History of Stearns County, Minnesota, Volume II, Part 34

Author: Mitchell, William Bell, 1843-
Publication date: 1915
Publisher: Chicago : H. S. Cooper
Number of Pages: 1110


USA > Minnesota > Stearns County > History of Stearns County, Minnesota, Volume II > Part 34


Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).


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HISTORY OF STEARNS COUNTY


operate the home farm. She is a capable manager, a good business woman, and a kind and loving mother. Under her care with the help of the children many improvements have been made, and general farming operations are suc- cessfully conducted.


Bernard Kenning, one of the oldest living settlers of Stearns county, was born at Hanover, Germany, December 1, 1821, son of Arnold and Elizabeth (Heiker) Kenning, the former of whom died in 1835 and the latter in 1830. Bernard Kenning received his education in his native country, and there grew to manhood. In 1852 he came to America, and located in Cincinnati, Ohio, where he spent some three years and a half. Then after spending a summer in Iowa, he came to Minnesota in 1856, and located in the town of St. Augusta, where he purchased 160 acres of railroad land in section 9. Here he erected a rude log cabin, and underwent all the hardships of early pioneer days. By hard work he prospered. As means permitted he built a good residence and outbuildings, and added to his original possessions until he owned 600 acres of excellent land. He carried on general farming until 1908, when he retired and purchased a home in the village of St. Augusta, where he is now enjoy- ing a well-earned rest after so many years of honest toil. At the age of ninety- two years he is still hale and hearty, and at the time of this writing was found working in his garden patch digging potatoes. In his younger days he was active in public affairs, and served both as supervisor and as school treasurer. Mr. Kenning was married in the summer of 1859, to Margaret Schweiters, who was born in Germany, May 14, 1836, and died in St. Augusta, December 14, 1887. In the family there are ten children: Joseph and Henry, farmers in St. Augusta; Anna, now Mrs. Ferdinand Flory, of Princeton, Minn .; Mary, now Sister Mary Benigna, C. P. P. S., of Bellevue, Ohio; Eliza- beth, who since the death of her mother has taken full charge of the home and looks after the needs and wishes of her aged father ; Barney, of St. Cloud; Herman, who lives on the old home farm in St. Augusta, Philomena who is at home; Bernadine, twin sister of Philomena, who is now Mrs. George Kiff- meyer, of St. Augusta ; John, of St. Paul; and Bernard, who died in infancy. The family faith is that of the Roman Catholic Church.


Joseph Kenning, a well-known farmer of St. Augusta, was born in the township where he still resides, July 12, 1860, son of Bernard Kenning, the pioneer. He received his education in the public schools of his neighborhood, and remained at home until twenty-five years of age. Then he purchased a farm of 120 acres in section 9, St. Augusta. To this he later added 60 acres, so that he now has a splendid farm of 180 acres. He has built a fine resi- dence, and a good set of barns and outbuildings, and his operations have been very successful. His interest in the advancement and development of the township and county has been many times demonstrated. He is a good farmer and a desirable citizen, and is well regarded in his community. On May 23, 1910, Mr. Kenning met with an unfortunate accident. He was grubbing land with an engine when the cable broke, crushing the lower half of his leg. November 24, he had the limb amputated. Undaunted by this disaster he purchased an artificial leg constructed along the latest approved lines, and he is now able to do as much work as ever. Mr. Kenning was married April 30,


BERNARD KENNING


-


JOSEPH J. KLAVERKAMP


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HISTORY OF STEARNS COUNTY


1889, to Bernidena Bruns, who was born, April 15, 1867, in St. Augusta town- ship, daughter of Henry and Lena (Eyles) Bruns, natives of Germany, who settled in St. Augusta township in 1860, the former dying in February, 1908, and the latter in May, 1906. The children of Mr. and Mrs. Kenning are : Anna, now Mrs. Barney Voigt, of St. Augusta; Elizabeth, now Mrs. Fred Meyer, of South Haven, Minn .; Frank (deceased), Leo (deceased), and Ed- ward and Norbert, both at home. The family faith is that of the Roman Catholic Church.


