs. Roy Lawrence. He also spent some time each year with his son, Stillman, and family at Monticello, where he passed away May 15th, after a brief illness. Surviving are a daughter, Mrs. Roy Lawrence, town of York; and two sons, Stillman of Monticello, and Harmon of York; one brother, Charles, Park Falls. He was preceded in death by his wife and three sons, Francis, Milton and Vernon.

Vine, Elizabeth nee SMITH (25 Feb 1871 6 Oct 1966)

Mrs. Elizabeth Vine, 94, a former Greenwood resident, died at the Caraville Home for the Aged in Janesville where she had resided for the past five years. The body will be brought to Greenwood and the funeral was held at Grace Methodist Church, burial was made in the Greenwood Cemetery. The former Elizabeth Smith was born Feb. 25, 1871, at Black River Falls, and later moved to Greenwood with her parents, who settled on a farm in the town of Warner. Her marriage to August Vine, who preceded her in death Aug. 22, 1918, took place, April 22, 1892, at Greenwood. After their marriage, the Vines lived on a farm north of Greenwood, where Mrs. Vine resided until 1943 when she moved to Janesville with her son, Harley, and family. She also lived with other sons, Roy and Chester, until 1961, when she was admitted to the Caravilla Home. Survivors are three daughters, Mrs. William (Esther) Marvin and Mrs. Edwin (Fern) Abel, Greenwood; and Mrs. Edwin (Nina) Noah, Oilsdale, Calif.; five sons, Harley and Roy (1897-1987) Vine, Evansville; Chester and Hugh Vine, Janesville; and Algie Vine, Milwaukee. She was preceded in death by a son, Benjamin; four sisters and four brothers. See Vine family of Warner township for more details.

SMITH, Robert G., Jr. (26 May 1875 21 Feb 1934)

Robert G. Smith, son of Robert and Elizabeth (Herse) Smith, was born in the Town of Warner May 26, 1875 and passed away at his home Feb. 21, 1934. Mr. Smith spent his entire life in the vicinity of Greenwood, the last 17 years of which he lived on his farm four miles north of Greenwood.

In 1916 he was united in marriage to (Mrs.) Amelia (nee Kuhlman) Steffen. Mrs. Smith preceded him in death Feb. 20, 1924; a brother Hugh, also preceded him in death. He leaves to mourn three brothers, William of Milwaukee; Sam and Mark of the Town of Warner; five sisters, Mrs. Mary Huntley of Granton; Mrs. Sarah Davis of Oregon; Mrs. Elizabeth Vine of Greenwood and Mrs. Lydia Shupe of Loyal; also his two stepsons, Gerald and Edward Steffen. Funeral services will be held at the Greenwood Reformed Church. Burial was made in the Greenwood Cemetery.

SMITH, Emilie nee Kuhlman (8 Aug 1877 20 Feb 1924)

Mrs. Emilie Smith, nee Steffen, nee Kuhlman, was born in Chicago, Ill., Aug. 8, 1877. When she was about two years old her parents moved to the town of Kildare, Juneau Co., Wis., where she remained until she was eighteen years old, when she returned to Chicago and where she united in marriage to Paul Steffen in Milwaukee on June 5, 1907. They moved to Milwaukee, where they resided until 1914, when they purchased a farm in the town of Warner, Clark Co, Wis. Two children were born to this union, Gerald, now 15 years of age and Edward, 10 years. In March 1915 Mr. Steffen died and the body was taken to Milwaukee for burial. Deceased then made her home with her mother at Milwaukee until Sept. 1916, when she became the wife of Robert Smith of the town of Warner. They made their home on the Smith farm 4 miles north and ½ mile east of this city. Mrs. Smith passed away at her home Feb. 20, 1924. Funeral services were held from the local M.E. Church. The body was laid to rest in the Greenwood Cemetery.

SMITH, Mark (11 Aug 1877 10 June 1955)

Funeral services were held at the Hill Funeral Home for Mark Smith, a lifelong resident of the Town of Warner, who died at his home June 20, 1955, following a lingering illness. He was 77 years of age. The pastor of Zion and West Side Evangelical and Reformed Churches officiated. Burial took place in the Greenwood Cemetery. Mr. Smith was born Aug. 11, 1877, in the Town of Warner and received his education in Greenwood schools. His marriage to Gertrude Acker took place here Oct. 7, 1929. The couple resided on a farm five miles northwest of here. Besides his widow, Mr. Smith is survived by a daughter, Miss Shirley Smith, Marshfield, a son, Mitchell Smith, at home, and a sister, Mrs. Elizabeth Vine, Evansville.

SMITH, Gertrude nee Acker (8 Jan 1898 11 Aug 1959)

Funeral services were held in Zion United Church of Christ here for Mrs. Gertrude Smith, 61, Marshfield, a former Greenwood resident, who died Aug. 11, 1959, in St. Joseph's Hospital, Marshfield, after a long illness. Burial was made in Greenwood Cemetery. Mrs. Gertrude Smith, nee Acker, was born Jan. 8, 1898, in Milwaukee. She married Mark Smith on Oct. 7, 1929, at Greenwood. They resided on a farm five miles northeast of Greenwood until his death in June 1955. After his death she moved to Marshfield. The survivors are one daughter, Miss Shirley Smith, Marshfield, one son Mitchell Smith, Marshfield and three brothers, Edward Acker, St. Cloud, Minn. Paul Acker, Greenwood and Kurt Acker, Olympia, Wash.

Shupe, Lydia Ellen nee SMITH (2 Aug 1879 24 Nov 1942)

Married, at the home of the bride on Dec. 25, 1898, Mr. Edmund Shupe of Beaver to Miss Lydia Smith (daughter of Robert and Elizabeth nee Herse Smith) of Warner. Shupe, Edmond (26 May 1871 2 June 1931) Edmond Shupe was born in Fond du Lac County May 26, 1871. He came to Clark Co in the year of 1880 and settled with his parents on a farm northeast of Loyal. In 1898 he was married to Lydia Smith of Greenwood. They lived there on the farm until six years ago when they moved to the village of Loyal, where they have since resided. He died at his home at the age of 60 years. His death was due to heart trouble from which he had been a sufferer for many years. He leaves to mourn his death his wife, one daughter Hazel, Mrs. Paul Young of Loyal. Also one brother, Elmer of Loyal and two sisters Cora, Mrs. Nels Waterman of Amery, Wis., and Lillian, Mrs. Fred Nelson of Loyal. The funeral was held from the Methodist Church. Interment took place in the Loyal Cemetery. (Lydia also buried Loyal cemetery.)

SMITH, Sarah A. marriage 14 Oct 1883

Married, at the residence of Tucker in the town of York, Oct. 14, 1883 Mr. M. (Solon) Davis to Miss Sarah A. Smith (daughter of Robert and Elizabeth nee Herse Smith) of town of Grant.

Davis, Calvin (4 NOV 1884 - 7 JAN 1925)

Calvin Davis died at his home six miles northeast of Greenwood, on Jan. 7, 1925; his death was caused by leakage of the heart. Deceased was the son of Mr. and Mrs. (Sarah nee Smith) Solon Davis of Granton, Clark Co, and was born Nov. 4, 1884. On Aug. 11, 1909, he was married to Miss Lottie Berg of the town of Fremont. Soon after their marriage they moved to their farm near Greenwood, which has been their home since then. He is survived by his wife, one daughter 15 years of age and a son 12. The funeral was held at the home of his parents near Granton.

