History of Wabasha County, Minnesota, Part 126

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

a flourishing business, based on honesty, courtesy and prompt service. Mr. Fuerstnau was married in October, 1903, to Anna Dosdall, daughter of Fred and Rosa (Gneiser) Dosdall of Hammond. He and his wife are the parents of four children : Eva, Alden, Leona and Helena, all living at home. Eva attends school at Rochester.

Fred Dosdall, a well known and respected citizen of Hammond, where he is engaged in the carpenter's trade, was born in Germany in 1849, son of Michael and Wilhelmina (Johns) Dosdall. The parents came to the United States from Germany in 1863, first locating near Princeton, Wis., where they remained for about four years. They then moved to Olmsted County, Minn., and engaged in farming. Family differences caused them finally to separate, and Mr. Dosdall subsequently died in the state of Washington. His wife after- wards became the wife of Mike Johnson and died at Ripon, Wis., February 4, 1914. Of the children of Mr. and Mrs. Dosdall, three sons and two daughters are now living, namely: Christ, Mike, Fred, Amelia and Bertha. Amelia is the wife of E. N. York of Hammond. Bertha is the widow of Charles Uhl and lives at Ripon, Wis. Fred Dosdall was reared on the home farm, and in his boyhood attended district school. On reaching the age of 17 he abandoned the farm to learn the carpenter's trade, which he has since followed, as an

additional occupation running a threshing machine during threshing time. He owns 80 acres of timber land in Hyde Park Township. Mr. Dosdall has resided in Hammond for 34 years, having taken up his residence here in 1886, at which time there were but three houses in the village, so he is well known here and throughout the vicinity and enjoys considerable popularity. He was married at Ripon, Wis., June 4, 1876, to Rosa Gneiser, a native of that state, who died Feb- ruary 28, 1895. They had been the parents of eight children, of whom six are now living, namely: Anna, wife of Albert F. Fuerstnau of Hammond; Laura, who married Ernest Brown of Menomonie, Wis .; Lillie, wife of Will Wegner of Zumbro Township; Ella, wife of Fred Dittmer of Hammond; Charles, who is married and lives in Hammond, and Fred E., a painter and decorator of Ham- mond. In 1889 Mr. Dosdall married Josephine Brandt-Schroeder, who was born in Wisconsin, daughter of George and Mary Brandt, her parents being natives of Germany who settled in Wisconsin in the early fifties.

Francis A. Stowell, one of the pioneers of Mazeppa, was born in Paris, Maine, April 18, 1816, a son of Daniel Stowell. His first ancestors in this coun- try came from England to New England at an early day. In 1849 or 1850 he came west to Platteville, Wis., and there married in September, 1850, Eunice L. Deming, who was born at West Rutland, Vt., October 8, 1829. In 1855 he came with his family to Mazeppa, Minn., taking a claim near the village, where he resided until 1870. For seven years he served as justice of the peace in Mazeppa. In 1870 Mr. Stowell removed to Lac Qui Parle County, settling on a farm near the village of the same name, where he lived until 1903. He died at Cashmere, Wash., November 20, 1906. His wife died January 9, 1901. They had a family of eleven children, of whom nine grew to maturity, and six are now living, namely: Elmer E., April 8, 1861; Addie M., born March 6, 1863; Winona M., February 16, 1865; Samuel F., December 1, 1867; Francis Eugene, May 28, 1871, and Alice E., October 7, 1873, who married Evan Taylor. Those deceased are Albert D., Louis F., Irene, Eunice, Louis Francis and Leslie B.

