History of Wabasha County, Minnesota, Part 103

Author: Curtiss-Wedge, Franklyn. cn
Publication date: 1920
Publisher: Winona, Minn. : H.C. Cooper
Number of Pages: 1222


USA > Minnesota > Wabasha County > History of Wabasha County, Minnesota > Part 103


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widely known and respected as one of the notable pioneers of the county. Robert G. McCracken was one of a large family, numbering five children by his father's first marriage, and nine by the second. He had but limited educa- tional advantages, but attended district school as he found opportunity. Reared to manhood on the home farm, he worked for his father until the latter's death, and has never changed his residence. In the summer of 1910 he came into possession of 305 acres of the McCracken estate, on which he has erected a good set of buildings, including a barn in 1900, a granary in 1910, and a house in 1911. The farm possesses good soil, of which 265 acres are now under the plow. It is located 13 miles south of Lake City and two miles north of Theilman, which is the principal market. It is well stocked with graded Shorthorn cattle, Duroc swine and Shropshire sheep, Mr. McCracken giving particular attention to stock raising. His operating equipment is good and in- cludes a large auto car. Thus industry and good management have brought their usual reward. Mr. McCracken is a stockholder in the Farmers' Co- operative Elevator at Theilman, besides having other financial interests. On April 3, 1907, he was united in marriage with Mary Fetzer, daughter of Perry and Martha (Speed) Fetzer of Glasgow Township. Her father was of Penn- sylvania Dutch ancestry, and was born March 24, 1842, and died August 28, 1896. Her mother, who was from New England, was born December 29, 1844, and died January 19, 1908. They were early settlers in Glasgow Township, this county, and were prosperous farmers. Mr. and Mrs. McCracken have one child, Carolyn, who was born January 17, 1910. They are affiliated religiously with the Lutheran church at Theilman.


Bartholomew Fitzgerald, a former resident of Highland Township, where he cleared and improved a farm, was a native of Wabasha County, and the son of Irish parents, his father being among the earliest settlers in this county. The latter's home, situated between Kellogg and Weaver in Watopa Town- ship, was in early days a house of entertainment for travelers. There Bartholo- mew grew to manhood. He was subsequently married in Wabasha to Mary Burk, and about 1878 they moved to Highland Township, where they bought 209 acres of wild land, on which was a log shack. In time he developed this place, building a good frame house and two frame barns, together with other necessary buildings. The rest of his life was spent on the farm, where he died in 1892. His wife is also now deceased. The farm subsequently came into possession of their son, Edward J., the present sheriff of Wabasha County. In addition to this son they had two others, and also three daughters: Thomas, now living in Portland, Ore .; Daniel, married, and living in Spokane, Wash .; Mary and Katherine, who are deceased; and Bridget, who is residing in Chi- cago.


Edward J. Fitzgerald, the present sheriff of Wabasha County, was born in Watopa Township, this county, August 5, 1877, son of Bartholomew and Mary (Burk) Fitzgerald. He was but a year old when he accompanied his parents to a farm in Highland Township, where he grew to manhood, acquiring his education in the country school, which he attended up to the age of 15 or 16 years. Then, on account of his father's death, he had to assume the responsi- bility of operating the farm, his mother residing with him until her death. On that event he bought the interests of the other heirs and subsequently operated the place as sole owner until 1911, when he rented it and moved to Wabasha city, where he went to work in a garage. There he was employed until the fall of 1918, in which year he sold his farm to Klees brothers, the present owners. During his agricultural career he made many improvements on the place, and successfully carried on general farming, dealing to some extent in horses. In 1915 Mr. Fitzgerald became a candidate for sheriff, but on that occasion was defeated by Julius Boehlke. He was popular throughout the county, however, and on his second candidature in 1918, he was elected over Mr. Boehlke, taking office January 7, 1919. Politically he has always been a Democrat, and while


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on the farm in Highland Township served as town supervisor for four years. On November 22, 1915, Mr. Fitzgerald married Anna Kohn, daughter of Matthew and Barbara Kohn of Wabasha, Minn., who was born in Wabasha August 31, 1899. He and his wife are the parents of two children: Mary, born September 4, 1916; and Edward, born February 9, 1918.


