USA > Minnesota > Wabasha County > History of Wabasha County, Minnesota > Part 40
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a charter member of Plainview Chapter R. A. M. No. 16, and a member of Home Commandery No. 5, Knights Templar of Rochester. Mr. Smith was a member of the Masonic Veterans Association and for many years never missed a meet- ing of this body and the Grand Lodge session. He was a Masonic student and took a great interest in the organization of which he was a member so many years.
Harry D. Smith, the popular and efficient postmaster of Plainview, is one of the active and progressive men of the community. He has been active in public life, has taken considerable interest in politics, and has been a sincere worker in behalf of the upbuilding of his village, his community, and his county. He is a native of Greenwood Prairie, having been born in Plainview Township, July 23, 1870, son of Milton and Margaret (Leininger) Smith, the pioneers. After attending the graded and high schools of Plainview, he devoted his time exclusively to farming for some three years after which he learned the barber's trade, which he likewise followed for three years. Then he associated himself with his father in farming, and continued in that occupation for eighteen years. During this period his operations were most successful, and he not only won a name for himself as a capable and progressive agricul- turist, but also assisted materially in the rural development of the township.
MILTON SMITH
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HISTORY OF WABASHA COUNTY
In 1911 he again resumed his trade as a barber. Since early manhood he was interested in politics, and as the years passed he became more and more influential in county political affairs. In the old convention days he was a delegate to many conventions, and a member of many delegations and com- mittees. For some years he has been a leader in the affairs of the Democratic County Central Committee, and has assisted in dictating many of its policies. May 13, 1914, he was appointed by President Woodrow Wilson to his present position as Plainview postmaster. The appointment met with the approval of the entire community and the choice has proven a wise one. In the years since then he has shown his ability, progressive spirit and fitness, and has made many improvements in the service. His unfailing courtesy and obliging manner have won him popularity with all those whose business brings them to the office, and his worth as a man is an important factor in the high esteem in which the local postal service is held. Mr. Smith is as well known in fraternal as in political circles. In the Masonic world he is a member of the Blue Lodge at Plainview, and Consistory at Winona, and the Shrine at St. Paul; while in Elkdom he is a member of Rochester Lodge No. 1091, B.P.O.E., at Rochester. In addition to his duties as postmaster, Mr. Smith has the manage- ment of a large farm in Plainview Township, owned by him and his family, to the supervision of which he gives the best of his long years of agricultural experience, together with his keen business judgment and a thorough knowledge of the latest methods of farm enterprise. Mr. Smith was married April 23, 1894, to Mary Marshall, twelfth of the sixteen children of Joseph W. and Elizabeth (Cram) Marshall. This union has been blessed with two children, Victor and Eva. Victor was born January 5, 1895, graduated from the Plain- view High School in 1913, and served eighteen months in the World War and received his commission as 2d Lieut. He now holds a fine position with the Washburn Lignite Coal Co. at Wilton, N. D. Eva was born November 2, 1896, graduated from the Plainview High School in 1914, and from the Stout Institute at Menomonie, Wis., and taught three years in the Wilton, N. D. schools. She was married August 6, 1919, to M. R. Thomas of Wilton, N. D., and now resides at that place.
Milton Smith was one of that worthy band of pioneers who came here in the county's infancy, and through untold hardships attained honorable posi- tion and a competence, assisting in the substantial growth of the county, and impressing upon its history the influence of a worthy character and well-spent life. He was born in Chautauqua County, New York, June 6, 1834, the son of Milo and Mary (Lathrop) Smith, and descended from sturdy stock on both sides of his house. Milo Smith, who devoted his life to farming, was born in the state of New York, in 1793, moved with his family to Niles, Michigan, in 1839, and to St. Joseph County, Indiana, in 1840, there spending his life until his death in 1875. Milton Smith accompanied his parents to Michigan and to Indiana as a mere lad. He received a good common school education and was reared to agricultural pursuits on his father's farm. But he had the blood of pioneers in his veins, and in 1855 he determined to seek his fortune in the upper Mississippi Valley. Accordingly that year he came to Wabasha County, and secured the northwest quarter of section 35, in Plainview Township. After acquiring this land, he returned to Indiana, where early in 1856 he was married to Margaret Leininger. With four yoke of oxen, and their household goods and provisions, the young people drove all the way from Indiana to their newly acquired property in Minnesota, and here established their home. Being among the first settlers, they had many hardships to endure, many privations to encounter, and many discouragements to overcome. But with undaunted faith, they accepted conditions as they found them, and immediately started to take their part in the life of the community. Their efforts were crowned with success. Gradually, as the result of their hard work, frugality, and ability, their farm was well developed, and their possessions grew until at one time
