History of Goodhue County, Minnesota, Part 72

Author: Curtiss-Wedge, Franklyn
Publication date: 1909
Publisher: Chicago, H.C. Cooper
Number of Pages: 1264

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Fred Seebach, county treasurer and ex-postmaster of Red Wing. was born in Germany, May 28, 1841, son of Ahrenfield and Mary (Kreuz) Seebach, the former of whom was born in 1808 and the latter in 1815. The father was a machinist and farmer in the old country. He came to America in the spring of 1844, and with his family located near Milwaukee. Wis., where he pur- chased a farm, which he conducted until after the Civil war. He then located in Goodhue county, carried on general farming for a time, and then moved to Red Wing, until his death in 1897. He was a veteran of the Civil war, having seen service from 1863 to the close of the hostilities with the First Wiseonsin Heavy Artil- lery. The mother died in 1887. Fred spent his boyhood at school and working on his father's farm, and later moved to Racine, Wis., where he purchased a large farm. He enlisted in the Twenty-fourth Wisconsin Volunteer Infantry in August. 1862. was taken prisoner at the battle of Chickamauga, and incarcerated in both Andersonville and Libby prisons. He was discharged from service at the close of the war. In 1873 he sold his farm in Racine

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and came to Red Wing. He opened a grocery store, which he successfully conducted several years, later disposing of this busi- ness to take up grain buying and selling. For eight years he served as county commissioner, and in 1888 was appointed post- master by President Harrison. A record of his postal service will be found in the postal history which is included in this volume. In 1902. he was elected county treasurer and is now serving his fourth term with much credit. Mr. Seebach is a Republican in polities, and in addition to the offices above mentioned has served as town clerk in Wisconsin, and as member of the Red Wing council. He is a past commander of the local G. A. R. post and a member of the Commercial Club. Mr. Seebach was married July 9, 1868, to Lydia Hernlem. of Racine county, Wisconsin, daughter of Christian and Louise |Stangman) Hernlem, the former of whom is dead. The latter is now living in Wisconsin, hale and hearty at the good old age of eighty-six years. Eight children have blessed the home of Mr. and Mrs. Seebach. Fred is married. lives at Red Wing. and is a clerk in the postoffice. Jacob is also married, lives in Red Wing, and works for the Red Wing Malt- ing Company. Henry is married and lives in St. Paul. John, who is deputy county treasurer, lives at home. Ernest lives at home and clerks in the postoffice. Emma married H. C. Kohn, a Red Wing merchant. Matilda married Henry Cain and lives in St. Paul. Lulu lives at home.

John H. Schacht, of the firm of Adler, Schacht & Co., one of the leading retail houses of Red Wing, is a native of Minnesota, born at Potsdam, Olmsted county, March 30, 1871. His parents, Harm Schacht and Anna (Brown) Schacht, were natives of Ger- many. The father came to Chicago in 1852, remained there until 1856. then went to Winona, Minn., where he clerked in his father's hotel. In 1857 he went to Potsdam, Greenwood Prairie, Olmsted county, and purchased a farm of 600 acres of what was considered the best land in the county. There he carried on general farming until 1892, when he retired, and moved his family to Rochester, Minn., where his wife died two years later. Hiram Schacht still lives at Rochester and rents his farm to other parties. After finishing the common school course in the schools of his native town, John II. attended the Darling Business College two years. At the age of eighteen he started his business career as a elerk in the hardware store of Vincent Tauschese, at LaCrosse, Wis. IIe then returned to Rochester and worked with the Stebbins Hardware Company of that place one year. He subsequently clerked in the store of the Boston Clothing Company in the same city one year, and in 1894 came to Red Wing. Here he started in the clothing business at 308 Main street with O. H. Adler as partner. The business at this store continued to grow for the

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. following six years, and larger quarters were needed for the dis- play of the stock necessitated by the increased trade. Conse- quently the firm moved to 320-322 Main street. The subsequent six years were periods of still greater growth, and in 1907 the company moved its stock to the present location at 317-319 Main street, where there is a steady trade and constantly augmented list of patrons. Mr. Schacht is president of the governing body of St. John's Hospital, Red Wing, and treasurer of the United States Hospital Association. He is an efficient member of the board of public works of the city, belongs to the Commercial Club and to the Lutheran association. He belongs to the German Lutheran church and votes the Republican ticket. John H. Sehacht was married in September, 1893, to Minnie Stephan, of Rochester, Minn., daughter of August and Caroline (Tetzlaf) Stephan, natives of Germany, who migrated to Rochester in the early days. Her father died in July, 1895, and the mother still makes her home at Rochester. To Mr. and Mrs. Schacht have been born three children: Erwin H., Herbert A. and Lucile, all of whom are at home.

