History of Wabasha County, Minnesota, Part 114

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

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HISTORY OF WABASHA COUNTY

have also been effected in the erection of additional buildings. The interest of the other heirs was purchased by Joseph, the present owner.

Joseph J. Schad, proprietor of the old Schad farm in sections 5 and 8, High- land Township, of which he is one of the most enterprising citizens, was born in the old family residence on this farm, in section 8, in April, 1875, son of Gottfried and Barbara (Lowry) Schad. He was reared on this place, which at the time of his birth was but partly improved, and in his boyhood attended the district school, though as soon as he was old enough to work he had to make himself useful on the farm, which has always been his home. At his father's death in 1880 the place contained 180 acres, which he and his brothers subse- quently increased to the present area of 300 acres. Having in 1900 bought the interests of the other heirs, he set about improving the farm, enlarged and re- modeled the house, making it into a good frame residence of ten rooms; erected a barn 36 by 80 feet, and also a tool house, granary and other buildings. In addition to the usual crops, he raises cattle, hogs and horses, and is doing a thriving business. He is a stockholder in the Theilman creamery, now used as a cream station, and in the Farmers' elevator at the same place, of which he is a director. He has served two years as town treasurer and is one of the supervisors of Highland Township. In religion he is a Catholic. His sisters, Anna and Margaret, and his brother, Michael, reside on the farm with him.

John S. Loechler, a prominent representative of the agricultural in- terests of Highland Township, was born in Wabasha village, this county, April 18, 1878, son of Gabriel and Maggie (Mitmesser) Loechler. The father, who came to the United States from Germany at an early day, was married in Wa- basha, where he first located. He was variously employed, working for some time in a grocery store, on the railroad, and in the round-house of the narrow- gauge road, and for a long time ran an engine in the saw and planing mill of Mr. Chamberlain. In such occupations he was employed until his death in 1911. His wife is now living in Minneapolis with her daughter, Mrs. Dennie Grogen. Mr. and Mrs. Gabriel Loechler had ten children, five sons and five daughters, all of whom are living: Anna, the wife of Nicholas Peters, lives at Degraff, Minn .; Henry, foreman at Big Joe Mill, Wabasha; Gabriel, a farmer in Pepin Township; Christine, wife of William Miller, a farmer residing in Buffalo County, Wis .; John S., subject of this sketch; Maggie, wife of Joe Kocpman, of Wabasha; Martha, wife of Dennie Grogen, of Minneapolis; George, a railroad man living at Red Wing, Minn .; Tillie, wife of Fred Cook, of Wabasha, her husband being an engineer on the C. M. & St. P. railway; and Charlie, who is a retired farmer living in Wabasha. John S. Loechler was reared in Wabasha, where he attended school, both the public school and that of St. Felix. For several summers he worked in a brick yard, and then engaged in railroad work for a time. After that for nine years he was a packer in the St. Joe Mill in Wabasha and for three years a general hand, then afterwards for two years a machine tender. In 1914 he bought 40 acres of land in Cook's Val- ley where he farmed for four years. At the end of that time he sold that farm and bought one of 310 acres in sections 3 and 10, Highland Township, where he has since resided. The farm is provided with a good red brick house of 12 rooms, a barn 30 by 40 feet, and other necessary buildings, and he is raising graded stock, including cattle, hogs and sheep, with good financial results. In 1920 he let a contract for a new frame barn, 36 by 80 feet, with an 8-foot cement basement. Mr. Loechler was married in Wabasha in 1898 to Sophia Tentis, daughter of John and Mary Tentis. Her parents, now deceased, came to the United States from Germany in a sailing vessel in 1878, and settled in Cook's Valley, Glasgow Township, this county and state. They had a family of ten children, of whom nine are now living, those in addition to Mrs. Loechler being: Adam, a farmer in Highland Township; John R., who is farming in Glasgow Township; Delia, wife of John Tebor, a farmer in Watopa Township; Jake, a farmer of Glasgow Township; Susie, wife of Ed Graner of Glasgow

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Township; Allen, also of that township; Emil, a farmer in Minneiska Town- ship; and Frank, engaged in the same occupation in Glasgow Township. Mr. and Mrs. Loechler are the parents of six children: Albert J., Lawrence, Her- man, Mary, Susie and Sophia, all residing on the home farm, which the sons are helping to cultivate.

