"MILAN WING SMITH, a Jackson County Pioneer, died Wednesday, November 15, 1950, at the Community Hospital in Whitehall."
The above quotation is from his obituary, written by his grand children in 1950. His life span was 92 years and 9 months. So before we start his story let's first reflect on the historic times that paralleled his life. When Milan was born, in 1858, James Buchanan was President of the country, Abraham Lincoln was debating slavery with Stephen Douglas during his campaign for election to the United States Senate. Lincoln would become President in 1861. During Milan's lifetime the United States of America was in 5 major wars starting with the Civil War, then the Spanish-American War, World Wars I and II and finally, the Korean War was raging when his died. During his lifetime the country enjoyed many technological advancements including Edison's contribution of the phonograph, electric lights, and motion pictures. Others introduced the radio, automobiles, the airplane, and hundreds of other products that we all take fro granted today. MILAN and THEOLINE's early years were in the environment of a pioneer community, which changed greatly as they lived their lives. In 1934, at the age of 76, MILAN wrote an autobiography. It starts on the next page and I will use it in it's entirety to tell his story. I haved added paragraph titles, parenthetical notes, and indented paragraphs to supplement his story, and have also made a very few grammatical corrections. Page Two THE AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF MILAN WING SMITH, 1934 A FEW MEMOIRS OF PAST EXPERIENCES INTRODUCTION It is with no small misgivings that the following sketch is penned, especially since it's subject revolves too intimately around the personal ego. But, as I have been asked by relatives to do them this favor, I have no other recourse than to comply with their wish. MY ANCESTORS - FATHERS SIDE On my ancestral side of my father's family lineage is traceable in direct line to Deborah Wing who immigrated (with her children) to America from England in early colonial times. The immediate family from which he (JOSEPH) descended located in Illinois, and from which he, together with his brother, Benjamin, moved to Black River Falls in 1854 where they engaged in the mercantile business until the fire of March 18, 1860, when the entire business district was totally destroyed. MY ANCESTORS - MOTHER'S SIDE It was at this time that he met and married my mother, SIGNA ANDERSON, who was born in Fonsdal, Norway on May 17, 1834, and being a descendant of the Bookke family who trace their genealogy back over a long series of generations, all of which is attested to by the baptismal records so religiously preserved in all of Norway's baptismal records. Emmigratin to this country in 1843 at the age of eight years she with her parents, brothers, and sisters after an eventful voyage located at Muskego in Racine County, Wisconsin. After residing in this place for eleven years, and because of adverse climatic conditions, resulting in Cholera Ague and other unhealthy conditions, sold their possessions and in company with two other families immigrated (in 1853) to what became known as the Mound Springs settlement in Jackson County, Wisconsin, and of which community they were the pioneer (first) settlers. MILAN IS BORN Shortly after their arrival here my mother made her abode at Black River Falls and in course of time became acquainted with my father (JOSEPH SMITH WING) and to whom she later was married. Here it was that I was born on February 10, 1858. Shortly after the fire my family moved to my father's farm on which the historic Mound Springs are located and at which place the same old residence still remains - the oldest in the valley. After residing here for some time, we move to my uncle's farm where my mother, brother (Omer), and myself resided for many years. Page Three SCHOOL DAYS BEGIN At the age of six years (1864, the 3rd year of the Civil War) my school days began at what is known as the Finn School. This consisted of a small one room building with furnishings the most meager and primitive. On either side of the room were long benches, in the rear of which was a long wide board placed at an angle which served as a desk on which to write, and also a place to hold our hats, dinner pails, etc.. The teacher was allowed no desk, only a small home made bench serving as a makeshift stool on which to sit, and she bore a rather quaint, if not ludicrous attitude, as she sat there perched upon that lowly seat overhearing her classes who were required to form a rigidly straight line by placing their toes on a certin crack in the floor. This same crack served as a signal of the time of day when, at 4 o'clock, the sun shining on the window casing cast a shadow upon the anxiously looked for indicator. Time pieces were scarce in