Henry Kenning, a representative farmer of St. Augusta, was born in the township where he still resides, February 3, 1862, son of Bernard Kenning, the pioneer. Like the other youths of his time and location, he grew up on the farm, acquired a sturdy body by doing the chores usually allotted to farm boys, and secured a good education in the district schools. He learned farm- ing from his father and remained at home until twenty-seven years of age. In 1889 he branched out for himself and purchased a farm in section 4, St. Augusta. He has prospered year by year, and now has a fine farm of 200 acres, constituting a place which in its houses, barns and other buildings, its crops and stock, its fences, equipment and tools, its meadows, fields and wood- lands, speaks of his thrift, shrewdness, hard work, good taste and prosperity. In every way, Mr. Kenning is a good citizen, and his opinions are often sought and are highly valued by his neighbors. Mr. Kenning was married December 22, 1892, to Katrina Messmann, and they have five children, all living at home. They are Paulena, Minnie, George, Emeline and Frances. The family faith is that of the Roman Catholic Church.


Joseph Klaverkamp, an estimable citizen of St. Augusta, was born in Germany, September 30, 1849, son of Joseph and Sibilla (Knappmoeller) Klav- erkamp, who spent the span of their years in the old country. Joseph re- ceived his education in Germany. As a youth he served in the German army, and also learned the carpenter trade. In the spring of 1875 he came to Amer- ica, and after one month's sojourn in Wisconsin he came to Minnesota and located on section 13, St. Augusta. He worked hard, erected a good home and other buildings, and increased his holdings to 250 acres. Mr. Klaverkamp was married October 7, 1875, to Frances Schulte, who was born in Germany the same day that he was, and came to St. Augusta in the fall of 1875. They have had ten children : Barney, Joseph J., Mary, Fred, Hubert, Anna, Frances, Leo, Felix and Lena. Barney lives in St. Augusta. He married Clara Rosha, and they have five children: Olive, Irene, Edwin, Alvina and Lucile. Jo- seph J. is appropriately mentioned elsewhere. Mary is the wife of Zeno Moser, of Richmond, and they have three children: Aloysius, Lawrence and Loretta. Fred married Theresa Winkelman. They live in Benton county, Minn., and have three children : Rosa, Adella and Anna. Anna is the wife of Andrew Voigt, of St. Augusta township. Hubert, Frances, Leo and Felix are at home. Lena died in infancy. The family faith is that of the Roman Catholic Church.


Joseph J. Klaverkamp, proprietor of the Hedge Grove Stock farm, one of the show places of St. Augusta, was born in the township where he still


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HISTORY OF STEARNS COUNTY


resides, September 26, 1877, son of Joseph and Frances (Schulte) Klaver- kamp, natives of Germany, who are appropriately mentioned elsewhere. Joseph J. attended the schools of St. Augusta, completing his education with courses in the St. Cloud State Normal School and in a business college in Sauk Centre. For several years he engaged in different occupations such as brick making, threshing and carpenter work. In 1905 he rented, and in 1907 purchased, 120 acres of his father's farm in sections 13 and 24. This farm he has greatly improved in every way. He has fenced nearly all of it anew, and has made the most of all its acres. In 1902 he erected a modern barn, and in 1913 a new silo, and from time to time he has put up smaller buildings as necessity required. The farm is prettily located, and is as well-kept as any in the township. Mr. Klaverkamp is a scientific farmer, a deep thinker, and a close student of his chosen calling. He takes great pride in his herd of Red Poll cattle in which he specializes both for beef and dairy purposes. He also specializes in Poland China hogs and they always command the best prices. Mr. Klaverkamp was married, June 6, 1906, to Gertrude Landwehr, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Landwehr, of St. Augusta. This union has resulted in three children: Veronica, born July 22, 1906; Alma, born February 22, 1911; and Magdaline, born April 23, 1913. The family faith is that of the Roman Cath- olic Church.


