History of Wabasha County, Minnesota, Part 120

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 120


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since made some improvements, including the erection of a new modern house, and is pursuing a successful career as a general farmer. For 12 years he has been one of the supervisors on the Chester town board, in which office he is still serving. Mr. Goodman was married January 15, 1881, to Margaret La Van, who was born in Goodhue County, September 28, 1865, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Dominic La Van. Her parents came to Goodhue County, Minn., from Iowa in the spring of 1865, settling near Pine Island. In the La Van family there were nine children: Peter, Lizzie, Agnes, Charles, George, Nich- olas, Theodore, Anna and Margaret. Lizzie, George and Charles are now deceased. To Mr. and Mrs. Goodman seven children have been born: George E., August 28, 1886; Bessie B., January 30, 1888; Sylvia A., October 15, 1896; Grace M., May 1, 1898; Charles, February 16, 1901; Ruth E., May 26, 1903, and Homer E., September 14, 1892. Bessie is now the wife of Henry Nelson of Rochester, Sylvia the wife of Archie Franklin of Chester Township, and Grace the wife of Bert Owen of Rochester. Homer E., died at the age of seven years in 1899. Mr. and Mrs. Goodman are affiliated religiously with the Con- gregational church. Mr. Goodman is a member of the Masonic order, includ- ing the Eastern Star Chapter; also the Workmen, while Mrs. Goodman be- longs to the Eastern Star.


Frank E. Kelch, a widely known and respected citizen of Zumbro Town- ship, formerly engaged in agriculture but now retired, was born in the Province of Brandenberg, Prussia, Germany, June 7, 1863, son of Frank and Fredericka (Senst) Kelch. He was educated in his native land and in 1874, at the age of 11 years, came to the United States with his grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. Erdman Senst, who located in Wabasha County, Minn. After ar- riving here he attended school for awhile in Elgin and Oakwood Townships and then took up farm labor, being thus occupied for seven years in Oakwood Township. In 1889, having saved some money, he rented a farm in Oakwood Township and started in for himself. For seven years he operated that farm, and then in 1896 he bought 80 acres in section 36, and later added more until he now has 1881/2 acres in sections 26 and 36, Zumbro Township. On this farm he erected a fine set of buildings and put up fences, and was here engaged in general farming until 1918, when he retired and deeded the farm to his son August, though retaining his residence on the place. A practical man in his line of business, he had a successful career and is now in com- fortable circumstances. For six years he served as chairman of the school board of his district. Mr. Kelch was united in marriage March 6, 1889, to Marie Villwock, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. August Villwock. Her parents were natives of Germany who came to Minnesota in 1869 and settled in Oak- wood Township, Wabasha County, where for 22 years they operated farms under rental. At the end of that time they bought a farm, on which they spent the rest of their lives. They were consistent members of the Lutheran church. To Mr. and Mrs. Frank E. Kelch four children have been born: August, February 20, 1890; Clara, July 8, 1893; Marie, November 23, 1895, and Edward, October 21, 1899. Clara died May 4, 1904. Edward died August 16, 1901. Marie is now Mrs. Henry Rahman of Theilman, Wabasha County.


Francis Foster Bundy, who owns and operates a good farm of 160 acres in section 5, Gillford Township, was born in Clearfield, Penn., September 1, 1863. His parents, William and Emelene (Hevener) Bundy, were farmers who came to Wabasha County in the spring of 1864, locating on the Russell farm in Mt. Pleasant Township. There Francis F. grew up and attended the common school. Later, his father owning a farm in Gillford Township, he was placed in charge and operated it, the only other son in the family, Wesley, having died in 1872. On October 5, 1888, Francis F. Bundy married Bertha Segar, daughter of George and Lucinda Segar of Mazeppa Township. She died in May, 1900, leaving two children: Lindsay F., born April 16, 1892, and Esther May, born October 15, 1898. Lindsay F. married Myrtle Horning of Mt. Pleas-


