Warner Township

Clark County, Wisconsin

Warner Township Pioneers

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

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BRAUN family, Warner township [Photo Album]

1895 census, head of family: Chris Braun 3 male, 1 female

1893 sec 6 no residence C. Braun

June 13, 1896: Seventeen years ago when Clark Co had trails but no roads, a family from Sheboygan Co arrived here to face the work and hardships that combine trying to make a home in the wilderness. This family consisted of parents Wilhelm and Anna Thorotea Braun and four sons, Gottfried, Wilhelm, Christian and Friedrich and three daughters, Louisa, Christina and Eva. They settled in the northwestern part of the Co, where the townships of Warner, Hixton and Reesburg meet, about 24 miles from Neillsville where they had bought land. Grandfather Braun and two sons, Gottfried and Wilhelm in the Town of Hixton, Christian in the Town of Warner, and Friedrich in the Town of Reseburg. To the left of the road lies the farm of Frank Horn, a son-in-law of the Grandparents Braun, to the right the farms of Gottfried and Wilhelm Braun with their large barns, houses and gardens. A short distance to the west and south from here lie the farms of Friedrich and Christian Braun and Robert Horn, the latter also a son-in-law of the Grandparents, John Warnke, related to the Brauns, also has a nice farm. As most of the land in the community was in the hands of the Brauns or relatives of the Brauns, it got the name of "Braun Settlement." The elderly couple, who 50 years ago were wed, lived in the house of the oldest son, Gottfried...Mr. Wilhelm Braun was born May 11, 1821, in Riecenkeirch, Byirk Marienwerder, West Prussia Germany. Wilhelm Braun and Anna Thorotea Torsh were married on the 13th of June 1846. In 1872 they and their family came to America and lived in Sheboygan Co until 1879 when they moved to Clark Co. A write-up taken from a German newspaper published in Neillsville, WI and translated by Mrs. Emil Noah, a granddaughter of the happy couple (excerpt of article). Grandfather Braun died September 18, 1915 @ 94 yrs.Grandmother Braun died December 30, 1897 @ 77 yrs.
BRAUN, Christian A.  (24 Nov 1859 - 10 Nov 1935)

Christian A. Braun, for many years a resident of Greenwood and vicinity, passed away at the home of his daughter, Mrs. George F. Buker Nov. 10, 1935, the cause of his death being pneumonia. Christian A. Braun, son of Wm. Braun Sr., and his wife, Anna Torsch, was born in Riesenkird, West Prussia, Germany, on Nov. 24, 1859. The family came to Sheboygan, Wis., in 1873 and moved to the town of Hixon (now Longwood) in 1878. He was united in marriage to Elsie Wilke on Sept. 23, 1888. They made their home in the town of Warner (sec 6 NW) on the farm now occupied by Mrs. Herman Haase. They moved to Greenwood in 1901. Mr. and Mrs. Braun were charter members of Salem Reformed Church of the town of Longwood on the day of organization, Sept. 10, 1893, and also became charter members of Zion Reformed Church in Greenwood on the date of organization, Jan. 29, 1905. He was honored by the congregation to serve as deacon at various times and as a member of the committee that built the parsonage in 1926. For many years Mr. Braun resided in this city and held the position of janitor of the local school. He is survived by two daughters, Mrs. John Speich (Emma Dorothy 30 July 1894 - 27 Jan 1953) and Mrs. Geo. F. Buker  (Bertha M. 20 April 1898 - 9 Aug 1970), two grandchildren, John Jr. and Robert Speich; two brothers, Wm and Frederick Braun and two sisters, Mrs. Louisa Horn and Mrs. Christina Horn. Funeral services were held from Salem Reformed Church. The body was laid to rest in Forest Hill Cemetery in the town of Warner.

BRAUN, Elizabeth "Elisa" nee Wilcke (12 Nov 1869 - 25 April 1926)

Mrs. Christian Braun, whose maiden name was Eliza Sophia Maria Wilck, daughter of Joachim and Maria Wilck nee Pingel, was born in Raduhn, Province of Mecklenburg, Germany, Nov. 12, 1869 (Nov 22 per cemetery records). She was received into full membership of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of that place by Confirmation Oct. 21, 1883. Shortly after that event she left with her family for America, where they settled in Sheboygan Co. In 1886 the family moved to the town of Warner, Clark Co. She was united in marriage to Mr. Christian Braun on Sept. 23, 1888. Two children were born to this union, Emma Louise, now Mrs. John Speich and Bertha Minnie, now Mrs. George Buker. Mr. and Mrs. Braun joined the Braun Settlement Reformed Church Oct. 9, 1893 and were dismissed to the Greenwood Reformed Church and became charter members of the same on the date of its organization, Jan. 29, 1905. She leaves to mourn her loss the following relatives: her husband, two daughters, two grandchildren, two brothers, Joachim Wilck of Farmville, Virginia, Theodore Wilck of Ione, Wash., three sisters, Mrs. Frederick Braun of Greenwood, Mrs. Minnie Schomberg of Sheboygan Falls, Wis., and Mrs. Caroline Warnke of Withee, Wis. Funeral services were held from the local Reformed Church. The body was laid to rest in the Braun Settlement Cemetery.

Oct 1 1900 - June 7 1901 students at Braun Settlement school, Frederick Braun school clerk: Clara, Olga, Tony, Eddie, Georgie and Emma Braun.

Clara Braun

July 19, 1901: Chris Braun bought Dr. Kennedys fine driving team last week and has ordered a new wagon and complete outfit to start the rural delivery August first. He will hae an up-to-date turnout.

