Copyright USGenNet Inc., 2025 All Rights Reserved USGenNet Data Repository Please read USGenNet Copyright Statement on this page: Transcribed and submitted by Linda Talbott for the USGenNet Data Repository http://www.us-data.org/ =========================================================================== Formatted by USGenNet Data Repository Chief Archivist, Linda Talbott All of the above information must remain when copied or downloaded. =========================================================================== History of Buffalo & Pepin Counties, Wisconsin - Vol. 1 pub. H. C. Cooper, Jr. & Co., Winona, MN - 1919 [page 326-327] PAUL PETER ABTS, an enterprising farmer and stock raiser, of Buffalo township, Buffalo county, was born in a pioneer log house, in Cross township, this county, Jan. 9, 1873, son of MICHAEL and MARY (LEMPER) ABTS. In his youth he attended district school and the Catholic parochial school at Fountain City. After working on the home farm until he was 23 years old, he struck out for himself, being employed by different farmers in Buffalo county. After awhile he changed his occu- pation, going to work as a canvasser for the McConnon Medical Co., of Winona, Minn., and was thus employed about four months. Then, in 1901, he bought his present place in section 14, Buf- falo township, a tract of 140 acres, on which there were no buildings, except an old log shanty. In the same year, Octo- ber 22, he was married to LIZZIE SPEHN, who was born in Cross township, Buffalo county, Jan. 26, 1878, daughter of JOHN and CLARA (ARENZ) SPEHN. Her father is now a resident of Fountain City. He was already provided with a better residence, as that same summer he had erected a part of the present brick veneer house of six rooms, and a part of the present barn, measuring 28 by 44 feet, was also built in that year. An addition to the latter, 36 by 32 feet, was made in 1916. The barn is constructed with a cement floor basement. Since taking this farm MR. ABTS has increased its size by the purchase of 80 acres more land. He keeps a good grade of Jersey, Guernsey and Holstein cattle, also of Duroc-Jersey hogs and horses. He is a member of the American Society of Equity, and also of the Catholic church, and has established a record as a successful farmer, and a steady and reliable citizen, who is interested in whatever makes for the good of the community in which he resides. Mr. and Mrs. ABTS have three children: ORVILLE, born April 16, 1905; OLIVIA, born May 20, 1908, and FLORENCE, born May 18, 1914. ===========================================================================