PERLEY, John Wesley a scion of the ancient Perley family and himself a man of distinguished attainments, broad education, acute business judgment and the most liberal generosity, was born in Bridgeton, Me., February 25, 1844, the Perley name at that time being a household word by reason of the connection of the bearers of that name with the extensive lumber interests of that state. The history of the Perley family dates back as far as 1608, in which year Allen Perley was born in Wales, England. He emigrated to New England, arriving at Charlestown, near Boston, July 12, 1630, and settling at Boxford, Mass. To him there succeeded Thomas, born in 1641; another Thomas , born in 1668; Asa, born in 1716; Daniel, born in 1752; another Daniel born in 1794. To this latter Daniel Perley and his wife, Lavina (Thompson) Perley, was born John Wesley Perley. Mr. Perley in early life became interested in the lumber business. Brought up in Maine, which at that time was furnishing to the states of Minnesota and Wisconsin those sturdy pioneers who developed the natural resources of these two states, he naturally became interested at an early date in the possibilities of the forests. His father was a typical New Englander, honest and hard working. He was a lumberman, being especially interested in lumbering for ship building purposes and making a specialty of furnishing for the sailing vessels of his day those towering masts of which the New Englanders were at that time so proud. In addition to his lumber business, the father owned a large farm, to which he devoted much of his time, the farm being one of the richest in his neighborhood. Until the panic of 1836 he was one of the leading businessmen of Maine. That panic broke his fortune and left him practically penniless; but undaunted by misfortune, he gave his attention wholly to his farm, where he raised his family of children, teaching them the stern old tenets of Puritan religion along with shrewd business sagacity. Parents in those days appreciated the advantages of educating their children, and John Wesley Perley was given the best education that the town afforded at that time, attending the district schools and the Bridgton Academy. To this early training, as well as to his retentive memory, his wide reading and quick comprehension, he owed his broad culture and information. At the age of fourteen his father passed away and he was obliged to turn his attention to the problem of making his daily bread, thus giving him lessons in self-reliance which stood him in such good stead in after life. In 1863, when he was still two years under age, Mr. Perley became enthused with the stories of the vast forests of the Northwest and, coming to Wisconsin, he at once penetrated the heart of the pine region. His first location was at Brookville, on the Eau Galle River, in St. Croix County. After thoroughly investigating the possibilities of logging and shipping, he returned east. April 9, 1864, he purchased a tract of land and a sawmill at Brookville, where he continued for some time. Its annual output was about 1,500,000, a vast amount considering the lack of facilities and the limited market in those early days. Water power was later substituted for steam in the operations at this point and the output was increased. Later Mr. Perley purchased a large tract of land near what is now Hammond, Wis., and sold the same for farming purposes, the property thus disposed of now being the best in the state. In 1872, in company with George Brackett and Jerry Flint, under the firm name of Brackett and Perley, he built a large brick block at River Falls, Wis., and therein opened a store for the retail sale of hardware. After two years Mr. Perley disposed of his interests, and in 1877 engaged for two years in what is now known as Clear Lake Township, Polk County. In 1880 he founded the Andrews & Perley Lumber Company, consisting of Dr. A. D. Andrews and his brother, B. W. Andrews, both of River Falls, Wis., together with Mr. Perley. The company founded the town of Perley, Barron County, Wis., on the line of the Omaha Railroad, and named it in honor of our subject. For ten years the company continued operations, manufacturing from eight to ten million feet of lumber annually. In 1888 Mr. Perley founded the Bank of St. Croix Falls and was its president until two years before his death. Of this bank it has been said: "During the existence of this bank it has been conducted in the most conscientious and conservative manner and has won the confidence of its patrons. There has not been a day in its existence when it could not pay in full the demands made upon it, and during the panic of 1893, when banks suspended throughout the entire country, it was the only bank in this section that did not have to withstand a run." In 1890 Mr. Perley became interested in the Carpenter Bar Gold Mining Company, which operates in Deer Lodge County, Montana, and which proved a most profitable investment. In 1870 the subject of our sketch was married to Maria E. Edwards, of River Falls, Wis., a woman of broad culture, innate refinement and beautiful character. To them was born one son, John Edwards. He was born in Hammond, Wis., August 12, 1872, and when he died the light of life and joy went out for his parents. From a child he lacked a strong constitution, and the immediate cause of his death was acute bronchitis. His parents made every effort to prolong his life. From 1886 to 1888 they took up their residence in California for the benefit of his health