John Hostettler, a respected resident of the village of Kellogg, where he is living retired after an active and successful career in farming, was born in Switzerland, August 11, 1857, son of Christ and Hannah Hostettler, the father being a butcher by trade. Both parents died in their native Switzerland, neither coming to this country. They had four children, of whom John was the only son, and the only one to come to America, which he did in 1881. From Wabasha, which was the first place he reached in this country, he came to Highland Township, where he located, and for ten years subsequently worked out on farms. After that he rented a farm, later buying a place of 40 acres in the woods, but not liking the latter place, he sold it and in 1905 bought 240 acres in sections 12 and 13, Highland. This place had a house on it and there was some timber, which he cleared. Since then he has improved and culti- vated the farm, erected a barn 32 by 62 feet, and other outbuildings. His early labors on the place were carried on under difficulties, as it was in the winter, there being no roads, and the ground was heavily carpeted with snow, but con- ditions have improved and his latter years on the farm were spent in com- parative ease. He was successful in all branches of farm work, raising grain, cattle and hogs and doing some dairying. In 1920 Mr. Hostettler retired and took up his residence in Kellogg on account of the poor heatlh of himself and wife. The farm is now operated by his son, Winfield. Mr. Hostettler was mar- ried in Switzerland to Elizabeth Zwallen, a native of that country, who came to the United States after him, in 1882 .. Her parents, John and Lizzie Zwallen, both died in Switzerland, never having come to this country. Mr. and Mrs. Hostettler have eight children, all living, namely: Alben, of Kellogg; Ernest, who is helping his brother Winfield on the home farm; William, who is employed on the Fox farm in Lake City; Clara, wife of Andrew Shouweiler of Kellogg; Winfield, previously mentioned; Matilda, who is keeping house for Winfield; Fred, residing in Kellogg; and Olivia, who is clerk in the Kellogg Co-operative store. All the members of the family are religiously affiliated with one church or another, dividing their membership between the Methodist and Lutheran churches.

Ignatz Evers, one of the leading farmers in Highland Township, operat- ing a farm of 240 acres, was born in Germany, November 6, 1853, son of Barney and Rosa Evers. The parents, who were farmers, lived and died in their native Germany. They had four sons and two daughters, only one son and one daugh- ter being now living, namely: Ignatz and Louise. The latter is the wife of Henry Angelbeck. In addition to these two, the two other brothers, Barney and Joseph, came to the United States and both died here. The other sister, Theresa, died in Germany. Ignatz Evers was reared on a farm and attended school in his native land. In 1878 he came to America, locating in Wabasha, Minn., where he resided, working out by the day until 1902, when he began farming for himself on the Caspar Schad farm, which he purchased. This farm, which contains 240 acres, lies partly in sections 4 and 5, Highland Town- ship, and partly in sections 32 and 33, Glasgow Township, and is provided with a good frame house of eight rooms; two barns, one 30 by 80, and the other 20 by 30 feet, with a granary attached; a machine shed, and other substantial buildings, each of which is lighted by electricity from Mr. Evers' own electric plant. Mr. Evers is successfully carrying on general farming and stock rais- ing, breeding horses, cattle, hogs and poultry. His farm is under good culti- vation and is ably managed, with correspondingly good financial results. In 1884 Mr. Evers was married in Highland Township to Mary Schad, who was born at McGregor, Iowa, July 16, 1857, daughter of Casper and Genevieve

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Schad, her parents being old settlers and farmers in Highland Township. Both are now deceased, Mr. Schad dying August 17, 1902, and Mrs. Schad on May 26, the same year. They had three daughters, Lizzie, Mary and Anna, of whom Lizzie is the only one now living. Mr. and Mrs. Evers became the parents of three sons and one daughter: Theodore, Edward, Joseph and Bertha, all living at home. Mrs. Evers died December 9, 1910, since which time Bertha has kept house for her father and brothers. The family are members of the Catholic church, the sons belonging to the Knights of Columbus. Joseph C. enlisted in the Heavy Artillery and was attached to the 163rd Depot Brigade at Camp Cody, New Mexico. He was honorably discharged December 13, 1919.

