History of Wabasha County, Minnesota, Part 122

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 122

Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).

736

HISTORY OF WABASHA COUNTY

rented a farm in that county, which he operated two years, or until 1875. He then moved to Rochester, where for four years he was engaged in teaming. During the two subsequent years Mr. Dewitt operated a rented farm in Good- hue County. The period from 1881 to 1905 he spent in Rochester working at the carpenter's trade. Then in 1905 he came to Zumbro Township, Wabasha County, and bought 40 acres in section 36, where he is now residing, engaged in general farming and stock raising. He has erected most of the present buildings on his land. He is a member of the Wesleyan Methodist church, and as a reliable citizen and justice of the peace is widely known and respected. Mr. Dewitt was married November 9, 1874, to Alice Welch, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Samuel Welch. Her parents were natives of New York State who came to Minnesota in 1870, and were subsequently engaged in farming in Olmsted County until their retirement in 1874. They then took up their resi- dence in Rochester, where Mr. Welch died July 2, 1903, and Mrs. Welch in 1877. They had but one child, Alice, who, as already mentioned, became the wife of Marion Dewitt. She died March 27, 1897, leaving four children: Clinton, born November 6, 1875, who is a resident of Rochester; Delia, born February 22, 1877, now Mrs. A. F. Hummerson of Minneapolis; Ervin, born January 7, 1880, who lives at Great Falls, Mont., and Abbie, born September 5, 1883, who is the wife of Alva Wagy of Cresco, Ia. On October 9, 1905, Marion Dewitt was united in marriage with Mary A. Steadman, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Steadman. Her parents were natives of England who came to America in 1856, settling first in New York State, whence they came to Wabasha County, Minn., in 1863. They made their home thereafter in Zumbro Township, where Mrs. Steadman died in October, 1883, and Mr. Steadman in 1903.

Joseph Witte, whose enterprise along agricultural lines has given him a prominent place among the successful farmers of Glasgow Township, was born in this township, August 26, 1872, son of Theodore and Anna (Laqua) Witte. His mother dying not many weeks after his birth, he was reared by his father and stepmother, the father having contracted a second marriage with Margaret Weber. He acquired a common school education and was his father's assistant on the home farm until the fall of 1899, when he began farming on his own account on the place where he now resides-a farm of 250 acres in sections 8, 9 and 14 in Glasgow Township. One hundred and twenty acres of his land is now under cultivation, the rest being in timber and pasture, and the farm is provided with a fairly good set of buildings, Mr. Witte having remodeled the house and made some other improvements. He is doing diversified farming, breeding pure-blooded Scotch Top cattle, besides a good grade of hogs. His operating equipment includes a Maxwell car. Aside from his business inter- ests, Mr. Witte has served as school clerk three years, and is a member and director of the Knights of Columbus lodge of Wabasha. Politically he is a Democrat.

Theodore Witte, one of the capable farmers who assisted in developing the agricultural resources of Glasgow Township, was born in. Germany in 1842. In early manhood he learned the baker's trade, which he followed in his native land, and, after coming to America, for about two years in St. Paul, Minn. In or about the year 1868 he came to Wabasha County and engaged in farming in Glasgow Township, an occupation in which he won success. He owned 320 acres in Glasgow and 100 in West Albany Township, and continued to reside on his farm until his death, May 17, 1905. Mr. Witte was twice married, first to Anna Laqua, who was, like himself, a native of Germany. She died in the fall of 1872 leaving one child, Joseph, now a prosperous farmer in Glasgow Township. His second marriage was to Margaret Weber, and by her he had seven children : Paul, now of Hankinson, N. D .; Mary, now Mrs. George Roemer of St. Paul; Elizabeth, wife of John Wallerich of Glasgow Township; Margaret, who resides in Wabasha; Theodore William, of Manda, N. D .; Henry A., of Rockland, Wash., and Leo, a farmer of Glasgow Township. Mr. Witte served

