BIOGRAPHIES: M. B. UREN, Angus, 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 *********************************************************************** M. B. Uren, founder of Angus, in Cedar Lake Township, this county, at one time a man of considerable importance in the southwestern part of the state and now one of the leaders in the modern development of this county, was born in Blanchardville, Lafayette County, Wis., July 30, 1856, the son of J. J. and Grace (Harris) Uren, natives of England. J. J. Uren came to America in 1845 and settled at Mineral Point, Iowa County, Wis. In 1850 he went to California, prospecting for gold, but returned in 1853. Then, in partnership with his father, he purchased several sections of land in Lafayette County, Wisconsin, on one of which was located a lead mine. In the fall of 1855, he located at Blanchardville, in Lafayette County, and there spent the remainder of his days. He died in September, 1892, and his wife in June, 1890. They were the parents of nine children, of whom there are now living seven: Grace, Jane, Mary, Bessie, Susan, M. B. and William C. Grace, widow of John Cavelle, lives in Modesto, Calif. Jane, the widow of Thomas Wallace, lives at Crow's Landing, Calif.; Mary, the widow of Edward Brown, lives at Mineral Point, Wis. Bessie married John Buckingham, of Blanchardville, Wis. Susie is the wife of Charles Crowell, also of that place. M. B. lives at Angus, Wis. William C. lives in Cedar Lake Township. John J. and Henry are dead. The subject of this sketch was reared and educated in his native place and there became a highly successful and prosperous farmer. He was a real leader among his fellows, served four years as undersheriff of Lafayette County, at different times as township assessor, clerk (for six consecutive years) and supervisor, and for twelve years as clerk of his school district. In June, 1906, he came to what is now the village of Angus, established a general store, and was appointed first postmaster. He made extensive deals in real estate, and at one time owned 560 acres of land in this vicinity. In 1908 he sold the store to his son, Warren, who also succeeded him as postmaster, and he in 1911 sold to E. H. Leonard. In the meantime Mr. Uren had continued to live in Blanchardville. He came to Angus in 1912 and located on the fine farm of 240 acres which he now operates with his son, M. H. When he purchased the tract it was cut-over land, covered with stumps and brush. He has cleared up the land and has 60 acres under the plow and the remainder in timber and pasture, the entire farm being surrounded by up-to-date wire fencing. He has put up a fine set of buildings, including a two-story eight-room house, 28 by 30 feet; a new barn, 36 by 82 feet, with full tile basement; a horse barn, 20 by 30 feet, with a lean-to 16 by 30 feet; a machine shed, 16 by 40 feet, and other suitable structures. The machinery, tools and implements are all modern, and include the Star barn equipment and a four-unit Pine Tree milking machine. The herd is of pure blooded and graded Holstein, headed by a full blooded sire. The swine are Duroc-Jerseys, and the sheep are of the Shropshire breed. Since coming here Mr. Uren has taken an interest in public affairs and has done good service on the school board. He is a stockholder in the Angus Produce Association, the Shipping Association, the Potato Growers' Association, and in the Mikana Feed Mill. Fraternally, he is a member of the Modern Woodmen of America. Mr. Uren was married at Darlington, Wis., Jan. 26, 1879, to Celia E. Paynter, daughter of William and Matilda Paynter, natives of England, and early settlers at Yellowstone, Lafayette County, Wis. In the Paynter family there were nine children. Celia E., Adeline, Ida, Abbie, William, Charles and Harkles are living, and John and Matilda are dead. Mr. and Mrs. Uren have five children: Katie, Celia M., Warren B., Lester H. and Maurice H. Katie is the wife of Edward Beecroft, of Chicago, treasurer of the Elgin, Joliet & Eastern Railroad; Celia M. is employed by that company. Warren B. lives in Cedar Lake Township. Lester H. is a merchant at Mikana, Barron County, this state. Maurice H. works with his father. --Transcribed from: History of Barron Co., Wisconsin, H. C. Cooper, Jr., & Co., 1922, pp. 371-372. © All rights reserved. http://www.usgwarchives.net/copyright.htm