Obituary: ECL 29 Oct 1947 p2

Michael Mousel, a progressive farmer in the town of Spring Brook, whose career illustrated the value of self-help, was born in the Duchy of Luxemburg, Jan. 8, 1854, son of John and Anna M. (Gasper) Mousel. The parents, who were farmers, spent their lives in their native land. Their children were: Nicholas, who came to this country, worked with his brothers John and Barney and then returned to Luxemburg; Michael, subject of this sketch; Mary, now Mrs. Peter Kramer of Eau Claire; Elizabeth, still in Luxemburg, and now the wife of Theodore Elinger; John, a farmer in the town of Spring Brook, Dunn County; Susan, who became the wife of John Kiefer of Luxemburg, but is now deceased; Matthias, residing in Luxemburg; J. Barney, in the town of Spring Brook, Dunn County; and Anna, who is Mrs. Paul Fellon of Stayton, Ore. Michael Mousel acquired his education in his native land after which he was engaged in farm labor there for a number of years. In 1881 he showed his ambition and progressive spirit by cutting loose from the old home and emigrating to the United States in search of better opportunities for advancement. From New York he journeyed to Sheboygan County, Wisconsin, in the following year went to Minnesota, and in his third year in this country came to Dunn County, where for a year he did farm labor in Elk Mound and the vicinity. In 1885 he went back to Luxemburg to get a wife, returned with his bride to this country and in 1887 began to build up a farm home, buying 80 acres of land in Section 9, town of Spring Brook, the tract being a partly improved farm on which was a small frame house. He at once built a small barn to shelter his team and two cows, later adding other buildings as he was able until he had a good and complete set. He also bought 40 acres more land and still later another 40-acre tract, and now has a total of 160 acres, of which he has cleared 70. He carries on general farming and dairying, having started with mixed cattle, which he has since replaced by grade Holsteins. Mr. Mousel in 1921 rented his farm to his son John, but still resides on it. He is a stockholder in the Elk Mound Cooperative Creamery. His marriage, to which reference has already been made, took place in Luxemburg, Dec. 22, 1886, uniting him with Mary Beckius, who was born there Aug. 11, 1864, daughter of John B. and Margaret (Kelsen) Beckius. He and his wife are the parents of six children, Cornelius, Nicholas, Michael, Margaret, John J. and William, whose records in brief are as follows: Cornelius, born Oct. 17, 1887, is now in the employ of George O. Chrislow of the town of Spring Brook. Nicholas, born Aug. 31, 1889, and who owns and operates a farm in the town of Elk Mound, married Anna M. Zimmer, and has had five children, Marie H., Mary (deceased), Agnes, Lawrence, Clarence and James. Michael A., born July 13, 1891, married Margaret Zimmer. They reside at Elmwood, Pierce County, and are the parents of five children, Raymond, Elinora, Donald, Robert and Andrew. Margaret, born Dec. 8, 1893, is Mrs. Michael Yaeger of the town of Spring Brook and the mother of four children, Raymond, Leo, Cornelius and Odellia. John J., born July 17, 1897, is now operating the home farm, and William, born Dec. 12, 1901, is also residing on it. Mr. Mousel and his family are members of the St. Joseph's Catholic Congregation at Elk Mound.

Transcribed from the "History of Dunn County Wisconsin, 1925" page 471