Wilbor S. Scott, successful house painter and decorator of Red Wing, is a public spirited citizen. and has served one term as alderman of the city, representing the Second ward. He was born in Smethport. MeKean county, Pennsylvania, November 8, 1851. His father, Seth Scott, a native of Pennsylvania, married Bolina M. Fisher, a native of New York state. The parents came to Wisconsin in 1855, purchased a farm and did general farming two years. In 1857 they moved to Sparta, Wis., and purchased an- other farm. In 1859 they disposed of this property and took up their residence at Durand, Wis., where the father manufactured furniture until 1869. In that year he disposed of the furniture business and engaged in the mercantile trade for several years. Later he was elected judge of probate, a position which he held until his death in 1893. The mother is still living at Durand, having reached the venerable old age of 87 years. As a youngster, Wilbor S. lived in the various towns where his parents took up their residence. His early education was received in the public schools of Durand, after which he attended the Durand Academy. finishing with a course at the Galesville University, at Galesville. Wis. Returning to his home, he learned the printing trade. and engaged at this work until 1873, when he became a painter. Two years later he came to Red Wing and entered the employ of W. * E. Hawkins, as a painter, remaining in this employ eleven years. In 1886 he started business for himself, and has since continued the establishment which he at that time opened. He does a large business, and during the busy spring season employs as many as twenty or thirty men on his various contracts. His work as

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a paper hanger, painter and decorator is both honest and excellent and he is noted for his square dealing. The store at the corner of Main and Broadway in this city is well equipped with all the stock required for carrying on an up-to-date painting and deco- rating establishment. and everything in the place is kept in first class condition. Mr. Scott is a Republican in politics, attends the Presbyterian Church and affiliates with the Odd Fellows and the Independent Foresters. Ile was married at Durand, Wis., February 25, 1872, to Elmira Rogers, daughter of D. A. and Cor- delia (Casey) Rogers, the former of whom served three years under Sherman and marched with him to the sea. He afterward enlisted in Hancock's reserve corps, and served to the close of the war. He died in 1873 and the latter, October 27, 1908. To Mr. and Mrs. Scott have been born four children : B. Myrtle, born July 18, 1874, now lives in Leader, Minn. Wilbor A. is associated in business with his father. The two youngest died in infancy.

Jacob Sieg, deceased, was born in Spades, Ind., February 11, 1859. son of Henry and Katherine Sieg. natives of Germany who migrated to Indiana in the fifties and spent the remainder of their lives farming at Spades. Jacob received his education in the schools of his native town, and worked with his father until twenty-one years of age. In 1881 he came to Red Wing, and en- gaged in the wholesale liquor business, which he continued until his death, July 5. 1903. He was a Democrat in politics and a very popular fraternity man, being a member of the Masonic order, the United Workmen, the Elks and the Sons of Herman. He paid his religious worship at the German Lutheran Church. Mr. Sieg was married at Red Wing, September 8, 1890, to Louisa Zeitler, of this city, daughter of George E. and Martha (Zipple) Zeitler, natives of Germany. The father was a miller by trade. He came to America in 1854 and for a time engaged in the milling business in Goshen, Ind. Later he came to Hay Creek township, this county, with the early settlers, and purchased 160 acres of land, which he broke and improved, and where he carried on general farming until his death in February, 1883. His widow came to Red Wing and lived with Mrs. Sieg until her death, June 8, 1908. To Mr. and Mrs. Sieg were born three children, Freder- ick H. G., May 20. 1889: Walter F .. July 25, 1899, and Martha. July 16, 1902. Mrs. Sieg and her family live in a comfortable residence at 215 Seventh street, Red Wing. In the Zeitler family were three brothers and three sisters. George, August, William and Anna live in Los Angeles. William is manager of a transfer line there and Anna is the wife of George Weifenbach, who is engaged in the marble and granite business. Sophia married Philip Heydman, of Oklahoma, and Lonisa is the widow of Mr. Sieg.