Mortimer, Mariah nee Davis (16 May1893 - 13 July 1985)

Funeral services were held at the Rinka Funeral Home for Mariah Mortimer, 92, formerly of Loyal, Clark Co. She died July 13, 1985 at the Neillsville Memorial Home. Services were performed at Grace United Methodist Church, Greenwood. Burial was in the town of York Cemetery. She was born May 16, 1893 in the town of York to Solom and Sarah (nee Smith) Davis. She received her education at Neillsville High School and attended a teachers training program. On June 30, 1917 she married Ray Mortimer in Loyal. He died in Dec. of 1973. She taught four years in Clark County. After her marriage they farmed in the town of York until moving to Loyal in 1965. The past year she had resided in Neillsville. She is survived by one son, Harold, Rock City, Ill. She is preceded in death by her husband, her parents, four sisters and two brothers.

Fox, Florence nee Davis (4 Feb 1897 15 Aug 1981)

Mrs. Florence Fox, 84, Marshfield, died Aug. 15, 1981, at her home in Marshfield. Funeral services for Mrs. Fox were at Gilbertson Funeral Home, Granton, and burial was in the Windfall Cemetery. Florence Davis was born to Solon and Sarah (nee Smith) Davis on Feb. 4, 1897, in the Town of York, Clark Co. She was married to Freeman Fox in the Town of York until 1947 when they were divorced. She then moved to Marshfield. Surviving her are one son, Gerald Fox of Milwaukee two daughters, Luella Mauritz of Marshfield and Mrs. Harry (Dorothy) Smith of Milwaukee, one sister, Mrs. Mariah Mortimer of Loyal and one brother, Smith Davis of Marshfield. Preceding her in death were three sisters and one brother. (Also see Fox family, Warner township)

Davis, Rosalind (1898 - 3 Sep 1901)

Rosalind, the little daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Solon (nee Sarah Smith) Davis, of the town of York, Clark Co, died last Friday, of cholera infantum, after about a week's sickness. The little one was nearly three years old. The funeral was held Sunday afternoon.

May 14, 1905: Mrs. Gus. (nee Elizabeth Smith) Vine and mother, Mrs. Robert (nee Elizabeth Herse) Smith, visited Mrs. Ira (nee Smith) Davis recently. Greenwood Gleaner West Beaver

December 24, 1914: Ira Davis left Thursday morning for Lublin where he will spend a few days. Mrs. G. (Elizabeth nee Smith) Vine and Mrs. I. (Ira and nee X Smith) Davis were Marshfield callers Saturday. Hemlock Greenwood Gleaner

June 25, 1915: Miss Helen Davis and brother, Ira (children of Ira, Sr. and nee X Smith?) called at Sam Smith's Wednesday evening. Greenwood Gleaner Warner's Corners Locals

SMITH and DAVIS families relationships

Two daughters of Robert Sr. and Elizabeth nee Herse Smith married into the Davis family.

Sarah Smith married on 14 Oct 1883 to Solon Davis, and unknown first name now refered to as "X" Smith married, date unknown, to Ira Davis, son of Damon R. Davis.

"...There were six Davis brothers who came from New York; Damon, Whiston, Sidney, Theodore, Bushrod, and Solon. The first two settled in Fremont, Sidney and Theodore in Grant and the other two in York. All of the men worked hard and diligently, quickly clearing their land holdings to start farming. Sidney, interested in dairying, developed a milking herd of native cows and established the first cheese factory in the community... Fred Davis, a relative of the other Davis family, became a cattle buyer who became well-known throughout the area. Through his efforts, the railroad being built from Neillsville to Marshfield, in 1889-1890, established their depot, named Granton.... THE STORY OF GRANTON

The Davis brothers, sons of Benjamin R. Davis, of Essex Co., NY who came to Clark Co, WI c1865: Damon R. (1827-1911) Whiston (1837-1917) Bushrod J. (1838-1921) Sydney R. (1844-1923) Theodor (c 1846 - c1930) and Solon (1849-1927).

Damon R. Davis (1827-1911) m. Azuba Bryant in 1848, Polly Chase in 1856. D.R. Davis on 1875 York census, 4 male, 2 female; 1885 and 1895 York census 3 male, 2 female. Children:

Hudson and Benjamin (born c1848-1855), by Azuba Bryant. No further mention of Benjamin in CC records. July 4, 1882: Mrs. Hudson Davis, from Waseca, is visiting friends in this vicinity. Heathville Neillsville Times

Ira Davis born c 1857, married X Smith (born c1880, daughter of Robert and Elizabeth nee Herse Smith). On 1895 Beaver township census, 1 male, 2 female, lived in Greenwood in 1911, Oregon in 1922, also children named Ira and Helen? Son Ira m. in 1926 to Naomi Rowe Lawrence? (Naomi dau of Wlm Rowe who m. 1872 to Zelina Lawrence) Lawrence, Naomi (Marriage - 28 April 1926) On April 28, Miss Naomi Lawrence of York and Mr. Ira Davis (son of Ira, Sr and nee X Smith?) of Marshfield were united in holy matrimony at Loyal. The bride is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Wm. Rowe of York. 

Emery lived in Greenwood in 1910, Oregon in 1911

Warner (D.W.) lived in Oregon in 1911

Rice m. Mary, 1895 York census 2 male, 2 female; lived Arpin in 1911, son Mahlon (1881-1902)

Sept 1899, sold farm in York township. 1901 sold property to George Huntley.

Herdson lived Minn in 1911

Cornelia m. 1895 to Wlm. Glidden, 1895 lived York township, 1910 in Granton, later in Oshkosh, WI

Whiston Davis (1837-1917) m. Nancy Bowman, on 1880 Fremont census. Children:

     Gordon (1878-1964)

     Sherman (1867-1928)

     Abby b. c1864 m. Harding

Bushrod Joseph Davis (1838-1921) m. in 1868 to Emily Huntley (1845-1931). J.B. Davis on 1875 York census 2 male, 1 female, 1895 York census 3 male, 4 female. "Mart Tompkins has sold his farm to Bush Davis." Republican and Press 11/13/1890 WILCOX Children:

     Earl

     Martha (1880-1972) married Castner

     Maude (1877-1952) married Castner

     Ernest

     Alma Orinda married Kissinger

Sidney R. Davis (1844-1923) m. Orinda (1847-1931) Johnson, children:

     Agness (1882-1890)

     Bessie (1878-1880)

     Blain (1888-1890)

     Jennie married Osgood

      unknown (Mrs. Dan C. VanBrandt)

Theodor Davis (living 1911) m. Caroline (1842-1898) sister of George Huntley 1854-1940) who m. in 1875 Mary Smith (1861-1934). On 1875 Grant census.

Green, Fannie #2 (1854? 10 DEC 1898)

Green, Fannie #2 (1854? 10 DEC 1898) Miss Fannie Green died Monday evening, Dec. 19, 1898, at the home of her brother, J.J., in the town of Levis of typhoid fever, aged 34 years. Deceased was a trained nurse, and while in attendance at the home of Theo. Davis at Granton a few weeks ago, contracted the disease which cause her death.

     Aseneth "Minnie" b. 1866 m. Downer ?

