History of Stearns County, Minnesota, Volume II, Part 50

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 50

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).

1065

HISTORY OF STEARNS COUNTY

an unnamed little girl, who died in infancy. It was in 1864 that the family came to Stearns county. They were somewhat better situated in a financial way than some of the other pioneers, for they brought with them to Paynes- ville, two yoke of oxen, a span of horses, and some cows and sheep. They secured 160 acres in Zion township, and erected a log cabin of substantial porportions. The cabin had a smooth board floor, an unusual luxury for the pioneer days. They also erected a log barn. The first wife died in 1868. In January, 1871, he married Julianna Kruger. The children by this union were: Fred Charles; Amelia, now Mrs. George Voss; and Bertha, now Mrs. Edward Kruger. The family prospered, and in time modern structures re- placed the log buildings. Mr. Nehring was an officer in his school district, and an ardent member of the Evangelical Church. He died July 21, 1902. Julianna Kruger, now Mrs. Michael Nehring, was born in August, 1834, in Germany, daughter of Gotlieb Kruger, who spent the span of his years in Germany. She was married in 1860 to William Marquard. Several children died in Germany. In 1870 they came to America, bringing their daughter, Pauline. In the fall of the same year they came to Minnesota. Here, Mr. Marquard died, and the widow, as noted, afterward married Michael Nehring.

Fred C. Nehring, a prominent agriculturist, was born on the place in section 32, Zion township, where he still resides, October 17, 1871, son of Michael and Julianna (Kruger) Nehring. He attended the district schools and also had the advantages of several courses in the St. Cloud State Nor- mal School. To his father's 200 acres he has added forty more. On this extensive place he carries on general farming and stock raising. Since 1897 he has been clerk of Zion township. As a thorough believer in co-operative effort among the farmers, he has become a stock-holder in the local elevator, creamery and insurance companies, and has been president of the local tele- phone company since its organization.

Mr. Nehring was married November 26, 1895, to Sarah Frances Hilmer, born in Paynesville township, this county, March 1, 1876, daughter of Fred Hilmer, who was a friend of Michael Nehring in the old country, both being born in the same locality. Mr. and Mrs. Nehring have two children: Marvin D., born May 3, 1897; and Iris L., born March 17, 1905. The family faith is that of the Evangelical Church.

August Ferdinand Nehring, a prosperous farmer, of section 31, Zion township, was born in Pomerania, Germany, August 10, 1849, son of Michael and Caroline (Arndt) Nehring. He was reared on the home farm, and re- ceived a good common school education. In 1872 he married Caroline Al- bright, daughter of Ernst Albright, who came from Germany, his native land, and located in Wisconsin. After their marriage, Mr. and Mrs. Nehring located on a place of 160 acres, three miles north of the old Nehring homestead, in the same township. There were no buildings on the new farm. Mr. and Mrs. Nehring first lived in a rude shanty, eight by ten feet. This was soon replaced by a log cabin, 16 by 22 feet. A log barn, 16 by 20, was also erected, and provided with a straw roof. One child was born on this farm. After some five years here the family located on 160 acres in section 31, Zion township, where they now live. This farm was without buildings, and only

1066

HISTORY OF STEARNS COUNTY

eight acres had been broken. It was upon such foundations that the present prosperity of the family was built. First they erected a small frame house and a log barn. The site of these primitive buildings is now occupied by a modern dwelling, a sanitary barn, a large silo, and other buildings neces- sary to the carrying on of successful agricultural operations. Mr. Nehring has served on the township board of supervisors, and on the school board. In the Evangelical Church he has occupied several official positions and has looked after the ministerial duties at times also. At the present time, the son, Robert William, operates the home farm, while Mr. Nehring has retired from the more strenuous duties of heavy farm work.

Mr. and Mrs. August F. Nehring have three children. Emma H. is the wife of William Gess, of Minneapolis, and the mother of one child, Cora. Robert William, one of the rising young farmers of the township, married Rachael Glenz, and they have two children, Alvina and Evelyn. Ida mar- ried Gustave Mode, of Zion township, and they have two children, Ira and Alden.

Clarence Milton Nehring, who still resides on the homestead where he was born, in section 32, Zion township, first saw the light of day, April 1, 1888, son of Ludwig Ferdinand Nehring. He received a good education in the public schools and has spent his entire life on the farm, which he pur- chased from his parents soon after attaining his majority. The place is well improved, and Mr. Nehring is well along the road to prosperity. It is inter- esting to note that he has preserved the log cabin in which his parents first lived, when they settled in this township. Mr. Nehring was married June 13, 1911, to Emma Weber. The family faith is that of the Evangelical Church.

