History of Wabasha County, Minnesota, Part 115

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 115

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John E. Searles, an early settler in Minnesota, for a number of years a resident of Chester Township, Wabasha County, and later of Mazeppa village, where he died in 1914, was born in Willis, Cambridgeshire, England, October 13, 1838, son of George and Ann (Clippold) Searles. The parents lived and died in their native land, where their son, John E., remained until 1865. Then coming to the United States, he made his way west to Pine Island, Goodhue

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County, Minn., where he found employment on the farm of John Hardie, of which he became the manager after Mr. Hardie's death. On his marriage in 1873 he bought a farm near Lena, Goodhue County, which he operated until 1883. He then sold it and went to California, but soon returned from that far distant state and resumed general farming, buying 160 acres in Chester Town- ship, Wabasha County. Later he enlarged his farm by the purchase of 80 additional acres, and continued there until his retirement in 1903, when he moved to Mazeppa. He served as a member of the school board, and was a citizen of value to the community in which he lived. His widow is now the owner of the farm, but resides in Mazeppa. Mr. Searles was married January 3, 1873, at Pine Island, to Harriet Hallaway, who was born in Sussex, England, in 1848, daughter of John and Ruth Hallaway. Her ancestors belonged to a noble or high born English family, her grandfather being "lord of the manor" in his locality, and the proprietor of 750 acres of land. John Hallaway, father of Mrs. Searles, was born in England in 1819, and his wife in 1818. They came to the United States about 1861, when their daughter, Harriet, was 13 years old, settling on a farm in Pine Island, Goodhue County, Minn. There they made their home until 1893, when they came to live with their daughter, Mrs. Searles. The father died in 1897 and the mother in 1902. Of their eight chil- dren three are living, the two in addition to Harriet being: Julia, wife of Charles Crouch, living on a farm in Goodhue County, four miles from Mazeppa ; and Frederick, who is a farmer at Holloway, Swift County, Minn. Those de- ceased are John, Thomas, Mary, Harry and Elizabeth. Mr. and Mrs. John E. Searles were the parents of two children : George W., who married Laura Majerus, and is engaged in the real estate business in Mazeppa; and Pearl, wife of S. J. Hopper, of Portland, Ore.

Bartholomew Klein, a pioneer of Wabasha County, and one of the first set- tlers in Highland Township, was born in Luxemburg and came to this country in 1856, first locating in Dubuque, Iowa. From there he came to Wabasha County, making the trip with an ox team. After entering this county, he crossed Greenwood Prairie to Glasgow Township, and then came on to High- land Township, where he took a claim in section 14, where his son John N. now lives. Here he built a small log shanty, cutting the logs himself. Subse- quently, when his farm had been properly surveyed, he found that one corner of his house was right on the dividing line. The land was wild and covered with timber, and he set to work to clear and develop the farm with the help of an ox team. He married Katherine Shouweiler, who had come to this coun- try in 1854, the Shouweiler family being among the first settlers here. Mr. Klein worked hard on his farm, but was not long permitted to enjoy the fruits of his labor, as he died in 1863. His widow then rented the farm out for a time, and was subsequently married to Mathias Markous, by whom she had a daughter, Anna, who married Mike Ellenz and lives in St. Paul. By her first husband, Bartholomew Klein, she had four children: Maggie, who married Joe Emerick and died in 1919, leaving three sons; Katherine, wife of Garrett Graff of Lake County, S. D .; John N., of Highland Township; and Susan, wife of Joseph Graff of Kellogg, Minn. Mrs. Bartholomew Klein died in 1883.

