Biographies: Clarence A. L. LOOMIS, Barronette, Barron Co., WI ==================================================================== USGENWEB NOTICE: In keeping with our policy of providing free information on the Internet, data may be used by non-commercial entities, as long as this message remains on all copied material. These electronic pages may NOT be reproduced in any format for profit or for presentation by other persons or organizations. Persons or organizations desiring to use this material for purposes other than stated above must obtain the written consent of the file contributor, or the legal representative of the contributor, and contact the listed USGenWeb archivist with proof of this consent. This file was contributed for use in the USGenWeb Archives by: Victor Gulickson 23 March 1999 ==================================================================== Clarence A. L. Loomis of Barronette is one of the useful citizens of the county. Already experienced in public affairs when he came here, he has taken his active part in the life of the village. He helped to organize the Barronette Commercial Club and as one of the active members of that organization was a factor in the location of the first lumber yard and creamery here, and in the establishment of the first rural mail route out of the local postoffice. He was also one of the five men who organized the Barronette State Bank. In many other public movements he has taken his part and has labored hard for the establishment of a new school. His services on the school board have ever been in the interests of progress and the best interests of the growing generations. Fraternally, he is an enthusiastic member of the Yeomen. He was born in Chester, Howard County, Iowa, Dec. 18, 1868, the Son of George E. and Elvira (Cramm) Loomis, the pioneers. These worthy people were born in Vermont, came to La Crosse County, this state, in the early days, lived there twelve years, and then moved to Howard County, Iowa, with the early settlers and there spent the remainder of their lives the father dying Jan. 8, 1902, and the mother, March 30, 1918. In the family there were four children, Willis E., Alice L., Avena and Clarence A. L. Clarence attended the district schools of his native county and supplemented this with two years in business college in La Crosse, Wis. For some years he worked with his father on the farm and then started in for himself, continuing his operations until he owned a whole half section of rich Iowa land. As a scientific farmer he was widely known, and his Royal Belgian horses were nationally famous, having taken two championships at the International Stock Show in Chicago in 1902. His registered Jersey cattle were the basis of many another fine herd in his part of the state, and his fine Shropshire sheep, Poland China swine and White Wyandotte chickens had more than a local reputation. In public life he occupied local and town offices and served on numerous delegations and committees. In Iowa he was elected to two terms as county clerk of court. Coming of pioneer stock he was interested in the preservation of the memories of the early days, and for several years was president of the State Line Old Settlers' Association, an organization embracing the early settlers of northeastern Iowa and south- eastern Minnesota. But in spite of this measure of success and prominence, the pioneer blood in his veins called him to try life in a newer country, so in 1906 he sold out and came to Barron County. Here with Barronette as his headquarters he acquired considerable land, being at one time the possessor of no less than 1,300 acres. In 1908 he purchased the Barronette Stock Farm of 320 acres, stumped 100 acres, renovated the buildings, erected a large barn and there successfully carried on mixed farming and dairying until 1914. In that year he went to Cumberland and became owner and manager of the Merchants Hotel. In 1916 he came back to Barronette and has since been engaged in the real estate business here and in looking after his extensive interests. Mr. Loomis was married, Feb. 29, 1892, to Chrissie Tonolli, daughter of Carl and Mary (Menghelt) Tonolli, and this union has been blessed with three children: Carl E., born March 18, 1893, now at home; George W., born April 16, 1895, now in Duluth; and Ruth, born Aug. 12, 1897, wife of, Harry Arnes of Barronette. The family faith is that of the Presbyterian Church. SOURCE: The History of Barron Co., Wisconsin, H. C. Cooper, Jr., & Co., 1922, pp 718-719