History of Stearns County, Minnesota, Volume II, Part 35

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 35

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Adolph Voigt, one of the influential farmers of St. Augusta township, was born in Germany, February 21, 1869, a son of William and Theresa (Meyer) Voigt. The family came to America in 1879, located in St. Augusta township,

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purchased 200 acres in sections 11 and 12, and there established their home. William Voigt died December 27, 1881, and his wife and children conducted the farm until 1892, when the oldest son was given possession. Theresa (Meyer) Voigt died February 19, 1911. Adolph Voigt attended the schools of his native town and of St. Cloud, and remained on the home farm until 1891, when he purchased 200 acres in sections 11 and 12. Six years later he added forty acres more, so that he now has a splendid place of 240 acres. He carries on general farming, has been successful in his operations, and has improved the place in various ways. He has not cared to mingle in public affairs, but con- sistently votes the Democratic ticket.

Mr. Voigt was married November 17, 1891, to Elizabeth Dorenkemper, a daughter of Fred and Gertrude (Plake) Dorenkemper. Mr. and Mrs. Voigt have two children, Hubert and Angeline. The family faith is that of the Roman Catholic Church.

Fred Dorenkemper was born in Germany and there married Gertrude Plake. They came to America, and reached Stearns county with an early German colony in 1856. They settled in sections 11 and 12, St. Augusta, and as the years passed became prosperous and progressive farmers. Mr. Dorenkemper died November 19, 1905, and his wife January 6, 1894. Their farm is now occupied by their son-in-law and daughter, Mr. and Mrs. Adolph Voigt.

William Voigt, a progressive farmer of St. Augusta, was born in Saxony, Germany, May 7, 1853, son of Ignatz and Mary K. (Glorious) Voigt. He received a thorough education in the land of his birth and there grew to manhood. In 1880 he came to America, located in the township of St. Au- gusta, and purchased the old Henry Messmann farm of 250 acres in section 11. Later he sold forty acres, leaving him a fine farm of 210 acres. Mr. Voigt's untiring industry has resulted in success and prosperity. He broke the land, erected a suitable residence and a good set of outbuildings, and today is registered among the leading farmers of his community. Every acre of his farm shows his thrift, care and foresight. Mr. Voigt was married October 19, 1881, to Mary K. Messmann, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Henry Messmann, the pioneers. Mrs. Voigt died November 23, 1905. The children are: John, Barney, Paul, Anna, Mary, Elizabeth, August, Tobey, Vincent and Alphonse. The family faith is that of the Roman Catholic Church.

Gerhard Wolters, for many years a respected farmer of St. Augusta, was born in Germany, in October, 1845, and there received a good education. In 1867 he came to America, and located in St. Augusta township. In time he purchased the Henry Fibbe farm of 200 acres in sections 7, 8 and 18, and be- came one of the solid men of the community. He died May 2, 1897. He was married November 22, 1869, to Philemina Fibbe, born April 9, 1855, daughter of Henry and Mary A. Fibbe, who settled near the mouth of Johnson's creek with a colony in 1854. Mrs. Wolters was the first white child born in St. Augusta township, and with the exception of short visits, has spent her life on the farm where she first saw the light of day. Mr. and Mrs. Wolters have had seventeen children: Gerhard, Jr., on the home farm; Theresa, of St. Augusta; Ann (deceased) ; Mary (deceased) ; Henry (deceased) ; Clara, now

MR. AND MRS. WILLIAM VOIGT

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Mrs. Thomas Marsh, of St. Paul; Elizabeth, now Mrs. Arnold B. Ergen, of St. Augusta; Dora, now Mrs. Henry Toenys, of Buckman, Minn .; Theodore, of St. Augusta, twin brother to Dora; Lena, now Mrs. John Toenys, of Buck- man, Minn .; Henry, John and Frank, of St. Augusta; Agnes, now Mrs. Henry Kloeppner, of St. Augusta, twin sister of Frank; Joseph and Josephine, twins, deceased; one not named (deceased). Gerhard Wolters, Jr., who conducts the home farm was born October 7, 1870, received a good education, and has devoted his life to farm work.