Aug 2, 1901: C. A. Braun will begin to deliver mail Thursday. This will encourage correspondence

November 15, 1923: A number of friends had a pleasant surprise on Mrs. Chris Braun Monday afternoon, the occasion being her birthday. A splendid time was enjoyed by all present. Greenwood Gleaner

January 14, 1926: Mrs. Horn, who has been taking care of her brother, Chris Braun, who has been seriously ill with pneumonia, left Saturday for an extended visit with relatives and friends in Braun Settlement. Mr. Braun, although still very weak, is able to be up and around. Greenwood Gleaner

November 29, 1928: A large number of relatives and friends had a surprise party on Mr. C. A. Braun Sunday evening. The occasion being his 69th birthday. Greenwood Gleaner

BREDESEN family, Warner township

1906 sec 34 residence H. Bredeson (Henry)

BREDESON, Annie nee Anderson (27 Sept 1864 - 19 July 1902)

The community was shocked Saturday afternoon to learn of the death that afternoon, of Mrs. Henry Bredeson during childbirth, affected by kidney trouble. The case is doubly sad in that six children are left motherless, one being the newborn babe, which survived its twin brother (no name, born and died 19 July 1902, buried Greenwood cemetery). The children are Margaret, who graduated from the high school this last June and is engaged to teach a school at Tioga this coming fall. Olga, Hulda, Arthur, Jennie and the baby, Ina.
Deceased was Annie Anderson who was born near Christina, Norway. In 1885 she was married to Henry Bredeson, they coming to this country two years later, settling at Withee. Four years ago the family moved to Greenwood. Religiously Mrs. Bredeson was a Lutheran, but here she affiliated with the Presbyterians, the funeral being held from that church. Interment took place in the Greenwood cemetery. [Greenwood cemetery: Mrs. Henry (Annie) Bredesen died Sept 1908, no birth year or maiden name. Source = courthouse Second wife of this Henry Bredesen also named Annie?]

March 8, 1906: One of Henry Bredson's little boys was bitten last Wednesday by a dog belonging to John Heggesta and as a consequence the dog and several others in the neighborhood have been sent to the happy hunting grounds of dogdom.

BREDESEN, Olga marriage 31 March 1909

Dr. F.E. Sillick and Miss Olga Bredeson were united in marriage at the home of Rev. Chapman in the city of Neillsville March 31, 1909. Mr. Sillick came here last Oct from Michigan and has since enjoyed a good business as a veterinary surgeon. Miss Bredeson is the daughter of Henry Bredeson of the West Side. She came here with her parents from Athens several years ago. Her education was received in the Greenwood schools and she has since done general housework, employed at the North Side Hotel during the past several months. Mr. and Mrs. Sillick have rented apartments in the Haglund building and will live with Gilbert Mink for the present.

1906 sec 34 residence A. Bredeson (Anton)

1900 Longwood townshipcensus residence #213 1893 sec 34 (1905 G. B. Andrews property)

 

Bordesen, Anton Head W M 3/1861 39 M 13     Norway

Selma Wife W F 3/1866 34 M 13 7 7 Norway

Dagni Daughter W F 7/1885 14 S       Norway

 

William Son W M 9/1887 12 S       Wisconsin

 

Emma Daughter W F 12/1888 11 S       Wisconsin

 

Hilda Daughter W F 9/1891 8 S       Wisconsin

 

Leo Son W M 2/1894 6 S       Wisconsin

 

Edwin Son W M 9/1897 2 S       Wisconsin

 

Elsie Daughter W F 9/1899 12-Aug S       Wisconsin

1905 Warner township #24 Bredesen, Anton Head W M 44 M Norway Norway Day Laborer 12 O M F Selma Wife W F 39 M Norway Norway House Keeper Dagna Daughter W F 21 S Norway Norway Domestic Willie Son W M 18 S Wisconsin Germany Day Laborer 8 Emma Daughter W F 16 S Wisconsin Germany Hilda Daughter W F 13 S Wisconsin Germany Leo Son W M 11 S Wisconsin Germany Edwin Son W M 7 S Wisconsin Germany Elsie Daughter W F 5 S Wisconsin Germany

Hilda Bredesen

      Hilda Bredeson, 1916.

BREDESON, Selma nee ? (Mar 1866 - 21 Feb 1943)

(Stepdaughter of Anton Kirstianson, sister of Alice Lybeck (LeBeck), and Jennie Sungaard, half sister of Signe Thornton and Alfred Kristianson.) Mrs. Selma Bredesen, 76, a former resident of Greenwood Feb. 21, 1943, at Luther Hospital, Eau Claire, where she had been taken a week ago. Mrs. (Anton) Bredesen, who was visiting her sons and daughter in Eau Claire, Greenwood, and Altoona since November, had planned to return to her home in Spokane, Wash., two weeks ago, but became ill and a week later was taken to the hospital. Before going to Spokane 22 years ago, Mrs. Bredesen resided on the present Jordan farm in the west city limits. She was preceded in death by her husband (Anton) in 1940 and a daughter, Elsie  (30 Sept 1899 - 22 Dec 1918, died of the flu), in 1918. Surviving are three daughters, Mrs. A.H. (Mathilda) Anderson, Eau Claire, and Mrs. John (Dagny) Peterson and Mrs. Dell (Emma) Timmerson, both of Spokane, Wash.; three sons, Ed Bredesen, Altoona; Leo Bredesen, Greenwood, and William Bredesen, Spokane, Wash.; one sister, Mrs. John Thornton, and a (step) brother, Alfred Kirstianson, Stanley. The body was sent from Eau Claire to Spokane, Wash. where funeral services and interment will take place.

