Anton O. Melby
Anton O. Melby, president of the John O. Melby & Co. Bank, Whitehall, is one of the substantial figures in the financial stability of Trempealeau County. Connected with his present institution since 1888, he has worked his way to the top, and his personality and ability have been important factors in its success. He was born in Askim, Norway, Jan. 1, 1858, the son of Ole Christianson and his good wife, Maria Olson, farming people, the former of whom died in 1871 and the latter in 1896. Of the six children in the family three came to the United States and found their way directly to Ettrick, in Trempealeau County, John O. arriving in 1869, Edward in 1871 and Anton O. in 1873. Upon reaching Ettrick Anton O. secured employment in the store of Iver Pederson, with whom he remained nearly six years. Then he spent nine years traveling. In January, 1888, he came to Whitehall. In the fall of that year, when his brother, John 0. opened his bank, Anton O. became assistant cashier. In 1894 he was made cashier, and in 1911 he was elevated to the duties of his present position. With all his busy life, he has found time for considerable public work, and has given excellent service as a member of the village council since 1894. He has been a member of the Odd Fellows since 1888. His religious affiliation is with the Methodist Episcopal Church, in which he is a member of the official board as a trustee. Mr. Melby was married July 26, 1893, to Delia E. Hazard, a school teacher of North Ferrisburg, Vt., who was born in 1865 and died in 1899, the daughter of Ezra and Caroline (Williams) Hazard. This union was blessed with three children: William H., who is engaged in the lumber business at De Smet, S. D.; Sylvia M., who was graduated from the La Crosse normal school in 1916, and is now teaching at Norwalk, Wis., and Edward C, who lives at North Ferrisburg, Vt. June 11, 1903, Mr. Melby married Mrs. Mary E. (McKay) Shane of Modena, Wis.
(from HISTORY OF TREMPEALEAU COUNTY WISCONSIN
Compiled by Franklyn Curtiss-Wedge
Edited by Eben Douglas Pierce, M.D.
H. C. Cooper, Jr., & Co.
Chicago and Winona 1917)
(from HISTORY OF TREMPEALEAU COUNTY WISCONSIN
Compiled by Franklyn Curtiss-Wedge
Edited by Eben Douglas Pierce, M.D.
H. C. Cooper, Jr., & Co.
Chicago and Winona 1917)