Bio: Happe Family, William R. (Born 1893)
Transcriber: Stan

Surnames: HAPPE MESSNER ALBRECHT TANNER

----Source: Town of Fremont History - 1973

Happe Family, William R. (Born 1893)

William R. Happe was born on Sept. 20, 1893 in Lomira, Wis., the son of William R. Happe and Lydia (Messner) Happe. The family moved from Dodge County in 1900 to a farm four miles northwest of Chili.

Bill attended the Heathville School, the Granton High School for two years, and then transferred to the Marshfield High School, from which he graduated in 1912.

He was engaged with his father in farming. On June 30, 1920, he married Charlotte Albrecht. They moved to the 240-acre original timber tract on which his father and he had cleared considerable acreage. They had also built a large barn, a modern frame house, and a granary-machine shed.

Three children were born to them: a daughter, Rowene (Mrs. Gilbert Tanner), Eau Claire, and two sons, Harland (deceased), and W. Ronald, Chili.

Bill continued with farming, specializing in dairying until he sold his farm. He moved to Chili in 1943 and bought the grocery store. Two years later he became a charter member of the Independent Grocers Association and operated his business as the Chili IGA Store. After 18 years in the grocery business, he sold out to Marvin Menger. Since retiring from business, he has been helping his son Ronald with farm work.

Bill has been active in civic affairs. He served as director of the Cozy Corner School District, as supervisor of the town of Fremont, Clark County at two different times, and as clerk of the township. He also helped organize the Chili Fire Department.