History of Clark County, Wisconsin (1918

             Mr. & Mrs. Charles Rahm              Mr. & Mrs. Peter Rahm

PETER RAHM, who died on his farm in Sherman Township, July 22, 1912, was an early settler here, and a man who had done good pioneer work in developing a farm from the wilderness. He was born in South Germany, near the French boundary line, June 24, 1836. In June, 1863, he was married in Germany to Elizabeth Lutz. For a number of years after their marriage he and his wife continued to reside in their native land, and there four sons and three daughters were born to them, namely: Edward, Phillip, Charles, August, Bertha, Lena and Anna. In 1880 the family, emigrated to the United States, landing at New York and traveling west to Sheboygan, Wis., where they resided for one year. They then came to Sherman Township, Clark County, Mr. Rahm buying eighty acres of land of William Haas, which had been the old Taylor homestead. As an improved tract it was provided with a log house and barn. As a part of the bargain Mr. Rahm also got an old ox, which, together with a cow constituted his original stock. The road was then only turnpiked for eighty rods, the rest being corduroy.

When not engaged in improving his farm Mr. Rahm did various other kinds of work to earn money for the current expenses of his family. Among other things, he hauled lumber for Joe Marsh before the railroad was built, and then made a trip with logs to the old Upham switch. He also hauled staves and later shingles to Mapleworks, now Granton. His wife often walked to, Spencer with butter and eggs, bringing back domestic supplies and at times he, himself, would make the trip with his team of oxen for which he had to carry feed to give them on the journey while they rested at frequent intervals. His first reaper was bought from Charles Cornelius of Neillsville, who was then in the implement business. Mr. Rahm in time acquired 120 acres of land and built a barn 36 by 80 feet in size. Ile always kept good stock, raised the usual grains, and became prosperous. He never cared for public office, but was an active member of the German Lutheran Church in his neighborhood. A strong, rugged man, he plowed all the land broken on his farm, continuing that hard work even at the age of 74 years. His wife died Aug. 5, 1917.