Rev. Father James Walcher, pastor of the Church of St. Mary, R. C., in St. Augusta, was born in Bavaria, Germany, December 14, 1867, son of John and Anna Walcher, who brought him to Stearns county in 1872. The boy, who afterward became Father Walcher, received his early education in the district schools. In 1881 at Meire Grove the family joined the Catholic Church. In 1884 he entered St. John's University at Collegeville, in this county, and remained there until 1887. From 1888 to 1890 he taught school. From 1890 to 1896 he was a student at the Mt. Angel Seminary, at Mt. Angel, Oregon. In 1896 he again entered St. John's University to study theology, and in June, 1899, he was ordained priest by the Right Rev. Bishop James Trobec. For three years he was curate at Melrose. Then he was transferred to Alex- andria, Minn., for two and a half years, later to Tintah, Minn., for four and a half years. In 1909, returning to Melrose he was given charge of St. Pat- rick's Parish at that place. October 18, 1911, he became pastor of his present parish.

Witschen Brothers are among the most modern and progressive farmers in St. Augusta township. Reared as they were to agricultural pursuits they have taken their deepest pleasure in watching the growing of stock and of crops, and few young men are better versed in all the science of farm life than are they. The founder of the family was Bernard Witschen, Sr. He came to America as a young man and for a time did railroad work in St. Louis. In 1856 he came to Minnesota, and found his way to Stearns county. Here he met and married Clara Berger, whose parents were also pioneers of this county. Mr. and Mrs. Witschen settled on a preemption claim of 160 acres in section 24, St. Augusta township. He erected a log cabin and started farming with one yoke of oxen. When the railroad came through from St. Paul to St. Cloud he assisted in its construction. Most of his life, however, was passed on the farm. To his original tract he added forty acres in sec- tion 23, and still another forty acres in section 34, making in all a splendid farm, on which he successfully carried on farming operations the remainder of his life. He erected a good house and commodious barns, and in time be- came one of the leading farmers in the community. He retained all of his farm except five acres; when he died in 1896 he left his children a comfort- able competence as well as the heritage of a good life and a spotless name. His wife died in 1892. In the family there were five children : Bernard, Joseph, August, Henry and Elizabeth. Henry lives in St. Cloud, and Elizabeth is the wife of Frank Schindt, of Lynden township. Bernard, Joseph and August constitute the partnership known as the Witschen Brothers. Bernard was born November 8, 1871; Joseph was born November 14, 1875; and August

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was born July 14, 1877. When the father died he left his property to his children in five equal shares. Bernard bought out the shares of Henry and Elizabeth, so that he now owns three-fifths of the property, and Joseph and August each one-fifth. The three brothers work the farm together except during the summer seasons, when August is employed as a bricklayer. They have greatly improved their farm in every way and their stock and equip. ment are of the best. They believe in modern methods and they are hard work- ers, and their splendid place with its sightly buildings, its well-kept fences, its spreading and well-tilled acres, its sleek stock, its supply of implements and tools, and its automobile is in striking contrast to the early days when their father lived in a log cabin and worked with a yoke of oxen. The three young men have never married. They keep house for themselves, and it would be hard to find anywhere three more contented men, or better fellows, or more progressive farmers, than these same Witschen brothers.

