History of Wabasha County, Minnesota, Part 42

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 42

Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).

255

HISTORY OF WABASHA COUNTY

Association to the National Convention held at Chattanooga, Tenn. He is a Scottish Rite Mason, and also a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fel- lows, the Modern Woodmen of America, and other fraternal societies, in which he takes an active interest. For four years also he served as county coroner, and is now a member of the Plainview village council, and of the Business Men's Club of the village. In all these various activities he has shown himself a "live wire," bringing a keen intelligence, backed by practical experience, upon every problem presented, and seldom failing to discern the right method of handling it. The acquirement of wealth has been for him a comparatively easy task, and he now enjoys a high financial standing, while socially he is popular and numbers among his friends practically all the leading citizens of Plainview and the vicinity. The Republican party claims his political alle- giance. Seven years ago Mr. Becker assumed the responsibilities of domestic life, when on July 9, 1913, he was united in marriage with Ella Schwantz, of Plainview, who was born September 13, 1888. Of this union there is one child, Emogene, who was born July 2, 1919. Mr. and Mrs. Becker are sincere and useful members of the Congregational church.

Rudolph Burkhardt, a very early settler in Wabasha County, who was for a number of years engaged in agriculture, and later in manufacturing industries, was born in Switzerland, was a babe when he came to America with his par- ents. After reaching maturity he was married in Wabasha to Barbara Tur- vina, like himself a native of Switzerland, who had come to this country at the age of 16 years. In early days Mr. Burkhardt was engaged in the butcher's business at Reed's Landing. He also purchased land and engaged in farming. Later he became interested in the manufacture of brick and lime, and this industry he followed in Wabasha and Plainview until 1904, when he retired. His death took place in August, 1917. For a year and nine months he had been a widower, his good wife having passed away in November, 1915. In the Civil War period Mr. Burkhardt showed his American spirit by joining Com- pany G, First Minnesota Heavy Artillery, and in civil affairs he was equally patriotic and useful, becoming a very influential citizen among the early set- tlers. Both he and his wife were highly esteemed. They had in all a family of 13 children, of whom seven are now living, namely: Alfred G., now en- gaged in the produce business in Plainview; Anna, wife of Charles Jacobs, of West Albany Township; Rudolph, who is living on the old home farm in Pepin Township; Sophia, wife of Thomas Gilford, of Wabasha; Mary, residing on the farm; Lillie, now Mrs. Rocks, a widow; and Walter, who is on the farm.

Alfred G. Burkhardt, truck farmer and produce dealer, of Plainview, of which place he has been a resident for 24 years, was born in Pepin Township, this county, December 1, 1869, son of Rudolph and Barbara (Turvina) Burk- hardt. He acquired his education in the public schools of Reed's Landing and Wabasha, and was subsequently associated with his father in the manufacture of brick and lime, also farming, at Wabasha until 1896, when he came to Plain- view. Here he and his father established a brickyard and began the manu- facture of brick. They also manufactured lime, having their kiln in the Town- ship of Plainview, and did quite an extensive business, of which, in 1904, Alfred G. became the sole owner and manager. He continued in the business until 1910, and most of the later brick houses and business blocks were con- structed of brick from his yard. He then engaged in the truck farming busi- ness, which he still follows, and in connection with it, for the past five years, he has also bought and sold produce. For a number of years he was interested with his brothers in the home estate at Wabasha, but has sold his interest in it to the other heirs. Mr. Burkhardt is a member of the Masonic order, the Yeomen, and the Odd Fellows, being a trustee of the last mentioned order. He is a progressive citizen, interested in the general welfare of the community, and conducts a flourishing business. He was married November 22, 1898, to Anna Petit, and has three children: Alfred A., now a student at Hamline University; Frances and Elizabeth.

