Early Fremont Township Settlers

Clark Co., Wisconsin

John McFarlane lived one mile south, and 1-1/2 miles west of Chili, just beyond the railroad tracks on the north side of the road. He had settled there prior to 1916, living there from spring until fall each year, and returning to his family in Rockford, Illinois during the winter months. He often spoke of his experiences in Alaska during the Gold Rush of the 1890's. In 1962 during a visit to the Klondike region of Alaska, Henry C. Grottke met an old timer who vividly recalled John McFarlane during those Gold Rush days.

Just a short distance east of John McFarlane, across the railroad tracks, on the south side of the road lived Phillip and Martha Trevean. After Phillip passed away December 3, 1926, Martha continued to live on the farm with her son David Earl and his family. They moved from the farm some time around 1940.

Perhaps the most interesting resident of that same vicinity was Frank Shulz. He settled just east of the railroad on the north side of the road in 1901. At the age of 80 he learned to ride a bicycle and used it as his sole means of transportation until his death. In 1944 he lost his life in a fire which destroyed his converted brooder house home. It seems he had eight goats living in the same dwelling. During his residence in the area he was employed as a railroad worker and he also operated a shoe repair shop for a time. He loved children and had a very sunny personality.