Stephen Zenner, one of the representative men of St. Augusta township, was born in Germany, in 1856, son of Philip and Mary (Rausch) Zenner, also natives of Germany. The mother died in the old country. The father came to America in 1861, and located in St. Augusta township, where he acquired eighty acres of land in section 30. Later he added eighty acres more and became a substantial land owner. He died in 1889. The children are: Henry, a retired farmer of St. Cloud; Stephen, of St. Augusta township; Mathias, of Buckman, Minn .; Margaret, of St. Augusta, widow of Jacob Lemm; and Barbara (deceased). Stephen received his education in the district schools, and farmed with his father for several years. He first started farming for himself on eighty acres, which he purchased from his father in Rockville township. Later he sold that tract and purchased 158 acres in Maine Prairie township. There he followed farming until 1910, when he sold out and pur- chased 3914 acres in section 19, St. Augusta township, where he still resides. He also owns a good farm of 153 acres in the same township, which is now operated by his son, Mathias. Mr. Zenner is a worthy citizen in every way. He served for some time as school treasurer. Mr. Zenner was married Febru- ary 27, 1878, to Margaret Scheifer, born May 17, 1859, and they have had seven children : Mathias, a farmer of St. Augusta ; Paul, at home; Clara, now Mrs. Joseph Pohl; Barbara, now Mrs. Henry Henz; Gertrude (deceased) ; Susan, now Mrs. Thomas Finnemann; and Pauline, at home. The family faith is that of the Roman Catholic Church.

Henry Scheifer was born in Germany and there married. In 1860 he and his wife, Clara, came to America, and located in St. Augusta township, this county, and engaged in farming. At the outbreak of the Civil War he enlisted. During that conflict he was taken prisoner and died in a southern prison. His wife died in 1900. Their children were: Mary (deceased) ; Gertrude, wife of Peter Mohs, of St. Martin township; Mathias, of Holding- ford; Katie (deceased) ; Margaret, wife of Stephen Zenner, of St. Augusta ; and Susan, wife of Paul Rausch, of St. Cloud.

John Weber, a capable farmer of St. Augusta township, was born in Lux- emburg, May 10, 1844, son of Peter and Anna Katrina (Schurahan) Weber, also natives of Luxemburg. The parents came to America in 1855, took a

MR. AND MRS. STEPHEN ZENNER

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claim of 160 acres in St. Augusta township, erected a log cabin, started life in the wilderness, and later became prosperous and successful, erecting a good house and outbuildings, and increasing their holdings to 320 acres. The father died in March, 1889, and the mother in January, 1883. In the family there were five children : John, of St. Augusta township; Nicholas (deceased) ; Anna, now the widow of John Plattes, of St. Cloud; Katherine, now Mrs. John Hammerel, of St. Cloud; and John Nicholas (deceased). John Weber received his education in Germany, was brought to St. Augusta township by his parents in 1855, and has since lived continuously on the same farm. He and his father farmed in partnership for many years. He bought the home farm a short time before the father's death. He now has 417 acres located in sections 5, 6 and 28, and has made many improvements of various kinds, in lands and buildings. He is far sighted, a hard worker, and a real leader among the people. The march of human affairs, whether ancient or modern, has been the subject of his special thought and observation, and he is a pleas- ant conversationalist on all subjects of historic and modern significance. He was chairman of the town for two years, and treasurer of School District No. 37, for some thirty-three years. Mr. Weber was married, June 26, 1875, to Cuniguta Hartmann, who was born in St. Cloud township, July 26, 1855. Mr. and Mrs. Weber have fifteen children: Peter, of St. Cloud; Ferdinand, of St. Cloud, who married Lizzie Kloepner, and has three children: Loretta, Louise and Alfred; Anne, now Mrs. Robert Ford, of Washington; Susan, who married Michael Hammerel, of St. Cloud, and has two children : Marcella and Clarence; Michael, of St. Cloud; John, twin brother of Nicholas, killed by a dynamite explosion near Fargo, North Dakota; Nicholas, now of Flaxville, Montana, who married Anna Lemm, and has one son, Harold; Rosa, now Mrs. Louis Heimans, of St. Cloud township; Margaret, who married Ignatius Lemm, of Duluth, and has one son, Homer Francis; Amelia, of Duluth; Charles, of Farmington, Minn .; Arthur, of Washington; Leo, of St. Cloud; Paul, who died at nine years of age, and Margaret (first), who died in infancy. The family faith is that of the Roman Catholic Church. Mrs. John Weber is the daughter of Ferdinand and Margaret (Schlerer) Hartmann, natives of Ger- many, who came to the United States, located in Buffalo, New York; and in 1854, came to St. Cloud township with the earliest settlers. The mother died in 1888. The father was killed in a runaway accident in 1894. The five children living are: Cuniguta, Philip, Susan, Katie and Charles.