256

HISTORY OF WABASHA COUNTY

Christ F. Umbreit, who belongs to that leisured class of retired agricultur- ists who help to swell the population of the villages of the county, is a man who has behind him an active and enterprising career. He was born in Co- burg, Germany, September 29, 1839, son of Henry Jacob and Henrietta (Beck) Umbreit, and was in his thirteenth year when he accompanied his parents and their seven other children to America, his first home in this country being in Washington County, Wisconsin. From there the family came in 1863 to Wa- basha County, Minnesota, settling on a farm of 160 acres in Glasgow Town- ship, where the parents followed agriculture for many years. They finally retired to Wabasha, where both died. Christ F. Umbreit was educated in pub- lic and private schools in Germany, and remained with his parents until 1862, when he preceded them to Wabasha County and took a homestead of 160 acres in section 4, Highland Township. As the land was wild there was much hard work to be done, and he bent himself to the task with energy and resolution, grubbing and clearing, and erecting necessary buildings, including a small house. It was during the strenuous days of the Civil War; times were hard and money scarce, and the draft was a contingency which might affect any able-bodied man with little warning. Moreover, patriotic sentiment was strong in the community, and Mr. Umbreit, feeling its impulses stirring in his own breast, resolved to take a voluntary part in the struggle for the perpetuation of the Union. On October 3, 1864, therefore, he enlisted for service in Com- pany A, First Minnesota Heavy Artillery, was later transferred to Company M, and remained with the organization until his honorable discharge, Septem- ber 27, 1865. He then returned to Wabasha County and resumed work on his farm, remaining on the place for a total period of twelve years. Then he bought 160 acres in section 25, Highland Township, to which farm he later added 20 acres more, increasing its area to 180 acres. There he followed gen- eral agriculture, during the early period enduring hardship and privation, but making gradual and steady progress, until in the course of time he found him- self in possession of a competence, and with the standing of a representative farmer and citizen of the county. In 1915 Mr. Umbreit sold his farm and retired to Plainview, buying his present residence on Jefferson street, where he is now in the enjoyment of a well earned leisure. During his active career for six years he rendered public service as treasurer of School District No. 40. Mr. Umbreit was married in October, 1863, to Eva Rheingans, who was born in Germany, October 28, 1844, and who came to America in 1847 with her parents, Jacob and Eva Rheingans. The children born of this union were as follows: Anna, born October 23, 1866, now Mrs. Fred Hansmeier, of Waukon, Iowa; Bertha, born October 24, 1868, who is the wife of Philo Darling, of Greenwood Prairie; Laura, born August 28, 1870, who married John Plein, and died Novem- ber 20, 1902; William, who died in infancy; Henry, born April 1, 1876, who is operating a farm of 240 acres bought by his father in 1901; Albert, born August 10, 1880, who has always resided at home; and Clara and Edward, who are deceased. Mr. Umbreit is a member of the Congregational church, and in poli- tics is independent.

Gen. Seth L. McCarty, in former days an honored resident of Plainview, who had a notable military record, was born in Muncy, Lycoming County, Penn., June 9, 1808, son of Mr. and Mrs. William McCarty. He was educated in the common schools and remained in his native place until reaching his twenty-first year. During two years of that time he worked for John Crouse, a cabinet-maker of Muncy, with whom he learned the trade, which he followed later in Towanda, Bradford County, Penn., until the spring of 1832. He then went to Newmarket, Canada, where he opened a cabinet-shop. He continued in business there until the breaking out of the patriot war in 1837. This war at once furnished him the opportunity that his military nature sought, and he soon found a place on General Mckenzie's staff, and was immediately employed to bear dispatches to divers members of the Dominion parliament concerned in

MR. AND MRS. CHRISTIAN UMBREIT

257

HISTORY OF WABASHA COUNTY

the revolt. On his good stout war horse he performed this task, that required not a little nerve and energy. Frequently the enemy crowded him in close pursuit, on one occasion forcing him to ride a distance of 52 miles in six hours, and on another 68 miles in eight hours. He was next transferred to Gen. Van Rensselaer's staff, and served under him until the winter of 1837-8, when he was sent to the support of General McClellan, of the Western division, and re- mained with him until the war closed. General McCarty led the forces that stormed and captured Windsor, opposite Detroit, and it was after this battle, in which he displayed great bravery and military genius, that he was raised from the rank of colonel to that of brigadier-general. With the close of this war terminated the active military life of General McCarty. He soon after resigned his commission and removed to Detroit, Mich., and the following year to Port Huron, in the same state, where he continued to reside until 1855, when he came to Minnesota and located on the southeast quarter of section 21, in Plainview Township. There he gave himself up to the peaceful pursuit of agriculture, the even tenor of his subsequent life being disturbed only on the occasion of the Indian outbreak in Minnesota in 1862, when he went to the front. He held a commission in the state militia from 1860. Two years after his settlement in Minnesota a post office was established at his house under the name of Independence, of which office he was postmaster until it was dis- continued in 1862. General McCarty was the first settler in southwest Plain- view. He always affiliated with the Democratic party, and was a member of the Masonic fraternity. He was married in York County, Canada, in 1835, to Rebecca McCausland, daughter of James and Anna McCausland, and their children were: James, who became a farmer in Plainview Township; David, who took up farming in Winona County; Mary Ann, who married Samuel Loy, of Spokane County, Wash.

