History of Wabasha County, Minnesota, Part 46

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 46

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Ephraim Clough, the pioneer, was born in Chardon, Ohio, February 17, 1821, son of Jari and Eunice (Grey) Clough. He was married December 10, 1844, to Elizabeth Dunbar, and they moved at once to Black Swamp, Ohio. But the "fever and ague" drove them back to Chardon, where they remained for several years longer. In the fall of 1863 they came to Plainview, and the next spring bought from E. B. Eddy a farm northwest of Plainview Vilage. In the

D. D. CLOUGH

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fall of 1895 they moved to Garden City, Minn., and took up their home with their youngest son, Merton. The wife and mother died the same fall. In 1904 Mr. Clough went to Mankato with the son, Merton, and lived there until 1908, when the family moved back to Garden City. Mr. Clough was taken ill on his eighty-eighth birthday, and died in October, 1910, at the age of 88 years and 8 months. He was buried at Garden City. Thus briefly is told the life story of a noble man, whose life was filled with interesting incidents. Born in Ohio, amid pioneer conditions, he grew to sturdy manhood, and there acquired those staunch characteristics that were his predominating characteristics. Coming to Minnesota just when the Civil War was raging, he took his part in the growth and progress of Greenwood Prairie, and developed a large and excel- lent farm. He was a member of the Christian (Disciple) church from early youth, and was a truly good and useful man in every way. Elizabeth Dunbar Clough was the daughter of Daniel and Clarissa (Brown) Dunbar, the former born September 27, 1784, and the latter born June 19, 1795. Mr. and Mrs. Clough had three children: Daniel Dunbar Clough, Ellen A. Clough and Mer- ton Maynard Clough. Daniel D. Clough married Sophia Riefkogel, October 16, 1876. Ellen A. Clough married Henry Horten in 1877 and has one son, Royal E., born September, 1878, and now in the grocery business in Haver, Mont. Merton M. Clough was married June 6, 1888, in Benson, Minn., to Mary F. Utter, and they have three children: Lois Irene, Emily Eunice and Maynard Fillmore. Lois Irene was born March 21, 1889, and is in the employ of the Government at Washington. Emily Eunice was born Dec. 11, 1891, and was married June 24, 1913, to William Chester Cullen, of St. James, Minn. They have one son, William Clough Cullen, born December 2, 1914. Maynard Fill- more Clough was born March 6, 1901, and works with his father on the farm at Grand Rapids, Minn.

Daniel Dunbar Clough was one of those sterling, substantial characters of solid worth, whose lives and characters had much to do with the shaping of Greenwood Prairie progress in the early days. He was loved, honored and re- spected by everyone, valued by his own generation, and looked up to by the younger ones. His great characteristic was a dignified cheerfulness. Rich in all of those things which count for true worth, he was an exemplary citizen, a true Christian, and a man of great charity. He never sought honor or position, but he did seek the opportunity for the widest service. His benevolence was broad, and in his death the Christian world lost a true friend. He joined the Christian church as a boy, he was one of the pioneers of the Plainview congre- gation, and he never wavered in his faith and work. In addition to the great good he did, he also attained for himself material prosperity. As a farmer he was most successful and built up a fine place, beautified with a pleasant home, where he and his family spent the happiest years of their life adding to the beauty of the surroundings, and accummulating a competency. Daniel Dunbar Clough was born in Chardon, Ohio, May 13, 1848, and was brought to Minnesota as a boy of fifteen. He spent his entire life on the farm in Elgin Township until 1909 when he moved to Plainview, where he lived until his death June 23, 1916. His church, his family, his farm, and the community, these were his four interests, and right loyally did he serve all. Interested in education he served for many years on the school board, he was trustee and elder of the church. His life was well spent and the community is the better for his having lived in it. Mr. Clough was married October 16, 1876, to Sophia Reifkogel, born July 4, 1856, at Charlestown, Mass., daughter of J. W. and Charlotte (Young) Reifkogel. Both Mr. Clough and his wife have been active in the Old Settlers' Association of Greenwood Prairie.