Christ Walkley was born in Maryland in January, 1834, came to St. Augusta township in 1856, and since that time has been engaged continuously in farming in section 31. He married Emma Roach, in December, 1861. She died January 15, 1895. They had twelve children: Ida, Alice, Nettie, Carrie, Rose, Martha, Mary, Grace, Eugene, George, James and Oscar.

John Schenk was born in Germany in 1830, came to America in 1853, lived five years in Louisville, Kentucky, came to St. Augusta township, in 1858, engaged in farming until 1912, and then sold to his daughter with whom he now lives, on the old homestead. He was married in 1855 to Helena Braun, and of their seven children two are living. Mr. Schenk served both on the town and school boards.

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Peter Maus was born in Prussia, Germany, December 24, 1832, and came to America in 1854, being 163 days on the ocean. He lived in Henry county, Ohio, for two years and in 1856 came to Stearns county and located on a farm in St. Augusta township in 1858, since which time he has devoted his life to farming. In the early days he was a school teacher. He served as chairman, supervisor, road overseer and school clerk. In February, 1863, he married Margaret Diedrick, who was born in Prussia, December 6, 1840. Their ten children are: Anna, John, Elizabeth, Susan, Kate, Nicholas, Peter, Mary, Margaret and Henry C.

Stephen Strack was born in Germany, October 16, 1859, and came to America in 1868, with his parents, Philip and Gertrude (Diedrick) Strack. He attended the district schools and became one of the leading farmers. He is secretary and treasurer of the Luxemburg Creamery Co., of which he was one of the organizers. For three years he was chairman of the town board. Mr Strack was married February 8, 1882, to Kate Theilen, and they have fif- teen children : Anna, Anton, Joseph, John, Mary and Nicholas (twins), Chris- tina, Gertrude, Matilda, Alphonse, Andrew, Sylvester, Veronica, Thomas (de- ceased), and Katie (deceased).

Wilbur F. Fisk, an estimable citizen and worthy pioneer, now deceased, was born in Lunanberg, Vermont, September 10, 1830, son of Henry and Lucinda (Keys) Fisk, who came of a distinguished family prominent in the annals of the Methodist Episcopal Church. About 1835 the family moved to Whitefield, N. Y., where the father died in 1858, and the mother in 1847. In 1851, Wilbur F. Fisk went to Peterboro, N. H. Later he returned to his birthplace. It was in 1857 that he came to Minnesota. He reached Clear- water June 10, and soon after that took in that vicinity the claim that there- after continued to be his home. February 14, 1865, he enlisted in Company E, First Minnesota Heavy Artillery, and was assigned to garrison duty at Nashville, Tenn., where he was mustered out, September 21, 1865. He then returned to his farm, took up the round of daily duty, and became a leading and substantial citizen. He died December 23, 1904. Mr. Fisk belonged to that class of men who honestly, faithfully and quietly meet the everyday duties of life, and who make up the solid and safe element of citizenship upon which the nation's prosperity mainly rests. He was a prominent member of the Old Settlers' Association. Mr. Fisk was married May 9, 1867, to Sarah M. Townsend, and they had two daughters: Lillian Estella and Sarah Emily. Lillian Estella married Azro Darling and they have four children: Sarah E., Howard F., Edith E. and Ira A. Sarah Emily married Willard Dakin, and died in 1909, leaving two children, Willard F. and Marguerite E.