Joseph Loehrer, dairyman and agriculturist, now of St. Augusta town- ship, was born in Fair Haven township, this county, July 27, 1875, son of Anton and Adeline (Benoit) Loehrer, the former a native of Switzerland and the latter of France. Anton Loehrer was by trade a millwright, a carpenter and a powder manufacturer. Upon coming to America, he located in St. Louis, Mo., where he followed his trades. In 1861 he enlisted in the Union Army, and served three years. It was in 1867 that he came to Stearns county, mar- ried, and took a homestead of eighty acres in the township of Fair Haven. Later he added eighty acres by purchase. In 1880 he purchased a farm in St. Augusta township, where he farmed until 1912, when he retired and moved to St. Cloud, where he died in November, 1913. Of their nine children, five are still living. They are: Adeline, now Mrs. Frank Mund, of Fair Haven township; Joseph, of St. Augusta township; Edward, of St. Cloud; Anton, of St. Augusta township; and Lena, of St. Cloud. Joseph Loehrer received his education at home from his father, who was a school teacher in Stearns county for some twenty years. He remained at home until 1902, when he went to Pearl Lake, Rockville township, and there farmed until 1909, when he purchased his present farm of 120 acres in section 28. He was married, September 9, 1902 to Margaret Lemm, who was born in Rockville, this county, June 19, 1880, the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Joseph H. Lemm, the former of whom was a school teacher and merchant in Ohio, came to Rockville town- ship in 1860, and was here a school teacher and farmer. Mr. Lemm sang in church choirs in Ohio and Minnesota for over fifty years. He died on his farm in Rockville township, April 10, 1910, and his wife still resides on the home place. They were the parents of twenty-one children. Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Loehrer have five children: Anton, born June 3, 1903; Joseph, born May 23, 1904; Arthur, October 6, 1907; Paulena, July 13, 1909; and Law-


BARNEY LANDWEHR AND FAMILY


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HISTORY OF STEARNS COUNTY


rence who was born in 1910 and died in 1912. The family faith is that of the Roman Catholic Church.


August Landwehr, an active farmer of St. Augusta, was born in the township where he still resides, December 4, 1885, son of Barney and Barbara (Weyrauch) Landwehr. He attended the district schools of his native town, and took a course in the Vath Business College, at St. Cloud, as well as one year in the St. Cloud State Normal School. Then he engaged in agricultural pursuits with his father until 1910. At that time he rented from his father the farm on which he now resides, consisting of eighty acres in section 7, St. Augusta township, and forty acres in section 12, Rockville township. In 1913 he was enabled to purchase this farm. He is a progressive man, and a close student of his work. In addition to general farming he makes a spe- cialty of stock breeding, raising Red Poll cattle and Poland-China hogs. He has not sought public office, but has done good service as road overseer. Mr. Landwehr was married May 3, 1910, to Henrietta Kloeppner, and they have two children, Paul and Norbert. The family faith is that of the Catholic Church.


Henry Weyrauch, one of the early settlers of Stearns county, was born in Germany, and there married Mary Brester. They came to America at an early day, and reached Stearns county with one of the first German colonies. They located in St. Cloud township, and became successful and influential farmers. Mr. Weyrauch died in December, 1880. Mrs. Weyrauch remained on the farm until 1901, when she moved to St. Cloud where she now lives. Of their thirteen children, twelve lived to adult years. They are: William, of Lynden township, this county; Barbara, now Mrs. Barney Landwehr, of St. Augusta; Anna, now Mrs. Barney Goerger, of St. Colud; John, of Ray- mond, Minn .; Henry, of St. Cloud; Mary (deceased) ; Barney of Minneapolis; Joseph, of St. Cloud; Elizabeth, now Mrs. Herman Kiffmeyer; of St. Cloud; Josephine, now Mrs. W. H. Landwehr, of St. Cloud; Frances, now Mrs. Theo- dore Fischer, of St. Cloud; Lena, now Mrs. Joseph Berger; and Theresa, now Mrs. George Deering. The family faith is that of the Roman Catholic Church.


Henry Landwehr was born in Germany, served in the German army, and came to America at the age of twenty-four years. He married Gertrude Kiff- meyer, who was born in Germany, and came to America at the age of twenty years. In 1859 they came from Clinton county, Illinois, to St. Augusta town- ship, where they purchased 160 acres in section 2, on which they engaged in agricultural pursuits until the death of Mr. Landwehr in 1881. The widow now lives in Oregon with her son, Henry. Mr. and Mrs. Landwehr had the fol- lowing children: Henry, of Portland, Oregon; Barney, of St. Augusta town- ship; August H., of North Dakota; John who died December 12, 1893; Frank, of Sedan, Minn .; William H., of St. Cloud; and Mary, wife of William Goerger, of Jordan, Oregon.