John N. Klein, a prominent representative of the agricultural and stock raising interests of Highland Township, was born on his parents' farm in sec- tion 14, in this township, June 12, 1861, son of Bartholomew and Katherine (Shouweiler) Klein. He was reared on the home farm and educated in dis- trict school No. 37. He was obliged to begin work at an early age and became thoroughly initiated into all kinds of farm work. After the death of his mother in 1883 he and his three sisters operated the farm together for three years, and at the end of that time he purchased his sisters' interest and has been the sole owner. In 1909 he built a modern eight-room house, with an addition for a wash-room, and equipped with modern conveniences, including a bath, hot water heat, hot and cold running water and electric lights. He also erected

JOHN N. KLEIN AND FAMILY.

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a barn 40 by 62 feet, and now has the farm and buildings in excellent condi- tion. He carries on general farming and is the only farmer in Highland Town- ship raising Jersey cattle. So well has he succeeded that in two years he took the first prize at the county fair for improvement in this kind of stock. He is also a successful breeder of Chester White hogs and Percheron horses. In addition to this, he does considerable dairying. To his original 160 acres he has since added 40 lying across the road from his farm, has bought 240 acres in Glasgow Township, ten acres of woodland, and owns 160 acres in northern Minnesota, near the International Falls, in Koochiching County. Mr. Klein is a stockholder in the local telephone company and the Smithfield creamery. He has been a member of the town board for many years and assessor for five years, besides having served on the school board twelve years, from which it may be seen that he is not only active and successful in business, but is also a useful citizen willing to devote a part of his time to the public service. Fra- ternally he belongs to several orders, including the Woodmen, Samaritans and the Knights of Columbus. Mr. Klein was married in 1885 at Minneapolis to Elizabeth Bricher, daughter of John and Mary Bricher, her parents, natives respectively of Luxemburg and Bohemia, being early settlers in Wabasha County, where they followed farming. Mr. and Mrs. Klein have had eleven children, of whom eight are now living, namely: Frank, Joseph, Ernest, Ralph, Clarence, Adolph, Hazel and Lavina. Frank is assistant cashier in the Theil- man Bank, and Clarence is a barber in Kellogg. Ralph enlisted for military service in the war with Germany. He was a member of the 28th Division of Infantry and was eight months in France, taking part in the actions in the Argonne sector and at St. Mihiel Hill. Frank also enlisted and was sent to Leavenworth and Camp Dodge, Iowa, where he served in the clerical depart- ment. The children who died were: Maggie, who was five years old; Mary, who died at the age of three, and Dorothy, who married Ed McGrath and died of influenza October 29, 1918. The family are members of the Catholic church.

Nicholas Arendt, in former years one of the best known and most popular citizens of Chester Township, where he owned and operated a good farm, was born at New Trier, Dakota County, Minn., January 6, 1871, son of Philip and Catherine (Ludowissi) Arendt. When quite young he moved with his parents to Belle Chester, where he attended district school. After beginning indus- trial life he worked a number of years for his father, then, in 1896, he started out for himself, renting 240 acres in section 17, Chester Township, where he farmed until 1901. He then moved on to the Philip Arendt farm of 160 acres, and having also secured 200 acres in section 7, engaged in general farming and stock raising, in which occupations he continued successfully until his death, which occurred November 28, 1914, as the result of an accident. On Friday morning, the day before, he was sweeping the bin-top of his grain elevator, when he accidentally stepped off. He fell 12 feet, striking on his abdomen across a joist. From the joist he fell another six feet on an automobile which was just below. The fall caused injuries from which he died at 2 a. m., Sat- urday. During the day he was conscious and told the circumstances of the accident, giving directions to his wife and children for taking care of the farm and his personal affairs. Funeral services were held Monday morning from St. Mary's Catholic church at Belvidere, Father Funke officiating, and interment was made in the church cemetery. A large throng of relatives and friends attended the last rites and followed his remains to the grave, the funeral being one of the largest ever held at Belle Chester. The entire community was shocked and saddened by this calamity, which had removed in so sudden and tragic a manner one of its most respected citizens. Mr. Arendt was ever ready to aid a good cause, either with his purse or through personal service, and his geniality, kindness and generosity had made him hosts of friends. His business interests were large and successfully conducted. He was vice presi- dent of the Peoples State Bank and the Farmers Elevator of Mazeppa, and in-