August Stephan, formerly a prosperous farmer of Farmington Township, Olmsted County, but now deceased, was born at Netztal, in the province of Posen, Germany. He was married in his native land to Caroline Tetzlaff, and resided there until 1851, when, leaving his family behind, he sailed for America

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with the purpose of founding a new home. His search led him to Marquette County, Wisconsin, where he was joined in the following year by his wife and their daughter Augusta, a son, Julius, having died on the passage across the ocean. After farming in Marquette County until 1863, Mr. Stephan and his family came to Minnesota, locating in Olmsted County, where he bought a farm of 80 acres, which he subsequently enlarged to 240 acres by additional purchases of land. Later he bought a 400-acre farm in Elgin Township, Wa- basha County, which he operated successfully until 1880. He then turned over 200 acres to his son August G., and eight years later he turned over the other 200 acres to another son, Albert T. He remained on the Olmsted County farm until his retirement in 1892, when he took up his residence in Rochester, Minn., where he died in 1895. His wife survived him a number of years, passing away in June, 1913. They had in all a family of ten children: Julius, previously mentioned as deceased; Augusta, who is also now deceased; August G., Ottillie, Bertha, Tina, Albert, John, Emma and Minnie.

August G. Stephan, a retired farmer residing in Plainview, of which place he is a well known and highly esteemed citizen, was born in Marquette County, Wisconsin, July 28, 1856, son of August and Caroline (Tetzlaff) Stephan. His parents being farmers, he was early trained to agriculture, his education being acquired in the district schools of Olmsted County, Minnesota, after the fam- ily's removal thither. After remaining at home until he was 23 years old, he bought of his father a 200-acre farm in sections 16 and 17, Elgin Township, onto which he moved in the spring of 1880, and began improvements, erecting a fine set of buildings. In 1895 he built a new and modern house of eight rooms, with basement, bath and other conveniences. There he farmed until 1906, following diversified agriculture, and keeping good sires at the head of his stock. Having by the year last mentioned accumulated a competency, he left the farm and moved into his new home that he had built in 1905 on Jeffer- son street, Plainview, where he is still residing. But although retired from the farm, he still followed farm labor of various kinds and every fall conducted a threshing outfit until the fall of 1919, when he retired permanently. At vari- ous times and for various periods Mr. Stephan has rendered efficient service in public office. He was school treasurer of District No. 56 for 16 years, was supervisor several years, and served several years as chairman of the Elgin town board. For many years he was trustee of the Lutheran church at Pots- dam, and he has been trustee for several years of the Lutheran church in Plain- view, to which he and his wife belong. They spent the winter of 1917 in Cali- fornia. Mr. Stephan was married, December 3, 1879, to Ottilie E. Benike, who was born in Marquette County, Wisconsin, August 16, 1860, daughter of Gus- tave and Pauline (Stesey) Benike. Her parents, like his own, were natives of the province of Posen, Germany, the father coming to America at the age of 15 years. The mother came later, and they were married in Marquette County, where they remained until 1864, when they came to Olmsted County, Minne- sota. There they bought a farm and were engaged in agriculture until 1901, when they retired to Elgin, Wabasha County, where Mr. Benike is still living. Mrs. Benike died November 25, 1910. Their children were Ottillie, Albert, William, Bertha, Emil, Clara, Edward, Louise and Clara (second). Both Claras are deceased, as also is Edward. Mr. and Mrs. August G. Stephan have had two children: Theodore and Verene O. Theodore, who was born in 1881, died in 1906. He married Ida Rux. Verene O., born October 5, 1884, married the Rev. Edward O. Smith and they reside in California. They have had four . children, Ernest R., Stephan R., Mary L. and Eugene E., of whom Mary L. is now deceased. Mr. and Mrs. August G. Stephan have a wide acquaintance in Plainview and the vicinity and are socially popular.

Elmer J. Thurman, manager of the Watertown Canning Company, of Plain- view, was born at St. Louis, Mo., April 25, 1889, son of Richard and Helen (Siebert) Thurman. The father, Richard, died when the subject of this sketch

MR. AND MRS. WILLIAM KOENIG

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was a little child. He was survived by his wife, who is still living, making her home a part of the time with her son, Elmer J., at Plainview, and a part of the time at St. Louis. Elmer J. Thurman acquired his education in the public schools of St. Louis. Subsequently he engaged in agriculture on a farm of 191 acres in St. Genevieve County, Missouri, purchasing the property, which he still owns. At the age of 20 years, however, he left it to become fireman on the Missouri Pacific railroad, which occupation he followed for two years. While thus employed he became interested in the canning industry, and soon after became connected as chief mechanic with the Watertown company, at the time they built their plant at Watertown. In March, 1916, the company bought the old Plainview canning plant, and in August, that year, sent Mr. Thurman here to manage its affairs. This he has done so well and successfully that the Plainview plant is now one of the finest in the state. The company handles corn exclusively, which is grown on a rented tract of 600 acres, and which as put up for the market, is divided into five brands, named respectively, Water- town, Waterfall, Westroad, Richwood and Excellent. The company gives em- ployment to a number of expert workmen, paying good wages, and every depart- ment of the business is conducted on a sanitary and scientific basis. Mr. Thurman is a member of the Masonic Blue Lodge at Plainview, and has re- ceived the thirty-second degree in the order. He and his wife both belong to the Order of the Eastern Star. On June 17, 1916, Mr. Thurman was married to Helen S. Adsit, of Watertown, Wis., and they have one child, Robert A., who was born May 31, 1917. The Methodist Episcopal church numbers Mr. and Mrs. Thurman among its active and useful members.