Ziba Goss, a pioneer, was born in East Randolph, Orange County, Vt., in 1842, and was brought to Wabasha County in the early fifties by his parents, who settled in Highland Township. At the outbreak of the Civil War Ziba, and two of his brothers, Howard and Dana, enlisted and did good service during that great conflict in the Third Minn. Volunteer Infantry. The regiment was captured and paroled in 1862 and the men sent north against the Indians. Later they again saw service in the south. Ziba Goss was reared to farm pursuits, but after the war went to Wabasha and learned the carpenter's trade. After this he devoted many years to the woodworking and building trades. For a long period he was foreman of the large factory and planing mill of Ingram, Kennedy & Gill at Wabasha. Subsequently he was a partner in the firm of Goss & Campbell, implement dealers at Wabasha. In later years he operated and managed the "Hurd Hotel," now the "Anderson House," the capacity of which he nearly doubled by erecting the western wing. For 12 years he did most efficient service as postmaster at Wabasha. After a long and useful life, he died April 21, 1911. Ziba Goss was married June 14, 1875, to Emma Hurd, the daughter of Blois S. and Lavira (Isham) Hurd, Wabasha pioneers, and founders and proprietors of the Hurd House. She died November 16, 1903.


Frank C. Goss, the popular clerk of courts of Wabasha County, was born in the city where he now resides November 14, 1876, son of Ziba and Emma (Hurd) Goss, and descended from two of the earliest families in the county. He passed through the graded and high schools of Wabasha and took the four years' course at Carleton College, Northfield, Minn. For a year and a half he acted as his father's clerk in the Hurd Hotel, now the Anderson House. Then he was deputy postmaster at Wabasha under his father. Upon retiring from this position he entered the government service as receiver of material, con- nected with the Upper Mississippi office of the United States Engineers, working on the river in the summer and in the government building at St. Paul during the winter. He resigned from this position in the fall of 1914. That same fall he became a candidate for his present position, took office January 1, 1915, and by re-election has since continued to serve. He is an efficient officer, competent in his office, and accommodating to the public, thus winning the general favor of the court, the lawyers and his constituents. Fraternally he is a member of Wapahasa Lodge, No. 14, A. F. & A. M., of Wabasha, and of Hope Chapter, No. 12, R. A. M., of Lake City. The family faith is that of the Grace Memorial Epis- copal church of Wabasha, of which Mr. Goss is a prominent member, and of which he has been vestryman for many years. Mr. Goss was married August . 12, 1903, to Josephine Cumbey, daughter of William N. and Elizabeth (Howe) Cumbey, of St. Paul, and they have two children: Elizabeth, born July 7, 1905, and Howard, born May 10, 1912. The family residence is a comfortable dwell- ing on West Main street.


Louis Henry Roschen, the owner of two good farms in Mt. Pleasant Town- ship, on one of which he resides, though now retired from active work, was born in Hanover, Germany, February 3, 1869, son of Henry and Catherine Roschen. The father was a carpenter who, with his family, came to Wabasha County in 1885. Up to the age of 21 years Louis Henry Roschen worked as a farm hand. Then in 1890 he rented a farm of 155 acres in Florence Township, Goodhue County, and up to 1907 he continued to operate rented farms. He then bought 174 acres in section 11, Mt. Pleasant Township, Wabasha County, the farm being partially improved. He continued to make progress, and in 1913 bought 280 acres adjoining his home place. Each farm was provided with an adequate set of buildings, except for such additions as he has since made, which


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include a farm house and two good barns. Until his retirement he followed general farming very successfully, his principal stock being grade Shorthorn cattle and Poland-China swine. His farms lie four miles west of Lake City. On retiring Mr. Roschen leased his original farm to his son, Willie D., and the other to his son, Louis John, retaining his residence on the east farm. He is a stockholder in the Farmers' Elevator and in the Lake Pepin Co-operative Creamery, both of Lake City, and is secretary of the Farmers' Live Stock Ship- ping Association. One of the leading citizens of his township, he has taken a more or less active part in public affairs, not grudging his time or effort when it was for the public service. He was assessor of Mt. Pleasant Township for six years, and for the last two years has served as town clerk. In 1910 he was census reporter for the township, and ever since then has been crop reporter for the government, sending in reports every month. During the recent World War he showed his pure Americanism by taking an active part in all the loan drives in the township. Mr. Roschen was married February 21, 1890, to Anna, daugh- ter of John and Metta Merkens, of West Florence Township, Goodhue County. Their children are as follows: Christine Catherine, born May 31, 1891, now Mrs. Louis Tomforde, of Mt. Pleasant Township; Louis John, born March 9, 1892; Willie Diedrich, born February 6, 1896; Alice Anna, born October 14, 1898; and Marie Henrietta, born August 28, 1901. Mr. Roschen and his family are members of St. John's Lutheran congregation at Lake City, and are people who represent a good type of manhood and womanhood.


