History of Wabasha County, Minnesota, Part 38

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 38

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Lawrence Amman, an elderly and well known resident of Plainview, where he is now living retired after a long, active and useful career devoted chiefly to agriculture, was born in Milwaukee, Wis., August 10, 1847, son of Serofin and Mary (Snell) Amman. The parents were natives of France who came to America in 1846, locating in Washington County, Wisconsin, where they spent the rest of their lives on a farm. Lawrence Amman in his boyhood attended

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the district school and remained at home until 16 years old. He then went to Michigan Lake, remaining one year, after which, in 1871, he came to Minnesota, and for three years followed various occupations, including farming, black- smithing, and logging in the pineries. In 1874 he located in Highland Town- ship, where he rented a farm for three years. Then, in 1877, he bought 80 acres in section 30, Plainview Township, and began the task of developing it into a good farm. In time he erected a good set of buildings, including a comfortable residence, put up fences, and installed modern machinery. He

also purchased more land, increasing the area of the farm to 200 acres, and on it he followed general agriculture successfully until 1907. As he was by that time becoming advanced in years, he sold the place to his sons and retired, purchasing his present home in Plainview Village, where he and his wife are passing the evening of life in comfort and prosperity, respected and esteemed by their neighbors and numerous friends. The marriage of Mr. Amman oc- curred June 20, 1877, his bride being Catherine Georges. She was born in France, July 21, 1851, and came to America in 1874. They have two children, Felix N. and John. Felix N., born March 26, 1879, owns and resides on a part of the old Amman farm in Plainview Township. He married Mary Mellville, and has two children, Katherine and Ruth. John, the second son, who was born May 7, 1891, owns and operates the rest of the Amman farm above men- tioned. He married Addie Stoltz, and has two children, Harry and Ruby. The family is affiliated religiously with the Catholic church, and Mr. Amman, the subject of this sketch, belongs also to the Knights of Columbus.

Paul E. Schmidt, one of the prominent farmers of Plainview Township, was born in Germany, December 3, 1878, son of Fred and Minnie Schmidt. The father died in Germany and the mother later became the wife of Carl Fick. Paul E. received a good education in his native land and also in America. His instruction in languages was especially thorough, and he can read and write in German, English and Spanish. Mr. Schmidt came to this country in 1891, locating first on Oak Ridge, Winona County, Minn. In 1900 he enlisted in the Fifth Cavalry Troup of the U. S. regular army and subsequently served three years in the Philippine Islands, being honorably discharged in 1903. In 1905 he bought his present farm, or, rather 30 acres, later adding ten acres more, thus making a farm of 40 acres. Fifteen acres, including the residence, lie in section 35, Plainview Township, the other 25 acres being in section 2, Quincey Township, Olmsted County. On this land Mr. Schmidt is engaged in diversified farming, his principal stock consisting of Durham cattle and Poland-China hogs. Though his farm is small it is highly cultivated, and he has made many improvements on it. He is energetic and industrious, a good, practical farmer, and is highly respected. Into his life has entered more of adventure than falls to the lot of the average man. He has seen some interest- ing parts of the world, and taken an active and honorable part in making world history. Mr. Schmidt was married January 15, 1908, to Hannah Zimmer- man, who was born in Minnesota City, Winona County, Minn., April 29, 1889. He and his wife are members of the Lutheran church.

Frederick C. Dickman, an early settler in Zumbro Township, was born in Germany, June 13, 1837, son of George Christian and Phoebe Dickman. The parents were married about 1831, and came to the United States about 1853, settling in Illinois for a time, owning a farm on the site of the present city of Chicago. In 1856 they came with their family to Wabasha County, Minn., taking land on Greenwood Prairie, near Millville, in the western part of Oakwood Township. There they farmed until about 1865, when they turned the farm over to their third son, P. G. Dickman, who had just returned from the war, and retired, taking up their residence in Winona, where George C. Dickman died September 23, 1895, at the age of 89 years and 6 months, and his wife about 3 years before, at the age of 89 years. Frederick C. Dickman was about 19 years old when he accompanied his parents to Wabasha County. He assisted