Sarah M. Townsend, now Mrs. Wilbur F. Fisk, is the daughter of Alvin and Harriet (Patrick) Townsend, natives of Pennsylvania. Alvin Townsend was a carpenter by trade. In 1855 he came to Minnesota, and settled in Lynden township, where he secured a part of what is now the Clifford place. The following year his wife and his daughter, Sarah M., came, making the trip from St. Paul in a wagon. Mrs. Fisk is an estimable woman, a good wife and mother, and a good housewife, noted for her hospitality and cheerful temperament, as well as for her abilities as a home maker. She is a member

MR. AND MRS. WILBUR F. FISK

B. F. LYONS AND FAMILY

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of the Old Settlers' Association, also a member of the Charles Gibbs Circle, No. 11, G. A. R., Clearwater, Minn. She is a communicant of the Congrega- tional Church. Recently she has taken a homestead claim in North Dakota.

Henry Kiffmeyer, a leading citizen residing on his splendid farm in Lynden township, was born in Richmond, Stearns county, May 10, 1862, son of Bernard and Elizabeth (Landwehr) Kiffmeyer. Bernard Kiffmeyer was born in Westphalia, Germany, October 3, 1834. In the early fifties he came to America and came west to Illinois. It was about 1854 or 1855 when he started for Minnesota. He drove an ox team all the way, leading his cattle, He first took a homestead in Richmond, in Wakefield township, this county. There they lived for several years. It was in 1865 when they moved to St. Augusta, and purchased a tract in sections 1 and 2. In his latter years, Ber- nard Kiffmeyer sold this farm and moved to the village of St. Augusta, where he died September 1, 1906. In the family there were twelve children: Henry, Barney (deceased), Herman, Gertrude, Elizabeth, Mary, John, Theresa, Annie, George, Lena and Rose. Henry Kiffmeyer was reared on the home farm, and was educated in the old log house where Henry Krebs kept school. When he was twenty-four years of age he bought 160 acres of wild land in sections 28 and 29, Lynden township, and on it built a shack in which he lived for about a year. Then he erected his present sightly residence. He has also erected a good barn, and other sheds and outbuildings. The farm embraces 200 acres and in addition to this Mr. Kiffmeyer owns another farm of 160 acres. He is a prosperous, progressive man, a desirable citizen in every re- spect, one who has assisted materially in the development of the community. Mr. Kiffmeyer married Mary Ergen, daughter of Arnold and Frances (Daub) Ergen, and they have seven children: Joseph (deceased), Arnold, William, Pauline, Sophia, Balbina and Edwin. Pauline married Earl Storm. Sophia married George Thole.

Benjamin F. Lyons, a leading and influential farmer of Lynden town- ship, was born in St. Paul, September 12, 1856, son of Benjamin T. and Lydia (Wince) Lyons. He came to Lynden township with his parents shortly after his birth, was reared on the home farm, and attended school in District No. 53, one of his teachers being D. D. Storms. As he reached manhood, his father presented him with a farm of ninety-seven acres. To this he has added from time to time, and has at intervals erected suitable buildings, until he now has a splendid place, well improved in every way. He has the best of equipment and successfully carries on general farming and dairying. Mr. Lyons is one of the progressive farmers of Lynden. He is particularly inter- ested in the welfare of his community and has done good service on the town board. For many years he has been a prominent member of the Old Settlers' Association. Benjamin F. Lyons married Ann Mitchell, daughter of William and Elizabeth (Deacon) Mitchell, and they have five children: Maria J. (wife of Waite Hoskins), James L., W. Hamline, A. Elizabeth and Esther M. The family faith is that of the Methodist Episcopal Church at Clearwater, in which Mr. Lyons has been an official for many years.

Benjamin T. Lyons, one of the earliest settlers of Lynden township, is remembered as one of the founders of the county. His memory is honored and

