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YATES, RICHARD, farmer, P. O. Rock Elm, Pierce county, was born in Heap, Lancashire, England, a son of William and Mary (Mason) Yates, natives of England. Of their five children, Richard is the only one living. The others were Ann (Mrs. Bold), who died in England; Elizabeth (Mrs. Fletcher), who also died in England; Susanna, who died at Merton, Wis., and Thomas, who died in England. Richard received his education in England at a parish school and when twenty-two years of age came to this country and settled in Merton, Waukesha county, Wis., and worked at farming for about ten years. He married Miss Mary A., daughter of Terence and Ann Heslin, of Irish descent. In 1868, soon after their marriage, they came to Pierce county, Wis., and took a homestead and commenced their pioneer life. They hesitated at no hardships to secure a home, and his wife proved a true helpmate, doing all she could. She got the first grass seed they had for raising hay, by cutting and gathering stray heads in the fence corners. Now they have a good home and can enjoy a comfortable existence. Nine children have been born to them, as follows: William H., who died in New Mexico; Elizabeth A. (Mrs. Pomeroy), living near her old home; John M., living at Rock Elm; John M., living at Rock Elm; Joseph, who died at Merton, Wis.; George T., who died at Rock Elm, and the others living at home are Walter L., Ida S., Mary E., and Robert T. Mr. Yates has held the office of school director for several years, was a member of the I. O. O. F. and belongs to the Methodist Episcopal church. In politics he is a prohibitionist. --Taken from the "Historical and Biographical Album of the Chippewa Valley Wisconsin.
YOUNGGREN, Alfred Henning was born in Clifton township, this county, June 29, 1872, son of Swen Younggren and Hannah Nelson. Swen was born in Sweden, and upon coming to this country stopped for a time at Marine Mills, Washington county, Minn., then locating in this township on what is now known as the Younggren homestead. The mother was also born in Sweden, July 12, 1846, and came to America in 1868, being married that year. After residing on this place for thirty-six years she moved to River Falls in 1904, residing there for about three years. In 1907 she took up her home with her son, Nelson Younggren, remaining there until the time of her death, February 5, 1908. Swen Younggren died September 28, 1899. Aside from Nelson and Alfred, there were two more children-Sylma Vanilla Younggren was born March 9, 1878, and died December 13, 1880; Alex Oliver Ferdinand Younggren was born January 29, 1886, and died November 25, 1889, both deaths being due to diphtheria. Alfred H. attended the country schools in the vicinity of the old homestead and completed his school education at the River Falls High School, where he took a two years' course. After leaving school he worked on the home farm until his father's death. He then took up farming for himself, now owning a fine farm of 400 acres, 260 of which is under cultivation, the remaining 140 being timberland. He is a Republican in politics and is highly respected by all who know him. The family are members of the Swedish Lutheran church. October 25, 1902, Mr. Younggren was married to Hilma Segerstrom, a native of Sweden, born in 1878, coming to America in 1887. She received a part of her education in her native country, completing her schooling in this country. Unto her have been born two boys-Oliver Swen was born in 1904, and another, born in 1906, died in infancy.(Taken from "History of the St. Croix Valley", published in 1909).
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