Kristianson, Anton (12 Mar 1856 - 12 Nov 1915)

Anton Kristianson, a resident of Greenwood since 1891, died at his home on Main St. Nov. 12, 1915. He was born in Askin, Norway, March 12th, 1856, and when a boy went to Christiania, where he learned the shoemaker's trade. In 1891 he came to Greenwood, where he has operated a shoe store and repair shop since, and was considered an expert workman. He was a member of the Modern Woodmen, which order he always took an active interest, so it was only fitting that the last rites at the grave were performed by fellow members. Those left to mourn his loss are his (2nd) wife, Lena Kristiansen, one son, Alfred, one daughter, Signe, and three step-daughters, Alice Lybeck, Selma Bredeson, and Jennie Sungaard of Philadelphia. The funeral services were conducted from the M.E. Church under the auspices of the M.W.A.. Burial was in the Greenwood Cemetery. "...Shoe repairing Anton Kristianson, father of Alfred & Signa L Sperbeck first cashier of Bank...." Memories of Theresa Funk

Kristianson, Mrs. Anton (1849 - 1 May 1929)

Mrs. Anton Christenson passed away at the home of her daughter at Stanley May 1, 1929. Deceased was past 80 years of age. Up until about 15 years ago the Christenson family resided in Greenwood where Mr. Christenson owned and operated a shoe repair shop. Her husband preceded her in death some years ago. Funeral services were held at Stanley and the body was brought to this city, where it was laid to rest in the Greenwood Cemetery. Deceased was a grandmother of Leo Bredesen of this city.

Mrs. Knute Kleven, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Anton Kristiansen of Greenwood, Clark Co, died suddenly at her home in Rapid City, S.D., March 7, 1908. She was only sick one day, heart trouble being the cause of death. The body was brought to Price, west of Fairchild for burial. The relatives from here were Mr. and Mrs. Anton Kristiansen, Mrs. Anton Bredeson, went over to attend the funeral. Mrs. Martin Lebeck of Longwood, Alfred Kristiansen of Withee and Signe Kristiansen of Owen went on the same train. Mrs. Kleven was 27 years old and leaves two children besides her husband.

BREDESEN, Elsie M. (30 Sept 1899 - 22 Dec 1918)

Elsie May Bredesen was born Sept. 30th, 1899 in Greenwood, Clark Co., Wis., and died Dec. 22nd, 1918 in Havre, Mont., with that dreaded disease "flu", age 19 years, 2 months and 22 days. She leaves to mourn her loss, parents (Anton and Selma Bredesen), three brothers and three sisters, Mrs. Will Timerson and Mrs. Frank Pratt of Spokane, Wash., Mrs. R.H. Anderson of Havre, Mont., Leo and Edwin of Greenwood, Wis. After a brief service her remains were laid to rest in the Greenwood Cemetery.

BREDESEN, Edwin marriage 8 Oct 1922

The marriage of Miss Ruth Johnson, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. A. L. Johnson of Altoona and Edwin Bredesen of Eau Claire, took place at the home of the bride Oct. 8, 1922. Rev. of the First M. E. Church performed the ceremony. Miss Laura Sherman of Eau Claire attended the bride and Chester Johnson, brother of the bride, attended Mr. Bredesen as best man. The happy couple left on the evening train for Minneapolis, where they will reside. The bride is a graduate of the Altoona High School and for the past few months has been training at Luther Hospital. The groom is a fireman on C. St. P.M. O. Mr. Bredesen is a son of Mr. and Mrs. Anton Bredesen. (Eau Claire Leader)

BREDESEN, William marriage 10 Dec 1908

The marriage of Belle Wilson to William Bredesen took place at the groom's home in the Town of Warner, Dec. 10, 1908. Matilda Bredesen, sister of the groom, was maid of honor, Elmer Johnson, his cousin, acting as best man. William Bredesen is a well known young man in this vicinity, having lived here for the last eight years. Miss Wilson, whose parents died while she was yet a child, has since made her home with her uncle Mr. Lavene in the Town of Weston.The young couple will go to housekeeping in Greenwood as soon as the holidays are over. [Greenwood cemetery: Harold Bredesen born 29 Jan 1910, died 9 Feb 1910; Wlm McKinley Bredesen, no birth or death date, sons of William and Belle Bredesen] 

BREDESEN, Mabel nee Keyes (12 June 1894 - 4 Sept 1971)

Services were held at Grace United Methodist Church for Mrs. Leo (Mabel) Bredesen, 77, of Greenwood, who died Sept. 4, 1971 at the Memorial Hospital, Neillsville, where she had been admitted five weeks ago following a stroke. Burial was made in the Greenwood Cemetery. The former Mabel Keyes was born June 12, 1894, in Dunn County, and was married Feb. 10, 1915, to Leo Bredesen (born 1894), who preceded her in death Feb. 25, 1964. The couple made their home in Greenwood, where he had been employed as a well driller for many years. Survivors include five daughters, Mrs. Merrill (Eileen) Dunn, Medford; Mrs. Marian Dunn and Mrs. Verna Harms, both of Owen; Mrs. Edward (Bonnie) Bundick, Anchorage, Alaska; and Mrs. Bernard (June) Ferguson, Chattanooga, Tenn. MARSHFIELD NEWS HERALD [Greenwood cemetery: dau Emma born 1916, died 17 July 1916]

September 6, 1953: An accessory which will save many hours of working time for well drillers has been developed and perfected by Leo A. Bredesen of this community.