Albert D. Stowell, who was one of the early arrivals in Mazeppa, and for many years a prominent figure in this part of the county, was born at Platte- ville, Wis., August 5, 1851, son of Francis A. and Eunice. L. (Deming) Stowell. He was only four years old when he accompanied his parents to Wabasha County, locating with them on a farm near Mazeppa. Subsequently .he , at- tended school in Mazeppa, and spent a year and a half at the Minnesota State University. During the rest of his life he followed farming in Chester Town- ship. He served in various local offices, being justice of the peace and at differ- ent times town treasurer, a member of the board of supervisors, and a member

MR. AND MRS. ALBERT D. STOWELL

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HISTORY OF WABASHA COUNTY

of the school board. In 1863 he enlisted in the army for service in the Civil War, and was discharged September 27, 1865, at Nashville, Tenn., with an hon- orable record. Mr. Stowall was married September 19, 1873, to Melinda Phil- ley, daughter of David L. and Clarissa L. (Eaton) Philley, her parents being natives of New York state who settled in Chester Township, Wabasha County, Minn., in 1868. Her father subsequently acquired over 3,000 acres of land in this state. He died March 28, 1903. His first wife, Clarissa, died December 23, 1893, and on December 19, 1894, he married Mrs. Elizabeth Campbell, of Lac Qui Parle County, who survives him, and resides in Mazeppa. Albert D. Stowell died June 25, 1905, and was survived by his wife, who is also a resident of Mazeppa. Mr. Stowell was to all intents and purposes a pioneer of this county, and left a good record of duty well performed and valuable work ac- complished as a builder up of the county. His name will occupy an honorable place in its annals.

Frederick Thierstein, deceased, was a man who, through his agricultural years in Wabasha County, accomplished things. A hard worker, thorough in all his undertakings, strong of heart and character, he was honored and re- spected by his family and neighbors. He was born in Canton Berne, Switzer- land, May 30, 1833, was educated in his native land and grew to manhood on his father's estate. When a young man he learned both the miller's and baker's trades, which he followed until coming to America. While in Switz- erland he was a soldier in the standing army, being attached to the artillery. On October 22, 1858, he was married in Switzerland to Anna Verna Gaumann, who was born in Canton Berne, October 1, 1836. In 1868 they came to America and for eight years were located at La Crosse, Wis., where Mr. Thierstein was engaged in farm labor. In 1876 they came to Wabasha County and located in Gillford Township, buying first 80 acres in section 31. At different times Mr. Thierstein added to his possessions until he had 240 acres, all in Gillford Town- ship, except 40 acres across the line in Chester Township. He also bought 160 acres in Franklin County, Wash. He erected a fine set of buildings on his Gill- ford farm and there successfully followed diversified farming until his death, October 7, 1908. When in Switzerland he and his wife were members of the Reformed church, but after coming to this country they joined the Methodist Episcopal church. To them were born eight children: Fred O., of Gillford Township; Anna O., who married W. W. Churchill and died in 1883; Ida E., who after her sister's death married W. W. Churchill and now resides with her husband in Rochester, Minn .; Lina T., now Mrs. J. B. Radabaugh of Gillford Township; Rosa L., now Mrs. C. W. Radabaugh of Zumbro Falls; Rudolph J., of Portland, Oré .; Bertha R., wife of F. G. Heise of Red Wing; and one who died in infancy. Mrs. Thierstein, who is still living, is a very accomplished lady, thoroughly informed on all county, state and national affairs. She speaks, reads and writes four languages, having educated herself in English after coming to the United States. Though now 84 years old, she is still in full pos- session of her faculties, in fact, is a living encyclopedia, and it is a great pleas- ure to converse with her. Both her parents were born in Canton Berne, Switz- erland, her father, Nicholas Gaumann, in 1812, and he died there in 1874. He was a man of more than ordinary ability, the owner of a large farm or estate, and for five years was county treasurer, which in his country was considered a high office, accorded only to men of high merit. Mrs. Thierstein's mother, Anna (Durig) Gaumann, was born in 1813 and died in 1844.