John F. Bolton, of the firm of Bolton Brothers, druggists, Plainview, is descended on both sides of the house from the earliest Greenwood Prairie settlers, and is well known throughout the community for his active interest in the development of the region in the history of which his relatives have had so important a part. He was born in Plainview, April 15, 1881, son of Thomas G. and Ella (Foster) Bolton, and has here spent his life. He passed through the graded schools and in 1900 was graduated from the Plainview High School. In 1905 he entered the University of Minnesota and two years later was graduated from the course in pharmacy, a profession with which he had been more or less connected with since early boyhood. He was also for a time associated with his father in several other ventures, including the Plainview News. In 1907 he became associated with his brother, Miller T., in the, drug business, known as the Bolton Drug Store, a popular and well patronized con- cern, to which he has since devoted his time exclusively. He is a substantial figure in Plainview business life. Fraternally he is associated with the Odd Fellows.

Mr. Bolton was married September 1, 1910, to Vera M. Saxe, born at Plain- view, September 22, 1888, daughter of Theodore Saxe, at that time a well-known photographer of Plainview, who moved to Inglewood, California, in 1910. Mr. and Mrs. Bolton have three children: Roger V., born October 5, 1912; Philip L., born November 15, 1915, and Lorine V., born May 13, 1917. The family faith is that of the Methodist Episcopal church.

Miller T. Bolton, of the Bolton Drug Store Company, Plainview, is one of the active men in the affairs of the village, and is doing his share toward the general prosperity of the country. He was born in Eyota, Olmstead County, this state, October 27, 1871, son of Thomas G. and Ella (Foster) Bolton. He was brought to Plainview by his parents as an infant, and here passed through the public schools, graduating from the Plainview High School in 1888. In the meanwhile he had spent much of his spare time in his father's drug store, and early became imbued with the idea of following his father's profession.

258

HISTORY OF WABASHA COUNTY

Accordingly in 1892 he entered the University of Minnesota and pursued the regular course in pharmacy, being graduated from that course in 1894. Then returning to Plainview, he associated himself with his father in the drug business. In 1907 the firm of the Bolton Drug Store was formed with Miller T. and John F. as partners, and this firm has since continued to do a prosperous business. The brothers have a neat store, well equipped, and carry a good line of drugs, stationery and novelties. Fraternally Mr. Bolton is a member of Illustrious Lodge No. 63, and of the Odd Fellows. He was married August 28, 1901, to Myrtle L. Mallory, of Plainview, who was born November 10, 1877, the daughter of J. W. Mallory, who died in 1902. Mr. and Mrs. Bolton have four children: Ella M., born October 17, 1902; Ruth E., born January 1, 1907; Mary E., born May 17, 1911, and Mallory T., born March 30, 1915.

