History of Wabasha County, Minnesota, Part 128

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

since conducted the business alone. He handles a full line of plumbing and heating equipment, employing a journeyman assistant, and enjoys a monopoly of the trade here, his place being the only plumbing establishment in town. Mr. Bartz was married in 1911 at Pine Island, Minn., to Anna Radke, whose parents came from Germany, locating on their farm in Pine Island in 1900. Their children, four daughters and two sons, are all now living. Mr. and Mrs. Bartz are members of the Lutheran church, and industrious and useful mem- bers of the community. Mr. Bartz's brother Alfred served 28 months in the U. S. navy during the recent World War.

Henry C. Maiwald, of Plainview, was born in West Albany Township, Wa- basha County, Minn., March 22, 1877, son of Ernest and Mary Maiwald. The parents were natives of Germany who came directly from their native land to Wabasha County, Minn., in the late sixties, settling on a farm in West Albany Township. There the father died in 1890, at the age of 55 years, and the mother in 1915, at that of 72. They had a family of nine children, Anna, Fred, Amelia, Pauline, Emma, Lena, Henry, William and Herman. Anna married Oswald Kuehn, of Wabasha, who died leaving her with three children. Amelia mar- ried August Schmuser, and resides in Lake City; she had a son who is now deceased. Pauline is the wife of Ed Wempner of Plainview and has two sons. Emma, Lena, Fred and Herman are deceased. William resides on the old home farm in West Albany Township. Henry C. Maiwald married Mary Radtke September 6, 1907. Her parents were William and Wilhelmina Radtke, who came to the United States from Germany in 1878, settling in Plainview village, Wabasha County, Minn. For several years Mr. Radtke worked out by the day, but in 1884 took a farm in Plainview Township, where his wife died in 1900. After the marriage of his daughter, Mary, in 1907, he gave up farming and came to live with her and his son-in-law, Mr. Maiwald. He died in the fall of 1919 at the age of 74 years. There were six children in the Radtke family, of whom three are now dead-Rudolph, Bertha and Eduart, of whom the two former died in Germany, where they were born. The three living are: Mima, wife of Otto Briese; Fred; and Mary, wife of H. C. Maiwald. Mr. and Mrs. Maiwald have one daughter, Florence, who was born June 5, 1907, and who is residing at home. Mr. Maiwald served in various minor offices, including those of school director and pathmaster. In politics he is independent, while he and his family are members of the Lutheran church.

William Zarling, one of the skilled agriculturists who helped to develop the resources of Highland Township, was a native of Germany. He married Catherine Laske, a native of the same country, and they settled in St. Charles Township, Winona County, Minn .. where Mr. Zarling was engaged in diversified farming until 1892. He then sold out his interests there and came to Wabasha County, purchasing 360 acres in Highland Township, which farm he operated successfully until his death, August 24, 1909. His wife died April 2, 1917. They were the parents of eleven children, namely: Bertha, Lizzie, Herman, August F., Emil, Maggie, Lena, Luddie, William, Caroline and Albert.

August F. Zarling, who, though a comparatively young man, has already acquired a competence in the farming industry, and is at present living prac- tically retired in Plainview, was born in St. Charles Township, Winona County, Minn., May 22, 1886, son of William and Caroline (Laske) Zarling. He was educated in the district schools of Winona and Wabasha Counties, and grew to manhood and was trained to agriculture on his parents' farm. In 1910 he started in for himself, buying a farm of 160 acres near the home place, and he and his brother Emil conducted the two farms for six years. August then sold his farm and bought another, of 180 acres, which he greatly improved by fenc- ing and rebuilding some of the buildings and erecting others, including a silo and hog-shed. There he followed diversified farming and stock raising, keeping a gocd herd of Shorthorn cattle, with a full-blooded sire at the head. His man- agement was good and produced such satisfactory financial results that in the

LOUIS J. JUERS AND FAMILY

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fall of 1919 he rented the place to a tenant and moved to Plainview village, where he purchased a nice residence in which he and his family now make their home. He is a stockholder in Smithfield Creamery in Highland Township. Mr. Zarling was married September 29, 1915, to May Miller, who was born in St. Charles Township, Winona County, Minn., December 28, 1891, daughter of Albert and Minnie (Milbrandt) Miller. The children of this union are: Ruth May, born August 26, 1916; and Lorna Dora, born January 28, 1919.

Albert Miller, father of Mrs. A. F. Zarling, was born in Germany, and was married to Minnie Milbrandt in Winona County, of which she was a native. They settled on a farm in St. Charles Township, that county, where they re- sided until 1903. They then sold that place and moved across the line into Olm- sted County, where they purchased a farm on which they are still residing engaged in agriculture. They have six children, Clarence, Roy, May, Della, Edward and Goldie.