Jackson Brandt Radabaugh is a farmer and considerable land owner in Gillford Township. He was born in Fairfield County, Ohio, on May 8, 1852. His parents were both born in the United States. Samuel Radabaugh was born in: 1825 and Catherine (Brandt) Radabaugh on October 30, 1822. They were married in Ohio. In 1856 they emigrated to Iowa, where they remained two years. In 1858, with five small children, they emigrated to Wabasha County, Minn., in a covered wagon with a team they owned while still in Ohio. This

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HISTORY OF WABASHA COUNTY

was the first team of horses in Gillford Township. They homesteaded 160 acres of wild land in section 30, Gillford Township. An Indian trail from Wabasha to Faribault ran through their farm, along which the Indians frequently passed. Samuel Radabaugh volunteered his services during the Civil War on February 20, 1864, and was mustered into the 10th Minnesota Infantry. After a few months of service he died on September 27, 1864, of typhoid fever at Ft. Snelling. He assisted in building the Lincoln church in Gillford Township, and was the first superintendent of the Sunday school there, also president of the first temperance society. His wife and six children survived him, namely : Naamen, now living in Minneapolis; Emma, of Boise, Idaho, widow of Benjamin Clark; Ethel, deceased; Jackson, of Gillford Township; Charles, residing near Zumbro Falls, and Catherine, of Seattle. Wash. Mrs. Radabaugh died De- cember 17, 1904. Jackson Radabaugh remained on the homestead which he and his brother Charles operated for their mother until 1895, when he moved to a farm of 93 acres one-half mile south of the old home. Since then he has added considerable to his holdings and now he and his wife together own 600 acres of land all in Gillford Township, of which 500 are tillable and the rest pasture and timber. He is engaged in general farming, keeps good stock, and has full operating equipment. He is a stockholder in the Farmers' Elevator, Farmers' Co-operative Creamery and the Farmers' and Merchants' State Bank, in which his wife and son are also stockholders. He is also a member of the Farmers' Shipping Association. Mr. Radabaugh was married June 29, 1888, to Lena T. Thierstein, daughter of Frederick and Anna Thierstein of Gillford Township. She was born in Canton Berne, Switzerland, May 22, 1865, and came to Wabasha County, Minn., with her parents in 1876. Her father died October 7, 1908; her mother, who was born October 1, 1836, is still living. Mr. and Mrs. Radabaugh are the parents of two children: Rudolph C., born March 17, 1890, and Nina Catherine, born July 1, 1895. She is a graduate of the Ma- zeppa High School and also attended Carleton College at Northfield, Minn. Dr. Rudolph C. Radabaugh graduated from the Medical School of the Uni- versity of Illinois at Chicago in 1916. He is now located at Hastings, Minn. He served as First Lieutenant in the Medical Corps of the U. S. army during the World War, first at Columbus Barracks, Ohio, and later for several months at Camp Custer, Michigan. He had received his equipment for over sea service when the armistice was signed. Dr. Radabaugh holds the degree of Bachelor cf Science from the University of Illinois. He is a member of five college fra- ternities, is commander of the American Legion Post at Hastings, Minn., and is prominent in Masonry, having taken all the degrees. He is a member of the Saladin Temple of the Mystic Shrine in Michigan. He also belongs to the In- dependent Order of Odd Fellows and is president of the Commercial Club at Hastings, Minn. Jackson Radabaugh and family are Republicans politically and have always been strong advocates of prohibition. He and his family oc- cupy high social standing in Gillford Township.

John H. Wood, a well known farmer of Zumbro Township, where he owns and operates a farm of 150 acres in section 31, was born in Grant County, Wis., January 25, 1853, son of Samuel and Mary (Williams) Wood. The father, who was a native of Indiana, died while serving in the Civil War. The mother was a native of Kentucky. John H. Wood was educated in the district school, and remained in Wisconsin until 1874, when he came to Minnesota. For a few years he rented a farm, and then bought 80 acres in Olmsted County, which he later sold, at the same time buying his present farm of 150 acres in section 31, Zumbro Township. Here he has since been engaged in general farming and stock raising with profitable results, and is respected as an industrious and useful citizen. Mr. Wood was married October 6, 1878, to Lucy Jenkins, daugh- ter of Mr. and Mrs. James Jenkins, who were early settlers in Zumbro Town- ship. The issue of this marriage has been twelve children, of whom nine are living, the full list being as follows: Ned, Albert, Samuel, Matie (now Mrs.