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they owned some 1,000 acres. In 1879 they took up their residence in Plain- view, and here continued to make their home, although still retaining their farm holdings, and maintaining their part in the county's agricultural develop- ment. Mr. Smith was an industrious, hardworking and energetic citizen and enjoyed a wide reputation for honesty and integrity. He was a Democrat and took considerable interest in local political affairs, though rather as a director than as a seeker for personal preferment. He was also well known in Masonry, belonging to the Blue Lodge and Chapter at Plainview. Mr. and Mrs. Smith lived quiet and unassuming lives, and they were highly respected by all the people of the community. The esteem in which they were held adds no small amount to the popularity of their children in the home community. Mr. Smith died September 30, 1904, and his good wife followed him to the grave four years later on January 16, 1908. Both are laid to rest in the Plainview Ceme- tery. Milton Smith was married to Margaret Leininger at Elkhart, Indiana, January 6, 1856. She was born in Stark County, Ohio, on November 3, 1837, daughter of John and Catherine Leininger. Her parents came from Pennsyl- vania in 1835 to Stark County, Ohio, and in 1854 moved to St. Joseph County, Indiana. Mr. and Mrs. Smith were the parents of six children: Helen, wife of B. Frank Leininger, of Elkhart, Ind .; William H., of Minneiska, this county ; Mattie, who married Fred McArthur, formerly of Plainview and later of Aber- deen, S. D., and who died in 1884, leaving a son Franklin, who is also deceased; Harry D., postmaster at Plainview; Dr. Ervin E., a dentist at Plainview; and Bessie B., formerly married to a Mr. Bonnell and now living in La Crosse, Wis. Harry D. married Mary Marshall, and has two children: Victor, who was married at Camp Greenleaf, Ga., to Alice Spencer, of Sioux Falls, S. D .; and Eva, who in 1919 was married to Ray Thomas of North Dakota. Ervin E. married Agnes Colvin, and has two children, Margaret and Jean.
William H. Smith, now living practically retired in the village of Minne- iska, was born in Plainview Township, this county, June 25, 1858, son of Milton and Margaret (Leininger) Smith. He was educated in the district school, and during his early years assisted his father on the home farm. Then for a num- ber of years he was engaged in the grocery business at Plainview. Later he took up carpenter work and was thus occupied in Plainview until 1904. In that year he came to Minneiska, and, in order to have some occupation, started boat building, in which business he has continued until recently, having a convenient shop near the bank of the river, in the north end of the village. Physical ailments, however, have now compelled his retirement, as since the age of 19 years, his left hand and arm have been partly paralyzed as the result of an accident, and for several years past he has also been troubled with rheumatism. In spite of these disabilities, he has achieved results worth while, and is in the enjoyment of a fair competency. A man of advanced thought, he has pursued studies in occultism, a subject that is interesting some of the most prominent literary and scientific men of the day.
Ervin E. Smith, D.D.S. The dental profession of Wabasha County has an able representative at Plainview, in the person of Dr. Ervin E. Smith, who has been located in practice here since 1904, and is now in the enjoyment of a high professional reputation and a representative patronage. He has also taken an active and leading part in civic and social life, is widely known in fraternal circles, and at various times has served in public positions of trust, in which he has demonstrated that he has the welfare of the community deeply at heart. Doctor Smith is a native son of Plainview, and was born March 25, 1878, son of Milton and Margaret (Leininger) Smith. The schools of Plainview furnished him with his early educational training, after which he took a course in a business college. For several years he worked in various occupations at Wi- nona, but finally deciding upon a professional career began the study of den- tistry in the Chicago College of Dental Surgery, and was graduated from that institution in 1901. For one year he was located in practice in St. Paul, then
E & Smith, DA.8.