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his father in the pioneer labor of clearing the land, erecting buildings, and planting crops, and remained at home for some six years. Then, ambitious to establish a home of his own, he married, in 1862, Mary M. Scherenbouken, and took 160 acres of land in Zumbro Township. There he farmed until Feb- ruary 3, 1869, when death called him from his labors. His wife, Mary, born December 14, 1842, had come to this country from Hanover, Germany, when ten years old with her only brother, who, when the Civil War broke out, enlisted in the army and was killed. She resided first in Sheboygan, Wis., subsequently moving from that place to Fountain City, Wis., and thence to Winona, Minn., being married to Frederick C. Dickman in 1862, as previously mentioned. By him she had three children: George H., born February 9, 1863; Dorothy W., July 9, 1865; Matilda A., November 3, 1867. Of these children, George H. is now a prominent merchant of Plainview. Dorothy W. was married in 1884 to John L. Petrich, and has had eight children, namely: Matilda A., Linda (now Mrs. Ed Dickman), Mollie, Claudena, twin daughters, who died in infancy, and twin sons, Alvin and Elmer. Matilda Dickman, who became the wife of Adolph Timm, died February 19, 1891, leaving one child, Emma, now the wife of William Peterson of Huron, S. D. On March 26, 1870, Mrs. Mary M. Dickman, widow of Frederick C. Dickman, married for her second husband, Hans Eggers, who was born in Germany, December 7, 1843, and they resided on the Dickman farm in Zumbro Township until 1877, when they moved to the township of Elgin. In 1898 they moved to Plainview Village, where they are still living. Mr. and Mrs. Eggers have been the parents of eight children: Frederick W., born February 3, 1871 (died at the age of three years and eight months) ; Jurgen H., born February 7, 1873; Theresa C., born February 2, 1876; Emma L., born December 31, 1877; Adelia E., born June 28, 1880; Ernest L., born July 20, 1882 (died June 26, 1883) ; Edwin E., born January 8, 1885; and Nettie L., born May 5, 1888 (died May 16, 1889). Of the surviving members of the Eggers family the following is a further record: Jurgen H. Eggers, who worked some time for F. J. Cornwell & Co., later started in the jewelry business which he is now conducting in Plainview. He married Maggie Burnham, and they have one son, Everett. Theresa C. Eggers married John R. Johnson and is now in the millinery business in Huron, S. D. Emma L. Eggers, who married William Dobrenz, of Elgin, Minn., has three children: Lloyd, Leslie and Mar- garet. Adelia E. Eggers is the wife of Fred Petrich and resides at Owatonna, Minn. Mr. Petrich for a number of years worked for F. J. Cornwell & Co., but is now a traveling salesman for Marshall Field & Co., of Chicago. Edwin E. Eggers is residing with his father and mother in Plainview.

George H. Dickman, one of the leading merchants in Wabasha County, proprietor of a large clothing and furnishing store in Plainview, and also of another at Pine Island, Minn., was born on his grandfather's farm in Oakwood Township, Wabasha County, February 9, 1863, son of Frederick C. and Mary M. (Scherenbouken) Dickman. He was educated in the school of his district and in that at Plainview, and his early years were spent on the farm, which he left at the age of 19 to work for William Koenig in the latter's general store at Plainview, his compensation being $15 a month and his board. He was thus employed until April 11, 1887, at which time he started to work for F. J. Corn- well & Co. After being with that concern for several years in a subordinate position, he secured a working interest, and was placed in charge of the dry goods and clothing department, remaining with the company until September 15, 1901. He then entered into business for himself, opening his present store in Plainview, dealing in men's furnishings, haberdashery, trunks, grips, etc. Starting in a small way, he managed his business with such good judgment that his trade increased at a rapid rate, and attained large proportions. In 1913 he bought another store at Pine Island, purchasing the Stoffel stock, to which he made considerable additions, and remodeling the store, which is now under the management of his son, Franklin A. Dickman. He carries approxi-

