Buswell, Moses, Lucy, Otto, Clara

Buswell Family
Oakwood Cemetery
(Photo by Jacqueline Klapproth Nelson.  Copyright October 2011)



Moses C. Busell
"One by one the old pioneer residents of Somers are passing away, and this week we are called upon to chronicle the death of Moses C. Buswell, who died at his home on Thursday morning, December 2, at the age of seventy-five years.  The deceased was born in Warren, N.H. January 2, 1923, and at the age of twenty years he accompanied his parents westward, their purpose being to seek a home in the west where land could be had cheap, the family arriving in Southport, Kenosha County, in the early 1840's.  Moving to the Town of Paris they engaged in farming.  The subject of this sketch soon returned to the east where he chose a companion for life's journey, being married to Miss Lucy J. Gardner of Hornby, N.Y. on September 3, 1848.
The young couple soon arrived in Paris and settled on a farm.  Mr. Buswell having developed an early fondness for teaching school, devoted a part of his time in the district schools instructing the children of the neighborhood.  He manifested such an interest in the welfare of the schools that he was appointed school inspector, which office he held for a number of years.  In early life he had realized that there was something far better than the goods of this world for which to live and as he grew up to the years of manhood his faith in God grew stronger and stronger.  Standing on this solid foundation he united with the church and took an active part in later years in building and organizing the Free Baptist Church of Paris, in Kenosha county.  Being a resident of Somers for several years he had the respect of all who knew him and in all his dealings with his fellow men, honesty was one of his principal characteristics.
Eleven children were born to them as follows:  Ezra M. of Concord, N.H.; John H. of Churdan, Iowa; Malvina M., Whiting, Kansas; Alfonse M. is dead; Charles H. of Minona, Minn.; Mary L. of Kenosha; William H. of Eagle Grove, Iowa; Genevieve is dead; Ottawa F. who occupies the farm; Moses C. of Burnette Junction, Wisconsin and James O. of Watertown, Wisconsin.
The funeral services were held on Saturday morning from the house and were conducted by Rev. Dickinson of Mygatt's Corners.  He chose for his text a part of the 21st verse of the 1st chapter of Philippians.  "To die is gain."  The remains were interred in Oakwood Cemetery."
(Source:  Racine Daily Journal, publication date, December 7, 1897.)

Mr. and Mrs. Ezra Buswell, who have resided for four years in Concord, N.H., visited his brother Otto and family last week.  They have departed for Beatrice, Nebraska, where they will make their future home, having resided there previous to their location in the past.
(Source:  Racine Daily Feb. 8, 1899)

Ozanne, Peter

Peter Ozanne
Mary Ann Ozanne
Lawrence F. (son) Ozanne
Oakwood Cemetery, Somers Township, Kenosha County
(Source:  Photo courtesy of Larry & Linda Kopet USGenArchivesProject Wisconsin)

Peter Ozanne
Peter Ozanne was born on the island of Guernsey, in the English Channel, March 27, 1827, and died March 6, 1905, lacking but twenty-one days of being seventy-eight years old.  He was one of the pioneers in this section of Kenosha County, Wisconsin, and for many years was a very prominent and influential man in Somers Township.

James and Rachel (Thoume) Ozanne, the parents of Peter Ozanne, were natives of Guernsey.  They were the parents of four children: three sons and one daughter:
James (married, reared a family, became a physician)
Peter (read this story)
John (died at the age of fifteen years)
Rachel (died in childhood)

James Ozanne and his family came to America, landing in Racine, Wisconsin, June 18, 1842.  On July 4th following, be bought 326 acres of land, located in Somers, Township, Kenosha County, later dividing a portion of this land between his sons, James and Peter, and passed the balance of his life here, dying aged seventy-two years.  He was twice married, his first wife being the other of our subject (Peter).  After her death, he went back to Guernsey where he married Mary Carre, who still lives in Somers Township; she has been blind for some years.  Four children were born to this union:
Alfred C. of Tempe. Arizona
Helena, widow of H.A. Hitler, of Somers Township
Miss Emma, of Somers Township
Edward G., of Somers Township

On March 28, 1849, Peter Ozanne was married to Miss Mary Ann LeMessurier, who was born April 17, 1832 in Guernsey, and six children were born to them, as follows:
Mary Ann (died aged five months)
Pierre T.(single and living on the homestead with his brother, Lawrence E.)
Lawrence E. (living on the homestead with his brother, Pierre T.)
Clarence F. (twin brother of Lawrence E. died in 1884, aged twenty years and three days)
Rosa A. (married Fred L. Holmes, lives at South Haven, Michigan and has five living children)
Charles H. (died in 1877, aged nine years, eleven months and twenty-four days)

For a period of nineteen years, Peter Ozanne was Town Clerk continuously; for a number of years he was Town Treasurer, was Clerk of School District No. 7, and for a few years was Secretary of the Somers Mutual Fire Insurance Company.