737

HISTORY OF WABASHA COUNTY

as a member of the school board, both in Glasgow and West Albany Townships, in politics being a Democrat. In religion he was of the Catholic faith, be- longing for some time to St. Mary's parish of West Albany, and later to St. Felix parish, Wabasha. Mr. Witte was married September 12, 1911, to Clara B., daughter of Nicholas and Wilhelmina Zierdt of Wabasha, Minn., but who was born at Alma, Wis., April 15, 1881. Of this union six children have been born: Wilhelmine Margaret, October 22, 1912; Joseph Earl, March 23, 1914; Anna Bernita, August 31, 1915; Marion Elizabeth November 11, 1916; William Nicholas, March 8, 1918, and Clara Isabel, April 21, 1920. Mr. Witte and his family are members of the Catholic church, belonging to St. Felix parish at Wabasha.

Leo Witte, who is identified with the agricultural interests of Glasgow Township as a farmer and stock raiser, was born in this township August 23, 1888, son of Theodore and Margaret (Weber) Witte. He acquired his ele- mentary education in the common and parochial schools and subsequently at- tended St. John's University in Stearns County, Minn. Brought up to agri- cultural pursuits, he naturally became his father's assistant, and after his father died, in 1904, he remained on the home farm wih his mother, operating it for her up to the fall of 1914, when she took up her residence in Wabasha. He then leased the farm from her and has since conducted it on his own account. It contains 160 acres and is nicely situated in Trout Brook Valley, sections 5 and 8, Glasgow Township. Of the total area 70 acres are under cultivation and the buildings and equipment are good. Mr. Witte is engaged in diversified farming and gives special attention to stock raising, being a breeder of pure blooded Shorthorn cattle, Shropshire sheep and Red Duroc hogs. He is doing a paying business and is a man well known and respected throughout this part of Wabasha County. On October 21, 1913, he was married to Gladys Borst, who was born in Lake City April 22, 1891, daughter of Horace and Lucinda (Schmidt) Borst of Pepin Township. Mr. and Mrs. Witte are the parents of

three children : Dorothy Margaret, born July 23, 1914; Robert Emery, March 31, 1916, and Florence Marie, December 3, 1918. Mr. Witte and his family are of the Catholic faith and are members of St. Felix parish, Wabasha. He be- longs also to the Knights of Columbus, and in politics is independent.

John J. Luhmann, a recent arrival in Zumbro township, where he has be- gun farming operations, is a native of Wabasha County, having been born in Gillford Township June 7, 1883, son of Peter and Lena (Minkow) Luhman. The father came to Minnesota from Germany in the early sixties. The mother was born in Illinois. They were married in Wabasha County and located on a farm cf 140 acres near Belvidere, Goodhue County. Later they removed to Gillford Township, Wabasha County, where Peter Luhman operated a farm until his death in 1915. The farm is still owned by his widow and is operated by their son Peter, who was one of 11 children, the full list being: Mary, Kath- erine, John J., Clara, Harry, Emma, Caroline, Peter, Alice, Elvina Anna and Lillie. All are now living except Elvina. The family are members of the Luth- eran church. John J. Luhman was educated in the district school and worked for his father and the neighbors until 1909. After that for three years he rented a farm in Goodhue County. In 1912 he removed to a rented farm in Gillford Township, Wabasha County, which he operated four years, and from 1916 to 1919 he operated another rented farm in Olmsted County. In the year last mentioned he came to his present farm of 160 acres in section 31, Zumbro Township, and has made a good start as a general farmer and stock raiser. He has planned building operations in the near future. Mr. Luhman was married September 30, 1909, to Alvina Damman, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. John Dam-

man of Zumbrota. .. Of this union six children have been born: Mildred, August 1, 1910; Alfred, December 4, 1912; Elmer, April 22, 1914; John, April 17, 1915; Elnora, February 18, 1917, and Wilmer, June 15, 1919. The family are members of the Lutheran church. Mr. and Mrs. John Damman, the parents

738

HISTORY OF WABASHA COUNTY

of Mrs. Luhman, were natives of Germany who came to America in 1873, set- tling in Goodhue County, Minn., where they engaged in farming on 160 acres of land, Mr. Damman building a house and outbuildings. In 1918 they retired and now live in Zumbrota. They had had ten children: William, Margaret, John, Rose, Minnie, Clara, Sarah, Hulda, Fred and Alvina. Like the Luhmans, the Dammans are affiliated religiously with the Lutheran church.

