USA > Minnesota > Wabasha County > History of Wabasha County, Minnesota > Part 37
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The papers teemed with eulogies of his life and work. As a boy he had been studious, courteous, courageous and kindly, his unfailing cheerfulness and never flagging enthusiasm in study and work and play being a distinguish- ing characteristic. Lively and full of spirits, he was loved by his elders, and liked by his boy companions among whom he was a natural leader. As a young man, the esteem and liking of his friends and associates was deepened. Cut off as he was so early in life, nevertheless the span of his years held much of real benefit to his fellow man, and the world is better for his having lived.
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Among the tributes is that of Will G. Mack in the Plainview News of June 28, 1918 :
"We would be glad if we could say all that there is in our heart to say, but how shall a man enumerate the virtues of a friend or catalogue the factors of his affection? Yet we would like to have the world know him as we knew him. It is true he is gone, but his memory remains. What he was to each of us and what he was to his home will abide as a gracious recollection throughout all coming years. He will continue with us as a part of our experience and of our lives. In no other calling or pursuit do men learn so keenly and justly to appraise each other and to know and value them. Character in the arena is always subjected to the acid test and nowhere else are such warm and enduring friends formed as these which develop out of this great world struggle we are now experiencing.
"The extreme test now asked of our young men reveals not alone what flaws and defects there may be in life and character, but it brings out the strong qualities and the noble qualities of character as well. It is in that same test the record and character of Byrl E. Sylvester shine stainless and flawless. He was one of the strong young men, industrious, studious, tireless, a high type of American soldier. His life must serve both as an example and as an inspiration to the young men of America. He was considerate and courteous, sympathetic to a degree, and rejoiced in the service of his country. In his quiet way he was eager and anxious to do his bit.
"There is no man to whom this community turns with more profound respect than to our war hero. In all his efforts he was exact and painstaking and never spared himself. Few of us will ever forget his last appearance in Plainview. Though he had seen much of the great conflict and suffered from its pain, he gave no sign. He was cheerful, patient, polite through all. His devotion to duty, his stern sense of responsibility, his obedience to conscience, were so complete that all other considerations gave way for the task which he felt it was his duty to complete. He was modest and unobtrusive in his de- meanor, but resolute and unswerving in maintaining a decision arrived at after reflection, and always ready to give a reason for the faith that was in him. He was a delightful and interesting companion, as will be attested by all who knew him well. He was an optimist, hopeful, not despondent. His whole philosophy of life was sweet and wholesome, and he lived up to his philosophy. Whether it was stormy or whether the sun was shining, his atti- tude was one of complacency, for he lived daily as one who did daily his daily task and left the consequences with God.
"We say he is dead, which is to say his soul has parted company with the tenement of clay; but the impulses he imparted to us shall continue to live in us and bear fruit, each after its kind; and we, in turn, shall pass them on to those that follow us. Our friend's body is gone, but his dreams of service and of human duty remain.
"His death not only brought the deepest sorrow and sadness to the paternal home, but has cast a gloom over the entire community. We are reminded in the sacrifice of this young man's life for his country that we live not in years, but in deeds, and the influence of his brave sacrifice upon our citizens and those of the state cannot be estimated. Realizing the sorrow it has brought in this home, and feeling the loss it has brought to our country, all extend heartful sympathy."
Another tribute was that in the Rochester Bulletin of June 25, 1918:
"To realize danger and then to fearlessly face it, that is heroism. Byrl Sylvester, returning to the conflict after he had received the scars of war and the honors of a nation, did not rest on these laurels, hard won as they were. The greatest thing in a life that was full of lessons was this young soldier's return' to service that he might have still greater share in the world struggle to make men free. Undaunted and unafraid, he remained at home only long enough to recover from his wounds, then he was off to give his last full measure
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of devotion. What greater tribute can his parents have than that of the officer who observed his spirit and testified his worth: 'He offered his services without compensation or reward, but for the good he might do. He richly deserved all the honor and credit than can be bestowed upon him.' The awful scenes of carnage on the fields of France, instead of inspiring dread and fear, but kindled a sort of divine fire in his soul-and he gave his all for the cause to which his country is committed. Such was the mettle of Byrl Sylvester, man and soldier."
Among the official documents in regard to Byrl E. Sylvester, two are of ever-increasing importance, and are here given in part, the first being the an- nouncement of his death, and the second a translation of his citation :
"U. S. NAVAL AIR STATION,
"Pensacola, Florida, June 22, 1918. "Mr. E. L. Sylvester,
"Plainview, Minnesota.
