History of Wabasha County, Minnesota, Part 47

Author: Curtiss-Wedge, Franklyn. cn
Publication date: 1920
Publisher: Winona, Minn. : H.C. Cooper
Number of Pages: 1222

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Jonathan Colby, who left behind him an honored memory as one of the hardy pioneers of southeast Minnesota, was born in Corinth, Orange County, Vermont, September 4, 1809. The first 46 years of his life were spent in his native state, and in 1831 he was there married to Malinda Pratt, who died in 1854. Of that union five children were born, of whom Mrs. John Q. Richardson is living. Mr. Colby continued his residence in Vermont for a year after the

JOHN B. LYON

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HISTORY OF WABASHA COUNTY

death of his wife, and then he and his son, L. D. Colby, joined the throng of gold seekers on the way to California, where for two years they were engaged in mining. They then returned to Vermont, remained there a year, and in 1858 came to Minnesota, stopping at Elgin until the following spring. Jonathan Colby then took a claim in Whitewater Township, Winona County-the farm later owned by David McCarty-but three years later moved to a farm a few miles southeast of Plainview, in Plainview Township, Wabasha County. In 1859 he married his second wife, Azubah Melendy, and until 1897, a period of 37 years, was actively engaged in looking after his farm, being recognized as a practical and successful agriculturist, and an excellent man and citizen. His health finally began to fail, and for a year before his death he was obliged to leave business affairs to the care of his wife. On January 16, 1898, he passed away, deeply mourned by his family, friends and fellow citizens. Be- fore leaving his native state he had connected himself with the Freewill Baptist church, and had remained faithful to its teachings. He was a man of good principle, good business judgment, and had bettered the world by his having lived.

Loyal Dyke Colby, pioneer, farmer, and educator, was one of those sub- stantial men whose life was a part of the history of the county for many years, and whose character and worth won for him a high place in the regard of his fellow men. He was a man of great industry and tireless energy. No toil was too much for him, no sacrifice too great if made for his family or for the cause of humanity. He lived for home and family and for all the things worth while in life. He established a good home, brightened by the presence of a gracious wife, and together they labored to rear their children, and educate them as useful men and women. Loyal D. Colby was born in East Orange, Orange County, Vermont, April 20, 1836, son of Jonathan and Malinda (Proutt) Colby. He was reared and educated in his native town. In 1855 he and his father went to California, by way of the Isthmus of Panama, and spent two years in the mines known as Garrotte No. 2, near Big Oak Flats. Then they returned to their home in Vermont. In 1858, with other members of the family, they started for the upper Mississippi region, driving the entire distance with eight head of horses, and bringing their household goods and supplies. Upon their arrival here they settled in Whitewater Township, in Winona County. Three years later they settled in Plainview Township, a few miles southeast of the village. Here they developed a good farm. Royal D. assisted his father with the farm work, and for several years taught school, his longest service being in the Whitewater Falls district. In 1863 he purchased 80 acres in section 16, Plainview Township, and to this place in 1867 he brought his bride. Later he bought 80 acres more, making a good farm of 160 acres lying on the eastern limits of the village. Here he spent the remainder of his life, dying February 24, 1919. Mr. Colby joined the Masonic order in Plainview in 1873, and was secretary from 1883 until advancing age caused his retirement in 1901. He was one of the most faithful brothers of the order and was numbered among its most honored members. He and his family were active in the affairs of the Methodist Episcopal church. Mr. Colby was married January 1, 1867, at the bride's home, to Orrilla Avery, born in Corinth, Orange County, Vermont, daughter of Smith P. and Betsey (Nichols) Avery, substantial and well-to-do Vermont farmers. Mr. and Mrs. Colby were blessed with seven children: Lulu B., Gardner A., Carl W., Esther J., Rolla W., Albert and Nellie. Lulu B. is the wife of E. A. Carpenter, of Plainview. Gardner A. is proprietor of the moving picture theater at Plainview. Carl is editor of the Pine Co. Courier at Pipestone, this state. Esther J. is the wife of Dr. J. V. Anderson, of Red Wing, this state. Rolla W. lives in St. Paul. Albert died at thirteen months and Nellie at thirteen years. Mrs. Colby still lives in the family home, sur- rounded by the love and companionship of friends and relatives, and is highly esteemed by all who know her. The home has ever been a hospitable one, and has been one of the influences for good in the community.

