USA > Minnesota > Wabasha County > History of Wabasha County, Minnesota > Part 107
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Ernest V. Foster, a farmer located in section 33, Watopa Township, is a native of this township, having been born on his parents' farm, lying chiefly in section 33, on April 13, 1887, son of Samuel E. and Alice A. (Murray) Foster. He was educated in the schools of this township and of Plainview village, and, being trained to agricultural pursuits on the home farm, worked for his father until reaching the age of 21 years. He then began farming on his own account, renting a farm from his uncle, which he operated for a year. After that he worked in a pop factory for eight months, then rented the Burnham farm for a year, and after that the Starr farm for the same length of time, all these farms being in Watopa Township. At the end of that time Mr. Foster moved to Hud- son, Wis., where he had charge of a dairy farm for four years. He next spent four years in Remer, Minn., where he engaged in buying stock and also filled
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engagements as an auctioneer. In 1919 he returned to Watopa Township, Wa- basha County, and bought his present farm of 1121/2 acres in section 33, where he expects to make his future home. He raises pure bred live stock, giving par- ticular attention to pure bred Duroc-Jersey swine, a branch of the business into which he is entering on a large scale, and as an auctioneer conducts farm sales. Mr. Foster was a member of the town board of Remer two years, and also acted as town treasurer, showing public spirited activity in local affairs. He belongs fraternally to the Modern Woodmen of America. On August 7, 1908, he was united in marriage with Frances White, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Robert White of Watopa Township. To Mr. and Mrs. Foster two children have been born: Howard W., November 25, 1910, and Doris W., December 25, 1914. The family are affiliated religiously with the M. E. church.
Peter Copp, one of the pioneers of Gillford Township, now deceased, was born in London, England, February 17, 1823. He came to America in 1841, at the age of about 18 years, locating in Boston, Mass., where he learned the painter's trade, binding himself to a brother as an apprentice for three years. In 1853 he was married at Bridgeton, N. J., to Elizabeth Williams, who like him- self, was a native of London, England, born April 9, 1832. For about five years after his marriage Mr. Copp continued to reside in the East, but in 1858 he with his family joined the stream of emigration to the Northwest, and, arriving in Wabasha County, Minn., he filed a claim on section 24, Gillford Township. It was a claim of 160 acres of wild prairie land, and on it he built a small frame shanty and began the development of a farm. In this work he succeeded with the help of his sons, Henry and Edward W., he himself often leaving his family on the farm and living for a while at Read's Landing, where he worked at his trade of painter. These occasions were usually when such work afforded him an opportunity to earn some ready money, a commodity always scarce in pioneer days. Mr. Copp lived to the age of 72 years and finally died on his farm in Gillford Township on October 23, 1895. . He was survived several years by his wife, who passed away March 12, 1910. Not a great while after first coming to this country he returned to England and spent a year there, but with that exception he never revisited his native land. He and his wife were members of the Episcopal church and in this country he was a firm adherent of the Re- publican party, being opposed to slavery and favoring the preservation of the Union. To Mr. and Mrs. Peter Copp were born 10 children, eight sons and two daughters. Five of these children were born in New Jersey and five in Wa- basha County, Minn. They were: George, Charles, one who died unnamed in infancy, Emma, Edward W., Henry, Elizabeth A., Frederick C., Thomas H. and Peter. Charles and Emma are now deceased. Edward W. is a farmer at Cur- lew, Wash. Henry is a farmer in Gillford Township, Wabasha County; Eliza- beth is the wife of George Pipscomb of Thief River Falls, Minn., in which vi- cinity Frederick C. is also living. Thomas H. is on the old homestead in Gill- ford Township, and Peter lives at South Troy, Wabasha County.