Charles E. Young, now numbered among the active and enterprising farm- ers of Zumbro Township, was born at Eagle Point, Chippewa County, Wis., December 16, 1894, son of Grant Alba and Grace (Rose) Young. The father was a native of New Hampshire and the mother of Wisconsin. Grant Young. came to Wisconsin in 1886 and for about five years owned and operated a flour mill. In 1901 he went to Eagle Point, Wis., where he built a store and elevator, operating both until 1910. He then sold out his interests there and removed to. Chippewa Falls, where he was president and manager of the Farmers Produce & Elevator Co. until 1914. Since that time he has been engaged in the real estate business in Minneapolis and St. Paul. In 1920 he bought a residence at San Diego, Calif., where he and his wife are now living. They are the parents of five children: Arthur, Charles, Lester, Ella and Ruth. The family are con- nected religiously with the Methodist Episcopal church. Charles E. Young in his boyhood attended school at Chippewa Falls, Wis., and later the high school in South Minneapolis. In Minneapolis he also took a night course in the Cen- tral High School, a course in a business college, and also a course in an engi- neering school. For two years he worked for his father as bookkeeper, drove a car for the Land Lumber Co. one year, and was engaged in logging in Wiscon- sin for two years. Then for one year he operated a rented farm at Park Falls, Wis., and afterwards for two years was engaged in agricultural work at Beaver, Minn. In 1919 he bought 165 acres in Zumbro Township, Wabasha County (section 34), where he is now residing and carrying on business as a general farmer, raising grain and stock and some garden produce. He is planning early improvements on his place, including the erection of a barn, silo, and windmill. Mr. Young was married July 10, 1915, to Mary Altmann, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Wolfgang Altmann, of Butternut, Wis. He and his wife are the parents of two children: Helen E., born October 28, 1916, and Evelyn R., born April 15, 1918.

William S. Johnson, a member of the firm of Bade & Johnson, proprietors of Trout Brook Stock Farm in Glasgow Township, was born in this township May 16, 1884, son of Knute and Laura (Steenerson) Johnson. The parents were natives of Norway and early settlers in Wabasha County. William D. acquired a good practical education, attending District School. No. 3 in Pepin Township, - and afterward for four years the Wabasha High School, while a pupil there being a member of the football team. He remained on the home farm on Pepin Hill until his marriage October 25, 1911, to Anna M. Churchill, who was born in Wabasha, March 24, 1890, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Eugene Scott Churchill. Then for two years he rented the Asplund farm in Lake Township. In 1913 Mr. Johnson, with his brother, Lloyd, bought 92 acres near Wabasha, and oper- ated that farm for two years, at the end of which time he sold it and moved to Wabasha, where he resided until the spring of 1919. He then bought 161 acres of land in sections 6 and 7, Glasgow Township, in the locality known as Trout Brook Valley, 120 acres of it being improved. It was also provided with a good two-story frame house of modern construction. In the same year he entered into a partnership with Fred Bade and the. Bade & Johnson Stock Farm was founded. Diversified farming is followed, but the main purpose of the farm is fine stock raising, a business which Mr. Bade had been following for some years previously. The combined farms contain 465 acres, and at present the. firm has a herd of 64 Shorthorn cattle, at the head of which is "Irish Poplin,". an imported sire which cost $10,000. They have also made some progress in the breeding of pure blood Duroc swine. Suitable quarters have been provided for

MR. AND MRS. WILLIAM S. JOHNSON.