and while there, the young man pursued his studies. A hurried trip to Arizona failed of the desired benefit and the young man died February 14, 1892. From the time of the death of this son there was a marked change in both parents. Mrs. Perley, finding her health impaired remained in California at her home in Santa Rosa, where her husband provided her with every necessary comfort. The business engagements of Mr. Perley required his return to his Wisconsin home, but for a time he made visits to California until his impaired health forbade the long and toilsome journey. In 1892 he purchased a larger tract of hardwood timber in Polk County, Wisconsin, near St. Croix Falls. Here he gave his attention to the manufacture of railway material, chiefly crossties and car stock. Besides his own mill he controlled the output of many smaller mills, which business he conducted for several years, from 1895 to 1899. Mr. Perley passed away June 22, 1903, at his residence in Beaver, Polk County Wis., and his body was taken to Santa Rosa, Cal., for burial at the side of his son. His health failed him during the last five years of his life, though most of the time he was fairly well and able to attend to his business. During the last three years only the care of the farm engrossed his attention. There he seemed most happy since he was particularly fond of animals and outdoor life. Two weeks before his death he had a slight paralysis of his left side, apparently of a few hours' duration. He sat up and read thereafter every day until the end came. His charities were large and unostentatious. He maintained a free hospital bed without disclosing his name, gave liberally to other hospitals, and assisted several young men to an education and in business. He was a large-hearted, generous, kind considerate man, a noble citizen, endeared to his family." Of him it was also said: "No man in the great Northwest more deserved success and none has left a more honorable record." (Taken from "History of the St. Croix Valley", volume 2, published in 1909).(See Family Stories page for more on Mr. Perley)
PETERSON, Charles I. is a native of Sweden, born January 22, 1851. He emigrated to the United States in 1871, settled in Lake City, Minn., worked there at day labor, after a few years moved to Ellsworth township, Wisconsin, and shortly afterwards purchased his present place, erecting a large and comfortable brick dwelling and other buildings. He engaged in farming and stock raising, made brick and also ran a grocery store at Ellsworth, Wis., for some years. Mr. Peterson married in 1878 Ellen Warn, who was born in Iowa and died December 26, 1904, leaving two children. Ida is at home. Clara married William Collmore, of Ellsworth Township, and has one child, Gladys. Mr. Peterson married December 17, 1907, for his second wife the widow of Stephen Batho, by whom she had one child, George, a farmer in Pierce county. Mr. Peterson lives on section 30, Ellsworth township, where he owns and operates 120 acres of fine farm land. He obtained his education in the schools of Sweden and also attended school for a short time after coming to America. (taken from "History of the St. Croix Valley", published in 1909).
PFLUGER, Everett, 68, lifelong Pierce County resident, who since 1927 operated a farm in Trimbelle township died at a local hospital Wesnesday afternoon following an illness of two years. He had been seriously ill the past week, death being attributed to a heart and kidney ailment. Mr. Pfluger was born in Trenton township, Pierce County on November 14, 1874, being the sons of John and Agnes Pfluger, pioneer settlers of that community. He lived in Trenton until 1927 when he moved to a farm in Trimbelle township, which had since been his home. He was married to Laura Carlson in Red Wing on December 6, 1917 and besides his wife he is survivied by two sons, William at Camp Wheeler, GA and Leland, Trimbelle; three daughters, Verna, Sylvia and Lois, all at home, two brothers, George of Trimbelle and Henry of St. Paul, and three sisters, Mrs. P.W. Bennett, Ellsworth; Mrs. Clara Miller, Red Wing and Mrs. John Knutson, Trenton. A brother Barney Pfluger preceded him in death in 1941. Mr. Pfluger attended the Presbyterian Church at Hager, WI and was active in church work. Burial will be at the Trenton Cemetery. September 1942.
PFLUGER,
John (Civil War) was born in
1844, Germany. In 1873 John Pfluger married Agnes DENZER, who was
born 1853, in Germany and they resided in Trenton Township and
took up farming there. The following children were born to them
in Pierce Co.: Everett, born 1874, George, born 1875, Henry, born
1878. Civil War Veteran John Pfluger will be laid to rest with
full military honors at the Trenton, WI cemetery tomorrow
afternoon. Friends may view the remains this evening at home and
tomorrow up to the hours of the services. Red Wing Daily
Republican, Tuesday, January 24, 1928. Agnes died in June of 1935
and is also buried in the Trenton Cemetery. Submitted by
descendant Kathryn C. Bryan (kc.bryan@worldnet.att.net)PIERCE, Perry D. was born in Harpersfield, N. Y. He received an academic education, read law with A. Reckor, Oswego, N. Y., and was admitted to practice at Cooperstown in 1843, practiced in Albany three years, and in 1854 came to the St. Croix Valley, locating first at Prescott, where he served as district attorney for four years, and county judge eight years. He moved to Ellsworth soon after it became the county seat. He was married in 1860 to Lua E. Searsdall.