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William H. Lyon, a retired farmer residing in the village of Plainview, where he is a well known and respected citizen, was born in Ontario County, New York, January 1, 1837, son of John and Ann (Hinslea) Lyon. Both par- ents were English, the father born in 1808 and the mother in 1813. Married in England, they came to America in the early thirties, making the voyage on a sailing vessel. When in sight of New York City the vessel was driven back by adverse winds and it was two weeks later before they reached port, the total length of the voyage being six weeks and two days. Settling in Ontario County, New York, Mr. and Mrs. Lyon remained there until 1841, when they removed to Kenosha County, Wisconsin, where they took a farm. Five years later they sold out and moved to Fond du Lac County, where they made a per- manent home and were engaged in agriculture, the father until his death in 1882. William H. Lyon was educated in the rural schools of Fond du Lac County and remained there until he grew to manhood. In 1859 he came to Minnesota, locating in Faribault County, where he remained until 1861, re- turned to Wisconsin, and in 1867 he came to Wabasha County, buying 80 acres of land in Elgin Township. There he built up a fine farm, purchasing addi- tional land from time to time until he had in all 275 acres. His agricultural operations were ably conducted and proved remunerative, so that in 1899 he found himself able to retire, and moving to Plainview village, he purchased a comfortable residence here, which he still occupies. During his active career he served twelve years as clerk of his school district, and two years as super- visor, being chairman of the town board one year. Politically he is a Repub- lican, while he and his family attend the Methodist Episcopal church. Mr. Lyon was married in Fond du Lac County, March 10, 1864, to Sarah Batson, who was born in New York State, April 12, 1841, daughter of Josiah and Ann Maria (Gross) Batson. Her parents were natives of England, the father born December 7, 1803, the mother September 23, 1805. Married in England in September, 1828, they located, on their arrival in America, in New York State, whence they subsequently moved to Wisconsin, in which state they spent the rest of their lives. Their daughter Sarah, Mrs. William H. Lyon, died October 16, 1918. Six children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Lyon: Hattie R., October 21, 1866, who died September 6, 1882; Nellie L., born November 23, 1868; Emma. Belle, May 9, 1873; John B., May 16, 1875; Charles G., April 7, 1877, and Ethel Maud, September 6, 1881. Nellie L. was married June 26, 1907, to A. M. Good- rich, and is now a resident of Andover, S. D. Emma Belle was married August 2, 1898, to Merritt J. Horn, and resides on the old Lyon farm in Elgin Town- ship. She has one son, Herbert A., who was born August 14, 1900. John B., elsewhere mentioned, is recently deceased. Charles G., who is proprietor of a fruit farm at Greenacre, Wash., was married July 30, 1901, to May Ordway, and has one child, Fern D'Etta, born July 1, 1902. Ethel Maud was married June 26, 1917, to A. D. Smith, an attorney now of Isle, Minn., and has two chil- dren, Helen L., born November 30, 1918, and Doris Lucille, born January 25, 1920. It will thus be seen that Mr. Lyon, though now a widower, has four living children and six grandchildren. All his children were trained in habits of industry and are proving themselves useful members of their respective communities.