Bernard Evers, who is numbered among the active and successful farmers of Highland Township, residing in section 13, was born in Wabasha Township, Wabasha County, Minn., in 1880, son of Joseph and Theresa Evers. The parents were natives of Germany and came to the United States in 1875, set- tling in Wabasha County, Minn., on a farm in Wabasha Township. After operating that farm until 1881, they bought one of 200 acres in section 4, High- land Township, to which they subsequently added until it reached its present area of 400 acres. Here Joseph Evers died July 4, 1907, and his wife in Sep- tember, 1914. After the mother's death the farm was purchased by two of the sons, Henry and Frank, who now operate it. When first taken possession of by Joseph Evers it was all new land, and he and his sons placed it under culti- vation. They also replaced the original log shanties with a good residence, a substantial barn and other necessary structures, keeping full pace with the general progress of the community. Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Evers had a family of 11 children, of whom nine are now living. They were: Bernard, Henry, Frank, Louise, Lucy, Mary, Celia, Lizzie, Rose, Anna and Joseph. As before mentioned, Henry and Frank are on the home farm; Louise is keeping house for Bernard; Lucy is the wife of Charles Kreyer of Glasgow Township; Mary is the wife of Henry Emerson of Highland; Celia is the wife of Will Demming of Oakwood Township; Lizzie and Rose are on the home farm, and Anna and Joseph are deceased. Bernard Evers was educated in district school No. 98, and was reared on the home farm, on which he became industrially active when old enough to work. There he remained until 1913, when he bought 160 acres in section 13, where he has since lived, and where he is now engaged in general farming, stock raising and dairying with profitable results. His resi- dence is a good stone house of eight rooms, his barn measures 40 by 60 feet, and he has a good granary, machine-shed and other outbuildings, all sub- stantial and in good condition. All the buildings are equipped with electric light, and he uses electric power for operating his cream separator and for other purposes, his methods in all things being up to date and effective. He is a member of the Catholic church, belonging to Conception parish, and he is also a member of the Knights of Columbus. Thus far he has not married, his sister, Louise, as previously mentioned, keeping house for him.

Patrick T. Norton, who is operating a 200-acre farm in Highland Township, carrying on diversified farming and stock raising, was born in this township May 26, 1865, son of Patrick and Mary (Flynn) Norton. Both parents were natives of Ireland, the father born in Limerick, and the mother in Kings County, in 1834. Both came to America when young with their respective parents, the mother at the age of 16, her parents going to Wayne County, Pennsylvania. They were married in New York City in 1855, and subsequently resided in Chi- cago until April, 1856. Then they moved to Racine, Wis. In May, 1858, they arrived in Wabasha County, Minn., and settled on a farm in Highland Town- ship, on which they subsequently resided for 47 years, or until 1905, engaged in agricultural pursuits. Then taking up their residence in Plainview, they remained there living retired for some six or seven years, at the end of which time they moved back to the home farm. There Patrick Norton, the father, died July 13, 1917. His wife survived him two years or more, passing away

MR. AND MRS. PATRICK NORTON, MR. AND MRS. WILLIAM MAHER

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in September, 1919, having resided with her son, Patrick, after Mr. Norton's death. Their family numbered eight children, of whom four are now living, namely : Patrick, James, John and Ellen, the last mentioned being the wife of William Maher of Plainview. Those deceased are: Catherine, who married Michael Foley of Highland Township; Mary Ann, who died when 17 years old; Michael and Bartley. The father took a prominent part in all public matters pertaining to the welfare of the public. Patrick T. Norton acquired his edu- cation in the district school, and was reared on the home farm which he helped to develop. He remained with his parents until 30 years old, and then began farming for himself, buying 160 acres in section 35, Highland Township, to which he has since added 40 acres. When he first took this place he had to go into the timber to find a building spot, and erected a frame house of seven rooms, to which he has since made additions, transforming it into an 11-room residence, supplied with water. His barn is of modern construction, 34 by 58 feet, with a cement floor basement for stock, accommodating 12 head of horses and 18 head of cattle. He also has another cattle barn 30 by 30 feet, with cement floor, and a lean-to for sheep 16 by 30; a granary with basement and elevator, and a garage 12 by 20 feet. His sheep, of which he has a good-sized flock, are of the Shropshire variety, while he has also a good herd of Chester- White hogs. For six years Mr. Norton has been a member of the town board, of which in January. 1920, he was made chairman. He is a member of the Catholic church, the Knights of Columbus and the Catholic Foresters. He was married October 23, 1895, to Mary Maher, daughter of William and Bridget (Tierney) Maher of Oakwood Township, her parents being natives of Ireland. Bridget Tierney came to America when 18 years of age with her brother, first locating in Ottawa, Canada. She was married to William Maher in New York, and after a few years' residence there, they came in 1856 to Wabasha County, Minn., and engaged in farming. They had seven children: Anna, Julia, Delia, William, Jr., Mary, Kate and Nellie. Anna married Michael Sullivan, whom she survives. Julia became the wife of Michael Judge, and Delia the wife of Daniel Judge, all of Highland Township. Kate married Walter Flanders, of Rochester, Minn. Mr. and Mrs. William Maher are both deceased, Mrs. Maher passing away in April, 1909, and her husband in the following year. There are now living thirty of their grandchildren and three of the great grandchildren. To Mr. and Mrs. Patrick T. Norton eight children have been born, of whom seven are living: Mary, wife of Henry Saggisor of Plainview, and the mother of two children, Francis and Charles; Aiden J., Delia, Julia, Wilfred, Joseph and Leslie. Delia and Joseph, Wilfred, Julia and Leslie are attending school. Mr. and Mrs. Norton's other child, Clara, died in April, 1911.