Geo. Ho. Dickman

Emma Dickman

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mately $80,000 worth of stock in both stores, and honorable dealing and courteous treatment of customers have brought him a large and profitable trade. In addition to his large mercantile interests, Mr. Dickman is the owner of one farm in Olmsted County and four in Wabasha County, having a total area of 720 acres. The official positions he has held, or is now holding, make up a long list. He was first president of the Wabasha County Retail Merchants' Association, when first organized; president of the Minnesota Retail Clothiers' organization, of which he was one of the charter members, having since served on the executive board; chairman of the State Legislative Committee of the Minnesota Retail Clothiers' Association; also a member of the Vigilance Committee and a member of the Legislative Committee of the National Retail Clothiers' Association. He has been a member of the village school board for about 20 years, and president of the board about 13 years, and is also president of the Business Men's Club; was president of the Plainview Hospital board, and was president of the Wabasha County Fair the year it first opened on its present grounds. He is also president of the Plainview Automobile Club. His religious affiliations are with the Lutheran church, of which he is a member and liberal supporter, also serving in the office of trustee. These various positions Mr. Dickman has held not merely for the honor, but for the opportunity of useful service, doing real work in each, and his record is one of which his fellow citizens are proud. Mr. Dickman assumed the responsibili- ties of domestic life on February 13, 1885, when he was married, at Willow Creek, Blue Earth County, Minn., to Emma Grieger, who was born at Beaver Dam, Wis., December 7, 1864, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. August Grieger. Her parents were both born in Germany, the father on June 12, 1836, and the mother June 15, 1845. The father died December 19, 1914, and the mother June 21, 1917. Mr. and Mrs. Dickman have been the parents of five children: Harry T., born January 18, 1888 (died February 2, 1888) ; Franklin Ą., born December 10, 1889; Alvin G., born February 2, 1891; Vera M., born April 4, 1893; and Leona E., born August 9, 1895. Franklin A. Dickman was graduated from the Plainview high school and took a one year's business course at the Gem City Business College of Quincy, Ill. As previously mentioned, he is manager of his father's store at Pine Island, of which he took charge in 1913. He was married at Trempealeau, Wis., August 14, 1913, to Clara Carhartt, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Nathan Carhartt of that place. They have had three children : George C., born December 29, 1914; a son, born September 19, 1916; who died the day after his birth; and another son, born August 26, 1918, who died Sep- tember 11, 1918. Alvin G. Dickman was educated in the common school and Plainview high school, also taking a commercial course of one year in the La Crosse Business College. He has since been connected with the Dickman store in Plainview. He was married October 4, 1919, to Ruth Brown, of Long Beach, Calif. On August 8, 1917, Alvin G. Dickman enlisted at Winona, Minn., for service in the war with Germany, and served in England and France. He left the United States October 13, 1917, and arrived in this country on his return, March 13, 1919, receiving his discharge April 1, 1919. His service was with the 93d Aero Pursuit Squadron, and he was made sergeant December 1, 1917.

Vera M. Dickman, after graduating from the Plainview high school, studied music for one year in Carleton College, and for three years in Chicago. She has taken up Chautauqua and lyceum work, and is at present with the Redpath Lyceum Bureau.

Leona E. Dickman was graduated from the Plainview high school and subsequently from the Northwestern University at Evanston, Ill., receiving a diploma for proficiency in public school music. It will thus be seen that all the children in the Dickman family have been educationally well equipped for the battle of life, and fitted to do their part in the channels they have marked out for themselves. The present demands more than the past, and the

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future may be still more exacting, but with their father's example before them, they will doubtless render a good account of themselves.

Albert L. Swanson, a well known and respected citizen of Plainview Town- ship, who is profitably engaged in agriculture, operating 168 acres of land, was born in Minneiska, Wabasha County, Minn., October 7, 1875, son of August and Mary (Carlson) Swanson. The parents were natives of Sweden, where they were married. They came to the United States about 1865, locating in Minneiska, this county, where August Swanson engaged in farming till about 1880. He then moved with his family to Beaver in Winona County, where he continued in the same occupation until his death in 1902. His wife is still living, being a resident of Plainview. They had ten children : Edward, Charles, Gusta, Mary, Albert L., Emil., Oscar, Henry, Walter and Arthur. Albert L. Swanson in his boyhood attended school in Beaver and remained at home until 21 years old assisting his father. For the next ten years he worked out on farms, after which for four years he operated a rented farm in Plainview Township. From that place he removed to another farm, four miles east of Plainview, which he operated for five years. Then in 1911 he bought 78 acres of land in section 14, Plainview Township, on which were some slight improve- ments. This place he began to develop, putting a basement under the barn, and in 1912 building a residence. In 1908 he bought 90 acres in section 17, White- water Township, Winona County, which he works together with his home farm, also operating 40 acres which he rents of Ed Schultz. He is a member of the Plainview Creamery Association and of the Plainview Shipping Association, and as a general farmer has made an unqualified success. As a stock raiser he gives his attention to Holstein and Durham cattle and Duroc-Jersey swine, while in addition to grain he raises cabbage, potatoes and sweet corn, for all of which he finds a ready market and good prices. He is a member of the town board and is also serving as constable. On September 15, 1902, Mr. Swanson was united in marriage with Anna Rosenberg, who was born in Germany Oc- tober 2, 1881. Their union has been blessed with five children: Percy A., born August 27, 1903; Harold E., October 26, 1904; Kenneth A., March 5, 1906; Ralph E., June 4, 1908; and Violet I., June 6, 1912. Mr. Swanson and his family are members of the Lutheran church.