739

HISTORY OF WABASHA COUNTY

the stock, and Fred McNichol, an experienced herdsman, is in direct charge. The business is on a paying basis, with bright future prospects, and the firm of Bade & Johnson is becoming well known in stock circles. Mr. and Mrs. Johnson are the parents of three children: 'Avis Clare, born October 21, 1912; Eleanor Ann, born February 3, 1916, and William Seward, born October 24, 1919. Mr. and Mrs. Johnson are members of the Congregational church at Wabasha. In politics he is a Republican. Eugene Scott Churchill, father of Mrs. William S. Johnson, was born in Illinois, September 9, 1849. He was married to Emma Brown December 30, 1881, and they became the parents of four children: Wal- ter Scott, now deceased; Warner G., who is living in Wabasha; Anna M., now Mrs. W. S. Johnson; and Reta May, who is a nurse in the State Hospital at Phalen Park, Minneapolis.

Bernhardt Hager, a member of the popular mercantile firm of Hager & Markus at Dumfries, Glasgow Township, was born in this township March 25, 1878, son of Herman and Mary (Kelter) Hager. Both parents were natives of Germany, in which country the father had been previously married. His first wife dying, he came to America, and to Wabasha County, Minn., where he married Mary Kelter, and they settled on a farm in Glasgow Township, which they made their home for the rest of their lives, Herman Hager dying in 1912, and Mrs. Mary Hager February 6, 1920. They had seven children: Bernhardt, the subject of this sketch; Louisa, now Mrs. William Riester of Greenfield. Township; George, a prosperous farmer in the same township; Joseph, who is deceased; William, residing on the home farm in Glasgow Township; Elizabeth, now Mrs. Harry Austin, who is on the home farm; and Arthur, also residing there. Bernhardt Hager was educated in the district school, and remained at home until. the age of 22. After that he worked as a farm hand, operated the cream skimming sation at Dumfries for four years, and then became buyer and manager at Dumfries for the Western Elevator Co. of Winona, which position. he held up to 1914 in the employ of that company, and for two years in that of their successors, the R. E. Jones Co., who bought out the business. In 1907 Mr. Hager entered into the mercantile business at Dumfries with A. V. Stam- schror, being for seven years subsequently a member of the firm of Hager & Stamschror. In 1914 Mr. Stamschror sold his interest to Peter L. Markus of Highland Township, and since then the business has been carried on under the style of Hager & Markus. The firm deals in groceries and general merchan- dise, and are buyers and shippers of cream. They have the only store in Dum- fries and have built up a thriving business. Mr. Hager is a Democrat politically and for two years served as town clerk. He was married October 18, 1904, to Louisa, daughter of Bernard and Theresa Schmidt of Glasgow Township, and owns a comfortable home at Dumfries. To him and his wife five children have been born: Leo B., October 14, 1905; Rocelia Theresa, March 30, 1907; Mar- garet Louise, April 20, 1909; Florence Caroline. October 4, 1911; and Dorothy Christine, October 28, 1918. Mr. Hager is a Catholic in religious faith, he and his family belonging to St. Felix parish at Wabasha.

John E. Brown, who settled at an early day in Glasgow Township, where he developed several good farms, was born in England. He came to America with his parents in the sixties, when about nine years of age. His father died in this country. The mother had but little money, but was able to buy 160 acres of wild land and build a small log house, where John E. spent his youthful days, growing up on the farm. He learned from necessity how to do the va- rious farm chores and as he grew older became a practical farmer, acquainted with all the mysteries of crop production and stock raising. In time he became his own master, and started out on an agricultural career which proved very successful, becoming the owner of several farms in this section which, to a large extent, he developed. He also took a prominent part in the affairs of his township and county, in politics being aligned with the Republican party. Re- ligiously he was affiliated with the Presbyterian church of Wabasha. In the

740

HISTORY OF WABASHA COUNTY

winter of 1914-15 Mr. Brown moved to Long Beach, Calif., where he has since made his home. He was married in Lake City to Nancy McFarland of Plum City, Wis., by whom he had 12 children, namely: Anna, William (first), Mary, John C., Douglass, Margaret, Jeanette and William (second), who were twins, Walter, Lou, Ruth and Corine. The first William died at the age of nine years and William second at the age of ten. Margaret died at the age of 18.