     Ora (single, living in Granton 1934)

Solon (M.?) Davis (1849-1927) m. in 1883 Sarah Smith (born c1865, daughter of Robert and Elizabeth nee Herse Smith). Solon Davis on 1875 York census, 1 male; 1885 and 1895 York census 2 male, 2 female. 1922 living in Granton, 1934 widow Sarah living in Oregon per obit of Robert Smith, Jr, brother of Sarah nee Smith Davis. Children:

     Calvin (1884-1925)

     Mariah (1893-1925) m. Mortimer

     Florence (1897-1981) m. Fox

     Rosalind (1898-1901)

     Smith Davis lived Marshfield

Damon R. Davis

Damon R. Davis died at the home of his son Ira at Greenwood, Dec. 13, 1911, at the age of 85 years, 4 months and 6 days... Mr. Davis was born at Crown Point, Essex Co., N.Y., Aug. 7, 1827, and was the son of Benjamin R. and Marie (Glidden) Davis. He was the oldest child and was reared in St. Lawrence Co., N.Y. In 1848 he went to Green Co., Ill., and spent four years in that and adjoining counties, working at whatever presented itself. At the end of this time he returned to New York and remained there until 1865, when he came to Clark Co. He purchased 160 acres of land and gave most of his time to agricultural pursuits, although he was a master at the carpenter's trade. Mr. Davis married March 5, 1848 to Miss Azuba Bryant, a native of Essex Co., Ill., Sept. 2, 1852, leaving two children, Hudson V. and Benjamin R. July 15, 1855 Mr. Davis was again united in marriage to Miss Polly Chase (7 Aug 1834-30 Sept 1910), who was born in St. Lawrence Co., N.Y. She preceded him in death about a year ago. He leaves to mourn his loss, five sons and one daughter, Ira of Greenwood, Emroy and Warner of Three Pines, Ore., Rice of Arpin, Wis., Herdson of Waseca, Minn., and Mrs. Wm. Glidden of Oshkosh. He was the oldest of 14 children, only five brothers and one sister surviving. The living brothers are Sydney R., Bushrod, Whiston, Theodore and Solon. The sister is Mrs. Huldah Sayles of New York.

The problem is that another, possibly related Davis family, also had the name "Ira". William Henry Davis, Jr. (1860-1933) married in 1883 to a Lora Smith, both families of Sugar Grove, WI, who moved to Washburn township in 1896.  Their children: Marie, Matti (Wilding), Lena (Southard), and Ira (who was married to a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Albert nee Stoltz Smith), with two children and living in Milwaukee in 1930.  (Mr and Mrs. Ira Davis and family of Milwaukee called at Alfred Oldham's Sunday. Neillsville Press July 3, 1930) (Stolts, Charles 15 April 1873 7 Feb. 1941: Mr. and Mrs. Albert Smith and daughters, Mrs. T. Bracken and Mr. and Mrs. Ira Davis were at Sechlerville Sunday to attend the military funeral of Mrs. Smith's father, Charles Stolts, who died suddenly at the Krohn Hospital, Black River Falls, from a heart attack.) March 26, 1942: Mrs. Ira Davis and three sons of Humbird came over Saturday morning to spend the weekend with relatives and friends. The Clark County Press

1905 #59 Smith, S. J. Head W M 37 M Canada Ireland Farmer 10 O M F Arnita Wife W F 34 M Minnesota Canada House Keeper  Blanch Daughter W F 8 S Wisconsin Can/Minn  Katie Daughter W F 5 S Wisconsin Can/Minn

SMITH, Samuel J. (1867 5 Feb 1952)

Sam J. Smith, son of Robert and Elizabeth nee Herse Smith was born in 1867 and died on 5 Feb 1952, buried in Greenwood cemetery. Sam Smith and Aminita Moore were married c1895 per 1905 census.

3-21-1900: Miss Westphal has gone to work for Sam Smith's family. Beaver News. Gleaner

9-7-1900:  S. J. Smith of Longwood was a called Monday looking after the welfare of his Gleaner. Gleaner

SMITH, Aminita nee Moore (18 June 1880 4 Jan 1939)

Mrs. Sam (Aminta) Smith, 58 died Jan. 4, 1939 at her home, 4 miles north of Greenwood. She had been in ill health for several years and had been a patient at St. Joseph's Hospital, Marshfield for one week before being taken to her home.

Funeral services were held at the Smith home and at the Grace M.E. Church, and burial was made in the Greenwood Cemetery. Mrs. Smith, who was born June 18, 1880 (parents were Stephen and Ellen Moore), is survived by her husband (Sam J. Smith) and two daughters, Mrs. George (Blanche) Braun, Greenwood, and Mrs. Walter (Kate) Henrichs, Milwaukee. (Also survived by her brother Charles Moore who died in 1962 and her sister Ivy Moore who died in 1976) For the past 45 years the Smiths had resided at their present farm home.  s[The Sam Smith farm in Warner sec 10 & 11 was rented out to others starting at least in 1929. Perhaps Mrs. Sam nee Moore Smith was living on her father Stephen Moore's farm that was just south of the Sam Smith farm, also in Warner sec 10 & 11. In 1930 her brother Charles Moore, a batchler who died in 1926, was still listed as owner of the property.]

SMITH, Blanche wedding 22 Aug 1922

A very pretty wedding took place at the home of Mr. & Mrs. Sam Smith August 22 when their daughter, Blanche, was united in marriage to Mr. George Braun, son of Mr. & Mrs. Frederick Braun of Greenwood. The bride was attended by her sister Catherine Smith. Mr. Elmer Braun, cousin of the groom, acted as best man. Just the immediate families were present at the ceremony. After the ceremony the guests partook of a sumptuous wedding dinner prepared by the bride's mother, after which the young couple left for a short wedding trip. On their return they will be at home to their friends on the groom's farm in the town of Reseburg.

Clark Co History Buff Sharon Short's personal knowledge of the "Sam Smith" farm of 80 acres in Warner sec 10 and 80 acres with residence in Warner sec 11 divided by hwy 73: The J. Stoller farm was to the north and the Charles Moore farm was to the south per the 1930 plat map.  Early in 1929, during the depression, my grandparents Abe and Delia Schoenwetter Thorson rented the "Sam Smith" farm. Their children, still at home in 1929, were: Harry 16, Leona 15, Eleanor 11, Norman 9, Thelma 5,  Alice Mae 3 and Donald about 6 months. Alvin age 18 was tramping the roads selling bibles from farm to farm. Violet, age 16, was living in California with her aunt and grandmother, and Bertha, age 21 had married Frank Beohm in 1927. Yet to be born in 1936 was 11^th and last child, Carl.

There are quite a few "Hemlock" items in the Greenwood newspaper about the comings and goings of the Thorson family in 1930. Eleanor, in a letter dated Dec 16, 1930, included a drawing of the Sam Smith home's dining and front rooms, including all of the doorways, windows and furniture placement, where everyone was and what they were doing. "...Harry came home from cutting wood...I and another girl sweep school and we get $1.00 a month each...We sure do have fun skating and skiing. In our field we have a large hill, and is near our neighbor's house. Their orchard joins our field, of course there is a fence between. We ski on our hill and a river goes through our woods and the bridge is just away down the road, so we skate on that. Sunday afternoon Norman, Thelma, Alice Mae and I went skating. We were there about half an hour when our neighbor's children came and skated with us. Norman fell in once but it only came up to his knee in that place. In summer we go swimming with them...It is 15 to eight now and I just got done helping Norman with his arith. Some boys were here and wanted Norman to go skating with them but Norman has a sore heel so papa said he couldn't go.  Harry went somewhere.  Papa wrote a letter to Norway to his mother last night..."

The school aged children attended Hemlock school about a mile to the south, and all attended the Norwegian Lutheran Church in Longwood, about 5 miles to the north. The family walked to the school, church, or store, as they had no means of transportation at the time, unless some kind neighbor gave them a ride.

An excerpt from Leona Thorson Matthias' long poem about life on the Sam Smith farm: "...The cold winter eve, walking home from church, when-five miles, it was, alone we walked, no traffic jam then. As we neared home, you were stumbling to and fro-me supporting you not knowing you had frozen your toe. As we opened the door and stumbled in-Pa knew what to do, getting a basin of snow-to draw out the frost, he was silently crying-it hurt you so!..." As a foot note she commented: "Events El and I really experienced. This particular time, coming home from practice for Xmas at church I wonder now, how the older person in charge at that time, the minister's wife, wasn't concerned about how we youngsters would get home—it being dusk already and clear cold when we left to walk five miles home."