Robert B. Ruenger, one of the rising farmers of Zion township, was born on the homestead in section 31, where he still resides, April 17, 1886, a son of William Ruenger. He received a good education in the public schools, and has devoted his life to farming. To the original farm of 170 acres, he has added 120 acres, and on this good farm of nearly three hundred acres, he raises the usual general crops, and makes a specialty of Shorthorn cattle, Percheron horses and Poland-China hogs. Being a progressive man he is interested in the Paynesville-Zion Telephone and Insurance companies. Mr. Ruenger was married September 13, 1906, to Malinda Manz, the daughter of William Manz.

Michael Fuchs, one of the influential men of Zion township, was born in Fond du Lac county, Wisconsin, January 20, 1843, son of John and Kate Fuchs.

John Fuchs came to America from Germany, in the forties, bringing his wife with him. After forty-nine days on the water, they reached America, and then found their way overland to Wisconsin, where they secured forty acres of land in the woods. There they lived for about a decade. It was in 1852 that the family came to St. Paul, driving an ox team. They spent the winter in that city, and in the spring of 1853 came to Stearns county. Dur- ing the Indian troubles the family took refuge in St. Cloud, while the father shouldered a gun in defense of the frontier. John Fuchs made his home on a farm near Cold Spring until his death.

1067

HISTORY OF STEARNS COUNTY

Michael Fuchs, the subject of this mention, came to Stearns county with the family. In time he secured a claim of 160 acres in section 18, Zion town- ship. He built a house of tamarack logs, and also constructed a straw- roofed barn. He began his farming operations with two cows, a pig, and twelve chickens. The development of his farm, the construction of his build- ings, and the success of his work, has kept pace with the progress of the years, and he now owns eight hundred acres of good land. His specialty is blooded horses and cattle. Mr. Fuchs has been chairman of the board of supervisors, and has served in other public capacities. Michael Fuchs mar- ried Margaret Molitor, who died in 1906, at the age of sixty-three years. Mr. and Mrs. Fuchs had seven children: John, Martin, Michael, Orrin, Joseph, Paul and Margaret, all living.

Albert Wegner, who carries on farming operations in section 16, Zion township, was born in Germany, June 12, 1880, son of William and Bertha (Hass) Wegner, who still live in Germany. In 1902, Albert came to the United States, and started work for farmers in the vicinity of Paynesville. From February, 1903, till November, 1909, he worked for Fred C. Nehring, town of Zion. He was honest and frugal, and soon won the confidence of the people. In 1909 he made a trip to his old home in Germany, and upon his return to Stearns county married Minnie Marquardt. For a time after their marriage they farmed on rented property. Then they purchased an improved farm of 140 acres, where they now live. Mr. Wegner keeps the farm in the best of condition, and takes particular pride in his good stock. He and his wife have one child, Emmett, born March 8, 1912. The family faith is that of the Evangelical Church.

Minnie Marquardt, now Mrs. Albert Wegner, was born in Paynesville, in 1885, the daughter of Herman Marquardt. Herman Marquardt was born in Germany, July 16, 1859, the son of Christ. and Henrietta Marquardt, who spent the span of their years in Germany, and who, upon their death, left three children, August, Julius and Herman. Herman came to America in 1879, worked for a while in Zion township, and then purchased a place of 160 acres in section 6, Paynesville township, where, like the other pioneers, he first erected log buildings and then replaced them with more modern structures. His children were Minnie, Emmett (deceased), Alma, Elsie, Harry and Marvin. The family faith is that of the Evangelical Church.

Franz Winkels was born in Germany, March 27, 1827, son of Henry and Lena (Schippes) Winkels. In 1853, Franz came to America, and at Indian- apolis met his brother, John, who had come to America the year previous and had lived for a time in Milwaukee. The two brothers came on to Dubuque, and there some two years later, Franz Winkels was married. About a year later, he and his wife located in Winona, Minn., where he conducted a furni- ture store about sixteen years. It was in 1870 that they came to Richmond. For three years they rented a farm. In 1873 they purchased a place of 160 acres in section 23, Zion township. They also bought forty acres of timber land in Eden Lake township. They took up their residence on the farm in Zion township. On it was a log building in which for many years they made their home. They had an ox team and two cows to start with. Their

1068

HISTORY OF STEARNS COUNTY

wagon was of the most primitive kind, the wheels being made of round slices cut from logs. Such conditions did not long continue, and they were soon numbered among the most successful people in their community. In the late eighties, they erected the splendid brick house which still adorns the place. Suitable barns were also erected. Franz Winkels was greatly respected, and became an influential man. For a while he was chairman of the township board of supervisors. He died September 16, 1911. Franz Winkels was mar- Med August 20, 1855, to Marie Gertrude Rosamann, and they have eight children : Frank lives in Saskatchewan, Canada; Anna is the wife of Joseph Kunstleben; Henry, Elizabeth and Emma are dead; George farms in Farm- ing township; Lena is at home; John operates the home farm. He is one of the prominent and progressive farmers of the township. He married Jose- phine Brinkmann, daughter of John and Josephine (Kalthoff) Brinkmann, of Farming township.

