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

Michelson, Chris who is conducting agricultural operations on a large scale in the town of Hazelhurst, Oneida County, was born in Denmark, Dec. 5, 1871, son of Peter and Mary (CHRISTENSON) MICHELSON. The parents were natives of Denmark and came to the United States in 1891, settling near New Lisbon, Wis., where they remained for 20 years. On leaving New Lisbon they went to Irma, Wis., spending the remainder of their lives at the latter place; the mother died Aug. 16, 1916, and the father Oct. 20, 1920, the latter being 84 years old at the time of his death. Chris MICHELSON attended school in Denmark and completed his education in the United States after coming here in 1889. On first arriving in this country he proceeded to Camp Douglas, Wis., where relatives of his were located, and he spent a short time there working on farms. He then went to Pittsville, Wis., and after working in the lumber woods there for a time he engaged in railroad construction work, following the civil engineering branch of this line. He remained thus occupied until 1895 and then went into the logging business on his own account, buying timber land, cutting off the timber, and reselling the cut-over land. He continued in this business until 1912, most of his operations being in the towns of Hazelhurst and Cassian, Oneida County; he has owned as much as 1,400 acres of land here at one time. In 1912 he settled on his present farm of 800 acres and proceeded to improve the property. He now has 150 acres under cultivation, and the entire place is modernly equipped. Mr. MICHELSON has erected a potato warehouse 36x36 feet in dimensions, a barn 30x72 feet, a second barn for housing sheep which is 34x72 feets, three dwelling houses, and various other buildings. He devotes his chief attention to the raising of sheep and potatoes, planting from 45 to 50 acres of potatoes, 20 acres of which are certified seed potatoes each year. All his operations are conducted along modern lines, and his potato crop averages 200 bushels per acre, a fine argument for the use of scientific methods of farm production. He is a member of the Wisconsin Potato Growers Association and the Wisconsin Experiment Association. An exceptionally able man and possessed of great foresight, he has often been called upon to serve in public office, and he has acted as side supervisor, as chairman, and as treasurer of Hazelhurst Township. He is a stockholder in the Lincoln County Bank at Merrill and in the Merrill Woodenware Company. Mr. Michelson is one of the men who would be leaders in any community, and his ability and untiring efforts have advanced the general interests in many ways; a deep debt of gratitude is due him. Mr. MICHELSON was married at Tomahawk, Wis., July 15, 1908, to Cecelia FREDERICKS, daughter of Charles and Mary (STREICK) FREDERICKS. Mrs. MICHELSON'S parents are residents of the town of Cassian, Oneida County. Seven children, as follows, have been born to Mr. and Mrs. MICHELSON: Mary, April 9, 1909; Earl, Feb. 16, 1911; Peter, April 23, 1913; Mildred, Feb. 23, 1915; Elsie, March 7, 1917; Christian, March 16, 1919; and Katherine, Jan. 23, 1922. In 1923 Mr. MICHELSON installed the Delco light system on his farm, all the buildings and yard being thus lighted. The house and farm are furnished with running water by an automatic pump, while an electric washer and various other conveniences have been installed.

Transcribed by Susan Swanson, from pages 355-356 (with picture); History of Lincoln, Oneida and Vilas Counties Wisconsin; Compiled by George O. Jones, Norman S. McVean and Others; H.C. Cooper Jr. & Co, 1924

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