Henry Copp, better known as "Harry" Copp, a well-to-do farmer living on section 24, Gillford Township, was born in this township, on the same section, November 2, 1859, son of Peter and Elizabeth Copp. His parents, of English birth, were pioneers of this locality, filing a claim on section 24, Gillford Township, in 1858. Henry, as he grew up, not only worked on the home farm, acquiring a knowledge of agriculture, but also learned the painter's trade of his father, and followed it more or less for a number of years. In the spring of 1882 he went to Crookston, Minn., where for six years he had a paint shop and took contracts. Returning to Wabasha County in 1888, he took up his residence in Lake City, where he worked two years at his trade. In the following year, 1890, on September 10, he was married to Margaret A. Link, who was born in Gillford Township June 11, 1859, daughter of John and Margaret Link, her parents being also pioneers of this township. After his marriage Mr. Copp returned to farming, in which occupation he has
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since, for the most part, continued, having worked at his trade but very little. He now owns 200 acres in Gillford Township, section 24, including the old Link homestead, formerly the property of his wife's parents. His farm is well stocked with high grade cattle and pure-blooded Duroc-Jersey hogs, and with fertile land, good buildings, and an adequate operating equipent, he is making financial progress. The Copp farm is eleven miles from Lake City and seven miles from Millville. Mr. and Mrs. Copp are the parents of seven children: Ruth E., born December 1, 1891; Archer J., September 17, 1893; Walter H., November 16, 1895; Bessie E., July 13, 1897; Margaret May, April 3, 1899; Edwin W., December 15, 1900, and Iva Mariam, October 11, 1902. Ruth E. is now the wife of Henry Doerman, a farmer of Millaca, Minn. Archer J. married Grace Geppert, daughter of Charles Geppert of Gillford Township, and is assisting his father in operating the Copp farm. Walter H. is an auto mechanic with the Chevrolet Co. of Flint, Mich. Bessie E. is the wife of Ignatz Grossbach of Mazeppa Township. The other children are residing at home, Margaret M. and Iva M. attending the Lake City high school. Mr. Copp is a Republican in politics, and he and his family affiliate with the Oak Center congregation of the M. E. church. Since 1896 he has been a member of Lake City Camp, No. 2491, M. W. A.
John Link, who settled in Gillford Township among the earliest arrivals, was born in Herefordshire, England, September 21, 1820. He grew to man- hood in his native land, and was there married, February 17, 1848, to Mar- garet Rowbreg, who also was a native of Herefordshire, England, born July 21, 1819. For some years after their marriage they continued to reside in Eng- land, and then about 1851 emigrated to the United States, locating first in Illinois. Three of their children had died on the passage over. In the fall of 1856 they came to Wabasha County, Minn., taking a claim of wild land in section 24, Gillford Township, which Mr. Link subsequently developed into a farm. His wife Margaret was not long spared to him, as she died April 21, 1863. Mr. Link survived her some 32 years, dying December 17, 1886. The children, who died on the journey to America, were Ellen, John and William, respectively the second, third and fourth born. The others were Elizabeth, William, Sarah, Margaret, Emma M. and John E. Of the latter Elizabeth was born in England and the others in America.
Charles Harlan, one of the early settlers of Oakwood Township, arrived in the township about 50 years ago, taking 80 acres of land in section 23, which he began to improve and develop. Not satisfied with a small farm, from time to time he purchased more land until he owned 320 acres, in the meanwhile erecting buildings, including a good house, barns and outbuild- ings, fencing and otherwise improving his property until he had brought it into excellent condition. After an active and successful career he died March 25, 1918, one of the best known and most respected citizens of his township. Mr. Harlan married Catherine Hall, who preceded him to the Great Beyond by only a few months, passing away in September, 1917. They had been the parents of a numerous family of children, namely: Edward, who lives in California; Agnes (first) deceased; Clara, now Mrs. J. J. Ryan; Harry, a resident of Lake City, Minn .; Arthur, who lives in Montana; Cath- erine, wife of E. R. Holzer of Elgin Township; Loretta, now Mrs. Julius Ges- senor of Highland Township; Genevieve, widow of L. W. Lyon; Angela, now Mrs. Paul E. Cruser of Minneapolis; Eva, wife of Phil Abrahamson of Plain- view; Carl, of Oakwood; Ralph A., of Oakwood, and Agnes, residing in Plain- view.
Ralph A. Harlan, who owns and operates a part of the old Charles Har- lan farm in section 23, Oakwood Township, was born on this farm February 16, 1896, son of Charles and Catherine (Hall) Harlan. He was educated in the district school and, as his father's assistant, acquired a good knowledge of agriculture. His industrial career was temporarily interrupted by the
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war with Germany, for on January 1, 1918, he enlisted in the First Regular Division Motor Supply Train, and was soon on his way to Camp Johnson at Jacksonville, Fla. On May 1 he left for overseas, made a safe crossing, and quickly found himself at the front, and taking part in the battles and fight- ing at Champagne-Marne, Aisne-Marne, St. Mihiel and Meuse-Argonne Though he escaped death and wounds, he was slightly gassed. He had en- tered the service as a private and was discharged with the rank of 1st class sergeant on July 12, 1919. On his return home he took charge of the farm of 120 acres which had been left him by will as a part of his parents' estate, and he is here carrying on general and diversified farming with good suc- cess. He is a member of the Shipping Association and of the Co-operative creamery at Plainview. Mr. Harlan married Mildred Sullivan, daughter of Michael J. and Nellis (Sweeney) Sullivan of West Albany Township, and he and his wife have a son, Edward. The family are Catholics in religion and Mr. Harlan belongs fraternally to the Knights of Columbus.