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terested in many other undertakings, all of which profited by his support and counsel. In his death his family lost a kind and loving husband and father, the church a faithful member, and the general community one of its upbuilders and public spirited citizens, Mr. Arendt was married at Belle Chester, Minn., on November 24, 1896, to Bertha Reiland, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Peter Reiland. Her parents were natives of Germany who, on coming to the United States, settled first in Wisconsin, and afterwards in Rolling Stone, Winona County, Minn., in which vicinity they spent the remainder of their lives in farming. Both are now deceased, the mother dying first on March 29, 1893, the father on August 8, 1914, seven months after the death of Mr. Arendt. They had five children : Michael N., Margaret, Anna, Mary and Bertha. To Mr. and Mrs. Nicholas Arendt ten children were born, as follows: Martha K., June 12, 1898; Philip J., February 4, 1900; Edmond S., January 1, 1902; Hedwig A., March 8, 1903; Lawrence M., August 28, 1904; Walter P., June 23, 1906; Clar- ence H., November 13, 1907; Clemens J., July 1, 1910; Leonard P., December 2, 1912; and Christine H., August 19, 1915.

Nicholas J. Almeter, head of the firm of N. J. Almeter & Sons, of Mazeppa, engaged in general blacksmithing, and also operating a garage and handling auto cars, was born in Sheldon, Wyoming County, N. Y., September 28, 1859. His parents were Frank and Mary (Clemens) Almeter, both of whom were born in Belgium. The father, who was a blacksmith, died in April, 1870, and the mother in 1874. They had seven children, one of whom died in infancy. Another, Kate, who became the wife of Jake Steffen of Buffalo, N. Y., is also deceased. Those now living are: John, residing in Portland, Ore .; Louis F., of Los Angeles, Calif .; George F., of Texarkana, Ark .; Lena, wife of Mike Curry, of Rogers, Minn .; and Nicholas J., of Mazeppa. Nicholas J. Almeter remained in New York State until he was 19 years old, and there acquired his education: He then came to Minnesota, locating in Goodhue County, where he followed the blacksmiths' trade. In 1884 he settled in Mazeppa, entering the employ of A. J. Taft, a blacksmith, whose partner he subsequently became. After the part- nership had lasted six years, Mr. Almeter bought Mr. Taft's interest in the business, which he conducted alone until 1920. He then took his three sons into the firm and the business is now conducted under the name of N. J. Almeter . & Sons. In addition to carrying on a general blacksmith business and operating a garage, the firm handles Ford cars and accessories, besides doing general repairing. Mr. Almeter has twice served as a member of the village council, and once as mayor or president of the village. He belongs fraternally to the United Workmen, and in religion is a Catholic. In June, 1887, he was united in marriage at Belle Chester, Minn., to Maggie Heber, daughter of Nicholas and Anna (Majerus) Heber, her parents being natives of Luxemburg. Of this union seven children have been born, of whom two, Clara and Albert, are de- ceased. The living are: Mary A., Frank N., John W., Louis L., and Helen. Frank and John each took part in the World War, Frank enlisting from Minne- sota and serving 13 months in the United States and France. John served one year, taking part in the fighting in the Argonne Forest, France.

Nie Rich, proprietor of the old John Rich farm in- section 20, Mazeppa Township, was born in Monroe County, Wis., August 7, 1869, son of John and Deborah (Boynton) Rich. The parents were native Americans, the father born in Maine and the mother in Pennsylvania. In the early sixties they migrated west to Wisconsin, where they engaged in farming and resided until 1875. They then settled in Olmsted County, Minn., but remained there a very short time, as in the same year they came to Mazeppa Township, Wabasha County, buying 50 acres of land in section 20. Here they made their home, John Rich erecting a set of buildings and clearing and cultivating the land. He died on the farm in 1911 and his wife in 1916. They were among the early settlers in the town- ship and during their long career as residents here made numerous friends and acquaintances. They were members of the Methodist Episcopal church.