JOHN H. WOOD AND FAMILY

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HISTORY OF WABASHA COUNTY

William Carley of Oronoco), Clarence (deceased), Walter, Rose (now Mrs. William Fetzer), Arthur (deceased), Helen (deceased), William, Lila and John .. James Jenkins, father of Mrs. John H. Wood, was born in Augusta, Maine, and his wife in Illinois. They came to Minnesota with their respective parents. They were married in Wabasha County, where they engaged in farming for the rest of their lives. Mr. Jenkins served as clerk of Zumbro Township for 20 years. He died in 1897 and his wife in 1896. They had two children: Lucy, wife of John H. Wood, and Elmer, who resides in Minneapolis.

Edward M. Lair, proprietor of a paying confectionery business in the vil- lage of Elgin, was born here November 16, 1889, son of Charles M. and Martha (Beyer) Lair. The father was born in Trenton, N. J., and was there reared and educated. For a number of years he followed the trade of a painter, and was later employed as a cheese-maker in Elgin, Minn., until his death on December 25, 1886. He was a Free Mason and a member of the Methodist Episcopal church. He and his wife were the parents of two children: Lottie, born March 27, 1887, now Mrs. Oscar Scharlow of Rochester, Minn .; and Edward M., the subject of this sketch. The latter received his education in the Elgin village school. After working on his parents' farm until the age of 20 years, he fol- lowed the trade of painter until 1910. For eight years subsequently he was engaged in buying cream and hides. Since he gave up that occupation he has carried on his present business as proprietor of a well equipped confectionery store in Elgin. The business has grown and is on a profitable basis, and Mr. Lair is numbered among the enterprising and successful men of the village. He was married September 6, 1912, to Eva Mccullough, and he and his wife are the parents of two children : Ronald B., born June 28, 1914; and Violet, born June 29, 1917.

Andrew Binner, of Greenfield Township, who is engaged in mixed farm- ing, including the raising of garden produce and stock, was born in this town- ship December 7, 1885, son of Matt and Bridget (Weber) Binner. He was edu- cated in the district school and spent his early years on his parents' farm, working for his father, during which period he acquired a good practical knowledge of agriculture. In 1905 he changed his occupation, going to work at the carpenter's trade, which he followed for a while. After that, for six winters, he was engaged in operating a jig-saw, while in the summers he con- ducted a dray line in Caledonia, Minn., in partnership with Keating and Clifford. In 1907 he bought a team and did some farming near Wabasha village, and during the following three years did team work in the village. In 1915 Mr. Binner again turned his attention to farming, this time on a more extensive scale and on his own account, renting 202 acres of land in Greenfield Township known as the Amerland farm. At the end of four years he bought the place, which he is still operating, and which he has improved by the erection of a - chicken-house, garage and other buildings. He raises good stock and is doing a paying business. As a good citizen he is alive to the general interests of the community, and has rendered service on the school board of district No. 30. Mr. Binner was married September 3, 1913, to Margaret Grass, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Frank Grass of Wabasha village. Her parents were both born in this county. Mrs. Frank Grass died June 13, 1898, and Mr. Grass subse- quently married for his second wife Mrs. Mary Tuma. To Mr. and Mrs. An- drew Binner three children have been born: Franklin A., January 15, 1916; Joseph M., September 29, 1917, who died October 18, the same year; and Doro- thy T., born November 19, 1918. Mr. Binner and his family are members of the Catholic church, and he also belongs to the Knights of Columbus and the St. Joseph Society.

