BIOGRAPHIES: Hans Peter FOSS, Vance Creek Township, Barron Co., WI

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Submitted by:  Vic Gulickson <vic@indy.net>  2 March 2005
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Hans Peter Foss, a representative citizen who has built up a good place in
section 36, Vance Creek Township, was born in Norway, April 22, 1864, the
son of Martin and Bertha Larson, the former of whom was a hard working
shoemaker. The subject of this sketch was reared and educated in the old
country, and there grew to adult years. In 1888 he came to America and
located in Buena Vista County, Iowa. When he reached the place of his
future employment he had just ten cents. This he spent for tobacco, and
thus started his career here with nothing. In 1890 he located in Barron
County. Thereafter he spent ten winters in the woods and a number of
springs on the river drives. In the meantime, in 1890, he purchased 80
acres in section 36, Vance Creek Township. In 1918 he bought 80 acres in
same section, making a farm of 160 acres. About four acres of the first 80
had been cleared and a small log shack erected. To this place, in 1896, he
took his bride. They started in with but little, to establish their
fortunes. At first they had no domestic animals but a cow. It was hard work
cutting down the trees, grubbing out the stumps, dragging the trees and
stumps away, getting in the crops, and harvesting, all by hand. In about
two years he secured a pair of mules and then the work went a little
faster. Gradually he developed a good farm, with a sightly set of buildings
and excellent equipment. He now successfully carries on general farming and
dairying and has a good herd of cattle. He is a solid and substantial
citizen, who is interested in all the things which pertain to the good of
the town. At times he has served as pathmaster. Both he and his wife are
devout members of the Norwegian Lutheran Church at West Akers and he has
served the congregation as trustee. Mr. Foss was married in April, 1896, to
Mary Edwardsdatter, who was born in Norway, Dec. 29, 1863, and came to
America shortly before her marriage. This union has been blessed with seven
children: Mamie, Anna, Ovidia, Paul, Inga, Helma and Benedik, who died in
infancy.

--Transcribed from: History of Barron Co., Wisconsin, H. C. Cooper,
Jr., & Co., 1922, pg. 499.

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