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James E. Smith, a retired ranch owner, now living in Red Wing, is descended from the old New England stock, his family having been prominent in and about Hudson, N. H., since the days of the early settlement. He was born in that town, October 28, 1839, son of Jefferson and Sarah (Gibson) Smith, the former of whom died in Red Wing, in May, 1883, and the latter at Hud- son, N. H. James E. attended the district schools of the Granite state, and worked on the farm of his father. securing vigor of mind and body, as well as thorough training in agricultural pur- suits. He arrived in Red Wing in 1860, and in 1862 purchased, in company with his brother, 320 acres in the township of Good- hue, this county. This land he broke and improved, built a home and carried on general farming. In 1875, after disposing of the farm, he turned his attention toward South Dakota, where in 1878 he, in company with his brother as before, purchased over 1.400 acres, and conducted a cattle and horse ranch, upon which they also raised grain in large quantities. In 1895 Mr. Smith, after the ranch had been disposed of, returned to Red Wing and remained until 1897, when the family moved to Minneapolis, in order that the younger son, Paul, might attend the state university and still live at home. After six years' residence in that city, they returned to Red Wing, where they have since made their home. Mr. Smith is a Republican in politics, and a member of the Pres- byterian Church. He also belongs to the A. E. Welch Post, No. 75, G. A. R., having joined Company I, First Minnesota Heavy Artillery, at Red Wing, mustered in at Fort Snelling, February 16, 1865. The company was placed on garrison duty in Tennessee, Mr. Smith being the bugler. He received his honorable discharge September 27, 1865. James E. Smith was married October 30, 1871, at Red Wing. to Margaret S. Densmore, daughter of Judge Orrin and Elizabeth (Fowle) Densmore, who came to Red Wing in May, 1857. Mr. Densmore was a prominent man of the early days. He was county anditor many years, also assistant superin- tendent of schools and judge of probate. During his early days here he was engaged in the lumbering business, the firm name being Densmore and McLaren. Judge Densmore died June 3, 1879, and his wife, January 21, 1891. To Mr. and Mrs. Smith have been born two sons. Gilman W., born December 1, 1859, is now at the head of the erecting department of the American Bridge Com- pany, of Chicago. He married Addie A. Tidd, and has one son, Donald Tidd Smith. Paul Sherburne, the second son of Mr. and Mrs. James E. Smith. was born March 31, 1879, graduated from the state university and resides with his parents.

George E. Smith is another of the progressive men of Red Wing who have lived here practically their entire life, and have assisted in its development. He was born in this city, August 14,

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1870, and here received his education, going through the graded and high schools, and then taking a course in Beeman's Business College in St. Paul. After leaving college he worked nearly seventeen years in the potteries, as a turner. On March 5, 1902, he opened a clothing establishment at 208 Bush street, where he has since conducted a rapidly increasing business. His geniality and business ability have combined to place his store among the leaders in its line in this city. Mr. Smith is a Republican in pol- ities. In fraternal circles he is well known, having served as exalted ruler of the Elks, as well as being a member of the Knights of Pythias, the Woodmen, the Foresters and the Com- mercial Club. His service on the school board has also been thoroughly appreciated. Company G numbered him as a private eighteen months, at the end of which time he received his hon- orable discharge on account of leaving town. June 28, 1893, Mr. Smith was married to Jessie Adams, by whom he has two chil- dren, Hugh Adams, born September 7, 1895, and Nona Belle, born May 27, 1897. The family faith is that of the Episcopal Church. William F. and Sophia ( Hank) Smith, parents of George E. Smith, were born in Germany, the former in 1820. After leaving school, William F. Smith became a cabinet maker, an occupation he fol- lowed for the remainder of his life. He came to America in 1848 and located in Philadelphia, remaining there until March 10, 1855, when he came to Red Wing, then a village in its infancy. During the last eighteen months of the Civil War he served in Company D. First Minnesota Heavy Artillery. Here he remained until his death, which occurred in the fall of 1872. The mother lived until May 11, 1906. In the family were seven children, of whom George E. is the youngest. Emma is Mrs. A. B. Wilgus, of Joplin, Mo. : William F. lives in St. Paul : Sophia is Mrs. B. F. Seiz, of Red Wing; Albert L. also lives in Red Wing. Two sisters, Julia, and Lillian, wife of F. P. Carson. are both deceased. Hugh Adams, father of Mrs. George E. Smith, was born in Franklin county, Pennsylvania, June 12, 1827, and with his parents went to Licking county, Ohio, where he resided until going to Washington county, Illinois. After locating a short time in Maiden Rock, he came in the fall of 1852 to this city, being among the earlier settlers. He was married December 3, 1869, to Mary Jane Taylor, born in Mif- flin county, Pennsylvania, January 25. 1844. Mr. Adams is dead and his widow resides on the corner of Dakota and Fifth streets. in Red Wing. Aside from Mrs. Smith there are two other chil- dren, Eva and Arthur N .. both of this city.