Henry Evers, a prosperous farmer of Highland Township, who, with his brother Frank is operating the old home farm established by his parents, sit- uated partly in Highland and partly in Glasgow Township, was born on this farm February 12, 1887, son of Joseph and Theresa Evers. The parents, na- tives of Germany, settled in Wabasha County in 1875, residing in Wabasha Township until 1881, and then removing to Highland Township, where they bought 200 acres in section 4 and subsequently developed a farm which they enlarged by purchase to an area of 400 acres. The father, Joseph, died in 1907, and his wife in 1914. They had a family of ten children, of whom nine are now living. Henry Evers was reared on the home farm and acquired his education in the district school. He assisted his father until the latter's death, and subsequent to that event he and his brother Frank carried on the farm for their mother. When she died Henry and Frank purchased the property and have since operated it together, each giving his attention to a certain portion. Henry's part consists of 250 acres, part in Glasgow and part in Highland Town- ship. He has a good farm house of nine rooms, and two barns, one 36 by 72 and the other 30 by 50 feet, with a good granary, machine shed and other build- ings. He and his brother follow general farming and stock raising, and are

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doing a paying business. Their sisters, Lizzie and Rose, keep house for them. The family are members of the Catholic church and Mr. Evers belongs also to the Knights of Columbus.

Henry F. Strauss, a well to do farmer of Chester Township, where, and in which vicinity, he is well known and personally esteemed, was born in this township November 22, 1877, son of Henry and Katherine (Prom) Strauss. The parents were natives of Luxemburg, who came to America in the early sixties, first locating in Wisconsin. After remaining in that state for a num- ber of years, they came to Wabasha County, Minn., settling in Chester Town- ship, where they bought 160 acres of land in section 4, on which Henry Strauss erected a new set of buildings and put up fences. There he was engaged in general farming, including stock raising, until his death on April 24, 1904. His widow now resides in the village of Belle Chester. They had 11 children, John F., Henry F., Stephan, Frank, Rose, Cecelia, Christina, who are living, and Stephan (first), Anton, Nicholas and Mary, who are deceased. The family are members of the Catholic church. Henry F. Strauss was educated in the Cath- olic school at Belle Chester. After becoming industrially active he worked for his father for a number of years. In 1908 he rented the home farm of his mother and operated it under rental until 1915, when he purchased it. He has followed general farming with good success, raising both grain and stock, and is one of the representative farmers of his township. On June 16, 1908, Mr. Strauss was united in marriage with Katherine Delva, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Peter Delva of Chester Township. Her parents came from Luxemburg to America in 1871, settling on the farm in Chester Township, this county, on which they now reside. Like the Strauss family, they are members of the Catholic church. They have had eleven children, Michael, Anna, Clara, Kath- erine, Elizabeth, John, Nicholas, Joseph, Mary, Peter and Nicholas (second). The first Nicholas died young. To Mr. and Mrs. Henry F. Strauss four children have been born: Hildegard K., May 6, 1910; Alfred S., born August 1, 1911, who died at the age of four and a half months, on December 17, 1911; Loretta E., born March 27, 1913; and Alvin H., born July 18, 1919. The family of Henry F. Strauss are members of the Catholic church.

George Nehring, who owns and until recently operated a farm of 150 acres in section 21, Chester Township, was born in Hanover, Germany, February 21, 1863. He grew to manhood in his native land, where he was married Decem- ber 22, 1882, to Magdalena Zuhling. In 1905, with his wife and family, he came to America, and to Wabasha County, Minn., settling in Chester Township, where until 1912 he operated different farms. He then bought his farm in section 21, Chester Township, on which he successfully carried on general farming and stock raising until August, 1920. He then rented the farm to a tenant and moved to section 19, where he is now living retired. He is a mem- ber of St. John's Lutheran church. Mr. and Mrs. Nehring have had ten chil- dren, all of whom were born in Germany, as follows: Henry, November 30, 1883; John, December 30, 1884; Christ, December 26, 1887; George, April 18, 1890; Mary, July 26, 1892; Henry, November 26, 1894; Gesiana, December 13, 1896; Katherine, January 12, 1899; Sophia, June 12, 1902; and Louis, April 14, 1904. The second Henry mentioned died April 30, 1910, at the age of 16 years. Katherine died October 23, 1918, in her nineteenth year. Gesiana is now the wife of Albert Grote, a farmer in Bear Valley, and Mary the wife of Fred Arendt of Zumbrota.