Marie Gertrude Rosamann, who became the wife of Franz Winkels, was born in Germany, March 5, 1836, daughter of John and Catherine (Sasson) Rosamann. There were eleven children in the family. John, Jr., was the first of the family to come to America. He arrived in 1851 and settled in Iowa. In 1852, the father and mother, with Elizabeth, Catherine and Marie Gertrude, came to Dubuque, Iowa. The parents came to Richmond, in this county, in 1862, and here spent the remainder of their days.

John G. Weber, the memory of whose sturdy integrity and solid worth will long be cherished in Stearns county, was born in Germany, a son of. John and Gusta Weber, who came to America in 1863, bringing their chil- dren, John G., William, Wilhelmina (now Mrs. Fred Helmer), and August. John G., who thus arrived in Stearns county just after the Indian trou- bles were over, secured 160 acres in section 30, Zion township. He built a log cabin and a log barn, and started farming with a pair of oxen. As pros- perity increased, he built a brick house, and this was in turn replaced at a later date by a brick veneer house. The early primitive barn was replaced by a structure 36 by 65 feet, and other buildings were erected as occasion required. Mr. Weber became one of the most extensive land owners in this part of the county. At the time of his death, in 1910, at the age of sixty- nine, he owned 1,150 acres of good farm land, and also some valuable city property in Paynesville. This large farm is now ably operated by his five sons, who do business under the name of "Weber Brothers." They raise general crops and breed some good grade stock. They are worthy men, and occupy the honorable position in the community that their father occupied before them. Mr. Weber was a member of the school board for a time. He was a devout member of the Evangelical Church. Mrs. Weber is still living and is spending the declining years of life surrounded with the love and care of her children. Mr. and Mrs. Weber were the parents of Anna, Gustave, Albert, Ida, Emil, William, Adolph, Wilhelmina and Robert.

Frederick Wendlandt, a well-to-do farmer, of section 15, Zion township, was born in Germany, December 15, 1844, son of Christian and Mary (Stie- low) Wendlandt. The parents came to Wisconsin from Germany, in 1856, bringing their six children: Charles, John, William, August, Frederick and

MR. AND MRS. JOHN WEBER

1069

HISTORY OF STEARNS COUNTY

Augusta. The last named died in Wisconsin. In 1864, the parents came to Minnesota, driving an ox team, and bringing with them three of their sons: John, William and Frederick. In due time they secured a homestead of 160 acres, on which they built a log house. This farm was near the Salem Church. Christian Wendlandt was for a time an exhorter in the Evangelical Church. His last days were spent in the home of his son, William. Christian Wend- landt died in 1888 at the age of eighty-one. His wife died in 1881 at the age of seventy-two. Frederick secured a place of 160 acres in section 15, Zion township, the land at that time being wild. He built a small shanty of logs, and on this place, since their marriage, he and his wife have continued to live. A few years after locating on the place, he built a new log house. In 1900 he erected a splendid brick dwelling. The place is also well sup- plied with barns and outbuildings. Frederick Wendlandt has been treas- urer of Zion township, and an officer in his school district, and he is also a class leader and exhorter in the Evangelical Church.

He was married in 1868 to Ernestina Schultz, and they have ten chil- dren: Herman, Rebecca, Amelia, Augusta, Henry (deceased), John (who helps operate the home place), Eliza, Tillie, Lena and William. Ernestina Schultz, now Mrs. Frederick Wendlandt, was born in Germany, September 29, 1845, daughter of Gotfried and Louisa Schultz. The mother died when Ernestina was but three years of age, and her father married Wilhelmina Ernest. In 1864, with six children, Herman, William, August, Wilhelmina, Ernestine and Augusta, they came to America, found their way to Stearns county, and settled in Zion township, where they built a log cabin, and where they spent the remainder of their lives. Gotfried Schultz was born February 3, 1815, and died January 28, 1906.