George F. Hassig, a well-to-do citizen of Plainview, where he is now living retired after an active life of many years as a farmer and stock raiser, was born in Winona County, Minn., March 13, 1864. His parents, Napoleon and Fiannah (Sloth) Hassig, were natives of Indiana. The father, Napoleon Has- sig, came to Winona County, Minn., in 1861, but in the following year he re- turned to Indiana and was married, in 1862, at once bringing his bride to the new home location in Winona County, where he had taken a claim of 160 acres of wild land. The home itself had to be developed, but all things were in time accomplished, not, however, without many hardships being suffered, such as practically all the pioneer settlers in this region were familiar with. But all difficulties encountered were happily surmounted. Mr. Hassig built a comfort-

MR. AND MRS. WILLIAM H. LYON

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able residence and substantial out-buildings, broke and cultivated his land, and in time became a prosperous and influential citizen. He continued farming until his death on March 14, 1918. His wife, Fiannah, passed away many years before him, on May 31, 1884. They had nine children: George F., Alice, Minnie, Mary, Lillie and William (twins), Gertrude, Aaron and Edna. Ger- trude and Minnie are now deceased. George F. Hassig acquired his education in the district schools of Whitewater Township, Winona County. He grew to manhood on the home farm, and was associated with his father in its operation until reaching the age of 39 years. Then, about 1903, he bought a farm of his own, containing 160 acres, and which was situated near that of his parents. Two additional purchases, each of 40 acres, increased its total area to 240 acres. There he followed diversified farming and stock raising, breeding full blooded Durham cattle of the beef type, which he shipped to market. In this manner he was profitably engaged until the fall of 1919, when, having acquired a reasonable competency, he sold his farm and purchased a fine modern resi- dence on High street, Plainview, where he and his wife are now enjoying a well earned leisure. For three years formerly Mr. Hassig served as treasurer of his school district. He was married, September 2, 1903, to Lillian Brownell, who was born in Pleasant Grove, Olmsted County, Minn., April 13, 1864, daughter of Truman and Lucy (Curtiss) Brownell. He and his wife attend the Methodist Episcopal church. Mrs. Hassig's parents were natives respec- tively of Vermont and New York State, and came west to Olmsted County, Minnesota, in the early fifties. There they resided until 1868, when they re- moved to Ottertail County, Minn., where Mrs. Lucy Brownell died in 1898. Mr. Brownell subsequently moved to North Dakota, then to South Dakota, and after that to Douglass County, Minn., where he died in 1912. There were six children in the Brownell family, Hattie, Ida, Gifford, Lillian, Helen and Chaun- cey, all of whom are now living.

Hugh Gilcreast, now living retired in the village of Plainview, was for a number of years one of the active and successful farmers of this locality, his industry and thrift procuring for him the competence he now enjoys. He was born in Dubuque, Iowa, August 29, 1861, son of Joseph and Ann (Kearns) Gil- creast. The father was a native of Scotland and the mother of Ireland. Both came to this country single and they were married in Dubuque. In 1862 they came to Minnesota and located in Highland Township, Wabasha County, pur- chasing a claim of 160 acres, on which Joseph Gilcreast lived until 1878. They then sold the farm and returned to Iowa, where he continued in agricultural pursuits until his death. His wife died in Highland Township in 1875. Hugh Gilcreast was but a year old when he accompanied his parents to this county. He. was educated in the district school in Highland Township and was reared to manhood and industrial activity on the home farm. In 1878 he began work- ing out at farm labor, saving his money with an eye to future independence and a farm of his own. The latter he purchased in section 36, Highland Township -a farm of 160 acres. This he operated for five years, when he sold it and bought 80 acres in Plainview Township, section 14, later buying 80 more acres adjoining, his farm then comprising the whole of the northeast quarter of section 14, with an area of 160 acres. There he was engaged in agriculture for some 17 years, counting from the time of his first purchase in section 14, and met with good success. He also took his place as one of the township's leading citizens, serving on the school board, having previously served on the town board of Highland Township. In March, 1915, Mr. Gilcreast sold his farm and moved to Plainview village, where he has since led a life of ease and leisure on his well earned competence. He is a member of the Modern Brother- hood of America and the Modern Woodmen of America, and, religiously, of the Catholic church. On June 19, 1894, Mr. Gilcreast was married to Catherine McNallan, who was born in Highland Township, this county, November 22, 1868, daughter of Walter and Ellen (Kinsella) McNallan. Three children have