Ernest Arthur Wedge, a representative citizen of Plainview Township, profitably engaged in its leading industry, agriculture, was born in Dodge County, Wis., November 12, 1872, son of James and Isabelle (Cheseboro) Wedge. At the age of four years he accompanied his parents to Wabasha County, and a few years later took his place among the pupils in the district school. In 1892 he was graduated from the Plainview high school, after which he spent a year at Carleton College, Northfield, Minn. Thus mentally equipped for the business of life, he rented his father's farm of 100 acres in section 29, Plainview Township, where he has since been engaged in general agriculture, including truck farming, giving special attention at present to the raising of cabbage and onions, and keeping Jersey cattle, dairying being an important part of his business. He is a member of the Plainview Co-operative Creamery Association, and his operations are being conducted with profitable. results. As a live citizen, interested in the affairs of the community, Mr. Wedge has given a part of his time to public affairs, having served as town treasurer three years, and for the past ten years as treasurer of School District No. 61.

He was married September 29, 1897, to Jennie B. Reich, who was born March 7, 1875, daughter of Herman and Anna (Mathews) Reich of Plainview. The home circle of Mr. and Mrs. Wedge has been broadened and brightened by the birth of three children: Josephine I., born June 16, 1903, who is a student in the Plainview High School; Ellen M., born January 23, 1906, who is a student in the grade school; and Harry J., born April 3, who is attending the district school.

H. Cowan Anderson, who for the last 25 years has successfully followed the occupation of contractor and builder, in Plainview, was born in Prince

E & oAmor

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Edward Island, Canada, December 13, 1869, son of H. D. and Margaret (Web- ster) Anderson. The parents were both natives of Canada. The father in early life was a school teacher, but subsequently made agriculture his regular occupation. In 1890 he went to the Pacific coast states, but later returned to Canada, where he died in 1916. His wife died when her son, the subject of this sketch, was only two weeks old. H. Cowan Anderson was educated in the public schools of Canada, and at the age of 21 years took a course in contracting and building. He then came to the States, locating in Lisbon, N. D., where he remained one summer. The following summer he went to Sumner, Wash., where, until 1894, he was employed as carpenter in a sash and door factory and other general building. Then coming to Plainview, Minn., he established himself in business here as a contractor and builder, which has since been his chief occupation, though he also is engaged to a limited extent in truck farming. A thorough master of his trade, he has built up a substantial reputation, and many of the fine residences and buildings in Plainview and the vicinity were erected by him, and stand as monuments of his handiwork. As a man and citizen he is respected throughout the community, his personal character being as solid and well proportioned as the substantial structures he has erected. Of a companionable disposition, he had identified himself with several of the prominent fraternal orders, being a Mason, an Odd Fellow and a Forester. His membership in the Odd Fellows' order includes the Rebekah lodge. Mr. Anderson was married November 3, 1894, to Anna S. Friesheim, who was born in Sauk City, Wis., April 7, 1870. After 23 years of happy married life, she died June 27, 1918, leaving four children: Phyllida E., born September 26, 1896; Douglas F., born February 18, 1904; Lenora E., born April 29, 1905; and Mildred A., born April 25, 1909. Phyllida E., who is a graduate of the Plainview high school and the Ellensburg (Wash.) normal school, is now a teacher in the state of Washington. Douglas F. is residing in Rochester, Minn. The other two children reside with their father, Lenora being a student in the Plainview high school. Mr. Anderson and his family attend the Congregational church. Mr. Anderson was married April 17, 1920, to Mrs. Olive Erding.