Thomas G. Bolton, business man, agriculturist, druggist, editor and city - official, for many years exerted a strong influence upon the affairs of Plainview and the surrounding territory. As a business man he was ever alive to Plain- view's best interest; as a druggist he was accurate, courteous and obliging; as a newspaper man he labored constantly for the progress of the village; as an official he succeeded in introducing a number of municipal improvements ; and as an agriculturist he foresaw the future and ever urged the breeding of better stock and the adoption of constantly improving methods. He was born in Logan, Ohio, November 12, 1843, the son of Graham and Nancy (Miller) Bolton. The father was born in County Derry, Ireland, in 1816, and died in 1852. He was married in New Jersey, in 1837, to Nancy Miller, who, like himself, was a native of County Derry, Ireland, and born in the same year, on April 19, 1816. She had come to America as a girl and met Mr. Bolton for the first time in New Jersey. In 1842, accompanied by their two first born children, Ruth and John, they settled in Logan County, Ohio. Later two other children were born to them, Thomas G. and Martha. After Graham Bolton's death his widow re- moved with her four children to Cleveland, Ohio, and in 1855 brought them to Wabasha County, Minnesota, settling in Wabasha. She spent a long and useful life here, and died at the home of her son, Thomas G., at Plainview, September 12, 1898. Thomas G. Bolton came to Wabasha with his mother and the other members of the family, when that city consisted of a few buildings on the banks of the Mississippi river. When about fourteen years of age, he spent two years as a cabin boy on a Mississippi steamboat. In 1861 he commenced his long business career as a druggist in the employ of James Crowley, of Wabasha, and in 1863 he assumed the management of the first drug store in Plainview, opened as a branch of the Wabasha store. Two years later he returned to the Wabasha store for a short time, but soon started a drug store of his own in Eyota, where he lived several years. In 1874 he returned to Plain- view for a permanent residence, again engaging in the drug business, this time as a partner of George S. La Rue, whom he later bought out. This, however, was only one of many business activities. For a while he was Plainview agent for the Laird-Norton Co. of Winona, and for some time he was an implement dealer. He also found time for the development of a fine farm on the site of the old village of Greenville, one of the deserted store buildings of that village being used by him as a sheep shed. He was one of the most progressive farmers of the county, at a time when scientific farming was not so common as at present, he being one of the first to introduce superior breeds of blooded stock on Greenwood Prairie. He was editor of the Plainview News, which was the development of smaller papers which he had previously published in Plainview and Eyota. He held several important city offices, and was a leader in all the progressive movements for advancing the welfare of the community, one of the most beneficial being the organization of the Electric Light Co. of which he was manager until his illness. Not only in the business world was his in- fluence strongly felt, but also in the social and religious life of the city. His ready humor, inexhaustible fund of stories, reminiscences of his travels, prac-

259

HISTORY OF WABASHA COUNTY

tical wisdom and literary tastes, made him a delightful companion, and the generous hospitality of his home, gathered about him a large circle of friends, by whom he is still sadly missed. Mr. Bolton's life exemplifies strongly the fact that hardships of pioneering tend to develop all one's latent powers, for probably considerable of his ability as a leader, resourcefulness and power of initiative were gained during those early years of our country's history. He took an active part in the Greenwood Prairie Old Settlers' Association, regret- ting exceedingly that he could not attend the 1917 meeting, the last meeting before his death. Although he had received but a common school education he was a life-long student, reading extensively and gaining a wealth of valuable information from various sources, as well as by keen observation. For many years he was a prominent member and officer of the Methodist Episcopal church, a fine Bible student, and a Sunday school worker. He was a member of the Masonic brotherhood, and the Order of Odd Fellows.

Mr. Bolton was married September 1, 1869, to Ella Foster, only child of A. P. and Harriet (Thompson) Foster, and this union was blessed with four children, Alonzo C., Miller T., Mary L. and John F. Mrs. Ella Foster Bolton died October 7, 1884. Alonzo G. was born June 15, 1870, and died November 15, 1887. He was a high school student and deeply beloved for his upright life and engaging qualities. Miller T. and John F. are Plainview druggists. Mary Lee was born July 1, 1874, was educated in the Plainview schools, enlisted in the service of the W. F. M. S., was sent to France, where she did notable work in the war, and in the devastated regions after the war, and returned to America in November, 1919.

Alonzo P. Foster, member of the Territorial Legislature, farmer, stock fancier, town builder and educator, was for many years a commanding figure in Wabasha County life. He was a man of good principle, sound judgment, and one of those men who are of benefit to any community in which they live. He will live in history as one of the founders of the historic but now deserted Greenville, and as the platter of additions to Winona and Plainview. In the story of the economic development of the state, he will take his place as one of the pioneer breeders of fine stock. At one time he owned one of the best Jersey herds in the state, sold prize cattle throughout the Mississippi Valley, and won premiums at the Columbian Exposition at Chicago in 1892-93 as well as at State and County Fairs. Alonzo P. Foster was born in Orange, Orange County, Vermont, May 5, 1816, son of Lemuel and Cloe (Powers) Foster, and descended through several notable New England families from Scotch ancestry. He was the youngest of nine children, all of whom lived to an advanced age, and all of whom he survived. His parents were early settlers of Orange, where with great industry and economy, and with many privations they conquered the forest and secured for themselves and their children a farmstead of stony, ungenerous soil. The father dying while the subject of this sketch was yet in his early youth, and the elder brothers going forth in their early manhood to seek homes of their own, it fell upon Alonzo, as he attained suitable years, to assist his mother and the other children, in wresting a living from the back- woods farm. Being strong of limb and of industrious habits, he succeeded in this endeavor and in time came into the possession of the place. The educa- tional opportunities of the neighborhood were limited, but being a natural student, with keen observation and acute perceptions, he acquired a fund of information that placed him far ahead of his neighbors. In 1854, he decided to seek broader opportunities in a wider arena. He had some idea of devoting his life to the educational field, and with that end in view became preceptor of the Troy Conference Academy, at West Poultney, Vermont, over which his cousin, Rev. Jason F. Walker, presided. But interested as he was in education he determined to try his fortunes in agricultural fields in the great Northwest. Accordingly in the spring of 1855 he came to Minnesota, and located on the southeast quarter of section 11, in Plainview Township, this county. This was