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been born to them: Walter A., May 19, 1895; Roy M., December 10, 1897, and Thomas I., June 20, 1898. Walter A., now residing at home, enlisted May 28, 1918, in the Quartermaster Corps for service in the World War, and was at Camp Kearney, Calif. He was discharged April 15, 1919. Roy M., who was graduated from Plainview high school in the class of 1916, enlisted in the navy, June 3, 1918, and in September, the same year, went across to Europe in a merchant ship. He was discharged at the Great Lakes Training Station, Sep- tember 22, 1919, and is now a student in the Iowa State College at Ames, Iowa. Thomas I. is residing at home.

Walter McNallan, one of the pioneer settlers in Highland Township, was born in Ireland, and arrived in this county in 1858. Settling on 80 acres of timber land in Highland Township, he grubbed and cleared the land and laid the foundations of a good farm. His labors were interrupted by the Civil War, as he enlisted in 1861 in Company H, Tenth Minnesota Volunteers, with which organization he served until the close of the war, being honorably discharged with the rank of corporal. On his return home he resumed his labors on the farm, cultivating the soil and erecting buildings, and also from time to time making other land purchases until he found himself the owner of 1,200 acres, much of which he developed. His activities easily placed him in the front rank of those sturdy pioneers who built up the county and helped to place it the first, or among the first, in the state in agricultural wealth. Mr. McNallan married Ellen Kinsella, who proved a loving and faithful helpmate, and they enjoyed many years of happy married life together, which, however, were ter- minated in a sad and tragic manner. On October 28, 1909, while they were . crossing the tracks of the Milwaukee railroad, at Lake City they were hit by a train and Mrs. McNallan was instantly killed, Mr. McNallan losing his right foot by the accident. Crushed by this misfortune, he gave up farming, and spent the rest of his days retired. His life came to a close April 6, 1917, and in his passing the county lost one of its notable and most worthy pioneers.

George C. Richmond, veteran of the Civil War, pioneer of three states, early railroad man, and successful farmer, was a man of sterling qualities. He was a man of business ability whose foresight enabled him to secure a competency. In early life he was a man of great industry and untiring activ- ity. In all things he was a man among men. No man was ever more thought- ful of others; it was his greatest pleasure to witness the success of his friends, and his kindly acts to those less fortunate than himself won for him the esteem and highest regard of all who knew him. His death was sincerely mourned, and his memory will long be cherished. George C. Richmond was born in Orleans County, New York, August 16, 1837, son of Brazilla and Sarah Jane (Moore) Richmond. In 1846 he was taken by his parents to a farm near Lima Center, Rock County, Wis., and there he spent his youth. In 1857 he became section foreman for the Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul Railroad Co. Two years later, he joined a party of gold diggers and spent some ten months in the vicinity of Pike's Peak. During this period he claimed 160 acres covering a

part of the present site of Denver, Col. But this was in the days of "Squatter Sovereignty" and his claim did not prove valid. In 1860 he returned to Wis- consin and became a fireman with the company that had previously employed him. At the beginning of the Civil War, in August, 1862, he enlisted in the 24th Wis. Vol. Inf., and with the exception of ten months when he was detailed for service with the First Kentucky Battery, Heavy Artillery, served with the Wisconsin regiment until the close of the war. He was with General Sherman until he reached Atlanta, and from that place returned under General Thomas to Nashville, participating in some of the severest and most costly engage- ments of the war. Among the battles in which he participated were: Perry- ville, October 8, 1862; Stone River, December 31, 1862; Chickamauga, Septem- ber 19-20, 1863; Mission Ridge, November 24-25, 1863; Rocky Face, May 9, 1864; Resaca, May 14, 1864; Calhoun, May 16, 1864; Adairsville, May 18, 1864;