John C. Brown, who with his brother, Douglas, operated his father's farm, formerly known as the Tobin Farm, one mile west of Dumfries, in Glasgow Township, was born in So. Dakota, November 18, 1883, son of John E. and Nancy (McFarland) Brown. He acquired his elementary education in the com- mon school and subsequently attended the Lake City Business College for a year, from 1902 to 1903. In 1909 he homesteaded 160 acres near Shelby, Mont., a property which he still owns. In that state he remained until 1914, when he returned to Glasgow Township, Wabasha County. He resides on the farm with his brother, Douglas, where they have separate residences. They operate their father's farm, giving special attention to the raising of pure blooded Shorthorn cattle,though they also raise other stock and crops. The farm is a good one, adequaely supplied with buildings and operating equipment, and the "Brown Bros." are prosperous. John C. Brown was married February 15, 1913, to Ethel Eickmeyer, daughter of Elmer and Amelia Eickmeyer of Kalispell, Mont. He and his wife have two children: Lawson, born August 15, 1915, and Helen, born October 24, 1916. Mr. Brown and his family are affiliated religiously with the Federated Congregation of M. E. churches, Wabasha, Minn. Politically he is a Republican.

Douglas Brown, a prosperous farmer of Glasgow Township, who is asso- ciated in agricultural work with his brother, John C., was born near Dumfries, this township, July 5, 1885, son of John E. and Nancy (McFarland) Brown. He was educated mainly in the common school, but also spent one winter in a business college. Up to 1912 he remained on his parents' farm, and then in that year went to Callaway, on the Blue Earth Reservation, near Detroit, Minn., where he established himself in the elevator business, buying and ship- ping grain. There he remained four years, when he sold out and returned to Glasgow Township, Wabasha County, and bcame associated with his brother, John C., in the operation of theirfather's farm one mile west of Dumfries. The farm is operated under the name of "Brown Bros." and they are breeders of pure blooded Shorthorn cattle, besides doing general farming. They are enjoy- ing a successful career and are prominent citizens of Glasgow Township. Doug- las Brown was married January 15, 1911, to Karibel Borst; who was born in Pepin Township, this county, August 1, 1891, daughter of Horace and Charlotte (Schmidt) Borst. They have one child, Eleanor, who was born December 18, 1915. Mr. Brown is a member of Wapahasa Lodge, No. 14, A. F. & A. M., at Wabasha. In politics he is a Republican.

Louis Holst, who was for a number of years engaged in farming in Plain- view Township, but is now residing in the environs of Winona, was born in Mechlenburg, Germany, June 27, 1862, son of Christ and Louisa (Rott) Holst. He was educated in his native land and came to America with his parents, the family settling in 1887 near Beaver, Winona County, Minn. The next year, being then 25 years old, he rented 200 acres in Watopa Township, Wabasha County, and did general farming there until 1891. His next move was to buy 240 acres in section 29, Plainview Township, where he put up a new set of buildings, including a house, barn, granary, other outbuildings, and a wind- mill. in time developing the place into a fine and profitable farm, which he worked to good advantage, until November, 1919. He then sold his farm to Miller Bolton of Plainview and removing to Winona, bought 22 acres of land within the city limits, where he engaged in truck farming. His son, Lewis, has recently taken over 20 acres of the farm and will carry on the truck farming business. Mr. Holst has retired, retaining two acres of the farm on which he

FRANK H. TUPPER AND FAMILY.