The appliance is a bit sharpener, which may be attached to the driller derrick and which will do in 20 to 30 minutes what normally takes three hours. Bredesen explains that without such a sharpener it is necessary to take welldrilling bits to a shop for sharpening. The Greenwood man, who has been engaged in well drilling for the past 38 years, also uses a "hammer sizer" device of his own invention which maintains the correct bit size during the sharpening process. He says his invention is the only gravity type bit sharpener on the market except for one which sells at four or five times what it will cost to manufacture his sharpener and place it on the market. He has patents pending on his contrivance and is now seeking a manufacturer. The invention Bredesen says, is the product of about 10 years of thought and three years of work, and he has been using his model with success since last spring. Because well drilling in this area usually entails drilling through many feet of granite, Bredesen uses bits which he invented for such use. They have three cutting edges at each end, and as a result they bore a straight hole into the granite.

History of the Northside Repair Shop: City of Greenwood, WI--It was located in Block 13, Lot 10 of the Miller Addition on Miller Street.

Mar. 14, 1947: Emil & Julia Leman sold to Leo & Mabel Bredesen

Dec. 3, 1964: Mabel Bredesen sold to St. Mary's Catholic Church

St. Mary's Church requested the building be burned by the Fire Department Volunteers and today the remaining lot is used for parking in the rear of the parish.

BREDESEN, Marian A. marriage 12 Sep 1940

Miss Marian Alice Bredeson became the bride of Russell Edward Dunn, son of Mrs. Viola Dunn, Babcock, and Albert Dunn, Eaton (Clark Co., Wis.) Sept. 12, 1940.

The ceremony was performed at the home of the bride's parents, Mr. and Mrs. Leo Bredeson, Greenwood. Bonnie Mae Bredeson, sister of the bride, maid of honor and  Howard William Dunn, the groom's brother, served as best man. The bride and groom left for a resort north of Chippewa. They will be at home after Wednesday on a farm southeast of Greenwood. Both Mr. and Mrs. Dunn attended the high school at Greenwood and were graduated in 1938.

 Marian Bredesen

                      Marian Bredesen

DUNN, Marian Alice nee BREDESEN (6 Aug 1920 - 19 June 1991)

Marian Alice Dunn, 71, formerly of Greenwood, died June 19, 1991 at Clark Co Health Care Center, where she had been a resident for the past 25 years. Funeral services were held at Rinka Funeral Home in Greenwood. Rev. Michael Dunn of Chippewa Falls, Mrs. Dunn's nephew, officiated at services and burial was in the Greenwood Cemetery. The former Marian Bredesen was born Aug. 6, 1920 in Greenwood to Leo and Mabel (Kees) Bredesen. She was a graduate of Greenwood High School. She was a housewife and seamstress all her life. Survivors included her husband, Russell, of Oshkosh; two sons, Sam of Altoona and Joel of Cedar, Minn. two daughters, Mrs. Lynn Carter of Minneapolis and Mrs. Kenneth (Lois) Fultz of Grandville, Mich. four sisters, Mrs. Merrill (Eileen) Dunn of Medford, Mrs. Bernard (June) Ferguson of Fairfield, Ohio, Mrs. Edward (Bonnie) Bundick of Tacoma, Wash., and Mrs. Verna Harms of Withee.

Dunn, Peggy Janice (23 Dec 1941 - 22 Dec 1945)

Funeral services for Peggy Dunn, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Merrill Dunn, Fairchild, who died Dec. 22, 1945, the day before her fourth birthday at Sacred Heart Hospital, Eau Claire, were held at Grace Methodist Church, Greenwood. Burial was made in the Greenwood Cemetery. Peggy Janice Dunn, daughter of Merrill and Eileen (Bredeson) Dunn, was born Dec. 23, 1941 in the Town of Gibraltar, Door Co. At the age of 16 months she moved with her parents to Horseshoe Bay Farms in Egg Harbor and in July of this year to Fairchild. On Dec. 16, she was taken to the hospital in Eau Claire, where she died. Death resulted from complications following a siege of influenza. Surviving besides her parents are two brothers, Tim 8, and Michael, 6 her grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. Albert Dunn and Mr. and Mrs. Leo Bredeson, Greenwood, and her great-grandfather, John Kees, Eau Claire.

BRICK family, Warner township

1880 sec 20 no residence Peter Brick (Thielen property in 1893, no residence)

1906 sec 20 residence F. Brick (Fred, son of Peter)

1960-61 Clark Co Directory: Brick, Alvin Greenwood Warner sec 20 (Alvin, son of Fred)

BRICK, Peter (8 Dec 1838 - 12 Jan 1882)

Peter Brick, a resident of the town of Warner, died Jan. 12, 1882, leaving a pregnant widow and 5 small children. According to records of the Immanuel Reformed Church in Warner township, Peter Brick was born Dec. 8, 1838. His last child, Emilie Charlotte Brick, was born just 10 days after his death.

"...We are looking into the death of Peter Brick, Fred's father. We have heard that he died in a logging accident in 1882, but cannot find any info on this. Also, in his obit, it says he had a daughter born ten days after his death. Cannot find any info on this, or the supposed fact that Peter's wife Anna was institutionalized after his death...." Pat nee Brick Hall (granddaughter of Fred Brick)

UCC east cemetery: Peter Brick born 8 Dec 1838 died 12 Jan 1882, married Anna Elizabeth Backer, born 23 Oct 1843 died 4 Aug 1887. Fred Brick obit siblings: Peter, Chris, Lena and Mary, plus Emilie per the father Peter Brick's obit. [Mary (Anna) married W. F. Hubert. Lena married J. C. Baumann. No further info on Emilie.]