The farm which Mr. Ozanne originally owned in Somers Township, a gift from his father, contained eighty-seven acres, two acres having since been sold.  To have lived in one locality for sixty-three years and to have, during that time, gained the respect and esteem of one's fellow citizens and preserved it to the end, is a pretty fair test of a man's quality, and such was the case with Peter Ozanne.  His remains rest in Oakwood Cemetery.  he was a consistent member of the Methodist Church.

Pierre T. Ozanne
Oakwood Cemetery, Township of Somers, Kenosha County, Wisconsin
(Source:  Photo courtesy of Larry & Linda Kopet, USGenWebArchivesProject Wisconsin)

Mother:  Mary Ozanne (Born 1832)
Father: Peter Ozanne (Born 1827)

Rachel Ozanne
Oakwood Cemetery, Township of Somers, Kenosha County, Wisconsin
(Source:  Photo courtesy of Larry & Linda Kopet, USGenWebArchivesProject Wisconsin)

Ozanne, Maria Fidelia Kellogg

Maria Kellogg Ozanne
Oakwood Cemetery, Town of Somers, Kenosha County, Wisconsin
(Source:  Photo courtesy of Larry & Linda Kopet, US GenWebArchivesProjectWisconsin)

Maria Kellogg Ozanne died Feb. 16, 1904 in Winnebago, Wis.

 

Maria Fidelia, daughter of Austin Kellogg, born in Cicero, New York, 2 September married in Princeton, Wisconsin; 21 Sept 1851 Dr. James Ozanne born in the Isle of British Channel 21 May 1825, son of James Ozanne and Rachel Thomne died in Somers, Wisconsin 24 July 1891.  He was a physician was graduated from Hahnemann Medical College Chicago 1862 and res in Somers, Wis.  Was an Episcopalian and a Republican.  After his death, Marie res in Oshkosh, Wis. with her eldest son.

Children born in Somers James Thomne Ozanne born 13 Aug. 1853 married 8 June Carrie Jane Barnes res in Oshkosh. Rachel Amelia Ozanne born 26 June 1858 married in Somers 25 1884 Rev. ML Harris res in Rockford, Ill. Walter Henry Ozanne born 9 Oct 1861 died 1 May 1888. Gail Austin Ozanne born 31 May 1863 died 21 Mar 1883. Irvine Eugene Ozanne born 28 July 1865 unm.  Herbert Giles Ozanne born 13 July 1869 is unm
(Source:  information above added to Ancestry.com by tim10ela on May 17, 2012)

Oshkosh Daily, May 25, 1909
Application of Clara M. Kellogg to admit to Probate the Last Will and Testament of Marie A. Kellogg of Oshkosh.

Ozanne, Gail

Gail Austin Ozanne
Oakwood Cemetery, Somers Township, Kenosha County, Wisconsin
(Source:  Photo courtesy of Larry & Linda Kopet, USGenWebArchivesProject Wisconsin)

 

Gail Austin Ozanne was born May 31, 1863 and died March 31, 1883.
She was the daughter of Dr. James Ozanne and Maria Fidelia Kellogg.  Maria was the daughter of Austin Kellogg, one of the first settlers in Somers.

1870 U.S. Census for Somers Township
James Ozanne
Maria Fidelia Kellogg
children:
James T., age 16
Rachel A., age 11
Walter H., age 8
Gail A., age 6
Irving, age 4
Herbert, age 10/12

Petrie

John, Lydia and Frazier Petrie
Oakwood Cemetery, Somers Township, Kenosha County
(Source:  Photo courtesy of Larry & Linda Kopet, USGenWenArchivesPorjectWisconsin)

 

Partial 1861 Map of Somers Township, Kenosha County
Section 16, J. Petrie two parcels of 40 acres each

1880 U.S. Federal Census
John Petrie, age 66, born about 1814 in Scotland
Married
Spouse:  Lydia Petrie, born 1834
Children: Frazier born 1855
Children: Frank born 1858

Porter

Partial 1861 Map of Somers Township, Kenosha County
Section 17
A.B. Porter, 160 acres
S.W. Porter, 80 acres
?.B. Porter, 80 acres

1860 U.S. Census.  Home in Somers
Asa B. Porter, age 56, born in Connecticut
Isabella, age 26, born in Scotland
Ann Augustus, age 4, born in Wisconsin

(Note:  The Porter family lived in Racine during the 1850 Census.  This is mentioned because Edna Porter is buried in Oakwood Cemetery.  Edna Porter was married to Samuel W. Porter who owned 80 acres mentioned above.)

