BIOGRAPHIES: John O. STEEN, Stanfold Township, Barron Co., WI *********************************************************************** USGENWEB ARCHIVES NOTICE: These electronic pages may NOT be reproduced in any format for profit or presentation by any other organization or persons. Persons or organizations desiring to use this material, must obtain the written consent of the contributor, or the legal representative of the submitter, and contact the listed USGenWeb archivist with proof of this consent. The submitter has given permission to the USGenWeb Archives to store the file permanently for free access. Submitted by: Vic Gulickson 24 February 2004 *********************************************************************** John 0. Steen, an honored citizen of section 10, Stanfold Township, is thoroughly familiar with the farming and lumbering industry in this region; he has been prominent as town and school official, and he ranks well among the foremost men of his neighborhood. He was born in Norway, April 19, 1858, the son of Ole and Berte Steen, who spent the span of their years in that country, the father being a miner. John 0. received a common school education, and as a youth started farm work. In 1881 he came to America, and found his way at once to Barron County where, with headquarters at Rice Lake, he worked for Knapp, Stout & Co. five years, and for the Rice Lake Lumber Co. fifteen years, working in the lumber woods in the winter and in sawmills in the summer. During this period he was a faithful workman, who held the regard of those for whom he worked. In 1901 he decided to give up lumbering and settle down to agricultural work. Accordingly he purchased his present place of 120 acres. A frame house and log barn had been built thereon by the previous occupant, and some of the land had been cleared and cultivated. Mr. Steen has continued the improvements. In 1916 he erected a large barn, with full basement, and installed with the James stanchions. He has built up a good place, and successfully carries on general farming and dairying. He has a good herd, headed by a full-blooded sire, and his tools, implements and machinery are of the best. In public affairs Mr. Steen has taken an active part for many years. He has been chairman of the town board for two year and as such sat as a member of the county board, doing good service for both town and county. He is now serving most efficiently as town treasurer. He is a careful accountant, he knows the town and its people thoroughly, and he puts his best efforts into his official work. He is likewise serving with distinction as clerk of the school board. Mr. Steen was married Nov. 27, 1886, at Rice Lake to Gunnell Rogstad, who was born in Norway, Aug. 7, 1867, the daughter of Peter and Mary Rogstad, now deceased, who came to this country in 1880 and settled in Rice Lake. Mr. and Mrs. Steen are the parents of nine children Bertha, Mary, Olena, Edward, Minda, Alvin, Myrtle, Gertrude and Ole. Bertha was born June 18, 1887, married Henry Leigh A.tner, and has two children, Walter and Gretchen, who live with Mr. Steen. Mary was born Nov. 13, 1892, married Leonard Score, of Cumberland Township and has a son, Lawrence. Olena was born Dec. 27, 1896, and is a stenographer. Edward was born Dec. 20, 1897, and is at home. Minda was born Jan. 3, 1899, and is a stenographer. Alvin was born Feb. 8, 1900; Myrtle was born Oct. 24, 1903; and Gertrude was born Dec. 15, 1907. Ole was born Jan. 10, 1894, and died in infancy. --Transcribed from: History of Barron Co., Wisconsin, H. C. Cooper, Jr., & Co., 1922, pp. 167-168. © All rights reserved. http://www.usgwarchives.net/copyright.htm