GEORGE C. RICHMOND

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Dallas, May 25 to June, 1864; Lost Mountain, June 16, 1864; Kenesaw Moun- tain, June 27, 1864; Peach Tree Creek, July 20, 1864; Atlanta, July 22, 1864; Jonesboro, September 1, 1864; Lovejoy, September 2, 1864; Spring Hill, Novem- ber 2, 1864; Franklin, November 30, 1864; Nashville, December 15-16, 1864. After the close of the war he returned to Wisconsin and resumed railroad work, first as a foreman of a track laying crew and later as a fireman. In 1866 he came to Plainview, and purchased 40 acres of land adjoining a 40-acre tract which he had purchased during a brief visit the previous year, and with this start he engaged in farming for many years, making a specialty of breed- ing Norman horses, of which he owned some of the best in southeastern Min- nesota. At various times he bought and sold rural property, so that at one time and another he owned some of the best farms on Greenwood Prairie. After a long life filled with worthy effort he died at Plainview, March.30, 1917. In fraternal affiliation he was a member of the Plainview Lodge, I. O. O. F., which he joined in the seventies, and through the chairs of which he passed in the early days of the local order. George C. Richmond was married September 6, 1867, to Electa Fidelia Colby, daughter of George and Emily (Pardee) Colby, and to this union were born two sons, Charles, of Plainview, and Frank, of Minneiska. Mrs. Electa Fidelia (Colby) Richmond died August 24, 1909. Mr. Richmond was again married to Eva Porter. After this marriage Mr. Richmond moved to Clark, S. D., and there he remained until a short time before his death, when he took up his home with his son, Charles, of Plainview.

Charles E. Richmond, now engaged in the real estate and stock buying business in Plainview, is a man who, through enterprise and industry, has made steady progress in the world, and has been an active factor in business circles both here and elsewhere for a long period. He was born in Plainview Town- ship, Wabasha County, Minn., July 24, 1868, son of George C. and Electa F. (Colby) Richmond, and was educated in the Plainview public and high schools. His early industrial experience was along agricultural lines, and he subse- quently became manager of a farm situated in Oakwood and Elgin Townships, in the former of which he had his residence. After four years on that place, he went to Brown's Valley, Minn., where he spent one year. Then returning to Plainview, he located in the village, and for five years was engaged in the draying business. After that, for a year and a half, the elevator and fuel in- dustry claimed his attention. In 1899 he was sent to Elgin as manager of the elevator belonging to the Western Elevator Co., and as such was occupied until 1906. The next six years he spent as manager of the Farmers' Elevator at Clark, S. D. He now began investments on his own account, buying an elevator at Linton, N. D., which he sold within a few months. He then bought the A. F. Thompson elevators at Plainview and Viola, Minn., and was engaged in their operation until July, 1917, when he sold out to M. J. Manchester. Since then he has been associated as partner with Dr. F. M. McClure in the real estate business, and the buying and selling of horses and cattle, and together they own and operate four farms-three in this county and one in Olmsted County- engaging help to do the actual work. Mr. Richmond also owns land in North and South Dakota, and is a director in the Clark County National Bank of Clark, S. D. Aside from his personal interests, which are large, he has devoted considerable time to public affairs. He is now serving as a member of the village council, and during the recent World War he was a member of the committees on the Labor Department, Four-Minute Men, and the First Liberty Loan, being chairman of each. As such he rendered efficient and patriotic service and helped to put this county well to the front in the work done to win the war. He is a thirty-second degree Mason, belonging also to the Mystic Shrine, and to the Independent Order of Foresters. Politically he is classed among the Independent Republicans, and he and his family attend the Con- gregational church. Mr. Richmond assumed domestic responsibilities on June 16, 1888, when he was united in marriage with Harriett B. Marshall, who was