The family moved to Longwood in the spring of 1931, closer to the church and store, but of all the places that they lived the "Sam Smith" farm gave them the longest lasting friendships and fondest childhood memories.

SMITH, John & Viola family, Warner township

1905 #63 Smith, John Head W M 46 M Canada CanPenn Day Laborer 10  Viola Wife W F 35 M Wisconsin Ger/ Ireland House Keeper  Clark Son W M 13 S Wisconsin Wis/Can  Alda Daughter W F 10 S Wisconsin Wis/Can  Cecile Daughter W F 8 S Wisconsin Wis/Can  Hugh Son W M 4 S Wisconsin Wis/Can Leone Daughter W F 1 S Wisconsin Wis/Can  Shanks, Hugh Father in-Law W M 69 W Ireland Ireland

8 Mar 1906: Mrs. Mary Shanks was called to Hemlock Saturday and left a nice 9-lb. Girl (Annette) for Mr. and Mrs. John Smith. Mrs. Shanks returned home Monday. Greenwood Gleaner

SMITH, John C. (19 Jan 1858 13 Mar 1936)

John C. Smith was born in Penn on Jan. 19, 1858, and passed away at his home in Gilman, Wis., March 13, 1936. Mr. Smith was sick about ten days with heart trouble and complications. At the age of two years, Mr. Smith moved with his parents to Canada, where he resided until he was twenty-two. At that age he came to Greenwood, Clark Co, Wis. In 1891 he married Miss Viola Shanks (see obit of her father Hugh Shanks Jr. and and grandfather Hugh Shanks Sr. below) of Greenwood. To this union six children were born, five of who are still living. One daughter, Alda, preceded him in death several years ago. In 1917 Mr. Smith and his family moved to Gilman. For the past fifteen years he has served as janitor for the Gilman schools. For ten years he had charge of both buildings and for the past five years served in the grade building, only giving up his work in Dec. 1935. Besides his widow, Mr. Smith is survived by his two sons, Clark Smith of Castlewood, S.D., and Hugh Smith of Gilman, three daughters, Annette Smith and Cecil (Mrs. Max Gays) of Chicago, and Leone (Mrs. Milliard Stanjord) of Aberdeen, S.D. Also surviving are two brothers and a sister who reside in Canada and two brothers who reside in Detroit, Mich. Funeral services were conducted from the Presbyterian Church in Gilman, interment was made in the Meadow Brook Cemetery, Gilman, Wis.

SMITH, Alda Caroline (4 May 1895 23 Mar 1919)

Alda Caroline Smith departed this life at the home of her aunt, Mrs. A. L. Curtis. Alda Caroline Smith was born May 4, 1895 at Greenwood, Clark Co, Wis. She attended school at and near Greenwood, graduating from the high school there in 1913. In July of the same year she came to Castlewood, S.D. intending to teach in the rural schools and making her home with her aunt, Mrs. A. L. Curtis. Finding congenial work as a bookkeeper in the First National Bank of Calstlewood, she gave up her purpose to teach. She remained in the service of the bank for more than five years. In the fall of 1917 Miss Smith entered the freshman class of the State College at Brookings, hoping to satisfy her ambition for a college training. Her term of study was cut short in 1918 by the necessity for an operation for abdominal cancer. (See obit of Alda's gr-grandfather Shanks and grandfather Shanks following re stomach cancer) She recovered rapidly from the operation and resumed work in the bank in April 1918. The disease reappeared in December, but she continued at her post until the middle of the present month. Twelve days of weakness and suffering followed and on March 23, 1919, she answered to the call of the life beyond. Alda was a member of the First Presbyterian Church of Castlewood and a teacher in its Sunday School. Her immediate surviving family consists of her father and mother, Mr. and Mrs. J.C. Smith of Greenwood, Wis., her brothers Clarke and Hugh Smith, and her sisters, Misses Cecil, Leone and Annette Smith. There was a short service at the home and the regular services were held in the Presbyterian Church. The burial took place in the Castlewood Cemetery. (Hamlin County, South Dakota Republican) GREENWOOD GLEANER 4/3/1919

Hugh Shanks, Sr. (1812-1884)
Mr. John Shanks of Greenwood, was called to Castlewood, South Dakota, by the failing health of his father, Hugh Shanks, Esq., an old resident of Clark Co. On arriving at Castlewood he found his father failing, and after a few days determined to return to Clark Co with him, and arrived at Greenwood on the 13th of August. On his way back he stopped over at LaCrosse to consult with Dr. Frank Powell and was informed that his father was afflicted with a cancer in the stomach, and that there was no help for him. After their arrival at Greenwood, Mr. Shanks failed rapidly until Sept. 3, 1884, when he died. He leaves nine children, seven sons and two daughters, six of whom, five sons and one daughter are living in Clark Co. His wife died at Greenwood six years ago. He has been a resident of Clark Co about eleven years. His funeral from the M.E. Church at Greenwood.

Hugh Shanks, Jr. (1835-1908)

Hugh Shanks, an old pioneer, brother of Dave and John Shanks and father of Albert Shanks, died at the home of his daughter, Mrs. Jack Smith at Hemlock October 23 at the age of 73 years. Mr. Shanks has been an invalid for two years, having been confined to his bed since April 1906, when he fell and sprained his ankle. Mr. Shanks came to Clark Co in the early 80's from LaCrosse Co. Note: See Biography of John Gamble Shanks from the History of Clark Co, Wisc. 

December 24, 1914: Hugh Smith (son of John C. and Viola nee Shanks Smith) and Fred Limprecht attended the basket ball game at Greenwood Saturday night. Braun Settlement news

SOEASE family, Warner township

1906 sec 33 no residence S. Soease (1893 JJH timber; 1915 Mrs. Lydia Lawrence)

Nothing found on any "Soease" family or spelling variations of that name.

SPAULDING, D. J., Warner township

1880 sec 14, 24 no residences D. J. S. (Spaulding)

SPAULDING, Dudley J. (1834 - ?)

No name is so prominently identified with the earliest history of Black River Falls as that of Jacob Spaulding, the father of the subject of this biography...Jacob Spaulding was of the seventh generation in direct descent from Edward Spaulding, he was born in Mass in 1810, and is a son of Jeremiah Spaulding. There were ten children in the family, all of whom except one daughter lived to maturity. Their names are: Isaac C. David, Jeremiah D., Mercy, Lois, Wealthy J., Elmira, Sarah P. and Jacob. The father was a stone mason by trade he emigrated from Mass to NY about 1830 and six years later went to Illinois. Jacob Spaulding learned the trade of a millwright, and early in life was engaged in bridge building. He married Nancy Jane Stickner, a native of NY, and in 1836 accompanied his father's family to Warsaw, Illinois. The father died at Johnstown, NY, while on a visit there to his children. In 1838, when the Indians ceded the lands along the Black River, Jacob Spaulding became a member of the colony that made the first settlement that was permanent at Black River Falls... Mr. Spaulding became the most conspicuous and influential member (while others) returned to their former homes, and others settled elsewhere. Mr. Spaulding finally became sole owner of the fine waterpower on Black River, and of much of the adjacent property. He continued a resident of Black River Falls, until his death, which occurred in January 1876. Dudley J. Spaulding, son of the above, is one of three children, Mary and Angeline being the other two. He was born at Johnstown, New York in 1834... In early life he began the business of lumbering and farming, in both of which he achieved success. In 1860 his father deeded him the mill property and water power, which he has since owned... Of his ability as a designer and builder, Black River Falls bears many evidences... Mr. Spaulding was united in marriage at Platteville, Wisc, to Miss Margaret J. Campbell, a daughter of Alexander Campbell. Five children have been born of this union: Julia E. Wife of C.D. Osborn, of Chicago, John D., Mary C., Jennie May and Sadie K. The parents are both faithful members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Mr. Spaulding in his political opinions sympathizes with the Republican Party. Biographical History of Clark and Jackson Counties 1891

