Joseph Frank Susa, 1857

stan@wiclarkcountyhistory.org on Sun, 18 Feb 2001

Surname: SUSA, HEDWICK, KALUSKI, SCHUMBLOCK, WEISENBERGER

----Source: History of Clark County, Wisconsin (1918), by Franklyn, Curtiss-Wedge

JOSEPH FRANK SUSA, proprietor of a good farm in Section --, Eaton Township, was born in, Schlossen, Germany, Sept. 26, 1857. His father was Albert Susa, and the maiden name of his mother was Hattie (or Hedwick) Kaluski. Both were natives of Germany, where they died after spending their lives as farmers. Their children were Joseph, Hedwick, Catherine, Marie, Peter, Sophia and Frank. Joseph was the only member of the family to come to the United States, which he did in 1883. Locating in Buffalo County, Wis., he worked on farms there, remaining three years on one place.

On May 4, 1886, he was married to Susanna Weisenberger, who was born in Harrison County, Ind., Dec. 31, 1863, daughter of Jacob and Constina (Schunblock) Weisenberger. Her father had come with his parents to Indiana from Germany when he was 15 years old, her mother coming in similar manner, at the age of two. They were married in Indiana and located in Buffalo County, Wis., in 1863, locating on a farm in the woods, there being but few settlers there at the time. Like most other pioneers, his first residence was a log house, but later he erected better buildings. Using an ox team in early days he developed a farm on which he spent the rest of his life. The nearest town was Arcadia. A Catholic in religion, he helped to build the Catholic Church at Waumandee.

Mr. and Mrs. Susa resided in Buffalo County until 1895, and had three children born there--Joseph, Albert and John. In that year they came to Clark County, Mr. Susa buying 280 acres of land in Eaton Township. There was no road past the place, and the land was covered with timber, and was destitute of buildings. The last defect he soon remedied by erecting a two-room log house, 20 by 30 feet in size, and a log barn. He had brought two cows and two horses with him, together with a dozen chickens. Here he has since remained, having in the meanwhile made many improvements on his place, and also bought 120 acres more land. He now has a good brick residence of eight rooms, and a basement barn, 40 by 72 feet in dimensions, and keeps a good grade of stock. He has a large sheep range, including 100 sheep.

He has served one term as a member of the school board. Mr. Susa is a member of the Catholic Church. In addition to the children above mentioned, three others have been born to them in Clark County: Paul, Hattie and Sophia.