Howard H. Bigelow, a respected citizen and prominent farmer of Elgin Township, was born in this township, May 4, 1880, son of Mr. and Mrs. F. W. Bigelow. He was educated in the schools of the village and township, and until 21 years of age remained on the home farm, where he gained skill in agri-

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culture. On coming of age he rented 200 acres of the farm from his father, which he operated on his own account until 1911. In that year he bought his first 80 acres, and has since purchased some land each year, now owning 400 acres in sections 28 and 29, Elgin Township. His improvements have kept pace with his land purchases and his place is well developed, the land productive and the buildings in good condition. As a general farmer he is adding to his own wealth and is a useful factor in the agricultural improvement of his town- ship. In religion he is a Catholic, and belongs fraternally to the Knights of Columbus and the Modern Woodmen of America. Mr. Bigelow was united in marriage, October 7, 1908, with Matilda Schad, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Chris- tian Schad. Six children are the issue of this marriage, namely: Leo H., born April 8, 1912; Frank C., March 25, 1913; Charles E., in November, 1914; Louis, June 25, 1916; Lucile M., and Irene A., the latter born March 17, 1919.

Harry J. Koepsell, who is engaged in general farming and stock raising in section 20, Elgin Township, was born in this township, March 11, 1898, son of Ferdinand H. and Mary (Nelson) Koepsell. The father was born in Dodge County, Wisconsin, May 9, 1867, and came to Elgin Township, Wabasha County, Minn., in 1895, buying 80 acres of land in section 23. In 1899 he sold that farm and bought one of 340 acres in sections 20 and 21, where he engaged in general farming and stock raising, and now has a fine home with good build- ings. He served three years as a member of the town board. His marriage to Mary Nelson, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Peter Nelson, took place January 29, 1896, and they lived together in happy wedlock for 22 years, or until her death after being seven years in poor health, on May 10, 1918. They were the parents of four children: Arthur D., born November 5, 1897, who died in December, 1898; Harry J., subject of this sketch; Henry E., born March 14, 1900, residing at home; and George A., born April 2, 1902, who is employed in a bank at Rochester, Minn. Harry J. Koepsell was educated in the Elgin village school, and received a practical training in agriculture from his father, for whom he worked until 1919. He then rented his present farm of 120 acres in section 20, where he is now carrying on general farming and stock raising on a profitable basis, and is recognized as one of the enterprising and successful farmers of this township. Harry J. Koepsell was married March 28, 1919, to Agnes Maas, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Maas. He and his wife are members of the German Lutheran church, in which he was reared and to which his father belongs.

Jacob J. Sprenger, one of the leading citizens of Chester Township, where he owns and operates an excellent farm, was born in La Crosse County, Wis- consin, June 8, 1867, son of Jacob J., Sr., and Catherine (Scholer) Sprenger. The father was born at Zurich, Switzerland, January 3, 1824. He was reared to manhood in his native land and there married his first wife. With her and their two children, Mary and Anna, he came to the United States in 1854, in April of that year settling in La Crosse County, Wisconsin. There his wife died in the spring of 1865. Of the two daughters mentioned, Mary is deceased, and Anna is now Mrs. F. Sugg, of Zumbro Falls, Wabasha County. By his first wife Jacob J. Sprenger, Sr., also had a son, Henry, who is now residing in Tacoma, Washington. In 1866 Mr. Sprenger married for his second wife Cath- erine Scholer, of Glasgow Township, Wabasha County, Minn. For nine years longer he continued his residence in La Crosse County, and then, on October 2, 1875, he moved with his family to Wabasha County, Minnesota, locating on a homestead in Chester Township, near Zumbro Falls. There he died September 5, 1877. He had three children by his second wife, Catherine, namely: Jacob J., Jr., subject of this sketch; Christina, who died in infancy, and Emil, who is now living on the old homestead. Mrs. Catherine Sprenger survived her hus- band many years, passing away on the old home farm in Chester Township, on July 29, 1906. Jacob J. Sprenger (Jr.) attended district school in Chester Township to the age of 16 years, and pursued additional studies for one winter