those days and during cloudy days the teacher's instinct would govern the time of the day. Because of the poorly constructed buildings no school was in progress during the winter months. The inside accommodations and furniture were almost primitive. The inside walls were constructed of plain unpainted boards and the windows devoid of shades of curtains. The teacher's salary was a mere pittance as compared with today's (1939) wages. Then $16.00 per month was considered ample pay. Their cost of board was $1.25 per week. But boarding places were difficult to procure and consequently many a techer was obliged to walk several miles to her school. I started school in 1864 when the Civil War was at it's height. Several from the community had voluteered their services and four among these were lost in battle (including MILAN's UNCLE KNUDT, SIGNA's brother).Eeberhart Tapen on his way to be mustered out met with a tragic death at New Lisbon while in an argument with a "Copperhead," (a northern political faction that sympathized with the Confederacy) who drew a pistol and mortally wounded the unarmed and unsuspecting soldier. Being brought home he was the first person to be interred in the Trempealeau Valley Cemetery. Page Four CIVIL WAR DAYS During the war there was much unrest and excitement among the people, especially among the farmers who were mostly new settlers and in rather straightened circumstances (ie, "no room for compromise"). Nevertheless, those rugged pioneers, fired by the vigor and virility of yourth, would have their outings, dances and celebrations in which both old and young would participate with all the vim and exuberance which only the pioneer spirit can manifest. And at no time did their pent up emotions of hiliarity and deviltry burst forth as when some young couple strove to shield or camouflage their marrige nuptials. That was the occasion for an active conspiracy to celebrate with a rousing charivari. Among the most notable of these was one that took place about three miles west of Taylor in 1862 (when Milan was four years old). This was at a time when the people were being agitated by the terrible atrocities of the Sioux Indians over in Minnesota. The charivari took place when it became known that a young couple had just been married. As a result a boisterous serenade was given with so much vigor that the shouting, shooting and heinous outbursts of all kinds were heard for miles around. Some who had not been advised of the coming carousal, fearing it was an Indian massacre hitched their horses to their wagons and drove to a safer retreat. But space will not permit relating a full account of this ludicrous hoax. (A more detailed account of this charivari can be found in the Trempealeau County Centennial History; a pamphlet which can be found in the Blair, Wisconsin Library). EDUCATION IN THE MIDE 1860's Returning once more to my early school days, it is but just to relate, that at that early day, it was not deemed necessary to be possessed of an education, further than to have acquired a smattering of the three R's; reading writing and arithmetic. It was physical prowess, strength and endurance which gave prestige to those who were obliged to cope with nature in it's raw and uncultivated state. Those who spent much time in the reading of books and other literature in quest of intellectual improvement, were regarded as lacking in the sterling qualities which aid in the acquiring of pecuniary success. They unfortunately did not comprehend that mental acquisitions, far above all else, can give us the most precious enjoyment. Page Five UNCLE OLE's INFLUENCE Nevertheless, the founders of our political institutions which govern our commonwealth had provided for us the common school system. Even though it was meager in it's curriculum, it nevertheless formed the stepping stone to further achievement, if one so desired. As an incident pointing to the esteem in which the study of Grammar was held, it is but fair to state that it was considered a useless task and a waste of time. But my Uncle having attended an academy in Norway and having prepared himself as a teacher in that country and consequently knowing the value of that study advised me to take the course. Although, to be exact, the teacher herself needed a course in language. MEMORIES OF SCHOOL DAYS To show the attitude which was generally held towards this study, I might relate an incident which took place in my early school days. It so happened that one of the patrons of the school was having trouble with the teacher regarding his boy's conduct. So on a certain day at about 3 0'clock in the afternoon he walked into the school room. With an air of defiance and ill will he dropped into a seat and awaited the time when school would be dismissed. It so happened that, at the time, I was reciting a lesson in the conjgation of the verb, "love," and