River Falls journal. [volume] (River Falls, Pierce County, Wis.) 1872-2019, 1902-11-20
OSBORNE STRAHL.
1s1s-1oO2.

wi oll Gill was VI quaker parent
age and was the oldest in a
family of eight children. His
school education was acquired in
the schools of the denomination in
Ohio, and although limited was the
best that the time afforded, and
this foretaste of knowledge received
in these schools gave him thirst
for more, a thirst which was never
quenched although his reading and
studies assumed a wide range.
While still quite young he taught in
the country schools, an experience
which was the beginning of a life
long interest in education and
institutions of learning.
In 1845 Mr.. Strahl came to Wis
consin, passing several years in
the pineries on the Chippewa river,
with the primary object of regain
ing impaired health In 1850 he
located in what is now the town of
Clifton, Pierce county, but which
was then the town of Elizabeth, St.
CroiX county. Here being pioneer
in the country, he was for months
subject to the hardships and incon-
veniences incident to such a life.
February "a, 1860, he married
Miss Rebecca Mcdonald of Rock
land, Maine.
Osborn Strahl was always a pub
lic-spirited man, taking a leading
part in politics, working with en-
ergy and good judgment for the
public interests. In the early his
tory of Pierce county he was the
leading spirit in initiating and adj
vancing orderly organization of
school districts, town and county
government, and for many years
served the people in some, and often
in several, official capacities.
He was the first chairman of the
county board of Pierce county,
served as county clerk, county sur
veyor, in various town Offices, and
was at one time alderman of this
city. In every capacity in which he
served the public his energy, good
judgment and integrity were mani
fest.
In the cause of education he was
conspicuous. The common schools
of the vicinity have profted by his
influence for more than a half cen
tury. For most of the time of his
residence in this county he has held
the Office of clerk of the school
board in the district where he re-
sided. For several years previous
to 1871, while living on the farm
west of here, he was clerk of the
school district which included the
city. About the year mentioned
above a school district was formed
that included his residence, remov-
ing him from the city district, he be-
coming clerk of the new district.
He was one of the most active
promoters of the River Falls Aca-
denny, established in 1857, subscrib-
ing to the stock of the corporation
and afterwards giving to it that
intelligent interest, which he was so
eminently capable of comforting.
When the establishment of a fourth
normal school was determined upon
by the state he eXerted himself to
secure the location of the school
here and was an important instru-
mentality in effecting this purpose.
In 1867 he joined the Masonic
order, serving for many years as
secretary or treasurer of the lodge
here. The high moral principles
inculcated by the order commend
ed themselves to his appreciation,
principles which he strove success
fully to exemplify in his daily life.
While Mr.. Strahl was not indenti-
fed with any church organization
he was no less a religious man,
recognizing the claims of Christian
ity and living in accordance with
the principles inculcated by the
Golden Rule. His thoughts were
highI he aimed to promote the well
fare of men; his life was free from
blemish. During the long months
of his suffering, while his physical
forces were In process of dissolution,
he displayed remarkable patience
and gentleness.
He leaves wife and five children;
two William De Witt of this
city; Howard P. of Davenport, Iowa,
and three daughters-Mfs. J. M.
Smith of this city, Mrs. J. A l..
Bradfield of La Crosse and Mrs. H.
| w. Radcliff of Baisain Lake.
The funeral was held from the
family residence Sunday afternoon,
Rev. T. j. Snodgrass officiating,
and the remains were inferred In
Greenwood cemetery, the burial,
services being performed In accord
aHee with the Masonic ritual.