Barney Landwehr, one of the solid representative farmers of St. Augusta township, was born in Germantown, now Carlyle, Clinton county, Illinois, August 31, 1858, a son of Henry and Gertrude (Kiffmeyer) Landwehr, by whom he was brought to St. Augusta in 1859. He attended the schools of his neighborhood, and early in life engaged in agricultural pursuits. He


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HISTORY OF STEARNS COUNTY


made a study of the soil, and by dint of hard work and close application to business he has made a success and is now one of the leading farmers of St. Augusta. Some years ago he purchased the home farm in section 2, consist- ing of 200 acres. He has made many improvements thereon, and the whole place shows thrift and foresight. Aside from the home farm, Mr. Landwehr owns a farm of 120 acres in Rockville township, this county. He makes a specialty of stock raising and dairy farming. His active interest in the affairs of the town has resulted in substantial progress, and he has held many town- ship offices with credit to himself and to the satisfaction of his fellowmen. He has been a member of the board of supervisors seven years; assessor five years; clerk of school district No. 34, twelve years; and at various times the occupant of minor offices. In politics he is a Democrat. His fraternal affilia- tion is with the Catholic Order of Foresters. June 1, 1880, Mr. Landwehr married Barbara Weyrauch, who was born in St. Cloud township, October 16, 1857. She has proven a capable wife and a loving mother. The children are as follows: Mary, wife of George Goettle, of Ward county, North Dakota; Gertrude, wife of J. J. Klaverkamp, of St. Augusta township; Anna, at home ; August, of St. Augusta township; Barbara, John, Clemens and Lorenz, at home.


Fred Meyer, proprietor of the Trout Brook Dairy farm, St. Augusta town- ship, is a splendid example of the type of men who start life with no financial resources and by sheer pluck and hard work secured for themselves a lead- ing place in the community. He was born in Germany, April 30, 1859, son of Fred and Adelaide (Moeller) Meyer, natives of Germany who came to Amer- ica in 1885, located on a farm in St. Augusta township, and there became sub- stantial citizens. The father still lives in St. Augusta township. The mother died in 1911. Fred Meyer received a good education in Germany, came to America in 1882, located in St. Augusta township, worked out three years, and then bought eighty acres in section 27. With this small beginning he in- creased in property and influence. His place consists of 360 good acres, on which the buildings have all been erected by himself. The brick residence and the array of barns and outbuildings are well arranged and sightly. In addition to the home farm, he owns twenty six acres in Fair Haven town- ship. Mr. Meyer has given the town good service for over two decades as a member of the town board, part of the time as chairman. In the spring of 1914 he was elected town treasurer. He is also treasurer of school dis- trict 35. He belongs to the Farmers' Shipping Association of which he is one of the directors. Mr. Meyer was married September 16, 1886, to Theresa Kieke, born in St. Augusta township, December 22, 1861, and their children are John F., a farmer of Fair Haven township, married to Lizzie Kenning; Frank, Mary, Barney, Henry, Lena and Edward. The family faith is that of the Roman Catholic Church.


John Mayer, the oldest living merchant in St. Augusta, was born in Mer- cer county, Ohio, March 25, 1846, son of Balser and Elizabeth (Hagerdorn) Mayer, who came to St. Augusta township on October 7, 1865, purchased 160 acres in sections 13 and 24, and there followed farming the remainder of their days, the father dying in 1890 and the mother in 1905. John Mayer received


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HISTORY OF STEARNS COUNTY


a good public school education in the state of his birth, there grew to manhood, came to St. Augusta with his parents in the fall of 1865, and remained with his parents until 1882, when he opened a general store in the village of St. Augusta. For many years he carried a large stock of groceries, hardware, drygoods and clothing. Now his stock is somewhat smaller. He has been an active figure in the events of the neighborhood, and his voice and influence have ever favored those moves which had for their object the betterment of the town and county. He has consistently voted the Democratic ticket. Mr. Mayer was married January 25, 1881, to Ida Fietsam, and to this union there have been born seven children: John, who is at home with his father; Sophia, now Mrs. Joseph Beumer; Amelia, who lives at home; Hermena, now Mrs. Andrew Woeste, of Arago, Minn .; Pauline, now Mrs. John Hayes, of St. Cloud ; Flora, of St. Cloud; and Arthur, at home. The family faith is that of the Roman Catholic Church.