Hubert, Alvin (1912 - 17 Feb 1929)

Sunday evening the people of this community were greatly shocked when word came to them that Alvin Hubert was dead. He left home Sunday afternoon about 2 o'clock with his 22 rifle and his snowshoes to hunt in the woods. About six o'clock his parents became alarmed because he did not return and called the neighbors to see if he had come to visit some of the boys but as he was not there, a searching party was organized and set out to find him. His body was found about 300 feet in the blueberry marsh by his brother Arnold about seven-thirty. He notified the rest of the party and they called Dr. Callahan of Spencer, who pronounced him dead. Otto Prechel took his team and took the body to the home. He was a president of his junior class at the Spencer High School. It is believed that the gun discharged accidentally, the bullet entering above his right eye, killing him instantly. He was the son of Mr. and Mrs. Wm. Hubert (Anna Mary, daughter of Peter and Anna Backer Brick, married William F. Hubert) He was seventeen years old. Besides his parents he is survived by two sisters, Esther, Mrs. Leo Zupke; and Erna, Mrs. Anton Zorgradonik of Milwaukee; and two brothers Arnold and Arland at home.

Alvin Hubert was buried in the West Spencer cemetery, Sherman township along with parents Anna Mary (no maiden name listed) b. 4 Feb 1885 d. 30 Mar 1970 and William F. Hubert b. 28 Jan 1877, d. 5 Oct 1954. Note that this Anna Mary has a birth date three years after Peter Brick's death and two years prior Anna Backer Brick's death. This could be an entirely different Hubert family, but that family name was rather scarce in Clark Co during this time period.

1905 #109 Brick, Fred Head W M 34 M Wisconsin Germany Farmer 9 O F F Mathilda Wife W F 30 M Wisconsin Germany House Keeper Arhur Son W M 6 S Wisconsin Wisconsin Walter Son W M 3 S Wisconsin Wisconsin Alvin son W M 1 S Wisconsin Wisconsin

BRICK, Fred (5 May 1871 - 27 May 1937)

Fred Brick was born May 5, 1871 in the town of Meeme in Manitowoc Co., the son of Peter and Elizabeth (nee Backer) Brick. He moved with his parents to Clark Co when he was 5 years old and they settled on a farm in the town of Warner. Some years after the death of his parents, Mr. Brick purchased this place and built it up into the present farm. On Nov. 17, 1897 he was married to Mathilda Schwarze. To this union seven children were born. One son Walter preceded him in death in the year 1918. Mr. Brick for many years served as representative and lineman for the West Side Telephone Co. He has been ailing since the middle of last summer and has been under a doctor's care since January. He passed away May 27. The immediate cause of his death was hardening of the arteries. He is survived by his widow, 5 sons, Arthur and Alvin at home, Harold of Escanaba, Mich.; Raymond of Chicago, Ill, and Elmer of Sheboygan, Wis., one daughter Irene, at home. He also leaves to mourn two brothers, Peter of Fallon, Mont.; and Chris of Superior, Wis., two sisters, Lena (Mrs. J.C. Baumann) of Walla Walla, Wash. and Mary (Mrs. W.F. Hubert) of Sheboygan, Wis. Funeral services were held from the West Side Immanuel Reformed Church and the body was laid to rest in the West Side Cemetery.

February 21, 1902: Chris and Peter Brick were called to Sheboygan Saturday to attend the funeral of an uncle. They returned home the middle of this week. (Brothers of Fred Brick)

BRICK, Mathilda Augusta nee Schwarze (28 Jan 1876 - 15 July 1952)

Mrs. Fred Brick, 76, died at her home 5 miles southwest of Greenwood July 15, 1952. Death was attributed to a heart ailment. Funeral services were held at the West Side Evangelical and Reformed Church, preceded by a service at the Brick home. Burial was in West Side Cemetery. Mrs. Brick (Mathilda Augusta Schwarze) was born Jan. 28, 1876 (parents were Herman and Christina Schwarze), in the Town of Warner and received her education in Greenwood. On Nov. 17, 1897, she was married to Fred Brick at Greenwood. He preceded her in death May 27, 1937. Four sons, Arthur and Alvin, Greenwood; Raymond, Chicago and Elmer, Milwaukee, and one daughter, Mrs. Ralph (Irene) Dusso, Loyal, survive her. She is also survived by one sister, Mrs. Sidney Green, Pueblo, Colo and three brothers, George and Otto, Greenwood, and Adolph, Hayward. Three brothers, one sister, and two sons preceded her in death. They are: Dr. Herman Schwarze, Albert Schwarze, Frederick Schwarze, Mrs. Fred (Helen) Buker, Harold (Brick), and Walter (Brick).

BRICK, Arthur Otto (28 April 1899 - 12 Oct 1977)

Funeral services for Arthur O. Brick, 78, a resident of Greenwood Home for the aged, were conducted at Immanuel United Church of Christ, Greenwood. Mr. Brick passed away at Oct. 12, 1977 at Neillsville Memorial Hospital. Interment was in the West Side Cemetery. Arthur Brick was born in the Town of Warner on April 28, 1899 and received his education at the Benjamin School. He lived in the Town of Warner all his life, living with his brother until 1969, when he moved to Greenwood. He was never married. Surviving him are three brothers, Alvin of Greenwood, Raymond of Berwyn, Ill., and Elmer of Milwaukee and one sister, Mrs. Ralph (Irene) Dusso of Appleton. He was preceded in death by his parents, Fred and Mathilda Brick, and two brothers.

BRICK, Walter Levi (14 July 1902 - 18 Dec 1918)

Walter Brick was born at the home of his parents on the West Side, July 14, 1902 and died on Dec. 18, 1918, the cause of his death being pneumonia. Deceased was the second son of Mr. and Mrs. Fred Brick. Funeral services were held from the West Side Church.

BRICK, Alvin Adolph (16 Sep 1903 - 27 Aug 1986)

Services were held at Immanuel United Church of Christ, Greenwood, for Alvin Brick, 82, Greenwood, who died at Marshfield Living Center, where he had resided since Aug. 18.