MR. AND MRS. JACOB J. SPRENGER, JACOB J. SPRENGER RESIDENCE

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HISTORY OF WABASHA COUNTY

at Galena, Ill. In 1902 he took an extended short course in the Minnesota Agricultural College. Previous to this, however, he had married, having been united January 19, 1891, with Louisa W. Moechnig, who was born in West Albany Township, October 2, 1868, daughter of Frederick and Caroline (Deppa) Moechnig. For ten years he and his wife resided on his parents' homestead. In 1895 Mr. Sprenger had bought a farm of 232 acres in section 36, Chester Township, to which he moved with his family in the fall of 1901, and in the same year (1901) he purchased 100 additional acres. The land was improved, but the buildings small and poor. He has since bought other land, now own- ing 500 acres all in one body. In 1902, the year after he moved onto the farm, Mr. Sprenger began a series of improvements, erecting a modern barn, the main part of which measures 38 by 80 by 16 feet, with a full stone basement of nine feet, and with a wing 26 by 60 feet, used for hay. In 1908 he built a fine two- story brick residence of eleven rooms, and with modern equipment; in 1909 he erected a tile silo of 180 tons' capacity, and in 1911 a second silo of 150 tons' capacity. He has also a good set of other buildings, including toolsheds, a granary, poultry-house, and corn cribs. The farm lies one mile west of Zum- bro Falls, in sections 25 and 36. Mr. Sprenger is operating 200 acres of his land, carrying on diversified farming, another part of the farm, containing 180 acres, being operated by his son-in-law, Albert Starz. Still another section of it-of 120 acres-is seeded and fenced for stock. At one time Mr. Sprenger was extensively engaged in dairying, milking as high as 30 cows. He raises high grade Holstein cattle to a yearly average of 100 head; also from 30 to 50 head of pure blood Duroc-Jersey hogs. His horses are all pure bred Belgians, and his farm equipment includes a tractor, threshing machine and clover- huller, with all other necessary tools and machinery. For the past twelve years Mr. Sprenger has been actively engaged in Farmers' Institute work in Minne- sota, the first three years as an assistant and the last seven years as conductor. He is a director and stockholder in the Farmers and Merchants State Bank of Zumbro Falls; a stockholder in the Farmers' Co-operative Creamery and the Farmers' Elevator Company of the same place, being a director in the latter company; and is a stockholder and the president of the Farmers Telephone Company of Zumbro Falls. In addition to these numerous activities, Mr. Sprenger has devoted a part of his time to public affairs. He served four years in the office of county commissioner, was chairman of the county board two years, and is treasurer of School District No. 80, consolidated schools. He and his wife have been the parents of seven children: Clara C., born December 28, 1892; Henry F., February 2, 1894; Anna May, April 4, 1898; Bessie L., August 10, 1901; Ruth E., May 9, 1903; Edwin L., September 23, 1905, and Joyce J., February 18, 1908. Clara C. was married, December 19, 1912, to Edward Starz of Chester Township, and died June 16, 1919. She was the mother of three children: Ruth, born December 23, 1913; Elmer, born Feb- ruary 23, 1915, who died in infancy; and Elvin, born May 10, 1916. Ruth and Elvin Starz are residing with their grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. Sprenger. Henry F. Sprenger died in his fourth year, October 5, 1897. Anna May was married, May 28, 1919, to Albert Starz, a farmer of section 35, Chester Town- ship, who served in the World War. They have a son, Alfred G., born February 18, 1920. Mr. Sprenger and his family are members of Zumbro Falls M. E. church, of which he is a trustee. He also teaches a Sunday school class which has a membership of forty. He has for many years been a strong advocate of Prohibition, though politically a Republican. As a man of enterprise who has achieved marked success in his personal affairs, and has taken helpful part in the governmental matters of his township and county, he is well known throughout this section, and he and his family highly respected.

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History of Wabasha County, Minnesota, Part 126

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