Francis "Frank" Bertrand was born 1840, in Tongrinne, Namur, Belgium. He emigrated to the United States with his parents, and 4 siblings. Aboard the "Francis B. Cutting", departing Antwerp 13 March 1856 and landing at New York 28 April 1856. Settling in Tonet, Kewaunee County, Wisconsin.

Frank served in the Civil War.

Enlistment Date: Nov 2, 1862

Enlisted in Company H, Wisconsin 34th Infantry Regiment on Nov 29 1862.

Mustered out on Sep 8, 1863 at Camp Washburn, Milwaukee, WI.

He married Lucia Josephe Baye Nov 4, 1865 at Robinsonville, Brown County.

They had 9 children:

Clemence Bertrand-8 August 1866–25 April 1952-Eli Joseph Malcore

Mary Bertrand-20 March 1868–27 May 1949-Philippe Servaes/Jule Moureau

Emil Bertrand-19 October 1870–Deceased

Peter Bertrand-14 August 1872–7 September 1918

Edmond Julius Bertrand-26 June 1874–25 October 1952

Henry Bertrand-11 July 1876–23 April 1901

Gustave Bertrand-1878–1 June 1882

Josephine Bertrand-15 October 1879– 22 Dec 1907-Desire Rogers

Charles Bertrand-26 July 1882–18 December 1901

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Civil War Veteran Died

Frank Bertrand of Red River Succumbed Tuesday

Frank Bertrand, a very well known old resident of the town of Red River, died at the home of his daughter, Mrs. C. Melchoir at Dyckesville at 6 o'oclock last Tuesday morning. The old gentleman had been failing in health for the past sixteen months and though his death was not entirely unexpected it came as a shock of members of the immediate family.

Mrs. Bertrand was born in Belgium about eighty years ago. He came to America in his early youth, at the age of thirteen, with his parents and they came directly to Tonet where they settled on a farm. About fifty-three years ago he was united in marriage at Champion, in the town of Green Bay to Miss Lucy Baye and that union was blessed with nine children, four of whom are living, namely, Mrs. C. Melchoir of Dyckesville, Mrs. Philip Servais of Forestville, Emile of Canyon, Wisconsin and Edmund of Green Bay.

One of the oldest settlers residing in the town Mr. Bertrand enjoyed a wide acquaintanceship in his his death the community loses one of its early pioneers. Of late years he had been living with his daughter where every care and comfort was provided him.

Funeral services were held yesterday morning at nine o'clock and were very largely attended. Rev. M. P. Smits officated and interment was in the Catholic Cemetery.

Mr. Bertrand served in the Civil War and several old veterans were in attendance at the funeral.

-- Luxemburg News, Fri Apr 15, 1920