741

HISTORY OF WABASHA COUNTY

has erected a new residence for his own occupancy. He is a member of the Old Settlers' Association of Elgin, and in religion is a German Lutheran. Mr. Holst was united in marriage June 9, 1888, with Marie Schwaak, who was born in Germany February 16, 1864, and came to the United States in 1887. Six children have been the issue of this marriage, as follows: Ella, born February 13, 1889, now Mrs. W. C. Eggers, of Dover, Minn .; Hulda, born February 21, 1892, wife of Henry Haas of Quincy Township, Olmsted County; Marie, born December 21, 1894, wife cf W. F. Sell of Plainview; Helen E., born January 20, 1896, who died March 2, 1896; Lewis A., born December 3, 1899, now resid- ing at home; and Lydia A., born December 6, 1902, who died August- 21, 1915. Lewis was married September 29, 1920, to Arlene Wenke of Midway, Wis.

Albert W. Haggerty, farmer and stock raiser and manager of the shipping association at Hammond, was born in Farmington Township, Olmsted County, Minn., April 22, 1879, son of Joseph R. and Jane (Bailey) Haggerty. The father was born in New Jersey, whence he came to Minnesota in 1856, among the pioneers. He was married in this state and settled on a homestead in Olmsted County. The mother came to the United States when nine years old, locating with her parents near Manchester, Iowa. From there they came to Minnesota in 1856. Mr. and Mrs. Joseph R. Haggerty had a family of nine children, of whom six are now living, the others dying when young. Those living are: Andrew R., of Rochester; Euphemia J., who resides on the home farm with her mother; Aaron B., residing in Yuba, Calif .; John A., who lived on a farm in Olmsted County; Bailey A., also a resident of Olmsted County ; and Albert W., of Hammond. Joseph R Haggerty, the father, died July 12, 1883. His wife is still living on the farm, being now 88 years old. Albert W. Haggerty was reared on the home farm and acquired his education in the district school and the high school at Rochester. Agriculture was his occupation out of school hours and he subsequently farmed the old homestead, on which he still lives, and carries on gen- eral farming and stock raising, breeding registered Percheron horses, regis- tered Shorthorn cattle, Poland-China hogs and Shropshire sheep. For several years he has shipped all his own stock, and also bought stock in Hammond. He is now manager of the shipping association here, which was organized August 24, 1918. Formerly he was for one year assessor of his township. Mr. Hag- gerty was married in Olmsted County in 1901 to Emma R. Kenitz, daughter of Herman and Elizabeth (Schacht) Kenitz. Her family came to the United States from Germany, locating first in Chicago, whence they removed to Wisconsin, from which state they came to Minnesota at an early day. Mr. and Mrs. Hag- gerty are the parents of two children : Aaron K., born June 6, 1905, and Jenette, born December 6, 1917. Aaron K. is attending school at Rochester, while Jenette is residing at home. Mr. Haggerty is a man of high standing in the community, a good business man and farmer, and a reliable and patriotic citi- zen. He has been identified during his active career with the leading interests in Wabasha County, that which has brought it wealth, and he, himself, has participated in the general prosperity of the agriculural class of which he is a typical representative.

Frank H. Tupper, a prominent farmer of Mazeppa Township, was born in Pine Island Township, Goodhue County, Minn., September 15, 1876, son of Ezra and Emma (Witter) Tupper. Ezra Tupper, the father, was born in New York State, but removed in 1866 to Wisconsin, of which state his wife was a native. Later he came to Minnesota and settled in Pine Island Township, Goodhue County, where he farmed until 1876. He then removed to Mazeppa Township, buying 80 acres of land in section 31, and more later until he had in all 222 acres. On his farm he erected a set of buildings, and operated it until 1897. His wife Emma Witter Tupper, to whom he was married in Wabasha, died November 27, 1919, and Mr. Tupper now resides in Olmsted County. As an early settler of Wabasha County he is well known, and his personal record

Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.

History of Wabasha County, Minnesota, Part 122

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