Peter H. Tubbesing, Red Wing. foreman for Charles A. Bet- cher, was born in Veether, Germany, September 9, 1841, son of William and Mary (Bergmann) Tubbesing, also natives of Ger- many. The parents came to America. bringing their family, De-

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cember 1. 1852, and located at St. Louis, Mo., remaining two and a half years. There the father worked at his trade as cabinet maker. In May, 1855, the family came to Red Wing, and until fall the father assisted in driving wells, after which he took up a homestead of 160 acres. After working at his trade in this city for a time he went to St. Paul. and was there employed for one year, the family in the meantime remaining in Red Wing, to which the father returned the following year, working at the carpenter trade until 1861. He then opened a wagon shop on East avenue, which he condneted two years. In the meantime, having disposed of his first farm, he purchased 160 acres in Featherstone, carry- ing on general farming until 1879. In that year he retired, divid- ed his farm among his four sons, and came to Red Wing, where he ended his days, in the spring of 1897. The mother died in St. Louis, in 1855. Peter II. received his education in the schools of Germany and at St. Louis, learning the trade of cabinet making in Red Wing. After five years at this work, he learned the car- penter trade, and later went to work in his father's wagon shop. In 1862 he enlisted in Company F, Sixth Minnesota Volunteer Infantry, entering the service August 18 of that year. He was mustered out in 1865, and upon his return to Red Wing worked as a carpenter until 1872, when he started work for Charles Bet- cher, with whom he has since remained, having charge of the work shop for the long period of thirty-eight years. When Mr. Tubbes- ing started this work, less than twenty men were employed in the department which now numbers over fifty hands on its payroll. The subject of this sketch was married in December, 1867, to Maggie Voght, of Hay Creek township, this county, daughter of Philip and Margaret Voght. natives of Germany. To Mr. and Mrs. (Maggie Voght) Tubbessing were born eight children-Laura, Emma, Addie. Albert, Benjamin, Jessie, Raymond and .Walter. Raymond died in 1887 and Addie two years later. Laura married James Kent and lives at Blooming Prairie, Minn. Emma married William Weiss, who lives on Third street, Red Wing. Albert, also married, lives on Fourth street, this city. Benjamin resides in Fargo, N. D. The mother of these children died at Red Wing in 1891, and in 1894 Mr. Tubbesing married Louise Keller, of Wheeling, W. Va. To this union have been born three children, Herbert, 1895; Milton, 1897, and Rolland, 1902. The family re- ligion is that of the German Methodist Episcopal Church.

Merritt Tripp, a retired farmer, living at 721 Fifth street, Red Wing, comes of eastern parentage, born in Tompkins county. New York, February 27, 1837. His parents, George and Hannah (Smith) Tripp, were natives of eastern New York state, where they both spent the span of their years, the former dying in 1841 and the mother in 1880. Left fatherless at an early age, Merritt

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Tripp had to obtain what education he could by attending school during the short winter terms, working on farms in the summer, thus contributing in boyhood to his own support and later to the support of the family. While working in the crowded state of his birth, he longed for wider opportunities that were afforded in thickly populated districts, and accordingly decided to come west. In 1861 he located in Featherstone township, this county, where he purchased 160 acres. To this he added 160 more, and still later made other purchases, until at one time he owned an entire section. Upon his broad and rich aeres he carried on general farming until the fall of 1901, when he retired. For four years he rented his farm and at the end of that time sold it, purchasing his present residence at 721 Fifth street. For twenty years he was town treasurer of Featherstone, and in addition served a number of terms as town supervisor and school director. He is a Democrat in politics, and has been a member of the Ma- sonic order thirty years. He has also been a member of the Odd Fellows. Mr. Tripp was married November 22. 1864, to Abbie S. Perkins. of Maine, daughter of Timothy and Thurza ( Ellsworth) Perkins. the former of whom died in June, 1889, and the latter October 30, 1882. Mrs. Tripp has one brother. T. E. Perkins, now living at Featherstone. To Mr. and Mrs. Tripp have been born seven children-Cora P., September 10, 1866; Timothy B., April 6. 1870; Anna M .. March 26. 1870; one born in February, 1875, who died in infancy; Frank M., born November 3, 1882; Gertrude A., October 6, 1885; Blanche II .. April 5, 1887. Cora married F. D. Crandall and lives at Aberdeen, S. D. Timothy is married and lives at Red Wing. Anna married C. Crandall and lives at Randolph, Minn. Frank is married and is an electrical engineer at Decatur. Ill. Gertrude A. is principal of public schools .at Bradley. S. D., and Blanche F. is teaching in Afton. Washington county. this state. The family religion is that of the Methodist Church.