1850 U.S. Census.  Home in Racine
Asa Porter, born 1803, age 47
Edna, age 53, 1797
Samuel W. Porter, age 45, 1805



Edna Porter, wife of Samuel Porter
Oakwood Cemetery, Somers, Township, Kenosha County
(Source:  Photo courtesy of Larry & Linda Kopet, USGenWebArchives Porject Wisconsin)

Johnson

Partial 1861 Map of Somers Township, Kenosha County
Section 29, Parcel H. Johnson 120 acres.
Adjoining parcel of L. Johnson may be related but no documentation is available.

1850 U.S. Federal Census.  Henry Johnson family lived in "Pike" now known as Somers Township.
Henry Johnson, born 1794 in Vermont
Violata Johnson, born 1793 in Vermont 
Lovina Johnson, born 1820 in New York
Kiolata Johnson, born 1826 in New York
Charles H. Johnson, born 1829 in New York
Maria Johnson, born 1833 in New York
Edwin Johnson, born 1835 in New York
Isaac S. Johnson, born 1812 in New York (correction: should be Isaac L., not S.)

1860 U.S. Federal Census.  J.L. Johnson family lived in Somers.
J.L. Johnson, born 1813 in New York (should be I.L. Johnson)
Delia B. Johnson, born 1824 in New York
Herbert N. Johnson, born 1857 in Wisconsin
Everett J. Johnson, born 1859 in Wisconsin

1870 U.S. Federal Census. Lived in Township of Somers
Isaac Johnson, age 57.  His occupation was listed as "cheese manufacturer"
living with Henry Carpenter, age 29 "cheese manufacturer"

1880 U.S. Federal Census. Lived in Township of Somers
Isaac Johnson, age 67 - Lawyer
Mercy Johnson, age 68 - Keeps House

Isaac L. Johnson
Oakwood Cemetery, Somers Township, Kenosha County
(Source:  Photo courtesy of Larry & Linda Kopet, US GenWebArchivesProjectWisconsin)
 

Delia Benedict Johnson, wife of Isaac L. Johnson
Oakwood Cemetery, Somers Township, Kenosha County
(Source: Photo courtesy of Larry & Linda Kopet, US GenWebArchivesProjectWisconsin)

Mercy, wife of Isaac L. Johnson
Oakwood Cemetery, Somers Township, Kenosha County
(Source: Photo courtesy of Larry & Linda Kopet, US GenWebArchivesProjectWisconsin)

Northway, Clarence

Clarence A. Northway
son of Edgar Northway
Oakwood Cemetery, Somers Township, Kenosha County
(Source:  Photo courtesy of Larry and Linda Kopet, USGenWebArchivesProjectWisconsin)

"Clarence A. Northway, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, age 54, passed away June 13, at Milwaukee following a short illness.  Mr. Northway was born in Somers Township August 9, 1893, son of the late Mr. and Mrs. Edgar Northway.  For many years he had been employed by the Chicago & North Western Railroad and lately had worked in the water department, City of Milwaukee.  He was a member of the Kenosha Lodge of Masons and Veterans of Foreign Wars.
Several nieces and nephews survive.  Funeral services will be held at the Hansen Funeral Home.  Burial will be in Oakwood Cemetery, Somers."
(Source:  Racine Journal June 15, 1948)

Bishop, Albert & Minnie



Albert J. and Minnie Bishop
Oakwood Cemetery, Somers Township, Kenosha County
(Source:  Photo courtesy of Linda and Larry Kopet, USGenWebArchivesProjectWisconsin)

"Mrs. Minnie E. Bishop, age 73, passed away this morning at the home of her son, J. Lorin Bishop, in Somers, following a long illness.  Born June 21, 1873, in Ixonia, Wisconsin, Mrs. Bishop came to Franksville at the age of 1 year and when she was 17 she moved to the village of Somers where she spent the remainder of her life.  On December 12, 1901, she was married to Albert J. Bishop.  She was a member of the Somers Congregational Church, Ladies Aid and Missionary Society.
Surviving are her husband, Albert; two sons, A. Elroy of south Bend, Ind., and J. Lorin of Somers; three grandchildren; two sisters, Mrs. Julia Bush of Whitefish Bay, Wisconsin and Mrs. Adella Mortensen of Wheaton, Ill.  Funeral services will be held at Hansen Funeral Home.  Burial will be in the Oakwood Cemetery in Somers."
(Source:  Racine Journal March 22, 1947)

Walraven

Daniel J. Walraven
Oakwood Cemetery, Township of Somers, Kenosha County
(Source:  Photo courtesy of Larry and Linda Kopet, USGenWebArchivesProjectWisconsin)

Walraven Unknown
(The above grave is hard to read but the letter Walraven can be read as well as the "born 1879".  This gravestone may belong to Mrs. Anna Bond Walraven.  She died at age 31 which would be about 1909/1910 the date of the obituary below.
Oakwood Cemetery, Township of Somers, Kenosha County
(Source: Photo courtesy of Larry and Linda Kopet, USGenWebArchivesProjectWisconsin)