George Messmann, one of the early substantial farmers of St. Augusta, was born in Germany, May 31, 1829, and as a youth became a cabinet maker, mastering all the details of that trade with an exactness and skill unknown in the present day. After coming to America he located in Cincinnati, Ohio, from which city he came to Stearns county in 1856. He was among the first of the large number of Germans who later populated the county and con- tributed to its importance. He spent his life in this county in St. Augusta, and died May 17, 1910. His wife, Theresa Wolters, died April 19, 1906. They had no children.


William F. Messmann, dairy farmer of St. Augusta, was born in Cincin- nati, Ohio, September 23, 1869, son of Fred and Mary (Rieman) Messmann. He lost his father when he was three years old and his mother when he was nine years old. In 1879 he was brought to St. Augusta by his uncle, George Messmann. When he was thirteen years old, he started out in life for him- self. For five years he worked for farmers. At the age of eighteen he went to St. Cloud, and learned his trade as an engineer in the old city pumping station. Then he returned to St. Augusta township, and became engineer for the old "Neenah Mills." This also gave him an opportunity for learning the milling trade. At the end of seven years, he and his brother-in-law, Frank H. Beumer, purchased the mill. They conducted the mill together for five years. Then they traded the mill for farm property in Benton county, this state. Later Mr. Messmann sold out his interests to his partner. ' He spent a vacation of six months in Denver and other Western points. Upon his return he entered the employ of Henry Hess, as an engineer, first for two years in the "Neenah Mills," and then for two seasons in the brick yards. Subsequently he again became engineer at the St. Cloud pumping station. But he was after fifteen months called to St. Augusta by the illness of his uncle. At the time of his uncle's death, May 17, 1910, he came into possession of his uncle's property, and there he now carries on general farming, in connection with dairying of which he makes a specialty. Mr. Messmann was married April 28, 1891, to Theresa Beumer, and they have three children, Mary, Frank and Clara. The family faith is that of the Roman Catholic Church.


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HISTORY OF STEARNS COUNTY


William H. Schabel, one of St. Augusta's leading farmers, was born in the city of St. Cloud, August 7, 1865, son of Ignatz and Mary (Fuch) Schabel, natives of Germany, who came to America, settled in Ohio, were there married, kept a store, boarding house and place of refreshment, came to St. Cloud in 1865, purchased 107 acres in sections 19 and 20, St. Augusta township, and there followed farming the remainder of their days, the father dying January 8, 1884, and the mother October 1, 1898. In the family there were nine chil- dren: Mary, who died October 17, 1898; Joseph, of Holding, Minn., who has seven children, Mary, John, Katie, Gertrude, Nicholas, Lena and Edward; Katie, now Mrs. Nicholas Hubarty, of Watkins, Meeker county, Minn., who has three children, Mary, William and John; Louise, now Mrs. Mathias Schei- fer, of Holding, Minn., who has two adopted children, Henry and Agnes; John, of Graceville, Minn., who has eleven children, Annie, William, Joseph, Julia, Otelia, Frank, Johanna, Catherine, Theresa, John and Clara; William H., of St. Augusta; Wendelin (deceased) ; Valentine (deceased) ; and an unnamed infant (deceased). William H. received his early education in the schools of Luxemburg village. He then engaged in farming with his father. After his father's death he managed the home place for his mother. At the time of her death in 1898 he came into possession of the home place. He has added ten acres so that he now has 117 acres, on which he has made ex- tended improvements, including a new house, barn, and outbuildings. He has made a success of general farming, and is progressive and well liked. He and his wife belong to the Central Insurance Co. Mr. Schabel was married January 29, 1895, to Anna Plachta, who was born in Germany, September 6, 1875. They have nine children: Wendelin (deceased), Valentine M., Oswald J., Clothilda C., Philomena M., Pauline A., Leonard W., Alma K. and Lucilla. The family faith is that of the Roman Catholic Church. Mr. Schabel belongs to St. Wendelin's Society, while his wife belongs to the Margueritta Society of St. Cloud, and the Christian Mothers' Society. Mrs. Schabel is the daugh- ter of Casper and Theresa (Vesper) Plachta, natives of Germany who came to America in 1892, located at St. Cloud, soon moved to Collegeville, and there made their home for a few years while the father worked in St. John's University. He died August 1, 1903. The mother lives in St. Cloud. In their family there are seven children: Anna, now Mrs. William H. Schabel, of St. Augusta; Julia, now Mrs. Hubert Hansen, of Garrison, North Dakota; August, now Rev. Father August Plachta, of Royalton, Minn .; Paulina, now Sister Mary Degnati, O. S. B., Melrose, Minn .; Frank, of Breckenridge, Minn .; Theresa, now Sister Mary Cordelia, O. S. B., at Richmond, Minn .; and John (deceased).