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ant Township and is now a farmer in Gillford Township. Esther May, who graduated from the normal course of the Lake City high school, has been a teacher for four years in the Wabasha County schools. On October 12, 1901, Francis F. Bundy married Lucy Whaley, who was born in Mazeppa Township, Wabasha County, February 5, 1879, daughter of Syrenus and Eliza (Soule) Whaley. Her parents dying when she was three years old, she was reared by Mr. and Mrs. Benjamin Boughton of Mazeppa Township. Of her parents' fam- ily of 13 children, nine are still living, six brothers and three sisters. To Francis F. and Lucy Bundy six children have been born: Marian F., September 5, 1902; Ruth Eva, November 15, 1903; June Emeline, September 9, 1906; Wil- liam Benjamin, January 17, 1909; Florence Norine, October 3, 1915, and Beulah Belle, May 10, 1918. About the time of his second marriage Mr. Bundy bought and took possession of his present farm of 160 acres in section 5, Gillford Township, the land being all tillable. Here he is carrying on diversified farm- ing, keeping grade Holstein cattle (having 15 to 20 milch cows), and a herd of 40 to 50 grade hogs. He has made valuable improvements on his place by the erection of new buildings, which include a barn 38 by 66 by 16 feet, with a full stone basement of 8 feet; a steel tool shed 30 by 56 by 8 feet; a granary 24 by 32 by 18 feet, two stories with an elevator; a poultry house and hog house. His farm lies ten miles southwest of Lake City, and in addition to his interests therein, Mr. Bundy is a stockholder in the Farmers' Co-operative Store at Red Wing, the Realty Company of Belle Chester, and the Oak Center Creamery. He is also a member of the local shipping association. Mr. Bundy is a skilled farmer and has natural ability as a mechanic. He has made good financial progress and he and his family are among the most respected residents of Gillford Township. For many years he has favored the cause of prohibition, and he is one of the two citizens of his township who voted the prohibition ticket in national elections.


John Blattner, Sr., one of the early pioneers of Wabasha County who set- tled in Oakwood Township in 1858, was a man of sterling worth, who by hard work and frugality gained a competence and the respect of the community. He was born in Switzerland and acquired a good education. In early life he learned the science of agriculture. His first claim consisted of 120 acres of wild land in section 32. This he broke and developed and in time erected substantial buildings, also adding by degrees to his land until his farm contained 360 acres. On this farm he followed diversified agriculture and stock raising for many years. He was a man of domestic tastes, and his home and fireside, where he was surrounded by his wife and children, were his comfort. A man of strong and ambitious character, he gathered his share of the world's goods and at the time of his death left a goodly inheritance to his children. During his early years on the farm he experienced all the hardships of pioneer life and lived to see the reward of his labors. Honest and upright in all his business transactions, he gained a place in the hearts of his fellow townsmen, was a true American and a good, true Christian. Mr. Blattner was twice married, first to Ernestina Shiebe, by whom he had six children, namely, Louisa, Herman, Henry, Julius, Lena and William. His second marriage was to Amalia Hartle and took place at. Plainview. By her he had the following children, who are living: Fred, of Rochester, Minn .; August, of Little Falls, Minn .; John H., of Oakwood Town- ship, and Edward, of Rochester. Mrs. Amalia Hartle Blattner was a woman who proved a faithful wife and loving mother, and was a great help to her family circle. She died March 13, 1915. Mr. Blattner survived her but a few months, passing away June 12, the same year.


Edward Blattner, for a number of years a well known and popular mem- ber of the agricultural community of Oakwood Township, was born on his father's farm in this township November 24, 1892, son of John and Amalia (Hartle) Blattner. He acquired his education in District School No. 44, Oak- wood Township. His industrial career has followed agricultural lines, and he


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always remained on the old homstead, of which he bought 120 acres in 1916, and until 1919 was engaged in mixed farming, keeping dairy cattle. He has fenced his part of the farm, built a garage, and made other general improve- ments, and is in prosperous circumstances. In 1920 he sold the farm and now resides in Rochester, Minn.


John H. Blattner, a well known farmer of Oakwood Township, was born on his parents' farm in section 32, this township, a part of which he now oc- cupies, on January 4, 1888, son of John and Amalia (Hartle) Blattner. He was educated in District School No. 44, and remained at home until 23 years old, at which time he rented a farm in Viola Township, Olmsted County, which he operated for one year. He then returned to the home farm, of which he later came into possession of 120 acres. To that area he added 40 acres adjoining, all in section 32, making a farm of 160 acres which he is now operating. He has some good stock, consisting chiefly of grade cattle and Duroc-Jersey hogs, raising catttle both for market and dairy purposes. His improvements include the erection of a good house, and the fencing of most of the farm, which is now in good condition and yielding a satisfactory profit. Mr. Blattner was married December 20, 1911, to Martha Hoffman, who was born in Oakwood Township March 28, 1889. He and his wife have three children: Harold, Myrtie and Francis.


