Histories:  Trempealeau Co. Historical Accounts:

"Trempealeau County" by Clarence J. Gamroth:

Volume 1B:

Biographical Data:  Surnames A through G

The following information was gathered from various sources - mostly newspapers.  Many of these biographical items are obituaries.  This data was compiled in 1975 and includes biographical data on the following people:

AUSTIN, Hans S. BAUTCH, Albert John BAUTCH, Frank BAUTCH, John L. BORST, Martin BROWN, Barbara COY, Elmer S. CRAMER, William S. CRIPPS, Giles DANUSER, L. E.

EARLE, Lewis P. ELSTAD, Edward EMERY, Artemus FAULDS, James FUGINA, Michael GAMROTH, Clarence J. GARLICK,  David GARTHUS, Amund GRAUL, Emil

AUSTIN, Hans S

Hans S. Austin was born in Norway on December 10, 1853.  He came to America with his parents in 1854.  The family settled on a farm in Dane County, Wisconsin.  He lived there with his parents until 1873 when he came to the Town of Burnside and taught school for six terms.  Then he bought a farm in Bennett Valley, and farmed for two years.

In 1877 he came to Independence and started a hotel which he ran for two years.

He was appointed constable.

In March, 1881, he took charge of a branch store of H. E. Getts.  He married Mary Gilbert on February 25, 1880.  He was a member of the Lutheran Church.

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BAUTCH, Albert John

Albert John Bautch sold the mill and farm in New City to me (John L. Bautch) and the two lots and store in Independence for $2200.00.  I converted the mill from the Old stone style to a roller system which cost another $2400.00.  A miller, Mike Gauczkewig was hired by me to operate the mill.  It was not a paying enterprise so I sold it to my brother John for $5000.00.

John Brethauer was my brother-in-law who with Syles Myers, operated a grist mill in Independence.  The partnership was dissolved and Brethauer bought out Myer for $8000.00.  That was cheap.  I financed part of the deal and in that way became a co-partner with Brethauer.  We then incorporated and formed the Independence Milling Company.  The mill was remodeled from stone to roller system which cost about $4500.00.  Shipped a lot of flour and even to Chicago by the carload lot.

In 1903, a cloud burst caused the mill pond to rise and washed out the dam which cost $7000.00 to rebuild.  Bought out Brethauer.  The pump business kept growing so could not operate the mill.  M. F. Eichler, a good miller, came and bought half interest inthe mill.  He made the mill pay good profits.  I sold my interest in the mill to Mike Skroch.  Mr. Eichler's health failed so he sold his shar to my brother, Frank.

In 1898, helped to build the first telephone system in Trempealeau County in Arcadia.  Aided in organization of 3 different telephone companies, one company in Pepin County was called the Wisconsn Valley Telephone Company. 

From 1910 to 1922 owned and operated a stock ranch with aids from sons and hired hands containing five secitons of land near Formost, Canada which I later sold.  My sons did not like that kind of life.

Of my six brothers and sisters, I have but one left, Frank who owns and operates the Independence Milling Company.

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BAUTCH, Frank

The following article was printed in the Independence News Wave on 31 Oct 1896:

The Work of a Fiend

Sunday night the residence of Frank Bautch was found to be in flames.  It is very certain that the fire was set a short time before it was discovered.  Mr. Bautch was awakened by some noise and upon looking out the window saw some figure but could not make out who it was.  The family was obliged to jump from the second story window.  Mr. and Mrs. Bautch were badly burned and the working girl was so badly burned that it is doubtful if she will recover.  Mr. Sygulla, the father of Mrs. Bautch, is the only one who escaped without injury.

Assistance came after a hard fight, the greater portion of the house was saved.

There had been a five gallon can of oil in the kitchen and it was discovered that this had been poured into a bucket and thrown upon the stairs where the fire was set.

The residence is about 4½ miles north of Independence.

