 |
Albert Filkins |
|
|
Albert Filkins |
Albert Filkins is one of the pioneers of La Crosse county, having settled here as early as 1856. He is a native of Rensselaer County, New York, born February 16, 1830, and is a son of Peter and Ann Eliza (Van Der Cook) Filkins. His father was a farmer, and served as a soldier in the war of 1812; his grandfather, Jacob Filkins, also followed agricultural pursuits and was probably a descendant of the English family bearing his name, who settled in this country in Colonial days. Ann Eliza Van Der Cook was a daughter of Gilbert Van Der Cook, who served in the war of 1812; his progenitors belonged to the Knickerbocker stock of New York.
Albert Filkins was reared in the Empire State, and obtained a fair education in the common schools. At the age of twenty-two years he began to learn the carpenter's trade, and worked throughout the State of New York as a journeyman. He spent one year in Belvidere, Illinois, and in the spring of 1855 came to La Crosse, and the following year located here permanently. He erected, among many other structures, the Exposition Building, the Wheel & Seeder Works and the State Street engine house.
Mr. Filkins was married in this city, to Miss Mary E. Pierre, a native of Saratoga county, New York, and a daughter of Philip and Parmelia (Huling) Pierre, who emigrated to this county from the State of New York about the year 1854. To Mr. and Mrs. Filkins has been born one son, Rockwell E. Filkins, who is associated with his father in business. Our worthy subject is a member of the Builder's Exchange, and used every effort to assist in its organization and to make it a permanent affair. He belongs to the
First Baptist Church, to which he contributes a liberal support.