Charles S. Amos, who died at his home in Plainview, April 3, 1916, was for many years a large land owner, a scientific farmer and stock breeder, whose specialty was the raising of better horses, both draft and road horses, pacers and trotters, in which line of endeavor, as in others, he was eminently success- ful. He was born in Strasburg, Tuscarawas County, Ohio, June 24, 1853, son of Mr. and Mrs. Fred Amos, whom he accompanied to Little Valley, Olmsted County, Minn., when seven years old. There he was educated and reared to farm pursuits, residing at home until 1875. In that year he bought 80 acres in Little Valley, and started to develop a farm on his own account, erecting the necessary buildings. His energy and ambition led him to increase his holdings from time to time until he had in all some 745 acres, which was all in Little Valley, near the Wabasha County line. There he farmed successfully until 1913, when he retired from active work and moved to Plainview, purchasing a fine residence on Jefferson street. A part of his land was divided among his children, he retaining 260 acres, which is now owned and rented out by his widow. In addition to his agricultural and stock raising interests, Mr. Amos was a stockholder in the Greenwood Prairie Telephone Company. He was a member of the Old Settlers' Association of Greenwood Prairie, and his death was an event that spread sorrow throughout the community, thus deprived of one of its foremost citizens. Mr. Amos had still his fortune to make when, on October 5, 1876, he married Augusta Daburkow, who was born in Germany, November 22, 1855. With her parents, Mr. and Mrs. William Daburkow, she came to America in 1860, when five years old, the family locating on Oak Ridge. There the mother died and the father subsequently returned to Germany, where he also passed away. Seven children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Charles S. Amos, two of whom are now deceased, namely: Dollie, born July 25, 1895, who

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died August 10, 1910, and an unnamed infant who died on the day of its birth, October 16, 1888. The survivors are Henry Alfred, Howard William, Grace E., Rolla B., and Charley H. All the sons are farmers in Little Valley. Henry Alfred, born August 9, 1880, is operating a part of the old home farm, his sister, Grace (born April 22, 1883), keeping house for him. Howard William, born November 3, 1881, was married January 12, 1905, to Ida Ketchum and has three children, Orvill, Gladys and Jake. Rolla B., born January 25, 1885, was mar- ried March 20, 1912, to Lucille Amos and has two children, Burrell and Phyllis. Charley H. was married January 15, 1913, to Alice Marshman and has two children, Rosemond and Paul. The Amos family is affiliated religiously with the Methodist Episcopal church. They occupy a high place in the community, of which they are useful members, characterized by all the qualities of true manhood and womanhood.

William Rock, now living practically retired from active work, in the village of Plainview, is a man who has risen to a comfortable position in life through his own exertions and without extraneous aid. He was born in Canada, October 17, 1856, son of Alexander and Jane (Morriss) Rock. The father was born in Canada, and the mother in Ireland, and their marriage took place in Canada. Alexander Rock was a mason by trade, and after coming to the States in 1880, he continued in the same occupation, though residing on a farm in Plainview Township, this county. In 1902 he and his wife went to live with their son William, the subject of this sketch, at whose home he died April 9, 1918: His wife, who survives him, will be 91 years of age on February 14, 1920. William Rock acquired his education in the public schools of Canada, and began industrial life in the sawmills of his vicinity. Coming to Minnesota in 1880, he located in Plainview Township, where he bought a farm of 160 acres. Laboring early and late, he made continuous and valuable improvements, and continued its operation until 1912, when he found himself able to retire. Accordingly he purchased his present home in the village, which includes, besides the house, six acres of land." For five years he has followed a light occupation as field manager for the Watertown Canning Co., of Plainview, a position requiring brains and knowledge rather than muscle. He has served three years on the village council, as a member of which he has shown ability and a good knowledge of local requirements. He is also a member of the Creamery Association, and fraternally, of the Modern Woodmen of America. On February 9, 1879, Mr. Rock assumed domestic responsibilities, being united in marriage with Elizabeth Kimball. She was born in Canada (where they were married), June 9, 1842, daughter of William and Eliza Ann (Wade) Kimball. Her parents were also natives of Canada, and came to Minnesota in 1883, locating on a 40-acre farm in Painview Township, this county. In their declining years they made their home with the subject of this sketch and his wife, their daughter, Mr. Kimball dying in August, 1885, and Mrs. Kimball in March, 1902. The religious affiliations of Mr. and Mrs. Rock are with the Methodist Episcopal church.

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History of Wabasha County, Minnesota, Part 38

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