Louis J. Juers, whose enterprise along agricultural lines has placed him among the leading farmers of Mt. Pleasant Township, was born in Hanover, Ger- many, December 6, 1875, son of Peter and Catherine Juers. He came to the United States with his parents in 1876, the family settling on an improved farm in Mt. Pleasant Township, this county, and in time Peter Juers became the owner of about 800 acres of land in the township. Louis J. acquired his education in the district school and began industrial life as soon as he was old enough to be useful, for a number of years being engaged in assisting his father. A new epoch in his life began when, on August 14, 1899, he was united in marriage with Mattie Hinsch, daughter of Henry and Margaret Hinsch, of Goodhue County. They began housekeeping on his parents' farm in section 29, Mt. Pleasant Township, and for over 22 years enjoyed a happy married life, which was brought to an end when, on April 9, 1912, Mrs. Mattie Juers died after undergoing an operation for appendicitis. After his wife's death Mr. Juers re- moved to his present farm, the house being in the same section. The farm now embraces 440 acres, of which he operates 280 acres and rents the balance. His land is situated in sections 20, 29 and 30, Mt. Pleasant Township. It is fertile, and the buildings include a fine two story frame house; a frame barn 42 by 72 by 14 feet, with a full 8-foot basement; a granary 24 by 32 by 14; two machine sheds, a poultry house, a garage and other necessary structures. Mr. Juers has an adequate equipment of modern machinery and owns a seven-passenger Studebaker auto car. He is doing a thriving business, both in grain and stock, keeping high grade Shorthorn cattle, of which he milks on an average of ten cows, Chester-White hogs and Shropshire sheep. For each of his herds he has full-blooded sires, and is constantly improving his stock. Politically he is a Republican, while he and his children are members of the Lutheran congrega- tion at Belvidere. His first born child, Peter Henry Emil, born October 19, 1900. died in infancy. The others, who are living, are as follows: Lillie Mar- guerite Catherine, born December 24, 1901; Mattie Emma, May 31, 1903; Eman- uel Henry John, March 15, 1905; Amandus Henry, November 11, 1906; Henry Claus Louie, October 16, 1908; and Norman Gustav, December 27, 1910.

Otto Fieck, Jr., a well known young farmer of Plainview Township, where he is engaged in operating his father's farm, was born in Prussia, Germany, January 28, 1892, son of Otto, Sr., and Louise (Rarberg) Fieck. His education was begun in his native land, and he subsequently attended district school in Plainview Township after coming to this country with his parents in 1905. After beginning industrial life he was engaged in farm labor near the village of Lewiston, Winona County, Minn., until 1915, since which time he has worked for his father.

Otto Fieck, Sr., proprietor of a good farm of 110 acres in section 33, Plain- view Township, was born in Prussia, Germany, May 30, 1863. He was there educated and married Louise Rarberg. With his wife and family he came to the United States in 1905, taking his present farm, where he is successfully en-

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gaged in general farming and stock raising. He has made improvements on his place, including the erection of a good cow barn, and has shown himself to be a man of industry and enterprise of the same type as those who laid the foundation of this country's prosperity. In the work of the farm he is ably assisted by his son, Otto Fieck, Jr. Mr. and Mrs. Otto Fieck, Sr., are the parents of ten children: William, now in North Dakota; Emma, wife of Charles Boetke of St. Charles, Minn .; August, residing in North Dakota; Anna, wife of Frank Fieck; Otto, already mentioned as working on the home farm; Louise, wife of James Lemon of North Dakota; Gust, a resident of Winona; Helen and Herman, who are living in North Dakota; and Eleanor, who is at home. The religious affiliations of the family are with the Lutheran church.

Nicholas Wirtz, proprietor of a good 80-acre farm in section 5, Plainview Township, and a well known and respected citizen, was born in Germany, July 16, 1887, son of Jacob and Elizabeth (Talkus) Wirtz. The family came to America in June, 1891, settling in Highland Township, Wabasha County, Minn., where Jacob Wirtz engaged in farming. He continued in that occupation until his death, September 2, 1908. His wife died December 10, 1912. They had two children: Margaret, widow of Theodore Klassen; and Nicholas, subject of this sketch. Nicholas Wirtz was educated in the public school at Theilman, this county. He remained on the home farm until 21 years old, about which time his father died, and he then bought the D. D. Harrington farm of 160 acres east of Plainview, which he operated four years. At the end of that time he sold it and moved to Plainview, where for a year and a half he was agent and local manager for the Standard Oil Company. He then resumed farming, buy- ing a farm of 240 acres at Bremen, Zumbro Township. After three years' residence there he sold the place and bought his present property, then known as the Martin Costello farm, containing 80 acres in section 5. Here he has since been engaged in general agriculture, including dairying and truck farm- ing. He is doing a successful business and has a well improved place. As yet he has not married, his sister Margaret keeping house for him. Her three chil- dren, Theodore, Sylvester and Rufina, reside on the farm with her. The family are members of the Catholic church, and Mr. Wirtz also belongs to the Knights of Columbus.