(Note from Clarence J. Gamroth - the above mentioned farm is situated just east of the intersection of Hwy. 93 and Hwy. 121 [Gilmanton Rd.].  The farm buildings are visible from there.  The farm is now occupied by Frank Bisek [1973].  My mother, Agnes, then living on a nearby farm of her parents, George Maciocek, said years later, that the working girl mentioned in the above article, died a few days after the fire.  Her name was Christina.  Frank Bautch and his wife made a good recovery.)

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BAUTCH, John L.

The following obituary for John L. Bautch was printed in the Independence News Wave, 11 Jun 1942:

John L. Bautch died Wednesday of last week, June 3, at 8:10 a.m. at the Dr. Willian Snstorium at Hudson, Wisconsin from double pneumonia following treatment for cancer on his left hand.  He was 88 years, 11 months and 22 days at the time of death.

Deceased was born June 11, 1853 at Poppeleau, Christopal, Germany, the son of Albert and Josephine (Skrzypietz) Bautch.  In 1855, he sailed with his parents on a sailboat to America which required 63 days.  They landed at Quebec, Canada.  From there they went to N. J. then to Chicago, later to Milwaukee where they resided for about one year.  There his father built the first wagon factory and a large tenament apartment house.  Later they moved to Watertown where they again lived for about one year.  His father built the first sawmill there.  They moved to New Lisbon, Juneau County, where they were engaged in farming for about six years.

In May, 1863, they immigrated by covered wagon with all household goods and livestock, to North Creek, Town of Arcadia, Trempealeau County where they resided on a 520 acre farm.  In 1870, they moved to New City, Town of Burnside and bought and operated a grist mill which they purchased from Ed Carpenter.

On June 27, 1877, at the age of 24, he united in marriage to Frances Pietrek of Arcadia, daughter of Andrew Pietrek and Frances (Susa) Pietrek.  The newlyweds settled on a 280 acre farm at North Creek which he purchased from his brother.  After farming several years, he decided to rent the farm to his brother-in-law, Andrew Pietrek (deceased) and moved to Independence where he was engaged in the hotel and tavern business with his brother Albert J. Bautch for about four years.  Again he moved back to his North Creek farm, residing there for a period of four years.

In 1896 he bought the farm and mill from his brother, Albert J. Bautch, at New City.  He continued to operate the farm and mill until 1917 at which time his son John Married and leased the farm.  He then moved to a small place just east of his farm which is now occupied by the John Lyga family.  There he lived until November 14, 1918.  During the flu epidemic, his son Peter died and he was forced to move to Wickham Valley and take over the farm.  He lived there for three years and then leased the farm to his son Lewis at the time of his marriage in October 1921.  He then moved to Independence where he resided until death.

He is survived by his wife, Frances, and the following childen; Sister Mary of Stevens Point, John F. on the home farm at New City, Clara (Mrs. Jacob) Sura, Albert L., Frances (Mrs. Frank) Marsolek, Mary (Mrs. Albert) Korpal, Sophia (Mrs.) Kamala, Independence, Nellie (Mrs. Joe) Kulig, Anna (Mrs. Paul) Marsolek and Lewis C. of Wickham Valley, Helen (Mrs. Roman) Stelmach of Arcadia.  Two children, Peter and Sister M. Annuciata, preceded him in death.

He also leaves 46 grandchildren and 48 great-grandchildren, and the following brothers and sisters; Albert J. Bautch, Frank J. Bautch, and Mrs. Anna Kuka of Independence, and Mrs. Mary Brethauser of Oakland, California.  Three brothers and one sister preceded him in death.  They were Kasper, who died in 1885, Thos. who died in 1892, and Mrs. Julia Sygulla, who died in 1905 and Peter, who died in 1921.

Funeral services were conducted Saturday, June 6, at 9:00 a.m. at SS Peter and Paul Catholic Church in this city.  The Rt. Rev. Msgr. L. J. Kufel officiating, assisted by the Rev. Francis Pryzybylski and the Rev. John Krasowski of North Creek.  Burial was in the church cemetery.

Pallbearers were his grandsons:  Jerome and George Bautch, Rufus and Anselm Marsolek, Adolph Korpal, and Harry Kulig.  Flower carriers were four grandsons:  Herman Sura, James Marsolek, Jackie Kulig, and Dickie Stelmach.  Banner bearer was his great-grandson Eugene Skroch.

