USA > Minnesota > Rice County > History of Rice and Steele counties, Minnesota, Vol. II > Part 60
USA > Minnesota > Steele County > History of Rice and Steele counties, Minnesota, Vol. II > Part 60
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He, with his family, belong to the Catholic church. He has served in his community as town supervisor and clerk for a number of years, and at present as justice of the peace. He has aided in public enterprises in his community, and is a stock- holder in the Webster creamery, which he managed for five years ; also stockholder of the Farmers' Elevator Company of Northfield, and the Webster Co-operative Telephone Company. and is also associated with the Le Sueur County Co-operative Store Company.
John Kratt, a prosperous farmer of Rice county, Minnesota, was born at Württemberg, Germany, September 5, 1866, to John and Anna Hang Kratt. The father died on January 1, 1907, at the age of sixty-six years, in the fatherland, where the mother still lives. They reared a family of six sons and one daughter, all of whom live in Germany, except our subject, John, the eldest of the family, and his brother Mike. The former attended school in his native land and when sixteen years old came to this country and began his life here as a day laborer at Duluth, Minn., and also attended school. In the winter of 1885 he set- tled in Morristown, earning his living for a time by chopping wood, after which he was engaged in teaming, and finally turned his attention to farming. He rented different farm lands in Morristown township till 1897, and then moved onto what was known as the J. P. Temple farm, in Section 13, consisting of 135 acres, which he purchased in 1904 for $6,000. Mr. Kratt has made his way by hard work, and by clear foresight, econ- omy and thrift has attained a degree of success of which he may justly be proud. His is one of the model farms in Rice county. fenced and improved with good buildings, well stocked with improved shorthorn cattle, horses and hogs, and equipped with all necessary farm implements and modern machinery. By rotating his crops and careful fertilizing he keeps his land pro- ductive and thus makes his investment a paying enterprise. He is a leading man in the community and takes a commend- able interest in its affairs. Since 1903 he has been treasurer of School District No. 54, and in 1909 was elected supervisor for a term of three years. In politics he believes in right principles rather than party. He is also identified with the Modern Wood- men of America. In 1889 Mr. Kratt married Mary, daughter of David and Amy (Chapman) Temple, the former of whom is deceased, but the latter lives in Morristown. Mr. and Mrs. Kratt have seven children, named in the order of their births, respectively : John, Earl, Lois, Fred. Inez, Dorothy and Roy.
John Kenney was born in Ireland, November 24, 1838. He is the son of Andrew and Anna (McNermey) Kenney, who were natives of Ireland. Mr. Kenney's occupation was that of
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a farmer. He came to America with his family in 1846, locating in New York state. where he worked in a tannery until 1857. At that time he came west to Minnesota, and located in the town of Walcott, Rice county, where he bought 160 acres of land, on which he did general farming until his death, in August. 1900. The mother died March 16, 1881.
Mr. Kenney was educated in the lower schools of Ireland and in the district schools of New York state. After leaving school he worked out until 1857, when he came west with his father. He then went to work assisting a plasterer in Fari- bault, which trade he mastered. In the fall of 1857 he went to Ohio, where he worked until spring of 1858, when he went to Covington, Ky., at which place he stayed until 1859, going from there to Vicksburg. Miss., and continuing to roam over the south until August, 1862, when he returned to Minnesota, where he worked with his father until, in 1863, he went to Minneapolis, where he worked at his trade until 1869. That year he re- turned to Walcott and bought 160 acres of land in Section 24, where he has made his home up to the present time. He now owns 340 acres. He was married May 14, 1865, to Cecelia Caghalan, daughter of Patrick and Hannah ( Ward) Caghalan, both natives of Ireland. Mr. Caghalan was a farmer by occu- pation and died in Ireland. Mrs. Caghalan came to America, living with her son for some time, and then moving to Minneap- olis, where she died. Ten children have blessed the home of Mr. and Mrs. Kenney. Anna lives at home; Katie C. died in January, 1905; Andrew and Michael H. live on the farm ; John died in 1874; Winnifred, now Mrs. John Devatt, of Minneapolis ; Mary E. lives at Minneapolis; Eilen Jane lives at Faribault ; Thomas G., assistant state superintendent Minnesota State Training School, at Red Wing, and William G., who lives at Wabasha, Minn. In politics Mr. Kenney is a Democrat, and his religious faith Catholic. For twelve years he has been treas- urer for School District No. 12. He is a stockholder in the Farmers' Elevator Company of Faribault and of the Richland Creamery.
