1918 Clark Co. WI History

CHRIST FEUTZ, proprietor of Cannonville Cheese Factory, in Washburn Township, is a young man who, in a few years, has established a reputation as one of the successful business men of Clark County. He was born in Switzerland, May 13, 1885, son of Samuel and Mary (Stiner) Feutz, who followed the occupation of farmers and cheese makers in one of the mountainous regions of their native land. There the father, Samuel Feutz, died at the age of 61 years, about two years ago, the mother being still living at the age of 59. They had six children: Fritz, Christ, Mary, John, Walter and William. All were brought up in the cheese-making industry, and all are now in the United States except Mary. John, who came first to this country, is now living in Randolph County, Wis. Next came Christ, in 1910 William, now of Shortville, coming in the following year. Afterwards came Walter, who is now on a farm near Randolph. Christ Feutz attended the common schools of Switzerland until 16 years of age. He was taught cheesemaking by his father, and also learned the trade of blacksmith, which he followed for ten years.

In 1910, as above recorded, he came to the United States, locating first at Oconomowoc, Wis., where he entered a cheese factory, to further perfect his skill in that industry. In 1911 he began working in Westfall and was employed there and also in Sherwood and Columbia County until he came to Clark County. Here he bought the property on the old Babcock corner in Washburn Township, and built his present cheese factory, known as the Cannonville Cheese Factory, which is located on the farm of Robert Galbreath. The building, which has a five-foot basement, measures 42 by 26 feet, and has also an upper story. The plant is operated by an eleven-horsepower steam engine. Mr. Feutz makes dairy cheese and has been very successful in his operations, the first year paying out $14,000 to his patrons, and the second year about $20,000.

He was married, Oct. 1, 1913, to Ethel Galbreath, who was born in Richland County, Wis., daughter of Robert and Ina (Fox) Galbreath. Her parents, natives of Indiana, removed to Wisconsin, taking up farming in Richland County, whence they came to Clark County about 1900, locating in Washburn Township. Robert Galbreath died at the age of 50 years his wife is still living at the age of 53. They had three children: Lulu, now Mrs. Isaac Higgins, of Gotham, Wis. Ethel, wife of Mr. Feutz, and Ross, now owner of the Galbreath farm in Washburn Township. Mr. and Mrs. Feutz belong to the order of Mystic Workers. For seven years Mrs. Feutz taught school in Washburn Township, and one term in Sherwood. They have one child, Lynn Robert.