Burial was in the Westside Cemetery, Greenwood. Mr. Brick was born Sept. 16, 1903, in the town of Warner, a son of Fred and Mathilda (Schwarze) Brick. He attended Benjamin School. He did carpentry work and also farmed in the Town of Warner until 1973, when he moved to Greenwood. He never married. Surviving is a sister, Mrs. Ralph (Irene) Dusso, Appleton; and a brother, Elmer Brick, Milwaukee. He was predeceased by his parents and four brothers.

BRICK, Harold Edgar (16 Dec 1906 - 19 Oct 1941)

Harold Edgar Brick, son of Fred and Mathilda Schwarze Brick, was born Dec. 16, 1906 in the Town of Warner and was baptized and confirmed at the West Side Reformed Church.

He attended High School for two years and business College at La Crosse for a year and in the fall of 1924 entered the Hoffman Business College in Milwaukee. After graduation he was employed by Swift and Company as bookkeeper and served in Milwaukee and Sheboygan before going to Escanaba, Mich., in April 1937. On Nov. 27, 1929 he was united in marriage to Miss Pearl Hutchinson at Milwaukee. To this union were born three children, Joan 10, Janice 6 and Stephen 14 months old. Harold passed away on Oct. 19, 1941 at Escanaba, Mich., from injuries suffered in an auto accident earlier that day.

Funeral services were held at the West Side Reformed Church. Burial was made in the West Side Cemetery. He is survived by his wife and above named children, his mother, Mrs. Mathilda Brick, a sister, Mrs. Ralph (Irene) Dusso, Greenwood four brothers, Raymond of Chicago Elmer of Milwaukee Arthur and Alvin, Greenwood and his grandfather, Herman Schwarze, Greenwood. His father Fred Brick passed away in 1937 and a brother, Walter, in 1918.

BRICK, Raymond Paul (19 May 1908 - 18 Oct 1984)

Funeral services were held at Immanuel United Church of Christ for Raymond P. Brick, 76, Berwyn, Ill. He died Oct. 18, 1984 at MacNeal Memorial Hospital at Berwyn, Ill. Burial was in the West Side Cemetery. Pallbearers were Fred Brick, Raymond Dusso, Gary Dusso, Roger Schwarze, Arlyn Dusso, and Robert Dusso. Mr. Brick was born May 19, 1908 in the Town of Warner to Fred and Matilda (nee Schwarze) Brick. He received his education in Greenwood rural schools. On June 21, 1930, he married Mary (Kezela) Patronovich at Chicago. He worked as a tool and die maker for the Navy Ordinance until his retirement in 1968. He was a member of the Masons and Illinois Rifle Association. He is survived by his wife two brothers, Elmer of Milwaukee and Alvin of Greenwood and one sister, Mrs. Ralph (Irene) Dusso of Appleton. He was preceded in death by his parents and three brothers. 

BRICK, Mary nee Kessala (27 Oct 1908 - 23 Dec 2003)

Mary Brick, 95, Appleton, formerly of Greenwood, died Dec. 23, 2003, at Rennes Health Center, Appleton. Funeral services were held at at Immanuel United Church of Christ, Greenwood. Mary Kessala-Petronovich was born on Oct. 27, 1908, in Painsdale, Mich., to Thomas and Frances (nee Gasparich) Kessala. Her father died when she was three years old, and her mother remarried (to Petronovich) and moved the family to New Mexico, where they ran a boarding house. They later moved to Greenwood, where she finished her education and worked at the drug store. She moved to Chicago when she was a young lady and worked for a company mending nylon stockings during WW II. She married Raymond Brick in June (21) of 1930, in Chicago. She then went to work for Zenith Electronics, where she assembled electronic circuit boards until her retirement in 1973. She lived in Berwyn, Ill., from 1958 until May of 2000, at which time she moved to the Rennes Health Center, Appleton. She was a member of Oak Park United Church of Christ. Survivors include two sisters-in-law, Vera Petronovich, Spring Valley, and Genevieve Petronovich, Thorp. Preceding her in death were her parents, her husband, on Oct. 18, 1984, four sisters, Helen Florence, Frances Ritholer, Jenny Vivoda, and Donna Benzhowel; and five (half) brothers, James Petronovich, John Petronovich, William Petronovich, George Petronovich, and Michael Petronovich.

BRICK, Irene marriage 15 Jan 1938

Announcement has been made of the marriage of Miss Irene Brick, daughter of Mrs. Fred Brick, Greenwood to Ralph Dusso, Owen son of Mr. and Mrs. L.M. Dusso, Owen. The ceremony was performed at the Methodist Parsonage in Greenwood on Jan. 15.

Miss Janet Opdycke and Lorris Dusso, brother of the bridegroom, were the couple's only attendants. A wedding supper was served to immediate relatives at the home of the bride's mother after the service. In the evening a wedding dance was given at Atwood. Mr. Dusso and his bride will make their home with her mother at Greenwood. Ralph Edward Dusso, 77, Appleton, died Oct. 5, 1993, at Colony Oaks Care Center. Funeral services were held at at Zion United Church of Christ, Greenwood. Burial was in Greenwood Cemetery. Ralph Edward Dusso was born May 19, 1916, on French Island, La Crosse Co, to Lexton and Esther (nee Joivette) Dusso. He received his education in Greenwood. He married Irene Brick (born 21 Nov 1917) on Jan. 15, 1938, in Greenwood. She preceded him in death on Oct. 13, 1987 (buried Greenwood cemetery). He was a truck driver for Wuethrich Creamery, and owned the Farmer Tap in Greenwood. In 1962, they moved to Appleton and he worked for Mills Fleet Farm until retiring in 1976. Survivors include four sons, Robert (Catherine) Dusso, Grand Forks, N.D.; Raymond (Rose) Dusso, Meonomonie; Arlyn (Colleen) Dusso, Frankfort, Ky; and Gary (Mary) Dusso, Appleton. Two daughters, Rayetta Dusso, Milwaukee and Myran Sueh, Waukesha. He was preceded in death by his wife his parents and two brothers, Lorris and Donald Dusso.