"Mrs. Anna Bond Walraven died Thursday morning after a short illness of pneumonia and complication of diseases, aged 31 years.  Mrs. Walraven had resided in Somers, but a few months coming here, from the the Township of Paris.  A husband, four small children, father and mother survive to mourn her departure.
The funeral services were held from the Methodist Church Saturday afternoon at two o'clock, conducted by Rev. Wood.  Interment at Oakwood Cemetery.  The bereaved family have the sympathy of the entire community in this their hour of sadness."
(Source:  Racine Journal May 4, 1909)

U.S. 1910 Census - Lived in Township of Somers
Daniel J. Walraven, age 31, born about 1879 in Holland.
Immigration Year:  1895
Children:
Margaret, Alfred, Charles and Ruth

Lauer



William Lauer
(Source: Photo courtesy of Bonnie Helgeson, granddaughter of William Lauer)

Minnie Donsing and William Lauer wedding portrait
(Source: Photo courtesy of Bonnie Helgeson, granddaughter of William Lauer)

Minnie Donsing Lauer
(Source: Photo courtesy of Bonnie Helgeson, granddaughter of William Lauer)

Left to Right:  Wilma, Wilfred, and Louise Lauer.  Children of William and Minnie Donsing Lauer.
(Source: Photo courtesy of Bonnie Helgeson, granddaughter of William Lauer)

William Lauer played an important role in the growth in the Township of Somers in the early 1900's.  Today, if you drive the Somers Township countryside, you will see barns still standing today built by William Lauer.  Scroll down on this page and see a sample of barns built "In the News" below.  Find more barns and homes built by William Lauer and B.F. Yule on my Somers Pioneer website, barns of Somers link.

William Lauer built a barn in the Township of Paris, 1/2 mile west of the Star Creamery.
Date of postcard:  April 1914
See front of postcard below.
(Source: Photo courtesy of Marilyn Mullen, granddaughter of Mattie Lauer Bassindale, sister of William Lauer)

William Lauer built this barn in the Township of Paris, 1/2 mile west of the Star Creamery.
Date of postcard: April 1914
See front of postcard above.
(Source: Photo courtesy of Marilyn Mullen, granddaughter of Mattie Lauer Bassindale, sister of William Lauer)



William Lauer's saw-rig used to work of John Herzog barn in the Town of Somers
Date of postcard:  June 1915
See front of postcard below.
(Source: Photo courtesy of Marilyn Mullen, granddaughter of Mattie Lauer Bassindale, sister of William Lauer)

William Lauer's saw-rig used to work of John Herzog barn in the Town of Somers
Date of postcard: June 1915
See front of postcard above.
Notice the hat, vest, and white shirt on the man running the saw on the left.
(Source: Photo courtesy of Marilyn Mullen, granddaughter of Mattie Lauer Bassindale, sister of William Lauer)

William Lauer built a silo for Wm. Bose near Berryville.
(Note:  Berryville is a community located on the shore of Lake Michigan in Somers Township)
Date of postcard October 7, 1916
See front of postcard below.
(Source: Photo courtesy of Marilyn Mullen, granddaughter of Mattie Lauer Bassindale, sister of William Lauer)
 



William Lauer built a silo for Wm. Bose near Berryville.
(Note: Berryville is a community located on the shore of Lake Michigan in Somers Township)
Date of postcard October 7, 1916
See front of postcard above.
(Source: Photo courtesy of Marilyn Mullen, granddaughter of Mattie Lauer Bassindale, sister of William Lauer)

William Lauer built a house in the Township of Somers for Matt Frederick located on the west line of Somers.
Date of postcard January 17, 1916
See front of postcard below.
(Source: Photo courtesy of Marilyn Mullen, granddaughter of Mattie Lauer Bassindale, sister of William Lauer)

William Lauer built a house in the Township of Somers for Matt Frederick located on the west line of Somers.
Date of postcard January 17, 1916
See front of postcard above.
(Source: Photo courtesy of Marilyn Mullen, granddaughter of Mattie Lauer Bassindale, sister of William Lauer)

William Lauer built a house in the Township of Paris, east of the Star Creamery, for Nic Frederick.
Date of postcard June 5, 1914
See front of postcard below.
(Source: Photo courtesy of Marilyn Mullen, granddaughter of Mattie Lauer Bassindale, sister of William Lauer)

William Lauer built this house in the Township of Paris, east of the Star Creamery, for Nic Frederick.
This is the front of a postcard above.
(Notice the chickens in the front yard.)
Date November 23, 1914
(Source: Photo courtesy of Marilyn Mullen, granddaughter of Mattie Lauer Bassindale, sister of William Lauer)

Bill Lauer fishing at Lake George with some of his carpenters.
This is the front of a postcard sent to his nephew in Oregon
Date November 23, 1914
See below.
(Source: Photo courtesy of Marilyn Mullen, granddaughter of Mattie Lauer Bassindale, sister of William Lauer)

