Martin Breseman, 1861

Posted4U@Charter.net on Sat, 10 Feb 2001

Surname: BRESEMAN, CLOSE

Source: 1918 History of Clark Co., WI, by Franklyn, Curtiss-Wedge

MARTIN BRESEMAN, a well-known and popular citizen of Lynn Township, having a farm in Section 9, was born in Washington County, Wis., June 18, 1861, son of Phillip and Nettie (Close) Breseman. He obtained his schooling in Washington County, and was 19 years of age when he came with the family to Clark County, driving in from Marshfield. They settled in Fremont Township and Martin remained with his father, helping to clear the home farm until he started out for himself at the age of 22 years. Then for some years he worked in lumber camps and sawmills and on farms. While thus engaged he secured a farm on which he located later a tract of eighty acres in Section 9, Lynn Township, which is his present farm.

The land was in primitive condition, being covered with timber and without buildings, and there was no road to the place. His first act was to build a log house 18 by 24 feet in size, with two rooms, which stood northeast of the present residence on the hill.

He had married Louisa Wischulke, of Lynn Township, and he and his wife moved into this first dwelling. They had made a payment of $75 on the place, which practically exhausted their capital, and had nothing but their hands to depend on. So slow was their early progress that Mr. Breseman was unable to get an ox team for five or six years, and then it was a team that he had himself raised from calves. His first wagon was a jumper, but later he bought a second hand wagon. Previous to these acquisitions, however, he often carried supplies on his back, walking to and from Neillsville. When he and his wife started they had a cow and a few chickens, and later they procured one or two hogs.

Being Lutherans in religious faith, they attended the church of that denomination in Grant Township, walking three miles on foot to attend the services. After obtaining his ox team, Mr. Breseman made better progress and his history since has been one of ever increasing prosperity. His farm, consisting of 180 acres, is now well cleared. He has a, frame house of nine rooms, and a barn 36 by 70 feet in size, with a silo 12 by 32 feet. He keeps good Durham cattle and raises full blooded hogs.

As a good citizen interested in the welfare of the community in which he lives, he has served on the township board as supervisor and as a director on the school board. He and his wife have three children, all sons--John, Walter and Edward.