BRIGHT family, Warner township

1870 Wisconsin Federal--Jackson-Albion-page 7, June 2, 1870
Bright, HA, age 32, male, white, runs Hotel, born in Nova Scotia
Ingabar - wife is 23 and Lotta is 3 years old and born in Wisconsin. 

1893 Warner, Clark Co., sec 22 residence H. A. Bright; sec 23 no residence H. A. B.

1910 Wisconsin Federal--Clark- Green Grove ED 26, page 6B, 4/30/1910
Bright, H. A, head, male, white, age 74, married twice - current marriage for 12 years, born in Canada, parents born in Canada, immigration 1844, naturalized, Dairy farmer.
His wife Anna is 44 and born in Wisconsin.

Albert Bright Halbert A. Bright

BRIGHT, Halbert A. (12 Oct 1835 - 2 Jan 1913)

Halbert A Bright died at his home in Neillsville Jan. 2, 1913, of cancer of the stomach, after a long and painful illness. His age at the time of his death was 77 years, 2 months and 21 days. One brother, Simon Bright of Minnesota, still survives at the age of 91.

HALBERT A. BRIGHT, one of the notable pioneers of Clark Co in former days a prominent representative of the lumber industry, and later a large dairy producer, was born in Nova Scotia, Oct. 12, 1835, his father, John, being a native of Scotland. In 1840 the family removed to Washington Co, Wis., where the parents resided until their death. There were seven children, none of whom, however, are not alive. In July, 1856, at the age of nearly 21 years, Halbert A. Bright went to Jackson Co, Wis., whence in the fall of the same year he came to Clark Co to look over a piece of land. Here he became connected with the lumber business as foreman for Andrew Shepard for five years and then formed a partnership with Olson and Brockway.

About the close of the Civil War he opened a hotel near the site of the residence now standing, and he conducted it for a number of years. The Brockway Bridge was then the only one on Black River, and serving all the county and north country, which marketed at Sparta. The hotel did a prosperous business. In 1868 Mr. Bright formed a partnership with Levi Withee, under the firm name of Bright and Withee, which association lasted for nearly a quarter of a century, or until about 1892. During this period, or the greater part of it, and for a number of years afterwards, he resided at Black River Falls, of which place he was mayor for twelve years. A member of the Republican Party he took an active part in politics and was a presidential elector in 1904, casting his vote for Theodore Roosevelt.

It was not until 1905 that he moved to Green Grove Township, Clark Co, taking up his residence on the farm in section 20, on which his wife now resides. He had owned the place for many years, however, opening it up in 1866 and cultivating it for the purpose of supplying his lumber camps with vegetables, his men working on it after the spring drives. This system was profitable to him and was popular with the men, as it kept them employed all the year around, except those who wished to go home to develop farms of their own. After settling on his farm Mr. Bright devoted his attention chiefly to dairying, raising Holstein cattle, of which he kept a large number, milking as many as ninety-three cows at the time. He also owned large tracts of land, including a number of farms. Here (obit states he died at his Neillsville home) he resided until his death, which occurred Jan. 2, 1913... Mr. Bright was first married in 1866 to Miss Nichols, a native of Norway, who came to America with her parents when young, they settling at Blair, Wis. She died Dec. 9, 1890, having been the mother of nine children: Lottie, Benjamin H., Harriet, Edna, Berdine and Julia. Three died in infancy. On Mar. 11, 1899 Mr. Bright married for his second wife, Miss Anna Welsh, of Neillsville, Wis. No children were born of the second marriage of Mr. Bright. She (Anna) was a native of Sheboygan, Wis., and a daughter of Henry and Emma (Seidel) Welsh, her father being a farmer, and later a merchant at Colby, Wis. Mr. Welsh was, a veteran of the Civil War, having served in the 26th Wisconsin Volunteer Infantry, and at one time he was captured and confined in Andersonville prison. He was discharged in 1863 on account of a wound in the head which affected his hearing. He died at Colby, Wis., Feb. 21, 1912. His wife died Sept. 11, 1886, a quarter of a century before him. They had a family of ten children, their names respectively being: Daniel, Anna, Minnie, Henry, William, Lula, Emma, Pauline, Lewis, Richard died in infancy, the others all living.

Bright, Mrs. nee Nichols (1844 - 7 Dec 1890)

Mrs. H. A. Bright died at her home Dec. 7th, 1890, of consumption (tuberculosis of the lungs), aged 46 years. The deceased was born in Norway, in the year 1844, and came to this country when a small girl, with her parents, who settled in Racine, Wis. She came here with her mother in 1855, her father having died at Racine, and has lived in Jackson Co ever since. She was married in 1866 to H. A. Bright. To them have been born nine children, six of whom (five daughters and one son) survive their mother. The youngest is but six years of age. The deceased had been troubled with this dread disease for eight or ten years, and was a confirmed invalid for two or three years. The funeral services were held at the house. The large and commodious dwelling house was filled with sympathizing and sorrowing friends, and many stood outside, unable to get in. (Black River Falls Banner)

October 1879 Update on dam progress: "...We paid a visit last week to the huge flooding dam being built at the dells, nine miles below this place, and found it to be a work of much greater magnitude than we had supposed it to be. We found Mr. Bright in general command of a little army of eighty-five men; one steam saw mill and innumerable teams...."