PLACE, Halvor L., was born in Norway, May 1, 1849, son of Lewis and Gurine Place. He came to America with his parents in 1868 while still in his teens, having received his education in the common schools of his native town. After living for a short time in Dodge county, Wisconsin, he came to Pierce County in 1872 and bought his present farm in section 5, his father and brother, Lewis, being associated with him until the former's death. When he took the place it was wild timber land, and for the thirty-seven years that have passed since then he has constantly worked on the farm, making it one of the finest places in the township. His buildings are all in first-class condition and everything about the farm is done in a business-like manner. Aside from his real estate holdings, he owns stock in the Lawton creamery. For several years he has been a trustee in the United Lutheran church, of which he has been a prominent member for a long period of time. He is a Republican in politics and is one of the foremost Norwegian citizens of his township. Mr. Place was married January 12, 1878, to Lizzie Peterson, born in Martell township, daughter of Halvor Peterson, one of the early settlers of the township, still living at the ripe old age of eighty-two, his wife having passed away in 1890. Mr. and Mrs. Place have been blessed with seven children-Lewis died at the age of two years; Gusta married Peter Halvorson a farmer of El Paso, and has two children, Adolf and Esther; Ida married Amund Odedhalen, of El Paso township, and has two children John and Ella; Lewis is at home and is doing his share of the farm work; Alvin died at the age of nineteen and is buried in South Rush Cemetery; Melvin and Edmund are still under the family tree. (taken from "History of the St. Croix Valley", published in 1909).
PLACE, Peter L. was born in Norway, May 19, 1861. In 1868 he came to America with his parents, who settled in Dodge county, Wisconsin, and lived there five years. In 1873 they migrated to Pierce county, Wisconsin, settling on 160 acres of wild land in El Paso Township. The father of Peter cleared it with the help of his children and put it under cultivation, and there he lived until his death, about 1880, at the age of sixty years. The mother, whose maiden name was Anna Isaacson, died in 1894. Peter L. Place received his education in the common schools of El Paso Township and assisted on the farm as a young man. He now resides on section 34, township of Martell, where he owns 100 acres, forty of which is in Martell Township, and 60 acres on section 3, Ellsworth Township. He has put on all the improvements and has made a good home for himself and family. He was for eight years president and manager of the Lawton cheese factory and ran it until it was reorganized in 1906 or 1907. A Republican in his politics, he was side supervisor in 1896-1899, and for the past two years he has also held that office. He is a member of the United Lutheran church. Mr. Place, August 27, 1885, was united in marriage with Anna Peterson Barg. She was born in Martell township on the 27th day of November, 1866, daughter of Halvor Peterson Barg, who still resides on the old homestead in Martell township, consisting of 120 acres, section 34. Mrs. Place was educated in the district schools. She was a member of the United Lutheran church and was active in the church work. She was a Christian woman, a devoted wife and a kind and loving mother. She died April 8, 1908, at the home place, and is buried in the Lutheran Cemetery, South Rush River, Ellsworth township. She was the mother of ten children, nine of whom are living, and all born in Martell township, and educated at the common schools, viz.: Hiram L., Gustav B., Inga P., Selma T., Albion H., Amy P., Effie M., Gladys M. and Emer R. (taken from "History of the St. Croix Valley", published in 1909)
PLACE, Lewis H., son of Lewis and Gurine Place, was born in Norway, August 15, 1853. In 1867, when young Lewis was fifteen years of age, the family emigrated to America and settled in Dodge county, Wisconsin, where the father farmed eighty acres for eight years. In 1876 the family came to Pierce County and settled on section 5, El Paso Township, where the father farmed land, which he purchased with the assistance of his sons, Halvor, and Lewis. When the father died, February 4, 1878, Halvor took the management of the old homestead of 120 acres, the mother living with him until her death, in January 1893. Upon the death of his father Lewis started out in life for himself, working on various farms near River Falls, Wis., until 1878, when he purchased his present farm in section 7, El Paso Township, where he has since continued to reside. He has cleared the land and has a larger part under cultivation. He erected the comfortable home in which he lives with his family, and also built other necessary buildings, now carrying on general farming and stock raising with considerable success. Mr. Place is a member of the United Lutheran denomination and a deacon in the South Rush River church. A Republican in politics, he has been chairman of the township of El Paso for three years and is still township clerk after fifteen years of faithful service. For six or seven years he was an assessor of the township. For ten years he has held his present position of secretary of the Martell Fire Insurance Company and is also a director f the Lawton Butter & Cheese Company. Mr. Place was married June 28, 1888, to Anna Amelia Moen, daughter of Ole O. and Mary Moen, natives of Norway, who came to Wisconsin in 1845 and settled at Racine, coming to Martell township, Pierce county, in 1847, where they remained until the time of their death. Mr. and Mrs. Place have had six children-Oscar Leonard, Isaac Orlando, Gusta Margrethe, Alma Maria and Marvin. Marvin died at the age of eight months. (taken from "History of the St. Croix Valley", published in 1909).