William Koenig, now living retired in Plainview after a long and success- ful business career in which he won for himself a wide reputation as a man of ability, was born in the Province of Hessian Cassel, Germany, September 29, 1844, son of Balthaser and Margaret (Withrow) Koenig. After attending school in his native land, he learned the shoemaker's trade, which he followed until coming to the United States in the spring of 1863. Locating first in New York City, he followed his trade there until the fall, and then went to Hazelton, Penn., where he was engaged in the same occupation up to the spring of 1865. After that he spent some time in travel in New York State and Ohio, working at his trade in various places until he again reached New York City, and passed from there over into Brooklyn, where he was married, in June, 1867, to Mar- garet Young, a native of Bavaria, near the Rhine. With his bride he how started for the Northwest, taking the train to La Crosse, Wis., then a steamer up the Mississippi to Minneiska, Minn., and overland by team to Plainview, Wabasha County. Here he bought a shop, 14 by 20 feet in size, and engaged in boot and shoe manufacture. Later he added a retail line of shoes, buffalo overcoats and gloves, establishing a business that he conducted uninterruptedly for eight years, or until 1875. He then tried his fortunes in Winona in the same line of business, but after eleven months in that city returned to Plain- view, and in June, 1876, engaged in general mercantile business here, buying the stock of A. G. Felton. The building he had already purchased from Mr. Felton in 1875. In this business Mr. Koenig continued for 16 years, building up a large trade, and he also extended his operations in other directions, en- gaging largely in the purchase and sale of land, of which he owned at one time close to 10,000 acres; and in 1883 buying the elevator at Plainview, which he conducted until 1892, when it was destroyed by fire, causing Mr. Koenig a loss of $13,000, as there was no insurance. He had also up to that time, and since 1888, been engaged in diversified farming, having a farm of 335 acres within the city limits. The fire had the result of reducing his personal activities, as he gave up the farm, and turned over the store to his sons, William, Arthur and Albert, still, however, continuing his real estate operations until 1910, since which time he has been retired. In 1898 he built his present nice resi- dence in the village. By his first wife, Margaret Young Koenig, he had seven

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children, of whom five are now living: William, now a merchant at Sioux Falls, S. D .; Arthur, a resident of Chicago; Alfred, engaged in the real estate business at Sioux Falls; Elizabeth, now Mrs. Fred Booth, residing in Califor- nia; Emma, now Mrs. Let Marshall, of Dell Rapids, S. D. The two deceased are an infant and a son named Henry. The mother of these children died in February, 1892; and on September 22, 1892, Mr. Koenig was married to Kath- erine Pletch, a native of Luxemburg. Two children are the issue of this mar- riage: George, who saw service in the World War, and is now engaged in farming; and Edward, who is attending school. In 1894 Mr. Koenig took a trip to Europe, and while there erected a fine tombstone to the memory of his departed father and mother. He and his family are members of the Lutheran church, and he is a man of high standing as a citizen.

