Surnames: VanGorden, Pratt, Northup

----Source: Clark County Press (Neillsville, Clark County, Wis.) Thursday, 5 Oct. 1944

THE VANGORDENS COME TO THEIR 55TH ANNIVERSRARY

On October 1, the VanGordens reached the fifty-fifth anniversary of their business experience as family in Central Wisconsin. It was on October 1, 1889, that the late S. H. VanGorden established at Hixton the mercantile business which has continuously, proceeded under the name of S. H. VanGorden & Sons.

When the sons grew up a branch store was started at Taylor, with B. L. in charge, and then H. H. was put in charge, and then H. H. was put in charge of another branch at Alma Center. Then Clyde was located at Osseo. Still later Bruce was established at Black River Falls and Archie ("Red") at Neillsville. The latter two are grandsons of S. H., the Hixton Founder.

The original store at Hixton is now operated by Mr. and Mrs. C. O. Pratt and Mrs. Emma Northup, both women being daughters of Mr. and Mrs. S. H. VanGorden.