began by giving the indicative mode present tense of the word by declaring the "I love." The visitor who hiterto had sat sideways sullenly looking across the room seemed to become electrified by my declaration and hastily turned "face about." I then preceded with a further description of the various modes and tenses showing the many different ways in which that tender passion might be manifest. Boy - like, I was curious to know how our visitor responded to the description of that significant verb. Shyle casting an inquiring look in his direction, I beheld him leaning forward intensely listening, and seemed highly amused, although his smirk bespoke a spirit of ridicule and sarcasm. When school was dismissed he delivered a tirade of abuse upon the teacher, and among other things criticized him for teaching that "silly stuff" which he heard Milan Smith recite. Page Six A DAY IN SCHOOL WITH KNUDT FENNEY Then, as now, ball playing was as captivating a sport as it is today, with this difference that, owing to the small number engaged, we were obliged to satisfy ourselves by playing "four old cat." Nevertheless, we thought it great sport, although the ball in use was only a rag ball. There was, however, one exception. Young Knudt Fenney possessed a ball that was made of yarn covered with buckskin, and to all appearances was as fine to look at as the present regulation baseball. That ball was the envy of the smaller boys, but young Fenney did not care to lend it fearing it might become lost in the tall grass which then abounded. However, one day he made the remark, that any one among us who would kiss the schoolmarn might borrow the ball. Little did he dream that his challenge would be accepted, as extreme modesty was then the rule of the day. Nevertheless, there was one among us to whom the temptation was too strong to resist, and, one day, as the teacher was having her noonday lunch, he awkwardly ambled to her side, and quickly and deftly landed the stipulated osculation (a kiss) squarely on her unsuspecting lips. With a look of surprise and mute astonishment at such a bold approach, and with no preliminary hint, she sat as one dumbfounded and dazed until the shouting and merry jostling over the hero of the day was explained to her. MY BOOKS AND STUDIES AT AGE 14 But the many ludicrous happenings of our school days would be too mometous to recount. Suffice it to say, that the rural schools of that day were but a sorry contrast compared with those of today. However, when about 14 years of age (1872), I came in possession of a few volumes of splendid books which contained priceless knowledge, although much was beyond my tender years to comprehend. However, there was no Taylor (The village of Taylor) to while away the long winter evenings, and, so, I decided to tackle those books which consisted of "Ganots Natural Philosophy" ; "Hoshals Astronomy" (a work on anatomy and physiology) ; also "Naturens Bog" (a Norwegian work on physics, zoology and chemistry) ; and not to be forgotten, a "Websters Dicitionary," which aided me in the understanding of the many difficult words which I then encountered. To say the least, these books became an unending source of pleasure and entertainment. Then later, I became in the possession of two other volumes which I prize far above any which I have had the pleasure to read - books that have entirely changed my view point on life and human destiny. (Milan's grandaughter, Lois, remembers him telling her that his father (Joseph Smith Wing) sent him those first books. Joseph at tht time was living with his third wife in Utah). Page Seven TEEN AGE EMPLOYMENT At the age of 15 years when the G. B and Western Railroad was being built through the Trempealeau Valley in 1873, and the Village of Blair was being built, I worked for the T. I. Gilbert and Co. Mercantile Co., and later when the first store was being built in Taylor by H. W. Nichols, I worked for him in his temporary store which occupied part of the Mike Collins residence. Later on, in 1876, when 18 years of age, and the year of the Centennial at Philadelphia commenorating the one hundred anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, I engaged in office work for Dr. H. S. Humphrey of Winona. That was the summer when the notorious James and Younger Brothers staged the Northfield robbery which created a sensation throughout the land. It was also the summer of General Custers Massacre on the Little Big Horn. It has been said that opportunity comes to all but once in a lifetime. True or otherwise, I had the offer given me of receiving a medical education free of all expenses, and was almost persuaded to accept the offer, but, as I was present at the performance of several surgical opertions the cutting and otherwise manipulating of human flesh did not appeal to my taste and inclinations, and so, "passed up" a