"My Dear Mr. Sylvester: In further connection with telegram sent you from this station, I am writing you additional details concerning the deplorable accident which resulted in the death of your son. The accident occurred at 6:30 a. m., June 19th, while Chief Quartermasters Sylvester and Blair were in formation flight together with two other planes. Your son was at an altitude of 700 feet, a few hundred yards in the rear of and 200 yards above the leader of the formation. Blair was on the same level as your son and a few hundred yards to the rear and to the left. The formation was making a right turn over the water near the station when your son's plane was seen to skid to the left and crash into Blair's plane while he was in the right turn. Your son's plane seemed to slow up because of the skid and thus Blair's plane hung up with him.
"It appears the pilots of both planes were intent upon following the leader wed probably did not see each other until just before the crash. The planes immediately locked wings and swung around into a head-on collision, and instantly fell to the water, separating after having fallen several hundred feet. Your son's efficiency and aptitude have been so great that he was about to receive his commission in record time. He was one of our most promising young officers and his death was a sorrow to the whole station and a great loss to the Navy. In writing this letter I am endeavoring to do what I can to convey what little comfort is possible to the parents of this fine, patriotic young man who has given his life in the line of duty for his country in her great crisis. The whole station extends deepest sympathy to the parents of Byrl Edwin Sylvester, Chief Quartermaster, U. S. N. R. F.
"Very sincerely,
F. W. BENNETT, "Captain, U. S. Navy, Commandant."
"SECOND ARMY CORPS, HEALTH DIRECTOR'S OFFICE. "No. 1719-P, Extract from Order No. 65.
"The head physician of the First Class petit, Director of Health Service of the 2nd Army Corps, submits a citation corresponding to the Order of the Regiment :
"American Section No. 62, commanded by the French Lieutenant, Pierre Hivonnait and the associated American commander, H. Ronald Pearce, for having distinguished himself by his indefatigable spirit, his absolute contempt of danger, his service with a coolness and courage worthy of all praise, in a sector under constant bombardment in the course of attacks from July 31 to August 2, and the first days of September, 1917, when one driver was killed and three wounded at an advanced post.
"R. P. Hall, American driver of the S. S. U-62, Mle. 2969 .- 'Very courageous and devoted. Killed at his post, September 12, 1917.'
"B. E. Sylvester, American driver of the S. S. U-62, Mle. 2974 .- 'Full of courageous ardor and devotion; wounded at his post, September 12, 1917.'
"At. Q. G., September 17, 1917 .;.
"Head Physician First Class Petit.
"Director of Health Service 2nd Army Corps.
"(Signed) DEDEU.
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"For transmission to those interested."
This appreciation of the life and work of a noble young man may well be closed with the heartfelt lines written by one who loved and admired him since his boyhood days :
Dedicated to Byrl E. Sylvester. (Who Died June 19, 1918.) By MRS. J. N. BATES. The stars of blue on our service flag, So soon are changing to shining gold, And tell of the hearts whose lives are done- While they on our hearts are enrolled.
Proudly they went when the colors called- But how soon the sad story is told; That one has died for the dear old flag, And his blue star gives way to the gold.
Among the boys who crossed to France, To rescue the wounded ,the dying, Was our dear, brave Byrl, who, under fire, Hastened to where the wounded were lying.
Went through the storms of bursting shells To save many an unknown brother, Brought them in safety to Red Cross Aid, Ready, if need be, to die for others.
It was not for him to fall in France, Though for weeks 'mong the wounded he lay,
Then the good ship brought him safely home, And 'twas hoped he'd be willing to stay.
But no! The colors kept calling, And with patriotism all aglow, He rose in the strength of his manhood, And said: "I know that I must go."
The first of our boys to cross to France, The first of our boys to lie wounded, The first to receive the French Croix de Guerre, The second to die to the flag.
On that fateful morn, in the early grey, When the fogs lay thick and dark like a pall, He soared in his place up through the clouds,. And the watchers below saw him fall.
Before he had reached ambition's goal, Or gained the hoped for reknown, He had reached the heights more glorious, And received the Hero Martyr's crown.
Brave Byrl, we will never forget thee, Thy memory in our hearts we'll enfold, Ye died for our flag and our homeland, Now we'll give thee thy star of gold.