John Hoffman, who ranks among the enterprising and successful agri- culturists of Highland Township, was born in Germany, December 20, 1874, son of Theodore and Margaret (Tentis) Hoffman. The family came to Amer- ica in 1879, proceeding directly to Wabasha County, Minn., and buying a farm of 200 acres in Highland Township, which they made their permanent home. Mrs. Margaret Hoffman died in 1895, being survived by her husband, who passed away in 1908. They were the parents of nine children, all now living, namely: Hubert, John and Nicholas (twins), Christ, Susie, Emma, Jacob, Frank and George. Susie is the wife of William Laqua, and Emma, the wife of John Nye. Jacob resides in Minneapolis; Frank, who is an en- gineer, lives in Canada, and George is farming on the home place in High- land Township. John Hoffman was five years old when he accompanied his parents to the United States. He attended district school here and remained on the home farm until attaining his majority, assisting his father. After- wards he worked out for others until 1912, in which year he bought his pres- ent farm in section 19, Highland Township. Here he carries on general farm- ing and stock raising, including dairying, and raises graded cattle, hogs and Shropshire sheep and is making good progress along financial lines. Mr. Hoffman was married in Highland Township, in 1911, to Katie Waterson, who died November 18, 1912. On October 12, 1915, he was married at Theilman, this county, to Clara Schones, of Oakwood Township, daughter of George and Mary (Prigge) Schones. She was one of 11 children, of whom eight are now living : Pearl, May, Arthur, Harry, Lizzie, Gabriel, Bertha and Joseph. Those who died were Hazel, Francis and Nora. To Mr. and Mrs. Hoffman four - children have been born: Virgil, Mildred, Clara and Esther, all residing at home.
William Laqua, proprietor of a good farm of 110 acres in sections 6 and 7, Highland Township, was born in West Albany Township, Wabasha County, Minn., April 10, 1875, son of Ernest and Rosa (Gohil) Laqua. Both parents were born in Germany, the father in a Rhine province. The latter came to the United States with his parents, William and Margaret Laqua, at a very early day, the family being numbered among the earliest settlers in this county. They homesteaded a farm in West Albany Township. Rosa Gohil came with her parents several years later, settling in the same township, where in time she and Ernest. Laqua were married. They carried on general farming and stock raising until his death in 1883. Subsequently she became the wife of Edward Beck, also a native of Germany, with whom she is still living on the home farm in West Albany. By her first marriage, with Mr. Laqua, she had six children, of whom there are five now living: Anna, wife of Theodore Franke of West Albany Township; Agnes, wife of John Lillie. also of West Albany; Elizabeth, wife of Nicholas Hoffman of Theilman; Ernest, who resides on the home farm, and William, subject of this sketch.
MR. AND MRS. JOHN C. SHADE
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By Mrs. Laqua's second marriage, with Mr. Beck, she had one child, John, now residing in Lake City. William Laqua in his boyhood attended district school for the usual period, and worked on the home farm until the age of 19 years, when he began working out. In 1904 he branched out for himself and two years later bought his present farm of 110 acres in sections 6 and 7, Highland Township, which at the time had but few improvements. Since then he has rebuilt the house, barn and other buildings and brought the farm into good condition. He follows general agriculture, raising cattle, hogs and sheep, and has taken rank among the prosperous citizens of his town- ship. Religiously he is a Catholic. On February 9, 1904, Mr. Laqua was united in marriage with Susanna Hoffman, daughter of Theodore and Mar- garet Hoffman. Her parents, who were born in Germany, came to the United States in 1879, and settling in Highland Township, this county, were engaged in farming here for the rest of their lives, Mrs. Hoffman dying in 1895 and Mr. Hoffman in 1908. They had nine children, all of whom are living, namely, Hubert, John, Nicholas, Christ, George, Jacob, Frank, Emma and Su- sanna. Emma is the wife of John Ney of Plainview. All are residents of Wabasha County, except Jake, who resides in Minneapolis. Mr. and Mrs. Laqua have had five children, four of whom are living, and reside at home, namely, Leo, Theodore, Mildred and Vincent. The other child, Lester, died in 1914.