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BORST, Martin

The following obituary for Martin Borst was printed in the Independence News Wave on 04 Jan 1899:

Martin Borst died December 22, at the home of his son Henry Borst in Mondovi.

Mr. Borst was born in New York state in March 1813 which would make his age 87 years.  He located in Township of Burnside in 1867 where he had since lived except for one year in Dakota.

Four years ago, he moved in with his son.  He was the father of 11 children.

He was buried beside his wife, Sarah Campbell in Pleasant Valley cemetery, Town of Hale.

(At one time, Mr. Borst owned 1600 acres in Borst Valley. - Clarence J. Gamroth)

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BROWN, Barbara - "Alice In Dairyland"  1955-56

The following article was printed in the Independence News Wave on 30 Jun 1958 (?), as printed in the Milwaukee Sentinel:

Independence gave a rousing welcome to the "new Alice in Dairyland" Miss Barbara Brown, when she arrived in Independence Saturday afternoon after havin been crowned Miss Alice at Wausau as finale to the campaign for this distinguished honor.

The Independence fire truck met her at the Roskos Service Staton and escorted her to the city with siren going full blast.  At the bridge over Bugle Lake a large welcome sign gave the second signal of the reception she was to receive.

A parade followed led by the high school band, followed by numerous cars of citizens.  In the evening, a reception was held at the high school gym where Barbara was duly honored and responded with a very able thank you.  Lunch and a social hour followed.

Barbara, whose hair and eyes are the same color as her last name, was selected Friday as Wisconsin's "Alice in Dairyland".  The 20 year old Trempealeau County girl jumped up joyfully when Dale Bruhn of Madison, marketing specialist for the State Agriculture Dept. announced she had won over 15 other finalists.  After outgoing "Alice" Mary Ellen McCabe of Ladysmith placed the crown on Barbara's head, Barbara told newsmen, "It just can't be true.  It can't be me."

Besides choosing the eighth "Alice in Dairyland" for one year mission as "America's Dairyland" representative, the five judges named Roberta Caldwell, 18, of Madison, as the state's entry in "American Dairy Association Princess" competition for the INternational Dairy shows in Chicago in November.  Roberta was an "Alice" finalist.

Barbara's father, Eugene Brown, was in the stands for the program.  Miss Barbara pledged:  The people of Wisconsin can count on me to do everything possible to carry on the wonderful work Mary Ellen McCabe did the past year.  The she explained, "I am probably the happiest girl in the country today."

Barbara who stands 5 feet 6 inches and weighs 125 pounds, is a gratuate of Cornell High School and has completed one year at Stout Institute, Menomonie, where she is majoring in home economics education.  Her favorite sport is deer hunting, but she enjoys water and snow skiing and fishing.  She knits, sews, and plays the piano and saxophone.

Barbara was a member of the Future Homemakers of America while in high school, where she was secretary of her class, and had about 3 years of 4-H club work.  She has traveled extensively outside the state, including a trip to Florida with the Stout Institute symphonic singers.

Barbara's father is superintendent of schools at Independence.  The new "Alice" has been working as a waitress for three summers at Ross Teal Lake Lodge, Hayward, but she'll be leaving right away for her new job with the state Agriculture Department.

Incidently, Barbara's favorite food is pizza.  That Italian delicacy contains cheese, of course, which fits right in with Barbara's dairy products promotion.

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COY, Elmer S.

The following obituary was printed in the Independence News Wave on 11 Jun 1926:

Elmer S. Coy died in Barron, Wisconsin on May 20, 1926 where he lived for two years.

He was born in Minnesota July 30, 1859, son of Abraham and Lydia Coy and was reared in Independence.

He served for many years on the school board.  He was village marshall for 21 years.  Was rural mail carrier for 21 years when he retired two years ago.  He moved with his wife to Barron to be near Mrs. Coy's sister, Mrs. John McDonald.