John Peter Hinck, a thriving farmer residing in Mt. Pleasant Township, was born in Hanover, Germany, April 1, 1859, son of Heine D. Hinck and wife, his parents being farmers. He had a common school education in his native land, and in 1882 came to Wabasha County, Minn. For the first five or six years here he worked as a farm hand and saved all he could of his wages, so that in 1889 he was able to buy 160 acres of land in sections 5 and 8, Mt. Pleas- ant Township. All the land was broken, but there were no buildings. Mr. Hinck erected a fine frame house, a frame barn, silo, and other necessary struc- tures, and developed the farm, conducting it successfully and raising both grain and stock. In 1901 he leased it to his son John and bought 240 acres in sections 4 and 9, in Gilbert Valley, four miles west of Lake City, which is the farm on which he has since resided. He has 110 acres under the plow, and the soil is good and well tilled. It is also well stocked with Shorthorn cattle, Duroc-Jersey swine and Shropshire sheep. The silo is triple-walled, and the other buildings in good condition. Mr. Hinck has been a hard worker and by industry and economy has become prosperous. He was married September 2, 1887, to Engel, daughter of Joseph and Rebecca Holtz of Belvidere Township, Goodhue County. Their children are as follows: Ella, now Mrs. Henry Quelle of Florence Township, Goodhue County; Anna, wife of Richard Peterson of Mt. Pleasant Township; John J., a prosperous farmer of Mt. Pleasant Town- ship; Emma, residing in West Albany Township; Heine, of Mt. Pleasant Town- ship; Henry, of West Albany Township; and Edward, Lillie, Clarence and Louis, who are residing on the home farm. Mr. Hinck and his family are mem- bers of the German Lutheran church, worshiping with the Belvidere congrega- tion in Goodhue County.

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John J. Hinck, a representative farmer of Mt. Pleasant Township, residing on the old farm of his parents in section 8, was born here May 27, 1891, son of John Peter and Engel (Holtz) Hinck. He had but little schooling in his youth, having to begin industrial life at an early age, but his training in agriculture was thorough and the right preparation for the career he has followed. He has always remained on the home farm, up to the age of 22 years being asso- ciated with his father. In 1913 he began operating the place for himself and is thus occupied at present, with profitable results, doing a good business as a general farmer. The farm is one of the best in the township, and contains 180 acres, with 120 acres under the plow. There is a fine set of buildings, includ- ing a two-story frame house of eight rooms; a frame barn, 36 by 60 by 14 feet, with an 8-foot stone basement and modern equipment; a granary 22 by 30 by 14; a double corn-crib with an 8-foot drive, together with a tool shed and garage for Mr. Hinck's five-passenger auto car. There is also a triple-walled silo, 14 by 26, with a 7-foot base. Mr. Hinck keeps Shorthorn cattle and Hamp- shire and Chester-White hogs, and his operating equipment is modern and complete. He is a member of the Non-partisan League, and he and his family are members of the Belvidere congregation of the German Lutheran church. Mr. Hinck was married November 1, 1916, to Anna Margaret Fitchen, who was born December 21, 1895, daughter of Deidrich and Mary Fitchen of Mt. Pleas- ant Township. He and his wife are the parents of two children: Elsie Marie, born October 26, 1917; and Alvin Deidrich, born January 26, 1919.

Charles J. Gerken, one of the younger farmers in Mt. Pleasant Township, who is well embarked on a prosperous career, was born in section 5, this town- ship, in which he now lives, on June 29, 1898, son of Henry and Anna (Cordes) Gerken. His parents are now deceased, the father having passed away March 28, 1903, and the mother February 15, 1917. Charles J. acquired his elementary education in the district school and afterwards attended a business college at Red Wing. Being the only child of his parents, he came into possessoin of the home farm, which has an area of 170 acres, ten of which are in a wood lot. The farm is provided with an adequate set of buildings, the residence being a two-story frame structure. The barn has the dimensions of 36 by 60 by 14 feet, with an 8-foot stone basement; and there is a good tool shed, 22 by 36 by 10 feet, and poultry house 16 by 40 by 8 feet. The soil of the farm is productive and Mr. Gerken has 160 acres under the plow, all, in fact, save the wood lot. He follows general farming, keeping high grade Holstein cattle and full-blooded Poland-China swine. Lake City, eight miles east, affords him a convenient market. Mr. Gerken is a good practical farmer, active and industrious, and each year sees him farther advanced on the road of prosperity. Politically he is a Republican, while his religious affiliations are with the Lutheran church.