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HISTORY OF WABASHA COUNTY
Archie G. Blowers, a representative farmer of Plainview Township, was born in Olmsted County, Minnesota, September 21, 1882, son of Morris L. and Lottie A. (Brink) Blowers. When two years old he moved with his parents across the line into Wabasha County, and subsequently became a pupil in the Woodland district school. He grew to manhood on his parent's farm, on which he has always remained. On his father's death in July, 1912, he became its manager and has since operated it very successfully, having also made some decided improvements on it. The property now comprises 1521/2 acres, consist- ing of the old home farm of 105 acres, 65 of which are in Plainview Township, and 40 in Quincey Township (Olmsted County), and 471/2 acres which he owns in Quincey Township. Mr. Blowers is following general diversified farming according to modern and scientific methods, and with good pecuniary results. He keeps a good grade of stock, including Poland-China swine, and is a member of the Farmers' Shipping Association. His fraternal affiliations are with the Modern Woodmen of America, while politically he is a Republican. He was married February 26, 1913, to Mary Viola Duerrwaechter, daughter of William and Sarah Duerrwaechter, farmers of Plainview Township. He and his wife are affiliated with the Methodist church.
Morris L. Blowers, who for many years was a well known and respected citizen of Wabasha County, was born in Oneida County, New York, January 2, 1856. When nine years old he was brought by his father, John Blowers, to Minnesota, who settled on land in Quincey Township, Olmsted County. There Morris attended the rural schools and was trained to agricultural pursuits. In 1880 he began farming on his own account, in Olmsted County, whence he removed in April, 1884, to Wabasha County, buying a farm of 105 acres, 40 acres of which lies over the line in Olmsted County. Here he succeeded in building up a good farm and establishing a comfortable home. He became prominent in agricultural circles and was always ready and willing to support every good cause that stood for right and justice. His untimely death, on July 22, 1912, when he was killed by one of the animals on his farm, caused great sorrow in the community and was a severe blow to his loving wife and children. The farm is now operated by his only son, Archie G. Mr. Blowers was married September 21, 1880, to Lottie A. Brink, who was born in Quincey Township, Olmsted County, Minn., May 21, 1862, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Ira Brink, who settled in that county in 1862. The issue of this marriage was two chil- dren: Archie G., born 'September 21, 1882; and Sarah E., born November 15, 1885. Both reside on the home farm with their mother.
William P. Duerrwaechter, who for 17 years was numbered among the hard-working and thriving farmers of Plainview Township, was born in Kiel, Wis., November 13,1863. He was educated in his native state, where he subse- quently learned the carpenter's trade, at which he worked for 11 years at Col- gate, Wis. In 1897 he came to Wabasha County, and a year later bought a farm of 80 acres in section 34, Plainview Township. The buildings consisted prin- cipally, or entirely, of a small log house and a small barn, which he utilized for some years, working hard to develop the place. By 1910, having made considerable progress, he found himself able to provide a better residence, and accordingly erected a nice eight-room frame house, equipped with the most essential modern conveniences. In 1915 he built a new barn, 30 by 50 feet, with basement. Besides carrying on the farm he worked at intervals at his trade of carpenter, building a number of houses, barns and other structures throughout this part of the county, the quality of his work bringing him plenty of contracts. His labors were terminated by his death on July 27, 1915, when he was in his fifty-second year, and with his passing Plainview Township lost one of its worthy and respected citizens. Mr. Duerrwaechter was married December 30, 1886, to Sarah Marshman, who was born in Richfield, Washington County, Wis., April 11, 1867. The issue of this marriage was nine children: Fred, born February 1, 1890; Viola, January 18, 1892; George, February 11,
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HISTORY OF WABASHA COUNTY
1894; Helen, October 9, 1896; Clara, February 28, 1899; Mamie, August 2, 1902; Lydia, December 7, 1904; Eugene, July 17, 1907; and Edna, December 28, 1909. Of these nine children seven are now living, the five youngest, together with George, residing on the home farm. Helen died October 6, 1901, when nearly five years old. Fred, who served in the recent war with Germany as a member of Company B, 350th U. S. Infantry, died in France of pneumonia on January 21, 1919, his death adding one more name to the list of those brave American youths who perished in the service of their country. Mrs. Duerrwaechter and the surviving members of the family are affiliated religiously with the Metho- dist Episcopal church. They are well known and enjoy a high degree of social popularity.