Married in Independence, January 25, 1883 to Barbara Cook.
Two sons were born; Reuben and George, both now of Laurel, Montana.

(Coy was one of the very first route men operating out of Independence.  ________ was provided by two small mules [burros] slow moving.  Took whole day to cover the route. - Clarence J. Gamroth)

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CRAMER, William S.

The following news item was printed in the Independence News Wave on 14 May 1953:

Reminiscing

William S. Cramer, a native of Connecticut and is wife Deborah Ann of Ohio were the first settlers in Borst Valley.  They migrated by ox team to Marquette County, in Wisconsin, then to Green Lake County.  From there to Butler County in Iowa and finally settled in Borst Valley in October 1863.  Unlike mose settlements, Borst Valley did not take the name of its first settler, whose family called it Little Elk.  Later it was sometime called Borst Valley.  Fifteen years later another name was added, Markham Valley, after a man who arrived in 1875.  All these names were correct at the same time.  The present name, Borst Valley, seems to have been gradually adopted about 1892.

(Comment:  Martin Borst died on December 22, 1898 at the ae of 87.  He was born in New York state in 1813.  Came to the Town of Burnside, Trempealeau County in 1867.  Borst Valley is named for him.  The vally is a few miles north of Independence. - Clarence J. Gamroth)

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CRIPPS, Giles

Farm sec. 12, P. O. Independence, Wis.  Born in England November 5, 1833.  Came to America with parents, aged three.  Family settled in Madison county, N. Y.  In 1843, came west, landed in Milwaukee.  Went on to Waukesha county where the family remained four years.  His father had 1500 sheep.  In 1847, the family bought a farm of 200 acres in Dane county.

Giles married Harriet Wood in 1853.  He farmed four years in Dane county.  Then moved to Trempealeau county, Town of Burnside.  Was postmaster at Elk Creek for 11 years.  Also connected with grain elevator and machine business with N. D. Comstock at Independence.  Elected chairman of Town Board for 6 terms.  Was Justice of Peace for 4 terms.  Member A. F. and A. M., Arcadia Lodge No. 201 and A. O. U. W. Independence Lodge No. 27.

(Transcriber's note - this biographical material was copied in part from the book "History of Northern Wisconsin" which was published in 1881 by the Western Historical Society, Chicago.  For an exact transcription of this biography, including references to page numbers, etc., go to here.)

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DANUSER, L. E.

Born April 18, 1850 in Sauk City, Wisconsin.  Took a science course at Northwestern College in Plainfield, Ill.  Taught school till 1874.  In 1874, went to Portage, Wis. where he clerked in a dry goods store for Shoemaker and Schulz.  In 1870, taught school for a year.  In 1871, came to Independence and bought a store in partnership with C. Meuli.  In 1879, Mr. Horat bought out Mr. Meuli.  The firm then becaem Danuser and Horat.  Danuser was married in Naperville, Ill. in 1878 to H. E. Lehman.  Danuser was elected in 1880 as town clerk of Burnside.

(Transcriber's note - this biographical material was copied in part from the book "History of Northern Wisconsin" which was published in 1881 by the Western Historical Society, Chicago.  For an exact transcription of this biography, including references to page numbers, etc., go to here.)

(Comment - The 1871 date is incorrect because Independence was not started until 1876.  Perhaps 1877 or 1878 would be more like it. - Clarence J. Gamroth)

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EARLE, Lewis P.

Station agent, Independence.  Born June 29, 1850 near Akron, Ohio.  In 1856, came to Appleton, Wis. with his parents.  In October, 1861, his family returned to the old homestead in Ohio.  Lewis Earle learned his trade at New Portage, Ohio on the Atlantic and Great Western Railroad.  Came to Wisconsin and became a Green Bay and Minnesota station agent at New London, Wis.  Then came to Independence as a station agent.

(Transcriber's note - this biographical material was copied in part from the book "History of Northern Wisconsin" which was published in 1881 by the Western Historical Society, Chicago.  For an exact transcription of this biography, including references to page numbers, etc., go to here.)