John Carrels, a prosperous and well known citizen of "West Wabasha," where he owns a fine home, was born in Luxemburg, December 6, 1840, his parents being farmers. With them he came to America in 1847, the voyage being made on a sailing vessel which took 65 days to cross the ocean. The fam- ily settled at Port Washington, Ozaukee County, Wis., on a farm, and there the subject of this sketch remained until he came to Wabasha County, with his father, in August, 1869, to work in the harvest fields. The father returned to Wisconsin, but John remained here, and for several years worked in a furniture factory in Wabasha city. He then rented land in Greenfield Township, and began farming, which occupation he has followed ever since. He now owns 60 acres in West Wabasha, together with a fine house, and other good buildings, the situation being a beautiful one overlooking the Mississippi river. Mr. Carrels was married January 6, 1887, to Anna Jacobs, whose parents resided in Belle Chester, on the line between Wabasha and Goodhue Counties. Of this marriage was born the following children: Frank, now living on the home farm; John, who is in Alberta, Canada; William, who died in infancy; Eliza- beth, residing in Colorado; William, of Wabasha; Clara, living at home; George,

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of Alberta, Canada; Henry, deceased; Louis, a farmer in Wabasha County; Edward, on the home farm; Peter, who is employed in the Merchants Bank in Wabasha; Charles, who is engaged in farming; and Josephine, now Mrs. Leo Reister of Kellogg, Minn. Mr. Carrels and his family are members of St. Felix parish, Wabasha, and are people held in high esteem for their sterling quali- ties of industry, probity and patriotic Americanism. Three of the sons, Ed- ward, Peter and Charles, served in the European war. Edward, who trained at Camp Cody, New Mexico, reached France October 24, 1918, and returned home July 5, 1919. Peter trained at Camp Wadsworth, S. C., and Charles at Camp Grant, Rockford, Ill. The two latter did not get over to France.

William Carrels, proprietor of a truck and fruit farm on the outskirts of Wabasha City, was born in Wabasha, Minn., July 20, 1881, son of John and Anna (Jacobs) Carrels. He was educated in parochial and public schools in Wabasha, leaving the high school at the age of 20 years. In 1907 he went to Hettinger County, N. D., where he took a homestead of 160 acres, consisting of prairie land. There he remained four years. Then in the fall of 1911 he went to Alberta, Canada, taking a homestead of 160 acres there, 40 miles east of Warner, on which he resided until the spring of 1915. He then returned to Wabasha, Minn., and in 1916 sold both his Dakota and Alberta property. In the fall of 1916 he bought 14 acres within the limits of Wabasha city, on which he is now raising small fruits and garden produce. He has made considerable improvements on the property, in 1917 building a modern seven-room house, furnace-heated, with bath, hot and cold water and electric lights. The house has an outside finish of stucco and is a commodious residence. It is also a home, as on November 14, 1917, Mr. Carrels married Evelyn Jackson, who was born at Read's Landing, Minn., June 10, 1897, daughter of William and Cecelia Jackson, who were later residents of Hibbing, Minn. Mr. and Mrs. Carrels have one child, William Wilford, who was born February 27, 1919. Mr. Carrels is a Democrat in politics. While residing in North Dakota he served his township as assessor, and was also for two years justice of the peace. Re- ligiously he and his family are Catholics.

George P. Melvin, who has earned a position among the active and success- ful farmers of Oakwood Township, was born in Plainview Township, Wabasha County, Minn., October 31, 1889, son of Patrick and Louise (Mulcahay) Melvin. He was educated in the Plainview schools and became his father's assistant on the parental farm, where he resided until 1910. His father then gave him 160 acres of land, on which were some small and plain buildings, and here he began farming on his own account. Of an enterprising disposition, he has spent both time and money in improving his place, among his first acts being the remodeling of the house and barn. In 1920, his buildings still being inade- quate, he built a new barn, 36 by 72 feet, with a concrete basement and modern equipment, and is following general farming, including stock raising and dairying, with much success, keeping Durham cattle, of which breed he has 14 cows, and Chester-White hogs. Mr. Melvin was married in 1910 at Plainview, Minn., to Bertha Guessner, daughter of John and Theresa (Noll) Guessner, who were early settlers in Wabasha County, and farmers by occupation. Her father is now deceased, but her mother is still living, being a resident of Plain- view. Mr. and Mrs. Melvin have two children, Winnifred and Martin, both of whom are living at home. The family are members of the Catholic church.