Gustus H. Lyons, a respected citizen of Highland Township, now living practically retired on his farm in section 30, was born in East Machias Port, Maine, February 11, 1854, son of Edward and Rebecca (Benner) Lyons. His parents were both eastern people, the father being a native of Nova Scotia and the mother of Maine. The former took up his residence in Maine when a young man and engaged in the lumber business, which he followed all his life. He and his wife were married in that state and remained there until 1867, when they came west to Eau Claire, Wis., where Edward Lyons continued in the lum- ber industry, working in the woods, in mills and on the river log driving. He died in 1890, and his wife survived him 15 years, passing away in 1905. They had a family of 12 children, of whom three are now living: Pauline, residing in Eau Claire, Wis .; Edward, of Bellingham, Wash., and Gustus H. Those de- ceased are: George (first), Benjamin, George (second), Malissa, Anna, Odel, Alegree, and two who died in infancy. Gustus H. Lyons was reared in the state of Maine, where he attended school. He was 13 years old when he accompanied his parents to Wisconsin, where he continued his studies, residing in Eau Claire until reaching the age of 19. For two years after that he was engaged in lum- bering on the Wisconsin river. In 1874 he came to Wabasha County, Minn., settling in Plainview. For a while he worked on the farm of Thomas Bolton, spending his winters in the woods of northern Wisconsin. In 1882 he engaged in farming in Highland Township, on section 31, where he bought 80 acres, but later he sold that farm and bought 160 acres in section 30. For several years after Mr. Lyons began farming for himself he used to spend his winters in the woods lumbering, but in 1894 he settled down exclusively to farming, in which occupation he has since continued, raising, in addition to the usual crops, horses, cattle, hogs and Shropshire sheep. He is now practically retired, doing only light work, his son Edward managing the farm. Mr. Lyons formerly took a more or less active part in public affairs, serving as treasurer of his school district six years, being a member of the town board, of which he was chair- man four years, and was four years assessor of Highland Township, in all these capacities showing himself an active and interested citizen of good business ability. He is a member of the Catholic church and of the Knights of Columbus.
John C. Shade, one of the pioneer settlers of Watopa Township, and a Civil War veteran, now deceased, was born in Ohio May 3, 1833, son of William and Mary (Speaker) Shade, the parents being natives of Pennsylvania. He was reared chiefly in Wisconsin, where he attended school and resided for a num-
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ber of years. In 1859 he came to Wabasha County, Minn., taking a land claim in Watopa Township which he proved up in 1862. He was mustered into the Federal army September 1, 1864, as a member of Company A, Third Regiment, Minnesota Infantry, and was honorably discharged July 28, 1865. He then re- turned to his claim of 160 acres in section 20, Watopa Township, built a house and outbuildings and entered upon an agricultural career. In 1874 he traded that farm for one of 200 acres in section 2, Watopa, on which he also erected buildings and made improvements, and was there engaged in farming until his death on October 9, 1887. He was a highly respected citizen of his township and in his latter years was a member of the Old Settlers' Association of Wa- basha County. His religious affiliations were with the Methodist Episcopal church. Mr. Shade was first married to Charlotte Smith, who died in October, 1865, leaving one son, T. W. Shade, now residing in West Albany Township. On December 21, 1869, Mr. Shade was united in marriage with his second wife, Mrs. Mary E. Foster, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Isaac Collier, of Illinois. By her first husband she had a son, George Foster, who is now living near Kel- logg. The issue of Mr. Shade's second marriage was a daughter, Mary, born November 1, 1880, who on January 14, 1904, married William Grainer. She has had four children, of whom two are living, the record being as follows: Wyman W., Floyd F., who died May 31, 1915; Elmo A., who died May 24, 1912, and Viola. Mr. and Mrs. Grainer have rented the Shade farm from Mrs. Shade and are now residing on and operating it.