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HISTORY OF WABASHA COUNTY
going to Marshall, Minn., for two years. In 1904 he came to Plainview, where he purchased the office and practice of Dr. W. P. Duerre, since which time he has carried on his profession in this place. Doctor Smith's ability, training and experience have been features in the securing of a large and representa- tive practice, and the excellent reputation which he enjoys in professional circles has come as the result of his keeping thoroughly abreast of the various advancements and discoveries made in the field of modern dentistry. His office is equipped with a valuable library and he also has the latest and most highly improved instruments and appliances for the successful prosecution of his calling. In fraternal circles, Dr. Smith is very favorably known, being Past Master of Illustrious Lodge No. 63, A. F. & A. M .; and a member of Orient Chapter No. 19, R. A. M .; Home Commandery No. 5, K. T .; Winona Consistory No. 4, S. R. M .; Plainview Chapter No. 184, O. E. S .; and Osman Temple, A. A. O. N. M. S. of St. Paul. He has recently received the honorary degree of K. C. C. H. in Scottish Rite Masonry. The Doctor also belongs to Plainview Lodge No. 16, I. O. O. F., and Rochester Lodge No. 1091, B. P. O. E. He is a member of the Psi Omega Dental Fraternity and has taken an active part in the work of the various dental societies. He was one of the organizers of the Southeastern District Dental Association of Minnesota and its first president. He is a member of the Minnesota State Dental Society and of the National Dental Association. Doctor Smith takes an active part in civic matters; hav- ing served on the village council, helped organize the Plainview Public Library in 1905 and was made president of the first Library Board, which office he still holds. He was president of the Plainview Commercial Club several years and was one of the organizers of the Plainview Poultry Association and acted as president several years. He is now serving his second term as a member of the Board of Education, of which organization he is the Treasurer. During the late war, Dr. Smith acted as Food Administrator for Plainview and vicinity and also served on several of the different war fund committees. Through appointment by the Treasury Department, Dr. Smith is now furnishing dental treatment to patients of the Bureau of War Risk Insurance under supervision of the Dental Section of the United States Public Health Service. Dr. Smith has devoted a great deal of time and energy to the better things of the com- munity and can always be counted on for cooperation in matters that are for the advantage of the community and advancement of its citizens. His heart is in the wellbeing of the community, for he is a native son and his parents as pioneers had a real part in the making of early history in this vicinity.
On August 22, 1908, Dr. Smith married Agnes I. Colvin, born at Waupun, Wis., August 22, 1881. She is the daughter of Theodore and Eva (Wedge) Colvin. This union has been blessed with two daughters, Margaret, born August 5, 1910; and Jean, born February 18, 1914. Like her husband, Mrs. Smith is well known in fraternal circles, being a Past Matron of Plainview Chapter No. 184, Order of the Eastern Star and an active member of the Daughters of the American Revolution. Her eligibility to membership in the D.A.R. is through her great-great-grandfather, Isaac Wedge, who served in Capt. Carter's Regiment of Connecticut Militia and his war record shows he was discharged from service on Sept. 8, 1776. Doctor Franklyn Curtiss-Wedge, author of this History, and Mrs. Smith on comparing their family lineage, found they are both descended from this Isaac Wedge.
John Leininger, in early life a cooper and later a farmer, was born in Pennsylvania, October 16, 1816. At the age of 18 he walked to Stark County, Ohio, to work at his trade. In 1836 he was married to Catherine Nunamaker. In 1854 they moved to St. Joseph County, Indiana, where he farmed until coming to Minnesota. He settled on a farm in Wabasha County on June 2, 1857, where he lived for many years and after a residence of a few years in Plain- view Village, died December 28, 1892.
Mrs. Leininger, so well known among our residents as "Grandma Leinin- ger," was indeed a remarkable woman. She was born in Lancaster County,
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Pennsylvania, on September 28, 1818, and died at Plainview, July 23, 1912, at an age of nearly 94. Grandma Leininger was one of those sturdy ambitious women who never wearied of doing good. She ministered uncomplainingly in the early days as midwife, nurse and good samaritan to all who needed her, and many indeed can testify to her kindly ministrations regardless of creed, cast or nationality. She was remarkable for her endurance, patience and hopeful disposition, and took a lively interest in everything up to the last. She also had a wonderful memory and never became childish. Her keen mind was fully alive to all the current events up to the last. The children in the neigh- borhood used to take a great interest in her narration of events in her early life and her experiences as a pioneer in the various places in which she spent her life. Her nationality was Swiss-German descent. On July 13, 1905, she sat in a group picture with her descendants composing five generations. Those composing the group were Grandma Leininger; her daughter, Mrs. Margaret Smith; granddaughter, Mrs. Helen Leininger; great-grandson, Darwin Leinin- ger; great-great-grandson, Ralph Leininger.
This worthy couple reared five children who are well known among the people of this community, viz: Margaret (Mrs. Milton Smith) ; Cevilla (Mrs. Peter Wood) ; Elizabeth (Mrs. Augustus Smith) ; Isaac, a resident of Plainview, and Catherine (Mrs. Edwin McFarlin). Of those now living Mrs. Elizabeth Smith and brother Isaac Leininger reside in Plainview and Mrs. McFarlin re- sides in La Crosse, Wis.