John William Le Crone, who holds an honorable place in the legal profession at Faribault, Minn., is a native of Effing- ham, 111. He was born February 2, 1872, and is next to the youngest child of a family of five children born to William C. and Emeline E. (Kagay) Le Crone, natives of Pennsylvania. Of their other children, Emily, the eldest, married Dr. Charles A. M. MeMurray, and lives at DeKalb, Ill .; Anna lives at home ; Sarah E. is a librarian, and Nellie J. also lives at home. The father settled in Illinois at an carly day. He was traveling salesman, and in 1884 moved to St. Paul, Minn., and traveled
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as a salesman two years, and in 1886 settled with his family at Faribault, where he lived till his deccase, which occurred February 15, 1908, since which time the mother has made her home with our subject. John W., after completing his prelimi- nary studies, having been graduated from Shattuck School in 1890, he took a two years' academic course at the University of Minnesota, then studied a year in the law department of that institution, and 1894 was graduated at Wesley University. Mr. Le Crone began the practice of his profession in his native town, but continued there only eight months, and in 1895 opened an office at Faribault, and has become well known as a thorough lawyer, a convincing advocate, and a safe and reliable counselor. He is a Democrat, and has been somewhat active in the local councils of his party. He held the office of county attorney in 1899-1900. Mr. Le Crone is a member of the Masonic order, belongs to the Knights of Pythias, is identified with the Modern Woodmen of America and is chairman of the entertainment committee of the Commercial Club of Faribault. In religious belief he is an Episcopalian.
Peter B. Langeslag, who has been successful in his line of general teaming, is a native of Holland, and was born August 16, 1875, a son of Peter and Hannah Knipers Langeslag, natives of Holland. The father came to this country in the spring of 1889 and engaged in farining at Faribault, but later moved to Cannon City. Peter B. acquired his schooling in his native place and grew up on a farm. He came to this country in 1892 and worked with his father farming till 1897, when he leased a quarter section of land in Warsaw township, Rice county, and worked it two years. In 1899 Mr. Langeslag abandoned the farm and turned his attention to general teaming. He began in a small way, hauling, moving, excavating, grading, and, in fact, doing anything requiring the use of teams, increasing his force of teams and men with the growth of his business, and now, besides seventeen horses of his own, employs eight hired teams to meet the demands of his business.
Mr. Langeslag is a Democrat in politics, but has never held office. In religious matters he, with his family, adhere to the German Catholic faith. On October 4, 1899, Mr. Langeslag married Mrs. Lamberdia Thorn (nce Donkers), a daughter of John and Theodora (Vandenboogar) Donkers, who came from Holland, their native land, to Rice county, Minnesota, in 1888. The father died at the family home in 1904 and the mother now-1910-resides at Cannon City. Mr. and Mrs. Langeslag have six children, viz .: Susie T., John P., Fred W. (Thorn), Johanna M., Dorothy M., and Bertram N. Langeslag.
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Frederick J. Lenz, Jr., is a leading druggist in Faribault who has made his way to a place of prominence in his profession by careful and diligent study and work. He is a native of the Gopher State, and was born at Minneapolis, August 13, 1875, to Frederick J. and Clara (Hubbard) Lenz, natives of Germany and Austria, respectively. The father settled in Milwaukee in 1856 and in 1865 moved to St. Anthony. He was a farmer in early life, but later followed the cabinet maker's trade. He set- tled at Northfield in 1898, removed to Faribault in 1905, and now lives there. The mother departed this life in the year 1900. Our subject supplemented his common school education with a high school course at Minneapolis. He then turned his atten- tion to study, preparatory to becoming a professional pharma- cist, and pursued a course of study and practice at the Insti- tute of Pharmacy at Minneapolis After clerking a number of years as a registered pharmacist Mr. Lenz, on November 25. 1908, opened business on his own account, as proprietor of the high-class, up-to-date drug store that bears his name, making a specialty of filling prescriptions. Mr. Lenz is identified withi the Masonic order, is a member of the B. P. O. E. and the Modern Samaritans, and belongs to the Commercial Club of Faribault. He is a Democrat in politics. On November 15, 1904, Mr. Lenz married Mary, daughter of T. J. and Annie (Byrnes) McCarthy, of Faribault.