Samuel Unger was born in Green county, Wisconsin, December 1, 1864, son of George and Rosena (Bruntner) Unger. The parents were born in Germany and were there married. In 1851 they started for the United States. After a long sailing voyage of many hardships, during which one child died and one was born, they reached the United States and found their way to Ohio. From there they moved to Wisconsin. In the spring of 1866, they came to Stearns county. While looking about for a location, they lived with the Miller family. In due time they secured 160 acres in section 15, Zion township. This was all wild land. They built a log house and a log cabin, and started farming with a pair of oxen and a few cows that they had brought with them from Wisconsin. Later they built a larger log house. They also added to their farm until they owned 240 acres located in sections 15 and 16. George Unger died at the age of seventy-two and his wife at the age of about sixty. Samuel Unger was educated in the district school, and since he was brought here as an infant has always made his home in Zion township. He still owns the family homestead of 240 acres in sections 15 and 16, which he has developed by erecting new barns and making other improvements. Some years ago, he purchased the farm of 240 acres in section 14 where he now resides. At the time of the purchase the land was in tillable condition, and a good barn had been erected. The granary and house, however, were of logs. Mr. Unger has erected a modern house and other buildings. Mr.

1070

HISTORY OF STEARNS COUNTY

Unger raises good crops and stock, his special pride being his herd of Holstein cattle. He is well regarded in the community, and is one of the officials of the Zion Evangelical Church. He holds stock in the Paynesville Farmers' Elevator and in the Paynesville-Zion Farmers' Insurance Co. Mr. Unger was married, in December, 1888, to Elizabeth Schmidt, and they have eight children : Alga (now Mrs. Herman Arndt), Herbert, Walter, Rheuben, Weir, Ena, Hazel and Agnes. Elizabeth Schmidt, wife of Samuel Unger, was born in Green county, Wisconsin, daughter of Carl and Philaphenia (Holtz) Schmidt. Carl Schmidt was born in Germany, November 24, 1838, son of Carl, Sr., and Mary (Exstad) Schmidt, who lived and died in Germany. Of their four children, two died in Germany, and Sophia and Carl came to Amer- ica. Carl was married in Germany, in 1862, to Philaphenia Holtz. In 1865 they came to America, with their child, Ferdinand, landing April 1, after a voyage of nineteen days. They came to Jefferson county, where for three years Carl combined his trade as a carpenter with work as a farmer. In Wisconsin, two more children, Eliza and Emma, were born. In 1868 the family came to Stearns county, making the trip from St. Cloud to William Arndt's place by means of a team of horses and a wagon. They secured 160 acres of wild land in section 14, Zion township, and started farming under the most adverse conditions. Later in life the family became prosperous, added eighty acres to the original farm, and attained a high place in the com- munity. The Schmidt farm is the one now owned and occupied by Mr. and Mrs. Samuel Unger. Carl Schmidt was at one time supervisor of Zion township, and for some years served as an officer of the Zion Evangelical Church. He died July 8, 1912. The children born in Stearns county were : Anna (deceased), Henry, of Canada; Rheinhard (deceased), Edith, of Wash- ington; Carl (deceased), Anna (deceased), Frank, of Wisconsin; Benjamin, of St. Paul; Charles, of Paynesville; and Cecelia, of Texas.

George A. Bridges is the popular and genial proprietor of Lakeside farm, section 14, Eden Lake township. This farm, situated on picturesque Lake Brown, in the heart of an excellent fishing region, furnishes rural rest and quiet comforts with true old-fashioned hospitality for all those in search of summer recuperation and recreation. The home is an ideal farmhouse, modern throughout, and the buildings are equipped with an extensive water system. In addition to entertaining guests, he operates a farm of 320 acres, on which he raises good stock and crops. Mr. Bridges was born near Ft. Abercrombie, North Dakota, August 5, 1861, and was one of the first chil- dren born to white parents in that state. His father and mother were Mark M. and Eliza A. (Curtis) Bridges, who settled in St. Anthony, now a part of Minneapolis, in 1856. Mark M. devoted his life to the meat business. He went to Ft. Abercrombie as assistant to Captain Anderson, who had the con- tract for furnishing supplies to the garrison there. The family went through all the horrors of the Indian campaign. Mark M. Bridges acted as scout and escort for the mails, and at one time was shot through the mouth. After the Indain troubles were over, he enlisted in Company D, Eighth Minnesota Volunteer Infantry. At the close of the war he was honorably discharged. Then he located on 160 acres in Albion township, Wright county, and re-