Royal E. Zickrick, proprietor of a farm in Highland Township, was born in St. Charles, Winona County, Minn., son of Edward W. and Hattie (Biers) Zickrick. The father was a native of Wisconsin and the mother of Ohio. They came to Minnesota when young, were subsequently married in Olmsted County, and in 1910 settled on a farm in Highland Township, Wabasha County, hav- ing farmed for some years in the neighboring county of Winona, in the vicinity of St. Charles. It was in Winona County that their son Royal was reared to manhood, acquiring his education in the district school and in the high school at St. Charles, where he was graduated in 1901. After that he worked on the home farm for one year, and then, at the age of 21, went farming with his brother Silas, with whom he was associated for three years. Desirous of im- proving his education, he took a course at Mankato Business College, after which he was employed for two years at Madelia. Later, after working a short time for H. L. Reiter, he returned to farming and was thus employed for four years at West Concord. He subsequently followed the same occupation for three years at Pine Island, and came to his present farm in section 14, High- land Township. The farm has an area of 200 acres, with adequate buildings, and Mr. Zickrick is profitably carrying on general farming, raising graded cattle and Poland China hogs, besides doing some dairying. He is fraternally affiliated with the Modern Woodmen of America. Mr. Zickrick was married at Red Wing, Minn., June 23, 1909, to Florence R. Cook, daughter of George H. and Ella (Corson). Cook. Her father was a native of Dumont, Iowa, and her mother of Minnesota. The former was for some time a merchant in Red Wing and is now operating a general store at New Hampton, Iowa. Mr. and Mrs. Zickrick are the parents of four children: Lark M., born June 28, 1910; Janette E., born July 7, 1912; Dorothy M., born December 20, 1914, and Cyril F., born July 25, 1918, all residing at home.
Edward W. Zickrick, now living retired on a farm in Highland Township, on which he was actively engaged in farming for 10 years, was born in Lomira, Dodge County, Wis., March 21, 1851, son of Michael and Gustina Zickrick. The parents were natives of Germany, who came to the United States on a sailing vessel in 1848, settling first in Milwaukee, and later at Lomira, Dodge County, where they bought a farm, the site of which is now occupied by that city. In 1864 they moved to Elba Township, Winona County, Minn., taking a farm of 200 acres on the township line next to St.
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Charles, which they operated for five years. They then moved to St. Charles, where Michael Zickrick engaged in the brick-making industry, and was thus occupied thereafter until his death in 1888. His wife died in 1909 at the home of a daughter in Owatonna. Michael and Gustina Zickrick had 12 chil- dren, one of whom died in infancy. Those who grew to maturity were Michael, Edward W., Mary, Minnie, Gust, Jule, Lydia, Sarah, Jacob, Richard and Emma. Mary, who married Gust Zick of St. Charles, is now deceased. Gust, who lives near Milaca, Minn., has a son, Lisle, who served in the World War. Jule, who was a conductor on the Northwestern railway running out of Winona, is now deceased. Lydia married Oscar Mckinley, of Los Angeles, Calif. Sarah, who married George Maxfield, is now a widow residing at Covine, Calif. Jacob is engaged in mining, his residence being in Seattle, where Richard also lives. Emma is now deceased. Edward W. Zickrick was reared up to the age of 13 years on his parents' farm in Wisconsin. In 1864 he accompanied his parents to Minnesota, resided on the home farm in Elba Township, Winona County, . where he received his agricultural training, and in that county was engaged in general farming until he came to Wabasha County in 1909. He then bought 160 acres in sections 12 and 13, and engaged in general farming and stock raising, which line of enterprise he followed until the fall of 1919, at which time he retired from active work. His operations were crowned with a suc- cess earned by hard work, and he is now in the possession of an ample com- petence. His recollections go back to pioneer days, when he and his father used oxen on the farm and there was little agricultural machinery in use, and that of a primitive type. Mr. Zickrick was married in Quincy Township, Olm- sted County, Minn., to Hattie Biers, July 18, 1878. She was a daughter of Frederick and Elizabeth (Stark) Biers. Her parents were natives of Bavaria, Germany, who came to the United States in 1852, settling in Ohio, where they were married. In 1866 they came to Minnesota and located on a farm in Olm- sted County, where Mrs. Elizabeth Biers died in 1902 and Frederick Biers in 1912. They were the parents of the following children: Caroline, wife of Louis Lietz of Olmsted County; Elizabeth, who married Otto Stoltz of Argyle, Minn .; Harriet, Katie and Emma, the last mentioned of whom is the wife of John Bolton of Elgin, Minn .; William, of Winona, and Charles, of Little Val- ley, Minn. To Mr. and Mrs. Edward Zickrick four children have been born: Silas, who is a farmer in Highland Township; Royal, who married Florence Cook of Red Wing, Minn., and is also farming in Highland Township; Etta, wife of Elmer Pomeroy, of Dunn County, Wis .; and Arnum, who married Caro- line Sass, and lives on a farm in West Albany Township. The religious affilia- tions of the family are with the Methodist Episcopal church.
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