Timothy B. Tripp, the skillful and efficient engineer at the State Training School, is the son of Merritt and Abbie (Perkins) Tripp. He was born on a farm in Featherstone township, this county. April 6, 1870. and there grew to young manhood, working on the farm and attending the public schools. At the age of twenty-four he became interested in mechanics and accepted a position as stationary engineer at the Trout Brook tannery, where he remained two years. The succeeding three years were spent in general labor, after which he took charge of the various motive power and heating apparatus of the State Training School as chief engineer, in which position he has sinee remained, giving decided satisfaction. For several years he has been a member of the Masonic order. The Democratic platform embodies his politi-

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cal belief and the Presbyterian creed his religious faith. Mr. Tripp was married September 15, 1896, to Frances Rolfe, of Featherstone township, daughter of Oscar and Etta Rolfe, farm- ers of that township. To this union one child, Rolfe M., was born September 28. 1897. Mrs. Frances Tripp died August 22, 1899, and Mr. Tripp was married October 15. 1902, to Isabelle Watson. daughter of George and Margaret (MeDermott) Watson, of Lake City, this state, the former of whom was a blacksmith and farmer. lle died February 15, 1896, and the mother died September 2. 1906. To Mr. and Mrs. (Isabelle Watson) Tripp has been born a daughter. Margaret Abbie, August 7. 1906.

Thomas Jefferson Thompson, retired farmer and business man. living at 811 Sylvan street, Red Wing. came to this county as a boy with the earliest settlers of Burnside township. He was born in Erie county. Pennsylvania. August 29, son of William and Nancy (Kennedy) Thompson. The former was a native of the north of Ireland. He went to Canada as a youth, then to Pennsylvania, and after living there for a time, came to Goodhue county and located in Burnside township in the spring of 1856. There he bought 160 acres of land at the government price of $1.25 an acre, on which he conducted general farming until his death. June 30. 1886. Ilis wife died November 25, 1900. William Thompson was a prominent citizen of the early days of the town- ship, and his name appears on the first list of Burnside voters. Thomas J. attended the public schools and worked on the farm with his father until 1865, when he responded to the last call for volunteers for the Civil War. He enlisted at Red Wing, in Com- pany 1, First Minnesota Heavy Artillery, under Captain Carney and Colonel Colville, going to Chattanooga, Tenn., where the regiment was in command of General Thomas. After receiving his discharge in September of the same year he returned to Red Wing. and took up carpenter work, following this faithfully and diligently until 1878. He then went to Chippewa county, Minne- sota, bought 160 acres, broke the land and erected buildings. After disposing of this property he again returned to Red Wing. and resumed work at his trade. For two years he was employed in the shipping department of the Red Wing Advertising Com- pany, after which he retired. He purchased a home at 811 Syl- van street, remodeled the house and has there continued to make his home. Mr. Thompson is a Republican in politics and belongs to the Episcopal Church. He also affiliates with the A. E. Welch Post. No. 75, G. A. R. He was married the first time February 29. 1877. to Margaret Streetor, of Featherstone, by the Rev. Johnson. To this union was born one son, Thomas H., January 19. 1878. Mrs. Margaret Thompson died January 29, 1878, and on October 16, 1879, Mr. Thompson married Hannah Wohlwend,

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of Alma, Wis., the daughter of Martin F. Wohlwend and Mar- garet (Knoblonch) Wehlwend, natives of Germany who came to America and located at Keokuk, Ia. In 1860 they went to Alma, Wis .. and from that place, in 1865, the father enlisted in the Union army, serving until the end of the conflict. He then re- turned to Alma and took up his trade as stone mason, following same until his death in October, 1894. ITis wife died in February, 1897. To Mr. and Mrs. Thompson have been born eight children. Charles W .. born September 3, 1882, is now at La Grande, Ore. George E. was born July 6. 1885: Lillian E., April 29, 1888; Forrest M., JJanuary 6, 1890; Alma P., May 8, 1892; Walter L., December 29, 1894 (died August 27, 1899) ; Lincoln L., December 20, 1897, and Eva M .. March 22, 1902. All except Charles W. are at home.

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History of Goodhue County, Minnesota, Part 72

Author: Curtiss-Wedge, Franklyn Publication date: 1909 Publisher: Chicago, H.C. Cooper Number of Pages: 1264

Author: Curtiss-Wedge, Franklyn
Publication date: 1909
Publisher: Chicago, H.C. Cooper
Number of Pages: 1264