John Morrisey, until recently one of the active and leading farmers of Zumbro Township, but now retired and residing in Rochester, Minn., was born in Delaware County, Iowa, January 8, 1873, son of James and Ellen (Radde- baugh) Morrisey. The father was a native of Canada and the mother of Penn- sylvania. In the early seventies the family moved to Manchester, Iowa, and for a few years James Morrisey farmed in that vicinity. In 1877 he came with his wife and children to Wabasha County, Minn., settling in Zumbro Township, where he continued as a farmer until a few years before his death in 1889. He had been a widower for seven years, his wife having died in 1882. They had five children : George, Cora, Clara, Ida and John, of whom George and Cora are now deceased. The parents were members of the Catholic church. John Mor- rissey acquired his education in the district school. He was early trained to agriculture on the home farm, and was subsequently for many years engaged in farm labor working for others. During that period he practiced economy, so that in 1898 he was able to buy 320 acres of good farm land in sections 1, 11 and 12, Zumbro Township, on which he erected a complete set of buildings, also clearing 40 acres of the land and fencing the entire farm. In 1907 he built a new barn 36 by 84 feet in size. He followed general farming, keeping full blooded sires at the head of his herds of stock. For the last four years of his residence in Zumbro Township he served as a member of the town board of supervisors. He is fraternally affiliated with both the Masons and Odd Fe !- lows, while religiously he is affiliated with the Methodist Episcopal church. Mr. Morrisey has had a successful career, and, having accumulated a com- petency, has bought a nice residence in Rochester, where he now resides at 313 Fourth avenue, N. W. On July 3, 1900, Mr. Morrisey was united in marriage with Alice Arnold, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. James Arnold. Her parents, then residents of Zumbro Township, are now deceased, the father having died in 1900 and the mother in 1907. In the Arnold family there were eight chil- dren: Charles, Frank, Ernest, Arthur, Wallace, Earl, Alice and Clarence, of whom Clarence is now deceased. Mr. and Mrs. Morrisey have had six children : Arvilla, bern April 2, 1901, who died August 5, 1909; Lela, born November 16, 1903; Max, born January 4, 1905, who died May 3, 1910; Leola, born June 9, 1907; Evelyn, born December 16, 1911, and Donald, born August 2, 1920.


William J. Befort, who owns and operates in Chester Township one of the best farms in Wabasha County, was born in Wisconsin, January 2, 1862, son of William and Anna (De Ville) Befort. The father was a native of Germany and the mother of France. They came to America in the early sixties, and, after


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remaining several years in New York state, settled in Wisconsin. Subse- quently they removed to Goodhue County, Minn., and still later to Wabasha County, taking a farm in Chester Township, on which the father died in 1909 and the mother in 1908. They were Catholics in religion. Their children were William J., Mary, Anna, John (first), John (second), Katherine, Frank, Lena and Agnes. John (first) and Katherine are deceased, the first mentioned dying in infancy. William J. Befort was educated in the district school, and worked for his father until 1891. He then rented the home farm for two years. In 1893 he began buying land, his first purchase consisting of 80 acres. Then, in 1895, he bought 80 acres more, and in 1899 an additional tract of 40 acres, making a total of 200 acres in sections 19, 20 and 29, Chester Township. In 1919 he contracted to buy the John Philley farm of 186 acres in section 30, and now owns and controls a fine farm of 466 acres, on which he has erected all the buildings, which are substantially constructed and of modern type. His barn measures 46 by 90 feet and is furnished with a full Louden equipment. He has installed electric lights on his place, and his general farm equipment is very complete, including tractors and a threshing-machine. In short, Mr. Befort has shown himself to be one of the most progressive farmers in his township and the results of his enterprise are fully manifest in the fine condition of his farm and the prosperity he is now enjoying as a general farmer and stock raiser. He has served for 36 years on the school board of his district, No. 91. He has recently enjoyed more leisure than formerly, having turned over the active management of the farm to his sons, Stephan and Lewis. Mr. Befort was married April 7, 1891, to Mary Reding, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Stephan Red- ing. Her parents were natives of Belgium who emigrated to Minnesota many years ago, settling in Goodhue County, where the father died in 1904 and the mother in 1908. They had ten children, of whom six are now living, namely : Henry N., Frank P., Mary, Sarah C., Fred H., and Anna J. Those deceased are : Stephan J., Albert J., Clara and John. Mr. and Mrs. William J. Befort are the parents of five children, all residing at home, and who were born as follows: Stephan W., January 16, 1892; Isabella S., June 7, 1894; Lewis J., March 15, 1896; Nicholas H., February 7, 1901; and Lawrence W., January 12, 1903. Lewis J. enlisted June 24, 1918, and served in the 78th Division in France for about one year, in the Argonne and St. Mihiel sectors. He was discharged at Camp Dodge in May, 1919. The Befort family is one of high standing in Chester Township. Its members are Catholics in religion.