1071

HISTORY OF STEARNS COUNTY

mained there until 1894. But he was a typical pioneer, his spirit urged him to further adventures, and in that year he started westward, going to the Pacific coast, and then journeying to Alaska. He died at Seattle, Wash., in 1906, at the age of seventy-one. His wife lives in San Francisco, at the age of seventy-two. There were eight children in the family. George A. was the oldest of the family. He was reared in Wright county, and attended the Lincoln School in Minneapolis. Later he determined to secure a mechanical education, and consequently attended the academy, at Mendota, Ill. Having secured his training, he did not, however, take up that line of work. Instead he came back to Albion township, Wright county, married there, and farmed for a while. In 1900 he came to Eden Valley, engaged in the meat business about a year, and then located on the farm, where he now resides. He has served on the school board and is a respected member of the community. Mr. Bridges married Nettie Heaton, a native of Wright county, and a daughter of Frank Heaton. They have four children: Mills L., Lola, Cressie and Dessa.

John Driver was born September 14, 1861, in Randolph county, Indiana, son of John, Sr., and Elizabeth Driver. In the family there were four chil- dren: Mathew, Eliza, Sarah and John. At the age of six years, John was bound out until he should reach the age of twenty-one. In 1884 he located in Wisconsin, where he rented a farm for some seven years. Then he went back to Indiana, and rented a farm there for four years. Subsequently, after about a year and a half more in Wisconsin, he came to Minnesota in 1896 and located in section 29, Eden Lake township. Here he secured forty acres. Later he added another forty acres. His first home here was a log cabin. This he later replaced with a frame house in which he still resides. His outbuildings have seen a corresponding change and improvement. Mr. Driver is a member of the Church of God, in Eden Valley.

Mr. Driver was married in 1888 to Rachael Wilson, whose parents were Kentucky people. The children are: Morris (deceased), Harry, Roy, Orvillia, George, Lawrence, Mattie and Alva Mary.

Adolph Gustave Knebel, a farmer in section 6, Eden Lake township, was born in Munson township, this county, January 11, 1873. He attended the district schools, and was reared on the home farm in section 31, Munson township. For a time after attaining the years of manhood, he rented his parents' farm. He now owns a good farm of 170 acres, and has become one of the solid men of the community. His crops and live stock are all good, and he takes a special pride in his pedigreed Holstein cattle. He is treasurer of the Farmers' Insurance Co., and lineman for the Farmers Telephone Co. He is an officer in his school district and a member of the Evangelical Church.

Mr. Knebel was married in 1896 to Otilla Schultz, who was born May 23, 1875, the daughter of Michael Schultz, the pioneer. Mr. and Mrs. Knebel have seven children : Esther, Elsie, Edwin, Alvina, Ruth (deceased), William and Lydia.

Gotfried Voss, a substantial farmer of section 7, Eden Lake township, was born in Varbam in Pommern, Germany, October 14, 1838, the son of George and Mary (Holtz) Voss. Gotfried attended the schools of his neigh-

1072

HISTORY OF STEARNS COUNTY

borhood and spent his young manhood as a farmer in Germany. He was also married in his native land. He was about thirty years of age when he first began to think seriously of coming to America. Finally in 1869 he bade farewell to his friends, and with his wife and children embarked for the new world. The voyage was a heart rending one of five weeks, during which there was much suffering on board the ship, owing to illness and the scarcity of food. At last, however, they landed, and in time found their way to Stearns county. For a time, Mr. Voss was employed by Charley Schmit, the pioneer of Schmit's Grove, in Roseville township. Then he rented a farm in Eden Lake. Later he was enabled to purchase forty agres in section 7, Eden Lake. This forty is now a part of their large estate of many hundred acres. Mr. Voss, with the aid of his family, erected a log cabin, located on the rise of land just north of where the son, Fred, now lives. They built a stable by using crotched sticks to support a roof of clay, hay and straw. At first they had a pair of oxen. Later they bought a cow. One winter they had to care for the cow and calf in their cabin, for otherwise the creatures would have perished in the intense cold. As time passed, a larger cabin was built and finally a frame house was erected. Barns and other outbuildings were erected as occasion required. In the late eighties the management of the place was turned over to the son Fred. At that time the parents erected a house in which they have since led practically a retired life, though Mr. Voss still finds enough work to busy himself both summer and winter. The family faith is that of the Zion Evangelical Church, in the progress of which Mr. Voss has taken the greatest interest. While he has been a farmer nearly all his life, he is also a mason and plasterer by trade, and it was his work that erected and plastered the walls of the Zion Church. For many years he has been an official in both church and Sunday-school.

Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.

History of Stearns County, Minnesota, Volume II, Part 50

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