JOHN RICH AND FAMILY

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Their children were Elsie, Nie, Florence and John. Nie Rich, who was edu- cated in the district school, at an early age became active on his parents' farm, where, in his boyhood, there was abundant work for him to do. He remained associated with his father until 1893, and then started in for himself by renting a farm in Goodhue County, which he operated for five years. In 1898, having through industry and economy made some financial progress, he bought 80 acres in section 18, Mazeppa Township, on which tract he erected all the buildings except the house; and in 1917 he brought the area of his farm up to 182 acres by the purchase of the old home farm of his parents, containing 50 acres in section 20. His place is well improved and he is doing a successful business as a general farmer and stock raiser. He is affiliated with the Methodist Episcopal church and with the fraternal order of Modern Woodmen of America. On November 22, 1894, Mr. Rich was united in marriage with Ida Ingham, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Samuel Ingham. Her parents are now deceased, the father dying in 1910 and the mother about 1890. Mr. and Mrs. Rich have had the un- usual experience of becoming the parents of triplets-Doctor R., Dennis A. and Darrel J .- who were born April 24, 1903. They also have a daughter, Olive M., who was born June 28, 1906. All the children are residing at home.

Alexander Goetsch, an active and progressive farmer and town treasurer of Mazeppa Township, was born in Hanover, Germany, March 18, 1882, son of August and Mary (Piel) Goetsch. He was still a babe when in 1884 he accom- panied his parents to the United States. The family first settled at Watertown, Wis., but after a short residence there came to Wabasha County, Minn., and began farming in Mazeppa Township, an occupation in which they continued here for the rest of their lives. Both died in 1909, well known and respected. They were consistent members of the Lutheran church. Their children were

Otto, Anna, Robert, Paul, Magdalis, Regina and Alexander. Alexander Goetsch acquired his education in the district school, and when he was old enough be- gan to make himself useful on his parents' farm. He worked for his father for several years, and then he and a brother took over the management of the farm, 40 acres of which his father deeded to him. He also bought 40 acres on his own account, and in 1914 another 80 acres. Later he bought ten acres of timber land, making in all 170 acres in section 20, Mazeppa Township. On this property he built a new barn and outbuildings, and is operating it with profit- able results as a general farmer and stock raiser, breeding high grade hogs. For the last five years he has served as treasurer of his township and is now serving in his third year as chairman of the school board of his district. Mr. Goetsch was married July 9, 1918, to Hulda Kuehn, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Christ Kuehn of Mazeppa Township. Of this union has been born one child, Elena E., on May 18, 1919.

Paul Goetsch, proprietor of a farm of 185 acres in Mazeppa Township, was born in Pommern, Germany, February 11, 1875, son of August and Mary (Piel) Goetsch. He attended school for a while in his native land, and accompanied his parents to America in 1884, at the age of nine years. After a short resi- dence in Wisconsin the family settled in Mazeppa Township, Wabasha County, Minn., and here Paul attended district school and soon began helping on the farm. In time he became a useful assistant to his father, and was thus occu- pied until 1907. He then began farming on his own account, buying 125 acres in sections 21 and 28, and later by another purchase increased the area of his farm to 185 acres. He also erected all the present buildings, and has continued to carry on general farming, raising good stock. He is a stockholder in the Farmers' Co-operative Creamery of Mazeppa and a member of the Farmers' Shipping Association of the same place. On July 27, 1910, Mr. Goetsch was married to Emma Nickel, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. John Nickel of Mazeppa Township. The parents came to this locality from Germany in 1886, and were engaged in farming there until 1918, in which year Mrs. Nickel died. Since then Mr. Nickel has resided with his daughter, Mrs. Paul Goetsch. The chil-

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dren in the Nickel family were Adolph, Emil, Mary, William and Emma. Those born to Mr. and Mrs. Paul Goetsch are: Severa E., July 17, 1911; Carl F., July 28, 1913; and Esther L., born August 2, 1916. The family are members of the Lutheran church.