Charles Posz, commission merchant, and one of the live forces in the busi- ness prosperity of Plainview, was born in Covington, Ky., August 18, 1871, son of Jacob and Katherine (Nuss) Posz. He was educated in the public schools of Lewiston, Minn., the Winona Business College, and at the Elmhurst College at Elmhurst, Ill. He was but eight years old when he settled in Lewiston with his parents, and after leaving college he engaged in the real estate and insur- ance business there, which he carried on very successfully until 1904. In that year he came to Plainview and opened a restaurant and ice cream parlor, which he conducted for two years. He then sold out and engaged in the commission and produce business, which line of industry he has since followed to such good effect that he is now the recognized leader in it in Plainview. From year to year he has enlarged the business both in volume and variety. His sales each season amount to over 500 car loads, and include for the most part, cabbages, onions and potatoes. He also handles seeds, plants and some poul- try, his seed sales covering a large and increasing territory and approximating $20,000 for the last season. It was he who originated the plan of shipping in the early cabbage plants, which has proved so beneficial to the cabbage grower. The Posz Produce and Storage Plant, of which he is the sole owner, is the largest in the village, if not in southern Minnesota, and is the result of his individual ability and enterprise. In addition to his large interests connected therewith, he is president of the Posz Motor Company, handling the Cleveland- Chandler and Dodge Bros. motor cars. In fact there are few new and impor- tant business projects undertaken in the village with which he is not connected, and his foresight, energy and experience are potent factors in ensuring their success. The Business Men's Club numbers him among its most useful mem- bers. He also belongs to a number of the more prominent fraternal societies, being a thirty-second degree Mason, and an Odd Fellow, Woodman, Yeoman, and Elk. Mr. Posz was married, May 7, 1895, to Tillie Schmutzler, who was born in Lewiston, Winona County, Minn., November 24, 1871. Of this union two daughters have been born: Florence H., April 5, 1896; and Helen L., October 9, 1900. Florence H., after graduating from the Plainview high school in the class of 1915, was a pupil for one year in Carlton College, at Northfield, Minn. She was later graduated from the Winona State Normal School, and is now a proficient teacher in the third grade of the Plainview public schools. Helen L., who was graduated from the Plainview high school in the class of 1918, is now a student in the Winona State Normal School. The religious affiliations of the family are with the Methodist Episcopal church.

Jacob Posz, for many years a well known citizen in southeastern Minne- sota, especially in Winona County, was a substantial, genial man, of excellent standing in the community and of sterling worth. He was the friend of all, his private benefactions were many, and he died in the respect and honor of the community. Jacob Posz was born in Billingheim, Rheinfalz, Bavaria, April 28, 1845. In 1869 he came to America and found his way to Winona, whither several relatives had preceded him. There he was married by the venerable Rev. Philip Von Rohr, to Katherine Nuss, who had come to America on the

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same ship. From Winona they went to Covington, Ky., where Mr. Posz was employed for many years in the foundry and iron-working business. In 1879 he came to Lewiston, in Winona County, this state, and there engaged in busi- ness for the rest of his life. He died April 28, 1897. Mrs. Katherine Nuss Posz, who was born in 1847, died February 2, 1884. She was a faithful wife and loyal and understanding mother, and their home life was ideal. To her husband she bore eight children, Anna, Charles, Katherine, Millie, Al. D., Dora, Marie and Jacob. Anna, born March 30, 1870, is the wife of J. P. Linden. Charles, born in 1871, is in the produce business in Plainview. Katherine, born March 25, 1873, is the wife of Robert Simon, of Forest Grove, Ore. Millie is the wife of B. A. Shaver, of Salem, Ore. Al. D., born February 15, 1878, is in the produce business in Plainview. Dora, born November 6, 1880, is the wife of Michael Hoffman, of Lewiston, this state. Marie, born May 6, 1882, is the wife of Bert Sorenson, of Kasson, Minn. Jacob died in infancy. For his second wife Jacob Posz married Margaret Cartarins. She died in 1891. This union resulted in two children : Fred, born at Deer Creek, Minn., June 6, 1887, and Elizabeth, born in Winona, July 28, 1885.

Albert Daniel Posz, who is successfully engaged in the produce business in Plainview, as a member of the firm of H. J. O'Connell & Co., was born in Covington, Ky., February 15, 1878, son of Jacob and Katherine (Nuss) Posz. He was but an infant of one year when he was brought by his parents to Lew- iston, Minn., where he subsequently attended the public schools. He began industrial life as fireman on the Chicago & Northwestern Railway, being thus occupied for two years, during which time he resided at Huron, S. D. Then returning to Lewiston, he engaged in the meat business, which he followed there until 1907. In that year he went to Independence, Benton County, Ore., and was there associated in the meat business with his brother-in-law, J. P. Linden, until the following year, after which he followed the same business in Lewiston, Minn., until 1911. He then came to Plainview, where he was asso- ciated with his brother Charles in the produce business until the spring of 1912, and during the next two years he was in the same business for himself. In 1916 Mr. Posz became a partner in the firm of H. J. O'Connell & Co., produce merchants, and has so continued up to the present time. The firm does a very flourishing business in buying and shipping various kinds of produce to the amount of about 300 car loads a season. They also grow about 40 acres of produce themselves yearly, and are one of the many thriving houses of this kind in Plainview. Mr. Posz is a Royal Arch Mason, and belongs also to the Odd Fellows, the Modern Woodmen of America, and the Yeomen. He was married, November 3, 1907, to Mary E. Gaylord, of Nebraska, who was born May 23, 1889. The children of this marriage are: Everett D., born January 20, 1911; Mary E., born October 25, 1912, and Dosey, born May 28, 1916. Mr. Posz and his family attend the Congregational church.