SPAULDING, Margaret J. nee Campbell (*20 Dec. 1837 - 20 June 1922)

SPAULDING, Margaret J. nee Campbell (*20 Dec. 1837 - 20 June 1922)*Birth date done on date calculator. Mrs. Dudley J. Spaulding of Black River Falls died at her home in that city June 20, aged 84 years and 6 months. She was born in Toronto, Canada, and came to the Falls in 1856 to visit her sister, Mrs. Wm. T. Price, and that next year married Dudley J. Spaulding, who became one of the larges operators in lumbering on Black River, and was well known throughout this community. Deceased was for many years a member of the M. E. Church and an active worker therein. She leaves one son and four daughters. Neillsville Press Note: No obit or other info as to when and where Dudley J. Spaulding died.

January 1874: Uncle Jacob Spaulding (father of Dudley J. Spaulding), of Black River Falls, was in town on Saturday, with a petition asking Congress to set aside a large tract of government land east of that village, as a reservation for the Winnebago Indians who desire to remain in this state. The names of nearly 200 of the citizens of Jackson Co were on the petition. The petition received the addition of many names here and we believe that a majority of the people in the two counties are in favor of the Indians remaining here. Clark County Press

November 1875: D. J. Spaulding, of Black River Falls, is one of the largest property-holders in Clark Co. He has emphatically denied, in a written reply to W. C. Allen, of recent date, having supported a division of Clark Co. Spaulding states that it is his wish that the county would retain its present boundaries and that he is working to keep them so. He does not think that the formation of a new county out of the territory embraced in the old Colby Co bill would be a positive move. The Colby Co bill was killed by the State Legislature last winter. There would be an increase of expenses in running another county government where it is not needed. Clark County Press

January 1876: Last Tuesday, one of the lead-horses of a four-horse hitch, belonging to D. J. Spaulding, of Black River Falls, became restless while crossing the Black River Bridge in the Town of Levis. The horse broke away and plunged off the bridge about in the middle of the structure, falling to the ice below, a distance of about 18 feet. The strangest part of the matter is that the horse was not injured in the least. After surveying the situation for a moment, the horse started for the shore, going down the river some distance, apparently looking for a place where the river bank was not so steep. Finding such a bank, he made his ascent, trotted back on the bridge and took his place in the team beside his mate s if nothing had happened. Clark County Press

October 18, 1883: On last Monday a drove of one hundred and eleven head of cattle belonging D. J. Spaulding of Black River Falls, was driven through the city enroute to his farm in the vicinity of Greenwood. The Clark Republican and Press

November 1890: Twenty thousand acres of timbered land have just been purchased by a syndicate that includes H. H. Camp and Frank G. Bigelow, of Milwaukee; D. J. Spaulding and Hugh H. Price, of Black River Falls, and C. C. Dunn of Minneapolis. (Stockholders of the Midland Lumber and Manufacturing Company) The sum of $300,000 was paid for the land, which is located in Clark Co, Wis.The company will have its headquarters at Black River Falls. The purchased land has some pine on it, but the timber is mostly hardwood. Oak, basswood and maple are the principal varieties. The members of the company are firm believers in the future of hardwood timber and they believe they have valuable property. The former land owner was D. J. Spaulding, who decided to retain an interest instead of selling it outright....

February 1893: D. J. Spaulding has sold his Clark County lands and mills to John S. Owens of Eau Claire. A large crew of men will arrive there, in a few days, to begin logging. Clark County Press

SPEICH family, Warner Township

1906 sec 26 no residence A. Speich; sec 27 residence A. Speich; sec 34 no residence A. Speich

1960-61 Clark Co Directory: Speich George Greenwood Rt. 3 Warner sec 26
Speich John D. Greenwood Rt. 2 Warner sec 26 

1973 property owners: sec 26 Speich John D. & Katherine 280 acres

sec 34 Speich Ken & Sally no acres shown      sec 4 Speich Ida 80 acres

Unmatched Speich names: Speich, Frederick C. born 25 Mar 1885 (from births); Speich infant, born, died 6 April 1907 (from births, deaths and Greenwood Cemetery); Speich, Jenny "Polly" 22 April 1901 11 Mar 1992 (buried Greenwood Cemetery)

SPEICH, Anna Marie nee Schneider  (17 Sept 1864 18 June 1948)

Mrs. Anna Speich, 83, a resident of Greenwood for 43 years, died at the home of her son-in-law and daughter, Mr. and Mrs. Charles Ludwig, Greenwood, June 18, 1948. (Greenwood Cemetery date = June 11 1948) She had made her home with her son-in-law and daughter since about two years ago when she began failing in health. Death was caused by complications due to old age. Services were held at the Zion Reformed Church with interment in the Greenwood Cemetery. Mrs. Speich was born in Switzerland in 1864 and was married there to Abraham Speich in 1884 (Cemetery has married 1883). In 1885 (1889 per daughter Margaret obit) they came to America and settled in Monroe and ten years later moved to Oshkosh. They came to Greenwood in 1905 (after the 1905 census was taken) and settled on a farm in the north city limits. They left the farm about 30 years ago and moved into Greenwood. Surviving are seven sons, Jake, John and George, all of Greenwood, Abe, Ripon; Ed, Lima, Ohio; Fred, Pittsville and Harry, Mineral Point one daughter, Mrs. Charles (Rose) Ludwig, Greenwood. Her husband died in 1931. One son (Ben 1916) and two daughters (Margaret 1927 and Lillian born 30 Oct 1898 died 5 July 1946) also preceded her in death. One sister in Switzerland still survives. [Greenwood Cemetery: Abraham Speich born 28 July 1864 died 30 Mar 1931]

April 1907: "The new cheese factory being built on the Bushman farm (Warner sec 35) a half mile north of town is for the Greenwood Cheese and Butter Co., and incorporated co-operative company organized on March 9, with A. Speich, president, Frank Markee, Vice President, and John Bushman, secretary and treasurer. It consists of seven members. About 3,000 pounds of milk can be counted on at the start, Bushman says, and a start will be made April 1, if the machinery arrives in time. Machinery with a capacity of 6,000 pounds will be installed."

SPEICH, Margaret (11 Feb 1885 27 Dec 1927)

Margaret Speich, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. A. Speich, was born in Switzerland Feb 11 1888 (Greenwood Cemetery has born 1885, 1888 = brother John). In 1889 her parents came to Monroe, Wis., where they resided until 1897, when they moved to Oshkosh, Wis. In 1905 they came to Greenwood, but Margaret remained at Oshkosh where she was employed, at which she remained 20 years. A year ago she was taken seriously ill from which she never completely recovered. Seven weeks ago she was taken ill and came home, where she passed away Dec 27 1927. She leaves to mourn her father, mother, two sisters, Lillian and Rose, of this city, seven brothers, Jake, John, George and Harry of this city, Abraham Jr. of Berlin, Wis., Edward of Lima, Ohio, and Fred of Pittsville, Wis. Services were held at the Reformed Church. The remains were laid to rest in the Greenwood Cemetery.