seemingly fortuante opportunity. SOCIAL LIFE IN THE 1870's & 80's All along the years of adolescence, and entering into manhood much enjoyment and pleasure was experienced. But, unlike today, we did not have the dance hall or the orchestra. But, to the contrary, our dances were sponsored by some accommodating farmer to whose home we were welcome and whose hospitality we shared. The tallow candle was then the vogue, and the old time fiddler with his vigorous technique furnished ample music for a jovial and hilarious party. THE BONDS OF WEDLOCK But want of space prevents enumerating the many interesting experiences of early life, and suffice it to say, that , in course of time, I found myself ready to enter the bonds of wedlock. So, on October 3, 1889, was married to THEOLINE AMUNDSON. The purchasing a farm, for many years enjoyed a happy rural life, until about 17 years ago (1917). We then sold the homestead and built a new home in Taylor where we are quietly spending our days among it's urban activities. (Milan could have written of many more interesting events during these years. His Taylor home consisted of the house, a barn, a chicken coupe and 10 acres of farm land. For many years he reaised chickens and sold the eggs for spending money. He grew many vegetables in his huge garden and generously donated crops to his son's family, which they would can). Page Eight A LOOK BACK In retrospect, I can say that, since boyhood days which were distinquished by the oxcart, the scythe, the cradle, and many other obsolete tools and utensils, wonderful changes have taken place. Since then we have had the reaper, the mower, the binder, and later, the electric light, the telephone, the graphophone, the automobile and the radio, not to mention the hundreds of other inventions in every field of activity. AT THE PRESENT WRITING (1934) At the present writing we are in the throes of a depression such as has not previously been known in this courntry. And if the cause of this untoward condition is to be sought, it will be found in the age long selfishness which the privileged few have been able to exercise over the masses. But, Today, the handwriting is on the wall, and on every hand the popular voice is being heard, and the hand of warning is being lifted. It is to be hoped tha an economic system may be evolved which will eventually give to all more eual opportunities, and emancipate the masses from economic slavery. But, I have already encroached upon a reasonable space, and in conclusion can but say that the present writing finds me at the age of 76 years, and that the above is but a feeble resume of a fractional part of a lifetime tinctured with much interest and enjoyment. (Signed) Milan Wing Smith And, so ends the Autobiography of Grandpa. There is much more to the story and I will attempt to fill out the story of MILAN and THEOLINE in the next few pages. First, I will bcktrack to pick up a little about the life of "Grandma Smith," (THEOLINE). Although MIlan did not say much about her in his autobiography, their grandchildren can testify that they were a devoted and loving couple all their life. "Grandma" was a loving, caring person to her family and friends; and her sense of humor was unforgettable. This is her story....Her parents immigrated from Norway in the late 1850's. They homesteaded 150 acres of farmland in the Trempealeau Valley, 2 miles east of Blair, Wisconsin. Their farm was just 2 miles west of the SMITH farm. There they raised the 6 children and we assume they lived an average life span. I could not locate any of their birth dates or other statistics. Page Nine One of THEOLINE's nieces wrote a couple of interesting situations about her grandparents. They apparently took the same immigration route as described in Chapter I-1 (Joseph & Signa). They went to the same area in Racine County but then came by covered wagon to Black River Falls. They continued on the Trempealeau Valley and settled there for the rest of their life. When the Civil War broke out, Theoline's father (STEINIER SKARPRUD AMUNDSON) was drafted. However, in those days it was legal to hire a substitute to go in your place. So STEINIER hired a relative to go and fight for him; and after the war STEINIER received an honorable discharge. There apparently were relatives on both sides of Theoline's family that had also immigrated to the area. Their name in Norway was SHARPUD; but as happened so often with these Norwegian Immigrants, they took the name of their father and added "son." So, Theoline's father (STEINIER) took his father's first name (AMOND) and their las name became AMUNDSON. Theoline's mother's maiden name was GUNILD BEULAND HOUKOM. The BEULAND name was apparently her maternal grandfather's name. Theoline was the second of six children and was born on the home farm on June 13, 1868. We do not have any details of her childhood but