Bill Lauer fishing at Lake George with some of his carpenters.
This is the postcard sent to his nephew in Oregon
Date November 23, 1914
See photo above.
(Source: Photo courtesy of Marilyn Mullen, granddaughter of Mattie Lauer Bassindale, sister of William Lauer)

William Lauer and Minnie Donsing Lauer
Oakwood Cemetery, Somers Township, Kenosha County
(Source: Photo courtesy of Larry and Linda Kopet USGenWebArchivesProjectWisconsin)

Mathias and Mary Lauer, parents of William Lauer
Oakwood Cemetery, Somers Township, Kenosha County
(Source:  Photo courtesy of Larry and Linda Kopet USGenWebArchivesProjectWisconsin)

1905 U.S. Federal Census (Somers Township)
William Lauer, age 34, born about 1871
Minnie Lauer, age 22, born about 1883

1870 U.S. Federal Census (Kenosha, Wis., Ward 3)
Mathias Lauer, age 22, born about 1847
Mary Lauer, age 23, born 1847 in Canada

1870 U.S. Federal Census (Kenosha, Wis., Ward 2)
Nicholas Lauer, age 58, born about 1812
Ann Lauer, age 55, born about 1815
Jacob Lauer, age 14, born about 1856
Catherine Lauer, age 12, born about 1858

1850 U.S. Federal Census (Chicago, Ill.  Ward 7)
Nicholas Lauer, age 38, born about 1812 in Germany
Catharina, age 35, born about 1815 in Germany
John, age 7, born about 1843 in Germany
Maria, age 5, born about  1845 in Germany
Mathias, age 3, born about 1847 in Illinois
Nicholas, age 1, born about 1949 in Illinois

NOTE:  Catharina Lauer is buried in St. George Cemetery, Kenosha, Wisconisn.  Her gravestone  notes date of birth March 15, 1817 and date of death July 1, 1930.

NOTE:  Nicholas Lauer is buried in St. George Cemetery, Kenosha, Wisconsin.  His gravestone notes date of birth March 12, 1912 and date of death Aug. 25, 1879.

NOTE:  Nicholas J. Lauer is buried in St. George Cemetery, Kenosha, Wisconsin.  His gravestone notes date of birth Aug. 9, 1849 and date of death July 17, 1929.

NOTE:  Elizabeth, wife of N.J. Lauer, is buried in St. George Cemetery, Kenosha, Wisconsin.  Her gravestone notes date of birth Jan 28, 1852 and date of death Aug. 25, 1925.

Peter Lauer Obituary

Son of Mr. and Mrs. Frank Lauer, Husband of Miss Myrtle Gardinier.

(Source:  Kenosha News.  Clipping has no date)

Lauer "In the News" including barns built
"William Lauer is putting up the machinery building for Henry Lytle & Son.
(Source: Racine Journal April 26, 1900)

"Mr. and Mrs. Harry Bassidale of Idaho are visiting the home of Mr. and Mrs. William Lauer."
"Tom Corbett is building an addition to his house.  William Lauer is doing the work."
"William Lauer has improved the looks of his barn with a good coat of paint."
(Source:  Racine Weekly Sept. 10, 1901)

"W.J. Rhodes is building an addition on his barn.  William Lauer is doing the carpenter work."
(Source:  Racine Journal Dec. 3, 1902)

"William Lauer began work of Jack Biehn's house Monday morning. It is being remodeled."
(Source:  Racine Weekly Aug. 8, 1900)

"Mrs. Lauer is visiting her daughter, Mrs. Harry Bassendale of Racine."
(Source:  Racine Weekly June 12, 1899)

"Christ Rasmussen has put up an ice house.  William Lauer did the carpenter work."
(Source:  Racine Weekly Jan 13, 1905)

"Mrs. Harry Bassendale, nee Miss Mattie Lauer, is visiting among friends and relatives in this vicinity.  Mrs. Bassendale will depart for southwestern Idaho in a short time where they will make their future home"
(Source:  Racine Weekly Oct. 30, 1899)

"Mr. Frank Lauer sold his farm known as the Salentine farm, to a Mr. J.P. Terkelsen of Kenosha for $8,500.  He has also sold on acre of land at Somers to Mr. Isaac T. Bishop."
"Mr. William Lauer is getting home his wood for the coming season."
(Source:  Racine Weekly Feb. 23, 1903)

"Mrs. S.S. Strong is having her barn shingled.  William Lauer is doing the work."
(Source:  Racine Daily June 11, 1901)

"Mr. William Lauer is putting up a large barn for Matt Wyres which is now nearing completion."
(Source:  Racine Weekly Nov. 19, 1901)

"Christ Tasmussen is remodeling his barn.  William Lauer is doing the carpenter work."
(Source:  Racome Daily July 3, 1905)