Garrett Fitzgerald, a pioneer of Wabasha county, was a native of Ireland, and came to the United States in the early fifties with his parents and three brothers, the family locating at Reed's Landing, Wabasha County, Minn. Later the parents settled on land in Watopa Township, this county, the father, with the assistance of his sons, being for a number of years actively engaged in land. development and farming. Both he and his son, Garrett, served in various town offices and were stirring and useful citizens. The home farm was in section 2, and contained 160 acres. Garrett Fitzgerald was married in this state to Mar- garet Costello, who died in 1877. He survived her a number of years, passing away in 1904, a man of wide acquaintance, who had been a successful farmer and patriotic citizen, and whose loss was deeply felt. Mr. and Mrs. Fitzgerald were the parents of eight sons and two daughters, the daughters and five of the sons being now living, namely: Garrett, section foreman at Weaver; Helen, who married John Dixon, and lives in Columbus, Ohio; Mary, wife of Henry Herring, and a resident of Iowa; John J., who is chief of the fire depart- ment at Grand Forks, N. D .; Michael, an electrician at Grand Forks, N. D .; William, living on the old home farm; and Edward, a grain buyer at Minneiska. Those deceased are: Ned, John (first), and Thomas.


William Fitzgerald, a well known farmer of Watopa Township, son of Gar- rett and Margaret (Costello) Fitzgerald, was educated in District School No. 37, and has always lived on the home farm, except for six years spent in North Dakota. It now contains 280 acres, he having purchased 160 acres since his parents died. An experienced farmer, he is conducting it with profitable re- sults and is numbered among the well to do citizens of his township. He has served in school office, but is independent in politics. He is a Catholic in re- ligion and belongs to the Knights of Columbus and to the Modern Woodmen. Mr. Fitzgerald was married at Kellogg, Minn., November 12, 1907, to Mary Hager, who was born and reared in Watopa Township, this county, daughter of H. H. and Caroline (Kopland) Hager. Their home circle has been broadened and brightened by the birth of three children: Paul William, Mary Margaret and John Eugene, the two elder of whom are attending school. H. H. and Caroline (Kopland) Hager, the parents of Mrs. Fitzgerald, were born in Han- over, Germany, and came to the United States in 1882, settling first in Glasgow Township, this county, but moving to Watopa Township in 1884. Their occu- pation has always been farming. They have had ten children, those living be-


F


MRS. MARY BAKER


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HISTORY OF WABASHA COUNTY


ing; Joseph, of Grand Forks, N. D .; Henry, who is farming in Watopa Town- ship; Barney, a farmer in the same township; August, who lives with his parents; Carrie, who married Andy Gilcreast of Plainview; William, at home; Mary, wife of William Fitzgerald, and Rose and Lizzie, at home.


William G. Deming, former proprietor of an up-to-date machine-shop in the village of Kellogg, but now deceased, was born in the town of Wabasha, this county, May 1, 1886, son of John and Ellen (Sheely) Deming. The father was a native of New York state and the mother of Ireland, but they were mar- ried in Wabasha, Minn., where they are now living after a career of a number of years in agriculture. They have had two children, William G. and John J. William G. Deming acquired his education in the district and parochial schools, the family being Catholics in religion, and was associated with his father in agricultural work on the home farm until 1907. He then began to learn the blacksmith's trade in Claremont, Minn., and in July, 1914, engaged in the busi- ness in Kellogg. In the spring of 1919 he erected a tile building here, of 40 by 60 feet, for a machine shop, which he fully equipped for all kinds of work in that line, including acetylene welding, and did horse shoeing and all other blacksmith work. Thoroughly competent and industrious, he took his place among the leading artisans of the village and enjoyed a prosperous career until January 15, 1920, when he met with an accident in his shop while weld- ing which was the cause of his death two hours later. Mr. Deming was mar- ried June 6, 1917, at Kellogg to Katherine Leisen, daughter of Matthias and Katherine Leisen, natives of Germany, who were early settlers in Wabasha County, and for a number of years farmers in Watopa and Greenfield townships. The father died in 1914, but the mother is still living, as also are their six children : John, Albert, Nicholas, Joseph, Elizabeth and Katherine. Mr. and Mrs. Deming were the parents of two children: Eugene Albert, born July 2, 1918, and Katherine Elizabeth, born July 21, 1919.