we can assume she attended school at the Riverside Grade School a mile from the farm. We also know that she received six weeks of training to becom a school teacher and at the age of 15 or so got a job teching school at the one room school between Taylor and Blair. As Milan casually mentioned in his Autobiography, they were married on October 3, 1889. It was quite a marriage celebration. This was the son and daughter of two pioneer families tht by now were well established in the area and were known to everyone for miles around. Their grandddaguther, Lois, (when she was 15 years old) had interviewed them and wrote a story about the wedding; it follows...... THE WEDDING By Lois Wing Smith It was a beautiful October morning when the minister, Reverend Himle (or Himmle), came jogging down the road in his horse and buggy. There was going to be a great occasion in the valley today...for on this third day of October, 1889, there was to be a wedding. So down the road the Reverend went calling a "giddap," to his horse every now and then. At the Amundson home last minute preparations were being made. Theoline's mother was making a last check over the food supplies. Did they have everything? Would the 60 cakes be enough? There were 6 varieties and 10 cakes of each. Those 30 mince meat pies looked good. She hoped the barrel of biscuits would last for supper and dinner both because the Page Ten people were invited for all day. The bride had made the biscuits and if any one had any doubts that she could bake their doubts would vanish when they tasted them, the biscuits practically melted in their mouths. And had her sister, Carrie, started to squeeze the case of lemons yet? Maybe that job ought to be started now. They were hoping that no one would drink too much of the 15 kegs of beer. In those days it was expected to have a liberal supply of beer at the wedding. Surely the half gallon of whiskey would come to no good end. The meat would be almost ready now. The steer tha pa killed would supply the meat for the day. They also had to make sure that the potatoes got on the woood stove to boil. In the middle of all their preparations some excitement broke out in one of the farm house bedrooms. Was it that someone broke a dish or something? No, it wasn't as simple as that. The bride, Theoline, had been trying to quiet her married brother's baby. The baby had a rattle in it's hand and with one powerful swing the baby knocked out Theoline's front tooth. Why didn't this happen to somebody else? And on her wedding day, too. Well, nothing could be done so she would have to be married just the way she was. After dinner the people started to dance in the 40 foot bowery that was put up special for the wedding. They danced all afternoon and late into the night. Someone poured the whiskey into the beer and Ludvig Kjerlied was getting a big kick out of it because he knew why some of the people were getting might happy. Everything ended right all had spent a happy day and they all wished the bridal couple a very happy future. THE END OF LOIS'S STORY For the next 28 years they lived and farmed on the homestead farm near Taylor. Their son, ELDEN, was born on May 2, 1891 and their daughter ELVA was born in 1895. Elva was a victim of one of the diseases that struck down some of the youth in those days; she died at the age of 13 in 1905. Page Eleven They worked hard on the farm to scrape together a living and they were frugal and successful according t the standards of the day. We do not know their financial situation at the time but there are a couple of facts tht will help us to appreciate their situation; 1. In 1904, Milan purchased several shares in gold mining companies tht later bacame bankrupt. 2. From 1912 to 1917 they supported their son, Elden, in getting thru school at Northwestern University to become a Dentist and they loaned him enough money to buy equipment and set up a dental practice in Taylor. 3. When the banks had to be closed during the depression of the 1930's, Milan, lost a significant amount of money. I can remember in my youth finding out that Grandpa did not trust the banks and he kept his money underneath a loose brick on the floor of his garage. 4. In 1931 he bought a brand new 4 - door Model A Ford Sedan. 5. He never had any pension or social security and when he died in 1950 at the age of 92 he left an estate of over $6000.00. ($100,000.00 in 1990 dollars). When Milan and Theoline moved to the Village of Taylor in 1917 they kept a horse and carriage in the new small barn that they built. On Sundays they would hitch it up and make the 3 mile trip to their church in Trempeauleau Valley. For 5 years this was their only transportation. In 1931 they sold their horse and bought their first automobile....(there seems to be some question about this...Milan might have had a Model T before he bought the Model A). |