Bio: Stacey, John & Martha

Transcriber: stan@wiclarkcountyhistory.org

Surnames: Stacey, Stucki, Buker, Stephens, Monegar

----Source: Family Scrapbook

My grandfather did not have an English name. He worked for an Irish farmer named Stacey who could not pronounce his Indian name. My grandfather said, "I will take your name". The farmer said, "I will call you Mike Stacey". When my dad was born he was named John Stacey and that is how we came to be known by that name.

Mike and Nancy Stacey lived in Black River Falls, Wisconsin. Their son, my dad, was born April 1, 1867 while they were on a trapping trip. Charley and Mary Lowe lived in Trempeleau. They lived in wigwams and moved to wherever work was available. On their way to Black River Falls to pick blueberries on July 4, 1870, Martha, my mother, was born in Melrose. My parents met while attending school at the mission at Black River Falls and after a long courtship were married there on September 1, 1892. He worked with Rev. Jacob Stucki, missionary and together translated parts of the Bible into Winnebago language.

To this union were born five sons and five daughters: Joe, Mark, John, James, Alvin, Emma (1), Helen, Emma (2), Tillie and Esther.

They bought 120 acres of land in the Town of Mead in 1914. Dad came to brush this land during 1914 and 1915 and built a cabin. In 1916, with the help of my uncles, using three teams of horses and three wagons and bringing two cows, we moved to our home near Willard.

Often my dad walked to Black River Falls. When Rev. Stucki passed away in May 1930 he was asked to take his position to work among the Indian people. He stayed in this capacity until 1946 when he retired at 79 years of age.

Mother passed away June 27, 1954 at 84 years of age. Dad died July 5, 1956 at 89 years of age. They are buried at the Indian Mission at Black River Falls. Joe, Emma (1), Mark, James, Alvin, Emma (2) and Esther are deceased. I, Tillie, (Mrs. Ervin Buker) live on the home farm, John lives a short distance from me. Helen (Mrs. Eric Stephens) lives in Minneapolis. Emma (2) was married to artist Clarence Monegar whose works are well known.

Submitted by Tillie Stacey Buker