SPEICH, Jacob marriage 12 June 1913

Mr. Jacob Speich and Miss Ida Vollrath were married June 12, at the home of the bride's parents, Mr. and Mrs. William Vollrath, in the Town of Warner. The groom took charge of the Withee farm Hemlock when he was 19 years old. He is one of eight brothers. She has for some time filled a responsible position in the Rossman-Steiger store at Greenwood. They will make their home on the Hemlock farm.

SPEICH, Jacob (5 Aug 1886 12 July 1958)

Funeral services were held the United Church of Christ for Jacob Speich, 71, who died July 12 1958, at his home of a heart attack. Mr. Speich was born (to Abraham and Anna nee Schneider Speich) Aug 5 1886 in Green Co. near Monroe. He lived in Oshkosh until 1905, when his family moved to the Greenwood area. On June 12, 1913, he was married to Ida Vollrath of Greenwood, who survives him. After his marriage he lived in Hemlock for two years, then moved on a farm near Greenwood. For many years he was supervisor of the Town of Warner. In 1932 he organized the Greenwood Milk Products and was director for many years. He helped organize the Greenwood Co-op Oil Company, which he directed until 1957. He was a member of Zion United Church of Christ and Elder of the Salem Church in Braun Settlement for many years. [Greenwood Cemetery: Ida Vollrath Speich born 4 May 1891 died 21 Dec 1988, parents William and Anna nee Herrian Vollrath]

Braun Settlement School Census June 30, 1935 (distance home to school):

Jake Speich Greenwood 1.25 miles Violet Speich age 14 born 1-Apr-31

Jake Speich Greenwood 1.25 miles Elmer Speich age12 born 4-Mar-23

August 26, 1927: Ed Braun, Henry, Hubert and Gust Horn, Jake Speich and Herman Damerow own a threshing machine in partnership and started threshing at H. Damerows Tuesday. Greenwood Gleaner

26 Aug 1929 Murder of Mr. & Mrs. Ernest Riggs by Mrs. Riggs' brother Paul Peterson: "...A neighbor Jake Speich was summoned and arrived with several others, but could find no trace of Peterson. Dr. Schulz of Greenwood was called and Sheriff Wm. Bradford was notified of the tragedy...."

SPEICH, Elmer marriage 21 Jan 1944

On Jan 21 1944 at Caledonia, Minn., occurred the wedding of Miss Verle Duell, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Frank Duel of Loyal, to Elmer Speich, son of Mr. and Mrs. Jake Speich of route 4, Greenwood (Clark Co., Wis.).

SPEICH, Violet A. (1 April 1921 14 May 2007)

Violet A. Speich, 85, Greenwood, died May 14 2007, at the Clark Co Health Care Center, Owen. Funeral service was held at Immanuel United Church of Christ, Greenwood with burial in the Greenwood City Cemetery. Violet Anna Speich was born on April 1, 1921, in the town of Warner, to Jake and Ida (nee Vollrath) Speich. She was raised on the family farm and received her education at Braun Settlement School. She lived on the farm and resided with her parents. She moved to the Greenwood Group Home and resided there until entering the Clark Co Health care Center in Sept 2001. She had many interests, but especially loved jigsaw puzzles, embroidery and paint by numbers. Survivors include two brothers, Elmer (Darlene) Speich, Roscoe, Ill., and Gary (Edie) Speich, Augusta. Preceding her in death were her parents; and one brother, Donald Speich.

Speich, Donald George Greenwood City Cemetery 1915-1992

US Army; Tec 4; Co D Tng. Group Tactical Armoured

SPEICH, Pauline M. nee Thompson (5 Dec 1915 - 7 Sep 1984)

Pauline M. Speich, 68, 427 W. MacArthur Av., Eau Claire, died Friday at Sacred Heart Hospital. Pauline Mae Thompson was born Dec 5,1915 (parents Robert and Laura Glass Thompson) at South Bend, Ind. and lived at Neillsville Clark Co until her marriage to Donald G. Speich there on Dec 30 1939. She lived in Greenwood from 1939 to 1943, returning to Neillsville from 1943 to 1952, and has resided in Eau Claire since then. She was active in the Local and State Genealogical Societies, the Chippewa Valley Museum and the First Presbyterian Church. She is survived by her husband Donald Speich, Eau Claire. Funeral services were held at the First Presbyterian Church. The interment was in the Greenwood Cemetery. [Greenwood Cemetery: Donald George Speich born 21 June 1915 died 23 Mar 1992, son of Jacob and Ida Vollrath Speich]

SPEICH, John  (13 Mar 1888 9 Mar 1965)

Funeral services were held at the Zion United Church of Christ here for John Speich, 76, Greenwood who died at his home Mar 9 1965. Burial was made in the Greenwood Cemetery.  He had been in poor health since November. Mr. Speich was born (to Abraham and Anna nee Schneider Speich) March 13, 1888, in Monroe. His marriage to Emma D. Braun, who preceded him in death Jan 27 1953, took place Nov 28 1918, at Greenwood. They had lived on a farm 1 mile north of Greenwood until their retirement in 1948, when they moved to the city of Greenwood. The farm is now being operated by their son, John D. Speich. On Nov 9 1957, Mr. Speich was married at Yuma, Ariz., to (Mrs.) Alice Acker (nee Richelieu), who survives him. Since their marriage they had resided at Greenwood. Other survivors include two sons, John D. Speich, Greenwood and Robert Speich, Stanley; a sister, Mrs. Charles (Rose) Ludwig, Greenwood four brothers, Abe, Ripon; Fred, Pittsville; George, Greenwood and Harry, Mineral Point; a stepson, Donald Acker, Los Angeles, Calif. a stepdaughter, Mrs. Arthur (Gretchen) Hokenson, National City, Calif.

SPEICH, Emma Dorothy nee Braun (30 July 1894 27 Jan 1953)

Funeral services for Mrs. Emma Speich, 58, Greenwood, who died Jan 27 1953 in St. Joseph's Hospital, Marshfield, were held at the Zion Evangelical and Reformed Church, with burial in the Greenwood Cemetery. Mrs. Speich entered the hospital Jan. 19, following a stroke, and had been in a coma since that time. Born July 30, 1894, in the Town of Warner, Mrs. Speich, the former Emma Dorothy Braun, had been a resident of the area her entire life. At the age of five, she came to the City of Greenwood with her parents, the late Mr. and Mrs. Christian Braun. Her marriage to John Speich took place Nov 28 1918, in the West Side parsonage. They operated a farm 2 miles west of Greenwood until four years ago, when they retired and, after building a new home in the city, came here. Survivors include her husband, two sons, John D., Greenwood, and Robert, Wabasha, Minn. and a sister, Mrs. George (Bertha) Buker, Greenwood. [Greenwood Cemetery: Richard E. Speichborn 7 Sept 1920 died 6 Jan 1921; parents John and Emma Braun Speich]

SPEICH, Alice Birdeen nee Richelieu (13 June 1892 23 Jan 1982)

Alice B. Speich, 89, died on Jan 23 1982 at Paradise Valley Hospital, National City, Cal. She had been residing with her daughter, Mrs. Arthur (Gretchen Acker) Hokenson for the past seven years.

Alice Birdeen Richelieu was born on June 13, 1892, to Martin and Ida (nee Steele) Richelieu at the Old Richelieu homestead just one and one-half miles east of Greenwood. The Richelieu family were pioneers, the grandfather having come to the area with logging crews in the early 1900's. They lived at Thorp, Atwood, Rib Lake and always returned to the Greenwood area. Alice Richelieu married Walter H. Acker on Feb 25 1916, and they resided on a farm he cleared of virgin timber seven and one-half miles northeast of Greenwood in the Town of Beaver. To this union, two children were born, a son, Donald, now retired and living in Mission Viejo, Cal. and a daughter, Gretchen (Acker) Hokenson of National City, Cal. Also surviving are two grandchildren, Nancy and Donald Hokenson. Walter Acker died in 1955 and in 1956 Alice married John Speich in Yuma, Ariz. They resided in Greenwood. Mr. Speich passed away in 1965. Mrs. Speich continued to live in Greenwood until her health failed in 1975 and she went to lived with Gretchen Hokenson in California. The Neptune Society was in charge of cremation and no public services were held at this time.