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ELSTAD, Edward

Chairman of Board of Supervisors of Burnside Township.  Born in Norway April 25, 1851.  In 1861, came to American and lived with his parents on a farm in Vernon County, Wis.  In 1875, Edward went into business in Arcadia.  In 1876, came to Independence where he started a second store.  Elected Town Chairman in 1878.  In 1873, married Christine Clemmetsan in Vernon County Wis., May 31.  They had 4 children; Matilda C., Melvin N., Cormille J., and Nora C.

(Transcriber's note - this biographical material was copied in part from the book "History of Northern Wisconsin" which was published in 1881 by the Western Historical Society, Chicago.  For an exact transcription of this biography, including references to page numbers, etc., go to here.)

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EMERY, Artemus

Born October 1879 in Maine.  Married Harriette Merrill in 1856, State of Maine.  Came to Monroe County, Wis. in fall of 1856.  Engaged in lumbering and farming where he remained with the exception of 3 years when he was in Jackson County, until 1876 when he moved to Independence.  Was elected to Town of Burnside Board.  Had a daughter, Elbra.

(Transcriber's note - this biographical material was copied in part from the book "History of Northern Wisconsin" which was published in 1881 by the Western Historical Society, Chicago.  For an exact transcription of this biography, including references to page numbers, etc., go to here.)

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FAULDS, James

Editor of Weekly News, Independence.  Born April 19, 1853 at Rouchgap, Penn.  In June 1855, came with parents to Glencoe, Buffalo County, Wisconsin where they settled on a farm.  James had a common school education at home.  In Spring of 1876 attended grade school at Fountain City, Buffalo county.  He afterward taught school for 4 terms.  In 1879, he attended State Normal school at River Falls, Wis., and then came to Independence and was principal in the grade school.  In June 1880, he bought in partership with H. I. Turnbull, The Weekly News.  In August of the same year, he bought out his partner.  The Weekly News has a circulation (in 1881) of 600 copies.  Member of the A. O. U. W. Independence Lodge #27.

(Transcriber's note - this biographical material was copied in part from the book "History of Northern Wisconsin" which was published in 1881 by the Western Historical Society, Chicago.  For an exact transcription of this biography, including references to page numbers,etc., go to here.)

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FUGINA, Michael

The following obituary was printed in the Independence News Wave on 02 Feb 1901:

Michael Fugina of New Rockford, North Dakota died at the age of 59 and 6 months in a Chicago hospital.

He was born in Austria in July, 1841.  In 1861, came to the United States and located at Fountain City, Wisconsin.  In 1863, enlisted in Co. H, 6th Wisconsin Infantry, Iron Brigade, under General Bragg.  Was present at General Lee's surrender at Appomatox.

In 1869 settled in New City, building the first store there.  Came to Independence in 1876 and built another store.  In 1871 married Julia Woychik who died in 1882.  In later part of 1882 he moved to New Rockford, North Dakota where he lived until his death.

He was bured in the SS Peter and Paul Catholic cemetery, Independence.

He is survived by two sons, George and Frank of North Dakota.  Other survivors; Martin Fugina, Fountain City, Ollie and Emil Fugina, Arcadia, and N. Cramoline of Arcadia.

(Comment - New City was located at the interseciton of Highway 73 and X, a mile southwest of Independence, Wis.  The birth of Independence in 1876 meant death to New City.  New City is now but a memory. - Clarence J. Gamroth)

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GAMROTH, Clarence J.

(Compiler of this work)

Source - Eau Claire Leader Telegram, 15 Aug 1988 pg 6A.  Death date was 14 Aug 1988.  This obituary has been added to the Clarence J. Gamroth collection as a tribute to him.  It has been donated by Dave Lee. 
 
Clarence Gamroth

Independence  -  Clarence J. Gamroth, 90, died Sunday at Tri-County Memorial Nursing Home, Whitehall.

He was born in Independence and attended Wausau Business College.  He worked as a bank clerk in Mellen and then was employed by Wisconsin State Employment Service in Milwaukee.  He later was a contact representative for the Veterans Adminstration Office in Milwaukee until retiring in 1963 and moving to Independence.  He was a U. S. Army veteran of World War II.  He compiled the Independence historical album in 1976 for the city's 100th anniversary.

