Biographical Sketch of

C. C. Birum

Transcribed by Joan Benner for the Marquette Co WI Pages


Source: Portrait and Biographical Album of Green Lake, Marquette and Waushara Counties, Wisconsin, 
published 1890 by Acme Publishing Co., Chicago, Pages 767 - 768 


C. C. Birum, Superintendent of the Green Lake Granite Quarry at Utley, Wis., and one of the loyal soldiers during 
the late war, was born in Kunzberg, Norway, June 24, 1842, and is a son of Todliff and Caroline (Nelson) Birum, who 
were also natives of the same country. The father followed gunsmithing in his native land until 1844 when, accompanied 
by his family, he crossed the Atlantic to America, and came direct to Wisconsin. Immediately after his arrival he 
located a claim near Baraboo, and as soon as the land came into market purchased it from the Government. He was a 
thrifty and enterprising farmer, and at the time of his death owned a valuable tract of land. He died at his old 
home at the age of seventy-six years. His faithful and aged wife still survives, and is in the seventy-fifth year 
of her age. Their family consists of ten children, all of whom are living.

Our subject is one of twin brothers, and amid the hardships of pioneer life he was reared to manhood, receiving his 
education in the district schools. He was but two years of age when the family came to America, and has consequently 
passed almost his entire life in this State. On attaining is majority he clerked for a year in a store, until the 
3rd of September, 1864, when his patriotic impulses prompted him to enlist in the service of his adopted country. 
He became a member of Company G, 38th Wisconsin Infantry, and immediately afterward the command was called to the 
siege of Petersburg, where he was under fire almost constantly until April 3, 1865, when the city was evacuated. 
His regiment was the first to enter the fort, and would have been the first to there plant its colors had it 
possessed any. During the siege a ball struck Mr. Birum's left foot, cutting off the fourth toe. He was sent to 
the hospital at Philadelphia, where he received his discharge in June, 1865. Throughout his service he held the 
rank of sergeant. He was always found at his post of duty, except when lying in the hospital on account of 
disability, and was one of a brave and tried regiment.

On the close of the war Mr. Birum went to Minneapolis, Minn., where he learned how to operate a circular saw and 
did work with that implement for some two years, when he and his brother Ener erected a sawmill at Redwood Falls, 
Minn., which they operated for some ten years. He then sold out to his brother and after spending some time in 
Minneapolis and St. Paul, went to Chicago in 1880, that he might better educate his children. Three years later 
he secured the position of Superintendent of the stone crushing works of Hon. John D. Caton of Chicago, and in 
1885 was offered and accepted his present position as Superintendent of the Green Lake Granite Quarry, owned by 
a company of Chicago gentlemen, who organized that year. They removed the Chicago plant to Utley, and for four 
years Mr. Birum has been discharging the responsible duties of Superintendent. He has had charge of the construction 
of all the machinery and oversight of all the company's business in Utley. His faithfulness and the prompt and business 
like manner in which he has performed the duties devolving upon him has won the entire confidence of his employers, 
as well as their high regard. As a partner of J. D. Sherwood, he also carries on a general store for the benefit of 
the employees and surrounding community. They have connection with the outside world by mail, telegraph and telephone.

At Redwood Falls Mr. Birum led to the marriage altar Miss Mary M. Watson, a native of Indiana, the wedding taking place 
on the 5th day of January, 1870. They have now four children: Charles, Flora, Ara and Clara, forming an interesting 
family group. Socially Mr. Birum is a member of Ben Sheldon Post, No. 136, G. A. R. of Brandon, and of the Masonic 
lodge of Markesan. He supports the Republican party, and keeps himself well informed on all the leading issues of 
the day, both political and otherwise. He is a competent business man and justly merits the confidence shown by his 
company in according him the position that he holds.
 





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