Dec 10, 1914: "Ben Speich spent Saturday night at Jake Speich's." Greenwood Gleaner

SPEICH, Ben (22 Mar 1894 16 Feb 1916)

The news of the death of Ben Speich came as a sever shock to relatives and friends of the deceased. His early demise came by his own hands, having inflicted three gun shot wounds in his person, two taking effect in his head and the other below the heart. There was no apparent cause for his act and all are at a loss to know why he pursued such a course. Deceased had been foreman on the Haskell Withee farm, three miles east of Owen the past two years. His services as foreman were regarded as not dispensable on account of his efficiency in that capacity. In speaking of the sorrowful event the Owen Enterprise says: "Speich came to town early Wednesday morning and went to Rawson & Greibnow store to purchase shells. He said that he wanted them to shoot a dog that had been bothering him. He showed the revolver for which he wanted the shells and secured the right ones. The gun was old and rusty and in poor shape. He bought a box of shells and two batteries and then left for home. He did not enter the house after coming from town and his body was not discovered until Mr. Withee went to the barn to call him to dinner." Deceased was born in Green Co, Wis., Mar 22 1894, a son of Mr. and Mrs. A. Speich, and removed to this city in the fall of 1905 with his parents. He attended the public city school and later went to Montana, where he farmed, previous to going to the Withee place near Owen. Funeral services held from the German Reformed Church, and burial was made in the Greenwood Cemetery. Besides his parents he leaves seven brothers and three sisters to mourn his departure.

Ludwig, Rose nee SPEICH  (3 May 1895 25 June 1995)
The happy culmination of a courtship of many years occurred at St. Paul, Minn. June 8 1922 when Miss Rose Speich and Charles Ludwig, both well known young people of Greenwood were united in marriage. The bride is a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Abraham Speich and has been employed at the Farmer's Store for a number of years. The groom has also been employed at the same store as manager until about 2 years ago, when he resigned his position. About six weeks ago Mr. Ludwig purchased the A.H. Noetzel store where the young couple are enjoying a splendid patronage. [Greenwood Cemetery Charles Ludwig born 28 July 1881 died 14 June 1959]

SPEICH, Harry A.  (c1909 7 April 1978)

Harry A. Speich, 69, (son of Abraham and Anna nee Schneideer Speich) prominent Mineral Point attorney was dead on arrival at a Dodgeville Hospital on Friday, April 7, 1978 after suffering a heart attack at his home in Mineral Point. He was born in Greenwood, Clark Co. He was a graduate of the University of Wisc Law School in 1934. Shortly after his graduation he started his law practice in Mineral Point. He was a member of the First United Methodist Church, Mineral Point, a member of the Wisc Bar Assoc and also the Iowa Co Bar Assoc.  He served for several terms as District Attorney of Iowa Co and was also a former city attorney of the City of Mineral Point. He was a former member of the Iowa Co Fair Board and served a number of years as a member of the Dodgeville General Hospital Board. Mr. Speich married the former Ruby Billington of Madison in 1931. Surviving him are his wife a daughter, Miss Beverly Speich of New York City; two sons, Richard of Jerseyville, Ill and Thomas of North St. Paul, Minn.; one brother, George, Greenwood and one sister, Rose, Greenwood. Funeral services were conducted at the United Methodist Church. A Masonic service was held at the funeral home.  (Note: Harry's mother Anna born 1864 would have been age 45 if Harry was born in 1909)

SPEICH, George W. (6 April 1893 2 Jan 1979)

Only near relatives knew of the marriage of George W. Speich to Miss Barbara Marie Beyer, which took place at St. Mary's Catholic Church at Colby, Wis. on Nov. 6th, 1923.

The bride is a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. E. Beyer of Unity and is well known here in Greenwood, where she taught in the Greenwood High School for several years. The groom is one of Greenwood's most popular and prosperous young businessmen and is a son of Mr. and Mrs. A. Speich. (Greenwood Gleaner) George Speich buried St. Mary Cemetery, Greenwood

Obit of Braun, Alois J. (1877 1935) "...In 1917 the deceased purchased the Ford Garage of B. Christman and in 1924 an agency was established at Greenwood and Geo. Speich of Greenwood was taken in as a partner...."

Nov 1938: "Kenneth Speich, age 11, of Greenwood, gave a piano recital Sunday afternoon at the studio of his teacher, Miss Mabel M. Bishop. Speich has shown great aptitude for music. The recital was nearly an hour in length, all played from memory. Kenneth is the son of Mr. and Mrs. George Speich."

Date unknown: The old Withee Farm located in the town of Warner and former site of the ancient Hemlock hamlet  (sec 15) has been sold. The former owner, George Speich has sold it to Anthony Suda....

The George Speich Farm: "After John Charles Miller relocated his family in Washington State (1899) this property was purchased by (Hatti Miller to Abraham Sprech fall of 1905, Warner sec 26, 27, 34, 35) George Speich. We don't know if anyone owned it before him or if he ever farmed it himself because he owned several farms in Clark Co. But in the spring of 1953 he gave his son, Jake Speich, a farm he owned in Braun Settlement which was being farmed for him by Ewald Schwarze. Ewald and his family moved onto this farm and ran it for George who was retired and living in Greenwood, WI."

27 FEB 1964 S. H. Miller (writing from Woodinville WA): "We moved into Greenwood in the spring of 1959 when George Speich sold the farm to Ronald Kitzhaber. The day after the cows were sold, I got to sleep in and that is one of my most enjoyable days on the farm. We did not get up until 6:30 a.m. that morning. The next day we moved to a house right next door to my grandparents and I happily became "one of the town kids." The west edge of the farm bordered the Black River. In the summer I would often stroll down to the banks and search for rocks or fish. It was always so peaceful and quiet there. The property also bordered the Greenwood Park on the south side, so I would meet friends and go swimming by the dam."

 September 17, 1956: "A two-headed calf was born that morning to a first calf Holstein heifer, on the George Speich farm, 2 miles north of Greenwood. The calf died in the afternoon. According to Dr. Cook, local veterinarian, this type of birth is very rare."

Warner Township Sec 26, 27, 34, 35 history
1863--Clark County sold it to C. W. Carpenter

871--Transferred from C. C. Merrick to C. W. Carpenter

1873--C. C. Washburn to C. W. Carpenter

1873--George Haner to C. W. Carpenter

1873--B. F. French to C. W. Carpenter

1876--Chandler Brown to Thomas Miller

1882--Thomas & Oliva Miller & wives to Charles & Betsy Miller

1901--John Miller to Peter Hansen

1901--Herbert Sweet to Peter Hansen

1902--John Miller and E. Sweet to Peter Hansen

1902--Peter Hansen to William Worth

1903--Peter Hansen to Heirs

1904--Foreclosure--back to Gard Miller

1905--Hattie Miller to Abraham Speich

For many years it was also owned by George Speich and is now the property of Bernie Kitzhaber.