George Franklin Sylvester, a prominent business man of Plainview, cashier of the Plainview State Bank, was born in Plainview Township, Wabasha County, July 20, 1862, son of George W. Sylvester. After acquiring his educa -. tion in the Plainview public schools, he went to Madison, Wis., where he learned telegraphy. From. 1882 to 1886, he was employed as telegraph operator at various places for the Great Northern Railroad. On June 6, 1886, he became station agent at Milaca on the Fergus Falls Division of the Great Northern, and was thus employed until March 17, 1897. In that year he became associated with his brother in the Plainview Bank, becoming cashier, a position which he still retains. On July 1, 1906, the bank was organized as the Plainview State Bank, and as such is conducting a safe, conservative and profitable business, Mr. Sylvester's ability and personality being among its assets. Mr. Sylvester is also interested in other important enterprises, among which are valuable farm holdings, and his position as representative for the New York Life Insur- ance Company. He was one of the organizers of the Wabasha County Fair Association, of which he was sceretary for fourteen years and is now an honorary member. He is a member and trustee of the First Congregational Church at Plainview, and for twenty years has been a member and secretary of the Board of Education of Plainview, and as such is still serving. On January 1, 1886, Mr. Sylvester was united in marriage with Catherine M. Whilt, who was born in Maywood Township, Benton County, Minn., in March, 1869, being the first white child born in that township. She was well educated in the public schools of her home county and was also a student in the Northfield public schools. After her marriage to Mr. Sylvester she took up and learned the art of telegraphy under her husband, and for six years subsequently was operator at Milaca, proving her efficiency by completely handling the business pertaining to thirty trains a day. Mr. and Mrs. Sylvester have been the parents of five children : Leon C., Anna S., Beatrice, Kathryn S. and Marian F. Of these Leon C. and Beatrice are now deceased. Anna S., after graduating from the high school, took a course at Oberlin College. She is now the wife of R. J. R. Baker, a prominent farmer of Rock Island County, Ill. Kathryn S., after graduating from the Plainview high school in the class of 1918, was a student for one year at Hamline College, and is now doing laboratory work in the Mayo clinic at Rochester, Minn. Marian F. is a senior in the Plainview high school. The business achievements of the subject of this sketch, together with the educational and social acquirements of the members of his family, have placed the Sylvesters on a high plane in the community, of which they are useful members.
August F. Goetz, an early settler in Plainview Township, where for 43 years he was engaged in agricultural pursuits, and who is now living retired in Plainview Village, was born in Germany, September 20, 1844. Educated in his native land, he came to America in 1869, a young man of 25 years, and for about a year resided in Wisconsin. It was in 1870 that he arrived in Plainview Township. After working out for a year, he rented a farm and engaged in agriculture on his own account, operating his place under rental for five years. He then bought 80 acres in section 7, Plainview, a tract with poor buildings,
JOHN A. LA CRAFT
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HISTORY OF WABASHA COUNTY
but on which he lived for five years. Selling it at the end of that time, he bought 160 acres in section 29, Plainview, this being an improved farm, on which also he resided for five years, carrying on general farming. The next place he purchased was a farm of 160 acres in section 28, and here he made his home until his retirement in 1913, a period of about 17 years. During that time he carried on mixed farming, improving his property and adding to his land until he had 625 acres, all in Plainview Township. His career was an industrious and successful one, and he built up a good home. He has sold all his land except his residence property in Plainview, where he spends his sum- mers, making his home in California in the winter. He and his family are affiliated with the German Lutheran church. Mr. Goetz was married October 3, 1871, to Rosa Wandray, who died January 1, 1918. They were the parents of twelve children: Adeline, now Mrs. John Eggare of Plainview; Fred, residing in Plainview Township; Emma, wife of Henry Boice of Elgin Township; Laura, now deceased, who was the wife of John Hadley of Plainview; Otillia, now Mrs. William Boehlke of Plainview; Albert, residing in Plainview Township; August, Jr., of Plainview Township; Elsie, wife of Henry Beneke, of South Dakota ; Edward, of Plainview Township; Ernest, a shoe merchant in Plainview ; Arthur, of Plainview Township, and Elna, now Mrs. Henry Knocke, of South Dakota. Mr. Goetz and his family are members of the German Lutheran church.
Fred G. Goetz, who for a number of years has been identified with the agricultural interests of Plainview Township, was born in this township October 28, 1873, son of Mr. and Mrs. August Goetz, Sr. He acquired his education in the public schools of the township, which he attended for the usual period, and on his parents' farm under his father's mentorship acquired a practical knowledge of agriculture and stock raising. Until 1897 he remained on the home farm in section 30, and then purchased from his father 160 acres in section 30, Plainview Township, which he has since been engaged in oper- ating. On this property he has made valuable improvements, having erected the present residence, put in water-works and a general modern equipment. In addition to the usual grains, he is raising cabbage and onions. Since starting in for himself, Mr. Goetz has been an industrious worker, and his efforts have borne such good fruits that he has recently sold his farm with the intention of retiring in the fall of 1920. He was married March 12, 1901, to Bertha Sagissor of Wabasha, who was born June 7, 1874. He and his wife are the parents of three children: Elsie A., born June 26, 1903; William G., November 11, 1904; and Evelyn E., March 15, 1909. William G. is now a student in the high school. Mr. Goetz and his family are members of the Lutheran church. He has long occupied a prominent place in the community as an able representative of its most important industry, and he and his family are highly esteemed.