Albert R. Leach, an enterprising and up-to-date business man of Faribault, is a native son of that city, being born July 2, 1869. His education was received in the public schools of Faribault and at Hamline University, from which he was gradu- ated in 1896. After school he went to North Dakota as man- ager of a lumber yard for two years, and then returned to Fari- bault, going into partnership in the lumber business with his father and brother under the firm name of E. M. Leach & Sons. Just previous to the death of the father. in 1907. the company incorporated as E. M. Leach & Sons Lumber Company, and Albert R. became secretary and treasurer. It is largely owing to his untiring and judicious management that the business of the firm has grown to its present large proportions. Besides this extensive lumber business they make a specialty of manu- facturing a fine grade of interior finish, etc., for which there is an ever-increasing demand. Mr. Leach is also interested in extensive apple lands in Oregon. In politics he usually sup- ports the Republican party, but considers the fitness of the man for the office of first importance. The E. F. U. claims him as a loyal member. June 17, 1903, he was married to Jen- nie R. Coburn, born to Mr. and Mrs. James Coburn, of Wal- halla, N. D., June 17, 1882. Mr. and Mrs. Leach have had
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three children: Muriel E., born June 11, 1906; Eloise E., born July 23, 1907 ; and Albert E., whose natal date was June 2, 1909, died January 23, 1910. The family reside at the corner of First street and Sixth avenue. Their religious faith is that of the Methodist Episcopal church. Edward M. and Caroline (Stowell) Leach, parents of our subject, were natives of Ver- mont. Migrating west, in 1851, the father came to Faribault, Minn., in 1855, after spending four years in Illinois and Iowa. Arriving in Faribault, where he was married, he engaged in the manufacture of doors and sash, together with L. C. Ingram, buying out his partner's interest in 1881 and continuing in the business until his death in September, 1907. His wife died December 24, 1903.
Herbert P. Leach, one of Faribault's representative sub- stantial business men, was born and reared in that city, his date of birth being April 5, 1868. He acquired his education in the public schools, after which he entered the employ of his father in the lumber business. In 1895 he became a partner in the company together with his father and brother, the firm be- ing known as E. M. Leach & Sons, and in 1907, when the com- pany was incorporated as E. M. Leach & Sons Lumber Com- pany, he was tendered the office of vice-president, and has been president since February, 1909. Through square dealing and absolute integrity he has won his way into the confidence of the community. In politics he is an adherent of the Republican party, and takes an active interest in the public welfare, though he has never sought office, his other interests demanding all his time and attention. He is a stockholder in the Citizens' National Bank and in Shaft-Pierce Shoe Factory. The Knights of Pythias, the B. P. O. E., the Ancient Order of United Work- men and the Modern Samaritans count him an active supporter of their various organizations. IJe was also affiliated with the local commercial club, and has served five years in Company B, Second Minnesota National Guard. June 15, 1904, he was united in marriage with Flora E. Wood, of Minneapolis, by whom he has three children : Willis HI., born March 19. 1905 ; Stowell D., who was born December 19, 1907, and Flora Wood. born July 26, 1909. The family residence is located on the corner of Seventh street and Fifth avenue. They are attend- ants of the Congregational church. Mrs. Herbert P. Leach was born March 22, 1873, to Mr. and Mrs. C. D. Wood, of Minneapolis. The father died in Faribault, March, 1906. His wife is still living.
William F. Lynch, senior member of the firm of Lynch Brothers, has always lived in Faribault, Minn., where he was born, November 3, 1868, and where he received his education
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and grew up. His parents, M. R. and Cecelia (Armstrong) Lynch, natives of Canada and New York, respectively, in 1865 settled at Faribault and took charge of the Traveler's llome, which the father purchased. About 1871 he was elected street commissioner and filled that office sixteen years, after which he resumed his trade as a mason, which he followed till his retirement from business. The mother died in 1904. After fin- ishing his schooling our subject, at the age of sixteen, entered the employ of The Cavanaugh & Co. Hardware Company, at Faribault, as a clerk, and remained with that company twenty- five years, becoming familiar with every detail pertaining to or connected with that line of trade. In 1909 he formed a part- nership with his brother. John A. Lynch, and since that time, under the name of Lynch Brothers, has conducted a successful business, both dealing in plumbing supplies and all kinds of heating apparatus, and executing all manner of contract work relating to the plumbing trade and heating appliances. Mr. Lynch has devoted his attention closely to his business and has found little leisure for other things. He is identified with the Knights of Columbus and also holds membership in the Catho- lie Order of Foresters. In politics he holds independent views and casts his ballot regardless of party affiliations. In religious matters he and his family are connected with the Church of the Sacred Heart at Faribault. On September 2, 1903, Mr. Lynch married Ernestine Payant, whose parents, Joseph and Georgiana Payant, are natives of Canada, whence they removed to Faribault, where they now live. The father is a carpenter by trade. Mr. and Mrs. Lynch have four children, named in the order of their birth: Francis A .. William, Richard and Catherine.