"Henry Lytle and Sons are having their mill re-shingled.  William and Robert Lauer are doing the work."
(Source:  July 24, 1899)

"Miss Mattie Lauer and Mr. H. Bassindale will be united in marriage at Somers, November 10."
(Source"  Racine Weekly Nov. 19, 1896)

"William Lauer fell from the roof of a house last week and was badly hurt although his injuries are not of a serious nature."
(Source:  Racine Weekly Nov. 4, 1903)

"William Lauer began work on Mrs. Grimshaw's house this week."
(Source:  Racine Journal Sept. 20, 1900)

"William Lauer and his men are at work shingling the Presbyterian Church."
(Source:  Racine Journal Sept 20, 1900)

"William Lauer is working on Matt Rasmussen's new barn on farm Number 2, the building to be 54 x 40.  A carload of lumber was received."
(Source:  Racine Journal Feb. 19, 1907)

"William Lauer who has been ill with pneumonia is improving."
(Source:  Racine Journal Mar 13. 1907)

"The lumber was hauled for Mrs. Mary Gascoigne's new house Monday.  William lauer has the contract for the building."
(Source:  Racine Daily May 5, 1908)

"Mrs. William Lauer who underwent an operation at the Kenosha Hospital last Monday is improving as fast as can be expected."
(Source:  Racine Daily Aug. 29, 1909)

"Miss Minnie Lauer, age 44, died at St. Mary's Hospital yesterday.  There survives a father and mother, four sisters and three brothers.  Funeral services from the family home on Milwaukee road are at 8:30 o'clock.  Burial at St. Joseph in Kenosha."
(Source:  Racine Journal Feb. 9, 1909)

"William Lauer and his carpenters are building a large barn for John Ryder."
(Source:  Racine Journal Feb. 9, 1909)

"Frank Lauer purchased a team of horses in Milwaukee on Friday.  He will work his mother's farm and also James S. Nelson's place this year."
(Source:  Racine Daily April 20, 1909)

"Edward Fink has a barn raising last Wednesday.  William lauer is doing the carpenter work."
(Source:  Racine Daily Jan. 25, 1909)

"William Lauer and his gang of carpenters are enjoying a week's camping and fishing at the lakes in the western part of the county."
(Source:  Racine Daily July 27, 1909)

"William Lauer and his carpenters went to South Milwaukee the first of the week to build a large barn."
(Source:  Racine Daily April 10, 1906)

"William Lauer sold his farm of 33 acres to Andrew Oleson.  consideration $122.00 an acre."
(Source:  Racine Daily, Aug. 5, 1907)

"Mrs. William Lauer returned home from the Kenosha Hospital where she has been for two weeks."
(Source:  Racine Weekly Sept. 7, 1910)

"William Lauer and his carpenters are building a barn for William Gross."
(Source:  Racine Daily, April 6, 1909)

"Jay W. Rhodes is having timbers hewn in the woods for a large barn he will build.  William Lauer has the contract for the building."
(Source:  Racine Daily Dec. 29, 1908)

"Mr. and Mrs. William Lauer buried their infant son on Sunday."
(Source:  Racine Weekley, Sept 7, 1906)

"Mr. Frank Lauer aged 41 died at St. Mary's Hospital in Racine on Tuesday Nov 24 after a short illness of paralysis.  Funeral services were held Thursday morning from the residence of his brother, Joseph Lauer and at St. Lawrence Church in Milwaukee.  The decease leaves a widow and several children.  Interment at Calvary Cemetery in Milwaukee."
(Source:  Racine Weekly Dec. 1, 1908)

"The next building to be constructed in the village will be an ice house for Peter Anderson.  William Lauer will do the work."
(Source: Racine Weekly Jan. 15, 1907)

"William Lauer and his force of carpenters are building a barn for Fred Donsing."
(Source:  Racine Daily Feb. 21, 1910)

"William Lauer and his force of carpenters have been remodeling Edward Fink's barn on his farm on the County Line Road."
(Source:  Racine Daily Feb. 21, 1910)

"William Lauer and his carpenters will building a new modern house for John Gehring of Berryville."
(Source:  Racine Daily April 16, 1912)

"William Lauer and his carpenter's returned home on Saturday afternoon after a weeks camping at Silver Lake."
(Source:  Racine Weekly Aug. 27, 1913)

"William Lauer and his force of carpenters are building a large barn for Ira Burgess at Kellogg's Corners."
(Source:  Racine Journal Sept. 25, 1911)

"George Thomas is re-modeling his house and also building an addition to it.  William Lauer and his force of carpenters are doing the work."
(Source:  Racine Journal Mar. 25, 1912)

"August Gitzlaff is making some improvements on his house.  William Lauer and his men are doing the work."
(Source:  Racine Journal June 18, 1912)