Jacob Baker, the developer of one of the good farms of Glasgow Township, now deceased, was born in Prussia about 1841. About 1870 he came to Min- nesota with his parents, who settled in Glasgow Township, Wabasha County, on land located in section 12. Jacob resided with his parents here until 1875, when, being discontented, and wanting to return to his native land, his father started him on 160 acres in section 18, Glasgow. In the same year he married Mary Reiland, daughter of Bernhardt and Susan Reiland, of Mazeppa, this county. She was born in Germany and came to this country with her parents at the age of 12 years. When young Baker came into possession of the farm which he subsequently bought, only 25 acres had been improved and the build- ings were poor. During his active career on the place he cleared and developed 115 acres, and in 1895 began the erection of a comfortable residence, when death called him and he passed away on July 20, before his new house was completed. It was finished by his widow and sons, who also erected a good barn and other buildings, besides clearing ten additional acres, and 150 are now under the plow. The farm, which Mrs. Baker has continued to conduct with her sons' aid, consists of productive land, and is well stocked with cattle and hogs, all of good grade, the Baker brothers-Benjamin, Charles and William-giving particular attention to the breeding of full blooded Duroc swine. Their near- est market is Theilman, three miles away. Mr. Baker was a well known and respected citizen of his township, which he served in various offices for a number of years, also serving on the school board of his district. A hard worker and a good citizen and neighbor, his loss was deeply regretted. He and his wife were the parents of 15 children, who were born as follows: Susan, February 22, 1876; Benjamin, July 14, 1877; Charles, February 9, 1879; Kath- erine, January 23, 1881; Frank, November 14, 1883; John, March 31, 1885; Mary, February 25, 1886; Margaret, May 1, 1888; Nicholas, December 6, 1889; William, June 7, 1891; Elizabeth, April 24, 1892; Lena and Anna (twins), January 17, 1896; and two who died in infancy. Susan is now Mrs. Frank


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Wohlwend of Lake City. Benjamin, Charles, William, John and Nicholas are all on the home farm. Katherine is now Mrs. Nicholas Krebsbach, residing in North Dakota, where her husband is engaged in farming, banking and the sale of agricultural implements. Mary, who is unmarried, is in the employ of the Kuehn Mercantile Co. of Wabasha. Margaret is now Mrs. John Schwartz of West Albany Township. William was inducted into the United States service September 5, 1918, and became a member of a machine gun division, training at Camp Grant, Ill., and Camp Hancock, Ga. He was not sent overseas, and was honorably discharged February 28, 1919. Elizabeth is now a trained nurse, being a graduate from the Lake City Hospital. Lena and Anna are both resid- ing on the home farm. The Baker family are members of the Catholic church, belonging to St. Joseph's parish at Theilman.


Michael and Patrick E. Costello, proprietors of a flourishing general store at Weaver, Minn., are sons of Patrick and Mary (Starr) Costello, and were both born in Wabasha County, Minn., Michael in Highland Township in 1880, and Patrick (familiarly known as "Ed"), in Glasgow Township, February 3, 1889. Patrick Costello, Sr., was born in West Virginia and came to Wabasha County, Minn., in 1856. The mother, Mary S. Costello, was born in Jamestown, N. Y., and came to this county in 1855. They were married at Wabasha in 1876, and for a number of years were engaged in farming, but only the mother is now living, she being a resident of Kellogg, this county, as Patrick Costello, Sr., died some 20 years ago, or about 1898. They had a family of nine children : Michael, now of Weaver; Thomas, who resides in Watopa Township, this , county, on a farm; Mary, now Mrs. W. S. O'Flaherty of Watopa Township; Nellie, wife of A. R. Strauss of Dogden; N. D .; Patrick E., of Weaver; James J., at present living on a farm near Kellogg, but who is about to remove to a farm in Highland Township; Agnes, who died young; Ignatius, who died in infancy; and Vincenza, who is living with her mother at Kellogg. The four eldest children were all born in Highland Township, and the five younger in Cook's Valley, Glasgow Township, Wabasha County. Patrick E. (or "Ed") Costello acquired his elementary education in District School No. 28, Glasgow Township, subsequently attended school at Kellogg, and later at St. Thomas' College at St. Paul, Minn. Up to the age of 19 his residence was on the home farm, which he assisted in cultivating, but later he became manager of the store at Kellogg operated by his uncle, John, under the style of John Costello & Co., and was thus occupied until May 15, 1918. He then enlisted in the United States service, and was sent to the officers' training camp at Camp Dodge, Iowa, where on August 26, 1918, he was commissioned second lieutenant. He was not, however, among those who saw service overseas, but remained on this side ready to obey the call to duty, until he received an honorable discharge January 15, 1919. He then formed a partnership with his brother, Michael, and the two brothers established their present business, having a well stocked general store, and handling groceries, hardware, hats and caps, boots and shoes, and also, to some extent, clothing. Though but a short while established here, they have already laid the foundation of a good reputation as general merchants and reliable business men, and have a large and increasing trade. Michael Costello, who was also well educated, and who, like his brother, re- ceived a good agricultural training, was for some years in the employ of C. A. Smith, grocer, of Winona, Minn., and there acquired good business experience. He married Frances Webber, and has two children: Ursula, who was born in October, 1915; and Margarite, born September 12, 1919. The Costellos are affiliated religiously with the Catholic church, and the brothers with the Knights of Columbus and Ancient Order of Hibernians.