Fred Busse, Sr., a well known farmer and respected citizen of Mazeppa Township, was born in Posen, Germany, March 11, 1846. He was educated in his native land and, like all German youths, was obliged to serve in the army, in which he spent three and a half years, including service in the Franco-Ger- man war of 1870-71. In the following year, 1872, he emigrated to the United States and for one year was a resident of Wisconsin. In 1873 he settled in Olm- sted County, Minn., where he spent 7 years, coming to Mazeppa Township, Wabasha County, in 1880. Here he bought a farm of 175 acres in sections 17, 20 and 29, and has since made many valuable improvements on it. Besides clearing most of the land, he has erected fences, and a fine set of buildings, and has set out trees and a good orchard. He is engaged in general farming and is raising Shorthorn and full-blooded Swiss cattle, besides other good stock, and has taken rank among the prosperous farmers of his township, which he served two years as supervisor. He has also been a member of the school board of his district for 20 years. For 35 years he has been appraiser for the Rochester Fire Insurance Company. Mr. Busse has turned over the active man- agement of his farm to his son, Leon, who operates it on shares. On June 8, 1879, Mr. Busse was united in marriage with Johanna Heimke, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Carl Heimke. Her parents, formerly residents of Wisconsin, are both now deceased. Mr. and Mrs. Fred Busse are the parents of three children : Fred, Jr., born April 1, 1880, who is a farmer in Mazeppa Township; Ella, born October 9, 1881, who is now Mrs. John Larson and resides at Colorado Springs, Colo., and Leonhart, better known as "Leon," born March 16, 1883. "Leon" Busse was married June 10, 1913, to Ida Freise, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Gott- fried Freise, prominent farmers of Goodhue County. To Mr. and Mrs. Leon Busse have been born four children: Lenora F., July 8, 1914; Hubert L., No- vember 26, 1915; Norman F., April 10, 1917; and Erma M., October 14, 1919.

Thomas F. Baker, familiarly known as "Tom" Baker, for years a prom- inent representative of the farming industry in Mazeppa Township, but now living retired in Mazeppa village, was born at Farm Hill, Olmsted County, Minn., November 9, 1867, son of Stephen H. and Maria (Butterfield) Baker. The parents were natives of New York state who came to Minnesota in the early sixties and settled in Zumbro Township, Wabasha County, taking a homestead of 160 acres which they proved up. Subsequently. they sold that farm and located in Farm Hill, Olmsted County, where they were engaged in farming until the death of Mrs. Maria Baker on October 21, 1890. After that event Mr. Baker lived with his son, Tom, until his death, September 30, 1899. He was a man held in high regard for his public spirit and helpful qualities in the com- munity, being always ready to aid a good cause, and for some years served as supervisor on the town board. He and his wife were affiliated with the Meth- odist Episcopal church. They had five children, Alonzo S., William G., Edwin S., Thomas F. and Carrie S., the last mentioned of whom is now deceased. "Tom" Baker was educated in the city of Rochester, attending the ward school, and being a pupil for one year in the high school. After that he worked for his father until 1891, in which year he rented a farm in Olmsted County, which he operated for five years. In 1896 Mr. Baker bought 160 acres in Zumbro Town- ship, Wabasha County, a farm which he greatly improved by the erection of a new set of buildings. He resided there engaged in general farming and stock raising until 1904, and then rented out the farm (which he afterwards sold), and moved to Zumbro Falls. In that village he lived for five years, engaged in the farm machinery business and also in buying cream. In 1909 Mr. Baker went to Montana, where he took a land claim and remained one year. Then re- turning to Mazeppa Township, Wabasha County, he purchased his present farm

GEORGE NEI AND FAMILY.