August F. Johnson, a prosperous business man of Plainview, formerly en- gaged in agricultural pursuits, was born in Whitewater Township, Winona County, March 25, 1889, son of Frank and Christina (Johnson) Johnson. The parents were natives of Sweden, who came to America when young, and settled in Whitewater Township, Winona County, Minn., where for a number of years they were engaged in farming. Later they moved to Plainview village, where the father still resides. The mother died April 17, 1911. August F. Johnson, who was his parents' only child, was educated in the district schools of Winona County. He grew to manhood on the parental farm, which in time he rented, conducting it on his own account for a year and a half. He then rented a farm in Highland Township, Wabasha County, for one year, and after that, in 1915, purchased a farm of 951/2 acres in Plainview Township, section 4, where he farmed until the fall of 1919. Then selling his farm, he moved to the village of Plainview and purchased his present home, a handsome seven-room bunga- low. He is now salesman for the Independent Co., selling silos and milking-

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machines and Mitchell barn equipment, in which occupation he is meeting with encouraging success. Mr. Johnson was married, June 19, 1912, to Catherine Foley, who was born in Highland Township, this county, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Michael Foley. She is a member of the Catholic church, and of the Royal Neighbors and the Daughters of Isabella. To Mr. and Mrs. Johnson three children have been born: Arvid J., September 25, 1913; Madelyn E., October 31, 1914, and Ronald J., February 18, 1917.

John B. Lyon, who passed from this life at his home in Plainview, April 2, 1920, was in former years a prominent farmer and poultry raiser of Elgin and Oakwood Townships, and a widely known and honored citizen whose work was highly beneficial to the community in which he resided. He was born in Elgin Township, Wabasha County, May 16, 1875, son of William H. and Sarah (Batson) Lyon. Growing to manhood in his native township, he received his education in the country school and the Elgin school. Until attaining his majority he worked on his parents' farm, which he subsequently rented. After- ward he bought a part of it and built up a home, where he remained until .on account of ill health he sold it in 1910 and moved to Plainview, where the rest of his life was spent. Of a quiet, retiring disposition, he was a great favorite among his companions. Having a natural love of all living things, he was well adapted to his chosen occupation, farming. He was a poultry fancier, and a competent judge of fowls, and developed many fine specimens, which at- tracted notice and admiration at various shows and fairs. He served as secre- tary of the local poultry association for a number of years, and in that capacity did much toward building up the poultry industry of this community. His services in this respect were of inestimable value, and his opinion on poultry matters was often sought. This county had been his home from boyhood, and he was personally known by a large majority of the people. He was honored and respected by all, being the soul of integrity, a kindly and mild-mannered man, an excellent neighbor and true friend. Of a hopeful disposition, during his twelve years of failing health he was never known to complain. Mr. Lyon was married, January 1, 1900, to Ida Klavetter, by whom he had three children: Frances S., born March 21, 1904, who died October 17, 1906; Ardell K., born July 11, 1909; and Ruth May, born September 6, 1915.

Gardner A. Colby, proprietor of a moving picture theatre and opera house in Plainview, was born in Plainview Township, January 27, 1873, son of Mr. and Mrs. L. D. Colby. He was educated in the local schools and at a business college in Minneapolis, and for some years thereafter remained on his parents' farm, working for his father, at first by the month, and during the last year on a percentage. In 1898 he enlisted in the Fourteenth Regiment Band, as trombone player, and went with the organization to Chicago. After his return he was variously employed until 1909, in which year he entered into his present business, at first renting the theatre, but later buying it, as his enterprise has proved a success. The house is provided with an elevated floor, and has a capacity of 200. Mr. Colby takes pains to secure good attractions, and that his efforts are appreciated is shown by the large number of patrons with whom the place is a favorite resort. Mr. Colby is a member of the Masonic order and of the Modern Woodmen of America. He was married, December 9, 1899, to Helma R. Christopher, who was born in Plainview, Minn., May 6, 1878, daughter of Nels and Anna Christopher. Of this union there is one child, Ruth, who was born September 21, 1905. Mr. Colby and his family attend the Methodist Episcopal church.

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History of Wabasha County, Minnesota, Part 46

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