STABNOW family, Warner township

1905 #85 Stabnaw, Albert Head W M 35 M Wisconsin Germany Farmer 10 O M F  Alice Wife W F 21 M Wisconsin New York House Keeper Beatrice Daughter W F 9/12 S Wisconsin Wisconsin

1906 sec 36 residence A. Stabnow (1915 F. Enders)

Aug 30, 1906: Albert Stabnaw and family are enjoying a visit from W. J. Burt and wife of Goodrich, N. D. Mr. Burt is editor of the Goodrich Citizen which is lustily sounding forth the praises of his section of the state. Greenwood Gleaner

"...Another accident which happened much later was the killing of (Carl) Albert Stabnow and his small daughter (Beatrice Irene, born 19 Aug 1904) in a railroad accident at Kelly's crossing, so near their home that the wife and mother, Alice Vine Stabnow, witnessed it...." The Hub of Clark County (1853 - 1934)

STABNOW, Carl Albert (1 May 1870 5 Sept 1906)

Carl Albert Stabnow born May 1, 1870, in Freedom, Sauk Co, Wis., died near Greenwood, Sept. 5, 1906, being 36 years, 4 months and 5 days of age. He was the second son of Seigfred and Wilhelmina Stabnow. When 21 years he spent a few seasons working at Hecla, S.D. In 1898 he came to Clark Co, Wis., purchasing a farm in the town of Beaver. On Sept. 2, 1903 he was united in marriage to Miss Alice Vine of the town of Greenwood, Wis. After this union he and his bride moved onto the farm two miles northeast of Greenwood, where they have resided until his death. His mother, father, four sisters, Mrs. Geo. Sullivan of North Freedom, Wis., Mrs. Joseph Gelhous, White Mound, Wis., Mrs. Daniel Steuber, Honey Creek, Wis., and Anna Stabnow, North Freedom, Wis., and six brothers, Herman of Hecla, S.D., William, Henry and August, all of Greenwood, and Ernest and Paul of North Freedom, Wis. survive. The brother from Dakota and the sister from White Mound and a sister from Honey Creek were unable to attend the funeral. Also his father, being both aged and feeble, could not come. On Wednesday, Sept. 5th,, 1906 Mr. Stabnow came to a sudden death by colliding with a gravel train at Kelley's crossing on the Foster R.R., within a few rods of his home, his youthful wife witnessing the whole scene. His little daughter Beatrice Irene, aged two years and fourteen days, was with him in the wagon and was so badly injured that she lived only a few hours. The funeral was attended from the M.E. Church of Greenwood on Saturday. Notwithstanding the excessive heat of the day, an immense crowd of sympathizing friends and neighbors came from all over the surrounding villages and adjacent districts, until there was not even standing room for all of them. Many were the unbidden tears that fell that day from the eyes of those who caught a glimpse of the dear sweet child as she rested on her father's arm, on her way to the silent tomb. It was indeed a double bereavement. Mrs. Stabnow returns to the home of kind parents, Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Vine, even to the home of her childhood, where everything will be done to make bright the remaining days of earth's brief pilgrimage.

Alice nee Vine Stabnow was the daughter of Thomas (1843-1920) and Emma (1852-1944) nee Marvin Vine. Alice nee Vine Stabnow next married Bert Monroe and in 1944 lived in Elk River, Idaho.

1906 sec 13 residence H. F. Stabnow (1915 Jno & Henry Olson)

STABNOW, Henry Ferdinand (13 July 1869 13 Nov 1948)

Henry F. Stabnow, 88, a former mayor of Greenwood, died at the home of his son-in-law and daughter, Mr. and Mrs. Edgar Opdycke Nov. 13, 1948. He had been in failing health for the past two weeks and confined to his bed for one week. Services were held at Grace Methodist Church in Greenwood, and interment took place at the Greenwood Cemetery. Henry F. Stabnow was born July 13, 1860 in North Freedom. He married Augusta Kleinschmidt at Honey Creek March 16, 1887, and the couple moved to Hecla, S.D., and came to Greenwood in 1901. While at Hecla he was a state representative for two terms. In addition to holding the office of Mayor of Greenwood, he also served as an alderman and assessor. Mrs. Stabnow died Aug. 4, 1933. He is survived by two daughters, Mrs. Edgar (Euloda) Opdycke and Mrs. John (Esther) Meng, Greenwood three brothers, August, Greenwood, and Paul and Ernest, Reedsburg; three sisters, Mrs. Amelia Steuber and Mrs. Louise Telhouse, Prairie du Chien, and Mrs. George Sullivan, North Freedom. Three brothers and three sisters preceded him in death.

April 24, 1906: Council Proceedings. Council rooms, Greenwood, Wis. Common Council met in regular session at 8 p.m. Meeting called to order by Mayor W. H. Rossman. At roll call the following members responded to present; Aldm. E. Bowen, E. J. Rossman, John Bushman, Henry F. Stabnaw and Sup. Harry Mead....

Henry Ferdinand Stabnow... was born on a farm in Freedom Township, Sauk County, Wis., July 13, 1860, the farm being the old homestead of his parents, Siegfried and Augusta (Saustrow) Stabnow. The parents were natives of Germany, where they were married, and where the father followed the trade of cabinetmaker. There, two children were born to them, one of whom died in infancy. With the other, whose name was Herman, they left Germany in 1855, bound on a sailing vessel for the United States. On arriving in this country they made their way directly to Watertown, Wis., where they resided until 1858, and there two other children were born to them-Bertha and William.  They removed to Sauk Co, making the journey by wagon, and settling on a forty-acre tract of wild woodland, away from any road...His wife, Augusta, died about 1868, after they had had four more children, who were born in Sauk Co, namely: Henry F., Minnie, Mary and Louise. Siegfried Stabnow subsequently married for his second wife Minnie Krause, who is now living on the old home farm in Sauk Co at the age of over 70 years. He died in January 1915, at the advanced age of 88.

Henry F. Stabnow grew up on his parents farm. At the age of 22 years, he struck out for himself, going to Sauk City, where he worked at the trade of carpenter. In 1883 he went to South Dakota, locating in Brown County, Portage Township, where he took a homestead of 160 acres, and also an eighty-acre tree claim. The homestead consisted of prairie land. These tracts he proved up, leading a bachelor's life there until 1886 or 1887. He married Gusta Kleinschmidt, a native of Germany, and daughter of William Kleinschmidt, who had settled in Sauk County, Wis. After their marriage he and his wife resided on his farm in South Dakota for eighteen years. He was a member of the school board and of his township board, was assessor for a number of years and served two terms in the state legislature of South Dakota, being elected on the Republican ticket. In 1901, Mr. Stabnow came to Clark Co, Wis. with the thought of being near his brother, and intending to stay only three years, but after he became well acquainted with the county he liked it so well that he has made his permanent residence here. He located first in Warner Township, purchasing eighty acres of wild land in Section 13. Of that tract he improved fifteen acres and built a house and barn on it. After living there a year and a half he sold the place and purchased his present estate, consisting of forty-four acres of good land in Section 2, Eaton Township, and within the corporation limits of Greenwood. There were no buildings on it when he came, but the land had been partly cleared, though plenty of stumps had been left. He finished the job of clearing and has erected a fine residence and barn. He has a good dairy herd of graded Holstein cattle. Mr. Stabnow is also a shareholder in the Farmers Store at Greenwood, being elected a member of its board of directors in 1915, in which position he is still serving. He is also vice president of the Farmers and Merchants Bank. He has served four years as a member of the village council of Greenwood, was formerly assessor, and two years supervisor of the city. Two children have been born to him and his wife-Eloda and Esther. Eloda, who was graduated from the Greenwood school, was a teacher for five or six terms, following that occupation, both in Clark Co and South Dakota. She is now the wife of Edgar Uydyke (Updyke ), of South Dakota. Esther is also a graduate of the Greenwood school, and taught one term in South Dakota. History of Clark County 1918

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