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of 360 acres in sections 5 and 6. This he improved by the erection of one of the best barns in Wabasha County, a cow barn 36 by 110 feet in ground dimen- sions, provided with the West Bend barn equipment. As a general farmer and dairyman Mr. Baker met with much success and accumulated a competence. He is now serving in his third year as a supervisor on the town board, and is a man of influence in the community. He belongs to the Masonic order and the Modern Woodmen of America, and is religiously affiliated with the Methodist Episcopal church. On November 24, 1890, Mr. Baker was united in marriage with Cora Morrisey, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. James Morrisey. He and his wife have been the parents of 12 children, who were born as follows: Viola E., November 15, 1891; Fannie, August 12, 1893; Hattie, April 10, 1894; Floyd, August 23, 1897; Thomas, May 10, 1899; Cora and Clara (twins), June 14, 1902; Ethel, October 9, 1904; Julia and John (twins), June 1, 1906; Esther, August 30, 1907; and Stanley, June 25, 1910. Viola E., who became the wife of Truman Mack, died November 13, 1912. Fannie is now Mrs. Fred Knaup of Zumbro Township. Hattie is the wife of Ray Bowers. Thomas (Tommie) died when a little over a year old, on May 18, 1900. Ethel died at the age of four months and one day, on February 10, 1905. Floyd was drafted into the United States service October 21, 1918, but owing to the termination of the war soon after, saw no active service. James Morrisey, father of Mrs. Baker, was born in Canada and came to Minnesota in 1876, settling in Zumbro Township, Wabasha County, where he resided until two years before his death. He died in Olmsted County May 1, 1889, and his wife, who was a native of Pennsylvania, on Sep- tember 19, 1880. They were members of the Catholic church. They had three children: Cora, John and Clara.

George Nei, a retired farmer residing in Mazeppa Township, of which for a number of years he has been one of the leading citizens, having served not only in local office, but also as county commissioner, was born in Goodhue County, October 9, 1862, son of Peter and Catherine Nei. The parents were born in the Duchy of Luxemburg and came to America in the early fifties, set- tling in Goodhue County, Minn. There they spent the rest of their lives, Mrs. Nei dying in 1895 and Mr. Nei in 1900. They were members of the Catholic church. They had six children, the first born of whom, Lizzie, is now deceased. The others were John, George, Matthew, Anna and Peter. George Nei was edu- cated in a district school in Goodhue County, and after beginning industrial life, worked for his father until 1888. His father then gave him 80 acres of land and a wagon and team, with which he was able to make a start for himself. In 1892 he bought 120 acres in sections 19 and 30, Mazeppa Township, Wabasha County, and began to improve the place, erecting a new set of buildings and supplying some needed fencing. There he was actively engaged in diversified farming, including the raising of stock, until 1918, in which year he retired, renting the farm to his son-in-law, P. W. Clemens, but retaining his residence on it. During his active years as a farmer Mr. Nei became widely known as a man of ability and reliable character, and it was no surprise to his neighbors and acquaintances when in 1912 he was elected county commissioner from the Third District, in which office he served by virtue of successive re-elections for eight years. He was also for six years a supervisor of Mazeppa Township, was 16 years town assessor, and for 15 years served on the school board of Dis- trict No. 76. In all these positions he justified the confidence of his fellow citi- zens, showing good business acumen and ready comprehension of the public needs. In religion he is a Catholic. Mr. Nei was married in 1888 to Lizzie Huberty, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Huberty. Her parents were natives of Belgium who settled in Goodhue County, where the father is still living, the mother being now deceased. They had five children, John, Elizabeth, Kath- erine, Jacob and Margaret. Mr. and Mrs. Nei are the parents of two children : Lena K., born September 20, 1888, now Mrs. Robert Seibert of Mazeppa Town- ship, and Clara K., born May 31, 1890, who is the wife of W. P. Clemens and has two children, Donald George and Geneva Elizabeth.

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History of Wabasha County, Minnesota, Part 115

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