Ralph V. Murray, an energetic and rising young business man of Plainview, engaged in the hardware business, was born in Watopa Township, this county, July 21, 1895. He acquired his elementary education in the district schools, which he attended until he was 13 years of age, and then entered Plainview high school, where he was graduated in the class of 1915. He then entered the employ of the Plainview Drug Co., with whom he remained until June 5, 1917, when he purchased his present business. He carries a good line of hardware, and also does heating, plumbing and tinning. He has demonstrated his ability both as a merchant and practical craftsman, and is enjoying a good patronage. On July 15, 1918, Mr. Murray enlisted for service at the Dunwoody School, Minneapolis. On September 13, the same year, he was transferred to the Air Service Mechanical School at St. Paul, where he was pursuing his training studies when the armistice was signed. He was discharged January 15, 1919. He is a member of the Masonic order, including the Eastern Star Chapter, also the I.O.O.F. of Plainview. On March 27, 1918, he was united in marriage witn Elsie G. Erding, of Plainview, a daughter of Julius J. and Olive (Slawson) Erding.
Julius J. Erding, who was for many years a well known and popular busi- ness man of Plainview, but who is now deceased, was born at Buffalo City, Buffalo County, Wis., July 9, 1866, the eldest of the fifteen children of Henry Erding. He was educated in the public schools of his native community, and came to Plainview, Wabasha County, Minn., in 1888. Here for five years he was in the employ of Landon & Burchard, druggists, after which he engaged in business for himself, and so continued until his retirement in 1912. For many years he was a member of the fire department. He passed away December 4, 1915. In religion he was a Roman Catholic. Mr. Erding was a man of good qualities which made him a valuable friend, a kind, obliging neighbor, a devoted husband and an affectionate father, a man who was sympathetic to all suffer- ing, and one easily moved to helpfulness toward those touched by the griefs and troubles which are the common heritage of humanity. He was a lover of out-doors and a follower of healthful sports, being a successful hunter and fisherman, finding in these pursuits recreation from the strenuous duties of his business life. Mr. Erding was married October 11, 1888, at Wabasha, Minn., to Olive Slawson, who was born in Cook Valley, this county, October 20, 1869, daughter of Dewelling and Lucinda (Dudley) Slawson. Her father was born
DANIEL R. FRENCH
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HISTORY OF WABASHA COUNTY
in New York State and her mother at North Adams, Mass. They were married in Rock County, Wis., May 14, 1854, and early in the sixties settled in Cook Valley, this county. In 1874 they moved to Indian Creek Valley, where they were engaged in agriculture until 1888, when they retired to Plainview. Here Mr. Slawson died January 29, 1890, and Mrs. Slawson, January 31, 1908, having survived her husband just eighteen years and two days. They were the parents of nine children, born as follows: Susan J., February 12, 1857; Arthur W., April 7, 1859; John S., January 18, 1861; George W., January 30, 1863; Eli D., February 1, 1865; Cora B., September 26, 1867; Olive L., October 20, 1869; Curtis P., November 19, 1871, and Charles S., April 29, 1877. Mr. and Mrs. Erding were the parents of two children: Albert R., born January 11, 1891, and Elsie G., the date of whose nativity has been already given. Albert R. died June 20, 1909. Elsie G., now Mrs. Ralph V. Murray, was graduated from Plain- view high school in the class of 1914. She and her husband are popular mem- bers of Plainview society.
Henry H. Nichols, a representative business man of Plainview, proprietor of an excellent meat market, was born at Eyota, Olmsted County, Minn., Decem- ber 23, 1877, son of George H. and Frances (McCormick) Nichols. The father was a native of New York State, and for twenty-seven years was engaged in the grain buying business at Eyota, but is now living retired at Mason City, Iowa. His wife, Frances, who was born in Pennsylvania, died in 1906. They were married in Olmsted County, of which for many years they were well known and respected residents. Henry H. Nichols acquired his education in the public schools of Eyota. At the age of 15 years he began industrial life in a meat market there, and thoroughly mastered the art of meat cutting. After re- maining there for eight years he went to Rochester, Minn., where he followed his trade until 1914. In the following spring he came to Plainview and formed a partnership in the meat business with E. G. Krause, with whom he was associated until February, 1916, at which time he purchased his present busi- ness. Here he has built up a good reputation, both for the neat and sanitary condition of his store, the prompt and courteous service, the quality of his various fresh and salt meats, and side products, such as lard, butter, canned goods and vegetables, and the reasonable prices quoted, which are as low as he can make them compatible with present conditions. Cleanliness, honesty and efficient service are his guiding rules, and he is reaping his reward in an extensive patronage. Interested in the general prosperity of the village, he does all he can to promote it as a member of the Business Men's Association. He is also a member of the Masonic order and the Odd Fellows, of Plainview, and of the Red Men's lodge at Rochester. The responsibilities of domestic life were assumed by Mr. Nichols on October 17, 1900, when he was united in mar- riage with Mabel C. Brown, of Eyota, Minn., who was born September 10, 1883. In their household resides Ethel Keller, a cousin of Mrs. Nichols, whom they are rearing, and who has resided with them since she was four years old. The family worship at the Methodist Episcopal church.