Joseph H. Freese, who for the last nine years has been conducting a good- sized farm in Watopa Township, was born in Greenfield Township, Wabasha County, Minn., November 25, 1885, son of Clem and Sophia (Grass) Freese. The parents were natives of Germany, where Clem Freese was born in 1856. He


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came to the United States in the early sixties, at the age of seven years, settling in Iowa, whence he moved to Wabasha County, Minn., in 1885. Here he bought 160 acres of land in Watopa Township, later another tract of the same size, and afterwards one of 98 acres, making a total of 418 acres. On that farm he resided until 1911, in which year he moved to Breckenridge, Minn., and is now living on a farm which he purchased there. He aided in the development of Watopa Township, improving his place here by the erection of good buildings, and bringing most of his land under cultivation. His marriage to Sophia Grass, who was born in Germany, took place February 15, 1884. They became the parents of 11 children: Joseph, Mary, Theresa, Bernard, Anestasia, Frances, Clara, Albert, Lloyd, Lawrence and James. Mary is now Mrs. Lawrence Schan- hara; Theresa is the wife of A. L. Flock; Anestasia is the widow of Ben Wild; and Frances the wife of Patrick Curren. Mrs. Sophia Freese, the mother of these children, died April 15, 1917. Joseph H. Freese acquired his education in the district school in Watopa Township and the St. Felix high school at Wa- basha. He was reared on his parents' farm and worked for his father until 1911. He then began his career as an independent farmer by renting his present farm of 418 acres in sections 4, 8 and 9, Watopa Township, which he expects to purchase later. Among his contemplated improvements for this summer (1920) are the erection of a good silo. His operations as a general farmer and stock raiser have been carried on energetically and intelligently and he is making good financial progress. For 10 years he has been a member of the school board of district No. 69. In religion he is a Catholic and he be- longs to the order of Knights of Columbus. Mr. Freese was married February 15, 1911, to Cecelia Plein, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. John Plein, and the chil- dren born of this union are as follows: Edwin C., January 8, 1912; Leona F., May 30, 1913; James J., September 2, 1916; and Viola E., November 16, 1918.


John Plein, father of Mrs. Joseph H. Freese, was born in Highland Town- ship, Wabasha County, Minn., August 12, 1864. After growing to manhood he farmed in Highland Township until 1905, and then moved to Kellogg, where he and his wife, whose maiden name was Anna Schoweiler, now reside. They have had four children : Cecelia, Theresa (Mrs. John Schierts), Ferdinand, and Clarence.


Gustav E. Boehlke, a prominent farmer of Watopa Township, was born in Elgin Township, Wabasha County, Minn., April 3, 1875, son of John and Christine (Reiter) Boehlke. The parents came to the United States from Germany in 1872. Gustav E. acquired his education in his native township, and in a German school at Potsdam, Minn., where he studied for a year and a half. He remained at home and worked for his father until 1898, and then rented different farms in Highland Township. Subsequently he came to Wa- topa Township, where for eight years he has resided on and operated the Howe farm in section 29. He was married November 19, 1900, to Minnie Binder, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. August Binder. Her parents were born in Germany and came to this country in 1873, locating in Highland Township, Wabasha County, Minn., where they both rented and owned farms, Mr. Bin- der retiring from active work in 1908. He is still living in Highland Town- ship, and is a member of the Old Settlers' Association of Wabasha County. Mrs. August Binder died in 1911. She was a member of the Methodist Epis- copal church, to which her husband belongs. They had six children: Henry, Anna, Minnie, Julia, George and Augusta, of whom Julia is now deceased. Mr. and Mrs. Gustav E. Boehlke are the parents of four children: Loretta I., born April 4, 1902; Charles R., July 31, 1903; Reuben C., November 30, 1905; and Ella U., January 12, 1908. The religious affiliations of the family are with the Lutheran church.




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