"...Mr. Bright was also one of the organizers of the Black River Improvement Co, the driving association which wrought a great change in the log driving business on Black River. He was for years general manager of its operation, and directed many of its improvements. He built the Dells dam, and also the Hemlock dam, in the upper river, which formed the immense reservoirs for driving purposes. His knowledge of the river, and of the business of driving logs, was probably greater than that of any man of his time...."

July 7, 1898: H. A. Bright spent the 4th in this city while on his way to his farm at Longwood. By the way, that farm seems to keep Mr. Bright pretty busy lately. Eh?

BRIGHT, H.A. marriage 11 Mar 1899

H.A. Bright of Black River Falls and Miss Anna Welsch (as his second wife) were married at the home of James Hewett by Rev. G.W. Longenecker, and they took the 7:29 train for Chicago and Hot Springs, Ark. They got rather the best of their friends who were loaded with rice and old shoes and escaped the crowd of friends at the Falls by going around the other way. Mr. Bright is the well-known logger, stock raiser and farmer, and the bride conducted a millinery business in Neillsville. [Anna Welsh Bright, born 1866, died 16 May 1953, buried Greenwood cemetery next to H.A. Bright.]

February 22, 1900: H. A. Bright's teams are hauling brick through here to Greenwood from his kilns near B. R. Falls.

March 21, 1900: H.A. Bright and wife of B.R. Falls were callers in town Saturday. Neillsville News.

Janury 16, 1906: H. A. Bright, wife and niece Margaret Conway took the train Monday, the former for B. R. Falls, while Mrs. Bright and little niece visit friends at county seat. Bright news

March 1911: Mr. and Mrs. H. A. Bright celebrated the twelfth anniversary of their wedding Saturday. Those from here who attended were A. S. Armstrong, W. H. Palms, P. W. Gullord, Dr. Schofield, Dr. McIntyre, P. E. Peterson, Medames Armstrong, Pals, Gullord, Schofield, MacIntyre and Peterson. Greenwood Gleaner 3/16/1911

Bright, in Green Grove Township: in section with Brock, Miller Rd, N and Cardinal Rd on 4 sides (describes the entire section 20, 640 acres). (H. A. Bright also owned much of the property surrounding section 20.)

"... the typical saw mill village of Bright located 3 ¼ miles east of Longwood, Wis. The road from Longwood to Bright is now Clark Co Highway N. The Village of Bright had a saw mill, box factory, general store, US Post Office, black smith shop, cheese factory, barn and outbuildings, 3 houses for company employees, and horse barn. The village was served by the F & NE Railroad with a landing on the south side of the road. The focal point of the village was the elegant brick home of H. A. and Anna Bright. The two story house had tall ceilings, large rooms with tall wide windows, corner fireplace in the living room, running water with an indoor bath, big front and back porches, a clothes line on an open deck connected to the house, and a wood shed with a covered walkway to the house.

The house had accommodations for travelers who needed overnight lodging... August and Emma Lange lived on a farm 2 ¾ miles east of Bright. Their daughter Elsa as a young woman worked in the home of Halbert A. and Anna Bright. Elsa lived at home and walked to work each day. She had praise and great admiration for them, especially Mr. Bright. Part of her duties were in the kitchen and a dinning room where the regular employees were served dinner at noon. Herman and Elsa Lange Hardrath named their youngest son Halbert, after Halbert Bright, the man they knew and respected. Lena Horner (Mrs. John Miller) worked (c1910) for Bright when Elsa worked there... H. A. Bright in addition to his logging, sawmill and other enterprises in Bright developed a farming operation that he called his West Farm. About 2 miles east of the Bright and on the north side of the road he owned about 460 acres. H. A. Bright developed a farm on this tract and called it his East Farm. He hired a manager to oversee and work the farms. About 1907 Mr. and Mrs. Caves managed the East Farm... This story of Mr. Bright was often told. He had a parrot that he personally fed, and took care of. H. A. and the bird had a bond with each other. When. H. A. died the bird would not respond to others who tried to care for it and feed it. The parrot would not eat, kept saying "Where is Bright?" and died.

[Compiler Sharon Short's grandparents Abe (who was the "straw boss" for the 93 dairy cow operation) and wife Delia (who worked in the house) Schoenwetter Thorson with children Bertha, Alvin and Harry (who was born there 9 Nov 1911), lived (fall 1910 - spring 1912) in one of the three company houses. Ella Horner (married Fred David Pepin), sister of the above mentioned Lena, also worked at the house, and Ella assisted with the birth of Harry in Nov 1911.]

Bright was a station on the Fairchild & Northwestern railroad (later called "Soo-Line") five miles south of Owen, named after an affluent resident of Black River Falls who owned a large stock farm there in 1915. (These railroad tracks are no longer in existence, they ran north-south through H.A. Bright's property, the station was in Green Grove Township section 20, the south side of the station bordered what is now county road N.)

Bright Schools: Mrs. Norma (Clyde) Haemer (now deceased) said that the first Bright school was named after prominent settler, Mr. H. A. Bright, and first opened for the spring term of 1894. At that time it had 13 students. Located on the southwest corner of Section 19 (on the corner of D and N, four miles south of Owen), it was a picturesque, one-room, red, brick building with a white, wooden bell tower and an open porch facing west. After the population of the district increased, a second school, called North Bright, was built in 1924 on the northeast corner of the same section of Green Grove Township. I believe it was the fall of 1954 when North Bright School was closed, and the students from that part of the district joined us at South Bright, making our enrollment between 30 and 40 students. In 1958 South Bright School consolidated with Owen-Withee. The building was later torn down. I think the hand pump is still in the old school yard, and some of the trees remain. Frank Schroeder, father of Norma Haemer, built the red brick building to replace the original school.

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