Fred Grossback, a prosperous farmer of Mazeppa Township, of which he is one of the supervisors, was born in Goodhue County, Minn., April 6, 1883, son of Joseph and Frances (Kunert) Grossback. The father was born in Germany and came to America in 1856 with his parents, who settled in Wisconsin, where the family remained for 19 years. In 1875 Joseph Grossback came to Minne- sota and settled on a tract of 160 acres of land in Goodhue County, where he began farming. He erected a set of buildings and in time cleared most of his land. In 1885 he bought 120 acres in Mazeppa Township, on which farm also he erected buildings, and where he remained ten years. In 1895 he bought 137 acres in Mazeppa Township. Ambitious and enterprising, he worked hard and became prosperous, at one time owning 657 acres in Goodhue and Wabasha Counties. In 1917 he retired and now resides in the village of Mazeppa. He and his wife have been the parents of ten children, Anna, Joseph, Albert, Rudolph, Fred, Edmond, John, Ignatz, Lawrence and George. The religious affiliations of the family are with the Lutheran church. Fred Grossback ac- quired his education in the district school. From early youth his occupation has been that of a farmer, and until 1907 he worked for his father. He then began on his own account by renting a farm of 135 acres in sections 19 and 30, Mazeppa Township, which he operated for four years. In 1911 he bought this farm of his father, and has since made some improvements on it. He follows general farming and stock raising, and is making satisfactory financial prog-


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ress. For a number of years he has been a prominent citizen of his township, which he has served as supervisor for five years, being chairman of the board for two years of that time, a position in which he is still serving. He has also been for two years a member of the school board of district No. 76. He is vice president of the Peoples State Bank of Mazeppa and has been a director of the Mazeppa Shipping Association since it was organized. He is a member of the Lutheran church and, fraternally, of the Modern Woodmen of America. On October 22, 1907, Mr. Grossback was united in marriage with Anna Larson, who was born September 15, 1882, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Andrew Larson, who were farming people of Mazeppa Township. Mr. and Mrs. Larson are now deceased, the former dying January 11, 1913, and the latter November 10, 1894. They had seven children: Ella, Lillie, Anna, Mabel, Joseph, Elmer and Reed. To Mr. and Mrs. Fred Grossback three children have been born: Bernice C., on October 10, 1908; Glenn C., September 26, 1910, and Lloyd D., July 8, 1912.


John M. Delva, who is operating a good farm of 160 acres in section 20, Chester Township, was born on the farm on which he now lives, April 9, 1889, son of Peter and Margaret (Fleming) Delva. The parents were natives of Germany who came to Minnesota in 1871 and settled immediately in Chester Township, Wabasha County. In 1874 they bought the farm above mentioned, on which they erected a set of buildings, and resided here carrying on general farming until 1886. In that year they bought another farm containing 160 acres in section 8 and 80 acres in section 9, and on the latter place they are still living, engaged in general farming and stock raising. They are members of the Cath- olic church. Of their family of 11 children, ten are now living, the full list be- ing as follows: Michael, Anna, Clara, Katherine, Elizabeth, John, Nicholas, Joseph, Mary, Peter and Nicholas (second). The first Nicholas died in infancy. John M. Delva acquired his education in the district school and worked for his father until 1915. He then rented the old home farm of 160 acres in section 20, Chester, and has been engaged in its operation, like his father, carrying on general farming and stock raising with profitable results. He is a member of the Catholic church and belongs fraternally to the Knights of Columbus. He was married September 7, 1915, to Clara Frank, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Peter Frank, who are farmers in Goodhue County, Minn. Mrs. Delva was the third born in a family of eight children, namely: Edward, John, Clara, Margaret, Lena, Rose, Katherine and Mary. Mr. and Mrs. Delva are the parents of one child : Rosella A., who was born November 7, 1918.