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born February 1, 1870, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Marshall. The chil- dren of this union are: Hazel F., born May 25, 1889; De Etta G., March 4, 1891; Irl, March 21, 1895; Helen G., February 7, 1907; and Glenn C., November 29, 1910. Hazel F. is now the wife of Horace Bennett, of Clark, S. D., and has one child, John R. De Etta G., the wife of Comillo Clark, of. Menomonie, Wis., has two children, Jane and David. Irl M. is now second man for the Bottsford Lumber Co., at Plainview. During the World War he enlisted in Winona, and was subsequently a pupil in aviation at West Point, Miss., and at Kelly Field, San Antonio, Texas. Helen G. and Glenn C. are now attending public school.

David Grieve, one of the pioneers of Plainview Township, was a native of Scotland, from which country he emigrated to Canada. After a residence of about three years in the Dominion, he came to the States, locating first near Markesan, Green Lake County, Wisconsin. There, however, he remained for but a year, at the end of which time, about 1860, he came to Wabasha County, Minnesota. For a short time he worked at anything he could find to do, most of the time breaking prairie land for the neighbors, for which purpose he used three teams of oxen. In 1863 he enlisted in the First Minnesota Light Artil- lery, and with that organization accompanied Sherman on his march to the sea, serving in all 18 months. After the war, on October 17, 1865, he was united in marriage, in Plainview Township, to Elizabeth Tyson, who was born in London, Ontario, Canada, in 1844, daughter of Joseph D. and Mary Ann Tyson. Her parents had come to Minnesota in 1856, for three years conducting a hotel in Wabasha City. They then settled on a farm located on the line between Plainview Township and Winona County, having 80 acres on each side of the line. There Mr. Tyson farmed until his death in 1885. Mrs. Mary Ann Tyson died in 1894. About the time of his marriage David Grieve began farming for himself, buying 120 acres of land in Plainview Township. That occupa- tion he followed for the rest of his life, passing away February 9, 1899. His wife, who survived him, is now residing with her son, William H., in Plainview. Mr. and Mrs. David Grieve had two children, Jessie and William H. Jessie, who died in May, 1905, was twice married: first to Owen Southwick, who died two years after their marriage, leaving one son, Earl R. She married, sec- ondly, Edgar Wentworth, of Plainview Township, by whom she had two sons, Vernon and Francis.

William H. Grieve, who is now living retired in the village of Plainview, on a competence acquired through a successful career in agriculture, was born April 28, 1869, son of David and Elizabeth (Tyson) Grieve. He was educated in the district school and acquired his knowledge of agriculture on the home farm of his parents, lying in Plainview Township. At times also he worked for others as a farm hand. After his father's death in 1899 he took charge of the home farm, which he operated until June, 1919, when the farm was sold, and in the following September he removed to Plainview, where he is now living with his mother. Mr. Grieve was married, April 7, 1896, to Daisy Sargent, daughter of Marcenus and Julia (Smith) Sargent, who were early settlers in Wabasha County, her mother being a sister of Mrs. Orin Wood. There were five children in the Grieve family, three of whom are now living: Blanche, Ila and Milton. Blanche, who married Adolph Muessell, lives on a farm in Plainview Township, and has two sons, Ralph and Byrl. Ila and Milton are residing at home. Those deceased are: David, who died at the age of four and a half years, December 27, 1905; and one who died in infancy with his mother, July 2, 1913. Mr. Grieve was for twelve years chairman of the Plain- view town board. He is fraternally affiliated with the Masons, Odd Fellows and Woodmen. As a public official he showed efficiency and a keen perception of local needs and interests and as a man and citizen is esteemed by his fellow townsmen, as one with an honorable career who has done his part in helping to build up the resources of the county.

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History of Wabasha County, Minnesota, Part 47

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