260

HISTORY OF WABASHA COUNTY

within the Half Breed tract and was not open to settlers, but afterward arrange- ments were made by which the squatters perfected their titles. With three others, Mr. Foster platted the village of Greenville, at one time a rival of Plainview, but now remembered only in the annals of the early settlers. His farming operations, however, proved more profitable than the village project, and he early accumulated a competence. In 1864 he sold his holdings here, and decided to make another venture at town building by platting an addition to Winona, which is still known as Foster's addition. In 1878, he returned to Plainview, and platted an addition to the village. In this addition he made his home, at the same time managing his large farm in section 36, Oakwood Town- ship, where he specialized in Jersey cattle and Norman-Percheron horses. From its foundation he was active in the affairs of the Greenwood Prairie Old Settlers' Association, served as one of its officers, and delivered some of its most eloquent and valuable speeches. After a long and useful life, he died at Winona, December 17, 1897. In politics Mr. Foster was first a Whig, later joined the Abolitionists, and still later became a Republican. In 1855 he sat as a member of the last Minnesota Territorial Legislature. Of him it has been said: "As a citizen he was a bright example in every way, temperate and moral at every point. In all matters of popular and higher education he was an earnest and constant promoter, and an ever-ready help and contributor to every good enterprise. He was tolerant of every man's thoughts and beliefs, even when opposed to his own; dignified in his dealings with men and affairs, honest in all his transactions, and abounding in helpfulness, benevolence and charity, even to the limit of his personal means. Mr. Foster married Harriet Thompson, a native of Orange County, Vermont. She died in 1851, leaving one daughter, Ella, who married Thomas G. Bolton.

Antwine La Rocque, a retired farmer residing in Plainview, was born at St. Jerome, Province of Quebec, Canada, February 18, 1841, son of Anwell and Orlea (Willett) La Rocque. The father was a laborer by occupation and Antwine for a number of years was similarly employed. On November 4, 1865, Antwine was married, in East Hawkesbury, Upper Canada, to Catharine Blaney, who was born in Caledonia, Upper Canada, March 2, 1840, daughter of George and Elizabeth (McKee) Blaney, her parents being natives of Ireland. Settling on a small farm, he engaged in agriculture, and continued that occupation in Canada until 1882, in the fall of which year he came with his family to Wabasha County, Minnesota, arriving at Plainview, and then taking a farm at Woodland, in Plainview Township, on which was a log house, with straw sheds and an old granary. Mr. La Rocque improved the place by building a comfortable residence and other buildings, though it took him some time, as he arrived here with little more than one thousand dollars, and had to pay that amount down for his farm of 80 acres. But in time he made it into one of the best farms of its size in this part of the county. In the fall of 1913 he retired and took up his residence in Plainview village, where he owns a nice residence on East North street. He also still owns the farm, which is now operated by his son Henry. Mr. and Mrs. La Rocque have had nine children, all of whom are living, except one, and reside in and about Plainview. Of the children, George .was born October 31, 1866; Charles H., October 15, 1868; Elizabeth Ann, September 19, 1870; Mary Catharine Orlie, September 21, 1872; Margaret Jane, August 28, 1874; William Albert and Alexander (twins), October 17, 1876; James Henry, February 15, 1879, and Ellen Maria, February 15, 1882. George, who is single, is living at home. Charles H., who is a farmer in Quincy Township, Olmsted County, married Gertrude Hassig, and she died July 13, 1907. Elizabeth Ann is now Mrs. Wilford Edwards of Plainview. Mary Catharine Orlea was gradu- ated from the Winona General Hospital as a trained nurse, July 12, 1910, and has been kept fully employed at her profession. She resides with her parents in Plainview, attends the Methodist Episcopal Church, and is a lady widely known and respected. Margaret Jane is keeping house for her brother Charles

Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.

History of Wabasha County, Minnesota, Part 42

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