"William Lauer and his men have been at work the past week on John Herzog's tenant house which they have remodeled."
(Source:  Racine Journal June 11, 1912)

"William Lauer and his force of carpenters have finished Joseph Lotz's new barn and have gone to Tuesdell to work."
(Source:  Racine Journal Sept 30, 1913)

"Mrs. Smith is building a new barn.  William Lauer and his forces are doing the work."
(Source:  Racine Journal June 13, 1911)

"John Blackmon is building a new house.  William Lauer and his force of men are doing the carpenter work."
(Source:  Racine Journal Sept 19, 1912)

"William Lauer and his force of carpenters have finished the large cold storage for M.A. Anderson.  They will build a barn for Arthur Murray."
(Source:  Racine Journal Nov 7, 1913)

"William lauer and his force of carpenters are building a house for Nicholas Frederick."
(Source:  Racine Journal May 26, 1914)

"Chris A. Jensen has been hauling lumber for a new barn that he intends to build this spring."
(Source:  Racine Journal April 16, 1914)

"Through his persistency to conduct a saloon without a license, Frank Lauer has at last run into the meshes of the law, as he and Mrs. Lauer were arrested recently on the charge of selling liquor without a license. The warrants were issued for their arrest and placed in the hands of Constable Truesdall who served them on the 25th of July. The accused parties had a hearing before Justice Rhodes and the trial set for last Saturday. The defendants retained Attorney Slater of Kenosha, and the District Attorney, A. E. Buckmaster, represented the state. The prosecution was in possession of evidence that resulted in establishing the guilt of Mr. Lauer, and Justice Rhodes gave him the full extent of the fine, which was $100 and costs, amounting to $121. It is said, however, that an appeal will be taken to the Circuit Court. Mrs. Lauer was discharged for the reason that one of the important witnesses for the state was absent from home and could not be located in time for the trail."
(Source: Racine Journal, August 4, 1902)

Lauer/Thompson (1-23-1902) "Another important real estate deal has been closed within the last few days in the village, Frank Lauer having purchased the property of Frank Thompson, which consists of 37-1/2 acres of land and the buildings, located on the east side of the railroad tracks. It is said that Mr. Lauer will open up a meat market and probably a hotel in the near future."

"Mrs. Peter Lauer (nee Miss Myrtle Gardinier) was removed to St. Mary's Hospital in Racine on Thursday, where she underwent a very serious operation. At this writing she is improving as rapidly as can be expected."
(Source: Racine Journal March 25, 1922)

"Tuesday evening occurred a very pretty home wedding at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Fred Donsing, when their eldest daughter, Minnie, was united in marriage to William Lauer in the presence of the immediate friends and relatives of the contracting parties. The Rev. E.D. Kohlstedt of Racine officiated. The bride and groom are popular young people of the community and have the best wishes of their many friends for a happy and prosperous journey through life. After a short wedding trip northward, Mr. and Mrs. Lauer will be at home in Somers."
(Source: Racine Daily April 15, 1901)

Fink, James and Charlotte

James and Charlotte Norris Fink
"Among the highly esteemed residents of Mt. Pleasant Township, Racine County, Wisconsin, may be mentioned Eugene Fink, whose fine farm is situated on Section 35.  Mr. Fink is a native of that township, born March 21, 1859, son of James and Charlotte (Norris) Fink, natives of New York State.  The paternal grandfather, John Fink, was a farmer and a native of New York State, where he died when comparatively a young man.  He and his wife, Catherine, had the following children:  Benjamin, James, Levi, John, Andrew, Margaret and Mary.
James Fink, father of Eugene, was a tailor by trade.  He came to Wisconsin about 1840 living at Southport for a time, and then purchased eighty acres of land in Mt. Pleasant Township, at $1.25 per acre, adding to this purchase until he owned, at various times, four farms, comprising 561 acres.  He spent the last twenty-five years of his life in Mt. Pleasant Township, dying at the home of his son, Eugene W., October 11, 1905, while sitting in his chair, talking, and apparently in good health. He was at the time ninety-three years of age.  Mr. Fink held various town offices in his day.
He married Charlotte Norris, whose father was also a native of New York, and a merchant of Syracuse.  He came West to Illinois, located in Kane county at an early day, and there followed farming.  He died there when between seventy and eighty years of age, and his wife also attained advanced years.  They had children:  Ward, Carl, Abbie, Mary Ann, Rillie, Charlotte, and several others.
Mr. Fink and his wife had a family of seven children, four of whom still survive:  Charles, of Racine; Eugene; Edward of Somers township, and Percy of Mt. Pleasant.  The mother of this family died August 12, 1877, aged forty-six years, in the faith of the Methodist Church; the father was a Presbyterian.
Eugene Fink was reared in Mt. Pleasant on his father's farm, and attended the district schools.  He lived at home until grown to manhood and then rented his father's farm on shares for several years, his present farm of 165 acres, to which he has added ten acres, being deeded to him by his father in 1902.  Mr. Fink was married October 3, 1894, to Miss Caroline Braid, daughter of Andres and Elizabeth (Tiegus) Braid, and four children have been born to this union:  Julia, Everett, Stella, and Clinton.  Politically Mr. Fink is a Republican.
Andrew Braid, the father of Mrs. Fink, was born in Scotland, and her mother in Germany.  On coming to America Mr. Braid located in Racine county, while his future wife settled in Fort Wayne, Indiana.  They were married in Racine, and made their home in Mt. Pleasant township, engaging in farming.  He died in 1887, in his sixtieth year, while his widow still survives and lives on the old homestead in Mt. Pleasant township.  They had four children, three of whom are now living, namely:  Jessie, the wife of Edward Fink; Caroline, wife of Eugene Fink; and Louise, the wife of William Nieson, who makes her home in Corliss.
The maternal grandfather of Mrs. Eugene Fink was William Tiegus, a native of Germany, in which country he died well advanced in years.  He was a teamster by occupation, hauling goods from one city to another.  He married Catherine Schafer, who also attained advanced years."
(Source:  Biographical Record of Racine and Kenosha Counties, J.H. Beers & Co., Chicago, 1906) 