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revered throughout the community in which he lived, and his kindly influence still lives in his descendants. He was born on a southern plantation in War- rentown, Virginia, and as a youth found his way to Ohio. He was there married, October 15, 1839, to Lydia Wince, also of Virginia, and settled down to farm life in Newark, Licking county, Ohio. In 1854 they moved to Illinois, and located in Champaign county. It was in 1856 that they set out for Minne- sota with two yoke of oxen, one pair of horses, one cow and a colt. They reached St. Paul September 10, and camped for a month on the present site of that city. In October they drove to Clearwater, and secured 160 acres in section 17, Lynden township. The family took up their home in two log cabins, equipped with an old fashioned fire place. They had lost their freight, and had to make the best of such home made furniture as they could manu- facture. The beds were made by boring holes in the walls and driving in stout poles for a frame. About three years after their arrival the family moved to section 6, in the same township, where they secured 160 acres of wild land. Here they also lived in a log house, and stabled their stock in a log barn. Later other buildings were erected. Benjamin T. Lyons died November 27, 1888. He was born December 11, 1814. His wife died July 27, 1877. She was born January 16, 1816. He was a staunch Democrat in poli- tics and held many offices. He was an official in the Methodist Episcopal Church. Benjamin T. Lyons was the son of Robert and Sarah (Tolson) Lyons. Robert Lyons was a native of Virginia, a southern planter, and a soldier of the War of 1812. The Tolsons were also well-to-do Virginia planters. Lydia Wince was the daughter of Jacob and Ann (Hittle) Wince. Jacob Wince was a Virginia farmer. In 1840 he moved his family to Ohio, and settled in Licking county. It is interesting to note that when Benjamin T. Lyons came North, three of his brothers, Henry, Robert and John, remained in the South. Henry became a Baptist clergyman. Robert and John joined the Confederate army. Robert was killed at the Battle of Winchester. John, who served as lieutenant, was wounded and taken prisoner. Lieutenant John Lyons also had a son, who served in the Confederate army. On the Union side, Benja- min T. Lyons had two sons, John and James Lyons, who did valiant service for the Stars and Stripes. They fought on the Union side at the battle in which their Uncle Robert was killed.

William Henry Lyons, for many years a conspicuous figure in the life and progress of Lynden township, was born in Licking county, Ohio, June 2, 1840, son of Benjamin T. and Lydia (Wince) Lyons. He received a good edu- cation in Ohio, and was taken by his parents to Champaign county, Ill., in 1854. He came to Stearns county with his parents in 1856, underwent with them the rigors of pioneer life, and under the tuition of his father became a proficient farmer. In October, 1862, at the age of twenty-two years, he enlisted in Company D, First Minnesota Mounted Rangers, and was sent to the Northwestern frontier aganist the Indians. In November, 1863, he was honorably discharged for disability. Then he returned to Lynden, and worked on the home farm until 1882. In the meantime he had taken a homestead in section 6, Lynden township. In 1882 he was married, and he and his good wife moved onto this farm and started life together. In 1885 the home and

MR. AND MRS. WILLIAM H. LYONS AND DAUGHTERS

MR. AND MRS. JAMES M. LYONS

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other buildings were destroyed by fire, but undaunted by this disaster, they erected a new home, and barns, and continued their work. Prosperity crowned their efforts and they were numbered among the most honored and respected members of the community. The farm was increased to 193 acres, and the thrift, energy and good taste of the owners was everywhere apparent. In the Old Settlers' Association they took deep pleasure, and were very active at all of its meetings. After a life filled with good deeds, he died April 1, 1906, as the result of being injured while working about a circular saw. His re- mains are laid at rest in the Acacia Cemetery, in Lynden township. A man of quiet habits, of upright character, and for more than thirty years a con- sistent and faithful member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, he was held in high esteem by his friends and neighbors. William Henry Lyons was married October 26, 1882, to Susanna M. Mitchell, born in County Leitrem, Ireland, June 28, 1853, daughter of William and Elizabeth (Deacon) Mitchell. To Mr. and Mrs. Lyons have been born six children: Lydia E., Samuel W., John A., Henry B., Susanna Jane and George R. Lydia E. is a graduate of the St. Cloud High School, and is a proficient teacher. Samuel W. and John A. conduct the home farm. Henry B. graduated from the Clearwater High School, took a special course in engineering at the Southern Minnesota Normal College at Austin, Minn., and is now a successful teacher. Susan Jane is a graduate of the Clearwater High School and is likewise a competent teacher. George R. is a student in the Clearwater High School.

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History of Stearns County, Minnesota, Volume II, Part 35

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

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