Charles Devery, who was formerly engaged for some years in operating a farm in Zumbro Township, and whose family are still residing here, was born in Olmsted County, Minn., March 31, 1859. He was educated in the district school at Farm Hill, that county, and subsequently became an agricultural laborer and carpenter. In 1882 he rented a farm in Zumbro Township, Wa- basha County, which he operated for two years. He then took a farm at Oronoco, Olmsted County, which he operated for two years, also under rental. In 1886 he returned to Zumbro Township, Wabasha County, moving on to a farm in sections 29 and 30, which he operated under rental for 16 years, carrying on general farming and stock raising, and on which he died July 31, 1901. He was a member of the Methodist Episcopal church and belonged fraternally to the Modern Woodmen of America. Mr. Devery was married March 31, 1882, to Hattie Anderson, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Abraham Anderson. Her parents were natives of New York state who, on coming to Wabasha County, Minn., set- tled on a farm in Zumbro Township, which the father actively conducted until 1890, afterwards continuing to reside on it until 1919, when he moved to Ham- mond. The mother died in 1875. They were members of the Wesleyan Meth- odist church. Their children were: Alonzo D., Hattie, Clark and Wesley. To. Mr. and Mrs. Charles Devery five children were born: Grover L., June 1, 1884; . Phoebe, March 27, 1888; Harry, March 15, 1894; Edna, September 7, 1896; and Mark, June 11, 1902. Phoebe is now the wife of Lester Mack of Hastings,.


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MR. AND MRS. JOHN BOSS


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Minn., Harry resides in Zumbro Township, and the others are still residing on the home farm with their mother. In 1902 Mrs. Devery bought a tract of 80 acres in section 29, Zumbro Township, and she has also made improvements in the residence and outbuildings. The farm is now operated by the son Grover, who is raising both grain and stock with good financial results. He be- longs fraternally to the Modern Woodmen of America.


William Caswell, one of the best known citizens of Chester Township, where for 24 years he has been engaged in agriculture, and for much of that time has rendered service as a public official, was born in this township De- cember 14, 1861, son of Cyrus and Margaret (Jenkins) Caswell. The father was born in the state of Ohio and the mother in England. They came to Wa- basha County, Minn., settling in Chester Township in 1856, being therefore rightly numbered among the pioneers of the county. Cyrus Caswell died De- cember 10, 1913, his wife having previously passed away in 1910. They had eight children, John, William, Anna, Charles, Grace, Non'a, Mary and Pearl, of whom three-Anna, Grace and Nona-are now deceased. William Caswell ac- quired his education in the district school and was reared on his parents' farm. He worked for his father until 1896, in which year he started in for himself, buying 80 acres in section 28, Chester Township. To this property he later added 40 acres more, making a total of 120 acres. He improved the place by the erection of a good set of buildings and fences, and has his own electric light plant which furnishes light for all his buildings. He has followed general farming and stock raising with success, being now a well to do citizen. His public service includes seven years as treasurer of the town board, three years as supervisor, three years as town clerk, and 15 years as treasurer of the school board of District No. 15, in which last mentioned office he is still serving. Mr. Caswell was united in marriage March 23, 1896, with Jane Krisher, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. John Krisher of Chester Township, Mrs. Caswell's father being the former owner of the present Caswell farm. Mr. Krisher now resides in Egland, N. D., Mrs. Krisher having died in 1887. They were the parents of eight chil- dren, William, Dell, Elmer, Lizzie, Nora, Thomas, Lillie and Jane.


John Boss, late county auditor of Wabasha County, and for a number of years before his death one of the foremost citizens of the county, was born in the Town of Gillford, Wabasha County, Minn., March 4, 1884, son of Andrew and Janet (Nesbit) Boss. His parents were pioneers of this locality and he spent his boyhood days on the farm where he was born. After attending the public schools he took a course in the Minnesota School of Agriculture, from which he was graduated in the class of 1902. He subsequently engaged in agriculture and resided on his farm near Zumbro Falls until the fall of 1914, when he was elected county auditor and took up his residence in Wabasha. As a public official he proved able and faithful and left behind him a record worthy of emulation. An intensely loyal American, when his country engaged in war to defend the rights of American citizens and the cause of world democracy, he rendered it his whole-hearted service. True, he did not wear the uniform of the army, but he was in a very real sense a soldier of the United States, and faithfully and efficiently performed his strenuous duties as secretary of the local draft board from the time of its organization. While his name will not be printed in the casualty list of those who gave their lives for their country, it surely deserves to be, for it was undoubtedly his close application to the duties of his office and his war work which caused that loss of vitality the want of which rendered him unable to effectively resist the disease that caused his death. An attack of the then prevailing influenza was followed by pneu- monia, from which he suffered for a week, and which terminated in his death at about 12 o'clock on the night of Saturday, October 26, 1918. His wife and children, besides other relatives, and a host of personal friends were left to mourn his untimely demise. The funeral, which was necessarily private, was held on Monday, the remains being taken to Lake City and interred in the




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