Christie M. Mackenzie, D. O., of Plainview, a skilled practitioner of the modern science of osteopathy, was born at Plato, Minn., March 25, 1889, daugh- ter of Donald and Annie (McNeil) Mackenzie. She was graduated from Plato high school in the class of 1905, and then entered the general hospital at St. Peter, where she received three years' training as nurse, being graduated in 1908. During the seven years following she followed nursing as a profession. Then, in 1915, she entered the American School of Osteopathy, at Kirksville, Mo., and after being three years a student, was graduated with the class of 1918. Beginning practice in her home town, she remained there three months, at the end of which time she came to Plainview and opened her present office in the F. J. Cornwall building, where she is making a specialty of the diseases of women and children, though also engaged in general practice. She has not yet lost a case, and her remarkable success has not only called public attention to the method of healing she practices, but has also gained for her a wide personal reputation and increased the number of her patients. The article on osteopathy presented in this work was prepared by her.
John A. La Craft was for some thirty years a vital part of the business development of Plainview, and his life and work are intimately interwoven
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into the very fabric of the history of the village. He was known to all, he was the friend of all, and his genial disposition and helpful spirit were a blessing to those with whom he came in contact. His memory will remain as a pleasing fragrance in the souls of those who came to know him intimately. Born in Boltonville, Wisconsin, November 11, 1856, the son of John and Mary La Craft, his boyhood was spent in his native village, where he received his youthful education. From that place he went to Clark, South Dakota, and there engaged in the jewelry business. In the year 1889 he came to Plainview, then a flourish- ing village, where he entered the employ of the now historic firm of Landon & Burchard. A few years later he bought out his employers and then continued in business until his lamented death, April 10, 1919. Thus briefly is told the career of a truly good and useful man. In building up his own success he was ever mindful of the happiness and welfare of others, he took a deep interest in all that tended toward the betterment of the community, and he was beloved by old and young alike. As a man he stood high in the estimation of all. He was a loving husband and wisely indulgent father, he possessed a deep religious spirit and labored for the advancement of the church, he was of a fraternal disposition and faithful to his duties to the lodges, he was a useful citizen and believed thoroughly in conservative municipal improvement. In the Methodist Episcopal church he was an active official. In the Masonic, Odd Fellow and Modern Woodmen lodges he held various offices. Of him the public press has very appropriately said: "John A. La Craft was one of our most highly honored citizens, who will be greatly missed by the people of this com- munity. He leaves behind a host of friends. His main characteristics were his sunny disposition, his companionable attitude, and his faith in mankind which never faltered. He possessed a true, rare faculty of making friends and holding them steadfastly, and maintained this to the last. He displayed outwardly his love for home, love for family and love for the townspeople; and his closer companionships, love for the community in which he so happily spent so many years of his life. All that are left behind of the thoughts and memory of a true and upright citizen will live on forever, and for all of these his life on earth will remain exemplary. His friends were numerous; appreciat- ing all and blessing all, with his strong religious feeling, and faith in his Creator, he passed to the Great Beyond to receive the reward of the larger life." Mr. La Craft was married March 1, 1893, to Caroline Nicolay, by whom he had two children, Wyatt and Doris. The wife died July 1, 1901, his daughter Doris July 5 of the same year, and the son, Wyatt, April 2, 1918. Mr. La Craft was married August 27, 1906, at Minneapolis, to Ida Husby, who was born at Read's Landing, February 28, 1873, the daughter of John and Mary (Solberg) Husby, and this union was blessed with one daughter, Margaret, born November 21, 1910. Mrs. Ida Husby La Craft was reared in her native village and there attended the public school, graduating in the class of 1890. She then entered the normal school and was graduated from the kindergarten department, and for the following nine years followed teaching in the public schools at Plain- view, both in the kindergarten and the grades. Mrs. La Craft is a lady of sterling qualities, interested in church and club work and music. She is a member of the Eastern Star Lodge and for several years served as organist of the local order. She is also an active member and worker in the Methodist Episcopal church. She was one of the instigators and organizers of the Trav- elers' Club, in which she is an active worker, and is a member of the church choir. Her home on Jefferson street is noted for its hospitality and good cheer.
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