Histories: Trempealeau Co. Historical Accounts:
"History of Trempealeau County Wisconsin, 1917":
Chapter 8:
Sumner
-As transcribed from page 97
Sumner was settled in 1856 in the vicinity of the present village of
Osseo. The first settlers were E. M. Sexton and W. A. Woodward. A year
later a postoffice was established at Beef River Station, a mile from
the present village, and George Silkworth appointed postmaster. The
present village had its beginning in 1858, when W. H. and C. G. Thomas
built and rated the first store. Excellent articles on the subject are
found elsewhere in this volume.