Daniel Rollin French, now passed away, but who for 45 years was an honored citizen of Plainview Township, one whose death left a void in the community not easily filled, was born in Mt. Holly, Rutland County, Vermont, March 31, 1828. When he was nine years old his parents moved to Warren County, Pennsylvania. There he received a thorough education, and in 1848 was married to Emily P. Bond. In 1851 they moved to Green Lake County, Wisconsin, where they remained until 1864 engaged in farming. In that year they came to Minnesota and bought the farm in Plainview Township, Wabasha County, three miles east of Plainview village, on which they made their per- manent home. There Mrs. French died in 1894. She was a high minded woman, a devoted wife and mother and true Christian, showing her faith by her works, and was loved and respected by everyone. Mr. French survived his wife about 15 years, continuing his residence on the old homestead. He took
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an active interest in all public affairs, and, having the full confidence of his fellow citizens, was often called to positions of responsibility, the duties of. which he performed with fidelity and efficiency. He served many years on the board of supervisors. He opposed on principle bonding the town for railroad purposes, and it was due to the persistent opposition of himself and one or two neighbors that the bonds were finally defeated in the courts and the town relieved of the great burden.
In politics Mr. French was independent, in religion liberal. Of upright character and sterling worth, he had firm convictions, and his influence was ever on the side of right, as it was given him to see the right. His neighbors and children bear witness to his kindness and constancy in every relation of life, and his memory will live in the hearts of those who knew him. He and his wife were the parents of twelve children, seven of whom are now living: Corwin of Orland, Cal .; Hayden of Ortonville, Minn .; Andrew of St. Paul; Mrs. Florence Carpenter of Milaca, Minn .; George W. of Carlton, Oregon; Mrs. Emily Peake of Remer, Minn .; and Mrs. Hortense Douglass of Plainview.
Andrew French, a former citizen of Plainview, who was a potent factor in the organization and development of various local enterprises, and who is now engaged in a wider sphere of action as a land dealer, residing in St. Paul, was born in Green Lake County, Wisconsin, near Markesan, December 10, 1859. His parents, D. R. and Emily (Pond) French, were natives respectively of Vermont and New York. Andrew was four years old when he accompanied them to Wabasha County, Minnesota, the family settling on a farm of 160 acres on the famous Greenwood Prairie, in Plainview Township. There he was reared to manhood, acquiring a district and public school education, and under his father's mentorship becoming an excellent farmer. After relinquishing his studies, he taught school for nine years in the rural districts of the county, and for five summers during that period was engaged in farming in Big Stone. County. In the spring of 1885 he became associated with his father as a part- ner in the home farm, carrying on general agriculture, and this association was continued harmoniously for many years, or until the father's death in 1909, when Andrew became sole owner of the estate. This farm he sold in 1912. In the meanwhile he had become interested in other business enter- prises. He was one of the organizers of the Plainview Farmers Mutual Fire Insurance Company, which he served as secretary from 1889 until December, 1908. Always progressive, especially in agriculture, he was one of the first in the community to use the silo, and was probably the first dairyman of the county to use upon his farm the modern cream separator. He also helped to organize the Plainview Co-operative Creamery Company, serving as its secre- tary and manager from 1899 to 1908. In 1902 Mr. French moved to Plainview, where he at once became one of the leading spirits in the affairs of the village, being one of the organizers of the Greenwood Prairie Telephone Company, of which in 1903 he was elected secretary and manager, which positions he held until 1908. He was also a member of the board of directors of the First Na- tional Bank of Plainview, and served as its vice president for two years. Aside from these business enterprises, he rendered efficient service in public office, being a member for several years, and chairman part of the time, of the Plain- view Township board of supervisors. He also served for two years as mayor of Plainview, and also served his legislative district in the State Legislature. in the sessions of 1891 and 1893. In. December, 1908, Mr. French was ap- pointed by Governor Johnson as State Dairy and Food Commissioner, and, moving to St. Paul, performed the duties of that office for two years. In 1911 he purchased large tracts of land in Cass County, Minnesota, and engaged in the land business, with offices at No. 345 Endicott building, St. Paul. By enter- prise and honest dealing he has built up a large trade as head of the Clover Belt Land Company, and is realizing satisfactory financial returns. He is a member of the St. Paul Association of Commerce and is widely known and
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