Rudolph J. Rheingans, proprietor of a fine farm of 240 acres in sections 1 and 12, Oakwood Township, is a native of Wisconsin, born March 12, 1878, son of Mr. and Mrs. Jacob Rheingans. Brought to Wabasha County by his parents when three years old, he settled with them in Oakwood Township, where he was educated and grew to manhood. At the age of 18 years he went to Alma, Wis., where until the age of 21 he followed the blacksmith's business. Then returning to the home farm in Oakwood Township, Wabasha County, he resumed agricultural work. Subsequently he and his brother, Henry W., pur-

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chased the home farm and conducted it together until 1908, when Rudolph bought out Henry's interest, and has since been sole owner. He has made many improvements on the place, and the soil being fertile, he is successfully carry- ing on mixed farming according to modern methods, breeding Hereford cattle, Shropshire sheep and Duroc-Jersey hogs. He is a member of the Equitable Fraternal Union at Theilman, and he and his family belong to the Lutheran church. Mr. Rheingans was married February 6, 1908, to Jennie Rehman, who was born in West Albany Township, this county. He and his wife are the parents of two children : Adeline, born October 28, 1910; and Myra, born De- cember 30, 1912.

Ole S. Olson, one of the younger farmers of Oakwood Township, was born in Norway, March 1, 1884, son of Ole and Ingeborg (Thompson) Olson. Both parents were natives of Norway, where Ole, Sr., died when the subject of this sketch was a very small child; but the mother is still living. Ole S. Olson attended the common schools of his native land, and at the age of 19 years, in 1903, he came to America, and at once to Oakwood Township, Wabasha County, Minn., where he began working out as a farm hand. That occupation he fol- lowed for 16 years, 13 years of which were spent in the employ of one man, William Polson-a record of continuous service seldom excelled. In 1919 Mr. Olson began agricultural activities on his own account, renting his present farm of 152 acres in section 29, Oakwood Township, where he is following mod- ern diversified farming and stock raising. He keeps a good grade of Shorthorn cattle and Duroc-Jersey hogs, and is prominently identified with the interests of the community. Mr. Olson married Josephine Wurst, who was born January 17, 1894. Of this marriage there is one child, Helen, born May 20, 1920.

Jeremiah Sullivan, proprietor of a good farm of 232 acres in West Albany Township, was born in the city of New York, August 20, 1855, son of Jeremiah and Margaret (Burke) Sullivan. He came to Wabasha County, Minn., with his parents in 1864, and for a limited period attended District School No. 23 in West Albany Township. Until 1883 he worked on the home farm with his father, and then through the latter came into possession of 120 acres, to which, through several different purchases, he has since added until he now owns a farm of 232 acres. Of this he has 125 acres under the plow, the balance being in pasture and timber. He has erected a comfortable house and other buildings, and is doing a good business as a general farmer, giving particular attention to the raising of stock and hay. Millville, five miles distant, is his principal market, Lake City being twelve miles away. Mr. Sullivan is a staunch Demo- crat in politics. He is a member of the Catholic church, belonging to St. Pat- rick's parish. Industrious and frugal, he is respected by his fellow townsmen, and is a man of mark and influence in the community.

Walter E. Kinitz, an active business man of Elgin village, where he is popular as a man and citizen, was born in Olmsted County, Minn., August 6, 1879, son of Herman G. and Elizabeth (Schacht) Kinitz. The father was born in Germany in October, 1851. He came to the United States when young and was educated in the schools of Princeton, Wis. Subsequently he engaged in agricultural pursuits, and in the early sixties came to Minnesota, and worked for his step-father in Elgin Township, Wabasha County. At the age of 24 years he bought 80 acres in Olmsted County and engaged in farming there on his own account. In time he added to his landed possessions until he was the owner of 320 acres in Farmington Township, Olmsted County. In 1911 he moved to Lake City, where he is now living retired and possessed of an ample competence. In 1875 he married Elizabeth Schacht, who proved a loving and faithful helpmeet. . She died January 7, 1910. They were the parents of eleven children : Louis, Emma, Alfred, Walter E., Conrad, Francis A., Clarence A., Anna, Eva L., Edna and Harvey R. Walter E. Kinitz acquired his education in the district schools of Farmington Township, Olmsted County. At the age of 20 years he began operating his father's farm in Elgin Township. Four

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History of Wabasha County, Minnesota, Part 128

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