History of Lincoln, Oneida and Vilas Counties

"History of Lincoln, Oneida, and Vilas Counties Wisconsin"

Compiled by George O.Jones, Norman S. McVean and Others. Printed in 1924 by H.C.Cooper. Jr. & Co., Minneapoli-Winona MN. ill. 787 pages. The first two hundred pages are history of the three counties, the remainder of the book is biographies.

Biography

Louk, B. M. proprietor of a considerable auto and launch livery at Three Lakes, who has also real estate and farming interests and has served at various times in public office, was born at Omro, Winnebago County, Wis., dec. 13, 1867, son of J. C. and Alphine (SIMMONS) LOUK. The parents were both natives of Erie County, New York. When J. C. LOUK was a single man, in 1849, the news came of the discovery of gold in California and he was one of those who joined in the rush to that then distant territory. After reaching it he did not stay long, however, but returned to New York State, where soon afterwards he married. In 1851 he and his bride came west and settled at Omro, Wis., where for many years he followed sawmill work, also at times in the winters working in logging camps. On Oct. 19, 1886, he arrived with his family at Three Lakes, where he lived a practically retired life thereafter, and where he and his wife celebrated their Golden Wedding anniversary. Both are now deceased. B. M. LOUK acquired his education in the public schools of Omro, Wis., after which he began industrial life, sometimes working in the woods and sometimes in meat markets. He subsequently came to Three Lakes and from 1886 to 1895 was a guide on the lakes and in the woods for hunters. It was in 1895 that he first engaged in the livery business at Three Lakes. At that time horses were the only motive power used, but in course of time the automobile crowded out the horse and the purr of the engine took the place of the clattering hoof, Mr. LOUK adjusting his place to allow of the change and also extending his business to embrace what might be termed acquatic or water livery, to that end adding a ten-passenger, 22-foot launch, which is used for pleasure parties only and plies up and down the entire chain of 27 lakes. In 1912 he took up real estate as still another branch of his business, handling both city property and lake frontage and making a specialty of summer homes and locations. He also has the renting of many cottages on the different lakes, and in addition to his own lake frontage he has options on many other similar sites that are for sale. Probably no man in Lincoln, Vilas or Oneida County is better informed in regard to the geography of this section, especially its lakes, islands, boundary corners, history and ownership of all valuable lands and sites, the knowledge having been gradually acquired during a period of 38 years in which he has much experience as a guide. As an additional business interest Mr. LOUK owns and conducts a fine 40-acre farm in the town of Three Lakes, making a specialty of certified seed potatoes, in particular the "Green Mountains" and "Rural New Yorkers." He owns his own dwelling-house in the village, together with three lots and also owns and rents out another residence property. Having such a material stake in the county, it is natural that at times he should have taken part in the affairs of local government, and we find that he served his town three terms as assessor and was town clerk for two terms. In 1911-12 he was deputy sheriff of Oneida County, and was again elected for the terms of 1921-22 and 1923-24, so that he is now holding that office. He is a shareholder to the extent of 40 shares in the Chicago Fire and Marine Insurance Co., and a director and stockholder in the Peoples State Bank of Three Lakes, Wis. His fraternal society affiliations are with the Modern Woodmen of American. Mr. LOUK was married Sept. 10, 1890, at Antigo, Wis., to Minnie BENDER, of Three Lakes, who was born Sept. 10, 1871, and who came to this village in 1885, being one of its earlies settlers now living. He and his wife have had eight children, four of whom-Sidney, Emma, Hazel and Ernest-are now deceased. The four living are Lena L., J. A., Ethel V. and Dorothy. Lena L., born June 3, 1891, is now Mrs. George E. STANSON of Chicago. J. A., born April 25, 1893, is operating the launch for his father. Ethel V., born Nov. 29, 1901, was graduated from the Rhinelander High School with the class of 1921, and subsequently from the Wausau Business Institute. She resides with her parents and is now earning her living as an accountant. Dorothy, born Sept. 4, 1908, is a pupil in the Three Lakes High School. The family are affiliated religiously with the Congregational Church.

Transcribed by Susan Swanson, from pages 332-333 (with picture), History of Lincoln, Oneida and Vilas Counties Wisconsin; Compiled by George O. Jones, Norman S. McVean and Others 1924, H. C. Cooper, Jr. & Co.

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