Henry H. Blohm, who is profitably engaged in agriculture in section 4, Gillford Township, was born in West Albany Township, Wabasha County, Minn., August 18, 1860, son of Christian Joachim and Maria Anna (Yarcho) Blohm. The parents were natives of Mecklenburg, Germany, where they were married in 1854, and immediately set out for the United States, the journey to this country taking the place of a honeymoon trip. After four years' resi- dence at McKino, now included within the limits of Chicago, in 1858 they came

HENRY H. BLOHM AND FAMILY.

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HISTORY OF WABASHA COUNTY

to Wabasha County, Minn., settling in West Albany Township, on section 21, on a tract of wild land, on which he erected a log house 14 by 16 feet in size. In this little house they took up their abode and in time enlarged it by building additions, and Christian J. Blohm began the development of his farm, keeping up the work for seven or eight years, or until his death on January 17, 1868. By that time he had what was then considered a good house and other buildings. His widow continued on the farm until May, 1900, when she took up her resi- dence with her son, Henry H., who was then living in Lake City. On August 28, 1917, she died on his farm in Gillford Township. Mr. and Mrs. Christian J. Blohm had four children, all sons: William H., born in Illinois, who is liv- ing in section 1, Gillford Township, Wabasha County; Frederick W., who is a farmer at Asheville, New York; Henry H., of Gillford Township, and Frank G., who was a teacher and died at Wilmot, S. D., April 24, 1890. The three younger sons were born in West Albany Township, Wabasha County. Henry Blohm was educated in the district school in West Albany Township, and resided on his parents' farm until 1892. For some years he taught school in Wabasha, Nor- man and Marshall counties, Minn. On September 23, 1893, he married Ma- thilde E. Blom, who was born in Norway, March 3, 1876, daughter of Peter and Else Blom, afterwards residents of Lake City, Minn., but now deceased. Mr. and Mrs. Blohm began housekeeping in Lake City, where he was employed by the C. E. Hinckley Furniture and Undertaking establishment until the fall of 1907. He had previously, in 1895, bought a farm of 160 acres in sections 3 and 4, Gillford Township, which in the meanwhile, while working in Lake City, he had rented out, but in the fall of 1907 he took up his residence on it with his family and has since made it his home. It is one of the best farms in the township and, it may be said, in the county, and is all under cultivation. Mr. Blohm carries on diversified farming with profitable results. He is a success- ful breeder of pure blooded Hereford cattle, Shropshire sheep and grade hogs, and has a good operating equipment. In 1914 he built a modern two-story stucco residence of ten rooms, equipped with hot water heating plant, and his other buildings include a good barn, 30 by 50 by 18 feet, with an "L" 20 by 20 by 12; a granary 20 by 30 by 14; machine shed 14 by 30; sheep barn 24 by 36 by 16; a tile silo 13 by 36, with a capacity of 110 tons, and a steel windmill. The barn and house are electrically lighted, and as a part of his modern outfit Mr. Blohm has an Overland car. He is a stockholder in the Farmers Co-operative Elevator of Zumbro Falls and in the Farmers and Merchants. State Bank of Zumbro Falls. He was also one of the organizers of the Oak Center Creamery and was its vice president for four years, and he helped to organize the Farm- ers' Shipping Association of Zumbro Falls and the Farmers' Co-operative ele- vator of Lake City. Mr. Blohm belongs to several fraternal orders, including the Modern Woodmen of America, in which he has held the office of adviser for a year and a half; the Royal Neighbors, and the Modern Brotherhood of America. He and his wife are the parents of a son, Ralph H., who was born November 29, 1897, and who was educated in the common school and the School of Agriculture at St. Paul, and is now associated with his father in the oper- ation of the farm. The family are religiously affiliated with the Methodist Episcopal church at Oak Center, which Mr. Blohm is serving as steward. He may be termed a pioneer of the county by reason of his early birth here, and his parents were among the actual pioneers, arriving here poor with an ox team from Illinois, accompanied by John Schmidt and Henry Schmuser, who, like themselves, are now deceased.

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History of Wabasha County, Minnesota, Part 114

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

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