Bio: Burce, Charles S. (1914)

Contact: crystal@wiclarkcountyhistory.org

Surnames: Burce, Lincoln, Brown, Powers, Knueteson, Howard, Hobbs

----Source: History of Eau Claire County Wisconsin (1914) pages 662-663

Charles S. Burce. Among the younger class of wide-awake farmers of Eau Claire county is Charles S. Burce, of Brunswick township, where he was born May 1, 1887. His father, Charles Edwin Burce, was born in 1844, near Durham. Maine, was raised on a farm and received his education in the common schools. When the civil war broke out, he enlisted in the 17th Regiment Maine Volunteer Infantry on President Lincoln's first call for troops, and served four years. He came to Eau Claire county in 1867 and purchased a farm in Washington township, but later moved to Brunswick township and there made his home successfully engaged in farming until 1912, when he retired, owing to poor health, and now makes his home in Oakland, California, with his daughter, Mrs. Thomas Brown. He is a son of Silas Burce, for many years a prominent citizen of the state of Maine. During his residence in Brunswick township Mr. C. E. Burce was considered one of the most progressive farmers and citizens, and for many years was a member of the town board and the Methodist church. He married Frances Powers, who was born in Penobscot county. Maine, daughter of Andrew and Mary (Howard) Powers, both descended from prominent New England families, who can trace their ancestors back to the pilgrims. To this union were born nine children as follows: Effie, married Thomas Brown, a retired grocer of Oakland. California; Ethel, married Thomas Hobbs, a farmer of Washington Township; Laura, married John, former superintendent of Eau Claire county schools; Ruth is a school teacher in Washington township; John is a machinist of Toronto, Canada; Charles S., the subject of this sketch; Jessie, Leander and Burnice, who died young.

Charles S. attended the public schools and assisted his parents in the farm work. He later went to La Crosse, Wisconsin, and spent one year with the Smith Manufacturing Company, learning the trade of machinist and blacksmith, after which he went to Manitoba and worked in the great wheat fields, later attending the Fair at Seattle, Washington, whence he returned to his home in the town of Brunswick and engaged in farming with his father, and since the latter's retirement in 1912, has carried on the home farm of 280 acres. He uses modern methods in his farming operations and keeps the place well supplied with modern and up-to-date machinery and labor saving devices. He is a member of the M. E. church, and has filled the office of road commissioner. He married Miss Alma Knuteson, daughter of Eric Knuteson, of Drammen township.