Burt Lockerby is a native of Minnesota and was born on July 1, 1869, at Northfield, Rice county. His parents, Oscar and Genette (Tanner) Lockerby, are both natives of New York. The father went to Michigan in 1855 and for a short time engaged in farming, and removed thence to Rice county, Minnesota, settling on a farm at Northfield. He afterwards engaged in the livery business and for two years served as sheriff of Rice county. Selling his livery business, he went to Dakota and there served as deputy sheriff, and later returned to Northfield, where he and his wife now reside-1910.
Our subject grew up in his native place, and after finishing his schooling in the common and high schools learned the metal worker's trade at Northfield. On attaining his majority he entered the employ of A. L. Carnfell, for whom he worked ten years, being foreman of the shop. He then worked two years with Mr. John Cassidy at Faribault, and later was eight
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years foreman in the works of Deverey & Donohue, after which he established himself in the business to which he has since devoted his attention, and in which he has achieved suc- cess. Mr. Lockerby is active in fraternal and benevolent organ- izations, being identified with the B. P. O. E., the Maccabees and the Yeomen, and also belongs to the Commercial Club of Faribault. In politics he adheres to Democratic principles, and in religious faith is an Episcopalian.
On July 13, 1894, Mr. Lockerby married Emma Joachim, whose parents came from Belgium, their native place, about 1876, and settled on a farm in Rice county. Mr. and Mrs. Lockerby have two children, Florence M. and Marguerite E.
G. C. Lindenberg and William H. Lindenberg, owners of the prosperous, up-to-date clothing house of Faribault, Minn., that bears their name, are both natives of that city, the first named born March 21. 1870, and William II., April 5, 1872. Their parents, John and Minnic (Hohn) Lindenberg, came from Germany in 1864 and settled at Faribault, and in 1871 moved onto a farm which the father purchased and where he has since lived with his wife engaged in general farming. Both of the sons acquired their education in the public schools, and in the German parochial school in their native city. At the age of fif- teen years the elder brother began clerking in the clothing house of Kollmann & Vogel, and remained there five years. In 1891 he went to Montana, and during the following five years was employed clerking for various houses in different places. From 1896 till 1901 he clerked in Weinfeld Brothers' clothing store, and since March 23 of the year last named has been one of the proprietors of Lindenberg Brothers' Clothing House. He is a Republican in politics, but has never held or sought any official position. On November 2, 1893, he married Emelia A. Budde, whose parents, William and Louise ( Petri) Budde, came from Germany, their native land, and settled at Faribault, where the father followed his trade as a cabinet maker. He died in 1905 and his decease was followed by that of his widow in 1906. Mr. and Mrs. G. C. Lindenberg have four children, named in the order of their births. Alma M., Herbert W., Luther L. and Elmer W. The younger of these brothers, William II., after leaving school, clerked in a grocery store till 1898, and then for four years was in the grocery trade as senior member of the firm of Lindenberg & Roell, at Faribault. In 1902 he sold his grocery business and turned his attention to the clothing trade, organizing and establishing with his brother the clothing business they have since conducted with success. The business is incorporated under the laws of Minnesota. Mr. William H. Lindenberg is now-1910-serving his second term
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as city treasurer. He is a Republican and a member of the German Lutheran church. In September, 1895, he married Ernestine Rudolph, who died in 1904, leaving two children, viz .: Lydia E. and Irving C. In April, 1907. Mr. Lindenberg married Margaret. daughter of Frederick and Frederica Malk- men (Schwake), who came from Germany to this country, and are both now deceased, the mother dying in 1903 and the father in 1905.