POMEROY, Luke H. , the subject of this biography and one of the very early settlers of the St. Croix valley, is now leading a retired life at River Falls. He was born in Steuben county, New York, November 22, 1822, receiving his education in schools of that neighborhood and lived there until twenty-one years of age. He is a son of Phineas and Catherine Pomeroy. The father was born in New York State. He was a farmer and also carried on lumber business. Both parents died in New York State. Luke H., when twenty-one years of age, settled in Illinois near Elgin, and remained there on Rock river, near Beloit, for about six years. He worked on farms and also followed threshing, and in 1850 came to St. Croix county, Wisconsin, and settled on a 160-acres farm, which he took up from the government. Later he took forty acres of pine, in Troy Township, which he improved and finally brought under cultivation. Here he lived, engaged in general farming for many years, and during this time he went over onto Rush River, in Pierce County, and there built a sawmill at Martell. This was the second sawmill built on Rush River, and he followed the milling business for about two years. He erected a farmhouse on his property to replace the log cabin, with lumber sawed from his mill. Our subject left the farm in 1881, and settled at River Falls, where he has since resided, leading a retired life. When Mr. Pomeroy came to St. Croix County there were but three families at River Falls, Joel Foster, Duncan McGregor, James and Walter Mapes. Mr. Pomeroy was on old line Whig and joined the Republican Party at its organization. Mr. Pomeroy married Mary Jane Day, who was born in Pennsylvania and came to Wisconsin at an early day. She was a daughter of Alanson and Patience (Bolton) Day. Mr. Day was an early settler of St. Croix County and was a prosperous farmer. Mrs. Pomeroy died on the home farm at the age of twenty-eight years. She had two children. Phineas now resides on the old farm in Troy Township, which he now owns. He married Catherine Gilland and they have the following children: Luke, Emma James, Everett, Frank and Hermie. Helen, the second, born at Martell, is the wife of Arthur Everett Fuller, of River Falls. Mr. Pomeroy married for his second wife Mrs. Mary Jane Fuller, the mother of Arthur E. Fuller, and the widow of Harry Fuller, who died in Milwaukee about 1858. Arthur E. Fuller, who marred the daughter of Luke Pomeroy, was born in Milwaukee, Wis., in 1855, and after the death of his father, in 1858, went to live with his aunt in Troy township, St. Croix county, and resided with her until Mrs. Pomeroy married his mother. He then made his home with them until he was twenty-one years of age. He went to Montana in 1880, and engaged in the sheep business for some fifteen years, and then returned to Pierce county, and made his home at River Falls. He went to Shell Lake, Wis., and engaged in the hotel business for seven years, and then returned to River Falls, where he has since lived. Luke H. Pomeroy encountered obstacles which only a matchless energy and ability could have overcome. He has never taken a very great interest in politics or other public movement, but has always felt concern in the developments of the intellectual and spiritual sentiments of mankind. Reference: Taken from "History of the St. Croix Valley", published in 1909
POTTER, Charles, farmer, P. O. Rock Elm, Pierce county, was born in Dutchess county, N. Y., September 15, 1830. Joseph Potter, his father, was born in England, and came to Vermont in 1871. From there he went to Dutchess county, N. Y., and married Miss Fanny Wolf. Seven children were born to them as follows: Henry, Edward, Leonard, William, Charles, Maria and Caroline. Charles received his education in the common schools of his native county and lived there until 1850, when he went to Patterson, N. Y., where he was engaged in the meat business until 1855, then came to Davenport, Iowa, where he was engaged in buying horses and fitting them for sale and the race track. He continued at that until the Pike's Peak rage in 1859, when, in company with five others he went out there, but not liking it he returned the same year and went to Fredonia, Ill., where he ran a ferry on Rock river for a year, then went back to Iowa and worked in a starch factory until 1861. He enlisted at Davenport that year, but before he was sworn in, had his leg broken, which incapacitated him for the service. The same year he married Miss Fanny Carroll, a Canadian by birth, and came to Pierce county, Wis., locating where he now lives. It was then simply a wilderness; no roads, only paths through the woods, and he had to depend on his trusty rifle for meat for the family. He has two children: Albert B., who lives in West Superior, and Florence V., at home. Mr. Potter now has a fine farm, and can take a rest from the hard work incident to pioneer life. In politics he is a true and patriotic democrat, but has never been an office seeker, though frequently called upon to take an office. He enjoys the respect and confidence of all in the township. --Taken from the "Historical and Biographical Album of the Chippewa Valley Wisconsin.
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