John Schlagheck, supervisor of St. Augusta township, was born in Ohio, February 9, 1865, son of Henry and Mary (Meyer) Schlagheck. The father was born in Germany and the mother in Ohio. They came to Stearns county in 1867, and engaged in agricultural pursuits. By toiling early and late they in due time became prosperous farmers and representative citizens. Of this family there are living four children: John, of St. Augusta; Henry, of Wis- consin ; Herman, of St. Cloud; and Minnie, now Mrs. Fred Michaels, of St. Cloud. Henry Schlagheck died in 1902 and his wife in 1913. John came to


STEPHEN J. SCHAFER AND FAMILY


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HISTORY OF STEARNS COUNTY


St. Augusta with his parents in 1867. He attended the district schools, was reared to farm pursuits, and for some years engaged in brick making on his father's farm. He next went to St. Cloud, and after working one year there purchased an ice business which he conducted for a year. After selling out there, he returned to St. Augusta, followed blacksmithing for a time, and then bought eighty acres of land, on which he successfully followed gen- eral farming. He built a good barn and other buildings, and improved the place in various other ways. In the spring of 1914 he sold his farm and pur- chased the old Beumer place at St. Augusta village where he now resides. In 1911 he was elected a member of the board of supervisors, a position which he still retains. Mr. Schlagheck was married, November 10, 1891, to Mary Beumer, born January 10, 1873, a daughter of Frederick Beumer. To Mr. and Mrs. Beumer four children have been born, Albert, Theresa, Martha and Masada. The family faith is that of the Roman Catholic Church.


Stephen J. Schafer, chairman of the board of supervisors of St. Augusta township, was born in Maine Prairie township, June 28, 1873, son of John and Margaret (Hoffmann) Schafer. John Schafer was born in Germany, and there attended the public schools. He came to America in 1860, lived in Min- neapolis for a while, and came to Stearns county about 1864. He was married in St. Cloud, took up land in Maine Prairie township, and engaged in farm- ing. He died October 18, 1904. His wife still lives in that township. In the family there were ten children: John, of Rockville township; William, of Santa Cruz, California; Joseph, of Rockville township; Stephen J., of St. Augusta township; Susan, now Mrs. Peter Meas, of Meeker county, Minne- sota ; Peter of Cold Spring; Mary, now Mrs. Anton Bauer, of Kenmare, North Dakota; Katie, now Mrs. Bonafice Hiltner, of Dresden, North Dakota; Marga- ret, now Mrs. John Hiltner, of Dresden, North Dakota; and Cecelia, who lives at home with her mother in Maine Prairie. Stephen J. Schafer received his education in the district schools of Maine Prairie. As a young man he went to Rolette county, North Dakota, where he proved up on a claim, and farmed five years. He was called home by his father's failing health, and took charge of the home place in Maine Prairie until 1907, when he purchased the old Weiler homestead of 160 acres in section 29, and sixty acres in section 19, St. Augusta township. He has erected a large barn, and made other improve- ments. In addition to carrying on general farming, he makes a specialty of raising Black Poll cattle, principally for beef purposes. He is one of the enterprising farmers of the community, and has been a member of the town board since 1908. Mr. Schafer was married November 23, 1897, to Anna Weiler, born June 10, 1877, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Jacob Weiler, a notice of whom appears elsewhere in this work. Mr. and Mrs. Schafer have three children living and one dead. Elenora was born in North Dakota, November 23, 1898; Valentine was born in North Dakota, March 7, 1902; Alphonse was born in Maine Prairie, Minn., September 3, 1905; Frances was born May 15, 1910, and died the same day. The family worships at St. Wendel's Church.




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