Joseph LeBeouf

Village Pioneer

Founder of the Village of Winter

Wife 1: Susan Ladoux married 13 April 1887 Chippewa
Wife 2: Mary McGill married about 1892
Wife 3: Maud Baker married 7 December 1899

Chippewa Falls Herald Oct. 18, 1889
Circuit Court
Below are the cases disposed of since the last issue of the Herald…Joseph LeBeouf vs. Susan LeBeouf. Decree of Divorce granted.

Marple, Eldon M. “A History of the Hayward Lakes Region.” Hayward, WI: Chicago Bay Grafix, 1976.

“Joseph La Beouf, the founder of the village of Winter, settled at the end of the road just north of town in 1889 or before. However, his name was listed in the 1880 census in this area and he could have been here some time before that.

He was born in Canada in 1854 and married Mary McGill. LaBeouf farmed, logged, and kept a stopping place.

His first buildings were of log but later he built the fine T-style house across from the Ranger Station.”

Hayward Republican Oct. 26, 1893
Joseph Labuff, of Chippewa, is the proud parent of a bran (sic) new girl baby. The event occurred on Friday last and Joe says it the nicest baby in Northern Wisconsin.
(daughter Hazel LeBeouff Fitch)

Hayward Republican April 8, 1897
Joe Labeauff, of Chippewa settlement, was in town Tuesday setting “’em up” for the boys, the occasion being the arrival at his home on April 1, of a pair of girls. It is reported that Joe was so elated over the event that he forgot to vote.

Hayward Republican newspaper Dec. 7, 1899
In this city Dec. 4, 1899, Court Commissioner WH Marquette officiating, Joseph LeBeouff and Mrs. Maud Baker. The Republican extends the usual congratulations and hopes their married life may prove a happy and profitable one.

Hayward Republican Nov. 27, 1913
Lebeouff Divorce Case to be tried at Chippewa
The divorce case of Mrs. Lebeouff against Joseph Lebeouff will be tried at the fall term of the circuit court for Chippewa county to be held at Chippewa Falls, the plaintiff seeking a separation on the grounds of cruelty. JC Davis of this city will appear for Mr. Lebeoueff.

Joseph LeBeouf
Joseph LeBeouf Homestead

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After the Omaha Railroad was built from Rice Lake to Park Falls, people began to settle in the community which was called Winter, in honor of Mr. John Winter, an Omaha Railroad official, who came to the community from St. Paul because of his logging interests.

Winter developed rapidly and a need was felt for political organization. In 1905 the Wisconsin Legislature under Chapter 24, created Township of Winter from a detached portion of the Town of Hayward. (Sawyer County was created in March 1883 and consisted of a single Township, the Town of Hayward.)