Charles Warren Lyman, of the firm of Weeks & Lyman, dealers in agricultural implements and seeds, is a native son of this township, having been born April 30. 1864. He received his earlier education in the district schools of Northfield, and had the advantages of four terms at Carlton College. After this he remained at home until twenty-six years of age, when, in 1890, he entered into partnership with F. E. Weeks and pur- chased the agricultural implement business formerly conducted by John .A. Carls. now deceased. the firm now being known as Weeks & Lyman. This concern does a large business and carries a full line, enjoying the confidence of the residents of Rice and Dakota counties. In addition to this Mr. Lyman is the honored treasurer of the Northfield Farmers' Creamery Company. His real estate holdings consist of a third interest in the old homestead property. Mr. Lyman is a Republican in politics, and belongs to the Northfield Lodge, No. 50, 1. O. O. F .. and the Equitable Fraternal Union. The family faith is that of the Methodist church. Mr. Lyman was married October 10, 1893, to Carrie M. Gould, born in Bridgeport. Conn., daughter of Nathan and Caroline ( Hurd) Gould. both natives of Connecticut. To Charles W. and Carrie (Gould ) Lyman were born four children. Two died in infancy. Stanley G .. born August 15. 1894. died January 1. 1903. Verna Louise was born October 20, 1898. Mrs. Carrie Lyman died August 25, 1901. Mr. Lyman was again married August 16, 1905, to Louise May Van Slyke, born at Castle Rock, Dakota county. a daughter of V. G. and Ann (Clague) Van Slyke, both of whom were descended from the families of early settlers. Charles W. and Louise May Lyman have one child, Florence Isabella, born June 29, 1907. Another child died in infancy. Charles Wells Lyman, father of Charles Warren Lyman. was born in Wilbraham, Mass., July 10. 1830. He came to St. Anthony, Minn. (now Minneapolis, Minn.), in 1855, and after being employed there for a time returned to New York and was married. In 1857 he again came to Minnesota and two years later pre-empted 160 acres in Northfield township, where he lived until 1893, when he moved into the city of Northfield. and lived there until his death. June 15, 1906. He was married
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in New York, February 24, 1857, to Martha Deming, born in Avon, Genesee county, New York, May 17, 1835. She now lives in Northfield. To Mr. and Mrs. Charles Wells Lyman were born seven children, five of whom are living: George D., Charles Warren, Bertha Louise, Edgar S. and Henry C., all living in Northfield township or Northfield city.
Richard J. Lieb, successful merchant of Faribault, is one of the early pioneers, having lived in this city since 1859. He was born in France, February 5, 1842, of German parentage, and was brought by his father and mother to America the year that Napoleon declared himself emperor of France. He received his education in the schools of Beloit, Wis., where his parents set- tled. In 1859 he came to Minnesota in an immigrant wagon, and since that date has continued to reside here, becoming one of the city's influential citizens. For a time he engaged in custom shoe making and this business gradually developed into a retail boot and shoe trade, in which his energy, hard work and ability have been rewarded. In addition to this business Mr. Lieb buys and sells hides, furs and wools. He is indepen- dent in politics and is interested in all public movements. Fra- ternally he affiliates with the Catholic Order of Foresters. Mr. Lieb was married April, 1866, to Catherine Palace, a native of New Brunswick. This union has been blessed with four chil- dren : Eugene, Alice, Albert and Loretta. The family resi- dence is at the corner of Third avenue and Division street. Philip and Mary Lieb, parents of Richard J. Lieb, were born at Frankfort-on-the-Rhine, Germany, and moved to France, coming to America later and settling in Beloit, Wis. They came to Faribault in 1865. Both are now deceased.
John Law, now deceased, was a man of kindly character and generous disposition, having at heart the interests of his com- munity and his fellow men. His residence in Minnesota dated from 1858, the date of the birth of the state. He took a part in the development and growth of the county, and, being interested in education, served for a number of years on the school board. John Law was born in Waulockhead, Dumfriesshire, Scotland, March 5, 1842. He came to Sciota township, Minnesota, in 1856 with his parents and remained at home until his marriage, in 1874, in the meantime, in 1863, having purchased a farm in Northfield. For many years he successfully conducted general farming on 260 acres of good land. Being of a social nature, he associated himself with the A. O. U. W., in which he was a prominent member. He was married September 22, 1874, to Ann E. Beckstead, born near Montreal, Canada, August 5, 1855, and to this union were born four children: George A., born October 10, 1875; Alva W., born February 16, 1877; Willis,
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