Survivors include a brother, Broney, Wisconsin Rapids; and a sister, Eva Blakeslee, Eau Claire.

Services will be at 10:30 Wednesday at Sts. Peter and Paul Catholic Church, Independence, with burial in the church cemetery.  Military rites will be conducted by Sura-Wiersgalla American Legion Post 186, Independence.

Friends may call from 4 to 9 p.m. Tuesday and 8 a.m. to 10 a.m. Wednesday at Kern-Edison Funeral Home, Independence.  A prayer service will be held at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, followed by a rosary service at 8 p.m., at the funeral home.

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GARLICK, David

Postmaster, Independence, Wisconsin.  Born August 9, 1834 at Fort Covington, New York.  Married there in Winter of 1855 to Lydia Dull also of N. Y.  In 1863, came to Rock Island, Ill. where he farmed.  Came to La Crosse in 1869.  Came to Burnside, Trempealeau County in 1870 where he took a claim from the government of 160 acres.  In 1874, went to New City where he started a grocery store and remained there until June 1876, when he came to Independence.  The Garlicks were the first family in the village.  He built the first house outside of the railroad buildings.  Was Independence postmaster since he came in 1876.  Served as school director.  Member A. O. U. W. Independence Lodge #27.  There were five children; (as of 1881) Francy (Mrs. Charlie Grayborn), Daniel, Dora, Jane, and Melvin.  Joe?

(Transcriber's note - this biographical material was copied in part from the book "History of Northern Wisconsin" which was published in 1881 by the Western Historical Society, Chicago.  For an exact transcription of this biography, including references to page numbers, etc., go to here.)

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GARTHUS, Amund

The following obituary was printed in the Independence News Wave on 18 Feb 1921:

Amund Garthus died Monday after a long illness.  He was born in Valders, Norway on October 2, 1852 where he grew to manhood. 

On September 14, 1880, he reached Independence, Wisconsin.  For nine months clerked in a store.  Then in partnership with Henry Hanson, in the store of O. P. Larson, whcih they conducted for 2½ years under the name of Hanson and Garthus.  Subsequently Mr. Garthus did business alone until 1884 when fire destroyed the store.  In 1885, started another store with A. J. Johnson.  In 1889, became the sole owner and carried on the grocery and dry goods store until his health failed four years ago.  Sons Harold, Ira, and Adam carried on the business.

On August 13, 1887, Mr. Garthus married Susanna Torgerson of Vernon County, Wisconsin.  Besides the sons mentioned, there was also a daughter, Lillian.

Mr. Garthus had a long period of public service.  Was Village president for 16 years and a school board member for 15 years. 

(Comment by Clarence J. Gamroth - the Garthus store is now owned by Marcel Lyga.)

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GRAUL, Emil

The following obituary was printed in the Independence News Wave in Jan 1936:

Emil Graul Sr., early settler of this community, died on January 4, 1936 at age 90.  He was born in Buffalo, New York on September 2, 1845. 

At an early age moved with hs parents to Milwaukee and then to Sauk County, Wisconsin.  Till age of 22 was employed by Adolph Sprecher, who was father of John Sprecher of Independence.

On July 3, 1868, married Caroline Schedler.  Two sons and a daughter were born to the union.  The daughter died.  The surviving sons are George, Travis Valley, Independence and Edward J. of Madison University of Wisconsin, where he is on the faculty.

Emil farmed in Travis Valley from 1886 to 1905 when he retired and moved to Independence.  His son George and family live on the farm.

Emil Graul was among the first in Trempealeau County to acquire a cream separator, build a silo, and adopt the idea of round buildings, recommended by Dr. F. H. King of scientific fame.

The following obituary was printed in the Independence News Wave on 06 Apr 1928:

Mrs. Emil Graul died at the age of 82 in Independence.  Born in Prussia, Germany.  At age 12 came to America with her parents and settled in Sauk County, Wisconsin.