James Fink and Charlotte Norris Fink
Oakwood Cemetery, Somers Township, Kenosha County
(Source: Photo by Linda and Larry Kopet, USGenWebArchivesWisconsin)

More Fink family information

Click here for Levi Fink, brother of James Fink, for more information.

Percy Fink, son of James and Charlotte Fink
Oakwood Cemetery, Somers Township, Kenosha County
(Source:  Photo by Linda and Larry Kopet, USGenWebArchivesWisconsin)



Sarah Fink, first wife of Percy Fink, son of James and Charlotte Fink
Oakwood Cemetery, Somers Township, Kenosha County
(Source: Photo by Linda and Larry Kopet, USGenWebArchivesWisconsin)



Eva L. Fink, second wife of Percy Fink, son of James and Carlotte Fink
Oakwood Cemetery, Somers Township, Kenosha County
(Source: Photo by Linda and Larry Kopet, USGenWebArchivesWisconsin)

Sarah Fink Obituary
"Mrs. Percy Fink died at her home in Mt. Pleasant last evening after a long and lingering illness of tuberculosis at age 34 years.  Deceased was well and favorably known and besides leaving a husband and four small children, she also has many friends and relatives to  mourn her loss.  Burial will take place in the Oakwood Cemetery."
(Source:  Racine Journal Aug 26, 1899)

Marriages of Percy
Sarah Deal married Percy Fink February 22, 1890 in Van Buren City, Michigan

Eva L. Guerin married Percy Fink January 14, 1902
(Source:  myhogan, dudding & stultz family public site on ancestry.com)

Catherine Fink
Catherine Fink, mother of James and Levi Fink
Catherine Fink, age 80, lived with James and Charlotte in Mt. Pleasant Township, Racine County, Wisconsin a shown on the 1860 U.S. Census. Catherine was born about 1778 in New York.
Oakwood Cemetery, Somers Township, Kenosha County
(Source: Photo courtesy of Linda and Larry Kopet, USGenWebArchivesProjectWisconsin)

Edmund C. Fink, son of James and Charlotte Fink
Oakwood Cemetery, Somers Township, Kenosha County
(Source: Photo courtesy of Linda and Larry Kopet, USGenWebArchivesProjectWisconsin)

Augusta Fink, daughter of James and Charlotte Fink
1862-1884
Oakwood Cemetery, Somers Township, Kenosha County
(Source: Photo courtesy of Linda and Larry Kopet, USGenWebArchivesProjectWisconsin)

Clinton Fink, son of James and Charlotte
Oakwood Cemetery, Somers Township, Kenosha County
(Source:  Photo courtesy of Linda and Larry Kopet, USGenWebArchivesProjectWisconsin)

Earl James Fink
son of Edmund and Jessie Fink
Oakwood Cemetery, Somers Township, Kenosha County
(Source: Photo courtesy of Linda and Larry Kopet, USGenWebArchivesProjectWisconsin)

Elizabeth Fink
daughter of Edmund and Jessie Fink
Oakwood Cemetery, Somers Township, Kenosha County
(Source: Photo courtesy of Linda and Larry Kopet, USGenWebArchivesProjectWisconsin)

Ruth L. Fink
daughter of Edmund and Jessie Fink
Oakwood Cemetery, Somers Township, Kenosha County
(Source: Photo courtesy of Linda and Larry Kopet, USGenWebArchivesProjectWisconsin)

William E. Fink
son of Edmund and Jessie Fink
Oakwood Cemetery, Somers Township, Kenosha County
(Source: Photo courtesy of Linda and Larry Kopet, USGenWebArchivesProjectWisconsin)